Chapter 1867 : A Web of Tribulations and Ambition

At the same moment, Nyssa Qu approached and could not help but inquire, "What shall we do next?"

Eldrin Chen cast a glance towards the direction of the Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea and the Myriad Ghosts Frozen Cavern, then spoke with calm composure, "The two great fish have not yet taken the bait. Revealing our true strength now would likely startle them into flight."

Upon hearing this, Lyra Jiang furrowed her brow slightly. "If they refuse to emerge, waiting indefinitely will become a vexation. You seek to prove your path to the Grand Luo realm. The Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent will descend in one hundred thousand years, and within it lies the Grand Luo Wind Vein [a supreme spiritual energy current essential for ascension to the Grand Luo realm] you require."

"That is indeed true," Eldrin Chen nodded, then continued, "Their scheme revolves around nothing more than the Hundred Tribulations Rebirth Opportunity [a legendary chance for rebirth and supreme power after enduring a hundred calamities]."

"I shall grant them that very opportunity. Let the tribulation-entangled disciples of the great ancient sects fall like rain, hastening the revival of the Vast Azure Great God."

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen said with a faint smile, "Certain old debts and grievances shall be settled this very day."

"Issue the command. Let our people make their move."

With Eldrin Chen's decree, the war machine of the Abyssal Immortal Alliance roared to life.

Over one hundred Heavenly Immortal Paragon [cultivators at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Immortal realm] and sixteen Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived since ancient times] from the entire alliance took action, sweeping across the vast Western Extremity Six Heavens Domain with unstoppable force.

The various Demon Race factions, Divine Race clans, and the Grotto-Heavens and Blessed Lands [hidden paradises and sanctums of profound spiritual energy] crumbled overnight. In a shockingly brief span, the very heavens of the entire Western Extremity Six Heavens Domain were overturned.

The White Tiger Grotto-Heaven [a mystical realm of immense spiritual power], the Golden Radiance Grotto-Heaven [a luminous realm of profound energy], the Celestial Kettle Grotto-Heaven [a heavenly cauldron-shaped domain]—one after another, the Grotto-Heaven [celestial paradises] of the demon and god races were besieged and shattered. In a shockingly brief span, several dozen Heavenly Immortal Paragon [supreme beings who have ascended to the pinnacle of the Heavenly Immortal realm] met their demise.

Yet, a tinge of regret colored Eldrin Chen's thoughts. The true powerhouses of these great Grotto-Heaven [celestial paradises]—those formidable figures hailing from the ancient clans of the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo, a supreme realm of existence] or the mighty institutions of the Divine Court [the celestial court of the gods] and Demon Court [the infernal court of the demons]—had vanished.

"They fled quite swiftly," he murmured.

Having swept through the Western Extremity Six Heavens Domain [the domain of the Six Westernmost Heavens], Eldrin Chen glanced at the battle report in his hand, his brow furrowing slightly.

The Pure Yang Ancient Ancestor [an ancient progenitor who cultivates the purest Yang energy], now allied with the Abyssal Immortal Alliance [a coalition of immortal forces], voiced his concern, "The White Tiger Ancient Progenitor [the primordial ancestor of the White Tiger lineage] and the Golden Ray Ancient Progenitor [the ancient source of golden radiance] are both powerhouses at the Fifth Tribulation Ancient Immortal Realm [a venerable and immensely powerful stage of immortal cultivation]. Their escape from the Western Extremity Six Heavens Domain [the domain of the Six Westernmost Heavens] may yet bring us trouble."

"It matters not," Eldrin Chen replied with calm assurance. "With the Hundred Tribulations Rebirth Opportunity [the once-in-an-era chance for rebirth through a hundred calamities] drawing near, they will not abandon their pursuit."

Eldrin Chen set down the intelligence missive with serene composure and inquired, "What is our current strength in numbers?"

