Clan Cultivation: Starting with Building an Island Immortal City

76: Thousand Sails Ferry Crossing, the Xuan Yu ClanThe dragon boat drifted downstream, and the Angry Dragon River’s temperament gradually became wider and calmer.

When they first left Angry Dragon Stockade, the banks were still towering cliffs, difficult for even monkeys to climb.

The river water, constrained within the narrow channel, roared and churned with muddy waves, but now it had become much gentler.

Li Yinglong stood at the bow of the boat, his dark robe billowing in the river wind.

He did not use his Qi to resist, but instead let the wind, carrying moisture and an earthy smell, caress his cheeks.

Since the Fusion of that wisp of true dragon source blood in the Angry Dragon Clan’s Ancestral Cave Forbidden Ground, the Evergreen True Qi in his Dantian had gradually transformed into a more pure and vast Dragon Origin.

At this moment, this newly born Dragon Origin circulated spontaneously, making his perception of the vast water veins unprecedentedly keen.

His spiritual consciousness, aided by this water-affinity power, spread out quietly like an invisible fine net, far exceeding its previous range, sensing the mountains, rivers, and earth veins, which were completely different from the isolated islands overseas and Linhai City, with greater clarity.

These sights and these creatures were excellent teaching Materials; upon returning to the Family in the future, he could explain them in detail to the younger generation, increasing their knowledge and broadening their horizons.

After several days of such sailing, the river channel became increasingly wide, the river surface already several li across, the current gentle, and the color changed from turbid yellow to deep green.

The mountains on both banks receded into the distance, becoming continuous, undulating silhouettes of dark green.

The sky appeared especially high and distant, and occasionally, flocks of white water birds chased the boat, their cries clear and melodious.

On this day, Long Tao, the Captain of the guard, came to Li Yinglong’s side, pointed to where the water met the sky ahead, and respectfully said:

”Clan Head Li, at this water speed, in about half a day’s journey, we will reach the estuary. There is a inspection checkpoint ahead, directly under the Jianggu Council, named ’Thousand Sails Ferry of the Southern Sea.’ All boats and personnel intending to leave the Southern Border for the outer sea must undergo inspection, registration, andFiling here before being allowed to pass.”

Li Yinglong nodded, indicating he understood.

This rule was similar to Wood Dragon Rampart when they arrived; although the Hundred Clans of the Southern Border were relatively secluded, they had strict management over the entry and exit of personnel and Materials, following their own regulations.

But at the same time, he also recalled something, pondered for a moment, looked at Long Tao, and asked:

”Brother Long, during my journey to the Southern Border, I have heard the name ’Jianggu Council’ several times, but I have never learned its details. May I ask what the origin and regulations of this ’Jianggu Council’ are?”

Long Tao’s face showed a hint of understanding upon hearing this, and he explained:

”Clan Head Li, you may not know. This ’Jianggu Council’ is not solely controlled by one powerful Clan; it was jointly initiated and established by several ancient and most powerful large tribes in our Southern Border, such as the Black Gu Clan, Flower Barbarian Clan, Xuan Yu Clan, and several other tribes, including our Angry Dragon Clan, are founding members. Other small and medium tribes can apply to join as long as they recognize the Council’s regulations.”

He paused, then continued:

”The Council’s main responsibilities are to coordinate disputes among various tribes, establish common trading rules, manage important checkpoints and passages like this ’Thousand Sails Ferry,’ and even discuss how to deal with sudden events affecting the entire Southern Border.”

”If foreign enemies invade or a major internal upheaval occurs, the Council will beat the ’Jianggu’ (Border Drum) to summon the leaders of all tribes to deliberate on major plans, form resolutions, and issue unified commands. In short, it’s a place for everyone to discuss matters, avoid unnecessary internal strife.”

Li Yinglong listened, a hint of realization flashing in his eyes.

