Chapter 1902 : Forbidden Power's Ultimate Price

Facing the Counter-Scale Demon Lord who had fully unleashed his Burst [a technique that pushes one's power to its absolute limit], Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly.

He immediately summoned his Primordial One Energy True Aura [a supreme defensive technique that manifests a protective barrier of pure, primordial energy] to shield himself, then transformed into a dazzling streak of light to create distance.

The reason such techniques are called Forbidden Divine Ability [a class of ultimate, self-destructive arts forbidden due to their catastrophic cost] is not only due to their overwhelming power, but also because of their truly terrifying side effects.

Once a Forbidden Divine Ability is activated, the best outcome is a convalescence lasting several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years]. A slightly worse fate is complete physical and spiritual dissolution, requiring tens or even hundreds of such cosmic cycles to recover from.

Now, seeing Eldrin Chen attempt to evade and stall for time as the Counter-Scale Demon Lord unleashed his Forbidden Divine Ability, the demon lord could wait no longer.

He gave frantic chase, sparing no cost in his desperate bid to severely wound or even slay Eldrin Chen.

"A perfect opening."

Seizing that precise moment, Eldrin Chen activated his own Polarity Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method that sacrifices part of the self to achieve a temporary, immense power boost]. Instantly, his power surged under the amplification of the Forbidden Divine Ability. He whirled around and unleashed a Chaos Divine Thunder [a cataclysmic bolt of primordial, order-shattering lightning] directly at his pursuer.

Caught utterly off guard by Eldrin Chen's sudden, devastating counterattack, the Counter-Scale Demon Lord had no time to react. His physical form was shattered on the spot, his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator] utterly disintegrated into dust and oblivion. Only his True Spirit [the indestructible, fundamental spark of consciousness] remained, sheltered by the Great Path [the fundamental laws of cultivation and existence] and plunged into a deep slumber.

"Disaster! He has also mastered a Forbidden Divine Ability!" Find this and other novels at audio-novel.com.

Witnessing the defeat of the Counter-Scale Demon Lord, the expressions of the other three shifted dramatically, and they immediately sought to disengage and flee for their lives.

Alas, with the power Eldrin Chen now wielded after activating the first stage of his Forbidden Divine Ability [a supreme, reality-defying technique], even without revealing his full strength, he was a match for a Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

The trio had only just stepped into the Great Encompassing Realm, so how could they possibly withstand him?

In less than a hundred exchanges, the Azure Python Demon Lord was utterly annihilated. The other two managed to escape in a frantic rush, barely preserving their lives.

"A Forbidden Divine Ability [a supreme, reality-defying technique], is it?"

Watching Eldrin Chen defeat the four, the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor [an ancient, supreme avian demon emperor] wore a cold expression, but comprehension dawned swiftly.

Eldrin Chen had cultivated a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a perfected spiritual core of immense purity] and opened all nine Innate Acupoints [the body's natural energy reservoirs]. For him to master a Forbidden Divine Ability [a supreme, reality-defying technique] was not entirely beyond expectation.

He said nothing more. With a flick of his sleeve, he scattered four streaks of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primal, unbreakable spiritual radiance] and spoke with icy detachment, "Young friend, your edge is too sharp. Such brilliance is not always a blessing."

"Our paths are long. Who is to say you will not one day fall into our hands?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen cupped his hands respectfully and replied, "This junior thanks the Senior for the reminder. Your lesson is received."

The Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor offered no further words, merely snorting coldly before riding his Primordial Era Kui Ox and vanishing into the distant reaches of the Heavenly Vault.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen turned back towards the Heavenly Vault and cupped his hands in salute to the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor there. "Many thanks for your assistance, Senior," he said.

"It was my duty. Think nothing of it."

"Now that the uninvited guest has departed, you may continue the banquet. Remember to seek me at Obsidian Abyss Heaven once the festivities conclude."

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor spoke with detached calm. The Mysterious Bird beneath him beat its wings and soared skyward, disappearing into the horizon of the Heavenly Vault in the blink of an eye.

As the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor departed, Eldrin Chen returned directly to the Great Hall.

At that moment, Eldrin Chen noticed a significant shift in the demeanor of many present Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. The gazes directed at him from numerous Great Encompassing Golden Immortal grew noticeably warmer and more approving.

If, before this, Eldrin Chen—despite having proven his Dao and attained the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm—was merely seen as a newly ascended Great Encompassing Golden Immortal and thus failed to command the full attention of his peers...

...then now, having demonstrated combat prowess rivaling a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage, he had earned the recognition of even many Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Within the Vast and Boundless Chaos, strength ultimately commanded the highest respect. Potential was merely potential. The Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light and the Opportunity and Fortune required to shatter through realm barriers were exceedingly rare. Without sufficient backing or serendipitous encounters, reaching that ultimate step was far from guaranteed.

