Chapter 1012 : A Pact Forged in Immortal Source

Thinking of this, Xander Qian stroked his beard and chuckled, "Since that is the case, this old man will await the good news from you, Fellow Daoist."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. He retrieved three Immortal Source [a rare, high-purity spiritual energy source used by powerful cultivators] from his robes and said, "This time, I owe much to your guidance in dispelling my confusion. Please accept these Immortal Source as a token of my gratitude."

Xander Qian's eyes flickered subtly. Immortal Source were exceptionally precious, capable of not only advancing an Immortal's cultivation but also serving as a valuable medium for trade.

This information was not some exclusive secret; many Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core realm of a cultivator] cultivators within the Lingering Sun Sea Region were aware of it. For Eldrin Chen to be willing to offer three Immortal Source was already a significant gesture of goodwill.

Therefore, he did not refuse. After accepting the Immortal Source, he smiled and said, "This old Daoist will accept without further ceremony. When you, Fellow Daoist, establish your Path-Field [a cultivator's personal domain or territory], I shall certainly come in person to offer my congratulations."

"Then I will personally deliver the invitation," Eldrin Chen replied.

"..."

Having obtained the intelligence he sought, Eldrin Chen did not linger. He departed from Verdant Rock Island immediately.

No sooner had they left Verdant Rock Island than Lila could not help but ask, "Are we truly going to the Crimson Dragon Sea Region to attack a Spirit Island [an island rich in spiritual energy] occupied by demons and monsters?"

Eldrin Chen did not answer immediately. He understood Lila's unspoken concern. Experience the full epic at www . audio-novel.com.

He possessed the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a supreme, primordial energy of creation and chaos], which could be used to nurture and elevate a treasure like the Acquired Celestial Immortal Root [a spiritual root capable of transforming into an immortal-grade treasure].

The environment of the Immortal Realm [the higher plane of existence where immortals dwell] differed from that of the Mortal Realm [the mundane world]. If an Acquired Celestial Immortal Root took root within the Immortal Realm, it could draw upon the foundational energies [the primal, life-giving essence] of the Immortal Domain [a region within the Immortal Realm] and convert them into Immortal Spirit Essence [the purified spiritual energy used by immortals for cultivation] to fuel their practice.

It could be said that with just a single Acquired Spiritual Root [a spiritual plant with transformative properties], they could artificially create an Immortal Vein [a ley line or concentration point of immortal-grade spiritual energy].

Therefore, for them, it was entirely possible to avoid provoking the Divine Spirits [powerful spiritual entities native to the Immortal Realm] and simply find an island on their own to elevate into an Immortal Vein.

However, Eldrin Chen did not choose that path. He merely shook his head thoughtfully and said, "We have just arrived in the Immortal Domain. To establish ourselves here and avoid being looked down upon, we must demonstrate a measure of our capabilities."

"Furthermore, while the Lingering Sun Sea Region [a specific sea region within the Immortal Domain] is safe, it is overseen by an Earth Immortal Patriarch [a powerful immortal who has mastered the earthly realm of cultivation]. If we were to elevate an Immortal Vein within his territory, it would inevitably draw his attention."

Eldrin Chen elaborated calmly, his gaze turning towards the Crimson Dragon Sea Region. "In contrast, the Crimson Dragon Sea [a specific sea within the region] has no Earth Immortal Patriarch overseeing it, is relatively remote, and offers us more room to maneuver."

Upon hearing this, Verdant Consort and Exquisite Jiang both nodded slightly in agreement.

The Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea [a vast, named sea in the Immortal Realm] encompassed over three thousand sea regions. Yet, the power structures within most of these regions were deeply entrenched, having been established and consolidated over hundreds of thousands, even millions, of years. Many regions were anchored by Earth Immortal Blessed Land [sanctified lands cultivated by Earth Immortals] that stabilized their Fortune [the metaphysical luck and destiny of a place].

In a place like the Crimson Dragon Sea, where the Crimson Dragon Patriarch [the former ruler of that sea] had fallen thirty thousand years ago, the various Immortal Vein had changed hands numerous times over the millennia. Even if they were to conquer one now, the surrounding powers would likely view it as just another routine shift in the turbulent tides of power.

With this thought in mind, Verdant Consort spoke: "Let us first seize an Immortal Vein [a spiritual land vein of exceptional quality, the foundation for immortal cultivation], conquer a cultivation Path-Field [a designated territory for cultivation and sect development], and then discuss the matter of advancing your Spiritual Root [the innate spiritual foundation that determines a cultivator's potential and affinity]."

His resolve firm, Eldrin Chen immediately set off for the Crimson Dragon Sea.

The Immortal Domain [the vast realm where immortals dwell] was boundless; even two neighboring sea regions were separated by an immense and daunting distance.

They flew for a full month before finally crossing the endless ocean and arriving at the borders of the Crimson Dragon Sea Region.

Gazing at the Crimson Dragon Sea Region ahead, Exquisite Jiang inquired, "That is the Crimson Dragon Sea before us. Which immortal isle should we target for our first strike?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen immediately unfurled a map to study.

After a moment's examination, his plan solidified. Pointing at the map, he declared, "Within the Crimson Dragon Sea Region, three powers stand in a delicate balance: the Divine Spirits [innate beings of great spiritual power], the Demon Immortal [demonic cultivators who have attained immortality], and the Human Race Immortal [human cultivators who have ascended to immortality]."

"Of the sixteen immortal isles here, our Human Race Immortal hold only three. The Divine Spirit Lineage [the lineage or faction of Divine Spirits] controls five, and the remaining eight are entirely dominated by the Demon Race."

"The only viable targets for us are..."

Eldrin Chen paused, then pointed decisively at the eight Spirit Island [islands rich in spiritual energy, often used as cultivation bases] held by the Demon Race.

