Chapter 1679 : A Clash of Titans

The youth was naturally Ronan Luo, the third-generation True Successor disciple of the Celestial Web Ancient Sect. The old man's aura, however, was unfathomably deep, seemingly even more formidable than Wei River Celestial God and Jareth the Daoist.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen understood—this person was Ronan Luo's guardian, a protector assigned to a promising disciple.

With this realization, he gave a slight nod and calmly cupped his hands in greeting. "I pay my respects to the Senior and to Fellow Daoist Luo."

The old Daoist's eyes flickered with interest as he spoke meaningfully, "You must be aware that our four great powers are currently plotting to deal with you collectively."

"Given such circumstances, you still dare to seek us out? Are you truly unafraid that I might summon the others to surround and slay you here?"

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile before replying, "Since I dared to come, I naturally fear nothing. Even if you summoned them all, I could overturn this very palace complex and depart unscathed."

"Bold words," the old man remarked.

Ronan Luo's eyes snapped open, their gaze sharp and piercing. "I have long heard of your peerless talent. Today, I wish to test it for myself."

As he spoke, he gripped a Sword Embryo [an unformed sword spirit nurtured within a cultivator's body] and slashed forward.

Eldrin Chen remained utterly unmoved. With a casual lift of his hand, he caught the brilliant Immortal Sword firmly between two fingers. No matter how fiercely Ronan Luo channeled his power, the blade could not advance a single inch. For the best reading experience, visit audio-novel dot com.

Then, with a cold sneer, he flicked his finger sharply, and Ronan Luo was sent flying backward.

"You are no match for me."

Eldrin Chen stated calmly, speaking a simple fact.

Ronan Luo lifted his head, his face alternating between pale and flushed, only to find the man standing there with an aura of serene majesty. Clad in a White Robe pure as snow, his mere presence was like that of a peerless Immortal Lord [a supreme immortal sovereign] surveying the myriad heavens, exuding an ineffable, transcendent grace.

"I am inferior to you."

After a moment of heavy silence, Ronan Luo understood the chasm between them was no longer of the same order. The arrogance born from his breakthrough to the Triple Taiyi Foundation [a profound foundational cultivation stage] vanished in an instant.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze to the black-robed elder and inquired, "Might I ask how this venerable senior should be addressed?"

The Black-Robed Daoist wore an expression of utmost gravity. At this moment, the aura emanating from Eldrin Chen felt to him even more terrifying than that of a Chaos Ancient Beast [a primordial beast born from primordial chaos].

He, too, set aside his earlier condescension, nodding slightly as he replied, "This old Daoist is Xuan Qi the Daoist. Your discreet search for us today, I presume, is not merely for a nostalgic reunion?"

Eldrin Chen nodded in affirmation, then declared, "My purpose in coming here today is to help you two Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for fellow cultivators] resolve a particular... trouble."

"Help us resolve our troubles?"

Upon hearing this, the gazes of the two men sharpened slightly.

Ronan Luo's eyes flickered, and he could not help but speak: "Our greatest trouble, would that not be you, Fellow Daoist?"

"Is that so?"

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly, his gaze turning towards the depths of the Celestial Dragon Sea Region. "Is your greatest enemy truly my Abyssal Immortal Alliance?"

"As I understand it, the mount of the Patriarch of the Ancient Netherweave Sect is a Grand Elder of the Nirvana Dragon lineage, is it not?"

Hearing this, the expressions of the two men shifted subtly.

Ronan Luo drew a deep breath, his gaze turning profound. "You wish to cooperate with us?"

Eldrin Chen stood with his hands clasped behind his back, speaking with calm authority. "By following me, you would not only eradicate your sworn foe, the Nirvana Dragon Demon Venerable, but also sweep across the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain, and even pacify the Six Celestial Domains of the Western Pole."

"Weigh the gains and losses of this path. I believe you understand which holds greater weight."

Upon hearing this, Ronan Luo felt a slight tremor in his heart.

If this had been before, he would have absolutely refused Eldrin Chen's demand.

He was a proud son of heaven who had laid a Triple Taiyi Foundation [a supreme and exceptionally rare foundation for cultivation], a direct lineage disciple with the potential to reach the Great Luo Realm [the pinnacle of immortal cultivation]. How could he possibly follow behind another, becoming a mere supporting character in their tribulation?

However, after witnessing Eldrin Chen's true power, he realized this man was likely one of the ten primary protagonists of this Dao Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that reshapes fate and destiny], and his resolve wavered into hesitation.

