Chapter 127 : Forging the Crimson-Gold Banners

After obtaining Eldrin Chen's consent, Old Patriarch accompanied Eldrin Chen into the Artificer's Workshop to begin the reforging of the Formation Flags.

He first refined the seven Inner Core [the condensed energy core of a powerful creature], meticulously inscribing them with Second Rank Defensive Formation Runes to forge them into Seven Golden Second Rank Treasure Pearls [seven orbs of solidified spiritual power, serving as defensive focal points].

He then slightly modified the formation patterns on the Separated Flame Soul-Burning Formation Flags. The seven treasure orbs were fused with the Formation Flags, their patterns re-engraved and the components repeatedly tempered together.

He further infused Dual Metallic Essence and Separated Flame Qi [the combined essence of sharp metal and purifying flame] into the mixture with his True Qi [the refined energy cultivated by a practitioner]. The process of continuous refinement lasted for Forty-Nine Days before the formation set was finally completed.

Once forged, this set of Formation Flags had transformed into seven crimson-gold treasure banners. Atop each banner rested one of the golden orbs, within which a formidable aura lay dormant, quietly thrumming with latent power.

"It is done."

With evident delight, Old Patriarch retrieved the Formation Flags and explained their refined capabilities to Eldrin Chen.

The primary and most direct effect of this reforging was a dramatic increase in the formation's maximum potential power—by more than eighty percent.

Furthermore, the original Separated Flame Soul-Burning Formation Flags possessed only a single Separated Flame Divine Ability [a mystical technique manifesting a unique, purifying flame]. While this Separated Flame [a mystical flame capable of both attack and defense] was versatile and potent, its instantaneous offensive force and defensive strength were not exceptionally outstanding.

However, after the reforging, Old Patriarch had inscribed defensive formation patterns into the seven orb-treasures. Now, these seven Formation Flags functioned as seven Defensive Magical Tool [enchanted artifacts designed for protection] merged into one cohesive, formidable whole. Continue reading this story at AUDIO-NOVEL.COM.

Once the Ancestor activates it, he can trigger the Defensive Formation 'Diamond Glaze Unbreakable Formation'.

The defensive power of this formation is exceptionally formidable. It can unleash the defensive divine ability 'Glazed Diamond Barrier'. With the Old Patriarch's current cultivation level, it would likely be difficult even for a Purple Mansion Initial Stage Cultivator to breach it easily.

Furthermore, the Old Patriarch activated the Innate Incomplete Formation Runes inherent within the seven treasure pearls, synthesizing the Innate Divine Ability of the Golden Python Monkey tribe: 'Purple-Gold Barrier-Breaking God-Slaying Radiance'.

This 'Purple-Gold Barrier-Breaking God-Slaying Radiance' was originally a powerful offensive divine ability. After being amplified by the Separated Flame Soul-Burning Formation, it merged with a portion of the power from the Separated Flame Divine Ability attached to the Formation Flags, transforming into the 'Crimson-Gold Barrier-Breaking God-Slaying Sword Aura'.

The power of this new divine ability surpasses the original by another thirty percent. When channeled by the Old Patriarch with his current cultivation and further amplified by the formation, its force is likely nearly on par with a full-power strike from a Purple Mansion Initial Stage Cultivator.

Holding this set of Formation Flags, the Old Patriarch couldn't help but laugh heartily. "This set of Formation Flags now contains three divine abilities. One could say it offers both offense and defense."

"With my current True Essence, if I were to activate this set of Formation Flags, I could likely hold my own against an ordinary cultivator at the Purple Mansion, Early Stage."

After listening, Eldrin Chen couldn't help but clap his hands in admiration. "A single set of Formation Flags fuses three divine abilities. With your current mastery of formations, Old Granduncle, you have likely already stepped over the threshold of becoming a Third Rank Formation Master."

"Once you break through to the Purple Mansion realm, Granduncle, you will undoubtedly become a Third Rank Formation Master."

Having successfully refined the new Formation Flags, both of them were in high spirits. Although the Chen Clan was not yet a Purple Mansion Immortal Clan, its combat power had finally reached the threshold of one. At the very least, from now on, they would no longer need to live in constant fear as before. Within the territory of the Chu Kingdom, they had gained a measure of self-preservation strength.

Old Patriarch [the venerable leader of the Chen Clan] caressed the seven Formation Flags [enchanted banners used to power formations], unable to put them down, and said with deep affection.

"After this reforging, it is no longer fitting to call this set of Formation Flags the Separated Flame Soul-Burning Formation [a formation that uses separated flame energy to burn souls]."

"Since they now bear a crimson-gold hue and contain the power of three divine abilities, let them be named the 'Crimson-Gold Banner of the Three Treasures'."

After consuming the Mysterious Jade Pill [a potent elixir for cultivation breakthroughs], successfully opening half of his Purple Mansion Dao Meridian [the primary spiritual meridian within the Purple Mansion cultivation realm], and refining the Crimson-Gold Banner of the Three Treasures, the Old Patriarch's combat prowess had increased by more than twofold.

He returned to Pingyang City with a heart full of satisfaction. With his current strength guarding the city, he could truly rest easy, free from worry.

