Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan

Chapter 403 - 409: Incubation

”Finally arrived!”

Li Zhirui looked at the huge island floating above the Boundless Sea not far away, his words and expression full of joy and excitement.

Although he had not encountered any danger along the way, the journey was long and tedious. Coupled with Li Zhiruiʼs eagerness to return home, now that he saw his destination, how could his heart not be delighted?

Since entering Guangqing State, Li Zhirui had deliberately slowed his pace. He wanted to see the development of his family on these two major territories over the years.

The results were quite gratifying. The number of cultivators in the two states had greatly increased, and the family had built an Immortal City in each. In addition to that, there were various marketplaces founded by their affiliates.

Moreover, every Spirit Vein was fully utilized, most of which were developed by the family itself. From this, it was evident that the number of the familyʼs cultivators had also increased tremendously during these five years, otherwise, how could they control such a vast territory?

”I wonder how Fengwu, Sheng, and Shuo are doing now, and if Uncle and the others are still well.”

Having not seen them for five or six years, Li Zhirui truly missed them.

Especially for Li Chengsheng and Li Chengshuo, this pair of siblings, these five years were crucial for them as they would grow from teenagers into adults.

For Li Zhirui, missing these five years was an unintentional yet immense regret.

Thus, his mood was somewhat complex. It took him a good while to settle his emotions of being near home yet feeling shy, and then he turned into a streak of Spirit Light and flew towards Wanxian Island.

A moment later, Li Zhirui appeared on Wanxian Island and quickly walked toward the familyʼs territory.

Meanwhile, in the familyʼs grand hall, numerous cultivators were gathered, including the two elders, Li Shiqing and Li Shilian.

”Esteemed ones, I have served as the Clan Leader for dozens of years, and the family has developed to a certain degree, not disappointing the expectations of our forebears. Today, I have decided to resign from the position of Clan Leader and appoint Li Dayuan as my successor.” Even though Li Chengmo was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, decades of hard work had made him appear somewhat aged.

And the one he had chosen, Li Dayuan, was the most outstanding among the younger generations he had nurtured and had passed the tests of Li Shiqing and Li Shilian.

Otherwise, Li Chengmo would not have announced this matter in front of all the high-ranking members of the family.

The other Elders obviously knew this too, so no one stood up to oppose. Consequently, a simple handover ceremony was completed.

Li Dayuan became the Acting Clan Leader, and Li Chengmo officially retired. After the handover ceremony, Li Chengmo would pass on the seals and Jade Tome symbolizing the identity of the Li familyʼs Clan Leader to Li Dayuan, who would then be able to remove the word ”acting” and become the new Clan Leader of the Li family.

In reality, the Li familyʼs development had reached a stage where there was not much need for changes or adjustments. The only requirement was for the successor to carry on the legacy methodically.

After announcing this matter, Li Shiqing and Li Shilian stood up, ready to leave, but unexpectedly, a guard suddenly rushed in.

Before the crowd could get angry, they heard him exclaim excitedly, ”Uncle Shiling has returned!”

”What!?”

”Zhirui has come back?”

Li Shiqing was overjoyed and immediately flew out.

”You go inform Jiang Fengwu and Shuo and the others about this.” It was Li Shilian who maintained a semblance of calm, instructing Li Chengmo.

Li Shiqing was the first to appear before Li Zhirui, but seeing him alone, he had some guesses, which diluted some of his emotions.

”Have you been safe on your journey?” Li Shiqing did not start by asking about Li Zhiruiʼs trial results, but instead expressed concern for his safety.

”Uncle, rest assured, there have been no major issues,” Li Zhirui paused and then said, ”Zhiyue has decided to attempt her breakthrough in the central region after coming across some opportunities. She plans to increase her cultivation level, and once everything is settled, she will return.”

Li Shiqing shook his head, obviously not intending to discuss the matter further. He had no objection to Li Zhiyueʼs plan to avenge Li Shiting, and even if she came back from a foreign land with rich gains and chose not to contribute anything to the family, he would not see it as a problem.

However, the fact that she did not return home and only took without giving anything back made Li Shiqing very dissatisfied. Nonetheless, it was not appropriate to bring this up on the joyous occasion of Li Zhiruiʼs return.

”Daddy! Youʼre finally back! Shuo has missed you so much!” A crisp voice, filled with surprise, came from afar, followed by a gust of fragrant wind, and a tall and graceful young lady appeared in front of Li Zhirui.

A radiant smile appeared involuntarily on Li Zhiruiʼs face, ”Shuo, Daddy has missed you too.”

Jiang Fengwu also arrived by his side. Li Zhirui reached out and held her delicate hands. The two of them exchanged a glance, and without saying anything, it was as if everything was said.

”Zhirui, youʼve just come back, so go to the familyʼs grand hall and report on the matter first. Shuo and I will wait for you at home.”

Li Zhirui nodded and then asked, ”What about Sheng? Why donʼt I see him?”

”Sheng has had some insights and is currently in seclusion making a breakthrough,” she replied.

Li Zhirui was thrilled at the news, not expecting this young boy to actually manage to achieve Foundation Establishment on his own, and that too in just a short five years!

However, mindful of Li Chengshuo standing by, he refrained from showing too much enthusiasm so as not to hurt this girlʼs self-esteem.

”You two go back first, Iʼll return shortly.”

With that, Li Zhirui and Li Shiqing headed towards the familyʼs grand hall.

In front of all the high-level members of the family, Li Zhirui took out only the Spirit-Nurturing Grass, Five Elements Ganoderma, and the Red Jujube Spirit Tree, ”These are the gains from the Secret Realm.”

With many mouths present, he feared that if he revealed too many Spiritual Objects, the news might not take long to leak out and reach Shen Leishan.

What if Shen Leishan developed greed and made a move against the Li family?!

A deep disappointment flooded Li Shiqingʼs face; he hadnʼt expected Li Zhirui, upon whom they had placed great hopes, to have only passed the third level!

”Cheng Mo, Great Primordial, arrange these Spiritual Objects. Zhirui, come with me and tell me in detail about the Secret Realm so we can compile a record for the family and add to our legacy,” he said.

”Yes!” Li Zhirui naturally did not miss Li Shiqingʼs initial reaction, and although he had been hoping to find an opportunity to explain the truth in private, now seemed to be a good time as well.

”Sigh!” Back in his cave dwelling, Li Shiqing sighed and said, ”Itʼs not your fault what happened in the Secret Realm, we will simply have to find another way to acquire the subsequent cultivation techniques.”

”Uncle, Iʼve obtained no small number of treasures on this journey!” Seeing that it was just the three of them, Li Zhirui no longer pretended and directly took out the remaining three treasures.

”Inside that jade bottle is a Nascent Soul Pill, which I plan to reserve for Fengwu to take. If she doesnʼt need it, then it will go to the family,” Li Zhirui openly asserted.

Li Shiqing and Li Shilian exchanged glances and eventually, they agreed.