Chapter 370 : The Stellar Fragment's Forge

"Then let us join forces and lend Immortal Maiden Ji a hand."

Eldrin Chen spoke as he activated the Solar True Flame [a divine flame of pure solar essence], continuously incinerating the Demonic Spring [a corrupted spiritual spring].

All those present took action together, unleashing various techniques to assail the Demonic Spring. They labored ceaselessly for three full days before finally managing to tear the Demonic Spring asunder.

After the Demonic Spring collapsed, Freya Ji raised her hand and produced a treasure pearl that shimmered with the brilliance of a Stellar [a celestial body or star], her face alight with joy.

This Stellar Fragment [a fragment of celestial material] was of exceptionally high grade and was a relatively versatile heavenly material that could be integrated into almost any magical treasure [an enchanted artifact used by cultivators] to enhance its substance and power.

If fused into a Lifebound Magical Treasure [a magical treasure bound to a cultivator's life force], it could elevate a cultivator's Lifebound Magical Treasure to become a Lifebound Spiritual Treasure [a higher-grade spiritual treasure bound to one's life force].

With this Stellar Fragment in hand, coupled with the feedback from her Path Body [a special innate constitution], the 'Primal Shadow Constitution' [a constitution attuned to primordial shadow energies], into her Lifebound Magical Treasure, Freya Ji could now forge a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure capable of subduing demons].

Wielding a Lifebound Spiritual Treasure, Freya Ji's chances of forging a Heavenly Path Infant Soul [the Infant Soul cultivation realm aligned with the Heavenly Path] would increase dramatically, and her confidence in surviving the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [a heavenly trial of thunder and lightning] would be virtually assured.

Freya Ji took the Stellar Fragment and said, "This fragment is of use to me. You may divide the remaining treasures amongst yourselves."

No one voiced any objection, though they all knew this item was the most precious treasure within the Demon Cave [a cavern infested with demonic energy]. Discover more cultivation stories at audio-novel dot com.

Yet it was also clear that one of the primary reasons Freya Ji had attacked the Demon Cave was precisely for this Stellar Fragment [a fragment of a fallen star, rich in celestial energy].

After vanquishing the Demon Cave, Freya Ji spoke again. "This Demonic Spring [a tainted wellspring of demonic energy] bears a Path Marker [a mystical anchor or beacon used to establish a connection across realms] left by an Outer Realm Demon God [a powerful demonic entity from beyond this world]. Every thousand years, when the Demonic Abyss [a rift or portal to demonic realms] opens, that Outer Realm Demon God seizes the opportunity to follow the Path Marker and ignite the Demonic Spring."

"Only a cultivator who practices the Primordial Solar Path Art [a supreme cultivation method harnessing the power of the primordial sun] and its associated Divine Ability [a supernatural power or technique] can erase it."

As she spoke, her gaze settled on Eldrin Chen. "Your Solar True Flame [a pure flame born of solar essence] is the most effective means to obliterate this Path Marker."

Everyone present showed expressions of pleasant surprise. Sect Master Qian immediately spoke up, "We beseech Fellow Daoist Chen [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator] to take action and help Chu Nation eradicate this threat once and for all."

"The opening of the Demonic Abyss is still six hundred years away. What is your hurry?"

Exquisite Jiang frowned slightly, her eyes narrowing. "Given Eldrin's current cultivation level, even if he employs the Primordial Solar Path Art to refine and purge this Path Marker, it would take at least three Sixty-Year Cycle [a cycle of sixty years, a traditional Chinese unit of time]. Moreover, his cultivation progress would be virtually stagnant throughout the entire process."

"Can you bear the burden of such a tremendous cost?"

Upon hearing this, Sect Master Qian's expression turned somewhat awkward, and he fell silent.

For every Golden Core Cultivator [a cultivator who has formed a Golden Core, a solidified mass of spiritual energy] under heaven, three Sixty-Year Cycle of lifespan is a matter that almost touches upon one's very Path [the Dao, the ultimate principle and goal of cultivation].

