Chapter 348 : Crossing the Heavenly Ridge

Since the agreed-upon time had arrived, the three of them did not linger any longer at Spirit Isle Lake [a large lake renowned for its spiritual energy].

That very day, they teleported directly to Green Sun Mountain [the ancestral mountain of the Chen Clan], then summoned the Green Sun Treasure Ark [a flying treasure vessel shaped like an ark] and set course for the Tianlu Continent [the Celestial Deer Continent].

With the speed of the Green Sun Treasure Ark, they traversed the Verdant Azure Mountains [a vast and ancient mountain range] and crossed the Yan Nation [the Nation of Yan], reaching the borders of the Ji Nation [the Nation of Ji] in just over a month.

By this point, the energy reserves within the Green Sun Treasure Ark were already more than half depleted. They rested in the Ji Nation for half a month, spending a sum of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] to utilize the spiritual energy of a Fourth-Rank Spiritual Vein [a high-grade source of concentrated spiritual energy] to fully recharge the ark's requirements. Then, they began their crossing of the Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range [a formidable, demon-infested mountain range that acts as a natural barrier].

This was not Eldrin Chen's first time crossing the Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range. Although over a century had passed since his last traversal of the Heaven's Ridge Mountain [another name for the Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range], no major upheavals had occurred in these mountains during the intervening years.

They followed the established route, arriving at the territory governed by Vast Righteousness True Lord [a powerful cultivator lord]. After presenting the customary tribute along the way, they passed through the Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range.

The Netherwind Ridge [a perilous ridge within the mountain range known for its fierce winds and demonic birds], which had once posed a significant challenge to Eldrin Chen, could now be crossed with ease. Even massive flocks of Netherwind Vulture [demonic vultures that ride the nether winds], numbering in the hundreds of thousands, could not even approach their vessel.

By the time they reached the shores of the Tianlu Continent, the entire journey had taken just over three months.

"..."

Peach Blossom Mountain [a mountain famed for its peach blossom groves], was located to the west of the Yan Nation. It was counted among the forty-eight famous mountains and great rivers within the Yan Nation. This chapter appears courtesy of audio–novel.com.

This place, Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy], possessed scenery of breathtaking beauty, its spiritual energy [the vital energy that flows through all living things] abundant and vibrant. Even among the third-rank Spirit Mountain [mountains of the third spiritual grade] within the Yuan Nation, it could be considered quite exceptional.

Over the course of a thousand years, this Spirit Mountain had changed hands numerous times. The couple who now occupied this mountain, Recluse of Elegant Verse and his wife, were among the rare and formidable experts within the Violet Sanctum [the third major realm of cultivation, representing the establishment of one's spiritual foundation] realm.

"Truly a place of exquisite scenery," Exquisite Jiang remarked with a smile as the trio arrived before Peach Blossom Mountain and gazed upon its elegant beauty.

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. Though Peach Blossom Mountain was merely a third-rank Spirit Mountain, its scenery was exceptionally lovely. While it could not rival the world-renowned vistas of Spirit Isle Lake's Long Lake Setting Sun [a legendary sunset view] or the Ten-Mile Peach Blossoms [a famous scenic area], it possessed a unique and captivating charm of its own.

"Esteemed guests who have traveled from afar, please forgive my failure to welcome you properly," a voice called out.

At that moment, two figures flew forth from Peach Blossom Mountain. They were none other than the masters of this place, Lord of Peach Blossom Mountain Recluse of Elegant Verse and his wife.

Recluse of Elegant Verse glanced at the three visitors. Although he had already communicated via spirit talisman 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 title for cultivators who have reached the Golden Core realm]," he said.

"We shall soon be peers in cultivation; there is no need for such formalities," Eldrin Chen replied graciously.

Eldrin Chen said with a gentle smile. This Recluse of Elegant Verse possessed a rather lofty ambition. In order to forge a Middle-Tier Golden Core [a high-quality core formed during the Golden Core stage], he had refrained from using external aids like the Golden Core Formation Pill [a pill that assists in breaking through to the Golden Core Realm] to forcefully ascend to the Golden Core Realm [a major realm where a cultivator condenses their spiritual power into a solid core].

Now that he had broken through to the Pseudo-Core Realm [a transitional state just below the true Golden Core Realm], it seemed there was a genuine chance he might one day succeed in forging that Middle-Tier Golden Core.

Yet, upon hearing Eldrin Chen's words, the Recluse of Elegant Verse's expression clouded with a trace of bitterness. "This is not the place for such discussions," he said. "Please, follow me."

The group flew into Peach Blossom Mountain, where the Immortal Maiden Clear Countenance personally poured tea for everyone.

Shaking his head, the Recluse of Elegant Verse spoke, his brow heavy with gloom. "To speak frankly, thirty years ago, my attempt to break into the Golden Core Realm ended in failure. My vital foundation [the core life force and cultivation base of a cultivator] was significantly damaged."

"It will require another thirty years of recovery before I can attempt a breakthrough again. Fortunately, I have already solidified my Pseudo-Core Realm foundation. Otherwise, I might not dare to attempt forging a Middle-Tier Golden Core next time."

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

The Recluse of Elegant Verse's foundation in magical power was actually quite solid. However, failing a self-guided breakthrough to Golden Core required a recuperation period of one full Sixty-Year Cycle [a complete cycle of sixty years], a span of time that was simply far too long.

