Clan Cultivation: Starting with Building an Island Immortal City

100: Allies told each other the cause of the chaos in the world.Clan Chief Dragon Stone and his entourage stayed at the Li Immortal Clan in Linhai City for three days.

During these three days, Li Yinglong, Li Qingshan, Uncle Zhong, and others personally accompanied them. They did not intentionally show off, but simply followed the usual rules of hospitality, guiding them to view the city’s orderly streets, the ceaselessly busy docks, and the newly established ’An Ye Fang’ settlement outside the city.

What they saw and heard, though lacking the strange, treacherous grandeur of the Southern Border mountains, possessed a different kind of worldly prosperity and perfect order.

Although the common people’s faces showed signs of hardship, their eyes held a light, indicating they were not suffering from hunger or distress. The Family Disciples hurried back and forth, fulfilling their duties; though their cultivation was still shallow, they were full of spirit and presented a fresh new atmosphere.

Clan Chief Dragon Stone observed silently, making his own calculations.

The depth of the Li Family’s Foundation here and the effectiveness of their governance far exceeded his initial imagination.

This was not merely due to overwhelming military might, but because they had truly taken root and won the hearts of the people.

This kind of atmosphere was the true Dao for the long-term future of a Family.

Three days passed swiftly.

On the morning of the fourth day, Clan Chief Dragon Stone proposed his departure to Li Yinglong.

”Brother Li, your generous hospitality is deeply appreciated. However, there are many matters in the village that I cannot neglect for long, so I wish to take my leave and return south today.”

Hearing this, Li Yinglong displayed a look of sincere reluctance to see him go:

”Brother Dragon Stone, why the rush? Could it be that my Li Family has failed to treat you properly? Why not stay a few more days and let Qingshan and the others accompany you to see the nearby landscapes? The scenery along the East Sea shore is vastly different from the Southern Border and is quite worth seeing.”

Clan Chief Dragon Stone waved his hand, a hint of solemnity appearing on his dark, resolute face. He sighed:

”Brother Li, don’t say that. The three days of hospitality were flawless, and everyone in my clan appreciates your kindness. It’s just...”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the seemingly calm Linhai City outside the window, and his voice lowered slightly:

”The world is currently unstable, and a storm is brewing. As a Clan Chief, I must return to the village quickly to maintain order and guard against the unexpected. To be frank, the area around my Southern Border has also been restless recently.”

Li Yinglong’s expression grew serious. He waved his hand, dismissing the Disciples standing nearby, leaving only Li Qingshan at his side. He said in a deep voice:

”Brother, why do you say that? Has something changed in the Southern Border as well?”

Clan Chief Dragon Stone pondered for a moment, then said:

”It is not an internal change in the Southern Border, but external threats that are gradually appearing. Brother Li, having lived in the East Sea for a long time, may not know this, but in recent years, the Dragon Veins in the Central Plains of the Divine Land seem to have shifted, causing unrest. The beacon fires of great chaos have already been lit across the land. Although my Southern Border is isolated and a world unto itself, it is difficult for us to remain unaffected.”

He walked to the window and pointed southwest:

”According to the intelligence obtained by the Jianggu Alliance Council, the refugees crossing the Hundred Thousand Mountains and fleeing to the ’Wood Dragon Rampart’ area on the outskirts of my Southern Border have been increasing recently. Among them... there are even a few low-Rank Loose Cultivators mixed in. Such signs were extremely rare in the past.”

Li Yinglong felt a chill in his heart.

The Li Family had risen only recently, and their focus had been entirely on managing Linhai City and the overseas Immortal Islands. Their intelligence regarding the general situation of the Divine Land was indeed lagging.

He only knew that the authority of the ruling Great Xing Imperial Dynasty was waning, that various feudal lords were carving up territories, and that relations with the Imperial City were tense. But he had not expected the situation to have deteriorated to the point where it was already affecting the four corners of the borderlands.

”This actually happened?”

Li Yinglong frowned deeply:

”I have only heard of the conflicts among the Central Plains lords, and I know that refugees are scattering and Cultivators are fleeing, but I do not know the specific root cause. In your opinion, Brother, what is the source of this chaos?”

Clan Chief Dragon Stone turned around, his gaze burning as he looked at Li Yinglong:

”Brother Li, since we are sworn brothers, I will speak frankly: According to the assessment of the high-level members of the Council, the root cause of this chaos is likely not as simple as a normal Dynastic change. What is involved behind it is much deeper.”

He paused, seemingly organizing his words:

”Brother Li, do you know how the Yang Family of the current Great Xing Imperial Dynasty obtained the world?”

Li Yinglong pondered briefly, then said:

”I have heard a little. It seems the previous Dynasty lost its virtue, and the Yang Family rose up to take advantage of the situation, gaining assistance from various parties before stabilizing the Central Plains.”

”Assistance?”

A meaningful smile appeared at the corner of Clan Chief Dragon Stone’s mouth:

”Indeed, it was enormous assistance, but Brother Li, do you know which parties were the most crucial among this ’various assistance’?”

Without waiting for Li Yinglong to answer, he continued:

”It was those major Cultivation Sects with Legacies spanning ten thousand years and unfathomable Foundations! The Yang Family itself is a powerful Cultivation Family, said to have several Nascent Soul Old Ancestors presiding over it, and possibly even terrifying Soul Transformation existences hidden away! It is precisely because of this that they could converse with those major Sects on equal terms and gain their support.”

Li Yinglong nodded slightly. He had also speculated on this point.

If they did not possess sufficient strength themselves, how could they convince the major Sects?

