Chapter 481 The Old Cultivator

"Good."

The 2 concealed their auras, disguising themselves as ordinary Golden Core experts, and made their way into the 9 Rivers Spirit Island.

The 9 Rivers Spirit Island was 1 of the fifth-tier spirit islands closest to the Eastern Wastelands (Location) within the Eastern Sea cultivation world. Its strategic position made it a vital hub, with a constant stream of cultivators crossing over from the mainland at all times.

It was precisely for this reason that the Eastern Sea Immortal Alliance had transformed it into a professional cultivation market, serving as a resting place for cultivators traveling between the continents.

The moment they landed on the spirit island, a decrepit Foundation Establishment cultivator hurried over. Cupping his hands in salute, he addressed them, "Esteemed Ancestors, your faces are unfamiliar to me. You must not be from these parts. Might you require a guide?"

"Hmm."

Eldrin's eyes flickered slightly. A Foundation Establishment cultivator serving as a guide—this was exceedingly rare.

The old man was hunched and frail, likely approaching 2 100 years of age. Had such a cultivator been in the Ji Province cultivation world, he would most likely have been spending his remaining years in peaceful retirement, not rushing about like this.

"It seems the cultivation world of the Eastern Sea is far more destitute than the Eastern Wastelands (Location)."

At this thought, Eldrin said, "Take us to rent a spirit vein cave abode. Since we’ve just arrived, we need some time to settle in."

Senior, please come.

The elderly man cupped his hands in a trembling salute before guiding the 2 toward the spirit vein cavern abode.

Admiring the scenery along the spirit island's path, Eldrin remarked casually, "Young friend, your remaining lifespan grows short. Rather than returning to your clan's spiritual mountains to enjoy your twilight years in peace, you still choose to wander abroad."

"Return to the clan and live out your remaining years in peace..."

The old man shook his head and smiled bitterly, "What clan remains? My junior's clan spirit island was destroyed over 1 100 years ago during the beast tide of the Demonic Beast Uprising."

"To have escaped with my life, I must count myself fortunate. Yet returning to the family's spirit island is now beyond my reach."

Eldrin fell silent for a moment before continuing, "Over these years, have you not left behind any descendants or taken on disciples to care for you in your twilight years?"

"I have taken in 3 disciples and have 2 children of my own," the elder spoke, then fell into a brief silence before continuing, "My eldest disciple was slain by a demonic cultivator. The second and third both perished during the conscription for the Great Beast Tide."

"My son joined the demon-hunting vessel of the Immortal Alliance, only for the treasure ship to be sunk by a Golden Core demon king. As for my daughter, she too met her end long ago in the jaws of a demon beast."

The elder's gaze held a hatred etched deep into his bones, yet also an indescribable helplessness.

He drew a deep breath, his teeth gritted as he spat out, "That damned fiend! If not for my little grandson at home, this old man would fight tooth and nail to make that demon beast bleed, even if it costs me my last breath."

Eldrin fell silent, astonished that the elderly man had no 1 to rely on and still had to drag his decrepit, failing body out to toil for spirit stones. Little did he know that this was already commonplace in the eastern seas cultivation world.

The old man’s concern was not for his own suffering, but for his inability to rekindle the fervor in his blood and gather his True Essence once more, to exact vengeance for his kin.

"Senior, we've arrived!"

Before he knew it, the old man had brought Eldrin to the spirit mountain cave abode rental area.

Eldrin nodded slightly, his gaze resting upon the hunched elder whose form resembled withered timber. He found himself at a loss for words, an inexplicable weight settling in his chest.

He took out 1,000 spirit stones and handed them to the man as payment for guiding this journey.

The old man was reluctant to accept it, shaking his head hurriedly as he said, "Senior, this amount of 30,000 spirit stones is far too valuable—it greatly exceeds what should be paid. This junior cannot accept it."

"Take it."

Eldrin flicked his long sleeve with an air of finality. "This amount of spirit stones means little to me. Take it as a modest foundation for your grandson's future."

"This…"

The elder's expression shifted slightly, but he ultimately accepted the spirit stones.

Seeing Eldrin (Person Name) about to depart, he hastily stepped forward and said, "Senior, please stay your steps."

"Oh?"

Eldrin halted his steps, casting a discreet glance at the individual.

Yet the old man bowed and presented a map, saying, "Your cultivation realms are truly unfathomable. You must have come to the Eastern Sea Cultivation World to slay demons and monsters, honing your own cultivation and combat prowess."

However, the East Sea cultivation realm was a place where dragons and fish jumbled together—many spirit islands and sea domains were occupied by demons and monsters, among which were no small number of Golden Core demon kings and even demon emperors.

"If 1 were to inadvertently enter the territory of the Demon Emperor, even a Golden Core Elder like yourself would face extreme peril, with the grave risk of meeting a tragic end."

"This map is a treasure I fortuitously obtained, young 1. It documents the demonic territories within the coastal regions and may offer some assistance to you, Elder."

Eldrin took the treasure map, casting a discreet glance at it before asking, "This offering of yours holds some use for me. I wonder what you seek in return?"

"Spirit stones and treasures, as long as your requests aren't excessive, I can grant them all."

The old man, however, shook his head and said with utmost sincerity, "I am already advanced in years, with no hope of breaking through to the Violet Mansion realm. What use have I for such worldly possessions?"

