Chapter 638 : The Immortal Clam's Bounty

Although the accelerated cultivation speed would consume more resources, it ultimately saved one hundred and fifty years of arduous cultivation time.

However, Fifth Rank Spirit Shell Pearl [a rare pearl of immense spiritual value] were exceedingly rare. A single Fifth Rank Spirit Shell [a giant spiritual clam] could only nurture one pearl every ten Sixty-Year Cycle [a cycle of sixty years].

The twenty Spirit Shell Pearl presented by the Seven-Colored Immortal Clam [a powerful clam demon] represented nearly half of the Immortal Clam Clan's accumulated wealth over several millennia.

The two strands of Earth Mother Energy [a potent earth-attribute spiritual essence] were born from this Earth Vein [a concentrated ley line of earth energy], while the three Spirit Shell shells were the remains of three Fifth Rank Spirit Shell that had passed away over the Spirit Shell Clan's long history.

After receiving the treasures, Immortal Maiden Six Desires spoke, "One pair of Spirit Shell shells is valued at one hundred Heavenly Crystal [a high-grade spiritual crystal]. Three pairs total three hundred Heavenly Crystal."

"The Earth Mother Energy is two hundred Heavenly Crystal, bringing the sum to four hundred Heavenly Crystal."

"As for the twenty Spirit Shell Pearl, let us price them at fifty Heavenly Crystal each."

"Agreed."

Everyone nodded, proceeding to divide the treasures according to the prearranged shares.

As per the agreement, the share for combat power at the Infant Soul Early Stage [the early stage of the Infant Soul realm] was two-tenths, at the Infant Soul Mid Stage [the mid stage] it was five-tenths, and at the Infant Soul Late Stage [the late stage] it was one and five-tenths of the total treasure. Find thousands of chapters at audio-novel`com.

With combat prowess comparable to the Infant Soul Late Stage [the advanced stage of the Infant Soul cultivation realm], Eldrin Chen was allocated one and a half shares of the spoils. Exquisite Jiang's strength fell slightly short of the Infant Soul Late Stage [the advanced stage of the Infant Soul cultivation realm], yet her formidable power still earned her a full share.

Combined, the two of them secured roughly two and a half shares of the treasures. Meanwhile, Immortal Maiden Six Desires [a cultivator known for her mastery over the six worldly desires] and Desert Calm Jiang together claimed three shares.

The remaining four and a half shares were divided among the dozen or so other Infant Soul True Lord [cultivators who have reached the True Lord level within the Infant Soul realm], each receiving a not insignificant portion.

After careful calculation, Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang exchanged their share for eight Spirit Shell Pearl [pearls formed from the condensed essence of spiritual clams, prized for accelerating cultivation], opting not to take any other treasures.

They currently lacked for neither Spiritual Treasure [enchanted artifacts of significant power]. Even the Earth Mother Energy [the primordial, nurturing energy of the earth] produced by their family's several Earth Vein [subterranean channels of concentrated earth energy] combined could yield one such pearl every two to three centuries on average. Thus, the Spirit Shell Pearl [pearls formed from the condensed essence of spiritual clams, prized for accelerating cultivation], which directly enhanced cultivation speed, remained their most pressing need.

Once the treasures were divided, the group did not linger long at the Nine Dragons Pool [a legendary pool associated with nine dragons]. They still needed to deal with the cultivators outside, lest anyone else sneak into the Nine Dragons Pool [a legendary pool associated with nine dragons].

However, Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang did not depart immediately. Eldrin cupped his hands respectfully towards the Seven-Colored Immortal Clam [a mythical clam demon beast with a seven-colored shell] and inquired, "Might I ask, honored one, about a friend of mine? He inadvertently entered the Nine Dragons Pool [a legendary pool associated with nine dragons]. I wonder if he is in your custody."

"Are you referring to the cultivator who obtained the Nine Dragon Command Token [a token of authority linked to the nine dragons]?"

The Seven-Colored Immortal Clam [a mythical clam demon beast with a seven-colored shell] shifted her beautiful gaze slightly, then offered a graceful bow. "This humble one is named Nyssa Qu. You may simply call me Nyssa."

"In recent times, aside from your group, he is the only other to have entered this place," Nyssa Qu affirmed with another slight nod. "Please, follow me."

Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang exchanged a glance, then followed Nyssa Qu deeper into the heart of the Nine Dragons Pool.

After an indeterminate passage of time, Nyssa Qu led the group to the entrance of a pitch-black cavern dwelling.

Within the cavern, the Recluse of Verdant Verse sat cross-legged, his aura frighteningly weak, a clear sign his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] had suffered a grievous wound.

"He obtained the Nine Dragon Command Token and claimed the legacy of the Nine Dragons Pool's Progenitor."

"But that Nine Dragon Primordial Ancestor was utterly malicious. A wisp of his remnant soul lured him back to the Nine Dragons Pool, seeking to seize his body."

Nyssa Qu continued, her voice steady, "Fortunately, the Nine Dragon Primordial Ancestor had perished millennia ago. That remnant soul was already at the brink of dissipation, and against all odds, he managed to withstand it."

As Nyssa Qu recounted the tale, Eldrin Chen finally understood the chain of events.

The Nine Dragon Primordial Ancestor was a unique flood dragon with nine heads, said to be a descendant of the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor—born from the union between the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor and a Nine-headed Serpent Demon Emperor.

This Nine-headed Flood Dragon fused the True Dragon Bloodline [the pure, potent lineage of a genuine dragon] of the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor. With nine flood dragon heads, its bloodline power surpassed even that of a nine-headed serpent.

