Chapter 1865 : Ancestor's Gift and the Forbidden Path

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, retrieving a batch of supplies from within and handing them to Aethelred Chen.

The value of these supplies was immense. They included several dozen portions of Taiyi Rare Treasures [precious materials used for foundational cultivation], along with a batch of Innate Rare Treasure [naturally formed treasures of immense spiritual value] and Innate Primordial Qi [the purest form of primordial spiritual energy]. There were even a full three Supreme Primordial Innate Pill [pills of the highest grade, capable of refining one's innate foundation].

Gazing upon these treasures, Aethelred Chen could not help but reveal a look of profound joy.

Such an abundance of rare treasures was more than sufficient for him to establish a Triple Taiyi Foundation [a supremely stable cultivation foundation built upon three pillars of Taiyi energy], with resources to spare. It could even support his cultivation all the way to the late stages of Celestial Immortal [a high-level immortal realm] without any shortage.

He knew that while he was safe in the lower realm, the Violet Boundary [a spatial treasure or secluded realm] lacked the resources for him to advance further. At most, he could only cultivate to a dual Taiyi Foundation [a foundation built upon two pillars of Taiyi energy] there before being forced to ascend to the Immortal Domain [the primary realm of immortals].

With this batch of resources, he could continuously temper and polish his foundation. In the future, there might even be a sliver of possibility for him to step into the Forbidden Domain [a legendary and perilous realm of cultivation].

Thinking of this, Aethelred Chen knelt and bowed deeply, saying, "This junior offers his deepest gratitude for the Ancestor's generous gift. I shall never forget this kindness in my lifetime."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but let a faint smile touch his lips.

At present, the Chen Immortal Clan was still far from matching those ancient Great Luo Ancient Sect [venerable and powerful immortal sects].

Yet, even a single Great Luo Ancient Sect would likely hesitate to part with such a quantity of Innate Rare Treasure and Innate Primordial Qi all at once, bestowing it upon a mere Half-Step Celestial Immortal [one who has touched the threshold of the Celestial Immortal realm but not fully ascended].

It was not due to a lack of profound heritage within the Great Luo Ancient Sect, but rather because the number of Immortals [beings who have achieved immortality through cultivation] within the sect was simply too vast. Among them, Heavenly Immortal Paragons [the highest tier of immortal cultivators] numbered in the tens of thousands at a minimum. Furthermore, the sect had to nurture a massive force of Dao Soldiers [elite cultivator-warriors], leaving few extraordinary treasures to be allocated to Half-Step Celestial Immortals [cultivators on the very cusp of the Celestial Immortal realm].

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and waved his hand dismissively, speaking with calm composure, "You may withdraw. I shall continue my stroll."

With these words, Eldrin Chen began to walk once more upon the slopes of Verdant Chariot Mountain.

The Verdant Chariot Mountain of this day bore little resemblance to the mountain of ten million years past, having undergone a transformation of monumental scale.

This Immortal Mountain [a mountain suffused with immortal energy, often a cultivation sanctuary] was now vast and majestic, no longer the modest spiritual peak of yore. The familiar vistas of that bygone era had long since vanished.

As Eldrin Chen wandered its paths, he found that not a single blade of grass or ancient tree remained as he remembered. Only one gnarled and ancient tree stood sentinel upon the summit.

"It is you!"

Standing before the ancient tree, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a long-absent smile.

The tree before him was an Immortal Apricot Tree, its roots anchored deep in the pinnacle of Verdant Chariot Mountain. It emanated an ethereal, void-illuminating immortal radiance, appearing both sacred and sublime.

"The Nirvana Immortal Apricot Tree [an immortal apricot tree symbolizing rebirth and transcendence]."

Gazing upon this ancient tree, Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, memories of bygone years flooding his mind.

This venerable tree was originally a first-rank Longevity Apricot Tree [a spiritual tree whose fruit can extend lifespan]. It was seized long ago from the Lin Immortal Clan [a clan of cultivators] at Verdant Ink Mountain by Eldrin Chen and the Old Patriarch working in concert.

Later, through Eldrin Chen's continuous nurturing, it was cultivated all the way to the Sixth Tribulation realm.

He still remembered those days. The reason the Chen Immortal Clan was able to produce so many outstanding talents, the reason the Old Patriarch and the other clan members could cultivate to the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] realm, this Immortal Apricot Tree could be said to have contributed immensely.

Later, when Eldrin Chen ascended to the Immortal Domain [the realm of the Immortals], he left this Immortal Apricot Tree behind.

As the Chen Immortal Clan grew ever more powerful, Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality through cultivation] descended to the mortal realm on several occasions, bringing with them many rare and precious treasures. Among these was the Innate Spiritual Water [water of purest spiritual origin] from the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase [a vase that gathers the primordial energies of heaven and earth]. Nourished by this, the tree underwent Ascension [a fundamental transformation to a higher state of being] and became a World-Opening Ancient Tree [a primordial tree of immense age and power].

Of course, merely this would not have been enough for the Nirvana Immortal Apricot Tree [an apricot tree that has undergone a nirvana-like rebirth] to astonish Eldrin Chen.

What truly surprised him was the faint glimmer of sentience he sensed emanating from within the Nirvana Immortal Apricot Tree.

"Master."

Seeing Eldrin Chen, the ancient tree swayed gently, its voice tinged with excitement. "Master, now that you have descended to this realm, will you take me with you when you ascend?"

Eldrin Chen merely offered a faint smile, then sighed and said, "Although the Immortal World holds boundless Opportunity [a chance for advancement or gain], it is also far more perilous and unpredictable."

"Moreover, with the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic calamity] now approaching, it is better for you to remain within the Violet Boundary."

Upon hearing this, the Nirvana Immortal Apricot Tree [a sacred tree of rebirth and immortality] seemed to dim slightly, then inquired, "How fare the fellow Daoists who ascended with you in the past, such as the Immortal Peach Tree and the Eight Trigrams Treasure Tree?"

"All is well."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a smile gracing his features as he continued, "Since you have already awakened sentience, the Opportunity [a chance for advancement or gain] to take human form will surely come to you in time."

"Given our long association, I shall bestow upon you a portion of that Opportunity [a chance for advancement or gain]."

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, conjuring Innate Spiritual Water [water of primordial spiritual purity] and bestowing a significant amount of Innate Primordial Qi [the primal energy of creation] to merge into the Nirvana Immortal Apricot Tree [a sacred tree of rebirth and immortality].

After completing this, Eldrin Chen instructed solemnly, "I have fused the Innate Primordial Qi [the primal energy of creation] and the Innate Spiritual Water [water of primordial spiritual purity] within your essence. Henceforth, your foundational potential shall be vastly elevated."

"Once you fully assimilate these gifts of Opportunity [a chance for advancement or gain], you may reach the realm of a Supreme-Grade Innate Ancient Tree [a primordial tree of the highest innate grade]. Should I achieve a further breakthrough in my own path, I may yet guide you to ascend and attain the Dao."

Overwhelmed with joy, the Nirvana Immortal Apricot Tree [a sacred tree of rebirth and immortality] manifested a tiny humanoid form, which prostrated itself respectfully on the ground. "This humble one offers deepest gratitude for my master's generous boon."

Departing from Verdant Chariot Mountain, Eldrin Chen journeyed to several old haunts, only to discover with regret that the old acquaintances remaining in the Vast Azure Immortal Domain were now merely a few Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root such as the Ancient Enlightenment Tea Tree, the Purple Divine Fruit Tree, and the Yang Fire Immortal Jujube.

Mountains and rivers had transformed, old friends were gone, and Eldrin Chen found his heart no longer inclined for nostalgic revisits.

He made his way back to the Eastern Wasteland and sought out the shores of Spirit Isle Lake, where he was unexpectedly greeted by a grove of peach blossoms.

"Spirit Isle Lake... the Ten-Mile Peach Blossom Grove remains."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a wave of profound sentiment washing over him as he strolled along the bank of Spirit Isle Lake.

He stepped onto the lake's surface, finding the peach blossoms as radiant as ever, yet the trees spanning ten Li-lengths bore the deep marks of time's passage.

Indeed, even a sixth-rank Pure Yang Ancient Tree, unless it ascends to the Immortal Ascension Realm, ultimately cannot withstand the relentless tide of change wrought by the years.

The peach grove of today consisted entirely of the descendants of the bygone Immortal Peach Tree, generation after generation having replaced the last; these were no longer the peach trees of that distant era.

"In the end, we can never truly return to those days."

Eldrin Chen whispered, his sleeve sweeping through the air to gather a swirl of peach blossoms within its folds. He then scattered droplets of Innate Spiritual Water [a primordial water of pure spiritual essence] to merge with the lifeblood of the blossoming grove.

The combined value of these Innate Spiritual Water [a primordial spiritual liquid of immense purity] amounted to merely tens of millions of Immortal Crystal [a purified and high-density form of Spirit Stone]. To Eldrin Chen, this was but a minor boon, yet it was sufficient to bestow a lifetime of blessings upon these peach blossoms.

Witnessing the continuous transformation of these peach trees, they ultimately metamorphosed entirely into Immortal Peach Tree [a tree bearing peaches imbued with immortal energy].

Although these Immortal Peach Tree were not spiritual roots [a plant with inherent spiritual properties], they could already be considered rare celestial treasures within the mortal realm.

"Little ones, I hope that after countless millennia, when we meet again, these peach blossoms will remain as they are."

Eldrin Chen spoke softly, then with a flick of his sleeve, he soared into the heavens, arriving at the boundless apex of the firmament.

There, Eldrin Chen beheld once more the Heavenly Dao [the fundamental law and consciousness of the world] of the Violet Boundary [a mystical realm]. He spoke with serene composure, "I must depart."

The Purple Heaven Dao [the Dao of the Violet Heaven, representing this realm's destiny] fell into a brief, silent contemplation, offering no words in reply.

Yet, Eldrin Chen's gaze remained tranquil as he continued, "During this coming Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal], I shall attempt my breakthrough into the Great Luo Realm [the Great Luo Realm, a supreme stage of cultivation]."

"I fear formidable foes may use the Violet Boundary as leverage against me at a critical juncture. To spare this realm from becoming a pawn in their schemes, I shall seal it away and cast it adrift into another cosmos."

"Alas."

Purple Heaven Dao let out a soft sigh and finally spoke, "With your current realm, I can no longer fathom the extent of your power. But since you are determined to proceed, I will naturally support you."

"Mm."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then said, "Be careful now."

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen flew out of the Violet Boundary [a primordial world-treasure]. In an instant, he seized hold of the Violet Boundary and, dragging it behind him, ascended into the boundless dimensions.

With a deafening roar that tore through the fabric of infinite dimensions, Eldrin Chen banished it into the profound depths of the dimensional void.

Not only that, Eldrin Chen used the Profound Bright Star Abyss as a veil, supplementing it with Chaos Mist [a primordial, concealing energy of chaos] to completely seal away all traces of the Violet Boundary's aura. Only then did he allow himself a slight sigh of relief.

With this banishment of the Violet Boundary, Eldrin Chen utterly altered its cosmic coordinates and shrouded it with his own Chaos Mist. Even if a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm] were to dedicate themselves to divining its location, finding the Violet Boundary would be akin to searching for a needle in an endless ocean.

Most crucially, Eldrin Chen's Daoist title is Eldrin, the Abyssal Daoist, and the Violet Boundary is known to the outside world as the Abyssal Ruins World—the former home of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]. Such a place would not attract the focused scrutiny of those Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [emperors and monarchs born from primordial chaos].

Under these circumstances, even if those Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal were to later learn the cosmic coordinates of the 'Abyssal Ruins World' and descend to scheme, they would only make a futile journey.

For Eldrin Chen, he was born from the Violet Boundary before achieving immortality. He could be called the Child of Destiny of the Violet Boundary, its trueborn scion nurtured by its very essence.

If his own actions were to bring calamity upon the Violet Boundary [a legendary magical treasure], it would inevitably affect his Dao Heart [the foundational, unwavering will and spiritual core of a cultivator]. Now, freed from this lingering concern, he could devote his full attention to facing the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that tests a cultivator's destiny and strength].

"It is time to return."

With this burden lifted, Eldrin Chen let out a slight sigh of relief.

With a flick of his sleeve, he pierced through the boundless void, arriving back at the Vast Azure Immortal Domain in a single step.

Looking back upon the endless dimensions, he perceived only an infinite, fathomless expanse of dimensional void. Within it, universes and worlds, as countless as the sands of the Ganges [a metaphor for an immeasurable number], were perpetually being born and destroyed. A profound sense of his own insignificance washed over him.

"The boundless dimensional space is truly limitless and endless."

"Even with my current cultivation, facing It feels like being a mote of insignificant dust."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a slight frown creasing his brow.

In that moment, a vague understanding dawned upon him. The endless dimensions and the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerges] were one and the same, merely concealed within its infinite depths. Behind every surge of Chaos, there could lie a vast, starry cosmos.

However, within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, space was far more stable. It was this stability that allowed these worlds and universes to endure for eons, growing ever more magnificent and prosperous.

Conversely, within the Chaos Sea [a vast, turbulent expanse of primordial disorder], the endless tides of Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation] rage with unparalleled ferocity. Even if universes are constantly being born within its depths, most are soon drowned by the Chaos tides or devoured by Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial monstrosities that dwell within the Chaos].

"Husband…"

Just as these thoughts flickered through Eldrin Chen's mind, Lyra Jiang approached with graceful steps.

Eldrin Chen withdrew his contemplations. With a single glance, a trace of surprise colored his voice. "My lady, you have broken through as well."

Indeed, after all these years, Lyra Jiang's cultivation had finally advanced another step. Unbeknownst to him, she had shattered the four great heavenly barriers of the fleshly body, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator], the magical power, and the divine abilities.

Of course, that alone would not have startled Eldrin Chen. What truly astonished him was his discovery that Lyra Jiang had already cultivated the Indestructible Primordial Spirit [a legendary state where the spiritual core becomes utterly unbreakable].

"Indeed. This breakthrough owes much to the Five Elements Great Luo Thunder Marrow [a supreme treasure containing the thunder essence of the five primal elements] you brought me."

Lyra Jiang smiled as she explained. After a secluded cultivation session lasting a million years, she had finally refined the Five Elements Great Luo Thunder Marrow not long ago and mastered the Great Five Elements Pure Yin Divine Thunder [a supreme thunder technique harmonizing the five elements with pure Yin energy].

Yes, because the Primordial Chaos Divine Thunder [the ultimate thunder technique born from primordial chaos] was far more difficult to cultivate, Lyra Jiang had chosen a secondary path this time. She cultivated the Great Five Elements Pure Yin Divine Thunder instead of that Primordial Chaos Divine Thunder.

Yet, even a Patriarch Grade [a rank denoting power at the level of a founding patriarch] Great Five Elements Pure Yin Divine Thunder was astonishingly potent. Using it as her foundation and supplementing it with the Primordial Earth Soul Scripture [an ancient scripture for cultivating the earth-attribute soul], she had not only elevated her Primordial Spirit to the Eleventh Limit [the eleventh and penultimate stage of refinement for the Primordial Spirit] but had also taken the next step. She was now not far from achieving a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the ultimate, perfected state of the spiritual core].

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a surge of emotion. With a smile, he said, "Having cultivated the Indestructible Primordial Spirit [a divine ability that renders one's spiritual core nearly unbreakable] and a Patriarch-Grade Divine Ability [a supreme-level divine art], your strength likely rivals that of a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived seven Heavenly Tribulations]."

"Coupled with the one hundred and eight Supreme Unity Golden Bamboo Sword [a set of peerless flying swords forged from Golden Bamboo], you will be of immense aid to me in the coming Dao Tribulation [the Heavenly Tribulation that tests a cultivator's path and destiny]."

Lyra Jiang was also filled with joy. She took Eldrin Chen's hand and said, "We are one, husband and wife, sharing life and death. There is no talk of 'aid' between us."

A warmth spread through Eldrin Chen's heart. He then asked, "What is the situation? Have they all returned?"

Lyra Jiang smiled gently and replied, "Everyone has gathered. They are all awaiting your word."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded. "Then let us convene everyone. We shall hold a council of war."

Three days later, within the Abyssal Grotto-Heaven.

The internal assembly of the Chen Immortal Clan was finally convened. Every single Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a peak-level Heavenly Immortal] of the clan attended this gathering.

Eldrin Chen sat solemnly within the Purple Ye Palace, gazing upon the assembled immortals below. A profound sense of pride and satisfaction welled up within him.

For this pre-war council, the strength of the Chen Clan was unprecedented. In total, there were forty-seven Heavenly Immortal Paragon present.

Among them, there were sixteen Ancient Immortal Great Powers [cultivators who have transcended mortality and attained immense power through ancient cultivation arts], namely Eldrin Chen, Lyra Jiang, Verdant Consort, Nyssa Qu, Yvonne the Violet Consort, Lila, Ethan Chen, Qiyuan Chen, Kael Chen, Verdant Ancient Ancestor, Xianchang Chen, Xianqing Chen, and Xianzhu Chen.

Furthermore, there were three disciples: Qingfeng Ye, Wen Yuan Lu, and Yuansheng.

Among these sixteen, Eldrin Chen possessed the greatest combat prowess, his strength rivaling that of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight Heavenly Tribulations, a mark of supreme power and resilience].

