The power of incense had been completely exhausted. Ji Yang could no longer summon even the most basic light-screen projection, and it would take months before he could use this method again.
Despite this, he felt no regret. The family's situation was dire, and if mishandled, the Chen Clan could suffer a fatal blow from the four great families of Yong'an City. That would be a disaster for a family still in the midst of its ascent. At the very least, tonight’s events would grant them a brief respite.
A few months—perhaps not long in the grand scheme of things—but for the clan, it was time worth seizing.
However, if they wanted lasting peace, this alone would not suffice.
The Blood Rice remained in the family's fertile fields, unchanged, but the greed of the four great families would only continue to grow, expanding until they could no longer contain it.
The family had to become stronger.
Yet, given their current resources and the number of clan members, this was not a goal they could achieve in the short term.
Ji Yang's gaze swept downward, his awareness descending upon the ancestral hall, where countless souls absorbed Yin energy. Seeing this, he felt some of his tension ease.
Particularly notable were the souls led by Chen Changming. The dense Yin energy surrounding them had already elevated them to the level of Innate martial artists.
There were four such spirits in total. Their rapid advancement was due in large part to the growth of Ji Yang’s locust tree.
As its roots spread beneath the earth, the Yin energy it absorbed each night increased. The closer it reached Chaotic Burial Mountain, the denser the Yin energy became. Along the way, he even encountered wandering spirits—blank-eyed and tattered—drifting through the night.
At first, Ji Yang was puzzled as to where these souls originated. But after considering the name of the place, he suddenly understood.
Chaotic Burial Mountain was not named without reason.
Before the Chen family settled here, many villages dotted the land. Whenever a villager passed away, their remains would be taken to the mountain for burial.
Over time, the area came to be known as Chaotic Burial Mountain. Perhaps so many had been buried there that later generations could no longer locate their ancestors' graves.
But that was of little concern—during ancestral rites, they simply offered prayers in the mountain’s direction.
As Ji Yang's vitality continued to grow and his roots expanded, it was only a matter of time before he encompassed the entire mountain. When that day came, the Yin energy he absorbed would increase, and the cultivation of his clan members would accelerate.
Ji Yang withdrew from his thoughts and turned his gaze to the sky.
The full moon hung high, its silver light cascading like a waterfall, weaving a luminous river through the branches that shimmered in the night.
A sight —only he could admire it in silence.
Two days later, the group that had ventured to Chaotic Burial Mountain to gather information returned to Yong’an City.
After tailing Chen Tianjing’s party, they had hurried back without delay, traveling day and night to report their findings.
"Patriarch, this is what we discovered," Xie Yanwu recounted in the Xie Clan’s great hall.
Before him sat a dignified elder in his fifties, his expression calm yet commanding. Though advanced in age, his complexion remained ruddy, making him appear years younger than he was.
This man was Xie Yanmiao, patriarch of the Xie Clan, and one of their foremost Innate martial artists, his cultivation already at the late Innate stage.
On either side of the hall, other clan members stood in attendance. Among them were several Innate martial artists, and at the rear of the group, Xie Hongyuan listened intently.
"So, the Chen Clan's totem is a mid-level totem?" Xie Yanmiao mused, his tone even.
The gathered clan members immediately voiced their opinions.
"If it’s a mid-level totem, then the Chen Clan is no ordinary family. They could be a fallen noble lineage."
"But why are they hiding in Chaotic Burial Mountain? Are they attempting to rebuild their strength?"
"Why have they suddenly revealed themselves now?"
"Regardless of their motives, the Blood Rice is invaluable. The clan cannot afford to let it slip away!"
The hall buzzed with debate until Xie Yanmiao raised a hand, and silence fell once more.
"This matter will be put on hold for now," he declared.
"The Chen Clan’s totem, having absorbed incense for generations, must have accumulated significant spiritual energy. If we act recklessly, we may invite unexpected complications. Moreover, the totem intervened but did not eliminate Yanwu. That in itself is a warning."
When he finished speaking, one of the elders stepped forward.
"But, Patriarch, even if our Xie Clan refrains from action, the other three families may not. Despite possessing a family totem, the Chen Clan appears weak. According to Yanwu’s investigation, they have only one Innate martial artist and a Natural Blood Spring. Such an opportunity—how can we let it slip away?"
Many nodded in agreement.
Yet, Xie Yanmiao only chuckled.
"The Blood Spring isn’t going anywhere, is it? If the other families want to make a move, let them. We can let them weaken the Chen Clan first. In three months, Yanmo will emerge from seclusion. We will reassess the situation then."
Hearing this, no one objected. At the mention of Xie Yanmo, many eyes lit up.
Yes, if Xie Yanmo successfully broke through to the Inner Qi realm, the Xie Clan’s power would surge. Even if the other families seized the Blood Rice, what of it? They would have no choice but to surrender it eventually.
"Though we won’t act immediately, we must investigate the Chen Clan’s origins thoroughly."
"Hongyuan, since you first discovered this matter, I am entrusting it to you."
"Understood, Patriarch."
After the meeting, Xie Hongyuan stepped out of the great hall.
For the past two days, she had been on edge. None of the scouts had returned—not even Xie Yanwu. If she had been asked to answer for that, she would have been held accountable.
Fortunately, Uncle Yanwu had returned safely yesterday, bringing detailed intelligence on the Chen Clan.
The findings aligned with her own speculations. From a lineage standpoint, the Chen Clan was indeed small, but their incense totem was an unexpected factor.
A family with a totem could not be judged by ordinary standards—especially a mid-level totem. Totems in this world were classified into three ranks, a fact well-known among the great families of Yong’an City.
However, these three tiers had distinct characteristics.
Lower-tier totems were the most common. Though their sacrificial rites were simple and they could unleash immense power in a short time, they had limited long-term potential. They often came with restrictions, but their diversity and variety meant they could not be underestimated.
According to the clan’s records, history had seen several once-glorious families wielding lower-tier totems.
On the other hand, high-tier totems were said to absorb the very essence of heaven and earth. If properly cultivated, they could wield divine and unfathomable power, reshaping reality itself.
Yet, such totems were exceedingly rare, even in this vast world.