Chapter 1249. The Disciples Descend the Mountain
"1 day, should I reign as the Vernal Sovereign, I shall command the peach blossoms to bloom alongside me."
Gazing at the silhouette of 9 Heavens Above (Time & Distance), an inexplicable verse flashed through Eldrin's (Person Name) mind.
After the Jade Lotus of Creation evolved into a supreme immortal root, it had become a nascent Heaven-Opening Azure Lotus.
Chen Xianqing emerged from within, comprehending a creation that transcended his former self. Not only did he reshape his immortal physique and cinnabar heart, but his Dao Fruit, laws, and immortal body had all been naturally conceived. He had grasped a heavenly path leading to the supreme apex.
In this moment, Chen Xianqing had been reborn, like a withered flower bud blossoming forth, radiating an extraordinary aura.
Clad in a flowing azure robe, she stood firm atop the 9 Heavens, facing countless heavenly tribulations with unshakable composure. She seemed less an immortal transcending tribulation, and more a Ninth Heaven Sovereign Emperor surveying the cosmos.
Just this demeanor and aura alone had already far surpassed what they were in the past, transcending the mundane world.
"The heart of innocence has transformed into a heart of crimson loyalty—she has forged her own path."
"Now it seems she has surpassed her former self, bearing some resemblance to the Celestial Emperor of the Divine Court."
Eldrin could not help but marvel, a glimmer of contentment flickering in his eyes.
Qing Ji was also overjoyed, sighing softly as she said, "This child has been reborn through tribulation. I only hope she will devote herself to cultivation from now on and refrain from stirring up trouble."
"Father, Mother."
Between heaven and earth, the rumble of thunder gradually subsided.
Chen Xianqing descended with leisurely steps, appearing before the 2 figures.
She knelt before the 2 of them and spoke with utmost sincerity, "All these years, I owe my rebirth to Father and Mother's unwavering support. This child offers you a kowtow."
With these words, she reverently kowtowed 3 times.
With a flick of his sleeve, Eldrin gently raised him, then said with a smile, "Over these years, your mother has chanted scriptures day and night in this very place, aiding your nirvana rebirth."
"Now that you have attained immortality, it has not been in vain after all the hardships your mother endured for so many years."
"You should thank your mother more."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xianqing kowtowed several more times to Qing Ji.
Seeing this, Eldrin spoke up: "You have attained immortality, yet now the great tribulation approaches. How do you intend to face it?"
Chen Xianqing seemed to have long contemplated this matter. He cupped his hands toward Eldrin (Person Name) and said,
"The so-called Great Tribulation is not merely a calamity, but also an opportunity to attain the Dao."
"Throughout the ages, all who seek to attain the Dao must enter tribulation and transcend it, so they may surpass themselves and prove the Great Path."
At this point, Chen Xianqing declared, "Your child is prepared to descend the mountain and enter the tribulation, to walk the path of mortal trials and personally confront that boundless heavenly calamity."
"Alas!"
Eldrin sighed inwardly. He glanced at Chen Xianqing and finally spoke, "With the great tribulation approaching and the heavenly secrets obscured, even a Celestial Immortal might struggle to divine the auspices—let alone your father."
"Since you insist on facing the tribulation alone, there is little I can offer as your father."
"These few protective talismans are but a token of support from your father."
As the words fell, Eldrin retrieved several spirit talismans from his sleeve and handed them to Chen Xianqing.
These spiritual talismans were all rare and precious treasures, personally inscribed by Eldrin with divine abilities such as the Primordial Chaos True Aether and the Great 5 Elements Pure Yang Divinity. Once activated, they would likely be powerful enough to suppress and slay even those at the late Immortal Ascension stage.
This was the only thing Eldrin could leave for Chen Xianqing.
Qing Ji also reluctantly retrieved a few immortal treasures from her sleeve and handed them over to Chen Xianqing.
"Father, Mother."
Seeing the 2 of them bring forth the treasures, Chen Xianqing couldn't help but feel a stir of emotion in her heart.
Yet now, he was no longer the unruly youth of old. Understanding the profound care behind their actions, he accepted the treasures they had brought forth and finally spoke.
"The tribulation is perilous. If I cannot return from this calamity, my child..."
Her voice paused briefly before she finally spoke: "If misfortune truly befalls me, then when your child awakens to memories of this life in the next incarnation, I shall surely return to fulfill my filial duties."
With those words, she turned and departed, vanishing where the sky met the horizon.
Watching Chen Xianqing gradually vanish at the horizon’s edge, Eldrin couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh.
"Qing'er has also departed. I wonder how Xianzhu, Xiandao, and Xiannian are faring these days?"
Eldrin murmured softly, his thoughts drifting to his several children.
The great calamity approaches. Eldrin's children, all blessed with extraordinary talents, had long since departed from the Sea of Returning Abyss over these years, 1 after another.
Eldest son Chen Xianzhu had long since set out to wander the world, clad in monastic robes and wielding a single Immortal Iron Staff. By now, it was likely he had been journeying for over 30 1000 years.
