Chapter 655 : The Dragon Vein's Rebirth
Several days later, Eldrin Chen arrived at Vast Righteousness Peak and met with Vast Righteousness True Lord, whom he had not seen for many years.
Clad in a white Confucian robe, Vast Righteousness True Lord sat cross-legged within the Great Hall, his gaze resting upon Eldrin Chen. Compared to their last meeting, the True Lord's cultivation had advanced even further, reaching the Infant Soul 8th Tier realm.
Yet, the moment his eyes fell upon the two visitors, a faint glimmer of light appeared within them. He smiled and said, "Over a hundred years have passed, yet your cultivation progress has not slowed."
"I have encountered some fortuitous opportunities, which hastened my progress somewhat," Eldrin Chen replied. He then continued, "Did you achieve your objective on this journey, True Lord?"
"It went fairly smoothly."
Vast Righteousness True Lord offered a slight smile, seemingly unwilling to elaborate on the matter. Instead, he stated his purpose: "I intend to reconnect the Earth Vein [the spiritual energy artery of a land] for the Skyline Mountain Range. That is why I sought you out."
Eldrin Chen had already surmised the reason for his summons. He smiled and said, "If the True Lord has a task, this junior will naturally spare no effort in assisting."
Pleased by his agreement, Vast Righteousness True Lord began his explanation: "In the past, the Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range reached the Quasi-Sixth Rank level. It contained a nascent Dragon Vein [a supreme-grade Earth Vein with dragon-like spiritual properties], its grade nearly touching the threshold of advancement to the Sixth Rank."
"However, in his attempt to break through to the Primordial Spirit realm [the spiritual core of a cultivator], the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor forcibly tore the Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range asunder and devoured the power of its Dragon Vein."
"To reconnect the Earth Vein now, we must not only reshape the mountain's spiritual force and mend the ancient tear in the Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range, but also restore its Earth Vein Dragon Soul [the sentient spiritual core of a Dragon Vein]." Join our community of readers at audio novel.com.
As Vast Righteousness True Lord recounted the tale, Eldrin Chen gradually grasped the profound difficulties involved in mending the Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range.
After the mountain range was torn asunder in that ancient calamity, the entire Dragon Vein [a subterranean energy artery vital to a region's spiritual vitality] was left shattered and fragmented. Over thousands of years, Vast Righteousness True Lord had painstakingly reconnected the broken pieces, and the splintered Dragon Vein was now largely reassembled.
However, the intricate network of its finer branches still required delicate realignment and nurturing. This endeavor not only demanded the guidance of a True Lord [a high-ranking cultivator], but also vast quantities of Formation Artifact [enchanted objects used to construct and power arrays] and the assistance of numerous lower-ranked cultivators. This was precisely why Vast Righteousness True Lord had sought out Eldrin Chen.
After listening to the account, Eldrin Chen nodded. "The Chen Clan commands a considerable number of cultivators. We should be able to muster sufficient hands to lend you our strength."
The three of them deliberated for a long while. Once their plans were settled, Eldrin Chen prepared to depart and begin preparations, but Vast Righteousness True Lord stopped him once more.
He regarded Eldrin Chen thoughtfully for a long moment, then produced a treasure vial and handed it over. "This item may prove useful to you. Take it."
"My thanks, Senior."
Eldrin Chen clasped his hands in gratitude, assuming this was the promised compensation. Yet, when he probed it with his spiritual sense, his expression shifted dramatically. The vial contained a full ten drops of Primordial Solar True Liquid [a supreme-grade spiritual essence of pure solar energy].
Primordial Solar True Liquid was a peerless treasure of the Sixth Rank. A single drop was valued at four hundred Heavenly Crystal [a high-grade currency and cultivation resource]. Once the quantity exceeded ten drops, it could even offer marginal benefits to a Primordial Spirit Cultivator [a cultivator who has condensed their spiritual essence into a Primordial Spirit].
The portion before him held precisely ten drops, a value equivalent to four thousand Heavenly Crystal. This was one-tenth the worth of an entire Primordial Solar Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact forged with solar essence].
If word of this were to spread, even a Half-Step Primordial Spirit [a cultivator whose spiritual core is on the verge of fully manifesting] would be driven to madness. The fact that Vast Righteousness True Lord had directly given such an item to him was astounding.
Moreover, this item could help him repair the Azure Abyss Sword, something Eldrin Chen urgently needed. The coincidence was simply too perfect.
There was only one possible explanation: Vast Righteousness True Lord had long since divined that the Azure Abyss Sword was in his possession.
As this realization dawned upon him, Eldrin Chen could not help but glance at Vast Righteousness True Lord, a tremor of awe flashing through his heart.
"There is no need for further words, nor for further questions."
Vast Righteousness True Lord waved a hand dismissively, his gaze lowered as he spoke. "You may go now."
"This junior takes his leave."
Eldrin Chen offered another respectful bow before departing the Great Hall alongside Exquisite Jiang.
After the two had departed, silence reclaimed the Great Hall. Vast Righteousness True Lord watched their retreating figures, a shadow of deep concern etched upon his features.
