Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1470 - 923: A Difficult Decision (Part 2)

Consequently, if the Yang family were to claim the Wuxiang Sect, it would signify a surrender of the Ten Thousand Treasures Store's strategic importance. This would necessitate a direct confrontation with various sect powers in the struggle for the Spirit Source Land's prosperity.

While the inheritance of the Wuxiang Sect presented a compelling prospect, the repercussions of seizing it were equally daunting.

Yang Zhenshan found himself ensnared in a quandary.

Should he opt for caution, biding his time, or should he gamble on forging a new path across the Sea of Spirit?

If he chose prudence, the Spirit Source Land could, for the moment, maintain its current standing.

However, if he dared to take a chance, the Spirit Source Land also possessed the capability to make a determined effort.

He was equipped with the Golden Crow Eight Trigrams Furnace, granting him the power to rival even martial artists of the Divine Soul Realm.

"Elder Yang!"

Yue Qing's voice broke the silence as she noticed Yang Zhenshan's prolonged introspection.

"Hmm!" Yang Zhenshan jolted back to the present from his deep thoughts.

"What is Elder Yang's decision?" Yue Qing inquired.

Yang Zhenshan drew a deep breath and offered a wry smile, "The Sect Master has certainly presented me with a significant challenge!"

"Does this matter not pique Elder Yang's interest?" Yue Qing posed, a subtle smile gracing her lips.

"It is enticing, yet it harbors both merits and demerits, making a firm decision arduous!" Yang Zhenshan responded.

Yue Qing softly pressed, "Then what is Elder Yang's resolution?"

She was fully cognizant of the advantages and drawbacks, and in truth, the prospect of relinquishing the Wuxiang Sect's benefits also caused her pain.

If circumstances permitted, she too would have desired a share of the Wuxiang Sect's offerings.

Nevertheless, prioritizing self-preservation trumped the pursuit of immediate gains.

Thus, the Illusion Moon Sect was compelled to forgo certain immediate advantages. The Xuanqing Sect recognized this reality as well, which is why they refrained from interfering with the Wuxiang Sect's abandoned stronghold.

After a period of deliberation, Yang Zhenshan declared, "Should you succeed in securing Hidden Sword Mountain's alliance, my Yang family shall consent to assume control of the Wuxiang Sect!"

This was the most advantageous resolution he could devise after carefully weighing all factors.

The Yang family was prepared to seize an opportunity, but they were unwilling to become the sole focus of attention, as this would almost certainly make them targets for public condemnation.

Therefore, the Yang family required an entity to share the external pressures emanating from beyond the Sea of Spirit.

No other power was as fitting as Hidden Sword Mountain.

As long as Hidden Sword Mountain committed its involvement, even if the Yang family were to replace the Wuxiang Sect, the spotlight might shift more decisively towards Hidden Sword Mountain.

After all, the Yang family was merely an ascending lineage, whereas Hidden Sword Mountain represented an ancient and formidable sect.

The distinction between their respective strengths and significance was abundantly clear.

In essence, Yang Zhenshan sought a more prominent figure to act as a shield, enabling him to confidently lead the Spirit Source Land in pursuing a bold venture.

"Hidden Sword Mountain!"

Yue Qing fell into silence; she too desired to enlist Hidden Sword Mountain, but she understood the inherent difficulties.

"We lack sufficient enticements to sway Hidden Sword Mountain!" she stated softly.

Yang Zhenshan countered, his head shaking, "Nay, you still possess a compelling offer!"

"What is it?"

"The entirety of the Sea of Spirit!"

"What do you imply?" Yue Qing appeared perplexed.

Yang Zhenshan stroked his beard and mused with a smile, "Offer allegiance to Hidden Sword Mountain and grant them stewardship over the entire Sea of Spirit!"

Upon hearing this, Yue Qing once again became immersed in contemplation.

Submitting to Hidden Sword Mountain?

She felt a sense of detachment regarding this proposition.

However, entrusting Hidden Sword Mountain with the governance of the Sea of Spirit gave her considerable pause.

This would signify the complete abdication of leadership within the Sea of Spirit by the Three Sects, making them subservient to Hidden Sword Mountain.

"The Xuanqing Sect might object to such an arrangement!"

She voiced her apprehension.

"Then, compel them to accept the prevailing circumstances!" Yang Zhenshan retorted.

Yue Qing sought clarification with her gaze.

With a composed demeanor, Yang Zhenshan explained, "The Illusion Moon Sect should pledge its voluntary submission to Hidden Sword Mountain, and my Yang family will likewise follow the Illusion Moon Sect in becoming a subordinate of Hidden Sword Mountain!"

This maneuver effectively constituted a betrayal of the Xuanqing Sect.

Once the Illusion Moon Sect yielded to Hidden Sword Mountain, irrespective of the Xuanqing Sect's willingness, it would inevitably fall under Hidden Sword Mountain's dominion.

As for the Yang family becoming a vassal to Hidden Sword Mountain, Yang Zhenshan harbored no hesitation.

What relevance did the Yang family's vassalage to Hidden Sword Mountain hold for the Spirit Source Land?

Much like Yang Zhenshan's status as a Guest Elder within the Illusion Moon Sect, the Spirit Source Land and the Yang family would maintain their independence from it.

