Chapter 1394 : The Luan-Phoenix Carriage Arrives

As they spoke, a streak of light shot across the horizon's edge.

From beyond the boundless void, a pair of dazzlingly brilliant phoenixes—one azure, one crimson—soared through the emptiness, pulling a carriage of supreme majesty and nobility.

Witnessing this spectacle, an Immortal could not help but exclaim in astonishment, "A carriage drawn by Azure Luan and Fire Phoenix [legendary auspicious birds]? Who could be arriving with such grand ceremony?"

"Hiss... You don't recognize the Luan-Phoenix Immortal Carriage?"

Someone nearby drew a sharp breath and hastily interjected, "That is the carriage of the master of the Flowing Fire Star Palace. Make way, quickly!"

"Screech—"

While the crowd was still reeling, the Azure Luan and Fire Phoenix had already drawn the carriage to a halt just outside Green Chariot Mountain.

The visitor did not immediately set foot within Green Chariot Mountain. Instead, a gentle, cultured voice drifted forth, inquiring, "Who here is the Returning Abyss Path Master?"

"It's him? I heard he was still recuperating from his injuries?"

Eldrin Chen felt a slight tremor in his heart. He promptly stepped forward, clasped his hands in salute, and replied, "I am the one who bears the Daoist title Returning Abyss. I pay my respects to the Master of Flowing Fire."

Within the carriage, a profound silence reigned. Eldrin Chen felt a gaze descend upon him, sweeping over his form with silent intensity.

After a long moment, a voice filled with admiration finally emanated from the carriage. "Truly, heroes emerge from among the youth."

"I heard you had already stepped into the Forbidden Domain [a legendary cultivation realm of immense power and peril]. Seeing you now, the rumors hold true."

As these words were spoken, a figure emerged from the carriage. He was clad in a Stellar Path Robe [a robe woven with the light of distant stars], and his features were of peerless, breathtaking beauty.

The moment this person appeared, a subtle tremor passed through the hearts of all the assembled immortals, for they instantly recognized his identity.

"The Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace, it is indeed him."

Astonishment washed over the faces of the immortals, their expressions a mixture of awe and disbelief.

This Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace was a Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator on the very cusp of ascending to the Celestial Immortal realm] who wielded the Stellar [cosmic] Path Principle [a supreme law of cultivation]. His name alone commanded respect and fear throughout the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea.

However, in a recent great battle, the Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace had been grievously wounded by the Western Abyss Dragon King. By all accounts, he should still have been in secluded healing. That he had emerged so soon was unexpected.

The Master of Flowing Fire was arrayed in robes of breathtaking splendor, resembling a Stellar True Lord [a high-ranking immortal lord] descended to the mortal world. His gaze rested calmly upon Eldrin Chen before he spoke with a gentle smile. "I see your talent is truly Extraordinary. Would you be willing to take me as your master?"

The assembled immortals were momentarily taken aback upon hearing this. They had not expected the Master of Flowing Fire to immediately propose that Eldrin Chen become his disciple, a move that left them surprised.

Eldrin Chen also furrowed his brow slightly, but after a brief moment, he spoke, "I am honored by your esteemed regard, Senior."

"However, I regret that I currently have no intention of taking a master."

Upon hearing this, the immortals first showed astonishment, but understanding soon dawned on their faces.

After all, Eldrin Chen had cultivated his way to the Earth Immortal Realm entirely on his own, his talent and intellect were peerless, and he stood a significant chance of one day stepping into the Celestial Immortal realm. There was simply no need for him to bow before a Half-Step Celestial Immortal as his master.

Moreover, to be perfectly honest, how deep could the bond truly be in a master-disciple relationship formed so late in the journey?

Upon hearing the refusal, the Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace's gaze sharpened almost imperceptibly.

A moment later, he smiled and said, "I have heard, young friend, that you possess one of the Nine Dragon Ancient Cauldron [legendary cauldrons forged in antiquity] that once belonged to the Lingering Sun Heavenly God."

"That ancient cauldron is incomplete and fragmented, its Treasure Spirit [the sentient consciousness of a powerful magical artifact] long lost. It requires a special method to nurture a new Treasure Spirit before it can be repaired. Keeping it in your hands is likely of little use."

"I wonder if you would be willing to part with it? I am prepared to offer a High-Grade World-Opening Treasure [a treasure of the highest tier, capable of shaping nascent worlds] in exchange."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression turned slightly cold.

In that moment, he finally understood the true scheme of the Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace.

This person's visit today under the pretense of offering birthday felicitations was a mere facade; his true objective was the Crimson Dragon World-Suppressing Cauldron.

However, at the peak of its power, the Crimson Dragon World-Suppressing Cauldron was a World-Opening Supreme Treasure [a legendary artifact of unparalleled power capable of shaping worlds]. Its value far exceeded that of a mere High-Grade World-Opening Treasure by at least tenfold.

