Chapter 63 : A Prodigy's Blush and a Clan's Claim

Eldrin Chen lifted his gaze and saw that behind Meng Aethelstan stood a young woman of graceful figure, fair skin, and striking beauty.

The maiden appeared to be only in her early twenties, yet her cultivation had already reached the Qi Refinement Ninth Layer. Such talent, even within a Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan, was enough to be hailed as a true prodigy.

As Eldrin Chen's gaze fell upon her, Meng Celestia could not help but lower her head, a faint blush of shyness coloring her cheeks.

Eldrin Chen fell silent for a moment, carefully choosing his words to gently decline. "The celestial grace of Miss Celestia is truly astonishing, a fitting testament to the prodigious talent nurtured by the Meng Clan," he began.

"However, this junior's heart already belongs to another. I can only express my deepest regret for being unworthy of such esteemed affection."

Upon hearing this, Meng Celestia's delicate brows furrowed slightly. She cast a lingering, somewhat resentful glance his way before ultimately saying nothing.

"I see," Meng Aethelstan replied with an awkward chuckle, attempting to smooth over the moment. "This old man has been presumptuous."

After three rounds of wine, the banquet swiftly drew to a close.

Old Patriarch exchanged a look with Eldrin Chen, then stood and raised his cup. "Today, we are deeply honored by the esteemed presence of all gathered here for the Chen Clan's feast. This old man is profoundly grateful."

After draining his cup, he turned to address the Foundation Establishment Cultivator from the Six Great Clans. Official source: audio-novel.com (official site). Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

"Esteemed friends, Sixty Years Ago our Chen Clan fell into decline and relinquished our share of the tax revenue from the Yuyang Market."

"Now that our clan has been restored to prosperity, it is only fitting that we reclaim the portion that rightfully belongs to us."

"Indeed, that is so." Lin Mordred nodded, his tone calm as he spoke. "I propose this: each of us from the Five Great Families shall contribute two percent of our revenue, pooling together a total of ten percent for your Chen Clan. What say you?"

A mere ten percent share of the taxes amounted to only five hundred Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy], a proposal the Chen Clan could not possibly accept.

Eldrin Chen immediately rose to his feet, his expression turning cold. "Do not jest, Fellow Daoist Lin. Given the strength of our clan, if we are only worthy of a ten percent share, then your Lin Clan should likewise be entitled to no more than ten percent."

Meng Aethelstan at his side added his voice in support. "Given the Chen Clan's current power, they are surely deserving of a place among the top three shares."

"Hmph." Before Lin Mordred could respond, Lin Lysander beside him snorted coldly. "And what do you propose we do?"

"I invited you all here today. Surely you are not ignorant of the reason."

The Old Patriarch swept his gaze over the assembly, an aura of supreme confidence radiating from him, before his eyes finally settled on Lin Mordred.

"By the old custom. Let us settle this with a contest of swords."

"Let each of us field three champions, and let strength determine the victor."

"Agreed." Meng Aethelstan also laughed heartily. "Our Meng Clan produced its third Foundation Establishment Cultivator [a cultivator who has solidified their spiritual foundation] a few years back. Our share of the profits has felt somewhat scant ever since. We've been thinking of securing a larger portion of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation], so moving up a rank is only fitting."

The Clan Patriarch of the Mu Clan, Marcus Mu, also nodded, a trace of a smile on his lips. "We, the Six Great Clans of Yu County, are one body. We must not let discord fester. For matters like this, a contest is indeed necessary so that all are convinced and satisfied."

"I support a duel of swords."

With three of the Six Great Clans having spoken, the remaining Zhang Clan and the Sun Clan naturally had no objections.

All eyes finally settled upon Lin Mordred. The head of the Lin Clan frowned slightly, but could only nod in acquiescence.

"Very well. Then let the contest begin."

"..."

Although this duel of swords was initiated by the Chen Immortal Clan, the other great clans had also come prepared.

The Lin Clan had not only brought their most powerful member, Lin Mordred, but also two cultivators at the Foundation Establishment, Mid Stage [the middle phase of the Foundation Establishment realm], namely Lin Lysander of the Bai generation and the elder cultivator Lin Morwen of the Mo generation.

The three Foundation Establishment Cultivators from the Mu Clan, aside from their Clan Patriarch who was at the late stage of Foundation Establishment, consisted of one at the mid stage and another whose cultivation had reached the third layer of the Foundation Establishment realm.

Beyond them, only the Meng Clan possessed notable strength. On this occasion, the Meng Clan had brought three Foundation Establishment Cultivators. Their Clan Patriarch, Meng Aethelstan, was a cultivator at the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment, while the other two were also in the early stage.

The remaining Sun Immortal Clan and Zhang Immortal Clan were somewhat weaker. Each clan had only two Foundation Establishment Cultivators and had specifically brought along a late-stage Qi Refinement cultivator to make up the numbers.

