I established the Eternal Immortal Clan by taming beasts.

"In addition, I also designed a 'water network array' based on the terrain and the direction of the spiritual veins in Qingze,"

"By utilizing the dense water system of Qingze, I transmitted the energy of the formation to every corner, which saved spirit stones and increased the coverage of the formation."

In the event of a large-scale invasion, I can activate all the formations within the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, forming a defensive network covering the entire Qingze.

Even a cultivator in the late Golden Core stage would need at least the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to force a breakthrough.

Lin Che nodded.

He trusted Xuanqing completely; it could be said that Xuanqing had taken defense to the extreme.

"What about Burning Bone City?" He looked at Lin Xuandong.

Lin Xuandong stood up, holding a thick report in his hand. He opened the first page and began his report.

His voice was more composed than in previous years, and the shrewdness and composure of a businessman between his brows were etched into his very bones.

"Aoki Trading Company's profits this year have increased by 50% compared to last year, mainly due to the expansion of hot pot restaurants and the sales of spirit beast cubs."

The hot pot restaurant has opened three branches: one on the main street, one on West Street, and one on South Street. The one on the main street always has a queue, while the ones on West and South Streets are slightly better, but you still have to wait during peak hours.

He paused, a slight smile appearing on his lips: "Orders for spirit beast cubs are already booked until next year. Customers who place orders now will have to wait until next spring to receive their goods."

"Master Lu's alchemy room can produce more than fifty bottles of third-grade pills every month. The supply can't meet the demand. The cultivators who want him to refine pills are already booked for three months. He was complaining to me just a couple of days ago that if this continues, he will be exhausted to death in front of the alchemy furnace."

"Master Tie's workshop can produce more than 30 third-tier magic artifacts every month, and the demand is still far from meeting the supply. Master Qin's array plates are still in high demand, with a limited supply of 10 per month, which sells out as soon as they are put on the shelves."

After listening, Lin Che slowly turned his gaze to Lin Xinyao, who was sitting in the back row.

"Xinyao, it's your turn." His tone was calm, but with a hint of expectation. "You report on the beast taming situation."

Lin Xinyao stood up, glanced in the direction of her father Lin Xuanjing, and a mischievous smile appeared on her lips.

"Currently, the Shattered Star Lake Spirit Beast Garden can stably produce about two hundred spirit beast cubs of the second tier or above each month, of which about 10% are of the third tier bloodline. These cubs are given priority to the Lin family members, and the rest are sold through the Green Wood Merchant Guild in Burning Bone City. The annual sales account for 30% of the guild's total revenue."

Lin Che nodded slightly, signaling her to continue.

Lin Xinyao walked to the map and pointed to the location of Qingze.

"Qingze Spirit Beast Garden was started eight years ago. Relying on the third-tier spirit vein and the dense water network, it mainly develops aquatic and herbivorous spirit beasts. Currently, it has built three spirit beast ranches, five spirit fish breeding areas, and two special environment breeding areas."

"The Spirit Beast Ranch mainly raises spirit birds, as well as Wind-Treading Spirit Steeds and Petrified Lizards. The meadow area of ​​Qingze is more than ten times that of Shattered Star Lake, making it suitable for large-scale free-range farming."

Currently, the population of Windwalker Steeds has expanded from the initial eighty to three hundred, with those of rank two or above accounting for 40%.

The petrified lizard population is currently limited to forty individuals due to its long breeding cycle, but its bloodline purity is higher than that of the Shattered Star Lake population.

"The Lingyu breeding area mainly raises Qingyu prawns, silver-thread Lingxi fish, golden-scaled red-eyed trout, and ironhead fish."

The water quality in Qingze is more suitable for aquatic spirit beasts than that in Suixing Lake. The fish grow 30% faster than those in Suixing Lake, and their meat is also more delicious.

Currently, the annual production of Lingyu (a type of fish) exceeds 100,000 jin (50,000 kg), which, in addition to supplying Baiweizhai (a restaurant chain) and hot pot restaurants, also has a surplus for external sales.

She paused, took out a jade slip from her sleeve, placed it on the table, and pushed it in front of Lin Che.

"In addition, according to the clan leader's plan, I am also trying to cultivate several new spirit beast species in Qingze."

The most advanced is the 'Azure Water Spirit Frog,' a spirit beast with both water and wood attributes, possessing both reconnaissance and support abilities. Individuals with third-tier bloodlines have already been bred, and large-scale breeding is expected to begin next year.

Lin Che picked up the jade slip, probed it with his divine sense, glanced at its contents, and nodded in satisfaction.

The data in the jade slip is detailed and clearly categorized, with the breeding progress, bloodline distribution, and survival rate of each population clearly marked.

Lin Xinyao continued, "I am also following up on the clan leader's task of 'cultivating a spirit beast population for each generation of core clan members'."

She opened her notebook and read it aloud page by page, her voice clear and unbiased.

"My uncle bred the 'Blue-scaled Crocodile,' which is good at fighting in water. It has now been bred to the second generation, and the population is expected to be fully formed within eight years."

