Chapter 701 Changes in Eastern Barren

A flicker of emotion crossed Eldrin's face. Before he could say another word, a figure emerged from the distant void and flew toward them.

The newcomer was none other than Maris the Sea Steader (Person Name). From a distance, he called out with a laugh, "A 100 years have passed, my dear friend of the Returning Abyss. I trust you have been well?"

"Brother Dinghai, your timing is impeccable. This saves me a special trip."

Eldrin smiled faintly and said, "The person I've been waiting for here is none other than Maris the Sea Steader—the foremost Nascent Soul cultivator in the Eastern Wastelands today."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Eldrin produced a treasure box containing the very same Enlightenment Spirit Tea, a specialty of the Chen Family.

Maris the Sea Steader (Person Name) glanced at it and swiftly stored it away, then said with a smile, "With the enhancement of this Enlightenment Tea, I can temporarily enter a state of communion with heaven and earth. Perhaps it will advance my comprehension of the arcane force by a sliver."

Hearing this, Eldrin couldn't help but smile. With the support of the Sea-Steady Pearl, Maris the Sea Steader theoretically had approximately a 40 to 50 percent chance of breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm.

Even so, this was still slightly insufficient. If he could comprehend a secret force, Maris the Sea Steader (Person Name)'s power would increase tremendously, and his chances of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage would become exceedingly great.

Over the years, Maris the Sea Steader (Person Name), in his quest to comprehend the arcane forces, had secured a millennium's supply of Enlightenment Tea from Eldrin (Person Name) during their very first encounter. By now, this marked their second transaction.

In the next 5 100 years, he would trade with Maris the Sea Steader (Person Name) twice more—this might truly enhance Maris the Sea Steader (Person Name)'s chances of comprehending the arcane force by some measure.

With this thought, Eldrin (Person Name) said, "Then I wish you success in comprehending the secret power and even attaining the realm of a Dao Lord."

"It's not that easy."

Maris the Sea Steader (Person Name) shook his head, yet continued, "The arcane arts are profoundly inscrutable. Even after decades of contemplation, I've merely grasped the faintest thread of understanding."

"Although consuming the Enlightenment Spirit Tea allows 1 to enter a state of communion with heaven and earth, the duration is ultimately too brief. To fully cultivate a secret power, I believe the likelihood of success remains rather slim."

After offering a few courteous compliments, Eldrin led Maris the Sea Steader toward Mount Haoran.

Along the way, Eldrin casually inquired, "Since Brother Dinghai wasn't gravely injured during the calamity, I presume you've traveled extensively in recent years. You must have some insights into the current landscape of Eastern Wastelands?"

"Indeed, that is the case."

Maris the Sea Steader (Person Name) nodded and began recounting to Eldrin (Person Name) the transformations that had taken place in the Eastern Wastelands (Location) after the great calamity.

As he narrated, Eldrin gradually learned about the recent developments in the Eastern Wastelands. Over the past 1 100 years, numerous events had unfolded within the Eastern Wastelands.

In this Demonic Abyss Cataclysm, a staggering 7 Half-Step Primordial Spirit (Cultivation Realm) experts fell in the Eastern Wastelands (Location). To put this in perspective, the entire Eastern Wastelands (Location) only had 30-2 such mighty figures—meaning they lost over 1-fifth of their pinnacle power. This could truly be described as an exceedingly devastating blow.

A great number of Half-Step Primordial Spirit (Cultivation Realm) experts fell, heralding a reshuffling of power among the Eastern Wastelands factions.

Although the Eastern Desolation Immortal Alliance had already distributed full compensation for the fallen Half-Step Primordial Spirits, the absence of such ancestral masters to oversee their domains ultimately prevented them from maintaining the pinnacle influence of their glorious era.

Take the Celestial Mystery Continent for example. In its glorious days, the Celestial Mystery Sect occupied multiple fifth-grade spirit veins, along with 2 upper fifth-grade earth veins and 1 large spirit stone mine.

Now that the Heavenly Mystery Sect no longer had a Half-Step Primordial Spirit (Cultivation Realm) to guard its foundations, and more than half of its Nascent Soul True Monarchs had perished, it could be said to have completely fallen into decline.

