Chapter 1871 : The Final Heavenly Trial

After purifying the vast Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea, Eldrin Chen instantly felt a profound clarity within his spiritual platform [the seat of consciousness and enlightenment for a cultivator], and an invisible shackle in his heart vanished.

He slowly exhaled a breath of relief and said with a smile, "The great vow I made in the past has been fulfilled. The shackles in my heart have been loosened. It is time to take that final step."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then chuckled softly in the next instant.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen resolved to assail the Heavenly Pass of the Dao Heart [the cultivator's fundamental will and spiritual core, representing their path and resolve], to break through to the realm of a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

To breach the Heavenly Pass of the Dao Heart, one must directly face the Chaos Great Dao [the primordial, undifferentiated source of all laws and existence] and survive the Three Inquiries of the Great Dao Tribulation. The slightest flaw could lead to failure.

Now, Eldrin Chen slowly lowered his eyelids. His Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] resonated with the Chaos Great Dao, initiating the Heavenly Pass Tribulation of the Dao Heart.

"BOOM!"

As Eldrin Chen launched his assault, a voice of boundless grandeur echoed forth.

"In this life of yours, have you ever felt shame before Heaven?"

Eldrin Chen's heart quaked. From the depths of his being, memories of his past surfaced—every moment from his time in the Vast Azure Realm, followed by each experience along his journey after setting foot in the Immortal Domain, unfolding before him one by one.

After a moment's silence, he declared with unwavering resolve, "I am without shame before Heaven."

Indeed, he was born in the Violet Boundary [a mystical realm of profound significance]. In this life, he had quelled demonic tribulations, and after his ascension, he had returned to nourish his homeland three times in succession, leaving no debt to the mortal dust from whence he came.

After ascending, he owed many karmic debts to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain [the vast and celestial realm of immortals]. Yet, he had slain three great foes: the Nether Emperor, the Xuanheng Ancient Demon [an ancient and malevolent demon], and the Myriad Ghosts Ancient Ancestor [an ancestor who commanded legions of specters], thereby thwarting their scheme to sacrifice the entire Vast Azure Immortal Domain.

Furthermore, he purified the Demonic Fiend Qi [the corrupt and malevolent energy] of the Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea [a sea of torment in the nether abyss]. These deeds were sufficient to repay his karmic debts, allowing him to stand without shame before the Immortal Domain. Since he was blameless before the mortal realm and blameless before the Immortal Domain, he was naturally without shame before Heaven.

"Crack—"

The Great Dao [the fundamental principle governing all existence] resonated with a deep hum. Following a violent tremor, an invisible shackle shattered.

Then, in the next instant, that majestic voice echoed once more.

"In this life of yours, have you any shame before your fellow beings?"

Eldrin Chen fell silent. His thoughts returned to this present life, retracing the path he had walked and the companions he had met along the way.

In his youth, his father, drenched in blood, had traversed a hundred thousand Li-lengths [a unit of distance where one Li equals five hundred meters] of treacherous mountains to deliver him back to Verdant Chariot Mountain. From there, he had embarked upon the arduous path of cultivation within the Immortal World [the world where immortals and cultivators dwell]. Recounting the myriad people and events he had encountered, he could not help but sink into profound silence.

After a long while, he finally spoke, "Throughout my life, I have asked my own heart and found no shame in how I treated those close to me."

"Yet, I have also slaughtered demons, slain members of the Human Race, and executed divine spirits. Among the thousands of foes I have faced, there must be innocents who perished unjustly because of me."

"Therefore, in reviewing my life, my actions have been a mix of right and wrong; I am by no means a perfect man."

"However, for those who died unjustly, I may feel pity, but in my heart, I harbor no guilt or regret."

The voice of the Great Dao [the fundamental principle underlying all existence], devoid of emotion, then spoke, "Since they died unjustly because of you, why do you feel no guilt in your heart?"

Eldrin Chen's expression was one of profound compassion, his form wreathed in immortal mist [the ethereal energy of transcendence], as he uttered an ethereal reply.

"The Buddha said, 'In a single bowl of water, there dwell eighty-four thousand living beings.'"

"With every breath, a mortal unknowingly consumes countless minuscule lives. Over a lifetime, whether by intent or accident, the slaughter they commit could be said to be as numerous as the sands of the Ronan River."

"A cultivator, in a lifetime of cultivation, devours the world's resources, refining and concentrating the essence of heaven and earth within their own body. Are they not, then, beings of immense and overwhelming sin?"

