Chapter Eleven: Patronage

“Take him down for treatment. If he doesn’t reach the peak of Qi Refinement, don’t let me see him again!”

Faced with Lady Yang’s weeping, Yang Huaiyun fell silent for a moment before barking out this order. Seeing that her tears could not move him and that he appeared even angrier, Lady Yang dared not linger with her sobbing. She quickly instructed two guards to carry Yang Qian away to seek the physician.

“Come in.”

Once Lady Yang had departed, Yang Huaiyun rubbed his temples wearily before addressing Yang Xuan.

Then he turned to the other two people in the room and said, “You may go. I have matters to discuss with Xuan.”

The Yang family’s second madam and her son, Yang Zhen, who had been sitting quietly all this time, respectfully saluted Yang Huaiyun before taking their leave. As he passed by, the somewhat delicate-looking Yang Zhen also offered Yang Xuan a respectful bow and said, “Elder brother, your journey overseas is fraught with peril; I hope you will take great care. Here, I wish you great fortune on your path to immortality, and may you be free from calamity.”

“Thank you, Zhen. I will be careful.”

Yang Xuan smiled gently. In contrast to the open hostility between Yang Qian and himself, this fourth brother, Yang Zhen, though once a competitor, had always maintained a fair rivalry. Since their competition was never malicious, Yang Xuan was happy to extend goodwill towards him.

Moreover, it must be said that if one were to choose Yang Huaiyun’s favorite son among his four sons, it would undoubtedly be Yang Zhen. In Yang Xuan’s view, if Yang Huaiyun really managed to obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill, the one to receive it would certainly be Yang Zhen. He was simply too clever—so clever that, despite being burdened with a useless spiritual root, he was still regarded by Yang Huaiyun as the family’s prodigy.

Once inside, Yang Huaiyun took out two transmission talismans and said, “Your sister and Mount Qiyun have both sent word. Mount Qiyun is willing to provide you with a batch of Blood Qi Pills worth two thousand spirit stones.

As for your brother-in-law…”

Mentioning Yang Xuan’s brother-in-law, his expression grew complicated. After a brief pause, he continued, “Your brother-in-law intends to sponsor you with an alchemist and a weapon refiner. In exchange, if you succeed in establishing yourself overseas and founding a family, he hopes you will fully support him in establishing a family of his own.”

Yang Xuan was taken aback. “Why? Has something happened in the Chen family? I recall my brother-in-law is the eldest legitimate son, isn’t he? The Chen family is an eighth-rank aristocratic clan, far greater than the Yang family of Huangfeng Mountain. Why would he seek to strike out on his own?”

The Chen family of Dongli, which held sway over Dongli County, was a true eighth-rank aristocratic house, with several Golden Core cultivators among its ranks. As a direct descendant, Yang Xuan’s brother-in-law, Chen Zhisheng, might not have wielded absolute power, but his resources and status far surpassed those of a ninth-rank feudal lord. He had always aspired to continue his cultivation within the family. That he now intended to break away clearly signaled some great upheaval within the Chen family.

Yang Huaiyun’s face grew grave as he replied, “Half a month ago, while escorting the Water of Faith from Dongli County to the Heavenly Profound Sect, the Chen family was ambushed by unknown assailants. All the escorts were killed, including your brother-in-law’s grandfather.”

At this, Yang Xuan’s heart skipped a beat. He could not shake the feeling that this incident was somehow connected to the Heavenly Profound Sect’s downfall two years from now, though he could not yet see how.

Yang Huaiyun went on, “The Chen family’s approach is different from ours. Most of the Yang family’s strength is scattered abroad, so we pay little heed to the main branch at Mount Qiyun. The Chen family, on the other hand, abides by the rule that whichever branch is strongest holds the reins of power.

Your brother-in-law’s line has governed the family for the past three centuries, and after gaining control, they purged and suppressed the collateral branches. Until now, they had managed to keep those branches under their heel. But with the recent death of Chen Chaoyuan, the collateral line suddenly revealed it had a hidden Golden Core cultivator.

As things stand, the collateral branch now surpasses the main line in strength. It will not be long before the balance of power shifts. Given how ruthlessly your brother-in-law’s line treated the collateral branch, their fate will be grim should the latter take control. That’s why your brother-in-law is considering striking out and founding his own family.”

He paused to look at Yang Xuan. “Establishing a family is no simple matter—earning the requisite merits is an enormous undertaking. If you find this condition too difficult, I can refuse it on your behalf. But if so, you’ll only be able to bring a low-level weapon refiner from Huangfeng Mountain overseas.”

“No need! Please inform my brother-in-law that I accept his terms. If I succeed, I will not forget those who aided me today, and I will do all in my power to help him found his own family.” Yang Xuan shook his head, expressing his willingness to accept the deal.

“A promising child indeed. You clearly understand the advantages of this bargain.”

Yang Huaiyun could not help but smile at Yang Xuan’s reply. At present, Yang Xuan was a commander with no troops—the dream of founding a family overseas was just that, a dream. To agree now to future payment was no great risk. What he needed most was to gather every possible ally and arm himself; only by becoming truly powerful could he earn enough merit to establish a ninth-rank power overseas.

As for the debt to be repaid, that could be handled in due course. Even if, in the end, he had to devote all his efforts to helping Chen Zhisheng establish a new family, as long as he tried his best, no one could fault him if things proved impossible.

After a moment, Yang Huaiyun’s face grew solemn. “But remember, Xuan, since you’ve made this promise to your brother-in-law, when the time comes, I hope you will give him your all. The same applies to Mount Qiyun—their support is not without strings attached. If they call upon you, you must step forward. This is the bare minimum for a member of an aristocratic family. Never break your sworn word.”

“Rest assured, Father. If I succeed, I will not forget those who have helped me today.”

Yang Xuan nodded gravely.

“Good. As long as you understand. It’s a pity our family has little influence in the Xuanshui Palace—otherwise your journey would be far easier.”

Yang Huaiyun sighed with some regret. One must not underestimate the value of family connections. In his day, it was not only his achievements in pioneering that allowed him to become master of Huangfeng Mountain, but also the strong support of the family’s networks. Many whose military merits surpassed his never received a fief.

Yang Xuan’s journey overseas would be far harder than his father’s. For one thing, supplies: back then, Yang Huaiyun could obtain provisions directly from Mount Qiyun on credit, without paying in spirit stones. Yang Xuan, however, would have to purchase everything himself at Xuanshui Palace. Nor was there anyone in the palace’s upper echelons to speak for him—he would have to earn his fief by merit alone.

“Don’t worry, Father. This world is never short of opportunities. Even if there are none, they can be created. In the end, it all depends on one’s own strength. If our ancestor could found the Yang family single-handedly, and now I have so much support, if I cannot succeed, it only proves I am unworthy of your hopes. Besides, I truly believe I am second to none.”

Yang Xuan spoke with confidence.

“Excellent! With such confidence, you are sure to win great success!”

At these words, Yang Huaiyun burst into hearty laughter.