Chapter 1394 : Arrival of the Simurgh and Phoenix
As they spoke, a streak of light shot across the distant horizon.
Beyond the Endless Void, a pair of dazzlingly brilliant birds—one azure, one crimson—soared through the Void [the formless, primordial emptiness], pulling a carriage of supreme majesty in their wake.
Witnessing this spectacle, an Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality] could not help but exclaim in astonishment, "A carriage drawn by Azure Simurgh and Fire Phoenix [mythical avian beasts of immense power]? Who approaches with such grand ceremony?" "Tsk, you don't even recognize the Simurgh and Phoenix Immortal Carriage [a legendary carriage pulled by Simurgh and Phoenix beasts]," someone nearby hissed, drawing a sharp breath before urgently adding, "That is the carriage of the master from the Flowing Fire Star Palace. Make way, quickly!"
"Screech!"
While the assembly was still reeling, the Azure Simurgh and Fire Phoenix had already drawn the carriage to the outskirts of Verdant Chariot Mountain.
The newcomer did not immediately set foot upon Verdant Chariot Mountain. Instead, a gentle, cultured voice emanated from within the carriage, inquiring, "Who among you is the Abyssal Daoist?" "It's him. I heard he was still recuperating from his injuries..." whispers rippled through the crowd.
Eldrin Chen felt a slight tremor in his heart. He promptly stepped forward, clasped his hands in salute, and declared, "This humble one bears the Daoist title Eldrin, the Abyss. I pay my respects to the Lord of the Flowing Fire Palace." Silence descended from the carriage. Eldrin Chen sensed a gaze fall upon him, sweeping over his form in a silent, appraising manner. After a long moment, a voice filled with admiration finally issued forth: "Truly, heroes emerge from among the youth." "It is said you have stepped into the Forbidden Realm [a legendary cultivation stage of supreme difficulty]. Seeing you now, the rumors hold true."
As these words faded, a figure emerged from the carriage. He was clad in a Starry Daoist Robe [a robe woven with patterns resembling the night sky] and possessed a countenance of peerless, elegant beauty. The moment they laid eyes on him, every Immortal present felt their hearts quiver, instantly recognizing his identity. "The Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace... It is indeed him."
Awe and astonishment washed over the assembled Immortals.
This Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace was a Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator on the very cusp of full Celestial Immortality] who commanded the Dao Principles [fundamental cosmic laws] of the stars. His name alone commanded reverence throughout the vast expanse of the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea. Visit audi novel.com to enjoy the complete series.
However, during the previous battle, the Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace had been severely wounded by the Dragon King of the Western Abyss. By all logic, he should still be in seclusion recovering from his injuries. It was unexpected that he would emerge so swiftly.
The Lord of the Flowing Fire Palace was attired in robes of extraordinary splendor, resembling a True Lord descended from the stars. He gazed calmly at Eldrin Chen for a moment before speaking with a faint smile, "I perceive your talent is extraordinary. Would you be willing to become my disciple?"
The assembled immortals were momentarily taken aback upon hearing this. They had not anticipated that the Lord of the Flowing Fire Palace would immediately propose taking Eldrin Chen as his disciple, a move that struck them as unusual.
Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, but only for an instant. He then spoke, "I am honored by your esteemed regard, Senior." "However, I regret that I currently have no intention of taking a master."
The immortals first reacted with surprise, but understanding soon dawned on their faces.
After all, Eldrin Chen had cultivated all the way to the Earth Immortal Realm through his own prowess. His talent and intellect were peerless, and he stood a significant chance of one day stepping into the Heaven Immortal realm. There was little need for him to bow before a Half-Step Celestial Immortal as a teacher.
Moreover, to speak plainly, how deep could the bond of a master-disciple relationship forged midway through one's path truly be? Upon hearing the refusal, the Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace's gaze sharpened almost imperceptibly.
After a brief pause, he smiled once more and said, "I have heard, young friend, that in your possession lies one of the Nine Dragons Ancient Cauldron that once belonged to the Setting Sun Celestial God."
"That ancient cauldron is incomplete and damaged. Its Treasure Spirit [the sentient consciousness of a powerful magical artifact] has been lost. Restoring it would require a special method to nurture a new Treasure Spirit. It is likely of little use in your hands."
"I wonder if you would be willing to part with it? I am prepared to offer a High Grade Heaven-Opening Treasure [a top-tier artifact capable of cleaving through primordial chaos] in exchange." Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression turned noticeably colder.
In that moment, he finally understood the scheme of the Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace.
This person's visit today to offer birthday felicitations was merely a pretense; the true objective was the Crimson Dragon World-Suppressing Cauldron.
