Yuso Clan Lord

The Sect Elders accompanying the disciples on this trip were all experienced veterans, each at least having reached the 3rd layer Qi Temple realm. This was not their first time visiting the number one group in the Greenwood mountain range, so they were not surprised by the scene before their eyes.

For the disciples though, standing at the foot of Yuso Mountain and looking up was simply shocking.

As the most powerful group on the Northern border, the Yuso Clan naturally occupied the largest and most prosperous mountain, central amongst the nine mountains. Whilst every cultivation organisation occupied a huge mountain that dwarfed the ordinary mountains of the mortal world, Yuso Mountain was in a class of its own. It towered up 18 miles high into the sky, twice the height of the Heavenly Path Mountain. The width was also double that of Heavenly Path Mountain, stretching out for over one hundred miles across the base.

Even here at the foot of the mountain, the spiritual energy density was comparable to the inner sect of the Heavenly Path Sect. This was only the outer clan region, filled with mortals and weaker Qi masters of the Yuso Clan.

A clan was fundamentally different to a sect, both in terms of its structure and its operation. Their members comprised entirely of the clansmen, so even the outer clan members wouldn't be ignored and would live fairly prosperous lives. As for the mortals in the surrounding villages, they were treated as servants for the clan, producing food, lumber and so on. These mortals would never be given the chance to cultivate, but neither would the children be kidnapped from their villages.

"Guests from the Heavenly Path Sect and Thunder Sword School, greetings. I am Elder Wu, please follow me towards your quarters."

Everyone's attention was drawn towards a soft and gentle voice that carried towards them in the wind. A slender man with delicate facial features donning a green robe smiled at them amicably.

"Tch, to greet us with a mere Early Spirit Core realm Elder, the Yuso Clan is arrogant as ever." Great Elder Yayli muttered under her breath. The disciples also frowned on hearing this, though the green robed man remained unperturbed, ignoring her entirely.

The Yuso Clan Lord didn't even deem them worthy to meet with him! This was too overbearing!

Only Yaan's expression remained unchanged as he listened to Rui speak.

"Of course an Origin Soul realm Qi master wouldn't bother themselves with a group lead by a Spirit Core realm Qi master. It's already good enough that they haven't waged war against this little sect, it's clear that this clan is at a much higher level."

Yaan couldn't help but agree. He glanced across at his teacher and the Sect Lord, noting that they didn't seem to mind this treatment. He guessed that they also understood the difference in power between the two groups.

Their carriages were led up the mountain as the Yuso Clan Elder flew on a flying spear. He vaguely acted as a tour guide, casually explaining some of the surrounding features of the clan. The outer clan was nothing much in the eyes of Yaan and the others, but their expressions changed after passing through a giant stone arch way, entering the lands of the inner clan.

This inner clan was basically as good as the peak areas of their mountain! Not only that, but it covered such a large area!

After they rose above the lowest level of clouds and entered into the core clan, the Heavenly Path Sect disciples realised just how outmatched they were compared to the grandeur of the Yuso Clan. The spiritual energy density here in the normal areas of the core clan was just as good, if not better than the unique caves around Heavenly Path Mountain that were used by the geniuses to cultivate more rapidly!

Even the grass here glowed with a luminescent green light. It was clearly well kept, every blade of grass cut to the exact same level. The flowers were arranged aesthetically, the buildings designed and built to perfection.

The disciples in the core clan even rode around on flying cranes, Rank 2 beasts!

Yaan felt like his world view had expanded once again. His eyes were constantly widening as he stared at this serene landscape in awe. Even the temperature here was maintained at the perfect level for comfort, never fluctuating by even half a degree throughout the year.

Just a glance at the disciples was enough to tell Yaan that these people all held a deep inherent arrogance within them. They viewed the surrounding organisations as being below them, especially the sects and schools. Towards the Heavenly Path Sect disciples, they only spared them a quick cold glance before moving on and ignoring them. Many of the Heavenly Path Sect disciples had never before been treated with such disregard, causing them to feel enraged. It was only because their Elders warned them not to create trouble that they restrained themselves.

The Yuso Clansmen would of course still show courtesy towards the Heavenly Path Sect's Spirit Core realm Great Elders. No matter what, the Spirit Core realm was a respectable level to reach in the eyes of these disciples, and these Elders were certainly far above any mere disciple in terms of power.

