Chapter 1908 : The Great Tribulation Beckons

After handling all these matters, Eldrin Chen noticed that Exquisite Jiang and the others had finally finished their secluded cultivation, having digested the gains from the Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense destruction and rebirth]. With a smile, he suggested, "The Great Tribulation [the ultimate cataclysmic trial] approaches. Let us observe how our descendants face this ordeal."

Upon hearing this, Exquisite Jiang showed a flicker of curiosity. "I have heard that over the past million years, many Immortal [beings who have ascended to immortality] of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence] have ascended," she remarked.

Lila, Violet Consort Yan, and the other women also revealed looks of keen interest.

Eldrin Chen chuckled softly. He then directly sealed the vast expanse of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [a major realm within the immortal worlds] with his Great Path [the supreme cultivation law he follows]. His voice, infused with the authority of his Great Path, then resonated across all the Heavenly Path [the various celestial laws and principles governing existence].

"The Great Tribulation draws near. All major Grotto-Heaven Blessed Land [paradisiacal realms and sanctified lands] must seal their mountains and refrain from venturing forth."

"All who wish to undergo the tribulation may enter the Chaos Heavenly Domain [a primordial and perilous dimension] to battle the Chaos [primordial disorder] beast tribes and thus pass through the Tribulation [the heavenly trial]."

Within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain at that moment, countless Immortal opened their eyes. A complex mix of astonishment and anticipation flickered across their faces.

Among them was a group of Immortal whose gazes remained utterly composed. A fierce, burning battle intent ignited within the depths of their pupils.

At this very moment, these Immortal rose to their feet as one. They bowed deeply in reverence and declared in unison, "We thank the Path Ancestor for bestowing this tribulation."

"We are Immortal of the Sacrificial Self Path." Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audio - novel . com.

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his gaze sweeping over the countless beings before him, and he gave a slow, approving nod.

It was undeniable that those who could ascend to immortality via the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on sacrificing the old self to forge a new one] were first-rate in terms of temperament, innate talent, and sheer determination.

Perhaps their Innate [natural, inborn] talent was lacking, but after forging their New Self bodies, their Post-Heaven [acquired, cultivated] aptitude had improved dramatically, placing them among the most gifted prodigies even within the ranks of Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality through cultivation].

At this moment, within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, the combined number of Immortal and Earth Immortal [a powerful realm of cultivation, one step below a true Celestial Immortal] who had weathered tribulations was less than one hundred million, yet over thirty percent were Immortal of the Sacrificial Self Path.

Observing these Immortal, Exquisite Jiang [Eldrin Chen's wife, a powerful immortal] furrowed her brow slightly before speaking. "I heard you also released quite a few Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from the formless chaos] into the Chaos Heavenly Domain. Isn't that too dangerous?"

"It is of no concern," he replied. "Those Chaos Ancient Beast are merely kept like cattle, raised to be refined into Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir requiring nine cycles of refinement]. I have sealed them all completely. Only during a Path Tribulation [a trial or calamity faced on one's cultivation path] will I consider releasing a few to serve as tempering trials."

"This time, the most powerful Chaos [pertaining to the primordial, formless state before creation] beastkin released possess combat power only comparable to the Three Realms Realm or the Primordial Unity Realm. Moreover, they possess little intelligence. Our people are more than capable of handling them."

Nyssa Qu [a close companion and powerful immortal] nodded upon hearing this, then said with a smile, "In that case, it is up to their own Creation [the act of forging one's own destiny and path through will and action]."

As they spoke, the vast Returning Abyss Immortal Domain and the Chaos Heavenly Domain connected, and with a thunderous roar, a passageway was blasted open between them.

Within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, countless Immortal saw this and surged forward, flying through the passage to charge into the heart of the Chaos Heavenly Domain.

Lofty Peak Lu [a cultivator from the Lu Clan] moved through the crowd, not drawing any particular attention to himself.

"So this is the Chaos Heavenly Domain [a legendary and perilous realm of primordial chaos]?"

Gazing upon the ancient land before him, saturated with the aura of Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], a ripple of emotion stirred within his eyes.

