Chapter 216 : Elders' Ascent and the Purple Mansion Threshold

The other Foundation Establishment Elders have also made significant progress.

The elder Lior Chen, now over one hundred and ten years old, has cultivated with the utmost diligence. His cultivation is currently the most profound, and he is on the verge of touching the threshold of the Foundation Establishment Ninth Layer.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, Lior Chen should be able to attempt a breakthrough to the Purple Mansion [the third major realm of cultivation, where one's spiritual foundation expands into a vast internal mansion] around the age of one hundred and twenty-five. This would be over a decade faster than when the Old Patriarch made his first attempt.

Chen Elara delayed her progress for several years to refine her Life-Bound Magical Treasure [a magical artifact intimately connected to a cultivator's life force and soul]. She remains at the eighth layer of Foundation Establishment, but it appears she will be able to break through to the ninth layer within the next decade.

Among the others, Kael Chen had ample merit points and exchanged them for Jade Marrow Pills and Verdant Origin Pills, leading to the fastest advancement in cultivation. Not long ago, he stepped into the seventh layer of Foundation Establishment. It seems he will be able to cultivate to Foundation Establishment Great Perfection [the peak of the Foundation Establishment realm] just past one hundred years of age.

The siblings Caleb and Silas broke through to Foundation Establishment in the same year as Kael. However, they were a step behind in the first twenty years due to a lack of resources. Nevertheless, they are estimated to break through to the Foundation Establishment, Late Stage within five years.

They are also younger, currently only seventy years old. It is estimated they will make their first attempt at the Purple Mansion around one hundred years of age, which leaves them with ample lifespan to do so.

Beyond these earlier-generation cultivators, the cultivation progress of Lila and Ethan Chen has been exceptionally rapid.

Ethan Chen achieved Self-Guided Foundation Establishment [a method of establishing one's foundation without external elixirs, resulting in a purer foundation] at twenty-four. Now in his forties, his cultivation has soared in just two short decades. Astonishingly, he is already nearing the threshold of the Foundation Establishment Fifth Layer.

Setting aside the one realm advancement granted by the Jade Marrow Pill, breaking through three realms in twenty years means he advanced one realm approximately every seven years. This novel is serialized on www . audio-novel.com. Visit for updates.

Generally speaking, a Foundation Establishment Cultivator with Two Spiritual Roots would require a full decade of arduous cultivation to break through a single minor realm, even with ample resources and unwavering dedication.

The reason for his rapid progress, aside from his own diligent practice, was largely due to the two hundred Spirit Clam Pearl [pearls formed by spirit clams, rich in spiritual energy] he had obtained from Celestial Python Lake.

Regardless, at this pace, it was estimated that Ethan Chen could attempt his first breakthrough into the Purple Mansion [the third major realm of cultivation, where one's spiritual foundation expands into a grand internal mansion] around the age of seventy.

This was not far behind Eldrin Chen's own breakthrough into the Purple Mansion at sixty-three, making it a truly remarkable achievement.

Lila possessed an Anomalous Spiritual Root [a rare and powerful spiritual root type that grants exceptional affinity for cultivation]. Typically, cultivators with such roots in the Foundation Establishment Realm would break through a minor realm every seven years. However, Lila also had no shortage of Spirit Clam Pearl, allowing her to shatter through a realm in a mere five years.

She had established her foundation at twenty. Now, just fifteen years later, she had consecutively broken through three minor realms, reaching the Foundation Establishment Fourth Layer.

And this was with Eldrin Chen deliberately withholding the Jade Marrow Pill [a pill that strengthens the body's marrow and bones, aiding cultivation] from her, fearing that cultivating too swiftly might destabilize her foundation.

"Hah..."

Shaking off his wandering thoughts, Eldrin Chen focused inward, sensing the single wisp of Primordial Essence [the most fundamental and pure form of spiritual energy, said to be the source of creation] within his body. A measure of calm settled over him.

