Chapter 643 : Forge of the Five Elements Soul

Regarding Eldrin Chen's refinement of his Lifebound Magical Treasure [a magical artifact bound to a cultivator's life force and soul], the clan had long since made thorough preparations.

With the full support of the entire Chen Clan, they had now gathered a truly staggering quantity of Five Elements Essence [a refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth].

With sufficient Five Elements Essence, refining the Lifebound Spiritual Treasure proceeded as naturally as water flowing downhill. Eldrin Chen spent five years consecutively elevating all five of his Lifebound Spiritual Treasure to the Fifth Rank High-Grade [the highest tier within the Fifth Rank of magical treasures].

The addition of five new Superior Spiritual Treasure [a high-grade spiritual treasure], and ones of the top-tier Lifebound Spiritual Treasure variety at that, caused Eldrin Chen's combat power to surge dramatically.

By Eldrin Chen's current estimation, his battle prowess should now rival that of an Earthly Path Infant Soul [a foundational cultivation method for the Infant Soul Realm] practitioner at the Great Perfection of Infant Soul [the peak stage of the Infant Soul Realm]. If he were to unleash the combined power of his Celestial Abyss Twin Swords, his offensive capability could even be considered among the very pinnacle of the Great Perfection of Infant Soul.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen smiled and said, "With my breakthrough to the Infant Soul Mid Stage, our chances of dealing with the Desolate Demon Ridge [a mountain range infested with powerful demonic beasts] have increased significantly."

"Indeed."

Exquisite Jiang also smiled before continuing, "Since your spiritual energy reserves now rival those of an Infant Soul Late Stage cultivator, you should attempt to gather the aura of the Heavenly Path [a profound cultivation method aligned with celestial principles]."

"Agreed."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod, then transformed into a streak of sword light that shot into the heavens. This chapter is part of a larger work available at audio-novel-dot-com.

The Heavenly Vault [the highest layer of the sky in this cosmology] stretched boundlessly, and the earth below seemed endless.

The two transformed into streaks of sword-light and soared through the heavens. Their speed could be described as chasing the stars and racing the moon, traversing millions of Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] in a single day.

Yet, even with such velocity, compared to the infinite expanse of the Heavenly Vault, he was still but a single drop in a vast ocean.

After flying for seven consecutive days, Eldrin Chen looked back and found he could now gaze down upon the immense Three Veins Ancient Domain. Even the silhouette of the Eastern Region Great Wasteland was now clearly visible before him.

"Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh—"

Here in the Nine Heavens Above [the perilous, high-altitude region of the sky], endless astral winds howled, accompanied by thunderclaps and lightning flashes. Each wisp carried an aura of Oblivion [the concept of utter annihilation or return to nothingness].

If an Infant Soul True Lord [a cultivator at the Infant Soul stage] at the Infant Soul Early Stage were to fly to this altitude, they would begin to struggle. Flying any higher, they would be unable to withstand the mighty astral winds and divine thunder, risking severe injury with a single misstep.

Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang possessed profound and vast spiritual power, so they naturally feared no such danger. Thus, the two continued their ascent.

After another seven or eight days of flight, at this extreme height, the astral winds and Thunderclap [a powerful thunder-based attack or phenomenon] had grown exceptionally potent. Even Exquisite Jiang was beginning to find it difficult to endure.

Frowning slightly, she spoke, "If we fly any higher, the Nine Heavens Astral Winds [the most ferocious winds of the highest heavens] will become overwhelmingly powerful. My cultivation level is insufficient; I fear I cannot break through them."

"It is of no consequence," Eldrin Chen shook his head and spoke with serene composure. "I shall take you to see it."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen summoned forth the Bulwark Earth Sovereign Bell [a divine bell embodying the unyielding essence of the earth]. Its power stabilized the raging forces of the Nine Heavens Astral Winds [the celestial gales that scour the highest heavens], allowing him to ascend with Exquisite Jiang in tow.

Before long, the two had pierced through the boundless sea of thunderclouds and razor-sharp winds, soaring into the vast expanse above the endless cloud layers.

"We are here."

Gazing upon the infinite ocean of clouds beneath his feet, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a faint, satisfied smile.

Having breached the Nine Heavens Astral Winds and the sea of Thunderclap [a realm of perpetual, world-shattering thunder], the boundless firmament above the clouds was now a place of profound tranquility.

At the horizon's edge, a setting sun blazed with radiant glory, painting the clouds for millions of Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] in hues of crimson and gold.

Farther still in the lofty sky, wisps of ethereal mist drifted through the Nine Heavens [the nine layered realms of the highest heaven], carrying an aura of utmost purity and clarity.

"It is the aura of the Heavenly Path [the supreme, all-encompassing Dao of Heaven itself]," Eldrin Chen remarked, his eyes glinting with recognition.

His gaze sharpened. Reaching out, he drew a strand of that celestial mist into his palm. A flicker of delight passed through his eyes as he confirmed its nature.

The Heavenly Path Aura [the ethereal breath of the Heavenly Path] is a supremely pure and refined form of energy [the vital energy that flows through all living things], and only in the lofty heights of the Nine Heavens Firmament can such a precious substance be nurtured.

It is said that once enough Heavenly Path Aura is gathered, it can be condensed into the legendary Heavenly Path Energy [a concentrated, tangible essence of the Heavenly Path's power].

This was the first time the two had encountered the Heavenly Path Aura, and they couldn't help but spend a few moments collecting it with delight. Then, Eldrin Chen remarked, "It's a pity gathering Heavenly Path Energy is so time-consuming and laborious. Otherwise, I'd be reluctant to leave."

