Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8551: Ghostly shadow (1)

Yu Qing served as an elder within the Yin Ghost Sect, yet he wielded no true authority. In truth, his position was limited to that of an elder on the modest Yin Wind Ghost Island. Far from reaching the status of an Island Lord, his strength remained confined to the Refinement Realm. No one suspected his hidden heritage, as he never uttered a word about his true origins as a descendant of the Yu family from the renowned Yin Yang Sect.

It is doubtful anyone in the Yin Yang Sect remembers the Yu family today. However, a century ago, the name would have commanded instant recognition, for the Yu family was a formidable clan with a thousand-year legacy. At its peak, the family boasted several elders within the Yin Yang Sect—high-ranking figures comparable to the six great elders of the Bloody Murder Sect, wielding immense and terrifying power.

Alas, that was two hundred years ago. Following the demise of a key elder who possessed real influence, the Yu family began its slow decline. Although a few Island Lord-level experts remained, their prestige waned. Another century passed, and after these remaining experts fell, the family’s descent into obscurity was cemented.

One night, a horde of experts assaulted the Yu family residence. The slaughter was absolute, leaving only Yu Qing alive. He survived purely because his existence was a secret at the time. After his birth, Yu Qing was raised by family servants on an island belonging to the Yin Ghost Sect. Later, he joined the sect itself. The Yu family had orchestrated this plan in hopes of acquiring the Yin Ghost Sect’s cultivation techniques, intending to use them to bolster their own strength and bring the young man back to the clan at the opportune moment.

Yu Qing was essentially a secret agent; ironically, this status was his salvation. Because nobody knew he existed, he was spared during the annihilation. As his contact with the clan had always been strictly one-way, he remained isolated from the tragic fate that befell his relatives.

Despite his survival, the destruction of his clan left him consumed by inner demons. His cultivation progress stagnated, transforming him from a promising genius into a mediocre cultivator. For years, he pursued the truth, desperate for vengeance.

Though embedded in the Yin Ghost Sect, he maintained the remnants of his family’s old network, utilizing whatever limited influence he still commanded. Investigations eventually yielded results: he discovered that the Tang family, a rival clan within the Yin Yang Sect, was responsible for the massacre.

As an ancient lineage, the Tang family had been long-standing allies of the Yu family. The dynamic was specific: the patriarch of the Tang family had once been a servant to the head of the Yu family. Over time, owing to his talent and the support of his master, the Tang leader had grown strong enough to earn his independence, forming his own clan.

The two families were the most prominent allies in the Yin Yang Sect, with the Tangs maintaining a facade of servitude to gain the Yu family's absolute trust. No one could have guessed that the Tang patriarch harbored deep resentment over being suppressed. He conspired with other Yin Yang Sect elders to assassinate the Yu clan’s powerful Grand Elder, subsequently picking off their Island Lord-level experts and finally unleashing the full might of the Tang clan to eradicate them completely.

With the annihilation complete, the Tang family seized all the Yu family’s assets. This discovery fueled Yu Qing’s desire for revenge. However, the Tang family was now a juggernaut. While they lacked elders with direct power in the sect, they possessed nearly 30 Island Lord-level experts, making them a top-tier force within the Yin Yang Sect.

Knowing his enemy but lacking the means to strike back left Yu Qing in a state of hopeless despair, further hindering his cultivation. Now, he remained a minor elder on an obscure island. While his material needs were met, vengeance seemed forever out of reach.

Fortunately, loyal servants remained by his side, managing the small enterprises the Yu family had established to support him. His daily life was stable, but his spirit was driven by ruin. Despite being a hundred years old—a young age for a cultivator—he appeared to be a man in his sixties, weighed down by his unending sorrow.

Cultivators rarely show their age so blatantly. Usually, a centenarian would appear to be in the prime of their twenties or thirties. That Yu Qing looked so aged was a testament to the toll his resentment had taken on his vitality.

Most Yin Ghost Sect members shroud themselves in black robes, so his premature aging went unnoticed by strangers. Only his loyal servants witnessed his true state, and their silence remained absolute.

One day, after finishing his meditation in his small, private courtyard, Yu Qing sat in quiet contemplation. His status as a modest Refinement Realm elder granted him this small, isolated living space. He rarely ventured out, preferring to spend his time training or obsessing over his revenge.

As he rested, a sharp knock cut through the silence. Reaching out with his senses, Yu Qing identified the caller: the very man who had raised him. This elderly servant remained steadfastly loyal, ensuring that no servants fled when the family collapsed and meticulously managing their remaining resources. Driven by deep respect, Yu Qing treated him as an uncle.

Rising quickly, Yu Qing opened the gate and bowed. Uncle Yi, what brings you here? Is something wrong? He ushered the old man inside, noticing his urgent demeanor. Once they were within the walls, the old man quickly secured the gate and gestured toward the main room.

Sensing the gravity of the situation, Yu Qing guided him inside and erected a protective barrier. Once the room was sealed, Uncle Yi let out a ragged breath. Young Master, I have news. Have you heard of the Ghost Shadow Group?

Yu Qing blinked, taken aback. The Ghost Shadow Group? What is that? It sounds like some band of brigands. Is this related to the Ghostwind bandits? He naturally associated the name with the notorious local gang.

Uncle Yi shook his head. Not at all. The Ghost Shadow Group is a new organization of assassins. I have heard they accept all manner of missions for a reasonable price. Young Master, we have accumulated some savings. I believe we could hire them to deal with the Tang family.

Yu Qing frowned immediately. Uncle Yi, I have never heard of this group, and their capabilities are unknown. Dealing with the Tang family is no simple matter. Even the Rahu Sect wouldn't dare strike at them openly, given their many experts. Why would this group accept such a life-threatening mission?

While the Rahu Sect was a notorious organization of assassins, they followed strict operational principles. They avoided targeting high-ranking Island Lords as it risked inciting a full-scale feud with powerful sects. They generally confined their contracts to smaller targets. For a massive, well-defended power like the Tang family—boasting over 30 Island Lord-level experts—no assassin organization would dare intervene.

To Yu Qing, this so-called Ghost Shadow Group sounded like a minor outfit, likely incapable of such a feat. Thinking it a foolish proposition, he remained skeptical.

Uncle Yi, sensing the young man's disbelief, spoke firmly. Young Master, I have researched them. It is rumored they have already assassinated Island Lord-level experts, including a master from the Fierce Sword Sect. The target has already been eliminated, though news hasn't fully surfaced. I believe they possess the courage to accept this contract; we only need to discuss the price.