Chapter 259 : Spiritual Awakening on Tianlu

"Hmmmm…" [a low, resonant hum]

On this day, Eldrin Chen opened his eyes, suddenly finding his spiritual sense [a cultivator's extrasensory perception] clearer and more expansive than ever before.

Every detail within a radius of one hundred Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] was revealed to him with perfect clarity; every rustle of grass, every shift in the wind, appeared vividly within the canvas of his mind.

"It is done."

After nearly eighteen years upon the Tianlu Continent, his soul-forging cultivation [a discipline focused on refining the spirit and consciousness] had finally undergone a profound metamorphosis, reaching a realm that rivaled that of a Golden Core [the third major stage of cultivation, where spiritual energy condenses into a solid golden core within the dantian] expert.

With this breakthrough in spiritual sense, Eldrin Chen's control over his magical power and his overall combat prowess had increased by a noticeable margin, marking a significant stride forward on his path.

"It is time to return."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly.

This journey to the Tianlu Continent had not only fulfilled his original purpose but had also yielded bountiful rewards far beyond his expectations.

Furthermore, he had now gleaned preliminary clues regarding the enemies from his past. All in all, the gains were substantial. Support the author by reading on https://audio-novel.com.

Before his departure, he paused in contemplation, then decided to first visit Peach Blossom Mountain to bid farewell to his fellow cultivators.

After more than a decade apart, the trio's cultivation had advanced significantly. Having obtained a precious treasure, Immortal Maiden Clear Countenance's power had surged, and she had now broken through to the Violet Sanctum 4th Tier.

Verdant Mist Yu's cultivation had also progressed a step further, stepping into the realm of the Violet Sanctum 5th Tier.

After more than a decade apart, seeing him come to visit, the Recluse of Elegant Verse poured a cup of tea for Eldrin Chen and then spoke.

"I surmise your visit is surely to bid us farewell."

"Brother Elegant Verse, your perception is keen."

Eldrin Chen offered a slight smile and said, "The Chu Nation where I reside is situated on the border of the Vast and Misty Marsh. The Beast Tide [a periodic, massive onslaught of demonic beasts] is set to begin in just over thirty years."

"To prevent the pressure from the Beast Tide from becoming overwhelming, I must return to launch an assault on Demon Race Territory and weaken the strength of the Demon Race in advance."

"Assault a demonic beast's Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy, often serving as a cultivation base]?"

Verdant Mist Yu's eyes gleamed faintly as she couldn't help but ask, "Does that not mean that victory would yield an unclaimed Spirit Mountain?"

"Indeed," Eldrin Chen nodded with a smile. "If the war results in a great victory, we will naturally acquire a number of Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy, ideal for cultivation]."

The Recluse of Elegant Verse seated nearby offered a gentle smile, lifting his cup of fragrant tea. "I have long heard that Ji Continent holds significant opportunities. Many rogue cultivators venture there to slay demonic beasts and claim Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy, ideal for cultivation] for themselves."

Eldrin Chen chuckled. "In Chu Nation, one can expand territory by attacking the Demon Race. But the situation on Tianlu Continent is quite different."

Here, nearly every Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy, ideal for cultivation] already has an owner. To obtain a Third-Rank Spirit Mountain, one must either invest a vast fortune in Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] to nurture one, or wait for an existing Violet Sanctum Immortal Clan [a clan whose patriarch has reached the Violet Sanctum cultivation realm] to decline and fall from power.

Therefore, many rogue cultivators on Tianlu Continent venture into harsh, perilous regions like the Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range, seeking any chance to discover an unclaimed Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy, ideal for cultivation].

Others travel thousands of Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] to places like the Vast and Misty Marsh or the shores of the Eastern Sea Coast, launching assaults on demon territories to seize their Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy, ideal for cultivation].

Meanwhile, Verdant Mist Yu's eyes sparkled with a sudden light as she fell into thoughtful contemplation.

She possessed no Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy, ideal for cultivation] of her own on Tianlu Continent. The Peach Blossom Mountain she currently borrowed was merely Third Rank Lower Grade [the lowest tier of the Third Rank for spiritual sites], its spiritual energy not particularly abundant. Facing three cultivators at the Middle and Late Violet Sanctum Realm [the middle to advanced stages of the Violet Sanctum cultivation realm] was stretching her resources thin.

Furthermore, this Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy, ideal for cultivation] was not truly hers. Long-term residence on a friend's mountain, no matter how close, inevitably brought inconveniences.

Moreover, borrowing another's Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy, ideal for cultivation] required paying a substantial fee. Although she had recently acquired a large sum of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy], simply living off that wealth would eventually deplete it, making a future breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm [a major cultivation stage where spiritual energy condenses into a solid golden core] seem like a distant dream.

