Chapter 1806 : A Path Beyond Immortality
Eldrin Chen spoke with a faint, yet unmistakable, note of pride in his voice.
The Sacrificial Self Path possesses one more major realm than the Immortal Path before reaching the Great Encompassing stage. Consequently, the power of a Cosmos Realm cultivator of this path will far surpass that of a Celestial Immortal Realm expert from the orthodox Immortal Path.
According to Eldrin Chen's estimations, cultivation within the Cosmos Realm can be considered a fusion of the principles from both the Celestial Immortal Realm and the Ancient Immortal Realm.
The fundamental reason for this lies in how Eldrin Chen refined and extended the transitional Three Realms Realm stage that bridges the Martial Path and higher paths.
Originally, the Three Realms Realm was merely comparable to a Half-Step Celestial Immortal at the Primordial Unity Realm level. However, by harnessing the power of the Inner World, the Sacrificial Self Path transformed this transitional stage into a complete and formidable new realm in its own right.
Furthermore, Eldrin Chen surmised that unlike Immortal Path great powers at the Celestial Immortal Realm, Cosmos Realm experts cultivate the Ten Great Divine Treasuries. Their methods for breaking through to the Ancient Immortal Realm may therefore differ from the orthodox Immortal Path.
Regardless, to single-handedly devise a ten-realm cultivation system—the Sacrificial Self Path—outside the boundless framework of the established Immortal Path, and to have its Inner World method surpass the orthodox Outer World techniques, is a testament to a talent unprecedented in history.
Consider this: even if the Sacrificial Self Path were weaker than the Immortal Path—let alone the fact that it partially surpasses it—its creation alone would represent Immeasurable Great Merit [an astronomical accumulation of virtuous karma] and monumental genius.
For the Immortal Path is a Great Path [a supreme Dao] walked alone. While it is a majestic and orthodox Great Path, it requires the innate gift of a Spiritual Root [a conduit for absorbing spiritual energy] to practice.
Yet, his Sacrificial Self Path has the potential to ferry all sentient beings towards enlightenment. The two paths are simply incomparable. This content originates from www . audio-novel.com. Please respect copyright.
It must be understood that the existence of a Spiritual Root [the innate spiritual foundation required for cultivation] in this world is already a one-in-a-thousand rarity. For mortals whose ancestors had no cultivators to conceive a child with a Spiritual Root, the odds are even more staggering—one in a hundred thousand, or even one in a million.
The Immortal Path [the orthodox path of immortal cultivation] can guide people, but at most it selects one from a thousand, or perhaps one from ten thousand. Yet, the cultivation path of Eldrin Chen can ferry across the entire multitude of mortal souls.
Even though this path is more rugged, demanding boundless courage and a willpower far surpassing the ordinary for even a sliver of a chance to attain the Dao, it represents the sole Path of Longevity [the path leading to longevity and immortality] for countless mortals.
Moreover, Eldrin Chen believed that although this path was more arduous, and those who perish midway or fall during the 'Sacrificial Self' [a critical, self-sacrificial stage of cultivation] account for nearly all who attempt it, it has the power to temper one's will to an extraordinary degree.
As long as one can break through the Sacrificial Self Realm [the realm achieved after surviving the Sacrificial Self trial], their innate talent and comprehension might be uncertain, but they would undoubtedly be a peerless prodigy with a will that could startle immortals. Perhaps their likelihood of breaking through to the World-Opening Realm [a supreme realm where one can open their own minor world] is far greater than that of ordinary Immortal.
"The Sacrificial Self Path, it is a single thread of hope for mortals."
"Even if one is but a mere mortal, always as lowly as dust, as insignificant as an ant upon the mountain path."
"So long as the Dao-heart remains unwavering, enduring ten thousand hardships and perils, the day will eventually come when the ant transforms into a True Dragon [a mythical, supremely powerful dragon]."
Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, finally setting aside the distracting thoughts in his mind.
He pondered no further, beginning instead to quietly immerse himself in cultivation once more, accumulating his foundational reserves and spiritual power.
