Chapter 1720 : A Vow to Purify the Abyss
However, the incense fire is toxic [a form of spiritual energy derived from mortal worship that can carry karmic impurities]. Once one uses it for Cultivating Dao Fruit [the process of nurturing a Dao Fruit, the ultimate crystallization of one's cultivation path] and refines over one hundred million Incense Fire Celestial Silver [a condensed, silver-like substance formed from purified incense fire energy], it will likely leave behind hidden perils in the future.
"Fortune and Merit [a metaphysical substance representing accumulated good fortune and virtuous deeds, free of karmic impurities], is the superior choice."
Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. Recalling that Fortune and Merit carried no such hidden dangers, he finally took a deep breath.
He gazed towards the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain [the vast, azure-hued realm of immortals], then slowly extended a finger and swore an oath to the heavens.
"By the Heavenly Dao [the supreme, impartial Way of Heaven that governs all existence], I, Abyssal Daoist [Eldrin's Daoist title, meaning 'Daoist of the Profound Abyss'], having Ascending to Immortality [achieved the Immortal Realm] for over one million years, have traversed the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain and witnessed the Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea [a sea of purgatory in the nether abyss] where True Demon [a powerful, primordial class of demons] run rampant. They plunder the essence of the Heavenly Layers [the stratified celestial realms] and corrode the Creation [the foundational creative force and destiny] of the Immortal Domain [the domain of immortals]. All living beings, all myriad spirits, suffer."
"Now, as I seek to prove my Boundless Fortune and Merit Dao Fruit [a Dao Fruit cultivated through limitless Fortune and Merit], I hereby establish an immeasurably great vow."
"Upon the day my cultivation reaches completion, I shall surely sweep clean the Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea, deliver the fallen Heavenly Dao from its plight, return it to its origin, and purify heaven and earth."
"For as long as a single day passes with the Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea unrestored, I shall not for a single day prove the Great Luo [the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle state of cultivation]!"
"BOOM! RUMBLE!"
As Eldrin Chen's vow fell, the Heavenly Layers trembled and roared with violent intensity. For the best reading experience, visit audio–novel.com.
Throughout the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain [the vast realm of immortals and cultivation], a profound and ineffable Heavenly Dao Will [the conscious will of the Heavenly Dao, the supreme governing principle of the cosmos] stirred from its slumber.
The Heavenly Dao Origin [the primordial source and essence of the Heavenly Dao itself] of the Thirty-Three Heavenly Realms [the thirty-three stratified celestial planes that form the upper structure of the cosmos] began to coalesce slowly, as if a gaze had pierced through the fabric of space and time to arrive.
That gaze fell upon Eldrin Chen, seeming to see through his Physical Body [his corporeal form, tempered and refined through cultivation], his Dao Principles [the fundamental laws and truths of the Great Dao he had comprehended], and his Dao Fruit [the culmination of his cultivation path, the fruit of his enlightenment]. After a moment of profound silence, a response was given.
From the farthest reaches of the endless Heavenly Layers [the stratified levels of the heavens], a boundless, immeasurable torrent of Merit Power [power derived from immense virtuous deeds and accumulated karma] began to descend.
A full one thousand strands of Merit Violet Light [a radiant, auspicious light signifying supreme merit and heavenly favor] drifted down, converging bit by bit behind Eldrin Chen's head. There, they coalesced, ultimately forming a single, dazzlingly brilliant golden halo of light.
"Merit Golden Light [the highest manifestation of celestial merit, a golden radiance signifying unparalleled virtue and divine recognition]!"
At that very moment, the entire Azure Firmament Immortal Domain trembled.
Countless Heavenly Immortal Paragon [peak-level Heavenly Immortals, beings of immense power who have secluded themselves] who had sealed their mountains within their Grotto-Heaven [self-contained pocket dimensions or paradises for cultivation] opened their eyes. Gazing towards the grand formation of the Thirty-Three Heavens, their expressions were uniformly etched with utter astonishment.
Deep within the Golden Crow Grotto-Heaven [a grotto-heaven associated with the Golden Crow, a mythical solar bird], a presence akin to an eternal Supreme Yang [the ultimate principle of solar and masculine energy] dimmed its radiance slightly. Within it, a figure the color of Dao Gold [a mythical, radiant gold imbued with Dao essence] opened its eyes, its gaze blazing with an intensity that could sear the heavens.
"I had intended to settle accounts with you after the great tribulation. I never imagined you would swear a Grand Vow and borrow the Merit Golden Light from the Vast Heaven [a poetic name for the supreme, boundless heavens]."
"With this Merit Golden Light [a protective radiance formed from accumulated virtuous deeds] shielding your body, and until you have repaid your karmic debts to the Heavenly Dao [the supreme, impersonal cosmic order and way of the universe], you shall be under the protection of the Immortal Domain Heavenly Dao [the localized celestial law and fate of this immortal realm]. No one would dare to slay you within the bounds of the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain."
