Chapter 66 : A Severed Path and Silent Alliances

Having lost an arm, White Hope Lin'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 this moment, Eldrin Chen stepped forward, his expression tinged with apology. "My cultivation is not refined enough," he said, "and I inadvertently injured Fellow Daoist Lin. For this, I am truly sorry."

"You wretch!"

Witnessing the most promising junior of the Lin Clan have his path to the Dao severed, Ink Achievement Lin was nearly driven mad with rage. His eyes blazed as he spat out the words, "I believe you did this intentionally."

"Clan Leader Lin," came the cold reply, "one may eat carelessly, but one must not speak carelessly."

Then, Eternal Profound Chen stepped forward, his gaze icy as it fixed upon Ink Achievement Lin. "In a contest of swords, accidents are inevitable," he stated.

"Moreover, the Thousand-Star Needles of the Azure Abyss unleashed by White Hope Lin moments ago showed no sign of holding back. Had my grand-nephew shown the slightest restraint, it might very well have been his own path to the Dao that was severed today."

"You—!"

Ink Achievement Lin's eyes remained locked on Eternal Profound Chen with a venomous intensity. In this moment, his feelings towards Eternal Profound Chen were a turbulent mix of bitter hatred and a burgeoning, unsettling fear.

This man before him was only at the Foundation Establishment Seventh Layer, yet he had already secured a decisive victory. If he were to break through to the Foundation Establishment 9th Tier in the future, would he not be able to suppress him with ease? Experience the full epic at 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, refusing to utter a single word on the matter now.

In such a formal duel setting, White Hope Lin's prior use of the Thousand-Star Needles of the Azure Abyss [a vicious, life-gambling magical weapon] had left a foul taste in the mouths of the Foundation Establishment Cultivators from the other major Immortal Clans. None felt inclined to speak in his support.

Seeing that no one would back him, Ink Achievement Lin suppressed the resentment in his heart and began to consider retreat.

"The Chen Clan is no longer what it used to be. In a true conflict, our Lin Clan might not even emerge victorious. 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 devise a long-term strategy."

With this resolution, Ink Achievement Lin helped White Hope Lin to his feet with a cold expression, choosing not to pursue the matter with Eldrin Chen any further.

Having lost two matches, the Lin Clan forfeited first place in the sword competition. The honor thus 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 Sunward Market.

After the contest between the Chen Clan and the Lin Clan, the remaining major Immortal Clans fought several more rounds. The Mu Clan, backed by a Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivator, managed to secure the third position.

The Meng Clan, boasting three Foundation Establishment cultivators—one more than both the Zhang Clan and the Sun Clan—naturally claimed the fourth rank. This single-step-higher placement meant the Meng Clan would receive an additional one hundred Spirit Stones [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] each year, a prospect that filled Starry River Meng with immense delight.

"..."

As the sword competition concluded and the cultivators from the various great clans departed, the four Foundation Establishment Cultivator [a cultivator who has established their foundational cultivation base] of the Chen Clan gathered once more within the Council Hall.

The Old Patriarch looked at everyone with a face full of joy and said with a smile, "This time, we have achieved a great victory. The chronic deficits of our Chen Clan can finally be completely resolved."

"Indeed," Verdant Grace Chen also revealed a beaming smile. "This success is entirely due to the Clan Leader and Eldrin. Without them, we might not have even secured a place within the top three."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight 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 asked with a smile, "For Sunward Market, who shall we dispatch to take up permanent residence there?"

By securing a thirty percent share of the tax revenue from Sunward Market, the Chen Clan would see its annual income 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, this influx of Spirit Stone was not obtained without obligation. The Chen Clan was required to station a Foundation Establishment Cultivator there permanently to oversee affairs.

Furthermore, to protect this newfound interest, if Sunward Market were ever attacked by demons or monsters, the Chen Clan would be duty-bound to defend it with all its might.

When it came to selecting the person for Sunward Market, the Old Patriarch pondered for a moment before speaking. "While residing at Sunward Market may be a leisurely post, one cannot leave it lightly. Both Eldrin and I are not suited to be bound to Sunward Market."

"Lior [the name of a cultivator], you have overseen the clan's affairs for many years, and Green Chariot Mountain [the name of a spiritual mountain] would not fare well without you."

