Chapter 371 : The Forbidden Metal's Power

This Obsidian Abyss Ancient Gold [a rare and sinister type of ancient metal] is a rather unorthodox material. The Thousand Demons Demon-Slaying Sword [a legendary sword forged to slay ten thousand demons] currently wielded by Eldrin Chen was also forged using this very metal.

If he could obtain this piece of superior-grade Obsidian Abyss Ancient Gold, it would be the optimal choice for enhancing the power of the Thousand Demons Demon-Slaying Sword.

"Compensation for the fallen shall be disbursed in full using Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]," he stated.

"As for the distribution of battle merits..."

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment. With the Obsidian Abyss Ancient Gold available, there was truly no other choice worth considering.

He took the Obsidian Abyss Ancient Gold and declared, "The material of this Obsidian Abyss Ancient Gold is useful to me. I shall exchange three million battle merits for it. I trust there are no objections."

"Since Fellow Daoist Chen [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator] desires it, we naturally have no objections," they replied.

As Sect Master Qian spoke, he claimed one of the Fourth-Rank Magical Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts, ranked by their potency] for himself. The final treasure was exchanged by Immortal Maiden Spirit Consort.

The treasures possessed by the Demonic Cultivator [practitioners of unorthodox and malevolent cultivation arts] were not few in number, but most were tainted by bloodshed and wickedness, rendering them utterly useless to righteous cultivators.

In truth, only three of the Fourth-Rank Magical Treasure were suitable for righteous practitioners, a number clearly insufficient for fair distribution. Continue reading this story at audio_novel.com.

Although True Person Great Defense did not receive a share of the fourth-rank treasures, he still smiled and said, "With the fall of the Demon Cave and the Black Eagle Demon King fleeing deep into the heartlands of the Demon Race, the Fourth-Rank Spirit Mountain at Black Eagle Ridge now lies vacant."

His words gave everyone pause. The Spiritual Vein at Black Eagle Ridge was of Fourth Rank Mid-Grade quality [a high-tier source of spiritual energy]. Its value was indispensable to any Golden Core [the third major stage of cultivation] power.

Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with Exquisite Jiang before speaking with a slight smile. "Black Eagle Ridge lacks a Fourth Rank Earth Vein [a high-grade terrestrial energy leyline]. It possesses only a single fourth-rank Spiritual Vein."

"We are not currently in need of additional Spiritual Vein. If any of you wish to claim it, you may make an offer."

The Immortal Maiden Spirit Consort from the Purple Abyss Sect felt a flicker of desire, but she quickly suppressed it. Their sect was simply too far away.

After all, Black Eagle Ridge was an undeveloped Fourth-Rank Spiritual Vein. Establishing it, cultivating its Spiritual Field [land infused with spiritual energy for growing rare plants], and bringing it to full operation would require immense manpower and resources.

In this regard, the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect, being the closest, was the most suitable choice.

As expected, True Person Great Defense stroked his long beard, pondered for a moment, and then spoke. "If all of you are willing to cede this Fourth-Rank Spirit Mountain to our Verdant Azure Immortal Sect, we are prepared to offer eight million Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] in exchange."

"Only eight million Spirit Stones?"

Sect Master Qian's eyes widened at the figure. He shook his head repeatedly. "A Spiritual Vein of Fourth Rank Mid-Grade quality would cost a full twenty million Spirit Stones to elevate using Spirit Stones alone!"

"You think you can fob us off with a mere eight million Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]? That is far too stingy."

True Person Great Defense wore a bitter smile and quickly spoke, "Although this Spirit Mountain [a mountain rich in spiritual energy, often used as a cultivation base] is precious, after deducting costs, it would likely take several hundred years to earn back twenty million Spirit Stone."

"Moreover, during this affair, the three Golden Core [the third major stage of cultivation, where one forms a solidified golden core of spiritual power] from Yan Kingdom and the Yuan Clan also acted to restrain the Black Eagle Demon King. I must pay a hefty price to them as well."

"Especially that newly advanced Golden Core cultivator from Yan Kingdom, Zephyr Zhang. He is urgently seeking a Fourth-Rank Spiritual Vein [a vein of earth that emits spiritual energy of the fourth rank, suitable for Golden Core cultivators], and I will have to pay a significant sum to settle matters with him."

As he spoke, he added with a worried expression that the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect could not produce over ten million Spirit Stone all at once either.

Even if they borrowed and raised funds from inside and outside the sect, they could likely only gather six million Spirit Stone. The remainder would have to be repaid slowly in the future.

This was unavoidable. The Verdant Azure Immortal Sect had suffered a heavy blow a century ago and had also compensated the fallen Sect Master Zhang of the Firmament Sword Sect [a sword sect named after the firmament heavens] with a large amount of treasures.

