Chapter 163 Ancient Cultivator's Cave Abode

Following the map, he flew another 7,000-odd li before finally arriving before a city built atop a mountain peak.

"Is this Cang City?"

Eldrin's eyes flickered slightly as he descended on his sword, landing before the city gates.

Cang City was 1 of the closest settlements to the Black Eagle Range. It housed a third-order spirit vein and had once been the territory of a Zi Mansion-level demon beast 3 1000 years ago. Later, the Verdant Sword Sect seized the land and established a city here.

This city was primarily leased to rogue cultivators residing within the Celestial Peaks Range, and stood as 1 of the few cultivation markets in the Cerulean Peaks Range (Location).

Eldrin stepped into the city and discovered it housed between 5 to 6 1000 cultivators, most of whom were Qi Refining rogue practitioners, alongside tens of thousands of mortal disciples.

Within the borders of Chu Kingdom, a third-order spirit vein, unless situated in an exceptionally poor location, could typically sustain a population of several million mortals. Yet here, only a few tens of thousands remained—a stark testament to the harsh conditions prevailing throughout the Cerulean Peaks Range.

"Esteemed senior, your face seems unfamiliar. Is this your first time visiting the Cangqing Mountains?"

Chapter 1 Eldrin had just stepped into the spirit vein when he heard a voice.

He glanced sideways and found a middle-aged man looking at him, a broad smile spreading across his face as he said, "This junior has been staying in Cangcheng for dozens of years, so my information is absolutely reliable."

"The information you seek, this junior has it all."

"Go on, tell me."

A faint twitch appeared between Eldrin's brows as he tossed a spirit stone over.

The man took the spirit stones, his face beaming with joy as he wiped them clean.

A rogue cultivator without backing truly faced immense hardship in their cultivation journey. For someone like him at the Qi Refinement, Early Stage, the spirit stones earned over an entire year might not even amount to 3 to 5.

In his daily life, he earned only thumb-sized spirit stone fragments, and even then, the majority of the spirit stones he accumulated each year had to be spent on urban expenses.

Otherwise, if he were to be expelled, not only would he face the dangers of the outside world, but even the source of spiritual energy for cultivation would become a major issue. Without the aid of Cangcheng City's spiritual veins, the sparse ambient spiritual energy would make his cultivation journey exceedingly difficult.

From this perspective alone, clan-born cultivators enjoyed privileged circumstances from birth. The annual value of spiritual energy absorbed by the Chen Clan cultivators was substantial—if 1 were to lease a cave abode for cultivation, the cost would likely approach their own annual stipend.

Getting back to the story, seeing Eldrin’s lavish spending, the man was overjoyed and promptly led him forward, chattering excitedly as they walked.

"Senior, you must also be here for the ancient cultivator's cave abode, correct?"

Ancient Cultivator's Abode?

Eldrin (Person Name) furrowed his brow slightly upon hearing this and replied impassively, "Let's hear it."

As the man recounted the tale in detail, Eldrin came to understand what had transpired within the Cerulean Peaks Range.

It all began a few years ago when a rumor spread that the ancient abode of a rogue cultivator from the Violet Mansion would soon reemerge into the world.

It is said that the cave abode was the cultivation sanctuary of Master Mo, a rogue cultivator from the Zifu Realm. Master Mo was a practitioner who lived a 1000 years ago, and this venerable senior possessed extraordinary fortune. In his youth, he had obtained the legacy of high-level alchemy and formation mastery.

It was precisely by relying on these 2 signature skills that Elder Mo managed to cultivate all the way to the ninth level of the Purple Mansion, establishing himself as a renowned figure even within the Cerulean Peaks Range.

Rumors now spread that this Violet Mansion cultivator's abode was about to emerge into the world, instantly setting the entire Cerulean Peaks Range ablaze with excitement. Countless cultivators were scouring the mountains in search of Elder Mo's hidden sanctuary.

Abode of a Purple Palace, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) cultivator.

"Legacy of high-level alchemy and formation arts."

Eldrin's brow twitched faintly, a flicker of interest stirring within his heart.

After a long while, he suppressed the thought. This inheritance was far too precious—it was likely that even Zifu cultivators would take part in the fray.

This was truly fraught with considerable peril. For him, acquiring the Profound Water Crystal (Spiritual Object) and refining his life-bound magic treasure as soon as possible to break through to the Zi Mansion realm was the true path to power.

After inquiring further about the recent situation in the Cerulean Peaks Range (Location) and confirming there were no other anomalies, Eldrin (Person Name) dismissed the guide before renting a cave abode to restore his primal energy.

After resting in Cang City for 3 days, Eldrin rode his sword and flew into the Black Eagle Ridge territory.

