"Clan Leader, the Shen and Gan clans have sent word. They say that if we don’t abide by the rules set by the Four Great Clans, they won’t either."
Shi Honghong’s expression stiffened.
After Yongan City had stabilized, only the Four Great Clans remained. To preserve that fragile peace, they had agreed upon a set of rules: no clan could launch a surprise attack on another, or they would face united sanctions from the other three; and if all four clans desired the same resource, it had to be obtained through fair competition. Many other such agreements existed as well.
Though there had always been quiet rivalry between the clans, none had ever crossed that line. This was why the Four Great Clans had managed to coexist peacefully for so long. Recently, the Shi Clan had focused solely on matters involving the Chen Clan and had not clashed with the other two.
So what did this message mean?
"Investigate. Find out what’s happened recently."
Orders went out, and soon the clan had gathered information. Once Shi Honghong heard the full account, his expression darkened.
The Shi Clan had stayed away for a reason: they had already acted against the Chen Clan, who likely knew it was their doing. Visiting again now would only invite embarrassment. Besides, the Blood Rice the Chen Clan was selling was too little to be of real use.
That was the truth behind their absence. But the Xie Clan had also not gone—and that hinted at a secret arrangement. It seemed the Xie Clan intended to monopolize the Blood Rice, causing the other two clans to misunderstand.
Understanding the situation, Shi Honghong immediately ordered his people to send a message explaining the truth.
Just then, an elder spoke up. "Clan Leader, I think we should discuss this. By the timing, Xie Yanmo should have already come out of seclusion, yet we’ve heard nothing. The Xie Clan has been unusually quiet."
Shi Honghong paused in thought before nodding gravely. The clan had been so preoccupied with the Chen Clan that, without the elder’s reminder, he might have forgotten. Their greatest rival wasn’t the small Chen Clan—it was the Xie Clan, whose strength exceeded theirs. Without knowing the Xie Clan’s current state, it was hard to rest easy.
This was a chance—an opportunity to probe the Xie Clan by joining forces with the other two clans. With that in mind, Shi Honghong summoned his people again and had them revise the message with a different story.
…
"Qingmeng, what’s this thing?"
In the depths of the Chaotic Burial Mountains, Chen Qinghe pointed at a purple plant on the ground, confusion written across his face.
He studied diligently—at least, when he pretended to—but Chen Qingmeng was far more gifted in such matters. Hearing the question, Qingmeng leaned over to examine the plant.
It wasn’t tall—only about the length of an arm. Its entire body was a deep violet, with crooked stems curling into a perfect circle. After a moment’s study, Qingmeng spoke with great seriousness.
"I read in a book that this might be Purple Chariot Root. Look at these stems—they’re just like wheels."
"Yeah, they do look like wheels. All right, I’ll make a note of it! But to think there’s an entire mountain of Purple Chariot Root here… I wonder if it’s worth anything."
Up in the treetops, Chen Qingyu—who had seemed indifferent before—perked up at their conversation. She opened the book in her hands and quickly found the entry for Purple Chariot Root. After reading the description, she gave the two below a complicated glance.
Forget it. With so few clansmen left, every young member was a treasure. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to check on the others.
While Chen Qinghe and Qingmeng studied the plant, Chen Qingyu silently slipped away from the treetop. The clan wanted its youths to gain experience, but someone still had to watch over them from the shadows. With Chen Tianyu and Chen Tianjing both immersed in cultivation, she was the only one with the strength and time to do so.
"Come on, Qingmeng, let’s try somewhere else!"
Having finished his notes, Chen Qinghe rose quickly and started forward. But there was no reply from behind him.
He frowned, puzzled, and turned to look. A trace of confusion crossed his face as his gaze swept the surroundings.
"Qingmeng? Where did you go? Qingmeng, come out! Don’t scare me!"
His voice echoed, but no answer came. The silence made his expression tighten, and he began searching frantically.
…
Elsewhere in the Chaotic Burial Mountains, a man in plain robes walked slowly toward the Chen Clan’s market.
The market bustled with life. Since the mountain roads had opened, many outsiders had arrived—not for ordinary goods, but for the grain grown in the mountain fields. Though not as potent as Blood Rice, it had been touched by the Heavenly Blood Spring. It tasted far better than common grain and, eaten regularly, could strengthen the body slightly.
Upon arriving, many discovered that the mountains offered more than grain—there were other valuable resources as well. The market grew lively with traders and wanderers, and even nearby villages saw unfamiliar faces settling in.
The man in plain robes wandered without buying, simply looking around. The villagers selling odds and ends were used to such passersby and paid him little attention. They all knew the value of jade coins now; even a single feather cost two of them.
Don’t ask why—someone once bought one for a single jade coin. A feather worth that much couldn’t be ordinary.
Though the price was high, many outsiders came just to see the so-called "two-jade-coin feather." The man paused at the stall, then quietly paid two jade coins for a tricolored feather.
"Huh?"
"Tch, another sucker!"
"These feathers sell so well? Why can’t I sell mine?"
"Third Brother, you’ve got luck again!"
Nearby villagers who recognized the stall owner teased and muttered among themselves. Third Brother only grinned with rustic cheer.
After the purchase, the man vanished into the crowd. But when the market emptied and Third Brother pushed his cart home, the man reappeared, blocking his way.
Recognizing his earlier customer, Third Brother’s smile widened. "Customer, want more feathers? I’ve got plenty!"
"I’ll buy another feather," the man said, "if you answer a few questions."
Third Brother blinked, but at the sight of the jade coin, he nodded eagerly. "Ask away! If I know, I’ll tell you everything."