Seeing that Li Yinglong understood, Long Tao continued:

”Thousand Sails Ferry is the only estuary from the Southern Border’s interior to the Southern Sea. The wharf occupies a vast area, with numerous boats coming and going daily, and waiting for inspection takes time. My suggestion is that upon arrival, the Clan Chief accompanies us to disembark first and rest at the inn beside the ferry. Based on past experience, if all goes smoothly, we should be able to complete all procedures and set sail tomorrow at this time. What do you think, Clan Chief?”

”As a guest, I’ll follow the host’s arrangements; everything will be according to Captain Long’s plan.”

Li Yinglong readily agreed.

This was a good opportunity for him to personally see what the gateway to the outside world of the Southern Border looked like.

After another hour of travel, the number of boats on the river surface indeed gradually increased.

At first, there were only a few, then they became like crucian carp crossing the river, in an endless stream.

These boats varied in design, distinctly different from the Angry Dragon Clan’s dragon boat.

There were long, narrow fast boats carved entirely from dark giant wood, with ferocious ghost heads carved on their bows, and shirtless, tattooed boatmen rowing like flying;

There were wide bamboo rafts made by binding countless thick bamboo poles, with simple shelters built on them, piled high with goods, and women, children, and elderly all sitting on them, drifting with the current;

And there were even ornately decorated pleasure boats, with colorful silks fluttering and the faint sound of music, seemingly the carriages of some noble figures of the tribes.

Long Tao saw Li Yinglong’s gaze sweeping over the various boats, seemingly interested, and quietly introduced:

”Clan Chief, look, that ghost-headed fast boat is the ’Ghost-Mask Shuttle’ commonly used by the Black Gu Clan, good at stealth and extremely fast, often traveling in dark waterways. That large bamboo raft is mostly the ’Floating Grass Raft’ used by the Flower Barbarian Clan to transport spiritual plants and medicinal Materials; it looks clumsy but is actually stable and can carry a large amount of cargo. That colorful boat over there should be the carriage of a certain leader of the Chi Jie Clan; Chi Jie Clan men are fond of luxury, especially pomp and ceremony...”

Li Yinglong listened quietly, cross-referencing this information with the local customs Aya had described.

The Hundred Clans of the Southern Border had distinct characteristics, and one could glimpse this just from these boats.

He noticed that most of these boats would actively give way to the Angry Dragon Clan’s dragon boat, clearly indicating that the Angry Dragon Clan held considerable prestige in this area.

While observing, the water ahead suddenly widened, and a huge, arc-shaped harbor built from white giant stones became visible.

Inside the harbor, masts were like a forest, sails obscured the sun, and the clamor carried on the river wind—human voices, shouts, waves, and bird calls intertwined, making it seem exceptionally busy.

That was the Thousand Sails Ferry of the Southern Sea.

Just then, an exceptionally large boat was slowly sailing out from a dedicated waterway on one side of the harbor, intending to enter the main channel.

Its design immediately attracted everyone’s attention.

It was actually aTower ship (tower boat), about five or six zhang high and over thirty zhang long, far exceeding the scale of ordinary vessels.

The hull was not made of ordinary wood, but a strange Material with a shimmering, multicolored luster, neither wood nor jade.

The boat’s lines were smooth and elegant, with its bow and stern slightly upturned, and its overall shape remarkably resembled a giant peacock gracefully floating on the water!

Most striking were the several layers of pavilions built at its stern, with flying eaves, upturned corners, carved beams, and painted pillars, all covered with glazed tiles. The tiles were of various colors, forming magnificent patterns resembling the eye-like spots on a peacock’s tail feathers, shimmering with dazzling brilliance in the sunlight.

Several huge colorful sails had already been raised, embroidered with a complete peacock spreading its tail totem, exquisitely beautiful yet exuding an inviolable majesty.

”What a magnificent Peacock Tower Boat!”

Li Yinglong couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration; the boat’s beauty and intricate craftsmanship were truly rare.

