Chapter 1696 : Heirs of the Abyssal Dao

"Crimson Crow Holy Son speaks with reason [his words are logical and well-founded]."

At that very moment, several more figures emerged from the depths of the Void [the formless, primordial emptiness], treading upon the air as they arrived.

The Crimson Crow Holy Son looked up to see a group of figures approaching through the sky. At their head was a man clad in Daoist robes.

"The Ancient Ruins Ancient Clan?"

The Crimson Crow Holy Son spoke slowly, a faint ripple of emotion stirring within the depths of his gaze.

The leader of the Ancient Ruins Ancient Clan nodded, his expression calm as he stated, "The Verdant Sun Imperial Son learned that this Abyssal Daoist [a Daoist who follows the path of the profound abyss] seeks to establish his Flawless Taiyi Foundation [a perfect and unblemished foundational cultivation stage named after the primordial unity]. Thus, he requested our Ancient Ruins Ancient Clan to come and obstruct his Dao [to hinder his cultivation breakthrough]."

Upon hearing this, the Crimson Crow Holy Son gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, yet a subtle gleam flickered within his eyes.

Beside the Crimson Crow Holy Son, another Holy Son from the Crimson Crow lineage transmitted a silent message: "The Verdant Sun Imperial Son is the direct descendant of the Green Sun Ancient Deity, his veins flowing with the bloodline of the Verdant Sun Divine King from the Primordial Divine Court [the primordial heavenly court of the gods]. His Deep-Seated Foundation [the profound depth and solidity of his cultivation base] ranks among the foremost even within the Ten Great Protagonist of the Dao Tribulation [those destined to be central figures in the upcoming heavenly tribulation]."

"Now, with the aid of the Ancient Ruins Ancient Clan, he will likely become a formidable rival for His Highness Solaris."

The Crimson Crow Holy Son's gaze also turned cold. The Hundred Spirit Immortal Races [the Hundred Spirit Immortal Races, a collective of powerful immortal lineages] of the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain were not weak. Among these Hundred Races, the strength of the Ancient Ruins Ancient Clan ranked third, surpassed only by the Spirit Race [the race of primordial spirits] and the Grand Vastness Ancient Clan. Experience the full epic at audio-novel.com (official site).

At this thought, Crimson Crow Holy Son spoke with a profound and distant gaze, "Throughout history, the struggles within the Dao Tribulation [the great cosmic calamity that tests the Dao of cultivators] have always been a contest among the Human, Demon, and Deity Races. The Ancient Ruins Ancient Clan is merely one among the Hundred Spirit Immortal Races [a collective term for numerous powerful immortal bloodlines]. To dare intervene is truly courting death."

"Once the great battle is resolved, if an opportunity presents itself later, we shall deal with them as well."

"*Hum—*"

Just as these thoughts stirred within the hearts of the gathered experts, several more streaks of light tore through the sky, arriving from the horizon.

Crimson Crow Holy Son surveyed them one by one, recognizing the Twin Imperial Sons of Tai Cang who had been defeated and forced to retreat in the past, along with experts from the Golden Radiance Divine Clan, the White Tiger Clan, and three Peerless Demon God [a supreme level of power among demonic cultivators] of the Ancient Sect's Direct Successor [heirs to ancient, formidable sects] caliber.

Furthermore, there were several paramount powerhouses from the Myriad Demons Ancestral Domain. Their leader was a figure from the True Dragon Grotto-Heaven, one who had shaken the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain for tens of millions of years—the supreme champion of the Heaven-Opening Ranking [a legendary ranking of the most powerful beings], the Primordial Thunder Dragon.

Seeing this, the hearts of the assembled experts settled slightly.

In this coming conflict, the Golden Crow Clan boasted the greatest number of powerhouses, a full nine experts at the Triple Taiyi Foundation [a pinnacle foundational realm representing immense power].

Additionally, the Twin Imperial Sons of Tai Cang, as the Protagonist of the Dao Tribulation [central figures destined to shape the great calamity], had brought five Triple Taiyi Foundation experts with them. Counting the twins themselves, that made seven.

The Ancient Ruins Clan, blessed with extraordinary talent, also possessed three Triple Taiyi Foundation experts. Their strength was not to be underestimated.

