Chapter 1028 Short on Funds

"Most likely so."

Qian Xuande nodded gravely. "The Patriarch of the Setting Sun Blessed Land is a Fifth Tribulation Transcendent who has weathered 5 heavenly tribulations."

For many years, he had remained at the Half-Step Earth Immortal realm, his strength long since sufficient to attempt the breakthrough to the full Earth Immortal stage.

"However, he possessed only a single Supreme-grade Immortal Treasure, which was likely insufficient to attempt the Opening of the Heavens. Thus, he refrained from acting rashly."

At this point, Qian Xuande paused briefly and said, "Each heavenly tribulation for cultivators grows more formidable than the last."

"That individual, under the protection of the Earth Immortal from the Setting Sun Blessed Land, has managed to survive 5 successive heavenly tribulations—truly no small feat."

"If he fails to break through during the next heavenly tribulation, I'm afraid he'll likely never get another chance."

Qian Xuande began to elaborate, explaining the Heavenly Tribulation to Eldrin.

It is known that the Heavenly Tribulations of immortals are exceedingly difficult to overcome. The first 3 tribulations may be manageable, but with each subsequent 1, the challenge grows ever more formidable.

Generally speaking, an immortal who has survived 4 heavenly tribulations possesses a 20 percent chance of breaking through to the Earth Immortal realm.

On this foundation, each additional tribulation overcome increases 1's certainty of breaking through to the Earth Immortal realm by twofold.

Correspondingly, the peril of each heavenly tribulation would grow increasingly and boundlessly terrifying.

Generally speaking, immortals capable of surviving 7 heavenly tribulations were those with ambitions of becoming Celestial Immortals. They either possessed extraordinary courage and methods, or were backed by supreme Earth Immortals—or even Celestial Immortals.

The 5 Calamity Immortal of the Setting Sun Blessed Land possessed no means to withstand 7 heavenly tribulations, relying solely on the backing of a single Earth Immortal Patriarch.

With such an identity, attempting to enter the tribulation and overcome 7 heavenly strikes would leave you with less than a 1 in 10 chance of survival.

For this very reason, the more seasoned immortals of the Crimson Sunset Sea had already concluded that he would most likely seize the opportunity after 60,000 years to make a decisive attempt at breaking through to the Earth Immortal realm.

At present, the Crimson Sun Blessed Land's desire to acquire treasures for forging a Heaven-Sundering Artifact clearly corroborated Qian Xuande's conjecture.

"Esteemed guests, is there truly no suitable treasure for exchange?"

Seeing that everyone seemed rather uninterested, Immortal Qingshu added with undiminished persistence, "Even a top-grade immortal root will suffice."

"If any of you possess a superior-grade immortal root, and are at least willing to fell and sell it to our Sunset Abode, you may negotiate a price with me privately."

Alas, the Immortal Root could bear Celestial Fruits, making it a heritage treasure capable of being passed down for tens of millions of years among immortals.

In the long run, a superior immortal root holds greater value than even the finest immortal treasure, so they naturally wouldn't commit such a short-sighted act of killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

Thus, even when Immortal Qingshu presented all sorts of rare treasures, the assembly remained utterly unmoved.

In the end, Immortal Qing Shu had no choice but to depart. Before leaving, he reminded them once more, “Soon, the Crimson Sun Earthly Immortal Realm will open. There may still be a top-grade immortal root within.”

"If you happen to obtain it by then, you may seek me at the Setting Sun Blessed Land."

"Rest assured, all of you, our Setting Sun Blessed Land will surely offer you a satisfactory price."

After Immortal Qing Shu departed, several more immortals stepped forward in succession.

As the Earthly Immortal Realm's opening drew near, the assembled immortals had brought forth numerous treasures for trade, all hoping to exchange them for celestial artifacts or protective talismans. Their goal was to secure greater fortunes within the Earthly Immortal Realm.

Among them were several pill recipes, formation arrays, and spirit talismans for sale, leaving Eldrin utterly captivated.

Unfortunately, Eldrin had just entered the Immortal Realm, and though his possessions couldn't be called utterly destitute, his poverty was truly excessive.

He carried nothing on his person except for a few life-bound immortal treasures and the Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root) Golden Cauldron—a mid-grade immortal treasure.

