Chapter 1138. Distribution of Treasures
Gazing at the Starry Cosmos Ancient Bell, Eldrin’s expression remained utterly composed. It had always been within his expectations that Daoist Tianfeng would attempt to claim this artifact.
After all, this Star Dome Bell was a primordial treasure. Though now severely damaged and incomplete, it remained the most precious of artifacts.
If the Daoist Tianfeng could 1 day restore this treasure, relying on its protection would likely increase his chances of transcending the heavenly tribulation and breaking through to the Earth Immortal realm by over 30 percent.
However, for Eldrin, this treasure was not a necessity.
Since Eldrin was protected by the Yin-Yang Polarity Pearl, its power might not be far inferior to that of the Starry Cosmos Bell.
Although the Astral Cosmos Bell was astonishingly valuable, the resources required to restore it were equally immense.
For over 1,000,000 years since Daoist Tianfeng established the clan, Mistwind Island had accumulated profoundly deep reserves, perhaps holding some chance of restoring it.
However, given the Chen family's current resources, it would likely take an accumulation of 200,000 to 300,000 years before there's any possibility of restoring it. This timeframe is simply far too long.
Thus, from the very beginning, Eldrin (Person Name) had no intention of choosing this object.
He gave a slight nod and affirmed, "Among these 6 treasures, the Starry Dome Bell is the most precious."
"You have taken this artifact, the remaining few treasures should rightfully be mine."
Elder Skywind furrowed his brow and began to bargain, "The Astral Fruits and these 3,000 astral stones hold little value for this old man. However, do leave me a portion of the Source of Stars."
"Agreed."
Eldrin nodded in understanding. The Sky Breeze Daoist sought a portion of the Primordial Stardust to bolster his chances of restoring the Astral Annulus Bell.
Storing away the Stellar Fruit and the 3 1000 stars, Eldrin then took 2 portions of the Source of Stars before handing the remaining portion of the Stellar Origin to Daoist Tianfeng.
Seeing the delight on Sky Breeze Daoist’s face, Eldrin still felt compelled to remind him, “This Starry Cosmos Ancient Bell has been damaged for what is likely a million years now.”
"Given the Star Spirit Clan's profound heritage, they have yet to restore it after all these years. Fellow Daoist, it would be wise not to hold overly high hopes."
Elder Tianfeng, however, smiled faintly and stroked his beard with unwavering confidence. "To be frank with you, the Heavenly Flame Ancestor of the Violet Blaze Blessed Land is a senior who ascended from the same mortal realm as I."
"After returning this time, I shall pay a visit to the Heavenly Flame Blessed Land to see if I can request Eldrin Heavenly Flame to restore this treasure."
"So that's how it is."
Eldrin gave a slight nod upon hearing this.
Immortals, born from the Mortal Realm, are akin to children of its heaven and earth.
To the immortals who have ascended from the same mortal realm, they may regard each other as fellow cultivators, but in the eyes of that mortal world's heaven and earth, they are nothing less than brothers born of the same mother.
For immortals, even their own descendants and disciples are but fleeting clouds—if they fail to attain immortality, they will inevitably turn to dust and enter the cycle of reincarnation.
Yet such a fellow ascendant from the same realm is akin to 1's own sister. Only those who can endure eternally between heaven and earth may become dao companions who walk alongside you for ages.
Should misfortune befall you in the future, you may yet rely on this fellow immortal from your homeland to guide your return.
Thus, this bond of fellow villagers could not be called unbreakable, but it was undeniably close and trustworthy.
Most immortals would gladly extend a hand to watch over fellow immortals from their homeland.
To get back on track, after dividing up a few supreme-grade immortal treasures, the 2 began to distribute the ordinary immortal treasures.
Rare were the supreme-grade immortal treasures, yet common ones were plentiful. With just a cursory inventory, the 2 of them had already gathered over a 100 immortal treasures.
The majority consisted of immortal herbs, ancient texts, or low-grade celestial treasures, none of which could be considered particularly rare.
The 2 evenly divided the immortal elixir and the low-grade immortal treasures, then made a copy of the ancient texts. Soon, they had completely distributed the low-grade immortal treasures.
The remaining superior-grade immortal treasures and demonic artifacts numbered a dozen or so. After excluding the several demonic items belonging to the Blood Fiend Old Demon, 8 remained.
Without hesitation, Eldrin (Person Name) directly retrieved the 3 treasures—the Gourd of Frost Malice, the Heart-Piercing Frost Spike, and the Glimmering Frost Veil—then procured a top-grade immortal rarity, 'Stellar Immortal Gold' (Magic Treasure), before stating:
"These 4 treasures would be of considerable use to me. Might I take possession of them?"
