Chapter 24 Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location)

After the meeting concluded, everyone departed.

Chapter 1 Eldrin stood atop the Cloud-Scraping Peak, gazing into the boundless sea of clouds. His white robes fluttered in the wind, yet not a single speck of dust clung to them. "After 1 100 years of secluded cultivation, I've finally broken through to the ninth level of the Void Refinement Stage." He murmured softly, a faint golden light shimmering within his eyes. Suddenly, a streak of crimson sword light pierced through the clouds, transforming into a fiery missive that landed before him. The characters on it burned like dancing flames: "The Demon Sect marches upon our gates. All disciples, return to the sect at once!" A cold gleam flashed in Eldrin's eyes. "The Demon Sect dares to show itself again?" He raised his hand, and the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss materialized out of thin air, its crimson blade pulsing with spiritual energy. With a single step, he transformed into a streak of light, streaking across the sky. Below the mountain, over 10 1000 demonic cultivators were besieging the mountain-protecting formation. Countless magical treasures illuminated the sky, their collisions unleashing earth-shattering booms. "Hold the formation!" An elder bellowed, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. "We must hold out until the sect leader emerges from seclusion!" Just then, a sword cry resounded through the heavens. Eldrin descended from the sky, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss in hand sweeping out a crescent of crimson light. Over a 100 demonic cultivators at the forefront were instantly reduced to ashes. "The Grand Elder is here!" The disciples erupted in cheers. Eldrin stood before the formation, his gaze sweeping coldly across the demonic army. "Who among you seeks death?" A black-robed demonic cultivator stepped forward, his voice hoarse. "Eldrin, your cultivation has indeed reached the Void Refinement Stage. But do you truly believe you can stop tens of thousands of our demonic troops alone?" Eldrin responded not with words, but with his sword. The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss transformed into a fiery dragon, its roar shaking the heavens and earth. "Since you seek death, I shall grant your wish." The black-robed demonic cultivator's expression changed drastically. He had not anticipated that Eldrin would attack without the slightest hesitation. "Form the array!" he shouted urgently. Thousands of demonic cultivators simultaneously activated their demonic energy, weaving a massive black net in the sky. Yet the fiery dragon showed no signs of evading, crashing directly into it. A deafening explosion echoed as the black net shattered inch by inch. The demonic cultivators forming the array were all sent flying, blood spraying from their mouths. Eldrin hovered mid-air, his white robes spotless. The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss returned to his hand, its crimson glow even more dazzling than before. "Is this all the Demon Sect is capable of?" His voice was not loud, yet it carried an irresistible pressure. The black-robed demonic cultivator wiped the blood from his lips, a sinister smile curling at the corner of his mouth. "You're far too naive, Eldrin." As his voice fell, the sky suddenly darkened. A massive black shadow descended from the clouds, its aura so oppressive it made it difficult to breathe. Eldrin's eyes narrowed slightly. "A demon from the outer realms?" He gripped the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss tightly, golden spiritual energy beginning to circulate throughout his body. This battle had only just begun. "Wait a moment."

Eldrin was just about to depart when the Third Elder stopped him.

Lior (Person Name)看着Eldrin (Person Name)，目光有些欣慰的道：“这一年来，你修为进步的很快啊，连我都有些看不透了。”

"At this rate, I daresay you'll touch the threshold of Foundation Establishment within 3 to 5 years."

"I have merely made modest progress, far from matching the depth of Uncle's cultivation." Eldrin spoke with humility, then paused briefly. "Might I ask why you've asked me to stay?"

"I have come to you today regarding a matter of grave importance."

The Third Elder’s expression turned grave. He glanced around to ensure no 1 was nearby, then lowered his voice and said,

"This time, I wish for you to make a journey to the Celestial Ruins Mountain."

“…”

A moment later, Eldrin understood Lior's intentions.

The reason he was sent to Celestial Ruins Mountain was because the Second Elder had sold all the Qi Gathering Pills refined last year and brought back the spirit stones.

Combined with this year's various revenues, the clan treasury now holds over 2,000 spirit stones.

As early as a year ago, the Third Elder had proposed going to Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) to purchase a Meridian-Nourishing Pill (Elixir) to treat the clan leader's injuries. Now that the family had spirit stones, they naturally prepared to accomplish this matter.

This matter was of utmost importance. Originally, the most suitable candidate to procure the Meridian-Nourishing Pills would have been the Sixth Elder. However, after the Sixth Elder underwent his earthly demise, Eldrin (Person Name) became the only reasonably appropriate choice.

"I will have someone take over the spring plowing duties for you."

"Although Patriarch Jiang is a rogue cultivator, he is known for his fairness and integrity. If the price is right, he will likely sell the Meridian-Nourishing Pill to us."

"However, Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) is a place where dragons and fish jumble together—a motley crew. You must remain cautious and vigilant, lest you fall prey to others' schemes."

The Third Elder spoke, his eyes revealing a solemn expression.

Eldrin nodded and stored away the spirit stones. "This journey to Celestial Ruins Mountain shall not disgrace my mission."

A few days later, just after the New Year festivities concluded, Eldrin departed Verdant Chariot Mountain alone.

Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) lay far beyond the borders of Chu Kingdom (Location), over a 100 1000 li from Verdant Chariot Mountain (Location). Eldrin (Person Name) journeyed across mountains and rivers, spending 3 full months before finally setting foot within the domain of Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location).

