Chapter 1927 : Eve of the Third Tribulation

As his physical body broke through to the third layer of the Great Luo Physique, Eldrin began to gradually consolidate his cultivation base.

Thus, after several million years had passed, on the day Eldrin emerged from seclusion, he discovered that the third kalpic tribulation was once again drawing near.

At this time, Eldrin's lifespan had already exceeded 200,000,000 years. Seizing the opportunity presented by the kalpa's lifespan cycle, he gathered all clan members in the Return to Void Celestial Realm to hold a family banquet.

This family banquet was rather informal, with Eldrin only entertaining his dao companion and clan members.

After the banquet concluded, Eldrin gathered everyone in the great hall and inquired, "As the Great Calamity approaches once more, it is time for you to make preparations for this tribulation."

The already transformed Qing Ji (Person Name) witnessed this and stated directly, "I shall personally enter this kalpic tribulation. It should not bring any great calamity."

Everyone nodded in agreement upon hearing this. Although they did not know what kind of opportunity Qing Ji had encountered, they understood that her strength had advanced by leaps and bounds, now almost rivaling that of Lyra (Person Name) from years past.

With Lady Qingji leading the team, this Tribulation should pose no significant danger.

At this thought, Lila (Person Name) spoke candidly to Yan Ziji (Person Name), "If we 2 undergo the heavenly tribulation together and succeed in taking that final step, we shall directly break through to the Great Perfection Realm."

Seeing this, Eldrin nodded slightly before turning his gaze to Chen Yuan, Kael, and Chen Ethan.

Within the clan today, aside from Eldrin and 2 others, these 3 hold the greatest hope of attaining the Great Perfection in this kalpic tribulation.

As for the others—Ye Qingfeng, Lu Wenyan, and Yuansheng—though they too possessed the potential to become Great Luo Golden Immortals, they spent most of their time consolidating their foundations. Lacking the support of innate spiritual treasures, they were temporarily unable to break through to the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm.

Seeing this, Chen Yuan simply shook his head and said, "My Immortal Golden Body has yet to reach its limit. This Tribulation is merely to accumulate foundational strength—I won’t attempt to break through to the Great Perfection Realm."

Eldrin nodded slightly. The Abyssal Elder now primarily cultivates the path of physical sanctification, having reached the half-step True Spirit realm in bodily refinement.

However, the path of the True Spirit was arduous to master. Even with his formidable physical body, taking that next step into the True Spirit Realm could be described as difficult as scaling the heavens. Whether he could achieve the breakthrough remained hanging in the balance.

On the other side, Kael (Person Name) also gave a slight nod and calmly stated, "My Dao is not yet perfected, and there is still a long road ahead. I will not attempt to break through to the Great Luo Realm during this kalpic tribulation."

Only Chen Ethan smiled faintly before speaking, "I do wish to impact the Great Luo Realm, but I have yet to break through the Lingbao Heavenly Barrier."

Hearing this, a faint glimmer flickered in Eldrin's eyes as he largely grasped Chen Ethan's intention.

Today's Ethan Chen (Person Name) had cultivated 3 indestructible foundations—the Fleshly Body, the Great Dao, and the Primordial Spirit—placing him among the most elite of the Ancient Immortals in terms of power.

The only issue was that Chen Ethan had yet to achieve the breakthrough in the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass.

The Chen Immortal Clan's treasury currently housed 3 lower-grade innate spiritual treasures suitable for breaking through the Spirit Treasure Heavenly Barrier, yet none resonated with Ethan Chen.

Chen Ethan was practically raised under Eldrin’s watchful gaze. Now that he stood at the threshold of attaining the Great Dao of the Golden Immortal, Eldrin naturally wished to lend a helping hand.

After a moment’s contemplation, Eldrin spoke, “I shall lend you 2 strands of Innate Indestructible Radiance to advance your Natal Innate Spiritual Treasure.”

"However, after breaking through to the Great Luo Realm, you must repay this item."

As the words faded, Eldrin waved his sleeve and bestowed 2 streams of innate indestructible radiance upon Chen Ethan.

Having obtained the Primordial Indestructible Radiance, a trace of confidence surfaced on Ethan's face. With his foundation, his hope of impacting the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm was never small to begin with.

Now, having obtained 2 more Primordial Indestructible Splendors and successfully upgrading the Twin Swords of Creation and Annihilation, his confidence in attaining the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm had grown immensely.

At this thought, Chen Ethan immediately cupped his hands and said, "Many thanks for your generous gift, Uncle."

