Chapter 22: Conclusion of the Discussion

Seeing Fang Jianting so emotionally overwhelmed that he was on the verge of tears made Fang Yun feel quite awkward. Was it their lack of understanding or his ignorance of the significance of being at the second layer of Qi refining?

Thus, Fang Yun hurriedly reassured him.

"Great-grandfather, it's really not that serious; please don't be so excited!"

Fang Jianting also realized that he had lost composure. After calming down, he looked at Fang Yun and said:

"Clan leader, you don't understand. Our Fang family has endured for hundreds of years, but we've faced hardships! Every time a clan cultivator meets with an accident, we face a life-and-death crisis. Too many people have died over the years for me to even remember. It's not just us ordinary folks suffering; even the cultivators through the generations have had it rough! For generations of cultivators, it takes at least a decade to break through to the second layer of Qi refining."

"Then they either go out to train and seek resources, or they endure until the end of their lifespan, barely breaking through to the third layer of Qi refining! Even though I'm not a cultivator, I can understand the difficulties faced by our family's cultivators. Now, you've only taken two years to break through to the second layer of Qi refining. Your spiritual root must be exceptional."

At this point, Fang Jianting paused and sighed, "It's such a pity that if you had been born in one of those major sects, you would definitely become an immortal ancestor in the future. Our Fang family has ultimately dragged you down!"

Upon hearing Fang Jianting's words, Fang Yun felt quite moved. In fact, when he first traversed into this world, he had complained about why he hadn't been transported to one of those major sects but instead ended up in a mundane family where cultivation was so difficult. This made his start very arduous. However, after thinking it through, he realized that being in such a family wasn't entirely without benefits. At least during the initial stage, he wouldn't encounter too many dangers.

As for cultivation, with his special ability, his progress wouldn't be too slow. Thus, compared to those major sects, this family was indeed more suitable for him. At least this way, he could have ample time to develop. If he had been transported to one of those major sects, the challenges he would face would be unpredictable; perhaps due to bad luck, even his special ability would fail to manifest before he was eliminated by others.

So, Fang Yun comforted him, "Great-grandfather, please don't say that. If it weren't for the family's support, I might still be an ordinary person, living a mediocre life. I wouldn't be where I am today as a cultivator. I am truly grateful to the family! Therefore, please refrain from such remarks in the future. Instead, let's think about how to repel those pirates!"

"Good, good, good! What the clan leader says is absolutely right; I won't say such things again!" Fang Jianting also realized he had spoken too much. Since Fang Yun was now the cultivator of the family, the stronger his aptitude, the better it was for the family. It was better not to voice any discontent.

At this time, Fang Yun turned to Fang Yong and said, "Elder Fang Yong, you control the guard team within the family; I believe you are an expert in arranging troops and formations. Please see how I can assist in dealing with the pirates, and feel free to give your orders!"

Hearing Fang Yun's words, Fang Yong immediately came to his senses and repeatedly shook his head, "I wouldn't dare, clan leader! How could I give you orders? But with your second layer of Qi refining, we can rest easy! Other matters will be handled by us; you only need to focus on activating the spiritual talismans. With you here, we won't need to pay any additional costs to activate the talismans!"

Upon hearing this arrangement, Fang Yun nodded. It was indeed appropriate for him to activate the spiritual talismans since it wouldn't cost him anything.

"But what if other cultivators show up? I'm a bit worried I won't be able to handle it!" Fang Yun didn't hide his concerns about his inadequate strength. Although everyone present was extremely shocked by his second-layer Qi refining level, as if it were impressive, Fang Yun was not swayed by their emotions. He knew very well that besides a bit of magical power, he had no other abilities. If a second-layer or even a third-layer cultivator really appeared, he would undoubtedly be finished. He had to be cautious about this.

Fang Yun's cultivation career had just begun, and he didn't want it to end prematurely. In response to the question raised by Fang Yun, Fang Lin explained, "Clan leader, you don't need to worry about this! Even if those pirates really do invite cultivators, they're likely only first-layer cultivators. With spiritual talismans and the clan's artifact, you should be able to handle it!"

Fang Yun pondered over these words and nodded thoughtfully. If it was just a first-layer cultivator, as long as he didn't encounter one that could challenge him beyond his level, he should be able to manage. But why would it only be first-layer cultivators? Fang Yun didn't voice this question, as he quickly thought of the reason. Although the second layer of Qi refining seemed weak to him, it was still relatively powerful compared to ordinary mortals.

It wouldn't be easy to invite such people to take action. Those pirates likely couldn't afford such a cost. If those pirates could truly afford such a price, with their strength, they wouldn't be targeting Ling Shui Island, which was resource-poor. Moreover, the spiritual springs on Ling Shui Island could only support ordinary cultivators to reach the second layer of Qi refining. Such a spiritual resource would obviously be looked down upon by other second-layer cultivators.

Thus, Fang Lin had said that even if there were cultivators among the pirates, they were likely to be first-layer cultivators. Understanding this point, Fang Yun felt relieved.

So, Fang Yun looked at Fang Yong and said, "Alright then, I'll handle the spiritual talismans and any potential cultivators! As for the troop arrangements and other matters, I'll leave them to you, Elder Fang Yong!"

Fang Yong hurriedly replied, "Rest assured, clan leader; I won't let you down!"

Then, Fang Yong made some brief arrangements for the elders present and hurriedly left to organize the family's guard team and begin preparations for battle.

After Fang Yong left, the others present also bid farewell to Fang Yun. As the war was approaching, they not only had to deal with the martial artists at the innate level, but also had many responsibilities within their own domains to prepare for.

Once the elders had departed, Fang Yun decided to stay in the town. With the war imminent, it wasn't practical for him to return to the mountain, only to rush down when the pirates arrived. That would waste too much time. He just hoped that his absence over the next few days wouldn't have too much of an impact on the growth of the spiritual rice.

Led by Fang Lin, Fang Yun arrived at the courtyard that belonged to the clan leader in the town. The courtyard was large, with pavilions and towers, a residence for clan leaders throughout the generations. However, the past clan leaders, all being the cultivators of the family, had lived in caves on the mountain, so this place clearly wasn't often inhabited.