Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1437 - 907: Newly Advanced Divine Soul Realm Expert Zhang Xian (Part 2)

Adorned in a robe of moon-white brocade, its dark patterns and expansive sleeves flowing with him, he carried an aura of composed elegance, perfectly embodying the description 'as radiant as the sun and moon embracing all under heaven, as steadfast as the wind whispering through ancient pines.'

Zhang Xian, though remarkably young at under two hundred years, had already ascended to a formidable position within the Divine Soul Realm.

'Why is that?' Lin Daoyuan inquired.

'A deep-seated hatred resides within my heart!' Zhang Xian declared, his jade-like complexion serene, his voice ringing clear.

Lin Daoyuan fell into a thoughtful silence.

Hatred stirring in Zhang Xian’s heart?

Hatred for whom? Naturally, it was directed at the Nether Prison Sect!

The Wuxiang Sect had endured devastating losses in their conflict with the Nether Prison Sect. Amongst the fallen were not only his companions and mentors but also fellow disciples and younger kin. His profound animosity towards the Nether Prison Sect was thus entirely justified; it would have been unfathomable if he harbored no such feelings.

But could the Three Sects of the Sea of Spirit truly contend against the might of the Nether Prison Sect?

Observing Lin Daoyuan’s quiet contemplation, Zhang Xian spoke softly, 'Are you perhaps hesitant, Senior?'

'Is this not a matter solely for myself?' Lin Daoyuan responded.

'No, this is indeed a matter pertaining to yourself. The Sword Dao champions decisive action over hesitant compromise; your cultivation has reached a plateau, your progress stalled for quite some time, has it not? Perhaps it is time to examine your own obstacles!' Zhang Xian’s gaze was exceptionally piercing.

He was still young, imbued with the vibrant energy of youth.

Having recently achieved a breakthrough, his spirit was at its zenith.

With a burning hatred in his heart, he sought its eradication to perfect his state of mind.

Lin Daoyuan stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze drifting deep into the sprawling peaks of the Yunxiao Mountain Range.

'Your perspective is perhaps too simplistic; the current relations between the Sea of Spirit and the Nether Prison Sect transcend a simple conflict between just two factions!' he murmured.

A fleeting crimson glint flashed within Zhang Xian’s eyes.

'Is this due to Qingli Immortal City?'

'It is White Cloud Immortal City. White Cloud Immortal City prefers stability in its vicinity, particularly around the Yunxiao Mountain Range!' Lin Daoyuan clarified.

Zhang Xian took a step forward, 'Precisely, and for this very reason, we must act preemptively. White Cloud Immortal City will lend us their support!'

Lin Daoyuan appeared startled, turning to regard Zhang Xian with surprise.

'What do you mean by that?'

Zhang Xian’s gaze fell, his voice adopting a grave tone, 'Since White Cloud Immortal City desires no unrest near the Yunxiao Mountain Range, they will undoubtedly ensure we do not allow the situation to spiral out of control.'

'If we initiate the conflict, White Cloud Immortal City will surely step in to help us bring it to a swift conclusion!'

Lin Daoyuan’s brow furrowed slightly. Zhang Xian’s reasoning might hold merit; once the Sea of Spirit and the Nether Prison Sect resumed hostilities, White Cloud Immortal City would inevitably intervene to mediate.

However, such an approach would mean the Sea of Spirit offending White Cloud Immortal City and irrevocably damaging their reputation.

Lin Daoyuan was disinclined to antagonize White Cloud Immortal City, especially at a time when it stood at its zenith, having recently established Qingli Immortal City, which had brought considerable advantages to the Xuanqing Sect.

'This matter requires further deliberation; I cannot make such a decision alone!'

Zhang Xian cast a profound look at Lin Daoyuan, choosing not to press further. 'I shall pay a visit to Senior Yue E!' he stated.

He had not abandoned his objective; if Lin Daoyuan remained indecisive, he would first endeavor to sway the Illusion Moon Sect.

Once the Illusion Moon Sect gave their assent, the Xuanqing Sect would find it exceedingly difficult to refuse.

'Farewell!' Zhang Xian cupped his hands in a respectful salute and turned to depart.

Lin Daoyuan watched the receding figure, his brow still knit in contemplation.

...

Spiritual Spring Mountain Plateau.

Yang Zhenshan was aware of Zhang Xian’s advancement to the Divine Soul Realm, yet he harbored no particular concern regarding it.

As long as Zhang Xian did not actively provoke him, he had no intention of creating friction with the Wuxiang Sect.

Regarding the interests of the Spirit Source Land within the Sea of Spirit, it was wiser to concede when necessary rather than to engage in a life-or-death struggle over minor gains.

Although the Sea of Spirit represented the largest market for the Spirit Source Land, its primary distribution channel, the profits garnered from this region were significantly less substantial than those derived from Qingli Immortal City.

When it came to low-grade resources, the Sea of Spirit was undeniably rich.

However, in the realm of second-order resources, the Sea of Spirit appeared rather depleted.

In stark contrast, Qingli Immortal City boasted an immense market for second-order resources, encompassing not only a diverse array of spiritual medicines, spirit ores, and spirit fruits, but also mutant beasts, and extending further to include elixirs, magical artifacts, talismans, and formations.

To put it plainly, the Sea of Spirit was a low-end market, Qingli Immortal City served as a high-end market, while White Cloud Immortal City occupied the position of an even more exclusive, ultra-high-end market.

