Chapter 435 : A Clan's Mortal Foundation

Looking across the world, which Infant Soul Immortal Clan does not possess a population of several billion? The number of mortals within the Ji Immortal Clan far surpasses the total population of any single nation within the Six Kingdoms of Ji Continent.

In truth, the Chen Clan now has over fifty million mortals. This number already exceeds the combined mortal population of the Three Counties of Border Province and has reached a scale equivalent to one-twentieth of the population of the Chu Nation.

With fifty million mortals, following the ratio of one cultivator per thousand, there would only be approximately fifty to sixty thousand cultivators.

This number might not be considered small for an ordinary Golden Core Immortal Clan, but for a top-tier Golden Core clan like the Chen Clan, it remains pitifully low.

Consider the Wang Immortal Clan of the Heavenly Star Continent, or the Huo Immortal Clan of the Celestial Dawn Province. Each boasts hundreds of thousands of cultivators and populations numbering in the hundreds of millions.

Currently, the growth of the Chen Clan's mortal population has slowed significantly. The fundamental reason is that the Ancient Pingyang Plain can no longer sustain a larger populace.

The Hundred-Thousand-Mile Great Wasteland is different. It is a relatively flat expanse of wilderness. After sixty years of development by the Chen Clan, it has become preliminarily habitable for mortals.

Once it is fully developed, its fertile lands will be sufficient to nurture tens, even hundreds of billions of mortals.

After all, this world is nourished by spiritual energy [the vital force that permeates all things], leading to crop yields far beyond the imagination of a previous life.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen spoke: "The next Beast Tide [a periodic, massive invasion of demonic beasts] is less than fifty years away." Official source: audio–novel.com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

"Two Sixty-Year Cycle ago, Noctis the True Lord prophesied that a great upheaval would occur within three Sixty-Year Cycle. That time draws ever nearer now. By my estimation, this impending Beast Tide [a massive, coordinated assault by demonic beasts] will likely be of unprecedented and devastating ferocity."

The Old Patriarch nodded, his expression grave. "To clear the path of human tribulations for the Ji Clan Patriarch in advance, the Ji Clan has been maneuvering for many years. Once they make their move, it will undoubtedly be a single, decisive strike like a Thunderclap."

"We must plan early and prepare for all eventualities."

"Indeed, so we must act swiftly." Eldrin Chen placed a piece on the board, his eyes filled with solemn intensity. "First, we must transplant the Spiritual Root [the foundational spiritual node of a land] and deploy the Cosmic Stellar Demon-Refining Grand Formation."

"By the time the Spiritual Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated spiritual energy] ascends to Fourth Rank Superior Grade, we might still be able to rely on this Formation [a structured array that channels energy for specific effects] to withstand the demonic onslaught."

"Deploying the formation will be no simple task either..."

The Old Granduncle shook his head. According to his original conception, a Fifth Rank Cosmic Stellar Formation would require three hundred and sixty-five cities built upon Third-order Spiritual Vein, plus one Fifth Rank Spiritual Vein serving as the Formation Eye [the core and control point of a formation] to succeed.

The Chen Clan could not meet either condition. Even gathering three hundred and sixty-five Third-order Formation Artifact [enchanted artifacts specifically designed to anchor and power formations] would strain the clan's current resources to the breaking point.

With this thought, he spoke, "Let us simplify it first. We shall deploy the Celestial Guardian Stellar Demon-Suppressing Formation. Its efficacy, though somewhat diminished, would still rank it among the most powerful Fourth-Rank Formation."

"A feasible plan." Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, then asked, "But do we have sufficient Formation Artifact materials?"

"The Heavenly Ruins Lake periodically yields Third-Rank Shell Pearls [high-quality pearls cultivated by spirit mollusks]. Our Clan Treasury has indeed accumulated quite a few; we should be able to gather thirty-six of them. The other auxiliary materials are also not lacking."

Eternal Profound Chen said, then continued, "However, for the core Formation Artifact [a magical treasure specifically designed to anchor and power a formation] of the Heavenly Stellar Grand Formation, we currently lack a suitable Formation Artifact in our possession."

"Leave this matter for me to find a solution."

Seeing that the Old Patriarch could not devise a plan, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before finally speaking up.

The Old Granduncle nodded and continued his game of Go with Eldrin Chen.

"..."

Eldrin Chen departed from Pingyang City and flew directly back to Spirit Isle Lake on his sword.

Upon returning to Spirit Isle Lake, he informed Exquisite Jiang of the situation and said, "To set up the Cosmic Stellar Formation, the core Formation Artifact is best forged from a high-grade Spirit Pearl [a pearl infused with potent spiritual energy] infused with Stellar Treasure Gold [a rare metal that resonates with stellar energies]."

