Chapter 31 The Third Wisp of Primordial Purple Qi

For the first dozen or so years of his cultivation, it was Chen Changyan who had been guiding him through the Dao and resolving his doubts. Their relationship, though nominally that of clansmen separated by generations, was in essence more akin to that of a true master and disciple.

Chen Changqing had passed away several years prior. Now, the 1 closest to Eldrin (Person Name) was this elder who had lived for over 1 100 and 13 years.

"You still remember those years when I taught you cultivation. At least you have some conscience, kid."

"You were still young back then, yet the most serene and bright. I remember when I first taught you to recognize the meridians and acupoints, you actually memorized them all after just 1 hearing."

"Back then, I told your Seventh Uncle that you possessed innate wisdom roots. The Chen family's future would likely depend on you."

The old man smiled as he recounted trivial memories from the past, yet the corners of his eyes glistened faintly with unshed tears.

Eldrin listened quietly, waiting until he finished his rambling before suddenly smiling. "Elder Uncle, why not stay here at Spirit Isle Lake?"

"Stay at Spirit Isle Lake (Location)?" The elder uncle was taken aback.

"Mm." Eldrin nodded, gently patting Silas' small head. "This Spirit Isle Lake possesses both majestic mountains and graceful waters—truly an ideal place for 1's twilight years."

"You've been tending flowers and plants, fishing and reading books at Spirit Isle Lake (Location), while also keeping an eye on these 2 little ones."

Chen Changyan pondered seriously for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the 2 little ones before revealing a benevolent smile.

"I truly can't rest easy about these 2."

"I don't have many years left myself, so it's time for the family to pass on the legacy to the Qing-generation disciples."

Hearing this, a faint glimmer of amusement flickered in Eldrin's eyes.

"In my youth, you cared for me with utmost devotion, kindled my earliest wisdom, and guided my first steps upon the path of cultivation."

"Now that you have grown old, allow me to care for you in your final journey."

“…”

Cultivation is a long and arduous journey.

For cultivators, time flows like a gentle stream, slipping away imperceptibly.

In the blink of an eye, 2 years had passed.

Eldrin was now 20 years old, and this year marked his fifth year descending the mountain to Spirit Isle Lake.

On this day, Eldrin sat meditating by the lakeside isle, devouring the essence of morning radiance until the dawn’s glow faded entirely. He then merged the morning radiance with the lunar essence absorbed the previous night, ultimately refining a wisp of Primordial Purple Qi. Only then did he open his eyes.

Hoo——

Exhaling a wisp of mist, Eldrin slowly concluded his cultivation.

Sensing the wisp of Primordial Purple Qi within him, a faint smile graced his lips. For years, he had never neglected his daily practice of drawing in the essence of morning mists and moonlight. Now, he was on the verge of accumulating another breath of Primordial Purple Qi.

"Just another 2 or 3 months, and this wisp of Primordial Purple Qi should fully coalesce."

"When the Primordial Purple Qi becomes abundant, the speed at which I temper my meridians will also increase significantly."

Over the years, he had trained with relentless diligence. Bolstered by the miraculous Spirit Peaches that enhanced his cultivation, he astonishingly advanced from the seventh layer of Qi Refining to the peak perfection of the ninth layer in merely 5 years.

Now, his true qi had completely filled his meridians, reaching the absolute limit his body could contain. At this rate, he would likely reach the threshold to attempt Foundation Establishment in just a year or 2.

At present, he estimated it would only take 2 years to temper his meridians to their limit. By then, the resilience and strength of his channels would far surpass those of ordinary cultivators, granting him the foundation to attempt a breakthrough into Foundation Establishment.

"In about 2 more years, I should be able to attempt the breakthrough to Foundation Establishment."

"Without the Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object) to temper the spiritual energy, I only have about a 50 to 60 percent chance of success. The risks remain quite substantial."

"If I had 1 Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object), my breakthrough would be virtually guaranteed."

"Perhaps it's better to wait a few more years and see if I can obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object)?"

Eldrin's thoughts raced, then he let out a wry chuckle.

