Chapter 1553 : A Vein of Fortune and Peril

After seizing the Large Immortal Source Mine [a massive deposit of Immortal Source crystals], Qixuan the Daoist has been secretly mining it for several million years. Even though he dared not act too boldly in recent years, it is estimated that he has extracted at least hundreds of millions of Immortal Source [a highly concentrated and pure form of spiritual energy crystal].

This wealth surpasses that of the vast majority of Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators who have reached the peak of the Earth Immortal realm and are on the verge of ascending to true immortality].

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen could not help but express his envy, saying, "With such wealth, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator], you have truly earned my admiration." Qixuan the Daoist nodded, then shook his head with a bitter smile. "Alas, while the Immortal Source is precious, possessing it invites calamity."

"Ever since the news of my possession of the Large Immortal Source Mine spread three to four hundred thousand years ago, many have set their sights upon me." "Now, I rely entirely on the Eightfold Celestial Dragon Grand Formation [a powerful defensive array formation] for protection. To guard against attacks, I dare not even venture beyond my Blessed Land [a land blessed with abundant spiritual energy]."

At this point, Qixuan the Daoist sighed. "This time, many from the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea [a vast and perilous sea region in the immortal domain] ventured into the Minor Universe [a smaller, self-contained pocket dimension]. Once they digest their gains, I fear some will turn their attention to me."

"If I do not achieve a breakthrough soon, this Immortal Source Vein [a vein or deposit of Immortal Source] will surely become the cause of my demise." Listening to Qixuan the Daoist's account, Eldrin Chen nodded slightly in understanding.

Given the immense value of a Large Immortal Source Vein, once exposed, it is impossible to defend without the strength of a Half-Step Celestial Immortal. In truth, even if Qixuan the Daoist were to break through to the Half-Step Celestial Immortal Realm and temporarily secure this Large Immortal Source Vein...

...when the Dao Tribulation [a great cosmic calamity or trial of fate] arrives, the very existence of this Large Immortal Source Vein will make Qixuan the Daoist one of the first targets for reckoning. For in the entire Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea, there are only a dozen or so such Large Immortal Source Vein, a fortune beyond the grasp of the vast majority of Half-Step Celestial Immortal.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke up. "Fellow Daoist, you overestimate me. Treasures capable of aiding a breakthrough to the Taiyi Realm [the Half-Step Celestial Immortal realm] are exceedingly rare. How could I possibly possess a third such treasure?"

Upon hearing this, Qixuan the Daoist nodded. After a moment of contemplation, he declared, "Since the treasure is secured, thirty thousand years from now, I shall attempt my breakthrough to the Taiyi Realm." Continue reading this story at audio-novel . com.

"However, because of this Large Immortal Source Mine, when I attempt my breakthrough into the Taiyi Realm [the realm of Primordial Unity], I fear at least three Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators on the very cusp of true immortality] will come to obstruct my Dao. I wish to ask for your assistance, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator], to guard my path during this critical juncture."

Speaking to this point, Qixuan the Daoist said, "I am willing to offer Thirty Million Immortal Sources [a vast quantity of purified spiritual energy crystals]. What do you think?" Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell into contemplative silence.

Given his current strength, safeguarding Qixuan the Daoist's Dao path was indeed a task he could undertake with considerable confidence.

Yet, the affairs of the Minor Universe [a self-contained pocket dimension or lesser world] had just concluded. Eldrin Chen dared not reveal his true capabilities, lest he draw the attention of the major Grotto-Heaven [paradisiacal realms and sects of immense power]. After all, in the past, he had crossed blades with not a few of their direct disciples.

Moreover, the present Eldrin Chen was not lacking in resources. There was no need to risk exposure for the sake of these Thirty Million Immortal Sources.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Your Great Tribulation [a cultivator's ultimate trial to ascend to a higher realm], Fellow Daoist, involves obstruction from at least three Half-Step Celestial Immortal. That level of opposition is far too perilous."

"My cultivation is merely at the Middle Stage Earth Immortal [the middle phase of the Earth Immortal realm], with combat power barely brushing the threshold of Earth Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle of the Earth Immortal realm]. Even with a Heaven-Opening Supreme Treasure [a legendary artifact of world-shattering power] in hand, intervening in a battle of that caliber would be far too dangerous."

At this point, Eldrin Chen shook his head repeatedly, politely declining Qixuan the Daoist's request.

Witnessing this, Qixuan the Daoist could not help but reveal a look of helplessness. He smiled bitterly, "With my current strength, without a sufficiently powerful Fellow Daoist to guard my path, it is simply impossible to survive the obstructing Great Tribulation."

"Must I truly abandon this Immortal Source Vein [a rich seam of spiritual energy crystals] and flee this Immortal Source Mine alone to save my life?"

