Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1396 - 887: Preparing to Ambush Mo Xuanyu (Part 2)

The subsequent goal is to gather Jie Dan Spirit Objects, a crucial step for the three pivotal phases: physique, mana, and Divine Soul. Each of these stages necessitates the acquisition of at least one specific spiritual item to aid the process.

Regardless of whether it's natural treasures or potent elixirs, these are absolutely indispensable for advancement.

Lastly, the establishment of a Dao Field is required, specifically one for core formation and another for navigating the tribulations of ascension.

For the critical juncture of core formation, the location chosen is paramount. It requires not merely any environment, but one possessing a Third-stage Spiritual Vein capable of supplying abundant Spiritual Energy. Furthermore, rigorous preparations must be made to withstand the formidable Golden Core Thunder Tribulation, which includes the deployment of at least a Guardian Array.

"Heh, Golden Core, I don't dare to even dream about that right now!" Xuanzhen commented, emitting a soft chuckle as he gently shook his head.

It wasn't a lack of ambition on his part; rather, it was the stark reality that embarking on the Golden Core Path was an undertaking of immense difficulty.

Yang Zhenshan offered a smile, choosing not to elaborate further on the subject.

The path to the Golden Core was indeed fraught with peril, making any pronouncements at this stage seem somewhat far-fetched.

Every cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage harbors the hope of forming a Golden Core and treading the esteemed Golden Core Path. Cultivators in the mid- and late-stages of Foundation Establishment dedicate all their efforts towards the arduous preparations for Golden Core formation, yet none can claim a guaranteed success.

"Have you managed to locate Mo Xuanyu?" Xuanzhen redirected the conversation, inquiring about the man's whereabouts.

He had not forgotten Mo Xuanyu, harboring a persistent desire to see the man dispatched from this world.

Yang Zhenshan's demeanor turned grave as he responded, "Found him!"

"And where did you find him?" Xuanzhen's eyes immediately brightened with anticipation.

"The former domain of the Qingli Lin Family, specifically Shuangfeng Gorge!"

Mo Xuanyu had remained hidden for years, causing many to practically forget his existence.

However, Xuanzhen's memory remained sharp regarding this individual, prompting Yang Zhenshan to task Bai Xiaoyun with the search for Mo Xuanyu's current location.

Bai Xiaoyun's unique ability, the Three Yin Weaving Net, allowed for the tracking of individuals based on their relational connections. Given Bai Xiaoyun and Xuanzhen's profound interactions with Mo Xuanyu, his discovery became considerably more feasible.

In truth, Bai Xiaoyun had indeed located Mo Xuanyu over a year prior. However, Yang Zhenshan had refrained from informing Xuanzhen at the time, preoccupied with the intricate process of refining the Demon Essence Pill, which rendered him unable to join Xuanzhen in confronting Mo Xuanyu.

"Shuangfeng Gorge? Heh, he certainly picked a fine place to conceal himself!" A cold, sharp smile contorted Xuanzhen's features.

Historically, Shuangfeng Gorge was under the dominion of the Lin family. However, following the devastating attack by Zhang Mo's Ghost Soldiers over a decade ago, which decimated the Lin family and unleashed potent Blood Evil Qi, the Spiritual Vein became corrupted. This transformation rendered the entirety of Shuangfeng Mountain a desolate expanse of Blood Evil.

Mo Xuanyu, devoted to the cultivation of the Evil and Blood Evil paths, found the Blood Evil-infested lands of Shuangfeng Mountain perfectly suited for his practice.

"When shall we end his life?" Xuanzhen inquired, a touch of impatience coloring his tone.

Yang Zhenshan cast a discerning glance at him before stating, "Now!"

Mo Xuanyu had become a significant impediment to Xuanzhen's peace of mind; until he was eliminated, Xuanzhen's Dao Heart could not achieve true tranquility—it was a persistent obsession.

"Very well, let us depart immediately!"

Xuanzhen beamed, his newfound resolve palpable.

Yang Zhenshan gave a slight shake of his head before briefly informing Yu Qingyi of their plans and departing the Spirit Origin Land alongside Xuanzhen.

The two gentlemen boarded the Jade Cloud Boat, slicing through the heavens veiled in mist, their destination set directly for Shuangfeng Gorge.

...

Shuangfeng Gorge.

Also recognized by the name Shuangfeng Mountain.

The former ancestral lands of the Lin family were situated at the southern base of Shuangfeng Mountain, but Mo Xuanyu had chosen to reside within the precipitous gorge nestled between the towering peaks.

Within the confines of the gorge, the Blood Evil Qi permeated heavily. Consequently, with the Lin family's ancestral lands having transformed into a blighted region of Blood Evil, the area saw no visitors.

Even when members of the Lin family undertook inspections of their former territory, they deliberately avoided this particular gorge.

