Chapter 491 : A Guardian's Journey Across the Vast Sea

The Immortal Alliance [a grand coalition of immortal sects and clans] dispatched their True Lord [a powerful cultivator who has mastered the profound truths of their path] with remarkable swiftness. By dawn the very next day, one such True Lord had already arrived at Nine Rivers Island.

After the customary greetings were exchanged, Eldrin Chen bid farewell to the residents of Nine Rivers Island. He then boarded a Teleportation Formation [a mystical array that warps space to allow near-instantaneous travel over vast distances] and began his journey deeper into the Offshore Cultivation World [the vast and perilous cultivation realm beyond the coastal waters].

Strictly speaking, Verdant Peak should not have been able to use the Teleportation Formation. Any cultivator below the Foundation Establishment [the realm where one solidifies their cultivation foundation] lacks the physical resilience to withstand the spatial pressures; their mortal flesh would be crushed to dust.

However, Eldrin Chen enveloped him with a protective aura of power rivaling that of an Infant Soul [a cultivator whose nascent soul has formed]. Furthermore, he commanded the Polarity Void Mirror [a mystical artifact capable of manipulating the void] to release a wisp of its void-manipulating energy. This combined safeguard was more than sufficient to ensure his safe passage.

The Eastern Sea Cultivation World [the cultivation realm encompassing the vast Eastern Sea] was unimaginably vast. In terms of sheer expanse, the Offshore Cultivation World alone was comparable to the entire Eastern Region Great Wasteland Cultivation World [the harsh and sprawling cultivation realm of the eastern continent].

To traverse such an immense oceanic expanse, even if Eldrin Chen flew at full speed upon his Demon-Slaying Immortal Sword [a divine sword forged for slaying demons], it would likely take several decades just to reach the outermost fringes of the Offshore Cultivation World.

Fortunately, numerous Fifth Rank Spirit Island [islands imbued with potent fifth-grade spiritual energy] were scattered along the route. Eldrin Chen embarked on a long and circuitous journey, hopping from one Teleportation Formation to another. After passing through multiple Long-Distance Teleportation Formation [formations specialized for crossing truly vast distances], he finally arrived at the very edge of the Offshore Cultivation World—a journey that had consumed over five years.

On this day, atop a Spirit Island [an island rich with spiritual energy] deep within the Eastern Sea, a Teleportation Formation erupted with brilliant light. From the warping void emerged a group of several hundred figures, materializing upon the formation's platform.

"Master, is this Green Turtle Island?"

A young voice, filled with curiosity, rose from within the crowd. Access the full story on audio-novel.com (official site).

Clad in robes of verdant hue, his figure stood tall and slender. His eyes held a particularly gentle warmth, radiating an aura of youthful vigor and exceptional grace.

Eldrin Chen stood amidst the crowd, his gaze sweeping towards the distant Spirit Island. He could sense the place brimming with spiritual energy [the vital force that permeates the world and fuels cultivation], and detected several overwhelmingly powerful auras that seemed to blot out the very sun.

"Indeed, this is the edge of the coastal region, Green Turtle Island,"

he replied calmly, then stepped out from within the Teleportation Formation.

The three of them exited the Teleportation Formation, and Exquisite Jiang immediately spoke up: "Do not underestimate this Green Turtle Island. The island spans nearly ten million Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters], making it the foremost port for the Human Race at the edge of the coastal seas."

"It possesses a Fifth Rank High-Grade Spiritual Vein [a subterranean channel that concentrates and emits spiritual energy], and ranks among the ten great Spirit Island of the Eastern Region Great Wasteland."

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

The power concentrated on Green Turtle Island was truly astonishing. The moment he set foot here, he had sensed several terrifyingly potent auras, one of which even belonged to an existence at the Great Perfection of Infant Soul [the pinnacle stage of the Infant Soul cultivation realm].

"It is said that on this island, there is also a Half-Step Primordial Spirit [a cultivator who has begun the process of forming their Primordial Spirit but not fully completed it] who has successfully drawn in their Earth Soul [one of the three foundational spiritual components of a cultivator, representing stability and connection to the mortal world] and is currently in secluded cultivation. We must show due respect,"

Eldrin Chen stated, then continued, "Let us first gather information and see if any Treasure Ship [a large vessel used for long-distance trade and transport of valuable goods] are scheduled to depart soon."

Without further delay, he found a cultivator from Green Turtle Island and proceeded to the grand hall responsible for Treasure Ship [massive enchanted vessels used for long-distance sea travel] affairs.

The person responsible for receiving Eldrin Chen was a cultivator of the Golden Core Realm [the third major stage of cultivation, where one forms a solidified golden core of spiritual power]. Seeing the trio arrive, the man promptly smiled and inquired, "I hear you wish to board a Treasure Ship?"

"Indeed,"

Eldrin Chen nodded with a slight smile. "We wish to journey to the Distant Sea. Might you know if any Treasure Ship are scheduled to depart soon?"