He could sense it—the vast expanse of the Chaos Heavenly Domain was filled with an overwhelmingly domineering Primordial Chaos Energy [the raw, unformed energy of creation itself]. Each wisp of this energy was potent enough to shred an Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality through cultivation], yet it seemed suppressed by some immense power, unable to exert its full, crushing pressure upon them.

"Is this... the trial of a Path Ancestor [a supreme being who has mastered a fundamental cosmic principle]?"

Lu murmured inwardly, a flicker of solemn gravity passing through his gaze.

He had been born a mere mortal in a Lesser Worlds [a small, spiritually impoverished world], raised in a humble farming family. Yet, from a young age, he possessed a quiet, innate intelligence.

In his childhood, a great drought had struck his homeland, causing rivers to run dry. By chance, he discovered a piece of jade in the parched riverbed. Within it, he found the cultivation method of the Sacrificial Self Path [an esoteric cultivation art that uses mundane sustenance as fuel for ascension], and thus, his path of cultivation began.

By the time he embarked on his cultivation journey, his Lesser Worlds had already entered an age of spiritual decline [a period where spiritual energy and resources become exceedingly scarce].

The spiritual energy [the vital energy that flows through all living things and the world] between heaven and earth was thin and feeble. Rare spiritual treasures and exotic materials were nearly extinct; even a Vital Essence Refinement [the foundational stage of cultivation where one refines their body's vital energy] cultivator was considered a rarity. Fortunately, the Sacrificial Self Path did not rely on such spiritual treasures. The common grains and staples of the mortal world could serve as the fuel for his cultivation.

The great drought left the common folk with no means to survive, driving countless displaced refugees to rise in rebellion.

As a mere child of nine years, he was swept up in the tide of rebellion to seize the world. Relying on the robust physique forged by the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation art that strengthens the body through self-sacrifice], coupled with innate intelligence and an indomitable, forward-driving spirit, he carved out a vast empire through sheer force of will.

A domain spanning one hundred thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] fell entirely into his grasp.

It was only then, upon obtaining writings left by predecessors, that he learned this world teetered on the brink of an Age of Dharma Decline [an era where spiritual energy and cultivation paths fade], and that no cultivators beyond the Foundation Establishment [the second major stage of cultivation, solidifying one's spiritual foundation] realm remained between heaven and earth.

Fortunately, the following century brought favorable weather and bountiful harvests to the land.

He developed superior crop strains, allowing the people to recuperate and rebuild. In less than a decade, the empire's granaries and treasuries overflowed with abundance. Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audio-novel*com.

Using these cultivation resources, he perfected the Martial Path True Body [a divine ability that forges an indestructible physical form aligned with martial arts], created the Five Grains Essence Refinement Art [a cultivation art that refines the essence of the five staple grains for nourishment], obtained the Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch Dual Energy [a rare spiritual energy embodying the dual cosmic cycles of heavenly stems and earthly branches] for Path Foundation Casting [the foundational process of forging one's unique cultivation path], and ultimately cultivated to the Great Perfection stage of the Foundation of the Path [the foundational realm where one's personal cultivation path is fully established].

Finally, he invoked the Ascension Guiding Immortal Light [a divine light that guides cultivators through ascension to higher realms] and ascended to a newly born Greater Worlds [a higher-order world with richer spiritual energy and resources].

Leaping from a resource-scarce Lesser Worlds [a lower-order world with limited spiritual energy] directly into a resource-rich primordial wilderness, he encountered an unprecedented, monumental Opportunity and Fortune [a confluence of destiny and chance]. Utilizing the world-inaugurating, peerless Rare Spiritual Wonders [extraordinarily rare spiritual objects formed at a world's creation], he cultivated both the Ten Great Divine Treasuries [a legendary cultivation realm involving the opening of ten divine energy repositories within the body] and the Nine-Grade Path Embryo [a supreme-grade constitution representing the pinnacle potential for a cultivation path].

