Chapter 912 : A Transaction Forged in Power

Sylas Ye spoke with icy calm. Without waiting for Crocodile Progenitor's reply, he flicked his sleeve, casting a massive severed head to land before the ancient beast.

The Crocodile Progenitor's heart lurched with shock. "What is the meaning of this, Fellow Daoist?" he asked, unable to mask the fear in his voice.

Sylas Ye merely shook his head, his tone dispassionate. "This is the Abyssal Water Serpent Demon Progenitor, once a hegemon among the Demonic Tribe of the Southern Sea."

"During the recent Demonic Abyss Cataclysm, this wretch not only abstained from the Battle of the Horizon Sea Pavilion, but seized the chance to launch a treacherous assault upon Separated Flame Island. This act provoked the wrath of my Master, who commanded me to execute it."

Having laid out the facts, Sylas Ye's tone shifted. "However, you need not fear. My purpose here today is not to move against you, but to propose a transaction."

"A transaction?"

The Crocodile Progenitor's expression shifted subtly, a suspicion already forming in his mind.

As expected, Sylas Ye nodded. "I offer you the Daoist Assembly Ground [a sacred site for cultivation and gathering] of the Abyssal Water Serpent, in exchange for the lower reaches of your territory along the Eastern Wilderness Ancestral River."

"This..."

A tumult of astonishment and dread churned within the Crocodile Progenitor. His gaze fell upon the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss held effortlessly in Sylas Ye's hand, and he understood the grim truth. This was a transaction in name only—a choice he did not truly possess. Visit audio-novel dot com to enjoy the complete series.

Given Eldrin Chen's current strength and status, dealing with a mere Demonic Tribe Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a high level of power], he could simply seize what he wanted by force and none would dare utter a word of protest.

The fact that he offered the Abyssal Water Serpent Emperor's Daoist Assembly Ground [a sacred site for cultivators to gather and discuss the Dao] in exchange was likely a gesture of respect, acknowledging his repeated and crucial contributions in the great battles of recent years.

"With the Human Race's rise in the Eastern Wilderness, there truly is little room left for us Demonic Monsters," the ancient being mused inwardly.

"So be it. This old one shall use this opportunity to withdraw from the Eastern Wastelands and journey to the Southern Sea Cultivation World instead."

In the flash of a thought, Crocodile Progenitor understood his own precarious position.

Without further hesitation, he clasped his hands and declared, "Since it is the word of Eldrin, the Ancient Ancestor, this old one shall comply."

Time flowed on, swift and unceasing.

In what seemed like the blink of an eye, nearly a century had passed since the Purple Realm reclaimed the Star Archipelago.

Over these hundred years, the Demonic Monsters within the Purple Realm lay dormant, while the Human Race flourished with soaring momentum. An initial period of recuperation and growth had been achieved, painting a picture of vibrant prosperity.

Amidst this rare and precious peace, Eldrin, the Abyss's impending Dao Preaching [a grand event where a supreme expert expounds upon the profound principles of cultivation] became the paramount event of the entire Purple Realm.

Verdant Chariot Mountain [the ancestral mountain of the Chen Clan] was initially nothing more than an insignificant hillock. Not only was it obscure within the vast expanse of the Eastern Wastelands, but even within the borders of the Chu Kingdom, it was a place utterly unknown to fame.

Yet, as the saying goes: A mountain's stature matters not; with an immortal's presence, its spirit is wrought.

As the dragon-rising land [the place of origin and ascension] of the Chen Clan, the sacred ground of Dao Lord Eldrin, Verdant Chariot Mountain had in recent years seen its prestige grow ever more resplendent, regarded by Cultivators of the World as a place of legend.

Countless cultivators yearned for it with profound longing. Upon hearing that Dao Lord Eldrin would be Dao Preaching [expounding the profound principles of cultivation] upon Verdant Chariot Mountain, they naturally sought to approach and ascend its slopes, eager to listen to the Purple Realm's foremost Dao Lord [a title for a supreme master of the Dao] discourse on the Great Dao [the ultimate, fundamental truth and path of cultivation].

"Ahead lies Verdant Chariot Mountain."

Within the boundless Great Wilderness, two figures journeyed on foot. Gazing upon the faintly visible, majestic divine mountain ahead, expressions of reverence and anticipation dawned upon their faces.

The figure on the left wore a White Robe and carried a longsword. With sword-like brows and starry eyes, his features were exceptionally handsome, and he walked with the casual grace of a mortal swordsman.

The other was also a man, clad in an Azure Robe. Between his brows rested an air of distinguished transcendence.

Only upon reaching the mountain gate of Verdant Chariot Mountain did the White Robe-clad man finally turn. He cupped his hands towards the Azure-Robed Man beside him and said, "We halted our flight beyond Yu County and traversed tens of thousands of Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] on foot to reach Verdant Chariot Mountain. To have shared this journey is a karmic bond of fate."

"I am Taibai Jiang of the Supreme Profound Hall. It is here I greet you, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator]."

"So you are a distinguished disciple of the Supreme Profound Hall. My apologies for the earlier lack of recognition."

