Chapter 529 : The Path of Primordial Ascension

"And it is a continuous, generation after generation of supply. It is very likely that after a thousand years, the cultivators who originally provided the Five Elements Essence [a refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements] have been replaced generation after generation, yet the Primordial Spirit Path Lord [a master who has cultivated their Primordial Spirit to the Path Lord realm] has still not succeeded in cultivating their Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power]."

Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted slightly upon hearing this. After a long moment, he sighed, "In my youth, I heard tales of the Primordial Spirit Path Lord's world-shaking might, how a single Divine Ability could obliterate mountains and rivers for a hundred thousand Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters]."

"Now, as my own cultivation deepens and I understand the immense resources required for a great power to cultivate a Divine Ability, I realize those rumors were likely not exaggerated."

"..."

Without the Five Elements Essence, Exquisite Jiang also did not proceed with cultivating her Innate Divine Ability [a supreme power inherent to one's nature or constitution]. Instead, she began practicing the Nirvana Tribulation Transmigration Art [an art of rebirth and transference through the tribulation of nirvana].

Cultivating the Nirvana Tribulation Transmigration Art did not require treasures like Five Elements Essence; it only needed the Tribulation Crossing Flower [a mystical flower used to aid in transcending heavenly tribulations] as a medicinal catalyst.

Exquisite Jiang had been able to master a Great God Ability [a divine power of immense scale and potency] as early as the Violet Sanctum Realm [the Violet Sanctum stage of cultivation], a testament to her rare, peerless comprehension. Now that her cultivation had reached the Infant Soul Realm [the Infant Soul stage], mastering a Great God Ability was even more effortless for her.

After merely three months, she had grasped the fundamentals of the Great God Ability. All that remained was to gently nurture it for one full Sixty-Year Cycle [a complete cycle of sixty years], and the Nirvana Tribulation Transmigration Art would be fully mastered.

Seeing she had succeeded in cultivating the Nirvana Tribulation Transmigration Art, Eldrin Chen let out a sigh of relief. "Now that you have mastered this art, I can finally be a little more at ease about your future."

Exquisite Jiang took his hand and said, "It's time to prepare the Tribulation Crossing Flower for you as well." Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audio-novel*com.

Before Eldrin Chen could speak, Silas Chen flew over from a distance. She glanced at their clasped hands, her eyes pausing for a fleeting moment, then said, "Uncle Eldrin, the Ji Clan requests your presence."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly. "I understand. You may go," he said.

Only after she had departed did Eldrin Chen turn his gaze to Exquisite Jiang. "By my reckoning," he said, "your cousin will attempt his breakthrough into the Primordial Solar realm within the next year or two."

"Time flows swiftly indeed."

Exquisite Jiang watched Silas Chen's retreating figure and spoke softly, "She has held affection for you for a long time."

The air grew still, a quiet settling between them. Eldrin Chen offered no reply, only feeling her hand tighten its grip within his.

"…"

Three days later, Ji Continent, Path Void Mountain.

Path Void Mountain was situated at the convergence of the Ji Continent's Earth Vein [the subterranean energy channels that nourish the land]. Within its mountain range lay not only five Fifth Rank Earth Vein, but also a single Fifth Rank High-Grade Spiritual Vein [a concentrated artery of spiritual energy vital for cultivation].

This mountain stood majestic and grand, not only the foremost peak of the Ji Continent, but also the Path-Field [the primary spiritual cultivation ground] of the Ji Immortal Clan.

Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang arrived here in utter silence. He gazed at the imposing mountain in the distance, studying it for a long while before speaking. "Here, five Earth Vein [dragon-like lines of terrestrial spiritual energy] intertwine, forming the grand configuration of Five Dragons Paying Homage to Heaven. Truly, it lives up to its reputation as a Spirit Mountain [a mountain rich with spiritual energy] rarely seen in this world."

"Attempting the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] breakthrough here might indeed increase one's chances of success by a third. No wonder the Ji Clan chose to establish their roots in this place all those years ago."

Exquisite Jiang nodded, her eyes growing slightly solemn. "A pity this place is, after all, not a true Primordial Spirit Path-Field. The spiritual energy required for the breakthrough to the Divine Spirits [a high cultivation realm] might still fall somewhat short."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly and replied, "It matters not. Since he has prepared for this breakthrough, he would have surely accounted for such details."

As the two conversed, Freya Ji, having received word of their arrival, came to meet them.

Upon seeing them, her face lit up with delight. "Come with me," she said.

Following behind Freya Ji, Exquisite Jiang toured the Ji Clan's Spirit Mountain and casually inquired, "By the way, regarding the matter I entrusted to you earlier, has there been any progress?"

"The Void Gem [a rare spatial-aligned mineral]?"

Freya Ji's eyes flickered slightly. "Word did arrive not long ago," she said. "It's just that things have been exceedingly busy lately, so I haven't had the chance to inform you."

"Ah."

Hearing she had news, Eldrin Chen revealed a faint smile.

As Freya Ji recounted the details, he soon obtained a lead on the Fifth Rank Void Gem [a rare spatial mineral used for crafting storage treasures].

