Chapter 1859 : The Path Ancestor's Eighth Disciple

"Master, the venerable one..."

Worthy Remembrance Chen pondered for a moment before stating plainly, "Master is the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the foundational Ancestor of the Path who initiated the current era's cultivation methods]. I was fortunate enough to be accepted as his disciple, and I am now his eighth personal disciple."

"*Hum*—"

In that instant, both Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang underwent a drastic change in expression, their faces revealing profound shock and awe.

As the first Chaos-level powerhouse of the Human Race, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor ranks among the top three supreme existences within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. The power of such a being is truly ineffable.

From what Eldrin Chen knew, as the Path Ancestor who pioneered the modern cultivation methods, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor had a considerable number of disciples, but the vast majority were merely nominal disciples.

Among them, there were three thousand nominal disciples and one hundred and eight true disciples.

The nominal disciples were of mixed quality; the most advanced among them were only at the early or middle stages of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm, while the weakest were merely at the Ancient Immortal Realm.

The one hundred and eight true disciples, however, were all outstanding figures among Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Their cultivation was at least at the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal level, and among them were peerless prodigies who had reached the perfection of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm.

Yet, among so many disciples, those who could be called personal disciples numbered a mere seven. Access the full story on audio-novel[dot]com.

Those seven direct disciples, each personally instructed by Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor in the Great Path [the supreme cultivation method], were all prodigies of a generation. Their cultivation had now reached the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm [the realm of a foundational Imperial Lord], making them each a towering pillar of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal worlds].

"The Eighth Direct Disciple."

Eldrin Chen was inwardly shaken. He cast a look of profound astonishment at Worthy Remembrance Chen and asked with disbelief, "By what virtue or capability have you earned the favor of the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor to be taken as a direct disciple?"

Worthy Remembrance Chen's expression remained unperturbed. He then spoke calmly, "Our Master informed me that I possess no Destiny Heavenly Pass [the innate barrier of fate that must be overcome for ultimate ascension]. He said I am heaven-ordained to become a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal of the Great Encompassing, a supreme immortal realm], and it is my destined fate to cultivate to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm."

"No Destiny Heavenly Pass?"

Exquisite Jiang's countenance shifted dramatically. She stared at him in utter shock, then exchanged a meaningful glance with Eldrin Chen.

This revelation was simply too staggering. Throughout the ages, countless Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations], whose talents alone could dazzle an entire era, had found the vast majority unable to shatter their own Destiny [the predetermined limits of one's fate and potential] and thus break through to that Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm.

Yet Worthy Remembrance Chen could ascend directly to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm without needing to overcome the Destiny Heavenly Pass. This news was so extraordinary it bordered on the inconceivable.

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

He drew a deep breath, then began to divine and calculate the fate and destiny of Worthy Remembrance Chen. The moment he commenced the calculation, profound astonishment washed over him.

Because the Worthy Remembrance Chen's fate pattern was exceedingly peculiar. He seemed born with a kind of destiny, an invisible Destiny [the predetermined course of events or fortune] bolstering him, yet simultaneously, an intangible shackle was also bound to him.

This power of Destiny would directly propel Worthy Remembrance Chen, pushing him all the way until he cultivated to the realm of Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivation stage representing the unity of all things].

Moreover, before his destined task was fulfilled, not even a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [a supreme being who has mastered a Great Path and attained sagehood] could directly strike him down, lest they incur the backlash of the Destiny Great Path [the fundamental cosmic law governing fate and fortune].

"A Person of Destiny."

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

He had never imagined that Worthy Remembrance Chen was born in response to the will of heaven itself, arriving into the world bearing a specific destiny that seemed connected to an unprecedented and rare Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial or calamity].

After a long while, Eldrin Chen looked at Worthy Remembrance Chen and said, "Your fated Primordial One Imperial Lord is one who carries the mantle of a Person of Destiny. Your Future's achievements are boundless, yet there is also a Tribulation looming that concerns the fate of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of the immortal world]."

"It will be a Tribulation that sweeps across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, and you are the one destined to face it. Whether you can transcend this calamity will have profound and far-reaching consequences for the Three Thousand Immortal Domains."

Worthy Remembrance Chen listened quietly, his expression shifting slightly.

