Chapter 1679 : A Clash of Immortal Prodigies

The youth was naturally the third-generation true disciple of the Celestial Net Ancient Sect, Song Luo. The old man's aura was unfathomably profound, seemingly even more formidable than the Wei River Heavenly God and the Heaven Star Path Master.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen understood this person was Song Luo's Path Guardian [a senior protector assigned to safeguard a sect's promising disciples].

With this realization, he gave a slight nod and calmly clasped his hands in greeting. "I pay my respects to you, Senior, and to Fellow Daoist Luo."

The old Daoist's eyes flickered with interest. "You must be aware that our four great powers are currently planning to jointly deal with you," he said meaningfully.

"Given that circumstance, you still dare to seek us out. Are you truly unafraid that I might summon others to surround and slay you?"

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile before speaking. "Since I dared to come, I naturally fear nothing. Even if you gathered them all here, I could overturn this very palace complex and depart unscathed."

"Bold words," the old man remarked.

Song Luo's eyes snapped open, his gaze sharp and piercing. "I have long heard of your peerless talent. Today, I wish to test it for myself."

As he spoke, he gripped a Sword Embryo [the nascent, unformed spirit of a sword, often wielded by master swordsmen] and slashed forward.

Eldrin Chen remained unmoved. With a casual lift of his hand, he caught the brilliant Immortal Sword firmly between two fingers. No matter how fiercely Song Luo channeled his power, the blade could not advance a single inch. Join our community of readers at audio~novel.com.

Then, with a cold sneer, he flicked his finger sharply, sending Song Luo flying backward.

"You are no match for me."

Eldrin Chen stated calmly, simply voicing a fact.

Song Luo lifted his head, his face alternating between pale and flushed, only to find the man standing there serenely, his robes white as snow. His mere presence was like that of a Peerless Immortal Lord surveying the Myriad Heavens, exuding an ineffable, transcendent grace.

"I am not your equal."

After a moment of heavy silence, Song Luo understood the chasm between them was no longer of the same order. The arrogance born from his breakthrough into the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation vanished in an instant.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze to the old man in black robes and inquired, "Might I ask how this senior should be addressed?"

The Black-robed Path Master wore an expression of utmost gravity. At this moment, the aura emanating from Eldrin Chen felt more terrifying to him than even a Chaos Ancient Beast.

He too set aside his earlier condescension, nodding slightly as he replied, "This old Daoist is Mystery Abandoned Path Master. Your quiet search for us today surely was not merely for a social visit, was it?"

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, then spoke, "My purpose in coming here today is to help you two fellow Daoists resolve a particular trouble."

"Help us resolve our troubles?"

Upon hearing this, the gazes of the two men sharpened slightly.

That Song Luo's eyes flickered, and he could not help but speak: "Our greatest trouble, I would say, is you, Fellow Daoist, is it not?"

"Is that so?"

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly, his gaze turning towards the depths of the Heavenly Dragon Sea Region. "Is your greatest enemy truly my Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance?"

"As I understand it," he continued, "the mount of the Celestial Net Ancient Sect Master is a Nirvana Dragon, one of your Supreme Elder ranks, is it not?"

Hearing this, the expressions of the two men shifted subtly.

That Song Luo took a deep breath, his gaze turning profound. "You wish to cooperate with us?"

Eldrin Chen stood with his hands clasped behind his back, speaking with calm authority. "By following me, you will not only eradicate your ancient foe, the Nirvana Dragon Demon Venerable, but also sweep across the Vast Azure Immortal Domain and even pacify the Six Heavenly Domains of the Western Pole."

"Weigh the gains and losses of this path. I believe you understand which holds greater weight."

Upon hearing this, Song Luo felt a slight tremor in his heart.

If this had been before, he would have absolutely refused Eldrin Chen's demand.

He was a prodigy of the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation [a supreme cultivation art that unifies the three primordial energies], a Great Encompassing Direct Successor [a cultivator destined for the Great Encompassing Realm] with the potential to reach the Great Encompassing Realm [the ultimate realm of cultivation]. How could he possibly be content to follow behind another and play a mere supporting role in their Tribulation [a trial of heavenly punishment]?

However, after witnessing Eldrin Chen's true power, he realized that Eldrin Chen was likely one of the ten principal protagonists of this Path Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that reshapes destinies]. This realization plunged his heart into a state of profound hesitation.

Logically, his purpose in entering this tribulation was to master the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation. Once he achieved that, his path would be to accumulate foundational essence in preparation for a breakthrough into the Immaculate Celestial Immortal [a flawless and supreme state of celestial immortality].

