If he were to take them as his servants, Yang Yan needed to control their souls.
As beings of a Sect Master level, their souls were certainly extraordinary, far stronger than those of ordinary martial artists, and not easily bound.
Moreover, it was known that above them, there were even more powerful beings watching from the heavens.
If, as Sect Masters, their souls were missing or marked in some way, it would undoubtedly be discovered quickly.
Their allegiance would be exposed!
Those great figures would not tolerate traitors within the Sect they controlled.
The likeliest outcome would be for them to be immediately executed!
Or some great figures might bide their time, quietly stripping them of their power and letting their subordinates control the Sect, then wait for an opportunity to uncover the one controlling them.
No matter what those great figures did, any plan of his would fall apart!