Chapter 441 : Forging the Lifebound Treasure

Exquisite Jiang took his hand, a smile gracing her lips as she said, "If you keep progressing at this rate, I fear your cultivation will soon catch up to mine."

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

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile in return, then stepped into the Seclusion Chamber.

After settling his mind and body, Eldrin Chen consumed a Creation Origin Pill and began his secluded cultivation to break through to the Golden Core Late Stage.

Given the profound depth of his spiritual energy and soul power, advancing to the Golden Core Late Stage was a natural progression, like water flowing downhill. As expected, no unforeseen complications arose. Roughly three months later, he emerged from the Seclusion Chamber, having successfully ascended to the Golden Core 7th Tier.

Upon reaching the Golden Core Late Stage, Eldrin Chen's spiritual energy surged by a full fifty percent. Once he refined and consolidated this new True Essence, his power would be on par with cultivators at the False Infant Soul Realm.

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

"It is finally done."

Seeing him emerge, Exquisite Jiang's eyes crinkled with delight. While the increase in spiritual energy from Eldrin Chen's breakthrough to the Golden Core Late Stage was significant, the true key was that he could now utilize the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura to forge a Lifebound Spiritual Treasure.

There was no denying the immense impact a magical treasure [an enchanted artifact used by cultivators] had on 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. For uninterrupted reading, go to audio_novel.com.

Even figures at the True Lord [a high-level cultivator realm] level, if they do not possess a Lifebound Spiritual Treasure [a magical artifact bound to one's life force and soul] in hand, will find themselves at a disadvantage when facing a peer opponent armed with a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade artifact specifically forged to suppress demonic beings].

If Eldrin Chen were to obtain a Lifebound Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a supreme demon-subduing treasure bound to one's life force], he would gain the standing to negotiate with a True Lord-level Demon Emperor [an emperor among demonic beings]. Without it, he would likely be forced into a desperate, scrambling retreat.

With this thought in mind, Exquisite Jiang said, "Let us first seek out the two seniors."

"Mm."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod. The two of them proceeded together to the core of the ruins, where they found the Slanting Sun Wheel [a magical treasure in the form of a wheel] in the midst of refining a Netherworld Stone [a rare ore imbued with netherworld energy].

Seeing Eldrin Chen's arrival, the Slanting Sun Wheel spoke, "Your timing is excellent. I have already smelted the Crimson Flame Greatsword [a greatsword forged from crimson flame essence]. The task of extracting its purest essence is better suited to your skills."

"Our thanks, Senior."

Eldrin Chen stepped forward. Within the sea of molten rock, he saw a mass of crimson, liquid material shimmering with a strange spiritual light, gathered together to form a vast lake.

This was the concentrated essence formed from the refining of the Crimson Flame Greatsword. However, as the Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure possessed limited spiritual sense [the ability to perceive and manipulate spiritual energy], it was ill-suited for the delicate work of purifying the essence, leaving the impurities within not fully separated.

Gazing upon this lake of liquid treasure-light, Eldrin Chen felt his breath catch. The value of this spiritual liquid refined from a companion spirit sword was truly beyond measure, a treasure for which no market price could be set.

If a masterful Fifth Rank [the fifth tier in a grading system for items and cultivators] artifact-smith were to work upon it, there was even a chance it could serve as the primary material to forge a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact specifically designed to suppress and vanquish demons].

For him to obtain this material to refine an Immortal Sword [a sword of immortal grade, possessing transcendent power] was truly a rare and invaluable opportunity.

Without further contemplation, Eldrin Chen looked at Exquisite Jiang and said, "To distill its purest essence, we will need to borrow your Cauldron of the Eight Desolations and Six Harmonies [a legendary cauldron capable of refining materials from the eight desolate directions and harmonizing the six elemental forces]."

Strictly speaking, to refine a precious liquid of this grade, a Fifth Rank [the fifth tier in a grading system for items and cultivators] artifact-forging furnace would be ideal.

As they possessed no treasure of such caliber, they naturally had to borrow Exquisite Jiang's Lifebound Magical Treasure [a magical artifact bound to its owner's life force, growing in power with them].

This Six Harmonies and Eight Desolations Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of refining materials from the eight desolate directions and harmonizing the six elemental forces] itself represented the pinnacle of Exquisite Jiang's mastery in the art of artifact forging; using it to refine this supreme treasure was no dishonor.

The two retrieved the Six Harmonies and Eight Desolations Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of refining materials from the eight desolate directions and harmonizing the six elemental forces], placed it upon an Underground Fire Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated fire-attribute spiritual energy], and began the day-and-night process of refining the crimson, liquid-like substance.

This refinement process unexpectedly consumed a full seven years, finally yielding a small cluster of crimson liquid essence.

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

Though it appeared as a mere droplet less than three Cun-lengths [one Cun-length equals one-tenth of a Chi, approximately zero point zero three three meters] in size, it contained power capable of incinerating the Eight Desolations [the eight most remote, barren, and perilous regions of the world].

Seeing the precious liquid had been refined, Exquisite Jiang [the elegant and skilled female cultivator] immediately urged, "Do not delay. Quickly fuse it into the Immortal Sword [a sword of immense power and spiritual nature]."

"Understood."

