Chapter 1258 : Tianfeng Departs

Elder Tianfeng was momentarily taken aback before instantly grasping Eldrin's (Person Name) implication.

He let out a bitter laugh and said, "Although Patriarch Tianyan is a mid-stage Earth Immortal elder, he has over 2 100 junior disciples under his guidance. Even the Earth Immortal Realm’s resources are scarcely sufficient for them all."

"Moreover, with my current strength, I should contend for the opportunities within this great calamity, rather than seek his aid to evade it."

"So that's how it is."

Eldrin (Person Name) gave a slight nod before inquiring, "In that case, Fellow Daoist, how do you intend to undergo the heavenly tribulation?"

"How does 1 enter the Tribulation?"

Elder Skywind cast a glance at Eldrin (Person Name) and spoke involuntarily, "Fellow Daoist, are you suggesting that I should come to the Return Abyss Sea and lend you a hand?"

"Indeed."

Eldrin nodded slightly before speaking, "The Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace is 1 of the key figures in the Great Tribulation. This time, the Flowing Rivers and 100 Seas will likely become the epicenter of the cataclysm."

"I sense my strength is insufficient and wish to invite you, Daoist Brother, to join forces with me in weathering this great tribulation together."

"Join forces...."

Elder Skywind's eyes flickered slightly as he fell into deep contemplation.

A moment later, his gaze shifted toward the Crimson Sunset Sea, a subtle furrow forming between his brows as he spoke, "My Windmist Isle lies within the Crimson Sunset Sea, where over 10 million of my clansmen and all our ancestral enterprises reside."

"If they were to come to your Sea of Returning Abyss, how could my clansmen ever bring themselves to leave?" "Let us speak no more of this matter."

At this point, Daoist Tianfeng shook his head and politely declined Eldrin’s suggestion.

Eldrin furrowed his brow slightly upon hearing this. He understood Elder Tianfeng’s perspective all too well—after all, the elder had attained the Dao for nearly a million years and had cultivated his influence across Windmist Isle for just as long.

On the Isle of Wind and Mist stood not only 7 Immortals of his Liu Clan, but also tens of millions of Liu family cultivators engaged in spiritual practice, with countless ordinary mortals thriving and multiplying across the land.

For such a large clan, relocating to the Abyssal Return Sea was nearly an impossible undertaking.

Not to mention he had been operating on Windmist Island for several 100 1000 years, where the industries and resources were the lifeblood of the Liu Immortal Clan.

Whether Elder Windstrider came alone to the Abyssal Return Sea or brought the family's few Immortals with him, he would have to abandon the clan's countless cultivators and vast assets.

After all, he was no Earth Immortal Patriarch who could conceal countless clansmen and assets within a Void-Realm.

From this perspective, Daoist Tianfeng still found it difficult to reach a decision.

At this thought, Eldrin still let out a sigh and couldn’t help but advise, “Brother Dao, the great tribulation is approaching. Protecting 1’s clan is far from easy.”

"If you lack the confidence to suppress the great tribulation, it would be better to make a clean break."

"With several 1000 years still at hand, it should suffice to relocate our core clansmen and the majority of cultivators to the Sea of Return. As for our assets, we can always reclaim them after the great tribulation has passed."

"I understand."

Elder Tianfeng nodded in acknowledgment, yet the counsel failed to take root in his heart.

He stroked his long beard and chuckled, "Thank you for your kindness. However, my Windmist Isle has been fortified over countless years—its defenses are impregnable. Even a Half-Step Earth Immortal would find it impossible to breach."

"Moreover, my strength is no longer what it used to be. Even if formidable enemies were to attack, I am confident I could handle them."

At this point, Daoist Tianfeng smiled again and said, "Moreover, within the Can Yang Blessed Land, the Setting Sun Patriarch will most likely face his heavenly tribulation."

"This man's cultivation is but a step away from the Earthly Immortal realm. Should the great tribulation descend, he would undoubtedly stand at the forefront, allowing this old man to remain in relative safety."

Seeing Elder Skywind speak in this manner, Eldrin still wished to persuade him further, but in the end, he let out a soft sigh and suppressed the urge to counsel him.

Eldrin (Person Name) had made up his mind, not only because he couldn't abandon his clan and enterprises, but also because his power had advanced so greatly that he was confident he could weather the great tribulation.

Eldrin understood perfectly well that Daoist Tianfeng was an immortal with an unshakable Dao heart. Once he made a decision, it would not easily waver. Further persuasion would be meaningless.

He could only offer a faint sigh and cupped his hands in salute. "Then I wish you success in transcending the Great Tribulation and solidifying your Earth Immortal foundation in 1 fell swoop."

