Chapter 1499 : The Art of Immortal Survival

Eldrin Chen spoke with measured courtesy, sensing for the first time an immense pressure bearing down upon him.

A feeling arose within him that even Yvonne the Violet Consort, upon reaching the Earth Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Earth Immortal realm], could not match the sheer, breathtaking talent of this individual. Pondering this, his thoughts turned to the known deeds of Separated Flame Deity.

According to the information he possessed, Separated Flame Deity had Ascended to Immortality [transcended the mortal world to enter the immortal realms] from a lower world. During the last Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic, era-defining calamity], he had single-handedly slain an exceptionally powerful Ninth Tribulation Immortal [an immortal who has survived nine heavenly tribulations], a feat which allowed him to finally step into the Earth Immortal Realm [the realm of terrestrial immortals].

After his breakthrough to Earth Immortal [the terrestrial immortal realm], seemingly wary of being targeted and snuffed out by powerful enemies, Separated Flame Deity maintained an extremely low profile. He concealed himself within an Earth Vein [a terrestrial energy leyline] somewhere in the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea to continue his cultivation in seclusion.

Thus, he cultivated in hiding for over one million three hundred thousand years. Only recently, having reached Earth Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Earth Immortal realm] and thus becoming exceedingly difficult to eliminate in his infancy, did he finally emerge to lay claim to the Flowing Fire Star Palace.

"This Separated Flame Deity is so profoundly adept at the art of survival," Eldrin Chen mused inwardly, "no wonder he managed to evade the scrutiny of numerous foes and cultivate all the way to the Earth Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Earth Immortal realm]."

Eldrin Chen pondered silently. Within the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain, those who stepped into the Forbidden Realm [a legendary realm of cultivation beyond normal limits] faced a probability of early demise far exceeding that of ordinary Earth Immortals [terrestrial immortals].

The reason was simple: such beings possessed potential too great. The major Blessed Lands [regions of exceptional spiritual abundance] and Grotto-Heavens [hidden pocket dimensions of profound Daoist power] would never pass up the opportunity to eliminate such a threat if given the chance.

In all honesty, had he been given an earlier start by one million years, Eldrin Chen would have certainly chosen to lay low until reaching Earth Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Earth Immortal realm], only emerging once he possessed the power to safeguard himself.

But time waits for no one. He had Ascended to Immortality [transcended the mortal world] a mere few tens of thousands of years ago when the once-in-a-million-years Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic, era-defining calamity] erupted. To survive this tribulation, he had been forced to reveal his true strength. Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio‑novel.com.

And to survive the impending Dao Tribulation [a catastrophic heavenly trial that tests a cultivator's Dao], Eldrin Chen dared not continue his reclusive ways, for to remain hidden meant forgoing the pursuit of opportunities and fortunes.

If he did not seize such opportunities, Eldrin Chen's cultivation speed would drastically slow, making it utterly impossible for him to reach the Late Stage Earth Immortal [a high level of immortal cultivation] within a million years.

After all, he was no solitary wanderer. He journeyed with five Dao companions and bore the immense burden of the vast Chen Immortal Clan, a path of cultivation that demanded astronomical resources.

If they were to hide away within the Abyssal Abode of Bliss [a secluded paradise realm] and never emerge, their cultivation progress would become agonizingly slow. When the Dao Tribulation finally erupted, lacking sufficient strength would likely mean being reduced to ashes.

In contrast, this Separated Flame Deity had a full two million years and was a solitary individual. By finding a place similar to the Abyssal Abode of Bliss and cultivating in secret, it would be enough to reach Earth Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Earth Immortal realm].

In truth, relying solely on an ordinary Blessed Land [a land imbued with spiritual fortune] would also find it difficult to support the Separated Flame Deity's further advancement.

Forging a Primordial Foundation [the foundational core for higher ascension] consumes a vast ocean of Immortal Spirit Qi [the highest grade of spiritual energy used by immortals]. To attempt a breakthrough into the Taiyi Realm [a profound realm of immortal cultivation], one would need at least a Supreme Grade Earth Vein [the highest quality terrestrial spiritual energy source] to provide the necessary Immortal Spirit Qi.

Her emergence this time to seize the Supreme Grade Earth Vein of the Flowing Fire Star Palace [the Celestial Palace of Flowing Fire] was likely preparation for her attempt to break through to the Taiyi Realm. Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen clasped his hands and said, "I have prepared tea for the Divine Lord [a title for a powerful immortal]. Please, Divine Lord, follow me."

"Mm."

The Separated Flame Deity gave a slight nod, then stepped forward to walk side-by-side with the others.

The group arrived atop Guest-Welcoming Peak and settled around a weathered stone table.

Eldrin Chen personally poured tea for everyone, then looked at Separated Flame Deity and said, "This meeting you have requested, Divine Lord, must concern the Flowing Fire Star Palace."

Separated Flame Deity did not answer immediately. She studied Eldrin Chen with a calm gaze for a moment before nodding. "You and I are both the foremost figures of our respective eras. We surely understand each other's circumstances."

"For over one hundred thousand years, I have hidden within a Blessed Land [a land imbued with potent spiritual energy] to cultivate, evading the schemes of the various Grotto-Heaven and Abode of Bliss [the most powerful and secluded immortal domains]. It was only after recently breaking through to Earth Immortal Great Perfection that I emerged."