And a combat prowess at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage could already be considered quite formidable.

One must understand that within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, among the three great races of Humans, Divine Beasts, and the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races, the number of Great Encompassing Golden Immortals easily reaches tens of thousands. Among this vast multitude, fewer than one in ten can ascend to the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Even those at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage are not commonly seen. Any being who has reached this stage has surpassed at least fifty to sixty percent of all Great Encompassing Golden Immortals.

During the ensuing immortal banquet, Eldrin Chen took the time to acquaint himself with each of the attending Great Encompassing Golden Immortals. Even many Patriarchs at the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal were exceedingly cordial, and their conversations were mutually congenial.

Thus, three thousand years slipped by in a flash. When the grand Great Encompassing Immortal Banquet finally concluded, Eldrin Chen bid farewell to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortals from the various factions. Only then did he speak to Exquisite Jiang, saying, "The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor instructed me to seek him out after the banquet, most likely to discuss matters concerning the Immortal Court."

"You all should return to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain first and begin preparations for the clan's relocation. Await my return before making any final arrangements." This content originates from audio - novel . com. Please respect copyright.

"Understood."

Exquisite Jiang nodded and then departed with the members of the Chen Clan and the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance.

Meanwhile, Eldrin Chen left Endless Heaven and flew to Obsidian Abyss Heaven. Upon arrival, he found a silver-armored divine general had been waiting for him for some time.

"Father, His Majesty has been expecting you."

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

The silver-armored divine general before him was none other than his own son, Worthy Path Chen.

Seeing Eldrin Chen's astonishment, Worthy Path Chen spoke immediately, "Father, there is no need for surprise. Once you meet His Majesty, you will understand the full story."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and followed him, their path leading to the entrance of a magnificent immortal palace.

Compared to the ethereal and elusive Endless Heaven, Obsidian Abyss Heaven [a powerful and ancient celestial realm] exuded a far more imposing and majestic aura. This Obsidian Abyss Immortal Palace was particularly solemn and awe-inspiring.

Stepping into the palace, Eldrin Chen found the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a supreme ruler of the Obsidian Abyss realm] clad in imperial armor crafted from the scales of a Black Dragon [a mythical beast of immense power]. The Emperor was intently reviewing a bamboo scroll.

"Your timing is fortuitous."

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, his expression grave and unsmiling, set the scroll aside. He then inquired, "You have joined the Immortal Court [the celestial governing body]. I summoned you to ask: do you wish for a nominal position, or a post with genuine authority and responsibility?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "May I ask," he ventured, "what is the difference between the two?"

"See for yourself."

Without a word of explanation, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler of immense power] tossed the bamboo scroll in his hand to Eldrin Chen.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen immediately took the scroll and began to read. Yet, after only a few moments of perusal, he grasped the distinction between the two.

The Immortal Lord [a high-ranking immortal official] positions within the Human Race Immortal Court [the celestial governing body of humanity] could largely be divided into two types. The first were the Great Encompassing Immortal Lord [an immortal lord with a broad, encompassing authority] who held nominal, non-active posts. These Great Encompassing Immortal Lord did not interfere with the operations of the Immortal Court, yet they could still enjoy its various resources and privileges.

However, to utilize the resources of the Immortal Court, one needed to pay a certain price.

Take the Indestructibility Immortal Pool [a legendary pool capable of forging immortal soldiers] as an example. That supreme treasure of the Human Race required only the investment of a cultivator at the Triple Ascendant Immortal Foundation [a specific, high-level immortal foundation realm] stage, along with resources like Innate Rare Treasure [a treasure born of primordial chaos] and Innate Energy [the primordial energy of creation], to transform them into Celestial Soldiers and Generals [the elite celestial army] of the Celestial Immortal [a celestial-level immortal] and Ancient Immortal Realm [the realm of ancient immortals].

An ordinary, nominally-posted Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a golden immortal of great encompassing power] wishing to use it would need to pay an additional, substantial fee in resources.

This fee was no small sum. Forging a single Celestial Soldiers and Generals celestial soldier required one strand of Innate Energy. Forging a single Ancient Immortal [an immortal from ancient times] celestial general required one hundred strands. Considering a celestial legion consisted of one hundred thousand soldiers, the extra resources needed to form an entire Celestial Soldiers and Generals legion were astronomical.

Furthermore, within the Immortal Court there existed various cultivation sanctums.

