Chapter 1018 : The Crimson Dragon's Decree

After listening to the account of Six Stars Immortal [an immortal who has mastered the power of six celestial stars], Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] could not help but frown slightly.

As the direct grandson of the Crimson Dragon Patriarch [the powerful ancestral leader of the Crimson Dragon lineage], this Crimson Dragon Child [a title for a powerful descendant of the Crimson Dragon lineage] had cultivated for over nine hundred thousand years. Although his cultivation in the Creation [the foundational stage of immortal cultivation] had not yet reached the Half-Step Earth Immortal Realm [a quasi-immortal state], it was already at the ninth tier of the Ascendant Immortal Realm [a high-level immortal cultivation stage].

A supreme Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality] of such caliber, at the Ascendant Immortal 9th Tier [the pinnacle of the Ascendant Immortal stage], was unique within the entire Crimson Dragon Sea [a vast sea region ruled by the Crimson Dragon Clan]. Although Six Stars Immortal was hailed as one of the three great powers of the Crimson Dragon Sea, he still could not compare.

Now that the Crimson Dragon Child had arrived in person, he was likely to intervene, casting a heavy pall of gravity over the assembled crowd.

As expected, the Nine Phoenix Immortal Chariot [a divine chariot pulled by nine phoenixes] paused briefly, coming to a halt in the void above.

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

"All the various Immortal Isles [floating islands imbued with immortal energy] within the Crimson Dragon Sea are the rightful assets of my Crimson Dragon Clan [a powerful clan of dragon-blooded cultivators]."

"In past years, while the Demon Race [a race of powerful demonic beings] occupied this Fire Mulberry Island [an island known for its fiery mulberry trees], I did not intervene. Now that it has fallen into the hands of the Human Race [the race of human cultivators], it is time for me to reclaim it."

"Fellow Daoist Crimson Dragon [a title for a powerful crimson-scaled dragon], your words overreach."

At that very moment, an ethereal, immortal melody drifted down from the heavens. For more chapters, visit http://www . audio-novel.com for the complete novel.

Everyone looked up to see an elderly immortal with hair and beard as white as snow strolling forward.

"It's him?"

The gazes of the assembled Immortal [a being who has achieved immortality through cultivation] flickered slightly as they recognized the newcomer's origins.

The arrival was none other than Xander Qian. His eyes swept over the crowd before finally settling on Eldrin Chen with a faint smile. "This old man is a step late. I hope you can forgive my tardiness, Fellow Daoist."

"Not at all, not at all."

Seeing Xander Qian arrive, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a genuine smile.

Unexpectedly, even Crimson Dragon Child [a title for a powerful descendant of a crimson dragon lineage] furrowed his brow at the sight of Xander Qian.

Crimson Dragon Child narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at Xander Qian as he spoke. "So it's a fellow daoist from the Lingering Sun Sea [a renowned sea region]. Do you intend to involve yourself in today's affairs?"

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

Everyone understood the unspoken implication: he was here to support Eldrin Chen's claim to this mountain.

The Crimson Dragon Child's brow furrowed slightly. Within the entire Crimson Dragon Sea, he was the sole cultivator at the Ascendant Immortal 9th Tier [the ninth and highest tier of the Ascendant Immortal realm].

Aside from him, although the Six Stars Immortal was Extraordinary, he was merely at the eighth tier of the Immortal realm. Even the paramount powerhouse of the Divine Spirit Lineage, the 'Violet Radiance Divine Spirit', was no different.

One could say that even if the Six Stars Immortal and the Violet Radiance Divine Spirit were to arrive together today, he would not fear them in the slightest. Yet, the Xander Qian who had come was truly Extraordinary.

Although this individual was only at the Ascendant Immortal 7th Tier [the seventh tier of the Ascendant Immortal realm], he had lived for over a million years and was a First Tribulation Immortal [an immortal who has survived one Heavenly Tribulation].

Over a million years of accumulation, coupled with the opportunities gained from surviving a Tribulation [a Heavenly Trial that tests a cultivator's strength and grants profound insights], had rendered Xander Qian's Divine Ability [supernatural powers], Path Principles [comprehension of the fundamental laws of cultivation], and even his Lifebound Immortal Treasure [a magical artifact nurtured and bound to a cultivator's very life force] remarkably Extraordinary. His strength likely approached the Ascendant Immortal 9th Tier, enough to make the Crimson Dragon Child somewhat wary.

"If this were my own Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy], I might let it pass. But this Fire Mulberry Island is an Immortal Isles [a blessed island favored by immortals] belonging to the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle [a powerful avian demon beast] lineage. It's not worth clashing with Xander Qian over it."

The Crimson Dragon Child murmured to himself, then spoke coldly, "Since you have spoken, I shall grant you this favor."

"I shall not intervene in today's affairs."

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

Watching the Crimson Dragon Child depart, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze towards the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle Emperor [the sovereign ruler of the Crimson Flame Divine Eagles].

But the figure bathed in flowing flames [a cultivator enveloped in streams of magical fire] felt a chill, stared at him with a deathly glare for a long moment, and finally snorted coldly. Without uttering a single word, he led his followers and flew off into the void.