"The reason for my emergence is that my current Blessed Land lacks sufficient spiritual essence [the foundational energy of a realm] to support my further advancement. Therefore, I seek to claim the fiery Blessed Land of the Flowing Fire Star Palace."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight, understanding nod.

The Flowing Flame Abode of Bliss of the Flowing Fire Star Palace was renowned even within the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea as a Supreme Grade Fire Vein Blessed Land. Its power was sufficient to sustain the cultivation of three Half-Step Celestial Immortal and could support Separated Flame Deity's breakthrough into the Taiyi Realm.

Having said this, Separated Flame Deity did not wait for Eldrin Chen to speak. She picked up her teacup and continued, "You were the one who laid the trap and slew the Lord of the Flowing Fire Palace, resolving the greatest obstacle to taking the Flowing Fire Star Palace."

"My purpose in seeking you out is to discuss a proposal."

Separated Flame Deity paused briefly before stating her terms. "If you are willing to cede the Blessed Land of the Flowing Fire Star Palace to me, then I will conquer and deliver to you the hundred seas of the Flowing Stream Hundred Seas."

"At that time, you will govern the Flowing Stream Hundred Seas [a vast and prosperous sea region], whose Cultivation Resources [materials and energies that aid in cultivation] would be sufficient to help you cultivate to the Earth Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Earth Immortal realm]. I shall take residence in a Peerless [the highest grade of treasure]-grade Blessed Land [a land imbued with potent natural spiritual energies]. Would this not bring great joy to us both?"

As she spoke, the Separated Flame Deity [a powerful deity associated with flame] cast a glance at Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen regarded her with a calm gaze. The Separated Flame Deity before him possessed an exceptionally fair complexion. A gown of red gauze draped her form, and at the center of her brow glimmered the mark of the Separated Flame Immortal, lending her an aura of peerless elegance and grace.

Yet, despite this, Eldrin Chen shook his head and replied, "I must respectfully decline."

A Peerless-grade Blessed Land was, for him, also a supreme cultivation site for practicing his Supreme [a classification for the most powerful divine abilities] arts. In the future, when Eldrin Chen sought to break through to the Taiyi Realm [a profound and advanced realm of cultivation], he would require the aid of such potent Earth Vein [dragon lines or ley lines of concentrated earth energy].

Furthermore, the Fire Vein [a potent ley line of fire energy] within the Flowing Flame Abode of Bliss [a specific Blessed Land rich in fire energy] was a crucial component for forging Heaven-Opening Supreme Treasure [artifacts of the highest order, capable of wondrous feats] and refining Eighth Rank Supreme Grade Immortal Pill [pills of the eighth rank and supreme quality, possessing immense power]. Eldrin Chen would absolutely never relinquish it. Access the full story on audio-novel dot com.

Most crucially, for Eldrin Chen's Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body [a legendary physique of immense resilience and potential] to step into the Taiyi Realm, it required the energy of five Peerless-grade Blessed Land-level Five Elements Earth Vein [earth veins containing the balanced essence of all five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth]. Only then could the Primordial Source [the foundational, primordial energy core] of his Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body undergo another ultimate metamorphosis.

Learning from his past experience, Eldrin Chen intended to select Peerless-grade Blessed Land in advance. Among them, the fire-attribute Flowing Flame Abode of Bliss had long been marked by Eldrin Chen as a prize he would claim.

"You refuse?"

Hearing this, the Separated Flame Deity could not help but frown slightly, the mark on her brow seeming to flicker.

Yet, after a mere moment's hesitation, she continued, her voice unwavering, "We are of the same kind. By cultivating step by step, reaching the Heaven Immortal Realm [the realm of celestial immortals] is as natural as water flowing downhill. I have no wish to make an enemy of you."

"Here is my proposal. If you agree to my terms, once I step into the Taiyi Realm [the Primordial Unity Realm, a profound stage of cultivation], I shall grant you my protection for as long as you remain within the Flowing Stream Hundred Seas [a vast and treacherous region of interconnected seas]."

"This pledge shall hold true until the next Dao Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that reshapes fate and destiny] descends." Hearing her words, Eldrin Chen felt a subtle shift within him.

This Separated Flame Divine Lord possessed peerless talent. Barring unforeseen calamity, she would ascend to the Taiyi Realm within one to two hundred thousand years. Once she broke through to the Taiyi realm, her combat prowess might not lag far behind even those with a Dual Taiyi Foundation [a foundation forged upon two profound Dao principles, granting immense power].

It must be understood that Heavenly Immortal Paragon [Paragons who stand at the peak of the Heavenly Immortal realm] generally do not deign to act against Earth Immortal [immortals whose power is anchored to the mortal world]. Thus, a Dual Taiyi Foundation cultivator represented nearly the pinnacle of active combatants. A personal pledge from such a powerhouse meant that as long as Eldrin Chen did not leave the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea [the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea, a perilous expanse], it would be exceedingly difficult for anyone to eliminate him prematurely.

In comparison, Zixuan the Daoist was distant as the horizon, and the master of the Western Abyss Celestial Palace [a celestial palace located in the Western Abyss] would not interfere in battles between peers. Therefore, the promise from this Separated Flame Divine Lord was a treasure of immense value. Discover more cultivation stories at audio—novel.com.