Chapter 1020 : A Supreme Treasure's Revelation

"A Supreme-Grade Immortal Treasure [a treasure of the highest known grade, whose power transcends the limits of the Ascendant Immortal Realm]!"

The complexions of the several individuals shifted, and only then did solemn expressions appear on their faces.

Common Immortal Treasure [enchanted artifacts of immense power used by Immortals] are categorized into three grades: Upper, Middle, and Lower. A Supreme-Grade Immortal Treasure [a treasure of the highest known grade, whose power transcends the limits of the Ascendant Immortal Realm] is of incomparable rarity and value. Its might surpasses the Ascendant Immortal Limit [the theoretical peak of power attainable within the Ascendant Immortal Realm]. Although it cannot compare to the World-Opening Treasure [a supreme treasure capable of creating or stabilizing a minor world, wielded by Earth Immortals] of an Earth Immortal Patriarch [a patriarch who has attained the Earth Immortal Realm, a master of a minor world], it still qualifies as a heaven-shaking, earth-sundering treasure.

An ordinary Late Ascendant Immortal Realm [a cultivator at the late stage of the Ascendant Immortal Realm] simply lacks the qualification to wield one. Only those Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality and attained immortality] who have lived for millions of years, having weathered three or four Tribulation [cosmic trials that test an Immortal's cultivation and resolve], might possibly refine and possess a single such treasure, hoarding it as their ultimate trump card.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen still smiled bitterly and said, "Using a Fortune Path Gold [a legendary material said to be condensed from the essence of fortune and destiny itself] to transcend a tribulation... that still seems far too distant a prospect."

"Senior, please elaborate further on the tribulation-transcending methods of Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds accumulated through righteous acts] and personal capability."

Void-Refining Immortal [an Immortal whose Dao title signifies mastery over the void] nodded slightly, then continued with a gentle smile, "These two methods for transcending tribulations are considerably simpler."

"So-called Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds accumulated through righteous acts] refers to those who have performed great deeds of Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds accumulated through righteous acts] for Heaven and Earth."

"Such Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality and attained immortality] are protected by the Light of Merit [a radiant aura that manifests around those with immense accumulated merit, offering divine protection]. The Heavenly Path [the fundamental laws and principles governing the cosmos] naturally bestows its guardianship upon them, ensuring they are not drawn into the heart of a Tribulation [cosmic trials that test an Immortal's cultivation and resolve]."

"Moreover, they carry the Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds accumulated through righteous acts] of Heaven and Earth within them. To slay such a being would injure one's own Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds accumulated through righteous acts] and intensify the severity of one's own impending Tribulation [cosmic trials that test an Immortal's cultivation and resolve]." This novel is serialized on audio-novel.com. Visit for updates.

"It is said that an Immortal who possesses world-shaking Merit [a metaphysical 'currency' representing accumulated good karma and virtuous deeds], though their cultivation level may not be profound, is someone even a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage would be unwilling to provoke lightly, let alone rashly slay."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this, gaining a general understanding of the method of using Merit to transcend a Tribulation [a heavenly trial or calamity faced by cultivators].

For example, if such a Tribulation were to occur in the Purple Seal Realm, then given his Eldrin Chen's Merit within that realm, it is unlikely he would be drawn into the Tribulation by the will of heaven and earth.

It is naturally the same for those with great Merit in the Immortal Realm. Some possess Merit so vast that killing them would cause heaven and earth to weep blood. A Path Ancestor Immortal Sage, whose Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator] is anchored to the Heavenly Path [the fundamental laws and principles of the cosmos], must naturally respect the will of that Heavenly Path.

Thinking this, his gaze returned to Void-Refining Immortal, wishing to inquire about the final method—overcoming the tribulation through sheer power.

Seeing his look, Void-Refining Immortal spoke gravely, "The so-called third method, relying on one's own power, requires personally stepping into the tribulation."

"Such an existence enters the tribulation personally, relying on their formidable strength to weather the Great Tribulation [a major cosmic calamity]."

