Chapter 538 Exchanging Treasures, Primordial Golden Lotus (Spiritual Object)

"You flatter me, Fellow Daoist."

Eldrin rose to his feet and cupped his hands in salute. He never expected their fame to spread so swiftly, reaching even the depths of the 3 Veins Ancient Domain.

Lord Lonely Swan personally poured tea for the 2 guests. After exchanging pleasantries, he remarked, "From what I gathered through my old friend's message, you've come to my Lonely Swan Mountain seeking to acquire Void Gem (Spiritual Object)?"

"Indeed."

Eldrin nodded with a smile. "We intend to set up a teleportation array, but we're short 2 Void Gems. That's why we've come to seek your assistance."

"If you are willing to sell, Fellow Daoist, we would like to purchase it with Heavenly Crystal (Spiritual Object)."

Upon hearing this, Lone Swan shook his head and said, "I do indeed possess 3 Void Gems (Spiritual Object), but I will only accept barter."

"Oh?" Eldrin frowned.

However, Lone Swan shook his head and said, "Since you were recommended by an old friend, I won’t treat you as outsiders."

"To be frank, my Dao Companion will attempt the Nascent Soul breakthrough within 30 years."

"This is her third attempt to break through to the Nascent Soul realm. I specially sought out the Profound Water Immortal Pear (Spiritual Object) for her—her chances of achieving a breakthrough are now exceedingly high."

"These 3 Void Gems (Spiritual Object) were intended to be exchanged for transcendent treasures to aid her Heavenly Tribulation passage."

Hearing this, a faint glimmer stirred in Eldrin’s eyes. The Profound Water Immortal Pear tree was the foundational treasure of the Tianxuan Sect—1 of the top-tier factions across the 3 ancient domains.

This tree was a fifth-grade, superior Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root). The Profound Water Immortal Pears (Spiritual Object) it bore could increase a cultivator's chances of forming a Nascent Soul by 20 percent. Moreover, they could be used in conjunction with the Nascent Soul Formation Pill (Spiritual Object).

It was precisely because of this supreme treasure that the Heavenly Profound Sect had managed to nurture over 40 Nascent Soul True Monarchs, earning its reputation as the number 1 immortal sect across the 3 Veins Ancient Domain—even surpassing the Flying Feather Pavilion.

The Profound Water Immortal Pear (Spiritual Object) was incomparably precious, and moreover, it was a unique treasure of the Tianxuan Sect. Its scarcity drove its value so high that it could even be bid up to 200 Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object).

Gu Hongzi had consecutively assisted his dao companion 3 times in breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm. This time, he even purchased a Profound Water Immortal Pear (Spiritual Object) for her—a move that could truly be described as draining his resources dry. It was evident the depth of his devotion ran profound.

At this thought, Eldrin said, "I have a spiritual treasure in my possession that I can sell. Would you consider an exchange?"

With that, he produced the Golden Rhino Immortal Sword and displayed it before the 3 of them.

The Lone Swan Daoist cast a glance, a flicker of delight flashing in his eyes, only to shake his head after a long moment. "Though this artifact is indeed a supreme treasure for refining demons, it is not the defensive spiritual treasure I desire most."

"I've heard you've slain several demon kings and even annihilated the Qin Immortal Clan. You must possess numerous spiritual treasures—do you happen to have any defensive artifacts suitable for transcending tribulations?"

"This..."

Eldrin and Lyra exchanged a glance. Defensive spirit treasures were the finest artifacts for weathering the Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulation, and they could hardly bear to part with such prized possessions.

However, the Void Gem (Spiritual Object) was also something they urgently needed. Clenching her teeth, Eldrin Lyra (Person Name) still brought out the Primal Void Shield.

"What a fine treasure."

Gu Hongzi took the Yuanxu Shield and sensed its aura, his face lighting up with joy. With this treasure, his wife’s chances of surviving the lightning tribulation would increase dramatically.

At this thought, he spoke, "Defensive spirit treasures hold greater value. I shall appraise this treasure at 120 Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object) in exchange for 2 Void Gems (Spiritual Object). What say you?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin's eyes flickered slightly as he fell into deep contemplation. A single fifth-grade Void Gem was worth at least 60 Heavenly Crystals, though the price often exceeded that threshold.

Having obtained 2 Void Gems (Spiritual Object) in exchange for the Primordial Void Shield, their objective for this journey could be considered accomplished.

At this thought, Eldrin declared, “So it shall be done.”

Lone Swan retrieved 2 Void Gems (Spiritual Object) and exchanged them for the Primal Void Shield.

He then cast another glance at the Golden Rhino Immortal Sword and thought to himself, "Aside from 1's foundational cultivation, what truly determines a Nascent Soul's combat prowess are spiritual treasures and divine abilities. My wife, with her Mortal Dao Foundation, ought to have a Demon-Slaying Immortal Sword to protect herself after her breakthrough."

At that thought, Eldrin (Person Name) spoke up, "I wish to acquire your Golden Rhino Immortal Sword (Magic Treasure) as well. Would you be willing to part with it?"

"This..."

Eldrin’s eyes flickered, and he said, “The Demon-Refining Immortal Sword is priced 10 percent higher than defensive spirit treasures. The remaining Void Gems in your possession are likely insufficient to cover the cost.”

"That is indeed true."

Guzi nodded, then swept his sleeve to reveal 3 shimmering auras. "I'm running low on Heavenly Crystals (Spiritual Object) at the moment," he said. "But here are a few treasures—if any catch your eye, we can make an exchange."

