"We will release my cultivation level to the public," Li Bao announced, turning back to face the elders. "It will send a clear message to our enemies: the Li family is no longer weak. But we will not act recklessly. We will use this time to plan, to strengthen ourselves, and to ensure that when we do strike, it will be decisive."
The elders nodded in agreement, their expressions resolute. They had placed their faith in Li Bao, and now it was up to him to lead them to victory.
As the meeting came to a close, Li Bao felt a sense of clarity wash over him. The path ahead would be difficult, but with the system's help and the support of his family, he knew they could overcome any obstacle.
For now, he needed to digest everything that had happened—both his own transformation and the monumental task of guiding his family through the storm. He needed to adjust his mindset, to embrace the power he had gained and the responsibilities that came with it.
But one thing was certain: the Li family was no longer a fading shadow on the brink of extinction. They were on the verge of a new dawn, and under his leadership, they would rise again.
The grand hall had emptied, and the echoes of the elders' voices faded into silence. Li Bao remained standing, his mind still racing from the monumental decisions that had been made. His sudden leap in cultivation had given the Li family a reprieve, but there was no room for complacency. The next step in their plan would be critical.
As Li Bao gazed out at the vast expanse of mountains surrounding their ancestral home, Elder Li Leyue's words replayed in his mind A celebration to call back the clan members. It was a bold move, designed not only to bring their scattered family together but also to send a message to their enemies. By holding such a gathering, they would appear confident, as though they had nothing to fear. It would force their enemies to second-guess their plans of attacking.
Li Bao turned to face Elder Li Leyue, the only one who had remained behind after the other elders had dispersed. She was a woman of sharp intellect and keen strategy, always one to look three steps ahead in any situation.
"You truly believe that calling back all the clan members for a celebration is the right move?" Li Bao asked, though he already knew the answer.
Li Leyue nodded, her eyes gleaming with the calculated wisdom she was known for. "It's a move that serves two purposes, Head Li Bao. First, it will spread word of your breakthrough faster than any direct announcement could. News of your strength will travel far, and the Zhou and Peng families will hesitate before making any rash decisions. If they see us confidently recalling our members, they'll assume we're prepared for any confrontation. They'll spend time confirming the truth of your cultivation level, giving us the time we need to strengthen ourselves and prepare."
Li Bao folded his arms, his gaze thoughtful. It made sense. In a world where information traveled through whispers and rumors, bold actions often spoke louder than any proclamation. A gathering of the entire Li clan, with members returning from across the region, would send ripples through the surrounding families. It was a signal that the Li family was not only alive and well but thriving.
"Very well," Li Bao agreed, his voice steady with the authority that was becoming more natural to him. "We'll call for a celebration. Have the word sent out immediately. Every Li family member, no matter where they are, must return home."
Elder Li Leyue bowed slightly. "It will be done, Head Li Bao. I will see to it personally. We must prepare quickly."
With that, Li Leyue left the hall, her robes sweeping silently across the stone floor. Li Bao watched her go, feeling the weight of responsibility settle more heavily on his shoulders. The celebration was the right decision, but it also meant exposing himself and the clan to potential danger. Still, it was a risk they had to take if they wanted to survive in this treacherous world.
He sighed deeply, turning away from the window and making his way back to his private chambers. The halls were quiet as he walked, the soft glow of lanterns casting shadows along the stone walls. His mind was focused, yet a part of him felt the tension building within. He had just begun to grasp his newfound power, and now he had to bear the burden of guiding his family through this tumultuous time.
Once inside his chambers, Li Bao sat cross-legged on the floor, his breathing slowing as he centered himself. The system's interface appeared before him, the familiar blue screen pulsing softly in the dim light of the room.
"Status," he commanded quietly, and the screen shimmered as his personal information appeared.
[Status Tab]
[Name: Li Bao]
[Age: 27]
[Cultivation: 9th Level Qi-Condensation Realm (93%) ]
[Cultivation Techniques: Blue Wave Cultivation Technique (Low-Tier Green)]
[Talent: Mid Tier]
[Skills:
- Blue Wave Swordsmanship (Perfected)
- Violent Wind Palm (Perfected)
- White Tiger Fists (Perfected)
- Cloud Steps (Perfected) ]
Li Bao's eyes lingered on his cultivation level. He was just a small step away from breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Realm. The thought sent a thrill through him, though he knew he had to be patient. He needed to stabilize his current level before attempting another breakthrough.
His skills had also undergone a significant transformation. The system had pushed them to the "Perfected" stage, something that would take most cultivators years, if not decades, to achieve. He could feel the precision and power of each technique resonating within him. With these skills perfected, he was confident that very few in the Qi-Condensation realm could stand against him.
Satisfied with his own progress, Li Bao shifted his focus. "Show me the status of the clan."
The screen shimmered, revealing the Li family's current state.
[Clan Status]
[Clan Name: Li Clan]
[Population: 58]
[Spirit Vein: 1st Tier]
[Cultivators: 30]
[Clan Level: Tier 2]
Li Bao frowned slightly as he scanned the information. The numbers were low—painfully low. But they were still here. Still alive. And as long as the Li family existed, there was hope for recovery.
"Nothing noteworthy," Li Bao muttered under his breath, closing the clan status screen. He knew that rebuilding the clan would be a long and arduous process, but with the system by his side, he was confident they would rise again.
His thoughts turned to the rewards he had earned from completing his first mission. "Show me the Quests page."
The screen flickered, and the Quests tab opened.
[Quests]
[Mission Completed: Establish Clan Development Strategy]
[Rewards: 10 Gacha Tickets, 500 Proficiency Points]
Li Bao smiled as he looked at the rewards. The 500 proficiency points were tempting, but he decided to hold onto them for now. He wanted to use them wisely, perhaps to push himself through the final stages of the Qi-Condensation realm or to improve his combat techniques further.
For now, his attention turned to the other reward. "Gacha."
The screen transitioned smoothly, revealing the Gacha tab.
[Gacha]
[Tickets: 20]
Li Bao's heart raced slightly as he looked at the number of tickets available. The system had given him 10 free tickets every month, and with the 10 he had just earned from completing the quest, he now had a total of 20. He couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The gacha could grant him anything—from rare techniques to powerful weapons or cultivation resources.
"Let's see what fate has in store for me," he whispered to himself. He knew how addictive the gacha could be; in his previous life, he had played enough games to understand the thrill of the unknown.
"Use 10 tickets."
The screen spun into action, colorful lights swirling as the system processed his command. For a moment, Li Bao held his breath, his mind racing with the possibilities. What could he gain from this? Rare treasures? New cultivation techniques? Or perhaps something even more valuable?