He cultivated all the way to the Perfection stage of the Path Embryo [the embryonic form of one's personal cultivation path, a core cultivation concept], then ascended once more to a Great Thousand World [a vast, complex world comprising thousands of lesser realms]. There, he forged an Indestructibility Body [a constitution of absolute durability and resilience] and swept unopposed across that Great Thousand World, ultimately seizing that world's once-in-tens-of-thousands-of-years Opportunity and Fortune to achieve immortality.

Lofty Peak Lu looked back upon his life, his gaze turning towards the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain with a flicker of profound gratitude.

He had ascended through three worlds in his lifetime: the last Human Sovereign of a fading Lesser Worlds, the first Saint of a nascent Greater Worlds, and a legend of an era within the Great Thousand World.

Yet the Karma [the principle of cause and effect governing all actions] that wove this entire tapestry originated from a single, seemingly insignificant piece of jade.

The cultivation method of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art centered on self-sacrifice and transcendence] was created by the master of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor, and bestowed upon the multitudes as a supreme Opportunity and Fortune [a rare chance and blessing to achieve the Dao].

Otherwise, as a mere mortal, he would have perished in obscurity during that great drought, his name lost to the Nameless, never achieving the monumental feat of ascension to immortality.

"There are many like me,"

Lofty Peak Lu murmured softly. He slowly turned his head back, his eyes settling upon the Chaos [a primordial, formless state of existence] beastkin horde charging towards him.

"BOOM—"

Heaven and earth trembled; gods and demons wept blood.

After hundreds of exchanges, the colossal Chaos beastkin, whose bulk surpassed an entire Greater Worlds, lay slain upon the ground.

Lofty Peak Lu slowly stored the remains away and continued deeper into the Chaos Heavenly Domain [a primordial and turbulent region of the cosmos]. The corpse of a Chaos realm beast at the Ascendant Immortal [the pinnacle stage of the Immortal realm] perfection stage was still insufficient for him to cultivate his Inner World [a profound cultivation art focused on creating and nurturing an internal universe].

Although slaying a beast of the same Chaos realm meant he had already passed his Great Tribulation [a major, life-defining trial or calamity], the battle was far from over.

As an Immortal of the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation path that emphasizes self-transcendence through profound sacrifice], he feared no opponent within his realm. Retreat was not an option.

The great war raged on.

High upon the Heavenly Vault [the celestial observation platform], the assembled figures watched the scene unfold.

Nyssa Qu smiled faintly, then turned to Eldrin Chen and said, "That young one possesses a glimmer of your former brilliance."

Eldrin Chen offered a silent smile in reply. Many Sacrificial Self Path Immortal had distinguished themselves during this Great Tribulation, but Lofty Peak Lu was undoubtedly among the most exceptional.

His gaze swept toward the distant horizon, witnessing the rise of one Sacrificial Self Path Immortal after another. At last, he was beginning to grasp the true might of this path's practitioners.

In this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal], the Sacrificial Self Path Immortal clearly outshone their counterparts from the Immortal Path [the traditional path of immortality cultivation].

In truth, it was not that the Immortal Path lacked formidable experts; its true pinnacle Immortal were by no means weak.

However, judging by the average performance of practitioners of the Sacrificial Self Path [a radical cultivation method where one sacrifices their original foundation to forge a new, purer self], there are almost no weaklings among them; each one is exceptionally outstanding.

In truth, Eldrin Chen had long anticipated this. The path of the Sacrificial Self Path is arduous, and those who tread it have endured immense suffering and tribulation.

To cultivate all the way to the Indestructibility Realm [a profound cultivation stage signifying near-immortality] and still possess the resolve to sacrifice all their foundational cultivation to forge a new body—such individuals are without exception rare geniuses of ancient legend.

Although Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality through cultivation] who follow the Sacrificial Self Path constitute only thirty percent, the hope for these practitioners to break through to the World-Opening Realm [the realm of creating one's own minor world] is at least several times greater than that of ordinary Immortal.

Among the Immortal of the conventional Immortal Path [the mainstream path of cultivation], perhaps only one in one or two hundred will advance to become an Earth Immortal [an immortal anchored to and drawing power from the earthly realm].

Yet, for those who achieve immortality via the Sacrificial Self Path, on average, about one in thirty will manage to set foot into the World-Opening Realm.

