Chapter 1858 : A Gathering of Celestial Immortals

In the eyes of many, Eldrin, the Abyssal Daoist [a title for a powerful cultivator who has mastered the profound mysteries of the abyss], even if he missed the greatest Opportunity [a pivotal chance for advancement] offered by the Hundred Tribulations Rebirth [a legendary divine ability involving rebirth through one hundred tribulations], was still highly likely to attempt a breakthrough to the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Realm, a supreme state of cultivation] during the next Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal].

Such a figure was naturally of immense importance to all factions, who wished to use this banquet to gauge the true depth of Eldrin, the Abyssal Daoist's power.

This time, the Immortals [beings who have achieved immortality through cultivation] within the Abyssal Ruins Celestial Domain [a celestial realm built upon ancient, abyssal ruins] noticed a change. Top-tier Immortals, who were usually seen only once every ten thousand years, began to fly past the Abyssal Ruins Celestial Domain in an unending stream, their powerful auras blazing across the heavens like midday suns.

Among them, the lowest cultivation base was the Earth Immortal Realm [the Earth Immortal Realm, a high level of immortal cultivation]. Even Half-Step Celestial Immortals [cultivators on the verge of becoming Celestial Immortals] appeared utterly unremarkable amidst the throng, while Heavenly Immortal Paragons [Paragons of the Heavenly Immortal Realm, beings of immense power] arrived by the hundreds and thousands.

Outside the Abyssal Grotto-Heaven [a paradise-like realm within the abyss], numerous Immortals from the Chen Immortal Clan [the Chen Clan of Immortals] greeted the arriving guests with smiles, having prepared a banquet of unparalleled grandeur upon the Abyssal Dao Field [a sacred cultivation ground imbued with abyssal Dao principles].

"Six hundred Celestial Immortals [immortals of the Celestial Realm] have already arrived," someone noted.

On this day, Eldrin Chen emerged from his Grotto-Heaven [a personal paradise realm]. Glancing at the list in his hand, a flicker of surprise passed through his eyes.

The Vast Azure Immortal Domain [the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, a major region of the immortal world] housed little over a thousand Heavenly Immortal Paragons in total. Yet, with the banquet not yet formally begun, nearly half of its Celestial Immortals had already gathered. This turnout genuinely took Eldrin Chen somewhat aback.

Noticing his reaction, Lyra Jiang, standing beside him, spoke softly, "The Heavenly Immortal Paragons from nearly all the Ninth Rank [Ninth Rank, a classification for power levels] low-to-mid grade Grotto-Heavens have arrived. Now, we await only those from the top-tier Grotto-Heavens and the Ancient Immortal Great Powers [ancient and supremely powerful immortal factions]."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. "They have begun their approach as well," he stated.

Just as his words faded, three streaks of light tore through the void from its distant edge. Among them, a voice spoke with a laugh.

"For Fellow Daoist Abyssal's grand birthday celebration, this old man has brought a humble gift. I pray you do not take offense."

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw the speaker was none other than the Ethereal Void Sword Lord from the Ethereal Void Grotto-Heaven.

After so many years apart, the Ethereal Void Sword Lord's cultivation had finally advanced another step; he seemed to have stepped into the Ancient Immortal Realm [a venerable and profound stage of immortal cultivation]. His aura was even more razor-sharp and imposing than in years past.

By his side were thirteen Heavenly Immortal Paragon [powerful immortals who have reached the pinnacle of the Heavenly Immortal realm], including the Ethereal Void Holy SonDaoxu Jiang and the Grand ElderDongxu, the Ancient Ancestor.

The Ethereal Void Grotto-Heaven [a celestial realm of profound emptiness] had only a dozen or so Celestial Immortal [immortals who have ascended to a celestial state of being] in total. For more than half of them to be present now showed they had truly come to pay their utmost respects.