During the million-year span of his cultivation within the Reincarnation Body [a profound technique allowing one to cultivate through multiple lifetimes], the true self of Eldrin Chen also engaged in relentless and arduous cultivation.
Supported by vast resources and rare treasures, and further empowered by twenty-eight High-Grade Innate Ancient Tree [trees of immense age and power, born from the primordial chaos], Eldrin Chen's cultivation base advanced with astonishing speed. He had already broken through to the fifth layer of the Celestial Immortal [a high-ranking immortal realm] two hundred thousand years prior.
During this period, the various Celestial Immortal Great Power [powerful beings at the Celestial Immortal realm] of the Chen Immortal Clan had all advanced to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm [the middle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm]. Even figures like Glazed Divine Lord and Violet Mystery Path Master from the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance had cultivated to the Third Heaven Celestial Immortal Realm [the third layer of the Celestial Immortal realm].
It appeared that, before the arrival of the Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal], a significant number within the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance would be able to break through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm.
After Nyssa Qu and Verdant Consort broke through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm, their combat prowess was already comparable to that of great powers at the Seventh Layer of the Celestial Immortal Realm.
In the following years, Eldrin Chen began leading them on expeditions into the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], allowing them to acclimate to its harsh environment while also searching for traces of Primordial Chaos Energy [the fundamental, unformed energy of creation].
Unfortunately, the Primordial Chaos Energy within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains was scarce. Over the course of more than one million eight hundred thousand years, they ventured deep into the Chaos on seven separate occasions, yet gathered fewer than ten strands of Innate Energy [a pure, primordial form of energy].
These strands of Innate Energy, which Eldrin Chen deemed beneath his current needs, were bestowed upon his five dao companions, including Nyssa Qu.
Throughout this process, Exquisite Jiang's cultivation had also advanced, reaching the fifth or sixth layer of the Celestial Immortal realm. Eldrin Chen's own cultivation had soared to the very peak, attaining the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the perfected, ultimate stage of the Celestial Immortal realm].
Fortunately, the seven successive expeditions into the Chaos had granted them a formidable degree of adaptation. Even without Eldrin Chen leading the way, they now possessed significant self-preservation capabilities within the Chaos that bordered the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.
"..."
On this day, Eldrin Chen and his five companions, including Exquisite Jiang and Verdant Consort, were traversing the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between worlds].
Suddenly, through the Boundless Chaos, they glimpsed the faint, majestic outline of an Ancient Continent.
"Ahead lies the Frigid Immortal Domain [a vast realm of immortal cultivation known for its icy landscapes]."
Gazing upon the expansive Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen spoke with a smile.
Hearing this, everyone let out a soft sigh of relief. Their exploration of the Chaos had spanned over three hundred thousand years, an immeasurable journey, and they had finally reached their destination. Support the author by reading on audio_novel.com.
Seeing this, Violet Consort Yan said with a smile, "Now that we've arrived at the Frigid Immortal Domain, we shall be able to meet Celestial Maiden and Senior Horizon."
Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. He had come to the Frigid Immortal Domain for two purposes.
The first was to deliver a gift to Horizon Patriarch and Celestial Maiden, to aid their attempt to break through to the Ancient Immortal Realm [a profound and powerful stage of immortal cultivation].
The second was to attend the Frigid Immortal Domain's once-in-a-million-years Barter Convention [a grand gathering for the exchange of rare treasures], to procure a specific treasure he required and to make preparations for his own breakthrough to the Seventh Layer of the Celestial Immortal Realm.
With this thought in mind, Eldrin Chen spoke, "A few years ago, Horizon Patriarch sent me a message, informing me that he would soon attempt to break through to the Ancient Immortal Realm."
"By now, the time should be near for him to make his attempt to become an Ancient Immortal. I should lend them my aid."
As they spoke, the trio traversed the World Membrane [the dimensional barrier separating different realms] and arrived within the Frigid Immortal Domain.
Without delay, they journeyed through the Boundless Void and soon reached Heavenly Mountain, where they met with the Heavenly Mountain Goddess.
During this journey, they also had an audience with the Primordial Era Ice Silkworm.
Though millions of years had passed since their last meeting, Eldrin Chen had received great kindness from the Primordial Era Ice Silkworm in his youth. Furthermore, Lila shared a master-disciple lineage Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect, action and consequence] with the Celestial Maiden. This reunion naturally stirred profound emotions within them all.
To repay this debt of gratitude, Eldrin Chen presented the Primordial Era Ice Silkworm with three Innate Primordial Unity Pill [pills of supreme quality that aid in achieving primordial unity], three Ninth Rank Innate Heaven-Mending Pill [pills of the ninth rank, capable of mending foundational flaws], and three Innate Rare Treasure [naturally formed treasures of immense rarity and power]—all exceedingly precious divine items.
In turn, Lila reciprocated this generosity. She took out three portions of Innate Frost Soul Water [a primordial spiritual water that nourishes the soul with frost-essence] and gave them to the Primordial Era Ice Silkworm, thus settling the Karma from those bygone years.
That Primordial Era Ice Silkworm possessed a cultivation base at the Primordial Unity Realm. Among Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators on the very cusp of the Celestial Immortal Realm] its foundation was not particularly outstanding. However, with these rare treasures—coveted even by Celestial Immortal Great Power [beings who have ascended to the Celestial Immortal Realm and wield great authority]—its chances of a successful breakthrough into the Celestial Immortal Realm in the future would be vastly increased.
Indeed, after its breakthrough, there would likely be a significant surplus, enough to help the Snow Lotus Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm associated with snow lotuses] nurture one or two more Celestial Immortal Great Power.
"These gifts are far too precious."
The Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful and revered female immortal] had the Primordial Era Ice Silkworm [an ancient, powerful ice-attributed spirit beast] accept the gifts, then spoke with utmost courtesy: "You have been most thoughtful."
She did not speak further of the master-disciple Karma [the web of cause, effect, and connection that binds cultivators] with Lila. Although Lila had inherited her cultivation arts in the past, they had never formally established a true master-disciple bond, so Lila could not be considered a true direct disciple.
Now, Lila's cultivation and innate talent were extraordinary, and she was also Eldrin Chen's Dao Companion [a cultivator's lifelong partner, sharing the path of cultivation]. To acknowledge her as a disciple now would no longer be appropriate.
After exchanging pleasantries for a short while, the Celestial Maiden finally spoke again: "Your timing is perfect. Horizon Patriarch is preparing to enter seclusion for a breakthrough and is currently setting up the Formation [a complex array of energy channels and symbols used to gather, contain, or direct power] for his advancement to the Ancient Immortal [a venerable and immensely powerful immortal who has survived multiple heavenly tribulations] realm."
"I was just about to go and guard his Dao [protect him during his critical cultivation breakthrough]. You shall accompany me."
"Agreed."
Eldrin Chen nodded and then departed with the Celestial Maiden for the Violet Radiance Heavenly Domain.
They tore through the void [traveled via spatial manipulation] and soon arrived within the Horizon Grotto-Heaven [a blessed, self-contained pocket dimension], where they met with Horizon Patriarch.
By this time, Horizon Patriarch had already mostly completed setting up his mountain-protecting Formation. The group stepped forward to assist, and the Formation was soon fully deployed.
After all arrangements were settled, Horizon Patriarch, Eldrin Chen, Celestial Maiden, Exquisite Jiang, and the others secretly gathered within the secluded cultivation chamber.
Once everyone was seated, Horizon Patriarch spoke, "During this period, I have felt my spiritual power reach its peak, and my foundation has largely stabilized. The time has come for me to attempt a breakthrough into the Ancient Immortal Realm [the profound realm of immortality transcending mortal limits]."
"When does Senior plan to make the attempt?"
Eldrin Chen inquired, his expression turning solemn.
Horizon Patriarch pondered for a moment before replying, "I shall wait a few more millennia. I wish to see if this upcoming Barter Convention [a grand gathering for the exchange of rare cultivation resources] yields any spiritual treasures that can aid in the breakthrough."
Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slow, understanding nod.
A breakthrough into the Ancient Immortal Realm was no trivial matter. Generally, only a Supreme Grade Innate Rare Treasure [a treasure of supreme quality, born of heaven and earth, possessing immense power] could increase one's chances of success by ten or twenty percent.
Although Horizon Patriarch possessed the Innate Primordial One Pill [a legendary pill said to contain the essence of primordial chaos] and an Innate Heavenly God Foundation [a supreme innate constitution blessed by the heavens], his actual odds of successfully ascending to Ancient Immortal in a single attempt were only around fifty or sixty percent.
While a fifty or sixty percent chance was not insignificant, the possibility of failure remained substantial.
On that foundation, if he could acquire several high-grade Innate Rare Treasure [rare treasures of innate origin] to assist the breakthrough, he might be able to increase his chances of success by a slight, albeit precious, margin.
With this thought, Eldrin Chen retrieved two white jade vials from his sleeve and handed them to Horizon Patriarch and Celestial Maiden, saying, "This is the Heaven-Earth Creation Water [a miraculous spiritual liquid that can enhance one's foundational potential and aid in cultivation breakthroughs]. If you two Seniors consume it, it should further increase your chances of a successful breakthrough."
Upon hearing this, both Celestial Maiden and Horizon Patriarch adopted solemn expressions. They took the jade vials and, upon inspection, saw that each indeed contained three thousand drops of Heaven-Earth Creation Water. Unbidden, looks of joy spread across their faces.
"With the aid of this treasure, this old man's chances of a breakthrough should now be around seventy to eighty percent,"
Horizon Patriarch spoke slowly, a trace of excitement evident on his visage.
A seventy to eighty percent success rate was remarkably high. If one still failed with such odds, it could only be attributed to insufficient Opportunity and Fortune [the confluence of favorable circumstances and personal destiny in a cultivator's path].
Even so, Horizon Patriarch reined in his excitement and continued, "There is no need for haste. This upcoming Barter Convention [a grand gathering where cultivators trade rare treasures and resources] still has several top-grade Innate Rare Treasure [natural treasures born of heaven and earth, possessing immense spiritual power] on offer."
"A few of them can slightly increase the odds of breaking through to the Ancient Immortal [a venerable and immensely powerful stage of cultivation] realm. I certainly will not miss this opportunity."
Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but offer a faint smile.
This particular Barter Convention indeed featured many exceptional treasures, several of which were urgently needed by the Chen Immortal Clan. It was precisely for this reason that Eldrin Chen had made a special trip to attend.
Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen inquired, "When does the Barter Convention commence?"
"There are still seventy thousand years," Horizon Patriarch spoke slowly, then said with a smile, "When the time comes, I will take you there with me."
"..."
Seventy thousand years is not considered a long stretch of time for a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a powerful immortal who has transcended the mortal realm].
Eldrin Chen and the Chen Immortal Clan did not return either. They merely secluded themselves for cultivation within the Horizon Grotto-Heaven [a pocket dimension paradise for cultivation], and those seventy thousand years passed in the blink of an eye.
When that day arrived, Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden summoned Eldrin Chen and then set off towards the Central region of the Frigid Immortal Domain.
The Heavenly Domain [a vast celestial territory] where the Central region of the Frigid Immortal Domain is located is named the Frigid Heavenly Domain. Legend has it this Heavenly Domain was the Path-Field [a personal cultivation domain or territory] where Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord secluded himself in his early years.
After Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord assumed control over part of the Heavenly Path Authority [the authority to govern celestial laws] within the Primordial Immortal Domain and became an Imperial Lord [a sovereign ruler of an immortal domain] there, he opened a new Path-Field within the Primordial Immortal Domain. He then relinquished the Frigid Immortal Domain, designating it as one of the Formation Eye [a key node in a grand magical formation] for the Three Thousand Immortal Domains Grand Formation [a legendary formation connecting three thousand immortal realms].
It is said that in the beginning, many disciples of Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord still cultivated within the Frigid Immortal Domain.
However, after passing through several epochs, including the Primordial Era [the age of creation] and the Ancient Era, and reaching the current age—where thirteen Great Encompassing Immortal Lord [a supreme rank among immortal lords] were successively born among Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord's disciples—most of those followers have since departed from the Frigid Immortal Domain.
The disciples from Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord's past have either gone to the Imperial Lord's Path-Field within the Primordial Immortal Domain, or they have followed those thirteen Great Encompassing Immortal Lord into the Sea of Chaos [the primordial chaos beyond ordered realms] to seek greater Opportunity and Fortune [chance encounters and destiny's favor].
Therefore, the various major powers within the Frigid Immortal Domain today have little connection to the Frigid Heaven Ancestral Court.
Only this Central Frigid Heavenly Domain, as the former Path-Field [a cultivator's personal domain for comprehending the Dao] of the Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord, still has disciples of the Frigid Heaven Ancestral Court cultivating within it.
These descendants of the Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord hold a transcendent status, presiding over the largest immortal city in the Frigid Immortal Domain and also controlling its greatest merchant consortium.
The Barter Convention [a grand gathering for the exchange of rare cultivation resources], held once every million years in the Frigid Immortal Domain, also takes place within this Frigid Heavenly Domain.
"This is the Frigid Heaven Immortal City,"
said the Horizon Patriarch as he led the group to the Frigid Immortal Domain, halting only before an ancient hall.
Gazing upon the majestic immortal city before them, his expression grew solemn. "This city was constructed by the Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord in ancient times. It has endured for countless eons, impervious to decay, and legend speaks of the lingering essence of the Great Path [the supreme principles of cultivation and existence] left behind by the Imperial Lord himself."
"We must all show due reverence. Remember, do not be discourteous."
Hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression immediately turned respectful, and he dared not show the slightest negligence.
After offering a slight, reverent bow towards the immortal city, Eldrin Chen followed the Horizon Patriarch and continued onward.
Yet before he had traveled far, he discovered that within Frigid Heaven Immortal City [the legendary city of eternal frost], an intangible remnant of a Path's essence lingered. It carried an aura of piercing frost and ultimate cold, yet it harmed not a single soul, remaining utterly elusive and inscrutable.
"What astonishing power,"
"Outwardly gentle and placid, yet within it conceals a force like raging torrents and towering waves. Once triggered, it would likely be sufficient to grind all things into nothingness."
Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a shiver of dread creeping into his heart.
Daring not to look further, he immediately averted his gaze and followed the others upward into Frigid Heaven Immortal City.
At the same moment, far away within the Primordial Immortal Domain [the primordial realm of immortals], in a serene and tranquil immortal hall, a peerlessly elegant female immortal in white robes opened her eyes, revealing a trace of puzzlement.
"Who is it, who has stirred the essence of my Path?"
Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord [the Imperial Lord presiding over the Frigid Heaven] furrowed her brow slightly. She could not help but perform a brief divination with her fingers, her expression growing increasingly grave as she spoke: "The Celestial Mechanism [the heavenly principles governing fate and destiny] is obscured, a Chaos [a state of primordial disorder and undifferentiated potential] reigns supreme."
"Who exactly is the one who touched the essence of my Path? I cannot divine even the faintest trace."
With this thought, Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord's gaze darkened imperceptibly. She dared not attempt further divination.
An existence that could completely elude even her divination, leaving not a single trace, was far beyond the capabilities of any Quasi-Sage Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator on the cusp of Sagehood]. This could only be the work of a being of Chaos Grade [a primordial, world-shaping level of power].
"It does not resemble the methods of those few Heavenly Emperor Divine Sovereign [supreme rulers who command both celestial and divine authority], nor should it be a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [an ancient progenitor who has merged their Path with Sagehood]. Could it possibly be..." This novel is serialized on audio-novel dot com. Visit for updates.