After a moment of contemplation, she inquired, "I wish to journey to Ji Continent to slay a Violet Sanctum Demonic Beast and claim a Spiritual Vein [a subterranean channel that concentrates and emits spiritual energy]. Do you think this is feasible?"

"Of course it is."

Eldrin Chen's eyes glimmered slightly as he replied with a smile, "The great war of Chu Nation occurs once every century, and high-level cultivators remain far too scarce."

"If you were to go, I suspect our fellow cultivators in Chu Nation would be overjoyed."

"That's wonderful." Verdant Mist Yu smiled eagerly and said, "I shall accompany you to Chu Nation."

Upon hearing this, Recluse of Elegant Verse felt a stirring of interest, for war, after all, also signifies opportunity and reward. For uninterrupted reading, go to audio‑novel.com.

Yet, in the end, he suppressed the impulse. He had managed Peach Blossom Mountain for centuries; its Spirit Herb [plants infused with spiritual energy, used in alchemy] and resources were of immense value. Moreover, he could not bear to part with the home where he had lived for hundreds of years.

"..."

On that day, Eldrin Chen and Verdant Mist Yu departed from Peach Blossom Mountain.

The two soared on their swords across Netherwind Ridge, and this time, they encountered no large flocks of Netherwind Vulture.

After traversing the Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range and passing through Ji Nation and Yan Kingdom, the two finally arrived at Chu Nation.

Upon returning to Chu Nation, Verdant Mist Yu went to Spirit Source Mountain to settle temporarily, while Eldrin Chen proceeded to Green Sun Mountain to find Exquisite Jiang.

Nearly two decades had passed since his departure. The two spent several tender, lingering days together, finally easing the pangs of longing for Eldrin.

Within the cave abode, Exquisite Jiang nestled close to him.

Eldrin Chen recounted the events of those years and then presented the inherited legacy of the Verdant Void Sect to Exquisite Jiang.

Exquisite Jiang took it and read through it, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes. "The Verdant Void Sect was a sect of heroes and martyrs. To think it would meet such an end."

"That Celestial Star Child must not be spared in the future."

"Do not worry," he assured her.

Eldrin Chen drew her into his embrace, his voice calm and resolute. "Even if he breaks through to the Infant Soul realm, I will seek him out to settle this Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect governing all actions]."

After speaking, he made a copy of the ancient text and handed it to Exquisite Jiang.

Exquisite Jiang did not decline, as these treasures held considerable value for her as well.

After storing these ancient texts, she continued, "Regarding the Qin Clan, we must avoid alerting them prematurely. Once we strike, it must be a decisive, final blow."

"That is precisely my intention."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. The power of an Infant Soul Immortal Clan was far too formidable; utmost caution was essential.

After recounting the events of the past years, Exquisite Jiang's expression turned grave. "I intend to launch a campaign to reclaim the lost territories of Solar Province. We must see if we can seize the opportunity to strike down the Azure-Maned Lion King in a single, fatal blow."

"How do you plan to proceed?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Slaying a Demon King would be an immensely difficult task.

After seventy years of development, the old lands of Scorching Solar Province were now inhabited by over one hundred thousand demonic beasts. To assault such a Demon Race Territory, they would need to mobilize tens of thousands of cultivators.

An operation of such scale would require one to two years to muster forces. News would inevitably spread throughout the entire Chu Nation Cultivation World, making it impossible to conceal from the Demon Race.

Furthermore, the Azure-Maned Lion King possessed both formidable strength and cunning intellect. At the first sign of danger, it would surely call upon the Earth Lion Demon King for aid and, in all likelihood, prepare an escape route.

However, since Exquisite Jiang had resolved to act, she naturally had a plan. "To prevent the Azure-Maned Lion King from escaping," she declared, "I intend to mobilize only our elite forces at or above the Foundation Establishment realm for this battle. We must ensure a single, decisive strike to achieve our goal."

"Once we slay the Azure-Maned Lion King, the remaining Demon Race forces will pose little threat."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. Eliminating a single Golden Core Demon King would be more valuable than destroying tens of thousands of low-tier demonic beasts.

Earth Lion Ridge harbored only two Demon King-level beings. If the Azure-Maned Lion King were removed, it was likely Earth Lion Ridge would not dare to commit its full strength during the Beast Tide thirty years hence. This would significantly increase the three prefectures' chances of weathering the Beast Tide.

Conversely, failing to eliminate the Azure-Maned Lion Demon King would inevitably lead to Heavenly Python Lake being occupied by a new Demon King in time. The story continues at audio-novel.com (official site).