Seeing this, Daoist Tianfeng naturally knew to grant Eldrin a favor. "I've heard your celestial partner has cultivated the Ice Soul Immortal Body, which is indeed suited for refining these 3 ice-attribute immortal treasures."
"However, these 3 treasures are ultimately demonic artifacts, and the baleful energy within them is not easily dispelled. I possess a method to purify such malevolent energies, which I shall now impart to you, fellow Daoist."
As his words fell, he handed a jade slip to Eldrin (Person Name).
Eldrin took it and examined it, discovering it was a cultivation method specifically designed to neutralize all kinds of baleful energies. He immediately cupped his hands in gratitude and said, "This is truly what I urgently need. Many thanks, fellow daoist."
"Just a minor technique, hardly worth mentioning."
Elder Skywind let out a hearty laugh, then rose to his feet. "Since we have finished dividing the spoils, it is time we departed."
"Hmm."
Eldrin (Person Name) gave a slight nod before withdrawing to venture beyond the Cangling Ancient Star.
Emerging from the Cangling Ancient Star, the 2 did not depart immediately. They first unleashed their power to obliterate the core of the Bloodspring Demonic Realm before making preparations to leave.
Before parting, they cast 1 last glance at the Cangling Ancient Star.
The ancient star of Cangling now lay in ruins before his eyes, its stellar energies having already dissipated 70 or 80 percent and continuing to dwindle relentlessly.
Eldrin could not help but sigh, murmuring with deep emotion, "With the destruction of the stellar origin, the ancient Cangling Star has already fallen from its status as a blessed land."
"It appears that in less than 10 1000 years, the spiritual energy within will likely decline to the level of an inferior-grade immortal vein."
Elder Tianfeng nodded slightly before speaking, "As early as hundreds of millions of years ago, the Cangling Ancient Star had already been grievously wounded by a mere wisp of residual power from the Supreme Abyss Immortal Sovereign's strike."
"To have preserved a Lower Grade Immortal Vein after enduring such a calamity is already considered fortunate."
Eldrin nodded slowly and began to recount in a measured tone, "After this tribulation, the Star Spirit Clan has completely declined."
"Even if a handful of Star Spirits still survive, without their Genesis Haven, they will inevitably fade into the river of time."
"This may very well be the turning point for humanity's rise upon the Cangling Ancient Star."
As he spoke, Eldrin flicked his sleeve, releasing a primordial light that enveloped a scripture scroll before descending into the Cangling Ancient Star.
Seeing this, Elder Windward couldn't help but smile faintly. "Fellow Daoist, your compassion truly knows no bounds—to think you've even imparted the Path of Cultivation to the mortals of this star."
Eldrin (Person Name) merely smiled faintly, shaking his head calmly before soaring wordlessly into the depths of the void.
Meanwhile, on the Cangling Ancient Star, within a remote village, the corpses of human villagers lay scattered across the wilderness—clear evidence of having fallen victim to demonic cultivators.
Within the ancient well brimming with blood, a blood-drenched child crawled out. He gazed dazedly at his surroundings, his eyes filled with nothing but bewilderment and terror.
"Father... Mother..."
The child choked back a sob, gathering the remains with all his might, not daring to let out a single cry.
Just as he was on the verge of exhaustion, he saw a brilliant immortal light descend from the heavens, appearing directly before him.
As if guided by an epiphany from the unseen, he stepped forward and grasped that ancient scripture in his hand.
