Chapter 980 : Purifying the Nether Demon Sea

Within the eastern reaches of the Southern Sea [the southern ocean region of the cultivation continent] in the Purple Realm [a major cultivation continent], lies a sea known as the Nether Demon Sea.

It is said that tens of thousands of years ago, an Extraterrestrial Demon God [a powerful demonic entity from beyond this world] cast down the core of a star here, planting a Demon God Seed [a malignant seed of demonic power used to corrupt a land], transforming it into a Demonic Cultivator Forbidden Land [a territory tainted and dominated by demonic energy].

Over the ensuing tens of millennia, control of this sea changed hands several times, until five Millennium [a period of one thousand years] ago it was seized by the Demonic Path Patriarch [a supreme master of the demonic cultivation path] Nether Demon Ancient Ancestor, becoming one of the top three Demonic Cultivator [practitioners who cultivate using demonic energy] strongholds in the Purple Realm.

Yet now, within this Demonic Cultivator Forbidden Land, the once-turbulent Demonic Qi [demonic spiritual energy] was nowhere to be found. Instead, a radiance like that of the sun unfurled, its brilliant and majestic power enveloping the entire Nether Demon Sea region.

"Hmm—"

At the heart of the Nether Demon Sea, a faint resonance echoed as the malignant imprint within the Demonic Spring [a spring tainted by demonic energy] was utterly erased.

Eldrin Chen withdrew his hand, giving a slight, satisfied nod.

Erasing the imprints left by the Demon God [a powerful demonic deity] within a Demonic Cultivator Forbidden Land was no simple task.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen possessed the Pure Yang Celestial Flame [a divine flame of pure Yang energy]. This power of the Laws of the Dao [the fundamental principles of cultivation] was supremely effective against Demonic Dao Law [the laws governing demonic cultivation], allowing him to refine and purge the imprints of the Extraterrestrial Demon God.

For centuries, he had ceaselessly worked to cleanse these Demonic Cultivator Forbidden Land. Only now, as the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a cyclical cataclysm of demonic energy] drew near once more, had he finally succeeded in completely eradicating all thirteen Sixth Rank High Grade Demonic Cultivator Forbidden Land. Access the full story on www . audio-novel.com.

The Nether Demon Sea [a perilous region tainted by demonic energy] forbidden land before him was now the final Demonic Cultivator Forbidden Land [a territory corrupted and controlled by demonic cultivators] remaining.

After grinding the Nether Demon Sea forbidden land into nothingness, Eldrin Chen withdrew his focus. Only then did he sense someone had been waiting outside for a long time. A faint smile touched his lips as he spoke, "My two Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for fellow cultivators], you have waited long. Please, enter."

Not long after Eldrin Chen's words fell, two figures entered side by side, stepping into the Demonic Spring [a spring or source of potent demonic energy] Cultivation Cave [a cavern used for secluded meditation and cultivation].

The visitors were Lin Tianqi and the Star Palace Master. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, Lin Tianqi laughed and said, "Refining the Demonic Spring is a matter of great importance for the Purple Realm [the name of this cultivation world]. What does our brief wait amount to?"

"Indeed, indeed."

The Star Palace Master also nodded, a smile gracing his features. "By refining these various Demonic Spring, Fellow Daoist has excised the key tumors through which the Demon God [a powerful demonic entity or its followers] erodes the very fabric of the Purple Realm. Your merit is truly boundless."

Eldrin Chen offered a light chuckle, his gaze settling on Lin Tianqi. "I have yet to offer my congratulations, Fellow Daoist Mordecai. With your recent breakthrough into the Half-Immortal Realm [a demi-immortal state just below true immortality], it seems the hope of ascension to immortality lies before you."

"How could I compare to you, Fellow Daoist?" Lin Tianqi shook his head, a wry smile on his lips. "In this entire lifetime, I possess but a sliver of hope for immortality, far less than you."

Eldrin Chen gave a noncommittal shake of his head, then looked at both of them and asked, "For what matter do you seek me out at this time?"

"Ah." Mentioning the main purpose, Lin Tianqi adopted a serious expression. "I have come because the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a cyclical, catastrophic event involving demonic incursions] draws near. We wish to ask you to take command of the overall situation."

"So that is the way of it."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. The time remaining until the next opening of the Demon Abyss Heavenly Scar [a perilous spatial rift connecting to demonic realms] was now merely two decades.

Yet, he smiled calmly and said, "I have divined the nature of this tribulation. The Extraterrestrial Demon God [a malevolent entity from beyond this world] should not yet have returned. Proceed with the preparations as planned. Should any unforeseen circumstance arise, I shall be there in an instant."