Chen Xiandao, the second son, had journeyed to the Western Abyss Heavenly Palace, pledging allegiance to the Lord of the Western Qi Heavenly Palace. He returned only once every 10 1000 years to visit his parents.
Third Son Chen Xianchang, who possessed the 30-3 Calming Sea Pearls (Magic Treasure), had broken through to the middle stage of Ascending to Immortality a few years prior. He had already departed from the Sea of Returning Abyss, leaving behind a letter stating he would not return until the heavenly tribulation concluded.
Chen Xiannian, the Fifth Disciple, had departed even earlier. Though this child was endowed with heaven-defying talent, he simultaneously cultivated 8 types of primordial energies—a path that made his cultivation exceptionally arduous.
30 1000 years ago, he sent back 1 last letter, stating that he had been taken as a disciple by an old Daoist and would follow him away from the Western Qi Abyssal Sea. From then on, all traces of him vanished completely.
Now that Chen Xianqing had also left the mountain, his last child was no longer by his side.
"Alas!"
At this thought, Eldrin let out a soft sigh. In truth, he could have easily kept these children by his side, yet he chose not to.
For a fledgling must learn to fly, and true blossoms seldom bloom in sheltered gardens. These children must ultimately walk their own paths.
With these thoughts in mind, Eldrin noticed Qing Ji's despondent expression and spoke words of comfort.
"Qing'er is right. The great tribulation is also an opportunity. Only by entering, experiencing, and transcending the tribulation can 1 ultimately surpass oneself."
"These children all possess prodigious talent, with great potential to break through to the Earth Immortal and Celestial Immortal realms in the future. They might even have a chance to glimpse the Great Luo realm. Keeping them constantly under our protection would only hinder their growth."
"I understand."
Qing Ji nodded, but ultimately let out a faint sigh.
No matter how grown Chen Xianqing became, in her eyes he would always remain a child.
Eldrin changed the subject, saying, "With the ripening of the Creation Azure Jade Lotus this time, we've gained quite a bountiful harvest. You'll be able to boost your strength by several notches as well."
Eldrin spoke as he retrieved the treasure shed by the Serendipity Jade Lotus this time.
This time as the Primal Chaos Azure Jade Lotus reached maturity, several treasures descended in succession—the 4 sacred components: the lotus leaf, lotus seeds, lotus root, and lotus throne.
Among the 4 treasures, the lotus leaf transformed into a Verdant Lotus Sword Embryo, the lotus seed was a supreme treasure that aided in condensing the Fruit of Creation, and the lotus throne was an unparalleled immortal artifact of immeasurable value.
Now that the lotus root had been used for Chen Xianqing's nirvana, what remained were the 3 treasures: the lotus leaf, lotus seeds, and lotus throne.
Eldrin took the lotus leaf directly and handed it to Qingji, saying, "This object harmonizes with your immortal body, making it perfectly suited for refining the Green Dragon Sea-Quelling Sword."
After she had taken the lotus leaf, Eldrin stored away the lotus platform. This platform was essential for advancing the Ren Shui Qing Lian Tai, making it indispensable to him.
Chapter 1 The biting cold wind swept across the mountain peaks, carrying with it the scent of frost and decay. Lin Feng tightened his tattered robe, his fingers trembling slightly as he clutched the 3 Low-Grade Spirit Stones in his palm. They felt both icy cold and strangely warm against his skin. "30-2 1000 spirit stones..." he murmured to himself, the number tasting like ash in his mouth. It was a fortune beyond his wildest dreams, yet utterly insufficient for what he needed. Before him stretched the endless staircase leading to the Scripture Depository, each step worn smooth by countless disciples who had come before him. He remembered his master's words, spoken just this morning: "The path of cultivation is paved with countless trials. 1 100 years had passed since the last disciple achieved Foundation Establishment, and even then, he had nearly perished during the tribulation." Lin Feng's gaze fell upon the jade slip in his other hand - the complete manual for the Primordial Chaos Art. He had spent nearly a 1000 contribution points to obtain it, nearly depleting all his savings. Yet the first stage alone required over a 100 rare herbs and 20-some specific elemental alignment procedures. Suddenly, a voice interrupted his thoughts. "Still struggling with the basic techniques, Junior Brother?" Wei Chang (Person Name) descended gracefully from a nearby peak, his white robes fluttering in the wind. The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) hung at his waist, its scabbard glowing with faint spiritual energy. Lin Feng straightened his back, concealing the spirit stones within his sleeve. "Senior Brother Wei. I was merely contemplating the Dao of the elements." Wei Chang's laughter echoed through the mountain pass. "Contemplation is for those who have time to spare. The annual inner sect competition approaches in a dozen or so days. At your current pace..." He let the words hang in the air like a threat. After Wei Chang departed, Lin Feng unclenched his fist. The spirit stones had left deep impressions in his palm. He looked up at the sky where countless stars were beginning to appear, each representing a destiny far beyond his reach. "So be it," he whispered. "If the heavens will not grant me a path, then I shall forge my own." He began the ascent, each step firmer than the last. The mountain wind howled around him, but within his eyes burned a fire that no cold could extinguish. Somewhere in the distance, a bell tolled, marking the passage of time that waited for no 1.