Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1474 - 925: A Word of Warning—What Should and Should Not Be Done!

A third factor contributing to this hesitation is his failure to truly regard the Yang family as a subordinate entity of Hidden Sword Mountain. The intricate internal structure of the Yang family, shrouded in numerous veiled secrets, remains largely obscure and elusive to him. Consequently, he harbors a degree of wariness while simultaneously harboring intentions to bring them under his influence.

He prefers to minimize any potential conflict with the Yang family until he can fully comprehend their background and true capabilities.

...

Following a straightforward negotiation, Hidden Sword Mountain officially assumed control over the Sea of Spirit.

Nevertheless, the complete subjugation of the Sea of Spirit by Hidden Sword Mountain necessitates numerous subsequent actions. However, the most pressing concern at this moment is confronting the imminent threat posed by the Nether Prison Sect, compelling them to postpone other matters.

Yang Zhenshan engaged in discussions with Su Zheng regarding the assimilation of Wuxiang Sect and Wuxiang City. Su Zheng did not exhibit any resistance, readily acquiescing to Yang Zhenshan's proposition.

In reality, Wuxiang Sect and Wuxiang City represented a considerable burden for Xuanqing Sect, and they were eager to divest themselves of these troublesome assets at the earliest opportunity.

Given the Yang family's willingness to assume responsibility, they naturally desired a swift transfer.

Upon departing from Xuanqing Sect, Yang Zhenshan promptly commenced his journey back to the Spirit Source Land.

Within the council hall on the first floor of Ziwei Tower.

Yang Chengmao occupied the principal seat, his demeanor placid as he observed the ceaselessly bickering assembly members.

The day's proceedings were focused on a singular, straightforward agenda item: the establishment of the new city, Changqing City.

In the grand scheme, within the Sky, White Jade City, the Twelve Floors, and the Five Cities.

At present, the Spirit Source Land boasts only the city of Jade Capital; the remaining four cities are yet to be founded.

Previously, a lack of sufficient population precluded any urgency in developing new urban centers.

However, the population of the Spirit Source Land has now swelled to five hundred thousand. While this is still not enough to support two massive cities, it does not impede placing city construction high on the agenda. After all, establishing a new city is a protracted undertaking, requiring at least a decade to reach completion.

Consequently, Yang Chengmao resolved to initiate preparations for the construction of Changqing City, designating a contingent of personnel to the chosen site for preliminary development.

The future trajectory of Changqing City requires little elaboration. As the de facto second major metropolis within the Spirit Source Land, its ascent might not eclipse that of Jade Capital, yet it is destined to become a significant bastion of power.

Those selected for the initial phase of basic construction will invariably become the foundational pillars of Changqing City, symbolizing its future influence and vested interests.

Today's council debate centers on the allocation of responsibility for this crucial undertaking and the specific individuals to be dispatched for the construction of the future Changqing City.

"The Hundred Crafts Hall is capable of overseeing this endeavor, but they should not bear the sole responsibility. Furthermore, a cadre of new talents must be recruited!"

"What necessity exists for recruiting new individuals? Does the Hundred Crafts Hall not possess an adequate workforce?"

"Even in the event of a personnel deficit, we should solicit assistance from other departments within Shaking Light Tower rather than engaging new recruits!"

"The garrison should also be deployed to manage security protocols, given that the designated area is untamed wilderness teeming with mutated beasts!"

"If the garrison is to be involved, should individuals from Kaiyang Tower not also be assigned to provide oversight?"

"I propose that the initial contingent should comprise representatives from the various halls of Shaking Light Tower, considering the vast distance separating Changqing City from Jade Capital; logistical and material concerns must be prioritized!"

Discord permeated the chamber, with each faction vigorously advocating for their respective viewpoints.

Some proposals carried genuine merit, while others were patently driven by self-serving motives.

A mixture of sound and dubious reasoning, rendering it difficult to discern impartiality from ulterior motives.

Such contentious scenarios have become commonplace within the council hall; Yang Chengmao's forbearance was reaching its absolute limit.

"Enough!"

Yang Chengmao abruptly ascended from his seat, casting a frigid gaze upon the assembled individuals.

"Have you concluded your protracted dispute?"

The countenances of those present stiffened, and an immediate hush descended upon the hall. All eyes now converged upon Yang Chengmao.

"City Lord, it was not our intention..." Zhang Shunyi began.

"Did I grant you permission to speak!" Yang Chengmao's eyes flashed with icy resolve as he fixed his stare upon Zhang Shunyi.

Zhang Shunyi's face flushed crimson, a mixture of mortification and resentment coloring his features. "The City Lord cannot stifle free speech!"

Yang Chengmao responded with a derisive sneer before shifting his attention to the others.

