Clan Cultivation: Starting with Building an Island Immortal City

83: Sharing experiences and insights, pooling wisdomLi Yinglong raised his hand to press down, quieting the clamor, and gestured for everyone to bring chairs, forming a circle to sit down, then took an object from hisHuai.

This object was about the size of a fist, entirely grayish-white, with a smooth surface and faint cloud patterns, emitting a weakfluorescence.

”This object is called a ’shadow stone’.”

Li Yinglong placed it on a small table in the center of the hall.

”It’s a common trinket used by Cultivators, with peculiar effects: the user only needs to continuously inject a small amount of Spiritual Power, and it can record the scene and sound in front of it, much like a painter’s work, but even more vivid and comprehensive.”

”This trip to the Southern Border has yielded many insights. Today, I will use the scenes recorded by this stone to analyze the Dao within it with all of you, which may resolve our Li Family’s current predicament and open up future paths.”

Everyone felt a sense of novelty upon hearing this, their eyes fixed on the stone.

Li Yinglong pointed his fingers like a sword, and a wisp of pure Dragon Qi entered the shadow stone.

”Buzz...”

With a slight tremor, the shadow stone glowed brightly, and a soft yet incredibly clear beam of light shot out from the stone, intertwining in mid-air in the hall to form vivid, three-dimensional images!

The scene shifted, first presenting the magnificent sight of the Angry Dragon River surging and roaring, its turbid waves reaching the sky, shaking the four fields.

Following this were the bizarre and dangerous landscapes of the Southern Border on both banks, with towering ancient trees, pervasive miasma, and venomous insects and strange beasts appearing and disappearing, full of a wild and untamed aura.

Li Yinglong did not rush to explain but allowed everyone to first immerse themselves in this wild aura.

The scene switched, showing the unique settlement of Angry Dragon Stockade, built against the mountain, constructed from giant trees and rough stones, as well as the residents’ clothing, which was distinct from the Central Plains, and their powerful totems.

There were also shocking scenes of the Stronghold’s warriors riding giant Mountain Dragon Lizards across the river and climbing cliffs, those colossal creatures breaking through the waves, their scales clanging, drawing gasps of surprise from everyone in the hall.

”This is the Angry Dragon Clan; their folk customs are fierce, they revere Dragon totems, and they are particularly skilled at taming strange beasts, possessing extremely strong individual Battle Intent.”

After the initial viewing, Li Yinglong finally spoke, his voice steady:

”The Southern Border is a place where a hundred clans coexist, and the environment is harsh, yet it operates in an orderly manner, with its own rules. Qingshan, Uncle Zhong, Qinghe, you are in charge of the Family’s general affairs; take a look here.”

The scene switched to the Thousand Mechanisms Hundred Know Sect branch hall they had visited earlier.

”This is the ’Thousand Mechanisms Hundred Know Sect,’ specializing in information gathering and various secret matters.”

Li Yinglong pointed to the figures:

”Its network covers the entire Cultivation World, and important news can often reach all places within a few days. There is also the ’records of strange tales of the universe’ information publication, which, though not as good as high-level Cultivators’ long-distance sound transmission, excels in its wide network.”

His gaze swept over Li Qingshan and the others:

”Our Li Family’s industries are gradually increasing, and the communication between Linhai City and various branches, farms, and docks is slow, often missing opportunities. Seeing this, does it inspire you?”

A glint flashed in Li Qingshan’s eyes, and he immediately responded:

”Father’s intention is to have us emulate such an organization and establish a Family-exclusive information network? Not only for commercial information but also to monitor movements in all directions?”

”Precisely!”

Li Yinglong praised.

”However, it’s not a simple imitation; our Li Family’s Foundation is in Linhai, so we must combine it with our actual situation. This time, I brought back a few Green Shadow Falcons, which can be used to set up fixed messengers at important industrial strongholds, establish communication procedures and secret codes; in the long run, we need to pay attention to, and even try to cultivate or recruit people with such talents, and establish a vast homing pigeon system, managed by a dedicated department and personnel.”

Li Qingshan immediately interjected:

”Son understands; this matter will be put on the agenda at the first opportunity.”

Uncle Zhong stroked his beard and chimed in, his eyes shining:

”Clan Chief’s insight! Observing the ’Thousand Sails Ferry,’ though a mix of good and bad, it maintains order, surely due to detailed regulations and dedicated personnel maintaining order and fairness. Our Li Family now has numerous industries and also needs more detailed management regulations, clarifying the responsibilities, rights, and benefits of each shop, dock, and farm, with clear rewards and punishments, so that managers everywhere can act as if directed by an arm, and efficiency will surely increase. Credibility and rules are the long-term cornerstones of the Family.”

Li Qinghe added:

”There’s also the Blood Gu Village market; although it’s a mix of mortals and low-level Cultivators, it has formed a unique ecosystem, each with its role, and material circulation is orderly. If our Li Family wants to operate Linhai City as a trade hub on the East Sea coast in the future, we might be able to learn from this model, managing in layers, promoting circulation, and attracting merchants from all directions.”

