Chapter 244 Silas Impacts the Purple Mansion
The old clan leader nodded after listening. Though he truly wished to assist Eldrin, the clan still could not function without his presence.
The population of Pingyang City was currently in an explosive growth phase, making it truly difficult to rest assured without him presiding over the city.
Eldrin smiled faintly and spoke calmly, "Do not worry. With my level of cultivation, ordinary folk could hardly pose a threat to me."
"Hmm."
Chen Changxuan also revealed a faint smile. Eldrin’s cultivation was no longer what it had been in the past, and coupled with his innate sense of discretion, he was far from a greenhorn newly venturing into the world.
Setting aside his worries, he pondered for a moment before saying, "Silas and Caleb have achieved Perfection in their True Essence. In recent days, they’ve already begun striving to break through to the Purple Mansion realm."
I had Lior (Person Name) deliver a Li Fire Crystal (Spiritual Object) to each of them, but Silas (Person Name) returned his.
"Hmm?"
Eldrin frowned upon hearing this. Chen Silas’ foundation was not particularly strong, and his temperament was rather gentle. Breaking through to the Violet Mansion realm on his own would likely pose no small challenge.
Observing his expression, the old clan leader hesitated for a moment before saying, "That girl carries a deep-seated obsession in her heart. If she can channel it into motivation, it might be for the best."
"After all, she's still relatively young—it wouldn't hurt for her to give it a try."
Eldrin took a deep breath and finally nodded.
Without a word, he left Pingyang City and rode his sword back to Spirit Lake Continent.
Lila (Person Name) spotted him and immediately lowered her head, murmuring, "Uncle..."
Seeing him remain silent, Lila (Person Name) lowered her head timidly and said.
"Silas, your sister is attempting a breakthrough to the Violet Mansion."
"Hmm."
Eldrin (Person Name) gave a slight nod, standing composedly before the seclusion chamber of the spirit pool with an unperturbed expression.
Within the seclusion chamber, a faint aura lingered, carrying an undertone of extreme weakness and suppressed agony.
As if sensing his arrival, that faint aura stirred slightly, and a stubborn conviction surged forth, allowing it to persevere once more.
He stood before the seclusion chamber for 7 days, until that aura withered to its absolute extremity. Only then did Eldrin open the heavy doors.
In the spirit pool, he saw Chen Silas (Person Name) drenched in blood, his face deathly pale as he gazed back with exhausted, feeble eyes.
"This foolish child."
With a soft sigh in his heart, Eldrin took out a Qi Replenishing Return Pill (Spiritual Object) and fed it to her, allowing her to regain a trace of strength.
Chen Silas (Person Name) had attempted to breakthrough to the Violet Mansion Realm through this period of secluded cultivation without relying on any external aids, yet ultimately fell just short of success.
The agony of physical torment was far too overwhelming, preventing her from fully channeling her magical power. Even after exhausting all her energy, she had only managed to clear 15 percent of her meridians.
Yet, though this girl appeared gentle, her nature was remarkably stubborn. Upon discovering Eldrin's arrival, she actually reignited her resolve.
Driven by sheer determination, she endured the excruciating agony of her physical form, forcibly ignited her vital essence blood in place of true energy to assail the Zifu Dao Veins, and astonishingly managed to penetrate another 20 percent of the meridians.
She had not built her foundation on her own, yet to forcefully penetrate 3 and a half of the Zifu Dao Veins without relying on external aids was already considered extraordinary.
It could be said that although she failed this time, she had barely withstood the torment of the flesh. In another 20-some years, when she attempts to assault the Violet Mansion again, she might fully subdue it.
"Alas."
Eldrin (Person Name) heaved a sigh. The path ahead was arduous, as daunting as scaling the heavens.
