Chapter 170 : The Rarity of Heaven-Blessed Physiques

A Spiritual Root [the innate talent channeling spiritual energy] is readily found, but a Dao Body [a rare, heaven-blessed physical constitution that greatly enhances cultivation] is exceedingly rare to seek. Cultivators who possess a Dao Body are often far more uncommon than those with an Anomalous Spiritual Root [a rare and powerful variant of a spiritual root].

Although Anomalous Spiritual Root are one in ten thousand, looking across nations like the Yan Kingdom and the Chu Kingdom, each still possesses over a dozen cultivators with such roots. However, the number of individuals with a Dao Body between these two kingdoms combined amounts to merely two.

Those two individuals are Lyra Jiang and the Nascent Soul True Lord [a supreme cultivator whose soul has formed an independent infant-like entity] who safeguards the Ji Clan in the Yan Kingdom.

Even the most ordinary Dao Body can vastly increase a cultivator's cultivation speed and enhance their probability of breaking through realms. In this regard, it is in no way inferior when compared to a Heavenly Spiritual Root [the pinnacle grade of spiritual root, granting unparalleled cultivation speed].

For instance, Lyra Jiang's Lunar Immortal Physique [a physique of pure lunar essence, one of the supreme Dao Bodies] is among the most supreme of Dao Body. Legends say it is a constitution only possessed by true Immortals, its potential utterly unimaginable.

Supreme Dao Body like the Lunar Physique [a physique of pure lunar essence] and the Pure Yang Physique [a physique of pure solar essence] are so extraordinary that the world marvels at the innate origins of such individuals. It is said they are Immortals from the Celestial Realm born in response to fate, believed to be inherently blessed with great fortune, hence they are called Immortal Physique [a supreme Dao Body, literally "Immortal Physique"].

"Perish!"

Duncan Deng's face twisted into a snarl. Without a moment's hesitation, he unleashed his trump card, activating and hurling a Treasure Talisman [a powerful, single-use talisman sealing a potent technique] towards his foe.

The talisman erupted with a dazzling blade radiance, unleashing the Third Rank [equivalent to the Purple Mansion Realm] divine ability 'Earth Marsh Heaven Blade' [a mighty blade technique drawing power from earth and marsh]. A hazy, devastating blade-light descended from the heavens, cleaving directly towards Eldrin Chen.

"A Third Rank Low Grade Treasure Talisman!" Visit (audio-novel.com) to enjoy the complete series.

Eldrin Chen's gaze sharpened slightly. However, at his current level of cultivation, a mere Third Rank Low Grade Treasure Talisman [a pre-charged talisman containing a powerful, single-use magical effect] was no longer a significant threat to him.

With a flick of his wrist, he summoned forth the Thunderbolt Blazing Fire Sword and sent it slashing out. The sword transformed into a jet-black and golden sword aura that cleaved downward, meeting and parrying the oncoming Earth Marsh Heaven Blade.

Yet, the power contained within this Treasure Talisman was indeed extraordinary. The clash caused the spiritual radiance of the Thunderbolt Blazing Fire Sword to dim noticeably, its potency greatly diminished. For the time being, it was rendered unusable.

As Eldrin Chen recalled his damaged sword, he barely had a moment to catch his breath before his eyes narrowed once more, his senses screaming a new warning.

From across the battlefield, Duncan Deng unleashed yet another Third Rank Treasure Talisman. A devastating sword aura materialized in the void and shot towards him with lethal intent.

"Damnation! Another one?" Eldrin Chen cursed under his breath, his expression darkening.

A Third Rank Low Grade Treasure Talisman like this typically started at a price of twenty thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation].

The power of a Third Rank divine ability was formidable. Even for a Purple Mansion Cultivator [a cultivator who has established their Purple Mansion, the third major stage of cultivation], activating one consumed a vast amount of spiritual energy.

Such Divine Ability Talisman [a talisman that stores a single, powerful cast of a cultivator's divine ability] were weapons of decisive power. Even Purple Mansion Cultivator would not use them lightly, reserving them for critical moments to turn the tide of battle.

To see Duncan Deng squander such precious treasures so recklessly left Eldrin Chen momentarily stunned. A pang of vicarious regret, almost physical in its intensity, shot through him at the sheer waste.

