Chapter 108: The Taiji Diagram

In a secluded courtyard within the Martial Alliance headquarters, Ouyang Yi, Ye Lingyun, Qiu Xuanyuan, Ouyang Licheng, and a dozen others were gathered together.

The beautiful Qiu Xuanyuan was slowly brewing tea, her delicate face still slightly swollen—a lingering effect from the slap Ye Lingyun had dealt her.

“Everyone, please have some tea!” Qiu Xuanyuan first handed the first cup to Ouyang Yi, then the second to Ye Lingyun.

Ouyang Yi inhaled the fragrant aroma deeply and praised, “This tea is excellent! It seems, Lingyun, your beloved confidantes are all skilled at tea-making. Last time, Yuzhisha’s tea was also exceptional.”

The others nearby exchanged surprised glances at Ouyang Yi, unsure whether he was being intentional or careless to bring up Ye Lingyun’s old wound so directly. Mentioning Yuzhisha inevitably meant talking about Su Ye.

And Su Ye had only recently defeated Ye Lingyun!

Ye Lingyun appeared not to have heard anything unusual. Holding his teacup without moving, he said in a low voice, “Su Ye and I have been sworn enemies. He publicly humiliated Yuzhisha and also took over Huaping Manor from me. The next time we meet will be a battle to the death!”

“Ah, Lingyun, why rush so much? We all see it clearly—Su Ye isn’t truly your match. You were just holding back your cultivation to go easy on him.”

Ouyang Yi paused, then asked, “By the way, has Yuzhisha recovered? What are your plans next?”

“I originally planned to win the Thunder-Attracting Pearl and then take her to find Thunder City for treatment. But now, I need to wait a while longer. I have another way to find the legendary Thunder City. To be honest with the Alliance Leader, I once obtained an ancient scripture about Thunder City. There lies a great opportunity waiting for me!”

Ye Lingyun spoke confidently, an undeniable aura of power radiating from him. He believed that if he ventured to Thunder City, the great opportunity there would undoubtedly be his.

Nearby, Ouyang Licheng and Qiu Xuanyuan raised their cups in advance to toast Ye Lingyun’s assured victory.

However, Ouyang Yi furrowed his brow and said, “Su Ye has the Thunder-Attracting Pearl and Huaping Manor now. With these assets, he might follow in your footsteps and seek out Thunder City.”

“Ha ha ha, Alliance Leader, you’re overthinking it! Su Ye is fighting alone. Huaping Manor has been in my hands for quite some time; I’ve already emptied it of treasures and even destroyed the mountain’s energy veins. Moreover, they only have the right to use Huaping Manor for less than three years. Once three years pass, it must be returned to the Central Authority of Huaxia. I bet they’re all worried right now!” Ye Lingyun laughed loudly and drained his cup.

“Oh? Three years? Ha ha ha! That’s exactly what you call tasteless to eat but too precious to discard! Haha!”

…

In truth, just as Ouyang Yi and Ye Lingyun said, the entire Jiang family was sighing in frustration. What was initially a joyous matter had now become a burden.

Though three years was enough time to accomplish some things, creating greater benefits was impossible! There were many trees on the mountain, but were they planning to sell timber? Impossible! Sell the land? Even less likely, as the land didn’t belong to them.

As for planting anything, three years was far too short. Such a method of earning money was simply unsuitable for the Jiang family.

“I should have known long ago that someone like Ye Lingyun wouldn’t be so kind-hearted! Hmph—” Jiang Ziyang snorted coldly through clenched teeth, then casually ordered, “Go and search all around; see if there’s anything valuable.”

“Yes, family head!” The Jiang family members dispersed.

They needed to examine every building and forest in the manor carefully.

“You two, come with me. I’ll take you to a place I believe holds special value in Huaping Manor!” Jiang Ziyang beckoned to Su Ye and Jiang Liuying and led some attendants into the mountain.

The winding mountain path was often obscured by thick vegetation, and Uncle Zhong ahead frequently slashed at branches with his sharp sword to clear the way.

They walked a long distance without stopping.

Jiang Liuying grew impatient. “Dad, where are you taking us? There are so many mosquitoes! I didn’t bring any repellent, and I’m going to get bitten all over!”