For instance, the 'Path Comprehension Hall' [a hall for comprehending the Great Dao], which could assist Great Encompassing Golden Immortal in contemplating the Great Path [the fundamental laws of the cosmos]. The 'Great Encompassing Heaven' [a realm for breakthrough cultivation], which could help Great Encompassing Golden Immortal break through cultivation bottlenecks. Or places like the 'Heaven Refining Hall' [a hall for refining one's physique] for cultivating the Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution], and the 'Reincarnation Pool' [a pool connected to the cycle of rebirth] for cultivating the Great Encompassing Primordial Spirit [a supreme spiritual core].

These were all supremely rare auxiliary treasures within the Chaos [the primordial chaos beyond ordered realms], treasures one could only hope to encounter by chance in the outside world. For the nominally-posted Great Encompassing Immortal Lord to enter and cultivate within these places also required them to pay a tremendous price.

In fact, some of these treasured cultivation grounds are so costly to open that each available slot is exceedingly precious. Even if a Great Encompassing Immortal Lord holding a nominal post were to offer treasures like the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a legendary protective light born from primordial chaos], it would be extremely difficult for them to secure the right to cultivate within.

In contrast, Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a high-ranking immortal lord] holding an official, active post within the Immortal Court [the celestial governing body of the immortal realm] enjoy free access to the vast majority of its resources.

However, this privilege comes with a corresponding duty. Great Encompassing Immortal Lord in active service are obligated to contribute a certain measure of their efforts to the Immortal Court.

These official posts for Immortal Lord [a title for a powerful immortal] are broadly divided into two types. The first requires supremely refined skills—the ability to craft Great Encompassing Immortal Pill [elixirs of immense power for high-level immortals], forge Great Encompassing Divine Weapon [divine arms of great encompassing power], or even create potent Innate Spiritual Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate power]. Such individuals are assigned to halls within the Immortal Court, such as the Alchemy Hall or the Artifact Forging Hall.

Yet, to join these immortal halls, one generally needs mastery in the Hundred Crafts of Cultivation [the myriad arts and crafts practiced by cultivators, like alchemy and artifact forging] at a level equivalent to at least the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage or higher.

The second type involves commanding the Celestial Soldiers and Generals [the immortal army of the celestial court] for the Immortal Court. An Great Encompassing Immortal Lord in such a post is granted authority over at least ten legions, amounting to a full million Celestial Soldiers and Generals.

But when the Immortal Court launches campaigns beyond its borders, they are the first to be deployed to the front lines. The risk of falling in battle against powerful foes is immense. Furthermore, they cannot freely explore the Depths of Chaos [the perilous, untamed regions of primordial chaos] on their own.

Entering the court through mastery of the Hundred Crafts of Cultivation is safer. The Immortal Court provides substantial remuneration, offering stable and reliable rewards. The trade-off is that a great deal of time must be dedicated to crafting Immortal Pill [pills for immortals], immortal artifacts, or setting up formations for the court, leaving little opportunity for personal exploration of the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all things emerged].

By comparison, holding a nominal post offers greater freedom, but the path of Future [a title referring to a being associated with destiny or time] is also fraught with unpredictable risks.

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment. Commanding the Celestial Soldiers and Generals did not seem suitable for him. Pursuing a path through the Hundred Crafts of Cultivation was worth considering. However, having just entered the Great Encompassing [a profound realm of cultivation], his primary focus should be on advancing his own cultivation base and consolidating his foundations.

After much deliberation, Eldrin Chen finally spoke, "I wish to take a nominal post for now, focus on advancing my cultivation base. If needed in the future, I can then consider a position with actual responsibilities."

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor nodded and said, "The Alchemy Hall and the Artifact Hall are far too busy, better suited for senior Great Encompassing cultivators whose cultivation has stagnated for years."

"As for training the Celestial Soldiers and Generals, I believe your Second Son is more suited for that."

"Second Son?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback before replying, "You mean my second son, Worthy Path Chen?"

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor gave a slight nod, a rare smile touching his lips. "The Nine Tribulations Heavenly Art was something I obtained by chance from the Chaos. It is a peerless, wondrous technique of the Fleshly Body Sanctification lineage, ranked first among the Ten Great Fleshly Body Sanctification Art of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains."

"However, it is exceedingly difficult to cultivate. Among all my disciples, only two have succeeded in mastering it."

"Your Second Son possesses Extraordinary talent. He is the fourth to master this art. In the future, he may very well use the Fleshly Body Sanctification path to reach the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression shifted with a flicker of realization. He now understood that the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor was Worthy Path Chen's Patriarch-Master, and why Worthy Path Chen served within the Obsidian Abyss Heaven.

Long ago, Eldrin Chen had heard that after Worthy Path Chen became a disciple of the Heavenly Halberd Demon-Slaying True Lord, he had caught the eye of a certain Imperial Lord from the Immortal Court.

I had thought he was merely an ordinary Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator who has mastered the foundational principles of the cosmos]. To my utter astonishment, that individual turned out to be none other than the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme sovereign whose power is likened to a fathomless, dark chasm], one of the Five Emperors of the Immortal Court [the celestial governing body of the immortal realms].