"It is still best for Verdant Grace [the name of a cultivator] to go." Eternal Profound Chen [the name of a senior cultivator] looked at Verdant Grace Chen [the name of a cultivator], stroking his beard as he continued, "As you are also an artificer [a master of crafting enchanted items], the business at Sunward Market [the name of a cultivator market] can be entrusted to your care as well."

Verdant Grace Chen [the name of a cultivator] also nodded in agreement. "It is indeed most fitting for me to take up the post there."

Thus, the matter was settled, and the group continued their discussion on the next item of planning.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen [the name of a cultivator] glanced at the others and spoke. "Although our clan is now the foremost family in Yu County [the name of a region], the number of cultivators within our ranks remains far too sparse."

"Given our current strength, I propose we temporarily lift the restrictions on childbirth to increase the number of newborns within the clan." Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio novel.com.

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

Opening up childbirth would lead to a significant influx of newborns for the Chen Clan [a family of cultivators] in the coming years. This surge in births would inevitably yield more children born with a Spiritual Root [the innate spiritual foundation required for cultivation].

However, this course of action carried a grave risk: it might attract the covetous attention of demons and malevolent spirits.

Chu Nation [the name of a nation] was guarded by three great Golden Core [a high stage of cultivation] sects. Even major demons and fiends at the Violet Sanctum Realm [a powerful stage of cultivation] dared not reveal themselves lightly, for discovery would trigger a joint purge by the three great sects of Chu Nation [the name of a nation] and the various Immortal Clan [powerful families of cultivators].

Currently, the Chen Clan [the Chen family of cultivators] numbers around a hundred thousand mortals, a figure still insufficient to tempt Violet Sanctum [the third major stage of cultivation] level demonic beings into taking risks. However, should the clan's mortal population surpass a million, it is likely that Violet Sanctum demons would dare to venture forth, seeking to use them as sacrifices to refine Demonic Treasure [magical artifacts imbued with malevolent power].

"This matter is of grave importance," the Third Elder [the third-ranking elder of the Chen Clan] stated after a moment of contemplation, his expression solemn. "If we increase the population further, I fear the Grand Elder [the highest-ranking elder] alone may not be able to maintain control over the situation."

The Old Patriarch [the venerable leader of the Chen Clan] furrowed his brow briefly before it smoothed out, and he spoke after careful consideration, "Then let this old man go."

"Indeed, that was my thought as well," Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a key cultivator of the Chen Clan] nodded with a faint smile. "As long as Granduncle holds Pingyang County Town [the main county town under Chen Clan protection], it will be perfectly secure."

Hearing this, both the Third Elder and Verdant Grace Chen [a female elder of the Chen Clan] nodded in agreement.

"With the Old Patriarch's cultivation and strength, combined with Pingyang City's [the fortified city at the heart of Pingyang County] Solar Trueflame Formation [a powerful defensive formation harnessing solar fire], as long as no Violet Sanctum level Demonic Cultivator [practitioners who use dark, often sacrificial methods to gain power] appears, even a dozen or so ordinary Foundation Establishment [the second major stage of cultivation] level Demonic Cultivator would find it difficult to threaten Pingyang County."

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

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

The Old Patriarch would guard Pingyang City, Verdant Grace Chen would go to Sunward Market [a trading hub], the Third Elder would hold Green Chariot Mountain [a spiritual mountain under Chen Clan control], while Eldrin Chen would continue his secluded cultivation at Spirit Isle Lake [a lake rich in spiritual energy].

As the meeting concluded, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before producing twelve Second Rank Spiritual Peach [peaches imbued with spiritual energy, of the second rank] and handing them to the Old Granduncle [a senior, respected elder of the clan].

"The Spiritual Peach [a fruit imbued with spiritual energy] at Spirit Isle Lake has advanced to the Second Rank [a higher grade of spiritual potency]. Every three years, the peaches it bears number in the Celestial Stem Number [a specific, auspicious quantity]."

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

Old Granduncle accepted the Spiritual Peach directly, without uttering any words about purchasing them with clan contribution points.

The forging of Eldrin Chen's Lifebound Immortal Sword [a sword forged with and bound to its wielder's life force] was only possible because of the Solar Fire Crystal [a rare crystal infused with solar flame essence] he had procured. The bond between them was akin to that of father and son; there was no need to settle accounts so meticulously. For more chapters, visit audio-novel.com for the complete novel.