Chapter 1929 : A Phoenix's Plea for Ascension

"I have heard of your affairs."

Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix spoke, then said: "The grievances of those bygone years, why not let them be settled here and now?"

Eldrin Chen nodded, smiling as he replied: "I suffered no loss back then, and now, Fellow Daoist, you are a guest elder of my Chen Clan. We are all part of the same family. This matter should indeed be laid to rest."

"However, you mentioned having a request. I presume it is not solely about this matter?"

Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix nodded, then spoke with a trace of gravity: "It has been more than several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] since Blazing Phoenix broke through to the Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal realm, yet she has remained unable to ascend to the Great Luo Realm."

"The Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial, unbreakable spiritual radiance required for a specific breakthrough] she needs for her breakthrough, I have a way to procure. However, she lacks the confidence to shatter the Ninth Heavenly Pass [the ninth and final celestial barrier]."

"I have heard your confidence in overcoming this tribulation is absolute. Thus, I wish to ask you to lend Blazing Phoenix your aid."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with contemplation.

The cultivation path of the Chaotic Fiendgod lineage cannot follow the way of opening an Immortal Domain [a personal realm of an immortal]. To break through to the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal, one must first forcibly shatter the Destiny Heavenly Pass [the celestial barrier of fate], and then fuse with the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light.

However, shattering the Destiny Heavenly Pass is an exceedingly difficult feat. Blazing Phoenix has not yet slain many powerful foes of her own realm. Her accumulated Power of Fate [the metaphysical force governing destiny and fortune] and foundational cultivation are insufficient to support her in completing that final step.

Thus, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [an ancient and supremely powerful phoenix of the violet extreme] thought of Eldrin Chen and wished to borrow the strength of the Chen Immortal Clan to slay more powerful Calamity Tribulation Opponents [formidable foes encountered during heavenly tribulations], thereby shattering the Destiny Heavenly Pass [a celestial barrier of fate] and achieving a breakthrough into the Eight Calamities Ancient Immortal Realm.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before speaking, "This matter is not a great difficulty. It simply requires that after Fellow Daoist Blazing Phoenix [a phoenix of blazing, fiery essence] makes her breakthrough, she joins my Chen Immortal Clan as a guest elder."

"In that case, my deepest thanks."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix smiled faintly, and thus the matter was settled.

Afterwards, the two conversed at length. Just as Eldrin Chen was about to take his leave, he suddenly recalled the Ancient Ice Phoenix [an ancient phoenix of glacial ice] and said, "I have an old friend, a Chaotic Holy Spirit who is an Ancient Ice Phoenix. Allow me to introduce her to you today."

"An Ancient Ice Phoenix?"

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and replied, "The Ancient Ice Phoenix is a sacred spirit-being of the Phoenix Clan. It is only right that I look after her."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod of approval upon hearing this and sent someone to summon the Ancient Ice Phoenix.

In years past, the Ancient Ice Phoenix had followed Eldrin Chen into battle against the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly calamity] and later accompanied Lyra Jiang through the last great tribulation. Her cultivation had remained at the Eight Calamities Ancient Immortal Realm for many years, and she had even forged a single Indestructible Foundation [an unbreakable foundational Dao core].

Lacking a suitable cultivation sanctuary, the Ancient Ice Phoenix had spent most of these years wandering the Chaos [the primordial, formless Chaos beyond ordered realms], occasionally hunting Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient beasts born of Chaos] for the Chen Immortal Clan and seeking the Opportunity [a rare chance or catalyst for advancement] to break through to the Chaotic Fiendgod realm.

Alas, for a Chaotic Holy Spirit to attempt a breakthrough to the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, the most crucial requirement is the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial, unbreakable radiance essential for the highest ascensions]. Without a Great Luo Grade Chaos Nest [a primordial sanctuary of immense spiritual density], success is virtually impossible.

As the Chen Immortal Clan had only recently ascended to the status of a Great Luo Ancient Clan, even Eldrin Chen lacked the surplus resources to support the Ancient Ice Phoenix in such an endeavor.

