15 Chapter 15: Palace

Li Tian, amidst the sea of expectant gazes, continued, "The path of cultivation is vast, and one should continue walking it step by step. I appreciate all of your concerns, but now that night has fallen, it's time for you all to return to your homes."

The announcement by Li Tian reverberated through the gathered crowd. The Li Clan members slowly started to disperse, their discussions filled with excitement and anticipation for the future of their clan under the guidance of a Half Immortal realm cultivator. As they dispersed, the atmosphere buzzed with renewed hope, and the prospect of Li Tian's continued presence infused the clan with newfound energy. The air was filled with whispers of optimism, and the anticipation for what lay ahead hung palpably in the atmosphere.

Ancestor Li Xian, Ancestor Li Fang, Ancestor Li Yu, and Ancestor Li Yanling exchanged glances, acknowledging the unexpected turn of events. With a collective nod, they prepared to leave, dispersing the lingering crowd that had gathered to witness Li Tian's reappearance.

As the Li Clan members returned to their homes, the air buzzed with newfound energy. Conversations echoed through the corridors of the ancestral ground, each individual contemplating the impact of Li Tian's breakthrough on the clan's destiny. The younger cultivators discussed their aspirations, inspired by the prospect of serving under a Half Immortal realm patriarch.

...….

As the news of Li Tian's breakthrough into the Half Immortal realm spread like wildfire, the Li Clan members found themselves at the center of discussions and excited whispers that were going on all over the northern continent. The air was charged with anticipation, and the corridors of the ancestral ground echoed with the buzzing of conversations.

...

Within the clan, elders and cultivators gathered in small groups, sharing their thoughts on the unprecedented achievement of their revered ancestor. Ancestor Li Xian, who was once considered the pinnacle of power in the clan, found himself engaged in a lively conversation with Elder Zhang, a seasoned cultivator from a younger generation.

Elder Zhang, his eyes gleaming with admiration, exclaimed, "Ancestor Li Xian, this is truly a momentous occasion! The fact that Ancestor Li Tian has attained the Half Immortal realm will undoubtedly elevate the prestige of our Great Li Clan to another level. I can't help but wonder how this breakthrough will reshape the dynamics of the Southern Divine Continent in the future that is to come."

Ancestor Li Xian nodded, his expression a mix of pride and contemplation. "Indeed, Elder Zhang. Li Tian's attainment of the Half Immortal realm is not just a personal achievement; it will have a potential effect on our entire clan. It will undoubtedly attract attention and perhaps even challenges from other powerful clans and sects."

.....

Meanwhile, outside the Li Clan, cultivators from neighboring sects and clans received the news with a mix of awe and curiosity. In the bustling marketplaces and teahouses, discussions revolved around the impact of Li Tian's breakthrough on the balance of power on the Southern Divine Continent.

...

At a restaurant frequented by cultivators, a group of martial artists engaged in a spirited conversation. One of them, a young cultivator named Yun Fei, remarked, "Have you heard the news? Ancestor Li Tian of the Great Li Clan has stepped into the Half Immortal realm, a realm at which one can even be called an immortal being! This will surely shake the foundations of the cultivation world on the southern divine continent and change the power structure not only on the southern divine continent but also on other neighboring continents. I wonder how the other great clans and great sects will respond."

His companion, another cultivator with a young face, nodded in agreement. "The Great Li Clan has always been a powerhouse, but with a Half Immortal realm cultivator at their helm, they might become an unparalleled force in the cultivation world. It will be interesting to see what the Li clan will do in the future."

....

As the news rippled through the Southern Divine Continent, the cultivation world braced itself for the potential shifts in power dynamics. Li Tian's breakthrough had not only elevated the status of the Li Clan but had also cast a spotlight on the intricate influences all over the continent and the competition in the vast realm.

...…

As the Li Clan members dispersed, Li Tian also ascended into the sky, making his way towards the palace situated in the territory under his dominion. The journey through the clouds and open air was swift.

As Li Tian approached the palace, a profound sense of reverence enveloped him. The palace, nestled within the vast territory of the Li Clan, had stood for over a millennium and a half. It bore witness to the many battles and flows of time.

The palace was fortified with an array of powerful deployment spells, meticulously designed to deter even an Early Stage Ascension Realm cultivator. The intricate enchantments could halt the progress of cultivators at the Middle Stage of Ascension Realm and below, acting as a formidable barrier to unauthorized entry. Additionally, the palace had undergone numerous refinements, enhancing its defenses and ensuring the utmost security for its esteemed occupants.

As Li Tian approached the palace, a profound sense of awe washed over him, for the palace was a harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural magnificence.

The entrance to the palace was adorned with intricately crafted gates, each panel a masterpiece of architectural design. The imposing structure is reminiscent of a king's palace. Massive pillars, embellished with carvings that depicted the clan's rich history, flanked the entrance, creating an aura of regality.

Beyond the entrance, a sprawling garden unfolded, revealing a mesmerizing array of colors and fragrances. The garden, meticulously landscaped, showcased a plethora of precious herbs, exotic fruits, and towering trees. Each plant appeared to be a natural treasure of cultivation, the kind for which cultivators would be willing to engage in battles to the death if found anywhere outside the palace grounds.

The palace itself, built with a combination of rare cultivation materials and metals, exuded an air of sophistication. The exterior walls shimmered with a subtle sheen, hinting at the exceptional craftsmanship that went into its construction. Elaborate patterns adorned the walls, which are the pattern of the deployment array, a most dangerous formation.

Li tian easily passed through the gates of the palace as his spiritual signature was already recorded in the formation, which stopped outsiders from entering the palace.

Upon entering the palace, he finds a spacious hall adorned with fine elegant furnishings. The main hall, a focal point of grandeur, housed ornate thrones, symbolizing the authority and prestige of the Li Clan. Illuminated by the soft glow of enchanting lanterns, the atmosphere within was both regal and welcoming.

However, his elation was soon replaced by a hint of nervousness. His wives, Lin Hua and Chen Lian, were nowhere to be seen in the main hall of the palace. A fleeting worry crossed his mind: "Had they chosen to live elsewhere, away from the palace?"

The thought of their potential absence unsettled him. "Could they have found lovers? No, no, that cannot be. What would I do if they had one?"

Using his divine sense, Li Tian started to search throughout the palace, seeking the familiar spiritual signatures of Lin Hua and Chen Lian. To his relief, he discovered the two beauties sitting side by side near a small lake in the heart of the palace's courtyard. Blossoming flowers and carefully tended bonsai trees adorned the surroundings, creating a serene and picturesque scene.

Upon seeing them, Li Tian couldn't help but exhale a sigh of relief. The anxiety that gripped him momentarily began to dissipate. With determination, he whispered to himself, "There they are. I need to talk to them, understand their feelings, and mend the bonds that have been neglected by me for too long."

In an instant, Li Tian vanished from the hall.