Chapter 1 The biting northern wind swept across the mountain range, howling like countless vengeful spirits. Snowflakes danced wildly in the air, blanketing the jagged peaks in a layer of pristine white. Upon a solitary cliff stood a young man, his blue robes fluttering in the gust like a lone flag refusing to yield. Lin Feng (Person Name) gazed into the distance, his eyes as deep and unreadable as an ancient well. 1 100 years had passed. 1 100 years since he crossed over into this world of cultivation, a world of soaring immortals and earth-shaking magic, yet also a world of ruthless competition and hidden dangers. He gently stroked the simple ring on his finger—the only thing he had brought from his previous life. This ring, seemingly unremarkable, contained a secret known only to him: a mysterious space where time flowed 10 times faster than the outside world. It was this very secret that had allowed him, with his mediocre talent, to reach the Foundation Establishment realm in a mere century. "Alas, even with tenfold time, advancing in cultivation remains so difficult," Lin Feng murmured to himself, a trace of bitterness flashing in his eyes. The resources required for each minor breakthrough in the Foundation Establishment stage were astronomical. Just the spirit stones needed to purchase the Pure Yang Pill (Elixir) amounted to no less than 50,000. Suddenly, a sharp whistle cut through the sky. A fiery red streak shot across the horizon, landing steadily before Lin Feng. The light faded, revealing a graceful female cultivator dressed in red. Her features were exquisite, but her expression was as cold as the surrounding frost. "Junior Brother Lin," the woman in red said coldly, "the sect has issued a mission: investigate the strange phenomena at the Abyssal Moon Valley. The reward is 20,000 spirit stones and 1 Foundation Establishment Pill (Elixir)." Lin Feng's heart stirred. The Foundation Establishment Pill was precisely what he needed most right now. But the Abyssal Moon Valley was notorious—rumors spoke of countless cultivators who had ventured in, never to return. "Sister Chu Xuan (Person Name)," Lin Feng replied calmly, "with my current cultivation level at the third level of Foundation Establishment, venturing into the Abyssal Moon Valley seems..." Before he could finish, Chu Xuan interrupted, "I know what you're thinking. But this is an order from the Elder (Sect Title). Besides..." She paused meaningfully, "I've heard that a stalk of 7-Colored Glazed Grass (Heavenly Material) has appeared within the valley." 7-Colored Glazed Grass! Lin Feng's pupils contracted slightly. This was a legendary spiritual herb, said to be able to purify 1's spiritual roots and significantly enhance cultivation speed. If he could obtain it... "Very well, I accept the mission," Lin Feng said, nodding. A faint, almost imperceptible smile flickered at the corner of Chu Xuan's lips. "Wise decision. We depart at dawn tomorrow." With that, she summoned her flying sword, transforming into a red streak that vanished into the distant sky. Watching her receding figure, Lin Feng's expression grew solemn. He knew this mission was anything but simple. The Abyssal Moon Valley, 7-Colored Glazed Grass, Chu Xuan's unusual enthusiasm... it all seemed like an intricately woven net. But a cultivator must contend with heaven, earth, and fate itself. Since an opportunity had presented itself, he would certainly seize it. He took a deep breath, circulating the 9 Revolutions Star Art (Cultivation Art). The spiritual energy between heaven and earth began to swirl around him, the snowflakes evading his form as if alive. In that moment, he seemed to merge with the vast, snowy mountains. The night deepened. Within his cave abode, Lin Feng sat cross-legged on a futon, the mysterious ring on his finger glowing with a faint, milky light. Inside the time-accelerated space, he carefully examined a yellowed jade slip—the cultivation method for the Divine Plunder Hand (Secret Technique) he had fortuitously obtained. "The Divine Plunder Hand, seizing the creation of heaven and earth to supplement oneself..." Lin Feng muttered the introduction, a flicker of shock in his eyes. This secret technique was actually capable of directly extracting spiritual energy from heavenly materials and earthly treasures, converting it into 1's own cultivation. While incredibly powerful, it carried immense risk—a single misstep could lead to the backlash of spiritual energy, resulting in severe injury or even death. He hesitated for a long time before finally making up his mind. The path of cultivation was inherently a race against time, a struggle with fate. If he didn't take risks, how could he hope to stand out in this world where the strong were revered? Closing his eyes, he began guiding his spiritual energy according to the method recorded on the jade slip. A faint, almost invisible aura slowly emanated from his body, twisting the surrounding space like an invisible vortex. Time passed silently. When Lin Feng opened his eyes again, a gleam of essence flashed within them. He could clearly feel that his cultivation had grown noticeably, nearly reaching the peak of the third level of Foundation Establishment. "It's indeed a heaven-defying technique," Lin Feng sighed in admiration. But then, a sharp pain shot from his meridians, reminding him of the price of this power. Suddenly, a deafening roar echoed from outside the cave, shaking the entire mountain. Lin Feng's expression changed drastically. Without a second thought, he grabbed the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) beside him and dashed out of the cave. Under the dim moonlight, a massive shadow loomed over the mountain peak. A pair of crimson eyes, each the size of a bronze bell, glowed with a sinister red light in the night. "Desolate Ancient Giant Ape (Ferocious Beast)!" Lin Feng's heart sank. This was a fourth-level ferocious beast, equivalent to a human Golden Core cultivator. How could such a creature appear in the outer reaches of the sect? The giant ape beat its chest and roared, its sound waves rippling through the air, causing the surrounding trees to snap and the rocks to crumble. It seemed to have set its sights on Lin Feng, its massive feet stomping toward him, each step shaking the earth. Lin Feng knew he was no match for it, but retreat was not an option. He took a deep breath, channeling all his spiritual energy into the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss. The sword erupted with dazzling crimson light, like a blazing phoenix soaring into the night sky. "Go!" With a loud shout, the sword shot toward the giant ape. A earth-shattering battle was about to begin. And Lin Feng had no idea that far away on another mountain peak, Chu Xuan was watching this very scene, a meaningful smile curling on her lips. "The game has begun," she murmured softly, her figure gradually fading into the darkness.