Chapter 195 : Forging the Five Elemental Paths

Therefore, among the Violet Sanctum cultivation arts within the clan, the only one truly suitable for cultivation was the Solar Solar Fire Scripture [a profound fire-attribute cultivation scripture].

The remaining four arts for Metal, Wood, Water, and Earth attributes could only be cultivated to the Foundation Establishment 9th Tier [the ninth and final stage of the Foundation Establishment realm]. However, with the recent acquisition of the fire-wood dual-attribute Verdant Wood True Flame Art [an art that harmonizes the essence of verdant wood with true flame], the clan now possessed two complete Violet Sanctum [the realm beyond Foundation Establishment] cultivation arts for its five elemental affinities.

Of the remaining three elemental arts, the Metal attribute art was the Blazing Sun Dominating Void Art [a powerful art for metal-fire dual cultivators], and the Water attribute art was the Bright Abyss Path of Grace Art [a graceful water-path cultivation method].

The Earth attribute art was also incomplete, but fortunately, they had now obtained the Cultivable Earth Sovereign Art [a sovereign art for cultivating earth essence], which filled that particular gap.

Of course, this was merely a temporary solution. As a Violet Sanctum Immortal Clan [an immortal clan capable of producing Violet Sanctum realm cultivators], the Chen Clan would eventually need to complete all five elemental cultivation arts up to the Violet Sanctum Realm [the realm of the Violet Sanctum].

In truth, Eldrin Chen could theoretically deduce and elevate the other elemental arts to the Violet Sanctum Realm, but the endeavor would consume far too much of his energy and focus.

His exposure to different cultivation arts was not extensive. Given his current cultivation level and experience, attempting to deduce a complete art to the Violet Sanctum Realm without a moment of sudden enlightenment would likely require over a decade of dedicated effort.

And that was just for reaching the Violet Sanctum 1st Tier [the first tier of the Violet Sanctum realm]. To refine and perfect an art to the Violet Sanctum Late Stage [the advanced stages of the Violet Sanctum realm] would likely demand several more decades of arduous work.

Now was not the time for such an undertaking. Once his own cultivation had progressed further and he had advanced the Solar Solar Fire Scripture to a certain level, recreating the arts for the other four elements from scratch would become a far more efficient task.

The Clan Assembly [a formal gathering of the clan's elders and key members] continued for two full days, with Lior Chen primarily reporting on the various affairs he had managed in recent years. Your portal to cultivation novels: audio-novel.com (official site).

In addition, there were various accumulated matters of moderate importance, not particularly easy to handle, along with plans for the coming years. This gathering was also an opportunity for everyone to make decisions on these issues.

It was not until two days later, when the Clan Assembly concluded, that Eldrin Chen finally breathed a sigh of relief. He flew back to the Spirit Isle Lake overnight.

"..."

Six years later, at the Mystic Iron Mountain Metallic Gold Earth Vein.

The Sword Cleansing Pool shimmered with rippling light, within which a faint azure glow seemed to drift and sink.

Eldrin Chen sat cross-legged before the Sword Cleansing Pool, his eyes lowered in quiet cultivation. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open.

"*Clang!*"

A clear sword cry rang out. Instantly, the Sword Cleansing Pool trembled slightly. A brilliant azure sword aura shot skyward, circling and dancing through the air. The aura itself measured over sixty Zhang-length [one Zhang-length equals three point three three meters].

Eldrin Chen rose to his feet. Gazing at the azure sword aura spiraling through the Heavenly Vault, a flicker of emotion passed through his eyes.

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

"Return," he commanded softly.

As his words faded, the sword energy transformed into a shower of azure light that cascaded down and vanished into Eldrin Chen's body.

Eldrin Chen closed his eyes, sensing the Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword now housed within his body, his expression as placid as still water.

For six years, he had often secluded himself here at the Sword Cleansing Pool [a mystical pool with properties to purify and refine spiritual weapons]. For the first three years, he had only visited occasionally, leaving the Great Geng Immortal Sword within the pool's waters.

Three years ago, after the Great Geng Immortal Sword had been successfully refined, its power had ascended to rank among the finest Third Rank Immortal Sword [a powerful enchanted sword of the third tier]. Subsequently, Eldrin Chen had placed the Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword into the pool.

With his Lifebound Immortal Sword [a magical sword bound to its wielder's life force and soul] residing at the Metallic Gold Earth Vein, he spent the majority of his time at the Mystic Iron Mountain Path-Field. He only returned to Spirit Isle Lake every few days.

Fortunately, Lila was growing older, and the clever, sensible girl no longer required his constant presence for guidance.

Now, the Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword, having been fused with superior-grade Western Pole Metallic Gold [a rare metallic ore imbued with potent spiritual properties] and tempered within the Sword Cleansing Pool for three years, had seen its might increase by a tremendous margin.

A Lifebound Immortal Sword manifests significantly greater power in its master's hands. In Eldrin Chen's grasp, the sword's unleashed force was now sufficient to approach that of a Third Rank Superior Grade Magical Treasure [a top-tier enchanted artifact of the third rank].

