Chapter 1587 : A Heavenly Tribulation Unfolds

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a note of surprise in his voice as he spoke.

Within the Jia Wood Abode of Bliss [a blessed land imbued with the essence of the Jia Wood element] before him, someone was currently attempting a breakthrough into the Half-Step Celestial Immortal Realm [the threshold realm just below that of a true Celestial Immortal]. Moreover, Eldrin Chen himself seemed to have unwittingly become the tribulation [a heavenly trial or obstacle] blocking that person's path to enlightenment.

"Is this the will of Heaven's Will [the inscrutable decree of the cosmos]?"

Eldrin Chen whispered quietly to himself, his gaze shifting towards the depths of the Void [the profound and empty state of ultimate reality].

From within the Endless Void [the boundless and formless expanse beyond reality], three figures emerged in succession. One was a woman of peerless grace and beauty, another a valiant youth clad in azure-gold battle armor, and the last a man enveloped in a halo of golden radiance.

All three possessed cultivation at the Earth Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Earth Immortal realm]. Yet the aura emanating from them was terrifyingly powerful, so much so that even Eldrin Chen felt a faint sense of threat.

The trio also noticed Eldrin Chen, and expressions of astonishment flickered across their faces.

As if sensing Eldrin Chen's extraordinary and peerless nature, the youth in armor spoke, "Your bearing is exceptional, friend. It seems you are not from the Great Wilderness Heaven Domain [the Celestial Domain of the Great Wilderness]?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes narrowed slightly, but he offered no reply.

Seeing this, the valiant youth said calmly, "Do not be overly concerned, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator]. I am Severus Duan of the Azure Firmament Ancient Sect [an ancient sect whose name evokes the azure heavens], and I hail from beyond the borders of the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain [an immortal realm named for the azure firmament]." Access the full story on audi0-n0vel.c0m.

"I observe that Fellow Daoist possesses an extraordinary bearing, suggesting you are also one of our kind, likely here for the Hundred Calamities Rebirth Opportunity [a legendary chance for rebirth and ascension through surviving a hundred great tribulations], hence my desire to make your acquaintance."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen cast his gaze towards the other two individuals, a slight frown creasing his brow.

A feeling arose within him—these three might all be supreme talents who had stepped into the Forbidden Realm [a legendary cultivation stage beyond the conventional limits, granting power that defies the heavens].

Such prodigies are exceedingly rare across the ages, and those who can cultivate to the Earth Immortal Nine Layers [the ninth and pinnacle stage of the Earth Immortal realm] are rarer still, appearing perhaps only once in a million or even ten million years.

For three to appear simultaneously now was truly beyond all expectation. Yet, if these individuals hailed from beyond the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain, then it all seemed to make a certain sense.

The woman of peerless elegance also glanced at Eldrin Chen, a flicker of gravity passing through her eyes before she spoke with detached calm, "Our arrival in the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain is to prepare for our breakthrough into the Heaven Immortal Realm [the realm of Celestial Immortals] within this world, thereby laying plans for the Hundred Calamities Rebirth Opportunity."

"Our immediate goal is to seize a Supreme Grade Abode of Bliss [a land of supreme spiritual fortune, the highest grade of blessed realm], to facilitate our ascension to the Half-Step Celestial Immortal Realm [a transitional state just below the full Celestial Immortal realm], thus better positioning ourselves to contend for the Celestial Immortal Opportunity [the chance to become a true Celestial Immortal] during the Dao Tribulation [the Heavenly Tribulation that tests one's comprehension of the Dao]."

"As the Hundred Calamities Rebirth Opportunity is still distant, we currently have no conflict. Would it not be better to join forces, secure this Blessed Land [a land imbued with potent spiritual energy and natural fortune], and then discuss its division?"

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen understood that they had all come for this Supreme Grade Abode of Bliss.

With this realization, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly once more. Breaking through to the Half-Step Celestial Immortal Realm would severely drain the vital spiritual energy, the very essence, of a Blessed Land.

