In this realm, sixth-rank treasures belonging to the Nascent Soul realm are called Pure Yang Treasures, while treasures of the Golden Core realm qualify as Demon-Suppressing Treasures.
These treasures possess spiritual intelligence nearly equal to that of humans, but without a Nascent Soul cultivator to wield them, their power is significantly diminished.
The ancestral patriarchs of the three great sects lack the cultivation to fully utilize their treasures, but thanks to the support of fourth-rank veins, they can barely awaken the treasures' power for one or two attacks. Even so, these strikes are enough to severely injure or potentially kill late-stage Golden Core cultivators.
However, without a Nascent Soul cultivator, a Demon-Suppressing Treasure activating on its own diminishes its essence and may cause the artifact spirit to fall into slumber, requiring a long time to recover. If the treasure itself refuses to act, even a Golden Core cultivator cannot force it to be used.
More than a century ago, during the havoc caused by the Bone Demon, the previous leader of the Qingyang Sect activated the Radiant Heaven Mirror to defeat the demon, significantly depleting the treasure's power. Even now, the Radiant Heaven Mirror has not fully recovered, retaining only enough energy for a single attack.
Qingyang Sect's Xu Ancestor, who seized his position through unscrupulous means, never gained the mirror's favor. During the Beast Calamity, he refrained from risking its slumber.
Moreover, Xu Ancestor himself was reluctant to use the mirror, as it was his final safeguard—if it fell dormant, the sect would face grave danger.
It is precisely because of the Radiant Heaven Mirror's presence that Jiang Linglong harbors reservations about the Qingyang Sect. Though it is not a Nascent Soul treasure, it is thought to be on the brink of entering the fifth rank.
As Elian's thoughts swirled, a streak of light suddenly flew toward him.
The newcomer was a young woman with a youthful appearance. She greeted Elian respectfully, "Greetings, Ancestor."
"What is the matter?" Elian asked with a gentle smile. This was Chen Siyu, a rising star of the family's Siyu generation and a descendant of his seventh granduncle, Chen Changqing.
Years ago, when his granduncle passed, he had entrusted Elian with a few treasures that helped him through his early challenges. Remembering these favors, Elian had supported Chen Siyu generously over the years.
Despite being a four-spiritual-root cultivator, which made her path particularly arduous, her dedication to training had allowed her to reach the seventh level of the Qi Refining stage by the age of 25. She stood a reasonable chance of breaking through to Foundation Establishment, a feat unprecedented for someone of her aptitude within the family.
Chen Siyu smiled modestly, replying, "The Horizon Sound Transmission Mirror from Pingyang City has sent a message. The patriarch requests your presence."
"Understood." Elian nodded, guessing the patriarch might be preparing for his breakthrough to mid-stage Purple Mansion. He handed her a bottle of pills and said with a smile, "Focus on your training. I will prepare a Foundation Establishment Pill for you in the future."
Riding his sword, Elian left Black Iron Mountain and flew directly to Pingyang City.
In the city's main hall, aside from the patriarch, Elian also encountered a familiar face—Xu Qianyang.
Greeting Xu Qianyang with a cupped fist, he said with a smile, "A rare guest! I didn't expect you to visit Pingyang City today."
Xu Qianyang responded with a smile, "It's been years since we last met, and I see that Daoist Chen has already broken through to Purple Mansion's third level. Truly, you live up to your reputation as a peerless talent of Chu Kingdom."
Elian's eyes glimmered slightly, acknowledging the compliment. With the help of the King Conch Pearl, his cultivation had accelerated significantly. He had reached Purple Mansion's third level three years ago and was on track to achieve mid-stage Purple Mansion within the next decade.
The patriarch, Chen Changxuan, looked equally pleased. With a smile, he added, "Daoist Xu is here regarding the matter of the Purple Sun Jade."
Elian's eyes flickered, understanding Xu Qianyang's purpose.
The Purple Sun Jade had recently been nurtured within the Earth Vein of Cangkun Mountain. Xu Qianyang had come to discuss its distribution.
Sure enough, Xu Qianyang took out the Purple Sun Jade and said calmly, "As planned, once the Purple Sun Jade is ready, it should be refined into Purple Qi Cloud Pattern Pills for distribution among the four major families."
"However, refining Purple Qi Cloud Pattern Pills is highly challenging. Even an ordinary high-tier third-rank alchemist might only achieve a one- or two-pill success rate."
"Thus, I wish to ask Senior Jiang to refine this pill. However, as she is busy cultivating, we would need your help to persuade her."
Hearing this, Elian nodded.
"Requesting Senior Jiang's assistance will require setting aside two pills as compensation."
"I understand." Xu Qianyang agreed. With Jiang Linglong's near mid-fourth-rank alchemy skills, she could likely refine five pills, making this arrangement worthwhile.
"Very well. Leave it to me." Elian accepted the Purple Sun Jade and the necessary Cloud Essence Fruits. They agreed that Xu Qianyang's family would receive two pills, while the remaining pills would be distributed as per the arrangement with Jiang Linglong.
Satisfied with two pills, Xu Qianyang departed, leaving Elian to turn to the patriarch.
"How is your progress with cultivation?" Elian asked.
"I have accumulated enough to proceed," the patriarch replied, his face glowing with joy.
"Once the Creation Cloud Pill is ready, I can break through to mid-stage Purple Mansion."
Elian nodded, sipping his tea thoughtfully.
"Five Elemental Crystals are rare treasures. For this, we should request Linglong's help. Which crystal will you use?"
The patriarch considered before replying, "There's the Crystal of Blazing Flame and the Crystal of Metal Essence. Either could work, but I've decided to use the Crystal of Blazing Flame."
"This way, Uncle Qinghao can use the Metal Essence Crystal for his first attempt at breaking into the Purple Mansion in a few years. With the Qingyang Sect conflict on the horizon, it's better to prioritize his preparation. If we succeed in the battle, we're certain to obtain another Five Elemental Crystal within a decade."
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I need POWAAA! Gimme Power Stones :D