Chapter 66 Sword Contest First, Lift Birth Restrictions

Without his arm, Lin Baixi's physical body was now incomplete. His future cultivation speed would likely plummet drastically—it was uncertain whether he could even break through to Foundation Establishment, Late Stage before his life's end.

At that moment, Eldrin (Person Name) stepped forward, his face tinged with embarrassment as he said, "My cultivation is inadequate, and I inadvertently injured Fellow Daoist Lin. I truly apologize."

Insolent whelp!

Witnessing the most outstanding junior of the Lin family having his path to immortality severed, Lin Mocheng nearly went mad. With eyes blazing in fury, he snarled, "I believe you did this on purpose."

"Master Lin, you may indulge in reckless dining, but never in reckless speech."

At that moment, Chen Changxu stepped forward, his gaze icy as he stared at Lin Mocheng. "In a sword duel, mishaps are inevitable."

"Moreover, Lin Baixi’s *Falling Sky 1000 Star Needles* (Magical Artifact) showed no sign of holding back. Had my grand-nephew shown even the slightest restraint in his response, his cultivation path might have been irrevocably severed today."

"You..."

Lin Mocheng’s gaze was fixed intently on Chen Changxuan. At this moment, he felt both deep resentment and a sliver of fear toward Chen Changxuan.

This man before him was only at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, yet he could already defeat him with ease. If he were to break through to the ninth level of Foundation Establishment in the future, wouldn’t he be able to suppress him effortlessly?

At this thought, he cast his gaze toward the other 4 great clans, hoping they would join him in denouncing the Chen Immortal Clan (Organization).

Unfortunately, the others averted their gazes, not uttering a single word about it now.

In such a duel setting, Lin Baixi’s use of the life-threatening, sinister artifact known as the Azurefall 1000 Star Needles had already provoked deep aversion among the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the major immortal clans. 1 by 1, they showed no intention of speaking up in his defense.

Seeing that none of them would speak up for him, Lin Mocheng suppressed the resentment in his heart and began to consider retreating.

"The Chen Family is no longer what it used to be. If we truly clash, our Lin Family might not prevail. The prestige of being the foremost clan in Yu County will likely fall into their hands."

"Forget it, I'll endure for now. After today, we'll need to devise a long-term strategy."

With that thought, Lin Mocheng’s expression remained icy as he helped Lin Baixi to his feet, choosing not to pursue the matter with Eldrin any further.

The Lin Clan had lost 2 matches, allowing the Chen Clan to claim the top spot in this Sword Competition. From this day forward, the Chen Immortal Clan (Organization) would replace the Lin Clan, securing 30 percent of the annual tax revenue from the Yuyang Market.

After the Chen and Lin families had clashed, the remaining major immortal families fought several more battles. With a Foundation Establishment, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) cultivator presiding over them, the Mu family managed to firmly maintain their third-place position.

The Meng family possessed 3 Foundation Establishment cultivators, 1 more than both the Zhang and Sun families. They rightfully secured the fourth position, and this single rank advantage allowed the Meng family to receive an additional 100 spirit stones in annual allocation. This filled Meng Xinghe with immense delight.

“…”

As the sword competition concluded and cultivators from the various great clans departed, the 4 Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Chen family gathered once more within the grand hall of counsel.

The old clan leader beamed with joy as he gazed upon the assembly, a warm smile gracing his lips. "This time, we shall achieve complete victory. The Chen Family's longstanding deficit will finally be resolved for good."

"Indeed." Chen Qingwan also broke into a radiant smile. "This time, it was entirely thanks to the Clan Leader and Eldrin (Person Name). Otherwise, we might not have even secured a spot in the top 3."

Eldrin smiled faintly. "The family has supported our cultivation all these years. Now that we possess the capability, it is only right that we contribute our strength in return."

"That makes sense." Lior nodded, then added with a smile, "As for the Yuyang Market, who should we assign to oversee it?"

With this acquisition of a 30 percent share in the tax revenue from Yuyang Market, the Chen Clan's annual income would henceforth see an additional increase of over 1,500 spirit stones.

