Following a Hundred Years of Cultivation, I'm dying Before I Got Cheats

Chapter 1257: The Secret of the Celestial Stone, Celestial Insect Valley, Part 2
Editor: Henyee Translations

“Hahaha, straightforward indeed.”

The Earth Immortal elder laughed heartily. His impression of Jiang Chengxuan improved significantly. Throughout the Ten Thousand Treasures Immortal Fair, he had been quietly gathering information about Jiang Chengxuan.

He sensed Jiang Chengxuan’s extraordinary potential, understanding that reaching the Earth Immortal realm for him was merely a matter of time and opportunity. Thus, he arranged this conversation to extend a gesture of goodwill.

“Did you know that the number of Earth Immortal cultivators in the Celestial Realm is actually limited?” The elder’s eyes narrowed, and his tone grew solemn, revealing a shocking secret that stunned Jiang Chengxuan and Shen Ruyan.

“A limit?”

“What do you mean, respected elder…?”

The two of them were puzzled, having never heard such information before. The Earth Immortal elder began to elaborate:

“In the Celestial Realm, the number of Earth Immortal cultivators is governed by celestial rules. The total number of Earth Immortal cultivators that the Celestial Realm can sustain is fixed. Once this number is reached, any aspiring Earth Immortal must wait for someone to fall or ascend further.”

This revelation left Jiang Chengxuan deeply contemplative. It hinted at a profound understanding of celestial mechanics.

“So, the number of Five Elements Celestial Stones is also limited?” After pondering for a while, Jiang Chengxuan asked, his voice calm but filled with realization.

“Exactly,” the elder confirmed, nodding.

“The Five Elements Celestial Stone is a product of celestial rules, not something that can be crafted or replaced. It is essentially a tool used by the celestial order to maintain the number of Earth Immortal cultivators.”

Jiang Chengxuan fully grasped this secret now. Cultivators reaching the Earth Immortal realm must refine their own celestial territories, essentially seizing a piece of the world’s creation force.

If the celestial order didn’t impose limitations, the number of Earth Immortal cultivators could spike during a prosperous era, draining the Celestial Realm’s resources.

“Thank you for enlightening me,” Jiang Chengxuan said, bowing respectfully to the elder, appreciating the invaluable knowledge shared.

“And about the information on the Five Elements Celestial Stone…”

“Hahaha, not to worry.” The elder finally revealed what Jiang Chengxuan sought.

“According to our intelligence, a Five Elements Celestial Stone is likely to appear in the extreme northern region of the Profound Underworld Celestial Domain. Our investigations have confirmed this.”

“Moreover, it is believed that the stone will emerge in the Celestial Insect Valley.”

This intelligence excited Jiang Chengxuan. The elder indeed held crucial information about the stone’s whereabouts.

“Such valuable information is worth its weight in gold,” Jiang Chengxuan said, expressing his gratitude.

“If I manage to obtain this treasure, what does your esteemed fair require in return? I will do my utmost to fulfill it.”

He understood that the elder wouldn’t offer such crucial information without expecting something in return.

“Hahaha, since you are so forthright, I’ll be direct as well. If you acquire the Five Elements Celestial Stone, you need only give us a small portion of the surplus.”

The elder explained that a complete Five Elements Celestial Stone often had a small part left after an Earth Immortal breakthrough. This leftover piece was what the Ten Thousand Treasures Immortal Fair sought.

Both Jiang Chengxuan and Shen Ruyan now understood. The deal was mutually beneficial and fair. If Jiang Chengxuan failed to obtain the stone, the information was worthless. But if he succeeded, the fair’s gain was ensured. The elder’s offer presented no downside for Jiang Chengxuan.

“Agreed,” Jiang Chengxuan said with a smile, sealing the deal.

…

Celestial Insect Valley.

Located in the extreme north of the Profound Underworld Celestial Domain, it was an infamous, perilous region. Almost every cultivator in the domain knew of its existence.

Legend had it that the valley was formed from the domain of a fallen ancient Earth Immortal, becoming a haven for countless insect-type demon beasts. It was known as the holy ground for insect demons.

Adventurous cultivators who braved the valley spoke of its horrors. They claimed the valley housed at least two Earth Immortal-level insect demons and thousands of other insect demons. These accounts were verified by the high casualty rate among those who ventured in.

The valley’s infamy spread throughout the domain, striking fear into the hearts of many.

“So, this is the Celestial Insect Valley…” Jiang Chengxuan muttered, his eyes fixed on the ominous sight before him.

A vast, deep gorge stretched out before him, filled with lush, wild celestial plants, resembling a giant, green maw. Eerie insect sounds echoed from within, sending chills down one’s spine.

The valley was riddled with deep crevices and chaotic burrows, exuding a wild and untamed aura.

Insect demons were known for their low intelligence but extreme ferocity and combat prowess. Even among the demon clans, insect demons were often despised and avoided.

“Husband… this valley’s aura rivals that of the depths of the Western Black Sea,” Shen Ruyan remarked.

The Celestial Insect Valley was not as vast as the Western Black Sea, but its dangers were equally significant. Unlike the Black Sea, entering this valley would immediately attract countless insect demons, likely resulting in an instant battle.

“Shh, something’s moving,” Jiang Chengxuan warned, sensing an unusual disturbance nearby.

Both of them heightened their senses, preparing for combat. But what emerged from the nearby forest was not an insect demon but a familiar face.

“Wait! No harm intended! I mean no harm!”

The voice belonged to a figure in red and gold robes, whom Jiang Chengxuan and Shen Ruyan recognized.

“Red Ridge Immortal?” Jiang Chengxuan asked, surprised to see the figure he had encountered before.

The person before them was indeed the Red Ridge Immortal, who had once aided them at the Ten Thousand Treasures Immortal Fair.