Chapter 1908 : Lu Chong'a

After handling all these matters, Eldrin noticed that Lyra and the others had finally digested the gains from the Tribulation and emerged from seclusion. He smiled faintly and said, "The great calamity approaches. Why don't we observe how these juniors navigate their trials?"

Upon hearing this, Lyra (Person Name) couldn't help but reveal a trace of curiosity, saying, "I've heard that over the past million years, numerous ascendants have emerged among the Devourer's Path immortals."

Lila (Person Name), Yan Zi Ji, and the other women also revealed a trace of curiosity.

Eldrin smiled faintly, then directly sealed the vast Ruins Immortal Domain with the Great Dao, his voice resonating through all heavenly realms with the essence of the Dao.

"The great tribulation approaches. All celestial grottos and blessed lands must immediately seal their mountains and cease all excursions."

"All who undergo tribulation may enter the Chaos Heavenly Domain to slay the Chaos Beasts and transcend their calamities."

At this very moment, within the Void Abyss Immortal Realm, countless immortals opened their eyes, flickers of astonishment or delight surfacing within their gazes.

Among them was a group of immortals whose gazes remained unshaken, with a flicker of battle intent blooming in their pupils.

At this moment, all the immortals rose to their feet, bowing in reverence as they proclaimed, "Our gratitude to the Dao Ancestor for bestowing this heavenly tribulation."

Sacrifice to the Dao Immortal of my path.

Eldrin murmured softly, his gaze sweeping over the countless beings before giving a slow nod.

It is undeniable that any being capable of attaining immortality through the Path of Self-Sacrifice possesses first-rate temperament, innate talent, and unwavering resolve.

Perhaps their innate talents were lacking, but after forging their new selves, their acquired aptitudes were greatly enhanced, making them prodigies with superior talents even among immortals.

At this moment, within the Eldrin Immortal Realm, the total number of tribulation-surviving Immortals and Earth Immortals barely reached 1 100 million, yet over 30 percent belonged to the Sacrificial Path.

Observing these immortals, Lyra (Person Name) slightly furrowed her brow before speaking, "I heard you released quite a few Primordial Chaos Beasts within the Chaos Heavenly Domain. Wouldn't that be excessively perilous?"

"Worry not. Those primordial chaos beasts are but livestock, raised for refining the 9 Revolutions Immortal Elixir. I have sealed them all away, only considering releasing a few during the Dao Tribulation for tempering purposes."

"This time, the strongest Chaos Beasts they released only possess combat power comparable to the 3 Realms Realm or the Great Unity Realm. Moreover, they lack significant intelligence—our forces are more than capable of handling them."

Seraphina Qu (Person Name) nodded upon hearing this, then said with a smile, "In that case, it all depends on their own fortune."

As the crowd was speaking, the vast Exiled Abyss Immortal Domain and the Primordial Chaos Heavenly Realm connected as 1, a passageway between them blasted open with a thunderous roar.

Within the Eldritch Abyss Domain, countless immortals immediately soared into action, charging straight into the Chaotic Heaven Domain.

Lu Chong'a walked among the crowds, not particularly conspicuous.

"Could this be the Primordial Chaos Heaven?"

Gazing upon the ancient land brimming with chaotic aura, a ripple of emotion stirred within Lu's eyes.

He could sense that the vast Chaos Heaven Domain was filled with overwhelmingly domineous Chaos Qi. Each wisp of this energy was potent enough to tear immortals asunder, yet it seemed suppressed by some unknown force, preventing it from exerting crushing pressure upon them.

"Is this the trial of the Dao Ancestor?"

Lu murmured inwardly, a trace of solemnity flickering in his eyes.

He was originally an ordinary mortal from a minor world, born and raised in a farming family. Yet from a young age, he possessed an introverted nature and remarkable intelligence.

In his childhood, a great drought struck his homeland, drying up rivers and lakes. By chance, he discovered a piece of jade in the parched riverbed, obtaining the cultivation method of the Sacrificial Self Path. From that moment, he embarked upon the journey of cultivation.

As he cultivated, his minor world had already entered the End of the Dharma Age.

The spiritual energy between heaven and earth had grown exceedingly sparse, with all manner of spiritual treasures and rare wonders nearly extinct. Even Qi Refining cultivators could be considered exceptionally rare. Fortunately, the Path of Self-Sacrifice did not place emphasis on spiritual treasures or rare wonders—the coarse grains of the mortal realm could all serve as resources for cultivation.

