Rising from Small Cloud Rain Technique

Luo Qingshan is located more than twenty li southwest of Little Bamboo Mountain, it is a small tier one middle-grade spiritual vein originally occupied by a small family.

After the demon calamity broke out, this family fortunately did not suffer much damage, but unfortunately was massacred during the demon cultivator’s rampage.

The entire family was annihilated, leaving it an ownerless land, which was later occupied by a group of loose cultivators.

Among the loose cultivators, there are two Foundation Establishment cultivators who are not satisfied with this middle-grade spiritual vein, and set their sights on Little Bamboo Mountain and Great Bamboo Mountain.

The Wei Clan and Lin Clan suffered heavy losses in both the demon calamity and demon disaster, both left with only an elderly clan leader and a few Qi Refining disciples.

At the mountain’s peak, bizarre rocks protrude, accompanied by a few crooked-neck pine trees, their bark etched with the weathered frost of years and mottled blemishes.

Wang Hao stands with his hands behind his back, gazing towards Little Bamboo Mountain’s direction, his face is elegant with two strands of long whiskers, yet a fierce scar across his forehead spoils his demeanor.

Zhang Hongjiang, with a square face, thick eyebrows, and big eyes, lands his magical artifact and says in a low voice:

"Big brother, the Wei Clan disciples of Little Bamboo Mountain will return tomorrow, and there will be a grand banquet. What do you think?"

They had long intentions of annexing Little Bamboo Mountain, and although it is nominally under the jurisdiction of the Golden Spirit Sect, the sect does not care who offers tribute, as long as spiritual objects are handed over in full.

Out of caution, they investigated Little Bamboo Mountain’s situation and found that Little Bamboo Mountain still had a Foundation Establishment Stage disciple in the Golden Spirit Sect.

Although the sect strictly prohibits disciples from interfering in external affairs, the expulsion of their family clan from the clan land is something this disciple cannot ignore.

Upon learning that this Wei Clan disciple might return to the family, they chose to hold their troops.

Half a month ago, Little Bamboo Mountain widely sent out invitations to outsiders, inviting peers to witness the new clan leader taking office in the Wei Clan.

"Little Bamboo Mountain’s move is nothing but conveying a message to the outside world, proving that their inheritance still exists and they have the ability to uphold their legacy.

Since we’ve received the invitation, we should go and take a look.

Heh heh, it’s said that this disciple’s cultivation is mediocre, if he’s an ordinary cultivator, we’ll act when that old fellow’s lifespan runs out."

Wang Hao revealed a ruthless smile, the old clan leader of the Wei Clan has been wounded, able to endure for another three to five years at best.

His eyes rolled a few times, then he said:

"Go prepare a gift, not too frugal, accompany me to the banquet tomorrow."

"Why bother preparing a gift! We know this disciple only has first-layer Foundation Establishment cultivation! He’s not skilled at magical combat; he doesn’t have the face to accept our gifts."

"Dear Brother, this is called offering courtesy before soldiers; the gift we send out, we’ll retrieve in the future.

If we continue to appear domineering when visiting, and the old fellow desperately fights before his death, he might cause us harm."

Wang Hao patiently explained, his action aimed to release some goodwill to stabilize the Wei Clan, not worth risking lives with a near-dead old fox.

"Big brother is indeed thoughtful, I understand now."

Zhang Hongjiang said admiringly, he regarded him as the big brother precisely because his mind worked better.

Wang Hao instructed:

"Go prepare the gift, it shouldn’t be pills; better to gift a regular top-grade magical artifact."

If pills are given, others might consume them, how could he retrieve them!

"Sure thing, just as you say, Big Brother," Zhang Hongjiang admired him even more.

...

On the flying ship deck, Wei Songnian gazed at the distant mountains, sighed softly:

"Finally back!"

After the demon calamity followed by the demon disaster, he hadn’t returned to the clan land for over twenty years.

Yinn Qiuyun’s eyes were deep, memories floating in her mind.

She had stayed at Little Bamboo Mountain since childhood, familiar with every grass and tree in most of its areas.

After recalling, she softly said:

"Husband, Lin’Er can already take the Meridian Opening Pill; if his talent is good, do you really want to send him to the Golden Spirit Sect?"

Wei Bailin would turn twelve in half a year, the vein opening technique already mastered.

"My dear, haven’t we already agreed on this matter?"

Wei Songnian smiled; they had discussed this issue numerous times, reaching an agreement.

If the child’s talent is good enough, staying in the family would only hinder growth.

If the child is ordinary, it would instead extinguish aspirations, allowing the two sons to marry early and have more grandchildren in the future.

"I know this is for the child’s good, yet my heart feels unwilling.

If the child’s talent is good, couldn’t we delay him joining the sect and keep him with us for a few more years?"

Having been under others’ roofs since childhood, Yinn Qiuyun could not bear her child leaving early.

Wei Songnian sighed deeply, explaining:

"In the sect, breaking through the Foundation Establishment Stage a year earlier might lead to different treatment.

If Lin’Er’s talent is good, he can join the sect next year, but if he stays with us, he has to wait three years.

I could ask Fellow Daoist Ji to allow Lin’Er to join the sect at another time, but using favors for such trivial matters is not worthwhile."

After a long time, Yinn Qiuyun said softly:

"I’ll follow your plan."

She knew her husband’s words were true; life’s encounters are wondrous, seeming delays of merely a year or two can lead to vastly different paths.

Of course, she hoped the child could walk farther in the future, although sect disciples would be required to sever ties with the family, bloodline cannot be severed.

No matter how far Lin’Er goes in the future, he will always be her flesh and blood.

