Chapter 2081 : The Thousand Tribulations Celebration

After giving instructions to several clan members and disciples, Eldrin Chen returned to the Primordial Immortal Domain.

By now, Worthy Pursuit Chen and his companions had already secured the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein. With their combined strength and the aid of their Formation, the likelihood of them losing the Ancestral Vein was already minimal.

After all, they possessed the combat power of several figures comparable to Sage Ascendant. Even if the Ten Great Imperial Scions of the Solar Heavenly Emperor joined forces, they would not gain the slightest advantage against such a united front.

Furthermore, once the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein fully Recovery and they received the empowerment of the Ancestral Vein, their cultivation bases were bound to advance significantly. At that point, completely seizing the Mandate of Heaven [the divine right to rule] should also be within expectations.

Freed from this concern, Eldrin Chen finally set his mind completely at ease. He settled into secluded cultivation with full focus, preparing for his journey into the Chaos Desolation Sea.

Simultaneously, the Chen Immortal Clan was also decorating with lanterns and streamers, preparing for Eldrin Chen's Thousand Tribulations Longevity [a grand celebration marking the passage of one thousand great cosmic cycles].

For a powerhouse of the Sage Ascendant Realm, one thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] is not considered an overly long span of time.

After all, given the near-complete eternal Indestructibility [the state of being unaging and undying] and lifespan of a Sage Ascendant, one thousand Kalpa Tribulation is merely a period not considered overly lengthy.

The several Sage Ascendant of the Primordial Immortal Domain have almost all lived for over one million Kalpa Tribulation. Apart from Eldrin Chen, even the youngest, the Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor, has lived for three hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulation.

For Eldrin Chen, this Thousand Tribulations Longevity held significance more for its commemorative value.

It also served as a convenient occasion for the Human Race Immortal Court to celebrate, as this was a truly rare and momentous event for the entire Human Race.

Ever since Eldrin Chen stepped into the Great Encompassing realm, gatherings with those close to him had become few and far between.

Among these people, some were stationed in the Returning Abyss Path Domain, while many Great Encompassing Golden Immortal had ventured into the Sea of Chaos to establish their own branch lineages and ancient sects.

The Sea of Chaos was perilous beyond measure. The Great Encompassing Golden Immortal leading these ancient sects fared better, occasionally able to gather with one another.

However, it was exceedingly difficult for Ancient Immortal to traverse the Vast and Boundless Chaos Sea. Many who were once fellow disciples and sworn brothers had not laid eyes on each other for dozens or even hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years].

Seizing this opportunity to allow the disciples and descendants of the Returning Abyss Lineage to gather was thus a precious chance for these individuals.

Of course, for this Thousand Tribulations Longevity celebration, Eldrin Chen had deliberately kept things simple, intending it primarily as an internal celebration for his clan members and lineage disciples.

Beyond that, Eldrin Chen had only invited a handful of his closest friends, along with high-ranking members from a few allied races such as the Human Race and the Divine Clan.

Yet, even so, on the day the Thousand Tribulations Longevity celebration for the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor commenced, a great multitude arrived uninvited.

Countless Divine Clan, Hundred Immortal Spirit Races, and even major powers from beyond the borders of the Primordial Immortal Domain came bearing lavish gifts, presenting themselves without summons.

It was evident that in the eyes of many within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, Eldrin Chen [the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor] was almost destined to become a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler of primordial chaos]. This moment presented a rare opportunity to offer congratulations and forge favorable connections.

Even Indestructibility Ancient One traversed the Boundless Chaos Sea, a journey spanning several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], to attend Eldrin Chen's celebratory feast.

One could say that for this Thousand Tribulations Longevity Feast, the attendees included over twenty Sage Ascendant [beings who have ascended to the threshold of sagehood], and seven or eight Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

Among them, besides Great Abyss Immortal Sage, the two Great God Emperors, and Primordial Mire Path Master, there were also Path Ancestor Haoxu and several other Chaos Heavenly Emperor in attendance.

Even the two supreme Divine Sovereign—Ant Heavenly Emperor and Tai Yan Divine Sovereign—sent envoys bearing gifts of immense value.

During the feast, Eldrin Chen, as the host, engaged with the various Heavenly Emperor Divine Sovereign with utmost courtesy and exchanged insights on the Dao with the attending Sage Ascendant and Patriarch.

