Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1426 - 902: Please Come with Us to the Immortal Law Hall!
Previously on Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather...
However, guiding Yang Jizhen, Bai Xiaoyun, and the others proved to be quite simple for Yun Xiao.
To commemorate the triumph of their recent battle, Yang Zhenshan generously treated everyone to a sumptuous meal at a local tavern, complete with exquisite wines and delicacies.
Engaging in conversation and raising their cups in toasts, the group shared a moment of genuine camaraderie.
Following this engagement, the bond between Yang Zhenshan and Yun Xiao was undeniably strengthened.
After a few rounds of drinks and satisfying their appetites, Yun Xiao observed that Yang Zhenshan’s disciples had concluded their consultations. He then remarked to Yang Zhenshan, "I never realized you possessed such a remarkable number of capable disciples!"
He was genuinely astonished by the sheer quantity of Immortal Cultivators under Yang Zhenshan's tutelage.
This revelation also afforded him a more profound comprehension of the Yang family's overall might.
He surmised that even without his direct intervention that day, individuals like Xu Mingzhu would likely have been unable to evade their predetermined fate.
While his mastery of the Sword Dao was indeed formidable, he had not overlooked the presence of Yang Zhenshan's potent Spiritual Artifact, the Golden Crow Eight Trigrams Furnace.
He recalled a past encounter atop Qingxuan Mountain, where Yang Zhenshan, commanding the Eight Trigrams Furnace, had compelled him to yield slightly.
Perhaps his Sword Dao was impressive, but when contrasted with the Golden Crow Eight Trigrams Furnace imbued with True Sun Fire, it was still a rank below.
Yang Zhenshan lifted his wine cup, draining its contents in a single motion. "Haha, do you not also have a considerable number of disciples yourself, Elder?"
Yun Xiao gave a slight shake of his head. "Indeed, I do. However, aside from Yun Xi, none have truly distinguished themselves!"
Though not formally his disciple, Yun Xi held a place in his heart akin to one.
Yun Xi was his junior sister. Tragically, his master passed away less than twenty years after accepting her, leaving Yun Xi under his personal tutelage, where he guided her step-by-step.
"I also have two young disciples. When the occasion arises, I would be most grateful if you would offer them your guidance, Elder!" Yang Zhenshan proposed with a smile.
Yun Xiao was a Sword Cultivator, and among his disciples, only the sisters Li Jianning and Li Jian’an truly embodied the path of the sword.
"As long as there are Demon Essence Pills involved, you can count on this old man for anything!" Yun Xiao declared with a playful glint in his eye.
A faint headache began to form in Yang Zhenshan's mind upon hearing this.
It appeared he had accumulated a significant debt of Demon Essence Pills.
He had only managed to deliver half of the ten Demon Essence Pills mandated by Cangyu Mountain.
Although he had already given Yun Xiao the two Demon Essence Pills he’d promised earlier, today's sword techniques had added three more to his outstanding obligation.
Furthermore, he needed to present some Demon Essence Pills to the Ten Thousand Treasures Store, lest Zhongli Xiayi harbor suspicions of his duplicity.
Given his capacity to refine only four Demon Essence Pills annually, the entirety of his output for the next four to five years was already spoken for.
Nevertheless, Yun Xiao's guidance was invaluable, particularly since Yang Zhenshan himself lacked proficiency in the Sword Dao, and Li Jianning and Li Jian’an desperately required a master in that discipline.
"Very well. For three years of guidance for your two disciples, I shall consider it one Demon Essence Pill," Yang Zhenshan conceded.
"What about ten years for two pills?" Yun Xiao countered, his request tinged with avarice.
Yang Zhenshan simply stared at him, a sense of exasperation washing over him as he realized this old friend had truly fixated on him.
"Two pills it shall be!"
When one already owes such a substantial amount, what was the harm in adding just one more?
Since he was already indebted by four, what was the significance of one additional pill?
"Hahaha, well said! Rest assured, this old man will impart his knowledge with utmost sincerity, holding nothing back!"
Yun Xiao erupted in hearty laughter.
...
In the ensuing days, Xuanzhen, Yang Jizhen, and the rest of the group explored the expanses of Immortal City, familiarizing themselves with White Cloud Immortal City.
However, Immortal City, in essence, was much like any other; it simply boasted a greater concentration of Immortal Cultivators, more Foundation Establishment practitioners, and a more vibrant commercial landscape.
While exploration was agreeable, for long-term habitation, Spirit Source Land offered a far more congenial environment.
A few days later, they concluded their preparations and departed for their respective homes.
Bai Xiaoyun was obligated to return to Qingli Immortal City to assume his responsibilities, Ma Qiuyan needed to commence her preparations for Foundation Establishment, and the others, too, had to return to their cultivation pursuits, rendering an extended stay in White Cloud Immortal City impracticable.
On this particular day, after bidding them farewell at the city gates, Yang Zhenshan made his way back to his residence situated in Spring and Summer Square.
His immediate plan was to convene with Yun Xiao and proceed to the Ten Thousand Treasures Store to commence the refinement of the Foundation Establishment Pill, followed by the creation of two batches of Demon Essence Pills.
However, upon reaching the entrance of his dwelling, he discovered a contingent of over a dozen cultivators, all adorned in distinctive white robes emblazoned with cloud patterns, stationed there.