Hearing this, both of them breathed a sigh of relief. Lin Tianqi said with a smile, "In that case, my mind is at ease."

With that matter settled, the Star Palace Master hesitated slightly, a look of wanting to speak yet holding back crossing his features.

Eldrin Chen, observing this, smiled and inquired, "I perceive from your expression, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a cultivator of similar standing], that there is something you wish to discuss?"

"This..."

The Star Palace Master nodded, speaking with some difficulty, "Over these years, Fellow Daoist has purged numerous Demonic Cultivator Forbidden Land [sealed and corrupted realms used by demonic cultivators]. You must surely possess a considerable number of Nine Heavens Star Core [a rare crystalline essence condensed from celestial starlight]."

"My purpose in coming..."

The Star Palace Master trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished.

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered with understanding as he grasped the Star Palace Master's intent.

The cultivation path of the Star Palace lineage often required the aid of Nine Heavens Star Core [a celestial core refined from the essence of stars], and it was clear they wished to obtain some from Eldrin Chen's possession.

However, the Star Palace now boasted a single Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] expert. To hasten the advancement of their seven Nascent Soul Dao Lord [a cultivator who has formed a nascent soul and comprehended a Dao] to the Primordial Spirit, Late Stage stage, they had nearly exhausted their Sect's Deep-Seated Foundation [profound accumulated resources], leaving little surplus to trade for the Nine Heavens Star Core.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen nodded and declared, "The Big Dipper Seven Stars Grand Formation [a mighty formation harnessing the power of the seven stars of the Big Dipper] is a key Formation [a structured arrangement of power, often for defense or attack] against the Extraterrestrial Demon God [a powerful demonic entity from beyond this realm]. This humble one naturally would not stand idly by."

"Thus, I shall present seven Nine Heavens Star Core as a gift to Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator]. I only hope the esteemed Fellow Daoist of the Star Palace can swiftly master the grand formation to withstand the coming Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a periodic cataclysmic invasion from the demonic abyss]."

Overjoyed, the Star Palace Master accepted the seven Nine Heavens Star Core and said excitedly, "Set your mind at ease, Fellow Daoist. With our Star lineage joining forces to activate the Formation, we will surely be able to block a strike from the Extraterrestrial Demon God." Experience the full epic at audio—novel.com.

"In that case, my heart is settled."

Eldrin Chen gave another nod, a slight breath of relief escaping him as he bestowed the seven celestial cores upon the other.

This cycle's Demonic Abyss Cataclysm unfolded just as Eldrin Chen had anticipated—the Extraterrestrial Demon God did not launch a direct assault.

Once the calamitous period had fully passed, Eldrin Chen returned to the heart of his clan.

On this journey, he did not tarry, but sat in serene meditation by the shores of the Azure Lotus Continent, quietly awaiting the Creation Azure Jade Lotus's ascension to the Immortal Rank realm.

This Creation Azure Jade Lotus, nurtured by Eldrin Chen for several Millennium, had long since surpassed the limits of the mortal world. Within it, the Laws of the Dao [the fundamental principles governing reality] were continuously gestating and taking form, its advancement to an Acquired Spiritual Root [a supreme-grade spiritual foundation for cultivation] not far off.

This was a rare opportunity. Eldrin Chen sat cross-legged beside the Creation Azure Jade Lotus, observing as the Laws of the Dao within it gradually coalesced into being.

Thus, time flowed like a river. In the blink of an eye, a century passed. Then, on a certain day, wind and thunder suddenly arose over the Azure Lotus Continent, and amidst a tempest of wind and rain, the Creation Azure Jade Lotus ascended, transforming into an Acquired Spiritual Root.

Upon its ascension, a dazzling immortal radiance illuminated heaven and earth, startling Ronan and shaking the entire Purple Realm.

Finally, within that brilliant celestial light, a single verdant immortal lotus unfurled its petals.

"Creation Azure Jade Lotus,"

Eldrin Chen murmured, a faint smile touching his lips as he gazed upon the Creation Azure Jade Lotus before him.

This Creation Azure Jade Lotus was profoundly miraculous, possessing four treasures: nine Lotus Seeds, its Lotus Root, its Lotus Platform [a platform formed by lotus petals, often used for meditation or as a magical treasure base], and its Lotus Leaf.

Among these four treasures, the Lotus Leaf was the first to detach, transforming into a peerless Sword Embryo [the nascent, unformed core of a divine sword]. The nine Lotus Seeds followed closely behind, each imbued with Creation Immortal Qi [the primordial energy of creation, a supreme spiritual essence], and they soared into the air.

