Chapter 1871 : The Heart's Final Trial

After purifying the vast Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea [a legendary sea of torment and purgatory within the nether realms], Eldrin Chen felt a profound clarity descend upon his spiritual platform [the seat of consciousness and enlightenment for cultivators], and an invisible shackle within his heart vanished at that moment.

He slowly let out a breath, a smile gracing his lips as he spoke, "The great vow I made in the past has been fulfilled. The shackles binding my heart have been undone. The time has come to take that final step."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, yet a soft chuckle escaped him in the very next instant.

In that moment, Eldrin Chen resolved to assail the Path Heart Heavenly Pass [the ultimate heavenly tribulation that tests a cultivator's Dao-heart and resolve], to break through to the sixth-tribulation Ancient Immortal Realm.

To breach the Path Heart Heavenly Pass, one must face the Primordial Chaos Great Path directly and survive the tribulation known as the Three Inquiries of the Great Path [a heavenly trial where the Great Path itself poses three profound questions to the cultivator's soul]. The slightest flaw in one's heart could lead to catastrophic failure.

Now, Eldrin Chen slowly lowered his eyelids. His Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true self of a high-level cultivator] resonated with the Primordial Chaos Great Path, thereby initiating the tribulation of the Path Heart Heavenly Pass.

"BOOM!"

As Eldrin Chen made his assault, a voice of boundless majesty and depth echoed through the void, reaching his very soul.

"In this life of yours, have you ever been ashamed before Heaven?"

Eldrin Chen felt a tremor in his heart. From the depths of his being, memories of his past surged forth—every fleeting moment from his time in the Vast Azure Realm, and every step of his arduous journey after setting foot in the Immortal Domain, unfolded before his mind's eye one by one. Continue your cultivation journey at audio-novel`com.

After a moment of silence, he declared with unwavering resolve, "I have no shame before Heaven."

Indeed, he was born in the Purple Seal Realm [a lower mortal world]. In this life, he had quelled demonic calamities, and after ascending to the higher realms, he had returned to aid his homeland three times in succession. He was without shame before his mortal origins.

After his ascension, he owed a great deal of Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect] to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain [a vast realm of immortal cultivation]. Yet, he had slain three great evils: the Nether Emperor, the Xuanheng Ancient Demon, and the Myriad Ghosts Patriarch, thwarting their scheme to sacrifice the entire Vast Azure Immortal Domain.

Furthermore, he had purified the Demonic Fiendish Energy [a corrupting energy born of demonic and fiendish sources] of the Nether Abyss Purgatory Sea [a sea of torment in the nether realms]. This was sufficient to repay his Karma, rendering him without shame before the Immortal Domain [a general term for higher cultivation realms]. Since he was without shame before the mortal world and without shame before the Immortal Domain, he was naturally without shame before Heaven.

*Crack—*

The Great Path [the fundamental Dao or cosmic principle] hummed. After a violent tremor, an invisible shackle shattered.

Then, in an instant, that majestic voice resonated once more.

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

Eldrin Chen fell silent. He retraced the steps of his present life, recalling the companions who had walked the path with him.

In his youth, his father, covered in blood, had traversed a hundred thousand Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] of mountains and rivers to bring him back to Green Chariot Mountain. From there, he had embarked on the arduous journey of cultivation within the Immortal Realm [the world of immortal cultivation]. Memories of the myriad people he had encountered and the events he had weathered washed over him, plunging him 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 have treated those close to me."

"Yet, I have also slaughtered demons, slain Human Race [the collective of ordinary mortals], and executed Divine Spirits [powerful spiritual beings]. Among the countless adversaries I have faced, there must have been 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 flawless man."

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

The voice of the Great Path [the fundamental principle of the universe and cultivation], devoid of any emotion, then spoke, "Since they died unjustly because of you, why do you feel no regret in your heart?"

Eldrin Chen wore an expression of profound compassion, his form wreathed in swirling Immortal Energy [the pure, potent energy wielded by immortals], and he uttered an ethereal reply.

"The Buddha said that in a single bowl of water, there are eighty-four thousand living beings."

"With every breath, a mortal unknowingly consumes countless microscopic lives. Over a lifetime, whether by intent or accident, the Slaughter [karmic burden of killing] they accumulate could be said to be as numerous as the sands of the Ganges."

"A cultivator spends a lifetime in practice, devouring the world's resources, refining the essence of heaven and earth into their own being. Are they not also beings whose karmic burden of killing reaches to the heavens?"

"I have cultivated to this day, transcending the Mortal Dust [the mundane world of mortal affairs]. If I were to feel shame for every single thing, I would have long since undergone self-dissolution and returned to the Mortal Dust, never having reached my current realm."

