Chapter 1189 : The Unyielding Pillar of the Abyss

Upon hearing this, a subtle shift flickered in the eyes of all present.

To any discerning observer, it was clear that within the Returning Abyss Sea [the vast, newly conquered sea region], the dominant forces were now the Returning Abyss Alliance [the coalition of immortals governing the sea] and the Chen Immortal Clan [the Chen family of ascended cultivators].

Among them, the Chen Immortal Clan was the central pillar, the true hegemon of these waters. In the campaign to secure the Returning Abyss Sea, the Chen Immortal Clan had contributed a full nine-tenths of the effort.

After all, both the Star Consort [a powerful immortal ally] and the Heaven Wind Immortal [another formidable immortal] had been summoned at the cost of significant favors owed by Eldrin Chen.

However, the Chen Immortal Clan was Eldrin Chen's own bloodline clan. Only those of Chen descent and their cultivation partners [spouses who share the path of cultivation] were considered true members; other Immortal [ascended beings] naturally could not join its core ranks.

Therefore, Eldrin Chen had established the Returning Abyss Alliance, a coalition formed by uniting the Immortal who had ascended from the Purple Seal Realm [their former home world]. This alliance served as the nominal Sovereign [ruling power] of the Returning Abyss Sea.

Within the current Returning Abyss Alliance, besides Eldrin Chen as its Alliance Master and Exquisite Jiang as Vice-Master, there were already eighteen Immortal serving as Elder [senior council members], all of whom had ascended from the Purple Seal Realm.

Even the Void-Refining Immortal [an immortal known for his mastery over void arts], who had ascended several years prior, had already joined the ranks of the Returning Abyss Alliance.

It could be said that in the present Returning Abyss Sea, only three figures remained who had not yet joined: Heavenly Feather, Violet Flame, and the Six Stars Immortal.

Hearing Eldrin Chen's words, the Six Stars Immortal [an immortal associated with celestial constellations] glanced towards Heavenly Feather and Violet Flame, then gave a slight, thoughtful nod. Find this and other novels at audio~novel.com.

As an Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality through cultivation], Six Stars Immortal naturally understood the importance of joining the Returning Abyss Alliance and recognized that this was their most opportune moment to do so.

Sooner or later, Eldrin Chen would use the Returning Abyss Alliance to command the myriad Immortal Clan [powerful families of cultivators] within the Returning Abyss Sea, thereby consolidating the region's vast resources.

Only by joining and becoming an Elder within the Alliance could they secure a share of the spoils; otherwise, they would be forever excluded from the Returning Abyss Sea's core circle of power.

Upon this realization, the three of them immediately smiled and declared, "If that is the case, then from this day forward, we are members of the Returning Abyss Alliance."

"Hahaha, then we are all comrades from now on," Eldrin Chen laughed heartily before continuing, "As Elder of the Returning Abyss Alliance, you will each be granted access to cultivate within the Stellar Glazed Boundary [a mystical formation that enhances cultivation] for one thousand years every three millennia."

"Should you wish for more cultivation time, you may also exchange Merits [a metaphysical currency representing virtuous deeds and karma] and other resources for it."

Eldrin Chen explained in detail, outlining all the resources and benefits available to the Alliance's Elder.

In establishing the Returning Abyss Alliance, Eldrin Chen's intent was twofold: to unify the power of the Returning Abyss Sea and to consolidate its immense wealth of resources.

After detailing the privileges, his expression turned solemn as he continued, "The Returning Abyss Sea is one of the three thousand seas of the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea. By rights, its resources should be no less abundant than those of the Lingering Sun Sea."

"However, whether it is the Immortal Isles of the Returning Abyss Sea or their respective resource outputs, none can compare to the Crimson Dragon Sea. The fundamental reason is that the three clans fight independently, unable to utilize it effectively."

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly, and after a long pause, he continued, "Our most urgent tasks are threefold."

"First, we must cultivate Immortal Isles. Given the vastness of the Returning Abyss Sea, we can artificially nurture at least another dozen or so immortal-grade islands."

The assembled immortals nodded in agreement. Six Stars Immortal inclined his head slightly and said, "Legend has it that millions of years ago, the Returning Abyss Sea boasted a full thirty-four Immortal Isles."

"Unfortunately, after all these years of chaotic warfare, many of the spiritual springs [the vital energy sources of the islands] of the Returning Abyss Sea's Immortal Isles have been destroyed. Restoring them will likely be difficult."

Exquisite Jiang pondered briefly before stating calmly, "I have already calculated. The Returning Abyss Sea can sustain a maximum of thirty-six Immortal Isles."

"Therefore, our immediate priority should be arranging the cultivation of these Immortal Isles."

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly and spoke, "Upon our Green Chariot Mountain, we still have six Spiritual Root that can be transplanted: the Serene Bamboo, the Spiritual Peach Tree, the Enlightenment Tea Tree, the Creation Green Jade Lotus, the Solar Fire Orange, and the Primal Shadow Cassia."

