Chapter 1896 : Forging the Innate Spiritual Treasures

"No two leaves in the world are identical, and the path each person must walk is different, as are the methods to reach the destination."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, then his tone shifted as he finally spoke: "But I believe, as long as one understands their own strengths and creates the path and methods most suited to themselves, then achieving the True Spirit Foundation [a supreme foundational cultivation stage] should not be difficult?"

"Not difficult?"

Imperial Sovereign Jiang was momentarily taken aback, then replied with a wry smile: "Not everyone possesses talent like yours."

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly and continued: "If one's internal strength is insufficient, supplement it with external force. If you cultivate both internally and refine yourself externally, you might increase your chances of success."

"Internal cultivation and external refinement?"

Imperial Sovereign Jiang furrowed his brow slightly, falling into deep contemplation.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen offered further guidance: "Grandfather, do you know what your greatest advantage is?"

"My advantage?" Path Ruins Jiang pondered for a moment before cautiously replying: "The Scripture of Innate Primordial Breath [a profound cultivation manual focusing on one's innate vital energy]."

"Precisely." Continue reading this story at http://www . audio-novel.com.

Eldrin Chen nodded, then spoke, "With the Scripture of Innate Primordial Breath [a supreme cultivation scripture for refining the most fundamental energies of existence], you can accumulate over ten strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a type of indestructible spiritual energy used to forge supreme treasures] within a single Kalpa Tribulation [a grand cosmic cycle spanning billions of years]. In just a few such cycles, you could forge an entire set of Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme grade of magical artifact born from the fundamental laws of the cosmos]."

"An entire set of Innate Spiritual Treasure?"

Path Ruins Jiang's face lit up with joy, but he quickly shook his head with a bitter smile. "Although Formation Artifact [artifacts specifically designed to power and control grand formations] are formidable, my talent in that path is merely above average, far inferior to yours or Exquisite's. At most, I could master a dozen or so Innate Spiritual Treasure."

"Moreover, my true expertise lies in the Sword Path [the Dao of the Sword, a profound cultivation path focused on sword techniques and intent]."

Eldrin Chen, however, offered a faint smile. He poured Path Ruins Jiang another cup of tea and said, "Grandfather, have you ever considered cultivating a Sword Formation [a powerful battle array composed of multiple flying swords] using Innate Spiritual Treasure forged from Innate [the Innate Realm, a foundational stage of cultivation representing one's connection to the primal forces of the world] grade Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo Sword [a legendary sword forged from a specific, supremely rare spiritual bamboo]?"

"Boom—"

In that instant, Path Ruins Jiang's expression shifted dramatically, a tremor of profound realization passing through him before being replaced by dawning elation.

Of course! The Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation [a specific, peerless sword formation array] was among the most supreme of Sword Formation. With just one hundred and eight top-grade Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword [the individual swords that make up the formation], it could rival, even slightly surpass, a single Innate Spiritual Treasure in power.

If he were to use Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo [a mythical spiritual plant material of the highest grade] of Innate Spiritual Root [Innate Spiritual Root, representing the pinnacle of natural talent and affinity for drawing in spiritual energy] grade to directly forge one hundred and eight swords for the Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo Sword Formation, it would undoubtedly allow him to sweep through all opponents beneath the Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing Realm, a legendary stage of cultivation representing mastery over vast cosmic principles] realm.

No—he wouldn't even need one hundred and eight. Thirty-six would be more than enough to suppress any True Spirit Foundation [True Spirit Foundation, a core cultivation art focused on building an unshakable spiritual foundation] cultivator.

Contemplating this, Path Ruins Jiang drew a deep breath and said, "It seems I must remain in seclusion for a few more Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], awaiting the day my Sword Formation [a powerful array of swords] reaches its pinnacle."

Eldrin Chen gave a faint nod and spoke calmly, "I have already divined that if one uses one hundred and eight Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo Sword Formation [a sword formation of supreme golden bamboo swords] to break through the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck in cultivation], it will inevitably trigger the True Spirit Imprint [the awakening of a weapon's innate spirit], transforming it into a True Spirit Sword Formation [a sword formation imbued with awakened true spirits]."

"At that time, by leveraging the insights into the Sword Path [the Dao of the Sword] contained within the True Spirit Sword Formation's Formation [array-based cultivation art], you may cultivate your Void Sword Path [the Path of the Void Sword] to the level of True Spirit Foundation [establishing a True Spirit foundation]."

