Chapter 167 : The Earth-Fortress Bell's Bargain

The Yan Kingdom possesses many Water-Wood Earth Veins [earth veins rich in water and wood spiritual energy], yet Five Elements Earth Veins [earth veins imbued with the spiritual energy of the five elements] of the other three attributes are exceedingly scarce, and there is not a single Earth-Fortress Earth Vein [an earth vein rich in the defensive, stable energy of the Earth-Fortress element] to be found. This results in a lamentable dearth of earth-attribute Heaven and Earth Treasures [rare materials imbued with the essence of heaven and earth].

Consequently, within the Yan Kingdom, earth-attribute magical treasures command a price at least forty percent higher than other precious artifacts.

This Third Rank Low Grade Kunwu Earth-Fortress Bell [a defensive bell treasure forged from Kunwu metal and earth-fortress essence] would be valued at around forty thousand Spirit Stones [minerals that store and radiate spiritual energy] in the Chu Kingdom, but here in the Yan Kingdom it could fetch at least sixty thousand Spirit Stones.

After estimating the value of the Kunwu Earth-Fortress Bell, Lin Sol pondered inwardly, "My Sixteenth Uncle has only recently broken through to the Purple Mansion, Mid Stage [the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion cultivation realm, where one's spiritual core is solidified], and his standing within the clan has risen considerably. The venerable elder is currently in need of an earth-attribute defensive magical treasure. If I can secure this item for him, it will surely earn his favor."

"In that case, when the clan next allocates resources for a breakthrough to the Purple Mansion [a major cultivation realm representing the formation of a spiritual core within the body], he might put in a good word for me."

With this thought, Lin Sol nodded with a smile and declared, "This artifact is indeed of considerable worth, sufficient to exchange for the Profound Water Crystal [a crystal of condensed, profound water essence]. I shall make the trade."

"I will trade with you."

After concluding the exchange for this treasure, Eldrin Chen and Varen Wei did not linger further and departed directly from the Barter Convention [a formal gathering where cultivators trade rare items].

Once outside the Barter Convention, Varen Wei clasped his hands towards Eldrin Chen, his expression turning grave as he spoke.

"We now carry items of great value. It is highly likely we have drawn covetous eyes." This content originates from audio_novel.com. Please respect copyright.

"The journey back to Chu Kingdom is long and arduous," he stated. "I intend to rent a Spirit Spring Cave Abode [a secluded dwelling built around a natural spring of spiritual energy] and first enter seclusion to achieve my breakthrough into the Purple Mansion [the third major realm of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual core within the body]."

"And you?"

"My thoughts align with yours," Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. "Perhaps you should achieve your Purple Mansion breakthrough first. Meanwhile, I shall refine the Profound Water Crystal [a crystal of immense purity, saturated with the essence of profound water] into a proper magical treasure. Traveling together afterward will be far safer for us both."

"Agreed. It is settled then."

Thus decided, both men prepared to remain on Thousand Star Island to refine their respective treasures—the precious crystals—before returning to the heart of Spirit Isle Lake.

After bidding farewell to Varen Wei, Eldrin Chen returned to his Cultivation Cave [a personal chamber or cavern used for meditation and cultivation]. He instructed Lila not to venture out unnecessarily, then entered seclusion to begin crafting the Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform [a magical platform artifact formed from a lotus imbued with the power of flood water].

He retrieved the family's heirloom Second Rank Low Grade Artificer's Cauldron [a cauldron used by artificers to forge magical tools and treasures], then brought forth the Third Rank Treasure Flood Water Azure Lotus [a rare spiritual plant, a lotus of azure hue containing the essence of flood water].

This Flood Water Azure Lotus was a precious treasure of the wood element, its value exceedingly high. Though Eldrin Chen had possessed it for many years, he had always been reluctant to use it in combat, fearing it might be damaged in the fray.

"I must succeed."

Eldrin Chen muttered to himself with grave solemnity. Unlike sturdy ores like Mysterious Iron, such a treasure as the Flood Water Azure Lotus was delicate and somewhat fragile. Should the refinement process fail, the material itself would be consumed and destroyed. Refining such a treasure demanded the utmost care and precision.

He maintained a gentle, steady flame to slowly temper the Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform [a magical platform formed from a lotus imbued with the essence of flood waters], while gradually infusing it with the Profound Water Crystal [a crystal containing the profound essence of water]. This careful process ensured the Flood Water Azure Lotus [a rare spiritual lotus that thrives on flood water essence] would not be consumed by the flames.

Throughout this delicate operation, he also had to safeguard the lotus's innate, natural patterns, allowing them to slowly fuse and become one with the Profound Water Crystal.

It was an exceedingly time-consuming and laborious task. By the time the Profound Water Crystal had been fully melded into the Flood Water Azure Lotus, Eldrin Chen realized half a month had already passed.

At this stage, Eldrin Chen observed that the Flood Water Azure Lotus was now enveloped in a translucent, protective barrier.

"Flood Water Power [the fundamental energy of vast, nourishing waters]," he murmured.

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with understanding. The Profound Water Crystal had successfully integrated with the Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform. From this point onward, the Flood Water Azure Lotus would no longer fear the destructive might of metal or fire.

With this crucial step complete, the Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform was secured against easy destruction. The next phase was the most critical: inscribing the Lifebound Formation Runes [the unique, soul-linked magical patterns that bind a treasure to its creator].

