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

Eldrin Chen lifted his gaze and saw that behind Starry River Meng 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 ninth level of the Vital Essence Refinement realm. Such talent, within a Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan, was enough to be hailed as a true prodigy among women.

That Graceful Star Meng, feeling his gaze upon her, could not help but lower her head, a faint blush of shyness coloring her cheeks.

Eldrin Chen fell silent for a brief moment, carefully weighing his words before offering a gentle refusal. "Young Lady Meng's immortal grace is truly astonishing, worthy indeed of a prodigy from the Meng Clan."

"However, this junior's heart already belongs to another. I can only express my deepest regret for failing to honor such generous affection."

Upon hearing this, Graceful Star Meng furrowed her delicate brows slightly. She cast a look of quiet reproach his way, but in the end, said nothing.

"I see," said Starry River Meng, forcing an awkward laugh to dispel the tension. "This old man has been presumptuous."

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

The Old Patriarch exchanged a glance with Eldrin Chen, then stood and raised his wine cup. "Today, we are deeply honored by your esteemed presence at this feast of our Chen Clan. This old man is profoundly grateful."

After draining his cup, he turned to address the Foundation Establishment Cultivator from the Six Great Clans. Visit audio-novel . com to enjoy the complete series.

"Esteemed elders, sixty years ago, our Chen Clan declined and relinquished our share of the tax revenue from the Sunward Market."

"Now that our Chen Clan is experiencing a resurgence, it is only fitting that we reclaim the portion that rightfully belongs to us."

"That is indeed reasonable." Ink Achievement Lin nodded, his tone calm as he spoke. "I propose this: each of our five great clans contributes two percent of our profits, pooling together a total of ten percent for your Chen Clan. What say you?"

A mere ten percent share of the tax revenue, amounting to only five hundred Spirit Stones [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy], was naturally unacceptable to the Chen Clan.

Eldrin Chen immediately rose to his feet, his expression turning cool. "Fellow Daoist Lin [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator], do not jest. Given the strength of our Chen Clan, if we were to receive only a ten percent share, then surely your Lin Clan should also be limited to ten percent."

Starry River Meng at his side added support, his voice firm. "With the current strength of the Chen Clan, they are fully entitled to claim a share among the top three."

"Hmph." Before Ink Achievement Lin could respond, White Hope Lin beside him snorted coldly. "Then what do you propose?"

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

The Old Patriarch [the venerable leader of the Chen Clan] swept his gaze over the assembly, his demeanor radiating an aura that seemed to look down upon all four directions. Finally, his eyes settled on Ink Achievement Lin.

"By the old custom," he declared, his voice resonating with authority. "We shall settle this by a contest of swords."

"Each of us shall field three champions, and victory shall be determined by strength alone."

"Agreed." Starry River Meng also laughed heartily. "Our Meng Clan produced its third Foundation Establishment Cultivator a few years back. Our share of the profits has felt a bit thin 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 patriarch of the Mu Clan, Declaring Brightness Mu, nodded as well, 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 parties are convinced and satisfied."

"I support a martial contest."

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

All eyes finally settled on Ink Achievement Lin. The head of the Lin Clan frowned slightly, but could only nod in agreement.

"Very well. Let the contest begin."

"..."

Although this martial contest 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, Ink Achievement Lin, but also two cultivators at the Foundation Establishment Mid Stage: White Hope Lin of the White generation and the veteran cultivator Ink Respect Lin of the Ink generation.

The three Foundation Establishment Cultivators [cultivators who have established their spiritual foundation] from the Mu Clan included the clan leader, who was at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, one at the Foundation Establishment Mid Stage, and another with cultivation at the Foundation Establishment Third Layer.

Beyond them, only the Meng Clan possessed notable strength. This time, the Meng Clan had brought three Foundation Establishment Cultivators. Their patriarch, Starry River Meng, was a cultivator at the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment, and the other two were also at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage.

The remaining Sun Immortal Clan and Zhang Immortal Clan were slightly weaker. Each clan had only two Foundation Establishment Cultivators and had specifically brought a cultivator at the Vital Essence Refinement Late Stage [the final stage of refining one's vital energy] to make up the numbers.

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

He stepped forward, his gaze sharp as it fell upon Ink Achievement Lin. "I have long heard of your profound cultivation, Fellow Daoist Lin," he declared, his intent clear. "This old man wishes to test his skills against you."

Ink Achievement Lin's eyes turned cold, a thin, humorless smile on his lips. "I, too, have been eager to witness the famed Blazing Heaven Sword [a powerful sword technique] of Green Chariot Mountain firsthand." Visit audio-novel.com to enjoy the complete series.

