Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1249 - 818: Soul Crow Divination Skill (Part 2)

Yet, the gray mist swiftly reformed, appearing only slightly fainter compared to earlier.

"It’s me! This is my spell!" Yang Zhenshan declared again.

At that moment, the Green Wolf King finally comprehended, gazing at the tiny soul crow in front of him with doubtful eyes.

Yang Zhenshan ignored him completely now and directed the soul crow once more to soar toward the north.

As the separation widened more and more, the soul crow finally arrived at the boundary of the Spirit Source Land, at which point he made it turn back.

"The soul crow forms from soul power and transports my consciousness. Without my direct guidance, it turns into an inert item that doesn't move independently, yet it captures the surrounding events, much like a recording device."

"The longer the range, the more soul power it drains. Covering a thousand miles brings no strain; apparently, I could handle even five or six thousand miles."

"It lacks any fighting ability, but its stealth stands out superbly, and physical strikes don't harm it, although mana strikes and divine soul attacks likely threaten it!"

"An outstanding spell indeed!"

After running several tests, Yang Zhenshan offered his pleased assessment.

...

In the fifty-first year of the Spirit Source, during springtime.

Six months had passed since Yang Zhenshan achieved his Foundation Establishment.

Over the last three months, he had not just steadied his cultivation base but also grown accustomed to his mana and techniques, all while forging a Jade Token and forming a soul crow.

His Divine Soul Seed resided within both the Jade Token and the soul crow. Previously, cultivating a Divine Soul Seed demanded years of effort, yet post-Foundation Establishment, he accomplished it in merely one month.

With his cultivation matters settled, Yang Zhenshan readied himself to journey toward Lotus Heart Valley.

He passed the Jade Token to Jiang Ning, the fresh Store Manager at the Yang family vineyard, stationed the soul crow atop Lingxi Mountain, and then departed for Anhu City alongside Yu Qingyi.

From the Sea of Spirit to Lotus Heart Valley, bypassing Anhu City wasn't necessary; actually, departing from Snow Valley Town would shorten the path.

To grasp the conditions far inside the Yunxiao Mountain Range, Yang Zhenshan chose to visit Anhu City.

Once they reached Anhu City, Yang Zhenshan and Yu Qingyi soon located Yang Minghao and Ding Qiu.

Having resided in Anhu City for over four years, both Ding Qiu and Yang Minghao now served as centurions, ranking among the mid-tier officers in the city's defense forces.

The atmosphere in Anhu City had eased considerably from its former tension. Mutant Beasts continued to emerge close to the walls, yet the residents had grown used to it.

No full beast tide had struck, yet definite shifts were brewing far within the Yunxiao Mountain Range, pushing numerous Mutant Beasts from their inner habitats to the outskirts.

This pattern extended beyond Anhu City, mirroring occurrences near Snow Valley Town too.

"Impressive, you've even secured homes here!"

Guided by Yang Minghao through Anhu City, Yang Zhenshan and Yu Qingyi entered a courtyard estate.

"Heh, it's merely a modest estate. Properties in Anhu City demand high prices; something this compact still runs eight hundred spirit stones!" Yang Minghao explained.

The estate proved quite compact, featuring a three-courtyard layout with a front area, central yard, and attached side building. Viewing this dwelling stirred Yang Zhenshan's memories of the modest home bestowed upon him by Zhou Lan back at Chongshan Pass.

"It looks like you're settling in nicely within Anhu City!" Yang Zhenshan commented.

"Yeah, it's going well. Despite the frequent Mutant Beast packs near Anhu City these years, they've barely disrupted the city; actually, they've given us soldiers plenty of chances to rack up merits." Yang Minghao responded.

"The Illusion Moon Sect manages Anhu City justly. If we're ready to put in the work, spirit stones flow in steadily!"

Yang Zhenshan gave a faint nod, unsurprised by the revelation.

Previously, fears of a beast tide bursting from the Yunxiao Mountain Range depths had everyone wary of Anhu City.

But contrary to expectations, Anhu City escaped any beast tide assault, and the assorted small beast groups instead brought ample rewards to the local Martial Artists.

Inside the central hall, Yang Minghao poured steaming tea for the pair himself.

"Where is Ding Qiu?"

"He's posted with his unit at a western sentry point and won't be back for a full month!" Yang Minghao answered.

Several secure outposts dotted the surroundings of Anhu City, guarded diligently by the defense army.

