The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace-Chapter 173 - The Northern Palace’s Scheme

In the side chamber of the ancient temple, Baili Moxue still cradled the unconscious Yun Yantian tightly. Watching the pain etched on his face, her heart was gripped by a growing fear—an unshakable worry that she might have brought about his death.

"Big Sister Baili, don’t worry. I believe Brother Yantian won’t succumb so easily," Yun Yanshuang said quickly, noticing the anxiety and fear clouding Baili Moxue’s expression.

"I hope so," Baili Moxue replied with a strained smile.

Suddenly, she felt a powerful presence outside the temple. It was followed by the harrowing wails of malevolent spirits dying—piercing cries that sent chills down her spine.

"Someone’s here!"

Yun Yanshuang’s sharp spiritual sense immediately picked up on the approaching figure.

"Shuang’er, stay here and take care of Yantian. I’ll go check it out," Baili Moxue said, her tone firm.

"Big Sister Baili, I’ll go with you. Whoever it is, their aura is strong—at least at the peak of the eighth layer of the Embryo Breath realm, as strong as me," Yun Yanshuang insisted.

"No. I know this person. You stay here and protect Yantian—don’t let anything happen to him.

If anything goes wrong outside, don’t try to help me. Take Yantian and retrace your steps out of the mountain as quickly as possible.

Master Li and the others will be ready to escort you out of Wanlong Mountain. Once you’re out, you’ll both be safe."

Baili Moxue’s voice was solemn as she gave her instructions. Without waiting for Yun Yanshuang’s response, she cast one last glance at Yun Yantian, gritted her teeth, and stood up. She left the side chamber and made her way to the temple courtyard.

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"Royal Sister," a voice greeted her.

"How did you know to come here?" Baili Moxue asked coldly as her gaze fell on the figure before her—a young man with sharp features, holding a long spear. His demeanor was calm but carried a faint shadow of malice.

This man was her younger royal brother, Baili Moxun, the son of the North Palace Consort.

His innate talent far surpassed that of the other princes and princesses, even exceeding her own.

"There’s no need for you to ask, Royal Sister. My mother has her methods," Baili Moxun replied with a smirk.

"Hmph! The spies your mother has planted around Father are certainly numerous," Baili Moxue retorted, her voice filled with disdain.

It was clear that someone had leaked the location of this place to the North Palace Consort, allowing Baili Moxun to find it.

She clenched her fists. Whoever the spy was, she would ensure her father launched a thorough investigation once she returned.

"Without my mother’s schemes, I would never have learned that Father is so biased—entrusting the fortune hidden in this temple entirely to you!"

Baili Moxun’s expression turned cold. Among all the princes and princesses, his talent was unrivaled, yet his father never favored him.

And now, this treasure, too, was withheld from him and given to his royal sister.

Was he bitter? Absolutely.

He was not only bitter but also consumed by jealousy—jealous of Baili Moxue, who alone enjoyed their father’s favor.

"For years, you’ve all schemed and vied for the throne, casting shadows over the palace. How could Father possibly trust any of you with this fortune?

Do you think he would willingly strengthen your hands to turn them against him?" Baili Moxue retorted sharply.

"Father... he’s old. It’s time for the throne to change hands.

If my cultivation surpasses all the other princes and princesses, I can stabilize this dynasty. The throne will still bear the Baili name," Baili Moxun declared.

"No. It won’t bear the name Baili—it will bear the name Lu," Baili Moxue countered with a scoff.

Baili Moxun’s face darkened. "Royal Sister, I won’t waste words with you.

I know there are two others hiding in the temple. Don’t think you can stall for time—it won’t work.

Hand over the fortune you’ve claimed, and I’ll grant the three of you a clean death. At least you won’t be torn apart by the beasts and spirits of this mountain."

He stood poised, his spear ready, his eyes cold and brimming with killing intent. The malice in his tone left no doubt—he had come to seize the fortune and take Baili Moxue’s life.

It was his mother’s command, and he intended to fulfill it.

