Chapter 523 : Paths to Immortality

"As for the Demon Race [the collective term for sentient, often malevolent, non-human creatures that cultivate], beings like the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor aspire to forge an Immortal Body [a physical form refined to the point of transcending mortality] within the Mortal Dust [the mundane world of mortals], treading the path of the Immortal Body Immortal."

Exquisite Jiang also nodded in agreement. Cultivators of the Human Race [humankind] often possess slightly weaker physical constitutions, but their comprehension and innate talent are typically far more formidable.

Some possess transcendent insight, perceiving the Path Principles [the fundamental laws and truths that govern reality and cultivation] of heaven and earth as clearly as lines upon their own palm. They can thus comprehend Path Principles Power [power derived from understanding and wielding these fundamental laws] and walk the path of the Path Principles Immortal [an immortal who ascends through profound comprehension of the Dao's principles].

Others may lack such innate insight but possess immense perseverance and an unyielding will. With supreme determination, they can condense their lifelong cultivation into an Immortality [a state or technique conferring eternal life] Path Fruit [the crystallized essence of one's cultivation path and comprehension], thereby achieving ascension and transforming into an immortal.

However, those among the Human Race who choose the path of forging an Immortal Body [a physical form refined to the point of transcending mortality], seeking to achieve physical immortality within the Mortal Dust [the mundane world of mortals], are indeed exceedingly rare for a Path Lord [a master who has reached a profound understanding of their chosen cultivation path].

Contemplating this, Exquisite Jiang remarked, "The records on this remnant page have already touched upon the Near-Immortal Realm [a state of cultivation just one step away from true immortality]. Its creator was likely not far from achieving immortality."

"If such an existence was a senior from the Purple Seal Realm [a specific realm or region in the cultivation world], they would undoubtedly have been a figure renowned throughout the world, one who approached the realm of immortals. In the future, we should inquire and see if we can complete this fragmented scripture."

"Agreed."

Eldrin Chen nodded, though inwardly he held little hope.

This Primordial Solar Heaven Scripture [a scripture or cultivation manual] now consisted of only its single most precious remnant page. It was clear a great calamity had once occurred, causing the Primordial Solar Heaven Scripture to be torn, with this page lost to time. Continue reading this story at audio-novel . com.

Now, after an age of such profound change, countless tens of thousands of years have passed since this tattered page was first inscribed.

The Golden Foil Celestial Book possesses its own spiritual nature, and over these long eons, it somehow became tainted by a demonic force, causing its sacred scripture to mutate into the malevolent 'Heaven-Seizing Path-Forming Art'.

One could say that had it not been for Eldrin Chen's righteous fury, which drove him to refine and purge the demonic taint with his Solar Solar Fire, this celestial page might have remained lost to the world for countless more years.

"Although this celestial page is incomplete, it still offers us valuable insights,"

"In the future, when we seek to deduce a method for achieving immortality through physical cultivation, this remnant art can serve as a reference."

Thus spoke Eldrin Chen, before carefully storing away the Golden Foil Celestial Book.

After cataloging these ancient scrolls, the remaining treasures, though numerous, held little further interest for the pair.

Eldrin Chen rose to his feet, gazing at the Qin Clan's Spirit MountainPath-Field, and spoke, "Now that we control the Vast Sea, and with the Great Wasteland City and Spirit Isle Lake set to ascend within the next Sixty-Year Cycle, we will soon possess four Fifth Rank Spiritual Vein."

"Given our current strength, for at least the next two centuries, we will lack the capacity to secure a fifth Spiritual Vein."

"Furthermore, this Qin ClanPath-Field is situated too close to the Heavenly Reed Sect. Therefore, I believe this Spiritual Vein should be relinquished."

Exquisite Jiang listened and nodded. After a moment of contemplation, she said, "We could entrust it to the Heavenly Reed Sect, or sell it to rogue cultivators from the nearby great continents. That way, we could still obtain a sum of Spirit Stones [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of agreement. "Let us inquire with the Heavenly Reed Sect first," he stated.

Having made their decision, Eldrin Chen immediately dispatched a letter to the Heavenly Reed Sect.

The response from the Heavenly Reed Sect was swift. In a mere half-month's time, the Heavenly Reed Sect Master personally ascended the Qin Clan's Path-Field.

The Heavenly Reed Sect Master was already over three thousand two hundred years old. Although he had passed his natural lifespan limit, he had consumed two Fifth Rank Longevity Pills [elixirs that extend a cultivator's lifespan], granting him another one thousand eight hundred years of life—a span that could still be considered ample.

Having cultivated for such an immense length of time, the Heavenly Reed Sect Master's cultivation had long since reached the Infant Soul 6th Tier. Furthermore, he was a powerful True Lord [a title for a high-level cultivator] who had forged his Infant Soul [the nascent spiritual form of a high-level cultivator] upon the Earthly Path [a profound and stable foundation for cultivation]. Confident in his formidable skills, he dared to come alone to the Spirit Mountain. Upon meeting Eldrin Chen, he spoke forthwith.

