Chapter 492 Sky Thunder Bamboo, Spiritless Sea

Just as they were speaking, a Zhang clansman cultivator knocked on the door and said with a smile, “Our True Monarch has requested your presence. Fellow Daoists, please follow me.”

"Lead the way."

Eldrin nodded and followed the Zhang Clan cultivator as they proceeded.

Following the Zhang Clan cultivators, they soon arrived at a cultivation chamber and met Daoxuan the Enlightened Sage (Person Name).

The Enlightened Sage Daoxuan (Person Name) watched as the 2 approached and said with a smile, "Might you 2 be Fellow Daoist Chen (Person Name) and Fairy Jiang (Person Name)?"

Eldrin's pupils contracted slightly as he couldn't resist asking, "Your Excellency actually recognizes the 2 of us?"

"Naturally," Daoxuan the Enlightened Sage (Person Name) nodded and began recounting, "Lord Jiuchuan (Person Name) has been my dear friend for many years. Speaking of which, when he assaulted the Immovable Boulder Island (Location), he borrowed my Azure Jade Void-Sailing Vessel (Magic Treasure)."

"I have heard a thing or 2 about the 2 of you and your renowned feat of slaying the Tyrant Xia Demon Emperor."

"I see."

Eldrin breathed a slight sigh of relief. With this connection between them, the 2 parties naturally grew much closer.

Daoxuan the Enlightened Sage (Person Name) also smiled faintly before speaking with solemn gravity, "What this treasure ship of mine carries is 1 million stalks of Heavenly Thunder Bamboo."

"This treasure is a specialty of the offshore cultivation realm, not only suitable for setting up formations but also a superior material for forging the Heaven Thunder Demon-Subduing Sword. The Heaven Thunder Demon-Subduing Sword (Divine Weapon) harnesses the esoteric power of thunder, making it the ultimate bane of all demons in the world."

"This time, I intend to transport it for trade in the Far Sea Cultivation World, aiming to enhance the means by which low-level cultivators there can combat demons and monsters."

"Thus, if the demons and monsters were to learn of this, they would hardly stand idly by..."

As Daoxuan the Enlightened Sage (Person Name) narrated with vivid detail, Eldrin (Person Name) revealed a grave expression.

The Thunder Bamboo on this vessel varied in grade, with the lowest being merely at the 1st Tier, while the highest reached as far as the 4th or even 5th Tier.

The Zhang Immortal Clan had spent several 100 years preparing, scouring the entire Near Sea cultivation realm to acquire this entire shipment of Heavenly Thunder Bamboo.

If this batch of Sky Thunder Bamboo were sold to the distant sea cultivation realm, the Zhang Clan would undoubtedly reap astronomical profits. Yet, should any mishap occur, the entire Zhang Clan would likely never recover from the blow.

At this thought, Eldrin couldn't help but remark, "Why not wait another 30 years, Your Excellency? Once the treasure ship from Green Ao Turtle Isle returns, we could journey to the distant seas together and watch each other's backs."

"At first, I thought the same."

Daoxuan the Enlightened Sage (Person Name) gave a bitter smile and shook his head, his expression turning solemn as he said, "It's just that in recent years, the demons and monsters of the Distant Sea Cultivation World have grown increasingly rampant, and the situation for us humans has continued to deteriorate."

"If this shipment of Sky Lightning Bamboo had been delivered a year earlier, perhaps it could have saved more of our human compatriots. Though I'm fully aware of the risks involved, I must undertake this journey regardless."

Eldrin was filled with profound respect. He rose and cupped his hands in a solemn salute, saying, “Your reverence carries the world in your heart—such magnanimity commands deep admiration!”

"No need for such formalities, we're merely doing this to earn some spirit stones."

Daoxuan the Enlightened Sage (Person Name) shook his head with a faint smile, then remarked wryly, "Though this batch of my Sky-Sundering Thunder Bamboo (Magic Treasure) is rather precious, for the entire Distant Seas cultivation world, it's merely a drop in the bucket."

"Only a being of the Pure Yang Dao Lord's caliber can truly save the Eastern Sea cultivation realm."

"If our Eastern Sea human race could produce a few more Eldrin of Pure Yang, the demons and monsters would never dare run this rampant."

"Indeed," said Daoxuan the Enlightened Sage (Person Name), his features tightening with barely suppressed fury.

He gazed at Eldrin, his expression grave, and said, "I perceive that both of you possess extraordinary talent. In time, you are destined to become peerless figures whose names will shake the very heavens."

"If you should ever ascend to the rank of Dao Monarch, I hope you might extend your protection over the Eastern Sea cultivation realm."

