Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1472 - 924: Hidden Sword Mountain Master Jian Changhe (Part 2)

"Are alliances forged by mutual benefit truly more dependable than anything else?" he mused quietly, as if tasting the very words. After a pause, he continued, "I am aware that you also hold the position of Guest Elder at the Ten Thousand Treasures Store! Is that association also founded on shared interests?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Yang Zhenshan's mind. His role as a Guest Elder in the Ten Thousand Treasures Store was not a closely guarded secret, yet it was far from common knowledge. Within the Sea of Spirit, few were privy to this detail, but Jian Changhe clearly was. It became evident that Hidden Sword Mountain was not as detached from worldly affairs as it seemed.

"Indeed, serving as a Guest Elder for the Ten Thousand Treasures Store provides me with substantial advantages, and my own worthiness justifies their recruitment. It is a relationship built on mutual benefit, which is precisely why I hold this esteemed position and command their attention!" Yang Zhenshan replied.

"Then, what is it that you seek from Hidden Sword Mountain?" Jian Changhe inquired.

Yang Zhenshan offered a smile. "A stable Sea of Spirit, an environment conducive to the steady development of the Yang family! At present, only Hidden Sword Mountain possesses the capability to maintain order within the Sea of Spirit."

"And what can you offer Hidden Sword Mountain in return?"

Yang Zhenshan's smile widened. "The continued stability of the Sea of Spirit!"

"Without your involvement, my Hidden Sword Mountain is still capable of preserving the Sea of Spirit's stability!" Jian Changhe countered.

Yang Zhenshan lightly shook his head. "I am not referring to the present, but rather to the future!"

Currently, the Sea of Spirit requires Hidden Sword Mountain's guidance to manage affairs. However, in the times to come, Hidden Sword Mountain will depend on subordinate forces to uphold stability throughout the Sea of Spirit.

The Yang family's ascension, replacing the Wuxiang Sect, signifies their assumption of the Wuxiang Sect's former responsibilities, positioning them as one of the three foundational powers of the Sea of Spirit.

Should Hidden Sword Mountain succeed in repelling all external threats, these three factions would be essential for ensuring lasting stability within the Sea of Spirit. Why not two, or even just one?

A single entity could easily spiral out of control; two might descend into internal conflict. However, three strikes a perfect balance, allowing for mutual checks and balances.

Admittedly, there remains a possibility that these three factions could unite and break free from Hidden Sword Mountain's oversight, much like the former Three Sects of Spirit. Yet, the Yang family is not the Spirit's Three Sects. While they can fill the void left by the Wuxiang Sect, they are not the Wuxiang Sect itself.

The Three Sects of Spirit shared inherent connections and a wealth of unspoken understanding. The Yang family, however, lacks such deep-seated ties. They share common ground and mutual interests with the Xuanqing Sect and the Illusion Moon Sect, but significant disagreements also exist.

The foundational origins of the Xuanqing Sect and the Illusion Moon Sect are deeply rooted within the Sea of Spirit. In contrast, the Yang family's primary base of operations lies in the Spirit Source Land.

The Yang family's sole requirement from the Sea of Spirit is a secure and supportive environment for their ongoing development.

"That is insufficient!" Jian Changhe declared.

Yang Zhenshan regarded him intently. "Then, what is it that the Mountain Master truly desires?"

Jian Changhe fixed Yang Zhenshan with a gaze laden with unspoken meaning. "I desire the Transmission Hall located within the Ancient Relic Array!"

Yang Zhenshan's eyes narrowed. This individual was aware of his ability to freely dispatch individuals into the Ancient Relic Array! It seemed not entirely out of the realm of possibility.

For decades, the Three Sects of Spirit had consistently gained access to the Ancient Relic Array, making entries every ten years. However, the current state of the Ancient Relic Array differed drastically from its past configuration.

Nowadays, apart from the mineral deposits and the Transmission Hall, no other valuable resources remained within the Ancient Relic Array. Over the years, the Spirit Source Land had meticulously cultivated numerous Spirit Fruits and Spiritual Medicines within it. Unfortunately, due to the relatively short timeframe, these precious flora had yet to reach maturity.

This development had significantly diminished the Ancient Relic Array's overall value, causing the Three Sects of Spirit to regard it with less esteem than before.

The Spirit Source Land's appropriation of the Ancient Relic Array was a thoroughly guarded secret, utterly impenetrable to outsiders. Under normal circumstances, no one would ever attribute the changes within the Ancient Relic Array to the Yang family's actions.

However, if one were to deliberately consider the Yang family's involvement, certain telling clues might emerge.

Initially, Yue Qing had failed to grasp the situation, but her mind quickly fastened onto a sudden realization. "It was your Yang family that plundered the Ancient Relic Array!" she exclaimed, looking at Yang Zhenshan with undisguised astonishment.

Yang Zhenshan awkwardly rubbed the bridge of his nose. He had just asserted his innocence regarding any wrongdoing towards the Illusion Moon Sect, only to be immediately exposed for emptying the Ancient Relic Array – a humiliating contradiction that felt like a slap in the face.

Yet, his moment of discomfort was fleeting. He quickly regained his composure and addressed Jian Changhe calmly. "The Transmission Hall resides within the array; the Mountain Master is free to retrieve it at any moment!"

