Chapter 1912 : Prodigies of the Ancient Path

Seeing this, Nyssa Qu could not help but smile and say, "If he doesn't count, then it would be Lofty Peak Lu and Lingering Ye who have achieved it."

Eldrin Chen also nodded in agreement. Over the course of these ten million years, Lofty Peak Lu and Lingering Ye were arguably the two most dazzling talents.

Between the two, Lofty Peak Lu attained the Way earlier. His foundation was solid and methodical, preferring to make breakthroughs upon existing groundwork. He meticulously cultivated the various techniques imparted by Eldrin Chen to their utmost limits, even repeatedly shattering his own boundaries.

Lingering Ye attained the Way six million years ago. She, however, favored unorthodox paths. She possessed her own unique comprehension of each realm within the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence through sacrifice], and by merging the Immortal Path [the orthodox path of immortal cultivation] with the Sacrificial Self Path, she pioneered countless novel Daos [profound truths or principles] and techniques.

These novel Daos and techniques carried immense risks in cultivation, yet they often yielded far greater combat prowess.

Between the two, Lofty Peak Lu possessed the more unshakable foundation, yet Lingering Ye was the more enigmatic and inscrutable. Determining which of them was ultimately stronger was a difficult task.

From Eldrin Chen's perspective, if these two were placed within the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, they would be considered peerless prodigies, the kind that appears only once in several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years].

"Lofty Peak Lu possesses an iron will, with perseverance and courage rarely seen in this world. His future potential is likely extraordinary."

"Lingering Ye has astonishing comprehension and dares to take risks and experiment. Thus, her path ahead is more treacherous and unpredictable. She may achieve even greater heights, but she is also more likely to ruin her foundation and perish midway."

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly, offering his evaluation of these two favored sons of heaven [exceptional talents] of the Sacrificial Self Path. Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio-novel.com.

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen performed a brief divination to calculate the fates of these two individuals. After a moment, however, he shook his head slightly.

In his calculations, Lofty Peak Lu's early cultivation path was steady and methodical, but later became unpredictable and winding, seemingly growing more radical, obscuring its inner mysteries.

In contrast, Lingering Ye appeared to advance by leaps and bounds along her cultivation path, only to fall into a cycle of repeated cultivation and Reincarnation [the process of being reborn into a new life] after reaching a certain peak.

"Intriguing."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a flicker of curiosity appearing in his expression.

What caused the steady and methodical Lofty Peak Lu to become seemingly radical and risk-taking at a certain point? And what led Lingering Ye into this cycle of repetition and Reincarnation?

Fate is ever-changing, fortune rises and falls. Even with his True Spirit [a profound spiritual cultivation realm] mastery of Celestial Mechanism [the art of divining fate and heavenly patterns], Eldrin Chen could not glimpse the complete Destiny [the predetermined course of a being's existence] of an individual.

Eldrin Chen did not continue his divination. Instead, he spoke with a hint of realization, "Spiraling and circling, an endless cycle... the name Lingering seems to foreshadow her Destiny?"

Seeing this, Lila grew curious and asked, "What is so unique about the Destiny of these two?"

"The Celestial Mechanism is inscrutable and ever-changing; its secrets cannot be lightly revealed."

Eldrin Chen shook his head without further comment, yet he faintly understood that the destinies of these two individuals were likely intertwined with the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art focused on self-sacrifice and transcendence].

He withdrew his thoughts and continued to observe the ongoing battle of the Path Tribulation [a cataclysmic conflict determining the fate of cultivation paths].

"RUMBLE—"

Just as the onlookers watched, the majestic Southern Chaos Heavenly Domain [a vast and turbulent celestial realm] collided with the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [an immortal domain known for its profound mysteries].

An entrance to an Immortal Domain [a realm inhabited by powerful immortals] was torn open. Countless Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality through cultivation] surged into it, and a great war erupted in full fury.

High above in the Heavenly Vault [the highest celestial expanse], the Celestial Immortal [immortals of a high rank, possessing celestial power] from various Grotto-Heaven [paradisiacal realms and hidden sanctuaries] observed this battle in silence. Their initial expressions were grave, but soon, one by one, they were overcome with astonishment.

