Chapter 639 : Forging the Mountain's Heart

"You have been too generous, Fellow Daoist."

Eldrin Chen spoke with a hint of embarrassment before promptly accepting the Seven-colored Immortal Pearl.

Considering the immense value of the Seven-colored Immortal Pearl, Eldrin Chen spoke up, "Rest assured, I will definitely help you establish a powerful Mountain Protection Formation [a defensive array that protects a mountain or sect]. What do you intend to use as the Formation Eye [the core artifact that anchors and powers an array]?"

"Let us use the Nine Dragon Wheel."

As she spoke, Nyssa Qu produced that very Nine Dragon Wheel.

Despite her cultivation having reached the Great Perfection of Infant Soul [the pinnacle stage of the Infant Soul realm], the number of high-grade Spiritual Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts] in her possession was actually not great. This Nine Dragon Wheel was practically the only supreme treasure she could present that was truly worthy.

Seeing her offer the Nine Dragon Wheel to serve as the Formation Artifact [the core magical treasure that powers a formation], Eldrin Chen declared, "With this treasure as the Formation Artifact, combined with the Fifth Rank High-Grade Spiritual Vein [a high-quality vein of spiritual energy, fifth in rank] of the Nine Dragons Pool, we can certainly establish a world-shaking Formation [a structured arrangement of power, like a magical array or formation]."

With these words, Eldrin Chen set to work crafting the Formation for her. The task consumed a full three months before the Formation was finally completed.

Once the Formation was established, Nyssa Qu tested its power, channeling the Formation's energy to activate the Nine Dragons Wheel.

The Nine Dragons Wheel was originally a fearsome Quasi-Primordial Solar Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure approaching the power level of a Primordial Solar treasure]. Now, bolstered by the Fifth Rank High-Grade Spiritual Vein and the Water Essence Power [power derived from the essence of water] inherent to the Nine Dragons Pool, it truly unleashed astonishing might. Published by audio-novel . com. All rights reserved.

As Nyssa Qu channeled her power, the Nine-headed Flood Dragon transformed into nine coiling dragons that soared forth. Each possessed the might of a Infant Soul 7th Tier cultivator, with the most powerful one rivaling the strength of a Great Perfection of Infant Soul expert.

"Such formidable power!"

A look of pleasant surprise crossed Nyssa Qu's face. She couldn't help but turn to Eldrin Chen and say, "With this Formation [a structured arrangement of energy nodes and flows used for defense or attack] guarding us, I would not fear an assault from a Half-Step Primordial Spirit cultivator in the slightest."

"It's not solely due to the Formation," Eldrin Chen replied with a smile. "The potency of this 'Nine Dragons Sunder Heaven Formation' is amplified by the Earth Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated earthly energy] and the Spiritual Vein [a concentrated vein of spiritual energy within the earth], but it also depends on the one who activates it."

"If an ordinary Infant Soul Early Stage cultivator were to activate this treasure, they could likely only contend with a Great Perfection of Infant Soul opponent. Only by your own hand can it withstand a Half-Step Primordial Spirit Great Power."

Nyssa Qu nodded in understanding. A Great Power at the Half-Step Primordial Spirit stage had already connected with their Earth Soul [one of the three foundational souls of a cultivator, representing their connection to the mortal world], their spiritual power nearly doubling compared to a Great Perfection of Infant Soul expert.

This twofold gap was like an impassable chasm. Even three to five Great Perfection of Infant Soul cultivators joining forces would likely be no match for a single Half-Step Primordial Spirit Great Power.

She, Nyssa Qu, possessed a Mythical Immortal Seed [a legendary foundation for cultivation that grants immense potential]. Combined with the power of the Nine Dragon Wheel, she could contend with two cultivators of the same realm, placing her among the very pinnacle of Great Perfection of Infant Soul experts.

Yet that was her limit. Facing a true Half-Step Primordial Spirit Great Power, she could only manage to exchange a dozen or so blows before being overwhelmed.

That this Formation could empower her to bridge that vast divide was truly astonishing. The sight of this 'Nine Dragons Sunder Heaven Formation' left her deeply impressed.

