Chapter 1806 : 6 Realms of Celestial Immortals
Eldrin spoke with a faint tone, a rare hint of pride coloring his words.
The 10 realms preceding the Great Luo of the Path of Self-Offering possess 1 more stage compared to the Immortal Path. Therefore, the Cosmic Universe realm of the Path of Self-Offering shall far surpass the Celestial Immortal realm of the Immortal Path.
According to Eldrin's (Person Name) estimation, cultivation in the Realm of Cosmos could be considered a fusion of the Celestial Immortal Realm and the Ancient Immortal Realm.
The fundamental reason lies in the fact that Eldrin had perfected and extended the 3 Realms Realm—a transitional stage in martial arts cultivation.
The 3 Realms Realm was originally only a Half-Step Celestial Immortal comparable to the Taiyi Realm. However, by harnessing the power of the Inner World, the Path of Self-Sacrifice perfected this transitional realm into an entirely new stage of cultivation.
Moreover, according to Eldrin's (Person Name) estimation, unlike celestial immortals who tread the path of celestial dao, those who have reached the Cosmic Realm cultivate 10 great divine treasures. Their approach to breaking through the Ancient Immortal Realm might differ from conventional celestial dao practices.
Nevertheless, by his own efforts, he established the 10 realms of the Path of Self-Sacrifice beyond the boundless orthodox immortal path, with his inner universe even surpassing the orthodox immortal path's method of the outer universe. His talent could truly be called unparalleled in history.
You must understand, even if the Path of Sacrificing Oneself were weaker than the Immortal Path—let alone the fact that it has partially surpassed it—this would still represent immeasible virtue and transcendent genius.
For the path of immortal cultivation is 1 of solitary ascension—a magnificent dao indeed, yet only those blessed with spiritual roots may tread its course.
Yet his Sacrificial Dao could deliver all living beings from torment—the 2 were simply incomparable.
It must be understood that among all living beings, those possessing spiritual roots are inherently 1 in a 1000. For mortals whose ancestors had no cultivators, the chance of giving birth to a child with spiritual roots is even rarer—1 in a 100 1000, or even 1 in a million.
The path of immortal dao offers salvation to, at best, 1 in a 1000, or even 1 in 10 1000. Yet Eldrin’s (Person Name) path of cultivation holds the power to deliver all living beings from suffering.
Even if this path is more arduous, demanding boundless courage and willpower far beyond the ordinary, with only a sliver of hope to attain the Dao—it remains the sole path to immortality for countless mortals.
Moreover, Eldrin felt that although this path was even more arduous, and nearly all who attempted it perished or fell during the 'Sacrifice of Self' ritual, it could truly temper 1's willpower.
As long as 1 could break through to the Sacrificial Self Realm, their innate talent and comprehension might be uncertain, but they would undoubtedly be a prodigy of astonishing willpower that could startle immortals. Such individuals likely possess a far greater chance of reaching the Heaven-Opening Realm than ordinary immortals.
"Offer to My Dao, this is a single thread of hope for mortals."
Even a mere mortal, forever humble as dust, insignificant like an ant in the mountains.
Yet as long as 1's Dao Heart remains steadfast, enduring countless trials and tribulations, the day will come when the lowly ant transforms into a true dragon.
Eldrin (Person Name) spoke slowly, finally setting aside the distracting thoughts in his heart.
He set aside his distracting thoughts and resumed his secluded cultivation, steadily accumulating his foundational reserves and magical power.
Over the course of 1,000,000 years spent cultivating his Reincarnation Body, Eldrin’s true self also remained in a state of relentless, arduous training.
With the aid of vast resources and rare treasures, bolstered by 20-8 superior-grade innate ancient trees, Eldrin's cultivation advanced with astonishing speed. As early as 2 100 1000 years ago, he had already broken through to the Fifth Heaven of the Celestial Immortal realm.
During this period, the various Celestial Immortal powerhouses of the Chen Immortal Clan (Organization) had all broken through to the mid-stage Celestial Immortal realm. Even the Eldrin (Person Name) of the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance and Daoist Zixuan (Person Name) had cultivated to the third level of the Celestial Immortal realm.
