Chapter 1004 : The Celestial Silver Sacrifice

He could only clasp his hands in salute and repeatedly express his gratitude, saying, "The Calamity Demon God destroyed this old man's lineage in the Void Realm, creating a Blood Sea-deep enmity between us."

"For the three of you to have slain it, I am truly and utterly grateful."

As he spoke, Lucian Huanxu reluctantly retrieved a silver ingot from his bosom. "This one Liang-weight of Incense Fire Celestial Silver [a divine metal forged from the condensed power of faith and prayer], though it may be of little consequence to the three of you, represents the sincerity of my heart."

"Incense Fire Celestial Silver."

The moment he laid eyes on this piece of Heavenly Silver, Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered with subtle recognition.

Incense Fire Celestial Silver was exceedingly precious, forged by an Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality and ascended to a higher plane of existence] through the condensation and refinement of Incense Offering Power [the metaphysical energy generated by sincere worship and prayer].

Though this single piece of Incense Fire Celestial Silver weighed only one Liang-weight, it contained the concentrated prayerful will of Hundreds of Millions of Living Beings. It held significant utility for both Immortal and Ghost Immortal [an immortal who has chosen or been forced to remain in the mortal realm in a spiritual form].

If a Nascent Soul Cultivator [a cultivator whose spiritual core has matured into an infant-like form, representing a higher stage of power] refined it during their breakthrough attempt, it could inexplicably increase their chances of Ascending to Immortality.

Though Lucian Huanxu held the esteemed status of an Immortal, receiving the incense offerings of countless millions of cultivators, condensing this single Liang-weight of Incense Fire Celestial Silver likely required tens of thousands of years of effort.

For him to willingly part with one now truly represented a significant sacrifice. Original publication: audio-novel`com - The source of this chapter.

With these thoughts, Eldrin Chen did not take the Incense Fire Celestial Silver. Instead, he shook his head and refused, saying, "Slaying the Demon God was my duty, and aiding the Void Realm was merely a matter of convenience."

"As for this Incense Fire Celestial Silver, I truly feel unworthy of accepting it."

Upon hearing this, Lucian Huanxu initially thought Eldrin Chen looked down upon the Incense Fire Celestial Silver.

This only solidified the conjecture in his heart. With a solemn expression, he stated, "For you, Fellow Daoist, it may have been a simple act, but for me, it is a kindness as vast as the heavens."

"I shall add another thirty Immortal Source [a purified spiritual essence used by Immortals for cultivation and transactions]. I implore you, Fellow Daoist, not to refuse."

As he spoke, Lucian Huanxu produced thirty more Immortal Source and offered them.

Gazing at the Immortal Source, a faint flicker of interest passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes once more. The Immortal Source was a resource for the cultivation of an Immortal.

It contained Immortal spiritual Qi [the vital energy that flows through all living things], which could aid an Immortal in refining their cultivation, be used to set up Immortal Rank Formation [magical arrays or barriers], and even assist an Immortal in undergoing a profound bodily metamorphosis.

Transactions among Immortals were often conducted using Immortal Source. In terms of value, one hundred Immortal Source could likely purchase a single low-grade Immortal Treasure [an enchanted artifact of Immortal rank].

For Lucian Huanxu to not only part with the Incense Fire Celestial Silver but also produce thirty Immortal Source in one breath indicated his intent was not merely to settle this karmic debt, but to establish a transactional connection with him.

If he did not accept it, he feared that Lucian Huanxu would perceive it as myself being unwilling to forge a connection with him.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen accepted the Incense Fire Celestial Silver and the Immortal Source [a source of pure, primordial spiritual energy], then said with a smile, "Since Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a cultivator of similar standing] is willing to pay such a price, from now on, let us be friends."

Only then did Lucian Huanxu break into a delighted smile, saying with immense joy, "Now that matters in the starry void are settled, it is not fitting for me to linger here for long."

"If one day Fellow Daoist comes to the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain, you must visit my Azure Glaze Immortal Sect for a gathering."

Eldrin Chen also clasped his hands and said calmly, "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist, our paths will surely cross again."

Since the Void Realm held no further business, Lucian Huanxu did not remain there long, soon departing for the Immortal Domain.

Watching Lucian Huanxu depart, with the Purple Realm no longer at risk of exposure, Eldrin Chen finally released a sigh of relief.

The women beside him were also overjoyed. Lyra Jiang said with a smile, "With this matter concluded, we have finally resolved the weightiest concern in our hearts and can ascend in peace."

"Indeed." Eldrin Chen nodded and said, "Before we part, let us take one last look at the Purple Realm and leave something behind for the clan."

Having said this, Eldrin Chen spoke no more. He led the others as they soared through the Boundless Void, heading towards the location of the Purple Realm.

Upon their return to the Purple Realm [a major realm within the cultivation world], the group finally felt a sense of urgency lift from their hearts. They took the rare opportunity to search for treasures among the starry expanse.

