Family Rise: Beginning with Grandfather.

Chapter 1102 My sword can no longer be hidden.
The northern part of the Wanhua Mountains remains shrouded in the same dense fog.

Although Lin Qihe and the Green Ox Demon King destroyed the Blood Pool and Yin Vein in this place during the Great Battle of Zhenyang Immortal City, the Wuchang Ghost Sect later rebuilt the Blood Pool and repaired the destroyed underground Yin Vein.

This place remains the base of the Impermanent Ghost Sect in the Wanhua Mountains, and it is still the home ground of the Soul Control Hall.

The gloomy blood pool exuded a strong stench of blood. Huge monster corpses sat around the blood pool, and three giant white bone pillars stood in the center of the blood pool. It was the same familiar scene.

Behind the blood pool, a massive dragon-bone airship was moored. Within the skull at the bow of the ship was a spacious hall, above which a dark blue aura of malevolence lingered. On the walls, tooth roots formed frames, upon which sat soul crystal lamps, their eerie blue flames illuminating the bone patterns. The floor was a polished mandible, with a long table made of spine bones standing in the center. The brow bones above the eye sockets served as windows, and finger bone chains acted as lattices.

Seated on either side of the long, vertebra-shaped table were the high-ranking members of the Impermanent Ghost Sect. The person seated at the head of the table was not An Wusheng, but Li Shanghun. Although both An Wusheng and Li Shanghun were hall masters of the Impermanent Ghost Sect, Li Shanghun was stronger, more experienced, and held a far higher position within the sect than An Wusheng.

The one in charge here now is Li Shanghun.

Besides Li Shanghun and An Wusheng, there are ten other Golden Core cultivators present: the four heads and deputy heads of the Soul Refining Hall—Mo Ling, Xie Wushuang, Ling Baishuang, and Xing Nan; and the four heads and deputy heads of the Soul Control Hall—Yu Yuan, Du Feng, Ji Wusi, and Baigushan. Also present are Huang Quan and Chi Yuan.

In the last great battle of Zhenyang Immortal City, the Soul Control Hall lost two deputy directors, namely Granny Ghost and Leng Xuan. However, the Impermanent Ghost Sect quickly reappointed two deputy directors, namely Du Feng and White Bone Mountain.

Top-tier forces are indeed that powerful; losing two Golden Core cultivators is nothing to them.

Huang Quan and Chi Yuan have now joined the Impermanent Ghost Sect. Huang Quan Hall is now the fourth hall of the Impermanent Ghost Sect, with Huang Quan Ancestor as the hall master and Chi Yuan as the deputy hall master. They are considered to be the new force of the Impermanent Ghost Sect.

However, compared to the other three halls, the Hall of the Underworld seems to be just there to make up the numbers. At present, the power of the Hall of the Underworld is no match for the other three halls.

At this moment, the twelve people are sitting here, discussing the matter of occupying the Cloud Mountain Range.

"The 20,000 Yin soldiers and 50,000 blood puppets have been mobilized, and we are ready to attack at any time!" Yu Yuan said to An Wusheng in a deep voice.

Li Shanghun lowered his eyes, seemingly not having heard his words, while the others from the Soul Refining Hall sat quietly, showing no intention of speaking.

Although Li Shanghun is the main figure here, this place was previously An Wusheng's base. Moreover, the northern region of the Wanhua Mountains was conquered by An Wusheng's Soul Control Hall. Therefore, it is An Wusheng, not Li Shanghun, who is currently commanding the Yin army.

There is also internal competition within the Impermanent Ghost Sect; the struggle between the three halls has lasted for thousands of years.

Under normal circumstances, the Soul Refining Hall and the Soul Control Hall should not act together. The Soul Refining Hall had previously lost the southern region of the Wanhua Mountains, so the two halls joined forces this time to avoid being defeated one by one by the Wanhua Demon Court again.

"Conquering the Cloud Soaring Mountains is not difficult, but there are a few thorns in the side that need to be removed!"

"Hidden Sword Mountain, Azure Feather Mountain, and the Yang family! They are all remnants of the Heavenly Cloud Sword Sect."

At this point, a fierce killing intent flashed in Yu Yuan's eyes.

In the battle of Zhenyang Immortal City, they suffered a crushing defeat, not at the hands of the Tianyun Sword Sect, but at the hands of the Wanhua Demon Court's schemes.

This debt should be attributed to the Wanhua Demon Court, but the Tianyun Sword Sect should also be held accountable.

