Wu Tianmo rubbed his eyes with his fingers feeling disturbed,
"Patriarch Liu is right to worry, with only myself.. I cannot stop a beast tide."
Ling'er looked at Wu Tianmo, instinctively she wanted to comfort him, yet she stayed still and silent.
She could only think internally,
Why do I feel like this. This man forced me to sweep for months! Though, he is kind of handsome.... Is a patriarch... Not much older than me... A cultivator which could give my children the chance to cultivate. Better than those smelly fisherman or the Zhang clan young master that keeps pestering my sisters and I.
Ling'er's face flushed without realizing it.
Liu Changfeng was not unaware of Ling'er's feelings for the Wu Patriarch were written across her face.
Liu was a crafty old man, who managed to marry over 5 times with 4 concubines. He saw these two hesitating and decided to help spur things along.
Liu cleared his throat,
"Patriarch Wu, we still have time between now and the beast tide. Rest assured, all of the village will gather together to fight."
Wu Tianmo breathed deeply,
"You're right, with the strength of the whole village we will be fine. I will aim to become stronger by then."
Liu Changfeng paused for a moment contemplating,
"Patriarch Wu, have you been outside the estate since you arrived?"
Wu shook his head,
"I have completely devoted myself to cultivation, if not for you fasting pills I would have had to hunt and fish for food."
Liu Changfeng stroked his long black beard and chuckled,
"Since Patriarch Wu is able to use them properly, I will send over a cartful once I return. The youth in my damn family refuses to eat them."
Ling'er gasped internally,
A whole cartful of candy...
It was only for a moment, but the Liu Patriarch could have swore he saw Ling'er drooling after he said this.
Wu Tianmo nodded,
"I appreciate your support, Patriarch Liu, If that is--"
Liu Patriarch raised his hand,
"There is more to discuss Patriarch Wu, I ask for a little more of your time."
The Liu Patriarch tossed a scroll depicting the layout of Heimu Village to Wu Tianmo.
He then took out his own copy and said,
"This village is developing at a shocking pace. What originally was a few clan estates has now developed into a thriving port. With three mortal clans deciding to relocate here in the past few months. It won't be long before other cultivator clans decide to relocate here as well."
Wu Tianmo raised an eyebrow,
Has it really developed so much already...
"The Chen Clan is truly incredible at what they do, to put up such a village in such little time."
Wu Tianmo's gaze fixed on the Liu Patriarch.
"Could you imagine if they were fully devoted to creating those puppets? Truly a force to be cautious of."
Liu Patriarch nodded,
"Wu Patriarch is correct, I also have had this worry. Not much is known about the Chen Clan's history. Only that they only have a Meridian Opening Realm patriarch and a limited foundation remaining."
Liu Patriarch tossed a few scrolls towards the Wu Patriarch,
"What are these..."
Wu Tianmo's eyes widened it was the construction plans for an outer wall around the village and much more. The forest within would be felled and the village would undergo another change.
The current area of Heimu would be considered the "Core" of the village in the future. All the main houses, associations, and shops would flock to get land here.
The construction of an outer wall surrounding all the clan estates, including the Wu Clan, was first on the list.
This wall would signify the difference between the outer and inner core of the village. The outer ring would allow more clans to take up residence and a secondary port to be established.
The wall would also be the last line of defense for the town against a threat.
Liu Patriarch gave Wu Tianmo a moment to look over the scroll then took a drink from his tea,
"As you can see, not even a year has gone by and the Chen clan is laying the foundation for our future."
Wu Tianmo lowered the scroll and looked back at him,
"What are the Zhang Clan's thoughts on this?"
Liu Patriarch sighed,
"The Zhang Patriarch has decided that this village needs more structure. I believe his words were....A village without rules is nothing but a camp."
Wu Tianmo frowned,
"So what is his suggestion? Don't tell me he's about to make us call him king?"
Liu nervously chuckled,
"That was his first suggestion.... However after not receiving a positive response he clarified he was joking."
Liu Patriarch posed a question,
"Wu Patriarch, how much do you know of the Tieling County we're in?"
Wu Tianmo tapped the armrest,
"Liu Patriarch, I do not know much. I was within my clans estate for the majority of my life, only after leaving did I spend a year outside. During that time I traveled, but mostly from village to village battling mortal swordsmen to hone myself. Then I was sent to establish a Wu Clan of my own, a separate clan in a different county that could avoid the storm."
Liu nodded, inwardly he was happy to hear a bit more about the Wu Patriarch. To mostly everyone, this kid was a mystery.
Liu Changfeng's fondness towards this kid grew by the day.
Liu Patriarch smiled,
"It seems your clan had much faith in you."
Liu sighed recalling his own home, his own county, and his own family that was.. left behind.
Liu took a gourd of wine from his storage ring then poured himself and the Wu Patriarch a glass,
"We all have fled from our own storms."
Liu sent the wine with his qi towards the Wu Patriarch and raised his cup. Wu Tianmo toasted with him and then they drank.
Wu Tianmo finished his drink,
"Good wine!"
Liu nodded showing he agreed,
"This is wine that comes from my homeland, its made from a special tier 4 vine that is cultivated into spiritual wine over a period of 50 years. I only have a few gourds left..."
Liu realized he was getting off topic,
"Wu Patriarch, there is more to discuss."
Outside the pavilion, the sound of axes striking Blackwood Trees far away could be heard, the construction of the outer wall was clearly underway.