Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1466 - 921: Wailing Uncontrollably (Part 2)

Within the engulfing inferno, Fang Ze and Zhang Baishan writhed, their forms twisting until the flames consumed them entirely.

Yang Zhenshan observed the scene unfold, a silent admiration for the prowess of Hong Fuxiu and Kou Ta filling his mind.

Indeed, their capabilities fully justified their esteemed positions as Guest Elders responsible for combat within the Ten Thousand Treasures Store, their power eclipsing that of others within the same cultivation realm.

Nanming Lihuo, the flame associated with the Li position in the Innate Eight Trigrams and a recognized Heaven and Earth Strange Fire, was not truly mastered by Hong Fuxiu. Her Separation Fire stemmed from her personal insights into flame manipulation.

Furthermore, the array of Techniques she had just unleashed were executed in conjunction with the Red Silk Magical Treasure, suggesting this crimson silk was her Lifebound Magical Treasure.

Although Kou Ta's contribution to the battle was less overt, limited to a few strikes from his six golden arms, the combat strength he demonstrated was no less formidable.

Those precise strikes alone had rendered Zhang Baishan incapable of further resistance, leaving both him and Fang Ze with no avenues of escape.

It was evident that these powerful blows were not delivered in isolation but were carefully coordinated with Hong Fuxiu's actions.

While Hong Fuxiu appeared to be the primary focus of the battle's brilliance, the true linchpin of their success lay with Kou Ta. Hong Fuxiu showcased her power, while Kou Ta provided the crucial support.

Their synergy was remarkable, a testament to their perfectly synchronized intentions that required no verbal cues.

The six golden arms wielded by Kou Ta were, in fact, not a Spell but a Magical Treasure—a rather unique one, likely also his Lifebound Magical Treasure.

In summation, the combined combat effectiveness of these two individuals was exceptionally high, their coordination flawless, their minds working as one.

As the intense flames finally receded, the figures of Fang Ze and Zhang Baishan became visible once more.

Neither had perished; they were simply left utterly depleted of their Mana.

Hong Fuxiu's flames possessed an uncanny ability to drain an opponent's Mana, rapidly exhausting the duo and leaving them powerless to fight back.

"Alchemist Zhang, my mission is complete!"

Kou Ta stepped forward, gently lifting the two captured figures as if they were mere fledglings, and presented them before Yang Zhenshan, offering a respectful salute with cupped fists.

"Your diligent efforts are greatly appreciated, Daoist friends!"

Yang Zhenshan replied with a smile, "Since you have already undertaken one task for me, I must impose upon you for another. Kindly keep these two under watch and, if you would, conduct an interrogation."

"Ha, consider it done!" Kou Ta readily agreed.

Yang Zhenshan gave a slight nod. He recognized the immense value of securing their assistance and mused that the remuneration he offered might have been somewhat meager. He resolved to send them some Elixirs as a supplement at a later time.

Yang Zhenshan saw the potential for a strong alliance with Hong Fuxiu and Kou Ta. Despite their brief acquaintance, he perceived them as individuals without treacherous or deceitful natures. While they might harbor personal ambitions or ulterior motives, their lack of malicious intent made them worthy allies.

"All of you, return for now,"

Yang Zhenshan lowered his gaze and issued instructions to the soldiers below.

"We respectfully obey, Great Master!" Han Fei responded.

The title "Great Master" was the official designation for Yang Zhenshan within the Spirit Source Land. Previously, he was addressed as Family Head, as the Spirit Source Land had operated under a clan system. Later, it was restructured into the Twelve Floors and Five Cities, adopting an organizational framework akin to a Sect.

By conventional standards, Yang Zhenshan ought to have held the position of Grand Elder within the Spirit Source Land, analogous to the Elders presiding over the Immortal Hall, Martial Hall, and Demon Hall of Taiwei Tower.

However, owing to his role as the master of the Spirit Source Land, a unique title was necessitated to distinguish his status. Thus, "Great Master" was established.

With everyone departing, and Hong Fuxiu and Kou Ta escorting Fang Ze and Zhang Baishan away, Yang Zhenshan cast a glance towards the south, a subtle smile playing on his lips before his figure dissolved from view.

Beneath the muted glow of the night sky, Li Shangyuan remained reclined near a tree, his gaze fixed upon the distant Yang Family Town.

He had been profoundly struck by the spectacle of the towering flames, and now that they had vanished, the night sky had regained its tranquil demeanor.

"It's over?"

"So quickly?"

"Who emerged victorious?"

