Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1454 - 915: Your Grandfather Is the Sky Here! (Part 2)

Yang Chengmao, observing the Green Bamboo clutched by Qingxia, inquired, "Aunt Qingxia, what purpose did you have for this?"

Qingxia responded with a smile, "A few young disciples are practicing sword techniques. I went to gather some Green Bamboo for them to fashion bamboo swords."

"Such minor affairs hardly warrant Aunt Qingxia's personal attention!" Yang Chengmao expressed his slight displeasure.

"Even if I have free time, it's better to engage in some activity! Those young disciples are quite endearing," Qingxia replied with a gentle smile and a serene tone.

The young disciples she referred to were, in fact, disciples of Yang Zhenshan. They resided in the disciple quarters on the western side of the Spiritual Spring Mountain Plateau, receiving instruction from Ma Qiuyan, Ning Yun, and others. Red Cloud and Qingxia, during their moments of leisure, would also visit to offer assistance.

Truthfully, the disciple quarters were staffed with a considerable number of handymen, tasked with managing the disciples' attire, sustenance, and living arrangements.

Nevertheless, Red Cloud and Qingxia opted to undertake minor chores themselves, primarily due to sheer boredom.

"Have you come to see the Master?" Qingxia inquired, leading Yang Chengmao into the main hall.

"Indeed. Is Grandfather present?"

"Yes, the Master is in his study today, engrossed in researching elixir recipes. You may proceed directly," Qingxia informed him.

"Then I shall not further trouble Aunt Qingxia!"

Yang Chengmao offered a respectful bow before making his way towards the study.

Upon reaching the study door, before he could even knock, Yang Zhenshan's voice emanated from within. "Enter!"

"Your grandson pays his respects to you, Grandfather!"

"Hmm, do you require something?"

"I do! Elder Lan Peng is presently in Yang Family Town and requests an audience with you, Grandfather!" Yang Chengmao announced.

Yang Zhenshan looked up and chuckled, "This old friend is likely seeking assistance!"

With that, he rose, stating, "Let us take a stroll!"

"Grandfather, are you not going to meet Elder Lan?" Yang Chengmao inquired, somewhat taken aback.

Yang Zhenshan emerged from the study, remarking, "No need to rush; let him wait a while!"

Subsequently, the grandfather and grandson departed the small courtyard, proceeding to the vicinity of Spiritual Spring Lake. They stood there, admiring the magnificent lotus blossoms adorning the water.

The lake teemed with a multitude of lotus flowers. The central expanse, however, was exclusively occupied by the Dao Intent Sacred Lotus. No other lotus, regardless of its proliferation, dared to encroach upon this sacred territory.

Over the span of years, the Dao Intent Sacred Lotus had flourished spectacularly, yet its numbers remained steadfastly at three hundred and sixty. More accurately, there were twelve primary plants, with the remainder being offshoots derived from these original twelve, their root lineage still tracing back to them.

At present, the Dao Intent Sacred Lotus appeared to have entered a novel stage, ceasing reproduction and entering a state of profound stability.

Yang Zhenshan himself was uncertain of the Dao Intent Sacred Lotus's exact grade.

He had not encountered any spirit plant analogous to the Dao Intent Sacred Lotus in the outside world, nor had it appeared even in the esteemed Ten Thousand Treasures Store.

While its effects were not earth-shatteringly potent, the Dao Intent Sacred Lotus undoubtedly held significance as a unique spirit plant, being the sole indigenous spirit plant within the Spirit Source Land.

"Have you been experiencing turmoil lately?" Yang Zhenshan inquired in a tranquil tone as they ambled beside the lake.

"Grandfather is aware?" Yang Chengmao responded with a touch of embarrassment, "It stems from my indecisiveness and inability to make swift resolutions!"

Yang Zhenshan offered a slight shake of his head. "Your disposition is indeed rather too gentle!"

From his youth, Yang Chengmao had been a remarkably sensible child. He lacked the composed demeanor of Yang Chengye, the spirited vivacity of Yang Chengxian, and the boisterous energy of Yang Chengyou and Yang Chengzhang.

As he matured, Yang Chengmao more closely resembled an elegant young gentleman, possessing the refined gentleness of a scholar rather than the rugged bearing of a Martial Artist.

Yang Chengmao's capabilities were adequate; the sole deficiency lay in his character being somewhat excessively virtuous.

His consistent show of deference towards certain individuals regrettably led some to form a low opinion of him.

Time progresses, and it reshapes individuals as well.

The Ziwei Tower, having been established for over thirty years, now found its council hall experiencing a degree of unrest.

Where individuals gather, society inevitably forms, and with it, conflicts of interest arise.

The abundant resources of the Spirit Source Land could diminish avarice, but they could not eradicate it entirely.

