Chapter 562 : Emergence from the Nirvana Pool

Time flowed like a shuttle on a loom, and in the blink of an eye, twenty years had passed.

On this day, Eldrin Chen rose from within the Nirvana Pool [a mystical pool with potent restorative and cultivation-enhancing properties], feeling the spiritual energy within his dantian [the core energy center of a cultivator] had grown noticeably more profound and potent.

This Nirvana Pool was concocted from thousands of varieties of Spirit Medicine [plants imbued with spiritual energy, used in alchemy]. Once the pool's spiritual liquid fused with these precious medicines, it gained a remarkable divine property. It could not only heal wounds and reconstruct the physical body but also greatly benefited cultivation.

Just as he stepped out of the Seclusion Chamber, he found Lyra Jiang there, clad in an elegant white gown reminiscent of an immortal's robe. Her bright eyes were fixed on an ancient scroll, lending her an air of scholarly grace.

A sudden impulse stirred within him, and he swept her into his arms.

Lyra Jiang looked up and shot Eldrin Chen a feigned glare of annoyance, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Don't be mischievous," she said. "Your disciples are waiting for you in the Grand Hall."

"Then let them wait a little longer,"

Eldrin Chen replied with a laugh, scooping her up and carrying her back into the Seclusion Chamber.

Much later, Eldrin Chen held Lyra Jiang close and asked, "During my time in secluded cultivation, has anything of note happened within the clan?"

Lyra Jiang, still catching her breath, gently traced the lines of his face—a visage as flawless as carved jade—with her fingers. This chapter is part of a larger work available at audi0-n0vel.c0m.

Hearing his inquiry about clan affairs, a smile touched her lips as she replied, "Elara visited half a month ago. She mentioned she was preparing to enter seclusion to attempt a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul [the stage where a cultivator's Golden Core hatches into an infant spiritual form]. Seeing you were still in seclusion, I advised her to wait a few more days."

"As for your Old Granduncle, it seems he too is waiting for you to emerge from your cultivation."

Eldrin Chen nodded slowly. After a long moment of contemplation, he spoke, "Once Elara and Old Granduncle have made their breakthroughs, I intend to journey to the Extreme Northern Ice Plains."

"The Frozen Wastes…"

Lyra Jiang's beautiful eyes flickered with understanding. The Extreme Northern Ice Plains Cultivation World lay far to the north, in the desolate lands of the Northern Wastes—a realm of eternal, unyielding glaciers, snowfields, and bitter cold.

Conditions in that frozen domain were harsh. Moreover, Demonic Monsters [powerful, malevolent creatures born of demonic energy] held significant power there, and the Human Race struggled to gain a foothold.

Most cultivators from other great regions were unwilling to undertake the arduous trek to the Extreme Northern Ice Plains. Only those possessing an Ice Spiritual Root [an innate affinity for ice and cold elemental energies] regarded it as a cultivation Sacred Land.

Lyra Jiang understood perfectly well why Eldrin Chen wished to go. It was because Lila had ventured into the Northern Wastes many years prior, and no word had come from her since.

Eldrin Chen drew Lyra Jiang into his embrace and said thoughtfully, "When that girl departed, I told her that if no news ever reached us, I would go to the Northern Wastes myself to seek her trail."

"Now, it has been over fifty years since I broke through to the Nascent Soul. My duties anchoring the family have kept me from being absent for long, but that time has come."

"Once Elara and Old Granduncle make their breakthrough, it will be time for me to set out as well."

"Do not worry. As long as Lila's Soul Lamp [a magical lamp whose flame is linked to a person's life force] remains intact, she will be safe."

Leaning against his chest, Lyra Jiang pondered for a moment before speaking. "However, given her current level of cultivation, the likelihood of her obtaining the Ice Vein Treasure Jade and three Ice Attribute Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [supreme-grade magical artifacts used to suppress demons] on her own is indeed exceedingly slim."

"Back then, our strength was insufficient. Now that we have broken through to the Nascent Soul [the stage where a cultivator forms an infant spiritual form] realm, we possess the capability to lend her our aid."

Eldrin Chen also nodded, his expression turning solemn.

Among the many cultivators of the Chen Clan, the one whose path of cultivation was arguably the most arduous was actually Lila.

As a cultivator with an Ice Spiritual Root [an innate affinity for the ice element], Lila required not only Heavenly Dao Qi [the purest form of elemental energy aligned with the Heavenly Dao] but also the Ice Vein Heaven-Molding Pill [a supreme elixir forged from glacial essence to refine one's spiritual foundation] to condense her Mana [the refined spiritual energy used by cultivators] in order to forge a Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul [a Nascent Soul formed in perfect harmony with the Heavenly Dao, the supreme path].

Furthermore, to withstand the formidable Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [the heavenly lightning calamity that tests a cultivator during a major breakthrough] associated with a Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul, she would need three Ice Attribute Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure to successfully pass through it.

