Chapter 1048 : A Pearl for the Unborn Heir
With this thought, Violet Consort Yan could not help but inquire, "Should we begin preparations to refine the Innate Heavenly God Fetus Pill [a legendary pill said to bestow the constitution of a heavenly god upon an unborn child]?"
"There is no rush," he replied. "The children of you three are all nearing their time of birth. We must first gather the Fetus-Nurturing Divine Substance [a rare spiritual material used to nourish and strengthen an unborn fetus] with all haste."
Eldrin Chen shook his head and stated plainly, "My purpose in returning now is to take Nyssa away for a time."
"Take me?"
Nyssa Qu was momentarily taken aback, a flicker of confusion crossing her features.
Eldrin Chen gave a firm nod and explained, "The Spirit Shell Clan [a clan of spiritual mollusk beings] of the Glazed Sea produce Vast Sea Divine Pearls [divine pearls formed in the ocean's depths, brimming with pure water-essence] which can serve as the Fetus-Nurturing Divine Substance."
"You share their lineage. I wish to bring you along to persuade them to sell us these pearls."
Upon hearing this, Nyssa Qu finally understood Eldrin Chen's intention.
She was a Seven-Colored Immortal Clam [a mythical clam demon beast with a seven-colored shell] who had attained human form, a rare Mythical Immortal Seed [a being with the potential for immortal ascension] among Spirit Shell [spiritually attuned mollusks]. The child within her womb would indeed benefit most from a Vast Sea Divine Pearl.
Therefore, for the sake of the child she carried, she knew this journey was one she must undertake. Support the author by reading on audio - novel . com.
So Nyssa Qu gently touched her swollen belly and nodded. "Husband, there is no time to delay. Let us depart now."
Exquisite Jiang, however, was filled with concern. She took Eldrin Chen's hand and said, "The Glazed Sea is, after all, Demon Race territory. Sister Nyssa is with child. I am deeply worried for both of you going there."
"Set your heart at ease." Eldrin Chen understood Exquisite Jiang's worry. He shook his head and said, "The Spirit Shell Clan [a clan of spiritual beings known for their gentle nature] are a peaceful people. Moreover, with me there, I am more than capable of ensuring Nyssa's safety."
Seeing his resolve, Exquisite Jiang could only say, "Then be cautious in all things on this journey. If the Spirit Shell Clan should turn hostile, remember that your safety is paramount."
"Understood."
Eldrin Chen gave a firm nod. In the end, he departed Green Chariot Island with Nyssa Qu.
Once they had flown beyond the shores of Green Chariot Island, Eldrin Chen immediately steered their course with Nyssa Qu towards the Heavenly Demon Sea.
The Glazed Sea lay three sea regions away from the Crimson Dragon Sea, with the Heavenly Demon Sea being one of them. Eldrin Chen's path would take them through this sea, and he intended to make a brief stop at the Empty Clarity Temple along the way.
This Heavenly Demon Sea was a Demon Race Territory, ruled by a Half-Step Earth Immortal Realm Demon Race Patriarch. By all logic, traversing such a place was fraught with peril.
However, Eldrin Chen was no ordinary Immortal. Unless that Half-Step Earth Immortal Patriarch chose to act against him personally, he held no fear for the common Demon Immortal [a demonic cultivator who has ascended to immortality].
The Crimson Dragon Sea borders the Heavenly Demon Sea. To avoid alerting any Demon Immortal [a powerful demonic cultivator who has ascended to immortality], Eldrin Chen deliberately took a circuitous route. After a month of flight, he finally entered the sea region where the Empty Clarity Temple was located.
The Empty Clarity Temple was situated upon a vast Immortal Isles [a continent-sized landmass imbued with immortal energy]. This colossal Immortal Isles was densely packed with mountain ranges, ancient peaks, and temples nestled among them.
At the very heart of the Immortal Isles, upon a range of majestic, divine mountains, sat an Ancient Temple enveloped in a radiant golden glow. It exuded a profound sense of solemnity and sacredness.
"Boom—"
The moment Eldrin Chen set foot upon the Immortal Isles, the deep, resonant toll of a bell echoed from within the Ancient Temple.
The bell's solemn peals rang out nine times in succession. Immediately after, several figures bathed in radiant Buddhist light stepped through the air towards him.
The leader, clad in monastic robes, pressed his palms together upon seeing Eldrin Chen. "Amitabha," he intoned. "The Void Enlightenment Ancient Bell [a sacred bell that rings of its own accord to herald significant arrivals] tolled without being struck. We knew a distinguished guest must have arrived. So it is Benefactor Chen."
"So it is the Arhat himself before me. My wife and I have come unannounced. I pray you do not take offense,"
Eldrin Chen offered a slight bow, his tone exceptionally courteous.
The person before him was none other than the True Vigor Arhat, a close friend of the Six Stars Immortal.
"Fellow Daoist, please follow me."
The True Vigor Arhat offered a serene smile and invited Eldrin Chen to step into the Ancient Temple. Walking side by side, he remarked casually, "Your methods during our journey to the Crimson Sun Blessed Land truly opened this old monk's eyes."
As they spoke, the two had already entered the depths of the Ancient Temple.
Eldrin Chen lowered his gaze to sense his surroundings. Within the Empty Clarity Temple, numerous Buddhas and Arhats stood in solemn array, their radiant auras illuminating heaven and earth. The presence of such beings numbered more than a dozen.
Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but sigh with admiration, "The Empty Clarity Temple truly lives up to its name as a sanctuary for Immortals and Buddhas. Such a magnificent Buddhist holy land must rank among the foremost within the Flowing Stream Hundred Seas."