It seems that before the Quantumn Cataclysm, quite a few members of the Abyssal Return Immortal Alliance would be able to break through to the mid-stage Celestial Immortal realm.
After Seraphina Qu (Person Name) and Qingji (Person Name) broke through to the mid-stage Celestial Immortal realm, their strength had already become comparable to that of a seventh-layer Celestial Immortal expert.
In the days that followed, Eldrin began leading them to explore the Chaos, helping them adapt to its environment while simultaneously investigating the nature of chaotic energy.
Alas, the Chaos Qi within the 3 1000 Immortal Domains was scarce. After exploring for over 1,800,000 years and venturing deep into the primordial chaos 7 times, they had obtained fewer than 10 strands of Innate Qi.
These strands of Primordial Qi were of no interest to Eldrin, so he entrusted them all to his 5 dao companions, including Seraphina Qu.
Throughout this process, Lyra's cultivation had already broken through to the 5th-6th tier of the Celestial Immortal realm, while Eldrin's cultivation had even reached the peak of Celestial Immortal perfection.
Fortunately, after 7 consecutive expeditions into the Chaos, the group had developed significant adaptability. Even without Eldrin (Person Name) leading them in the future, they would possess formidable self-preservation capabilities within this chaotic expanse of the 3 1000 Immortal Domains.
On this day, Eldrin journeyed through the primordial chaos alongside Lyra, Qing Ji, and 3 other dao companions.
Suddenly, through the boundless chaos, they glimpsed a vast ancient continent looming faintly in and out of view.
"Ahead lies the Great Chill Immortal Realm."
Gazing upon the vast immortal realm before him, Eldrin spoke with a gentle smile.
Hearing this, everyone breathed a slight sigh of relief. They had been exploring the Chaos for over 300,000 years, traversing an immeasurable distance before finally reaching their destination.
Seeing this, Yan Zijie couldn't help but smile and say, "Since we've arrived at the Taihan Immortal Realm, we should be able to meet the Celestial Maiden and Senior Tianya."
Eldrin nodded upon hearing this. He had come to the Taihan Celestial Realm for 2 purposes.
The first task was to prepare a gift for Elder Tianya and the Celestial Maiden, to aid them in their breakthrough to the realm of Ancient Immortals.
The second matter was to attend the Million-Year Grand Bazaar of the Taihan Immortal Realm, where he intended to acquire a treasure suited to his needs while making preparations to break through to the seventh layer of the Celestial Immortal realm.
At this thought, Eldrin spoke: "A few years ago, Old Man Tianya sent me a message, informing me that he would soon attempt to break through to the Ancient Immortal Realm."
"By my reckoning, the time has come for him to attempt the breakthrough to Ancient Immortal. It is time I lent them my aid."
As they spoke, the 3 of them traversed the world's membrane and arrived within the Great Cold Immortal Realm.
They did not linger, immediately traversing the boundless void until they soon arrived within the Heavenly Mountains and beheld the Heavenly Mountain Goddess.
During this process, the group encountered the Primordial Ice Silkworm once more.
Although it had been millions of years since their last meeting, Eldrin had received grace from the Primordial Ice Silkworm in his early years, while Lila shared a master-disciple karmic bond with the Celestial Maiden. Their reunion now naturally stirred profound emotions in both.
In repayment of the favor, Eldrin gifted the Primordial Ice Silkworm 3 Innate Taiyi Pills, along with 3 Ninth-Grade Innate Heaven-Mending Pills, plus 3 Innate Marvel Treasures—all exceedingly rare divine artifacts.
Lila reciprocated the kindness by taking out 3 portions of Primordial Ice Soul Water and presenting them to the Primeval Ice Silkworm to settle the karmic debt from years past.
That Primordial Ice Silkworm only possessed the cultivation base of the Taiyi Realm, and its foundation was not particularly outstanding among the Half-Step Celestial Immortals. However, with these rare treasures coveted even by Celestial Immortals, its chances of breaking through to the Celestial Immortal Realm in the future would be greatly enhanced.
Even after her breakthrough, there should still be a considerable amount remaining, sufficient to help the Snow Lotus Grotto-Heaven nurture 1 or 2 additional Celestial Immortals.
"These gifts are far too precious."