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in understanding, grasping the reasoning behind Eldrin Chen's plan.

Among the sixteen Immortal Isles [islands imbued with immortal energy and spiritual power] within the Crimson Dragon Sea Region, the three held by the Human Race were naturally off-limits for action, as they represented ready-made allies.

Furthermore, Eldrin Chen had limited understanding of the Divine Spirit Lineage [a powerful lineage or clan of divine beings], making it unwise to rashly make an enemy of them.

If they were to clash with the Divine Spirit Lineage, the demon Clan Assembly [a formal gathering of demon clans] would likely watch with glee, perhaps even eagerly waiting for the moment when both sides were weakened to drive them out.

Within this sea region, the Demon Race held the most formidable power. Their only viable path to establishing a foothold was to seize an Immortal Vein [a concentrated ley line of immortal-grade spiritual energy] from the demons' grasp and then ally with the Divine Spirits [powerful beings who have ascended to a divine state of cultivation] to jointly resist the demon forces.

Having reasoned this through, Nyssa Qu could not help but ask, "My lord, have you already decided which immortal isle we should contest?" Experience the full epic at audio novel.com.

"Yes," he affirmed.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, his gaze falling thoughtfully upon the map in his hands.

Within the Crimson Dragon Sea Region, there were a total of sixteen immortal isles. Of these, the Human Race occupied three, the Divine Spirits held five, and the remaining eight were under the dominion of the Demon Race.

These eight demon-held isles were, in turn, dominated by three formidable demonic powers: the Crimson Dragon lineage, the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle lineage, and the forces of the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape [a powerful ape demon lord commanding the powers of wind, fire, and thunder].

Among the several Demon Race factions, the Crimson Dragon lineage is descended from the bloodline of the former Crimson Dragon Patriarch. Although it declined after the Crimson Dragon Patriarch perished attempting to break through to the Earth Immortal realm, it still possesses six beings at the Ascendant Immortal Realm.

Thus, this lineage's strength remains formidable. They occupy five Immortal Isles, making them a force not to be underestimated.

The Crimson Flame Divine Eagle lineage, on the other hand, is a Mythical Immortal Seed that has roamed the Immortal Realm for many years. This lineage boasts three Ascendant Immortal Crimson Flame Divine Eagle; it is said one has even reached the late stage of the Ascendant Immortal Realm.

They occupy two Immortal Isles. While their strength does not match that of the Crimson Dragon lineage, they are still exceedingly powerful.

"Judging solely by the Human Race forces stationed on the three Immortal Isles within the Crimson Dragon Sea Region, I fear they may not surpass the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle Clan by much,"

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, shaking his head slightly.

Before coming, he had inquired and learned that the Human Race occupied three Immortal Isles in the southeastern part of the Crimson Dragon Sea Region, with only four great powers at the Ascendant Immortal Realm in total. This showed that the Golden-Winged Divine Eagle lineage was also a force to be reckoned with.

Seeing this, Violet Consort Yan beside him pondered for a moment before asking, "My lord, are you suggesting we avoid the Crimson Dragon lineage and the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle Clan, and instead target the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape?"

"Not at all!"

Eldrin Chen shook his head and said, "The Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape is also not to be underestimated. It is a rare variant from the Primordial Era that ascended from a certain Great Thousand World."

"It is said that this Demon Immortal [a powerful demonic cultivator who has transcended mortality] has wings of wind and fire upon its back. It was originally a Mythical Immortal Seed [a rare and potent spiritual entity with the potential for immense growth] known as the Wind-Fire Divine Ape, and its primary cultivation should be the Wind-Fire Heavenly Demon Body [a formidable physical constitution harnessing the powers of wind and flame]."

"Yet its talent is truly extraordinary. Not only has it successfully cultivated the Wind-Fire Heavenly Demon Body within it, but it has also comprehended a certain Thunderclap [a powerful technique or principle manifesting as a thunderous force] Path Principles Power [the fundamental laws and energies that govern cultivation and reality]."

"Cultivating both Path Principles [the fundamental laws of the universe and cultivation] and an Immortal Body [a physical form refined to an immortal level of resilience and power], coupled with a cultivation base at the mid-stage of the Ascendant Immortal Realm [a high realm of immortal cultivation], the talent and strength of the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape [a mighty demonic beast embodying wind, fire, and thunder] should not be underestimated."

Upon hearing this, Exquisite Jiang showed no surprise, having anticipated as much.

As a peerless Demon Immortal capable of single-handedly claiming a territory within this Crimson Dragon Sea [a vast and perilous sea region], the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape undoubtedly possessed exceptional abilities.

However, all three of them were Ascendant Immortal [powerful immortals] of significant power. Merely this was not enough to make them retreat; the true reason lay elsewhere.

Then, Eldrin Chen flicked his sleeve and pointed at the illusory map, saying, "The Immortal Isles [islands imbued with immortal energy, often rich in spiritual resources] occupied by the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape are located in the northwestern corner of the Crimson Dragon Sea Region."

"They are too distant from the Human Race [the collective of human cultivators and their societies] Immortal [an immortal cultivator] strongholds to the southeast, and are also separated from the Divine Spirit Lineage [a powerful faction or bloodline descended from or aligned with divine spirits] dominating the northeast by Demon Race Territory [lands controlled by demonic beings]."

"If we were to seize that isle, we would instead find ourselves isolated and without support."

"It would be better to take one of the Immortal Isles in the eastern Southern Sea [a southern sea region] domain, currently held by the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle [a powerful eagle-like demon beast wielding crimson flames]. That would allow us to connect with several other Human Race Immortal Isles, forming a contiguous territory." Original English translation available at audio . novel . com.