Chapter 661 : The Last Stand of Twilight

"If every Immortal Clan were to cling to life and fear death, then who would stand against the cataclysm?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head and sighed, saying, "Someone must always stand at the forefront, to exert their strength for the myriad beings of the Human Race."

"To have such resolve, you are truly worthy of being a pillar of our Human Race."

Jaxian Huan revealed a gratified smile and personally recorded his name on the roster.

Then, he took out a Spirit Talisman [a paper or jade slip inscribed with powerful seals and spells] and handed it to Eldrin Chen, before speaking, "This impending cataclysm is no ordinary affair. This Spirit Talisman was inscribed by My Master and contains the Defensive Divine Ability 'Setting Sun Divine Shroud' [a protective technique that manifests as a shroud of twilight energy]."

"This Talisman could originally be activated three times. Now, it has but one use remaining. If you employ it wisely, you may yet seize a sliver of survival."

"This..."

Eldrin Chen's heart trembled. A Talisman personally inscribed by Riverlord Chang was undoubtedly a priceless treasure beyond measure.

For Jaxian Huan to entrust it to myself, it was likely upon Riverlord Chang's own instruction, a gesture for Jaxian Huan to further strengthen ties with myself.

With the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a great calamity involving the eruption of demonic forces from a chasm] drawing near, the value of all resources within the Eastern Wastelands had skyrocketed. This Spirit Talisman, a Sixth Rank Supreme Treasure [a treasure of the sixth rank, a supreme grade artifact], was of incalculable worth. Even mighty beings at the Half-Step Primordial Spirit [a realm just half a step below the Primordial Spirit stage] would fight tooth and nail for it. For the best reading experience, visit audi0-n0vel.c0m.

Given Jaxian Huan's personal wealth, it is highly improbable and unlikely that he would be willing to part with such an item and bestow it upon myself.

With this thought in mind, Eldrin Chen clasped his hands and declared, "This object is a priceless treasure to me. By accepting it today, Eldrin shall engrave this favor upon my heart and will assuredly repay it in kind in the days to come."

"There is no need for such solemnity."

Jaxian Huan shook his head with a smile and then said, "We are both destined to tread the path to Dao Lord [a supreme title for a master of the Dao]. In the future, let us simply support each other as fellow travelers."

Eldrin Chen spoke no more. With utmost care, he accepted the Setting Sun Divine Aura Talisman [a powerful talisman imbued with the essence of the setting sun]. After giving a solemn nod, he finally took his leave.

Meanwhile, high above in the void, two figures of transcendent grace were gathered, engaged in a game of Go. They were none other than Riverlord Chang and Lin Tianqi.

Tianqi the Dao Lord [the Dao Lord Tianqi] glanced at Eldrin Chen's retreating figure before asking, "What exceptional qualities does this person possess to earn such high regard from you, Brother Ronan?"

"His innate talent, his Dao-heart [the cultivator's core of will and understanding of the Dao], and even his soul essence are all extraordinary. I foresee he will undoubtedly become one of our ranks in time."

Riverlord Chang placed a piece on the board and said with a gentle smile, "It was merely a Sixth Rank [the sixth major stage of cultivation] low-grade Spirit Talisman [a talisman infused with spiritual power]. Using it to help my disciple forge a valuable connection is hardly a waste of resources."

"Then why did you not give it to him myself?"

"You fail to grasp the nuance," Riverlord Chang replied with a faint smile. "What I gave him was a reward from a superior. What that lad Jaxian the Daoist gave him was a gesture of fellowship."

"A senior's favor will one day be exhausted, but the mutual exchange of courtesies between Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for cultivators of similar standing] can deepen bonds over time."

Tianqi the Dao Lord [a title meaning 'Dao Lord who Abandons Heaven'] arched a sword-like brow, his expression dismissive. "So many convoluted twists. Even bestowing a gift comes with layers of calculation. If you devoted this cunning to your cultivation, you might have broken through to the Primordial Spirit, Late Stage [the advanced stage of the Primordial Spirit realm, where one's spiritual core is immensely powerful] long ago."

