Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1301 - 845: Reforming White Jade City

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Previously on Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather...
After nearly being destroyed by the Unpredictable Ghost Sect, the Beishi family received aid from Yang Zhenshan, who later met with the Xuanqing Sect to coordinate a response. While Sect Elder Lin Daoyuan began mobilizing forces against the infiltrators, Mo Xuanyu abandoned his position and relocated his Blood Pool to avoid capture. Meanwhile, the cornered ghost lady successfully exploited a lapse in security at the Ancient Relic Array and used her stealth abilities to make a daring escape into the wilderness.

Illusion Moon Sect, situated upon Moon Mountain.

Perched high above the mist-covered cliffs, Yang Zhenshan and Master Jing Shui occupied a spot before a stone table. A teapot of clear tea released a fragrant, rich aroma that seemed to revitalize anyone who caught a whiff. Gazing out at the drifting clouds, Master Jing Shui sighed heavily, "Master Shanming and Duan Qingyun have both perished."

Yang Zhenshan kept his demeanor placid, merely taking a tranquil sip of his tea.

Shanming held the position of Elder in the Wuxiang Sect’s Precepts Hall and was a monk of deep wisdom versed in Buddhist Law. Duan Qingyun, an Elder of the Xuanqing Sect, was primarily tasked with overseeing the Ancient Array. Though Yang Zhenshan had never met them personally, he was well acquainted with their reputations. They were veteran Martial Gods whose cultivation had reached the late stage, yet they were both nearing the end of their lifespans, belonging to the same generation as Master Jing Shui.

Only a few days prior, they had been killed within the confines of the Evil Blood Killing Array established by Mo Xuanyu. Once the schemes of Mo Xuanyu were brought to light, the Three Sects of Lingxiu and the Nether Prison Sect promptly laid siege to the Unpredictable Ghost Sect and the Soul-breaking Blade, while simultaneously mobilizing forces to disrupt the Evil Blood Killing Array at Black Mountain Ridge. Even though Mo Xuanyu had fled, a multitude of ghosts remained trapped within the array. Utilizing these spirits, he commanded them to obstruct all intruders, resulting in a chaotic and bloody conflict.

Under the direct leadership of Lin Daoyuan and Yue E, a force consisting of four Foundation Establishment cultivators and a dozen Martial God experts successfully breached the formation. Nevertheless, both the Three Sects of Lingxiu and the Nether Prison Sect paid a staggering price for their victory. The Nether Prison Sect lost three Martial Gods, while the Three Sects of Lingxiu suffered the loss of two veteran Martial Gods and one Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Wuxiang Sect.

This skirmish left the Wuxiang Sect in a state of significant decline. Having been previously drained by their struggle against the Nether Prison Sect, losing another Foundation Establishment cultivator left them severely lacking in personnel. Despite the presence of a Martial Immortal, their core combat power—limited to two Martial Gods and two Foundation Establishment cultivators—was now vastly outclassed by both the Xuanqing Sect and the Illusion Moon Sect. Still, as one of the Three Sects of Lingxiu, the Wuxiang Sect possessed a deep historical foundation.

Yang Zhenshan had predicted such an outcome. Mo Xuanyu was no simpleton; aware that his location was compromised, he would never have waited for death at Black Mountain Ridge. While he himself could escape, the Evil Blood Killing Array could not, and so leaving it as a trap for the pursuing sects was entirely consistent with expectations. In fact, these events perfectly aligned with Yang Zhenshan's own calculated objectives. With Mo Xuanyu now exposed, the Three Sects and the Nether Prison Sect were unlikely to resume hostilities in the near term, opting instead to form a shaky alliance against the Unpredictable Ghost Sect. With everyone laser-focused on Mo Xuanyu, the developments within the Ancient Relic Array had been conveniently ignored, as they naturally assumed those changes were all part of Mo Xuanyu’s doing.

The only anomaly that escaped Yang Zhenshan’s foresight was the escape of the ghostly lady. He had not anticipated her slipping away while under the gaze of so many. However, her survival was inconsequential.

As Master Jing Shui wallowed in nostalgia, Yue Qing approached the cliff, her moon-white dress flowing elegantly. "Greetings, Sect Master!" the men stood to salute. "Martial Uncle, Elder Yang!" Yue Qing returned their greeting with a gentle, friendly smile. "Has the Sect Master brought news?" Master Jing Shui inquired. Yue Qing turned her gaze toward Yang Zhenshan and smiled, "I have a matter to discuss with Elder Yang."

Yang Zhenshan topped off her cup. Moon Mountain had become his official Dao Field; while Master Jing Shui remained, his time was nearing its end, and he had already transferred the sect's responsibilities to Yang Zhenshan. In truth, the burden was light. Aside from the two of them, the Illusion Moon Sect only housed eight Qi Refinement Realm Immortal Cultivators. Yang Zhenshan’s role as Guest Elder was to shepherd these disciples until one ascended to the Foundation Establishment stage, thus honoring his pact with the sect. "I wonder what requires my attention?" Yang asked.

"It is nothing grave. The Lian family has formally joined the Unpredictable Ghost Sect, so the Three Sects have voted to expel them. Simultaneously, it has been decided that the Lingxi Yang Family shall take their place as one of the Twelve Families," Yue Qing announced leisurely. Yang Zhenshan stroked his beard, "So, my background has finally come to light!" "Hehe, it was bound to happen eventually," Yue Qing replied. "Rest easy; we have not spoken a word regarding White Jade City. To the outside world, you remain a Foundation Establishment cultivator who arrived to serve as our sect’s Guest Elder." "That is for the best," Yang Zhenshan said with a smirk, "some secrets should stay buried."

Though White Jade City was a fabrication, the Spirit Source Land was very real, and linking the two was an effective ruse. In reality, the Spirit Source Land was evolving into something akin to White Jade City, and the Clan Council was already drafting plans for further reform. The original clan structure had been somewhat shortsighted; Yang Zhenshan had implemented it years ago merely to put his affiliated families at ease, ensuring they knew he didn't view them as serfs. By forming a Council and granting over thirty families a share of the Spirit Source Land’s influence, he had stabilized his realm. Now, after three decades, certain aspects of that system had become obsolete and were due for an evolution.