Chapter 1026 : The Forge of Immortal Swords

The fundamental reason was his limited exposure to the Hundred Crafts of Cultivation [the collective term for the various auxiliary arts of cultivation, such as alchemy, artifact forging, and formation setting] at the Immortal Rank [a level of mastery where techniques and artifacts transcend the mortal realm].

One must not underestimate the Hundred Crafts of Cultivation. Consider Eldrin Chen's Celestial Abyss Twin Swords [a pair of immortal swords, one representing the heavens, the other the abyss]. They had ascended to the Immortal Rank and reached the level of a Low-Grade Immortal Treasure [the foundational tier of immortal-grade magical artifacts] for two thousand years, yet they remained stubbornly unable to advance further.

The core obstacle was that Eldrin Chen's proficiency in Formation [the art of creating and manipulating energy arrays and barriers] and artifact forging was still insufficient. He lacked the skill to refine and evolve the twin Immortal Sword [a sword forged with immortal-grade materials and techniques] to the realm of Mid-Grade Immortal Treasure [the intermediate tier of immortal-grade treasures].

Had Eldrin Chen's mastery of the Hundred Crafts of Cultivation been profound enough to elevate the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords to Mid-Grade Immortal Treasure, the combined might of his twin swords would undoubtedly have increased dramatically.

Eldrin Chen estimated that, should that step be achieved and the swords be wielded with his Primordial One Limitless Path Principles [a profound cultivation law embodying the concept of boundless unity], their fused power might approach the level of a cultivator at the Ascendant Immortal 9th Tier [the ninth and final minor stage within the Ascendant Immortal realm].

"Once successfully advanced, perhaps even ordinary experts at the Late Ascendant Immortal Realm [the latter stages of the Ascendant Immortal realm] would struggle to be my match."

After a moment of silent contemplation, Eldrin Chen resolved that this time he must at least acquire a set of Formation and artifact forging legacies. His goal was to swiftly advance the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords to the Middle Grade Immortal Rank [synonymous with Mid-Grade Immortal Treasure].

Only then would he possess the confidence to suppress the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle Emperor [a powerful demonic beast emperor wielding crimson flames] and safeguard those around him.

"We have arrived!"

Unaware of how long they had flown, the two had traversed the Lingering Sun Sea Region [a vast oceanic region named for its perpetually setting suns] and arrived at an offshore Immortal Isles [a cluster of islands imbued with dense spiritual energy, often home to immortal sects or markets]. Your portal to cultivation novels: audi0-n0vel.c0m.

It was an immeasurably vast Ancient Continent [a landmass of primordial age]. Upon this continent reigned an ancient desolation, with archaic wastelands stretching towards the very ends of heaven and earth. A Lingering Sun [a celestial body representing the waning, yet potent, power of the sun] cast its light upon the land, imbuing the air with an inexplicably domineering and desolate aura.

"Is this... the Lingering Sun Blessed Land [a sacred realm formed from the power of the Lingering Sun]?"

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, inexplicably sensing a fierce, almost tragic energy within this Lingering Sun Sea [the sea of spiritual energy surrounding the Lingering Sun Blessed Land].

It reminded him of the words spoken by the Verdant Sparse Immortal during his ascension to immortality.

This Lingering Sun Blessed Land was said to have been formed from the Dao-dissolution of an ancient Innate Divine Spirit [a deity born from the primordial forces of the cosmos], its interior saturated with the overwhelmingly potent power of the Lingering Sun.

"It seems the words of the Verdant Sparse Immortal were likely true," he thought.

Whispering this to himself, Eldrin Chen followed the Void-Refining Immortal [an immortal whose title signifies mastery over void and refinement] forward, ascending onto a floating island.

This was a levitating Immortal Isles [a floating landmass in an immortal realm], named the Lingering Sun Floating Island. Upon it stood an Immortal [a being who has achieved immortality through cultivation] market, known as the Lingering Sun Immortal Market.

