The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace-Chapter 166 The Emperor’s Heart is as Deep as the Abyss

’With such a treasure mountain at their command, it’s no wonder the Three Great Families and Seven Clans secretly covet the royal throne and dream of overthrowing the dynasty.’

’But why would the royal family have raised the Three Great Families and Seven Clans in the first place, nurturing such wolves and tigers?’

’No matter. These concerns are not mine to dwell on for now. My focus must remain on the growth of the Yun Cang Yun Clan, ensuring its survival and prosperity for generations to come.’

As Yun Yun Yang walked along the stone-paved path leading to the summit of Wanlong Mountain, his thoughts swirled with questions and uncertainties. The more he pondered, the more puzzled he became.

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Perhaps only a direct conversation with that esteemed figure, if they were willing to speak, could shed light on these mysteries.

"Yun Senior, we’ve arrived," Xia Changqing’s voice broke through his musings.

Yun Yun Yang raised his gaze, and what met his eyes was a breathtaking scene of endless celestial palaces.

Mist wreathed the surroundings, and cranes glided gracefully through the air.

Vibrant blossoms competed in brilliance, and serene ponds and intricately crafted rock formations dotted the landscape. It felt as though they had stepped into an ethereal realm beyond the mortal world.

"In the distance lies the Wanlong Hall. Traditionally, the Emperor hosts a grand banquet there during the Hundred Clans Assembly, welcoming the honored guests who gather for the occasion," Xia Changqing explained, his hands clasped behind his back as he gestured toward the majestic palace looming ahead.

Even as he spoke, a massive celestial crane, as large as a bull, descended gracefully from the skies, lowering its long neck in invitation to Xia Changqing and his companions from the Summer Clan.

Another crane followed suit, bowing its neck toward Yun Yun Yang and his group.

The sight of such obedient and majestic creatures drew murmurs of awe from Yun Yun Yang and the others.

"Next, we’ll ride these celestial cranes to the Wanlong Hall. These creatures are spirit beasts raised and cared for by the royal family’s beastmasters.

In addition, the royal family has domesticated many other spirit beasts, all of which are housed within Wanlong Mountain," Xia Changqing said as he led his clan members onto the broad back of one of the cranes. He sat cross-legged and glanced back with a smile at Yun Yun Yang’s group.

"I see," Yun Yun Yang murmured, nodding thoughtfully. He guided Yun Yan Shui, Yun Yan Tian, and Yun Yan Shuang onto the waiting crane.

With a resonant cry, the massive crane stood tall, its wings spanning four or five meters. With a gentle beat, it effortlessly carried the four of them into the air, heading toward the imposing silhouette of the Wanlong Hall.

The rushing wind lifted their hair and robes, but strangely, the flight remained steady, as though an invisible force held them securely in place.

As they approached the Wanlong Hall, its immense scale and grandeur became ever more apparent.

In the distance, other cranes soared through the skies, carrying spiritual root descendants from various families to the same destination.

One by one, the cranes landed gracefully at the entrance of the Wanlong Hall, lowering their necks to allow their passengers to disembark and make their way inside.

Yun Yun Yang’s crane followed suit, descending smoothly and waiting for them to alight.

"Yun Senior, let’s head inside and find our seats together," Xia Changqing suggested with a polite smile.

"Very well," Yun Yun Yang agreed readily.

As this was his first visit to the Wanlong Hall, there was much he didn’t know. Having Xia Changqing to guide them eased many potential complications.

"Yun Yang Brother."

Just as they were about to follow Xia Changqing and his companions into the hall, a familiar voice called out to Yun Yun Yang.

Turning toward the sound, Yun Yun Yang was delighted to see none other than Li Qing.

"Immortal Master Li!"

Smiling broadly, Yun Yun Yang quickly led Yun Yan Shui, Yun Yan Tian, and Yun Yan Shuang to pay their respects.

Xia Changqing and the Summer Clan disciples, recognizing Li Qing, also bowed deferentially.

"There’s no need for such formalities," Li Qing said with a wave of his hand.

"Yun Yang Brother, care to walk with me? I’m familiar with the Wanlong Hall and can show you around," he offered warmly.

"That would be most appreciated, Immortal Master Li!" Yun Yun Yang replied, his eyes lighting up.

Having interacted with Li Qing on several occasions, Yun Yun Yang trusted him far more than Xia Changqing.

"Xia Changqing, I hope you’ll excuse me. I’ll leave the guidance to Immortal Master Li," Yun Yun Yang said with a smile.

"Not at all. If Immortal Master Li is guiding you, then you’re in excellent hands," Xia Changqing replied courteously, bowing as he stepped aside.

Xia Changqing waved dismissively, his smile unwavering, but his gaze turned cold as he watched Yun Yun Yang and his group leave with Li Qing.

