A week has passed since Li Wei’s exit from his seclusion. On that same day, the clan elders called upon everyone within the family and told a story about how Li Wei had a fortuitous encounter a few years ago, and the events of that time were finally bearing fruit. Even though many people in the clan did not necessarily believe this tale, it was an unspoken rule to trust that the elders and the leader had their best interests in mind. After all, everyone in the clan felt the advantages that access to the Li Records gave them.
None more so than some of the prodigies of the clan like Li Wei’s little brother, Li Ming. Being 17 years old and already a level 42 cultivator, his future could be considered limitless in the clan. Especially now that he had learned a skill from the Li Records that is tens of thousands of years old, Twin Dragon Flurry. As someone talented in dual-wielding swords, it was the most suitable skill for him. The skill was versatile in a way that many others of a similar type were not. Its purpose was to transform their Qi into two opposing elements through the respective attacks for each of the swords in their hands. The movements that the skill made the user perform were there to have both elements make an impact simultaneously at the same point at opportune times of vulnerability. The presence radiating from the swords as Li Ming practiced this technique in one of the clan’s courtyards resembled a dragon flowing just above each weapon. It was transparent but more defined than when it was at G Rank. Now, at F Rank after countless centuries of insights in the Li Records, the manifestations were almost life-like.
Across from him, in the same courtyard, was his little sister, Li Ying. Just like their mother, she had long flowing light brown hair and was a beauty that was the source of puppy love for those outside the clan. At 15 years old, she could be considered an equal talent to both her older brothers, being a level 36 cultivator with great aptitude in utilizing the whip. And just like Li Ming, she too found an extraordinary technique created by their Li ancestors. Moving through the air like a ghost, the phantom of a whip cut through her imaginary enemy with remarkable precision. It was only after another three hours of relentless training that the two decided to take a breather. They both looked at each other in ragged breaths and with determined gazes to reach the heights that their older brother had made.
“Do you think what they said about brother is true?” Li Ying prodded.
A chuckle escaped Li Ming’s lips.
“No chance. But you heard what the Heavenly System said. He did create this new trait our family has, so I don’t really care either way” He shrugged his shoulders.
“I guess you're right. I still am a bit peeved that not even mother will say anything about it!” She grumbled a little in annoyance.
Li Ming shook his head, placing his weapons into his storage ring while at the same time taking out a canteen.
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“It’s obviously something that we are better off not knowing. At least until we’re stronger.” He said before guzzling the brisk water it contained.
“Yeah…” Li Ying’s eyes drifted in the direction of a man flying across from above atop a sword that exuded a passive pressure that she seldom felt throughout the 77th district.
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Currently venturing outside, the leader’s pavilion, Li Wei was traversing the clan estate from high above. It was rather small compared to other faction headquarters in this district. However, compared to his old life, this ‘little’ estate was as large as three university campuses put together. A size that felt like overcompensating for such a low population of a few hundred clan members and less than a hundred retainers. Nestled right before the Restless Forest Beast Zone that pushes against the southern border of the district, the estate was far away from the other factions of the district. Something that was due to the unpredictability of the Restless Forest and the district's main hub was closer to its capital than to the far reaches. Still, as Li Wei watched from above, he appreciated the place that he quickly accepted as home.
While admiring the clan he grew to love was great, it was not productive, and he soon landed gently amid a beautiful garden. It was the clan’s spiritual fields that grew countless herbs and plants that could be used in alchemy. They were rich with Qi and one of the few things that brought economic power to the Li Clan as various factions sought and traded for these ingredients.
He walked through the garden, passing by a few servants who were tending the plants. They paid respects to him with quick bows that he acknowledged with light nods. Eventually, he reached a section of the garden that had an empty plot of soil. There was a gardener nearby that Li Wei called upon and she hurriedly responded.
“Yes, Master Wei, how may I be of service?”
Rubbing his chin in thought, he replied.
“Is that plot empty of seeds? I wish to plant something.” He said, gesturing to the empty plot.
She looked at the plot and then the surrounding plants and then nodded.
“Yes, Master Wei. It is empty. We were planning on planting some Cloud Rose seeds but they aren’t a high priority.”
Li Wei nodded at this and summoned a seed from his ring.
“W-wha…”
The servant gasped and fell on one knee, and then crumpled into an unconscious mess on the floor. The pressure exuding from the seed spread across the entire garden, causing the same scene to play out. This was the result of experiencing the pressure of a C Grade item for those far below the 4th Step. He had forgotten about it because he had barely felt any pressure when he created it with his golden finger. To further this point, he did not feel pressure when he created his E Grade sword either. As if his golden finger shields him from certain adverse effects brought by his creations. An aspect of his power that he must remember to prevent situations like this. Fortunately, the strength of this pressure will reduce greatly once it is planted as the focused energy in the seed will blossom and spread out. Knowing this, Li Wei dug out a hole that was a few inches deep, dropped the seed inside, and covered it with dirt.
Not even a minute after, a great rumbling occurred that shook the entire clan estate. Which was followed by a seedling rising and visibly shifting through the development cycle of a tree that would normally take decades in mere seconds. Within twelve seconds, an ash tree that looked down upon the entire garden appeared. Exuding magnificence with its golden leaves and pristine white bark, it almost commanded respect. The man who brought this force into existence looked upon his creation in satisfaction.
[Item Name: Immortal Aegis Ash Tree
Item Type: Plant
Item Grade: C
Description: Empowers & Protects the Li Clan. Everlasting in both this mission and its growth.]
If one were to look closely, there would be a thin barrier that came into existence subsequently that surrounded the entire clan estate.