Chapter 1678 : The Duel of Ascending Paths

The so-called Exchange Move [a formal duel between two parties] involves each side dispatching a Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator on the verge of ascending to the Celestial Immortal realm] for a fair fight to the death, with no interference from others.

The sole survivor claims the opponent's Path Source [the condensed essence of a cultivator's cultivation path, crucial for breakthroughs], ultimately using it to complete their own cultivation advancement.

Generally, a one-on-one Exchange Move is an exceedingly rare occurrence, as it forces the conflict towards a state of relative parity.

In such Path Tribulation [a climactic, often violent conflict determining the fate of a cultivation path or region], the side with greater numbers, superior strength, and the bigger fist always seeks to crush its opponent utterly; the advantaged party would never agree to a fair, singular duel.

The four major powers' current choice for a fair Exchange Move stems primarily from two reasons.

First, none among them possesses the confidence or reserves of strength to devour their rivals without suffering crippling losses themselves.

Second, the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance is simply too powerful. If they did not opt for the Exchange Move and instead continued their all-out war, even the victor would be left grievously wounded, ripe for the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance to sweep in and claim everything.

This mutual Exchange Move among the four powers, though it claimed the lives of over half the participating Half-Step Celestial Immortals, resulted in a tremendous leap in power for those who survived.

"Nirvana Dragon Demon Venerable, the Ninth Divine Scion of Violet Flame, the Seventh True Successor of the Celestial Net Ancient Sect, and Heaven Sun, the direct lineage scion of the Longevity Ancient Clan,"

Eldrin Chen recounted, his expression turning sharp and severe. "These four have all successfully cultivated the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation [a legendary and supremely stable foundation for future cultivation, formed by unifying three primordial energies]."

"Among the four major powers, the strong cultivators who practiced the Single Primordial Unity Foundation [a foundational cultivation art focusing on unifying a single primordial essence] have essentially been exhausted, and those still alive have mostly already broken through to the Dual Primordial Unity Foundation [an advanced cultivation art that harmonizes two primordial essences]."

Upon hearing this, everyone's brows furrowed slightly.

Seeing this, Verdant Consort spoke up, "Adding four opponents at the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation [the pinnacle of foundational arts, unifying three primordial essences] level is something we can still handle."

"However, behind each of the four powers stands an Early Celestial Immortal Realm [the initial stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm] expert who has entered the tribulation. They will likely be difficult to deal with."

At these words, everyone's expressions grew solemn, and a flicker of concern passed through their eyes.

Given Eldrin Chen's current strength, he had some confidence in facing two Early Celestial Immortal Realm experts. But if four such experts attacked together, even Eldrin Chen could not be certain of victory.

Facing four Celestial Immortal Great Power [a formidable cultivator who has reached the Celestial Immortal realm], even if Eldrin Chen summoned Myriad Spirit Patriarch, he would not have absolute confidence in a complete victory.

Once a protracted battle ensued, the loss of even a single one of the many Triple Primordial Unity Foundation cultivators present would be an unbearable cost for the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance.

One must remember, such beings who have attained the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation are all potential seeds for becoming an Immaculate Celestial Immortal [a Celestial Immortal who has achieved a flawless, perfected state].

Thinking of this, Blazeflame Divine Spirit was about to say something when he suddenly noticed that Eldrin Chen remained perfectly composed, his demeanor that of a master strategist calmly directing the board. A flicker of hope stirred within him.

She gazed at Eldrin Chen and could not help but inquire, "In your esteemed opinion, Fellow Daoist, how should we deal with them?"

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gaze towards Eldrin Chen.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen allowed a faint smile to grace his lips. He looked over the roster and foundational strength of the four major powers before him and spoke, "Our Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance is now the foremost power within the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea during this current tribulation."

"The reason these four forces have joined hands against us is not because we are weak, but because they fear our growing might."

"The method to deal with such a coalition is, in truth, quite simple: we need only divide and conquer."

Hearing this, a gleam of understanding shone in everyone's eyes, and looks of pleasant surprise spread across their faces.

Exquisite Jiang could not help but look at Eldrin Chen, her voice filled with delight as she said, "Indeed! If we demonstrate sufficient strength, then draw some to our side while suppressing others, their alliance will crumble without us having to strike a single blow."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement and stated calmly, "Although our Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance is powerful, it is impossible for just those of us gathered here to sweep unopposed across the entire Vast Azure Immortal Domain."

