Chapter 4 : A Clan's United Sacrifice

"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 at the Vital Essence Refinement Mid Stage [the middle stage of refining one's vital life force] shall contribute fifteen Spirit Stones, and those at the Vital Essence Refinement Early Stage [the initial stage of refining one's vital life force] shall contribute six. With the remaining eighty-plus cultivators in the clan, 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." Elara Chen [a female elder of the Chen Clan] and Gwendolyn Chen [a female cultivator of the Chen Clan], who is a first-rank upper-grade artifact smith, added, "I will take on some artifact forging commissions for others. That can bring in several dozen Spirit Stones per year, which can be used to offset the deficit."

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

Fourth Elder [the Fourth Elder of the Chen Clan] Kaelen Chen [a male cultivator of the Chen Clan] also nodded. "I can help others transplant Spirit Herbs [plants imbued with spiritual energy, used in alchemy], which can also provide a small subsidy."

A Granduncle [a senior male relative] from the Chang Generation [the generation of elders in the Chen Clan with 'Chang' in their names] also nodded and said, "Kylan [a male cultivator of the Chen Clan] failed in his Foundation Establishment [the crucial realm where a cultivator forms their foundational Dao Pillar] attempt. He cannot remain idle either. Once he recovers from his injuries, he can refine some pills every year, which 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 this gap of one thousand Spirit Stones within a few years.

However, it meant that for these next few years, everyone would have to tighten their belts, and the clan stipends would also have to be temporarily withheld.

Seeing that the matter was nearly resolved, Third Elder [the Third Elder of the Chen Clan] also breathed a sigh of relief before speaking again.

"To solve the clan's deficit, we must also find ways to increase our income, to open new sources of revenue."

"I believe Spirit Lake Isle is a suitable location. We could attempt to clear several Mu-area [one Mu-area equals six hundred sixty-six point six seven square meters] of Spiritual Field [a field nourished by spiritual energy for cultivating spiritual plants] on Lake Heart Island. With a few more Mu-area of Spiritual Field to cultivate Spirit Rice [a type of grain infused with spiritual energy, consumed by cultivators], 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 located in a remote area and possesses a first-rank upper-grade Spirit Vein [a vein of earth that gathers and emits spiritual energy]. However, there aren't many cultivators there to consume the spiritual energy, so the surplus Qi [the vital energy that flows through all living things] could fully sustain several Mu-area of Spiritual Field.

Furthermore, the water quality within Spirit Lake is exceptional, even capable of sustaining Spirit Fish [fish that have absorbed spiritual energy and possess special properties]. Using it to irrigate Spirit Herb [plants that have absorbed spiritual energy and possess medicinal or cultivation-enhancing properties] and Spirit Rice would likely yield superb results.

Thinking of this, Elara Chen said to Gwendolyn Chen, "With the Fourteenth Uncle fallen in battle, Spirit Lake Isle currently lacks a Vital Essence Refinement Late Stage [the late stage of the first major realm of cultivation, focusing on refining one's vital essence] cultivator to guard the formation. We still need to dispatch a Vital Essence Refinement Late Stage cultivator to maintain the defensive array."

"Clearing Spiritual Field also requires a Spiritual Farmer [a cultivator skilled in cultivating spiritual plants]. And Fourth Elder must tend to the seventeen Mu-area of Spiritual Field on Verdant Chariot Mountain."

As she spoke, her gaze involuntarily turned towards Eldrin Chen. Wasn't he the perfect candidate?

Within the Chen Clan, aside from Fourth Elder who is a first-rank upper-grade Spiritual Farmer, Eldrin Chen could barely be considered the second.

Among the Hundred Arts of Cultivation [the various specialized skills and professions practiced by cultivators], Alchemists are the most sought-after profession, followed by Artificers, Array Masters, and Talisman Masters. While Spiritual Farmers are not as highly prized, they are exceedingly rare.

To transplant a high-grade Spiritual Root [the innate spiritual foundation of a cultivator], one must possess the skills of a high-grade Spiritual Farmer [a cultivator specializing in nurturing spiritual plants]; otherwise, it is exceedingly difficult for the transplant to survive.

Eldrin Chen was well aware of the importance of the Hundred Arts of Cultivation [the various specialized skills and crafts practiced by cultivators]. In truth, the art he most wished to master was Alchemy [the art of refining spiritual herbs into potent elixirs and pills].

Alas, mastering Alchemy requires vast resources for training. Without Spirit Herb [plants imbued with spiritual energy, used in cultivation and alchemy] to practice on, no matter how solid one's theoretical knowledge, it is nearly impossible to advance one's skill in the art.

The Chen Family's supply of Spirit Herb was itself scarce. Naturally, they were reluctant to let him use them for mere practice. Almost every time herbs were harvested, it was Sixth Elder who personally fired up the alchemical furnace.

