Chapter 989 : A Pilgrimage to the Divine

"Ancient Ancestor, what is the purpose of our journey this time?"

Upon the vast and boundless Eastern Sea, a solitary leaf-like boat advanced slowly, cleaving through the void towards the horizon where sky and ocean merged into infinity.

Upon that lone vessel, an elder and a youth sat facing one another. The elder was a Golden Core Cultivator [a practitioner who has condensed their spiritual essence into a radiant, golden core], while the youth was a young Purple Mansion Cultivator [a practitioner who has opened and fortified the spiritual palace within their dantian].

At this moment, the elder was gently propelling the boat forward while gazing upon the youth with a kindly expression.

Hearing the youth's question, the Ancient Ancestor finally lifted his head, his voice tinged with reverence and anticipation. "This journey," he declared, "I am taking you on a pilgrimage."

"A pilgrimage?"

The youth was perplexed. He had been in secluded meditation when the Ancient Ancestor abruptly roused him. Before he could even inquire about the reason, he had been ushered onto this Treasure Boat [an enchanted vessel powered by spiritual energy].

Now, hearing the Ancient Ancestor's words, the young man felt even more bewildered and could not help but ask, "Could it be that within this Azure Carp Sea, another Nascent Soul True Lord [a supreme expert whose primordial spirit has gestated into an independent nascent soul] has been born?"

"Not so, not so."

The Ancient Ancestor shook his head, his tone taking on an air of profound mystery. "This journey," he intoned, "is a true pilgrimage for us both. We go to witness the birth of that which our entire generation of cultivators has pursued as their life's ultimate aspiration." Published by audio—novel.com. All rights reserved.

"The lifelong pursuit of us cultivators?"

The youth's expression shifted, and after a moment, he could not help but exclaim in shock, "Could it be that one…?"

"Hmm!"

Ancient Ancestor nodded, his face etched with utmost solemnity and reverence as he said, "Legend has it that he intends to undergo his Immortal Ascension Tribulation [the final, cataclysmic heavenly trial to ascend to immortality] within the Cosmic Star Archipelago, to ascend to immortality in a single, glorious leap."

For decades now, the news that Eldrin Chen would undergo his tribulation to become an Immortal within the Cosmic Star Archipelago had already spread throughout the entire Purple Realm.

Now, upon the vast expanse of the Eastern Sea, countless cultivators had already gathered, their numbers beyond reckoning.

Pilgrims like the old man and the youth were as numerous as fish swimming across a river, an endless stream.

They came with devout hearts to witness the birth of an Immortal, yet even more came with a resolve to face death itself, determined to guard Eldrin Chen's path to ascension.

"Brother Thalion, we have completed the deployment of the Formation according to the array diagrams."

Upon the Cosmic Star Archipelago, over a hundred Nascent Soul Dao Lord [cultivators who have reached the Nascent Soul realm and are revered as lords of the Dao] from the Purple Realm had gathered, their expressions a mix of awe and anticipation as they gazed towards the archipelago's core.

Upon the Cosmic Star Archipelago now lay a Zhou Tian Star Gathering Spirit Formation [a grand formation that draws upon the power of the celestial stars], personally crafted into formation diagrams by Eldrin Chen and erected through the combined efforts of several dozen Nascent Soul Dao Lord [powerful cultivators who have formed their nascent souls].

This formation was an Immortal Rank [a level of power and refinement associated with true immortals] Formation, requiring the use of several dozen types of Pure Yang Spiritual Object [spiritual materials imbued with the pure, unadulterated energy of Yang], with countless Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts capable of vanquishing demons] of lesser grade serving as its foundation.

Now, integrated with the Cosmic Starry Sky Grand Formation [the overarching defensive formation of the archipelago], it could draw upon the Zhou Heavenly Stars Power [the celestial energy emanating from the constellations], gathering the heaven and earth's vital essence from the Purple Realm [a region of profound spiritual density], thereby increasing Eldrin Chen's certainty in cultivating the Immortal Dao Fruit [the ultimate fruit of the Dao, signifying ascension to immortality].

With the grand formation now complete, Thalion Chen smiled and bowed respectfully. "The successful establishment of this formation is owed to the invaluable assistance of all present."

"On behalf of my grandson, I offer my deepest gratitude to you, esteemed Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for cultivators sharing the same path]."

"You honor us too greatly, Fellow Daoist,"

the assembled cultivators hastily replied, stepping aside to avoid accepting such a profound gesture of respect.

Though Thalion Chen's years were not exceedingly long and his cultivation among the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a high-level cultivator] was not peerless, he was Eldrin Chen's Old Granduncle. This singular relationship meant that even a Sky-Watching Dao Master [a master who contemplates the Dao by observing the heavens] would not dare accept his formal bow.

Now that Eldrin Chen stood on the cusp of immortality, these Nascent Soul Dao Lord would soon have to address him as Senior Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality], an unbridgeable chasm forming between their realms.

