Chapter 1258 : Alliance of the Abyss

Heaven Wind Path Master [a title for a master of wind-based cultivation arts] paused for a moment, then instantly grasped the meaning behind Eldrin Chen's words.

He let out a bitter laugh and spoke, "Although Heaven Flame Patriarch is a Patriarch [a venerable clan or sect leader] of the Middle Stage Earth Immortal [the fourth major stage of immortal cultivation] realm, he has over two hundred junior disciples and descendants who are Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality]. His Earth Immortal World [a small, self-contained realm created by an Earth Immortal] is also rather insufficient for their needs."

"Moreover, given my current strength, I should strive to contend for the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic, era-defining heavenly calamity] Opportunity and Fortune [the chances for advancement and destiny-shaping gains hidden within great calamities]. I no longer seek his aid to avoid the tribulation."

"I see."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then inquired, "In that case, Fellow Daoist, how do you plan to enter this tribulation?"

"How to enter it?"

Heaven Wind Path Master glanced at Eldrin Chen and said, "Your meaning, Fellow Daoist, is that you wish for me to come to the Returning Abyss Sea [a vast and perilous sea region] and lend you my strength?"

"Precisely."

Eldrin Chen nodded in affirmation and continued, "The Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace [the sovereign ruler of the Flowing Fire Star Palace] is one of the principal actors in this Great Tribulation. This conflict in the Flowing Stream Hundred Seas [a region of a hundred interconnected seas] will likely become one of the core battlegrounds of the calamity."

"I sense my own strength is insufficient. I wish to invite you, Elder Brother, to join forces with me and withstand this Great Tribulation together." Find thousands of chapters at audi0-n0vel.c0m.

"Join forces..."

Heaven Wind Path Master's eyes flickered slightly, and he fell into contemplation.

After a moment, he looked towards the direction of Lingering Sun Sea, his brow furrowing slightly as he said, "My Wind Mist Island lies within the Lingering Sun Sea Region, along with tens of millions of my clansmen and all our assets."

"If I were to come to your Returning Abyss Sea, how could my clansmen possibly bear to leave all that behind?"

"Let us speak no more of this matter."

With that, Heaven Wind Path Master shook his head, declining Eldrin Chen's proposal.

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen frowned slightly. He understood the thoughts in Heaven Wind Path Master's heart. After all, Heaven Wind Path Master had attained the Path Lord realm nearly a million years ago and had managed Wind Mist Island for nearly that same span of time.

Upon that Wind Mist Island resided not only seven Immortals of his Liu Clan, but also billions of Liu Clan cultivators practicing their arts, and trillions of mortals living and multiplying.

For a clan of such immense scale to relocate to the Returning Abyss Sea Region was nearly an impossible undertaking.

Not to mention that he had managed Wind Mist Island for hundreds of thousands of years; the industries and resources there were the very lifeblood of the Liu Immortal Clan.

Whether Heaven Wind Path Master came to the Returning Abyss Sea Region [a perilous and remote sea region] alone or brought several of his clan's Immortal [beings who have ascended to immortality] with him, he would have to abandon the clan's countless cultivators and vast holdings.

After all, he was not an Earth Immortal Patriarch [a patriarch who has cultivated to the Earth Immortal realm], capable of using an Earth Immortal World [a miniature world created by an Earth Immortal] to conceal countless clansmen and assets within the void.

From this perspective, Heaven Wind Path Master still found it difficult to make a firm decision.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen sighed softly and could not help but advise, "Elder Brother, the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of immense conflict and upheaval] is about to descend. Protecting one's clan in such times is no easy feat."

"If you lack the confidence to withstand the Great Tribulation, it is better to make a clean break decisively."

"There are still several thousand years left, which should be sufficient to relocate the core clansmen and the majority of cultivators to the Returning Abyss Sea. Assets and holdings can be reclaimed after the Great Tribulation subsides."

"I understand,"

Heaven Wind Path Master nodded, stroking his long beard, yet the advice did not truly take root.

He smoothed his beard and replied with a smile, "I thank you for your concern. However, my Wind Mist Island [his clan's primary stronghold] has been fortified over many years and is now as impregnable as a fortress. Not even a Half-Step Earth Immortal [a cultivator on the verge of becoming an Earth Immortal] could easily seize it."

"Moreover, my strength is no longer what it once was. Should a formidable enemy dare to attack, I am confident in my ability to handle the threat."

Speaking to this point, Heaven Wind Path Master smiled once more and said, "Moreover, within the Lingering Sun Blessed Land, it is highly likely that the Setting Sun Patriarch will be drawn into the tribulation."

"His cultivation is but a single step away from the Earth Immortal realm. Even when the Great Tribulation arrives, he will likely be the one standing at the forefront. In comparison, this old man will be somewhat safer."

Seeing Heaven Wind Path Master speak thus, Eldrin Chen still wished to persuade him further, but in the end, he could only sigh and suppress the urge to continue his counsel.

