Chapter 710 : A Vow Forged in Sorrow

"Alas."

Eldrin Chen let out a sigh. The Spirit Clam Tribe [a race of spiritual clam beings] were known for their gentle and peaceful nature, content to live in seclusion without worldly strife. Yet, even they had not been spared from such calamity.

Meanwhile, Lyra Jiang's eyes flickered thoughtfully. She looked at Nyssa Qu and said, "Grieving now will not change what has happened. Once your cultivation advances in the future, you can seek vengeance."

"What is most crucial now is to consider our next steps. After all, the Nine Dragons' Deep Pool [a legendary spiritual pool] has been completely exposed. I fear you can no longer return there, sister."

Upon hearing this, Nyssa Qu was momentarily stunned, pulled from the depths of her sorrow.

For seeking vengeance required cultivation, and the Water Vein [an underground current of spiritual water] and spiritual energy needed for cultivation were not easily obtained.

Although her cultivation was formidable, granting her the strength to seize a Fifth Rank Spirit Vein [a high-grade spiritual energy source], what she needed to break through to the Half-Step Nascent Soul Realm [a transitional stage before the Nascent Soul realm] was a Fifth Rank High Grade Spirit Vein [a spiritual energy source].

Spiritual veins of that caliber were exceedingly rare in the world, most already occupied by powerful Demon Emperor [supreme rulers of demon races] or Immortal Clan [ancient clans of cultivators]. Despite her formidable power, she was now alone. Seizing a spiritual vein of that rank seemed an impossible task.

Furthermore, as a bearer of the Mythical Immortal Seed [a legendary innate constitution with immense potential], she was a coveted treasure to the human, Demonic Monsters [monstrous demonic beings], and other major races alike before her breakthrough to the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator]. If her whereabouts were exposed, she would likely draw the hunting parties of numerous Half-Step Primordial Spirit [powerful beings at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage] experts.

With this realization, a sense of helplessness washed over her, and her heart grew unsettled with panic. Experience the full epic at audio-novel dot com.

Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang shared a profound, wordless understanding, their thoughts converging in perfect harmony.

Seeing Nyssa Qu's evident uncertainty, he offered a gentle smile and said, "Our Chen Clan holds dominion over The Vast Sea, one of the seven great lakes of the Eastern Wastelands. Within its depths lies a fractured Quasi-Sixth Rank Water Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated water-attributed spiritual energy], which should be more than sufficient to sustain your cultivation."

"I wonder if you would be willing to join our Chen Clan."

Upon hearing this, Nyssa Qu felt a stirring in her heart. She glanced at Eldrin Chen, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

Yet, hesitation lingered. With a touch of embarrassment, she replied, "You have already saved my life. How could I possibly impose further by occupying your clan's Water Vein?"

"That is of no consequence,"

Eldrin Chen replied with a calm smile. "If you are willing to join us, you would not only secure a path for your continued cultivation but also significantly bolster the strength of our Chen Clan."

"A cultivator of the highest caliber at the Nascent Soul Great Perfection realm would become one of our clan's Clan-Suppressing Foundation [a cornerstone asset that ensures a clan's stability and prosperity]. This would be of immense benefit to us both."

His words moved her. Nyssa Qu's eyes grew slightly moist as she offered a graceful bow. "If that is the case, then this humble one shall pledge her service to you, my lord."

"Then from this day forward, we are family."

Seeing that Nyssa Qu agreed, a flicker of delight stirred within Eldrin Chen's heart, and he promptly replied with a smile.

With Nyssa Qu joining their ranks, the strength of the Chen Clan increased substantially, filling Eldrin Chen's heart with considerable joy.

As a Mythical Immortal Seed, Nyssa Qu could refine one Seven-Colored Immortal Pearl every Millennium. This treasure, which could increase one's chances of a Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] breakthrough by ten percent, was a truly peerless treasure.

Being in such a favorable position, the Chen Clan would undoubtedly reap the benefits first, and this might even prove wonderfully useful for the clan's future Heaven's Chosen [individuals blessed with exceptional talent and destiny].

He understood in his heart that this was only possible because Nyssa Qu had little contact with the outside world and possessed a simple, kind-hearted nature. If it were any ordinary Nascent Soul Demon Emperor, they would likely never have trusted them.

For once one entered the territory of the Human Race, their life and death would be entirely at the mercy of others. If those they dealt with harbored malicious intent, the outcome would seldom be favorable.

Of course, this was also related to the life-saving grace Eldrin Chen had shown her. Without that debt, she likely would not have dared to accept the invitation so readily.

Returning to the matter at hand, now that Nyssa Qu had agreed, Eldrin Chen said, "There's no time to delay. Let us first return to The Vast Sea."

