Chapter 1498 : The Dragon-Slaying Deity's Trial

Regarding this, Eldrin Chen offered no further comment.

He slowly exhaled a breath, his gaze lingering for a moment in the direction where the Lord of Western Abyss Dragon Palace [the sovereign ruler of the Dragon Palace in the Western Abyss] had departed. Lowering his eyes, he sank into a profound silence.

At that very moment, a thought suddenly surfaced in Eldrin Chen's mind—the divine title [a formal, heaven-bestowed rank and epithet for powerful immortals] he had been granted: Eldrin the Dragon-Slaying Deity.

Now it seemed the Western Abyss Immortal Court [the celestial governing body of the Western Abyss region] had bestowed this title upon him not merely for slaying the Lord of Thousand Dragon Lake [the ruler of the Thousand Dragon Lake territory]. There appeared to be a deeper, more deliberate intent behind it.

"It seems this Heavenly Halberd Demon-Slaying True Lord [a title meaning 'True Lord who wields the Heavenly Halberd to slay demons'] truly wishes for me to undertake some specific task?"

Contemplating this silently within, Eldrin Chen lowered his gaze and settled into a patient wait for the day Violet Mystery Path Master [a master cultivator of the Violet Mystery Path] would emerge from seclusion.

Time flowed on in this manner. After an indeterminate period, an earth-shaking aura erupted from within Violet Mystery Path Master's Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared chamber for deep, undisturbed meditation and cultivation]. A power of countless Thunderclap [a technique manifesting the force of a thunderclap] Path Principle [the fundamental laws and principles that define a specific cultivation Path] began to coalesce and condense.

"Success."

The moment he sensed the Thunderclap Path Principle, a wave of quiet reassurance washed over Eldrin Chen.

Given Violet Mystery Path Master's profound foundation at the Eighth Heaven [the eighth major stage of celestial cultivation], comprehending the Primordial Unity Path Principle [the foundational principle of the Primordial Unity cultivation art] virtually guaranteed a high likelihood of successfully condensing it into tangible power.

Having prepared ample treasures this time, the chances of a breakthrough into the Primordial Unity Realm [the foundational stage where a cultivator's spirit, energy, and body are unified into a single, cohesive whole] were naturally extremely high.

Indeed, this proved to be the case. Not long after, Violet Mystery Path Master emerged from the chamber, a smile gracing his features as he looked upon the gathered company.

Seeing this, everyone present revealed expressions of delight. Earthly Heavenly Path Master immediately laughed and offered his congratulations, "My felicitations, fellow Daoist. Having now mastered the Primordial Unity Path Principle [a profound cultivation art focused on achieving the state of Primordial Unity], it seems the Celestial Immortal Realm [a transcendent realm of power and longevity for immortal cultivators] lies just within your grasp."

"You flatter me, you flatter me,"

Violet Mystery Path Master replied, his face radiant. Having successfully cultivated the Primordial Unity Path Principle, his combat prowess had undergone a qualitative leap. His future status and standing would be incomparable to what they were before.

With this thought, Violet Mystery Path Master promptly clasped his hands and bowed to the assembly. "My deepest gratitude to all fellow Daoists for guarding my cultivation. I am profoundly indebted."

He offered his thanks repeatedly, specifically taking Eldrin Chen's hand. "Were it not for you, Worthy Brother, I fear this humble one would have already perished at the hands of the Extinction Thunder God."

"One who accepts a trust must fulfill it faithfully. I merely did what was required,"

Eldrin Chen replied calmly, a faint smile touching his lips.

The Violet Mystery Path Master nodded solemnly, his expression turning grave. "That Extinction Thunder God and I both cultivate the Great Path of Thunderclap [the Dao of the sudden, world-shaking thunderclap]. Although his Extinction Divine Thunder [a divine thunder technique embodying the concept of utter annihilation] differs from my own Violet Heaven Divine Thunder [a divine thunder technique of profound mystery and violet majesty], their natures are complementary and mutually enhancing."

"When the Great Tribulation [the ultimate cosmic calamity that marks the end of an era] begins in the future, a life-and-death struggle between him and me will be inevitable."

Speaking of this, Violet Mystery Path Master patted Eldrin Chen on the shoulder and said, "Set your mind at ease. I will keep a close watch on Extinction Thunder God, and will absolutely not allow him to make a move against you."

"Then I am reassured."

Eldrin Chen nodded, a slight sense of relief finally settling in his heart.

This time, he had made an enemy of Extinction Thunder God. While he did not believe the deity would necessarily act against him, having Violet Mystery Path Master standing guard at the forefront would shoulder the brunt of the pressure.

As long as the Primordial Unity Thunder Abyss Myriad Tribulations Sword [a legendary divine sword of immense power] remained concealed, Eldrin Chen believed he was, for the time being, safe.

After Violet Mystery Path Master's breakthrough, the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea gained another Great Power Figure [a supreme expert] of the Primordial Unity Realm [a pinnacle cultivation stage], and the Violet Firmament Path Palace ascended to the ranks of the most elite Blessed Lands [realms of exceptional spiritual abundance].

To celebrate this breakthrough, the Violet Firmament Path Palace hosted a grand banquet, inviting several dozen Immortals [beings who have transcended mortality through cultivation].

