Chapter 349 : A Golden Core Forged in Spirit

However, the Peach Blossom Mountain Spiritual Vein [a natural conduit of spiritual energy within the earth] was only of Third Rank Lower Grade [a low-grade spiritual vein], its spiritual energy [the vital energy that flows through all living things] far insufficient to support the breakthrough of a Golden Core Cultivator [a cultivator at the Golden Core stage].

"This is bad, the spiritual energy is insufficient!"

Immortal Maiden Clear Countenance's expression changed. She immediately crushed a large quantity of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] into pure spiritual energy to supply Recluse of Elegant Verse's breakthrough.

Yet, the Spirit Stone in her possession were not plentiful, far from enough to sustain the breakthrough of a Golden Core Cultivator.

At this critical juncture, Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly. Spiritual energy began to converge into a swirling vortex; Recluse of Elegant Verse had already completed the most crucial step. It would be a profound pity if failure resulted from a mere lack of energy.

And so, Eldrin Chen raised his hand, releasing nearly one million Spirit Stone. He crushed them into a vast, surging tide of spiritual energy, lending Recluse of Elegant Verse a final, decisive hand.

Such a torrent of spiritual energy was nearly equivalent to over half of a Fourth Rank Low-Grade Spiritual Vein, sufficient to aid Recluse of Elegant Verse in completing the condensation of his Golden Core [the solidified core of a cultivator's power].

After this step, Eldrin Chen estimated that Recluse of Elegant Verse's chances of successfully breaking through to Golden Core were now virtually assured.

Indeed, as the spiritual energy vortex gradually dissipated, a powerful aura finally erupted from Peach Blossom Mountain.

"Success." This content originates from (audio-novel.com). Please respect copyright.

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly as he saw the Recluse of Elegant Verse ascend into the sky. The recluse gave him a nod before turning a grave gaze towards the Tribulation Cloud gathering upon the Heavenly Vault.

At that moment, Exquisite Jiang, standing beside him, stirred slightly, a faint frown creasing her brow.

"What is it?" Eldrin Chen inquired.

"Just now, for an instant, I sensed an extremely powerful aura," she replied.

Exquisite Jiang closed her eyes, extending her spiritual sense to search, but ultimately found nothing.

Eldrin Chen's brow also furrowed. The two of them scoured the area, yet neither could locate the source of that fleeting presence.

After a long moment, Eldrin Chen looked at the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation brewing on the Heavenly Vault, his expression solemn. "If someone truly hides in the shadows, their ambition is likely anything but simple. We must be cautious."

"Perhaps it was merely an illusion,"

Exquisite Jiang shook her head, her voice calm.

Meanwhile, several hundred Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] away, concealed deep within the earth, an old man clad in Daoist robes remained hidden.

This individual gazed at the distant Tribulation Cloud [a dense, ominous cloud formation that heralds the arrival of a heavenly tribulation], his gaze then turning heavy and focused upon Exquisite Jiang and Eldrin Chen. "The Alliance Leader of the Heavenly Ruins Alliance, and the Chu Nation Sword Immortal... why would they come here?"

"Although the Recluse of Elegant Verse's breakthrough to the Golden Core [the third major stage of cultivation where one condenses a golden spiritual core] is an unforeseen variable, it is ultimately inconsequential. However, Exquisite Jiang and Eldrin Chen possess Great God Ability [a supreme divine art of immense power]. Should they join forces, I have no certainty of being able to slay them."

"Could it be that he sensed my approach and deliberately invited these two here?"

The old man pondered silently for a moment, a flicker of gravity passing through his eyes.

After a long pause, he shook his head. "Impossible. If that person knew I was coming, he would have long since fled Peach Blossom Mountain. He would never dare remain."

"That Golden Radiance Glazed Lamp [a magical lamp that emits a golden, purifying light] is the key to my confidence in surviving the Infant Soul Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [the devastating heavenly trial required to ascend to the Infant Soul realm]. I am determined to obtain it. Who could possibly stand in my way?"

"Enough. I shall wait a while longer. Those two will surely depart eventually."

With this thought, the old man stroked his long beard, his expression smoothing as he completely concealed his aura.

Engaging two powerful Golden Core cultivators head-on was unwise, especially when both had mastered the Great God Ability and were among the pinnacle experts of their realm.

Although the old man's cultivation had reached the False Infant Soul Realm [a pseudo-state mimicking the power of the true Infant Soul realm] and he held great confidence in his own strength, he was acutely aware of his dwindling lifespan and insufficient Vitality [the foundational life force essential for cultivation and longevity]. He feared that sustaining an injury could sever his Path [the lifelong journey and methodology of cultivation] to the Infant Soul [the fourth major stage of cultivation, where the golden core transforms into a nascent spiritual infant].

He suppressed his aura, concealing himself silently within the very fabric of the heavens and earth. Meanwhile, on the other side, the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [a trial of lightning sent by the heavens to test cultivators seeking to advance their cultivation] was finally drawing to a close.