"The clan still has one piece of fourth-rank Stellar Treasure Gold in its treasured collection, but obtaining a high-grade Spirit Shell Pearl [a pearl from a powerful spirit mollusk] is no easy feat."

Exquisite Jiang, however, smiled faintly and said calmly, "There is a Spirit Shell Demon King [a powerful demonic beast in the form of a giant spirit mollusk] at the Golden Core Late Stage residing within the Great Kun River. I shall go slay it and bring it back."

Eldrin Chen felt a flicker of concern and shook his head. "The Great Kun River connects to the Azure Wave Lake," he said. "It remains a perilous place. Now that you have forged the Demon-Slaying Immortal Sword, stepping into Demon Race Territory would likely draw their full, relentless pursuit."

"It is better that I go."

With those words, he ultimately decided to venture to the Great Kun River himself.

Yet Exquisite Jiang was equally worried for him. "I will go with you," she stated firmly. "With our combined strength, even if a Demon Emperor [a supreme ruler among demonkind] were to come, it would find it difficult to keep us here."

"..."

In the end, Eldrin Chen could not dissuade Exquisite Jiang, and the two set off together for the Great Kun River. Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio–novel.com.

To catch the Demon Race off guard, they teleported directly to Heavenly Ruins Lake. From there, they concealed their auras and flew silently towards the Great Kun River.

They followed the river's course for over three million Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters], finally reaching the deep reaches of the Great Kun River and slipping into the territory of the Spirit Shell Demon King [a demonic ruler whose form is that of a giant, enchanted clam].

"Ahead lies the Spirit Shell Bay [a bay named for the abundance of spiritual clams found there]," Eldrin Chen said, his expression growing solemn as he gazed at the mighty river before them.

Looking upon the Great Kun River, Eldrin Chen spoke, his face etched with gravity.

Ever since the Chu Nation began its meteoric rise in recent years, the Demon King [powerful demonic rulers] within this territory have gradually begun to unite.

Although many of these Demon King harbor deep-seated enmities, some even being natural predators of one another, the fear of Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang's formidable reputations has forced them to set aside their pride and form a pact of mutual aid.

Now, the domains of the Demon King within Azure Wave Lake have nearly all paid a steep price, securing powerful Demon King from the lake's depths to lay down formidable Formation [defensive arrays] for them. The Spirit Shell Bay [a bay named for its spiritual clam inhabitants] was naturally no exception to this trend.

With this thought, Exquisite Jiang said gravely, "The grade of this Formation is exceedingly high. Even if we strike, we would find it difficult to instantly slay the Spirit Shell Demon King [the ruler of Spirit Shell Bay]. Doing so would inevitably startle the snake in its den."

"Even if we managed to kill the Spirit Shell Demon King, it would likely manage to send a warning to Azure Wave Lake. What we would face then might very well be the pursuit of a Demon Emperor [a sovereign ruler among demons]."

Eldrin Chen nodded, his brow furrowed. "It seems we must wait for it to emerge. Then, before it can react, we strike with a single, lethal blow."

"But who knows when it will choose to come out?" Exquisite Jiang shook her head.

"Then we must lure it out,"

Eldrin Chen declared. Luring out a Golden Core Demon King [a demon king at the Golden Core stage of cultivation] was no simple task.

To tempt it with profit, the treasures that could stir the heart of a Golden Core Late Stage Demon King were few. To ensure its interest, Eldrin Chen produced a single Water Essence Treasure Pearl [a pearl brimming with concentrated water-element spiritual essence].

The Water Essence Treasure Pearl [a precious pearl that concentrates the essence of water] was of immense value, ranking among the finest treasures for the cultivation of the Spirit Shell Demon King [a powerful demon king with a spirit-infused shell], enough to stir its covetous heart.

To make the ruse appear more authentic, Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang deliberately placed the Water Essence Treasure Pearl several hundred thousand Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] away, then orchestrated a clash where several Violet Sanctum Demonic Beast [demonic beasts at the Violet Sanctum realm] of comparable strength fought over it.

Ultimately, the Water Essence Treasure Pearl was seized by a great demon at the Violet Sanctum Late Stage [the advanced phase of the Violet Sanctum cultivation realm]. However, as the beast found it impossible to slay its rivals, news of the treasure inevitably leaked out.

As the nearest Demon King [a title for a powerful demonic cultivator], the Spirit Shell Demon King wasted no time upon hearing the news. It immediately surged forth from its Spiritual Vein [a concentrated vein of spiritual energy within the earth] to seize that coveted Water Essence Treasure Pearl. Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audio_novel.com.