The fundamental reason is that most Immortal on the Immortal Path possess only a single-path foundation. In contrast, any Sacrificial Self Path cultivator who attains immortality is, at the very weakest, comparable to a genius with a dual Ascendant Immortal Foundation [an exceptionally solid and expansive foundational stage for an immortal].

"The weaker practitioners of the Sacrificial Self Path are, for the most part, filtered out during the early stages of cultivation or before achieving immortality."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a ripple of understanding stirring in the depths of his gaze.

In fact, looking at the situation below the Ascendant Immortal [the initial stage of true immortality], there are actually more cultivators walking the Sacrificial Self Path.

Practitioners of the lower realms of the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation path that focuses on sacrificing the old self to forge a new, more powerful existence] outnumber those of the Immortal Path by a hundredfold. Even at the Indestructibility Realm [a high cultivation realm focused on achieving an unbreakable body and spirit], the number of powerful experts walking the Sacrificial Self Path is twice that of Immortal Path cultivators.

Alas, because the Sacrificial Self Path is so brutally demanding, exceedingly few are able to successfully cultivate the Martial Path True Body [a perfected physical form achieved through martial cultivation].

With each subsequent realm breakthrough, the risk of Death is far greater than on the Immortal Path. The final, crucial step—incinerating the old mortal shell to sacrifice and manifest the new self—proves an insurmountable barrier for ninety percent of those who reach the Great Perfection of the Indestructibility Realm.

Regarding this, Eldrin Chen truly had no solution. Each cultivator is unique, and every being who practices the Sacrificial Self Path possesses a different physical constitution.

Unless Eldrin Chen were to create a unique cultivation art tailored to each individual's physique and pair it with suitable treasures, there was no way to significantly reduce the peril of their breakthroughs.

Yet, relying on Eldrin Chen alone made achieving this an impossibility.

Eldrin Chen could only pass down some secret techniques with broader applicability. The rest was left to the growing multitude of Sacrificial Self Path Immortal [beings who have ascended to immortality] to refine and complete based on their own circumstances.

He believed that as the number of Sacrificial Self Path Immortal gradually increased, their collective experience would, in time, steadily improve the success rate of breakthroughs and lower the mortality rate for practitioners of this arduous path.

To return to the main narrative, as time flowed on with its slow, inexorable current, this Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of heavenly ordained trials] finally concluded after thirty thousand years.

Once all had settled, Eldrin Chen closed the Chaos Heavenly Domain [a primordial realm of chaotic energies], allowing the countless Immortal to return to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen observed that following this Great Tribulation, one-third of the Immortal [powerful cultivators who have transcended mortality] who had entered the tribulation had perished. Those who survived had, on average, advanced their cultivation by one or two minor realms.

Furthermore, thirty-seven new Celestial Immortal Great Power [immortals who have ascended to a higher celestial state] had emerged. Across the Mortal Dust Domain and the Seventy-Two Layered Heavens [a cosmological structure of seventy-two stacked heavenly realms], nearly every Heavenly Domain [a vast region within the heavens] had gained over one hundred new World-Opening Patriarch [patriarchs who have opened their own inner worlds] or Earth Immortal Patriarch [earthbound immortal patriarchs].

Lofty Peak Lu was among the most outstanding of these new World-Opening Patriarch. He had opened a Twelve-Layered Heaven [an inner world with twelve heavenly layers], a talent far more astonishing than that of many Celestial Immortal Great Power.

After the Great Tribulation concluded, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, drawing the newly ascended tens of thousands of World-Opening Realm Patriarch and Earth Immortal [immortals anchored to the earthly realm] into the Returning Abyss Heaven [the heavenly realm of the Returning Abyss].

The assembled immortals, drawn into the Returning Abyss Heaven, felt a jolt of awe in their hearts as they beheld the indescribable figure shrouded within the mists of Celestial Immortal [celestial immortal] aura at the far end.

After a moment of profound silence, the immortals swiftly prostrated themselves upon the Earthly Path [the Path of the Earth, a fundamental cultivation art]: "We pay our respects to the Immortal Lord [a title for a supreme immortal] and the Path Ancestor."