In truth, Eldrin Chen also felt in his heart that the risk of defending this Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] vein was far too great, and Qixuan the Daoist fleeing was indeed the optimal choice.

However, seeing that Qixuan the Daoist was still hesitating, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before speaking. "If you, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator], truly wish to persist, I can recommend three potential guardians for you."

"Who?"

Upon hearing this, Qixuan the Daoist immediately grasped Eldrin Chen's hand in delight. "Please, Fellow Daoist, enlighten me."

Eldrin Chen subtly withdrew his hand before continuing. "First, Zixuan the Daoist of the Violet Firmament Sea Region. He is a dear friend of mine, a man of decisive methods and trustworthy character."

"Second, Separated Flame Deity of the Divine Race [a race of beings born from natural laws and possessing divine power]. Though she is of the Divine Race, she is a Rogue Cultivator [a cultivator not affiliated with any major sect or clan], and was once the foremost figure in the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea a million years ago."

"And third, Divine Lord Glaze. She is also one of the Ten Great Immortal Maidens of the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea, a title I'm sure you have heard of."

Hearing this, Qixuan the Daoist could not help but show a trace of hesitation.

Employing three Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators who have transcended the Nascent Soul realm and stand on the threshold of true immortality] as guardians would not come cheap.

Noting his expression, Eldrin Chen spoke again. "With the three of them guarding together, the danger they face is lessened. The price should be somewhat lower, though it certainly cannot be too low."

"In that case, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a cultivator of similar attainment], if you are willing to offer sixty million Immortal Source [a highly concentrated and potent form of spiritual energy used by high-level cultivators], I can act as an intermediary and persuade them on your behalf."

Upon hearing this, Qixuan the Daoist let out a sigh of relief, yet a trace of worry remained in his voice. "That price is acceptable. However, I am not intimately acquainted with these three individuals..." He left the sentence unfinished, but Eldrin Chen understood his concern: Qixuan the Daoist feared unforeseen complications.

Seeing his apprehension, Eldrin Chen spoke reassuringly. "Among these three, both Zixuan the Daoist and Divine Lord Glaze have been pillars of authority in the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea for tens of millions of years. Once they give their word to guard your Dao [protect you during a critical cultivation breakthrough], they would never renege."

"As for the Separated Flame Deity, she is practically a guaranteed candidate to become a Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a supreme level within the Heavenly Immortal realm]. If she coveted your Immortal Source Vein [a subterranean deposit of Immortal Source energy], she would not resort to underhanded schemes. She would simply come to obstruct your path openly."

Qixuan the Daoist listened and gave a slow, thoughtful nod.

In his heart, he largely agreed. The Separated Flame Deity was highly likely to break through to the Heaven Immortal Realm in the future. She was not the type whose further advancement hinged solely on a single Immortal Source Mine [a site for extracting Immortal Source]. Such a figure would hardly stoop to betraying her integrity for one Large Immortal Source Mine. For the best reading experience, visit audio-novel .c om.

If she truly desired an Immortal Source Mine, the Separated Flame Deity would be more inclined to challenge for the vein directly.

The real danger lay with those Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators at the peak of the Earth Immortal realm, on the cusp of Heavenly Immortal] who had opened six Seventh Heaven [a specific advanced stage within the Earth Immortal cultivation system]. Their chances of breaking through to become a Heaven Immortal were slim. To grasp at any possibility of advancement, they might cast aside their principles and scheme for his Immortal Source Vein.

Having reasoned this through, Qixuan the Daoist spoke decisively. "Since that is the case, I must trouble you, Fellow Daoist, to make the journey on my behalf."

"You owe me no thanks. I am merely repaying a past favor," Eldrin Chen replied with a faint, knowing smile.

With matters settled thus, Eldrin Chen departed from the Seven Mysteries Abode of Bliss. He then proceeded to visit the Violet Firmament Dao Palace to discuss this affair with Zixuan the Daoist.

If the three of them joined forces to protect someone during their Dao advancement and succeeded, they could split sixty million Immortal Source [a highly refined and potent source of immortal energy] evenly.

Although this sum was no longer a significant fortune for the present-day Zixuan the Daoist, it still represented a considerable income. Furthermore, the task would not require an excessive amount of time and the associated risks were not overwhelmingly high.

Consequently, Zixuan the Daoist agreed to the proposal. He also promised that upon success, he would exchange his share of the Immortal Source with Eldrin Chen for Galaxy Star-Sand Pill [a potent cultivation pill refined from cosmic star-sand]. Having concluded this arrangement, Eldrin Chen returned to the Flowing Fire Abode of Bliss where he met Separated Flame Deity, who was in secluded cultivation there.

He relayed the details to Separated Flame Deity, who likewise consented to participate in the endeavor. Visit www . audio-novel.com to enjoy the complete series.