Chapter 1956 : The Gathering of Immortal Prodigies

"Greetings, Father, Master..."

After the nine individuals arrived at the Great Hall, they immediately prostrated themselves in reverence upon the Earthly Path [a profound cultivation art focused on grounding one's foundation in the earthly plane].

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

Upon hearing this, smiles touched the faces of all present. Through their cultivation in these years, they had gradually assimilated the foundations of their past lives. By now, the lowest among them had already reached the late stage of the Immortal Treasury Realm [a high-level cultivation realm where one's spiritual foundation is as vast as a treasury], a level at least comparable to that of a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations].

Considering this, Alistair Ye, Literature Abyss Lu, Serene Bamboo, and Worthy Verdancy Chen spoke up: "We have accumulated sufficient foundation. We are confident we can prove our path to the Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing Realm, a supreme cultivation state] during the upcoming Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial of immense scale and danger]."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, then turned his gaze to the remaining five. A faint frown creased his brow.

Among these five, Worthy Longevity Chen's destiny still held one more Tribulation [a severe trial or calamity, often heavenly in nature] that he must overcome before he could fuse the remaining three Vast Sea Divine Pearl [divine pearls containing the essence of a vast sea]. Furthermore, he lacked the necessary quantity of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial, unbreakable spiritual radiance].

As for Fate Birth, his fate appeared turbulent and uncertain, vaguely tinged with an obscure, extinguishing hue that even Eldrin Chen found momentarily difficult to decipher clearly.

Goose Startles Cold, having taken form from a Nine-Leaf Sword Grass [a legendary spiritual plant with leaves sharp as swords], seemed to carry within his very being the destiny of the Chaos Realm Grass [a mythical realm of primordial chaos], and likewise faced a Tribulation he must confront.

The destinies of Lofty Peak Lu and Lingering Ye, Eldrin Chen had sensed their profound and arduous nature long ago. Now, it appeared these trials still lay coiled, not yet unleashed.

"It seems the Tribulation [a climactic trial or calamity one must face in their cultivation journey] destined for these five has not yet arrived," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly before withdrawing his thoughts.

At that very moment, Fate Birth and the other four cupped their hands and spoke, "Our path has not yet reached its end. We fear we must temper ourselves for another Kalpa Tribulation [a grand cosmic cycle marking immense change and trial]."

"Hmm."

Eldrin Chen nodded, a faint sigh echoing in his heart.

He understood clearly. The Tribulation of these five was their own ordained fate. Even a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Great Encompassing realm] could not directly alter it; they had to transcend it themselves.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Since that is the case, you may continue your cultivation. After one Kalpa Tribulation, you may then tread the path to Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing realm, a pinnacle state of cultivation]."

So saying, Eldrin Chen bestowed upon the five some cultivation resources and treasures before allowing them to depart for the time being.

After the five had left, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the remaining four practitioners of the Mortal Path [the Path of Mortality, a foundational cultivation art]. "Now, as the Kalpa Tribulation approaches, this is your Opportunity and Fortune [a pivotal chance and blessing of fate] to prove your way into the Great Encompassing realm."

"As your master and father, today I shall bestow upon you a measure of Opportunity and Fortune, which may aid you in cultivating the Great Path [the Great Path, an ultimate cultivation art]."

Eldrin Chen's voice held the weight of both expectation and paternal care, his words settling upon the four like a solemn vow.

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze towards Alistair Ye and declared, "Verdant Edge, as my first disciple, today I bestow upon you the Primordial Solar Immortal Sword."

With a sweep of his sleeve, Eldrin Chen presented a dazzling golden Immortal Sword to Alistair Ye.

Taking the Immortal Sword, Alistair Ye could not suppress a flicker of joyous surprise.

The Primordial Solar Immortal Sword was an Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure. If it were refined and fused into his foundational essence using the Creation Cauldron, it would vastly augment his latent potential and profound reserves.

