Chapter 290 : The Pillars of a Rising Clan

The reason the Chen Clan has been able to ascend to its present heights is not solely due to the monumental contributions of Eldrin Chen and the Old Patriarch in several pivotal battles. The guardianship of Lyra Jiang and the presence of those Heaven and Earth Spiritual Roots [a rare and potent type of spiritual root that grants exceptional affinity with the natural world] have also played a crucial role.

The fact that Kael, Lila, Ethan, and Silas all achieved their Purple Mansion breakthroughs without relying on external treasures saved the clan at least seven or eight Five Elements Treasure Crystals [precious crystals containing the refined essence of the five fundamental elements]. This is one of the key reasons the clan now boasts nine Purple Mansion cultivators.

And the reason these four were able to break through to the Purple Mansion unaided is inextricably linked to the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Roots and the Spirit Peach Tree.

Had the clan not possessed Spirit Peaches [spiritual fruits that enhance cultivation and extend lifespan] to trade, lacked Enlightenment Tea [a rare tea that aids in comprehending cultivation arts and divine abilities] to assist in comprehending techniques, and missed the internal, subsidized supply of various resources, the clan's other cultivators would likely still be languishing in the Foundation Establishment, Late Stage.

Even if they had received focused cultivation, they would have probably dared only a single, desperate attempt at the Purple Mansion barrier. Who would have had the lifespan to risk the perilous path of Self-Guided Foundation Establishment [a method of establishing one's foundation without external aids, carrying a high risk of failure]?

Regardless, the fact that the Chen Immortal Clan has reached its present state, achieving the status of A Clan with Nine Purple Palace Masters [a clan possessing nine Purple Mansion realm masters], is a feat unmatched within the entire Chu Kingdom.

To any discerning eye within the Chu Kingdom now, it is clear that barring a major calamity, the Chen Clan will likely produce a Golden Core True Person in the future, ascending to become a newly-advanced Golden Core Immortal Clan.

"Indeed," Chen Elara nodded, a note of profound emotion in her voice. "A century ago, during the Beast Tide Calamity, we were merely a Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan."

"Who could have imagined that a hundred years later, we would now have nine Purple Mansion cultivators and over eighty Foundation Establishment Cultivators?"

Lior Chen was also filled with profound emotion. He could not help but add, "Back then, with only eight of us at the Foundation Establishment realm, we needed to rely on the two great Purple Mansion Immortal Clans of Bianzhou to stand as our vanguard against a mere detachment from the forces of the Celestial Python Demon King." Dive deeper into the Dao at AUDIO-NOVEL.COM.

"Now, a century has passed since the chaos of war. Our Chen Clan has risen from the ashes, and with the guidance of the Clan Patriarch and Eldrin, our circumstances are vastly different from a hundred years ago."

"The fact that our clan now boasts nine Purple Mansion [the third major stage of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual mansion within] cultivators is a testament to your own efforts and talent." Old Patriarch said with a smile in his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd. "Out of nine clan members who have reached the Purple Mansion realm, five achieved their breakthrough without relying on any external aids."

"The members of our Chen Clan from the Nian and Xian generations are, without exception, paragons of their age, the envy of all who look upon our Chu Kingdom."

At these words, all eyes turned towards Eldrin Chen.

Ever since Eldrin Chen achieved Self-Guided Foundation Establishment [a method of breaking through to the Foundation Establishment realm relying solely on one's own will and cultivation, without external pills] and later broke through to the Purple Mansion realm unaided, he had set a powerful example for the entire clan.

One could argue that Kael's self-guided breakthrough to Foundation Establishment [the second major stage of cultivation, solidifying one's spiritual foundation] was born of necessity, as he could not wait for a Foundation Establishment Pill [a precious pill that greatly increases the chance of successfully establishing one's spiritual foundation]. However, Ethan had taken Eldrin Chen as his personal idol from the very beginning.

By that time, Eldrin Chen had already reached the Purple Mansion realm. Inspired by his clan uncle's daring, Ethan displayed extraordinary courage. Emulating that same spirit, he took the perilous gamble of attempting Foundation Establishment at the mere age of twenty-four.

From that moment onward, an intangible aura of confidence and self-reliance took root within the clan's culture.

Coupled with the clan's substantial rewards and support for those who succeeded in unaided breakthroughs, the number of clan members willing to take that calculated risk had grown significantly over the years.

The subsequent breakthroughs of Ethan, Kael, Silas, and Lila into the Purple Mansion realm were each unique, bearing the distinct imprint of their individual character and journey.

Lila, relying on the foundation of Self-Guided Foundation Establishment [a method of establishing one's cultivation base without external aids] and her Ice Spiritual Root [an innate affinity for ice-element spiritual energy], broke through to the Purple Mansion [the third major realm of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual palace within] in a single, decisive attempt.

Kael, with immense willpower and perseverance, refined the Fire Malignancy Power [a dangerous, corrosive energy born from fire-element impurities] to temper his mind and resolve. In one forceful surge, he subdued his Mortal Tribulation [the inner demons and mental trials that arise during major breakthroughs] and achieved his breakthrough. Ethan, bold and decisive, who had also mastered the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords [a pair of immortal swords resonating with separated flame energy], succeeded in conquering his Mortal Tribulation and ascended to the Purple Mansion after two consecutive attempts.