"Word arrived from Heavenly Ruins Mountain some days ago," he mused quietly. "It seems preparations are being made to move against Heavenly Python Lake."

"Let us return to Spirit Isle Lake first."

Eldrin Chen felt a stir in his heart and soared out of the Mystic Iron Mountain Vein upon his sword.

The Mystic Iron Mountain Path-Field was merely ten thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] from Spirit Isle Lake. Fortunately, the Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword was exceedingly swift, reaching Spirit Isle Lake in just a few Shichen-time [one Shichen-time equals two hours].

"Uncle!"

No sooner had he arrived at Spirit Isle Lake than Eldrin Chen heard a voice call out to him, brimming with delight.

Lila ran over, her face alight with joy, and clung to Eldrin Chen's arm. "You have not returned for three months," she said. This chapter is provided by audio-novel[dot]com. Support the original.

"The sword tempering was nearing completion, so it delayed me somewhat,"

Eldrin Chen replied with a gentle smile, only then noticing that Lila had already cultivated to the Great Perfection stage of Vital Essence Refinement [the foundational stage of cultivation where one refines the body's vital energy].

Lila had begun her cultivation journey under his guidance at the age of seven. In the blink of an eye, over a decade had passed; she was now twenty years old. The grimy little beggar of yesteryear had blossomed into a lovely young woman.

Though Eldrin Chen presented a stern and formidable front to outsiders, in Lila's eyes he was always gentle. Raised from childhood by him and Silas, Lila had always felt a deep closeness to him.

She looked up at Eldrin Chen, a smile gracing her features as she said, "Uncle, now that the sword has been successfully cleansed, can you stay with me a bit longer this time?"

"Silly child."

Eldrin Chen chuckled, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "I must depart again soon. But when I return, I'll bring you a Foundation Establishment Pill [a pill that aids in solidifying one's cultivation foundation]. Then you too can attempt Foundation Establishment [the crucial breakthrough to solidify one's cultivation base]."

Lila seemed to hesitate, words caught in her throat, but she finally smiled and said, "Alright."

Upon returning to Lake Heart Island, he summoned Silas Chen alone. "My journey to Heavenly Ruins Mountain will involve a campaign against the Demon Race. You must guard Spirit Isle Lake well in my stead and take good care of Lila for me."

Silas Chen's expression turned solemn, and he replied earnestly, "Do not worry, Uncle. I will care for Lila, and I will absolutely defend Spirit Isle Lake for you."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod and turned to leave.

Yet, a subtle movement at the center of his brow made him realize that Silas Chen had, at some point, grasped the sleeve of his robe.

"What is it? Do you have something more to say?"

"No." Silas Chen quickly released the sleeve, a flicker of panic crossing his face. "This battle will take you deep into Demon Race Territory to face a Demon King [a powerful ruler among demonic cultivators]. The danger will be immense."

"I... the Chen Clan cannot be without you now. You must not act rashly; your own safety is paramount."

"Do not worry, I understand."

Eldrin Chen replied calmly, then finally soared on his sword towards Pingyang City.

Watching the azure sword radiance streak away, Lila stood by the lakeshore, her gaze fixed on the fading light at the horizon's edge.

"Why didn't you tell him you are preparing for Self-Achieved Foundation Establishment?" Silas Chen approached, his gaze steady as he looked at Lila. "Is it because he is marching off to battle across hundreds of thousands of Li-lengths into Demon Race Territory, and you did not wish to add to his worries?"

Silas Chen observed Lila and realized, not for the first time, how she had quietly matured into an immortal maiden of peerless grace and jade-like bone structure, a true prodigy.

Lila's expression remained as placid as still water. "A Variant Spiritual Root [a rare and superior type of spiritual affinity] is different from an ordinary cultivator," she stated matter-of-factly. "We are born with a fifty percent chance of achieving Foundation Establishment [the critical second major realm of cultivation, where one forms a stable spiritual foundation]."

"With the aid of an Essence Gathering Pill [a high-grade elixir that concentrates spiritual essence to aid breakthroughs], my odds of a breakthrough exceed sixty percent."

"Sixty percent odds... succeed or perish. That is still perilous." Silas Chen's expression turned grave, his eyes somber. "You could wait for a Foundation Establishment Pill [a legendary pill that guarantees success in forming one's spiritual foundation]. If the clan obtains one, you would undoubtedly be the first choice."

"A Foundation Establishment Pill..."

Lila shook her head and spoke with serene detachment, "Do you remember what Uncle once told us about the concept of the Superior-Tier Golden Core?"

"To break through to the Golden Core Realm without relying on any external aids throughout the entire journey," Silas Chen nodded, then continued, "It is said that Primordial Spirit Path Lord and most Top-Tier Infant Soul True Lord achieved their realms in precisely this manner."

"But the difficulty of that path is immense." Original English translation available at audio-novel . com.