Chapter 1191 : The Price of Defying Heaven

With this thought, Eldrin Chen still cautioned, "This method defies the Heavenly Dao [the fundamental natural order]. Practicing it will erode one's own Merit [a metaphysical 'currency' representing good karma or virtuous deeds] and is certain to bring a tremendous Karmic Burden [the weight of negative karma and cosmic retribution] upon oneself."

"The more powerful the Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality and achieved immortality], the more terrifying the tribulations they will provoke during their Heavenly Tribulation [a trial of lightning and calamity sent by the heavens to test cultivators] after cultivating this method."

"You few have not yet Ascended to Immortality [undergone the final tribulation to become an immortal], so perhaps the Heavenly Tribulation you face will be somewhat more manageable, but passing it will likely still be no easy feat."

"Whether or not to cultivate this method ultimately depends on your own decision."

Upon hearing this, the few of them exchanged glances, yet in the next instant, their resolve solidified.

Given their innate talent and foundational cultivation, even with Eldrin Chen's vigorous nurturing, their chances of cultivating a Dao Fruit [the metaphysical fruit representing one's comprehension and mastery of the Dao, a prerequisite for high-level ascension] and achieving the Ascendant Immortal [an immortal who has ascended beyond the initial immortal realm] were vanishingly slim.

Only by practicing this method, using Nirvana [a state of perfect peace and liberation, often involving rebirth or transcendence] to forge a new future-life body that surpasses their current foundation and Dao Fruit, could they hope to break through to the Ascension to Immortality Realm [the realm and process of becoming an immortal].

With this thought, they all nodded and declared, "With the Great Dao [the supreme, fundamental principle and path of cultivation] of an Ascendant Immortal laid before us, how could we possibly turn away?"

Dorian Ji sighed deeply, then said with a faint smile, "My Violet Radiance Thunder Dragon Avatar [a powerful divine ability manifesting as an avatar of a thunder dragon wreathed in violet light] is the perfect vessel for such a future-life body."

"This mass of Thunder Tribulation Essence [a highly concentrated, purified essence extracted from heavenly tribulation lightning] was obtained from slaying the Purple Radiance Deity. You may fuse it into your future-life body to strengthen your Deep-Seated Foundation [the profound and unshakable foundational cultivation base of a cultivator]." Continue your cultivation journey at audio-novel.com (official site).

Eldrin Chen gave a nod and retrieved a Primordial Source of Thunder [a primordial essence embodying the fundamental power of lightning] and handed it to Dorian Ji.

Following this, he drew another orb from his sleeve and passed it to Maris the Sea Steader, saying, "This Vast Sea Divine Pearl is a treasure I sought from the Glazed Blessed Land [a sacred realm of profound purity and spiritual power]."

"Use this object for your Nirvana [a profound rebirth or transcendence cycle], and in your next life, you will be born with a companion Spiritual Treasure [a sentient artifact of immense spiritual power], your foundation no weaker than that of a Nine Heavens Deity [a divine being of the highest celestial realms]."

"My gratitude."

Upon seeing this, both Maris the Sea Steader and Dorian Ji revealed expressions of joy.

Dorian Ji felt a particular swell of emotion within his heart; the care he had shown Eldrin Chen in earlier years was now being repaid a thousandfold.

Eldrin Chen paid this no mind. His gaze turned to Elara Lin, and from his sleeve, he produced a piece of Frost Soul Immortal Jade [a legendary jade formed from the condensed essence of ancient glacial spirits], saying, "This Frost Soul Immortal Jade can also serve as the vessel for your future incarnation."

"Thank you, Grandmaster."

Elara Lin accepted the Frost Soul Immortal Jade with unrestrained delight, her eyes and brows alight with happiness.

This Frost Soul Immortal Jade was a rare treasure formed from the coalescence of glacial spirits over countless eons, a rarity even within the vast expanse of the Western Divine Abyss Sea [the mythical Western Sea of Divine Profundity]. It was a supreme treasure, exceptionally suited for anchoring a Second Nascent Soul [a profound cultivation technique that allows a cultivator to manifest a second, independent spiritual core].

In other words, Eldrin Chen's current wealth was astonishing, something that even ordinary Late Stage Immortal Ascension Realm cultivators would likely covet but find beyond their reach.

"Cultivate diligently."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, offering no further words.

Having said that, he turned his gaze towards Seraphina Su, and a soft sigh escaped his heart.

Among the four, Dorian Ji, Maris the Sea Steader, and Elara Lin had all, with Eldrin Chen's support, already cultivated to the Half-Immortal Realm.

Moreover, they had journeyed far upon this path; the final step towards Ascending to Immortality [transcending mortality to become a true immortal] was truly all that remained.

If they cultivated the Abyssal Nirvana Method [a profound reincarnation technique], using their current pinnacle Demi-Immortal cultivation as nourishment for their next life, their future incarnations would undoubtedly far surpass this one, with at least a seventy to eighty percent certainty of breaking through to Ascending to Immortality.

But Seraphina Su was only at the Ninth Layer Nascent Soul, and her foundation was merely ordinary. Even if she dedicated the fruits of her entire lifetime's cultivation to nourish her future incarnation, it was uncertain whether she could achieve Ascending to Immortality.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen still offered a final admonition: "Little Seven, with your Deep-Seated Foundation [the depth and quality of one's cultivation base], even cultivating this Abyssal Nirvana Method may not guarantee your Ascending to Immortality."

"You must remember: you must first achieve an Immortal Physique [a body tempered and refined to an immortal level] before you can practice the Abyssal Nirvana Technique."

Speaking to this point, Eldrin Chen retrieved a radiant wooden heart and handed it to Seraphina Su.

