Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1297: 842: Ghost Soldiers, Corpse Ghosts (2)
Previously on Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather...
Since Xuanzhen occasionally harbored resentment, he felt no concern, for the Ten Thousand Ghost Blood Jade ensured her absolute obedience.
Xuanzhen’s lack of spiritual sense projection wasn't due to caution but rather a focused search for Yang Zhenshan. She had relayed the meeting time previously, and with his promise to arrive tonight, she was eager to confirm his presence. Alas, she could not locate him.
In reality, Yang Zhenshan had reached the location long ago. He would never miss such a spectacle, as he enjoyed watching drama unfold early. Beyond that, he had a hidden agenda.
He intended to eliminate that stubborn, ageless ancestor of the Lian family, who remained the primary obstacle preventing the Lingxi Yang family from securing their rightful clan status. Since this ancestor was now conspiring with Mo Xuanyu, tonight presented the perfect opportunity to strike.
Stationed on a peak overlooking the gate of Cloud Abyss Valley, Yang Zhenshan stood as still as an ancient pine, his breath entirely suppressed. The Wood Transformation Nourishing Body Skill enabled him to mimic the vitality of a sturdy tree, manipulating cycles of life and decay. So long as he chose, his signature would appear identical to natural flora within the spiritual sense of others; unless a rival possessed a vastly superior divine soul, his presence remained invisible. He could even meld into the bark of a tree, though this prevented him from utilizing his own spiritual sense to avoid detection.
Standing upon the crag, he peered down into the forest, observing the indistinct forms moving through the trees. The valley interior remained calm, yet peril lurked at the perimeter. A slight frown creased his brow as he pondered whether to intervene on behalf of the Beishi family.
Mo Xuanyu had brought an impressive force: over thirty men, including two Foundation Establishment Cultivators, himself and Xuanzhen, six Martial God puppets repurposed as Corpse Ghosts, and a pair of Late-stage Qi Refinement cultivators, all backed by Heavenly Gang Stage Corpse Ghosts. This military might could easily raze the Beishi family to the ground. Even if Master Yuqian were present, he would be overwhelmed. Even Yang Zhenshan knew that with Mo Xuanyu at Mid-stage Foundation Establishment, he could at best offer a brief challenge.
As he wavered, the invaders reached the threshold of Cloud Abyss Valley. The sentries of the Beishi family proved useless; with a flick of his wrist, Mo Xuanyu dispatched several phantoms that struck the guards, rendering them lifeless in an instant. Proceeding into the valley, his eyes gleamed with a predatory, cold light.
"Recollect," he commanded sharply, "do not employ techniques associated with Yin Souls. Only use spells reminiscent of the Nether Prison Sect."
The plan was to frame the Nether Prison Sect, which—despite being a legitimate organization—used Yin-attribute mana. Their "Nine Nether Soul Refining Scripture" taught them to refine souls through a 'Clear and Bright Original Heart' to avoid corruption. They were not bloodthirsty demonic practitioners like those of the Unpredictable Ghost Sect.
"Advance! Slay everyone in sight!" Mo Xuanyu let out a cruel laugh. Within seconds, thirty black-robed figures surged into the valley, inciting utter pandemonium. Cries of agony and desperate pleas pierced the air.
Beneath the waterfall's spray in the Water Pavilion, Shi Pingshan and Shengyuan jolted awake from their meditation, their expressions grim. Anticipating trouble, they had remained here all night. The unfolding chaos vindicated Shi Pingshan’s premonition.
"Shengyuan, you..."
"Uncle, we must move. We will assess the situation once we arrive," Shengyuan stated, his voice heavy. He refused to hide while his kin were in danger. Taking a final sip of his Drunken Immortal Brew, he drew his three-foot blade and dashed toward the entrance.
Shi Pingshan rushed ahead. "Audacious! Who dares trespass in the Master family enclave at this hour!" He swung his blade, a streak of fire cutting toward a nearby black-robed assailant.
The intruder braced himself, releasing an icy blast that manifested as a massive palm print. When the blade connected, the collision shook the valley. Realization dawned on Shi Pingshan: "You are Bai Shangyuan!"
"Hehe, I am surprised someone recognizes the old man!" The attacker chuckled hoarsely. Bai Shangyuan, presumed dead for forty years, stood before him with chilling, blood-red eyes. "It is a pity I cannot face Master Yuqian; I suppose I must settle for bullying a junior."
He leaped, his aura radiating freezing frost that coated the surroundings and numbed the air. The two engaged in a desperate duel, the shockwaves of their clash ravaging the trees and structures nearby. With Foundation Establishment cultivators and multiple Martial Gods fighting, the valley became a scene of total wreckage.
On the cliffside, Yang Zhenshan finally made his move. He vanished instantly, resolve hardening in his heart. He would deal with the Lian family ancestor first; the fate of the Beishi family would be decided by their own performance.
He located the Lian family ancestor by his aura, currently slaughtering young disciples with cold efficiency. Yang Zhenshan appeared three feet away, his Soul Capturing Skill activating. The ancestor froze, caught in a wave of mental pressure. The Green Glow Sword flashed once, and as the head fell, the ancestor’s life ended. Against an Immortal Cultivator’s refined spirit, the Martial God’s resistance had been negligible.