Having expected a bitter struggle today, only for it to end so anticlimactically, Eldrin Chen couldn't help but feel a flicker of surprise.

After a fleeting thought, he turned his gaze to the assembled group, clasped his hands in salute, and said, "My sincere thanks to you all for your assistance today."

"Think nothing of it," one replied. "Within the Crimson Dragon Sea, the Human Race [the collective term for human cultivators] holds a weaker position. It is only natural that we support one another."

Heavenly Feather Immortal offered a slight smile, then looked at Xander Qian and said, "Besides, today it was primarily Fellow Daoist Qian's prestige that proved effective."

Upon hearing this, everyone smiled faintly. The Crimson Dragon Sea had been the territory of the Crimson Dragon Patriarch a hundred thousand years ago. The various Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality through cultivation] present had all arrived here relatively recently, naturally unable to compare to a sea region like the Lingering Sun Sea, which had enjoyed stability for over a million years. Official source: audio-novel[dot]com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

If one excluded the Lingering Sun Blessed Land [a land imbued with exceptional spiritual fortune], the number of first-tribulation Immortal within the Lingering Sun Sea Region likely did not exceed ten.

An ancient immortal like Xander Qian, who had lived for over a million years, would be a rare sight even within the Lingering Sun Sea.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen clasped his hands once more with a smile. "Since the unwelcome guests have departed, let us resume our celebration. Esteemed guests, please follow me."

Establishing a new mountain abode was a joyous occasion. To express his gratitude, Eldrin Chen had specially procured many rare and precious immortal wines [exquisite wines brewed with spiritual ingredients] and purchased Immortal Artifact [powerful enchanted objects used by immortals]. These were served alongside Spiritual Peach [peaches imbued with spiritual energy] and other exotic fruits to feast his guests.

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 smile, "Although the immediate crisis has been averted, I sense the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle Emperor is far from satisfied. I fear he will seek another opportunity to strike in the future."

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

"Thank you for the warning, Fellow Daoist. I will be cautious," Eldrin Chen replied.

He nodded, then after a moment of contemplation, added, "Now that I have ascended to the Immortal Realm [the higher realm of cultivation and immortals], there remain some Mortal Dust Affairs [unfinished business from the mortal world] I must settle. I need to make a journey to the Netherworld Underworld Court [the celestial bureaucracy governing death, reincarnation, and the underworld]."

"You have been in the Immortal Realm for many years, Fellow Daoist. You must have some understanding of that place. I would appreciate any insights you can share."

Upon hearing this, Xander Qian's brow furrowed slightly in thought.

After a moment, he nodded and said with a knowing smile, "You seek the Netherworld Underworld Court, no doubt to find the reincarnated forms of loved ones from your past life, or perhaps to guide a departed companion towards their next Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth]?"

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly. "Your perception is keen, Fellow Daoist."

"It is not keen perception," Xander Qian shook his head with a wry laugh. "Even beings like us, Nine Heavens Celestial Immortal [a high-ranking immortal who has ascended through the nine heavenly tribulations], are not omnipotent. We all carry regrets from our early years that we have yet to mend."

"And for those like you, newly ascended, it is often the case that mortal ties remain unresolved. A journey to the Netherworld Underworld Court [the celestial bureaucracy governing the afterlife and reincarnation] is therefore to be expected."

Xander Qian spoke with measured grace, stroking his long beard as he smiled. "However, in seeking me out for this matter, you have come to the right person."

"This old man has a dear friend who, having failed his heavenly tribulation in years past, entered the Netherworld [the realm of spirits and the dead]. He now oversees a Netherworld Underworld Court established within the Netherworld Region of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain. You may take my token and seek him out."

"Given our old friendship and within the bounds of his capability, I believe he would lend you his aid."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a surge of relief and promptly clasped his hands in gratitude. "If that is so, I offer you my deepest thanks, Fellow Daoist."

The old immortal smiled faintly. With a sweep of his sleeve, he penned a letter of introduction and, together with a jade pendant, handed them to Eldrin Chen. He then offered a final piece of counsel: "A Netherworld Ghost Immortal [an immortal who cultivates within the Netherworld] requires the Faith Power [devotional energy generated by mortal belief and worship] from the Mortal Realm to advance their cultivation."

"If the favor you seek is particularly difficult, you might bring some Incense Offering Celestial Silver [a special currency used in the Netherworld, condensed from the essence of mortal incense offerings] with you. I doubt he would refuse such a gesture."

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

Seeing this, Xander Qian clasped his hands once more and took his leave.

Only after Xander Qian had departed did Eldrin Chen seek out the Void-Refining Immortal [an immortal title signifying mastery over void and emptiness], who had been asked to remain behind.

Upon meeting, his expression immediately settled into a firm resolve. With a slight smile, he clasped his hands in a respectful salute and inquired, "Might I ask if I am in the presence of the Third Ancestor of the Purple Seal Ji Clan, Senior Void-Refining?" Access the full story on audio‑novel.com.