Clan Cultivation: Starting with Building an Island Immortal City

63: The simple and honest people welcome guests around a bonfire.As Li Yinglong expected, in this place, the Clan Chief, Priest, and Head of Guards did not signify privileges above the clan, but rather took on greater responsibilities, becoming the servants and protectors of the entire clan.

Only by transforming the affection of a small family into the righteousness of a large community can people’s hearts be united and the Legacy be passed down endlessly.

Li Yinglong immediately composed himself and returned the禮 with solemnity:

”Clan Chief Dragon, you overstate it. Seeing injustice on the road and doing what one can is naturally one’s duty. Your niece and nephew are both Dragons among men and Phoenixes, intelligent and brave. I merely offered a small amount of help and do not deserve such heavy thanks. On the contrary, it is we who intruded upon your tranquil village with our uninvited visit. I hope Clan Chief can forgive us.”

Upon hearing this, Dragon Stone’s smile became even more genuine, and he gestured with an open hand:

”Old Sir, you are too modest, too polite. Please, sit. Little Wan, please sit as well.”

Everyone took their seats, guests and hosts alike, and the attending clan members quietly served clear tea.

The tea was clear emerald in color, with a delicate fragrance. It was slightly astringent on the palate but left a mellow and lingering aftertaste, subtly nourishing the Divine Soul, clearly not an ordinary brew.

The two parties exchanged brief pleasantries. Dragon Stone did not press for details about the market or Li Yinglong’s background, but gently inquired if their journey had been arduous and if they had adapted to the climate and diet of the Southern Border, his words making them feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze.

After a short while, Dragon Stone’s expression became serious, and he said gently:

”Mr. Li, although our clan is secluded in the Southern Border, we deeply understand the principle of ’you throw me a peach, I return you a jade.’ You showed kindness by protecting our young, and righteousness by assisting our clan. This kindness must not go unrewarded. I have already given instructions to hold a ’Welcome Bonfire Feast’ for the two of you tonight in front of the ’Ancestral Spirit Fire Pit’ in the village. All clan members will be present. Firstly, to welcome you and express our gratitude; secondly, to allow our younger generation to witness the demeanor of honored guests from outside the mountains and to remember our clan rules: treat guests with sincerity and repay kindness. I hope Old Sir will not decline.”

His words carried solemnity and sincerity.

”Ancestral Spirit Fire Pit” and ”Welcome Bonfire Feast”—the very names were filled with the rich characteristics of the Southern Border and the meaning of tribal Legacy.

Li Yinglong knew this was an extremely high courtesy from the other party. When in Rome, do as the Romans do; to refuse now would seem affected. So he stood up, cupped his hands, and accepted it openly:

”Clan Chief’s generosity, I am deeply moved. Since that is the case, I will follow the host’s arrangements and impose upon you.”

Seeing his straightforwardness, Dragon Stone’s eyes showed even greater admiration, and he laughed:

”Good!”

...As the sun set, night descended.

Then, from a high point in the village, a deep, resonant, ancient, and distant sound of an ox horn echoed!

”Woo~ woo woo~”

The horn calls sounded continuously, reverberating through the valley and the village, as if carrying some ancient rhythm.

As the horn calls spread throughout the village, the originally quiet village seemed to instantly be infused with vitality.

Bamboo doors of every household opened one after another, and men, women, and children smiled as they poured out, all heading towards an open space.

Dragon Stone came to the guest room and invited Li Yinglong and Lin Xiaowan:

”Mr. Li, Little Wan, the feast is ready. Please follow me. Let our Angry Dragon Clan welcome our friends from afar with the most fervent flames and the most mellow wine!”

Clan Chief Dragon Stone personally led the way, with Li Yinglong and Lin Xiaowan following closely. Aya and Yan Gang also accompanied them. The group merged into the bustling, joyful crowd and walked towards the widest open area in the center of the village.

In the center of the clearing, a huge bonfire had already been lit. Thick dry wood crackled, and crimson flames shot skyward, dispelling the damp chill of the Southern Border night, illuminating everyone’s faces with a ruddy glow and beaming smiles.

The flames danced, as if possessing life, becoming the absolute protagonist of the night.

In front of the bonfire, several main seats covered with clean animal hides had been reserved. Dragon Stone led Li Yinglong and Lin Xiaowan to sit there, offering an excellent view directly facing the blazing bonfire and the open space where performances would soon take place.

Aya and Yan Gang naturally sat a little to their side, below them, as companions.

Upon seeing the Clan Chief and the esteemed guests arrive, the previously boisterous crowd gradually quieted down, all eyes filled with goodwill and curiosity.

Clan Chief Dragon Stone stood up and walked to the bonfire:

”Clan members!”

”Tonight, we light the flames bestowed by our Ancestral Spirits, lay out the food harvested through hard work, and gather here, not only for celebration, but also to welcome two distinguished guests, two friends who have shown kindness to our Angry Dragon Clan!”

He turned sideways and gestured with a raised hand towards Li Yinglong and Lin Xiaowan.

”This is Old Sir Li Yinglong from afar, and his granddaughter, Little Wan. They acted righteously, helping Aya and Yan Gang overcome difficulties, preserving the life-saving Spirit Medicine urgently needed by our clan, and even escorted them all the way. Their kindness is profound! They are the most sincere friends of our Angry Dragon Clan!”

