Chapter 254 : Clash of the Mansion Spirits

"No wonder they couldn't take Crimson Flame Mountain."

Eldrin Chen's heart stirred slightly. The combined combat power of eight Purple Mansion Spirit [powerful spiritual entities inhabiting a cultivator's Purple Mansion realm] was formidable indeed.

Especially those two spirits at the Purple Palace, Late Stage [an advanced stage within the Purple Mansion cultivation realm]; their strength was already extraordinary. Their combined force alone was enough to leave Qingci the Recluse at a loss.

Even a False Core Cultivator [a cultivator who has formed a flawed or incomplete Golden Core] of slightly ordinary ability, if they came here alone, likely wouldn't gain any advantage.

Qingci the Recluse glanced at the Purple Mansion Spirit [powerful spiritual entities inhabiting a cultivator's Purple Mansion realm], his expression turning grave. "Qingyan's mana is insufficient, and Yu the Immortal Maiden has only her own strength. I fear it would be difficult to contend with multiple Purple Mansion Spirit [powerful spiritual entities inhabiting a cultivator's Purple Mansion realm]."

"Brother Wei, let us join forces to deal with the four strongest Purple Mansion Spirit [powerful spiritual entities inhabiting a cultivator's Purple Mansion realm]."

"The remaining Purple Mansion [a major cultivation realm where the cultivator forms a spiritual mansion within their dantian] spirits can be held off by Yu the Immortal Maiden and my wife. What do you think?"

"Agreed."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod and immediately soared forward on his sword.

He summoned the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords, transforming them into two streaks of sword radiance that cleaved through the air. The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss [a magical treasure sword imbued with the power of Separated Flame] shot straight toward one of the Purple Palace, Late Stage [an advanced stage within the Purple Mansion cultivation realm] spirits, while the Heavenly River Flood Water Sword encircled another spirit at the Purple Palace, Mid Stage [a middle stage within the Purple Mansion cultivation realm]. Experience the full epic at audio - novel . com.

The other three cultivators, seeing this, surged forward in unison, unleashing their Magical Treasure to attack the Crimson Flame Spirit [a powerful spirit entity born from concentrated fire essence].

The Flaming Prison Sea of Fire was the domain of the Crimson Flame Spirit, and the moment the group made their move, their presence was detected. Eight Purple Mansion Spirit [spirit entities with power equivalent to the Purple Mansion cultivation realm] instantly retaliated, channeling a Crimson Flame Qi [a pure, concentrated energy of crimson fire] divine ability through their Magical Treasure to strike back.

Eldrin Chen alone faced two Purple Mansion Mid to Late Stage [a mid to high level within the Purple Mansion realm] spirit entities. Wielding the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords, he danced through the fray with devastating grace, holding his ground without yielding an inch.

"Magnificent immortal swords, formidable mana!"

Witnessing Eldrin Chen's awe-inspiring display, Qingci the Recluse [a wandering cultivator known for his poetic swordsmanship] felt a spark of battle lust ignite within him.

As a fellow Sword Cultivator [a practitioner who specializes in the way of the sword], he was unwilling to be outshone.

Not to be outdone, he raised his left hand, summoning his Lifebound Immortal Sword [a sword forged with and bound to its wielder's very soul], the 'Breeze-Embraces-Moon Sword', to engage the Purple Palace, Late Stage [a late-stage Purple Mansion realm] spirit entity in a fierce duel.

Then, with a point of his right finger, he released his other Lifebound Immortal Sword, the 'Wine and Verse Dawn Song Sword', intercepting the Purple Palace, Mid Stage [a mid-stage Purple Mansion realm] spirit entity.

These twin Lifebound Immortal Sword were Qingci the Recluse's signature weapons, the very source of his renowned title, which was derived from the legendary Qingci Twin Swords.

Though Qingci the Recluse had broken through to the Purple Mansion [a major realm of cultivation where one forms a spiritual mansion within their dantian] in merely half a month, he had waited a full year before coming here. The primary reason was to refine and elevate the grade of these two indispensable immortal swords.

