74: Wind Dragon Lizard Beast, Xiao Wan's Heartfelt Wishes

Before Li Yinglong could fully react, Dragon Stone waved his hand again, and another clansman led a young beast forward.

This young beast was not large, about half a person's height, and had a peculiar appearance:

Its entire body was covered with fine, pale golden scales, shimmering with a soft luster under the sunlight.

Its body was round and fleshy, with short, sturdy limbs, and a long tail that swayed flexibly.

On its back were a pair of fleshy wings, slightly oversized compared to its body, with small hooked claws at the ends of the wings.

The most peculiar thing was its head, which had a pair of crystal-clear, short deer antlers forking like jade branches, which, combined with its round, watery big eyes and slightly docile muzzle, made it appear both mystical and somewhat cute and innocent.

Its overall appearance looked somewhat like a blend of Eastern and Western styles:

It had the basic form of a Western flying Dragon, yet exuded an auspicious aura characteristic of Eastern Dragon Clan.

As soon as this beast appeared, a low murmur of discussion immediately arose from below the stage; clearly, many clansmen were seeing it for the first time.

Li Yinglong's gaze sharpened, and the wisp of true dragon source blood within him subtly stirred, giving rise to a strange sense of closeness.

He immediately understood that this beast was absolutely extraordinary!

Dragon Stone introduced it with a solemn expression:

"Brother Li, this is a treasure of our Clan, a Spirit Beast possessing pure Dragon Blood—a young Wind Dragon Lizard."

"It is of the same sub-Dragon species as the Mountain Dragon Lizard that crossed the river earlier, but its Bloodline is purer, and its talents are vastly different.

It is still in its infancy, so its formidable stature has not yet manifested.

Once it matures, its wings will cover the sky, it can ride the wind, and its speed will far exceed that of a Green Shadow Falcon!

An adult Wind Dragon Lizard's combat power is even more formidable and unmatched; its scales are tough and difficult to injure, it can spit wind blades and hurricanes, its sharp claws can split metal and stone, and it can even carry one to two riders to soar through the Nine Heavens!

Its combat value and tactical mobility on the battlefield are akin to a divine weapon descending from the heavens!"

"This beast is extremely difficult to breed; our Clan has exerted its full effort, and even now, only a handful exist within the Clan.

Today, I present it to Brother Li.

Once it matures, it can also carry Brother Li to soar through the Nine Heavens!

May it grow and thrive alongside the Li Family, becoming a witness and guardian of the unbreakable friendship between our two Clans!"

A Wind Dragon Lizard! Capable of carrying people in flight once it matures!

Li Yinglong's heart also surged with excitement.

Dragon Knight?

This thought flashed through his mind instantly, and even with his steady Heart-Nature, he found it somewhat absurd yet exhilarating.

He looked at the adorable young beast before him, which contained infinite potential, and felt immense fondness in his heart; this was indeed an immeasurable and generous gift!

The significance of owning a flying Spirit Beast for the Family was self-evident!

Just as his heart was surging, an even more astonishing scene unfolded.

The young Wind Dragon Lizard seemed to be attracted by the faint yet extremely high-ranking true Dragon Qi emanating from Li Yinglong.

It broke free from its leash, and with stumbling but determined steps, walked to Li Yinglong's feet, rubbing its antlered head affectionately against Li Yinglong's trousers, emitting cooing, kitten-like sounds, its round, big eyes filled with dependence and closeness.

This scene stunned everyone on and off the stage.

Although the Wind Dragon Lizard was considered a Sacred Beast of the Clan, it was naturally proud, and rarely showed such affection even to the clansmen who fed it.

Yet now, it displayed such behavior towards Li Yinglong, whom it was meeting for the first time?

The Grand Elder and Dragon Stone exchanged glances, their eyes filled with surprise and understanding.

Dragon Stone clapped his hands and laughed:

"Haha! Good! Good!

Spirit Beasts have their own spirit; they choose their own master!

Brother Li is indeed fated with our Clan, and with this beast!

It seems this gift was given correctly!"

Li Yinglong was also delighted in his heart.

He bent down and gently stroked the young Wind Dragon Lizard's head, feeling a cool, smooth touch.

The little fellow narrowed its eyes in enjoyment, and its cooing sounds grew louder.

This unexpected joy pushed the atmosphere of the alliance ceremony to a climax.

The clansmen looked at Li Yinglong with even more genuine recognition and warmth.

The Grand Elder seized the Opportunity to step forward, raising his Dragon-coiled wooden staff, his voice resounding throughout the venue:

"The alliance is formed, Bloodlines are connected!

From this day forward, the Li Family of the East Sea is the Blood-allied Brother of our Angry Dragon Clan!

The two Clans shall watch over each other, share fortune and misfortune, and prosper enduringly!"

"Roar! Watch over each other! Share fortune and misfortune!"

Below the stage, all the Angry Dragon Clan members shouted in unison, their voices shaking the wilderness.

Li Yinglong stood at the front of the stage, the focus of all eyes, a sense of pride and responsibility surging within him simultaneously.

This trip to the Southern Borders had yielded immense gains, far exceeding his imagination.

Not only did he himself obtain a Dragon Legacy, but he also forged such a powerful alliance for his Family, opened a bridge for communication with the Southern Borders, and received generous gifts like the Green Shadow Falcon and the Wind Dragon Lizard—truly beyond what he had ever imagined... The clamor and fervor of the alliance ceremony, like a receding tide, gradually faded as the crowd dispersed.

Li Yinglong stood by the window of his temporary bamboo dwelling, gazing at the distant, mist-shrouded mountain outlines, his mind also organizing the immense gains from this journey to the Southern Borders.

It was time to return to Linhai City and transform these gains into tangible foundations for the Family.

