Chapter 1633 : A Legendary Pill's Hidden Price
It turned out that within this precious vessel was actually contained a single Yin-Yang Enlightenment Pill [a legendary pill that harmonizes the dual forces of Yin and Yang to grant profound insights].
Shuqing the Daoist gave a slight nod, a flicker of light in his eyes as he spoke: "I wish to request the Chen Immortal Clan to take action and aid me in slaying a great enemy. This Yin-Yang Enlightenment Pill shall serve as compensation for Fellow Daoist."
Eldrin Chen listened quietly, a slight frown unconsciously forming in the depths of his gaze.
In the eyes of the vast majority, offering a Yin-Yang Enlightenment Pill as a bargaining chip to enlist the Chen Immortal Clan's aid in eliminating a formidable foe would be considered a fair deal for the clan.
After all, although the Chen Clan possessed formidable strength, it had no Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator on the very cusp of ascending to true immortality] openly presiding over it. The Yin-Yang Enlightenment Pill was also an urgently needed treasure for the clan. Exchanging one such pill for the assistance of nine Earth Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Earth Immortal realm] cultivators was not an unreasonably low price.
However, the nine Ancient Ancestor of the current Chen Immortal Clan had all truly attained the Dual Taiyi Foundation [a supreme foundational cultivation state], with none being any weaker than Shuqing the Daoist. For cultivators of their caliber, slaying a mere Half-Step Celestial Immortal would be a trivial matter. Why then should they act as another's subordinate for the sake of this single pill? The treasures gained from vanquishing such an opponent would undoubtedly far surpass the value of a Yin-Yang Enlightenment Pill.
Furthermore, agreeing to Shuqing the Daoist's request would mean all spoils of victory would belong to the Verdant Daoist, making it an unfavorable transaction. Most crucially, regarding this impending Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of conflict ordained by fate], Eldrin Chen had long since resolved for myself to become a principal actor within this Dao Tribulation [a tribulation that tests one's comprehension of the Dao, or cosmic principle].
With these thoughts in mind, Eldrin Chen smiled faintly as he poured a cup of tea for Shuqing the Daoist before speaking: "Fellow Daoist is renowned as the foremost figure beneath the Heaven Immortal [a true immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm] among the Human Race of the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea. My Chen Clan lacks sufficient strength; I fear we cannot offer assistance on this occasion."
Hearing this, Shuqing the Daoist largely understood the polite refusal conveyed by Eldrin Chen.
Yet, a trace of unwillingness lingered in his heart. After a moment of contemplation, he still ventured to say, "Apart from myself, I believe many other powers will surely seek your aid in the coming times." For more chapters, visit (audio-novel.com) for the complete novel.
"These factions likely include the Great Luo Ancient Sect [a powerful and ancient cultivation sect]. The terms they offer would undoubtedly far surpass mine. However, should you agree to such a power, you surely understand that a far greater price would be demanded."
"Would it not be better for us to cooperate? We need only join forces to deal with that Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator on the very cusp of ascending to true immortality], and you would bear no further cost. Moreover, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator] could utilize the Yin-Yang Enlightenment Pill [a legendary elixir that harmonizes opposing forces to grant profound insights] to achieve a breakthrough into the Taiyi Realm [the Primordial Unity Realm, a profound stage of cultivation] ahead of schedule. Would this not be a perfect arrangement for us both?"
Upon hearing Shuqing the Daoist's words, Eldrin Chen remained unmoved in his decision.
With a faint smile, he replied, "Your consideration is appreciated, Fellow Daoist. However, I have already made arrangements regarding the matter of my Dao Tribulation [the heavenly trial a cultivator must face to advance their cultivation path]. I must respectfully decline." Seeing this, Shuqing the Daoist could not help but sigh softly.
He clasped his hands and said with a wry smile, "My apologies for the presumption." With that, the two of them let the matter drop.
After conversing a while longer, Eldrin Chen finally escorted Shuqing the Daoist out of the Grand Hall.
Lyra Jiang had been waiting for some time. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, she inquired, "How did it go?" "Another one come to discuss the Dao Tribulation,"
Eldrin Chen stated plainly. Since he began hosting this Longevity Banquet [a grand feast celebrating a cultivator's extended lifespan and achievements], several Half-Step Celestial Immortal had come calling, all seeking to discuss their Dao Tribulation with him. Given his current status and position, Eldrin Chen had no interest in playing a secondary role for any of them, and had thus politely refused them all.
Lyra Jiang understood this well. She shook her head slightly and said, "Your Longevity Banquet is about to commence in earnest. I fear the main event is yet to come." "Indeed."
Eldrin Chen nodded. He understood that with his current standing, he had likely drawn the attention of the Great Luo Ancient Sect and the various major Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm, often a sect's headquarters or a powerful cultivator's secluded paradise]. It was probable that more than one faction would use this occasion to extend an invitation for him to join their ranks.
