Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1484 - 930: Commanding the Whole Situation, Setting the Strategy_2

After a great deal of thought, Yang Zhenshan emerged as the only suitable candidate to oversee the entire situation.

The Yang family, once a prominent part of the Immortal Cultivation Family within the Sea of Spirit, had maintained cordial relationships with two prominent sects and various other families. While some minor disputes existed with certain factions, these were deemed insignificant to the larger picture.

Considering the Yang family's current standing, they possessed the necessary qualifications to guide both the sects and the collective families.

However, it was acknowledged that the Yang family's influence in the Sea of Spirit did not match the profound reach of the Xuanqing Sect in its own territory.

Furthermore, historical conflicts and a sense of estrangement were noted between Hidden Sword Mountain and both the Xuanqing Sect and the Illusion Moon Sect, creating a delicate dynamic.

In contrast, Hidden Sword Mountain harbored no such historical animosities or awkwardness with the Yang family.

Consequently, Jian Changhe held Yang Zhenshan in higher esteem and demonstrated a greater willingness to lend his support to the Yang family's cause.

"I am grateful for the Mountain Master's high regard!" Yang Zhenshan deliberated for a moment before accepting the responsibility.

The Yang family could not afford to disengage from this impending conflict, and since withdrawal was not an option, proactive engagement was the only path forward.

It was deemed preferable to assume direct control rather than delegate leadership, thereby safeguarding the Yang family's interests and preventing potentially detrimental outcomes.

"Nevertheless, I do have one request!"

"Pray tell, what is it?"

Yang Zhenshan met Jian Changhe's gaze directly, stating, "Given the depth of your trust in me, Mountain Master, I shall commit my utmost effort. However, I also earnestly request that you refrain from interfering with my command decisions!"

He intended to establish clear boundaries from the outset, ensuring he would not be relegated to the role of a mere pawn or scapegoat orchestrated by Jian Changhe.

"Ah!" Jian Changhe observed Yang Zhenshan's resolute posture and, with a slight nod, conceded, "Very well. Not only shall all the sects and families within the Sea of Spirit fall under your command, but myself and all the Elders shall also follow your directives!"

Upon hearing this, a confident smile graced Yang Zhenshan's features. "The Mountain Master's wisdom is commendable!"

"In that case, all future endeavors are entrusted to Elder Yang. Does anyone present harbor any dissenting opinions?" Jian Changhe surveyed the assembled individuals.

"None!"

A chorus of headshakes confirmed the absence of any objections.

With the immediate matters resolved, the focus shifted to the crucial preparations for the imminent war.

The Nether Prison Sect had nearly concluded its troop mobilization and was expected to reach the walls of Wuxiang City within the fortnight.

Conversely, the Sea of Spirit remained unprepared, lacking both adequate supplies and a fully assembled fighting force.

Yang Zhenshan stepped forward, addressing the assembled leaders.

"Esteemed colleagues, this impending battle directly impacts each of our very existences. To speak plainly, should the Nether Prison Sect succeed in conquering the Sea of Spirit, none among us will escape dire consequences!"

"At the very least, our families face utter annihilation; at best, complete clan extinction looms!"

"Let me state this with unvarnished honesty: whether it be the Xuanqing Sect, the Illusion Moon Sect, or your respective families, none shall be spared from this catastrophe. And though the Yang family might wish to depart, no force could prevent such a move!"

With a slight smile, Yang Zhenshan continued, his words eliciting shocked glances from the crowd, "Therefore, this conflict is not waged for the benefit of the Yang family or Hidden Sword Mountain, but for the preservation of your own."

"Do not harbor any illusions of being accepted by the Nether Prison Sect. While they might permit your continued presence within the Sea of Spirit, the subordinate families under their dominion will never consent to you retaining such a vast and resource-rich Blessed Land!"

"You must steel yourselves for a fight for survival. Defend Wuxiang City, and your sects and families may endure; fail, and you will find yourselves worse off than discarded strays!"

"Simply put, losing is not an option. A loss would be a fate far more terrible than death itself!"

These stark pronouncements left the assembled listeners momentarily speechless.

The words were undeniably harsh, almost beyond bearing, yet they could not deny the unassailable truth in Yang Zhenshan's assessment.

They truly could not afford to lose; the consequences of defeat would indeed be more devastating than perishing in the heat of battle.

A valiant, even fatal, stand was preferable to a prolonged existence marked by disgrace and subjugation.

The continuation of a family's bloodline did not inherently guarantee a path to future prosperity.

While ancestral lineage held significance, the availability of resources was ultimately paramount.

Without adequate resources, the most storied family lineage would prove utterly worthless.

The Sea of Spirit represented their fundamental roots, the very bedrock of their enduring legacy. Its loss would signify the forfeiture of everything they held dear.

This poignant realization settled upon everyone, prompting a collective, silent sigh.