Moreover, Eldrin Chen understood implicitly that the Ethereal Void Grotto-Heaven's arrival with such a large contingent was not merely to offer birthday felicitations, but more so to stand guard and lend their formidable presence to the occasion.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen offered a slight smile and cupped his hands in salute. "For all you fellow Daoists to come and honor me on this day fills my heart with profound gratitude. How could I possibly take offense?"

"Heh heh heh…"

At that very moment, a strange, cackling laugh echoed from nearby.

Not far away, two other streams of light materialized. To the right stood only three figures, members of the Taihao Ancient Clan from among the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races. Their leader was Taihao, the Ancient Ancestor, a cultivator at the Great Perfection stage of the Celestial Immortal [the pinnacle realm before ascending to true immortality] realm.

To the left, over a dozen mighty figures appeared, all Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a supreme expert within the Heavenly Immortal realm] experts from the Bifang Clan. Their leader was Bifang, the Ancient Ancestor, who, upon seeing Eldrin Chen, let out a strange laugh and said, "This old man arrives uninvited today. I hope you do not take offense, Fellow Daoist."

Eldrin Chen offered no immediate reply. He merely cast a measuring glance at Bifang, the Ancient Ancestor before speaking with calm authority, "Today marks my longevity celebration. Since friends are willing to attend, I naturally welcome them."

"However," his voice turned icy, "if anyone comes to cause trouble, they should not blame me for being discourteous."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of sinister intent passed through Bifang, the Ancient Ancestor's eyes, but he suppressed the thought in an instant.

His cultivation was still stalled at the Great Perfection of the Celestial Immortal realm. Facing Eldrin Chen, who had once slain a foe at that same pinnacle, he harbored little confidence in a direct confrontation.

Yet, he had not come today to face Eldrin Chen alone. A cold sneer twisted his lips. "I naturally have no intention of acting myself. But given today's circumstances, you would do well to pray for your own fortune."

With those words, Bifang, the Ancient Ancestor said no more, content to stand aloft in the sky and watch the unfolding drama with a mocking smile.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, signaling his clansmen to receive these new arrivals. He himself personally escorted Ethereal Void Sword Lord and the others into the lofty Immortal Pavilion.

With the arrival of these three major powers, the premier Grotto-Heaven [a blessed, self-contained paradise realm for cultivation] forces of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain began to arrive in succession.

Not long after, even the rulers of the Violet Flame Grotto-Heaven [a mystical realm of profound cultivation], the True Dragon Cave Heaven [a sacred domain of draconic power], the Immortal Phoenix Grotto-Heaven [a celestial abode of the phoenix lineage], and the Purple Tenuity Grotto-Heaven [a grotto-heaven suffused with ethereal purple energy] arrived one after another within the Vast Azure Immortal Domain.

However, Eldrin Chen also noted that among the masters of these four great Grotto-Heaven [mystical paradises and cultivation sanctuaries], the lords of the True Dragon, Immortal Phoenix, and Purple Tenuity Grotto-Heaven had all broken through to the Ancient Immortal Realm [a venerable and immensely powerful stage of immortal cultivation].

Only the master of the Violet Flame Grotto-Heaven remained, his cultivation still lingering at the Great Perfection stage of the Celestial Immortal realm [the pinnacle stage before ascending to Ancient Immortal].

"Among the ten great Grotto-Heaven of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, aside from the original five, the masters of the other four have all broken through to the Ancient Immortal Realm. Yet, this Violet Flame Grotto-Heaven alone has not?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, vaguely understanding that the other four Grotto-Heaven likely had stakes placed upon them by the Great Luo Ancient Sect [an immensely ancient and powerful sect]. Only this Violet Flame Grotto-Heaven seemed to lack such formidable backing, ultimately failing to take that final step.

Of course, it was also possible that the master of the Violet Flame Grotto-Heaven simply lacked sufficient foundation; even with a heavy investment from a patron, he ultimately could not cross that threshold.

Regardless, from this point alone, it was clear that among the ten great Grotto-Heaven of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, the position of this Violet Flame Grotto-Heaven was the most precarious.

No wonder the Demon Race had always ranked the Bifang Grotto-Heaven [a grotto-heaven associated with the mythical Bifang bird] as tenth, and the Divine Race had listed the Celestial Sun Grotto-Heaven [a grotto-heaven of solar divinity] in that position.

It now appeared these three were roughly on par. Considering those Ancient Immortal [venerable immortals of immense age and power] who had long ago pledged allegiance to various ancient sects and celestial courts and left the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, the Violet Flame Grotto-Heaven likely wouldn't even rank within the top twenty.

Of course, those who came from these great Grotto-Heaven were merely a few early-stage Ancient Immortal ancestors. Eldrin Chen suspected that behind them stood peak-level Ancient Immortal Great Powers [supreme beings at the pinnacle of the Ancient Immortal realm], who simply chose not to reveal themselves this day.

After receiving several Grotto-Heaven, an aura of incomparable grandeur manifested once more within the void.

These auras were even more formidable than that of the Ethereal Void Sword Lord, allowing Eldrin Chen to deduce their origins. He could not help but lift his gaze to look.

There, at the farthest reaches of the endless void, a blindingly brilliant radiance erupted.

Immediately after, a primordial celestial sun descended upon the mortal realm. It emanated an ancient light that illuminated all heavens, arriving with a force that seemed capable of suppressing all existence.

"Abyssal…"

"Boom—"

As the figure's words fell, a boundless, raging torrent surged forth to suppress Eldrin Chen.

Yet, faced with such overwhelming momentum, Eldrin Chen remained utterly unmoved, as calm and unperturbed as if brushed by a gentle breeze.

He merely stood there, but an intangible aura emanating from him smoothed away all turbulence. It even repelled the newcomer from the celestial heights, sending him hurtling through the air like a Grand Yang cast from the Ninth Heaven.

Only then did the assembled crowd realize with astonishment that the newcomer was none other than Aurelius, the Ancient Immortal.

"Impossible!"

In that instant, Aurelius, the Ancient Immortal's face was etched with disbelief.

He stared at Eldrin Chen, drew a deep breath, and asked, "You have broken through to the Ancient Immortal Realm [the legendary realm of cultivation surpassing the Heavenly Immortal stage]?"

"*Hummm—*"

In a Ksana-time [an infinitesimal unit of time], every Heavenly Immortal Paragon present was struck with profound shock.

To cultivate to the Ancient Immortal Realm in a mere ten million years was a feat bordering on myth within the Vast Azure Immortal Domain. Had anyone else made such a claim, they would have been met with scornful disbelief.

Yet now, with Aurelius, the Ancient Immortal himself voicing the question, they found it difficult to maintain their skepticism.

Not only them, but even the Ancient Immortal Great Powers concealed within the void—Aurora, the Ancient Immortal, Pure Yang Ancient Immortal, Qingyang, the Ancient Immortal, and others—could no longer contain their auras. Stunned, they emerged from the spatial folds into the open.

Facing this collective astonishment, Eldrin Chen remained utterly composed. "Merely the Ancient Immortal Realm," he stated with serene indifference. "It is nothing of great consequence."

"So it is true."

Aurelius, the Ancient Immortal drew a deep breath, then fixed his gaze upon Eldrin Chen and declared, "You have merely just stepped into the Ancient Immortal Realm [the realm of primordial, near-mythical cultivators]. What cause have you for such arrogance?"

"Know this: the gulf between Ancient Immortal [primordial, near-mythical cultivators] is as vast as that between heaven and earth. Compared to a true pinnacle Ancient Immortal, you are but a slightly larger insect."

"A slightly larger insect?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen let out a cold, derisive laugh.

With a sudden, sweeping motion of his sleeve, the void for billions upon billions of Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] shattered violently. Great rifts in reality tore open, and from them rained down a veritable downpour of Immortals.

Among this host, the lowest cultivation base was at the Celestial Immortal [the realm of celestial beings] level. There were even more than twenty Ancient Immortal Great Powers [primordial cultivators of immense power], and most terrifying of all, seven or eight beings who had weathered five, or even Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [primordial cultivators who have survived six heavenly tribulations].

"Peacock Ancient Immortal, Bifang Ancient Immortal, the Verdant Sun Divine Clan…"

Eldrin Chen murmured slowly, his gaze sweeping over the assembled figures one by one before finally settling upon Vorgath Di's face. "Fellow Daoist Vorgath Di, it seems the reliance of this Aurelius, the Ancient Immortal rests upon you."

"You—!"

Vorgath Di paled with fury. In that moment, he wished for nothing more than to crush Aurelius, the Ancient Immortal to death, yet he dared not show the slightest hint of negligence.

Taking a deep breath, he then cupped his hands respectfully toward Eldrin Chen and said, "It has been many years. I never imagined your cultivation would advance yet again. For this old man to visit so presumptuously today is truly an intrusion."

As he spoke, Vorgath Di gritted his teeth and produced a lavish gift, presenting it to Eldrin Chen. "Today marks your longevity celebration. This humble token is but a trifle; I beg you not to refuse it."

With a flick of his sleeve, Eldrin Chen drew the treasure toward him. Upon discovering it contained over one thousand strands of Innate Primordial Qi [the purest, most fundamental energy of creation], he could not help but look up at Vorgath Di in surprise.

In the void, the other Ancient Immortals witnessing this scene wore expressions of utter astonishment.

They could scarcely believe that Vorgath Di, a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations], would go to such lengths to curry favor with Eldrin Chen.

The ancient progenitors from the Ziwei lineage, the venerable elders of the Bifang Clan [a clan of mythical firebirds], and the six-tribulation ancient dragons of the True Dragon bloodline all revealed looks of profound shock, an inexplicable sense of foreboding stirring within their hearts.

As their thoughts churned, the assembly surmised that Vorgath Di must have suffered a loss at Eldrin Chen's hands. Immediately, they each presented lavish gifts of their own, speaking with utmost courtesy: "Fellow Daoist, we have come to celebrate your longevity. Our slight delay is most regrettable; we beg your forgiveness."

As the saying goes, one does not strike a smiling face. Eldrin Chen accepted their generous offerings without refusal.

Yet, after receiving the gifts, he remarked with a faint, enigmatic smile, "You have all traveled from afar, yet I, your host, am utterly unprepared. I fear I have been remiss in my hospitality."

"Not at all, not at all," they hastily demurred.

That Vorgath Di hastily waved his hands, a sheepish smile on his face as he said, "Our uninvited arrival was truly presumptuous. Now that the gifts have been delivered, pressing matters await us at the clan, so we shall not impose further."

As his words fell, he seized Aurelius, the Ancient Immortal and tore through the void, vanishing into the horizon of heaven and earth.

Seeing this, the other Ancient Immortal present did not wait for Eldrin Chen to speak. They all clasped their hands in farewell one after another, then tore through the void and departed. Only those Immortal [cultivators who have ascended to immortality] with close ties to the Abyssal Immortal Alliance remained behind.

Most of these were Human Race Celestial Immortal [a high rank among ascended immortals] Ancient Immortal, along with Human Race prodigies of forbidden talent like Sun Qian and Wuji Taiyang.

Only after those others had left did Daoxu Jiang approach. He scrutinized Eldrin Chen for a long moment, then drew a deep breath and said, "To think that in just a few million years, you have attained such power. It seems I underestimated you once again."

"But since you possess strength surpassing the Sixth Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial], why did you not detain them?"

"With our assistance, we might have been able to severely wound, or even slay, some of those Ancient Immortal, clearing away part of the obstacle for the coming Kalpa Tribulation in advance."

Eldrin Chen, however, shook his head and spoke with calm certainty. "Each of them has the backing of a Great Luo Ancient Sect [an ancient and powerful sect from the primordial era]. They undoubtedly carry potent trump cards. If they are determined to flee, even with my current strength, it would require considerable effort to kill them."

