Chapter 4. Spirit Isle Lake

"We're still short by over 1,400 spirit stones. Have the younger generation of the clan share the burden as well."

"Those at Qi Refinement, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm) will contribute 15 spirit stones, while those at Qi Refinement, Early Stage will contribute 6. With the remaining 80-some cultivators in the clan, we should be able to gather over 4 100 spirit stones in total."

"The remaining shortfall of 1,000 spirit stones requires us to devise a solution." Fifth Elder Chen Qingwan, a first-grade superior Artificer, added, "I'll take on some artifact forging commissions later, which should bring in several dozen spirit stones annually. We can allocate that to cover the gap."

Eldrin felt a touch of emotion in his heart. Setting aside the clan stipend, earning several dozen spirit stones a year was no easy feat. For Chen Qingwan to do this, she would likely have to abandon her cultivation and devote most of her time to artifact forging.

Elder Chen Qingyuan also nodded. "I can supplement our resources a bit by helping others transplant spiritual herbs."

A senior uncle of the Chang generation also nodded in agreement. "Since Qing Meng failed his breakthrough to Foundation Establishment, he cannot remain idle. Once he recovers from his injuries, he shall refine batches of pills annually to partially cover the shortfall."

The group tossed out various suggestions, proposing quite a few methods to earn spirit stones. It seemed they could likely fill this deficit of 1,000 spirit stones within a few years.

However, in recent years, everyone had to tighten their belts, and even the clan stipends had to be temporarily withheld.

Seeing that the matter was nearly resolved, the Third Elder also breathed a sigh of relief before adding.

"To resolve our clan's deficit, we must find ways to open new revenue streams and increase the family income."

"I find the location of Spirit Lake Isle quite favorable. We could attempt to cultivate a few mu of spiritual fields on the lake's central island. With a few more acres dedicated to growing spirit rice, our income would see a considerable increase."

"This 1 is quite good."

The eyes of everyone present lit up, and they couldn't help but nod in agreement.

The Spirit Lake Region was remote, possessing a Grade 1, Upper Tier spirit vein. However, with few cultivators there to consume the spiritual energy, the surplus was more than sufficient to sustain several mu of spirit fields.

Moreover, the water quality in the spirit lake was exceptional—so pure that it could sustain spirit fish and would likely be ideal for cultivating spirit herbs and spirit rice.

At this thought, Fifth Elder Chen Qingwan spoke up, "The fourteenth uncle fell in battle, and Spirit Lake Isle currently lacks a Qi Refinement, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) expert to guard it. We must dispatch another Qi Refinement, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) cultivator to maintain the formation."

"Establishing spirit fields also requires spirit planters, and the Fourth Elder must tend to the 17 acres of spirit fields at Verdant Chariot Mountain (Location)."

As she spoke, her gaze involuntarily drifted toward Eldrin (Person Name)—wasn't he the perfect candidate?

Within the Chen Clan, aside from the Fourth Elder who was a First Grade High Rank Spiritual Planter, Eldrin could barely be considered the second Spiritual Planter.

Among the 100 Crafts of cultivation, the Alchemist is the most sought-after profession, followed by the Artificer, Array Master, and Talisman Maker. While the Spirit Farmer is less coveted, they are exceedingly rare.

To transplant a high-grade spiritual root, 1 must enlist a high-grade Spiritual Botanist; otherwise, survival is exceedingly difficult.

Eldrin was well aware of the significance of the 100 arts of cultivation. In truth, what he most desired to master was the art of alchemy.

Unfortunately, refining elixirs required massive resources for training. Without spiritual herbs to practice with, no matter how solid 1's theoretical foundation, it would be nearly impossible to advance their alchemy skills.

The Chen Clan's spirit herbs were scarce to begin with, making them naturally reluctant to let him use these precious resources for practice. Thus, nearly every time herbs were harvested, it was always the Sixth Elder who personally lit the furnace.

Seeing no opportunity to practice alchemy, Eldrin had spent these years learning spiritual plant cultivation from the Fourth Elder instead, hoping to understand medicinal properties through this path and lay a foundation for his future transition to becoming a pill refiner.