Furthermore, they had cultivated Bright Wilderness True Person to the Golden Core stage in an extremely short time. It could be said that the current Verdant Azure Immortal Sect was truly in a difficult position.

Hearing this, everyone understood that the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect was indeed having a hard time.

However, since it concerned their own profits, Immortal Maiden Spirit Consort said with a light laugh, "Brother Taiwu, do not play the pity card. This time, you have gained Black Eagle Ridge. Together with Verdant Azure Mountain, you now possess two Spiritual Vein [a vein of earth that emits spiritual energy] of Fourth Rank Mid-Grade [a mid-grade level within the fourth rank of spiritual energy quality]."

"Henceforth, the vast Verdant Azure Mountains will essentially be under the dominion of your Verdant Azure Immortal Sect. The resources and benefits contained within are more than sufficient to fill your sect's coffers to overflowing."

"If you are unwilling to part with your Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy], and this Spirit Mountain [a mountain rich in spiritual energy] falls into another's hands, it is almost certain they will compete with your Verdant Azure Immortal Sect for the opportunities within the Verdant Azure Mountains."

The True Person Qian also nodded, a flicker of thought crossing his gaze as he said, "If not for the fact that Black Eagle Ridge lies north of the Verdant Azure Mountains, separated from our Firmament Sword Sect by the immense expanse of the Demonic Ape Ridge, I would have insisted on purchasing it today."

Hearing their words, the True Person Great Defense offered an awkward smile.

Should another power establish itself within the Verdant Azure Mountains, conflicts over resources with his Verdant Azure Immortal Sect would be inevitable.

With this in mind, he stated, "Then I shall add another two million Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy]. However, I can only pay five million upfront. The remaining five million will be repaid over two hundred years." Find thousands of chapters at https://audio-novel.com.

Upon hearing this, the others finally nodded, agreeing to the terms of the transaction.

Once the deal was struck, Exquisite Jiang spoke calmly, "The next Beast Tide [a periodic, massive onslaught of demonic beasts] is approximately a dozen years away. This coming tide may prove even more troublesome than the one a century past."

"With the constraints of Black Eagle Ridge and the Demon Cave now removed, I hope you will lend me your strength."

Hearing this, solemn expressions settled upon every face. As the day of the Ji Clan Patriarch's breakthrough to the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] realm drew ever nearer, it was likely that Azure Wave Lake was growing increasingly restless.

The Demon Emperor of Azure Wave Lake is likely growing increasingly restless, and may even go so far as to tear up the tacit agreements and dispatch the Demon Race forces of Azure Wave Lake to attack the Chu Nation Cultivation World.

Under such circumstances, the Chu Nation Cultivation World must unite if there is to be any hope of preserving the peace of Chu Nation.

Having reached this conclusion, Sect Master Qian nodded and said, "Regarding this Beast Tide, our Firmament Sword Sect will certainly not stand idly by."

"Our Verdant Azure Immortal Sect will also dispatch personnel to lend you our strength," added True Person Great Defense.

Eldrin Chen offered a slight smile. "With your assistance, my mind is at ease."

The group remained at the Demon Cave for a full month, settling all matters of military merits and compensations before each force returned home. The cultivators of the Heavenly Ruins Alliance also returned to Chu Nation aboard their two Treasure Ship.

The two of them also returned to Spirit Isle Lake. Not long after their arrival, the Old Patriarch concluded his secluded cultivation.

Upon hearing that Eternal Profound Chen had emerged from seclusion, Eldrin Chen immediately set off for Pingyang City.

"..."

Pingyang City.

Compared to the Pingyang City of over two centuries ago, the Pingyang City of today had long since transformed into a vastly different sight.

At the heart of this city, a collection of immortal dwellings rose in elegant harmony. The air here was thick with spiritual energy [the vital energy that flows through all living things], and ethereal mists curled lazily, lending the entire place the aura of a celestial citadel.

Within this expanse of halls and pavilions, a spirit pool [a pond infused with spiritual energy] shimmered, its surface animated by a school of Spirit Fish that darted among the lotus pads, adding life to the tranquil, misty scene.

By the spirit pool's edge, beneath the graceful boughs of a towering willow tree, Eldrin Chen sat facing his Old Granduncle.

Observing the vibrant and spirited Old Patriarch, Eldrin Chen offered a warm smile. "With your recent breakthrough to the Middle-Tier Golden Core realm, Uncle, the path to Infant Soul now lies clearly before you."

"Hahaha!"

Eternal Profound Chen laughed heartily, a sound of pure contentment, as he personally poured a cup of tea for Eldrin Chen. "Two hundred years ago, I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would cultivate to such heights." Discover more cultivation stories at audio–novel.com.