Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1471 - 924: Hidden Sword Mountain Master Jian Changhe

Yang Zhenshan cast a glance at the Golden Thunder Bamboo before turning, hands clasped behind his back, and proceeded towards the nearby bamboo structure.

"How is the progress on refining the Pocket World Gate?"

"I've grasped some foundational principles, but further refinement attempts are necessary!" Yang Jizhen responded.

The Pocket World Gate serves as the external portal to Spirit Source Land. Presently, the two existing gates are insufficient to meet its demands, compelling Yang Zhenshan to make its refinement a top priority.

Yang Zhenshan instructed, "The Pocket World Gate is intrinsically linked to the Path of Void. You must dedicate more focus to this aspect!"

Though the lowest rank of the Pocket World Gate is Second Rank Top Grade, the Dao Rhyme it embodies far surpasses that of ordinary magical treasures.

Any magical treasure connected to the Void is exceptionally rare.

Naturally, their refinement is also an exceedingly challenging endeavor.

"I am already perceiving the profound essence of the Void!" Yang Jizhen declared.

To successfully refine the Pocket World Gate, one must possess a certain level of comprehension regarding the rules of the Void.

His prior mention of 'attempts' alluded to his practical explorations of these Void rules.

Yang Zhenshan offered a slight nod, "Then dedicate the upcoming period to studying this thoroughly."

Yang Jizhen paused, a trace of hesitation in his voice, "Regarding the Sea of Spirit over there..."

Yang Zhenshan waved a dismissive hand, "Leave those matters to me; I will handle them personally!"

While the affairs concerning the Sea of Spirit warrant attention, the internal matters within Spirit Source Land hold greater importance. Yang Jizhen, as the principal Artifact Refiner of Spirit Source Land, bears numerous critical responsibilities and should not expend his valuable time on external trivialities.

Of course, most of the time, Yang Zhenshan would still involve him, not expecting direct assistance, but rather hoping for him to gain additional insights from the experience.

...

Several days later, Yang Zhenshan received another summons from Yue Qing and returned to the Mirror Abyss Pavilion.

However, upon his arrival within the Pavilion, he observed an unfamiliar countenance amidst the familiar faces.

"Greetings, Sect Master!" Yang Zhenshan expressed, a hint of surprise coloring his tone, before offering a respectful cupped-hand salute to Yue Qing.

Yue Qing's expression had reverted to its customary enthusiasm and radiance, devoid of the fatigue that had previously marked his features.

"Elder Yang, allow me to introduce Jian Changhe, the Mountain Master of Hidden Sword Mountain!"

Yang Zhenshan's thoughts raced, and he promptly bowed, "Yang Zhenshan of the Yang family pays his respects to the esteemed Mountain Master!"

He had, in fact, encountered Jian Changhe previously; it was during the initial establishment of Qingli Immortal City, where Jian Changhe represented Hidden Sword Mountain at the investment convention hosted by White Cloud Commerce.

At that gathering, Jian Changhe occupied a seat in the front row, while Yang Zhenshan was relegated to the rearmost seating.

Although Jian Changhe's reputation wasn't widely heralded, Yang Zhenshan possessed some knowledge of his standing.

This individual was an undeniable prodigy in the Sword Dao.

Furthermore, he was indeed the legitimate heir of Hidden Sword Mountain; one could consider him the successor to the Heavenly Sword True Monarch's legacy, despite not being the monarch's direct disciple, as he was born subsequent to the monarch's ascension.

As the designated heir of the Heavenly Sword True Monarch, Jian Changhe effectively inherited the entirety of Hidden Sword Mountain's profound heritage.

In comparison to him, Yun Xiao seemed rather inconsequential.

"Yang Zhenshan, I am aware of you! You possess a spiritual artifact!" Jian Changhe declared, standing tall and rectilinear, exuding a sharp, sword-like aura even while seated.

His voice possessed a distinct quality, cool and measured, not overtly hostile towards Yang Zhenshan, yet it instilled a subtle sense of unease in their interaction.

"Compared to the esteemed Mountain Master, my own heritage is but a trifle!" Yang Zhenshan replied with a composed smile.

Jian Changhe fixed his gaze directly upon him, his eyes sharp as a blade's edge, emanating a palpable chill.

Yang Zhenshan's brow furrowed slightly.

"I harbor a considerable curiosity regarding White Jade City; I wonder if you might permit me to observe it!" Jian Changhe proposed.

Yang Zhenshan's frown deepened perceptibly.

"I would advise the Mountain Master against entertaining such notions."

"And why is that?"

"Because it would pose a significant danger to the Mountain Master!" Yang Zhenshan stated calmly.

He could leverage the Spirit Source Land as a deterrent, but access was strictly forbidden without his explicit consent. Any unauthorized entry would brand them as sworn enemies, and Yang Zhenshan was unequivocally committed to ensuring their permanent confinement within the Spirit Source Land.

Jian Changhe met his gaze, and Yang Zhenshan returned the stare unflinchingly. Their eyes locked, intensifying the palpable tension that permeated the hall.

Yue Qing cleared his throat softly, interjecting, "Mountain Master!"

Jian Changhe's brow furrowed slightly. "Very well, if you are unwilling, then we shall let the matter rest."

A modicum of relief washed over Yang Zhenshan at his acquiescence.

Indeed, this Jian Changhe proved to be a formidable individual to contend with!

Possessing sharpness, an imposing demeanor, and overwhelming strength.

The most critical factor was his extraordinary cultivation base.

Yang Zhenshan acknowledged that his present strength was insufficient to contend with Jian Changhe, even with the aid of the Furnace of Eight Trigrams; he doubted it could even suppress him.

Sword Cultivators are indeed anomalies, their power exceeding conventional understanding.

Yun Xiao is one such example, and Jian Changhe, even more so.

"Yue Qing mentioned your willingness to join Hidden Sword Mountain. Is this accurate?" Jian Changhe inquired once more.

"It's not merely me, but the entire Yang family as well!" Yang Zhenshan affirmed.

Jian Changhe scrutinized him, "How can I be assured of your genuine allegiance?"

Yang Zhenshan offered a slight smile, "An exchange of sincerity for sincerity!"

"I serve as a Guest Elder for the Illusion Moon Sect. Throughout the years, my loyalty has remained unwavering, and a strong partnership has always existed between the Illusion Moon Sect and the Yang family!"

"For the Mountain Master to achieve a true alliance, you must recognize that mutual benefit forms a more reliable foundation for trust than any other factor!"

Jian Changhe appeared to ponder Yang Zhenshan's words with deep consideration.