"The most crucial point is this: the Kalpa Tribulation approaches. Rather than slaying them now, it is better to let them remain until the tribulation, to harvest the Dao Source [the primordial essence of the Great Dao itself]."

Upon hearing this, Daoxu Jiang felt a tremor within his heart.

According to his understanding, even with the assistance of the Human Race [the collective of human cultivators] Immortals, they would only be able to slay a portion of the Ancient Immortal [a cultivator who has transcended the Celestial Immortal realm and weathered countless tribulations].

Yet the implication within Eldrin Chen's words was utterly staggering. To him, slaying a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations] seemed to be merely a matter of expending some effort.

This realization shook him to his core, and a terrifying thought surfaced: "Could it be... has he already broken through to the Seven Tribulations [the realm of an Ancient Immortal who has weathered seven heavenly calamities]?"

Daoxu Jiang was inwardly astounded. He could not help but cast a deep, searching look at Eldrin Chen, feeling more and more that Eldrin Chen was profoundly unfathomable.

Before his own breakthrough to the Celestial Immortal [the realm transcending mortality and achieving celestial status] realm, he had enjoyed the full cultivation support of a top-tier Grotto-Heaven [a blessed, self-contained pocket dimension rich in spiritual energy]. His cultivation environment had far surpassed that of Eldrin Chen.

And after ascending to Celestial Immortal, through the channels of the Ethereal Void Grotto-Heaven [a specific, renowned pocket dimension], he had received substantial cultivation resources from the Grotto Abyss Ancient Sect [an ancient and powerful cultivation sect]. Yet, even after nearly ten million years of such cultivation, his own cultivation base had only just entered the Ancient Immortal Realm [the realm beyond Celestial Immortal].

Compared to Eldrin Chen, the difference was as vast as heaven and earth.

He knew very well that Eldrin Chen had consistently refused funding from the great ancient sects and the Celestial Court.

While such patronage was advantageous, the price to be repaid in the future was often staggeringly high.

At this thought, he drew a deep breath, and a single notion crystallized in his mind.

After a fleeting moment, he spoke, "After the banquet, let us speak alone."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered subtly before he nodded calmly.

With the departure of the various parties harboring ill intentions, the banquet finally commenced in an orderly fashion. Eldrin Chen and the other members of the Chen Clan began the festivities with smiles gracing their faces.

The banquet proceeded with great liveliness and warmth, continuing unabated for a full three thousand years before concluding.

When the assembled immortals began to depart after those three millennia, Eldrin Chen suddenly furrowed his brow slightly. Exchanging a glance with Lyra Jiang, he then made his way into the depths of the Abyssal Grotto-Heaven.

There, outside the secluded cave abode where Eldrin Chen cultivated, stood a figure robed in snow-white garments. Seeing Eldrin Chen appear before him, the youth respectfully prostrated himself on the ground and said, "Your unfilial son, Xiannian Chen, pays homage to you, Father."

"Rise,"

Eldrin Chen replied with an unchanged expression, though Lyra Jiang's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she helped the young man to his feet.

Regarding this, Eldrin Chen said nothing more. With a sweep of his sleeve, he ushered the three of them into the cave abode. Then, looking at the Xiannian Chen before him, he asked, "How have you fared all these years?"

"Your son has been well in all respects."

Xiannian Chen nodded, his voice thick with emotion. "All these years, I have been studying under my Master. Yet, my Master decreed that I could not leave the mountain until I achieved a breakthrough into the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of a Golden Immortal, signifying supreme enlightenment and power]. That is why I have been unable to fulfill my filial duties by your side, Father."

"This time, I was only permitted to descend the mountain because it is your birthday, Father. My Master granted me this single exception."

Eldrin Chen's heart quaked with profound shock. He scrutinized Xiannian Chen intently, then drew a deep, steadying breath. "Only a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of a Golden Immortal, signifying supreme enlightenment and power] is deemed worthy to leave the mountain? What an audacious claim! Who, in all the heavens, is your master?"