However, it must be said that although the use of these two Treasure Talisman [a powerful, single-use enchanted scroll] was somewhat wasteful, their effect was indeed significant, forcing Eldrin Chen into a rather passive position.

Recognizing the formidable power of the Third Rank [corresponding to the Purple Mansion Realm] sword talisman, Eldrin Chen immediately summoned his Xuluo Diamond Banner [a powerful banner treasure from the Violet Abyss Sect].

The might of this premier Life-Bound Magical Treasure [a cultivator's personally bonded and nurtured artifact] from the Violet Abyss Sect proved truly extraordinary. As it unleashed the Xuluo Heaven-Smiting Seal [a divine ability of the banner], its power was astonishing, actually clearing a void spanning a thousand Zhang-length [one Zhang-length equals three point three three meters].

With a single strike, it shattered the sword aura. The residual force even collapsed several Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] of mountain peaks. The thunderous roar echoed for nearly a hundred Li-length, sending countless Low-Rank Demonic Beast [demonic beasts of the lower cultivation ranks] scattering in all directions.

Yet, after activating the Xuluo Heaven-Smiting Seal, the energy within the Xuluo Diamond Banner had been significantly depleted. It would require several years of careful nurturing before this divine ability could be invoked again.

"Cleave—!"

Seeing that Eldrin Chen's Thunderbolt Blazing Fire Sword [a sword imbued with thunder and fire] was temporarily unusable and the Xuluo Heaven-Smiting Seal had been expended, Duncan Deng finally revealed a vicious grin. He summoned a Ghost Head Blade [a sinister blade adorned with ghostly motifs] magical treasure and sent it slashing forward.

It must be said that although this man's character was arrogant, he valued his own life exceedingly highly. In combat, he was truly cautious and meticulous.

Even after consecutively deploying two Third Rank Talisman [enchanted scrolls], which exhausted two of Eldrin Chen's trump cards, he still dared not emerge from within his Third-Rank Treasure Ship [a flying vessel of the Purple Mansion grade]. He merely controlled the Third Rank precious blade to duel against Eldrin Chen's Lifebound Immortal Sword [his personally bonded immortal sword].

Eldrin Chen wielded his two divine abilities and his Lifebound Immortal Sword, trading over a hundred blows with the duo. He realized that Duncan Deng's True Essence [the refined spiritual energy of a Foundation Establishment or higher cultivator] was not inferior to his own, and even his combat techniques were on par.

"How is this possible?"

His eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a look of astonishment.

Throughout the years of his journey, the reason he had forged such a formidable reputation was precisely his keen combat instincts, his uncanny ability to seize the critical moment and deliver a fatal blow to his opponent.

He was supremely confident in this aspect. In terms of grasping the timing of a battle, even Yang the Ancient Ancestor, who was at the Purple Palace, Mid Stage, probably could not surpass him.

Yet this person, a mere Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, could contend with him without falling behind. This utterly defied his expectations.

"Wait... it's an ocular divine ability [a mystical power that enhances or grants special properties to the eyes]." Your portal to cultivation novels: audio-novel.com (official site).

Eldrin Chen's gaze sharpened. Only then did he notice that Duncan Deng's eyes were glowing with spiritual light, possessing an almost hyper-detailed, crystal-clear perception.

In that instant, understanding dawned upon him. His opponent possessed an ocular divine ability.

In truth, Duncan Deng was also deeply shocked. Ocular divine abilities were exceedingly rare and often possessed astonishingly profound uses. Although his Jade Spirit Eye [a divine ability that grants exceptional visual acuity and perception] was not particularly strong in direct offense, it was profoundly mystical.

When he activated this ability, Eldrin Chen's movements seemed to slow down considerably. Yet, even under such circumstances, he still hadn't gained the upper hand. This was truly beyond his expectations.

"This individual's combat intuition is far too astonishing."

"He does not seem like a mere Foundation Establishment Cultivator [a cultivator who has solidified their foundation on the path of cultivation]." Duncan Deng wiped the sweat from his brow and urgently urged his companion, Duncan Jie, "Clan Brother, strike now!"

Without further delay, Duncan Jie activated the offensive formation array on the treasure boat, unleashing its sole attack-oriented divine ability.

A brilliant, crimson-hued flame descended from the heavens. Its speed was extraordinary, instantly enveloping Eldrin Chen.