If only a single individual were to achieve a breakthrough, the Earth Vein [a concentrated vein of terrestrial spiritual energy] could gradually recover over time. However, should three or four cultivators consecutively ascend to the Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a quasi-immortal state just below true immortality] realm, even a Supreme Grade Abode of Bliss [a paradise of the highest spiritual quality] would be unable to bear the strain.

When that time came, this Blessed Land [a land imbued with potent natural fortune and spiritual energy] would inevitably degrade in rank, becoming utterly unsuitable for cultivating the Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body [a legendary physique said to be as unyielding as the primordial chaos before creation].

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered with resolve, and in that instant, he decided to claim this Earth Vein for himself alone. However, these cultivators who had reached Earth Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Earth Immortal realm] hailed from Great Luo Sects [sects of immense power and ancient lineage], and their Deep-Seated Foundation [a profoundly stable and potent cultivation base] was undoubtedly unfathomable. Therefore, Eldrin Chen did not act rashly.

Instead, he clasped his hands behind his back and spoke, his voice carrying authority. "Let us join forces to shatter this Formation [a mystical array or defensive barrier]. As for how the spoils are divided, we can discuss that once the fortress has fallen."

"Agreed—"

No sooner had the word been spoken than the figure wreathed in golden radiance made his move.

With a mere flick of his sleeve, a blinding golden light, sharp enough to sever gold and shatter jade, shot forth. It carried a power capable of grinding all things to dust, cleaving through the air to strike the Mountain Guardian Grand Formation [a grand defensive array protecting a sacred mountain]. The impact shook the Jia Wood Abode of Bliss [a paradise named for the auspicious Jia Wood element] to its very foundations, leaving it teetering on the brink of collapse.

"The Golden Radiance Heaven-Sundering Art [a supreme technique that harnesses golden light to split the heavens]."

"You are from the Golden Spirit Ancient Race [an ancient and powerful lineage known for their golden spiritual heritage]?"

Severus Duan's eyes narrowed sharply as he recognized the origin of this formidable opponent.

Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a look of astonishment. The Golden Spirit Ancient Race was one of the Hundred Clans of Immortal Spirits. This lineage was born from the transformation of the Essence of Heaven and Earth's Refined Metal [a primordial spiritual essence embodying the purest metallic properties of the cosmos].

It is said the progenitor of this lineage was a being transformed from the very first piece of Innate Golden Stone [the primordial ore from which all metallic spiritual essence originates] in existence. Its seniority was astonishingly ancient, allowing it to converse as a peer with Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [the legendary founders of the cultivation paths, beings of supreme enlightenment].

Such a Great Luo Ancient Race [a primordial race of beings whose origins trace back to the dawn of creation] possessed an exceedingly small population. Yet, every single member of the Golden Spirit Ancient Race was a top-tier race possessing the Peerless Flesh and Spirit [a constitution of unparalleled physical and spiritual perfection].

The Golden Radiance Heaven-Sundering Art of this clan was a simplified version of a sect-ruler grade Divine Ability [a supreme mystical technique]. Its power was considered formidable even among Profound Grade Divine Ability [high-tier mystical techniques].

This particular Golden Spirit Ancient Race member before them had a cultivation base of merely the Earth Immortal Nine Layers [the ninth stage of the Earth Immortal realm]. Yet, he was able to unleash the Golden Radiance Heaven-Sundering Art, revealing that his talent and bloodline were rare even within the Golden Spirit Ancient Race. He held the potential to one day glimpse the Great Luo Realm [a legendary realm of cultivation representing ultimate unity with the Dao].

"What a formidable Ancient Race," Eldrin murmured inwardly. Access the full story on audio-novel . com.

Eldrin Chen also sensed the immense power of this individual. The bloodline of the Golden Spirit Ancient Race was extraordinary. Although his cultivation was only at Earth Immortal Great Perfection [the peak of the Earth Immortal realm], the combat prowess he displayed brushed against the domain of a Half-Step Celestial Immortal [one who has partially transcended the mortal limits, approaching true immortality].

By Eldrin Chen's estimation, even the offensive power of Nyssa Qu might not surpass this person by half a measure.