Seeing this, Eldrin waved his hand and said, "There's no need to rush the refinement of your Lifebound Treasure. Later, you and Xianqing shall await me together at the Return to the Abyss Forbidden Ground."

"Very well."

After bestowing 2 strands of innate indestructible spiritual light upon Chen Ethan (Person Name), Eldrin (Person Name) discussed some trivial matters regarding the cosmic tribulation with the others before finally arriving at the forbidden land of the Returning Abyss.

At this moment, Chen Xianqing and Chen Ethan (Person Name) had been waiting for quite some time. Upon seeing Eldrin (Person Name) arrive, both of them bowed respectfully.

Father, Uncle...

Eldrin nodded slightly, then remarked with a tinge of emotion, "The reason I brought you here this time is to bestow upon you both an immensely significant opportunity."

"However, this opportunity is of utmost importance. You must remember not to disclose it to anyone."

Upon hearing this, both of them froze for a moment, their expressions turning solemn.

Eldrin said no more. With a flick of his sleeve, he produced the Cauldron of Creation and stated, "This is known as the Cauldron of Creation, possessing the miraculous ability to rebuild 1's foundation."

"Remember, the secret of the Creation Cauldron is only for the core Great Luo Golden Immortals of the Chen Clan to know."

With these words, Eldrin turned his gaze to Chen Xianqing and said, "Qing'er, you shall go first."

Chen Xianqing nodded, then stepped forward into it.

Eldrin did not dare to neglect the task either. Without hesitation, he retrieved over a dozen rare treasures including the Lotus of Creation and cast them 1 after another into the Cauldron of Creation.

Using this as nourishment, supplemented by the Chaos Creation Origin and the Innate Indestructible Spirit Light to rebuild Chen Xianqing's foundation, her potential grew increasingly astonishing without notice.

When all had concluded, Chen Xianqing strolled out from the great hall, his aura and foundation now incomparable to what they had been before.

7 Supreme Indestructible Foundations.

Chen Ethan suddenly spoke, a trace of astonishment flashing across his face.

You must understand, Chen Xianqing had previously only established the 4 Indestructible Foundations, and even those were merely ordinary Indestructible Foundations.

Yet now, Chen Xianqing had not only cultivated all 7 Indestructible Foundations, but each had reached at least the Paramount Realm. Among them, his Verdant Lotus Physique, the Dao of Creation's Verdant Lotus, and his primordial spirit had all attained the Half-Step True Spirit Realm.

Although forming a True Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) foundation was the ultimate goal, whether it was a Half-Step True Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) foundation or an ordinary Immortal foundation, they differed not in essence but in the magnitude of 1's future potential.

Such a remarkable transformation could truly be called an astonishing stroke of great fortune.

"The opportunity has arrived. May you succeed in cultivating the True Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) Foundation amidst this cosmic tribulation."

Witnessing this, Eldrin (Person Name) could not help but murmur softly.

Chen Xianqing gave a nod, understanding that the shackles binding her path to the True Spirit Great Dao had now been unlocked. She drew a deep breath and declared, "In this kalpic tribulation, I will not fail you, Father."

Eldrin gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze toward Chen Ethan and declared, "Your turn!"…

Chen Ethan did not enter immediately. Instead, after pondering repeatedly, he inquired, "I observe that the origin within the cauldron appears to possess the power to defy fate and alter destiny. It is undoubtedly no ordinary substance, and I presume its quantity must be limited."

"Dare I ask, Elder Uncle, how many strands of origin energy are within the cauldron?"

"You are quite thoughtful." Eldrin nodded slightly before responding, "There are still 6 portions remaining."

"Although this Primordial Chaos Essence is profoundly mysterious, it requires the support of a supreme-grade innate divine artifact to potentially advance further. You possess only 1 opportunity to utilize it. Are you certain you wish to employ it now?"

"Only 6 copies?"

Chen Ethan (Person Name) furrowed his brow slightly, a fleeting hesitation flashing in his heart.

But in the span of a mere instant, his resolve solidified. He cupped his hands in salute and said, "This treasure is far too rare. As a nephew with no illustrious achievements to my name, I truly do not deserve to accept it."

"Lest it disturb my Dao Heart, Uncle, you should bestow this artifact upon another."

"Oh?"

Eldrin was momentarily taken aback. He couldn't help but glance at Chen Ethan, then patted his shoulder and asked, "Are you certain?"

"Hmm." Chen Ethan nodded, then spoke, "I have already obtained 2 strands of innate indestructible spiritual light—how could I have the audacity to seek such a priceless treasure? Moreover, in my view, external aids are ultimately just that—mere embellishments at best. You never relied on such things in your day, yet still cultivated a True Spiritual Root foundation, did you not?"