To gather such a trove of treasures, each with such stringent elemental requirements, was a task daunting not merely for a Golden Core Cultivator [a cultivator at the Golden Core stage]; even Eldrin Chen himself, prior to his own breakthrough into the Nascent Soul realm, would have found it nearly impossible to accomplish.

While fate's blessings are not few in this world, the opportunities [chances or favorable circumstances bestowed by fate] one receives may not always be the most fitting. It is precisely for this reason that the importance of a powerful family clan or a great Sect becomes manifest.

Within long-established Immortal Clan [a clan dedicated to the pursuit of immortality through cultivation], their Clan Treasury [the central vault where a clan stores its most valuable resources] often accumulates key treasures of various attributes over generations.

For cultivators belonging to major Sect [a large, organized school of cultivation] or great Immortal Clan, there is often no need to endure the hardships of venturing out. By diligently managing their family's enterprises, they can live a hundred times more comfortably than wandering Rogue Cultivator [cultivators without sect or clan affiliation].

When such individuals do venture out, their journeys often lack a specific, pressing goal. This very lack of overt purpose makes them less susceptible to schemes and more likely to stumble upon unexpected treasures.

In truth, Eldrin Chen had been following this very principle. Exchanging items like the Longevity Spirit Apricot [a mystical fruit that extends lifespan and enhances vitality] for Earth Mother Qi [the pure, nurturing essence of the earth element], and trading family treasures for various types of Heaven and Earth Treasures [rare, naturally formed spiritual materials], was his way of deepening the clan's foundation.

In the future, when Chen Clan Cultivators acquired treasures on their journeys that didn't match their own cultivation attributes, they could simply exchange them within the clan for more suitable ones.

Gathering his thoughts, Eldrin Chen smiled after a long moment. "Though the Extreme Northern Ice Plains [a vast, perpetually frozen region at the world's northern pole] are harsh and bitter, certain rare treasures exist nowhere else." Original English translation available at audio-novel . com.

"While I search for Lila, I shall also see what other serendipitous encounters fate might offer."

Lyra Jiang nodded, yet insisted, "I will accompany you."

"Agreed!"

Eldrin Chen emerged from his Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared room for deep, undisturbed meditation and cultivation] and made his way to the clan's main Grand Hall [the central gathering and ceremonial hall of the clan].

Within the Grand Hall, Sylas Ye, Alistair Lu, and Caspian Chen had already been waiting for some time. Even Lana Gu, the disciple of Lyra Jiang, had long been quietly awaiting within the hall.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, the group promptly rose and offered their salutations.

"We pay our respects to Master, Ancient Ancestor, and Grandmaster."

"Rise."

Eldrin Chen observed the group and then began to review their cultivation studies.

Over the years, Eldrin Chen would periodically examine their progress, simultaneously deepening his understanding of their unique Dao Body [a special innate constitution aligned with a particular aspect of the Dao] and refining their Cultivation Art [a specific method or technique for absorbing and refining spiritual energy].

Today, after the customary review of their studies and sensing the state of their Dao Body, a smile touched his lips.

"It has not been long, yet your cultivation bases have advanced significantly."

"It seems your diligence in cultivation during this period has been commendable."

Eldrin Chen spoke with evident satisfaction, then continued, "This session of instruction shall be the final one I personally impart to you."

"Master, why is this?"

Alistair Lu was somewhat taken aback and could not help but ask.

Eldrin Chen shook his head and then said, "Over these years, I have taught you all that I can impart. However, the path of cultivation is not as simple as the teachings passed from master to disciple."

"You must step by step come to know this world for yourselves, deconstruct your own cultivation path, and refine your own philosophy of cultivation. Only then can you truly grow."

"Soon, this master will depart from the Eastern Wastelands for a time. You may choose to travel and gain experience across the Ji Continent or the The Vast Sea. Alternatively, you may enter the service of the Heaven's Ruin Alliance or our family to undertake certain duties."

As Eldrin Chen spoke these words, his gaze rested deeply upon each of them. "Remember the principles of life and the duties I have taught you," he continued. "Upon my return, I shall examine your progress."

"We understand, Master."

The disciples nodded and bowed once more to Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen's expression was solemn. He sighed and said, "You may withdraw."

"We take our leave, Master."

The group emerged from the Grand Hall. Caspian Chen glanced at Sylas Ye and inquired, "Where does the Ancient Ancestor intend to go next?"

Sylas Ye cradled a Three-Foot Azure Blade in his arms, his entire being radiating a sharp, chilling Sword Intent [the conceptual will and power of a master swordsman]. He offered a faint smile and replied, "I hear the Demonic Monsters in the The Vast Sea have not yet been fully purged. I shall head there to slay demons and vanquish evil." Discover more cultivation stories at www . audio-novel.com.