The power displayed by the practitioners of the Sacrificial Self Path was truly staggering. The combat prowess of these Three Realms Realm [a high cultivation realm where one masters the powers of Heaven, Earth, and Man] Immortals had already transcended the level of mere Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator on the verge of attaining full Celestial Immortal status].

Leveraging their internal worlds and formidable Primordial Unity Foundation [a foundational cultivation art that unifies one's primordial essence], they could even clash with Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from the chaos of creation] without being defeated. The most powerful top-tier experts at the Three Realms Realm could even rely on their physical strength alone to tear Chaos Ancient Beasts apart with their bare hands.

"To be able to rend Chaos Ancient Beasts asunder even before integrating Innate Energy [the primordial, uncreated energy that predates the universe]... is the physical body cultivated by the Sacrificial Self Path truly so formidable?"

"And this is merely the Three Realms Realm. Above it lie the Cosmos Realm [a realm where one's power encompasses a miniature cosmos] and the Immortal Treasury Realm [a realm where one's body becomes a treasury of immortal power]. That such a profound Path to Heaven [a cultivation art described as a direct path to heavenly ascension] was actually created by an Immortal Lord [a lord among immortals, a master of profound laws]?"

Countless Immortal [powerful beings who have transcended mortality] were left astounded. Even the Ancient Immortal Patriarch [an ancient and venerable immortal] of the Primordial Solar Grotto-Heaven, the Void Sword Master [a master swordsman of the void] from the Void Grotto-Heaven, and other such Ancient Immortal [immortals from a bygone era] could not conceal the flicker of desire in their eyes.

Since the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation art that sacrifices the old self to birth a new one] possessed such formidable power, then perhaps by specializing in it, they could increase their chances of attaining the Great Encompassing Realm [the ultimate realm of cultivation, encompassing all existence].

It was not just them; even Lila and Violet Consort Yan revealed a trace of that same yearning.

Eldrin Chen shook his head, however, and said to the two, "The crux of the Sacrificial Self Path lies in sacrificing the old self to give birth to a new self with greater potential. In theory, even after reaching the Great Encompassing Realm, one could still sacrifice everything to nurture a new incarnation."

"In fact, the more powerful the old self, the more formidable the new self that is born from it."

"However, the method is not yet perfected. Attempting the Sacrificial Self Art [the technique of the Sacrificial Self Path] beyond the Ascendant Immortal [the realm of an immortal who has ascended to a higher plane] is far too perilous. It would be wiser to wait until I have further refined this art in the future before considering a conversion." Read the full novel exclusively on audio-novel*com.

Hearing this, the two finally nodded in understanding.

While many Celestial Immortal [immortals residing in the celestial realms] contemplated starting their cultivation anew, the ongoing Path Tribulation [a cosmic trial faced by those who walk the great path] intensified, entering a white-hot phase.

The Immortal of the Three Realms Realm [a high cultivation realm encompassing three major planes of existence] who practiced the Sacrificial Self Path demonstrated combat prowess capable of rivaling Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from the primal chaos]. Their strength was such that they suffered little suppression even within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state of existence].

Particularly Lofty Peak Lu and Lingering Ye, who successively slew multiple Chaos Ancient Beast. Ultimately, using a Ninth Rank Middle Grade Chaos Ancient Beast [a Chaos Ancient Beast of the ninth rank and middle grade] as cultivation nourishment, they broke through to the Cosmos [the realm of the cosmos, a profound state of being] realm.

Upon their initial steps into the Cosmos Realm [the realm of cosmic creation and primordial chaos] and the reversal of their Innate Physique [a supreme, heaven-defying foundational constitution], the two immediately displayed combat prowess rivaling that of the Seventh Layer of the Celestial Immortal Realm [the seventh and penultimate stage of the Celestial Immortal realm], utterly sweeping across the entire battlefield.

In the end, their fierce duel within the Chaos Heavenly Domain [a primordial domain of swirling, unformed chaos] raged for over ten thousand years, with Lingering Ye ultimately losing by the narrowest of margins.

This defeat was not due to any lack of personal strength on Lingering Ye's part. Her combat power was in no way inferior to Lofty Peak Lu's; in fact, she held a slight edge. The issue lay in the flaws within her foundational cultivation.