Everyone discussed topics such as intelligence networks, market management, and communication methods, offering suggestions one after another.

Li Yinglong listened with a smile, nodding occasionally, allowing the members responsible for general affairs to fully discuss, combining the insights from the Southern Border with the Family’s reality, making their ideas increasingly clear.

When the discussion on business management temporarily concluded, Li Yinglong manipulated the shadow stone, and the scene suddenly changed!

First, the Angry Dragon Clan warriors rode giant Mountain Dragon Lizards to climb cliffs and cross rivers, their power and wildness shocking; then, it switched to the intense scene of the Xuan Yu Clan’s Peacock Bright King phantom clashing with the Chi Jie Clan’s Huang Jie Sacred Fire, the Spiritual Pressure seemingly permeating through the image, suffocating.

Li Yinglong’s gaze turned to the Cultivator Disciples represented by Li Changyun, Li Changyu, and Li Changxuan, his tone solemn:

”Changyun, Changxuan, Changyu, what are your thoughts after seeing this?”

All the Disciples were thrilled by the vast battle scenes.

Li Changyun gazed at the mighty strange beasts and Angry Dragon warriors in the image, saying in a deep voice:

”Clan Chief, these beasts possess terrifying power, and the Angry Dragon Clan warriors can tame and ride them; their bravery and skill far surpass ordinary martial artists. My spear techniques might allow for a struggle in close combat, but if I encounter such long-range spell bombardment...”

He looked at the dazzling and dangerous Peacock divine light and the Huang Jie Sacred Fire, his brows tightly furrowed.

Li Changxuan’s eyes burned with Battle Intent as he interjected:

”Clan Chief, my ’Raging Tide Tyrant Body’ also pursues immense power and momentum, but observing this scene, it seems that beyond brute force, we might need to learn from their methods of coordinating with mounts and leveraging the forces of heaven and earth? For example, using the impact force of a mount, or utilizing the advantages of terrain elevation? Moreover, the opponent’s spells are bizarre; if we cannot get close, I fear we will feel powerless.”

Li Changyu, with his meticulous mind, frowned and said:

”Clan Chief, I believe that combat in the Immortal Realm is by no means solely reliant on brute courage. Observing the methods of these two clans, one is splendid and ever-changing, the other violent and scorching; neither is a simple test of strength. If we encounter such opponents in the future, we cannot confront them head-on; we must outwit them, either by using terrain to conceal ourselves and get close, or by seeking weaknesses in their spell casting intervals or Spiritual Power transitions. We also need defensive measures and quick movement techniques to counter their area attacks. Teamwork, with each person fulfilling their role, is especially important.”

”Good!”

Li Yinglong’s eyes showed appreciation:

”The scenes recorded this time all feature formidable individuals; we still have a considerable gap with them, but your ability to perceive this also greatly pleases my heart.”

”The Dao of the Immortal Realm encompasses everything. There are those skilled in beast taming, like the Angry Dragon Clan; those proficient in spells, like the Xuan Yu and Chi Jie Clans; and also those specializing in Formation, Talisman, Alchemy, and Artifact Refining; their sources of power and combat methods vary greatly.”

He paused, looking around at the Disciples, his tone deep:

”For our Li Family to establish itself in this great era, we need broad vision and to embrace all rivers! The Family of the future will not only need fierce warriors to charge into battle but also spell Cultivators who can cast spells from a distance, Formation Masters skilled in setting up Formations to trap enemies, logistical pillars who can refine Medicinal Pills and Talismans, and even Beast Masters who can command Spirit Beasts to assist in battle! You must consider the direction of your future Dao based on your innate talents, learn from others’ strengths, and only then can you adapt to myriad changes, rather than sticking to a single skill.”

The Disciples also fell into deep thought.

Li Yinglong closed the shadow stone, the light and shadows dispersed, and the hall returned to tranquility, with only the silent sound of breathing remaining.

Everyone was still immersed in the bizarre and perilous sights of the Southern Border they had just witnessed.

”The world is vast, far beyond what you and I can imagine.”

Li Yinglong’s voice pulled everyone’s thoughts back:

”The dangers of the Immortal path are also not something that can be fully glimpsed by those who are complacent. Displaying these today is not to show off, nor to boost others’ morale.”

His gaze swept over the young and promising faces, his tone solemn:

”The intention is to let you all know that there are heavens beyond the sky, and people beyond people! For our Li Family to achieve long-term development, we must never be shortsighted and stick to old ways! We must have the broad mind to embrace all rivers, and even more, the clear understanding to revere the strong and recognize our own position!”

”I hope you can draw nourishment from this, broaden your horizons, and temper your resolve. On the path ahead, the Family needs each of you to display your strengths and work together with one heart. Only then can we seize a glimmer of hope and carve out a piece of heaven and earth in this magnificent yet perilous great era!”

As his voice fell, the hall was silent for a moment, then erupted in thunderous agreement:

”We respectfully obey the Clan Chief’s teachings!”

Amidst the clamor, there was an unprecedented sense of determination and soaring fighting spirit.

This night, for the Li Family Clan, was destined to be a night of conceptual upheaval and expanded horizons.