Chapter 1956 : Proving the Path to Grand Luo

"Greetings, Father, Master..."

After the nine individuals arrived in the great hall, they immediately prostrated themselves in unison.

Eldrin Chen's gaze swept over the assembly, and he gave a slight nod before inquiring, "How has your cultivation progressed in recent years?"

Upon hearing this, smiles touched the lips of all present. Through their cultivation in these years, they had gradually assimilated the foundations of their past lives. By now, even the one with the lowest cultivation had reached the late stage of the Immortal Treasury Realm [a profound cultivation stage focused on accumulating and refining one's spiritual essence], which was at least comparable to a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations].

Considering this, Qingfeng Ye, Wen Yuan Lu, Purifying Bamboo [a spiritual entity or treasure with purifying properties], and Xianqing Chen spoke up: "We have accumulated sufficient foundation. We are confident we can prove our path to the Grand Luo [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing ultimate enlightenment and power] during the upcoming Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that determines a cultivator's fate]."

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to the remaining five. A faint frown creased his brow.

Among the remaining five, Xianchang Chen's destiny still held one more tribulation. He needed to transcend it before he could fuse with the remaining three Vast Sea Divine Pearl [divine pearls containing the vast power of the sea], and he also lacked the required quantity of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial and unbreakable spiritual radiance, a rare resource for cultivation].

The threads of fate for Yuansheng were turbulent and uncertain, faintly tinged with an obscure, extinguishing hue. It was so indistinct that even Eldrin Chen found it difficult to perceive clearly for a moment.

Frostwing Yan, having taken form from a Nine-Leaf Sword Grass [a legendary spiritual plant whose leaves are as sharp as swords], seemed to carry within the subtle workings of fate the destiny of the Chaos Realm Grass [a mythical grass said to grow in the primordial chaos], and likewise faced a tribulation he must confront.

As for the destinies of Alaric Lu and Yinghui Ye, Eldrin Chen had sensed their profound strangeness and hardship long ago. Yet now, looking upon them, they still seemed coiled and latent, not yet fully unleashed.

"It seems the destined tribulations for these five have not yet arrived," Eldrin murmured inwardly, his voice a whisper of contemplation.

Eldrin Chen kept this thought to himself, withdrawing his focus from the matter.

At that very moment, Yuansheng and the other four cupped their hands and spoke respectfully, "Our paths have not yet reached their end. We fear we must temper ourselves for another Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle of cosmic destruction and renewal]."

"Mm."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, a faint sigh echoing in his heart.

He understood all too well. The tribulations of these five were their own ordained fate. Even a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has transcended the cycles of fate and attained perfection] could not directly alter such destiny; they must cross that threshold themselves.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Since that is the case, continue your cultivation in peace. After one Kalpa Tribulation, you may then tread the path to Grand Luo [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing ultimate transcendence]."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen bestowed upon the five some cultivation resources and treasures, then allowed them to depart for the time being.

After the five had left, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the remaining four. "Now, the Kalpa Tribulation approaches. This is your Opportunity [a pivotal moment of fate crucial for advancement] to prove your Dao and attain Grand Luo."

"As your master and father, today I shall grant you a measure of Opportunity, which may aid you in achieving the Great Dao."

With those words spoken, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze towards Qingfeng Ye and declared, "Qingfeng, as my first disciple, I bestow upon you today the Pure Yang Immortal Sword [a celestial sword forged from the essence of the untainted sun]."

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen flicked his sleeve, and a dazzling golden immortal sword materialized, which he then presented to Qingfeng Ye.

Qingfeng Ye received the immortal sword, a flicker of joyous surprise lighting up his features.

The Pure Yang Immortal Sword was a Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme artifact born from the world's primordial essence]. If it were refined and fused into his foundational cultivation using the Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of forging and merging profound essences], it would vastly augment his latent potential and spiritual foundation.

Gratitude swelling within him, Qingfeng Ye suppressed his excitement and immediately prostrated himself, saying, "This disciple offers his deepest thanks to the Master."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of approval, then shifted his attention to Wen Yuan Lu. "Wen Yuan," he intoned, "you are my second disciple. I shall bestow upon you the Four Symbols Origin [the primordial essence of the four celestial beasts]."

With a wave of his hand, Eldrin Chen conjured forth four radiant orbs of primordial essence and presented them to Wen Yuan Lu.