Having ascended to the Innate Realm [the realm of returning to one's primordial, innate nature] through a perilous and unorthodox method, her foundation inevitably bore significant imperfections.

In contrast, Lofty Peak Lu's cultivation base was as solid as an unshakable mountain. Even while being relentlessly pressured by Lingering Ye, the absence of a qualitative gap between them meant he remained fundamentally unassailable.

As the prolonged battle failed to yield victory over Lofty Peak Lu, the flaws in Lingering Ye's foundation began to exact their toll, manifesting as a backlash. It was this moment of vulnerability that Lofty Peak Lu seized to secure his triumph.

"Had I not been your senior by several million years, the outcome of this battle might have been different," Lofty Peak Lu remarked with a tone of genuine respect, his gaze fixed upon Lingering Ye as the duel concluded.

(The dialogue is part of the narrative flow from paragraph seven and is correctly placed there.)

"Defeat is defeat. There is no need for excuses," Lingering Ye replied with a faint, serene smile. She sheathed her sword with calm finality and departed, her figure vanishing into the distant horizon.

(The action of sheathing her sword and leaving is the concluding part of Lingering Ye's response and dialogue in paragraph nine.)

Simultaneously, as the tribulation energy [the chaotic and destructive force that precipitates great calamities] between heaven and earth dissipated, all the newly ascended Celestial Immortal and Cosmos Realm powerhouses from this Path Tribulation were instantly transported into the Returning Abyss Heaven.

Regaining their senses, the assembly found themselves before a host of gathered immortals. A majestic figure, robed in white as pure as snow, sat enthroned upon the Heavenly Vault.

Understanding dawned upon them in that instant. They immediately prostrated themselves upon the Earthly Path [the ground, often symbolizing humility before the cosmic order], declaring in unison, "We pay our respects to the Path Ancestor and to all esteemed Seniors."

"In this Path Tribulation, our Returning Abyss Immortal Domain has gained one hundred new Celestial Immortal and Cosmos Realm cultivators. Your performance has been commendable."

The figure upon the Heavenly Vault spoke with measured calm. With a sweep of his sleeve, streams of spiritual light descended, settling into the hands of each cultivator present.

Examining the treasures they received, they discovered that nearly every one of them had been granted several portions of Innate Rare Treasure [treasures born of heaven and earth, possessing profound natural power]. A wave of elation washed over their hearts.

At that moment, the voice from the Heavenly Vault continued, "Consider these modest treasures an encouragement for your continued cultivation."

"Lingering Ye and Lofty Peak Lu shall remain. The rest of you may depart."

"We offer our deepest gratitude for the Path Ancestor's bestowed treasures."

Overwhelmed with joy, the assembled immortals kowtowed their thanks before filing out of the Great Hall one by one.

At the same time, after the other immortals had departed, Eldrin Chen looked at Lingering Ye and Lofty Peak Lu and said, "Your talents are Extraordinary. Would you be willing to enter my tutelage and become my personal disciples?"

Upon hearing this, both were overjoyed. They immediately prostrated themselves and said, "Your disciple pays respects to our honored master."

"Rise."

Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, using a gentle force to help them stand. Then, with a meaningful tone, he said, "Your paths are fraught with hardship, and in the future, you may face a great tribulation. Today, I bestow upon each of you a special cultivation art. When fate aligns in the future, it may aid you in overcoming that calamity."

As he spoke, with another flick of his sleeve, two scrolls of scripture materialized and landed in their hands.

Lofty Peak Lu took his scroll and saw that the scripture he received was named—'Heart-Clarifying Path Inquiry Art' [a profound art for introspection and clarifying one's true path].

The scripture in Lingering Ye's hand, however, was titled—'Returning Abyss Reincarnation Scripture' [a scripture focused on the mysteries of the soul's journey and reincarnation].

These two arts were both Great Encompassing Marvelous Art [supreme-level mystical techniques] created by Eldrin Chen over the years. They were not primary cultivation methods but rather auxiliary Great Encompassing Marvelous Art designed to provide profound support.

