Chapter 1005 : The Final Game of Mortal Bonds

"Ah, the relentless march of time!"

Eldrin Chen let out a sigh, then stepped forward to sit opposite Old Granduncle.

Beneath the ancient tree, the old and the young faced each other over the board, both wrapped in profound silence.

In their hearts, they both understood this would be their final game in the mortal realm. The next time they met, it might not be in this lifetime, or perhaps not even in this cycle of existence.

After an immeasurable span, Thalion Chen set down his piece, shaking his head with a bitter smile. "After all these years, this old man is still no match for you. It seems in this life, I shall never have the chance to best you."

"Old Granduncle..."

Eldrin Chen's heart trembled violently. After a long pause, he spoke. "Why not ascend to the Immortal Realm [the higher realm of immortals] with me? Perhaps there, you may yet find an Ascending to Immortality [the pivotal opportunity to transcend mortality and become an immortal] opportunity."

"There is no need for that!"

Thalion Chen shook his head again, his smile tinged with resignation. "My Divine Soul [the highest spiritual essence of a cultivator] is anchored within the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire. To leave it would cause the greater part of my lifelong cultivation to dissipate."

"Rather than ascending to the Immortal Realm, it is better for me to remain within the Purple Realm [the mortal cultivation world], to accumulate a deeper Deep-Seated Foundation [the profound and stable foundation of one's cultivation], and thereby increase my chances for a successful Ascending to Immortality in the next life." Read, share, and discuss at @udio-novel.com.

"Moreover, ascending to the Immortal Realm is inherently difficult. Taking me along would likely complicate matters further."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression also darkened slightly, understanding that Thalion Chen's words were not without reason.

For an Immortal [a being who has attained immortality through cultivation] to ascend, they must summon the Ascension Guiding Immortal Light [a divine radiance from the Immortal Realm that guides ascendants] from the Immortal Realm [the higher realm where immortals reside]. That Ascension Guiding Immortal Light traverses infinite worlds to guide the Immortal in their Ascending to Immortality [the final act of transcending the mortal world], and in principle, no mishaps should occur.

However, the Ascension Guiding Immortal Light is also incredibly overbearing, capable of transporting an Immortal into the Immortal Realm in an extremely short span of time.

Objects drawn along by the Ascension Guiding Immortal Light struggle to withstand such immense velocity. Without the grade of an Immortal Rank [the tier corresponding to immortal-level artifacts or beings], they would be utterly reduced to ashes.

It is precisely for this reason that when Immortals ascend, they often leave their lower-grade treasures behind, taking only Immortal Rank divine objects with them.

There are also powerful Immortals who can use their formidable Immortal Essence [the refined energy core of an immortal] to shield worldly objects, carrying a few Near-Immortal Supreme Treasure [artifacts of the highest grade just below immortal rank] along during their ascent, but this requires paying a tremendous price.

Eldrin Chen's cultivation had reached the profound realm of Creation [the principle of creation and genesis], and his Immortal Essence and comprehension of the Laws of the Dao [the fundamental principles governing reality] far surpassed that of ordinary ascendants. He even had the confidence to bring several Dao Companions [cultivation partners bound by deep spiritual and emotional ties] with him.

Yet he also understood his own limits. For this ascension, he not only intended to bring his three Dao Companions—Lila, Nyssa Qu, and Yvonne the Violet Consort—but also several Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root [plants of immense spiritual significance that are deeply connected to the world's essence].

After all, the Spirit Peach Tree [a mystical peach tree bearing spiritually potent fruit] was crucial to his cultivation speed after Ascending to Immortality, and the Enlightenment Tea Tree [a tea tree whose leaves aid in profound comprehension] could assist his power of Comprehending Laws [the ability to understand and internalize the Laws of the Dao].

Once the Eight Trigrams Treasure Tree [a mystical tree embodying the eight trigrams] ascends in rank, it will become one of the most supreme Immortal Family Supreme Treasure [a peerless heirloom artifact of an Immortal Clan]. Eldrin Chen could not bear to part with a single one of them.

Furthermore, if he were to bring Old Granduncle along, the peril of the ascension would likely increase dramatically.