"Unfortunately, the timing is poor,"

The Golden Core Cultivator shook his head with a wry smile. "We recently fought a major battle against the Demon Race [a race of malevolent beings that cultivate demonic arts] at Heavenly Crab Island. Most of our Treasure Ship have been requisitioned for the war effort."

"Regular voyages to the Distant Sea won't resume for at least thirty years."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow. "Is there truly no other Treasure Ship heading to the Distant Sea?" he pressed.

"Well, there is one possibility,"

The Green Turtle Island cultivator consulted his ledger. "In three months, a Fifth Rank Treasure Ship [a high-grade enchanted vessel of immense power and size] belonging to the Zhang Clan will pass by. It's coming from the depths of the Inner Sea, will resupply here, and then proceed to the Distant Sea Cultivation World [a vast and remote region of the ocean, home to scattered cultivation sects and islands]."

"However, the strength of the Zhang Immortal Clan is relatively weak. That Treasure Ship is merely Fifth Rank Low-Grade, and is only guarded by a single Infant Soul Early Stage cultivator. Attempting to cross the Distant Sea Cultivation World still carries a certain degree of risk."

"Moreover, this Treasure Ship is not one for transporting cultivators, but rather a vessel for carrying spiritual materials."

Eldrin Chen frowned upon hearing this. Exquisite Jiang, standing beside him, glanced over and transmitted a soundless message: "If it were a Fifth Rank High-Grade Treasure Ship from Green Turtle Island, ordinary Demon Emperor or Demonic Cultivator would not dare act rashly, greatly increasing the safety."

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

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. Although the likelihood of a Fifth Rank Low-Grade Treasure Ship being attacked was greater, they were no ordinary Golden Core Cultivator. Even without the protection of a Fifth Rank Treasure Ship, they possessed considerable ability to defend themselves.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen took out a sum of Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy] and handed it over. "We must trouble you, Fellow Daoist, to act as our intermediary, allowing us passage on this Treasure Ship to the Distant Sea." Published by audio~novel.com. All rights reserved.

"That is easily arranged," the Golden Core Cultivator replied, accepting the spirit stones, a smile finally breaking through. "Leave it to me."

"..."

Three months passed in a blur. On this day, an immense Treasure Ship arrived at Green Turtle Island.

Eldrin Chen and the others followed the cultivators from Green Turtle Island to the front of the Treasure Ship. They found several thousand cultivators already gathered there, all evidently planning to hitch a ride to the Distant Sea Cultivation World.

The cultivators from Green Turtle Island boarded the Treasure Ship and negotiated with the Zhang Immortal Clan. Shortly after, a white-robed True Lord with hair and beard as white as snow emerged.

He cast a sweeping gaze over the crowd, his presence commanding an aura of quiet authority. "Esteemed guests," he began, his voice resonating, "I am Path Mystery True Lord."

"This Treasure Ship of our Zhang Clan carries a vital shipment of Spiritual Object."

"Allowing you passage aboard is not impossible, as your presence would bolster the ship's defenses."

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

As the words of Path Mystery True Lord faded, a dazzling Immortal Sword materialized between his brows.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen felt an overwhelming tide of sword light surge forth, saturated with a world-sundering intent to vanquish demons. The sheer pressure was so intense it stirred the dormant power within his own Demon-Slaying Immortal Sword, compelling it to awaken in resistance.

"This is..."

"The Thousand Demons Demon-Slaying Sword!"

A tremor ran through Eldrin Chen's heart. He could not help but lift his gaze toward that resplendent blade of light.

In that fleeting moment, Eldrin Chen recognized the origin of this Immortal Sword. Although he had long known that many cultivators in the Eastern Sea Cultivation World forged Thousand Demons Demon-Slaying Swords, this was the first time he had ever seen one of such a high grade, reaching the level of a Spiritual Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact].

Such a Thousand Demons Demon-Slaying Sword was the bane of countless demons and fiends. Under its endless torrent of sword light, the demonic beings had nowhere to hide. Several deeply concealed Demonic Cultivators [cultivators who practice demonic arts] were instantly slain by the sword radiance, reduced to ashes of calamity.

After rooting out the Demonic Cultivators, the Path Mystery True Lord retrieved his Thousand Demons Demon-Slaying Sword. Surprisingly, he offered a slight smile and a nod towards Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang before turning his gaze to the assembled Mortal Path [the Path of Mortality cultivation method] cultivators. "The demonic elements have been purged," he declared. "You may all board the vessel now."

Eldrin Chen boarded the Treasure Ship [a vessel imbued with magical properties] and was shown to a cabin. He then said to Exquisite Jiang, "Just now, my Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword was inadvertently activated, leaking a sliver of its power. The Path Mystery True Lord has surely sensed it."

"My Heavenly Ruins Immortal-Slaying Sword reacted as well," Exquisite Jiang nodded, a knowing smile gracing her lips. "I imagine he will come to inquire about us soon enough." Continue reading this story at audio-novel dot com.