Chapter 980 : Purifying the Nether Demon Sea

Within the Purple Seal Realm [a major cultivation world], in its eastern Southern Sea [the southern oceanic region], lies a sea region known as the Nether Demon Sea [the Sea of Nether Demons].

It is said that tens of thousands of years ago, an Outer Realm Demon God [a powerful demonic entity from beyond this world] cast down a Stellar [pertaining to stars or celestial bodies] core here, planting the seed of a Demon God [a supreme demonic deity]. Since then, it has become a Demonic Cultivator [practitioners of demonic arts] Forbidden Land [a perilous, restricted zone].

Over the ensuing tens of millennia, control of this sea region changed hands several times. Five thousand years ago, it was finally seized by the Demonic Path [the Way of Demonic Cultivation] Patriarch, Nether Demon Patriarch [Yan Mo, the Patriarch of Nether Demons]. It is considered one of the top three Demonic Cultivator [demonic cultivation] strongholds within the Purple Seal Realm.

Yet, at this moment, within this Demonic Cultivator Forbidden Land, the usual surging demonic energy was nowhere to be found. Instead, a radiance akin to the sun blazed forth, its brilliant and majestic power enveloping the entire Nether Demon Sea region.

"*Hum—*"

At the heart of the Nether Demon Sea, a faint sound echoed as the imprint within the Demonic Spring [a demonic energy wellspring] was utterly erased.

Eldrin Chen withdrew his hand, giving a slight, satisfied nod.

Erasing the imprints left by a Demon God within a Demonic Cultivator Forbidden Land was no simple task.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen possessed the Primordial Solar Heavenly Flame [the Celestial Flame of the Primal Sun]. This level of Path Principles Power [power derived from the fundamental laws of a cultivation path] was supremely effective in countering Demonic Path Path Principles [the foundational laws governing a cultivation method], allowing him to refine and purge the imprints of the Outer Realm Demon God.

For centuries, he had tirelessly worked to eradicate these Demonic Cultivator Forbidden Land. Only now, as the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [the Great Calamity of the Demonic Abyss] drew near once more, had he finally succeeded in completely purging all thirteen Sixth Rank Superior Grade [the highest grade of the sixth cultivation rank] Demonic Cultivator Forbidden Land. Support the author by reading on audio‑novel.com.

The Nether Demon Sea Forbidden Land before him was the final remaining Demonic Cultivator Forbidden Land.

After eradicating the Nether Demon Sea Forbidden Land, Eldrin Chen withdrew his focus. Only then did he sense someone had been waiting outside for quite some time. A faint smile touched his lips as he spoke, "My two fellow Daoists, my apologies for the long wait. Please, come in."

Shortly after Eldrin Chen's words fell, two figures entered side by side, stepping into the Demonic Spring grotto-abode.

The visitors were Heaven Abandoned Lin and the Master of Stellar Palace. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, Heaven Abandoned Lin laughed and said, "Refining the Demonic Spring is a matter of great importance for the Purple Seal Realm. What does a little waiting on our part matter?"

"Indeed, indeed,"

the Master of Stellar Palace nodded in agreement, a smile on his face as well. "Fellow Daoist, by refining these various Demonic Spring and excising these key tumors of Demon God corruption that have been eating away at the world of Purple Seal Realm, you have truly accumulated immeasurable Merit [positive spiritual credit accrued through virtuous deeds]."

Eldrin Chen offered a slight smile, his gaze turning to Heaven Abandoned Lin. "I have yet to offer my congratulations, Fellow Daoist Lin. With your recent breakthrough into the Demigod Realm [the final major stage before true immortality], it seems the hope of achieving immortality in the future is within your grasp."

"How could I compare to you, Fellow Daoist?" Heaven Abandoned Lin shook his head, a wry smile on his lips. "In my entire lifetime, I possess but a sliver of hope for immortality, far less than you."

