Chapter 226 : The Supreme Treasure's Awakening
In this realm, Primordial Spirit Realm [the spiritual core cultivation stage] artifacts of the Sixth Rank [the sixth level of power] are termed Primordial Solar Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure of primordial solar essence]. Only artifacts belonging to the Infant Soul Realm [the nascent soul cultivation stage] are qualified to be called Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure capable of subduing demons].
The spiritual intelligence of a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure capable of subduing demons] approaches that of a sentient being. However, without an Infant Soul Cultivator [a nascent soul stage cultivator] to channel its power, it can scarcely unleash a fraction of its true might.
The Patriarch [the supreme leader of a sect or clan] of the three great sects lacked sufficient cultivation base. Yet, sustained by the nourishment of a Fourth Rank Earth Vein [a fourth-grade terrestrial spiritual energy leyline], they could barely coax a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure capable of subduing demons] to recover a sliver of its power—enough for merely one or two devastating strikes. Even this was sufficient to severely wound, or potentially even annihilate, a cultivator at the Golden Core Late Stage [the late stage of the golden core cultivation realm].
However, if a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure capable of subduing demons] acts without an Infant Soul Cultivator [a nascent soul stage cultivator] to channel it, it will inevitably deplete its own intrinsic power. Its artifact spirit may even fall into a deep slumber, requiring an immense span of time to recover.
Therefore, if a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure capable of subduing demons] is unwilling to act, even a Golden Core Cultivator [a golden core stage cultivator] would find it nearly impossible to wield.
Over a century ago, during the chaos wrought by Desiccated Bone Old Demon, the previous sect master of the Verdant Sun Sect [the Verdant Sun Sect] forcibly channeled the Heaven's Vault Mirror [the Heaven's Vault Mirror] to slay the demon, severely draining the mirror's power in the process.
To this day, the Heaven's Vault Mirror [the Heaven's Vault Mirror] has not fully recovered its might. It now retains power for only a single, final strike.
Patriarch Xu [Patriarch Xu] ascended to his position through dubious means and never truly gained the favor of the Heaven's Vault Mirror [the Heaven's Vault Mirror]. Thus, during the Beast Tide [the monstrous beast tide], the mirror refused to risk falling into slumber by intervening.
In truth, Patriarch Xu [Patriarch Xu] himself was loath to call upon the Heaven's Vault Mirror [the Heaven's Vault Mirror]. It was his ultimate trump card. Should it fall dormant, the Verdant Sun Sect [the Verdant Sun Sect] would face grave peril.
It was precisely the existence of the Heaven's Vault Mirror [the Heaven's Vault Mirror] that gave Exquisite Jiang [Exquisite Jiang] pause regarding the Verdant Sun Sect [the Verdant Sun Sect]. For even if the mirror was not a true Infant Soul [nascent soul stage] artifact, it was estimated to have half a foot already within the ranks of the Fifth Rank [the fifth grade of power]. Continue reading this story at audio-novel-dot-com.
As Eldrin Chen's thoughts drifted and settled, a streak of light suddenly flew towards him.
The arrival was a young maiden with a tender, youthful face. She glanced at Eldrin Chen and spoke respectfully.
"I pay my respects to the Patriarch."
"What is the matter?"
Eldrin Chen looked at her and asked with a gentle smile.
This person was named Thinking Rain Chen, a rising star of the 'Thinking' generation within the clan and a descendant of Seventh Granduncle Eternal Verdancy Chen.
On his deathbed, the Old Granduncle had bequeathed his Verdant Leaf Sword and two spiritual talismans to Eldrin Chen. Those treasures had helped Eldrin Chen survive the perils of his first two life-and-death battles.
A drop of kindness received merits an ocean in return. Over the years, Eldrin Chen had provided Thinking Rain Chen with substantial support.
Thinking Rain Chen possessed a Four Spiritual Root constitution [a cultivation aptitude of the lowest grade, making progress extremely difficult]. Her cultivation path was arduous, but she practiced with commendable diligence. Now, at merely twenty-five years of age, she had reached the 7th Tier of Vital Essence Refinement. There was a glimmer of hope that she might one day achieve a breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment realm [the second major stage of cultivation, where one forms a stable spiritual foundation].
In recent years, the number of Foundation Establishment cultivators in the clan had gradually increased, surpassing twenty-five. However, none with a Four Spiritual Root constitution had ever reached Foundation Establishment. If she succeeded, she would be forging a new path.
Thinking Rain Chen offered a faint, somewhat reserved smile and said, "A message has come from Pingyang City via the Horizon Communication Mirror [a magical artifact for long-distance communication]. It says the Clan Patriarch requests your presence."
"Understood."
Eldrin Chen gave a nod, surmising that the Old Patriarch was likely preparing to attempt a breakthrough to the Violet Sanctum Mid Stage [the middle phase of the Violet Sanctum cultivation realm].
He casually handed Thinking Rain Chen a vial of elixirs [cultivation-enhancing pills] and said with a warm smile, "Focus diligently on your cultivation. In time, I shall procure a Foundation Establishment Pill [a precious pill that aids in solidifying one's cultivation foundation] for you."
Riding his flying sword, Eldrin Chen departed Mystic Iron Mountain and flew directly to Pingyang City.
Within the main hall of Pingyang City, besides the Old Patriarch, Eldrin Chen encountered a familiar face—none other than Xavier Xu.
Clasping his hands in greeting toward Xavier Xu, Eldrin Chen asked with a smile, "A rare guest indeed. I hadn't expected to see Elder Brother Xu here in our Pingyang City today."
