Chapter 433 Golden Core 6th Layer, Spirit Peach Tree Advancement
Seeing his expression, Lyra said with a smile, "While you were in seclusion, the spirit peach tree finally advanced further and reached the upper fourth grade."
"However, at this stage, the spiritual peach tree has reached the limit of its potential, making it exceedingly difficult to break through to the fifth rank."
Eldrin nodded, stepped forward to gaze at the spirit peach tree, and said, "The Heaven and Earth Spirit Peach is vital to our cultivation. It is the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root we must nurture. Let us prioritize using the Primordial Purple Qi to advance it first."
As his words faded, he exhaled 3 wisps of Primordial Purple Qi.
As the 3 wisps of purple qi descended and were absorbed into the seed by the spirit peach tree, Eldrin could distinctly sense that a shackle within the Heaven-Earth Spirit Peach Tree seemed to have been unlocked.
It could continue to grow without any further restrictions until reaching the bottleneck of the sixth-rank Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root).
"It is done." Eldrin revealed a smile, telling Lyra: "Within 3 60-year cycles, this tree shall advance to the fifth-rank Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) realm."
"Fifth-level Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root)!"
Lyra was also somewhat astonished. A fifth-grade Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) would be considered a supreme treasure even within the Eastern Wastelands (Location).
For instance, the 5 Elements Spirit Fruit (Spiritual Object) tree of the Ji Clan yields 5 Elements Spirit Fruit (Spiritual Object) every 1 100 years, each harvest capable of nurturing a great number of Golden Core cultivators.
For instance, the spirit apricots borne by a fifth-order Spirit Apricot Tree could extend 1's lifespan by a full 1 1000 years with just a single fruit—a treasure even Nascent Soul True Monarchs would covet endlessly.
By comparison, a fourth-level spirit apricot could only extend 1's lifespan by a single sexagenary cycle, revealing the immense generational gap between them.
Once this Spirit Peach Tree advances to the fifth rank, its effects will undoubtedly undergo an immense enhancement, offering even a True Monarch tremendous benefits.
"The value of a fifth-grade Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) would likely stir even a Nascent Soul True Monarch's heart with overwhelming desire."
Lyra restrained her joy, her expression turning grave as she said, "We must achieve a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Stage before that happens. Otherwise, if word leaks out, there’s no guarantee we can protect what’s ours."
"3 60-year cycles is more than enough time."
Eldrin's gaze was icy and sharp. With his hands clasped behind his back, he held a measure of confidence within his heart.
After emerging from the seclusion chamber, Eldrin made his way to Pingyang City, where he found the old clan leader who had also just concluded his closed-door cultivation.
"You've broken through as well."
The moment they laid eyes on each other, astonishment dawned on both their faces.
It turned out that the old clan chief had gradually caught up in his cultivation without anyone noticing, and had already broken through to the sixth layer of the Golden Core several months earlier than Eldrin.
Eldrin was initially taken aback, but quickly regained his composure.
Although the Old Clan Leader had formed his Golden Core a dozen or so years later than him, he was ultimately a Dual Spiritual Roots cultivator. With the full support and cultivation he had received over these years, it was only expected that his cultivation level would catch up.
Moreover, given the Old Patriarch's innate talent, he would likely reach the Great Perfection of the Golden Core Realm earlier than him, allowing him to challenge the Nascent Soul Realm sooner.
At this thought, Eldrin said with a smile, "I've always treasured the 'Fire Vein Spirit Jade' that Silas brought last time. It seems I can still reserve it for you."
"I've just reached the sixth level of the Golden Core stage. To cultivate all the way to Golden Core Perfection, I'll need at least 2 jiazi cycles."
"Come, let us play a hand of chess."
The old clan leader shook his head, then smiled and motioned for Eldrin (Person Name) to take a seat.
The grandfather and grandson laid out the chessboard in the great hall and began their game. As Chen Changxuan placed his piece, he inquired, "Caleb (Person Name) recently attempted to form his Golden Core (Cultivation Realm) for the third time and has finally achieved a breakthrough into the Golden Core (Cultivation Realm) stage."
"Oh?"
Eldrin's eyes flickered slightly, a faint smile gracing his lips. The successive breakthroughs of several family elders into the Golden Core realm filled him with profound delight.
At this thought, he inquired further, "By the timeline, Aunt Qingwan should have attempted her second Golden Core breakthrough some years ago. How did it turn out?"
"Unsuccessful."
The old clan leader shook his head and spoke helplessly.
Chen Qingwan had broken through to the Violet Mansion realm relatively late in life. Moreover, having given birth to a son and a daughter in succession, she had lost a considerable amount of cultivation time.
This caused Chen Qingwan's second attempt to form her Golden Core to be delayed by over a decade compared to the original plan, ultimately leading to her making the attempt only after she had already lived for more than 3 100 and 50 years.
Chen Qingwan was now 3 100 and 60 years old, an age that approached the lifespan limit of a Purple Mansion cultivator, making her an elder among her peers.
In another 20-some years, when Chen Qingwan attempts her third breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm, she would likely be over 3 100 and 80 years of age. By then, her vital energy and blood would surely have waned, no longer at their peak.