Exquisite Jiang shook her head with a gentle smile. "In a while, when I break through to the Infant Soul Mid Stage, my Second Primordial Embryo [a second, independently cultivatable spiritual core] will advance to the Fifth Rank High-Grade. At that time, we can let the Second Primordial Embryo handle the collection."

"That would be best,"

Eldrin Chen agreed with a nod. Such tasks were indeed best left to the second Infant Soul [the spiritual core representing a cultivator's nascent soul]. Discover more cultivation stories at audi novel.com.

As they spoke, they noticed a wisp of cloud drifting towards them from the distance—a faint azure, condensed cloud-mist.

"Ah, it's the Heaven Trigram Cloud [a rare cloud formation imbued with the power of the Eight Trigrams]!"

Delight flashed across Eldrin Chen's face. The Heaven Trigram Cloud was a rare Nine Heavens Exotic Treasure [a precious material native to the highest heavens]. The quality of this particular mass was exceptionally high, likely sufficient to refine a Superior Spiritual Treasure [a top-tier enchanted artifact].

Faced with such a treasure delivered to his doorstep, Eldrin Chen naturally had no intention of letting it slip away.

With a mere flick of his wrist, he attempted to seize the Heaven Trigram Cloud [a mystical cloud formation embodying the principles of the eight trigrams]. However, divine objects possess their own spirit. This Heaven Trigram Cloud was formless and intangible, instantly dispersing into a wisp of mist and smoke, managing to slip right through the grasp of Eldrin Chen.

The two of them made another attempt. Eldrin Chen summoned the Polarity Void Mirror [a mystical mirror capable of manipulating the forces of yin and yang], while Exquisite Jiang channeled her Five Elements Divine Light [a divine light technique that harnesses the power of the five fundamental elements] to draw it in. Yet, to their dismay, all their efforts proved utterly futile.

This Heaven Trigram Cloud existed outside the cycle of the Five Elements [the five fundamental elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth], rendering it immune to magnetic forces. Its nature allowed it to coalesce and scatter at will, making it nearly impossible to restrain. It slipped away with effortless ease.

"What a magnificent treasure,"

Eldrin Chen exclaimed in admiration, though a pang of regret twisted within him. If this Heaven Trigram Cloud could be refined into a Defensive Spiritual Treasure [a protective magical artifact], it would likely be capable of defending against all manner of Spiritual Treasure [enchanted artifacts] and Divine Ability [supernatural techniques mastered through cultivation], becoming almost impervious to countermeasures.

It was a bitter pill to swallow. Such a priceless treasure had appeared before his very eyes, yet he lacked the means to subdue it, forced to watch helplessly as it flew away.

"A true pity. We had no inkling such an opportunity awaited us here."

Exquisite Jiang also felt the sting of loss, her voice tinged with sorrow. "To subdue an object like this, aside from finding a specific method to counter its nature, there is almost no other way. That we could not obtain it was, perhaps, to be expected."

Having missed out on the supreme treasure, Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang could only bury their regret and continue their journey through this expanse of void [the empty space between realms].

They traveled for an immeasurable length of time, until suddenly, an aura of overwhelming power washed over them, emanating from the distant depths of the void.

"This aura... it reeks of the Demonic Path [the unorthodox and malevolent path of cultivation]," Eldrin Chen remarked, his voice low.

His eyes flickered with recognition, and without a moment's hesitation, he and Exquisite Jiang shot forward through the void.

They had not traveled far when a vast, churning mass of cloud-like energy came into view, suspended in the emptiness. Not far from it, an old man clad in blood-red robes stood upon the air. He was channeling his power into a dark, obsidian treasure vase, which was rapidly drawing in the swirling Heaven Trigram Cloud [a rare, naturally formed cloud imbued with the profound principles of the Eight Trigrams].

"It's the Blood Robe Old Freak," Eldrin Chen identified, his expression turning grim.

A flicker of recognition and concern passed over Eldrin Chen's face as he recalled the man's infamous reputation.

The Blood Robe Old Freak was a notorious Demonic Path cultivator within the Three Veins Ancient Domain. His cultivation had reached the Infant Soul 7th Tier [the seventh level of the Infant Soul stage, a significant milestone]. He was known for his capricious and tyrannical nature, and his methods were exceptionally ruthless.

"We cannot allow him to succeed," Eldrin declared, his voice firm with resolve.

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted decisively as he spoke urgently.

The Blood Robe Old Freak was already a formidable foe. If he managed to refine this Heaven Trigram Cloud into a powerful Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural technique] or a defensive magical treasure [an enchanted artifact used by cultivators], his ability to survive would increase dramatically, rendering him nearly impossible to kill.

With this thought crystallizing in his mind, Eldrin Chen acted instantly. He summoned his Celestial Abyss Twin Swords and, from across the Boundless Void, unleashed a devastating sword slash aimed directly at the Blood Robe Old Freak.

"Damnation! Who dares to interfere with Patriarch's plans?"

Blood Robe Old Freak's expression shifted dramatically. Seeing Eldrin Chen and his companion flying towards him, a savage, ferocious look instantly contorted his features.

With a flick of his wrist, a blood-red robe soared into the air. Crimson light erupted from the Blood Robe, weaving itself into a spectral, wraith-like figure that lunged directly at Eldrin Chen.

"Beware! It's the Blood Ghost Robe [a sinister magical garment that can summon spectral entities]!" Access the full story on @udio-novel.com.