Chapter 611 : The Flame Demon Monarch's Lair

"If that were the only issue, it would be manageable. The main problem is that the leader of the Flame Demon Monarch possesses cultivation at the Infant Soul Late Stage [the third major stage of the Primordial Spirit realm], making them exceptionally difficult to deal with."

"Furthermore, that Flame Demon Monarch is bolstered by the Underground Fire Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated fire-attribute spiritual energy], granting them a near-bottomless well of magical power. Even a Human Race cultivator at the Infant Soul Late Stage might struggle to overcome them in a one-on-one confrontation."

At this point, the Heavenly Reed Sect Master added with a bitter smile, "To be perfectly honest, had I not come fully prepared this time and been protected by the Heavenly Hut Command [a powerful defensive magical treasure], this old man might have met his end within that Underground Fire Vein."

"So that's how it is."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. A Flame Demon Monarch nurtured for millennia within an Earth Vein [a concentrated line of earth-attribute spiritual energy] might have a slightly weaker foundation and magical power compared to a Human Race cultivator at the Infant Soul Late Stage, but with the endless support of the Underground Fire Vein, its combat prowess would indeed be a formidable challenge.

Seeing that the situation was now clear, the Heavenly Reed Sect Master continued, "That is precisely why I sought an alliance with your clan."

"Your Chen Clan boasts six True Lord [a title for cultivators at the Golden Core realm]. Combined with the strength of our Heavenly Reed Sect, we would stand a reasonable chance of seizing that Underground Fire Vein."

Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow slightly upon hearing this, pondering before speaking. "With the Underground Fire Vein empowering them, the Flame Demon [a general term for fire-attribute demons] possess a nearly inexhaustible supply of mana. Even if your Heavenly Reed Sect and our Chen Clan were to commit our full forces, victory is far from assured."

"What are you suggesting?" the Heavenly Reed Sect Master asked, a flicker of hesitation in his gaze.

Exquisite Jiang, who understood Eldrin Chen best, took over the conversation. "The Immortal Maiden Violet Consort has already reached the Infant Soul 3rd Tier [the third minor tier within the Infant Soul stage]. Her strength is not weak even among those at the Infant Soul Mid Stage." Published by audio-novel . com. All rights reserved.

"Moreover, Ethereal Mistress Ling is the reincarnation of a True Lord [a powerful cultivator who has attained the Nascent Soul realm] and has already cultivated to the Infant Soul 4th Tier [the fourth level of the Nascent Soul realm]. With their aid, our chances of success are greatly increased."

"This..."

The Heavenly Reed Sect Master hesitated slightly. The value of a Fifth Rank High-Grade Underground Fire Vein [a subterranean spiritual vein rich in fire-attribute energy] was utterly staggering. Across the entire Three Veins Ancient Domain, there were no fewer than several hundred Fifth Rank low to mid-grade Earth Vein [spiritual earth veins], yet those that could reach the Fifth Rank High-Grade level numbered merely a dozen or so.

Such immense wealth would surely tempt even the top-tier Infant Soul Immortal Clan [an immortal clan led by Nascent Soul cultivators]. Once seized, his confidence in breaking through to the Infant Soul Late Stage [the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm] would soar.

In his heart, he was reluctant to involve too many others. For every additional True Lord who joined, his Heavenly Reed Sect's share of the final spoils would diminish by a portion.

Seeing his expression, Eldrin Chen spoke up: "Even if our two families combined possess the strength to overcome that Flame Demon Race [a race of demons attuned to flame], they are backed by a Fifth Rank Earth Vein [a fifth-rank spiritual earth vein]. Capturing it would likely come at a significant cost."

"Setting other matters aside, even if we succeed in seizing this Underground Fire Vein, the value of a Fifth Rank High-Grade Earth Vein is such that it would stir the greed of cultivators at the Great Perfection of Infant Soul [the peak of the Nascent Soul realm]."

"If, in the process, our two families suffer the loss of several True Lord, will we still be able to hold this Underground Fire Vein?"

His words stirred contemplation in the others. The Longbeard Path Master also sent a voice transmission to the Heavenly Reed Sect Master: "The Returning Abyss Path Master [a title for a master of the Returning Abyss path] speaks true. With the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a great calamity involving demonic incursions] less than two hundred years away, we cannot afford to deplete our combat strength now."

"Furthermore, the most pressing matter is your breakthrough to the Infant Soul Late Stage."

"That is indeed true."

The Heavenly Reed Sect Master nodded, pondered for a moment, and then said, "However, this Underground Fire Vein was discovered by us first and lies within our Tianlu Continent. Therefore, after the matter is concluded, this old man hopes to have the first pick of the treasures."

"This..."

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly, understanding that the other party's desire for first pick stemmed from a fear of missing the opportunity to break through to the Infant Soul Late Stage.

