Clan Cultivation: Starting from Foundation Establishment on Mount Luoxia

The airship passed through the familiar murky clouds, and the view below gradually became clear.

It's not the thick earth and golden cliffs, but the market town of Luoxia.

In just six months, Luoxia Market has expanded again.

The original three main streets were extended outwards, and two new side streets were added.

A simple rammed earth wall was built around the market, with watchtowers at the four corners.

An additional floor was added to the central Luoxia Pavilion, making it appear even more magnificent.

The airship landed on the newly opened airship docking area on the east side of the market.

The open area, compacted with gravel, can accommodate five medium-sized airships at the same time.

Li Mutian had already received the message and, along with Li Xiangping, Li Mude, and several elders from collateral branches who managed secular affairs, had been waiting for a long time.

As the flying boat landed, the crowd rushed forward to greet it.

The hatch opened, and Li Xiaoyao stepped out first.

"Big brother," he said with a cupped-hand salute and a smile.

Li Mutian looked him up and down, and seeing that he was breathing steadily and had a ruddy complexion, he nodded: "It's good that you're back. Was the journey smooth?"

"Everything went smoothly." Li Xiaoyao gestured to the massive living quarters behind him, "and brought back some 'helpers' as well."

Li Mutian's gaze fell on the cabin, his eyes flashing with anticipation: "I heard there are new refugees, and also foreign laborers?"

"Quickly, let him out and take a look. With the market expanding, we're short-handed in the mines, we're short-handed in reclaiming new fields, we're short-handed everywhere!"

The elders behind him rubbed their hands excitedly, asking, "Master Xiaoyao, how many people did you bring back this time? Is it enough to go around?"

Li Xiaoyao laughed and said, "Don't rush, we'll settle them in batches."

He first directed his people to open the human area hatch of the dwelling.

The hatch slowly opened, causing a commotion at first, and then five hundred men and five hundred women emerged one after another.

They were wearing uniform gray coarse cloth clothes, and although they looked tired, most of them were physically strong, with a look of wariness and bewilderment in their eyes about the new environment.

Li Mude immediately led his men forward, holding the roster, and began registering, numbering, and grouping.

Several elders assisted by leading the young and middle-aged men and women to different areas—the men went to collect tools to prepare for construction, while the women were arranged to rest in temporary sheds before being assigned light tasks such as weaving and cooking.

Looking at the thousand humans, Li Mutian nodded repeatedly: "Good, good! They're all young and strong, saving us the time of raising them, and they can be put to use immediately!"

Half an hour later, the humans were settled.

Only then did Li Xiaoyao order the hatches in the alien territory to be opened.

The green-skinned monster came out first.

Five thousand green-skinned monsters surged out like a tide, their chattering noise instantly filling the anchorage.

They are no more than four feet tall, with green skin, pointed ears, large eyes, slender limbs, and agile movements. Although they look small, their numbers are enormous, forming a dense, black mass that is quite spectacular.

The elders were startled: "So...so many?!"

Li Xiaoyao pointed to the individuals wearing red armbands and yellow hats: "Those with red armbands are trained and can understand simple instructions. Those with yellow hats are leaders who manage the group."

He turned to Li Xiangping: "Xiangping, what's the situation at the mine now?"

Li Xiangping hurriedly said, "Second Uncle, three branches of the Jinsha Mine have been discovered, but there is a severe shortage of manpower for mining."

"Although the indigenous people are obedient, their numbers are limited, and they can only work during the day—their night vision is extremely poor."

"The mine currently operates on a three-shift system, with only fifty people per shift, which is extremely inefficient."

"Perfect."

Li Xiaoyao said, "The green-skinned monsters are short and agile, making them suitable for working in narrow mine tunnels. Moreover, they seem to have night vision."

"That's how it works—the mine operates on a two-shift system: the natives work during the day, and the green-skinned monsters work at night. They are managed separately and do not come into contact with each other."

He paused, then added, "Provide the green-skinned monsters with specially made small pickaxes and baskets."

"Make sure there's plenty of food—I've heard they're not picky eaters; they'll eat grains, vegetable scraps, and even some mineral residue. But be careful, don't skimp on the food."

Li Xiangping's eyes lit up: "Yes! I'll arrange it right away!"

Next up are the Minos.

A thousand minotaurs walked out with heavy steps.

They are nearly ten feet tall, with bulging muscles, bull heads and human bodies, white breath coming out of their nostrils, and mostly gentle eyes.

The ground trembled slightly as I walked, indicating that the force was extraordinary.

The elders stared in disbelief: "That strength... moving stones and carrying logs, one person could do the work of five strong human men!"

Li Mutian cautioned, "Although the Minotaur are docile, they are still a different race, and from what I've observed, they generally all possess the physical attributes of the second or third level of Qi Refining."

"They must be led and supervised by family disciples when used, and must not be allowed to act alone."

He looked at an elder of the clan who was skilled in civil engineering: "Seventh Uncle, the heavy physical work such as expanding the market, paving roads, and digging irrigation ditches will be handed over to the Minotaur."

"You lead the team to set work hours and workloads. If they do well, they will be rewarded; if they slack off, they will be punished."

Uncle Qi excitedly agreed.

Finally, there was the centaur.

Three thousand half-horsemen marched out in formation, their upper bodies human and their lower bodies horse-like, with slender and athletic builds.

They moved with light steps and had alert eyes. Many of the older centaurs carried simple longbows on their backs or bone knives at their waists.

Li Mutian observed carefully and discovered that some of the older individuals had faint wind-attribute spiritual energy fluctuations around them—just as Xiaoyao had said, they knew some rudimentary wind-based spells.

"Half-marathoners are the most useful."

"But, Xiaoyao, why are they all males?"

Li Xiaoyao said, "Brother, how could someone in this business be so foolish as to sell both male and female versions as a set?"

"These centaurs are skilled at running and archery, some know wind magic, and are quite intelligent. They can be incorporated into the market's patrol teams and pioneering groups. Also—"

He looked at Li Mutian and lowered his voice: "Brother, the cost price of each centaur is twelve spirit stones."

"I've inquired about the market. In a legitimate spirit beast market, a well-trained centaur mount costs at least one hundred spirit stones."

"Although we haven't received special training, we have a good foundation. With a little training, we can easily sell for eighty to one hundred spirit stones."

A glint of light flashed in Li Mutian's eyes: "You mean... sell a portion?"

"Yes." Li Xiaoyao nodded. "We'll keep 500 for our own use, and the remaining 2,500 can be sold in batches to other forces such as the An family, the Wan family, and the Baicao Group."

"They needed mounts that could be used for both transportation and combat as they expanded their territory and patrolled and hunted."

Li Mutian pondered for a moment: "Okay. But be careful not to release too much at once, lest you drive down the price."

"Let's release a hundred to test the waters first, and set the price at one hundred and twenty spirit stones to see the reaction."

"it is good."

Upon hearing this, the three elders blushed with excitement. As they were in charge of managing the market commerce, they naturally understood the potential profits.

"Master Xiaoyao, leave this to us!" an elder patted his chest confidently. "We guarantee a good price!"

The population and ethnic distribution plan was thus determined.

For the next three days, Luoxia Market was bustling with activity.