Chapter 1020 Evading Tribulation, Embracing Tribulation
Supreme Immortal Treasure!
The expressions of the several individuals shifted, finally revealing a look of solemn gravity.
Common magical treasures are classified into 3 grades: high, medium, and low. Supreme-grade magical treasures are exceptionally rare and invaluable, their power transcending the limits of immortal ascension. Though they cannot compare to the world-splitting artifacts of Earth Immortal Patriarchs, they still qualify as heaven-shaking, earth-shattering treasures.
Ordinary late-stage Ascendant Immortals were simply unqualified to wield it. Only those who had lived for millions of years and weathered 3 or 4 heavenly tribulations stood a chance of refining 1 such treasure, hoarding it as their ultimate trump card.
At this thought, Eldrin still smiled wryly and said, "Using the Qi Luck Dao Gold to undergo the heavenly tribulation still seems far too distant a prospect."
"Esteemed Senior, could you elaborate further on the 2 tribulation-transcending methods: the Path of Merit and the Path of Skill?"
Nodding slightly, the Void-Refining Immortal smiled and said, "These 2 methods of transcending the heavenly tribulation are considerably simpler."
"Merit, in essence, refers to those who have contributed virtue to heaven and earth."
"Such immortals, shielded by the light of virtue, are naturally blessed by the Heavenly Dao and will not be drawn into the calamities."
Moreover, they carry the virtue of heaven and earth. Killing them would diminish 1's own merit and intensify their heavenly tribulations.
Legend has it that immortals who possess world-shaking great virtue, though their cultivation may not necessarily be profound, are beings whom even the primordial Dao Ancestors and celestial sages would hesitate to provoke lightly, and would never rashly eliminate.
Eldrin nodded upon hearing this, generally grasping the method of transcending tribulations through merit.
If such a calamity were to occur in the Violet Realm, given his accumulated virtue there, Eldrin would likely be exempt from being drawn into the tribulation by the will of heaven and earth.
Those with immense virtue in the immortal realm are naturally regarded as such. Some possess such profound merit that killing them would make heaven and earth weep blood. As the primordial spirits of the Dao Ancestors and Immortal Sages are anchored to the Heavenly Dao, they too must honor its will.
At this thought, his gaze returned to the Void-Refining Immortal, intending to inquire about the final method of transcending tribulation through the "3 observations of the wrist." Noticing his intent, the Void-Refining Immortal spoke with grave solemnity: "The so-called 3 Observations of the Wrist require complete immersion within the tribulation itself."
"A being of this level personally entered the tribulation, using their formidable methods to transcend the great calamity."
"If 1's methods prove insufficient, they shall inevitably fall into the cycle of reincarnation. Yet those with formidable means may sever the great calamity with their own hands, transcending this tribulation of heaven and earth."
Once 1 successfully undergoes the heavenly tribulation, they may truly become a Tribulation Transcendent.
The Void-Refining Immortal spoke unhurriedly, then said with gravity, "So-called First Tribulation Immortals, and even Second or Third Tribulation Immortals—all attain their status through this very process."
"They have weathered the Great Tribulation and passed the trials of heaven and earth, thus naturally receiving the unseen providence of the cosmos. Their strength far surpasses that of immortals who have never undergone the heavenly ordeal."
"Evasion Tribulation, Immersion Tribulation, Transmutation Tribulation, and Fateful Opportunity."
Eldrin (Person Name) furrowed his brow slightly, a contemplative expression crossing his features. So it turned out the Great Tribulation could be approached through either evasion or immersion. The so-called method of evasion meant relying on mystical realms of spiritual abundance or seeking protection under the providence of major sects, thereby remaining outside the workings of the tribulation.
To enter a tribulation is to immerse oneself in the calamity, relying on 1's own strength to overcome it.
Those who do not enter the tribulation have a significantly reduced chance of falling, yet they shall not obtain the elusive opportunities ordained by fate.
The latter is fraught with peril, yet once overcome, 1 may seize the tribulation-crossing opportunity, paving the way for a smoother journey ahead.
Even if 1 cultivates only 1 path among the physical body, laws, or Dao fruits, so long as they survive 5 or 6 heavenly tribulations, they can partially mend their foundation and directly attain the Earth Immortal realm.
If 1 possessed truly world-startling means and could successfully withstand all 9 heavenly tribulations, they would completely mend their foundational roots. Not only would they immediately break through to the Earth Immortal realm, but they would even gain the potential to ascend to the Celestial Immortal realm in the future.
Legend has it that ancient immortals who survived 9 kalpic tribulations could even attain the Dao Fruit of the Great Luo Golden Immortal, transcending the need for foundational accumulation.
Of course, those capable of surviving all 9 Heavenly Tribulations must possess world-shattering methods. Even if they eliminated merely 1 formidable foe per tribulation, they would have slain at least 9 adversaries of equal cultivation realm.
Let alone the fact that each tribulation would grow more terrifying than the last. In the end, those ancient immortals capable of weathering all 9 tribulations were destined to be exceptionally rare individuals.
Perhaps not even 1 in over 10 1000 Celestial Immortals could achieve this.
"The 3 1000 great paths all lead to sainthood; there has never been a dead end on the path of cultivation."
"Even those with shallow foundations have a path to the heavens."
Eldrin felt an inexplicable surge of emotion, vaguely comprehending the principles of the Heavenly Dao in his heart.
Among all living beings in the world, 1 with a foundation as profound as Eldrin (Person Name) could naturally advance by leaps and bounds, with great potential to break through to the Celestial Immortal realm, or even the Golden Immortal of the Great Luo.
