Chapter 1678 : The Fair Duel of Immortal Ascension

The so-called Fair Duel [a formal, one-on-one combat to the death with no outside interference] involves both sides dispatching Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators on the very cusp of true immortality] to fight to the bitter end, with no intervention from others permitted.

The final survivor shall claim the opponent's Dao Source [the condensed essence of one's cultivation path and life force], ultimately achieving a breakthrough in their own cultivation.

Generally speaking, a one-on-one Fair Duel is an exceedingly rare occurrence, as it tends to level the playing field between the combatants.

In such Dao Tribulation [a cataclysmic conflict where multiple powers vie for supremacy and Dao Sources], the side with greater numbers, might, and advantage invariably seeks to crush its foes utterly; they would never agree to a one-on-one Fair Duel.

That the four great powers have now chosen a fair Fair Duel is primarily due to two reasons.

First, their respective Deep-Seated Foundation [the profound and resilient core of a cultivator's power] are such that none are confident of devouring the others without suffering grievous wounds themselves.

Second, the Abyssal Immortal Alliance is simply too powerful. If they did not opt for a Fair Duel and instead continued their all-out war, even the victor would be left severely weakened, ripe for the Abyssal Immortal Alliance to sweep in and claim everything.

This time, the four powers engaged in mutual Fair Duel. Although over half of the participating Half-Step Celestial Immortal perished, those who survived have seen their strength increase tremendously.

"Nirvana Dragon Demon Venerable, Ninth Divine Son of Violet Flame, the Celestial Web Ancient Sect's Seventh True Successor, and Qiang Sun, the direct descendant of the Eternal Life Ancient Clan,"

Eldrin Chen recounted methodically, his expression turning sharp. "These four have all successfully cultivated the Triple Taiyi Foundation [a legendary, supremely stable foundation formed by merging three distinct Taiyi-grade cultivation cores]." Continue your cultivation journey at site: audio-novel.com.

"Under the banners of the four great powers, the powerhouses at the Single Taiyi Foundation [the first stage of the Taiyi Foundation realm] level have essentially been utterly depleted. Those who still live have mostly already broken through to the Dual Taiyi Foundation [the second stage of the Taiyi Foundation realm]."

Upon hearing this, the brows of those present furrowed slightly.

Seeing this, Verdant Consort spoke up, "Adding four opponents of the Triple Taiyi Foundation [the third and peak stage of the Taiyi Foundation realm] caliber is a challenge we can still manage."

"However, behind each of the four great powers stands an Early Celestial Immortal Realm [the initial stage of the Celestial Immortal realm] who has entered the tribulation. They will likely be difficult to deal with."

At these words, the expressions of the assembly grew solemn, and a flicker of concern passed through their eyes.

With Eldrin Chen's current strength, he had some confidence in facing two Early Celestial Immortal Realm. But if all four Early Celestial Immortal Realm were to attack together, even Eldrin Chen could not possibly be confident of handling them.

Facing four Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a title for a supreme expert at the peak of the Celestial Immortal realm], even if Eldrin Chen summoned Myriad Spirits Ancient Ancestor, there was no guarantee of a complete victory.

Should the battle descend into a protracted and bloody stalemate, the loss of even a single one of the many Triple Taiyi Foundation present would be an unbearable cost for the Abyssal Immortal Alliance.

One must remember, beings of such Triple Taiyi Foundation caliber are all Flawless Heaven Immortal True Seed [individuals destined with the potential to reach the flawless Heaven Immortal realm].

Contemplating this, Separated Flame Deity was about to voice his thoughts when he suddenly noticed that Eldrin Chen remained utterly composed, his demeanor that of a grandmaster calmly directing the board. A flicker of hope stirred within Separated Flame Deity's heart.

She gazed at Eldrin Chen and could not help but inquire, "In your esteemed opinion, Fellow Daoist, how should we deal with them?"

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their eyes towards Eldrin Chen.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. He looked over the list of the four major powers and their Deep-Seated Foundation [the profound and established power base of a cultivation force], then spoke calmly, "Currently, our Abyssal Immortal Alliance stands as the foremost power within the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea during this current tribulation cycle."

"The reason these four forces have joined hands against us is not because we are weak, but because they fear our strength."

"The method to deal with such an alliance is, in truth, quite simple: we need only divide and conquer."

Hearing this, a brilliant light shone in everyone's eyes, and looks of pleasant surprise appeared on their faces.

Lyra Jiang could not help but look at Eldrin Chen, saying with immense delight, "Indeed! As long as we demonstrate sufficient power, then draw some to our side while suppressing others, their alliance will collapse without us having to attack it directly."