Lior Chen, who was responsible for collating the intelligence, consulted the documents in his hand and reported, "Our Abyssal Immortal Alliance [coalition of immortal forces], combined with the Grotto-Heavens and Blessed Lands [celestial paradises and sanctified realms] of the Western Extremity Six Heavens Domain [the domain of the Six Westernmost Heavens] and the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [the alliance of one hundred immortal spirit tribes] who have pledged allegiance to us, now commands a force of over three hundred Heavenly Immortal Paragon [supreme beings of the Heavenly Immortal realm]."

"However, our numbers among the Ancient Immortal [venerable immortals of immense age and power] are somewhat lacking. Only three have chosen to cooperate with us thus far."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a nod of acknowledgment. Within the Western Extremity Six Heavens Domain [the domain of the Six Westernmost Heavens], only three Ancient Immortal Great Powers [mighty figures of the Ancient Immortal realm] had forged an alliance with the Chen Immortal Clan [the immortal clan of the Chen family].

They were the ancient ancestors of the Pure Yang Ancient Ancestor and the Great White Grotto-Heaven respectively, with the remaining individual being Drayan Taicang, the foremost Divine General under Eldrin Chen. Apart from these, none of the other returning Ancient Immortal Great Powers had entered the tribulation within the Western Extremity Six Heavens Domain.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen fell into a brief, thoughtful silence before speaking with a faint, knowing smile. "Though over a hundred Ancient Immortal have returned to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, only one has come back to the Western Extremity Six Heavens Domain. It seems they all regard me as their paramount adversary."

Hearing his words, the brows of those present furrowed slightly in unison.

The Ancient Progenitor from the Great White Grotto-Heaven stroked his long beard and said, "In the past, you suppressed Vorgath Di, demonstrating power that overshadowed all rivals. Naturally, they dare not enter the tribulation within the Western Extremity Six Heavens Domain."

Drayan Taicang then turned his gaze to Eldrin Chen and inquired, "In your view, what should our next course of action be?"

"Muster our forces, prepare for war, and then march upon the Central Seven Heavens Domain."

Eldrin Chen declared without hesitation. Given his current strength and foundation, within the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, only Xuanheng Ancient Demon and the Myriad Ghosts Ancient Ancestor warranted his serious attention.

As for the others, they were not worth expending excessive mental effort. Rather than wasting time on intricate schemes, it was far simpler to crush all opposition with overwhelming force.

The others present had no objections to this approach. However, the Pure Yang Ancient Ancestor voiced a concern, asking, "What about the Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea? Should we not take precautions there?"

"Unnecessary."

Eldrin Chen shook his head and spoke with calm authority, "Should that ancient demon awaken, none present here would be able to withstand it."

"If it does not emerge, the others pose little threat. We need only leave a few Celestial Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] to maintain the grand formation of the Abyssal Ruins Celestial Domain."

Hearing this, the Pure Yang Ancient Ancestor fell into a brief, contemplative silence and offered no further argument.

At Eldrin Chen's command, the Abyssal Immortal Alliance began its final preparations for war. This time, they mobilized the full strength of the entire Western Extremity Six Heavens Domain, assembling nearly two hundred Heavenly Immortal Paragon [the highest echelon of immortal cultivators] and billions of Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality] and Earth Immortal [immortals bound to the earthly realm] for the coming conflict.

This was an all-out war. Dozens of Human Race and Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [a collective term for numerous immortal spirit races] Grotto-Heavens [paradisiacal realms and hidden sanctuaries] committed the majority of the power they had accumulated over an entire Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often ending in a cataclysmic tribulation].

A war of such scale, even within the Immortal Domain, was an epic event, occurring only once per Kalpa Tribulation. For Immortal, it was the stuff of legend.

After all, even Earth Immortal Progenitor [the founding ancestors among earth immortals] rarely lived to witness the passing of a full Kalpa Tribulation.

To personally experience such a cataclysm filled the Immortal with both fervor and dread. Their fervor stemmed from the immense Opportunity [chance for advancement and fortune] a Kalpa Tribulation presented; their dread, from the ancient knowledge that over nine-tenths of Immortal who faced it would perish.

This was the great Dao of celestial cycles, governing the revival of the world's spiritual energy within the Immortal Domain and preventing its descent into an age of spiritual decay. It was a fundamental rule of the cosmos. Without the protection of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal of the highest order], no Immortal could defy its mandate.

In truth, even for a Heavenly Immortal Paragon, the odds of surviving the Kalpa Tribulation were less than three in ten.

This time, upon the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea, ten thousand vessels vied for passage. Countless Immortal [cultivators who have ascended to immortality] boarded the World-Opening Ancient Ship [legendary vessels capable of traversing the void] and even the mighty Taiyi Ancient Vessel [primordial warships of immense power].

Eldrin Chen gazed upon the endless sea of Immortal and ancient ships, letting out a soft sigh. "Who knows," he murmured, "how many of them will survive what comes after this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle of destruction and rebirth]."

Myriad Spirits Ancient Ancestor sighed softly as well, a flicker of compassion in his eyes. "Since time immemorial," he said, "those who live through a Kalpa Tribulation are exceedingly few. It can truly be called a trial where nine die for every one who lives."

"If we are defeated, they will likely be annihilated to the last. But if we achieve a complete victory, perhaps the majority will survive."

Eldrin Chen fell silent. He understood that within the crucible of a Kalpa Tribulation, these lower-tier Immortal held no power to dictate their own fate.

The true arbiters of victory or defeat were the Celestial Immortal [immortals of a higher, celestial order] and even the Ancient Immortal Great Powers [primordial beings of immense age and power]. In truth, even the Heavenly Immortal Paragon [the pinnacle existences among heavenly immortals] were merely larger pieces on the board.

As for the lower-tier Immortal, they were but ants swept along by the current. Their only hope was that the mighty ones they followed could crush the formidable enemies born of the tribulation, for only then would their chance of survival increase.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen sighed once more before speaking firmly. "They will come to understand," he declared, "that they have not placed their faith in the wrong person."

"*Woo-woo-woo—*"

A chorus of horns sounded, and the fleet of millions of ancient ships finally began to move.

One after another, World-Opening Ancient Ship [legendary vessels capable of traversing the void between realms] cleaved through the firmament, their course set for the Central Seven Heavens Domain. The vast army marched for several hundred years before finally reaching their destination.

Their spearhead was aimed directly at the Verdant Sun Divine Domain, and they plunged into the very heart of the most critical battlefield within that domain.

By this time, the Verdant Sun Divine Domain had long become the most fiercely contested theater of war in the entire Vast Azure Immortal Domain. Dozens of Grotto-Heaven [self-contained pocket paradises and realms of immense spiritual power], including the Purple Tenuity Dao Palace, the Verdant Sun Grotto-Heaven, the Taihao Ancient Clan, and the Bifang Demon Clan, were locked in combat here. Over eight hundred Heavenly Immortal Paragon [powerful immortals who have reached the pinnacle of the Heavenly Immortal realm] clashed upon this blood-soaked land.

Even Ancient Immortal Ancestor [profoundly ancient beings who have transcended the Heavenly Immortal realm] had gathered, their number exceeding fifty. This place was, without a doubt, the primary and most devastating battlefield in the Vast Azure Immortal Domain.

Now, as the Abyssal Immortal Alliance swept in with its forces, it shattered layer upon layer of the conflict, driving relentlessly toward the core of the Verdant Sun Divine Domain. Along their path, they obliterated several dozen Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality through cultivation].

Yet, just as Eldrin Chen approached the heart of the maelstrom, the void around him suddenly trembled. Over thirty figures tore through space, materializing directly before him.

