Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1406 - 892: White Cloud Immortal City (Part 2)

The initial assumption was that White Cloud Commerce intended to move these goods elsewhere for sale, but the reality turned out to be a return to White Cloud Immortal City.

"Are you still departing?" Yun Xiao inquired.

"Indeed, my departure is resolute!" Yang Zhenshan affirmed.

"And what is the reason for this journey?"

"Recently, I've been making preparations to refine my Lifebound Magical Treasure, and I require a trip to White Cloud Immortal City to acquire some high-grade Spiritual Materials!" Yang Zhenshan stated plainly, without reservation.

"I comprehend!"

Yun Xiao stroked his beard, a pensive expression on his face, "It is true, I ought to have refined my Lifebound Magical Treasure some time ago!"

His cultivation surpassed Yang Zhenshan’s slightly, having attained the peak of mid-stage Foundation Establishment, with the capability to advance to late-stage Foundation Establishment at any moment.

Logically, he should have been engaged in preparations for refining his Lifebound Magical Treasure. However, due to Xuanqing Sect not being an Immortal Cultivation Sect, they lacked the capacity to offer support for such a refinement, resulting in the repeated postponement of his Lifebound Magical Treasure until the present.

"Whom do you intend to entrust with this refinement?" he asked.

The need was for a dependable Second-Order Artifact Refiner.

Lifebound Magical Treasures differed fundamentally from other Magic Artifacts; while standard Magic Artifacts could be utilized immediately after refinement, a Lifebound Magical Treasure was absolutely critical for a Foundation Establishment cultivator's Dao foundation.

Even if not aspiring to Core Formation, a practitioner at the Foundation Establishment stage must refine a Lifebound Magical Treasure.

The process of refining a Lifebound Magical Treasure necessitated a trustworthy Artifact Refiner, as there was a risk they might deliberately embed subtle flaws during the forging.

For common Magic Artifacts, such a hidden flaw might be somewhat tolerable, but for a Lifebound Magical Treasure, it would equate to surrendering one's very life into another's hands.

Yun Xiao's inability to find a reliable Artifact Refiner represented one of the primary reasons his Lifebound Magical Treasure remained unrefined.

Yang Zhenshan took a sip of his tea, "Yang Jizhen, my descendant!"

Yang Jizhen had, by this time, also achieved the status of a Second-Order Artifact Refiner and possessed the capability to forge Magic Artifacts, though his expertise was not yet exceptionally advanced. Yang Zhenshan harbored no urgency; he planned to wait for another twenty to thirty years, allowing Yang Jizhen’s refining skills to mature further.

"Ah, you possess such an exceptional descendant!" Yun Xiao exclaimed, a hint of envy apparent in his voice.

As a Foundation Establishment cultivator himself, he had numerous descendants.

Yet, the majority of his offspring proved quite inept; two had merely managed to activate their spiritual apertures, and even after a century of dedicated cultivation, they had failed to establish their foundation.

"Yes, he is rather capable. He recently achieved Foundation Establishment. His refining prowess is still developing, but within a few decades, he should be able to assist me in refining a Lifebound Magical Treasure!" Yang Zhenshan stated without boasting.

He was well aware of Yang Jizhen’s rather mediocre innate talent.

The sole reason for his successful Foundation Establishment at the age of sixty was the merit-enhancing effect of the Spiritual Spring Water.

In contrast, Yang Zongyuan exhibited significantly superior aptitude, which was why Yang Zhenshan was prioritizing the nurturing of Yang Zongyuan.

However, Yang Jizhen had demonstrated a notable aptitude for artifact refining, managing to forge Magic Artifacts within mere years of achieving Foundation Establishment, clearly indicating his outstanding talent in this field.

"Should you not mind his current level of skill, he could also undertake the refinement of your artifact."

Yang Zhenshan offered with a smile.

Yun Xiao gave a chuckle, "Certainly, once I have accumulated the necessary Spiritual Materials, I shall make sure to visit!"

Whether Yun Xiao’s offer was a mere courtesy or a genuine intention, Yang Zhenshan could not ascertain.

While he maintained a cordial relationship with Yun Xiao, it had not yet reached the level of complete and utter trust.

"Are you journeying to White Cloud Immortal City?" Yang Zhenshan inquired once more.

"Perhaps I shall accompany you!" Yun Xiao readily agreed, expressing his willingness to travel together with Yang Zhenshan.

...

Approximately half a month later.

A modest flying boat traversed the deep skies of the Yunxiao Mountain Range.

Despite its designation as a 'small' flying boat, its length exceeded three zhang, featuring a dark, enclosed canopy. Within this space, Yang Zhenshan and Yun Xiao sat, engaged in relaxed conversation.

This vessel was Yang Zhenshan's own Jade Cloud Boat, acquired during an auction when he first visited Lotus Heart Valley.

Although the Jade Cloud Boat was classified merely as a top-grade Magic Artifact, its aerial velocity was quite respectable; when operating at its maximum speed, it could cover in excess of 5,000 li within a single day and night, approximating a speed of 100 li per hour.

"The intricacies of White Cloud Immortal City are substantial; the city not only hosts the foundational lineage of White Cloud True Monarch but also accommodates numerous other Immortal Cultivation forces!"