“The others aren’t a problem, but there’s one person who is a real problem! Yang Zhengshan of the Yang family. He’s skilled in the Divine Power of Withering and Flourishing. Anyone who fights him to the death should be prepared to shorten their lifespan,” Yu Yuan said in a deep voice.

They had already experienced the domineering power of the Withering and Flourishing Divine Power. In the battle of True Yang Immortal City, in just one exchange, Granny Ghost had her lifespan exhausted by Yang Zhengshan and died when her lifespan ended.

Such an unreasonable and supernatural power made everyone extremely wary.

Sitting next to him, Ji Wusi had the most say. If he hadn't been wary of the Withering and Flourishing Divine Power, he wouldn't have let Yang Zhengshan off so easily last time.

Everyone remained silent; no one wanted to confront such a being.

It's not that they weren't confident in taking down Yang Zhengshan, but rather that they were unwilling to shorten their lifespans in the process.

Just as everyone was silent, Old Ghost Huangquan suddenly spoke up: "Leave Yang Zhengshan to me!"

As soon as he said this, everyone's eyes fell on him.

The old ghost of the underworld grinned, revealing a sinister smile. "Don't worry, everyone, I will capture Yang Zhengshan's soul and use it to ignite the Yin Soul Lamp!"

If we were to ask who hates Yang Zhengshan the most here, it would naturally be the Old Ghost of the Yellow Springs and the True Lord of the Crimson Origin. Both of them have a grudge against Yang Zhengshan that shortens their lifespan.

Huang Quan Lao Gui has never given up the idea of ​​seeking revenge on Yang Zhengshan, but he has already experienced the terror of losing his lifespan, which is why he has not gone to find Yang Zhengshan.

Now that he has found a way to resist the power of decay and prosperity, he volunteered to take down Yang Zhengshan.

Upon hearing this, An Wusheng nodded in satisfaction, "Since the Lord of the Yellow Springs has volunteered, Yang Zhengshan will be handed over to him!"

He was naturally happy to see someone willing to take on Yang Zhengshan, this hot potato.

"Thank you for your kindness, Palace Master An!" Old Ghost Huangquan said politely, without being presumptuous.

Although he was also a hall master, he had only recently joined the Impermanent Ghost Sect, and compared to the other three hall masters, his status in the Impermanent Ghost Sect was far inferior.

“In that case, I’ll leave Hidden Sword Mountain and Azure Feather Mountain to my Soul Refining Hall!” Li Shanghun said.

“No need, my Soul Control Hall can take over Hidden Sword Mountain and Azure Feather Mountain,” An Wusheng refused.

Li Shanghun looked up at An Wusheng, who smiled and met his gaze.

The two stared at each other for a long time before Li Shanghun finally nodded slowly, "If you want it, you can have it!"

“Hehe, old man, this was originally mine!” An Wusheng laughed.

They didn't take Hidden Sword Mountain and Azure Feather Mountain seriously; their reason for fighting was to occupy the Cloud Soaring Mountain Range.

Although the Yunxiao Mountains cannot compare to the Wanhua Mountains, they are still vast mountain ranges containing a large number of spiritual veins. If the transformation is successful, a large area of ​​Yin Domain can be obtained.

"The matter is settled then. I, the Palace Master, will personally lead the troops to attack Cangyu Mountain and Cangjian Mountain. The Yellow Springs Palace Master will be responsible for attacking the Yang family. You old fools, you are responsible for defending against the Wanhua Demon Court!"

"Be careful of another sneak attack from the Wanhua Demon Court, or the sect leader will hold you accountable!"

An Wusheng said with a smile.

The last defeat was the biggest mistake of the Soul Refining Hall and the greatest shame for Li Shanghun.

Although the Qingyuan Fox Clan and the Chihuang Clan launched a joint attack, the Refining Soul Hall suffered a devastating defeat, being beaten almost without any power to fight back, with tens of thousands of Yin soldiers losing their lives in the Wanhua Mountains.

Although the Soul Control Hall was also tricked by the Myriad Flower Demon Court, at least they captured True Yang Immortal City.

Later, when they were defeated by the Wanhua Demon Court, it was a voluntary retreat, not a defeat.

Li Shanghun ignored his sarcasm and simply sat quietly.

……

A few days later, tens of thousands of Yin soldiers entered the Yunxiao Mountains from the Wanhua Mountains, and like an unstoppable force, they broke through one mountain peak after another, and one blessed land after another.