Disregarding their somber reflections, Yang Zhenshan pressed on, "Further elaboration is unnecessary. Contribute all the personnel and every last supply you can muster."

"Very well, you are all dismissed to commence your preparations!"

"Should any further directives arise, I shall dispatch a messenger to inform you!"

With this, Yang Zhenshan turned his attention to Jian Changhe, who offered a slight nod in acknowledgment without uttering a word, before rising and departing the hall.

The remainder dispersed to make ready for the approaching conflict.

With the others gone, Jian Changhe and Yang Zhenghe took a leisurely walk beneath the Three Saints Tower.

"Why didn't we forcibly recruit the martial artists?" Jian Changhe inquired.

"Time is of the essence, and we mustn't squander resources on such matters; voluntary enlistment is preferable to coercion!" Yang Zhenshan responded.

Jian Changhe nodded, "Could you elaborate on your strategy?"

"A strategy!" Yang Zhenshan's lips curved slightly. "There isn't one yet!"

"What do you mean?" Jian Changhe's brow furrowed subtly.

Yang Zhenshan spread his hands, "Mountain Master, you've only just appointed me, and you're already demanding a plan—that's rather unreasonable."

Jian Changhe fell silent, acknowledging that his request might indeed have been somewhat premature.

"Then surely you have some ideas!"

Yang Zhenshan chuckled, "I do possess thoughts, but military tactics aren't merely about having an idea! Please bear with me, Mountain Master; my intentions will soon become clear!"

Jian Changhe regarded him with puzzlement, failing to grasp his meaning.

Just then, Song Dashan arrived with haste but remained silent upon his appearance, standing quietly nearby.

Yang Zhenshan cast a glance at him and smiled, "Speak freely; there's no need to conceal anything from the Mountain Master!"

"Yes, the elders from the Martial Hall and the Secret Martial Guards have arrived and are awaiting you at the Four-direction Hall!" Song Dashan reported.

"Mountain Master, would you care to join me to observe?" Yang Zhenshan extended the invitation.

"Very well, let us proceed to see them!" Jian Changhe was intrigued by Yang Zhenshan's current endeavors.

The pair returned to the Four-direction Hall, which had undergone a transformation; the previous tables were replaced by an expansive long table, extending for three zhang.

Upon this lengthy table rested a sizable sand table, meticulously depicting the terrain between the Sea of Spirit and the Nether Prison Sect.

More than ten individuals were assembled within the hall, including Qu Changkong, Yang Mingzhi, Yang Minghao, Yang Mingwu, Yang Chengze, Yang Mingzhen, Yang Chengxu, Yang Chengche, Yang Qinwu, Chen Zhongshu, and Lv Hua.

A commonality bound these individuals: each had previously served as a military commander.

"Greetings to the Mountain Master, greetings to the Great Elder!" the assembled group proclaimed in salute.

Jian Changhe looked towards Yang Zhenshan, who stroked his beard; the appellation "Great Elder" seemed somewhat unusual.

However, it was a matter of established practice, not a title conferred arbitrarily but derived from the customs amongst Immortal Cultivators.

Certain Immortal Cultivation Families inclined towards titles such as Great Elder and Second Elder.

Even those associated with Foundation Establishment Cultivators would address their own Foundation Establishment True Men with similar designations.

Yang Zhenshan surveyed everyone present and offered a slight nod.

"Now that all are gathered, let us commence!"

"We shall begin with the reorganization of the army!"

"Understood!"

The assembled individuals responded in agreement.

Following this, Qu Changkong stepped forward and stated, "Our own forces require no restructuring, but the martial artists from other sects and families necessitate organizational alignment. Owing to the limited time, comprehensive training is infeasible, thus they can only be deployed as auxiliary troops!"

"Perhaps we could initially arrange three auxiliary divisions? One comprising members from the Xuanqing Sect, another from the Illusion Moon Sect, and the remainder drawn from the various families!"

"The Xuanqing Sect and Illusion Moon Sect are relatively straightforward to manage, but the families' contingent might prove rather unruly," Yang Mingwu remarked.

"Unruliness is unavoidable; we simply must refrain from assigning them critical duties," advised Yang Chengze.

"I propose we keep them outside the city—their presence could potentially disrupt our regular soldiers!" Yang Mingzhen suggested.

"Agreed!"

The assembly engaged in discussion, initially focusing on the structural organization of their own established forces.

Three auxiliary divisions were subsequently instituted. The Xuanqing Sect and Illusion Moon Sect were placed in charge of their respective units, while the families' auxiliary division would be led by a single commander supported by two deputies: Master Yuqian assumed the role of commander, with Lu Fusheng and Nong Yutian serving as his deputies.

These three auxiliary divisions were temporarily positioned within a hundred-mile radius west of Wuxiang City, forming a cohesive defensive posture, intended to serve as a reserve contingent for Wuxiang City.