84: Place people in positions and set off again.

Three days, for Linhai City, was merely two cycles of tides rising and falling.

Long Tao and several Angry Dragon Clan guards lingered in this bustling city on the shores of the East Sea for two days.

Li Yinglong did not confine them to an inn; instead, he personally accompanied them, strolling through the busy streets, ascending to the commanding pier, and gazing at the countless sails in the distance.

Everything they saw and heard secretly astonished Long Tao and his companions.

The city was orderly, with numerous shops and flourishing trade; although the people’s faces bore traces of hardship, their eyes held a spark of light, indicating no signs of famine or destitution.

Especially the vast pier stretching along the coast, constantly bustling with boats like a swarm of fish, the laborers’ chants echoing to the heavens, and goods piling up like mountains as cranes rose and fell—a scene of vibrant life.

What caught their attention even more was that everyone they encountered, whether merchants, peddlers, or city patrols, would spontaneously make way for Li Yinglong and his group, showing immense respect that stemmed from the heart, not forced by power.

Li Yinglong spoke calmly, occasionally pointing out the landscape, mentioning how a certain industry had been recently integrated by the Family, or a shipping route had just opened. His tone was casual, yet it conveyed a deep undercurrent, making Long Tao and the others keenly feel the Li Immortal Clan’s deeply rooted influence and strong Foundation in this region.

This “stroll” was not a display of arrogance but a silent demonstration of strength, intended to let the Angry Dragon Clan envoys witness firsthand that the Li Family was not a small clan confined to a corner and dependent on others, but a blood-bound brother with strength, potential, and worthy of deep friendship.

At dawn on the third day, before the morning mist had dispersed, Linhai City’s main pier was already bustling with activity.

By the shore, the Angry Dragon Clan dragon boat that would carry Long Tao and the others back was moored.

However, even more eye-catching was a much larger, deeper-drafted hard-sailed seaship docked nearby.

Built from ironwood, its hull was thoroughly coated in tung oil, gleaming with a dark luster, and its tall mast and wide sails gave it a formidable appearance. This was the “Whale Shark,” a vessel under the Li Family’s command used for long-distance maritime trade.

On the open ground beside the ship, various supplies were piled high like mountains.

Bundles of fine linen, brightly colored silks, glistening white sea salt, tightly sealed tea bricks, and dozens of heavy large chests, likely containing the daily necessities Li Yinglong had promised the Angry Dragon Clan.

The sheer quantity far exceeded Long Tao and the others’ estimations.

Li Yinglong, dressed in a black robe, stood tall. Seeing the astonished expressions on Long Tao’s and the others’ faces, he calmly explained:

“Brother Long, all the items promised to your Clan have been prepared. However, the goods are numerous, and while your dragon boat is excellent, it may not be able to carry everything. Therefore, I took the liberty of dispatching this ‘Whale Shark’ along with a team of experienced sailors to accompany you, specifically to transport these supplies directly to Angry Dragon Stockade. This will ensure everything arrives safely and save you brothers the trouble of carrying them along the way.”

Upon hearing this, Long Tao felt grateful and relieved. He clasped his fists and said:

“Clan Head Li, your consideration is thorough. Long Tao thanks you on behalf of my Clan Chief and the entire Clan! Such generous gifts truly make us feel overwhelmed.”

“Between brothers, there’s no need for thanks.”

Li Yinglong waved his hand, then subtly changed the subject, his gaze sweeping over Long Tao and the three guards behind him:

“This journey has taken several days, and I am grateful for the four warriors’ escort and hard work along the way. I have prepared a small token of my appreciation, hoping you will accept it.”

With that, servants behind him brought up four slightly smaller but heavy chests, placing one in front of each of the four men.

Opening the chests, they saw finer silks, premium tea leaves, and various other goods inside.

Long Tao’s expression changed, and he quickly refused:

“Clan Head Li! How can this be! Protecting you is our duty; how dare we accept such a generous gift again? Moreover, the Clan Head has already gifted our Clan a mountain of supplies. If we accept private gifts again, wouldn’t our clansmen laugh at our greed when we return to the Stronghold? Absolutely not!”

The other three guards also waved their hands repeatedly, their faces flushed.

Li Yinglong had anticipated this. His expression became serious, and his tone was sincere yet carried an undeniable weight:

“Brother Long, you are mistaken! Public is public, private is private. The gifts to the Clan are to fulfill the blood alliance, for the long-term benefit of both clans. These small gifts are my personal token of appreciation for your hard work along the way, treating you as my own nephews! Could it be that Brother Long feels I am not worthy of this personal friendship with the four of you? Or do you believe the Li Family’s hospitality is so stingy that we would even begrudge a small amount for your efforts?”

His words were earnest, yet subtly sharp, elevating the act of accepting the gifts to the level of “acknowledging personal friendship” and “the Li Family’s reputation.”

Long Tao and the four guards, being straightforward men, immediately felt that if they refused again, it would make them seem hypocritical and narrow-minded, disrespecting Clan Head Li’s friendship and the Li Family’s prestige.

The four men exchanged glances, and finally, led by Long Tao, they bowed deeply, accepted the packages with both hands, and said in a solemn voice:

“Clan Head, your kindness is too great to refuse! We… accept with shame! In the future, should the Clan Head have any need, we will brave fire and water without hesitation!”

“Good!”

Li Yinglong smiled, helped Long Tao up, and then said:

“Since that is the case, I have one more matter to entrust to you: this convoy transporting supplies will be led by Li Qinghe, a Disciple of our Family who manages maritime shipping affairs, and Mr. Song Wenqing, a Family advisor. Both of them are familiar with maritime matters and also wish to use this trip to broaden their horizons in the Southern Border and experience its customs. However, as they are new to your territory and unfamiliar with the place, I ask Brother Long and the warriors to introduce them to your Stronghold Elders upon arrival and look after them, so they do not suffer a cold reception or inadvertently violate your local rules.”

