Chapter 566. Primordial Spirit Flower

"My master..."

Huantian Ji smiled faintly and said, "My master is none other than Riverlord Chang (Person Name)."

Eldrin’s expression shifted slightly, and he promptly cupped his hands in a respectful salute. “So you are a distinguished disciple of the Dao Lord. My apologies for the lack of courtesy.”

"There is no need for formalities."

Huantian Ji smiled faintly and led the 2 to a grand hall. He personally brewed a cup of tea for them before speaking, "Might I ask what brings you to our Eternal River Sacred Land?"

"This..."

Eldrin (Person Name) pondered briefly before stating plainly, "We wish to utilize your sixth-tier teleportation formation to journey to the far northern ice plains."

"So that's how it is."

Huantian Ji nodded and said, "The teleportation formation of our Eternal River Holy Land can transport 3,650 people at once. Generally, it activates once every decade, or when the required number of participants is gathered."

"Currently, there are only 1,900-odd cultivators waiting to use the teleportation array. However, since you 2 have arrived, I can make an exception for you. The array will be activated in your favor 3 days from now."

"This... then I thank you."

Eldrin was momentarily stunned, then quickly cupped his hands in gratitude. After all, waiting for the group to reach full capacity might have taken several more years. Being able to depart earlier would save him a considerable amount of time.

"There's no need to be so formal." Huantian Ji chuckled lightly before casually inquiring, "What important matter brings you to the Northern Plains this time?"

Eldrin shook his head and said, "I'm merely looking for a junior member of our clan."

"Oh?"

Huantian Ji’s eyes flickered slightly before he spoke, “I am acquainted with Ling Shuang, the Frost Fairy of the Drifting Snow Palace in the Far North Ice Plains. If you seek someone, she may be of assistance.”

"Very well, I shall write you a letter of recommendation. When the time comes, you may seek assistance from the Palace of Drifting Snow(Piaoxue Palace)."

"This..."

Eldrin was taken aback by Huantian Ji's fervent enthusiasm and promptly replied, "Fellow Daoist, such overwhelming hospitality truly leaves me both honored and humbled."

"No need for that." Huantian Ji smiled faintly. "We humans ought to support 1 another. This is but a trivial matter—lending you a hand to forge a friendship is no bad thing either."

Unable to decline such earnest hospitality, Eldrin ultimately accepted a letter of recommendation from Huan Tianji.

The 2 departed the main hall. Eldrin stepped away briefly, returning moments later to inform Lyra, "I've made some inquiries. This Huantian Ji is indeed 1 of Riverlord Chang's 30-6 disciples."

Lyra’s brow furrowed slightly as she remarked, “His cultivation has reached the Great Perfection of the Nascent Soul stage. Why would he go out of his way to be so attentive to us?”

"That is precisely what puzzles me," Eldrin remarked, then added, "But since he is a disciple of Riverlord Chang, it stands to reason he would harbor no ill intentions toward us."

"That does make sense."

Lyra also nodded in agreement. Given that Eldrin was a direct disciple of the Dao Lord and had cultivation at the Great Perfection of the Nascent Soul realm, it was unlikely he would take any interest in the treasures they possessed.

Moreover, Riverlord Chang (Person Name) commanded immense prestige, maintained favorable ties with the Ji Clan, and remained thoroughly trustworthy.

At this thought, Eldrin mused thoughtfully, "Perhaps it’s because he recognized your identity. After all, the Jiang clan was once extraordinary and may have left behind significant connections."

"Perhaps that is most likely the case."

Lyra gave a slight nod, feeling a faint sense of reassurance settle within her heart.

At the same time, Huantian Ji arrived deep within the Longhe Sacred Land, reverently approaching a cave abode.

Within the cavern abode, Riverlord Chang (Person Name) stood with hair and beard silvered white, his entire being radiating the transcendent aura of an immortal sage. Upon seeing Huantian Ji, he inquired, "How did it go?"

"Disciple, I have followed your instructions and given special attention to both individuals."

Huantian Ji cupped his hands respectfully and spoke, yet after finishing his words, he seemed to hesitate as if there was more left unsaid.

Noticing his expression, Riverlord Chang (Person Name) added, "Do you have any questions?"

"Disciple has 1 matter he fails to comprehend." Huantian Ji shook his head and couldn't resist asking, "What remarkable qualities do this Returning Abyss True Monarch and his wife possess, that they warrant such special consideration from you?"

"You, your discernment is still lacking somewhat."