The great drought left the common folk with no means of survival, driving countless refugees to take up arms in rebellion.

At just 9 years old, he was swept into a rebellion to conquer the realm. Relying on the robust physique forged through his Cultivation of the Sacrificial Path, coupled with innate intelligence and unwavering courage, he carved out a vast empire against all odds.

A 100 1000 miles of rivers and mountains, all fell within his grasp.

It was not until this moment, upon obtaining the writings left by predecessors, that he came to understand this realm had reached the brink of the Era of Decaying Dharma. No cultivator above the Foundation Establishment stage remained between heaven and earth.

Fortunately, the next 1 100 years brought favorable weather and bountiful harvests across the mountains and rivers.

He cultivated superior crops, allowing the people to recuperate and thrive. In less than a decade, the imperial granaries and treasuries became incomparably abundant.

With these cultivation resources, he forged a True Martial Body, created the 5 Grains Essence Refining Method, obtained the Heavenly Yang and Earthly Yin energies to build his Dao Foundation, and ultimately reached the Great Perfection of the Dao Foundation.

In the end, he summoned the Ascension Immortal Light and soared into a newly emerged grand world.

From a minor world scarce in resources, he ascended at once to the primordial wilderness abundant with riches. There, he encountered an unprecedented great opportunity, cultivating the 10 Divine Realms and a 9-Rank Dao Embryo through the use of heaven-earth inception’s peerless treasures.

He cultivated all the way to the perfection of the Dao Embryo realm, then ascended to the Greater World. There, he forged an Indestructible Body and swept through the realms, ultimately seizing that world's once-in-tens-of-thousands-of-years immortal ascension opportunity.

Lu Chong'a looked back on his life, his gaze turning toward the Abyssal Immortal Domain as a trace of gratitude welled up in his eyes.

He had ascended through 3 realms in his lifetime: the last Human Emperor of a minor world, the first Saint of a major world, and the legend of an era in the Great 1000 World.

Yet all these threads of karma originated from that seemingly insignificant piece of jade.

The Path of Sacrificial Ascension was forged by the Eldrin, progenitor of the Abyssal Haven, and bestowed upon countless mortals as an opportunity to attain the Dao.

Otherwise, as a mere mortal, he would have long perished in obscurity during that great drought, never achieving the magnificent feat of ascending to immortality.

"Many are like me!"

Lu Chong’a murmured softly, turning his head slowly to face the oncoming Chaos Beast horde.

Boom—

Heaven and earth roared, gods and demons wept blood.

After hundreds of exchanges, the Chaos Beast—larger than a major world—lay slain.

Lu Chong'a slowly stored it away before continuing deeper into the Primordial Heaven Domain. The remains of a Chaos Beast at the Great Perfection of Ascension realm were still insufficient for him to cultivate his Inner Universe.

Although he had slain a Chaos Beast of the same cultivation realm, he had merely weathered the great tribulation.

However, as an immortal of the Sacrificial Self Path, he feared no rivals within the same realm—retreat was never an option.

The great battle raged on.

High above in the firmament, the crowd watched this scene unfold.

Seraphina Qu smiled faintly, then turned her gaze to Eldrin and remarked, "This young 1 bears a trace of your former spirit."

Eldrin smiled without answering. Among the many outstanding Sacrificial Path immortals who had emerged during this great tribulation, this Lu Chong'a was truly 1 of the most exceptional.

His gaze swept toward the horizon, witnessing 1 Cultivator of the Self-Way after another rising to prominence, finally comprehending the profound might of the Cultivators of the Self-Way.

This time, the Tribulation of Calamity clearly demonstrated that the practitioners of the Sacrificial Path far outshone those of the Immortal Path.

In truth, it was not that the powerhouses of the immortal path were lacking in prowess—the truly supreme immortals among them were by no means weak.

However, when it comes to the Sacrificial Dao, there are virtually no weaklings on average—each practitioner stands out as exceptionally distinguished.

In truth, Eldrin had long anticipated this, for those who could tread the arduous path of Sacrificial Dao cultivation were all beings who had endured immense suffering and tribulation.

Those who have cultivated all the way to the Indestructible Realm and could still sacrifice all their foundations to forge a Body of New Self were without exception rare talents seldom seen since ancient times.