"The closer I get to Foundation Establishment, the more I'm plagued by fears of loss. But the boat will straighten its course when it reaches the bridge—what's the use of overthinking now?"

After completing his cultivation practice, Eldrin began his routine count of the Cyan-Scale Spirit Fish along the Spirit Lake's edge. It was then that he spotted a lone boat approaching. 3 figures stood aboard the vessel, led by an elderly man who called out from afar in a booming voice.

"Young Eldrin (Person Name), I've come again."

Sixteenth Granduncle.

Eldrin's gaze flickered slightly as he greeted with a gentle smile.

Once again, it was the season for the spiritual rice to ripen, and as usual, Chen Changlu was the 1 who arrived this year.

The sixteenth granduncle was of a cheerful disposition. He brought 2 junior family members onto the island and spoke immediately upon meeting.

"This year, I've brought you something truly special."

The old man carefully and ever so tenderly brought out a wooden box.

Eldrin opened the wooden box, and his eyes instantly brightened with unconcealed delight.

"It's the Sunfire Blossom."

"Yes, these matured just 2 months ago. I picked them fresh from the spirit herb garden a few days ago—still brimming with vitality."

Chen Changlu spoke, a faint smile gracing his features.

The Wood Sunflower is a top-grade rank-1 spiritual herb, and also the primary ingredient for refining Qi Restoration Pills.

Recovery Qi Pill is a top-grade, first-tier auxiliary spirit pill. Its effect is remarkably potent: upon ingestion, it instantly restores 70% of the true essence for a cultivator at the Qi Refining, Late Stage.

This elixir was immensely precious to Qi Refining cultivators, as it could restore 70% of 1's true essence in a single use. For many practitioners, it was practically equivalent to gaining an extra life.

For Eldrin, with these Qi-Restoring Pills, he could wield the Crimson Iron Blade Embryo several more times. When the time came, the combat prowess he could unleash would likely rival that of half a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"This Wood Sunflower took 60 years to cultivate before reaching maturity—truly a rare find indeed." Chen Changlu shook his head, stroking his long beard with a chuckle. "With this Wood Sunflower, you can attempt to break through to a first-grade high-rank Alchemist."

Eldrin nodded and added, "To refine the Returning Qi Elixir, we're still missing 1 supplementary ingredient—the Bellheart Herb."

"Bellheart Grass is easy to find," Chen Changlu said with a gentle smile. "After we finish harvesting the spirit rice, I'll need to make a trip to Yuyang Market. I'll get a portion for you then."

"No need to trouble yourself with the back-and-forth journey." Eldrin shook his head with a light chuckle. "It so happens this year's spirit peaches have ripened. I plan to sell them at the Yuyang Market to accumulate some spirit stones, while also taking the opportunity to purchase some medicinal herbs."

"That would be wonderful. Tomorrow we'll go to Yuyang Market together—perfect timing to keep each other company."

The 2 chatted and laughed as they arrived at Eldrin’s courtyard.

After merely resting for half an hour, everyone began harvesting the spirit rice.

The spirit rice stalks were exceptionally tough, making harvesting a strenuous task even for ordinary cultivators. Fortunately, Eldrin's spiritual energy was far more profound than that of a typical ninth-level Qi Refining cultivator. Thus, it took him merely half a day to completely harvest the several acres of spirit rice.

After harvesting the spirit rice, Chen Changlu went to catch spirit fish. Freed from the predation of other demonic beasts, the Azure-Scale Spirit Fish population in Spirit Isle Lake (Location) had expanded considerably after 5 years of breeding.

The number of spirit fish had now reached 227, nearly a 100 more than when Eldrin first arrived.

With the fish population growing, the number of spirit fish available for sale each year had increased. Chen Changlu caught 30 spirit fish, his face lighting up with joy as he remarked.

"This year, there are 2 more spirit fish than in previous years. It seems we can earn even more spirit stones."

Chen Changyan also happily stepped forward to lend a hand, gazing at the spirit fish with a smile. "In recent years, who hasn't known that our Chen family's Azurescale Spirit Fish are unmatched throughout Yu County?"