"My thanks, Master," Alistair Ye said, mastering his excitement as he prostrated himself upon the Earthly Path. "This disciple is deeply grateful."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then shifted his attention to Literature Abyss Lu. "Literature Abyss, you are my second disciple. I shall grant you the Four Symbols Origin."

Once more, with a fluid motion of his sleeve, Eldrin Chen handed four radiant orbs of primordial essence to Literature Abyss Lu.

These Four Symbols Origin had been born from the Innate Spiritual Root known as the 'Four Symbols Ancient Tree'. They were a peerless treasure, painstakingly cultivated by Eldrin Chen through the consumption of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light specifically for Literature Abyss Lu. They embodied the four primordial powers of the Vermilion Bird, the Azure Dragon, the Black Tortoise, and the White Tiger.

Receiving the Four Symbols Origin, Literature Abyss Lu was likewise overcome with elation. As the bearer of the Innate Four Symbols Path Body, his own constitution already contained the cosmic power of the Four Extremities. This gift would resonate with his being in perfect harmony.

With this realization, Literature Abyss Lu immediately knelt upon the Earthly Path. "This disciple offers his deepest gratitude for Master's profound generosity."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze to Serene Bamboo and said, "Purify Dust, you were born from an Innate Spiritual Root [a spiritual root of the highest natural purity], and though you have embarked upon the path of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art focused on self-transcendence], you are not skilled in the arts of combat and slaughter."

"This master bestows upon you the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd [a gourd-shaped treasure born of innate chaos, containing seven wondrous powers]. With it, you can cultivate a Lifebound Formation Artifact [a magical treasure that forms a life-and-death bond with its wielder], which should be sufficient for you to sweep through the foes of the Eight Desolations [a vast and perilous region of eight great wastelands]."

Serene Bamboo received the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd, holding it with such fondness he could not bear to put it down. He could not help but bow respectfully and say, "Many thanks, Master, for this precious gift."

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

To this, Eldrin Chen gave an indifferent nod.

Finally, he looked at Worthy Verdancy Chen and said with a smile, "Worthy Verdancy, I bestow upon you a Primordial Beginning Immortal Lotus Seed [a seed from a lotus born at the dawn of creation]. Plant its roots within your Inner Universe [the cosmos cultivated within a practitioner's own body]."

"When you ascend to the Inner Immortal Domain [the immortal realm cultivated within oneself], when the Innate Five Ultimates [the five primal essences of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth] flow and the Polarity Dual Energy [the energies of Yin and Yang] intertwine, this Lotus Seed will take root and sprout."

Hearing this, everyone present felt a twinge of envy.

The Primordial Beginning Immortal Lotus Seed was a seed grown from a Chaos Spiritual Root [a spiritual root born from primordial chaos]. Once nurtured to maturity, it would become the Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Root known as the 'World-Cleansing White Lotus' [a white lotus of supreme purity said to cleanse the world].

That Eldrin Chen gave this treasure to Worthy Verdancy Chen showed the depth of his affection for his only daughter.

Worthy Verdancy Chen took the Lotus Seed and immediately said with a smile, "Thank you, Father, for bestowing this treasure. This time, your child will surely pierce through this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense destruction and rebirth]."

Eldrin Chen waved his hand dismissively, then spoke with grave seriousness, "Remember this well: you must not undergo your Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense destruction and rebirth] within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains."

"The four of you may choose any one of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains in which to prove your Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the ultimate realm of a Golden Immortal, signifying complete mastery over the Great Encompassing Dao]. But you absolutely must not prove your Great Encompassing [the state of comprehending and embodying the all-encompassing Dao] within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded, their expressions turning solemn.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen brought Alistair Ye, Literature Abyss Lu, and Serene Bamboo to the Returning Abyss Forbidden Land. Once again, he utilized the Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of forging and refining supreme treasures] to help them refine the treasures he had bestowed.