Chapter 1 Chen Silas possessed decent innate talent, but his cultivation had been progressing slowly. At the Foundation Establishment stage, he had already spent over a decade. Now, he was merely at the third level of Foundation Establishment. Among the outer sect disciples of the Green Cloud Sect, he was considered below average. The main reason was his impoverished background. He came from an ordinary mortal family with no support whatsoever. All cultivation resources had to be earned through sect missions. The meager spirit stones obtained were barely enough to maintain daily cultivation, let alone purchase precious elixirs to accelerate progress. This time, he had spent 3 months completing a mission to gather herbs, finally earning 20-some spirit stones. He immediately came to the Market Street, wanting to buy a Qi Gathering Pill to enhance his cultivation. The Qi Gathering Pill was the most common cultivation-aid pill for Foundation Establishment cultivators, capable of boosting the efficiency of absorbing spiritual energy. Although it was only a low-grade pill, its price wasn't cheap—each pill cost 20 spirit stones. For Chen Silas, this was already an extravagant expense. After purchasing the Qi Gathering Pill, Chen Silas carefully stored it in his storage pouch. Just as he was about to leave, his gaze was drawn to a stall not far away. An elderly man with a goatee was enthusiastically promoting his wares: "Fellow cultivators, come take a look! These are all good items obtained from ancient ruins! This 1000 Threads Silver(Precious Material) is perfect for refining magical treasures, and this Jade Marrow(Precious Material) can be used for alchemy. If you miss this opportunity, you won't find another!" Chen Silas's attention, however, was captured by a palm-sized, dark and unremarkable iron piece. For some reason, the iron piece gave him a peculiar sensation, as if something was faintly calling out to him. He approached the stall and casually asked, "Senior, what is this iron piece?" The goatee-eyed elder glanced at him, noticing his outer sect disciple robes, and casually replied, "This was found along with other items in the ruins. It seems to be a fragment of some magical treasure. If you're interested, I'll give it to you for 10 spirit stones." "10 spirit stones?" Chen Silas frowned. For an unidentified fragment, this price was clearly too high. "Senior, isn't this a bit expensive? How about 5 spirit stones?" The goatee-eyed elder waved his hand, "No bargaining. This item may look ordinary, but it definitely has its uses. If you don't want it, forget it." Chen Silas hesitated for a moment. Although 10 spirit stones were a significant amount to him, that strange feeling grew stronger the closer he got to the iron piece. After some internal struggle, he finally gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, I'll take it!" After paying the spirit stones, Chen Silas carefully stored the iron piece. Though he didn't know what it was, his intuition told him that this item was anything but simple. On his way back to the sect, Chen Silas pondered his future path. As a disciple with no background or backing, advancing in cultivation was exceptionally difficult. The Green Cloud Sect had over 10 1000 disciples, and the competition for resources was fierce. If he couldn't break through to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment soon, he might face expulsion from the sect. "Once I return, I'll use the Qi Gathering Pill to attempt a breakthrough. If I can reach the fourth level of Foundation Establishment, I'll qualify to participate in the sect's Grand Competition and have a chance to earn more cultivation resources," Chen Silas thought to himself. Back at his simple dwelling in the outer sect, Chen Silas first meditated to adjust his condition. When his spiritual power reached its peak, he took out the Qi Gathering Pill and swallowed it. A warm current spread through his limbs and bones, and the spiritual energy between heaven and earth began to gather toward him like a tide. Chen Silas guided this energy according to the Green Cloud Art(Cultivation Method), circulating it through his meridians. Time passed slowly, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. The impact of the spiritual energy caused his meridians to swell with pain, but he knew this was a necessary process for a breakthrough, so he gritted his teeth and persisted. Just as the spiritual energy was about to break through a key acupoint, the iron piece he had placed beside him suddenly emitted a faint glow. A strand of mysterious energy silently merged into his body. In that instant, Chen Silas felt as if a door had opened in his mind. Countless pieces of information flooded in, and a mysterious cultivation method appeared in his consciousness—the Heavenly Domain Godly Soul Art(Cultivation Method). "This is..." Chen Silas was both shocked and delighted. He never expected that the unremarkable iron piece would contain such a profound cultivation method. According to the introductions, the Heavenly Domain Godly Soul Art was an ancient soul cultivation technique that not only enhanced spiritual power but also tremendously strengthened the soul. Once mastered, it would be of great help in breaking through cultivation bottlenecks. More importantly, this cultivation method contained a unique technique for condensing a golden core. It described 3 types of golden cores: inferior, medium, and superior. Most golden core cultivators only achieved the inferior grade, while the medium grade was already considered a talent even in major sects. As for the superior grade, it was a legendary existence. The method to condense a medium-grade golden core recorded in the Heavenly Domain Godly Soul Art left Chen Silas utterly astonished. It seemed this was what he needed to seek the possibility of forming a medium-grade golden core in the future.