Eldrin Chen gathered all the Lotus Seed [the seeds of a spiritual lotus plant], then stowed away the Green Lotus Sword Platform [an enchanted platform that can transform into a sword array] before turning his attention to the Lotus Platform [a platform formed from a spiritual lotus, often used for cultivation] and the Lotus Root [the rootstalk of a spiritual lotus, a valuable alchemical ingredient].

The Lotus Platform radiated an Creation [the primordial force of creation and genesis] immortal light, clearly an object not of this mortal realm. Eldrin Chen wasted no time in securing it.

The Lotus Root was also extraordinary, capable of refining the Immortal Rank Second Nascent Soul [a supreme technique for cultivating a second, independent soul core]. Naturally, Eldrin Chen would not let such a treasure slip through his fingers.

Only after he had collected all four treasures did he notice the remaining husk of the Creation Azure Jade Lotus [a legendary lotus born from primordial creation energy] turn to ash, which then coalesced to form a new seed.

"Reaching the zenith of splendor, only to conclude within that brilliance, then reforming into a seed of new life."

"So that's how it is. Finally, I understand!"

Eldrin Chen suddenly murmured to himself, his expression one of profound, enlightened realization.

In that moment, he finally comprehended why the manifestation of the Law of Life [the fundamental principle governing life and vitality] within the mortal world took the form of an insignificant seed.

This seed was the primordial form of life, the very beginning. And it was also the genesis of a new beginning, reborn as life reached its end.

This subtle, fateful revelation illuminated the path ahead for his many years of cultivation, casting a brilliant light upon his future journey.

Over these years, he had studied the myriad methods of countless schools, and his comprehension of the Law of Life [the fundamental principle governing vitality and growth] had long since accumulated to a sufficient degree. He was only missing that final, elusive spark of opportunity to achieve a breakthrough.

Now, the Verdant Lotus [a mystical lotus plant of profound spiritual significance] reverting to a seed became the very catalyst that illuminated his path forward.

In a single Ksana-time [an infinitesimal unit of time from Buddhist cosmology, less than a second], Eldrin Chen entered a state of profound enlightenment. In the next instant, he had already completed that most crucial step.

That Law of Life [the fundamental principle governing vitality and growth] gradually transformed from the intangible to the tangible, ultimately manifesting as one of the most potent forces of the cosmos: the power of the Laws of the Dao [the supreme, fundamental laws that govern reality].

"The Law of Life!"

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, sensing the power of this third Laws of the Dao [the supreme, fundamental laws that govern reality]. An instinctive understanding dawned upon him from the depths of his soul.

Even an Extraterrestrial Demon God [a powerful demonic entity originating from beyond this realm] of the Nine Heavens Immortal Demons [a legendary class of supremely powerful demonic beings] would find it exceedingly difficult to utterly annihilate him now that he had mastered the Law of Life [the fundamental principle governing vitality and growth].

Furthermore, having mastered the Law of Life [the fundamental principle governing vitality and growth], his future endeavors to comprehend the Law of Primordial Chaos Metal [the fundamental principle governing the metallic aspect of primordial chaos] and the Law of Myriad Things Earth [the fundamental principle governing the earthly aspect of all creation] would become significantly easier.

For even if he faced immense rejection while Comprehending Laws [the profound process of understanding and internalizing fundamental cosmic principles], the Law of Life [the fundamental principle governing vitality and growth] nourishing him would allow him to delve fearlessly, secure from any mortal injury.

"My path is now complete!"

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, sensing a profound intuition that comprehending the Chaos Gold and the Law of Myriad Things Earth [a profound Dao principle governing the essence and transformation of all earthly matter] would not prove overly arduous for myself in the time to come.

At that very moment, several streaks of light pierced through the void, revealing the arrival of Verdant Consort and Nyssa Qu with her companions. They had clearly been drawn by the commotion of the Immortal Root [the foundational spiritual source of an immortal-grade spiritual plant] advancing its grade.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, their faces lit up with joy. Verdant Consort could not contain her anxiety and asked urgently, "Husband, has the immortal lotus succeeded in its advancement?"

"Mm."

Eldrin Chen nodded with a smile and produced the Verdant Lotus Sword Embryo [the nascent, unformed core of a future sword-type magical treasure].

The moment the Verdant Lotus Sword Embryo appeared, the Azure Dragon Stirring the Sea Sword within Verdant Consort's body shot forth unbidden. To their astonishment, it began to intertwine and resonate with the newly revealed Sword Embryo.