Perhaps because the cultivators’ search for the ancient cave abode had caused too great a commotion, drawing the attention of the demon clan, he managed to cross the Black Eagle Ridge without provoking pursuit from any Purple Mansion demon beasts.

The Zifu-level demon beasts did not give chase, while most Foundation Establishment-level demon beasts were incapable of flight. Thus, his journey remained relatively unimpeded.

He cautiously flew at a low altitude, skirting around the spirit veins above third-grade controlled by the demon clans. After traversing over 300,000 li, he finally emerged from the Black Eagle Ridge.

After spending another 2 months, they finally crossed the Cerulean Peaks Range (Location) and arrived within the borders of the Yan Kingdom (Location).

Upon arriving at Yan Kingdom (Location), he took a deep, shuddering breath, only then realizing he had flown nearly 2 million li in 1 go.

Upon arriving at Yan Kingdom, Eldrin went straight to Yanshan Fang. This Yanshan Fang was a third-grade, superior-tier spirit vein.

This market town also served as the first line of defense for the Yan Kingdom against the demonic tribes of the Cerulean Peaks Range, holding a status nearly equivalent to that of the Scorched Sun Mountain in the Chu Kingdom.

Of course, compared to the Chu Kingdom (Location) bordering the vast marshes, the Cerulean Peaks Range (Location) had far fewer Golden Core demon kings. The pressure on Yanshan Outpost was nowhere near that faced by Scorched Sun Mountain (Location) and Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location).

Upon entering Yanshan Market, Eldrin did not linger but went straight to Lingxi Pavilion, the largest establishment within the district.

The Spirit Rhyme Pavilion was an enterprise of the Deng Clan, a Golden Core immortal family of the Yan Kingdom. It was said that the Deng Clan was the most powerful Golden Core lineage in the Yan Kingdom, boasting a full 3 Golden Core cultivators within their ranks. Their Patriarch was even a True Master at the Golden Core, Late Stage.

"I wonder if the Ethereal Echo Pavilion might have Profound Water Crystal (Spiritual Object) available for purchase?"

Eldrin's eyes flickered slightly before he stepped into the Spirit Rhyme Pavilion.

The shopkeeper was an elderly man at the Foundation Establishment, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm). Upon sensing Eldrin (Person Name)'s cultivation level, the man promptly rose and ushered him inside.

The shopkeeper had a keen eye; his first glance told him Eldrin was unfamiliar, so he spoke with a cheerful smile.

"You seem unfamiliar, fellow Daoist. Most likely, you've come from the Cerulean Peaks Range (Location)."

"Your discernment is keen, fellow Daoist." Eldrin nodded, his expression serene as he spoke. "To be forthright, I have come seeking to purchase a Profound Water Crystal."

The shopkeeper furrowed his brow at these words, stroked his long beard and shook his head. "Given your cultivation level, Fellow Daoist, you've risked crossing a million-li mountain range to reach Yan Kingdom. I presume you've also come for the Profound Water Crystal."

"Unfortunately, my Spirit Rhyme Pavilion currently doesn't possess this item either."

"Ah." Eldrin's expression shifted slightly as he instinctively cupped his hands. "I beg to ask, fellow cultivator, where might 1 find Profound Water Crystals for sale?"

The shopkeeper poured Eldrin a cup of tea and still explained, "Though the Yan Kingdom abounds with water and wood ley lines, this item remains exceedingly rare. It’s typically only traded at auctions or exchange gatherings."

"The 1000 Stars Island hosts a Foundation Establishment Exchange Assembly once every 10 years. If you truly wish to obtain this item, you must go to 1000 Stars Island."

Emerging from the Spirit Resonance Pavilion, Eldrin furrowed his brow slightly as he unfurled a map of the Yan Kingdom to examine it closely.

Unlike the terrain of the Chu Kingdom, the Yan Kingdom was truly worthy of its name as the Land of Rivers and Forests. Spanning over a million square miles across the realm, only about 40 percent of its territory consisted of solid land.

Though called a kingdom, the Yan Kingdom (Location) could just as well be described as a million-mile expanse of Yan Lake. It was simply that this vast lake was dotted with thousands upon thousands of islands, some large and some small.

Among these islands, the largest spanned a full 1 100 1000 li, capable of sustaining the prosperity of Golden Core immortal clans, while the smallest measured merely a dozen or so li, often occupied by Qi Refining cultivators.

Within the vast expanse of Yan Lake, the aqueous elemental veins cyclically nourished the archipelago, giving rise to the unparalleled expanse of forest unique among the 6 nations of Ji Province.

Thus, within the Yan Kingdom, the 5 elemental water veins and earth veins were never lacking. This led to frequent interactions between the cultivators of the Yan Kingdom and the Chu Kingdom, all for the purpose of exchanging treasures such as the Profound Water Crystal.