This Four Symbols Origin had been nurtured from the Innate Spiritual Root [a spiritual root of unparalleled purity born with a cultivator] known as the 'Four Symbols Ancient Tree' [a mythical tree embodying the powers of the four directions]. It was a peerless treasure Eldrin Chen had painstakingly cultivated for Wen Yuan Lu, consuming a significant portion of his own Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [an indestructible spiritual radiance of primordial origin] in the process. It represented the four fundamental forces of the cosmos: the Vermilion Bird of the south [the celestial phoenix of fire], the Azure Dragon of the east [the celestial dragon of wood], the Black Tortoise of the north [the celestial tortoise of water], and the White Tiger of the west [the celestial tiger of metal].

Upon receiving the Four Symbols Origin, Wen Yuan Lu was overcome with elation. He possessed the Innate Four Symbols Dao Body [a rare physique innately aligned with the powers of the four celestial poles], which granted him an intrinsic connection to the forces of the world's four extremes. This treasure would resonate with his constitution in perfect harmony.

Realizing this, Wen Yuan Lu immediately knelt and bowed deeply. "This disciple is profoundly grateful for the Master's immense generosity," he said, his voice filled with reverence.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze towards Purifying Bamboo [a sentient spiritual plant known for its purifying properties] and said, "Jingchen, you were born from an Innate Spiritual Root [a spiritual object with inherent sentience and cultivation potential] taking form. Although you have embarked upon the path of cultivating the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation method that emphasizes sacrifice and purification], you are not adept in offensive techniques."

"This master bestows upon you the Primordial Seven Treasures Gourd. You may rely on it to cultivate Lifebound Formation Artifacts [magical treasures that form a symbiotic bond with their wielder, growing in power together]. With it, you should be able to sweep away all foes across the eight directions."

Purifying Bamboo took the Primordial Seven Treasures Gourd, holding it with such fondness he could not bear to put it down. He could not help but bow respectfully and say, "Many thanks, Master, for granting this treasure."

This Purifying Bamboo had listened to Eldrin Chen expound scriptures and preach the Dao since childhood. Now, even after taking human form from an Innate Spiritual Root, he still retained the appearance of a young boy and had always been accustomed to addressing Eldrin Chen as 'Master'.

Regarding this, Eldrin Chen gave an indifferent nod.

Finally, he looked towards Xianqing Chen and said with a smile, "Xianqing, I bestow upon you a Primordial Immortal Lotus Seed. Plant its roots within your Inner Cosmos [the internal spiritual world cultivated by high-level practitioners]."

"When you Ascension [undergo a tribulation to reach a higher cultivation realm] and your Inner Immortal Domain [a perfected internal spiritual realm] manifests, as the Primordial Five Ultimates [a supreme cultivation art governing the five primal elements] circulates and the Yin-Yang Dual Qi [the complementary forces of dark and light, passive and active] intertwine, this lotus seed will take root and sprout."

Hearing this, everyone present felt a twinge of envy.

The Primordial Immortal Lotus Seed was a seed born from a Primordial Chaos Spiritual Root [a spiritual root of the highest order, originating from the primordial chaos]. Once nurtured to maturity, it would become the Supreme-Grade Primordial Spiritual Roots known as the 'World-Cleansing White Lotus' [a legendary lotus of immense purity and power].

That Eldrin Chen entrusted this treasure to Xianqing Chen clearly demonstrated the deep affection he held for his only daughter.

Xianqing Chen took the lotus seeds and said with a smile, "Thank you, Father, for bestowing this treasure. This time, your son will surely pierce through this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that cultivators must face to ascend to higher realms]."

Eldrin Chen waved his hand dismissively, then spoke with grave seriousness, "Remember this well: you must not undergo this Kalpa Tribulation within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the primary and most prosperous realm of the immortal world]."

"The four of you may choose any one of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a collection of seven vast and perilous frontier realms bordering the primordial abyss] to prove your Dao and attain the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortality, representing ultimate power and enlightenment]. But you absolutely must not attempt your Grand Luo [the supreme state of a Golden Immortal] ascension within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains."

Hearing this, everyone nodded, their expressions turning solemn and heavy.

Seeing their understanding, Eldrin Chen brought Qingfeng Ye, Wen Yuan Lu, and Purifying Bamboo to the Abyssal Forbidden Land [a primordial and perilous land steeped in ancient power and mystery]. There, he once again utilized the Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of refining and empowering spiritual treasures] to help them refine and assimilate the bestowed treasures.

