Chapter 36 : A Journey of Ancestral Bonds

The Grand Elder was responsible for guarding the strategic location of Pingyang County. To avoid being ambushed and decapitated before he could even activate the City Guardian Grand Formation [a powerful defensive array protecting a city], this magical treasure had remained by his side for many years.

To increase their chances of success on this journey, the group not only retrieved the Blazing Solar Skyfire Banner, but even decided to bring forth the Bell of Nine Echoes [a mystical bell whose tolls resonate with profound power].

Early the next morning, the party of five departed from Verdant Chariot Mountain. Along the way, they stopped at Pingyang County to collect the Bell of Nine Echoes before finally heading towards the Green Sun Sect.

The mountain gate of the Green Sun Sect was located in Qing Province, deep within the heartlands of the Chu Kingdom. It was a staggering two hundred thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] from Yu County.

The group journeyed without pause, traveling for nearly half a year before they finally arrived before the mountain gate of the Green Sun Sect.

At the Green Sun Sect, they met Chen Corin. Having been away from the clan for over two decades, Chen Corin was initially somewhat reserved. Seeing their weariness, he quickly invited them inside to sit down.

Looking at the five travel-worn figures, the youngest elder of the Qing Generation smiled bitterly. "I am truly ashamed that you elders have traveled ten thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] to help because of Qingyuan's matter."

"Do not say such things," the Third Elder shook his head. "You came from the family. The clan will always be your roots, your most steadfast support."

The Second Elder, who had watched Chen Corin grow up, asked with concern, "How have you been these years at the Green Sun Sect?"

Hearing their words of care, Chen Corin felt a sudden sting in his eyes. In the end, he swallowed the emotion back down. This chapter is provided by audio . novel . com. Support the original.

Witnessing this scene, the group exchanged knowing glances and refrained from further inquiry.

The true state of the Green Sun Sect was an open secret among them. Ever since the previous sect master passed away a century ago, the Green Sun Sect had undergone a profound change.

The current sect master, Xu the Ancient Ancestor, had ascended to his position by scheming against his own senior brother. This act of treachery from the top had inevitably corrupted the sect's entire ethos, setting a poisonous precedent for all who followed.

Nevertheless, after seizing control, Xu the Ancient Ancestor had drained the Clan Treasury to purchase a Golden Core Formation Pill [a legendary pill that aids in forming a Golden Core], successfully breaking through to the Golden Core Realm. In doing so, he had, for better or worse, preserved the foundational legacy of the Green Sun Sect.

Within such a Green Sun Sect, a cultivator like Chen Corin, who lacked powerful patronage, undoubtedly faced a difficult and precarious path.

With this thought in mind, the Second Elder offered words of consolation. "Endure it a while longer. Once you achieve your Foundation Establishment breakthrough, everything will become much easier."

They conversed for a time, sharing news of the major events that had transpired within the clan over the years. Before they knew it, One Shichen had slipped by.

Seizing an opportune moment, Eldrin Chen broached the subject. "Regarding the mission to slay a demonic beast, which one have you decided to target?"

Chen Corin shook his head, a bitter smile touching his lips. "In previous years, we were allowed to choose our quarry. But this year, Wei the Elder, who oversees the distribution of the Foundation Establishment Pill [a vital pill for attempting the Foundation Establishment breakthrough], has changed the rules. He now assigns the missions directly."

"He claims it's because only three batches of the Foundation Establishment Pill were refined this year, yielding fewer pills than usual, so the difficulty has been increased accordingly."

After speaking, he offered a bitter smile and handed over a bamboo scroll. As everyone took it and read its contents, their expressions turned grim.

The Second Rank Demonic Beast that Chen Corin was tasked with slaying was a Verdant-Striped Ape [a powerful, intelligent ape demon with green markings]. While its strength was not considered top-tier among Second Rank Demonic Beast, it was by no means an easy foe to deal with.

This was because they were pack creatures. Generally, a tribe capable of producing a second-rank Verdant-Striped Ape would consist of at least a hundred Qi Refinement Stage Green Ape [the common, lesser variant of the Verdant-Striped Ape].

For Chen Corin to kill a Foundation Establishment Realm Verdant-Striped Ape, he would likely have to face the encirclement and assault of a hundred of its kin—a truly troublesome affair.

"It seems someone within the Green Sun Sect must have taken a fancy to Corin's Foundation Establishment Pill [a precious pill that aids in breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Realm]," the Fourth Elder said, his face changing color. "Perhaps we should wait another ten years. The next allocation might have more pills, and the task might not be so difficult."