As his words fell, all the Angry Dragon Clan members’ gazes focused on Li Yinglong and Lin Xiaowan. There was no scrutiny or probing in their eyes, only simple gratitude and enthusiastic welcome.

Someone started it, and then enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted like a tide. Many clan members also stomped their feet forcefully, making a rhythmic thudding sound, expressing their gratitude in their most direct way.

This unreserved enthusiasm made Lin Xiaowan blush slightly, feeling a little flustered, yet a warm current surged in her heart.

Li Yinglong, however, maintained a calm expression, stood up, and cupped his hands to the surroundings in greeting, his demeanor composed and dignified.

”Now,”

Clan Chief Dragon Stone continued with a smile:

”Let us welcome our friends with the strongest wine, the most fragrant meat, and the most passionate songs and dances! The Welcome Bonfire Feast begins!”

”Roar!!”

A thunderous cheer erupted throughout the venue, instantly pushing the atmosphere of the feast to its first climax.

The crowd naturally retreated, leaving a larger open space in front of the bonfire.

More than ten strong Angry Dragon Clan youths, both male and female, dressed in vibrant and colorful ethnic festive attire, walked steadily into the center of the field.

Their faces were solemn, their eyes focused, and they held no musical instruments or weapons.

Leading them was Yan Gang.

Today, he too had changed into a brand new indigo short jacket embroidered with fierce Dragon-shaped patterns, appearing exceptionally heroic.

No music sounded; everyone held their breath in concentration.

Yan Gang took a deep breath, then suddenly threw his head back and let out a desolate and prolonged howl, imitating some ancient Dragon’s roar!

Before the howl finished, all the youths simultaneously began a ritualistic dance!

The dance movements were full of a primal sense of power and solemn ritual.

Their heavy footsteps pounded the ground, echoing some ancient rhythm. Their arms waved, mimicking the postures of a giant Dragon shifting, reaching with its claws, and swaying its tail. At times, they bent low as if a Dragon diving into an abyss; at other times, they leaped as if a Dragon soaring through the Nine Heavens.

Their movements were perfectly synchronized and full of power. The bonfire’s light cast shifting shadows on them, as if ancient Dragon Souls had truly possessed them, performing a solemn sacrifice to communicate with their ancestors.

The entire field was silent, with only the heavy footsteps of the dancers, their deep breaths, and the crackling of the bonfire.

A sacred, ancient, and vast aura permeated the air.

Aya leaned closer to Li Yinglong and Lin Xiaowan, explaining with reverence in her voice:

”This is our Angry Dragon Clan’s ’Dragon Worship Dance.’ It is only performed during the most important festivals or when welcoming the most honored guests. Every movement is passed down from ancient times, telling the old stories of our Ancestral Spirits taming mountain Dragons, coexisting with them, and gaining power and protection. Dancing this dance means we regard our guests as beings as noble as our Ancestral Spirits, and we pray that the Ancestral Spirits’ blessings will also descend upon our guests.”

Li Yinglong’s gaze narrowed slightly, and he nodded slowly.

Lin Xiaowan was even more mesmerized, deeply shaken by this dance full of wild power and devout faith.

The sacred ritualistic part of the sacrificial dance ended, and what followed was a complete feast!

Women who had been waiting nearby smilingly brought large platters of fragrant roasted meat, stewed vegetables, steamed millet rice, and various Southern Border fruits Li Yinglong had never seen before, serving them to each table.

Clan Chief Dragon Stone was the first to raise a large earthenware bowl, filled with clear yet strongly fragrant millet wine:

”To friends! To Ancestral Spirits! To a bountiful harvest!”

”To friends! To Ancestral Spirits! To a bountiful harvest!”

Everyone echoed in unison, their voices shaking the surroundings.

The clinking of wine bowls, laughter, and children’s playful shouts instantly filled the entire village.

People began to eat large chunks of meat and drink deeply, the atmosphere as hot as fire.

Clan members continuously came to the main table to toast Li Yinglong, speaking words of sincere gratitude, though with heavy accents. Li Yinglong returned each toast with tea instead of wine, his demeanor calm and amiable, making everyone feel comfortable.

The atmosphere of the feast grew increasingly lively. Halfway through the drinking, someone started singing a high-pitched, melodious tune, the lyrics seeming to be ancient. Others first joined in, then more and more people added their voices, forming a powerful chorus.

Subsequently, more people, regardless of gender or age, smilingly poured into the center of the field, holding hands around the blazing bonfire, and began to dance simple yet joyful treading dances. Footsteps, singing, laughter, and the crackling of flames intertwined, forming a vibrant, primal, and festive symphony.

Li Yinglong and Lin Xiaowan were also pulled into the dance by Aya and Yan Gang.

Their steps were clumsy at first, but they were quickly infected by the pure and fervent joy, becoming immersed in it.

The blazing flames illuminated every smiling face, and also the heartfelt admiration and emotion in the hearts of the guests from afar.

This Welcome Bonfire Feast in the secret village of the Southern Border, with its pure passion and ancient charm, was deeply etched into their memories.