Although the Path of Self-Offering Immortals accounted for only 30%, their chances of breaking through to the World Creation Realm were at least several times greater than those of ordinary immortals.

Among the immortals of the celestial path, only 1 Earth Immortal emerges for every 1 to 2 100 celestial beings.

And among those who sacrificed themselves to the Dao to become immortals, approximately 1 in 30 would set foot in the Heaven-Opening Realm.

The fundamental reason lies in the fact that most celestial immortals possess only a single immortal foundation. As long as 1 of our Path of Self-Sacrifice achieves immortality, even the weakest among them would rival geniuses with dual immortal foundations.

"The vast majority of the weak in our Sacrificial Path are weeded out during the initial stages of cultivation, or before attaining immortality."

Eldrin murmured inwardly, a faint ripple stirring within his gaze.

In truth, judging by the circumstances below the Ascension Realm, there were far more cultivators of the Sacrificial Art.

Low-level practitioners of the Sacrificial Self Path outnumber immortal cultivators by a hundredfold, while the number of powerful experts at the Indestructible Realm within the Sacrificial Self Path is twice that of immortal cultivators.

Alas, the Path of Self-Sacrifice was far too ruthless, leaving only a handful who could cultivate a true Martial Dao Body.

With each subsequent realm breakthrough, the risk of death far surpasses that of the immortal path. The final hurdle—incinerating the mortal shell to consecrate a reborn self—has barred 90 percent of those at the Great Perfection stage of the Indestructible Realm from advancing further.

Eldrin had no real solution to this, as every cultivator was unique, and each practitioner of the Sacrificial Self Path possessed a distinct physical constitution.

Unless Eldrin (Person Name) created a unique cultivation method tailored to each individual's physique and paired it with suitable treasures, the risk of their breakthrough failure could be reduced.

However, Eldrin alone could never have accomplished this.

Eldrin could only pass down a few highly versatile secret arts, leaving the vast majority of Sacrificial Path immortals to refine and complete them according to their individual circumstances.

This, I believe, will gradually increase the success rate of breakthroughs for Cultivators of the Path of Self-Offering and reduce the mortality rate from failed breakthroughs as the number of Immortals of the Path of Self-Offering continues to grow.

Getting back to the main story, as time slowly marched on, this great calamity finally came to an end after 30 1000 years.

When all had concluded, Eldrin closed the Chaotic Heavenly Realm, allowing countless immortals to return to the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

At this moment, Eldrin discovered that after this great tribulation, 1-third of the immortals who had undergone the calamity had fallen, while the survivors had each broken through 1 or 2 minor realms on average.

Moreover, 30-7 new Celestial Immortals had emerged as major powers. Across the 70-2 heavenly realms of the Mortal Domain, nearly each realm now boasted over a 100 additional Chaos Creation Ancestors or Earth Immortals.

Lu Chong'a was a standout among the Heaven-Opening Ancestors, having established 12 celestial realms. His innate talent far surpassed that of many Celestial Immortals, proving truly extraordinary.

After the great calamity ended, Eldrin waved his sleeve and instantly drew over 10,000 newly-ascended Heaven-Opening Ancestors, along with numerous Earth Immortals, into the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss.

The immortals were drawn into the Abyssal Heaven, and as they gazed at the indistinct figure veiled in celestial mist at the horizon, a shiver of dread ran through their souls.

After a moment of profound silence, the immortals hastily prostrated themselves, declaring in unison, "We pay homage to the Immortal Lord and the Dao Ancestor."

Arise.

Eldrin accepted the salute with a slight nod, then with a mere flick of his sleeve, he drew all living beings into his grasp.

Then, he swept his gaze over the crowd before speaking. "Over a million years ago, I established this Abyssal Return Immortal Realm."

"You may have been born in the immortal realms or across the myriad heavens, yet all exist because of me. Countless mortals have also attained the Dao by cultivating the methods I created."

"It can be said that all of you are my disciples and descendants."

At this point, Eldrin paused briefly before continuing with a light laugh, "This great tribulation marks the first cataclysm in the Abyssal Immortal Realm. It serves the cosmic cycle of the Great Dao and shall temper your spirits through trial."

"Since you have seized this opportunity to open the heavens, you may be considered people of destiny."

"These little trinkets shall serve as encouragement for your cultivation."

As the words fell, Eldrin flicked his sleeve, casting tens of thousands of immortal rays into the hands of the crowd.

