Chapter 161 : A Desperate Bargain for Survival

The cost to elevate a Spirit Vein was staggering; the Pan Family would need to expend a full four hundred thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy]. After the fall of Scorching Sun County, Percival Pan had no choice but to abandon their fixed assets, taking with them nine-tenths of the Pan Immortal Clan's wealth.

Even so, to gather that four hundred thousand Spirit Stone, Percival Pan would have to drain the family coffers, sell off the brought assets at a discount, and even part with several precious Third Rank Magical Treasure [enchanted artifacts of significant power].

And even that required the consent of the Chen Clan. Otherwise, entering Yu County would irrevocably offend the Chen Immortal Clan.

For to revive his clan, he was destined to encroach upon the interests of Yu County. With two clans sharing a single county, a complete falling-out would surely see one of them fall.

For the Pan Immortal Clan, now teetering on the brink of extinction, rashly provoking a clan of such immense potential was clearly unwise.

Thus, Percival Pan had no choice but to offer the family's foundational treasure, the Enlightenment Tea Tree [a mystical tree whose leaves aid in meditation and comprehension of the Dao], to smooth the path with the Chen Immortal Clan.

Seeing the Foundation Establishment Cultivator [a cultivator who has solidified their spiritual foundation] still reluctant to part with it, Percival Pan shook his head. "Do not grieve its loss. Though we sacrifice the Enlightenment Tea Tree, securing our foothold in Yu County is the paramount outcome."

Upon hearing this, the man's expression settled somewhat.

The Pan Clan was once a formidable Purple Mansion Immortal Clan [a clan led by a cultivator of the Purple Mansion Realm], possessing a Purple Palace, Late Stage [the advanced stage of the Purple Mansion Realm] expert. Their foundational strength far exceeded that of ordinary Purple Mansion Immortal Clan.

Though now grievously wounded, with their cultivator numbers reduced by nine-tenths, the annual stipends they needed to pay out had also decreased by seven or eight-tenths. Read, share, and discuss at https://audio-novel.com.

They had brought out so many assets and valuables. As long as they could re-establish themselves, within a few years, the tax revenue from Yuyang Market would be more than sufficient to support their cultivation needs.

By then, they could begin opening up Spirit Farmland and nurturing a second Third Rank Spirit Vein, eventually rising to prominence once more.

At the same time, Eldrin Chen and the Old Patriarch looked at the Enlightenment Tea Tree in their hands, smiles touching the corners of their eyes.

The Old Patriarch examined it carefully for a moment, then said with some excitement, "This Enlightenment Tea [a rare tea said to enhance comprehension and spiritual insight] is incredibly precious. It is said that only Purple Mansion Cultivator [cultivators who have reached the Purple Mansion Realm, a significant stage of power] would be willing to purchase it. I never imagined our Chen Clan could obtain such a treasure."

"It is indeed a precious treasure."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. A Spirit Tree [a tree imbued with and radiating spiritual energy] of this magnitude, a core asset, often held value far exceeding other treasures of the same rank. A Second Rank High GradeSpirit Tree was a treasure weighty enough to serve as a clan's heirloom for centuries for many Purple Mansion Immortal Clan [powerful clans led by Purple Mansion Realm cultivators].

Once the initial joy had settled, Eldrin Chen said with a serious expression, "Let us plant this Enlightenment Tea Tree in Pingyang City."

After speaking, he informed the Old Patriarch of his decision to use Primordial Essence [the pure, foundational energy of creation] to elevate both this Ancient Enlightenment Tea Tree and the Spirit Apricot Tree on Verdant Chariot Mountain into Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root [a supreme-grade spiritual root of immense rarity and power].

Chen Thalion furrowed his brow, pacing in thought for a moment before voicing his concern.

"Neither of us has yet broken through to the Purple Mansion [a major realm of cultivation where one forms a spiritual mansion within the dantian]. Isn't this somewhat... risky?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head and analyzed, "At present, the Green Sun Sect [a major cultivation sect] is beset by betrayal and desertion. I doubt they have any energy left to spare for us."

"As for the other great Purple Mansion Family [powerful clans whose patriarchs have reached the Purple Mansion Realm], all were severely wounded during the recent Beast Tide Calamity [a periodic invasion of demonic beasts]. The four Purple Mansion [a major cultivation realm] cultivators from the Xu and Yang clans of Bianzhou [a border region] fought alongside us and share a bond forged in battle."

"Therefore, I believe the present moment is precisely the right opportunity for us to advance our Spirit Vein [a geological formation that concentrates spiritual energy] to the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root [the highest grade of spirit vein, capable of supporting Golden Core cultivators]."

As he spoke, his expression turned solemn. "We are no longer lambs to the slaughter. With you guarding Pingyang City [the Chen Clan's main city], and Lior and Aunt Elara taking turns defending Verdant Chariot Mountain [the Chen Clan's ancestral mountain], we should be able to conceal the advancement for several decades at least."

"By the time you and I break through to the Purple Mansion [a major cultivation realm], anyone who covets our treasures will have to answer to the edge of my Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss [Eldrin's lifebound magical sword]."

Hearing this, the Old Patriarch [the venerable leader of the Chen Clan] felt a slight sense of relief.

