Chapter 601 : Alliances of the Immortal Clans

Among the three Immortal Clans on this list, one hailed from the Vast Sea, while the other two originated from the Ji Continent.

The Immortal Clan from the Vast Sea was named the Chiang Clan. This lineage boasted six Golden Core Cultivators and had accrued no small amount of Merits [a metaphysical "currency" representing virtuous deeds and good karma] in the previous great war. In the current conflict, they could be said to have committed their full strength.

The two powers from the Ji Continent were familiar to Eldrin Chen. One was the Shyu Immortal Clan of the Chen Nation. That Xavier Xu had attempted his breakthrough to the Nascent Soul realm less than thirty years prior and now wished to gamble on another attempt.

Aside from these two, the final clan came from the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect. This sect's Golden Core True Person from earlier years had a past connection with Eldrin Chen.

The True Person Great Defense of those bygone days shared a deep bond with Eldrin Chen, having spared no effort in aiding the Chen Clan repeatedly during major conflicts. Later, the Bright Wilderness True Person also poured his heart and soul into numerous battles.

After the Bright Wilderness True Person fell in battle at Demonic Ape Mountain, Eldrin Chen, mindful of their past ties, granted special permission for the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect to join the Heavenly Ruins Alliance.

Over the years, the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect, clinging closely to the Chen Immortal Clan, had developed quite smoothly. They had also contributed both resources and manpower for the Chen Clan in several wars, which was why the Old Patriarch had included them on the list.

Eldrin Chen reviewed the list and then removed Xavier Xu's name, stating, "Xavier Xu will need at least seventy years before he can attempt another breakthrough to the Nascent Soul realm. Moreover, we just rewarded him with a Nascent Soul Formation Pill [a legendary pill that aids in forming the Nascent Soul]. Granting him another favor now might stir discontent among others."

Eternal Profound Chen nodded, his gaze settling on the two remaining names in his hand. Both the Chiang Clan and the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect had contributed significantly on multiple occasions, making the choice difficult.

After a moment of contemplation, he spoke directly, "The candidate from the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect is named Clear Heart Path Master. This person is the direct descendant of Grand Granary Old Demon and True Person Taiqing." Your portal to cultivation novels: audio . novel . com.

"During the confrontation at Demonic Ape Mountain against Azure Wave Lake years ago, he saved the life of Ethan. It is said this person achieved enlightenment of mind and nature, breaking through to the Golden Core Realm in a moment of sudden awakening. His hope of advancing to the Infant Soul realm is likely even greater."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. Looking at the information in his hand, he discovered that this Clear Heart Path Master was actually a Middle-Tier Golden Core cultivator.

After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Since he is the son of an old friend, have him come see me after we return."

Having roughly decided on the candidates for the Nascent Soul Formation Pill, the Treasure Ship sailed for several more months before finally returning the cultivators from Vast Sea and Chen Nation to their homes.

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

"After a short period of secluded cultivation upon returning, I should be able to advance to the Golden Core 6th Tier."

Clad in a black robe, Ethan Chen's once-sharp gaze had grown more restrained, having already grasped a wisp of sword intent [the conceptual essence and willpower focused through a swordsman's spirit].

He had Forming the Golden Core [achieved the Golden Core realm] at over three hundred and eighty years of age. Now, merely one hundred and sixty-some years after his breakthrough into the Golden Core realm, his cultivation had progressed to such an extent.

This showed that his speed of cultivation within the Golden Core Realm was nearly on par with Eldrin Chen's own legendary pace from years past.

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this. It seemed that within two Sixty-Year Cycle [a complete cycle of sixty years, a significant unit of time in cultivation], Ethan Chen would be able to cultivate to Golden Core Perfection.

With this thought in mind, Eldrin Chen inquired, "I've heard you are rather familiar with Clear Heart Path Master from the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect. Tell me, what is this person like?"

"Clear Heart..."

Ethan Chen pondered for a moment before speaking thoughtfully, "In his early years, his talent was considered quite ordinary. However, the incident where Grand Granary Old Demon slew True Person Taiqing struck him profoundly."

"Later, after reforging his Path Heart [the core determination and will of a cultivator], he secluded himself within the Hinter Peaks, withdrawing from worldly affairs. Unbeknownst to all, he eventually attained enlightenment of the State of Dustless Path Heart."