"Rise."

Eldrin Chen accepted their salute, then with another wave of his sleeve, gently lifted the multitude to their feet.

His gaze swept over the assembly before he spoke, his voice resonating with ancient authority. "Over a million years ago, I founded this Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [the immortal domain of the Returning Abyss]."

"Whether you were born within this Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortals] or within the Myriad Heavens [the countless heavens of existence], your existence is ultimately tied to my own. Many mortals have also attained the Dao [the ultimate principle and path of cultivation] by cultivating the arts I created."

"It can be said that all of you are my disciples and descendants in the grand lineage of the Path."

At this point, Eldrin Chen paused briefly before continuing with a smile, "This Great Tribulation marks the first such trial for the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain. Its purpose is to Great Path of Heavenly and Earthly Cycles [to temper the world through grand cosmic cycles], and it shall serve as a crucible to hone your skills."

"Since you have seized this Opportunity and Fortune to achieve World-Opening [the realm of opening one's own inner world], you can be considered individuals blessed by fate."

"Consider these small trinkets as encouragement for your continued cultivation journey."

With those words, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, scattering tens of thousands of beams of Immortal Radiance [a radiant light emanating from an immortal] that descended into the hands of the assembled crowd.

Upon receiving the Immortal Radiance, everyone examined their gifts, and expressions of ecstatic joy blossomed on their faces.

Among the treasures Eldrin Chen had bestowed were World-Opening Treasure [a treasure suitable for cultivators at the World-Opening realm], World-Opening Marvel [a wondrous object of the World-Opening grade], as well as Primordial Unity Immortal Weapon [an immortal weapon of the Primordial Unity grade] and Innate Treasure [a treasure born from the primal chaos of heaven and earth].

Any single one of these items was something they had only dreamed of possessing. Now, having received such generous gifts from a Great Encompassing Immortal Lord [an immortal lord whose power encompasses the great cosmos], they all immediately prostrated themselves upon the Earthly Path [the path of cultivation grounded in the earthly realm], chanting in unison, "We offer our deepest gratitude for the Immortal Lord's magnanimous gifts."

"Go now."

Eldrin Chen gave a dismissive wave. With a sweep of his sleeve, he teleported the multitude away, leaving behind only seventy-two figures.

Lofty Peak Lu stood amidst the crowd. Glancing at those around him, he was momentarily taken aback, realizing that the seventy-two individuals who remained were all top-tier powerhouses of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art focused on self-sacrifice and transcendence].

Each of these seventy-two cultivators had at least opened their Ninefold Heavenly Domain [the ninth and highest tier of the foundational Heavenly Domain realm], marking them as exceptionally rare in both talent and strength.

"It has been seven hundred twenty thousand years since I first disseminated the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art focused on self-sacrifice and transcendence]," Eldrin Chen began, his voice calm and measured. "You seventy-two are the strongest practitioners of this path, each possessing the potential to reach the realm of a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a powerful immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm]. Thus, you share a certain karmic connection with me."

He continued, his words flowing like a gentle stream, "Since fate has brought us together, would you be willing to kneel before me and become my nominal disciples?"

"We are willing!"

Upon hearing this, expressions of ecstatic joy blossomed on every face. Without hesitation, they all prostrated themselves upon the Earthly Path [the foundational path of cultivation, representing stability and connection to the earth].

To become a nominal disciple of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has achieved the pinnacle of the Golden Immortal realm, encompassing all creation] was a dream coveted by countless Celestial Immortal Great Power [powerful immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm]. That they, mere Earth Immortal [immortals whose power is still grounded to the earthly realm], could receive such an Opportunity and Fortune [a rare chance bestowed by fate and luck] was beyond their wildest hopes.

Witnessing their devotion, Eldrin Chen spoke again, "I shall accept three thousand nominal disciples. You shall be the first among them."

"In nine million years," he declared, his tone carrying the weight of prophecy, "whoever among you can dominate all rivals in the coming Path Tribulation [a cataclysmic trial that tests a cultivator's path and destiny], proving themselves first in both combat prowess and foundational depth, shall ascend to become my true, personal disciple. Now, go and cultivate with diligence."