No sooner had Eldrin Chen set foot upon the Lingering Sun Immortal Market than a verdant-robed Immortal approached with a smile. "So it is Fellow Cultivator Eldrin and Fellow Daoist Void-Refining. My greetings to you both."

"Fellow Immortal Verdant Sparse."

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly as he immediately recognized the origin of this person.

It turned out this individual was none other than the former Ascension Guide Immortal Envoy of the Ascendant Immortal Platform, Verdant Sparse Immortal.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen smiled faintly and said, "Fellow Immortal Verdant Sparse, instead of receiving Immortals at the Ascendant Immortal Platform, what brings you here today?"

"Hahaha."

Verdant Sparse Immortal laughed heartily, stroking his beard as he replied, "There are three Ascension Guide Immortal Envoys in total, and we rotate every ten thousand years."

"It is currently my turn to rest, so I have come to preside over this Barter Convention."

"I see."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then cupped his hands in a respectful gesture. "It seems we will be imposing on your hospitality today, Fellow Daoist."

"Not at all, not at all."

Verdant Sparse Immortal shook his head hurriedly, his manner exceedingly courteous as he led the two of them into the market. Before long, they arrived at the shore of an immortal lake.

Gazing upon the ethereal lake before them, Verdant Sparse Immortal began his introduction. "This is the Barter Immortal Lake [a mystical lake where cultivators gather to trade rare treasures]," he explained. "It is the customary site for our exchanges."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. Lifting his gaze to survey the surroundings, his eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. He saw that the area had gathered over two hundred Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality through cultivation], a sight that gave him pause.

Beside him, Void-Refining Immortal [an immortal who has mastered the art of refining the void], observing the same scene, voiced his own confusion. "In previous years, the Barter Convention [a grand gathering for the exchange of cultivation resources] typically drew only around a hundred immortals. Why are there so many this year?"

"Haha!"

Verdant Sparse Immortal let out a hearty laugh before speaking. "The Crimson Dragon Sea [a vast and somewhat isolated sea region] is a touch remote. It seems you two fellow Daoists are not yet aware of the news."

"Oh?" Original publication: audio-novel.com - The source of this chapter.

Seeing their genuine curiosity, Eldrin Chen clasped his hands respectfully. "We would be grateful if you could enlighten us, fellow Daoist."

"The reason is simple," Verdant Sparse Immortal replied. "The Crimson Sun Blessed Land [a realm of profound spiritual abundance and ancient power] is about to manifest into our world."

A gentle smile graced Verdant Sparse Immortal's lips as he began to narrate the tale, weaving together the threads of this unfolding Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect that binds all actions and destinies].

He revealed that to the west of the Lingering Sun Sea Region [a sea bathed in the light of the setting sun], there existed a Blessed Land [a pocket dimension of exceptionally dense spiritual energy and natural treasures] known as the Crimson Sun Blessed Land.

Long ago, the Crimson Sun Blessed Land [a realm of cultivation blessed by celestial energies] held awe-inspiring prestige across the surrounding seas, a Blessed Land [a realm of cultivation blessed by celestial energies] that once shone even more brilliantly than the Lingering Sun Blessed Land [a realm of cultivation blessed by celestial energies].

It is said that at its zenith, tens of millions of years ago, the Crimson Sun Blessed Land [a realm of cultivation blessed by celestial energies] boasted no fewer than three Earth Immortal Patriarch [a supreme cultivator who has merged their soul with the world], a testament to its formidable might.

Alas, even an Earth Immortal Patriarch [a supreme cultivator who has merged their soul with the world] faces their Tribulation [a catastrophic trial of heavenly retribution]. To survive a Path Tribulation [a world-shaking calamity that occurs once every ten million years] is a feat of immense difficulty.

Ever since an Earth Immortal Patriarch [a supreme cultivator who has merged their soul with the world] of the Crimson Sun Blessed Land [a realm of cultivation blessed by celestial energies], one who had lived for thirty million years and weathered three Tribulation [catastrophic trials of heavenly retribution], fell from grace thirty million years ago, the land's decline was swift and relentless.

