Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1418 - 898: Cloud Wild Alliance, Fiery Flame Hall (2)

Though they had always assigned someone to watch the cave residence in Spring and Summer Square, Yang Zhenshan had already discovered this long before. Therefore, he consistently wore a disguise whenever he went out, making them believe he remained within the cave residence during those times.

"Hmm, has there been any word from the Kuang family?" Xu Mingzhu inquired, his gaze lowered slightly, his thin face etched with a cruel expression.

As the saying goes, the face is a window to the soul, and Xu Mingzhu's visagewas an undeniable reflection of his inner nature—sinister and ruthless, with no pretense of concealment.

The Kuang family stands as the Immortal Cultivation Family that supports Kuang Fu, one of the Five Alliance Elders.

A descendant of the Kuang family holds the status of grand-disciple to the White Cloud True Monarch, with Master Yun Ge himself as their master.

Moreover, an ancestor from the Kuang family once numbered among the White Cloud True Monarch's sixteen disciples, though this ancestor passed away a millennium ago.

Consequently, the Kuang family can be regarded as an Immortal Cultivation Family allied with the White Cloud True Monarch, wielding significant influence within White Cloud Immortal City.

It was precisely due to their established presence and influence within the Immortal Law Hall that Xu Mingzhu sought the Kuang family's backing.

The Immortal Law Hall serves as the Law Enforcement Hall of White Cloud Immortal City, tasked with maintaining public order and administering justice throughout the city.

It bears the name Immortal Law Hall because White Cloud Immortal City operates under a legal framework known as the White Cloud Immortal Laws, which were personally instituted by the White Cloud True Monarch.

Should Xu Mingzhu intend to utilize the regulations of White Cloud Immortal City to bring about Yang Zhenshan's demise, securing an alliance with the Immortal Law Hall beforehand was imperative.

Whether it involved fabricating accusations or planting evidence, all preliminary arrangements had to be made within the Immortal Law Hall. Otherwise, if the matter escalated and the Immortal Law Hall initiated a thorough investigation, he would inadvertently bring ruin upon himself.

"That old dog Kuang Fu looks down on us and hasn't given us any response!" Zhou Tu exclaimed in anger.

Regardless of Xu Mingzhu's position as the Hall Master of the Fiery Flame Hall, within the hierarchy recognized by an established Immortal Cultivation Family like the Kuang family, Xu Mingzhu was merely a subordinate, akin to a kept dog.

Xu Mingzhu did not allow himself to be provoked by this. He harbored a deep-seated resentment towards the Immortal Cultivation Families backing the Five Alliance Elders and was no longer susceptible to their condescension or neglect.

"Since they are unwilling, then maintain a vigilant watch on that individual and await his departure from the city!"

"Incidentally, have you ascertained his identity?"

He suddenly recalled that Yang Zhenshan's background remained unknown to him.

"We have. This individual is named Yang Zhenshan, hailing from the Yang family of the Sea of Spirit. For more comprehensive details, it will be necessary to dispatch an investigative team to the Sea of Spirit at a later juncture!" Zhou Tu responded.

The Fiery Flame Hall, by natural consequence, could not rival the Ten Thousand Treasures Store. Zhongli Xiayi from the Ten Thousand Treasures Store had managed to delve into Yang Zhenshan's background to a depth of eight or nine layers overnight, whereas the Fiery Flame Hall required several days merely to discover Yang Zhenshan's origin from the Sea of Spirit, without uncovering any further information.

This deficiency was not attributable to the incompetence of the Fiery Flame Hall; their primary mandate involved expeditions into the Wanhua Mountain Range for the purpose of hunting Mutant Beasts and demonic beasts, with their operational focus concentrated in the dense forests east of White Cloud Immortal City.

Should one inquire about the specific Mutant Beast tribes inhabiting that forest expanse or the types of demonic beasts available for hunting, they could likely recount such details as cherished lore.

However, if questioned about the prevailing conditions within the Sea of Spirit, they would exhibit complete ignorance.

Nonetheless, Xu Mingzhu was unconcerned with the Sea of Spirit. "There is no need for further investigation; proceed with your action once he departs the Immortal City!"

He held the sects and families residing in the Sea of Spirit in negligible regard.

The entirety of the Sea of Spirit could only boast of three Divine Soul Realm Martial Artists across its Three Sects, individuals worthy of mention. However, these three were classified as Martial Artists, not Immortal Cultivators. While he might harbor apprehension towards the formidable power displayed by Divine Soul Realm Martial Artists, he certainly harbored no reverence for them.

...

Xu Mingzhu was anticipating Yang Zhenshan's exit from the Immortal City, just as Yang Zhenshan was awaiting the arrival of Yang Jizhen and his companions.

Upon receiving Yang Zhenshan's directive, Xuanzhen and Yang Jizhen, accompanied by Ma Qiuyan and Ning Yun, made their way to Qingli Immortal City with the express purpose of escorting Bai Xiaoyun.

"Greetings, Elder Xuanzhen, greetings, Yang!"

Within the cave residence, Bai Xiaoyun regarded the duo's synchronized arrival with a measure of puzzlement.

She acknowledged their identities, yet her familiarity with them was not particularly profound.

