Chapter 264 : The Halberd's Final Claim

Seeing their silence, Percival Pan gritted his teeth and said, "This object 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 concentrated vein of earth-attribute spiritual energy] revenues from Scorching Sun County."

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly. He then spoke, "Let us grant the Thunderbolt Golden Sun Halberd to Fellow Daoist Pan."

Once Eldrin Chen had spoken, the others promptly abandoned any lingering thoughts of claiming the treasure.

His contribution to this battle had been the greatest, and the Chen Clan alone had brought five Violet Sanctum [the third major realm of cultivation, where one opens a mystical palace within the dantian] cultivators.

Among those present, the major Violet Sanctum Immortal Clan from Border Province and Varen Wei naturally deferred to Eldrin Chen and thus had no objections.

Among the gathered Violet Sanctum cultivators, none could rival him in combat prowess, achievements, or status—not even Patriarch Fang, a cultivator at the Violet Sanctum 9th Tier [the ninth and final stage of the Violet Sanctum realm], stood half a head shorter in stature.

Thus, his words carried the weight of finality, settling the distribution of the Thunderbolt Golden Sun Halberd.

Of the two remaining treasures, both the Azure Mastiff Immortal Sword and the Blue-Patterned Hexagonal Shield were supreme offensive artifacts. After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin Chen chose the Blue-Patterned Hexagonal Shield.

He lacked not for offensive magical treasures. The Blue-Patterned Hexagonal Shield, however, could serve not only as a defensive treasure but would also prove more effective when facing the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [the heavenly trial of thunder that cultivators must endure to advance to higher realms].

The number of Violet Sanctum 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 spiritual energy condenses into a solid golden core]. In the future, when they faced their Heavenly Thunder Tribulation, they would undoubtedly require numerous treasures to withstand the heavenly trial. The complete novel can be found at audio-novel .c om.

Seizing this opportunity, it would be most fitting to gather more Third Rank Superior Grade Magical Treasure [a high-quality enchanted artifact of the third rank] for use in helping them transcend the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [the celestial trial of lightning that tests a cultivator's foundation] in the future.

Considering that Merits [a metaphysical currency representing virtuous deeds and good karma] had other uses, Eldrin Chen did not claim the Azure Mastiff Immortal Sword [a divine sword forged in the image of a celestial mastiff]. This item was instead exchanged and taken by Patriarch Fang.

The Fang Clan also lacked sufficient Merits. As part of the exchange, Patriarch Fang produced two Five Elements Treasure Crystal [a rare crystal imbued with the balanced essence of the five primal elements]. Eldrin Chen took one Metallic Gold Essence Crystal [a crystal of pure, condensed metallic gold energy], intending to bring it back for Chen Caleb.

The Quasi-Fourth-Rank Inner Pill [a near-fourth-rank demonic core] from the Verdant Lion Mastiff could be refined into the 'Sub-Golden Core Pill' [a pill that aids in the breakthrough to the Golden Core realm]. Furthermore, that Flesh and Blood Precious Pill [a rare pill condensed from the vital essence of powerful flesh and blood] was also quite Extraordinary. Therefore, Eldrin Chen decisively mobilized all of the clan's accumulated Merits to exchange for these two treasures.

As for the remaining Third-Rank Middle and Lower Grade Treasure [third-rank magical treasures of medium or lower quality], Eldrin Chen held them in little regard. The clan controlled several Third-Rank Earth Vein [third-rank spiritual energy channels within the earth], so they were not severely lacking in Third-Rank Heaven and Earth Treasure [third-rank spiritual treasures born from heaven and earth]. If other Violet Sanctum Cultivator [cultivators at the Violet Sanctum realm] desired third-rank middle or lower-grade magical treasures, they could simply have the Old Patriarch refine them.

However, regarding the flesh and blood of the Violet Sanctum Demonic Beast [demonic beasts at the Violet Sanctum realm], Eldrin Chen had the clan expend resources to purchase three carcasses.

Ever since the sermon by Vast Righteousness True Lord, Eldrin had grown to value the importance of physical constitution even more. The potential to forge a stronger body was intrinsically linked to the possibility of breaking through to Golden Core [the realm where one condenses a golden, immortal core of power].

Among the many cultivation arts of the Verdant Void Sect, there was a method for tempering the physical body called the 'Verdant Void Body Tempering Art' [an art that refines and strengthens the flesh through the Verdant Void principle]. To advance rapidly in this art, one needed to consume a significant amount of demonic beast flesh or Spirit Herb [plants infused with spiritual energy].

Now that this opportunity had presented itself, he simply purchased the flesh of several Violet Sanctum Demonic Beast so that the clan's cultivators could begin cultivating the 'Verdant Void Body Tempering Art'.

Only after these treasures had been exchanged did Exquisite Jiang address the assembled Mortal Path cultivators: "Since we have taken Scorching Sun Mountain, we must also reclaim Scorching Sun County at the earliest opportunity. Upon your return, immediately mobilize cultivators to cleanse Scorching Sun County of its demonic beasts."

"Understood," they all nodded repeatedly.

Seeing this, Exquisite Jiang spoke again: "Regarding the Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with spiritual energy] in Scorching Sun County, aside from Scorching Sun Mountain, you may allocate them as you see fit."

"The clans that receive a Spirit Mountain must provide Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] as compensation, to be distributed according to each one's contribution in this battle."

Upon hearing they could exchange for a Spirit Mountain, everyone was greatly stirred. Scorching Sun County possessed a total of three Violet Sanctum Grade [a grade of spiritual vein suitable for cultivators at the Violet Sanctum realm] Spiritual Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated spiritual energy].