Seeing no opportunity for Alchemy, Eldrin Chen had spent these years learning the art of Spiritual Farming from Fourth Elder, hoping to gain an understanding of medicinal properties and lay a foundation for eventually transitioning to become an Alchemist.

Unexpectedly, he seemed to possess a certain talent for tending to Spirit Herb. By now, he had broken through to become a First-Rank Mid-Grade Spiritual Farmer, a feat that could be considered exceptionally gifted for his age.

With a cultivation base at the Vital Essence Refinement Late Stage [the late stage of refining one's vital life force energy] and being a Spiritual Farmer, Eldrin Chen naturally became the best candidate to go to Spirit Lake Isle and open up new Spiritual Field [fields infused with spiritual energy for growing spiritual plants].

As expected, Third Elder also turned his gaze toward Eldrin Chen and asked directly.

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

"But the family 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 with a spiritual lake]."

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment. Spirit Lake Isle possessed a first-rank upper-grade Spirit Vein [a natural conduit of concentrated spiritual energy], which was sufficient to sustain his cultivation.

Furthermore, the place was secluded and tranquil, with few inhabitants and protective formations in place. It was an ideal location for him to cultivate the Primordial Mist Violet Aura [a profound and ancient energy technique], making it an excellent choice.

Having considered this, he nodded. "That will do."

"..."

Once it was decided that Eldrin Chen would take up residence at Spirit Lake Isle, the family council gradually drew to a close.

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

By then, Seventh Granduncle had regained consciousness from his stupor, but his aura was feeble, his appearance gaunt and pallid—clear signs that he was on the brink of passing.

Seeing him, Seventh Granduncle lacked the strength to rise from his bed, yet he urgently beckoned with a hand.

Eldrin Chen hurried over and reached out to grasp the elder's hand, finding it cold to the touch.

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

"Young Eldrin, my time is nearly spent."

"Over the years, I have saved one hundred and twenty-three Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy]. One hundred of them I have already given to the clan. The remaining twenty-three..."

"...along with two Spirit Talisman [a paper or jade slip inscribed with a spell] and a single Verdant Leaf Sword, I leave to you."

Cedric Chen's innate talent was, in truth, remarkably high. A cultivator with a Dual Spiritual Root [a spiritual constitution that allows affinity with two of the five elemental energies], he had reached the Vital Essence Refinement 9th Tier [the ninth and final stage of the Qi Condensation realm] by the age of thirty-two. Among his generation, the Chang Generation, only the clan patriarch, Alistair Chen, could match his pace.

Alas, fortune did not favor him. More than sixty years ago, during the Beast Tide [a periodic, massive invasion of demonic beasts], the clan lost even two of its Foundation Establishment Cultivator [cultivators who have solidified their spiritual foundation, a major realm above Qi Condensation]. Cedric Chen was gravely wounded in that conflict, causing him to miss his chance at Foundation Establishment [the process of solidifying one's spiritual foundation] and even causing his cultivation to regress to the Vital Essence Refinement 8th Tier.

Thereafter, he essentially abandoned the path of cultivation, devoting himself instead to crafting spirit talismans for the clan, from which he accrued a modest income.

Last year, when the clan sought to purchase a Foundation Establishment Pill [a precious elixir that significantly increases the chance of a successful Foundation Establishment breakthrough], Cedric Chen lent them five hundred spirit stones—no small contribution.

Now, on his deathbed, with none of his own descendants possessing a Spiritual Root [the innate spiritual constitution that determines one's potential for cultivation], 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 Cedric Chen stopped him and continued speaking.

"Eldrin, you have been wise beyond your years since childhood, your talents truly exceptional."

"Perhaps one day you may even reach the realm of Ascension and Attainment of the Dao [the ultimate state of becoming one with the Dao, achieving immortality]. You might even travel farther as a wandering cultivator."

"Yet, I hope you will stay with the clan and lend it your strength."

"If the clan cannot hold..." The withered old man's voice trembled slightly. "...the hundreds of thousands of Chen Family mortals in Pingyang County will all become blood sustenance for Demonic Cultivator [cultivators who use dark, forbidden arts] and demonic beasts. They are all our kin."

"Seventh Granduncle."

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

The old man's feelings for the Chen Clan were genuine. He saw Eldrin Chen as the family's hope, wishing he would carry on in his stead, sheltering the Chen Family, ensuring its Indestructible [an unbreakable, enduring legacy] endured for generations to come.

Although Eldrin Chen had lived two lives, this was a true Rebirth [a complete reincarnation into a new body]. His feelings for Cedric Chen resonated deeply—a bond of blood and a sense of duty that could not be severed.

Seeing Eldrin Chen accept the jade box, Seventh Granduncle passed from this world with a peaceful smile.

"Eldrin, remember the motto of our Chen Family Clan Genealogy."

"Pursue the Dao, Seek Everlasting Verdure. Remember Virtue, Reflect on Ancestors. Support Each Other, Revitalize the Clan. Ascend to Immortality, Achieve Eternity."