The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace-Chapter 50: Encounter in Yulin

"Indeed, I do! Your elder brother, Yun Yunyang, and I once met during a trade in the capital," the middle-aged man in the green robe replied, his tone both warm and respectful. "I am Lin Cheng, a humble servant of the Wangyue Lin family. I have long admired the rise of the Yunyang-led Yun Cang Yun family."

Hearing this, Yun Yunyue dismounted, clasping his fists in a respectful salute. "It is an honor to meet someone from the esteemed Wangyue Lin family. To cross paths here in Yulin County must be fate."

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Lin Cheng returned the gesture with a smile. "I couldn’t agree more. I’ve heard whispers of your family’s ascension to a cultivation clan. Such progress in so short a time is nothing short of miraculous."

"You flatter us," Yun Yue replied humbly, though a glimmer of pride shone in his eyes. "Our Yun family still has much to learn from your noble house."

Lin Cheng’s gaze turned to the younger members exiting the carriage. His sharp eyes fell upon Yun Yan Shui, Yun Yan Shuang, and Yun Yan Tian. A glint of recognition flickered when he saw Yan Tian’s composed demeanor and Yan Shuang’s bright, spirited presence.

"These must be the younger generation of the Yun family," Lin Cheng said with a slight bow. "Each one of them radiates exceptional talent."

Yan Shui scratched the back of his head awkwardly, while Yan Shuang beamed and stepped forward. "Thank you for the kind words, sir. We’re simply doing our best to uphold the family name."

"Ah, such humility in youth is rare," Lin Cheng said with a chuckle. "Young miss, your elder brother speaks highly of you."

Yun Yue interjected, steering the conversation back on track. "Master Lin, what brings a representative of Wangyue Lin to Yulin County?"

"Business, of course," Lin Cheng said with a casual wave. "The Yulin Lake marketplace has become a nexus of commerce for cultivators across the Yue Kingdom. My master has sent me to oversee some trades and establish further connections."

Yun Yue nodded. "We, too, are here to explore the Yulin Lake market. Perhaps our paths will cross within the marketplace."

"Indeed, I look forward to it," Lin Cheng replied. "If I may, allow me to extend an invitation. Should you or your family members have need during your stay in Yulin County, please do not hesitate to visit the Lin family estate."

"You honor us greatly," Yun Yue said with a deep bow.

After exchanging further pleasantries, the two groups parted ways. Yun Yue led his family’s entourage through the city gates, their spirits lifted by the unexpected connection.

As the carriages rolled into the bustling streets of Yulin County, the vibrant sights and sounds captivated Yan Shui and Yan Dong, their earlier discomfort from the journey forgotten. Stalls lined the streets, selling everything from exotic fruits to rare trinkets, while the aroma of freshly cooked delicacies filled the air.

"This place is incredible," Yan Dong exclaimed, his eyes wide. "It’s like a festival every day!"

Yan Shui, however, remained more reserved. "It’s lively, sure, but let’s not get too distracted. Remember why we’re here."

As they made their way to a nearby inn, Yan Shuang leaned closer to Yan Tian. "Brother, what do you think of Master Lin Cheng? He seemed friendly enough, but… something about him felt calculating."

Yan Tian’s eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced back toward the departing Lin family caravan. "He is polite, certainly, but beneath that warmth lies a shrewd mind. We should tread carefully in dealing with him."

Shuang nodded, her playful demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness.

At the inn, Yun Yue arranged for rooms and a hearty meal. The group settled in, preparing to rest before their excursion to the fabled Yulin Lake marketplace the next day.

As night fell over Yulin County, the Yun family members sat around a table, sharing stories and laughter, their hearts light with anticipation for the journey ahead. For Yan Shui and Yan Shuang, this was the first glimpse into a wider world, a taste of the challenges and wonders that lay beyond the borders of their home.

"You’re too generous, Yan Shui-ge!" Yan Dong whispered, his eyes wide with mischief, as the two young boys giggled quietly at their own antics.

The opulence of Chunfeng Tower was unlike anything they had seen before. From the intricately carved wooden panels to the silk-draped lanterns casting a warm golden glow, the place radiated wealth and refinement. The soft murmur of conversations, clinking of fine porcelain, and the occasional bursts of laughter from the upper floors added to the charm of the bustling establishment.

"Yan Shui, Yan Dong, behave yourselves," Yan Shuang called out with a half-chiding, half-amused tone, noticing their wandering eyes and animated whispers.

"Yes, Sister!" the two chimed in unison, though the mischief in their expressions remained undimmed.

As they settled into a private room on the second floor, the view of Yulin County from the wide windows took their breath away. The bustling streets below were dotted with colorful vendor stalls, and in the distance, the faint shimmer of Yulin Lake could be seen under the afternoon sun.

"Yan Tian, Yan Shuang, and all of you young ones, enjoy this meal," Yun Yue said, raising his cup of tea as he sat beside Sun Tianming. "A taste of the world beyond our borders will serve you well in the future."

"Indeed," Sun Tianming added with a nod, gesturing to the table now laden with delicacies. "Consider this a prelude to what lies ahead at the Yulin Lake market. There, the true essence of the cultivation world awaits."

As the dishes were served, the younger members marveled at the spread. Plates of aromatic white ling fish steamed to perfection, bowls of fragrant mushroom and bamboo soup, and platters of spiced roasted meats made their mouths water.

Yan Dong, who had regained his appetite after the arduous journey, leaned toward Yan Shui and whispered, "This is so much better than the dried rations we had on the road!"

"Of course, silly," Yan Shui replied with a grin, already digging into a plate of roasted duck. "We’re in Chunfeng Tower, not stuck in a creaky wagon!"

The atmosphere at the table was lively as Yun Yue and Sun Tianming exchanged stories about their respective families and territories. Meanwhile, Yan Tian and Sun Fenglin discussed cultivation techniques, sharing insights and learning from each other.

Yan Shuang, ever curious, leaned closer to Sun Fengxuan, the younger of the Sun brothers. "I’ve heard that the market at Yulin Lake is unlike any other. Is it true that rare artifacts and ancient texts are traded there?" Continue your story on novelbuddy

Sun Fengxuan nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! My father says it’s one of the best places in Yue Kingdom to find unique treasures. But it’s also a place where strength and reputation matter. Those without backing or sufficient power are easily taken advantage of."

Yan Shuang frowned slightly, her curiosity now tinged with caution. "Then we’ll need to stay vigilant."

"Don’t worry," Yan Tian reassured her, his tone calm but firm. "We’ll be careful. This is as much a learning experience as it is a chance to explore."

As the meal continued, the two families grew more at ease in each other’s company, their camaraderie growing stronger. By the time dessert arrived — sweet pastries filled with lotus paste and golden syrup — even the usually reserved Yan Tian allowed himself a small smile.

With their bellies full and spirits high, the group retired to their rooms, ready to rest and prepare for the journey to Yulin Lake the next morning.

Unbeknownst to them, however, the bustling streets of Yulin County were filled with whispers of unrest. Shadows moved under the cover of night, and the faint echo of hurried footsteps hinted at secrets hidden within the walls of this vibrant city.