The Celestial Maiden had the Primordial Ice Silkworm accept the gifts, yet she remarked with utmost courtesy, "Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated."
She no longer spoke of the karmic ties between herself and Lila as master and disciple. Though Lila had inherited her Daoist methods in the past, they had never truly formalized their master-disciple relationship, so Lila could not be considered her genuine direct disciple.
Now, Lila's cultivation and innate talent were truly extraordinary. Moreover, as Eldrin's dao companion, it was no longer appropriate to acknowledge her as his disciple.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the Celestial Maiden spoke once more, "Your arrival is most timely. Patriarch Tianya is preparing to enter seclusion for a breakthrough and is currently arranging the formation to advance to Ancient Immortal realm."
"I was just about to go provide him protection. You shall accompany me there."
"Very well."
Eldrin nodded, then departed for the Violet Radiance Heavenly Domain together with the Celestial Maiden.
They tore through the void and soon arrived at the Skyreach Grotto-Heaven, where they met the Venerable Skyreach.
By now, Patriarch Tianya had mostly completed the mountain-protecting formation. Everyone stepped forward to assist, and soon the array was fully established.
After everything was properly arranged, Patriarch Tianya secretly arrived at the mountain abode with Eldrin, the Celestial Maiden, Lyra, and the others.
After everyone had taken their seats, Elder Tianya spoke, "Lately, I've felt my spiritual power reaching completion and my foundation becoming firmly established. The time has come to break through to the Ancient Immortal Realm."
"When does the senior plan to make the breakthrough?"
Eldrin spoke, his expression grave as he said.
The Ancient 1 of the Horizon pondered briefly before responding, "Let us wait another few tens of thousands of years. I wish to see if this Grand Bazaar of Rare Artifacts might yield some spiritual treasures to aid in transcending tribulations."
Eldrin nodded slightly upon hearing this.
Breaking through to the Ancient Immortal Realm was no trivial matter. Generally speaking, only supreme-grade innate treasures could increase 1's chances of success by 10 to 20 percent.
Although the Ancient Heaven Elder possessed the Primordial Chaos Elixir and was blessed with an innate divine foundation, his confidence in achieving a breakthrough to the Ancient Immortal realm in a single attempt stood at merely 50 to 60 percent.
Although a 50 to 60 percent chance of success was by no means small, the possibility of failure remained far from negligible.
With this foundation, if 1 could acquire several top-grade innate treasures to assist in the breakthrough, it might slightly increase the chances of success and add a marginal boost to the probability.
At this thought, Eldrin retrieved 2 white jade vials from his sleeve and handed them to the Ancestor of the Remote End and the Celestial Maiden, saying, "This is the Water of Creation and Destiny. If you 2 esteemed seniors consume it, your chances of a breakthrough will increase by severalfold."
The Celestial Maiden and the Ancient Horizon Elder both wore grave expressions upon hearing this. When they took the white jade bottles and saw that each indeed contained 3,000 drops of Heaven and Earth Creation Water, their faces lit up with irrepressible joy.
"With the aid of this treasure, I should have a 70 to 80 percent chance of achieving this breakthrough."
Tianya Ancestor slowly spoke, his face betraying a trace of agitation.
A 70 to 80 percent success rate was already quite remarkable. If he still failed, it could only be attributed to insufficient destiny.
Even so, Patriarch Tianya suppressed the excitement in his heart and said, "No rush, no rush. There are still quite a few top-grade innate treasures at this exchange conference."
"Among them are a few that can slightly increase the odds of breaking through to the Ancient Immortal realm. I absolutely cannot miss this opportunity."
Upon hearing this, Eldrin (Person Name) could not help but smile faintly.
This trade gathering featured quite a few remarkable treasures, all of which were urgently needed by the Chen Immortal Clan (Organization). Thus, Eldrin (Person Name) had made a special trip to attend.
At this thought, Eldrin inquired, "When will the Trading Assembly commence?"
"70 1000 years remain." The Ancient of the Faraway Skies spoke slowly, then smiled as he said, "When the time comes, I shall bring you along."
70 1000 years was not considered a long stretch of time for a Celestial Immortal of great power.