The newcomers were a dozen or so Heavenly Immortal Paragon from the Ethereal Void Grotto-Heaven. At their forefront were the Ethereal Void Sword Lord and Daoxu Jiang. Accompanying them were several unfamiliar Ancient Immortal Great Powers from the Human Race.

The Ethereal Void Sword Lord, upon seeing Eldrin Chen, urgently called out to halt him, "You must not advance further! A trap lies ahead!"

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

Yet at that very moment, the void trembled violently as streams of radiant light tore across the heavens.

No fewer than several thousand Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a supreme immortal realm cultivator] and over one hundred Ancient Immortal Ancestor [an ancient, venerable immortal ancestor] took positions across the eight directions, completely encircling them.

Even more astonishing, within the vast expanse of the Verdant Sun Divine Domain, a formation diagram that blotted out the sky took form in the heavens. Countless Immortal Mountain [mountains imbued with immortal energy] erupted with world-shaking immortal light, merging into a grand formation that sealed the entire celestial region.

"Thinking of leaving now is likely far too late."

High in the ethereal sky, a golden great sun rose, radiating a light that illuminated all realms.

It was Vorgath Di. He gazed coldly at Eldrin Chen, his eyes profound as he spoke, "Fellow Daoist Abyssal, to have cultivated to such a realm in merely ten million years, you are indeed the foremost prodigy the Human Race has ever produced in the history of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain."

"Yet Heaven envies the talented. Today marks the end of your life."

Simultaneously, from another part of the ethereal sky, the Verdant Cosmos Ancient Progenitor from the Verdant Sun Divine Clan stood poised in the air. His gaze, like a great sun from the Ninth Heaven looking down, held a mix of admiration and regret as he spoke.

"Truly a once-in-an-era genius. A pity you are not of my Verdant Sun Divine Clan. Otherwise, this old man would have surely protected you with all his might."

"For these mountains to serve as the place of your fall can be considered their honor. I propose that after today, this mountain range be renamed the Immortal-Felling Ridge [the Ridge Where Immortals Are Felled]."

"Quite so, quite so!"

Not far away, Primordial Azure Dragon from the True Dragon Clan also nodded, his voice filled with admiration as he remarked, "I foresee that this Immortal-Felling Ridge shall, in days to come, become a formidable forbidden land within the Vast Azure Immortal Domain."

"Damnation."

Witnessing the encirclement, the cultivators from the Ethereal Void Grotto-Heaven all paled dramatically. Even the other Human Race Ancient Immortal [an immortal being who has transcended mortal limits and cultivated for eons] Great Powers present shifted their expressions, a flicker of retreat appearing in their eyes.

It was not a matter of their own weakness, but the sheer overwhelming number of their foes. More than one hundred Ancient Immortal Great Powers [supreme beings who have attained immortality through ancient cultivation] stood arrayed against them—a force clearly assembled through years of meticulous planning with the sole purpose of delivering Eldrin Chen to his demise.

*Clap. Clap. Clap.*

Yet, just as fear gripped the hearts of his allies, Eldrin Chen began to applaud softly, a faint smile gracing his lips.

His gaze swept across the encircling host, tallying them one by one as he spoke. "Fellow Daoist Vorgath Di, Verdant Sun Ancient Progenitor, Bifang Ancient Progenitor, True Dragon Ancient Progenitor, Immortal Phoenix Ancient Progenitor, Taihao Ancient Progenitor... For you few Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived six heavenly tribulations] to join forces in besieging this humble one, that is at least understandable."

"However," his voice turned cold, "the lineage of Purple Tenuity [the Daoist concept of the subtle and profound principle of the North Star] is a branch of my own Human Race Purple Tenuity Ancient Sect. Why must you, too, seek my death?"

The Ancient Progenitor [a primordial founder of a mighty lineage] from the Purple Tenuity Grotto-Heaven met his gaze, his eyes icy and profound. "Your potential threat is too great," he stated flatly. "Should you be allowed to mature fully during this cosmic tribulation, what chance would an old relic like myself have at seizing the Opportunity of Rebirth Through a Hundred Tribulations [a legendary chance for ultimate ascension and rebirth by enduring one hundred heavenly calamities]?"