Contemplating the formidable power of this Formation [a complex arrangement of energy channels and nodes used for defense, offense, or cultivation], Nyssa Qu declared, "With this Formation as our shield, I fear no ordinary one or two Half-Step Primordial Spirit [cultivators who have partially transcended the Nascent Soul stage but have not fully formed their Primordial Spirit] cultivators, so long as no true Primordial Spirit Path Lord [a master cultivator who has fully formed their Primordial Spirit and comprehended a fundamental Path] makes a move."

"Henceforth, even though the Nine Dragons Pool [a legendary spiritual pool imbued with the essence of nine dragons] has been revealed to the world, if we maintain a low profile, our safety should be assured."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. Those privy to the secret of the Nine Dragons Pool had sworn binding oaths and would naturally help conceal it. The Spirit Shell Clan [a race of spiritual beings who inhabit enchanted shells] from the pool should buy them a period of peace.

With that thought, Eldrin Chen added, "By the way, Immortal Maiden, do you still possess any items like Shell Pearl [a lustrous pearl formed within a spirit shell, containing concentrated spiritual essence]? I am willing to trade some of my treasures for them."

"Oh?"

Nyssa Qu's eyes lit up, and a thought seemed to strike her. "Do you possess any Life-Extending Treasure [a rare artifact or elixir that can prolong a cultivator's natural lifespan]?" she inquired.

"Life-extending items." A flicker of understanding passed through Eldrin Chen's mind. He produced several Fifth Rank [a high grade denoting exceptional quality and potency] Longevity Pill [an elixir specifically crafted to extend the consumer's lifespan] and said, "What do you think of these?"

"Life-Extending Treasures?"

Delight spread across Nyssa Qu's face, and the several Infant Soul [the cultivation realm where one's nascent spiritual consciousness takes a more defined, infant-like form] Spirit Shell [the enchanted, living shells inhabited by the Spirit Shell Clan] beside her revealed looks of pleasant surprise. These Life-Extending Treasure were precisely what they urgently needed.

Among the myriad Demon Beasts [spiritually awakened beasts and monsters that cultivate, often possessing great power and intelligence] clans under heaven, it is not a given that their lifespans are inherently longer than those of the Human Race. The disparity is vast and depends greatly on the specific race.

Among the powerful Demon Race [the collective term for sentient beasts and monsters that cultivate], such as the Primordial Era Ice Silkworm [an ancient, formidable ice-attribute demonic insect] and the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor [a progenitor-level black dragon demon], those with supreme bloodlines like the Kunpeng Demon Sage can live for ten thousand years even at the Infant Soul Realm [the stage where a cultivator's nascent soul is formed]. Upon reaching the Primordial Spirit Realm [the stage where the nascent soul matures into a primordial spirit], their lifespan stretches to a full one hundred thousand years—a full ten times that of a Human Race [mankind] cultivator at the Primordial Spirit Path Lord [a powerful cultivator whose cultivation has reached the Primordial Spirit stage and who has begun to comprehend a specific Dao Path].

Weaker bloodlines, however, may not even match the Human Race in longevity even if they cultivate to the Infant Soul Realm. For instance, an Infant Soul [a cultivator at the Infant Soul stage] from the rat-demon clan has a mere eight hundred years of life, scarcely longer than a Human Race cultivator at the Golden Core [the stage where spiritual energy condenses into a solid golden core within the dantian].

Precisely because of this, Demon Race with weak bloodlines find it nearly impossible to reach profound cultivation realms. Those few who do ascend beyond the Infant Soul are almost invariably Primordial Era [referring to the mythic, ancient past] variants whose bloodlines have undergone mutation.

Take, for example, the Crocodile Ancestor from the Eastern Region Great Wasteland [a vast, dangerous wilderness in the eastern lands]. Originally a minor demon, he inadvertently consumed a Spirit Fruit [a fruit imbued with potent spiritual energy] which triggered an advancement in his bloodline, transforming him into the legendary Violet-Gold Divine Crocodile. Only thus was he able to cultivate to the Primordial Spirit Realm.

