Chapter 1026 : The Forge of Immortal Swords

The fundamental reason was his limited exposure to the Hundred Arts of Cultivation [the myriad auxiliary arts and crafts that support the path of cultivation, such as alchemy, artifact forging, and formation setting] at the Immortal Rank [the realm of artifacts and techniques imbued with immortal power].

One must not underestimate the Hundred Arts of Cultivation. Consider Eldrin Chen's Heavenly Separated Twin Swords; they have now ascended to the Immortal Rank, reaching the level of a Lower Grade Immortal Treasure for two millennia, yet they have been unable to advance any further.

The root cause is that Eldrin Chen's proficiency in Formation [the art of creating magical arrays and barriers] and artifact forging remains insufficient. He lacks the ability to refine and evolve the twin Immortal Swords [swords of immortal grade] to the mid-grade Immortal Sword realm.

If Eldrin Chen's mastery of the Hundred Arts of Cultivation were sufficient to elevate the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords to mid-grade Immortal Treasures, the combined power of his twin swords would undoubtedly increase dramatically.

Eldrin Chen estimated that, should he reach that stage, the might of the Heaven-Severing Twin Swords Union [the ultimate technique of merging the power of the twin swords], when fueled by his Primordial Chaos Limitless Law [his supreme cultivation art], might approach the level of a ninth-layer Ascendant Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to a higher plane of existence].

"Once the ascension succeeds, perhaps even ordinary cultivators in the Late Stage Immortal Ascension Realm [the late stage of the Immortal Ascension realm] would be no match for me."

After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin Chen resolved that he must at least acquire a complete set of Formation and artifact forging legacies during this trip. His goal was to swiftly advance the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords to mid-grade Immortal Rank.

Only then would he have the confidence to suppress the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle Emperor and ensure the safety of those by his side.

"We have arrived!"

Unaware of how long they had flown, the two had traversed the Setting Sun Sea and arrived at an overseas Immortal Island [an island blessed with immortal energies and often a haven for cultivators]. Dive deeper into the Dao at audio - novel . com.

It was an ancient continent of unimaginable vastness, a land of primordial desolation stretching to the very edges of the world beneath a setting sun that cast its dying light upon the earth, imbuing the scene with an inexplicably fierce and lonely aura.

"Is this the Setting Sun Blessed Land?"

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, sensing within this Setting Sun Sea a palpable aura of tragic desolation.

It reminded him of the words spoken by Sylas Ye, the Immortal during his own ascension to immortality.

This Setting Sun Blessed Land was formed from the Dao-dissolution of an ancient Innate Divine Spirit [a primordial being born of heaven and earth], its interior saturated with the overwhelmingly fierce power of a dying sun.

"It seems the words of Sylas Ye, the Immortal were largely true,"

Eldrin Chen thought inwardly, following the Void-Refining Immortal [an immortal title denoting mastery over refining void essence] as they ascended onto a floating island.

This was a floating Immortal Island, named the Setting Sun Floating Island, upon which stood an Immortal [a cultivator who has achieved immortality] market known as the Setting Sun Immortal Market.

No sooner had Eldrin Chen set foot upon the Setting Sun Immortal Market than an azure-robed Immortal approached with a smile, saying, "So it is Fellow Daoist Eldrin [a respectful term for a cultivator of similar attainment] and Refining VoidFellow Daoist. My respects to you both."

"Immortal Friend Qingxu."

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with a glimmer of recognition as he immediately discerned the newcomer's origins.

This person was none other than the former Ascension Guide Immortal Envoy of the Ascension Platform, Sylas Ye, the Immortal.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen offered a slight, knowing smile and said, "Fellow Immortal Sylas, instead of receiving newly ascended Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality] at the Ascension Platform, what brings you to this place today?"

"Hahaha!"

Sylas Ye, the Immortal laughed heartily, stroking his beard as he replied, "There are three Ascension Guide Immortal Envoy [envoys tasked with guiding newly ascended Immortals], and we rotate duties every ten thousand years."

"It is currently my turn to rest, so I have come to preside over this Barter Convention [a grand gathering for the exchange of rare cultivation resources]."

"I see,"

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding, then clasped his hands respectfully. "It seems we shall be imposing on your hospitality today, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator]."

"Not at all, not at all,"

Sylas Ye, the Immortal shook his head deferentially and, with great courtesy, led the two of them into the heart of the market. Before long, they arrived at the shore of a serene, immortal lake.

Gazing upon the ethereal lake before them, Sylas Ye, the Immortal began his introduction. "This is the Treasure Exchange Immortal Lake [a sacred lake where cultivators gather to trade rare treasures]," he said. "It is the customary site for our exchanges."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of understanding. He lifted his gaze to survey the surroundings, and his eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. He saw that the area had gathered over two hundred Immortal [cultivators who have ascended to the Immortal Realm, a high level of existence].

Witnessing this scene, the Void-Refining Immortal [an Immortal known for his mastery over refining void energies] at his side also voiced his puzzlement. "In previous years, the Barter Convention [a grand gathering for the exchange of cultivation resources] typically saw only around a hundred Immortal in attendance. Why are there so many this year?"

"Haha!"

Sylas Ye, the Immortal laughed heartily before explaining. "The Crimson Dragon Sea [a vast and somewhat isolated region of the cultivation world] is somewhat remote. It seems you two Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for fellow cultivators] have not yet heard the news."

