Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1286 - 837: Overwhelming with Power

A short time later, Situ Wujiu walked into the main hall.

Li Xingchen, a disciple who once served under Elder Yue Ming, was one of the few individuals within the Illusion Moon Sect privy to the true identity of Yang Zhenshan.

Dressed in elegant moon-white robes, Li Xingchen possessed a youthful, handsome profile and carried himself with the refined composure typical of a disciple from a major sect. He sipped his tea with such casual ease that one might have mistaken the Situ estate for his own home.

While he remained a humble disciple in the presence of Yue Ming, he was viewed as a prestigious direct disciple of the Illusion Moon Sect by the outside world.

"I pay my respects to the Family Head of the Situ clan!"

Upon catching sight of Situ Wujiu entering the room, Li Xingchen rose gracefully and cupped his hands in a formal gesture.

"Haha, I, Situ Wujiu, offer my greetings to the emissary!" Situ Wujiu returned the bow with clasped fists, his tone warm and welcoming.

Among the twelve clans, the three major sects held a position of undeniable superiority, and their disciples were widely recognized as emissaries.

"Please, take a seat, emissary!" Situ Wujiu gestured for him to sit before asking, "I am curious to learn what instructions Elder Yue Ming has tasked you with delivering?"

With a faint smile, Li Xingchen replied, "Indeed, there are two minor errands for which we require the assistance of the Situ Family Head!"

"Oh? Pray tell, emissary. As long as it rests within my capabilities, I shall spare no effort!" Situ Wujiu pledged.

Li Xingchen let out a light laugh. "First, our master requests that the Situ family surrender the Qianshan Pavilion to our sect."

Hearing this, the previously composed Situ Wujiu visibly paled, staring at Li Xingchen with unconcealed shock.

"Why?"

The Qianshan Pavilion served as the most vital asset for the Situ family in Anhu City, anchoring not only their primary income but their broader influence throughout the region.

Surrendering the pavilion would not necessarily force the Situ family out of Anhu City, but it would undeniably deal a massive blow to their local prestige.

The move was of grave importance; the Situ family’s influence within the Sea of Spirit was centered in the northeast, exactly where Anhu City was situated.

A loss of status in Anhu City would have devastating repercussions for the clan.

"These are the direct orders of Elder Yue Ming. I am not at liberty to discuss his reasoning!" Li Xingchen offered no excuses, shifting the burden onto the Elder.

In reality, Yue Ming’s motives were clear: he sought to settle a favor for Yang Zhenshan, exert pressure on the Situ family, and secure profitable outlets for the Illusion Moon Sect. Having recently acquired a surplus of goods from the Spirit Source Land, the sect was desperate to expand its sales across various urban markets.

Anhu City was a prime location, and the sect hungered for a larger slice of the market. Acting on the earlier guidance of Yue Qing, Yue Ming had been searching for a target, and the Situ family merely happened to be an unfortunate obstacle in his path.

Situ Wujiu’s expression shifted frantically, yet he dared not speak out of turn to Li Xingchen. "Emissary, is there room to negotiate this matter further?"

"Did you not just promise that you would do your best as long as it was within your power? Or is it that you, Family Head Situ, are actually hesitant to yield a mere Qianshan Pavilion?" Li Xingchen asked, a trace of mockery coloring his voice.

Chagrined, Situ Wujiu sighed. "This... very well. Our Situ family will offer the Qianshan Pavilion to the Illusion Moon Sect!"

He chose the path of compromise.

While the Qianshan Pavilion was crucial, its loss was not enough to collapse the foundation of his clan. Offending the Illusion Moon Sect, however, would make their future impossible.

Li Xingchen offered a curt nod, dropping the subject entirely.

He knew the truth: to the massive Illusion Moon Sect, the pavilion was a triviality. If not for Yue Ming’s specific desire to humble the Situ family, this small asset would not even be worth mentioning.

"There is one more matter, simple as it may be, that requires your help!" Li Xingchen continued.

Though Situ Wujiu longed to refuse, his growing fear of further demands compelled him to act even more submissively.

"Please, enlighten me, emissary!"

Li Xingchen sipped his tea calmly. "It is quite minor. Several martial artists from the Lingxi Yang family have completed ten years of service in the Anhu City guard and are ready to return to Lingxi Mountain.

"They have served with distinction and deserve our protection, at least until they are safely escorted back home!

"Consequently, I leave this duty to your Situ family. A detail of ten men will be sufficient to handle the escort.

"By the way, I hear Young Master Situ Xicheng possesses formidable cultivation; why not have him oversee their safety personally?"

Situ Wujiu’s heart plummeted. The motive behind the emissary's visit was suddenly blindingly clear.

The Lingxi Yang family! Did they truly have backing from the Illusion Moon Sect?

This was madness! He had only just ordered Situ Xicheng to gather men to ambush the Lingxi Yang clan, and now the sect was demanding he personally escort them home.

He struggled to comprehend the connection. His own intelligence suggested the Lingxi Yang family were lowly, inconsequential commoners.

"What ties exist between the Lingxi Yang family and Elder Yue Ming?" he asked, unable to stop himself.

"Haha, even I am unaware!" Li Xingchen replied with a enigmatic smirk.

"Uh, then..." Situ Wujiu stammered, his mind in total turmoil.

With the Illusion Moon Sect now watching over them, the Situ family’s plans to purge the Lingxi Yang family were ruined.

Yet, he dared not stop now. His priority had shifted from simply eliminating the clan to uncovering the deep mystery of their alliance with the sect.