Chapter 1029 : The Price of Heavenly Pride

"Thank you for the reminder, Fellow Daoist. We understand."

Hearing the words of Xander Qian, Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, cupped his hands, and expressed his gratitude.

After Xander Qian departed, the two stood side-by-side watching his retreating figure. Void-Refining Immortal [a title for an immortal who refines the void], however, shook his head slightly and said, "Although this Xander Qian is an immortal who has survived one heavenly tribulation, he has lost the sharp, peer-defying edge of a true hero."

"Sitting idly atop an immortal mountain, untouched by the affairs of the mortal dust [the mundane world of ordinary human life], may avoid attracting heavenly tribulations. But once a great cosmic calamity descends, he will inevitably be unable to evade it."

Eldrin Chen also nodded slightly, finding some truth in those words.

Being prudent and steady is good; remaining aloof from the mortal dust may seem carefree and unrestrained.

Yet, all immortals are peerless prodigies who once looked down upon their generation. Once they lose that heaven-defying, earth-shaking pride, even if they attain immortality, they will likely fade into mediocrity.

If one wishes to advance further, to become a patriarch among immortals, one must ultimately strive and contend, swimming against the current of the long river [a metaphor for the relentless flow of fate or time].

Compared to the many immortals within great sects who are sheltered by the fortune [the protective blessings and destiny] of mighty powers and live for millions of years, those who have personally weathered heavenly tribulations are far more formidable.

They dare to plunge themselves into calamity. Only by ultimately surviving the myriad tribulations can they stand out, alter their own fate, and aspire to the realms of the Earth Immortal [an immortal whose power is rooted in the earth] and even the Celestial Immortal [a higher tier of immortal existence]. Dive deeper into the Dao at audio-novel.com.

"Each person is different, and each path is distinct."

"For Senior Xander Qian, perhaps a carefree life of Longevity [a state of extended life and well-being] would be enough to bring contentment."

Finally, Eldrin Chen spoke calmly, choosing not to pursue the matter further.

He glanced towards the Lingering Sun Immortal Market and said, "The Earth Immortal Ruins [the remains of an ancient Earth Immortal's dwelling] will open in three hundred years. Let us each return and make our preparations."

"Very well!"

"…"

Departing from the Lingering Sun Blessed Land, the two of them made their way towards the Crimson Dragon Sea.

Upon returning to the Crimson Dragon Sea, they parted ways, each heading back to their own Path-Field [a cultivator's personal domain for cultivation and residence].

"How did it go?"

The moment he set foot back on Green Chariot Mountain, Verdant Consort could not help but inquire.

Eldrin Chen shook his head and recounted his observations from the journey to the others.

After listening, the brows of the women furrowed slightly. Exquisite Jiang voiced her concern, "The Earth Immortal Ruins [the ruins left behind by an Earth Immortal] sound exceedingly perilous. Perhaps we should accompany you."

"There is no need!"

Eldrin Chen shook his head resolutely, his expression turning grave. "You are with child. Engaging in a full-force battle would disturb the fetal energy [the vital energy nourishing the unborn child], a consequence we would deeply regret."

"But..."

Exquisite Jiang began to protest further, but Eldrin Chen raised a hand to stop her.

Taking her hand, he offered a reassuring smile. "Do not worry. While many Immortals [beings who have ascended to immortality through cultivation] could wound me in my current state, few possess the power to end me."

"If my sole intent is to flee, not even a Ascendant Immortal 9th Tier [a cultivator at the ninth and highest tier of the Ascendant Immortal realm] could hope to stop me."

Hearing this, Exquisite Jiang felt a measure of reassurance settle within her. She knew Eldrin's words held truth.

For Eldrin Chen was not only formidable in power, but he also possessed the mighty Primordial One Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique renowned for its near-unbreakable resilience]. His physical body was nearly as durable as an Immortal Treasure [a treasure forged by or for Immortals], granting him truly exceptional means of survival.

With this thought, Exquisite Jiang straightened his robes and produced the Crimson Firmament Divine Thunder Mirror [a powerful magical artifact capable of unleashing divine thunder]. "This journey is perilous," he said. "Take this Immortal Treasure [a supreme-grade enchanted artifact]. It may prove crucial at a critical moment."

Seeing this, Verdant Consort brought forth her own Fire Feather Immortal Robe [an immortal-grade robe woven from phoenix feathers that offers autonomous protection]. "The Fire Feather Immortal Robe can protect its wearer on its own," she insisted. "You should take it as well."

"There is no need, truly."

Seeing the concern in their eyes, Eldrin Chen shook his head with a wry smile.

He gently pushed the two treasures back toward them, his voice brimming with confidence. "I possess the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords [a pair of peerless immortal swords], the Primordial Golden Lotus Throne [a sacred seat of enlightenment and defense], and the Crimson Flame Golden Cauldron [an alchemical cauldron of immense power]—four Immortal Treasure in total. Furthermore, I have several Immortal Path Divine Ability [supreme mystical techniques of the immortal path] to rely upon."

