Chapter 1758 : Nurturing the Ancient Trees

With those words spoken, there was truly nothing more to say.

After exchanging a few more polite formalities with Pure Void, Eldrin Chen hastily departed the Primordial Solar Heavenly Domain and made his way back to the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven.

Upon his return, Eldrin Chen immediately retrieved three hundred and sixty billion Immortal Source [a highly concentrated source of immortal energy] and converted them into three hundred and sixty million drops of Innate Spiritual Water [a primordial spiritual liquid that accelerates the growth of spiritual plants].

With this vast quantity of Innate Spiritual Water, Eldrin Chen proceeded to upgrade the Twenty-Four Myriad Heavens Ancient Trees [a grand formation of twenty-four primordial trees].

To nurture each ancient tree to the peak of the low-grade Innate Ancient Tree [a primordial tree born of innate essence] required roughly two thousand drops of Innate Spiritual Water. Advancing it to the Ninth Rank Mid-Grade consumed over three thousand more, bringing the total for a single tree to approximately five thousand drops.

Eldrin Chen elevated all twenty-four ancient trees to Mid-Grade Innate Ancient Tree [a mid-grade primordial tree], a process that consumed a little over one hundred thousand drops of Innate Spiritual Water in total.

Within the clan, aside from Eldrin Chen himself, the other members collectively possessed over two hundred Innate Ancient Tree.

After some calculation, Eldrin Chen directly allocated one million two hundred thousand drops of Innate Spiritual Water to Exquisite Jiang, entrusting her with their distribution among the clansmen.

He then took out another three hundred thousand drops and had them delivered to Path Ruins Jiang at the Void Grotto-Heaven.

As the Holy Scion of the Void Grotto-Heaven, Path Ruins Jiang enjoyed the full support of an entire top-tier Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm for cultivation], which already granted him an exceptionally rapid cultivation speed. If he could now cultivate a batch of Mid-Grade Innate Ancient Tree, his progress was certain to advance with breathtaking swiftness. For more chapters, visit audio-novel*com for the complete novel.

After such expenditures, Eldrin Chen was left with just over a million drops of Innate Spiritual Water [a primordial liquid brimming with pure, foundational spiritual energy].

Yet, he paid it no mind. With the Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo [a legendary bamboo that produces Immortal Crystals] serving as a new source of wealth, it seemed the Chen Immortal Clan would likely never lack for Immortal Source [the foundational energy source for immortal-level cultivation] again.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen transported himself into the heart of the Returning Abyss Universe.

Upon setting foot within the Returning Abyss Universe, Eldrin Chen immediately sensed the vast cosmos undergoing continuous transformation.

As the twenty-four Innate Ancient Tree [primordial trees of immense spiritual power] ascended in grade, each ancient tree took root within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation]. They ceaselessly drew upon Primordial Chaos Energy [the raw, unformed energy of creation] and converted it into the foundational essence of the Universe.

During this process, the immense Earth Immortal Universe [a universe anchored and nurtured by an Earth Immortal] began to expand unceasingly, growing ever more vast.

"Rumble—"

After an immeasurable span of time, a series of thunderous roars echoed as the great Returning Abyss Universe swelled to a size of one hundred ninety million light-years.

Eldrin Chen perceived with perfect clarity that his own cultivation base had surged by twenty percent as a result, breaking through to the realm of the Second Heaven Celestial Immortal Realm [the second tier of the Celestial Immortal cultivation stage].

"The Second Heaven Celestial Immortal Realm," he murmured.

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a ripple of emotion shimmering in the depths of his gaze.

For an ordinary Celestial Immortal Great Power [a powerful immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm], it might take over ten million years of arduous cultivation to advance a single minor realm. Yet, Eldrin Chen had broken through to the Second Heaven Celestial Immortal Realm [the second minor stage within the Celestial Immortal realm] in a mere eight hundred thousand years since his last advancement. This pace was nothing short of astonishing.

"With the Innate Ancient Tree [a primordial tree born of the world's creation] promoted to mid-grade, its rate of converting Primordial Chaos Energy [the formless, primordial energy that existed before creation] has increased severalfold," he noted.

"It seems that, at most, I will only need another million years to cultivate my way to the Third Heaven Celestial Immortal Realm [the third minor stage within the Celestial Immortal realm]."

Eldrin Chen whispered this thought to himself, a surge of quiet joy blooming within his heart.

What he lacked most at present was Innate Energy [the pure, foundational energy inherent to all things at their birth]. Yet, within the established Immortal Domain [the vast realm where immortals reside], it was already impossible to find unclaimed sources of such energy. To progress further in the future, he would ultimately have to venture deep into the Chaos [the boundless, primordial void beyond the ordered realms].

The Chaos was an exceedingly perilous place. Without cultivation at the Late Celestial Immortal Realm [the later stages of the Celestial Immortal realm], the chance of perishing upon venturing deep into that formless expanse exceeded fifty percent. Even Eldrin Chen treated the prospect with the utmost caution.

For this reason, Eldrin Chen had long prepared himself. His plan was to cultivate to the Third Heaven Celestial Immortal Realm and then journey into the Chaos to seek his Opportunity and Fortune [the chance encounters and destined luck crucial for a cultivator's advancement].

Returning to the present, having successfully broken through to the Second Heaven Celestial Immortal Realm, Eldrin Chen was in excellent spirits.

He first cultivated a batch of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo [a rare spiritual bamboo symbolizing primordial unity], refining them into thirty-six Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword [swords forged from the aforementioned spiritual bamboo]. Afterwards, he summoned his three disciples: Alistair Ye, Literature Abyss Lu, and Fate Birth.

"We pay our respects to our Master."

The three of them, Alistair Ye, stepped into Eldrin Chen's grotto-abode [a cultivator's secluded dwelling place, often imbued with spiritual energy] and immediately bowed with solemn expressions to offer their thanks.

Eldrin Chen carefully examined each of them, then nodded with satisfaction. "In a little over a hundred thousand years," he said, "the cycle of the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of chaos and conflict ordained by fate] will begin anew."

"Are you willing to enter the fray and quell the chaos?"

Upon hearing this, the three immediately prostrated themselves. Alistair Ye spoke respectfully, "In reply to our Master, this disciple is willing to sweep through this coming Great Tribulation with nothing but my sword, to restore a clear and peaceful sky to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but nod once more, a faint smile appearing on his face. Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio-novel dot com.

Without further words, he retrieved a dazzling ancient sword from his sleeve and tossed it to Alistair Ye.

"This is the Primordial Solar Heaven Sword [a divine sword born from the essence of the primordial sun]. It was nurtured by the Innate Primordial Solar Ancient Tree [a legendary tree embodying the purest essence of the sun from the dawn of creation] and is a supreme Innate [referring to treasures or beings of primordial, heaven-born origin] treasure for subduing demons. Its nature aligns perfectly with your own attributes. I bestow it upon you to vanquish demons and eradicate evil."

"Our deepest gratitude, Master."

Hearing this, Alistair Ye could not conceal his delight.

The Primordial Solar Heaven Sword bestowed by Eldrin Chen was nurtured by an Innate Primordial Solar Ancient Tree. It possessed immense power and was a rare Demon-Slaying Treasure [a type of enchanted artifact specifically potent against demonic beings].

Most crucially, this treasure would continue to advance alongside the Innate Primordial Solar Ancient Tree, making it a growth-type artifact of nearly limitless potential, its value truly inestimable.

After bestowing the treasure upon Alistair Ye, Eldrin Chen retrieved a set of Four Symbols Formation Flags [a set of enchanted banners used to deploy a powerful defensive or offensive formation] and presented them to his second disciple, Literature Abyss Lu.

These Formation Flag were born from an Innate Four Symbols Ancient Tree. Their nature resonated perfectly with Literature Abyss Lu's own attributes, allowing them to unleash their maximum might.

Finally, Fate Extinction received a protective treasure of great power—the 'Five Treasures Glazed Armor'. Eldrin Chen had acquired this armor during a Path Tribulation [a trial or calamity faced by cultivators on their path to ascension]. As it was only a Low-Grade Innate Treasure, he bestowed it upon this fourth disciple.

After distributing these treasures, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, scattering thirty-six Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword into the air.

The sword lights danced and descended, landing before the three disciples. Each received twelve of the Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword.

Gazing at these swords, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Although these Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword are merely the weakest grade of Lower-Grade Primordial Unity Immortal Treasure, when combined into a Sword Formation [a coordinated attack pattern using multiple flying swords], they possess formidable power."

"Each of you has received twelve. Return and refine them diligently. In a critical moment, they may prove to be a life-saving marvel."

Upon hearing this, the faces of the three disciples were alight with rapturous joy.

The twelve Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword [swords forged from a unique spiritual bamboo] form a Sword Formation [a coordinated array of flying swords], unleashing power comparable to a Middle-Grade Innate Treasure [a powerful artifact born from nature, not crafted].

Most crucially, such treasures place minimal strain on one's spiritual power [the vital energy cultivated within a practitioner]. They should be able to wield them to their fullest potential.

Thinking this, the three disciples prostrated themselves and said, "We thank our master for this generous gift. Your disciples..."

Seeing them deeply moved, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, gently lifting them to their feet.

They raised their hands, their expressions grave. "The Immortal Path is rugged and steep, a Great Path [the ultimate path of cultivation and enlightenment] one must ultimately walk alone."

"The Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial faced by powerful cultivators] is perilous beyond measure. Even I, your master, can offer but limited aid."

"These treasures may bolster your combat strength, yet they remain external aids. Use them sparingly, only when you must."

"My hope is that after this Great Tribulation, our Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance [an alliance of immortal cultivators] will gain three more Immaculate Celestial Immortal [cultivators who have achieved a flawless state of celestial immortality]."

Hearing this, the three disciples bowed solemnly once more. "Master, set your heart at ease. We will not fail your expectations."

"Good. Then I am content."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod, then finally waved his hand, dismissing the three of them.

Not long after the trio had departed, the members of the Chen Immortal Clan emerged from their secluded cultivation one after another.

Having obtained the Innate Spiritual Water, they had used it to elevate their Worldly Spiritual Root, and each had achieved a breakthrough in their cultivation. Nearly all of them had now touched the threshold of the Second Heaven Celestial Immortal Realm. Join our community of readers at http://www . audio-novel.com.