Eldrin Chen gave a noncommittal shake of his head, then looked at both of them and asked, "For what matter have you two sought me out at this time?"

"Ah." Mentioning the main business, Heaven Abandoned Lin adopted a serious expression. "I came because the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a periodic, cataclysmic surge of demonic energy from the abyss] draws near. I wish to ask you to take charge of the overall situation."

"So that is how it is."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. The time until the next opening of the Demonic Abyss Heavenly Scar was now only twenty years away.

Yet, he smiled calmly and said, "I have already divined this tribulation. The Outer Realm Demon God [a powerful demonic entity from beyond this realm] should not have returned yet. Proceed with your preparations as usual. Should any unforeseen event occur, I will arrive in an instant."

Hearing this, both men breathed a sigh of relief. Heaven Abandoned Lin said with a smile, "In that case, my mind is at ease."

With this matter settled, the Master of Stellar Palace hesitated slightly, a look of wanting to speak yet holding back flickering across his face.

Noticing this, Eldrin Chen smiled and inquired, "I observe a certain preoccupation in your expression, Fellow Daoist. Is there a matter you wish to discuss?"

"Well..."

The Master of Stellar Palace nodded, speaking with some difficulty. "Over these years, Fellow Daoist, you have eradicated many Demonic Cultivator Forbidden Land [dangerous, demon-tainted territories]. You must surely possess a considerable number of Nine Heavens Star Core [crystalline cores containing the condensed essence of celestial stars]."

"My purpose in coming here..."

The Master of Stellar Palace trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished.

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered with understanding as he grasped the intent behind the Master of Stellar Palace's words.

The cultivation path of the Stellar Palace lineage often required the assistance of Nine Heavens Star Core [a crystalline core containing the condensed essence of celestial stars]; it was clear they wished to exchange for these cores from Eldrin Chen's possession.

However, the Stellar Palace now boasted a full seven Primordial Spirit Path Lord [cultivators who have condensed their spiritual essence into a Primordial Spirit]. To hasten their advancement to the Primordial Spirit Late Stage, they had nearly exhausted their sect's accumulated resources and had little remaining capacity to trade for the Nine Heavens Star Core.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen nodded and said, "The Big Dipper Seven Stars Grand Formation [a grand defensive formation modeled after the seven stars of the Big Dipper] is one of the key Formation [a structured arrangement of energy nodes and patterns used for defense, attack, or cultivation] for resisting the Outer Realm Demon God [a powerful demonic entity from beyond this world]. Naturally, I would not stand idly by."

"Very well. I shall gift you seven Nine Heavens Star Core. I only hope the fellow cultivators of the Stellar Palace can swiftly master the grand formation and hold back the tide of the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a periodic cataclysmic eruption of demonic energy from a great abyss]."

Overjoyed, the Master of Stellar Palace accepted the seven Nine Heavens Star Core and declared with fervor, "Have no fear, Fellow Daoist. With our Stellar [pertaining to the power of stars and constellations] lineage joining forces to activate the Formation, we will surely withstand a blow from an Outer Realm Demon God." Access the full story on audio-novel dot com.

"In that case, my mind is at ease."

Eldrin Chen nodded once more, a slight tension leaving his shoulders as he presented the seven Nine Heavens Star Core.

"..."

As Eldrin Chen had anticipated, the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm this time unfolded without the Outer Realm Demon God launching a direct assault.

When the period of the great calamity had fully concluded, Eldrin Chen returned to his clan.

He did not delay on this journey, merely sitting in quiet meditation by the shore of Verdant Lotus Isle, patiently awaiting the Creation Green Jade Lotus to ascend to the Immortal rank.

This Creation Green Jade Lotus, nurtured by Eldrin Chen for millennia, had long since surpassed the limits of the mortal world. Within it, Path Principles [the fundamental laws and truths of the cultivation path] were continuously gestating and taking form, and it was not far from advancing into an Acquired Spiritual Root [a supreme-grade spiritual root born from heaven and earth, possessing immense power and potential].

