Chapter 88 The Clan Leader's Breakthrough

"You flatter me, Uncle."

"With this Lifebound Immortal Sword, Uncle Lior's path of cultivation should become smoother from now on. That is all I wish for."

A smile graced Eldrin's (Person Name) lips as he remarked, "With a bonded immortal sword now in his possession, Lior's (Person Name) future prospects have brightened considerably. I daresay his combat prowess will likely stand unmatched among Foundation Establishment cultivators of equivalent rank."

After refining his lifebound immortal sword, the Third Elder departed Pingyang City that very day. There were numerous affairs at Verdant Chariot Mountain requiring his attention, along with the garrison duties at Spiritual Apricot Mountain that needed his arrangements.

Eldrin, however, chose to remain. Though he had successfully forged the Third Elder’s Lifebound Immortal Sword, 1 crucial task still lay ahead.

That was for crafting formation banners. The 3 catties and 4 taels of Goldthread Silkworm Fiber purchased from the Liu Clan this time were precisely intended to refine several sets of formation banners for the 6 towns surrounding Pingyang City.

"The formation flag artifact is crafted from silkworm silk and requires meticulous weaving."

Moreover, such magical tools cannot be recklessly refined directly with true flame, otherwise there is a risk of being consumed by the true fire.

"Watch closely."

The old clan chief personally instructed Eldrin in the art of weaving. Under the guidance of his spiritual sense, strands of silkworm silk converged and gradually interlaced along intricate patterns, slowly forming an array banner.

Once a formation flag was successfully woven, he would then refine the 5 Elements' essence with his true flame, gradually integrating it into the fabric.

Once the 5 Elements essence had fully integrated, he immediately inscribed flame-resistant runes into the array flags before commencing their refinement with true fire.

The formation flag artifacts were inherently fragile. Even with fire-resistant runes inscribed, they could not withstand excessive tempering. The old clan leader sequentially infused the 5 Elements’ essence into the formation flags, channeling his zhenyuan to protect them while meticulously engraving the array patterns.

After 7 full days of meticulous effort, the Old Clan Leader finally forged his first set of formation flags.

This set of 5 Elements Formation (Formation) flags consisted of 5 formation banners. Chen Changxuan had inscribed a defensive array on each banner. When all 5 banners were activated simultaneously, they could unleash the 5 Elements City Protection Grand Formation.

Gazing at the array flags before him, he remarked with a smile:

"This set of 5 Elements Formation (Formation) banners is a treasured low-grade, second-tier formation of our Chen Family. By forgoing offensive array patterns, its defensive capabilities rank among the finest even within low-grade, second-tier formations."

"Relying on a first-grade superior spirit vein, once activated, even a mid to late Foundation Establishment cultivator would require over 3 hours to breach it."

Eldrin took the 5 Elements Formation flags and nodded in agreement. "With this set of formation flags, the safety of the 6 formation sites beyond Pingyang City is assured."

This time, they needed to refine 6 sets of formation flags. Without delay, the old clan chief continued the refinement process with Eldrin's assistance.

In the blink of an eye, over a month had passed. Chen Changxuan had successfully refined 4 more sets of formation banners. However, when they began working on the final set, they discovered the Golden Thread Silkworm fibers were insufficient.

Fortunately, the demonic banner obtained from slaying the Elder Demon Zhang earlier was also refined from second-order silkworm silk. The old clan leader personally dismantled the banner and retrieved 5 taels of second-order silkworm silk.

Just as the old clan leader was about to begin refining, Eldrin’s eyes flickered slightly as he spoke, "Let me try the final set."

"You dare?"

Chen Changxuan was slightly taken aback and said with concern, "These second-order silks are extremely delicate. If we accidentally burn them..."

"It's fine." Eldrin spoke calmly, "I have some degree of confidence."

Seeing this, the old clan leader handed the final set of formation flags to Eldrin.

After personally observing the Old Patriarch's artifact crafting for many days and assisting him in continuously refining formation flags, Eldrin's comprehension of artifact forging had advanced by leaps and bounds.

When it came to his turn to take over personally, no significant surprises occurred. It merely took him 2 days' effort to successfully weave the formation flags.

