Chapter 41 : A New Pillar for the Clan

After consolidating his cultivation base, he finally pushed open the door of the Seclusion Chamber and stepped out.

The Old Granduncle had already been waiting outside the Seclusion Chamber for several months. The moment he saw Eldrin Chen, he could not hold back his tears.

"Sixty-seven years... sixty-seven years of hardship and tribulation," he murmured.

"Heaven has opened its eyes! Our Chen Clan has finally produced another Foundation Establishment Cultivator!"

Eldrin Chen wore a gentle smile as he steadied the Old Granduncle.

Gazing at the aged visage of Eternal Spread Chen, a pang of sorrow struck his heart. With unwavering resolve, he spoke.

"Old Granduncle, you need worry no longer."

"From this day forth, the Chen Clan... has me!"

"..."

After resting at Spirit Isle Lake for three days, Eldrin Chen decided to return to Green Chariot Mountain. Original publication: audio - novel . com - The source of this chapter.

This time, he traveled by artifact flight, piloting the Second Rank Magical ArtifactCrimson Iron Saber Embryo. He could cover three to four thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] in a single day, reaching the Clear Source Mountain Range in less than two days.

During this journey, he tested his own strength. It seemed that because he had not used a Foundation Establishment Pill [a pill that aids in solidifying one's cultivation foundation], his True Essence [the refined spiritual energy cultivated within a practitioner] was far more potent and sharp than that of cultivators at the same stage.

Any offensive spell or magical artifact wielded by his hand exhibited power at least thirty percent greater than that of an ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivator. Coupled with the greater depth and resilience of his True Essence, his combat prowess likely far surpassed that of a typical Foundation Establishment Early Stage cultivator.

"No wonder it's said that cultivators who achieve Foundation Establishment without a Foundation Establishment Pill often possess greater Future potential," Eldrin Chen mused, sensing the unique quality of his own spiritual energy.

"The reason lies precisely here."

Eldrin Chen contemplated this as he felt the unique, razor-sharp nature of his True Essence circulating within him.

While a Foundation Establishment Pill tempers the True Essence, making it more docile and increasing the odds of a successful breakthrough, it also strips the transformed energy of some of its innate fierceness.

This lost fierceness results in a thirty percent reduction in the energy's efficacy for tempering the meridians and a corresponding thirty percent drop in combat potency.

Forgoing the pill allows the post-breakthrough True Essence to retain an extra edge of sharpness. This enhances its meridian-forging effect, making the cultivator's channels and physical body more resilient. In the future, when attempting to break through to the Violet Sanctum [a profound stage of cultivation where one opens a mystical palace within], this foundation can provide an additional ten to twenty percent chance of success.

"A pity, for most, the probability of breaking through without a Foundation Establishment Pill is far too slim."

"Moreover, it is far too perilous."

Suppressing his thoughts, Eldrin Chen descended with his sword radiance a hundred Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] away from Green Chariot Mountain.

Having just broken through to the Foundation Establishment [the second major stage of cultivation, where one solidifies their spiritual foundation] realm, his family's adversaries remained unaware. He decided to conceal his advancement, intending to consult with the clan patriarch before making any further moves.

Upon returning to Green Chariot Mountain, he immediately made his way to the entrance of the patriarch's Seclusion Chamber.

Although Eternal Profound Chen had not yet emerged from seclusion, it had been five years since he obtained the Meridian Nourishing Pill [a pill that cleanses and strengthens the body's energy channels]. By all reasoning, he should be concluding his retreat within a month or two.

Eldrin Chen waited for over ten days. Finally, the formation within the Spirit Spring [a spring infused with concentrated spiritual energy] deactivated, and the Old Patriarch laid eyes upon Eldrin Chen.

The moment he saw Eldrin Chen, Eternal Profound Chen's face lit up with delight. He promptly ushered him inside.

"Come in, quickly."

Once inside the Spirit Spring within the Hinter Peaks, the Old Patriarch scrutinized Eldrin Chen carefully, a surge of excitement welling within him.

"Excellent, excellent, excellent."

"When did you achieve your Foundation Establishment [the second major realm of cultivation, where one builds a stable foundation for their spiritual path]?"

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. "I only emerged from seclusion half a month ago."

"Excellent." A look of solemnity crossed Eternal Profound Chen's face. "For now, do not tell anyone about your Foundation Establishment."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. "Aside from Old Granduncle, you are the only one who knows of my breakthrough."

Upon hearing this, the Old Patriarch broke into a hearty grin, stroking his long beard. "It seems our thoughts have converged."

Seven years prior, in the struggle for a single Foundation Establishment Pill [a precious elixir that aids in solidifying one's cultivation foundation], the Chen Clan had been besieged by several rival factions. The assault had nearly wiped out the clan's Chang Generation [the generation bearing the 'Chang' character in their names] of Clan Elders, and even the clan leader had been grievously wounded. This novel is serialized on audio_novel.com. Visit for updates.

Such deep-seated enmity was not forgotten. Now that Eldrin Chen had reached Foundation Establishment, both men harbored thoughts of plotting a reckoning, of seeing if they could exact vengeance for the past.

With palpable excitement, Old Granduncle discussed plans with Eldrin Chen, then inquired about the clan's major affairs over the intervening years.