Yang Zhenshan's eyes narrowed perceptibly. The cloud-patterned robes, accented with flowing golden motifs, unmistakably identified these individuals as cultivators belonging to the Immortal Law Hall!
The Immortal Law Hall bears the responsibility of maintaining city security and enacting punishments, wielding significant authority within White Cloud Immortal City.
"Why has the Immortal Law Hall come seeking me?"
"Could it be that the assassination of Xu Mingzhu has been discovered?"
Yang Zhenshan was perplexed and, after a brief hesitation, moved forward.
Regardless of the reason for the Immortal Law Hall's presence, avoiding them was impossible unless he intended to permanently abandon White Cloud Immortal City!
"Stop! This is official business for the Immortal Law Hall. Unauthorized individuals are forbidden from approaching!"
After taking a few steps, Yang Zhenshan was met with a stern reprimand. Other Qi Refinement cultivators also regarded him with cold hostility.
At this moment, Yang Zhenshan made no effort to conceal his cultivation; he was in the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. The others were merely in the early-stage of Foundation Establishment and Qi Refinement. Despite this disparity, they completely disregarded his cultivation level, rudely chastising him.
Cultivation reigns supreme, and power commands respect—this is the unshakeable law of the Immortal Cultivation World. However, before the Immortal Law Hall, this fundamental principle is disregarded.
"This is my residence!" Yang Zhenshan stated calmly.
Upon hearing this, the Foundation Establishment cultivator's expression turned serious. "Are you Yang Zhenshan?"
"Yes!"
Yang Zhenshan gave a slight nod.
"Excellent timing. Please accompany us to the Immortal Law Hall!"
Yang Zhenshan let out a chuckle. "And who might you be?"
"I am Kuang Hengxian, a law enforcer of the Immortal Law Hall! According to the laws of White Cloud Immortal City, any individual who dares to defy the Immortal Law Hall grants the law enforcer the right to immediately deploy patrol puppets for on-the-spot execution! Now, please!" Kuang Hengxian fixed Yang Zhenshan with a cold stare.
The Immortal Law Hall has both patrol enforcers and law enforcers. Patrol enforcers are tasked with internal city security, while law enforcers concentrate on apprehending and judging those who violate White Cloud Immortal City's statutes.
The presence of a law enforcer here signifies that Yang Zhenshan is now considered a criminal!
Yang Zhenshan had not anticipated that the demise of Xu Mingzhu would draw the attention of the Immortal Law Hall. Typically, the Immortal Law Hall only handles internal matters and abstains from intervening in external conflicts; otherwise, he would not have dared to openly assassinate Xu Mingzhu.
Could someone be orchestrating this from the shadows? Perhaps the Cloud Wild Alliance?
He immediately grasped that someone was leveraging the Immortal Law Hall to exact revenge for Xu Mingzhu.
"You should, at the very least, inform me of the reason for this summons to the Immortal Law Hall!" he inquired.
"You will discover this upon your arrival! Cease your pointless chatter, or do not blame me for resorting to force!" Kuang Hengxian retorted coldly.
Yang Zhenshan cast a glance towards his residence. Yun Xiao was absent, and the dwelling appeared deserted. However, the Protective Array was still active, indicating that these individuals had forcibly entered his abode.
"Let's proceed!"
He offered no resistance nor refusal; in truth, he was also eager to observe the Immortal Law Hall of White Cloud Immortal City firsthand.
The Immortal Law Hall of White Cloud Immortal City commands a formidable reputation, both within and beyond the city's confines, exerting immense deterrent power.
This is attributed to the fact that the Immortal Law Hall possesses control over thousands of White Cloud Immortal City's patrol puppets.
These are all Second-Order puppets, and it is rumored that the Immortal Law Hall also commands Third-Order puppets.
Even with these puppets alone, they possess the might to overwhelm numerous Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Yang Zhenshan's straightforward compliance met Kuang Hengxian with a degree of surprise, and his composed demeanor left Kuang Hengxian somewhat puzzled.
Nevertheless, a Foundation Establishment cultivator carries their own dignity, and Kuang Hengxian, while capable of disregarding Yang Zhenshan's cultivation level, could not ethically ignore the honor associated with being a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
At the very least, in public display, they were obligated to uphold the reputation of the Immortal Law Hall.
Consequently, they escorted Yang Zhenshan away from Spring and Summer Square.
Upon their departure from Spring and Summer Square, Yang Zhenshan was guided into a carriage. While termed a carriage, it was not pulled by horses but by a peculiar, deer-like Mutant Beast.
As he was boarding the carriage, Yang Zhenshan happened to catch sight of Yun Xiao returning.
Yun Xiao's brow furrowed as he observed the scene, but Yang Zhenshan offered a slight nod, signaling him to remain composed.
Yun Xiao contemplated for a moment before his furrowed brow relaxed.
Nonetheless, Yang Zhenshan's subtle gesture did not escape Kuang Hengxian's notice.
Following Yang Zhenshan's line of sight, a considerable number of onlookers were present. Yun Xiao, however, blended into the crowd, rendering him inconspicuous and unnoticed by Kuang Hengxian.
"Do you have accomplices?"