Chapter 1859 : The Eighth True Disciple

"Master... the venerable one..."

Xiannian Chen pondered for a moment before speaking candidly, "The Master is the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the supreme progenitor who established the foundational laws of cultivation]. I was fortunate enough to be accepted as his disciple, and now I am precisely the eighth True Disciple [a disciple personally taught and acknowledged by a master] under his tutelage."

"*Hum*—"

In that instant, the expressions of both Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang shifted dramatically, revealing profound shock and awe.

As the first Chaos-grade [a supreme rank denoting mastery over primordial chaos] powerhouse of the Human Race, the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor stands among the top three supreme existences within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. The might of such a being is truly ineffable.

From what Eldrin Chen knew, as a Dao Progenitor [a founder of a major cultivation path] who pioneered the modern cultivation methods, the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor had a considerable number of disciples, though the vast majority were merely Registered Disciples [disciples recorded in name but not receiving personal instruction].

Among them, the Registered Disciples numbered three thousand, while there were one hundred and eight True Disciples.

The Registered Disciples were of little consequence—their cultivation levels were uneven, with the highest at most reaching the early or middle stages of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a high immortal realm], and the lowest merely at the Ancient Immortal Realm [a foundational immortal realm].

The one hundred and eight True Disciples, however, were all outstanding figures among Grand Luo Golden Immortals. Their cultivation was at least at the late stage of Grand Luo Golden Immortal, with no shortage of peerless talents who had reached the perfection of that realm.

Yet, among so many disciples, those who could be called True Disciples numbered a mere seven.

Those seven personal disciples, each personally instructed in the Great Dao by Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the progenitor of all cultivation paths], were peerless geniuses of their age. Their cultivation had now all ascended to the realm of Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the supreme sovereigns who command the fundamental chaos of creation], and each stood as a titanic pillar supporting Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal worlds].

"The Eighth Personal Disciple."

Eldrin Chen was inwardly shaken. He cast a profoundly astonished glance at Xiannian Chen and asked with incredulity, "By what virtue or capability could you possibly have been accepted as a personal disciple by the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor?"

Xiannian Chen's expression remained utterly composed. He then spoke, "My Master [the respectful term for one's teacher in cultivation] told me that I bear no Destiny Heavenly Pass [the celestial decree that binds one's ultimate fate and limits their cultivation ascent]. I am, by heavenly decree, a future Grand Luo Golden Immortal [an immortal who has transcended the cycles of fate and attained a state of perfect golden completion], and it is my destined path to cultivate all the way to the realm of Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch."

"No Destiny Heavenly Pass?"

Lyra Jiang's countenance shifted dramatically. She stared at him with utter astonishment, then exchanged a look of profound shock with Eldrin Chen.

This revelation was simply too staggering. Throughout the eons, countless Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [immortals who have weathered eight heavenly tribulations] possessed talent brilliant enough to dazzle an entire era. Yet, the vast majority failed to shatter the chains of their own destiny, thus never breaking through to that ultimate Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm.

Yet, Xiannian Chen would not need to break any Destiny Heavenly Pass to directly ascend to the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm. This news was so extraordinary it bordered on the incomprehensible.

It took Eldrin Chen a long while to gather his wits from the shock of this revelation.

He drew a deep breath, then began to divine and calculate Xiannian Chen's fate and destiny. The moment he commenced the calculation, he was met with profound astonishment.

Because the destiny of Xiannian Chen was exceedingly peculiar, he seemed to be born with a kind of predestined fate. An invisible power of fate was bestowed upon him, yet simultaneously, an intangible shackle was also placed upon him.

This Power of Fate would directly propel Xiannian Chen forward until he cultivated to the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme sovereign ruler embodying the power of primordial chaos].

Furthermore, before his destined task was completed, not even a Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [a progenitor of the Dao and an immortal sage of the highest order] could directly strike him down, lest they incur the backlash of the Great Dao of Fate itself.

"A Child of Destiny," Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a flicker of astonishment appearing in his gaze.

He had never imagined that Xiannian Chen was born in response to destiny's call, arriving into the world bearing a specific fate that seemed tied to an unprecedented and rare calamity.

After a long silence, Eldrin Chen looked at his son and said, "Your destined path to becoming a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch is intertwined with being a Child of Destiny. Your future achievements are boundless, yet a tribulation concerning the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective realm of three thousand immortal worlds] awaits you."

"It will be a cataclysm sweeping across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. You are the one destined to face it. Whether you can transcend this tribulation will have profound and far-reaching consequences for all the domains."

Xiannian Chen listened quietly, his countenance shifting slightly.

He took a deep breath, then looked at Eldrin Chen and said, "Father's insight is piercingly sharp. My master once told me the same."

Lyra Jiang's expression shifted subtly. She looked at Xiannian Chen and spoke with a trace of unease, "A tribulation of this nature is bound to be utterly staggering. Do you have any means to evade it?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head, however, and replied with calm composure, "He is a Child of Destiny, and such matters ordained by fate are difficult even for a Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [the supreme pinnacle of cultivation] to alter."

"The only thing we can do is strive in our cultivation. If we can break through to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign realm of immense power] or even the Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage before that day arrives, perhaps we can offer him some aid."

Hearing this, Lyra Jiang could only release a soft sigh, saying no more.

Seeing this, Xiannian Chen offered a gentle smile and answered with serene resolve, "Mother, you need not worry. As one fated by destiny, all of this is my ordained path. Therefore, no matter what I face in the days to come, I shall walk it."

As he spoke, Xiannian Chen retrieved an ancient-looking wooden box from his sleeve.

He presented it solemnly, handing it to them both. "This is a congratulatory gift Master [a respectful title for one's teacher] instructed me to bring specifically for Father's grand birthday. The venerable one said it might be of some use to him."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes gleamed with a flicker of interest. He opened the ancient wooden box to find three scrolls of archaic scripture nestled within.

His gaze fell upon them, and his pupils contracted sharply, a flash of profound astonishment crossing his features.

"Primordial Beginning Dao Scripture—Limit-Breaking Chapter, Primordial Beginning Dao Scripture—Formation Chapter, Primordial Beginning Dao Scripture—Divine Ability Chapter."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a flicker of astonishment coloring his gaze.

Even without opening the three ancient scriptures, merely glancing at their titles allowed him to grasp the profound power they contained.

Eldrin Chen surmised in his heart that these three ancient scriptures must possess an extraordinary origin, each being a priceless treasure from the lineage of the Primordial Ancestral Court.

Sure enough, after presenting the ancient scriptures with a solemn expression, Xiannian Chen said gravely, "These three ancient scriptures were personally created by the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor. They represent the pinnacle of his cultivation achievements, refined over a million Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles]."

Eldrin Chen nodded, recalling fragments of legend, and spoke with utmost gravity, "It is said that when the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor attained the Dao, he synthesized his own insights and accumulated knowledge to create a single volume known as the Primordial Beginning Dao Scripture."

"That Primordial Beginning Dao Scripture was then divided into thirteen monumental treatises covering the physical body, the Great Dao, the Dao Fruit [the ultimate fruit of one's cultivation path], divine abilities, formation arrays, artifact forging, elixir refining, and more. These thirteen treatises are treasures coveted by countless Immortal [beings who have ascended to immortality], treasures that even many Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [sovereigns reigning over primordial chaos] seek in vain."

Xiannian Chen inclined his head in agreement and continued, "The three before us are among those thirteen ancient scriptures. Moreover, they are personally transcribed copies by the Master himself, containing the complete and profound mysteries of the originals."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded and said, "I understand. When you return, convey my gratitude to Senior Taishi on my behalf."

Xiannian Chen nodded again, then said with a faint smile, "My identity is a secret. To prevent discovery, I cannot stay with the clan for too long. It is time for me to return now."

Having said this, he seemed to recall something else and added with grave seriousness, "My Master once said that the nature of our relationship must remain unknown to others. I must ask you, Father and Mother, to keep this secret for me."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this and then spoke, "After you return, focus diligently on your cultivation. Once this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] has passed, I shall find an opportune time to visit the Primordial Ancestral Court [the ancient and supreme court of the primordial ancestors] and pay my respects to Senior Taishi."

"In that case, your son shall take his leave now."

With these words, Xiannian Chen once more kowtowed to the pair. Only then did he rise and vanish into the depths of the Grotto-Heaven [a blessed, self-contained pocket dimension of profound spiritual energy].

After he had completely departed, Lyra Jiang let out a soft sigh, a touch of sorrow in her voice. "With this parting, who knows when we shall meet again."

Eldrin Chen drew her into an embrace, offering comfort. "The path of immortality is long, my love. We do not contend for a single morning or evening."

"He bears a Mandate of Heaven [a divine destiny or cosmic decree], and with Senior Taishi watching over him, no mishap shall befall him."

"For you and me, the most crucial matter at hand is whether we ourselves can advance another step and prove our Dao, attaining the realm of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm representing the pinnacle of the Golden Immortal stage]."

Hearing this, Lyra Jiang understood that compared to their son's path, her own Dao journey was even more shrouded in uncertainty. She therefore said nothing more on the matter.

Seeing her composure restored, Eldrin Chen set his heart at ease and turned his gaze to the ancient scroll before them. A faint smile touched his lips. "Senior Taishi is indeed extraordinary. The gift he sent is precisely what we urgently need."

Lyra Jiang also nodded, a look of astonishment coloring her features.

In all fairness, the three ancient scriptures sent by the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the legendary progenitor of the Dao] were, for the vast majority of Ancient Immortal [immortals who have existed since antiquity], less precious than the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial, unbreakable radiance of spiritual essence]. Yet, in the eyes of Eldrin Chen, their value far surpassed that of the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light.

Among the three ancient scriptures, the Limit-Breaking Chapter [a treatise on transcending cultivation limits] recorded dozens of supreme methods. Each method could, at the very least, lead directly to a foundation at the Eleventh Limit [the eleventh transcendent boundary of cultivation]. Three among them could even lead directly to the realm of the Twelfth Limit [the twelfth and ultimate transcendent boundary].

These were the three treatises: the Primordial Dao Refining Method [the method of refining the Primordial Dao], the Primordial Spirit Method [the method of cultivating the Primordial Spirit], and the Dao Fruit Method [the method of nurturing the Dao Fruit].

"The Great Dao, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true self of a cultivator], and the Dao Fruit [the culmination of one's cultivation path, a manifestation of one's attained Dao]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his heart growing ever more astonished. The Limit-Breaking Chapter recorded three methods for forging a True Spiritual Root [a foundational spiritual constitution of supreme purity and potential] foundation at the Twelfth Limit. This signified that the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor had, at the very least, once succeeded in forging three distinct True Spiritual Root foundations.

One must understand that forging a single True Spiritual Root foundation allowed one to suppress all other paths with that one Dao, granting the potential to prove one's way and become a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme sovereign ruling over primordial chaos]. Yet, the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor before them had forged at least three such foundations. This was a feat so rare it could be called peerless throughout the annals of time.

Moreover, Eldrin Chen suspected that the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor might have succeeded in forging not merely three True Spiritual Root foundations.

"The powerhouses of the Primordial Era... their depths are truly unfathomable."

After a long while, Eldrin Chen murmured again, unable to suppress a look of profound awe.

Regarding these three scrolls detailing the method to break through the Twelfth Limit [the ultimate theoretical limit of foundation establishment], authored by the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the progenitor of the Primordial Beginning Dao], Eldrin Chen gave them a cursory glance before setting them aside.

It was not that the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor's method was insufficient, but rather that this technique lacked broad applicability. It was, after all, a method personally created by the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor. Unless one cultivated the Great Dao of Primordial Beginning, it was impossible to reach the Twelfth Limit realm with it.

For others, a method created by another remains just that—another's method. These three scrolls served more as a reference. To attempt to cultivate a Twelve Limits Foundation [a foundation established at the theoretical pinnacle of twelve limits] based solely on them would be nothing short of delusional.

However, within the Limit-Breaking Chapter, the other nearly one hundred scrolls on breaking through the Eleventh Limit were comprehensive. They encompassed divine abilities, Great Daos, physical bodies, spiritual power, and even the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of various attributes. For a suitable individual, they might yield some effect.

Yet, these held little further utility for Eldrin Chen himself. Their primary value now lay in serving as references, or perhaps in being passed to Yvonne the Violet Consort and Lila and others for their cultivation, potentially aiding them in establishing an Eleventh Limit foundation.

Setting aside the Limit-Breaking Chapter, Eldrin Chen turned his attention to the other two ancient scriptures.

Among the remaining two scrolls, the Formation Chapter held the key to solving Eldrin Chen's dilemma of being unable to deploy his five Lifebound Immortal Treasure [a cultivator's personally forged and soul-bound magical artifact] into a formation array. This was what Eldrin Chen desired most.

The Divine Ability Chapter, likewise, contained a myriad of profound divine abilities and mystical techniques. It included at least Great Luo Grade [a supreme grade of power] Patriarch-Grade Divine Ability [divine abilities of a level mastered by sect patriarchs], among which were techniques of Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a monarch-level realm of chaos] caliber and even two Chaos-grade divine abilities. Whether for personal comprehension and reference or for teaching clan members, they were excellent resources.

After perusing them for a moment, Eldrin Chen informed Lyra Jiang, "Once I fully comprehend these two ancient scriptures, my Lifebound Immortal Treasure and divine abilities will become far more refined."

"It seems there is now a glimmer of hope for me to cultivate a True Spirit Divine Ability [a divine ability of the True Spirit grade] at the Twelfth Limit, or to comprehend that Twelfth Limit Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [a legendary heavenly trial or bottleneck related to spiritual treasures]."

Upon hearing this, Lyra Jiang felt a surge of delight. She looked at Eldrin Chen and said, "Are you preparing to enter seclusion for enlightenment?"

"Not yet. I must first meet with a few individuals."

Eldrin Chen stated calmly, instructing someone to invite Daoxu Jiang into his cave abode.

After so many years, meeting Daoxu Jiang in private once more still warmed Eldrin Chen's heart.

He courteously invited Daoxu Jiang to sit, personally poured him a cup of tea, and then inquired, "It has been millions of years since we last met. Has your journey been smooth these past years, Grandfather?"

Daoxu Jiang studied Eldrin Chen carefully for a long moment before sighing, "I find you increasingly inscrutable."

"I have merely taken a half-step ahead. It is nothing to be proud of."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his gaze solemn. "For us Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality and attained immortality], time is a boundless expanse. A momentary success or failure means little; it is the final achievement that truly matters."

Daoxu Jiang nodded, took a sip of the fragrant tea, and then began, "The reason I requested this private audience is to discuss the matters of the impending Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle that brings great calamity and renewal]."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered subtly as he waited silently for Daoxu Jiang to continue.

Without further preamble, Daoxu Jiang simply waved his sleeve, manifesting a dazzling, unextinguishable spiritual radiance.

"Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a supreme, self-regenerating spiritual energy inherent to certain legendary beings]."

In that fleeting moment, Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted slightly before he turned to Daoxu Jiang and asked, "What is your meaning, Grandfather?"

"Attaining the Grand Luo realm is profoundly difficult!"

Daoxu Jiang spoke calmly, drawing a deep breath before continuing, "Over these years, I have dealt with the Ethereal Void Ancient Sect on several occasions, and I have come to understand more deeply just how arduous the path to becoming a Grand Luo Golden Immortal truly is."

"Even if a Great Luo Ancient Sect were to pour all its resources into nurturing a single talent, paying an immense price to cultivate an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal, the final chance of that individual successfully ascending to Grand Luo Golden Immortal would still not exceed one in ten."

Daoxu Jiang recounted the tribulations of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal path, a trace of helplessness coloring his eyes as he spoke.

Eldrin Chen listened quietly, his heart understanding the source of Daoxu Jiang's concern.

Over the years, Eldrin Chen had also gleaned hints of the monumental difficulty in achieving Grand Luo Golden Immortal status. A stark and simple example lay right before them.

Over the course of nearly ten thousand Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration], Grand Frost Emperor Lord has bestowed an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos] upon the Great Cold Immortal Domain once every ten Kalpa Tribulation, having granted close to one thousand such treasures in total.

This signifies that, from ancient times to the present, the Great Cold Immortal Domain has witnessed the birth of nearly one thousand Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived eight cosmic tribulations].

Yet, from this vast multitude of Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal, a mere thirteen ultimately attained the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of a Golden Immortal of the Grand Luo]. On average, the probability of breaking through to Grand Luo Golden Immortal is barely over one percent.

Roughly seventy or eighty Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal are required for a single one to prove their Dao and become a Grand Luo Golden Immortal. And this is among the direct lineage inheritors of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch's [an Emperor Monarch born from Chaos] orthodoxy. Does this not reveal the staggering, almost insurmountable difficulty of attaining the Grand Luo [the supreme realm above all]?

To rise above such a sea of Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal, one must possess power so profound it could shake the heavens and make ghosts and gods weep. It is an impossibility otherwise.

In other words, since time immemorial, which of those who attained the Grand Luo Golden Immortal was not a peerless sovereign whose path was paved with the fallen like rain, who carved their name across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains and roamed the Chaos [the formless primordial void] without equal?

Unrivaled among their peers, a sovereign beneath the Grand Luo.

Since antiquity, every being qualified to prove their Dao as a Grand Luo Golden Immortal could rightfully claim this title during their time as an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

All beneath the Grand Luo are but ants. Breaking through to the Great Luo Realm marks the beginning of seizing one's own destiny, the first true step towards transcending fate itself.

No matter how supremely confident Daoxu Jiang might be, he understood perfectly that attempting to charge into the Great Luo Realm during this Kalpa Tribulation would be nothing short of courting his own demise.