Chapter 601 Reward of Nascent Soul Formation Pill (Spiritual Object),Soren the Heart-Seer (Person Name)

Among the 3 great immortal clans on this list, 1 hailed from The Vast Sea (Location), while the other 2 originated from Ji Province.

The celestial clan of The Vast Sea bore the surname Jiang (Person Name). This lineage boasted no fewer than 6 Golden Core cultivators, whose merits in the previous great war were considerable. In the present conflict, they had committed their entire strength without reservation.

The 2 major powers in Jizhou were both acquaintances of Eldrin. 1 was the Xavier Immortal Clan of the Chen Kingdom. It had been less than 30 years since Xavier last attempted his breakthrough to the Nascent Soul realm, yet he remained determined to gamble once more.

Aside from these 2 factions, the last 1 hailed from the Verdant Azure Sect. In earlier years, a Golden Core cultivator from this sect had shared ties with Eldrin.

In his early years, Taiwu Zhenren had close ties with Eldrin (Person Name), sparing no effort to aid the Chen Clan in numerous battles. Later, Mingwu Zhenren (Person Name) likewise devoted his full strength during many critical conflicts.

Since the demise of True Lord Mingwu at Demon Ape Mountain, Eldrin had permitted the Verdant Azure Sect to join the Heavenly Ruins Alliance out of regard for old ties.

For many years, the Cangqing Immortal Sect (Organization) had maintained close ties with the Chen Immortal Clan (Organization), allowing them to develop quite smoothly. Having contributed both resources and manpower to the Chen Clan during several major conflicts, their name was finally submitted by the old clan leader.

Eldrin reviewed the name list before removing Xavier’s entry. “It will take Xavier at least 70 years to attempt the Nascent Soul breakthrough again,” he remarked. “Moreover, we have just awarded him a Nascent Soul Formation Pill. Granting him another opportunity now would surely draw discontent from others.”

Chen Changxuan gave a nod, his gaze falling upon the 2 name lists in his hand. Both the Jiang Clan and the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect had repeatedly contributed significantly, leaving him somewhat torn between the choices.

After a moment of contemplation, he spoke directly, "The chosen candidate from the Verdant Azure Sect is named Soren the Heart-Seer (Person Name). He is the legitimate son of the Ancient Cang Demon and the Grand Pure True 1."

Back in the day during the confrontation at Demon Ape Mountain against Emerald Mist Lake, he had once saved Ethan’s life. It was said that this man had achieved clarity of mind and perceived his true nature, breaking through to the Golden Core Realm in a sudden enlightenment. His chances of advancing to the Nascent Soul Realm were likely even greater.

Eldrin’s brow twitched slightly at the words. As he scanned the documents in his hand, he discovered that Soren the Heart-Seer had actually formed a Mid-Level Golden Core.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Eldrin spoke, "Since you are the child of an old friend, have him come see me after we return."

After tentatively identifying candidates for the Nascent Soul Formation Pill (Spiritual Object), the treasure ship sailed for several months before finally returning the cultivators from The Vast Sea (Location) and the Chen Kingdom to their destinations.

After briefly organizing his gains, Eldrin summoned Chen Ethan and inquired, "What insights have you gleaned from this great battle?"

"After a brief retreat, I should be able to reach the sixth level of the Golden Core stage."

Clad in a black robe, Chen Ethan (Person Name) appeared increasingly restrained in his sharpness between the brows, having already comprehended a wisp of sword intent.

He formed his Golden Core at over 380 years of age, and now, merely 160-some years after breaking through to the Golden Core stage, his cultivation had advanced to such an extent.

It was evident that his cultivation speed at the Golden Core Realm was now nearly on par with Eldrin's in his day.

Eldrin nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this. It seemed that in just 2 jiazi cycles, Chen Ethan would be able to cultivate to the peak of the Golden Core realm.

At this thought, Eldrin asked, "I heard you're quite familiar with Soren the Heart-Seer from the Verdant Azure Sect. Tell me, what kind of person is he?"

"Brightheart..."

Chen Ethan (Person Name) pondered for a moment, then said after some deliberation: "In his earlier years, this man's innate talent was rather ordinary at best. However, the incident where Old Demon Taicang killed the True Lord Taiqing struck him with tremendous impact."

Later, he regained his Dao Heart and secluded himself in the back mountains, detached from worldly affairs. Unbeknownst to him, he had inadvertently attained the state of Dao Heart Without Dust (Cultivation Realm).

The Dao Heart, Unblemished by Dust.

Eldrin's eyes flickered slightly. The State of a Dust-Free Dao Heart was an exceptionally unique realm. Cultivators who comprehended this state would often advance by leaps and bounds, their cultivation progressing far more rapidly than ordinary practitioners.

That Soren the Heart-Seer (Person Name) had only broken through to the Golden Core (Cultivation Realm) for a mere 3 sexagenary cycles, and his cultivation resources were far inferior to those of Nascent Soul (Cultivation Realm) immortal clans. Yet, he had already reached the Great Perfection (Cultivation Stage) of the Golden Core (Cultivation Realm), revealing the astonishing power of a flawless Dao Heart (Cultivation Concept).