"Nonetheless, the Ten Thousand Treasures Store is known for its impeccable credibility and boasts an extensive selection of goods. If we intend to acquire Spiritual Materials, purchasing from the Ten Thousand Treasures Store should be our primary consideration!"

"As for the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, it operates as an exceedingly mysterious entity. Very few individuals are aware of its true nature. Yet, it stands as the most prominent structure within White Cloud Immortal City, reaching a height three zhang greater than White Cloud True Monarch’s own Dao field!"

Yun Xiao was in the process of apprising Yang Zhenshan of the prevailing conditions within White Cloud Immortal City.

"Three zhang taller than White Cloud True Monarch’s Dao field?" Yang Zhenshan expressed his astonishment.

Typically, the stature of a building serves as a direct reflection of its owner's societal standing.

Consider Qingli Immortal City, where the most towering edifice belongs to the White Cloud Commerce, and the largest cave dwelling is designated as Master Yun Ge’s residence.

Or, within the Illusion Moon Sect, the tallest structure is the Moon Viewing Tower. However, it remains unoccupied as Yue E prefers to reside at the bottom of the Illusion Moon Lake. In essence, the Moon Viewing Tower is Yue E’s dwelling, though she simply chooses not to inhabit it.

Another example is Xuanqing Sect, whose highest peak, Sword Origin Peak, serves as the abode of Lin Daoyuan.

While cultivators of significant strength might not place much importance on such conventions, others cannot simply disregard these established customs.

Within White Cloud Immortal City, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion surpassing White Cloud True Monarch’s Dao field in height represents a clear defiance of the established traditions within the Immortal Cultivation World.

"Indeed, this height difference has left many individuals perplexed. However, White Cloud True Monarch has offered no explanation, leaving outsiders in the dark regarding the exact circumstances!" Yun Xiao elaborated.

Yang Zhenshan offered a slight nod, mentally cataloging the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion for future reference.

"Are there any other factions we should be cautious of?"

"Yes, the Cloud Wild Alliance, the Thousand Array Alliance, and the White Cloud Commerce! There is little need to elaborate on the White Cloud Commerce; it is essentially White Cloud True Monarch’s personal enterprise. Anyone aspiring to prosper in White Cloud Immortal City must avoid causing offense to the White Cloud Commerce!"

"The Cloud Wild Alliance functions as the Independent Cultivator Alliance, comprising a multitude of Foundation Establishment stage Immortal Cultivators. Despite the alliance's somewhat loose structure, its sheer number of members and the intricate web of relationships make it advisable to minimize any interaction with them!"

"The Thousand Array Alliance comprises the Array Master Guild. In White Cloud Immortal City, Array Masters are perhaps the most difficult group to provoke. Should you incur their displeasure, you will find yourself needing to exercise extreme vigilance in all your subsequent movements, lest you inadvertently fall prey to their meticulously crafted arrays!"

"Furthermore, the Thousand Array Alliance operates under a rigid hierarchical system and exhibits remarkable unity. It is even rumored that they hold control over White Cloud Immortal City's protective array!"

Yang Zhenshan raised an eyebrow in response. "White Cloud True Monarch permits external parties to manage the Immortal City's protective array?"

"Who stated they are an external party?" Yun Xiao let out a soft chuckle. "The Thousand Array Alliance was established by one of White Cloud True Monarch's disciples. Although this disciple achieved ascension many years ago, a significant number of his own protégés remain within the Thousand Array Alliance. Consequently, those currently in positions of authority are all considered to be protégés of White Cloud True Monarch."

Yang Zhenshan gained a sudden understanding.

As he had surmised, a matter of such critical importance as a protective array would not be entrusted to unrelated individuals.

"Is there anything else?"

"Yes, there are numerous local factions within White Cloud Immortal City that we, as newcomers, simply cannot afford to offend!" Yun Xiao’s tone shifted to a more subdued manner.

"Oh!" Noticing the subtle change in his expression, Yang Zhenshan inquired, "Does Senior have any adversaries within White Cloud Immortal City?"

"Not adversaries, merely some lingering grievances!" A cold glint flickered across Yun Xiao’s face, subtly indicating that these grievances were far from trivial.

However, Yun Xiao seemed disinclined to delve further into the matter, and Yang Zhenshan did not press him.

"And what of the forces situated in the vicinity of White Cloud Immortal City?"

He continued his inquiries.

Yun Xiao gave it some thought before replying, "The forces surrounding White Cloud Immortal City can be broadly categorized as part of the internal power structure. There are well over a hundred Immortal Cultivation Families, many of whom maintain intricate ties with the established orthodoxy of White Cloud True Monarch!"

"So, in order to achieve anything substantial within White Cloud Immortal City, one must first forge connections with White Cloud True Monarch!"

Yang Zhenshan nodded almost imperceptibly, grasping the significance of this point.

"And what is White Cloud True Monarch like?"

"I possess no knowledge of him, have never met him, nor heard any details!" Yun Xiao responded.

"Ah, what about the prevailing legends?" "There are numerous tales, making it hard to separate fact from fiction; some accounts depict the White Cloud True Monarch as kind, while others portray him as overbearing, and some even describe him as heartless; perspectives differ widely!" "Regarding the true disposition of the White Cloud True Monarch, it's likely that only those who studied under him could provide an accurate assessment!"