Chapter 1079 : A Verdant Alliance and Hidden Purpose

Since the two were mutually fond of each other, Eldrin Chen saw no need for further words. After discussing with Heavenly Feather Immortal, he settled their marriage arrangement.

Thus, among Eldrin Chen's five children, both Second Son and the third son could be considered to have established their own families and careers.

The remaining Worthy Verdancy Chen and Worthy Remembrance Chen were still young, so such matters did not need consideration for now. The eldest son, Worthy Pursuit Chen, showed no interest in women and currently had no intention of seeking a Dao companion.

Thinking that the Chen Clan would grow stronger with their union, Eldrin Chen felt a surge of joy in his heart. He raised his cup to share a toast with all the assembled immortals.

Unnoticed, the banquet thus drew to its close, and the immortals took their leave one after another.

After the guests had departed, Verdant Sparse Immortal remained behind. He looked towards Eldrin Chen, Exquisite Jiang, and Verdant Consort and said, "Fellow Immortals, might we speak in private?"

"Of course."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly upon hearing this. He had not invited Verdant Sparse Immortal this time, yet the immortal had come uninvited—clearly harboring a special purpose.

As expected, Verdant Sparse Immortal's actions confirmed Eldrin Chen's suspicions.

After ushering Verdant Sparse Immortal into a secluded chamber, Eldrin Chen personally poured him a cup of tea before inquiring, "Fellow Immortal, for what purpose have you sought me out today?" Immerse yourself in the complete world at http://www . audio-novel.com.

"Hahaha."

Verdant Sparse Immortal let out a hearty laugh, then his expression suddenly turned solemn. "I have come for two matters," he stated.

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly as he waited silently for Verdant Sparse Immortal to continue.

The Verdant Sparse Immortal gave a slight nod and raised one finger. "The first matter is to request your assistance, Fellow Daoist, to emerge from seclusion and lend your aid during the next Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial faced by powerful cultivators]."

"To aid Setting Sun Patriarch in transcending his tribulation?"

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly, a trace of shock coloring his voice.

Verdant Sparse Immortal nodded again, his face etched with utmost seriousness. "Precisely. We wish for you to emerge and assist the Patriarch [a venerable leader of a cultivation force] in overcoming his heavenly trial."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's gaze grew heavy with contemplation.

That Setting Sun Patriarch was the Five Tribulations Immortal [an immortal who has survived five heavenly tribulations] of the Lingering Sun Blessed Land [a sacred land imbued with potent spiritual energy]. In recent years, the Lingering Sun Blessed Land had been making frequent and significant moves, all to support his breakthrough into the Earth Immortal Realm [a profound realm of cultivation representing a terrestrial immortal].

First, they dispatched Lingering Sun Child to infiltrate the Crimson Sun Earth Immortal Realm to steal the Fourth-Level Celestial Pillar alongside Azure Firmament Goddess and others. Then, they contended for the Divine Trace Purple Gold within the Glazed Blessed Land.

Now, they are even inviting him down from his mountain retreat so early to assist them. This clearly indicates their resolute determination to help him achieve the Earth Immortal [a powerful immortal who has transcended the mortal realm and established their own earthly domain] realm this time.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with Exquisite Jiang.

Understanding his intent, Exquisite Jiang promptly declined with a graceful smile, "The Earth Immortal Tribulation [the cataclysmic heavenly trial one must overcome to ascend to the Earth Immortal realm] is a terror beyond measure. My husband and I are but newly ascended Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality through cultivation]. What virtue or capability do we possess to intervene in such an affair?"

"No, no, no, Fellow Daoists, you must not underestimate yourselves,"

Verdant Sparse Immortal shook his head repeatedly, a warm smile gracing his features as he continued, "The fact that Fellow Immortal Eldrin was able to defeat the Crimson Flame Divine Eagle Emperor [a mighty emperor among demonic avian beasts] demonstrates strength not inferior to that of the Late Ascendant Immortal Realm [the advanced stage of the Ascendant Immortal cultivation realm]."

"If, within sixty thousand years, your prowess advances further, your combat power will likely rival that of the Ascendant Immortal Realm 8th to 9th Tier [the pinnacle tiers of the Ascendant Immortal realm],"

Verdant Sparse Immortal elaborated, his gaze filled with admiration. "When the time comes, should you choose to lend your hand, you would undoubtedly become one of our most vital allies."

"Rest assured," he pledged, "if you are willing to descend the mountain and aid us, we guarantee you will break through to the Mid Ascendant Immortal Realm [the middle stage of the Ascendant Immortal realm] within fifty thousand years."

"Furthermore, upon the successful completion of our endeavor, you shall receive an exceedingly generous reward."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's eyes flashed with a sharp, wary glint.

Though Verdant Sparse Immortal painted a glorious picture, Eldrin was acutely aware of his own limitations.

The Setting Sun Patriarch was not merely facing his sixth Tribulation [a cataclysmic trial of heavenly punishment]; he intended to use it as a catalyst to break through to the Earth Immortal Realm [the foundational realm of terrestrial immortality]. This meant the tribulation would inevitably escalate into a terrifying Great Tribulation [a world-shaking calamity of cosmic scale].

A single, ordinary Ascendant Immortal 9th Tier [a cultivator at the ninth and peak tier of the Ascendant Immortal realm] might play a role in such an event, but he would likely be little more than cannon fodder.

