Chapter 1553 : A Wealth That Invites Calamity

After seizing the Large Immortal Source Mine [a major vein of Immortal Source ore], the Seven Mystery Path Master has been secretly mining it for several million years. Even though he dared not act too boldly in the earlier years, he has likely extracted at least hundreds of millions of Immortal Source [a high-grade spiritual energy crystal used by immortals] by now.

This wealth surpasses that of the vast majority of Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator on the verge of ascending to the Celestial Immortal realm].

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen could not help but express his envy, saying, "With such wealth, Fellow Daoist, you have already earned my profound admiration."

The Seven Mystery Path Master nodded, then shook his head with a bitter smile. "Alas," he sighed, "though the Immortal Source is precious, possessing it invites calamity."

"Ever since the news of my Large Immortal Source Mine spread three or four hundred thousand years ago, I have become a target for many."

"Now, I rely entirely on the Eightfold Heavenly 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 imbued with potent spiritual energy and natural blessings]."

At this point, the Seven Mystery Path Master sighed deeply. "Many from the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea [a vast and perilous sea region] ventured into the Small Universe [a pocket dimension or miniature realm] this time. Once they have digested their gains, I fear some will turn their attention to me."

"If I do not achieve a breakthrough soon, I fear this Immortal Source Ore Vein will become the very cause of my demise."

Listening to the Seven Mystery Path Master recount his tale, Eldrin Chen nodded slightly in understanding.

Given the immense value of a Large Immortal Source Mine, once exposed, it is impossible to defend without the strength of a Half-Step Celestial Immortal.

In truth, even if Seven Mystery Path Master were to break through to the Half-Step Celestial Immortal Realm [a quasi-immortal state just below true celestial immortality] and temporarily hold onto this Large Immortal Source Mine [a major vein of Immortal Source energy], the situation would remain precarious.

For when the Path Tribulation [a great cosmic calamity that periodically reshapes the world] descends, the very existence of this Large Immortal Source Mine would make Seven Mystery Path Master one of the first targets to be purged and plundered.

This is because within the vast expanse of the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea [a perilous sea region in the western realms], there are only a dozen or so Large Immortal Source Mine veins. The vast majority of Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators on the cusp of true immortality] do not possess such staggering wealth.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but speak. "Fellow Daoist, you overestimate me. Treasures capable of aiding a breakthrough to the Primordial Unity Realm [the foundational realm of true celestial immortality] are exceedingly rare. How could I possibly possess a third one?"

Upon hearing this, Seven Mystery Path Master nodded. After a moment of deep thought, he spoke again. "Since the treasure is secured, then thirty thousand years from now, I shall attempt my breakthrough to the Primordial Unity Realm."

"However, because of this Large Immortal Source Mine, when I make my attempt, I fear at least three Half-Step Celestial Immortal will come to obstruct my Path [attempt to disrupt the critical breakthrough process]."

"I wish to request your assistance, Fellow Daoist. To guard my Path for me during that pivotal moment."

At this point, Seven Mystery Path Master stated his offer. "I am willing to pay thirty million Immortal Source [crystals of purified immortal energy, a high-level currency]. What say you?"

Eldrin Chen fell into contemplation upon hearing the proposal.

Given his current strength, guarding the Path for Seven Mystery Path Master was a task he could undertake with considerable confidence.

However, the matter of the Small Universe [a self-contained pocket dimension] has only just concluded, and Eldrin Chen dared not reveal his true strength, lest he draw the attention of the various Grotto-Heaven [major immortal sects residing in blessed paradises].

After all, in the past, he had crossed blades with not a few direct disciples of those very Grotto-Heaven.

Moreover, the current Eldrin Chen was not lacking in resources. There was no need to risk himself for a mere thirty million Immortal Source [crystals of pure, condensed immortal energy].

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Fellow Daoist, your Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial to advance one's cultivation] will be opposed by at least three Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators on the very threshold of ascending to true immortality]. The power arrayed against you is simply too formidable."

"My own cultivation is merely at the Middle Stage Earth Immortal [the middle phase of the Earth Immortal realm], with combat power barely brushing the level of Earth Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle of the Earth Immortal realm]. Even with a World-Opening Supreme Treasure [a legendary artifact of primordial power] in hand, to intervene in a battle of such magnitude would be far too perilous."

Speaking thus, Eldrin Chen shook his head repeatedly, politely declining the request of the Seven Mystery Path Master.

Seeing this, the Seven Mystery Path Master could not help but reveal a look of helplessness. He smiled bitterly, "With my current strength, without sufficiently powerful fellow Daoists to guard my path, it is simply impossible for me to survive the Path-Blocking Great Tribulation [a tribulation specifically designed to block one's ascension to a higher path of cultivation]."