Presently, the Spirit Source Land is making preparations to enter White Cloud Immortal City. Their objective isn't to pursue immediate substantial profits, but rather to establish a foundation for securing high-end resources through various channels in the future.

Naturally, these intricate matters did not necessitate Yang Zhenshan's personal involvement; the Ziwei Tower possessed its own established plans and procedures to handle them.

Consequently, the Sea of Spirit now functions merely as a receptacle for the Spirit Source Land's offerings, channeling a vast quantity of spirit stones but failing to yield any high-grade resources.

Even at this juncture, if the Spirit Source Land were to sever its ties with the Sea of Spirit altogether, Yang Zhenshan would harbor no objections.

Therefore, upon receiving the news of Zhang Xian's breakthrough, Yang Zhenshan's response was one of mild indifference, and he gave the matter no further consideration.

His focus was placed more significantly on Yunxiao's advancement rather than Zhang Xian's.

Merely one day after Zhang Xian's breakthrough, Yunxiao successfully reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment. Yang Zhenshan, in person, journeyed to the Xuanqing Sect to present a congratulatory gift to Yunxiao.

Following his return from the Xuanqing Sect, Yang Zhenshan also entered a period of secluded cultivation.

During this time, his own cultivation base experienced a notable enhancement.

Having first acquired the Seven Treasures Soul Suppressing Tower and subsequently refined the Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron, a top-tier magical treasure that also served as his lifebound magical treasure, Yang Zhenshan not only saw a significant surge in his overall strength but also a marked acceleration in his cultivation speed.

A lifebound magical treasure is more than a mere artifact; it becomes an extension of a Foundation Establishment cultivator's very being, bestowing not only enhanced combat capabilities but also actively aiding in the cultivation process.

The Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron, deriving its origins from the Qingmu Longevity Scripture, shares a common lineage, inherently providing an advantage for those cultivating the Qingmu Longevity Scripture.

Furthermore, Yang Zhenshan's Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron had been infused with the Water of Transformation, containing the 'maternal essence of life,' which perfectly resonated with the Qingmu Longevity Scripture's principles.

It could be said that the Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron acted as an unparalleled accelerator for Yang Zhenshan's cultivation, dramatically increasing his efficiency.

Within the stillness of his chamber, Yang Zhenshan remained seated in a cross-legged posture atop a meditation mat, his gaze unfocused as he stared blankly at the ground before him.

"Something feels rather peculiar!"

"The Qingmu Longevity Scripture... it appears to have undergone a transformation!"

"What could this possibly be?"

He uttered these words softly, a cascade of thoughts, much like raindrops pattering on banana leaves, descending upon his heart.

Just moments prior, while circulating the Qingmu Longevity Scripture, an anomaly had occurred.

Mana coursed through his body in its usual fashion, yet he perceived that his mana had somehow acquired an unfamiliar attribute.

"Could this be the result of the Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron's influence?"

He pondered this question extensively, yet found no immediate answers.

After a brief period of contemplation, he retrieved a seed from the Tiaoist Intent Sacred Lotus and consumed it.

The seed of the Tiaoist Intent Sacred Lotus possesses the remarkable ability to enhance one's comprehension of the Heaven and Earth Dao Intent. While this effect might not be profoundly substantial for Yang Zhenshan at his current level, it was certainly better than none.

Moreover, in moments of critical introspection, the seed of the Tiaoist Intent Sacred Lotus proved undeniably useful.

Since Yang Zhenshan was unable to immediately grasp the nature of the recent change, he harbored a hope that the Tiaoist Intent Sacred Lotus seed would provide some form of inspiration or clarity.

Once the seed made its way into his stomach, Yang Zhenshan experienced a sudden sharpening of his thoughts, and any lingering chaotic notions dissipated without a trace.

He then commenced the recitation of the Purifying Heart Divine Spell, a potent incantation designed to cleanse both body and spirit, dispel distractions, stabilize the heart and mind, and ultimately allow the mortal soul to achieve a state of profound tranquility, enabling introspection of the Dao Heart and entry into a serene state.

Bolstered by the seed of the Tiaoist Intent Sacred Lotus and the purifying effects of the Purifying Heart Divine Spell, Yang Zhenshan entered a state of mental clarity as placid as still water, his divine sense sharp and unobstructed.

He proceeded to circulate the Qingmu Longevity Scripture, meticulously scrutinizing the subtle alterations occurring within his body's mana.

Cycle after cycle commenced, each Grand Circulation reaching its conclusion only to initiate the next.

Currently, Yang Zhenshan's Divine Soul possesses extraordinary resilience, rendering unnecessary any concern about its inability to sustain the continuous mana circulation.

Time flowed by silently; the exact duration remains unknown. Yang Zhenshan, engrossed in his efforts, consumed yet another lotus seed.

He seemed utterly consumed, oblivious to his surroundings, driven solely by the fervent desire to unravel the mysteries behind the transformation within the Qingmu Longevity Scripture.

His heart was completely immersed in this endeavor, the mana within his body in perpetual circulation, his lips ceaselessly chanting the Purifying Heart Divine Spell, and one lotus seed after another being ingested.

Presently, the Spiritual Spring Lake boasts a considerable number of Daoist Intent Sacred Lotuses, totaling three hundred and sixty plants, which collectively yield over three thousand lotus seeds every twenty years.

Although Yang Zhenshan has integrated these lotus seeds into the Spirit Source Land's merit exchange system, he still retains a substantial personal cache of these seeds.