At this moment, Heaven Wind Path Master's mind was firmly made up. It was not only because he could not bear to leave his clan and assets behind, but also because, with his greatly enhanced power, he was confident he could weather the Great Tribulation.

Eldrin Chen understood perfectly well that Heaven Wind Path Master was an Immortal with an unshakable Dao-heart [the core conviction and will of a cultivator]. Once a decision was made, it would not be easily swayed. Further persuasion would be futile.

Thus, he could only offer a soft sigh, clasp his hands, and say, "Then I wish you success in transcending the Great Tribulation and laying the foundation for the Earth Immortal realm in one fell swoop." This content originates from www . audio-novel.com. Please respect copyright.

"Hahaha!" Heaven Wind Path Master laughed heartily, returning the gesture. "Have no fear, Fellow Daoist. Once I have weathered the Great Tribulation, I shall descend the mountain to lend you my aid."

With these words, neither had anything more to say.

Eldrin Chen escorted Heaven Wind Path Master out of the Returning Abyss Blessed Land and watched as the Path Master departed.

After his departure, Eldrin Chen could not help but sigh softly and shake his head slightly.

Seeing this, Exquisite Jiang [Jiang Linglong, Eldrin Chen's wife] could not help but speak: "Husband, why do you sigh?"

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] glanced at the retreating figure of Heaven Wind Path Master [a senior cultivator]. Only after he had departed did Eldrin speak: "This Fellow Daoist Heaven Wind possesses considerable strength. If he could lend us his aid, the power of the Returning Abyss Sea Region [a major cultivation region] would be greatly augmented."

"Moreover, the Cosmic Stellar Formation [a powerful grand formation that harnesses stellar energies] still lacks a central treasure to command and unify the myriad stars. Only with such a treasure can it unleash its full, devastating might."

"The World-Opening Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact of immense power] he possesses, the 'Ancient Starry Firmament Bell' [a bell that resonates with the power of the ancient cosmos], would be the optimal choice for that central, commanding treasure."

Hearing this, Exquisite Jiang also felt a pang of regret.

She understood that if Heaven Wind Path Master had stayed, the potency of the Cosmic Stellar Formation would have increased dramatically. Consequently, their chances of surviving the impending Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial or calamity] would have risen significantly.

Alas, Heaven Wind Path Master was not a rogue cultivator. While his clan and holdings had supported his cultivation journey, they also bound him, making it impossible for him to simply abandon them.

"Let it be. Each follows their own path. He is bound by the ties of family and legacy; we cannot fault him for this," Eldrin said, his voice calm.

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, then drew Exquisite Jiang closer. "Though the Great Tribulation is perilous, if we stand united and strive together, we will surely emerge triumphant from its crucible."

"..."

Time flowed like a river, and years passed as swiftly as a shuttle through a loom.

Secluded Cultivation within the mountains, Eldrin Chen found that three thousand years had slipped by in the Mortal Realm [the primary world of mortals and cultivators] in the blink of an eye.

On this day, Eldrin Chen stood atop the peak of Green Chariot Mountain, watching the boundless Tribulation Miasma [a sinister, calamitous energy that heralds great disasters] gathering on the horizon. A trace of solemnity flickered across his brow.

At the edge of the sky, endless Tribulation Miasma was coalescing. The vast heavens and earth grew dim and lightless, as if the very world itself had been cast into a somber gloom.

"The Tribulation Miasma pervades, draining color from the world."

"It seems the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of conflict and upheaval foretold by prophecy] has finally begun."

Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh, his expression growing even more grave.

He withdrew his gaze and turned to Exquisite Jiang beside him, asking, "How is the progress on perfecting the Heavenly Starry Sky Grand Formation [a grand defensive array that harnesses the power of the celestial stars]?"

"It is complete," Exquisite Jiang replied, a smile gracing her lips. "With the grand Formation [a structured arrangement of energy nodes and patterns used for defense, attack, or cultivation] perfected and the three islands now presided over by the three masters of the Glazed Blessed Land, the Formation's power has increased by thirty percent."

"That is good."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, a wave of relief washing over him.

Ever since the three maidens, Sun Consort, Moon Consort, and Star Consort, arrived at the Returning Abyss Sea Region three thousand years ago, they had proposed assisting in the refinement of the Cosmic Stellar Formation [a grand defensive formation that channels the power of the stars].

Among the trio, two were Half-Step Earth Immortals [cultivators on the very cusp of attaining the Earth Immortal realm], and the third was a supreme Ascendant Immortal of the 9th Tier. Furthermore, they were masters of the Sun and Moon and Stellar [celestial] Daos [profound laws of existence]. Their expertise in these celestial arts made their participation in perfecting the Cosmic Stellar Formation a dream come true for Eldrin Chen.

At that time, Eldrin Chen had not hesitated for a moment before granting them permission to work on the formation's refinement. Continue reading this story at audio~novel.com.