Similarly, Yang Zhenshan held the esteemed position of Guest Elder at the Ten Thousand Treasures Store, though neither the Spirit Source Land nor the Yang family were affiliated with it.

Now, Yue Qing found herself in a state of indecision.

She lowered her head, lost in profound contemplation.

Yang Zhenshan, on the other hand, was no longer troubled, leisurely enjoying his tea.

He mused that the decision to take a risk should not be his alone; one should simply go with the flow.

If circumstances were favorable, the Spirit Source Land might consider taking a chance.

However, if they were not, it might be wiser for the Spirit Source Land to bide its time for now.

Consequently, the collective decisions of the Illusion Moon Sect and the Xuanqing Sect, along with the stance adopted by Hidden Sword Mountain, held significant weight.

Understanding this, Yang Zhenshan felt his internal conflict dissolve, allowing him to savor his tea in peace.

He finished his entire pot, yet Yue Qing remained deeply engrossed in her thoughts.

Glancing towards the heavens outside, Yang Zhenshan felt compelled to interject, "Sect Master, this matter is of considerable importance; perhaps you should deliberate on it further. It is growing late, and I must take my leave!"

Yue Qing was jolted back to the present, though her thoughts were still somewhat adrift.

"Very well! Elder Yang, please return first; our sect shall give this matter further consideration!"

Yang Zhenshan offered a slight nod and rose to depart.

After his exit, Yue Qing continued her deep contemplation for an extended period before finally turning her gaze to Liu Yue, who had been seated beside her throughout the entire exchange.

"What are your thoughts?"

Liu Yue had remained utterly silent since Yang Zhenshan’s arrival; she had sat quietly the entire time.

"Sect Master, I am an Immortal Cultivator!"

Her declaration clearly articulated her perspective and allegiance.

As an Immortal Cultivator, she naturally inclined more towards aligning with an Immortal Cultivator Sect rather than a Martial Arts Sect.

Should the Illusion Moon Sect forge an alliance with Hidden Sword Mountain, it would indirectly elevate her own standing, placing her in a more advantageous position.

"Indeed, you are an Immortal Cultivator! Yun Xiao is also an Immortal Cultivator! And Yang Zhenshan, too, is an Immortal Cultivator, which naturally explains your collective inclination against opposing Hidden Sword Mountain!"

Yue Qing let out a soft sigh.

Her thoughts drifting to Yun Xiao, she began to consider the current internal dynamics of the Xuanqing Sect.

Following the mysterious disappearance of Lin Daoyuan, Yun Xiao had ascended to become the most powerful figure within the Xuanqing Sect.

However, Yun Xiao’s identity as an Immortal Cultivator prevented him from exercising complete authority over the Xuanqing Sect, a situation that had inadvertently created internal divisions.

While Yun Xiao had previously maintained a genial demeanor, overlooking such delicate matters, his personality had undergone a dramatic transformation, becoming notably more assertive.

Should Yun Xiao find himself increasingly dissatisfied with the current leadership of the Xuanqing Sect, the eruption of internal conflict seemed almost inevitable.

"Perhaps applying pressure to the Xuanqing Sect would be a more effective strategy!"

Yue Qing whispered to herself, her voice barely audible.

...

Spirit Source Land, atop the Spiritual Spring Mountain Plateau.

Yang Zhenshan stood amidst a grove of bamboo, his gaze fixed upon the towering Golden Thunder Bamboo before him.

This particular Golden Thunder Bamboo had been cultivated for over thirty years, yet it was still a considerable distance away from reaching its full century of growth.

Nevertheless, its development far outpaced its age, manifesting as thick, sturdy stalks, while arcs of golden electricity occasionally crackled amongst its leaves.

Yang Zhenshan extended his index finger, releasing a strand of Wood Divine Thunder, which immediately stirred the golden electrical arcs on the Golden Thunder Bamboo.

A continuous series of sizzling sounds erupted, akin to the popping of firecrackers.

"Not bad, its potency has significantly increased!" Yang Zhenshan commented with evident satisfaction as he observed the vibrant electrical discharges.

Standing respectfully behind him, Yang Jizhen chuckled, "Ancestor, at the current rate of growth for the Golden Thunder Bamboo, it should reach maturity in approximately thirty more years!"

The remarkably accelerated growth of the Golden Thunder Bamboo was not without its underlying reasons.

Firstly, the abundant Spiritual Energy permeating the Spirit Source Land served to hasten its development.

Secondly, under the diligent care of Yang Jizhen, who practiced the Wood Thunder Control Scripture, he consistently nourished the Golden Thunder Bamboo with his own thunderous Qi, and on occasion, Yang Zhenshan would further infuse it with a touch of Wood Divine Thunder, thereby propelling its growth far beyond its natural progression.

Both Yang Zhenshan and Yang Jizhen eagerly anticipated the maturation of the Golden Thunder Bamboo.

Yang Zhenshan intended to refine the Golden Thunder Bamboo into his Lifebound Magical Treasure, the Green Wood Purple Lightning Sword, while Yang Jizhen also harbored the desire to utilize it for the refinement of his own Lifebound Magical Treasure, the Wood Thunder Sword.

"Gather additional Thunder Attribute Spiritual Objects to nourish it further; perhaps its growth will accelerate even more!" Yang Zhenshan proposed.

"Understood!" Yang Jizhen replied affirmatively.