Speaking to this point, his voice paused slightly, growing ever more distant as he continued.

"The Great Path of Heaven and Earth [the fundamental law governing the cosmos], 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 natural order of all existence."

The voice of the Great Path [the embodiment of cosmic law], supremely impartial and merciless, spoke: "Mortals are born from heaven and earth, and die returning to heaven and earth. All is but endless cycles."

"Yet you have transcended the Mortal Dust [the realm of ordinary human existence]. This karma of slaughter is destined to cling to you." Read the full novel exclusively on audio-novel . com.

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

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

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

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze inward, reviewing his entire life, and finally fell into deep 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 Exquisite Jiang [his primary dao companion], recalling Verdant Consort [his dao companion], Nyssa Qu [his dao companion], Lila [his dao companion], and Violet Consort Yan [his dao companion]. In this life, the only place where his heart held true regret was in facing Exquisite Jiang.

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

Over the years, he and Exquisite Jiang had maintained an unspoken, mutual agreement to avoid discussing these matters.

Yet deep down, he understood. For Exquisite Jiang, this was perhaps a thorn embedded in her heart. It was only the profound bond forged over their years together, coupled with the close-knit relationship among the five sisters, that allowed her to embrace and accept these circumstances.

For Eldrin Chen, this was the most difficult chapter of his past to conceal.

Recalling his dao companions, the incident with Lila was an accident; Verdant Consort was the reincarnation of Summer Reign [a past identity]. If those could be explained away, his relationships with Nyssa Qu and Violet Consort Yan stemmed more from an inner greed.

A yearning for beauty, their active affection, and the fact that Exquisite Jiang never interfered—these were the threads that ultimately wove their lives together.

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

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, facing this third inquiry of the Great Path [the supreme cultivation principle], and fell into a contemplative silence.

He could not answer, for this was indeed a flaw in his Dao Heart [the fundamental, unwavering will and moral compass 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 through this Path Heart Heavenly Pass [a critical trial that tests the purity and resolve of a cultivator's Dao Heart].

It was a dilemma with no easy solution. However, after a moment of silence, Eldrin Chen steeled his resolve, for he still had another choice.

Rising to his feet, his gaze burned as he looked towards the Heavenly Vault [the celestial dome of the sky, often personified as a manifestation of the heavens or the Great Dao itself], and he declared, "My conscience is clear!"

"No. Your Dao Heart is flawed."

The voice of the Great Path [the fundamental, impersonal order and principle underlying all existence] 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 True Spirit [the stage of cultivation where one's spirit is refined to its purest, truest essence] pierced the firmament, shattering the final shackle within his heart.

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

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

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his gaze unwavering. "A person who is simultaneously without fault in their own heart, towards others, and before the heavens would be the pinnacle of selflessness. Such a being would possess no emotion, as cold and indifferent as the Great Path itself."

"I wish to become the Sovereign who commands the Great Path, not its slave or puppet."

The Primordial Chaos Great Path 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 tiny, flawed crack began to mend, transforming into a Dao Heart illuminated by a light of humanity.

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

So this was the truth of the Path Heart Heavenly Pass. It never demanded a flawless, perfect Dao Heart. So long as one held firm to their own convictions, and so long as no great, unresolved Karma [the cosmic law of cause and effect] remained, even a deranged Demonic Cultivator could shatter this Heavenly Pass [a profound bottleneck in cultivation].

"The Path Heart Heavenly Pass... is finally broken through."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself. He sensed his cultivation base and spiritual power, and a slow sigh of relief escaped his lips.

With this breakthrough, he had now surmounted the six great Heavenly Pass: the Physical Body, the Great Path, Spiritual Power, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], the Dao Heart, and Divine Ability [supernatural powers derived from cultivation]. His strength had advanced by another significant measure.

Although the direct increase in combat power was not immense, the depth of his spiritual power had grown by another thirty percent, and his endurance in prolonged battles had improved considerably.

"With the six Heavenly Pass now overcome, it is time to prepare for the journey to the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent."

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

At this moment, Exquisite Jiang and the others were still in secluded cultivation refining the Path Source [a primordial source of energy related to the fundamental laws of cultivation], making the entire Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven much 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 Treasury.

"Profound Darkness Immortal Iron."

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

This Profound Darkness Immortal Iron was a Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [a treasure of the highest rarity and power]. Its material was saturated with an aura of ultimate Yin and profound cold, making it a Tai Luo Rare Spiritual Wonders [a category of exceptionally rare spiritual materials] of the Yin attribute.

