The fourth and fifth strands of Primordial Purple Qi had been used respectively for the Enlightenment Tea Tree and the Ancient Spirit Apricot Tree. The sixth strand had been consumed by the Pure Water Green Lotus Platform, leaving this as the last remaining strand within Elian's body.
As the final strand of Primordial Purple Qi merged into the treasure mirror, the mirror emitted a faint hum before soaring out of the refining cauldron.
Elian stored it in his dantian and conducted a brief examination. He discovered that the mirror possessed two innate divine abilities.
The first was the Magnetic Treasure Light, a nemesis of metal-attribute artifacts and techniques. Even against artifacts one realm higher, the light could easily suppress them. Against artifacts two realms higher, it could still significantly weaken their power.
Elian estimated that, once the mirror reached the late Purple Mansion stage, it could lock down fourth-rank flying swords and other metal-attribute artifacts.
The second divine ability was one the mirror had developed on its own. This ability unleashed a destructive Yin-Yang Magnetic Annihilation Light capable of disintegrating enemies into ashes. It was an unparalleled offensive technique.
"This second divine ability, imbued with the power of Yin-Yang Magnetism, can disintegrate and tear apart foes."
"This treasure shall be named the 'Yin-Yang Magnetic Treasure Mirror,' or simply the Magnetic Treasure Mirror."
Elian smiled slightly. The unexpected second divine ability made the mirror even more versatile, adding another powerful weapon to his arsenal.
However, while the Yin-Yang Magnetic Annihilation Light was extraordinarily powerful, it came with a significant limitation. After each use, it required three years to recharge enough energy for another activation, relegating it to a trump card for critical moments.
Pleased with the successful refinement, Elian left his seclusion chamber in high spirits.
Upon stepping out, he noticed that several peach trees had undergone a transformation.
After a careful examination, he discovered that nine of the peach trees had advanced into Spirit Peach Trees, achieving low-grade first rank.
Although these Spirit Peach Trees were not of the caliber of a natural Spiritual Root like the mother tree, they were genuine spiritual trees. Their fruits could enhance the cultivation of Qi Refinement cultivators.
Elian studied the peach grove for a moment and quickly understood the cause of this advancement.
"The Spirit Peach Tree advanced to third rank, and nine of its offspring received part of its essence, advancing to low-grade first rank."
"Unless the mother tree advances to the fourth rank, there can only be a maximum of nine spiritual trees, and their growth is slow. It might take centuries for them to reach the second rank."
He furrowed his brow slightly but soon chuckled.
"Natural Spiritual Roots are exceedingly rare. Even a low-grade first-rank spiritual tree is a valuable treasure."
"With these nine Spirit Peach Trees, the family now has a unique specialty. It's a good addition to our resources."
Satisfied with this realization, he decided not to dwell on the lower-grade Spirit Peach Trees.
Time flew by, and half a month passed.
On this day, Qingyuan Mountain was bustling with activity. The entire Chen family was decorated festively, and its members were all beaming with joy.
Many Foundation Establishment cultivators from across the Bianzhou Region arrived, each wearing expressions of awe and reverence.
The Chen family's ascension to a Purple Mansion Immortal Clan, along with the emergence of two Purple Mansion cultivators in such a short time, had shaken the entire region.
Even the other eight regions of the Chu Kingdom had heard of the Chen family's rise to prominence and its emergence onto the national stage.
Chen Qinghao stood proudly at the entrance to Qingyuan Mountain, warmly welcoming guests. After escorting a Foundation Establishment cultivator up the mountain, he discreetly asked someone nearby, "Have you recorded everything?"
"It's all noted," replied Chen Nianfu. She continued in a low voice, "All 31 Foundation Establishment clans from the Bianzhou Region are here. Among them, the 13 clans from Yu County have brought generous gifts, each worth at least 1,000 spirit stones."
"The gifts from the Mu and Meng clans are especially lavish."
"Good." Chen Qinghao maintained a composed expression but added, "Make sure everything is recorded accurately."
"Understood."
He then instructed, "It's almost time for the three Purple Mansion clans to arrive. Go and ensure everything is prepared."
Meanwhile, in a secluded courtyard in the rear of Qingyuan Mountain, Elian sat beside a bed, gripping the hand of the figure lying there. His face was pale.
"Uncle Qingxu…" (First elder)
On the bed, Chen Qingxu's aged face was as pale as paper. It was clear that he was nearing the end of his life.
This elder had devoted his youth to guarding Pingyang City for the family. In his later years, he had stayed in Qingyuan Mountain, teaching the younger generation. He had given everything for the Chen family.
Unbeknownst to most, decades had passed, and Chen Qingxu was now 120 years old, nearing the end of his lifespan.
With a serene and kind smile, he gently held Elian's hand. His voice was calm and steady.
"Little Elian, you're already 60. It feels like just yesterday you came to Pingyang City with me, and we eradicated the demonic infestation in the family. Forty years have passed in the blink of an eye."
"Uncle Qingxu, what about the Spirit Apricot?" Elian's eyes reddened, and his fingers trembled slightly.
Since the Ancient Spirit Apricot Tree advanced, it had borne a batch of Spirit Apricots in its first year and subsequently matured once every three years. So far, it had produced three harvests, yielding nine second-rank Spirit Apricots.
Elian had reserved three Spirit Apricots each for Chen Qingxu and Chen Qinghe. By his calculations, Chen Qingxu should have been able to live another 30 years. So why was he on the verge of death?
"Elian…" Chen Qingxu shook his head with a calm smile.
"For me, living another 30 years would be meaningless."
"These fruits should go to those who need them more. An extra decade of life might help someone succeed in reaching Foundation Establishment."
Elian realized that Chen Qingxu had given the Spirit Apricots to younger family members under 70. Among the 13 Foundation Establishment cultivators of the family, Chen Nianzhen had successfully established her Foundation at the age of 61, thanks to one of these Spirit Apricots.
Chen Qingxu's voice softened, his smile tinged with both peace and acceptance.
"Compared to Uncle Changyan and Qingmeng or Qinghe, I've been far more fortunate."
"They've waited for too long in the underworld. It's time for me to join them and share the news of our family's ascension to a Purple Mansion Immortal Clan with our ancestors."
"Listen, Elian. Look outside. Isn't it lively?"
"Even Purple Mansion clans have come to congratulate our family. This was once a dream for me."
"To witness this day… that's already the greatest blessing of my life."
His voice grew quieter and quieter until it finally faded into silence.
"Father!" cried Chen Nianyang, who had been kneeling nearby. The centenarian burst into tears, mourning his father's passing.
"Uncle Qingxu…" Elian held the elder's hand, his throat dry. His hand trembled as an overwhelming sense of helplessness surged through him.
The twilight of a hero, the sunset of a great man.
No matter how talented or exceptional he was, in the face of life's inevitable cycle, he felt utterly powerless.
He gripped Chen Qingxu's hand tightly, as if trying to hold onto his departing soul, but he could do nothing to stop the inevitable.
...
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I need POWAAA! Gimme Power Stones :D