"The Dustless Path Heart."

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly. The Dustless Path Heart was an exceedingly rare and special state of enlightenment. Cultivators who comprehended it often experienced cultivation breakthroughs with astonishing speed, far surpassing ordinary practitioners.

That Clear Heart Path Master had only broken through to the Golden Core realm three Sixty-Year Cycle ago. His cultivation resources paled in comparison to those of an Infant Soul Immortal Clan, yet he had already reached the Golden Core Perfection stage. This clearly demonstrated the remarkable power of the Dustless Path Heart.

"It seems he is a natural-born seed for the Great Path [the ultimate principle and goal of cultivation]," Eldrin mused.

After a moment of internal deliberation, Eldrin Chen commanded, "Go to Verdant Azure Mountain and summon Clear Heart Path Master to see me."

"Ethan understands."

Ethan Chen gave a slight nod and stepped out of the Great Hall.

"..."

The Verdant Azure Mountains.

Ever since the Demon Cave was jointly cleansed by the Chu Nation Cultivation World many years ago and the Black Eagle Demon King fled the Verdant Azure Mountains, this vast mountain range had fallen into the hands of the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect.

Occupying the expansive Verdant Azure Mountains and with the support of the Chen Immortal Clan, the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect had grown increasingly powerful without anyone quite noticing. By now, it boasted six Golden Core cultivators within its ranks, its strength having returned to its former peak.

Deep within the Hinter Peaks of Verdant Azure Mountain, two Foundation Establishment Cultivator were making their way inward. This chapter is part of a larger work available at audio-novel dot com.

"Senior Brother," a young man said, his face full of confusion, "why would the person the Chen Clan Patriarch wishes to see be here in the Hinter Peaks? Could there be a mistake?"

"Shh..." The other man's expression shifted slightly, and he quickly hushed his companion. He then cautiously sent a mental message, "That individual is a renowned Sword Immortal known throughout the Ji Continent. How could he possibly make such an error?"

Though he said this, the senior brother was also somewhat puzzled.

The Hinter Peaks of Verdant Azure Mountain had always been the domain of Serene. Apart from an ancestral shrine dedicated to the past patriarchs of Verdant Azure Mountain, few other cultivators ever came here.

Perplexed, the two arrived before the ancestral shrine and found no one else present except for an elderly cultivator sweeping the grounds.

Seeing this, the senior brother clasped his hands and inquired, "Might the venerable Granduncle Clear Heart be present? This disciple has a matter requiring an audience."

Mentioning this title stirred doubt in their hearts. The 'Ming' generation held an exceedingly high seniority within the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect, a full rank above even the current Sect Master, Verdant Azure. They had not imagined a Patriarch of that generation still resided in the seclusion of the Hinter Peaks.

At that moment, the elderly sweeper nearby looked up and asked, "What business do you have with this old man?"

"This..." The two disciples were taken aback but quickly responded with deference, "We are here to request an audience and deliver a message."

"Ethan Chen," Clear Heart Path Master stated calmly after listening. "You may bring him here."

After the two departed, Clear Heart Path Master fell silent, his gaze lifting to contemplate the Heavenly Vault.

"Clear Heart... a name from a distant past."

His existence was a forbidden secret for the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect, an unspoken pain. Like withered wood, he remained obscure in a forgotten corner of the sect, silently witnessing its vigorous growth.

All these years, he had cultivated in seclusion within the Hinter Peaks. Apart from lending his strength to the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect during each great conflict, he had scarcely ever emerged from the mountains.

Unbeknownst to all, within the entire Verdant Azure Immortal Sect, aside from the Sect Master and a few Golden Core True Person [cultivators who have formed a Golden Core, the third major realm], no one else knew his Daoist title anymore.

As he was lost in thought, a figure clad in a black robe stepped through the air and came to stand beside him, gazing together at the vast expanse of heaven and earth below Verdant Azure Mountain.

"It's been many years. You've aged again."

Ethan Chen let out a sigh. This Clear Heart Path Master had not chosen to preserve his youthful appearance, and without anyone noticing, he too had aged considerably. Original publication: audio-novel`com - The source of this chapter.