Besides Scorching Sun Mountain and the Third Rank Superior Grade Earth Vein [a powerful terrestrial spiritual artery] beneath it, there were also the two Third-order Spiritual Vein [a spiritual vein of the third order] once held by the Pan Clan.

As a powerful Violet Sanctum Immortal Clan [an immortal clan with cultivators at the Violet Sanctum realm] that once boasted a Violet Sanctum Late Stage [the late stage of the Violet Sanctum cultivation realm] cultivator, both of the Third-order Spiritual Vein occupied by the Pan Clan were of the Third Rank Middle Grade [middle grade of the third rank] quality.

In addition, there was one First Wood Earth Vein [an earth vein aligned with the Wood element] of Third Rank Lower Grade [lower grade of the third rank].

Old Patriarch pondered for a moment before speaking: "The Spiritual Vein at Green Bamboo Peak, where the First Wood Earth Vein lies, shall be granted to my Chen Clan."

"My Chen Clan holds the greatest Merits [a metaphysical measure of virtuous deeds and karma] from this endeavor. Is it not fitting that we exchange for this Spirit Mountain?"

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement without objection.

The Chen Clan contributed five Violet Sanctum [the third major realm of cultivation] cultivators, including two with combat power rivaling the Violet Sanctum Late Stage. In terms of Merits [a metaphysical measure of contribution and destiny], the combined efforts of the Xu Clan and the Fang Clan could not match this, let alone the other clans who lacked any Violet Sanctum Late Stage combatants.

Eldrin Chen remained expressionless. The Chu Nation possessed only two First Wood Earth Veins [a type of spiritual land vein rich in Wood-element energy]. Acquiring this one would greatly benefit future clan members who cultivated Wood Spiritual Roots [an innate affinity for the Wood element], making their cultivation path significantly smoother.

By rights, even without offering compensation, few could voice legitimate complaint, given the Chen Clan's paramount contribution to the battle.

However, he was not one to appear overly greedy. Having secured such a substantial advantage, it was only proper to offer some recompense to the others. A reputation for monopolizing benefits inevitably led to isolation; in times of true crisis, no one would extend a helping hand.

After a moment of contemplation, he added, "As compensation, our Chen Clan will offer two hundred thousand Spirit Stones [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] in exchange. You may distribute them according to your respective battle contributions."

"In that case, we offer our sincere thanks." Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio~novel.com.

Hearing this, the gathered cultivators all revealed smiles of satisfaction.

The remaining third-rank mid-grade Spiritual Vein [a concentrated flow of spiritual energy within the earth] was claimed by the Qian Clan. Although this vein contained no Third-Rank Earth Vein, the Qian Clan's accumulated Merits were insufficient. To secure this Spirit Mountain, they were compelled to pay a hefty price of three hundred thousand Spirit Stones.

Once these interests were divided, Exquisite Jiang dismissed the assembly.

Before departing, Patriarch Fang could not resist asking, "Senior Jiang, might I inquire if the Azure-Maned Lion King's Inner Pill [a condensed core of a demon beast's cultivation essence] will be used to refine a Golden Core Formation Pill [a legendary pill that aids in forming a Golden Core]?"

"Golden Core Formation Pill [a legendary pill that can help a cultivator form a Golden Core, the foundation for the Golden Core Realm]."

Upon hearing this, everyone halted their steps, their expressions turning attentive as they listened intently.

The value of the Golden Core Formation Pill is truly inestimable; every time such a treasure appears, it fetches a price exceeding a million Spirit Stones [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]. Everyone present felt their hearts stir with profound desire.

As internal members of the Heavenly Ruins Alliance, in principle, once Exquisite Jiang successfully refines a Golden Core Formation Pill, there is a possibility she could prioritize selling the treasure to them.

For instance, the two Patriarchs at the Violet Sanctum Late Stage—Xavier Xu and Patriarch Fang—both hail from families with centuries of legacy. If they were willing to severely deplete their foundational resources, they could theoretically gather the two million Spirit Stones needed to purchase one pill.

Hearing their words, Exquisite Jiang's brow furrowed slightly. After a moment of contemplation, she said, "I do indeed intend to open the alchemical furnace to refine a Golden Core Formation Pill."

"However, Elara Lin has already cultivated to the Violet Sanctum 8th Tier and will attempt a breakthrough into the Golden Core Realm [the realm where a cultivator forms a solid, golden spiritual core] within the next thirty years."

She pondered again, realizing that both she and Eldrin Chen still required vast amounts of resources for their own cultivation. Thus, she continued, "Very well. If I succeed in refining three Golden Core Formation Pill from this batch, I will offer one or two for sale."

"Prepare your Spirit Stones, or Five Elements Essence [a refined spiritual essence containing the harmonized power of the five fundamental elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth]."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the several individuals shifted subtly. The two cultivators at the eighth or ninth tier of the Violet Sanctum [a major cultivation stage where the spiritual sea condenses into a violet-hued sanctum within the dantian]—Xavier Xu and Patriarch Fang—could not contain their faces from lighting up with wild joy.

This was especially true for Xavier Xu. At just three hundred and twenty years of age, if he could seize this opportunity and attempt a breakthrough to the Core Formation realm [the critical process of condensing one's spiritual energy into a solid, radiant core] within the next three decades, then in the future, he might genuinely have a real, if small, chance to ascend to the Golden Core realm [the third major stage of cultivation, characterized by a solidified, radiant spiritual core]. This chapter appears courtesy of (audio-novel.com).