Chapter 317 Spirit Vein Ascension, Heaven and Earth Spirit Peach

After Xavier returned the Crimson Sun Void-Immolating Crucible, the old clan leader went to Spirit Isle Lake and found Eldrin.

He found Eldrin and couldn’t contain his excitement as he said, “With 2 new Golden Cores added to our ranks, what do you think about making a move against the Earth Lion Ridge?”

"Let's not be hasty for now."

At this moment, Eldrin shook his head. In another 16 or 17 years, he would be able to attempt the breakthrough to the Golden Core realm.

Lyra would also break through to Golden Core, Mid Stage within a decade. By then, the strength of the Sky Ruins Alliance would be greatly enhanced, making it the perfect opportunity to deal with the Earth Lion Ridge.

And most crucially, this process might even be shortened.

Eldrin’s thoughts flickered rapidly as his gaze fell upon the Spirit Peach Tree before him.

At 15, he had used the Primordial Purple Qi to advance this spiritual peach tree. In the blink of an eye, 1 100 and 60 years had passed, and the spiritual peach tree had finally undergone another tremendous transformation, ascending to the lower tier of the fourth rank.

After this ascension, the spirit peach tree would take 10 years to blossom, another 10 years to bear fruit, and yet another decade for the fruits to ripen.

From now on, the spirit peaches would ripen once every 30 years, each time bearing 9 Grade-4 spirit peaches.

A fourth-grade spirit peach could already be considered the complete form of a Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root), worthy of being called a 'Heaven and Earth Spirit Peach'.

As for its function, given Eldrin's current cultivation level, he had deduced its effects after some observation and analysis.

From now on, each Heaven and Earth Spirit Peach would require 10 years to refine. Consuming 1 could increase 30 years of cultivation—a treasure exceedingly rare even for Golden Core cultivators.

Moreover, this Heaven and Earth Spirit Peach contains the Breath of Creation. Consuming it not only enhances 1's cultivation base but also nourishes the cultivator's Golden Core.

Its power of creation was slightly inferior to the Fire Spirit Fruit Tree of Green Sun Mountain, yet it far surpassed the latter in terms of cultivation speed.

For most people, cultivation level holds slightly greater importance. From this perspective, the value of the Spirit Peach Tree marginally surpasses that of the Fire Spirit Fruit Tree, with truly astonishing potential.

"This spirit peach..."

The old clan leader finally noticed the anomaly. As he gazed upon the 9 spirit peaches growing on the spiritual peach tree, his pupils involuntarily constricted.

After carefully observing it several times, he sensed the spiritual veins within Spirit Isle Lake (Location) surging vigorously, faintly feeling an imminent breakthrough.

"It appears the spiritual veins of Spirit Isle Lake (Location) are about to ascend in rank."

"Hmm."

Eldrin nodded slightly. The spirit peach was nearing maturity, and by then, the spiritual vein beneath Spirit Isle Lake would ascend to the fourth rank.

With the existence of the Heaven-Earth Spiritual Peach, Eldrin was confident he could break through to the Golden Core Realm within 10 years. By then, his strength would undoubtedly increase substantially.

The old clan leader couldn't suppress his excitement, nodding fervently upon hearing his confirmed reply.

With a mix of delight and a furrowed brow, he remarked, "All these years we've been amassing vast quantities of 5 Elements Essence, reserved for your advancement to a fourth-rank bonded treasure. Yet now, it seems the timing remains far too rushed."

"It seems I must arrange for the family cultivators to prepare the 5 Elements essence for you as soon as possible."

"Insufficient 5 Elements essence?"

Eldrin furrowed his brow. To advance a magic treasure to the mid-fourth rank, a single piece required 500,000 spirit stones' worth of 5 Elements essence.

5 items would cost a full 2,500,000 spirit stones. Although the family managed to accumulate tens of thousands of spirit stones in surplus each year over the years, their expenditures were actually substantial.

His 5 natal magic treasures had consumed an immense amount of resources throughout their ascension ranks. Coupled with several Teleportation Array Disks (Magic Treasure) refined over the years, the clan—despite its affluent treasury—found itself unable to muster such funds at this moment.