The Azure-Robed Man blinked in momentary surprise, then smiled and replied, "I am Xuan Qingyi, long a resident of the Eastern Sea Cultivation World. I am but a disciple under a Rogue Cultivator [a cultivator unaffiliated with any major sect or clan], hardly a match for the illustrious reputation of the Supreme Profound Hall."

"Oh?"

Taibai Jiang's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of astonishment crossing his features.

The man before him possessed cultivation at the Half-Step Nascent Soul Realm [a pinnacle stage just below the Nascent Soul realm], yet claimed to be merely the successor of a Rogue Cultivator. This defied all his expectations.

After a moment's pause, he spoke thoughtfully, "To have nurtured a disciple of your caliber, your master must undoubtedly be a Dao-achieving sage whose name shakes the very heavens." This content originates from audio–novel.com. Please respect copyright.

"You flatter me too much."

Xuan Qingyi chuckled softly, shaking his head and deftly sidestepping the topic.

At that very moment, a figure emerged from the mountain gate of Verdant Chariot Mountain.

The newcomer, clad in flowing robes, cast a calm glance at the two men before speaking with a smile, "Are our guests Venus of the Supreme Profound Hall and Fellow Daoist Xuan Qingyi?"

"That would be me."

Taibai Jiang gave a slight nod, his gaze instinctively sweeping over the newcomer.

Yet, with just that single glance, his pupils constricted sharply, and a look of profound gravity settled upon his features.

He, Taibai Jiang, was the direct disciple of the late Master of the Supreme Profound Hall, the final student taken under the wing of a Ninth Layer Nascent Soul [the ninth and highest stage of the Nascent Soul realm] mighty figure. He was hailed by Master of the Supreme Profound Hall as a once-in-ten-millennia seed destined to become a Sword Immortal [a peerless master of the sword path],

Yet now, having met two individuals in succession, he found that both Xuan Qingyi and the man before him possessed auras so profound they were utterly unfathomable.

Though Taibai Jiang prided himself on being a rare genius under heaven, he held no certainty of victory against either of them.

With this realization, he surmised the visitor's identity and rose to his feet, clasping his hands in salute. "Might you be Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator] Alistair Lu?"

"Indeed, I am."

Alistair Lu offered a warm smile and returned the salute. "Both of you are esteemed guests. I awaited here precisely to welcome your party."

"I see."

Xuan Qingyi [a powerful cultivator] nodded, then said with a smile, "I have long heard that the disciples under Eldrin, the Ancient Ancestor are each a peerless genius with the bearing of a Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing immense power and potential]."

"Now that I have seen them, I understand the rumors are indeed true."

"You flatter me, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator]."

Alistair Lu shook his head, his gaze turning toward the distance. He then spoke, "Please wait a moment, honored guests. My Master calculated that another Fellow Daoist would arrive and instructed me to receive them together."

As his words faded, he rose and strode into the distance.

Seeing this, Taibai Jiang [a powerful cultivator] was momentarily taken aback, his brow furrowing slightly before his eyes followed Alistair Lu's path.

There, amidst the vast expanse of the Great Wilderness [a vast, untamed land], a man in black robes was slowly making his way toward Verdant Chariot Mountain. His progress was measured and solemn—three steps, then a deep bow; nine steps, then a full prostration.

"Who is he?"

Taibai Jiang frowned, unable to suppress his curiosity.

It was Xuan Qingyi who seemed to know more, his expression turning thoughtful as he replied, "He is the Rogue Cultivator [an unaffiliated cultivator who operates independently] known as 'Demon-Slaying Daoist' [a title for a cultivator renowned for vanquishing demons], who has risen to prominence in the Eastern Wilderness in recent years."

"His original name and Daoist title are lost to time. It is said his entire family and clan were slaughtered by Extraterrestrial Heavenly Demon [a powerful demonic entity from beyond this realm]. In the aftermath, he descended into Qi deviation [a state of cultivation backlash where one's energy runs amok], yet from that madness emerged a profound enlightenment."

"From that point, his rise was meteoric. He once, with mere Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, preceding the Nascent Soul] cultivation, slew a severely wounded Nascent Soul Celestial Demon [a demonic being of immense power, equivalent to a human Nascent Soul cultivator]. Little wonder he caught the eye of Eldrin, the Ancient Ancestor."

At this point, Xuan Qingyi continued, "I heard this man originally hailed from the Star Lake Ancient Domain [an ancient, mystical region]. During the great war that ravaged that land, Senior Eldrin personally rescued him from the clutches of a Demonic Cultivator [a cultivator who uses sinister, demonic arts]."

"Now, his journey here to pay homage is surely to repay that debt of life from days long past."

"So that is the way of it."

Taibai Jiang nodded, then sighed, a note of sorrow in his voice. "Since the Demon Realm's birth, the Purple Realm has been a tapestry woven more with sorrow and parting than joy. Even my own Master..."

The words trailed off, leaving Taibai Jiang with a palpable ache in his heart. Find thousands of chapters at audio-novel dot com.