Chapter 462 : The Demon Emperor's Bounty

Merely the Infant Soul [the nascent spiritual core of a cultivator, a key breakthrough stage] of the Demon Emperor [a powerful ruler among demonic beings] numbered as many as five. Although most of these Demon Emperor were only at the Infant Soul Early Stage, and each Infant Soul could only refine three or four Nascent Soul Formation Pill [a legendary pill that aids in the formation of the Nascent Soul], it was estimated they could still produce close to twenty such pills.

Beyond this, the captured Spiritual Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts] from the Demon Emperor numbered a full seven. These Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [artifacts of the highest grade used to suppress demonic forces] were also items of extraordinary value.

Setting those aside, they had also seized three Fifth Rank Spiritual Vein [a site where the world's spiritual energy gathers and concentrates into a powerful ley line] and three Fifth Rank Earth Vein [a terrestrial energy ley line of great potency]. From these, they had scavenged four Fifth Rank [the fifth and a very high tier of power for spiritual items] Spirit Herb [plants imbued with potent spiritual energy] and other treasures.

This did not even account for treasures below the Fifth Rank. While the value of items from the Golden Core Realm [the realm where a cultivator forms their golden spiritual core] was far inferior, their quantity vastly exceeded the rest.

After everyone had finished reviewing the list, Dorian Ji nodded and said, "Esteemed friends, this time our Ji Clan invited True Lord [a title for a powerful cultivator who has mastered a profound truth] to intercept the forces from the Golden-Winged Great Roc Lineage [a powerful lineage of demonic birds with golden wings] and Black Fiend Ridge. We must also make appropriate arrangements with Vast Righteousness True Lord."

"Therefore, what you can exchange for may not seem overly abundant."

As Dorian Ji spoke, he used his spiritual power to manifest a map once more, adding calmly, "For those True Lord who helped us block the Demon Emperor, we will provide at least one Nascent Soul Formation Pill each as recompense."

"The remaining Nascent Soul Formation Pill must be retained by our Ji Clan to restore our clan's strength."

"However, my breakthrough to the Primordial Spirit [the primordial spiritual form, a higher state of being] is imminent. Once achieved, we shall return to the Eastern Sea Cultivation World. Thus, the Spirit Mountain [a mountain rich with spiritual energy] and Earth Vein [a terrestrial energy line] we have seized this time can be allotted to you."

Upon hearing this, both Violet Consort Yan and Ethereal Mistress Ling gave calm, acknowledging nods. Read the full novel exclusively on audio–novel.com.

Having just broken through to the Infant Soul Realm [the fifth major stage of cultivation where one's nascent soul is formed], they were troubled by the lack of a Fifth Rank Spiritual Vein [a powerful ley line of spiritual energy, suitable for Infant Soul cultivators] for their cultivation. Naturally, at this moment, exchanging their military merits for a Fifth Rank Spiritual Vein was of paramount importance.

This had been agreed upon beforehand. They would assist the Ji Clan in dealing with Azure Wave Lake and the surrounding Demon Race [a race of powerful, often malevolent, beings that cultivate demonic arts], and in the future, they would even help guard the Ji Clan Patriarch during his breakthrough.

In return, the Ji Clan would help conceal their whereabouts, provide a Fifth Rank Spiritual Vein to aid their breakthrough to the Infant Soul Realm, and also help them secure a Fifth Rank Spiritual Vein to serve as their Path-Field [a cultivator's personal territory and foundation for their cultivation path].

The Ji Clan Patriarch glanced at the two of them, then turned his gaze towards the two Mortal Path [a foundational cultivation method] cultivators, Eldrin Chen and his companion. "Do you desire a Fifth Rank Spiritual Vein, or would you prefer a Nascent Soul Formation Pill [a precious elixir that aids in forming the nascent soul] and a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a top-tier enchanted artifact specifically designed to suppress demonic beings]?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly before he spoke. "Give us Verdant Lotus Isle."

"Agreed." The Ji Clan Patriarch nodded, then paused briefly. "However, Verdant Lotus Isle is situated on the front lines. Holding it may prove difficult for you."