"Your presence truly honors our humble abode."
"You flatter me,"
Xavier Xu replied with a pleased smile. "It has been but a few years, yet Fellow Daoist Chen [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator] has already broken through to the Violet Sanctum 3rd Tier [the third tier of the Violet Sanctum realm]. Truly, you live up to your reputation as the peerless prodigy whose fame shakes the Chu Nation."
Upon hearing this, a flicker of a smile appeared in Eldrin Chen's eyes.
With the assistance of the Shellfish King Pearl [a rare spiritual pearl formed by a powerful shellfish demon], his cultivation progress had accelerated considerably over the past few years. He had already broken through to the Violet Sanctum 3rd Tier [the third level of the Violet Sanctum realm] three years prior, and it seemed he would be able to reach the Violet Sanctum Mid Stage [the middle stage of the Violet Sanctum realm] within the next decade.
The Old Granduncle beside him also beamed with pride, offering a slight smile as he said, "Fellow Daoist Xu, you have come regarding the matter of the Purple Sun Jade [a rare spiritual jade imbued with the essence of the purple sun], I presume."
"Ah—"
Eldrin Chen's eyes glinted with understanding, realizing the purpose of Xavier Xu's visit.
Not long ago, the Cultivable Earth Vein [a spiritual earth vein suitable for nurturing rare materials] within Cangkun Mountain had finally given birth to the Purple Sun Jade. Xavier Xu had come precisely to discuss the distribution of this precious material. For more chapters, visit AUDIO-NOVEL.COM for the complete novel.
Sure enough, Xavier Xu smiled faintly, his expression calm as he produced the Purple Sun Jade and began to speak.
"According to our original agreement, once this Purple Sun Jade was formed, it would be refined into Violet Aura Cloud-Vein Pill [a high-grade elixir that strengthens the cultivator's spiritual veins and aura] for distribution among our four great Immortal Clan [powerful clans with a long history of cultivation]."
"However, the Violet Aura Cloud-Vein Pill is exceedingly difficult to refine. Even a Third Rank Superior Grade [a high-tier classification for alchemists and their products] alchemist can only guarantee a success rate of one or two pills per batch."
"Therefore, I wish to request Patriarch Jiang to undertake the refinement. Yet, Patriarch Jiang is currently deeply engrossed in his cultivation. I need you to intercede on our behalf."
Hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded and then spoke, "However, to request Patriarch Jiang to refine the pills, we must offer at least two pills as the fee for her service."
"I understand."
Xavier Xu nodded in agreement. With Exquisite Jiang's alchemy skill approaching the Fourth Rank Mid-Grade level, she could likely refine five Violet Aura Cloud-Vein Pill from the materials. No matter how he calculated it, this arrangement was far more advantageous.
"Very well, I shall handle this matter."
Eldrin Chen took the Purple Sun Jade and the Cloud Vein Fruit. After discussion, they decided to entrust the pill refinement to Exquisite Jiang.
According to Eldrin Chen's promise, once the pills were refined, the Xu Clan would receive two. The remaining pills would constitute the Chen Clan's share and Exquisite Jiang's service fee. Regardless of the final number, Xavier Xu would have no further claim.
Securing two Violet Aura Cloud-Vein Pill left Xavier Xu perfectly content. After all, the Xu Clan only held a fifty-five percent stake in the Purple Sun Jade. Even if only four pills were successfully refined, he would still receive his two, and he avoided paying a hefty alchemy fee on top of that.
As for the Pan Clan, with their mere fifteen percent stake in Cangkun Mountain, any distribution of Violet Aura Cloud-Vein Pill to them would likely have to wait for the next batch.
Having entrusted the matter of refining the Violet Aura Cloud-Vein Pill to Eldrin Chen, he then took his leave. "I leave this matter in your capable hands, Fellow Daoist. I have pressing business and must depart."
"Farewell, Fellow Daoist. Travel safely."
After the Shyu Clan clan leader departed, Eldrin Chen looked at the Old Patriarch and inquired, "How fares your cultivation progress now?"
"I have accumulated sufficient foundation," the Old Patriarch replied.
A smile graced the Old Patriarch's features as he said with evident delight, "Once the Cloud Vein Creation Pill [a legendary pill that refines one's spiritual meridians] is successfully concocted, I shall attempt to break through to the Violet Sanctum Mid Stage."
"Mmm," Eldrin Chen nodded, taking a sip of the fragrant tea before him. "The Five Elements Treasure Crystal [a rare crystal containing the primordial essence of the five elements] is far too precious. This time, we should still request Exquisite to perform the alchemy."
"Which piece of treasure crystal do you intend to take?"
Setting down his teacup, the Old Patriarch pondered for a moment before asking.
Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly. The clan still possessed two pieces of Five Elements Treasure Crystal: one was a Solar Fire Crystal [a crystal imbued with the essence of solar fire], and the other was a Metallic Gold Essence Crystal [a crystal containing the pure essence of metallic gold].
The concoction of the Cloud Vein Creation Pill consumes the Creation [the primordial creative force] energy within the Five Elements Treasure Crystal, so it makes no difference which type of Five Elements Crystal is used.
"I have already decided," Eldrin Chen stated. "I will take the Solar Fire Crystal."
"In that case, Uncle Lior will be able to make his first attempt to break into the Violet Sanctum [the third major realm of cultivation] in a few years. With the war against the Verdant Sun Sect looming, it is best to let him use it first. If we can conquer the Verdant Sun Sect within the next decade, we are certain to obtain more Five Elements Crystal." Visit audio novel.com to enjoy the complete series.