Chapter 936 : The Essence of Three Millennia

Since embarking on the path of cultivation, Eldrin Chen has weathered three Demonic Abyss Cataclysm. Unconsciously, his lifespan has now approached nearly three thousand years.

Over these years, his comprehension of the Primordial Scripture has reached profound depths. Each day, the scripture autonomously circulates, drawing in the cosmic Yin and Yang Dual Qi [the complementary energies of darkness and light that form the foundation of reality] and transforming it into the arcane and mysterious Primordial Essence.

Calculating carefully, over the course of these three Millennium, Eldrin Chen has accumulated a total of two hundred and eighty-six strands of Primordial Essence.

Of these two hundred and eighty-six strands, Eldrin Chen's five Lifebound Spiritual Treasure [treasures bound to a cultivator's life force and soul] consumed sixty-five strands in total.

Beyond that, his various Spiritual Root [plants of immense spiritual value that can produce rare resources] demanded immense expenditure. The Spirit Peach Tree, the Eight Trigrams Treasure Tree, the Creation Azure Jade Lotus, and the Enlightenment Tea Tree consumed the most.

To advance these Spiritual Root and accelerate their progression to Sixth Rank High Grade, Eldrin Chen expended approximately seventy to eighty strands of Primordial Essence.

The remaining Spiritual Root—the Nirvana Immortal Apricot, the Purple Marrow Divine Fruit, the Profound Water Immortal Pear [a spiritual pear imbued with profound water essence], the Creation Verdant Jade [a piece of jade containing the essence of creation], the Crimson Fire Immortal Jujube, and the Enlightenment Blossom—required somewhat less, but still consumed several dozen strands of Primordial Essence.

Adding the Primordial Essence used on immortal metals and Spiritual Treasure [enchanted artifacts], the reserves Eldrin Chen had painstakingly accumulated were now nearly depleted.

This time, consuming forty-nine strands of Primordial Essence to synthesize a single strand of Acquired Primordial Violet Qi [a supreme-grade acquired spiritual energy of violet hue] left Eldrin Chen's hoard of Primordial Essence all but exhausted.

Henceforth, to accumulate enough for another strand of Acquired Primordial Violet Qi, he would likely require at least five centuries of dedicated gathering. For the best reading experience, visit audio–novel.com.

"Hmmmm—"

Just as the thought flashed through Eldrin Chen's mind, the Primordial Essence [the most fundamental and purest form of spiritual energy] had already merged into the Violet Flame Immortal Gold.

The Violet Flame Immortal Gold trembled faintly in response. Profound and naturally formed Dao Patterns [mystical patterns embodying the principles of the Dao] began to manifest from within, gradually taking the shape of a Sword Embryo [the nascent, unformed core of a future magical sword].

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen let out a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "The sword-nurturing momentum has been established. From here, it merely requires another millennium or so of gestation, and the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss will ascend into the ranks of Immortal Rank [Immortal-grade] treasures."

"Excellent, excellent, excellent!"

Hearing his words, Old Granduncle revealed an expression of immense excitement.

Pacing back and forth for a long while, he could scarcely contain his elation. "With this Supreme Immortal Sword to guard your path from now on," he said, "your chances of achieving immortality and attaining the Dao will be vastly increased."

"Indeed." Eldrin Chen nodded, then added, "However, I must cultivate my physical body and begin contemplating the methods to ascend to immortality. I'm afraid I cannot remain here to guard it."

"Leave this matter to me."

Thalion Chen spoke up immediately, a smile gracing his features. "My divine soul is anchored to the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire. With me personally guarding the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss, not even a Ninth Layer Nascent Soul [a cultivator at the peak of the Nascent Soul realm] could hope to breach the Sword-Nurturing Grand Formation [the grand protective formation for nurturing the sword]."

"I have troubled you, Old Granduncle."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile before speaking again. "Regarding the matter of Xun Wind Divine Ridge [a legendary mountain range associated with the element of wind], has Old Granduncle uncovered any leads yet?"

"I have gleaned some threads of information."

Upon hearing this, Old Granduncle's expression grew slightly solemn. He then retrieved a Treasure Box from his robes and handed it to Eldrin Chen, saying, "This contains one hundred and thirty-seven ancient texts I have gathered over the years."

"The majority are records of legends concerning the Xun Wind Divine Ridge, while the rest pertain to 『『『Formation|Formation Names|new』』』 [a mystical art of arranging energy patterns] arts related to the 『『『Wind|Formation Names|new』』』 [the elemental principle of air and movement] element. They may prove useful to you."

At this point, Old Patriarch paused briefly before continuing, "However, during my visit to the Dao Palace Sacred Land [a sacred land centered around a palace dedicated to the Dao], I met with Mingyuan the Daoist. He explicitly stated his wish for you to visit the Dao Lord Sacred Land [a sacred land associated with a powerful Dao Lord]."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. He could not help but inquire, "Did he mention the reason for seeking me out?"

"It is most likely concerning the Xun Wind Divine Ridge."

Thalion Chen stroked his long beard, speaking with absolute certainty.