Taking the fortune for himself would solidify Baili Moxun’s power and ensure his unshakable position in the palace. With the support of his mother and the Chuanyin Lu Clan, ascending the throne would be only a matter of time.

Once Baili Moxue was dead, their father would lose his last emotional anchor. The East Palace Consort would be left without support, making it far easier for his mother to dominate the palace.

"No need for more talk! Whether I surrender or not, you’ll still kill me. Better to fight—at least there’s a sliver of hope!"

"Hope? Royal Sister, don’t make me laugh. You’re no match for me," Baili Moxun sneered, shaking his head.

With a swift motion, he thrust his spear forward.

A terrifying surge of spear energy erupted toward Baili Moxue.

Startled, she quickly raised her sword to block the attack.

Although her reaction was swift enough to barely parry the strike, the sheer force behind it sent her staggering back dozens of meters. Her blood churned violently, and her face paled.

"Do you see now? You couldn’t even withstand a casual thrust. What gives you the confidence to fight me?" Baili Moxun mocked coldly, advancing once more with his spear.

Determined to claim the fortune and fulfill his plans, he charged at Baili Moxue with unrelenting aggression.

The temple courtyard became a battleground as spear and sword clashed in a storm of light and shadow. The terrifying waves of energy generated by their battle shook the crumbling structure.

The dilapidated walls collapsed under the relentless impact, sending up thick clouds of dust.

Inside the side chamber, Yun Yanshuang held Yun Yantian tightly. The ferocious sounds of battle outside made her heart pound with worry.

She could tell that Baili Moxue was struggling—her cultivation was no match for Baili Moxun’s.

"Brother Yantian, wake up! If you don’t wake up soon, Big Sister Baili will be in serious trouble!"

Desperation filled her voice. She wanted to rush out to help but couldn’t forget Baili Moxue’s instructions. Nor could she leave Yun Yantian in his vulnerable state.

Caught between conflicting choices, she felt as though she were a frantic ant on a hot plate.

Perhaps it was her voice, or perhaps Yun Yantian had finally finished assimilating the spear master’s spiritual energy.

Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, glowing with a sharp brilliance.

A powerful aura erupted from his body.

Embryo Breath, ninth-layer peak!

By fully absorbing the spear master’s divine essence, Yun Yantian’s cultivation had surged from the peak of the seventh layer to the pinnacle of the ninth, skipping two entire minor realms.

His strength now surpassed even Yun Yanshuang’s.

"Brother Yantian, you’re awake!" Yun Yanshuang exclaimed with joy.

"What... what happened?" he asked, his voice still hoarse.

"That golden light from the skeleton struck you and knocked you unconscious. Big Sister Baili was so worried, she thought you might have been possessed!"

"Possessed? There’s no need to worry. I’ve already received the senior’s inheritance. His remaining spiritual energy fused with mine and helped me ascend," Yun Yantian explained with a faint smile.

The pain he had felt was gone, replaced by a newfound sense of ease. He could feel the surge of power coursing through him, leaving him deeply satisfied.

"That’s wonderful!"

"Where’s Baili Moxue?" Yun Yantian asked, glancing around the chamber.

"Oh no! She’s outside fighting someone powerful to buy us time to escape!" Yun Yanshuang cried, grabbing her Qingshuang Sword and rushing out of the chamber.

Yun Yantian wasted no time, gripping his black-gold spear tightly as he followed.

In the courtyard, Baili Moxue’s body was sent flying by a sweeping spear strike. The blow struck her chest with immense force, displacing her internal organs. She spat out a mouthful of blood as her body crashed into a crumbled corner of the courtyard.

"You’re too weak. I haven’t even used my full strength, and you’ve already fallen," Baili Moxun said, staring down at her with cold disdain.

He advanced, intending to immobilize her and force her to reveal the location of the fortune.

But before he could act, an overwhelming aura surged from the depths of the temple.

Startled, Baili Moxun turned his gaze toward the source, his expression shifting to one of shock.

"Damn it! You gave the fortune to someone else?!" he growled, his voice laced with rage and disbelief.