Contemplating the potency of this immortal iron, Eldrin Chen retrieved an Incomplete Ancient Mirror from his sleeve, a faint smile gracing his lips.

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

This Incomplete Ancient Mirror was precisely the one Eldrin Chen had obtained long ago from the lair of the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest.

This artifact was named 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 heaven and earth, possessing innate spiritual power]. It had once been the foundational treasure used for enlightenment by an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Later, for reasons unknown, that Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal perished within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation]. This treasure was shattered by a formidable foe and ultimately fell 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 an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial forces of heaven and earth] of the Lunar [Yin] attribute. Using this Profound Darkness Immortal Iron to repair it was perfectly suitable.

Given Eldrin Chen's current level of power, forging an entire Innate Spiritual Treasure from scratch might have been beyond his confidence. However, the task of repairing a damaged one was significantly less daunting.

Behold, Eldrin Chen exhaled a wisp of Innate Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme primal energy of creation]. Using it as bait, he refined and subdued the mirror's Treasure Spirit [the sentient consciousness within a powerful magical artifact], then commenced the meticulous work of mending the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror.

He employed the Primordial Solar Heavenly Flame [a legendary flame of pure solar essence] to smelt the Profound Darkness Immortal Iron, while the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror itself continuously devoured the divine metal. The process was completed in a mere thirty thousand years.

"*Hummm—*"

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

Exquisite Jiang was also roused and immediately sought out Eldrin Chen. "What have you done?" she inquired.

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

Eldrin Chen spoke as he handed the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror to Exquisite Jiang, saying, "This treasure is for you to refine and wield."

Exquisite Jiang accepted the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror, her heart still stirring with excitement. The immense value of an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from heaven and earth, possessing innate divine powers] went without saying; she had never imagined she would possess one so soon.

With this thought, she embraced Eldrin Chen and led him deeper into their cultivation abode.

After a time of tender intimacy, Exquisite Jiang rested her head upon his chest and spoke softly, "With this Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror, 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 if you went."

"There is no need for worry,"

Exquisite Jiang shook her head, taking his hand firmly. "For this coming Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal, a time of great upheaval and trial], we are resolved to aid you with all our strength in attaining the Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Realm, a supreme state of cultivation]. This was decided long ago."

Eldrin Chen fell silent, then squeezed her hand. "Not long ago, when I broke through the Path Heart Heavenly Pass [a critical trial in cultivation where one faces the tribulations of their own heart and path], one of the tribulations... was about you."

He began to recount, in measured tones, the events of that Path Heart Heavenly Pass.

After listening, Exquisite Jiang sighed softly. "Alas, what happened in the past has already happened and 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 like sisters to me. 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 well that Exquisite Jiang's magnanimity stemmed from the profound depth of their bond and his own unwavering character. With her formidable temperament, she would never have tolerated sharing her man with others were he a weaker man.

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

"Scoundrel."

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

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

Over the years, Exquisite Jiang had successively refined five Path Source [a primordial source of power related to one's cultivation path], leading to a meteoric rise in her strength. She had now broken through all five of the great Heavenly Pass [critical bottlenecks in cultivation]: the Fleshly Body Heavenly Pass, the Great Path Heavenly Pass [attainment in one's core cultivation art], the Mana Heavenly Pass, the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass, and the Divine Ability Heavenly Pass.

Among these five Heavenly Pass, her Fleshly Body Heavenly Pass had reached the Tenth Limit Realm. Bolstered by the power of the Great Five Elements Pure Lunar Divine Thunder, both her Mana Heavenly Pass and Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass had been cultivated to the Eleventh Limit Realm.

The Divine Ability Heavenly Pass [a profound state of mastery over a divine ability] goes without saying. As for the Great Five Elements Pure Lunar Divine Thunder [a supreme thunder technique born from the fusion of the five elements and lunar essence], although it is not a True Spirit Divine Ability [a divine ability that has awakened its own spiritual nature], it has already stepped into the realm of the Eleventh Limit [the eleventh and penultimate stage of foundational cultivation].

Her recent attainment of the Great Path Heavenly Pass [a state of perfect comprehension and unity with a Great Path] is even more astonishing. The Five Elements Pure Lunar Great Path [a supreme cultivation art harmonizing the five elements with pure lunar energy] she has cultivated not only points directly to the Eleventh Limit Realm but is also not far from the Twelfth Limit [the ultimate, foundational limit of cultivation].

Of course, the five Great Path [supreme cultivation arts representing fundamental cosmic principles] cultivated by Exquisite Jiang are slightly weaker than the five Great Path pursued by Eldrin Chen, making them somewhat simpler to comprehend. Furthermore, mastering the Five Elements Pure Lunar Great Path presents a lower degree of difficulty. It is for these reasons that she achieved mastery over five Great Path earlier than Eldrin Chen did.