Unless one's cultivation had reached a complete dead end, spending such precious time to refine a Path Marker [a cursed object left by a demon god to corrupt an area] was an act of profound folly. How many in this world possessed such selfless devotion?

This was also one of the fundamental reasons why the Demon God [a powerful entity of pure malevolence] had left numerous Path Marker [cursed objects that corrupt an area] within the Purple Seal Realm [a specific cultivation world]. Over countless centuries, these markers continuously spawned Demonic Cultivator [cultivators who use demonic energy] Forbidden Land [areas corrupted by demonic energy], a plague that proved nearly impossible to eradicate completely.

Eldrin Chen's gaze paused for a moment, and he said with a faint smile, "There is no need for haste, everyone. In the future, should I cultivate to the Golden Core Late Stage [the advanced phase of the Golden Core cultivation stage], or perhaps even break through to the Infant Soul [the stage where the cultivator's nascent soul forms], I will then consider refining this Path Marker [a cursed object left by a demon god to corrupt an area]."

Hearing this, everyone nodded in understanding. If Eldrin Chen were to break through to the Infant Soul Realm [the cultivation stage where the cultivator's nascent soul forms], the difficulty of refining this Path Marker [a cursed object left by a demon god to corrupt an area] would be greatly reduced.

Although the Demonic Spring [a natural spring tainted and overflowing with demonic energy] had been destroyed, a significant amount of demonic energy still lingered within the Demon Cave [a cave system saturated with demonic energy].

Fortunately, with the Demonic Spring [a natural spring tainted and overflowing with demonic energy] gone, the demonic energy in the Demon Cave [a cave system saturated with demonic energy] was like a weed without roots, making it far simpler to purify.

They rallied a force of one hundred thousand cultivators, prepared a vast array of Formation Flag [enchanted flags used to set up magical formations], and unleashed a mighty tide of Demon-Suppressing True Flame [a sacred flame technique used to purge demonic corruption] to cleanse the Demon Cave [a cave system saturated with demonic energy].

This purification lasted for eighty-one days. Only after ninety-nine percent of the Demonic Fiendish Energy [the corrupting essence of demonic power] within the Demon Cave [a cave system saturated with demonic energy] had been incinerated did this Demonic Cultivator [cultivators who use demonic energy] Forbidden Land [an area corrupted by demonic energy] finally transform into a site suitable for Immortal Path [the orthodox path of immortal cultivation] cultivation.

During this period, Eldrin Chen and the others intended to hunt down the Black Eagle Demon King [a powerful demonic beast ruler], but they discovered that the two Demon King [powerful rulers among demonic beasts] of Black Eagle Ridge [a mountain ridge ruled by black eagle demons] had already sensed the shifting tide. They had fled deep into Demon Race Territory [lands controlled by demonic beings], taking their entire Black Eagle Demon Race [a tribe or species of demonic beings] with them.

Although the Demon King [powerful rulers among demonic beasts] had escaped, the future looked brighter. With the threats of Black Eagle Ridge [a mountain ridge ruled by black eagle demons] and the Demon Cave [a cave system saturated with demonic energy] removed, travel and exchange between the cultivators of Chu Nation [a human nation] and Yan Kingdom [a human kingdom] would become far more frequent and secure. This would allow resources to flow more freely between their respective Immortal Realm [the world of cultivators and immortal sects].

After handling these matters, Freya Ji sought out Exquisite Jiang and teased, "Having obtained the Stellar Fragment this time, the next time we meet, you'll likely have to address me as Senior True Lord."

"Mind your manners. You should call me Aunt."

Exquisite Jiang raised her hand as if to swat her, and Freya Ji skipped away with a playful laugh.

Watching her depart, Eldrin Chen remarked, "With the Stellar Fragment she's obtained, once it's refined into her Lifebound Spiritual Treasure, her breakthrough to the Infant Soul realm is practically assured."

"Indeed," Exquisite Jiang nodded with a faint, pleased smile. "She has waited over a century to attempt the Infant Soul breakthrough, precisely for the Heavenly Path Energy [a rare and potent spiritual essence said to contain traces of the Heavenly Dao]."