Neither immortal cultivators nor demonic beasts could stop the Yin army in the slightest.

This incident quickly plunged the entire Yunxiao Mountain Range into chaos, causing panic among forces of all sizes.

Originally the site of the Netherworld Prison, now the ancestral home of the Spirit Deer Clan.

After receiving the news, Yueyao felt terrible.

The Impermanent Ghost Sect has made a comeback. The Spirit Deer Clan migrated from the Wanhua Mountains to the Yunxiao Mountains, hoping to avoid the Impermanent Ghost Sect's attack. However, they did not expect that the Wanhua Demon Emperor would send out a large army of tree people to repel the Impermanent Ghost Sect's army of ghost soldiers.

That's fine, anyway, they don't want to get involved in the war between the Impermanent Ghost Sect and the Myriad Flower Demon Court anymore, they just want to find a place to live a peaceful life.

But she didn't expect that the Impermanent Ghost Sect would suddenly launch another attack on the Cloud Mountain Range.

They've only had a few days of peace?

As a result, they will have to face the attack of the ghost army.

"What should we do?" Yueyao asked, somewhat confused.

Go back now?
Are you kidding me?
They have already left the Wanhua Demon Court, and they did not go back before.

When the Tree People army repelled the Yin Army, it would have been understandable if they wanted to return. The Wandering White Crane Clan returned at that time, and the Demon Emperor did not blame them.

But now if they want to go back, the Demon Emperor probably won't take them in.

Thinking of this, Yueyao couldn't help but feel a little regretful.

If she had known this would happen, she should have led the Spirit Deer Clan back to the Wanhua Mountains earlier.

At least in the Wanhua Mountains, they are still protected by the Demon Emperor.

But now, they can't go back even if they want to.

"We can't go back, so we'll have to move again!"

Yueyao was quite helpless.

But she still rallied all her people and began a new migration. Tens of thousands of spirit deer left their newly established territory and migrated to the more remote southwest.

……

Hidden Sword Mountain.

On the cloud-covered peak, Heavenly Sword True Monarch stood beneath a green pine tree, gazing at the surging sea of ​​clouds.

Jian Changhe and Que Lingyu stood behind him, both with furrowed brows.

They were equally surprised that the Impermanent Ghost Sect would be interested in the Cloud Soaring Mountains, and even more surprised that the Impermanent Ghost Sect would suddenly launch an attack on the Cloud Soaring Mountains.

"True Lord!" Que Lingyu called softly.

Heavenly Sword True Monarch turned around, a relaxed smile on his handsome face.

"Alright, you don't need to worry!"

Jian Changhe was taken aback. "Does the Patriarch have a way to deal with the Impermanent Ghost Sect?"

"A solution? Of course there is." Heavenly Sword True Monarch smiled calmly.

"What method?" Jian Changhe asked in surprise.

Heavenly Sword True Monarch patted the long sword at his waist, "Naturally, I'll cut him down with one strike!"

Jian Changhe stared blankly at his longsword. He was very familiar with that sword; it was the Azure Gold Sword that he had owned before, but now it had been returned to its rightful owner, Heavenly Sword True Monarch.

Cut him down with one sword?
What kind of solution is this?
That's the Impermanent Ghost Sect, a sect with many Golden Core cultivators and countless Yin soldiers and blood puppets.

Even if the Impermanent Ghost Sect only uses a portion of its power, it is still beyond the ability of Hidden Sword Mountain and Azure Feather Mountain to withstand.

The patriarch may be very strong, but he probably wasn't strong enough to kill a Golden Core cultivator, right?

Furthermore, Tianjian Zhenjun's cultivation level has not yet recovered to the Golden Core Realm. Is it possible for him to face a late or peak Golden Core Realm expert with only Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation?

"Unfortunately, this way I can no longer hide it! My sword can no longer be hidden either!"

The Heavenly Sword True Monarch said with some melancholy.

Jian Changhe's heart stirred, and he hid his sword!

Que Lingyu seemed to understand something as well, and stared intently at Tianjian Zhenjun.

“Little Sparrow, let the sparrows all return to Hidden Sword Mountain. It’s not safe for them outside!” said True Monarch Heavenly Sword.

Que Lingyu quickly bowed and replied, "Yes!"

This meant giving up Cangyu Mountain, but she was not unwilling at all; on the contrary, her heart was filled with joy.

Because she grew up in Hidden Sword Mountain, she actually prefers Hidden Sword Mountain to Azure Feather Mountain.

