Chapter 1927 : The Gathering Before the Storm

As his physical body broke through to the third layer of the Great Luo Body, Eldrin Chen began to gradually consolidate his cultivation base.

After several million years passed in this manner, by the time Eldrin Chen emerged from seclusion, he discovered that the third Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial faced by powerful cultivators] was once more drawing near.

By now, Eldrin Chen's lifespan had surpassed two hundred million years. Seizing the opportunity presented by the lifespan extension granted after a Kalpa Tribulation, he gathered all the clan members to the Abyssal Immortal Domain for a family banquet.

This banquet was a relatively casual affair, with Eldrin Chen inviting only his Dao companions and immediate clan members.

Once the feast concluded, Eldrin Chen summoned everyone to the main hall and spoke, "With the Kalpa Tribulation approaching once again, it is time for you all to make preparations for this impending trial."

The now-humanoid Verdant Consort stepped forward and stated directly, "For this Kalpa Tribulation, I shall personally enter the tribulation. There should be no great calamity to fear."

Everyone nodded in understanding. Though they did not know what profound Opportunity [a rare chance for advancement or gain] the Verdant Consort had obtained, they were aware that her power had advanced by leaps and bounds, now nearly rivaling that of Lyra Jiang in her prime.

With the Verdant Consort leading the charge, this Kalpa Tribulation should indeed hold minimal danger.

Considering this, Lila and Yvonne the Violet Consort declared in unison, "The two of us shall enter the tribulation together. If we can take that final step, we will directly attempt a breakthrough into the Great Luo Realm."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of approval, then turned his gaze towards Chen Yuan, Kael Chen, and Ethan Chen.

Within the clan at present, aside from Verdant Consort and two others, these three hold the greatest hope of attaining the Grand Luo [the supreme realm of immortality] during this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cataclysm that tests all beings].

As for the others—Qingfeng Ye, Wen Yuan Lu, and Yuansheng—though they possess the potential for Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal of the Grand Luo realm], they have spent most of their time consolidating their foundations. Lacking an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos, serving as ultimate foundation] as their bedrock, they are, for now, unable to breach the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Seeing this, Chen Yuan shook his head and stated plainly, "My Indestructible [a state of perfect, unbreakable physical form] golden body has not yet reached its limit. This Kalpa Tribulation is merely to accumulate foundational strength; I will not attempt a breakthrough into the Great Luo Realm."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. Thalion, the Ancient Ancestor now primarily cultivated the path of Sainthood through the Flesh [ascending to divinity through physical perfection]. His physical body had already reached the half-step True Spirit [a primordial spiritual entity of immense power] realm.

However, the path to becoming a True Spirit was profoundly difficult. Even with a physical form of such formidable power, taking the final step into the True Spirit Realm [the realm of True Spirits] was a feat akin to scaling the heavens themselves. Success remained uncertain, hanging in the balance.

On the other side, Kael Chen also gave a slight nod, his voice calm as he said, "My Dao [the fundamental principle or path of cultivation] is not yet perfected; a long road still lies ahead. I, too, will not attempt to break through to Grand Luo during this tribulation."

Only Ethan Chen offered a faint smile before speaking. "I *would* like to charge the gates of Grand Luo," he said, "but I have yet to shatter the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck requiring the power of a Spiritual Treasure to overcome]."

Upon hearing this, a subtle light flickered in Eldrin Chen's eyes, and he grasped the essence of Ethan Chen's meaning.

The present Ethan Chen had already forged the three great Indestructible Foundation [pillars of an unshakable cultivation base]: body, Great Dao, and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator]. His strength already placed him among the pinnacle of Ancient Immortal [immortals from primordial times].

The sole remaining obstacle was that Ethan Chen had not yet achieved the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass.

Within the Clan Treasury of the Chen Immortal Clan today, there are three Low Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a foundational enchanted artifact born with a cultivator] that could be used to break through the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck in a cultivator's advancement], yet none are truly compatible with Ethan Chen.

Ethan Chen had grown up under Eldrin Chen's watchful eye. Now, standing at the very threshold of attaining the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle of cultivation], Eldrin Chen naturally wished to lend his support.

After a moment's contemplation, Eldrin Chen spoke, "I shall lend you two strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial, unbreakable essence used to empower artifacts], to Ascension [elevate and refine] your Innate Lifebound Spiritual Treasure [a cultivator's soul-bound artifact, growing in power with them]."…

"However, once you break through to Grand Luo, you must repay this debt."

With those words, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, bestowing the two strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light upon Ethan Chen.

Receiving the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light, a glimmer of confidence surfaced on Ethan Chen's face. His foundation had already granted him a fair chance of assailing the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm.

Now, with these two additional strands allowing him to Ascension his Twin Swords of Life and Death, his certainty of attaining the Grand Luo Golden Immortal had grown immensely.

Thinking this, Ethan Chen immediately clasped his hands and bowed. "My deepest gratitude for your generous gift, Clan Uncle."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen waved a dismissive hand. "There is no need to rush the refinement of your lifebound treasure. Later, you and Xianqing shall go together to await me at the Abyssal Forbidden Land."

"Understood."

Having bestowed two strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light upon Ethan Chen, Eldrin Chen addressed the remaining mundane affairs concerning the Kalpa Tribulation [the cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] before finally arriving within the Abyssal Forbidden Land.

By now, Xianqing Chen and Ethan Chen had been waiting for some time. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen arrive, both offered a respectful bow.

"Father, Clan Uncle..."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then spoke with a tone of profound sentiment. "I have brought you here this time to bestow upon you both an Opportunity [a rare chance for advancement or enlightenment] of utmost importance."

"However, the nature of this Opportunity is gravely significant. You must swear never to speak of it to anyone."

Upon hearing this, both were momentarily taken aback, their expressions turning solemn and grave.

Eldrin Chen said no more. With a sweep of his sleeve, he produced the Creation Cauldron [a legendary artifact capable of profound metamorphosis]. "This object is named the Creation Cauldron," he declared. "It possesses the wondrous efficacy of Foundation Reforging [the ability to completely remake and perfect a cultivator's spiritual foundation]."

"Remember this well: the secret of the Creation Cauldron is to be known only by the core Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation] of the Chen Clan."

So saying, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to Xianqing Chen. "Qing'er, you shall go first."

Xianqing Chen nodded in acknowledgment and, without hesitation, stepped forward into the cauldron's embrace.

Eldrin Chen did not delay either. He directly retrieved several dozen rare treasures, including the Creation Green Lotus [a legendary lotus embodying the power of creation and rebirth], and cast them one after another into the Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of refining and creating profound treasures].

Using these as nourishment, and further fueled by the Chaos Creation Origin [a primordial source energy embodying chaos and creation] and the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a fundamental, unbreakable spiritual radiance] for Xianqing Chen's Foundation Reforging [a profound process of reforging one's cultivation foundation], Xianqing Chen's latent potential grew astonishingly, almost imperceptibly.

When the process concluded, Xianqing Chen emerged from the grand hall, his aura and foundational essence utterly transformed from what they had been before.

"Seven supreme-level Indestructible Foundation [the pinnacle stage of Foundation Establishment, where the foundation becomes nearly unbreakable]."

Ethan Chen spoke suddenly, a trace of shock coloring his words.

It must be understood that previously, Xianqing Chen had only possessed four Indestructible Foundation, and those were merely of the ordinary grade.

Yet now, Xianqing Chen had not only cultivated seven Indestructible Foundation, but the lowest among them had reached the supreme grade. Furthermore, his Azure Lotus Physique [a rare innate constitution aligned with the power of the azure lotus], his Dao of the Creation Azure Lotus [a profound cultivation art following the path of the Creation Azure Lotus], and his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] had all advanced to the half-step True Spirit Realm [a transcendent realm beyond the ordinary foundations].

