Chapter 702 : Forging the Pure Yang Sword

At this thought, Maris the Sea Steader sighed once more and said, "This time, Hemlock the Bloodweaver was also a man of extraordinary talent. It is regrettable that he too ultimately failed."

"Counting carefully, this is already his fourth failed breakthrough attempt. I wonder if you and I will one day also find ourselves trapped at this very realm."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell silent for a moment, yet soon his demeanor relaxed somewhat.

He now commanded two types of Secret Power [profound and unique energies or abilities derived from deep cultivation]. Furthermore, with the Sixth Rank Heavenly River Treasure Gold from within the Heaven's Canopy Island Ruins, Eldrin Chen was certain to forge a Pure Yang Immortal Sword [a divine sword of the highest purity, embodying the essence of the sun and supreme yang energy].

By that time, judging by Eldrin Chen's foundational strength, his chances of breaking through to the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core realm, a major milestone where a cultivator's soul essence condenses into an independent spiritual entity] would likely be no less than eighty percent, far exceeding the current odds.

With this in mind, he offered words of comfort: "For Demonic Cultivator [cultivators who follow unorthodox, often malevolent paths, harnessing demonic or corrupt energies], breaking through to the Primordial Spirit is inherently an immensely arduous task. You, Brother Maris, carry great Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing accumulated good karma and virtuous deeds]. Your future breakthrough to Primordial Spirit is assured, as certain as the sunrise."

"Then I shall take your auspicious words to heart."

Maris the Sea Steader laughed heartily, his expression regaining a measure of its former confidence.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before asking, "By the way, Brother Maris, are you aware of any unusual movements within the Godfall Ancient Domain [the Ancient Domain of Godfall, a perilous and ancient battlefield where deities are said to have perished]?"

"You mean... Thanatos the God-Slayer?" Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audio-novel dot com.

Maris the Sea Steader paused for a moment, then frowned and said, "There hasn't been any movement, really. However, I heard that during the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm, a Black Lotus [a mysterious and often ominous enchanted flower] that flew in from the Outer Realm [dimensions beyond the known world] fell into it. It's unclear if there is some scheme behind it."

"Why? What makes you concerned about this?"

"Ah." Eldrin Chen gave a slight start, then smiled and replied, "One must still pay some attention to an Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a profound level of power] demonic ancestor of that caliber."

Though he said this, a faint sense of unease settled in Eldrin Chen's heart.

The Black Lotus was an object of ill omen to begin with. One that could fly from the Outer Realm likely had an origin even more terrifying to contemplate.

He felt some worry for Qingxu Dao Lord, but he also understood that with myself's current level of cultivation, attempting to meddle in affairs of that magnitude would be nothing but a fool's errand, a sure path to death. He could only suppress the disquiet in his heart.

Not long after Maris the Sea Steader's arrival, the Barter Convention [a grand gathering where cultivators trade rare treasures and resources] commenced.

This time, the Barter Convention was attended by just over one hundred and fifty Nascent Soul True Lord [powerful cultivators who have formed a nascent soul, a major milestone], a number neither too large nor too small.

This was within Eldrin Chen's expectations. During the previous Demonic Abyss Cataclysm, the number of Nascent Soul True Lord in the Three Veins Ancient Domain had decreased by roughly one-fifth. Furthermore, many were still recuperating from their injuries, so a lower attendance was only natural.

As the host of this Barter Convention, Eldrin Chen was the first to step onto the high platform. With a smile, he produced several treasures and began to speak:

"Esteemed guests, the Barter Convention commences today. If any of the treasures in my possession catch your eye, feel free to make an offer for an exchange."

As the first to present items for trade, Eldrin Chen naturally did not let the opportunity pass. He brought forth a considerable number of treasures.

Among them were ten Nascent Soul Formation Pill [a supreme elixir that aids in the breakthrough to the Nascent Soul realm], two portions of Earth Mother Qi [a pure, nurturing earth-element spiritual essence], several vials of Fifth Rank Treasure Pill [high-grade elixirs of the fifth rank], over a dozen Fifth Rank Spirit Talisman [powerful fifth-rank enchanted talismans], three or four Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [supreme-grade artifacts specifically designed to suppress demonic entities], and several pieces of Five Veins Treasure Jade [a rare jade that harmonizes and channels the energies of the five elements].

"Is this all the treasure he has to offer?"

"Given the formidable reputation of Abyssal Daoist, I expected him to present something truly remarkable for sale. It seems he's nothing but a pauper pretending to be a prince."

No sooner had these treasures been laid out than Eldrin Chen caught the faint whisper of a secret voice transmission.

The speaker was none other than Jareth Fang of the Fang Immortal Clan. With a dismissive sneer curling his lips, he held a scarlet-robed woman close, exchanging these derisive words via the private transmission.

Although Jareth Fang was using a voice transmission, he made little effort to truly conceal it. With his Half-Step Primordial Spirit [a cultivation stage just below the Primordial Spirit realm] spiritual sense, Eldrin Chen perceived every word with crystal clarity.

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, his gaze turning cold as it swept over Jareth Fang.

"This..."

Jareth Fang felt only a bone-piercing chill surge through him; his words caught in his throat, and an inexplicable thread of fear took root.

