Chapter 167 : A Strategic Exchange of Treasures

The Yan Kingdom is abundant in Water and Wood Earth Vein [a vein of earth energy that nourishes spiritual growth], yet the other three elemental Five Elements Earth Vein [earth veins imbued with the energies of the five elements] are exceedingly scarce. There is not a single Bulwark Earth Vein [an earth vein of the Bulwark Earth element, known for its defensive and stabilizing properties], which results in a pitifully small amount of Earth-attribute natural treasures and spiritual materials.

Consequently, within the Yan Kingdom, Earth-attribute magical treasures are valued at over forty percent more than other treasures.

This Third Rank Lower Grade Kunwu Bulwark Earth Bell [a defensive bell forged from Kunwu metal and imbued with Bulwark Earth energy] is worth around forty thousand Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] in the Chu Nation, but in the Yan Kingdom it could fetch at least sixty thousand.

After estimating the value of the Kunwu Bulwark Earth Bell, Bathed in Sun Lin thought to himself, "Sixteenth Granduncle recently broke through to the Violet Sanctum Mid Stage [the middle stage of the Violet Sanctum realm], and his status within the clan has risen considerably. The old master is currently lacking a defensive Earth-attribute magical treasure. If I can obtain this item, I will surely win his favor."

"In that case, when the clan next allocates resources for breaking through to Violet Sanctum [a major cultivation realm], he might put in a good word for me."

Thinking this, Bathed in Sun Lin nodded and said with a smile, "This item is indeed valuable and can be exchanged for the Positive Water Crystal [a crystal brimming with pure, life-giving Water energy]."

"I will make the trade."

After completing the exchange for this treasure, Eldrin Chen and Varen Wei did not linger further and departed directly from the Barter Convention.

Once they had left the Barter Convention, Varen Wei clasped his hands towards Eldrin Chen and spoke with a grave expression.

"We are carrying significant treasures and may well attract covetous eyes." Join our community of readers at audio—novel.com.

"The journey back to Chu Nation is long and arduous. I plan to rent a Spirit Spring Cave Abode [a secluded cultivation dwelling built around a natural spring of spiritual energy] and go into seclusion to achieve my Violet Sanctum [the third major realm of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual core within their dantian] breakthrough first."

"And you?"

"My thoughts align with yours." Eldrin Chen nodded, then continued, "Why don't you focus on your Violet Sanctum breakthrough first? In the meantime, I will refine the Positive Water Crystal [a crystal brimming with pure, life-nourishing water energy] into a magical treasure [an enchanted artifact used by cultivators]. Once we are both ready, our return journey will be far safer."

"Agreed. It is settled then."

Having made their pact, both decided to remain in the Thousand Star Islands to refine their respective treasures before venturing back to the Spirit Isle Lake.

After bidding farewell to Varen Wei, Eldrin Chen returned to his cave abode. He instructed Lila not to wander outside unnecessarily and then entered seclusion to begin crafting the Positive Water Verdant Lotus Throne [a throne-like magical treasure forged from a lotus imbued with positive water energy].

He retrieved his clan's heirloom, the Second Rank Low-Grade Refining Cauldron [a cauldron used for alchemy and artifact forging, of a quality suitable for a Foundation Establishment cultivator], and then brought out the third-rank treasure, the Positive Water Verdant Lotus.

The Positive Water Verdant Lotus was a precious wood-attributed spiritual material of immense value. Eldrin Chen had possessed it for years, yet had always refrained from using it in combat, fearing it might be damaged in the fray.

"I must succeed."

Eldrin Chen muttered to himself with grave solemnity. Unlike robust ores like Mystic Iron, the Positive Water Verdant Lotus was a delicate treasure. A single misstep in the refining process could reduce the precious material to ashes. Handling such a substance demanded the utmost caution and precision.

He maintained a gentle flame, slowly tempering the Positive Water Verdant Lotus Throne while gradually infusing it with the Positive Water Crystal. This careful process ensured the Positive Water Verdant Lotus would not be consumed by the fire's heat.

Throughout this delicate operation, he also had to safeguard the Innate patterns [the fundamental, heaven-bestowed spiritual structures] inherent within the Positive Water Verdant Lotus, guiding them to merge seamlessly with the Positive Water Crystal.

The task was exceedingly time-consuming and laborious. By the time the Positive Water Crystal had been fully melded into the Positive Water Verdant Lotus, Eldrin Chen realized half a month had already slipped by.

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

"Positive Water Power [the fundamental energy of the water element, representing purity and nourishment]."

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with understanding. The Positive Water Crystal had become one with the Positive Water Verdant Lotus Throne. Henceforth, this Positive Water Verdant Lotus would no longer fear the destructive might of metal or fire.

