Chapter 481 : A Guide in the Spirit Island Market

"Very well."

Concealing their auras and disguising themselves as ordinary Golden Core experts, the two then made their way onto Nine Rivers Spirit Island.

Nine Rivers Spirit Island was one of the Fifth Rank Spirit Island closest to the Eastern Region Great Wasteland within the Eastern Sea Cultivation World, its geographical position being quite pivotal. Consequently, a constant stream of cultivators crossed over from the mainland at all hours.

Precisely for this reason, the Eastern Sea Immortal Alliance had transformed it into a specialized cultivation market town, serving as a waystation for cultivators traveling to and from the continent.

No sooner had they set foot upon the Spirit Island than a decrepit, elderly Foundation Establishment Cultivator hurried over. Cupping his hands in greeting, he said, "You two Patriarch [a respectful title for a senior cultivator] are unfamiliar faces, likely not locals. Might you require a guide?"

"Hmm."

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly. It was quite rare for a Foundation Establishment Cultivator to work as a guide.

Moreover, this old man was hunched and frail, likely nearing two hundred years of age. A cultivator in such a state, if back in the Ji Continent Cultivation World, would most likely be spending his remaining years in peaceful retirement, not bustling about like this.

"It seems life in the Eastern Sea Cultivation World is even harsher than in the Eastern Region Great Wasteland," he mused inwardly.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Take us to lease a cave abode on a Spiritual Vein [a concentrated flow of spiritual energy within the earth]. We are new here and need to settle in for a time." Original publication: audio–novel.com - The source of this chapter.

"Esteemed Senior, please come this way."

The old man trembled as he clasped his hands in a respectful salute, then led the two towards the Spiritual Vein [a concentrated vein of spiritual energy within the earth] cavern abode.

As they walked, taking in the scenery of Spirit Island, Eldrin Chen remarked casually, "Young friend, your remaining lifespan is not long. Why have you not returned to your clan's Spirit Mountain [a mountain rich in spiritual energy, often serving as a clan's base] to live out your remaining years in peace, instead of continuing to toil and travel?"

"Return to the clan to live out my years in peace..."

The old man shook his head, a bitter smile on his face. "What clan is there to return to? My family's Spirit Island was destroyed over a hundred years ago, swept away in a Beast Tide [a massive, devastating surge of demonic beasts].

"That I managed to escape with my life was a blessing from the heavens. But I can never return to that family Spirit Island."

Eldrin Chen fell silent for a long moment before continuing, "In all these years, have you not left behind any descendants? Or taken on disciples who could care for you in your twilight years?"

"I did take three disciples, and I had two children of my own," the elder replied. But then he too grew quiet, a heavy pause stretching before he spoke again. "My eldest disciple was slain by a Demonic Cultivator [a cultivator who uses cruel, forbidden methods, often involving blood, souls, or corruption]. My second and third disciples both perished when they were conscripted to fight a Beast Tide."

"My son joined a demon-hunting vessel of the Immortal Alliance, but their Treasure Ship [a large, fortified ship used for long voyages and combat, often enchanted] was sunk by a Golden Core Demon King [a powerful demonic beast equivalent to a Golden Core stage cultivator]. My daughter... she was lost to the maws of Demon Beasts [monstrous creatures corrupted by demonic energy, hostile to cultivators and mortals alike] long ago."

The old man's gaze held a hatred etched deep into his bones, intertwined with an ineffable, weary resignation.

He drew a deep breath, his teeth grinding together as he spoke, "Those accursed Demon Beasts [monstrous creatures born of demonic energy]. If it weren't for my little grandson back home, this old man would have long since thrown caution to the wind. Even with these worn-out teeth, I'd bite a chunk of flesh from their hides!"

"..."

Eldrin Chen fell silent. He was taken aback that this elder, with no one to rely on in his twilight years, still had to drag his failing body out to toil for Spirit Stones [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]. Yet, he realized this was a common sight, utterly unremarkable within the Eastern Sea Cultivation World.

The old man's concern was not his own hardship, but rather the bitter regret that he could no longer rekindle the fire within his veins, could no longer gather his True Essence [the refined, foundational energy cultivated by martial artists and cultivators] to exact vengeance for his slain kin.

"Senior, we have arrived!"

Unnoticed, the elder had led Eldrin Chen to the rental office for the Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with concentrated spiritual energy, ideal for cultivation] cave dwellings.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, his gaze resting on the hunched figure who seemed as withered as ancient driftwood. Words failed him, leaving only a strange, oppressive weight settling in his chest.

He retrieved one thousand Spirit Stones and offered them to the man as payment for his guidance.

