Chapter 1733 : A Whetstone for the Sovereign

"I grant you this chance—for ten thousand years, for a million years, until eternity itself ends."

Eldrin Chen smiled, simply and calmly clasping his hands behind his back as he spoke.

Having temporarily subdued Taiyang, the Imperial Son of Tai Cang and gained the allegiance of this scion of the Tai Cang Divine Clan and seed of a future Divine Sovereign, Eldrin Chen's mood improved considerably.

After all, this Taiyang, the Imperial Son of Tai Cang possessed talent that was peerless throughout the ages, and his proud, unyielding character was something Eldrin Chen greatly admired.

Such a person possessed a resolute Dao-heart [the core conviction and spiritual foundation of a cultivator] and would not engage in the petty, treacherous acts of a lesser man. When the Calamity Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial or era-ending disaster] arrived, he would prove to be a formidable ally.

Furthermore, as an Imperial Son of the Tai Cang Imperial Clan, even after pledging himself to Eldrin Chen, his Cultivation Resources would not be Eldrin Chen's concern.

For his part, Taiyang, the Imperial Son of Tai Cang did not resist this arrangement. In his eyes, Eldrin Chen was an excellent whetstone upon which to sharpen himself.

He viewed Eldrin Chen as the target he must surpass. By remaining at Eldrin Chen's side, he could frequently test himself against him, rapidly honing his own strength.

Thus, their interests aligned perfectly, and so Taiyang, the Imperial Son of Tai Cang chose to stay.

After personally communicating with Yuga Tai Cang, he remained within the Starry Grotto-Heaven to cultivate. There, he commanded a host of one hundred thousand Celestial Soldiers and Generals, standing guard within Eldrin's Hundred Seas and becoming the foremost Divine General under the banner of the Abyssal Grotto-Heaven. This chapter appears courtesy of audio_novel.com.

After concluding the matters concerning Taiyang, the Imperial Son of Tai Cang, Eldrin Chen summoned the various Heavenly Immortal Paragon [the highest echelon of cultivators who have ascended to immortality] within the Immortal Alliance [a grand coalition of immortal sects and clans].

Within the Violet Ye Palace, Eldrin Chen sat upon the central throne, his gaze sweeping over the assembled Heavenly Immortal Paragon in the Grand Hall. With a calm expression, he began to speak.

"I have gathered you all today to discuss the matter of the Chaos Abyssal Cavern."

"The Chaos Abyssal Cavern?"

Upon hearing this, the attendees exchanged glances, a ripple of uncertainty passing among them.

Among the seated Heaven Immortal [immortals who have attained the Heavenly Immortal realm], most were unfamiliar with the Chaos Abyssal Cavern. Only a few possessed knowledge of its Mysterious Profound [a profound and esoteric divine ability].

Separated Flame Deity, lacking such inherited lore, spoke up to inquire, "Might I ask what the Chaos Abyssal Cavern is?"

"See for yourselves."

Eldrin Chen passed the documents in his hand to the assembly and continued, "The Chaos Abyssal Cavern is a point where the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain [the vast realm of immortals] connects to the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation]. It functions much like the seven orifices of a body, capable of inhaling and exhaling Chaos Qi [the primordial energy of chaos] to transform the energies of the Primordial Chaos."

Upon hearing this explanation, everyone received the materials and began to examine them closely.

It turns out that this Chaos Abyssal Cavern [a profound fissure connecting the Immortal Domain to the Primordial Chaos] is capable of inhaling and exhaling Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state of existence before creation] energy, transforming it into Immortal Spirit Qi [the highest grade of spiritual energy used by Immortals for cultivation].

The Immortal Spirit Qi [the highest grade of spiritual energy used by Immortals for cultivation], Five Elements Primordial Qi [the primordial essence of the five fundamental elements], and countless other resources within the Immortal Domain [the realm where Immortals reside] originate not only from the countless Immortal [a being who has achieved immortality through cultivation] who have fallen during Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial] and Dao Tribulation [a tribulation testing one's comprehension of the Dao], but more significantly, they are produced through the transformative power of these Chaos Abyssal Cavern [profound fissures connecting the Immortal Domain to the Primordial Chaos].

