Chapter 195 6 Years in a Flash

Thus, among the cultivation methods preserved by the family, the only 1 truly suitable for practice was the Solar Flare Sutra.

The remaining 4 cultivation methods—Metal, Wood, Water, and Earth—could only advance 1 to the ninth level of Foundation Establishment. Yet now, with the acquisition of the Verdant Wood True Fire Art, a dual-attribute technique of fire and wood, the family possessed 2 Profound Mansion-level cultivation methods among its 5 elemental arts.

Of the remaining 3 attribute techniques, the Metal attribute technique was the Solar Ascension Art of dual Metal-Fire nature, while the Water attribute technique was the Profound Abyss Daoist Tome Art.

The earth attribute had originally been incomplete as well. Fortunately, he had now obtained the Jitu Houhuang Art, which filled this gap.

Of course, this was only temporary. As a Violet Mansion immortal clan, the Chen family would eventually need to complete all 5 elemental cultivation methods up to the Violet Mansion realm.

Even Eldrin could deduce the cultivation methods of other elemental attributes to the Auric Core Realm, but it would simply require far too much effort.

He had not seen many cultivation techniques in his time. Given his current cultivation level and experience, unless he experienced a sudden enlightenment, it would likely take him a dozen or so years to deduce a technique to the Purple Mansion Realm.

This was merely the first layer of the Purple Mansion. To refine the technique all the way to the Purple Palace, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) would likely require several decades of arduous effort.

Now was not the time. Once his cultivation advanced further and he had deduced the Solar Flare Sutra to a certain level, recreating cultivation methods for the other 4 attributes from scratch would yield twice the result with half the effort.

The clan assembly lasted for 2 full days, primarily consisting of Lior (Person Name) reporting on various affairs he had handled in recent years.

In addition, this was an opportunity for everyone to make decisions on various matters that had accumulated—issues that were neither too minor nor too significant, yet not easily resolved—as well as plans for the next few years.

It wasn't until the clan assembly concluded 2 days later that Eldrin finally breathed a sigh of relief, flying back overnight to Spirit Isle Lake.

6 years later, Dark Iron Mountain (Location), the Gengjin Earth Vein.

Ripples shimmered in the Cleansing Sword Pond, where a faint azure glow drifted and submerged like a lingering dream.

Eldrin sat cross-legged before the Sword-Cleansing Pond, meditating in serene silence with lowered eyelids, when he abruptly opened his eyes.

"Clang—"

一声剑吟声响起，霎时间洗剑池中微微一震，一道湛蓝剑罡飞天而上，在天空中盘旋飞舞，剑罡竟然有六十余丈。

Eldrin rose to his feet, his gaze fixed upon the azure sword radiance coiling across the heavens, a faint flicker of movement passing through his pupils.

"3 years of sword cleansing, and it is finally complete."

"Come back."

As soon as his words fell, the sword aura transformed into a blue radiance that cascaded down, vanishing into Eldrin's body.

Eldrin closed his eyes, sensing the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss within him, his expression as placid as still water.

For 6 years, he had often secluded himself in the Cleansing Sword Pond. During the first 3 years, when he placed the Great Geng Immortal Sword into the pond, he only visited occasionally.

3 years ago, after the Great Geng Immortal Sword was successfully refined, its power ascended to rank among the top third-tier immortal swords. Consequently, Eldrin placed the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss into the pool once more.

His lifebound immortal sword was nourished within the Gengjin Earth Vein, so he spent most of his time at the Dark Iron Mountain (Location) dojo. He only returned to Spirit Isle Lake (Location) once every few days.

Fortunately, as Lila (Person Name) grew older, the girl proved both clever and sensible, no longer requiring his frequent guidance.

It is said that the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure), infused with supreme Western Pole Geng Gold and tempered for 3 years in the Cleansing Sword Pond, had now seen its might increased by a tremendous margin.

A life-bound immortal sword's power greatly amplifies in its master's hands. In Eldrin's grasp, this blade could unleash force nearly comparable to a top-grade, third-tier magic treasure.

"A few days ago, word came from Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) - it seems they're preparing to make a move against Celestial Python Lake (Location)."

"Let's head back to Spirit Isle Lake first."

Eldrin felt a subtle stirring in his heart. With a swift leap, he soared atop his sword and flew out of the Dark Iron Mountain mining vein.

The Dark Iron Mountain (Location) dojo was merely 10 1000 li from Spirit Isle Lake (Location). Fortunately, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) moved with extreme speed, arriving at Spirit Isle Lake (Location) in just a few hours.

"Uncle."

Upon arriving at Spirit Isle Lake (Location), Eldrin (Person Name) heard an exclamation of pleasant surprise.

A beaming Lila (Person Name) came running over and clung to Eldrin's (Person Name) arm, saying, "It's been 3 months since you last returned."

"The sword cleansing was nearly complete, so it took a bit more time."

A smile graced Eldrin's (Person Name) face as he realized Lila (Person Name) had already cultivated to the peak of Qi Refinement.

Lila (Person Name) began cultivating under his guidance at age 7. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, over a dozen years had passed—she was now 20 years old. The grimy little beggar from back then had grown into a handsome young woman.

Although Eldrin appeared sharp and formidable to outsiders, he was always gentle in Lila's eyes. Having been raised by him and Silas since childhood, Lila had always felt particularly close to him.

She looked up at Eldrin, a smile gracing her features as she said, "Uncle, now that the Sword Cleansing has succeeded, will you be able to spend more time with me during this return?"

"Silly child."

