Chapter 290 : The Pillars of a Rising Clan

The reason our clan has reached its current heights is not solely due to the monumental contributions made by Eldrin Chen and the Old Patriarch in several pivotal battles. It is also inextricably linked to the watchful guidance of Exquisite Jiang and the presence of those few Worldly Spiritual Root [a rare type of spiritual root that harmonizes with worldly energies, significantly aiding cultivation].

The fact that Kael, Lila, Ethan, and Silas managed to break through to the Violet Sanctum [the third major cultivation realm, where one opens a mystical palace within the dantian] without relying on external aids saved the clan at least seven or eight Five Elements Treasure Crystals [rare crystals containing the refined essence of the five elemental forces]. This is one of the key reasons the clan now boasts nine Violet Sanctum cultivators.

Furthermore, the ability of these four to achieve their Violet Sanctum breakthrough unaided is profoundly connected to the Worldly Spiritual Root and the Spiritual Peach Tree [a mystical tree whose fruit can enhance spiritual power and longevity].

Had the clan lacked Spiritual Peaches [the potent fruit of the Spiritual Peach Tree] to trade, been without Enlightenment Tea [a tea that clarifies the mind and aids in comprehending profound cultivation arts] to assist in mastering techniques and Divine Abilities [supernatural powers derived from deep cultivation], and lacked the internal, subsidized supply of various cultivation resources, it is likely the clan's other cultivators would still be languishing at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage [the final stage of the second major cultivation realm].

Even with focused cultivation support, they would have been fortunate to attempt a breakthrough to Violet Sanctum once at most. Where would they have found the lifespan to dare attempting the perilous path of Self-Achieved Foundation Establishment [a method of reaching the Foundation Establishment realm without external elixirs, which is far riskier but yields a more formidable foundation]?

Regardless, the fact that the Chen Immortal Clan has reached this point, achieving the distinction of a clan with nine Violet Sanctum cultivators, makes it unique within the entire Chu Nation.

Now, any discerning observer within Chu Nation can see that, barring a major catastrophe, the Chen Clan will likely produce a Golden Core True Person [a cultivator who has formed a solidified Golden Core, reaching the fourth major realm] in the future, ascending to become a newly established Golden Core Immortal Clan.

"Indeed," Verdant Grace Chen nodded, a note of profound emotion in her voice. "During the Beast Tide [a cataclysmic invasion by hordes of demonic beasts] a century ago, we were merely a Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan [a clan whose strongest members were at the Foundation Establishment realm]."

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

Lior Chen was also filled with deep sentiment. "Back then, we had only eight Foundation Establishment cultivators," he said, unable to contain himself. "Facing just a detachment from the forces of the Heavenly Python Demon King, we needed to rely on the two major Violet Sanctum Immortal Clans of the Border Province to stand at the forefront." Find thousands of chapters 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 our Clan Leader and Eldrin watching over us, our circumstances are vastly different from a hundred years ago."

"The reason our clan can boast nine Violet Sanctum cultivators is precisely because of your own merit and drive." The Old Patriarch's eyes held a warm smile as his gaze swept over the assembled Mortal Path cultivators. "Nine Violet Sanctum cultivators in one clan, yet five of them achieved their breakthrough into the Violet Sanctum Realm without relying on external aids."

"The 'Remembrance' and 'Worthy' generations of our Chen Clan—each and every one of them, when viewed across the entire Chu Nation, is a first-rate talent, the envy of all who behold them."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes naturally turned towards Eldrin Chen.

Ever since Eldrin Chen achieved Self-Achieved Foundation Establishment and later broke through to the Violet Sanctum realm without external aids, he had set a powerful example for the entire clan.

While Kael's self-reliant breakthrough to Foundation Establishment could be attributed to not waiting for a Foundation Establishment Pill, Ethan had from the very beginning taken Eldrin Chen as his personal model to emulate.

At that time, Eldrin Chen was already a Violet Sanctum cultivator. Inspired by his idol's path and emboldened by that same extraordinary daring, Ethan, at the mere age of twenty-four, took the perilous risk of attempting Foundation Establishment on his own.

From that moment onward, an intangible yet potent spirit of self-confidence and ambition took root within the clan's culture.

Coupled with the clan's substantial cultivation resources and generous rewards for those who succeeded in unaided breakthroughs, the number of clan members willing to take that daring leap had grown significantly over the years.

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

Lila, with her foundation of Self-Achieved Foundation Establishment [a cultivation realm achieved through one's own efforts without external elixirs] and an Ice Spiritual Root [an innate affinity for ice-element spiritual energy], broke through to the Violet Sanctum [the third major realm of cultivation, where one opens a mystical energy center within] in a single, decisive attempt.

Kael, through immense willpower and perseverance, refined the Fire Fiend Power [a chaotic and violent energy born from demonic fire], tempering his mind and resolve. In one forceful surge, he subdued the Mortal Shell Tribulation [a tribulation that tests the cultivator's physical form and will to ascend] and achieved his breakthrough.

Ethan, bold and decisive, and having successfully forged the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords [a pair of legendary swords embodying celestial and abyssal powers], broke through to the Violet Sanctum after two consecutive attempts, ultimately conquering the Mortal Shell Tribulation.

Though Silas possessed a gentler nature, he clung to a thread of stubborn determination. He endured the Mortal Shell Tribulation three full times before finally succeeding in his breakthrough.