"Ahem, City Lord, perhaps we should resume our discussion of the matters at hand!" Lv Xinghe, his visage framed by white hair and beard, gently cleared his throat and proposed.

The current composition of the council hall bears little resemblance to the former Clan Council. The majority of the members from that era were trusted associates and loyal subordinates of Yang Zhenshan.

However, as the cultivation of many individuals advanced, figures such as Wang Mingzhe, Ding Qiu, Wu Zhan, and Luo Feiyu ascended to the Martial Hall of Taiwei Tower, assuming the esteemed positions of elders. Simultaneously, a number of elders passed from this world, including Luo Shang, members of the Zhen Yang family, Xie Yuan, Han Cheng, and Wu Chongshan. This led to a significant turnover within the current council hall, with only a handful of original elders remaining. Zhang Shunyi, the eldest son of Zhang Yuanwu, took his place in the council hall following his father's demise. Lv Xinghe, at present, is recognized as one of the most veteran members of the council hall.

Yang Chengmao cast a penetrating gaze upon Lv Xinghe, inquiring, "Elder Lv, are you seeking to dictate my methods?"

Lv Xinghe, taken aback, responded with a strained chuckle, "No, absolutely not!" Internally, a prickle of unease emerged, accompanied by a premonition of impending trouble.

Observing Lv Xinghe's reaction, Yang Chengmao smirked, "Perhaps this City Lord's prior conduct has been too lenient, leading certain individuals to believe they can assume authority over me and issue directives!"

"Let this be a clear reminder to all present: never forget!"

"The Spirit Source Land belongs to the Yang family, entrusted to the ancestors of the Yang family, and not to any of you!"

"Could it be that the Yang family's leniency has made you perceive our resolve as insufficient?"

His potent words cast a spell of stunned silence over the assembled hall. The majority present had never personally experienced the formidable might of the Yang family's "spear." Yet, Yang Chengmao's declaration felt as if its sharp edge hovered perilously close.

"There are matters this City Lord can overlook; as long as they do not cross certain boundaries, I can exercise tolerance!"

"However, there are actions that we, the Yang family, cannot abide!"

"Let today serve as a categorical lesson for every one of you, illustrating what is permissible and what is forbidden!"

"Someone, summon the elders of the Martial Hall!" Yang Chengmao commanded with icy finality.

Swiftly, the rhythmic sound of approaching footsteps echoed from beyond the chamber doors, and one stern visage after another materialized within the hall. A palpable tension filled the air as everyone present rose, barely daring to draw a breath.

"Today, I must trouble the elders with a task of purification. Your assistance is requested!" Yang Chengmao stated.

"We shall heed the City Lord's decree!" the elders of the Martial Hall responded in unison.

The purification of the Spirit Source Land had been Yang Chengmao's paramount objective for a considerable duration. Following direct counsel from Yang Zhenshan, he had diligently prepared for this very moment. The necessary investigations were largely concluded, and all preparations were meticulously in place. Today marked the commencement of the purification.

Upon Yang Chengmao's command, the entirety of Jade Capital was plunged into an unprecedented state of upheaval. Three thousand elite Jade Capital inner guards fanned out across the streets, initiating the apprehension of individuals implicated in wrongdoing. The sweep extended from Ziwei Tower to the banks of the Spirit River, from the Ascension Hall to various other towers and halls, radiating outwards from the heart of Jade Capital.

At Kaiyang Tower.

A contingent of hundreds of soldiers descended upon the tower, effectively surrounding it. The guards stationed within were utterly bewildered by the imposing sight.

"Identify yourselves!" one guard stepped forward, demanding.

"By decree of the City Lord, we are here to apprehend criminals. All uninvolved personnel must withdraw immediately. Any who dare to obstruct will be charged with interfering with official duties!" Yang Qinhua presented a document, leading more than ten soldiers directly into Kaiyang Tower.

The individuals inside Kaiyang Tower exchanged confused glances, completely perplexed. "What is transpiring?" Yang Mingzhao descended leisurely from an upper level, appearing equally mystified by Yang Qinhua and his retinue.

"Greetings, Mr. Si!" Yang Qinhua offered a respectful salute.

"Ah, pray tell, what is occurring here?" Yang Mingzhao inquired.

"By the City Lord's command, we are dispatched to apprehend those listed as criminals!" Yang Qinhua presented the document to Yang Mingzhao. Yang Mingzhao accepted the parchment, exclaiming, "Apprehending criminals within my Kaiyang Tower? What absurdity is this?"

One must understand, what precisely is Kaiyang Tower? It was formerly known as the Law Enforcement Hall, signifying that Kaiyang Tower held the mandate for law enforcement throughout the Spirit Source Land.