"Oh?" Published by audio–novel.com. All rights reserved.

Seeing their genuine curiosity, Eldrin Chen clasped his hands respectfully. "We would be grateful if you could enlighten us, Fellow Daoist."

"The reason is simple," Sylas Ye, the Immortal replied. "The Crimson Sun Blessed Land [a legendary realm of immense spiritual abundance and ancient secrets] is about to manifest into our world."

With a knowing smile, Sylas Ye, the Immortal began to narrate the tale, weaving together the threads of cause and effect that had led to this gathering.

It was said that to the west of the Setting Sun Sea [a sea famed for its breathtaking sunsets], there existed a Blessed Land [a pocket dimension of supreme spiritual energy and natural wonders] known as the Crimson Sun Blessed Land.

Long ago, the Crimson Sun Blessed Land [a realm of profound cultivation power] held dominion over the surrounding seas, a Blessed Land [a realm of concentrated spiritual energy and profound fortune] even more resplendent than the Setting Sun Blessed Land.

It is said that at its zenith, tens of millions of years past, the Crimson Sun Blessed Land boasted no fewer than three Earth Immortal Progenitor [cultivators who have transcended mortality and attained a profound, earth-bound immortality], a testament to its formidable might.

Yet, even Earth Immortal Progenitor face their own tribulations. Confronting a Dao Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that occurs once every ten million years] is a trial of immense difficulty, one that few can hope to survive.

Since the fall, thirty million years ago, of a three-tribulation Earth Immortal [an immortal being bound to the earthly realm] who had lived for that same span, the Crimson Sun Blessed Land entered a period of swift and irreversible decline.

This decline culminated over eight million years ago, when the last great Dao Tribulation erupted, shattering the Crimson Sun Blessed Land in a single, fateful night.

Having laid out this history, Sylas Ye, the Immortal continued, his voice measured, "After the fall of the Crimson Sun Blessed Land, its final Ancient Ancestor [a venerable progenitor of a cultivation lineage] concealed its legacy within an Earth Immortal World [a pocket dimension created and sustained by an Earth Immortal], hiding it deep within the Endless Void [the boundless, chaotic expanse between realms]."

"Yet, as epochs turned and millions of years flowed by, that Earth Immortal Progenitor's world began to decay, its once-perfect concealment fraying, revealing faint traces of its existence."

"And now, cracks have appeared upon its shell not once, but four separate times."

Sylas Ye, the Immortal spoke on, his tone a blend of anticipation and concern, "Once such a fissure appears in an Earth Immortal World, we Immortal [beings who have ascended beyond mortal limits] may venture inside."

"That world is said to harbor many immortal herbs, even Acquired Immortal Root [a spiritual treasure of heaven-defying quality that can elevate one's foundation], along with fragments of the inheritance from the Setting Sun Blessed Land."

"Each time the earth's fissure opens, it presents a monumental opportunity for the Immortal [powerful beings who have transcended mortality] dwelling in the surrounding seas."

"I see."

Eldrin Chen nodded, yet a question arose within him. "Since the Earth Immortal World [a self-contained, miniature world cultivated within an Earth Immortal] is so precious, surely the Earth Immortal Progenitor [the supreme cultivators who have forged their own miniature worlds] would intervene. How could there be any share left for the likes of us?"

"Hahaha!"

Upon hearing this, Sylas Ye, the Immortal laughed heartily once more and shook his head. "The power of an Earth Immortal Progenitor shakes heaven and earth; their very bodies contain a vast Earth Immortal World of their own."

"Should they step into another Earth Immortal World, they would most likely cause it to rupture and collapse entirely, let alone this being an ownerless Earth Immortal World."

Now he understood. Eldrin Chen gave a slow, comprehending nod, finally grasping the underlying cause and effect.

He exchanged a glance with the Void-Refining Immortal [an Immortal title signifying mastery over refining the void], and a spark of desire flickered in both their hearts.

This was especially true for Eldrin Chen. Having newly arrived in the Immortal Realm [the higher plane of existence where Immortals reside], he still sought to aid his Dao-companions in Ascending to Immortality [the process of transcending mortality to become an Immortal], and now had children to nurture. His heart stirred with keen interest.

Seeing their expressions, Sylas Ye, the Immortal offered a word of caution. "Though the treasures within an Earth Immortal World are indeed wondrous, the dangers therein are equally profound."

"Should you wish to enter and contend within, you must also be mindful of your own safety."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then smiled and cupped his hands in acknowledgment. "Many thanks for the reminder, Fellow Daoist."

"It is of no consequence."

Sylas Ye, the Immortal shook his head, casually waving a hand as he gestured towards the assembled Immortals [cultivators who have ascended to the highest mortal realm]. "All these individuals have come to purchase protective treasures, preparing for entry into the Earth Immortal World [a legendary, perilous realm of ancient inheritances and trials]."

"If you truly intend to venture inside, you too should consider acquiring some such artifacts."

As their conversation flowed, the Barter Convention [a grand gathering for the exchange of rare cultivation resources] commenced.

The Sylas Ye, the Immortal did not linger further. Stepping forward to represent the Setting Sun Blessed Land [a sacred land of cultivation], he was the first to ascend the platform. With a genial smile, he addressed the assembly, "Esteemed Fellow Daoists, I am Sylas Ye. On behalf of the Setting Sun Blessed Land, I shall preside over this Barter Convention." Experience the full epic at audio—novel.com.