Chapter 4 : A Clan's United Resolve

"We are still short by over one thousand four hundred Spirit Stones [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]. The younger generation of the clan must also contribute their share."

"Those in the Qi Refinement, Mid Stage [the middle phase of the initial stage of cultivation] will contribute fifteen Spirit Stones each, and those in the early Qi Refinement [the initial stage of cultivation] will contribute six. With the clan's remaining eighty-plus cultivators, we can likely gather over four hundred Spirit Stones."

"The remaining shortfall of one thousand Spirit Stones is a gap we must find a way to fill." The Fifth Elder, Chen Elara, who was a First Rank High Grade Artificer [a master craftsman capable of creating high-quality first-rank magical items], added, "I will take on some artifact-forging commissions. That should bring in several dozen Spirit Stones per year, which can be used to offset the deficit."

Eldrin Chen felt a surge of gratitude. Setting aside the clan stipend, earning several dozen Spirit Stones a year was no easy feat. For Chen Elara to do this, she would likely have to abandon her own cultivation and devote most of her time to forging.

The Fourth Elder, Chen Alistair, also nodded. "I can assist with transplanting spiritual herbs. That should also bring in a modest sum."

An uncle from the Chang Generation [the generation bearing the character 'Chang' in their names] concurred, "Cedric failed in his attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment [the second major realm of cultivation, where one solidifies their foundation]. He cannot remain idle. Once he recovers from his injuries, he should refine some elixirs [spiritual pills used for cultivation and healing] each year. That can also help cover part of the shortfall."

With everyone offering suggestions, they proposed quite a few methods to earn Spirit Stones, enough to fill the gap of one thousand Spirit Stones over the next few years.

However, it meant everyone would have to tighten their belts for those years, and the clan stipends would have to be suspended temporarily.

Seeing that the matter was nearly resolved, the Third Elder also let out a sigh of relief before speaking again.

"To truly solve the clan's deficit, we must also find ways to open new revenue streams and increase the clan's income." This novel is serialized on audio novel.com. Visit for updates.

"I believe the location of Spirit Lake Isle is quite favorable. We could attempt to clear several Mu-area [approximately six hundred sixty-six point six seven square meters each] of Spirit Farmland on Lake Heart Island. With a few more Mu-area of Spirit Farmland to cultivate Spirit Rice, our income would increase significantly."

"That is an excellent suggestion."

Everyone present had a gleam in their eyes and couldn't help but nod in agreement.

Spirit Lake Isle is situated in a remote area and possesses a First Rank High Grade Spirit Vein. However, with few cultivators there to consume the spiritual energy, the surplus Qi [the vital energy that flows through all living things] could easily sustain several Mu-area of Spirit Farmland.

Furthermore, the water quality within the spirit lake is exceptional, even capable of supporting Spirit Fish. Using it to irrigate medicinal herbs and Spirit Rice would likely yield superb results.

Thinking of this, the Fifth Elder, Chen Elara, spoke: "With the Fourteenth Uncle fallen in battle, Spirit Lake Isle currently lacks a Qi Refinement, Late Stage cultivator to guard the formation. We still need to dispatch a Qi Refinement, Late Stage cultivator to maintain the defensive arrays."

"Clearing Spirit Farmland also requires a Spirit Farmer, and the Fourth Elder must tend to the seventeen Mu-area of Spirit Farmland on Verdant Chariot Mountain."

As she spoke, her gaze involuntarily turned towards Eldrin Chen. Was he not the perfect candidate?

Within the Chen Clan, aside from the Fourth Elder who is a First Rank High Grade Spirit Farmer, Eldrin Chen could barely be considered the second Spirit Farmer.

Among the Hundred Arts of Cultivation, the Alchemist is the most prestigious profession, followed by the Artificer, the Formation Master, and the Talisman Master. While the Spirit Farmer is not as highly sought after, it is an exceedingly rare skill.

To transplant a high-grade Spiritual Root, one must possess a high-grade Spirit Farmer [a cultivator skilled in nurturing spiritual plants]; otherwise, it is exceedingly difficult for the root to survive.

Eldrin Chen naturally understood the importance of the Hundred Arts of Cultivation [the myriad specialized skills and crafts practiced by cultivators]. In truth, what he most wished to learn was Alchemy [the art of refining spiritual herbs into potent elixirs].

Unfortunately, mastering alchemy required vast resources for training. Without spiritual herbs to practice on, no matter how solid one's theoretical knowledge, it was nearly impossible to advance one's Alchemy skill.

The spiritual herbs of the Chen Clan were scarce to begin with, so they naturally could not spare them for mere practice. Essentially, every time herbs were harvested, it was the Sixth Elder who personally fired up the alchemical furnace.

Seeing no opportunity for alchemy, Eldrin Chen had spent these years learning the Spirit Farming Art [the art of cultivating spiritual plants] from the Fourth Elder, hoping to understand the properties of medicinal plants and lay a foundation for potentially switching to become an Alchemist in the future.

Unexpectedly, he seemed to possess a certain talent for tending spiritual plants. By now, he had even broken through to become a First Rank Middle Grade Spirit Farmer, which, for his age, could be considered a rare and innate gift.

With his cultivation at the Qi Refinement, Late Stage and his skill as a Spirit Farmer, Eldrin Chen naturally became the optimal candidate to be sent to Spirit Lake Isle to open up new Spirit Farmland [land imbued with spiritual energy, suitable for growing spiritual crops].