"Moreover, the two of you drew the main force of the Demon Race and slew a Demon Emperor [a ruler among demons, equivalent to a human cultivator's high-level realm] of the Golden Rhino Bloodline. In terms of military merit, this is equivalent to the achievements of two Infant Soul True Lord [a title for a powerful cultivator at the Infant Soul Realm]."

"Very well. Your pair of Sun and Moon Twin Wheels [a magical treasure consisting of two wheels representing the sun and moon] is quite remarkable. I can have a fifth-rank Formation [a structured array that harnesses energy for defense, attack, or other purposes] set up using that treasure as its core. You may also select two items from the captured Fifth Rank Treasure [powerful artifacts or resources suitable for the fifth cultivation rank]."

Eldrin Chen exchanged a look with Exquisite Jiang. While their military merits were substantial, they were at most enough to exchange for a single Fifth Rank Spiritual Vein.

For the other party to also allow them to choose from the Fifth Rank Treasure was clearly a gesture based on their shared history and friendship, and also born from a fear that they might not be able to hold onto a Fifth Rank Spiritual Vein.

With this thought in mind, Eldrin Chen nodded and did not refuse, saying, "The Golden Rhino Immortal Sword I captured is quite good; let us keep it."

"As for the remaining item, could we have the skeleton of a flood dragon?"

"Agreed."

Ji Clan Patriarch nodded and then handed over the skeleton of the Crimson Flood Dragon to them.

Eldrin Chen requested the flood dragon skeleton to forge a Fifth RankWar Treasure Ship [a massive, ship-shaped magical fortress]. Once such a formidable artifact is successfully crafted, it would become a true cornerstone of heritage for any Infant Soul Immortal Clan.

After the treasures were divided, everyone was satisfied. Violet Consort Yan and Ethereal Mistress Ling, who had just broken through to the Infant Soul realm, obtained the Fifth Rank Spiritual Vein [a land imbued with potent spiritual energy] they needed most.

Meanwhile, the Ji Clan acquired the majority of the Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [powerful artifacts designed to suppress demonic beings], the Infant Soul [the spiritual core] of the demon beasts, and the vast haul of captured resources. It was a distribution where each party got what they sought.

After securing Azure Wave Lake, Eldrin Chen immediately proceeded to Verdant Lotus Isle.

This time, Dorian Ji, who was at the Half-Step Path Lord realm, personally took action. Using the Sun and Moon Twin Wheels as the Formation Artifact [the core artifact anchoring a defensive array], he laid down the Sun and Moon Patrol Formation [a defensive array that harnesses solar and lunar energies] around Verdant Lotus Isle.

Dorian Ji's mastery of Formation [the art of creating magical arrays] was profound. Once completed, this Formation possessed formidable power. Even without a True Lord [a cultivator of the Primordial Spirit realm] actively controlling it, the inherent strength of the two Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure alone would be enough to render even a Demon Emperor [a powerful ruler among demonkind] at the Infant Soul Late Stage utterly helpless.

After seeing off Dorian Ji, Eldrin Chen gazed at Verdant Lotus Isle with immense delight and said, "The scenery of this Verdant Lotus Isle is a place of peerless beauty, surpassing even the finest vistas of Spirit Isle Lake by a fair margin. It is truly an excellent site for secluded cultivation."

"Indeed, with this Verdant Lotus Isle in our possession, our future cultivation paths will be much smoother," Exquisite Jiang nodded in agreement, then took Eldrin Chen's hand and added, "This place possesses a Fifth Rank Wood Vein [a high-grade spiritual energy vein aligned with the Wood element], which can not only produce Wood Vein Precious Jade [a precious jade formed by the essence of a Wood Vein] but also hosts a vast quantity of Verdant Mystery Wood."

"These Spirit Wood [trees imbued with and radiating spiritual energy] are exceptionally well-suited for crafting a War Treasure Ship [a massive, magically fortified warship used by cultivator forces]. Your choice of the flood dragon's skeleton was correct."

Forging a Fifth Rank [a classification denoting a treasure of immense power, suitable for the highest echelons of cultivators] War Treasure Ship requires a staggering, almost unimaginable amount of Spirit Wood. It is said that to successfully complete one, the consumption of Spirit Wood often reaches a scale of a million logs.

