Chapter 940 : A Pact Forged in Silk and Stars

"This..."

The Mysterious Jade Divine Silkworm [a powerful demonic beast that produces mystical silk] had a face that shifted through a spectrum of expressions. The Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a cataclysmic event where demonic energy erupts from the abyss] erupted once every thousand years. Guarding the Eastern Sea Cultivation World [the cultivation world of the Eastern Sea region] was said to be an exceedingly perilous task.

Yet he understood perfectly well that given Eldrin Chen's current status, for him to personally come to the Western Sea Cultivation World [the cultivation world of the Western Sea region] and make this request left absolutely no room for negotiation.

Helpless, he revealed a look of distress and sighed, saying, "Since Your Excellency has personally spoken, this humble one naturally has no grounds for refusal."

"I shall pack my belongings and depart for the Cosmic Stellar Archipelago [a vast archipelago of islands amidst the stars] tomorrow."

The Mysterious Jade Divine Silkworm gathered his possessions and handed over the Mysterious Jade Silkworm Silk [a precious, spiritually-charged silk produced by the Mysterious Jade Divine Silkworm] he had accumulated over many years to Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen took stock and found that the quantity of Mysterious Jade Silkworm Silk was neither too much nor too little—it was just barely enough to refine seven Formation Flag [enchanted flags used to set up and power defensive or offensive formations].

"Perhaps it is the will of heaven,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, and said no more on the matter.

Having accepted the treasure, Eldrin Chen then took the Mysterious Jade Divine Silkworm with him and set off towards the Eastern Region Great Wasteland [the vast and desolate wilderness of the Eastern Region]. Original publication: audio - novel . com - The source of this chapter.

The two traversed the boundless heavens and earth, journeying eastward. Yet, as they passed through the Western Pole Eternal Sands Domain, Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow, his steps halting for a brief moment.

There, amidst the endless desert, a female cultivator at the Infant Soul realm was fleeing desperately. In pursuit were several Infant Soul monks clad in kasaya robes from the Esoteric Buddhist tradition.

"They are monks from the Vajra Temple,"

Mysterious Jade Divine Silkworm [a legendary silkworm demon beast with a body of mystical jade] murmured, a flicker of understanding in its gaze. "I've heard the Vajra Temple specializes in the Blissful Buddha Dharma [a controversial cultivation art focused on dual cultivation and sensual pleasures]. They are likely capturing a Diamond Maiden [a female cultivator sought as a partner for the Blissful Buddha Dharma]."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's brow remained slightly creased. Without another word, he flicked his sleeve. Spiritual energy surged, transforming into a colossal hand that blotted out the sky, instantly suppressing the pursuing Esoteric Buddhist Infant Soul cultivators.

Witnessing her captors being seized, the Infant Soul female cultivator was overcome with ecstatic relief. She prostrated herself upon the Earthly Path [the ground, the path of the earth]. "This junior offers her deepest gratitude for the Patriarch's life-saving grace!"

"There is no need for such formalities."

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly. Yet, memories of past dealings with the Vajra Temple surfaced, chilling his pupils. "Why were they hunting you?" he asked, his voice carrying a subtle edge.

"These monks..."

The female cultivator's heart surged with excitement, and she was just about to speak.

However, the several Infant Soul monks, still struggling to comprehend the situation, fought desperately within the grasp of the Primordial One Great Hand. With faces twisted in shock and fury, one of them cried out, "The Luo Mysterious Maiden is a Diamond Maiden [a guardian maiden of our temple] of our Vajra Temple! This person has betrayed our temple of her own accord!"

"Our pursuit of her is merely upon the orders of the Divine Monk Kumarajiva! We beg the Patriarch for mercy!"

"Divine Monk Kumarajiva..."

Upon hearing this, the Luo Mysterious Maiden felt a wave of terror, understanding the veiled threat in their words. For a moment, she dared not speak recklessly.

"Who gave you permission to speak in my presence?"

Eldrin Chen merely snorted coldly. With a slight exertion of the Primordial One Giant Hand, the Infant Soul monks were crushed, their bodies cracking like porcelain as they suffered grievous wounds on the spot.

A lethal threat gripped their hearts. Even these Infant Soul True Lord cultivators dared not act arrogantly any longer. In utter panic, they immediately pleaded, "Senior, spare us!"

"Hmph..."

Eldrin Chen let out another cold snort, paying the monks no further mind. His gaze shifted to the Luo Mysterious Maiden. "I have heard that the Vajra Temple lineage often takes in Diamond Maiden [guardian maidens]. Tell me, are there often hidden circumstances within this practice?"

"Patriarch [the revered leader of a clan or sect], save us!"

Having long resided in the Western Pole Eternal Sands Domain [a vast, desolate region in the westernmost part of the known world] and having broken through to the Infant Soul Realm [the stage where a cultivator's nascent soul is formed] less than a century ago, Luo Mysterious Maiden had not participated in the recent Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a great calamity where demonic forces surged from the abyss] and thus did not immediately recognize Eldrin Chen.

But now, understanding dawned upon her. Overwhelmed with emotion, she prostrated herself upon the Earthly Path [the solid ground, symbolizing the foundation of the mortal world]. "We beseech you, Patriarch, to champion our cause and deliver my sisters from their plight!"

"Speak, then. Tell me your tale."

Eldrin Chen's eyes glimmered with a flicker of interest as he posed the question.

Thus emboldened, the Luo Mysterious Maiden gathered her courage and began to recount the vile practices of the Vajra Temple [a powerful Buddhist sect known for its unyielding doctrines]. Published by audio-novel.com (official site). All rights reserved.