The Primordial Thunder Dragon lineage also had three individuals, all of whom were supreme talents of the Demonic Tribe. The leader among them, the Primordial Thunder Dragon, was especially profound and unfathomable.

As the foremost figure on the Heaven-Opening Ranking of the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain, his strength and Deep-Seated Foundation [the quality and depth of a cultivator's foundational cultivation base] were unparalleled in antiquity. He had already stepped into the Forbidden Realm [a legendary cultivation state beyond conventional limits].

Upon arriving, the Primordial Thunder Dragon surveyed his surroundings and declared with confidence, "With twenty-two of us possessing Triple Taiyi Foundation [a supreme triple-layered foundational cultivation state] joining forces—including four Forbidden Prodigy [a prodigy who has entered the Forbidden Realm] of Imperial Son [a title for a direct descendant of a Celestial Emperor] caliber—"

"How can those remaining, with Eldrin, the Junior in the critical phase of secluded cultivation and the nine masters of the main Formation [a mystical defensive or offensive array] unable to disengage, possibly withstand our combined assault?"

Crimson Imperial Son of Tai Cang let out a cold laugh, his gaze profound as he stated, "Today's battle shall mark the death of Eldrin, the Junior."

However, Onyx Imperial Son of Tai Cang wore a grave expression, speaking with a note of surprise, "Everyone, remember this: Abyssal Daoist [a Daoist title referencing the profound abyss] possesses a treacherous treasure, the Gale God-Slaying Flying Saber. Exercise utmost caution if you face it."

Crimson Crow Holy Son spoke without further preamble, "Since all are assembled, let us prepare to strike."

"Then let us attack together."

As the words of Crimson Crow Holy Son fell, the other powerhouses immediately unleashed their assault. One after another, Divine Ability [a supreme mystical technique] spells and even Innate Slaughter Weapons bombarded the Formation, stirring up cataclysmic waves.

Within the great formation, those witnessing this scene could not help but wear expressions of utmost gravity.

Pure Yang Holy Son [the sacred heir of the Pure Yang lineage] wore an expression of profound gravity, his gaze sharp as he declared, "We shall exert our full power to guard Fellow Daoist Eldrin [the esteemed cultivator Eldrin] during his enlightenment."

In a mere Ksana-time [an infinitesimal moment], the fourteen Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators on the very threshold of the Celestial Immortal realm] stationed outside the main formation unleashed their power. One after another, their Divine Ability [miraculous supernatural techniques] soared across the firmament, tearing through the vast Heavenly Layers [the stratified celestial realms] in a desperate attempt to intercept the oncoming assault.

Yet, from the very onset of the battle, they found themselves at a distinct and overwhelming disadvantage.

Among the formidable foes encircling Eldrin Chen, there were not only more experts at the Triple Taiyi Realm [the third stage of the Taiyi cultivation realm], but also four Forbidden Prodigy [prodigies whose talents defy conventional limits] of Imperial Son [heir to an imperial lineage] caliber.

Though Pure Yang Holy Son and his allies were no weaklings, the sheer disparity in raw power rendered them incapable of holding the line. They could only rely on the defensive might of their Formation [a structured array that channels and amplifies power] to offer a tenuous resistance.

Simultaneously, far beyond the Boundless Sea Region [the Endless Ocean territory], several entities at the level of Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a supreme master among Celestial Immortals] stood poised upon the Firmament [the highest vault of heaven]. Visit audio-novel.com (official site) to enjoy the complete series.

They were divided into two factions. On one side stood Xuan Qi the Daoist from the Celestial Web Ancient Sect [the Ancient Sect of the Heavenly Net], accompanied by the guardian Elder [a senior master] from the Pure Yang Grotto-Heaven [the Pure Yang paradise realm], the Long Geng Sword Sect [the Long Geng Sword Sect], and the Wind Cloud Dao Palace [the Wind Cloud Dao Palace].

