Chapter 474 : The Convergence of Heavenly Dao

"It is fortuitous that my cultivation has currently reached a plateau; I cannot advance further until the Heavenly Dao Qi [the primordial energy of the Heavenly Dao] is obtained."

Seeing that Eldrin Chen still seemed pained, she continued, "Moreover, without expending a vast amount of Lifebound Essence Blood [the vital blood essence bound to one's life force] and spiritual soul, how could one possibly catalyze the metamorphosis of an existence rivaling a Nascent Soul True Lord [a cultivator who has formed their Nascent Soul] using merely the Water Vein Treasure Jade [a precious jade formed within a water essence vein] and Five Elements Essence [a refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements]?"

"Mm." Eldrin Chen nodded, then produced a Treasure Pill [a pill of exceptional quality and power]. "After that battle years ago, the physical body of the Crimson Flood Dragon Demon Emperor [a powerful demonic beast emperor] fell into our hands. I refined its flesh and blood into this Treasure Pill to help you replenish your essence and blood."

Lyra Jiang accepted the Treasure Pill, a gentle warmth blooming in her heart.

Time flowed on relentlessly, and in the blink of an eye, seven or eight years had passed.

After several years of recuperation, Lyra Jiang's physical body and spiritual soul had recovered eighty to ninety percent. In her spare time, she even consumed some Five Elements Essence and finally succeeded in mastering her Lifebound Grand Divine Ability [a supreme ability intrinsically linked to one's life force].

On this day, within the Azure Lotus Continent [a continent named for its azure lotus lakes], vast quantities of spiritual energy converged ceaselessly towards a Seclusion Chamber [a chamber for isolated cultivation]. This convergence persisted for a full three days before gradually dispersing.

Eldrin Chen opened his eyes within the Seclusion Chamber, sensing the mana within his body. It had grown even more vast and mighty, having increased by a full twenty percent compared to before his seclusion.

"Golden Core Eighth Layer."

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, a faint smile gracing his lips. For uninterrupted reading, go to audio‑novel.com.

After stepping into the Golden Core Eighth Layer, his cultivation was now merely A Step Away from the Golden Core Great Perfection. The surge in his mana had also dramatically increased his combat prowess.

As he emerged from seclusion, Lyra Jiang, who had been guarding him, closed the ancient tome in her hands and smiled. "Your mana has grown significantly more profound with this breakthrough. It seems the process went quite smoothly."

"Indeed," Eldrin Chen nodded. "At this pace, I will likely be able to attempt the Nascent Soul realm within a single Jiazi-time [a sixty-year cycle]."

"Then we shall await the arrival of the Heaven and Earth Resonance [a profound state where heaven and earth energies align, often a precursor to major breakthroughs]."

Lyra Jiang continued, "A short while ago, Zixu the Daoist came to the Azure Lotus Continent and invited you to join him in traveling to Qingluan Continent [the Azure Simurgh Continent, a land named after the mythical bird]. However, since you were in seclusion, he departed ahead of schedule."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered thoughtfully. After a moment of calculation, he said, "Our supply of Heavenly Crystal [a purified and high-density form of Spirit Stone] is insufficient. We only have a few Divine Ability Cultivation Art we could part with. I fear we may not be able to exchange for truly satisfactory treasures."

In the past, to purchase the Water Vein Treasure Jade, Eldrin Chen had exhausted his entire stock of seventy Heavenly Crystal. Although the clan had been diligently acquiring more over the years, they had only managed to accumulate a few dozen more.

While they possessed many precious treasures, those truly suitable for bartering for Fifth Rank Treasure were exceedingly few.

Both their Lifebound Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure bound to one's soul and life force] and their Second Primordial Embryo [a second spiritual core or avatar cultivated through profound arts] were priceless treasures, naturally not to be traded away. The Sun and Moon Twin Wheels [a pair of magical treasures representing the sun and moon] had bestowed great favor upon them, so they were equally impossible to part with in exchange.

In their possession, they also had a Golden Rhino Immortal Sword [an immortal-grade sword imbued with the essence of a golden rhinoceros] and a suit of Glazed Armor of the Three Treasures [an armor forged from three precious treasures, possessing a glazed, diamond-like resilience], both of which were artifacts of the Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure specifically designed to suppress and vanquish demons] tier.

However, such treasures were rare finds, not to be sought after lightly. Unless absolutely necessary, they were reluctant to part with them in any transaction.

Beyond these, they held a single Fire Vein Treasure Jade [a precious jade formed within the heart of an earth fire vein, rich in fire essence], a single Nascent Soul Formation Pill [a rare and potent pill that aids in the formation of a Nascent Soul], and a wisp of Earth Mother Qi [the primordial, nurturing essence of the earth itself].

The Nascent Soul Formation Pill and the Fire Vein Treasure Jade were both exceedingly rare. The Nascent Soul Formation Pill had been left by Eldrin Chen for the Old Patriarch [the venerable leader of their clan]. The Earth Mother Qi was one of the essential components required for forging either an Earthly Dao Nascent Soul [a Nascent Soul aligned with the Dao of the Earth] or a Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul [a Nascent Soul aligned with the Dao of Heaven]; they felt they could never have enough of it.

The only item they might consider trading was likely the Fire Vein Treasure Jade. Yet, given its immense rarity, Eldrin Chen would not part with it unless he encountered a treasure of truly comparable value.