The Ancient Immortal from the Ethereal Void Ancient Sect nearby witnessed this and could not help but let out a bitter laugh. He then said to Eldrin Chen, "The Grand Luo Immortal Lord of the Purple Tenuity Ancient Sect, Purple Tenuity Daoist, cultivates the Great Dao of Purple Tenuity [the cosmic principle governing the celestial pole star and imperial destiny]."

"His life and death are entirely within the control of the Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor [the supreme deity associated with the Purple Tenuity star]. How would the powerful figures under his command dare to defy a direct descendant from the Verdant Sun Divine Clan?"

"So that's how it is."

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly, then asked, "Seven Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived six heavenly tribulations], one hundred and twenty-one Ancient Immortal Ancestor [venerable progenitors among the ancient immortals], three thousand four hundred Heavenly Immortal Paragon [peak-level heavenly immortals]. The forces deployed by the various ancient sects and the two Celestial Courts should be nearly all assembled by now, correct?"

Seeing Eldrin Chen remain unflinchingly calm, the expressions of the powerful figures from all sides turned frosty.

Vorgath Di's gaze turned icy as he spoke, "Your composure suggests you are waiting for the Ancient Ancestor Evergreen and the forces of the Human Race, such as the Taiyang Imperial Clan. A pity they will not be arriving."

"Even if you had reinforcements, it would be futile."

The ancient ancestor from the Bifang Clan sneered, his eyes radiating baleful intent. "Setting aside the fact that the grand formation blocks their path, even if they all arrived today, with the combined might of our two Celestial Courts, thirteen ancient clans, and thirty-six great ancient sects, your fate is sealed."

"Begin."

"BOOM—"

As his words fell, Bifang, the Ancient Ancestor unleashed his full power. He summoned forth a dazzling immortal lamp [a magical artifact of immense power], which soared into the air and showered down a torrent of brilliant, primordial divine flames [the primal, foundational fires of creation], intent on reducing everyone to ashes.

Seeing this, the other ancient progenitors—True Dragon, Immortal Phoenix, Vorgath Di, and the rest—also acted in unison. They summoned overwhelming divine abilities and ancient treasures [powerful artifacts from bygone eras], unleashing a cataclysmic assault meant to suppress the group completely.

Yet, Eldrin Chen's expression remained utterly calm. With a mere flick of his sleeve, he drew forth the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd [a weapon embodying the chaos of creation]. Sweeping it across the eight directions, he single-handedly engaged all seven Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived six heavenly tribulations] in battle.

The moment the clash began, the seven Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal paled with shock. They realized that even with their combined might, they held not the slightest advantage against Eldrin Chen. Instead, they were forced into a relentless retreat, battered and overwhelmed.

The True Dragon Ancient Progenitor was sent reeling through the air, blood spraying from a wound inflicted by Eldrin Chen's casual strike. Terror gripped him as he cried out, "This is dire! His power... it must have already reached the realm of a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations]. We cannot face him head-on!"

Vorgath Di's expression shifted grimly. The gulf between a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal and a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal was as vast as an unbridgeable chasm. Without employing the ultimate trump cards bestowed upon them by their respective backing powers, even their combined force of seven stood no chance against a single Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

Yet, those trump cards granted by the Celestial Court [the heavenly bureaucracy and ruling power] and the ancient sects were far too precious. They were artifacts potent enough to pose a threat even to an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]. Not only did activating them come at a tremendous cost, but they were also the key aces meant to secure the Hundred Tribulations Rebirth Opportunity [a legendary chance for rebirth and ascension after surviving a hundred heavenly calamities].

With the Vast Azure Great God not yet awakened, how could they possibly resort to using such treasures so readily?

Considering this, Vorgath Di immediately commanded, "Use the Formation [a structured arrangement of power for amplification or suppression] to suppress him! Channel the power of this entire celestial domain and focus its weight upon him alone!"

"Agreed!"

As the words fell, countless Demon Immortal [powerful beings who have ascended beyond mortality] Divine Spirits began to activate the grand formation. The overwhelming formation diagram erupted with world-shaking divine power, pressing down upon Eldrin Chen.

Under such immense pressure, even Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow for a fleeting moment, though his expression relaxed almost instantly.

The force of such a Formation [a structured array that channels and amplifies power] would suppress even an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] by thirty percent of their strength. Yet, for him, who possessed a dual True Spirit Foundation [a perfected spiritual core of unparalleled purity], the pressure was not truly significant.

Nevertheless, Eldrin Chen feigned being suppressed by that thirty percent, deliberately holding back a fraction of his power with each strike.

In truth, Eldrin Chen was not unleashing his full might. The power of his True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the ultimate spiritual essence of a cultivator] was too astonishing. If fully channeled into his physical form, it could dominate all other energies, unleashing cataclysmic, heaven-rending power that none but an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal could hope to withstand.

He held back for two reasons: first, to avoid frightening off Xuanheng the Elder Demon and Myriad Ghosts Ancient Ancestor, and second, to lay a trap for these two fiends.

With Eldrin Chen bearing the full brunt of the Formation's pressure and locked in a stalemate with seven Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived six heavenly tribulations], the other battlefields finally gained a slight advantage.

Lyra Jiang, having mastered a Patriarch-Grade Divine Ability [a supreme technique of legendary power], opened her assault with the Great Five Elements Pure Yin Divine Thunder. A single blast annihilated seven Ancient Immortal Great Powers [venerable and powerful ancient immortals], one of whom was even a Five-Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

This terrifying display forced the remaining foes to defend with their all. Over thirty Ancient Immortal Ancestor [revered progenitors among ancient immortals] joined forces, solely to contend with Lyra Jiang in a full-scale battle.

Nyssa Qu also displayed extraordinary prowess. Her Seven Extremities Spirit-Slaying Sword [a legendary sword art] had been refined into the Nine Ultimate God-Slaying Sword [its ultimate, perfected form]. This set of Primordial Ancient Treasure [artifacts from the dawn of creation] possessed lethality rarely seen since antiquity. Arrayed as formation weapons, their combined power rivaled that of thirty-six supreme-grade Primordial Supreme Unity Golden Bamboo Sword [swords forged from primordial golden bamboo].

With this sword formation, Nyssa Qu single-handedly contended against over twenty Ancient Immortal Great Powers [powerful cultivators who have attained the Ancient Immortal realm], and moreover, she subtly gained the upper hand.

The other members of the Chen Immortal Clan also unleashed their formidable might. Wielding the Supreme Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation [a powerful sword formation composed of enchanted golden bamboo swords], they swept through the host of heroes, each attaining combat prowess rivaling that of five Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived six heavenly tribulations]. For a time, the scales of battle began to tilt decisively.

"How is this possible?"

"How could they possess so many Supreme Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation?"

Witnessing the Ancient Immortal Great Powers of the Chen Immortal Clan unleash such divine fury, everyone present was struck with utter astonishment.

In that moment, all who were present were stunned. The reason was the extreme rarity of supreme-grade Primordial Gold Bamboo [a primordial, spiritually potent species of golden bamboo]. Generally, cultivating hundreds of millions of Jade Marrow Gold Bamboo Shoot [a spiritual bamboo shoot prized for its jade-like marrow] might not yield a single stalk of Primordial Gold Bamboo.

As for supreme-grade Primordial Gold Bamboo, even among Primordial Gold Bamboo, they are but one in a thousand.

If that were the only obstacle, given the profound accumulated heritage and resources of the various Great Luo Ancient Sect [ancient and powerful sects of the Great Luo realm], it might not be impossible for them to cultivate a significant quantity of supreme-grade Primordial Gold Bamboo.