Among the four, Wen Yuan Lu refined the Four Symbols Origin [a primordial spiritual essence containing the power of the four celestial beasts: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise]. Augmented by a strand of Eldrin Chen's own Innate Primordial Spirit Light [a radiant essence born from one's innermost spiritual core], he finally succeeded in cultivating the True Spirit Sacrificial Self Body [a supreme cultivation art that forges one's body into a vessel of immense power through profound self-sacrifice and refinement of the True Spirit].

Purifying Bamboo received the same treatment, achieving a breakthrough and successfully cultivating the True Spirit Sacrificial Self Body as well.

Qingfeng Ye achieved the greatest success. Possessing the innate Pure Yang Dao Body [a constitution perfectly aligned with the pure, untainted Yang energy of the heavens], the Body of Self-Sacrifice [a constitution forged through the Path of Self-Sacrifice, granting immense power at a cost] he cultivated was exceptionally potent. Now, having refined the Pure Yang Immortal Sword [a divine sword imbued with the essence of pure Yang], not only did his Body of Self-Sacrifice step into the True Spirit Realm [a profound realm where one's spiritual foundation is elevated to a state of primordial truth and power], but within that realm, he could be considered a powerhouse.

After the three had completed their breakthroughs, Eldrin Chen could not help but marvel at the unique advantages bestowed by the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a formidable and perilous cultivation path that grants immense power through profound acts of self-renunciation and sacrifice].

Although this Path of Self-Sacrifice could not cultivate a Sevenfold True Spirit Foundation [the legendary and nearly impossible achievement of forging seven True Spirit foundations], the difficulty of cultivating a single True Spirit Foundation [a spiritual foundation of primordial truth and stability] was far simpler compared to the traditional path of immortal cultivation.

Because the Body of Self-Sacrifice [a supreme physique forged by fusing one's entire foundational essence] is formed from the fusion of one's entire foundational roots, it inherently means breaking through one's original limits at least once.

Originally, one destined to cultivate only a Nine-Limit Foundation [a foundation reaching the ninth theoretical limit of power] would have become an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has weathered eight Heavenly Tribulations]. However, after the fusion of the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a supreme cultivation art centered on self-sacrifice to forge a new, unparalleled foundation], one can at least step into the Indestructible Domain [a realm of cultivation where one's foundation is considered unbreakable] at the Ten-Limit [the tenth theoretical limit] or even the Eleventh Limit [the legendary eleventh limit].

Those capable of cultivating seven major Ten Limits Foundation [foundations each reaching the tenth limit] or multiple Indestructible Foundation [foundations of the Indestructible Domain] have most likely directly achieved the True Spirit Sacrificial Self Body [the ultimate physique attainable through the Path of Self-Sacrifice, embodying a True Spirit Foundation].

It can be said that the new foundation birthed by the Path of Self-Sacrifice advances at least two or three steps beyond the ultimate limit one was originally capable of reaching.

Of course, the Path of Self-Sacrifice also has its shortcomings. Once the True Spirit Physique [a physique embodying a True Spirit Foundation] is achieved, it becomes exceedingly difficult to advance further. In other words, its highest achievement is a single True Spirit Foundation [a foundation of the highest purity and potency, representing the pinnacle of potential].

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen compensated for the weakness of a single True Spirit Foundation through the Immortal Treasury Method [a profound art focused on opening and refining internal treasuries of power] and the Inner Immortal Domain [a divine ability that manifests an internal, reality-shaping domain].

An Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality] who has cultivated the Path of Self-Sacrifice to achieve a True Spirit Foundation, bolstered by the Inner Immortal Domain and the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [the ten supreme internal power sources opened by the Immortal Treasury Method], would absolutely not be inferior to a top-tier prodigy with a Dual True Spirit Foundation [two fused True Spirit Foundations] at the same realm.

The most exceptional among them would far surpass others with a single True Spirit Foundation at their level, rivaling even those with Three True Spirit Foundations [three fused True Spirit Foundations] or greater.

"A pity the method for the True Spirit Immortal Treasury [the ultimate treasury corresponding to the True Spirit Foundation] remains elusive. Otherwise..."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, but soon shook his head.