Only after a long while did Vast Righteousness True Lord finally speak, his expression turning cold and severe. "Just what is it you intend to do?"
"Disciple, have you lost all trust in your master?"
Suddenly, a voice echoed from within the Great Hall.
A flickering Netherworld Energy [a dark, malevolent spiritual force] surged from the void-light, coalescing into a figure that was both illusory and real.
The newcomer was shrouded in a black robe, seated cross-legged in the void. Around him, a Netherworld [the realm of the dead and demons] miasma distorted the very space, obscuring his supreme countenance.
"Hmph—"
Vast Righteousness True Lord snorted coldly but said no more. Read, share, and discuss at audio‑novel.com.
The visitor fell into silence for a long moment before finally speaking. "The three thousand Great Path [the myriad ultimate ways of cultivation] may differ, yet all lead to the same destination."
"Though a chasm of Immortal and Demon lies between us, we are merely each treading our own chosen road."
Vast Righteousness True Lord remained silent for a beat, then spoke bluntly. "What is it you truly seek?"
"What this master desires is nothing more than the Demon God Great Path [the supreme cultivation art of the Demon Gods]." The visitor seemed disinclined to dissemble, his gaze calm as he continued. "This person remains hidden even from the deductions of the Heavenly Path Book [a legendary artifact for divination and fate-reading]. It is highly probable he is a tribulation-chosen one, much like Imperial Sovereign Jiang was."
"I am merely placing a casual piece on the board now, a preemptive move to secure a future advantage."
The figure spoke with detached calm, then turned his gaze towards Vast Righteousness True Lord [a powerful cultivator known for his unwavering moral principles]. Shaking his head slightly, he continued, "Your heart harbors the Vast Righteous Energy [a formidable divine power born from immense virtue and justice], which grants you a smooth and unimpeded path in cultivation. Yet, you are also constrained by the very nature of this Vast Righteousness [the aura of supreme virtue and moral authority]."
"By stepping forward today to shoulder his karmic burden [the metaphysical consequences of one's actions], you have invited upon yourself a future fraught with Tribulation [cataclysmic heavenly trials]. Escaping the calamity of a fall will be nigh impossible."
"Hmph. There is no need for you to concern yourself with such matters," came the cold reply.
His expression impassive, Vast Righteousness True Lord raised a hand and effortlessly dispelled the lingering strand of Netherworld [the realm of ghosts and spirits] baleful aura.
Yet, deep within the core of his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], tendrils of calamitous energy began to coil and gather, swirling like a dark, ominous storm cloud descending upon him.
"..."
Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang returned to Spirit Isle Lake. With grave expressions, they descended into the depths of the underground Water Vein [a concentrated channel of spiritual water energy]. Eldrin Chen produced the Primordial Solar True Liquid [a supremely potent liquid essence of pure solar energy] and recounted the entire situation to the Azure Abyss Sword.
After listening, the Azure Abyss Sword emitted a faint ripple of spiritual fluctuation. After a long silence, it spoke, "Though I have suffered grievous wounds over these long years, my fundamental nature remains that of a Primordial Solar Spiritual Treasure [a magical artifact of the highest solar grade]."
"Within the entire Purple Seal Realm, the entities capable of potentially deducing my traces are likely limited to just three: the 'Netherworld Nether Antiquity Tome' [a mystical book containing ancient secrets of the netherworld], the 'Heavenly Pattern Armor' [an armor inscribed with celestial patterns], and the 'Heaven Observation Mirror' [a mirror capable of observing heavenly phenomena]. All three are Primordial Solar Grade [pertaining to the highest solar tier] Celestial Mechanism Spiritual Treasure [magical treasures of a celestial and calculative nature]."
"However, since the other party did not attack you, it is likely they harbored no ill intent. Focus on your cultivation diligently, and in time, you will naturally understand the workings of Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect]."
Hearing this, Eldrin Chen let out a sigh of relief. After a moment of contemplation, he smiled and said, "With the Primordial Solar [the highest tier of solar essence] spiritual liquid, Senior's injuries can be healed."
"Indeed, that is so."
Azure Abyss Sword [the sentient sword spirit] was also pleased. Once he refined those ten drops of Primordial Solar spiritual liquid, he would be able to completely mend his wounds and restore the full might of his prime.
With the Slaughter [a divine technique of absolute annihilation] power of a Primordial Solar Immortal Sword [a sword of immortal-grade solar essence] at his command, there would be few places under heaven he could not venture.
After bidding farewell to Azure Abyss Sword, Eldrin Chen immediately departed from the Water Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated spiritual water energy]. He went to Immortal Apricot Island and found the Old Patriarch. Upon meeting him, Eldrin Chen directly explained the situation regarding the restoration of the Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range.
After listening, Eternal Profound Chen nodded and said with a smile, "This matter is easily handled."
"Restoring the Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range is not like battling demons; there will be almost no significant casualties. If we recruit cultivators and offer even a modest stipend, many will be willing to participate." Read the full novel exclusively on audio-novel.com.