The Role of the Settlement

The patrol mission on the border of the Myriad Ravine Ancient Plain finally concluded successfully after a hundred years. As Elder Xuan Yue led the Third Patrol Team of the Wutu Camp, along with Lin Yan, Mo Xuan, and Ao Ye, on their return journey, the scenery along the way had changed considerably compared to when they first set out.

On their outward journey, they had mostly seen desolate, ruined lands filled with malevolent energy. The few living beings they encountered were small, constantly fearful tribes, barely surviving under the threat of fierce beasts.

Now, on their return, numerous small oases had appeared along the route, attracting displaced spirit beasts to stop and rest, with some even making them their temporary homes.

These small oases were the result of Lin Yan's environmental modifications after the patrol team had slain fierce beasts along the way. However, because they could be destroyed by wandering fierce beasts at any time, these oases were not very suitable for long-term habitation.

But when the patrol team passed by the places they had previously rescued, where Lin Yan had guided them to establish settlements, they were greeted by scenes of vibrant life and bustling activity.

On Clear Spring Peninsula, the Azure Water Spirit Toad Clan had transformed the once murky swamp into crystal-clear water. They had also set up a simple mist array around the peninsula, which not only defended against small fierce beasts but also gathered water spirit energy. They had even used the purified swamp mud to cultivate "Water Purifying Reeds" that could weakly purify malevolent energy, continuously improving the surrounding aquatic environment.

In the Gobi Oasis, the Sand Mole Clan had not only found a stable underground water source but, using their innate talents, had expanded the oasis downwards, building underground villages that were warm in winter and cool in summer. They had also discovered a small Earth Spirit Stone mine. Although the extracted ore was not of high grade, it was enough for them to refine better tools and weapons, greatly increasing their strength.

Within Thunderclap Fortress, the Thunder Pattern Dwarf Stone Clan had used the pacified Thunder Spirit Power to preliminarily repair the fortress's defensive runes. Although their power was far from what it once was, it was more than sufficient to withstand harassment from ordinary Heavenly Immortal Level fierce beasts. The "Lightning Strike Stones" they refined, imbued with a faint destructive thunderous power, had become a hard currency in the surrounding area.

The patrol team's arrival was met with enthusiastic welcome from the residents of every settlement. Lin Yan, in particular, received the highest level of hospitality.

The patrol team received supplies and rest at these strongholds, greatly alleviating the hardships they had endured during their long absence. Strolling through the lands of these settlements, they felt as if they were in the Kirin Clan Hinterland.

And when they arrived at Concentric Valley, the first settlement Lin Yan had helped establish, they were even more shocked.

The once dilapidated small valley had completely transformed.

At the valley entrance, a massive archway gate stood tall, inlaid with constantly flashing Warning Crystals. Clearly, this gate had been specially reinforced with formations.

Inside the valley, hundreds of neat cave dwellings had been carved into the previously bare mountain walls. On the sun-facing slopes, vast fields of "Sunlight Grass" and "Calming Flowers" swayed in the wind. Spirit bees flitted among the pale blue and pinkish-white flower seas, creating a scene of busy activity.

The warm spring in the center of the valley had been expanded into a small Spirit Pool, dozens of feet in diameter. The pool's edge was lined with smooth bluestones, and the water was crystal clear, with an aura of spiritual energy forming a faint white mist that lingered above. Small pavilions had even been built by the poolside, constructed from ancient vines and spirit wood. Though somewhat rudimentary, they were crafted with ingenuity.

"This... is this the Warm Jade Valley we left?" Lei Zhen exclaimed, his bell-like ox eyes wide with disbelief.

"How long has it been? Thirty... or forty years?" Jin Yu circled in the air before landing, his eyes also filled with astonishment. "This change is too immense."

"You forgot, this place has been renamed Concentric Valley, it's no longer Warm Jade Valley," Qing Luo opened her beautiful eyes and scanned the surroundings.

Even the usually calm Shi Yue couldn't help but grin widely, revealing a rare smile, as he watched various creatures entering and exiting the valley. "Good heavens, this looks like a small city."

Over the years, Concentric Valley had continuously absorbed distressed beings and small tribes, and now it had at least a thousand residents.

After being warmly welcomed into the valley, they saw that the paths within were clean and tidy. The entire valley was divided into different functional zones, such as residential areas, spirit plant areas, and trading areas.

Young Spirit Hoof Tribe deer frolicked by the spirit grass fields. Stout men from the Stone Armor Tribe were using their innate talents to reinforce a newly excavated rock face. Women from the Red Flower Wood Spirit Tribe manipulated vines to weave canopies for newly built pavilions.

Other spirit beasts from various races were also busy with their own affairs. Upon seeing Lin Yan and his companions arrive, they showed expressions of confusion but did not hide in fear.