"Hahaha." Daoist Tianfeng let out a hearty laugh, cupping his hands in return. "Fellow Daoist, rest assured. Once I transcend this great tribulation, I shall descend the mountain to lend you a hand."

With that said, the 2 of them had nothing more to add.

Eldrin escorted Daoist Tianfeng out of the Return to Ruins Blessed Land, then stood watching as the Daoist departed into the distance.

After she had departed, Eldrin let out a soft sigh and shook his head faintly.

Seeing this, Lyra (Person Name) nearby couldn't help but speak up: "Husband, why do you sigh?"

Eldrin glanced at the retreating figure of Daoist Tianfeng and remarked only after his departure, "This fellow Daoist Tianfeng possesses considerable strength. Should he lend us his aid, the power of the Abyssal Return Sea Domain would be substantially enhanced."

Moreover, the Cosmic Star Formation still lacks a treasure to command the celestial bodies and anchor the formation, preventing it from unleashing its full power.

"The Starry Void Ancient Bell, a treasure capable of cleaving heaven and earth, was the optimal choice to serve as the anchor of the formation."

Hearing this, Lyra couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret.

She understood that if Daoist Tianfeng remained, the power of the Zhou Heavenly Stars Formation would be greatly enhanced, significantly increasing their chances of surviving the Great Heavenly Tribulation.

Unfortunately, Patriarch Tianfeng was no rogue cultivator. While his clan and enterprises had supplied his cultivation, they had also bound him inextricably to their fate.

"Enough, every man has his own destiny. He is bound by his family ties, and we cannot blame him for this matter."

Eldrin spoke slowly, then drew Lyra into an embrace and said, "Though the Great Tribulation is perilous, so long as we unite our strength, we will surely emerge triumphant from its crucible."

Time flowed on, swift as a shuttle through the loom.

Eldrin secluded himself in the mountains, and in the mortal realm, 3 1000 years had passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, Eldrin stood atop Verdant Chariot Mountain, watching the boundless tribulation energy converge, a trace of solemnity flashing between his brows.

At the horizon's edge, boundless tribulation energy coalesced, plunging the vast heavens and earth into oppressive gloom as if the very firmament had bowed its head.

"The tribulation aura pervaded, draining all color from the world."

"It seems the great tribulation has truly begun after all." Eldrin let out a faint sigh, his expression growing increasingly solemn.

He withdrew his gaze and turned to Lyra (Person Name), inquiring, "How is the progress on the Zhou Heavenly Star Formation's refinement now?"

"It is complete," Lyra spoke, then added with a smile, "With the 3 masters of the Glazed Blessed Land presiding over the 3 islands after the grand formation's refinement, its power has increased by 30 percent."

"Very well."

Eldrin nodded slightly, a faint sigh of relief escaping his lips.

Ever since Ji Ri and her 2 companions arrived in the Sea of Returning Abyss 3 1000 years ago, they had proposed to participate in refining the Cosmic Starfall Grand Array.

Among the 3, 2 were at the Half-Step Earth Immortal realm, while the third had reached the pinnacle of the Ninth Heaven of Ascendant Immortal cultivation. Moreover, they excelled in the Dao of Sun, Moon, and Stars, making them ideal candidates to refine the Cosmic Star Formation. For Eldrin (Person Name), this was a dream he had yearned to fulfill.

Without a moment's hesitation, Eldrin instructed the trio to refine the Zhou Tian Star Formation.

Chapter 1: The Prodigy's Fall The mountain mist coiled like ancient serpents, shrouding the Qingyun Sect's training grounds in ethereal silence. Ling Feng stood at the edge of the Cliff of Lost Dreams, his white robes fluttering like torn pages in the wind. "30-2 1000 spirit stones," he murmured, the number tasting like ash in his mouth. The Elders' verdict still echoed in his ears - his cultivation base, painstakingly built over 12 years, had shattered beyond repair. A cold laugh escaped his lips. "The so-called Heavenly Lightning Tribulation... mere child's play compared to this betrayal." His fingers traced the jade pendant at his chest - his only inheritance from the mother he never knew. The moonlight seemed to gather around it, forming silvery patterns that danced like phantom fireflies. Suddenly, the pendant grew warm. A voice, ancient as mountain stones, whispered directly into his consciousness: "Foolish boy. True power was never in your dantian, but in your bloodline." Ling Feng's eyes snapped open, golden light flashing where only despair had resided moments before. The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss, sealed for a 100 years in the clan vault, began humming in resonance somewhere in the distance. "Countless generations have awaited this moment," the voice continued. "The time has come to awaken the Dragon Vein Constitution." The very mountains seemed to hold their breath. Somewhere in the profound darkness, a destiny long forgotten was stirring awake.