He turned and spoke gently to Lin Xiaowan, who was meticulously arranging the four young Green Shadow Falcons nearby:

"Little Wan, pack up; we will depart for Linhai City tomorrow."

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Lin Xiaowan's movements paused slightly, but she did not immediately respond.

She lowered her head, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the soft down of the young falcons, seemingly hesitant.

Li Yinglong, being incredibly perceptive, immediately noticed her abnormality.

This child was usually obedient and sensible, following instructions precisely; her current silence seemed particularly abrupt.

He slowly walked closer:

"Little Wan, do you have something on your mind? Feel free to speak."

Lin Xiaowan looked up, a flicker of struggle in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by an unprecedented determination.

She put down the young falcons, stood up, faced Li Yinglong, and took a deep breath, as if having made a certain decision.

"Clan Chief Grandpa,"

Her voice was soft, yet clear and firm:

"Little Wan... Little Wan wishes to earnestly request your permission to stay."

"Stay?"

Li Yinglong's eyebrows slightly raised; this request indeed caught him by surprise.

"Stay in the Angry Dragon Stockade? Why?"

"I want to stay and follow Pharmacist Long Yun to learn Spirit Plant cultivation and medicinal arts."

Lin Xiaowan's gaze was clear:

"A few days ago, when you were discussing important matters with the Clan Chief and Elders, Sister Aya took me on a tour of the stronghold and we visited their Spirit Medicine garden.

I... I met Pharmacist Long Yun."

Her eyes sparkled:

"Pharmacist Long Yun's knowledge of plants far exceeded my imagination.

She can not only identify hundreds of unique Southern Borders Spirit Plants that I've never heard of, but she also knows how to Cultivate them according to local conditions, how to extract their medicinal properties, and how to use the power of plants to harmonize Qi and Blood and dispel miasma.

She... she can even 'converse' with plants to perceive their needs and emotions."

Lin Xiaowan grew more excited as she spoke, a blush rising on her face:

"Clan Chief Grandpa, you know that I have a natural affinity for plants, and the Evergreen Art I Cultivate also aligns with this Dao.

But in our Family, knowledge regarding Spirit Plant medicine is almost starting from scratch; we rely entirely on our own exploration, and progress is slow.

Yet here... here there is a complete Legacy, and experienced Elders like Pharmacist Long Yun are willing to guide me."

She paused, her tone becoming more earnest:

"The Angry Dragon Clan reveres the Earth Mother and treats plants as friends.

Their Legacy of knowledge is not as guarded as some Sects outside.

Pharmacist Long Yun, seeing my genuine love for plants, also hinted at a willingness to teach me.

Clan Chief Grandpa, since our two Families have already formed a Blood Alliance, our relationship is extraordinary.

Little Wan thinks that if I can study here for a year, systematically mastering the Angry Dragon Clan's knowledge in Spirit Plant medicine, when I return to the Family, I can pass on what I've learned to other clansmen, establishing our Family's own Spirit Plant System and medicinal foundation."

"This... this might contribute more to the Family than Little Wan simply improving her Cultivation a bit."

She looked up, her gaze fixed on Li Yinglong, her eyes no longer holding the timidity of the young girl who initially needed protection, but rather a brightness and sense of responsibility of someone who had found her own Dao.

Li Yinglong listened quietly, his heart surging with emotion.

He truly had not expected Lin Xiaowan to have such an idea, nor had he anticipated that she would think to this extent—not seeking an Opportunity for herself, but focusing on the Family's long-term developmental shortcomings.

He looked at the slender young girl before him, as if seeing a young sapling diligently absorbing nutrients, striving to grow into a great tree that would shelter the Family.

This conscious sense of responsibility, this proactive choice based on rational thought, pleased him far more than mere obedience to orders.

He did not need tools that only executed commands; he needed pillars of talent with independent thinking, foresight, and responsibility, capable of jointly supporting the Family's future.

What Lin Xiaowan displayed at this moment was precisely this precious quality.

After a long while, a deeply gratified smile slowly spread across Li Yinglong's face, a smile filled with approval, expectation, and even a sense of relief as if seeing hope.

He gently nodded, his gaze as gentle as spring water:

"Good.

Very good."

He stood up and patted Lin Xiaowan's shoulder, a gesture full of affirmation.

"That you have this Heart-Nature and this ambition deeply pleases me.

The future of the Family lies in whether you, the younger generation, can surpass your predecessors, each develop your own specialty, and carve out your own path.

Spirit Plant medicine is the cornerstone of the Family's continuation.

That you can see this point and are willing to strive for it is ten times more valuable than a mere advancement in Cultivation!

I am proud of your decision today!"

He changed the subject:

"Since you have thought it through, how can I possibly object?

You may stay and learn, but you must remember a few points: Firstly, respect your teachers, learn humbly, and do not be arrogant; secondly, be diligent and hardworking, do not waste time, and within one year, you should achieve something; thirdly, be cautious in your words and actions, for you represent not just yourself, but also the reputation of our Li Family.

When interacting with friends from the Angry Dragon Clan, you must treat them with sincerity and watch over each other."

"Little Wan understands! I will certainly not fail Clan Chief Grandpa's expectations!"

Lin Xiaowan's eyes were slightly red with excitement, and she nodded heavily.

"Let's go,"

Li Yinglong flicked his sleeve, his expression returning to calm:

"This matter requires the main Family's consent.

I will take you to see Clan Chief Dragon Stone to formally present your request; that shows proper respect."

With that, he led the way out of the bamboo dwelling.

Lin Xiaowan quickly hurried to catch up.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the bamboo dwelling, illuminating their figures and lengthening their shadows, as if also illuminating a new path to the future.