Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather

Chapter 1662: Chapter 1019: A Token of Gratitude and a Secret

“The Qi mechanism of the Grotto Heaven has changed, from the outside to the inside, and the Qi mechanism within the Grotto Heaven has also followed suit.”

“This change is very slow, so you might not have noticed it!”

Yang Zhenshan continued to explain.

“Qi mechanism change!” Qingyuan Fox Venerable fell into contemplation, recalling the Qi mechanism of Qingyuan Cave Heaven from a thousand years ago, but she couldn’t find any basis for the change.

This is normal, one because the time is too long, matters from a thousand years ago, even for Qingyuan Fox Venerable as a Demon Venerable, cannot be remembered clearly, and two because the fluctuations of the Qi mechanism change are very small, even when compared to a thousand years ago, the difference is not very large.

Yang Zhenshan estimated that the Qi mechanism change of Qingyuan Cave Heaven did not start a thousand years ago, it should be even earlier, possibly several thousand years ago.

It’s just that the change in the Holy Tree started from a thousand years ago.

“Do you have a way to solve this problem?” Qingyuan Fox Venerable once again looked at Yang Zhenshan, asking expectantly.

Yang Zhenshan said, “Yes, it’s actually quite simple, as long as senior becomes the owner of Qingyuan Cave Heaven!”

“How to become the owner of the Grotto Heaven?”

“Refine the Holy Tree into a Spiritual Artifact!”

This Holy Tree, although a fourth-order Spiritual Object, is not a Spiritual Treasure.

And becoming the owner of the Grotto Heaven does not require the Divine Soul to merge with the Origin Core of the Grotto Heaven, just link the Divine Soul to the Origin Core.

Actually, letting the Divine Soul merge with the Origin Core is not an easy task, Yang Zhenshan estimates that the first generation Demon Venerable of the Fox Clan did not merge with the Holy Tree, he only entrusted it in the Holy Tree.

As time went by, his Divine Soul dissipated, thus Qingyuan Cave Heaven became an unowned thing.

And the Qingyuan Fox Clan only thought that Qingyuan Cave Heaven could operate independently, so they never thought of controlling the Grotto Heaven, becoming the owner of the Grotto Heaven.

“So simple?” Qingyuan Fox Venerable said skeptically.

“Just that simple!” Yang Zhenshan said helplessly.

Some things are just separated by a thin layer, this layer is thin, but if no one breaks it, this layer can block for a thousand years, making it impossible to see what’s beyond it.

The Qingyuan Fox Clan was accustomed to the appearance of Qingyuan Cave Heaven, forming inertia thought, never considering that Qingyuan Cave Heaven needed an owner.

As for why Yang Zhenshan doesn’t take Qingyuan Cave Heaven for himself.

Well, he fears being killed by Qingyuan Fox Venerable.

Taking Qingyuan Cave Heaven for himself is easy, he thought about pretending to perform and then quietly refining the Holy Tree.

But this matter is separated by a thin layer, a slight mistake, Qingyuan Fox Venerable might find the key to break this layer from his actions.

By then, he would face the entire Qingyuan Fox Clan’s pursuit.

The Qingyuan Fox Clan doesn’t just consist of Qingyuan Fox Venerable as a third-order Demon King, they are a major clan among the Demon Clan, having several Demon Kings.

Once provoked such existence, Yang Zhenshan estimates that in the future he can only hide in the Life Realm Immortal Palace without coming out.

So the idea to take it for himself he just thought and then discarded.

Rather than provoke such a great enemy, it is better to offer a favor and form a good relationship with the other side.

Moreover, he already has the Life Realm Immortal Palace, even with an additional Grotto Heaven, it is of little significance.

Considering comprehensively, he simply spoke frankly.

Two days later, Qingyuan Fox Venerable rose from under the Holy Tree, her amber-colored eyes appearing vibrant.

She looked at Yang Zhenshan with a peculiar gaze, her charming face carrying a bright smile, not like the previous ambiguous smile, but with a few more bits of sincerity.

This made her seem more alluring, making Yang Zhenshan’s heart thump heavily.

This isn’t a heartbeat from emotional interest, it is the throbbing induced by charm.

Damn, she truly is a seductress!

Yang Zhenshan restrained his mind, the Seven Treasures Soul Suppressing Tower within his Sea of Consciousness spun once more.

Qingyuan Fox Venerable’s charm was already rooted in her bones, each movement carried an irresistible seduction, without even trying, she could bring deadly allure.

