Chapter 1028 : The Peril of Immortal Tribulations

"Most likely so."

Xander Qian nodded, his expression grave as he said, "That Ancient Ancestor from the Setting Sun Blessed Land is an Five-Tribulation Immortal [an immortal who has survived five heavenly tribulations]."

"He has been at the Half-Step Earth Immortal Realm [a transitional state just below the Earth Immortal realm] for many years. His power has long been sufficient to attempt a breakthrough into the Earth Immortal Realm [the realm of an Earth Immortal, a higher state of immortal existence]."

"However, he possesses only a single Supreme Grade Immortal Treasure [a treasure of the highest immortal grade]. That is likely insufficient for him to undertake the 'Heaven-Opening' [the perilous process of ascending to the Earth Immortal realm], so he has not dared to attempt it rashly."

At this point, Xander Qian paused briefly before continuing, "The Immortal Tribulations [the heavenly calamities that test immortals] grow more difficult with each successive one."

"For that one to have survived five tribulations in a row, relying on the protection of the Earth Immortal [a powerful immortal being] of the Setting Sun Blessed Land, is truly no easy feat."

"If he cannot seize the opportunity to break through before the next tribulation arrives, I fear his chances will be slim indeed."

Xander Qian spoke in detail, explaining the nature of the Immortal Tribulations to Eldrin Chen.

It turned out that the Immortal Tribulations were exceedingly difficult to survive. The first three tribulations were manageable, but each subsequent one grew progressively more harrowing.

Generally speaking, an Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality] who has survived four tribulations possesses about a twenty percent chance of successfully breaking through to the Earth Immortal Realm. This novel is serialized on audio-novel-dot-com. Visit for updates.

Upon this foundation, each additional tribulation successfully weathered increases one's certainty of breaking through into the Earth Immortal Realm [the realm of an immortal anchored to the mortal world] by two additional layers of assurance.

Yet, correspondingly, the peril and ferocity of each successive tribulation also escalates to ever more terrifying and boundless extremes.

Generally speaking, those Immortal [beings who have ascended to immortality] capable of weathering seven tribulations are individuals with aspirations towards the Heaven Immortal [the realm of a celestial immortal, free from earthly ties]. They either possess courage and methods far surpassing the ordinary, or they enjoy the patronage of a supreme Earth Immortal or even a Heaven Immortal.

The Five-Tribulation Immortal [an immortal who has survived five heavenly tribulations] from the Setting Sun Blessed Land lacks the means to survive a seventh tribulation, and his backing extends only to a single Earth Immortal Progenitor [a founding ancestor who has attained the Earth Immortal realm].

With such standing, to willingly enter a tribulation and attempt to weather a seventh, his chances of survival would likely be less than one in ten.

It is precisely for this reason that the more seasoned Immortal within the Setting Sun Sea have already concluded he will most likely seize the opportunity sixty thousand years hence to make a concentrated assault on the Earth Immortal Realm.

Now, the Setting Sun Blessed Land's desire to acquire treasures to refine a World-Opening Treasure [a legendary artifact capable of creating or stabilizing a minor world] clearly confirms Xander Qian's conjecture.

"Esteemed fellow Daoists, is there truly no suitable treasure for exchange?"

Seeing the general lack of interest, Sylas Ye, the Immortal pressed on, unwilling to give up. "Even a High Grade Immortal Root [a spiritual plant of the highest quality, containing immense immortal-grade energy] would suffice."

"If any of you possess a High Grade Immortal Root and are at least willing to fell and sell it to my Setting Sun Blessed Land, you may name your price to me in private."

It is a pity that the Immortal Root [a spiritual root capable of bearing Immortal Fruits] can grow Immortal Fruits, making it a priceless heirloom treasure for an Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality] that can be passed down for millions of years.

In the long term, the value of a High Grade Immortal Root [a top-tier spiritual root] surpasses even that of a Supreme Grade Immortal Treasure [a pinnacle-grade immortal artifact]. Naturally, they would not commit such a shortsighted act as killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

Thus, even though Sylas Ye, the Immortal presented various rare treasures, the assembly remained utterly unmoved.

In the end, Sylas Ye, the Immortal descended the platform with a sigh of resignation. Before departing, he offered a final piece of advice: "The Crimson Sun Earth Immortal Realm [a perilous pocket dimension rich in spiritual resources] will open its gates before long. Within its depths, one might yet find a High Grade Immortal Root."

"Should any of you obtain one, you may seek me out at the Setting Sun Blessed Land [a renowned immortal sanctuary]."

"Rest assured, my Setting Sun Blessed Land will offer you a most satisfactory price."

After Sylas Ye, the Immortal took his leave, several other Immortal ascended the platform in succession.

With the opening of the Earth Immortal Realm [a dangerous realm between the mortal world and the heavens] imminent, many of the gathered Immortal were selling off numerous treasures. Their aim was to exchange them for Immortal Treasure [powerful artifacts forged by immortals] or protective Immortal Talismans, all to better equip themselves for seeking greater fortunes within the Earth Immortal Realm.

Among the offerings were several Pill Formula [recipes for crafting mystical elixirs], Formation [diagrams for setting up powerful magical arrays], and even Spirit Talisman [precious talismans imbued with spiritual power] for sale, a sight that made Eldrin Chen's eyes gleam with desire.

Alas, Eldrin Chen had only recently Initial Entry [achieved the initial stage of entry into] the Immortal Realm [the realm of the immortals]. While not utterly destitute, his resources were exceedingly meager.