He paced a few steps before continuing, "Advancing the Spirit Vein [a geological formation that concentrates spiritual energy] is indeed crucial. Otherwise, after we break through to Purple Mansion [a major cultivation realm], without a Third Rank Spirit Vein [a spirit vein capable of supporting Purple Mansion cultivators], the clan's stipend expenditures would create a deficit."

"Here is my plan. I will set up a formation to conceal the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root [the highest grade of spirit vein] and simultaneously lock in the surge of spiritual energy following its advancement. This way, our clansmen won't immediately perceive the abnormal difference."

They acted on their words immediately. That very day, Eldrin Chen consumed two mouthfuls of his Primordial Essence [a pure, foundational energy cultivated within a cultivator's body] to advance both the Spirit Apricot Tree [a spiritual tree bearing apricots that enhance cultivation] and the Enlightenment Tea Tree [a spiritual tree whose leaves aid in meditation and comprehension] into Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root [the highest grade of spirit vein].

The Old Patriarch [the venerable leader of the Chen Clan] also expended a significant amount of materials to set up two sets of the Spirit-Locking Formation [a formation designed to contain and conceal spiritual energy], successfully veiling both Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root [the highest grade of spirit vein].

Having completed all this, the two of them finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"From now on, with this tree, the cultivators of our clan can have their lifespans extended somewhat,"

Eldrin Chen said, unable to hold back a smile as he gazed at the Ancient Spirit Apricot Tree.

After absorbing the Primordial Essence, the First Rank High Grade Ancient Spirit Apricot Tree directly advanced to Second Rank Low Grade.

After its advancement, the Ancient Spirit Apricot Tree had become quite extraordinary. From now on, this tree would bear fruit once every three years, producing three Heaven and Earth Spirit Apricot each time.

These apricots brimmed with vibrant life force; consuming a single one was sufficient to increase a cultivator's lifespan by ten years. For the best reading experience, visit audio-novel.com.

However, all lifespan-extending treasures share a significant limitation imposed by the laws of heaven and earth: regardless of their grade or type, a living being can only consume three such treasures in their entire lifetime.

Only upon becoming a legendary Nascent Soul True Lord [a supreme cultivator whose soul has formed an independent spiritual entity] can one gain the favor of heaven and earth, earning one additional opportunity to consume a lifespan-extending treasure.

As for whether Nascent Soul Dao Lord [a master of the Dao who has attained the Nascent Soul realm] have even more chances to consume such treasures, that was knowledge far beyond the reach of someone like Eldrin Chen.

Even with such restrictions, treasures capable of extending lifespan remain incredibly precious. In the past, it was said that Yang the Ancient Ancestor of Ling County spent one hundred thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] to purchase a single Third Rank Longevity Pill that could extend life by thirty years.

This Heaven and Earth Spirit Apricot [a rare type of spirit fruit] is only of Second Rank Low Grade [a low-tier quality rating for spiritual items], and a single fruit can only extend one's lifespan by ten years [a conventional era of one thousand years]. Its value is far inferior to the preciousness of a Longevity Pill [an elixir that extends the cultivator's natural lifespan].

Furthermore, due to the limitations imposed by the natural order of heaven and earth, its value is greatly diminished. Nevertheless, the price of each fruit often exceeds five thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]. It remains a treasure that many Foundation Establishment Cultivator [practitioners who have solidified their spiritual foundation] desperately seek but seldom obtain.

"When do you plan to go to the Yan Kingdom?"

After the advancement of the Ancient Spirit Apricot Tree [an aged tree bearing spiritually potent apricots] was completed, the Old Patriarch inquired.

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before replying, "I shall depart once the matter with the Pan Family is settled."

Early the next morning, Eldrin Chen summoned the other major Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan [families with cultivators who have reached the Foundation Establishment realm] of Yu County. He informed them of the news regarding the migration of the Pan Immortal Clan and the Yang Province's Seven Great Foundation Establishment Immortal Clans to Yu County.

The immortal clans arriving from Yang Province would bear the lion's share of the cost to upgrade the Spirit Vein [a natural conduit of concentrated spiritual energy within the earth] at the Yuyang Market. Naturally, the several great Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan were more than happy to agree.

As for the arrival of even more Qi Refinement [the initial stage of cultivation where one refines their vital energy] immortal clans, they were positively delighted. A greater number of low-level cultivators signified greater prosperity for Yu County, which in turn meant increased profits for these Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan.

Seeing that the several great clans readily agreed, Eldrin Chen smiled and said, "Upgrading the Spirit Vein at the Yuyang Market will incur no small expense."

"Our Yu County must also contribute eighty thousand Spirit Stone. For this sum of Spirit Stone, my Chen Clan will provide half. How about your Four Great Clans covering the remainder?"

Marcus Mu and the others exchanged glances and quickly agreed to the proposal.

After the Spirit Vein [a natural conduit of spiritual energy within the earth] is elevated, the future profits from the Yuyang Market will be divided, with the Chen Clan and the Pan Family claiming seventy percent.

The remaining thirty percent will be shared among the eleven Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan [powerful cultivation families with members who have reached the Foundation Establishment realm]. Do not underestimate this seemingly small share. Currently, the annual tax revenue from the Yuyang Market is only around five thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation].

However, once the Yuyang Market gradually becomes the central hub for the two provinces of Bian and Yang, the annual tax revenue from this market is projected to soar to tens of thousands of Spirit Stone. At that point, the annual income of Spirit Stone for each of the major immortal clans could increase by thirty percent. Original English translation available at http://www . audio-novel.com.