"As for whether you can advance further, that will depend entirely on your own Creation [innate talent and comprehension] and Opportunity and Fortune [fate and serendipity]."

Hearing this, Path Ruins Jiang could not help but take another deep breath.

He smiled wryly, then sighed with emotion, "Since your breakthrough into the Great Encompassing [a profound cultivation realm], your vision and understanding have truly become incomparable to the past."

"However, Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo [a legendary type of spiritual bamboo] is exceedingly rare, and specimens sharing the same origin are even fewer. One hundred and eight Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo swords of identical origin... I fear not even the Three Great Heavenly Courts [the three supreme celestial powers] could produce such a collection. Can you truly cultivate them?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell into a brief, contemplative silence. The Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth [a mystical vase that refines primordial energy] could not break the bottleneck of the Great Encompassing realm. The key to nurturing Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo lay in whether the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth could advance to a higher grade.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Even after breaking through to the Great Encompassing Realm, the Polarity Energy Vessel [a vessel for refining Yin-Yang energy] will remain the foremost auxiliary treasure among my possessions."

"As long as I can condense Innate Primordial Chaos Source Essence [the fundamental essence of innate chaos], then within the next few Kalpa Tribulation, I will nurture it into a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure of the highest innate grade]."

Path Ruins Jiang [Jiang Daoxu, a powerful cultivator] let out a sigh of relief upon hearing this. As long as he had the Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo [a legendary bamboo whose essence resonated with his own], the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial, unbreakable spiritual radiance] would no longer pose a problem for him.

He rose to his feet, his expression grave, and clasped his hands in a formal salute. "Then this matter," he said solemnly, "still depends on you."

"Between you and me, why stand on such ceremony?"

Eldrin Chen [Chen Nianzhi, the protagonist] offered a faint smile and said nothing more.

Not long after, Path Ruins Jiang departed in haste. Eldrin Chen then entered the newly opened Seventy-Two Layered Heavens [a series of seventy-two interconnected pocket dimensions of immense spiritual density]. Using the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth [a mystical vase capable of nurturing spiritual plants], he cultivated seventy-two saplings of the Supreme Grade Innate Ancient Tree [a primordial tree of the highest innate grade]. He planted each one within a different layer of the newly opened Seventy-Two Layered Heavens in the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [Eldrin's personal immortal domain].

With this task complete, he turned his focus to consolidating his cultivation base. The story continues at audio-novel-dot-com.

Upon entering his Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared chamber for deep meditation and cultivation], Eldrin Chen immediately retrieved the Polarity Dual Energy [the primordial energy of opposing polarities, Yin and Yang] he had obtained during his World-Opening [the act of creating a new world or dimension] breakthrough. He began cultivating his eighth Innate Divine Ability [a power born from one's very essence, not learned].

This eighth Innate Divine Ability, named 'Polarity Sacrificial Self Path' [a forbidden art that sacrifices the self through the power of opposing polarities], was a Forbidden Divine Ability [a taboo technique of immense power and risk] that Eldrin Chen had created in the past. It was similar in nature to the Heavenly Demon Body Disintegration Great Art [a demonic art that disintegrates the physical form for explosive power].

This Divine Ability [a supernatural power or technique] was modeled after artifacts and techniques like the Polarity Path Union Gourd [a gourd that unites opposing energies], the Soul-Burning Sacrificial Blade [a blade technique fueled by burning one's soul], the Nine Revolutions Disintegration Art [an art of ninefold disintegration], the Sacrificial Self Sword [a sword technique that sacrifices the self], and other such Forbidden Divine Ability. Its most crucial catalyst was precisely this Polarity Dual Energy obtained during the World-Opening process.

Now that Eldrin Chen possessed the Polarity Dual Energy, he was naturally prepared to cultivate this Polarity Sacrificial Self Path.

Several thousand years later, Eldrin Chen had successfully cultivated the Polarity Sacrificial Self Path and had completely fused the final portion of his True Spirit Imprint [the unique spiritual signature of a cultivator's true spirit] into the True Spirit Aperture [a profound spiritual cavity within a cultivator's being] that housed this very cultivation art.

After enlightening his fifth True Spirit Aperture, Eldrin Chen immediately entered secluded cultivation to consolidate his newly attained cultivation base.