This was an excellent opportunity. Eldrin Chen sat cross-legged beside the Creation Green Jade Lotus, observing as the Path Principles within it gradually took shape, bit by bit.

Thus time flowed on, and in the blink of an eye, a century passed. Then, one day, wind and thunder suddenly arose over Verdant Lotus Isle, and amidst a storm of wind and rain, the Creation Green Jade Lotus ascended, transforming into an Acquired Spiritual Root.

Upon its ascension, the Creation Green Jade Lotus released a dazzling immortal radiance that illuminated the heavens, earth, mountains, and rivers, startling the entire Purple Seal Realm.

Finally, within that brilliant immortal light, a verdant immortal lotus unfurled its petals.

"Creation Green Jade Lotus," Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a smile gracing his lips as he gazed upon the Creation Green Jade Lotus before him.

This Creation Green Jade Lotus was extraordinarily divine and wondrous, possessing four treasures: nine Lotus Seed [seeds of the lotus, often used in alchemy], the Lotus Root [the root of the lotus plant, a valuable spiritual ingredient], the Lotus Throne [the base of the lotus flower, often a platform for meditation or a powerful artifact], and the Lotus Leaf [leaves of the lotus, used for various spiritual purposes].

At this moment, among the four treasures, the Lotus Leaf was the first to detach and fall, transforming into a peerless Sword Embryo [the nascent form of a divine sword]. The nine Lotus Seed followed closely, each one brimming with Creation Immortal Energy [the primordial energy of life and genesis], and they actually soared into the air.

Eldrin Chen gathered all the Lotus Seed and then stored away the Verdant Lotus Sword Platform before turning his gaze to the Lotus Throne and the Lotus Root.

The Lotus Throne radiated with Creation immortal light [luminescence of primordial life], clearly not an object of the Mortal Realm. Eldrin Chen immediately stored it away.

The Lotus Root was also extraordinary, capable of refining an immortal-grade Second Primordial Spirit [a powerful technique to forge a second spiritual core]. Naturally, Eldrin Chen would not let it slip away either.

After he collected the four treasures, he discovered that the remaining husk of the Creation Green Jade Lotus had turned to ash, only to coalesce once more into a new seed.

"Reaching the pinnacle of splendor, only to conclude within that brilliance, reforming into the seed of new life."

"So that's how it is. Finally, I understand!"

Eldrin Chen suddenly murmured to himself, his expression one of profound enlightenment.

In this moment, he finally understood why the manifestation of the Life Path Principles [the fundamental Dao governing all living existence] within the Mortal Dust took the form of an insignificant seed.

For this seed is the primordial form of life itself, and also the beginning of rebirth when life reaches its end.

This subtle, almost imperceptible opportunity illuminated the path of his cultivation journey that had stretched for many years.

Over these years, he had studied the myriad methods of a hundred schools, and his comprehension of the Life Path Principles [the fundamental laws governing vitality, growth, and the essence of life itself] had long since accumulated to a sufficient depth. He was merely awaiting that final, elusive spark to achieve a breakthrough.

Now, the Verdant Lotus reverting to a seed became precisely that spark of enlightenment he needed.

In a single moment of profound insight, Eldrin Chen entered a state of sudden enlightenment, and within the span of a breath, he had completed that crucial, transformative step.

Those Life Path Principles gradually solidified from the intangible, ultimately transforming into one of the most potent forces in heaven and earth—the Path Principles Power [the tangible, wieldable power derived from comprehending a fundamental law of existence].

"The Principles of Life!"

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, sensing the power of this third Path Principles. A profound intuition settled within him.

He felt that even an Outer Realm Demon God [a supremely powerful demonic entity originating from beyond the known realms], one of those beings counted among the Nine Heavens Celestial Immortals and Demons [the legendary, nearly mythic ranks of the most powerful celestial and demonic beings], would find it exceedingly difficult to utterly annihilate him now that he had grasped the Life Path Principles.