However, she had not achieved Foundation Establishment through her own efforts, thus she could never form the legendary Supreme-Grade Golden Core in this lifetime. Even so, a Mid-Grade Golden Core would already be remarkably formidable.
Forging a mid-grade Golden Core is an immensely arduous task. She still had a long journey ahead, and this was merely glimpsing a sliver of hope.
This time, she managed to penetrate 30-5 percent of the Purple Mansion's Dao Veins, relying solely on a lingering obsession in her heart.
For cultivators, obsession is both a great asset and an inner demon.
Those with stubborn temperaments and hidden obsessions in their hearts often cultivate with extraordinary diligence and can unleash astonishing potential.
Such individuals either die young, or if they survive, they often travel farther than ordinary people.
Chen Silas's vital essence was severely depleted. Even with the aid of the Qi Replenishing Return Pill, it would likely take 5 years of dedicated cultivation to fully recover.
Eldrin said nothing more. After handing Lila several elixirs and instructing her to take good care of Lila, he turned and departed from Spirit Isle Lake.
He set off for the Heavenly Abode Continent (Location), uncertain when he might return. Before departing, he visited Verdant Chariot Mountain (Location) and withdrew 100,000 spirit stones along with several third-order treasures from the clan vault.
After retrieving the items, before he could depart, Chen Ethan (Person Name) sought him out.
"Uncle Eldrin."
"Is something the matter?"
Looking at Chen Ethan, Eldrin gave a faint smile.
Chen Ethan was quite fond of him. This young man possessed extraordinary talent and a bold, decisive character. During the great battle at Green Sun Mountain, he had slain 3 Foundation Establishment cultivators, establishing a formidable reputation for himself.
At merely 20-4 years of age, he dared to attempt Foundation Establishment on his own. Now, just over 60 years old, he had already cultivated to the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment, making him 1 of the finest talents within the entire clan.
Chen Ethan looked at Eldrin, rubbing his hands together with slight embarrassment. "Uncle Eldrin, didn't the family say that those who achieve Foundation Establishment through their own cultivation would be prioritized for receiving the 5 Elements Crystal to break through to the Purple Mansion realm?"
"I was wondering if I could first exchange a Li Fire Crystal (Spiritual Object) with you."
"Hmm."
Eldrin frowned, unable to resist asking, "Are you planning to use the Li Fire Crystal to break through to the Zi Mansion?"
"No, no." Ethan Chen chuckled and shook his head hastily. "If Uncle Kael could break through to the Purple Mansion realm on his own, why can't I?"
He said with a beaming smile:
"Shall we strike a bargain? Would you be so kind as to grant me 1 Li Fire Crystal (Spiritual Object) and 1 Profound Water Crystal (Spiritual Object) first?"
"I wish to forge a pair of Celestial Severance Twin Swords."
Eldrin was taken aback for a moment before realizing that this Ethan was coveting his Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss.
Since the great battle at Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location), his Sky-Severing Twin Swords had already shaken the entire Chu Kingdom (Location) with their might.