Among these two marvelous arts, long-term cultivation of the Heart-Clarifying Path Inquiry Art could implant a Clear Heart [a state of pure, unclouded consciousness] Dao Seed within the cultivator, enabling them to achieve sudden enlightenment and comprehend their true nature at critical moments.

The Returning Abyss Reincarnation Scripture, on the other hand, was developed based on the foundation of the Hundred Lifetimes Reincarnation Scripture [a legendary scripture detailing the soul's journey through countless cycles of rebirth]. It could protect a cultivator's True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the indestructible core of one's soul and spirit], preventing them from being lost within the endless cycles of Reincarnation [the cyclical process of death and rebirth].

Having obtained two volumes of auxiliary Great Encompassing secret arts, both of them were somewhat curious. In the end, they bowed respectfully and said, "We thank our master for these methods."

Eldrin Chen smiled, then took out some Innate Rare Treasure [treasures born from the world's essence, possessing unique and powerful properties] and bestowed them upon the two. Only then did he wave his hand and say, "From now on, you shall follow your eldest senior brother in your cultivation. If there is anything you do not understand, you may come and ask your master."

As he spoke, Alistair Ye Fengjian approached. He first offered a bow to Eldrin Chen, then looked at the two newcomers and said, "Sixth Junior Brother, Seventh Junior Sister, please come with me. I shall arrange your grotto-abodes for you."

"We are in your care."

The two straightened with solemn respect and immediately followed Alistair Ye as he departed.

Watching them leave, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of approval. As Eldrin Chen's eldest disciple, Alistair Ye's cultivation had reached the Ancient Immortal Realm [a profound state of immortality where one's lifespan is measured in cosmic cycles] many years ago. His combat prowess had already ascended to the level of a Seven Tribulations [having survived seven heavenly tribulations, a mark of immense power and resilience] Ancient Immortal Realm cultivator. Instructing these two disciples would be more than sufficient for him.

Thus concluded the first Path Tribulation [a trial of fate and destiny faced by cultivators on their path] within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain. Gentle Deer, who had been nearby munching on melon seeds, was just about to leave when Eldrin Chen called out to her.

"Deer-child."

"Hmm?"

Gentle Deer tilted her small head up, her curious gaze turning towards Eldrin Chen.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen smiled and said, "Didn't you want me to return your Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial spiritual radiance that grants near-perfect defense]? It just so happens I can return it to you now."

"Really?" Gentle Deer was momentarily stunned, then exclaimed with delight, "You're actually quite a decent fellow."

As she spoke, she hurried over eagerly, tugging at Eldrin Chen's sleeve. "Give it to me, give it to me now…"

"Follow me."

Eldrin Chen led Gentle Deer into his cave abode. With a flick of his sleeve, he manifested the Innate Primordial Chaos Light [the primordial radiance from before the universe's creation, containing boundless potential]. He then spoke, "This item, in exchange for your three strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light. How does that sound?"

"What is this?"

The moment she laid eyes on the Innate Primordial Chaos Light, Gentle Deer felt an indescribable yearning.

In that instant, she understood the priceless value of this radiance—a treasure far surpassing the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light.

Without the slightest hesitation, she nodded her head vigorously. "I'll trade."

"Your calculations regarding Opportunity and Fortune [the confluence of destined encounters and good luck] are quite sharp."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. With a flick of his sleeve, he guided the Primordial Chaos Light [the foundational energy of creation] into Gentle Deer's body.

The Innate Primordial Chaos Light [a primordial spark of creation] was an exceedingly precious treasure. Eldrin Chen had cultivated for nearly six million years before he could condense a single strand of it.

Now, after cultivating for over twenty million years, he had only managed to accumulate three strands of the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [an eternal, unbreakable spiritual radiance]. The first strand had been used to advance the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth [a vessel containing the primordial energies of creation]. The second strand had fused with the nine Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters [primordial runes of creation], giving birth to the Scripture of the Primordial Chaos Verdant Lotus [a supreme cultivation manual]. This alone spoke volumes of its status as a peerless, supreme treasure.

This strand was Eldrin Chen's third Innate Primordial Chaos Light, and the moment it was bestowed upon Gentle Deer, it triggered a startling metamorphosis.