One day, as they passed by a celestial body from beyond their world, they landed upon a desolate and lifeless star.

"That is..."

As they set foot upon the barren star, Eldrin Chen felt a subtle tremor between his brows. Exchanging a glance with his companions, he then soared into the stellar core.

Deep within the heart of the star, the trio discovered a sphere of radiant golden light. Its brilliance was dazzling, rivaling the very sun in its intensity.

"Solar Divine Gold." Your portal to cultivation novels: (audio-novel.com).

Lyra Jiang could not help but murmur. After a careful examination, she drew a sharp breath and declared, "A piece of Solar Divine Gold [a supreme divine metal of the Immortal Rank] that has yet to fully mature."

"This star is dead and silent. I fear it lacks the vitality needed for the metal's gestation to reach completion."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but furrow his brow in contemplation.

The Solar Divine Gold was a supreme Divine Metal of the Immortal Rank [the realm of true Immortals]. If forged into a Pure Yang Immortal Treasure [an Immortal artifact of pure Yang energy], its power would rank among the very pinnacle of all Immortal Treasure [artifacts wielded by Immortals].

The piece of Solar Divine Gold before them was only of Near-Immortal Grade quality, yet it had nearly drained the core essence of this star and seemed unlikely to complete its gestation successfully.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen said thoughtfully, "This dead star lacks sufficient foundational essence; it simply cannot nurture a true piece of Solar Divine Gold."

"If this continues, not only will the Solar Divine Gold fail to mature, but the star itself will be utterly drained of its vital energy and destroyed."

Verdant Consort's brow furrowed slightly as she asked, "What is your intention, Husband?"

"I intend to extract it and place it within the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire, nurturing it with the Fire Essence Power of the Purple Realm."

Eldrin Chen explained calmly, then added, "Should this endeavor succeed, it would be a legacy of opportunity for future generations to tread the Dao [the fundamental principle or path in cultivation]."

Once resolved, Eldrin Chen immediately employed immortal techniques, shielding the Solar Divine Gold with his Immortal Essence [the quintessential energy of an immortal] and extracting it.

To prevent the Dao Patterns [the natural laws and principles etched into an object] within the Solar Divine Gold from solidifying and losing its potential for further advancement, the group wasted no time. They traversed the Boundless Void and soon arrived at the periphery of the Purple Realm.

"The Purple Realm."

Finally returning to the Purple Realm, Eldrin Chen gazed upon the world before him and could not help but release a soft sigh within his heart.

At this moment, his cultivation had reached the realm of Creation [the highest state of enlightenment and power], having surpassed the limits that the Purple Realm [a major cultivation world] could bear. He could no longer return to the Purple Realm itself; even the simple desire to personally gaze upon it once more was now beyond his reach.

With no other choice, they could only descend a wisp of their divine sense as an avatar, carrying the Solar Divine Gold [a legendary metal forged from the essence of the sun] through the Demon Abyss Heavenly Scar [a perilous spatial rift] and back into the Purple Realm.

Upon returning to the Purple Realm, Eldrin Chen immediately made his way to the heart of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire [a vast, eternal sea of mystical flames].

Within that sea of fire, he found Old Granduncle seated serenely beneath the fiery Fire Date Tree [a mystical tree bearing spiritual dates], as if he had been waiting for a long time.

"You have come."

Upon the mountain peak, the Fire Date Tree was in bloom. The crimson date tree stood ancient and mighty, each of its branches as powerful and sinuous as a Crimson Dragon [a legendary fire-aspected dragon].

Beneath the ancient tree, Thalion Chen possessed an immortal grace and Daoist bearing, sitting with the tranquil composure of one of the Ancient Immortals [legendary cultivators from a bygone era]. He personally brewed a pot of tea for Eldrin Chen.

"In recent years, you have been preoccupied with your cultivation, and it has been many years since you last tasted tea brewed by my hand."

"Rare is this day of leisure. Accompany me in drinking tea and engage in a game of Go with me."

"Agreed!"

Eldrin Chen stood in silent contemplation, his gaze fixed upon the scene. Memories of his youth surfaced—of the times when he and Thalion Chen had served as the twin pillars of their clan. They would often sit across from each other over a game of Go, their moves on the board mirroring their discussions on the clan's future and the shifting tides of the world's affairs.

In those days, his cultivation had barely reached the Foundation Establishment and Purple Mansion realms. Their chessboard was often laid out in places like Verdant Chariot Mountain or Pingyang City—mere corners of the world, insignificant and remote.

Yet, as the years flowed by and their power grew, their focus was inevitably drawn toward their cultivation and the grand machinations of the realm. Decades, even centuries, could pass between their rare meetings.

So it was, almost without his noticing, that more than a thousand years had slipped away since they last sat down for a game. This content originates from audio‑novel.com. Please respect copyright.