According to his vision, the True Spirit Immortal Treasury [a supreme cultivation art], emulating the True Spirit Divine Runes and the True Spirit Divine Ability, was forged by fusing the essence of Sainthood through the Flesh [the path of physical ascension] and Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [the realm of spiritual enlightenment]. It was designed to vastly amplify the power of the Body of Self-Sacrifice [a legendary physique].

Once that step was taken, the Path of Self-Sacrifice would surpass both Sainthood through the Flesh and Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment, and rival the cultivation path of the Path of Dao Dominion [the path of supreme Dao mastery]. It would become the most mainstream cultivation method within the Weilai [the Future] of Chaos [the primordial Chaos].

It was foreseeable that once perfected, the Path of Self-Sacrifice, which combined the strengths of Dao Dominion, Sainthood through the Flesh, and Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment, was destined to transcend all existing cultivation systems. Within the same realm, its practitioners would sweep aside all opposition.

Imagine an existence that had cultivated the True Spirit Sacrificial Self Body [the ultimate physique of self-sacrifice]. Within them resided an Immortal Domain [a personal immortal realm] providing boundless mana, while externally, ten great True Spirit Immortal Treasury empowered their physical form. They could also simultaneously cultivate the Path of Dao Dominion. What kind of supreme, peerless combat prowess would that represent?

Eldrin Chen even suspected that upon truly reaching that step, it might be possible to open a new domain beyond the True Spirit [the foundational spiritual core].

Alas, the difficulty of creating the method for the True Spirit Immortal Treasury was simply too immense. To use an external Immortal Treasury [a treasury-like cultivation realm] to resonate with the Eternal True Spirit [the everlasting spiritual core] was far beyond the insight and experience attainable at Eldrin Chen's current level.

Unless one day, Eldrin Chen could prove his Dao and attain the realm of the Chaos Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of Chaos], would there be the faintest possibility of perfecting it.

"Speculation serves no purpose,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, swiftly reining in his wandering thoughts.

He lifted his gaze to his three disciples and spoke, "Go now and consolidate your cultivation bases. I trust this coming Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial] will not disappoint my expectations of you."

Hearing this, everyone nodded in unison and spoke immediately, "We will certainly not disappoint you."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen said nothing more.

As he emerged from the Abyssal Forbidden Land, he found Lyra Jiang and Lila had already been waiting for a considerable time.

Lila's face was exceptionally pale at this moment, a rare flicker of anxiety seeming to surface within her expression.

Eldrin Chen instantly sensed something was amiss and inquired without delay, "What is wrong?"

"Husband!"

Lila grasped Eldrin Chen's arm, her face etched with profound anguish as she said, "Pure Yang Immortal Lord... he has taken Zhuer."

"What?"

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted minutely in an instant, and he immediately strode beyond the boundaries of the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

There, amidst the Chaos outside the Abyssal Immortal Domain, stood an Immortal Lord [a supreme cultivator who has ascended to immortality] clad in robes white as snow. By his side was a man draped in the robes of a Buddhist monk.

"Xianzhu."

The moment she saw the man in the kasaya robe, Lila's expression shifted subtly, and a torrent of killing intent erupted within her eyes.

Eldrin Chen's face remained as placid as still water, his gaze icy as he regarded the man. "Pure Yang [the principle of pure, unadulterated yang energy]," he said, his voice cold, "I never imagined you would stoop to such an act."

"Hmph."

The Pure Yang Immortal Lord sneered, then declared, "Return the Pure Yang Immortal Sword [a legendary sword of pure yang energy], and I shall spare your son's life."

Eldrin Chen's gaze was as piercing as glacial ice. He spoke with chilling calm, "You and I are sworn enemies upon the Great Dao [the fundamental path of cultivation and existence]. Do you truly believe I would trust your words?"

"Hahaha—"

The Pure Yang Immortal Lord laughed heartily, hoisting Xianzhu Chen. "Your child has actually cultivated an Indestructible Foundation [a perfect, unshakable foundation for future cultivation]. With such talent, he might one day aspire to the Great Luo Realm [the pinnacle of immortal cultivation]."

"If I were to utterly annihilate his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], scattering his soul to the winds, and then imprison his True Spirit [the fundamental, indestructible essence of a being] within the Pure Yang Immortal Crucible [a divine furnace of pure yang energy], even with your abilities, resurrecting him would be nigh impossible."

