In the end, everyone's gaze fell upon the patriarch. Everyone knew that the final decision rested with him.
The Yan Clan patriarch pondered for a moment. "Elder Liang, you've been stationed in the Yun Tuo Mountain region for years. How confident are you that there's a spirit vein there?"
"Patriarch, I've been studying Yun Tuo Mountain all these years, and I firmly believe there is a spirit vein. However, my abilities are limited—I haven't been able to piece all the clues together into conclusive evidence. If I could obtain such evidence, I would immediately present it to the patriarch for your judgment!"
The Yan Clan had many elders, each overseeing different affairs. Elder Liang was clearly the one in charge of the Yun Tuo Mountain area.
"How many people in our Eternal Sacred Kingdom, do you think, could conduct such a survey?" the patriarch asked in a low voice.
"I wouldn't dare presume, but I doubt more than five people in the Eternal Sacred Kingdom could identify it. However, none of them can be invited—even if they locate the spirit vein, it won't belong to our Yan Clan. It would only benefit those individuals."
The patriarch nodded slightly. "Keep a close eye on this matter. For now, it's not wise to make any major moves. If you believe this Shao Yuan has the talent, you can take him to have a look. But remember—nothing should be rushed, and we absolutely cannot provoke any conflict."
The Yan Clan simply could not afford any more disputes. They no longer had the capital to stir up trouble.
Pressure from every direction already had them in a frenzy. If they also damaged their relationship with the Feng Clan, it would be adding frost to snow.
"Alright, let's leave the matter of Yun Tuo Mountain here. Does anyone have anything else to say?" The patriarch swept his gaze around the room.
"I have one more matter to report, Patriarch," Elder He suddenly spoke up.
"Speak."
"It concerns Miss Huang'er. In the Blue Smoke Island Domain, the royal family held a martial tournament for a marriage alliance..." Elder He then recounted how Huang'er had disguised herself as a man, as well as the matter of the Blue Smoke Island Domain's princess, in full detail.
When Elder He finished, the clan elders present all wore peculiar expressions. Clearly, they found Huang'er's behavior to be quite absurd.
The patriarch laughed. "This sort of thing isn't really harmful. Though the Blue Smoke Island Domain's royal family may be somewhat displeased, our Yan Clan needn't concern ourselves with their feelings. Besides, it's actually a good thing that Huang'er and that princess became sworn sisters. Tell me—what is Princess Bi's character and talent like?"
"Both are absolutely top-tier," Elder He couldn't help but praise.
"Oh? Then we should nurture Princess Bi well. If someday she catches the eye of some family's genius in the Eternal Sacred Kingdom, it wouldn't be a bad thing for our Yan Clan."
The patriarch's idea happened to align perfectly with that of the Blue Smoke Island Domain's royal family.
"Patriarch is wise. I've observed this girl—she possesses a naturally unique aura. Cold as ice, independent and unconventional, her temperament truly stands out. Had she been born in our Yan Clan, her bearing might not be inferior to Huang'er's. They could even be called two equally brilliant stars."
"Oh?" The patriarch's eyes brightened further. Huang'er was a genius acknowledged by all ten great sacred kingdoms, someone worthy of contending for the top among the Sixteen Golden Beauties.
If not for the matter with Xiahou Zong, Huang'er's talent and appearance would absolutely have been enough to marry into the most prestigious powers—perhaps even into the Eternal Sacred Land itself.
If Princess Bi was truly that exceptional, she could perfectly fill the void left by Huang'er.
Huang'er had been claimed by Xiahou Zong, but Princess Bi could be groomed as the Yan Clan's other genius girl, ascending to the ranks of the Sixteen Golden Beauties.
...
Meanwhile, Huang'er led Ling Bi'er back to her own courtyard at last. All of Huang'er's personal guards and maidservants were stationed in the outer perimeter.
Once they arrived at the Eternal Sacred Kingdom, these guards and maids naturally no longer had any say in the matter.
"Sister Bi'er, we can finally talk freely!" Back in her own courtyard, Huang'er finally released the weight on her heart.
Along the way, she had been under surveillance—she couldn't even voice her true thoughts, only making idle conversation with Ling Bi'er about Wanyuan Island.
Ling Bi'er had been equally perceptive, refraining from bringing up their shared past.
Only now, hearing Huang'er speak this way, did Ling Bi'er finally feel a measure of relief in her heart.
"This is where I grew up, and no one is allowed to barge in. Whatever you say within these walls is safe. You don't need to worry about anyone eavesdropping."
Hearing this, the great weight in Ling Bi'er's heart also lifted. Her bright eyes gazed at Huang'er as she sighed softly: "Sister Huang'er, back at Danqian Palace, I only thought your eyes were beautiful and pure. I never imagined that your true face would be so extraordinary—it's truly breathtaking."
"Hehe, back at Danqian Palace, I had my reasons for using disguise techniques. Oh, Sister Bi'er—how did you end up on Wanyuan Island? All these years, I didn't know you were here, or I would have gone searching for you long ago. You have no idea—after you disappeared, Brother Chen looked for you many times, asking about your whereabouts everywhere."
"Brother Chen? You mean... Junior Brother Jiang Chen?" Ling Bi'er's delicate frame trembled slightly. Hearing Jiang Chen's name so suddenly, she couldn't suppress the surge of emotion in her heart.
"Yes," Huang'er replied, seeing Ling Bi'er's reaction and knowing that this ice-cold sister had never truly forgotten the feelings she once held for Jiang Chen.
"Is he... is Junior Brother Jiang well? Sister Huang'er, you're from Wanyuan Island—how did you end up in the Human Domain?" Ling Bi'er was filled with questions.
"Don't worry, he's well. Not only is he fine—your father, your sister, and many of your fellow disciples are all doing well."
"Really?" Upon hearing this, Ling Bi'er could no longer contain her emotions. Her eyes reddened slightly. If not for her naturally restrained temperament, she might have broken into tears right then.