This was especially true since he was not a member of the Lingering Sun Blessed Land. If the situation deteriorated or sacrificial Exchange Moves [tactical sacrifices] became necessary, he would undoubtedly be the first to be abandoned.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen shook his head with unwavering resolve. "You jest, Fellow Daoist," he said firmly. "I am but a newly ascended immortal. How could I dare involve myself in such a Great Tribulation?" This chapter appears courtesy of audio-novel`com.

"Let us speak of this no more. I will certainly not enter this calamity."

"This..."

Seeing Eldrin Chen's adamant refusal, Verdant Sparse Immortal's gaze shifted subtly.

In truth, he had anticipated this reaction from Eldrin. His inquiry had merely been a probing gesture.

Now, seeing that Eldrin Chen disagreed, he could not help but smile and say, "Since that is the case, I shall not press the matter further."

"Let us discuss another matter instead."

At this point, Verdant Sparse Immortal paused briefly.

His expression turned extremely grave as he then spoke, "Before we speak of this, I must ask you, fellow Daoists, to swear a Heavenly Path Oath [a solemn vow made to the Heavenly Path, the cosmic law of the universe, with severe consequences for breaking it]. You must not divulge any information concerning this matter to anyone."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with Verdant Consort and Exquisite Jiang, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Their curiosity piqued, they thought that swearing an oath was a simple matter—they merely had to refrain from speaking of it to others. Thus, they nodded and said, "We agree."

With that, the three of them swore the Heavenly Path Oath.

An Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality through cultivation] possesses a resolute Dao-heart [the core of a cultivator's will and spiritual foundation] and has already attained Longevity [eternal life, freedom from the cycle of aging and death]. They fear neither oaths sworn on Inner Demon Oath [vows invoking one's own inner demons, which can cause cultivation deviation if broken] nor those invoking Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth]. The one thing they truly dread is an oath sworn upon the Heavenly Path [the fundamental, cosmic law governing all existence].

This Heavenly Path Oath is a vow made directly to the Heavenly Path. To violate it is to incur the disfavor of the Heavenly Path itself. When the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that tests a cultivator's cultivation and karma] descends, survival becomes nearly impossible.

Naturally, only an Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality through cultivation] possesses the standing to swear an oath upon the Heavenly Path [the supreme, cosmic law governing all existence]. To the Heavenly Path, mortals are but ants; whether they are heeded or not, they will inevitably age, sicken, and die, utterly unworthy of its attention.

Watching as Eldrin Chen swore the Heavenly Path Oath [a binding vow made upon the cosmic law, with severe consequences for breaking it], Verdant Sparse Immortal finally let out a sigh of relief and spoke.

"In truth, my purpose in coming here was also to invite you to join me in exploring the ruins of the Polarity Immortal Sect."

As Verdant Sparse Immortal explained the matter in detail, Eldrin Chen began to understand the true purpose of this visit.

It turned out that Verdant Sparse Immortal had sought out Eldrin Chen this time specifically to explore the ruins of the Polarity Immortal Sect.

The Polarity Immortal Sect of the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea was an ancient Immortal Sect [a major organization of cultivators] with a rather long and storied heritage, said to have risen to prominence some six million years ago.

At its peak around a million years ago, this lineage was considered exceptionally prosperous. It was said that during their zenith, they boasted over sixty Immortal and were led by three Patriarch [the supreme leaders of a major sect or clan] who had reached the Half-Step Earth Immortal Realm [a quasi-legendary state just below the Earth Immortal realm].

Those three Half-Step Earth Immortal were all immensely powerful. The strongest among them, the Polarity Patriarch, was reputed to be a Six Tribulations Immortal [an Immortal who has survived six Heavenly Tribulations].

That Polarity Patriarch possessed extraordinary talent. Breaking through to the Earth Immortal Realm [a higher, more stable state of immortality] would have been effortless for him. Yet, to forge an even more perfect Celestial Immortal Foundation [the foundational essence for ascending to the highest echelons of immortality], he sought to endure the Seventh Great Tribulation [the seventh and immensely perilous Heavenly Trial].

The power of such a Seven Tribulations Immortal [an Immortal who has survived seven Heavenly Tribulations] is truly terrifying. Within the vast expanse of the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea, beings of such caliber could be counted on one hand.

They possessed the strength to defeat an Earth Immortal Patriarch [a patriarch who has attained the Earth Immortal realm, a powerful stage of cultivation], and their future potential to break through to the Celestial Immortal [the Celestial Immortal realm, a higher state of being beyond the mortal plane] was at least one in ten—a chance far exceeding that of other Immortals who cultivated the same Path Principles [the fundamental laws and doctrines of a specific cultivation path] and Immortal Body [a physique refined to an immortal level].

Yet, the sheer terror of the Seventh Great Tribulation [the seventh and most formidable heavenly trial faced by cultivators] is truly staggering, making its successful passage an endeavor of immense difficulty.

Though the Polarity Patriarch [the Patriarch of the Polarity Sect, a title denoting mastery over opposing forces] possessed exceptional talent and power nearly rivaling an Earth Immortal Patriarch, he ultimately failed. The entire Polarity Immortal Sect [the immortal sect founded on the principles of polarity and duality] was subsequently annihilated within that cataclysmic Tribulation [a heavenly calamity or trial]. This chapter appears courtesy of audio-novel.com (official site).