Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1473 - 925: A Gentle Reminder—What Should and Should Not Be Done!

With an authoritative demeanor, Jian Changhe occupied the central seat, while all others in the hall remained standing in their designated positions.

Su Zheng, helming the Xuanqing Sect, stood at the vanguard of its elders. Yue Qing, the Sect Master of Illusion Moon Sect, positioned himself separately, with only Liu Yue trailing behind him.

Yang Zhenshan, Yun Xiao, and Yun Xi were situated to the side.

Jian Changhe’s sharp gaze systematically swept across everyone present in the hall, his potent and commanding pressure permeating the atmosphere.

Eventually, his attention fixed upon Yang Zhenshan.

"Yang Zhenshan of the Yang family!" His voice, clear and resonant, echoed through the space.

Yang Zhenshan stepped forward, clasping his hands in a respectful bow. "Your subordinate is present!"

Given that the Yang family was about to swear fealty to Hidden Sword Mountain, Yang Zhenshan’s self-designation as a subordinate was fitting.

Jian Changhe, visibly pleased with Yang Zhenshan's deferential attitude, declared, "Effective immediately, the Yang family shall assume the position of the Wuxiang Sect, thus becoming one of the Spirit Origin Three Sects."

While the Yang family was technically a clan rather than a sect, this distinction was immaterial. Any entity, be it a sect or a family, that could uphold the esteemed title of the Spirit Origin Three Sects would suffice.

"I thank the Mountain Master for this esteemed favor!" Yang Zhenshan responded.

This outcome had been prearranged; without such an agreement, Yang Zhenshan would have had no incentive to pledge allegiance to Hidden Sword Mountain.

Naturally, this was merely the initial phase. The Yang family's capacity to truly supplant the Wuxiang Sect hinges on their ability to repel the Nether Prison Sect's anticipated assault on the Sea of Spirit.

"The mountain gate and Wuxiang City belonging to the Wuxiang Sect will be transferred to the Yang family's jurisdiction. You are to confer amongst yourselves regarding the specifics of assuming control!" Jian Changhe continued.

Upon hearing this directive, Su Zheng offered a bow as well. "Your subordinate shall adhere to the Mountain Master's decree!"

Jian Changhe inclined his head and called out once more, "Yun Xiao!"

"Your subordinate is present!"

"Yun Xi!"

"Your subordinate is present!"

"Liu Yue!"

"Your subordinate is present!"

The three individuals stepped forward in unison, responding to their names with bows.

"From this day forward, all of you shall serve as Guest Elders of Hidden Sword Mountain. Furthermore, the Mountain Master has decreed the establishment of a Guest Elder Hall within the Sea of Spirit, with Yang Zhenshan appointed as its Hall Master and Yun Xiao as the Vice Hall Master."

"The Guest Elder Hall will be vested with the responsibility of overseeing all affairs pertaining to Immortal Cultivators within the Sea of Spirit, operating independently from the Three Sects, and will be accountable for supervising all internal matters within the Sea of Spirit!"

Jian Changhe proclaimed.

The assembled individuals reacted with evident astonishment.

Independent of the Three Sects and tasked with overseeing the Sea of Spirit's cultivation affairs?

This arrangement effectively meant the Guest Elder Hall would function as a separate entity, distinct from the Three Sects, empowered to monitor them and the entire Sea of Spirit region.

Moreover, the Hall's purview over all Immortal Cultivator matters implied a transfer of power away from the Three Sects.

While this might not directly impact the Xuanqing Sect and Illusion Moon Sect, it represented a significant shift for the Yang family.

The concept of decentralizing Immortal Cultivators from sects posed little issue, but extending this to a family structure was unprecedented.

Jian Changhe's strategic intent behind this arrangement was clear: to preempt any potential collusion among the Spirit Origin Three Sects and ensure their continued adherence to Hidden Sword Mountain's authority.

Yang Zhenshan swiftly perceived the underlying purpose of Jian Changhe's decree.

His appointment as Hall Master of the Guest Elder Hall stemmed from a simple yet crucial reason: despite his cordial relationships with the Xuanqing Sect and Illusion Moon Sect, he did not hold leadership over either.

The Yang family, even if it were to replace the Wuxiang Sect, was not a traditional sect and inherently possessed less foundational strength and prestige compared to the established sects.

By appointing Yang Zhenshan as Hall Master, Jian Changhe aimed to bolster the Yang family's standing within the Sea of Spirit, thereby creating a counterbalance to the influence of the Xuanqing Sect and Illusion Moon Sect.

"We shall comply with the decree!"

Fully comprehending Jian Changhe's strategic objectives, Yang Zhenshan accepted the appointment as Hall Master of the Guest Elder Hall without a moment's hesitation.

Even if he harbored reservations, expressing them at this juncture would be tantamount to openly defying Jian Changhe.

"Excellent!"

Jian Changhe nodded, a look of satisfaction on his face.

Following this, Jian Changhe addressed several other pertinent matters, focusing primarily on the organizational directives for the Xuanqing Sect and Illusion Moon Sect.

In essence, both the Xuanqing Sect and the Illusion Moon Sect were to retain their existing autonomy. However, they would henceforth be recognized as tributaries of Hidden Sword Mountain, obligated to abide by its directives.

A similar mandate extended to the Yang family.

As a subordinate entity to Hidden Sword Mountain, the latter reserved the right to intervene in the internal affairs of the Yang family.

Yang Zhenshan raised no objections to this stipulation.

Whether Hidden Sword Mountain will interfere in the Yang family's affairs hinges not on Jian Changkong's decree, but on Yang Zhenshan's willingness to heed it.

It is a known fact that the Yang family, unlike the Xuanqing Sect or the Illusion Moon Sect, has its origins firmly planted in the Spirit Source Land, whereas the two sects' foundations lie within the Sea of Spirit.

Hidden Sword Mountain wields influence over the Sea of Spirit, but its authority does not extend to the Spirit Source Land.

With Yang Zhenshan having achieved his primary objective, he can now leverage Hidden Sword Mountain as a protective shield, allowing the Yang family to operate discreetly from behind its cover.

As the arrangements neared their conclusion, Jian Changhe turned his gaze back to Yang Zhenshan.

"What are your plans for Wuxiang City?"

Yang Zhenshan replied with confidence, "Rest assured, Mountain Master, the defense of Wuxiang City will be secured by the Yang family!"

Wuxiang City, situated to the east of the Sea of Spirit, serves as the critical frontline in the ongoing war between the Nether Prison Sect and the forces of the Sea of Spirit.

The epicenter of the most recent major conflict was just east of Wuxiang City. Though the Nether Prison Sect's forces never breached the city's formidable walls, the location undeniably remains the central focus of their hostilities.

"In that case, your Yang family should promptly take control of both the Wuxiang Sect and Wuxiang City!"

Jian Changhe opted not to delve deeper into the Yang family's defense strategies for Wuxiang City. He recognized that their distinct nature, differing from the established sects, necessitated a different approach.

His high regard for Yang Zhenshan stemmed from his exceptional capabilities and formidable strength. Yang Zhenshan, after all, was not merely a Second-rank Alchemist but also possessed a powerful Spiritual Artifact, making his combat prowess on par with Jian Changhe's own.

The secondary reason for this consideration was Yang Zhenshan's esteemed position as a Guest Elder of the Ten Thousand Treasures Store. Jian Changhe anticipated numerous future dealings with the store and understood the necessity of Yang Zhenshan's connections to its higher echelons.