However, the reason these ancient sect and Grotto-Heaven [a superior realm or paradise for cultivation] forces invited myself was to aid the Dao Tribulation [a pivotal, world-shaping calamity and opportunity] protagonists they had chosen. No matter how high the offered price, any ultimate gains would undoubtedly be allocated for the use of those Dao Tribulation protagonists.
If Eldrin Chen were to join them, it might seem like he would receive a large sum of resources upfront, but in the end, he likely wouldn't even get a share of the treasures.
Moreover, those who would be fighting tooth and nail from the very beginning would be the hired helpers like them. Should the situation turn unfavorable, they would become the first to be discarded as expendable pawns.
Consider this: in a moment of crisis during a great battle, would these Grotto-Heaven core disciples—the Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator on the verge of ascending to true immortality] or even Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a supreme expert among Heavenly Immortals] experts—aid an outsider like myself, or would they prioritize their own people?
And when it truly came down to a mutual sacrifice of pieces, the first to be abandoned by both sides would be these auxiliary personnel. "The resources of these ancient sects and Grotto-Heaven are not easily taken. The higher the price they offer, the more perilous the battle situation is likely to be." "With our current strength, there is no need for us to get involved."
Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, then looked at Lyra Jiang and asked, "Have Zixuan, Separated Flame, and Sky Abyss arrived?"
"They have already arrived," Lyra Jiang replied calmly. "I had Qiyuan the Ancient Ancestor and Verdant Consort personally receive them and informed them that after the banquet concludes, we will discuss matters of the Dao Tribulation together."
Speaking of this, Lyra Jiang added, "By the way, some good news has arrived. Earlier, you were receiving Shuqing the Daoist, so I did not wish to disturb you."
Lyra Jiang then told Eldrin Chen the news of Lior Chen's arrival.
Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but show a look of pleasant surprise. He soon made his way to the Back Mountain Grand Hall and met with Lior Chen. After so many years apart, the uncle and nephew were filled with profound emotion as they began recounting the events of the past million years.
As Lior Chen recounted his tale, Eldrin Chen gradually came to understand the experiences of Lior Chen over these years, grasping the full sequence of events from beginning to end.
It turned out that during the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [the great calamity caused by the opening of the Demonic Abyss], after Lior Chen had fallen, he had inadvertently discovered an ancient scroll within the Netherworld Depths [the profound and perilous depths of the underworld]. This scroll was named the Hundred Lifetimes Reincarnation Scripture [a mystical scripture detailing a method of reincarnation across a hundred lifetimes]. The Mysterious Profound [a profound and mysterious divine ability] contained within it was extraordinary; after death, one need not traverse the ordinary path of Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth]. Instead, it allowed one to carry their memories and be reborn for a hundred lifetimes within the bloodline of their own descendants.
This time, Lior Chen had undergone his hundred lifetimes of reincarnation within the Celestial Brilliance Great World. Ultimately, with a body perfected through a hundred tribulations, he had cultivated to the Immortal Ascension Realm [the realm of ascending to immortality], and what's more, he had achieved this Dao with a foundation of Triple Ascension Foundation [a foundation ascended three times, representing supreme perfection].
Upon understanding Lior Chen's Dao heritage, Eldrin Chen could not help but sigh with admiration, "I never imagined Uncle Lior would encounter such a profound opportunity. It seems his future prospects are boundless, and he may even have the potential to achieve the Great Luo Realm [the Great Luo Realm, a supreme state of cultivation]."
Old Granduncle Thalion Chen also nodded slowly, a smile gracing his lips as he remarked, "The Mysterious Profound [profound mystery] within that scripture is truly extraordinary. I fear it may be even more astonishing than the Celestial Immortal Dao Scripture. It is likely also a Great Luo Secret Tome [a secret tome of the Great Luo level], not inferior to the Six Lifetimes Sutra of the Buddha possessed by the Tribulation Transcending Divine Monk."
"For Lior to have obtained such an opportunity, it seems he is destined to become the foremost figure of the Qing Generation [the generation of the Chen Clan bearing the 'Qing' character in their names]." "Our Chen Clan has finally remedied the awkward situation of lacking a bridge between generations within the Qing Generation." Continue your cultivation journey at AUDIO-NOVEL.COM.
Thalion Chen spoke these words with deep feeling, his aged eyes glistening with unshed tears.
In the past, the Qing Generation of the Chen Clan could be said to have been brimming with talent. The Grand Elder Kael Chen, the Second Elder Riverius Chen, the Third Elder Lior Chen, the Fourth Elder Alistair Chen, the Fifth Elder Elara Chen, and the Sixth Elder Cedric Chen were all individuals of unwavering Dao-heart.
Furthermore, the Seventh Elder Corin Chen and Eldrin Chen's own father, Chen Qingming, all possessed notable natural aptitude. Read the full novel exclusively on site: audio-novel.com.