The Thunder Sword School and Heavenly Path Sect members went their separate ways as they were led to their respective accommodations. The Heavenly Path Sect members were presented with a palace that had been specially designated for their visit. This palace was plenty large enough for everyone to stay in comfortably, and it was far enough away from the other groups so that no conflicts should arise.

When Yaan closed the door to his room, Rui immediately emerged from the ring on his finger before he could even examine the interior. She didn't show any interest towards the room, but instead stared down at the flooring.

"As I expected, there's a spirit heart in the centre of this mountain." She frowned slightly. Confused, Yaan couldn't help but question her.

"Spirit heart? What's that, is it something dangerous?"

"The spirit heart itself isn't dangerous, in fact, it's an extremely valuable treasure. Now I understand why a Peak Rank 5 beast has been exerting so much effort to invade this mountain range…"

Rui went on to explain that a spirit heart was the core of a network of spirit veins. Though this was only a smaller spirit heart, it was still enough that a Peak Rank 5 beast would go crazy over it. If it could consume this spirit heart, it would even have a chance to grow further!

"A Peak Rank 5 beast will stop at nothing to obtain this. This war won't end until one side is completely decimated."

"But we already assumed that to be so." Yaan pointed out.

"No." Rui denied this, shaking her head firmly. "Normally, it would be common for the attacking side to pull back if they realised that success would cost too much. For the spirit heart though, a Peak Rank 5 beast would even risk its own life."

Yaan realised the problem now. Each of the nine organisations across the Northern mountain range were focussed on defending their own mountain, holding onto the hope that the beasts would eventually pull back and give up. If they actually went out and fought the Rank 5 beasts, they would almost certainly be massacred brutally.

However, it now seemed like the beasts wouldn't give up on this war, no matter the price. Simply defending might not be enough…

"Surely the Yuso Clan understand this?" Yaan suddenly asked, furrowing his brows as he faced Rui seriously.

"Indeed. I'm afraid that the competition this time has an ulterior motive behind it…" Rui seemed to ponder to herself before returning to the ring. No matter how much Yaan asked, she refused to answer any further questions on this matter.

In the end, Yaan could only sigh and give up.

He took a quick look around the palace chambers. It was quite luxurious, unlike any other living quarters he had seen before. Unlike the simple temples in the sect, this palace room was large and lavish. There was even an excessively massive bed sat on one side of the room, hidden away behind scarlet felt curtains that draped down around the edge, allowing one to experience an extra degree of privacy.

Despite the high quality bed linen, Yaan found it uncomfortable to sleep on something so soft when he was accustomed to much more conservative conditions. This type of extreme elegance that bordered on pomposity wasn't really for him, but they wouldn't be staying at the Yuso Clan for long anyway.

The competition was to commence three days later. Yaan didn't leave the palace during this period, since he had no interest in getting himself wrapped up in some altercation with one of the arrogant geniuses from the other groups. It was common for these highly talented youths to be quite full of themselves, they had short tempers and towering prides. Basically, Yaan didn't want to deal with them.

The competition day soon arrived. Everyone was led up the mountain, towards the stage that was built long ago for the sole purpose of holding the inter-sect tournaments. The arena was shaped into a square, formed from a strange yet durable grey stone, spanning out 100 feet in length and width.

There were nine seating areas, one for each organisation. Yaan and the members from the Heavenly Path Sect took their seats on the stone benches. Every now and then, Elders and disciples from the other seating areas would glare at them coldly or sometimes with malice.

Out of the nine organisations, the only allies of the Heavenly Path Sect were the Thunder Sword School and the Bo Clan. The Thunder Sword School was the weakest of all the groups, whilst the Bo Clan was the weakest of the clans, though that still ranked them fourth overall. The Swift Sword School, Fire Dragon Sect and Yuso Clan were all enemies of the sect, whilst their relationship with the other organisations remained neutral.

Every one of the groups in this Northern mountain range was caught up in similar relationships, with allies, enemies and neutral relationships. For this reason, tensions became quite high as the seating area continued to fill up.