"If one's power is insufficient, they will naturally fall into Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth]. But those of truly formidable prowess can sever the Great Tribulation with their own hands, triumphing over this heavenly and earthly Tribulation."

"Once the tribulation is successfully transcended, one becomes a true, genuine tribulation-transcending Immortal."

Void-Refining Immortal continued his explanation, then said with great solemnity, "So-called First Tribulation Immortal, and even Second or Third Tribulation Immortal, are all attained in this manner."

"Those who successfully pass through the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic trial imposed by the heavens and earth], having withstood the trial of the cosmos, will naturally be blessed by the subtle, ineffable opportunities bestowed by heaven and earth. Their strength will be greater than that of Immortal [a being who has achieved immortality through cultivation] who have not undergone such tribulations."

"Avoiding the tribulation, entering the tribulation, passing the tribulation, and seizing the opportunity."

Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow slightly, a contemplative expression settling on his face.

It turned out there were concepts of avoiding and entering the Great Tribulation. The method of avoidance meant seeking shelter within a Grotto-Heaven Blessed Land [a pocket dimension of immense spiritual richness and protection] or under the protective Fortune [the accumulated luck, destiny, and spiritual power of a great sect or lineage] of a major sect, thus not stepping into the Tribulation [the calamitous heavenly trial itself].

Entering the tribulation meant personally stepping into the Tribulation, relying on one's own power to pass through it.

The former method, not entering the Tribulation, greatly reduced the risk of perishing, but one would also not receive the subtle, ineffable opportunities.

The latter was perilous beyond measure, but once successfully passed, one could enjoy the opportunities bestowed by overcoming the tribulation, making the Future [a figure representing the concept of the future or destiny] path ahead somewhat smoother.

Even if one cultivated only one of the paths—the Immortal Body [a physique refined to an immortal level], Path Principles [the fundamental laws and truths of one's chosen cultivation path], or Path Fruit [the ultimate fruit or achievement of one's cultivation path]—passing through five or six Tribulation could partially compensate for deficiencies in one's foundation, allowing direct attainment of the Earth Immortal Realm [the realm of an Earth Immortal, a powerful immortal tied to the terrestrial world].

Furthermore, if one possessed truly world-shaking methods and could successively pass through nine Great Tribulation, they could completely mend their foundational flaws. Not only could they immediately break through to the Earth Immortal Realm, but they might even have the potential to later advance to the Celestial Immortal [the realm of a Celestial Immortal, a higher tier of immortal existence] in the future.

Legend held that an Ancient Immortal [an immortal from ancient times] who passed through nine Kalpa Tribulation [a tribulation of cosmic, era-spanning scale] could even disregard the usual requirements of foundational depth and directly cultivate the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Path Fruit [the ultimate fruit of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal path, representing supreme enlightenment and power].

Of course, those capable of surviving nine Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth] must possess earth-shattering methods. Even if they slay only a single formidable foe with each Kalpa Tribulation, they would have vanquished at least nine adversaries of equivalent cultivation level.

Moreover, each Tribulation [a trial of heavenly punishment] grows more terrifying than the last. Ultimately, an Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has existed for eons] who can endure nine such Tribulation must be an exceedingly rare individual.

Perhaps among ten thousand Celestial Immortal Great Power [powerful beings at the Celestial Immortal realm], not even one could achieve this feat.

"The three thousand Great Path [the myriad ultimate ways of cultivation] all lead to sainthood. The path of cultivation has never been one of absolute dead ends."

"Even for those with shallow foundations, there exists a Path to Heaven [a method to ascend to the heavens]."

Eldrin Chen felt a wave of inexplicable emotion, his heart grasping the underlying principle of this Heavenly Path [the celestial way of cultivation]. Dive deeper into the Dao at audio—novel.com.

Among all living beings under heaven, individuals like Eldrin Chen, blessed with profound and solid foundations, could naturally advance by leaps and bounds. Breaking through to Celestial Immortal [the realm of celestial immortals] and even Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of the Golden Immortal] was highly probable for them.