This Primordial Essence was peculiar. Regardless of how high his cultivation rose, only a single wisp was converted each day. For years, this rate had remained constant, neither increasing nor decreasing.

Over these years, he had nearly daily absorbed and refined the Primordial Essence [the purest form of spiritual energy, gathered at dawn], yet there were always moments of inconvenience. Consequently, this particular mouthful of Primordial Essence was delayed by three years, only accumulating to completion this year, at the age of eighty-three.

"Now that I possess the ninth mouthful of Primordial Essence,"

"it is time to forge the Heavenly River Flood Water Sword [a magical sword imbued with the power of the celestial river's floodwaters]."

With this thought, Eldrin Chen immediately set about forging this fourth Life-Bound Magical Treasure [a magical artifact bound to a cultivator's life force, growing in power with them].

The Heavenly River Flood Water Sword and the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss [a magical sword of returning abyssal fire] represented the opposing forces of Yin and Yang. The forging method for this sword was also created by emulating that of the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss, sharing a similar, albeit distinct, ingenious approach.

Eldrin Chen had already forged the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss during his Foundation Establishment, Early Stage [the early phase of the Foundation Establishment realm]. Forging the Heavenly River Flood Water Sword now was merely a matter of course, like water flowing naturally into a channel.

In just seven days, he succeeded in smelting the Heavenly River Treasure Gold [a precious metal with celestial river properties], then fused the Profound Water Crystal [a crystal containing deep water essence] into it.

Shaping the sword's body and inscribing the formation runes did not consume much effort. The true laborious task was refining the Five Elements Essence [a refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements]. He toiled for a full month before finally elevating the Heavenly River Flood Water Sword to the Third Rank Low Grade [the lowest grade within the Third Rank].

Seeing the immortal sword was complete, Eldrin Chen seized the moment and expelled that single, hard-earned mouthful of Primordial Essence.

The Primordial Essence, so painstakingly accumulated, was once again expended. As expected, it triggered a subtle metamorphosis in the Heavenly River Flood Water Sword's foundational nature, elevating its potential grade ceiling by one full tier.

"Hymn—" [a sharp, resonant sound like a drawn sword]

A single, clear note of a sword's hymn rang out. Then, the Heavenly River Flood Water Sword transformed into a translucent, glazed verdant sword aura and shot forth, vanishing into the center of Eldrin Chen's brow.

Eldrin Chen flew out from Spirit Isle Lake. He tested the might of the Heavenly River Flood Water Sword, and a look of satisfaction spread across his features.

Although it was merely Third Rank Low Grade, this sword was imbued with the vast and mighty Flood Water Power [the elemental power of overwhelming, boundless water]. A casual strike from it cleaved a thousand-zhang-long [one zhang-length equals three point three three meters] scar into the earth, a testament to its formidable power.

"A fine sword indeed."

He praised it with delight, then returned to the heart of Spirit Isle Lake. This content originates from audio–novel.com. Please respect copyright.

Although the Heavenly River Flood Water Sword had been forged, it needed to be elevated to Third Rank Middle Grade before it could be perfectly paired with the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss.

He toiled for over three months, consuming materials worth tens of thousands of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy]—including Water-Flood Divine Thunder [a divine thunder technique harnessing the power of overwhelming water] and Dual Metallic Essence Qi [a refined spiritual essence containing the dual power of metallic energy]. Only then did Eldrin Chen succeed in elevating the Heavenly River Flood Water Sword to Third Rank High Grade.

With the immortal sword finally perfected, Eldrin Chen did not linger at Spirit Isle Lake. He immediately mounted his sword and flew straight toward Pingyang City.

"Taste this year's new harvest of tea."

"This is Third Rank Enlightenment Tea [a rare tea that aids in achieving states of profound insight and enlightenment], a truly precious commodity."

After they entered the Clan Affairs Hall in Pingyang City, the Old Patriarch poured a cup of tea for Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen took a sip. A wave of meditative clarity washed over his mind, refreshing his spirit and senses, as if he had entered a state bordering on enlightenment itself.