Upon hearing the name "Azure Scale Crocodile," basic information about this spirit beast flashed through Lin Che's mind.

A water-type spirit beast with a third-tier superior bloodline, it inhabits freshwater lakes, swamps, and wide rivers, and likes to lie by the water and bask in the sun.

It is fierce in nature, covered with thick scales, and skilled in combat, especially naval warfare.

This is a good choice.

"Third Uncle Lin Xuanfeng is raising a metal-attribute spirit beast called the 'Iron Bone War Ape,' which is fierce and warlike by nature and suitable for charging into battle. There are currently two adult individuals."

Lin Che stroked his chin, a description of the spirit beast's appearance forming in his mind:

Its entire body was covered in iron-gray, stiff hair, and its muscles were bulging. Its arms were especially thick, and its fists had keratinized bony protrusions, as if it were wearing iron boxing gloves.

Their fighting style relies on close-quarters combat with their fists.

Possessing the supernatural power of "indestructible body," they are invincible in battle.

It is also a third-tier superior bloodline.

These two lads clearly didn't just do a perfunctory job.

"Aunt Xuanjing is raising a wood-attribute spirit beast called the 'Spirit Herb Deer.' This beast is skilled at cultivating spirit herbs, and twelve have already been bred and are all in use to assist in the daily patrols of the spirit herb garden."

The description of this spirit beast flashed through Lin Che's mind.

Also a third-tier superior bloodline, it is gentle in nature and feeds on the juice of spiritual herbs and dew.

Wherever it goes, vegetation grows faster, making it a natural "spiritual plant grower." Cultivators often keep it in their herb gardens to care for rare spiritual herbs.

Although this beast is not good at fighting, it is an absolute master at managing spiritual herbs.

They possess the supernatural power of "spiritual herb affinity," enabling them to communicate with spiritual plants, perceive their needs (lack of water, lack of fertilizer, pests, etc.), and mobilize the spiritual energy of wood to precisely nourish them.

It also possesses a magical ability to purify toxins in the soil and expel pests and diseases from spiritual plants.

Of course, the most core supernatural power is "Rejuvenation of All Things," where spiritual rain can greatly accelerate the growth of spiritual plants, heal plant damage, and enhance the medicinal properties of spiritual herbs.

Xuanjing's choice is also very good.

"My fourth uncle chose the fire-attribute spirit beast 'Wildfire Hound'. This spirit beast is loyal, brave, has a keen sense of smell, runs extremely fast, and is good at long-distance pursuit."

This is an excellent choice. I suggest cultivating this spirit beast species in large numbers; as a commodity, it would definitely become a symbol of the Lin family!

Lin Che couldn't help but look at his youngest son, Lin Xuandong.

He looked over and gave himself a chuckle.

Rather than saying it was his own choice, it would be more accurate to say it was Lin Che's choice.

His first spirit beast was the Wildfire Hound, a fire-attribute spirit beast personally chosen for him by Lin Che.

These spirit beasts are naturally close to humans, have high intelligence and are highly obedient, making them very suitable for growing up with cultivators from a young age.

Moreover, Xuan Dong's choice definitely indicates that he had considered the idea of ​​mass breeding.

Xinyao's judgment was correct.

It's clear that these kids have put in a lot of effort.

They selected only top-grade bloodlines, without any perfunctory efforts to cultivate mid-grade or even low-grade bloodlines.

It set a good precedent for future generations.

It's not just them.

Upon learning this news, Zhihei also said that he would cultivate a group of spirit beasts, but they would not be moved into the clan for the time being; he would breed them under his own command.

Xuanqing's identity remains hidden.

Her clansmen only regarded her as Qin Yulin's disciple and a guest of the Lin family.

However, she also bred a group of spirit beasts in Qingze, a fact known only to Xinyao.

The clever girl naturally had some guesses, but she didn't ask any more questions or say anything more.

With that in mind, Lin Che immediately made the decision: "Okay, but Xuan Dong, you'll be responsible for cultivating the spirit beast population. Xin Yao, you just need to focus on the plan to expand the breeding program!"

"Yes!" Lin Xinyao accepted the order.

Finally, her gaze fell on her father, Lin Xuanjing, and a smile returned to her lips.

"As for my father... his spirit beast breed is still in the planning stage. He said he wanted to breed a 'fastest spirit beast,' but he hasn't even decided on the breed yet."

Lin Xuanjing was embarrassed when his daughter exposed his shortcomings in public.

He immediately picked up his teacup, pretending to drink tea, while his gaze drifted out the window.

After listening to her report, a hint of approval flashed in Lin Che's eyes.

"Well done. You haven't been in this position for long, and to achieve this level has exceeded my expectations." He paused, his gaze sweeping over his sons present. "You all need to learn from Xin Yao, especially you, Xuan Jing!"

Lin Xuanjing awkwardly touched his nose: "I... I have my daughter, and what she raises is what I raise too."

Lin Xinyao immediately rolled her eyes at her.

The crowd laughed, and the atmosphere in the council hall immediately relaxed a bit.

Lin Che stood up, put his hands behind his back, and walked to the window.

The morning light streamed in through the window, casting a pale golden halo over him.

