Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1285 - 836: An Yuxing’s Breakthrough

"First, anchor your Spirit Base using the elixir’s potency!" Yang Zhenshan advised Liang Shengze in a low, steady voice.

The Spirit Base had reached its formation point, meaning the process was now irreversible. Should Liang Shengze’s Spirit Base crumble at this stage, his cultivation would vanish entirely, leaving him a broken man.

Fortunately, the successful condensation of his Spirit Base provided the necessary fortitude to withstand the Foundation Establishment Pill’s immense power.

Without this critical stabilization, the raw potency of the elixir would have shattered his Dantian instantly.

Fully alert, Liang Shengze grit his teeth against the searing agony in his meridians and skeletal frame, focusing his entire will on guiding the elixir’s energy to mend his fractured Spirit Base.

Moments ticked by, and under his firm governance, the wild elixir power gradually grew more submissive.

Once the Spirit Base remained steady, Yang Zhenshan prompted, "Proceed by repairing your Dantian and meridians, ensuring the Cultivation Technique regains its flow."

Liang Shengze obeyed, channeling the remaining medicinal energy to transform into True Yuan, which he steered through his Dantian, meridians, and acupoints.

As this True Yuan coursed through his system, his previously scattered aura started to solidify significantly.

After the True Yuan completed two complete Grand Circulations, Yang Zhenshan commanded, "Now command the forging of your Golden Body!"

Technically, Liang Shengze could have delayed the Golden Body formation, as his life was currently out of immediate danger. A few days of rest would have been acceptable.

However, Yang Zhenshan insisted on immediate progression; only after the Golden Body was formed would Liang Shengze have the capacity to address his lingering internal traumas.

His condition remained precarious: a fractured Divine Soul, unsteady Spirit Base, and shredded meridians. Stopping now would only offer a brief respite, insufficient to provide a full recovery.

Furthermore, one cannot stall the process of tempering the Golden Body for too long. Any delay would create a dangerous urgency, and attempting to finish the tempering while physically compromised would pose a massive risk.

In this light, it was safer to persevere now. Achieving the breakthrough would elevate his physique, effectively resolving his primary issues in one stroke.

Once the breakthrough was secured, he could painstakingly heal his hidden internal scars later.

Spiritual Energy began swirling around Liang Shengze as Yang Zhenshan flicked his sleeve, releasing thousands of Spirit Stones. They shattered instantly under faint Mana vibrations, filling the chamber with a dense, swirling mist of Spiritual Energy.

Within moments, the room was shrouded in this potent, fog-like aura, completely enveloping Liang Shengze.

Yang Zhenshan cast a final look at his protégé before quietly slipping out of the chamber.

The final outcome now rested solely on Liang Shengze; Yang Zhenshan had exhausted all his options.

As he stepped outside, a brilliant cerulean glow erupted in the western sky.

Yang Zhenshan gazed upward, a bright, relieved grin breaking across his face.

It was a sign of An Yuxing’s successful breakthrough. Success!

"Finally, the breakthrough is complete!"

He exhaled a long breath and used his Spiritual Sense to monitor Liang Shengze, feeling significantly more at ease.

An Yuxing had triumphed, Qu Changkong was stable, and while Liang Shengze had teetered on the edge of failure, he had found his footing and might succeed as well.

Though protocol dictated he congratulate An Yuxing, Yang Zhenshan chose to linger near Liang Shengze a while longer while his situation remained delicate.

While Yang Zhenshan kept watch, Yang Minghao arrived at the Anhu City defense office, clutching his Token tightly.

This office, the administrative heart of Anhu City, hosted disciples from all three major sects who oversaw municipal affairs and the garrison.

Although Yang Minghao typically served only as a local squad leader, he gained immediate access to the inner courtyard today by presenting the Elder Token of the Illusion Moon Sect.

Elder Yue Ming, a man with graying hair, a sturdy frame, and piercing, intelligent eyes, greeted him.

Commonly, the Illusion Moon Sect was dominated by females, making Yue Ming a rare, prominent male elder within their ranks.

In the quiet hall, Yue Ming studied the token with a visible sense of curiosity.

"To whom does this token belong?"

Every Elder Token held unique identifying marks. Yang Zhenshan’s Guest Elder Token, for instance, featured a green pine and specific Restrictions that functioned as a key for protected Sect Arrays.

Yue Ming knew it was authentic, yet the identity of the holder remained a mystery.

"Reporting to you, Senior, this belongs to my father, Yang Zhenshan, who serves as a Guest Elder!" Yang Minghao answered respectfully.

"A Guest Elder? When did the sect appoint one?" Yue Ming asked, clearly puzzled.

Typically, he would have been notified of any new appointments or outside promotions to elder status, as such positions carried significant weight.

Sensing no dishonesty from the youth, he turned to a disciple and ordered, "Send an inquiry to the sect immediately to verify this appointment!"

