Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1480 - 928: Cui Yang, Talisman Array (2)

Among the seven disciples, it's not Yang Jizhen, the first to establish the foundation, who possesses the most profound cultivation, but rather Cui Yang.

Although all are currently in the early stage of Foundation Establishment, Cui Yang has already advanced a step further.

"Have there been any new discoveries lately?" Yang Zhenshan, having nothing else to do at the moment, engaged Cui Yang in conversation at the tower's summit.

"Disciple is currently researching talisman arrays!" Cui Yang responded, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.

"Talisman array? What is that?" Yang Zhenshan inquired, a look of bewilderment on his face.

Setting up an array using talismans?

It doesn't seem impossible!

However, such an array would undoubtedly be unstable and extremely difficult to control.

"A talisman array involves constructing an array with talismans. Master, observe this talisman treasure, and this is a talisman. I can utilize talisman treasures and talismans to build an array!"

Cui Yang explained, his excitement palpable as he produced several pieces of talisman treasures and talismans.

What are referred to as talisman treasures are essentially talismans crafted using the methods of drawing talismans, much like magical artifacts.

The concept might sound a bit complex. To put it simply, consider a jade talisman.

The primary distinction between a talisman treasure and a magical artifact lies in the fact that talisman treasures lack complete arrays, bearing only engraved talismanic restrictions. Consequently, they lack the inherent stability of magical artifacts.

Generally, talisman treasures possess a limited number of uses, and with each use, their potency diminishes.

Therefore, talisman treasures, much like talismans, are consumables. This contrasts with magical artifacts, which can be employed indefinitely as long as they remain undamaged.

Cui Yang channeled his mana into a piece of white jade talisman treasure, simultaneously activating five talismans of varying attributes.

"Master, please witness this: the Five Elements Protection Array!"

Yang Zhenshan, observing the magical shield that enveloped Cui Yang, found himself intrigued. He made a gesture with his hand, sending a green arc of electricity from his fingertip to strike the shield with a crackling sound.

"Remarkable!"

He studied the shimmering shield with keen interest.

"The mutual generation and restraint principles of the Five Elements?"

Cui Yang beamed, "Precisely. I've constructed the Five Elements Protection Array using Flame Talismans, Golden Body Talismans, Earth Spirit Talismans, Wood Source Talismans, and Water Pattern Talismans. It embodies the five elements' cycles of creation and control, enabling it to absorb various spiritual power attacks and transform them into the array's own Five Elements spiritual power, thereby augmenting the array's strength."

Yang Zhenshan stroked his beard, nodding thoughtfully. He found the concept quite innovative.

An array formed from five first-order talismans surprisingly demonstrated defensive capabilities equivalent to a second-order magical artifact. While not exceptionally potent, the underlying idea was remarkably novel.

"And what are its limitations?"

"The primary drawback is the talisman array's rather brief duration. Once the spiritual power within the talismans is depleted, the array dissipates!" Cui Yang stated.

Even before he finished speaking, the Five Elements magical shield surrounding him flickered and dimmed.

Indeed, this particular method seemed somewhat impractical.

Controlling five talismans to form an array demanded more effort than simply utilizing a few standard protective talismans.

The defensive power offered by five talismans of the same rank was comparable to this array, and they were far simpler to operate and deploy.

Despite these observations, Yang Zhenshan's mind was still occupied with possibilities.

"Talismans are single-use consumables, making them unsuitable for establishing arrays! However, if they were replaced with talisman treasures, the situation would be quite different!"

He mused aloud.

"Talisman treasures!" Cui Yang glanced at the jade talisman in his hand, inquiring, "Master, are you suggesting…?"

A sudden inspiration struck Yang Zhenshan, and he felt this refined idea held significant promise.

"Combine talisman treasures, disperse them into an array, and then reassemble them into a talisman!"

Talismans could not sustain the stability of an array, only forming one for a fleeting moment.

Conversely, talisman treasures possessed the capability to maintain an array for extended periods—perhaps not indefinitely, but certainly for three to five days.

If talismans were capable of forming arrays, then there was no logical reason talisman treasures could not achieve the same.

"Disperse into an array, gather into a talisman!" Cui Yang pondered, "Isn't that akin to a magical treasure array instrument?"

Yang Zhenshan pointed to the jade talisman in Cui Yang's grasp, clarifying, "It differs; magical treasure array instruments are quite valuable, whereas these are significantly more affordable! Their refinement is straightforward, and their destruction would not entail a major loss."

Magical treasure array instruments encompass a wide variety of forms, including array plates, array instruments, and certain specialized installations.

While the Wuxiang Sect’s pagoda might be referred to as an array instrument, it cleverly utilizes the structure itself as the pivotal node for the formation.

Nevertheless, the intricate process of refining array instruments rivals, and can even surpass, the complexity involved in creating magic artifacts and mystical treasures.

In contrast, talisman-based treasures offer a considerably more straightforward approach.

Arrays constructed with talisman treasures are subject to numerous limitations, chief among them being their ephemeral duration, less formidable power compared to authentic arrays, and the persistent need for active user manipulation.

However, these arrays also boast notable advantages. Their most significant selling point is their economic feasibility. Furthermore, their setup is relatively uncomplicated, and the requirement for continuous control allows for immediate adjustments, granting them far superior flexibility over static, pre-established formations.

The more Cui Yang pondered this, the keener his intellectual spark became.

"Master, this notion is truly excellent; your disciple is eager to put it to the test!"

He made to rise impulsively, but Yang Zhenshan, with a mixture of amusement and gentle admonishment, restrained him. "Even if the desire to experiment burns within you, there is no need for such haste. The primary reason I summoned you today is that I have a specific task for you to undertake!"

