Chapter 1688 : Celestial Rebirth Amidst the Tribulation

"The Heavenly Layers [the higher celestial planes of existence] Immortal Spirit Qi [the supreme spiritual energy of the immortal realms] is recovering. This phase of the Dao Tribulation [a grand, cyclical cosmic calamity that reshapes fate and destiny] is nearly half complete." Eldrin Chen walked amidst the Heavenly Layers, sensing the explosively increasing primordial energy between the planes, his thoughts subtly stirring. In this moment, he felt a profound sense of reflection. This Great Tribulation [the ultimate cosmic calamity] might be a mortal catastrophe for countless Celestial Immortals [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm], but for the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain [the Vast Azure Immortal Domain], it was a rebirth. Walking beside him, Lyra Jiang gave a slight nod and spoke calmly, "After this Dao Tribulation, the cultivation environment of the entire Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortal laws] will be vastly improved." "For lower-tier Immortals [beings who have transcended mortality], the next three million years will be a golden age of cultivation." Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, a smile touching his lips. With the explosive increase of Immortal Spirit Qi in the Heavenly Layers, their cultivation speed would also see tremendous acceleration. Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen continued forward, soon arriving within the Great White Mountain Range. Within the Grand Hall [the main assembly hall] of the Great White Mountain Range at this moment, the Earth Immortals [immortals whose power is anchored to the earth] from various major powers had long been waiting. They sat solemnly within the Grand Hall, their gazes turning towards the arriving Eldrin Chen. The Wind Cloud Dao Scion was the first to smile and speak, "Since Fellow Daoist Eldrin [a respectful title for a fellow cultivator] has arrived, shall we begin?" Upon hearing this, smiles appeared on everyone's faces. They had achieved a great victory against the alliance of Demon Gods [powerful demonic entities], having slain over one hundred Half-Step Celestial Immortals [cultivators on the cusp of the Celestial Immortal realm] and swept through the Western Pole Celestial Domain [the Celestial Domain of the Western Pole]. The treasures seized were almost beyond count. Now, finally tallied, it was time to distribute the rewards. Eldrin Chen nodded and said with a smile, "Let us allocate according to military merit." The calculation of merit for this campaign had been determined after repeated discussions among all parties. Now, everyone held a considerable amount of merit. Soon, based on the merit in hand, the group finished distributing the seized treasures. As the Abyssal Immortal Alliance [the Abyssal Immortal Alliance], which had contributed the most, naturally received the largest share of the spoils. Nearly all of the more than seventy Half-Step Celestial Immortals obtained significant treasures. Unfortunately, no Innate Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate laws] were captured in this battle. Eldrin Chen simply exchanged his share entirely for rare materials used in setting up formations, along with two point three billion Immortal Sources [the crystallized essence of immortal energy, used for high-level cultivation and as supreme currency]. After everyone had finished their exchanges, all wore expressions of joy. They turned their gazes to Eldrin Chen. The Great White Celestial Maiden could not help but inquire, "Eldrin, the Abyssal Divine Lord, as the Protagonist of the Dao Tribulation [the central figure destined to shape the course of the Dao Tribulation], has now demonstrated the power to sweep through the Six Celestial Domains of the Western Pole [the Six Celestial Domains of the Western Pole]." "What next? Shall we move against the Great Desert Celestial Sands Domain [the Great Desert Celestial Sands Domain] and the Myriad Spirits Ancestral Domain [the Ancestral Domain of Myriad Spirits]?" Eldrin Chen shook his head. He spoke calmly, "The four major Grotto-Heavens [self-contained paradisiacal realms] of the Myriad Spirits Ancestral Domain have sent word. They claim that in this tribulation, they stand united as one, and will only settle matters of Life and Death [mortal combat] through internal dueling arenas. They hope we will not cause them difficulty." Upon hearing this, everyone fell into thoughtful silence. After a moment, Zixuan the Daoist said, "The Myriad Spirits Ancestral Domain is not weak, and has historically remained neutral. If we were to attack them now, after the Dao Tribulation concludes, we might very well push them into the camp of the Demon and God Races [the allied forces of Demons and Gods]." Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. In this Dao Tribulation, the Human Race [Humanity] had already severely wounded the Demon and God Races, forging a deep enmity. If they were to further force the Myriad Spirits Ancestral Domain to the opposing side, the future situation for the Human Race within the Six Celestial Domains of the Western Pole would become exceedingly difficult. Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "I intend to utilize the power of the Western Pole Five Celestial Domains [the Five Celestial Domains of the Western Pole] to erect a 『『『Super Five Elements Grand Formation|Formation Names|new』』』 [a supreme formation harnessing the power of the five fundamental elements], gathering the fortune of all five domains to attempt a breakthrough to a higher realm." "I wish to use this as a condition to agree to their request." Pure Yang Holy Son and the others were inwardly startled upon hearing this. If Eldrin Chen, who could already defeat the combined might of the Twin Imperial Sons of Tai Cang, were to break through to an even higher realm, wouldn't he be comparable to a Mid Celestial Immortal Realm [a cultivator in the middle stages of the Celestial Immortal realm]? This thought shocked them, and they exchanged glances. "This Abyssal Daoist [a title for Eldrin Chen, referencing the abyss], is likely one of the strongest Protagonists of the Dao Tribulation in this tribulation," Wind Cloud Dao Scion and Chang Geng Sword Scion communicated via mental transmission, instantly exchanging opinions. Then they stood and said, "This victory relied entirely on Fellow Daoist's assistance. In this matter, we naturally offer our support." Eldrin Chen nodded, smiling as he said, "After my breakthrough, I will proceed to sweep across the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain, gathering boundless power of fortune. If you are interested, you may campaign alongside me." Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions shifted slightly. The power of fortune held boundless Mysterious Profound [profound and inscrutable mysteries]. If Eldrin Chen truly swept across the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain and condensed such boundless fortune, then those who followed and fought alongside him would also receive immense blessings of fortune. Seizing this opportunity, those with a Triple Taiyi Foundation [a supreme cultivation foundation built upon three pillars of primordial unity] might even have a chance to step into the Ten Calamities Forbidden Realm [a legendary realm attainable only by surviving ten great calamities]. Regarding this, the reactions of those present varied. Some, with greater ambitions, wished to glimpse the Forbidden Realm [a realm of power forbidden to ordinary cultivators] by leveraging this boundless fortune and were willing to follow behind Eldrin Chen. Others felt they had already survived the tribulation and saw no need to take further risks, preferring to enter seclusion to accumulate cultivation and attempt a breakthrough into the Heaven Immortal Realm [the realm of Heavenly Immortals], unwilling to involve themselves in the coming wars. Including those from the Great White Grotto-Heaven, over forty Half-Step Celestial Immortals prepared to depart, among them several who had achieved the Three Taiyi Foundations. Fortunately, those willing to follow Eldrin Chen were more numerous. Among the four major powers, the Wind Cloud Dao Palace, Chang Geng Sword Scion, and Pure Yang Holy Son all chose to stay, bringing with them five individuals who possessed the Triple Taiyi Foundation. Eldrin Chen noted that with the addition of these three major powers and many Rogue Cultivators [cultivators not affiliated with any major sect or clan], the Abyssal Immortal Alliance now numbered over two hundred Half-Step Celestial Immortals, and had gained three Celestial Immortal Realm guardians. After those unwilling to follow had departed, Eldrin Chen smiled and said, "There is no need to rush the sweeping of the Immortal Domain. Your gains from this battle are not small. First, enter seclusion to break through and consolidate your cultivation; we can discuss the rest later." "That is wise," everyone agreed, nodding. The gains from this battle alone would significantly boost their cultivation; now was the time for digestion and absorption. Once everyone had left, Eldrin Chen ordered preparations for the formation's construction. He then prepared to personally lead the members of the Chen Clan on a journey to the Western Pole Great Desert Celestial Sands Domain. Now, the Chen Immortal Clan boasted over a dozen members with the Triple Taiyi Foundation, coupled with Eldrin Chen's own pinnacle combat prowess. Although the Great Desert Celestial Sands Domain possessed four Grotto-Heavens, they were all ordinary, mid-to-low grade ones, ranking last in strength within the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain. With the Chen Immortal Clan's current strength, while claiming to sweep through the entire domain might be presumptuous, they were more than sufficient to handle the powerful figures from the four Grotto-Heavens who had entered the tribulation. The purpose of this trip was for Eldrin Chen to secure the Great Desert Celestial Sands Domain's agreement to allow him to construct his formation within their territory. However, on the very eve of his departure, a message arrived from the Great Desert Celestial Sands Domain, landing in Eldrin Chen's hands. "Blood Dragon Ancient Temple [an ancient temple associated with a blood dragon], Celestial Xuan Ancient Sect [the Ancient Sect of Celestial Profundity], Vajra Temple [the Temple of the Indestructible Diamond Body]…" "You all deserve death." Eldrin Chen was utterly enraged. In his fury, he shot forth from the Firmament [the celestial vault] and sped towards the Great Desert Celestial Sands Domain. Lyra Jiang, Verdant Consort, and the other Immortals of the Chen Clan saw this and their expressions changed drastically. They immediately gave chase towards the Great Desert Celestial Sands Domain. Eldrin Chen fought his way all to the Great Desert Celestial Sands Domain, arriving atop a dilapidated Ancient Temple. This Ancient Temple stood atop a mountain peak, filled with a dazzling golden radiance. In times past, it had been a rare pure land of the Buddhist Sect [a sect following the teachings of Buddhism].