Chapter 491 : A Nascent Soul's Escort

The True Lord [a title for a Nascent Soul realm cultivator] from the Immortal Alliance [a coalition of powerful immortal sects and clans] arrived as promised. Early the very next morning, one such True Lord came to Nine Rivers Island.

After exchanging formal greetings, Eldrin Chen bid farewell to the residents of Nine Rivers Island. He then boarded a Teleportation Formation [a mystical array for instantaneous travel across vast distances] and journeyed deep into the Inshore Cultivation World [the relatively safer coastal regions of the vast Eastern Sea cultivation realm].

Strictly speaking, Sylas Ye should not have been able to use the Teleportation Formation. Cultivators below the Foundation Establishment [the second major realm of cultivation, where one's spiritual foundation is solidified] realm would find their mortal bodies crushed to dust by the immense spatial pressures involved.

However, Eldrin Chen shielded him with Mana [the refined spiritual energy wielded by cultivators] rivaling that of a Nascent Soul [the fourth major realm, where one's spiritual essence condenses into an infant soul] cultivator. Furthermore, he commanded the Yin-Yang Void Realm [a powerful spatial treasure] to release a wisp of Void Power [the fundamental energy of space and emptiness], which was more than sufficient to ensure the youth's safety.

The Eastern Sea Cultivation World [the vast, monster-infested oceanic realm east of the continent] was unimaginably vast. In terms of sheer area, the Inshore Cultivation World alone was comparable to the entire Eastern Domain Great Wilderness Cultivation World [the great wilderness region on the eastern part of the continent].

To traverse such an expanse of ocean, even if Eldrin Chen flew at full speed on his Demon-Subduing Immortal Sword [a powerful immortal-grade flying sword], would likely take several decades just to reach the outermost fringes of the Inshore Cultivation World.

Fortunately, numerous Fifth Rank Spirit Island [islands blessed with powerful fifth-grade spiritual veins] dotted the route. Eldrin Chen traveled by Teleportation Formation, leaping through the void from one island to the next. After passing through multiple Long-Distance Teleportation Formation [formations designed for especially vast jumps across space], a journey spanning over five years finally brought him to the very edge of the Inshore Cultivation World.

On this day, atop a Spirit Island [an island imbued with spiritual energy] deep within the Eastern Sea, a Teleportation Formation erupted with brilliant light. Hundreds of figures tore through the fabric of space and materialized upon the platform.

"Master, is this place the Green Ao Turtle Isle [the Isle of the Ancient Ao Turtle]?"

A young man's voice, filled with curiosity, rose from amidst the crowd. Continue reading this story at audio - novel . com.

Clad in robes of azure, his figure was tall and slender, his eyes exceptionally gentle and warm, radiating a vibrant and heroic bearing.

Eldrin Chen stood amidst the crowd, his gaze sweeping towards the distant Spirit Island. He could feel the place brimming with spiritual energy [the vital force that permeates the world and fuels cultivation], and sensed several auras of immense, sun-obscuring power.

"Indeed, this is the edge of the near seas, Green Ao Turtle Isle," he replied calmly, then stepped out from within the Teleportation Formation.

As the three of them emerged from the Teleportation Formation, Lyra Jiang spoke up: "Do not underestimate this Green Ao Turtle Isle. The island spans nearly ten million Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters], making it the largest port of the Human Race at the edge of the near seas."

"It possesses a Fifth Rank High Grade Spirit Vein [a subterranean channel that concentrates and emits spiritual energy] and is one of the Ten Great Spirit Islands of the Eastern Wastelands."

Listening to Lyra Jiang's explanation, a look of seriousness entered Eldrin Chen's eyes.

The power concentrated on Green Ao Turtle Isle was truly astonishing. The moment he set foot here, he had sensed several overwhelmingly powerful auras, one of which even belonged to an existence at the Nascent Soul Great Perfection realm.

"It is said that on this island, there is also one who has connected with their Earthly Soul [one of the three spiritual souls, representing the connection to the mortal world and ancestry] and is in seclusion, having reached the Half-Step Primordial Spirit threshold. We must show due respect," Eldrin Chen stated, then added, "Let us first gather information and see if any treasure ships are scheduled to depart soon."

Without further delay, he sought out a cultivator from Green Ao Turtle Isle and proceeded to the Grand Hall responsible for treasure boat affairs.

The cultivator who received Eldrin Chen was at the Golden Core Realm. Seeing the trio arrive, he promptly smiled and said, "I hear you wish to board a treasure boat?"

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen nodded with a slight smile. "We wish to travel to the Distant Sea Cultivation World. Are there any treasure boats departing soon?"

"Unfortunately, the timing is not ideal."

The Golden Core Cultivator shook his head with a wry smile. "We recently fought a major battle against the Demonic Tribe of Heavenly Crab Island, and most of our treasure boats have been requisitioned."

"It will likely take at least thirty years before regular voyages to the distant sea resume."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen frowned slightly. "Is there truly no other treasure boat heading to the distant sea?" he inquired.