Although the valley was small, it was orderly and full of vitality, forming a stark contrast to the malevolent energy and perilous dangers of the Primordial Wilderness outside.

They sat down in a pavilion by the central Spirit Pool, and soon, residents brought them "Qing Xin Tea" brewed with spirit spring water and some homemade Spirit Fruit Preserves.

The old clan leader rubbed his hands, both excited and a little embarrassed. "Forgive us, benefactors. This valley is newly established, and the conditions are still very simple. We really don't have anything good to entertain you with. However, thanks to the benefactors over the years, our three clans have settled here and finally have a stable home. Following Benefactor Lin's guidance, we each utilized our strengths and supported each other, and our lives have gotten better day by day."

An elder from the Stone Armor Clan also added in a deep voice, "Yes, besides mutual assistance and cooperation, according to Benefactor Lin's requirements, we have also taken in many other distressed beings. Now, our Concentric Valley is the largest settlement area within a million miles."

Elder Xuan Yue gently sipped the Qing Xin Tea, feeling the gentle Spirit Power in the tea, and nodded in praise. "The spiritual energy here is at least 30% denser than when we left, and the population has almost doubled. It's evident that you have managed it with great care."

"It's all thanks to the 'community' method that Benefactor Lin guided us with!" The old clan leader looked at Lin Yan, his eyes full of gratitude. "Benefactor told us to 'work together with one heart and watch out for each other,' and we have kept it firmly in mind. Now, not only our three clans, but all the dozens of races in Concentric Valley are like family. We discuss matters together when they arise, and share our gains. This is how we have achieved the current scene. Oh, right."

He suddenly remembered something and quickly instructed his clansmen, "Quick, go and bring the 'Condensing Dew Grass Juice' and 'Warm Jade Marrow' that we have in reserve. You esteemed clansmen are always patrolling and fighting outside, these might be useful!"

Soon, the clansmen brought several crude bamboo tubes and several animal skin pouches. The bamboo tubes contained a green, viscous grass juice with a fresh fragrance, and the animal skin pouches contained fine, sand-like jade-colored powder with a warm touch.

The old clan leader explained, "This Condensing Dew Grass Juice is refined from the 'Three-Leaf Condensing Dew Grass' unique to our valley. It has good recovery effects for internal injuries and Spirit Power depletion. The Warm Jade Marrow is obtained from mining the Warm Jade Mine at the valley floor. It is not only rich in spiritual energy but also gentle in nature, and can be absorbed with little to no refinement. We have specifically reserved this for you esteemed clansmen."

Elder Xuan Yue's eyes flashed. While these items were not particularly appealing to a Mysterious Immortal expert like himself, they were excellent supplements for the Heavenly Immortal and True Immortal team members who were constantly patrolling and occasionally injured.

But more importantly, the beings of Concentric Valley had grown from mere recipients of aid to becoming assets to the Qilin Clan. In fact, this place could even become a springboard or transit point for the Qilin Clan to expand its influence outwards in the future.

Most crucially, with Concentric Valley as a living example, the Qilin Clan's reputation would be greatly enhanced. Wouldn't other races still outside the Qilin Clan's influence flock to them in the future, eager to join the Qilin Clan?

Thinking of this, Elder Xuan Yue's heart burned with excitement.

This Lin Yan was truly a treasure that Mo Xuan had brought back for the Qilin Clan. Although his cultivation was lacking, his intellect and strategy were precisely what the Qilin Clan needed. With him, the Qilin Clan's power would grow day by day, and perhaps even dominating the Primordial Great Earth in the future would not be impossible.

Lin Yan felt somewhat bewildered. Why was Elder Xuan Yue looking at him strangely as the old clan leader of the Hoof Spirit Clan and the elder of the Stone Armor Clan recounted the development of Concentric Valley?

Elder Xuan Yue suppressed his excitement and turned to the old clan leader of the Hoof Spirit Clan and the elder of the Stone Armor Clan with a gentle smile. "Thank you both for your kindness. Our patrol team will not refuse. Please tell us if Concentric Valley has any other difficulties, and our Qilin Clan will do our utmost to help you."

The old clan leader of the Hoof Spirit Clan and the elder of the Stone Armor Clan exchanged glances. Finally, the old clan leader of the Hoof Spirit Clan spoke first, "Honestly, Benefactor Lin Yan and the esteemed clans have already helped us a lot, and we really shouldn't ask for more help. However, in recent years, we have found that as the number of beings in Concentric Valley increases, so does the number of Fierce Beasts in the outer areas. We do not have any experts stationed in Concentric Valley, so we would like to ask the esteemed clans to send people to help us clear out the surrounding Fierce Beasts."