His gaze traveled across the lake, through the thin mist, and landed in the distance.

"You all did a great job and deserve praise." His voice wasn't loud, but it silenced everyone.

"But we can't stop. The beast tide is less than twenty years away. Every bit we do increases the chances of Chuyang City holding out. Whether the Lin family can truly rise to prominence depends on your continued efforts!"

He turned around, looked at the crowd, and raised his voice a few decibels: "Are you confident that my Lin family will prosper forever?"

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.

The sounds converged into a torrent, echoing through the council chamber, crashing against the walls and bouncing back, lingering for a long time.

"Good! That's the kind of spirit I'm looking for." Lin Che nodded, his gaze lingering on each person's face for a moment. "From today onwards, I plan to go into seclusion to break through to the Nascent Soul stage. The next few years will be up to you all."

The crowd was taken aback for a moment, then erupted into even more enthusiastic cheers.

"Father, you've broken through to the Golden Core stage?"

Congratulations, Father!

"Father, you're simply amazing!"

Lin Xuanjing shouted the loudest, almost knocking over the teacup.

Lin Che listened to the children's compliments, his expression remaining calm, but a tiny upward curve appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Alright, everyone go back to your own business and stop flattering me."

"Hehe, got it!"

The meeting ended, and everyone got up and left.

The sounds of footsteps, laughter, and conversation gradually faded away, and the council hall returned to silence, leaving only Lin Che standing by the window.

……

Back at the mansion on the island in the lake, Lin Che had just stepped into the main hall of the backyard when he heard Wang Lingsu's voice.

"My husband, come and try Xuanqi's newly developed dish, 'Crimson Eye Ice and Fire Slices'."

Lin Che looked up.

Wang Lingsu, Liu Qingxue, and Su Wanwan were already waiting at the dining table, which was laden with spiritual dishes, each one prepared by the three of them.

Wang Lingsu made spirit meat, Liu Qingxue made spirit vegetables, and Su Wanwan made soup. Each had its own strengths and flavors.

As the children grew up and became capable of taking on important responsibilities, the three of them finally had a lot of free time.

All I do on weekdays is cultivate.

However, all three of them set up an array in Lin Che's secluded training room that was connected to their own training room.

Once he emerges from seclusion, the three of them will follow.

During this time, the four of them can get together, have a meal, chat, and share their cultivation experiences and interesting stories about their clans.

Lin Che smiled and stepped forward to sit down, his gaze falling on the dish in the very center.

It was a uniquely shaped spirit fish, served on a celadon porcelain plate.

The bottom of the plate was covered with chilled perilla leaves, the veins of which were clearly visible.

The front half is steamed.

The fish head is still attached to its belly, and the scales are well-preserved. The golden scales gleam with a metallic sheen under the light, like a magnificent suit of armor.

A thin, cold mist, visible to the naked eye, floated above the fish's belly, like the moisture on a lake in winter, standing out vividly against the white porcelain plate.

The petals of the ice crystal flower, as transparent as glass, are scattered in the mist, emitting a faint chill. They fall on the fish like a thin layer of frost.

The latter half of the body, the fish back and tail that should have been connected to the front half, had been completely changed.

Each piece of fish was fried until golden and crispy, and neatly piled up into a small mountain, like a tower made of gold bricks.

The fish tail is stuck on the mountaintop, pointing upwards, covered with a layer of crystal-clear brittle shell that gleams with an amber luster under the light.

Even more remarkably, tiny, almost invisible sparks were crackling and dancing around the pile of "small mountains," as if the residual heat from the explosion had not yet dissipated, or as if some ingenious array was maintaining the temperature.

Ice and fire, cold and heat, steaming and deep-frying, are perfectly blended together.

A complex aroma wafts over you, a blend of the fresh scent of steaming, the crispy aroma of frying, the delicate fragrance of perilla leaves, and the cool fragrance of ice crystal flowers, all interwoven into a symphony of smells.

Lin Che nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

"Very creative." With that, he picked up his chopsticks and took out a piece of steamed fish belly.

The fish is tender and smooth when you bite into it, and the juice bursts on your tongue, carrying the fragrance of lotus leaves and the coolness of ice crystal flowers. It slides down your throat, making you feel refreshed.

He picked up another piece of crispy fried fish back, the crispy shell cracking between his teeth with a "crunch" sound, revealing tender, juicy fish meat inside, creating a wonderful contrast with the crispy exterior.

"Not bad, delicious." He put down his chopsticks and couldn't help but smile. "Alright, you guys should start eating too, don't just watch me eat."

Seeing the satisfied expression on her husband's face, the three of them exchanged a glance and couldn't help but smile at each other.

They then started eating together, some picking up food, others ladling soup, and began to eat at a leisurely pace.

During the meal, they chatted occasionally, mostly about everyday things.

What new dish has Xuanqi invented? Who did Xuanjing fight with this time? What new breed of spirit beast has Xinyao recently cultivated?

There are no major events, no heavy burdens, just the peace and tranquility of the family sitting together for a meal.

After dinner, and after several rounds of tea, the intimate moments naturally followed...