After all, the Recluse of Elegant Verse was already three hundred and ten years old. Without resorting to external aids like the Golden Core Formation Pill, he likely had only one more chance left to assault the Golden Core barrier.

But if that next attempt also ended in failure, the Recluse of Elegant Verse would have no choice but to turn to the Golden Core Formation Pill after all.

For if one waits until past four hundred years of age, even after consuming a Longevity Pill [a pill that extends one's natural lifespan] to augment one's lifespan and forcibly forges a Middle-Tier Golden Core [a mid-grade solidified core of spiritual power], the potential of Future would become exceedingly dim.

Cultivators below the Infant Soul [the nascent soul stage of cultivation] can only ingest three Longevity Pill in their lifetime. If one takes a Third-Rank Longevity Pill [a longevity pill of the third grade] too early while still in the Violet Sanctum Realm [the Violet Palace stage], it becomes immensely difficult to attempt a breakthrough to the Infant Soul Realm before one's lifespan is exhausted.

Take, for example, True Person Great Defense of the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect. Blessed with a Variant Spiritual Root [a rare and superior type of spiritual affinity], he recklessly attempted the Golden Core Realm breakthrough multiple times in his obsessive pursuit of a Middle-Tier Golden Core.

This resulted in him finally forming his Golden Core [the solidified core stage] at the advanced age of over four hundred years. Now, at eight hundred years old, his cultivation has stagnated at merely the Golden Core Mid Stage. Thus, although he succeeded in forging a Middle-Tier Golden Core, the Future prospects for True Person Great Defense are not great.

By the time his lifespan runs out, he will likely have reached only the seventh or eighth layer of Golden Core cultivation at best, with no chance whatsoever of impacting the Infant Soul realm.

Therefore, even though Recluse of Elegant Verse had broken through to the Pseudo-Core Realm [a preparatory stage just below the true Golden Core realm], a thread of anxiety now coiled within his heart.

"The damage from a failed, self-attempted Golden Core breakthrough..." Discover more cultivation stories at https://audio-novel.com.

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly. The Sun-Returning Tribulation-Dispelling Pill [a legendary pill said to reverse severe cultivation injuries and dispel heavenly tribulation backlash] in his possession could indeed resolve such an injury.

However, this treasure was exceedingly precious. Furthermore, members of the Chen Clan like Ethan and Silas would have urgent need of it in the future.

'We collaborated once before. This Recluse of Elegant Verse possesses a decent character and is one who knows how to repay kindness.'

As the saying goes, adding flowers to brocade is not as good as delivering charcoal in snowy weather [a proverb meaning timely help in adversity is more valuable than favors in prosperity]. Moreover, Silas and the others would still need to wait some years. This moment, however, presented an opportunity to lend a helping hand, fostering future friendships of mutual aid.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen retrieved a Sun-Returning Tribulation-Dispelling Pill [a supreme elixir capable of reversing severe injuries and dispelling cultivation tribulation backlash]. After a moment's consideration, he said, "I possess a Sun-Returning Tribulation-Dispelling Pill. It could aid you in resolving your injuries."

"This item..."

Recluse of Elegant Verse's face lit up with surprise and delight, though a hint of awkwardness followed as he wiped his hands.

The value of a Sun-Returning Tribulation-Dispelling Pill was exceedingly high, with each pill commanding a price of over a million Spirit Stones [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation].

While he still had some assets, the only truly valuable item in his possession was the Golden Radiance Glazed Lamp [an enchanted artifact]. All his other resources had been expended over the years on his cultivation and purchasing Creation Verdant Origin Pills [elixirs that nourish the foundational life force].

Noticing Recluse of Elegant Verse's expression, Eldrin Chen offered a gentle smile. "If you lack the Spirit Stones at hand, you may consider it a debt. Repay me after we explore the secret realm; there is no hurry."

"Brother Eldrin." Recluse of Elegant Verse pondered for a moment before finally accepting the Sun-Returning Tribulation-Dispelling Pill. His expression turned solemn. "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 calming the mind and aiding meditation]. With a serene smile, he continued, "The secret realm will not open for over half a year. You could use this time to attempt a breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm [the third major stage of cultivation where spiritual energy condenses into a solid, golden core within the dantian]."

The Recluse of Elegant Verse obtained the Sun-Returning Tribulation-Dispelling Pill and immediately entered seclusion to heal his wounds.

The Sun-Returning Tribulation-Dispelling Pill truly lived up to its reputation as a Golden Core Realm [the third major stage of cultivation, where one forms a solidified golden core of spiritual power] healing elixir. After consuming the pill for merely three days, the Recluse of Elegant Verse's injuries were more than half healed.

After another half a month or so, his vitality and spiritual power [the fundamental life force and cultivated energy of a practitioner] had both recovered to their peak state. He then began his attempt to break through to the Golden Core Realm.

This time, the Recluse of Elegant Verse was attempting the Golden Core Realm breakthrough from the Pseudo-Core Realm [a transitional state just below the true Golden Core Realm]. His chances of success were estimated at only thirty to forty percent. However, as he was currently at the absolute peak of his condition, with his Vitality [life force and foundational energy] and spiritual power at their strongest point in his entire life, his state was unexpectedly favorable.

After more than four months, a massive vortex suddenly appeared within Peach Blossom Mountain, which began to violently draw in the spiritual energy [the ambient energy of heaven and earth used for cultivation] from the surrounding hundreds of Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters]. Original English translation available at *audio-novel.com*.