"Must I truly abandon this Immortal Source Ore Vein [a subterranean lode rich in Immortal Source crystals] and flee the Immortal Source Ore [the mining site] alone to save my life?"

In truth, Eldrin Chen also felt that the risk of defending this ore vein was too great. For the Seven Mystery Path Master, escape was indeed the wisest choice.

Yet, seeing the Seven Mystery Path Master still hesitating, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before saying, "If you, Fellow Daoist, are truly determined to stand your ground, I can recommend three candidates to serve as your Path Guardian [a protector who defends a cultivator during their tribulation or critical advancement]."

"Who?"

Upon hearing this, Seven Mystery Path Master immediately grasped Eldrin Chen's hand with delight and said, "Please, Fellow Daoist, enlighten me."

Eldrin Chen calmly withdrew his hand before replying, "Violet Firmament Sea Region's Violet Mystery Path Master is a dear friend of mine. He is a man of decisive methods and can be trusted."

"Then there is the Blazeflame Divine Spirit of the Divine Clan. Though she belongs to a divine lineage, she is a rogue cultivator and was once the foremost figure in the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea a million years ago."

"And Glazed Divine Lord—she is also one of the Ten Great Immortal Maidens of the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea. I presume you have heard of her."

Upon hearing these names, Seven Mystery Path Master showed a trace of hesitation.

Securing the protection of three Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators on the verge of ascending to the Celestial Immortal realm] would not come cheap.

Noting his hesitation, Eldrin Chen spoke again, "With three guardians sharing the duty, the risk each faces is diminished. The price should be somewhat lower, though not excessively so."

"Here is my proposal. If you are willing to offer sixty million Immortal Source [crystals of purified immortal energy, a high-level cultivation resource], I can act as an intermediary and persuade them on your behalf."

Seven Mystery Path Master let out a sigh of relief at the figure but still voiced a concern, "That price is acceptable. However, I am not intimately familiar with these three individuals…"

He did not finish his sentence, but Eldrin Chen understood his meaning; Seven Mystery Path Master was wary of unforeseen circumstances.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke up: "Among these three, Violet Mystery Path Master and Glazed Divine Lord have both been figures whose might has shaken the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea for tens of millions of years. Once they agree to guard your path, they would never renege."

"As for the Blazeflame Divine Spirit, she is practically a guaranteed seed for the Celestial Immortal Great Power realm. If she coveted the Immortal Source Ore Vein [a vein of ore containing the condensed essence of immortal energy], she would likely come to obstruct your path openly rather than resort to schemes."

Hearing this, Seven Mystery Path Master gave a slight nod of agreement.

In his heart, he also understood that the Blazeflame Divine Spirit would most likely break through to the Celestial Immortal Realm [the realm of celestial immortals] in the future. She was not someone whose further progress hinged solely on this single vein of Immortal Source Ore [ore containing immortal source energy]. Such a figure would have no need to scheme against him for the sake of a single Large Immortal Source Mine.

If she truly desired Immortal Source Ore, it would be far simpler for the Blazeflame Divine Spirit to just come and seize the mine directly.

In contrast, it was those Half-Step Celestial Immortal cultivators who had opened their sixth Seventh Heaven [a specific stage of cultivation]. Their own chances of breaking through to become a Celestial Immortal were slim. To increase those odds, they might be willing to sacrifice their integrity and scheme for his Immortal Source Ore Vein.

Having thought it through, Seven Mystery Path Master spoke: "If that is the case, then I must trouble you, Fellow Daoist, to make the journey on my behalf."

"I owed you a favor from the past. This is only right."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile as he replied calmly.

With matters settled thus, Eldrin Chen departed from the Seven Mysteries Blessed Land. He then proceeded to visit the Violet Firmament Path Palace to discuss the affair with Violet Mystery Path Master.

Should the three of them join forces to successfully guard someone's path advancement, they would split sixty million Immortal Source [a highly concentrated and pure form of spiritual energy used by high-level cultivators] equally.

Although this sum was no longer a significant fortune for the present-day Violet Mystery Path Master, it remained a handsome reward. Furthermore, the task would not require an excessive amount of time and carried a relatively manageable level of risk.

Thus, Violet Mystery Path Master 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 powerful cultivation pill refined from the essence of celestial sand].

Having concluded this matter, Eldrin Chen returned to the Flowing Fire Blessed Land and sought out Blazeflame Divine Spirit, who was in secluded cultivation there.

He relayed the details to Blazeflame Divine Spirit, who likewise consented to participate in the endeavor.