This was an extremely profitable business. Just one round trip to and from Tianxu Mountain could yield a profit of about 1,800 spirit stones. The Chen family would make this trip once every six years, which averaged out to an annual income of over 300 spirit stones.
However, due to the high value of the Five Elements Essence, escorting such treasures without adequate defensive power was essentially a death sentence.
The Chen family's luck was poor; they lost seven or eight ninth-level Qi Refinement cultivators in one fell swoop, and even the clan leader was severely injured. If Chen Qingmeng had succeeded in reaching Foundation Establishment, this business could have continued.
But with the Chen family suffering blow after blow, they no longer had the ability to sustain this trade.
This was the plight of small cultivation families. To many rogue cultivators, cultivation families appeared to live in glory, pooling resources to accomplish great things and even acquiring Foundation Establishment Pills every few years. Yet, who knew the struggles they endured behind the scenes?
After finishing his explanation, the Third Elder suppressed his sorrowful expression and continued.
"Our most urgent priority is to find a way to repay the 8,000 spirit stone loan. If we let the interest compound, it will become a major issue."
"This is a time of crisis for the family. I hope all of you can contribute a little."
Hearing this, the faces of those present grew even paler. Sitting in a corner, Chen Nianyong couldn't help but speak up.
"Last year, when the family purchased the Foundation Establishment Pill, I lent 60 spirit stones to the family."
"I have nothing left now."
At fifty-two years old, Chen Nianyong was the second eldest among the Nian generation cultivators in the family, even older than the Fifth Elder, Chen Qingwan, by two years. He had only broken through to the seventh level of Qi Refinement last year and had far less potential than Elian. (Noticed the "Nian" in every new generations disciple? Well that's the proof of them being of the "Nian" generation)
Over the years, his savings had been meager, and with the demands of his cultivation, he truly had little left. Seeing the Third Elder asking for contributions, he couldn't help but be the first to complain.
Anticipating objections, Chen Qinghao produced a jade box containing over 300 spirit stones of various sizes.
"I understand that times are tough for everyone, and I don't wish to force you to contribute a specific amount."
"But you've all benefited from the family's stipends and resources. Now that the family is in dire straits, I hope you can do your part."
"I've already sold my magic weapon, the Azure Spirit Sword. These 317 spirit stones represent all my personal wealth, and I'll use them to help the family through this crisis."
Elian was momentarily stunned upon hearing this. The Azure Spirit Sword was a high-grade first-tier magic weapon, the Third Elder's most treasured possession. To think he would sell his only weapon for the sake of the family.
Though Elian had always respected the Third Elder, knowing him to be fair and utterly devoted to the family, this act deepened his admiration.
Just then, a beam of light flew into the hall, landing as a crimson spiritual blade before transforming into a voice.
"I still have 1,300 spirit stones here. Sell the Crimson Flame Spiritual Blade as well; every bit helps."
"Clan leader, no…"
Everyone froze for a moment before realizing it was the voice of the clan leader, Chen Changxuan.
The 1,300 spirit stones were significant enough, but the Crimson Flame Spiritual Blade was the clan leader's natal magic weapon. Two years ago, he had advanced to the late stage of Foundation Establishment.
Had it not been for the purchase of the Foundation Establishment Pill, the clan leader could have used the family's Five Elements Essence over the coming years to upgrade the weapon to a high-grade second-tier artifact.
Selling his natal artifact would reduce Chen Changxuan's combat power by at least 30%, making this a terrible trade.
Elian felt a heavy weight in his heart. Last year, to purchase the Foundation Establishment Pill and support a family member's advancement, the clan leader had already sold two of his second-tier artifacts and destroyed a low-grade second-tier defensive magic weapon while protecting the pill.
If it weren't for absolute desperation, who would willingly sell their natal artifact?
"This matter is decided. Do not argue further."
After his declaration, the clan leader's voice disappeared from the hall, evidently returning to his seclusion for recovery.
Seeing this, Elian gritted his teeth. Out of a sense of loyalty to his family, he spoke up.
"I have 173 spirit stones left. I'll contribute them to the family."
Elian's cultivation had advanced rapidly, and he had been highly valued by the family since childhood. His stipend was granted at a level equivalent to someone with exceptional spiritual roots.
Since the age of four, he had received an annual stipend of 30 spirit stones—on par with several ninth-level Qi Refinement elders.
The family had been exceedingly generous to him. Many late-stage Qi Refinement cultivators working tirelessly outside the family could barely earn as much in several years as he received in a single year.
His rapid cultivation progress was due in no small part to the ample resources he was provided.
Now, seeing the clan leader sell his natal artifact, Elian decided to offer up all 173 of his remaining spirit stones to support the family.
"Elian..."
The Third Elder opened his mouth but said nothing for a long time. Looking at Elian's contribution, he felt a pang in his heart.
In truth, he did not want Elian to give up these spirit stones. Elian was the family's hope, and these resources could help him reach the ninth level of Qi Refinement more quickly.
Cultivation was a race against time. Advancing to Foundation Establishment even one day earlier could increase the chances of reaching the Purple Mansion stage in the future. Wasting Elian's time could jeopardize his entire path.
But he could not refuse. The family was in crisis and needed fairness.
For the next few decades, the Chen family would likely have no chance to acquire another Foundation Establishment Pill. For most of those present, advancing to Foundation Establishment without the family's support would be nearly impossible.
The family was already deeply indebted and struggling to make ends meet. If fairness was not upheld, many might abandon the family altogether, taking their remaining resources to live as rogue cultivators.
After all, the family had little future. Hunting demonic beasts around Tianxu Mountain as a rogue cultivator might be dangerous, but with some luck, they could earn enough merit to exchange with Daoist Jiang for a Foundation Establishment Pill.
As the presiding elder, the Third Elder had to ensure fairness. If the family's unity dissolved, there would be no Chen family left to save.
The clan leader contributed a natal artifact worth 2,000 spirit stones and 1,300 spirit stones, shouldering the majority of the burden.
The Third Elder offered all 317 of his personal spirit stones, and even the family's most promising disciple, Elian, gave everything he had.
Seeing this, the other members of the family felt their restlessness subside. As Chen family members, they too stepped forward to contribute generously.
The Fourth and Fifth Elders, who still had hopes of reaching Foundation Establishment, each contributed 200 spirit stones, sacrificing most of their life savings.
Others offered 50 or 80 spirit stones. Even Chen Nianyong, who had initially complained, contributed 30 spirit stones, emptying his coffers.
With the collective efforts of the family's dozen late-stage Qi Refinement cultivators, they managed to raise 5,673 spirit stones.
Seeing that this still wasn't enough, they began brainstorming solutions. The Third Elder spoke first.
"The family still has over 300 spirit stones on the books. Between the First and Second Elders, they should be able to contribute 600 or 700 spirit stones. Together, that's about 1,000 spirit stones."