Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1394 - 886: Yang Jizhen’s Foundation Establishment (Part 2)

Though the Spirit Talisman isn't aligned with any specific sect, its creation is no small feat; only an Immortal Cultivator possesses the ability to draw one. Consequently, even with their relatively accessible prices, these Spirit Talismans still necessitate the use of Spirit Stones for acquisition. While they are perfectly adequate for identifying spiritual apertures within the Spirit Source Land, their widespread adoption across the Da’an Dynasty would prove prohibitively expensive for the region.

Among the three young children present was Yang Qingyu, a member of the Yang family, daughter to Yang Qinting and Li Qianqian. The little girl gazed up at Yang Zhenshan, her large eyes wide with innocent bewilderment. She recognized Yang Zhenshan as an ancestor, though the exact meaning of that title remained somewhat elusive. She only understood that he held immense power.

Yang Zhenshan produced three bamboo tubes, offering them with a smile. "This is a gift from your Master Ancestor. Cultivate diligently in the future!" he instructed. Within these tubes lay Spiritual Spring Water, not of the common variety, but purified personally by Yang Zhenshan. Its efficacy far surpassed that of ordinary Spiritual Spring Water, promising to strengthen the physique and enhance natural talent.

As they were still children, yet to embark on their cultivation journeys, there wasn't much he could offer. Yang Zhenshan had specifically purified this Spiritual Spring Water through Alchemy as a token of his regard. In truth, this Spiritual Spring Water served as a significant cultivation resource, particularly beneficial for youngsters just beginning their path into Immortality. The process of purifying Spiritual Spring Water, however, is not simple, requiring Yang Zhenshan's personal refinement.

"Thank you, Master Ancestor!" the three children chimed in unison, their young voices filled with gratitude. Yang Zhenshan offered a slight nod. "You may take your leave now!" he announced. "All of you attend to your duties. Jizhen and Zongyuan, you two remain behind!" Upon hearing this, the others bowed and departed. "When do you intend to begin your Foundation Establishment?" Yang Zhenshan inquired of Yang Jizhen once the others had gone. "Within the next two or three months," Yang Jizhen replied. "Excellent. You shall do so in the bamboo forest, and I will personally stand guard for you," Yang Zhenshan declared. Yang Jizhen's Foundation Establishment marked a significant milestone, signifying the Yang family's acquisition of a second cultivator at this crucial stage. This achievement held different implications than Xuanzhen's entry into the Spirit Source Land; Yang Jizhen's advancement was intrinsically tied to the Yang family itself, lending it distinct importance. "Thank you, Ancestor!" Yang Jizhen expressed with a smile.

Yang Zhenshan then turned his attention to Yang Zongyuan. "How is your Alchemy progress?" Yang Zongyuan responded with a touch of embarrassment, "I can barely refine the Fasting Pill." Within the framework of the Pill and Artifact Talisman Array, he had chosen the path of Alchemy. However, his aptitude for alchemy appeared rather unremarkable. After more than a decade of dedicated study, he could now only manage to refine the Fasting Pill, a feat which does not belong to any specific order. Yang Zhenshan was not disheartened, fully understanding the formidable challenges inherent in mastering the Dao of Alchemy. In his own past, his ability to traverse the Alchemy Dao was attributable to a certain innate understanding, a degree of natural talent, and the resources of the Spirit Source Land, which permitted him to practice without financial constraint.

The cultivation of an Alchemist stands as one of the most resource-intensive pursuits within the various arts of Immortal Cultivation. Consider Zhang Hexuan, who now possesses the skill to refine the highly prized Jade Marrow Pill, earning him the status of a First Rank Top Grade Alchemist. Over the years, the sheer volume of resources invested in his alchemy could conservatively be estimated to exceed one hundred thousand Low-grade Spirit Stones. One hundred thousand! While this figure might not represent a substantial sum for the Spirit Source Land, given its considerable output and capacity for generating Spirit Stones, it would undoubtedly be a considerable expense for Immortal Cultivation Families or Houses situated elsewhere. A family lacking a Foundation Establishment cultivator would likely find such an expenditure exceedingly difficult to bear. Even an established Immortal Cultivation Family with a Foundation Establishment cultivator would still need to exercise careful financial planning.

Take, for instance, the Qingli Lin family, also associated with an Alchemy House. They once boasted two Second-rank Alchemists and a multitude of First-rank Alchemists. Despite this impressive roster, the Lin family maintained a policy of strict selection when cultivating Alchemists, focusing their efforts on nurturing one exceptionally talented individual per generation. Similarly, the Spirit Source Land must also adopt a selective approach towards the cultivation of Alchemists. "You should relocate to Flame Mountain and assist me in the Pill Hall," Yang Zhenshan instructed. His intention was to dedicate himself to fostering Yang Zongyuan's growth, providing him with personalized mentorship. He planned to impart knowledge on both cultivation and alchemy personally. This mirrors the support Zhang Hexuan received in Qingli Immortal City over recent years, and Yang Zhenshan has been in need of a dedicated assistant. "Yes!" Yang Zongyuan replied with evident joy.

Yang Jizhen felt a sense of joy, understanding that Yang Zhenshan's personal tutelage was indeed a significant fortune for the young cultivator.