The old man recoiled, shaking his head vigorously. "Senior, this sum is far too generous. It far exceeds a fair fee for such a simple service. This junior cannot accept it."

"Take it."

Eldrin Chen flicked his long sleeve with an air of finality. "This amount of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] is insignificant to me. Take it and leave some foundation for your grandson."

"This..."

The old man's expression shifted slightly, but he ultimately accepted the Spirit Stone.

Seeing Eldrin Chen about to depart, he hurriedly stepped forward. "Esteemed Senior, please wait a moment."

"Hmm?"

Eldrin Chen halted his steps, casting an inscrutable glance at the man. Your portal to cultivation novels: https://audio-novel.com.

The old man bowed respectfully and produced a map, offering it forward. "The cultivation of you two Seniors is profound and unfathomable. Your arrival in the Eastern Sea Cultivation World must surely be to slay demons and monsters, honing your own cultivation and combat prowess."

"However, the Eastern Sea Cultivation World is a place where fish and dragons mingle. Many Spirit Island [islands rich in spiritual energy] and sea domains are occupied by demonic forces, their ranks not lacking in Golden Core Demon King [a powerful demonic beast equivalent to a Golden Core cultivator] and even Demon Emperor [a sovereign-level ruler among demonkind]."

"If one inadvertently enters the territory of a Demon Emperor, even a Golden Core True Person [a cultivator who has formed a Golden Core, the third major realm] like yourself would face immense peril, risking a calamitous end."

"This map is a treasure I obtained by chance. It records the territories of the demonic forces within the near-shore regions. Perhaps it can lend you a helping hand."

Eldrin Chen accepted the treasure map, glanced at it without a change in expression, and then inquired, "You have presented this map, and it holds some use for me. I wonder, what is it that you seek in return?"

"Spirit Stones [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] and treasures—provided your request is not excessive—I can grant you."

The old man, however, shook his head, his face etched with sincerity as he replied, "This junior is already advanced in years, and any hope of a breakthrough to the Violet Sanctum [the third major realm of cultivation, where one opens a mystical energy center within the body] is lost. What need have I for such external possessions?"

"If Senior, by virtue of this map, can preserve yourself while vanquishing demons and eradicating evil, then I will have contributed a sliver of my humble strength. This life of mine would then hold no regrets."

Eldrin Chen fell silent for a long moment. Then, he turned and strode into the great hall, his voice trailing behind him, faint yet resolute: "Since I have come to the Eastern Sea Cultivation World, should I find a moment of leisure, I will naturally take action to slay demons, purge evil, and cleanse this heaven and earth."

"..."

Exquisite Jiang followed Eldrin Chen into the hall. Glancing at the map in her hand, she remarked, "This map is drawn with great detail. It will be of significant use to us."

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod of agreement. The map meticulously marked all forces within the coastal region, ranging from the Violet Sanctum level to the Infant Soul [the fifth major realm of cultivation, where one nurtures a nascent spiritual form] level, each accompanied by detailed annotations.

To produce a map this detailed, with such exceptionally clear annotations, its creator must have personally surveyed the vast expanse of territory spanning hundreds of millions of Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] within the coastal seas.

To accomplish such a feat, it was likely beyond the capability of any single cultivator. Only a vast organization, deploying numerous cultivators for extensive surveying, could ultimately compile and synthesize such a comprehensive map.

As they conversed, the two stepped into the grand hall. After spending a sum of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy], they rented a cave abode situated on a Spiritual Vein [a natural conduit of concentrated spiritual energy].

Having journeyed countless Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters], they were truly travel-worn. This presented a perfect opportunity to rest and recuperate.

However, their respite was brief. Merely on the third day of their seclusion, a visitor arrived at the gates of their residence.

The visitor was a cultivator of refined appearance, whose cultivation had already reached the Golden Core Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Golden Core realm]. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, he clasped his hands in greeting and said, "I am Face River Lu, a steward of the Eastern Sea Immortal Alliance [a coalition of immortal sects and clans in the Eastern Sea region]. I pay my respects to you both, Fellow Daoists."

"So it is Fellow Daoist Lu. My apologies for not recognizing you sooner!"

After exchanging names, Eldrin Chen poured a cup of tea for Face River Lu.

"Excellent tea."

Face River Lu took a small sip of the Spirit Tea [tea leaves infused with spiritual energy, beneficial for cultivation], then clasped his hands again. "A report reached me two days ago, stating that two supreme True Persons [a title for Golden Core cultivators] at the Golden Core Late Stage [the advanced stage of the Golden Core realm] had arrived. I wished to pay my respects in person."

"It was only due to mundane duties that I was delayed for these few days. I hope you will not take offense, Fellow Daoists." Find this and other novels at audio-novel . com.