Fang Yun watched Fang Lin lightly tap the ground with his toes, his body floating towards the foot of the mountain as if flying.
Envy arose in his heart, wondering if, without the use of a movement spell, he should practice Qinggong?
After all, although he could run almost as fast as Fang Lin with the drive of his mana, his posture was quite ungraceful.
It seemed like it would be worthwhile to learn it if he had the chance.
With this thought in mind, the two soon reached the base of the mountain, and then continued to rush towards the south of the island along the road on the ground.
Crossing over rice fields and the great bridge spanning the river, they quickly arrived at the entrance of a town.
It was then that Fang Lin stopped, leading Fang Yun into it.
Without pausing for even a moment, they went straight into the grand hall inside the town.
The layout inside the hall was not very lavish, with a large chair placed at the central end, and a small tea table next to the chair.
On both sides were rows of chairs, five in each row, making a total of ten seats.
Next to each chair was also a small tea table.
At this moment, with the exception of the first seat on the right, which was obviously reserved for Fang Lin, the other seats were already filled with people, clearly having waited for some time.
Upon entering the grand hall, Fang Yun quickly scanned the nine people on both sides.
Apart from Fang Hao, who was the second in line on the right, Fang Yun did not recognize the others.
Among the remaining people, there were six men and two women, with the youngest being in their forties or fifties.
The oldest elder sitting in the first seat on the left had white hair and a face full of wrinkles, and Fang Yun could even feel the scent of decay from him.
Clearly, his life was coming to its end.
And with even such a short-lived person showing up, it seemed that the situation was quite urgent.
Thinking of this, Fang Yun couldn't help but become more nervous.
While Fang Yun was observing these people and gathering information,
the others also noticed that Fang Lin had brought a youth into the hall.
Although Fang Yun had not met these people before, they were very familiar with his appearance.
After all, as the only cultivator in the family and the Clan Leader,
these clan elders, being seniors in the family, of course had to recognize Fang Yun.
"We pay our respects to the Clan Leader!!!"
Everyone bowed deeply, offering Fang Yun a grand salute.
Fang Yun was momentarily stunned by this scene, having never been respected so much in either of his two lives, making him feel a bit embarrassed.
After clearing his throat, he said: "There's no need to be so formal, everyone please rise!"
"Thank you, Clan Leader!"
At this time, Fang Lin, sitting at the central position opposite him, said: "Clan Leader, let me briefly introduce the few elders present!
The first on the left is our clan's Chief elder Fang Jianting, who is 102 years old this year and is like a living fossil of our clan.
Don't be fooled by his age; his wisdom is extraordinary, and he has devised numerous strategies for the family."
Fang Jianting nodded slightly, giving Fang Yun a warm glance.
Fang Lin continued the introduction: "The second is Fang Hong, who is in charge of the family's trade affairs, and has made great contributions to the family's economic prosperity."
Fang Hong gestured with his hands, his face showing a calm smile.
"The third is Fang Yong, the pillar of the family's martial strength, commanding the family's protective forces, and has protected the family from dangers on multiple occasions." Fang Yong had a stout physique and sharp eyes.
"The fourth is Fang Ming, proficient in medicine, and the health of everyone in the family depends on his care." Fang Ming, with a scholar-like demeanor, smiled and nodded to Fang Yun.
"The fifth is Fang Qiang, who manages the family's logistics. He is meticulous and ensures everything is well-organized." Fang Qiang appeared simple and honest.
After finishing with the left side, Fang Lin turned to the right: "These two are the only female elders in our clan, and in terms of strength, they are not inferior to any of us.
The one on the left is Fang Xue, who excels in cultivation. Under her guidance, the family's rice fields have been bountiful almost every year."
Fang Xue wore a cool expression and nodded slightly.
"The one on the right is Fang Jie, whose skill in refining equipment is exquisite, having crafted many fine weapons for the clan."
Fang Jie had a kind face and offered Fang Yun a friendly smile.
At this moment, Fang Lin pointed to the middle-aged man standing aside who had not yet been introduced and said: "This is Fang Hao, who is responsible for the family's intelligence gathering and is very well-informed."
Fang Yun listened attentively to Fang Lin's introduction, nodding at each of the people present, making an effort to remember their names, appearances, and specialties in his heart.
As the Clan Leader, even if Fang Yun did not participate in the specific affairs of the clan, it was still important to know the details of the elders; otherwise, it would make him seem somewhat incompetent.
After the brief introduction, it was time to discuss official business.
Fang Yun was not one to stand on ceremony and directly asked Fang Lin: "What exactly is the situation? Why did pirates suddenly attack our Spirit Water Island?
And if I remember correctly, there shouldn't be any pirates appearing near us, right?"
Fang Lin stood up, cupped his hands, and said: "Clan Leader, it is better for elder Fang Hao to explain the specifics, as he oversees the clan's intelligence and is more knowledgeable in detail!"
Fang Yun turned his gaze to Fang Hao upon hearing this.
Fang Hao, without declining, stood up and said: "Clan Leader, esteemed elders!
Indeed, according to past experience, our Spirit Water Island is quite remote, and there are seldom any isolated islands nearby, so encounters with pirates are very rare.
However, after the passing of the previous cultivator of our Fang Family, the news somehow spread out.
Since last year, there have been pirates appearing nearby.
They refrained from rashly invading because they feared our family's strength and the legacy left by the previous cultivator.
Until recently, it's unknown whether they have gathered more manpower or have some other reliance.
They have been gradually approaching us, and it's estimated they will reach Spirit Water Island in a few days!
We need to come up with countermeasures as soon as possible!"
After Fang Hao finished speaking, he sat down.
His task was completed, and it was now up to the family to come up with a response.
Fang Yun did not expect this issue to stem from the death of the previous generation cultivator.
The previous cultivator was only at the second level of Qi Cultivation, and yet his deterrent power was so strong?
While he was alive, no pirates dared invade. After his death, troublemakers dared to infringe upon Spirit Water Island.
For the first time, Fang Yun deeply understood how formidable a cultivator's presence could be to the mortals of this world.
However, even realizing this, Fang Yun did not dare to be proud, for he understood his own capabilities.
Merely a cultivator at the second level of the lowest Qi Cultivation, there wasn't much to boast about.
In face of a conflict of this level, it was better to be cautious.