"I have cultivated to this day, transcending the Mortal Dust Realm. If I were to feel guilt for every single thing, I would have long since undergone corporeal dissolution [a form of ritual suicide for cultivators] and returned my essence to the Mortal Dust Realm. How then could I have possibly cultivated to my present realm?"

At this point, his voice paused briefly, growing increasingly distant as he spoke.

"The Great Dao of Heaven and Earth cycles without cease."

"In the mortal world, time spreads like wild grass; within twenty years, a wasteland can transform endlessly."

"All things grow within it—birth, flourishing, decline, returning to dust. The cycle of all living things, this is the fundamental law of all existence."

The voice of the Great Dao, supremely impartial and merciless, spoke: "Mortals are born from Heaven and Earth, and die returning to Heaven and Earth. All is but an endless cycle."

"Yet you have transcended the Mortal Dust Realm [the plane of mortal existence]. This burden of slaughter is destined to cling to you."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly, his Dao Heart [the cultivator's core of will and spiritual resolve] firm as bedrock, unwavering as he replied, "This burden of slaughter, I can bear it."

The inquiry of the Great Dao spoke no more. This second question of the Dao had ultimately failed to shake Eldrin Chen's Dao Heart. With a series of crisp cracking sounds, the second shackle upon his Dao Heart shattered.

Immediately after, the voice of the Great Dao questioned once more: "In this life of yours, have you any cause for shame within your heart?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze inward, reviewing his entire life, and finally fell into profound silence.

Throughout his life, he had been blameless before others and before heaven, but had there ever been a trace of remorse within his own heart?

He reflected on the events of this lifetime, thinking of Lyra Jiang [his first and most cherished Dao companion], recalling Verdant Consort [his second Dao companion], Nyssa Qu [his third Dao companion], Lila [his fourth Dao companion], and Yvonne the Violet Consort [his fifth Dao companion]. In this life, the only place where his heart held a debt of guilt was in facing Lyra Jiang.

To be honest with himself, when the incident with Lila occurred, upon regaining his senses, his heart was filled with remorse and regret.

Over these many years, he and Lyra Jiang had maintained an unspoken, mutual agreement to never discuss these matters.

Yet deep within, he understood clearly. For Lyra Jiang, this was perhaps a thorn embedded in her heart. It was only the profound bond forged through their shared journey over the years, coupled with the deep sisterhood among the five of them, that allowed her to embrace and accept these events.

For Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator], this past was the most difficult to conceal within the depths of his soul.

Recalling his several Dao companions, the incident with Lila was an accident, Verdant Consort was the reincarnation of Huai Xu—these could perhaps be explained. But his unions with Nyssa Qu and Yvonne the Violet Consort stemmed more from an inner greed.

A yearning for beauty, their active favor, and the fact that Lyra Jiang never interfered—these factors ultimately brought them together.

"Lust, greed, temptation... I, too, failed to hold fast to my original heart."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, facing this third inquiry from the Great Dao [the fundamental truth and path of cultivation], and fell into a profound silence.

He could not answer, for this was indeed a flaw in his Dao Heart [the foundational state of mind and will of a cultivator]. If he stubbornly insisted he had a clear conscience, it would instead leave a crack within his heart.

Yet, if he did not face this question directly, he would never be able to pass this trial of the Dao Heart.

It was a dilemma, but after a moment of silence, Eldrin Chen steeled his resolve, for he had another path to take.

Rising to his feet, his gaze burned as he looked towards the heavens, and he declared, "My conscience is clear!"

"No, your Dao Heart is flawed."

The voice of the Great Dao echoed, plunging the world into darkness as if a heavenly punishment were descending.

Yet, in that very instant, Eldrin Chen mobilized his peerless divine power. A radiance of his True Spirit [the most refined and essential core of a cultivator's soul] pierced the firmament, shattering the final shackle within his heart.

The Great Dao churned violently, and from within its merciless will came a faint sigh, saying, "You have done it."

"Lust, greed, temptation—these are the very roots of human nature,"

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his gaze unwavering. "A person who is simultaneously blameless before their own heart, before others, and before Heaven would be the pinnacle of selflessness. Such a person would possess no emotion, as cold and indifferent as the Great Dao itself."

"I desire to become the sovereign who commands the Great Dao, not its slave or puppet."

The Chaos Great Dao trembled faintly, offering no further words as it slowly faded into nothingness.

At the same moment, Eldrin Chen slowly closed his eyes. Within his Dao Heart [the core of a cultivator's will and conviction], a fine, flawed crack gradually mended, transforming into a Dao Heart illuminated by the light of humanity.

This was a Dao Heart, yet also a Dao Heart that retained human nature.

It turned out the Dao Heart Heavenly Barrier never demanded a flawless, perfect Dao Heart. So long as one held firm to their own beliefs, and so long as no great karmic debts remained unresolved, even a deranged demonic cultivator could shatter this barrier.

"The Dao Heart Heavenly Barrier is finally broken through."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself. Sensing his cultivation base and spiritual power, he let out a slow sigh of relief.

With this breakthrough, he had now surmounted the six great Heavenly Barriers: Fleshly Body, Great Dao, Spiritual Power, Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], Dao Heart, and Divine Abilities. His overall strength had seen not insignificant advancement.

Although the direct increase in combat prowess was modest, the depth of his spiritual power had grown by another thirty percent, significantly enhancing his endurance in prolonged battles.

"With the six Heavenly Barriers broken, it is time I prepare for the journey to the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then took a single step and returned to the Abyssal Grotto-Heaven.

At this moment, Lyra Jiang and the others were still in secluded cultivation, refining the Dao Source [the primordial source of the Dao, a supreme spiritual essence]. The entire Abyssal Grotto-Heaven was far quieter than usual.

With this rare moment of leisure, Eldrin Chen began to take stock of his recent gains. After sorting through the treasures in his possession, he finally retrieved a piece of divine iron from the clan vault.

"Profound Nether Immortal Iron."

Gazing at this piece of divine iron, Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback before a flicker of pleasant surprise crossed his features.

This piece of Profound Nether Immortal Iron was a Great Luo Rare Treasure [a legendary material of supreme rarity and power from the primordial Great Luo Heaven]. Its substance was saturated with an aura of ultimate Yin and profound cold, making it a Yin-attribute treasure of the highest order.

Contemplating the potency of this immortal iron, Eldrin Chen retrieved a damaged ancient mirror from his sleeve, a faint smile gracing his lips.

"It seems there is hope for repairing the 'Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror' after all."

This damaged ancient mirror was precisely the one Eldrin Chen had obtained long ago from the lair within the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest.

Known as the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror, it possessed the power to refract and redirect an opponent's attacks, making it an exceptionally powerful defensive Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate spiritual power]. It had once been the Dao-Ascension Treasure [a supreme treasure used to transcend one's cultivation realm] of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who had survived eight heavenly tribulations].

Later, for reasons unknown, that Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal perished within the Chaos, and this treasure was torn asunder by a formidable foe, ultimately falling into the hands of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix.

Unfortunately, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix was not skilled in artifact forging, and thus never managed to repair this treasure, which eventually came into the possession of Eldrin Chen.

This Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror is precisely a Yin-attribute Innate Spiritual Treasure [a primordial treasure born from the essence of heaven and earth], making the Profound Nether Immortal Iron perfectly suited for its restoration.

Given Eldrin Chen's current level of power, forging an entire Innate Spiritual Treasure from scratch might be beyond his assured capability. However, the task of repairing a damaged one presented a significantly lesser challenge.

Witness then, as Eldrin Chen exhaled a wisp of Innate Primordial Chaos Purple Qi [the primal purple energy of creation]. Using it as bait, he subdued and refined the artifact spirit of the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror, and then commenced the meticulous work of mending the ancient mirror itself.

He employed his Pure Yang Heavenly Fire [a divine flame of pure Yang essence] to smelt the Profound Nether Immortal Iron, while the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror continuously devoured the divine metal. The process consumed a mere thirty thousand years before the mirror was completely restored.

"*Hummmmm—*"

Once repaired, the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror released a surge of divine light so immense it sent tremors through the entire Vast Azure Immortal Domain, startling countless Immortals [beings who have ascended to immortality] from their secluded cultivation.

Lyra Jiang was among those roused. She sought out Eldrin Chen at once and inquired, "What have you done?"

"I have restored the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror," he replied. "It seems our chances for the journey to the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent have grown yet stronger."

Eldrin Chen spoke, handing the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror to Lyra Jiang. "This treasure," he said, "is for you to refine and wield."

Lyra Jiang took the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror, her heart still stirring with emotion. The immense value of an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial essence of heaven and earth, possessing unparalleled power and potential] needed no elaboration. She had never imagined she would possess one so soon.

With this thought, she embraced Eldrin Chen and led him deeper into the cultivation cavern.

After a time of tender intimacy, Lyra Jiang rested her head upon his chest and spoke. "With this Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror," she said, "I can accompany you to the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent."

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before replying. "The Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent is far too perilous. I would worry for your safety."

"Do not worry."

Lyra Jiang shook her head, taking his hand. "For this coming Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that marks the end of a cosmic cycle], we are resolved to aid you with all our strength in attaining the Grand Luo [the supreme realm of the Grand Unity, representing the pinnacle of cultivation]. This was decided long ago."

Eldrin Chen fell silent, then squeezed her hand. "Not long ago, when I broke through the barrier of the Dao Heart [the cultivator's fundamental heart of the Dao, representing their core will and spiritual foundation], one of the tribulations... was about you."

He began to recount the tale, narrating the events of his trial at the Dao Heart barrier.

After listening, Lyra Jiang sighed. "Alas, what happened in the past has happened. It cannot be changed."

"We are not ordinary mortals. This life of ours will be long, perhaps stretching into eternity. Fleeting moments of joy and pleasure are insignificant. What is truly precious is the ability to walk side by side forever."

"Furthermore, Verdant Consort and Violet Consort are my sisters. I wish to continue this journey with them as well. Had they not become your Dao Companions [cultivation partners], I would not have been able to support them to reach their current heights."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a slight sense of relief in his heart.

In truth, he understood clearly that Lyra Jiang's magnanimity stemmed from the profound depth of their bond and the fact that Eldrin Chen himself was not a man of weak character. Otherwise, given her formidable and decisive nature, how could she ever tolerate sharing her man with others?

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen drew her closer and said with a gentle smile, "Though speaking it aloud might wound their feelings, you must know, after all these years of sharing life and death, that you will always be the most unique one to me."

"Scoundrel."

Lyra Jiang gave a light, chiding scoff, yet a flicker of amusement danced in the depths of her eyes.

After spending a long while in tender companionship with Lyra Jiang, Eldrin Chen began to examine her cultivation progress and was astonished by the immense strides she had made.

Over the years, Lyra Jiang had successively refined five Dao Source [a primordial source of Dao principles], leading to a meteoric rise in her own power. She had now shattered the five great Heavenly Barriers: those of the Fleshly Body, the Great Dao, Dharmic Power, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], and Divine Abilities.

Among these five Heavenly Barriers, her Fleshly Body Heavenly Barrier had reached the Tenth Limit. Meanwhile, bolstered by the power of the Great Five Elements Pure Yin Divine Thunder, both her Dharmic Power Heavenly Barrier and Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass had been cultivated to the realm of the Eleventh Limit.

The Heavenly Pass of Divine Abilities [a critical cultivation bottleneck] naturally goes without saying. That Great Five Elements Pure Yin Divine Thunder [a powerful thunder-based divine ability], though not a True Spirit Divine Ability [the pinnacle grade of divine abilities], has already stepped into the realm of the Eleventh Limit [the eleventh foundational limit, a measure of supreme cultivation potential].

The newly cultivated Heavenly Pass of the Great Dao [a critical bottleneck for comprehending the Great Dao] was even more astonishing. The Five Elements Pure Yin Great Dao [a supreme Great Dao path combining the five elements with pure Yin] she had mastered was a Dao not only pointing directly to the Eleventh Limit realm but was also not far from reaching the Twelfth Limit [the twelfth foundational limit, a legendary cultivation potential].

Of course, the five Great Daos cultivated by Lyra Jiang were slightly weaker than the five Great Daos of Eldrin Chen, making them somewhat simpler to comprehend. Furthermore, mastering the Five Elements Pure Yin Great Dao presented a lower degree of difficulty. It was for these reasons that she achieved mastery over five Great Daos earlier than Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen understood clearly that Lyra Jiang had chosen the easier path of the 'Five Elements Pure Yin Great Dao' precisely to avoid competing with him for the same Dao. Otherwise, with her innate talent, she could have very well attempted to cultivate the Chaos Great Dao [the primordial Dao of Chaos, one of the supreme paths].

Naturally, perhaps because she possessed the Supreme Yin Immortal Physique [a legendary constitution supremely attuned to Yin attributes], Lyra Jiang's comprehension regarding Yin-attribute Great Daos and divine abilities far surpassed her aptitude for other attributes by tenfold, even a hundredfold. In this specific aspect, her insight even exceeded that of Eldrin Chen.

Had it been the Five Elements Pure Yang Great Dao [a supreme Great Dao path combining the five elements with pure Yang], it is likely that Lyra Jiang could not have achieved mastery in such a short span of time.

"Five major Heavenly Passes, four foundations at the Eleventh Limit,"

"Your foundation and latent potential are no weaker than an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight Heavenly Tribulations]. Once you refine this Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror [an ancient and profound magical treasure], you would have nothing to fear even from an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal."

Contemplating Lyra Jiang's combat prowess, Eldrin Chen could not help but speak with joy.

Lyra Jiang nodded with a smile and said, "Coupled with the Minor Cosmic Cycle Taiyi Golden Bamboo Sword Formation [a formidable sword formation mimicking a minor cosmic cycle], I fear an ordinary Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal might not be my match."

"The sole remaining issue is that your mana reserves are still somewhat shallow, likely not as profound as those of the Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal."

As she spoke, a smile graced her lips. "By the way, based on your description today, I feel I have gained some confidence in breaking through the Dao Heart Heavenly Barrier [the ultimate test of a cultivator's spiritual resolve and enlightenment]. I shall seize this period to attempt my own breakthrough to the Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal realm."

Eldrin Chen felt a surge of warmth upon hearing this. He understood that Lyra Jiang had truly let go of the lingering reservations in her heart, or perhaps the matter of their Dao Companion bond would no longer be a source of inner turmoil for her.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen took her hand and said, "There is no rush. While we still have time, let your husband accompany you in contemplating the profound mysteries of the Yin-Yang Dao [the fundamental principle of complementary opposites in the universe]."

Time flowed like a river, swift and unceasing, the years passing in the blink of an eye.

In what seemed like a mere moment, tens of thousands of years had slipped by, bringing them to the eve of the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent's opening.

On that day, all members of the Chen Immortal Clan emerged from their secluded cultivation and gathered within the Purple Ye Palace to convene a council of utmost importance.

This council held monumental significance. Every Ancient Immortal Ancestor and high-ranking Celestial Immortal of the Chen Clan was present in person, each countenance etched with profound gravity.

Eldrin Chen sat enthroned at the center of the great hall, his gaze sweeping over the assembled immortals. A slight, approving nod escaped him.

After seventy to eighty thousand years of consecutive secluded cultivation, the clan had digested a significant portion of the gains from their recent campaigns. Their cultivation bases had nearly all experienced meteoric advances.

Among the sixteen Ancient Immortal of the Chen Immortal Clan, nearly every individual has once again shattered one or two of the Heavenly Barriers [the profound metaphysical thresholds a cultivator must overcome to advance their cultivation realm], with each having broken through at least one of the Ten-Limit Heavenly Barriers. On average, their cultivation has now reached the level of a Four Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

In terms of combat prowess, armed with the Supreme Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation, they dare not claim to rival a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal, yet dealing with a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal is well within their capabilities.

Among them, Nyssa Qu has made the greatest strides. She has shattered the Seventh Heaven Barrier and successfully refined the Innate Spiritual Treasure 'Nine-Colored Immortal Pearl' bestowed upon her by the Immortal Shell Clan. Her cultivation has now ascended to the realm of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

Furthermore, Verdant Consort has also advanced her cultivation, reaching the level of a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

Among the others, both Verdant Consort and Xianchang Chen have combat power that brushes against the threshold of a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

Kael Chen and Xianzhu Chen have not yet fully digested the Dao Source [the condensed essence of a cultivator's profound understanding of the Dao, the fundamental principle of existence] from the two Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal. Once assimilated, they will likely soon possess the combat strength of a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal. With an Innate Demonic Treasure in hand, Kael Chen may face no bottleneck in breaking through to become an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

Of course, Kael Chen's current realm is still too low; fully digesting such gains will likely require a considerable span of time.

"Two combatants with the power of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal, three with the strength of a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a measure of calm settling within his heart.

This assembled force, combined with his own power and that of Ao Hong, constituted a strength far from insignificant.

With these thoughts in mind, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Three thousand years from now, the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent will open. I intend to go there to contend for the Grand Luo Opportunity [a rare chance for profound advancement]. This time, I may need to bring several others with me."

Upon hearing this, everyone was both shocked and overjoyed. Ethan Chen immediately spoke up, "Clan Uncle, what is there to discuss? Our entire clan will follow you into battle. Even if we are wiped out, we will see you attain the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm]."

"Indeed," another voice chimed in. "Mobilizing the full strength of our sect to protect the path of a single Grand Luo Golden Immortal is precisely what should be done."

Hearing this, the others nodded in agreement, their expressions filled with fervent excitement.

Eldrin Chen, however, raised a hand to quiet them. His expression turned grave as he said, "This time is different from the past. From what I have learned, this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle of fate and conflict] concerns an Opportunity left behind by the Violet Immortal Lord. Therefore, the number of Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [powerful immortals who have survived eight great tribulations] entering the fray will far exceed that of any previous Kalpa Tribulation."

"In past Kalpa Tribulation, when Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal ventured to the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent to prove their Dao, they would mobilize their entire sects, bringing tens of thousands of Celestial Immortal and Ancient Immortal [immortals of great age and power] to aid them."

"But this time, the participating Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal will number more than ten times the usual. I believe any power below the Ancient Immortal realm who participates will be marching to their deaths for nothing. Even Ancient Immortal below the Seven Tribulations level would find no place to bury their bones."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a profound gravity settling in his eyes.

The members of the Chen Immortal Clan exchanged glances, their expressions shifting to one of concern.

Qiyuan Chen took a deep breath and asked, "According to your strategy, which of us should go?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before speaking. "Lyra and Nyssa shall accompany me. As for those below the Seven Tribulations [the seventh major heavenly tribulation], they should remain within the Vast Azure Immortal Domain to cultivate diligently."

"Father, let me accompany you."

Xianchang Chen spoke up, his expression resolute. "The Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent holds many Opportunity [chances for advancement and fortune]. Once I break through to Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [the realm of an Ancient Immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations] and combine it with the power of the Vast Sea Divine Pearl, I should be able to lend you a hand."

Verdant Consort also stepped forward, taking his arm with a grave expression. "I, too, should be able to offer some assistance."

Eldrin Chen fell into deep thought once more before replying. "This coming Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly calamity marking the end of an era] is unlike any before. Without the combat power of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations], the risk of perishing is exceedingly high. I cannot risk taking you into such danger."

"As for you, Xianchang, while you possess the Vast Sea Divine Pearl and would gain the combat power of an Eight Tribulation cultivator immediately upon reaching the Seven Tribulations, you must remain within the clan. The family must retain its foundational strength, and you are a vital part of that legacy, a safeguard against unforeseen calamity."

Seeing Eldrin Chen's unwavering stance, Verdant Consort's heart trembled slightly. She finally sighed, a note of sorrow in her voice. "It is my cultivation that is insufficient, that I cannot even aid you in this."

"Do not grieve," Eldrin Chen said, taking her hand to comfort her. "This Kalpa Tribulation... it is not your era to face."

"A temporary difference in speed means little. What truly matters is forging a more profound foundation. That is the true hope for attaining the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] and reaching for heights beyond."

"There is no need to rush to aid me now. Focus instead on accumulating your own reserves of power. Even if it means enduring a few more Kalpa Tribulation, as long as you can forge a single True Spirit Foundation [a perfect, flawless spiritual foundation for one's cultivation path], that is the true key that determines whether one can ultimately succeed on the Great Dao."

Verdant Consort [the title of a powerful female cultivator] could only let out a soft sigh upon hearing this, and finally nodded in agreement.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the assembled crowd and spoke, "The Vast Azure Immortal Domain [a celestial realm under their control] no longer harbors any great foes. During my absence, you must all devote yourselves to diligent cultivation."

"Should the worst come to pass, and I fail in my quest to prove my Dao, you must be prepared to abandon all holdings within the Abyssal Ruins Celestial Domain [a perilous celestial territory]. Seek refuge first within the depths of the Chaos Sea [a primordial, turbulent expanse between realms]. Do not consider a return until one among you has ascended to the realm of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [a supreme immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]."

A grave solemnity settled upon the faces of all who heard his words.

They understood all too well the profound peril inherent in proving one's Dao to attain the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle of immortal cultivation]. Even the most peerless genius, when faced with an insurmountable enemy, could meet with catastrophic failure on that path.

At this thought, they each drew a deep, steadying breath before replying in unison, "Set your mind at ease. We shall safeguard the clan and ensure all affairs are properly settled."

With that assurance, Eldrin Chen offered no further words. He rose, clasped his hands in a formal salute to the assembly, and then, accompanied by Lyra Jiang and the other two, stepped beyond the borders of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain. There, they found the Ancient Ice Phoenix [a primordial beast of frost and legend] had been awaiting them for some time.

"I have waited long for you,"

the Ancient Ice Phoenix said with a faint smile, her luminous eyes appraising the trio. "To venture into the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [a fabled, danger-filled continent of fallen immortals] with such devoted and beautiful companions by your side... truly, one cannot help but envy your fortune."

Happy National Day