Chapter 706 : Pillars of the Rising Generation

Their remaining lifespans were limited, offering little prospect for significant advancement.

Both Soren Chen and Seraphina Chen belonged to the Si Generation [the generation designated by the character 'Si' within the clan hierarchy], making them one generation junior to figures like Silas. Both were at the Earthly Path Foundation [the Foundation Establishment stage achieved through comprehending an Earthly Dao]. Among them, Seraphina Chen possessed an Anomalous Spiritual Root [a rare and powerful spiritual root affinity], while Soren Chen had Dual Spiritual Roots [affinity for two elemental spiritual energies].

These two were the pillar figures of the Si Generation and also the members of that generation with the highest potential to break through to the Nascent Soul [the stage where a cultivator forms their spiritual infant, a major leap in power and longevity].

Zoran Chen and Zuxuan Chen, meanwhile, were currently the two most outstanding members of the Zu Generation [the generation designated by the character 'Zu']. Zoran Chen was the eldest and leading brother of the Zu Generation. Zuxuan Chen, with his Four Spiritual Roots [affinity for four elemental spiritual energies], had achieved Self-Guided Foundation Establishment [Foundation Establishment without external aids, representing superior foundation and potential], making him the one in the Zu Generation who had accumulated the deepest reserves for a formidable ascent.

Finally, there was Lucian Chen, who originally hailed from the Qi Nation Chen Clan [the Chen Clan of the Qi Nation]. After his branch merged into the Green Chariot Mountain Chen Clan, he encountered considerable fortune and had now cultivated to the Ninth Layer of Golden Core [the peak of the Golden Core stage, just below Nascent Soul].

This Lucian Chen also had a younger sister named Selene Chen. However, her resolve was somewhat lacking; she had relied on external aids to break through to the Golden Core Realm [the stage where spiritual energy condenses into a solid golden core] and had only managed to forge an Inferior Golden Core [a Golden Core of the lowest quality, limiting future potential].

After recalling the backgrounds of these six individuals, Eldrin Chen sighed and declared, "Distribute one Nascent Soul Formation Pill [a precious pill that aids in the formation of a Nascent Soul] to each of the other five. As for the remaining resources like the Earthly Dao Essence [a spiritual essence containing the power of an Earthly Dao], allocate them according to their accumulated Clan Merit Points [points earned through contributions to the clan]."

"Whether they can break through to Nascent Soul and whether they can forge an Earthly Dao Nascent Soul [a Nascent Soul formed with the power of an Earthly Dao, stronger than a common one] will depend on their own Creation [destiny, fortune, and inherent potential] and their dedication in earning Clan Merit Points."

"As for Nianxuan Chen, she is the child of Uncle Lior. Uncle Lior died because of me all those years ago, so for Nianxuan Chen, I cannot but offer my full support."

"I still possess two strands of Heavenly Dao Qi [a wisp of pure energy embodying a Heavenly Dao, immensely valuable for cultivation]. I shall take one and give it to her." Continue reading this story at *audio-novel.com*.

Thalion Chen's expression faltered slightly, and he could not help but speak out, "The Heavenly Dao Qi [a supreme spiritual essence aligned with the Heavenly Dao] is exceedingly rare. Nianxuan possesses a Single Spiritual Root [a spiritual root of a single elemental affinity], making it nearly impossible for her to break through to the Primordial Spirit [Nascent Soul] realm in the future. Wouldn't bestowing it upon her be a waste?"

"Moreover, your disciples, Sylas Ye and Alistair Lu, Lyra's disciple Lana Gu, and that lad Caspian all possess Dao Body [a rare physique innately attuned to the Dao], making them far more worthy of cultivation."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a stir in his heart. Compared to the individuals on the list, Sylas Ye and the others indeed held brighter prospects.

