Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1276 - 830: Master Jing Shui (Part 2)
Previously on Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather...
Thanks to the partnership with the Illusion Moon Sect, the Spirit Source Land has reaped massive benefits.
Via the pathways of the Illusion Moon Sect, the Spirit Source Land gains access to vast quantities of Spirit Stones and acquires numerous rare resources from their suppliers.
At first, the alliance between the two sides proceeded without hitches, yet aiding the Lingxi Yang Family in claiming a Noble Family spot hit a serious snag.
The snag stems from the fact that the Lian family's ancestor hasn't perished from age yet.
Based on general predictions, the Lian family ancestor's end was expected this year, but now in late autumn October, the ancestor of the Lian family persists in vitality, showing up often with a vigorous appearance.
Such a turn caught everyone off guard.
Not just Yang Zhenshan and the Illusion Moon Sect await the demise of the Lian family's ancestor; the Luo family from Anhu City, the Chen family tied to the Wuxiang Sect, and the Ming family in Green Jade City all bide their time as well.
As long as the Lian family's ancestor endures, the Noble Family slot stays in their grasp, preventing open challenges from others, especially direct assaults on the Lian family.
None of the twelve families want to witness the violation of this longstanding rule.
Consequently, the situation has deadlocked, leaving Yang Zhenshan with no room to voice grievances.
"Could the Lian family ancestor have discovered a method to extend his lifespan?"
Upon Moon Mountain in the Illusion Moon Sect, Yang Zhenshan and a white-haired elder perched on the cliff edges, gazing at drifting clouds, heeding the breeze, and steeping tea.
In this autumn season, Illusion Moon Lake shed its serene calm for a hint of menace, while lakeside foliage shifted to golden hues, as if the pristine lake waters themselves gleamed with gold.
The elder before him was Master Jing Shui, the sole Foundation Establishment cultivator in the Illusion Moon Sect. As a Guest Elder, Yang Zhenshan couldn't neglect regular visits.
For several months, he had dwelled on Moon Mountain, or at least appeared to do so outwardly.
Master Jing Shui, possessing mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, appeared as a gentle senior, though an aura of inevitable waning clung to him.
Both Golden Body Realm martial artists and Foundation Establishment cultivators enjoy a three-hundred-year lifespan, though few reach the full span, usually lasting around two hundred seventy or eighty years.
Certainly, exceptions exist, like ingesting lifespan-prolonging pills or rare heavenly and earthly treasures, or practicing arts that boost longevity.
Yet securing such lifespan-boosting pills or treasures proves challenging, and arts that extend life often carry significant drawbacks.
All in all, pursuing extended life remains a grueling endeavor.
"Impossible—the Lian family couldn't possibly have secured a lifespan extension method!" Master Jing Shui denied it firmly, shaking his head with conviction.
He yearned for such a means himself, and the Illusion Moon Sect had aided his search, but to no avail.
If even the Illusion Moon Sect failed to uncover it, how could the Lian family succeed?
"Then it's puzzling—why hasn't he passed away?" Draped in a flowing blue robe, Yang Zhenshan reclined casually against a verdant rock, sipping his tea with ease.
He coveted the Noble Family status from the Lian family, yet urgency didn't grip him tightly.
In truth, the present circumstances pleased him greatly; lacking the Noble Family title wouldn't trouble him much.
Earlier, his pursuit of the family status aimed to funnel abundant Spirit Stones and external resources into the Spirit Source Land, and through dealings with the Illusion Moon Sect, he had largely fulfilled that ambition.
Naturally, should the chance arise to claim the status, he would seize it gladly.
"I haven't a clue either." Master Jing Shui fondled his thin beard, giving a faint head shake.
Yang Zhenshan held little interest in lingering on the topic, turning instead to discuss cultivation matters with Master Jing Shui.
As a seasoned senior, Master Jing Shui offered insights; despite differing techniques from Yang Zhenshan's path, his wealth of cultivation wisdom proved immensely useful.
Besides, Master Jing Shui possessed deep knowledge of the cultivation realm, having journeyed to places like the Qingli Dynasty, White Cloud Immortal City, and the Nether Prison Sect, forging ties with those powers.
Yang Zhenshan chose to linger on Moon Mountain largely because of Master Jing Shui's guidance.
"You shouldn't fixate on mighty incantations; any technique honed to transformation level wields tremendous might."
"Consider the Dust Removal Skill—it's merely the simplest everyday spell, mastered by nearly all cultivators, but it harbors extraordinary potential."
Master Jing Shui lectured with elegant poise, his words flowing steadily, drawing in and instructing with care.
As per Master Jing Shui, spell mastery falls into five tiers: entry, minor success, major success, perfection, and transformation.
The initial four tiers require no explanation, but the pinnacle transformation realm fuses the spell into one's existence and Divine Soul, making it an innate extension of the self, enabling effortless, instinctive casting.
Still, Yang Zhenshan struggled to grasp the Dust Removal Skill's prowess.
"What makes the Dust Removal Skill so formidable?"
He posed the query aloud.
Master Jing Shui laughed lightly, "Let me show you firsthand!"
"By all means!" Yang Zhenshan agreed with eager nods.
"Haha, you~" Master Jing Shui found Yang Zhenshan's enthusiastic bobbing comical; in that instant, he resembled a diligent pupil in lesson.
After his laugh, Master Jing Shui swept his broad sleeve toward Yang Zhenshan, and in a flash, radiant spiritual light cloaked him.
Without sensing any hostility, Yang Zhenshan refrained from evading the glow.
As the light seeped within, his Heart Spirit settled into serene calm, evoking deep peace.
"What is this?"
Yang Zhenshan marveled at the shift in his Heart Spirit.
"Beyond clearing dust, the Dust Removal Skill, once reached Perfect Realm, banishes various afflictions like Evil Qi, Yin Qi, or Ghost Qi."
"At Transformation Realm, it further grants soothing effects and dissolves Heart Demon Illusions."
"Doesn't that make the Dust Removal Skill mighty?"
Master Jing Shui regarded Yang Zhenshan with a knowing grin.
Shock rippled through Yang Zhenshan without restraint.
What defines the Dust Removal Skill?
It serves as the vital everyday cantrip for cultivators, whether at home or afar.
Countless cultivators view it as the gateway spell to their path.
"Mighty indeed!" Yang Zhenshan affirmed with sincere nods.
A technique that shatters Heart Demon Illusions—how could it not be mighty?
"The principle holds true: every basic spell, pushed to its limits, unleashes astonishing power!"
"Behold this technique, the Grass and Wood Geng Metal Sword Skill!"
Master Jing Shui flourished his robe once more, and abruptly, the surrounding withered grasses and woods burst forth with brilliant Sword Qi, the blades streaking like countless arrows, shredding through the clouds above.
Yang Zhenshan watched the display with keen, animated gaze.
He too was familiar with the Grass and Wood Geng Metal Sword Skill!
This counts as a beginner spell, readily available in Lotus Heart Valley for just three Low-grade Spirit Stones.