Elian pondered as he examined the family's collection of techniques. Currently, the Solar Flame Sutra was the only Purple Mansion-level technique widely applicable within the family.
The other techniques for gold, wood, water, and earth attributes could only be cultivated to the ninth level of the Foundation Establishment realm. However, with the addition of the wood-fire dual-attribute Greenwood True Fire Technique, the family now had two Purple Mansion-level techniques for its five attributes.
The remaining three attributes had techniques of lower levels: the gold-fire dual-attribute Blazing Sun Void Ascension Technique for gold, the Bright Origin Dao Technique for water, and now the Post-Earth Emperor Art for earth.
While this addition filled a gap, the family still needed Purple Mansion-level techniques for all five attributes to establish a solid foundation as a Purple Mansion clan.
Although Elian could theoretically deduce these techniques to the Purple Mansion level himself, it would require an immense investment of time and effort.
With his current cultivation and limited experience with advanced techniques, deducing a single technique to the Purple Mansion realm would take over a decade without moments of enlightenment. Perfecting it for later stages of the Purple Mansion realm could take several more decades.
For now, this task would have to wait until his cultivation advanced and his comprehension of the Solar Flame Sutra deepened, making the process significantly more efficient.
The family meeting lasted two full days. Chen Qinghao reported on various matters from recent years, including issues requiring collective decisions and plans for the future.
After the meeting concluded, Elian finally took a deep breath and returned to Linghu Isle overnight.
…
Six years later, at the Metal Vein.
Ripples danced across the surface of the Sword Cleansing Pool, where a faint blue light shimmered beneath the water.
Elian sat cross-legged before the pool, meditating in silence until he suddenly opened his eyes.
"Clang—"
A sharp sword cry echoed as the pool trembled. A brilliant blue sword aura soared into the sky, spiraling above. The sword aura extended over sixty feet, illuminating the heavens.
Elian stood up, gazing at the spiraling aura with a flicker in his eyes.
"Three years of refinement, and it's finally complete."
"Return."
With a quiet command, the sword aura transformed into blue light, descending back into Elian's body.
Closing his eyes, Elian sensed the Fiery Void Sword within him, his expression calm.
Over the past six years, he had spent considerable time cultivating at the Sword Cleansing Pool. For the first three years, he refined the Grand Plough Celestial Sword in the pool, visiting it only occasionally.
Once the Grand Plough Celestial Sword reached the pinnacle of third-rank celestial swords, he began refining the Fiery Void Sword in the pool.
With his primary sword residing in the Metal Vein, Elian spent most of his time at the Xuantie Mountain, visiting Linghu Isle only intermittently.
Fortunately, Yaya had grown older, becoming an intelligent and capable young woman. She no longer required his constant guidance.
The Fiery Void Sword, enhanced with superior Western Whiteblade Metal and tempered in the pool for three years, had undergone a tremendous transformation. In Elian's hands, the sword now rivaled third-rank upper-grade treasures in power.
"Recently, news from Tianxu Mountain suggested preparations for action against Sky Python Lake."
"It's time to return to Linghu Isle."
Elian made his decision and, riding his sword, left the Metal Vein.
The journey from Black Iron Mountain to Linghu Isle was only ten thousand miles, and with the Fiery Void Sword's remarkable speed, he arrived within a few hours. (Xuantie = Black Iron, well, I noticed that I already gave a western name for this mountain, sorry)
"Uncle!"
As soon as he landed, Yaya's voice rang out in delight. She ran up to him, grabbing his arm and exclaiming, "You've been away for three months!"
"Refining the sword took longer than expected," Elian said with a smile, noticing that Yaya had reached the peak of Qi Refinement.
It had been over a decade since he took her in at the age of seven. The scrappy little beggar girl had grown into a beautiful and confident young woman.
Though Elian was known for his sharp and decisive nature, he was always gentle with Yaya. Raised under his and Xianyan's care, she was deeply attached to him.
Looking up at Elian with a bright smile, Yaya asked, "Now that the sword is ready, can you stay with me a little longer this time?"
"Silly child."
Elian chuckled, ruffling her hair.
"I have another journey ahead. When I return, I'll bring you a Foundation Establishment Pill. Then, it'll be your turn to establish your foundation."
Yaya hesitated, but then smiled and said, "Alright."
Returning to the island at the heart of Linghu Isle, Elian called Xianyan to him.
"I'm heading to Tianxu Mountain to battle the demons. Watch over Linghu Isle and take care of Yaya for me."
Xianyan's expression turned serious.
"Uncle, don't worry. I'll look after Yaya and ensure Linghu Isle's safety."
Elian nodded, preparing to leave, but paused when he noticed Xianyan clutching his sleeve.
"What's wrong? Do you have something to say?"
"No." Xianyan quickly let go, her expression flustered.
"This battle will take you deep into demon territory against demon kings. It'll be perilous."
"Please… the Chen family cannot afford to lose you. Take care of yourself above all else."
"There's no need to worry. I understand," Elian said calmly before soaring toward Pingyang City on his sword.
As the azure sword aura disappeared into the horizon, Yaya stood by the lakeshore, watching the fading light.
"Why didn't you tell him you're planning to establish your foundation on your own?" Xianyan approached, gazing at Yaya.
"Is it because he's heading to face the demons, and you don't want him to worry?"
Yaya's calm expression revealed nothing.
"Unique Spirit Roots differ from ordinary cultivators. I have a fifty-percent chance of succeeding in Foundation Establishment."
"With the help of a Gathering Essence Pill, my chances exceed sixty percent."
"Sixty percent is still risky," Xianyan said, her tone heavy.
"You could wait for a Foundation Establishment Pill. In the family, you'd be the first choice."
"A Foundation Establishment Pill."
Yaya shook her head and said, "Uncle once spoke to us about the concept of superior Golden Cores. Do you remember?"
"A path of cultivation without relying on external aids," Xianyan murmured.
"It's said that the most extraordinary Nascent Soul cultivators took this path."
"But it's far too difficult."
...
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I need POWAAA! Gimme Power Stones :D