"Very well."

Eldrin nodded in satisfaction and patted his shoulder, saying, "Indeed. You must understand that throughout the world, all truly peerless geniuses forge their own Great Perfection Path."

"Relying on external aids can at most make 1's path slightly smoother."

As he spoke, Eldrin continued, "Enter the cauldron. Though we won't use the Primordial Chaos Origin, the Chaos energy within can still help you rebuild your foundation."

Chen Ethan (Person Name) gave a slight nod before stepping into the Cauldron of Creation (Magic Treasure).

As he stepped forward, Eldrin retrieved various Great Luo rare treasures, gradually merging them into Ethan Chen's body.

Although it did not allow him to utilize the Primordial Immortal Radiance, Eldrin still bestowed upon him a strand of Primordial Chaos Unending Radiance.

With the aid of this Primordial Undying Spiritual Light and the power of creation, Ethan Chen ultimately succeeded in reforging his foundation. When the process reached completion, he emerged having established all 7 indestructible foundations.

By comparison, Chen Ethan's 7 Indestructible Foundations all started at the upper-tier level, with 3 of them even reaching the pinnacle rank.

And the Life-Death Sword Dao he cultivated had already half-stepped into the realm of the True Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) foundation.

Meanwhile, Chen Ethan’s life-bound treasures—the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss and the Ren Water Sword of Rebirth—merged into 1, transforming into the Yin-Yang Life-Death Sword Aura.

This Yin-Yang Life-Death Sword Miasma was an innate spiritual treasure exclusive to the sword path of 'Forging Swords into Miasma'. Such innate treasures moved according to the heart's will—scattering could transform it into the Yin-Yang Life-Death Sword Array, while gathering would fuse it into the singular Yin-Yang Life-Death Sword Miasma.

Such a supreme treasure, with its terrifying destructive power, ranks among the finest even among Innate Spiritual Treasures.

Although it was only a lower-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Yin-Yang Life-Death Sword Aura's lethality had reached the realm of a mid-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, truly worthy of being called an extraordinary divine weapon.

Eldrin was also deeply gratified by this. With Chen Ethan having mastered this Yin-Yang Life-Death Sword Aura, his combat prowess would likely place him among the finest of the Great Luo Golden Immortals....

Even the Sword Abyss Immortal Lord of yesteryear, who once slew several Chaos Fiends, might not necessarily surpass Ethan (Person Name) in combat prowess at the same cultivation realm.

At this thought, Eldrin spoke: "Not bad at all. May this Dao Tribulation pave your way to become the next Great Luo Golden Immortal of our Chen Immortal Clan."

"I shall live up to your esteemed expectations, Uncle!"

Chen Ethan (Person Name) prostrated himself and reverently kowtowed 3 times to Eldrin (Person Name).

With matters here concluded, Eldrin emerged from the Abyssal Forbidden Zone.

He immediately went to Chen Yuan's cave abode and found Patriarch Yuan, who was in deep cultivation.

Outside Chen Yuan's cave abode at that moment, he was playing a game of chess with the old tomb keeper. When the old tomb keeper spotted Eldrin (Person Name), he smiled and said, "You've come."

Greetings, Elder.

Eldrin held profound respect for the old tomb keeper.

He gave a polite nod and asked with a smile, "How has the Elder been faring in recent years?"

"Not bad at all."

The Tombkeeper Elder nodded with a smile. "This old daoist now lives a life of leisurely freedom."

Seeing this, a faint smile surfaced on Eldrin's face.

The Tomb Keeper had been revived by Eldrin for nearly 2 100 million years.

After reviving those old acquaintances back then, Eldrin expended no small price to rebuild their foundations for them, and the opportunity obtained by the Old Tomb Keeper was truly exceptional among them.

Later, within the Eldrin Immortal Realm, the Old Tomb Keeper once again embarked on the path of cultivation. With unwavering focus, he immersed himself in secluded training for nearly 2 100 million years. Unbeknownst to him, his cultivation had already ascended to the realm of Ancient Immortal.

The current gravekeeper elder was now a First Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

This speed could not be considered fast—in fact, it was remarkably slow, especially since the old gravekeeper had obtained an extraordinary opportunity and received personal attention from Eldrin (Person Name), who frequently sent him cultivation resources every few days.

Many of these resources were enough to make even a 7-Calamity Ancient Immortal covet them.

The reason the Old Tomb Keeper's cultivation progressed slowly was that he did not pursue realms beyond the Great Luo Golden Immortal.