Having acquired a significant portion of Path Sun Lin's wealth, the Recluse of Elegant Verse was naturally exceedingly well-prepared, possessing a large number of Life-Saving Treasure [precious artifacts or talismans used to preserve one's life in moments of extreme peril].

Relying on these treasures, the Recluse of Elegant Verse successfully weathered the tribulation, achieving a breakthrough into the Golden Core Realm [the third major stage of cultivation, where one condenses their spiritual energy into a solid, golden core within their dantian].

Immediately after surviving the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation, the Recluse of Elegant Verse sought out Eldrin Chen and promptly bowed deeply in respect. "Fellow Daoist, your assistance in my path to enlightenment is a debt I can never fully repay. I am eternally grateful," he said.

"There is no need for such formality. Your breakthrough to Golden Core was achieved through your own efforts. I merely gave fate a gentle nudge in the right direction," Eldrin Chen replied with a faint smile.

Eldrin Chen allowed himself a slight smile. The Recluse of Elegant Verse's successful ascension to Golden Core meant his own not-inconsiderable investment had not been in vain. Visit audio–novel.com to enjoy the complete series.

The Recluse of Elegant Verse shook his head, his expression earnest. "Without your aid, I likely would have faced a critical shortage of spiritual energy during the process. I would have been forced to burn my vital essence to fuel the formation of my Golden Core. Even if I had succeeded, it would have left my foundation severely damaged."

"However, the debt of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] I owe you... I fear its repayment must wait until after our exploration of the ruins."

As he spoke of the ruins, a look of solemn gravity settled upon the Recluse of Elegant Verse's features.

Mention of the Ancient Ruins stirred a thrill of anticipation in all of them. Any structure that could endure for thousands of years within the harsh environment of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire [a legendary sea of eternal, magical flames] was almost certainly of a grade that surpassed the Golden Core Grade [a classification for artifacts, techniques, or places whose power corresponds to or exceeds the Golden Core Realm].

With this thought, Verdant Mist Yu spoke with a gentle smile, "The ruins are set to open again in two months. It is time for us to depart."

"Then let us set off."

Mindful of the imminent opening of the ruins, the group wasted no time. That very day, they departed from Peach Blossom Mountain with great haste.

The distance from Peach Blossom Mountain to the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire [a vast, dangerous region of perpetual flame] spanned over three million Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters]. Fortunately, the Green Sun Treasure Ark [a flying treasure vessel] possessed extraordinary speed, traversing the vast distance in a mere ten and several days before arriving within the fiery expanse of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire.

Upon entering the outer reaches of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire, Recluse of Elegant Verse said with grave seriousness, "The secret realm lies deep within the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire. It is inhabited by Crimson Flame Spirit [fiery elemental beasts] of the Golden Core Realm [a high stage of cultivation]. We must proceed with utmost caution."

"Proceed slowly."

At that moment, however, Eldrin Chen brought the Green Sun Treasure Ark to an abrupt halt.

His expression turned grave. He glanced at Exquisite Jiang and asked, "What is the situation?"

"What is wrong?"

Seeing their troubled expressions, Immortal Maiden Clear Countenance could not help but inquire.

At that very moment, Exquisite Jiang opened her eyes, her expression grave as she spoke, "Throughout this journey, I have been using a specific art to sense auras. I have discovered someone has been tracking us, and his cultivation is at least at the Golden Core Perfection level."

"How is that possible?"

Recluse of Elegant Verse's face changed color, and he couldn't help but say, "This journey was kept absolutely secret. Aside from the three of you, I informed no one."

It was then that Eldrin Chen spoke up, "My Grudge Soul-Tracking Art has also sensed it. I fear this pursuer is none other than Celestial Star Child."

"Celestial Star Child."

The expressions of the group shifted. A person's reputation casts a long shadow. Celestial Star Child, renowned as the foremost rogue cultivator of the Tianlu Continent, had even broken through to the False Infant Soul Realm decades prior after obtaining a Nascent Soul Formation Pill.

His foundation was a Middle-Tier Golden Core, and it seemed that within a few more decades, he would be ready to assault the Infant Soul Realm once more, with a success rate likely exceeding fifty percent.

"I understand now."

Hearing the pursuer was Celestial Star Child, Recluse of Elegant Verse revealed a bitter smile.

The reason became clear. Not long ago, in order to recover from his injuries, he had contemplated selling his Golden Radiance Glazed Lamp and had let a few close friends know of this intention. This Celestial Star Child, on the cusp of his Infant Soul breakthrough, had been meticulously planning for his Infant Soul tribulation. He had most likely come for the Golden Radiance Glazed Lamp.

After informing the others of the situation, Recluse of Elegant Verse said with a bitter smile, "My apologies to you all. Today, I have brought trouble upon you."

"Do not worry."

Seeing his distressed expression, Exquisite Jiang spoke calmly, "The aura within the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire is chaotic and impure. I will use a Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power cultivated by immortals] to conceal the Treasure Ship [a vessel imbued with magical properties]. That should be sufficient to make it difficult for him to sense us." Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audi0-n0vel.c0m.