Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather

Chapter 1249: Chapter 818: Soul Crow Divination Skill (Part 2)

However, the grey mist quickly gathered again, just a bit dimmer than before.

"It’s me! This is my spell!" Yang Zhenshan said once more.

Only then did the Green Wolf King realize, looking at the small soul crow before him with uncertain eyes.

Yang Zhenshan no longer paid attention to him and once again controlled the soul crow to fly northward.

The distance grew further and further until the soul crow reached the edge of the Spirit Source Land, and only then did he control it to return.

"The soul crow is condensed by soul power and can carry my consciousness. If I don’t actively control it, it will become a dead object and won’t act on its own, but it will record what’s happening around it, just like a camera."

"The further the distance, the greater the consumption of soul power. A distance of a thousand miles posed no pressure; it seems I can even endure a distance of five to six thousand miles."

"It has no combat power, but its concealment is excellent, and it’s not afraid of physical attacks, though it should fear mana attacks and divine soul attacks!"

"A very good spell!"

Yang Zhenshan conducted some experiments and gave a satisfied evaluation.

...

The fifty-first year of the Spirit Source, spring.

It had been six months since Yang Zhenshan successfully established his Foundation.

In the past three months, Yang Zhenshan not only stabilized his cultivation but also familiarized himself with his mana and spells, while also creating a Jade Token and crafting a soul crow.

Both the Jade Token and the soul crow contained his Divine Soul Seed. In the past, it took him years to nurture a Divine Soul Seed, but after Foundation Establishment, it only took him a month.

After smoothing out his cultivation situation, Yang Zhenshan prepared to head to Lotus Heart Valley.

He handed the Jade Token to the new Store Manager, Jiang Ning, of the Yang family vineyard, left the soul crow on Lingxi Mountain, and then, along with Yu Qingyi, headed to Anhu City.

Naturally, there was no need to pass through Anhu City on the way from the Sea of Spirit to Lotus Heart Valley; in fact, starting from Snow Valley Town would be closer.

Yang Zhenshan went to Anhu City to understand the situation deep in the Yunxiao Mountain Range.

Upon arriving in Anhu City, Yang Zhenshan and Yu Qingyi quickly found Ding Qiu and Yang Minghao.

Ding Qiu and Yang Minghao had been in Anhu City for more than four years and were now both centurions, considered middle-level officers in the city’s defense army.

Anhu City was no longer as tense as it used to be. Although Mutant Beasts still appeared near the city, people seemed to have become accustomed to the situation.

No beast tide had arrived, but some changes surely occurred deep within the Yunxiao Mountain Range, driving many Mutant Beasts that should be deep inside to the edges.

This was not only the case around Anhu City but similar in Snow Valley Town as well.

"Not bad, you all even acquired houses here!"

In Anhu City, Yang Zhenshan and Yu Qingyi, led by Yang Minghao, arrived at an estate.

"Heh, it’s just a small estate. Estates in Anhu City are very expensive; even a small house like this costs eight hundred spirit stones!" Yang Minghao said.

The estate was indeed small, just a three-entrance yard with a front yard, inner yard, and a side house. Looking at such a property, Yang Zhenshan reminisced about the small house gifted to him by Zhou Lan at Chongshan Pass.

"You seem to be doing quite well here in Anhu City!" Yang Zhenshan remarked.

Yang Minghao replied, "Not bad. Although there have been many Mutant Beast groups around Anhu City in recent years, they haven’t had a major impact on the city; in fact, they’ve allowed us military men to earn significant merit."

"The Illusion Moon Sect’s governance of Anhu City is rather fair. As long as we are willing to exert ourselves, we can earn quite a bit of spirit stones!"

Yang Zhenshan nodded slightly, not surprised by this.

Back then, everyone speculated that a beast tide might erupt deep in the Yunxiao Mountain Range, hence their fear of Anhu City.

Yet, in reality, not only did no beast tide hit Anhu City, but the numerous small beast groups led to significant gains for the city’s Martial Artists.

In the main hall, Yang Minghao personally served hot tea to the two of them.

"What about Ding Qiu?"

"He’s stationed with troops at a western outpost, and won’t return for another month!" Yang Minghao replied.

Numerous safe outposts had been established around Anhu City, for which the city defense army was responsible for guarding.

"Heh, Dad, you wouldn’t know now, but Ding Qiu is a prominent figure here in Anhu City, known as the city’s number one blade!" Yang Minghao said proudly.