And Yang Zhenshan, staying by her side these two days, under the help of the Twelve Golden Crystal Lotus and Seven Treasures Soul Suppressing Tower, resisted her allure, which significantly boosted his Divine Soul.

“Thanks to young friend Yang for pointing it out, without your guidance, we Qingyuan Fox Clan might have been homeless!” Qingyuan Fox Venerable sincerely bowed slightly, speaking gently.

“No need, this wasn’t a big problem, I didn’t actually help much!” Yang Zhenshan hastily replied modestly.

He indeed didn’t help much, just said a few words.

But those few words indeed played a significant role, without his guidance, Qingyuan Fox Venerable might have spent another thousand years to solve this issue.

“Please follow me, young friend!”

Qingyuan Fox Venerable smiled and led Yang Zhenshan to the residing place of the Qingyuan Fox Clan.

The Qingyuan Fox Clan resides in Cloud Valley. At the valley bottom is Jade Creek, water striking round stones, beads reflecting morning light like fragmented silver. Purple flowers carpet the creek banks, winds pass like waves, scent clings to clothing.

The old camphor tree hollow, windows carved and vines set, wild fruits hang from vines, wind shakes akin to bells. Ginkgo trees slope, trunks split for homes, thatched roofs cover, wood stacks where colorful feathered birds dwell, peck at seeds unafraid.

The rocky caves hide on cliff walls, vines veil cave entrances, inside are soft grass paddings, thinly frosted clay pots, stalactites drip into stone basins, sound echoes through the quiet valley.

Yang Zhenshan, under Qingyuan Fox Venerable’s guidance, arrived in a spacious cave, sitting at a stone table facing the cave entrance, able to overlook the vast grasslands and the tall Holy Tree.

“Please!” Qingyuan Fox Venerable offered a bowl of stalactite liquid, placing it in front of Yang Zhenshan.

Yang Zhenshan expressed his thanks, lifted the bowl and took a sip.

The cool liquid entered, unexpectedly tangy-sweet, after swallowing it, an exhilarating sensation arose, not only did his body feel pleasure, even his Divine Soul seemed to emit joyful cheers.

“What is this?” Yang Zhenshan asked in amazement.

This bowl of stalactite not only stabilizes the Origin Core, refines the Daoist Body, but also has the effect of condensing the Divine Soul and purifying the Divine Soul.

This is a third-stage Spiritual Objects, perfect to be used as material for refining a Third-tier Elixir.

“Clear Heart Stalactite, haha, it’s considered our Qingyuan Fox Clan’s special product. If you like it, I’ll gift you some later!” Qingyuan Fox Venerable said softly.

At this moment, Qingyuan Fox Venerable was finding Yang Zhenshan more pleasing to the eye.

Mainly because Yang Zhenshan helped their Qingyuan Fox Clan solve a big problem, which greatly increased her affection for him.

“Haha, then as a junior, I won’t be polite!” Yang Zhenshan did not refuse and laughed.

This Clear Heart Stalactite is indeed quite good, especially for condensing the Divine Soul, which is very useful for him.

“This time, thank you again, young friend. I’ve prepared a token of gratitude for you, and I hope you’ll accept it with a smile!” Qingyuan Fox Venerable thanked again.

Yang Zhenshan quickly waved his hand and said: “Senior saved my life, I’ve just solved a small problem for you, it’s not worth mentioning, not worth mentioning!”

“To you, it’s a small problem, but to my Qingyuan Fox Clan, it’s a matter of great importance! The future of my Qingyuan Fox Clan is more important than young friend’s life!” Qingyuan Fox Venerable replied gently with a smile.

Yang Zhenshan looked at her smile, feeling a dizzying sensation.

At this moment, Qingyuan Fox Venerable possessed even more charm than before. Previously, she exuded temptation at every turn, yet carried some aloofness, creating a sense of distance.

But now Qingyuan Fox Venerable’s eyes appeared so gentle, with a soft and alluring intent naturally emanating.

With a wave of Qingyuan Fox Venerable’s sleeve, three equally beautiful members of the Qingyuan Fox Clan elegantly walked into the cave, each holding a tray.

“This is the Clear Spirit Amber Fruit, my Qingyuan Fox Clan only has three left, I’ll gift you one!”

“This is the Mountain Suppressing Seal, haha, I’ve already had the mark on it removed, young friend can accept it with peace of mind!”

“This is the Flowing Shadow Shuttle, young friend lacks a flying Spiritual Artifact, and I happen to have one.”