With this crucial step complete, the Positive Water Verdant Lotus Throne was now resilient against easy destruction. The next phase was the most critical: inscribing the Lifebound Formation Runes.

The inscription of the Lifebound Formation Runes [the mystical patterns that bind a treasure to its master's life force] was not inherently difficult, though their complexity would grow as the Lifebound Magical Treasure [a magical artifact bound to its user's life force and cultivation] advanced. Eldrin Chen succeeded in etching them without great effort, and then began the final stage of tempering with Five Elements Essence [a refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements].

For this, he had prepared a significant quantity of First Wood [the essence of the wood element, representing growth and vitality] and Positive Water Dual Energy [a harmonious blend of pure water elemental energies], which he painstakingly infused into the treasure, particle by particle.

This was a grueling task of endurance. Even with his current level of cultivation, it consumed a full two months before he managed to refine this magical treasure from the Second Rank Low-Grade [the initial stage of the second major rank for artifacts] all the way to the Second Rank High-Grade [the peak stage of the second major rank for artifacts].

As the Positive Water Verdant Lotus Throne [a magical lotus-shaped throne imbued with pure water energy] was successfully forged, Eldrin Chen opened his mouth once more and exhaled a stream of Primordial Chaos Essence [the primordial, undifferentiated energy from which all creation stems] to merge with it.

The Positive Water Verdant Lotus Throne erupted with a brilliant radiance. Though it did not ascend to the Third Rank Lower Grade [the third major tier of power for magical artifacts], its foundational nature was greatly enhanced, much like the Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword [a sword forged from the essence of solar fire and the power of the abyss].

After completing the refinement of this treasure, Eldrin Chen gazed upon the Positive Water Verdant Lotus Throne and focused his senses. He discovered that this throne could store an amount of True Essence [the refined, potent energy cultivated by a practitioner] equal to his own full capacity.

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

As this thought flashed through his mind, Eldrin Chen's fondness for this Lifebound Magical Treasure [a magical artifact bound to its owner's life force and soul] surged once more.

With this treasure, his final weakness was mended. Even in a confrontation with a Violet Sanctum Cultivator [a cultivator who has opened their Violet Palace, the third major cultivation stage], he would likely not be at a disadvantage in terms of True Essence reserves. Experience the full epic at audio-novel*com.

Storing the Positive Water Verdant Lotus Throne within his Elixir Field [the dantian, the core energy center within a cultivator's body], Eldrin Chen suppressed his excitement and rose from within the Seclusion Chamber [a chamber designed for undisturbed meditation and cultivation].

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

No sooner had he stepped from the Seclusion Chamber than a figure rushed towards him. Lila, her eyes red, clung to his arm 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 secluded cultivation for over three months.

And during this time, Lila had made significant progress, her cultivation finally breaking through to the Vital Essence Refinement Realm [the foundational stage of cultivation where one refines the body's vital energy].

She was only ten years old this year. With her Variant Spiritual Root [a rare and superior innate talent for absorbing spiritual energy] aptitude, once she formally embarked on the cultivation path, it would likely take at most seven or eight years for her to break through to the Vital Essence Refinement 9th Tier [the peak of the foundational cultivation realm].

"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 cave abode, he first went to the cave where Varen Wei was in secluded cultivation, finding that Varen Wei had not yet emerged.

Having been secluded for so long, and taking the rare opportunity to stroll with the little one, Eldrin Chen decided to continue wandering through the market district with her.

"Uncle, I want candied hawthorn berries!"

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

"Hmm?"

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

"Fellow Daoist, please stop."

"Hmm?"

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

He recognized the speaker. It was none other than Origin Martial Deng, a direct descendant of the Deng Immortal Clan. The man glanced at Lila standing beside Eldrin Chen, his gaze carrying a trace of covetousness and an air of lofty condescension as he spoke.

"That girl beside you is rather comely. I happen to be in need of a maidservant."

"If you are willing to sell her to me, I can give you ten thousand Spirit Stones [minerals that store and radiate spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]."

"Uncle..."

Lila trembled in fright, clutching Eldrin Chen's arm and hiding behind him. She looked up at him with pleading eyes.

Eldrin Chen gently patted Lila's head, offering her a comforting gesture, then turned his gaze toward Origin Martial Deng. His expression remained placid as he calmly refused.

"This child is my niece. I must decline to sell her."

"Hmph—" Origin Martial Deng's eyes turned icy, his voice laced with threat. "Do you know who I am?"

"In the Yan Kingdom, our Deng Clan is the law. If you wish to survive here, you would do well not to defy me." The complete novel can be found at audio–novel.com.