Eldrin smiled faintly and reached out to ruffle her hair. "I'll be away for a few days. When I return, I'll bring you a Foundation Establishment Pill. Then you'll be able to begin your foundation building."

Lila (Person Name) seemed to hesitate for a moment, then smiled and said, "Very well."

After returning to Spirit Isle Lake, he summoned Chen Silas alone and declared, "I am heading to Celestial Ruins Mountain to battle the demon tribes. Guard Spirit Isle Lake well in my absence and watch over Lila for me."

Chen Silas (Person Name) wore a grave expression as he solemnly declared, "Uncle, rest assured. I will take good care of Lila (Person Name), and I will definitely safeguard Spirit Isle Lake (Location) for you."

Eldrin (Person Name) gave a slight nod and turned to leave.

Yet his brow twitched slightly as he suddenly noticed that Chen Silas (Person Name) had somehow grasped the edge of his sleeve.

"What's wrong? Do you have something more to say?"

"No." Chen Silas hastily released the other's sleeve, a flicker of panic crossing his face as he said, "This battle requires us to venture deep into the demon race's territory to confront a demon king. I fear it will be extremely perilous."

"I... at this moment, the Chen Family cannot do without you. You must not act recklessly—your safety is of utmost importance."

"Don't worry, I understand."

Eldrin (Person Name) said calmly, before ultimately soaring on his sword toward Pingyang City.

Watching the azure sword radiance soar into the distance, Lila stood by the lakeside gazing at the fading afterglow vanishing beyond the horizon.

"Why didn't you tell him you plan to attempt Foundation Establishment on your own?" Chen Silas approached, gazing calmly at Lila. "Is it because he's marching hundreds of thousands of miles into demon territory, and you don't want him worrying?"

Chen Silas gazed at Lila, suddenly realizing she had unwittingly blossomed into a celestial maiden of transcendent grace and jade-like bone structure.

Lila's expression remained as calm as still water, neither affirming nor denying as she stated, "Unlike ordinary cultivators, those with Heterodox Spirit Roots naturally possess a 50 percent chance of achieving Foundation Establishment."

"With the aid of the Soul-Gathering Elixir, my chances of breaking through now exceed 60 percent."

"With a 60 percent chance of success, failure means certain death—this remains perilous." Chen Silas's expression turned grave, his eyes deepening with solemnity. "You could wait for the Foundation Establishment Pill. Should our clan obtain 1, you would undoubtedly be the foremost candidate."

“Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object)。”

Lila shook her head and spoke with detached calm, "Do you still recall what Uncle once told us about the theory of the Supreme Golden Core?"

"To break through to the Golden Core Realm without relying on any external aids throughout the journey." Chen Silas (Person Name) nodded and said, "It is said that even Primordial Spirit Dao Lords, and the majority of Nascent Soul great cultivators, have done precisely this."

"But the difficulty is far too great."

Chapter 1: The Reborn Eldrin The air in the Nether Abyss trembled as a crimson streak tore across the ashen sky. Upon a jagged cliff stood a figure in azure robes, his sleeves billowing in the sulfurous winds. This was Eldrin, once the youngest Nascent Soul cultivator of the Azure Cloud Sect, now a lone survivor in this desolate realm. "9 Revolutions of the Heavenly Dao..." Eldrin murmured, his fingers tracing the ancient symbols etched upon the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss. The blade hummed with residual energy, its crimson edge reflecting the gloom of the abyss below. A spatial ripple disturbed the atmosphere. From the swirling mist emerged 3 figures clad in golden armor - the Heavenly Execution Squad of the Imperial Clan. "Eldrin! Your rebellion ends today!" The lead executioner brandished his spear, its tip glowing with destructive energy. "The Emperor has decreed your cultivation base forfeit!" Eldrin's lips curved into a faint smile. "Over a 100 years of hunting, and still you fail to understand." His spiritual sense expanded, detecting 32,000 spirit stones embedded in their armor formation. "The Heavenly Dao favors no emperor." The executioners moved as 1, their golden spears converging into a deadly triangle formation. Eldrin's response was fluid - the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss erupted in crimson flames, its edge tracing the arc of a falling star. "First Form: Phoenix Descends!" The clash sent shockwaves through the Nether Abyss. Stone pillars shattered as the combatants danced through the air, their movements leaving afterimages in the sulfurous mist. Eldrin counted precisely 20-3 spear thrusts before finding an opening. His sword pierced the lead executioner's golden armor. "Your formation lacks the Azure Cloud's grace," Eldrin commented calmly as spiritual energy erupted from the point of impact. The remaining 2 executioners staggered back, their armor cracking. "Impossible! Your cultivation was supposed to be sealed!" Eldrin's eyes gleamed with ancient wisdom. "What is a seal but another test of the Dao?" He raised his sword, gathering the ambient energy of the Nether Abyss. After nearly a 1000 years of cultivation, such petty restraints meant little. The final confrontation lasted mere heartbeats. When the crimson light faded, only Eldrin remained standing amidst the dissipating golden armor fragments. He collected their spatial pouches, finding precisely 128,000 high-grade spirit stones and 3 bottles of Soul Consolidation Pills. A worthwhile harvest, though it couldn't compare to the treasure he truly sought. Looking toward the distant Heavenly Pillar Mountain where the Imperial Capital stood, Eldrin's gaze turned profound. "1 100 years of planning... soon the Azure Cloud will rise again." Sheathing his sword, he vanished into the deepening shadows, leaving only the whisper of the abyssal winds where 3 of the empire's finest had fallen. Somewhere in the darkness, a new chapter of the legend was being written.