Clan Cultivation: Starting with Building an Island Immortal City

99: The clan chief’s visit fostered friendship.A clear area had been cordoned off at the pier; all other boats were temporarily moved aside.

Li Yinglong, in his dark robe and jade belt, stood at the very front, with his eldest son Li Qingshan and Butler Uncle Zhong beside him. Behind him, dozens of Li Family members stood silently, not a sound to be heard, their gazes fixed on the horizon where the sea met the sky.

Today was the day to welcome the delegation from the Angry Dragon Clan, blood brothers from the Southern Wilderness, and also the return of Lin Xiaowan, who had been away from home for a year.

Before long, the outline of a fleet of ships gradually appeared on the sea.

The leading ship was the Angry Dragon Clan’s distinctive Dragon-headed warship, ancient in form and full of a sense of wild power.

Behind and to its side followed a larger, hard-sailed sea vessel bearing the Li Family’s ”Carp Leaping Through the Sea” crest. This was the whale shark, the Li Family’s ship stationed at Thousand Sails Ferry to manage its industries.

The two ships slowly docked, dropped anchor, and extended their gangplanks.

From the Dragon-headed warship, a figure as robust as a mountain was the first to leap down—it was Dragon Stone, the Clan Chief of the Angry Dragon Clan.

Today, he was not wearing his shaman’s robe but a indigo blue embroidered Dragon-patterned outfit, which made him appear even more imposing. Behind him followed several Angry Dragon Clan guards with composed auras.

”Brother Dragon Stone!”

Li Yinglong laughed heartily and strode forward to greet him.

”Brother Li!”

Dragon Stone also laughed, his voice like a great bell. The two clasped arms, shaking hands firmly, their friendship evident without words.

Next, from the whale shark, a middle-aged man in a blue gown, with a refined yet capable demeanor, quickly disembarked. Behind him followed several equally shrewd Li Family assistants and managers.

This person was Song Wenqing, the Family advisor whom Li Yinglong had sent to the Southern Wilderness years ago to help the Angry Dragon Clan manage their industries.

”Clan Chief!”

Song Wenqing stepped forward a few paces, bowed respectfully, and said with emotion:

”Wenqing has fortunately not failed his mission, and has returned to report, bringing a summary of affairs from the Southern Wilderness and the esteemed guests from the Angry Dragon Clan!”

”Wenqing, you’ve worked hard and done very well!”

Li Yinglong patted his shoulder firmly, his eyes full of approval.

At this moment, Clan Chief Dragon Stone remarked with emotion:

”Brother Li, this Mr. Song of yours is truly extraordinary! My Clan used to live a hard life guarding a treasure mountain, with most of our mountain goods, medicinal herbs, and Ore being crudely harvested and sold cheaply. Since Mr. Song and his team arrived at my village, they have streamlined our industries, established regulations, opened up channels, and even guided our young men in identifying high-value Spiritual Materials and processing them meticulously. This year, just from medicinal herbs, furs, and exotic Yao Beast Spiritual Materials alone, our income has more than doubled compared to previous years! The Spirit Stones, salt, iron, and cloth distributed to every household in the village far exceed what they received before, and all the Clan members are overjoyed and grateful to the Li Family!”

He spoke with genuine emotion and much feeling.

The mountain people of the Angry Dragon Clan were inherently simple and honest, possessing resources but not skilled in management, living ordinary lives.

Although the Li Family’s fighting power was not as strong as the Angry Dragon Clan’s, their industrial footprint was far superior, and they had many skilled managers within their Clan. The two complemented each other, leading to today’s situation.

The Jianghu is not just about fighting and killing; the circulation of resources is the true Dao.

After speaking, he waved his large hand, and the Angry Dragon Clan warriors behind him carried forward a dozen heavy chests.

The lids of the chests opened, revealing faint treasures and swirling Spiritual Qi.

Inside were bundles of dried Spiritual Plants, strange Ores gleaming with various colors, well-preserved Yao Beast Materials, and even a few Spirit Qi-rich beast eggs.

”These are but humble local products from the Southern Wilderness, a small token of our Clan’s gratitude, Brother Li, please do not decline!”

Dragon Stone’s tone was sincere.

Li Yinglong glanced over them and knew that these Materials were valuable and mostly rare in the inland, greatly benefiting the Family. He did not act overly modest, clasped his hands, and said:

”Brother’s generous gift, I, Li, accept with gratitude! Qingshan, receive them properly and register them into storage.”

With arrangements made, Li Yinglong’s gaze swept past everyone and landed on the gangplank.

There, a young girl dressed in an embroidered skirt in the style of the Angry Dragon Clan stood gracefully. Her features had matured considerably, her skin was a healthy honey color, her posture was erect, and her eyes were bright. She had shed much of her childishness and gained a sense of composure and agility from her experiences. This was Lin Xiaowan, returning after a year of study.

Seeing the Clan Chief looking at her, she immediately hurried down the ship and walked in front of Li Yinglong, her eyes slightly red, about to perform a grand bow:

”Grandpa Clan Chief, Little Wan is back!”

Li Yinglong, however, was a step ahead and held her arm, not allowing her to bow. He carefully looked her over, his eyes full of comfort and affection, and said gently:

”It’s good you’re back, it’s good you’re back. You’ve gotten a bit thinner, but you’re also more spirited! You must have suffered a lot this past year in the Southern Wilderness, didn’t you?”