"Soul-Burning Separated Flame [a mystical flame that sears both body and spirit]."

Eldrin Chen's expression turned grave; he recognized this technique immediately.

One of the three divine abilities contained within Old Patriarch's Crimson-Gold Banner of the Three Treasures was precisely this Soul-Burning Separated Flame.

Over the years, Chen Thalion had relied on this very ability from his Formation Flags [enchanted flags used to deploy formations] to carve a formidable reputation across Bianzhou.

Being intimately familiar with this technique, Eldrin Chen understood its potency all too well. He dared not face it head-on. Instead, he channeled his energy into the Xuluo Diamond Banner, activating its defensive divine ability, the Diamond Glaze Canopy [a protective barrier as hard and clear as diamond-infused glaze].

The Third Rank Magical Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact of the third rank] proved its worth. The unleashed divine ability held firm against the Soul-Burning Separated Flame, keeping the surging Separated Flame [a potent, purified flame essence] at bay.

At that moment, however, Duncan Deng let out a sinister laugh and produced a third Treasure Talisman [a powerful, pre-charged magical scroll].

"Didn't expect this, did you? I have one more Third Rank Talisman [a magical scroll or charm]."

He sneered coldly, raising his hand to activate the Treasure Talisman. It transformed into a Third Rank True Water Law Sword [a sword embodying a specific law or principle] that descended, striking the Xuluo Diamond Banner [a defensive banner artifact] with such force that its radiance dimmed and its defensive divine ability was shattered.

As the surging Separated Flame [a potent, refined spiritual flame] threatened to consume him, Eldrin Chen bolstered his protective aegis and steered his Lifebound Immortal Sword [a sword cultivated within one's body, sharing a life-force bond] to cleave through the Soul-Burning Separated Flame [a divine ability that manifests soul-scorching flames], breaking free from the encirclement.

Seeing him escape the Soul-Burning Separated Flame, Duncan Deng called out coldly, his gaze icy, "His True Essence [the refined, potent energy cultivated by a practitioner] is nearly spent. Do not let him flee!"

Hearing this, a flash of killing intent ignited in Eldrin Chen's eyes. Although his True Essence was severely depleted, the Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform [a magical treasure in the form of an azure lotus platform] within him still held a substantial reserve of mana. He was far from the state of weakness his opponent presumed.

Just as he was about to summon his defensive treasure, the Luofu Diamond Seal [a seal artifact renowned for its diamond-like defense], to re-engage, a thunderous roar suddenly split the air. A dark shadow streaked across the distant sky towards them.

"It's the Black Serpent Demon [a powerful demonic serpent]! A Purple Palace, Mid Stage Demonic Beast [a monster that cultivates and possesses great power] from Black Eagle Ridge!"

"Disaster! Our battle has drawn its attention!"

Duncan Jie cried out in alarm, immediately urging his treasure boat to flee into the distance.

And Eldrin Chen moved even faster than they did. The instant he glimpsed the dark shadow, he transformed into a streak of sword light, flying into the distance.

"Where do you think you're running? Chase him! Go after him!" Duncan Deng, seeing Eldrin Chen about to escape, his face twisted into a snarl, grabbed Duncan Jie's collar. "That is my chance to complete my Dao! I order you to pursue him!"

Duncan Jie's expression shifted through several shades, as if he were seeing this clan brother for the first time. Finally, without a word, he urged the treasure boat forward in pursuit.

Eldrin Chen flew for over seven thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters]. Using a mountain hollow to temporarily shake off Duncan Deng and the Demonic Beast [a beast that has absorbed spiritual energy and gained monstrous power], he found himself, almost without realizing it, flying into a valley shrouded in thick mist.

Then, as if breaking through a barrier of illusionary fog, he discovered before him a Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with a potent vein of spiritual energy].

"This concentration of spiritual energy... it's a Third Rank High Grade Spirit Vein [a geological formation that naturally gathers and emits spiritual energy, essential for cultivation]."

Only then did he realize he had inadvertently broken through a concealing formation [a magical array designed to hide something from sight or detection].

Pushing the thought aside, Eldrin Chen looked up. Ahead, he saw a Cultivation Cave [a cave or chamber used by a cultivator for secluded meditation and practice], and upon it, a line of characters was carved.

"Unforgotten Peak." Your portal to cultivation novels: audio-novel.com (official site).