Chapter 1857 : A Pact with the Heavenly Path

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] was taken aback by these words. He lifted his gaze towards that will.

"The Heavenly Path Will [the sentient will of the Heavenly Path, a cosmic law or principle]?"

"It is I."

The Vast Azure Heavenly Path [a specific manifestation of the Heavenly Path, often associated with a realm or domain] spoke slowly. After a long pause, it said, "If you wish to take this object, you must do me a favor."

"Oh?" A ripple of light flickered in Eldrin Chen's eyes. He then inquired, "What favor?"

The Vast Azure Heavenly Path fell silent. Moments later, it uttered words that shook the heavens: "That single sword strike from the figure of the Late Primordial Era [a specific, ancient epoch in cosmic history] cleaved through Space-Time [the fabric of reality encompassing space and time]. After slaying my master hundreds of times in succession, it has exhausted the vast majority of its power."

Eldrin Chen's heart quaked with profound shock upon hearing this. He could not help but look at the Vast Azure Heavenly Path and ask, "Are you saying…"

"Yes." The Heavenly Path Will responded, its tone calm and measured. "If my calculations are correct, this next activation of the Hundred Tribulations Rebirth [a divine ability allowing rebirth after enduring a hundred tribulations] will be the final time my master is slain."

"In other words, unless that figure from back then strikes again, the next Hundred Tribulations Rebirth will be the tribulation of my master's revival."

Eldrin Chen fell into a contemplative silence. After a moment, he spoke, "What do you need me to do?" The complete novel can be found at audio - novel . com.

The Heavenly Path Will [the sentient will of the Heavenly Path] was calm, yet it promised, "This Polarity Myriad Crows Pot [a potent magical vessel capable of summoning and controlling countless spectral crows] can be yours. However, when the next Hundred Tribulations Rebirth Opportunity [a rare cosmic event offering a chance for profound rebirth through enduring tribulations] arrives, I wish to ask for your aid in assisting my master."

"Of course, this is assuming that individual does not intervene further."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell into a brief, contemplative silence. After a moment, he spoke, "To lend a hand to Great God Vast Azure would likely require cultivation at the Great Encompassing Realm at the very least. You certainly think highly of me."

The Vast Azure Heavenly Path [the sentient will governing the Vast Azure Immortal Domain] was forthright, replying calmly, "You are the most gifted talent the Vast Azure Immortal Domain has ever produced. Your potential to achieve the Great Encompassing Realm [the pinnacle cultivation realm] is immense. If even you cannot break through, then for the next thousand Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration], it will be exceedingly difficult for anyone in the Vast Azure Immortal Domain to do so."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. "I agree," he said, "but only to the extent of my capability."

"Should I truly face an opponent beyond my power to resist, I may choose to stand aside."

The will of the Vast Azure Heavenly Path trembled faintly for an instant. "With your promise, I am reassured," it answered after a pause. "I believe the hope for my master's revival will be greatly increased."

"The Vast Azure Immortal Domain holds a few other legacies. Though they cannot compare to this Polarity Myriad Crows Pot, they are still rare treasures. You may choose to seek them out."

With these final words, the consciousness of the Vast Azure Heavenly Path faded into nothingness.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen swept his sleeve, storing the Polarity Myriad Crows Pot away, then stepped forth, shattering the void as he departed.

The moment he departed, the forbidden power of the Myriad Crow Forbidden Land began to dissipate, restoring it to a complete Immortal Domain once more.

Throughout the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, countless Ancient Immortal Great Power sensed the change, their expressions shifting to one of astonishment.

Within the Golden Crow Heavenly Domain, a figure of blinding golden radiance opened its eyes, revealing a flicker of surprise.

This figure was none other than the Golden Crow Clan's Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal, Dusk Nirvana. As Dusk Nirvana tore through the Chaos to arrive here, a look of suspicion dawned in his gaze. "The Myriad Crow Forbidden Land has vanished. Could it be that the Spiritual Treasure [a supreme enchanted artifact of immense power] has been restored?"

Almost simultaneously, several more Ancient Immortal Great Power figures tore through the void to arrive.

Each possessed cultivation at the fourth or fifth level of Ancient Immortal or higher, yet their complexions shifted repeatedly as they beheld the now-empty expanse of the Myriad Crow Forbidden Land.

A man from the Purple Tenuity Grotto-Heaven frowned deeply, his voice low and grave. "Impossible. The Imperial Lord [a supreme ruler among Immortals] once divined that the treasure would require considerable time to fully restore itself."

"Furthermore, not even a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal could possibly claim such a treasure."

"Then could it be..."

An Ancient Progenitor from the Verdant Sun Divine Clan paled slightly, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Is it possible... has a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal arrived in the Vast Azure Immortal Domain?"

