Chapter 12 - Progress

After the somber funeral of the ex-clan head, Li Wuhao, the Li Clan resumed their usual activities, but the air was heavy with change. The elders, despite their sorrow, were resolute, their power having grown immensely over the past month. Li Bao, now the head of the clan, sat in his chambers, contemplating the future while scanning the system interface.

[System Interface: Clan Status]

[Clan Name: Li Clan]

[Population: 57]

[Spirit Vein: 9th Tier]

[Defensive Array: Tier 9 Defensive Array]

[Clan Estate Area:169km²]

[Cultivators: 45]

[Qi Condensation Realm: 11]

[Level: Tier 3]

[Assets: Li Clan Manor, Maple City, Tier 1: Spirit Field, Tier 1: Breeding Farm, Spirit Wood Farm]

[Spirit Stones: 23,670 Low-Tier Spirit Stones]

The system had been the key to the Li Clan's rapid ascent. In just a month, their power base had grown stronger than ever, thanks to the combination of new cultivation techniques, pills, and the Tier 9 Spirit Vein. This Spirit Vein alone had supercharged the cultivation speed of every clan member, allowing them to reach heights they previously thought impossible. The elders had taken full advantage of it, devoting themselves to mastering the Azure Wind Cultivation Technique, an Earth-tier technique that no other clan in the region could boast.

Li Bao opened the individual status of each key elder, beginning with his cousin, Li Leyue.

[Name: Li Leyue

Age: 31 

Bloodline: Gamer Bloodline 

Cultivation: 9th Level Qi-Condensation Realm (100%) 

Cultivation Techniques: Azure Wind Cultivation Technique (Earth Tier) 

Talent: Low Tier 

Skills: 

 - Azure Wind Swordsmanship (130/500, Intermediate) 

 - Azure Wind Steps (90/100, Beginner) 

 - Blue Wave Swordsmanship (669/1000, Advanced) 

 - Violent Wind Palm (734/1000, Advanced) 

 - Cloud Steps (916/1000, Advanced) ]

Li Leyue had always been steadfast and focused. The breakthrough she achieved in the past weeks was impressive, especially her mastery of the Blue Wave Swordsmanship and Violent Wind Palm. She was nearing the completion of Cloud Steps a difficult movement technique that, once perfected, would make her faster than anyone in the Qi-Condensation realm. It would give her an edge in both battle and tactical retreats.

Li Bao admired her progress. Though her talent was classified as low-tier, her hard work made her an invaluable asset. With her cultivation at its peak, all she needed was one final push to reach the Foundation Building Realm.

[Name: Li Jun

- Age: 29 

- Bloodline: Gamer Bloodline 

- Cultivation: 9th Level Qi-Condensation Realm (100%) 

- Cultivation Techniques: Azure Wind Cultivation Technique (Earth Tier) 

- Talent: Low Tier 

- Skills: 

 - Azure Wind Swordsmanship (83/100, Beginner) 

 - Azure Wind Steps (110/500, Intermediate) 

 - Blue Wave Swordsmanship (400/500, Intermediate) 

 - Violent Wind Palm (Perfected) 

 - White Tiger Fists (Perfected) 

 - Cloud Steps (875/1000, Advanced)]

Li Jun's progress had been equally impressive. Despite starting with the same low-tier talent, his dedication to martial arts had paid off. He had already perfected both the Violent Wind Palm and White Tiger Fists, two aggressive techniques that made him a formidable close-combat fighter. His Azure Wind Swordsmanship still lagged behind compared to his other skills, but he more than compensated with his hand-to-hand combat expertise.

His Cloud Steps had also reached an advanced level, making him a versatile fighter. If enemies tried to corner him, they would be in for a rude awakening once he combined his speed and destructive fists. He, too, was close to reaching the Foundation Building Realm, just a step away from breaking the barriers that had kept him in the Qi-Condensation realm for years.

[Name: Li Runchu

- Age: 37 

- Bloodline: Gamer Bloodline 

- Cultivation: 9th Level Qi-Condensation Realm (100%) 

- Cultivation Techniques: Azure Wind Cultivation Technique (Earth Tier) 

- Talent: Low Tier 

- Skills: 

 - Azure Wind Swordsmanship (123/500, Intermediate) 

 - Azure Wind Steps (160/500, Intermediate) 

 - Blue Wave Swordsmanship (864/1000, Advanced) 

 - Violent Wind Palm (Perfected) 

 - White Tiger Fists (300/500, Intermediate) 

 - Cloud Steps (832/1000, Advanced)]

Li Runchu had initially been slower to adopt the new techniques, but once he committed, his progress skyrocketed. He had always been known for his experience, and now that experience was bolstered by powerful new techniques. His Blue Wave Swordsmanship was nearly perfected, and once it reached its peak, his combat prowess would be unmatched among the elders.

Though his White Tiger Fists and Azure Wind Swordsmanship were still catching up, his progress with Cloud Steps and Blue Wave Swordsmanship made him one of the deadliest in the clan. His caution had turned into strength, and his breakthroughs had given him a renewed vigor.

Li Bao leaned back in his chair, a sense of satisfaction filling him. The elders had far exceeded his expectations. He had given them the tools to succeed, but their determination had done the rest. In the past month, they had poured every ounce of their focus into cultivating, mastering the Earth-tier techniques he had given them. And now, they stood on the verge of greatness.

Not only had the elders grown stronger, but the overall strength of the clan had also improved significantly. Nearly half of the clan's cultivators had reached the Qi-Condensation Realm, and that number was rising. Even the younger generation, many of whom had been stuck in the Body Forging Realm, were now showing signs of rapid advancement.

As Li Bao closed the system interface, there was a knock at his door. 

"Enter," he said, turning his chair to face the door.

It was Li Leyue, her expression serious.

"The Zhou and Peng Clans have been unusually quiet these past few days," she said. "Our spies haven't reported any significant movements, but I have a feeling they're planning something."

Li Bao nodded. "They're not fools. They've heard the about the funeral, and they're will definitely make a move today"

Leyue's brow furrowed. "Do you think they'll attack?"

"They might, but it won't matter," Li Bao replied calmly. "The elders alone are enough to crush them. I don't even need to act unless something unexpected happens."

Leyue crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. "And if they have outside help?"

"Then I'll deal with it," Li Bao said, his eyes flashing with confidence. "But for now, I want the clan to remain on high alert. If they attack, the elders will handle it. I've given strict orders for everyone else to stay inside the clan estate. We can't afford any unnecessary risks."

"Call elders to main hall and inform clan members to be in battle ready state"