Only a figure like Thalion Chen, who had watched Eldrin Chen grow from childhood and supported him every step of the arduous journey to this day, could rightfully bear the title of Eldrin Chen's Old Granduncle.

Thus, even though cultivators often maintain their own separate social circles, they still dared not show any disrespect towards Thalion Chen.

After expressing his gratitude to the assembly, Old Patriarch spoke once more: "When Eldrin, the Abyss undergoes his tribulation this time, the Demon God will undoubtedly strike again."

"Eldrin, the Abyss has asked this old man to convey a message: unless it becomes absolutely necessary, you all should refrain from intervening in this tribulation, to avoid unnecessary casualties."

"How can that be acceptable?" Lin Tianqi's brow furrowed instantly as he questioned, "The Immortal Ascension Tribulation [the ultimate trial to ascend to immortality] is perilous to traverse. What shall we do if he suffers any mishap?"

"There is no need for concern."

At that very moment, a gentle voice resonated from the void. Official source: audio—novel.com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Eldrin Chen, seated in meditation at the heart of the Cosmic Star Islands, did not manifest in person. Only his voice, resonant like a divine hymn of the Great Dao [the supreme, fundamental principle underlying all existence], echoed forth: "I have confidence in facing this tribulation. You need only observe quietly from the sidelines."

Upon hearing these words, the expressions of all present grew profoundly solemn. They bowed in unison and responded, "We shall obey your command!"

Thalion Chen took his leave from the gathering and made his way to the very core of the Cosmic Star Archipelago.

Before a Spirit Spring [a spring imbued with concentrated spiritual energy], he found Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang, and spoke with a smile.

"The preparations for this journey are complete, and my Treasure Banner of the Eight Trigrams has also successfully advanced in rank."

Thalion Chen stated calmly, handing over his Lifebound Spiritual Treasure, the Treasure Banner of the Eight Trigrams.

Taking the treasure banner, Eldrin Chen felt a slight stir in his heart. This Lifebound Spiritual Treasure of Old Granduncle's was forged with an Eight Trigrams Treasure Tree as its foundation, representing the culmination of Old Granduncle's lifelong efforts.

Now, Old Granduncle's Divine Soul [the immortal spiritual core of a high-level cultivator] is anchored within the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire. As long as the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire remains unbroken, he is nearly indestructible, and his cultivation advances by leaps and bounds alongside it.

Logically, with the support of the Near-Immortal Grade Earth Vein [a powerful terrestrial energy leyline], Old Granduncle's cultivation should have long since broken through to the Ninth Layer Nascent Soul. Yet, he currently remains only at the seventh layer of the Primordial Spirit [a high-level spiritual cultivation stage].

The reason for this is that Thalion Chen has channeled the primary power of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire into this Eight Trigrams Treasure Formation, elevating it to the realm of a High Grade Pure Yang Spiritual Treasure.

These eight Formation Flags are all High Grade Pure Yang Spiritual Treasure. When deployed by Eldrin Chen using his Immortal Essence [the refined energy of an immortal] to form the Eight Trigrams Immortal Refining Formation, their combined power can nearly rival that of a single Immortal Treasure.

Carefully storing the Treasure Banner of the Eight Trigrams, Eldrin Chen nodded and said, "With this treasure in hand, my chances of surviving the coming tribulation increase by several measures."

Seeing this, Thalion Chen could not help but ponder aloud, "Since the tribulation is so formidable, why not let them lend you their aid?"

"Alas!"

Eldrin Chen shook his head and sighed, saying, "The battle several decades ago inflicted grievous wounds upon the Dao Lords of the Purple Realm. Most have yet to fully recover from their injuries."

"They might still manage against the Extraterrestrial Heavenly Demons, but facing the Extraterrestrial Demon Gods would be as futile as a mantis trying to stop a chariot."

"The Purple Realm has already shed too much blood for my sake. It should not be forced to make further meaningless sacrifices."

"I understand."

Thalion Chen nodded, then remarked with feeling, "Even amidst such a great calamity, you still hold the world in your heart. This is truly a blessing for the Purple Realm."

Eldrin Chen shook his head again, a faint smile touching his lips. "It is not mere soft-heartedness. Having cultivated the Immortal Physique and the Great Vehicle technique, I have forged the Primordial Indestructible Body [an ultimate, nigh-unbreakable physical form]. I possess sufficient confidence to weather this tribulation."

Having said this, he spoke no more on the matter.

His gaze then turned to Lyra Jiang and the others. He gave a firm nod. "Since the moment is ripe, it is time for me to condense my Primordial Dao Fruit [the ultimate fruit of one's cultivation path, a prerequisite for ascension] and break through to the realm of Immortality in one decisive stride."

"Excellent!"

Lyra Jiang nodded, her expression grave. "My Husband, set your mind at ease. Should tribulation truly descend, I am capable of holding the line for a time."

"Understood," Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, yet his voice brimmed with unwavering confidence. "Should the Demon God [a powerful entity of malevolent will] attempt to force its way through, do not strain yourself unduly. Simply allow it to pass." Original English translation available at audio–novel.com.