However, deploying the Supreme Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation imposes stringent requirements on the compatibility of the Primordial Gold Bamboo used.

Generally speaking, ordinary, disparate stalks of supreme-grade Primordial Gold Bamboo can at most be assembled into a Supreme Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation composed of nine bamboo swords. While such a formation possesses extraordinary power, it has not yet undergone a qualitative transformation.

Only Primordial Gold Bamboo [a legendary spiritual bamboo of immense hardness and spiritual affinity] stalks that are of similar age, grown in identical locations, cultivated by the same methods, and have undergone their Ascension [a critical breakthrough where a spiritual plant or material transcends its original grade] at nearly the same time will possess Dao Patterns [the natural, mystical inscriptions that form on objects of power] and foundational essence that are closely aligned. Only such stalks can be combined to form a Supreme Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation [a powerful sword array utilizing these bamboo stalks as flying swords] exceeding nine swords in number.

Under such stringent conditions, only the Three Great Celestial Courts [the three supreme governing powers of the immortal realm] possess the resources and scale to cultivate a sufficient quantity of Supreme Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation.

That the Immortal [a cultivator who has ascended to immortality] ancestors of the Chen Immortal Clan could produce one or two sets of a Supreme-Grade Taiyi Golden Bamboo Sword Formation [a top-tier variant of the Golden Bamboo sword formation] was surprising enough. But to unveil over a dozen large-scale Supreme Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation at once utterly defied all expectations.

Bolstered by this multitude of sword formations, and with the direct intervention of two combatants possessing the battle prowess of Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived seven Heavenly Tribulations]—Lyra Jiang and Nyssa Qu—the tide of battle began to turn. The scales, once heavily weighted against them, started to shift.

Even though the alliance of the Demon God races and the Hundred Clans fielded over a hundred Ancient Immortal [immortals of great age and power], holding an absolute numerical advantage, they gradually found themselves forced onto the back foot. One by one, Ancient Immortal Ancestor [venerable and powerful Ancient Immortals] began to fall.

And this was with Eldrin Chen, Lyra Jiang, and the others still holding back their true strength. Had they unleashed their True Spirit Divine Ability [a supreme ability derived from one's innermost spiritual essence], the Nine-Colored Immortal Light [a devastating beam of light containing nine distinct elemental powers], or the Celestial Stem Earthly Branch Golden Bamboo Sword Formation [an even more profound and powerful bamboo sword formation], they could have annihilated these Ancient Immortal Ancestor in mere moments.

Yet even with their power restrained, the balance of the war continued to tilt inexorably in their favor.

After a mere thousand years of fierce combat, more than half of the Ancient Immortal who had initially surrounded them had perished. The seven Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived six Heavenly Tribulations] leading the assault were each grievously wounded.

It was only then, amidst the boundless killing intent, that their foes finally sensed the impending doom and regained their clarity of mind.

Vorgath Di cast a murderous glance towards Eldrin Chen and declared, his voice dripping with venom, "Fellow Daoists, matters have reached this point. We can hold nothing in reserve any longer."

"If you wish to scheme for the Opportunity of Rebirth Through a Hundred Tribulations, you should first kill this man and survive this battle."

"Agreed."

The Ancient Progenitor of the Purple Tenuity Dao Palace was the first to speak. With a furious roar, this Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal summoned forth an ancient immortal talisman and sent it crashing down to suppress Eldrin Chen.

"The Grand Luo Ancient Talisman [a supreme talisman personally crafted by a Grand Luo Golden Immortal]?"

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly, feigning 'shock and fury' as he declared, "To rely on external artifacts? You are unworthy of your cultivation!"

