Chapter 1257 : Tianfeng's Path to Dao

Her eyes flickered slightly before she spoke, "The Ancestor once said that in this great tribulation, a total of 6 Half-Step Celestial Immortals have been drawn into the fray. On 1 side are the instigators of the calamity—namely, the Heaven-Slaughter Clan Lord and the master of the Western Abyss Dragon Palace."

Within the divine race, 2 half-step Celestial Immortals had also entered the tribulation: the Profound Heart Deity and the Blazing Glory Deity, both existences at the pinnacle of the half-step Celestial Immortal realm.

"Among your human race's tribulation-takers, there are also 2 protagonists of the great calamity: 1 is the Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace, the other is the Lord of the Ye Xu Divine Sea."

"This great tribulation was born precisely for their sake."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin (Person Name) slightly furrowed his brow.

Within the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea, aside from the Western Qi and Divine Abyss cave heavens, there existed a total of 30-4 Half-Step Celestial Immortals.

These beings at the half-step Celestial Immortal realm were each a formidable presence that commanded awe across the Xiqishenyuan Sea. Even when viewed against the entire Vast Azure Immortal Domain, they stood as pinnacle experts, second only to those peerless Celestial Immortals.

In this great tribulation, only 6 Half-Step Celestial Immortals had entered the fray—yet this was no trivial matter.

Currently, among the 6 protagonists of the great tribulation, Eldrin had little understanding of the true strength of the Heavenly Fiend Clan Leader and the master of the Western Abyss Dragon Palace.

The 2 quasi-Celestials of the divine race—Xuanxin and Haoyan—were names Eldrin (Person Name) had never heard before; he knew absolutely nothing about them.

However, he had heard of the Lord of the Flowing Fire Star Palace. This was a Half-Step Celestial Immortal who had survived 4 Dao Tribulations and was rumored to have already comprehended the power of Dao Principles. Appointed by the Celestial Court as the Flowing Fire Star Lord, his strength could be considered truly formidable.

Divine Lord Yexu had weathered 5 Dao Tribulations in succession and had once slain 2 Half-Step Celestial Immortals. Whispers spread that he possessed the potential to attain the Great Dao Origin, simultaneously cultivating 3 supreme paths: Rules, Immortal Body, and Dao Fruit—with even the weakest among them perfected to the Cosmos-Sundering Completion realm.

At present, Lord Ye Xu had already attained the Dao Fruit of a Celestial Immortal. All that remained was to cultivate his Primordial Chaos True Body and master the Laws, enabling him to take that final step.

In terms of both strength and foundation, the Night Immortal Lord could undoubtedly rank among the top 3 in the entire Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea. Even among all Half-Step Celestial Immortals across the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, he stood as 1 of the most exceptional existences.

Eldrin (Person Name) pondered in silence, then murmured under his breath, "Compared to Divine Lord Ye Xu, the master of Flowing Fire Star Palace seems to fall slightly short."

"Yes, that is precisely what concerns me."

Riji nodded slightly and spoke, "Our Glazed Paradise maintains good relations with the Flowing Fire Star Palace. By all reasoning, I should seek refuge there during my tribulation, which would also allow me to lend him a helping hand."

"However, the master of the Flowing Fire Star Palace was forced to enter the tribulation. Had it not been for the 1000 Streams Daoist being ambushed and fallen by the Heaven Slaughter Clan, he likely wouldn't have entered the tribulation either."

"From the looks of it, he may not be able to emerge victorious during the Great Tribulation."

"This..."

Eldrin's expression darkened considerably. By slaying 1000 Streams Daoist, the Heaven Slaughter Clan and the Western Abyss Dragon Palace had made it abundantly clear—they intended to use the Flowing Rivers 100 Seas as 1 of their primary footholds to unleash this great calamity.

As the saying goes, no egg remains unbroken when the nest is overturned. If the Flowing Fire Star Palace fails to hold against the Celestial Fiend Clan and the Western Abyss Dragon Palace, the Abyssal Depths Sea situated within the Flowing River 100 Seas would hardly escape unscathed.

