Chapter 177 : A New Violet Sanctum Rises

After his cultivation base was completely consolidated, Eldrin Chen finally emerged from his Seclusion Chamber.

Stepping outside, he found Silas Chen and his sister had been waiting for some time. Silas spoke with a face full of joy.

"Congratulations, Uncle Eldrin! Our most sincere congratulations!"

"We celebrate Uncle Eldrin's breakthrough into the Violet Sanctum realm!"

Hearing their felicitations, Eldrin Chen smiled warmly. As the first Violet Sanctum Cultivator in the history of the Chen Immortal Clan, this joyous occasion was worthy of a celebration for the entire clan.

In high spirits from the happy event, he first rewarded each of them with one thousand clan Merits [a metaphysical "currency" representing virtuous deeds and contributions within the clan], then said, "Continue your diligent cultivation. One day, you too shall reach this stage."

"We will strive with all our might," the siblings replied, their resolve firm.

Greatly inspired, the brother and sister clenched their fists, their voices filled with fervor.

These two siblings were twelve years younger than Eldrin Chen. They had achieved Foundation Establishment in their late twenties, and were now merely fifty-one years old. Benefiting from the clan's prosperous environment in recent years, their cultivation progress had been remarkably swift.

The previous year, they had exchanged for several Barrier-Breaking Pill [a type of elixir that aids cultivators in overcoming bottlenecks between cultivation layers] and successfully advanced to the Foundation Establishment Fourth Layer, a testament to their astonishingly rapid advancement.

Maintaining this cultivation pace, as long as the clan later provides them with a few Verdant Origin Pills [elixirs that aid in cultivation], the two should be able to reach the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment [the peak stage of the Foundation Establishment realm] before reaching a century in age and begin their assault on the Violet Sanctum Realm [the realm of cultivation beyond Foundation Establishment].

By then, with their lifespan still abundant, they would have at least four opportunities to attempt a breakthrough into the Violet Sanctum [the Violet Sanctum realm]. Their chances of successfully forming their Violet Sanctum should be quite substantial.

In truth, the current Chen Clan could be said to be brimming with talent. The clan's Foundation Establishment Cultivators [cultivators who have established their foundational cultivation base] were all remarkably young in years.

Even the eldest among them, Lior Chen and Verdant Grace Chen, were still a year or two shy of reaching a full century in age.

These two elders of the Verdant Generation [the generation of the Chen Clan with 'Verdant' in their names], having grown up during the clan's most difficult six decades, understood how precious their current cultivation resources were. Consequently, they cultivated with far greater diligence than the other Foundation Establishment Cultivators in the clan.

They had now reached the peak of the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment. It was estimated they could begin attempting a breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Seventh Layer [the seventh layer of the Foundation Establishment realm] in about fifteen years. Before their lifespan was exhausted, they would also have three chances to attempt the Violet Sanctum breakthrough.

As for the other newly advanced Foundation Establishment Elders [senior members of the clan], the eldest among them was no more than seventy or eighty years old. Future still had at least another century and several decades of abundant lifespan ahead of them.

And this calculation hadn't even factored in lifespan-extending treasures like the Spirit Apricot [a spiritual fruit that extends one's lifespan]. One could use three such life-extending treasures in a lifetime. Eldrin Chen could only hope they would use them as late as possible, because the grade of the Spirit Apricot Tree Future would grow higher and higher.

Such a clan, vibrant and full of promise, would draw admiration from anyone who saw it, its potential recognized as formidable.

Suppressing his joy, Eldrin Chen glanced at the two and then instructed.

"I will make a trip to Yuyang City to see the Old Patriarch."

"Until then, guard Spirit Lake Isle well. Also, keep the news of my breakthrough quiet for now."

The two nodded, and Caleb Chen promptly said, "Understood."

"..."

After departing from Spirit Isle Lake, Eldrin Chen rode his sword to Pingyang City.

Having broken through to the Violet Sanctum [the third major realm of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual core within the body's central palace], a distance of six thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] was but a journey of two Shichen-time [one Shichen-time equals two hours] for him.

Not long after, he arrived at Pingyang City and met with the Old Patriarch.

"Excellent, excellent, excellent!"

Upon seeing him, the Old Patriarch laughed heartily three times in excitement.

He patted Eldrin Chen on the shoulder, unable to contain his fervor, and said, "To have broken through to the Violet Sanctum at such a youthful point in your lifespan... I fear even the Golden Core [the fourth major realm, where one condenses a golden, immortal core] may not be your ultimate limit."

"With a heaven-favored prodigy like you among us, our Chen Clan is truly destined for a glorious rise."

It took Eternal Profound Chen a long while to calm his surging emotions. Finally, he grasped Eldrin Chen's wrist and asked, "Now that you've broken through to the Violet Sanctum [the third major realm of cultivation, where one forms a violet-colored spiritual core within their dantian], do you have the confidence to handle that Metallic Gold Earth Spirit [a powerful earth-elemental spirit beast] which is at the Violet Sanctum Mid Stage?"

"Do not worry, Old Granduncle," Eldrin Chen replied with a confident smile, producing the Great Geng Immortal Sword. "Please, look at this sword."

"This is..." Eternal Profound Chen's eyes widened in sudden recognition, followed by a wave of elation. "A magnificent blade! With this sword in hand, you are indeed more than capable of facing that Violet Sanctum spirit beast."

