Clan Cultivation: Starting with Building an Island Immortal City

16: The first lesson: How to liveThe morning mist had not yet dispersed, but Linhai City’s dock was already bustling with activity.

A medium-sized sea vessel, deep in the water, had its sails and rigging ready.

Ten youths, led by the eldest grandson Li Changyun, stood on the main deck, their youthful faces striving to maintain composure, though excitement and uncertainty were hard to conceal in their eyes.

On the shore, relatives stood closely packed, their words of advice, sobs, and encouragement drifting intermittently with the sea breeze.

Li Qingshan stepped forward and bowed deeply to Li Yinglong, who stood with his hands behind his back at the bow of the ship:

”Father, all supplies and equipment have been inventoried and loaded, enough for a year’s use. The sea is unpredictable; please take care.”

Li Yinglong nodded, his gaze sweeping over the ten still-youthful faces before him, his voice as deep as water:

”Set sail.”

The mooring ropes were untied, and the giant sails slowly rose.

As the ship moved, the cries on shore immediately grew louder.

A young disciple, unable to resist, turned back to wave, but was lightly nudged by a companion beside him and quickly straightened his back, standing firm.

Li Yinglong never looked back until the ship was a hundred zhang out of the harbor and Linhai City had become a faint, ink-like silhouette, then he turned to face the young people.

The sea wind whipped, billowing his dark robes.

”From this moment on, you are no longer ordinary children.”

His voice clearly reached everyone’s ears:

”This journey is not for play, but the beginning of cultivation. However, what I teach is by no means limited to mere martial arts or the absorption of Qi.”

Ten pairs of eyes focused intently, holding their breath.

”Cultivators must first cultivate their heart, then their nature, and finally their destiny. If the heart is unclear and the nature unstable, even with cultivation, it is like a child wielding a sharp blade, only harming oneself.”

”Therefore, the first lesson on this journey is to learn how to ’live’.”

The young people looked at each other, only Li Changyu’s eyes flickered, as if he had grasped something.

”This ship will be your first Dao field.”

Li Yinglong pointed to the deck beneath his feet:

”Before reaching your destination, you must manage your own food, handle your affairs, and steer your boat. Your aunt Qingzhu will only guide your course and record your words, actions, gains, and losses; she will absolutely not assist you.”

His tone suddenly turned stern:

”If you do not arrive by the deadline, or if you abandon the boat midway and seek help, it will prove that you are not capable of being cultivated, and you will immediately return to Linhai, forever severing your connection to cultivation.”

As soon as these words were spoken, all the young people’s expressions changed in surprise.

Even the most composed Li Changyun couldn’t help but clench his fists.

”Any objections?”

Li Yinglong’s gaze was like lightning.

”No objections!”

The ten responded in unison, their voices varying in pitch, but none hesitated.

”Good.”

Li Yinglong nodded slightly, then directly turned and walked into the cabin, saying nothing more.

On the deck, only the howling sea wind remained.

The ten young people stood stiffly for a moment, hearing only the sound of waves crashing against the hull.

It was the second grandson, Li Changyu, who first broke the silence, clearing his throat and stepping half a pace forward:

”Brothers and sisters, since the Clan Chief has entrusted this task to us, we must always remember that our every action affects whether we stay or leave.”

He surveyed everyone, speaking clearly and logically:

”The most urgent task is to first sort out the various matters on the ship and assign duties. I propose that we first gather in the cabin to discuss the regulations.”

Naturally, everyone agreed and entered the main cabin one after another.

The cabin was spacious, but appeared cramped due to some stacked supplies.

The ten sat scattered in groups of three or five according to their personalities, with subtle divisions forming.

Li Changyun and Li Changyu stood side by side, clearly displaying the demeanor of the main Family’s direct descendants.

Li Changyun, as the eldest grandson, possessed High Grade bone structure and a sincere, courageous character. Although his face was calm at the moment, his gaze had already begun to scan the cabin’s layout, showing an implicit sense of responsibility.

Li Changyu was the son of Li Qingchuan, yet he was vastly different from his father’s sharp and narrow-minded nature.