Back then, Varen failed to acquire the Wood Essence of Jia in the Chu Kingdom, yet he obtained this treasure in the Yan Kingdom—clear proof that acquiring such artifacts was far easier within Yan's borders.

Chapter 1: The Reborn Youth Mount Azurepeak, outer sect disciple quarters. A youth of 15 or 16 years sat cross-legged on a stone bed, his face pale as paper. Beads of cold sweat dotted his forehead, his fingers trembling uncontrollably. "Have I... truly returned?" Chu Yuning gazed at the familiar yet unfamiliar surroundings, waves of shock crashing through his heart. He was originally an outer sect disciple of the Azurepeak Sect. Due to his mediocre talent, he had struggled at the first level of Qi Refining for 3 years, eventually being expelled from the sect. Afterward, he drifted through the cultivation world, experiencing countless hardships and narrowly escaping death on numerous occasions. By some twist of fate, he managed to build his Foundation and form his Golden Core, ultimately becoming the revered "Voidwalker" known across the 9 provinces. Yet, at the very moment he was transcending his tribulation to ascend, he was ambushed by several fellow cultivators. His physical body was destroyed, and his primordial spirit severely injured. Who could have imagined that instead of perishing, he would be reborn, returning to the very day he was expelled from the Azurepeak Sect 3 100 years ago? "Since the heavens have granted me a second chance, I, Chu Yuning, will surely rewrite everything in this lifetime!" A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. In his previous life, he had been too naive and honest, which led to being framed and expelled from the sect. In this life, he would never repeat the same mistakes. Just then, the wooden door was pushed open with a "creak." A young man in blue robes walked in, a look of disdain on his face as he tossed a gray bundle onto the ground. "Chu Yuning, pack your things and get out. From today onward, you are no longer a disciple of the Azurepeak Sect." Chu Yuning recognized this person—it was Zhao Shan, an outer sect steward who had always looked down on him. In his previous life, it was this very Zhao Shan who, on the orders of another, had deliberately made things difficult for him, ultimately leading to his expulsion. "Zhao Shan, do you truly believe you can bully me so easily?" Chu Yuning slowly rose from the stone bed, his gaze as sharp as a blade. Zhao Shan was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. "Hah, a mere first-level Qi Refining trash, and you still dare to put on a front in front of me? Let me tell you, this is an order from the Law Enforcement Hall. If you don't leave obediently, don't blame me for resorting to force!" As he spoke, a powerful aura erupted from his body—he was at the third level of Qi Refining. In the Azurepeak Sect, the gap between each level of Qi Refining was like a chasm. With Chu Yuning's first-level Qi Refining cultivation, he would be hard-pressed to withstand a single strike from Zhao Shan. However, Chu Yuning remained completely unfazed, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Is that so? Then why don't you give it a try?" Zhao Shan's expression darkened. "Since you're seeking death, don't blame me!" He formed a hand seal, and a ball of flame materialized in his palm—this was the most basic fireball technique of the Azurepeak Sect. Although it was only a low-level spell, in the hands of a third-level Qi Refining cultivator, it was more than enough to severely injure a first-level Qi Refining disciple. "Go!" With a loud shout, the fireball shot straight toward Chu Yuning. But just as the fireball was about to hit him, Chu Yuning suddenly moved. He made a grasping motion with his right hand, and the fireball, as if meeting an invisible barrier, instantly dissipated into nothingness. "How is this possible!" Zhao Shan's eyes widened in shock. Before he could react, Chu Yuning had already appeared in front of him. "Scram!" A single word, spoken softly, yet it carried an irresistible force. Zhao Shan felt as if he had been struck by a massive hammer, his body flying backward and crashing heavily into the courtyard wall. "You... your cultivation..." Zhao Shan struggled to get up, his face filled with terror. The person before him was clearly still at the first level of Qi Refining, but the pressure he exuded was even more terrifying than that of an inner sect elder. Chu Yuning walked up to him, looking down from above. "Go back and tell your master that the matters of the Azurepeak Sect are not for him to meddle in. If he dares to make a move against me again, don't blame me for being ruthless." After speaking, he no longer paid any attention to Zhao Shan, turning and walking out of the courtyard. Stepping out of the disciple quarters, Chu Yuning took a deep breath of the spiritual energy abundant in the mountains, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. 