Although Ding'an County was only a small corner of Nanchuan Commandery, the Lu Family, as a Foundation Establishment force, carried far more weight than Qi Refining families like those of Sanshui County.
Yun Long's gaze narrowed slightly.
He led Yun Ji and the others forward at a brisk pace.
An elderly man in a moon-white brocade robe approached slowly, surrounded by a group of Lu Family disciples. His beard and hair were somewhat gray, yet his complexion was rosy and his spirit vigorous.
An undisguised Late Qi Refining Stage aura spread from the old man, carrying a distinctive density and steadiness that showed he had steeped himself in this realm for many years.
This man was Lu Ping'an, an elder of the Lu Family.
"Elder Lu, forgive Yun for failing to welcome you from afar."
Yun Long cupped his hands, his voice calm.
Lu Ping'an swept his gaze over Yun Long, a trace of barely perceptible surprise flashing through his eyes. He then smiled. "Yun Family Head, you are too courteous. Hearing that a Kirin Child had been born to the Yun Clan, I came under the family's orders to offer congratulations."
As he spoke, Lu Family disciples behind him presented the gift boxes.
"Three minor Qi Refining Stage spells: Entangling Silk Technique, Quicksand Technique, and Wind Blade Technique."
"Five stalks of first-rank mid-grade Spirit Medicine, Star Grass."
"One piece of first-rank high-grade spirit iron, Mysterious Sand Precious Iron."
The ceremonial announcements rang out again. Every gift named made the Sanshui County cultivators around them draw a quiet breath.
Though Qi Refining Stage spells were called "minor," any spell was precious to small families lacking inheritances.
What was more, these came from a Foundation Establishment Family. Their value went without saying.
Star Grass was a primary ingredient in refining a