Chapter 1352 : The Great Tribulation's Forge

As long as they secluded themselves in cultivation for several hundred thousand years and their cultivation base broke through to the Middle Stage Earth Immortal realm, it would be exceedingly difficult for others to bully them by virtue of superior strength.

Therefore, across the world, Nine Tribulations Immortal [an Immortal who has survived nine Heavenly Tribulations] are exceptionally rare.

Only when a Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of conflict and upheaval ordained by fate] erupts can multiple Nine Tribulations Immortal briefly appear. However, these Nine Tribulations Immortal are fleeting, vanishing not long after as they step into the Earth Immortal Realm.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen sighed and said, "A Nine Tribulations Path Source [a rare source of power left behind by a Nine Tribulations Immortal] is truly a rarity under heaven."

"An enemy Nine Tribulations Immortal like Heaven's Prison Child is even more difficult to find. You must still prepare yourself for the arduous cultivation required to condense a World-Opening Path Fruit [the foundational fruit of power for an Earth Immortal, representing the opening of one's inner world]."

At this point, Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly, but in the end, he fell silent.

In his heart, he understood clearly: a Great Tribulation is both a Tribulation [a trial or calamity] and a heaven-sent Opportunity and Fortune.

When a Great Tribulation erupts, Immortals vie for supremacy.

The outcome of this Great Tribulation will surely see Immortals falling like rain, yet from among them, someone is destined to rise above the rest and forge a Path to Heaven [a supreme cultivation path leading to the heavens].

"The Great Tribulation has not yet descended. Perhaps there is room for planning."

"But the final outcome will depend on Opportunity and Fortune and the Mandate of Heaven [the predetermined course of events or destiny]."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, ultimately suppressing the thought.

Setting aside his musings, he turned his gaze towards Exquisite Jiang.

After all these years apart, Exquisite Jiang had finally refined the Path Source [the foundational spiritual essence of a cultivator's path] of Heaven's Prison Child, condensing it into a Leakless Path Fruit [a flawless, perfectly sealed cultivation core representing one's path].

An Immortal's Path Fruit [the crystallized culmination of a cultivator's lifelong achievements] is the condensation of their lifetime's accomplishments. Its strength and quality vary greatly depending on the individual's foundational cultivation.

Exquisite Jiang had cultivated the Great Five Elements Limitless Rule [a supreme law governing the boundless cycle of the five elements] and achieved the pinnacle World-Opening True Body Supreme Lunar Immortal Body [a divine physique of pure lunar essence]. Naturally, the Path Fruit she condensed was exceptionally powerful.

She condensed a World-Opening Path Fruit [a path fruit of the world-opening realm], simultaneously containing the power of her Supreme Lunar Immortal Body and the pure lunar rule of the great Five Elements [the five fundamental elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth]. It was named the 'Great Five Elements Supreme Lunar Limitless Path Fruit' and ranked among the most formidable Path Fruit.

The power contained within such a Path Fruit allowed the three aspects of Exquisite Jiang's World-Opening Foundation [the foundational cultivation base of the world-opening realm] to merge and interflow perfectly, unleashing an unprecedented, supreme force that propelled her into the Forbidden Domain [a legendary realm of power beyond normal limits].

Moreover, Eldrin Chen sensed that Exquisite Jiang's strength within the Forbidden Domain had progressed far, her possessed power even surpassing that of Eldrin Chen himself.

At this thought, Eldrin Chen could not help but express his astonishment, saying with slight awe, "With Exquisite condensing a Flawless Path Fruit and stepping into the Forbidden Domain, I fear her foundational strength has now surpassed your husband's."

"After all these years, my cultivation has finally surpassed yours once more."

Upon hearing this, Exquisite Jiang could not help but reveal a faint smile. The last time her cultivation had surpassed Eldrin Chen was back when they were both at the Infant Soul Stage.

Ever since they both stepped into the Infant Soul realm, Eldrin Chen's exceptional talent had gradually manifested. From then on, without her even realizing it, a half-step gap had opened between their strengths.

This time, having condensed her Path Fruit [the crystallization of a cultivator's understanding of their chosen Dao] one step ahead of Eldrin Chen, she had finally surpassed him again.

For after condensing the Great Five Elements Supreme Lunar Limitless Path Fruit, her foundation had not only entered the Forbidden Domain [a legendary realm of cultivation where one's power defies conventional limits], but she had also progressed far along this path.

By her estimation, the purity of her spiritual power [the refined energy cultivated by immortals] now surpassed Eldrin Chen's Primordial One Limitless Dharma Power by a significant margin. Furthermore, her control over this power far exceeded his.

In terms of pure foundational strength and cultivation level alone, it could be said that Exquisite Jiang had indeed overtaken Eldrin Chen.

However, Eldrin Chen had cultivated the Mysterious Grade World-Opening Heavenly God Ability and possessed the Primordial One Energy, granting him methods that were slightly superior to Exquisite Jiang's. Thus, in terms of overall combat prowess, Eldrin Chen still held a slight edge.

After all, foundation and cultivation level are merely the base; to fully unleash one's potential, sufficient skill and technique are required.

Unless Exquisite Jiang cultivated a Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power] of the Mysterious Grade, or refined a superior World-Opening Treasure [an artifact of immense power capable of shaping reality], she would not be able to fully manifest her combat potential.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen mused, "In a few days, after Heaven Abyss Path Master achieves his World-Opening [the act of creating one's own inner world], the Primal Shadow Heaven-Slaying Sword shall be entrusted to you for its consecration and refinement."