With this thought, he nodded and said, "I can make the decision on this matter."

"Excellent." Only then did the Heavenly Reed Sect Master reveal a smile, adding, "As for Violet Consort Mountain and Ethereal Void Mountain, this old man is not familiar with them. I must trouble you, Fellow Daoist, to inform them on our behalf."

"That can be easily arranged."

Seeing the Heavenly Reed Sect Master agree, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a faint smile.

His reason for bringing in Violet Consort Yan and Ethereal Mistress Ling was not merely to bolster their strength; he had his own considerations.

The Chen Clan already possessed four Fifth Rank Spiritual Veins: Verdant Lotus Isle, Spirit Lake Isle, the Hundred-Thousand-Mile Great Wasteland, and Immortal Apricot Island. Within the next century, they were also set to add the Spiritual Vein of Eight Trigrams Island.

Occupying such a significant share of the profits, the Chen Clan itself faced immense pressure. The clan's True Lord [a powerful cultivator at the Golden Core stage] found no time to venture out for distant travels and experiences, which in turn hindered the cultivation progress of other clan members.

Therefore, bringing along Violet Consort Yan and others served a dual purpose: it was a gesture of goodwill that built favor, and it helped share the burden borne by the Chen Clan. Why would one not welcome such an arrangement?

Having reached this conclusion, Eldrin Chen smiled and added, "My friend, Fellow Daoist Mo-ink, and the Chen Clan's guest elder, Quentin Qiu, have both recently broken through to the Infant Soul [the stage following Golden Core, where the cultivator's nascent soul forms] realm. Currently, neither possesses even a single Fifth Rank Spiritual Vein [a high-grade source of concentrated spiritual energy]."

"Why not invite them as well? They need not receive a share of the profits. Simply promise them the right to garrison the Underground Fire Vein [a subterranean vein rich in fire-attribute spiritual energy] after our success, with an annual stipend. I am certain they would be most willing."

Upon hearing this, Longbeard Path Master glanced at the Heavenly Reed Sect Master and sent a discreet mental message: "This Eldrin Chen has gathered several friends. Should we not also call upon some allies for assistance?"

"Unnecessary," the Heavenly Reed Sect Master replied mentally, his expression unchanged, having now accepted the situation. "Fellow Daoist Mo-ink and Quentin Qiu are offering their aid without claiming any equity stake—essentially working for free. Furthermore, they will later garrison the Underground Fire Vein for us." Read, share, and discuss at audio-novel*com.

"If we bring in more people, we would only further dilute our own share of the gains."

"For Eldrin Chen to begin weaving such a wide web of goodwill at this stage... it suggests he truly aspires to the Primordial Spirit Realm [a profound cultivation stage where one's primordial spirit is fully formed] and is laying the groundwork early for protectors to aid him during his future Primordial Spirit Tribulation [the heavenly tribulation one faces when attempting to ascend to the Primordial Spirit Realm]. We might as well seize this opportunity to foster a good relationship with him."

Longbeard Path Master was inwardly shaken by these words and offered no further argument.

Seeing this, the Heavenly Reed Sect Master nodded with a smile. "Once we seize the Fire Vein within the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire [a dangerous region of perpetual, magical flames], we will need to station at least three True Lord there day and night for its defense. Having the assistance of Fellow Daoist Mo-ink and Fellow Daoist Qiu will undoubtedly greatly alleviate the strain on our manpower."

"I can agree to this matter."

"Then it is settled."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, agreed upon a time with the Heavenly Reed Sect Master, and then the two of them boarded the Greenjade Phoenix Feather Boat and flew back to Spirit Isle Lake.

Upon arriving at Spirit Isle Lake, he immediately summoned the clan's cultivators, arranged personnel for the upcoming battle, and sent letters to Violet Consort Yan and others, informing them of the situation.

The environment of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire was exceedingly harsh; even Foundation Establishment Cultivator would struggle to survive there for extended periods. Therefore, for this campaign, Eldrin Chen did not intend to mobilize a massive, costly force.

Aside from the clan's True Lord level experts, he only brought several hundred cultivators at the Violet Sanctum realm or above. However, he did bring along the Crimson Flood Dragon Treasure Ship.

Once these people were assembled, Violet Consort Yan and the others, having received the letters, promptly arrived at Spirit Isle Lake with their disciples.

Seeing that everyone had gathered, Eldrin Chen said, "Board the Treasure Ship first. We can discuss the details once we reach Tianlu Continent."

The Crimson Dragon Treasure Ship could travel a million Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] in a single day. In just a few days, it arrived at the edge of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire.

The periphery of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire was already cordoned off by cultivators from Tianlu Continent. The Heavenly Reed Sect Master had been waiting for some time. Seeing their arrival, he laughed and said, "You've arrived even sooner than this old man anticipated." Join our community of readers at audio-novel dot com.