Yue Qing observed Yang Zhenshan with a curious expression, yet he possessed a skin as thick as a shield, rendering him impervious to her gaze.

"It is impossible for me to relinquish the Transmission Hall!" Jian Changhe declared firmly.

A helpless shake of Yang Zhenshan's head followed. "I, too, cannot grant the Transmission Hall to the Mountain Master! Nor can I admit the Mountain Master into the array. The array's formidable power remains active; cultivators who have surpassed the Qi Refinement Realm are forbidden entry!"

Jian Changhe did not question Yang Zhenshan's assertion, for he was well aware that the Ancient Relic Array was still operational.

"Then, you must assist me in guiding several Hidden Sword Mountain disciples into the array!"

Yang Zhenshan's heart stirred at this proposal.

His desire for the Transmission Hall was evidently not the core of the matter.

What Jian Changhe truly sought was likely a specific Cultivation Technique housed within the Transmission Hall.

However, logically, Hidden Sword Mountain should not be deficient in Cultivation Techniques.

Given that Hidden Sword Mountain had held dominion over the Ancient Relic Array for over two millennia, they must have amassed innumerable Cultivation Techniques from the Transmission Hall.

Nevertheless, whatever Jian Changhe's objective may be, it held no consequence for Yang Zhenshan. From his vantage point, facilitating the entry of a few individuals into the Ancient Relic Array was a simple matter.

Furthermore, with this matter now brought into the open, the Yang family's mining endeavors within the array would no longer necessitate secrecy.

"Certainly!"

Yang Zhenshan readily concurred.

Jian Changhe offered a slight nod. "In that case, from this moment forward, the Yang family shall become a subordinate clan to Hidden Sword Mountain!"

"Yang Zhenshan of the Yang family offers his respects to the Mountain Master!" Yang Zhenshan rose once more, cupping his fists in a gesture of deference, thereby signifying his allegiance.

Yet, Jian Changhe continued, "As you are a Guest Elder within the Illusion Moon Sect, you shall henceforth also hold the position of Guest Elder within Hidden Sword Mountain!"

Yang Zhenshan paused momentarily, surprised, before nodding slightly. "No problem!"

With the matter thus concluded, the atmosphere in the chamber became notably more relaxed.

Jian Changhe's demeanor also softened, radiating a far more cordial disposition.

"Elder Yang, do you possess any insights regarding the current predicament within the Sea of Spirit?"

This shift in his attitude momentarily disoriented Yang Zhenshan. He had perceived Jian Changhe as a sharp and confrontational individual, but it was apparent his earlier assertiveness had been a deliberate tactic.

"Strike with a single, decisive blow to preempt a hundred later blows!" Yang Zhenshan responded.

"What do you imply?" Jian Changhe inquired, a touch of confusion in his voice.

"If the Nether Prison Sect desires conflict, then we shall confront them directly. Naturally, the prerequisite is that you, Mountain Master, must possess a means to counter three Martial Artists of the Divine Soul Realm!" Yang Zhenshan fixed his gaze upon Jian Changhe.

Jian Changhe let out a soft chuckle. "You speak the truth; nothing is more daunting than the execution of a Divine Soul Realm Martial Artist!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Zhenshan discerned that Hidden Sword Mountain indeed possessed methods to contend with opponents at the Divine Soul Realm.

This was hardly surprising, considering that even Yang Zhenshan could leverage the power of the Golden Crow Eight Trigrams Furnace to engage Martial Artists of the Divine Soul Realm. It was only logical that Hidden Sword Mountain would have comparable capabilities.

Had the Heavenly Sword True Monarch not bequeathed a selection of Spiritual Artifacts?

Jian Changhe arose, his imposing stature as sharp and piercing as a sword.

"Let us proceed to the Xuanqing Sect!"

"I, as the Mountain Master, shall undertake the reorganization of the Three Sects of Spirit!"

Yang Zhenshan directed his gaze towards Yue Qing, who responded with a nod of affirmation.

It was clear that the subsequent course of action involved exerting pressure upon the Xuanqing Sect.

As for whether the Xuanqing Sect would yield, there was little doubt they would. The Xuanqing Sect no longer harbored any confidence to defy Hidden Sword Mountain.

Moreover, with the Illusion Moon Sect distinctly favoring Hidden Sword Mountain, the Xuanqing Sect was left with no alternative but to capitulate.

Precisely as Yang Zhenshan had foreseen, upon Jian Changhe's arrival at the Xuanqing Sect, its high-ranking members immediately prostrated themselves.

At the Cliff of Named Swords, within the Sect's Grand Hall.

Sect Master Su Zheng, along with Jiang Baichuan, Lu Yuanping, Chu Lingxiao, Lin Xiu, and Master Cheng – the five Elders of the Golden Body Realm – bowed in unison, stating, "The Xuanqing Sect is prepared to rejoin Hidden Sword Mountain. We earnestly request the Mountain Master's acceptance!"

Yun Xiao and Yun Xi stood to the side, their countenances etched with a measure of resignation.

Had they foreseen this outcome, why had they resisted in the first place!

Yun Xiao and Yun Xi had long urged the Xuanqing Sect to submit to Hidden Sword Mountain, but the elder members had remained unwilling.

Now, compelled by the intervention of the Illusion Moon Sect, they had finally confronted the stark reality.