Although her breakthrough came slightly later, those three arduous attempts further solidified her resolve and honed her character. Such tempering promised future achievements of her own.

"Why are you all looking at me?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head with a faint smile. "Though our Chen Clan's strength has grown immensely, you must all exercise utmost caution during this coming Beast Tide [a periodic, massive invasion of demonic beasts]," he advised.

"Your Future holds great promise. When the Beast Tide arrives, do not shirk your duty, but neither should you act with reckless bravery."

"Remember this: in battle, stay close to me, the Clan Leader, or fight alongside the forces of Heavenly Ruins Mountain [a major cultivation power] and Patriarch Jiang. Do not foolishly play the hero alone."

The group nodded in understanding. While their clan's power now rivaled more than half of what Heavenly Python Lake [another major power] once commanded, a Beast Tide was no ordinary threat. Even Violet Sanctum experts faced the very real danger of falling in such a cataclysm.

To ensure their own safety, the cultivators of the clan must unite as one cohesive force; this is the most effective method.

Of course, the safety of Violet Sanctum Cultivator [cultivators who have opened their Violet Sanctum, the third major realm] is actually still somewhat guaranteed. Whether it's the Human-Demon War [the large-scale conflict between human cultivators and demonic beasts] or battles against Demonic Cultivator [cultivators who use cruel, soul-devouring methods to advance their power], the majority of casualties occur during moments of rout and collapse.

As long as a major battle does not descend into a rout, the probability of a Violet Sanctum Cultivator falling in battle remains relatively low.

When the numerous Violet Sanctum Cultivator of a family join forces, supporting and relying on each other, their safety increases manifold—several times higher than that of cultivators from an Immortal Clan [a clan with a long history of cultivation] which possesses only one or two members at the Violet Sanctum [the third major cultivation realm] level.

After the group chatted pleasantly for a short while, Eldrin Chen adopted a solemn expression and spoke.

"Unlike a century ago, this time we lack the Verdant Sun Sect to share the pressure. Instead, we must simultaneously face the Demon Race [a collective term for sentient beasts and monsters that cultivate] from both Heavenly Python Lake and Earth Lion Ridge." Original English translation available at audio novel.com.

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

"Our Chen Clan has grown significantly in strength and is now one of the main pillars of the Heavenly Ruins Alliance. We must do our part for the Chu Nation Cultivation World [the society and lands where cultivators of the Chu Nation reside]."

He spoke with grave seriousness, his gaze sweeping over the assembled Mortal Path [cultivators who follow the orthodox path of cultivation, as opposed to demonic or heretical paths]. "Therefore, for this battle, we must exert our full strength and fight with our utmost effort."

"This fight serves three purposes. First, for the hundreds of millions of cultivators and mortals within the Chu Nation Cultivation World. Second, to protect the assets and legacy of our Chen Clan. And third, it concerns whether we can accumulate sufficient foundation to advance and become a Golden Core Immortal Clan [a clan powerful enough to be recognized as having an immortal heritage, typically anchored by a Golden Core Patriarch]."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded with grave solemnity. Without the protection of an Immortal Clan [a powerful clan whose members cultivate the path to immortality], should the territories of the Chu Nation fall, Foundation Establishment and Violet Sanctum Cultivator [a cultivator who has opened their Violet Sanctum, the third major realm] might have a chance to survive. However, Vital Essence Refinement [the first realm of cultivation, focusing on refining the body's vital energy] cultivators and ordinary mortals would find it nearly impossible to flee across entire nations to safety.

The Chen Clan's enterprises had long spread throughout the Chu Nation. By now, across the lands of the Three Provinces of Green Sun and Border, there were Spiritual Vein [a natural conduit of concentrated spiritual energy, crucial for cultivation] and Earth Vein [a terrestrial energy ley line that influences geography and fortune] belonging to the Chen Clan.

If the Chu Nation were to fall to the maws of demonic beasts, and these vital sources of sustenance were lost, their future cultivation would be thrown into jeopardy. How could they possibly advance any further?

Furthermore, while a Beast Tide [a massive, catastrophic invasion by demonic beasts] is called a calamity, it is also an opportunity for great fortune. The very foundation of the Chen Clan's current standing was laid during the Beast Tide a century ago, which marked the beginning of their rise.

Such large-scale conflicts are not encountered lightly. After all, the military strength of the Chu Nation and the surrounding Golden Core Demon King [a demon beast king possessing a Golden Core, a powerful fourth-realm entity] is finite; they cannot afford to clash in mortal combat at all times.

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—a century of accumulated foundation wiped out in a single day, with the patriarch himself facing the peril of annihilation.

Had it not been for subsequent strokes of luck, following Exquisite Jiang to victory in the battles of Heavenly Python Lake and against the Verdant Sun Sect, the Pan Clan would likely still be living hand-to-mouth, tightening their belts to survive.

The Chen Clan was blessed with extraordinary fortune to emerge victorious from several such pivotal wars. Eldrin Chen and the Old Patriarch [the venerable elder leading the clan] repeatedly distinguished themselves, earning great Merits [a metaphysical currency representing virtuous deeds and cosmic favor]. It was this that allowed the Chen Clan's power to swell like a rolling snowball, step by arduous step leading them to their present eminent stature. Read the full novel exclusively on audio-novel.com.