"Heh, Dad, you might not realize it, but Ding Qiu's made a name for himself around here as Anhu City's top blade master!" Yang Minghao boasted with pride.

"Oh!" Arching an eyebrow, Yang Zhenshan inquired with interest, "What feat granted him that reputation?"

"Three years back, Ding Qiu took down three Black Rock Fierce Bears alone in a single blow. Their skins are extraordinarily durable, especially the mature ones, which even Heavenly Gang Stage Martial Artists find hard to breach. But Ding Qiu felled three at once. From that fight onward, he's been hailed as Anhu City's foremost blade!" Yang Minghao detailed.

Yang Zhenshan got the picture, aware that Ding Qiu's blade intent embodied an unyielding domain.

A Martial Artist's blade intent emerges from Divine Soul Power, forming a distinctive and marvelous entity that reflects not just the power but the individual's resolve.

These domains aren't limited to Martial Artists alone; Immortal Cultivators can attain them too. For example, those grasping Sword Intent among Sword Cultivators earn that title.

"Ding Qiu ought to think about pushing for a breakthrough, don't you think?"

"He claims there's no hurry, saying it's fine to wait until his decade-long service concludes before advancing!" Yang Minghao answered.

"Fine then. When he gets back, inform him he's free to come home anytime if he decides to attempt the breakthrough!" Yang Zhenshan instructed.

"Understood!"

Turning to weightier topics, Yang Zhenshan asked, "Any good spots nearby for setting up a outpost?"

Yang Minghao shook his head faintly, "None that I know of, from what I've learned over these years. No Spirit Veins exist in this region."

"And what of the Yunxiao Mountain Range's interior?" Yang Zhenshan pressed on, unphased, continuing his question.

"Venturing deeper into the Yunxiao Mountain Range means facing hordes of Mutant Beasts, and rumors speak of demon beasts too. Dad, are you familiar with Cangyu Mountain?" Yang Minghao whispered softly.

"Cangyu Mountain? What's that like?"

"A fabled haven for demon cultivators!"

Yang Zhenshan's eyes sharpened, "Demon cultivators—you're certain?"

Yang Minghao shook his head, "I picked it up from Illusion Moon Sect folks. I lack solid proof!"

Yang Zhenshan mulled it over silently.

Demon cultivation stems from Mutant Beasts pursuing their cultivation path.

Mutant Beasts don't qualify as demons; they stay mere beasts.

Real demons require cultivation, be it via demon techniques or inherited bloodlines.

The Golden Crow had mentioned that a millennium ago, the Sun True Sect housed numerous demon spirit beasts, though Yang Zhenshan discovered no demon cultivation methods in the Ancient Relic Array.

In this land, with sects such as Hidden Sword Mountain for Immortal Cultivators and entities like evil spirits, the presence of demon cultivators wouldn't shock anyone.

Lu Fusheng had noted that the Yunxiao Mountain Range's west originally fell under Hidden Sword Mountain's control, while Cangyu Mountain lay deeper as demon cultivators' turf. To the east, the range connected to the Nether Prison Sect's domain.

In truth, Immortal and demon cultivators held sway over this zone, with Martial Artists far from the dominant force.

"Such a hassle!"

Yang Zhenshan sensed some irritation.

The layout of Immortal and demon cultivator influences stayed nebulous to Yang Zhenshan. He knew of places like Hidden Sword Mountain, Nether Prison Sect, and now Cangyu Mountain by name, but had yet to interact with them directly.

"Never mind, we'll head to Lotus Heart Valley first; until I step into the Immortal Cultivators' world, grasping their power structure remains impossible."

Yang Zhenshan and Yu Qingyi lingered two days in Anhu City prior to departing for Lotus Heart Valley.

They avoided the direct route via the Spirit Source Land to Snow Valley Town and refrained from speeding on the Green Wolf, opting instead for a relaxed hike through the Yunxiao Mountain Range on foot.

Though eager to join the Immortal Cultivators' network at Lotus Heart Valley, Yang Zhenshan felt no urgency and welcomed the slight postponement.

Besides, this stretch with Yu Qingyi served as their downtime, ideal for unwinding properly.

Their path wound along rugged trails and riverside halts, wandering side by side. Amid thick woods, moist moss stuck to their soles, crunching over countless pine needles. Over the vast river, bamboo rafts churned the currents, scattering snowy egrets skyward. Across frozen fields, gusts hurled light flurries, feet crushing endless crystal snow crystals.