However, at its peak, the Crimson Dragon World-Suppressing Cauldron was a Heaven-Opening Supreme Treasure [a legendary artifact of supreme power capable of shaping reality itself]. Its value far exceeded ten times that of a mere High Grade Heaven-Opening Treasure. The worth of such a supreme treasure was such that even if Eldrin Chen were to part with it, he would choose to give it to Divine Lord Glaze, not hand it over to the Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace.
Thinking this, Eldrin Chen shook his head and said, "This object shares a karmic bond with me. I must respectfully decline the exchange." "Oh?"
Upon hearing this, the Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace's eyes turned slightly frosty.
Throughout this Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of immense strife and heavenly retribution], the experiences of the Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace could be described as profoundly humiliating.
Lacking sufficient means, he was first suppressed and beaten by the Patriarch of the Celestial Prison Clan during the tribulation. Later, Outside the Western Abyss Dragon Palace, he was nearly annihilated by the Dragon King of the Western Abyss.
Therefore, after returning to the Flowing Fire Star Palace and recovering somewhat from his injuries, he immediately set his sights on coveting the Heaven-Opening Supreme Treasure in Eldrin Chen's possession.
The power of a Heaven-Opening Supreme Treasure is immense. Were he to obtain one, his combat prowess would increase dramatically. He wouldn't dare claim he could then rival a Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a supreme being at the pinnacle of immortal cultivation], but at least he wouldn't be completely helpless against the Patriarch of the Celestial Prison Clan.
With this in mind, the Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace spoke again, "I advise you, young friend, to reconsider. While that Heaven-Opening Supreme Treasure is precious, restoring it to its former glory will likely be no easy feat."
"How about entrusting it to me? I shall owe you a favor in return. What say you?" "Quite the substantial favor you propose."
Before Eldrin Chen could even open his mouth to reply, a ripple of laughter emanated from the Void.
The group looked up to see several figures striding through the air. At their head was none other than Divine Lord Glaze. "Glaze Qu."
The moment Divine Lord Glaze came into view, the Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace's brow furrowed slightly. He was about to speak when his expression shifted abruptly. "You... you've broken through?" "A fortunate coincidence, leading to a minor advancement, nothing more."
Divine Lord Glaze replied with serene indifference, then gave a slight nod towards Eldrin Chen. Seeing this, Eldrin Chen immediately clasped his hands in salute. "I pay my respects to the Divine Lord."
Witnessing this, the Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace's face grew cold. His losses in the previous conflict had been severe, and he desperately needed a Heaven-Opening Supreme Treasure [a primordial treasure of immense power] to recoup his strength. Published by audio . novel . com. All rights reserved.
Most crucially, the grievous wounds within his body were being corroded by a terrifying Baleful Qi [a malevolent and destructive form of spiritual energy]. Healing required a fire-attribute Heaven-Opening Supreme Treasure.
Thus, even with Divine Lord Glaze's arrival, he was unwilling to relent. He asked bitterly, "Are you truly prepared to turn me into an enemy for his sake?"
Divine Lord Glaze remained silent for a long moment before speaking. "During the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of conflict and upheaval], had it not been for the Abyssal Immortal Alliance and the three Elders of my Glazed Blessed Land [a paradise-like realm of cultivation] joining forces to annihilate Thousand Dragons Lake, your Flowing Fire Star Palace might not have survived to see this day."
"Hmph."
Upon hearing this, Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace could not help but have his expression shift slightly.
However, being a Half-Step Celestial Immortal who had lived for tens of millions of years, this man's face was indeed quite thick.
Thinking of the injuries within myself, Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace could not resist saying, "If not for our Flowing Fire Star Palace holding the front line, the Abyssal Abode of Bliss might not have survived until this day."
It was at this very moment that, within the Void of the heavens, a majestic Ancient Vessel came flying.
Upon that Ancient Vessel stood a full thousand Celestial Soldiers and Generals. Leading them was a valiant youth clad in armor and grasping a Celestial Halberd.
"It is a Treasure Ship from the Celestial Court."
"Who is coming, to be escorted by a thousand Celestial Soldiers?"
The moment they saw the Treasure Ship, the various Immortals were momentarily taken aback, but soon recognized the origin of the Treasure Ship.
Many Immortals were rather surprised. More, upon seeing the youth's appearance, cast thoughtful glances towards Eldrin Chen. Sure enough, the youth leaped down from the Treasure Ship and called out from afar in a loud voice.
"Father, your unfilial son has returned, specifically to offer you birthday congratulations." Read, share, and discuss at audio-novel[dot]com.