To his surprise, he seemed to possess a natural talent for tending spiritual herbs. He had now broken through to become a mid-first-grade Spiritual Herb Cultivator, which at his age could be considered an extraordinary gift.

With his cultivation at the Qi Refinement, Late Stage and his expertise as a spirit farmer, Eldrin naturally became the ideal candidate to reclaim spirit fields at the Spirit Lake Continent.

Sure enough, Third Elder also turned his gaze toward Eldrin (Person Name) and asked directly.

"Eldrin (Person Name), I should never have allowed you to descend the mountain."

"But now our family is short-handed, and you are capable of holding your own. Are you willing to go to Spirit Lake Continent?"

Linghu Continent.

Eldrin (Person Name) pondered for a moment. The Spirit Lake Isle possessed a first-grade, superior-quality spirit vein, sufficient to sustain his cultivation.

Moreover, the place was secluded and tranquil, with few inhabitants, and protected by formations, making it an ideal location for him to cultivate the Primordial Purple Qi.

At this thought, he nodded. "Agreed."

“…”

After it was decided that Eldrin would take charge of guarding the Spirit Lake Continent, the clan meeting gradually drew to a close.

That night, Eldrin visited the elder at Seventh Uncle's residence.

At this moment, Seventh Uncle had regained consciousness, but his breath was faint, his face haggard and pale—clearly, he was at death's door.

Seeing him, Seventh Elder was too weak to rise, yet he hastily gestured with his hand.

Eldrin hurried over and reached out to grasp Seventh Uncle's hand, finding the elder's palm rather cold.

Seventh Uncle gripped his hand firmly, a complex mix of nostalgia for the mortal world and quiet anticipation flickering in his eyes.

"Little Eldrin (Person Name), I'm fading fast."

"I've saved up 123 spirit stones over these years. I gave 100 to my clan, keeping the remaining 23."

"And there are 2 Spirit Talismans, 1 Green Leaf Sword—I’ll leave them all to you."

Chen Changqing possessed remarkable innate talent as a dual spiritual root cultivator. By 30-2 years of age, he had already reached the ninth level of Qi Refining, a feat matched only by Clan Leader Chen Changxu among the "Chang" generation.

Alas, fortune did not favor him. During the demon beast uprising over 60 years ago, his clan lost 2 Foundation Establishment cultivators. Chen Changqing suffered grave injuries in the turmoil, causing him to miss his chance at Foundation Establishment and even regress to Qi Refinement, 8th Layer (Cultivation Realm).

After that, he simply gave up cultivation and spent his time drawing spirit talismans for the family, accumulating considerable earnings.

Last year, when the clan purchased the Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object), Chen Changqing lent the family 500 spirit stones, contributing significantly to the effort.

Now on his deathbed, with none of his descendants possessing a spiritual root, he decided to bequeath his remaining 10,000 spirit stones to Eldrin.

"This... how can your grandson deserve such a gift..."

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

"Ah, Eldrin (Person Name), you have shown exceptional wisdom since childhood, with truly outstanding natural talent."

"Perhaps 1 day you may achieve immortality and enlightenment. You might even advance further by becoming a rogue cultivator."

"But I hope you can remain with the family and contribute your strength."

"If the family can no longer hold on," the gaunt elder's voice trembled, "the dozen-some 1000 mortal members of the Chen Clan in Pingyang County will all become blood sacrifices for demonic cultivators and fiendish beasts. They are our kin, every last 1 of them."

Seventh Granduncle.

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

The old man held genuine affection for the Chen Clan. He saw Eldrin as the family’s hope—a successor to carry his legacy forward, to shield the Chen Clan through eternity, ensuring its heritage endured and its blessings spanned 10 1000 generations.

Although Eldrin had lived 2 lives, this was a true reincarnation and rebirth. He felt a profound connection with Chen Changqing, an unbreakable bond of bloodline and responsibility that resonated deeply within him.

Watching Eldrin take the jade box, Seventh Elder passed away with a serene smile gracing his lips.

"Eldrin, never forget the Chen family lineage."

"Pursuing the Eternal Path of Dao, honoring sages and ancestors, supporting kin to uplift the clan, ascending to immortal transcendence."