Towards all of this, Yaan didn't care all that much. He didn't feel any hatred towards his sect's enemies, nor did he feel any compassion towards their allies. The Heavenly Path Sect held a complicated place in Yaan's heart. On one hand, he despised this sect that raised and protected the Elder responsible for his family's demise. On the other hand, his teacher was a proud member of the sect, and no matter what Rui said, he had always treated Yaan well.

Yaan didn't lament on this matter for long, instead taking the time to observe the other seating areas. He didn't care for the relationships between the groups on a personal level, but learning about the power structure on the Northern border would of course be useful.

He immediately noticed the differences between the clans and the rest. Not only were the clan disciples of a higher average strength, but their leaders came across as even more mysterious and elusive than the Sect Lord of the Heavenly Path Sect.

As the final three members arrived at the elevated Yuso Clan seating area, everyone's attention was drawn towards them.

"Rui, those three and the other clan leaders…"

"Origin Soul Realm Qi masters. Each of the clans is led by an Early Origin Soul realm Qi master, but this Yuso Clan actually has two Elders at the Early Origin Soul Realm and one at the Mid Origin Soul realm."

The Heavenly Path Sect Elders on the seating around Yaan all wore stern countenances when facing these Origin Soul realm Qi masters. The Origin Soul realm was not something that they could hope to contend against…facing those old monsters filled them with a deep sense of dread.

Two of the Yuso Clan's new arrivals took their places seated above their clansmen, whilst the Clan Lord flew gently forwards until he was hovering a few feet above the arena.

Towards the hundreds of gazes that landed on him with a mixture of reverence and fear, the Clan Lord showed no change in expression.

"Welcome, everyone. I thank you all for visiting my Yuso Clan to engage in a little tournament between the new generation during this trying time."

The old man spoke gently, his white beard swayed in the wind as his words resonated with the air. The surrounding Qi masters all felt a strange sense of peace when they listened to their words, as if his voice contained a soothing attribute that helped to calm their hearts and heal their minds.

However, when certain more powerful people snapped out of this daze, their faces palled and they wore looks of horror. Especially those Spirit Core realm Elders, they all trembled in fright when they realised just how easily they had been drawn into the old man's illusion!

A few moments after the Elders came to their senses, they turned towards their disciples to check on them. They could only sigh as their disciples showed clearly reverent and engrossed expressions.

This was the power of an Origin Soul realm powerhouse! Even their words could affect the mood and mental state of lower realm cultivators. Only the more powerful and wisened Qi masters like the Heavenly Path Sect Lord and Yaan's teacher were able to resist.

As Yaan's teacher turned towards him, he was shocked to find that Yaan was unlike the others. He was frowning deeply, as if he was feeling pained by something. Yaan noticed his teacher's gaze and slowly turned towards him.

"Teacher, what is this? My mind feels hazy, is this a spell?"

Yaan felt shocked at heart, he had never expected that Origin Soul realm Qi masters would be so formidable! He was almost brought into the daze along with the rest, but something within him seemed to convert the feeling of serenity into a powerful warning, a warning that filled his blood with adrenaline and caused him to feel extremely guarded and alert.

Great Elder Wan calmed down slightly and smiled at Yaan in admiration, then shook his head with a chuckle. He glanced around and waved his hand, causing a faint ripple to brush across the disciples and bring them to their senses. The disciples all acted confused, then felt scared when their Elders explained what had happened.

It was no spell, it was simply an Origin Soul realm Qi master's dao comprehension.

Starting from the breakthrough to the Spirit Core realm, a Qi master needed to comprehend the dao at each stage in order to progress further along their path. An Origin Soul realm Qi master was able to affect their surroundings and the mind's of others just by speaking; this was also due to their dao comprehension. Whilst a Spirit Core realm Qi master also had the ability to create this fluctuation in the atmosphere, their ability to do so was far more limited and required at least some movement of the body and Qi.

Just what exactly was dao? Some would say that it was the world's natural laws, some would say it was the heaven's will, some would say it was the nature of one's own heart. Truthfully, the question 'what is dao' was a question that Qi masters could spend their entire lives trying to answer.

To lower realm Qi masters, cultivation was about power, position and glory. To older Qi masters though, cultivation was the pursuit of truth, the pursuit of oneself. Of course, the desire for power was always a big motivating factor. No matter the path, no matter the environment, power was the only absolute in this world.