To purchase Five Elements Essence [a refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements] for upgrading the grade of these two immortal swords, Qingci the Recluse and His Wife had essentially exhausted their supply of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] and even borrowed a sum from Yu Qingyan, leaving them utterly destitute.

Fortunately, after the Qingci Twin Swords advanced to the Third Rank High Grade [a high-quality level within the third rank of magical treasures], they had become peerless Third Rank Immortal Sword [a third-rank sword imbued with immortal power]. Though they could not compare to the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords which had been fused with precious materials and tempered within a Sword-Cleansing Pool [a mystical pool used to purify and refine swords], they were by no means weak among Third Rank Magical Treasure [enchanted artifacts of the third rank].

Now, as Qingci the Recluse unleashed this pair of Qingci Twin Swords, they instantly transformed into two streaks of sword light crisscrossing the battlefield, allowing him to hold his own against two opponents single-handedly.

Simultaneously, four other Purple Palace, Early Stage [the initial phase of the Purple Mansion cultivation realm] spirit beings charged forward. Qingyan the Immortal Maiden [an honorific title for a female cultivator] and Yu Qingyan stepped forward together to meet them.

After all, Yu Qingyan was at the Purple Palace, Mid Stage [the middle phase of the Purple Mansion realm]. The two of them joining forces against four Purple Palace, Early Stage spirit beings did not put them at a disadvantage.

"*Clang—*"

Eldrin Chen maneuvered his flying sword with fluid grace, his gaze sweeping the surroundings. A flicker of tension passed through his eyes.

Numerous Second Rank Crimson Flame Spirit [second-rank spirit beings born of crimson flame] were already swarming up the mountainside, clearly intent on joining the fray.

He was not a cultivator like Varen Wei or the Old Patriarch who excelled in battles against multiple foes. Confronted with this situation, he found himself in a difficult position.

"There must be several hundred second-rank spirit beings in the vicinity of this Spirit Mountain [a mountain rich in spiritual energy]."

"We cannot afford to delay any longer."

His resolve solidified in an instant, and Eldrin Chen's gaze turned icy cold.

With a swift motion, he raised his hand and unleashed the Metallic Essence and Yang Fire Dual Divine Thunders [two powerful thunder techniques embodying the essence of metal and fire] towards the Purple Mansion, Mid Stage [the middle stage of the third major realm of cultivation] spirit, then summoned his Great Metallic Immortal Sword to slash through the air.

Seeing his intent to slay the Purple Mansion, Late Stage [the late stage of the third major realm of cultivation] spirit, his opponent naturally would not allow him to succeed.

The Purple Mansion, Late Stage spirit reacted swiftly, deploying its Third Rank Magical Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact of the third rank] Crimson Flame Gold Bracelet and its lifebound divine ability, the Crimson Flame True Flame [a true flame of crimson fire], to block the divine thunder and immortal sword. It then activated its defensive divine ability, tirelessly parrying the onslaught from Eldrin Chen.

The nearby Purple Mansion, Mid Stage spirit reacted with equal speed, conjuring a series of its own divine abilities and Magical Treasure [enchanted artifacts used by cultivators] to shield itself. Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at *audio-novel.com*.

Yet, in that very instant, a flash of Formless Sword aura sliced through the air. It pierced the defensive divine ability of the Purple Mansion, Late Stage spirit as if it were mere paper, cleaving the entity cleanly in two.

"The Formless Sword,"

Qingci the Recluse exclaimed in awed admiration. The Unseen Immortal Sword [an immortal-grade sword renowned for its imperceptible nature] possessed extraordinary power, specifically countering Protective Magical Treasure [magical treasures designed for defense] and defensive divine abilities.

Although the Purple Mansion, Late Stage spirit was formidable, ambushed by this sword, its Protective Magical Treasure failed utterly before it could manifest its true strength. A single, decisive strike ended its life.