"Excellent tea."

Setting down the teacup, Eldrin Chen then said, "The Chu Kingdom Barter Convention [a major gathering for cultivators to trade rare resources and treasures] will commence in just over three months. Do you plan to attend?"

"You should go in my stead."

The Old Patriarch savored his tea for a moment before placing his cup down as well.

"The Clan Treasury still holds eighty thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]. Take a substantial amount with you. Also, bring along a few of the Third Rank Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts] we have no immediate use for. We wouldn't want to miss acquiring something we need for lack of resources."

"Understood."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, his expression betraying nothing. "There is another matter I wish to discuss with you."

"Oh."

Old Patriarch's brow twitched slightly as he waited for him to continue.

Eldrin Chen glanced at the Old Patriarch and spoke plainly: "The clan still has one Geng Metal Crystal [a crystalized essence of refined metallic energy] remaining."

"Are you referring to the question of who should use it?" Chen Thalion asked, frowning slightly. "Logically, Lior possesses Metal-Water Dual Spiritual Roots [a rare and balanced affinity for both metal and water spiritual energies] and could use that item to attempt a breakthrough into the Purple Mansion [the third major realm of cultivation, where one's spiritual foundation solidifies into a 'mansion' within the dantian] within fifteen years."

"Although Kael has only Three Spiritual Roots [a moderate cultivation aptitude with affinities for three of the five elements], after achieving Self-Guided Foundation Establishment [a superior method of establishing one's cultivation foundation without external aids, leading to greater potential], he will not lack for resources. He could likely attempt the Purple Mansion breakthrough in just over twenty years."

"According to the rules you established, if the difference is marginal, it is still preferable to prioritize cultivating Kael, who achieved Self-Guided Foundation Establishment."

"You misunderstand. I am not thinking of them, but of you."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his expression turning serious as he spoke: "In a few years, you will have cultivated to the peak of the Purple Mansion Third Layer. It will be time for you to attempt your own breakthrough into the Purple Mansion."

"Therefore, I was thinking... if we cannot purchase a Cloud Vein Creation Pill [a high-grade pill that aids in breaking through to the Purple Mansion realm] at this Barter Convention, then we should use that Geng Metal Crystal to refine a batch of Cloud Vein Creation Pill for you."

"This..."

Old Patriarch's brow furrowed, and he spoke, "A Purple Mansion Cultivator [a cultivator who has established their spiritual core within the Purple Mansion realm] enjoys a lifespan of four hundred years. I am merely a hundred and eighty years old, my vitality is still ample. There is no need for such haste."

"Achieving a breakthrough to the Purple Palace, Mid Stage [the middle phase of the Purple Mansion cultivation realm] sooner will grant you a greater chance of forming a Golden Core [the solidified spiritual core of a high-level cultivator]. If you dawdle for decades in the Purple Palace, Early Stage [the initial phase of the Purple Mansion realm], you may regret it bitterly in the future."

Eldrin Chen stated firmly, leaving no room for refusal. After a moment's thought, he added a reminder, "Furthermore, when I returned from Celestial Ruins Mountain not long ago, Lyra indicated that action against the Green Sun Sect would be taken within fifteen years."

"Is that truly the case?"

Old Patriarch's expression shifted slightly, a look of gravity settling upon his features as he rose to his feet.

Eldrin Chen gave a firm nod. "You need not worry about Uncle Lior and Kael either," he continued.

"The next Five Elements Crystals [crystalline formations imbued with the essence of the five fundamental elements] from Cangkun Mountain will mature within ten years. It is our rightful turn to claim it."

"The Geng Metal Crystal [a crystal of pure metallic essence] from the Metallic Essence Earth Vein [a subterranean vein rich in metallic spiritual energy] beneath Dark Iron Mountain will also be ready within twenty years. Moreover, the assault on Green Sun Mountain is certain to yield substantial gains." For uninterrupted reading, go to audio–novel.com.