Chapter 2004 : A New Buddhist Orthodoxy Rises

Later, after ascending to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, he had encountered the ascetic Empty Enlightenment Temple [a Buddhist temple dedicated to profound meditation], and had also witnessed the heretical Buddhist Sect known as the Blood Dragon Ancient Temple [an ancient temple that cultivates the sinister Blood Dragon method].

It could be said that the Buddhist Sect system within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss was extremely chaotic. Among them were compassionate individuals who sought to save all living beings, as well as cruel practitioners who cultivated evil methods.

If Xianzhu Chen wished to rectify the Buddhist Sect, he would have to thoroughly purge all those ancient temples that were mere pretenders or, worse, practiced evil cultivation methods.

Understanding this, Xianzhu Chen immediately spoke: "After this child breaks through to the Grand Luo realm, I will establish the Mahayana Buddhism [the Great Vehicle school of Buddhism, emphasizing universal salvation]."

"At that time, will become the orthodox tradition for all Buddhist Sect under heaven. Any Buddhist Sect practitioner who commits wicked deeds, my will surely suppress them beneath the Spiritual Mountain Pagoda, never to be reincarnated for all eternity."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly and said, "After your breakthrough, I will assign you three hundred Heavenly Soldier Legions. You can use the Buddha's Salvation Scripture [a scripture detailing methods for salvation and conversion] to transform them into Buddhist Vajra Arhats [indestructible Buddhist guardians]."

"If one day you can cleanse the chaotic state of the Buddhist Sect within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, becoming the one true orthodox tradition, that may very well be the day you step into the Sage Ascendant realm."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen took out several rare treasures and handed them to the two. "Go and cultivate now," he continued, "focus on preparing to transcend your Kalpa Tribulation [a catastrophic heavenly trial] first."

After seeing off Xianzhu Chen and Susu, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment, then summoned disciples whose cultivation had reached Immortal Treasury Perfection.

Over the years, more and more disciples had cultivated the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a cultivation art centered on selfless devotion]. The more outstanding among them had been accepted by Eldrin Chen as nominal disciples.

There were even a few individuals of exceptionally high talent who were accepted as personal disciples under the tutelage of Eldrin Chen.

Among this gathering of over one hundred disciples, those who were among the earliest to break through to the Immortal Treasury Perfection realm under Eldrin Chen's guidance were exceptionally granted the status of nominal disciples by him.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen swept his gaze over the assembled crowd. His eyes settled on the three figures at the forefront, and a nod of satisfaction graced his features.

These three individuals at the front were the personal disciples Eldrin Chen had exceptionally accepted.

Their names were Xander Lin, Celestial Balance Scion, and Tynan Zhang—each a prodigy of truly staggering talent.

Among the three, Xander Lin hailed from an obscure Cosmos star within the domain of the Abyssal Immortal Domain. A youth of brilliant intellect, his fate should have been sealed by an untimely demise at the very dawn of his cultivation journey.

Yet, in the past, when Eldrin Chen used the Chaos Divine Stone to aid the spiritual energy revival across the infinite dimensions of the Myriad Heavens, a sudden impulse led him to perform a divination on the threads of Life. This revealed Xander Lin's extraordinary potential and a destined contribution to the Path of Self-Sacrifice.

Thus, in a single Ksana-time [an infinitesimal unit of time], Eldrin Chen transmitted the memories of a potential Weilai [Future] belonging to Xander Lin directly into the young man's mind.

Believing himself to be a soul returned through Rebirth [a form of reincarnation or transmigration], Xander Lin, armed with these Weilai [Future] memories, embarked once more upon the arduous path of cultivation.

Indeed, Xander Lin, now bearing the memories of Weilai [Future], carved a legendary path through the thorns of cultivation. He not only ascended to the Abyssal Immortal Domain, but also forged for himself the supreme Indestructible Foundation.

