Chapter 1299 : A Clash of Immortals

"There is no need for concern."

Eldrin Chen stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his tone brimming with confidence. "With my current power, I am more than capable of suppressing even an Earth Immortal Patriarch [a patriarch who has attained the Earth Immortal realm, a formidable existence]."

Sun Consort wore an expression of urgent anxiety, her voice grave. "Your combat prowess is merely at the Seventh Rank Immortal level. You fail to grasp that beyond every mountain lies a higher peak, beyond every sky a vaster heaven."

"Those Earth Immortal Patriarch who have lived for tens of millions of years are far beyond comparison with an ordinary Early-stage Earth Immortal. A single Middle Stage Earth Immortal would be more than enough to subdue you with ease."

"Hmm?"

Eldrin Chen's expression darkened slightly, yet he replied with a smile. "With this seat's power, slaying the two Half-Step Earth Immortal from the Heavenly Demon Sea was as simple as turning over my hand. It is not as if I have never slain an Earth Immortal Patriarch before."

"If the Immortal Maiden is unwilling to take action, then remain within the Returning Abyss Sea Region and watch as I cleanse the Heavenly Demon Sea."

"Arrogant fool!"

Sun Consort's countenance shifted dramatically. With a face like a thundercloud, she slammed her cup down and stormed out.

The other immortals present exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions subtly changing. For a moment, they were at a loss for words, uncertain how to mediate the confrontation. For uninterrupted reading, go to audio-novel dot com.

After Sun Consort [one of the three celestial maidens] departed, the expression on Eldrin Chen's face grew even more somber. He turned his gaze to the assembled Immortal Path [the collective term for cultivators who have ascended to immortality] and declared, "Since that is the case, then let the three celestial maidens of Sun and Moon [the Sun, Moon, and Stars] and Fellow Daoist Heaven Wind remain to guard the Returning Abyss Sea Region."

"The remaining immortals and the main force of cultivators—seventy percent of them—shall accompany me to wage war upon the Heavenly Demon Sea."

At his command, the vast war machine of the Returning Abyss Sea Region roared into motion. Countless cultivators were summoned, and millions of Treasure Ship [massive, enchanted vessels used for transport and warfare] began to assemble. An army of billions was poised to descend upon the Heavenly Demon Sea.

"..."

While the Returning Abyss Sea Region prepared for war, a protracted and brutal conflict continued to rage far beyond the gates of the Verdant Stream Ancient Sect.

From Thousand Dragon Lake, a full five Earth Immortal Patriarch [powerful patriarchs who have attained the Earth Immortal realm] had mustered over a thousand Nine Heavens True Dragon [supreme dragon beings of immense power] and an endless tide of Dragon Blood [demons with draconic heritage] from the Demon Race to besiege the Verdant Stream Ancient Sect.

This was a collision between two mighty Blessed Land [realms of profound spiritual energy and natural fortification]. On one side were legions of Demon Immortal [demonic beings who have attained immortality] and innumerable hordes of the Demon Race. On the other stood a sect defended by Formation [powerful defensive arrays] refined over tens of millions of years. From the outset, the battle had been one of unparalleled ferocity.

The war had raged for four thousand years. The bones of the fallen had piled into seas, staining billions of Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] of ocean a deep crimson, yet still no decisive victory had been achieved.

Now, just beyond the Verdant Stream Ancient Sect, upon the deck of a majestic World-Opening Ancient Ship [an ancient, colossal vessel of legendary power], a group of horned figures stood shoulder to shoulder. As they reviewed a piece of intelligence in their hands, grave expressions settled upon each of their faces.

These figures were the Earth Immortal True Dragon [True Dragons who have reached the Earth Immortal realm] of the Thousand Dragon Lake lineage, each one a supreme existence of the Patriarch rank.

Within the Great Hall [the main ceremonial and administrative chamber], five figures were present. One sat upon a dragon throne, while the remaining four were seated on either side, distinguished by robes of crimson, violet, white, and yellow. These were the four Supreme Elder [the highest-ranking elders] of Thousand Dragon Lake [a powerful dragon clan territory].

The figure in crimson robes was the First Supreme Elder, known as the 'Blazing Austerity Patriarch' [a title for a venerable leader of immense power]. It was said he was born from the transformation of a Tai Cang Blazing Dragon.

At this moment, the Blazing Austerity Patriarch set down a letter and spoke with a cold laugh. "That That upstart Eldrin [a derogatory term for Eldrin Chen] slew four of our Half-Step Earth Immortal [cultivators at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage, nearing the Earth Immortal realm] from Thousand Dragon Lake. Instead of hiding safely within the Returning Abyss Sea Region [a perilous sea domain], he dares to emerge and enter the tribulation fray?"

"He is truly seeking his own death. This old man will go and cut him down myself."

"You must not."

The Violet Robe Patriarch [the elder clad in violet robes] seated nearby immediately spoke up. This dragon was born from a transformed Violet Radiance Thunder Dragon Jade [a rare and powerful type of thunder dragon], innately wielding the Thunderclap Force [a mighty thunder-based divine power]. His strength was at the Fourth Level Earth Immortal [the fourth major stage within the Earth Immortal cultivation realm], ranking him second among the four Supreme Elder.

His expression was grave, tinged with hesitation as he asked, "I fear there may be a trap."

"That That upstart Eldrin killed four of our Half-Step Earth Immortal. He knows full well we would never let such an opportunity to end him pass. So why would he still make a move?"