Two months passed, and Yang Jizhen entered a period of secluded cultivation for Foundation Establishment within the tranquil Bamboo Pavilion, situated beside the serene Spiritual Spring Lake.

Yang Zhenshan himself maintained a vigil, ensuring his grandson's safety during this critical phase.

At fifty years of age, Yang Jizhen was considered youthful and at his physical prime, making it an exceptionally opportune moment for his Foundation Establishment.

Yang Zhenshan harbored little doubt regarding Yang Jizhen's capacity to achieve a successful Foundation Establishment.

In fact, Yang Jizhen's circumstances for this breakthrough far surpassed those Yang Zhenshan had experienced in his own youth.

Primarily, Yang Jizhen's youth was a significant advantage; Yang Zhenshan himself was over a century old when he embarked on his own Foundation Establishment.

Furthermore, Yang Jizhen possessed a top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill, a stark contrast to the mid-grade pill Yang Zhenshan had utilized.

Adding to these favorable conditions, Yang Jizhen's foundation was exceptionally robust, meticulously cultivated under Yang Zhenshan's direct guidance.

Most importantly, Yang Zhenshan's personal protection offered an unparalleled safeguard, with the Elder ready to intervene at any sign of trouble, thus guaranteeing a smooth process for Yang Jizhen's Foundation Establishment.

With the passage of days, Yang Zhenshan diligently monitored Yang Jizhen's progress through his Foundation Establishment.

He observed the consumption of the Foundation Establishment Pill, the breaking of the Dantian's internal barriers, and the nascent transformation of the Divine Soul.

Yang Jizhen navigated each stage with remarkable steadiness, achieving Foundation Establishment with nary a hitch.

Following a little over three months, the area surrounding the Bamboo Pavilion began to thrum with spiritual energy. Faint spiritual essences drifted in from all directions, and ethereal starlight subtly illuminated the verdant bamboo leaves.

The Golden Thunder Bamboo, now reaching a height of three feet, pulsed with a faint golden thunderous aura, accompanied by the soft crackling of lightning.

Yang Jizhen's chosen cultivation technique, the "Wood Thunder Control Scripture," proved to be an exceptional match for the Golden Thunder Bamboo.

At this juncture, as Yang Jizhen's Foundation Establishment summoned forth natural spiritual energies, the Wood Divine Thunder within him surged, seemingly achieving perfect synchronicity with the Golden Thunder Bamboo.

Witnessing the remarkable transformation of the Golden Thunder Bamboo, a surge of emotion moved Yang Zhenshan, prompting him to exhale a Blue Thunder Pearl.

This artifact, his third Thunder Pearl, had been nurtured for several decades. While its Wood Divine Thunder content was not immense, it was expected to influence the Golden Thunder Bamboo.

The Qinghua Thunder Pearl drifted towards the Golden Thunder Bamboo and was instantly ensnared by its radiant golden light, subsequently being absorbed by the bamboo.

A wide grin spread across Yang Zhenshan's face upon witnessing this event.

Truly, it lived up to its reputation as a third-order Spiritual Object; its capabilities were astounding.

Following the assimilation of the Qinghua Thunder Pearl, the Golden Thunder Bamboo seemed revitalized, exhibiting a slight tremor.

Its main stalk underwent rapid growth, extending over three feet in mere moments.

The golden bamboo leaves shimmered with an intensified brilliance, casting a resplendent glow.

Furthermore, numerous new buds began to sprout forth with vigor.

What brought Yang Zhenshan the greatest delight, however, was the discovery of a small bamboo shoot emerging from beneath the soil, poised to break through the surface.

The Golden Thunder Bamboo had, astonishingly, reproduced, presenting a most welcome and unexpected development.

As Yang Zhenshan reveled in the Golden Thunder Bamboo's growth, the spiritual energy fluctuations around the Bamboo Pavilion gradually subsided.

A day later, Yang Jizhen emerged from the seclusion of the Bamboo Pavilion, clad in an immaculate Green Pine Magic Robe.

"Thank you, Ancestor, for your protection!" he exclaimed, approaching Yang Zhenshan and offering a profound bow.

Observing Yang Jizhen's current state, Yang Zhenshan extended a sleeve, and an invisible wave of mana gently assisted him to his feet.

"Haha, well done!"

Yang Jizhen's foundation was now solid, with no inherent weaknesses following his Foundation Establishment. A little refinement would soon solidify his cultivation.

"I have not disappointed Ancestor's expectations!" Yang Jizhen responded, standing tall with a radiant smile.

Throughout the preceding years, Yang Jizhen had shouldered a considerable burden. As the sole Immortal Cultivator among the Yang family's younger generation, he had been granted access to resources far exceeding those of his peers.

While overt complaints were rare, veiled whispers and resentful remarks were an inevitable consequence.

Whether born of envy or jealousy, these sentiments placed immense pressure upon Yang Jizhen.

He often felt like an outsider amongst his peers, a sense of isolation pervading his interactions.

This detachment stemmed perhaps from his status as an Immortal Cultivator, the abundance of resources he received, or even his limited engagement with his siblings, which gradually distanced him from their generational cohort.

Nevertheless, his successful Foundation Establishment now served as tangible proof that he had honored his Ancestor's faith and his family's cultivation legacy, even as it further widened the gap between him and those of his generation.