Clan Chief Dragon Stone lowered his voice further:

”The Yang Family and the major Sects were originally mutually beneficial and symbiotic. The Sects helped them gain the world, and the Yang Family reciprocated by granting the Sects the most Spiritual Qi-rich famous mountains, great rivers, and blessed lands within the territory as their main Sect sites and Daoist training grounds. They were allowed to widely open their gates, recruit Disciples, and enjoy many privileges. It could be said that they ruled the world together with the Sects, sharing the Luck of the Divine Land. This arrangement has been maintained for hundreds of years, so why has it suddenly changed now?”

Li Yinglong’s eyes flashed:

”Brother, do you mean... the problem lies in the relationship between the Yang Family and the Sects?”

”Exactly!”

Clan Chief Dragon Stone affirmed:

”Secret intelligence obtained by the Jianggu Alliance Council indicates that in recent decades, friction has gradually arisen between the Yang Family and several of the top Sects that supported its founding, and relations have become increasingly tense. The Council is still investigating the specific reasons, which are not yet clear, but the signs are highly evident: standing behind the feudal lords who are now carving up territories are precisely those Sects who are dissatisfied with the Yang Family!”

Li Yinglong gasped sharply.

If this were true, then this was not a simple internal conflict of a mortal Dynasty, but a game of power and a reshuffling among the highest-level forces in the Cultivation world!

The scope and brutality of the conflict would far exceed imagination!

”No wonder... No wonder refugees could flee as far as the Southern Border. I fear the Central Plains, and even the heartland of the East Sea, are already plagued by continuous warfare and utter devastation.”

Li Yinglong murmured, a strong sense of crisis surging in his heart.

The Li Family was enjoying peace in a corner of the East Sea, but if the world descended into chaos, they would eventually be swept into the vortex.

Clan Chief Dragon Stone saw his worry and said in a deep voice:

”Brother Li, what I have said today is meant to remind you: The general trend of the world is vast and mighty; those who follow it prosper, and those who oppose it perish. Although the Li Family now has its enterprise, before these monstrous waves, it is still like a small boat. You must plan early and prepare for the unexpected.”

He walked up to Li Yinglong, patted him on the arm, and spoke sincerely:

”Our two clans are connected by Bloodline, sharing fortune and misfortune. If there is a major change in the Southern Border, I will certainly send someone to inform you. If Linhai City has need, the young men of the Angry Dragon Clan can also cross the sea to assist! However, external strength eventually runs out. One must be strong oneself. Increasing your strength and stabilizing your Foundation is the fundamental way to deal with times of chaos.”

Li Yinglong nodded heavily, cupped his hands, and bowed deeply:

”Brother, your golden words are truly enlightening! Li Yinglong and the Li Family will never forget this kindness and favor! Although the world is chaotic, my Li Family is not one to sit idly by and wait for death. We shall certainly heed your teachings, strive for good governance, and stabilize our Foundation!”

He straightened up, his eyes filled with clarity and determination. Although the chaotic situation was perilous, it only further ignited his fighting spirit.

Seeing his attitude, Clan Chief Dragon Stone nodded in relief:

”In that case, I am relieved. Without further delay, I shall set off now.”

Li Yinglong did not press him to stay longer and immediately instructed Li Qingshan to prepare generous gifts:

One thousand loads of refined rice, one hundred stones of sea salt, five hundred bolts of high-quality cloth, various Medicinal Pills and Talismans, as well as East Sea specialties, toys, and books prepared for the Angry Dragon Clan children — enough to fill several large carts.

”These are merely humble gifts, unworthy of respect, just enough to supplement the daily needs of the village. Brother, you must accept them, or you will be treating me like a stranger.”

Seeing that the gifts were practical and substantial, Clan Chief Dragon Stone knew that Li Yinglong was giving them sincerely, so he did not refuse, laughing heartily:

”Good! Then I shall thank Brother Li for his generous gifts on behalf of my entire clan!”

Before departing, Li Yinglong added:

”The two children, Aya and Yan Gang, get along well with the Disciples of my Family. Why not let them stay for a few more days to interact more with the Family Disciples? After the New Year festivities, I will send people to safely escort them back to the village. What do you think?”

Clan Chief Dragon Stone looked at the children nearby, whose eyes were filled with anticipation, and laughed heartily:

”That is excellent! Let these two rascals receive more refinement in your civilized land; it will save them from causing mischief in the village! I appreciate Brother Li’s trouble!”

Aya and Yan Gang were overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly thanked their father and Li Yinglong.

Even if one travels a thousand miles to see a friend off, eventually one must part.

At the dock, Li Yinglong led his Family members in a solemn farewell.

Clan Chief Dragon Stone boarded the dragon boat he had arrived on. Its huge sail was hoisted, and it slowly sailed away from the harbor.

Li Yinglong stood alone on the dock, watching the silhouette of the dragon boat gradually fade into the distance. The sea wind stirred his dark robe, causing it to flap loudly.

Clan Chief Dragon Stone’s words just now exploded in his heart like a clap of thunder.

Great chaos in the world, Sect power games, Imperial Dynasty changes... This grand game of chess had already begun.

And his Li Immortal Clan had only just placed a few scattered pieces in one corner of the board.

The road ahead held monstrous waves, but also infinite opportunities.

”Qingshan,”

He spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying undeniable power:

”Pass down the order: effective immediately, the security Rank, both inside and outside the Family, is to be raised by one level. You will personally supervise the defenses of Linhai City; there can be no mistakes. The Family Disciples must cultivate even more diligently.”

”Yes, Father!”

Li Qingshan solemnly accepted the order. He, too, felt the heavy pressure of the impending storm.

Li Yinglong gazed far into the distance where the sea met the sky. That place was the future Foundation of the Family, and also the direction from which the coming storm might sweep in.