Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1282 - 833: Refining You Into a Ghost Soldier! (Part 2)

"Damn it! Someday I’m going to kill him!" Yang Zhenshan uttered in fury.

Having been unexpectedly targeted, why wouldn't anger surge through him?

"What do you think we should do?"

Xuanzhen pondered briefly before responding, "No problem, I can hold them off for the time being, but inform me ahead of time when you plan to eliminate Mo Xuanyu; we can coordinate an attack from both sides!"

Indeed, the idea of slaying Mo Xuanyu intrigued him greatly.

If circumstances allowed, he'd eliminate Mo Xuanyu immediately.

"No problem!"

With those words, Yang Zhenshan pulled back his divine sense.

In truth, Yang Zhenshan harbored deep caution toward the enigmatic Unpredictable Ghost Sect, so his declaration about killing Mo Xuanyu was mere bluster, lacking any real intention to follow through.

For the moment, at least, he had no plans to challenge the Unpredictable Ghost Sect openly.

Back in the Spirit Source Land, Yu Qingyi continued her cultivation session, and Yang Zhenshan opted not to interrupt her, heading instead toward the bamboo grove along the southern shore of Spiritual Spring Lake.

Over the past three-plus years, the Golden Thunder Bamboo had grown substantially, though not to full maturity, now towering more than one zhang (about 10 feet) high. Alongside the Golden Thunder Bamboo, Yang Zhenshan had also relocated numerous other bamboo varieties to accompany it.

Yang Jizhen had constructed a simple bamboo dwelling beside this cluster of bamboos, which now served as the residence for him and Ma Qiuyan.

"Ancestor!"

Spotting Yang Zhenshan's arrival, Yang Jizhen, who had been caring for the Golden Thunder Bamboo, rushed forward promptly.

"Hmm, it's developing nicely!" Yang Zhenshan remarked, nodding approvingly while inspecting the Golden Thunder Bamboo.

As the sole Third order Spirit Plant within the Spirit Source Land, this Golden Thunder Bamboo held great promise, and Yang Zhenshan anticipated employing it to forge the Green Wood Purple Lightning Sword.

"Haha, the Golden Thunder Bamboo sprouts up fast," Yang Jizhen chuckled.

Yang Zhenshan caressed his beard with a grin and inquired, "I heard you've advanced to crafting top-grade Magic Artifacts?"

"Yes!" Yang Jizhen produced a lengthy sword and presented it to Yang Zhenshan, "This marks my initial top-grade Magic Artifact; kindly inspect it, Ancestor!"

Yang Zhenshan accepted the long sword and scrutinized it thoroughly, "Is this a Flying Sword?"

Although his knowledge of artifact forging was limited, that didn't hinder his ability to evaluate Magic Artifacts, given the many he had encountered.

"That’s right," Yang Jizhen confirmed.

A Flying Sword transcends ordinary Magic Artifacts; not every airborne blade qualifies as a Flying Sword.

The term Flying Sword specifically denotes the weapons wielded by Sword Cultivators.

Take Yang Zhenshan’s Green Glow Sword, for example—it's not a Flying Sword; merely a standard blade.

"Not bad, yet it seems overly intricate?" Yang Zhenshan observed.

"Intricate?" Yang Jizhen appeared puzzled.

Yang Zhenshan rubbed his beard thoughtfully for a moment, then suggested, "Would you like to visit Lotus Heart Valley to expand your knowledge?"

When it came to Flying Swords, his expertise was modest; from what he recalled, Sword Cultivators' Flying Swords embodied utmost simplicity. Such minimalism didn't signify inferiority; rather, it reflected the essence of Sword Cultivators, distilling complexity into elegant purity.

Genuine Sword Cultivators shunned ostentatious features, relying solely on their sword heart.

Yang Jizhen possessed solid talent, particularly in artifact refining; while not extraordinarily gifted, he certainly excelled.

Yet, Yang Zhenshan lacked proficiency in artifact refining himself, and the Spirit Source Land offered no dedicated Immortal Cultivation Artifact Refiners to mentor Yang Jizhen.

Should Yang Jizhen aspire to progress further in this field, he would surely need to step outside and pursue his own fortunes.