Most crucially, Xander Lin contributed to refining the cultivation method of the Immortal Treasury Realm [a profound cultivation stage focused on creating an internal world of immense spiritual wealth], creating a Mysterious Wondrous Art [an esoteric and miraculous technique] that lowered the difficulty of achieving the Indestructible Immortal Treasury [an ultimate cultivation art focused on forging an unbreakable internal spiritual repository].

It was precisely for this reason that Eldrin Chen made an exception and accepted him as his eighth personal disciple.

As for the other two, Celestial Balance Scion possessed exceptional talent. He perfected the Path of Self-Sacrifice and the Self-Sacrifice Method [a profound cultivation art where the practitioner sacrifices their mortal form to forge a new, transcendent body], significantly reducing the probability of failure during the Self-Sacrifice [the critical breakthrough realm where the cultivator sheds their old body], thus also establishing himself as one who rendered great service.

Regarding Tynan Zhang, this individual discovered that the Inner World [the method of creating a miniature cosmos within one's body] technique within the Path of Self-Sacrifice demanded exceedingly high requirements for cultivation. Therefore, based on the principles of the Inner World method, he created the Minor Cosmos [a lesser internal world technique] art.

The so-called Minor Cosmos technique involves reducing the size of the Inner World to increase the probability of a successful breakthrough.

After all, the original version of the Inner World was vast enough to rival a Cosmos [a complete universe or world] or an Immortal Domain [a realm inhabited by immortals] of the same tier. It was simply too immense; without a top-tier physical constitution, it was fundamentally impossible to bear its weight.

This is because the Inner World method created by Eldrin Chen was based on the Reincarnation Body [a divine ability related to rebirth and reforging one's form], and the Reincarnation Body itself belonged to the Innate Primordial Chaos Saint Physique [a supreme innate constitution born of primordial chaos].

A Body of Self-Sacrifice [the transcendent physical form forged through the Self-Sacrifice method] cultivated from such a physique being able to contain an Inner World rivaling a same-tier Immortal Domain was still within expectations.

However, the vast majority of ordinary cultivators possess mere mortal bodies. The Body of Self-Sacrifice they cultivate cannot compare to such supreme constitutions, and the Inner Cosmos [the internal miniature universe formed within a cultivator] they can bear is naturally limited.

If the physical body is not strong enough, yet the Inner Cosmos created is too vast, it can lead to an imbalance between the internal and external, resulting in an unstable foundation instead.

The Minor Cosmos pioneered by Tynan Zhang allows one to open an Inner World [a personal microcosmic realm cultivated within a practitioner's body] of a more optimal size, even under the constraints of what the physical body can maximally bear.

Although such an Inner World is smaller, its foundation is considerably more stable and solid due to a superior internal-external balance.

Such a meritorious contribution to perfecting the Great Dao [the fundamental cosmic principle and path of cultivation] is worthy of Eldrin Chen taking him as a direct disciple and nurturing him with unstinting resources.

Contemplating the merits of these three individuals, Eldrin Chen allowed a faint smile to grace his lips before speaking. "Xander Lin."

"Your disciple is present!"

Xander Lin immediately cupped his hands and replied with utmost reverence.

Eldrin Chen nodded, then said with a smile, "You have explored the limits of the Immortal Treasury [a profound cultivation realm focused on internal storage and generation of power] and perfected its cultivation method. As your master, I bestow upon you ten Immortal Vault Treasure [a supreme treasure designed to integrate with and empower the Immortal Treasury realm]. May you soon attain the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle stage of cultivation] and continue to refine the Path of Self-Sacrifice."

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, and ten dazzling Immortal Vault Treasure descended before Xander Lin.

The so-called Immortal Vault Treasure are treasures forged by Eldrin Chen from Innate Divine Object [objects born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate divine properties]. Integrating this treasure into one's Immortal Treasury can dramatically amplify the realm's power and significantly increase the speed at which it absorbs and refines spiritual energy [the vital energy that flows through all living things and the world].

