Chapter 1854 : A Saintess's Astonishing Choice

Among these few Rare Spiritual Wonders [precious and hard-to-find spiritual materials], the Solar Fire Path Source [a source of pure solar fire energy] serves as one of the medicinal catalysts for cultivating the Primordial One Energy [the foundational, undivided energy of creation].

The Supple Wood Heavenly Lightning Marrow [marrow infused with the essence of heavenly lightning and supple wood] acts as the catalyst for cultivating the Chaos Divine Thunder [a divine thunder technique born from primordial chaos]. Finally, the Heavenly Net Marvelous Light [a wondrous light that forms a celestial net] is one of the miraculous lights associated with the World-Opening [the realm of opening one's inner world] stage. While not the most perfectly aligned catalyst for the Five Elements Divine Light [a divine light technique harmonizing the five elements], it can barely serve as a substitute.

Mindful of the preciousness of these treasures, Eldrin Chen immediately sent a voice transmission to the Twinkling Light Saintess: "I possess several Rare Spiritual Wonders, Fellow Daoist. You may examine them and choose one."

Upon hearing this, the Twinkling Light Saintess's eyes flickered with interest. In the space of a single thought [a very brief moment], she reviewed the list he had transmitted, and a trace of astonishment surfaced in her heart.

The treasures Eldrin Chen had listed were, respectively: Innate Violet Firmament Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Water [water born from heavenly thunder tribulations within the innate violet firmament], Heaven and Earth Great Path Water [water embodying the great path of heaven and earth], Xavier Heavenly Flame [a heavenly flame technique], Great Encompassing Crimson Li Iron [a rare crimson iron ore], and other such Rare Spiritual Wonders.

However, while these treasures were indeed marvelous, they failed to stir the Twinkling Light Saintess's heart. What truly captivated her was a set of thirty-six supreme-grade stalks of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo [a golden bamboo containing the essence of primordial unity].

Each of these thirty-six supreme-grade stalks of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo already contained twenty-four internal Primordial Unity Path Patterns [natural formations representing the path of primordial unity]. If supplemented with sufficient Innate Energy [the innate energy present at the beginning of creation], they could be refined into a set of twenty-four-pattern Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation [a sword formation crafted from this special bamboo].

A Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation of such peak quality could unleash power even surpassing that of a Patriarch Level Divine Ability [a divine ability wielded by a Patriarch-level cultivator]. If wielded by a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal, it could temporarily possess potency capable of rivaling an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Such Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo stalks, all sharing the same origin and essence, were rare and uncommon even for a Great Encompassing Ancient Sect [a vast and ancient sect].

For while a single twenty-four-pattern stalk of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo might be found, and supreme-grade stalks from different batches were not unheard of, a complete matching set of thirty-six was a true rarity. The complete novel can be found at site: audio-novel.com.

However, within the same batch, top-grade Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo sharing the same origin are exceedingly rare. Even within the Three Great Heavenly Courts, these are considered precious Rare Spiritual Wonders.

Considering this, the Twinkling Light Saintess decisively inquired, "For this set of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo, what price do you seek in exchange?"

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before replying, "I wish to exchange it for ten portions of Great Encompassing Rare Treasure."

"Impossible."

The Twinkling Light Saintess shook her head firmly and stated, "While top-grade Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo is indeed valuable, Great Encompassing Rare Treasure is a treasure of unparalleled rarity. Asking for ten portions is far too much."

"By market value, this set of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo is worth three portions of Great Encompassing Rare Treasure. If you agree, I am willing to offer four. What say you?"

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. "Very well. Let us value this set of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo at three portions of Great Encompassing Rare Treasure. However, I propose to purchase the remaining Great Encompassing Rare Treasure at a price of ten thousand strands of Innate Energy [the primordial, unadulterated energy of creation] per portion."

The Twinkling Light Saintess considered this for a moment before shaking her head once more. "Ten thousand strands of Innate Energy for a single portion of Great Encompassing Rare Treasure?"

"Here is my counteroffer: I will exchange seven additional portions. Does this suit you?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of agreement.

According to the prevailing market value, the worth of a single portion of Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [a legendary material of immense rarity and power] generally hovers around ten thousand strands of Innate Energy [the primordial, foundational energy of the cosmos].

However, Great Encompassing Rare Treasure is far too scarce; it has always been a treasure with a price but no true market, meaning that simply having enough Innate Energy does not guarantee one can purchase it.

Although the major ancient sects also acquire Innate Energy, they are notoriously severe in driving down prices. If one were to procure Great Encompassing Rare Treasure from the Three Immortal Courts [the three supreme governing bodies of the immortal realm], even thirty thousand strands of Innate Energy might not suffice to secure a suitable portion.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen pondered for a long moment before finally conceding, "Very well, I shall accept your terms, Fellow Daoist."

