Chapter 603 Cultivation in Seclusion

Mingxin remained seated in meditation for a long while. After a prolonged silence, he finally rose to his feet.

He rose quietly to his feet. As his magical power was greatly depleted, his aged frame straightened once more, and his long gray hair returned to its original jet-black hue.

Moments later, Soren the Heart-Seer (Person Name) saw his cultivation base plummet to the Golden Core Sixth Layer realm, yet he was rejuvenated, his youth restored.

He bowed to Eldrin, his expression solemn as he said, "Thank you, Senior, for guiding me through the darkness. This junior now understands what must be done."

"It is already quite remarkable that you have come to this realization."

Eldrin gave a slight nod, then with a flick of his sleeve, handed him a Nascent Soul Formation Pill (Spiritual Object). Only then did he speak calmly, "Since you have comprehended the state of a dust-free Dao heart, you may yet journey further. Carry your questions with you and walk your path with care."

"Senior, your great kindness shall be forever engraved in this junior's heart."

Mingxin received the Nascent Soul Formation Pill (Spiritual Object) and respectfully withdrew from the peach blossom forest.

Chen Ethan departed alongside him, the 2 coming to a standstill by the shores of Spirit Isle Lake. 1 radiated heroic vigor, elegant as polished jade; the other harbored profound Daoist essence within, his eyes gleaming with starlight—both men possessed an aura of extraordinary grace.

Gazing at his companion by his side, a faint smile graced Chen Ethan’s lips as he inquired, “After you depart, do you plan to return to the Cangqing Mountains?”

"No." Soren the Heart-Seer (Person Name) shook his head, a serene smile gracing his lips. "After centuries of meditation in these mountains, I believed I had unraveled the mysteries of life. Only today have I come to understand it was but the ephemeral dream of a mayfly—a vision spanning no more than a single dawn and dusk."

"I am leaving Ji Province to traverse the vast expanse of heaven and earth, to witness the majesty of our human lands."

"It seems you have truly found enlightenment." Chen Ethan smiled faintly before continuing, "Go now. Go and behold the mountains and rivers of our human realm. May we meet again after 10 million years."

"So it shall be."

Soren the Heart-Seer (Person Name) waved his hand and bid farewell to Chen Ethan (Person Name).

Eldrin sat serenely amidst the peach blossom grove, gently setting down the ancient zither in his hands.

Lyra stepped forward, glancing in the direction where the 2 had departed before remarking, "The state of a dust-free Dao Heart is truly extraordinary. This individual's cultivation speed likely surpasses even that of the Heavenly Spiritual Root by a considerable margin."

"Every individual has their own destiny. Since he has comprehended the state of the Unstained Dao Heart, should he succeed in forging an Earth-Grade Foundation, there may be a glimmer of hope for him to ascend as a Primordial Spirit Dao Lord in the future."

Eldrin spoke with equal calm, for he too cherished talent, and Soren the Heart-Seer had truly struck him as extraordinary.

If his cultivation had reached the level of a Nascent Soul Dao Lord, he might have considered bestowing a strand of Earth Vein Qi to support this individual. However, with an entire clan relying on him, he naturally lacked the capacity to spare such resources for another.

Suppressing the thoughts in his heart, Eldrin spoke once more, "This time we have obtained 3 Star Fragments. I intend to begin refining the Star-Gazing Tower."

"Star-Gazing Tower?" Lyra's brow twitched slightly before she spoke. "To forge the Star-Gazing Tower, we still require 1 Star Fragment and a single fifth-tier spirit wood."

"I have already sent people to inquire if anyone possesses both treasures."

Eldrin spoke softly, then shook his head with a light laugh. "We still have some resources at hand. Acquiring these 2 treasures should be within our means."

Lyra nodded and said, "Then I'll also ask Eldrin and Freya to see if they have any information about this."

"Very well."

This matter was temporarily set aside. Eldrin then brought out the Crimson Phoenix Crucible and the Nether Stone, his expression turning solemn as he said, "Among the treasures we obtained, the Star Fragment and the 2 fifth-grade spirit herbs can be utilized directly."

"However, both this Crimson Phoenix Crucible (Magic Treasure) and the Nether Stone (Spiritual Object) require purification of their demonic energy before they can be used."

Lyra's brow twitched slightly before she spoke. "The demonic energy within the Nether Stone can be refined using the power of a fifth-tier subterranean fire vein in approximately 60 years."

"It's just that there is too much demonic energy within this Crimson Phoenix Crucible (Magic Treasure). I fear it will take 3 sexagenary cycles to refine it all."

Eldrin nodded slightly. Truth be told, if he were to personally oversee the refinement process, it would significantly shorten the duration. However, doing so would impede his own cultivation progress—hardly a worthwhile trade-off.

But suddenly, as if remembering something, he smiled and said, "Perhaps we could seek assistance from Elder Oblique Sun Wheel."

"That could work."

Lyra's eyes also lit up. The Slanting Sun Wheel had previously aided them in refining the Nether Stone by harnessing the power of Crimson Flame the Blazing Lord from the Infernal Prison Fire Sea. Now, it could naturally help them refine the Crimson Phoenix Crucible by channeling the fifth-tier subterranean fire vein.

With this thought in mind, the 2 immediately headed to Green Lotus Isle.

The Solar and Lunar Wheels had served as array artifacts in Azure Lotus Isle for many years. Upon seeing Eldrin, the Clear Moon Wheel chuckled, "What brings you here to seek us out today?"

