Chapter 128 Visiting Tian'e Mountain

Hearing his agreement, Eldrin nodded with a faint smile. "I do not require these streams of Gengjin Fire-Qi immediately," he said. "Merely gather them within 5 years."

"And upon completion, I can offer you a price 30 percent above the market rate."

"That makes things much easier."

Varen smiled faintly and informed Eldrin that the 3 prefectures of Yangzhou were considerably more prosperous than Yu Prefecture, with each prefecture boasting over 15,000 Qi Refining cultivators.

The annual output of 5 Elements Essence from these individuals was of considerable value. In the entire Yang Province alone, the combined 5 Elements Essence exceeded 300,000 strands each year.

With the Wei family's resources, they could certainly accomplish this within 5 years, though it would require paying a premium of 10 to 20 percent.

Upon hearing Varen agree to the matter, Eldrin let out a subtle sigh of relief and murmured inwardly, "The 5 Elements essence for upgrading my life-bound magic treasure is finally within reach."

His purpose in acquiring the 5 Elements Essence was to prepare for the upcoming advancement of his Lifebound Immortal Sword.

To advance the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure), not only must Eldrin (Person Name) break through to Foundation Establishment, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm), but he also requires 4,999 strands of the dual energies of Geng Metal and Li Fire.

This amalgamation of Geng Metal and Li Fire energies was far too immense. Although the Chen Clan reigned supreme in Yu County, the majority of the 5 Elemental Essences from the 3 counties of Bian Province were delivered to Celestial Ruins Mountain.

Over the years, Lyra had expended vast amounts of 5 elements essence energy to craft magical instruments, refine her lifebound immortal sword, and even complete her 5 Elements Spiritual Root. What remained now was scarcely more than a handful.

Of course, he couldn't possibly compete with Lyra for this allocation. So, he set his sights on the Wei Family, intending to have this local power, the Weis, procure a sufficient amount of the 5 Elements' Essence from Yang Province for him.

After sealing the deal, Eldrin engaged in 3 full hours of profound conversation with Varen before finally rising to take his leave.

"I have pressing matters to attend to and shall not linger further today."

"The matter of acquiring the 2 qi of Geng Metal and Li Fire will require further effort from Fellow Daoist Wei."

Varen rose to see him out, smiling as he said, "Our Wei family stands to earn a tidy sum of spirit stones from this deal. There's no need for thanks."

After bidding farewell to Varen, Eldrin departed from Mount Tian'e.

He did not return immediately to Spirit Isle Lake (Location), heading straight instead to Yuyang Market to convene the heads of all major immortal clans in Yu County. There, he gave them a preliminary briefing on the alliance matter concerning Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location).

After everyone had finished listening, the Patriarch of the Mu family smiled and said, "Even if you hadn’t come to speak of this matter, I was already planning to visit you to discuss it."

"We are all well aware of everyone's intentions. It is only fitting that we return to Celestial Ruins Mountain to draft a new covenant."

Meng Xinghe also nodded and said, "Your Chen family is now the foremost immortal clan in Yu County. It is only fitting that you represent us in conveying our intentions to Celestial Ruins Mountain."

"Since you all say so, I shall set my heart at ease." Eldrin felt relieved inwardly, then continued, "As we are all united in Yu County, we shall naturally advance and retreat together."

"Regarding the matter of Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location), Patriarch Jiang's (Person Name) position is this: if the major immortal clans of Bianzhou (Location) wish to avoid being picked off 1 by 1, we must unite as 1. Should our 3 prefectures join forces, then we shall proceed together to Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) to discuss forming an alliance."

Everyone exchanged glances, and it was Mu Xuanming who finally spoke. "The Yan Clan of Ling County is a foundational cultivation family, and they share an inseparable bond with our Mu Clan. This old man will pay them a visit tomorrow."

"Then I shall make a trip to Feng County." Eldrin nodded, then continued, "After we make contact, we'll leak the intention of forming an alliance. The major immortal clans of Feng and Ling Counties should understand the gravity of the situation."

"Very well, I'll trouble you with this matter."

After concluding the meeting with the 6 great immortal clans, Eldrin cast a final glance at Lin Mocheng before departing, only to notice the man's hair had turned silver-gray, with traces of twilight already gathering between his brows.

The Lin Clan's patriarch had already reached the ninth level of Foundation Establishment as early as 30 years ago. Now over 1 100 and 80 years old, he was not far from reaching his lifespan's limit.

