Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1303: 846: The Imposing Second Master

“What is your take?” Yang Zhenshan surveyed the room, only to find the crowd casting hesitant glances at one another.

There were certain topics they felt ill-equipped to address, particularly those touching upon the Yang family’s internal affairs, which left them unable to speak their minds freely.

Observing their collective silence, An Yuxing deliberated before suggesting, “Perhaps we ought to deliberate on this further?”

Yang Zhenshan offered a sharp shake of his head. “Unnecessary. I am well aware of your concerns, but I must declare today that cultivation must remain our primary directive!”

“We are practitioners, defined by the zenith of our cultivation realm, not by the breadth of our influence.”

“By appointing Chengmao as the Tower Lord, it is he who suffers the disadvantage, not his peers!”

The root of their unease was merely the matter of seniority. Under normal circumstances, Yang Chengye stood as the eldest grandson. Should Yang Zhenshan decline the role of Ziwei Tower Lord, logic dictated that Yang Mingcheng or Yang Chengye should inherit the mantle, not Yang Chengmao.

While this adhered to traditional family succession, the issue remained that the Spirit Source Land had transcended its identity as a simple clan, evolving into a Sect. As such, it was imperative to operate under a Sect structure.

For a Sect, the Sect Master acts more as a chief administrator than an absolute master. Consider the Lingxiu Three Sects, where Sect Masters are all Martial Gods, or the Twelve Families, where Family Heads are invariably Heavenly Gang Stage martial artists; for some, hierarchy is based on direct bloodlines, while others prioritize sheer capability over family lineage.

Immortal cultivating families present yet another unique structure, often drawing a harsh line between mortal family members and immortal cultivators, separated by generational rank.

If a youth is found to possess a spiritual aperture, the family designates them for immortal cultivation, assigns them a generational rank, and relocates them to the Spirit Vein for training far from their origins.

This system of generational hierarchy is quite distinct, as it is determined by the passage of time rather than seniority. Generally, every twenty years constitutes a new generation, with individuals ranked by the precise moment their spiritual apertures are identified.

Consequently, the immortal cultivators within the clan maintain an independent hierarchy entirely separate from the rest of the lineage.

Though Yang Zhenshan did not intend to enforce a total separation between the mortal and the immortal, he maintained a profound respect for cultivation, placing it above all else—his primary motivation for devising the cultivation salary system.

The decision to appoint Yang Chengmao as the Ziwei Tower Lord was not an act of favoritism, but a recognition that Chengmao possessed the deepest understanding of Spirit Source Land operations and was the most suitable candidate to oversee the tower.

Yet, as Chengmao pours his time into these administrative drudgeries, his own cultivation progress will inevitably suffer.

He may have secured the position, but in the long run, he risks being outpaced by his own brothers.

Thus, Yang Zhenshan stood firm that it was Chengmao who sacrificed, not the others.

“Mingcheng, what are your thoughts?” Yang Zhenshan pivoted to Yang Mingcheng.

Yang Mingcheng gazed at Yang Chengmao and responded, “Indeed, Chenmao is the one making the sacrifice. I suggest we provide him with additional resources to compensate.”

“We shall not alter the base cultivation salary, but I see no harm in increasing his position-based allowance slightly—not to exceed thirty percent more than his peers,” Yang Zhenshan agreed without hesitation.

Within the Spirit Source Land, the cultivation salary is the pillar of the system, while position-based compensation remains secondary.

The intent behind keeping the position salary subordinate to cultivation earnings is to incentivize everyone to prioritize personal growth rather than engaging in power struggles.

“And you, Chengye, do you have any input?” Yang Zhenshan redirected his attention.

Yang Chengye merely shrugged, “Grandfather, I have had my fill of being an Emperor!”

Had he truly craved authority, he never would have abandoned the throne of Da’an all those years ago.

Yang Zhenshan nodded in approval and addressed the assembly: “Henceforth, we shall implement a tenure system for high-level posts. There will be fixed terms for Tower Lords and City Lords. They are eligible for reappointment, but shall not hold office indefinitely, with a maximum of three consecutive terms.”

“Understood!” Yang Chengmao acknowledged.

Yang Zhenshan continued, “The reform is settled. You may discuss the implementation details, but now we must address the matters concerning Lian Family Town—or rather, Yang Family Town!”

“Yang Family Town requires the protection of a Martial God. Old Liang, Old An, please coordinate a rotation schedule there.”

An Yuxing and Liang Shengze exchanged glances and replied, “I will go first; your injuries require further time to mend!”

Yang Family Town possesses its own Spirit Vein, which, while less potent than that of the Spirit Source Land, still serves as an effective training ground for Golden Body Realm martial artists; thus, guarding there would not hinder their cultivation progress.

Seeing their decision, Yang Zhenshan turned to Yang Mingzhi, “Which candidate can your Foreign Affairs Hall assign to handle matters there?”

Although the reforms are set, they are currently in transition, leaving the Foreign Affairs Hall with oversight for the moment.

Yang Mingzhi pondered briefly before suggesting, “The daily affairs can be entrusted to Qu Chengliu!”

Qu Chengliu, the second son of Yang Wanqing, was already over fifty years of age.

“And his current cultivation level?”

“Earth Evil Stage!”

“Insufficient,” Yang Zhenshan murmured, shaking his head.

To lead Yang Family Town, a position equivalent to a Family Head, requires at least Heavenly Gang Stage cultivation.

“Then perhaps Yang Chengzhang should go. He reached the Heavenly Gang Stage two years ago and requires field experience; he certainly has the capacity to manage these responsibilities,” Yang Mingzhi proposed.

“Very well. Verify his availability later,” Yang Zhenshan nodded.

Yang Mingzhi then asked, “What is our approach regarding the Lingxi Yang Family? And how many residents should we relocate to the new site?”

A town capacity supports thousands, and with over three thousand acres of spirit fields, at least a thousand hands would be necessary to keep it operational.