Chapter 604 5-rank Soul-nurturing Wood

Having resolved to refine the Starpiercing Pavilion, Eldrin wasted no time and set out the very next day to procure fifth-rank spirit wood.

The information regarding this fifth-level spirit wood was provided by Lingxu Xianzi (Person Name), who hails from the Tianhuang Sect (Sect Name)—a prominent Nascent Soul cultivation faction within the Tianhuang Continent (Region Name).

The sect master of Tianhuang Sect was a Nascent Soul, 6th Tier (Cultivation Realm) cultivator, and had been acquainted with Fairy Lingxu for many years. Upon learning that the Chen Family intended to purchase a fifth-tier spirit wood, he also sought to secure the transaction.

Tianhuang Province was not far from Ji Province. 1 merely needed to cross the Heaven's Spine Mountains and traverse the Heavenly Abode Continent to arrive.

Chapter 1 Eldrin and his wife had just crossed the Heaven's Spine Mountains, arriving at the borders of the Heavenly Abode Continent, when they noticed the cultivators there were in a state of panic. The number of practitioners in the major marketplaces had dwindled significantly compared to previous years.

So they casually stopped a Foundation Establishment cultivator and asked offhandedly, "What's going on with Heavenly Abode Continent (Location)? Why does it feel like the number of cultivators has decreased by more than half?"

"Senior, do you hail from beyond the Heavenly Abode Continent?"

The Foundation Establishment cultivator looked somewhat surprised and promptly replied respectfully, "Not long ago, a tribe of Flame Demons emerged from the Blazing Prison Fire Sea, rumored to include several Flame Demon True Lords whose power shakes the realm."

"Today, the Heavenly Abode Sect has issued a conscription decree, resolving to mobilize the entire continent's strength to resist the Flame Fiend clan."

"So that's how it is."

Eldrin gave a slight nod, signaling for the man to withdraw, then said to Lyra, "Could it be that the Flamefiend tribe is connected to Crimson Flame the Blazing Lord, whom we vanquished all those years ago?"

"It's hard to say." Lyra shook her head before continuing, "We'll have to see for ourselves to be certain."

Eldrin nodded upon hearing this. Crimson Flame the Blazing Lord was a Primordial Spiritborn—though not comparable to the legendary Primordial Deities, he remained an extraordinary being of profound origins.

Yet the Flamefiend was an innate demon born of demonic flames, fundamentally different in nature.

Though the 2 were different, both were beings born of flame and might share certain similarities.

"If it truly is an innate Fiend Race, I fear even the Tianlu Sect may not be able to quell this calamity."

After several moments of contemplation, Eldrin sighed and spoke, yet found it inappropriate to intervene.

Wherever innate spirits are born, there is often a rare treasure to be found, whether it be a Flame Demon or a Crimson Flame Wraith.

Since the other party had reached the level of a True Monarch, it was highly likely that this concealed a treasure of immeasurable value even to True Monarchs.

Thus, while the Fiendfiend tribe indeed represented a calamity, it was also an extraordinary opportunity. Since the Tianlu Sect had not sought their assistance, it was likely they wished to keep this chance for themselves rather than share it with others.

At this thought, Eldrin said, "Our top priority now is to swiftly complete the construction of the Star-Gazing Tower."

"As for this Eldritch Inferno Tribulation, if the Celestial Abode Sect cannot quell it, they will naturally come seeking our aid."

"Very well." Lyra nodded with a gentle smile. "Patriarch Tianlu's spiritual energy remains impure. His last attempt to reach the late Nascent Soul stage ended in failure, and now he desperately needs resources for 1 final breakthrough. It would be unwise for us to intervene recklessly."

Having said this, the 2 urged the Cyan Jade Phoenix Feather Boat onward, continuing their flight toward the Skywaste Continent. Before long, they arrived within its borders.

As 1 of the 100 provinces within the 3 Veins Ancient Domain, Tianhuang Province could be considered a major territory. Spanning over 10 million li in all directions, this land was anchored by 6 fifth-grade spirit veins.

