Chapter 19 Blazing Sunfire, Burning Demons

However, stalling for these few breaths of time was already enough.

High above, the Grand Elder activated the Blazing Sun Divine Flame Array, his snow-white hair and beard whipping wildly as killing intent blazed in his eyes.

"Audacious fiend, how dare you act with such impudence!"

"Behold my Blazing Sun Divine Flame!"

As the words faded, the Solar Flame Pearl in the heavens erupted with incomparably brilliant radiance.

A pure stream of Solar Godfire descended from the heavens, illuminating the pitch-black night sky and enveloping several demonic cultivators within its radiance.

"Ah..."

The agonized screams of the demonic cultivators echoed incessantly. Confronted with these flames specifically designed to vanquish their kind, even those at the middle and late Foundation Establishment stage dared not make contact, let alone a mere handful of Qi Refining demonic cultivators.

In the span of a single breath, several demonic cultivators were incinerated into calamity ashes. Even the Blood-Transmuting Demon Blade (Magic Treasure) was refined into nothingness.

The demonic energy within was completely incinerated, while the vicious bloodlust melted like snow beneath the blazing sun of divine flame. Only the pure, unadulterated millennium crimson iron remained intact.

"Hmm..."

Eldrin gasped for breath, his expression grave as he stared at the Blood-Transmuting Demon Blade, unable to suppress the solemnity that clouded his features.

"A second-tier, lower-grade demonic treasure actually possesses such formidable power."

Though this battle began abruptly and ended swiftly, its perils were self-evident.

No 1 had anticipated that these demonic cultivators would possess a second-tier demonic treasure, nearly catching everyone off guard.

"It's the Devil Zhang's men."

After the battle concluded, Chen Changyan stepped forward and picked up the blade embryo, saying.

Within the entire Eastern Wastelands (Location), only the Demon Cave possessed the method to forge the Blood-Transmuting Demon Blade (Magic Treasure).

Old Fiend Zhang had obtained a portion of the legacy from the Demonic Abyss Cave, making him the sole master in the entire Yu County capable of forging this demonic artifact.

The Grand Elder’s expression turned grave as he replied, “3 years ago, while escorting the Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object), several Foundation Establishment cultivators joined forces to ambush the clan leader.”

Old Fiend Zhang also got himself involved in that affair. In that battle, the clan leader destroyed his Lifebound Demon Artifact. It seems he's now preparing to refine a new demon artifact.

Eldrin nodded slightly upon hearing this. After all, the clan leader was 1 of only 3 Foundation Establishment, Late Stage cultivators in Yu County, ranking among the top 3 amidst the 20-some Foundation Establishment realm experts across the region.

With his level of cultivation, even when besieged by multiple Foundation Establishment cultivators at the time, he still managed to slay 1 of them. When the Zhang Old Demon attempted to ambush him amidst the chaos, he certainly didn't fare any better.

In truth, the Eldrin’s life-bound demonic treasure had been shattered at that time, and he had nearly been slain by Chen Changxuan. In the end, he had barely escaped with his life by employing the Great Blood Evasion Art.

It was precisely for this reason that after the battle, Old Devil Zhang was utterly terrified. Even though he clearly knew that Clan Leader Chen Changxuan was severely injured, he still dared not personally confront the Chen Immortal Clan (Organization).

"It stands to reason that this should be the case."

Chen Changyan stroked his long beard, his gaze brimming with delight as he observed the blade embryo.

"To forge a weapon like the Blood-Transmuting Demon Blade (Magic Treasure), 1 must inevitably bear immense karmic retribution."

"This time, the old fiend's scheme failed and he even lost that incomparably precious blade embryo. Truly, he deserved this calamity."

Hearing this, the others also revealed faint smiles.

The material of this Blood-Transmuting Demon Blade (Magic Treasure) was truly extraordinary—even the 1000-year-old crimson iron forged into its blade embryo counted as a rare and precious natural treasure.

Now that the Blood-Transmuting Demon Blade (Magic Treasure) had been purified of its bloodlust aura by the Blazing Sun Divine Fire Array, it had transformed into a genuine magical artifact. Though its power had diminished by a significant margin, it could still be considered a quasi second-grade magical instrument.