Now, upon encountering the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, Eldrin Chen could not help but consider introducing the Ancient Ice Phoenix. After all, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix was a Late Great Luo Golden Immortal, who once possessed a mid-grade Great Luo Nest—the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix Nest. Nurturing one or two Grand Luo Golden Immortal should not be beyond her means.

When the Ancient Ice Phoenix arrived at the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's Daoist sanctum and beheld her for the first time, she could not help but pause in mild astonishment.

Over the years, Eldrin Chen had completely sealed all information regarding the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix. Apart from the core leadership of the Chen Immortal Clan, no one else knew that within the Chaos Celestial Domain [the central nexus of the three great Immortal Domain], resided a Late Great Luo Golden Immortal from the Chaos Phoenix Clan.

This was also the first time the Ancient Ice Phoenix learned of this, and a surge of pleasant surprise filled her heart. "I pay my respects to Senior Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix," she said.

"There is no need for such formality,"

the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix replied with a gentle smile. "We are both of the Chaos Phoenix Clan; let us address each other as sisters."

In that moment, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix also felt profound joy. As one of the top thirty supreme races within the Chaos, the Chaos Phoenix Clan possessed a noble and exalted bloodline, yet their numbers were exceedingly scarce.

The Ancient Ice Phoenix, bearing the Frost Phoenix Bloodline of the Chaos Phoenix Clan, shared a closer kinship with the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, whose lineage was of the Thunder Phoenix Bloodline. This proximity evoked a natural sense of affinity within her.

Having considered this, Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial phoenix of supreme violet energy] bid farewell to Ancient Ice Phoenix [a primordial phoenix of glacial power] and then said to Eldrin Chen, "Thank you for the introduction, Fellow Daoist. From now on, my Ice Phoenix sister shall cultivate with me upon this Phoenix Perching Parasol Tree [a divine tree where phoenixes roost]."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly, then cupped his hands in a respectful salute. "If that is the case, then my mind is at ease," he said.

Time is but a fleeting glimmer; a thousand years pass as swiftly as a glance at a monument.

After departing from the Chaos Celestial Domain [a primordial realm of formless chaos], Eldrin Chen returned to the Abyssal Immortal Domain [his personal immortal sanctuary] and resumed his life of secluded cultivation.

During this period, Eldrin Chen divided his focus. While immersing himself in profound cultivation, he also dedicated time to refining various immortal elixirs and divine artifacts, all in preparation for the imminent Chaos Great War [the cataclysmic conflict destined to engulf the primordial chaos].

Tens of millions of years flowed by in the ceaseless current of Time [the Dao of Time, the art of manipulating temporal flows].

Then, on this day, the boundless calamitous energies within the Chaos [the Primordial Chaos, the formless origin of all realms] began to churn and circulate. A world-shaking Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and rebirth] was finally about to descend.

Before the Kalpa Tribulation commenced, Eldrin Chen summoned the clansmen of the Chen Immortal Clan [the Chen Clan of Immortals]. He bestowed upon them a myriad of rare treasures, made his final preparations for the coming war, and then sealed the Abyssal Immortal Domain, withdrawing from worldly affairs.

The Abyssal Immortal Alliance [a grand coalition of immortals] still had many Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight great cosmic tribulations] participating in this Kalpa Tribulation. Their leader was Verdant Consort, whose origin was rooted in the Chaos Azure Lotus [a primordial lotus born from chaos, symbolizing purity and creation].

Furthermore, there were over ten other Seven Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal: Ethan Chen, Lila, Yvonne the Violet Consort, Xianqing Chen, Ao Hong, Blazing Phoenix Sacred Spirit [a sentient spirit of pure phoenix flame], Ancient Ice Phoenix, Qingfeng Ye, Wen Yuan Lu, and Kael Chen.

This Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] proceeded as usual. Xianqing Chen first led the countless Celestial Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] of the Abyssal Immortal Domain into the Abyssal Ruins Celestial Domain, using the hundreds of thousands of Chaos Fierce Beast [savage beasts born from primordial chaos] reared within the Abyssal Immortal Domain as nourishment for their Ascension [the process of transcending to a higher state of being].

These Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient beasts of primordial chaos] possessed extraordinary power, among them were mighty Chaos Beast King [kings among the chaos beasts] whose strength rivaled that of Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [ancient immortals who have survived seven heavenly tribulations]. Yet, in the hands of the assembled immortals of the Chen Immortal Clan, they remained utterly defenseless.

Before long, these Chaos Beast King were utterly annihilated by the group.

After completing this step, and seeing that the opening of the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent was still some time away, Verdant Consort led the group deep into the Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all things emerged].

Because during the previous Kalpa Tribulation, the top-tier Chaos Beast King and Chaotic Holy Spirit [sacred spirits born from chaos] of the Eastern Departure Flame Domain had been nearly exterminated by Lyra Jiang, this time Verdant Consort led the group into the Depths of Chaos.

They traversed several Chaos Dao Domain [realms within the chaos governed by specific Daos], successively suppressing and slaying dozens of the most formidable Chaos Beast King and Chaotic Holy Spirit, ultimately sweeping through everything with an unstoppable, overwhelming force.

Like Lyra Jiang, the harvested Dao Source [the fundamental essence of a Dao, a supreme cultivation resource] held little practical use for Verdant Consort herself. She distributed the Dao Source among her companions, then turned and charged into the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent.

Within the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent, Verdant Consort immediately displayed astonishing combat prowess, sweeping away nearly one hundred Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [ancient immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] in a single, devastating battle.

Thereafter, she led her followers to the Nirvana Ancient Land [an ancient realm associated with rebirth and transcendence].

Within that Nirvana Ancient Land, Verdant Consort found the newly revived Aurelius, the Imperial Scion.

Under the tutelage of Solar Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of the celestial realm], after undergoing a single Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic trial of cosmic proportions] and achieving Nirvana [a state of transcendent rebirth], the combat prowess of Aurelius, the Imperial Scion had become truly extraordinary.

From the very moment of his resurgence, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion had already cultivated the True Spirit Great Dao [the supreme path of the True Spirit]. With his three great True Spirit Foundation [foundational pillars of cultivation]—his physical body, his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], and his Great Dao—he demonstrated the potential to sweep aside all opposition upon his return to the world.

In almost any other era, the current strength of Aurelius, the Imperial Scion would have been sufficient to dominate the heavens and the earth.

After all, possessing three True Spirit Foundation was enough to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Son of Destiny [a figure chosen by fate itself] like Tianxing and Sky-Defier. Even a reincarnation of a Primordial Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo [the nascent form of a treasure born from primordial chaos] such as Violet Glow Sword Extreme might not have been able to best him.

Unfortunately, he encountered Verdant Consort. The present Verdant Consort possessed the origin of the First Chaos Azure Lotus [the primordial lotus born at the dawn of chaos], granting her at least the potential and aptitude of the Second Chaos Realm [a realm of cultivation tied to the second epoch of chaos].

The two erupted into battle once more upon the Nirvana Ancient Land [an ancient realm of rebirth]. After a fierce exchange of merely over three thousand moves, Verdant Consort slew Aurelius, the Imperial Scion upon that very land.

In truth, Verdant Consort had not exerted her full power in this battle. Had she fought with all her might, she could have suppressed and slain Aurelius, the Imperial Scion within three moves.

For the origin of the Chaos Azure Lotus was far too astonishing. If Verdant Consort were to fully reveal it, it would likely provoke the wariness of the Solar Celestial Emperor.

After slaying Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, his form once again plummeted into the depths of the Nirvana Ancient Land, seemingly entering a state of Nirvana once more.

Witnessing this scene, Yvonne the Violet Consort frowned slightly and said, "Could it be that he is capable of undergoing Nirvana yet again?"

"The contingency plans of the Solar Celestial Emperor are indeed extraordinary."

Verdant Consort spoke calmly, then shook her head slightly. "However, a thing cannot be done thrice. This time, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion has been slain three times in succession. His origin has dissolved into the Dao [returned to the fundamental cosmic principle] three times, utterly exhausting his latent potential."

