Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1295: 841: The Ancient Array Activated, the Beishi Family (2)

He furrowed his brows deeply in contemplation, yet the situation remained inexplicable, leading him to set his reservations aside for the time being.

Meanwhile, Yang Zhenshan had returned to the Spirit Source Land. The Ancient Relic Array was merely a chess piece in his broader design, and its ultimate outcome held little consequence for him.

His hostility toward the Unpredictable Ghost Sect was driven entirely by his desire to avenge Xuanzhen; concerning all else, if the heavens were to collapse, there would surely be those of greater stature to shoulder the burden.

At present, the Sea of Spirit could rely on the strength of the Three Major Sects, and should they falter, Hidden Sword Mountain remained as a bulwark.

His goal was merely to fish in troubled waters, securing minor advantages for the Spirit Source Land whenever possible. Therefore, he had merely cast a glance before returning home, dedicating himself to Cultivation and the art of alchemy as appropriate.

…

Within the confines of the Transmission Hall inside the Ancient Array.

A shroud of gray mist completely enveloped the ghostly woman. This fog seemed to actively consume ambient light, casting the entire hall into a dim, oppressive gloom.

Following over a decade of dedicated Cultivation, she had successfully converted one-third of her internal energy into Mystic Yin Magical Power. While her refinement of the technique remained incomplete, she was now capable of channeling this potent energy.

Just as she was settled in her practice, a subordinate called out from outside the hall: “Master Ghostly Lady, we have intruders.”

Her pale face twisted with irritation. “Who is it?”

The subordinate urgently replied: “It is unclear, but a significant number of individuals appear to be approaching!”

“Many people?” The ghostly woman rose to her feet, a flicker of trepidation crossing her features. Although she realized she was trapped within a grand formation, she remained ignorant of it being the legendary Ancient Relic Array, believing instead that she had been imprisoned by an antagonist. She puzzled over the motives of the black-robed figure who had delivered her here, her mind racing with various theories, none of which touched upon the truth of the array.

The existence of treasures within the Ancient Relic Array related to the Soul-breaking Blade was no secret; Mo Xuanyu himself had long coveted them, yet his current focus remained pinned on the construction of the Ten Thousand Ghost Blood Pool. Because the ghostly woman lacked specific knowledge of the array's interior, she failed to connect her location to its true identity.

Upon hearing that intruders were near, she transformed into a shadow and darted from the hall to the stone steps. Peering toward the distant woods, she witnessed several figures advancing rapidly.

“Who are they?”

Consumed by doubt, she took one final look at the Transmission Hall and, realizing its utility had been exhausted, she opted to withdraw without delay. She did not intend to abandon the location entirely; rather, she sought to determine the nature of these visitors before committing to an engagement. It was imprudent to confront unknown factions without careful observation.

Her group quickly retreated into the sparse surrounding forest. While the terrain offered poor cover, they belonged to the Soul-breaking Blade, a faction renowned for their prowess in stealth.

One day later, as she regarded a traveler who had been tormented into a wretched state, her expression turned uncertain. “The Nether Prison Sect? And this is the Ancient Relic Array?” She searched the uneven, desolate earth and the lifeless flora surrounding her, completely unable to reconcile this bleak landscape with the fabled, treasure-laden Ancient Relic Array of legend. Where were the promised riches? Why was there not even a single blade of spiritually-imbued grass to be found?

“Damn it, what in the world is happening?” Her mind felt as though it might shatter under the weight of these mounting enigmas. Who was that mysterious person who brought her here? “If I discover your identity, I will surely sacrifice your divine soul to haunt my soul lamp forever!” she hissed, gritting her teeth.

“Master, bad news! We have been discovered!”

“Damn it, we retreat!”

Despite their superior concealment techniques, the intruders—elites from the Nether Prison Sect and the Three Sects and Twelve Clans—had been tenacious. Within a single day, they had tracked the group through the minor clues left behind.

A chaotic skirmish soon broke out within the array. The Nether Prison Sect and the Lingxiu Three Sects viewed each other with deep-seated suspicion, and upon realizing that neither side had authorized the presence of the ghostly woman’s group, they began blaming one another for the interference. Dozens were killed in the ensuing days of infighting. Once they finally identified that the ghost woman's faction was a third party unrelated to their original plans, they united in a relentless hunt to purge them. Thus, a lethal sequence of pursuit and counter-pursuit began.

…

The territory of the Beishi family lies within the Cloud Abyss Valley, tucked into the southern slopes of the Yunxiao Mountain Range. The depths of this valley meld into the clouds, forming a swirling, abyssal mist. The entrance is framed by twin peaks that tower like pillars, and throughout the year, clouds roll through the pass like tides; in the early morning, rainbows often bridge the gap, bestowing the appearance of an entry point to an Immortal Realm.

The valley's most magnificent feature is the Azure Dragon Waterfall, which descends from the summit like a suspended ribbon of silver. Sunlight scatters the mist into miniature rainbows that settle into a crystalline pool below, where reflections of lush vegetation and ancient vines clinging to stone suggest enduring vitality.

Architecture within the valley conforms to the natural terrain; wooden pavilions are artfully arranged along the stream, where bronze wind chimes chime melodically in the mountain breeze. As the mists swirl around the hall silhouettes, the scenery takes on the quality of a fractured, golden dream. This natural harmony and timeless design serve as a testament to the profound strength and Heritage of the Beishi family.

The clan boasts three Martial God experts: Master Yuqian, regarded as the strongest beneath the Martial Immortal; the weapon mastery expert Shi Pingshan; and the young prodigy Shengyuan. These three encompass the old, middle, and young generations. The youngest, Shi Pingshan, is merely 120 years old, having achieved his Golden Body and Martial God status before reaching his eighties. With these protectors, the Beishi family is poised for two centuries of continued prosperity.

Shengyuan resides in the Lingyun Residence, perched upon the Eagle Beak Cliff. Inside the pavilion, he lay sprawled on a bamboo couch. His long black hair was secured haphazardly with a single bamboo stick, his Taoist robes were disheveled, and his overall appearance suggested profound sloth. Wine jars lay scattered about in confusion, a nearby chessboard was abandoned mid-game, and scrolls lay carelessly piled on his desk. As the mountain breeze drifted through the window, rustling his papers, he pulled his cloak tight over his face.

“Cough, cough.”

A voice sounded outside the pavilion: “Shengyuan, Shengyuan~”

The voice was raspy, and Shengyuan pulled the cloak away listlessly. “Uncle, why have you come?”

The door creaked open, and Shi Pingshan stepped inside. Upon surveying the disarray and inhaling the potent aroma of alcohol, a look of displeasure clouded his face. “With the ancestor away, you should at least maintain some semblance of alertness!”

Shengyuan sat up, eyes bleary, and gestured toward his depleted wine jars. “The Drunken Immortal Brew is truly an exceptional vintage; even I was caught unaware by its potency!” He offered an awkward laugh. The wine had originated from the Spirit Source Land, distributed across the Lingxiu Land through a partnership with the Illusion Moon Sect. As a devotee of fine spirits, Shengyuan had secured a supply and quickly became its most ardent, if somewhat excessive, patron.

Shi Pingshan sighed in defeat; he held no effective leverage over his nephew. Shengyuan possessed immense talent, yet his reliability was sorely lacking. Despite his status as a Martial God, he lacked the gravitas expected of his rank, preferring the lifestyle of a care-free, wandering hedonist.