Both the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) and the Heavenly River Ren Water Sword were listed in the Chu Kingdom (Location) Armament Registry. Among the 60 to 70 guardian treasures of various clans, these 2 immortal swords ranked within the top 10.
Once the twin swords merged, their power would undoubtedly claim the top rank, even rivaling a fourth-stage Golden Core artifact.
Such an offensive immortal sword had long since shaken the world, earning the envy of countless cultivators. Naturally, Ethan Chen also coveted it immensely, yearning to refine a pair of his own Heaven-Sundering Twin Swords.
"Young man."
Eldrin shook his head with a wry smile, yet this Ethan possessed dual spiritual roots of water and fire, making him truly capable of forging a pair of Heavenly Li Twin Swords.
At this thought, he said with a smile, "In recent years, several clan members have attempted to break through to the Purple Mansion Realm, and the 5 Element Crystals have become somewhat scarce. Originally, we would have had to wait a few more years to purchase 1 for you."
"Fortunately, your sister Silas achieved Foundation Establishment on her own and left behind a Li Fire Crystal. I'll retrieve it for you later."
"Only the Profound Water Crystal (Spiritual Object)..."
At this point, Eldrin frowned.
The Profound Water Crystal (Spiritual Object) was exceptionally scarce. To acquire it, 1 would have to traverse mountains and ridges all the way to Yan Kingdom (Location)—a journey for which he currently had no leisure at all.
In the blink of an eye, another idea struck him. "Forget it," he added with a wave of his hand, "I shall retrieve the Profound Water Crystal (Spiritual Object) for you myself."
That very night, Eldrin soared through the skies on his sword, crossing the Celestial Ruins Mountain in a single night as he flew toward the Celestial Python Lake.
"Whoosh—"
Demon Clan Territory, Golden Butterfly Valley.
A streak of azure light sliced across the sky, its sword aura cleaving through the sea of clouds as it soared heavenward. Along its path, countless demons trembled in awe.
"Audacious human!"
Watching the human race brazenly soar past the sacred mountains on their flying swords, a 6-Winged Golden Butterfly at the first level of the Purple Mansion roared with divine intent, ready to charge forth and intercept.
But soon, it was intercepted by the Purple Palace, Late Stage golden-winged butterfly. The 6-Winged Golden Butterfly King pinned it to the ground, his face filled with terror as he spoke.
"You dare to intercept that man's flying sword? Have you lost all regard for your life?"
Chapter 1: The Reborn Eldrin The air in the Nether Abyss trembled as a streak of crimson light tore through the heavens. Eldrin coughed up a mouthful of blood, his body plummeting from the sky like a broken sparrow. "To think I, Eldrin, who've cultivated for 3 1000 years, would fall here today..." A bitter smile touched his lips as he closed his eyes, awaiting the final destruction. Yet when he opened them again, the scene before him had transformed entirely. No longer was he in the Nether Abyss filled with demonic energy, but in a simple wooden house. The scent of medicinal herbs hung heavy in the air. "Brother, you're awake?" A girl's voice, clear as a mountain spring, rang out. Eldrin turned his head and saw a girl of about 16 or 17, her eyes sparkling like stars. She wore coarse linen robes, yet her delicate features carried an otherworldly grace. "Where is this? Who are you?" Eldrin tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through his meridians, forcing him back down. The girl hurried over to support him. "This is Azurepeak Village. I'm Lian'er. I found you unconscious by the river, badly injured." Azurepeak Village? Eldrin searched his memories but found no recollection of such a place. He then inspected his body and was shocked to discover his cultivation had completely vanished. Even his meridians were damaged beyond recognition. But what astonished him most was the faint golden light shimmering within his dantian. "This is... the Primordial Chaos Art?" Eldrin's heart raced. This was the legendary supreme technique lost for millennia, rumored to have been destroyed by the heavens themselves. How could it reside within his body? Just as he was lost in thought, noisy commotion came from outside. "Lian'er! Come out now! It's time to pay your family's debt!" a rough voice shouted. Lian'er's face instantly paled. "Brother, please rest. I... I