"No matter how desperately the Solar Celestial Emperor tries to salvage the situation, it is impossible for him to advance further and cultivate a fourth True Spirit Foundation [a foundational cultivation stage representing a cultivator's spiritual essence and potential]. At most, he can only Restoration [restore or recover] his current level of foundation."

Hearing this, Yvonne the Violet Consort could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. If Aurelius, the Imperial Scion could grow stronger with each defeat, that would be truly terrifying.

In truth, for Aurelius, the Imperial Scion to have cultivated three True Spirit Foundation by seizing the Opportunity [a pivotal moment or chance for advancement] presented by breaking and then rebuilding himself was already a staggering stroke of fortune.

One must understand that even the Creation Cauldron [a legendary artifact capable of forging profound foundations] cannot guarantee the cultivation of a single True Spirit Foundation. It can only help someone shatter one shackle when combined with the empowerment of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light [an ancient, unbreakable spiritual radiance] and a top-tier Innate Divine Object [a divine treasure born from the primordial chaos].

From this perspective, if a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme emperor born from primordial chaos] is willing to pay a sufficient price, and given the right fortune and timing, cultivating a descendant of powerful bloodline potential into possessing Three True Spirit Foundations might not be as difficult as imagined.

However, that price is likely far more exorbitant than that of the Creation Cauldron, consuming resources so vast it would make even a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [an emperor-monarch of the primordial chaos realm] wince in heartache.

Of course, as the saying goes, you cannot prop up mud that refuses to be a wall. Pouring endless resources into a worthless individual is futile. The prerequisite for nurturing someone to achieve Three True Spirit Foundations is that they must possess at least a sliver of possibility to do so in the first place.

Returning to the matter at hand, after Verdant Consort slew Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, she extracted his Dao Source [the condensed essence of one's cultivated Dao, containing profound power and insights].

Gazing at the Dao Source [a primordial essence containing the fundamental principles of the Dao] in her hand, Verdant Consort remarked, "This holds no use for me. Who do you deem a suitable recipient?"

"This particular Dao Source."

Lila pondered for a moment before speaking. "A fire-attribute Dao Source offers me little significant benefit. It should go to Sister Violet Consort."

"His path of the Great Sun Golden Flame [a supreme cultivation art harnessing the power of the golden solar flame] shares a profound, if different, resonance with Sister Violet Consort's Dutian Violet Flame [a legendary violet flame of celestial origin]."

Nodding in agreement, Verdant Consort handed Aurelius, the Imperial Scion's Dao Source over to Yvonne the Violet Consort.

With these matters settled, Verdant Consort addressed the group. "Time remains on our side. Digest your gains with haste. Once you are ready, we shall venture into the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all creation emerged]."

No one voiced any objection to this plan.

Having spoken her piece, Verdant Consort personally led the assault, conquering the Immortal Flame Forbidden Land [a perilous realm of eternal, primordial fire]—the foremost of the ten forbidden grounds within the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent.

That Immortal Flame Forbidden Land harbored a Chaos Immortal Flame [an immortal flame born from the primordial chaos], one of the legendary Ten Great Chaos Immortal Flames. In terms of its fundamental rank and potency, it even slightly surpassed the Pure Yang Heavenly Fire [a divine fire of pure yang essence].

This Immortal Flame Forbidden Land was once the personal cultivation ground—the Dao-field—of the 'Immortal Flame Celestial Emperor' from the bygone Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain. The Chaos Immortal Flame left behind had been transformed by several Chaos Celestial Emperor [supreme sovereigns who rule over the primordial chaos], becoming a peerless sacred site for cultivation.

After the group conquered the Immortal Flame Forbidden Land, Yvonne the Violet Consort and the others immediately utilized the Chaos Immortal Flame [a primordial flame of chaos] within the forbidden land to temper their physical bodies and spiritual power, simultaneously refining the captured Dao Source [the condensed essence of a cultivator's Great Dao].

During this process, everyone reaped immense benefits, with their cultivation bases and latent potential receiving significant enhancement.