This applied not only to Yang Jizhen but to the others too.

"Can I?"

"Why not? You've attained the Qi Refining Fourth Layer now and are ready to explore the outside!" Yang Zhenshan replied smilingly.

The Qi Refining Fourth Layer serves as a key threshold; Immortal Cultivators who enter the Qi Refining Middle Stage gain respectable fighting prowess, with their mana reserves no longer as meager as in the Early Stage, enabling effective deployment of spells and Magic Artifacts during combat.

Yang Jizhen longed to venture forth and witness the wider world, "I shall heed Ancestor’s advice!"

"Hmm, have your uncle join you on the trip; should issues arise, you two can confer!" Yang Zhenshan instructed.

The uncle in question was Yang Cheng’an, who had operated a forge in Nanxia County for many years and achieved remarkable skill in forging spiritual weapons.

Still, as a mere Martial Artist, he couldn't produce Magic Artifacts, limiting himself to crafting spiritual weapons suited for fellow Martial Artists.

Yang Jizhen remained youthful and, having spent his life in the sheltered Spirit Source Land, lacked worldly experience. By comparison, Yang Cheng’an had gained sharp insights through his successful years in bustling Nanxia County.

With Yang Cheng’an by his side, Yang Zhenshan felt reassured about Yang Jizhen's safety.

After making these straightforward preparations, Yang Cheng’an set out with Yang Jizhen toward Lotus Heart Valley. Yang Zhenshan chose not to escort them personally, allowing the pair to journey independently.

As the proverb states, a journey of ten thousand miles surpasses ten thousand books in value; this trek spanning thousands of miles would serve as valuable training.

To address possible perils, Yang Zhenshan provided them with ample protective treasures; Yang Jizhen carried a soul crow, while Yang Cheng’an possessed a Jade Token. In times of crisis, either could call upon Yang Zhenshan instantly.

While Yang Cheng’an and Yang Jizhen traveled toward Lotus Heart Valley, Yang Minghao and Ding Qiu in Anhu City encountered certain difficulties.

Considering the timeline, Yang Minghao and Ding Qiu had resided in Anhu City for nearly ten years. Per the original enlistment terms, they were eligible to depart after a decade.

Their decade-long commitment neared its conclusion.

Yet, at this pivotal juncture, a significant complication emerged for them.

More accurately, the problem hadn't just surfaced; in fact, it had troubled the duo for several years already.

Within a modest courtyard, Yang Minghao and Ding Qiu occupied the primary chamber, their expressions far from cheerful.

Seated nearby was an elegantly attired young man, roughly thirty years old, exuding an air of smug superiority.

"Senior Ding, this represents your final opportunity; should you let it slip, another chance may never come in your lifetime!"

The young man declared with haughty confidence.

His statement carried an implicit menace.

Ding Qiu fixed him with a piercing stare, "Are you daring to threaten this old man?"

"Haha, how could I? Our Situ family extends a genuine invitation for Senior Ding to ally with us! Should Senior Ding agree to join, our family vows to aid you in reaching Martial God realm!" Situ Xicheng assured with a grin.

As a direct scion of the Situ family, one of the twelve mighty clans, Situ Xicheng held notable status.

The Situ family outshone the Lian family in both power and legacy by a wide margin.

Particularly at present, with the Situ family flourishing at its peak, guarded by two Martial Gods.

Situ Xicheng's purpose in seeking Ding Qiu was plain: to enlist his talents.

"One becomes renowned as pigs fatten."

Ding Qiu, bearing the title of Anhu City's premier blade master, had drawn numerous suitors eager to recruit him, among whom the Situ family showed the keenest interest.

"What if I refuse?" Ding Qiu replied coolly, unmoved.

He required no assistance from the Situ family; his intention was to return to the Spirit Source Land and concentrate on breaking through once his ten-year obligation ended. The Clan Hall had already assembled all essential Spiritual Objects and supplies for his advancement, leaving nothing to worry about.

Logically speaking, the Situ family's overture demonstrated their esteem for Ding Qiu, which ought to flatter him, and even in rejection, he should respond courteously.

Nevertheless, the Situ family's approach was excessively overbearing; their so-called invitation resembled outright pressure and inducement more than anything else.