He pointed to the boat and asked Long Tao:

”Captain Long, do you know which Clan’s boat this is? It’s so imposing.”

Long Tao gazed intently, his expression subtly serious, then he suddenly realized and slapped his forehead:

”Oh, my memory! Clan Head Li, that’s the Xuan Yu Clan’s ’Floating Palace,’ also called the ’Peacock Bright King’s Carriage,’ a Magical Artifact capable of traversing land, water, and air. Tomorrow is the first day of next month, and according to the Jianggu Council’s rotation rules, the Xuan Yu Clan is to be stationed at Thousand Sails Ferry next month, responsible for all inspections and dispatching. This must be their team coming to take over, but I wonder which adult is leading them this time.”

”Xuan Yu Clan?”

Li Yinglong chewed on the name, looking at Long Tao, waiting for more details.

Long Tao smiled and explained:

”Clan Chief, you should know, this Xuan Yu Clan is indeed one of our Hundred Clans of the Southern Border, and a major Clan, but they... are quite special.”

”In our Southern Border, most tribes prioritize men, like our Angry Dragon Clan; but there are exceptions, such as the Red Barbarian Clan, and this Xuan Yu Clan, which are among the few matriarchal clans where women are revered.”

He paused, organized his words, and continued:

”The Xuan Yu Clan worships a Buddhist Protector God from the Xi Chan Buddhist Kingdom—the Buddha Mother ’Mahamayuri Vidyarajni Bodhisattva.’ They advocate the combination of beauty, strength, and wisdom. The women of their Clan, regardless of age, are all very beautiful and love beauty. They are skilled in weaving, dyeing, embroidery, and making exquisite ornaments, especially fond of gorgeous peacock feather decorations.”

”But you must not be fooled by this flamboyant appearance! The Mahamayuri Vidyarajni they worship is not some auspicious bird of peace and prosperity, but a War God who governs beauty, illusionary dances, and death! It is a fierce existence capable of devouring giant snakes and deterring all evil! Therefore, influenced by their faith, the women of the Clan are all proud and unyielding, never believing that women are inferior to men, always striving to be superior, and quite formidable in their methods.”

”Within their Clan, the Saintess and the Grand Priestess hold the highest status, followed by the ’Five-Colored Feather Lords,’ who are the strongest women in the Clan; as for the men of their Clan, they are mainly responsible for physical labor such as guarding, hunting, and construction within the Clan, and unless they are exceptionally outstanding, able to become the Saintess’s Protector or manage rituals, it is difficult for them to enter the core.”

Li Yinglong listened, nodding slightly.

In the Major Thousand Worlds, there was nothing new under the sun; matriarchal clans had also existed on Blue Star in his previous life, so he didn’t find it particularly surprising.

However, to revere the peacock as a War God, and for the Clan’s customs to be so fierce, was quite distinctive.

Seeing Li Yinglong’s calm expression, Long Tao added, half-jokingly:

”So, Clan Head Li, when we enter the ferry port later, we should keep our distance from these ’female peacocks.’ They are beautiful, but they are covered in thorns. Good men don’t fight with women, lest we invite trouble.”

Saying this, he chuckled to himself.

Li Yinglong also smiled upon hearing this:

”Captain Long is right; that’s exactly how it should be. When traveling, it’s best to avoid unnecessary trouble.”

While they were chatting and laughing, they saw that wherever the magnificent Xuan Yu Clan tower boat went, other boats of various colors scattered, actively making way for it, clearly quite apprehensive of it.

Seeing this, Long Tao also quickly ordered the helmsman to adjust course, following behind several other equally sensible boats, dutifully lining up in the queue waiting to enter Thousand Sails Ferry.

However, amidst these yielding boats, one boat stood out particularly.

Not only did it not give way like the other boats, but it even adjusted its course, actively going against the sparse flow of descending boats, slowly approaching the beautiful and majestic Peacock Tower Boat.