Time flowed on relentlessly. In the blink of an eye, over one hundred thousand years passed. As the tribulation energy [the chaotic, destructive force that heralds a great cosmic calamity] within heaven and earth dissipated, this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle of destruction and rebirth] finally drew to a close.

It was on this very day that Eldrin Chen awoke from his secluded meditation, his eyes slowly opening.

"My cultivation base... is now fully consolidated."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself. Only now did he begin to truly contemplate the depths of his own power.

The breakthrough to Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme realm of immortality where one's being encompasses the cosmos] had yielded immense gains for Eldrin Chen. He had now forged a complete Innate Great Encompassing Physique [a primordial bodily constitution of boundless capacity], mastered the Innate Chaos Limitless Great Path [a supreme divine art born from primordial chaos], and solidified his Innate Great Encompassing Divine Soul [a divine soul essence of cosmic scale].

It could be said that the power Eldrin Chen now wielded was as different from his pre-breakthrough self as heaven was from earth.

Even across the vast, immeasurable distances of the Endless Chaos, a mere glance from him, or the descent of a single wisp of his aura, would have been enough to utterly annihilate his former self.

Such power, even among the ranks of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, was considered formidable indeed.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, among the five Great Path Authority he had mastered, the power of any single one was formidable even within the ranks of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage.

Furthermore, the fusion of all five Great Path Authority, coalescing into the Chaos Limitless Great Path, was truly terrifying. The resultant power was sufficient to contend with those at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage.

Yet, this was not the most crucial point. What mattered more was that Eldrin Chen was no ordinary Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

For a typical Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, ninety percent of their combat prowess resided in their Great Path Authority. Even for those rare geniuses who had cultivated multiple Indestructibility Foundation, their Great Path Authority still constituted eighty percent of their strength.

But Eldrin Chen was different. Despite the immense power of his Great Path Authority, it accounted for merely forty percent of his overall combat capability.

This was because, beyond the True Spirit Great Path, Eldrin Chen had also perfected six True Spirit Foundation: his physical body, his mana, his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], his Path Fruit [the condensed essence of one's cultivated path], his Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power], and his Spiritual Treasure [an enchanted artifact of immense power].

Moreover, both his Primordial One Indestructibility Body and his True Spirit Primordial Spirit had each absorbed five strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial, unbreakable spiritual radiance], completing their metamorphosis into full-fledged Great Encompassing Foundation.

His physical body and Primordial Spirit were already extraordinarily potent. After this final transformation, their power became truly extraordinary. Combined, their strength could rival the Great Path Authority power of an Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage cultivator.

The most critical factor, however, was that the five True Spirit Divine Runes of his True Spirit Physique, along with the five True Spirit Aperture of his True Spirit Primordial Spirit, amplified the power of his body and spirit by approximately threefold.

Consequently, Eldrin Chen's power, derived solely from his physical body and Primordial Spirit, was already sufficient to rival that of an Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage.

It could be said that Eldrin Chen had simultaneously walked the three paths of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation art focused on refining the physical body to an indestructible state], Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [a cultivation art dedicated to nurturing and empowering the spiritual core], and Great Path Authority [a profound cultivation realm representing mastery over a fundamental cosmic principle].

Among these, the power of his Great Path Authority was the strongest, roughly comparable to the fourth layer of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm of immense power and cosmic comprehension]. The power from his Fleshly Body Sanctification and Primordial Spirit Path Attainment had also half-stepped into the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage [the middle phase of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm].

With all these foundational pillars—his physical body, his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], his Great Path [cultivation of a fundamental cosmic principle], and others—combined, Eldrin Chen's overall combat prowess had likely reached the level of a Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

On this foundation, if he were to activate the Returning Abyss Seal [a powerful seal artifact], whose power rivaled that of an Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a top-tier magical treasure born from nature with immense innate power], Eldrin Chen's strength would rank among the very top even within the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage.

"Top-tier combat power at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage level,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, a flicker of joy and satisfaction inevitably surfacing in the depths of his eyes.

To possess top-tier Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage combat power immediately upon entering the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm—this level of strength was far from weak among the denizens of that exalted realm.

The Sword Abyss Immortal Lord of old, even after several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] following his breakthrough into Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, had likely possessed strength only comparable to Eldrin Chen's current level.