Furthermore, with his mastery of the Life Path Principles, comprehending the Primordial One Gold Path Principles [the fundamental laws of metallic essence, hardness, and unyielding nature], as well as the Myriad Things Earth Path Principles [the laws governing the earth element, stability, and the foundation of all material things], would become somewhat simpler.

For even if he faced immense rejection while engaging in Path Principles Comprehension [the profound act of meditating upon and internalizing a fundamental law of the cosmos], the nourishing power of the Life Path Principles would allow him to delve fearlessly, secure in the knowledge he would not suffer fatal injury.

"My path is complete!"

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, sensing an ineffable feeling that comprehending the Primordial One Gold and the Myriad Things Earth Path Principles [the foundational principles governing all earthly phenomena] would likely not prove overly arduous in the time to come.

At that very moment, several streaks of light flew through the void. It was Verdant Consort and Nyssa Qu along with others, clearly drawn by the commotion of the Immortal Root [a supreme-grade spiritual root] advancing its grade.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, their faces lit up with joy. Verdant Consort could not contain her anxiety and asked urgently, "Husband, has the immortal lotus successfully ascended?"

"Yes."

Eldrin Chen nodded with a smile and produced the Verdant Lotus Sword Embryo.

The moment the Verdant Lotus Sword Embryo appeared, the Azure Dragon Stirring Sea Sword within Verdant Consort's body instantly flew out. To their astonishment, it began to intertwine and dance with the Verdant Lotus Sword Embryo.

Over the years, Verdant Consort had fused her Azure Dragon Stirring Sea Sword with the Verdant Lotus Immortal Sword, forging it into a supreme-grade Primordial Solar Spiritual Treasure [a magical treasure of the highest quality, imbued with primordial solar essence].

Now, with the appearance of the Verdant Lotus Sword Embryo—born from the same origin—the two blades resonated with a profound connection, thrumming with a palpable desire to merge into one.

Witnessing this, Lila at their side nodded, a touch of envy in her voice. "It seems Elder Sister's Azure Dragon Stirring Sea Sword may not be long from ascending to the immortal grade."

"It is not so simple," Verdant Consort replied, her expression a mix of delight and resignation. "The treasure is mighty, but my current cultivation is weak. With my present level of power, attempting to refine it into a true Immortal Treasure [a supreme artifact of the Immortal realm] is likely beyond my reach."

"There is no hurry,"

Eldrin Chen said with a gentle smile. "Nurture this Sword Embryo [the nascent form of a sentient sword] while allowing its power to nourish your Verdant Lotus Primordial Spirit [a spiritual core manifesting as a verdant lotus]. The day of your ascension to immortality draws ever nearer."

"Mm,"

Verdant Consort nodded, a genuine smile finally gracing her features.

At that moment, Eldrin Chen paused in thought before producing the Lotus Root. "I had intended this for Exquisite, to aid the advancement of her Second Primordial Spirit [a rare technique to cultivate a secondary spiritual avatar]. However, I have reconsidered."

"This Verdant Lotus Root is a rare treasure of the Immortal realm. While it can refine a Second Primordial Spirit, or assist an Immortal in reforge [a profound process of tempering and rebirth] their physical form, for you it holds even greater benefit."

Verdant Consort glanced at it, her eyes widening in astonishment.

For this Verdant Lotus Root resonated faintly with her own Verdant Lotus Immortal Body [an immortal-grade physique modeled after the lotus]. It could elevate her Verdant Lotus Immortal Body to the next level, allowing her to cultivate a truly flawless Immortal Body [a perfected physical vessel for an immortal].