Its cultivation had once reached the pinnacle of the Half-Step Primordial Spirit realm, arguably on par with the Azure Flood Dragon Demon Emperor. Strictly speaking, its seniority was a full generation above the Azure Flood Dragon's; they were likely uncle and nephew.

This Nine-headed Flood Dragon [a powerful, nine-headed serpentine water demon] was slain by a Human Race [the collective term for humanity in this cultivation world] great power over ten thousand years ago. The exact circumstances of that ancient battle have long been lost to the mists of time.

Yet, this Nine-headed Flood Dragon proved to be a truly extraordinary creature of potent bloodline. Not only did each of its nine offspring become Demon Emperor [powerful rulers among demonkind], but its own vitality was so immense that even after ten millennia, a wisp of its remnant soul clung to existence, seeking a host for possession.

Alas, it underestimated Recluse of Verdant Verse [a title meaning 'Hermit of the Verdant Poem'] and overestimated its own dwindling strength.

After all, Recluse of Verdant Verse was a Middle-Tier Golden Core [the middle stage of the Golden Core cultivation realm] cultivator at the False Infant Soul Realm [a pseudo-realm just below the true Infant Soul stage]. While the Nine-headed Flood Dragon had once been a Half-Step Primordial Spirit [a being halfway to achieving a Primordial Spirit], it had been slain for ten thousand years. Its final, feeble attempt at possession with a mere shred of soul ultimately ended in failure.

Witnessing this outcome, Eldrin Chen smiled once more. "Brother Verdant Verse has weathered this tribulation and gained the legacy of a Half-Step Primordial Spirit Demon Emperor. His future path is clear; he will likely cultivate at least to the Infant Soul Late Stage [the advanced stage of the Infant Soul realm]."

"Our clan still possesses one Earth Mother Energy [a precious spiritual essence of profound earthly vitality]. Upon our return, I shall retrieve it to lend him further aid." Visit audio-novel .c om to enjoy the complete series.

Speaking thus, Eldrin Chen clasped his hands respectfully towards Nyssa Qu. "It was, after all, my friend who brought the Nine Dragons Pool [a legendary pool associated with nine dragons] back into the light of day. For this disturbance, I must offer you my apologies, Immortal Maiden."

"There is no need for that,"

Nyssa Qu sighed, shaking her head with a bitter smile. "I have long understood that a place of perfect peace, utterly removed from the world's strife, cannot truly exist."

"To have lived carefree for several thousand years within the Nine Dragons Pool was already a heaven-sent fortune for our Spirit Shell Clan [a clan of spiritual beings, often associated with shells or pearls]."

At this point, Nyssa Qu turned her gaze towards Eldrin Chen and said, "I've heard that cultivators of the Human Race are adept at setting up Formation arrays. Now that our Nine Dragons Pool has emerged into the world, to ensure its safety, we will likely need to establish a high-grade protective Formation."

"Therefore, I wish to ask for your assistance in setting up a mountain-protecting Formation array for us."

"It's not quite that exaggerated," Eldrin Chen replied with a light chuckle, shaking his head. "Most cultivators of the Human Race specialize in specific arts; those capable of deploying Fifth Rank Formation arrays are not exactly common."

He continued, "However, regarding the Dao of Formation arrays, I do possess some understanding and am capable of setting up a Fifth Rank High-Grade grand formation."

"Truly?"

Delight flickered in Nyssa Qu's beautiful eyes. "That settles it then," she said eagerly. "If you are willing to establish a Fifth Rank Mountain Protection Formation for me, I am prepared to offer a substantial reward."

As she spoke, she produced a luminous pearl shimmering with seven colors, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

"This is a Seven-colored Immortal Pearl [a precious pearl formed from the condensed essence of a spirit being, radiant with seven hues] that naturally shed from my form. While not as precious as my innate core pearl, it can still increase one's chances of a breakthrough to the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a major advancement in cultivation] realm by ten percent."

"I offer this as your compensation."

"This..."

Eldrin Chen's breathing grew slightly ragged. A supreme treasure that could increase one's chances of a Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] breakthrough by a full ten percent—this was nearly equivalent to half a Primordial Spirit Pill [a legendary pill that aids in forming the Primordial Spirit].

The value of such an object could not be measured in Heavenly Crystal [a high-purity form of spiritual energy crystal] or Spirit Stone [a mineral that stores and radiates spiritual energy]. If word got out, even a Half-Step Primordial Spirit [a cultivator on the verge of achieving a Primordial Spirit] would be driven to ecstatic frenzy, inevitably plunging the world into a river of blood.

That it could nurture such a treasure was no wonder the Seven-Colored Immortal Clam [a mythical clam demon beast] was hailed as a Mythical Immortal Seed [a legendary entity with the potential for immortality]. Even a Nine Heavens Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended through the nine heavenly realms] would regard it as a priceless jewel.

Consider that Nyssa Qu's cultivation was merely at the Great Perfection of Infant Soul [the peak stage before forming the Primordial Spirit]. If she were to cultivate all the way to the Primordial Spirit Realm [the realm of the spiritual core], wouldn't the Seven-colored Immortal Pearl [a magical pearl of seven colors] she condensed be even more astonishing?

At this thought, Eldrin Chen's breath hitched once more. He couldn't help but glance at Nyssa Qu, wondering if he should try to coax her back with him.

Yet he swiftly suppressed the notion. This was but their first meeting, and her strength likely far surpassed his own. Whether through gentle persuasion or force, any attempt would surely be futile. Continue your cultivation journey at audio . novel . com.