Chapter 1637 : The Gathering of Immortal Forces

The return of his four children to celebrate his longevity filled Eldrin Chen with immense joy.

In high spirits, he drank freely with his fellow cultivators, and the grand celebration for his million-year lifespan lasted for over thirty days before concluding.

After the festivities ended, the multitude of Immortals gradually departed, leaving behind only a few close friends of Eldrin Chen.

Early the next morning, within the Stellar Glazed Boundary, a gathering of Immortals assembled.

Inside the Great Hall, Eldrin Chen sat calmly, a gentle smile gracing his features as he observed the assembled Immortals beside him.

Within this Great Hall, aside from the Half-Step Celestial Immortals of the Chen Immortal Clan, there were five other Half-Step Celestial Immortals not belonging to the Chen Clan.

These five were: Glazed Divine Lord, Blazeflame Divine Spirit, Violet Mystery Path Master, Heaven Abyss Path Master, and Ancient Ruins Nether Lord.

Within the Chen Clan, in addition to the original nine Half-Step Celestial Immortals, five more had been added: Verdant Seal Patriarch and The Four Disciples of Eldrin, bringing the total to a formidable nineteen.

"Nineteen combatants at the Half-Step Celestial Immortal level,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, his gaze sweeping over the assembly, a trace of profound satisfaction flickering in his eyes.

Our allied forces combined number a full nineteen Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators who have reached the threshold of the Celestial Immortal realm]. Even if Worthy Path Chen might not be able to leave seclusion to assist, this still represents a formidable and pivotal force within the impending Path Tribulation [a great cosmic calamity that tests the Paths of cultivators].

Furthermore, more than half of the Chen Immortal Clan's Half-Step Celestial Immortal are top-tier figures who have laid the Dual Primordial Unity Foundation [an exceptionally rare and powerful foundational cultivation method]. Their combat prowess far surpasses that of ordinary Half-Step Celestial Immortal.

With such formidable strength, even if all the Half-Step Celestial Immortal from an entire Grotto-Heaven [a self-contained pocket realm of immense spiritual density] were to enter the tribulation, Eldrin Chen was confident they could stand and fight.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before speaking. "Esteemed friends," he began, "the Path Tribulation now draws near, with less than seventy thousand years remaining."

"Since we cannot evade it, let us unite to withstand its onslaught together."

Upon hearing his words, the assembled figures nodded slowly in agreement.

The Blazeflame Divine Spirit [a powerful innate spirit born of flame] pondered briefly before stating, "From our interactions at this gathering, it seems the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea [a vast and perilous sea region in the western reaches] alone may harbor the schemes of two or three Great Encompassing Ancient Sect [immensely powerful and ancient cultivation sects] from the Human Race."

"If we do not join forces, we risk being picked off one by one."

Everyone present had come precisely for the purpose of forging an alliance.

The Glazed Divine Lord [a title for a powerful cultivator associated with crystalline purity] considered for a moment and said, "An alliance is indeed necessary. However, we must devise a concrete strategy to confront the Path Tribulation."

Seeing this, Exquisite Jiang [the Immortal Consort of the Chen Clan] seized the moment to press her point. "The Path Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that reshapes fate and destiny] is perilous beyond measure. As the saying goes: 'Before considering victory, first consider defeat!'"

"Our foundations lie primarily within the Hundred Seas of Returning Abyss [a vast and treacherous archipelago region]. If we can use the Returning Abyss Sea Region [the central sea of the archipelago] as our core, unite the eight surrounding sea regions, and deploy a super-great Formation [a powerful array or magical construct], our chances of surviving the Path Tribulation should increase dramatically."

Hearing this, the others' eyes flickered with a moment of stunned realization.

According to their description, Eldrin Chen [the patriarch of the Chen Clan] intended to use the Returning Abyss Sea Region as the foundation for a super-great Formation encompassing eight entire sea regions.

Once completed, the power of this array would be sufficient to withstand attacks from a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a mighty being who has ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm].

They would then have the advantage, able to attack or defend as needed. Even if they took the initiative to enter the tribulation fray, this Formation would secure their rear, leaving them without worries.

Heaven Abyss Path Master [a senior cultivator] narrowed his eyes slightly before speaking. "To deploy an array across eight sea regions... the resources consumed would be mountainous, a veritable sea of treasure. Even if we could gather such resources, we would need a Ninth Rank [the pinnacle rank] Formation Master."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile in reply. "Not long ago, Exquisite broke through to the realm of a Ninth Rank Formation Master."

"Truly?"

Upon hearing this, genuine surprise and delight dawned on the faces of those present.

The Ancient Ruins Nether Lord [a powerful ruler of the underworld] nodded slightly, then shook his head and said, "However, to anchor a super-formation of this magnitude, the core artifacts cannot be ordinary items."

"Will this object suffice?"

Exquisite Jiang spoke up, presenting a dazzling set of Formation Flag [enchanted banners used to establish and power magical arrays].