After the Path Tribulation concluded, his course would be simple: continue his arduous cultivation and strive to attain the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm [the middle stage of celestial immortality] within the next ten million years. This chapter is provided by audio‑novel.com. Support the original.

At that time, he would receive the full support of the Celestial Net Ancient Sect [an ancient and powerful cultivation sect] to seize the Opportunity and Fortune [a rare chance and immense luck] presented by the Hundred Kalpas Revolving Heavens.

Yet now, Eldrin Chen had presented him with another choice, one that left him deeply conflicted.

After all, the Path Tribulation was perilous beyond measure. A Path Tribulation Protagonist [a central figure destined to shape the tribulation's outcome] stood at the very eye of the storm. To follow such a being meant that failure would inevitably lead to shared annihilation, reduced to ashes and scattered dust.

Yet, should they succeed, the potential rewards were equally staggering, a prospect that only deepened his hesitation.

At that very moment, the memory of Eldrin Chen deflecting his attack with a mere flick of a finger, pinching the Netherweave Sword Embryo between two digits, flashed through his mind. In that instant, his resolve crystallized.

With a solemn bow, Song Luo spoke, his expression grave. "Your immortal might is vast and profound, Elder Brother. I am far from your equal. I wish to follow you and aid in quelling the Path Tribulation [a cataclysmic trial of fate and cultivation that reshapes the world]."

"Good."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a faint smile.

With the Celestial Net Ancient Sect now swayed to their side, one of the four major powers of the enemy alliance was lost. This shift in strength, both a gain and a loss, had completely tipped the scales. For this coming battle, Eldrin Chen now held absolute confidence.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke. "Though you have just arrived, I trust you are aware of my reputation."

"I have heard a thing or two."

Song Luo nodded, a slight smile gracing his lips. "The world speaks of Returning Abyss Path Master as a man of profound righteousness and loyalty, one who never treats his allies unfairly."

Eldrin Chen gave a gentle smile and a nod of acknowledgment. "Set your heart at ease. So long as you fight by my side with true sincerity, you shall find no cause for grievance."

Hearing this promise from Eldrin Chen, Song Luo allowed a genuine smile to spread across his face.

A person's reputation is of paramount importance. Though Returning Abyss Path Master [a title for a powerful cultivator who has mastered the path of the returning abyss] never shows mercy to his enemies, he has never mistreated those on his side.

He believed that Eldrin Chen, whether sincere or not, would never betray him for the sake of the reputation he had cultivated over a million years.

Thinking this, Song Luo felt reassured and could not help but ask with a smile, "If, a moment ago, I had refused and insisted on uniting the major powers against you, what would you have done?"

"Insisted on opposing me?"

Eldrin Chen gave a faint smile and shook his head. "Then the news of my visit would have spread throughout the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea [a vast and perilous sea region in the immortal realm] within three days."

Upon hearing this, Song Luo was momentarily stunned, a chill creeping down his spine.

This move by Eldrin Chen was a masterstroke of psychological warfare. No matter how much the Celestial Net Ancient Sect [an ancient and powerful cultivation sect] tried to explain, once the news of Eldrin Chen's personal visit spread, the fragile alliance of the four great powers would instantly crumble.

Given the deep-seated enmity between the Nirvana Dragon Clan [a powerful clan of dragons known for their resilience and rebirth] and the Celestial Net Ancient Sect, once the seed of doubt was sown, a little provocation would be enough for Eldrin Chen to dismantle the coalition.

At that point, no one would have the heart to continue the fight. The only outcome for the four powers would be to be defeated one by one.

Perhaps some of their high-ranking members could escape, but they would be powerless to stop the overwhelming tide of the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance [a powerful alliance of immortals led by Eldrin Chen].

Upon this realization, Song Luo could not help but cup his hands in a respectful salute towards Eldrin Chen and said, "Your foresight is profound, Fellow Daoist. I am utterly impressed."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his tone calm and detached. "Since ancient times, the hearts of mortals are fickle, and the hearts of Immortals are no different. All alliances in this world are forged by shared interest. As long as one finds the right method, any such alliance can be divided and dismantled."

"However, such stratagems are ultimately but minor arts. For those of our path, cultivation base is the foundation of all things."

"If I possessed the cultivation of the Great Encompassing realm, why would I need to devise such intricate schemes in the face of this situation? A single sweep of my sword would be enough to clear all obstacles." This chapter appears courtesy of *audio-novel.com*.