Seeing that two great cultivators at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage were about to duel, the onlookers grew excited, gathering around to watch the spectacle.

No sooner had their words faded than the two figures shot into the sky, each summoning their magical instruments to begin their clash.

On one side, Eternal Profound Chen immediately unleashed his trump card, sending the Crimson Flame Spirit Blade soaring through the air in a blazing arc. Not to be outdone, Ink Achievement Lin on the other side summoned a pale golden bell that settled around him, forming a protective barrier.

This small bell was named the Kunwu Bell, the Lifebound Magical Treasure [a magical treasure bound to its user's life force] of Ink Achievement Lin. Its full name was the Kunwu Bulwark Earth Bell. The method for refining such a Lifebound Magical Treasure was quite extraordinary; the Lin Clan had spent tens of thousands of Spirit Stones [minerals that store and radiate spiritual energy] to purchase it from the Verdant Sun Sect years ago.

This type of Lifebound Magical Treasure [a magical artifact bound to its user's life force, offering superior defense] is inferior to the Crimson Flame Spirit Blade [a spirit blade imbued with crimson flame energy] in terms of offensive power, but its defensive capabilities are truly Extraordinary. Even the Crimson Flame Spirit Blade would find it difficult to breach its defenses.

Seeing that the Crimson Flame Spirit Blade could not penetrate his Impenetrable [a defensive technique or state described as unbreakable] defenses, Ink Achievement Lin felt reassured and let down his guard.

"Although the Chen Clan's Crimson Flame Spirit Blade holds considerable renown, it ultimately cannot be considered top-tier." He let out a hearty laugh and continued in a drawn-out tone, "It is discourteous to receive without giving in return. Fellow Daoist, try facing my Thunderbolt Demon-Repelling Shuttle [a shuttle-shaped magical weapon that unleashes thunderbolts to repel demons]."

As soon as his words fell, he raised his hand and unleashed a streak of golden light, aiming directly for Eternal Profound Chen's glabella, the spot between his eyebrows.

This Thunderbolt Demon-Repelling Shuttle was a Second Rank High-Grade [a high-quality magical artifact of the second rank] magical artifact, possessing formidable power in its own right. Driven by Ink Achievement Lin's Foundation Establishment 9th Tier [the ninth and final tier of the Foundation Establishment realm] cultivation base, its potency was increased by another thirty percent.

The Thunderbolt Demon-Repelling Shuttle shot forth with a thunderous roar, stirring the very wind and thunder, its momentum truly majestic and its power Extraordinary.

Eternal Profound Chen dared not underestimate it. He immediately channeled his energy into the ancient bronze pagoda, causing it to project a luminous barrier that intercepted the blow.

As expected of the clan leader of a powerful Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan [a clan where the patriarch has reached the Foundation Establishment realm], Ink Achievement Lin's wealth far surpassed that of any ordinary Foundation Establishment Late Stage [the late stage of the Foundation Establishment realm] rogue cultivator. Seeing that the Thunderbolt Demon-Repelling Shuttle could not overcome his opponent, he actually summoned a third Second Rank High-Grade magical artifact.

It was a simple, ancient-looking flying dagger, only three Cun-lengths [one Cun-length equals one-tenth of a Chi, approximately zero point zero three three meters] in size. Unremarkable at first glance, its power, however, was profoundly Extraordinary.

The dagger's radiant edge transformed into a streak of starlight as it slashed forward. With a sharp *clang*, it struck the ancient bronze treasure pagoda, causing rippling waves of light to cascade across the defensive barrier.

"In the end, my cultivation base falls short by two minor realms compared to his."

This thought flashed through Old Patriarch's mind. With his cultivation at the seventh level of the Foundation Establishment Stage, if he continued to fight like this against an opponent at the Foundation Establishment 9th Tier, he would likely be defeated in the end due to the depletion of his True Essence [the refined life-force energy cultivated by practitioners].

The only way to break this deadlock was to overwhelm and defeat him with superior strength.

Having reached this conclusion, he held back no longer and unleashed his trump card, the Solar Fire Soul-Burning Formation.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

With a flick of his hand, Old Patriarch sent seven Formation Flag [banners inscribed with runes used to set up magical formations] flying out. In an instant, they ensnared both the Thunderbolt Demon-Shattering Shuttle and the ancient, unadorned flying dagger.

The deployment of the Solar Fire Soul-Burning Formation achieved an immediate and remarkable effect. Despite the two Second Rank High-Grade magical treasures [enchanted artifacts used by cultivators] thrashing and charging wildly within the formation, they remained trapped, utterly unable to break free. Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audio‑novel.com.