Translator: CinderTL
After walking for a long time, as dusk approached, a strangely shaped mountain loomed ahead. Its steep, vertical cliffs resembled an upright ruler, hence its name: Ruler Mountain. The Yang Family of Ruler Mountain derived their name from this very peak.
Wang Ying quickened his pace to catch up with Xu Sanyan, pointing to the village built against the mountain's flank. "Brother Lin, we've arrived at the Yang Family of Ruler Mountain."
"Brother Wang?"
A surprised voice called out from the shadows. A figure darted from the forest, hurrying to greet them.
Xu Sanyan sized up the newcomer: a middle-aged man with an unattractive face and a cultivation level only at the Foundation Establishment Realm.
"Young Master Yang," Wang Ying greeted with a calm nod, then introduced them. "This is Young Master Lin, who will be succeeding the fourth elder. And this is Yang Zhao, the Yang Family's third young master."
Yang Zhao's expression shifted in surprise as he studied the young man before him. He hadn't expected him to be so young. "Young Master Lin truly possesses extraordinary talent and remarkable potential," he exclaimed repeatedly.
Though the man's appearance was lacking, his judgment seemed sound enough.
Xu Sanyan inwardly agreed with Yang Zhao's assessment, but his expression remained cold as he waved dismissively, unwilling to waste time on pleasantries. "I've come specifically regarding the mineral vein."
Yang Zhao's heart leaped with joy. Finally, the moment has arrived!
The Yang Family had suffered greatly because of this mineral vein. Suspended Bitter Mountain's strength far surpassed theirs, and only the Wang Family's rules had prevented their annihilation.
In truth, the Yang Family had discovered the vein first and immediately reported it. Yet somehow, Suspended Bitter Mountain had learned of it. To force the Yang Family to withdraw, they had resorted to both overt and covert tactics, making their lives a living hell. Now, the Wang Family had finally arrived.
This small vein meant little to the Wang Family, who paid it little attention. But to the Yang Family and Suspended Bitter Mountain, it was a juicy piece of meat. Even a forty percent share would bring substantial income.
Their days of living under another's roof had been bitter indeed.
Yang Zhao grew even more enthusiastic, leading the way while recounting, "We've been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Ever since we discovered the vein, Suspended Bitter Mountain has been relentless in their attempts to force us out. They've even disregarded the Wang Family's prohibitions, secretly sending assassins to kill our clansmen. Even my second brother..."
As he spoke, a hint of sorrow flickered in his eyes, though whether it was genuine grief or a performance remained unclear.
Xu Sanyan rolled his eyes. Does he think I'm some righteous magistrate?
"Still complaining?"
Xu Sanyan had two goals for this trip. First, he wanted to make Suspended Bitter Mountain suffer a bit, give them a warning, and seize more pool milk while he was at it.
Second...
He remembered Wang Ying's description of the Yang Family women of Ruler Mountain: delicate figures, exquisite curves, light as a feather in one's arms, and capable of effortless intimacy in any position. Once tasted, they would leave a man longing for more.
Xu Sanyan was intrigued. Could they really be more skilled than Lanlan of the ghost city?
He doubted it.
When the group arrived at Yang Family Village, a crowd was already waiting at the gate. Leading them was an old man, short in stature with a ruddy complexion and remarkably vigorous for his age. Seeing the visitors, he boomed with laughter,
"Hahahaha... Forgive this old man for not greeting you sooner!"
Wang Ying whispered, "That's the Yang Family Patriarch."
Yang Zhao stepped forward. "Father, this is Young Master Lin, who will be taking over the fourth elder's duties."
The Yang Family Patriarch was visibly surprised. This young man wasn't a Wang, yet he was assuming a Wang Family position. He must possess extraordinary abilities.
Reacting swiftly, he clasped his hands in a respectful bow. "Young Master Lin, you are truly a man of exceptional talent."
Xu Sanyan's lips twitched. Father and son both used nearly identical flattery.
"Please, come inside quickly."
Entering the village, they were led to the main hall where everyone took their seats.
A Yang Family maiden stepped forward to pour tea. Xu Sanyan observed her carefully, nodding in satisfaction—Wang Ying hadn't lied.