"Now that she's preparing to ascend, it seems the Ji Clan has managed to procure the Heavenly Path Energy for her." Official source: audio-novel .c om. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted slightly. The Heavenly Path Energy was exceedingly precious. The 'Great Path Ascension Pill' [a legendary elixir that uses Heavenly Path Energy as its core ingredient] refined from it was also a key treasure for breaking through to the Infant Soul Late Stage. Countless Infant Soul True Lord cultivators yearned for it in vain.

Only a top-tier Infant Soul Immortal Clan like the Ji Clan would have the confidence and resources to secure the Heavenly Path Energy for her within a mere century.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen said to Exquisite Jiang, "Once the Beast Tide [a periodic, massive onslaught of demonic beasts] concludes in ten years, let us also embark on a journey to travel and gain experience."

"Agreed."

Exquisite Jiang grasped his hand and nodded calmly.

To obtain Heavenly Path Energy [a rare and potent spiritual energy that descends from the heavens], aside from collection by Infant Soul True Lord [a cultivator who has condensed their nascent soul] or acquisition by a Primordial Spirit Path Lord [a cultivator who has formed their primordial spirit] from the far reaches of the Nine Heavens [the nine celestial layers above the mortal world], one can only rely on unexpected serendipity or await the opportune moment of Heaven and Earth Resonance [a rare celestial event where heaven and earth align, causing profound phenomena].

During the time of Heaven and Earth Resonance, Heavenly Path Energy will descend from the Nine Heavens. At that moment, it becomes a matter of seizing the opportunity through one's own Creation [one's innate fortune and destiny] and the strength of one's methods.

Based on temporal calculations, the next opportune moment for Heaven and Earth Resonance is approximately two hundred years away. However, they could not afford to place all their hopes solely on the chance encounter presented by this celestial event.

Journeying across the world would not only allow them to experience the customs and culture of the Eastern Region Great Wasteland [the vast and untamed eastern territories], but also expose them to many tidings and rumors they had never encountered before. In the course of their travels, they might very well stumble upon news concerning Heavenly Path Energy.

After Freya Ji departed, the group convened a meeting.

The nine Golden Core [cultivators who have formed a golden core, the foundation for their nascent soul] experts gathered before the Demon Cave [a cavernous lair inhabited by demons]. Exquisite Jiang produced the spoils of war they had seized and said with a gentle smile, "Let us discuss the rewards for this battle and the compensation for the bereaved."

"It is high time for the rewards to be distributed."

Joyful expressions appeared on everyone's faces. In this battle, all those present had contributed their strength and resources; it was only fitting they receive a share of the bounty.

Eldrin Chen also wore a slight smile. The source of rewards for this battle came from two parts: first, the spoils obtained from the enemy, and second, the wealth and resources contributed by the various Immortal Clan [powerful cultivation families with long lineages] who lacked the strength to send combatants, offered in lieu of providing personnel.

Among these, the various Immortal Clans contributed five million Spirit Stones [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]. Beyond this, there were also various assets and goods valued at another five million Spirit Stones, bringing the total to approximately ten million Spirit Stones.

In addition, they seized all manner of supplies from within the Demon Cave [a stronghold of demonic cultivators].

The Demon Cave was utterly annihilated in this battle. They slew three Golden Core [the third major stage of cultivation, where one forms a solidified golden core of spiritual power] experts and tens of thousands of Demonic Cultivators [cultivators who use unorthodox, often malevolent methods to gain power]. The haul of usable magical treasures [enchanted artifacts used by cultivators] and materials they confiscated was also worth several million Spirit Stones.

There were also three Fourth-Rank Magical Treasures [powerful enchanted artifacts corresponding to the fourth major cultivation realm]. The most precious was a Supreme-Grade Demonic Treasure [a top-tier artifact forged with demonic energy] crafted from Obsidian Abyss Ancient Gold [a rare, dark metallic ore imbued with abyssal properties]. Once smelted down, this material was sufficient to forge a Fourth-Rank Immortal Sword [a divine blade wielded by powerful immortals]. Official source: audio-novel[dot]com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.