This Grand Luo Ancient Talisman was personally forged by a Grand Luo Golden Immortal. Sealed within it was a Patriarch-Grade Divine Ability [a supreme technique of a lineage progenitor], possessing perhaps one or two tenths of its peak power. Yet, that was enough to reign supreme between heaven and earth, posing a genuine threat even to an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen unleashed his full power. He summoned his Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth], the Soaring Immortal Zither, and plucked its strings, releasing world-shaking sonic blades to parry the attack.

"Impossible! He possesses an Innate Spiritual Treasure?"

In that instant, the faces of the other combatants paled, etched with stark terror. Several among them immediately sought to disengage and flee for their lives.

Yet, at that very moment, Vorgath Di, the Golden Crow, noticed a trickle of blood at the corner of Eldrin Chen's mouth. A savage glee surged within him. "He has not fully refined the Innate Spiritual Treasure! He is not a true Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal!" he roared triumphantly.

Bifang, the Ancient Ancestor was both shocked and overjoyed, immediately exclaiming with fervor, "An Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos, unrefined and containing immense natural power] that has not been refined—this may be our greatest Opportunity [a pivotal chance for advancement or gain]."

"Act swiftly!"

In that instant, none of them held back any longer, each unleashing their hidden trump cards.

It was seen that the Purple Tenuity Daoist once more activated the Grand Luo Ancient Talisman [an ancient talisman of immense power from the Grand Luo lineage], Aurelius, the Ancient Ancestor summoned forth a Grand Luo Forbidden Artifact Golden Crow Wheel [a forbidden artifact shaped like the wheel of a Golden Crow, radiating solar fury], and Bifang, the Ancient Ancestor ignited a single drop of Grand Luo True Blood [a drop of primordial blood essence bestowed by a Grand Luo Emperor] granted by Bifang Great Emperor, temporarily elevating his cultivation by one minor realm.

To wield a contingency left behind by a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal of the Grand Luo realm] with the power of a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations] demanded a staggering price. Regardless of the battle's outcome, their combat prowess would be greatly diminished afterward, and they would be unable to invoke such means again for a long time.

Nevertheless, with these methods unleashed, their strength was now incomparable to what it had been mere moments before.

In that moment, each of the seven Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal had elevated their combat power to the level of a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations], their offensive might even approaching that of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations].

The combined force of seven such beings was enough to sweep across the Vast Azure Immortal Domain [a vast and storied realm of immortals] with none able to stand against them.

Even if Xuanheng the Elder Demon and Myriad Ghosts Ancient Ancestor were to awaken and return, not having recovered their full strength, they would view this alliance of seven with profound trepidation.

Facing these seven, Eldrin Chen felt a sliver of pressure, yet it was merely that—a sliver, and nothing more.

In that moment, after assessing the combat prowess of the several opponents, Eldrin Chen understood that by unleashing his True Spirit Divine Ability, he could effortlessly suppress them all.

Yet, Eldrin Chen refrained from doing so, for if he were to strike with his full power, those two would undoubtedly flee at the first opportunity.

"A Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Realm, a supreme stage of cultivation] contingency plan. Truly, you are worthy of being descendants of an ancient Grand Luo clan."

"Since that is the case, let us battle with our full might."

At that moment, a flicker of fighting spirit also manifested within Eldrin Chen.

Behold him, a figure in robes white as snow, seated cross-legged amidst the clouds. He placed the Soaring Immortal Zither [a legendary zither of celestial ascent] across his knees, facing the seven mightiest powerhouses who had ventured forth and returned to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain over the course of more than a hundred Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration]. Yet, his composure remained unshaken, a tranquil lake amidst the gathering storm.

Thus commenced the climactic peak of a world-shaking duel, one destined to reverberate through the Vast Azure Immortal Domain and astonish the Weilai for a hundred Kalpa Tribulation to come.

Today marks the beginning of the climax for this Kalpa Tribulation arc. I have specially prepared a large chapter of six thousand words. I will also try to maintain this length of six thousand words per chapter going forward. Your support is appreciated.