"Excellent."

Upon hearing this, the Twinkling Light Saintess offered a satisfied smile, concluding the transaction with evident contentment.

For her, while the Great Encompassing Rare Treasure was precious, it was difficult for it to bring about a qualitative leap in her personal power.

But with this set of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo [a sacred bamboo embodying the concept of primordial oneness], her strength was certain to see significant advancement. Even if she did not use it herself, bestowing it upon a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal could grant her a combatant whose power approached that of an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Eldrin Chen was equally satisfied. This time, he had not only acquired the urgently needed Solar Fire Path Source [the foundational essence of the Solar Fire cultivation path] and other Rare Spiritual Wonders, but he had also gained several treasures that could be used to barter for more Great Encompassing Rare Treasure.

Thus, as the gathering progressed and participants took their turns upon the stage, Eldrin Chen began to exchange for the various types of Great Encompassing Rare Treasure he required.

After successive transactions with several Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [powerful immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations], Eldrin Chen managed to acquire seven or eight of the Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [extremely rare treasures of the Great Encompassing Realm] he urgently needed, including the Bulwark Earth Path Source [a source essence of the Earth element path], Metallic Gold Path Source [a source essence of the Metal element path], Solar Fire Jade Thunder Marrow [a marrow of jade thunder imbued with solar fire essence], and Five Elements Marvelous Light [a wondrous light containing the power of the five elements].

As payment, Eldrin Chen traded away a similar number of Rare Spiritual Wonders [rare and wondrous spiritual objects], including the Xavier Heavenly Flame [a divine flame technique] and Great Encompassing Crimson Li Iron [a rare crimson iron ore from the Great Encompassing Realm].

"Only one Supple Wood Path Source [a source essence of the Wood element path] remains," he mused.

Once the present Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortals had all descended from the platform, a look of deep satisfaction settled upon Eldrin Chen's features.

This round of bartering had brought him tantalizingly close to his goal. The catalyst ingredients required for cultivating his Primordial One Energy [the primordial unified energy of creation] were now complete save for that final Supple Wood Path Source. Similarly, his Chaos Divine Thunder [a divine thunder technique born from primordial chaos] Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power] lacked only the water and metal elemental thunder marrow components.

However, the catalyst ingredients for cultivating the Five Elements Divine Light [a divine light technique of the five elements] proved far more elusive. He had only managed to find the most suitable wood and metal attribute Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing cultivation realm] wondrous lights. For the best reading experience, visit audio‑novel.com.

Such Great Encompassing wondrous lights were exceedingly rare. Eldrin Chen estimated that even this grand Barter Convention [a large-scale gathering for trading rare cultivation resources] would not yield enough of these Rare Spiritual Wonders to complete his collection.

Returning to the matter at hand, as those august Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortals withdrew, a host of Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortals [immortals who have survived seven heavenly tribulations] began to take their turn upon the Barter Convention stage.

Nearly one hundred Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortals were participating in this convention.

Yet, to Eldrin Chen's disappointment, among this multitude of Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortals, only a handful possessed Great Encompassing Rare Treasures to offer, and their quantities paled in comparison to the hoards of the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortals.

Eldrin Chen knew this was to be expected. The Great Encompassing Rare Treasure belonged to the tenth rank of Rare Spiritual Wonders [extremely precious spiritual materials], and were exceedingly rare within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

The vast majority of such Rare Spiritual Wonders were hoarded by Chaos Demon God [primordial demons born from chaos], while the few that drifted loose were invariably claimed by Seven Tribulations [a measure of power and longevity] or stronger Chaos Beast King [kings of beasts born from chaos] or Chaos Saint Spirit [holy spirits born from chaos].

Yet the strength of a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal ultimately could not compare to that of an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, making it exceedingly difficult to defeat a Seven Tribulations Primordial Chaos Beast King within the Chaos. Naturally, obtaining a Great Encompassing Rare Treasure was a formidable challenge.

"It seems the final few pieces of Rare Spiritual Wonders will be terribly hard to find," Eldrin murmured.

A trace of concern flickered in Eldrin Chen's eyes as he spoke these quiet words.

In the time that followed, events unfolded just as Eldrin Chen had anticipated. In short order, seven or eight Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal took the stage, yet not a single one possessed the Rare Spiritual Wonders he required.

Fortunately, at this Barter Convention [a grand gathering for trading rare cultivation resources], Eldrin Chen had secured a position near the very front of the line.

As an existence who had cultivated a Patriarch Level Divine Ability [a supreme technique of legendary power], Eldrin Chen, despite possessing only the cultivation base of a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal, wielded strength that was truly unfathomable.