At this thought, Eldrin spoke up, "The clan still has a fourth-level spirit apricot. Later, have 1 delivered to Aunt Qingwan."
"So be it."
The old clan leader sighed deeply. Consuming a fourth-rank Spirit Apricot could extend 1's lifespan by 2 sexagenary cycles, and its value started at 2,000,000 spirit stones.
Such a precious treasure would be sheer waste to be used by a Purple Mansion cultivator. Only someone with the immense wealth of Eldrin would be willing to bestow it upon Chen Qingwan.
"Forget it, let's not speak of this now." The old clan leader shook his head and changed the subject. "By the way, what brings you here this time?"
When the old clan leader inquired, Eldrin smiled and replied, "The Spirit Peach Tree has advanced to the upper fourth rank."
"Truly?" Chen Changxuan revealed an expression of pleasant surprise.
"Hmm."
Eldrin nodded, then continued, "I came here with the intention of directly using the Primordial Purple Qi to elevate both the Spirit Apricot Tree and the Enlightenment Tea Tree."
"Oh?" The Elder Chief's eyes flickered, then he said, "The Enlightenment Tea Tree is not an urgent matter."
Before Eldrin could inquire, the Elder Uncle continued, "After 6 decades of repeated reclamation, 90-5 percent of the demonic beasts and venomous insects in the 100-1000-li untamed wilderness have been eradicated."
"We have already established several dozen second and third-tier cities within the Eastern Wastelands (Location). It is time to consider a large-scale migration of mortals there."
After the old clan leader finished speaking, Eldrin furrowed his brow and asked, "A large-scale migration is no small matter. How do you plan to handle it?"
"I plan to relocate Pingyang City, along with the Enlightenment Ancient Tea Tree."
The old clan leader spoke as he unfurled a map, drawing a circle around the center of the 100-1000-mile Great Wasteland.
Then he pointed at the territory within the circle and declared with grave solemnity, "An array formation laid with a fourth-order spirit vein and 7 cities would be sufficient to envelop a land spanning 1 1000 li in radius."
"If we utilize a fifth-grade spirit vein, combined with the power of 365 cities to form the array, we can deploy the Heavenly Starfall Demon Refining Grand Formation."
"By then, an area with a radius of 36,500 li would fall within the formation's coverage, sufficient to protect over half of the 100-1000-li Great Wilderness."
Seeing the old clan leader use his magic power to manifest 3 100 and 60-5 cities upon the map, Eldrin could not help but focus his mind and look closely.
Long after, his brow furrowed and he spoke with a grave expression, "Are you suggesting we transplant the Ancient Tea Tree of Enlightenment to serve as the foundation for the future fifth-grade spirit vein?"
"Precisely so."
The Old Clan Leader nodded with a smile. "The Enlightenment Tea Tree can enhance 1's comprehension. It has remarkable nourishing effects on the spiritual souls of newborn children."
Moreover, once the Enlightenment Tea Tree advances to the fifth rank, it will evolve into the 'Spirit-Awakening Enlightenment Tree'.
The Tree of Enlightenment not only aids cultivators in their practice, but also enhances the probability of mortals developing spiritual roots, significantly increasing the proportion of future cultivators within the clan.
Chapter 1 The biting cold wind howled across the snowy plains, whipping up flurries of ice crystals that shimmered under the pale moonlight. Amidst this desolate landscape, a lone figure sat cross-legged atop a glacial peak, his robes fluttering violently in the gale. Yun Che's (Person Name) eyes snapped open, twin pools of azure light piercing through the darkness. A faint, ethereal glow enveloped his form as he slowly rose to his feet. After 1 100 years of secluded cultivation, he had finally broken through to the next stage of the Heavenly Profound Art (Cultivation Method). "30-2 1000 spirit stones," he murmured, counting the remaining resources in his spatial ring. "Nearly enough to attempt the Soul Formation Realm." Suddenly, the air crackled with energy. Dark clouds gathered overhead, swirling into a massive vortex. Lightning danced within the ominous formation, casting eerie shadows across the snow. "So it begins," Yun Che whispered, his hand instinctively reaching for the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) at his waist. The heavenly tribulation had arrived. From the valley below, countless figures emerged - some clad in silken robes, others in simple hemp garments. They had been waiting for this moment, for thousands of years had passed since anyone dared to challenge the heavenly wrath in these frozen wastes. "Fellow cultivators!" a voice rang out. "The opportunity we've awaited is here!" Yun Che's lips curved into a faint smile. He had anticipated this. Dozens of cultivators, perhaps 20-some in total, had come seeking to disrupt his tribulation. Their spiritual pressure converged upon him like a tidal wave. But Yun Che stood unfazed. The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) slid from its scabbard with a resonant hum, its blade glowing with crimson energy. The snow around him began to melt, steam rising in thick plumes. "Come then," he said, his voice calm yet carrying across the mountain range. "Let us see who shall transcend this night." The first bolt of heavenly lightning struck with earth-shattering force, illuminating the determined faces of friend and foe alike in its brilliant, terrifying light.