"And if I were to fight with my life on the line, my true power would be even greater,"

Eldrin Chen whispered inwardly. Sensing the dormant potential within his True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a divine ability related to the true essence of one's spirit] and his True Spirit Physique [a special constitution embodying a pure and potent spiritual essence], a faint, knowing smile touched his lips.

Over these years, the five Bloodline Divine Ability within Eldrin Chen's True Spirit Physique have completely transformed into full-fledged True Spirit Divine Runes.

These five True Spirit Divine Runes form a cyclical seal. When fully Burst, they can multiply the offensive power of Eldrin Chen's physical body severalfold.

This means that even disregarding all other foundational aspects and considering only the innate talent of his Fleshly Body Sanctification, Eldrin Chen already possesses combat power equivalent to a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage cultivator wielding Great Path Authority.

In truth, such talent and strength are truly astonishing.

Consider this: even 'Heaven Punishment', the son of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor, only cultivated two True Spirit Divine Runes. With such a foundation, once he steps into the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm and receives the baptism of Great Path Origin, he would be considered a formidable figure even among Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage cultivators.

Yet Eldrin Chen possesses five True Spirit Divine Runes. It is only natural that upon first entering the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm, his physical body alone could contend with a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage expert.

Beyond his physical body, Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] is also extraordinary.

Eldrin Chen's fifth True Spirit Divine Ability is named the Polarity Sacrificial Self Path. This art has three stages. The first stage consumes Polarity Dual Energy to temporarily double Eldrin Chen's overall combat power.

Once activated, it would grant Eldrin Chen the power to battle a Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

The second stage carries an immense cost, usable only once per Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle]. However, it can elevate Eldrin Chen's strength to a level capable of severely injuring a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

The third stage requires the sacrifice of a Path Fruit [the condensed essence of a cultivator's understanding of a particular Dao Path] and one's entire foundation. Once activated, Eldrin Chen would gain the power to slay a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a cultivator at the peak of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm].

Of course, to actually slay a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, one would still need to find the perfect moment for a single, lethal strike; otherwise, the more likely outcome would be the opponent's escape.

Moreover, the price for unleashing such a Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural technique] would be utterly terrifying. Even with his True Spirit Foundation [a foundation cultivation art that nurtures the true spirit], Eldrin Chen would retain only a wisp of his remnant soul, requiring hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] to achieve Recovery [a state of complete recuperation].

Unless faced with a truly unstoppable foe, Eldrin Chen would never activate the third stage of the Polarity Sacrificial Self Path [a forbidden cultivation art that sacrifices the self to unleash ultimate power].

"To grant a first-level Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a mighty immortal realm] the strength to severely wound or even slay a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal..."

"This Forbidden Divine Ability [a taboo technique of devastating power] is truly fearsome. No wonder it is said that nearly all cultivators at the mid and late stages of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal cultivate one as their ultimate trump card."

Sensing the formidable power of the Polarity Sacrificial Self Path, Eldrin Chen could not help but shake his head slowly, a trace of awe coloring his expression.

Eldrin Chen understood clearly that the higher one's cultivation realm, the vaster the gap between each minor stage. Without a Forbidden Divine Ability, even ten Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage [cultivators at the initial stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] joining forces would stand no chance against a single Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage [a cultivator at the middle stage of that realm].

Yet, with a Forbidden Divine Ability in play, even a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage attempting to deal with an Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage would face the peril of a catastrophic reversal.

"In their normal state, a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage possesses mid-stage combat power. By unleashing a Forbidden Divine Ability, they can contend with a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal."

Upon first stepping into the realm of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle stage of cultivation, representing a being of near-limitless power and profound connection to the fundamental laws of existence], Eldrin Chen continuously assessed his own strength. He sought to determine precisely where he stood within the merciless food chain of this exalted realm.

After a long period of contemplation, a measure of confidence finally settled within him. He spoke with careful deliberation, "With my current power, establishing a foothold within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all creation emerged, often representing the highest tier of existence cultivators can interact with] should be sufficient. However, complacency remains a luxury I cannot afford."

"In future confrontations with powerful foes," he mused, "I may reveal the Primordial One Limitless Great Path [a supreme cultivation method that seeks unity with the primordial, boundless Dao]. Yet, the true combat prowess of my physical body and my Soul Path [a cultivation art focused on refining and empowering the soul or spirit] should remain concealed for now, a hidden trump card."

With his strategy firmly decided, Eldrin Chen strode directly out from his Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared chamber for deep, undisturbed meditation and cultivation].