Lyra Jiang's combat power was slightly inferior, yet she had mastered a Patriarch-Grade Divine Ability [a supreme-level mystical technique of legendary power] and refined one hundred and eighty Supreme Unity Golden Bamboo Sword [peerless flying swords forged from Golden Bamboo, embodying the principle of Supreme Unity], bringing her combat strength close to the level of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

However, Lyra Jiang's foundational Dharmic Power [the cultivated spiritual energy that fuels a cultivator's techniques] was insufficient. Once she unleashed her Patriarch Grade [a level denoting the pinnacle of power for a sect or clan's leader] combat power, she could only maintain it for a brief period. Much of her strength relied on external artifacts, preventing her from truly matching an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal in a prolonged contest.

Aside from them, Nyssa Qu ranked third in strength. Nurtured jointly by the Immortal Clam Clan and Eldrin Chen, she had already broken through the five great Heavenly Barriers: Fleshly Body, Dharmic Power, Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator's being], Great Dao [the fundamental laws and principles of cultivation], and Divine Abilities.

Relying on her Nine-Colored Immortal Clam [a mythical clam demon beast of extraordinary heritage] foundation, her Fleshly Body Heavenly Barrier [the limit of physical refinement a cultivator can achieve] had reached the Tenth Limit. Her Dharmic Power Heavenly Barrier [the limit of spiritual energy capacity a cultivator can achieve] had also broken through the Tenth Limit. Her Innate Divine Abilities [mystical powers inherent to one's bloodline or unique constitution], the Nine-Colored Immortal Light, had even stepped into the Eleventh Limit [a realm of power that transcends conventional limits, signifying peerless talent], qualifying as a top-tier Patriarch-Grade Divine Ability.

With such a formidable foundation, Nyssa Qu's strength was already comparable to a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived seven Heavenly Tribulations].

However, due to lesser talent and attainment in the Dao of Formations [the art of creating and utilizing magical arrays], coupled with a relatively shorter cultivation time, she was still unable to refine and control more than thirty-six swords of the Supreme Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation [a legendary sword formation utilizing Supreme Unity Golden Bamboo Swords]. Thus, her strength was slightly inferior to Lyra Jiang's.

Additionally, Verdant Consort had broken through the three great Heavenly Barriers of Dharmic Power, Primordial Spirit, and Fleshly Body. Wielding a set of thirty-six Supreme Unity Golden Bamboo Sword, her strength was at the level of a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived six Heavenly Tribulations].

Ethan Chen, Qiyuan Chen, Xianchang Chen, Xianqing Chen, Xianzhu Chen, Verdant Ancient Ancestor, Qingfeng Ye, Wen Yuan Lu, and Yuansheng all possessed extraordinary natural talent. However, their access to resources was somewhat inferior compared to that of his several Dao Companions. Consequently, they only managed to shatter the two great Heavenly Barriers of Dharmic Power and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator].

Only Qiyuan Chen was an exception. His Dharmic Power Heavenly Barrier [a major bottleneck in cultivation advancement] remained unbroken. Yet, thanks to the various refined metal ores from the Chen Immortal Clan and the divine materials from Chaos that Eldrin Chen had brought back, his Indestructible Golden Body had advanced by leaps and bounds over these years.

Thus, he not only shattered the Fleshly Body Heavenly Barrier [a major bottleneck in physical cultivation], but had also progressed far along the path of the Tenth Limit Realm.

Lila and Yvonne the Violet Consort were not far behind these individuals. With the aid of rare treasures like the Seven-Colored Immortal Pearl and Soul-Nourishing Wood, they too managed to break through two Heavenly Barriers.

Aside from these Ancient Immortal [immortals who have lived for eons], the more than thirty Heavenly Immortal Paragon [the pinnacle realm of Heavenly Immortals] within the Chen Immortal Clan showed varied progress. Some had achieved the Dao earlier, their cultivation already reaching the late Celestial Immortal [a high-level immortal realm] stage. Others, having attained the Dao later, still remained at the first layer of Celestial Immortal.

Of course, their generally lower cultivation was primarily due to differing degrees of resource allocation. Individuals like Qiyuan Chen and the others, who were closely related to Eldrin Chen and had been supported by him throughout their journey, naturally lacked for nothing.

As for the many more distant junior clansmen, Eldrin Chen naturally would not shoulder the burden for all of them.