With those final words, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve. In that simple gesture, a token of identity materialized and flew into the hand of each of the seventy-two disciples.

Hearing this, everyone accepted the tokens with joy.

With these Disciple-in-Name tokens, they were now considered inheritors of the Great Encompassing Ancient Sect. Henceforth, even Celestial Immortal Great Power [powerful cultivators who have ascended to the celestial realm] from the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain would have to show them deference.

Most crucially, possessing these tokens entitled them to a stipend from the Returning Abyss Ancestral Court and granted them access to the majority of the celestial-grade Immortal Scripture [profound texts containing cultivation methods and divine arts] housed within the Returning Abyss Ancestral Court Scripture Pavilion.

Scriptures of the Celestial Immortal [the realm of celestial immortals] level were treasures they had once only dreamed of obtaining in the outside world, each requiring a price paid a thousandfold.

Walking among the crowd, Lofty Peak Lu looked at the token in his hand, his thoughts turning to the words spoken by Eldrin Chen.

"The first to break through to the Three Realms Realm [a profound cultivation stage encompassing the three great realms of existence] shall become a direct disciple of the Great Encompassing [the ultimate, all-encompassing realm of cultivation]?"

Lofty Peak Lu murmured inwardly, a steely resolve igniting within the depths of his gaze.

He understood, with a clarity that bordered on instinct, that whether he could formally enter the tutelage of Eldrin the Immortal Lord and become a direct lineage disciple of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the golden, perfected state of the Great Encompassing Realm] would determine the very trajectory of his future Destiny [the preordained path and fortune of a cultivator's life].

Without the patronage of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, possessing neither influential background nor profound heritage, relying solely on his unyielding pride and perseverance—what chance did he truly have of attaining the Great Encompassing Realm [the ultimate, all-encompassing realm of cultivation]?

"..."

The assembled immortals received their tokens and, after offering three bows of gratitude, departed one by one from Returning Abyss Heaven.

Exquisite Jiang appeared beside Eldrin Chen. Glancing at the retreating figure of Lofty Peak Lu, she remarked, "That young man is intelligent and reserved, yet he possesses no lack of perseverance and daring. He is a natural seed for cultivating the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-sacrifice and transcendence]. Now that he has also opened the Twelve-Layered Heaven and Earth [a legendary and supremely difficult foundational cultivation realm], that direct disciple slot is most likely his."

"It's not yet certain,"

Eldrin Chen shook his head before continuing, "There are still nine hundred thousand years. It's not impossible for another prodigy, no weaker than him, to emerge."

Exquisite Jiang nodded at his words, then inquired, "I have spent these years adjusting my state and am prepared to undertake the Foundation Reforging [a divine ability to completely rebuild and perfect one's cultivation foundation] soon."

"Mm," Eldrin Chen acknowledged with a slight dip of his chin. "During this time, those who underwent the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial] have all digested their gains from the Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] and emerged from seclusion. Let us summon them for a council."

Upon hearing this, Exquisite Jiang nodded in agreement. "Very well."

Not long after, the high-ranking members of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain had all gathered within the Great Hall of Returning Abyss Heaven.

Eldrin Chen sat upon the central throne, his gaze sweeping over the assembled figures before him, a flicker of light passing through his eyes.

After so many years apart, the various Ancient Immortal [immortals who have transcended countless ages] of the Chen Immortal Clan had all digested the insights gained during the Kalpa Tribulation. Their strength had now undergone a tremendous ascent.

As they were not lacking in Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [a treasure of immense rarity and power], the various Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has transcended multiple heavenly tribulations] of the Chen Immortal Clan had all broken through to the Seven Tribulations [the state of having survived seven heavenly tribulations] Ancient Immortal Realm [the realm of an ancient immortal].

Setting aside Verdant Consort and Exquisite Jiang, Nyssa Qu had, through the fusion of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs], now cultivated the three great True Spirit Foundation [the foundational cultivation of a True Spirit]: the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a True Spirit], the True Spirit Great Path [the supreme cultivation path of a True Spirit], and the True Spirit Divine Ability [the divine power of a True Spirit]. She was already the strongest individual within the Chen Immortal Clan.