"A mere junior, yet capable of such intricate scheming. That lad Solaris died not unjustly."
Having spoken thus, the existence dwelling within the primordial Supreme Yang [the ultimate, primordial essence of pure yang energy] fell into a profound silence.
After a long moment, he spoke once more, his voice measured. "However, the Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea [a sea of torment within the netherworld abyss] is a contingency left by *that one*. To thoroughly purge the Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea is to inevitably wage a war to the death against that being."
"When the Hundred Calamities Rebirth [a cosmic cycle marked by the resurgence of a hundred great calamities] arrives, that one will surely awaken and return."
"That being is an Eight Calamity Ancient Demon [an ancient demon sovereign who has survived eight great cosmic tribulations]. To make an enemy of her is, in the end, to seek your own demise."
With those final words, the golden silhouette slowly closed its eyes.
At the same moment, from the depths of the Verdant Sun Grotto-Heaven, the gaze of the Green Sun Ancient Deity pierced through the veils of dimensions. He finally drew a deep breath and murmured, "The Fortune and Merit [a supreme state of accumulated cosmic fortune and virtuous merit] Immeasurable Dao Fruit [the ultimate, boundless fruit of one's cultivation path]. The last to cultivate such a Dao Fruit [the crystallized essence and achievement of a cultivator's Dao] was... *that one*, was it not?"
The Green Sun Ancient Deity whispered softly to himself, then drew another long, contemplative breath.
The last cultivator to achieve the Fortune and Merit Dao Fruit was the Purple Immortal Lord, whose might once shook the very foundations of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.
That Purple Immortal Lord [a title for a powerful immortal] attained the Great Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortality] in a mere few million years, an unprecedented Myth [a legendary, near-impossible feat] even within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal realms].
Meanwhile, deep within the Evergreen Grotto-Heaven [a secluded paradise realm] in the Eastern Wastelands, a peerless figure clad in a cyan gown slowly turned her gaze.
After a moment of contemplation, she murmured to herself, "The Heavenly Dao [the supreme, impersonal governing principle of the cosmos] was willing to lend him a strand of Merit Golden Light [a manifestation of immense cosmic merit]. Could it truly believe he can cleanse the Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea [a sea of suffering in the netherworld] and restore the Primordial Source [the foundational, primordial energy] of the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain [the overarching immortal realm]?"
The thoughts of the various Supreme [ultimate, peerless] existences within the great Grotto-Heavens [paradisiacal realms] remained unknown to Eldrin Chen.
At this moment, sensing the divine halo of Merit Golden Light [a manifestation of immense cosmic merit] behind his head, he finally let out a slow sigh of relief.
Swearing a Great Vow [a profound and binding oath to the cosmos] to borrow a strand of Merit Golden Light [a manifestation of immense cosmic merit] from the Heavenly Dao [the supreme, impersonal governing principle of the cosmos] had always been part of his long-prepared plan. Visit audio-novel*com to enjoy the complete series.
After all, the surge of destiny's power Eldrin Chen obtained by forcefully overcoming his Dao Tribulation [a heavenly trial on one's cultivation path] this time was far too immense. Relying on ordinary means to accumulate Merit Power [the power of virtuous deeds and cosmic favor] would never be sufficient for him to cultivate the Immeasurable Dao Fruit [a fruit of enlightenment representing boundless attainment].
Borrowing a strand of Merit Golden Light [a manifestation of immense cosmic merit] through a Great Vow [a profound and binding oath to the cosmos] was precisely according to Eldrin Chen's design.
Of course, Merit Golden Light [a manifestation of immense cosmic merit] was not lent out arbitrarily. The Merit Power [the power of virtuous deeds and cosmic favor] the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain [the overarching immortal realm] could bestow was finite; the Heavenly Dao [the supreme, impersonal governing principle of the cosmos] would not lend its power to just anyone who asked.
If one lacked the capability to fulfill a Great Vow [a profound and binding oath to the cosmos] yet rashly swore one, the Heavenly Dao [the supreme, impersonal governing principle of the cosmos] would not grant merit. Instead, it would reclaim merit as punishment.
Even if someone like Eldrin Chen were to borrow the Merit Power [a divine power derived from accumulated virtuous deeds and karma], the price would be immense if he failed to fulfill his grand vow, as he would forever be barred from breaking through to the Great Luo Realm [the pinnacle realm of cultivation, representing supreme unity with the Dao].
Of course, for Eldrin Chen, given his character, he would inevitably clash with the Ancient Demon [primordial beings of immense demonic power] of the Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea [a legendary sea of torment located in the deepest nether realms] sooner or later, even without incurring a karmic debt.