Logically, his purpose in entering this tribulation was to perfect his Triple Taiyi Foundation. Once that was achieved, his path would be to accumulate Primordial Source [the fundamental, primordial energy of creation] in preparation for a flawless breakthrough into the Heaven Immortal Realm [the realm of true celestial immortals].

After the Dao Tribulation concluded, he would only need to continue his arduous cultivation, aiming to reach the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm within ten million years. Discover more cultivation stories at audio-novel`com.

At that time, he would receive the full support of the Celestial Web Ancient Sect, allowing him to contend for the opportunity of the Hundred Tribulations Ascension [a legendary and immensely difficult path of ascension through one hundred heavenly tribulations].

But now, Eldrin Chen had presented him with another choice, plunging him into deep uncertainty.

After all, the Dao Tribulation was perilous beyond measure. A Protagonist of the Dao Tribulation stood at the very eye of the storm. To follow such a figure meant that failure would inevitably lead to shared annihilation, reduced to ashes.

Yet success promised rewards beyond imagination, and this very prospect deepened his hesitation.

It was at that very moment, recalling the scene where Eldrin Chen had deflected his attack with a mere flick of a finger, pinning the Heaven-Net Sword Embryo between two digits, that his resolve crystallized in an instant.

With a solemn bow, Ronan Luo spoke, his expression grave. "Your immortal might is vast and profound, Daoist Brother, far beyond my reach. I am willing to follow you in quelling the Dao Tribulation [a cataclysmic upheaval of cosmic principles]."

"Good."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a faint smile.

With the Celestial Web Ancient Sect now swayed to their side, one of the four major powers of the enemy alliance was removed. This shift in strength, both a gain and a loss for the opposing sides, had completely tipped the scales. For this battle, Eldrin Chen now possessed absolute confidence.

Thinking this, Eldrin Chen spoke. "Though you have only just arrived, I trust you are aware of my reputation."

"I know a thing or two."

Ronan Luo nodded with a slight smile. "The world speaks of the Abyssal Daoist as a man of peerless loyalty and righteousness, one who has never treated those by his side unfairly."

Eldrin Chen gave a soft chuckle and a nod. "Set your heart at ease. So long as you fight by my side with true sincerity, I shall not treat you with anything less than the utmost fairness."

Hearing Eldrin Chen's pledge, Ronan Luo allowed a genuine smile to finally grace his features.

In the world of cultivation, one's reputation is everything. Though Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, also known as the Abyssal Daoist] shows no mercy to his foes, he has never treated those under his wing poorly.

He believed that Eldrin Chen, whether sincere or not, would never harm him for the sake of the reputation he had meticulously cultivated over a million years.

Thinking this, Ronan Luo felt reassured and could not help but smile as he asked, "If, a moment ago, I had refused and insisted on uniting the various major powers against you, what would you have done?"

"Insisted on opposing me?"

Eldrin Chen gave a faint smile and shook his head. "Then the news of my visit to you, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator], would have spread throughout the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea [a vast and perilous sea region in the cultivation world] within three days."

Upon hearing this, Ronan Luo was momentarily stunned, a slight chill creeping down his spine.

This move by Eldrin Chen was a masterstroke of psychological warfare. No matter how much the Celestial Web Ancient Sect [a powerful and ancient sect] might explain, once the news of Eldrin Chen's personal visit spread, the fragile alliance of the four great powers would instantly crumble.

Given the enmity between the Nirvana Dragon Race [a powerful demonic race] and the Celestial Web Ancient Sect, once the seed of doubt was sown, a little provocation would be enough for Eldrin Chen to dismantle the coalition.

At that point, no one would have the heart to continue the fight. The only outcome for the four powers would be to be defeated one by one.

Perhaps some of their higher-ups might escape with their lives, but they would be powerless to stop the overwhelming momentum of the Abyssal Immortal Alliance [a powerful alliance led by Eldrin Chen].

Upon this realization, Ronan Luo could not help but cup his hands respectfully towards Eldrin Chen and said, "Your foresight is profound, Fellow Daoist. I am utterly impressed."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his tone calm and detached. "Since ancient times, the hearts of mortals are ever-changing, and the hearts of Immortals are no different. All alliances in this world are forged by shared interest. As long as one finds the right method, any such alliance can be divided and dismantled."

"However, such stratagems are ultimately but minor arts. For our kind, cultivation base and power are the foundation of everything."

"If I possessed the cultivation of a Great Luo [the pinnacle realm of cultivation, a being of supreme power], why would I need to scheme and plan for such a situation? A single sweep of my sword would be enough to clear all obstacles." Your portal to cultivation novels: audio-novel dot com.