Eldrin Chen understood clearly that Exquisite Jiang had chosen the easier 'Five Elements Pure Lunar Great Path' precisely to avoid competing with him for the same Dao. Otherwise, with her innate talent, she could have very well attempted to cultivate the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the Great Path representing the primordial, undifferentiated state of existence].

Naturally, perhaps due to possessing the Supreme Lunar Immortal Body [a legendary physique perfectly attuned to the power of the moon], Exquisite Jiang's comprehension regarding Yin-aligned Great Path and Divine Ability [supernatural powers derived from profound cultivation] surpassed her aptitude for other attributes by tenfold, even a hundredfold. In this specific aspect, her insight even transcended that of Eldrin Chen.

Had it been the Five Elements [a spiritual root affinity encompassing metal, wood, water, fire, and earth] combined with the Primordial Solar Great Path [the Great Path representing the primordial, creative power of the sun], it is likely that Exquisite Jiang could not have achieved such rapid mastery.

"Five major Heavenly Pass [states of perfect mastery], four foundations at the Eleventh Limit,"

"Your foundation and latent potential are no weaker than an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]. Once you refine this Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror [an ancient mirror of profound and mysterious power], you will have nothing to fear, even from an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal."

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

Exquisite Jiang nodded, a smile gracing her lips as she said, "Coupled with the Minor Cosmic Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation [a formidable sword formation embodying cosmic unity], I suspect that even an ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal would find it difficult to best me."

"The only issue is that your spiritual power [the vital energy cultivated by immortals] remains somewhat shallow, likely not as profound as those Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal."

Speaking of this, she smiled and said, "By the way, based on your description today, I feel somewhat confident about breaking through the Path Heart Heavenly Pass. I shall attempt to advance to the Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived six Heavenly Tribulations] realm during this period as well."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a warmth in his heart. He understood that Exquisite Jiang had truly let go of her lingering reservations, or perhaps the matter of a Dao Companion [a cultivation partner bound by profound vows] would no longer be a source of inner turmoil for her.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen took her hand and said, "There is no rush. While we still have time, let your husband accompany you in contemplating the mysteries of the Polarity."

"..."

Time flowed like water, swift and relentless, the years passing in the blink of an eye.

In what seemed like a mere moment, tens of thousands of years had passed, and the day for the opening of the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent drew near.

On this day, all members of the Chen Immortal Clan emerged from seclusion, gathering within the Violet Ye Palace to convene a council.

This council was of immense significance. Every Ancient Immortal Patriarch and high-ranking Celestial Immortal of the Chen Clan arrived in person, each bearing an expression of utmost gravity.

Eldrin Chen sat solemnly upon the central dais of the Great Hall, his gaze sweeping over the assembled immortals within the hall. A slight, approving nod escaped him.

After a continuous seclusion spanning seventy to eighty thousand years, the group had digested a significant portion of the gains from the recent battle, and their cultivation bases had almost universally advanced by leaps and bounds.

Among the sixteen Ancient Immortal of the Chen Immortal Clan, nearly every individual had broken through another one or two Heavenly Pass [a major bottleneck or threshold in cultivation], and at the very least, they had each broken through one Tenth Limit Heavenly Pass. On average, their cultivation had already reached the level of a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

In terms of combat prowess, armed with the Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation, they dared not claim to rival a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal, but dealing with a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal was well within their capabilities.

Among them, Nyssa Qu had made the greatest strides. She had broken through the Seventh Heavenly Pass and had refined the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the essence of heaven and earth] 'Nine-Colored Immortal Pearl' bestowed upon her by the Immortal Clam Clan, elevating her cultivation to the Ancient Immortal Realm of the Eighth Tribulation.

Furthermore, Verdant Consort's cultivation had also progressed further, reaching the level of a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Among the others, both Verdant Consort and Worthy Longevity Chen had combat power that brushed against the level of a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Kael Chen and Worthy Pursuit Chen had not yet fully digested the Path Source [the condensed essence of a cultivator's cultivation path and insights] from the two Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal. Once digested, they would likely soon possess combat power rivaling a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal. Among them, Kael Chen, with an Innate Demonic Treasure [a supreme demonic artifact born from primordial chaos] in hand, would likely face no bottleneck in breaking through to the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal level.

Of course, Kael Chen's current realm was still too low; fully digesting such gains would likely require a very long time.

"Two combatants with the power of Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortals, and three with the power of Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortals."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, a sense of stability settling within his heart.