He believed that, given his innate talent, attaining the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm would be exceedingly difficult. Preferring the carefree existence of an ancient immortal, he exchanged most of these resources for various celestial metals and divine materials, which he then bestowed upon Chen Yuan.

"Since you've come this time, I presume you're looking for this lad, Eldrin."

Just then, the old tomb keeper said with a laugh.

He rose to let Eldrin (Person Name) take his seat, then added, "Please continue your discussion. I'll brew a pot of tea for you both."

"We are all among our own, Elder. There is no need for discretion."

Eldrin smiled faintly and motioned for the old tomb keeper to sit to the side.

Chen Yuan was not particularly surprised by Eldrin's arrival. After all, with the Great Calamity approaching, it was only natural for Eldrin, as the current ruler of the Chen Clan, to seek discourse with 1 who held the potential to attain the Da Luo realm.

To this, Chen Yuan accepted the tea poured by the tomb-keeper elder, glanced at Eldrin (Person Name), and remarked, "Your visit this time, I presume, isn’t merely for a game of chess."

"Hmm."

Eldrin gave a slight nod before inquiring, "Regarding the cultivation of the True Spirit Body, does the Patriarch have confidence in achieving it?"

"With sufficient refined gold and secret silver, I would have absolute certainty in building the foundation of a True Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root)."

Chen Yuan spoke, his tone remarkably composed.

Eldrin’s brow twitched slightly upon hearing this. A 1 100 percent certainty of cultivating a True Spirit Body—his ancestor was truly a peerless genius, worthy of having created the Gold-Silver Body Forging Art.

Throughout the world, countless metals exist, yet when it comes to immunity against spells and supernatural powers, mithril reigns supreme. As for indestructibility and eternal endurance, Immortal Aurum stands unparalleled as the foremost among all metals under heaven.

Once Chen Yuan forged a True Spirit Body through this method and broke through to the Great Perfection Realm via the Path of Flesh Sanctification, his combat prowess would likely grow so formidable that even Great Perfection Golden Immortals would shudder in dread.

Alas, both high-grade mithril and adamantine could be used to transform into Celestial Soldiers and Divine Generals, making them exceptionally precious. Even with the foundation Chen Yuan had accumulated over many years, he could scarcely approach that threshold.

At this thought, Eldrin spoke: "After this kalpic tribulation, I will consider launching the Chaos War when the time is right, though I haven't yet identified a suitable target to strike."

"The Patriarch's physical body is unparalleled in this world, making it most suitable for traversing the Chaos. Since his cultivation hasn't yet reached the Great Perfection Realm, he could venture deep into the Chaos to conduct preliminary reconnaissance."

Chen Yuan nodded. If 1's cultivation realm was below the Great Perfection Stage, then even if they fully entered the territory of other Chaos Godfiends, it would not provoke the other party's vigilance.

At this thought, Chen Yuan asked, "Who are your intended targets?"

Beyond the Eastern Li Flame Region, a boundless expanse of sea stretched into the distance. A young man in blue robes stood atop the waves, his gaze piercing through the void as he spoke coldly, "I know you're here." The space before him twisted and distorted, and a figure cloaked in black mist slowly emerged. A hoarse voice echoed from within the mist, "Heh heh, I never expected you to discover me so quickly." The blue-robed youth's expression remained unchanged. "Since you've come, then stay." As his words fell, a sword intent as vast as the sea erupted around him. The seawater churned and roiled, as if bowing to a sovereign. The black-mist figure trembled slightly, clearly startled by the youth's power. "Such formidable sword intent! You're no ordinary Golden Immortal!" The blue-robed youth paid no heed to the remark. With a flick of his finger, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss shot forth, its crimson blade aura slicing through the sky like a fiery dragon. "Arrogant fool!" The black-mist figure roared, and a sinister banner materialized in its hand. Countless vengeful spirits surged out, blotting out the sky and covering the sun. Yet the youth showed no fear. The sword in his hand danced, each strike carrying the power to sever mountains and part seas. The sword light weaved into a dense net, trapping the vengeful spirits within. "Break!" With a soft shout, the sword net abruptly contracted. The vengeful spirits wailed and dissipated into nothingness. The black-mist figure staggered back, its aura visibly weakened. "Impossible! How could you be this strong?" The blue-robed youth slowly raised his sword. "The laws of this realm dictate that your power cannot surpass the mid-stage of the Great Luo Golden Immortal."

Eldrin spoke in a measured tone, "Moreover, the more remote the location, the better. Ideally, even if a conflict were to erupt, it should escape others' notice."

At this point, Eldrin (Person Name) paused briefly before concluding, "On that basis, if we can locate mines of refined gold and secret silver, they should become our primary targets."