Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1382 - 881: All Factions Gather at Lotus Heart Valley

"I want to purchase more demon cores!" Yang Zhenshan announced.

"How many do you require?"

"As many as possible!" Yang Zhenshan responded with a grin.

Yun Xiao chuckled heartily. "You, you, if you wish to establish ties with the Yun Que Clan, you could simply state it. Why mince words with an old man like me?"

"Is it not because I fear offending you, esteemed senior?" Yang Zhenshan joined in the laughter.

Yun Xiao's smile faded slightly as he stated, "Facilitating an introduction to the Yun Que Clan is feasible, yet they are not easily swayed."

Stroking his beard, he contemplated for a moment before continuing, "Very well, upon our return from Lotus Heart Valley, I shall escort you to Cangyu Mountain for an audience!"

"Be sure to prepare adequately then. The Yun Que Clan has a fondness for delicacies such as spirit fish, so you might consider bringing some as offerings!"

He held no reservations about introducing Yang Zhenshan to the Yun Que Clan, as it presented no detriment to his own interests.

The Yun Que Clan was amenable to trade with him due to their need for external resources, and conversely, he sought assets unique to the Yun Que Clan, such as the highly coveted demon cores.

As for the possibility of Yang Zhenshan encroaching upon his trade, there was little cause for concern. His dealings with the Yun Que Clan were modest, conducted only once annually, with a transaction volume of merely tens of thousands of low-grade spirit stones.

It was not a matter of unwillingness to expand the trade, but rather a deficiency in sufficient resources to engage in more substantial commerce with the Yun Que Clan.

Should Yang Zhenshan prove capable of refining demon essence pills, he would not begrudge him this slender sliver of profit.

"Spirit fish? They genuinely indulge in such fare?" Yang Zhenshan expressed mild astonishment.

"Haha, the Yun Que Clan possesses an insatiable appetite. They partake in a diverse array of sustenance, including spirit fruits, spirit rice, spirit insects, and aberrant beasts, yet their predilection for spirit fish is particularly pronounced. Perhaps it is due to the scarcity of such delicacies deep within their mountainous domain!" Yun Xiao elucidated.

A sudden comprehension dawned upon Yang Zhenshan; rarity indeed conferred preciousness. While the abundant resources within the Yunxiao Mountain Range sustained the Yun Que Clan's existence, they failed to satiate their gastronomic desires.

The so-called spirit fish were aquatic creatures imbued with spiritual energy. Fish-like mutated beasts also qualified as spirit fish, though typically, only those possessing palatable flesh were designated as spirit fish.

For instance, the thorn-scaled fish native to the Spirit Source Land could not be classified as spirit fish due to its unappetizing meat.

Upon learning of the Yun Que Clan's affinity for spirit fish, an idea began to form in Yang Zhenshan's mind.

Aquaculture within the Spirit Source Land had flourished over many years, yielding a variety of aquatic mutated beasts, such as the White River Spirit Fish and the Nine-Patterned Xuan Turtle.

If these proved agreeable to the Yun Que Clan, he could establish a consistent and dependable supply chain for them.

...

The impressive caravan navigated the Yunxiao Mountain Range with remarkable speed, traversing three to four thousand miles in under a day.

As the contingent from the Sea of Spirits emerged in the vicinity of Lotus Heart Valley, two cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage ascended to greet them from within.

These individuals were Master Yun Ge and Lin Qihe.

Master Yun Ge, as was his custom, was clad in a white robe, his form slightly portly, with crow's feet etching the corners of his eyes. A gentle smile graced his features, yet it was accompanied by an indiscernible aura of power.

Lin Qihe, in contrast, appeared exceedingly aged, the embodiment of a fading twilight, exuding a palpable malevolence.

At present, Lin Qihe exhibited utter indifference towards Lotus Heart Valley and harbored no concern for the future of the Qingli Dynasty. His heart was consumed solely by vengeance.

However, he deemed it necessary to accompany Master Yun Ge on this occasion, for the pursuit of his revenge necessitated Master Yun Ge's backing.

The White Cloud Immortal City's willingness to intervene in the Qingli Dynasty's affairs stemmed from Lin Qihe's betrayal of the dynasty's interests. Not only had he ceded Lotus Heart Valley to the White Cloud Immortal City, but he had also subjugated the Qingli Dynasty, compelling it to render tribute to the White Cloud Immortal City every decade.

This arrangement signified that the Qingli Dynasty was no longer under the dominion of the Qingli Six Families but had fallen under the purview of the White Cloud Immortal City, with even the Qingli Six Families now incorporated into its structure.

Master Yun Ge observed the approaching Glazed Cloud Boat with an expression of eager anticipation.

Yet, in a hushed transmission to Lin Qihe, he inquired, "What remains of Xuanqing Sect's foundation at this juncture?"

Lin Qihe's reply was swift: "I cannot ascertain with certainty, but Xuanqing Sect's foundation is likely not substantial. It pales in comparison to Hidden Sword Mountain!"

"Hidden Sword Mountain, you say! Haha~~" A peculiar glint flickered within Master Yun Ge's eyes.

Hidden Sword Mountain maintained significant ties with the White Cloud Immortal City. After all, mere three centuries had elapsed since the ascension of Heavenly Sword True Monarch, while White Cloud True Monarch had established the White Cloud Immortal City nearly two millennia prior.

For ages, Hidden Sword Mountain and White Cloud Immortal City were the undisputed rulers of the eastern and western expanses of the Yunxiao Mountain Range, respectively.

The Qingli Dynasty and the Sea of Spirit were, back then, completely under the dominion of Hidden Sword Mountain.

However, over three hundred years prior, after the ascension of Heavenly Sword True Monarch, three prominent spirit sects broke away from Hidden Sword Mountain. Concurrently, the Qingli Dynasty declared its independence, ceasing to be a subordinate state of Hidden Sword Mountain.

Throughout these intervening three centuries, White Cloud Immortal City, out of deference to Hidden Sword Mountain, deliberately kept its influence away from the western territories of the Yunxiao Mountain Range.

Even after Heavenly Sword True Monarch's ascension, White Cloud Immortal City never once lowered its guard against Hidden Sword Mountain.

Furthermore, a cordial bond had existed between White Cloud True Monarch and Heavenly Sword True Monarch, a key reason why Hidden Sword Mountain was not targeted.

Yet, three centuries is a long span of time, and old friendships inevitably wane. Compounding this, Hidden Sword Mountain had adopted an exceedingly discreet posture in recent years, making it difficult for White Cloud Immortal City to resist extending its reach into this territory.

The Qingli Dynasty was merely the inaugural move by White Cloud Immortal City; their ultimate ambition included the Sea of Spirit and the Valley of Nether Prison, the stronghold of the Nether Prison Sect.

Master Yun Ge harbored a fervent eagerness concerning the three spirit sects.

As the Glazed Flying Boat and its contingent of mutated beasts descended, Master Yun Ge himself came forth to extend a personal welcome to Yun Xiao and his companions.