Wu Tong’s eyes quivered as she steadied her emotions with a deep breath.

Three months earlier, she’d already sensed something wrong.

Yang Lingqing had crafted meticulous explanations for Yang Lingrui’s delayed return.

Though her reasoning seemed flawless and her demeanor perfectly composed,

This very perfection became its fatal flaw –

Some truths shouldn’t be explained too thoroughly.

That sleepless night found Wu Tong’s tears drenching her robes, grief nearly crushing her.

Then something miraculous happened – the unborn Yang Yuanhong in her womb

Shared his own vitality to revive her strength.

From that moment, Wu Tong gradually regained her resolve.

Days later, she confronted Yang Lingqing in private.

Their secret conversation laid bare all hidden truths.

Yang Lingqing marveled at how Wu Tong had endured such crushing blows.

The widow’s response deepened everyone’s respect:

“These troubled times leave no room for mourning. With Yuanhong so young

And our family shattered, I must honor my husband’s sacrifice

By upholding the spirit he died protecting.”

Yang Linghu’s severed arm rested in the Forbidden Area’s back yard,

Buried in the new plot Yang Guanfeng designed before departing –

A resting place intended for himself, now holding his descendant.

“Waah… ah!”

During the silent mourning, Yang Yuanhong squirmed in Wu Tong’s arms.

She set the toddler before the grave.

Though too young to comprehend death,

The child sensed the earth mound held

A presence he longed to be close to.

Stumbling toward the tombstone,

He gazed at the carved portrait above him –

Suddenly overwhelmed by ancestral sorrow.

“D-da… WAAAH!”

His wails shattered Wu Tong’s composure.

She collapsed, clutching her son as tears fell.

“Sister-in-law!”

The Yang siblings knelt beside them.

Non-kin cultivators prostrated before Yang Linghu’s grave.

Old Yu remained outside the courtyard,

Kneeling on the cliffside facing east.

“Master… this worthless servant failed you…”

Mother and child wept endlessly

As the Yang Family stood vigil.

Yang Yuanhong’s young arms clung tightly to a corner of the tombstone until he cried himself to sleep, finally being carried back to the courtyard by Wu Tong.

Yang Linghu’s funeral arrangements were simple, with neither the Yang Family nor the clan at the mountain’s foot receiving any news.

Yang Xiaolei only learned about this after Old Yu returned to Sanglu Valley.

Were it not for Old Yu’s supporting technique, the Yang Family’s second elder might have collapsed from shock.

Having rarely met Yang Linghu in recent years and sharing similarly gruff personalities, Yang Xiaolei had always assumed there would be more chances for reunions.

He never imagined their parting half a year ago would become their final farewell.

Ten days after Yang Linghu’s burial with his severed arm, Gao Hui arrived at the Yang residence accompanied by a Perfected Gathering Qi cultivator from the Zhuhu Dynasty.

This full-level cultivator delivered an official commendation detailing the dynasty’s final rewards for the Yang Family’s role in the treasure incident.

First came rewards for completing two imperial decree missions – 40,000 Dynasty merits.

Next was compensation for two sacrificed Yang cultivators – four superior quality cleansing elixirs.

Additional recognition went to Yang Lingrui for slaying Wang Weiming – a direct disciple position at Wanhuamen.

Having secured two secret treasure site Inheritances and through He Shenglai’s strong recommendation, Yang Lingrui also obtained rights to observe Li Yuande’s Gathering Qi to Condensing Essence performance in Chongtian City three years later.

The He Family supplemented these royal gifts by donating their Perfected Gathering Qi ancient willow.

This rare spiritual plant offered multiple uses: bark for talisman paper, sap as alchemical mediums, branches for weapon refining, and tender Willow Leaves for mind-calming tea that strengthened divine awareness over time.

Unique to the He Family within Zhuhu territory, this treasure remained unobtainable even for early-stage Gathering Qi specimens despite numerous offers.

To ensure proper care, the He Family included their spiritual plant cultivation secret method. He Shenglai personally added 10,000 spiritual crystals.

Combined, these formed truly hefty rewards containing priceless opportunities:

– Wanhuamen discipleship meant access to Spiritual Communication Techniques and the Way of Spiritual Manipulation

– The Gathering Qi observation qualification coveted by noble families

The dynasty cultivator delivered more good news: For outstanding service and loyalty, the Yang Family received five years’ exemption from royal missions to focus on development.

“Songshan Yang Family, are these terms clear?”

“We understand and thank the dynasty for its generosity!” Yang Lingqing answered while kneeling to receive the document.

“The dynasty expects continued effort, not complacency.”

“We shall remember your words and strive to meet expectations,” the Yang cultivators chorused.

“Now that this matter is settled, I must visit the eastern border and won’t linger here.”

Having spoken, the dynasty cultivator leapt upward and swiftly vanished from view.

“Mayor Gao, this person mentioned going to the eastern border, yet…”

After his departure, Yang Lingqing immediately rose to question Gao Hui.

“Exactly!”

Gao Hui affirmed with a heavy nod. “Due to the Yang Family’s merits, the old Master will receive promotion opportunities. Reaching the later-stage realm is now certain!”

The Yang Family members rejoiced at this news.

Their Elder had long been stationed at distant borders. Not only could the family offer him no support, but he’d been forced to earn battlefield merits and send rewards back home.

This situation had always weighed on Yang Lingqing’s conscience.

Finally being able to assist Yang Guanfeng brought them collective relief.

After Gao Hui’s departure, the Yang Family commenced internal allocations.

Four superior quality cleansing elixirs were distributed to Yang Lingqing, Yang Lingshu, Yang Yuanhong, and Wu Tong.

Yang Lingshu secured the Wanhuamen direct disciple position.

To honor the promise to Lv Lianshun, Lv Fangxuan would receive Gao Hui’s ordinary disciple recommendation for Wanhuamen in two years, serving as Yang Lingshu’s companion cultivator.

Plans regarding Dynasty merits and spiritual crystals were postponed for later discussion.

Having settled these affairs, Yang Lingrui proceeded to the ancestral hall in the restricted area.

Chen Yang bestowed the fourth spirit pearl, which danced excitedly upon entering Yang Lingrui’s body.

The pearl circled repeatedly without settling – not from incompatibility, but because Yang Lingrui’s exceptional aptitude left it spoilt for choice among numerous suitable locations.

Chen Yang observed curiously, never having witnessed such a phenomenon.

Meditating Yang Lingrui began guiding the pearl through cultivation methods.

Under the Book of Seeking the Spirit in Darkness’s influence, the spirit pearl dissolved not into physical refinement, but transformed into imperceptible energy merging with his being.

“This is!”

Chen Yang probed with heightened awareness as the transformation occurred.

When refinement completed, his suspicions confirmed:

The spirit pearl had metamorphosed into destiny’s essence within Yang Lingrui through the ancient text’s power.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep