Chapter 1638 : Ancient Ruins of the Mythic Lands

Lyra also nodded in agreement, for she understood Eldrin's thoughts.

No 1 could ascertain how many powerful figures had been drawn into the current Dao Tribulation.

Among these major powers were even descendants of Cave Heavens and the Great Luo Ancient Sect. With the current strength of the Perishing Abyss Immortal Alliance, they feared nothing—not even a direct confrontation with the true inheritors of the Great Luo Ancient Sect, nor battles against hordes of Half-Step Celestial Immortals from Cave Heavens.

However, if he were to reveal his true strength prematurely and be perceived as the greatest threat by the major powers, it was highly likely he would face coordinated suppression from various blessed realms—even the Great Luo Ancient Sect.

You must understand, within the Xī Qì Shén Yuān Hǎi (Mystical Realm) lie 2 superior-grade cave heavens. Such cave heavens possess at least 10 times the strength of the Xùn Fēng Cave Heaven. In the past, the Xùn Fēng Cave Heaven alone had 5 Half-Step Celestial Immortals, so a superior-grade cave heaven likely counts its Half-Step Celestial Immortals by the dozens. "This is the final Heavenly Tribulation before the Great Calamity arrives."

When the Great Calamity erupts, all beneath the Celestial Immortal realm are but ants. For those Half-Step Celestial Immortals dwelling in the grotto-heavens, this may well be their final chance at a breakthrough.

Eldrin murmured softly, his gaze growing slightly dim as he spoke.

Those capable of breaking through to the Half-Step Celestial Immortal realm were all endowed with heaven-defying talent, true seeds of Celestial Immortality. Within their grotto-heavens, they almost invariably held status as Holy Sons or candidates of equivalent standing.

For someone as proud as he, abandoning this opportunity was simply out of the question.

Thus, Eldrin had a premonition—within this tribulation of the Dao, the dread sown by the moves within the grotto-heaven might prove no less formidable than those of the great Luo ancient sects.

After all, those Great Luo Ancient Sects had come from afar, making it difficult for them to bring large numbers of Half-Step Celestial Immortals. They could only follow the example of Taiyang Wuji, paying a tremendous price to win over local rogue cultivators at the Half-Step Celestial Immortal level.

Within the grotto-heaven, however, the number of Half-Step Celestial Immortals accumulated over 90,000,000 years was undoubtedly staggering.

Should these superior and supreme grotto-heavens dispatch a large number of Quasi-Celestial Immortals in 1 fell swoop, the threat they pose might not even be lesser than that of the direct disciples of these Great Luo Ancient Sects.

Lyra also understood this point. After a moment of contemplation, she said, "It seems we must still lie low and accumulate our strength." "Once we've discerned all the major powers that have entered the fray in the Western Mist Divine Abyss Sea, we shall seek the perfect opportunity to strike the decisive blow."

"Hmm."

Eldrin (Person Name) nodded, then summoned his 4 children to the cavern abode.

After so many years, Eldrin's (Person Name) 4 children had gathered once more at Verdant Chariot Mountain (Location). A faint smile finally graced Eldrin's (Person Name) lips.

Over the years, Eldrin had adopted a hands-off approach with the children, allowing them to roam the world and survive on their own.

They did not disappoint Eldrin either. Though each walked their own path alone, they had unknowingly forged their own unique ways in the world.

Although the 4 youths now possessed varying levels of cultivation, Eldrin understood that their foundations were exceptionally solid, and their future prospects were limitless. At this thought, Eldrin couldn't help but turn his gaze to Chen Xianzhu, a faint smile gracing his features. "I heard that during your travels across the realm, you've managed to offend quite a number of people?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Xianzhu’s gaze flickered almost imperceptibly.

He rubbed his head and clasped his hands solemnly, saying, "Your child has slain some demons who plagued the world. But these fiends were utterly dishonorable—no sooner had I dealt with the young ones than their elders came seeking vengeance."

"With no other choice, I had no choice but to send their entire family to the afterlife. But right after that, their relatives and friends came seeking revenge—truly exasperating." Upon hearing this, Chen Xianchang, who stood nearby, couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth slightly.

He had long heard of his elder brother's reputation, knowing full well his domineering nature and his utter intolerance for any form of injustice. Whenever he encountered unfairness, he would seize his Immortal Iron Staff to intervene—even if it meant offending numerous blessed grottoes in the process.

Were it not for the fact that Celestial Immortals would find it beneath their dignity to bully those weaker, Chen Xianzhu’s temperament would have long since earned him a beating severe enough to send him straight into the cycle of reincarnation. Hearing this, Lila’s expression grew slightly solemn.

She let out a soft sigh and spoke with profound concern, "My child, you must understand that the hardest branch breaks first. Remember, do not provoke powerful foes again."

Seeing this, Eldrin (Person Name) secretly transmitted his voice: "The path of cultivation emphasizes a clear conscience in 1's Dao Heart. So long as it does not contradict your Dao Heart, follow your will and act as you see fit."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xianzhu's eyes couldn't help but gleam faintly.

He glanced at Eldrin and gave a slight, involuntary nod.

Seeing this, Eldrin couldn't help but smile. As his eldest son, Chen Xianzhu was naturally someone Eldrin held great expectations for.

His 4 children at present were all exceptional, but the second son, Erlang, possessed truly outstanding talent. With a natural gift for the path of physical sanctification and the divine power of the Celestial Eye, he had earned the deep favor of the Celestial Immortals. His future prospects were truly limitless.

The third son possessed 30-3 Ocean God Pearls, with potential rivaling that of a supreme Great Luo Golden Immortal. His latent abilities naturally required no further elaboration.

Xianqing possessed a Childlike Innocence Heart and was blessed with the Pure Lotus Body. Not only was she free from the torment of inner demons and distracting thoughts during her cultivation, but she also frequently fell into states of sudden enlightenment. Her talent could truly be considered foremost among her peers.

Only this eldest son possessed talent inferior to the 4 daughters, natural aptitude that fell short of the virtuous elders, and a background and fortune that could not compare to the second son.

At first glance, he appeared to be the most unremarkable among the 4. Yet, if asked who among them was most likely to break through to the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, Eldrin would undoubtedly point to Chen Xianzhu.

Because Chen Xianzhu possessed an unyielding will and a Dao Heart tempered through 10 1000 tribulations, he would not be broken by setbacks. Instead, he dared to challenge opponents he could not defeat.

Those who survive a 100 battles, growing stronger with each near-death experience and even shattering their limits, are the ones most likely to attain the Dao. In contrast, Second Young Master’s background, Third Son’s talent, and Fourth Lady’s brilliance did not strike Eldrin (Person Name) as particularly remarkable.

After all, across the 3 1000 Immortal Domains, those with backgrounds surpassing Erlang's are legion, talents exceeding the 3 Prodigies abound, and individuals with wit rivaling the 4 Maidens are far from few.

However, very few among these individuals ultimately managed to break through to become Great Luo Golden Immortals.

After all, the aptitude of a Great Luo is merely the aptitude of a Great Luo—who among those capable of cultivating to the Great Perfection of the Celestial Immortal realm does not possess such qualifications? And which of those who have set foot in the realm of Ancient Immortals is not a prodigy of unprecedented talent?

Yet among these unparalleled geniuses, few could ultimately step into the Great Perfection Realm. At this thought, Eldrin couldn't help but glance at Erlang, Xianzhang, and Qing'er again, giving a slight nod. After a moment of contemplation, he asked, "How do you plan to survive this Dao Tribulation?"

Chen Xianchang pondered briefly, gripping the Immortal Iron Staff as he declared, "I intend to challenge the world, spar with the scions of hidden realms, and cross blades with the direct disciples of ancient sects."

Erlang pondered briefly before speaking, "Master has instructed me to leave the 3 1000 Immortal Domains and venture into the Ancient Ruins of Immortals to undertake the inheritance trial of the 9 Revolutions Heavenly Art. I'm afraid I won't be returning for quite some time."

Eldrin nodded in understanding. The Celestial Court possessed unique legacies that allowed 1 to temper oneself without undergoing the Heavenly Tribulation. Though far more perilous and arduous than the tribulation itself, this path significantly increased the likelihood of achieving a foundation of the 3 Primordial Origins.

Once Erlang returns successfully, I'm afraid his 9 Revolutions Indestructible Body, forged through the 9 Revolutions Heavenly Art, would be comparable to the foundation of 3 Great Perfected Ones. Seeing this, Qing'er and Chen Xianchang spoke up, "The Dao Tribulation is perilous. We wish to stay and lend Father a hand."