Chapter 264 : The Halberd's Fateful Claim

Seeing their silence, Percival Pan gritted his teeth and said, "This item holds extraordinary significance for this old man. If you all relinquish it, I am willing to forgo my share of the Spirit Mountain and Earth Vein [a vein of concentrated earth-element spiritual energy within the world] profits from Scorching Sun County."

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly before he finally spoke. "Let Fellow Daoist Percival have the Thunderbolt Golden Sun Halberd."

Once Eldrin Chen gave his word, the others promptly abandoned any lingering thoughts of claiming the weapon.

His contribution to this battle had been the greatest, and the Chen Clan alone had brought five Purple Mansion [the third major realm of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual mansion within the dantian] cultivators.

Among those present, the major Purple Mansion Immortal Clan from Bianzhou, including Varen Wei, naturally deferred to Eldrin Chen and voiced no objection.

Among the gathered Purple Mansion cultivators, none could rival him in combat prowess, achievements, or status—not even Fang the Ancient Ancestor, who was at the Purple Mansion Ninth Layer [the ninth and final stage of the Purple Mansion realm], stood half a head shorter in influence.

Thus, his declaration settled the matter, finalizing the allocation of the Thunderbolt Golden Sun Halberd.

Of the two remaining treasures, both the Verdant Mastiff Immortal Sword and the Blue-Veined Hexagonal Shield were Offensive Supreme Treasure [a weapon of the highest grade, capable of devastating offensive power]. After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin Chen chose the Blue-Veined Hexagonal Shield.

He lacked not for offensive Magical Treasure [an enchanted artifact used by cultivators]. The Blue-Veined Hexagonal Shield, however, could serve not only as a Protective Magical Treasure but would also prove more effective when facing the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [the cataclysmic lightning ordeal one must survive to advance to the Golden Core realm].

The number of Purple Mansion Cultivator within his clan would gradually increase. Furthermore, individuals like Lila, Silas, Kael, and Ethan all possessed the potential to reach the Golden Core [the fourth major realm, where one condenses their spiritual essence into a golden core] realm. In the future, when they faced their own Heavenly Thunder Tribulation, they would undoubtedly require a considerable number of Tribulation-Blocking Treasure [specialized artifacts designed to help withstand the devastating power of a cultivation tribulation]. Access the full story on (audio-novel.com).

Seizing this opportunity, gathering more Third Rank High Grade Magical Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts] would be most appropriate for helping them pass their Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [the trial of heavenly lightning that tests a cultivator's foundation] in the future.

Considering that Merit Points [points earned for contributions within an organization] have other uses, Eldrin Chen did not take the Verdant Mastiff Immortal Sword [an immortal-grade sword named after the Verdant Mastiff]. This item was instead exchanged by Fang the Ancient Ancestor.

The Merit Points of Fang Clan were also insufficient. As an exchange, Fang the Ancient Ancestor produced two Five Elements Treasure Crystals [crystals imbued with the essence of the five elements]. Eldrin Chen took one Geng Metal Crystal [a crystal of refined metallic essence, one of the ten heavenly stems], intending to bring it home for Caleb Chen.

The Quasi-Fourth Rank Inner Core [a near-fourth rank demonic beast core] from the Verdant Lion Mastiff could be used to refine the 'Sub-Golden Core Pill' [a pill that assists in breaking through to the Golden Core realm], and that Flesh and Blood Treasure Pill [a potent pill refined from demonic beast flesh and blood essence] was also extraordinary. Eldrin Chen simply mobilized all the clan's Merit Points to exchange for these two treasures.

After all, Eldrin Chen looked down upon the remaining Third Rank Low to Middle Grade Treasures. The clan controlled several Third Rank Earth Vein [earth energy channels], so they were not too lacking in Third Rank Heaven and Earth Treasure [naturally formed treasures of heaven and earth]. Other Purple Mansion Cultivator [cultivators who have opened their Purple Mansion, the third major realm] who wanted mid to low-grade Third Rank Magical Treasure could have Old Patriarch refine them.

