Legacy of the Spirit Stone

Chapter 78 – Then let's calculate it

"Linghu, what do you think of this matter?"

On the way back, Elder Yu asked.

Yang Linghu thought for a moment and then spoke, "Initially, I was very opposed to Tian Yu's viewpoint, but after thinking it over carefully, I find there is some sense in it."

"With cultivators from both sides taking action, suppressing the Yin energy in the valley isn't difficult and doesn't require much effort. Even if the Yin energy eventually erupts, our family won't be affected, at most we'll just have to wait a bit longer to restart the distant mine."

"From a purely profit-driven perspective, if our family agrees to this, we can easily obtain a Marrow Cleansing Pill and also gain a favor from Tian Yu."

Yang Linghu expressed his thoughts but then added, "Yet, I still feel something is off, though I can't quite put my finger on it."

Elder Yu nodded in agreement, "Hmm, I also sense something unusual. We might be falling into this person's trap. Let's head home and let Lingqing make the decision."

Halfway back, they happened to encounter Yang Lingrui coming from the opposite direction.

With Zhao Qi staying behind to take care of Wu Tong, he immediately set off for the north.

Seeing a familiar figure from afar, Yang Linghu was initially stunned, then overjoyed, and called out, "Lingrui has returned!"

Yang Lingrui descended at the sound, raised his hand in salute, and said, "Elder Ancestor, Brother Linghu, Lingrui has returned safely."

"Good, good, good! It's great that you're back!"

Seeing Yang Lingrui safe and sound, Elder Yu was relieved.

The three of them returned together, and on the way, Yang Lingrui recounted the events of the Daoist gathering to the other two.

Hearing that Yang Guanfeng was safe at the border, both Yang Linghu and Elder Yu felt reassured.

"As expected of the Ancestor, outstanding wherever he goes!"

"Looking back, it was indeed the right decision for the family head to take Han Wang along."

Then, Yang Lingrui spoke of the gains from this trip.

Upon hearing that the family now had over a thousand spirit crystals, both Elder Yu and Yang Linghu were somewhat stunned, almost doubting their ears.

"Brother Hu, this is a spiritual treasure armguard I bought for you, a fine item for mid Qi Condensation."

Yang Lingrui took out the Tiger Head Armguards.

"Wow! Let me have a look."

Yang Linghu put on the armguards, which fit perfectly and didn't hinder his movement. When infused with spiritual power, the finger clasps extended into three seven-inch-long tiger claws.

"What an excellent treasure! I love it! Thank you, Lingrui!" Yang Linghu said joyfully.

"Elder Ancestor, I originally brought back a Black Iron Soft Armor for you, but..."

"Ah, say no more. This item can save your life, which is far more important than wearing it myself."

Elder Yu waved his hand dismissively.

After listening to Yang Lingrui's account, the two of them also changed their views on the Mulberry Dew Valley matter and Tian Yu's proposal.

Upon returning home, Elder Yu summoned Yang Lingqing to the ancestral hall to discuss the matter.

After hearing Elder Yu's account, Yang Lingqing pondered.

Yang Linghu first expressed his thoughts, and after listening, Yang Lingrui shook his head.

"Brother Hu, you make some valid points, but in my view, if we act this way, our family would be no different from the Su family."

Yang Lingrui said seriously, "I believe we shouldn't accept the Marrow Cleansing Pill, and we must intervene in this matter. Tian Yu is just using sophistry. During the beast tide, our family provided shelter to the surrounding commoners without charge. Whether to stay or join the clan soldiers was always their choice, never forced."

"Moreover, our family has never truly exploited the commoners under our rule, nor have we used our cultivator power to seize wealth by force. This is the fundamental difference between us and them."

After hearing Yang Lingrui's words, Yang Linghu found them reasonable but couldn't decide between the two viewpoints, scratching his head in confusion.

"Oh, my head itches! I can't figure it out! Lingqing, help me out!" Yang Linghu said.

So the three of them turned their gaze to Yang Lingqing.

Yang Lingqing pondered for a moment and then smiled.

"Our dear Mayor Tian is quite the schemer."

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Yang Lingqing said, "Both of you have valid points, but from the start, you've been led astray by Tian Yu."

"Led astray? What do you mean?"

"The Mulberry Dew Valley issue didn't originate with our Yang family, so what does it have to do with us?"

Yang Lingqing explained, "As the saying goes, 'When poor, one should focus on self-preservation; when prosperous, one should help the world.' Our Yang family isn't some prestigious household. Just maintaining our small territory is already an achievement; how can we have the resources to help the world?"

Upon hearing this, both Yang Lingrui and Yang Linghu had an epiphany, gradually understanding.

Elder Yu also looked at Yang Lingqing with admiration.

Fortunately, the Yang family has descendants capable of succeeding Yang Guanfeng; otherwise, who knows how much we would suffer.

"Tian Yu's 'commoner theory' is a subtle way to guide your thoughts. If you follow his logic, you'll fall into his trap."

"Taking the Marrow Cleansing Pill and suppressing the Yin energy—if the Yin energy erupts later, causing significant casualties among the commoners, and the dynasty investigates, labeling us as accomplices to evil, can our family bear that?"

"If we don't take the Marrow Cleansing Pill but still intervene, we'd be used as pawns. Our Yang family would expend resources to resolve the issue, and the dynasty's credit would end up in Tian Yu's pocket. What benefit would we gain? Probably just a light 'Thank you, Yang family, Tian Yu is deeply grateful.'"

In just a few words, Yang Lingqing pointed out the key issues, and everyone understood.

"Right! This matter has nothing to do with our family!"

Yang Linghu slapped his thigh in frustration, "That Tian Yu is so devious! Our family has no grudge against him, yet he schemes against us. It's infuriating!"

Yang Lingrui didn't speak, but his eyes showed a hint of coldness.

He had also fallen into the trap, driven by the Su family's plight and Tian Yu's commoner rhetoric, feeling an urge to prove the Yang family was different from the prominent families.

Now it seemed his thinking was still too naive.

"Alright, don't rush to anger. In my opinion, we still need to intervene," Yang Lingqing said.

"Intervene? Isn't that being used as a pawn?"

Yang Linghu was puzzled.

"Of course, we need to intervene. But how, when, and to what extent requires careful consideration."

As she spoke, Yang Lingqing's face still held a slight smile, but in the next moment, her demeanor shifted, showing a rare hint of fierceness.

"Since Mayor Tian enjoys scheming so much, I'll play along and see who ends up happy and who ends up miserable!"

Hearing this, even Chen Yang, who was lying nearby listening, was a bit startled. He had never seen Yang Lingqing show such an expression.

"Oh wow, it's rare to see Lingqing so fired up. Looks like there's going to be a good show!"

He thought to himself, "Poor Tian, of all people to scheme against, you chose the Yang family. You're in for a big trouble~"