3 100 years had passed, and everything remained the same, yet he was different. Although his cultivation had regressed to the first level of Qi Refining, his spiritual sense and comprehension of cultivation methods remained at the level of a Golden Core cultivator. Dealing with a mere third-level Qi Refining disciple was as easy as lifting a hand. However, he knew this was far from enough. In his previous life, he had suffered countless hardships and learned many secrets. In this life, he had to make adequate preparations. "The first thing to do is to quickly improve my cultivation. Only with sufficient strength can I stand firm in this cultivation world." With that thought, Chu Yuning quickened his pace and headed toward the Assignment Hall. In the Azurepeak Sect, disciples could obtain cultivation resources by completing assignments. Although he was about to be expelled, as long as the expulsion order hadn't been officially issued, he was still a disciple of the Azurepeak Sect and eligible to accept assignments. Along the way, many disciples cast strange looks at him, some even pointing and whispering. "Look, it's Chu Yuning. I heard he's about to be expelled from the sect." "Tsk, tsk, staying at the first level of Qi Refining for 3 years, such talent really is a waste of the sect's resources." "Keep your voice down. I heard he just beat up Steward Zhao..." "Impossible, right? With his cultivation?" Chu Yuning completely ignored these discussions. Having experienced the trials of his previous life, how could he possibly care about the opinions of these outer sect disciples? Soon, he arrived at the Assignment Hall. The Assignment Hall was bustling with activity, with many disciples gathered in front of the assignment board, searching for suitable tasks. Chu Yuning's gaze swept over the assignment board, quickly locking onto a specific task. "Gather 10 stalks of Sevenpetal Herb. Reward: 10 contribution points." This was a very common gathering assignment, and the reward was modest, so most disciples weren't interested in it. But Chu Yuning's eyes lit up. Sevenpetal Herb was a very common spiritual herb, usually used to refine low-level healing pills. However, few people knew that when Sevenpetal Herb grew to 7 petals, it would simultaneously produce an almost imperceptible spiritual root underground. This spiritual root was the main ingredient for refining the Foundation Building Pill! In his previous life, Chu Yuning had only learned of this secret by chance. Now, he intended to make use of this knowledge. Just as he was about to accept the assignment, a voice interrupted him. "Brother Chu, are you here to accept an assignment too?" Chu Yuning turned to see a fair-skinned, chubby young man walking toward him—it was Wang Dahu, 1 of the few disciples in the outer sect who had been kind to him. In his previous life, after he was expelled from the sect, Wang Dahu had often secretly helped him. Unfortunately, later on, Wang Dahu had died during a mission, which had been a great regret in Chu Yuning's heart. Now, seeing his old friend again, a warmth stirred in Chu Yuning's heart. "Brother Wang." Wang Dahu looked at Chu Yuning with concern. "I heard about what happened. Why don't... I go plead with my uncle? He has some connections in the Law Enforcement Hall and might be able to help you..." Chu Yuning waved his hand, interrupting him. "No need. The Azurepeak Sect is not a place I wish to stay for long." Wang Dahu was taken aback, noticing that the Chu Yuning before him seemed different from before—sharper, with a depth in his eyes that was hard to fathom. "Then... what are your plans?" Chu Yuning smiled slightly. "Let's talk about that later. Right now, I need to complete an assignment first." With that, he stepped forward, took down the assignment notice for the Sevenpetal Herb, and walked toward the assignment registration desk. Wang Dahu watched Chu Yuning's retreating figure, a faint doubt in his heart. Why did he feel that Chu Yuning, who had always been honest and somewhat timid, now seemed like a completely different person? After accepting the assignment, Chu Yuning left the Assignment Hall without looking back and headed straight for the back mountains. The back mountains of the Azurepeak Sect were vast and sparsely populated, with an abundance of spiritual herbs and materials, but also many fierce beasts. Ordinary outer sect disciples wouldn't dare to venture deep alone. However, to Chu Yuning, these so-called dangers were nothing at all. Relying on the memories from his previous life, he quickly found a patch of Sevenpetal Herb. But just as he was about to start gathering, a sudden sense of crisis struck him. Without a second thought, he immediately rolled to the side. Whoosh! A sharp arrow whizzed past, precisely hitting the spot where he had been standing just moments before. "Tsk, tsk, not bad reflexes." A voice rang out, and 3 figures emerged from the forest. The leader was a young man with a scar on his face, holding a longbow, looking at Chu Yuning with a sinister smile. Chu Yuning's eyes narrowed. "Zhang Kui?" This person was another outer sect disciple, known for being a local tyrant in the outer sect. In his previous life, he had often bullied Chu Yuning. Zhang Kui sneered. "Chu Yuning, hand over the Sevenpetal Herb you gathered, and we might consider sparing you." Chu Yuning finally understood. So they had been following him all along, waiting for him to find the spiritual herbs before making their move. In his previous life, he might have had no choice but to comply, but now... A cold light flashed in his eyes. "If you want the Sevenpetal Herb, come and get it yourself."