Chapter 1018 : The Crimson Dragon's Claim

After listening to Six Stars Immortal's account, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly.

As the direct grandson of the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor, this Crimson Dragon Scion had cultivated for over nine hundred thousand years. Although his cultivation in the Creation [the stage of creating one's own inner world] had not yet reached the half-step Earth Immortal Realm, it was as high as the ninth layer of the Ascension Immortal Realm.

Such a supreme Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality] at the Ninth Heaven of Ascension was the only one of his kind in the entire Crimson Dragon Sea. Although Six Stars Immortal was hailed as one of the three great powerhouses of the Crimson Dragon Sea, he could not compare to him.

Now that the Crimson Dragon Scion had arrived in person, he was likely to intervene, filling everyone present with grave solemnity. Sure enough, the Nine Phoenix Immortal Chariot [a divine chariot pulled by nine phoenixes] paused slightly, coming to a halt in the void.

The Crimson Dragon Scion seated upon it looked down. His gaze swept over the assembly before finally settling on Eldrin Chen as he spoke,

"All the various Immortal Island [islands imbued with immortal energy] within the Crimson Dragon Sea are the rightful holdings of my Crimson Dragon [a powerful dragon race] clan."

"In past years, when the Demonic Tribe [a tribe of demonic cultivators or beings] occupied this Fire Mulberry Island, I did not intervene. Now that it has fallen into the hands of the Human Race, it is time for me to reclaim it."

"Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator] Crimson Dragon, your words overreach."

At that very moment, an ethereal, immortal melody drifted down from the heavens. Everyone looked up to see an elderly immortal with hair and beard white as snow strolling through the air towards them. "It's him!"

The gazes of the various Immortal flickered, recognizing the origins of this newcomer. Discover more cultivation stories at audio . novel . com.

The newcomer was none other than Xander Qian. His gaze swept over the assembly before settling on Eldrin Chen with a faint smile. "This old one is a step late," he said. "I hope Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a cultivator of similar attainment] will forgive me."

"Not at all, not at all."

Seeing Xander Qian arrive, a genuine smile finally touched Eldrin Chen's lips.

Unexpectedly, even Crimson Dragon Scion furrowed his brow at the sight of Xander Qian.

Crimson Dragon Scion's eyes narrowed slightly as he regarded Xander Qian. "So it is the Fellow Daoist from the Setting Sun Sea," he said. "Does Your Excellency intend to involve yourself in today's affairs?"

Xander Qian did not answer directly, instead offering a smile. "Today marks the joyous occasion of Fellow Daoist Eldrin establishing his mountain abode. As a friend, it is only natural for me to come and offer my congratulations."

The unspoken implication was clear to all: he stood in support of Eldrin Chen's claim to this mountain.

A slight frown creased Crimson Dragon Scion's brow. Within the entire Crimson Dragon Sea, he was the sole cultivator at the ninth level of the Ascendant Immortal [a high stage of cultivation, one step below true immortality] realm.

Aside from him, even the formidable Six Stars Immortal was merely at the eighth level of the Immortal realm. The mightiest of the Divine Spirit lineage, the so-called 'Purple Brilliance Deity', was no stronger.

In truth, he would have feared no one today, even if Six Stars Immortal and the Purple Radiance Deity had arrived together. But the Xander Qian now before him was a different matter entirely.

Although this individual was only at the seventh level of the Ascendant Immortal [a high-tier immortal realm] realm, having lived for over a million years and survived a single heavenly tribulation, he was a true One-Tribulation Immortal [an immortal who has endured one heavenly tribulation].

Over a million years of accumulation, coupled with the opportunities gained from surviving that tribulation, had rendered Xander Qian's Divine Ability [supernatural powers], comprehension of the Laws of the Dao [the fundamental principles of the Great Dao], and even his Lifebound Immortal Treasure [an immortal's personally bonded and nurtured magical treasure] exceptionally formidable. His strength likely approached that of a ninth-level Ascendant Immortal, enough to give him pause. "If this were my own Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy], it would be one matter. But this Fire Mulberry Island is an Immortal Island [an island inhabited by immortals] belonging to the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle Lineage. There's no need to provoke a conflict with Xander Qian over it."

Crimson Dragon Scion mused inwardly before speaking coldly, "Since you have spoken, I shall grant you this favor."

"I shall not involve myself in today's affairs."

As Crimson Dragon Scion's words faded, the nine phoenix-like birds pulling his immortal carriage beat their wings and soared into the sky, vanishing from sight in the blink of an eye.

Watching Crimson Dragon Scion depart, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze towards the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle Emperor. The figure bathed in flowing flames radiated a chilling aura, its eyes fixed on him for a long, tense moment. Finally, it let out a cold snort and, without a word, led its followers into the void. Having braced for a bitter struggle, Eldrin Chen was somewhat taken aback by this abrupt, anticlimactic end.

Shaking off the momentary surprise, he turned to the assembled group and clasped his hands in gratitude. "My sincere thanks for your assistance today."