"The struggle for a Foundation Establishment Pill is never easy," countered Second Elder Chen Riverius. "Besides, how many decades does a cultivator truly have? To hesitate now is to risk a lifetime of regret."

After a moment's thought, Chen Corin could not help but say, "The Verdant-Striped Ape is indeed far too dangerous. Perhaps it is better to wait those ten years. The task may be easier then."

Eldrin Chen swept his gaze over the group and stated firmly, "There is no need for further indecision. While the Verdant-Striped Ape is formidable, we are not without our own means. If the worst comes to pass, I still possess a Solar Divine Flame Talisman [a powerful talisman that unleashes a blast of divine solar fire]."

Hearing this, the others felt a measure of relief settle over them. With the Solar Divine Flame Talisman as their ultimate safeguard, they would dare to confront even a Second Rank Middle Grade demonic beast, let alone a mere Second Rank Low Grade Verdant-Striped Ape.

Their resolve thus solidified, the group set out on their journey to hunt and slay the demonic beast.

Deep within the heartlands of the Chu Kingdom, Second Rank Demonic Beast [demonic beasts of moderate power] had grown scarce. For the Green Sun Sect, locating a specific Foundation Establishment Demonic Beast [a beast whose power rivals a Foundation Establishment cultivator] within the vastness of Qing Province was no simple task.

Yet, as this was a formal mission, the Green Sun Sect had naturally conducted prior reconnaissance. The six of them journeyed forth, and after two moons of travel, they finally discovered the lair of the Verdant-Striped Ape.

The Verdant-Striped Ape had concealed itself deep within a remote mountain range, occupying a spirit vein [a natural conduit of spiritual energy]. It was clear the creatures had thrived and multiplied there for many years.

Before venturing into the mountains, the group first scouted the area, then gathered to formulate their strategy.

Third Elder spoke first, his voice grave. "I have taken count. There are one hundred and thirteen of these Verdant-Striped Ape in total."

"Aside from the alpha, which has reached the Foundation Establishment Realm, there are nine others in the Qi Refinement, Late Stage. The remainder pose little threat." Official source: audio~novel.com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Eldrin Chen closed his eyes, recalling the terrain, then used a branch to sketch a map of the surrounding area upon the earth.

"The Verdant-Striped Ape are numerous and not weak," he stated. "A direct confrontation would be folly."

"However, their intellect is limited. We can attempt to pick them off, one group at a time."

As he spoke, he circled a valley on his earthen map with the branch, a faint smile touching his lips.

"This terrain is treacherous. If we can lure them here and block the exit, then deploy the Blazing Solar Skyfire Grand Formation [a powerful formation that channels the fury of the sun and sky], we'll have them trapped like turtles in a jar."

"A sound plan," the group agreed in unison. Third Elder declared, "Then let the preparations begin."

To increase their chances of victory, they set about altering the landscape itself.

They arrived at the valley, summoned their flying swords and magical tools to reshape the terrain, and then planted the Formation Flags [banners imbued with power to anchor a formation]. The laborious task left them utterly drained before they finally ceased.

After completing these preparations, they did not rush to act. Instead, they rested for a night to recover their mana, waiting until the following day to make their move.

The group infiltrated the territory of the Verdant-Striped Ape [a type of powerful, gregarious demonic ape] and began covertly eliminating isolated individuals.

However, the Verdant-Striped Ape were, after all, a communal breed of demonic beast. The party had slain only three or four before the ape horde discovered them and gave furious chase.

The cultivators beat a hasty retreat. After fleeing for over ten Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters], Eldrin Chen realized only a dozen or so apes were in pursuit. He immediately wheeled around.

"Let's finish these first!"

As his words fell, he summoned the Verdant Leaf Sword [his lifebound flying sword] into the air. With a flash of emerald light, he cleaved one of the pursuing Verdant-Striped Ape clean in two.

Several Qi Refinement, Peak Stage cultivators [practitioners who refine their vital energy] struck together, and in barely a dozen breaths' time, they had hacked the dozen or so Verdant-Striped Ape [demonic beasts resembling apes with green stripes] into scattered pieces, slaughtering them all.

"Not bad at all."

With the first battle a decisive victory, Eldrin Chen allowed a smile to touch his lips. "Continue."

The group employed the same tactic once more, returning to the Verdant-Striped Ape territory to lure out and slay another group of the beasts. For the best reading experience, visit audio-novel . com.