The girl stood just over four cun tall, her petite frame barely reaching his chest. She wore a long, azure-blue dress, her hair pinned up with a jade hairpin. Her delicate feet, clad in cloth shoes, peeked out from beneath the hem with each step, adding to her fragile charm.
The maiden lowered her head slightly, a blush rising on her round cheeks as she grew self-conscious under his gaze, quickening her pace.
That blend of youthful innocence and bashful shyness only enhanced her allure. Even though Xu Sanyan had been busy all night, his interest was piqued once more.
The Yang Family Patriarch, seeing Xu Sanyan's lingering gaze on the tea-pouring maiden, immediately understood his intentions. He quickly urged him to stay, "It is an honor to meet Young Master Lin today. Please, stay a few days as our guest, so we may properly extend our hospitality."
"This..." Xu Sanyan feigned reluctance. "Wouldn't it interfere with my business?"
"Nonsense!" The Yang Family Patriarch waved his hand dismissively. "A few days won't matter at all."
Though he spoke casually, his heart was filled with anxiety. Yang Family members stationed at the mines had been disappearing daily. He had been eagerly awaiting the Wang Family's arrival to resolve the matter swiftly.
Yet he had to prioritize serving Xu Sanyan well, for the young master held the power to decide who would control the mining rights.
If he failed to serve Xu Sanyan well, the mining rights would be granted to Suspended Bitter Mountain, rendering the recent deaths of the Yang Family members meaningless.
Unable to refuse, Xu Sanyan reluctantly nodded. "Since that's the case, I'll humbly accept your offer."
As he spoke, his gaze lingered on the woman's retreating figure. Soon, they would be intimately acquainted.
This was the true benefit of power and status. Xu Sanyan needed only a glance, not a word, and someone would naturally cleanse the woman and place her in his bed, even instructing her to serve him well.
Xu Sanyan sighed inwardly. This is the real reward of cultivation, he mused. Ascending to immortality is glorious, but the journey itself holds its own allure.
Wang Mingxin, standing beside him, showed no reaction. Men will be men, she thought. A little lust is nothing; I'm used to it.
Every man in the Wang Family was lustful, even her father, the Wang Clan Head, was no exception. He had four formally married Madams, over a dozen concubines, and hundreds of maids—many of whom were distant relatives from the Wang Family's collateral branches, tracing their lineage back to a common ancestor.
But what did it matter?
Who dared to risk death by gossiping?
Did they truly believe the Wang Clan Head's void harmony realm cultivation level was merely for show?
In this world, as long as you have the power, you can indulge in lust, even cannibalism.
Wang Ying and Wang Yu exchanged glances, their lips curling into faint smiles. Ah, lust... how delightful.
The Yang Family Patriarch called out, "Prepare a feast! Bring out my treasured White Bamboo Wine. Tonight, Young Master Lin and I shall drink until we're thoroughly drunk!"
Xu Sanyan clasped his hands in a respectful bow, a grin spreading across his face. "Then I shall risk my life to keep you company, my lord."
The banquet table groaned under the weight of dozens of dishes, a dazzling array of delicacies Xu Sanyan had never seen before. Yet the most prized treasure was the jar of White Bamboo Wine, a type of Spirit Wine with a rich, potent flavor that could enhance one's cultivation level.
Xu Sanyan scoffed at the meager cultivation boost, but the wine's exquisite taste was enough to satisfy his gluttonous desires.
The feast unfolded in high spirits, host and guests alike reveling in the revelry until the late hours. Xu Sanyan was led to his guest room, while Wang Ying and the others naturally had their own arrangements.
Creak—
The door swung open, moonlight streaming through the crack to illuminate the bed.
Upon the bed lay a delicate, snow-white figure, her skin glowing under the lunar glow. It was the same woman who had served tea earlier.
Xu Sanyan rubbed his hands together, a lecherous grin spreading across his face. "Heh heh heh, little beauty, I'm here~"
The woman's body stiffened, her pale, slender toes curling tightly. Her voice trembled as she pleaded, "Young master, please be gentle with me~"
(End of the Chapter)
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