The others looked over and saw it was an exceptionally radiant set of Eight Trigrams Formation Flags [a set of eight flags corresponding to the eight trigrams of the I Ching, used for powerful defensive or offensive arrays].

"Ninth Rank Eight Trigrams Formation Flags?"

Seeing this, Glazed Divine Lord [a title for a powerful immortal] felt a surge of wild joy in her heart.

She smiled faintly and nodded, saying, "With this set of Eight Trigrams Formation Flags serving as the primary Formation Eye [the central, most critical node of a magical array], once the grand formation is deployed, even a Celestial Immortal Great Power [an immortal of immense power] who steps into it would face the peril of annihilation."

Speaking to this point, Glazed Divine Lord added, "Now that we have this set of Primordial Unity Formation Flags [another name for the supreme Eight Trigrams Formation Flags], what we lack are only the auxiliary resources for the supporting Formation Eye."

"Our Glazed Blessed Land [a sacred realm of cultivation] will provide half of these auxiliary resources."

Seeing this, Violet Mystery Path Master also spoke up, "Our Violet Firmament Path Palace [a major sect or organization] will provide the remaining half."

Eldrin Chen paused for a moment, his mind racing. To establish such a grand Formation [a complex arrangement of energy channels and nodes used for defense, attack, or cultivation] would consume a staggering amount of resources. The Violet Firmament Path Palace still had the Violet Firmament Sea Region and its Path-Field [a cultivator's personal domain or territory, often imbued with their spiritual energy] to protect. Where could they possibly procure such vast resources?

Do not be misled by Glazed Divine Lord's offer to contribute half. The reason was simple: the Glazed Blessed Land was separated from the Returning Abyss Blessed Land by merely three sea regions. Once the grand Formation was complete, the distance between them would be negligible.

Should any trouble arise at the Glazed Blessed Land, offering reinforcements or even retreating into the safety of the Formation would be a trivial matter.

In stark contrast, the Violet Firmament Sea Region lay at an immense distance from the proposed Formation. If disaster struck there, any aid would likely arrive too late.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but inquire, "Fellow Daoist, what of your Violet Firmament Sea Region? What is to be done?"

Violet Mystery Path Master shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips. "My Violet Firmament Path Palace is situated in the heart of the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea, a land perpetually contested by four powers. To stubbornly defend it would be a path leading only to death."

"It is, after all, merely a Supreme Grade Blessed Land [a land of the highest spiritual grade, exceptionally rich in natural energy]. If I can achieve a breakthrough into the Celestial Immortal Realm [the realm of true celestial beings, a major milestone in cultivation], would I fear being unable to reclaim it?"

Hearing this, everyone understood. Violet Mystery Path Master intended to abandon the Violet Firmament Sea Region entirely, bringing all his resources to the Hundred Seas of Returning Abyss.

At this realization, Eldrin Chen gave a slight, understanding nod.

With the logistical hurdle of the Formation resolved, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to Heaven Abyss Path Master and Glazed Divine Lord. "Fellow Daoists," he asked, "do you plan to relocate your Path-Field here as well?"

Heaven Abyss Path Master [a master of the Heavenly Abyss cultivation path] responded without hesitation, stating directly, "I will abandon the Heaven Abyss Blessed Land [a land blessed with potent spiritual energy]. The resources in my possession will be brought along as well, to serve as war reserves."

Glazed Divine Lord [a divine lord renowned for his crystalline purity] pondered for a moment before speaking, "I too shall relocate the majority of my resources to the Returning Abyss Blessed Land [a blessed land named for its connection to the returning abyss]. As for the Glazed Blessed Land [a blessed land known for its glazed, crystalline essence], it can remain."

"That Blessed Land [a region imbued with concentrated spiritual energy and favorable for cultivation] is not far from us. Should any unforeseen events occur, we would have ample time to provide support."

"Very well."

Eldrin Chen [the patriarch of the Chen Clan] nodded, and thus the matter was settled.

Following this, they continued to deliberate on the intricate details of the impending Path Tribulation [a cataclysmic trial that tests the foundations of a cultivator's path]. They directed the various major powers to inventory their own forces and resources, initiating the integration and preparation for the coming conflict.

The details involved were far too numerous to be fully accounted for immediately, allowing only for a general estimation of data and concepts.

This council of war lasted a full seven days before concluding.

Only after seeing everyone off did Eldrin Chen [the patriarch of the Chen Clan] allow himself a moment to release a slight sigh of relief.

Noticing this, Exquisite Jiang [a cultivator of peerless grace and skill] offered a gentle smile and said, "Once the grand formation is complete and our rear is secure, we can take the initiative and strike first when the Path Tribulation [a cataclysmic trial that tests the foundations of a cultivator's path] arrives."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod before speaking. "There is no need to rush into taking the initiative. After the Path Tribulation [a major, world-shaping trial or calamity], we shall first observe how others make their moves."