"We plan to use these six Acquired Spiritual Root to cultivate six Immortal Isles based on the principles of Polarity and Four Symbols. These will serve as the core Formation Eye [the central anchor points of a grand formation] for the Heavenly Starry Sky Grand Formation [a grand formation that harnesses the power of the celestial constellations]."

Upon hearing this, everyone present nodded slightly in understanding.

Within the Crimson Dragon Sea [a vast and perilous sea region], the most precious resources lie within the Celestial Sand Archipelago [a legendary chain of islands].

The Chen Clan has cultivated the Sun and Moon [the Solar and Lunar Star Palaces], the Three Enclosures [the Three Celestial Enclosures], and the Four Symbols Star Palaces [the Four Celestial Beast Mansions] around the Celestial Sand Archipelago, precisely to lay the foundation for the Cosmic Movement Formation [a grand stellar defensive array].

Once successfully established, the foundation of the Chen Immortal Clan would become unshakable. Even if an Earth Immortal Blessed Land [a realm governed by an Earth Immortal] launched a full-scale assault, it would not necessarily be able to breach their defenses.

Thinking of this, the Six Stars Immortal [an immortal associated with six specific stars] could not help but ask, "How should we allocate the remaining slots for these Immortal Isles [islands imbued with immortal energy]?"

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before speaking, "Aside from these nine Immortal Isles, our Chen Immortal Clan lacks sufficient personnel to develop many of the other islands we have captured this time."

"You may purchase Immortal Isles to establish your own Path-Field [a personal cultivation domain]. In the future, if you perform meritorious deeds and earn Merits [a metaphysical currency representing virtuous karma], you may also qualify for the right to cultivate an Immortal Isles, until all thirty-six slots are filled."

Upon hearing this, the assembled immortals nodded in agreement. With clear rules established, the Returning Abyss Sea [the sea region under their control] could gradually flourish. This chapter appears courtesy of audio~novel.com.

Seeing their acceptance, Eldrin Chen continued, "Besides the Immortal Isles, our Returning Abyss Sea is rich in various other resources."

"Among the many Immortal Isles and Spirit Island [islands rich in spiritual energy], some are suitable for cultivating special Spirit Herb [plants imbued with spiritual energy] and Immortal Herb [plants of immortal grade], others are rich in mineral veins, and some produce rare Spiritual Object [objects infused with spiritual power]."

"Each family can choose what best suits their needs for cultivation. The Immortal Alliance [the coalition of immortal clans] will purchase the produce at a unified price."

"..."

The inaugural assembly of the Returning Abyss Alliance lasted for a full three months.

Only after the attendees had thoroughly accounted for the output of each family's Immortal Isles, resources, Five Elements Essence [a refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements], and various other products did this gathering finally conclude.

Once the work was done, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile bitterly. Managing an Immortal Clan was no easy task, and governing an Immortal Alliance that dominated an entire region was even more formidable.

If he had to personally oversee every minor and major trivial matter, he could forget about pursuing his cultivation path.

"If Third Elder and Old Granduncle were here, I wouldn't be so troubled," he mused.

At this thought, he felt an even deeper longing for Old Patriarch and Lior Chen.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen chose a compromise. From the more than twenty Elder currently within the Immortal Alliance, three would be selected to jointly decide on the alliance's routine affairs.

These three rotating Elder would change every thousand years. Before the rotation, a Council of Elders would be convened to report on all significant and minor events of the past millennium.

As for Eldrin Chen himself, his primary focus would remain on cultivation.

"..."

Having entrusted the affairs of the Returning Abyss Alliance to the Council of Elders, Eldrin Chen finally extricated himself from the mundane burdens of governance.

He dispatched the Soul-Returning Herb to the Ancient Ruins Ghost City and then returned to the seclusion of the Stellar Glazed Boundary, resuming his life of profound cultivation.

In the following days, Eldrin Chen was able to cultivate in peace. In the blink of an eye, eight thousand years passed.

On this day, the Stellar Glazed Boundary erupted with a dazzling Immortal Radiance. Eldrin Chen slowly exhaled a breath as he emerged from his secluded meditation, a faint smile gracing his lips.

Since taking stewardship of the Returning Abyss Sea, he had been able to cultivate undisturbed for eight thousand years. His cultivation base had finally advanced another step, breaking through to the Ascendant Immortal 6th Tier.

Pushing open the door to his Seclusion Chamber, Eldrin Chen found Verdant Consort waiting for him. He smiled warmly and said, "Thank you for guarding my breakthrough, my lady."

"Congratulations on your breakthrough, husband."

Verdant Consort smiled, then couldn't help but add, "With this breakthrough, it seems you will be able to reach the Late Ascendant Immortal Realm within ten thousand years."

Eldrin Chen shook his head. "To break through to the Late Ascendant Immortal Realm, I still need to temper and refine my spiritual energy. Without the aid of a Sky-Piercing Pill, it would take me at least another fifty thousand years of effort."

At this point, Eldrin Chen inquired further, "During my years of secluded cultivation [a period of intense, isolated meditation and training], has anything of import occurred within our clan?" For more chapters, visit audio‑novel.com for the complete novel.