Clan Cultivation: Starting from Foundation Establishment on Mount Luoxia

Li Xiaoyao nodded to himself; the vast ocean scene matched the rumors.

It is indeed a lineage that excels in defense, field control, protracted warfare, and environmental reconnaissance.

It's the perfect support and eyes and ears for the team.

Its weaknesses are also obvious; it lacks a sharp means to win a decisive battle.

"Fellow Daoist, your foundation in Dao is profound, and your understanding of the Dao is vast and profound, which is truly admirable."

Li Xiaoyao gave a compliment, then his expression turned serious. "In that case, I will also make a fool of myself."

With a slight thought, a wisp of pure radiant light and Daoist charm emanated from his fingertips.

In an instant, the pavilion seemed to be illuminated by the morning sun.

The rosy light was initially gentle, but then began to change dynamically: sometimes it stretched out like the morning glow covering the sky, carrying boundless vitality and hope.

Sometimes it gathers like the falling twilight, tranquil and mysterious; sometimes it coalesces like a seven-colored bridge of light piercing the void, magnificent and ethereal.

At other times, it transforms into layers upon layers of shimmering light, seemingly both real and illusory, as if it could isolate everything, or as if another world was hidden behind it.

Within the glow of the sunset lies the swiftness of light, the ever-changing clouds, and the enchanting colors, a unique ethereal and liberating quality that seems to resonate with heaven and earth.

"What I have attained is the supernatural power of [Royal Cloud Heaven]."

Li Xiaoyao slowly said, "This path is derived from the changes of light, clouds, and color, and emphasizes agility, speed, deception, and protection."

"The glow of the sunset has no fixed shape; it can gather or disperse, it can be used for offense or defense, it can conceal or penetrate."

"In offense, the rosy light can transform into sharp arrows, fiery currents, and illusions, making it difficult to defend against; in defense, it can form rosy shields, light curtains, and mazes to neutralize erosion; in movement, the rosy light has considerable speed and a certain degree of concealment."

"However, its strength leans towards skill and change. In a head-on confrontation or prolonged battle, it may not be as powerful and enduring as your vast ocean waters."

He also clearly pointed out his strengths and weaknesses.

The two each displayed their Daoist foundations, which, though only the tip of the iceberg, were enough to give the other a direct impression of their core abilities and fighting styles.

One is like a vast, deep sea, calm and all-encompassing, yet powerful and profound.

One is like the colorful clouds at the edge of the sky, ever-changing and unfathomable.

The pavilion fell silent for a moment, with only the two people's Daoist auras flowing slightly and sensing each other. There was little conflict between them; instead, there was a subtle sense of harmony, like water and sky merging together.

The Kan River is vast and can reflect the glow of the sunset.

The changing colors of the sunset also adorn the sea.

A glint flashed in Master Shuyu's clear eyes. She gently waved her hand, withdrawing the vast sea phantom, and the oppressive sound of the tide within the pavilion dissipated.

She looked at Li Xiaoyao, a very subtle smile playing on her lips: "Fellow Daoist Shangyuan's Dao is indeed unique and exceptionally agile."

"The sunset glow reflected on the sea creates a unique and beautiful scene. It seems that what Senior Xiting said was true."

Li Xiaoyao also withdrew his radiant light, and upon hearing this, his heart stirred:

"Does fellow Daoist know Senior Xiting?"

"We met once before, and he gave me guidance on waterway cultivation."

Master Shuyu nodded slightly, said nothing more, and then said, "Just now, in our discussion of the Dao, fellow Daoist was frank, and I also felt your sincerity."

"Our paths do indeed have a basis for complementarity. Fellow Daoist excels in attack and change, while I am adept at defense and exploration. If we cooperate properly, our chances of survival in the Realm Ruins will increase significantly."

She paused, then her tone became serious: "However, the Realm Ruins are no ordinary place. Even with complementary Daoist techniques, tacit understanding and trust are still necessary."

"I still have a few doubts that I need to discuss with you. If you agree, we can continue to discuss this cooperation in more detail."

"Fellow Daoist, please speak."

"Firstly, the power of command."

Master Shuyu said, "Within the Realm of Ruins, things change in an instant. When danger arises, someone needs to make a decisive decision."