Moreover, even if he possessed such a vast fortune of spirit stones, the output of 5 Elements essence from the 4 provinces under the Heaven's Ruin Alliance could never sustain the simultaneous advancement of all 5 of his natal magic treasures.

If we were to wait around 20 years as originally planned, we might manage to gather 1 or 2 pieces. However, with only 10 years remaining, the resources from the 4 provinces would likely prove insufficient.

At this thought, Eldrin paused in contemplation before speaking. "Very well, we can extract 10 Third-Level Life-Extending Spirit Apricots from the family reserves to sell. This should allow us to gather 1,000,000 spirit stones."

"Then procure the 5 Elements essence from across the entire Chu Kingdom. Regardless of the cost, we must gather all the 5 Elements essence required for the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss and the Heavenly River Ren Water Sword within 10 years."

"Hmm." The old clan leader nodded, understanding the significance of 2 mid-fourth-grade immortal swords. "I will arrange for this matter to be handled."

The old clan leader departed in a flurry of urgency, while Eldrin continued his cultivation at Spirit Isle Lake.

In the blink of an eye, 5 months had passed.

On this day, the spirit peaches finally ripened, and the spiritual vein of Spirit Isle Lake (Location) ascended to the fourth rank.

Lyra arrived at Spirit Isle Lake, and the 2 joined forces to deploy the teleportation array disk, connecting Spirit Isle Lake with the transmission formations of Green Sun Mountain and Celestial Ruins Lake.

After the 2 had set up the formation, Lyra (Person Name) joyfully grasped his hand and said, "With Spirit Isle Lake (Location) advancing to the fourth rank and the Teleportation Array Disk (Magic Treasure) now in our possession, we can finally reside together for countless years to come."

"Hmm."

Eldrin also felt a surge of excitement. Spirit Isle Lake, with its magnificent and breathtaking scenery, stood free from the constant turmoil of Green Sun Mountain and Sky Ruin Lake—a perfect sanctuary for secluded cultivation.

Moreover, spending days and nights with Lyra (Person Name) in secluded cultivation and philosophical discourse, watching lingering sunsets in leisure hours while playing the zither and dancing amidst blooming flowers, was what he had yearned for over many years.

After plucking the 9 spirit peaches, Eldrin took 6 and handed them to Lyra, saying calmly, "These spirit peaches ripen once every 30 years. With these, our cultivation at the Golden Core Realm will no longer be a concern."

As he spoke, a faint smile graced his features. Over the years, he had received constant care from Lyra (Person Name), and now the time had finally come for him to repay her kindness.

Lyra took only 3 pieces and handed the remaining 3 back.

She shook her head and spoke calmly, "This treasure is exceedingly rare. Since you have over a 100 clansmen, it would be wiser to keep more for yourselves."

Eldrin smiled faintly and still handed it over, saying, "If my grand-uncle succeeds in breaking through to the Golden Core stage, then he will indeed require this item."

"For now, Uncle's cultivation has stagnated and he has no need for it. Keep it as my gift to Elara (Person Name)."

Lyra nodded and still put away the 6 spirit peaches.

The relationship between the Chen family ancestors and their master-disciple pair was unique. Elara (Person Name) had only reached her current standing through the matriarch's personal guidance. As a possessor of an anomalous spiritual root, she could not inherit her master's complete legacy—she could only be considered a true disciple in spirit, not the legitimate heir to the orthodox teachings.

As for the remaining dozen or so disciples of Lyra (Person Name), they were merely nominal disciples, possessing neither exceptional talent nor remarkable perseverance. Most had failed to even break through to the Purple Mansion, ultimately meeting their end seated in meditation along the path of cultivation.

As for Eldrin, he had been sheltered by the old clan leader through his most vulnerable years. The 2 had supported each other all the way to this day—1 could say their bond was as deep as that between father and son. Since filial piety stands above all virtues, Eldrin’s devotion to the old clan leader was exceptionally profound.

At this thought, she paused briefly before saying, "It so happens that cultivation resources for the Ice Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) are scarce in the Eastern Wastelands (Location). In the future, we can exchange some spirit fruits from the Fire Spirit Fruit Tree for Elder Uncle."

"In that case, Eldest Uncle's golden core could be replenished somewhat, while Elara's cultivation would also accelerate slightly after obtaining the spirit peach."