Seeing this, Yue Ji could not help but interject, "There is no need for excessive concern. As a Half-Step Celestial Immortal, the master of the Flowing Fire Star Palace is far from an easy opponent."

"Moreover, the human race boasts numerous powerful figures. Many of these experts will inevitably be drawn into this tribulation, and it is not impossible that someone capable of restraining the Heavenly Fiend Patriarch and the master of the Western Abyss Dragon Palace will emerge."

"Likewise."

Eldrin let out a slight sigh of relief before speaking, "The Flowing Fire Star Palace lies at the heart of the great tribulation. Given our current strength, if we intervene recklessly, even a single misstep could lead us to calamity."

"Why not come to my Sea of Returning Abyss? We can rely on the mountain-protecting formation to hold them off for a while."

"Once your cultivation advances further, we shall make other plans."

Riji chuckled upon hearing this, “You should think carefully. I am about to undergo the Earth Immortal Tribulation, and if it coincides with the Great Tribulation, it will inevitably attract an even greater calamity.”

"Your Eldrin Sea may not fare any better because of this."

"Worry not."

Eldrin shook his head, yet declared, "Though the Great Tribulation is perilous, it also holds opportunities. If we unite our strength and rely on the grand formation, it is far better than facing the calamity without any means of protection."

Hearing this, Sun Ji was somewhat tempted.

After all, the Sea of Returning Abyss was far from the heart of the great tribulation, making it unlikely to attract beings beyond the late-stage Earth Immortal realm. At the very least, it should remain sufficiently safe during the initial phase of the cataclysm.

At this thought, she couldn't help but glance at Moon Fairy and Star Fairy. Seeing them both nodding in agreement, she said, "In that case, we'll trouble you for your hospitality."

"Not at all. The fact that the 3 of you can join my Returning Abyss Sea has greatly enhanced our strength. I couldn't be more delighted."

Seeing this, Eldrin smiled faintly.

Thus the matter was settled. Eldrin led the 3 of them aboard the immortal vessel, steering it back toward the Abyssal Paradise of Returning Abyss.

On the way, Eldrin assessed the strength of the 3 and couldn’t help but ask, “Since we are fighting side by side, I’d like to know where we stand. May I ask what the true cultivation levels of you 3 fairies are?”

The 3 women exchanged glances, before Sun Ji spoke up, "The Divine Sovereign has bestowed upon us some treasures. With our combined strength, we can now hold our own against an Earth Immortal Patriarch."

"Good."

Having roughly gauged the strength of the 3 individuals, Eldrin felt slightly reassured and gained some confidence in overcoming this tribulation.

Without another word, Eldrin brought them back to the Abyssal Sea, ensuring they were properly accommodated before heading toward the Abyssal Sanctuary.

However, the moment he arrived at the Paradise of Returning Abyss, he discovered Daoist Tianfeng inhaling and exhaling immortal spiritual energy, seemingly consolidating his own cultivation.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist! My sincerest felicitations!"

"This time, having cultivated the Primordial Chaos True Body, it seems the path to Earth Immortal is within reach."

A thought stirred in Eldrin’s heart, and he promptly rose to offer his congratulations.

Elder Tianfeng raised his brows and gave an involuntary slight nod, then said with a smile, "By your esteemed favor, I was fortunate enough to refine that single Green Lotus Seed, and have finally broken through the bottleneck to cultivate the Primordial Chaos True Body."

As he spoke, Immortal Tianfeng's face grew increasingly radiant with irrepressible joy.

After attaining the Primal Chaos True Body, his physical form now possessed the power to split heaven and earth—barely sufficient to contend against a Terrestrial Immortal Patriarch through sheer strength alone. It could truly be said to be remarkably formidable.

Moreover, after cultivating his Ethereal Breeze Immortal Physique to the Primordial Chaos True Body, his physical form had grown increasingly indestructible and eternal. The dantian and meridians within his body had expanded significantly, now capable of containing twice the amount of spiritual essence.

