Unless aided by a fourth-tier healing elixir, recovering from injuries sustained in a failed Golden Core breakthrough can take a cultivator up to 60 years.
Lin Qianshu, while having sufficient remaining lifespan, could not afford to lose 60 years. If she could stabilize her pseudo-core, she would at least gain experience, increasing her chances for a future breakthrough. However, if she failed to stabilize it, the time spent would be wasted.
Having used external resources like the Purple Sun Jade during her Foundation Establishment and Purple Mansion breakthroughs, Lin Qianshu's spiritual energy and divine sense lacked the refinement and sharpness of Elian's. For this reason, she estimated her chances of stabilizing the pseudo-core to be no greater than 50%.
Initially hesitant to attempt the Golden Core breakthrough, the availability of a Golden Core Pill resolved her indecision. The saying "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" seemed apt.
Though achieving a lower-tier Golden Core was not ideal, it was still possible to reach the Nascent Soul stage later.
Lin Qianshu decided to seize this opportunity, aiming to stabilize her pseudo-core for a better chance of breaking through in the future. With this mindset, she reached the pseudo-core stage, and after 30 years, she could have a 50% chance of breaking through to the Golden Core stage even without external aids—a positive outcome for now.
Shortly after Lin Qianshu's success, the Chen family received good news: Chen Xianye successfully broke through to the Purple Mansion stage, becoming the seventh Purple Mansion cultivator of the family.
This was something Elian had anticipated. Chen Xianye, having established his Foundation independently, already had a 20-30% higher chance of success. His second attempt, fueled by his own life essence, made his breakthrough feel natural.
Although this was his second attempt, Chen Xianye was only 95 years old. A Purple Mansion cultivator at such a young age was exceptional. While not as extraordinary as Elian, who achieved the same at 63, he was still considered a top-tier prodigy, even among Nascent Soul clans.
With these thoughts, Elian left his seclusion chamber, finding Yaya already waiting for him.
"Uncle, you've come out of seclusion!" Yaya exclaimed, delighted.
"Yes," Elian replied calmly.
"My cultivation has reached a stable state. I plan to take a break and refresh my mind before attempting the late-stage Purple Mansion breakthrough."
Extended seclusion had left his spirit somewhat fatigued, and attempting a breakthrough in such a state could be detrimental. He intended to relax and prepare before advancing further.
Yaya nodded but hesitated before speaking, "There's something I need to tell you."
"Oh?" Elian's eyes narrowed slightly.
"What is it?"
"Aunt Qingwan returned the Wood Crystal to the family treasury," Yaya said.
"Absurd," Elian said, his expression darkening as he immediately flew to Qingyuan Mountain.
Upon arriving, Elian found Chen Qingwan in the middle of her cultivation. Without delay, he asked, "Aunt Qingwan, I heard you returned the Wood Crystal to the treasury?"
"Elian…" Chen Qingwan shook her head and replied gently, "You don't need to persuade me. I've made up my mind."
Elian sighed, understanding her reasoning. This was her third attempt to break through to the Purple Mansion. Her previous two failures had used up two Five Element Crystals, leaving her feeling deeply guilty for wasting the family's resources. As a result, she was unwilling to use a third.
Chen Qingwan, noticing his concern, smiled and reassured him, "I know you're worried, but I've already cleared 80% of my Purple Mansion Dao Veins. Even without the Wood Crystal, I have a 60-70% chance of success this time."
"There are others in the family who need it more. There's no need to waste another crystal on me."
"Foolishness," Elian said, shaking his head as he handed her the Wood Crystal.
He knew her gentle temperament lacked the determination of Chen Nianchuan's resolute perseverance, Chen Xianye's daring spirit, or Chen Xianyan's relentless resolve.
While this gentleness served her well in day-to-day cultivation, it could become a liability during significant breakthroughs. Without the crystal's support, she might falter under the physical strain of the attempt.
Fearing that she might refuse, Elian firmly instructed, "Aunt Qingwan, you're already over 170 years old. There's no time left to delay."
"Even if you don't think about yourself, consider Uncle Qinghao. Among the Qing generation, only the two of you remain."
"Life is fleeting, like a traveler passing through."
Chen Qingwan stood in silence for a long time, reflecting on Elian's words.
She realized that Elian himself was now 140 years old and that the next beast tide loomed ever closer.
The memories of a century ago felt so vivid, yet in the blink of an eye, more than 100 years had passed. Members of the Qing generation, once numerous, had gradually dwindled. Now, only she and Chen Qinghao remained.
Leaving Qingyuan Mountain, Elian flew to Pingyang City, where he found the family patriarch, Chen Changxuan.
Having recently broken through to the late-stage Purple Mansion, the patriarch looked noticeably younger. At 240 years old, he had already reached the seventh level of the Purple Mansion.
If his current pace continued, he was likely to reach the pinnacle of the Purple Mansion by 270, enabling his first attempt at forming a Golden Core.
Though not as exceptional as prodigies like Yan Ziji, his cultivation progress was still impressively fast.
Yan Ziji, a prodigy with a heavenly spirit root, had reached the pinnacle of the Purple Mansion at just over 100 years old. Despite failing her first Golden Core attempt, she stabilized her pseudo-core stage. After a 60-year recovery period, she successfully reached the Golden Core stage at around 180.
Heavenly spirit root cultivators enjoyed significant advantages. Even without external aids, they had a 40% chance of forming a Golden Core and a 20% increased probability of reaching the Nascent Soul stage.
Seeing Elian, Chen Changxuan poured him a cup of tea and said calmly, "So, you spoke with her?"
"Yes," Elian nodded, sighing.
"Aunt Qingwan's gentle nature makes it unlikely for her to reach the Golden Core stage."
The patriarch shook his head, his expression serene.
"The Golden Core stage is not so easily attained."
"She has already achieved what many can only dream of by trying to reach the Purple Mansion. Among the Qing generation, many with greater determination and courage could not surpass her."
Elian's heart stirred at his words.
Among the Qing generation, elders like Chen Changyan, and uncles like Chen Qingxu and Chen Qinghe, had unmatched tenacity and valor.
If they were alive today, they might have surpassed Chen Qingwan's achievements.
Yet cultivation is not a path of "what-ifs." Chen Qingwan's longevity allowed her to benefit from resources like the Foundation Establishment Pills, enabling her to reach this stage.
Pouring another cup of tea, the patriarch's voice softened, "When you reach the Golden Core stage—or even the Nascent Soul stage—you will understand that those in the family will eventually drift away."
"Xianyan, Qinghao, even I, will one day become bones in the earth."
"In the end, the one who will remain by your side... is her, isn't it?"
...
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I need POWAAA! Gimme Power Stones :D