"Every person walks their own path. I do not cultivate the Sword Dao [the Dao or Path of the Sword, a martial and direct cultivation philosophy], so I am not like you."

Riverlord Chang stated plainly, his smile fading as he grew serious. "What of the matter I entrusted to you?"

Tianqi the Dao Lord ceased his movements. With a mere flick of his sleeve, he produced a white jade Treasure Box [a container, often enchanted, for storing precious items] and handed it to Riverlord Chang.

Riverlord Chang snatched the white jade Treasure Box and opened it with utmost care. Inside rested a single Immortal Apricot [a mythical fruit of immense spiritual power, often associated with longevity], brimming with the essence of Pure Yang [the pure, active, masculine principle of cosmic energy] and emanating a soft, immortal radiance.

Observing his expression, Tianqi the Dao Lord spoke calmly. "The Immortal Apricot borne from the Nirvana Immortal Apricot Tree [a legendary tree whose fruit can grant rebirth or profound renewal] can grant you a second life, restoring you to your prime."

"With this, I can add another ten thousand years to my lifespan. Finally, there is a glimmer of hope to break through to the Primordial Spirit, Late Stage."

Riverlord Chang spoke, then shook his head with a sigh. "A pity I used several Life-Extending Spiritual Object [rare treasures that can prolong a cultivator's natural lifespan] in my earlier years. Now, this is my last chance to employ such a Longevity Treasure [a treasure specifically crafted or used to extend one's lifespan]."

"Otherwise, this old man might still have a sliver of hope to comprehend the power of a Law and attempt to ascend to the realm of Ascend to Immortal Eternity [the ultimate state of immortality and eternal existence]."

Lin Tianqi watched silently, uttering not a single word.

Whether it is cultivating the power of a Law or condensing an Immortal Dao Fruit [the metaphysical fruit of one's cultivation path, representing supreme achievement], both are endeavors of immense difficulty.

Many supreme Peerless Dao Lord [a cultivator who has reached the pinnacle of the Dao Lord realm] may toil in the mortal world for tens of thousands of years yet fail to grasp the power of a Law.

As for those capable of cultivating Law power within ten thousand years, they are peerless Heaven's Chosen [individuals blessed by heaven with extraordinary talent] of rare, world-shaking caliber. In the entire Purple Realm [a vast and ancient cultivation world], only one person has achieved this in tens of thousands of years: Jiang the Sovereign Emperor.

Even if Riverlord Chang consumed the Nirvana Immortal Apricot [a legendary fruit said to grant rebirth or profound longevity], he would likely only have one lifetime's worth of longevity. Whether he could break through the bottleneck of the Primordial Spirit, Late Stage [the advanced stage of the Primordial Spirit realm] and cultivate to the Great Perfection of the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, a high-level cultivation stage] remains unknown, let alone achieving Ascend to Immortal Eternity. Visit audio-novel .c om to enjoy the complete series.

Though this was the case, Lin Tianqi nevertheless stated, "One must still try. What if one succeeds?"

After presenting his gift, Eldrin Chen did not immediately depart from the Long River Sacred Land.

This gathering of several thousand True Lord [a title for high-level cultivators, often at the Golden Core realm or above] was a grand event encountered only once in a Millennium [a period of one thousand years] within the Eastern Wastelands [a vast, desolate region], and naturally, it included a Barter Convention [a large-scale market or fair where cultivators trade treasures].

Coinciding with the imminent Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a great calamity involving demons erupting from an abyss], both Spirit Talisman [enchanted paper slips inscribed with powerful spells] and Spiritual Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts] had become urgently needed supplies. Some sought to sell surplus treasures to profit from Heavenly Crystal [a purified and high-density form of spiritual energy crystal], but the majority were focused on acquiring artifacts to strengthen their Deep-Seated Foundation [the profound and unshakable foundation of a cultivator's power].

