Hearing Wei Xuyuan agree, Elian nodded and smiled, saying, "I don't need the Metal Essence and Fiery Flame energy immediately. It's fine if you can gather it within five years."
"Moreover, once the task is complete, I'll pay you 30% above the usual price."
"That makes things much easier," Wei Xuyuan replied with a smile. He explained that the three counties of Yang Region were far more prosperous than Yu County, with over 15,000 Qi Refining cultivators in each county.
The annual output of elemental energy from these cultivators was substantial, exceeding 300,000 strands across Yang Region. With the Wei Clan's influence, they could complete the task within five years, though it might require an additional 10-20% markup.
Hearing Wei Xuyuan's commitment, Elian felt a wave of relief and silently thought, "Finally, the Five Elemental Energy for upgrading my natal artifact is secured."
The purpose of this acquisition was to prepare for upgrading his natal immortal sword. To refine the Fiery Void Sword, Elian not only needed to break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage but also required 49,000 strands of Metal Essence and Fiery Flame energy. More for future updates.
This amount was enormous. Although the Chen Clan was dominant in Yu County, most of the Five Elemental Energy from the three border counties was sent to Tianxu Mountain.
Jiang Linglong, with her numerous artifact refinements, natal immortal sword upgrades, and efforts to complete her Five Elemental Spiritual Roots, had consumed much of the remaining energy.
Not wanting to compete with Jiang Linglong for resources, Elian turned to the Wei Clan, the dominant force in Yang Region, to help him acquire the energy he needed.
After concluding the deal, Elian and Wei Xuyuan talked for another three hours before Elian stood to take his leave.
"I have other matters to attend to, so I won't stay any longer today."
"Collecting the Metal Essence and Fiery Flame energy will trouble you, my friend," he said.
Wei Xuyuan stood to see him off with a smile.
"This deal will earn the Wei Clan a profit in spirit stones. No thanks are necessary."
…
After parting ways with Wei Xuyuan, Elian left Tian'e Mountain.
Instead of returning to Linghu Isle immediately, he visited Yuyang Market to convene a meeting with the leaders of the major immortal clans in Yu County, giving them an early hint about the alliance at Tianxu Mountain.
After hearing his words, the Mu Clan patriarch smiled and said, "Even if you hadn't brought this up, I was planning to visit you to discuss this matter."
"We all understand what's at stake. It's time to go to Tianxu Mountain and sign a new alliance."
Meng Xinghe nodded in agreement.
"Your Chen Clan is now the leading immortal clan in Yu County. It's only fitting that you represent us in expressing our intent to Tianxu Mountain."
Hearing their words, Elian felt relieved and said, "If that's the case, I feel assured. Yu County must stand united, advancing and retreating together."
"Ancestor Jiang from Tianxu Mountain believes that unless the major immortal clans of the Bianzhou Region unite, they'll be picked off one by one. If the three counties can form an alliance, we'll head to Tianxu Mountain together to discuss it."
After exchanging glances, Mu Xuanming spoke up.
"The Yan Clan in Ling County has always been close to our Mu Clan. I'll visit them tomorrow."
"I'll go to Feng County," Elian added.
"Once we've made contact, we can spread the word about the alliance. The major clans in Feng and Ling Counties should understand the importance of this."
"Very well. We'll leave this to you," the group concluded.
As the meeting ended, Elian glanced at Lin Mocheng, noting the man's graying hair and faint air of decline.
The Lin Clan patriarch, who had reached the ninth level of Foundation Establishment 30 years ago, was now over 180 years old and nearing the end of his lifespan.
Ten years ago, Lin Mocheng attempted to break through to the Purple Mansion stage, but without treasures like the Wood Crystal, he only managed to open 10% of his Purple Mansion Dao Veins, severely injuring his vitality in the process.
Now, with his vitality damaged and no spirit stones to buy restorative treasures, it was uncertain whether he could survive until the end of the beast chaos. His situation was truly pitiful.
Even so, Lin Mocheng's gaze at Elian remained bloodshot, carrying a barely concealed killing intent.
"I killed four of the Lin Clan's Foundation Establishment cultivators. Lin Mocheng must hate me to the core," Elian thought coldly, a hint of caution rising in his heart. With that, he stepped out of Yuyang Market.
Leaving the market, Elian flew directly to Feng County. After five or six days, he arrived at the Liu Clan's territory.
As soon as he approached the Liu Clan's mountain gate, a figure flew out to greet him. A woman at the front smiled warmly from a distance.
"It's been nearly 20 years, and Brother Elian's cultivation has advanced remarkably."
"Lady Liu overpraises me. How can I compare to your profound cultivation?" Elian replied with a smile and a polite bow.
The woman was Liu Jueran, the head of the Liu Clan. Despite the passage of 20 years, her appearance had changed little.
Over the years, her cultivation had advanced significantly, reaching the eighth level of Foundation Establishment and nearing the ninth. However, she was around the same age as Elian's old patriarch, roughly 140 years old.
While she remained at the eighth level, the old patriarch had already opened 50% of his Purple Mansion meridians, creating a vast difference in their progress.
Although Liu Jueran and the old patriarch had broken through to the seventh level around the same time, the patriarch's progress had been accelerated by a second-tier Spirit Peach, which allowed him to reach the ninth level in just over a decade.
Furthermore, he had the fortune of acquiring the Crystal of Blazing Flame and Xuanyu Pill, two extraordinarily rare third-tier treasures, enabling him to open 50% of his Purple Mansion meridians and dramatically boost his strength.
With the Crimson-Gold Three-Treasure Flags in hand, the patriarch's power now far surpassed Liu Jueran's, who likely wouldn't withstand even a few moves from him. Even Elian, without using his trump card, the Thunderfire Sword, could defeat her in a dozen moves.
Despite knowing this gap, Elian remained courteous.
"Lady Liu, I've come regarding the beast chaos."
"I see," Liu Jueran replied with a serious expression.
"To be honest, I've been meaning to discuss this with you as well."
"The immortal clans of Yu County have already deliberated. We're considering meeting with the clans of Feng and Ling Counties to discuss this matter further."
...
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I need POWAAA! Gimme Power Stones :D