Chapter 305 : Ji Continent Trading Post (Location)

He had just entered the Ji Continent Trading Post (Location) when he spotted numerous Zi Palace cultivators. Even Golden Core masters, who ordinarily commanded utmost reverence, were present—he could sense several dozen of their auras here.

"Hymn—"

Just as Eldrin was marveling at the novelty before his eyes, an overwhelmingly terrifying demonic aura suddenly swept over him.

Beyond the market, a dragon's roar resounded as a crimson 1000-zhang flood dragon spiraled upward into the heavens.

The flood dragon bared its fangs and brandished its claws, its crimson eyes blazing like twin suns. Scales of fiery red, forged as if from divine metal, radiated an indomitable aura as though it could tear continents asunder.

Jiao Dragon Demon Emperor.

"How could there be a Flood Dragon Demon Emperor here!"

"Could it be that the Emerald Wave Lake has launched an attack?"

Eldrin's eyes trembled, an unimaginable terror surging within his heart.

Just as the crowd was gripped by doubt and uncertainty, a voice echoed from the sky.

"Wretched fiend, cease your rampage!"

"Roar——"

The crimson dragon let out a low growl and withdrew its menacing aura.

Eldrin looked up and finally noticed a figure in crimson robes standing atop the horned dragon's head.

Everyone took 1 glance and couldn't help exclaiming in astonishment, "Who is this, actually riding atop a Demon Emperor?"

Lyra glanced sideways and remarked to Eldrin, "This man bears the title Crimson Dragon True Lord, a renowned rogue cultivator from the Eastern Sea cultivation realm and a close friend of True Lord Ji."

This individual's methods are particularly adept at subduing dragon-kind, having once tamed a Crimson Flood Dragon to serve as his personal steed. His prowess far surpasses that of ordinary True Lords.

"They have traveled all the way from the East Sea this time, most likely invited by the Ji Clan to assist in dealing with the Azure Wave Lake."

Eldrin nodded slightly. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Patriarch of the Ji Clan would once again attempt the Soul Formation Realm breakthrough within 2 100 years.

Too many demons and monsters were unwilling to witness this moment, and even some humans with grudges against the Ji Clan did not wish to see his breakthrough. By then, every manner of foul spirit and monster would surely crawl out from the shadows.

At this moment, the power of connections became crucial. If 1 had a wide circle of friends, they would naturally invite trusted companions to guard their path of cultivation.

In the world of cultivation, this was hardly a disgraceful matter—after all, the aid of trusted allies often proved invaluable in critical moments.

After all, even the mightiest have their limits. How utterly frustrating it would be to finally break through to the Nascent Soul realm, survive the Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulation, only to perish beneath a Mortal Tribulation.

"The Divine Abilities of the Crimson Dragon True Lord are most effective in restraining the dragon race. With his assistance, even the True Lords of the Azure Wave Lake would have to show some caution."

As the 2 were speaking, they noticed that the Crimson Dragon True Monarch had already been received by the Ji Clan's Eldrin True Monarch and flown toward the spiritual mountains in the rear.

At this moment, it was still early for the Exchange Fair. Lyra and Eldrin rented a cultivation cave abode, then decided to browse the ongoing cultivation gathering while they had time.

The cultivation gathering at Ji Continent Trading Post (Location), like most marketplaces, held a minor fair each month and a grand assembly once a year. However, this year's event grew far more bustling than usual due to the commencement of the Ji Continent Golden Core (Cultivation Realm) Barter Convention.

Eldrin (Person Name) scanned the horizon, only then realizing the gathering had drawn tens of thousands of cultivators.

Among the cultivators gathered at the assembly, there were no small number of Purple Mansion cultivators, and even some Golden Core Elders had come to this place, hoping to see if they could unearth any treasures.

Eldrin strolled along quietly and actually managed to discover several treasures 1 after another.

He spent a few spirit stones to purchase a Sun Treasure Crystal (Spiritual Object) and several third-tier spirit herbs, then paused before a vendor's stall.

Casually picking up a first-grade superior treasure, Eldrin smiled and asked the stall owner, "How much for this artifact?"

The stall owner, a plainly dressed girl of about a dozen years old at the seventh level of Qi Refining, gazed at Eldrin and felt his aura was as unfathomable as an abyss. "This first-grade magic treasure of our ancestor has been in use for over 2 100 years and is on the verge of breaking down completely."

His cultivation base was far more powerful than even their patriarch's, so why would he purchase a nearly-scrapped first-order magic treasure?

"Could it be an enemy of the Patriarch?"

At this thought, her heart tightened, but she dared not refuse. She could only stammer, "Senior, this item costs 5 spirit stones."

After saying this, she still felt somewhat apprehensive, so she added, "3 spirit stones would also be acceptable."

Eldrin (Person Name) remained expressionless as he tossed over 5 spirit stones and took hold of that upper first-grade magic treasure.

"2 100 years, and it's still preserved so perfectly."

He took it and examined it carefully, confirming the origin of this magic treasure before asking again, "What is your name?"

"I..."

The girl’s heart skipped a beat. Though she wanted to conceal her identity, the words slipped out almost against her will: “My name is Chen Sixuan.”

"Generation Si, hmm."

Eldrin nodded thoughtfully.

He rose to his feet and spoke calmly, "Take me to see Chen Nianxu."

Chen Sixuan led the way while stealing glances behind her, her heart filled with unease—a mixture of lingering fear and utter despair.

The auras of these 2 figures behind him were unfathomably profound. Before them, he found himself utterly incapable of summoning the courage to lie.

"It's over, it's all over. The Patriarch's enemy is this terrifying."

"We've been hiding for so many years, yet they found us just as the Patriarch is nearing his end. Is Heaven truly determined to destroy us?"

Chen Sixuan was utterly terrified, frightened out of her wits by her own thoughts.

Yet she found herself utterly powerless to refuse in their presence. With no other choice, she led them out of Ji Continent Trading Post (Location) and into a remote first-grade spirit mountain.

Atop the Spirit Mountain at this very moment, an elderly man with hair as white as snow lay reclined upon a chair, his expression bearing a trace of serene tranquility. Yet, observing the state of his waning vitality, it was clear he had nearly reached the brink of his final moments.

"Ancestor, Ancestor."

At that very moment, Chen Sixuan's voice rang out.

Ancestor.

Chen Sixuan hurried over, supporting the old man as she spoke with lingering fear, "Ancestor, forgive me—I actually brought villains to our gates."

"I can't refuse them, wuwuwu..."

Eldrin gazed calmly at the grandfather and grandson, his eyes fixed intently upon the elder.

He shook his head and remarked placidly, "It's been a long time."

It turned out this man was none other than Chen Nianxu, whom Eldrin (Person Name) had spared all those years ago.

"Ahem—"

Chen Nianxu coughed violently twice, struggling forward to kneel on the ground. "Nianxu... pays respects to the Patriarch."

"Given your seniority," Eldrin shook his head, flicking his sleeve to raise the kneeling figure. "Such profound courtesy is unnecessary."

"From the moment I was exiled from the clan, I ceased to be 1."

Chen Nianxu trembled uncontrollably, his aged eyes brimming with tears.

Eldrin watched in silence, his heart filled with countless emotions.

This Chen Nianxu had somehow obtained a certain serendipity to break through to Foundation Establishment. Now, over 1 100 years had passed, and his lifespan had already reached its end.