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, if the Path of Self-Sacrifice ever ascends to the Primordial Chaos Realm [a legendary realm of cultivation touching upon the primordial state of existence], the Immortal Vault Treasure will likely be one of the key components for achieving the True Spirit Immortal Treasury [the ultimate, perfected form of the Immortal Treasury realm].

Xander Lin received ten Immortal Vault Treasure [a type of powerful enchanted artifact used for storage and defense] and immediately exclaimed with boundless delight, "Many thanks for your generous gift, Master."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze to Celestial Balance Scion and said, "Celestial Balance Scion."

"Your disciple is here."

Celestial Balance Scion promptly bowed respectfully, his face alight with a touch of excitement as he spoke.

Eldrin Chen nodded and then declared, "You perfected the Self-Sacrifice [a profound and perilous cultivation technique] art, reducing the risk of perishing during the Self-Sacrifice process. Therefore, I bestow upon you the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the world's essence, possessing immense power] known as the Heaven's Derivation Celestial Wheel [the Celestial Wheel of Heaven's Derivation], to increase your chances of a breakthrough into the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Realm, a supreme state of cultivation]."

As he spoke thus, Eldrin Chen presented a set of Innate Spiritual Treasure to Celestial Balance Scion.

"My deepest gratitude, Master."

Celestial Balance Scion accepted the treasure, a flicker of joyous surprise coloring his expression.

This Heaven's Derivation Celestial Wheel was a set of Innate Spiritual Treasure, composed of nine individual Innate Spiritual Treasure. Once merged with his own life-bound Spiritual Treasure [a cultivator's personally bonded magical artifact], it could transform into a complete Eleventh Limit [the Eleventh Limit, a legendary tier of power] Indestructible Formation Artifact [an artifact of unbreakable power used to anchor mighty formations].

Eldrin Chen nodded once more, then looked to the final person with a smile and said, "Tynan Zhang."

"Your disciple is here."

Tynan Zhang, clad in a robe of azure, stood and bowed with palpable excitement.

Eldrin Chen smiled, then retrieved an ancient-looking scroll and handed it to Tynan Zhang, saying, "You pioneered the Minor Cosmos technique, contributing greatly to the Path of Self-Sacrifice as well."

"Now, as you stand on the verge of attaining the Grand Luo realm, I bestow upon you the 'Chart of the Nine Realms of the Heavens,' hoping it will aid you in swiftly achieving Grand Luo."

Upon hearing this, Tynan Zhang's face lit up with joy.

The Myriad Heavens Ancient Chart was a set of Spiritual Treasure [supreme enchanted artifacts] that Eldrin Chen had specially crafted for him. Within it were nurtured nine Ancient Void Realms [pocket dimensions of primordial emptiness], each possessing the wondrous ability to seal away the Myriad Heavens. Once fully activated, it would rank among the pinnacle of Indestructible Formation Artifact [treasures that create unbreakable defensive arrays].

Thinking of this, Tynan Zhang said excitedly, "Thank you, Master, for bestowing this treasure. This disciple will surely live up to your high expectations."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then turned his gaze to the remaining hundred or so registered disciples.

He smiled and, with a sweep of his sleeve, bestowed over a hundred precious vials, one landing in the hand of each disciple.

After this, Eldrin Chen said with a smile, "Now that you all are about to embark on the path to challenge the Great Luo Realm, I grant each of you a vial of the Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [an elixir said to refine one's essence through ten profound cycles]."

"May you all soon attain the Grand Luo [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing the pinnacle of existence], and not disappoint this master."

Hearing these words, the assembled Immortals all revealed smiles, immediately bowing in unison to express their gratitude.

For top-tier Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has existed since ancient times], a Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [a pill refined through ten cycles of heavenly tribulation] might seem somewhat unremarkable, but how could a treasure bestowed by Eldrin Chen ever be so simple?

The current Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase [a mystical vase that condenses the primordial essence of heaven and earth] had already Ascension [undergone a qualitative evolution to a higher state of being] into an Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [the embryonic form of a supreme treasure born from the primal chaos], greatly enhancing the potency of the Primordial Unity Water of Heaven and Earth [a spiritual liquid embodying the unified essence of the cosmos] it produced.