It is said that 10 years ago, the Lin Clan Leader attempted to break through to the Purple Mansion Realm. Unfortunately, without the aid of treasures like the Wu Earth Crystal (Spiritual Object), he not only managed to open merely 10 percent of his Purple Mansion Meridians but also suffered severe depletion of his vital energy.

At present, Lin Mocheng had suffered severe depletion of his vital energy and lacked the spirit stones to purchase treasures that could replenish it. If this continued, his lifespan might not even last until the end of the Beast Tide. It was truly a pitiful state of affairs.

Yet even in such dire straits, Lin Mocheng's gaze upon Eldrin (Person Name) remained crimson-tinged, faintly exuding a suppressed killing intent.

"I have slain 4 Foundation Establishment experts from the Lin family. Lin Mocheng must harbor bone-deep hatred for me."

"Best to remain cautious."

Eldrin's eyes turned frosty, a faint trace of vigilance stirring within him as he took a single step beyond the fading sunlight of Yu Yang Market.

After leaving Yuyang Market, he directly rode his sword and flew toward Feng County. After approximately 5 or 6 days of flight, he arrived at the Liu Immortal Clan.

He had just arrived outside the Liu Clan's mountain gate when the Liu Immortal Clan reacted immediately. A figure flew out to meet him, led by a woman who laughed from afar, saying.

"It has been nearly 20 years, Fellow Daoist Chen. Your cultivation has truly advanced with astonishing speed."

"You flatter me, Patriarch Liu. How could I possibly compare to your profound cultivation?"

Eldrin smiled faintly and performed a courteous salute.

The newcomer was none other than Liu Jueran. 20 long years apart, the matriarch of the Liu Immortal Clan appeared largely unchanged in her demeanor.

Over the years, her cultivation had advanced significantly, reaching the eighth level of Foundation Establishment. It seemed she was not far from the ninth level.

However, she was about the same age as the Old Patriarch, now around 1 100 and 40 years old. While she remained at the eighth layer of Foundation Establishment, the Old Patriarch had already opened 50 percent of his Purple Palace Dao Veins. The gap between them had widened considerably.

In truth, the 2 of them had reached the seventh level of Foundation Establishment almost simultaneously. The old clan leader had even lost 7 or 8 years to recovery after sustaining serious injuries. Yet now, the gap between them had grown vast.

The primary reason lay in the possession of the second-order spirit peach. Ever since obtaining it, the old clan leader's cultivation had progressed at a remarkable pace, enabling him to break through to the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment in just a dozen or so years.

Later, through an extraordinary stroke of fortune, he obtained both the Li Fire Crystal (Spiritual Object) and the Mysterious Jade Pill (Spiritual Object)—2 exceptionally precious third-tier treasures. These enabled the Patriarch to penetrate 50% of his Violet Mansion's Dao Meridians, boosting his strength by a staggering 80%.

With a set of Crimson-Gold Banner of the 3 Treasures (Magic Treasure) now in hand, the 2 were already beyond compare to their former selves. With cultivation like Liu Juer’s, she would likely be unable to withstand more than a few moves from the old clan leader.

Even Eldrin (Person Name), if going all out, could resolve the matter within a dozen or so moves—and that was without resorting to trump cards like the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure).

Though well aware of the current disparity, Eldrin spoke courteously, "Patriarch Liu, I have come regarding the matter of the beast tide."

"So that's how it is."

Liu Juanran’s expression turned serious as she replied, “To be frank, this is precisely the matter I wished to discuss with you.”

"The major immortal clans of Yu County have already deliberated and were just waiting for the right moment to arrange talks with your 2 counties—Feng and Ling."

