Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1452 - 914: Turmoil (Part 2)

Yu Qingyi sifted through a stack of intelligence reports, remarking, "It appears a multitude of Immortal Cultivators have materialized within Lingxiu Sea!"

"Indeed, and this is merely the precursor to greater upheaval," Yang Zhenshan responded.

Without the buffer of the Three Sects of Lingxiu, the region has become akin to a plump sheep, eagerly eyed by all.

Major powers are poised to carve out territories in Lingxiu Sea, perhaps even claiming it outright. Meanwhile, those solitary Loose Cultivators are poised to transform into predatory Marauding Cultivators, desperate to seize whatever they can.

The unfolding chaos in Lingxiu Sea has led to a dramatic surge in resource prices, casting a pall of anxiety and pandemonium over numerous families and martial arts clans.

Another fortnight elapsed.

Among the original twelve prominent families, the Zhuang family met their end overnight. Over half of their eight hundred-plus members were annihilated, and their accumulated wealth, amassed over centuries, was plundered clean.

Within the confines of the Ancient County city, at the Lu family's estate.

Inside the family's council hall.

Lu Fusheng occupied the head seat, his complexion noticeably wan.

The profound mental trauma inflicted at the Wuxiang Sect had yet to fully recede, leaving him with a persistent heaviness in his head.

Yet, he considered himself fortunate compared to the Golden Body Realm Martial Artists who had vanished without a trace; at least he had returned.

Three other individuals were seated in the hall: Lu You’an, Lu Youning, and Lan Peng.

Both Lu Youning and Lan Peng had recently ascended to the Golden Body Realm. Previously, Yang Zhenshan had bestowed upon them a Gathering Spirit Pill, which proved instrumental in solidifying their Spirit Base and achieving this advancement.

Even after reaching the Golden Body Realm, Lan Peng did not depart from the Lu family nor did he vie for a position as a martial arts family within Lingxiu Sea.

It wasn't a lack of desire on Lan Peng's part, but rather the inherent weakness of the Lan family's foundation.

A family led by Lan Peng lacked territorial claims and essential resources. Critically, their kin numbered only a dozen or so; even if granted the status of a martial arts family, their position would remain precarious.

Consequently, Lan Peng relinquished the ambition of establishing a martial arts family and instead accepted the role of a Guest Elder within the Lu family.

"What are your opinions on the matter?" Lu Fusheng inquired, rubbing his throbbing forehead.

Lu You’an glanced towards Lu Youning, who then deferred, "Brother, please, you speak first."

"Very well," Lu You’an acknowledged and stated, "Father, our paramount concern at this juncture must be self-preservation."

"And how do we ensure our survival?" Lu Fusheng probed.

Presently, the majority of Immortal Cultivators descending upon Lingxiu Sea were primarily in the Qi Refinement Realm. However, it was anticipated that Foundation Establishment Cultivators would soon follow.

With the Lu family's current capabilities, repelling a few Qi Refining Cultivators was manageable. Yet, confronting Foundation Establishment Cultivators would undoubtedly strain their resources.

Lu You’an let out a subtle sigh and softly proposed, "We must seek aid from the Yang Family Gang."

The Lu family possessed no alternative recourse at this moment. Their development in recent years had been commendable, with both Lu Youning and Lan Peng achieving the Golden Body Realm, propelling the family's influence to the vanguard among the twelve original families.

Simultaneously, the Lu family's trade ventures with the Yang family had furnished them with substantial resources and wealth, thereby compensating for their initially fragile foundation.

Had their development proceeded along this trajectory, the Lu family might have eventually rivaled the Beishi family, a recognized Martial Arts Family.

The heavens are capricious, and human fortunes can shift with startling speed.

Amidst the upheaval instigated by the Wuxiang Sect, the Lu family found itself ensnared in a maelstrom of uncertainty.

The Lu family's pressing concern was no longer their growth but their very survival.

At this critical juncture, the Illusion Moon Sect was clearly incapable of offering any succor to the Lu family.

The Yang family stood as their sole pillar of support.

"We truly have no other viable options at present," Lu Youning concurred.

Lan Peng remained quiescent, as it was deemed inappropriate for him to voice his personal judgment on the matter.

He shared a profound bond with Yang Zhenshan. Despite the considerable chasm that now existed in their societal standing, he understood Yang Zhenshan's character, recognizing him as an individual who cherished past connections.

Should he personally appeal for assistance, Lan Peng was confident that Yang Zhenshan would offer his support.

However, this was a matter pertaining to the Lu family; he was disinclined to deplete his personal goodwill on their behalf.

Circumstances had altered significantly. Previously, the Lan family operated as a vassal to the Lu family, acknowledging their superior status and naturally prioritizing the clan's interests.