Then, over eight million years ago, during the last eruption of the Path Tribulation [a world-shaking calamity that occurs once every ten million years], the Crimson Sun Blessed Land [a realm of cultivation blessed by celestial energies] was shattered in a single, fateful night.

Having laid out the cause and effect, Verdant Sparse Immortal [an ancient immortal cultivator] began to recount the tale. "After the fall of the Crimson Sun Blessed Land [a realm of cultivation blessed by celestial energies]," he said, his voice measured, "its final Patriarch [a supreme leader of a cultivation lineage] concealed its legacy within an Earth Immortal World [a pocket dimension created and sustained by an Earth Immortal], hiding it away within the boundless void."

"Yet, as the eons passed—millions upon millions of years—that world forged by the Earth Immortal Patriarch [a supreme cultivator who has merged their soul with the world] began to decay, revealing faint traces of its existence."

"To this day, fissures have appeared within it on four separate occasions."

Verdant Sparse Immortal [an ancient immortal cultivator] continued, his tone a complex mix of anticipation and concern. "Once a fissure appears in the Earth Immortal World [a pocket dimension created and sustained by an Earth Immortal], we Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality through cultivation] may enter it."

"That Earth Immortal World [a pocket dimension created and sustained by an Earth Immortal] is said to harbor many Immortal Herb [plants of immense spiritual and medicinal value], and even treasures like an Acquired Celestial Immortal Root [a spiritual treasure that can elevate one's cultivation foundation] alongside fragments of the inheritance from the Lingering Sun Blessed Land [a realm of cultivation blessed by celestial energies]."

"Each time the earth's fissures open, it presents a heaven-sent opportunity for the Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality through cultivation] in the surrounding seas."

"So that's how it is."

Eldrin Chen nodded, yet could not help but voice his doubt: "Since the Earth Immortal World [a miniature world nurtured within the body of an Earth Immortal] is so precious, surely the Earth Immortal Patriarch [a powerful cultivator who has reached the Earth Immortal realm] would intervene. How could there be any share for the likes of us?"

"Hahaha!"

Hearing this, Verdant Sparse Immortal laughed heartily once more and quickly shook his head. "The power of an Earth Immortal Patriarch shakes heaven and earth; their very bodies contain a vast Earth Immortal World."

"If one were to step into another Earth Immortal World, they would most likely cause it to rupture completely. This is especially true for an ownerless Earth Immortal World."

Now he understood. Eldrin Chen gave a slow nod, finally grasping the Karma [the principle of cause and effect governing actions and their consequences] at play within.

He exchanged a glance with Void-Refining Immortal, and a spark of desire flickered in both their hearts.

This was especially true for Eldrin Chen. Having only recently arrived in the Immortal Realm [the higher realm where Immortals reside], he still needed to aid his Dao companions in achieving immortality and had children to raise. His heart stirred with keen interest.

Seeing their expressions, Verdant Sparse Immortal offered a well-meaning reminder. "Though the treasures within an Earth Immortal World are splendid, the dangers there are equally profound."

"If you wish to enter and contend within, you must also be mindful of your own safety."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and, still smiling, clasped his hands in a respectful salute. "Many thanks for the reminder, Fellow Daoist."

"It is of no consequence."

Verdant Sparse Immortal shook his head, casually waving a hand as he gestured towards the assembled Immortals [powerful beings who have transcended mortality through cultivation]. "All these individuals have come to purchase protective treasures, preparing to enter the Earth Immortal World [a lower-tier immortal realm accessible to Earth Immortals]."

"If you truly intend to venture inside, you too should procure some protective artifacts."

As they conversed, the Barter Convention [a formal gathering where cultivators trade rare resources and treasures] commenced.

The Verdant Sparse Immortal did not linger. Stepping forward to represent the Lingering Sun Blessed Land, he was the first to address the assembly. With a smile, he announced, "Esteemed Fellow Daoists, I am Verdant Sparse Ye, representing the Lingering Sun Blessed Land in presiding over this Barter Convention." This chapter appears courtesy of audio-novel dot com.