The disciple bowed and retreated.

Yue Ming then turned his gaze toward Yang Minghao, asking, "How exactly did your father become affiliated with our sect?"

"He is an Immortal Cultivator, Senior."

"An Immortal Cultivator!" Yue Ming mused, the pieces clicking together. That justified a Guest Elder appointment. His eyes brightened as he asked, "Does he practice the path of Alchemy?"

"Yes, among his many skills, Alchemy is his greatest specialty."

"Can he refine Second-Order Pills?"

"He should be capable of producing some!"

Though slightly confused by the specific questions, Yang Minghao remained truthful.

Yue Ming’s expression softened into a warm smile. "I shall pay your father a visit whenever he is available."

"My father will undoubtedly be honored by your presence!" Yang Minghao replied diplomatically.

After an hour of conversation, the messenger disciple returned with a letter.

Yue Ming read it, nodded once, and instructed his disciple, "Keep this matter strictly confidential. Mention it to no one else."

"Understood, Elder!" the disciple confirmed.

Yue Ming turned back to Yang Minghao with renewed cordiality, "Does Elder Yang have any specific issues requiring assistance?"

Yang Minghao seized the moment to detail the ongoing conflict with the Situ family and his father’s concerns.

Yue Ming’s expression tightened with disapproval, "That Situ family grows far too arrogant; acting with such reckless disregard within Anhu City is unacceptable."

"Indeed. This provides an excellent opportunity to teach them a lesson."

The Situ family relied on the Xuanqing Sect, so the Illusion Moon Sect wasn't typically concerned with their trivialities. However, as one of the three major powers, they could easily humble the Situ family without fear of a major conflict with Xuanqing.

"Leave this to me," Yue Ming declared. He didn't care much for moral outrage, but he desperately wanted a favor from an alchemist like Yang Zhenshan. This was the perfect way to build rapport.

"You have my deepest gratitude, Senior!" Yang Minghao bowed, cupping his hands.

"It is of no consequence," Yue Ming said dismissively.

Once Yang Minghao had departed, Situ Xicheng returned to the Situ estate.

The Situ family held court in Clock City, located in the northeast, a far larger territory than any held by the Lian family.

Just as Yang Minghao had sought out his father, Situ Xicheng rushed to relate an exaggerated tale of Ding Qiu’s and Yang Minghao’s arrogance.

"Father, they have no respect for the Situ family name. It is absolutely infuriating!" Situ Xicheng fumed.

Situ Wujiu had ruled the clan for thirty years, driving its growth to the point where they finally challenged the Beishi family for prominence.

They had recruited Ding Qiu precisely to cement that advantage. His skill with the blade was formidable, and they hoped he would eventually become a Martial God.

Of course, they had no intention of wasting resources. They provided only the most basic spiritual items required for Spirit Base Casting. If he succeeded, he was an asset; if he failed, they lost nothing of value.

It was a standard gamble—recruiting powerful martial artists and using them as disposable vessels for the family’s gain.

Many had tried and failed, but for these martial artists, it remained the only potential path to power.

"What is Ding Qiu’s stance?" Situ Wujiu asked coolly.

"He is arrogant and ignores our authority, rejecting our generosity!"

Situ Wujiu stroked his beard, questioning, "Did this lead to a direct confrontation?"

"Yes," Situ Xicheng admitted, glancing warily at his father. "I attempted to handle it with kindness, but they were ungrateful and even insulted me!"

A cold, predatory light flickered in Situ Wujiu’s eyes. "In that case, Ding Qiu must be eliminated."

Like father, like son—though Situ Wujiu possessed a level of power that actually lent weight to his cruelty. He wanted Ding Qiu dead not just out of spite, but because he saw a future rival growing in strength. Eliminating him now saved them a headache later.

"Father, they will soon leave Anhu City. Shall we arrange an ambush?" Situ Xicheng inquired.

Situ Wujiu nodded. "See to it. Ding Qiu is no weakling; take enough men to ensure the job is done."

"I will handle it immediately," Situ Xicheng vowed with a sinister smirk.

Before he could depart, a servant entered, reporting, "Master, a disciple from the Illusion Moon Sect is requesting an audience!"

Situ Wujiu paused in surprise. "The Illusion Moon Sect? Who is it?"

"He identifies himself as Li Xingchen, a disciple of Elder Yue Ming," the servant replied.

At the mention of Yue Ming, Situ Wujiu’s demeanor shifted to one of grave respect.

"Escort him to the main hall. I am coming at once!"

Elder Yue Ming was a titan throughout the region. Even the Martial Gods of the Situ family would be forced to lower their heads in his presence.

While the twelve families were technically stewards of the land, the three major sects were its ultimate masters. Even with the backing of Xuanqing, the Situ family would never dare offend the Illusion Moon Sect.