This was profoundly significant. Though Verdant Consort had used the Mortal Dust Dream Butterfly Art [a profound art of entering dream-states to comprehend the mortal world] to dream for a millennium, attaining a foundation fit for immortality, hers was not the peerless foundation of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a legendary, supreme rank among immortals]. Thus, her Verdant Lotus Immortal Body still possessed subtle imperfections.

While this was a Superior Grade Path Body [a high-tier physical constitution for cultivation], it was not a true Immortal Body [a perfect, immortal-grade physical form]. At best, it could only approach the level of a Primordial Solar Path Body [a constitution aligned with the primordial sun's essence] and was far inferior to Exquisite Jiang's Supreme Lunar Immortal Body [a peerless immortal constitution aligned with the supreme moon].

For such an Immortal Body [a perfect, immortal-grade physical form] to be cultivated to perfection within the Mortal Dust [the realm of mortal existence] and become a true Body Immortal [an immortal whose physical form has achieved immortality] was an exceedingly arduous and demanding path.

Who could have imagined that this Verdant Lotus [a mythical lotus of profound spiritual nature] immortal lotus root could actually remedy her deficiencies, aiding her in cultivating a truly flawless Verdant Lotus Immortal Body [an immortal physical constitution embodying the essence of the Verdant Lotus] right here in the Mortal Dust [the realm of mortal existence].

At this thought, Verdant Consort was overcome with excitement, yet she could not suppress a flicker of hesitation. "I have already received the Verdant Lotus Immortal Sword [an immortal-grade sword forged from Verdant Lotus essence]," she said. "This treasure rightfully belongs to Exquisite. For me to take it as well would fill me with shame."

"There is no need for that," Eldrin Chen replied with a gentle smile. "Exquisite Heaven's innate talent is rare across all ages. While this immortal lotus root is precious, for her, it would merely be an embellishment upon perfection."

"Moreover, her Second Primordial Spirit [a secondary, independently cultivatable spiritual core] is a Water Essence Avatar [an avatar formed from pure water essence]. Water-attribute immortal materials would be the most suitable for it. In the future, I shall find her a water-attribute Immortal Treasure [a treasure of immortal grade] to make up for it."

Hearing his words, Verdant Consort finally accepted the Verdant Lotus Root [the root of the mythical Verdant Lotus], saying with a light laugh, "Very well. The next time we encounter a treasure, I shall yield it to her."

Seeing Verdant Consort accept the treasure, Eldrin Chen gave a nod of satisfaction. He then produced an Verdant Lotus Seed [a seed of the mythical Verdant Lotus] and handed it to her. "The immortal root can aid you in forging your Immortal Body [a perfect, immortal-grade physical form]. The Immortal Lotus Seed [a seed containing immense immortal spiritual energy] and the Supreme Lunar Immortal Jade [a jade imbued with the essence of the supreme moon] can assist your Path Fruit Attainment [the culmination of one's cultivation path, forming a 'Path Fruit' of power].

"But if you truly wish to walk far upon this path, you must also comprehend the Path Principles Power [the fundamental laws and power inherent to a specific cultivation path] of the Verdant Lotus [a mythical lotus of profound spiritual nature]. Only then will you be prepared to take that final, ultimate step."

Verdant Consort nodded in understanding. Having traversed a thousand lifetimes within the Mortal Dust Dream Butterfly [a legendary realm of illusory mortal tribulations], her wisdom and insight had long since approached that of a true Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality]. Coupled with several thousand more years of cultivation, her accumulated foundation had grown ever more profound.

Her talent and intellect were now considered rare under heaven. While her innate comprehension might not surpass that of Imperial Sovereign Jiang [the legendary founding emperor of the Jiang Dynasty], she possessed her own distinct advantages.

This was because the profound truth she had grasped was the Verdant Lotus Arcane Power [a supreme cultivation art embodying the principles of creation and purity]. Now, with the aid of an Immortal Treasure [a supreme enchanted artifact] transformed from a celestial-grade Creation Green Jade Lotus [a legendary lotus of creation and vitality], her chances of comprehending the Verdant Lotus Path Principles [the fundamental laws of creation and life embodied by the Verdant Lotus] had increased tremendously.