"Well, there is one possibility."

The cultivator from Green Ao Turtle Isle consulted his ledger. "In three months, a Fifth Rank Treasure Boat from the Zhang Clan will pass through. It is coming from the depths of the Inshore Cultivation World [the region of the sea closer to the continent], will resupply here, and then continue its journey to the Distant Sea Cultivation World [the remote and perilous outer regions of the ocean]."

"However, the strength of the Zhang Immortal Clan is relatively weak. That treasure boat is merely Fifth Rank Low Grade, and they only have a single Nascent Soul, Early Stage cultivator standing guard. Attempting to cross the Distant Sea Cultivation World still carries a certain degree of risk."

"Moreover, this vessel is not a passenger ship for cultivators, but rather a cargo ship transporting spiritual materials."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow. Lyra Jiang, standing beside him, glanced over and transmitted her voice without a change in expression: "If it were the Fifth Rank High Grade treasure boat from Green Ao Turtle Isle, even ordinary Demon Emperor or Demonic Cultivator would not dare act rashly. The safety factor would be greatly increased."

"But thirty years is far too long a wait. We do not have that much time to waste here and now."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. Although the likelihood of a Fifth Rank Low Grade treasure boat being attacked was indeed higher, they were no ordinary Golden Core Cultivator. Even without the Fifth Rank Treasure Boat, they would not face any significant danger.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen took out a sum of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation] and handed it over. "We must trouble you, Fellow Daoist, to act as our intermediary, securing us passage on this ship to the distant seas."

"That can be arranged," the Golden Core Cultivator replied, accepting the Spirit Stone with an unconcealed smile. "Leave it to me."

Three months passed in the blink of an eye. On this day, an immense treasure boat arrived at Green Ao Turtle Isle. Join our community of readers at www . audio-novel.com.

Following the local cultivators of Green Ao Turtle Isle, Eldrin Chen and his companions approached the vessel. They found several thousand cultivators already gathered, all evidently intending to hitch a ride to the Distant Sea Cultivation World.

The cultivator from Green Ao Turtle Isle boarded the ship, negotiated with the Zhang Immortal Clan, and soon after, a white-robed True Lord with hair and beard like snow emerged.

This lord cast a glance over the assembly, his presence carrying an unspoken authority that weighed upon them. He then spoke, "Esteemed ones, this lord is named Daoist Daoxuan, the Enlightened Sage."

"Upon this treasure vessel of my Zhang Clan, we are transporting a crucial shipment of Spiritual Object."

"It is not impermissible for you to hitch a ride upon this vessel. Indeed, it would augment our defensive strength."

"However, to prevent infiltration by malevolent forces, those wishing to board must first undergo a rigorous verification of their identities."

As the words of Daoist Daoxuan, the Enlightened Sage fell, a dazzlingly brilliant immortal sword blossomed forth from the center of his brow.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen felt an overwhelming tide of sword radiance surge towards him, a torrent of annihilating intent against demons and fiends that threatened to drown all senses. The sheer pressure even stirred the dormant power within his own Demon-Subduing Immortal Sword, compelling it to awaken slightly in resistance.

"This is..."

"The Thousand-Demon Slaying Sword!"

Eldrin Chen's heart trembled, and he could not help but lift his gaze towards that resplendent blade of light.

In that fleeting moment, Eldrin Chen recognized the provenance of this immortal sword. Although he had long known that many cultivators within the Eastern Sea Cultivation World forged their own versions of the Thousand-Demon Slaying Sword, this was the first time he had ever laid eyes upon one that had ascended to the grade of a Spiritual Treasure.

This Thousand-Demon Slaying Sword [a supreme magical weapon forged to eradicate demonic entities], with its power of such magnitude, was the bane of all Demonic Monsters [malevolent beings born of demonic energy]. Under its endless torrent of sword radiance, the Demonic Monsters had nowhere to hide. Several Demonic Cultivator [practitioners who harness demonic energy for power], who had concealed themselves with utmost cunning, were instantly slain, reduced to mere ashes by the calamity.

Once the Demonic Cultivator were rooted out, Daoist Daoxuan, the Enlightened Sage retrieved his Thousand-Demon Slaying Sword. He offered a slight, knowing smile and a nod towards Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang, then addressed the assembled crowd. "The Demonic Monsters have been purged," he declared. "You may all board the vessel now."

After boarding the treasure ship and being shown to a cabin, Eldrin Chen turned to Lyra Jiang. "Just now, my Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss [a lifebound magical sword imbued with the power of Separated Flame] was inadvertently stirred, leaking a wisp of its aura," he said. "Daoist Daoxuan, the Enlightened Sage has undoubtedly sensed it."

"My Heaven's Ruin Immortal-Slaying Sword reacted as well," Lyra Jiang affirmed with a nod, a faint smile gracing her lips. "I suspect he will come to inquire of us shortly." Original publication: audio-novel dot com - The source of this chapter.