Not long after, the group arrived within the borders of The Vast Sea.

Due to Nyssa Qu's special status, Eldrin Chen dared not let her presence be exposed. Thus, he brought her directly to Heaven's Canopy Island Ruins.

Upon arriving outside Celestial Vault Isle, Eldrin Chen drew a deep breath and, looking at Nyssa Qu, said, "Within the ruins of this Spirit Island lies a shattered Quasi-Sixth RankWater Vein [a subterranean channel of potent spiritual water energy]. This is the most closely guarded secret expenditure of my Chen Clan."

"If Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a cultivator] wishes to enter, you must first swear the Great Oath of Reincarnation [a binding vow that invokes the power of the cycle of rebirth]."

Nyssa Qu nodded upon hearing this. The value of a Quasi-Sixth Order Earth Vein [a near-pinnacle grade spiritual land formation] was beyond measure; treasures of staggering worth might still remain within. Without swearing the Oath of Reincarnation, neither party could truly be at ease.

Watching her duly swear the Oath of Reincarnation, Eldrin Chen finally allowed himself to relax.

The Oath of Reincarnation touched upon the mysteries of Samsara [the cycle of death and rebirth]; not even an Immortal would dare violate it. Since Nyssa Qu had sworn this oath, she was trustworthy enough.

Thus, Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and said, "Please follow me, Immortal Maiden." Discover more cultivation stories at *audio-novel.com*.

Eldrin Chen produced the Celestial Ring Token [a key-like artifact], activated the ancient Formation [a defensive or restrictive magical array] sealing the ruins of Celestial Vault Isle, and only then led Nyssa Qu inside.

Many years had passed. The strength of Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang was now a world apart from what it had been. Entering these ruins again held little cause for concern.

Yet, the moment he stepped across the threshold, Eldrin Chen sensed something peculiar.

The ruins, once saturated with a bloody, baleful aura, had gradually regained a semblance of vitality. The countless vengeful spirits of the Chen Clan that had once roamed the isle had vanished, their destination unknown.

With the questions in his heart, Eldrin Chen proceeded into the Grand Hall deep within the ruins.

Within the Grand Hall, a man clad in azure robes, possessing an immortal's grace and a Daoist's bearing, sat cross-legged. His gaze was placid as he watched the group's arrival.

"Greetings, Ancient Ancestor."

Upon seeing the man, Eldrin Chen offered a slight bow, his expression one of reverence as he spoke.

This person was none other than Verdant Earth Soul. After so many years apart, his Earthly Soul [one of the three spiritual souls in Daoist cosmology, representing the earthly, corporeal aspect] seemed to have grown clearer and more distinct. The Baleful Qi [a malevolent, destructive form of spiritual energy] and lingering resentment within him had vanished, replaced instead by an aura of lucid clarity and transcendent grace.

He cast a calm glance at Eldrin Chen before speaking. "Centuries have passed, yet your cultivation progress has not been slow."

"It has proceeded smoothly enough."

Eldrin Chen offered another slight bow before inquiring, "How have you fared these years, Ancient Ancestor?"

"Neither truly alive nor dead, drifting in perpetual slumber—how could that be considered well?" Verdant Earth Soul shook his head. His gaze shifted to Nyssa Qu before he continued, "A Seven-Colored Immortal Clam [a mythical clam demon beast renowned for its iridescent shell and potent spiritual nature] achieving human form is a rare sight indeed."

Seeing him mention Nyssa Qu, Eldrin Chen clasped his hands respectfully. "Nyssa has joined the Chen Clan. Therefore, I wish for her to cultivate within the Water Vein [a subterranean channel or nexus rich in water-attuned spiritual energy] of this Celestial Vault Isle."

Verdant Earth Soul's eyes flickered slightly. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Celestial Vault Isle is the core of the Water Vein within The Vast Sea, a suitable place indeed for her to remain and cultivate."

"Since you have brought her here, you must have already made your plans. Proceed as you see fit."

"Thank you, Ancient Ancestor."

Eldrin Chen cupped his hands in a respectful salute, then led the other two to withdraw.

After the group left the Grand Hall, Lyra Jiang took a deep breath and said, "It has been many years. The Ancient Ancestor's aura seems even more formidable now."

Nyssa Qu also nodded, pondering as she spoke, "His aura fluctuates between strength and weakness, yet it feels even more perilous than that of Hemlock the Bloodweaver."

Eldrin Chen remained silent, sweeping his divine sense [a cultivator's spiritual perception] across the entire Celestial Vault Isle. He found that not a single trace of a vengeful spirit's presence remained on the island. Weighing his words, he finally said, "After all these years apart, perhaps the Ancient Ancestor has found another path." This chapter appears courtesy of audio‑novel.com.