Although her breakthrough came slightly later, the process of three attempts further solidified her determination and honed her character. Such tempering suggests she may achieve remarkable feats in the future.

"Why are you all looking at me?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head with a faint smile. "Although the strength of our Chen Clan has grown significantly, you must all exercise utmost caution during the coming Beast Tide Calamity [a periodic, massive invasion of demonic beasts from the wilderness]."

"Your futures hold great promise. When the Beast Tide Calamity arrives, do not shirk your duty, but neither should you act recklessly."

"Remember this: in battle, stay close to me and the Clan Patriarch, or fight alongside the forces of Jiang the Ancient Ancestor of Heaven's Ruin Mountain. Do not foolishly play the hero."

The group nodded in understanding. While the clan's current power rivaled more than half of the former Celestial Python Lake alliance's might, the Beast Tide Calamity was a peril of a different order—even Purple Mansion experts faced the very real danger of falling.

To ensure their safety, the clan's cultivators must unite as a single, unbreakable force.

Of course, the safety of Purple Mansion Cultivator experts was not without some assurance. Whether in wars against the demon tribes or conflicts with Demonic Cultivator [practitioners who use malevolent, often soul-consuming methods to advance], the heaviest casualties typically occurred during routs and collapses.

As long as the great battle does not descend into a rout, the probability of a Purple Mansion Cultivator [a cultivator who has established a spiritual mansion within their dantian, a realm above Foundation Establishment] falling is still relatively low.

With numerous Purple Mansion Cultivator from the clan fighting side-by-side, supporting and relying on one another, their safety is increased by several times over compared to cultivators from immortal clans that possess only one or two such experts.

After chatting pleasantly for a short while, Eldrin Chen adopted a serious expression and spoke.

"Unlike a century ago, this time we lack the Green Sun Sect to share the pressure. Yet, we must simultaneously face the Demonic Tribe [a collective term for intelligent, powerful demonic beasts that have formed their own societies] from both Celestial Python Lake and Earth Lion Ridge.

"Moreover, they likely have the covert support of Azure Wave Lake behind them. It can be said that this battle may prove exceptionally arduous."

"Our Chen Clan's strength has grown immensely. We are now one of the central pillars of the Heaven's Ruin Alliance, and we must do our part for the Chu Kingdom Cultivation World." Find this and other novels at AUDIO-NOVEL.COM.

His expression grave, he looked at the assembled group and declared, "Therefore, for this war, we must exert our utmost effort and fight with everything we have."

"This battle is fought, first, for the hundreds of millions of cultivators and mortals of the Chu Kingdom Cultivation World; second, to protect the assets and legacy of our Chen Clan; and third, for the foundation we must accumulate to ascend and become a true Golden Core Immortal Clan [an immortal clan whose patriarch has reached the Golden Core realm, granting it significant status and power]."

Everyone nodded solemnly upon hearing this. Without the protection of immortal clans, should the territory of Chu Kingdom fall, Foundation Establishment [the second major realm of cultivation, where one solidifies their spiritual foundation] and Purple Mansion Cultivator might still have a chance to preserve their lives. However, Qi Refinement Cultivators [cultivators in the initial realm, refining the vital energy within their bodies] and mortals would find it nearly impossible to flee across entire nations.

The Chen Clan's holdings are now spread throughout Chu Kingdom. Across the Three Provinces Region bordering Green Sun, the clan possesses both Spirit Vein [a natural geological formation that concentrates and emits spiritual energy, essential for cultivation] and Earth Vein [a terrestrial energy channel that influences geography and can be harnessed for formations or cultivation].

If the Chu Kingdom were to fall to the maws of the Demonic Beast hordes, and they lost the support of these industries, their very cultivation in the days to come would be in jeopardy. How could they possibly advance any further?

Furthermore, while the Beast Tide Calamity is indeed a calamity, it is also an opportunity. The very foundation of the Chen Clan's current standing was laid during the Beast Tide Calamity a century ago, which marked the beginning of their rise.

Such large-scale campaigns are not easily encountered. After all, the forces of the Chu Kingdom and the surrounding Golden Core Demon Kings are finite; they cannot afford to clash in mortal combat at every moment.

Moreover, no one can guarantee victory in every major battle. A single defeat could spell disaster, much like what befell Percival Pan's Pan Clan, where a century's worth of accumulated strength was lost in an instant, and one's own life would be placed in grave peril.

Had it not been for subsequent strokes of fortune—following Lyra Jiang to victory in the battles of Celestial Python Lake and against the Green Sun Sect—the Pan Family would likely still be tightening their belts and struggling to survive even today.

The Chen Clan was blessed with exceptional fortune to participate in several of these pivotal wars. Eldrin Chen and the Old Patriarch amassed significant Merit Points through their deeds, allowing the clan's strength to grow like a rolling snowball, step by step ascending to its present formidable stature. Continue reading this story at audio-novel .c om.