"The entire array banner is woven almost flawlessly." Chen Changxuan gazed at the array banner, unable to contain his astonishment as he exclaimed, "It's truly hard to believe this is your first time refining a second-order magic tool."

Eldrin did not respond. For a formation flag artifact like this, the true challenge lay ahead—infusing it with the essence of the 5 Elements.

He methodically integrated the 5 Elements essence, subjecting it to continuous tempering while simultaneously carving formation patterns. In the end, he successfully forged this set of formation flags.

"Hiss—"

Looking at the completed array flags, the old clan leader took a deep breath and couldn't help but examine Eldrin more closely. "Your talent might be even more astonishing than I had imagined."

"All these years, without a master's guidance, the family has truly buried your talents."

"It matters not," Eldrin said calmly. "Groping our way forward step by step may allow us to build a more solid foundation, perhaps even discover wonders unlike any others."

Forging a complete set of formation banners signified that Eldrin (Person Name) had advanced his artifact refinement and formation arts into the second rank. The old clan leader felt both exhilaration and melancholy.

Excitement surged within him, for Eldrin's comprehension was truly astonishing; yet a tinge of melancholy followed, for sometimes comparisons between individuals could be utterly maddening.

After a long moment, he produced 2 scrolls and handed them to Eldrin.

"This is the ancient tome of artifact forging and formation arrays that our clan has preserved for hundreds of years. After reorganizing its contents, I've integrated my own comprehension of these 2 arts into it. It should offer you some guidance."

Exiting the refining chamber, the 2 proceeded to visit each of Pingyang's 6 towns 1 by 1, establishing protective formations around every settlement.

By the time all these matters were settled, 3 months had already passed since their return from Verdant Ink Mountain (Location).

"Finally, it's all taken care of."

The final town's array flag was set in place, and the old clan leader breathed a sigh of relief.

He glanced at Eldrin and said with a smile, "Thanks to your spirit peaches and the recent great battle, I feel my accumulation is now sufficient."

"You're about to break through?" Eldrin couldn't contain his delight as he exclaimed.

Chen Changxuan's breakthrough to the eighth layer of Foundation Establishment was no trivial matter. Once he took this step, the old patriarch's true essence would increase by 20 percent. From then on, whether it was the Li Fire Soul-Burning Array or several top-grade second-tier magical instruments, all would unleash significantly greater power.

"Mm." Chen Changxuan nodded. "Do not return just yet. In the coming days, I shall enter seclusion to attempt a breakthrough in my cultivation. I need you to oversee Pingyang City in my stead."

"Very well, I shall take charge of this matter."

Chen Changxuan secluded himself to break through his cultivation, while Eldrin remained in Pingyang City, nurturing several damaged magic treasures and contemplating the Gengjin Divine Thunder.

In the blink of an eye, 2 months had passed. On this day, a formidable aura surged from the spiritual spring in Pingyang City. The old clan leader had finally broken through to the next realm, reaching Foundation Establishment, Layer 8.

It is done.

A faint smile touched Eldrin's lips, but as the Old Patriarch was currently consolidating his cultivation base, he refrained from disturbing Chen Changxuan.

Another 3 to 5 days passed. Before Chen Changxuan had even emerged from seclusion, an unexpected visitor arrived outside Pingyang City.

Several figures tore through the void as they arrived, led by an extraordinary man in blue robes whose demeanor was truly remarkable, carrying an aura of sharp, intimidating authority that seemed to shimmer faintly about him.

The man cast a glance at Pingyang City’s protective barrier, his calm eyes flickering almost imperceptibly. With a cold snort, he remarked,

"Where is Chen Changxuan? Present yourself before me."

"Not good."

Eldrin's expression abruptly shifted, a trace of solemnity coloring his features.

The newcomer was actually a Purple Mansion cultivator. Though he seemed less formidable than that Elara from Celestial Ruins Mountain, he still carried an intimidating aura.

Before he could utter a word, the Old Patriarch emerged directly from seclusion, intercepted him with urgency, then bowed respectfully to the man in azure robes.

"Might I ask if you are Senior Mordecai Lin of the Azure Sun Sect?"