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

Exquisite Jiang's expression shifted slightly. She looked at Worthy Remembrance Chen, her voice tinged with unease as she said, "A Tribulation of this nature is bound to be utterly terrifying. Do you have a way to avoid it?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head, speaking with calm finality. "He is a Person of Destiny, and matters ordained by fate are difficult even for a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage to alter."

"The only thing we can do is cultivate diligently. If we can break through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, or even to the level of a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage before that day arrives, perhaps we can offer him some assistance."

Hearing this, Exquisite Jiang could only release a soft sigh, saying nothing more.

Seeing this, Worthy Remembrance Chen offered a gentle smile, replying with serene acceptance, "Mother, you need not worry. As the one chosen by destiny, all of this is my ordained path. Therefore, no matter what I face in the days to come, I will walk it."

As he spoke, Worthy Remembrance Chen retrieved an ancient-looking wooden box from his sleeve. Original publication: audio-novel*com - The source of this chapter.

He presented it with great solemnity to his two parents. "This is a congratulatory gift my master instructed me to bring specifically for Father's birthday. He said it might be of some use to you."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with interest. He opened the ancient wooden box to find three scrolls of Ancient Scripture resting inside.

He glanced down, and his pupils abruptly contracted, a flicker of profound shock crossing his features.

"Primordial Genesis Path Scripture—Limit-Breaker Chapter, Primordial Genesis Path Scripture—Formation Arts Chapter, Primordial Genesis Path Scripture—Divine Abilities Chapter."

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

Even without opening the three Ancient Scripture, merely glancing at their titles was enough for him to grasp the profound power contained within these scrolls.

Eldrin Chen surmised in his heart that these three volumes of Ancient Scripture must possess an extraordinary origin; they were undoubtedly priceless treasures from the lineage of the Primordial Genesis Ancestral Court.

As expected, after reverently presenting the Ancient Scripture, Worthy Remembrance Chen spoke with grave solemnity, "These three scrolls of Ancient Scripture were personally created by the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor. They represent the pinnacle of his cultivation achievements, refined over a million Kalpa Tribulation."

Eldrin Chen nodded, recalling fragments of legend, and spoke with utmost gravity, "It is said that upon achieving the Path [the fundamental principle or way of the cosmos], the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor synthesized his lifetime of insights and learnings to create a single, monumental work: the Primordial Genesis Path Scripture."

"That Primordial Genesis Path Scripture was then divided into thirteen great treatises, covering the physical body, the Great Path [the supreme Dao], Path Fruit [the culmination of one's cultivation path], Divine Ability [supernatural powers], Formation [array arts], artifact forging, pill concoction, and more. Each of these thirteen treatises is a treasure coveted by countless Immortal [transcendent beings], something even many Primordial One Imperial Lord [powerful beings at the Primordial One realm] yearn for but cannot obtain."

Worthy Remembrance Chen gave an affirming nod and continued, "The three scrolls before you are among those thirteen Ancient Scripture. Furthermore, they are personally transcribed by our Master, containing the complete and unfathomable mysteries of the originals."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. "I see. When you return, convey my deepest gratitude to the Senior Primordial Genesis on my behalf."

Worthy Remembrance Chen nodded once more, then said with a gentle smile, "My true identity must remain a secret. To avoid drawing unwanted attention, I cannot linger within the clan for long. It is time for me to depart."

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

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this, then spoke, "After you return, focus diligently on your cultivation. Once this Kalpa Tribulation has passed, I will find an opportunity to visit the Primordial Genesis Ancestral Court and pay my respects to Senior Primordial Genesis."

"In that case, I shall take my leave now, Father."

With these words, Worthy Remembrance Chen once more kowtowed to the pair. Only then did he rise and vanish from within the Grotto-Heaven.

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

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

"He bears a Mandate of Heaven upon his shoulders, and with Senior Primordial Genesis watching over him, no mishap shall befall him."

"For you and me, the most crucial matter now is whether we ourselves can advance another step and prove our Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation, representing supreme attainment and unity with the cosmos]."

Hearing this, Exquisite Jiang understood that compared to their son, her own Path [the unique and profound spiritual journey of a cultivator towards enlightenment] was even more shrouded in uncertainty. She said nothing more.

Seeing her composure restored, Eldrin Chen set his heart at ease and turned his gaze to the ancient scroll before him. A faint smile touched his lips. "This Senior Primordial Genesis is truly extraordinary. The gift he sent is precisely what we need most."

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

To be fair, the three scrolls of Ancient Scripture sent by the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor were, for the vast majority of Ancient Immortal [powerful beings who have transcended mortality], less precious than the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial, unbreakable spiritual radiance]. Yet in the eyes of Eldrin Chen, their value far surpassed that of the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light.

Among the three scrolls of Ancient Scripture, the Limit-Breaker Chapter recorded dozens of methods for reaching one's limits. Each method could at least lead directly to a foundation at the Eleventh Limit [a stage representing the pinnacle of potential before a major breakthrough], with three among them even capable of pointing the way to the Twelfth Limit Realm [the legendary, nearly unreachable zenith of foundational cultivation].

These were respectively the Primordial Genesis Path Refinement Art [a method for refining one's connection to the fundamental Dao], the Primordial Spirit Art [a technique for cultivating the core spiritual self], and the Path Fruit Art [an art for nurturing the fruit of one's cultivated path].

"The Great Path, the Primordial Spirit, the Path Fruit,"

Eldrin Chen murmured slowly, his heart growing ever more astonished. The Limit-Breaker Chapter recorded three methods for forging a True Spirit Foundation [the ultimate, flawless spiritual foundation] at the Twelfth Limit. This signified that the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor had cultivated at least three different True Spirit Foundation in his lifetime.

To forge a single True Spirit Foundation was to suppress ten thousand paths with one's own, granting the potential to prove one's Dao and become a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign ruler born from primordial chaos]. Yet the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor before them had cultivated at least three such foundations—a feat so rare it could be called peerless throughout the ages.

Moreover, Eldrin Chen suspected that the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor might have accomplished more than just three True Spirit Foundation.

"The powerhouses of the Primordial Era [the mythic age of creation] are truly unfathomable,"

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

After briefly reviewing these three scrolls detailing the Twelfth Limit breakthrough method from the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, Eldrin Chen set them aside.

It was not that the Path Ancestor's method was insufficient, but rather that this technique lacked broad applicability. It was fundamentally a method created by the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor for himself. Unless one cultivated the Primordial Genesis Great Path, it was impossible to reach the Twelfth Limit Realm through it.

For others, another's method remains just that—another's method. These three scrolls served more as a reference. To think of using them to forge a Twelfth Limit Foundation would be nothing short of a fool's dream.

In contrast, the breakthrough chapter contained nearly a hundred other scrolls on Eleventh Limit methods. These encompassed Divine Ability [supernatural powers cultivated to a profound level], Great Path [supreme cultivation arts], physical body refinement, mana, and even Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] techniques of various attributes. For the right individual, they might hold some effect.

However, these held little further value for Eldrin Chen himself, serving primarily for reference. Perhaps they could aid Violet Consort Yan and Lila, among others, in establishing an Eleventh Limit foundation.

Setting aside the breakthrough chapter, Eldrin Chen turned his attention to the other two sections of the Ancient Scripture.

Of the remaining two scrolls, the Formation Arts Chapter held the key to solving Eldrin Chen's dilemma of being unable to deploy formations with his Five Lifebound Immortal Treasures [magical treasures bound to one's life force and cultivation], making it his most coveted prize.

The Divine Abilities Chapter likewise contained a wealth of profound Divine Ability techniques. It included numerous Patriarch Level Divine Ability techniques of at least Great Encompassing Rank [a high level of power], some even reaching the level of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator], along with two Chaos-Grade Divine Ability [divine abilities of primordial, world-shaping power]. Whether for personal enlightenment or to teach his clan, they were excellent resources.

After perusing them for a moment, Eldrin Chen informed Exquisite Jiang, "Once I fully comprehend these two scrolls, both my Lifebound Immortal Treasure and my Divine Ability will be further perfected."

"It seems there is now a glimmer of hope for me to cultivate a Twelfth Limit True Spirit Divine Ability [a divine ability born from one's true spiritual essence], or perhaps even to comprehend that Twelfth Limit Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [a legendary threshold for spiritual treasures]."

