Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1482 - 929: The Sea of Spirit Shall Be Led by Hidden Sword Mountain! (2)
Previously on Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather...
Not six, but a total of eight individuals.
His four disciples, namely Yang Jizhen, Ma Qiuyan, Cui Yang, and Ning Yun, have all successfully achieved Foundation Establishment.
This number, combined with himself and Xuanzhen, as well as the formidable Green Wolf King and Bai Xiaoyun, brings the total to eight.
Although Bai Xiaoyun currently holds the position of a mere Guest Elder within the Yang family and has not yet formally entered the Spirit Source Land, Yang Zhenshan acknowledges that her conduct over the years has been commendable. Despite her somewhat eccentric demeanor, she has relinquished the wicked habits of an evil cultivator. Consequently, Yang Zhenshan harbors intentions of formally integrating her into his trusted circle.
Presently, the Spirit Source Land boasts a considerable number of cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage and martial artists in the Golden Body Realm. However, the majority of these Foundation Establishment cultivators and Golden Body Realm martial artists are in the nascent stages of their cultivation, rendering their strength significantly inferior to that of veteran practitioners.
While the quantity is sufficient, the quality leaves something to be desired.
Following a brief exchange with Yunxiao, Yang Zhenshan abruptly detected an unusual aura within the reach of his Spiritual Sense.
"They have arrived; let us proceed to welcome them!"
With these words, he exited the main hall and ascended into the heavens.
High in the northwestern sky, a cluster of exceptionally potent auras was rapidly approaching. These auras were distinctly unique, not belonging to a single entity but rather a collective. Nevertheless, the auras were so uniformly characteristic that discerning their exact number proved challenging.
The assembled group soared above the formidable walls of Wuxiang City, patiently anticipating the arrival of Hidden Sword Mountain.
In less than the span of a breath, over a dozen figures materialized, gliding through the air on their swords.
"A warm welcome to you, Mountain Master!"
Yang Zhenshan, Yunxiao, and Liu Yue stood at the forefront, directing the assembled multitude in their respectful greetings.
They were not only representatives of the Yang family, Xuanqing Sect, and Illusion Moon Sect but also signified the nascent Guest Elder Hall of Hidden Sword Mountain. Though this hall had yet to be officially established, its members were already recognized as de facto Guest Elders of Hidden Sword Mountain.
The dazzling sword lights decelerated, their momentum ceasing before the gathered crowd, gradually revealing the individuals beneath.
Without even glancing upwards, Yang Zhenshan could accurately ascertain the exact number of individuals Jian Changhe had brought on this occasion.
Four cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage, accompanied by ten cultivators at the late-stage Qi Refining level.
While their numbers were modest, their cultivation quality was exceptionally high.
Among the four Foundation Establishment cultivators, three had reached the late-stage of that realm, with only one possessing the mid-stage cultivation.
In stark contrast, the Yang family could boast of eight Foundation Establishment cultivators. However, only Yang Zhenshan and Xuanzhen had attained the mid-stage, while the others had only just begun their journey into the Foundation Establishment stage.
Under such circumstances, the Yang family appeared to be flourishing, whereas Hidden Sword Mountain showcased a profound and established heritage.
The casual presentation of three late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators was an accomplishment far beyond the reach of ordinary powers.
Furthermore, given Hidden Sword Mountain’s considerable roster of late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, it was logical to infer their possession of equally numerous early-stage cultivators within that realm.
"Esteemed guests, there is no need for such elaborate formalities," Jian Changhe stated with a calm demeanor.
"We offer our sincere thanks, Mountain Master!" the multitude responded with palpable gratitude.
Jian Changhe's gaze swept across the assembly, his lips curling into a slight nod of acknowledgment.
The cultivators from Hidden Sword Mountain, positioned behind him, also cast their appreciative observations towards Yang Zhenshan and his retinue.
"Let us adjourn to a more suitable location to converse," Jian Changhe proposed.
"Mountain Master, please lead the way. All Esteemed Elders, your presence is requested!"
Yang Zhenshan stepped forward, graciously ushering the contingent from Hidden Sword Mountain toward the opulent Four-direction Hall.
Within the hall, tables were meticulously arranged, adorned with an assortment of exquisite Spirit Fruits, fragrant tea, and a pot of potent Spiritual Wine.
Unsure of the precise number of Foundation Establishment cultivators Jian Changhe intended to bring, several additional tables had been thoughtfully prepared within the hall.
Once all were comfortably seated, Jian Changhe assumed the honored position at the head of the table. The remaining attendees took their places below, with the Foundation Establishment cultivators occupying the front rows and the Golden Body Realm martial artists seated further back. Yang Zhenshan, as the host, graciously accepted the lower lead seat.
"Are all present and accounted for?" Jian Changhe inquired.
"Reporting to you, Mountain Master, all representatives from the Three Sects and Eight Clans of the Sea of Spirit are in attendance!" Yang Zhenshan stood and delivered his report.
"Excellent," Jian Changhe responded with a nod. He then added, "As this is my inaugural meeting with all of you, I am not yet acquainted. Elder Yang, I would be most grateful if you would provide introductions."
Yang Zhenshan graciously accepted the responsibility and rose to commence the introductions.
The introduction began with Yunxiao. There was hardly any necessity to formally present Yunxiao; regardless of whether it was Jian Changhe or the Foundation Establishment cultivators of Hidden Sword Mountain, they were already quite familiar with Yunxiao. Even if they hadn't personally met him, his reputation had undoubtedly reached their ears.