"Impossible."

Dusk Nirvana shook his head decisively, his gaze icy as he declared, "The Vast Azure Immortal Domain has shallow foundations. Even after accumulating resources over dozens or hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], it could not possibly give birth to a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations]."

"Moreover, if such a figure truly existed, how could we possibly be unaware of them?"

Upon hearing this, the brows of the others present furrowed slightly, and they once again sank into deep contemplation.

They understood the logic in Dusk Nirvana's words, yet the mystery of why the Myriad Crow Forbidden Land had suddenly vanished only grew more perplexing in their hearts.

"..." Original English translation available at audio - novel . com.

At the same moment, Eldrin Chen took a single step out of the Myriad Crow Forbidden Land and arrived beyond the Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea.

He cast his gaze upon the Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea, a fleeting thought of eradicating it crossing his mind, only to be suppressed in the very next instant.

That Eight-Calamity Ancient Demon [an ancient demon who has weathered eight heavenly calamities] must have broken through the barrier of the Eighth Heaven [the eighth heavenly realm of cultivation]. Eldrin Chen did not believe it had truly and utterly perished.

Facing such a supremely powerful Ancient Demon, even if Eldrin Chen could engage it in battle, he had not the slightest confidence in being able to slay it. A fight to the point of mutual devastation would only further damage the foundational essence of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain.

Rather than continuing this battle, it would be better to wait until my combat power increases a few more notches before devising a way to deal with this Eight-Calamity Ancient Demon.

With this thought in mind, Eldrin Chen departed from the vicinity of the Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea. In a single step, he shattered the Boundless Void and arrived before another distant ancient domain—a Forbidden Land blanketed by glaciers.

"Fallen Phoenix Ridge."

Eldrin Chen's thoughts flickered. This was a Forbidden Land shrouded in ice and snow, entirely enveloped by endless frost. Compared to the terrifying nature of the Myriad Crow Forbidden Land, here, all Great Path Path Principles [the fundamental laws and truths of cultivation] were withdrawn into an intangible state, making it not particularly dangerous for an Ancient Immortal.

Yet, the moment Eldrin Chen set foot here, he understood that this place was the true, ultimate peril of the Mortal Realm.

"You have come."

The instant Eldrin Chen arrived, a void portal silently opened, and an ethereal voice drifted through.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and stepped into the Forbidden Land. Gazing at the peerlessly elegant woman in white before him, he spoke calmly.

"Senior, it has been a long time."

"In the brief span of a few million years, I never imagined you would attain such cultivation. It seems I can no longer claim the title of senior."

The Primordial Era Ice Phoenix [one of the legendary primordial divine beasts] let out a soft sigh and replied calmly.

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly. After carefully observing the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix for a moment, he could not help but sigh with emotion, "The deeper my cultivation becomes, the more I comprehend the profound depth of your power, Senior."

"Perhaps I should address you as the Ice Phoenix Holy Spirit [a being of pure, sacred ice phoenix essence]?"

At Eldrin Chen's words, a sharp glint flashed momentarily in the eyes of the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix before it was swiftly concealed once more.

She sighed softly before speaking, "Since the battle of the Late Primordial Era [the cataclysmic war that marked the end of the Primordial Era], where I fell at the hands of Great God Vast Azure, you are the first to have seen through my true origin."

It turned out that the origin of this Primordial Era Ice Phoenix was that of a Chaos Saint Spirit [a sacred spirit born from the primordial chaos] from the Primordial Era [the mythical age of creation].

She was of the bloodline of the Seven Chaos Phoenixes [the seven legendary phoenixes born from chaos], her cultivation once having reached the Eighth Tribulation Ancient Immortal Realm. In pursuit of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of immortality] Dao, she had participated in that forbidden Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial].

Alas, fortune did not favor her, and she perished by the hand of Great God Vast Azure. Fortunately, Great God Vast Azure, recognizing her extraordinary origin and potential to attain the Great Encompassing Dao, spared a wisp of her remnant soul from utter annihilation. He left it within the Vast Azure Immortal Domain [his celestial domain], intending to subdue it in the future.

Later, after Great God Vast Azure's fall, this faint remnant soul of the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix relied on the Phoenix lineage's Nirvana Rebirth Art [a mystical technique of death and rebirth] to slowly recover.

Thus, after accumulating power through countless Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth], the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix had finally begun to awaken. Now, she lacked only one final, crucial source of energy—the very essence of Great God Vast Azure—to achieve complete restoration.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh, a wave of emotion washing over him. "In my youth, my understanding was shallow," he mused. "Only now do I truly grasp the profound strength of that senior."