Once outside, he cast his gaze across the vast heavens and earth. The pervasive aura of calamity that had shrouded the world had vanished. This Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle of destruction and renewal that tests all beings within a realm] had now concluded in its entirety.

"Roar—"

At that very moment, a draconic cry, profound and ancient, echoed from within the Chaos.

There, amidst the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the infinite, undifferentiated expanse of primordial nothingness], a Primordial Era Azure Dragon [an ancient, majestic dragon of immense power, a sovereign among mythical beasts] tore through the void, its colossal form manifesting just beyond the borders of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [an immortal realm, often associated with profound mysteries or an abyssal nature].

This was a Primordial Era Azure Dragon whose power resided at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal level. Its mere appearance churned the fabric of reality, unleashing a cataclysmic tsunami that surged through the Chaos itself.

"Screech—"

In that instant, the Blazing Phoenix was startled into action, manifesting its true form with a roar as it soared into the sky, ready to battle the Primordial Era Azure Dragon.

"Huang'er, stand down!"

Just then, a voice interrupted her.

Behold, Eldrin Chen appeared, his robes white as snow, descending through the air like a Peerless Immortal Lord to quell the Blazing Phoenix's fighting spirit.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist."

"Your attainment of the Great Encompassing [the supreme realm of cultivation] is truly a joyous occasion for our Human Race."

At that very moment, a faint light shimmered within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

Upon the head of the Azure Dragon, a handsome man clad in a verdant robe appeared. He smiled and cupped his hands in salute towards Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen felt a flicker of surprise between his brows. This man's aura was exceptionally powerful, seemingly that of a Peerless Immortal Lord at the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle stage of the Golden Immortal realm]. Not daring to be negligent, he promptly returned the salute and inquired.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist. May I ask who you are?"

"My Daoist title is Donghua [Eastern Radiance]. By the fortunate decree of the Immortal Court [the supreme governing body of the human race's celestial forces], I have been honored with the title of Eastern Pole Verdant Splendor Immortal Lord."

Eldrin Chen was slightly taken aback, instantly recalling the origins of this figure.

The so-called Eastern Pole Verdant Splendor Immortal Lord was a peerless genius of the Human Race from the eastern regions of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. He had achieved his Dao three hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] ago and was once a legendary prodigy who had cultivated several Indestructibility Foundation [a supreme and nearly unbreakable foundational cultivation stage].

It was said that Donghua Immortal Lord's cultivation was unfathomably profound, having long ago reached the realm of a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. No wonder he was capable of subduing a Primordial Era Azure Dragon [an ancient and immensely powerful dragon from the dawn of creation] of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal rank.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen promptly inquired, "So it is Fellow Daoist Donghua. May I ask what brings you here today?"

Donghua Immortal Lord offered a slight smile and replied, "My Donghua Immortal Domain lies not far from your own Immortal Domain [a realm governed by an immortal]. I came today primarily to pay my respects."

"Furthermore," he continued, "I am here at the behest of the Immortal Court, to extend an invitation for you to join its ranks."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily surprised but quickly grasped the implication.

As the central seat of power for the Human Race, the Immortal Court held every Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a pinnacle immortal realm] in the highest regard.

Since ancient times, any Human Race cultivator capable of breaking through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm has invariably received an invitation from the Human Race Immortal Court [the supreme governing body of the human cultivators].

Furthermore, those who attain the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm, even if they are unwilling to take up an official post within the Immortal Court, will often accept a nominal position. After all, it represents the very core of Human Race power and authority.

Moreover, the Immortal Court possesses many unique resources, such as the Indestructibility Immortal Pool [a legendary pool that can transform cultivators into immortal soldiers] used for converting individuals into Celestial Soldiers and Divine Generals, as well as coveted slots for expeditions to places like the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile. "Since the Immortal Court extends its invitation," he said, "it would be most discourteous for me to decline."

Donghua Immortal Lord [a title for a high-ranking immortal official] nodded in agreement, a warm smile gracing his features. "In due time," he continued, "the Immortal Court will host a Great Encompassing Immortal Banquet [a grand celebratory feast for a newly ascended Great Encompassing Golden Immortal] in your honor. I am informing you of this in advance."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of surprise passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes.

Noting his reaction, Donghua Immortal Lord elaborated, "Do not overthink it. The birth of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal is not merely your personal achievement; it is a momentous occasion for our entire Human Race."