"With you holding off the Violet Sanctum Mid Stage spirit beast," he continued, laying out the plan, "the clan Elders and I will man the two treasure ships and besiege the other beast. Concentrating our forces should be enough to surround and slay the one at the Violet Sanctum Early Stage."

"Securing the Metallic Gold Earth Vein [a rich spiritual vein imbued with metallic and earth energies] is now well within our grasp," Eldrin Chen agreed, nodding with a smile. "There's no time to waste. Let us act swiftly."

Merely two days later, the members of the Chen Clan gathered once more before the entrance to the Metallic Gold Earth Vein.

Having now gauged the strength of the spirit beasts within the vein, the Chen Clan was prepared to commit its full force.

For this battle, besides Eternal Profound Chen and Eldrin Chen, the clan had mobilized ten Foundation Establishment [the second major realm of cultivation] Elders, including Lior Chen, Verdant Grace Chen, and Chen Caleb.

The strategy was set: the ten Foundation Establishment Elders would be responsible for powering the two Third-Rank Treasure Ship [powerful enchanted vessels] to assist the Old Patriarch in besieging the Violet Sanctum Early Stage spirit beast. Eldrin Chen, meanwhile, would take on the Violet Sanctum Mid Stage beast.

As for those cultivators at the Vital Essence Refinement Stage [the initial stage of cultivation where one refines their body's vital energy], it was decided after discussion that they would not participate. Cultivators at the Vital Essence Refinement [the initial stage of cultivation] stage possess far too low a level of cultivation, often unable to withstand even the residual shockwaves from clashes between Violet Sanctum [the third major realm of cultivation, where one opens a mystical palace within their dantian] experts.

If they were rashly thrust into battles between Violet Sanctum Cultivator [cultivators who have reached the Violet Sanctum realm], casualties would be inevitable even with the protection of defensive formations.

Since the combined strength of the Violet Sanctum and Foundation Establishment Cultivator [the second major realm of cultivation, where one solidifies their foundation] cultivators was sufficient to handle these Violet Sanctum earth spirits, there was naturally no need to put the weaker disciples at risk.

Before the Metallic Gold Earth Vein [a subterranean spiritual vein rich in metallic and earth energies], Eldrin Chen outlined the battle plan to the assembled group and then spoke.

"Prepare to commence."

As his words fell, the long-prepared formation activated once more. Beams of radiant light illuminated the Heavenly Vault [the sky or firmament] and tore open the entrance to the Metallic Gold Earth Vein.

"Make it swift and decisive."

Seeing the Earth Vein [a concentrated channel of spiritual energy within the earth] open, Eldrin Chen was the first to surge forward on a streak of sword light. The others followed closely behind, piloting their treasure-laden skiffs into the heart of the Metallic Gold Earth Vein.

Once inside the Earth Vein, the group did not pause for a moment. They drove directly toward the spiritual core of the vein.

After only a brief span of time, the party arrived before the central mountain range.

The group made no attempt to conceal their advance. The commotion they stirred along their path was anything but subtle. The Metallic Gold Earth Spirit [a spirit beast born from earth veins, with a body of metallic gold] naturally detected the incoming assault and swiftly surged forth from the Earth Vein [a subterranean channel rich in spiritual energy].

"BOOM—"

The Violet Sanctum Mid Stage [the fourth major realm of cultivation, representing the formation of a spiritual core sanctuary] spirit beast leader, seeing that the intruder was once again Eldrin Chen, roared in fury and unleashed a bolt of Metallic Gold Divine Thunder [a powerful thunder-type divine ability imbued with metallic properties] towards him.

A deafening crash echoed as a golden Thunderclap [a thunder-based attack] illuminated the void, streaking across several dozen Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] to strike at Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen's eyes narrowed slightly. Bringing his sword fingers together, he channeled his own divine thunder and sent it crashing down in retaliation.

It was the same Metallic Gold Divine Thunder, but powered by Eldrin Chen's current spiritual energy [the vital energy cultivated by practitioners], its force had increased by more than double compared to before his breakthrough into the Violet Sanctum.

Lightning arced across the Heavenly Vault [the sky, the firmament], colliding with the Violet Sanctum spirit beast's divine ability in a cataclysmic explosion that sent shockwaves rippling through the air.

"That single strike..." The Old Patriarch's pupils constricted sharply. "Eldrin's combat prowess is now likely on par with, if not surpassing, that of an ordinary Violet Sanctum Mid Stage cultivator."

In the span of that single thought, Eldrin Chen had already shot forward on his flying sword. From a distance of over ten Li-lengths, he engaged the two Metallic Gold Earth Spirit in a fierce duel of spells and techniques.

Eternal Profound Chen quickly shook off his astonishment. He rallied the others, and they charged forth to surround and attack the Violet Sanctum Early Stage Metallic Gold Earth Spirit.

Confronted by the full might of the Old Patriarch [a senior leader of a clan or sect], a Violet Sanctum [the third major realm of cultivation, where one opens a mystical energy center within the body] expert, along with two Treasure Ships [large, fortified vessels used for transport and warfare by cultivators] and ten Foundation Establishment [the second major realm of cultivation, where one solidifies their spiritual foundation] cultivators laying siege, the Metallic Gold Earth Spirit [a powerful earth-elemental spirit beast with a metallic, golden form] was completely encircled and overwhelmed. Under such concerted assault, it could no longer muster any threat toward Eldrin Chen.