Furthermore, the wood must be at least Second Rank [a mid-grade level of spiritual potency] in quality. This single material cost alone can amount to hundreds of millions of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation].

Even with the Spirit Wood production capacity of the Fifth Rank Earth Vein [a supreme-grade spiritual energy vein aligned with the Earth element] at Verdant Lotus Lake, constructing a single Fifth Rank War Treasure Ship would still require an accumulation period of three hundred years. For the best reading experience, visit audio-novel*com.

However, the might of a Fifth Rank War Treasure Ship is extraordinarily formidable. Within an Infant Soul Immortal Clan [a powerful clan led by cultivators who have formed their Infant Soul, a high-level spiritual core], such a vessel would be considered a Clan-Suppressing Supreme Treasure [a supreme magical artifact that serves as the ultimate foundation and protector of a major clan or sect].

Even during a cataclysm like the Demonic Chariot Cataclysm [a legendary, continent-shaking conflict involving demonic forces], it would represent a core pillar of strength. Only the more powerful Infant Soul Immortal Clan possess the resources and capability to successfully forge one.

"Given our current strength, we are not yet sufficient to undertake the forging of a Fifth Rank War Treasure Ship," Eldrin Chen concluded.

"We can only prioritize stockpiling Fifth Rank Spirit Wood and spend several centuries slowly refining it to completion."

Eldrin Chen stated calmly. His decision to refine a Fifth RankWar Treasure Ship was primarily aimed at using it to traverse the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm.

Setting that topic aside, Eldrin Chen strode towards the 'Creation Green Jade Lotus'.

"This Creation Green Jade Lotus is said to be a descendant of an Innate Spiritual Root. I wonder if, by continuously elevating it with Primordial Chaos Violet Aura, it could eventually ascend to become the legendary Innate Spiritual Root known as the 'Creation Verdant Lotus'?"

Eldrin Chen remarked with a smile, but then quickly shook his head. An Innate Spiritual Root was a treasure of such magnitude that even a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal would covet it. Even if such an ascension were possible, it would likely be a matter of tens of thousands of years, if not more.

Without further hesitation, he consumed three strands of Primordial Chaos Violet Aura and fused them into the Creation Green Jade Lotus.

After absorbing the Violet Aura, Eldrin Chen sensed a subtle change. The Creation Green Jade Lotus seemed to emit a faint glimmer of Creation light, and within its Lotus Seed, a wisp of primordial source energy [the fundamental energy from which all things originate] appeared to be gestating.

"This object..."

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features.

Beside him, Exquisite Jiang nodded, her tone grave. "I sense it too. The Lotus Seed of this Creation Verdant Lotus has already begun converting primordial source energy."

"I fear that once it successfully advances, the Lotus Seed it produces will be comparable to an Origin Heavenly Crystal [a crystalized form of a world's foundational essence, used for cultivation]."

The Origin Heavenly Crystal is refined by an Infant Soul True Lord [a cultivator who has formed their nascent soul] from World's Origin [the primordial, foundational energy of a world]. Consequently, any Infant Soul True Lord who absorbs an Origin Heavenly Crystal incurs a massive Karma [the metaphysical principle of cause and effect, action and consequence] debt to the world's heaven and earth.

Yet, this Creation Green Jade Lotus can spontaneously generate this origin energy on its own, which is truly astonishing.

Such a profoundly mystical Worldly Spiritual Root [a spiritual plant of immense rarity and power], when its Lotus Seed is consumed for cultivation, allows one to avoid incurring that immense Karma debt to the world's will.

Eldrin Chen pondered deeply, unable to contain his astonishment as he spoke: "This object can synthesize the power of World's Origin on its own. If its energy were to disperse, it would instead replenish the World's Origin."

"Calculated this way, this Creation Green Jade Lotus would actually generate Merit [positive metaphysical credit representing virtuous deeds and good karma] for heaven and earth."

"Then, if one were to forge a magical treasure [an enchanted artifact used by cultivators] from this material, wouldn't it become a Merit Spiritual Treasure [a magical treasure imbued with positive karma] that kills without staining one's Karma?" The story continues at AUDIO-NOVEL.COM.