Entrusting the advancement of the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss to the care of Old Granduncle, Eldrin Chen did not linger within the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire. He immediately set off for the Dao Palace Sacred Land [the sacred land of the Dao Palace, a paramount cultivation sanctuary].

Within that supremely majestic Dao Palace Sacred Land, Eldrin Chen met its current master, the awe-inspiring Dao Lord Mingyuan.

This Dao Lord Mingyuan was over two hundred years older than Eldrin Chen, yet they could be considered contemporaries.

He was a Heaven's Chosen with Five Spiritual Roots [a rare and balanced affinity for all five elemental spiritual energies], possessing a rare Dao Body [a physique innately attuned to the Dao, the fundamental principle of existence]. Thus, from childhood, he had been nurtured by the Dao Palace Sacred Land as an Immortal Ascension Seed, regarded as the second coming of Jiang the Sovereign Emperor.

However, though his talent was extraordinary, it fell short compared to the legendary Jiang the Sovereign Emperor. Despite the Dao Palace Sacred Land's exhaustive cultivation efforts, he had only comprehended two Secret Power [profound and esoteric supernatural abilities], and his cultivation base remained merely at the Primordial Spirit, Mid Stage [the middle stage of the Primordial Spirit realm, where one's spiritual core is fully formed and potent].

Such talent might be considered dazzling among Primordial Spirit cultivators, but compared to an Immortal like Jiang the Sovereign Emperor, the gulf was as vast as heaven and earth. Find this and other novels at audio-novel . com.

"Brother Eldrin, it has been too long."

Standing before Eldrin Chen, the expression on Mingyuan the Daoist's face was profoundly complex.

Long ago, at their first meeting, they had been the peerless genius of the Eastern Wilderness and the foremost Nascent Soul expert of the Southern Peaks, two brilliant stars shining with comparable light, perhaps evenly matched.

Now, in less than two Millennium [a period of one thousand years], Eldrin Chen had become the foremost figure among the Purple Origin God [a supreme cultivation realm]. Though Mingyuan the Daoist had consumed vast Deep-Seated Foundation [profound foundational resources for cultivation] from the Dao Palace Sacred Land, he had only barely touched the threshold of Primordial Spirit, Late Stage combat prowess.

This level of strength is barely sufficient to contend with a Primordial Spirit, Late Stage [the third major stage of cultivation, focusing on refining one's spiritual core] cultivator. If he were to face Eldrin Chen, he would likely be subdued within three exchanges.

The disparity in their power subtly established a hierarchy between the two.

Seeing Mingyuan the Daoist's respectful demeanor, Eldrin Chen nodded with a smile. "It has been many years, Brother Mingyuan. Your cultivation has progressed swiftly. It seems there is genuine hope for you to ascend to immortality in the future."

"You flatter me, Brother Eldrin."

Upon hearing this, Mingyuan the Daoist could not help but smile, a glimmer of confidence appearing in his eyes.

It was undeniable that Eldrin Chen's words were not mere courtesy. This Daoist Mingyuan possessed Five Spiritual Roots [a rare and balanced spiritual foundation attuned to all five elemental energies]. While he could not compare to peerless Heaven's Chosen [individuals blessed by fate with extraordinary talent] like Eldrin Chen or Jiang the Sovereign Emperor, he was still a promising Immortal Seed [a cultivator with the potential to achieve immortality].

For one such as him, following a steady and methodical path of cultivation would, over tens of thousands of years, grant a significant chance to comprehend the Immortal Ascension Dao Fruit [the profound enlightenment required to transcend mortality] with the aid of a Violet Divine Fruit [a legendary spiritual fruit that aids in enlightenment].

With his Deep-Seated Foundation [an exceptionally solid and profound cultivation base] built upon the Five Spiritual Roots, his chances of successfully weathering the heavenly tribulation and ascending would likely be no less than thirty percent.

Thinking of this, Mingyuan the Daoist said with a smile, "The reason I invited you here, Brother, is actually to ask for your assistance."

"Oh?" Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly. "Please, Brother, enlighten me as to the purpose of this journey."

"Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a cultivator of similar attainment], please follow me!"

Mingyuan the Daoist did not answer immediately, merely leading Eldrin Chen deeper into the heart of the Dao Palace Sacred Land [a sanctified land of cultivation and enlightenment].

They traversed endless mountain ranges, arriving before a secluded Cultivation Cave [a cave dwelling used for secluded meditation and cultivation]. He then gestured with his hand, saying, "Brother, please enter."

Without hesitation, Eldrin Chen stepped forward into the Cultivation Cave.

The moment the two entered the Cultivation Cave, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. Within the cave, he saw an emaciated elder seated in meditation.

"This—"

Upon seeing this figure, Eldrin Chen's expression instantly turned grave, a deep solemnity settling upon his features.

The elder's physical body was utterly withered and deceased, with streams of vile, corrupt black blood flowing within. Yet, within this mortal shell, a single, unextinguished thread of spiritual soul force [the core consciousness and spiritual power of a cultivator] still smoldered. Continue reading this story at audio‑novel.com.