Over the years, Verdant Consort had fused her Azure Dragon Stirring the Sea Sword with the Azure Lotus Immortal Sword, forging it into a single Supreme Grade Pure Yang Spiritual Treasure [a pinnacle-grade spiritual treasure imbued with the pure essence of Yang energy].

Now, faced with this Sword Embryo born from the same primordial source—the Verdant Lotus—the two treasures shared an instinctive connection. A palpable desire for fusion hummed in the air between them.

Witnessing this, Lila at her side nodded, a touch of envy coloring her voice. "It seems Elder Sister's Azure Dragon Stirring the Sea Sword may not be long from advancing to the Immortal Rank [the realm of immortal-grade treasures]."

"It is not so simple," Verdant Consort replied, her expression a mix of delight and realism as she shook her head. "The treasure is potent, but I am weak. With my current cultivation, attempting to nurture a true Immortal Treasure [a treasure that has ascended to the immortal grade] is likely beyond my capability."

"There is no rush."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen smiled and said, "While you nurture this Sword Embryo [a nascent form of a sentient sword, cultivated within a swordsman's body], you can also use its power to nourish your Green Lotus Nascent Soul [a unique spiritual core shaped like a verdant lotus, symbolizing purity and immense potential]. The day of your ascension to immortality is within sight."

"Mm."

Verdant Consort nodded, a genuine smile gracing her features.

At that moment, Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before producing the Lotus Root. "I originally intended to give this to Lyra," he said, "to aid the advancement of her Second Nascent Soul [a rare and powerful technique allowing a cultivator to forge a second, independent spiritual core]. However, I have changed my mind today."

"This Green Lotus Root is a rare treasure of the immortal realm. It can be used to refine a Second Nascent Soul, or it can help an Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality and achieved eternal life] reshape their physical form. But for you, it is an even greater tonic."

Verdant Consort glanced at it, her expression shifting to one of astonishment.

The reason was that this Green Lotus Root shared a faint, intrinsic connection with her own Green Lotus Immortal Constitution [a rare and powerful innate physique aligned with the essence of the verdant lotus]. It could help her Green Lotus Immortal Constitution advance further, allowing her to cultivate a truly flawless Immortal Physique [a perfect, immortal-grade physical constitution, the pinnacle of bodily refinement].

This was truly astounding. It must be known that Verdant Consort had used the Red Dust Butterfly Dream Technique [an esoteric art of entering profound, reality-bending dreams] to dream through a Millennium [a grand cycle of fate spanning a thousand years], thereby attaining the qualifications for immortality. Yet, she was not a Paragon of the Great Luo Golden Immortal [one destined for the supreme pinnacle of immortal cultivation, the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm]. Consequently, the Green Lotus Immortal Constitution she cultivated was, in fact, imperfect.

While it was a Superior Grade Dao Body [a top-tier physique aligned with the Dao, the fundamental principle of existence], it was not a genuine Immortal Physique. It could only approach the level of a Pure Yang Dao Body [a constitution of pure masculine Yang energy] and could not compare to Lyra Jiang's Lunar Immortal Physique [an immortal-grade constitution aligned with the essence of the moon].

Thus, for an Immortal Physique [a supreme physical constitution capable of ascending to immortality] to achieve perfection amidst the mortal world and become a true Fleshly Body Immortal [an immortal who has ascended through the refinement of their physical body alone] is an exceedingly arduous path.

Who could have foreseen that this Verdant Lotus [a legendary spiritual lotus of profound purity] immortal lotus root could actually remedy her deficiencies, aiding her in cultivating a genuine Flawless Green Lotus Immortal Constitution [a perfect immortal constitution embodying the essence of the verdant lotus] within the mortal dust.

At this thought, Verdant Consort was overcome with excitement, yet she could not help but voice her hesitation: "I have already received the Azure Lotus Immortal Sword. This treasure rightfully belongs to Lyra. For me to take it again would fill me with shame."

"There is no need for such thoughts," Eldrin Chen said with a gentle smile. "Lyra possesses talent rare across the ages. While this immortal lotus root is precious, for her it would merely be an embellishment upon brocade."

"Moreover, her Second Nascent Soul [a second, independently cultivatable spiritual core] is a Water Essence Incarnation [an incarnation formed from the pure essence of water]. It is most suited to water-attribute Immortal Material [materials of immortal grade used for crafting]. In the future, I shall find her a suitable Water Attribute Immortal Treasure [an immortal-grade treasure aligned with the water element] to make up for it."

Hearing his words, Verdant Consort finally accepted the Green Lotus Root, saying with a light laugh, "Very well. The next treasure we find, I shall yield to her."

