Chapter 710 : A Solitary Seed's Vengeance

"Alas."

Eldrin Chen let out a sigh. The Spirit Shell Clan [a race of spiritual beings with shell-like bodies] were known for their gentle and peaceful nature, content to live in seclusion from worldly strife. Yet, even they had not been spared from such a Tribulation [a catastrophic event or heavenly trial].

However, Exquisite Jiang's eyes flickered with a different light. 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 then."

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

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

For seeking vengeance required cultivation, and the Water Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated water-element spiritual energy] and spiritual energy [the vital energy that flows through all living things and the world] needed for cultivation were not easily obtained.

Although her cultivation base was Extraordinary, granting her the power to seize a Fifth Rank Spiritual Vein [a high-grade spiritual energy leyline], supplying her breakthrough to the Half-Step Primordial Spirit Realm [the threshold stage just before the Primordial Spirit Realm] would require a Fifth Rank High-Grade Spiritual Vein [a leyline of concentrated spiritual energy].

Spiritual veins of that grade were exceedingly rare in the world, most occupied by powerful Demon Emperor [a supreme ruler among demonic beings] or Immortal Clan [a powerful clan of immortal cultivators]. Though her strength was Extraordinary, she was now alone. Seizing a spiritual vein of that level seemed an impossible task.

Furthermore, as a Mythical Immortal Seed [a being of immense potential, destined for immortality], she was a coveted treasure for the human, demon, and fiend races alike before her breakthrough to Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a major realm of power]. If her whereabouts were exposed, she would likely draw the hunting parties of numerous Primordial Spirit Great Power [a cultivator who has reached the Primordial Spirit Realm].

With this realization, a wave of uncertainty washed over her, and her heart grew flustered and lost. Discover more cultivation stories at audio~novel.com.

Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang shared a profound mental connection, instantly understanding each other's thoughts.

Seeing Nyssa Qu's inner turmoil and uncertainty, he seized the moment with a gentle smile. "Our Chen Clan holds dominion over the Vast Sea, one of the seven great lakes of the Eastern Region Great Wasteland. 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 stir of interest. She glanced at Eldrin Chen, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

Yet, hesitation lingered. "You have already saved my life," she said, her voice tinged with embarrassment. "How could I possibly impose further by occupying your clan's precious Water Vein?"

"That is of no consequence,"

Eldrin Chen replied with a soft chuckle, his tone calm and assured. "Should you choose 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 at the very peak of the Great Perfection of Infant Soul realm [the final, perfected stage of the Infant Soul cultivation stage] would become one of our clan's foundational pillars, a cornerstone of our legacy. This arrangement benefits us both greatly."

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

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

Seeing that Nyssa Qu agreed, a flicker of delight stirred within Eldrin Chen's heart. He promptly smiled and spoke.

With Nyssa Qu joining their ranks, the strength of the Chen Clan would increase substantially. This thought filled Eldrin Chen with considerable joy.

As a Mythical Immortal Seed [a legendary being born from a celestial seed], Nyssa Qu could refine one Seven-colored Immortal Pearl every millennium. This treasure could increase one's chances of a Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] breakthrough by ten percent, making it a truly peerless treasure.

The Chen Clan would now have the advantage of proximity, and in the future, this might prove immensely beneficial for their own prodigious talents.

He understood in his heart that this was only possible because Nyssa Qu had little contact with the outside world and possessed a pure and kind nature. If it were any ordinary Infant Soul Demon Emperor [a demonic beast sovereign at the Infant Soul cultivation stage], they would likely never have trusted them.

For once one entered the territory of the Human Race, their life and death would rest entirely in the hands of others. If those hands harbored malicious intent, the outcome would seldom be favorable.

Of course, this was also related to the life-saving debt Eldrin Chen owed her. Without that act of salvation, 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 the special status of Nyssa Qu, Eldrin Chen dared not risk her exposure. Thus, he brought her to the ruins of Celestial Dome Island.

Upon arriving outside Celestial Dome Island, Eldrin Chen took a deep breath. He looked at Nyssa Qu and said, "Within the ruins of this Spirit Island lies a shattered Quasi-Sixth Rank Water Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated water-attributed spiritual energy]. This is the most closely guarded secret of my Chen Clan."

"If you wish to enter, Fellow Daoist, you must first swear the Oath of Reincarnation [a binding vow that extends its consequences across future lives]."

Nyssa Qu nodded upon hearing this. The value of a Quasi-Sixth Rank Earth Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated earth-attributed spiritual energy] was beyond measure; there might be astonishingly precious treasures remaining. Without swearing the Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth] oath, it would be difficult for either party to feel at ease.

Seeing her duly swear the oath of Reincarnation, Eldrin Chen finally let out a sigh of relief.

The Reincarnation oath touched upon the profound mysteries of the cycle itself; not even an Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality] would dare to violate it. Since Nyssa Qu had sworn it, she was trustworthy enough. Original publication: audio‑novel.com - The source of this chapter.

Thus, Eldrin Chen offered a slight smile and said, "Please follow me, Immortal Maiden."

Eldrin Chen produced the Heaven's Dome Token and activated the protective Formation [a complex array or magical barrier] sealing the ruins of Celestial Dome Island. Only then did he lead Nyssa Qu inside.

Many years had passed. The strength of Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang was now a far cry from what it once was. Entering these ruins again held little cause for concern.

Yet, the moment he stepped into the ruins, Eldrin Chen sensed something peculiar.

The ruins, once saturated with blood miasma [a malevolent, blood-tainted spiritual energy] many years ago, had gradually regained their vitality. The countless vengeful spirits [restless ghosts driven by resentment] of the Chen Clan that once roamed the island had also vanished, their ultimate destination unknown.

Carrying this doubt in his heart, Eldrin Chen proceeded to the Great Hall deep within the ruins.

Within the Great Hall, a man clad in verdant robes, possessing an immortal's grace and a transcendent bearing, sat in meditation. His gaze, calm and detached, settled upon the arriving group.

"We pay our respects to the Patriarch."

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

This person was none other than the Verdant Seal Earth Soul. After so many years apart, the Earth Soul of Verdant Seal seemed to have grown even more distinct and substantial. Gone was the miasma of slaughter and resentment within him, replaced instead by an aura of lucid clarity and dignified transcendence.

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

"It has proceeded smoothly enough,"

Eldrin Chen replied with another slight bow before inquiring, "How have you fared these years, Patriarch?"

"Neither truly alive nor dead, lost in slumber day after day—how could that be considered 'faring well'?" The Verdant Seal Earth Soul shook his head. His eyes then turned to Nyssa Qu. "A Seven-Colored Immortal Clam taking human form," he remarked, "is indeed a rare sight."

Seeing him mention Nyssa Qu, Eldrin Chen then cupped his hands and said, "Nyssa has already joined the Chen Clan, so I wish for her to cultivate at the Water Vein [a concentrated flow of spiritual water energy within the earth] on this Celestial Dome Island."

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

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

"My thanks, Patriarch."

Eldrin Chen cupped his hands once more before leading the two others away.

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

Nyssa Qu also nodded, pondering as she spoke, "His aura waxes and wanes, yet it feels even more perilous than that of the Blood-Refining Old Demon."

Eldrin Chen remained silent. He swept his divine sense [a cultivator's extended spiritual perception] across the entirety of Celestial Dome Island and found that not a single trace of a vengeful spirit's presence remained on the island. After weighing his words, he said, "Many years have passed. Perhaps the Patriarch has found another path." Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio-novel`com.