Chapter 18: The New Clan Grounds
In the days that followed, all of the adults seemed extremely busy. Yang Zhentian, Yang Potian's father, was nowhere to be seen most of the time. Even his mother was around less frequently.
Yang Potian, however, didn't mind much. He didn't clamor to go out; instead, he focused on training, practicing spear techniques, building his strength, taking medicinal baths, and reading. Each day was packed with purpose.
In just a few short years, he had read nearly all the books available in the Po Clan's collection. Only a few remained, mainly those about medicinal herbs and high-level martial soul cultivation, all of which were kept securely and out of reach for now. For safety's sake, such knowledge was reserved until a child's martial soul had fully awakened, as it could be dangerous otherwise.
About three months after Yang Wudi's arrival in Heaven Dou City, the majority of the clan's experts gathered on a mountain to the east of the city.
This mountain, while of moderate height and not especially rugged, spanned a broad area, about ten kilometers across. It also featured a large valley, where the climate was well-suited for growing medicinal herbs. Known as Clear Spring Mountain, it seemed the ideal location.
Now, atop Clear Spring Mountain, Yang Wudi and his clan looked down at the bustling scene below, each of them showing a sense of relief and satisfaction.
The clan had spent nearly all of its reserves in the past three months, enlisting the help of the Yu Clan to construct their new grounds, which were nearly complete.
The Po Clan's new grounds sprawled across two square kilometers at the base of the mountain, resembling a small town. They featured various buildings, including hundreds of residences, numerous alchemy labs, training rooms, an armory, and even several large martial arts training grounds. A small lake near the perimeter ensured a steady water supply. Yang Wudi had even quietly ordered a secret tunnel dug as an emergency escape route, though almost no one was aware of its existence.
Having worked all morning, Niu Gao strolled over and grinned. "Old Goat, how's the new grounds looking? Satisfied?"
Yang Wudi chuckled. "Old Rhino, I have to say, you've really outdone yourself."
Niu Gao replied with a snort, "Why here, though? You could grow herbs anywhere. Sure, the mountain and the water are nice, but there's one big drawback."
"Of course, I know the drawbacks. But what the Po Clan lacks in protection, we make up for in spirit. If anyone dares attack, we'll fight to the last."
Though the new grounds were ideal in many ways, they were somewhat vulnerable defensively, lacking natural barriers. The clan's walls were no more than a few dozen meters tall, insufficient against spirit masters. Yet Yang Wudi was unbothered by this.
"How much longer until you're finished?" he asked.
Niu Gao replied, "Three days at most, and everything will be ready for you to move in."
"I owe you for this, Old Rhino. Without the Yu Clan's help, our grounds wouldn't be close to finished."
"Don't be so formal. After all, we're friends, aren't we? So, when are you planning to move in?"
"If you'll be done in three days, we'll move in then. We should all get together for the occasion."
"That sounds great. I haven't seen my grandson in a while, either."
"Good. It's decided then!"
Three days later, Yang Potian finally saw the new Po Clan grounds for the first time, accompanied by his parents and grandfather.
He gazed in awe at the towering walls and brand-new buildings. The transformation in just three months was remarkable—such was the expertise of the Yu Clan.
Following his parents, he reached their new home. Compared to the old grounds, their residence was far larger and more luxurious. The three of them now had an entire, well-equipped courtyard to themselves, with more than ten rooms, including a study, storage rooms, an alchemy lab, a kitchen, and a grand hall. It was all quite splendid.
The back courtyard also included a spacious training area, larger than a basketball court, and a pond filled with clear water and swimming fish. The place felt more lavish than any mansion he'd seen in his previous life. If there was a downside, it was that it seemed a bit empty with so few people around.
Upon seeing their new home, everyone felt content, even excited.
However, his mother, Niu Jinfeng, seemed unusually shy. At dinner, she said to him, "Potian, what do you think of the three of us together here? You never seem too interested in playing with other kids."
"They're all a bit childish," he replied. "I prefer reading or training."
"You're such a good boy," she said with a smile. "But don't you feel a bit lonely?"
"Mom, what are you talking about? I'm just a kid; I don't get lonely."
"Potian, it's good for children to play with others, especially younger ones. Learning to look after them will help you become a strong clan leader."
Yang Potian was puzzled. "Mom, I'm still young—why worry about that now? What is it you're really trying to say?"
After a long pause, Niu Jinfeng finally said, "Son, would you mind having a little brother or sister?"
"Mom, are you saying you're pregnant?"
Silence filled the room as both his parents exchanged glances. Yang Potian suddenly understood—he was about to become a big brother.
"Mom, that's great news! That means I get to be an older brother! Why do you both look so worried?"
At his carefree attitude, they felt both reassured and slightly exasperated. "Is he clueless?" they thought. "He's about to be a big brother and doesn't seem to care at all."
Later, Yang Zhentian approached his son with a serious expression. "Potian, I've been considering sharing the benefits of whale gelatin with the clan. What do you think?"
Yang Potian thought for a moment. "Father, after the clan's recent losses, it would be a blessing to share the benefits of whale gelatin with Grandpa and the others."
For weeks, Yang Zhentian had been feeling a bit awkward. Ever since rumors spread that he was taking whale gelatin, people had been giving him strange looks. Even his father, Yang Wudi, had asked if he was taking care of himself. It was becoming quite the ordeal.
(End of Chapter)
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