Given their limited strength, they were utterly incapable of holding onto the vast interests they once possessed. They had no choice but to abandon large-scale industries outside the Tianxuan Continent—such as major spirit stone mines and spiritual mountain veins—and concentrate their forces within the Tianxuan Continent to secure their foundational stronghold.

The clan of the Mysterious Void Taoist also suffered losses, forcing them to abandon many spirit mountains and businesses.

After hearing this, Eldrin (Person Name) couldn't help but frown and said, "Mysterious Void Taoist (Cultivation Title) fell in battle during the great war, and the Heavenly Profound Sect (Sect Name) also suffered heavy losses. For them to take action so urgently now—is the Eastern Desolation Immortal Alliance (Organization) simply going to stand by and do nothing?"

"Fine." Maris the Sea Steader (Person Name) shook his head and said, "But we'll only intervene regarding the compensation issued by the Immortal Alliance and the spiritual mountains he cultivated himself. We'll step in only if these 2 assets are seized by others."

"As for their earth veins, mines, and all other properties scattered across the lands..."

Maris the Sea Steader (Person Name) let out a bitter laugh and said, "How can there ever be true ownership of spiritual mountains and blessed lands in the cultivation world? Did not the Tianxuan Sect's properties also get seized from other immortal clans when they rose to power?"

Hearing this, Eldrin could not help but show a hint of helplessness.

To rise in power, the immortal clans of the world have but 2 paths: either nurture their own spiritual mountains or seize spiritual mountains and earth veins from others.

The Violet Realm's human race has carried on their legacy for millions of years. Some spiritual mountains have been passed down since ancient times, while others have recently taken form.

However 1 might argue, most of these spirit mountains had likely changed hands countless times over the ages. If 1 were to truly determine their rightful ownership, it would be fundamentally impossible to establish any clear consensus.

When 1's strength is meager, having 1's assets seized is an all too common occurrence. Even if someone were to step in and take charge, it merely signifies they have powerful backing. In the end, it all boils down to whose fist is mightier.

"Alas, this is still rather unbecoming conduct in the end."

Eldrin shook his head, a flicker of displeasure creasing his brow.

He knew full well that so-called rules were nothing more than the decree of the powerful.

If he could become the undisputed Dao Lord of the Eastern Wastelands (Location), he would be able to establish the rules as he saw fit.

For instance, within the first 3 to 5 100 years following the cataclysm, no actions shall be taken against the severely weakened Nascent Soul clans, allowing those who participated in the war a period of recovery.

Maris the Sea Steader (Person Name) also nodded before speaking, "Truth be told, most of the Infant Soul cultivators who joined the battle cherished the camaraderie forged in fighting side by side, and refrained from kicking others when they were down."

"Those who truly take action are often the Nascent Soul clans who cherish their reputation and only contribute resources."

Eldrin's gaze chilled slightly upon hearing this, then he sighed softly and said, "What a pity my cultivation is insufficient. Were it otherwise, I would never have allowed them to run rampant like this."

At this point, Eldrin no longer wished to discuss the matter.

He glanced at Maris the Sea Steader and spoke, "By the way, have you heard any news of Nero the Bloodweaver?"

At the mention of Nero the Bloodweaver (Person Name), Maris the Sea Steader (Person Name) grew slightly solemn. After a moment of contemplation, he remarked, "It is said that during the Cataclysm of the Demon Abyss, Nero the Bloodweaver (Person Name) sacrificed 7 Nascent Soul immortal clans in a blood ritual at Yandang Mountain deep within the Eastern Wastelands, attempting to breach the Soul Formation realm."

Fortunately, this demon’s luck was poor—this breakthrough attempt ended in failure, and later, no 1 knew where it had fled.

Upon hearing this, Eldrin felt a faint surge of joy in his heart, sensing the immense pressure within him greatly diminish.

Upon careful reflection, this outcome was to be expected. Although Nero the Bloodweaver (Person Name) possessed formidable power and wielded the pure Yin demon treasure known as the Heaven-Devouring Blood-Transmuting Divine Blade,

However, the Heaven Demon Blood-Devouring Blade was, after all, not his life-bound demonic treasure, so its amplification effect on his breakthrough was relatively limited. Thus, his chances of a successful breakthrough were only 30 to 40 percent, and failure was well within expectations.