As for the flesh and blood of the Purple Mansion Demonic Beast, Eldrin Chen had the clan spend funds to purchase three carcasses.

Ever since the sermon by Magnus the Virtuous, he had grown to value the importance of the physical body even more. The ability to forge a stronger physique was directly linked to the possibility of breaking through to Golden Core [the fourth major cultivation realm, where one condenses a golden core of power].

Among the many cultivation arts of the Ethereal Void Sect, there was a body-tempering method called the 'Ethereal Void Body Tempering Art' [a technique for refining and strengthening the physical form]. To advance rapidly in this art, one needed to consume a significant amount of Demonic Beast Flesh and Blood or Spirit Medicine [plants imbued with spiritual energy].

Now that this opportunity had arisen, he simply purchased the flesh and blood of several Purple Mansion Demonic Beast so that the clan's cultivators could begin cultivating the 'Ethereal Void Body Tempering Art'.

After these treasures were exchanged, Lyra Jiang finally addressed the assembly. "Since we have taken Scorched Sun Mountain, we must also reclaim Scorching Sun County swiftly. Upon your return, immediately mobilize cultivators to clear the remaining demonic forces from Scorching Sun County."

"Understood," the group nodded repeatedly in acknowledgment.

Seeing this, Lyra Jiang continued, "Regarding the Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with concentrated spiritual energy] within Scorching Sun County, aside from Scorched Sun Mountain, you may allocate them as you see fit."

"The clans who receive a Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with concentrated spiritual energy] must provide Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] as compensation. The distribution shall be based on each clan's contribution to this battle."

Upon hearing they could exchange for a Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with concentrated spiritual energy], everyone was visibly stirred. Scorching Sun County possessed a total of three Purple Mansion Grade [suitable for cultivators at the Purple Mansion Realm] Spirit Vein [a subterranean channel that concentrates and emits spiritual energy].

Besides Scorched Sun Mountain and the Third Rank High Grade [a high-quality resource or cultivation stage at the third rank] Earth Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated earthly spiritual energy] beneath it, there were also the two Third Rank Spirit Vein [a spirit vein of the third rank] formerly held by the Pan Clan family.

As a powerful Purple Mansion Immortal Clan [an immortal clan with cultivators at the Purple Mansion Realm] that once boasted Purple Mansion Late Stage Cultivators [cultivators at the late stage of the Purple Mansion Realm], the two Third Rank Spirit Vein [a spirit vein of the third rank] previously occupied by the Pan Clan were both of Third Rank Middle Grade [a middle-quality resource or cultivation stage at the third rank] quality.

In addition, there was one Third Rank Low Grade [a low-quality resource or cultivation stage at the third rank] Wood-First Divine Thunder [a divine thunder technique aligned with the Wood element] Earth Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated earthly spiritual energy].

Old Patriarch pondered for a moment before speaking, "The Spirit Vein [a subterranean channel that concentrates and emits spiritual energy] at Verdant Bamboo Peak, where the Wood-First Divine Thunder [a divine thunder technique aligned with the Wood element] Earth Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated earthly spiritual energy] is located, shall be granted to our Chen Clan."

"Our Chen Clan holds the greatest share of Merit Points [a points-based credit system within an organization or sect]. Is it not fitting that we exchange for this Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with concentrated spiritual energy]?"

Upon hearing this, the others nodded in unanimous agreement, voicing no objections.

The Chen Clan fielded five Purple Mansion [a major cultivation stage above Foundation Establishment] cultivators, including two with combat strength rivaling the late stage of that realm. In terms of accumulated Merit Points [a points-based credit system within an organization or sect], the combined totals of the Xu Clan and the Fang Clan could not match theirs, let alone the other clans who lacked any late-stage Purple Mansion power.