"My nature is inclined towards stability and I am not good at quick thinking and unpredictable changes. Observing your actions, my fellow Daoist, you seem to be more adept at adaptability."

"Therefore, if a sudden danger occurs and a quick decision is required, I am willing to prioritize your opinion."

"However, when it comes to breaking formations, carefully observing the environment, and planning long-term paths, I may be able to lend a hand."

"We need to be clear about when and whose advice to take."

Li Xiaoyao pondered for a moment and nodded: "Alright. Routine advances, reconnaissance, and defensive deployment will be led by you, fellow Daoist."

"When faced with sudden combat, requiring rapid response, or a decision on whether to stay or leave, I shall make the final decision."

"Major decisions, such as delving into the core issues or changing objectives, should be discussed and decided jointly by you and me."

"good."

Master Shuyu nodded and continued, "Secondly, the distribution of the harvest."

"The basic rewards for the mission are predetermined by the Immortal Sect and will be distributed according to the amount of effort contributed."

"However, other gains within the Realm Ruins, such as Qianyang Refined Gold and Ten-Thousand-Year Azure Stone, require prior agreement on the terms. I suggest a combination of distribution based on need and equal distribution based on value."

"If the obtained item is only suitable for one person, then that person's needs shall be met first, and the other person shall receive compensation of corresponding value."

"If both parties need it or neither needs it, then it will be calculated based on the market price and divided equally or in rotation. How about that?"

"Fair and reasonable, acceptable."

Li Xiaoyao agreed.

Establish rules beforehand to avoid conflicts.

Thirdly, in times of crisis.

Master Shuyu's tone became more serious, "The Realm Ruins are dangerous. If we encounter a desperate situation, we must break through on our own, or one person can cover the rear while the other retreats to seek help."

"This is not out of greed for life or fear of death, but to preserve the strength of life and avoid total annihilation."

"I can buy you time, and you can create a chance for me to survive."

"However, it must be agreed that if one person is certain that they cannot escape, the other person must not hesitate, but must immediately evacuate and report the situation to the Immortal Sect. This agreement must be signed in a simple oath."

Li Xiaoyao was solemn. This was the cruelest, yet also the most realistic, outcome.

He remained silent for a few moments, then said in a deep voice, "Yes. If it really comes to that, then so be it."

"I swear on the Shangyuan Festival that if Fellow Daoist Shuyu is trapped in a desperate situation while covering my retreat, I will do my utmost to escape and bring back the information and Fellow Daoist's legacy, and vice versa."

A resolute glint flashed in Master Shuyu's eyes: "Shuyu is no different."

All three core concerns have been clearly addressed.

The atmosphere inside the pavilion eased considerably.

"In that case, I am willing to explore this realm together with fellow Daoist Shangyuan."

Master Shuyu finally gave a positive answer, "When do you plan to depart, fellow Daoist?"

Li Xiaoyao's spirits lifted: "The sooner the better. I've already exchanged for the Time-Stabilizing Pearl and prepared over a hundred Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stage reconnaissance puppets. Do you need some time to prepare, fellow Daoist?"

"I have prepared everything you need."

Master Shuyu said, "Since fellow Daoist is also ready, why don't we meet here at Chenshi (7-9 AM) tomorrow and set off together to the coordinates of the entrance to the Realm Ruins?"

"For the remainder of today, you and I can share the known intelligence and make a final check of the supplies we are carrying."

"Alright! See you tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM)."

The two immediately dropped the formalities and each took out a jade slip.

We will summarize, compare, and analyze the scattered information about that boundary ruin obtained from Immortal Sect missions, rumors from post stations, and even our own channels.

Although the information was limited, the cross-referencing of the data provided a clearer understanding of the general environment at the entrance, the recent rumors of several waves of cultivators losing their lives, and the areas with abnormal energy reactions within.

At the same time, they also checked the list of supplies they were carrying.

Li Xiaoyao's Time-Stabilizing Pearl, numerous puppets, and various elixirs and talismans go without saying.

Master Shuyu also prepared the Tranquil Sea Pill to stabilize the mind, the Tide-Rising Pill to quickly restore mana, and several sets of array flags and magical artifacts for setting up water curtain defenses and for reconnaissance.

With their complementary skills, the supplies were quite complete.

With everything agreed upon, they returned to their respective inns for final adjustments.