"Unfortunately, the clan leader has suffered severe injuries. To prevent his condition from worsening, he cannot take action for the time being."

"Otherwise..."

Chen Changyan spoke, then let out another sigh.

This second-rank precious iron, if acquired by a skilled artifact smith who carves second-rank forging array patterns into it, could at minimum be refined into a second-rank magical artifact.

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned his gaze to Eldrin. "In the recent battle, your flying sword clashed directly with that demonic treasure and suffered severe spiritual damage. It will likely require days of careful nurturing to recover."

"In my opinion, this item should be given to young Eldrin."

"This..." Eldrin hastily declined, "This treasure is far too precious. It would be better reserved for the clan leader."

Chen Changyan, however, shook his head. "For the clan leader, a quasi-rank-2 magical artifact like this is practically useless. But for you, it can significantly amplify your combat prowess."

"Besides, should you ever have the chance to break through to Foundation Establishment, you could melt this down and retrieve its millennium-old crimson iron to forge your Natal Magic Treasure."

As the eldest cultivator in the Chen Clan aside from the patriarch himself, Chen Changyan commanded immense respect among its members.

As soon as he spoke, no 1 else raised any objections. The Grand Elder was the first to voice his support.

"Within our clan, your talent is the most exceptional. The future of our family rests upon you."

"Take it. With this blade in hand, you'll have another means to deal with demonic cultivators should you encounter them again."

"Besides, the family still owes you a debt of over 2 100 spirit stones. Consider this repayment."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin (Person Name) dispensed with further pleasantries. He took the blade blank and cast a delighted glance at it.

He caressed it with an almost obsessive fondness before finally storing it away, smiling as he said.

"This item shall be valued at 1,500 family contribution points."

“It just so happens that my spirit peaches have been stored, and I earn no small amount of merit points each year with nowhere to spend them.”

The clan leader’s second-tier, mid-grade natal magic treasure had only sold for 2,000 spirit stones at the time, while an ordinary second-tier, low-grade treasure would cost no more than around 1,000 spirit stones.

However, this particular embryo was extraordinary. Millennial Crimson Iron was a top-tier Grade 2 artifact forging material, so pricing it at 1,500 could be considered quite reasonable.

Each year henceforth, 30 of the spiritual peaches he produces will be deposited into the clan treasury, earning him 150 merit points annually. In roughly 10 years' time, he will have fully repaid this debt.

In just a few words, they distributed the precious treasure among themselves, then turned their gazes toward the others nearby.

Although the Chen family had slain several demonic cultivators in this battle, they had not emerged unscathed, having suffered heavy losses primarily due to the Blood-Transmuting Demon Blade (Magic Treasure).

This battle caught everyone off guard as Han Mo wielded his demonic blade with devastating power. In an astonishingly short time, he had already slain 3 Chen Clan cultivators, while 4 or 5 others sustained serious injuries.

The compensation for the fallen cultivators and the healing expenses for the wounded would both require a substantial expenditure.

After some discussion, it was decided that injured cultivators would receive rewards ranging from 1 to 10 years' worth of stipends, depending on the severity of their wounds.

As for the 3 cultivators who fell in battle, their descendants would receive 300 to 500 Family Merits based on the deceased's cultivation level. If the descendants possessed no spiritual roots, the merits would be recorded in the family ledger. Should any of their future descendants awaken as cultivators, these merits would then be transferred to their accounts.

Eldrin knew these measures were absolutely necessary. If even those who fell in battle for the clan received no compensation, who would ever be willing to fight for the family again?

If a cultivation clan fails to achieve this, its cohesion will inevitably erode over time. Like grains of scattered sand, it will ultimately dissipate into fleeting smoke.

The Chen Immortal Clan (Organization) had existed for several 100 years, and its cohesion had never waned. Naturally, they were well aware of this fact.

Moreover, aware that the family treasury was now depleted and merit points could no longer be exchanged for spirit stones or supplies, Eldrin and several other elders pooled together over a 100 spirit stones to partially advance them the pension in cash.