Chapter 46

Chapter 46: The Journey Is Not Yet Done, Time to Endure

Gao Hui promptly took out a map from his storage bag and spread it on the table.

This was a regional map centered around Baishi Town. He pointed to a darker low area south of Baishi Town.

“This area is within the boundaries of Fengling Town. Not long ago, a group of grave robbers discovered the entrance to an underground ancient tomb there. The entrance is protected by restrictions, making it impossible for ordinary people to break through. It looks unusual, and the initial judgment is that it should be the remains of a prominent family from ancient times.”

“After investigating Fengling Town, they felt it was too difficult to handle on their own, so they sent news to a few other towns, hoping we could assist by sending cultivators to explore the ancient tomb together.”

“Now, you also know the situation in the Eight Towns of Wangyue, Yang Master; not many families can send cultivators. Although there are some risks, I believe it is an opportunity.”

Yang Lingqing fell into deep thought upon hearing this.

Gao Hui was someone Yang Guanfeng had evaluated before leaving, saying he could be trusted.

The Yang Family and Baishi Town had moved from a simple trade relationship to an alliance, so Yang Lingqing did not doubt his information or motives.

However, whom to send still required discussion with Elder Yu.

“Shall I consult the elders in my family and then reply to the mayor?” Yang Lingqing inquired.

“No problem. I’ll set off with my people three days from now. When you’ve made your decision, just have someone come to Baishi Town to find me.”

After Gao Hui left, Yang Lingqing sought out Elder Yu and informed him of the situation.

“Gao Hui speaks truly. During such times, many families cannot spare personnel, so it is indeed a good opportunity.”

Elder Yu said, “Lingqing, who do you think is suitable to send?”

Yang Lingqing contemplated for a moment and replied, “Lingrui and Zhao Qi.”

“Lingrui…”

Upon hearing Yang Lingrui’s name, Elder Yu hesitated.

Due to the child’s outstanding talent, he was reluctant to let him face risks outside.

“I understand Elder Yu’s concerns, but you also know that a cultivator’s strength lies not just in their cultivation level,” Yang Lingqing said. “If one merely stays at home to cultivate without experiencing trials and tribulations, it may be difficult to achieve the Dao.”

“You’re right. Sigh… I’m getting old, becoming this worried about gains and losses,” Elder Yu shook his head.

That evening, after Yang Lingrui finished his cultivation, Yang Lingqing shared the news with him.

Upon learning that he could go out to explore, Yang Lingrui immediately became excited.

“This is great! I have been feeling restless lately and wanted to go out. This ancient tomb is an excellent place to visit.”

Elder Yu also informed Zhao Qi, and early the next morning, after Yang Lingrui paid his respects to Chen Yang, he set off with Zhao Qi towards Baishi Town.

His cultivation level was concealed, having just broken through to the third level of Gathering Qi; non-Condensing Essence cultivators would not be able to see any clues, providing an insurance of sorts.

As the Yang Family’s treasured asset, Chen Yang discreetly revealed two small portions of his consciousness to protect the sea of consciousness at the top of their heads.

This was the only method he had to help the Yang Family beyond the range of his consciousness coverage; the rest they would have to manage on their own.

Arriving at the town entrance, a second-level Gathering Qi cultivator from the mayor’s office was already waiting there. Seeing the two, he approached them.

“Welcome, friends! Please follow me into the town.”

It was Yang Lingrui and Zhao Qi’s first time visiting Baishi Town; the former rarely left home as he focused on cultivation, while the latter had once waited outside the town with his family for three days and nights without being able to enter.

But looking at it from another perspective, not being able to enter the town was a good thing; otherwise, they would have likely perished due to the collapsing city.

One could only say that fortune and misfortune are unpredictable.

“Lingrui has arrived; this must be Master Zhao Qi, please come in!”

Mayor Gao welcomed the two into the mansion, where two other cultivators were already present.

Upon seeing them enter, the two immediately stood up and greeted them.

“Greetings to the esteemed cultivator from the Yang Family.”

Both of them, like Zhao Qi, were only at the first level of Gathering Qi, which revealed just how much impact the dynasty’s recent selections had on various families.

Not to mention the mid-stage of Gathering Qi; in all of Baishi Town, there wasn’t even a second or third-level cultivator to be found.

Yang Lingrui’s current display at the third level of Gathering Qi was an existence many families could only dream of.

“This person has such a strong aura; he must undeniably be a third-level cultivator.”

“To be able to send out a third-level cultivator, their family must surely have more experts to support them. It’s said that the Yang Family is powerful, and today we’ve really witnessed it.”

The two thought to themselves.

“Alright, now that everyone is here, please take a seat.”

Mayor Gao then informed everyone about the route for the trip, the current information about the ancient tomb, and many other matters.

The ancient tomb was still a ten-day journey from Baishi Town. Mayor Gao planned to have the four meet with the team of cultivators from Willow Leaf and Qinghe tomorrow and set off together.

With more people, there would be better support on the road.

That evening, Mayor Gao visited Yang Lingrui.

“Lingrui, your speed of cultivation truly makes people envious.”

“Haha, Mayor Gao knows it’s all thanks to the spirit liquid provided by my family that I have achieved what I have today,” Yang Lingrui replied with a smile.

Mayor Gao shook his head: “Oh, you can’t say that. Even with spirit liquid, it still requires refinement; this is all your own hard work.”

Yang Lingrui smiled at his words and then asked, “I’m curious, now that Baishi Town is fully rebuilt and the situation within the dynasty has stabilized, what are your plans moving forward, Mayor Gao?”

What he meant by plans was not for the future development of Baishi Town but rather for Gao Hui personally.

“Ah…”

When this topic was brought up, Mayor Gao couldn’t help but sigh.

“It’s difficult. The dynasty is different from the sect; many times it doesn’t look at talent but rather at one’s background, status, and experience. I lack all three, and after submitting the completion report for the town’s rebuilding, I haven’t heard anything since.”

“How could that be?”

Yang Lingrui was quite surprised. “With my family’s assistance, the construction was completed in less than half the original time, yet there was still no news?”

“Yeah, I thought this would bring about a turning point, but the reality is as such. The higher-ups know you have no backing; since you can manage, they allow you to do even more. As for promotions, it seems like only with age and experience can there be hope.”

Mayor Gao stood up and went to the window, gazing at the bright moon in the sky.

“Lingrui, sometimes I really envy you. As fellow cultivators, you should understand how hard it is to be stuck at your cultivation level and unable to make any progress.”

Yang Lingrui couldn’t help but sigh in response to his words.

The word “endure” expressed the bitterness Mayor Gao had experienced over the years.

But how was the Yang Family any different?

For the past fifty years, the Yang Family in Willow Leaf City had also been enduring, and their situation was even more difficult than the Liang Family’s later on.

If it weren’t for the day when a young man jumped into Fish Ridge River to save a cultivator, the Yang Family might have turned into a pot of meat soup by now, devoured by others.

Now, life had improved; the Yang Family seized a few opportunities and soared like a dragon, becoming the top power between the two towns.

But compared to true giants like the dynasty, sects, and great families, the Yang Family seemed as innocent as children playing in the streets.

The road ahead was still long, and they had to keep enduring.

Until when would they have to endure?

Yang Lingrui pondered many thoughts, finally landing on himself.

“Safety and danger, safety and danger; even in peaceful times, we must be vigilant.”

Yang Lingrui silently repeated in his heart, “With Condensing Essence not yet achieved and great undertakings not yet completed, one must never become complacent; one must continue to be diligent and cautious…”