Just then, a large bird flew up into the clouds and arrived at the summit.

"Reporting to the True Lord, someone is requesting an audience outside the mountain gate. The visitor claims to be Yun Fan, a disciple of Baiyun!" Xuan Jinlinye reported.

Upon hearing this, Jian Changhe looked at Tianjian Zhenjun. They knew without even thinking that Yun Fan had come to seek protection.

The Baiyun Dao lineage is currently based in Qingli Immortal City. Although Qingli Immortal City is located on the northern edge of the Yunxiao Mountains, it will no longer be safe if the Wuchang Ghost Sect launches a large-scale attack.

It was perfectly normal for Yunfan to come to Cangjian Mountain seeking refuge at this time.

Heavenly Sword True Monarch frowned. "Ignore them."

Jian Changhe advised, "Master, Yunfan and the others do have some strength."

Before he could finish speaking, Heavenly Sword True Monarch waved his hand to interrupt, saying, "We don't need it."

Currently, the Baiyun Daoist lineage still has quite a few members. Yun Fan and Yun Bi are both at the peak of Foundation Establishment, and are considered outstanding among Foundation Establishment cultivators. In addition, there are several other Foundation Establishment cultivators such as Yun Chuan, Yun Zhe, Yun Shang, and Yun Che.

Although there are no Golden Core cultivators, these fellow disciples, united as one, are a considerable force.

Jian Changhe thought these people were useful, at least they could help Cangjian Mountain fight against the Yin army of Wuchang Ghost Sect.

However, True Monarch Tianjian does not need these people. His path is not to wield power over the world, nor to spread his teachings throughout the world, but to surpass the former Dao Lord of Wanhua.

He doesn't need a large army to occupy territory, nor does he need to spread his swordsmanship, nor does he need a large number of cultivators.

For him, having too many disciples at Hidden Sword Mountain was not a good thing, because if there were too many disciples, he would have to worry about the cultivation resources for them.

Therefore, maintaining the status quo is best for him.

As for the Impermanent Ghost Sect, he has his own ways of dealing with it.

……

Outside the gate of Hidden Sword Mountain.

Yunfan left feeling upset.

He never expected that Hidden Sword Mountain would turn him away, which made him feel extremely upset.

How glorious Baiyun Immortal City once was, how desolate the Baiyun Daoist tradition is now.

Thinking about his experiences over the years, Yunfan felt a sense of powerlessness.

From the Battle of Dali Mountain onwards, when True Monarch Baiyun disappeared and several of his fellow disciples died in battle, to the attack on Baiyun Immortal City by the Earth-Shaking Tiger and Golden-Winged Eagle clans, Yunhai attracted a lightning tribulation before his death.

From the establishment of the Tianyun Sword Sect to the Battle of Zhenyang Immortal City, and up to the present day.

Even True Monarch Baiyun is dead, let alone these Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Yunfan returned to Qingli Immortal City in a daze.

"Senior brother!" Yun Bi looked at him with some concern.

Yunfan shook his head and said with a bitter smile, "Hidden Sword Mountain rejected us!"

Upon hearing this, Yun Bi didn't show much emotion. "Then we only have one choice left!"

"What choice?"

"Yang family!"

Yunfan fell silent.

They didn't have many options: either hide or seek refuge with other forces.

There's no way to hide.

Because they had nowhere to hide.

They can't be safe and sound just by finding a place to hide.

Safety is assured, but what about cultivation?

The Spirit Wasteland is the safest place. Even if the Five Domains of Wanhua were to fight to the point of cataclysm, the Spirit Wasteland would not be in any danger.

Because no one would compete for the Spirit Wasteland.

However, going to the Spirit Wasteland means abandoning the path of cultivation.

Without spiritual energy, how can they cultivate?
This applies not only to the Spirit Wasteland, but also to other places; places without spiritual veins are meaningless to them.

They can escape Qingli Immortal City now, but what happens after they escape?
The Wanhua Domain is so vast, yet there is no place for them to stay.

However, the Yang family has it.

The Yang family has a hidden paradise; they can hide there.

“Yang Zhenjun is still showing us some leniency; he should be willing to take us in!” Yun Bi said.

Yunfan nodded slightly, "I will go to the Yang Family Blessed Land now to request an audience with True Lord Yang!"

This was their last resort. If Yang Zhengshan was unwilling to take them in, then they would really have no choice but to abandon their path of cultivation and find a place without spiritual veins to hide away.

(End of this chapter)