Eldrin fell silent for a moment before replying, "Our path ahead stretches long and arduous. We dare not aim beyond our grasp by discussing the Realm of Pure Yang now. Breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage remains our most pressing priority."

"Hmm."

Daoxuan the Enlightened Sage (Person Name) nodded, finally recalling the purpose of inviting the 2. "Indeed, with both of you having arrived aboard the treasure ship, my confidence in crossing the distant seas has grown substantially."

"I have invited you both here in the hope that you may lend some assistance should our treasure ship encounter any danger."

"Of course." Eldrin nodded, though he chose his words carefully. "Within the bounds of our capabilities, we shall not stand idly by."

"That puts my mind at ease."

Daoxuan the Enlightened Sage (Person Name) smiled faintly before presenting a jade vial to the pair. "This contains a fifth-tier Recovery Pill (Spiritual Object). Consider it my greeting gift to you both."

"This..."

Eldrin’s brow twitched faintly. The fifth-tier Recovery Pill was a medicinal elixir capable of restoring spiritual energy. A single pill could replenish half of the magic power of a Nascent Soul, Early Stage True Lord.

This elixir ranks at the bottom among fifth-grade treasures, yet it delivers remarkable effects when deployed in combat. Its approximate value is around 5,000,000 spirit stones per pill.

Within this vial lay 2 Soul-condensing Elixirs, their worth nearly equivalent to 2 peerless magical treasures. It could be considered a rather substantial greeting gift from Daoxuan the Enlightened Sage (Person Name).

After a moment of hesitation, Eldrin still accepted it. After all, the other party was seeking a favor—if he refused, Daoxuan the Enlightened Sage would likely remain uneasy. Moreover, this item would indeed be of considerable use to them.

After accepting the gifts, the group exchanged pleasantries for a while longer before finally returning to their cave abodes.

No sooner had Lyra landed than she inquired, "I perceive that Daoxuan the Enlightened Sage carries an aura of righteous energy within his breast. I doubt his words are false."

Eldrin also nodded, his expression earnest as he said, "To lend 1's own signature spirit treasure to a close friend—that alone speaks volumes about this person's commendable character."

With that said, he spoke no more.

After replenishing supplies for half a month at Green Ao Turtle Isle (Location) and stocking up on sufficient resources and spiritual energy, the treasure ship soared toward the distant seas of the cultivation world.

This treasure ship was equipped with a fifth-order aquatic vein formation, capable of harnessing the water cycle power of The Vast Sea (Location) to traverse the heavens and earth. It could sail over 1,000,000 li in a single day, its speed rivaling even that of a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

They flew for a dozen or so days before finally reaching the edge of the Near Sea Cultivation World.

"Ahead lies the Sea of Severed Spirit."

That day, Eldrin stood at the prow of the ship, his expression serene as he gazed into the distant void.

The Sea of Severed Spirit was not truly devoid of spiritual energy, yet the ambient qi here remained exceptionally thin. Legends spoke of fractured ley lines deep within this land, preventing spiritual energy from gathering in these waters.

Some say this place conceals an immortal's cave dwelling, where all spiritual energy has been drained dry by the immortal veins. Yet regardless of the cause, the concentration of spiritual energy here is indeed incomparably thin.

Across this sea spanning hundreds of millions of miles, spiritual veins were exceedingly scarce, with spirit islands above tier-3 being nearly impossible to find.

Only in the deepest ocean trenches could high-grade spiritual veins occasionally be found, yet these veins were all occupied by aquatic demon clans, naturally leaving none for the human race.

Due to the exceedingly sparse spiritual energy, even True Monarch cultivators were reluctant to traverse this region alone, for if their spiritual energy were depleted mid-crossing, they would likely fall prey to demonic beasts.

"Upon first entering the Desolate Spirit Sea, everyone must stay vigilant and exercise utmost caution."

As the treasure ship sailed into the Sea of Annihilated Spirits, Daoxuan the Enlightened Sage (Person Name) spoke.

In the depths of the Spirit-Sea, demonic beasts were scarce. Instead, it was along the fringes bordering the coastal and pelagic cultivation realms where Demon Kings and even Demon Emperors lurked, awaiting opportunities to ambush human cultivators and treasure ships.

