Chapter 353 The Ancient Scroll in the Setting Sun

Suppressing her thoughts, Lyra said, "Astrael expended a considerable amount of magical power in this battle. At his current age, prolonged combat would severely deplete his vital essence."

"And it's not in his best interest to oppose us, so he most likely won't return."

Hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and hastily sat down to begin restoring their spiritual power.

After recovering most of his magical power, Eldrin took out the treasures seized from the ruins and said,

"Let us divide the spoils from this endeavor."

"So it shall be."

Hearing this, everyone took out the treasures they had obtained.

The spoils from this operation were considerable, primarily consisting of cultivation manuals and the natural treasures seized from the fire vein.

The crowd obtained 7 cultivation technique jade slips. These techniques had originally been sealed with restrictive spells, but after such an immensely long period, the power of these restrictions had now largely dissipated.

Eldrin and Lyra joined forces, and it took them little effort to dismantle these several restrictions.

After breaking through the restriction, Eldrin discovered there were a total of 2 Nascent Soul stage cultivation methods, along with 1 major divine ability technique. The remaining 4 volumes all contained Golden Core realm cultivation techniques.

These 2 Nascent Soul cultivation methods, 1 titled the Ancient Tome of the Clear Moon and the other the Ancient Tome of the Setting Sun, each contained a method for forging a Life-Bound Spiritual Treasure.

The Qingyue Ancient Codex could lead 1 to the Nascent Soul, 3rd Tier (Cultivation Realm). It documented a life-bound spiritual treasure known as the 'Qingyue Wheel' (Magic Treasure). Once forged, this treasure possessed the potential to ascend into a supreme demon-refining artifact.

The Oblique Sun Ancient Scroll was even more formidable by 3 parts. This cultivation method could lead 1 to the Nascent Soul, 4th Tier (Cultivation Realm), and it recorded a bonded spiritual treasure known as the 'Oblique Sun Wheel', whose power was nearly on par with the Clear Moon Wheel.

Within that secret realm, the 2 supreme demon-refining treasures suppressing Crimson Flame the Blazing Lord were clearly this very pair of Sun and Moon Wheels.

According to the ancient scriptures, the creator of the Ancient Tome of Azure Moon was known as True Lord Azure Moon, while the master of the Ancient Tome of Setting Sun was True Lord Setting Sun. Originally mentor and disciple, they eventually became an immortal couple.

The 2 of them founded the Sun Moon Sect, which flourished magnificently in the Eastern Wastelands (Location) approximately 8,000 years ago.

Yet no 1 knows what transpired thereafter, causing that supreme demon-refining treasure, the 'Sunset Wheel', to become utterly shattered and broken, nor does anyone know where its master ultimately vanished to.

Eldrin suspected this was inextricably linked to Eastern Wastelands' fall 8 1000 years ago.

"Perhaps there are still remnants of treasures within these ruins of the Sun Moon Sect."

"If we ever become strong enough in the future, we can always come back to investigate."

Putting away the 2 Nascent Soul ancient scriptures, Lyra (Person Name) said calmly.

Aside from these 2 ancient tomes of the True Lord, the remaining great supernatural power was also remarkably formidable.

Eldrin glanced over and discovered that this great supernatural power was called 'Sun and Moon Sharing the Heavens'—an exceptionally rare combined assault great supernatural power.

This divine ability was divided into 2 parts—1 named 'Luminous Moon Dominating the Heavens', the other 'Solar Sun Transcending the Void'. Yet even a single fragment of its power had reached the threshold of a nascent Great Divine Ability.

If 2 cultivators of similar cultivation levels were to jointly execute this technique, its power would instantly double, making it a formidable trump card for transcending realms in battle.

However, cultivating these 2 divine abilities requires a pair of Dao companions who are truly in love. Moreover, if either of them perishes, this supreme divine ability can no longer be practiced.

In addition to cultivation techniques and divine abilities, the group also acquired numerous rare treasures and natural wonders.

Among the heavenly treasures and earthly wonders, the most precious are the Creation Jade, the Abyssal Spirit Jade of Returning Ruins, and the Fire Essence Pearl.

In addition, there were several fourth-order spiritual materials. These treasures could be refined into fourth-order heavenly treasures, with each piece valued between approximately 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 spirit stones.