While there is no qualitative difference between a half-step True Spirit Foundation [the foundational stage of the True Spirit Realm], an ordinary Indestructible Foundation, or even a supreme one—so long as one has not fully achieved a True Spirit Foundation—it nonetheless signifies the magnitude of Weilai's latent potential and future capacity.

Such a staggering transformation could rightly be called a monumental Opportunity [a rare and pivotal chance for advancement in the cultivation path].

"The Opportunity has arrived. It is my hope that within this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of trials and upheaval], you will succeed in forging a True Spirit Foundation."

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but murmur softly.

Xianqing Chen nodded. She understood that the shackles binding her cultivation of the True Spirit Great Dao [the supreme path of cultivating one's primordial spiritual essence] had now been unlocked. Taking a deep breath, she declared, "For this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial marking the end of a cosmic cycle], this child will certainly not disappoint you."

Eldrin Chen gave an approving nod, then turned his gaze to Ethan Chen. "Your turn," he said.

Ethan Chen did not step forward immediately. After a moment of deep contemplation, he asked, "Observing the origin essence within the cauldron, it seems to possess the effect of Heaven-Defying Fate Alteration [a divine ability capable of defying celestial decree and altering one's destiny]. It is surely no simple thing, and its quantity must be limited."

"May I ask, Clan Uncle, how many portions of this essence remain within the cauldron?"

"You are quite considerate," Eldrin Chen acknowledged with a nod before answering, "Six portions remain."

"Although the Creation Origin [the primordial essence of creation, capable of miraculous transformations] is profoundly wondrous, it must be paired with a supreme-grade Innate Divine Object [a divine treasure born from the primordial chaos, containing innate laws] to potentially advance a step further. You have but one opportunity to use it. Are you certain you wish to use it now?"

"Only six portions?"

Ethan Chen's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of hesitation passing through his heart.

Yet, in the next instant, his resolve solidified. He cupped his hands respectfully and said, "This treasure is far too rare. Your nephew lacks any monumental achievements to his name and would feel unworthy to receive it."

"To avoid disturbing my Dao Heart [the core of a cultivator's will and spiritual path], Clan Uncle, you should keep this treasure for someone else."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen paused slightly, casting a glance at Ethan Chen before placing a hand on his shoulder and asking, "Are you certain?"

"Yes." Ethan Chen nodded, then continued, "This nephew has already received two strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial and unbreakable spiritual radiance]; how could I have the audacity to seek such a supreme treasure again? Moreover, in my view, external aids are ultimately just that—external. They merely add embellishment to an already splendid tapestry. Did you not cultivate your True Spirit Foundation [a perfect and flawless foundational cultivation stage] without relying on such aids in your youth?"

"Good."

Eldrin Chen nodded with satisfaction, patting his shoulder once more. "Indeed, that is the truth. Remember, the truly peerless geniuses under heaven are those who forge their own path to Grand Luo [the supreme and ultimate realm of cultivation]. Relying on external aids can, at most, make the journey slightly smoother."

"It merely smooths the path a little, nothing more."

Speaking thus, Eldrin Chen added, "Enter the cauldron. Though you will not use the Creation Origin [the primordial essence of creation itself], the cauldron's power of creation can still assist your Foundation Reforging [the divine process of reforging and perfecting one's cultivation foundation]."

Only then did Ethan Chen give a firm nod. He stepped forward and entered the Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron imbued with the power of creation].

As he crossed the threshold, Eldrin Chen also retrieved various Great Luo Rare Treasure [rare treasures of the Grand Luo realm, possessing profound and mysterious properties]. One by one, he guided their essence to merge into Ethan Chen's body.

Although he was not permitted to use the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light, Eldrin Chen still bestowed upon him a single strand of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light [a foundational, unbreakable spiritual radiance of the highest purity].

With the aid of this Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light and the power of Creation itself, Ethan Chen ultimately completed his Foundation Reforging [a profound process of reforging one's cultivation foundation]. When the transformation was complete, Ethan Chen emerged with seven Indestructible Foundation [foundational pillars of cultivation renowned for their unbreakable nature].

In comparison, each of Ethan Chen's seven Indestructible Foundation began at the upper-tier level, with three among them reaching the pinnacle-grade of this realm.

Furthermore, his primary cultivation path, the Dao of Life and Death Swords, had half a foot already stepped into the domain of the True Spirit Foundation [a legendary foundation tier where one's spiritual essence achieves a state of absolute truth and purity].

Moreover, Ethan Chen's life-bound treasures, the Twin Swords of Life and Death, the Departing Flame Sword of Annihilation and the Ren Water Sword of Rebirth, merged into one, transforming into the 'Yin-Yang Life-Death Sword Miasma'.

This Yin-Yang Life-Death Sword Miasma was a sword-path exclusive Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from natural law, not crafted] born from the principle of 'Forging the Sword into Miasma'. Such a treasure could be gathered or dispersed at will; dispersed, it could form the Yin-Yang Life-Death Sword Formation, and gathered, it would coalesce back into the Yin-Yang Life-Death Sword Miasma.

A treasure of this caliber possessed terrifying destructive power, ranking among the very pinnacle of Innate Spiritual Treasure in terms of sheer lethality.

Although it was only graded as a Low Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the killing power of this Yin-Yang Life-Death Sword Miasma had already reached the domain of a Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, truly worthy of being called an extraordinary divine weapon.

Regarding this, Eldrin Chen was deeply gratified. With Ethan Chen having cultivated this Yin-Yang Life-Death Sword Miasma, his combat prowess would likely place him among the foremost experts even within the ranks of Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme realm of immortal cultivation]. …

Even the legendary Sword Abyss Immortal Lord, who in his time had slain several Chaotic Fiendgod [ancient, primordial demons of chaos], might not have surpassed Ethan Chen in combat power when at the same cultivation realm.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Quite satisfactory. I hope that after this Dao Tribulation [a heavenly trial testing one's cultivation and path], you can become the next Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle of the Golden Immortal realm, a step towards the ultimate Dao] of our Chen Immortal Clan."

"I will not fail your high expectations, Clan Uncle!"

Ethan Chen prostrated himself, kowtowing three times to Eldrin Chen with utmost reverence.

With this matter concluded, Eldrin Chen departed from the Abyssal Forbidden Land.

His first destination was the cave abode of Chen Yuan, where he sought out Thalion, the Ancient Ancestor, who was in deep seclusion.

Outside Chen Yuan's cave abode at that moment, Chen Yuan was playing a game of Go with The Tomb-Keeping Elder. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, the The Tomb-Keeping Elder smiled and said, "You have arrived."

"I pay my respects to you, Senior."

Eldrin Chen held profound respect for The Tomb-Keeping Elder.

He nodded courteously and inquired with a smile, "How have you been faring in recent years, Senior?"

"Well enough."

The Tomb-Keeping Elder [the ancient guardian of a sacred burial ground] nodded, a smile gracing his lips as he said, "This old Daoist [a practitioner of the mystical path] now lives a life of leisurely contentment."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but let a faint smile touch his own lips.

Nearly two hundred million years had passed since Eldrin Chen had restored The Tomb-Keeping Elder to life.

After reviving those old companions from the past, Eldrin Chen had expended considerable resources to perform Foundation Reforging [a profound process of spiritual and physical reconstruction] for each of them. Among them, the Opportunity [a rare and profound chance for advancement] bestowed upon The Tomb-Keeping Elder was truly exceptional.

Later, within the Abyssal Immortal Domain [a vast and profound realm of immortal cultivation], The Tomb-Keeping Elder once again embarked upon the path of cultivation. With a heart free of distractions, he immersed himself in secluded cultivation for close to two hundred million years. Unbeknownst even to himself, his cultivation had gradually ascended to the Ancient Immortal Realm [a venerable and powerful stage of immortal existence].

The The Tomb-Keeping Elder of today was already a One Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived one Heavenly Tribulation].