Chapter 1: The Reborn Eldrin The air in the Nether Abyss trembled as a crimson streak tore across the ashen sky. Upon a jagged cliff stood a figure in azure robes, his sleeves billowing in the sulfurous winds. This was Eldrin, once the youngest Nascent Soul cultivator of the Azure Cloud Sect, now a fugitive hunted by the very masters who'd praised his talent. "Eldrin! Surrender the Heavenly Dao Scripture and we may yet spare your soul!" Thunderous voices echoed from 3 directions as golden silhouettes materialized against the storm clouds. A bitter smile touched Eldrin's lips. His spiritual veins had been shattered during the ambush, his cultivation base crumbling from the Middle Golden Core realm to mere Qi Refinement. Yet his gaze remained unwavering as he clutched the jade slip containing the scripture - an artifact that could overturn the cultivation world's balance. "30 1000 years," he whispered to the howling wind. "The 7 major sects have grown corrupt beyond redemption." With sudden resolution, he bit his fingertip and traced a bloody sigil in the air. The ancient characters glowed with ominous light as he chanted, "By the shattered dao heart, I summon the forbidden art! Blood Soul Transmigration!" The 3 Golden Core elders recoiled in horror. "Madman! You'd scatter your own soul across the reincarnation cycle!" Eldrin's body began dissolving into crimson motes of light. "If destiny wills it, we shall meet again in another life!" His consciousness drifted through endless darkness before finally settling into a foreign body. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in a modest room, staring at pale hands that weren't his own. "Young master! You're awake!" A girl in simple linen robes rushed to his bedside, her eyes red-rimmed. "You've been unconscious for 3 days after the spiritual root test..." Memories flooded Eldrin's mind - he now inhabited the body of a 16-year-old youth sharing his name, from a minor cultivation clan on the Southern Continent. This Eldrin had fallen gravely ill after being declared to possess worthless mixed spiritual roots. "Water..." he croaked, his new throat raw. As the girl hurried to fetch a cup, Eldrin examined his condition. The body was indeed weak, its meridians clogged with impurities. But to his astonishment, he could feel the Heavenly Dao Scripture's jade slip still embedded in his consciousness. A cold light sparked in his eyes. The 3 great sects - Divine Sword Valley, Mystic Moon Palace, and Heavenly Fire Sect - they would pay for their betrayal. "Xiao Yue," he called, reading the name from the body's memories. "Bring me the family's basic cultivation manual." The maid stared in confusion. "But young master, the patriarch said your spiritual roots..." Eldrin waved a dismissive hand. "Just bring it." While waiting, he assessed his resources through internal vision. His spiritual consciousness remained at the Golden Core level, a priceless treasure in this weak body. Furthermore, he discovered 32,000 spirit stones and over a 100 various elixirs stored within the Heavenly Dao Scripture's spatial dimension. Xiao Yue returned with a simple bamboo scroll. "The Azure Cloud Art, young master. But the physician said..." "Leave me." Eldrin unrolled the manuscript, his eyes scanning the crude cultivation method. Pitifully elementary compared to the Heavenly Dao Scripture, but it would serve as camouflage. As night fell, he sat cross-legged on his bed, circulating the Azure Cloud Art while secretly practicing the Heavenly Dao Scripture's soul purification method. Silver moonlight coalesced around him like swirling nebulae. By dawn, he had broken through to the second level of Qi Refinement. The impurities that had plagued his new body now coated his skin in a black film. After cleansing himself, he examined his reflection - the frail youth now carried an intangible aura of authority. At the morning meal, the clan patriarch studied him with narrowed eyes. "Your constitution seems improved." Eldrin offered a respectful bow. "This grandson was fortunate to have a breakthrough in comprehension yesterday." The patriarch nodded slowly, though suspicion lingered in his gaze. "The Cloudfrost Sect's recruitment delegation arrives in 9 days. Though your spiritual roots are poor, as a direct descendant, you merit a trial opportunity." "Many thanks, grandfather." Eldrin maintained his humble demeanor while inwardly sneering. The Cloudfrost Sect? A third-rate organization barely worthy of polishing his former sect's shoes. Back in his room, he retrieved a mid-grade spirit stone from his spatial dimension. The crystal's glow illuminated his determined expression. He needed to reach at least the fifth level of Qi Refinement before the sect trials. Suddenly, shouting erupted outside. "Eldrin! Come out and accept your beating!" Through the window, he saw 3 youths in brocade robes - his cousins who'd often bullied the original Eldrin. The leader, Darian, stood with arms crossed, a contemptuous smirk on his face. "The trash actually dares to show himself?" Darian sneered as Eldrin emerged. "I heard you pretended to faint during the spiritual root test just to gain sympathy!" Eldrin regarded them calmly. "Step aside." Darian blinked in disbelief before bursting into laughter. "What did you say? Have you grown wings, you worthless-" Before he could finish, Eldrin moved in a blur. A simple palm strike sent Darian flying 3 meters backward. "The Body Tempering realm!" gasped the other 2 youths as they stared at their groaning leader. Eldrin flexed his hand. "It seems this body still requires conditioning." He then turned his gaze toward the distant mountains where the Cloudfrost Sect's recruitment would occur, a plan already forming in his mind. The cultivation world that had betrayed him was unprepared for what would come next.