Among the four, Literature Abyss Lu refined the Four Symbols Origin [the primordial essence of the Four Celestial Symbols]. Combined with a Innate Primordial Chaos Divine Spark [a fragment of divine power born from the Primordial Chaos] granted by Eldrin Chen, he finally succeeded in cultivating the True Spirit Sacrificial Self Physique [a supreme physical constitution forged through self-sacrifice, reaching the True Spirit level].

Serene Bamboo received the same treatment, successfully achieving a breakthrough and cultivating the True Spirit Sacrificial Self Physique [a supreme physical constitution forged through self-sacrifice, reaching the True Spirit level].

Alistair Ye achieved the greatest success. Originally possessing the Primordial Solar Path Body [a constitution innately aligned with the Dao of the Primal Sun], the Sacrificial Self Physique [a physical constitution forged through the path of self-sacrifice] he cultivated was exceptionally powerful. Now, having refined the Primordial Solar Immortal Sword, not only did his Sacrificial Self Physique [a physical constitution forged through the path of self-sacrifice] step into the True Spirit Realm [the realm of a True Spirit, a being of immense spiritual power], but within that domain, he could be considered a powerhouse.

After the three had completed their breakthroughs, Eldrin Chen could not help but marvel at the unique advantages of the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation method centered on the concept of sacrificing oneself for greater power].

Although this Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation method centered on the concept of sacrificing oneself for greater power] could not cultivate the seven major True Spirit Foundation [the foundational cultivation stage for achieving a True Spirit constitution], the difficulty of cultivating a single True Spirit Foundation [the foundational cultivation stage for achieving a True Spirit constitution] was far simpler compared to the traditional Immortal Path [the orthodox path of cultivation aiming for immortality].

This is because the Sacrificial Self Physique [a supreme constitution forged by fusing one's entire foundational cultivation] is formed by merging all of one's foundational roots, which inherently means breaking through one's original limits at least once.

An Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] who should have only been able to achieve a Ninth Limit Foundation [the ninth and penultimate foundational limit], would, after the fusion of the Sacrificial Self Path [the supreme cultivation art of self-sacrifice and rebirth], at the very least step into the realm of the Tenth Limit [the tenth foundational limit] or even the Eleventh Limit [the eleventh foundational limit], entering the domain of Indestructibility [a state of near-perfect durability and unbreakability].

Those capable of cultivating seven Tenth Limit Foundation [foundations at the tenth limit] or multiple Indestructibility Foundation [foundations in the Indestructibility realm] would most likely have directly achieved the True Spirit Sacrificial Self Physique [the ultimate form of the Sacrificial Self Physique, embodying a True Spirit foundation].

It can be said that the new foundation nurtured by the Sacrificial Self Path advances at least two or three steps beyond the ultimate limit one could originally attain.

Of course, the Sacrificial Self Path also has its shortcomings; after achieving the True Spirit Physique [a physique anchored by a True Spirit foundation], it becomes exceedingly difficult to progress further. In other words, its highest achievement is limited to a single True Spirit Foundation [a foundation of True Spirit grade].

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen compensated for the weakness of a single True Spirit Foundation through the Immortal Treasury Art [an art for forging supreme internal treasuries] and the Inner Immortal Domain [an internal world cultivated within oneself].

An Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality] of the Sacrificial Self Path who has forged a True Spirit Foundation, bolstered by the Inner Immortal Domain and the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [the ten supreme treasuries of an immortal], would absolutely not be inferior to a top-tier genius with dual True Spirit Foundation at the same realm.

The most exceptional among them would far surpass their peers with a single True Spirit Foundation, rivaling even those with Three True Spirit Foundations [three True Spirit grade foundations] or greater.

"A pity. The True Spirit Immortal Treasury Art [the art for forging Immortal Treasuries of True Spirit grade] remains elusive. Otherwise..."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, but soon shook his head.

According to his vision, the True Spirit Immortal Treasury [a supreme cultivation art for forging an external treasury of power], emulating the True Spirit Divine Runes [divine runes that manifest the power of a True Spirit] and the True Spirit Divine Ability [a divine ability born from a True Spirit's essence], was forged by fusing the essences of the Fleshly Body Sanctification [the art of refining the physical body to a sacred state] and the Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [the art of cultivating the Primordial Spirit to its ultimate path]. It would be capable of vastly empowering the strength of the Sacrificial Self Physique [a supreme constitution forged through self-sacrifice and refinement].