Yet, for those with weak foundations, it was not necessarily a path of utter despair.

Take, for instance, the Void-Refining Immortal [an immortal title meaning 'Refiner of the Void']. If one could survive nine Great Tribulation [major heavenly trials], nine Path Tribulation [trials specific to one's cultivation path], and then nine more Kalpa Tribulation, they would still be sufficient to attain the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm.

Although this path was vanishingly slim, its success rate perhaps less than one in a hundred million, simply being able to walk it to its end meant one's combat prowess and skill would not be inferior to any other Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Indeed, they might even prove more formidable.

For they have weathered the Tribulation [a cataclysmic event of heavenly punishment and renewal], lived through the ages of nine Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and rebirth], and obtained astonishingly profound opportunities. Their final, ultimate leap is destined to shake the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, and would earn a second glance even from a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [a supreme being who has mastered a Great Dao and attained sagehood].

"This Great Tribulation is a Tribulation, yet it is also an opportunity for attaining the Dao,"

Eldrin Chen mused for a long while before finally offering his assessment.

The Void-Refining Immortal [an immortal title denoting mastery over void and refinement] gave a slight nod, then turned his thoughtful gaze towards the Crimson Dragon Sea. "In my view," he said, "among the immortals and deities within this Crimson Dragon Sea, the rest are of little consequence."

"It is merely that I perceive the Crimson Dragon Child likely wishes to emulate his ancestor, intending to plunge himself into the heart of the Tribulation to achieve a breakthrough into the Half-Step Earth Immortal Realm [a quasi-immortal realm just below true Earth Immortality] in a single, decisive move."

"So that is the way of it."

Only then did Eldrin Chen understand. The reason the Crimson Dragon Demon Ancestor had been able to break through to the Half-Step Earth Immortal Realm all those years ago was because he had survived the Great Tribulation that occurred nearly a million years prior.

The Crimson Dragon Patriarch possessed formidable innate talent to begin with. Having weathered the Great Tribulation and harnessed the power of the Tribulation to fuel his breakthrough, his ascension to the Half-Step Earth Immortal Realm was, in truth, an expected outcome.

Now, the Crimson Dragon Child seeks to follow in the footsteps of that ancient sage, most likely intending to tread the very path once walked by the Crimson Dragon Patriarch.

Having pointed this out, the Void-Refining Immortal waved his sleeve, causing a map of the Crimson Dragon Sea to materialize before them. "Within this Crimson Dragon Sea," he stated, "the three races of humanity, deities, and demons stand in a tripartite balance."

"Once the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic event ordained by fate, often involving widespread calamity and conflict] descends, what scene will unfold, I need not elaborate."

Eldrin Chen nodded, his expression grave as he said, "It seems the fate of the Crimson Dragon Sea shall be decided within the Tribulation [a period of great calamity and upheaval] sixty thousand years hence."

"Indeed."

The Void-Refining Immortal [an immortal title signifying mastery over refining the void] gave a slight nod, his tone calm as he continued, "My original intent was to seek refuge within a Blessed Land [a land imbued with potent spiritual energy and natural blessings], to avoid this impending Tribulation."

"However, now that you have arrived, I find myself with allies I can trust."

"I believe I may dare to brave the passage of this Tribulation."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded again, grasping the Void-Refining Immortal's intent.

After attaining his Path Principles [the fundamental laws and truths of one's chosen cultivation path], this Void-Refining Immortal had willingly remained in the Purple Seal Realm for over twenty thousand years, all to forge his Immortal Body [a perfected physical form achieved through immortal cultivation] and cultivate his Path Fruit [the ultimate fruit or achievement of one's cultivation path].

Had the Purple Seal Realm not faced banishment, he might never have chosen to ascend, a testament to his proud and ambitious nature.

Now, having entered the Immortal Realm [the realm of immortals] where further advancement was possible, and with trustworthy comrades by his side, it was only natural he wished to test himself against this coming Great Tribulation. Support the author by reading on audio-novel`com.