Clan Cultivation: Starting with Building an Island Immortal City

31: Each of the three levels of Qi Refining has achieved minor success.Time flew by, and on the secluded island overseas, several months passed unknowingly.

Beside the volcanic lake, Tianchi, steam permeated the air.

Li Yinglong sat cross-legged on a smooth black volcanic rock, with his five centers facing the sky, his aura subtly resonating with the Spiritual Vein beneath him and the surrounding heaven and earth.

Inside his body, the Evergreen Art circulated through his Meridians, refining strands of pure, attribute-less Spiritual Qi drawn from the Spiritual Vein and the air, transforming them into pure Evergreen True Qi, which converged into his Dantian Qi Sea.

After months of diligent Cultivation, day and night without cease, his Qi Refining Second Layer Realm had long since reached Perfection, lacking only the final Breakthrough.

Today, his mind was clear and his spirit tranquil; he felt his Dantian Qi Sea swelling, and True Qi flowing like a stream through his Meridians, gradually feeling full to the point of overflowing.

He knew the time had come.

There were no earth-shattering phenomena, only the air within a zhang (approximately 3.3 meters) around him slightly twisting, as if an invisible force field was disturbed.

In the damp soil by the lake, several ferns growing close to the ground noticeably unfurled their curled tender leaves, their color becoming even more verdant and vibrant.

Inside Li Yinglong, a sound of a breaking barrier, perceivable only by him, seemed to echo.

In an instant, the pores all over his body opened, and the speed at which he absorbed external Spiritual Qi suddenly increased significantly!

His Dantian Qi Sea opened up, and the total amount of spiritual power it could hold nearly doubled!

His Meridians widened, True Qi circulated more smoothly and swiftly, and the range and clarity of his spiritual perception also improved significantly!

Qi Refining Third Layer, achieved!

He slowly opened his eyes, a gentle green light flashing in them before receding, returning to their profound depths.

The Spiritual Pressure that briefly emanated from his body due to the Breakthrough quickly receded, and his entire aura became more stable and profound than before, like a deep pool, calm on the surface, but containing an even more immense power within.

Li Qingzhu, who had been meditating and acting as Protector nearby, was the first to sense this change in aura. She immediately stopped her Cultivation and stood up, genuine joy flashing in her clear eyes. She stepped forward and congratulated him:

”Congratulations, Uncle, your Cultivation has reached Perfection and advanced another step!”

Almost simultaneously, Lin Xiaowan, who was practicing the Five Elements Spirit Control Art and the Minor Cloud and Rain Art a little further away, and Li Changxuan, were also startled by this subtle yet clear Spiritual Qi fluctuation during the Breakthrough. They stopped their movements and looked over with surprise.

”The Clan Chief has Broken Through!”

”He has advanced to the Qi Refining Third Layer!”

Everyone gathered around, their faces beaming with excitement and reverence.

Li Yinglong smiled faintly, his expression calm, without much self-satisfaction. He flicked his sleeve and stood up, saying:

”Although the Spiritual Vein here is nascent, it is more than enough to nourish the Cultivation of a few of us. My Foundation was already solid, and with months of accumulation, it was a natural progression, nothing to be overly pleased about. However, your Aunt Qingzhu quietly stepped into this Realm half a month ago, her Foundation even more stable than mine back then.”

Upon hearing this, everyone congratulated Li Qingzhu again, their admiration even greater.

Li Qingzhu, with her cool temperament, merely nodded in return, saying little.

Li Yinglong’s gaze swept over everyone, lingering briefly on Lin Xiaowan, and he nodded, saying:

”Little Wan is also doing well. Her spiritual plant cultivation and personal Cultivation have progressed in tandem. Now, her Qi Refining Second Layer is stable, and her affinity for plants has become even more acute. The few mu of spiritual fields on the island are managed meticulously, and her contribution is indispensable.”

Lin Xiaowan’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she curtsied:

”It’s all thanks to the Clan Chief and Aunt’s guidance.”

Finally, his gaze fell upon Li Changxuan, whose figure had become even more robust and imposing.

Compared to several months ago, Li Changxuan’s temperament had changed greatly.

His previously somewhat impetuous arrogance had now settled into a calm, ocean-like steadfastness and a restrained, overbearing presence.

On his exposed arms, his skin displayed a bronze-like metallic luster, and his muscles bulged, as if containing explosive power.

His Raging Tide Tyrant Body Cultivation had already gained initial insights, entering the first layer of the ”Bronze Skin Realm.”

Ordinary sabers and swords striking him could only leave faint white marks, unable to break through his defense, and common iron could not harm him.

Coupled with the enduring support of the Raging Tide Tyrant Body’s stamina, his strength, endurance, and recovery ability all far surpassed martial Cultivators of the same rank, directly catching up to Body Cultivators in the Early Stage of Qi Refining.

Even more remarkably, by combining the Saber Intent of the Crushing Sea Tyrant Saber with his own Tyrant Body and his daily observations of the raging tides and waves in the sea, he had actually comprehended a Saber Intent unique skill that perfectly suited him!