Everyone took hold of the immortal light, their faces instantly blooming with ecstatic delight.

Among the treasures Eldrin had scattered, there were Heaven-Creation Artifacts, Heaven-Creation Marvels, as well as Taiyi Immortal Arms and Primordial Treasures.

Each and every 1 of these treasures was something they could only dream of obtaining. Now, having received such generous gifts from the Great Luo Immortal Lord, they immediately dropped to their knees and kowtowed, saying, "We thank the Immortal Lord for your bountiful rewards."

"Go."

Eldrin waved his hand dismissively, then with a sweep of his sleeve teleported the crowd away, leaving only 70-2 figures behind.

Lu Chong’a stood among the crowd. Glancing at those around him, he froze for a moment, only then realizing that all 70-2 who remained were the most elite experts of the Sacrificial Self Way.

All 70-2 of them had opened at least 9 heavenly domains, their aptitude and strength exceedingly rare.

"This Sovereign has passed down the Path of Worshiping Me for 7 100 and 20 1000 years. You 70-2 individuals are the most powerful among its followers, each possessing the potential of a Celestial Immortal mighty figure. You share some karmic affinity with This Seat."

Eldrin spoke with serene composure, his words flowing like a gentle stream. "Since fate has brought us together, would you be willing to pledge yourselves under my tutelage and become my nominal disciples?"

"We are willing."

Upon hearing this, everyone’s faces lit up with ecstasy, and they immediately dropped to their knees in unison, bowing deeply.

To become a nominal disciple of a Great Luo Golden Immortal—this was an opportunity countless Celestial Immortals yearned for in their dreams. Who could have imagined that these Earth Immortals would stumble upon such fortune?

Seeing this, Eldrin spoke up, "I shall accept 3,000 nominal disciples. You shall be the first group of nominal disciples."

9 million years from now, whichever of you can dominate all rivals amidst the Heavenly Tribulation and claim supremacy in both combat prowess and foundational accumulation shall become my personal disciple. Now, go and devote yourselves to diligent cultivation.

As the words fell, Eldrin (Person Name) flicked his sleeve and bestowed each of the 70-2 individuals with an identity token.

Hearing this, everyone joyfully accepted the tokens.

With this registered disciple token, they were all recognized as descendants of the Great Luo Ancient Sect. From this day forth, even Celestial Immortals of the Return to Ruins Immortal Domain would have to show them deference.

Most crucially, with this token, they would also receive a monthly stipend distributed by the Return to the Void Ancestral Court, and gain access to most of the Celestial Immortal scriptures within the court's Scripture Repository.

Those celestial-level scriptures were treasures they could only dream of obtaining in the outside world, where acquiring even a single 1 would require paying a price thousands of times over.

Lu Chong'a walked through the crowd, gazing at the token in his hand, and couldn't help but recall Eldrin's words.

"The first to break through the 3 Realms Realm shall become a direct disciple of the Great Luo?"

Lu Chong'a murmured inwardly, his eyes gleaming with unwavering determination.

He vaguely understood in his heart that whether he could become a disciple under the guidance of the Guixu Immortal Lord and inherit the legacy of a Great Luo Golden Immortal would determine the course of his future destiny.

Without the support of a Great Luo Golden Immortal, possessing neither background nor foundation, relying solely on his unyielding pride and perseverance, what chance did he truly have to prove his Dao and ascend to the Great Luo Realm?

The immortals received their tokens and, after 3 solemn bows of gratitude, departed 1 by 1 from the Abyssal Ruins.

Lyra appeared beside Eldrin, casting a glance at Lu Chong'a's retreating figure. "That young man possesses keen intelligence and restraint, yet lacks neither perseverance nor courage. He is a natural-born cultivator of the Path of Self-Offering. This time, having unlocked all 12 layers of the Celestial Realm, he is most likely destined to claim that coveted direct disciple slot."

"It's still hard to say."

Eldrin shook his head and spoke, "With 9,000,000 years remaining, it is not impossible for a prodigy no weaker than him to emerge."

Lyra nodded upon hearing this and then asked, "I have spent these years adjusting my condition and am now prepared to rebuild my foundation in the near future."

"Mm." Eldrin nodded, then spoke, "During this period, the Great Tribulations have all digested their harvest from the Karmic Calamities and ended their seclusion. Summon them for an assembly."

Upon hearing this, Lyra (Person Name) nodded and said, "Very well."

