Yun Tingxue sat quietly for a moment, the chaotic clues in her mind finally connecting into a clear thread—the distribution of powers in the cultivation world, the predicament of the Yun Clan, and her own delicate situation were all laid bare.
No matter what connection the Yun Clan here had to the family in her memories, whether this was a parallel universe or a grand dream, since she was standing here, she would live. For herself, and even more so for the Grandfather who genuinely cherished her in every world.
As for Yun Wanling... regardless of whether this Yun Wanling was the same person as the one she knew, past and present grievances would be settled together.
"Yun Shan," she said, looking up at the maidservant standing by.
"What are your orders, Young Lady?"
"Go invite the second young lady over. Say that I'm not feeling well and wish to see her."
"Yes, Young Lady." Yun Shan responded and withdrew.
After Yun Shan's footsteps faded, Yun Tingxue's figure flickered, and she silently slipped out of the room, heading straight for Yun Wanling's residence.
Years of "sisterly affection" had made her intimately familiar with her "sister's" habits.
She skillfully opened a hidden compartment deep within the wardrobe and, as expected, found a palm-sized ebony box, which was protected by a simple restrictive formation.
In the past, this formation might have been able to stop her for a moment. But now, with her greatly increased cultivation, she flicked her fingers, and Spiritual power lightly emanated, causing the formation to shatter like thin ice.
Inside the box lay a lustrous and flawless white jade pendant, upon which was clearly carved a vigorous and powerful character: "Xie"!
Yun Tingxue's heart sank abruptly—this was the Token of the Xiè Matriarch! Everything was self-evident.
She had never noticed Yun Wanling possessed such ambitions and methods before. Had she been too trusting, or had the other party disguised herself too well?
She carefully placed the jade pendant back, restored the formation, and then, like a falling leaf, silently slipped out through the window, returning to her own courtyard.
Not long after, Yun Shan returned to report: "Young Lady, the second young lady is here and is waiting outside."
Yun Tingxue leaned lazily against the couch. "Just say that I had some trouble circulating my Spiritual power earlier and need to rest. Tell her to go back for now."
Although Yun Shan found it strange, she still went to relay the message.
Outside, Yun Wanling heard the report and couldn't help but mutter to herself. She forcibly calmed herself, telling herself: It's fine, she didn't leave any evidence. She only leaked Yun Tingxue's situation and whereabouts to the Xie family. Half a year ago, when she secretly left the city, it was me who sent the information.
As for Yun Jinchuan and his son's affairs... that had nothing to do with her. She only felt sorry for her uncle and aunt, thinking that if Yun Tingxue remained unconscious, and Yun Chuan became the Clan Head, wouldn't the legitimate grandson of the main branch have no hope?
Besides, she was going to get married eventually. Even if she became the Clan Head, she wouldn't be able to hold onto the Yun Clan. Those so-called "pieces of evidence" were found by her uncle and aunt; what did it have to do with her?
And that jade pendant... without proof, who would dare search the room of the Yun family's second young lady? Thinking this, she felt somewhat reassured.
However... it was indeed strange that Yun Tingxue, upon waking, neither saw her Grandfather nor her. The Yun Tingxue she knew had always doted on her. Today, when she was the one who asked to see her, after waiting for half a day, she was simply sent away, claiming to be unwell... Could it be that her Soul Damage hadn't completely healed?
Before, the physician had said that soul injuries were extremely severe and might have prevented her from ever waking up. Now that she had woken up, could it be... that she had gone foolish?
Recalling that Yun Tingxue had immediately closed her door to cultivate upon waking, Yun Wanling felt more and more certain. The corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl into a smug smile.
Now she was also at Foundation Establishment Level 5. For years, she had helped manage the Yun Clan's affairs, and everything had been in order. At tomorrow's family meeting, the position of Clan Head would surely be within her grasp!
At that time, she would control the Yun Clan from within and rely on the Xie family from without. The eldest grandson of the Xie family had long been infatuated with her, and he had even gifted her the jade pendant symbolizing the matriarch's status. They would form an alliance as soon as she took the position of Clan Head.
At that time, who would dare look down on her, Yun Wanling? The more she thought about it, the more triumphant she felt, unable to suppress a low chuckle. This attracted glances from passing servants, who then hurriedly lowered their heads.
That night, Yun Tingxue quietly went to her Grandfather Yun Yanfeng's courtyard.
"Grandfather," she called out softly. The old man, who had been frowning in thought under the lamplight, suddenly looked up. Seeing his granddaughter safe and sound, his eyes immediately filled with joy and worry: "Xue'er! How are you? I heard that during the day..."
"Don't worry, Grandfather, I'm fine." Yun Tingxue quickly stepped forward, took her Grandfather's hand, and lowered her voice. "It's just that there are some things I need to let you know in advance..."
She recounted finding the jade pendant and her own speculations.
As Yun Yanfeng listened, the wrinkles on his face seemed to deepen, his eyes filled with heartache and complexity, finally turning into a long sigh: "It is my grandfather who is old and failed to see clearly... You have suffered, child. Do as you wish, and your Grandfather will always be on your side."
He then carefully examined Yun Tingxue's cultivation and found that she had actually broken through to Peak Foundation Establishment. He was both gratified and emotional, holding her hand and giving her advice for a long time.
After Yun Tingxue comforted her Grandfather and returned to her room, it was already late at night.
Just as she was about to rest, she saw a petite and delicate green head emerge from beside her pillow—a Little Green Snake, about an inch long, was looking at her curiously. Its big, round eyes were like two black jewels immersed in water, and it looked exceptionally docile and cute.
Yun Tingxue confronted it for a moment, then hesit