"It seems he is a natural-born seed for the Dao."

After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin spoke, "Make a trip to the Verdant Peak and summon Soren the Heart-Seer to me."

Ethan understood.

Chen Ethan nodded and strode out of the grand hall.

Cerulean Peaks Range (Location)。

Ever since the demon cave was eradicated years ago by the joint efforts of the Chu Kingdom's cultivation world, and the Black Hawk Demon King fled the Cerulean Peaks Range, this vast mountain range had fallen into the hands of the Verdant Azure Sect.

The Verdant Azure Immortal Sect occupied the vast Cerulean Peaks Range (Location), and with the support of the Chen Immortal Clan (Organization), it grew increasingly prosperous without notice. Now, it boasted 6 Golden Core cultivators within its ranks, restoring its strength to the pinnacle of its former glory.

Deep within the Back Mountains of Verdantpeak, 2 Foundation Establishment cultivators pressed onward into the secluded depths.

"Senior Brother, are you certain the 1 whom the Chen Clan's Ancestor seeks would be here in the back mountains?" A young lad furrowed his brow, skepticism coloring his tone. "Could there have been some mistake?"

"Shh..." The other man's expression shifted slightly as he hastily stopped him, then cautiously sent a voice transmission: "That 1 is a renowned Sword Immortal known throughout Ji Continent—how could he possibly make such an obvious mistake?"

That being said, the senior brother was genuinely somewhat perplexed.

The back hills of Verdant Peak Mountain had always been a place of profound tranquility. Aside from the Ancestral Hall enshrining the past patriarchs of Verdant Peak, scarcely any other cultivators ventured here.

Just as they were puzzled, the 2 arrived before the Ancestral Shrine and found no 1 else around except an old cultivator sweeping the ground.

Seeing this, the senior brother cupped his hands and said, "I wonder if Patriarch Mingxin (Person Name) is here? This disciple has a matter to request an audience."

When it came to titles, both of them felt somewhat perplexed. The "Ming" generation held an exceptionally high seniority within the Cangqing Sect—even the current sect master was 1 generation their junior. Never had they imagined that there would still be an elder of this generation residing in the secluded back mountains.

At that moment, the old sweeping cultivator nearby looked up and asked, "What brings you to this old man?"

"This..." The 2 were utterly astonished, then quickly replied with deference, "We disciples came to await someone to announce our arrival."

"Chen Ethan (Person Name)." Soren the Heart-Seer (Person Name) spoke with serene composure after listening, "Please invite him over."

After the 2 had departed, Soren the Heart-Seer suddenly gazed silently at the heavens.

"Mingxin, such a distant name."

His existence was a forbidden taboo for the Verdant Azure Sect, a pain too profound to speak of. Like a withered tree, he remained obscure in the secluded corners of the sect, silently witnessing its flourishing growth.

Over the years, he had been secluded in cultivation within the back mountains. Apart from emerging to contribute his strength to the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect during each major battle, he had scarcely set foot beyond the peaks.

Unbeknownst to all, within the entire Cangqing Immortal Sect, aside from the Sect Master and a few Golden Core Elders, no 1 else remained who knew his Daoist title.

As he was lost in thought, a figure clad in a black robe strode through the air and stood beside him, gazing at the vast expanse of land beneath the Cangqing Mountains.

"It has been years, and you have grown older once more."

Chen Ethan (Person Name) let out a sigh. Soren the Heart-Seer (Person Name) had chosen not to preserve her youthful appearance, and without notice, she had aged considerably.

