Chapter 66 : A Severed Path and Silent Alliances

Having lost an arm, Lin Lysander's physical vessel was now incomplete and flawed. His future cultivation speed would likely be greatly diminished, and it was uncertain whether he could even break through to the Foundation Establishment, Late Stage before the end of his lifespan.

At that moment, Eldrin Chen stepped forward, his expression tinged with apology. "My cultivation is unrefined, and I have injured Fellow Daoist Lin. For this, I am truly sorry," he said.

"You insolent whelp!"

Witnessing the most promising junior of the Lin Clan have his path to the Dao severed, Lin Mordred nearly flew into a frenzy. His eyes blazed with fury as he spat, "I believe you did this intentionally!"

"Patriarch Lin, one may eat carelessly, but one must not speak carelessly,"

Chen Thalion interjected, stepping forward. His gaze was icy as it fixed upon Lin Mordred. "In a duel of swords, accidents are inevitable."

"Moreover," he continued, his voice cold, "the Azure Descent Thousand-Star Needles unleashed by Lin Lysander moments ago did not appear to be holding back in the slightest. Had my grand-nephew shown any less resolve, he might very well have been the one whose Dao path was shattered today."

"You—!"

Lin Mordred's gaze remained locked on Chen Thalion with deadly intensity. In this moment, his feelings towards Chen Thalion were a volatile mix of bitter hatred and a burgeoning, reluctant fear.

This man before him was only at the seventh layer of Foundation Establishment, yet he could already defeat him with steady certainty. If he were to break through to the Foundation Establishment Ninth Layer in the future, would he not be able to suppress him with ease? This chapter appears courtesy of audio—novel.com.

With this thought, he cast his gaze toward the other four great clans, hoping they would join him in denouncing the Chen Immortal Clan.

Unfortunately, the others averted their eyes one by one, not uttering a single word on the matter now.

In such a formal contest, Lin Lysander had used a treacherous, life-risking magical tool like the Azure Descent Thousand-Star Needles first. The Foundation Establishment Cultivators from the other great immortal clans felt a deep aversion to this, and none were inclined to speak in his support.

Seeing that none would speak for him, Lin Mordred suppressed the resentment in his heart and began to consider retreat.

"The Chen Clan is no longer what it once was. If we truly clash, our Lin Clan may not necessarily prevail. The prestige of being the foremost family in Yu County will likely fall into their hands."

"Enough. We must endure for now. After today, we need to plan our next move carefully."

Thinking this, Lin Mordred helped Lin Lysander to his feet with a cold expression, ceasing to trouble Eldrin Chen any further.

Having lost two matches, first place in this sword contest fell to the Chen Clan. From this day forward, the Chen Immortal Clan would replace the Lin Clan, claiming thirty percent of the annual tax revenue from the Yuyang Market.

After the contest between the Chen and Lin Clan, the remaining great immortal clans fought several more matches. The Mu Clan, with a Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivators presiding, managed to hold firm in third place.

The Meng Clan possessed three Foundation Establishment cultivators, one more than both the Zhang Clan and the Sun Clan, and thus rightfully secured the fourth position. This one-rank-higher standing granted the Meng Clan an additional one hundred Spirit Stones [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] each year, a development that filled Meng Aethelstan with immense delight.

"…"

As the Sword Competition [a formal contest between cultivators to determine the allocation of resources] concluded and the cultivators from the various great clans departed, the four Foundation Establishment Cultivator [cultivators who have established their foundational cultivation base] of the Chen Clan once again gathered within the Council Hall.

The Old Patriarch looked at everyone with a face full of joy, smiling as he spoke: "This time, we have achieved a great victory. Our clan's deficit in the coming years can finally be completely resolved."

"Indeed," Chen Elara also revealed a broad smile. "This success relied entirely on the Clan Patriarch and Eldrin. Otherwise, we might not have even secured a place within the top three."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. "The clan has nurtured our cultivation to this day. Now that we have the capability, it is only right that we contribute our strength to the family."

"Well said," Lior Chen nodded, then continued with a smile. "Regarding the Yuyang Market, whom shall we dispatch to oversee it?"

Having secured a thirty percent share of the tax revenue from the Yuyang Market, the Chen Clan's annual income would henceforth increase by an additional one thousand five hundred Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] or more.

However, these Spirit Stone were not obtained without obligation. The Chen Clan was also required to station a Foundation Establishment Cultivator there permanently to oversee its affairs.

Furthermore, to safeguard this newfound benefit, if the Yuyang Market were ever attacked by demonic beasts or monsters in the future, the Chen Clan would have to commit its full strength to its defense.

When the topic of who would go to the Yuyang Market arose, the Old Patriarch pondered for a moment before speaking. "While overseeing the Yuyang Market is a relatively quiet duty, one cannot leave their post lightly. Neither I nor Eldrin are suited to being bound to the Yuyang Market."