"These two Immortal Treasure are merely of the lower grade. Their utility to me has greatly diminished." Experience the full epic at site: audio-novel.com.

"It is you who must be cautious. After my departure, if the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle [a lineage of powerful, flame-attribute demonic eagles] come seeking trouble, these two Immortal Treasure could play a significant role in your defense."

Understanding the logic in Eldrin Chen's words, the two women finally retrieved their treasures.

Exquisite Jiang nodded, grasping his hand firmly. "Set your mind at ease. With us here, bolstered by the Mountain Protection Formation [a powerful defensive array that harnesses the power of the land], Green Chariot Island [their family's spiritual island stronghold] will remain secure and unassailable."

"..."

Time flowed like a river, and several hundred years passed in the blink of an eye.

To avoid missing the opening of the Earth Immortal Blessed Land [a realm of profound spiritual energy and natural wonders, accessible only to high-level cultivators], Eldrin Chen set out three years early, arriving at Void-Refining Immortal Island.

By now, Void-Refining Immortal [an immortal who has mastered the art of refining the void] had been waiting for some time. Seeing Eldrin arrive, he said, "Let us depart."

"Should we travel together with Six Stars Immortal?"

Before their parting, Eldrin Chen glanced towards the Crimson Dragon Sea and inquired.

Previously, Six Stars Immortal had implied that he too would enter the Earth Immortal World [a legendary world inhabited by powerful earthbound immortals], which was why Eldrin considered joining him.

However, Void-Refining Immortal shook his head upon hearing this, a bitter smile on his face. "That Six Stars Immortal has been an immortal for several hundred thousand years. He has several close friends, all of whom are in the mid to late stages of the Ascendant Immortal [a high realm of cultivation, signifying one who has ascended beyond mortality] realm."

"If we travel with their group, even if we find some treasures, by the time they reach our hands, only scraps would remain."

"Very well."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen had no choice but to let the matter drop.

After speaking, the Void-Refining Immortal [a title for an immortal skilled in refining the void] fixed Eldrin with a grave look and cautioned, "I have received word that the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle Emperor [a powerful demonic beast emperor] also intends to enter the Crimson Sun Earth Immortal Realm [a legendary realm of Earth Immortals]."

"That creature nurses grudges over the slightest offense. You must remain vigilant once inside."

"Is that true?"

To the immortal's surprise, Eldrin Chen reacted not with alarm but with evident delight. "He is truly going in?" he asked, his voice brimming with anticipation.

For this journey into the Earth Immortal World [a higher plane of existence for Earth Immortals], Eldrin's greatest concern had been for Green Chariot Island [his clan's stronghold].

His wives, including Exquisite Jiang, had been with child for several centuries. Though the time of birth was still distant, their combat prowess would inevitably be somewhat diminished.

If the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle Emperor were to attack after his departure, it would likely trigger a fierce and bloody battle. This prospect had weighed heavily on Eldrin's mind.

Now, hearing that the eagle emperor was also bound for the Earth Immortal World, Eldrin felt a wave of relief. A faint smile touched his lips. "If the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle Emperor seeks trouble with me, then let him come," he said calmly.

"But..."

Seeing Eldrin's apparent nonchalance, the Void-Refining Immortal feared he underestimated the danger. His expression turned solemn once more. "The Earth Immortal World is not like Green Chariot Island. There will be no protective Formation [a defensive or offensive array of magical energy] to shield you. He will seize that opportunity to strike."

"When the time comes, stay close behind me. If we join forces, we might be able to hold our own against him for a time."

"I understand."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod, a flicker of warmth kindling in his heart.

Void-Refining Immortal, seeing that Eldrin Chen had only recently ascended, assumed he would be no match for the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle Emperor. While this might seem like an underestimation, it was in truth born from a deep-seated, protective concern for a junior.

Some things needed no elaboration. Eldrin Chen offered no explanation, simply following Void-Refining Immortal as they journeyed towards the Crimson Sun Sea Region.

The Crimson Sun Sea lay to the west of the Lingering Sun Blessed Land, separated from the Crimson Dragon Sea Region by the vast expanse of the Lingering Sun Sea Region.

The two of them flew on, their journey lasting a full two months before they finally arrived.

This was a sea region dotted with archipelagos, its waters shallow and tinged with a crimson-gold hue, as if infused with a latent Primordial Solar Energy [the pure, foundational energy of the sun].

"So this is the Crimson Sun Sea Region?"

Gazing upon the Crimson Sun Sea before him, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly as he recalled the origins of this Crimson Sun Blessed Land.

Unlike the Lingering Sun Blessed Land [a sacred realm formed from the remains of a powerful being], this Crimson Sun Blessed Land [a sacred realm born from the convergence of heaven and earth's creative forces] was not formed from the final meditation of an Innate Divine Spirit [a deity born from the fundamental forces of the cosmos]. Instead, it is a miraculous place born from the convergence of the world's Creation [the primordial creative force that shapes reality], and it holds a certain connection to that Lingering Sun Heavenly God [a celestial deity associated with the waning sun]. Discover more cultivation stories at audio-novel dot com.