Chapter 127 : Forging the Golden Pearl Formation
After obtaining Eldrin Chen's consent, the Old Patriarch accompanied Eldrin Chen into the Artifact Forging Chamber to begin the reforging of the Formation Flag.
He first refined the seven Inner Pill [the condensed core of a demonic beast's cultivation], etching Second Rank defensive formation patterns into them, thereby forging seven golden Second Rank Treasure Pearl.
He then slightly modified the formation patterns of the Solar Fire Soul-Burning Formation Flags, merging the seven treasure pearls with the Formation Flag. He repeatedly refined them together, re-carving the formation patterns to fuse them as one.
He further infused Metallic Gold and Solar Fire Dual Energy [a refined spiritual essence combining the properties of metal and solar fire] into the Vital Energy [the foundational life-force energy used in cultivation]. The refinement process continued for seven times seven days—forty-nine days in total—before this set of Formation was finally successfully forged.
Upon completion, this set of Formation Flag had transformed into seven crimson-gold Treasure Flag. At the apex of each Treasure Flag rested a single golden pearl, within which a formidable aura lay dormant, faintly perceptible.
"It is done."
His face alight with joy, the Old Patriarch retrieved the Formation Flag and shared the wondrous applications of this set of Treasure Flag with Eldrin Chen.
The primary and most direct effect of reforging this Formation was that its maximum potential power had increased by more than eighty percent.
Furthermore, the original Solar Fire Soul-Burning Formation Flags possessed only a single Solar Fire [a divine ability harnessing the power of the sun] technique. While this Solar Fire was versatile in both offense and defense and its power was Extraordinary, its instantaneous killing force and defensive capabilities were not particularly outstanding.
However, after the reforging, the Old Patriarch had etched defensive formation patterns into the seven pearl magical treasure. Now, these seven Formation Flag were equivalent to seven Second Rank Defensive Magical Artifact merged into one cohesive whole. Read the full novel exclusively on audio-novel .c om.
Once activated by the Patriarch, it could trigger the defensive Formation known as the 'Adamantine Glazed Impenetrable Formation'.
The defensive power of this formation was exceptionally formidable, capable of unleashing the divine ability 'Glazed Adamantine Barrier'. With the Old Patriarch's current cultivation level fueling it, even a Violet Sanctum Early Stage cultivator would find it difficult to breach easily.
Furthermore, the Old Patriarch had activated the incomplete, innate formation patterns contained within the seven treasure orbs, synthesizing the innate divine ability of the Golden Python Monkey race: 'Purple-Gold Barrier-Shattering God-Slaying Light'.
This 'Purple-Gold Barrier-Shattering God-Slaying Light' was originally an Extraordinary offensive divine ability. After being amplified by the Solar Fire Soul-Burning Formation and infused with a portion of the Solar Fire power attached to the Formation Flag, it mutated into the 'Crimson Gold Barrier-Breaking Divine Slaying Sword Aura'.
The power of this new divine ability surpassed the original by another thirty percent. With the Old Patriarch's current cultivation and the amplification of the Formation, its force was likely nearly on par with a full-power strike from a Violet Sanctum Early Stage cultivator.
Holding this set of Formation Flag, the Old Patriarch couldn't help but laugh heartily. "This set of Formation Flag now contains three divine abilities. One could say it is perfectly balanced for both offense and defense."
"With my current True Essence [the refined spiritual energy cultivated by a practitioner] fueling this Formation Flag, I dare say I could hold my own against an ordinary Violet Sanctum Early Stage cultivator."
After listening, Eldrin Chen couldn't help but clap his hands in admiration. "A single set of Formation Flag that integrates three divine abilities. With your current mastery of Formation arts, Old Granduncle, you have likely already stepped over the threshold of becoming a Third Rank Formation Master."
"Once you break through to the Violet Sanctum Realm, Granduncle, you will undoubtedly become a Third Rank Formation Master."
Having successfully refined the new Formation Flag, both men were in high spirits. Although the Chen Clan was not yet a Violet Sanctum Immortal Clan, its combat power had finally reached the threshold of one.
From this day forth, they would no longer need to live in constant fear and anxiety as they had before. Within the borders of Chu Nation, they now possessed a measure of strength to protect themselves.
Old Patriarch caressed the seven Formation Flag [enchanted banners used to set up magical arrays], unable to put them down, and spoke with deep affection.
"After this reforging, it is no longer fitting to call this set of Formation Flag the Solar Fire Soul-Burning Formation."
"Since they are of a crimson-gold hue and contain three divine abilities, let us name them the 'Three Treasures Crimson Gold Flags'."