This combat strength, combined with my own and Ao Hong [the Primordial Chaos Black Dragon], already constituted a formidable force.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen spoke: "Three thousand years from now, the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [a legendary land of ancient ruins and immense opportunity] will open. I intend to go there to contend for the Great Encompassing [the supreme realm of a Golden Immortal] Opportunity and Fortune [a chance for a profound breakthrough]. This time, I will likely need to bring several people with me."

Upon hearing this, everyone was both shocked and overjoyed. Ethan Chen immediately spoke up: "Uncle, what is there to discuss? Our entire clan will follow you into battle. Even if we are wiped out, we must see you attain the Great Encompassing."

"Indeed," another voice chimed in. "Mobilizing the full strength of our sect to protect the path of a future Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal who has mastered the Great Encompassing realm] is precisely what we should do."

The others nodded in agreement, their expressions filled with fervent excitement.

Eldrin Chen, however, raised a hand to quiet them, his expression turning grave. "This time is different from the past. From what I understand, this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] concerns the Opportunity and Fortune left behind by the Purple Seal Immortal Lord [a title for a powerful immortal lord]. Therefore, the number of Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived eight Kalpa Tribulations] entering the fray will far exceed that of any previous Kalpa Tribulation."

"In past Kalpa Tribulation, when Eight Tribulations 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 [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] and Ancient Immortal [immortals of immense age and power] to aid them."

"But this time, the participating Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal will number at least ten times more than usual. I believe any power below the Ancient Immortal realm would be marching to their deaths for nothing. Even Ancient Immortal below the Seven Tribulations [having survived seven Kalpa Tribulations] would likely find themselves with no place to be buried."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a deep solemnity shining in his eyes.

The members of the Chen Immortal Clan [the Chen Clan of Immortals] saw his expression, and their own faces subtly shifted, a flicker of apprehension passing through them.

Thalion Chen [Energy Abyss Chen] drew a deep breath, then asked, "According to your strategy, which of us should go?"

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

"Father, let me go with you."

Worthy Longevity Chen spoke up, his expression resolute. "The Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent holds no small amount of Opportunity and Fortune. Once I break through to the Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal realm and combine that 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 hand with a grave expression. "I, too, should be able to offer some assistance."

Eldrin Chen fell into deep thought once more. After a moment, he said, "This Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle] is unlike any before. Without the combat power of an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, the risk of perishing is exceedingly high. I cannot take you into such danger."

"As for you, Worthy Longevity, while you possess the Vast Sea Divine Pearl and would gain the combat power of an Eight Tribulations expert upon reaching the Seven Tribulations realm, you must remain with the clan as its foundational reserve. Furthermore, to guard against unforeseen events, you should stay behind as well."

Seeing Eldrin Chen's unwavering stance, Verdant Consort's heart trembled slightly. She finally sighed and said, "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 is not your era."

"A temporary difference in pace means little. The true hope for attaining the Great Encompassing [Da Luo, the pinnacle of cultivation] and reaching even greater heights lies in forging a more profound foundation."

"There is no need for you to rush to assist me immediately. It would be better for you to accumulate more foundational strength. Even if it means enduring a few more Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration and tribulation], as long as you can cultivate a single True Spirit Foundation [the fundamental spiritual core essential for the highest paths of cultivation], that is the true key determining whether one can achieve the ultimate Dao."

Upon hearing this, Verdant Consort could only let out a soft sigh and finally nodded in agreement.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the others and spoke, "With no great enemies remaining in the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, you should focus on diligent cultivation during my absence."

"If, by some misfortune, I fail in my quest to prove my Dao, you must be prepared to abandon everything in the Returning Abyss Heavenly Domain. First, venture into the depths of the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse between ordered realms]. Do not consider returning until an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight cosmic tribulations] emerges among you."

Upon hearing his words, the expressions of all present grew solemn.

They all understood the profound peril of proving one's path to become a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme state of immortal perfection]. Even the most exceptional prodigies could fail utterly if they encountered an adversary beyond their power to overcome.

Contemplating this, they each drew a deep breath before speaking in unison, "Set your mind at ease. We will ensure everything within the clan is properly managed."

With that settled, Eldrin Chen offered no further words. He rose, clasped his hands in a formal salute to the assembly, and then, accompanied by Exquisite Jiang and the other two, stepped beyond the borders of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain. There, they found the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix [an ancient, majestic phoenix born of primordial frost] had been waiting for some time.

"I have been awaiting your arrival."

The Primordial Era Ice Phoenix offered a faint smile, her beautiful eyes appraising the trio. "To venture into the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent accompanied by both a cherished wife and a peerless beauty... truly, one cannot help but feel a touch of envy." Continue reading this story at *audio-novel.com*.