Hearing this, the several Earth Immortal Patriarch [patriarchs who have attained the Earth Immortal realm] present all nodded in agreement.

The Blazing Austerity Patriarch also furrowed his brow slightly, yet still argued, "I believe he thinks we are preoccupied with dealing with the Verdant Stream Ancient Sect [an ancient and prestigious cultivation sect] and lack the strength to move against him."

"Perhaps that is part of the reason."

The Violet Robe Patriarch nodded slowly before speaking. "Currently, within the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance, there are at least two combatants with Earth Immortal [a cultivator who has ascended to the terrestrial immortal realm] level strength. I fear we may not have the manpower to spare to deal with him now."

The Blazing Austerity Patriarch's eyes flickered with thought. He spoke up immediately, "It is said that That upstart Eldrin possesses the Three Path Fruits [a rare and profound cultivation achievement signifying mastery over three distinct paths of power], granting him the potential to break through to the Nine Tribulations Immortal [an immortal who has survived nine heavenly tribulations, a pinnacle of power]. This is our best chance to deal with him."

"Regardless, we cannot let this opportunity slip by. Therefore, I propose we allocate a portion of our forces and join hands with several Demon Race factions to strangle him in his cradle."

As he finished speaking, the Blazing Austerity Patriarch's gaze turned towards the figure seated at the head of the gathering.

He understood perfectly well that among those present, the one who truly held the authority to make the final decision was the one seated in that place of honor. Discover more cultivation stories at audio-novel-dot-com.

This individual was not only the Lord of Thousand Dragon Lake, but also a supreme powerhouse at the Seventh Level Earth Immortal [the seventh stage of the Earth Immortal realm, denoting immense power]. Across the entire Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea, he was considered a formidable existence.

Contrary to expectations, the Lord of Thousand Dragon Lake did not make an immediate decision. After a moment of contemplation, he passed a letter to the others.

Upon opening it, they discovered it detailed the scene of the disagreement between Eldrin Chen and the Sun Consort.

"Hahaha! This That upstart Eldrin has merely slain a single Earth Immortal Patriarch and already believes his power is boundless, fearing no enemy."

"Little do they realize the peril of the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that tests cultivators], where even a Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator who has nearly ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm] faces the risk of falling, let alone a mere Seven Tribulations Immortal."

Blazing Austerity Patriarch let out a hearty laugh and declared, "That That upstart Eldrin has left behind the three top-tier combatants of the Sun and Moon Star and the Heaven Wind Path Master. The strength he retains is likely insufficient to inspire fear."

"When the time comes, I shall personally take action. Eliminating him will be as easy as turning over my hand."

"Such arrogance is precisely what invites calamity and a fall from grace."

Violet Robe Patriarch hesitated slightly upon hearing this and asked, "The internal schism within the Returning Abyss Sea Region must be a great secret. He would surely seal the news tightly. How, then, did this information leak out?"

Lord of Thousand Dragon Lake responded calmly, "Within the Returning Abyss Sea Region, there are several Demon Race Immortals [powerful beings from the demonic races who have achieved immortality]."

"Among them is a Demon Immortal [an immortal-level being of demonic origin] named Kunpeng Demon Sage. This demon possesses the bloodline of the Primordial Era Kunpeng [a mythical beast from the dawn of time, part bird, part fish], has cultivated both an Immortal Body [a physical form refined to an immortal level] and Path Principles [the fundamental laws of a cultivation path], and possesses the potential of a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a supreme expert at the Celestial Immortal realm]. Naturally, he is not one to willingly remain subordinate."

"He offered this intelligence as a trade. Upon success, he demands the four Supreme-Grade Acquired Spiritual Roots [the highest quality of spiritual roots that can be acquired post-natally, immensely valuable for cultivation] currently held by the Returning Abyss Path Master."

Upon hearing this, the several Dragon Clan Patriarchs breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Blazing Austerity Patriarch sneered coldly and said, "Four Supreme-Grade Acquired Spiritual Roots. He certainly dares to make an exorbitant demand."

"However, if we can slay Returning Abyss Path Master and annihilate the Returning Abyss Sea Region, then four stalks of Supreme-Grade Acquired Spiritual Root are hardly a significant price."

Seeing this, Violet Robe Patriarch still voiced his concern: "The credibility of this intelligence is only eighty percent."

Upon hearing this, Lord of Thousand Dragon Lake spoke up: "Within the Returning Abyss Sea Region, there is a True Dragon born from the transformation of a Supple Wood Azure Dragon True Spirit."

"I once used the heritage of the Supple Wood Azure Dragon as bait to secretly establish contact with it. I have already inquired with him about this matter, and it is indeed true."

At this point, Lord of Thousand Dragon Lake added: "Early this morning, Nether Grand Austerity sought me out. He wishes to make a move to seize Returning Abyss Path Master's Path Source."

"This..."

Violet Robe Patriarch's expression shifted slightly. That Nether Grand Austerity was an Eight Tribulations Demon Immortal, whose power was already comparable to an Earth Immortal. If he advanced further and forged a Nine Tribulations Demon Immortal foundation, he would undoubtedly become a supreme powerhouse across the entire Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea in the future.

Therefore, the moment Nether Grand Austerity made his demand, there was essentially no room left for negotiation. This chapter appears courtesy of @udio-novel.com.