Within the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain [the specific Immortal Domain where this story takes place], there exist Thirty-Three Heavenly Realms [the thirty-three stratified layers of heaven], and each of these Thirty-Three Heavens [the thirty-three stratified layers of heaven] possesses one Chaos Abyssal Cavern [a profound fissure connecting the Immortal Domain to the Primordial Chaos].

Within each Chaos Abyssal Cavern [a profound fissure connecting the Immortal Domain to the Primordial Chaos] resides a Heavenly Dao Source Artifact [a divine artifact that serves as a conduit for the Heavenly Dao's transformative power], an artifact dedicated to converting Chaos Qi [the raw, untamed energy of the Primordial Chaos].

The Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea [a specific region within the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain], where our companions currently find themselves, also contains one such Chaos Abyssal Cavern [a profound fissure connecting the Immortal Domain to the Primordial Chaos]. Within this cavern lies a Heavenly Dao Source Artifact [a divine artifact that serves as a conduit for the Heavenly Dao's transformative power].

This particular Heavenly Dao Source Artifact [a divine artifact that serves as a conduit for the Heavenly Dao's transformative power], empowered by the presence of a Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a supreme expert at the Heavenly Immortal realm], is what transforms Chaos Qi [the raw, untamed energy of the Primordial Chaos] into Immortal Spirit Qi [the highest grade of spiritual energy used by Immortals for cultivation]. Its stewardship has historically been shared jointly by the two Grotto-Heaven [a blessed paradise and cultivation sanctuary], Western Qi and Divine Abyss.

It is precisely because of this shared control over the artifact that the two Grotto-Heaven [blessed paradises and cultivation sanctuaries], Western Qi and Divine Abyss, are able to wield a portion of the Heavenly Dao Authority [the mandate and governing power of the Heavenly Dao] over the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea [a specific region within the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain].

Legends say that whoever gains complete mastery over a Heavenly Dao Source Artifact [a divine artifact that serves as a conduit for the Heavenly Dao's transformative power] can become the sovereign ruler of an entire heavenly realm.

With the support of a Heavenly Dao Source Artifact [a divine artifact that serves as a conduit for the Heavenly Dao's transformative power], one's combat prowess can rival that of a single-calamity Ancient Immortals [Immortals who have survived at least one Great Tribulation]. Such a being becomes so formidable that not even an Ancient Immortal Great Power [an immensely powerful Ancient Immortal] could easily vanquish them.

The very reason Eldrin Chen has summoned everyone now is to contend for the authority over the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact [a divine artifact that serves as a conduit for the Heavenly Dao's transformative power] within the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea [a specific region within the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain].

As long as they grasped a portion of the Heavenly Dao Authority [the supreme authority to command the fundamental laws of the cosmos], they too could obtain a share of the resource distribution rights from the Chaos Abyssal Cavern [a primordial chasm where chaos energy condenses into rare materials].

These resources were of immense significance, including the Giant Immortal Source Vein [a colossal vein of energy that is the lifeblood of immortal realms], various types of Chaos Divine Gold [a legendary metal forged in the primal chaos], and the Immortal Spirit Qi [the purified spiritual energy that fuels immortal cultivation] required to operate the Nine Great Grotto-Heavens [the nine supreme paradisiacal realms within the alliance].

Without the replenishment from the Chaos Abyssal Cavern, relying solely on drawing energy from the Immortal Domain [the overarching realm of immortals] and the Dimensional Void [the empty space between dimensions], the Immortal Spirit Qi within the Nine Great Grotto-Heavens would inevitably reach a point where expenditure outstripped income.

Having grasped this truth, all those present were resolved in their hearts to secure this prize.

The Sky Abyss Daoist took a deep breath and spoke, "Although our Nine Great Grotto-Heavens are newly ascended Grotto-Heaven [a paradisiacal realm of immense spiritual density], we possess close to thirty Heavenly Immortal Paragon [the pinnacle masters of the Heavenly Immortal realm]."

"We deserve a share of the authority over the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact [an artifact of cosmic origin that channels the power of the Heavenly Dao] in this Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea." Dive deeper into the Dao at AUDIO-NOVEL.COM.