As Donghua Immortal Lord explained further, Eldrin Chen's understanding deepened.

It was tradition. Whenever a Human Race Great Encompassing [a human cultivator who reaches the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] was born and expressed willingness to join the Immortal Court, the Court itself would sponsor and organize a magnificent Great Encompassing Immortal Banquet in their honor.

For such an event, all the major ancient sects of the Human Race, along with envoys from the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [a collective term for numerous powerful non-human spirit clans], would send forth a great number of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal to attend the celebration.

It could be said that a banquet of this magnitude generally would not occur even once in a Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years], and sometimes the Human Race might go through several consecutive Kalpa Tribulation without producing a single Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the pinnacle of cultivation, transcending the constraints of fate and the cosmos].

In truth, a gathering of such a scale is exceedingly rare across the entire Three Thousand Immortal Domains. Even if one combines the Three Great Heavenly Courts and the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, on average, a banquet of this level occurs only once or twice per Kalpa Tribulation.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen fell into a pensive silence.

He had originally intended for his own Great Encompassing Immortal Banquet to follow the usual practice of simplicity, inviting only those closely connected to him. He never anticipated that the Human Race Immortal Court would host a grand feast in his honor.

Yet, upon deeper reflection, a figure of the Great Encompassing Immortal Lord [a supreme immortal lord who has mastered the fundamental laws of existence] tier has already transcended the shackles of Reincarnation [the endless cycle of death and rebirth] and Destiny [the predetermined course of fate]. Such an entity is considered a formidable power even within the boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all creation emerged].

For a powerhouse of this caliber, there is no longer a need for a low profile. Beings of this rank are far too rare, emerging perhaps only once or twice in a Kalpa Tribulation. Excessive modesty would, paradoxically, make one stand out even more conspicuously.

Having reached this understanding, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. He first invited his guest into the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain for hospitality before replying, "My thanks, Fellow Daoist. I am now aware of the matter."

"Then let us settle upon a date."

Donghua Immortal Lord offered a faint smile and began to converse with Eldrin Chen.

In the end, they set the date for the Great Encompassing Immortal Banquet one hundred thousand years hence.

As for the scale of the Immortal Banquet and the expenses for items like Immortal Artifact [a supreme-grade magical treasure], these would all be covered by the Immortal Court [the celestial governing body of the Immortal Domain]. The invitations would also be delivered by the Immortal Court, though Eldrin Chen could also personally send invitations to some of his close friends.

With just a cursory glance, Eldrin Chen felt a prickle of awe. The list of Innate Spiritual Rare Material [rare spiritual materials born of heaven and earth] required for the banquet numbered in the thousands, and among them were not a few Rare Spiritual Wonders [extraordinary spiritual phenomena or objects] of the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born of natural spiritual laws] grade.

One could say that the resources consumed for a single Great Encompassing Immortal Banquet [a grand celebration for a newly ascended Great Encompassing Golden Immortal] would be enough to bankrupt many a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has comprehended the foundational laws of reality] if they had to pay for it themselves.

However, after scanning the guest list, Eldrin Chen began to understand. Those invited by the Immortal Domain [the vast realm where immortals reside] were almost exclusively figures at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal level.

Furthermore, even a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal could only bring three companions to the feast. Unless Eldrin Chen issued a personal invitation, even an Ancient Immortal Patriarch [a venerable immortal who has weathered countless tribulations] would not be qualified to receive an invitation.

"The Immortal Court is sparing no expense for this banquet in my honor,"

Eldrin Chen remarked with a soft sigh after confirming the details of the list.

Donghua Immortal Lord [the Immortal Lord of Eastern Splendor] shook his head, casually storing the list away before replying with a smile, "In essence, this is also an opportunity for the Great Encompassing Immortal Lord [an immortal lord who has attained the Great Encompassing realm] of the Immortal Court to gather and exchange insights."

"There's rarely a good pretext for such gatherings. Celebrating the ascension of a new Great Encompassing [one who has attained the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] serves as a perfect occasion."

As he spoke, Donghua Immortal Lord's expression grew more serious. "Since we share this domain," he continued, "I should brief you on the political landscape surrounding the 『『『Eastern Departure Flame Domain|Location Names|new』』』 [the Immortal Domain where Eldrin Chen's territory is located]." For the best reading experience, visit audio-novel*com.