Chapter 441 : Forging the Lifebound Treasure

Lyra Jiang took his hand, smiling as she said, "If this continues, I fear your cultivation progress will soon catch up to mine."

"After this breakthrough, we will truly be able to fight side by side."

Eldrin Chen replied with a faint smile, then stepped into the Seclusion Chamber.

After settling his state of mind, Eldrin Chen consumed a Creation Origin-Returning Pill [a supreme-grade pill that aids in profound cultivation breakthroughs] and began his secluded cultivation to break through to the Golden Core, Late Stage.

Given the depth of his mana and spiritual soul, breaking through to the Golden Core, Late Stage was a natural progression, like water flowing downhill. This time, no unexpected events occurred. Approximately three months later, he emerged from the Seclusion Chamber, having successfully advanced to the Golden Core Seventh Layer.

After the breakthrough to Golden Core, Late Stage, Eldrin Chen's mana surged by a full fifty percent. Once he refined and tempered his True Essence [the purified, high-grade energy cultivated by advanced practitioners], it would be no weaker than that of a cultivator at the False Nascent Soul realm.

He did not leave seclusion immediately. Instead, he spent some time consolidating his newfound cultivation base before finally stepping out of the Seclusion Chamber.

"It is finally done."

Seeing him emerge, a smile blossomed in Lyra Jiang's eyes. While the increase in mana from Eldrin Chen's breakthrough to Golden Core, Late Stage was significant, the most crucial development was that he could now utilize Primordial Essence [the most fundamental and potent form of spiritual energy] to forge a Lifebound Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual weapon or artifact intrinsically linked to its wielder's soul, growing in power with them].

It was undeniable that a Magical Treasure [an enchanted artifact used by cultivators] profoundly impacted a cultivator's combat prowess. The difference in power between a cultivator who possessed a spiritual treasure and one who did not was like the gap between two entirely different realms. Find thousands of chapters at audio_novel.com.

Even a figure of True Lord Grade [the realm of a True Lord, a powerful cultivator] would find themselves at a disadvantage against a peer who wielded a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact specifically designed to suppress and vanquish demonic entities], if they themselves lacked a Lifebound Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure forged with one's own life essence, granting unparalleled resonance and power].

If Eldrin Chen possessed his own lifebound Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure, he would gain the standing to negotiate with a True Lord Demon Emperor [a Demon Emperor who has also attained the True Lord realm]. Without it, he would be left with no choice but to flee in disarray before their might.

Having reached this conclusion, Lyra Jiang spoke, "Let us first seek out the two Seniors."

"Agreed."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod. Together, they proceeded to the core of the ruins, where they found the Setting Sun Treasure Wheel refining the Nether Stone [a rare stone imbued with dense Netherworld energy].

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen's arrival, the Setting Sun Treasure Wheel spoke, "Your timing is fortuitous. I have already melted down the Crimson Flame Greatsword. The task of refining its quintessence is better suited to your expertise."

"Our gratitude, Senior."

Eldrin Chen stepped forward. Within the Lava Sea of Fire, he saw a massive lake formed from a congealed mass of crimson, liquid substance, shimmering with a strange and wondrous spiritual light.

This was the condensed essence formed from the melted-down Crimson Flame Greatsword. However, as the Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure possessed limited spiritual awareness, it was ill-suited for the delicate work of purification. Thus, the impurities within the essence had never been fully separated.

Gazing upon this lake of luminous liquid, Eldrin Chen felt his breath catch. This treasure-liquid, refined from a Companion Spirit Sword [a spirit sword that grows and evolves alongside its wielder], was a material of incalculable worth, the kind for which no market price could truly be set.

If a highly skilled Fifth Rank Artificer [a master craftsman of magical items] were to work upon it, it might even be possible to forge it into the primary material for a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a treasure of the highest order, capable of vanquishing demons].

For him to obtain this material to temper his immortal sword was truly a rare and precious opportunity.

Without further hesitation, Eldrin Chen looked at Lyra Jiang and said, "To refine and extract its quintessence, we will need to rely on your Eight Desolations and Six Realms Cauldron."

Strictly speaking, to refine a treasure liquid of this grade, a Fifth Rank Artificer's Furnace [a specialized furnace for crafting magical treasures] would be ideal.

As they possessed no treasure of that rank, they naturally had to borrow Lyra Jiang's Life-Bound Magical Treasure [a magical treasure bound to one's life force and cultivation].

This Six Realms and Eight Desolations Cauldron itself represented the pinnacle of Lyra Jiang's mastery in the art of artifice; using it to refine this supreme treasure was no dishonor to the material.

The two retrieved the Six Realms and Eight Desolations Cauldron and placed it upon the Underground Fire Vein [a subterranean channel of potent fire energy], beginning the day-and-night process of refining the crimson, liquid substance.

This refining process consumed a full seven years before yielding a small, condensed mass of crimson liquid.

The liquid substance was crystalline throughout, with a stream of red energy flowing within it, forming strange and wondrous Dao patterns [mystical inscriptions representing fundamental principles].

Though it appeared to be a mere three Cun-lengths [one Cun-length equals one-tenth of a Chi, approximately zero point zero three three meters] in size, this liquid held within it the power to incinerate all within the eight desolations [a poetic term for the farthest reaches of the world].

Seeing the treasure liquid successfully refined, Lyra Jiang [the Immortal Maiden Lyra] promptly urged, "Do not delay. Quickly fuse it into the Immortal Sword."