Sylas Ye possessed the Pure Yang Dao Body [a physique of pure Yang essence], Alistair Lu was blessed with the Four Symbols Dao Body [a physique aligned with the Four Celestial Symbols], Lana Gu had the Tri-Yin Body [a physique of triple Yin nature], and Caspian also bore the Three Talents Dao Body [a physique harmonizing Heaven, Earth, and Man].

These individuals possessed extraordinary natural talent. Over the years, Eldrin Chen had spared no expense in nurturing them meticulously, aiming to cultivate them into Nascent Soul Seed [future Nascent Soul cultivators].

Now, with the next Heaven and Earth Resonance [a rare celestial event where Heaven and Earth energies harmonize] still nearly five hundred years away, and though they were still relatively young, unless they wasted precious life-extending opportunities, they likely would not live long enough to seize the chance to compete for the Heavenly Dao Qi on their own.

Calculating thus, even though he still held two strands of Heavenly Dao Qi, it seemed impossible to cultivate all of them into Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul [Nascent Souls forged with Heavenly Dao Qi].

If one strand were given to Nianxuan, then there would be a shortfall of three strands.

If one further accounted for the needs of Eldrin Chen and others breaking through to Nascent Soul Late Stage and refining the Heavenly Dao Pill [a supreme elixir refined with Heavenly Dao Qi], then at least one more strand would likely be required.

As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Eldrin Chen shook his head and said, "All these years, Lyra's External Incarnation Body [an external avatar formed through a profound divine ability] has been tirelessly gathering Heaven Path Aura [the ethereal aura of the Heavenly Path] atop the Nine Firmaments. Yet, I fear it will still take a considerable amount of time to synthesize a single strand of Heavenly Dao Qi."

"Fortunately, I still have some connections within the Eastern Wastelands. When the time comes, I can discuss matters with Maris the Sea Steader, Nine Rivers Daoist, and other Nascent Soul Late Stage cultivators."

"And then there are individuals like Brother Jaxian from the Long River Sacred Land. We should be able to exchange for some Heavenly Dao Qi [a supreme-grade spiritual energy aligned with the Heavenly Dao]."

Thalion Chen listened, then shook his head and said, "The Heavenly Dao Qi is exceedingly precious. Even the deepest of friendships requires wealth to facilitate such an exchange."

"Our share from this Barter Convention is substantial, but the clan's finances would, at most, only suffice to purchase one strand of Heavenly Dao Qi."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen also furrowed his brow. The shortfall of three more strands of Heavenly Dao Qi represented a staggering value of four thousand Heavenly Crystal [a purified, high-density form of Spirit Stone]. Unless Eldrin Chen sold the Quasi-Pure Yang Spiritual Treasure in his possession, it would be impossible to gather such a sum.

However, the Dual Polarity Treasure Lotus was the foremost defensive treasure of the Chen Clan, Eldrin Chen's primary means of withstanding attacks from Half-Step Primordial Spirit experts. It even held some utility for weathering the Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulation [the heavenly trial to advance to the Nascent Soul realm]. He would never consider selling it unless absolutely necessary.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen mused, "To earn Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation], we sold ten Nascent Soul Formation Pill [a supreme elixir that aids in the breakthrough to the Nascent Soul realm]. The clan's stockpile of these pills is now running dangerously low."

"Among our several Spirit Mountain [mountains rich with spiritual energy], is there any Nascent Soul Transformation Fruit [a miraculous fruit that can assist in forming a Nascent Soul] nearing maturity?"

"Not yet," Thalion Chen shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "Our foundation here is still too recent. The fastest-maturing Nascent Soul Transformation Fruit within the clan will require another five hundred years. For stable, regular yields, we must wait a full Millennium."

"However, once that Millennium has passed and the clan's various Spirit Medicine [plants imbued with potent spiritual energy] begin to mature in succession, the annual income of Spirit Stone will increase dramatically."

Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow slightly, then spoke calmly, "This time, Maris the Sea Steader slew three Fire Luan Demon Emperor. I have now acquired all of their Demon Emperor Nascent Soul [the condensed spiritual core of a demon emperor, a powerful cultivation resource]."

