Chapter 91 : A Foundation Shaken, A Deal Forged

"I observe that your cultivation, fair immortal, has also advanced considerably these years. You are likely nearing a breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment, Late Stage [the advanced phase of the Foundation Establishment realm], are you not?"

Eldrin Chen offered a courteous reply, "My meager achievements pale in comparison to yours, Immortal Liu."

Hearing this, Liu Seraphina allowed a smile to grace her features. A few years prior, she had finally advanced another step, breaking through to the Foundation Establishment, Sixth Layer [the sixth layer of the Foundation Establishment realm]. It was indeed a progress worthy of joy.

After the two exchanged pleasantries for a short while, the inventory of the Five Elements Essence [a refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements] was completed.

Liu Seraphina glanced at the ledger, her eyes flickering with a trace of confusion. "This year's batch of Five Elements Essence seems considerably less than in previous years," she remarked.

"Indeed," Eldrin Chen nodded, stating plainly, "I have consumed a portion in cultivating a divine ability these past few years. Furthermore, the clan has several Lifebound Magical Treasure [magical artifacts bound to a cultivator's life force, growing in power with them] that required refinement. Thus, a significant amount was indeed used."

"I see," Liu Seraphina nodded, her tone carrying a note of interest. "To consume so much Five Elements Essence, it appears your divine ability has made great strides, Fellow Daoist."

She then invited Eldrin Chen into an inner chamber. After both parties verified the accounts, the transaction was finalized.

This year's shipment of Five Elements Essence was half of the usual amount. The transaction amounted to just over five thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation], resulting in significantly reduced profits for the Chen Clan.

After settling the account, Eldrin Chen did not take his leave. Instead, he remained behind. Support the author by reading on audio-novel*com.

"My purpose in coming to Celestial Ruins Mountain this time, besides selling the Five Elements Essence, is also to acquire two specific items."

"Oh?" Liu Seraphina inquired with a smile. "What is it you wish to purchase? If Heaven's Ruin Pavilion has it in stock, I have the authority to arrange it for you."

A look of delight crossed Eldrin Chen's face. "Might Heaven's Ruin Pavilion possess any Divine Ability Jade Slip [a jade slip used to record and impart profound supernatural abilities] or Barrier-Breaking Fruit [a rare spiritual fruit that aids in breaking through cultivation bottlenecks]?" he asked promptly.

Divine Abilities [profound supernatural powers cultivated by immortals] possess immense power, enough to serve as a foundational treasure for any clan. However, mastering them is no simple feat.

These abilities are profoundly arcane and difficult to comprehend, their essence grasped through intuition rather than verbal instruction. The most effective path to mastery lies in continuous contemplation and insight into the ability's nature.

This process requires a medium. The Divine Ability Jade Slip serves as precisely that—a vessel capable of preserving the imprint of a Divine Ability. It allows a cultivator to observe and meditate upon it repeatedly, ultimately achieving enlightenment and mastery.

Yet, the material for crafting a Divine Ability Jade Slip is exceedingly precious, requiring Second Rank Precious Jade [a high-quality spiritual jade of the second rank] to bear the spiritual imprint, and the crafting process itself is far from easy.

The Chen Clan lacked the capability to produce Divine Ability Jade Slip. Therefore, Eldrin had come hoping to purchase one. His plan was to inscribe his own mastered Metallic Essence Divine Thunder [a divine thunder technique harnessing the essence of metal] onto the slip, making it accessible for Clan Patriarch Thalion and the other elders to study and comprehend.

Hearing his request, Liu Seraphina's expression shifted thoughtfully. "We do have a few blank Divine Ability Jade Slip in stock at Heaven's Ruin Pavilion," she said with a smile. "I can offer you one for one thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]."

"However, regarding the Barrier-Breaking Fruit, I'm afraid Heaven's Ruin Pavilion currently has none available."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen's face fell with disappointment. If the Heaven's Ruin Pavilion did not have it, he would have to try his luck in Feng and Ling Counties instead.

However, upon seeing his expression, Liu Seraphina gave a slight smile and continued.

"Yet, if you seek an Origin-Breaking Pill [a pill that aids in breaking through cultivation bottlenecks], it is not necessarily impossible to find."

"My master's mastery of formation arts is unparalleled within the Chu Kingdom. Not long ago, while divining the earth veins, she deduced that within thirty thousand Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] of Celestial Ruins Mountain, there must certainly be a First Wood Earth Vein [an earth vein rich in Wood-attributed spiritual energy]."

"My master is currently calculating the precise location of this earth vein. Once the correct position is confirmed, she will attempt to claim this First Wood Earth Vein."

As she spoke, Liu Seraphina's gaze settled on Eldrin Chen, her unspoken implication clear.

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen revealed a look of pleasant surprise. He understood perfectly well what an undiscovered earth vein represented.

An unexploited First Wood Earth Vein, even if only of Third Rank Low Grade [a classification for spiritual resources], signified that it would nurture a vast quantity of Spirit Medicine [plants imbued with spiritual energy for cultivation]. Among these would be no shortage of Second Rank Spirit Medicine, and there would likely be more than ten specimens of Third Rank Purple Mansion Realm Spirit Medicine [spirit herbs suitable for cultivators at the Purple Mansion realm].