Eldrin Chen nodded, stating calmly, "Although our Abyssal Immortal Alliance is powerful, it is impossible for just those of us gathered here to sweep across the entire Azure Firmament Immortal Domain."

"Now, as the Dao Tribulation [a cosmic calamity testing the Dao and fate of all beings] stretches on, it is precisely the time for orthodoxies to contend for supremacy. Far too many Human Race forces are maneuvering within it."

"Our first step, therefore, is to pacify the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea, becoming the true Protagonist of the Dao Tribulation [the central figure destined to shape the outcome of the Dao Tribulation]. We shall then command the multitude of heroes to sweep through the Six Celestial Domains of the Western Pole, before setting our sights on the whole of the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain."

Hearing this, everyone immediately grasped the grand strategic vision that Eldrin Chen had been weaving.

Sky Abyss Daoist exchanged a glance with Ancient Ruins Yin Lord before inquiring, "In your esteemed opinion, how should we proceed to divide them?"

Eldrin Chen did not answer immediately. His gaze swept over the four factions before him, and he finally spoke, "The Celestial Web Ancient Sect and the Nirvana Dragon Race are sworn enemies of many years. I need only make a personal visit; driving a wedge between them will be as easy as turning over my hand."

"As for the Eternal Sun Clan and the Violet Flame Divine Clan..."

Eldrin Chen's words trailed off into a meaningful silence.

The Eternal Sun Clan's Qiang Sun was arrogant and overbearing. In the past, at Eldrin Chen's Longevity Banquet [a grand feast celebrating a major cultivation breakthrough or longevity], he had acted with utter contempt, sowing the seeds of enmity between them.

More importantly, Xander Dao Chen had once beaten Qiang Sun so severely he resembled a half-dead dog, utterly humiliating him and stripping him of all dignity.

With such karma [the principle of cause and effect governing actions and their consequences] binding them, reconciliation was impossible. Eldrin Chen dared not even consider an alliance, for the consequences would be unthinkable if this man chose to stab them in the back.

Seeing their understanding, a faint, knowing smile touched Eldrin Chen's lips.

He gave a slight nod and then spoke, "I shall personally journey to the Celestial Dragon Sea Region. You may all withdraw now and make the final preparations for the great battle."

"We understand."

Everyone nodded in agreement, offering respectful bows with clasped hands.

After the assembly had dispersed, Eldrin Chen remained seated within the Grand Hall, his gaze fixed upon the roster of the Four Ancient Sects held in his hand.

After a long while, his focus settled on the list for the Eternal Sun Clan, a flicker of profound and inscrutable meaning passing through his eyes.

"Qiang Sun, the Eternal Life Ancient Clan."

Departing from the Abyssal Sea Region, Eldrin Chen proceeded with utmost stealth towards the Celestial Dragon Sea Region.

The Celestial Dragon Sea Region was originally the Hundred Demons Archipelago. After the Dragon King of the Western Abyss attained his Dao [the fundamental principle or path in Chinese philosophy], this stretch of sea was renamed the Celestial Dragon Archipelago.

Following the fall of the Dragon King of the Western Abyss, the Nirvana Dragon Clan and the Celestial Web Ancient Sect had been locked in conflict here for over ten thousand years.

Now, both sides had amassed their forces within the Celestial Dragon Sea Region, engaging in numerous bloody and brutal clashes. It was only in the last several Millennium that the scale of the warfare had diminished.

"This is the place."

Eldrin Chen arrived at the Celestial Dragon Sea Region. Concealing his form with the Heaven-Deceiving Secret Art, he then strode forth to seek out Ronan Luo, the third-generation direct-line disciple of the Celestial Web Ancient Sect.

Finding Ronan Luo was not difficult. This individual possessed a magnificent celestial palace-type magical treasure [an enchanted artifact used by cultivators] named the Ronan Palace. It floated majestically at the very heart of the Human Race army, anchoring the core position of the allied human forces.

Eldrin Chen, his presence veiled by the Heaven-Deceiving Secret Art, ascended to the fortress-like palace with the aid of the Mirror of Yin, Yang, and Void.

Only at this moment was Eldrin Chen detected. An immensely vast and powerful aura locked onto him, and a voice soon followed.

"Since you, esteemed sir, were capable of slaughtering two Grotto-Heaven Direct Descendant [heirs of a powerful immortal lineage], why was it necessary to conceal your presence in such a manner?"

After locking onto Eldrin Chen, that aura's owner began to stride forward unhurriedly.

Eldrin Chen looked up to see two figures approaching. One was old, the other young. Access the full story on audio-novel dot com.