Chapter 474 : The Seclusion's Awakening

"It happens that my cultivation has currently stalled; I cannot advance further until I obtain the Heavenly Path Energy [a rare and potent spiritual energy source]."

Seeing that Eldrin Chen still looked somewhat pained, she continued, "Moreover, without expending a vast amount of Vital Essence Blood [the concentrated life force and blood essence of a cultivator] and soul power, how could one possibly transform something using mere Water Vein Spirit Jade [a type of jade imbued with water-attribute spiritual energy] and Five Elements Essence [a refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements] into an existence rivaling an Infant Soul True Lord [a powerful cultivator at the Infant Soul stage]?"

"Mm." Eldrin Chen nodded, then produced a Precious Pill [an extremely valuable cultivation elixir]. "After that battle years ago, the physical body of the Crimson Flood Dragon Demon Emperor fell into our hands. I refined its flesh and blood into this Precious Pill to help you replenish your vital essence and blood."

Exquisite Jiang took the Precious Pill, a gentle warmth blooming in her heart.

"..."

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

After several years of recuperation, Exquisite Jiang's physical body and soul had recovered eighty to ninety percent. In her spare time, she even expended some Five Elements Essence and finally succeeded in cultivating the Innate Great God Ability [a supreme divine technique of immense power].

On this day, within Verdant Lotus Isle, vast amounts of spiritual energy continuously converged towards a Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared room for deep meditation and cultivation]. This phenomenon persisted for a full three days before gradually dispersing.

Eldrin Chen opened his eyes within the Seclusion Chamber, sensing the increasingly majestic and surging power within his body—it had grown by a full twenty percent compared to before his seclusion.

"The eighth layer of the Golden Core [a solidified core of spiritual energy formed within a cultivator's dantian]." Discover more cultivation stories at audio-novel . com.

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, a faint smile gracing his lips.

Having stepped into the eighth layer of the Golden Core [the third major stage of cultivation where one's spiritual energy condenses into a solid, golden-hued core], his cultivation was now but a single step away from Golden Core Perfection [the pinnacle of the Golden Core stage]. The surge in his spiritual power had also dramatically increased his combat prowess.

Emerging from his secluded cultivation, he found Exquisite Jiang, who had been guarding him, closing the ancient tome in her hands. She smiled and said, "Your spiritual power has grown significantly more profound with this breakthrough. It seems your cultivation proceeded quite smoothly."

"Indeed," Eldrin Chen nodded. "At this pace, I estimate I can attempt to break through to the Infant Soul Realm [the fourth major stage where the cultivator's soul begins to manifest and mature] within a single Sixty-Year Cycle [a complete cycle of sixty years, a significant unit of time in fate and destiny]."

"Then we shall await the arrival of the Heaven and Earth Resonance [a rare celestial event where the energies of heaven and earth align perfectly, often a time of great opportunity or tribulation]," she replied.

Exquisite Jiang continued, "Some time ago, Path Master Unreal came to Verdant Lotus Isle [a spiritual island known for its serene beauty and lotus ponds] to invite you to join him on a journey to Azure Luan Province [a province famed for its azure skies and mythical Luan birds]."

"However, as you were in seclusion, he decided to depart ahead of schedule."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered thoughtfully. After a moment's calculation, he said, "Our reserves of Heavenly Crystal [a highly purified and potent form of spiritual energy crystal, far superior to ordinary Spirit Stones] are insufficient. We only have a few Divine Ability [a supreme and profound supernatural technique or art mastered by high-level cultivators] manuals we could potentially trade. I fear we may not be able to acquire truly satisfactory treasures."

Years ago, to purchase the Water Vein Spirit Jade [a rare type of jade imbued with the essence of water spiritual veins], 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.

At present, they possessed quite a few precious treasures, yet those suitable for bartering for a Fifth Rank Treasure were exceedingly few.

Their Lifebound Spiritual Treasure and Second Primordial Embryo were both priceless, and naturally could not be traded away. The Sun and Moon Twin Wheels had bestowed great favor upon them, so parting with it was equally unthinkable.

Among their remaining possessions were a Golden Rhino Immortal Sword and a set of Three Treasures Glazed Armor, both of which were treasures on par with a Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure.

However, such treasures were rare finds, not to be casually sought. Unless absolutely necessary, they were loath to trade them away.

Beyond these, they held a single Fire Vein Spirit Jade [a rare jade imbued with the essence of fire veins], a single Nascent Soul Formation Pill [a legendary pill that aids in the formation of the Nascent Soul], and one strand of Earth Mother Energy [a primordial energy embodying the nurturing essence of the earth].

The Nascent Soul Formation Pill and the Fire Vein Spirit Jade were both exceptionally rare. The pill had been left by Eldrin Chen for the Old Patriarch, while the Earth Mother Energy was an essential component for forging both the Earthly Path Infant Soul and the Heavenly Path Infant Soul. They felt they had too little of it, not too much.

The only item they might consider trading was likely the Fire Vein Spirit Jade. Yet, given its immense rarity, Eldrin Chen would be reluctant to part with it unless offered something truly precious in return.

Noting Eldrin Chen's expression, Exquisite Jiang spoke up. "Although my Six Harmonies and Eight Desolations Cauldron is primarily fire-attributed, fusing it with fire-aligned Precious Metal would be most suitable. Your Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword is already complete."