Gazing upon these treasures, Eldrin declared, "Though Lyra and I contributed the most to this endeavor, since you were the ones who invited us, we shall not treat you unfairly."

"With that," Eldrin said, leaving behind the Jade of Creation and the Spirit Pearl of Returning Abyss, along with 3 Fire Essence Pearls, he then distributed the remaining few fourth-grade heavenly treasures among the 3.

Although the heavenly treasures and earthly wonders of these worlds were quite precious, they still fell short when compared to the Creation Jade and the Li Fire Spirit Jade of the Returning Abyss. They were, however, a suitable choice for the 3 individuals.

The Clear Word Hermit and his wife obtained 5 pieces of heaven-defying treasures. He took 2 of the Tier-4 Blazing Gold Crystals and handed them to Eldrin (Person Name).

"This shall be my debt repaid."

"Hmm."

Eldrin nodded slightly. This Blazing Gold Crystal was a crucial treasure for forging the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss, precisely what the old clan leader currently needed.

After collecting the Blazing Fire Gold Crystal, Eldrin spoke again, "This time, there are no oath restrictions. Both the Clear Moon Ancient Scroll and the Setting Sun Ancient Scroll can be replicated. You may choose 1 to inscribe, but you must swear an oath not to pass it on to others."

Just then, Clear Verse Wanderer suddenly spoke up: "Brother Eldrin, now that Astrael has set his sights on me, I can no longer remain in the Heavenly Abode Continent."

"So to be perfectly honest, I wish to seek refuge with you."

"Oh?" A flicker of interest stirred within Eldrin. He nodded and remarked, "Having forged a Mid-Grade Golden Core, you should be able to establish yourself swiftly even if you venture into the Chu Kingdom."

"What I mean is, I seek refuge under your wing."

Qingci Sanren shook his head, his expression grave as he spoke.

Seemingly aware of Eldrin’s confusion, Elder Qingci nodded and said, “After I broke through to the Golden Core realm, my cultivation’s demand for resources grew exponentially. Although we’ve gained quite a lot this time, hoping to purchase a Grade-4 spirit vein with it is nothing but a fool’s dream.”

"Thus, I wish to join your Chen Clan, both to repay this kindness and to further my own path of cultivation."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin exchanged a glance with Lyra, a trace of contemplation flickering in his eyes.

The addition of a Mid-Stage Golden Core cultivator was enough to significantly bolster the Chen Family's strength. As his cultivation deepened, it would likely not be long before he possessed combat prowess equivalent to Golden Core, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm).

As the saying goes, many hands make light work. They occupied quite a few spirit mountains and were in urgent need of such powerful cultivators to hold the fort. This was, by nature, a mutually beneficial arrangement.

At this thought, Eldrin spoke gravely, "You must understand that once you join our Chen Clan, you will henceforth need to stand by the Chen Clan's interests. Otherwise, I fear even our friendship may not endure."

"I understand." Elder Qingci nodded, speaking calmly. "You aided me in breaking through to the Golden Core realm. This is a grace of path attainment—it is only fitting that I reciprocate the Chen Clan in kind."

"Besides, I am practically homeless now."

"Brother Qingci, you worry too much. With your current level of cultivation, there are few places in this world beyond your reach."

Hearing this, Eldrin smiled faintly before continuing, "Since you are willing to join my Chen Clan, I shall naturally treat you with due honor. Henceforth, you shall serve as the Seat Elder of the Chen Immortal Clan, and also hold the title of Honorary Elder within the Tianxu Alliance."

"As for your annual stipend, I shall grant you 80,000 spirit stones per year."

An annual stipend of 80,000 spirit stones would amount to 800,000 over 10 years—even among Golden Core cultivators, this was considered exceptionally generous.

In a typical Golden Core immortal clan, the annual stipend for a Golden Core Elder is merely 50,000 spirit stones. After covering cultivation expenses, what remains is often meager.

After all, Golden Core cultivators also consumed vast amounts of resources. Fourth-tier magical artifacts, 5 Elements Spirit Fruit (Spiritual Object), and various fourth-tier elixirs and spiritual materials required for cultivation—all these resources easily cost hundreds of thousands to millions of spirit stones.