"In a few days, I shall begin refining several batches of Nascent Soul Formation Pill [a supreme elixir that aids in the formation of a Nascent Soul]."

Upon hearing this, Thalion Chen felt a surge of joy, pushing aside his previous worries. "Once these three batches of Nascent Soul Formation Pill are successfully refined, it will be a great blessing for the younger generation," he remarked.

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod of affirmation, then produced three stalks of Tribulation Transcendence Flower [a legendary herb that can help a cultivator survive a heavenly tribulation].

He handed the flowers to Thalion Chen and explained with a smile, "At the recent Barter Convention [a grand gathering where cultivators trade rare treasures], we offered many treasures for sale. In the end, aside from acquiring one Superior Grade Spiritual Treasure [a top-tier enchanted artifact], we only managed to purchase these three stalks of Tribulation Transcendence Flower." Join our community of readers at audio—novel.com.

"I have decided on their allocation," Eldrin continued. "One stalk will go to Ancestor Kael, one to Ethan, and the last one shall be reserved for Silas."

Thalion Chen nodded in understanding. Decades prior, the family's Tribulation Transcendence Flower on the Azure Lotus Continent had matured, and Eldrin Chen had already gifted it to their Old Granduncle.

Yet, a flicker of hesitation crossed Thalion's face. "And what about Seraphina Xia?" he couldn't help but ask.

Eldrin Chen shook his head, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "She possesses the Green Lotus Rebirth Art [a profound mystical technique of renewal and rebirth], a method even more exquisite than the Nirvana Tribulation Transference Art [an art to transfer or mitigate the power of a heavenly tribulation]."

The Divine Ability [a supreme mystical technique] of Verdant Consort was even more profound. She could plant a wisp of her divine consciousness [a fragment of her spiritual awareness] into a Verdant Lotus in advance. Should This Venerable One [a formal and powerful self-referential title used by senior cultivators] fall, she could draw upon the power of that Verdant Lotus to facilitate her rebirth.

This level of Divine Ability could be activated even if This Venerable One's Divine Soul [the spiritual core of a high-level cultivator] was utterly annihilated. Therefore, it was considered somewhat more advanced than the Nirvana Tribulation Transference Art [an art of transferring tribulation calamity through rebirth].

Hearing this, Thalion Chen let out a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "With this Tribulation Transcendence Flower [a legendary herb that aids in surviving heavenly tribulations], the safety of our clan's several True Lord [a high cultivation realm, equivalent to Golden Core] finally has an additional layer of protection."

"Then I must trouble Old Granduncle to arrange this matter."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod and then returned to Spirit Isle Lake.

At that time, Verdant Consort was still in secluded cultivation. Eldrin Chen first sought out Lila and handed her the Six Harmonies Pagoda [a pagoda-shaped treasure embodying the harmony of six elements].

This Six Harmonies Pagoda was the signature Spiritual Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact] of Jareth Fang. Back then, in order to keep this Six Harmonies Pagoda, Eldrin Chen had given all three other Spiritual Treasure from Jareth Fang's Storage Bag [a spatial pouch for holding items] to Maris the Sea Steader.

He had not claimed this Superior Grade Spiritual Treasure for myself. Possessing the Dual Polarity Treasure Lotus [a lotus treasure of opposing forces] and the Earth-Fortress Sovereign Bell [a bell treasure embodying unyielding earth], he naturally had no need for this particular Superior Grade Spiritual Treasure.

He presented it to Lila and said with a gentle smile, "Your Frost Soul Jade Condensing Pagoda [a pagoda treasure that condenses frost and soul energy] was destroyed saving me. Although this Six Harmonies Pagoda is not an Ice Attribute [affinity for ice-element power] Spiritual Treasure, it is, after all, a rare Attribute-Neutral Spiritual Treasure [a treasure not aligned with any single elemental attribute]."

"With this in your possession, your safety in the days to come will be that much more assured." Dive deeper into the Dao at audio-novel . com.