These 6 fifth-grade spirit veins were divided among 3 Nascent Soul level powers: the Lin Clan (Immortal Family), the Ying Clan (Immortal Family), and the Tianhuang Sect (Overlord of Tianhuang Province).

Among the 3 major powers, the Lin and Ying clans combined had only 3 Eldrin Lords, while the Celestial Barren Sect boasted a full 8 Nascent Soul Eldrin Lords.

However, although the Heaven Desolation Sect was powerful and prosperous, it did not have a single late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. There was only 1 great cultivator at the Nascent Soul, 6th Tier (Cultivation Realm).

The 2 ascended the Welcome Peak and personally presented their visiting cards. Soon, 3 True Lords from the Tianhuang Sect came forth to greet them.

The leader was naturally the Heaven Wasteland Sect Master. Laughing heartily across the void, he proclaimed, "Long have I heard of the renowned Abyssal Reverent and Celestial Ruins Enchantress. Today, to behold Hugo (Person Name) with mine own eyes truly brings this old man immense fortune."

"You are too courteous, fellow Daoist."

Eldrin (Person Name) cupped his hands in return and spoke with humility.

After a few polite exchanges, the group settled into their seats at the Welcome Peak. The Heaven Desolate Sect Master personally poured tea for both of them before smiling warmly. "I heard from Daoist Lingxu that you wish to purchase a fifth-tier spirit wood."

"So it is."

Eldrin nodded and stated plainly, "I am preparing to refine a spiritual treasure, but I am still missing 1 stalk of fifth-tier spirit wood."

The Lord of the Celestial Wilderness Sect chuckled lightly before adopting a solemn expression. "Our sect does indeed possess a single spirit wood. However, this divine wood possesses profound and mystical properties—it may not necessarily align with your expectations."

"Oh?" A flicker of curiosity passed through Eldrin's eyes as he inquired, "What profound wonders does it possess?"

"Fellow Daoist, pray lend me your ear."

The Lord of the Celestial Wilderness Sect did not speak plainly, instead taking flight with the 2 of them beyond the Celestial Wilderness Mountains.

The Barren Continent possessed 6 fifth-order spirit veins, and the Barren Heaven Sect laid claim to 4 of them. Their current destination was the Divine Wood Mountain, 1 of these 4 spirit veins.

After arriving at the Divine Timber Mountain, the group proceeded directly into its fifth-order wood vein. The moment they stepped into the mountain, Eldrin finally understood the origin of this sacred timber's name.

There, at the heart of the Wood Vein, several colossal trees that blotted out the sky stood firmly upon the earth. The tallest among them reached a staggering height of 10 1000 feet, truly worthy of being called an exceedingly rare Divine Wood.

Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root), Soul-Nourishing Wood.

Eldrin murmured calmly, recognizing the origin of that divine tree. The Soul-Nurturing Wood possessed the wondrous ability to nourish both spiritual soul and physical body—a rare treasure of the soul-nurturing category.

It is said that if this Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) reaches a grade as high as sixth-rank, it would likely hold immense value even for a Primordial Spirit Dao Lord.

Before him stood a spiritual plant of only mid-grade, fifth-tier, yet it was clearly an extraordinary sight to behold.

At this thought, Eldrin couldn't help but exclaim in astonishment, "Could it be that what you wish to sell is this Soul-Nurturing Wood?"

"Ha ha ha."

The Lord of Tianhuang Sect smiled faintly and said, "This Soul-Nurturing Wood is a Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root). How could its value be compared to mere fifth-grade spirit wood? Why would I ever consider selling it?"

"Likewise."

Eldrin (Person Name) also shook his head with a light laugh. This Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) nourishing divine wood was truly priceless—merely breaking off a single branch could aid a cultivator in forging a second nascent soul. How could any ordinary fifth-grade spirit wood ever compare?