There remained 1 Faith Silver, along with a dozen or so Immortal Origins for cultivation.

"My coffers are running dry."

Eldrin could only watch helplessly as the alchemical formation was taken away, his Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root) being the last thing he wished to part with.

Seeing this, the Ethereal Void Immortal wished to offer assistance, yet realized he carried few items of value upon his person.

Helpless, he gave a bitter smile and said, "I'm ashamed to admit it, but I'd love to help you. Unfortunately, my pockets are utterly empty right now."

It turned out that in recent years, to break through to the middle stage of Ascendant Immortal realm, the Void-Refining Immortal had sold off nearly everything of value he possessed. Now, apart from his Natal Immortal Treasure, he owned almost nothing else.

"Don't trouble your heart over it. Consider it an opportunity to broaden your horizons."

Eldrin shook his head, a faint, bitter smile gracing his lips.

Thinking of how the impoverished Refined Void Immortal had still lent him a Faith Silver, Eldrin felt a faint warmth blossom in his heart.

After a moment of contemplation, he said to the Void-Refining Immortal, "Let us journey together to the Crimson Sun Earthly Immortal Realm."

"If we run into any trouble, we can watch out for each other."

"Very well."

Immortal Lianxu gave a slight nod. Though he had never witnessed Eldrin (Person Name) in actual combat, he faintly perceived that Eldrin (Person Name) possessed extraordinary battle prowess and likely wouldn’t hold him back.

At this thought, the Void-Refining Immortal smiled and said, "If we join forces, along with your 2 wives, we should be able to challenge even those at the late stage of Ascendant Immortal realm."

Eldrin gave an unreadable smile, yet spoke with utter calm, "My 2 wives are with child of late. Let them remain on Green Abyss Island for this journey."

"Oh?"

Void-Refining Immortal’s face lit up with astonishment, and he could not help but stroke his beard in ecstasy, exclaiming, “It seems this old man must strive fiercely for supremacy within the Earthly Immortal Realm!”

"Otherwise, when the time comes to present congratulatory gifts after emerging, mine would appear too shabby. I fear this old man would have no face left to stand by your side."

"Very well, then we shall fight side by side!"

Eldrin nodded, a flicker of resolve flashing in his eyes.

Amid the bustling exchange fair, Eldrin and Lianxu, 2 destitute immortals, quietly watched as others reaped bountiful gains, yet neither took the stage to present their treasures.

By the time the Barter Assembly had fully concluded, Eldrin realized he had unwittingly witnessed over a 100 varieties of priceless immortal-tier treasures.

"Although this trip yielded no treasures, it has broadened my horizons—hardly a fruitless endeavor."

By the time the exchange conclave concluded, Eldrin could not help but chuckle wryly and console himself.

The Void Refinement Immortal standing nearby gave a nod, his expression brimming with pride as he declared, "In my 9 visits to the Grand Bazaar of Exchanges, though I’ve only managed to acquire a single Creation Elixir (Immortal Pill), I’ve laid eyes upon thousands of rare treasures."

"So while this old man may have ascended not long ago and my cultivation seems utterly unremarkable, when it comes to vision and appearance, I dare say I'm second to none."

Eldrin (Person Name)：“…”

Qian Xuande and the 6 Cycles Immortal, standing nearby, also revealed peculiar expressions upon hearing this.

In the end, it was Immortal Liu Chen who shook his head with a wry smile and waved his hand. "In 3 100 years, the Earth Immortal blessed realm will open. This old man must also make some preparations, so I shall take my leave."

Qian Xuande, however, offered a bitter smile and shook his head. "Having cultivated for so many years, I've always prioritized caution. As long as I remain on the mountain and avoid worldly affairs, I won't invite trouble."

"This earthly paradise is fraught with peril. I fear some immortals may be forced to undergo tribulation rebirth."

"This old Daoist still wishes to cultivate in peace, with no desire to tread through the mortal world. I believe I shall refrain from joining this journey."

As he spoke, he turned to Eldrin and the other, saying, "The Earthly Celestial Realm is perilous. Since your ascension, less than 1 100 1000 years have passed—you must remain cautious."

"It would be better to cultivate for a few more years. We can wait until we break through to the late stage of Ascension, then enter the ancient ruins during the next opening."