Chapter 97 : Harvest of the Azure-Gold Forest

"On the eve of the Beast Tide Calamity [a periodic, devastating invasion by monstrous beasts], to achieve such a harvest truly signifies our rising fortune."

Elara Lin leaned in for a look, her expression immediately brightening with joy as she spoke.

The resources gained from this venture were remarkably abundant. Beyond the Yi Wood Crystal [a crystalized essence of primordial wood energy], there were three Third Rank Magical Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts suitable for Purple Mansion Realm cultivators] and a full twenty-nine specimens of Third Rank Spirit Medicine [rare herbs potent enough to aid Purple Mansion Realm cultivation], of which over thirteen were already mature.

The combined tally of mature Second Rank Spirit Medicine [herbs beneficial for Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation], Second Rank Spirit Wood [spiritually attuned wood used in crafting], and similar materials exceeded one hundred specimens. The remaining First Wood Essence [a pure, condensed form of wood-element spiritual energy] and other Second Rank Treasure [valuable spiritual items of the Foundation Establishment grade] were also considerable.

Furthermore, there was an entire grove of Azure-Gold Wood Forest. The Azure-Gold Wood [a rare spirit plant possessing both wood and metal attributes] is a dual-attribute spirit plant. Once it reaches an age of three hundred years, its wood can be forged into Second Rank Magical Tool [enchanted tools and weapons for Foundation Establishment cultivators]. Discovering such a forest within this earth vein was a truly delightful surprise.

After reviewing the ledger, Lyra Jiang closed it and summoned all the Foundation Establishment Cultivator [practitioners who have solidified their spiritual foundation] who had participated in the campaign.

Once everyone had assembled, she addressed them directly. "Your contributions to this assault on the secret realm were significant."

"The spoils have been cataloged. I intend to allocate half of the Second Rank Treasure [valuable spiritual items of the Foundation Establishment grade] to be distributed among all participating Foundation Establishment Cultivator."

"I have tasked others to calculate merit points for each of you based on your individual efforts. You may use these points to exchange for these treasures."

Upon hearing this, the cultivators could scarcely contain their elation. The gains from this battle were staggering. Even divided among them, each person could expect to receive roughly one specimen of Second Rank Spirit Medicine and one or two second-rank Heaven and Earth Treasure [rare natural wonders imbued with heaven and earth spiritual energy]. Experience the full epic at https://audio-novel.com.

Combined, the value of these treasures could easily exceed two to three thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]. Those with greater strength and who contributed more significantly could even receive treasures worth seven to eight thousand Spirit Stone.

After receiving their merit points, the cultivators departed in a state of rapturous joy, eager to select the treasures they desired.

Just as Eldrin Chen was about to leave, he was stopped by Lyra Jiang. She glanced at him, tossed over the ledger, and said with a smile.

"Aside from my few personal disciples, among the Foundation Establishment Cultivator [a cultivator who has established their foundational cultivation base] who participated in this battle, your harvest was the greatest. You may choose your treasures first."

"This..."

Eldrin Chen hesitated for a brief moment, then accepted the ledger without further refusal.

He scanned the ledger, immediately claiming one Barrier-Breaking Fruit [a spiritual fruit that aids in breaking through cultivation bottlenecks]. His eyes then fell upon entries for Spirit-Concentrating Flower [the primary ingredient for the Spirit-Concentrating Pill] and Fire Spirit Herb [the primary ingredient for the Essence Burst Pill].

The Spirit-Concentrating Flower was the main ingredient for the Spirit-Concentrating Pill [a pill that aids in focusing and stabilizing one's spiritual energy], while the Fire Spirit Herb was the main ingredient for the Essence Burst Pill [a potent pill that temporarily surges one's cultivation essence]. The Chen Clan possessed the alchemical formulas for both these Spirit Medicine [plants imbued with spiritual energy, used in alchemy]. Eldrin Chen simply claimed them both.

After the exchange, Eldrin Chen found a considerable portion of his merit points remained. He continued to peruse the ledger, his gaze shifting to the listed Second Rank Treasure [enchanted artifacts of the second rank, suitable for Foundation Establishment cultivators].

"Hmm?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with interest as he noticed the Flood Water Azure Lotus [a rare spiritual lotus that thrives on the essence of flood waters] was also listed among the Second Rank High Grade treasures.

The material of this treasure was of Third Rank quality, and its defensive power was at the absolute peak of the second rank. Among the collection of Second Rank Treasure, it stood in a league of its own.

Faced with such a fine treasure, he naturally could not bear to let it slip away. Without a second thought, he spent his merit points to exchange for it.

After this exchange, Eldrin Chen's remaining merit points were nearly depleted. He then exchanged for a few more First Rank Treasure items, finally exhausting his points completely.

"Since you have chosen this treasure, it seems fate has destined you for that other item as well,"

Lyra Jiang remarked, a faint smile touching her lips as she watched him acquire the Flood Water Azure Lotus.

As she spoke, she retrieved an ancient scroll and handed it to Eldrin Chen, her expression turning solemn.

"Long ago, a dear friend of mine, on her deathbed, entrusted me with finding a successor for her legacy. Since you have taken the Flood Water Azure Lotus, it seems you are fated for this as well."

Eldrin Chen accepted the ancient tome. Upon opening it, his pupils contracted sharply in surprise.

