Clan Cultivation: Starting from Foundation Establishment on Mount Luoxia

The three went ahead, leaving Li Changhu, Li Xiangping and others to make arrangements for Li Daoyun's accompanying disciples.

Guided by Li Mude, Li Mutian, Li Xiaoyao, and Li Daoyun walked quickly toward the civilian residential area built against the mountain in a sheltered spot in the rift valley.

This area was personally planned by Li Changhu. Although the houses are mostly made of wood and stone and are somewhat rustic, they are arranged neatly and the roads are relatively clean.

Due to the outer array and the slight purifying effect of the "Purifying Water Lotus", the turbid and malevolent energy here is much weaker than that outside.

You can even see some resilient vines climbing on the corners of the house, adding a touch of life.

Before the three even reached the central square of the residential area, they no longer needed to use their divine sense to explore.

A burst of clear, cheerful laughter came from afar.

All I could see was a small square that had been simply leveled with gravel.

A dozen or so children, ranging in age from five or six to eight or nine, were playing the game "Eagle Catches Chickens".

The one playing the "eagle," who was baring his teeth and claws (in exaggerated and comical ways) and trying to get past the "mother hen" to catch the "chicks" behind her, was actually a young man dressed in simple gray clothes and holding a striking bright red jade fan.

The man looked to be about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a handsome face and a smiling expression.

His movements showed no airs of a cultivator, but rather resembled those of a big child with an innocent heart.

The red jade fan in his hand was not unfolded, but held casually, yet as he ran, it drew streaks of warm, crimson light in the air.

The role of the "mother hen" was played by a chubby-faced teenager.

He spread his arms wide, trying to protect the string of "chickens" behind him who were screaming in fright but also extremely excited.

Xiao Chulan didn't seem to be in a hurry to succeed; on the contrary, she was enjoying herself. Sometimes she would pounce on the enemy with her armor on, and sometimes she would feint with a shot, which made the children exclaim and laugh continuously.

Sunlight (through the thin, murky light) spilled onto the square.

This scene possessed an unusual harmony and tranquility, standing out starkly against the desolate and treacherous surroundings.

Li Mutian and his two companions stopped at the edge of the square, unsure of how to approach and disturb them.

Xiao Chulan caught sight of them out of the corner of his eye. He turned around nimbly, pretending to miss them, then clapped his hands and smiled at the children:

"Alright, alright, the eagle's tired. Let's stop playing here for today. Go home, everyone, and remember to wash your hands and eat."

Although the children were still enjoying themselves, they seemed to have a good impression of this funny and handsome "big brother" who had suddenly appeared.

They obediently responded and ran off together, laughing and joking.

A few people ran past Li Mutian and his group, glancing at them curiously before quickly slipping away.

Xiao Chulan then turned around, unfolded the red jade fan in her hand with a "whoosh," gently waved it, and looked at Li Mutian and the other two with a smile on her face.

His gaze first fell on Li Daoyun, who immediately bowed slightly:

"Sir."

Xiao Chulan nodded casually, then turned her gaze to Li Mutian and Li Xiaoyao. Her smile remained unchanged, but her eyes were like two deep springs, clear yet unfathomable.

"You two must be the pioneers and heads of this family, Li Mutian and Fellow Daoist Li Xiaoyao?"

His voice was clear and gentle, like jade being gently struck.

"You have come uninvited and trespassed on your property to play with the children. I hope you will forgive your rudeness."

Li Mutian took a deep breath and stepped forward with Li Xiaoyao, bowing solemnly:

"Li Mutian (Li Xiaoyao) of the C-749 Development Point greets Steward Xiao! I was unaware of your early arrival, Steward, and apologize for not greeting you properly!"

Xiao Chulan closed her jade fan, gave it a slight tap, and smiled:

"What crime have I committed? It was just a spur-of-the-moment decision; I wanted to see how the newly arrived people settled down in this murky land."

"Seeing it with your own eyes is much more real than hearing reports."

His gaze swept over the simple yet tidy houses again, and the figures working in the fields in the distance, barely visible in the distance. His tone revealed little emotion.

"The Li family leaders have put in a lot of effort to settle hundreds of ordinary people in such a short time, ensuring they have shelter, food, and places for children to play."

Li Mutian felt a slight chill, unsure whether the words were praise or criticism, and could only cautiously reply:

"This is my duty. Having taken on the responsibility of expanding the Immortal Sect, I should do my utmost to settle my followers and ensure its long-term stability."

"Yes, that shows a long-term perspective and good foresight."

Xiao Chulan nodded slightly, then suddenly changed the subject, her tone becoming somewhat playful:

"I had a lot of fun playing with those children just now."

"I heard that some of their fathers were your clansmen, while others were just ordinary townspeople in Yunzhou? Are they settling in well here?"

"At first, I did experience a lot of discomfort, but I have gradually settled down now. The family treats everyone equally and does its best to provide shelter and livelihood."

Li Xiaoyao picked up the conversation, his usual smile on his face.

"It's quite a pleasure for you, Steward, to be having fun with the children. It reminds us of our childhood."

"It's just a way to relax occasionally."

Xiao Chulan smiled and gently tapped her palm with her jade fan.

"Seeing them reminds me of a hidden standard for the sect's assessment of families—it's not just about resource extraction and array construction, but also about whether they can truly take root, multiply, and form a virtuous cycle."

"After all, what the Immortal Sect wants are strongholds that can continuously provide value and gradually assimilate the dimensional environment, not mining teams that drain the pond to catch all the fish."

His words, spoken casually, sent a jolt through Li Mutian and Li Xiaoyao.

This seems to highlight one of the deeper key points of this investigation.

"I will keep your teachings in mind."

Li Mutian responded in a deep voice.

Xiao Chulan stopped talking about this topic and turned her gaze to the core area that was faintly visible in the distance and shrouded in the spiritual light of the array, which was the location of the Thick Earth Golden Cliff Inner Palace.

"Alright, enough of the small talk. Vice Envoy Li has also arrived."

He looked at Li Daoyun.

"Then please, the two patriarchs, lead us to see the true foundation of your 'Thick Earth Golden Cliff'."

"As for what I just saw and heard..."

He smiled, but there was little joy in his eyes.

"Consider it a small gift from Mr. Xiao in advance—a preliminary impression based on on-site observation."

Both Li Mutian and Li Xiaoyao felt a sudden tightness in their chests.

This "initial impression" has probably already been deeply imprinted by Deacon Xiao's seemingly gentle yet all-seeing eyes.

The subsequent formal investigation will likely require utmost caution at every step.

"Sir, Vice Envoy, please follow me."

Li Mutian stepped aside to lead the way, his mind taut with even greater anxiety.

Xiao Chulan gently waved her red jade fan and followed with unhurried steps, as if she were truly a distinguished guest who had come to enjoy the scenery.

Only the occasional crimson light emanating from the fan, and the profound look that occasionally flashed in his eyes—a look so different from his smile—served as a reminder to those around him.

This steward from the number one Zifu family in Yunzhou is by no means as simple and easy-going as he appears on the surface.