Eldrin Chen's countenance darkened further, the coldness in his eyes deepening into a frigid, abyssal chill.

At this very moment, Xianzhu Chen spoke, his voice unnervingly calm. "Father, do not be troubled on my account."

"Though I have immersed myself in the Buddhist teachings for many years, I still remember the lessons you taught me in my youth."

"You once said: 'We who walk the path of cultivation would rather descend into the Eighteen Layers of Hell than be plagued by indecision.'"

"The tribulation that befalls me today is my own destiny, a fate I must bear."

As his words faded, Xianzhu Chen let out a sharp, resolute snort. Then, his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] began to disintegrate.

"No!"

Pure Yang Immortal Lord's expression shifted to one of alarm. He had never imagined Xianzhu Chen would be so unyielding, willing to initiate the dissolution of his own Primordial Spirit even at the risk of its utter annihilation.

In a surge of shock and fury, he tried to shield the disintegrating Primordial Spirit, but the process was already irreversible.

They watched as Xianzhu Chen's Primordial Spirit dissolved into motes of radiant light. A serene smile touched his fading visage. "If I do not enter hell, who will?"

"To exchange my one life for my father's safety... it is enough."

"Ah—!"

In that instant, everyone present snapped out of their stunned disbelief.

Lila was the first to react, immediately summoning her Frost Soul Divine Light Sword and lunging forward to confront Pure Yang Immortal Lord in a desperate fight.

Yet Eldrin Chen was even swifter. He shattered the Void with a single step and struck Pure Yang Immortal Lord with a palm strike that sent the immortal lord reeling backwards, allowing him to seize back the physical body of Xianzhu Chen.

Alas, Xianzhu Chen had been too resolute, too unyielding. The self-destruction of his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] was irreversible; not even a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the highest realm of immortal cultivation] could turn back such a fate.

"Zhu'er!"

Lila gathered Xianzhu Chen into her arms, her eyes blazing with a crimson hue of anguish.

She fed him a great quantity of immortal medicines in succession, yet found it was still a futile effort against an irreversible fate.

After a long while, she turned her head. She spoke no words, but her gaze fixed upon Eldrin Chen with an intensity that spoke volumes.

"I understand."

Eldrin Chen nodded, gently closing the eyes of Xianzhu Chen. He watched as Xianzhu Chen's form dissolved into a single, luminous Sariras [a crystalline relic left behind by an enlightened Buddhist cultivator]. With a final sigh, he spoke, "My child, the Buddha's Dharma cannot save this world."

"To truly ferry all living beings across the sea of suffering, one must also wield the thunderous means of a wrathful deity."

Having spoken his piece, Eldrin Chen collected the Sariras. He lowered his gaze, surveying his surroundings, and found himself encircled by six figures, each radiating the formidable aura of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the pinnacle of the Grand Luo realm].

"Primordial Chaos Kui Ox, Pure Yang Immortal Lord, Wuji Immortal Lord, Golden-Winged Demon Lord, Verdant Extreme Ancient Ancestor, Profound Nether Ghost Progenitor…"

Regarding the six imposing figures before him, Eldrin Chen's expression remained placid as a still lake. His voice was cold as he spoke, "Where is the Primordial Silver Dragon? Why has he not come?"

"To slay you, the six of us are more than sufficient," came the reply.

Profound Nether Ghost Progenitor was the one who spoke. As his words fell, he summoned a radiant treasure wheel, which pulsed with power, its energy solidifying to seal the surrounding Void [the fundamental emptiness or spatial fabric of reality, often manipulated by high-level cultivators].

Wuji Immortal Lord, astride his celestial halberd, pointed its gleaming tip at Eldrin Chen and declared with icy finality, "This treasure is named the Vast Domain Void Heaven Wheel. It is a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing supreme power and sentience], possessing the unique efficacy to suppress and solidify the Void."

"To borrow this treasure for the sole purpose of sealing you, we paid a price that was far from trivial."

"Enough talk. Prepare to meet your end!"

Pure Yang Immortal Lord [a supreme title for an immortal who has mastered the purest Yang energy] was the first to speak, directly commanding the Pure Yang Immortal Crucible [a divine cauldron artifact of immense purifying power] to descend and suppress its target.

Seeing this, the others wasted no time. They too summoned their divine weapons, joining the assault to crush Eldrin Chen without granting him a single moment's respite.