However, Eldrin Chen could not be bothered to dwell on it. He simply continued, "Esteemed guests, let the Barter Convention [a formal gathering for cultivators to trade rare resources] commence."

Compared to the Barter Convention of yore, hosted by the Feathered Pavilion or the Heaven's Profound Sect, where astonishingly valuable Superior Grade Spiritual Treasure [a top-tier category of enchanted artifacts] were routinely presented, this opening act was indeed somewhat meager.

Yet, for Eldrin Chen, the truly precious treasures were reserved for his own use; naturally, he was reluctant to part with them.

Fortunately, as the first to take the stage, there was virtually no chance his offerings would go untraded.

This was especially true for the Nascent Soul Formation Pill [a legendary elixir that aids in the breakthrough to the Nascent Soul realm]. With the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a great calamity involving the eruption of demonic forces from the abyss] having just passed, the Various Great Immortal Clans were all eager to replenish their strength. Most of the pills fetched a high price of nearly fifty Heavenly Crystal [a purified, high-density form of Spirit Stone used by high-level cultivators] each. Continue reading this story at audio-novel`com.

After selling the dozen or so Fifth Rank Treasure [artifacts corresponding to the Fifth Rank of cultivation power] in his possession, Eldrin Chen found himself holding treasures and materials worth over one thousand Heavenly Crystal.

The second to ascend the platform was Maris the Sea Steader. He directly produced a violet shield of the Fifth Rank High Grade [a specific high tier within the Fifth Rank of artifact power] and announced:

"This, the Glazed Azure Scale Shield, is a Spiritual Treasure [a general term for enchanted artifacts used by cultivators] I wielded in my earlier years. Today, I offer it for trade. Those in need may step forward."

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly. The Glazed Azure Scale Shield was a Defensive Spiritual Treasure [an artifact specialized for protection] that Maris the Sea Steader had used for over a thousand years; it could truly be called an excellent Superior Grade Spiritual Treasure.

However, during the last Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a cataclysmic event involving the eruption of demonic energy from the abyss], Maris the Sea Steader acquired an even more powerful Pure Yang Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure imbued with the purest Yang energy, highly effective against Yin and demonic forces] as a replacement, which is why he was willing to part with this one and put it up for sale.

"Seraphina possesses Water-Wood Dual Spiritual Roots [a spiritual root affinity for both the Water and Wood elements], and this treasure aligns perfectly with her Spiritual Root [the innate spiritual foundation that determines a cultivator's elemental affinity and cultivation potential]. It would be suitable to purchase for her defense," Eldrin thought to himself.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen sent a voice transmission, saying, "Brother Maris, I shall take this item."

Seeing it was Eldrin Chen who wanted it, Maris the Sea Steader smiled and said, "A typical Superior Grade Spiritual Treasure [a high-quality grade of enchanted artifact] usually costs around eight hundred Heavenly Crystal [a purified, high-density form of Spirit Stone used by high-level cultivators]. But since it's for you, I can offer a discount. How about seven hundred and fifty Heavenly Crystal?"

"My thanks, then," Eldrin replied.

Eldrin Chen offered a slight smile and completed the transaction with Maris the Sea Steader.

The value of a single Superior Grade Spiritual Treasure was equivalent to eight Inferior Grade Spiritual Treasure [a lower-quality grade of enchanted artifact], illustrating the vast disparity that could exist even among artifacts of the same broad Spiritual Treasure [enchanted artifact] category.

In the subsequent trades, no other treasures of comparable rarity appeared.

There were, however, several Tribulation Transcendence Flower [a rare spiritual herb used as a catalyst for certain tribulation-related cultivation arts] for sale. These flowers served as the crucial medicinal catalyst for cultivating the Nirvana Tribulation Transference Art [a profound divine ability focused on transferring or mitigating the power of heavenly tribulations], commanding a steep price of two hundred Heavenly Crystal each.

Yet, the cultivated Tribulation Transcendence Flower required a minimum of three hundred years to mature. To prevent a repeat of the tragedy that befell Lior Chen, Eldrin Chen purchased three of these plants at the high asking price.

Watching him purchase the Tribulation Transcendence Flower [a legendary flower said to aid in surviving heavenly tribulations], Silas Chen let out a sigh and said, "If Uncle Lior had cultivated the Nirvana Tribulation Transference Art [a profound art allowing one to transfer the calamity of a tribulation], perhaps there would have been a chance for him to reincarnate and begin anew."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell into a heavy silence. The fall of Lior Chen, who had perished to save him, remained an eternal wound in his heart, a pain he still struggled to release.

Although many treasures followed, most were of middle or lower Fifth Rank [a classification for artifacts and materials], offering little use to Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang.

Thus, after seven or eight days of such bustling activity, this Barter Convention [a grand gathering for cultivators to trade rare resources] finally drew to a complete close.

Once the Barter Convention concluded, the various Nascent Soul True Lord [powerful cultivators who have formed their Nascent Soul] bid their farewells one by one. Ethan Chen then directly sought out Jareth Fang, his expression cold and stern as he declared:

"I hear you are newly advanced to the Nascent Soul [the stage where a cultivator's spiritual essence condenses into an infant soul]. I, too, have only recently broken through. I wish to test my skills against you." Continue reading this story at audio . novel . com.