The first to emerge from seclusion was Xianqing Chen, who was the first to fully refine her Dao Source. By using the Chaos Immortal Flame to temper her Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], she achieved a breakthrough through destruction and rebirth, successfully cultivating a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a Primordial Spirit refined to its truest, most perfect state].

Aside from Xianqing Chen, the others emerged from seclusion one after another, though none had managed to cultivate a True Spirit Foundation [a Foundation Establishment realm perfected with True Spirit essence].

Only Yvonne the Violet Consort remained behind, staying in seclusion for a full ninety thousand years before finally emerging.

Upon her emergence, the gains Yvonne the Violet Consort had obtained were nothing short of astonishing, for she had not only cultivated a True Spirit Foundation, but had also acquired the Immortal Flame Celestial Emperor's Legacy [the complete inheritance of techniques and insights left by the Immortal Flame Celestial Emperor].

It turned out that after refining the Dao Source of Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, Yvonne the Violet Consort had immediately cultivated the True Spirit Great Dao [a Great Dao path perfected with True Spirit essence], and a considerable portion of the Dao Source still remained unabsorbed.

Her Dutian Purple Flame Great Dao [a supreme Great Dao of purple flame that governs the heavens], now elevated to the True Spirit [the purest form of spiritual essence] level, resonated with and activated the imprint of the Immortal Flame Celestial Emperor's Legacy, granting Yvonne the Violet Consort the complete inheritance of the Immortal Flame Celestial Emperor.

Such an Opportunity [a rare and pivotal chance for advancement] could truly be described as heaven-defying.

Following the path outlined in the Immortal Flame Celestial Emperor's Legacy, Yvonne the Violet Consort used the Dutian Violet Flame [a supreme violet flame of celestial origin] to temper her physical body and Primordial Spirit, managing in one sustained effort to cultivate all three True Spirit Foundation.

"I never imagined you would possess such a Opportunity [a rare and profound chance for advancement or gain]."

Upon learning that Yvonne the Violet Consort had obtained such a Opportunity, Verdant Consort could not help but remark with deep feeling.

Lila was also filled with envy and could not resist saying, "The greatest Opportunity within the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [the primordial continent formed from the largest fragment of the shattered Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain] has already been claimed by Sister Violet Consort."

Hearing this, the others were also overcome with immense envy.

Long ago, when the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain shattered into countless fragments, the seven largest pieces were, in truth, the former Dao-fields [personal cultivation realms and domains] of seven different Chaos Celestial Emperor.

The fragment that fell to the Three Thousand Immortal Domains was precisely the Dao-field of the Immortal Flame Celestial Emperor.

And the Immortal Flame Forbidden Land [the foremost of the Ten Great Forbidden Lands, the remnant Dao-field of the Immortal Flame Celestial Emperor], as the paramount of the Ten Great Forbidden Lands, held as its greatest Opportunity the Immortal Flame Celestial Emperor's Legacy. Yet, until now, none had ever succeeded in claiming this inheritance.

For it was previously unknown that to obtain the Immortal Flame Celestial Emperor's Legacy, one must first master a fire-attribute True Spirit Great Dao [a supreme cultivation path that embodies a fundamental law of reality].

In truth, throughout the ages, many have cultivated fire-attribute True Spirit Great Dao. Yet, none possessed the capability to seize the inheritance of the Immortal Flame Forbidden Land, primarily because they lacked the power to conquer the land itself.

After all, as the foremost of the Ten Great Forbidden Lands, the Forbidden Malignant Spirits [ancient, powerful, and malevolent spirits that guard the forbidden lands] dwelling within the Immortal Flame Forbidden Land were far too formidable. Without strength at or above the level of the Six Great True Spirit Foundations [a profound cultivation foundation representing mastery over six fundamental spiritual truths], conquering it was simply impossible.

Moreover, Yvonne the Violet Consort had a vague intuition that the successor chosen by the Immortal Flame Celestial Emperor seemed, by some inscrutable fate, to invariably avoid the descendants of the Chaos Celestial Emperor.

Understanding this, Yvonne the Violet Consort could not help but look at Verdant Consort and say, "Our acquisition of this Opportunity [a rare chance for advancement or gain] is largely thanks to your assistance."