The Ancient Immortal from the Twinkling Light Holy Land could not clearly discern his cultivation level. They merely estimated his combat power to be that of a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal and thus arranged for him to be the ninth to take the stage among that group.

Eldrin Chen ascended the Central Path Platform [the central trading platform]. His gaze swept over the assembled crowd before he flicked his sleeve, revealing over ten different pieces of Rare Spiritual Wonders.

The crowd glanced over, and a wave of astonished murmurs immediately rippled through them.

For the treasures displayed by Eldrin Chen were, at the very least, all at the level of Great Encompassing Rare Treasure. Most crucially, there was also a complete set of thirty-six supreme-grade stalks of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo [a legendary spiritual bamboo of immense purity and power, often used to forge peerless treasures].

"He actually possesses Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo?"

Twinkling Light Saintess's eyes flickered slightly, a ripple of emotion stirring within her gaze.

If the other treasures merely stirred the avarice of the Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations], then the sight of this Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo instantly jolted every single Ancient Immortal [a venerable immortal who has existed for countless ages] present into a state of high alert.

If this set of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo could be used to forge swords, transforming into a Heaven-Scraping Sword Formation [a legendary sword formation of devastating power], and then placed in the hands of a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal, it would represent combat power nearly equivalent to half a Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an even more formidable ancient immortal who has weathered eight tribulations].

Who would not be moved by such a Rare Spiritual Wonders [an object of profound spiritual rarity and wonder]?

Upon the Void Heaven [a celestial realm of profound emptiness], the few Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal exchanged glances. After a long silence, one finally spoke, "How do you intend to sell this Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo?"

Eldrin Chen's expression remained placid, his tone firm and unwavering. "This Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo is exceedingly difficult to cultivate, and its value needs no elaboration from me. Were it not for an urgent need for specific treasures, I would not have brought it forth for trade."

"Here is a list. If any of you can produce the items on it, you are welcome to make an exchange."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen handed the list to those present.

With a glance, everyone's eyes flickered with a subtle tremor. The list from Eldrin Chen naturally contained the Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [a legendary treasure of immense rarity and power] each of them required. Those Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality through cultivation] who lacked such treasures immediately abandoned any hope with a pang of regret.

Yet, those who actually possessed a Great Encompassing Rare Treasure were exceedingly few.

One of the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] immediately sent a mental message to Eldrin Chen and then inquired aloud, "I do not possess the Rare Spiritual Wonders [extraordinary objects imbued with potent spiritual energy] you require. However, I could offer another Great Encompassing Rare Treasure at a premium to exchange for this Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo [a legendary bamboo embodying the primordial state of unity]."

"My apologies. For this set of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo, I will only trade for items I urgently need,"

Eldrin Chen shook his head, stating decisively.

The man said no more, though a strange glint flashed in his eyes, vanishing as quickly as it appeared.

At that moment, a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations] sent a covert mental message to Eldrin Chen, whispering, "I possess two portions of Great Encompassing [a profound cultivation realm] Thunder Marrow, precisely what you seek."

As he spoke, the man discreetly transmitted a packet of information.

Eldrin Chen probed it with his divine sense [a cultivator's spiritual awareness] and could not help but reveal a flicker of delight. The Thunder Marrow offered for trade was of the Water and Metal attributes, exactly the two types of Great Encompassing Thunder Marrow he needed.

Amidst his joy, Eldrin Chen looked up at the figure. He saw a being wreathed in crimson Thunderclap and Immortal Radiance, whose aura seemed exceptionally extraordinary.

"It's him."

Eldrin Chen murmured, instantly recognizing the man's identity.

This Mortal Path cultivator was known as the 'Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord'. He was a direct disciple of the Great Encompassing Ancient Sect known as the 'Myriad Thunder Holy Land', and more importantly, a personal disciple of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Great Encompassing realm].

However, the Myriad Thunder Holy Land possessed only one Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Within the Primordial Immortal Domain's Thunderclap Holy Land lineage, the Myriad Thunder Holy Land ranked merely thirteenth.

As such a holy land, its foundation naturally could not compare to the more powerful Great Encompassing Ancient Sect sects. It did not have enough Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth] to distribute for disciples' breakthroughs.

It was precisely for this reason that the Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord's cultivation had remained at the Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal level for several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], yet he had never broken through to the Eighth Tribulation Ancient Immortal Realm.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly. He decisively sent a mental message to the Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord: "I have heard you are a direct disciple of the Myriad Thunder Holy Land. I presume your lineage possesses more than just these few portions of Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [a rare treasure of the Great Encompassing realm], correct?"

Hearing this, the Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord's eyes narrowed thoughtfully before he replied, "Do you seek more, fellow Daoist?"

"However, this set of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo alone is likely insufficient to trade for more Great Encompassing Thunder Marrow."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, then transmitted a voice message: "Let us first complete this transaction. After the Barter Convention concludes, you and I shall speak further."