Chapter 1 The biting cold wind howled through the mountain pass, carrying with it the scent of blood and decay. A young man in tattered blue robes knelt amidst the snow, his breathing ragged. Crimson droplets fell from the corner of his lips, staining the pure white ground beneath him. "Lin Ming (Person Name), hand over the Profound Jade Pendant (Magic Treasure), and I might grant you a swift death," a voice, cold and arrogant, echoed from above. Lin Ming raised his head, his eyes burning with defiance. A figure clad in luxurious white robes stood 10 meters away, holding a longsword that shimmered with a faint, icy light—the renowned Frostbite Sword of the Northern Peak (Magic Treasure). "Hah... Dream on, Zhao Feng (Person Name)," Lin Ming spat out a mouthful of blood. His right hand unconsciously tightened around a simple, unadorned jade pendant hanging from his chest. This was the legacy left by his mother, the very reason the Zhao Family had relentlessly hunted him for 3 months across thousands of miles. "Stubborn fool!" Zhao Feng's eyes flashed with murderous intent. "Since you seek death, I shall oblige!" The Frostbite Sword trembled, and dozens of sword shadows materialized in the air, piercing through the wind and snow toward Lin Ming. This was the Zhao Family's signature technique—the Myriad Shadows Sword Art (Cultivation Art). Facing the lethal strike, Lin Ming's eyes held no fear, only a trace of bitter irony. He had been a prodigy of the Lin Family, but now, he was like a stray dog, driven to a dead end. *Is this my fate? To die in this desolate mountain pass, my body buried beneath the snow and ice?* *No!* A surge of unwillingness erupted from the depths of his heart. Just as the sword shadows were about to pierce his body, the jade pendant in his hand suddenly grew warm. *Buzz—* A soft hum resonated, and time seemed to freeze. The falling snowflakes hung motionless in the air, and Zhao Feng's sword shadows solidified mid-flight. A vast and ancient voice echoed directly in Lin Ming's mind: "The bloodline of the Lin Clan awakens the legacy of the Heavenly Star Codex (Cultivation Art). Successor, are you willing to embark upon the path of cultivating the Dao?" Lin Ming was stunned, but he quickly regained his composure. Without the slightest hesitation, he declared inwardly, "I am willing!" "Good." The ancient voice held a hint of approval. "From this day forward, you shall be the sole successor of the Heavenly Star Codex. I bestow upon you the foundational cultivation method and grant you 10,000 spirit stones to aid your journey." As the voice faded, a flood of profound information surged into Lin Ming's mind. Simultaneously, a spatial ring appeared on his finger, containing precisely 10,000 glistening spirit stones. The world returned to normal. Zhao Feng's sword shadows arrived before him, but now, Lin Ming's eyes shone with a newfound sharpness. He made a hand seal, and a faint golden light enveloped his body—the Golden Bell Shield (Spell), the most basic defensive technique of the Heavenly Star Codex. *Clang! Clang! Clang!* The sword shadows struck the golden light, creating clear, resonant sounds, yet they failed to break through the defense. "How is this possible?!" Zhao Feng's eyes widened in disbelief. Just moments ago, Lin Ming had been on the verge of death. How could he suddenly possess such power? Lin Ming rose slowly. The spiritual energy within his body, which had been nearly depleted, was now rapidly recovering, even growing denser than before. He had officially stepped into the First Layer of Qi Refinement. "The Zhao Family's debt of blood..." Lin Ming's voice was cold and deep, "I will collect it, bit by bit." He raised his hand, and spiritual energy gathered at his fingertips, condensing into a shimmering blade of light—the Astral Edge (Spell). "Go to hell!" Sensing the threat, Zhao Feng channeled all his spiritual energy, and the Frostbite Sword erupted with a blinding blue light, transforming into a massive sword shadow over 10 meters long, slashing down toward Lin Ming. But Lin Ming simply flicked his finger. *Swoosh—* The astral blade sliced through the air, effortlessly piercing the massive sword shadow and continuing straight toward Zhao Feng's forehead. *Pfft!* A soft sound. Zhao Feng's expression froze, a small, bloody hole appearing between his eyebrows. His body swayed before collapsing heavily into the snow. Lin Ming walked up to the corpse, retrieved the Frostbite Sword and the storage pouch, then turned and walked into the depths of the mountain pass without looking back. The snow fell heavier, soon burying all traces of the battle. Deep within a hidden mountain cave, Lin Ming sat cross-legged, inspecting the spoils of war. Zhao Feng's storage pouch contained over 3,000 spirit stones and several bottles of Qi Restoration Pills (Elixir). But what truly surprised him was a worn, yellowed jade slip. After infusing it with spiritual energy, 3 ancient characters appeared in his mind: Heavenly Fire Art (Cultivation Art). This was actually a fire-attribute cultivation art, and quite profound at that. It was no wonder Zhao Feng had been so desperate to obtain the Profound Jade Pendant; it seemed the Zhao Family had long been aware of the secrets within. Lin Ming set aside the jade slip and took out the Profound Jade Pendant. Now, he could clearly feel the vast spiritual energy contained within it. "The Heavenly Star Codex has 9 layers. Those who master it can command the stars and control the cosmos..." Lin Ming murmured the introductory words of the cultivation art, his heart surging with emotion. He knew that from this day forward, his path of cultivation would be entirely different. After adjusting his breath for a moment, Lin Ming took out a Qi Restoration Pill and swallowed it. He then began to operate the Heavenly Star Codex according to the method described in the art. As the spiritual energy circulated, the spirit stones in the spatial ring continuously turned into pure spiritual power, flowing into his body. The spiritual energy within his dantian grew denser, and his cultivation level rose steadily. Unbeknownst to him, 3 days and 3 nights passed. When Lin Ming opened his eyes again, his cultivation had solidified at the peak of the First Layer of Qi Refinement, just a step away from breaking through to the Second Layer. He stood up, his body feeling lighter than ever before, his senses sharpened significantly. Even the subtle movements of insects outside the cave were clearly perceptible. "This is the power of a cultivator..." Lin Ming clenched his fists, his eyes filled with unprecedented determination. The Zhao Family, the Lin Family, the mysteries of his mother's background... There were far too many secrets waiting for him to uncover. But for now, the most important task was to enhance his strength. Only with sufficient power could he survive in this ruthless world of cultivation and uncover the truth behind everything. After packing his belongings, Lin Ming left the cave. The morning sun shone on the snowy mountains, painting the world in a brilliant gold. He took 1 last look at the distant landscape, then turned and walked toward the depths of the forest. There, according to the memories inherited from the jade pendant, lay the first true opportunity of his cultivation journey—the cave abode of an ancient cultivator.