With High Grade Comprehension Ability, he was quick-witted and good at reading people. At this moment, a smile played on his lips as he quietly observed each companion, evidently weighing things in his mind.

Among the three collateral relatives, Li Changxue was gentle and kind, sensitive and perceptive. She was already conversing in low tones with Li Changyue, also a collateral relative, and Lin Xiaowan, the granddaughter of the Family doctor.

Li Changyue had a generous personality, and Lin Xiaowan, due to her Family’s medical background, possessed an extraordinary understanding of medicinal principles. The three girls stood together, exuding a gentle aura.

Stone Iron Pillar, with his robust physique, stood silently by the door like an iron tower. He was Uncle Zhong’s grandson, with a steadfast will, and a loyalty to the Li Family etched into his bones. At this moment, he silently stood guard.

Thunder Frost, however, leaned against the window with her arms crossed, her sharp gaze scanning the sea conditions outside. She was the daughter of Deputy Escort Leader Lei Heng, Thunder Frost, possessing naturally keen eyesight, and was decisive and spirited. Having practiced martial arts with her father since childhood, she was highly skilled, with her archery being particularly exceptional, capable of hitting a target a hundred paces away. At this moment, she had instinctively taken on the responsibility of lookout.

Zhao Mingyuan squatted in a corner, drawing on the ground with his finger, seemingly calculating something. He was the son of Accountant Mr. Zhao, calm, rational, and adept at calculations, with a natural sensitivity to structure and processes.

These three non-Family disciples were positioned close to each other, with diverse backgrounds, yet brought together by Family ties.

The adopted son, Li Changxing, sat hunched in the shadow of a grain sack, head bowed and silent.

His parents had died young, and he was raised by a branch of the main Family. He was introverted and taciturn, and his current silence carried a hint of subtle caution.

Li Changxuan, on the other hand, leaned against the wall with his sword, his expression full of aloofness and a disinclination to socialize.

Although he was a collateral disciple, his talent was exceptionally high, and his will was tenacious. He had always harbored ambitions to surpass the main Family. At this moment, he stood alone in a corner, observing with a cold eye, his arrogance justified by his own capabilities.

Li Changyu’s gaze swept around, and he already had a plan in mind. He spoke loudly:

”When traveling by sea, three things are paramount: navigation, sustenance, and ship maintenance. Navigation will be guided by Aunt Qingzhu, so we don’t need to worry about it. The other tasks, however, require human effort.”

He paused slightly, and seeing everyone looking at him, he continued:

”I propose we divide into three groups: one group for cooking, responsible for preparing ingredients and cooking three meals; one group for ship management, checking sails and rigging, clearing bilge water, and keeping watch; and one group for general assistance, moving supplies and helping wherever needed. Each group will rotate shifts of four hours, in a continuous cycle. Is this acceptable?”

”Of course, it is.”

Li Changyun was the first to agree:

”Brother Yu is always resourceful, so please preside over the assignments.”

Li Changyu, however, shook his head:

”How can that be? Assigning duties must be fair; how can I make a unilateral decision? Please state your strengths or preferred duties, and we will discuss it together, striving for everyone’s consensus.”

Seeing his sincere attitude, without using his main Family status to act arbitrarily, the atmosphere among them eased somewhat.

Thunder Frost, being the oldest among them and having traveled with her father on escort missions, was outgoing and forthright. She was the first to speak:

”My eyesight is excellent, and I am good with bows and arrows. I wish to join the lookout group, responsible for navigation and reconnaissance.”

Stone Iron Pillar scratched his head:

”I have great strength; I can carry things and pull ropes.”

Zhao Mingyuan looked up, pushing his forehead:

”I can calculate material consumption and plan usage.”

Li Changxue said softly:

”Little Wan and I have some knowledge of medicinal cuisine; perhaps we can assist with cooking.”

Li Changyue quietly added:

”I have a good memory; I can record the coming and going of supplies.”

Only Li Changxing and Li Changxuan remained silent.

Li Changyu’s gaze turned to Li Changxuan:

”Brother Xuan, what are your intentions?”

