Family Management Game In Immortal Continent Chapter 771: Wild Grass

Immortal Domain, Duravia Trade Prefecture, Zhao Clan.

The skyline here was dominated by the Zhao Clan’s high towers, which seemed to grow more massive with each passing day.

Endless spires belonging to the Zhao family stretched as far as the eye could see. Thanks to the spiritual formations that regulated the climate, the natural cycle of the four seasons remained stable.

In this turbulent age, "normal seasons" were considered a divine blessing for both commoners and cultivators alike, a fact that had turned the Immortal Domain into an incredibly bustling hub of activity.

The Immortal Zhao Clan had risen to become a sacred ground within the Duravia Trade Prefecture; by comparison, even the Aeternus Sect did not possess one-hundredth of the Zhao family's prestige.

At this moment, inside the Zhao family's main hall, Family Head Zhao Qingguang felt a deep restlessness stirring in his heart.

"Clan Elder, the Azure Cloud Li Clan is expanding far too quickly. How many years has it been?"

Also present in the hall was an elder with the striking appearance of a crane—possessing snowy white hair yet the smooth, youthful face of a child. His rosy complexion was a clear sign of abundant blood Qi.

This elder was named Zhao Buqun.

Much like Fairy Bai, he served as one of the Zhao Clan Elders, and he was a master of spiritual formations.

The fact that the Immortal Domain had flourished so brilliantly in recent years was largely due to the formations laid by Zhao Buqun, which kept the region locked in a state of eternal spring.

Despite having been raised within the Grotto-Heaven and Blessed Land, Zhao Buqun was only the second Clan Elder that Zhao Qingguang had ever personally met.

However, both Clan Elders shared a common trait: they looked down upon the Azure Cloud Li Clan with total indifference, a fact that caused Zhao Qingguang to sigh with heavy emotion.

"Clan Elder, ever since that youth Li Xinnian took over as the Li Family Head, the Azure Cloud Li Clan has spent these years utilizing marriage alliances to smooth over the conflicts between various factions in Azure Cloud Prefecture.

Even twenty percent of the powers within my own Duravia Trade Prefecture are now completely subservient to the Li family.

That child’s talent for purging dissent and manipulating various forces is truly terrifying; the overall strength of Azure Cloud Prefecture has increased ten times over."

A look of deep concern clouded Zhao Qingguang's eyes.

"In the past, the Li clan suffered from a lack of heirs, but now their descendants fill their halls. In just a few decades, following the 'Xin' generation, they have added four more: 'Zhi,' 'Yuan,' 'Jian,' and 'Qiu.'"

"They have already planted branch families in the Imperial Capital, Shadowfell Prefecture, Duravia Trade Prefecture, Duskwild Prefecture, and Northguard City... there are roughly ten branches in existence now.

The 'Merchant Li Family' and the 'Red Spider Lily Li Family' in particular have incredible prospects and are deeply involved in many major affairs."

As he spoke, Zhao Qingguang let out a long, weary sigh.

"Clan Elder, if they truly gain full momentum, we won't be able to remove them simply because we wish to.

The Merchant Li Family is forging ties with the Heavenly Light Sect; the Northern Border Li Family is backed by the Grand Tutor; and the branch in Duskwild Prefecture is pursuing a marriage alliance with the 4th Prince... This..."

Though Fairy Bai had previously assured him the Li family was beneath their concern, he had never been able to move past the humiliation Li Xinghuo had dealt him years ago.

Zhao Qingguang had even gone so far as to research the Li family’s history across several centuries, analyzing them piece by piece.

He had reached a firm conclusion: this family was like resilient wild grass.

If left alone, they would spread uncontrollably. Unless they were utterly uprooted and exterminated, they would always bloom again after the storm passed.

The more he discovered, the more a sense of dread took root in his heart.

This clan was the perfect embodiment of the proverb, "Only in the strongest winds does one know the sturdiest grass."

Compared to his own Immortal Zhao Clan, they were certainly not lacking in any regard.

"The Li family's four new generations? Even if there were forty generations, they would still lag far behind a true Immortal Clan like us.

Qingguang, you have only been active in the world for a little over a century. It is commendable that you lack arrogance. However, being this self-deprecating borders on a sense of inferiority."

Zhao Buqun spoke with a cold indifference, "The cultivators of our clan have stood tall for thousands of generations. Whether it be our secret trump cards, the Daoist methods we cultivate, or our specialized arts, everything has been refined to perfection over the ages.

Forget the Azure Cloud Li Clan—even the great Noble Clans of the Imperial Capital cannot compare to my Zhao Clan.

Only the hidden Clans and ancient sects are worthy of being our rivals."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qingguang’s anxiety only deepened.

Zhao Buqun frowned, and his tone shifted slightly.

"Regardless, the Li Clan's involvement in so many sectors is indeed a nuisance.

You should simply concentrate on managing the clan's general affairs with a calm mind; there is no need for you to be burdened by these external matters."

"Clan Elder?" Zhao Qingguang was taken aback.

Even though he held the title of Family Head, he was actually kept in the dark regarding many of the clan's internal secrets.

"Clan Elder, if a decision has been made, why not consult with me? I can call a gathering of the clansmen immediately.

The Li clan’s reach extends through both the government and the public; if we are to strike, we should discuss the plan thoroughly."

"Hahaha!" Zhao Buqun burst into a hearty laugh.

"Qingguang, our Zhao clan has endured for tens of thousands of years and maintains a million clansmen within our Grotto-Heaven and Blessed Land.

Do not assume that we of the Zhao clan are ignorant of the world's ways.

The Li clan may have power, but is my Immortal Zhao Clan a force to be trifled with?"

"The people of this world move with the tide.

Since my Zhao clan has stepped back into the world, we will naturally align ourselves with the current.

As for the Li clan's supposedly 'sky-high' protector—haven't they still been held down by my Zhao clan for the last century, forced to surrender their authority so obediently?"

Hearing those words, Zhao Qingguang’s eyes sharpened instantly.