The narrow canyon was choked with dark, sprawling vines. These were once verdant, but the pervasive influence of the Blood Evil Qi had transformed their hue to a deep black, tinged with a faint, unsettling crimson.

Mo Xuanyu had established his sanctuary deep within a cave in the gorge, where he diligently pursued his cultivation in silent isolation.

Mo Xuanyu's appearance had drastically altered over the span of more than a decade. Whereas in his past, despite facing considerable adversions, he had retained a certain spirit, he now presented a more subdued, dispirited figure.

Yet, paradoxically, beneath this air of dejection, a newfound composure had settled upon him.

After a decade of quiet cultivation within this secluded refuge, his patience had deepened considerably.

While Mo Xuanyu was engrossed in his cultivation within the cave, Yang Zhenshan and Xuanzhen made their arrival at Shuangfeng Gorge.

The gorge stretched out, long and narrow, resembling a profound, shadowed chasm.

Xuanzhen, poised to venture into the depths of the gorge for an investigation, was halted by a gesture from Yang Zhenshan.

"What troubles you?" Xuanzhen inquired via Spiritual Sense, his voice carrying a note of confusion.

Yang Zhenshan's expression grew serious as he replied, "There is an array concealed within this vicinity!"

He perceived a subtle, yet unmistakable, aura of danger.

This keen intuition seemingly originated from a heavenly perception, lacking concrete grounding yet proving remarkably accurate.

"An array? Where exactly?" Xuanzhen released his Spiritual Sense, meticulously scanning his surroundings, yet discerning no apparent signs of such a formation.

Yang Zhenshan narrowed his eyes, also extending his Spiritual Sense, meticulously probing every inch of the gorge.

Though his proficiency in formations wasn't top-tier, he was still more capable than Xuanzhen in this area. Soon, he pinpointed a weak spot within the formation—a seemingly ordinary rock that concealed an Array Instrument, intricately marked with restrictive talismans.

"Let's withdraw for now!"

He gestured, leading Xuanzhen away from the gorge.

Once they had put sufficient distance between themselves, Xuanzhen inquired, "What next? Can you bypass the formation?"

Yang Zhenshan offered a slight shake of his head. "I cannot break it!"

"What?" Xuanzhen's brow furrowed, his expression tinged with disappointment.

After finally locating Mo Xuanyu, were they to leave empty-handed simply because of a formation?

"Don't worry; while I can't dismantle the formation, I can enter it!" Yang Zhenshan stated.

The exact nature of the formation remained unclear to Yang Zhenshan, but he suspected it aligned with Mo Xuanyu's known style, likely being a form of Evil or Blood Evil array.

If Yang Zhenshan's assessment was correct, this formation wouldn't only possess formidable defensive capabilities but also potent offensive power, coupled with exceptional concealment. Without his heavenly perception, he wouldn't have even detected its presence initially.

Nonetheless, the formation had a vulnerability—or rather, a characteristic: its strong concealment did not impede Spiritual Sense.

This implied Yang Zhenshan's Spiritual Sense could penetrate the formation. Leveraging the unique properties of the Spirit Origin Land, Yang Zhenshan could infiltrate the formation undetected.

"What's your plan?" Xuanzhen queried.

Yang Zhenshan contemplated for a moment. "We cannot engage him here; should we, we might not be able to defeat Mo Xuanyu."

The sheer density of Blood Evil Qi present and Mo Xuanyu's mastery over the formation granted him a significant territorial advantage.

Even though both he and Xuanzhen were at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, they were not necessarily guaranteed to overpower Mo Xuanyu.

Mo Xuanyu had reached the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment decades prior, and his **cultivation** might very well be at the late-stage by now.

"I will lure him into the Spirit Origin Land; we will ambush him there!" Yang Zhenshan declared.

This was Mo Xuanyu's domain, yet the Spirit Origin Land was his own.

As his **cultivation** advanced, his command over the Spirit Origin Land grew more profound.

Presently, he could even harness a fraction of the land's innate power—a small but terrifyingly effective force.

"Understood! Be cautious!" Xuanzhen readily concurred.

Yang Zhenshan dispatched Xuanzhen back to the Spirit Origin Land, selecting a suitable battleground in the northern mountains, far removed from the Spiritual Spring Mountain Plateau.

Here, towering peaks stretched endlessly, one after another.

Even if a battle caused landslides, it would not impact the Spiritual Spring Mountain Plateau or Jade City.

As he stood amidst the majestic mountains, an idea sparked in Yang Zhenshan's mind.

Perhaps he could erect a killing formation here, creating an inescapable trap.

Yet, the thought was ephemeral; it was not the opportune moment to act upon it.

"Wait here and prepare for combat."

He instructed Xuanzhen before swiftly making his way back to Shuangfeng Gorge.