Seeing Verdant Consort accept the treasure, Eldrin Chen nodded. He then retrieved an Azure Lotus Seed and handed it to Verdant Consort, saying, "The immortal root can aid you in perfecting your Immortal Physique. The Immortal Lotus Seed [the seed of an immortal lotus, containing immense spiritual potential] and Lunar Immortal Jade [a jade imbued with the essence of the moon and immortality] can assist you in Cultivating Dao Fruit [the process of nurturing and manifesting one's Dao attainment, akin to bearing fruit]."

"But if you truly wish to walk far upon this path, you must still comprehend the power of the Green Lotus Law [the fundamental Dao principle embodied by the Green Lotus], to properly take that final step."

Verdant Consort gave a slight nod of understanding. Having traversed a thousand lifetimes within the Red Dust Dream Butterfly [a mystical artifact that immerses one in illusory lifetimes of mortal experience], her innate talent and insight had long since approached that of a true Immortal. Several more Millennium [a cycle of one thousand years] of cultivation had only deepened her accumulated foundation.

Now, her talent could be considered rare under heaven. While her comprehension might not surpass that of Jiang the Sovereign Emperor, she possessed her own unique advantages.

This was solely because the divine ability she had comprehended was the Green Lotus Arcane Power, and now, with the assistance of an Immortal Treasure [a supreme enchanted artifact] transformed from an Immortal Rank [a realm of immortal cultivation] Creation Azure Jade Lotus, the possibility of her grasping the Green Lotus Law [the profound principle of the Green Lotus] was naturally greatly increased.

From this perspective, Verdant Consort's destined fortune far surpassed that of Jiang the Sovereign Emperor.

As for whether she could ultimately cultivate the Immortal Physique [an immortal-grade physical foundation], the Laws of the Dao [the fundamental principles of existence], and the Dao Fruit [the fruit of one's cultivation path] simultaneously, ascending to immortality with the foundation of a Great Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm], it still depended on her own Creation [destiny or fortune].

After distributing the immortal lotuses, Eldrin Chen did not linger on the Azure Lotus Continent. He immediately journeyed into the heart of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire, intending to refine the Immortal Rank Azure Lotus Throne and fuse it into myself's Life-Bound Magical Treasure [a treasure bound to one's life and cultivation].

Now, with Eldrin Chen wielding the power of three distinct Laws of the Dao and having comprehended the Law of Life [the principle governing life itself], his speed in refining the Azure Lotus Throne was naturally astonishingly swift.

In merely the span of one Jiazi-time [a cycle of sixty years], he had completed the refinement, elevating it to the Immortal Rank realm.

Once the Creation Azure Lotus Platform ascended, its profound mysteries became extraordinary. With but a tentative probe, Eldrin Chen revealed an expression of wild elation.

"This is..."

Eldrin Chen was utterly astounded. To his shock, he discovered that when myself's Mana [cultivational energy] flowed into the Creation Azure Lotus Platform, what cycled back out was actually the legendary Immortal Essence Power [the quintessential power of an immortal].

This truly left Eldrin Chen profoundly startled. For no matter how potent a cultivator's Mana might be, compared to Immortal Essence Power, it remained utterly insignificant.

That Immortal Essence [the supreme, immortal-grade spiritual energy], can only be nurtured within a cultivator's body after they have ascended to immortality, giving birth to a single wisp of Immortal Qi [the foundational energy of an Immortal]. It is by relying on this wisp of Immortal Qi that one can, bit by bit, transform one's own Mana [the spiritual energy cultivated by mortals] into it.

Consider the same Divine Ability [a supernatural power or technique]; when propelled by Immortal Essence [the purified, immortal-grade spiritual energy], its power is enhanced a hundredfold or more.

Furthermore, Immortal Essence possesses a quality of eternal, undying power, allowing a cultivator to preserve their youth and achieve deathless longevity.

As long as this Mana does not utterly exhaust itself, an Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality] can maintain their peak condition at all times, living for millions, tens of millions, or even hundreds of millions of years without showing the slightest sign of aging.

"Immortal Essence, Immortal Essence!"

"As long as Immortal Essence remains, one can live forever, untouched by death!"

Eldrin Chen was utterly astounded, yet also somewhat bewildered.

He had already cultivated the Laws of the Dao [the fundamental principles of the Great Dao] and an Immortal Physique [a body tempered to an immortal's resilience]. Now, even his Immortal Essence had been transformed ahead of time.

At this moment, a profound confusion settled upon him. He did not know if he had already become an Immortal, if he had, amidst the mortal dust, become a unique and anomalous kind of Immortal. Continue reading this story at audio-novel dot com.