Seeing this, Qiyuan Chen also nodded and said, "I have heard that the more Heavenly Immortal Paragon who jointly operate a Heavenly Dao Source Artifact, the greater the amount of Immortal Spirit Qi it can transform."

"This matter concerns our very cultivation; we must inevitably involve ourselves in it."

As each person voiced their stance, the assembled Heavenly Immortal Paragon quickly reached a unanimous decision: the Abyssal Immortal Alliance must intervene in the affairs of the Chaos Abyssal Cavern.

If the two great Grotto-Heaven of Western Qi and Divine Abyss were unwilling to relinquish control, they would not hesitate to wage a war between Grotto-Heaven.

Seeing the various Heaven Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] reach an agreement, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod.

He cast a final sweeping glance over the assembly and then spoke, "Since that is the case, we shall first extend courtesy before resorting to arms. Let us send a letter to the two great Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm of profound spiritual energy and a major power base] to first gauge their stance."

As the highest echelon of Heaven Immortal within the Abyssal Immortal Alliance reached their accord, two letters were delivered that very afternoon to the Western Qi Grotto-Heaven and the Divine Abyss Grotto-Heaven.

"This Abyssal Immortal Alliance is truly audacious! They are merely a group of newly ascended Heaven Immortal, yet they dare to covet the authority over the Heavenly Dao Source Qi [the primordial source energy of the Heavenly Dao, the fundamental cosmic law]!"

Within the Divine Abyss Grotto-Heaven, after reading the letter, Yuanzhi the Daoist slammed it onto the table in a fury, his voice trembling with rage.

Beside Yuanzhi the Daoist, a woman of peerless grace and beauty picked up the letter. After glancing at its contents, a slight frown creased her brow.

This person was Yuanzhi the Daoist's Dao Companion [a cultivation partner who shares the path to enlightenment] and the Fifth Grand Elder of the Divine Abyss Grotto-Heaven, Qingxuan, the Immortal Maiden.

After reading the letter, Qingxuan, the Immortal Maiden's eyes flickered thoughtfully. "The Abyssal Immortal Alliance commands Nine Great Grotto-Heavens and boasts twenty-eight Heavenly Immortal Paragon [the pinnacle experts among Heaven Immortals]. To grant them no share of the Immortal Spirit Qi [a supreme-grade spiritual energy vital for high-level cultivation] at all would be difficult to justify," she said.

"Moreover, that Abyssal Daoist [a title for Eldrin Chen, referencing his connection to the Abyss] possessed combat power rivaling a Mid Celestial Immortal Realm cultivator the moment he broke through to the Heaven Immortal Realm. By now, he has likely progressed far within that domain. It is unwise to provoke them utterly."

At this point, Qingxuan, the Immortal Maiden added, "I know you bear resentment towards the Abyssal Immortal Alliance because of Divine Lord Glaze."

"However, the current Divine Lord Glaze, having already cultivated a Flawless Celestial Immortal Foundation [a perfect and unblemished foundation for ascending to the Celestial Immortal realm], it would be best for you not to antagonize her."

Upon hearing this, Yuanzhi the Daoist's expression darkened further.

He pondered for a long while, his heart still unwilling to accept this. As the direct grandson of the First Supreme Elder of the Divine Abyss Grotto-Heaven, his cultivation journey had been smooth sailing until now; he had never suffered such an affront.

After much hesitation, he finally picked up the letter, left his Cultivation Cave [a secluded cavern used for meditation and cultivation], and arrived before another Cultivation Cave deep within the Divine Abyss Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm of profound spiritual energy].

"Your grandson seeks an audience with Grandfather."

Gazing at the Cultivation Cave, Yuanzhi the Daoist spoke with utmost respect.

A brief silence emanated from within the Cultivation Cave, before the great door slowly swung open, and a hoarse, aged voice drifted out.

"Enter."

Yuanzhi the Daoist hurried inside. Within the Cultivation Cave, he soon beheld an elderly Daoist.

The old Daoist wore simple grey robes, his snow-white hair flowing freely down his back. He possessed an aura of immortal grace, yet his presence felt as deep and unfathomable as the Primordial Era [the mythical age of creation] Divine Abyss [a legendary chasm of immense spiritual power] itself. Read the full novel exclusively on audio-novel-dot-com.