Elder Yang finished speaking, then paused briefly before taking out a treasure box and handing it to the two.
When Elian opened it, he saw three light purple pills inside. The pills were translucent like glass, their exceptional quality immediately apparent.
"These are Violet Essence Pills, low-grade third-tier treasures, and a cherished possession of my Yang family," Elder Yang explained.
"When consumed, this pill can restore forty percent of a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator's energy. For you two, it should restore eighty to ninety percent of your spiritual energy."
Elder Yang added, "Your strength is considerable, but your greatest weakness lies in your limited spiritual energy. Once you're caught in a prolonged battle, you'll likely run out of energy."
"With these pills, even in a drawn-out fight, your combat strength should be comparable to that of a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator."
Elian and the patriarch exchanged a glance before accepting the pills.
Their spiritual energy was already eighty percent as robust as that of a first-stage Purple Mansion cultivator, but it lacked the refined complexity of true energy.
For instance, activating a third-tier magical treasure would only cost a Purple Mansion cultivator a single unit of energy, while they would require twice the amount of spiritual energy for the same effect.
With the Violet Essence Pills, their spiritual energy capacity effectively doubled, granting them combat endurance on par with a Purple Mansion cultivator.
The Violet Essence Pill was one of the most common third-tier treasure pills, with each valued at approximately five thousand spirit stones. For Elder Yang to provide three at once demonstrated his unwavering commitment to winning this war.
"Rest assured, Elder," the patriarch said solemnly as he accepted the pills.
"We will ensure the enemy is defeated in this battle."
Elder Yang nodded, his expression serious.
"With your assurance, I am at ease."
With some time remaining before the battle, the group began recovering their spiritual energy and mana.
The patriarch glanced at Elian and asked, "How's your recovery after using the Explosive Essence Pill?"
"No issues," Elian replied calmly.
"When I was in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, I could recover fully from the pill's backlash within a month. Now, as a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, the side effects are negligible."
"However, without the Explosive Essence Pill, I may not be as effective as you, Patriarch."
The patriarch's spiritual energy was exceptionally robust, and with the Crimson-Gold Three-Treasure Flags providing both offense and defense, his combat strength was already at the threshold of the Purple Mansion realm. Adding the Ethereal Wood Green Spirit Pearl made him even stronger.
Elian's spiritual energy wasn't weaker, but his equipment—the Fiery Void Sword and Radiant Gold Diamond Seal—barely matched the power of the patriarch's treasured flag set.
The flag set, composed of fourteen second-tier magical treasures, formed a powerful formation with impressive offensive and defensive capabilities.
Unless Elian used the Thunderfire Sword, which was an additional third-tier flying sword along with his other treasures, his combat power would struggle to match the patriarch's.
However, the Thunderfire Sword once belonged to Yang Yonglu, a renowned ancestor of the Yang family. Elian wasn't sure how the two Yang elders would react upon seeing it, let alone whether they'd try to reclaim it.
Thus, he avoided using the sword in front of others unless absolutely necessary.
"You underestimate yourself," the patriarch said, shaking his head.
"Your talent for battle is extraordinary. In terms of seizing opportunities during combat, I can't compare to you."
"Take two of the Violet Essence Pills," the patriarch added.
"With twice the spiritual energy, you might create significant opportunities for victory."
He handed two of the pills to Elian, keeping only one for himself.
Meanwhile, the two Yang elders were meditating to recover their energy.
Yang Yuanhe hesitated briefly before speaking.
"Granduncle, I heard the Thunder Roc was killed by the Chen family. Is that true?"
"It is," Elder Yang replied calmly.
"You've seen the Seven-Star Demon-Slaying Boat, haven't you?"
"Then, shouldn't we say something?" Yang Yuanhe pressed.
"We've already confirmed that the Thunderfire Sword, which belonged to Uncle Yonglu, was in the possession of the Thunder Roc."
"Now that the Roc is dead and the sword is likely in the hands of the Chen family, shouldn't we reclaim Uncle Yonglu's legacy? Why give them Violet Essence Pills instead?"
"I understand your thoughts," Elder Yang said, shaking his head and scrutinizing Yang Yuanhe for a moment.
"Let me ask you this: was the Thunderfire Sword recovered by our Yang family?"
"Well…" Yang Yuanhe hesitated, momentarily at a loss for words.
Seeing this, Elder Yang sighed and continued, "You possess dual gold and water spiritual roots, which conflict with the Thunderfire Sword. You wouldn't be able to wield its full potential anyway."
"Furthermore, reclaiming the sword would antagonize the two members of the Chen family. Both have long lifespans ahead of them and are likely to join the ranks of the Purple Mansion in our generation."
"For now, I can suppress them, but have you considered what happens later?"
"I am already over three hundred and fifty years old. Despite using a third-tier longevity pill, I have less than eighty years left. After I pass, will you be able to suppress the Chen family?"
Elder Yang glanced at Yang Yuanhe with disappointment.
Sighing, he continued, "The Xu family has two Purple Mansion cultivators. Elder Xu Qianyang has over a century of life remaining, while Xu Daoyuan is a renowned prodigy among Purple Mansion cultivators in Chu Kingdom."
"When the Xu family sought to purchase Fire Element Divine Lightning for Xu Daoyuan, you stubbornly refused to sell it, already earning their resentment. After I pass, your position in the region will be precarious."
"My gift of the Violet Essence Pills is an investment in goodwill, a way to secure a favorable connection for you."
Hearing this, Yang Yuanhe noticed how much older his granduncle looked, his once-vibrant hair now streaked with gray.
Elder Yang sighed, shaking his head.
"Had your Uncle Yonglu survived the beast uprising a century ago, he would have broken through to mid-stage Purple Mansion by now."
"He was far more stable and capable than you, but fate was unkind. He perished at the hands of the Violet-Striped Wolf King. If we manage to slay that beast tomorrow, it will at least avenge him."
Night passed swiftly, and at dawn, the group boarded the treasure boat and set off for Fengyang Market.
Meanwhile, in Fengyang Market, Elder Xu Qianyang led the cultivators of Feng County in a charge from the city, engaging the demonic beasts in battle as planned.
...
57+ chapters ahead on patreon: patreon.com/David_Lord
I need POWAAA! Gimme Power Stones :D