Opposing them were the guardian Heavenly Immortal Paragon from the Golden Crow Clan [the Golden Crow avian demon clan], the Ancient Ruins Ancient Clan [the Ancient Clan of the Primordial Ruins], the True Dragon Grotto-Heaven [the True Dragon paradise realm], the Golden Radiance Grotto-Heaven [the Golden Radiance paradise realm], the White Tiger Grotto-Heaven [the White Tiger paradise realm], and the Tai Cang Divine Clan [the Tai Cang Divine Clan].

At this moment, the Heavenly Immortal Paragon from both sides observed the unfolding conflict, their eyes reflecting unparalleled solemnity.

The Human Race [the collective of human cultivators] faction clearly had fewer Heavenly Immortal Paragon than the combined forces of the Demonic Monsters [demonic beings and monstrous creatures] and the other clan. Yet, for now, they refrained from direct confrontation, maintaining only a posture of wary vigilance.

"There is no suspense left in this battle."

At that very moment, a Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a supreme cultivator who has ascended to the Heavenly Immortal realm] from the Golden Crow clan spoke, a glint of amusement flickering in his gaze.

For this conflict, the Golden Crow clan, the Ancient Ruins Ancient Clan [an ancient and reclusive clan], along with the Tai Cang Divine Clan and the True Dragon Grotto-Heaven [a sacred realm of the True Dragon race], among other transcendent powers, had joined forces. Such an alliance would, under normal circumstances, be enough to sweep across the entire Azure Firmament Immortal Domain.

He believed that although the Abyssal Immortal Alliance was powerful, it could not possibly withstand this assault.

Opposite him, Xuan Qi the Daoist's eyes turned frosty, his expression cold as he stated, "In terms of numbers alone, our Human Race is not necessarily weaker than the two races of Demonic Monsters."

"As long as Abyssal Daoist [the Daoist title of Eldrin Chen] abandons his breakthrough in time, victory or defeat is still undecided."

"Abandoning a breakthrough is not so simple."

A guardian from the Tai Cang Divine Clan spoke, his face impassive. "The process of impacting the Triple Taiyi Foundation [the Triple Taiyi Foundation realm, a profound stage of cultivation] is one of no retreat. If he gives up halfway, he will inevitably suffer a backlash and be severely wounded. What strength would he have left then?"

A Celestial God [a powerful deity-level cultivator] from the Golden Radiance Grotto-Heaven also nodded, his divine countenance aloof. "Since ancient times, prematurely reversing one's Innate Body [a supreme innate constitution] before consolidating a Triple Taiyi Foundation has always increased the difficulty by tenfold, even a hundredfold, at the very least."

"This Eldrin, the Junior, for the sake of temporary combat power, prematurely cultivated his Innate Physique [an innate physical constitution]. Now it seems he has merely sought his own doom."

Upon hearing these words, the expressions of the Human Race [the collective term for humanity in this cultivation world] shifted subtly, their countenances growing somber and still.

A Celestial God [a powerful deity-level being] from the White Tiger Grotto-Heaven [a sacred realm associated with the White Tiger] witnessed this and sneered coldly, "I advise you not to interfere. To do so would be to court your own demise."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Qi the Daoist and the other Human Race Heaven Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the Heavenly Immortal realm] could not help but change their expressions slightly.

These Heavenly Immortal Paragon [supreme experts at the peak of the Heavenly Immortal realm] had entered this tribulation with the essential purpose of safeguarding their own Celestial Immortal Seed [a prodigy destined for the Celestial Immortal realm], intervening only at the most critical moment to preserve a life.

If they were dealing with ordinary Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators on the verge of becoming Celestial Immortals] or mere Dao Tribulation Supporting Role [minor figures within the grand tribulation's narrative], there might still be a chance to suppress the ensuing Karmic Burden [the metaphysical debt incurred by interfering with fate].

However, in a clash between such Protagonist of the Dao Tribulation [central figures destined to shape the outcome of the grand tribulation], any interference would inevitably draw heavenly retribution. Even they, as Heavenly Immortal Paragon, would be seeking their own doom by stepping onto that stage.

Contemplating this, a guardian Elder from the Pure Yang Grotto-Heaven [a sacred realm of pure Yang energy] sighed, "Enough. In a tribulation of this magnitude, the outcome ultimately rests upon the methods and strength of those who have entered its crucible." Read, share, and discuss at audio-novel`com.