With many buyers and few sellers, prices naturally soared, climbing higher and higher.

According to Eldrin Chen's knowledge, the value of Spirit Talisman [enchanted paper slips that can release a pre-stored spell] had risen by forty percent, the price of Spiritual Treasure [enchanted artifacts used by cultivators] had increased by fifty percent, and various strategic supplies like Formation Flags [enchanted banners used to set up magical arrays] and Treasure Ship [flying vessels used for transport and combat] saw their prices skyrocket in a straight line.

Even so, supply still struggled to meet demand. In contrast, cultivation arts and Divine Ability [innate or learned supernatural powers], which require significant time to master and represent a clan's Deep-Seated Foundation [profound and enduring legacy], saw their prices drop slightly.

However, Eldrin Chen did not have many Heavenly Crystal [a high-purity form of spiritual energy crystal] on hand, and his clan was not lacking in Spiritual Treasure or Spirit Talisman, so there was naturally no need for him to pay inflated prices for such treasures.

He waited at the Barter Convention [a gathering for cultivators to trade goods] for three days. After purchasing a few stalks of Fifth Rank Spirit Medicine [spirit herbs of the fifth rank, suitable for high-level cultivation], he ceased buying further treasures.

Among these Fifth Rank Spirit Medicine, two were primary ingredients for the Fifth Rank Essence Restoration Pill [a fifth-rank pill that restores a cultivator's true essence]. Eldrin Chen intended to use them to refine Recovery Pill [pills that restore spiritual energy or vitality].

In addition, there were two stalks of Coagulation Blood Fruit [a spirit fruit that aids in blood coagulation and vitality], which could be used to refine the Reviving Sun Coagulation Pill [a pill that revitalizes and coagulates life force]. This was an exceptionally precious Fifth Rank Middle Grade Healing Pill [a pill that mends wounds and restores health].

Finally, there was one stalk of Demon-Suppressing Flower [a flower known for its demonic energy suppression properties], which could refine the Demon-Subduing Pill [a pill that suppresses demonic energy]. Eldrin Chen bought it as a precaution for unforeseen circumstances.

After purchasing these Pill, Eldrin Chen immediately withdrew from participating further in the Barter Convention.

Before departing, he sought out the Grand Elder of the Heaven's Profound Sect, Hong the Daoist, and said with a smile, "I wonder if Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator] still has any Profound Water Immortal Pear [a mystical pear imbued with profound water energy] in your possession?"

Upon hearing this, Hong the Daoist [a cultivator of the Daoist path] wore an expression of hesitation. Not long ago, the sect master of the Heaven's Profound Sect [a major cultivation sect] had exhausted his lifespan and passed away in meditation. Now, the Heaven's Profound Sect no longer had a Half-Step Primordial Spirit [a cultivator on the verge of achieving a Primordial Spirit] to serve as its pillar and guardian.

Furthermore, the sect's Profound Water Immortal Pear [a mystical fruit grown on a spiritual tree] was now on the verge of withering. From this point onward, each Profound Water Immortal Pear used would be one less, with no promise of replacement.

Thus, in all honesty, he was reluctant to part with a Profound Water Immortal Pear. However, the thought of Eldrin Chen's connections with the Ji Clan [a powerful and ancient cultivation clan] gave him pause and stirred uncertainty within his heart.

"It is said this Abyssal Daoist [a title for Eldrin Chen, meaning 'Daoist of the Abyss'] possesses combat prowess not inferior to a Nascent Soul Late Stage [the late stage of the Nascent Soul cultivation realm] cultivator," he mused. "Now that my Heaven's Profound Sect has begun its decline, perhaps it would be wise to seize this chance to forge a bond of goodwill. Should misfortune befall us in the future, we might then call upon him for support." Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audio‑novel.com.