For many years, she had resided within Qingli Immortal City, diligently protecting the Yang family's interests there. Though her days were somewhat uneventful, they offered a sense of security.

Consequently, Bai Xiaoyun found herself quite content with her present circumstances. In her estimation, accepting the position of Guest Elder within the Yang family was undoubtedly the shrewdest decision she had ever made.

The advantages were substantial, the treatment was exceptional, the workload was minimal, and there were no bothersome duties or compulsory actions that went against her principles.

Barring a slight lack of excitement, Bai Xiaoyun was thoroughly pleased with how things were.

Xuanzhen inclined his head slightly in a tacit greeting. Yang Jizhen offered a smile and proclaimed, "Fellow Daoist Bai, the ancestor has issued a decree for us to proceed immediately to White Cloud Immortal City for further instructions!"

"White Cloud Immortal City!" Bai Xiaoyun's dark eyes sparkled with interest. "Is there something beneficial awaiting us there?"

The prospect of visiting White Cloud Immortal City had long been a desire of hers; perhaps it was because her own name echoed the phrase "White Cloud," but she had always held a deep curiosity about its actual appearance.

Alas, an opportunity to do so had never materialized.

"It's not guaranteed to be beneficial; you will discover the reason once you accompany us," Yang Jizhen responded.

"When shall we depart?"

"Without delay!"

"Very well!"

Bai Xiaoyun did not hesitate for a moment. After a swift packing of her belongings, she left Qingli Immortal City alongside Yang Jizhen and the others.

Lacking a Flying Boat, their chosen method of conveyance was the Golden Feathered Fire Crow.

A retinue of five individuals mounted five Second-Order Golden Feathered Fire Crows, charting a course eastward along the northern flank of the Yunxiao Mountain Range, en route to White Cloud Immortal City.

Yang Zhenshan and Yunxiao had originated from the Sea of Spirit and were also heading towards White Cloud Immortal City, necessitating a passage through the more remote sections of the Yunxiao Mountain Range.

Conversely, Yang Jizhen's contingent commenced their journey from Qingli Immortal City, requiring them only to navigate eastward along the northern edge of the Yunxiao Mountain Range.

They soared over rolling mountain terrains, bridged immense rivers, and traversed deep gorges.

A distance of ten thousand miles was by no means a daunting trek for them; astride the Golden Feathered Fire Crows, their destination could be reached in a mere three to four days.

As they navigated across a particularly wide gorge, Xuanzhen’s brow creased subtly as he directed his gaze downward into the chasm.

A luminous golden light flashed within his eyes, piercing the depths of the seemingly bottomless ravine below like sharpened blades.

"Elder Xuanzhen, is something amiss?" Yang Jizhen inquired, having observed the peculiar golden luminescence in his superior's eyes.

Xuanzhen offered a slight shake of his head. "It is nothing of consequence, merely a fleeting sensation of being observed just now!"

"Ah!" Yang Jizhen displayed no apparent concern.

In this region, along the northern slopes of the Yunxiao Mountain Range, a multitude of Immortal Cultivation Forces were present. These included various families, sects, and demon clans, dispersed throughout the area. While none of these factions achieved remarkable prominence, a select few boasted cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage.

It was only natural for those below to notice such a conspicuous display of aerial travel.

What remained unknown to them was that the individual who had been scrutinizing their passage was none other than Duan Qiankun, one of the Ghost Soldiers serving under Zhang Mo’s command.

Perched high above Cangya Gorge, Duan Qiankun, garbed in a somber gray-white robe, stood rigidly at the precipice. His gaze, as cold as ice, was fixed upon the five Golden Feathered Fire Crows ascending through the clouds overhead.

"Golden Feathered Fire Crows? Belonging to the Yang family of the Sea of Spirit?"

"That particular family appears to possess considerable standing!"

Duan Qiankun mused aloud.

In current times, the Yang family's renown had seen a significant escalation, positioning them as a rather recognized Immortal Cultivation Force within Qingli Immortal City.

Naturally, when contrasted with formidable behemoths such as Cangyu Mountain, Hidden Sword Mountain, the Three Sects of Spirit, the Nether Prison Sect, and Wind Valley, the Yang family’s prestige still fell considerably short.

Years prior, when Master Yun Ge had orchestrated a gathering of the various powers in Qingli Immortal City, Yang Zhenshan had been relegated to a seat in the very last row. Currently, considering the Yang family's standing in Qingli Immortal City, it was probable that he would still find himself in a similar position.

It was simply that, through years of dedicated operation within Qingli Immortal City, the Yang family had become known as a formidable Immortal Cultivation Family originating from the Sea of Spirit.

Duan Qiankun had consistently kept abreast of the unfolding events in Qingli Immortal City, though his primary focus remained steadfastly on the Lin family, one of the prominent Qingli Six.

As for the Yang family, he had never truly allocated significant attention to them.

Transforming into a swift streak of gray-white luminescence, Duan Qiankun descended into the gorge, penetrating the protective array situated at its base.

The dense Blood Pool churned ceaselessly, and three imposing White Bone Pillars nearly breached the gorge's rim, their spectral forms jutting skyward.

An ominous, blood-tinged aura permeated the entirety of the gorge's confined expanse.