After a moment of silence, Wei Songnian pointed at the increasingly visible peaks, saying:

"We will reach Little Bamboo Mountain soon; I’ll go inform Fellow Daoist Ji, and you notify the others."

...

On the deck, Ji An stood with his hands behind, already seeing the lush bamboo covering the mountain and the palace draped in red satin atop.

"I haven’t asked before, how is the situation at Little Bamboo Mountain now, and how many cultivators from the clan are left?"

Wei Songnian’s eyes flashed with melancholy, and his heart stirred with the same sadness one feels when seeing endless falling leaves in late autumn:

"Less than a hundred people; the most outstanding group of clan disciples perished in battle at Mingfeng Mountain."

Ji An furrowed his brows slightly and sighed:

"Such devastation everywhere. What compensation does the sect offer?"

Wei Songnian spoke with sorrow:

"The Wei Clan lost two Foundation Establishment Cultivators and nearly a hundred Qi Refining Stage clanspeople in the battle. The sect has promised to give the Wei Clan five Foundation Establishment Pills and reduce tributes for twenty years.

However, the Foundation Establishment Pills will only start being fulfilled ten years later, with two pills given in the first decade and one pill every subsequent decade."

His Fourteenth Uncle, although he survived the retreat from Mingfeng Mountain, passed away within a few years.

If not for the outbreak of the Demon Calamity, Fourteenth Uncle could have had thirty more years of life; it was the fierce battle that damaged his foundation.

Since he didn’t die directly in battle, his name wasn’t included in the quota.

"Since the sect has made a promise, you don’t need to worry about the Foundation Establishment Pills. If any trouble arises, inform me."

Ji An said; if the sect hadn’t made a promise, he wouldn’t have asked further.

Because he wasn’t involved in the decision-making, nor does he wish to be involved in such matters.

After the sect made its promise, if anyone tries to embezzle the Foundation Establishment Pills meant for the clan of an old friend, he wouldn’t agree.

Wei Songnian laughed: "Thank you, Fellow Daoist."

...

Little Bamboo Mountain, Wei Clan’s Grand Hall.

Zhang Hongjiang sat grandly and spoke in a muffled voice:

"I say, Clan Leader Wei, you sent invitations saying today is the inauguration ceremony for the new clan leader, and all the neighbors have honored it.

Noon is fast approaching. Where is your new clan leader?"

With an aged demeanor, Wei Qinglong calmly stroked his beard and tried to raise his voice:

"Fellow Daoists, please be patient. Songnian may have been delayed on the way; if he set out from the Upper Sect in the morning, he’d be back by now."

His heart was also anxious, but his expression was as steady as an old dog.

Zhang Hongjiang sneered maliciously:

"Heh, might he have run into trouble on the way..."

"Second Brother, silence!"

Wang Hao spoke sternly but his lips curled slightly, "Today is a joyous day for the Wei Clan, isn’t it more appropriate to speak auspicious words?"

"I have plenty of auspicious words, but neglecting the guests like this, I really can’t say them!"

Just then, a Mid-stage Qi Refining Wei Clan disciple joyously ran into the grand hall:

"Clan Leader, Uncle Seven’s flying ship is about to arrive."

Wei Qinglong felt relieved, his graying beard trembling:

"Haha, Songnian is back. Everyone, please remain here, I shall go to welcome the new clan leader."

Wang Hao stood up, laughed heartily:

"I’ll join you; I’ve longed to witness Fellow Daoist Wei Songnian’s demeanor."

Zhang Hongjiang also stood, shouting:

"I’ll join, I’ll join!"

Everyone walked out of the grand hall, gazing up at the descending flying ship.

Suddenly, a brilliant, cloud-like red Auspicious Cloud emerged from the ship, surrounded by flickering flames, dazzling all eyes.

...

Ji An, together with Wei Songnian, landed on the open ground and performed a spell to disperse the clouds.

The old clan leader’s murky eyes flashed with surprise before turning radiant with joy:

"I am Wei Qinglong, paying respects to the Upper Master."

Seeing his family clan junior descending together with a Chao Origin Stage Cultivator from the Golden Spirit Sect, how could he not understand what this meant?

"Paying respects to the Upper Master."

Everyone shouted in unison, as Chao Origin Stage Cultivators were existences they revered.

Ji An said warmly:

"No need for courtesy, I knew Fellow Daoist Wei during humble beginnings, and today as he returns to inherit the clan leader position, I tag along for a drink."

Though his voice wasn’t loud, it echoed through every corner nearby.

Wang Hao’s face darkened; he hadn’t anticipated Wei Songnian to have ties with a Chao Origin Stage Cultivator from the Golden Spirit Sect.

This really changes things! Not only can he not oppose the Wei Clan anymore, but he must now intentionally remain friendly.

He is currently only a Fifth-Layer Foundation Establishment, a Chao Origin Stage Cultivator could squash him with a flick of a finger.

He also knew the sect’s forces prohibit disciples from engaging in external conflicts, but this cultivator’s presence is a blatant declaration to all about his stance.

Such an act clearly indicates that the cultivator’s relationship with Wei Songnian is deeply close.

If he were to oppose the Wei Clan again, it would be akin to directly slapping the face of a Chao Origin Stage Cultivator.

"Luckily, I was clever to have my Second Brother deliver a Top-grade Magical Artifact; though somewhat ordinary, it’s still earnest."

Zhang Hongjiang grinned, his admiration for his brother increasing.

If not for the amiable strategy first, he likely would have presented a heap of cow dung!

Had he done that, today’s situation would have been awkward.