Before long, all the upper echelons of the Abyssal Immortal Realm had gathered within the grand hall of the Void Abyss.

Eldrin sat upright in the master seat, his gaze subtly shifting as he observed the assembled figures before him.

After many years apart, the ancient immortals of the Chen Immortal Clan (Organization) had fully absorbed the gains from the kalpic tribulation, and their strength had now soared to unprecedented heights.

With no shortage of Great Luo Odd Treasures, the various Ancient Immortals of the Chen Immortal Clan (Organization) had all broken through to the Seventh Heavenly Tribulation Ancient Immortal realm.

Setting aside Qing Ji and Lyra (Person Name), Seraphina Qu (Person Name) has now cultivated the 3 foundational True Spiritual Roots (Spiritual Root) under the fusion of Primordial Chaos Qi: the True Spirit Primordial Soul, the True Spirit Great Dao, and the True Spirit Divine Ability. She has become the most powerful figure in the Chen Immortal Clan (Organization).

Yan Ziji refined several incomparably precious top-grade Dao Origins, along with the innate spiritual flame, the Duji Purple Flame. She attained the realm of a 7-Calamity Ancient Immortal, and even cultivated 2 indestructible foundations—the Indestructible Primordial Spirit and the Indestructible Great Dao.

Chen Qiyuan had cultivated the Indestructible Body, and by refining a piece of Primordial Divine Metal—the Immortal Adamantine—he seemed to have half-stepped into the realm of the True Spirit Body.

Lila (Person Name) had cultivated a single indestructible foundation, making her combat prowess slightly inferior to the 2 by a margin.

Kael's cultivation had caught up, having also reached the realm of an 8-Tribulation Ancient Immortal. Having refined several portions of 8-Tribulation Dao Origins, he now simultaneously cultivated the 3 paths of Buddhism, Daoism, and Demonic Arts. All 3 great Daos had been forged by him into nascent Dao foundations, and upon merging into 1, they became the Indestructible Great Dao.

According to Eldrin's (Person Name) estimation, Kael's (Person Name) unified attainment through the 3 paths of Buddhism, Daoism, and demonic cultivation—the Great Dao itself, along with his embodiment of all realms—all possessed the potential to reach the realm of True Spirit.

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

With 3 True Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) foundations, such innate talent and potential were rare even in the primordial chaos. Once fully realized, they would undoubtedly embody the true bearing of a Dao Ancestor.

Chen Ethan and Chen Xianqing were slightly less accomplished, yet they too had forged an indestructible foundation.

Elder Chen Xian's combat prowess was exceptionally formidable. Having now cultivated to the level of a 7-Calamity Ancient Immortal, augmented by the 30-3 Oceanic Divine Pearls, his strength rivaled that of an 8-Calamity Ancient Immortal.

Alas, it was exceedingly difficult for Chen Xianzhang to prove his path through the Spirit Treasure Heavenly Pass. Taking out 30-3 strands of Primordial Indestructible Spirit Light in 1 breath was a feat not even Eldrin could accomplish.

Overall, aside from Lyra (Person Name) who needed to rebuild her foundation and Qing Ji (Person Name) who was preparing to reincarnate and restart her cultivation, the remaining members of the Chen Immortal Clan (Organization) had all attained the combat prowess of top-tier 7th Calamity Ancient Immortals.

Among them, Seraphina Qu (Person Name) possessed 3 True Spiritual Roots (Spiritual Root), while Chen Xianchang and Kael (Person Name) also wielded combat prowess equivalent to that of an 8-Calamity Ancient Immortal.

The remaining 4—Lila (Person Name), Yan Zi Ji, Chen Qiyuan, and Chen Ethan (Person Name)—all possessed combat prowess at the peak of the 7 Tribulations Ancient Immortal level, and could even barely hold their own against an 8 Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

By the way, aside from these individuals, there were 2 additional supporting combatants: the 9-Colored Immortal Deer, Ao Hong, and the Primordial Ice Phoenix.

Ao Hong and the Primordial Ice Phoenix were still recuperating from their injuries, which went without saying.

And Lulu was an 8 Calamities Ancient Immortal with 7 Indestructible Foundations, whose strength was no less than those with a single True Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) foundation.

After understanding the strength of these individuals, Eldrin smiled faintly and said, "I've summoned you this time to discuss the development of the Chaos Sea." (Chapter End)