And as the one who had safeguarded his tribulation, Violet Mystery Path Master personally presented Eldrin Chen with a precious gift.

After the banquet concluded, Eldrin Chen recalled the matter concerning the Flowing Fire Star Palace and proceeded to inform Violet Mystery Path Master about the situation with the Blazeflame Divine Spirit.

Upon hearing this, Violet Mystery Path Master's gaze turned icy as he declared, "My worthy brother endured countless hardships to finally trap and slay Master of Flowing Fire in that great battle. How dare that Blazeflame Divine Spirit now try to swoop in and claim the spoils?"

"Set your mind at ease. Leave this matter to this old man."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke up, "That Blazeflame Divine Spirit was the foremost figure among the Ascendant Immortal [immortals who have ascended to a higher state of being] in the Western Abyss Sea a million years ago. Even though you, Elder Brother, have now broken through to the Primordial Unity Realm [the foundational realm of primordial unity], capturing him would still be no easy feat."

"Moreover, barring any unforeseen calamity, once he accumulates his spiritual power to perfection in another two hundred thousand years, he will be able to cultivate the Primordial Unity Foundation [the foundational art of primordial unity]. When that time comes, the balance of power could reverse in an instant."

"If you, Elder Brother, were to rashly make an enemy of him on my account, it would be somewhat inappropriate."

Upon hearing these words, Violet Mystery Path Master furrowed his brow slightly, falling into deep contemplation.

He understood the logic in Eldrin Chen's words. This Blazeflame Divine Spirit had opened up the Ninefold Heaven [a legendary nine-layered celestial realm] and had once even stepped into the Forbidden Domain [a perilous and restricted cultivation realm].

For a figure of such caliber, as long as they do not meet an untimely end, cultivating a Single Primordial Unity Foundation [a foundation built upon a single source of primordial unity] is almost a certainty, even without relying on external aids.

And once one achieves a Single Primordial Unity Foundation, their combat prowess would undoubtedly far surpass that of an ordinary Half-Step Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has taken half a step into the celestial realm].

His estimated strength would likely brush against the threshold of a Dual Primordial Unity Foundation [a foundation built upon dual sources of primordial unity]. Against a Half-Step Celestial Immortal with a Single Primordial Unity Foundation, like the former Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace, he could probably hold his own against at least two such opponents.

Although Violet Mystery Path Master possessed somewhat greater strength, he was likely still far from being a match for the Blazeflame Divine Spirit [a powerful innate spirit embodying the essence of celestial flame].

With this thought, Violet Mystery Path Master could not help but inquire, "Then what do you plan to do?"

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before replying, "This individual presented a Visiting Card [a formal card used to announce one's visit], observing all proper courtesies. This shows he is not without wisdom."

"Let us first meet with him and see if we can reach an agreement. There is no harm in that."

Upon hearing this, Violet Flame Path Master nodded and said, "The Flowing Fire Star Palace has been established for tens of millions of years. Forcing our way in with our current strength would indeed exact a heavy toll."

"If we can negotiate terms with the Blazeflame Divine Spirit, an alliance between our three forces would significantly increase our chances of success."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. "Then I shall send a reply, inviting him to meet us in the Returning Abyss Sea Region."

Having decided to meet the Blazeflame Divine Spirit, Eldrin Chen immediately dispatched a messenger with a letter to the divine spirit.

Afterwards, Eldrin Chen led his companions back to the Returning Abyss Sea Region to await the arrival of the Blazeflame Divine Spirit.

He did not have to wait long. Upon receiving the letter, the Blazeflame Divine Spirit promptly made his way to the Returning Abyss Sea Region.

On this day, within the Returning Abyss Sea Region [a vast and treacherous oceanic expanse], Eldrin Chen stood shoulder to shoulder with Exquisite Jiang and Violet Mystery Path Master, quietly awaiting the arrival of the Blazeflame Divine Spirit [a powerful entity born from celestial flame].

They did not have to wait long before a fiery cloud, churning across the heavens, appeared on the distant horizon and swiftly materialized before the assembled group.

"A woman?"

The moment he saw the newcomer, Eldrin Chen's gaze narrowed slightly in surprise.

Upon that fiery cloud stood a woman draped in light gauze. Her figure was exquisitely proportioned, even more voluptuous than that of Violet Consort Yan.

"Legends say the Blazeflame Divine Spirit was born from Southern Heaven's Blazeflame [a primordial celestial fire]. I never imagined it would manifest as a woman,"

Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance of astonishment with Violet Mystery Path Master.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen rose and clasped his hands in greeting. "I am Returning Abyss. Might our visitor be the Blazeflame Divine Lord?"

"Indeed."

The Blazeflame Divine Spirit replied calmly. Her eyes swept over Eldrin Chen, a flicker of surprise within their depths. "Such a pure Primordial Solar Heavenly Flame [the supreme yang fire of the sun]. Does Fellow Cultivator Eldrin perhaps walk the Primordial Solar Great Path [the supreme Dao of the primordial sun]?"

"It is but a minor insight I have gleaned," he replied. "Compared to the Southern Blaze Heavenly Flame [a divine technique of immense solar power] of the Divine Lord [a title for a powerful deity], my grasp of the Great Path [a profound cultivation method] can hardly be called mastery."