Li Changxuan scoffed coldly:

”Why pretend to be democratic? You already have a conclusion in mind; just say it.”

”I do have some thoughts, but they may not be comprehensive.”

Li Changyu, instead of getting angry, smiled:

”For example, I believe Brother Xuan’s will is firm and his physique strong, making him most suitable for patrol and security. But I wonder if you would be willing to take on this role?”

Li Changxuan was startled, looked deeply at Li Changyu, and finally nodded:

”Alright.”

Li Changyu then looked towards the corner:

”Brother Xing?”

Li Changxing trembled all over, looked up, and stammered:

”I, I can do anything...”

”I once heard in the Family that Brother Xing is meticulous and has an eidetic memory.”

Li Changyu said gently:

”Brother Mingyuan needs to coordinate supplies, and Sister Changyue is responsible for supply movements. We still need a flexible assistant to help with recording and verification. This position is important and cannot be handled without meticulousness. Would you be willing to assist?”

Li Changxing’s eyes suddenly lit up, and he nodded eagerly:

”Yes, I’m willing!”

Li Changyu smiled brightly:

”Since that is the case, I will presumptuously make the assignments: The patrol group will be led by Elder Sister Thunder Frost, with Li Changxuan and Stone Iron Pillar as assistants, specializing in sails, rigging, lookout, and hull inspection; the cooking group will be managed by Li Changxue, with Li Changyue and Lin Xiaowan assisting, responsible for meals and water management; the assistance group will be coordinated by Zhao Mingyuan, with Li Changxing assisting, managing supply distribution and registration, and assisting various groups with miscellaneous tasks. Brother Changyun and I will serve as flexible support, going wherever needed.”

Once the assignments were set, no one raised any objections.

Everyone recommended by Li Changyu found their place, and even Li Changxuan couldn’t find fault.

”However, though duties are divided, one person is still needed to oversee the overall situation and coordinate all parties.”

Li Changyun spoke:

”I nominate Changyu for this role.”

Everyone agreed, but Li Changyu waved his hand:

”How can that be? The overall leader must possess both virtue and talent. Brother Changyun, as the eldest direct descendant of the main Family, it is your righteous duty and you cannot refuse.”

”My father and grandfather often said, only the talented should be appointed.”

Li Changyun insisted:

”Your planning is thorough, and your handling of affairs is fair; you are perfectly suited for this position. I am willing to be your deputy and share this responsibility.”

Li Changyu was about to decline again when Thunder Frost, impatient, said:

”Why all this back and forth? Li Changyu, since you’ve planned everything thoroughly, just do it! Why procrastinate?”

Thunder Frost’s straightforwardness, however, stunned Li Changyu.

Everyone else also agreed.

Li Changyu looked around, and seeing the eager eyes of everyone, he finally bowed solemnly:

”Since I have the trust of all my brothers and sisters, I will temporarily take on this role. However, if there are any improprieties, I hope you will immediately point them out.”

Having said that, he announced loudly:

”Now, please let each group take its position: the patrol group will first check the sails, rigging, and bilge; the cooking group will inventory food, water, and vegetables; the assistance group will register and record. Report back here in half an hour!”

The order was like a gust of wind, and everyone immediately scattered and began to busy themselves.

Li Changyu, however, called out to Li Changyun, who was about to leave, and whispered:

”The patrol group’s lookout duty is arduous, and the cooking group’s fire is hot. We two should share more of the burden. How about I take over Thunder Frost’s lookout duty at noon, and you take over Changxue’s cooking?”

Li Changyun laughed heartily:

”Exactly!”

The two exchanged smiles and went their separate ways.

In the hidden cabin, Li Qingzhu stood silently by the door, meticulously recording every exchange on the deck into a ledger.

Deep within the cabin, Li Yinglong sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, a faint, inscrutable smile playing on his lips.

The sailboat cut through the waves, gradually entering the vast sea.

Dusk settled, and cooking smoke curled upwards.

The night moon rose in the east, scattering its clear light.

On the first day, there wasn’t a single mistake.