Li Yinglong asked with interest:

”Changxuan, observing your surging Qi and blood like a tide, and your Saber Intent held back, it seems you’ve made further progress recently? Have you named that self-comprehended saber move?”

Li Changxuan stepped forward, clasped his fists, and replied in a deep voice:

”Reporting, Clan Chief! Changxuan observed the scene of surging waves crashing against the shore, shattering reefs, and gained some insights. This move gathers all the Qi and blood in my body and the power of the Tyrant Body. The saber strikes like a raging tide, unstoppable, with the might to shatter mountains and crack stones, hence its name --- ’Raging Tide Mountain Cleaver’! This move emphasizes momentum and power; the instantaneous burst of Saber Intent is enough to temporarily withstand the spell attacks of a Qi Refining Second Layer Cultivator!”

After speaking, his eyes shone brightly, a confidence born from arduous tempering and mastering powerful strength.

”Excellent!”

Li Yinglong clapped his hands lightly in praise:

”Entering the Dao through martial arts, forging a new path. Your Dao, though different from our method of Cultivation, and not to mention its performance in the later stages, its destructive power in the Early Stages even surpasses ours.”

”Before Qi Refining passes the Middle Stage, and before True Qi reaches the entire body, Cultivators also fear close-quarters combat. Your current strength is enough to be the third combat force of our Li Family, and it is not difficult to contend with a Qi Refining Second Layer Cultivator.”

The other disciples, such as Li Changyun, Thunder Frost, Stone Iron Ox, Zhao Mingyuan, Li Changyue, Li Changxue, and Li Changxing, also rushed over upon hearing the news.

Although they had not advanced by leaps and bounds like these three, under the nourishment of Spiritual Qi and diligent Cultivation, the Evergreen Qi Nurturing Chapter had all been successfully initiated. Their Qi and blood were vigorous, their spirits full, and their five senses were far keener than ordinary people, laying a solid Foundation.

Their gazes towards Li Yinglong and the others were filled with envy and an increasingly firm Heart-Nature towards the Dao.

The advantages of a martial Cultivator’s strong Early Stage combat power and prolonged endurance were fully demonstrated at this moment, deeply stimulating every disciple.

Li Yinglong took in everyone’s reactions, feeling very pleased.

What he wanted was precisely this kind of atmosphere where everyone strived to catch up and refused to fall behind.

He pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and slowly spoke:

”Now that my Realm is slightly stable, coupled with several months of accumulation, the resources needed for that ’Spirit Awakening Secret Art’ can be used once more.”

As soon as these words were spoken, all the disciples instantly held their breath, their eyes suddenly becoming fervent!

The Clan Chief’s two previous uses of the Heaven-Defying secret art had created Lin Xiaowan, who was now at Qi Refining Second Layer, and Li Changxuan, who was at the first layer of the Tyrant Body!

Everyone knew the immense significance of this!

Li Yinglong continued:

”For this Opportunity, I wish to hear your opinions. The Opportunity will not be decided solely by me. All of you are here, living together day and night, and your understanding of each other may even surpass that of your elders.”

He flipped his wrist, taking out a stack of neatly cut plain paper and a brush:

”This time, we will use an anonymous voting method. Each person will write on a piece of paper the name of one peer whom you believe is most suitable to receive this Opportunity, regardless of closeness, considering only Heart-Nature, diligence, potential, and contribution to the Family. The one with the most votes will receive this Opportunity.”

He placed the paper and brush on a clean stone platform:

”No need to decide immediately. Within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, consider carefully and then place your written choice into the clay pot.”

After speaking, he took out a small clay pot and placed it on the other side of the stone platform, then closed his eyes to rest, saying no more.

The scene instantly fell silent, so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.

All the disciples looked at each other, their eyes complex.

Excitement, hesitation, deliberation, anticipation... various emotions intertwined on their young faces.

This anonymous vote, seemingly fair, was in reality a silent test of human nature, discernment, and popularity.

The time it took for an incense stick to burn seemed extraordinarily long.

Everyone had different expressions, some deep in thought, some observing, some having already made up their minds.

Finally, the incense stick burned out.

Li Yinglong opened his eyes:

”Begin.”

He personally held the clay pot, starting from Li Changyun, and walked past each disciple in turn.

Everyone stepped forward with varied expressions, silently dropping their folded plain paper into the pot.

No one spoke; the atmosphere was solemn and delicate.

After the last person had cast their vote, Li Yinglong returned to the stone platform and poured out all the paper slips from the pot.

He unfolded them one by one, his gaze sweeping over the names, his expression calm and unruffled.

All the disciples’ hearts were in their throats, nervously watching the Clan Chief.

A moment later, all the paper slips had been read.

Li Yinglong raised his head, his gaze slowly sweeping across the entire gathering, finally settling on one particular figure, and he announced in a deep voice:

”The votes have been counted. This Opportunity belongs to ---”