Eldrin gave a noncommittal nod. Although the spirit peach tree could enhance 1's cultivation, the providence energy it contained was inferior to that of the fire spirit fruit tree.

The creative power of the Fire Spirit Fruit Tree possesses the wondrous ability to nourish the Golden Core, and it harmonizes perfectly with the spiritual root power of the Old Clan Leader.

Chapter 1 The biting cold wind howled through the mountain pass, carrying with it the scent of frost and decay. Li Ming tightened his worn deerskin robe, his breath forming pale clouds in the moonlit night. His fingers, numb from the cold, unconsciously traced the jade slip hidden within his sleeve—the very reason he was being hunted. "Still not giving up?" A cold voice echoed from behind, devoid of any emotion. Li Ming's steps faltered. He turned slowly to see 3 figures emerging from the shadows of the ancient pines. Their black robes seemed to drink the moonlight, and the silver serpent patterns embroidered on their sleeves shimmered faintly. The leader, a man with sharp features and eyes like frozen pools, smiled coldly. "The Frost Serpent Sect truly has deep resources," Li Ming said calmly, though his heart raced. "To send 3 Foundation Establishment cultivators after a mere Qi Refining disciple." The sharp-faced man chuckled, a sound like cracking ice. "Hand over the Profound Jade Slip, and we might grant you a quick death." Li Ming's mind raced. He was only at the 9th level of Qi Refining, while his pursuers were all at the Foundation Establishment stage—1 at the early stage, 2 at the middle stage. The disparity was like that between heaven and earth. But he had no choice. "Since that's the case..." Li Ming's hand suddenly shot forward, throwing a dozen or so talismans into the air. "Let's see if you can take it!" "Foolish!" The sharp-faced man waved his sleeve, and a blue light screen appeared before him. Boom! Boom! Boom! The talismans exploded in succession, their fiery light illuminating the entire mountain pass. But the blue light screen remained unshaken. Just as the sharp-faced man was about to mock Li Ming's futility, his expression suddenly changed. "Not good!" Li Ming had already used the cover of the explosions to leap onto his flying sword, transforming into a streak of light shooting toward the distant mountains. "After him!" The sharp-faced man roared in anger, leading the other 2 in pursuit. The wind whistled past Li Ming's ears. He knew ordinary escape methods were useless against Foundation Establishment cultivators. His only chance was the forbidden area ahead—the Fallen Immortal Ridge. Legend had it that an ancient mighty figure had fallen there, their residual power forming a natural maze that could confuse even Core Formation experts. Few who entered ever returned. But Li Ming had no other options. He took a deep breath, pouring all his spiritual power into the flying sword beneath his feet. The sword light brightened instantly, its speed increasing by 30 percent. "Trying to escape to the Fallen Immortal Ridge?" The sharp-faced man behind him sneered. "Seeking your own doom!" Saying this, he formed a hand seal, and a blue flying needle shot out from his sleeve. The needle was only about 3 inches long, but it carried an extremely sharp aura, piercing through the air with a sharp whistle. Li Ming sensed the deadly threat behind him. Without thinking, he slapped his chest, spitting out a mouthful of essence blood. The blood mist instantly enveloped the flying sword, and his speed increased again, narrowly dodging the fatal blow. But the flying needle grazed his shoulder, leaving a deep wound. Blood immediately soaked his robe. "Essence blood escape technique?" The sharp-faced man's eyes narrowed. "You're quite ruthless with yourself." Li Ming didn't respond, gritting his teeth and pressing forward. The outline of the Fallen Immortal Ridge was already visible in the distance—a mountain range shrouded in gray mist, looking particularly mysterious under the moonlight. He knew time was running out. The essence blood escape technique could only be maintained for a short while, and once it ended, he would fall into a period of weakness. He had to enter the Fallen Immortal Ridge before that. 50 miles, 30 miles, 10 miles... The gray mist grew closer. Li Ming could even see the twisted ancient trees within the mist and hear the strange cries coming from deep within the mountains. "Stop him!" The sharp-faced man seemed to realize Li Ming's determination and roared furiously. The 3 Foundation Establishment cultivators simultaneously unleashed their magical powers. A blue ice dragon, a fiery red palm print, and countless wind blades shot toward Li Ming from different directions. Facing this