"Oh!" With a raised brow, Yang Zhenshan curiously asked, "How did he earn that title?"

"Three years ago, Ding Qiu single-handedly killed three Black Rock Fierce Bears with one strike. Their hides are incredibly tough, particularly the adult bears, which even Martial Artists at the Heavenly Gang Stage struggle to penetrate their defense. Yet, Ding Qiu managed to kill three in one strike. After that battle, he became known as the number one blade in Anhu City!" Yang Minghao explained.

Yang Zhenshan understood, knowing Ding Qiu’s blade intent contained an indomitable realm.

A Martial Artist’s blade intent is a manifestation of Divine Soul Power, a unique, wondrous existence not merely an expression of that power but also of one’s will.

Such realms are not exclusive to Martial Artists; even Immortal Cultivators can possess them. For instance, Sword Cultivators who comprehend Sword Intent are known as Sword Cultivators.

"Ding Qiu should consider attempting a breakthrough, wouldn’t you agree?"

"He says there’s no rush, that waiting until his ten-year term ends before breaking through is still timely!" replied Yang Minghao.

"Alright, whenever they return, let him know that he may return at any time if he wishes to pursue a breakthrough!" said Yang Zhenshan.

"Got it!"

Yang Zhenshan then inquired about serious matters, "Is there any suitable place here to establish a base?"

Yang Minghao shook his head slightly, "There isn’t, based on the information I’ve gathered over the years. There are no Spirit Vein locations in this area."

"What about deeper in the Yunxiao Mountain Range?" Yang Zhenshan asked, not surprised, and continued.

"Deeper in the Yunxiao Mountain Range, there are many Mutant Beasts, and reportedly even demon beasts. Dad, have you heard of Cangyu Mountain?" Yang Minghao lowered his voice.

"Cangyu Mountain? What kind of place is that?"

"A legendary place of demon cultivators!"

Yang Zhenshan narrowed his eyes, "Demon cultivators, are you sure?"

Yang Minghao shook his head, "I only heard about it from people of the Illusion Moon Sect. I haven’t gathered any concrete details!"

Yang Zhenshan pondered thoughtfully.

Demon cultivation arises from Mutant Beasts who refine their path.

A Mutant Beast isn’t a demon; they remain beasts.

True demons must cultivate, whether through demon cultivation techniques or bloodline inheritance.

Golden Crow once said that a thousand years ago, the Sun True Sect had many demon spirit beasts, but unfortunately, Yang Zhenshan found no demonic cultivation techniques within the Ancient Relic Array.

Here, there are sects like Hidden Sword Mountain for cultivators and creatures like evil spirits, so having demon cultivators would be normal.

Lu Fusheng once said the western part of the Yunxiao Mountain Range was originally territory of Hidden Sword Mountain, and deeper within lay Cangyu Mountain, the domain of demon cultivators. Further east, Yunxiao Mountain Range, leads to the territory of the Nether Prison Sect.

So essentially, this area is primarily dominated by Immortal and demon cultivators, with Martial Artists not the true rulers here.

"What a nuisance!"

Yang Zhenshan felt a bit troubled.

The distribution of Immortal and demon cultivator forces remains a vague notion to Yang Zhenshan. Though familiar with names like Hidden Sword Mountain, Nether Prison Sect, and now Cangyu Mountain, he hasn’t truly engaged with them.

"Forget it, let’s visit Lotus Heart Valley first; without entering the realm of Immortal Cultivators, it’s impossible to fully understand their power dynamics."

Yang Zhenshan and Yu Qingyi stayed in Anhu City for two days before setting off for Lotus Heart Valley.

They didn’t traverse directly through the Spirit Source Land to Snow Valley Town, nor did they hasten on the Green Wolf, instead taking a leisurely detour through the Yunxiao Mountain Range, traveling by foot.

Though desiring to access the circle of Immortal Cultivators at Lotus Heart Valley, Yang Zhenshan wasn’t pressed for time and didn’t mind a bit of delay.

Moreover, this period with Yu Qingyi was their leisure time, perfect for some well-deserved relaxation.

The journey took them through mountain paths and river rest stops, trekking together. Through dense forests, damp moss clung to their shoes, trampling through thousand needles of pine. Crossing the great river, bamboo poles stirred the waves, startling white gulls into flight. Facing the snowy plains, the wind blew fine sleet, boots grinding over a myriad of jade snowflakes.