"If you, Senior, can use this map to ensure your safety when slaying demons and vanquishing evils, then I shall have contributed even the slightest of efforts. With that, I would have no regrets in this life."

Eldrin fell silent for a moment. After a long pause, he turned and strode into the grand hall, leaving only these faintly spoken words drifting through the air: "During my stay in the Eastern Sea Immortal Cultivation Realm, should I find a spare moment, I shall naturally take action to slay demons and vanquish evils, cleansing this heaven and earth of its impurities."

Lyra followed Eldrin into the grand hall, glancing at the map in her hand. "This map is exquisitely detailed," she remarked, "it shall prove immensely useful to us."

"Hmm."

Eldrin nodded. The map clearly marked all forces ranging from the Purple Mansion to the Nascent Soul level within the offshore region, each accompanied by detailed descriptions.

The creator of this map, which features such detailed illustrations and exceptionally clear annotations, must have personally surveyed nearly a 100 million li of territory within the offshore regions.

To achieve this, it was likely impossible for any single cultivator to accomplish alone. Only a massive organization deploying numerous cultivators for exploration could eventually compile and synthesize such a map.

As the 2 spoke, they stepped into the great hall and, after spending 1:1 spirit stones, rented a spiritual vein cave abode.

They had journeyed over a 100 million li, truly covered in the dust of travel, and this was a perfect opportunity to rest and recuperate.

However, they did not rest for long. On merely the third day of their seclusion, someone arrived before the estate to pay a visit.

The newcomer was a scholar-looking cultivator whose cultivation had reached the Great Perfection of the Golden Core Realm. Upon seeing Eldrin, he cupped his hands and said, "I am Lu Yanhe, an executive of the East Sea Immortal Alliance. Greetings to you both, Fellow Daoists."

"So it's Fellow Daoist Lu, my apologies for the lack of courtesy!"

After exchanging names, Eldrin poured Lu Yanhe a cup of tea.

"Fine tea."

Lu Yanhe took a sip of the spirit tea, then cupped his hands in salute. "2 days ago, I received reports that 2 Golden Core, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) supreme masters had arrived. I wished to pay my respects in person."

"It is only because I was entangled in mundane affairs that I delayed my visit for several days. I hope you will not take offense, Fellow Daoist."

Chapter 1 The biting cold wind howled across the snowy plains, whipping up flurries of ice crystals that shimmered under the pale moonlight. Amidst this desolate landscape, a lone figure knelt in the snow, his black robes stark against the endless white. "Lin Feng (Person Name), you dare steal the sect's sacred scripture?" A thunderous voice echoed across the frozen expanse. The young man raised his head, blood trickling from the corner of his lips. "I am innocent," he spoke calmly, though his knuckles were white where they gripped the snow. Elder Ming (Person Name) stood before him, flanked by a dozen or so disciples. "The evidence is clear. Last night, you were the only 1 in the Scripture Depository. The Primordial Chaos Codex (Cultivation Method) has gone missing." Lin Feng's gaze remained steady. "I went to return the Basic Cultivation Manual, nothing more." "Lies!" Disciple Wang (Person Name) stepped forward, his face contorted with malice. "I saw you sneaking out with a scroll hidden in your robes!" A cold smile touched Lin Feng's lips. He had been set up, that much was clear. For 3 years, he had served the sect faithfully, only to be betrayed at the moment he was about to break through to the Foundation Establishment realm. "Then search me," Lin Feng said, spreading his arms wide. "If you find the scripture, I will accept any punishment." Elder Ming's eyes narrowed. "We already have. There's nothing on you." He paused, his voice dropping to a dangerous low. "Which means you've hidden it somewhere. Confess now, and your punishment may be less severe." The wind picked up, howling like a 1000 vengeful spirits. Lin Feng closed his eyes, feeling the spiritual energy within him churn violently. He had been so close - just days away from forming his foundation. Now, it might all be for nothing. "Very well," Elder Ming said when no confession came. "By the authority of the Azure Cloud Sect, I strip you of your cultivation and banish you from the sect forever!" The elder raised his hand, spiritual energy gathering into a brilliant sphere of light. The disciples watching gasped - to have 1's cultivation stripped was a fate worse than death. But just as Elder Ming was about to strike, a strange phenomenon occurred. The snow around Lin Feng began to swirl, forming intricate patterns that glowed with an ethereal blue light. The temperature plummeted further, causing even the elder to shiver. "What is this?" Disciple Wang exclaimed, taking a step back. Lin Feng felt a strange power awakening within him, something ancient and profound. Memories that weren't his own flooded his mind - techniques, spells, cultivation methods far beyond anything the Azure Cloud Sect possessed. The Mark of the Frozen Star (Mysterious Mark) on his chest, which he had had since childhood, was burning with an icy coldness that spread through his meridians. Elder Ming's eyes widened in shock. "Impossible! Your spiritual roots... they're reconstructing themselves!" Lin Feng rose to his feet, his injuries forgotten. The snow around him had formed a perfect circle, untouched by the howling wind. His eyes, when he opened them, glowed with the light of a 1000 stars. "It seems," Lin Feng said, his voice echoing with newfound power, "that fate has other plans for me."