Riverlord Chang (Person Name) shook his head with a light chuckle and said, "That Lyra (Person Name) is a descendant of Emperor Jiang. In the past, I too received kindness from Emperor Jiang. Her martial uncles, Daoist Purple Cosmos and Daoist Azure Ruins, and even her father have all been my dear friends for many years."

"If that were all, I would simply meet with them once to offer some guidance and be done with it. However, I perceive these 2 possess extraordinary foundations. I fear they may 1 day walk the same path as us."

"That is precisely why I have you receive him—to forge a connection. Should your master 1 day meet an untimely calamity, you would have someone to turn to for support."

Huantian Ji’s expression shifted abruptly, and he hastily replied, “Master, you mustn’t speak such nonsense. You are destined to ascend as an immortal and enjoy an eternal celestial lifespan.”

"Ha ha ha."

Riverlord Chang (Person Name) let out a hearty laugh, and after a long while, he said, "Zihuan, Qingxu, and even Jiang Demon-Subduer possessed talents far surpassing mine, yet even they could not escape the cataclysm of the demonic abyss."

"What virtue or ability does this master possess, to be worthy of ascending as an immortal?"

Noticing Huantian Ji's expression, Riverlord Chang (Person Name) sighed once more and said, "With Ji the Demon Subduer no longer guarding the abyssal depths, someone must rise to face the next Cataclysm of the Demon Abyss."

"Rest assured, I shall pave the way for you before that time comes. When the moment arrives, you and your Eldest Senior Brother must support each other unconditionally."

Huantian Jique remained silent, merely clenching his fists tightly in the stillness.

Riverlord Chang shook his head and asked, "The Soul Flower has ripened, and I am prepared to begin refining the Soul Elixir. Do you know how many cultivators in the Eastern Wastelands seek to acquire this pill?"

Huantian Ji finally retracted his gaze, furrowing his brow as he said, "I've already spread the word, but the Featherflight Pavilion doesn't seem interested in purchasing. Instead, the Sky Profound Sect, the Luo Clan of Star Lake Ancient Domain, and a few others have expressed desire to buy."

Riverlord Chang's eyes flickered slightly. After a long pause, he remarked, "The Featherflight Pavilion is most likely waiting for their Soul Blossom to mature. But why hasn't Maris the Sea Steader sent any word? Could it be that he intends to summon the Heavenly Soul on his own?"

"I do not know either, Master." Huantian Ji shook his head, speaking with a trace of bewilderment. "Maris the Sea Steader possesses extraordinary foundations, so connecting with the Earth Soul shouldn't pose much difficulty. Yet without the aid of a Primordial Spirit Pill, I fear his chances of breaking through to the Primordial Spirit Realm would not exceed 50%."

"Perhaps he has other plans."

Riverlord Chang (Person Name) shook his head and continued, "The sect master of Tianxuan Sect has long sought us out, wishing to purchase a Soul Consolidation Pill. However, I observed his unsettled state of mind—even if he obtained the pill, his chances of achieving a breakthrough would scarcely exceed 40 percent."

"This is simply unavoidable." Huantian Ji shook his head, speaking with a hint of pity. "The Heavenly Mystery Sect Master's lifespan has already reached 8,400 years. I'm afraid he won't last much longer without achieving a breakthrough."

Riverlord Chang (Person Name) said no more, simply stating, "If we succeed in refining 3 Soul Elixirs (Pill) this time, 1 shall be offered for sale."

"Of the remaining 2 Soul Elixirs, 1 is for your breakthrough to the Half-Step Primordial Spirit (Cultivation Realm), while the other I have promised to the Starry Abode Palace."

"If 2 pills are successfully refined, then offer both for sale. As for the Heavenmyst Sect Leader..."

At this point, Riverlord Chang (Person Name) couldn't help but let out a soft sigh in his heart.

Among the major powers, the highest bidder would undoubtedly be the Sect Master of Tianxuan Sect. After all, the Tianxuan Sect was the foremost faction beneath the Nascent Soul stage in Eastern Wastelands (Location).

Strictly speaking, however, the Sect Master of Tianxuan was not the most suitable candidate for the Soul Elixir. Considering the entire human race, the most qualified cultivator ought to be chosen.

Yet this choice could very well determine the fates of 2 cultivators, or even 2 mighty immortal clans, making it impossible for Riverlord Chang (Person Name) to commit to a resolute decision.

After a moment of contemplation, Riverlord Chang (Person Name) sighed and said, "So be it. Let them bid freely and decide their own fates."