"Brother Changqing, that Li Immortal Master is a confidant of the Emperor. His appearance here seems too coincidental. Could it be...?"

"Enough," Xia Changqing interrupted, his tone sharp. "Whether we discuss it or not, we’ll eventually cross paths with the Yun Cang Yun Clan’s spiritual root descendants."

Xia Changqing wasn’t blind to the calculated nature of Li Qing’s arrival. It was clear the Emperor didn’t want the Yun Cang Yun Clan associating too closely with the Tongshan Summer Clan.

In truth, it was just another move in the Emperor’s larger game—a deliberate effort to distance himself from the Three Great Families and Seven Clans.

"Brother Yun Yang, the Tongshan Summer Clan intends to target your Yun Clan. During the trials at the Hundred Clans Assembly, Yan Tian and Shuang’er must exercise extreme caution," Li Qing said as he strolled leisurely beside Yun Yun Yang, his hands clasped behind his back.

"This… why would they do such a thing?" Yun Yun Yang feigned confusion, though he already had his suspicions.

"Come now, no need to play dumb," Li Qing said with a chuckle. "Bai Li Senior’s visit to your Yun Clan with the princess made his intentions clear enough."

"So, Immortal Master Li, you’ve known all along?" Yun Yun Yang asked, dropping the pretense.

"The Seventh Princess, Bai Li Mo Xue, is not just any royal—she’s the Emperor’s favorite daughter. Her mother, after all, is a direct descendant of the Tongshan Summer Clan.

The Emperor values your Yun Clan enough to propose marrying the princess to Yan Tian. His plan is to quietly support your family, hoping you will become a crucial ally in countering the growing ambitions of the Three Great Families and Seven Clans.

Naturally, the Summer Clan discovered this and opposes the union. Unable to act directly, they’ve chosen the trials as the stage to eliminate Yan Tian and disrupt the Emperor’s plans," Li Qing explained with a wry smile.

"I see," Yun Yun Yang said, nodding slowly as the pieces fell into place.

"But does the Emperor trust my Yun Clan so easily?" he asked after a moment’s thought.

"Of course," Li Qing replied without hesitation.

"He’s not worried that one day, after fostering your Yun Clan’s rise, you might grow ambitious like the others?"

"If he had such doubts, he wouldn’t have gone as far as proposing this marriage, let alone clashing with the Empress over it," Li Qing said with a chuckle.

"To earn the Emperor’s trust in this way, my clan is truly humbled," Yun Yun Yang remarked, his tone laced with irony.

"Rest assured," Li Qing said, catching the underlying concern. "With the elder master of your clan standing guard, the Emperor has no fear of your Yun Clan harboring treacherous ambitions.

This alliance is one of mutual benefit. With the princess as the bridge, your family will have royal backing, and the Emperor will have a loyal ally.

If not for the elder master’s presence, I doubt the Emperor would dare to entrust his daughter to your family or seek to support you so openly."

Yun Yun Yang listened intently, and Li Qing’s words began to clarify the Emperor’s intentions.

The elder master’s presence reassured the Emperor that the Yun Clan posed no threat to the throne. If the elder had harbored any ambitions, the royal family could have been toppled long ago.

Furthermore, the elder’s support for Yan Tian made the proposed union all the more appealing. It wasn’t just a marriage—it was a pact, a strategy to secure the Yun Clan as a steadfast ally.

"Immortal Master Li, may I ask another question?"

"Of course," Li Qing said, gesturing for him to continue.

"The Summer Clan’s intention to kill my nephew Yan Tian—it seems this isn’t merely about stopping the marriage and the Emperor’s support for our family, is it?"

"Ha! You’ve hit the mark. There’s more at play here," Li Qing admitted.

"The Summer Clan has another motive. They’re planning to marry the princess to Wang Li Yuan of the Yulin Wang Clan. This union would strengthen ties between the two families, especially after recent tensions.

This marriage is seen as a means to repair the strained relations between the Summer and Wang Clans," Li Qing explained.

"I see," Yun Yun Yang said, nodding thoughtfully.

"Then the Wang Clan must also be involved, plotting against my nephew, yes?"

"No. According to intelligence gathered by the Emperor’s agents, the Wang Clan has chosen to stay out of this," Li Qing replied.

"Ah," Yun Yun Yang said, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I suppose the Wang Clan’s patriarch fears our elder master."

"Precisely," Li Qing confirmed, matching his smile.

"But the Summer Clan remains adamant. They still intend to act against my nephew.

It seems the Wang Clan has deliberately withheld key information, allowing the Summer Clan to clash with us while they watch from the sidelines, hoping we weaken each other," Yun Yun Yang observed.

"You’re as sharp as ever," Li Qing said with a laugh.

"But would the Emperor truly allow the Summer Clan to act, given their familial ties to the royal family?"