The worth of such a World-Opening Supreme Treasure was immense. Even if Eldrin Chen were to part with it, he would choose to entrust it to the Glazed Divine Lord, not hand it over to the Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen shook his head and declared, "This treasure has a destined connection with me. I must regretfully decline the exchange."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this refusal, the Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace's eyes narrowed, a glint of frost flashing within them.

Throughout the recent Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of immense cosmic upheaval and conflict], the Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace's experience had been one of profound frustration.

Lacking sufficient means, he had first been relentlessly suppressed by the Celestial Prison Clan Patriarch during the tribulation. Later, outside the Western Abyss Dragon Palace, he had nearly been annihilated by the Western Abyss Dragon King.

Therefore, after returning to the Flowing Fire Star Palace [the celestial palace of the Flowing Fire Star Lord] and recovering slightly from his injuries, he immediately set his sights on scheming for the World-Opening Supreme Treasure [a primordial treasure of immense power used to cleave chaos and establish order] held by Eldrin Chen.

The World-Opening Supreme Treasure wields immense power. Were he to obtain one, his combat prowess would increase dramatically. He dared not claim he could then contend with a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a mighty being who has ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm], but at least he would not be utterly defenseless against the Celestial Prison Clan Patriarch [the leader of the Heaven's Prison Clan].

With this thought, the Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace spoke, "I advise you, young friend, to reconsider. While that World-Opening Supreme Treasure is precious, restoring it will likely be no easy feat."

"Why not entrust it to me? I would owe you a significant favor. What do you say?"

"Quite the significant favor you offer," a voice interjected before Eldrin Chen could reply.

Laughter echoed from the void. Everyone looked up to see several figures striding through the air. At their head was Glazed Divine Lord [a title for a powerful immortal lord].

"Glazed Qu," the Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace uttered, his brow furrowing slightly at the sight of Glazed Divine Lord.

He was about to speak when his expression shifted abruptly. "You... you've broken through?" he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.

"A mere coincidence of Opportunity and Fortune [a favorable turn of fate or chance], leading to a slight advancement."

Glazed Divine Lord [a title for a powerful immortal lord] spoke with detached calm, then gave a slight nod towards Eldrin Chen.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen immediately clasped his hands in salute and said, "I pay my respects to the Divine Lord [a title for a powerful immortal lord]."

Upon witnessing this, the Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace [the ruler of the Flowing Fire Star Palace] could not help but feel a chill. His losses in the previous battle had been severe, and now he desperately needed a World-Opening Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact capable of creating or stabilizing a world] to recoup his losses.

Most crucially, the injuries within his body were grave, with a terrifying Fiendish Energy [a corrupt and malevolent form of spiritual power] corroding his flesh. He required a fire-attribute World-Opening Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact capable of creating or stabilizing a world] for healing.

Thus, even with the appearance of the Glazed Divine Lord [a title for a powerful immortal lord], he was unwilling to relent. With a tone of resentment, he asked, "Are you truly willing to turn me into an enemy for his sake?"

The Glazed Divine Lord [a title for a powerful immortal lord] remained silent for a moment before replying, "During the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of conflict and upheaval], had it not been for the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance [an alliance of immortal forces] and the three Elder [senior members] from my Glazed Blessed Land [a sacred realm of cultivation] joining forces to destroy Thousand Dragon Lake [a powerful demonic stronghold], your Flowing Fire Star Palace [a celestial palace] might not have survived to this day."

"Hmph."

Upon hearing these words, the Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace [the ruler of the Flowing Fire Star Palace] could not help but change his expression slightly.

However, as a Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator who has almost ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm] who had lived for tens of millions of years, this individual's face was not easily shamed.

Thinking of the injuries within his own body, the Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace could not help but remark, "Were it not for our Flowing Fire Star Palace holding the front line, the Returning Abyss Blessed Land might not have endured until this day."

At that very moment, a majestic ancient vessel sailed through the void of the heavens.

Upon that ancient ship stood a full thousand Celestial Soldiers and Generals. At their head was a valiant youth clad in armor, gripping a Heavenly Halberd.

"It is a Treasure Ship of the Immortal Court."

"Who is this arrival, to be escorted by a thousand Celestial Soldiers?"

The moment they glimpsed the Treasure Ship, the assembled Immortals paused briefly, swiftly recognizing the vessel's origin.

Many Immortals were taken aback. More, upon seeing the youth's features, cast thoughtful glances towards Eldrin Chen.

Sure enough, the youth leaped down from the Treasure Ship and called out from afar, his voice ringing with the power of the Earthly Path.

"Father! Your unfilial son has returned, bearing birthday wishes for you!"