Chapter 161 : A Desperate Bargain for Survival

Yet the cost to elevate a Spiritual Vein [a vein of earth that gathers and radiates spiritual energy] was staggering; the Pan Clan would need to expend a full four hundred thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]. 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 amass those four hundred thousand Spirit Stones, Percival Pan would have to drain the family coffers dry, sell off the assets they brought at a discount, and even part with several precious Third-Rank Magical Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts, ranked by their potency and rarity] to make the sum.

And even that hinged on the Chen Clan's approval. Without it, even if they entered Yu County, they would utterly offend the Chen Immortal Clan.

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

For the Pan Immortal Clan, now teetering on the brink of extinction, rashly provoking this deeply entrenched and formidable Immortal Clan [a clan whose lineage includes cultivators who have achieved immortality] was clearly not a wise course of action.

Thus, Percival Pan had no choice but to offer up a piece of his clan's foundational heritage, the Enlightenment Tea Tree [a mystical tree whose leaves aid in meditation and spiritual insight], to smooth relations with the Chen Immortal Clan.

Seeing the Foundation Establishment Cultivator [a cultivator who has solidified their spiritual foundation, a key early stage] still reluctant to part with it, Percival Pan shook his head. "Do not grieve overmuch. Though we lose the Enlightenment Tea Tree, securing our foothold in Yu County is the best outcome we could hope for."

Hearing this, the man's expression settled somewhat.

The Pan Clan had once been a powerful Violet Sanctum Immortal Clan [an Immortal Clan possessing cultivators at the Violet Sanctum stage], boasting a Violet Sanctum Late Stage [the advanced phase of the Violet Sanctum cultivation stage] expert. Their accumulated foundation and heritage far surpassed that of ordinary Violet Sanctum Immortal Clans.

Now, though grievously wounded, with their cultivator ranks diminished by nine-tenths, the annual stipends they needed to distribute had also decreased by seven or eight-tenths. For uninterrupted reading, go to @udio-novel.com.

With the substantial wealth they had brought out, as long as they could re-establish their footing, the tax revenue from the Sunward Market in the coming years would be more than sufficient to support their cultivation needs.

When the time came, they could then begin cultivating Spiritual Field and nurturing a second Third-order Spiritual Vein, ultimately 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, his voice tinged with excitement. "This Enlightenment Tea is incredibly precious. It is said that only Violet Sanctum Cultivator [cultivators who have opened their Violet Sanctum, the third major realm] would be willing to purchase such a treasure. I never imagined our Chen Clan would obtain something like this."

"It is indeed a rare treasure."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. Assets like a Spiritual Tree [a tree imbued with and radiating spiritual energy] were often valued far beyond other treasures of the same rank. A Second Rank High-Grade Spiritual Tree was a treasure significant enough to serve as a foundational heirloom for many Violet Sanctum Immortal Clan [cultivation clans with Violet Sanctum cultivators as their core strength] for centuries.

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

After speaking, he informed the Old Patriarch of his decision to use the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a primordial, world-shaping energy of violet hue] to elevate both this Ancient Enlightenment Tea Tree and the Spirit Apricot Tree on Green Chariot Mountain into Worldly Spiritual Root [a spiritual root of profound quality, capable of influencing the spiritual nature of its surroundings].

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

"Neither of us has yet broken through to the Violet Sanctum [the third major realm of cultivation, where one forms a violet energy core within the dantian]. Isn't this somewhat risky?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head and analyzed, "The Verdant Sun Sect [a major cultivation sect] is now isolated and betrayed by its allies. I doubt they have any energy left to spare for watching us."

"As for the other Violet Sanctum families among the great clans, all were severely wounded during the Beast Tide [a periodic, massive invasion of demonic beasts]. The four Violet Sanctum cultivators from the Xu and Yang Families in Border Province share a bond of camaraderie with us from fighting side by side."

"Therefore, I believe now is precisely the opportune moment for us to advance our Spirit Apricot Tree and Enlightenment Tea Tree to the Worldly Spiritual Root [a grade of spiritual plant root that can nourish a Third-order Spiritual Vein]."

As he spoke, his expression turned solemn once more. "We are no longer lambs to the slaughter. With you holding Pingyang City and Lior and Aunt Verdant Grace taking turns guarding Green Chariot Mountain, we should be able to conceal the advancement for several decades at least."

"By the time we both break through to Violet Sanctum, anyone who still harbors ill intentions will have to answer to the Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword [Eldrin Chen's signature magical sword] in my hand."

Hearing this, the Old Patriarch [the elderly leader of the Chen Clan] felt slightly relieved.

He paced a few steps before adding, "Advancing to Worldly Spiritual Root is indeed crucial. Otherwise, after we break through to Violet Sanctum, without a Third-order Spiritual Vein [a vein of earth that channels spiritual energy of sufficient potency for Violet Sanctum cultivators], the clan's stipend distribution would fall into deficit."

"Here is my plan. I will set up a concealing Formation [a mystical array or pattern used to channel energies for defense, illusion, or other effects] around the Worldly Spiritual Root. This will also lock down the surge of spiritual energy [the vital energy that flows through all living things and the world] following the Spiritual Vein's [a natural conduit of concentrated spiritual energy within the earth] advancement. This way, our clansmen won't immediately notice the abnormal change."