Yet for those with shallow foundations, it is not necessarily a path of no return. Take the Void Refining Immortal, for example. If 1 can survive 9 great tribulations, 9 heavenly calamities, and then endure another 9 cosmic cataclysms, they would still be qualified to attain the Golden Immortal (Great Perfection) realm.
Although this path was incredibly elusive, with perhaps not even a 1 in a 100 million chance of success, traversing it would grant combat prowess and skill no lesser than any Great Luo Golden Immortal—indeed, it might even prove far more formidable.
For they had weathered countless tribulations, surviving through 9 epochs of cosmic calamity, and obtained astonishingly profound opportunities. Their final ascension would undoubtedly shake the 30-3 Celestial Domains, earning even the regard of primordial Dao Ancestors and immortal Sages.
"This great tribulation is a calamity, yet also a path to enlightenment."
Eldrin (Person Name) remained in contemplative silence for a long while before finally offering his assessment.
Immortal Lianhu nodded slightly, then cast a thoughtful gaze toward the Crimson Dragon Sea. "In my view," he remarked, "all other immortals and deities within this Crimson Dragon Sea are merely mediocre."
"Yet I perceive that Elder Crimson Dragon seeks to emulate our forebears, intending to plunge himself into the heavenly tribulation and break through to the half-step Earth Immortal realm in 1 decisive move."
"So that's how it is."
Eldrin finally understood that the reason the Crimson Dragon Demon Ancestor had been able to break through to the Half-Step Earth Immortal realm back then was because he had survived the great tribulation from nearly a million years ago.
The Crimson Dragon Elder's innate talent was far from ordinary. Having successfully weathered the Great Tribulation, his breakthrough to the half-step Earth Immortal realm by harnessing the tribulation's power was well within expectations.
At this moment, Chi Longzi intended to emulate the ancient sages, most likely following the path of the venerable Patriarch Chi Long. The Void-Refining Immortal pointed this out and, with a flick of his sleeve, conjured a map of the Chi Long Sea, stating: "Within this Chi Long Sea, the 3 races of humans, gods, and demons stand side by side."
"When the great tribulation arrives, what scene will unfold—I presume there is no need for me to elaborate."
Eldrin nodded, his expression grave. "It seems the fate of the Crimson Dragon Sea shall be decided in the great tribulation 60 1000 years from now."
"Hmm."
Refining Tiger Immortal gave a slight nod before speaking calmly, "I originally intended to seek refuge in a blessed paradise to evade this tribulation."
"But now that you have arrived, I finally have someone I can trust."
"I believe I may now attempt to brave this heavenly tribulation."
Eldrin nodded slightly upon hearing this, roughly grasping the thoughts of the Void Refining Immortal.
After attaining mastery over the laws, the Void-Refining Immortal chose to remain in the Violet Realm for over 20,000 years in pursuit of cultivating his immortal physique and Dao Fruit.
Were it not for the fact that the Violet Realm was to be exiled, he might never have chosen to ascend—a testament to his unyielding pride.
Now that he had entered the immortal realm, with the possibility of advancing further and trustworthy allies by his side, he naturally desired to brave this great tribulation.
Chapter 1 The biting cold wind swept across the mountain peaks, carrying with it the scent of frost and decay. Lin Feng tightened his worn robe, his fingers trembling slightly as he clutched the meager pouch containing his last 3 spirit stones. "30-2 1000," he murmured, the number a distant dream. "I need 30-2 1000 more to break through to the next layer of the Heavenly Cycle Art." For thousands of years, countless cultivators had sought the path to immortality, yet few could withstand the relentless passage of time and the cruel trials of heaven. Lin Feng was but 1 among over a 100 outer disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect, his talent mediocre, his progress painstakingly slow. Suddenly, a resonant voice echoed from the training ground. "Lin Feng! The Eldrin has summoned you." His heart skipped a beat. Eldrin—the revered elder who rarely concerned himself with outer disciples. What could this mean? The main hall stood majestic and imposing, its ancient pillars carved with swirling cloud patterns. Eldrin stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze profound. "You have been stuck at the third layer of the Basic Qi Refining Technique for 20-some years," he stated calmly. "Yet I sense unusual fluctuations in your spiritual roots." Lin Feng bowed deeply. "This unworthy disciple seeks guidance." A faint smile touched Eldrin's lips. He produced a crimson pill that glowed with an inner light. "This Crimson Soul Pill may aid your cultivation." Then, his expression turned grave. "But remember, the true challenge lies not in gathering resources, but in surviving the heavenly tribulation." As Lin Feng accepted the precious pill, his fingers brushed against the cold jade slip tucked in his sleeve—the very object he had discovered in the forbidden valley just days prior. Could this be the opportunity he had been waiting for? Back in his humble abode, he examined the jade slip under the moonlight. Intricate patterns shimmered across its surface, revealing the characters: "Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss." A magic treasure lost to time, its secrets waiting to be unlocked. The night deepened, the moon hanging high like a silver mirror. Lin Feng sat cross-legged, circulating his spiritual energy. 1 100 years had passed since he first embarked on the path of cultivation, yet he remained at the foundation establishment stage. Countless sleepless nights, countless failed breakthroughs—but tonight felt different. A surge of energy coursed through his meridians as he consumed the Crimson Soul Pill. The world around him seemed to fade, leaving only the rhythmic flow of qi within. He could feel the barriers weakening, the third layer of the Basic Qi Refining Technique finally yielding to his persistence. Dawn approached, painting the horizon in hues of gold and crimson. Lin Feng opened his eyes, a newfound determination burning within. The path ahead remained treacherous, filled with heavenly tribulations and sect rivalries, but for the first time in nearly a 1000 days, hope blossomed in his heart. The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss hummed softly in response to his spiritual sense, its power waiting to be unleashed. The game had just begun.