However, these Path Ancestors and Sage Ascendant did not linger long. After paying their respects and establishing connections, they departed one after another.

Eldrin Chen personally saw each guest off before finally finding a rare moment to assess the state of his own lineage and disciples.

Over the years, as his cultivation advanced, Eldrin Chen's primary focus had shifted to secluded cultivation. A single session of closed-door meditation could now last for several, or even dozens of, Kalpa Tribulation.

Under such circumstances, Eldrin Chen naturally had little mind to spare for the affairs of his clan or his disciples' descendants. He was largely unaware of the recent circumstances of his bloodline and his sect's members.

Fortunately, the clan's affairs were steered by Verdant Bud Chen, and the Sacrificial Self Path lineage was managed by Eldrin Chen's Ten Direct Disciples. Overall, everything was in perfect order.

At this time, the core members of the Chen Immortal Clan and the Sacrificial Self Path lineage within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains had almost all gathered for the longevity celebration.

Within the Chen Clan Lineage, there were thirty-seven Primordial One Imperial Lord [the foundational realm for true immortals, representing the unity of one's primordial essence] and three hundred seventy-one Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a powerful immortal realm signifying one's cultivation has reached a golden, all-encompassing stage].

Among these direct descendants of the Chen Clan, the Primordial One Imperial Lord were almost all clansmen who had received special care from Eldrin Chen.

Aside from Eldrin Chen's close relatives, this group included three of his own grandsons: Thinking Past Chen, Thinking Jade Chen, and Elias Chen.

It had to be admitted that the third son of the Chen Clan, Worthy Longevity Chen, possessed astonishingly potent bloodline. He had fathered one hundred eight children in his lifetime, and the majority had now cultivated to the Great Encompassing Realm [the realm of a Golden Immortal, where one's power and comprehension become vast and all-encompassing].

Thinking Past Chen, Thinking Jade Chen, and Elias Chen were the outstanding talents of this branch, each having stepped into the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm with the Limitless Primordial One Foundation [a supreme foundational cultivation method of the Sacrificial Self Path, granting boundless potential] of the Sacrificial Self Path.

It could be said that the current scale and profound heritage [deep reserves and accumulated strength] of the Chen Clan owed the greatest share of credit to the lineage of the third son.

"It's just that Worthy Longevity Chen's nature is far too... amorous. I heard he recently got the young princess of the Seven-Colored Immortal Deer Clan pregnant again."

Eldrin Chen swept a glance towards Worthy Longevity Chen, and could not help but release a soft, internal sigh.

The Seven-Colored Immortal Deer Clan Clan Patriarch had cultivated his power to the Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, ranking among the top five supreme powerhouses within the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races. He stood a mere half-step away from the Sage Ascendant Realm.

While the cherished daughter of such a formidable figure might be one thing, Worthy Longevity Chen's notorious reputation for being a libertine was something the Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan found utterly distasteful.

Were it not for Eldrin Chen's current status as a Path Ancestor [a supreme master who has comprehended a fundamental cosmic principle], Worthy Longevity Chen would likely have been skinned alive by the Seven-Colored Immortal Deer Clan's Clan Patriarch long ago.

"And now I have to clean up his mess,"

Eldrin Chen sighed inwardly before turning his gaze to the lineage of the Sacrificial Self Path.

Compared to the Chen Immortal Clan, the Sacrificial Self Path lineage was far more prosperous. It was now divided into the Ten Ancestral Courts, the Thirty-Six Imperial Courts, and the Seventy-Two Ancient Sects.

The so-called Ten Ancestral Courts were founded by Eldrin Chen's Ten Direct Disciples, each court inheriting and presiding over a distinct portion of the Path's orthodox teachings.

Among them, the lineage founded by Alistair Ye was the most flourishing. Having attained the Path early, he had taken on many personal disciples over the years. Among them, several dozen had already reached the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm.

Three of his disciples had even stepped into the Primordial One Realm. Although all three possessed only a Great Primordial One Foundation [a foundational spiritual constitution of the highest grade within the Primordial One realm], this achievement firmly placed Alistair Ye's lineage at the forefront of the Ten Ancestral Courts.

Following Alistair Ye, the second-ranked Ancestral Court belonged to the lineage of Lingering Ye.