"Now, as the Path Tribulation [a cosmic calamity testing the Dao] stretches on, it is a time for orthodoxies to vie for supremacy. Far too many Human Race factions are maneuvering within it."

"Our first step, therefore, is to pacify the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea and become the true Path Tribulation Protagonist [the central figure destined to lead through the tribulation]. Then we can command the multitude of heroes to sweep through the Six Heavenly Domains of the Western Pole, before setting our sights on the whole of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain."

Upon hearing this, everyone present grasped the strategic vision behind Eldrin Chen's grand design for the overall situation.

Heaven Abyss Path Master exchanged a glance with Ancient Ruins Nether Lord before inquiring, "In your esteemed opinion, how should we proceed to divide them?"

Eldrin Chen did not answer immediately. He surveyed the four factions before him and then spoke, "The Celestial Net Ancient Sect and the Nirvana Dragon Clan have been sworn enemies for many years. A personal visit from me will be enough to drive a wedge between them; it will be as easy as turning over my hand."

"As for the Longevity Sun Clan and the Violet Flame Divine Clan..."

Eldrin Chen's words trailed off into a meaningful silence.

Seeing his reticence, the others understood his implication and nodded in silent agreement.

The Longevity Sun Clan's Heaven Sun was arrogant and overbearing. He had shown utter disrespect at Eldrin Chen's longevity celebration, sowing the seeds of enmity between them long ago.

More importantly, Worthy Path Chen had once beaten Heaven Sun so severely he resembled a dying dog, utterly humiliating him and stripping him of all face.

With such Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect] binding them, reconciliation was impossible. Eldrin Chen dared not even consider an alliance, for if this man were to stab them in the back, the consequences would be unthinkable.

Seeing their understanding, a faint smile touched Eldrin Chen's lips.

He gave a slight nod, then spoke, "I shall personally make the journey to the Heavenly Dragon Sea Region. You may all withdraw now and make the final preparations for the great battle."

"We understand."

Everyone nodded in agreement, offering respectful bows with clasped hands.

After the assembly had dispersed, Eldrin Chen remained seated within the Great Hall, his gaze fixed upon the roster of the four ancient sects in his hand.

A long while later, his focus settled on the list from the Longevity Sun Clan. A flicker of profound, inscrutable meaning passed through his eyes.

"Heaven Sun, the Ancient Clan of Longevity."

"…"

Departing the Returning Abyss Sea Region, Eldrin Chen set off silently towards the Heavenly Dragon Sea Region.

The Heavenly Dragon Sea Region was originally known as the Hundred Demons Archipelago. After the Western Abyss Dragon King attained his Dao [achieved enlightenment and ascended to a higher state of being], this stretch of ocean was renamed the Heavenly Dragon Archipelago.

Since the fall of the Western Abyss Dragon King, the Nirvana Dragon Clan and the Celestial Net Ancient Sect have been locked in conflict here for over ten thousand years.

Now, both sides have amassed their forces at the location of the Heavenly Dragon Sea Region [a vast and strategically vital sea region], engaging in numerous brutal and devastating battles. It was only in the last several thousand years that the scale of the conflict has subsided.

"This is the place."

Eldrin Chen arrived at the Heavenly Dragon Sea Region. Concealing his form with the Heaven-Deceiving Secret Art [a supreme technique for hiding one's presence from divine senses], he then proceeded to search for the third-generation direct disciple of the Celestial Net Ancient Sect, Song Luo.

Finding Song Luo was not difficult. This individual possessed a magnificent celestial palace Exotic Treasure [a rare and powerful enchanted artifact] named the Song Luo Palace. It hovered within the deepest ranks of the Human Race army, anchoring and suppressing the very core of the Human Race allied forces.

Eldrin Chen, his presence hidden by the Heaven-Deceiving Secret Art, ascended towards that fortress-like celestial palace, aided by the power of the Polarity Void Mirror [a mystical mirror capable of manipulating space and polarity].

It was only at this moment that Eldrin Chen was detected. An immensely majestic and powerful aura locked onto him, and soon a voice carried over.

"Since you, esteemed sir, possess the power to slaughter two direct disciples of major Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm and cultivation paradise], why must you conceal your presence in such a manner?"

After that aura locked onto Eldrin Chen, its owner began to stride forward unhurriedly.

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw two figures approaching. One was old, the other young.