With those words, Eldrin Chen and the Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord finalized their exchange.

Not long after, he managed to acquire another portion of Supple Wood Path Source from another individual. Unfortunately, the Great Encompassing-grade rare lights required for the Five Elements Divine Light were exceedingly scarce. In the end, Eldrin Chen had only managed to gather three sets.

Even so, Eldrin Chen was already quite satisfied.

This time, he had secured the crucial medicinal catalysts for cultivating both the Primordial One Energy and the Primordial One Divine Thunder, which already made the journey worthwhile.

Having exchanged for these Rare Spiritual Wonders, Eldrin Chen did not linger further. He bid farewell via voice transmission to the Pure Tenuity Recluse and then departed from the Stellar Pavilion.

Shortly after leaving the Stellar Pavilion, he met with the Myriad Thunder Holy Land's Holy Scion, the Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord, within a secluded pavilion.

True to his status as a Great Encompassing Direct Successor, the Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord's cultivation aura was no less formidable than that of the Golden Sun Holy Scion or the White Rainbow Sword Immortal from years past. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, he inquired without preamble, "Fellow Daoist, do you truly possess more Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo?"

Eldrin Chen smiled slightly. He activated the Chaos Mist to shroud his aura, then with a sweep of his sleeve, revealed a set of thirty-six stalks of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo.

"Boom—"

In that instant, Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord could no longer remain seated.

With a slight shift in his stance, his expression changed abruptly as he gazed upon the Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo before him. He could not help but look at Eldrin Chen and say, "The thirty-six stalks of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo ahead share a common origin with these. This is a set of seventy-two stalks of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo born from the same source!"

"Precisely."

Eldrin Chen nodded, speaking calmly, "As the saying goes, 'Heaven is nine, Earth is eight.' In Daoist numerology, eight is the ultimate even [yin] number, and nine is the ultimate odd [yang] number."

"These seventy-two stalks of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo embody the Daoist principle of the ultimate eight and nine, aligning with the supreme Great Path. They can be arranged into the Path School Polarity Two Forms Supreme Sword Formation, a formation whose power rivals that of a true Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos]."

"If you wish to exchange for the remaining thirty-six stalks of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo, I'm afraid you will have to pay a considerable price."

Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord took a deep breath before asking, "What do you want?"

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly and stated plainly, "I require two more sets of Five Elements Great Encompassing Thunder Marrow [a legendary material forged from the essence of the five elements and supreme heavenly thunder]."

"Impossible."

Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord refused outright, his expression shifting once more as he added, "The Five Elements Great Encompassing Thunder Marrow is far too precious. Even my lineage of the Myriad Thunder Holy Land can only accumulate enough for one set over the course of several hundred million years."

"Even with my current wealth, I cannot produce two sets at once."

After these words, Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord could not help but add, "Although this treasure is precious, it is ultimately not an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos, capable of serving as a vessel for a cultivator's Great Path] and cannot be used to anchor one's Great Path [the fundamental cultivation principle or law a cultivator follows]. Therefore, it is not worth that much."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and replied, "If you were to obtain the ultimate Polarity Two Forms Sword Formation [a powerful sword-based battle formation harnessing the forces of Yin and Yang], you would possess combat prowess rivaling that of an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal."

"At that point, you could become the Path Guardian [a guardian elder sworn to protect a specific cultivation path or sect] for an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal from one of the ancient sects. With that as your bargaining chip, you could certainly borrow an Innate Spiritual Treasure afterward to break through to the Ancient Immortal Realm [the realm of an Ancient Immortal, a being who has transcended numerous heavenly tribulations] after enduring eight tribulations."

Upon hearing this, Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord fell into a contemplative silence.

He had to admit, Eldrin Chen's proposal held immense allure for him.

After all, although the Myriad Thunder Holy Land was a Great Encompassing Ancient Sect [a venerable and powerful sect of immense influence], it possessed only one Patriarch at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage [the initial stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]. Furthermore, this Patriarch held only a single Innate Spiritual Treasure to anchor his Great Path.

It could be said that unless Myriad Thunder Immortal Lord could obtain a new Innate Spiritual Treasure, he would have no chance of breaking through to become an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Given these circumstances, Eldrin Chen's proposal represented perhaps his greatest opportunity.

Considering this, Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord pondered for a moment before speaking, "As I am now, I can only produce one set of Five Elements Great Encompassing Thunder Marrow [a rare marrow refined from the essence of the five elements and great encompassing thunder]. For the remaining set, could other treasures be used as collateral?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell into a brief, contemplative silence, his gaze thoughtful. After a moment, he spoke, his voice measured and clear. "It can be done." This chapter appears courtesy of https://audio-novel.com.