Chapter Forty-Nine: The Goal, the Summit Encircled

Time slipped quietly by, moment by moment, as Yun Yufeng’s aura gradually strengthened. Drops of battle energy seeped into his dantian, his cultivation growing ever more profound. It felt as if a fierce beast slumbered deep within his body, lurking and poised to break free at the slightest opportunity.

By late morning, Yun Yufeng slowly drew his cultivation session to a close. The energy absorbed needed time to be digested; it was not enough to simply take in power and assume it would become part of his own strength. Integration, sedimentation, and refinement were essential before it could truly harmonize with his body. Otherwise, even if his dantian overflowed with energy, he would never reach peak power, and forcing a breakthrough could prove perilous.

Upon returning to the scripture chamber, he found the old man enveloped in a sharp aura. A shadowy wheel flickered deep within, with mountain peaks as swords and forests stretching like seas. Between the mountains and forests, sharpness and serenity alternated.

He was comprehending the concept of intent; at the eighth stage, one could begin to touch the embryonic form of a domain. Once fully understood, one could step into that legendary hall—the supreme realm of martial arts.

Sensing Yun Yufeng’s arrival, the old man slowly opened his eyes and nodded gently. “You’re back?”

“Yes.”

“I heard you’ve been tinkering with something again. The clan leader mentioned it to me.”

“That’s true. I wonder what Grandfather thinks?” Yun Yufeng nodded.

“What do you see in your future?” the old man asked, gazing at Yun Yufeng.

Yun Yufeng paused in silence before replying, “I want to go out and see the world. There are too many secrets hidden in it.”

The old man suddenly grew bleak, speaking slowly, “Indeed, too many secrets. Sometimes, I wonder if you’re truly my grandson. At your age, you’re far too perfect—so perfect it’s unreal.”

Yun Yufeng’s heart trembled; the old man’s words struck right at the core. His body had not changed, but his soul had.

He felt his mouth go dry and forced himself to say, “So, Grandfather, what do you think?”

The old man sighed, “A living person stands before me, so how could I doubt? I just can’t believe it, that’s all.”

“Heh, I’m your grandson now, and I always will be.”

“I understand that,” the old man nodded. “If you leave, I’ll be reluctant. Fewer people to talk to, more things to reflect upon.”

Yun Yufeng breathed out softly. “Last time, I entered an ancient ruin.” He decided to reveal a little, to better disguise himself.

“Oh, even if you didn’t say, everyone could guess,” the old man’s eyes flashed.

“When I emerged again, the ruin collapsed and disappeared.”

“So, you inherited something?”

“Yes, I gained a legacy of knowledge. It was a place of inheritance, not a cave dwelling,” Yun Yufeng nodded.

The old man finally smiled; Yun Yufeng’s excellence had always struck him as a bit odd.

“So, after my return, some think I was biding my time all along, but I truly was a wastrel. The contrast is absurd to others.”

“Indeed. So, how long will you stay in the clan?” The old man’s furrowed brow finally relaxed.

Rubbing his temples, Yun Yufeng replied, “The imperial capital’s envoys will arrive in the spring, so I’ll likely leave then.”

“Hmm, young people ought to explore the world. You’ll never grow if you stay in a greenhouse.”

“I’ll be heading into the Weishan Mountains for training soon. It may be quite a while before I can chat with you again, Grandfather.”

“Go! Come drink with me whenever you have time.”

“Then I’ll take my leave.” Yun Yufeng bowed deeply and stepped into the space portal appearing beside him.

Back at his courtyard, Yun Yufeng was surprised to find Steward Yun in the hall, smiling as he enjoyed his tea, with Cuinong attending him.

Seeing Yun Yufeng return, Cuinong rushed out, “Young master, you’re finally back! Steward Yun has been waiting for you for ages.”

Yun Yufeng nodded. There’s no visiting the ancestral hall without cause; Steward Yun’s arrival must mean the clan leader had summoned him.

“Steward Yun, sorry to keep you waiting. Is there something important? Please instruct me.” Yun Yufeng entered, addressing him warmly.

“Ha, Yufeng, I really have been waiting long this time! I’ve drunk cup after cup of tea—my belly’s full of water. How do you plan to compensate me?” Steward Yun squinted, smiling.

“My mistake. How about a bottle? Not enough… two bottles? Three? No more, stocks are running low. When Cuinong brews more, I’ll send you two extra bottles to make amends. How’s that?”

“Excellent, excellent! I’ve profited today. I’ll have to visit more often, haha!”

“Steward Yun, did the clan leader summon me?”

“Yes, that’s right. The clan leader is waiting for you,” Steward Yun nodded.

“All right, I’ll go now. Shall we go together?”

“Good!”

Yun Yufeng turned to instruct Cuinong, “Prepare dinner. I’ll be back to eat later.”