But now, as a fellow Golden Body Realm Martial Artist, his status was on par with Lu Fusheng and Lu You’an. He was no longer a subordinate but a distinguished Guest Elder of the Lu family.

Lan Peng harbored reservations about voicing his opinion, but Lu Fusheng’s attention turned to him, asking, "Old Lan, what are your thoughts?"

Lan Peng paused for a moment before replying, "General, this affair is not within my purview to handle!"

Lu Fusheng let out a soft chuckle. "What is on your mind, old man? I am not asking you to seek out Yang Zhenshan, but rather what your plans are for the Lan family's future!"

"This~~" Lan Peng sought clarification, "General, please elaborate!"

Lu Fusheng’s expression grew serious. "The Illusion Moon Sect can no longer be counted upon; we require new backing, not only for my Lu family but for your Lan family as well!"

"And at this present moment, the sole individual and force we can depend on is the Yang family."

"I have faith in Yang Zhenshan’s integrity, and the Yang family also boasts several Guest Elders."

Indeed, he had already resolved to align with the Yang family, particularly since their survival amidst the turmoil at the Wuxiang Sect was attributable to the Yang family’s staunch loyalty.

Moreover, the Lu family was deeply indebted to Yang Zhenshan.

Yang Zhenshan had saved Lu Youning, rescued Lu You’an, aided Lu Jianghua, and now, once more, had saved Lu Fusheng.

Although the Lu family had offered their gratitude previously, the token of their appreciation was, in truth, meager in comparison to the profound debt of lives preserved.

"The General intends to forge an alliance with the Yang family?" Lan Peng inquired, his eyes widening in surprise.

Lu Fusheng nodded faintly. "In the past, our vision was too limited, believing that securing a position within Lingxiu Sea was sufficient. However, this Lingxiu Sea is merely a remote backwater."

"While my knowledge of the Yang family is not extensive, I understand they possess greater strength than I had imagined!"

"For the Lu family to become a subordinate of the Yang family is not an unfavorable prospect!"

Lu Fusheng was not one to readily accept subservience, yet he understood the critical importance of weighing advantages and disadvantages.

The current circumstances necessitated finding a new patron to ensure the Lu family’s survival amid the unfolding chaos.

Lan Peng contemplated for a moment before stating, "However, we cannot be certain if the Yang family would be amenable to this!"

"This matter is straightforward; simply go and inquire!" Lu Fusheng offered Lan Peng a smile.

Lan Peng was taken aback momentarily, then a realization dawned, and he laughed with a hint of exasperation, "So, the General was awaiting my response all along!"

"Just tell me whether you will undertake this task!" Lu Fusheng quipped with a smile.

Lan Peng rose to his feet, his laughter booming. "General, do not mock old Lan; I shall go, haha~~"

Had this been solely a concern of the Lu family, he would have been unwilling to assist them in seeking out Yang Zhenshan.

But given that it also concerned the Lan family’s well-being, he felt compelled to seek aid from the Yang family.

...

Within the Yang Family Town, in the courtyard of the Yang family estate.

Yang Chengzhang listened intently, his expression grim, as his subordinate delivered a report.

"Sir, this marks the fourth family; in a mere half-month, four families have suffered grievous harm. Many other families have dispatched representatives to seek our assistance, imploring us to send troops to repel these marauding cultivators!" Xue Fuyang reported.

The major powers had yet to intervene, and Lingxiu Sea had already plunged into disarray.

Following confirmation that the Three Sects of Lingxiu could no longer safeguard the region, numerous Qi Refining Cultivators had transformed into Marauding Cultivators, descending upon Lingxiu Sea to engage in plunder.

While many martial families within Lingxiu Sea might not be exceedingly wealthy, they still possessed certain assets; smaller families could hold hundreds of Spirit Stones, while larger ones might possess thousands.

These Spirit Stones, though perhaps insignificant to Foundation Establishment Cultivators, represented considerable wealth to many Qi Refining Cultivators.

With the retreat of the Three Sects, order within Lingxiu Sea had disintegrated. Amidst the chaos, numerous external Cultivators had become Marauding Cultivators.

Under these dire circumstances, the smaller families were the first to fall victim.

Yang Chengzhang had anticipated a degree of chaos and had implemented certain precautionary measures within Yang Family Town. However, he had not foreseen the extent of the current disarray, nor had he imagined that cultivators would act with such brazen recklessness.

He naturally felt no particular concern for these minor families, as the Yang family did not particularly require subordinate families; retaining them was merely a means to prevent excessive disorder within the Yang family’s territory.

Regardless, these families were nominally affiliated with the Yang family, submitting annual tributes, and in return, the Yang family was obligated to provide them with an environment of peace.

"A pack of despicable vermin, daring to provoke us—utterly outrageous!"

Yang Chengzhang declared, his voice laced with cold fury.

"I shall return shortly and request the Yujing Guard to dispatch troops!"

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