This scripture contained an exceptionally profound cultivation art named the Azure Lotus Flood Water Scripture [a dual-attribute cultivation method harmonizing water and wood energies]. This technique was a water-wood dual-attribute method capable of cultivation up to the Purple Mansion Third Layer.

What proved even more challenging was that this cultivation art contained the method for forging a Lifebound Magical Treasure known as the Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform [a magical treasure in the form of a lotus platform that stores and channels vast amounts of spiritual energy].

This Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform was an exceptionally superior grade of Lifebound Magical Treasure. While its defensive capabilities and combat prowess were notably weak,

it possessed one remarkably profound and useful property: the treasure could store the entirety of a cultivator's True Essence [the refined spiritual energy cultivated within a practitioner's body] and allow for its instant deployment.

Consider the implications. Possessing the Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform was akin to having double the reservoir of spiritual power. Would one not then be able to unleash divine abilities and magical treasures with profligate abandon?

Furthermore, the Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform could aid in breaking through cultivation bottlenecks. According to the art's description, using this Lifebound Magical Treasure to safeguard one's physical form, combined with the doubled reserve of True Essence, could increase one's chances of a successful breakthrough into the Purple Mansion [the third major realm of cultivation where one forms a spiritual core] by a full twenty percent.

However, despite its formidable potential, forging this treasure was an immensely complicated affair. It required not only a Third Rank [a classification denoting power equivalent to the Purple Mansion realm] treasure-grade lotus but also the exceedingly rare Profound Water Crystal [a crystal of pure, condensed water-element spiritual essence] as a core material. Published by audio-novel[dot]com. All rights reserved.

The Profound Water Crystal could only be born within earth veins [subterranean spiritual energy channels] associated with the Water-Flood Divine Thunder [a powerful water-element divine ability]. It was said the sole water-attribute earth vein in the entire Chu Kingdom was actually a Sunflower Water Earth Vein [an earth vein aligned with the Sunflower Water element], making it likely that the Profound Water Crystal could not be found anywhere within the Chu Kingdom's borders.

After studying this cultivation art, Eldrin Chen was filled with a turbulent mix of exhilaration and profound trepidation.

A Third Rank Cultivation Art was a treasure that could serve as a foundational heirloom for even a Purple Mansion Immortal Clan, something that would make even a Purple Mansion Cultivator [a master of the Purple Mansion realm] covet it with burning desire.

To have such a method laid before him, to claim he felt no temptation would be a lie. His heart stirred with longing, yet it was shadowed by deep unease, for the object was simply too precious, its weight almost unbearable.

"Jiang..."

Eldrin Chen prepared to speak, his heart forming the words. He lifted his gaze to meet Lyra Jiang's, finding her bright eyes already upon him, his own reflection mirrored within their depths.

Suddenly, the words died on his lips. A profound tranquility settled in his heart. He nodded calmly and spoke.

"By taking this item today, I accept this karmic bond [a metaphysical connection of cause and effect, often involving debts or obligations]. If that senior has any unfinished business in the future, I shall resolve it on her behalf."

Lyra Jiang paused for a moment, then a faint smile touched her lips. "Her karmic bonds are not so easily repaid."

"Focus on your cultivation. If the day comes when your cultivation reaches a sufficient height, I will naturally tell you of her past."

Eldrin Chen nodded, his heart serene. To tread the path of cultivation was to inevitably weave oneself into the tapestry of karma.

To grow, one often must receive the grace of those who came before. Walking the paths they forged allows one to journey farther. Yet, to accept such grace is to shoulder the accompanying karma.

As the saying goes, how can one transcend the mortal dust without first immersing oneself within it?

Those who single-mindedly seek to evade karma are often cowards, fearful of being entangled by trouble. Such individuals are destined to achieve nothing of significance.

Only by facing one's karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect] directly, and being willing to resolve it with a tranquil heart, can one comprehend their own path and ultimately rise above the rest.

Having obtained the Flood Water Azure Lotus [a rare spiritual lotus imbued with the essence of the great flood] and acquired a Purple Mansion [the third major realm of cultivation, where one builds a spiritual palace within] cultivation art, Eldrin Chen left the First Wood Spirit Pool Cave Abode [a cave dwelling centered around a spirit pool rich in the essence of the First Wood element] with a heart full of satisfaction.

Another three days later, after the group had finished distributing the treasures, they emerged from the First Wood Earth Vein [an underground spiritual vein pulsating with the energy of the First Wood element].

Before departing, Lyra Jiang sealed this First Wood Earth Vein with a powerful enchantment, laid down a Third Rank Formation [a powerful magical array of the third rank], and dispatched her disciple, Elara Lin, to stand guard here.

Upon returning to Celestial Ruins Mountain, Eldrin Chen immediately rented an Earthfire Alchemy Room [a specialized chamber for alchemy that harnesses the power of subterranean fire veins] and began a closed-door retreat to refine the Origin-Breaking Pill [a precious pill designed to help a cultivator break through a cultivation barrier].

Although the Origin-Breaking Pill was classified as a Second Rank Low Grade Pill, its nature as a barrier-breaking treasure pill made its refinement difficulty nearly on par with ordinary Second Rank Middle Grade Pill [pills of the second rank, middle grade].

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen had now advanced to the level of a Second Rank Middle Grade Alchemist [an alchemist capable of refining middle-grade pills of the second rank], his pill-refining skills having improved by leaps and bounds. He refined the pill day and night without rest, and after seven days of arduous effort, he finally succeeded in producing three pills.

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