With the Purple Palace, Late Stage [the advanced stage of the Purple Mansion cultivation realm] spirit beasts slain, the remaining spirits could no longer remain idle. They erupted in a frenzy, desperate to turn the tide of battle.

Yet, it was far too late. Eldrin Chen summoned the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords [a pair of legendary immortal swords], their power coursing through the void.

Twin sword auras, one azure and one cyan, cleaved directly toward the Purple Palace, Mid Stage [the middle stage of the Purple Mansion cultivation realm] spirit beast. Though its cultivation was not weak, it was utterly outmatched before Eldrin Chen.

After merely nine strikes, Eldrin Chen seized an opening. With the Formless Sword [a sword famed for its elusive and unpredictable nature], he cleaved the creature in two.

With two Purple Mansion [a major realm of cultivation above Foundation Establishment] entities slain in succession, the remaining Purple Mansion Spirit [a spirit beast with power equivalent to the Purple Mansion realm] finally lost their will to fight, scattering in all directions to flee.

A spark of competitive spirit ignited within Qingci the Recluse. He immediately intercepted the Purple Palace, Late Stage spirit beast. After another dozen exchanges, he unleashed his signature technique.

The Qingci Twin Swords [the personal immortal swords of Qingci the Recluse] were also a paired set. When united, their power, though not matching the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords, surged by seventy to eighty percent.

A clear sword chime resonated for all to hear. The united Qingci Twin Swords transformed into a stream of light that shot forth like Star-Chasing Moon-Pursuing [a move name evoking incredible speed], striking down the Purple Palace, Late Stage spirit beast upon the earth.

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with a hint of appraisal. Qingci the Recluse's paired immortal swords were indeed extraordinary. Wielding these Lifebound Immortal Sword [a cultivator's personally bonded and nurtured sword, growing in power with them], his combat prowess likely rivaled that of an ordinary Purple Mansion Ninth Layer [the peak of the Purple Mansion realm, just below Golden Core] cultivator.

Having scattered and slain the Purple Mansion Spirit, the group allowed themselves a moment to catch their breath, the immediate threat finally quelled.

Qingci the Recluse [a reclusive cultivator known for his poetic and wine-loving nature] gazed with grave solemnity at the Formation before him. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke, "After those Purple Mansion Spirit [spiritual entities of the Purple Mansion Realm] fled, they will likely bring trouble upon us. We must swiftly break this formation, seize the treasures, and depart."

"Agreed."

Eldrin Chen gave a firm nod. The group immediately set to work on dismantling the defensive Formation before them.

This guardian Formation had been steadily drained of its power over the years by the Crimson Flame Spirit [a spirit born of crimson flame], its potency now a mere shadow of its former self.

Among their number, both Eldrin Chen and Yu Qingyan were Third Rank Formation Master [masters of the third rank in the art of formations]. Breaking the Formation was not a matter of difficulty, but rather one of time and meticulous effort.

Eldrin Chen spent an entire day measuring the local Earth Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated earth-element spiritual energy]. He then activated his Jade Spirit Eye [a divine ability that grants profound spiritual sight] to seek out the formation's inherent flaws.

This time, his efforts bore fruit. "Follow my lead," he called out, his voice ringing clear. "Strike the formation here!"

As his words faded, he summoned his Heavenly Separated Twin Swords and began a relentless assault on a single, precise point of the Formation.

The others joined the fray without hesitation. Their combined efforts hammered against the node for half a day, their power slowly eroding its integrity until, with a final shuddering collapse, the guardian Formation shattered completely.

"It is done."

The few of them revealed expressions of joy and swiftly rushed into the Spirit Vein [a concentrated flow of spiritual energy within the earth, crucial for cultivation].

No sooner had they stepped into the Spirit Vein than Eldrin Chen spotted a burly, middle-aged man seated in meditation at the very center of the Spirit Pool [a concentrated pool of liquid spiritual energy, often found at the heart of a spirit vein]. This chapter is part of a larger work available at audio-novel*com.