Exquisite Jiang [the Immortal Maiden Exquisite] showed a flicker of delight upon hearing this. She looked at Eldrin Chen and asked, "Are you preparing to enter seclusion for contemplation?"

"Not in haste. I wish to meet a few individuals first."

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly and instructed someone to invite Path Ruins Jiang to his cave abode.

After so many years, meeting Path Ruins Jiang in private once more still stirred a sense of warmth within Eldrin Chen's heart.

He courteously invited Path Ruins Jiang to sit, personally poured him a cup of tea, and then inquired, "It has been several million years since we last met. Have your endeavors been smooth sailing all these years, Grandfather?"

Path Ruins Jiang studied Eldrin Chen carefully for a long moment before sighing and saying, "You grow more inscrutable to me with each passing day."

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

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his gaze solemn. "For us Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality], time stretches into boundless infinity. A momentary success or failure means little. It is the final achievement that holds true significance."

Path Ruins Jiang nodded in agreement. He took a sip of the fragrant tea and then began, "The reason I requested this private meeting is to discuss the matter of the impending Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal]."

"Oh?"

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

Without further preamble, Path Ruins Jiang simply swept his sleeve, manifesting a dazzling, peerless radiance of Indestructibility [a state of absolute, unbreakable perfection].

"The Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial, flawless spiritual radiance]," he stated.

In that Ksana-time [an infinitesimal moment], Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted slightly. He then looked at Path Ruins Jiang and asked, "What is Grandfather implying?"

"The path to Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of a Golden Immortal who encompasses all creation] is fraught with difficulty!"

Path Ruins Jiang spoke calmly, taking a deep breath before continuing, "Over these years, I have dealt with the Voidwalker Ancient Sect on several occasions. It has made me understand more and more just how arduous the journey to prove one's Dao and attain the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal truly is."

"Even if a Great Encompassing Ancient Sect [an ancient sect of immense power and heritage] pours all its resources and support behind a cultivator, paying an unimaginably steep price to nurture them, and even if they ultimately produce an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations], the final chance of that individual successfully proving their Dao and becoming a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal still does not exceed one in ten."

Path Ruins Jiang elaborated methodically, detailing the immense hardships of the path to Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, a trace of helplessness coloring his eyes.

Eldrin Chen listened quietly, beginning to comprehend the source of Path Ruins Jiang's concern.

Over the years, Eldrin Chen had also come to vaguely understand the profound difficulty of attaining the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm. A stark and simple example lay right before them.

Over the course of nearly ten thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord has bestowed an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born of natural law, containing immense power] upon the Frigid Immortal Domain once every ten Kalpa Tribulation, a ritual that has been repeated nearly a thousand times.

This signifies that, from ancient times to the present, the Frigid Immortal Domain has witnessed the birth of nearly a thousand Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [ancient immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations].

Yet, from this vast multitude of Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, a mere thirteen have ultimately ascended to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of a Golden Immortal who has mastered the Great Encompassing Dao]. This yields an average breakthrough probability of barely over one percent.

Roughly seventy or eighty Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal are required to produce a single individual who attains the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. And this is among the direct disciples of the Primordial One Imperial Lord's lineage! It starkly reveals the monumental, almost insurmountable difficulty of achieving the Great Encompassing [the state of mastering the fundamental laws of existence].

To rise above such a sea of Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, one must possess abilities that shake the heavens and make the ghosts weep—anything less is simply impossible.

In other words, throughout history, which of those who attained the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal was not a peerless supreme being? One who carved a path through the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the myriad realms of the immortal world], leaving fallen immortals like rain in their wake, and roamed the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond the ordered worlds] with none to challenge them?

Unrivaled among their peers, sovereign beneath the Great Encompassing.

Since time immemorial, every being qualified to pursue the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal has, during their time as an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, rightfully earned that epithet.

All beneath the Great Encompassing are but ants. Breaking through to the Great Encompassing Realm marks the beginning of seizing one's own Destiny [the predetermined course of fate and fortune], the first true step towards transcending it entirely.

No matter how supremely confident Path Ruins Jiang might be, he understands perfectly that attempting to assault the Great Encompassing Realm within this Kalpa Tribulation would be nothing short of courting his own demise. Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at http://www . audio-novel.com.