It turned out that a rogue cultivator True Lord [a cultivator who has reached the Infant Soul realm] within the Boundless Hundred Provinces possessed a Void Gem. That True Lord was named Lone Swan, a mid-stage True Lord rogue cultivator who indeed had several Void Gems for sale.

"That Lone Swan is a good friend of the Second Elder. I will have the Second Elder write a letter of introduction for you."

"However, he resides far away in Tianyu Province, over fifty million Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] from Ji Continent, so the journey is somewhat lengthy." Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audi novel.com.

Eldrin Chen nodded. It seemed he would have to wait until the Ji Clan Patriarch achieved the Path Lord [a realm above True Lord, signifying mastery over a cultivation path] realm before he could travel to conduct this trade.

Freya Ji led them into a grand hall, where Eldrin Chen discovered over a dozen True Lords already present.

Each of these True Lords carried themselves with extraordinary bearing. Merely from their auras, Eldrin Chen could sense their formidable power.

"Most of their cultivations are at the Infant Soul Mid Stage [the middle phase of the Infant Soul realm], with five or six at the Infant Soul Late Stage [the advanced phase of the Infant Soul realm]. The strongest among them is a powerful True Lord who has reached the Great Perfection of Infant Soul [the peak of the Infant Soul realm, ready for a breakthrough]?"

Eldrin Chen's countenance shifted with solemn gravity, astonished that the Ji Clan could muster so many True Lord [a high-ranking cultivator title] to serve as Path Guardian [protectors for a cultivator undergoing a critical breakthrough].

Noticing his reaction, Freya Ji beside him transmitted a silent message to the two Mortal Path [a specific cultivation technique] cultivators: "A breakthrough to the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core realm of a cultivator] is a matter of utmost gravity. Generally, only sworn comrades of many years or fellow clan members are considered truly reliable Path Guardian."

"While these individuals are all friends of our Ji Clan True Lord, not every one is a deeply trusted confidant whose roots are fully known."

"Regrettably, our Ji Clan suffered grievous losses during the recent Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a great calamity involving demonic incursions]. Relying solely on our own strength to guard my father's path is insufficient, hence we were compelled to select these dozen or so relatively reliable individuals."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. True kindred spirits were rare among cultivators. Even a friendship spanning a thousand years did not guarantee a comrade one could entrust with one's life.

In truth, to possess one or two such soul-deep friends in a lifetime was already a blessing beyond measure. Such individuals would lay down their lives for each other; if of opposite genders, they would most likely become cultivation partners.

Although the Ji Clan Patriarch had shaken the world for millennia, it was impossible for him to have over a dozen such sworn comrades for aid. Absolute trust could not be placed in every person present.

As these thoughts flickered through their minds, Freya Ji spoke again: "Their task is to intercept any formidable enemies that may appear. Our duty, yours and mine, is solely to guard the final gate."

"This is not only to stop any demons or fiends that slip through the net but also as a precaution against... unforeseen circumstances."

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. Though Freya Ji's words were not explicit, the implication behind "unforeseen circumstances" was perfectly clear.

Freya Ji Having said this, she continued, "Let me introduce them to you. Among those present, there are over a dozen True Lord [a title for cultivators at the Infant Soul Realm], each one a True Lord who has forged an Earthly Path Infant Soul [an Infant Soul foundation of the Earthly Path, considered a standard achievement]."

"However, only three among them possess the true potential to become a Path Lord [a cultivator who has reached the Primordial Spirit Realm]. They are Immortal Maiden Six Desires, Primordial Heaven True Lord, and our mutual acquaintance, Vast Righteousness True Lord."

As Freya Ji spoke, Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted slightly.

The Immortal Maiden Six Desires possessed the Six Desires Miraculous Constitution [a rare physical constitution said to be ideal for dual cultivation practices]. This type of Path Body [a special innate physique beneficial for cultivation] was highly sought after, and it was said countless True Lord had pursued her madly because of it.

However, her cultivation had reached the eighth layer of the Infant Soul [the realm above the Golden Core], and she had forged a Heavenly Path Infant Soul [a superior foundation of the Heavenly Path], placing her gaze far above the clouds. No one had yet managed to catch her eye.

Furthermore, she hailed from the Seven Stars Ancient Domain deep within the Eastern Region Great Wasteland and was the master of the Palace of Six Desires. It was said she was ranked alongside the Mistress of Ivy Palace from the Three Veins Ancient Domain as one of the Ten Great Immortal Maidens of the Eastern Region Great Wasteland. How could someone of such stature be easily matched with an ordinary person?

As for the Primordial Heaven True Lord, he came from the Eastern Sea Cultivation World and was said to be a True Lord of the Human Race from the distant depths of the sea. Not only had his cultivation reached the Great Perfection of Infant Soul [the peak of the Infant Soul Realm], but he was also a powerful True Lord with a Heavenly Path Infant Soul. In the future, he might even have a thirty percent chance of attaining the Primordial Spirit [the realm above Infant Soul]. Original publication: audio-novel.com (official site) - The source of this chapter.