"Yet, upon deeper reflection," he continued, "for one who could be slain by Great God Vast Azure and still retain a sliver of life, such an extraordinary origin for that senior is, in hindsight, hardly surprising."

The Primordial Era Ice Phoenix released a gentle sigh, its voice crystalline and ancient. "The heart's blood of Great God Vast Azure is a treasure beyond measure," it inquired. "With your current power, you possess the capacity to break our old pact. Do you intend to renege on our agreement?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head, a sincere smile gracing his lips. "I owe you a debt of gratitude, and my wife likewise benefited from your grace. How could I possibly go back on my word? Our original agreement shall stand as promised."

"My visit today," he explained, "is twofold: to witness the depth of your legacy, senior, and to inquire about the strength of that Ancient Demon from the Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea."

"That Eight-Calamity Ancient Demon?" the Phoenix echoed.

Upon hearing this, the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix's gaze sharpened, becoming contemplative. After a long moment, it spoke. "That Ancient Demon's origins are shrouded in mystery. I have had little contact with the outside world these long years and do not know its precise background. I only know it is called 'Xuanheng Old Demon'."

"However," it continued, its tone growing grave, "I observed that battle from long ago and gained some understanding of this fiend."

"Its Great Path [the fundamental Dao or cultivation law one follows] and its spiritual power [the refined energy cultivated within a practitioner] are in no way inferior to my own at the peak of my strength. Its Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator] and its Path Fruit [the culmination and essence of one's cultivated Dao] are exceptionally potent. It is likely a peerless demonic entity that has forged a dual Tenth Limit Foundation [the legendary, perfect tenth stage of the Foundation Establishment realm]."

"Yet, its physical body seems surprisingly frail," the Phoenix concluded. "Within the ranks of those who have passed the Fleshly Body Heavenly Pass [a tribulation or milestone related to tempering the physical form], its physique could even be considered exceedingly weak."

"I strongly suspect that this demon, in ancient times, used the Vast Azure Immortal Domain's Heavenly Path Soldiers [the celestial guardians of the Heavenly Path] to dissolve his physical body. He then allowed his Path Fruit [the condensed essence of one's cultivation path] and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] to be tainted within the Heavenly Path [the supreme cosmic law and order], all in preparation for a far more terrifying purpose."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly.

He pondered for a moment, a dreadful thought flashing through his mind. His expression shifted as he could not help but ask, "You mean to say…"

"Mm."

Primordial Era Ice Phoenix nodded, her gaze grave. "That individual likely intends to wait until Great God Vast Azure falls, then directly seize his physical body through possession."

"Thereafter, he would possess the Heavenly Path itself, sacrificing the entire Vast Azure Immortal Domain to break through to the Great Encompassing Realm [the legendary realm of omnipotence and omniscience]."

Eldrin Chen drew a sharp, cold breath, his face paling. "Given the ruthless, self-serving nature of the Demonic Path [the cultivation philosophy centered on power through consumption and domination], if he succeeds, he would likely achieve both the Eleventh Limit [the mythical eleventh and ultimate stage of cultivation] and cultivate an Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [a spirit that cannot be destroyed] alongside an Indestructibility Body [a physical form of absolute resilience] in one fell swoop."

"The price, however, would be the entire Vast Azure Immortal Domain reduced to dust."

"Wait, that's not right."

At this point, Eldrin Chen suddenly thought of something, a flicker of doubt crossing his features. "That Ancient Demon [a demon from the primordial epochs], while undoubtedly Extraordinary, is ultimately only at the Eight Tribulations Realm [the cultivation realm having survived eight heavenly tribulations]. How could he possibly contend against the Vast Azure Immortal Domain's own Heavenly Path?"

The Primordial Era Ice Phoenix [an ancient and powerful ice-attributed phoenix from the primordial times] gazed with profound, shadowed eyes and spoke with pointed implication, "Relying on his strength alone, he naturally could not contend with the Vast Azure Immortal Domain [a vast realm of immortal cultivation] and its Heavenly Path [the supreme cultivation method of that domain]. But what if he has allies?"

"Allies?"

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of astonishment crossing his features.

The Primordial Era Ice Phoenix nodded and continued, "That Myriad Ghosts Frozen Cavern [a cavernous lair haunted by countless spectral entities] is a legacy left by the Primordial Era [the mythic age of creation] Myriad Ghosts Patriarch [the ancient progenitor who commands legions of ghosts]. In his time, that Myriad Ghosts Patriarch was also a mighty Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]."

"The Myriad Ghosts Patriarch was indeed an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal. He perished at the hands of Great God Vast Azure [the primordial deity who rules the Vast Azure Immortal Domain], yet his Primordial Spirit [the immortal core of a cultivator's being] found refuge within his Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from heaven and earth, containing immense power], the Myriad Soul Banner [a banner capable of commanding countless souls]. There, he barely escaped the finality of that ancient calamity and has since recovered a measure of his former power."

"Several million years ago, that demon sent me a message, boldly proclaiming his intent to join forces with me to divide the Vast Azure Immortal Domain between us."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but release a soft sigh. Two Eight-Calamity Ancient Demon [ancient demons who have weathered eight great calamities] joining forces, seizing the opportunity presented by the Hundred Tribulations Rebirth [a cosmic cycle where accumulated tribulations trigger a rebirth of power], would indeed have a chance to claim and sacrifice an unclaimed Immortal Domain [a sovereign realm of immortal cultivation].

By now, he understood clearly. The Vast Azure Immortal Domain was a place where dragons and tigers hid among the reeds [idiom: a place full of talented, hidden masters]. The coming Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle of destruction and renewal in cosmic time] promised to be a fierce struggle between titans.

The reason was simple. After this Kalpa Tribulation, Great God Vast Azure would very likely achieve complete resurrection during the next Hundred Tribulations Rebirth Opportunity [the specific window for rebirth within the Hundred Tribulations cycle].

Once that happened, there would be no further Hundred Tribulations Rebirth Opportunity.

Under such circumstances, the hidden Ox Ghosts and Snake Gods [malevolent spirits and demonic beasts] could no longer remain concealed.

This was their final chance. If they missed this one, neither the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix [an ancient, mythical ice phoenix] nor the Myriad Ghosts Patriarch would be able to use the Opportunity and Fortune [a confluence of favorable circumstances and destiny] of the Hundred Tribulations Rebirth [a legendary rebirth after enduring countless trials] to revive, let alone seize the moment to attempt a breakthrough into the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of a Golden Immortal who encompasses all creation] realm.

It was precisely for this reason that countless Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality through cultivation] across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains believed that within this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal], the Vast Azure Immortal Domain held the greatest potential to give birth to a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

"Myriad Ghosts Patriarch, Xuanheng Ancient Demon."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his gaze growing distant as he said, "It seems this Kalpa Tribulation will be even more troublesome than I anticipated."

The Primordial Era Ice Phoenix nodded, its expression serene. "True enough. Yet, the more formidable the Tribulation [a trial or calamity, often used in cultivation], the greater the potential for a breakthrough it often represents."

"This Hundred Tribulations Rebirth Opportunity may well be the closest you and I will ever come to the Great Encompassing Realm."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod upon hearing this and said no more.

He rose to his feet and stepped out of Fallen Phoenix Ridge, leaving behind a calm, parting statement: "Leave the Xuanheng Ancient Demon [an ancient demon of profound mystery] to me."

With those words, Eldrin Chen vanished from Fallen Phoenix Ridge.

The Primordial Era Ice Phoenix watched his departing figure and mused thoughtfully, "Yet after merely ten million years of cultivation, he is already confident in dealing with even the Xuanheng Ancient Demon?"

"…"

Eldrin Chen departed from Fallen Phoenix Ridge and subsequently traversed several other Forbidden Land.

These Forbidden Land could not compare to the Myriad Crow Forbidden Land, yet they still held remarkably valuable treasures. Within them, Eldrin Chen acquired a Great Encompassing Rare Treasure and a damaged Great Encompassing Divine Weapon.

That Great Encompassing Divine Weapon was named the Great Encompassing Sword Embryo, a divine weapon forged from Great Encompassing Immortal Metal. Such weapons are also categorized as Great Encompassing Divine Weapon, but because this one lacked an Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a fundamental, unbreakable spiritual radiance], its power fell far short of the miraculous nature of a true Innate Spiritual Treasure.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, if a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal could fully refine a complete Great Encompassing Divine Weapon, their combat prowess could be elevated to approximately the level of a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Unfortunately, this Great Encompassing Sword Embryo was damaged and would require repair before it could unleash its full potential.

Returning to the main thread, Eldrin Chen, now satisfied with the acquisition of two more Rare Spiritual Wonders, returned to the Returning Abyss Heavenly Domain. It was only then he realized his longevity celebration was fast approaching.

For the Returning Abyss Heavenly Domain, and indeed the entire Vast Azure Immortal Domain, the longevity celebration of Returning Abyss Path Master was a momentous occasion.

Having cultivated for a mere ten million years, Returning Abyss Path Master had already achieved the feat of suppressing a Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm cultivator. Such a figure was regarded by the immortals of the entire Vast Azure Immortal Domain as the foremost prodigy to emerge in dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles].

Even the Primordial Solar Patriarch of yore, even the master of the Soaring Grotto-Heaven in its prime, had never achieved such dazzling brilliance at this age as Eldrin Chen. Read, share, and discuss at audi novel.com.