Legacy of the Spirit Stone-Chapter 46 – Success is not yet achieved; one still has to 'endure'

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Gao Hui then took out a map from his storage bag and spread it on the table.
This was a regional map centered around White Stone Town. He pointed to a darker-colored depression south of White Stone Town.
"This area belongs to Windridge Town. Not long ago, a group of tomb raiders uncovered the entrance to an underground ancient tomb here. The entrance is protected by a restriction, which ordinary people cannot break through. It seems unusual, and preliminary judgment suggests it might be the relic of a prominent family from ancient times."
"After surveying the area, Windridge Town realized they couldn't handle it alone, so they passed the news to the other towns, hoping we could assist by sending cultivators to explore the ancient tomb together."
"Given the current situation in the Eight Towns of Moonwatch, you, Patriarch Yang, are aware that there aren't many families that can send cultivators. Although there are some risks, I believe this is an opportunity."
Yang Lingqing fell into contemplation after hearing this.
Gao Hui had been evaluated by Yang Guanfeng before he left, and he was deemed trustworthy.
The Yang Clan and White Stone Town had evolved from a simple interest-based relationship to an alliance, so Yang Lingqing did not doubt his information and motives.
However, deciding who to send required discussion with Elder Yu.
"Let me discuss this with the elders at home, and then I'll get back to you, Mayor," Yang Lingqing said.
"No problem. I'll be leaving with my people in three days. Once you've made a decision, just send someone to find me in White Stone Town."
After Gao Hui left, Yang Lingqing sought out Elder Yu and informed him of the matter.
"Gao Hui is right. At times like this, many families can't spare the manpower, so it is indeed a good opportunity."
Elder Yu said, "Lingqing, who do you think would be suitable to send?"
Yang Lingqing thought for a moment and said, "Lingrui and Zhao Qi."
"Lingrui..."
Hearing Yang Lingrui's name, Elder Yu hesitated.
Because of the child's outstanding talent, he was somewhat reluctant to let him take risks outside.
"I understand Elder Yu's concerns, but you also know that a cultivator's strength is not just about their cultivation level."
Yang Lingqing said, "If one only stays at home to cultivate without experiencing trials and tribulations, it will be difficult to achieve the great path."
"That's true... Alas, I'm getting old, becoming so cautious and worried," Elder Yu said, shaking his head.
That evening, after Yang Lingrui finished his cultivation, Yang Lingqing informed him of the matter.
Learning that he could go out to explore, Yang Lingrui immediately became interested.
"Great, I've been feeling restless lately, wanting to go out and explore. This ancient tomb seems like a good place to visit."
Elder Yu also informed Zhao Qi, and early the next morning, after paying respects to Chen Yang, Yang Lingrui set off with Zhao Qi for White Stone Town.
His cultivation level was concealed to appear as if he had just broken through to the Qi Condensation Third Layer, making it difficult for non-Core Formation cultivators to discern. It was a form of insurance.
As the Yang Clan's treasured protector, Chen Yang discreetly took action as well, separating two small pieces of his consciousness to guard the two's spiritual seas at the top of their heads.
This was the only way he could assist the Yang Clan beyond the range of his consciousness. The rest would depend on them.
Upon reaching the town's entrance, a Qi Condensation Second Layer cultivator from the town lord's mansion was already waiting. Seeing the two, he approached them.
"Welcome, fellow Daoists. Please follow me into the town."
It was the first time both Yang Lingrui and Zhao Qi had come to White Stone Town. The former rarely left home due to constant cultivation, while the latter had 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 entering the town was a blessing. Otherwise, they might have perished during the town's fall.
It just goes to show that fortune and misfortune are unpredictable.
"Lingrui is here, and this must be Immortal Master Zhao Qi. Please come in!"
Gao Hui welcomed them into the mansion, where two other cultivators were already present.
Seeing the two enter, they all stood up and saluted.
"Greetings to the esteemed cultivators of the Yang Clan."
These two, like Zhao Qi, were only at the Qi Condensation First Layer, highlighting the significant impact of the dynasty's selection of personnel on local families.
Not to mention Mid Qi Condensation, the entire White Stone Town couldn't even produce a Second or Third Layer cultivator.
Yang Lingrui, now displaying the Qi Condensation Third Layer, was already an unattainable existence for many families.
"This person's aura is so strong; he must be at the Qi Condensation Third Layer."
"For them to send out a Third Layer cultivator, there must be other experts in the family. The Yang Clan's strength is indeed formidable, as rumored."
The two thought to themselves.
"Alright, now that everyone is here, please take a seat."
Gao Hui then informed everyone about the route for this journey, the current information about the ancient tomb, and other various matters.
The ancient tomb was still ten days' journey from White Stone Town. Gao Hui planned to have the four of them join forces with the cultivator teams from Willow Leaf and Clear River the next day before setting off together.
With more people, they could look out for each other on the road.
That evening, Gao Hui visited Yang Lingrui.
"Lingrui, your cultivation speed is truly enviable."
"Haha, Mayor Gao, you know it's all thanks to the family's spirit liquid that I've achieved what I have today," Yang Lingrui replied with a smile.
Gao Hui shook his head. "Ah, you can't say that. Even with spirit liquid, it still needs to be refined. This is all a result of your own cultivation."
Yang Lingrui smiled again at his words and then asked, "I'm curious, now that White Stone Town has been rebuilt and the situation within the dynasty has stabilized, what are Mayor Gao's plans?"
He wasn't referring to the future development of White Stone Town but rather to Gao Hui personally.
"Ah..."
At this point, Gao Hui couldn't help but sigh.
"It's difficult. Unlike sects, the dynasty often values background, connections, and experience over talent. I lack all three. After the town's reconstruction was completed, I submitted a , but there has been no response since."
"How could that be?"
Yang Lingrui was somewhat surprised. "With our family's help, the construction period was more than halved, yet there's no news?"
"Yes, I thought this accomplishment would bring a breakthrough, but reality is harsh. They know you have no backing, so if you're capable, they'll just have you do more. As for promotion, it seems only age and experience will bring hope."
Gao Hui stood by the window, gazing at the bright moon in the sky.
"Lingrui, sometimes I really envy you all. As fellow cultivators, you should understand how unbearable it is to suppress your cultivation and make no progress."
Yang Lingrui couldn't help but sigh at his words.
The word "endure" encapsulated Gao Hui's years of hardship.
But wasn't it the same for the Yang Clan?
For the past fifty years, the Yang Clan had been enduring bit by bit in Willow Leaf City, even more precarious than the later Liang family.
If not for that day at Fish Ridge River, when a young man jumped into the water to save a cultivator, the Yang Clan might have been "endured" into a pot of meat soup, consumed by others.
Now, life was better. The Yang Clan seized several opportunities and rose like a flood dragon, becoming a top force between the two towns.
But compared to true giants like the dynasty, sects, and prominent families, the Yang Clan was like a child playing in the streets.
In the days to come, there was still a long road ahead, and they had to continue "enduring."
How long would they have to endure?
Yang Lingrui pondered this over and over, and ultimately, it fell upon himself.
"Safety and danger, be vigilant in times of peace."
Yang Lingrui silently recited in his heart, "Without achieving Core Formation, without accomplishing great deeds, I must not be complacent. I must remain diligent and cautious..."
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