As for Eldrin Chen, he did not linger long. Once Silas Chen returned to Spirit Isle Lake, Eldrin departed from Spirit Lake Isle and set his course for Boyang County.

The Wei Immortal Clan of Boyang County was not far from the Chen Clan. Riding his flying sword, Eldrin Chen covered ten thousand Li-lengths [a Li-length equals five hundred meters] in a single day, arriving at the foot of Heavenly Peak Mountain in less than three days.

The moment he arrived outside Heavenly Peak Mountain, Varen Wei emerged personally to greet him, a warm smile gracing his features.

"Brother Eldrin, this old man has been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

"Various matters caused some delay. I apologize for making you wait, Brother Varen."

Eldrin Chen said with a gentle smile. The two of them sat down on the Guest-Welcoming Peak outside Heavenly Peak Mountain.

Varen Wei personally poured a cup of tea for Eldrin Chen and asked with palpable excitement, "How did your journey to Celestial Ruins Mountain fare?"

"I believe I have not disgraced the mission entrusted to me."

Eldrin Chen offered a slight smile and, with a wave of his hand, produced a Precious Jade Purifying Vase [a magical vase carved from precious jade, often used to store spiritual liquids or elixirs].

Taking it to examine, Varen Wei's face lit up with unrestrained joy, and he exclaimed excitedly.

"To speak frankly, brother, even after consuming the Yi Wood Crystal [a crystalized essence of primordial wood energy, used to nourish cultivation meridians], I had only managed to clear a mere thirty percent of my Purple Mansion Dao Meridian [the primary spiritual channel that must be opened to advance to the Purple Mansion Realm]." Original publication: https://audio-novel.com - The source of this chapter.

"I had thought my hopes of breaking through to the Purple Mansion [the third major realm of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual core within the body] were forever lost. But now, with this Mysterious Jade Pill [a rare and potent elixir that aids in realm advancement], I have the confidence to make one final attempt."

Hearing this, a flicker of understanding passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes. He realized that Varen Wei likely intended to stake his clan's entire remaining fortune on this desperate gamble.

Such an endeavor was no trivial matter. Success would bring universal rejoicing, and the expended clan resources could be recouped many times over.

However, should it fail, the Wei Clan would be plunged into a decline from which it might never recover. Barring a heaven-defying stroke of fortune, they would likely remain crippled for at least a century.

In such matters, Eldrin Chen as an outsider naturally found it inappropriate to comment. He thus steered the conversation elsewhere, saying, "Regarding the three Talisman of the Blazing Heaven Sword I promised you, they will still require a few years. Wait until I break through to the Foundation Establishment, Late Stage [the third and final major phase of the Foundation Establishment realm]."

Varen Wei let out a hearty laugh and replied, "That is a simple matter. Once you break through to the Foundation Establishment, Late Stage, the Talisman [a pre-charged magical scroll that releases a specific spell or effect] you craft will possess even greater power. I could not be more pleased."

"Then my mind is at ease," Eldrin Chen said with a slight smile before continuing, "There is a matter on which I would like to ask for your assistance."

"If my worthy brother has a request, I, as your elder brother, will naturally exert my full strength to aid you," Varen Wei responded.

Eldrin Chen nodded, took a sip of the fragrant tea, and said, "I wish to entrust you with purchasing a quantity of Dual Metallic Essence and Separated Flame Qi [a refined spiritual essence containing the combined properties of the Metal and Fire elements] for me in Yang Province."

"Oh?" Varen Wei smiled, patting his chest confidently. "That is a simple matter. How much do you require?"

"The amount of Dual Metallic Essence and Separated Flame Qi I desire is rather substantial," Eldrin Chen paused, setting down his teacup. "I require a full fifty thousand strands."

"Fifty thousand strands..."

Varen Wei's expression shifted slightly. A full fifty thousand strands of Metallic Essence and Separated Flame Qi—this was worth ten thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation].

Typically, the amount of Five Elements Qi [the spiritual essence of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth] consumed in forging a single Third Rank Low Grade [a classification for magical treasures, corresponding to the power level of an early Purple Mansion cultivator] magical treasure rarely exceeded the value of five thousand Spirit Stone.

Consuming such a vast quantity of Five Elements Essence [a refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements] at once typically indicates only two possibilities: either one is forging a powerful set of Formation Tool Magical Treasure [enchanted artifacts designed to power and control magical formations], or one is consecrating a high-grade Lifebound Magical Treasure [a magical artifact bound to a cultivator's life force and soul].

Whichever the case may be, for a Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan [a clan of cultivators whose power is anchored by experts in the Foundation Establishment Realm], either method represents a truly formidable undertaking.

With this thought, he could not help but scrutinize Eldrin Chen more carefully, his pupils contracting slightly before he smiled and spoke.

"Rest assured, Brother. Given the influence our Wei Clan wields within Yang Province, accomplishing this task should not prove overly difficult."

"However, procuring such a large amount of Metallic Essence and Separated Flame Qi [a rare and potent spiritual energy combining the sharpness of metal and the purity of separated flame] will likely not be the work of merely one or two years." Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audio-novel dot com.