“You all go and prepare some Clear Heart Stalactite for young friend!”

Qingyuan Fox Venerable briefly introduced the gifts, and finally did not forget to prepare Clear Heart Stalactite for Yang Zhenshan.

Yang Zhenshan looked at the three gifts, inwardly marveling at the wealth of the Qingyuan Fox Clan and the generosity of Qingyuan Fox Venerable.

Spiritual Artifacts were given away freely, and they weren’t ordinary ones either.

The Mountain Suppressing Seal goes without saying, previously Chi Yuan almost crushed him with it.

This Flowing Shadow Shuttle is also extraordinary; just by its appearance you can tell it’s a rare Spiritual Artifact.

The Flowing Shadow Shuttle is about half a foot long, entirely jet-black like congealed fat, covered with a layer of matte dark lines, seemingly with countless tiny shadows flowing between them.

Each side of the shuttle has three diamond-shaped shadow crystals embedded, the crystals enclosing a rotating shadow within, reflecting a purple-black halo under light, connected by Black Gold lines which weave into an overlapping shadow pattern.

Under light, the pattern reveals duplications, as if the same shuttle body is reflected in water, mixing illusion with reality. The end is tapered into a thin blade shape, adorned with three strands of dark-colored tassels, their tips stained silver, fluttering like remnants when brushed, with a jade-like coolness upon touch.

Yang Zhenshan thanked again, then gathered up the three gifts.

He played with the Flowing Shadow Shuttle, carefully experiencing the Dao Rhyme within it.

This Spiritual Artifact transforms between illusion and reality, meaning it can shuttle constantly between the Void and the real world. It integrates the Dao Rhyme of light and shadow, allowing flight speed enhancement through light and shadow, a rare flying Spiritual Artifact.

Having this Flowing Shadow Shuttle, it compensates for Yang Zhenshan’s speed deficiency.

Of course, Spiritual Artifacts are just that; Yang Zhenshan still needs to cultivate Escape Technique.

Receiving the gifts, Yang Zhenshan took the opportunity to say farewell.

He had stayed in Qingyuan Cave Heaven for over two days, and didn’t know what was happening outside, whether Jian Changhe was safe, or if the old fellow Chi Yuan continued stirring up trouble.

“You can always come to me if you need help in the future!”

Qingyuan Fox Venerable said.

“Haha, rest assured senior, if the junior encounters any trouble, I’ll definitely come seek your assistance!” Yang Zhenshan clasped his hands in greeting and chuckled.

He now formed a connection with the Qingyuan Fox Clan, and with this relationship, he couldn’t say he could walk unchallenged in the Wanhua Mountain Range, but it’d make others show more respect.

Of course, a relationship is just that, who owes whom after this isn’t certain.

Qingyuan Fox Venerable rescued him from Chi Yuan’s hands, while he helped solve a big problem for the Qingyuan Fox Clan.

To the Qingyuan Fox Clan, Yang Zhenshan’s life isn’t significant; the continuation of Qingyuan Cave Heaven and the growth of the Holy Tree matters for the survival of their entire clan.

So in Qingyuan Fox Venerable’s mind, Yang Zhenshan is considered the benefactor of the entire Qingyuan Fox Clan.

But then again, Qingyuan Fox Venerable has a life-saving grace towards Yang Zhenshan and later offered gifts, thus balancing the favors between them, leaving only a Shan Yuan.

In the future, Yang Zhenshan feels he could interact further with the Qingyuan Fox Clan, deepening this relationship.

Seeing Yang Zhenshan openly say that he would seek help if in trouble, Qingyuan Fox Venerable was not offended, but laughed: “Young friend can visit more often when you have the time!”

With her laughter, the light gauze on her body gently lifted, revealing a touch of allure beneath the delicate collarbone, scaring Yang Zhenshan to hurriedly avert his eyes, and again clasped hands in a greeting, “Senior, farewell!”

With that, he directly dived into the Void and flew away.

This enchantress was too terrifying, always capable of invoking some forbidden desires within people.

Yang Zhenshan felt proud for being able to resist her allure.

Qingyuan Fox Venerable, watching where he disappeared, slightly curled her lips, her bright eyes containing an amusedness.

“An interesting little fellow, haha, now the Wanhua Mountain Range is even more intriguing!”

“Grotto Heaven, Void, haha~~ I’ve seemingly discovered a big secret!”

She thought of the question Yang Zhenshan mentioned before.

Do you know the owners of the other two Grotto Heavens?

Does the Wanhua Demon Emperor have no kindred?