Aside from a few Lifebound Immortal Treasure [a cultivator's most intimately bound and powerful enchanted artifacts], his entire worldly possessions consisted solely of the Crimson Flame Golden Cauldron [a cauldron artifact imbued with crimson flame energies], a single mid-grade Immortal Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact used by immortal cultivators].

The remainder included one piece of Incense Fire Celestial Silver [a rare, silvery metal that burns with an incense-like spiritual flame] and a mere dozen or so Immortal Source [a concentrated source of pure spiritual energy used for cultivation].

"My coffers are lamentably bare," he sighed inwardly.

Most reluctant to part with the Crimson Flame Golden Cauldron, Eldrin Chen could only watch helplessly as coveted Pill Formula [recipes for crafting mystical elixirs] and Formation [diagrams for constructing magical arrays] were claimed by others.

Void-Refining Immortal [the Immortal who Refines the Void], witnessing this, wished to offer aid but realized myself possessed scarcely any items of significant value.

With a helpless sigh, he offered a wry smile. "It shames me to admit it, but I too would assist you if I could. My own resources are stretched painfully thin at present." The complete novel can be found at audio_novel.com.

"It turns out that in recent years, striving to break through to the Mid Ascendant Immortal Realm [the middle stage of the Ascendant Immortal cultivation realm], Void-Refining Immortal had sold off nearly every possession of even modest worth. Now, beyond his Lifebound Immortal Treasure, he owned almost nothing else."

"Do not trouble yourself over it. Let us consider this merely an opportunity to broaden our horizons," Eldrin replied.

Eldrin Chen shook his head, a faint, rueful smile touching his own lips.

Then, reflecting on how the impoverished Void-Refining Immortal had still lent myself that single piece of Incense Fire Celestial Silver, a wave of genuine warmth spread through Eldrin Chen's heart.

After a moment of contemplation, he said to Void-Refining Immortal, "For this journey to the Crimson Sun Earth Immortal Realm, let us travel together."

"Should we encounter any trouble, we can support each other."

"Agreed."

Void-Refining Immortal gave a slight nod. Although he had never witnessed Eldrin Chen in action personally, he had a vague sense that Eldrin Chen possessed extraordinary combat prowess and would likely not be a burden.

With this thought, Void-Refining Immortal smiled and said, "If you and I join forces, along with your two wives, we should even be able to contend with an Ascendant Immortal in the Late Stage Immortal Ascension Realm."

Eldrin Chen offered a noncommittal smile, replying calmly, "My two wives are with child recently. For this trip, they shall remain guarding Green Chariot Island."

"Oh?"

Void-Refining Immortal's face lit up with pleasant surprise. Stroking his beard with delight, he exclaimed, "It seems I must strive even harder within the Earth Immortal Realm this time."

"Otherwise, if the congratulatory gift I present upon our return is too meager, I fear I would be too ashamed to stand by your side again."

"Very well, then let us fight side by side!"

Eldrin Chen gave a firm nod, a glint of unwavering resolve flashing in his eyes.

Amidst the bustling throngs of the Barter Convention, the two impoverished Immortals, Eldrin Chen and Refining Void, watched in silence as others reaped bountiful harvests, neither stepping onto the stage to present their own treasures in the end.

Only when the Barter Convention concluded completely did Eldrin Chen realize he had, almost without noticing, laid eyes upon hundreds of rare Immortal Rank items.

"Though this journey yielded no treasures in exchange, broadening one's horizons is hardly a fruitless endeavor."

As the Barter Convention drew to a close, Eldrin Chen could not help but offer a wry smile of self-consolation.

Beside him, Void-Refining Immortal nodded, his expression one of self-satisfaction. "This old man has attended the Barter Convention nine times now. Though I've only managed to trade for a single Creation Immortal Pill, the treasures I've witnessed number in the thousands."

"So, while my cultivation may be unremarkable and my ascension recent, do not underestimate this old Daoist's discernment... or his distinguished visage."

Eldrin Chen: "…"

Nearby, Xander Qian and Six Stars Immortal exchanged a look of profound bemusement at these words.

Finally, Six Stars Immortal shook his head with a chuckle and waved a hand. "The Earth Immortal Blessed Land shall open in three hundred years. This old man must make his own preparations and will take his leave."

Xander Qian [the Patriarch of the Qian Clan] offered a bitter smile and shook his head, saying, "Throughout my many years of cultivation, I have always adhered to the principle of caution. As long as one does not descend the mountain and entangle oneself in worldly affairs, one can avoid inviting trouble."

"That Earth Immortal Blessed Land [a realm of profound spiritual energy and peril] is fraught with danger. I fear it is a place where even Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality] might be forced to undergo the Reincarnation Tribulation [a perilous trial where one's soul is stripped and reborn]."

"This old Daoist still wishes to cultivate in peace and has no desire to tread the dusty path of the mortal world. I shall not join this expedition."

Having said this, he turned to Eldrin Chen and his companion. "The Earth Immortal Realm [the domain of the Earth Immortals] is perilous. Your ascensions are less than one hundred thousand years past; you must proceed with utmost caution."

"Would it not be wiser to cultivate for a few more years? Wait until you break through to the Late Stage Immortal Ascension Realm [the advanced stage of the Immortal Ascension realm]. You can always venture there when the ruins open again." Read, share, and discuss at audio-novel dot com.