"Ah!"

Cui Yang's focus snapped back, and with a sheepish grin, he admitted, "Your disciple acted with undue impatience!"

Yang Zhenshan sighed, a gesture of resigned affection. "In three days' time, various influential factions from Hidden Sword Mountain and the Spirit Source Land are expected to arrive. You will accompany me to formally receive them!"

"Additionally, we are on the cusp of engaging the Nether Prison Sect in conflict. Your role will be to remain by my side, serving as an invaluable assistant!"

Cui Yang's brow furrowed slightly upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment coloring his tone. "Will this not consume an excessive amount of time? Are your senior disciples not available for such duties?"

"Do not assume you can delegate all responsibilities to your senior brethren. Now that you have achieved Foundation Establishment Cultivation, it is imperative that you broaden your horizons and experience the wider world!" Yang Zhenshan rebuked him playfully.

This young man, he mused, was essentially a recluse; left to his own devices, he might well spend his entire existence confined to his chambers.

"Very well, Master! Is there anything else requiring my attention at this moment? If not, I intend to find a suitable area for further research!" Cui Yang conceded, his voice tinged with reluctance.

Yang Zhenshan found himself at a loss for words, a flicker of exasperation crossing his features.

With a sigh, he conceded, annoyed, "You may conduct your research right here!"

Cui Yang's gaze drifted toward the imposing tower situated below, and he ultimately assented, "This arrangement is acceptable as well!"

With that declaration, he expeditiously descended the stairs and located an unoccupied chamber, within which he promptly ensconced himself.

Yang Zhenshan was left to grapple with his unvented frustration.

...

Three days elapsed swiftly.

As the dawn broke, Yang Zhenshan stood prepared. He was attired in a pristine pine-green robe, a rare white jade hairpin meticulously securing his dark, neatly slicked-back hair. Even his substantial, three-foot-long beard appeared immaculately groomed and lustrous.

This occasion marked a significant milestone for the Yang family, as they were poised to receive numerous dignitaries from the expansive Sea of Spirit – a first for their clan.

All three thousand of the formidable Yujing Guards were on high alert. Soldiers stood rigidly arrayed along the city ramparts, their sharp gazes piercing the surrounding expanse with unwavering vigilance. Patrols of soldiers ceaselessly traversed the thoroughfares, meticulously scrutinizing every inch of the city's terrain.

Surrounding the majestic Three Saints Tower, within and without the grand Four-direction Hall, martial artists from the Spirit Source Land had already established a robust defensive perimeter.

Yang Chengze, Yang Mingwu, Yang Mingzhen, Yang Chengxu, Yang Chengche, and Yang Qinwu – all key figures – were strategically positioned to oversee the security arrangements around the Three Saints Tower.

Six formidable Second-Order Gale Grey Wolves were stationed strategically amongst the pavilions, while a squadron of twelve Second-Order Golden Feathered Fire Crows patrolled the airspace overhead. Presiding over the entire scene, the formidable Green Wolf King occupied the apex of the Three Saints Tower, its eerie, verdant eyes methodically surveying the perimeter.

Yang Zhenshan took his place at the forefront of the Four-direction Hall, with Cui Yang and Song Dashan standing dutifully behind him, awaiting the arrival of their esteemed guests.

The sun had climbed high into the heavens when the inaugural delegation finally made its appearance.

Lu Fusheng, accompanied by Yang Mingzhi, proceeded towards the expansive square before the Four-direction Hall, with Lu You’an in tow.

However, as they turned onto the main thoroughfare, Lu Fusheng abruptly halted.

"Esteemed Senior Lu, is there an issue?" Yang Mingzhi inquired, his voice laced with surprise.

Casting his gaze upon the assembled individuals before the Four-direction Hall, Lu Fusheng's lips curled into a wry smile. "Your Yang family certainly knows how to put on a grand spectacle!"

Even prior to breaching the city limits, he had been taken aback by the sight of the Yujing Guards patrolling the formidable walls. Whispers had circulated about the Yang family's possession of an exceptionally potent military force, rumored to rival even Immortal Cultivators in sheer combat prowess, a force instrumental in subduing the remnants of the Wuxiang Sect.

Yet, upon observing the Yujing Guards, his reaction had been one of mild surprise rather than genuine intimidation. After all, the soldiers comprising the Yujing Guard were merely martial artists operating at the Earth Evil Stage and Heavenly Gang Stage.

But the current display?

Flanking the square before the Four-direction Hall now stood two imposing Gale Grey Wolves, each stretching an impressive threezhang in length, while four Golden Feathered Fire Crows perched regally upon the roofline. These were undeniably Second-Order Mutant Beasts.

While the Yang family's acquisition of Second-Order Mutant Beasts was hardly a closely guarded secret, the sheer number of Golden Body Realm Martial Artists present was perplexing.

Yang Chengche and Yang Chengxu stood guard at the entrance, with Wu Zheng directing matters within. Not far off, Ding Qiu held his sword, a silent sentinel.

Concurrently, Yang Zhenshan, Cui Yang, and Song Dashan took their positions before the main hall.

This display, it was certain, would leave any visitor in a state of shock.

"When compared to the Three Sects of Spirit, save for the absence of any Divine Soul Realm Martial Artists, the Yang family's might rivals, and perhaps even surpasses, that of Xuanqing Sect and Illusion Moon Sect!"

"And this doesn't even represent the entirety of the Yang family's true power!"

Lu Fusheng, recalling the two Foundation Establishment Immortal Cultivators residing at home, found himself even more astounded by the formidable capabilities of the Yang family.