"Mm."

Exquisite Jiang nodded, offering no polite refusal.

The depth of Eldrin Chen's spiritual power was still insufficient; simultaneously wielding two High-Grade World-Opening Treasure [supreme artifacts used in the world-opening process] was somewhat of a strain for him.

Having now stepped into the Forbidden Domain [a realm of extraordinary power], she possessed the capability to activate a High-Grade World-Opening Treasure. Distributing one such treasure between them would, in fact, enhance their combined combat prowess.

With this matter settled, Eldrin Chen continued, "The various immortals within the Immortal Alliance have now emerged from their secluded cultivation one after another."

"Once Heaven Abyss Path Master makes his breakthrough, we shall convene to discuss our next course of action."

Verdant Consort also gave a slight nod and remarked calmly, "Since we have concluded our own cultivation, it is fitting that we observe his World-Opening rite."

"Witnessing firsthand the arduousness of forging a Ninefold Heaven [a complex, multi-layered inner world] will grant us invaluable insight, allowing us to make more thorough preparations for our own future World-Opening endeavors."

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen nodded with a smile. "A single Sixty-Year Cycle [a period of sixty years] is not too long a time."

"..."

A single Sixty-Year Cycle [a period of sixty years] could be considered a long and full mortal lifetime.

Yet for an Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality], it was but the span of a brief nap.

Since the outbreak of the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic conflict involving gods and demons], everyone's spirits had been stretched taut by the relentless warfare. Eldrin Chen and his consorts had found no time for intimate companionship.

Now, with this rare moment of respite, Eldrin Chen felt a stirring of leisurely sentiment. He thus engaged in dual cultivation [a practice where two cultivators harmonize their energies for mutual benefit] of the Great Path [the supreme Dao of cultivation] with his consorts.

Thus, time flowed like a river, and a full Sixty-Year Cycle [a period of sixty years] slipped past.

On this day, Eldrin Chen emerged from his abode. Accompanied by his consorts, he arrived at the Returning Abyss Sea Region [a vast and profound sea realm]. There, they found Heaven Abyss Path Master already engaged in the slow, rhythmic inhalation and exhalation of Immortal Spirit Essence [the purest energy of the immortal realm].

To the side, Sun Consort, Ancient Ruins Nether Lord, Kael Chen, and the other assembled Immortals had been waiting for some time. It was clear they all wished to witness the act of World-Opening [the legendary feat of creating a new world] by a Nine Tribulations Immortal [an Immortal who has survived nine heavenly tribulations].

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen immediately approached. With a warm smile, he inquired, "Elder Brother Heaven Abyss, how do you feel?"

"His magical power is perfectly harmonized, his Vitality [the foundational life force of a cultivator] is at its zenith, and his spiritual platform is flawless."

Heaven Abyss Path Master spoke calmly, then added, "It is precisely the time for a breakthrough."

As his words fell, the void split open with a crack, and the Boundless Void [a primordial, chaotic dimension beyond the known realms] dimension slowly manifested before the assembled crowd.

"I, Heaven Abyss Path Master, have cultivated for eight hundred and ten thousand years to this day."

"Today, I intend to undertake the act of World-Opening [the supreme act of creating a new world or universe], and all fellow Daoists are welcome to observe."

As the void tore open, Heaven Abyss Path Master spoke slowly, then stepped into the rift with an air of heroic ambition.

The assembled immortals immediately followed, none willing to miss the grand spectacle of a Nine Tribulations Immortal [an immortal who has survived nine heavenly tribulations] performing the World-Opening act.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen also strode leisurely into the rift. Within the Boundless Void, a light of Primordial Chaos Unfolding [the initial expansion and ordering of primal chaos at the dawn of creation] appeared.

"BOOM—"

In that fleeting Ksana-time [an infinitesimal unit of time], Heaven Abyss Path Master made his move.

He did not summon his various Immortal Treasure, but merely manifested his World-Opening True Body that towered for billions of Zhang-lengths [one Zhang-length equals three point three three meters]. With a single, earth-shattering punch, the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] itself seemed to roar, and endless Chaos Void [the boundless, unformed expanse of primordial chaos] was cleaved open.

Heaven Abyss Path Master [a powerful cultivator who has attained mastery over the profound mysteries of the heavenly abyss], relying solely on the power of his physical body, had with that single strike sundered open one layer of heaven and earth.

"Incredible power,"

exclaimed the assembled immortals, their expressions filled with awe and respect.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen also gave a slight nod. This Heaven Abyss Path Master truly lived up to being a Nine Tribulations Immortal [an immortal who has survived nine heavenly tribulations, a mark of immense power and resilience]. The might of his physical form alone rivaled the full-force strike of a Middle Stage Earth Immortal [an immortal whose power is anchored to and draws from the essence of the earth itself], a feat exceedingly rare.

"BOOM… RUMBLE…"

Simultaneously, after opening that first layer of heaven and earth, Heaven Abyss Path Master still possessed considerable strength in reserve.

Witnesses saw him, powered by his flesh alone, continue to cleave through the boundless void, consecutively opening Threefold Heaven [a cosmological structure representing three layered celestial realms] before finally ceasing.