Using this confrontation as the basis for his grand vow to borrow the Merit Power was a transaction with multiple benefits. Not only would it allow him to cultivate the Immeasurable Dao Fruit [a supreme Dao Fruit representing boundless potential and power], but it would also grant him the protection of the Heavenly Dao [the supreme, impartial will and law of the cosmos].
Returning to the main thread, after obtaining the Merit Golden Light [the radiant manifestation of condensed Merit Power], Eldrin Chen immediately fused it into his nascent Dao Fruit [the condensed essence of a cultivator's comprehension and power, representing their foundational achievement].
In that instant, a startling transformation occurred within that Dao Fruit. Boundless purple fortune [representing destiny and luck] and golden merit [representing virtue and karma] converged and interwove, ultimately coalescing into a profoundly deep violet-gold Dao Fruit of unfathomable depth.
"The Great Fortune and Merit Five Elements Primordial Chaos Boundless Dao Fruit."
The moment this Dao Fruit fully solidified, a dazzling light erupted within the pupils of Eldrin Chen's eyes.
"BOOM!"
As the Dao Fruit took form, Eldrin Chen felt his Earth Immortal World [the internal world cultivated by an Earth Immortal, a microcosm reflecting their power] begin to expand at an astonishing, breakneck pace, swelling to several times its original size in the blink of an eye.
In mere moments, his Earth Immortal World continued its rapid inflation, only ceasing its growth once it had reached a staggering span of nine hundred and ninety-nine myriad light-years.
If it were known that Eldrin Chen's Earth Immortal World [the inner world cultivated by an Earth Immortal] was this vast, even an Ancient Immortal Great Power [a being of immense power from ancient times] would likely find it impossible to remain seated in calm indifference.
Generally speaking, when breaking through from a Dual Taiyi Foundation [a foundation built upon two supreme primordial principles] to a Triple Taiyi Foundation [a foundation built upon three supreme primordial principles], one's Earth Immortal World [the inner world cultivated by an Earth Immortal] would typically double in size.
Yet, the disparity between a world spanning over three million light-years and one spanning nine million nine hundred ninety-nine thousand light-years is not merely a matter of doubling; it represents an increase of approximately twenty-sevenfold.
A world of such magnitude has already transcended the ultimate limits of an Earth Immortal World [the inner world cultivated by an Earth Immortal]; one could scarcely call it anything less than a nascent Cosmos [a self-contained universe with its own laws and celestial bodies].
However, Eldrin Chen's Earth Immortal World [the inner world cultivated by an Earth Immortal] still retained the form of a singular world; it had not yet begun its transformation into a boundless Cosmos [a self-contained universe with its own laws and celestial bodies].
"Once my Earth Immortal World [the inner world cultivated by an Earth Immortal] successfully ascends, just how vast will it truly become?"
Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself. A growing intuition whispered that perhaps he had still underestimated the profound potential contained within this Immeasurable Dao Fruit [a legendary fruit representing the boundless and immeasurable Dao].
He slowly clenched his fist. The Void [the fundamental emptiness from which all things manifest] around it warped and twisted. Across the endless dimensions of time and space, millions upon millions of dimensional worlds seemed to revolve in orbit around his palm.
"My power has already transcended the confines of mere dimensions, its influence now projected across the Myriad Heavens and Worlds [the infinite realms and planes of existence]."
Eldrin Chen spoke in a low, contemplative voice. In this moment, he grasped the essential nature of his current form.
Within the Immortal Domain [a higher plane of existence where immortals reside], the form of Eldrin Chen was not his complete manifestation. His true True Body [the ultimate, unrestrained physical form of a supreme being] was the fully realized Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique [a legendary, unbreakable body born from the dawn of creation itself].
That Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique was vast and boundless, spanning a million light-years in scale, its mass beyond all description and measure.
Should his True Body manifest within the Great Universe Starry Sky [the vast, star-filled cosmos], it would become a supermassive gravitational source, drawing in starry skies across billions of light-years and causing thousands of great Ronan-like galaxies to orbit around myself.
The influence of his True Body was relatively contained within the Immortal Domain, yet within the multidimensional continuum, its presence was sufficient to affect the very fabric of the Endless Dimensional Void [the infinite expanse separating and connecting all dimensions] and disrupt the operation of tens of millions of worlds.
Were he to truly descend into the depths of the dimensions, a single finger could puncture Ten-Dimensional Space [a complex spatial structure of ten interwoven dimensions], and the sheer gravitational force of his being alone would be enough to shatter and collapse countless great worlds.
"No wonder the dimensional continuum forbids Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a supreme rank among celestial immortals] from establishing their Cosmos [a personal, self-contained universe] within it," he mused.
"My ascension within that realm would spell cataclysmic disaster for the myriad worlds across the multidimensional expanse."
"Can I possibly restrain my own power, to avoid disrupting the workings of the multidimensional spaces?" Original English translation available at (audio-novel.com).