Sure enough, the Third Elder also turned his gaze toward Eldrin Chen and asked him directly.

"Eldrin, I should not be sending you down the mountain."

"But the clan is currently short-handed, and you are capable of standing on your own. Are you willing to go to Spirit Lake Isle?"

"Spirit Lake Isle [a secluded island at the heart of a spirit-rich lake]."

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment. Spirit Lake Isle possessed a First Rank High Grade Spirit Vein [a high-quality natural conduit of spiritual energy], which was sufficient to sustain his cultivation.

Furthermore, its remote and tranquil location, devoid of crowds and protected by defensive formations, made it an ideal place for him to cultivate the Primordial Essence [the pure, foundational energy of creation]. It seemed a most suitable destination.

Having considered this, he gave a nod. "Agreed."

"…"

Once it was decided that Eldrin Chen would take up guardianship of Spirit Lake Isle, the clan council gradually drew to a close. Read, share, and discuss at @udio-novel.com.

That very night, Eldrin Chen went to the residence of his Seventh Granduncle to visit the elder.

By now, the Seventh Granduncle had regained consciousness, but his aura was feeble, his visage gaunt and pale—clear signs he was lingering at death's door.

Seeing him, the Seventh Granduncle lacked the strength to rise, yet he managed a feeble wave of his hand.

Eldrin Chen hurried over and grasped the elder's hand, finding it chillingly cold to the touch.

Seventh Granduncle gripped his hand with all his remaining strength, his expression a mixture of lingering attachment to this mortal world and a flicker of anticipation for what lay beyond.

"Young Eldrin, my time is nearly spent."

"Over the years, I have managed to save one hundred and twenty-three Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy]. Of these, one hundred I have already given to the clan. The remaining twenty-three..."

"...along with Two Spirit Talismans [enchanted paper slips that release a pre-stored spell] and One Green Leaf Sword [a lifebound magical treasure], I leave to you."

Chen Changqing possessed truly high innate talent, being a cultivator with Two Spiritual Roots [a favorable spiritual aptitude allowing cultivation of two elemental affinities]. He had reached the Qi Refinement Ninth Layer [the ninth and penultimate stage of the initial Qi-gathering phase] by the age of thirty-two. Among the Chang Generation [the senior generation of the Chen Clan], only the Clan Patriarch, Chen Thalion, could match him.

Alas, his fortune was insufficient. More than sixty years ago, during the Beast Tide Calamity [a periodic onslaught of rampaging spirit beasts], the clan lost even two Foundation Establishment Cultivator [powerful cultivators who have solidified their spiritual foundation]. Chen Changqing was gravely wounded in that conflict, causing him to miss his chance for Foundation Establishment [the critical breakthrough to solidify one's spiritual foundation]. His cultivation even regressed, falling back to the Qi Refinement, 8th Layer.

Thereafter, he essentially abandoned the path of cultivation advancement. He dedicated himself to crafting Spirit Talisman for the clan, accumulating a not insignificant amount of wealth from his efforts.

Last year, when the clan sought to purchase a Foundation Establishment Pill [a rare elixir that significantly increases the chance of a successful Foundation Establishment breakthrough], Chen Changqing lent them five hundred Spirit Stone, a contribution of no small measure.

Now, at death's door, with none of his own children or grandchildren possessing a Spiritual Root [the innate spiritual organ that allows one to sense and absorb Qi], he intended to bequeath his remaining resources to Eldrin Chen.

"This... this grandson cannot possibly accept such a gift..."

Eldrin Chen wished to decline, but Chen Changqing stopped him and continued speaking.

"Eldrin, since childhood, you have been precociously wise and possessed of exceptional talent."

"Perhaps one day you may achieve immortality and comprehend the Dao [the fundamental principle or path in Chinese philosophy]. Perhaps you could even travel farther as a rogue cultivator."

"Yet, I hope you will remain with the clan and contribute your strength to it."

"If the clan cannot hold on..." The withered old man's voice trembled slightly. "The hundreds of thousands of mortal Chen clansfolk in Pingyang County would all become blood sacrifices for Demonic Cultivator [cultivators who use dark, often sacrificial methods to gain power] and demonic beasts. They are all our kin."

"Seventh Granduncle."

He took the jade box Chen Changqing offered him, unable to hold back the tears welling in his eyes.

The old man held genuine affection for the Chen Clan. He saw Eldrin Chen as the clan's hope, wishing for him to carry on the legacy, to shelter the Chen Clan so its lineage would endure unbroken for ten thousand generations.

Though Eldrin Chen was a man of two lives, this was a true rebirth. He felt Chen Changqing's emotions as his own—a bond of blood and a sense of responsibility that could not be severed.

Seeing Eldrin Chen accept the jade box, Seventh Granduncle passed from this world with a serene smile upon his lips.

"Eldrin, never forget the precepts of our Chen Clan Genealogy [the sacred record of our lineage and ancestral laws]."

"Eternal Pursuit of the Dao [the unwavering quest for the fundamental truth of existence], Reflect on Virtue and Ancestors [to contemplate one's moral conduct and honor the legacy of forebears], Support and Prosper the Clan [to strengthen and ensure the flourishing of our family], Ascend to Immortal Eternity [to transcend mortality and achieve everlasting life]." Support the author by reading on audio–novel.com.