"Understood."

Eldrin Chen [Eldrin of the Chen Clan] nodded swiftly and exhaled a stream of azure light from his mouth. This was the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss [the Abyssal Returning Separated Flame Sword].

This Lifebound Immortal Sword [a cultivator's sword bound to their very soul and life force], after consuming three mouthfuls of Primordial Essence [the purest foundational energy of a cultivator] by Eldrin Chen, had shattered the shackles hindering its advancement to a Lifebound Spiritual Treasure [a treasure that evolves with its master's soul and cultivation], becoming fully capable of ascending to that higher realm.

The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss erupted with a dazzling cerulean radiance, slowly refining the crimson, liquid substance into its blade, continuously enhancing the sword's fundamental material.

Time seemed to lose meaning. The azure light and the red liquid essence intertwined and merged, ultimately undergoing a metamorphosis into a stream of violet luminescence. Continue your cultivation journey at audio~novel.com.

The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss ignited with violet flames, incinerating vast quantities of impurities within its body. The blade grew increasingly translucent, like flawless crystal.

Seizing this opportunity, Eldrin Chen continuously inscribed Lifebound Spiritual Treasure formation patterns, guiding this Lifebound Immortal Sword through a profound transformation from its core to its surface.

An immeasurable span of time passed. Only after etching the final Spiritual Treasure Formation Runes [the mystical patterns that grant a spiritual treasure its powers] into its heart did he finally draw a deep, steadying breath.

"It is done."

Once the Spiritual Treasure Formation Runes [the intricate patterns that channel power into a magical artifact] were successfully inscribed, the immortal sword was more than halfway complete.

Next, it required the infusion of Metallic Essence [a potent spiritual energy embodying the sharp, unyielding nature of metal] and Blazing Fire Dual Qi [a dual-faceted spiritual energy combining the properties of both yang and yin fire]. This was a meticulous, grinding process that demanded his patient and steady effort.

As he lacked sufficient Five Elements Essence [a refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements], Eldrin Chen could not proceed with the advancement immediately. Therefore, Lyra Jiang left all the Dual Metallic Essence and Separated Flame Qi [a combined spiritual energy of sharp metallic essence and the purifying separated flame] she had in her possession and returned alone to the Chu Kingdom.

Over the years, the shops of the Chen Immortal Clan had spread across the Ji Continent, and the amount of Five Elements Essence they procured had increased severalfold compared to before, allowing them to accumulate a considerable stockpile of Dual Metallic Essence and Separated Flame Qi.

Lyra Jiang mobilized all the Dual Metallic Essence and Separated Flame Qi held by the Chen Clan, and also took every last bit from the Heaven's Ruin Alliance's reserves. Yet, it still fell short of what was needed.

With no other choice, she mobilized the entire Chen Immortal Clan network, reaching out to the major Golden Core Immortal Clan [powerful clans whose patriarchs have reached the Golden Core realm] they were acquainted with across the Ji Continent. She bartered, using First Wood and Earth-Fortress [spiritual essences of wood and earth] and other types of Five Elements Essence in exchange. Only through this extensive effort did she finally gather the required Dual Metallic Essence and Separated Flame Qi, a treasure worth millions upon millions of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy].

After completing this monumental task, Lyra Jiang immediately returned to the ancient ruins.

With sufficient Five Elements Essence now secured, the refinement of the Lifebound Immortal Sword [a sword forged with and bound to its wielder's very life force] was reduced to a matter of patient, meticulous work.

Eldrin Chen once again entered the Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared room for undisturbed cultivation] and began the continuous process of tempering the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss with the Five Elements Essence.

A full year passed in this manner. Then, on this day, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss erupted with a dazzling violet radiance. It finally transformed into a brilliant streak of sword light that shot skyward, breaking free into the open air.

The Moonlight Wheel was prepared. It directly released the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy nodes and conduits], allowing the Demon-Subduing Immortal Sword [a sword of immense power used to vanquish demons] to soar into the Firmament [the vault of heaven, the sky].

Eldrin Chen strode forward, ascending into the heavens. Only then did he see that the Firmament was roiling with Tribulation Clouds [ominous clouds that gather to unleash heavenly punishment]. A violet sword radiance, sinuous as a swimming dragon, crisscrossed the celestial expanse with its dazzling, razor-sharp edge.

"The Demon-Subduing Treasure Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [a cataclysmic trial of heavenly thunder that a supreme treasure must endure to prove its worth]," he murmured.

A flicker of concern stirred within him, but he ultimately suppressed it.

After its advancement, the material and potency of the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss were no weaker than a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a treasure of the highest order, capable of subduing even the most powerful demons]. Naturally, it would face no difficulty in weathering the Demon-Subduing Treasure Heavenly Thunder Tribulation.

As predicted, when the Demon-Subduing Treasure Heavenly Thunder Tribulation descended, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss erupted with a thousand-zhang-length [one Zhang-length equals three point three three meters] sword aura. With a resonant *clang*, it cleaved through the onslaught and plunged directly into the sea of thunder.

Unlike cultivators, a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure is forged through countless trials; its material is not easily destroyed by the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [a trial of heavenly thunder that tests a cultivator's or treasure's fortitude]. Even though the Treasure Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [the specific heavenly tribulation faced by a treasure seeking ascension] possessed terrifying power, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss bathed in the lightning and weathered the storm. Access the full story on audio-novel .c om.