"Lior [a name meaning 'my light'], you have overseen the clan's affairs for many years. Verdant Chariot Mountain [the ancestral mountain of the Chen Clan] would not fare well without you."

"It is better for you to go, Chen Elara [a name meaning 'light bearer']." Chen Thalion [a name meaning 'steadfast follower'] stroked his beard as he looked at her and said, "It is fitting, as you are also an Artificer [a master craftsman of magical tools]. You can also oversee the business at the Yuyang Market [a major trading hub in the region] while you are there."

Chen Elara nodded in agreement. "Indeed, I am the most suitable to hold the fort there."

The matter was thus settled, and the group continued to discuss the next item on their agenda.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a name meaning 'wise protector'] glanced at the others and spoke. "Although our clan now stands as the foremost family in Yu County [a county within the Chu Kingdom], the number of cultivators among us remains far too few."

"Given our current strength, I propose we temporarily lift the restrictions on childbirth to increase the number of newborns within the clan." Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audio_novel.com.

Upon hearing his proposal, the others fell into contemplative silence.

Opening the gates to more children would undoubtedly lead to a surge of newborns for the Chen Clan in the coming years. A significant increase in births would, in turn, inevitably yield a greater number of infants born with a Spiritual Root [the innate conduit within a person that allows them to absorb and cultivate spiritual energy from the world].

However, this course of action carried a grave risk: it might attract the covetous gaze of demonic monsters.

The Chu Kingdom [a vast kingdom in this cultivation world] was anchored by three Golden Core Realm [a high stage of cultivation where one forms a solidified golden core of power] sects. Even Purple Mansion Realm [the stage after Foundation Establishment, where one opens a mystical palace within the dantian] great demons dared not reveal themselves lightly, for once discovered, they would face a joint purge by the Three Great Sects [the three paramount cultivation sects of the Chu Kingdom] and the various major immortal clans.

Currently, the Chen Clan has approximately over one hundred thousand mortal descendants, a number still insufficient to tempt Purple Mansion Demonic Monsters [powerful demonic beasts at the Purple Mansion cultivation realm] into taking risks. However, should the clan's mortal population exceed one million, it is feared that some Purple Mansion Demonic Monsters might be driven to desperate measures, seeking to sacrifice them for the refinement of Demonic Treasure [powerful artifacts forged through malevolent means].

"This matter is of grave importance," Third Elder said after a moment of contemplation, his expression turning solemn. "If we increase the population further, I fear Grand Elder alone may not be able to maintain control over the situation."

Old Patriarch furrowed his brow, then quickly relaxed it, weighing his words carefully. "Then let this old man go," he stated.

"Indeed, that was my thought as well," Eldrin Chen nodded, a faint smile gracing his lips. "With Granduncle personally guarding Pingyang Town, its safety will be assured."

Hearing this, both Third Elder and Chen Elara nodded in agreement.

Given Old Patriarch's cultivation level and combat prowess, combined with the defensive power of Pingyang City's Solar Divine Flame Formation [a grand defensive formation channeling the power of the sun], Pingyang County would remain secure. Unless a Purple Mansion [a high cultivation realm] Demonic Cultivator [a practitioner of malevolent cultivation arts] were to appear, even a dozen ordinary Foundation Establishment [a core cultivation realm] Demonic Cultivator would likely find themselves powerless against its defenses.

"Then it is settled," Old Patriarch declared with a smile. "I shall take up residence in Pingyang Town. As long as the descendants of our Chen Clan do not exceed five or six hundred thousand, I should be more than capable of ensuring their complete protection."

Thus, the matter was finalized, and the respective duties for the few Foundation Establishment Cultivator [cultivators who have reached the Foundation Establishment realm] of the Chen Clan were clearly assigned.

Old Patriarch would guard Pingyang City, Chen Elara would go to Yuyang Market, Third Elder would remain stationed at Verdant Chariot Mountain, while Eldrin Chen would continue his secluded cultivation on Spirit Isle Lake.

As the council concluded, Eldrin Chen paused thoughtfully before producing twelve Second Rank Spirit Peach [peaches imbued with spiritual energy, of the second rank] and offering them to Old Granduncle.

"The Spirit Peach [a mystical fruit that enhances cultivation] on Spirit Isle Lake has advanced to the second rank. Every three years, the peaches it bears number exactly Heavenly Stems Number [a complete set of ten, symbolizing cosmic perfection]."

"My capacity to refine these Spirit Peach is limited. In three years, I can only process twelve. These twelve should go to Old Granduncle."

Old Granduncle accepted the Spirit Peach directly, without uttering a word about purchasing them with clan contribution points.

The forging of Eldrin Chen's Lifebound Immortal Sword [a cultivator's personally bonded and most powerful weapon] was made possible precisely by the Li Fire Crystal [a rare crystal imbued with the essence of Separated Flame] he had procured. The bond between them was akin to that of father and son; there was no need to settle accounts so meticulously. Published by @udio-novel.com. All rights reserved.