"Oh?"

Eldrin looked up and saw that the 3 spiritual lights were in fact 3 fifth-tier treasures.

To the left, a spiritual glow emanated from a fifth-grade treasured herb, while to the right, a radiant aura enveloped a Void Gem (Spiritual Object). At the center bloomed a golden lotus, cradling 3 lotus seeds within its core.

The moment he laid eyes on the golden lotus and its seeds, Eldrin's pupils contracted slightly. "This is..."

"This is the Primordial Golden Lotus (Spiritual Object), which I specifically acquired to assist my wife in transcending her Inner Demons Tribulation."

With a light laugh, Lone Swan Elder shook his head, "The seeds of this Primordial Golden Lotus (Spiritual Object) can be refined into Golden Lotus Demon-Subduing Pills (Spiritual Object)—treasures capable of taming inner demons."

Mentioning the Golden Lotus Demon-Subduing Pill (Spiritual Object), Gu Hongzi gazed at the final lotus seed and said, "To refine a single batch of Golden Lotus Demon-Subduing Pills (Spiritual Object), 1 requires 3 seeds of the Primordial Golden Lotus (Spiritual Object)."

"Alas, my talent for alchemy is limited. I consumed 2 full furnaces just to produce a single pill, and now only these final 3 Golden Strand Pills remain."

At this point, he gazed at the golden lotus and remarked, "However, this golden lotus seedpod cannot be used for alchemy. Without specialized techniques, it cannot be refined into a spirit treasure either. Thus, it has been left here untouched."

"Shall I make up the difference with these 3 Primordial Golden Lotus (Spiritual Object) seeds, along with this lotus pod, in exchange for your Golden Rhino Immortal Sword?"

Eldrin smiled faintly, never expecting this Lone Swan Master to be such a devoted husband. After a moment of contemplation, he remarked, "This Golden Lotus Demon-Subduing Pill does hold some value for the cultivators of my clan. In that case, I shall not decline your generosity."

"Very well."

With a Void Gem (Spiritual Object), along with 3 golden lotus seeds and the lotus throne, Lone Swan exchanged for the Golden Rhino Immortal Sword from Eldrin (Person Name). Both parties found the outcome thoroughly satisfactory.

After the transaction was completed, Eldrin smiled and said, "Your devotion to your wife is truly admirable, Fellow Daoist. Such an immortal couple indeed fills me with boundless envy."

Upon hearing this, Lone Swan suddenly fell silent. It was a long while before he spoke again. "My wife is already over 1,100 years old. If she fails to break through to the True Monarch realm this time..."

"Then from this day forth, I must walk the path alone—and what meaning is there in that?"

Eldrin fell silent, then drew a deep breath after a long pause. So even the celestial couple envied by all mortal souls would 1 day reach the fading twilight of their journey.

"Without attaining immortality, 1 is ultimately nothing but a handful of yellow earth."

"Today’s tale of love unto death—who shall remember it millions of years hence?"

Lyra also remained silent, merely gripping his hand tightly. In that wordless moment, there seemed to be an unshakable resolve.

She aspired to ascend as an immortal, standing alongside him atop the 9 Heavens Above (Time & Distance), shoulder to shoulder witnessing the churning mortal realm's myriad splendors and the vast oceans transforming into mulberry fields across the shifting tides of time.

Chapter 1 The Azure Cloud Sect's outer gate examination had just concluded. Lin Xuan clutched the newly acquired identity token, his knuckles whitening. After 3 full years of relentless cultivation, he had finally stepped through the threshold of this prestigious immortal sect. "Disciple Lin Xuan, your assigned residence is in the Bamboo Grove Valley's Meditation Hut No. 37," an inner sect elder announced indifferently, barely glancing at him before turning away. Lin Xuan bowed respectfully and made his way toward the designated valley. The path wound through lush greenery, spiritual energy swirling like visible mist—a stark contrast to the mortal realm he'd left behind. Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the tranquility. "Halt! A mere Qi Refinement Stage third layer dares to occupy Hut No. 37?" A tall youth in blue robes blocked his path, flanked by 2 companions. Their mocking grins revealed their intentions clearly. Lin Xuan's gaze hardened. "Senior Brother, this residence was assigned to me by the sect." The blue-robed youth sneered, "Rules? My fist makes the rules here! Hand over the token, or..." He cracked his knuckles, spiritual energy gathering around his palms. A cold gleam flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes. Just as he was about to respond, a clear, resonant voice interrupted from behind. "Bullying the weak—how utterly pathetic." A young woman descended on a glowing sword, her white robes fluttering in the spiritual breeze. An icy aura radiated from her, causing the blue-robed youth to pale instantly. "Eld... Elder Sister Murong!" he stammered, trembling. Murong Xue (Person Name) landed gracefully, her gaze sweeping over them like winter frost. "Scram. If I catch you causing trouble again, don't blame me for being merciless." The bullies scattered like frightened rabbits. Murong Xue then turned to Lin Xuan, her expression softening slightly. "Cultivation is a path of resilience. Remember this well." With those words, she mounted her sword and vanished in a streak of light. Lin Xuan watched her departure, his resolve hardening. He tightened his grip on the token and murmured to himself, "The path of immortality is fraught with challenges, but I will tread it steadfastly." Deep within his dantian, an ancient jade pendant that had accompanied him since childhood emitted a faint, warm glow.