"It is merely the legacy left by our predecessors, nothing to boast of." Find this and other novels at audio-novel dot com.
The True Vigor Arhat shook his head gently, then turned his gaze back to Eldrin Chen. "Might I ask the purpose of your visit today, Fellow Daoist?"
"Today, I have come…"
Mentioning the main affair, Eldrin Chen composed his expression and promptly offered a respectful bow. "I have come regarding the matter of the Heavenly Dragon Relic."
"For the Sariras [sacred crystalline relics left behind by enlightened Buddhist masters]!"
True Vigor Arhat's expression turned solemn, and he immediately performed a respectful salute, saying, "I am not authorized to decide such matters. Please wait a moment, Fellow Daoist, while I go and request the presence of the Abbot."
"I am obliged for your trouble."
Eldrin Chen gave a nod, watching as True Vigor Arhat departed.
Not long after, True Vigor Arhat returned, leading a Buddha [an enlightened being in Buddhist cosmology] clad in kasaya robes into the Great Hall.
The newcomer had a benevolent and kind countenance. With just a single glance, Eldrin Chen sensed an immensely powerful aura brewing within him, one that seemed far stronger even than that of Crimson Dragon Child.
"At least a Triple Tribulation Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality through cultivation], perhaps not far from the Half-Step Earth Immortal Realm [a quasi-immortal state bridging the mortal and immortal realms]," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, his eyes revealing a trace of caution.
If this person before him were to attack, Eldrin Chen doubted he would stand even the slightest chance of victory.
Just as these thoughts swirled in Eldrin Chen's mind, True Vigor Arhat introduced, "This is the Abbot of our Empty Clarity Temple, 'Empty Vision Enlightened One', who is also one of the founding Patriarchs of the Empty Clarity Temple."
"I pay my respects to the Enlightened One."
Eldrin Chen saluted respectfully.
Eldrin Chen nodded, his tone carrying a note of deep respect as he spoke.
Within the Buddhist Sect [a major religious and cultivation order], Buddhas cultivate the Path Fruit [the ultimate realization of enlightenment], Bodhisattvas cultivate Path Principles [profound truths of the universe], and Arhats forge their Golden Bodies. The paths to immortality are many and varied.
Among these three, the Golden-Bodied Arhats possess extraordinary combat prowess. Bodhisattvas emphasize affinity and karmic connections, while Buddhas are beings who have attained supreme wisdom.
On the Buddhist cultivation path, the Arhat Golden Body [an indestructible physical form] is the easiest to achieve. Bodhisattvas who comprehend Path Principles [profound truths] come next, and the most difficult is cultivating the Path Fruit [the ultimate enlightenment].
Correspondingly, those who walk this latter path possess even more astonishing strength. Generally speaking, one capable of becoming a Buddha can also forge another Immortal Ascension Path [a distinct path to transcend mortality].
This Empty Vision Enlightened One is an Ancient Buddha who has cultivated the Buddha Path Fruit [the ultimate Buddhist enlightenment]. He has most likely also simultaneously mastered Path Principles [profound truths] or a Golden Body, making his true power unfathomable.
It is likely precisely because of this that he was able to hold back that Half-Step Earth Immortal Realm [a realm just below true Earth Immortality] Peerless Demon Immortal [a supremely powerful demonic immortal], allowing the Empty Clarity Temple [a Buddhist temple] to establish its foothold within the Heavenly Demon Sea [a sea region infested with powerful demons].
Indeed, it was just as Eldrin Chen surmised. Before achieving immortality, this Empty Vision Ancient Buddha had already cultivated the Path Fruit [the ultimate enlightenment] and simultaneously forged an Arhat Golden Body [an indestructible physical form]. Possessing immense latent potential, his combat power approached the Half-Step Earth Immortal Realm [a realm just below true Earth Immortality].
He held a sliver of potential to break through to the Celestial Immortal [a high-tier immortal realm], and his chances of advancing to the Earth Immortal Realm [a powerful immortal realm tied to the earth] were not small. He was one of the beings within the Flowing Stream Hundred Seas [a vast region of interconnected seas] most likely to break through to become an Earth Immortal [a powerful immortal].
"Amitabha Buddha."
Returning to the main topic, the Empty Vision Enlightened One [a title for a high-ranking Buddhist cultivator] carefully observed Eldrin Chen for a moment. After offering a respectful bow, he inquired, "I have heard, Fellow Daoist, that you have come for the Heavenly Dragon Relic [a legendary artifact said to contain the essence of a celestial dragon]?"
"That is correct."
Eldrin Chen nodded, his expression immediately filling with hopeful anticipation.
The Empty Vision Enlightened One cast a glance at Nyssa Qu and immediately shook his head, preparing to depart. "The destined path for the child in her womb does not lie here," he stated. "I fear you have made this journey in vain."
"Venerable Master, please wait."
Eldrin Chen hastily stepped forward to block the Empty Vision Enlightened One's path, his countenance sincere. "My true purpose in coming," he explained earnestly, "is to beseech for the Heavenly Dragon Relic on behalf of the unborn child of my other wife."
"Oh?"
The Empty Vision Enlightened One paused, slightly taken aback, and turned his gaze once more upon Eldrin Chen.
Witnessing this, the True Vigor Arhat [a Buddhist title for an enlightened warrior-monk] spoke up. "The Void Enlightenment Ancient Bell [a mystical bell that resonates with one's spiritual potential] tolled nine times. Perhaps he is the one foretold by fate." Access the full story on www . audio-novel.com.