"Wasn’t it said that Senior Yang cultivates a Wood Attribute Cultivation Technique? Why aren’t there any fluctuations of Wood Attribute Mana at all?"

Although Li Shangyuan was anxious to know the result, he didn’t dare to step forward to check the situation right now.

Just as he was pondering whether to leave first, he suddenly felt something nudge his waist—no, it felt more like a kick.

His entire body stiffened, and in terror, he turned his head to look beside him.

In the bright moonlight, a figure clad in green robes stood right next to him. This figure appeared somewhat familiar, yet also quite strange.

He lay there, stunned, not daring to move.

"Get up, what are you still lying there for?"

Yang Zhenshan looked at Li Shangyuan, finding the situation rather amusing.

This fellow was truly pathetic, lying in the grass like some sort of low-profile lurker.

"Senior Yang!" Li Shangyuan exclaimed in surprise and delight, springing to his feet with a whoosh.

"It’s been so many years, I never expected you to still be alive. I had thought you were long gone!" Yang Zhenshan remarked with a smile.

Encountering an old acquaintance again significantly lifted his spirits.

"It really is you, Senior Yang!" Li Shangyuan’s eyes welled up. Even though he was now over a hundred years old, seeing Yang Zhenshan once more, he found it difficult to suppress the surge of complex emotions within his heart.

There was joy, excitement, and also a considerable measure of resentment and pent-up frustration.

His life these past years had been exceptionally stifling, as if he were wandering alone in a world that didn't truly belong to him.

Observing the changes in Li Shangyuan, Yang Zhenshan seemed to glimpse the years of hardship behind them.

"It appears your life hasn’t been easy these past years."

As he spoke, Yang Zhenshan casually waved his hand, conjuring a stone table and stools. He then brewed a pot of tea and settled down beneath the tree to converse with Li Shangyuan.

Li Shangyuan likely yearned for someone to confide in for an extended period. Seeing Yang Zhenshan’s gentle demeanor, treating him kindly as before, he couldn't help but recount the story of his experiences over the years in its entirety.

He didn't even conceal his transformation into a robber Cultivator, detailing everything from the very beginning to the end.

"Tang An was killed, wuu wuu, he died right before my eyes, and at that moment, I couldn't even enact revenge!"

As he spoke, Li Shangyuan actually broke down in tears, sobbing uncontrollably, weeping like a child.

Tang An had been his Disciple, the sole one he kept close. He had intended to bring Tang An along to pursue immortality, but tragically, Tang An was slain on their journey while seeking that very fate.

He perished directly in front of Li Shangyuan, yet Li Shangyuan was forced to abandon Tang An and flee alone.

This became his most profound sorrow, and also his greatest Heart Demon.

Each time he recalled Tang An’s face at the moment of his demise, his heart twisted in agony as if being sliced by knives.

Yang Zhenshan found himself at a loss on how to comfort him.

Being a stranger in an unfamiliar land, navigating a world rife with peril—the true difficulty of such an existence was known only to those who endured it.

Xuanzhen experienced this, and so did Li Shangyuan.

Why did Xuanzhen harbor such intense hatred for Mo Xuanyu?

Was it because Mo Xuanyu had committed an unforgivable transgression against him?

No.

It was because Xuanzhen required an outlet, someone upon whom he could project his own misfortune, all the frustration and humiliation he had endured.

Xuanzhen shifted all blame onto Mo Xuanyu, thus becoming fixated on killing him to release the resentment festering in his heart.

Yang Zhenshan differed from them, as he had arrived with a group of kin and companions. He had faced wrongs, disdain, contempt, ambushes by robber Cultivators, and more.

However, he had his family with him; even when subjected to occasional injustices, the presence of his loved ones allowed him to regain his composure swiftly.

Li Shangyuan, conversely, had lost the only Disciple who could offer him companionship, leaving him to struggle bitterly alone in a world where he never truly fit.

Consequently, he developed a unique emotional dependence on his old acquaintance Yang Zhenshan, while also being burdened by guilt over his lost Disciple.

Li Shangyuan wept for an extended duration—a grown man sobbing uncontrollably, and moreover, an elder who had lived for a century; the scene was almost preposterous when contemplated.

Yang Zhenshan placed a hand on his shoulder and stated in a steady voice, "Enough, your journey is still long. There is no need to remain perpetually mired in the past."

Perhaps his soothing words had an effect, or perhaps Li Shangyuan had finally managed to release the gloom weighing on his heart. He wiped his tears with the sleeve of his robe and once again sat opposite Yang Zhenshan.

"I have caused you embarrassment, Senior," Li Shangyuan said, his voice hoarse.