Once that step is taken, the Sacrificial Self Path [the cultivation path centered on the Sacrificial Self Physique] would surpass both the Fleshly Body Sanctification and the Primordial Spirit Path Attainment, and would rival the cultivation path of the Path of Path Mastery [the ultimate art of mastering the Dao Paths themselves]. It would become the most mainstream cultivation method within the Future [a being representing the concept of the future] Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence].

It can be foreseen that once this step is perfected, the Sacrificial Self Path, which combines the advantages of the Path Mastery [the realm of mastering a fundamental Dao Path], the Fleshly Body Sanctification, and the Primordial Spirit Path Attainment, is destined to surpass all currently existing cultivation systems. Those who walk this path would sweep aside all others within the same realm.

Imagine a being who has cultivated the True Spirit Sacrificial Self Physique [the ultimate form of the Sacrificial Self Physique, fused with True Spirit essence]. Within them resides an Immortal Domain [a personal realm of an immortal, providing boundless energy] supplying magical power. Externally, their physical form is empowered by the Ten Great True Spirit Immortal Treasuries [the ten supreme external treasuries forged through the True Spirit Immortal Treasury Art]. They could also simultaneously cultivate the Path of Path Mastery. What kind of supreme, peerless combat prowess would that represent?

Eldrin Chen even suspected that, upon truly reaching that step, it might be possible to open up a new domain beyond the True Spirit [the realm of a perfected, primordial spiritual essence].

Alas, the difficulty of creating the True Spirit Immortal Treasury Art [the complete art for forging the True Spirit Immortal Treasuries] was far too immense. To use an external Immortal Treasury [a forged repository of immortal power] to resonate with and draw upon the Eternal True Spirit [the concept of an everlasting, primordial spiritual essence] was simply not something achievable with the knowledge and experience possessed by Eldrin Chen at his current level.

Unless, one day, Eldrin Chen could prove his Dao and attain the title of Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign who rules over primordial Chaos], would there be even a sliver of possibility to perfect it.

"No use dwelling on it further,"

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

He lifted his head and looked at his three disciples. "Go and consolidate your cultivation bases," he instructed. "I hope you will not disappoint me when this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle of cosmic destruction and renewal] arrives."

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

Eldrin Chen saw this and said nothing more.

As he emerged from the Returning Abyss Forbidden Land, he discovered that Exquisite Jiang and Lila had been waiting for him for quite some time.

Lila's face was exceptionally pale at this moment, a rare flicker of anxiety visible in her expression.

Eldrin Chen instantly sensed something was amiss and inquired urgently, "What has happened?"

"Husband!"

Lila grasped Eldrin Chen's arm, her face etched with profound anguish. "The Primordial Solar Immortal Lord... he has taken Worthy Pursuit."

"What?"

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted instantly. Without a moment's delay, he stepped beyond the borders of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

There, in the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond ordered realms] outside the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, stood an Immortal Lord [a powerful immortal being] clad in robes white as snow. Beside him was a man draped in the saffron robes of a Buddhist monk.

"Worthy Pursuit."

The moment she saw the man in the kasaya robe, Lila's expression shifted subtly, and a trace of overwhelming Celestial Slaughter intent bloomed within her eyes.

Eldrin Chen's face remained placid as still water, his gaze icy as he looked at the man and said, "Primordial Solar Immortal Lord, I never imagined you would stoop to such an act."

"Hmph."

Primordial Solar Immortal Lord let out a cold laugh, then spoke, "Return the Primordial Solar Immortal Sword, and I shall spare your son's life."

Eldrin Chen's gaze was as piercing as glacial ice, his voice calm as he replied, "You and I are Great Path Rival. Do you truly believe I would trust your words?"