Noting Eldrin Chen's contemplative expression, Lyra Jiang spoke up. "My Six Realms and Eight Desolations Cauldron [a mighty cauldron artifact representing the six realms of existence and the eight desolate directions], though primarily fire-aligned, would be most suitably enhanced by fusing it with fire-attribute Treasure Metal [a rare, spiritually infused metal used in crafting supreme treasures]. Your Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss [a sword of returning abyssal fire] has also been successfully forged."

"Currently, we do not possess many treasures. If we wish to acquire suitable ones, this Fire Vein Treasure Jade could indeed be exchanged. We simply must weigh our options with great care."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, then added, "Our cultivation has now brought us not far from the Nascent Soul [the realm where a cultivator forms a spiritual infant, marking a monumental leap in power and longevity] realm. It is time we began preparations in earnest for that breakthrough."

Hearing this, a flicker of understanding passed through Lyra Jiang's eyes. She grasped the profound importance of Eldrin Chen's words.

The scarcity of Heavenly Dao Qi [the primordial energy of the Heavenly Dao] was one thing, but they possessed only a single strand of Earth Mother Qi [the foundational energy of the earth's essence] between them—insufficient to be divided for two. How could such meager resources possibly allow them to achieve a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul [the spiritual core formation stage] realm?

With this thought, she looked at Eldrin Chen and inquired, "What is your plan?"

"A single strand of Earth Mother Qi [the foundational energy of the earth's essence] has a market value of around two hundred Heavenly Crystal [a high-grade spiritual crystal], nearly equivalent to a Middle-Grade Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact]," Eldrin Chen stated calmly, calculating the treasures they lacked. "To purchase Earth Mother Qi, we would need to amass at least two hundred Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy]."

He continued, laying out their options. "Since we are not willing to sell the Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts] we currently possess, we are left with only two paths..."

As he elaborated, Lyra Jiang gave a slight nod of understanding.

Unless absolutely necessary, they were naturally reluctant to part with treasures like the Golden Rhino Immortal Sword and other Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure. Therefore, to obtain the resources they needed, they either had to slay a Demon Emperor [a ruler among demonic beings] or venture into ancient ruins.

The wealth of a Nascent Soul Demon Emperor [a demonic ruler at the Nascent Soul stage] was immense; both its Demon Emperor Nascent Soul [the spiritual core of a slain demon emperor] and its lifebound treasures held exceedingly high value. This chapter is part of a larger work available at audio~novel.com.

However, such beings were extraordinarily difficult to kill and posed immense danger. Even with the formidable strength of Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang, they had no certainty of success.

The alternative was to explore ruins. Sites of ancient power were exceedingly rare in the world, yet Eldrin Chen happened to know of one such location.

"Back in the day, the dying wish of Lin Daoyang was to entrust me with the task of venturing into the ruins of the Ethereal Void Sect and retrieving their Sect Heritage Supreme Treasure."

"Now, after nearly three hundred years, it is time I fulfill this long-held aspiration."

Eldrin Chen recounted the tale, yet a shadow of solemnity lingered in his brow.

The perils of the Eastern Sea Cultivation World far surpassed those of the present-day Eastern Domain Great Wilderness Cultivation World. When the Ethereal Void Sect fell during the Demon Chariot Cataclysm, none could say what lingering entities might still dwell within its ruins.

Lyra Jiang also wore a grave expression. After a long pause, she spoke, "The Extraterrestrial Heavenly Demon [a powerful demonic entity from beyond this world] that destroyed the Ethereal Void Sect would not have abandoned such a precious Fifth Rank Spirit Vein [a powerful natural site rich in spiritual energy]. It is certain that high-ranking demonic fiends still inhabit the ruins of the Ethereal Void Sect."

Her tone then softened into a smile. "However, while the Extraterrestrial Demonic Fiend [demonic beings from beyond this realm] are formidable, most have long since bartered their souls to a Demon God. They wander in a daze, ignorant of the celestial order and unversed in the ways of Formation [the art of creating magical arrays and barriers]."

"They must still be using the Formation left behind by the Ethereal Void Sect. Therefore, if we can infiltrate and regain control of the sect's Formation, it is not impossible for us to slay them."

"My thoughts align with yours. Let us journey to the Eastern Sea to investigate. If an opportunity presents itself, we shall act. If the risk seems too great, we shall withdraw."

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly, then paused, his gaze turning deep and resolute. "And we shall also take this chance to visit that Luomo Island."

"Luomo Island."

Lyra Jiang's eyes flickered slightly, a smile gracing her lips as she said, "You still remember Verdant Consort."

"Of course I remember."

Verdant Consort was the creator of the Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform [a supreme cultivation platform that stores immense spiritual power], a woman of such staggering talent she could startle the heavens themselves. Her brilliance was tragically cut short, snuffed out in its prime by the machinations of the Liu Clan of Luomo Island from the Eastern Sea.

Later, Lyra Jiang passed Verdant Consort's Azure Lotus Flood Water Scripture [a profound cultivation art centered on water and wood elements] to Eldrin Chen, which also allowed Eldrin Chen to obtain the supreme treasure that is the Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform.

Over the centuries, his sharp, unyielding edge had earned him far too many enemies. Were it not for the Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform storing an additional one or two times his normal reserves of mana, he would likely have been unable to repeatedly unleash the immensely taxing Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power] and Magical Treasure [an enchanted artifact used by cultivators] strikes needed to slay his formidable foes.

It could be said that while the Flood Water Azure Lotus Platform offered no direct offensive capability, its importance even surpassed that of any single Life-Bound Magical Treasure [a magical treasure bound to a cultivator's life force, growing with them] in Eldrin Chen's possession.

With such a profound karmic bond connecting them, how could Eldrin Chen ever forget her? Access the full story on audio-novel`com.