Chapter 1603 : The Alchemist's Transcendent Pill

This time, Eldrin Chen needed to exchange for at least several strands of Heaven Trigram Pure Energy [a pure, primordial energy aligned with the eight trigrams of the I Ching, used in high-level formations and cultivation], a feat impossible through normal means. Thus, he intended to inquire with Path Ruins Jiang, for as the Void Holy Son [a title denoting a prodigious heir of a major sect or lineage], Path Ruins Jiang might possess a pathway to acquire the Heaven Trigram Pure Energy.

Seeing Exquisite Jiang agree, Eldrin Chen declared, "Then let this council conclude for today. I shall enter seclusion to refine the Pill of Polarity Enlightenment [a supreme elixir that harmonizes opposing forces to induce profound spiritual awakening]."

"…"

Having decided to refine the Pill of Polarity Enlightenment, Eldrin Chen immediately entered seclusion to begin the alchemical process.

For this endeavor, he returned to the Flowing Fire Blessed Land [a realm of concentrated spiritual energy and natural wonders, often a cultivator's personal sanctuary] and commenced the refinement of the Pill of Polarity Enlightenment.

Back when he was at the Seventh Level Earth Immortal [a high stage of cultivation where one is anchored to the earthly realm while transcending mortality], Eldrin Chen had already succeeded in crafting the Pill of Polarity Enlightenment. Now, having broken through to the Half-Step Celestial Immortal Realm [a transitional state bordering true celestial immortality], both his spiritual power and alchemical prowess had undergone a monumental leap.

Thus, when he undertook the refinement of the Pill of Polarity Enlightenment once more, his speed and success rate had improved dramatically.

Merely three centuries later, Eldrin Chen successfully completed the first batch of Pill of Polarity Enlightenment, yielding a full three pills from that single furnace.

Not long after, Eldrin Chen began a second refinement, which produced four Pill of Polarity Enlightenment. For the third batch, he once again achieved a yield of four pills.

"Eleven Pill of Polarity Enlightenment in total," he tallied.

"With my current alchemy skills, attempting to break through to the Ninth Rank Alchemy should hold no risk of failure," Eldrin Chen murmured to himself.

Yet, he still refrained from refining the Primordial Unity Immortal Pill. The Primordial Unity Immortal Fruit was far too precious; yielding fewer than three pills from a single batch would be a loss, and he was unwilling to proceed recklessly.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen stored away the Pill of Polarity Enlightenment.

After securing the Immortal Pill, he immediately exited his Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared room for deep meditation and cultivation], only to find Path Ruins Jiang and Exquisite Jiang had been waiting for him for some time.

Seeing them, Eldrin Chen promptly clasped his hands in greeting. "Grandfather, you have traveled a great distance. I am ashamed I was not here to welcome you."

"No need for such formality," Path Ruins Jiang replied with a wave of his hand.

He followed Eldrin Chen into the Returning Abyss Blessed Land.

Only after repeatedly layering protective wards and confirming no one was spying did Path Ruins Jiang take a careful look at Eldrin Chen, his expression one of awe. "You have forged your path entirely on your own, cultivating to this level, and now you have even slain an Innate Filth Serpent [a primordial demonic beast born from the essence of corruption]."

"Such prowess... it far surpasses anything this old man has achieved."

As he spoke these words, a trace of a bitter smile appeared on Path Ruins Jiang's face.

Only then did Eldrin Chen realize that Path Ruins Jiang's aura had grown even more profound and unfathomable, as if he had already cultivated his second Primordial Unity Foundation [the foundational cultivation art that unifies one's spiritual essence].

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile and say, "Grandfather, with your second Primordial Unity Foundation achieved and the Innate Celestial Slaughter Sword [a sword born of heaven's slaughterous intent] in hand, I believe you could slay even a cultivator with a Triple Primordial Unity Foundation [a foundation formed from three unified essences]. You surely would not be weaker than that Innate Filth Serpent [a primordial serpent born of worldly filth]."

Path Ruins Jiang did not elaborate, merely stating, "I can exchange those Netherworld Turbid Energy [a dense, impure energy from the underworld] for you, converting them into Heaven Trigram Pure Energy [a pure energy refined through the cosmic trigram formation]."

"Now that the Path Tribulation [the cataclysmic trial faced by those walking the great path] draws ever nearer, I am about to enter seclusion to cultivate a Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power] to face my Tribulation [the personal heavenly trial]. If there is anything you need my help with, let us settle it all this time."

Eldrin Chen understood that given Path Ruins Jiang's status and power, once he personally entered this tribulation, he would undoubtedly be one of the Path Tribulation Protagonist [a central figure destined to face the tribulation's greatest trials].

Such a Path Tribulation Protagonist, if successful in overcoming the tribulation, would soar like a dragon ascending to the heavens; if they failed, their body would perish and their path would vanish.

Although Path Ruins Jiang possessed extraordinary methods and wielded the Innate Celestial Slaughter Sword, his opponents were certain to be prodigies of a generation. Therefore, his Tribulation would inevitably be perilous in the extreme.

Making complete preparations before the Path Tribulation was absolutely essential.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen fell into a brief, thoughtful silence before speaking, "I wonder, Patriarch, how many strands of Innate Energy [the primordial, unadulterated energy of creation] have you condensed over these years?"

"Innate Energy?"