"Hahaha—"

Primordial Solar Immortal Lord laughed heartily, holding Worthy Pursuit Chen aloft. "Your son has actually cultivated the Indestructibility Foundation. With such talent, he might one day aspire to the Great Encompassing Realm."

"If I were to utterly annihilate his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], scattering his soul to the winds, and then imprison his True Spirit [the fundamental, indestructible essence of a being] within the Primordial Solar Immortal Furnace, I doubt even your methods could restore him to life."

Eldrin Chen's expression darkened further, the coldness and chill in his eyes deepening.

At that very moment, Worthy Pursuit Chen spoke, his voice calm and measured. "Father, there is no need for distress."

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

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

"The tribulation I face today is my destined Tribulation [a profound trial or calamity that tests a cultivator's resolve and destiny]."

As his words faded, Worthy Pursuit Chen let out a sharp, cold snort. Then, his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator's being] began to disintegrate.

"No!"

Primordial Solar Immortal Lord [a title for a powerful immortal associated with the primal sun] paled slightly. He had never imagined Worthy Pursuit Chen would be so unyielding, willing to risk the utter annihilation of his Primordial Spirit by forcibly dissolving it.

Shocked and furious, he tried to shield the disintegrating Primordial Spirit, but the process was already irreversible.

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

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

"Ah—!"

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

Lila was the first to react, immediately manifesting her Frost Soul Divine Light Sword and charging forward to confront Primordial Solar Immortal Lord with lethal intent.

Yet Eldrin Chen was even faster. He shattered the void with a single step, his palm striking with such force that it sent Primordial Solar Immortal Lord flying backward, allowing him to seize back the physical body of Worthy Pursuit Chen.

Alas, Worthy Pursuit Chen had been too unyielding. The self-destruction of his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] was irreversible; not even a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the highest known realm of cultivation] could have reversed such a fate.

"My child!"

Lila cradled Worthy Pursuit Chen in her arms, her eyes burning a furious crimson.

She fed him a great quantity of Immortal Herb [plants imbued with potent spiritual energy], but it was all for naught; his fate was sealed.

After a long while, she turned her head. She said nothing, but her gaze locked onto Eldrin Chen with an intensity that spoke volumes.

"I understand."

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

"To truly ferry all living beings across the sea of suffering, one must also wield the thunderbolt's decisive hand."

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

"The Primal Chaos Kui Ox, the Primordial Solar Immortal Lord, the Mace of Earth Immortal Lord, the Golden-Winged Demon Lord, the Verdant Extreme Patriarch, and the Profound Darkness Ghost Ancestor…"

His expression remained as placid as a still lake, utterly unperturbed by the sight of these six mighty beings. Eldrin Chen spoke, his voice cold and detached, "And where is the Primordial Era Silver Dragon? Why has he not come?"

"To slay you, the six of us are more than sufficient," declared the Profound Darkness Ghost Ancestor, his words dripping with icy confidence.

As he spoke, the Profound Darkness Ghost Ancestor summoned forth a magnificent treasure wheel, which spun into existence and instantly solidified the surrounding void, sealing all avenues of escape.

The Mace of Earth Immortal Lord brandished his Heavenly Halberd, its point aimed squarely at Eldrin Chen. "This treasure is named the Vast Domain Void Heavenly Wheel," he stated coldly. "It is a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primal chaos of creation, of the highest possible grade], possessing the power to suppress and lock down space itself."

"We paid no small price to borrow this artifact for the sole purpose of containing you."

"Enough talk," another voice cut in, sharp as a blade. "Prepare to meet your end!"

The Primordial Solar Immortal Lord [an exalted title for a powerful immortal associated with the pure yang sun] was the first to move. With a thought, he commanded his Primordial Solar Immortal Furnace [a divine furnace forged from the essence of the primordial sun] to descend, its radiant bulk seeking to crush Eldrin Chen beneath its overwhelming power.

Seeing this, the others wasted no time. They too unleashed their divine weapons, joining the assault to crush Eldrin Chen without giving him a single moment to catch his breath.