Moreover, Old Granduncle's Divine Soul [the immortal spiritual core of a high-level cultivator] was currently anchored within the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire [a realm of eternal, imprisoning flame], making it truly unsuitable for him to accompany Eldrin Chen in ascending to the Immortal Realm [the higher plane of existence where Immortals dwell].

After all, his own knowledge of the Immortal Realm was limited; venturing into it alone, he himself would be stepping into the unknown. It was unwise to bring Old Granduncle along when the path ahead was so uncertain.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen spoke after a moment of thought, "Then, Old Granduncle, please cultivate here in peace. Once we have secured a foothold in the Immortal Realm, we shall return to guide you in your own Ascending to Immortality [the final, transcendent breakthrough to Immortalhood]."

"Very well."

Thalion Chen offered a gentle smile, stroking his long beard. "This old man will wait right here for that day."

With that matter settled, Eldrin Chen spoke no more of taking Thalion Chen along on his ascension.

With a sweep of his sleeve, he released Nine Strands of Immortal Qi [nine threads of pure, condensed immortal energy]. "In my spare time over these years," he began, "I have refined these Nine Strands of Immortal Qi. Let them remain here to serve as a Deep-Seated Foundation [a profound and unshakable cornerstone for future cultivation] for the clan."

"And these Spiritual Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts] and Immortal Treasure [transcendent artifacts of the Immortal Realm] are of no further use to me. They, too, shall remain with the family."

Eldrin Chen began to recount, retrieving from his possession several dozen Pure Yang Spiritual Object [spiritual objects imbued with the pure essence of the sun] and Spiritual Treasure [enchanted artifacts of significant power].

Over the years, the Demonic Monsters [malevolent beings born of demonic energy] slain by Eldrin Chen were beyond count. From the Extraterrestrial Demon God [a powerful demonic entity from beyond this realm] alone, he had seized over one hundred Pure Yang Spiritual Treasure [treasures forged from pure solar essence], along with seven Quasi-Immortal Treasure [artifacts of power nearing the Immortal grade].

These treasures held no use for Eldrin Chen himself, nor could they be taken on his ascension. He had selected a few to bestow upon Ethan Chen and Kael Chen and others. The remainder were now presented in their entirety to Old Granduncle.

After distributing the treasures, Eldrin Chen placed the Solar Divine Gold [a divine metal born of solar essence] to nurture within the depths beneath the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire [a sea of eternal, imprisoning flames]. Then, from within his robes, he drew forth two ultimate treasures.

Of these two treasures, one was the Treasure Banner of the Eight Trigrams [a mystical banner inscribed with the eight trigrams, used for divination and formation], and the other was an ancient bell of golden hue.

"This—" Original English translation available at www . audio-novel.com.

The moment Thalion Chen laid eyes upon these two supreme artifacts, his expression shifted subtly. He shook his head at once, saying, "Both the Treasure Banner of the Eight Trigrams and the Eastern Sovereign Bell [the Bell of the Eastern Sovereign, a legendary artifact of immense power] are ultimate treasures. Even you would find great use for them in the Immortal Realm [the realm of the Immortals]. How can you leave them behind?"

"There is no need for further persuasion, Old Granduncle."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his expression turning solemn. "This Treasure Banner of the Eight Trigrams has been fused with various Spiritual Object [objects containing concentrated spiritual energy], its grade now brushing against the very threshold of the Quasi-Immortal [a rank denoting power just below that of true Immortal treasures]."

"If you, Old Granduncle, nurture it diligently, it may yet transform into a set of Immortal Rank Formation Banner [Formation Banners of Immortal Rank, used to deploy powerful mystical arrays] capable of rivaling true Immortal Treasure [artifacts forged in the Immortal Realm]. This would serve as a profound Deep-Seated Foundation [a foundational strength crucial for major breakthroughs] for your tribulation of Ascending to Immortality [the final trial to transcend mortality and become an Immortal]."

"As for the Eastern Sovereign Bell..."

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment, his gaze then settling upon the Eastern Sovereign's Physical Body deep within the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire. After a long silence, he finally spoke: "This Eastern Sovereign Bell... it may be the sole chance for Ancestor Eastern Sovereign to revive."

"A chance for the Ancient Ancestor to return from death?"