Chapter 1 The biting mountain wind whipped through the valley, carrying with it the scent of pine and decay. A lone figure sat cross-legged upon a weathered boulder, his simple grey robes fluttering around him. This was Lin Feng, an outer sect disciple of the Verdant Cloud Sect. 1 100 years had passed since he had first set foot on the arduous path of cultivation, yet he remained stubbornly trapped at the 7th level of Qi Refining. He opened his eyes, their depths reflecting a weary frustration that countless sunrises had failed to erase. "Still no breakthrough," he murmured to the indifferent wind, his voice barely a whisper. "The spiritual energy here is too thin. Without sufficient resources, reaching the Foundation Establishment realm is but a distant dream." His gaze fell upon the small, humble pouch at his waist. Within it lay his entire worldly wealth: a meager 1,250 spirit stones, painstakingly saved over a dozen or so years of completing low-level sect missions. It was a pittance, enough perhaps for a single low-grade Qi Restoration Pill, but nowhere near the tens of thousands required for anything that could truly aid his advancement. Suddenly, a sharp, mocking laugh cut through the tranquility. "Well, if it isn't Brother Lin, still diligently 'cultivating' his futility!" Lin Feng's shoulders tensed, but he did not turn. He recognized the voice—it was Zhang Hu, a bully who had reached the 8th level of Qi Refining and never missed an opportunity to flaunt it. Zhang Hu swaggered into the clearing, 2 lackeys flanking him. "You've been stuck at the 7th level for, what, 3 years now? Some people just aren't cut out for the dao," he sneered, his eyes glinting with malice. "In fact, I heard the deacons are considering reassigning this valley. Someone with... greater potential could make better use of it." A cold knot tightened in Lin Feng's stomach. This secluded valley, with its slightly denser energy, was his only sanctuary. Losing it would cripple his already snail-paced progress. "Brother Zhang," Lin Feng said, his voice carefully neutral as he finally stood and turned. "This humble disciple has done nothing to offend you." "Your very existence offends me," Zhang Hu retorted, taking a step closer. "You cling to resources you cannot use. Tell you what. Hand over that pathetic stash of spirit stones you've been hoarding, and I might put in a good word for you. Let you keep this rock a little longer." Lin Feng's fist clenched inside his sleeve. The spirit stones represented over a decade of bitter toil. But a direct confrontation now was suicide; Zhang Hu's cultivation base was solidly higher. Countless thoughts raced through his mind, scenarios of defiance and their inevitable, brutal conclusion. Just as Zhang Hu's smirk widened, preparing to press his advantage, a deep, resonant chime echoed from the main peak of the Verdant Cloud Mountain. Once, twice, thrice. It was the Assembly Bell. Zhang Hu's expression shifted from cruel amusement to irritated impatience. "Tch. Saved by the bell, you trash. This isn't over." He shot Lin Feng a final, threatening glare before turning and striding away, his lackeys scurrying after him. Lin Feng watched them disappear down the mountain path, the tension slowly draining from his body, leaving behind a hollow exhaustion. He looked down at his own calloused hands, tools that had swung axes and carried stones, but seemed incapable of grasping the profound mysteries of the dao. He let out a long, slow breath, a plume of white in the chilling air. The Assembly Bell meant all disciples were summoned to the Grand Lecture Plaza. Reluctantly, he straightened his robes and began the long trek upwards. As he walked, his mind wandered back to the dog-eat-dog world of the cultivation realm. Strength was the only true virtue. Without it, 1 was less than an ant, subject to the whims of others like Zhang Hu. He thought of the legendary figures in the sect's annals, those who had ascended to the Core Formation realm or even higher, their names etched in glory. They had faced tribulations, weathered heavenly lightning, and emerged reborn. "For thousands of years, the strong have preyed upon the weak," he whispered, a newfound resolve hardening within him. "I will not remain weak." Unconsciously, his fingers brushed against a small, smooth object in his inner pocket—a pitch-black, unadorned jade slip he had found by chance in a remote part of the sect's archives years ago. It had always been inert, unresponsive to his spiritual sense. But today, as his determination solidified, he felt an almost imperceptible warmth emanate from it. A flicker of something—not quite hope, but a sharp, defiant curiosity—ignited in his chest. Perhaps his fortune was not yet exhausted. Perhaps the dao, in its inscrutable wisdom, had other plans.