Seeing this, the Heavenwaste Sect Master pointed at 2 slightly smaller fifth-stage spirit trees nearby and said, "These Soul-Nurturing Trees were cultivated from branches of the Spirit-Nourishing Wood. Though they've lost the miraculous properties of the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root), they still retain the effect of gently nourishing the divine soul."

"Therefore, its value is somewhat higher than ordinary fifth-level spirit wood. I wonder if you're willing to meet this price."

At this point, the Heavenly Wasteland Sect Master awaited Eldrin's response.

Although this Soul-Nurturing Wood is extraordinary, its soul-warming effects may prove ineffective for Eldrin (Person Name). Should Eldrin (Person Name) refuse the price increase, this transaction will likely be missed.

Chapter 1 The Azure Cloud Sect's outer gate examination had just concluded. Lin Xuan clutched the newly acquired identity token, his fingertips trembling slightly. After 3 full years of grueling effort, he had finally stepped through the threshold of immortality. "Discordant Elemental Roots... barely passing marks in both the Heart Trial and Combat Trial..." The deacon's dismissive tone still echoed in his ears, but none of that mattered now. What was important was that the 32,000 spirit stones his family had pooled together, the nearly 1000 low-grade healing pills his sister had traded her dowry for—these sacrifices had not been in vain. He followed the crowd toward the Assignment Hall. Countless white-jade platforms floated mid-air, with streams of light flickering around disciples dressed in azure robes. A 12-story pagoda towered into the clouds, its apex obscured by swirling spiritual mist—the legendary Cultivation Scripture Tower. "New disciples, form orderly lines!" An elder with a flowing white beard waved his sleeve, and a jade slip flew into each person's hand. "The sect's basic cultivation technique—the Azure Mist Art—is recorded within. Those who reach the first layer within 1 month may remain." Lin Xuan found a secluded spot beneath an ancient cypress tree and immersed his consciousness into the jade slip. Vast, profound characters materialized before his eyes: "The Dao begets 1, 1 begets 2..." He instinctively formed hand seals according to the instructions, sensing the spiritual energy between heaven and earth. Suddenly, a scorching heat erupted from his chest. The black jade pendant left by his birth parents—ordinarily dull and lifeless—now glowed with a faint crimson light. A flood of alien memories surged into his mind: A towering figure stood amidst roaring heavenly tribulation, roaring at the sky, "9 Revolutions Soul Condensation Art—this very day, I shall transcend mortality and ascend to sainthood!" He snapped his eyes open, shock coursing through him. The pendant had vanished, but the complete cultivation method was now branded deep within his consciousness. According to the records, this was a supreme technique lost since ancient times. "Hey, trash with discordant roots, still pretending to cultivate here?" A mocking voice interrupted his thoughts. A young man in brocade robes approached, surrounded by a group of followers—it was Wang Hu, the young master of the Wang Family who had bribed his way into the sect. Lin Xuan calmly rose, a faint azure glow shimmering around his body—the unmistakable sign of having reached the first layer of the Azure Mist Art. "Senior Brother Wang, do you wish to test my skills at the Dueling Platform?" Wang Hu's face shifted through several expressions. How was this possible? According to the investigation, this kid should have needed at least half a month to break through! He forced a cold laugh. "Just you wait. The Outer Gate Competition is in 3 months. Let's see how long you can keep up this act!" Under the moonlight, Lin Xuan sat cross-legged on his stone bed, circulating the 9 Revolutions Soul Condensation Art. Spiritual energy from all directions swarmed toward him like tidal waves, the absorption speed 10 times faster than the Azure Mist Art. A faint golden light slowly surfaced on his skin—the mark of the Art's first revolution completion. He opened his eyes, 2 beams of essence light flashing deep within his pupils. The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss at his waist hummed softly, as if responding to its master's breakthrough. "The path of immortality endures countless tribulations..." He murmured, gazing at the crescent moon outside the window. "But in this lifetime, I will surely reach the pinnacle."