Most importantly, within any virgin earth vein, one or two pieces of Yi Wood Crystal [a crystalized essence of refined Wood-attributed spiritual energy] would naturally form. If its grade were high enough, there might even be Purple Sun Jade [a rare jade infused with the essence of the purple dawn sun].

Unlike treasures such as Li Fire Crystal or Yi Wood Crystal, the Purple Sun Jade held a different value. For instance, an Yi Wood Crystal could only increase a Wood Spiritual Root [a cultivator's innate affinity for the Wood element] cultivator's chances of a Purple Mansion [a major cultivation realm] breakthrough by twenty percent.

This treasure is not only beneficial to cultivators of all Spiritual Root types, but it also increases a cultivator's chance of a breakthrough into the Purple Mansion [the third major realm of cultivation where one's spiritual foundation solidifies into a palace] by forty percent, its success rate far surpassing that of the former item.

Furthermore, using the Purple Sun Jade [a rare spiritual jade that aids in the Purple Mansion breakthrough] for a breakthrough attempt, even if it fails, will not cause any harm to the cultivator. Once they have regulated their condition, they can even make another attempt to assail the Purple Mansion in a very short time.

Given such marvelous properties, the value of the Purple Sun Jade naturally exceeds that of the Li Fire Crystal [a crystalized form of fire-attribute spiritual energy] by more than double.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen could not help but ask, "The First Wood Earth Vein [a rare earth vein rich in Wood-attribute spiritual energy]? What does Senior Jiang mean?"

Liu Seraphina nodded. "Developing an earth vein requires a significant investment of time. With the Beast Tide Calamity [a periodic invasion of demonic beasts] approaching, we do not have much time left."

"Therefore, Master plans to gather the Foundation Establishment Cultivator [cultivators of the second major realm] of Celestial Ruins Mountain to jointly assault that First Wood Earth Vein. We must retrieve the Yi Wood Crystal [a crystalized essence of First Wood energy] early to bolster our strength." Official source: audi0-n0vel.c0m. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen revealed a look of pleasant surprise. "When does Senior Jiang plan to attack the First Wood Earth Vein?"

"It should be soon," Liu Seraphina stated. "By divining the flow of the earth veins, Master has already narrowed down the location of the First Wood Earth Vein to an area spanning over three thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters]."

"Barring unforeseen circumstances, we should pinpoint its exact location within two months. You will naturally be summoned to participate when the time comes."

"In that case... my thanks."

After acquiring the Divine Ability Jade Slip [a jade slip used to record and transmit profound supernatural abilities], Eldrin Chen departed from the Heaven's Ruin Pavilion and returned to his Inn room.

Seizing the opportunity before the First Wood Earth Vein [a specific type of earth vein imbued with Wood-element spiritual energy] was officially claimed, he decided to first inscribe the Metallic Essence Divine Thunder [a powerful thunder-based divine ability harnessing the essence of Metal]. To inscribe a Divine Ability Jade Slip, one must first master the divine ability itself.

Eldrin Chen possessed extraordinary comprehension. He had already deciphered the Metallic Essence Divine Thunder several years prior and had long since succeeded in cultivating it. Now, transferring this ability into the Divine Ability Jade Slip was merely a matter of course, like water flowing downhill.

It took him roughly five or six days, but he finally succeeded in inscribing the Divine Ability Jade Slip.

"It is done at last," he murmured.

A smile of profound satisfaction graced his features. With this divine ability secured, his clan would gain another layer of profound heritage for future generations.

"Yet, this Green Sun Sect..."

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed once more. This technique originated from the Green Sun Sect, which could spell future complications. "It seems," he concluded inwardly, "until our clan produces a Purple Mansion Cultivator [a cultivator who has opened their Purple Mansion, the third major realm], we must refrain from recklessly displaying this power."

At that very moment, a series of knocks echoed from Outside the Room Door. The door opened, and the Second Elder, Chen Riverius, entered.

This clan elder shared a close bond with Eldrin Chen. With customary courtesy, Eldrin poured him a cup of tea and inquired with a warm smile, "What brings you, Uncle?"

"What brings you to my abode, Uncle?"

"Senior Liu Seraphina from the Heaven's Ruin Pavilion asked me to deliver an Invitation to you. She said it is to invite you to the annual Barter Convention [a large gathering where cultivators trade rare materials and treasures]."

Riverius Chen said, handing over an Invitation Letter.

Eldrin Chen took the Invitation Letter, opened it briefly for a glance, and grasped the general nature of this Barter Convention. He replied with a faint smile.

"The Barter Convention at Celestial Ruins Mountain often yields some fine treasures. I attended once, a decade past, and managed to trade for a stalk of Blood-Replenishing Ginseng [a rare spiritual herb renowned for its potent blood-restoring properties]. It was that very ginseng which healed the wounds of both you and Uncle Lior."

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