Neither Eldrin (Person Name) nor the Chen Immortal Clan (Organization) returned, having spent this period in secluded cultivation within the Tianya Grotto-Heaven. Thus, 70 1000 years slipped by in the blink of an eye.
On that day, Old Man Tianya and the Celestial Maiden summoned Eldrin (Person Name), then proceeded toward the center of the Taihan Immortal Domain.
At the heart of the Frigid Celestial Realm lies the domain known as the Frigid Heaven Domain, rumored to be the early secluded cultivation grounds of the Frigid Heaven Emperor.
The Great Cold Sovereign, having grasped a portion of the Primordial Heaven Domain’s authority over the Heavenly Dao, established a new sacred cultivation ground within the Primordial Heaven Domain after ascending to the rank of its sovereign. He then relinquished the Great Cold Immortal Domain to serve as 1 of the pivotal anchors for the Grand Formation of the 3 1000 Immortal Domains.
It is said that in the earliest days, the Frigid Celestial Realm still had numerous disciples of the Frigid Celestial Emperor cultivating there.
Having endured countless eras from the Primordial to the Ancient Ages, it was in this current epoch—after the Court of Frigid Majesty had successively produced 13 Great Luo Immortals—that most disciples eventually departed from the Frigid Majesty Celestial Realm.
In the past, the disciples of the former Emperor Taihan had either departed for the imperial dojo in the Primordial Immortal Realm or followed the 13 Great Luo Immortal Lords into the Chaos Sea in search of greater opportunities.
Hence, the major powers in the current Eldrin Immortal Realm have little connection left with the Eldrin Ancestral Court.
Only the central Extreme Cold Celestial Domain, once the dao arena of the Extreme Cold Emperor, still housed disciples of the Extreme Cold Ancestral Court cultivating within.
These individuals of the Taihan Emperor stood above all others, presiding over the largest immortal city in the Taihan Immortal Domain while also controlling its most powerful merchant consortium.
The Grand Bazaar of the Extreme Cold Immortal Realm, held once every 1,000,000 years, also takes place within the Extreme Cold Celestial Domain.
"This is the Taihan Immortal City."
Tianya Patriarch led the company soaring through the skies until they arrived at the Taihan Immortal Realm, only coming to a halt before an ancient hall.
He gazed upon the majestic immortal city before him, his expression turning grave as he remarked, "This city was built by Lord Taihan in his early years. It has stood firm through hundreds of millions of ancient years, and legend speaks of the Dao Charm left behind by Lord Taihan."
"We must all pay our respects, and be sure not to show any impropriety."
Upon hearing this, Eldrin immediately adopted a solemn expression, not daring to show the slightest negligence.
With a respectful bow toward the celestial city, Eldrin then followed the Ancient of Remoteness as they continued onward.
Yet before long, he detected an intangible trace of Dao Charm lingering within the Frostveil Celestial City. It carried the essence of piercing cold, as sharp as frozen blades, yet harmed not a single soul—an enigma beyond comprehension.
"What astonishing power."
Outwardly serene and tranquil, yet within it concealed a power akin to raging tidal waves—once unleashed, it could very well annihilate all in its wake.
Eldrin (Person Name) murmured inwardly, a trace of horror creeping into his heart.
He dared not look further and immediately averted his gaze, following the crowd as they ascended toward the Great Chill Immortal City.
Meanwhile, in the distant Primordial Immortal Realm, within a serene and tranquil celestial palace, a peerlessly elegant female immortal in white robes opened her eyes, revealing a trace of bewilderment.
"Who dares to stir the essence of my Dao?"
The Great Cold Emperor furrowed his brow slightly, instinctively performing a finger calculation. After a moment, his expression grew increasingly solemn as he spoke, "The heavenly secrets are obscured, shrouded in utter chaos."
"Who is it that has stirred my Dao Imprint, to the extent that even I cannot deduce the slightest trace?"
At this thought, the Emperor of Extreme Cold's gaze darkened slightly, not daring to continue his deductions.
Not even a trace of its existence could be deduced by her—this was far beyond the capabilities of a Quasi-Sage Emperor. Only a being of Chaos-level could achieve such a feat.
"Not like those Celestial Emperors and Divine Sovereigns, nor should it be the Dao Ancestors or Immortal Sages. Could it possibly be..."