Chapter 348 : Crossing the Heaven's Spine

Since the appointed time had arrived, the three of them did not linger long at Spirit Isle Lake.

That very day, they teleported directly to Green Sun Mountain, then summoned the Green Sun Treasure Boat and set sail towards the direction of Heavenly Abode Continent.

With the speed of the Green Sun Treasure Boat, they traversed the Cerulean Peaks Range and Yan Kingdom in a single journey, reaching Ji Nation in just over a month.

By this point, the energy reserves within the Green Sun Treasure Boat were already more than half depleted. They rested in Ji Nation for half a month, spending a sum of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] to replenish the vessel's required spiritual energy by drawing upon the ambient Qi [the vital energy that flows through all living things] of a Fourth Rank Spirit Vein. Once replenished, they began their crossing of the Heaven's Spine Mountains.

This was not Eldrin Chen's first time traversing the Heaven's Spine Mountains. Although over a century had passed since his last crossing, no major upheavals had occurred in these mountains during the intervening years.

They followed the familiar route to the domain of Magnus the Virtuous, paid the customary tribute along the way, and proceeded to cross the Heaven's Spine Mountains.

The Ghost-Wind Ridge, which had once posed considerable trouble for Eldrin Chen, could now be crossed with ease. Even massive Shadowwind Vulture flocks numbering in the hundreds of thousands could not even approach them.

By the time they reached Heavenly Abode Continent, the entire journey had taken just over three months.

Peach Blossom Mountain, situated to the west of Yuan Nation, was one of the forty-eight famed mountains and great rivers within that nation.

This Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with concentrated spiritual energy] boasted breathtaking scenery and exceptionally rich, vibrant spiritual energy. Even among the Third Rank Spirit Mountain of Yuan Nation, it was considered quite remarkable. This content originates from audio-novel.com (official site). Please respect copyright.

For thousands of years, this Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with concentrated spiritual energy] has changed hands numerous times. The current occupants, Qingci the Recluse and His Wife, are among the rare and formidable powerhouses within the Purple Mansion [the third major stage of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual core within the body] realm.

"It is indeed a place of exquisite scenery."

The trio arrived before Peach Blossom Mountain. Gazing upon its elegant beauty, Lyra Jiang remarked with a gentle smile.

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. Though Peach Blossom Mountain was merely a Third Rank Spirit Mountain [a mountain with a spirit vein of the third rank, indicating a moderate level of spiritual energy concentration], its scenery was exceptionally lovely. It could not rival the world-renowned vistas like the sunset over Long Lake at Spirit Isle Lake or the Ten-Mile Peach Blossom Grove [a vast grove of peach blossom trees spanning ten Li-lengths], yet it possessed a unique and captivating charm of its own.

"Honored guests who have journeyed from afar, please forgive my failure to greet you properly."

At that very moment, two figures flew out from Peach Blossom Mountain. They were none other than Lord of the Peach Blossom Crag and his wife, Qingci the Recluse and His Wife.

Qingci the Recluse glanced at the three visitors. Although he had already communicated via Spirit Talisman [a talisman imbued with spiritual energy for communication or other effects] and knew the cultivation levels of Eldrin Chen and his companion, seeing them in person still caused him a moment of astonishment.

"We pay our respects to the two True Persons [a respectful title for Golden Core cultivators]."

"We shall soon be peers; there is no need for such formalities."

Eldrin Chen said with a warm smile. This Qingci the Recluse possessed lofty aspirations. In his pursuit of forging a Middle Golden Core [a Golden Core of superior quality and potential], he had forgone the use of external aids like Golden Core Formation Pill [a precious pill that assists in the breakthrough to the Golden Core realm] to force his breakthrough into the Golden Core [the fourth major stage of cultivation, where one condenses a solid golden spiritual core] realm.

He had now broken through to the False Core Realm [a transitional state between Purple Mansion and Golden Core], and it seemed there was a genuine possibility he might forge a Middle Golden Core [a Golden Core of moderate quality and potential] in the future.

Yet, upon hearing Eldrin Chen's words, Qingci the Recluse [a wandering cultivator] wore a troubled expression. "This is not a suitable place for such a discussion," he said. "Please, follow me."

The group flew into Peach Blossom Mountain, where Qingyan the Immortal Maiden [Qingci's Dao companion] personally poured tea for everyone.

Qingci the Recluse shook his head, his brow heavy with worry. "To speak plainly," he began, his voice somber, "thirty years ago, my attempt to ascend to the Golden Core [the third major realm of cultivation, where one condenses a solid core of spiritual power] failed. My vital essence was significantly damaged."

"It will require an additional thirty years of cultivation to recover before I can attempt another breakthrough. Fortunately, I have already solidified my False Core [a semi-stable, inferior precursor to a true Golden Core], or else I might not dare to attempt forging a Middle Golden Core again."

Upon hearing this, a weight settled in the hearts of all present.

Qingci the Recluse's foundation in the Dao was actually quite solid. However, after failing a self-guided breakthrough to Golden Core, the required period of recuperation—a full Nurture for a Sixty-Year Cycle [a complete cycle of sixty years, considered a standard unit for major recovery in cultivation]—was an agonizingly long time.

After all, Qingci was already three hundred and ten years old. Without relying on external aids like a Golden Core Formation Pill [a rare and precious pill that significantly increases the chances of successfully forming a Golden Core], he likely had only one more chance to assault the Golden Core realm in his lifetime.