The inscription of the Lifebound Formation Runes was not inherently difficult, though their complexity would grow as the Life-Bound Magical Treasure [a magical artifact permanently linked to a cultivator's soul and cultivation] advanced. Eldrin Chen accomplished this task without great effort. Then, he began the final stage: refining and infusing the Five Elements Essence [a purified spiritual substance containing the balanced powers of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth].

For this, he had prepared a significant quantity of Wood-First Divine Thunder [a divine thunder technique born from the essence of wood] and Dual Flood Water Qi [a dual-strand spiritual energy of profound flood waters]. He meticulously and patiently fused them, thread by thread, into the treasure.

It was a grueling endeavor. Even with his current level of cultivation, it consumed a full two months before he successfully elevated the treasure's grade from Second Rank Low Grade to Second Rank High Grade.

As the Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform [a magical lotus platform that stores and channels water-based spiritual energy] was finally forged, Eldrin Chen opened his mouth once more, exhaling a stream of Primordial Qi [the most fundamental and potent form of spiritual energy from the dawn of creation] to merge with it.

The Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform blazed with light. Though it did not ascend to the Third Rank [the realm of the Purple Mansion, a significant advancement for cultivators], its foundational potential was greatly enhanced, much like the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss [a powerful sword artifact imbued with the essence of returning flame].

After completing the forging of this treasure, Eldrin Chen gazed upon the Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform. With a slight mental probe, he discovered it could now store an amount of True Essence [the refined spiritual power cultivated by a practitioner] equal to his own total capacity.

"A pity the Five Elements Qi [the spiritual energy embodying the five fundamental elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth] was still somewhat insufficient," he mused. "Had it advanced to Third Rank Low Grade, it might have been able to store three times my True Essence."

The thought flashed through Eldrin Chen's mind, and his fondness for this Life-Bound Magical Treasure [a magical artifact personally forged and spiritually bonded to a cultivator, growing with them] increased by another significant measure.

With this treasure, his final weakness was mended. Even in a confrontation with a Purple Mansion Cultivator [a cultivator who has opened the Purple Mansion, the third major realm], he would likely not be at a disadvantage in terms of True Essence reserves. This chapter is part of a larger work available at audio-novel.com (official site).

Storing the Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform within his dantian [the core energy center in a cultivator's lower abdomen], Eldrin Chen suppressed the excitement in his heart and rose from his seated position in the seclusion chamber.

"It is time to end this seclusion," he declared.

The moment he stepped out of the chamber, a figure rushed toward him. Lila threw her arms around him, her eyes red-rimmed, and spoke.

"Uncle, I thought you had abandoned me."

"How could that be?"

Eldrin Chen patted her head, only then realizing he had been in seclusion for over three months.

During this time, Lila had made significant progress, her cultivation finally breaking through to the Qi Refinement [the initial stage of cultivation where one refines their vital energy] realm.

She was only ten years old this year. With her Spiritual Root [the innate talent that determines one's ability to cultivate spiritual energy] of an [a rare and superior type of spiritual root that grants exceptional cultivation speed and affinity], once she formally embarked on the path of cultivation, it would likely take her at most seven or eight years to break through to the Qi Refinement Ninth Layer.

"Not bad. It seems you haven't neglected your cultivation while I was in seclusion."

A smile touched Eldrin Chen's lips as he ruffled her hair. "Since you've worked so hard, I'll take you out for some fresh air today."

Leading the little girl out of the Cultivation Cave, he first went to the Cultivation Cave where Varen Wei was in seclusion, finding that Varen Wei had not yet emerged.

Having been secluded for so long, and taking the rare chance to stroll with the little one, Eldrin Chen simply continued to wander through the market with her in tow.

"Uncle, I want candied hawthorn berries!"

Cooped up for too long, Lila bounced with excitement the moment they were out, clinging to Eldrin Chen's hand, her eyes sparkling with uncontainable joy.

"Hmm?" [an expression of mild surprise or curiosity]

At that very moment, a man in the distance, his eyes flashing with a glimmer of spiritual light, let out a soft exclamation of surprise as he looked at Lila. He called out, halting Eldrin Chen in his tracks.

"Fellow Daoist, please stop." [a polite address between cultivators]

"Hm?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes shifted, his gaze settling on the newcomer. A flicker of cold intent passed through his pupils in an instant.

He recognized the speaker. It was Duncan Deng, a direct descendant of the Deng Immortal Clan. The man's eyes swept over Lila standing beside Eldrin Chen, his gaze holding a trace of covetousness and an air of lofty superiority as he spoke.

"That girl by your side is rather comely. I happen to be in need of a new maidservant."

"If you are willing to sell her to me, I can give you ten thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]."

"Uncle..."

Lila trembled with fear. Clutching Eldrin Chen's arm, she tried to hide behind him, her eyes fixed on him in a silent, desperate plea.

Eldrin Chen gently patted Lila's head, offering her a wordless comfort, before turning his gaze towards Duncan Deng. His expression remained placid as he delivered his refusal.

"This child is my niece. I must decline your offer."

"Hmph—" A cold glint flashed in Duncan Deng's eyes as he issued his threat. "Do you know who I am?"

"In Yan Kingdom, our Deng Clan is the law. If you wish to continue your endeavors within these borders, you would be wise not to defy me." This novel is serialized on audio-novel dot com. Visit for updates.