However, this sum of spirit stones was not to be obtained without obligation. The Chen family still needed to dispatch a Foundation Establishment cultivator to remain stationed there permanently.

Moreover, to safeguard these interests, if the Yuanyang Market were ever attacked by demons or monsters in the future, the Chen Clan would be obligated to defend it with all their might.

When it came to the candidates for the trip to Yuyang Market, the Old Patriarch pondered for a moment before saying, "Although guarding Yuyang Market is a leisurely task, 1 cannot leave easily. Both Eldrin and I are not suited to being tied down by Yuyang Market."

"Lior, you have overseen our clan's affairs for many years. Verdant Chariot Mountain would not be the same without you."

"Qingwan, it would be best for you to go." Chen Changxu stroked his beard while looking at Chen Qingwan. "As a refiner yourself, this also presents an opportunity for you to oversee the operations at Yuyang Market."

Chen Qingwan also nodded. "I am indeed the most suitable candidate to oversee matters there."

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

Eldrin cast a glance at the group and spoke, "Though our clan now stands as the foremost family in Yu County, the number of cultivators within our ranks remains far too scarce."

"Given our current strength, I suggest we temporarily lift birth restrictions to increase the number of newborns in our clan."

Upon hearing his proposal, the group fell into thoughtful silence.

As long as childbirth restrictions were lifted, the Chen Clan would witness a surge of newborns in the coming years. This dramatic increase in infants would inevitably lead to more children born with spiritual roots.

However, this also came with a significant drawback—it was highly likely to attract the covetous eyes of demons and monsters.

3 Golden Core sects stood guard over the Chu Kingdom (Location). Even great demons of the Purple Mansion realm dared not recklessly reveal themselves, for once discovered, they would face the joint suppression of the 3 great sects and all major immortal clans of the Chu Kingdom (Location).

Now, the Chen Clan had only about a 100 1000 or so mortals, hardly worth the risk for a Zifu demon. But if the clan's mortal population were to exceed 1 million, it would likely tempt some Zifu demon to take the gamble, using them to forge demonic treasures.

"This matter is of no small consequence." After pondering for a moment, the Third Elder spoke with a grave expression, "If we increase the population further, I fear the Grand Elder may struggle to maintain control."

The old clan leader furrowed his brow, then quickly relaxed it as he measured his words. "Then let this old man go."

"Hmm, that's exactly what I thought." Eldrin nodded with a gentle smile. "With Granduncle guarding Pingyang Town, we shall remain perfectly secure."

The Third Elder and Chen Qingwan also nodded repeatedly upon hearing this.

With the Old Patriarch's cultivation base and strength, combined with Pingyang City's Blazing Sun Divine Flame Formation, unless a Purple Mansion demonic cultivator appeared, even a dozen or so ordinary Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators likely couldn't threaten Pingyang County.

"Then it's settled." The old clan leader said with a gentle smile, "I shall take charge in Pingyang Town (Location). As long as our Chen descendants don't exceed 5 or 6 100 1000 in number, it should be sufficient to ensure their complete protection."

Thus the matter was settled, and the tasks for the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Chen family were each assigned accordingly.

The Old Patriarch presided over Pingyang City, Chen Qingwan went to Yuyang Market, the Third Elder was stationed at Verdant Chariot Mountain (Location), while Eldrin (Person Name) continued his secluded cultivation at Spirit Isle Lake (Location).

The assembly concluded their discussion. Eldrin paused in thought for a moment before producing 12 second-level spirit peaches and handing them to the elder uncle.

The spirit peaches of Spirit Isle Lake (Location) have advanced to the second rank, now bearing fruit in the number of the Celestial Stars every 3 years.

"I can only refine a limited number of spirit peaches. In 3 years, I can refine just 12. These 12 shall be given to Elder Uncle."

The granduncle took the spirit peach directly, without uttering any words about purchasing it with family contribution points.

The reason Eldrin’s Lifebound Immortal Sword was successfully forged was entirely due to the Li Fire Crystal he had obtained through exchange. The bond between the 2 could be described as no less profound than that of father and son; there was no longer any need to settle accounts so meticulously.