“Yes, young master.”

Soon, the two arrived at the clan leader’s study. The clan leader sat at the head, reviewing documents. Seeing Yun Yufeng arrive, his tightly knit brow relaxed a bit. He waved Steward Yun out and had Yun Yufeng pull up a stool.

“Yufeng, do you know why I called you?” The clan leader stroked his beard.

“Grandfather, is it about forging weapons?”

“Yes! Preparations have begun. The team opening up the secret chamber entered the Weishan Mountains today, and should reach the summit in seven days. Then, items can be transported, and the chamber should be completed within two days. So, I called you to see if you have anything to add.”

Yun Yufeng thought for a moment, then took two notebooks from his spatial pouch and handed them over. “Grandfather, all the details are recorded here. This is a construction blueprint.” He handed over a thin sheet.

The clan leader examined it, frowning. The various apparatus drawn were completely unfamiliar. Without the annotations, he wouldn’t understand a thing.

“Yufeng, is there anyone who can understand this blueprint?”

“Master He should be able to manage it. I’ll give him instructions before I leave.”

“Leave? Where are you going?”

“I’m heading to the Weishan Mountains for training. When the imperial envoys arrive in spring, I’d like to see them.”

“Hmm, that’s good. The brewing project is finished and will launch soon. The shop at the Wood Tally Camp is already being decorated.”

“Haha, congratulations, Grandfather, another step forward on the path to a strong clan.” Yun Yufeng smiled.

“Sly tongue! Will you dine here tonight?” The clan leader allowed himself a little smile.

“No need, Cuinong already prepared dinner at home.”

“Then go on, get back.”

Yun Yufeng glanced once more at the painting on the wall, turned, and left for his own courtyard.

Inside, a few exquisite dishes awaited. Yun Yufeng’s appetite surged, and he beckoned Cuinong to sit and eat with him.

“Young master, what’s wrong?” Seeing him eat heartily, then suddenly pause, Cuinong asked curiously.

Yun Yufeng paused for a moment, then continued eating, mumbling, “Cuinong, I’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

“Where are you going? I want to go too! I’ve never been out in my life!” Cuinong chattered endlessly.

“You, not this time. Take care of my mother, keep her company,” Yun Yufeng tapped Cuinong’s head with his chopstick.

Cuinong pouted, “If I get a bump on my forehead and the red mark doesn’t fade, how can I be your… ah!” She covered her mouth, her cheeks burning, wanting to disappear into a hole.

Yun Yufeng’s lips curled into a teasing smile. “Hmm, be my what?”

Cuinong protested, “You can’t bully people like this! I’ll tell madam!”

Yun Yufeng laughed, his eyes mischievous. “Go ahead, I approve.”

“Well, young master, you keep eating. I’m full, I’ll head out for a bit.” With that, she hurried out, muttering to herself, “Stupid girl, how could you say that? So embarrassing, and right in front of the young master! Oh, I forgot to ask where he’s going. What should I do? Getting dumber by the day, what a failure.”

Yun Yufeng shook his head and continued picking at his meal.

On the branches, morning birds sang, their clear voices chirping in succession.

As the sun cast its first rays, Yun Yufeng was already fully prepared. All arrangements had been made the previous night. If all went well, upon returning from Weishan, he would not only enjoy fine wine but also witness the first batch of weapons produced.

A heavy, dark sword was slung over his shoulder, a cloth bundle tossed casually on his back, his black fitted outfit marking him as a typical mercenary ready for travel.

“Young master, when will you be back?” Cuinong’s eyes were full of hope as she gazed at him, as if she could not rest easy without seeing her beloved young master.

Unwittingly, Cuinong had poured much of her affection into Yun Yufeng. He had become an indispensable part of her world.

Yun Yufeng turned and gently patted her head, smiling, “Not too long. Take good care of my mother. When I return, you need to have grown taller, understood?”

Cuinong nodded, her large eyes misty, staring at Yun Yufeng with reluctant longing.

“Young master, I heard the mountains are dangerous. Be careful, don’t take risks. There’s madam at home, and… anyway, you’re not entirely your own yet. You must come back.”

“All right, I promise, no matter what, I’ll come back to see you. Satisfied? You know you can trust me, so don’t worry.” Yun Yufeng lightly pinched her nose, turned, waved, and strode off toward the Weishan Mountains.

This time, Yun Yufeng traveled alone, no guards or followers. Little Greedy Wolf nestled silently in his arms. The Weishan town seemed evenly divided among three powers, but beneath the surface, chaos loomed. Yun Yufeng’s solitary journey, disguised as a common mercenary, perfectly concealed his true identity.

Though tensions ran high, it was not as if everyone was on edge. Especially someone like Yun Yufeng, who had always been an unremarkable, idle young master—he drew no attention.

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