Gentle Deer was originally a prodigy with a seventh-grade Indestructibility Foundation [a foundation of cultivation renowned for its durability], possessing the true potential of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a sovereign ruler from the dawn of creation]. Now, infused with the Innate Primordial Chaos Light, an invisible shackle seemed to shatter.

Eldrin Chen could clearly perceive the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Light [the light of eternal, primordial chaos] intertwining with Gentle Deer's Innate [innate] nine-colored spiritual essence. They merged and ultimately evolved into a strand of Chaos Light [a divine radiance born of primordial chaos].

"A Chaos Nine-Colored Deer?"

Eldrin Chen murmured, then immediately shook his head. "No, not yet a true Chaos Nine-Colored Deer [a mythical beast of primordial chaos]. But the path has been unlocked. The shackles preventing evolution into a Chaos Nine-Colored Deer have been broken."

"With sufficient cultivation resources, she will eventually ascend and become a true Chaos Nine-Colored Deer."

As he spoke these words, Eldrin Chen grasped the essence of Gentle Deer's transformation.

If the original Gentle Deer had reached the absolute limit of what a Nine-Colored Immortal Deer could achieve, where refining even more Path Source [a primordial source of a specific Path or Dao] and Innate Rare Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate laws] would grant her no further progress whatsoever...

...then the current Gentle Deer had shattered those shackles. The path forward was now open; she needed only to devour the necessary resources and nourishment to ascend and become a Chaos Nine-Colored Deer [a primordial deer of chaos, a being of immense power born from the formless void].

For Gentle Deer now, whether or not she cultivated a True Spirit Foundation [a foundational cultivation art that forges one's spirit into its truest, most primordial form] was almost irrelevant. Once she fully mended her foundational flaws and her cultivation realm reached the peak of Primordial One Imperial Lord [the first and foundational stage for Imperial Lords, representing the unity of one's primordial essence], she would naturally, almost imperceptibly, achieve the True Spirit Foundation.

After all, the True Spirit Foundation was merely the threshold for stepping into the Chaos Realm [the realm of primordial chaos, where cultivators begin to comprehend and manipulate the laws of formless creation]. Any being qualified to assault the ChaosHeavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor, a sovereign who commands the laws of chaos] would have undoubtedly forged at least one True Spirit Foundation.

Even if one failed to achieve it in the Great Encompassing Realm [a vast and profound cultivation realm], most beings who reached the level of a Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord who has perfected the first stage of primordial unity] would have accomplished it within that very realm.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen returned the shed Nine-Colored Deer Antlers [antlers shed by a Nine-Colored Immortal Deer, brimming with its vital nine-colored essence] to Gentle Deer and spoke, "These antlers are yours, shed from your own form. They are saturated with the power of your nine-colored origin essence."

"If you refine them, they would likely be sufficient for you to forge at least one True Spirit Foundation."

Upon hearing this, Gentle Deer's eyes shone with a brilliant light.

Throughout the vast span of three hundred billion years, during the long epochs where her cultivation could advance not a single step, she had periodically, every one hundred million years, channeled her excess power into her antlers and shed them.

Others could absorb only a minuscule fraction of that power, but she could assimilate it perfectly, reclaiming what was inherently hers.

Now that Eldrin Chen had returned these antlers, they were the most suitable cultivation treasure for her. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but exclaim with pleasant surprise, "You're quite a decent fellow, you really didn't lie to Gentle Deer."

"Whoopee! Since you're being so sensible, I won't mess with your Chaos Realm Grass anymore from now on."

"Silly girl."

Eldrin Chen smiled. He had naturally known for years that Gentle Deer had been sneaking bites of the Chaos Realm Grass. Even Goose Startles Cold had often been her victim before achieving human form. Fortunately, Eldrin Chen was not short on Chaos Realm Grass, so he had let her have her way.

This time, having repaid this Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect] and no longer needing to endure her nagging, Eldrin Chen was quite satisfied.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen patted her head and said, "Go on now. Cultivate diligently. I hope you can prove your Dao [the supreme principle and path of cultivation] during the next Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle that tests all beings]." Find this and other novels at audio_novel.com.