Chapter 1 The biting cold wind howled through the mountain pass, carrying with it the scent of frost and decay. Li Ming, his robes torn and stained with blood, struggled to maintain his footing on the slippery, ice-covered rocks. His spiritual power was nearly depleted, a faint, flickering ember within his dantian. 'Just a little further,' he thought, gritting his teeth against the pain. 'The cave of the Frozen Heart Lotus must be near.' Suddenly, a surge of malevolent energy washed over him. From the shadows of the jagged cliffs, 3 figures emerged, their auras dark and oppressive. They were disciples of the neighboring Profound Yin Sect, their eyes gleaming with avarice. "Hand over the Spirit-Reaving Pearl, Li Ming," the leader, a tall man with a scar across his cheek, sneered. "A mere Foundation Establishment cultivator like you is unworthy of such a treasure." Li Ming's hand tightened around the hilt of his Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss. The sword hummed softly, responding to his will. "You'll have to take it from my cold, dead hands," he replied, his voice low but steady. The scarred man laughed. "As you wish! Attack!" The 3 cultivators moved as 1, their dark energies coalescing into a net of shadowy chains. Li Ming channeled his remaining spiritual power. "Flame Wreathed Blade!" he shouted, swinging the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss. A crescent of crimson fire erupted from the blade, slicing through the shadowy chains and forcing the attackers back a step. But the effort cost him dearly. He staggered, a trickle of blood escaping the corner of his mouth. He had been on the run for 10 days and nights, ever since he had accidentally obtained the Spirit-Reaving Pearl from the ruins of the Ancient Whispering Abyss. Now, every major and minor sect within 50 1000 li seemed to be hunting him. 'Is this where my path ends?' A wave of despair threatened to overwhelm him. He had only just broken through to the late Foundation Establishment stage. Facing 3 Core Formation experts was a hopeless battle. Just as the shadowy chains were about to ensnare him completely, a clear, resonant voice cut through the chaotic spiritual energy, as refreshing as a spring breeze after a long winter. "Using the Profound Net of a 100 Ghosts to bully a junior. The Profound Yin Sect has truly fallen far." A streak of azure light, faster than the eye could follow, pierced through the battlefield. The shadowy chains shattered into motes of black light, dissipating into nothingness. The 3 Profound Yin Sect disciples recoiled as if struck, their faces paling. "Who goes there?!" the scarred man yelled, a trace of fear in his voice. Descending from the sky atop a glowing, azure-feathered fan was a woman dressed in robes of moonlight white. Her features were exquisitely beautiful, yet carried an innate, untouchable nobility. Her aura was vast and deep, like an unfathomable ocean—she was clearly a powerful expert. She glanced indifferently at the 3 men. "Scram." A single word, containing an irresistible pressure. The 3 Core Formation cultivators trembled, not daring to utter another word. They bowed hastily and fled into the distance as if their lives depended on it. Li Ming watched this scene in a daze, his mind reeling. With just a few words, she had repelled 3 Core Formation experts? What level of cultivation was this? He took a deep breath, mustering his remaining strength to bow. "Junior Li Ming thanks Senior for your lifesaving grace." The woman turned her gaze to him. Her eyes were clear and profound, seeming to see straight through to his very soul. After a long moment, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touched her lips. "An interesting lad. To think you possess a trace of the Ancient Phoenix bloodline... No wonder the Spirit-Reaving Pearl chose you." Li Ming's heart clenched. The Ancient Phoenix bloodline? That was the greatest secret of his lineage, something even his own family scarcely knew. How could this senior see through it with a single glance? "Don't be nervous," the woman said softly, her voice carrying a soothing power that calmed his turbulent spirit. "I am Su Lingxiao, an Elder of the Azure Cloud Sect. I have no interest in your Spirit-Reaving Pearl. I was merely passing by and could not stand to see such bullying." She produced a small, white jade bottle from her sleeve and tossed it to him. "This is a high-grade Healing Elixir. Take it to recover from your injuries." Li Ming caught the bottle, his heart surging with emotion. A high-grade Healing Elixir! This was an incredibly precious treasure, worth at least 10,000 spirit stones in the market, something a small clan disciple like him could only dream of. "Senior, this is too valuable... I..." Su Lingxiao waved her hand dismissively. "Consider it fate. Your talent is not bad, and your will is firm. Wasting away here would be a pity." She paused, as if considering something. "The cultivation world is vast and wondrous, far beyond what you can see from your Li Fire Valley. Do not be limited by what is before you." With that, her form blurred, and she vanished into the azure light, leaving behind only a faint, lingering fragrance. Li Ming stood alone in the desolate mountain pass, holding the jade bottle tightly. The elixir within radiated a pure, potent spiritual energy, rapidly restoring his depleted strength. He looked up at the vast, starry sky, a newfound determination burning in his eyes. The Azure Cloud Sect... 1 of the 9 great righteous sects. An existence he had only ever heard of in legends. 'My path of cultivation has only just begun.' He turned and continued his journey towards the cave of the Frozen Heart Lotus, his steps now firmer and more resolute than before. The world was immense, and he was determined to see it all. --- A genius remembers the address of this website in 1 second: m.zibibi