Jiang Ziyang said, “You are a martial artist, yet you’ve caught a fever. You need to sweat it out now. When we get back, drink a bowl of bitter tea and you’ll feel better. Look at Su Ye—when has he ever been like you?”

Su Ye chimed in, “Some people are like flowers in a greenhouse, unable to endure hardship. You need to cultivate diligently and endure suffering. Once you reach the Qi Gathering stage, what fear do you have of mosquitoes? They won’t dare come near you.”

“Hmph! Why should I train hard? I’ll awaken my bloodline at eighteen. Do you think you’re so impressive? When that happens, I can knock you down with just one finger. Still dare to provoke me? Looking for a beating?”

Jiang Liuying pouted fiercely and shot a glare at her father, wondering who truly was her biological parent.

Then she deliberately ran a few steps ahead and grabbed the back of Su Ye’s clothes, making him lead the way.

“What are you doing? Let go!” Su Ye protested.

“You said mosquitoes don’t bite you at the Qi Gathering stage, right? If I get closer, they won’t bite me either.” Jiang Liuying pressed closer, almost leaning against Su Ye’s back.

“You’re just being lazy. How about I carry you up the mountain?”

“Really? Yay!” Jiang Liuying’s eyes sparkled with delight, overwhelmed by happiness.

“Get lost!”

“You get lost!”

“You—”

“You, you, you! Yes, you!”

Jiang Ziyang cleared his throat and sternly interrupted, “Enough! Stop arguing the moment you meet. Up ahead—do you see that platform halfway up the mountain?”

The Jiang family, accustomed to their bickering, smiled and turned their gaze toward the peculiar place ahead.

The unusual platform was built atop a small peak, completely leveled and paved with large, flat stones, forming a giant “Taiji Diagram” larger than a basketball court.

This Taiji Diagram, crafted with massive stones on the peak, was pristine and immaculate. Ahead lay a sloping mountainside, surrounded by howling peaks, all combining to create an ancient, elegant atmosphere.

“Hmm? Dad, isn’t this a place for martial artists to cultivate?” Jiang Liuying admired it. Even watching the sunrise here would be delightful.

“That’s right. Moreover, the mountain range here is, from a Feng Shui perspective, a dragon’s lair—a place of auspicious energy. Cultivating here will surely yield unexpected effects,” Jiang Ziyang said gravely.

Uncle Zhong, who had stayed silent until now, spoke up loudly, “Ancient texts say: ‘A mountain is famed not for its height but for its immortals; water is sacred not for its depth but for its dragons.’ The mountain range here wraps around and returns on both sides, resembling ‘Twin Flying Butterflies.’ If I’m not mistaken, beneath this Taiji Diagram must be many treasures hidden!”

“Treasures? Let’s go see!” Jiang Liuying was the first to dart onto the Taiji Diagram.

She sprang atop it, looking vibrant and spirited—like a sprite among the mountains. “Where could they be? Where?”

Judging by her demeanor, she seemed determined to overturn every stone before she’d be satisfied.

“Heh, daughter, the treasures must be well hidden. How could you find them so easily?” Jiang Ziyang also stepped onto the Taiji Diagram, but his smile quickly stiffened.

“Gone?” Uncle Zhong exclaimed, glancing swiftly at the “black and white eyes” of the Taiji Diagram—both were empty.

“What? This is the source of Feng Shui energy. If it’s been taken away, it’s useless!”

“Sigh, how could I forget? Ye Lingyun is a spiritual master who emerged from the ‘Killing, Breaking, and Wolf’ constellation. He must have discovered these energy veins. I never imagined he’d destroy them without leaving anything for us!” Jiang Ziyang sighed heavily.

They had hoped that even with only three years, the Jiang descendants could cultivate well.

Unexpectedly, Ye Lingyun had been ruthless.

Even the sole energy vein was destroyed, leaving nothing of value.

Su Ye felt a pang of bitterness. The prize he had fought so desperately to win was worthless. Even Jiang Ziyang and Uncle Zhong, seasoned and knowledgeable, deemed it useless. Huaping Manor truly was nothing more than a burden.

Su Ye then stepped onto the Taiji Diagram himself, but suddenly, his heart jolted. “Hmm? Wait… there’s something here!”