It was revealed that the so-called Diamond Maiden [a title for female disciples who serve as protectors and consorts] of the Vajra Temple, purported to be esoteric Buddhist Sect [a school of Buddhism focused on secret teachings and rituals] guardians, were in truth nothing more than enslaved concubines and cultivation furnaces for the likes of Divine Monk Kumarajiva.

The Vajra Temple lineage boasted two Primordial Spirit Path Lord [a master who has reached the Primordial Spirit stage and established their own profound cultivation path] and stood as one of the most majestic holy lands within the Western Pole Eternal Sands Domain. Within that domain, their word was virtually law.

They specialized in the Blissful Union Meditation [a dual cultivation technique that seeks enlightenment through physical and spiritual union]. To augment their cultivation, the temple's high monks kept vast numbers of Diamond Maiden, using them as vessels for energy absorption.

Within the Western Pole Eternal Sands Domain, any female cultivator of the Infant Soul realm who lacked powerful backing was, unless she fled the domain entirely, almost certainly destined to fall prey to their clutches.

The Luo Mysterious Maiden was originally a cultivator from a minor clan. By a stroke of fortune, she managed to break through to the Infant Soul Realm [the stage where a cultivator's nascent soul is formed], a feat that promised a bright and prosperous future.

Yet, no sooner had she attained the Infant Soul than she was targeted by the Vajra Temple. The temple dispatched four Infant Soul Cultivators to "invite" her.

These four claimed she had a karmic affinity with Buddhism, euphemistically stating they wished to guide her into their sect to become a Diamond Maiden [a title for a female practitioner of a specific Buddhist cultivation art]. In truth, their intent was to take her in as a cultivation furnace [a person used to absorb and refine energy for another's benefit]. Naturally, the Luo Mysterious Maiden refused.

The Vajra Temple, long accustomed to having its way, would not tolerate refusal. They immediately dropped all pretense, accusing her of being plagued by Inner Demons [malevolent thoughts or entities born from within a cultivator's own heart and mind] and declaring they would capture her and take her back to the Vajra Temple to "purify" these Inner Demons.

Once their true faces were revealed, a pursuit and battle ensued. It was during this chase that Eldrin Chen, passing through the Western Pole Eternal Sands Domain, happened upon the scene.

"Patriarch," the Luo Mysterious Maiden knelt on the ground, her voice choked with sobs. "Within the Western Pole Eternal Sands Domain, who does not know the vile reputation of the Vajra Temple?"

"Countless senior female cultivators with promising futures have been taken. Once they enter the Vajra Temple, they are inevitably drained through dual cultivation techniques until their very cultivation foundation is ruined, their Path [the lifelong journey of cultivation and enlightenment] severed forever."

"Is this truly the case?"

Eldrin Chen's expression turned icy. He could not help but ask, "And the Serene Spirit Temple? Do they simply turn a blind eye to this?"

"It is not that they ignore it entirely..."

The Mysterious Jade Divine Silkworm shook its head, its gaze flickering as it spoke, "The Vajra Temple has a long and ancient legacy. It was once a glorious power that gave birth to an Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality through cultivation]."

"Even now, it retains some of its profound foundations. To turn hostile directly would likely incur a significant cost."

"Hmph—"

Eldrin Chen clenched his fist. The Primordial One Giant Hand descended, wreathed in the aura of Primordial One [the primordial, undifferentiated state of existence], reducing the four Vajra Temple Infant Soul [the nascent soul stage of cultivation] cultivators to ashes of calamity.

He then turned his path towards the Western Pole Serene Spirit Temple, his expression icy as he declared, "If the Western Pole Serene Spirit Temple will not intervene, then let this lord personally meet this Immortal Path Lineage [a lineage or sect dedicated to the path of immortality]."

Over a thousand years ago, Eldrin Chen had already crossed blades with Divine Monk Kumarajiva of the Western Pole Vajra Temple.

At that time, due to the matter concerning Verdant Mist Yu, a grudge had been sown between Eldrin Chen and this lineage. In the years that followed, preoccupied with his cultivation and the great calamity, he had set aside this enmity.

Now, passing through the Western Pole Eternal Sands Domain, it was time to conveniently settle this old Karma [the spiritual principle of cause and effect, action and consequence].

Eldrin Chen journeyed onward, traversing the Boundless Void almost without notice, and before long arrived before the Vajra Temple.

The Vajra Temple was situated upon the Western Pole Great Awakening Mountain Range, at the ultimate peak of the northwestern highlands of the Purple Seal Realm. This mountain range was perpetually cloaked in pristine snow, yet it gathered the world's most exquisite spiritual energy, making it a rare and exceptional Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy, ideal for cultivation].

Upon this Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy], a magnificent and imposing palace sat atop the peak. The Buddhist hall was filled with the smoke of incense and the fervor of worship, with countless disciples of the Esoteric Sect moving through its halls, presenting an image of solemn and sacred grandeur.

"What a solemn and sacred Buddhist Sect Path-Field [a sacred ground or domain of cultivation]," he remarked.

"A pity that beneath this sacred Buddhist radiance lies nothing but filth and corruption."

Gazing at the Esoteric Sect Ancestral Court [the ancestral temple and primary seat of the Esoteric Sect] before him, Eldrin Chen let out a sigh. Then, he raised his hand and pressed it down in a gesture of suppression.

In that instant, a colossal hand that blotted out the heavens enveloped the Boundless Void, descending like the Star-Seizing Primordial Giant Hand [a divine technique of immense power, capable of plucking stars and capturing the moon]. Each wisp of descending Primordial One [the primordial, undifferentiated energy from which all things originate] essence seemed to carry the force of World-Opening [the primordial act of creation, the separation of chaos into heaven and earth]. This chapter is part of a larger work available at audio - novel . com.