As soon as the sword contest began, the Old Patriarch decided to challenge the Lin Clan, aiming to seize their position and claim the primary share of resources in Yu County.

He stepped forward, his gaze sharp as a honed blade as it fell upon Lin Mordred. "I have long heard of Elder Lin's profound cultivation," he declared, his tone brimming with challenge. "This old man wishes to test his skills against yours."

Lin Mordred's eyes turned frosty, a thin, humorless smile playing on his lips. "It would be my pleasure to witness the famed Blazing Heaven Sword of Verdant Chariot Mountain firsthand," he replied, his voice dripping with cold courtesy. Discover more cultivation stories at https://audio-novel.com.

The prospect of a duel between two late-stage Foundation Establishment powerhouses ignited excitement among the onlookers. They gathered around, eager to witness the clash.

No sooner had their words faded than both figures shot into the sky, summoning their magical tools and launching into battle.

On one side, Chen Thalion opened with his trump card, unleashing the Crimson Flame Spirit Blade which transformed into a soaring arc of fire as it cleaved through the air. Not to be outdone, Lin Mordred on the other side summoned a pale golden bell that descended to encase him in a protective dome.

This small bell was named the Kunwu Bell, the Life-Bound Magical Treasure [a cultivator's personally forged and soul-linked enchanted artifact] of Lin Mordred. Its full title was the Kunwu Earth-Fortress Bell. The method for refining such a Life-Bound Magical Treasure was extraordinary; the Lin Clan had spent tens of thousands of Spirit Stones [minerals that store and radiate spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] to purchase it from the Green Sun Sect years ago.

This Life-Bound Magical Treasure [an enchanted artifact bound to a cultivator's life force] may not match the offensive power of the Crimson Flame Spirit Blade, but its defensive capabilities are truly extraordinary, to the point where even the Crimson Flame Spirit Blade struggles to breach it.

Seeing that the Crimson Flame Spirit Blade could not penetrate his defenses, Lin Mordred felt a wave of relief.

"The Chen Clan's Crimson Flame Spirit Blade may have some renown, but it can hardly be considered a superior weapon," he declared with a laugh, his voice ringing out. "It is discourteous to receive without giving in return. Fellow Daoist, try facing my Thunderbolt Demon-Piercing Shuttle [a magical projectile imbued with thunderous force]."

As his words faded, he raised his hand and unleashed a streak of golden light, aimed directly at the space between Chen Thalion's brows.

This Thunderbolt Demon-Piercing Shuttle was a Second Rank High Grade magical tool, formidable in its own right. Driven by Lin Mordred's cultivation at the Foundation Establishment Ninth Layer, its power was augmented by another thirty percent.

The Thunderbolt Demon-Piercing Shuttle shot forth with a roar that stirred wind and thunder, its momentum truly majestic and its might undeniable.

Chen Thalion dared not underestimate it. He immediately channeled his energy into the Ancient Bronze Pagoda [a small, ancient pagoda forged of bronze], causing it to project a radiant barrier that intercepted the blow.

Indeed, Lin Mordred lived up to his status as the Clan Patriarch of a powerful Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan. His wealth far surpassed that of any ordinary Foundation Establishment, Late Stage Rogue Cultivator. Seeing the Thunderbolt Demon-Piercing Shuttle could not prevail, he actually summoned a third Second Rank High Grade magical tool.

It was an ancient flying dagger, merely three Cun-lengths [approximately ten centimeters] in size. Unassuming at first glance, its potency was anything but ordinary.

The dagger's radiance transformed into a streak of starlight as it slashed forward. With a resonant *clang*, it struck the Ancient Bronze Pagoda, causing the luminous barrier to ripple with concentric waves of energy.

"In the end, my cultivation realm falls short by two layers compared to his."

Old Patriarch had this fleeting thought. With his cultivation at the Foundation Establishment Realm seventh layer, if he continued to battle this opponent who was at the Foundation Establishment Ninth Layer, he feared he would ultimately be defeated due to the depletion of his True Essence [the refined spiritual energy cultivated by a practitioner].

The only way to break this deadlock was to overwhelm him with superior strength and secure a decisive victory.

With this in mind, he held back no longer and unleashed his trump card, the Separated Flame Soul-Burning Formation.

"Whoosh! Whoosh!"

With a sweep of his hand, Old Patriarch sent seven Formation Flags flying out. They instantly ensnared the Thunderbolt Demon-Piercing Shuttle and the ancient flying dagger.

The deployment of the Separated Flame Soul-Burning Formation achieved an immediate and remarkable effect. Despite the two Second Rank High Grade magical tools [enchanted artifacts used by cultivators] thrashing left and right within the formation, they remained trapped, utterly unable to break free. This chapter is provided by audio-novel`com. Support the original.