Path Ruins Jiang pondered for a moment, then answered decisively, "I still have two strands of Innate Energy [the primordial, foundational energy of creation]. I should be able to condense one more before the Path Tribulation [the cataclysmic heavenly trial faced by cultivators seeking to ascend their path]."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and said, "I possess two Primordial Unity Immortal Fruit [a legendary fruit said to contain the essence of primordial unity, greatly aiding cultivation]..."

"Primordial Unity Immortal Fruit?" Path Ruins Jiang's eyes flickered with a trace of surprise. "You truly have remarkable Opportunity and Fortune [the serendipitous encounters and luck that shape a cultivator's destiny]."

As he spoke, he retrieved two strands of Innate Energy and handed them to Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen did not accept them immediately. He inquired, "Innate Energy is precious. I will borrow just one strand. Patriarch, you should keep the other for yourself."

"Do not speak of borrowing. I obtained this Scripture of Innate Primordial Breath [an ancient cultivation manual focusing on the primal breath of creation] because of you in the first place. There is no need for such formality between us."

Path Ruins Jiang offered a calm smile and still pressed the strands of Innate Energy into Eldrin Chen's hand.

These two strands of Innate Energy were originally intended for him to elevate one or two of his Innate Treasure [a treasure born from the world's innate laws, possessing immense power], to serve as a hidden trump card against formidable foes during the Path Tribulation.

Yet, since Eldrin Chen had asked, he gave them without the slightest hesitation.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen accepted the Innate Energy. After a brief moment of contemplation, he spoke again, his tone earnest. "The Path Tribulation is perilous. Grandfather, if during the tribulation you encounter an opponent you are not absolutely confident in defeating, I implore you, do not press the attack recklessly."

"Please wait a short while. Once your son-in-law has vanquished all his great foes, I shall personally assist you in pacifying the Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial faced by cultivators]."

"Hahaha!"

Upon hearing this, Path Ruins Jiang laughed heartily and clapped Eldrin Chen on the shoulder, saying, "I know your ambition encompasses the Cosmos [the entirety of creation, the universe itself], but you must remember, this old man is also one who dares to raise his sword against ten thousand enemies!"

With those words, Path Ruins Jiang said no more. He rose to his full height and strode into the distance, leaving only the lingering echo of his voice behind.

Yet, from his snow-white, retreating figure, Eldrin Chen also perceived a unique, peerless elegance.

Even if three million Sword Immortal [a title for supreme masters of the sword path] stood beneath the heavens, upon seeing me, they too must lower their brows in respect!

"…"

After bidding farewell to Path Ruins Jiang, Eldrin Chen returned to the Returning Abyss Blessed Land.

Upon his return to the Returning Abyss Blessed Land, he did not immediately resume refining the Pill of Polarity Enlightenment [a rare elixir that aids in comprehending the principles of Yin and Yang].

His alchemical arts still had significant room for improvement. For now, the three batches of Pill of Polarity Enlightenment he had produced, combined with the Innate Enlightenment Tea [a spiritual tea that temporarily enhances one's comprehension and insight], would suffice for the temporary needs of his clan.

The remaining eight furnaces of Pill of Polarity Enlightenment [a pill that aids in comprehending the principles of duality], he planned to refine upon his return from the Forbidden Land [a perilous and restricted region].

Eldrin Chen retrieved the eight Pill of Polarity Enlightenment and handed them over to Exquisite Jiang and the others.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, with the aid of these Pill of Polarity Enlightenment, Exquisite Jiang and the others would quickly consolidate their cultivation bases. Even if they could not break through to the Dual Primordial Unity Foundation [a profound foundational cultivation art], their Divine Ability [supernatural powers granted by cultivation] and comprehension of Path Principle [the fundamental laws of the Great Dao] would see immense progress.

Then, he gazed at the few remaining pills in his hand, his eyes thoughtful. This time, Eldrin Chen had refined eleven Pill of Polarity Enlightenment. Setting aside the eight given to Exquisite Jiang and the others, three remained.

Previously, Eldrin Chen had refined four furnaces of Primordial Unity Golden Body Pill [a pill that forges the Primordial Unity Golden Body constitution], yielding a total of twelve pills.

Neither Eldrin Chen nor Kael Chen had consumed these twelve Primordial Unity Golden Body Pill, so five of them were still left.

Thus, the question of how to handle the surplus Primordial Unity Golden Body Pill and the Pill of Polarity Enlightenment plunged Eldrin Chen into deep contemplation.

"The Pill of Polarity Enlightenment can be taken multiple times, but I lack not for alchemical materials," he mused.

"The Primordial Unity Golden Body Pill holds little use for those who have already cultivated the Primordial Unity Immortal Body [an immortal-grade physique]. It would be better to put them to use elsewhere than to let them gather dust."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, and soon, a plan began to take shape in his mind.

Exquisite Jiang discerned his thoughts and spoke up, "You intend to use it to nurture fellow cultivators?"

"Yes."

Eldrin Chen nodded and explained, "With the Path Tribulation [a great, world-shaking calamity] looming, selling it now might only empower our foes. It is far better to use it to aid our allies, so that when the Path Tribulation arrives, we will have more hands to stand with us."

"Moreover, my journey into the Forbidden Land [a perilous and mysterious realm] is fraught with uncertainty, a venture where life and death hang in the balance. Should the worst come to pass, at least this way, the foundation will not crumble entirely, inviting others to scavenge the ruins…"