life-or-death moment, Li Ming's eyes held a trace of madness. He didn't dodge or evade, instead pouring all his remaining spiritual power into a small bronze mirror in his hand. This was his greatest treasure, the Guardian Spirit Mirror, a high-grade magical instrument left by his master. The bronze mirror instantly enlarged, forming a faint golden light shield behind him. Boom! The 3 attacks simultaneously struck the light shield. The Guardian Spirit Mirror emitted a mournful cry, its surface covered with cracks before finally shattering into fragments. But this momentary block had bought Li Ming precious time. He turned into a streak of light and plunged into the gray mist of the Fallen Immortal Ridge. The moment he entered the mist, Li Ming felt the world spin around him. All his spiritual sense was suppressed, and his vision was limited to within 3 feet. Even the flying sword beneath his feet lost its spiritual glow, forcing him to land. "Damn it!" The sharp-faced man stopped outside the mist, his face extremely ugly. "Elder Zhao, should we...?" 1 of the black-robed men asked cautiously. The sharp-faced man stared at the churning gray mist for a long time before finally speaking through gritted teeth, "This kid is only at Qi Refining. Entering the Fallen Immortal Ridge is a dead end. We'll guard the perimeter. If he doesn't come out in 3 days, he'll definitely have turned to dust." The other 2 nodded in agreement. Although the Fallen Immortal Ridge was dangerous, staying outside to guard it posed no threat to them as Foundation Establishment cultivators. Meanwhile, deep within the Fallen Immortal Ridge, Li Ming leaned against a withered tree, panting heavily. The wound on his shoulder was still bleeding, and the backlash from the essence blood escape technique made him feel as if his entire body was on fire. But he was still alive. He took out the jade slip from his sleeve. Under the dim light, the jade slip emitted a faint glow, its surface covered with mysterious patterns. "This is the legacy of the Ancient Void Sect..." Li Ming murmured to himself, a complex expression in his eyes. He still remembered his master's final words before passing: "The Ancient Void Sect's legacy must not fall into the hands of the Frost Serpent Sect. Otherwise, the entire cultivation world will face a catastrophe." Now, he finally understood why the Frost Serpent Sect was so desperate to obtain this jade slip. Because it recorded a secret that could shake the entire cultivation world—a method to reach the legendary Divine Transformation stage. In today's cultivation world, Nascent Soul experts were already considered top-tier powers, and those at the Divine Transformation stage were nothing more than legends. If the Frost Serpent Sect obtained this method, the consequences would be unimaginable. "I must leave this place alive," Li Ming whispered to himself, a determined light flashing in his eyes. "And uncover all the secrets within this jade slip." He took a deep breath, suppressing his injuries, and began carefully observing his surroundings. The gray mist swirled around him, limiting his vision. Strange-shaped rocks and twisted ancient trees stood all around, as if each 1 was a demon reaching out its claws. Most frighteningly, his spiritual sense was completely suppressed here, unable to extend beyond his body. This meant he could only rely on his 5 senses to perceive danger, just like an ordinary person. Suddenly, a faint sound came from not far away. Li Ming immediately held his breath, carefully hiding behind a large rock. Through the gaps between the rocks, he saw a shocking scene— A group of cultivators in tattered robes staggered forward, their eyes vacant and expressions numb, as if controlled by some invisible force. They moved in unison toward the depths of the mountain range, not uttering a single word. "What's going on?" Li Ming's heart tightened. He noticed that among these cultivators, some wore the attire of the Frost Serpent Sect, while others were dressed as loose cultivators. There were even a few whose robes indicated they were from prestigious sects. But now, they all shared the same vacant eyes and stiff movements, like puppets on strings. Just as Li Ming was pondering, a sudden pain shot from his shoulder wound, causing him to inhale sharply. This slight sound seemed to alert the group of puppets. All of them simultaneously turned their heads, their vacant eyes fixing on the large rock where Li Ming was hiding! A chill ran down Li Ming's spine. He knew he had been discovered. Without hesitation, he turned and ran. But the moment he turned around, he froze in place. Behind him, more puppets had appeared at some point, completely blocking his retreat. He was surrounded.