Chapter 960 : Forging the Lunar Immortal Physique
"It is only fitting."
Lyra Jiang gave a slight nod, and thus the candidate to wield the Lunar Immortal Jade was decided.
At that moment, Lyra Jiang did not depart immediately. Instead, she gazed upon the Netherworld Sea and said, "For my Lunar Immortal Physique [a celestial constitution born of lunar essence] to reach its ultimate perfection, it requires the absorption of a vast sea of Pure Yin Qi [the purest essence of the passive, receptive, and dark principle of the cosmos]."
"I wish to remain here in seclusion for some years after the great calamity has passed, not emerging until I have forged my Immortal Physique [a perfected physical vessel worthy of an immortal]."
"Is this truly so?"
Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen revealed a look of pleasant surprise.
Lyra Jiang's innate talent was peerless throughout the ages. Her Lunar Immortal Physique was a natural-born Immortal constitution, far surpassing all manner of Dao Body [a body perfectly attuned to a specific Dao or cosmic principle].
Once her Lunar Immortal Physique was cultivated to perfection, she would be able to forge an Immortal Physique. Such a physique would rank among the very pinnacle of Immortal Physique, and though it might not rival Eldrin Chen's Primordial Indestructible Golden Body, it could still be called matchless under heaven.
The Pure Yin Qi within this subterranean Netherworld [the underworld or realm of the dead] was a potent nourishment for Lyra Jiang. By absorbing and refining a sufficient amount of this energy, she could use it to forge her Immortal Physique.
Considering this, Eldrin Chen nodded and said, "The Lunar Yin Qi [the yin essence associated with the moon] within this boundless Netherworld is one of the twin cosmic energies of Yin and Yang Dual Qi [the complementary forces of dark/passive and light/active that constitute reality]. By drawing upon this Qi to forge your Immortal Physique, you will incur a significant karmic debt to the Purple Realm [the celestial realm associated with the highest heavens]." Find this and other novels at audio-novel.com (official site).
"Fortunately, if you and I succeed in quelling this great calamity, it should be sufficient to repay the debt in full."
Eldrin Chen spoke in a measured tone, then continued, "With this matter concluded, let us depart first. You may return once the great calamity has been pacified."
After slaying the Demonic Lotus, the two returned to the entrance of the boundless Netherworld and immediately passed through the fissure back towards the mortal realm.
An unknowable length of time later, they emerged once more into the world of men.
Upon Netherworld Isle, Eldrin Chen sought out Netherworld Ancient Ancestor without delay. He then produced the Black Lotus and declared, "The journey proceeded smoothly. I have brought the item you require."
"It truly is the Netherworld Black Lotus!"
Netherworld Ancient Ancestor took the Black Lotus, his expression a mixture of elation and melancholy. "I forsook the righteous path for the demonic, cultivating in bitter hardship for one hundred Jiazi-time [a cycle of sixty years] cycles before reaching the Ninth Layer Nascent Soul [the pinnacle of the Nascent Soul stage]."
"Now, with this Netherworld Black Lotus in my possession, a breakthrough to the Half-Immortal Realm [a demi-immortal state between mortal and immortal] is within sight. Perhaps, in time, there may even be a sliver of hope for achieving true immortality."
Hearing this, Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with thought. The Netherworld Black Lotus was a treasure of rare Immortal Rank [pertaining to the realm of true Immortals] caliber in all the world; by rights, upon reaching maturity, it should ascend to the Immortal Rank realm itself.
Alas, this particular blossom had been plucked prematurely by the Extraterrestrial Demon God before it could fully ripen. Yet, it still ranked among the most supreme Quasi-Immortal [a grade denoting power just below that of true Immortal treasures] objects to be found in the mortal realm.
Moreover, this object aligns perfectly with the Netherworld Ancient Ancestor's Dao [the fundamental principle or path in Chinese philosophy]. By cross-referencing and verifying insights from both, there might truly be a sliver of a chance to achieve Immortal Ascension [the ultimate transcendence to immortality].
Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen still spoke with measured deliberation: "Do you still intend to walk the path of the Nine Heavens True Demon [a supreme demonic sovereign who has transcended the nine heavens]?"
Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, a trace of genuine regret coloring his expression.
Compared to the arduous path of Immortal Ascension, the demonic path knows no scruples, refusing to repay the karmic debts owed to heaven and earth. Acts like the Demonic Lotus [a malevolent spiritual entity] stealing a world's Yin and Yang Dual Qi [the primordial essences of passive and active cosmic forces] are considered commonplace.
Therefore, relatively speaking, the path to Demonic Dao [the supreme achievement of demonic cultivation] is somewhat simpler and easier for a Demonic Cultivator [a practitioner who cultivates power through demonic means].
However, Immortal Cultivation [the practice of pursuing immortality through orthodox means] emphasizes freedom, self-mastery, and clarity of heart, using human nature to glimpse the Laws of the Dao [the fundamental principles governing reality] and ultimately bear the Dao Fruit [the ultimate fruit of enlightenment and cultivation achievement]. This path often leads to greater wisdom and true liberation.
The cultivation of the Demonic Path [the collective practices and philosophy of demonic cultivation] is different. It advocates following one's whims without restraint, employing any means necessary. The Baleful Qi [malignant spiritual energy], Secret Power [esoteric and often corrupting forces], Laws of the Dao, and Dao Fruit associated with the Demonic Path all erode the cultivator's mind, amplifying their innermost desires.