"I have long heard that the two True Lords possess talent that startles the immortals themselves. Seeing you today, I find the reputation is indeed well-deserved."

"With your presence, it seems our Three Veins Ancient Domain may one day produce two Primordial Solar Path Lords [a prestigious title for supreme cultivators who have mastered the solar path]."

The Heavenly Reed Sect Master spoke these words, his tone filled with genuine admiration.

"You flatter us, True Lord," came the modest reply.

Seeing his courteous demeanor, Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and gestured for the Heavenly Reed Sect Master to take a seat.

He personally poured a cup of tea for the Heavenly Reed Sect Master. After the customary pleasantries, Eldrin Chen did not beat around the bush and spoke directly: "To be frank, I bear a vendetta of the deepest kind against the Qin Clan."

"Now that I have eradicated the Qin Clan, I wish to sell this Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy]. I wonder if you would be willing to take it over?"

Although he had anticipated this, the Heavenly Reed Sect Master's expression still shifted slightly upon hearing the words.

As the dominant power of the Tianlu Continent, their Heavenly Reed Sect possessed only two Fifth Rank Spiritual Veins [powerful underground energy currents of the fifth tier].

To tell the truth, this particular Spiritual Vein had originally belonged to the Heavenly Reed Sect. Around six hundred years ago, during the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm, the sect lost three of its Infant Soul True Lords [powerful cultivators at the Infant Soul realm], and most of the survivors were severely wounded. Your portal to cultivation novels: audio-novel . com.

Seizing this moment of weakness, the Qin Clan Patriarch, who had just broken through to the Infant Soul realm, occupied this Fifth Rank Spiritual Vein. From then on, he claimed nearly half of what was once the Heavenly Reed Sect's territory.

If they could reclaim this Spiritual Vein now, the resources available to the Heavenly Reed Sect would increase significantly. In the future, they might even be able to nurture one or two more Infant Soul Cultivators.

With this thought, the Heavenly Reed Sect Master spoke: "This Spirit Mountain was originally our sect's Path-Field [a territory for cultivation and resource gathering]. Naturally, we wish to reclaim it. However, I hope you will not make an exorbitant demand."

"You need not worry about that."

Eldrin Chen said with a smile. After some back-and-forth haggling, the two parties settled on a price of two hundred million Spirit Stones [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] for this Fifth Rank Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy].

This price was roughly half the cost of nurturing such a Spirit Mountain, practically a fire-sale discount. Eldrin Chen would never have sold it if the Chen Clan had not been stretched too thin to hold onto it.

Once the price was settled, Eldrin Chen inquired, "Spirit Stones are of little use to us True Lords [a high-level cultivator realm]. I wonder if they could be exchanged for Five Elements Essence [a refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements]?"

"That can be arranged,"

replied the Heavenly Reed Sect Master with a nod. Although the Heavenly Reed Sect had declined in strength in recent years, they had stockpiled a considerable amount of Five Elements Essence over time.

This treasure, much like Heavenly Crystals [a purified, high-density form of Spirit Stone], served as a hard currency for high-level cultivators, even more convenient than ordinary Spirit Stones.

For cultivators like Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang, the various Spiritual Treasures [powerful enchanted artifacts] they wielded, and the cultivation of their Innate Great God Abilities [supreme innate divine powers], all required Five Elements Essence worth tens of millions of Spirit Stones.

With this influx of Five Elements Essence, they could finally begin to properly digest the gains from their recent ascension to the True Lord realm.

After concluding the transaction, Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang took flight towards the Vast Sea.

"..."

Half a month later, they arrived at Frigid Stream Island.

Seeing the two return, Old Patriarch immediately inquired, "How did the journey fare?"

"It went smoothly enough."

Eldrin Chen nodded and recounted the outcome of the battle to him.

After listening for a moment, Old Patriarch smiled and said, "With this, you have settled your Karma [the spiritual debt and consequences of one's actions]. You can finally cultivate in peace for a time."

Eldrin Chen said little more, instead asking about the situation in the Vast Sea during their absence.

Mentioning this, Eternal Profound Chen replied with a bitter smile, "The major Immortal Clan [powerful families of cultivators] of the Human Race are scattered across the many Spirit Island [islands rich in spiritual energy]. But without Teleportation Formation [magical arrays for instantaneous travel] connecting them, even we cannot establish full control over the region in a short time."

"Moreover, the endless emergence of demons and monsters has placed great pressure upon us."

As Old Patriarch continued his account, Eldrin Chen gradually came to understand the changes that had swept the Vast Sea. For the best reading experience, visit audio‑novel.com.