The bloodline of the Spirit Shell Clan [a clan of mollusk-like spiritual beings] from Nine Dragons Pool [a mystical pool domain] is not the worst, yet an Infant Soul Spirit Shell [a member of the Spirit Shell Clan] possesses only two thousand years of lifespan, still less than that of a Human Race True Lord [a title for a powerful Golden Core stage cultivator]. The few Spirit Shell maidens present were, in truth, also desperately in need of Life-Extending Treasure [rare treasures or elixirs that can prolong a cultivator's natural lifespan].

Unfortunately, the Spirit Shell Clan remained secluded within the Nine Dragons Pool, living in isolation from the world, and thus lacked channels for external trade. The three pairs of Fifth Rank [a grading system for spiritual items, with Fifth Rank being quite high] Spirit Shell carapaces from before had come from clansmen who had perished precisely because their lifespans had been exhausted. This content originates from audio-novel.com. Please respect copyright.

Thinking of this, the several Spirit Shell maidens could not help but turn their gazes towards Nyssa Qu.

Nyssa Qu was a Mythical Immortal Seed [a being born from a mythical seed with innate immortal potential], and thus naturally possessed an immensely long lifespan. Yet, at this moment, she still spoke with excitement: "This item is a treasure of immeasurable value to our Spirit Shell Clan. May I inquire as to its price?"

As she spoke, she produced two Spirit Shell Pearl [lustrous pearls cultivated within the shells of the Spirit Shell Clan, rich in spiritual essence] and a strand of Earth Mother Energy [a pure, nurturing spiritual energy associated with the essence of the earth]. "We sisters have expended much in our cultivation these years, and have already given you a large quantity of Spiritual Object [objects imbued with or containing spiritual energy]. What remains in our hands is not much. I wonder if this is enough to exchange for one pill?"

Having said this, Nyssa Qu felt what she had offered was still insufficient. With visible reluctance, she took out another Spirit Shell Pearl and handed it to Eldrin Chen.

This particular Spirit Shell Pearl [a pearl formed within a spiritual clam, used for cultivation] shone far more brilliantly than ordinary ones, its contained energy vastly more potent, dazzling like a full moon.

"Sister!"

The other women nearby saw this, their expressions shifting slightly as they seemed on the verge of offering words of caution.

Nyssa Qu shook her head, a trace of reluctance in her voice. "This is the Lifebound Shell Pearl [a pearl intrinsically linked to a spiritual clam's life force, left behind upon its death] my mother left behind after her peaceful departure. I wonder how many Longevity Spirit Apricot [a mystical fruit that can extend one's lifespan] it might be worth?"

"This—"

Eldrin Chen hesitated for a moment, seemingly reluctant to accept it.

Nyssa Qu offered a gentle smile and explained, "My mother was a rare variant among Spirit Shell [spiritual clams], known as a 'Moon Goddess Shell' [a rare, luminous type of spirit clam]. The Lifebound Shell Pearl she left behind can aid in cultivation."

"This pearl holds no further use for me now, serving only as a keepsake. However, you, young master, could refine it into a Spiritual Treasure [an enchanted artifact that aids cultivation] for long-term use. I only ask that you treasure it well and take care not to damage it."

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with understanding. The 'Moon Goddess Shell' was indeed a rare variant among Spirit Shell, though it fell far short of immortal breeds like the Seven-Colored Immortal Clam [a legendary, seven-colored clam of immense power]. Yet, it was in no way inferior to lineages like the Flood Dragon Clan [a powerful clan of flood dragon demons].

The Lifebound Shell Pearl from a Moon Goddess Shell could increase a cultivator's rate of absorbing spiritual energy by half, its effect nearly matching that of a typical Fifth Rank Spirit Shell Pearl [a high-grade spirit shell pearl].

The crucial point is that the Moon Goddess Pearl [a mystical pearl imbued with the essence of the moon goddess] possesses the ability to regenerate itself. As long as it is not overused, it can continuously aid in cultivation [the practice of refining one's body and spirit to attain higher states of being]. Your portal to cultivation novels: site: audio-novel.com.