This pace of advancement could not be considered fast; in fact, it was remarkably slow. After all, the Opportunity he had received was extraordinary, and he enjoyed the personal patronage of Eldrin Chen, who regularly arranged for precious cultivation resources to be delivered to him.

Many of these resources were of a caliber that would make even a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has weathered seven Heavenly Tribulations] covet them with deep desire.

The reason for The Tomb-Keeping Elder's slow progress was that he did not actively pursue realms beyond the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the supreme pinnacle of the immortal path].

He believed that with his innate talent, attaining the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal was a distant prospect. He preferred the life of a carefree Ancient Immortal, and thus, he exchanged the majority of these precious resources for various immortal metals and divine materials, which he then gave to Chen Yuan.

"Since you've come this time, I presume you're looking for this lad, Chen Yuan."

At that moment, The Tomb-Keeping Elder said with a smile.

He stood up, gestured for Eldrin Chen to sit, and then added, "You two talk first. I'll go brew a pot of tea for you."

"We are all family here, Elder. There's no need for you to withdraw."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight smile and motioned for The Tomb-Keeping Elder to remain seated beside them.

Chen Yuan showed little surprise at Eldrin Chen's arrival. After all, with the Kalpa Tribulation [the cataclysmic cosmic cycle] imminent, it was only fitting for Eldrin Chen, as the current leader of the Chen Clan, to confer with those who held the potential to reach Grand Luo [the supreme realm of cultivation].

Accepting the tea poured by The Tomb-Keeping Elder, Chen Yuan glanced at Eldrin Chen and said, "You haven't come just for a game of chess this time."

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, then began his inquiry. "Regarding the cultivation of the True Spirit Physique [a legendary body constitution of pure spiritual essence], Ancestor, do you have confidence in your success?"

"If I have sufficient refined Mithril [a mystical, silvery metal], I am one hundred percent certain of establishing my True Spirit Foundation [the foundational cultivation stage of the True Spirit Physique]."

Chen Yuan spoke, his tone remarkably composed and steady.

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow twitched slightly. To have absolute certainty in cultivating the True Spirit Physique—his venerable ancestor was truly a peerless genius, worthy of having created the Gold and Silver Body-Forging Art.

Under heaven, metals and ores are countless. In terms of immunity to spells and divine abilities, Mithril could be called the foremost in the world. As for durability and Indestructible properties, Immortal Refined Gold could likewise be considered the leader among all heavenly metals and stones.

Once Chen Yuan used these to successfully cultivate the True Spirit Physique and then broke through to the Grand Luo realm via the path of Sainthood through the Flesh, his combat power would likely become so formidable it would horrify even a Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

It was a pity, however, that high-grade Mithril and Immortal Refined Gold could both be used to transform Celestial Soldiers and Generals, making their value exceedingly high. Even with the foundation Chen Yuan had accumulated over many years, it was difficult for him to take that step.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke: "After this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial marking the end of an era], I will consider seizing the opportunity to launch a Chaos Great War [a major conflict waged within the primordial Chaos]. However, I have not yet decided on a target."

"Ancestor, your physical body is peerless under heaven, most suited for traversing the Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all things emerged]. Your cultivation has not yet stepped into the Great Luo Realm, so you could venture into the Depths of Chaos to conduct reconnaissance in advance."

Chen Yuan nodded. If one's cultivation was below the Great Luo Realm, then even entering the territory of other Chaotic Fiendgod [primordial beings born from Chaos, often monstrous and powerful] would not arouse their vigilance.

With this in mind, Chen Yuan asked, "Which targets are you considering?"

"Beyond the Eastern Departure Flame Domain, the opponent's strength must not surpass that of a Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal."

Eldrin Chen began to speak, his words flowing with measured clarity. "Furthermore, the more remote the location, the better. Ideally, it should be a place where even if a conflict were to erupt, it would not draw the attention of others."

At this point, Eldrin Chen paused briefly before concluding, "On this foundation, if the target possesses a vein of Mithril [a legendary, magically conductive metal], it should be prioritized for action."