Upon hearing this, Thalion Chen could not contain his astonishment.

"Precisely."

Eldrin Chen gave a solemn nod. "The soul of Ancestor Eastern Sovereign was utterly scattered. By all rights, he should have no path to resurrection. Yet, he was no ordinary man."

Speaking of the Eastern Sovereign, Eldrin Chen began to recount the tale.

In that fateful battle of ages past, the Primordial Spirit [the highest spiritual essence of a cultivator] of the Eastern Sovereign was slain by the Extraterrestrial Demon God. By all logic, he should have been utterly annihilated, his ashes scattered to the winds with no hope of return.

Yet the circumstances of the Eastern Sovereign were different. He had, after all, achieved an Immortal Physique [a body tempered to near-indestructibility, a hallmark of supreme cultivators]. Even though his Divine Soul [the core spiritual consciousness] was extinguished, his physical form retained a startling, miraculous vitality.

It was precisely for this reason that while the Eastern Sovereign's Divine Soul perished, his flesh remained alive. It was subsequently refined by the Extraterrestrial Demon God into a Second Nascent Soul [a powerful technique where a cultivator's consciousness or a captured spirit is bound to a separate physical vessel].

It was precisely because of the existence of this Immortal Physique [a body that has transcended mortality and attained immortality] that the True Spirit [the core spiritual essence of a being] of Eastern Sovereign did not depart for reincarnation but instead remained within his physical form.

Now, Eldrin Chen intended to utilize this very True Spirit [the core spiritual essence of a being], along with the nourishing feedback from the Eastern Sovereign's Physical Body [the preserved divine body of the Eastern Sovereign], to once more coalesce a Divine Soul [the highest form of spiritual essence, akin to a godly soul] for Eastern Sovereign, seeking a sliver of hope for his revival.

"The Treasure Spirit [the sentient consciousness inhabiting a powerful magical artifact] of this Eastern Sovereign Bell was originally formed from a wisp of Divine Soul [the highest form of spiritual essence, akin to a godly soul] belonging to Ancestor Eastern Sovereign."

"Now that the Eastern Sovereign Bell has ascended to an Immortal Treasure [an artifact of supreme power wielded by immortals], it can be placed within the Eastern Sovereign's Physical Body [the preserved divine body of the Eastern Sovereign]. If nurtured and warmed for thousands of years, perhaps his Divine Soul [the highest form of spiritual essence, akin to a godly soul] can be revived once more."

Eldrin Chen explained methodically, then spoke: "I plan to use the Eastern Sovereign Bell, the Eastern Sovereign's Immortal Body [the immortal physical form of the Eastern Sovereign], and the Solar Divine Gold as three Formation Eye [the core focal points of a mystical formation] to assist Eastern Sovereign in re-coalescing his Divine Soul [the highest form of spiritual essence, akin to a godly soul]."

"If this endeavor succeeds, swiftly it may take a few Millennium [a period of one thousand years], or slowly, tens of thousands of years. Yet, Eastern Sovereign may then have a possibility of resurrection."

Having said this, Eldrin Chen sighed, "This is not merely about resurrecting Eastern Sovereign. For the venerable senior Gravetender of days past, it may also be a form of rebirth, of a different kind."

Upon hearing this, Thalion Chen could not help but let a shadow of sorrow pass over his expression.

In the past, to forge the Eastern Sovereign Bell, the venerable senior Gravetender had not hesitated to fuse his own lifelong Dao Fruit [the culmination of one's cultivation path and enlightenment] and his Near-Immortal Law [a supreme cultivation technique approaching immortality] into it. One could say that the successful creation of this Eastern Sovereign Bell owed at least thirty percent of its merit to Gravetender.

Once Eastern Sovereign successfully revives, the Eastern Sovereign Bell will have the potential for further ascension. Perhaps this, too, would be equivalent to a new life for the venerable senior Gravetender.

At this thought, Old Granduncle also sighed and said, "For Ancestor Eastern Sovereign to have fallen in battle for the Purple Realm and yet meet an end where his soul was scattered to the winds—such a fate is indeed undeserved."

"Since your heart is set on this, you naturally have my full support." This chapter is provided by audio-novel`com. Support the original.