need to handle something outside." Eldrin watched her retreating figure, his eyes narrowing slightly. Though his cultivation was gone, his divine sense remained. He could clearly sense 3 men with malicious intent standing outside the door. "Boss Zhao, please, I beg you for a few more days. Once I sell the herbs I've gathered, I'll definitely repay the debt," Lian'er pleaded softly. The leader, a burly man with a scar on his face, laughed coldly. "A few more days? I've given you plenty of time already! If you can't pay up today, come with me to the pleasure house. With your looks, you'll earn back the money in no time!" As he spoke, he reached out to grab Lian'er. But before his hand could touch her, a stone flew from inside the house, striking the man's wrist squarely. "Ah!" The burly man cried out in pain, clutching his rapidly swelling wrist. "Who's there? How dare you interfere in my business!" Eldrin slowly walked out of the house, his expression calm. Though his clothes were tattered and his face pale, his eyes shone with an intimidating sharpness. "Leave. Now," he said coldly. The burly man was initially startled by his presence, but upon seeing Eldrin's weak condition, he sneered, "A dying cripple still putting on a brave face? Men, teach him a lesson!" The 2 lackeys immediately charged at Eldrin. Lian'er cried out in alarm, "Brother, be careful!" Yet Eldrin showed no trace of panic. Though he had lost his cultivation, his 3 1000 years of combat experience remained. He sidestepped the first attacker's punch, then struck the man's elbow with his palm. Following the sound of cracking bones, the lackey screamed and collapsed. The second man swung a wooden club at Eldrin's head. Eldrin simply raised his hand, accurately grasping the weapon. With a slight twist, the club snapped in 2. "This..." The burly man's face changed dramatically. He never expected this seemingly frail youth to possess such skill. Eldrin fixed his gaze on him. "I'll say it 1 more time: leave." His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable authority. The burly man shuddered, feeling as if he were being stared down by some ancient beast. Without another word, he helped his injured lackeys and fled in panic. After they left, Eldrin's body swayed, nearly collapsing. Lian'er hurried over to support him, her voice filled with concern, "Brother, are you alright?" Eldrin waved his hand. "It's nothing, just my old injuries acting up." He looked at Lian'er and asked, "How much do you owe them?" Lian'er lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper. "50 spirit stones..." 50 spirit stones? Eldrin was taken aback. To him, this amount was negligible—less than what he would casually give to his disciples. But for an ordinary village girl, it was an astronomical sum. "Don't worry, I'll help you think of something," Eldrin comforted softly. Lian'er looked at him, tears welling in her eyes. "Brother, thank you. But your injuries..." Eldrin smiled faintly. These injuries were nothing compared to what he had endured in his heavenly tribulation. What truly concerned him was how to restore his cultivation in this unfamiliar world. That night, Eldrin sat cross-legged on his bed, attempting to sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. To his surprise, he discovered the spiritual energy here was even more abundant than in the cultivation world he remembered. More importantly, the Primordial Chaos Art within his body was automatically circulating, slowly repairing his damaged meridians. "This Primordial Chaos Art truly lives up to its name as the supreme technique," Eldrin marveled inwardly. He could clearly feel that the spiritual energy refined by this technique was far more refined than that of his previous cultivation method. Just then, a burst of noisy commotion came from outside. "Lian'er! Come out quickly! Something big has happened!" an elderly voice shouted urgently. Lian'er hurried out of her room and saw the village chief standing outside with several villagers, their faces filled with panic. "Uncle Chief, what's wrong?" Lian'er asked anxiously. The village chief said breathlessly, "The Black Wind Bandits are here! They're demanding we hand over 10,000 spirit stones within 3 days, or... or they'll slaughter the entire village!" "What?!" Lian'er's face turned deathly pale. In the house, Eldrin slowly opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing within them. Black Wind Bandits? It seems this world isn't as peaceful as it appears.