The positions and cultivation stipends established by Yang Zhenshan ensured that everyone possessed sufficient cultivation resources, yet they could not satisfy every individual's ambitions.

Some coveted more power, others disdained subordination, and a few exploited their authority for personal gain.

In earlier times, the Spirit Source Land was small, and any minor transgression would be immediately apparent.

The vastness of the Spirit Source Land, coupled with its burgeoning population, has unfortunately created avenues for hidden corruption to fester.

"Grandfather, please impart your wisdom!" Yang Chengmao pleaded with utmost sincerity.

A smile gracing his lips, Yang Zhenshan placed a hand on his grandson's shoulder. "You must be more decisive. Those who stand against you in the council hall? Cast them out."

"Some have lost sight of their original purpose, while others are consumed by insatiable greed. Confronting such individuals requires a firm hand!"

"Remember this, the Spirit Source Land is the dominion of the Yang family; we are its rightful rulers. As your grandfather, I am the very sky above this land!"

"As long as I stand, the heavens of the Spirit Source Land shall never fall!"

"Therefore, do not burden yourself with excessive worry; act according to your own will!"

"Purge what you deem improper, banish those you cannot tolerate – do you understand?"

Excessive leniency, the elder knew, only served to fuel the avarice of certain individuals. The families residing within the Spirit Source Land were all closely aligned with the Yang family, bound by deep-seated connections to Yang Zhenshan himself.

However, this familial proximity did not grant them license to overstep their authority within the territories of the Spirit Source Land.

Perhaps it was due to Yang Zhenshan's prolonged non-interference in the affairs of Jade City over several decades, but some had evidently underestimated his formidable capabilities.

Upon hearing these words, Yang Chengmao's eyes ignited with a fervent excitement.

"Your grandson understands!"

Yang Zhenshan offered a slight nod before continuing, "While managing the affairs of other clans is crucial, internal family matters cannot be neglected. Let Chengye handle those!"

"Relay this message from me to Chengye: instruct him to manage the younger generation within the family; they are becoming far too spoiled!"

The second generation of the Yang family, comprising the peers of Yang Mingcheng, emerged from humble beginnings. They had journeyed alongside Yang Zhenshan through his rise, and despite any mediocrity, they had endured a century of trials to become the bedrock of the Yang family.

The third generation, including Yang Chengye and Yang Chengmao, had the privilege of witnessing the Yang family's ascendance firsthand. They received direct tutelage from Yang Zhenshan. Though possessing a few imperfections, they were generally in a more advantageous position than their predecessors and matured at a considerably swifter pace.

By the fourth generation of the Yang family, their lineage had branched out. Yang Chengye's branch remained rooted in Da'an, Yang Chengyou's established itself in Dajing, and some cultivated their presence on Divine Wood Island.

Without Yang Zhenshan's direct, hands-on guidance, this cohort had developed a somewhat more uninhibited demeanor.

Nevertheless, on the whole, they had not veered too far from the path. Whether they indulged in idleness or preferred amusement, as long as they abstained from malevolent deeds, these were not matters of grave concern for the Yang family.

As for the fifth and sixth generations, opulence had inevitably led to indulgence.

Once more, the adage was reiterated: provided no wickedness was committed, the rest was of little consequence.

Even if they were mere wastrels, the Yang family harbored no qualms about supporting their existence.

"For those who require discipline, administer it without reservation. Those who refuse to repent, send them to labor in the Ancient Array! Yang family members may be prone to dissipation, but they must never be wicked!"

Yang Zhenshan's voice was devoid of any discernible emotion.

The saying goes that proximity in generation fosters closeness. Among the Yang family's descendants, those closest to Yang Zhenshan belonged to the second and third generations. Beyond a select few, his affections did not extend extensively.

This sentiment even encompassed the lineage of Yang Mingzhao.

Upon hearing Yang Zhenshan's impassive declaration, Yang Chengmao's heart faltered. "I shall make myself perfectly clear to my elder brother!"

"Hmm!"

Yang Zhenshan gave a slight nod and added, "Do not overly concern yourself with matters pertaining to the Sea of Spirit. Intervene only when absolutely necessary, and apart from White Cloud Immortal City and Cangyu Mountain, there is naught else that demands your attention."

"When I mention White Cloud Immortal City, I refer specifically to the doctrine of White Cloud True Monarch, not every single faction operating within its bounds!"

He now possessed the unshakeable confidence to voice such pronouncements.

In the vicinity of the Yunxiao Mountain Range, the only entities capable of eliciting concern from him were White Cloud Immortal City and Cangyu Mountain; besides these formidable presences, even the Nether Prison Sect could not compel him to adopt a guarded stance.