Eldrin Chen maintained a placid expression. The Chu Kingdom possessed only two First Wood Divine Thunder [a powerful divine thunder technique aligned with the Wood element] Earth Veins [subterranean channels of concentrated elemental earth energy]. Securing this particular First Wood Divine Thunder Earth Vein would significantly ease the cultivation path for future clan members whose primary affinity lay with the Wood Spiritual Root [an innate spiritual affinity for the Wood element].

By all rights, even without offering compensation, others would have little ground for complaint, given the Chen Clan had borne the heaviest burden in this conflict.

Yet, he was not one to appear overly grasping. Securing such a substantial advantage warranted offering some recompense to the others. A reputation for selfishly hoarding all gains often led to isolation and betrayal, leaving one without allies in times of true peril.

After a moment of contemplation, he added, "As compensation, our Chen Clan will contribute two hundred thousand Spirit Stones [minerals that store and radiate spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]. Distribute them amongst yourselves according to your contributions in battle."

"For this, we offer our sincere thanks." Join our community of readers at audio–novel.com.

Hearing this, the assembled cultivators allowed smiles of satisfaction to grace their features.

The remaining Third Rank Middle Grade [a mid-tier classification for resources or realms at the third rank] Spirit Vein [a natural conduit of concentrated spiritual energy within the earth] was claimed by the Qian Clan. Although this vein contained no Third Rank Earth Vein [a third-rank subterranean channel of concentrated earth energy], the Qian Clan's accumulated Merit Points were insufficient. To secure this Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with a potent spirit vein], they were forced to pay a hefty price of three hundred thousand Spirit Stones.

Once these spoils were divided, Lyra Jiang dismissed the assembly.

Before departing, Ancestor Fang could not resist asking, "Senior Jiang, might I inquire if you intend to use the Verdant-Maned Lion King's Inner Core [the condensed energy core of a powerful demonic beast] to refine a Golden Core Formation Pill [a legendary pill that aids in the formation of a cultivator's Golden Core]?"

"Golden Core Formation Pill [a legendary elixir that can assist a cultivator in forming their Golden Core, the foundation of immortality]."

Upon hearing this, the gathered cultivators halted their steps, their expressions shifting to one of rapt attention.

The value of a Golden Core Formation Pill was truly inestimable; each time such a treasure appeared, it would command a price soaring into the millions. Every person present felt their heart stir with intense longing.

As internal members of the Heaven's Ruin Alliance, logic dictated that if Lyra Jiang succeeded in refining a Golden Core Formation Pill, she might prioritize selling the treasure to them.

Cultivators like Xavier Xu and Fang the Ancient Ancestor, both at the Purple Mansion, Late Stage and backed by families with centuries of heritage, could theoretically gather the staggering sum of two million Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] to purchase one pill, though it would severely deplete their ancestral reserves.

Hearing their words, Lyra Jiang's brow furrowed slightly in thought. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke, "It is true that I intend to open the furnace and attempt to refine a Golden Core Formation Pill."

"However, Elara Lin has now cultivated to the Purple Mansion Eighth Layer [the eighth level of the Purple Mansion realm, a major stage in a cultivator's journey]. Within thirty years, she too will attempt to breach the Golden Core [the Golden Core realm, where a cultivator condenses their spiritual essence into a solid, immortal core]."

She pondered further, weighing the fact that both she and Eldrin Chen still required vast resources for their own cultivation. Finally, she decided, "Very well. If I succeed in refining three Golden Core Formation Pill from this batch, I will set aside one or two for sale."

"Prepare your Spirit Stone or your Five Elements Essence [a refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth]."

The expressions of the several cultivators shifted subtly upon hearing this. In particular, Xavier Xu and Fang the Ancient Ancestor, both at the eighth or ninth layer of the Purple Mansion, could not contain the surge of wild joy that lit up their faces.

This was especially true for Xavier Xu. He was currently only three hundred and twenty years old. If he could seize this opportunity and attempt to break through to the Golden Core [the third major stage of cultivation, where one's spiritual power condenses into a solid, golden core] realm within the next thirty years, then in the future, he might genuinely have a chance of achieving that breakthrough. Read, share, and discuss at audio—novel.com.