Unless one possesses immense willpower and unwavering resolve, the vast majority of Demonic Cultivator are eventually controlled by their Inner Demons [manifestations of one's darkest impulses and mental weaknesses], stumbling blindly until they fall before the great tribulation of achieving their Dao.
Or perhaps they succeed in becoming a Nine Heavens True Demon, only to lose their original self, becoming a mere puppet of the Demonic Dao Law [the cosmic principles and authority inherent to the demonic path].
Furthermore, Demonic Cultivator harm the natural order of heaven and earth. Their cultivation journey is thus fraught with hardship and peril, and the tribulations they encounter far surpass those faced by ordinary cultivators.
At this thought, Eldrin Chen sighed and said, "Although the Demonic Path [a cultivation path that harnesses dark, corruptive energies] allows for swifter advancement in Mana [the foundational energy used for cultivation], the path itself is far too corrosive to one's heart and soul."
"I hope that if we meet again one day, you will still have retained your true self."
Contrary to expectations, Netherworld Ancient Ancestor was calm. He sat quietly upon the void, and after a long while, shook his head. "I do not know if that day will ever come," he said.
"But if we do meet again, and I have truly lost all my humanity... please, kill me."
Eldrin Chen offered no reply. He merely gazed silently towards the Purple Realm [a vast and powerful cultivation realm], then turned and departed for the Myriad Ruins Ancient Domain.
Upon returning to his clan, Eldrin Chen summoned all the clan's Dao Lord [a title for a master of the Dao, a supreme cultivator] and convened a council upon Verdant Chariot Mountain. Find thousands of chapters at https://audio-novel.com.
Compared to the tense atmosphere before previous great battles, even with the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a prophesied cataclysm involving the demonic abyss] drawing near, everyone present felt an inexplicable sense of reassurance.
Now that Eldrin Chen had forged his Immortal Physique [a body tempered to near-immortal perfection], his power had brushed against the threshold of the Immortal Rank [the realm of true immortals]. With the major internal threats within the Purple Realm largely eradicated, the realm's chances of withstanding the Extraterrestrial Demon God [powerful demonic entities from beyond this world] had increased tremendously.
Within the Grand Hall of Verdant Chariot Mountain, Thalion Chen looked upon those gathered beside him, and a smile finally touched his aged face.
The Chen Clan now stood as the foremost Dao Lord Sacred Land [a sacred land ruled by Dao Lords] within the Purple Realm, boasting a full sixteen Nascent Soul Dao Lord [cultivators who have reached the Nascent Soul realm and earned the title of Dao Lord] within its ranks.
Among the cultivators of our clan, within the Chang Generation there is Thalion Chen, whose cultivation has reached the seventh layer of the Primordial Spirit realm [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a high stage of power].
The Nian Generation boasts two individuals, Eldrin Chen and Kael Chen, both having recently achieved initial mastery of their Great Dao [the supreme, fundamental principle of cultivation] and are peerless figures who have each forged their own unique Path to Immortal Ascension.
Within the Xian Generation, there are also two Primordial Spirit cultivators: Ethan Chen and Silas Chen. Both are at the early stage of the Primordial Spirit realm and are individuals who have broken through within the last Millennium.
Beyond these five, Eldrin Chen's five Dao companions—Lyra Jiang, Verdant Consort, Yvonne the Violet Consort, Lila, and Nyssa Qu—are all exceptionally rare Nascent Soul Ancient Ancestors [cultivators who have reached the Nascent Soul stage, a realm of immense power].
Kael Chen's Dao companion, Lilith, Mistress of Desire, has also cultivated to the Primordial Spirit Realm.
Among the remaining juniors, five individuals—Elara Lin, Sylas Ye, Alistair Lu, Caspian Chen, and Lana Gu—have all reached the Primordial Spirit Realm.
A single lineage with sixteen Primordial Spirit cultivators, including peak-level Ancient Ancestors like Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang, as well as several late-stage Primordial Spirit existences such as Verdant Consort and Nyssa Qu.
Such a magnificent force is considerably more powerful than even the Dao Palace Sacred Land [a renowned holy land of cultivation], standing peerless when viewed across the entire Purple Realm [a vast world within the cultivation universe].
Only during the era before the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a great calamity caused by demons], in the zenith period of the Immortal's Dao Heritage [a legendary cultivation legacy] which produced several dozen Primordial Spirit cultivators and coexisted with multiple Demigod Ancestors [cultivators half-step into godhood], could rival the current splendor of the Chen Clan.
However, with Eldrin Chen—a being with one foot already in the immortal realm—the Chen Clan likely possesses far greater combat prowess.
Thinking of this, Old Patriarch could not help but stroke his long beard, sighing with emotion, "In the fleeting span of four Millennium, our Chen Clan has risen from a minor Foundation Establishment [the second major stage of cultivation] clan to become the foremost Sacred Land [a place of immense spiritual power and significance] within the Purple Realm."
"Such a staggering pace of ascension is likely unparalleled, even when scouring the entire ancient annals of the Purple Realm for a clan that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with ours."
"Indeed!"
Silas Chen also nodded, his voice thick with myriad emotions, "Sixteen Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator] cultivators from a single lineage, over eight hundred Nascent Soul True Lord [a powerful cultivator who has formed a nascent soul, the fourth major stage], and Golden Core Cultivator [cultivators who have condensed a golden core, the third major stage] are as numerous as the hairs on an ox."
"Who, gazing back those several Millennium ago, would have dared to dream of such a day arriving?"
"A pity that Aunt Seraphina and Granduncle Elara could not witness this day with their own eyes." Support the author by reading on audio-novel dot com.