Eldrin Chen held nothing back. He recounted his experiences and delivered the somber news of Verdant Origin Chen's failed attempt at Foundation Establishment to the Old Patriarch.

After listening, Eternal Profound Chen's expression shifted repeatedly, a profound and mournful light finally settling in his eyes.

"For sixty years, to obtain that single Foundation Establishment Pill [a pill that aids in breaking through to the Foundation Establishment realm], this old man has sent five talented clan members to the Verdant Sun Sect. Sadly, most perished on sect missions before reaching the Vital Essence Refinement 9th Tier [the ninth and final stage of body and energy refinement before Foundation Establishment]."

"I even sent your father, Verdant Brightness Chen, and Verdant Origin Chen, the two most gifted of your Verdant Generation [the generation of Chen clan members with 'Verdant' in their names], to the Verdant Sun Sect. I never imagined it would lead to their doom."

Eldrin Chen felt a tremor in his heart. Born with memories of a past life, he vividly recalled the moment at age three when his father, drenched in blood and gravely wounded, dragged himself back to Green Chariot Mountain. His father held on just long enough to place him into the hands of Seventh Granduncle before his final breath faded.

The clan believed he was too young to remember that tragedy, but the memory had always been buried deep within him. He had never spoken of it, for the forces behind it were far too formidable, a shadow too vast to confront.

"It seems the Verdant Sun Sect can no longer be trusted."

As Old Patriarch spoke, a sharp glint of cold resolve flashed in his eyes.

He grasped Eldrin Chen's hand, his gaze solemn and heavy with purpose.

"Eldrin, this old man's path forward is likely dim and narrow."

"But you broke through to Foundation Establishment [the foundational stage of a cultivator's path] on your own. Your future prospects are far broader than mine. If one day you can ascend to Violet Sanctum [the realm where one opens a mystical palace within] or even Golden Core Realm [the realm of forming a golden core of condensed power], I hope you will settle this debt of Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect, action and consequence] from today."

Eldrin Chen's eyes reflected the image of the Old Patriarch. Holding the old man's hand, he gave a calm, resolute nod.

At times, a promise held within a single glance carries far more weight than a thousand words. Some things need not be spoken aloud; a shared understanding between hearts is enough.

Having received the answer he sought, Old Patriarch withdrew his hand and returned to their previous topic of conversation.

"Besides Zhang Old Demon, there were four others who besieged this old man seven years ago. Two were the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Zuo Clan from Feng County. The other two were rogue cultivators from Heavenly Ruins Mountain—one named Abiding Center Liu and the other Peaceful Harmony Lin."

"That Abiding Center Liu was lacking in cultivation prowess and was slain by this old man using the Blazing Heaven Sword Divine Ability. The remaining few, however, are all still alive."

As Old Patriarch recounted the events, Eldrin Chen began his analysis.

Among those who besieged the Chen Clan back then, Zhang Old Demon possessed Foundation Establishment Mid Stage cultivation. However, Old Patriarch had destroyed his set of Demonic Treasure [enchanted artifacts forged with demonic energy], and the nascent form of his Blood-Transforming Demon Saber had fallen into Eldrin's own hands. With his capabilities now diminished by five or six parts out of ten, he was likely no longer a serious concern.

The Zuo Clan was one of the seven great Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan [powerful clans whose patriarchs have reached the Foundation Establishment realm] in Feng County, with two Foundation Establishment Cultivator within their ranks.

Their clan leader, Bright Void Zuo, was a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment 5th Tier. His Lifebound Magical Treasure [a magical artifact intimately connected to a cultivator's life force and cultivation], the Mingxu Sword, was quite Extraordinary [remarkable], not inferior to the Crimson Flame Spirit Blade once wielded by Eternal Profound Chen, making him a formidable foe.

The other, named Daylight Wonder Zuo, had broken through to Foundation Establishment less than twenty years prior. His cultivation had only just reached the Second Layer of Foundation Establishment seven years ago. His strength was mediocre; setting aside his magical instruments, he was likely far inferior to Eldrin himself.

Peaceful Harmony Lin's cultivation was a step above Daylight Wonder Zuo's, but he had been stuck at the Foundation Establishment 3rd Tier for over thirty years. He, too, was likely not a significant threat.

"My True Essence is sharp and profound, potent enough to rival a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment Mid Stage. Even if my magical instruments are slightly lacking, I believe it will be sufficient to contend with that Zhang Old Demon."

"That Daylight Wonder Zuo is of ordinary strength. The Third Elder and the others, deploying the Blazing Sun Heavenly Flame Formation Flags, should be more than capable of handling him."

Eldrin Chen said, his gaze turning towards the Old Patriarch. "As for the other two, I trust the Patriarch's cultivation is more than sufficient to eliminate them."

Eternal Profound Chen nodded, stroking his long beard. "Although this old man has lost the Crimson Flame Spirit Blade, I can still unleash the Blazing Heaven Sword Divine Ability."

"Moreover, having now obtained this set of Solar Fire Soul-Burning Banners, I fear an ordinary Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivator is no longer a match for me. Dealing with those two will be a simple matter." This chapter appears courtesy of audio–novel.com.