Over these years, the Chen Clan had used it to cultivate a vast sea of Chaos Beast King [powerful beasts born from primal chaos] and refine an equally vast quantity of Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill.

Eldrin Chen gifted each disciple with a vial of Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill, each vial containing over ten thousand pills.

It must be understood that cultivating the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a cultivation method that requires immense personal sacrifice and resources] was the most resource-intensive endeavor. The disciples present who practiced it had cultivated for over twenty Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often involving great tribulations], yet the vast majority of their Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [the ten foundational repositories of power within this cultivation art] had still only reached the Nine-Limit Realm [the ninth and penultimate stage of development for these treasuries].

Now, with this batch of resources, while they dared not claim they could cultivate the Indestructible Immortal Treasury [the ultimate, unbreakable treasury], achieving three to five or more Ten-Limit Immortal Treasury [the complete, tenth-stage treasury] should no longer pose a significant problem.

Given the formidable power of the Path of Self-Sacrifice, if they could cultivate three to five Ten-Limit Immortal Treasury, their chances of breaking through to Grand Luo would increase by at least twenty to thirty percent.

Returning to the matter at hand, after bestowing the treasures upon his disciples, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Let Xander Lin, Celestial Balance Scion, and Tynan Zhang remain. The rest of you may withdraw for now."

Hearing these words, the assembled Immortals promptly dispersed, each departing in their own direction.

After the crowd had left, Eldrin Chen finally turned his gaze to the three who remained. With a calm expression, he spoke, "The reason I asked you three to stay is to entrust you with a matter of great importance."

The three were slightly taken aback by his words. Tynan Zhang immediately cupped his hands in respect and said, "Whatever task you command, Master, we shall spare no effort to accomplish it."

"Good." Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod before continuing, "More than a dozen Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration] ago, in order to perfect the Path of Self-Sacrifice, your five senior martial brothers and sisters embarked upon their Kalpa Tribulation."

"At that time, they were ambushed by several of my Great Dao Adversary [mortal enemies bound by profound karmic opposition] and hunted by a host of powerful foes."

"In that battle, your Seventh Senior Martial Sister, Yinghui Ye, fell. Later, she suffered a further betrayal from the Profound Nether Emperor Lord, and her Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] was cast into the Eternal Kalpa Reincarnation [a cursed cycle of endless rebirth and suffering]."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen explained, "To break the curse of the Eternal Kalpa Reincarnation and allow her to awaken by comprehending the mysteries of Samsara [the cycle of death and rebirth], the blood of a close relative of the one who cast the spell is required."

With this, Eldrin Chen finally stated his purpose, "Through my divinations, I have ascertained that the Profound Nether Emperor Lord's most beloved youngest son will enter his own Kalpa Tribulation during this current cosmic cycle."

"I want you to slay that individual and return with the blood from his heart."

The three were inwardly shaken by this command. Xander Lin was the first to speak, his voice firm, "Avenging our senior sister is a duty we must fulfill."

"Even if Master did not demand it, we would still slay that Profound Nether Imperial Scion."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen nodded with satisfaction and waved his hand, signaling for the assembly to withdraw.

"Please stay a moment, fellow junior disciples."

Just as the three senior disciples stepped out of the grand hall, a voice called out to them.

Turning, they saw a man of martial bearing and promptly bowed in greeting. "We pay our respects to Senior Brother Lu."

"There is no need for such formality."

Alaric Lu spoke calmly, his expression carrying a hint of solemnity.

The three dared not be negligent. As fellow direct disciples of Eldrin Chen, they possessed some understanding of this senior brother.

Over the years, Senior Brother Lu had spent the vast majority of his time venturing within the Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond ordered realms], rarely lingering within the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

Yet, the fame of Senior Brother Lu resonated like thunder in their ears.