"What incredibly dense spiritual energy."

"Is this the Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location)?"

Gazing at the vast mountain range before him, a flicker of envy passed through Eldrin's pupils as he recalled the origins of Celestial Ruins Mountain.

Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) stood at the edge of the Chu Kingdom (Location), bordering the vast marshlands, serving as the first barrier against the demon tribes.

It is said that many years ago, Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) was still a territory dominated by demonic beasts, with the Azure Sky Roc (Monster Tribe) clan reigning supreme over these lands. There were even great demons at the Purple Mansion (Cultivation Realm) level stationed here, causing even the mighty Qingyang Sect (Sect) of the Chu Kingdom (Location) constant headaches.

2 100 years ago, Daoist Jiang, a wandering cultivator, arrived from the eastern seashore. He slew the great Zifu demon dwelling upon Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) and claimed this third-order spirit vein as his own, renaming it Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location).

Due to its proximity to the vast marshlands dominated by demonic beasts, Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) has drawn countless rogue cultivators to gather here, gradually becoming a renowned sanctuary for rogue cultivators famed throughout Chu Kingdom (Location).

After entering Celestial Ruins Mountain, Eldrin straightened his robes to appear more mature before stepping into the Celestial Ruins Mountain market.

This was a purely cultivator-run market, with very few mortals present.

Due to the extremely harsh environment of Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location), where venomous insects and fierce beasts emerge in endless succession, ordinary mortals could hardly thrive and multiply here.

Precisely for this reason, despite having occupied Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) for 2 100 years, Daoist Jiang never established a cultivation clan. Instead, he remained a lone cultivator, merely taking on a handful of disciples and followers.

Upon arriving at the Celestial Ruins Mountain market, Eldrin did not rush to seek out Daoist Jiang to purchase Meridian-Nourishing Pills. After all, Daoist Jiang was the foremost Purple Mansion expert in the Chu Kingdom—not someone who could be met on mere whim.

This was his first time truly leaving the Chen Clan. With over 2,000 spirit stones tucked close to his chest, he naturally proceeded with extreme caution.

That very day, he found an inn to settle in and began discreetly gathering information. Within a mere 4 or 5 days, he had already grasped the general situation of Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location).

The Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) range spanned over 8,000 li. In addition to the tier-3, superior-grade spiritual vein at its main peak, there were also a dozen or so tier-2 spiritual veins.

These spirit veins were all assets under Daoist Jiang's control, having been developed over 2 centuries with numerous cave dwellings and spirit farms established.

These spirit fields and cave abodes were partially reserved for Master Jiang's disciples and their descendants, but the majority were designated for lease to rogue cultivators residing long-term in this area.

Beyond that, the largest enterprise in Yuyang Market, the Heavenly Ruins Pavilion, was also under Master Jiang's domain.

Elder Jiang was a prodigious talent, mastering all 1 100 arts of cultivation—alchemy, formations, artificing, and talismans—each skill refined to at least the third-tier level.

Although her disciples were not as accomplished as her, they each inherited her unique talents. They effectively controlled 90% of the material supply on Celestial Ruins Mountain, with people even traveling thousands of miles from various prefectures of Chu Kingdom to purchase their pills and magical instruments.

Tianxu Pavilion.

Eldrin's gaze flickered slightly, a hint of hesitation stirring within his heart.

Unable to meet Daoist Jiang, his only path to acquiring Meridian-Nourishing Pills remained the Heavenly Ruins Pavilion.

However, as the saying goes, 1 should not flaunt their wealth. 2 1000 spirit stones were enough to purchase a mid-grade, second-tier magic treasure. Carrying such a hefty sum made him a prime target in the eyes of many. If discovered, even Foundation Establishment cultivators might be tempted to take action.

Even though Elder Jiang was known for his integrity and the Sky Ruin Pavilion had maintained a sterling reputation for 2 100 years, it was highly unlikely they would covet his mere spirit stones. Still, 1 could never be too careful.

In this world, wherever sufficient interests are at stake, killing for treasure is often the most common occurrence.

A few years ago, Patriarch Chen Changxuan, who was at the Foundation Establishment, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm), had nearly lost his life over a Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object), let alone a mere cultivator like him at the ninth level of Qi Refining.

"Best to proceed with caution. We should observe the situation first before making any decisions."

"Let's head to the gathering first."

The thought flashed through Eldrin's mind, and then he stepped out of the inn.

The so-called gathering referred to the cultivators' assembly at the Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) market, which was typically held once every month and lasted only a single day.

Although Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) housed several 1000 rogue cultivators, most were either secluded in cultivation within their cave abodes or hunting demonic beasts in the desolate wilderness. Thus, the immortal marketplace appeared surprisingly deserted.

Unlike the bustling, perpetually crowded immortal cultivation markets depicted in novels of past lives, such scenes were nearly impossible to encounter in reality.

In truth, even the most prosperous establishment in Celestial Ruins Mountain, the Tianxu Pavilion, received no more than a dozen or so customers per day, making it a place of utter desolation.

Only during the monthly Cultivation Gathering would cultivators gather here to sell their accumulated monster materials and purchase desired items in return.

Eldrin arrived at the market and found approximately several 100 cultivators in attendance. Numerous vendors had set up stalls on the ground, displaying an almost exhaustive array of materials from demonic beasts, elixirs, magical instruments, and spiritual herbs.

He browsed the street stalls and discovered that the prices of spiritual herbs here were considerably lower than in the Pingyang Market.