Lin Xiaowan shook her head and said eagerly:

”Grandpa Clan Chief, Little Wan didn’t suffer! I learned so much following Long Yun the Medicine Ritualist. I learned about the characteristics of hundreds of Spiritual Plants, how to prepare basic medicinal baths and detoxifying powders, and also...”

She was eager to report on a year’s worth of accomplishments.

Li Yinglong, however, smiled and interrupted her, his tone gentle yet firm:

”You’ll have plenty of time to tell Grandpa about all those studies later. Today, Grandpa is only happy about one thing, and that is that my Little Wan has returned safely. Her return is better than learning anything! Seeing you safe and sound, with bright eyes and a calm demeanor, makes Grandpa’s heart happier and more at ease than any Spirit Pill or Immortal Plant.”

These words were spoken in a calm tone, yet they contained the deepest care and affirmation from an Elder.

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiaowan, who had been suppressing her emotions, could no longer hold them back. Tears instantly welled up and streamed down her face. She quickly lowered her head to wipe them with her sleeve, choking back a sob:

”Grandpa Clan Chief...”

This was the longing for home, the hardship of learning, and even the excitement and grievances of her efforts being recognized.

”It’s a day of great joy, why are you crying? Your Grandpa Lin is over there, go see him quickly!”

Li Yinglong smiled and interrupted, pushing her towards her biological Grandpa, Doctor Lin, to share their Family affection.

At this moment, Aya and Yan Gang also stepped forward and bowed respectfully:

”Clan Chief Li, greetings to you!”

Li Yinglong smiled in response:

”Aya has become even prettier, and Yan Gang is even more robust. Good, all good.”

His keen gaze noticed that when Yan Gang bowed, his eyes involuntarily glanced at Lin Xiaowan, who was wiping away tears nearby, his honest face showing a trace of clumsy concern and nervousness.

And Lin Xiaowan seemed to sense it, turning slightly, her ears a little red, showing a girl’s shyness.

Li Yinglong, being an old hand, immediately understood.

It seemed that over this past year, some affections had likely developed between these two young ones.

He was happy to see this.

Yan Gang was inherently honest and brave, a leader among the younger generation of the Angry Dragon Clan; Little Wan was intelligent and clever. If the two truly had a connection, it would be a beautiful thing.

A Dao Companion in cultivation values a kindred spirit. If they were mutually fond of each other, he naturally would not obstruct them; instead, he would be pleased.

If they could have offspring, combining the Bloodlines of the two Families, the probability of producing excellent Spiritual Root Aptitude would greatly increase, which would also be a good thing for the Family.

After the pleasantries were exchanged, Li Yinglong said loudly:

”Our esteemed guests have traveled far; we cannot keep them standing at the pier for long, Brother Dragon Stone, please!”

Clan members had already led out fine horses.

Li Yinglong and Clan Chief Dragon Stone rode side by side, leading the way.

Li Qingshan, Song Wenqing, Uncle Zhong, and others accompanied the Angry Dragon Clan Elders and guards, surrounding Aya, Yan Gang, and Lin Xiaowan, and other younger generations. The procession, grand and imposing, left the pier, passed through the bustling streets of Linhai City, and headed towards the Li Family’s ancestral land.

Clan Chief Dragon Stone, riding on horseback, scanned the orderly streets of Linhai City, the dazzling array of shops, and the serene expressions of contentment on the faces of the passersby, and nodded to himself in approval.

Especially when he saw many common folk voluntarily stop and show reverence and gratitude upon seeing the Li Family crest banner, his admiration grew even stronger.

He quietly said to Li Yinglong beside him:

”Brother Li, your governance is excellent, the people are loyal, the city is prosperous, and the people are at peace. This is truly the Foundation of a great Family’s prosperity, I am impressed!”

Li Yinglong smiled:

”Brother, you flatter me; I am merely doing my duty.”

[System Prompt: Ally ’Angry Dragon Clan’ has witnessed the host Family’s governance effectiveness, recognition has increased, relationship +100, current relationship: Respected (4100/5000)]

They arrived at the Li Family’s ancestral mansion, where preparations had already been made.

Li Yinglong immediately ordered:

”Announce to the entire city that today our Li Family joyfully welcomes our blood brothers! The entire Clan celebrates together with a grand flowing feast! All citizens in the city are welcome to partake in the auspiciousness!”

”Yes!”

Li Qingshan immediately arranged it.

In an instant, inside and outside the Li Family mansion, hundreds of tables were set, servants moved like clouds, bustling ceaselessly, roasting sheep and slaughtering cattle, the aroma filling the air.

Moreover, citizens of Linhai City heard the news and gathered in a specially designated area outside the mansion. Clan members distributed wine, meat, and pastries, and the place was a hubbub of voices, laughter, and chatter, even livelier than a festival!

In the main hall of the mansion, at the head table.

Li Yinglong and Dragon Stone clasped arms, chatting happily and sharing a cup of Spiritual Wine.

Looking at the jubilant scene inside and outside the hall, watching the Clan members and the Angry Dragon Clan guests conversing harmoniously, and seeing the smiles on the faces of the younger generation, Li Yinglong stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes full of calm contentment.

The Dao of a Family lies in the gathering of hearts, in the passing down of the torch, and in forging good relationships.

Today’s hustle and bustle were a true reflection of the Family’s thriving prosperity and increasingly solid Foundation.

As night deepened, the lights shone brightly, and the celebration in Linhai City continued.