After consuming the Mystic Jade Pill [a high-grade elixir for cultivation], opening fifty percent of the Violet Sanctum Meridian of the Path [a crucial energy channel for advancing to the Violet Sanctum realm], and successfully refining the Three Treasures Crimson Gold Flags, Old Patriarch's combat prowess had increased by more than double.
He returned to Pingyang City with a heart full of satisfaction. With his current strength guarding Pingyang 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, he departed from Spirit Lake Isle and set his course for Boyang County.
Boyang County and the Wei Immortal Clan were not far from the Chen Clan. Riding his sword, Eldrin Chen could travel ten thousand Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] in a day. In less than three days, he arrived at Tian'e Mountain.
He had just arrived outside Tian'e Mountain when Varen Wei personally came out to greet him, a warm smile gracing his face.
"Worthy Brother Eldrin, this old man has been eagerly awaiting your arrival."
"There were many unforeseen events this time, I apologize for keeping you waiting, Brother Varen."
Eldrin Chen said with a gentle smile as the two of them sat down on the Guest Greeting Peak outside Tian'e Mountain.
That Varen Wei personally poured a cup of tea for Eldrin Chen, asking with palpable excitement, "How did the journey to Heavenly Ruins Mountain fare?"
"I would say the mission was accomplished without disgrace."
With a faint smile, Eldrin Chen raised his hand and produced a pure jade vial.
Taking it and glancing inside, Varen Wei's face lit up with wild joy, and he exclaimed fervently. Find thousands of chapters at audi0-n0vel.c0m.
"To be perfectly honest, when I consumed the Supple Wood Crystal previously, I only managed to clear thirty percent of my Violet Sanctum Meridian of the Path [the primary meridian channel that must be opened to reach the Violet Sanctum realm]."
"I had thought my hopes of breaking through to the Violet Sanctum [the third major realm of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual core within their dantian] were lost forever. But now, with this Mystic Jade Pill [a high-grade elixir that aids in breaking through cultivation bottlenecks], 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 wealth and resources on this desperate gamble.
Such an endeavor was no trivial matter. Success would naturally bring universal rejoicing, and the expended clan resources could be recouped many times over.
Yet, should they fail, the Wei Clan would be dealt a crippling blow. Barring some heaven-defying stroke of fortune, they would be incapable of recovery for at least a century.
As an outsider, Eldrin Chen felt it improper to comment on such internal clan matters. He deftly shifted the topic. "Regarding the three Blazing Heaven Sword Talisman I promised you," he said, "they will require a few more years, until after I break through to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage."
Varen Wei let out a hearty laugh. "That's perfectly fine! Once you advance to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, the talismans you craft will possess even greater potency. I could not be more pleased by the delay."
"That puts my mind at ease," Eldrin Chen replied with a slight smile. Then he continued, "There is a matter on which I must ask for your assistance."
"If my worthy brother has a request, this elder brother will naturally spare no effort to help," Varen Wei declared.
Eldrin Chen gave a nod of acknowledgment. He picked up his cup of fragrant tea and took a small sip. "I wish to entrust you with purchasing a quantity of Metallic Gold and Solar Fire Dual Energy for me within Solar Province."
"Oh?" Varen Wei smiled, patting his chest confidently. "A simple matter. How much do you require?"
"The amount of Metallic Gold and Solar Fire Dual Energy I seek is... considerable," 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 Gold and Solar Fire Essence—that was worth ten thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation].
Generally speaking, forging a single Third Rank Lower Grade magical treasure [an enchanted artifact used by cultivators] typically consumes no more than five thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] worth of Five Elements Energy [the fundamental spiritual energies of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth].
An expenditure of such a vast quantity of Five Elements Essence [a refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements] usually indicates only two possibilities: either the crafting of a powerful set of Formation Artifact [magical treasures designed to work together to create or power a formation], or the consecration of a high-grade Lifebound Magical Treasure [a magical treasure bound to a cultivator's life force, growing in power with them].
For an Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan [a clan whose patriarch has reached the Foundation Establishment realm], either endeavor represents a truly formidable undertaking.
With this thought, he could not help but scrutinize Eldrin Chen more carefully. His pupils contracted slightly before he smiled and spoke.
"Worthy brother, rest assured. Given the influence our Wei Clan wields within Solar Province, accomplishing this task should not be overly difficult."
"However, procuring such a large amount of Metallic Gold and Solar Fire Essence [a potent spiritual essence combining the sharpness of Metallic Gold and the purity of Solar Fire] will likely not be the work of merely one or two years." Original English translation available at audio novel.com.