From this perspective alone, once Elder Tianfeng consolidated his cultivation base and wielded the Heaven-Cleaving Treasure, the Starry Cosmos Ancient Bell, he would no longer exert himself as strenuously. His strength had undoubtedly undergone a qualitative breakthrough.

At this thought, Daoist Tianfeng repeatedly expressed his gratitude, saying, "This breakthrough of mine truly puts me deeply in your debt. I'm afraid it won't be easy to repay such an enormous favor."

"Between you and me, there's no need for such formalities."

Eldrin shook his head and then asked, "Fellow Daoist, do you intend to enter this great tribulation?"

Chapter 1: The Azure Cloud Sect's Disciple Examination The morning mist coiled around the mountain peaks like celestial ribbons as countless aspiring cultivators gathered at the foot of Mount Azure Cloud. Among them stood Lin Feng, a youth of 16 years clutching a worn jade slip containing his family's legacy cultivation technique. "Next candidate!" echoed the elder's voice through the clearing. Lin Feng stepped forward, his palms slightly moist. The examination elder glanced at the jade slip before declaring, "Foundation Establishment Realm, mid-stage. Your spiritual roots are of mixed affinity." Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Mixed affinity spiritual roots were notoriously difficult to cultivate, often dooming practitioners to mediocrity. "However," the elder continued, his eyes narrowing, "your mastery of the 9 Revolutions Star Art has reached the third layer. How did you achieve this in mere 3 years?" Lin Feng bowed respectfully. "This junior has consumed 1,200 spirit stones and over 3 dozen Purification Pills during his cultivation." The elder's eyebrows rose. "20-some Purification Pills? Where did a rogue cultivator obtain such resources?" "Through hunting demon beasts in the Northern Glacial Mountains, honored elder," Lin Feng replied calmly. "This junior has slain nearly a 100 low-tier demon beasts and 1 mid-tier Snow Ape." A hush fell over the examination grounds. For thousands of years, few outer disciples had demonstrated such combat prowess before formal admission. The elder nodded slowly. "Very well. You shall be admitted as an inner disciple. Report to the Scripture Depository to receive your cultivation manual and 50,000 spirit stones as initial resources." As Lin Feng bowed in gratitude, a voice rang out from among the observing disciples. "I challenge this so-called prodigy! Let us see if some mountain rogue is truly worthy of inner disciple status!" The crowd parted to reveal a young man in embroidered silks - Young Master Chen of the Northern Flame City Chen Clan, accompanied by 2 attendants. His fingers rested meaningfully on the hilt of his Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure). Lin Feng's eyes narrowed slightly. "I accept." The examination elder waved his hand, creating a shimmering barrier around the combat arena. "The duel shall be to first blood. Begin!" Young Master Chen immediately unleashed his family's signature technique. "Scorching Sun Palm!" A wave of blistering heat surged forward, but Lin Feng merely shifted his stance, his body blurring as he executed the Mysterious Wind Steps (Movement Technique). The attack passed harmlessly through his afterimage. "How?" Young Master Chen stammered, his confidence faltering. "The third layer of the 9 Revolutions Star Art grants perception beyond ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators," Lin Feng explained calmly. "Your movements appear to me as clearly as fish in still water." Before Young Master Chen could react, Lin Feng appeared behind him, a faint azure glow surrounding his finger as he pressed it against the young master's back. "Victory goes to Lin Feng!" the elder announced. As the barrier dissolved, Lin Feng helped his stunned opponent to his feet. "Your foundation is solid, but you rely too much on your family's techniques rather than comprehending the Dao yourself." Young Master Chen bowed deeply, his earlier arrogance completely vanished. "This lesson is worth more than 10 1000 spirit stones. I am in your debt." The examination elder smiled approvingly. "Remember this, all of you: true cultivation lies not in resources alone, but in comprehension and combat experience. This is the path all immortals must walk." Lin Feng gazed toward the soaring peaks where inner disciples practiced sword flight, his eyes shining with determination. His journey into the profound mysteries of cultivation had only just begun.