"This is Master Yunxiao, hailing from the Xuanqing Sect!"
"Greetings to the Mountain Master and fellow Daoists!" Yunxiao rose and offered a cupped-hand salute to the assembly. The four elders of Hidden Sword Mountain returned the gesture with cordiality.
Following Yunxiao were Liu Yue and Yang Zhenshan himself, then Cui Yang. Despite his youth, Cui Yang was also a Foundation Establishment cultivator, occupying a seat before numerous Martial Artists present.
Hidden Sword Mountain operated differently from Xuanqing Sect. In previous gatherings of the Sea of Spirit forces by Xuanqing Sect, Immortal Cultivators were either excluded or treated on par with Martial Artists.
As a Sect dedicated to Immortal Cultivation, Hidden Sword Mountain naturally accorded Immortal Cultivators a position of honor, relegating Martial Artists to the rear.
Once Yang Zhenshan concluded his introductions, Jian Changhe also briefly presented the four Foundation Establishment cultivators of Hidden Sword Mountain to the assembled crowd.
"These four individuals are the esteemed elders of Hidden Sword Mountain: Jian Guyun, Jian Canghai, Jian Suxin, and Jian Qingxiao."
All four Foundation Establishment cultivators, two men and two women, bore the surname Jian!
Among them, Jian Guyun, Jian Canghai, and Jian Suxin were at the Late-stage Foundation Establishment. They all appeared to be beyond their youth, with Jian Guyun in particular looking quite elderly.
Conversely, Jian Qingxiao presented a remarkably youthful appearance, seeming to be in her twenties based solely on her looks. Naturally, she was certainly older than twenty, likely exceeding a hundred years of age.
The four conducted themselves with great amiability, displaying no hint of arrogance. In fact, they seemed even more approachable than Jian Changhe.
"The purpose of today's assembly is twofold: firstly, for us to become acquainted, and secondly, to inform you that henceforth, the Sea of Spirit will operate under the guidance of Hidden Sword Mountain!"
Jian Changhe stated this plainly, without any superfluous formality or politeness, unequivocally declaring Hidden Sword Mountain's assumption of leadership over the Sea of Spirit.
"Does anyone have any objections?"
His gaze swept across the hall, and a profound silence ensued amongst everyone.
"Excellent, no objections then!"
"Secondly, we must address the impending conflict with the Nether Prison Sect. Intelligence indicates the Nether Prison Sect has amassed a significant force of Martial Artists and is poised to launch an assault on the Sea of Spirit within the next fortnight!"
"Does anyone possess any strategies for our response?"
Conflict with the Nether Prison Sect was an unavoidable reality, and they seemed resolute in their ambition to conquer the Sea of Spirit. According to intel gathered by the Secret Martial Guards, the Nether Prison Sect had mobilized at least fifty thousand Innate Martial Artists, advancing towards the Sea of Spirit with formidable momentum.
It was evident their resolve this time was more intense than on previous occasions.
This was understandable, as the Sea of Spirit was currently at its most vulnerable point. Even with the backing of Hidden Sword Mountain, the Sea of Spirit's strength had not yet recovered to its former levels.
The Nether Prison Sect would certainly not let such an opportune moment pass and would undoubtedly exert all their efforts to seize the Sea of Spirit.
Upon hearing Jian Changhe's inquiry, a murmur of discussion began to ripple through the attendees.
How to counter the Nether Prison Sect's impending attack – to be perfectly candid, no one harbored a definitive answer in their hearts.
The devastating blow dealt by the Wuxiang Sect had inflicted catastrophic losses upon the Sea of Spirit. The disappearance of all their Divine Soul Realm Martial Artists had fundamentally stripped the Sea of Spirit of its capability to resist the Nether Prison Sect.
Without the support of Hidden Sword Mountain, the Sea of Spirit would currently be rendered utterly defenseless against the Nether Prison Sect.
Even with Hidden Sword Mountain's intervention, victory against the Nether Prison Sect wasn't guaranteed.
The crucial factor hinged upon the extent of Hidden Sword Mountain's commitment.
The understanding of Hidden Sword Mountain's actual power among the populace was limited; they possessed no clear knowledge of its true strength, nor the degree to which it was willing to engage the Nether Prison Sect.
A fervent discussion unfolded amongst the gathered individuals, yet no one stepped forward with a proposal.
Yang Zhenshan cast a look of mild exasperation towards Yunxiao.
This marked Jian Changhe's inaugural request for strategic input from the assembly, and remaining utterly silent was simply not an option.
Yunxiao found himself in a predicament. If he had a viable strategy, he wouldn't be caught in a constant state of frantic strategizing.
Nevertheless, he rose to his feet; there was no alternative. At this juncture, only he and Yang Zhenshan within the Sea of Spirit could be realistically counted upon, and he, in turn, represented the Xuanqing Sect.The Xuanqing Sect harbored numerous long-standing grievances with Hidden Sword Mountain. Should he fail to display a proactive stance, the Xuanqing Sect could face dire consequences when Hidden Sword Mountain decided to settle old scores. "May I inquire of the Mountain Master, could we perhaps request White Cloud Immortal City and Cangyu Mountain to act as mediators?" Yunxiao asked. At present, the most effective method to counter the Nether Prison Sect's aggression was to enlist a major power to intimidate them, thereby deterring any assault on the Sea of Spirit. Within the Yunxiao Mountain Range, only two factions possessed the might to subjugate the Nether Prison Sect: White Cloud Immortal City and Cangyu Mountain.