Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1338 - 862: Tomorrow, Take Wang Qiutang to Apologize to Yang Zhenshan

Within Tianshu Tower of Spirit Source Land.

Seated in Yang Chengye's study, Yang Zhenshan stroked his beard thoughtfully as well.

Events had unfolded far beyond what he anticipated; Wang Qiutang's impulsive actions left him far more on the defensive, compelling a direct clash with the Xuanqing Sect.

Back then, retreating was impossible for him, nor could he yield. Doing so would invite contempt from many in the Sea of Spirit toward the Yang family, allowing unchecked aggression against them.

Hence, standing his ground to face the Xuanqing Sect directly became essential.

Now, the key issue lay in the Xuanqing Sect's decision.

Would they back down and offer the Yang family some justification, or declare them outright enemies?

Should the Xuanqing Sect opt to yield, discussions could still proceed smoothly.

Yet if they branded the Yang family as mere bandits, all the long-term setups in Spirit Source Land within the Sea of Spirit would undoubtedly suffer.

"Grandfather, regarding this issue..." Yang Chengye asked softly.

Yang Zhenshan dismissed it with a wave, "Don't fret, we'll observe and wait!"

The Xuanqing Sect held the upper hand right now. Their upcoming decision would dictate everything, requiring no major moves from their side.

Friend or enemy—it hinged entirely on the Xuanqing Sect's verdict.

"What about my marriage to Qianqian then!" Yang Qinting said hesitantly.

His concerns mirrored Li Qianqian's exactly at this point.

Yang Zhenshan let out a chuckle, "Why fear? Worst case, your great-grandfather steps in to grab her for you!"

Yang Qinting rubbed his head sheepishly, "I'd prefer a proper wedding!"

"Hmm, abduction serves only as a final option. Unless it's unavoidable, your great-grandfather won't stoop to it. Don't worry!" Yang Zhenshan laughed heartily.

The boy appeared terrified at the thought of him storming the Xuanqing Sect for a bride snatch, chiefly since such acts lacked decorum—weddings demanded formality.

"Fine, head back and keep your mother company. After all these years, you've nearly forgotten her!"

"Marrying a wife and forgetting mother—the ancients spoke true!"

Yang Zhenshan teased playfully.

Yang Qinting broke into a cold sweat, "I'll go visit Mother right away!"

Not returning home for twenty years had greatly weakened his bond with his mother, leading him to unintentionally neglect her presence.

Naturally, this wasn't because he genuinely disregarded his parents; merely, the long passage of time had caused instinctive oversight.

"Yes, return home. I'll fetch your father as well, so your family can reunite!" Yang Zhenshan declared.

Yang Cheng’an continued managing an artifact refining shop in Lotus Heart Valley alongside Yang Jizhen. He remained unaware of Yang Qinting's return to Spirit Source Land or the clash with the Xuanqing Sect.

…

Xuanqing Sect, Mingjian Peak, Sect Main Hall.

Sect Master Master Cheng occupied the head seat, massaging his throbbing temples amid a pounding headache.

Just a few days into his seclusion, a massive crisis had exploded within the sect.

Daring challengers had emerged against them, and worse, their own Xuanqing Sect bore responsibility for sparking it.

Master Cheng cast a glance at Wang Qiutang below, a wave of profound discomfort washing over him.

Wang Qiutang counted as his key backer. Without that firm backing in the past, he never would have claimed the Sect Master throne.

In essence, he and Wang Qiutang belonged to the same faction inside the sect.

His gaze then swept over the other elders present: Law Enforcement Elder Jiang Baichuan, Outer Sect Resident Elder Lu Yuanping, Instructor Elder Chu Lingxiao, plus the recent additions Su Zheng and Lin Xiu.

This instant, he yearned deeply for Duan Qingyun. Aged though Duan Qingyun was, his prestige within the sect stood unmatched. With him around, the Sect Master's burdens lightened considerably.

Regrettably, Duan Qingyun had fallen into a trap and perished during the Black Mountain Ridge battle against Mo Xuanyu’s array, leaving Master Cheng feeling crippled like a man minus an arm, hampering his every move.

"Everyone, what say we deliberate on dealing with the Yang family?" Master Cheng asked with evident reluctance.

Chu Lingxiao shot a look at Wang Qiutang but stayed mute, showing zero inclination to chime in.

Su Zheng and Lin Xiu, as fresh elders, lacked the veterans' depth of experience and standing. They rarely offered views in sect meetings.

That left only Jiang Baichuan and Lu Yuanping to speak up.

Jiang Baichuan fixed a icy glare on Wang Qiutang, "What more needs doing? Sect rules demand obedience; those who persecute fellow disciples face punishment!"

To him, the trouble stemmed from the Wang family's persecution of Yang Qinting.

Yang Qinting belonged to the Inner Sect; the Law Enforcement Hall could never overlook assaults on sect brethren.

Wang Qiutang's face twitched faintly, words sticking in his gullet.

He itched to counter, yet realized any argument now proved futile.

Lu Yuanping then voiced his thoughts, "I side with Elder Jiang, though rushing this seems unwise. Sect rules have languished ignored for years, breeding rampant lawlessness!"

"Heh, over the last ten years, thirty-two Inner Sect disciples in our Xuanqing Sect vanished mysteriously. Sect Master, Yang Qinting got fortunate with family backing. Yet those from poor origins who vanished—doesn't the sect owe them answers too?"

"I know full well these lost disciples clashed with the Wang family!"

"Wang Shanhu, huh—maybe just a tool in someone's hand!"

These statements caused faces in the hall to change dramatically.

Certain truths shouldn't spill into the open.

Where had the vanished disciples ended up?

Deep down, all knew the answer!

They'd merely crossed the wrong folks and got silently erased.

Even in the Xuanqing Sect, dark undercurrents flowed, and atrocities like treating lives as disposable proved hard to root out.

Involved were the Wang family, other clans, and even disciple-on-disciple vendettas.