This radiant wooden heart was named the Verdant Jade Wood Heart, a rare Immortal Treasures in its own right, and its properties subtly resonated with Seraphina Su's Spiritual Root [the innate spiritual foundation that determines a cultivator's elemental affinity and cultivation potential].

Seraphina Su naturally understood Eldrin Chen's intention. After accepting the Verdant Jade Wood Heart, she said, "Do not worry, Master. This disciple still has more than one lifetime's worth of longevity remaining."

"I will not cultivate this method before my lifespan is exhausted."

"Hmm..."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then spoke, "You may go now." Experience the full epic at audio‑novel.com.

After the others had departed, Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly, and he said, "Come in."

It turned out that while he was meeting with the others, his youngest son, Caelus Chen, had arrived outside the Cultivation Cave [a secluded chamber used for meditation and cultivation] at some unknown time.

Clad in azure robes, Caelus Chen possessed a handsomeness reminiscent of Eldrin Chen, yet tempered with a sharpness inherited from Lyra Jiang.

Now, he stepped leisurely into the Cultivation Cave.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, he addressed him, "Father."

"Caelus..."

Seeing him, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile slightly.

My five children are each unique. The eldest, Xander Chen, possesses an unyielding and righteous character. The second, Xander Dao Chen, is as gentle and refined as polished jade. The third, Caelan Chen, is dashing yet exceptionally outstanding. The fourth, Xander Qing Chen, is mischievous yet brimming with spiritual potential.

But when it comes to innate talent and brilliance, it is this youngest son who is the most dazzling.

This child was born bearing the Eight Trigrams Origin [the primordial source of the eight trigrams, fundamental symbols representing cosmic forces], inherently containing eight supreme Law Power [the fundamental powers that govern reality and the cosmos]. His natural aptitude is, of course, beyond question.

Furthermore, he possesses the Seven-Aperture Exquisite Heart [a legendary constitution granting exceptional intelligence and spiritual sensitivity], making him extraordinarily intelligent from birth. His talent for comprehension and insight bears some resemblance to Eldrin Chen's own brilliance.

"This child takes after me!"

Thinking this, Eldrin Chen smiled inwardly and asked, "I observe your Eight Trigrams Unity Method [a profound cultivation art focused on unifying the eight trigrams to return to the primordial source] is nearing perfect harmony. Do you have doubts you wish to seek your father's guidance on?"

"Indeed, I do."

Caelus Chen nodded, a trace of confusion on his face as he said, "In recent years, I have been cultivating in seclusion within the mountains, and my cultivation has always progressed naturally and smoothly."

"Now, I have already cultivated an Immortal Physique [a body refined to the level of an immortal], and have also comprehended eight types of Law Power [the power derived from understanding fundamental cosmic laws]. I am only one final step away from condensing a Dao Fruit [the ultimate fruit of one's cultivation path, representing the pinnacle of one's Dao] to achieve Ascend to Immortal Eternity [the state of becoming an eternal immortal]."

"Yet this final step has trapped me, leaving me unable to advance even a single inch for a full several Millennium [a period of one thousand years]. That is why I have come to seek your guidance, Father."

"I see."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then said with a gentle smile, "The fact that you have comprehended and cultivated eight Laws of the Dao [the fundamental principles that govern reality], and condensed the method of the Eight Trigrams into a single, boundless Limitless [the philosophical concept of boundlessness and infinity] technique, shows that your talent is rare throughout the ages, and your comprehension is unparalleled since antiquity."

"However, what you do not realize is that since ancient times, all those destined for great achievements must undergo extraordinary experiences and face uncommon tribulations."

"All these years, you have remained in peaceful seclusion, your ears closed to the affairs of the outside world. Although your foundation is now perfectly harmonious, if you wish to cultivate the Limitless Dao Fruit [the ultimate Dao Fruit representing the state of boundlessness], it is time for you to walk a path in the mortal world."

Caelus Chen was suddenly enlightened and immediately spoke, "I understand now, Father."

Enlightened by Eldrin Chen's guidance, Caelus Chen finally gained clarity. That very day, he bid farewell to Eldrin Chen and descended the mountain.

Watching his retreating figure, Eldrin Chen could not help but let out a soft sigh in his heart.

His children, each blessed with extraordinary talent and soaring ambition, all aspired to forge the Great Luo Foundation [the supreme and most stable foundation for immortality]. This lofty goal, however, ironically slowed their pace towards Ascending to Immortality [the process of transcending mortality and becoming an immortal being].

The eldest son, Xander Chen, possessed an unyielding and righteous character. He carved a path of fearsome renown through countless battles against demons and monsters, becoming the first among them to successfully Ascend to Immortal Eternity [achieve immortality and eternal life]. He was the one who successfully forged the Great Luo Foundation.

The second son, Xander Dao Chen, spent these years training Dao Soldiers [elite cultivator-soldiers]. He earned formidable fame across the Abyssal Sea [a vast and perilous oceanic realm], and his accumulated cultivation was more than sufficient for Ascending to Immortality long ago.

Yet, eight Millennium [a cosmic cycle of one thousand years] ago, he was taken as a disciple by a nameless Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality]. This master imparted to him a unique immortal technique, decreeing that he must master it completely before he could break through to Ascendant Immortal [the foundational stage of true immortality].

The third son, Caelan Chen, was born bearing thirty-three Vast Sea Divine Pearl [divine pearls containing the boundless power of the ocean]. He progressed even faster, unsealing twelve of the Sea-Steadying Divine Pearl [a specific type of divine pearl renowned for its power to calm seas] five Millennium ago. Relying on their immense power, he managed to Ascend to Immortal Eternity. Original publication: audio–novel.com - The source of this chapter.