Yet, if that final attempt also failed, Qingci would have no choice but to resort to a Golden Core Formation Pill.

For if one surpassed four hundred years of age, even consuming a Longevity Pill [a pill that extends a cultivator's lifespan] to forcibly forge a Middle Golden Core, one's future potential would become vanishingly small.

Cultivators below the Nascent Soul [the spiritual core formed after the Golden Core stage] realm can only ingest three Longevity Pill [a pill that extends the lifespan of a cultivator]. If one consumes a Third Rank Longevity Pill [a high-grade longevity pill suitable for Purple Mansion cultivators] too early while still in the Purple Mansion Realm [the cultivation realm where one's spiritual consciousness is housed and refined], it will become exceedingly difficult to attempt a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul realm before one's lifespan is exhausted.

Consider, for example, Taiwu the True Person of the Verdant Immortal Sect. Blessed with an Anomalous Spiritual Root [a rare and powerful type of spiritual affinity], he recklessly attempted the Golden Core [the condensed core of spiritual energy formed in the dantian] breakthrough multiple times in his obsessive pursuit of a Middle Golden Core [a Golden Core of middling quality and potential].

This resulted in him finally achieving his Golden Core formation only in his fourth century of life. Now, at eight hundred years of age, his cultivation has stagnated at the Golden Core, Mid Stage. Thus, although he succeeded in forging a Middle Golden Core, his future prospects are severely limited.

By the time his lifespan reaches its end, he will likely have progressed only to the seventh or eighth layer of the Golden Core realm at best, utterly devoid of any chance to assault the Nascent Soul barrier.

Therefore, although Qingci the Recluse has broken through to the False Core Realm [a quasi-Golden Core state, less stable and potent than a true Golden Core], a shadow of worry lingers in his heart.

"The damage inflicted by a failed, self-guided Golden Core breakthrough," he murmured. Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio-novel[dot]com.

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with thought. The Yang-Returning Calamity-Dispelling Pill [a supreme-grade pill that reverses severe cultivation injuries and dispels tribulation-related afflictions] in his possession could indeed remedy such an injury.

Yet the pill was a treasure beyond measure. Furthermore, members of his own Chen Clan like Ethan and Silas would have dire need of it in the years to come.

'We have cooperated once before. This Qingci the Recluse possesses a decent character and is one who repays kindness,' Eldrin pondered.

'As the saying goes, providing charcoal in snowy weather is worth more than adding flowers to brocade. Silas and the others still have time. Aiding him now in his hour of need could forge a bond of mutual support, granting us a reliable ally for the future.'

With this thought, Eldrin Chen retrieved the Yang-Returning Calamity-Dispelling Pill [a rare and potent elixir capable of reversing severe cultivation injuries and dispelling lingering calamitous energies]. After a moment of consideration, he said, "I possess a single Yang-Returning Calamity-Dispelling Pill. It could indeed aid you in resolving your injuries."

"This item..."

Qingci the Recluse [a wandering cultivator known for his poetic nature] revealed a look of pleasant surprise, then somewhat awkwardly wiped his hands.

The Yang-Returning Calamity-Dispelling Pill was exorbitantly valuable, with each pill commanding a price exceeding one million Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation].

Although he still possessed some assets, the only truly valuable item he had left was the Golden Radiance Glazed Lamp [an enchanted lamp artifact]. All his other resources had been expended over the years on his cultivation and on purchasing the Creation Green Essence Pill [a high-grade pill that refines and enhances one's foundational spiritual essence].

Noticing Qingci the Recluse's expression, Eldrin Chen offered a gentle smile. "If you lack the Spirit Stone at hand, you may consider it a debt for now. You can repay me after we explore the secret realm."

"Brother Eldrin." Qingci the Recluse pondered for a moment before finally accepting the Yang-Returning Calamity-Dispelling Pill. His expression turned solemn as he declared, "For such great kindness, words of thanks are insufficient. I shall remember this debt of gratitude."

"Think nothing of it."

Eldrin Chen took a sip of spirit tea [tea infused with spiritual energy, beneficial for cultivation] and replied with a calm smile, "The secret realm's opening is still over half a year away. You could use this time to attempt a breakthrough to the Golden Core [the third major realm of cultivation, where one condenses their spiritual essence into a radiant, durable core]."

Having received the Yang-Returning Calamity-Dispelling Pill, Qingci the Recluse immediately entered seclusion to heal his wounds.

The Yang-Returning Calamity-Dispelling Pill [a powerful restorative elixir for Golden Core cultivators] truly lived up to its reputation as a Golden Core Realm-grade Healing Pill. After consuming this pill, Qingci the Recluse's injuries were more than half-healed in a mere three days.

After another half-month or so, his vitality and mana had both returned to their peak state. He then began his attempt to break through to the Golden Core [the third major realm of cultivation, where one's spiritual energy condenses into a solid core] realm.

This time, Qingci the Recluse was attempting the Golden Core breakthrough from the False Core [a quasi-realm representing the pinnacle of Foundation Establishment, not a true Golden Core] stage. His chances of success were estimated at only thirty to forty percent. However, as he was currently at the absolute peak of his power, with his life force and mana stronger than they had ever been in his life, his condition was surprisingly optimal.

After more than four months, a colossal vortex suddenly manifested above Peach Blossom Mountain, drawing in the spiritual energy from hundreds of Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] in every direction. Find this and other novels at audio-novel-dot-com.