Elian flew back to Linghu Isle with the Third Elder, Chen Qinghao, using his sword. This was to avoid a shortage of spiritual energy should both of them undergo Foundation Establishment in the same location. Separating their efforts would ensure better outcomes.
Once they arrived, the Third Elder entered the Spirit Spring on Linghu Isle to begin his seclusion. Meanwhile, Elian stationed himself outside the spring as a guard.
While protecting the elder, Elian also started refining second-tier spirit peaches. The peaches' spiritual essence was extraordinary, their energy far surpassing first-tier peaches in both quality and quantity. As he carefully absorbed the energy, he realized it would take about three months to fully refine a single peach with his current cultivation level.
What delighted him even more was the discovery that consuming one peach equated to nearly a year of arduous cultivation.
"These celestial fruits are indeed remarkable," he thought.
"If I can refine four peaches annually, it's equivalent to cultivating for four years. In about five or six years, I should be able to break through a small realm."
Feeling the profound benefits of the spirit peaches, Elian couldn't help but smile. As a cultivator with five spiritual roots, even with the enhancement of Primordial Purple Qi, his potential only matched that of a cultivator with three spiritual roots.
Without these peaches, his advancement would have relied on years of painstaking cultivation or an immense amount of resources to keep pace with dual-root cultivators.
But now, with the help of the peaches, his cultivation speed could rival even the most gifted heaven-grade spiritual roots.
Time passed quickly, and two months went by in a flash.
One day, as Elian was refining another spirit peach, he suddenly sensed an intense surge of spiritual energy converging on the Spirit Spring. Moments later, a powerful aura emanated from within, and a figure emerged from the spring.
"Congratulations, Uncle Qinghao! You've finally broken through to Foundation Establishment," Elian exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with joy. He rose and eagerly congratulated the elder.
The Third Elder, Chen Qinghao, looked radiant and full of vigor as he stepped forward. He immediately bowed deeply to Elian.
"No need for such formalities!" Elian quickly reached out to stop him. "You're my elder. How can I accept your bow?"
Chen Qinghao, ever thoughtful and experienced, shook his head and spoke sincerely.
"In the family, I may be your elder in name, but I owe my success to you."
"There's a saying: a grudge that obstructs one's path is akin to slaying one's parents. Conversely, aiding someone to advance is akin to granting them a second life. You've helped me achieve Foundation Establishment—I owe you a great debt."
After finishing his words, he bowed deeply once more. This time, Elian accepted it, recognizing the elder's sincerity.
With the Third Elder now in Foundation Establishment, the two of them didn't linger on Linghu Isle. They mounted their swords and flew back to Qingyuan Mountain to share the good news with the family.
Upon their return, the mountain was abuzz with celebration. Clan members wore bright smiles, and the entire atmosphere was filled with joy.
As they descended, the family's patriarch, Chen Changxuan, greeted them warmly, laughing heartily.
"Good, good, good! Today is truly a day of double blessings for the Chen family!"
"Did Aunt Qingbai also succeed in breaking through?" Elian asked in surprise, exchanging a glance with Chen Qinghao.
The patriarch, stroking his beard with a broad grin, nodded repeatedly. "She achieved Foundation Establishment today and is now consolidating her cultivation."
Taking their hands, the patriarch led the two into the family's grand hall. Word of their return quickly reached Chen Qingbai, who interrupted her seclusion to join them.
The four sat together in the hall, the patriarch visibly radiant with pride.
"In just three short years, our Chen family has gained three Foundation Establishment cultivators," he marveled.
"Even I find it hard to believe."
The Third Elder stood and bowed respectfully.
"We owe this entirely to you, Patriarch, and to Elian."
"If not for your bravery in the fierce battle at Demon Wolf Mountain, we would never have obtained those priceless Foundation Establishment Pills."
Chen Qingbai nodded in agreement, bowing earnestly. She fully understood that the clan's acquisition of two Foundation Establishment Pills was a result of the patriarch and Elian's life-risking efforts.
Without their valor at Demon Wolf Mountain, Ancestor Jiang wouldn't have rewarded them with such precious pills. Even the purchased pill, bought at the unbelievable price of 10,000 spirit stones, was only possible because of their achievements.
"Both of you, the Third and Fifth Elders, have devoted yourselves tirelessly to the family," Elian replied with a gentle smile.
"It was only right that you received the pills."
In truth, other elders, such as the First and Second Elders, had also made significant contributions to the family. However, their ages exceeded 60, making their chances of successful Foundation Establishment slim, even with the pill.
The Fourth Elder, Chen Qingyuan, had just turned 62 and was particularly devastated by the news. After hearing about the pills, he spent a month in the family's spirit herb garden. When he emerged, his hair was entirely white, and he looked frail and despondent.
"All right, let's discuss serious matters," the patriarch said, his expression turning thoughtful.
"With three Foundation Establishment cultivators joining our ranks, this is a momentous occasion. I plan to host a banquet and invite our peers in Yu County to celebrate."
Elian's eyes gleamed with approval.
"That's an excellent idea."
Unlike the past, the addition of three Foundation Establishment cultivators had transformed the Chen family. Previously, with only the patriarch as their sole Foundation Establishment protector, they could only defend themselves but had little influence. This meant they had to forfeit many opportunities in Yu County.
One such opportunity was the annual revenue from Yuyang Market, a bustling trade hub that generated over 5,000 spirit stones in taxes each year. The market was officially co-managed by six families, with each receiving 800–900 spirit stones annually.
Now that the Chen family's strength had grown, it was time to assert themselves and reclaim their rightful share of the market's revenue.
"We should be able to reclaim our share of Yuyang Market's revenue," the Third Elder mused, stroking his beard.
"The question is, how much can we claim?"
Chen Qingbai furrowed her brow.
"With the patriarch and Elian here, our current strength should be enough to secure a share in the top two."
Elian nodded slightly, understanding the situation. The revenue from Yuyang Market wasn't distributed equally among the families but rather based on their relative strength.
...
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