You must understand, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor treads the path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation art focused on forging the physical body into an indestructible vessel]. Furthermore, his cultivation has already reached the pinnacle of Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord [the ultimate stage of mastery within the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm]. He is recognized as the foremost practitioner of Fleshly Body Sanctification across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a collective term for the vast and myriad realms inhabited by immortals]. His might even surpasses that of the Primordial Era Desolate Dragon Primogenitor [the ancient progenitor of the mighty Desolate Dragon lineage] from the Dragon Clan and the Indestructibility Divine Emperor from the Divine Clan.

Upon this realization, Eldrin Chen hastily clasped his hands and bowed. "I had no idea Your Excellency was the Patriarch of my unworthy son. This junior offers his deepest respects and gratitude."

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor merely offered a faint smile and shook his head. "You are mistaken. That lad Heavenly Halberd [a divine weapon capable of cleaving the heavens] never managed to cultivate the Nine Tribulations Heavenly Art [a legendary and immensely difficult cultivation art involving nine heavenly tribulations]. He was but a nominal disciple under this Emperor's name."

"When he saw your Second Son had successfully cultivated the Nine Tribulations Heavenly Art, he did not dare presume to take him as his own disciple. Instead, he chose to accept him on my behalf, as a fellow disciple under my tutelage."

"Thus, your Second Son is now this seat's personal, direct disciple."

As he spoke, a rare note of pride entered the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor's voice. "That child of yours possesses exceptional talent for the path of Fleshly Body Sanctification. Moreover, he shows a natural genius for training troops and deploying formations—a born commander destined to lead the Celestial Soldiers and Divine Generals [the elite armies of celestial and divine beings]. In the days to come, he will undoubtedly become a great general of our Human Race Immortal Court."

"And you yourself possess the Path Ancestor Immortal Sage Potential [the potential to become a foundational ancestor and sage of a cultivation path]. Truly, dragons beget dragons, phoenixes beget phoenixes. A mighty father does not sire a feeble son."

"It is all thanks to Your Excellency's guidance and nurturing."

Eldrin Chen quickly bowed again, yet he could not suppress a faint, proud smile from gracing his lips.

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor nodded, then retrieved a jade scroll from his sleeve and handed it to Eldrin Chen, saying, "I see you have also cultivated a True Spirit Physique [a supreme physical constitution that embodies the essence of a primordial true spirit]. Your physical aptitude must be Extraordinary indeed."

"Since the path of Chaos Limitless Path [a legendary and immensely difficult path of cultivation] is arduous to tread, perhaps you should consider the Dao of Fleshly Body Sanctification [the art of refining and purifying the physical body to its ultimate potential]."

"This is the Nine Tribulations Heavenly Art [a supreme body refinement art that involves enduring nine heavenly tribulations] that I cultivate. You may take it for reference and contemplation."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a slight shock in his heart. Accepting the jade scroll, he said, "I thank you deeply for your generosity, Senior."

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor nodded and continued, "For the Fleshly Body Sanctification lineage to reach the supreme heights, the key lies in cultivating the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms [a set of nine ultimate physical transformations, each embodying a different primordial true spirit]."

"This method is truly too domineering. Whether or not to cultivate it is a decision you must make for yourself."

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior."

Eldrin Chen hurriedly expressed his gratitude and solemnly stored away the Nine Tribulations Heavenly Art.

Seeing this, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor said no more. With a wave of his hand, he stated, "Since you have broken through to the Great Encompassing [Da Luo] realm, you are entitled to a Path-Field [a personal cultivation domain and territory] within the Primordial Immortal Domain. Have Second Son take you to select one later."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen understood the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor's intent to see him off. He promptly cupped his hands and said, "Then this junior takes his leave."

After bidding farewell to Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, Eldrin Chen met Worthy Path Chen outside the Great Hall.

At this moment, Worthy Path Chen was clad in Silver Battle Armor, his aura having reached the peak of the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal Realm. It seemed he had even cultivated the Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique of unyielding resilience], and was not far from achieving a True Spirit [a state where one's physical form is refined to the level of a primordial divine essence] level physical body.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen felt a swell of paternal pride. He patted Worthy Path Chen on the shoulder and said, "It seems your cultivation has progressed well these years."

"From now on, as you follow in the footsteps of a Great Emperor [a supreme ruler among cultivators], you must serve your master with your whole heart. Remember, do not fail His Majesty's expectations."

Worthy Path Chen nodded, his voice brimming with confidence. "Father, one day, your son will also become someone like you, someone like a Great Emperor."

"Good. I will await that day." This content originates from audio–novel.com. Please respect copyright.