True to their word, they acted that very day. Eldrin Chen consumed two mouthfuls of Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a primordial, formless energy of creation and potential] and successfully promoted both the Spirit Apricot Tree and the Enlightenment Tea Tree to the rank of Worldly Spiritual Root.

Meanwhile, the Old Patriarch had also expended a considerable amount of materials to set up two sets of Spirit-Locking Formation [a formation designed to conceal spiritual auras], successfully veiling the auras of both Worldly Spiritual Root [a rare plant that gathers and refines spiritual energy from the world].

Only after completing all this did the two of them finally breathe a sigh of relief.

"From now on, with this tree, the lifespan of our clan's cultivators can be extended somewhat,"

Eldrin Chen remarked, gazing at the Ancient Spirit Apricot Tree [an ancient tree bearing fruit that can extend life] with a smile he couldn't suppress.

After absorbing the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a primordial energy of creation and chaos], the Ancient Spirit Apricot Tree, originally of the First Rank High-Grade [the highest tier within the first major cultivation rank], directly advanced to the Second Rank Low-Grade [the lowest tier within the second major cultivation rank].

Following 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 [a spiritual apricot that condenses the essence of heaven and earth] each time. Find thousands of chapters at audio–novel.com.

These apricots brimmed with vibrant vitality; consuming just one was sufficient to increase a cultivator's lifespan by ten years.

However, all treasures that extend lifespan are bound by a significant cosmic rule: regardless of their grade or type, a living being can only consume three such life-extending treasures in their entire lifetime.

Only upon becoming a legendary Infant Soul True Lord [a high-level cultivator whose nascent soul has fully formed] could one gain the favor of heaven and earth, earning one additional opportunity to consume such a treasure.

As for whether Primordial Spirit Path Lord [cultivators who have ascended to the Primordial Spirit realm and comprehended a Path] had even more opportunities to consume Life-Extending Treasure [any treasure, pill, or fruit that can increase lifespan], that was knowledge far beyond the reach of someone like Eldrin Chen.

Even with such limitations, treasures capable of extending one's lifespan remain exceedingly precious. In the past, it is said that Patriarch Yang 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 [a pill that can extend a cultivator's lifespan by thirty years].

This Heaven and Earth Spirit Apricot [a spiritual fruit that can extend lifespan] is only at the Second Rank Low-Grade [a classification for the potency of spiritual objects]. A single fruit can only extend one's lifespan by ten years, making its value far inferior to that of a Longevity Pill [a pill specifically refined to extend lifespan].

Coupled with the existence of the Heaven and Earth's restriction [a cosmic rule limiting the total lifespan extension from such treasures], its value is significantly diminished. Nevertheless, the value of each fruit often exceeds five thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy], making it a treasure fervently sought after by many Foundation Establishment Cultivator [cultivators who have solidified their spiritual foundation].

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

After the advancement of the Ancient Spirit Apricot Tree [an ancient tree that bears spiritual apricots], the Old Patriarch inquired.

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before replying, "I will depart after settling the affairs concerning the Pan Clan."

"..."

Early the next morning, Eldrin Chen summoned the other major Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan [powerful clans whose leaders 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 seven Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan [powerful clans whose leaders have reached the Foundation Establishment realm] from Solar Province to Yu County.

The Immortal Clan [powerful clans of cultivators] arriving from Solar Province would bear the primary cost for upgrading the Sunward Market Spiritual Vein [a vein of concentrated spiritual energy beneath a market town]. Naturally, the several major Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan [powerful clans whose leaders have reached the Foundation Establishment realm] were more than happy to agree.

As for the arrival of even more Vital Essence Refinement [the initial stage of cultivation, refining one's vital energy] Immortal Clan [powerful clans of cultivators], they were even more delighted. A greater number of low-level cultivators signified greater prosperity for Yu County, which in turn meant more potential profits for these Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan [powerful clans whose leaders have reached the Foundation Establishment realm].

Seeing the several great clans were on the verge of agreement, Eldrin Chen smiled and said, "The promotion of the Spiritual Vein [a vein of earth that gathers and channels spiritual energy] at Sunward Market will require no small expenditure."

"Our Yu County must also contribute eighty thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]. The Chen Clan will cover half of this sum. How about the four great clans covering the remainder?"

Declaring Brightness Mu and the others exchanged glances and quickly agreed.

After the Spiritual Vein [a vein of earth that gathers and channels spiritual energy] is promoted, the Chen Clan and the Pan Clan will claim seventy percent of the future profits from Sunward Market.

The remaining thirty percent will be shared among the eleven Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan [a clan whose patriarch has reached the Foundation Establishment realm]. Do not underestimate this mere thirty percent. Currently, Sunward Market collects only about five thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] in annual taxes.

However, once Sunward Market gradually becomes the central hub for the two border prefectures, the annual tax revenue from this market town is likely to soar to tens of thousands of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]. At that point, the annual income for the several great Immortal Clan [a clan of cultivators] will also increase by thirty percent. This content originates from audio-novel dot com. Please respect copyright.