This Senior Brother Alaric Lu rose from humble origins, a prodigious genius who cultivated the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a cultivation art that gains power through immense personal sacrifice]. On his path of cultivation, he had scarcely ever tasted defeat.

After stepping into the realm of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm], Senior Brother Lu began to tread an unorthodox path, practicing various Forbidden Arts [taboo techniques with severe side effects]. Among them were even world-shaking methods like the Immortal Vault Self-Detonation [a technique that temporarily boosts combat power by detonating one's own immortal foundation] to enhance his battle prowess.

By now, not only had Senior Brother Lu's cultivation reached the Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal, but he also held the battle record of having slain a cultivator at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the peak of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm].

It was said that over the years, Alaric Lu had repeatedly clashed with the Profound Nether Imperial Court [a powerful and malevolent faction], successively slaying several of their Grand Luo Golden Immortal. This had even once provoked a pursuit by over a dozen Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

Such astonishing talent and battle achievements had earned him considerable renown even within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a vast and perilous region of the cultivation world].

As thoughts of Alaric Lu's formidable reputation flashed through their minds, the three individuals largely understood the reason for his seeking them out.

After a moment of contemplation, the Celestial Balance Scion immediately cupped his hands and asked, "Senior Brother, have you sought us out regarding the matter of Seventh Senior Sister?"

Alaric Lu nodded, then spoke, "Has our Master said anything to you?"

All three nodded in affirmation. Xander Lin spoke up, "For this coming Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial or era of great conflict], we plan to make the Profound Nether Imperial Scion [a direct descendant of the Profound Nether Imperial Court] our first target."

Upon hearing this, Alaric Lu's expression shifted dramatically, and his eyes grew slightly moist. "Our Master truly has not forgotten us," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Upon hearing this, the three of them could not help but let out a soft sigh.

Over these years, the Abyssal Immortal Alliance [a powerful coalition of immortal cultivators] as a whole has been in a state of recuperation and rebuilding.

To avoid a full-scale conflict with the Profound Nether Imperial Court [a mighty imperial court from the nether realms], Eldrin Chen even restrained the seven Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle stage of cultivation] disciples under his command, instructing them not to seek vengeance for Yinghui Ye.

Otherwise, Qingfeng Ye and the others, who have already achieved breakthroughs by now, would have long since taken action to demand justice for Yinghui Ye.

The reason for this restraint was that the Black Abyss Great Emperor had secretly journeyed to the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast and perilous sea of primordial chaos].

With no Great Emperor-level powerhouse standing guard behind him, Eldrin Chen was unwilling to engage in a direct confrontation with the formidable Profound Nether Imperial Court.

Although the current Eldrin Chen possessed strength comparable to a mid-stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a realm of immense power within the chaos], and the Abyssal Immortal Alliance's might was not inferior to that of the Profound Nether Imperial Court, a full-scale war would likely result in mutual devastation.

Furthermore, while the Abyssal Immortal Alliance had treaties with the Four Great Imperial Courts [the four most powerful imperial courts], these allies had their own adversaries. Unless absolutely necessary, Eldrin Chen was reluctant to draw them into the conflict.

Most crucially, the Chen Immortal Clan [the immortal clan founded by the Chen family] was still in a period of rapid expansion. There was no need to engage in a mutually destructive struggle with the Profound Nether Imperial Court.

Therefore, in all these years, only Alaric Lu from the Abyssal Immortal Alliance had taken action, locked in a deadly feud with the Profound Nether Imperial Court for the sake of his Dao Companion. The Emperor Lord [a title for powerful cultivators at the Emperor level] combatants on both sides had consistently suppressed their own desire to intervene.

"Senior Brother, we know that for all these years, you have thought of nothing else, day and night, but to rescue Seventh Senior Sister,"

Celestial Balance Scion spoke, clenching his fist. "Set your heart at ease. The three of us are determined to slay Profound Nether Imperial Scion and help our Senior Sister break the curse of the Eternal Kalpa Reincarnation [a fate of endless cycles of suffering and rebirth]."