Chapter 19: Chapter 19 Pirate Invasion
Fang Yun watched as Fang Lin lightly tapped his toes on the ground, gracefully soaring down the mountain.
*He couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy, considering whether he should practice Qinggong without relying on spells.*
*After all, even though he wasn't much slower than Fang Lin when running under the influence of mana, his posture was truly unsightly.*
*It seemed that he should indeed seize the opportunity to learn.*
With this thought in mind, the two quickly arrived at the base of the mountain and then sped towards the south side of the island along the road.
They crossed the rice fields and the bridge over the river, swiftly arriving at the front of a town.
It was then that Fang Lin finally stopped and led Fang Yun inside.
Without pausing for a moment, they directly entered the great hall within the town.
The layout of the hall wasn't particularly luxurious. At the center end stood a large chair, with a small tea table beside it.
On either side, there were two rows of chairs, each row containing five chairs, making a total of ten seats.
Each chair also had a small tea table beside it.
At this moment, except for the first position on the right, which was clearly reserved for Fang Lin, all other seats were occupied, indicating that people had been waiting for a while.
Fang Yun entered the hall and quickly glanced at the nine people on both sides.
Except for Fang Zhou, who was seated in the second position on the right, Fang Yun didn't recognize anyone else.
Among the others, there were six men and two women, and even the youngest appeared to be in their forties or fifties.
The oldest, sitting in the first position on the left, had white hair and a face full of wrinkles. Fang Yun could even sense the decaying aura emanating from his body.
It was apparent that his life was nearing its end.
Seeing even someone whose life was about to conclude appear here indicated that the matter at hand was quite urgent.
*Thinking of this, Fang Yun couldn't help but become even more nervous.*
As Fang Yun observed these people, gathering and analyzing information,
the others also noticed Fang Lin entering with a young-looking person.
Although Fang Yun hadn't met these people before, they were very familiar with his appearance.
After all, as the only cultivator and the clan leader of the family,
these people, being elders of the family, were naturally acquainted with Fang Yun.
"We pay our respects to the clan leader!"
Everyone bowed deeply, offering a grand salute to Fang Yun.
Fang Yun was taken aback by this scene, *never having been so respected in either of his lifetimes, making him feel a bit embarrassed.*
After a light cough, he said, "There's no need to be so formal, everyone, please rise!"
"Thank you, clan leader!"
At this moment, Fang Lin guided Fang Yun to the central seat opposite and said, "Clan leader, let me briefly introduce the elders present here to you.
On the first seat on the left is our great elder, Fang Jianting. He is 102 years old and is the living fossil of our clan.
Though he's advanced in age, his wisdom is exceptional, having devised numerous strategies for the family."
Fang Jianting nodded slightly, casting a gentle gaze toward Fang Yun.
Fang Lin continued the introductions, "The second person is Fang Hong, who manages the family's trade affairs and has significantly contributed to the family's economic prosperity."
Fang Hong cupped his hands in a salute, wearing a composed smile.
"The third person is Fang Yong, responsible for the family's martial prowess and commanding the family's guard. He has defended the family in perilous times." Fang Yong had a burly stature and a keen gaze.
"The fourth is Fang Ming, skilled in medicine, ensuring the health of the family members." Fang Ming exuded a scholarly air, smiling and nodding at Fang Yun.
"The fifth is Fang Qiang, in charge of the family's logistics, organizing everything meticulously." Fang Qiang appeared simple and honest.
After introducing those on the left, Fang Lin turned to the right, "These two are the only female elders in our clan, and their capabilities are comparable to any of us.
The one on the left is Fang Xue, an expert in cultivation, under whose guidance the family's rice fields have almost always yielded plentiful harvests."
Fang Xue maintained a cold demeanor, nodding slightly.
"The one on the right is Fang Jie, skilled in crafting, who has forged many fine weapons for the family."
Fang Jie wore a kind expression, offering Fang Yun a friendly smile.
At this point, Fang Lin pointed to a middle-aged man standing aside, who hadn't been introduced yet, and said, "This is Fang Hao, responsible for collecting the family's intelligence. His sources are highly informed."
Fang Yun listened attentively to Fang Lin's introductions, nodding at everyone present, making an effort to remember their names, appearances, and specializations.
As the clan leader, even though Fang Yun didn't participate in the family's specific affairs, he needed to know about the elders' particular situations; otherwise, he would seem rather inept.
After the brief introductions, it was time to discuss the main issue.
Fang Yun didn't mince words and directly asked Fang Lin, "What exactly is going on? How did the pirates suddenly start attacking our Spirit Water Island?
If I recall correctly, there weren't supposed to be any pirates near us, right?"
Fang Lin stood and cupped his hands, saying, "Clan leader, the specifics should be explained by Elder Fang Hao. He oversees the family's intelligence and knows the details more thoroughly!"
Hearing Fang Lin's suggestion, Fang Yun turned his gaze towards Fang Hao.
Fang Hao didn't hesitate and stood up, saying, "Clan leader, esteemed elders!
Indeed, based on past experiences, our Spirit Water Island is relatively remote, with few isolated islands nearby, hence pirates were rare.
However, ever since the previous cultivator of our Fang Family passed away, somehow the news got out.
Since last year, pirates have appeared nearby.
They were initially wary of our Fang Family's strength and the legacy left by former cultivators, so they did not dare to invade rashly.
Recently though, it seems they have gathered enough manpower or acquired some other leverage.
They are gradually approaching, and it's estimated that in a few days, they will reach our Spirit Water Island!
We must come up with a strategy as soon as possible!"
Fang Hao finished speaking and then sat down.
His task was complete; now it depended on what countermeasures the family could devise.
Fang Yun hadn't expected that this situation was caused by the death of the previous cultivator.
The previous cultivator was only at the second level of Qi cultivation, yet his deterrence was strong?
When he was alive, no pirates dared to invade, but after his death, there were those bold enough to attack Spirit Water Island.
*For the first time, Fang Yun deeply realized the immense deterrent power cultivators held over the mortal world.*
*Nevertheless, despite recognizing this, Fang Yun didn't dare to feel proud, fully aware of his own abilities.*
*A mere cultivator at the second level of Qi cultivation was nothing to boast about.*
*In the face of such a level of war, caution was indeed the best approach.*