Violet Consort Yan had refined several precious, top-tier Path Source [a source of pure path energy for cultivation] and the Innate [born of heaven and earth, not created] spiritual flame Dutian Violet Flame [a supreme violet flame of heaven and earth]. She had cultivated to become a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal, and had even achieved two of the Indestructibility Foundation [the foundational cultivation leading to indestructibility]: the Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [an indestructible spiritual core] and the Indestructibility Great Path [an indestructible supreme cultivation path].

Energy Abyss Chen had cultivated an Indestructibility Body [a body of unbreakable resilience]. Furthermore, by refining a piece of Innate Heavenly God Object Immortality Adamantine [a divine, unbreakable metal born of heaven], he seemed to have half-stepped into the domain of the True Spirit Physique [the physical constitution of a True Spirit].

Lila had cultivated a single Indestructibility Foundation, placing her combat prowess a step below the other two.

Kael Chen's cultivation had caught up, reaching the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal Realm. Having refined several portions of Eight Tribulation Path Source [a source of path energy suitable for eight-tribulation cultivators], he now practiced the Triple Path Cultivation [simultaneous cultivation of the Buddhist, Daoist, and Demonic paths]. All three of his Great Path [supreme cultivation paths] had been cultivated into Embryonic Great Path [nascent supreme paths], and their fusion and unification would lead to the Indestructibility Great Path.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, Kael Chen's Path Fruit [the fruit of one's cultivation path] from the unification of his three paths, his Great Path, and his Myriad Worlds Unification Body [a divine ability that unifies the power of myriad worlds] all possessed the potential to be cultivated to the True Spirit Realm [the realm of a True Spirit].

This astonished even Eldrin Chen, for Kael Chen's potential was truly terrifying.

To possess the potential for Three True Spirit Foundations was a talent and latent power rare even within the Chaos [the primordial state before creation]. Success would undoubtedly mark him as possessing genuine Path Ancestor Potential [the potential to become an Ancestor of a Great Path].

Ethan Chen and Worthy Verdancy Chen were a step behind, but they had each cultivated one Indestructibility Foundation.

The combat prowess of Worthy Longevity Chen was also exceptionally formidable. By now, Worthy Longevity Chen had cultivated to the level of a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal. With thirty-three Vast Sea Divine Pearl [divine pearls embodying the power of the vast sea] augmenting his form, his battle strength was sufficient to rival that of an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Unfortunately, it remained exceedingly difficult for Worthy Longevity Chen to prove his path to the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [a profound cultivation realm]. To produce thirty-three strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primal, unbreakable spiritual radiance] in one breath was an impossible feat, even for Eldrin Chen.

Taking a comprehensive view, aside from Exquisite Jiang, who was undergoing Foundation Reforging [a process of reforging one's cultivation foundation], and Verdant Consort, who was preparing for reincarnation and rebirth, the other members of the Chen Immortal Clan all possessed combat power at the peak level of a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Among them, Nyssa Qu possessed the Three True Spirit Foundations [a rare cultivation art granting three true spirit foundations], while Worthy Longevity Chen and Kael Chen also wielded battle strength comparable to an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

The remaining four—Lila, Violet Consort Yan, Energy Abyss Chen, and Ethan Chen—also possessed peak Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal combat power, capable of even briefly clashing with an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Furthermore, in addition to these individuals, there were two auxiliary forces: the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer [a mythical deer of nine colors], Ao Hong, and the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix [an ancient ice phoenix from the primordial era].

Ao Hong and the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix were still recuperating from their injuries, so they naturally need not be discussed further.

As for Gentle Deer, she was an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal who had cultivated one of the seven great Indestructibility Foundation [a supreme cultivation foundation]. Her strength was in no way inferior to those with a single True Spirit Foundation.

Having grasped the strength of his companions, Eldrin Chen allowed a faint smile to touch his lips. He then spoke, his voice clear and steady, "The reason I have gathered you all here today is to discuss the matter of developing the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, turbulent expanse of chaotic energies]." Read the full novel exclusively on (audio-novel.com).