"Think nothing of it. The Human Race holds little sway within the Crimson Dragon Sea. It is only natural that we support one another,"

Sky Feather Immortal replied with a faint smile, then glanced at Xander Qian. "Besides, today, it was primarily Fellow Daoist Qian's prestige that carried the day."

The others nodded in agreement, sharing knowing smiles. The Crimson Dragon Sea had, until a mere hundred thousand years ago, been the domain of the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor. The various Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality] present were all relatively new arrivals, their footing far less established than in long-stable seas like the Setting Sun Sea, which had known peace for over a million years.

If one does not count the Setting Sun Blessed Land, then the number of One-Tribulation Immortal [immortals who have survived their first heavenly tribulation] within the Setting Sun Sea likely does not exceed ten individuals.

An ancient immortal like Xander Qian, who has lived for over a million years, is probably quite a rare sight even within the vast expanse of the Setting Sun Sea.

Thinking this, Eldrin Chen cupped his hands once more and said with a smile, "Since the unwelcome guest has departed, let us resume our feast. Esteemed guests, please follow me."

Establishing a new sect was a grand occasion for celebration. To express his gratitude to the gathered guests, Eldrin Chen had specially procured many rare and precious immortal wines and delicacies, supplementing them with exotic fruits like the Spirit Peach [a peach imbued with spiritual energy] to host everyone.

The grand feast lasted for three days and three nights before the guests finally began to depart one after another.

Before parting, Xander Qian took Eldrin Chen aside and said with a concerned smile, "Although this immediate crisis has been averted, I sense the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle Emperor harbors deep resentment. I fear he will seek another opportunity to strike in the future." Original publication: audio-novel .c om - The source of this chapter.

"You must remain vigilant and not give him any opening."

"Thank you for your concern, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator]. I will be cautious."

Eldrin Chen nodded. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke again, "Upon ascending to the Immortal Realm, I find I still have some unfinished mortal affairs to settle. I must make a journey to the Netherworld Underworld [the realm of the dead and departed souls]."

"You, Fellow Daoist, have resided in the Immortal Realm for many years. You must possess some understanding of that Netherworld Underworld. I would be grateful if you could enlighten me."

Upon hearing this, Xander Qian [the Patriarch of the Qian Clan] could not help but feel a slight stir in his brow.

A moment later, he nodded and said with a smile, "You wish to enter the Netherworld Underworld [the realm of the dead and reincarnation]. Is it to seek the reincarnated forms of loved ones from your past life, or to guide departed companions from your current life into the cycle of rebirth?"

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen [the Abyssal Emperor] smiled faintly and said, "You have keen insight, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator]."

"It is not keen insight," Xander Qian shook his head with a wry laugh. "Even beings such as you and I, Nine Heavens Immortal [Immortals of the highest heavenly realm], are not omnipotent. We all carry regrets from our early years that remain unaddressed."

"And for one like you, who has recently ascended, it is even more likely that worldly attachments remain unresolved. A journey to the Netherworld Underworld is to be expected."

Xander Qian spoke unhurriedly, stroking his long beard with a smile. "However, in this matter, you have come to the right person by seeking out this old man."

"I have an old friend who, after failing his heavenly tribulation in earlier years, entered the Netherworld [the underworld]. He has now established a Nether Feast Underworld [a specific underworld domain or palace] within the Netherworld Region [the underworld territories] of the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain [the Celestial Azure Heaven Immortal Realm]. You may take my token and seek him out."

"Given our past friendship and my modest reputation, he will likely lend you his aid within the bounds of his capability."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a surge of joy within his heart. He promptly cupped his hands in gratitude and said, "If that is the case, then I offer my sincere thanks to you, Fellow Daoist."

The old immortal smiled slightly. With a flick of his sleeve, he wrote a letter of introduction and, together with a jade pendant, handed them to Eldrin Chen. Then he offered a final reminder: "For Ghost Immortal [Immortals who cultivate through the ghostly or underworld path] within the Netherworld to progress in their cultivation, they require the power of Incense Offering Power [power derived from mortal worship and incense offerings] from the mortal world."

"If the matter entrusted by Fellow Daoist is particularly difficult, you could bring some Incense Fire Celestial Silver [a rare, spiritually conductive precious metal often used in rituals and high-level crafting] with you. I doubt he would refuse then."

Eldrin Chen listened intently before nodding in understanding. "I see," he said.

Seeing this, Xander Qian clasped his hands in farewell and took his leave.

Only after Xander Qian had departed did Eldrin Chen seek out the one who had been asked to stay behind—Void-Refining Immortal [a title for an immortal who has mastered the profound art of refining the void, a high-level cultivation stage].

Upon meeting him, Eldrin Chen composed his expression, offered a respectful bow with hands clasped, and inquired with a smile, "Might I be in the presence of the Violet Ji Clan's Third Ancestor, Senior Lianxu Ji?" Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio–novel.com.