Within the current Chen Immortal Clan, aside from Eldrin Chen himself, only Lyra Jiang, who had created her own Profound Grade Divine Ability, could firmly suppress this opponent by a full measure.

"BOOM—!"

In the mere span of a thought for Eldrin Chen, the other two also sprang into action. Severus Duan, gripping a Severing Heaven War Halberd [a legendary halberd said to be capable of cleaving the heavens], and the peerless woman, summoning a dazzling Immortal Sword, both unleashed offensive power rivaling that of a Half-Step Celestial Immortal. Their attacks crashed against the ancient grand formation in unison.

Eldrin Chen witnessed this and wasted no time in delay, immediately moving to breach the formation himself.

To avoid revealing his identity, Eldrin Chen did not summon his life-bound treasures. Instead, he grasped the Grand Unity Refined Gold War Halberd and relied solely on the formidable strength of his physical body to assault the barrier.

"Such formidable physical prowess, to be able to wield a Taiyi Immortal Weapon," one of them murmured inwardly, a note of awe coloring their assessment.

As Eldrin Chen's extraordinary capabilities became apparent, the gazes of all three figures sharpened with renewed intensity.

Severus Duan pondered silently, then sent a covert mental message to the woman beside him. "Such physical power ranks among the pinnacle even within the Supreme Unity Immortal Physique. I wonder which ancient sect of the Great Luo realm he hails from."

The woman contemplated for a moment before replying telepathically, "Unfathomable. This individual possesses a Heaven-Deceiving Secret Art [a profound technique to conceal one's true nature from heavenly scrutiny] and an Innate Object [a treasure born of primordial chaos, capable of stabilizing one's destiny] anchoring his fortune. We cannot trace the threads of his karma." Hearing this, Severus Duan's eyes glinted with a cold light. "This Earth Vein [a concentrated ley line of terrestrial spiritual energy] can, in a short span, at most facilitate the ascension of three individuals to the Half-Step Celestial Immortal realm. Ultimately, one among us will be forced to withdraw."

"BOOM—"

As these thoughts swirled within them, the Void [the fundamental principle of emptiness and non-being] around the formation trembled violently. Then, with a final, deafening crack, the entire Mountain Guardian Grand Formation shattered into dissipating motes of light.

The few Earth Immortal [a cultivator who has attained immortality by merging with the essence of the earth] guardians from the Divine Race, witnessing the formation's collapse, fled in utter terror. Only Eastern Jia Wood Deity remained within the Seclusion Chamber, desperately attempting a final, crucial breakthrough.

Seeing this, Severus Duan sneered coldly, "A mere Earth Immortal Nine Layers [the ninth and highest stage of the Earth Immortal realm], dares to occupy a Supreme Grade Abode of Bliss [a blessed land of the highest spiritual quality]? Truly, you seek your own demise."

"Die now!"

As his words fell, Severus Duan summoned a Celestial Halberd [a divine polearm of immense power]. It pierced through the Void [the fabric of space itself], violently sundering the final layer of the Cultivation Cave's grand defensive formation. He then surged toward Eastern Jia Wood Deity, who was in the midst of secluded cultivation.

"Guh—!"

Forcibly interrupted at the critical juncture of his breakthrough, Eastern Jia Wood Deity immediately coughed up a mouthful of blood.

Despair flashed in his eyes. He cast a venomous glare at the group, then attempted to use a Spiritual Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact] to tear open the Void and flee. Yet, how could the others possibly allow him to escape?

Eldrin Chen did not move, but the other three each unleashed their own techniques.

The peerlessly beautiful woman activated a supreme treasure to seal the Void, while the remaining two unleashed Profound Grade Divine Ability [mystical techniques of profound and esoteric power] in a devastating cross-assault.

In the span of but a few exchanges, this mighty Divine Spirits [a cultivator who has ascended to the Divine Spirit realm], who had once shaken the region and founded the Ninefold Heavens [a legendary realm or sect], met his bitter end at their hands. Published by audio-novel . com. All rights reserved.