Long Tao, unsuspecting, patted his chest and readily promised:

“Clan Head, rest assured! Since they are distinguished guests of the Li Family, they are also honored guests of our Angry Dragon Clan! Upon arrival, Long Tao will personally arrange for their introduction to the Clan Chief and the Elders, ensuring our esteemed guests do not suffer any grievances!”

“In that case, I am relieved.”

Li Yinglong nodded, his gaze sweeping over Li Qinghe and Song Wenqing, who had already boarded the ship and were waiting.

Both were dressed in neat, practical attire. Li Qinghe was shrewd and capable, while Song Wenqing was refined yet steady. Seeing the Clan Head’s gaze, they both nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Their journey, ostensibly for escorting supplies and for travel and learning, was in fact under Li Yinglong’s secret orders. They were to seize the opportunity to thoroughly investigate the situation around Thousand Sails Ferry and even the Southern Border’s estuary, and assess the feasibility of establishing a Li Family stronghold there.

This matter concerned the Family’s future expansion southward and intelligence gathering, making it critically important, but it was not something to be revealed to outsiders like Long Tao.

“The auspicious time has arrived, let us depart!”

Li Yinglong said no more, clasping his hands in farewell.

A long horn blast sounded, and ropes were tightened.

With the dragon boat in the lead, the “Whale Shark” followed closely, slowly sailing away from the pier and merging into the sea and sky shrouded in morning mist.

Li Yinglong stood with his hands behind his back on the shore until the ships disappeared over the horizon, then turned and returned to his residence.

The gentle expression on his face vanished, replaced by a calm and profound demeanor.

In the Family’s main hall, his eldest son, Li Qingshan, was already standing respectfully, holding a scroll with a roster.

“Father, the Southern Border fleet has departed smoothly.”

Li Qingshan reported, then presented the roster:

“This is the list of the second batch of Disciples selected to be sent to the overseas immortal island for cultivation, as you instructed during the New Year’s Eve banquet. There are twelve people in total; please review it.”

Li Yinglong took it, unrolled it, and examined it carefully.

On the roster, names, ages, origins, performance reviews for the past six months, and loyalty assessments (all above eighty-five) were clearly listed.

Most were boys and girls aged twelve to eighteen, including main branch Disciples, outstanding individuals from collateral branches, and even talented individuals from other surnames.

His gaze swept to the end, and two names caught his eye—Song Shuyao, Song Shuwen.

“Are these two Mr. Song’s twin children?”

Li Yinglong looked up and asked.

Li Qingshan quickly replied:

“Yes. Although Mr. Song only joined our Family recently, he is profoundly learned, handles affairs fairly, and his loyalty is evident. His children, Shuyao and Shuwen, are fourteen years old, intelligent and eager to learn, and of pure character. After investigation, they are indeed promising talents. I believe including them in this list will not only demonstrate our Family’s fairness but also reassure Mr. Song, encouraging him to dedicate himself even more to the Family’s plans.”

Since helping the Li Family resolve the porridge stall crisis last time, Song Wenqing had joined the Li Family. He was now Li Qingshan’s assistant, helping him handle various Family affairs, and his abilities were very prominent.

“Hmm, well-considered, acceptable.”

Li Yinglong closed the roster and handed it back to Li Qingshan:

“The list is correct. Immediately instruct people to notify these children and their families to pack their belongings and say proper goodbyes. Three days from now, at Chen Shi (7-9 AM), they will gather at the pier and depart for overseas.”

“Yes!”

Li Qingshan took the roster, hesitated for a moment, then added:

“Father, sending another twelve people this time will bring the number of Disciples on the island to twenty-two. Furthermore, the first batch of Disciples sent before the New Year has already entered the threshold of cultivation, and resource consumption is increasing… Although the overseas Spiritual Vein is good, sitting idle will deplete resources. Should we accelerate the development of spiritual fields and the exploration of island resources? Also, although Linhai City itself is safe, after the previous chaos caused by Xia Donghai, external attention may already be focused on our Family. Frequent large-scale personnel movements over the long term, might it…”

Li Yinglong waved his hand, interrupting him:

“I understand your concerns. Qingzhu is already stepping up the nurturing of the Spiritual Vein and resource development. Linhai City is our Foundation and must not be lost, so we need to focus on both lines. As for external prying, we have our own methods of dealing with it. I will leave two Green Shadow Falcons with you; if anything seems amiss, you can send a message in advance.”

“Currently, accumulating strength and nurturing Disciples are the top priorities. Only by strengthening ourselves can we fear no storms. Go, act according to my command.”

Seeing that his father’s mind was made up and he was confident, Li Qingshan said no more, bowed, and accepted the order:

“Son understands, I will go arrange it now!”

Three days later, at dawn.

The pier was under strict security; idlers were not permitted near.

Twelve newly appointed young boys and girls, carrying their belongings, tearfully bid farewell to their families before boarding a fast ship that had been prepared.

Although their eyes held sorrow at parting, they were filled more with aspiration and determination for the unknown immortal path.

Li Changyun and the first generation of Disciples also returned at the same time.

Li Yinglong was the last to board, standing at the bow of the ship, his dark robe fluttering in the sea breeze.

His gaze swept over the core Family members in the farewell crowd, such as Li Qingshan and Uncle Zhong, and he nodded slightly, everything unspoken.

“Set sail.”

At his command, the fast ship untied its moorings and hoisted its sails, breaking through the vast blue waves towards the rising sun, speeding towards the isolated overseas island that carried the future of the Li Immortal Clan.

Between the sea and sky, gulls soared, and a new round of cultivation and hope had quietly set sail.