From this perspective, Verdant Consort's destined opportunities far exceeded those of Imperial Sovereign Jiang.

As for whether she could ultimately cultivate the Immortal Body [a perfected physical vessel], Path Principles [the fundamental laws of the cosmos], and Path Fruit [the condensed essence of one's cultivation path] simultaneously, and Ascendant Immortal [achieve the state of a true immortal] with the foundation of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has mastered all creation]—that would ultimately depend on her own Creation [the act and power of bringing new life and form into being].

After distributing the immortal lotuses, Eldrin Chen did not linger long on the Verdant Lotus Isle. He immediately departed for the depths of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire, intending to refine the celestial-grade Verdant Lotus Throne [a throne-shaped treasure formed from a primordial lotus] and fuse it into his Lifebound Magical Treasure [a magical artifact bound to its owner's life force and cultivation].

Now that Eldrin Chen commanded three types of Path Principles Power [the power derived from comprehending fundamental cosmic laws] and had also grasped the Life Path Principles [the principles governing vitality and existence], his speed in refining this Verdant Lotus Throne was naturally exceedingly fast.

In merely the time of one Sixty-Year Cycle [a complete cycle of sixty years], he had fully refined the Verdant Lotus Throne, elevating it to the celestial-grade realm.

After the Creation Verdant Lotus Throne ascended in grade, the mysteries contained within it were no longer ordinary. With just a tentative probe, Eldrin Chen revealed an expression of wild joy.

"This is..."

Eldrin Chen was utterly astonished. To his shock, he discovered that when his spiritual power [the cultivated energy within a cultivator] flowed into the Creation Verdant Lotus Throne, what cycled back out was actually the legendary power of Immortal Essence [the pure, foundational energy of an immortal, far surpassing ordinary spiritual power].

This fact truly astonished Eldrin Chen. After all, no matter how potent a cultivator's spiritual power might be, it is utterly insignificant when compared to the might of Immortal Essence [the quintessential energy of a true immortal].

That Immortal Essence [the quintessential energy of a true immortal] is a power that only manifests after a cultivator ascends to immortality. It begins as a single wisp of Immortal Energy [the foundational seed of immortal power] born within the body, which is then used to gradually transform one's entire reservoir of spiritual power.

Consider the same Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural technique]. When fueled by Immortal Essence [the quintessential energy of a true immortal], its destructive potential is amplified not by mere tens, but by hundreds of times!

Furthermore, Immortal Essence [the quintessential energy of a true immortal] possesses an inherent quality of eternal Immortality [the state of being deathless and unchanging], allowing an immortal to forever retain their youthful vigor and defy the ravages of time, achieving Longevity [endless lifespan] and immunity to death.

So long as this energy does not completely deplete, an Immortal [a being who has ascended beyond mortality] can perpetually maintain their peak condition. They could live for a million years, ten million years, even hundreds of millions of years without showing the faintest sign of aging.

"Immortal Essence, Immortal Essence!"

"As long as the Immortal Essence [the quintessential energy of a true immortal] remains, one can achieve Longevity [endless lifespan] and never die!"

Eldrin Chen was utterly astounded, yet also profoundly bewildered.

He had already achieved Path Principles [comprehension of a fundamental cosmic law], forged an Immortal Body [a physical form tempered to immortal perfection], and now, even his Immortal Essence [the quintessential energy of a true immortal] had been prematurely transformed.

At this moment, a deep confusion settled upon him. He was uncertain whether he had truly ascended to immortality, whether he had already become a unique kind of Immortality [deathless and unchanging] Immortal [a being who has ascended beyond mortality] while still walking the Mortal Dust [the mundane world of mortals]. This chapter appears courtesy of @udio-novel.com.