"With our current limited stock of treasures, if we wish to acquire suitable ones, this Fire Vein Spirit Jade could indeed be exchanged. It simply requires careful consideration."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, then added, "Our cultivation is now not far from the Infant Soul Realm. It is time we began preparations for the breakthrough to Infant Soul."

Hearing his words, Exquisite Jiang's eyes flickered slightly, understanding the importance of what Eldrin Chen was saying.

The Heavenly Path Energy [a rare spiritual essence aligned with the Heavenly Path] was one thing, but they possessed only a single strand of Earth Mother Energy [a potent spiritual essence embodying the nurturing power of the earth] between them—not even enough to split between the two. How could such meager resources possibly allow them to achieve a breakthrough to the Infant Soul [the stage where a cultivator's nascent soul is formed] realm?

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

"A single strand of Earth Mother Energy has a market price of around two hundred Heavenly Crystal [a high-grade, purified form of Spirit Stone], nearly equivalent to the value of a single Mid-Grade Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact specifically designed to combat demons]," Eldrin Chen stated calmly, calculating the treasures they lacked. "To purchase Earth Mother Energy, we would need to gather at least two hundred Heavenly Crystal."

"Since we are not willing to sell the Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure in our possession, we are left with only two paths forward…"

As he laid out his thoughts, Exquisite Jiang gave a slight nod of understanding. This chapter is part of a larger work available at https://audio-novel.com.

Unless absolutely necessary, they naturally were 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, possessing immense power] or venture into ancient ruins in search of treasures.

The wealth possessed by an Infant Soul Demon Emperor [a Demon Emperor whose power is equivalent to the Infant Soul cultivation stage] was exceedingly vast. Both its Demon Emperor Infant Soul [the condensed spiritual core of a slain Demon Emperor, a valuable cultivation resource] and its innate magical treasures held immense value.

However, such beings were extraordinarily difficult to kill and came with great peril. Even with the formidable strength of Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang, they had no real confidence in achieving success against one.

As for exploring ancient ruins, the dangers were often unpredictable and could be just as great, if not greater.

Beyond these methods, exploring ancient ruins remained an option. Such sites were exceedingly rare across the heavens and earth, yet Eldrin Chen happened to know of one such location.

"The final wish of Path Sun Lin, uttered on his deathbed, was to entrust me with a mission: to venture into the ruins of the Verdant Void Sect and retrieve their sect's legacy treasure," Eldrin Chen recounted.

"Now, nearly three centuries have passed. It is time I fulfill this long-held promise."

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly, yet a trace of solemnity shadowed his brow.

The perils of the Eastern Sea Cultivation World far surpassed those of the present-day Eastern Region Great Wasteland Cultivation World. The Verdant Void Sect had been annihilated during the Demonic Chariot Cataclysm, and none could say what lingering entities might still dwell within its fallen halls.

Exquisite Jiang also grew solemn. After a long moment of contemplation, she said, "The Outer Realm Heavenly Demon that destroyed the Verdant Void Sect would not have abandoned such a precious resource as a Fifth Rank Spiritual Vein. It is certain that high-ranking evil demons still inhabit those ruins."

She paused, then continued with a slight smile, "However, while the Extraterrestrial Evil Demons are powerful, most have long since bartered their souls to their Demon God [a supreme entity of malevolent power]. They exist in a perpetual haze, ignorant of the heavenly cycles and unversed in the arts of Formation [the art of arranging spiritual energy into defensive or offensive patterns]."

"They likely still rely on the original Formation arrays of the Verdant Void Sect. Therefore, if we can infiltrate the site and regain control of those sect defenses, it may not be impossible to eliminate them."

"My thoughts align with yours," Eldrin Chen agreed. "We shall scout the Eastern Sea. If an opportunity presents itself, we act. If the risk seems too great, we withdraw."

Eldrin Chen stated this plainly. His voice then faltered slightly, his gaze turning deep and intent. "And we shall also take the opportunity to investigate that place... Luoma Island."

"Luoma Island."

Exquisite Jiang's eyes flickered slightly, a smile gracing her lips as she said, "Do you still remember Verdant Consort?"

"Of course I remember."

Verdant Consort was the creator of the Positive Water Verdant Lotus Throne [a supreme treasure that stores immense spiritual power], a true genius whose talent could startle the heavens. Yet, her path was cut short, strangled in its prime by the Liu Clan of Luoma Island of the Eastern Sea.

Later, Exquisite Jiang passed Verdant Consort's Verdant Lotus Positive Water Scripture [a profound cultivation manual] to Eldrin Chen, which also allowed Eldrin Chen to obtain the supreme treasure, the Positive Water Verdant Lotus Throne.

For centuries, his sharp edge had been exposed, earning him far too many enemies. Were it not for the Positive Water Verdant Lotus Throne storing an extra one or two times his normal reserves of spiritual power [mana], he likely could not have repeatedly unleashed the immensely taxing Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural technique] of his magical treasure [an enchanted artifact] to slay formidable foes.

It could be said that while the Positive Water Verdant Lotus Throne could not be used directly in combat, its importance even surpassed that of any single Lifebound Magical Treasure [a magical treasure fused with one's life force] in Eldrin Chen's possession.

With such a profound Karma [a metaphysical bond of cause and effect] connecting them, how could Eldrin Chen ever forget her? This content originates from audio novel.com. Please respect copyright.