Eldrin Chen [the determined and rising patriarch of the Chen family] nodded promptly and exhaled a beam of azure light from his mouth. This was the Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword [his personal Lifebound Sword, a weapon of profound connection and power].

This Lifebound Immortal Sword [a cultivator's personally bonded sword that grows with them] had consumed three mouthfuls of Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a supreme, primordial energy of creation] under Eldrin Chen's guidance, shattering the shackles that barred its advancement to the Lifebound Spiritual Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact personally bound to a cultivator] realm. It was now fully prepared to ascend further into the state of a true Spiritual Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact].

The Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword erupted with a dazzling azure radiance, slowly refining and absorbing the crimson liquid substance into its blade, continuously enhancing the very essence of its material.

Time seemed to lose meaning. After an indeterminate period, the azure light and the red liquid essence merged, their fusion ultimately undergoing a metamorphosis, transforming into a stream of violet luminescence. Read the full novel exclusively on audio-novel dot com.

The Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword ignited with violet flames, incinerating vast quantities of impurities within its body. The sword became increasingly translucent, its purity rivaling Glazed [a name implying flawless clarity] jade.

Seizing this pivotal moment, Eldrin Chen tirelessly engraved the intricate Lifebound Spiritual Treasure formation patterns [the mystical arrays that empower a Lifebound Treasure], guiding his Lifebound Immortal Sword through a profound transformation that reshaped it from its core to its surface.

Another immeasurable stretch of time passed. Only after he etched the final Spiritual Treasure Formation Patterns [the complex mystical arrays that define a Spiritual Treasure's power] into its heart did he finally draw a deep, steadying breath.

"It is done."

After the Spiritual Treasure Formation Patterns were successfully inscribed, this Immortal Sword was more than halfway complete.

The next step was to refine and fuse the dual energies of Metallic Gold and Solar Fire into it. This was a meticulous, time-consuming process that required his patient and steady effort.

As he lacked sufficient Five Elements Essence [refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements] for an immediate breakthrough, Eldrin Chen could not proceed further. Therefore, Exquisite Jiang left all the Metallic Gold and Solar Fire Dual Energy [the combined refined essence of Metal and Fire elements] she had with him and returned alone to the Chu Nation.

Over the years, the shops of the Chen Immortal Clan had spread across the entire Ji Continent, and the amount of Five Elements Essence they acquired had increased severalfold compared to before. Consequently, they had accumulated a considerable stockpile of Metallic Gold and Solar Fire Dual Energy.

Exquisite Jiang mobilized and took all the Metallic Gold and Solar Fire Dual Energy held by the Chen Clan, and also withdrew the entire supply from the Heavenly Ruins Alliance. Yet, it still fell short of what was needed.

With no other choice, she mobilized the resources of the Chen Immortal Clan and reached out to the major Golden Core Immortal Clan [powerful cultivation families whose patriarchs have reached the Golden Core realm] they were familiar with on the Ji Continent. She exchanged other types of Five Elements Essence, such as First Wood [refined Wood element essence] and Bulwark Earth [refined Earth element essence], to finally gather the required Metallic Gold and Solar Fire Dual Energy, which was worth millions of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy].

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

With sufficient Five Elements Essence now obtained, the final tempering of the Lifebound Immortal Sword [a cultivator's personal sword, bound to their life force] became solely a matter of patient, meticulous work.

Eldrin Chen once again entered the Seclusion Chamber and began the continuous process of tempering the Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword with the Five Elements Essence.

One year passed in this manner. Then, on this day, the Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword erupted with a dazzling violet radiance, finally transforming into a brilliant streak of sword light that soared into the sky.

Selene's Ring was prepared. She directly released the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy for defense or attack], allowing this Demon-Slaying Immortal Sword [a divine blade forged to vanquish demons] to soar into the Heavenly Vault [the highest expanse of the sky].

Eldrin Chen strode forward, ascending into the heavens. Only then did he see that above the Heavenly Vault, Tribulation Cloud [ominous clouds that gather for a heavenly trial] churned and billowed. A violet sword radiance, sinuous as a swimming dragon, crisscrossed the celestial dome with its dazzling, razor-sharp edge.

"The Demon-Slaying Treasure Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial where divine thunder tests a demon-slaying treasure]," he murmured.

A flicker of concern passed through his eyes, but he ultimately suppressed it.

After its advancement, the Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword's material and potency were no weaker than a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a pinnacle-grade enchanted artifact of immense power]. Overcoming the Demon-Slaying Treasure Heavenly Thunder Tribulation should pose no great difficulty.

As expected, when the Demon-Slaying Treasure Heavenly Thunder Tribulation descended, the Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword erupted with a thousand-zhang-length [one Zhang-length equals three point three three meters] sword aura. With a resonant *clang*, it cleaved through everything, plunging directly into the churning Sea of Thunder [a vast, tempestuous manifestation of heavenly thunder].

Unlike cultivators, a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure is forged through countless refinements; its material is not easily destroyed by the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [a trial of divine lightning sent by the heavens]. Though the Treasure Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [the specific heavenly trial for magical treasures] possessed terrifying power, the Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword bathed in the Thunderclap [a deafening burst of thunder] and weathered the storm, successfully passing through the ordeal. For uninterrupted reading, go to audio-novel . com.