"We have come to ask for your assistance in this matter," Eldrin stated his purpose, then produced the Crimson Phoenix Crucible and said, "We wish to request your aid in refining this artifact, fellow Daoists."

"What a fine spiritual treasure."

The Slanting Sun Wheel remarked with some surprise, "Although I have restored my realm to that of a mid-level spirit treasure over these years, I still feel inadequate when facing a superior spirit treasure like the Crimson Phoenix Crucible (Magic Treasure)."

After understanding the duo's purpose, the Slanting Sun Wheel nodded and said, "I promised to safeguard your cultivation path, so naturally I shall lend you assistance in this minor matter. However, it would be best if we could secure the aid of a fifth-order fire vein."

"As it should be." Eldrin nodded with a faint smile. "Fellow Daoist Setting Sun, please accompany me to The Vast Sea."

Arriving at The Vast Sea (Location) with the Slanting Sun Wheel, he investigated the ley lines of Immortal Apricot Island and declared, "With the assistance of the subterranean fire vein, I am confident I can refine the demonic energy within this treasure within 60 years."

"Then I shall express my gratitude."

Eldrin nodded slightly. With the assistance of the Oblique Sun Wheel, he had managed to save a full 2 cycles of 60 years compared to refining the Crimson Phoenix Crucible by channeling underground fire veins. This had undoubtedly been of tremendous help to him.

Placing the Crimson Phoenix Crucible (Magic Treasure) and Nether Stone (Spiritual Object) into the sea of flames, Eldrin (Person Name) returned to Spirit Isle Lake (Location) for secluded cultivation, and tranquility once again settled over the days.

Thus time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, another 10 years had passed.

On this day, Eldrin emerged from the seclusion chamber, a flicker of delight flashing in his eyes.

Lyra was standing guard outside the seclusion chamber and couldn't refrain from asking when she saw him emerge: "How was your breakthrough in this closed-door cultivation?"

"Quite smooth. I've successfully cultivated the Twofold Divine Radiance."

Eldrin (Person Name) smiled faintly. It was now the 19,800th year of the Dao Calendar. Having just passed his 6 hundredth year of lifespan, he had broken through to the Nascent Soul realm merely a century ago, yet had already mastered his second Grand Perfection divine ability.

With the great consummation-level innate divine ability, the Yin-Yang Divine Light, now at his disposal, he had gained another means to contend against late Nascent Soul stage experts.

Lyra’s expression brightened at the words, and she spoke with a hint of delight, "I have good news. After entrusting someone to inquire, I finally managed to locate a suitable fifth-level spirit wood."

"I was just waiting for you to emerge from seclusion so we could purchase the fifth-level spirit wood."

"Is that truly the case?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin felt a surge of joy in his heart. A few years earlier, he had acquired a Star Fragment through Master Zixu at the price of 60 Heavenly Crystals. Now, all he lacked was a fifth-level spirit wood.

Once he obtained this fifth-grade spirit wood, he could begin crafting the Starview Tower.

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 robes knelt amidst the snow, his fingers digging deep into the frozen earth. His name was Lin Feng, and he had been a disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect for 10 years. "10 years..." he whispered, his breath forming a pale mist in the frigid air. "10 years, and I'm still stuck at the third level of Qi Refining." He closed his eyes, reaching inward to feel the faint circulation of spiritual energy within his dantian. It was weak, barely enough to sustain the most basic cultivation techniques. The other disciples had long surpassed him, some reaching the Foundation Establishment realm while he remained trapped in mediocrity. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his skull. Visions flooded his mind - of towering pagodas reaching for the heavens, of celestial beings riding clouds across the sky, of ancient techniques long lost to time. "Who... who are you?" Lin Feng gasped, clutching his head. A voice, ancient and profound, echoed in his consciousness. "I am but a remnant will, a forgotten memory of the Primordial Chaos Era. You, boy, have been chosen." Lin Feng's eyes snapped open. Before him floated a translucent scroll, its surface shimmering with golden characters that seemed to dance and shift. The Primordial Chaos Scripture (Supreme Cultivation Method) - a legendary technique said to have been lost for millennia. "The Primordial Chaos Scripture requires 100,000 spirit stones and 3 Heaven-Reaching Pills to begin cultivation," the voice explained. "But once mastered, it allows 1 to control the very laws of creation." Lin Feng's heart raced. 100,000 spirit stones! That was more wealth than he had seen in his entire life. And Heaven-Reaching Pills were legendary treasures, said to be able to bridge the gap between mortal and immortal. "Senior," Lin Feng said, bowing deeply despite the voice being only in his mind. "This junior is but an outer disciple with limited resources. How can I possibly gather such treasures?" The ancient voice chuckled. "30 li east of here lies the Hidden Dragon Valley. There, you will find what you seek. But be warned - danger lurks in the shadows, and your life will be the price of failure." Without another word, Lin Feng rose to his feet. His eyes, once clouded with despair, now burned with determination. He glanced toward the eastern mountains, where the first rays of dawn painted the peaks in hues of gold and crimson. "Then to the Hidden Dragon Valley I shall go," he declared, his voice steady despite the tremors in his soul. "For what is life without risk, and what is cultivation without challenge?" He took his first step eastward, the snow crunching beneath his worn boots. The path ahead was uncertain, filled with countless perils and unknown trials. But for the first time in years, Lin Feng felt truly alive. The Primordial Chaos Scripture awaited, and with it, a destiny that would shake the very foundations of the cultivation world.