Although Lingering Ye had attained the Great Encompassing Realm most recently, he had grasped a portion of the authority of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-sacrifice and inner refinement]. Furthermore, he was now teaching this path within the newly formed Primordial Domain [the primordial, foundational realm of existence] and had already nurtured several disciples to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of a Golden Immortal, representing vast comprehension and power] realm.

Among his disciples were four prodigies of exceptional talent: Void Heaven, Starry River, Prison-Suppressor, and Grand Mystery. Each was born with immense Fortune [a metaphysical concept representing destiny, luck, and heavenly favor]. Though they still resided within the Great Encompassing Realm, each possessed the potential to one day ascend to the Limitless [a transcendent state beyond conventional limits] Great Emperor [a sovereign ruler among cultivators, wielding immense authority and power] realm.

The Thirty-Six Imperial Courts [thirty-six majestic and powerful imperial institutions], meanwhile, were founded by figures such as Violet Mystery Path Master, Heaven Abyss Path Master, the Heavenly Mountain Goddess [a divine sovereign residing upon a celestial peak], and the Master of the Horizon Pavilion. Each of these Imperial Courts boasted at least ten Great Encompassing Golden Immortal among its ranks.

The Seventy-Two Ancient Sects [seventy-two venerable and ancient cultivation sects] were established by the seventy-two most powerful named disciples of Eldrin Chen.

The strength of these ancient sects varied greatly. The weakest possessed only a single Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, while the most powerful numbered several dozen such experts among their members.

And this accounted only for the Sacrificial Self Path lineages with close ties to Eldrin Chen. By now, the number of cultivators who practiced the Sacrificial Self Path was truly beyond count.

Including those who cultivated the Sacrificial Self Path but had no direct master-disciple lineage connection to Eldrin Chen, the practitioners of this path who had reached the Great Encompassing realm now exceeded four thousand.

"The Sacrificial Self Path has now grown formidable wings indeed,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a faint smile touching his lips.

In truth, the Sacrificial Self Path had long since reached the absolute zenith of what was possible beneath the supreme Limitless Great Path [the ultimate, boundless Dao that transcends all limitations].

The fundamental reason it has not yet transformed into the Limitless Great Path lies in three key points.

First, the number of Great Emperor-level powerhouses within the Sacrificial Self Path is insufficient; they have not yet gathered the required nine Great Emperor [the supreme sovereigns of a cultivation path].

Second, the True Spirit Immortal Treasury Art [a core foundational art of the path] within the Sacrificial Self Path has not been fully perfected.

Third, the Sacrificial Self Path cannot produce a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of primordial chaos], thus it still possesses a significant flaw.

According to the calculations of Eldrin Chen, the Sacrificial Self Path would ascend directly to the realm of the Limitless Great Path [the ultimate, boundless cultivation path] if any one of these three conditions were fulfilled.

If two of the three were perfected, the Sacrificial Self Path would step into the domain of the top-tier Primordial Chaos Great Path [the supreme path of primordial chaos] upon its breakthrough.

Should all three be achieved, once the Sacrificial Self Path transformed into a Primordial Chaos Great Path, it would immediately attain the Half-Step Path Union Realm [a half-step from the ultimate union of all paths].

Furthermore, its subsequent breakthrough into the Path Union and the Supreme Domain [the ultimate sovereign domain] would then follow as naturally as water flowing downhill.

As of now, the Sacrificial Self Path already possesses two Great Emperor: Worthy Pursuit Chen and Imperial Sovereign Jiang.

The disciples of the Ten Direct Disciples have also cultivated the Limitless Primordial One Foundation [a supreme foundational spiritual root]. With this as a base, fulfilling the first condition no longer seems an insurmountable obstacle.

After all, the Limitless Primordial One realm is the very foundation for glimpsing the Heavenly Emperor realm; breaking through to the Great Emperor Realm would face almost no bottleneck, though the resources consumed would be astronomically vast.

"It seems that on this journey to the Chaos Desolation Sea, I should strive to gather as many cultivation resources as possible," he mused.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. After a glance at the assembled crowd, he flicked his sleeve, scattering a batch of resources as gifts for these descendants of his bloodline and his disciples.

Having completed this, Eldrin Chen withdrew from the banquet and arrived at a side hall.

Within the side hall, two figures of peerless grace and beauty sat waiting, as if they had been there for quite some time.

The one at the forefront was a Refined Man clad in nine-colored immortal robes. Beside him, a young maiden kept her head bowed, a timid expression on her face.

To the side, a female immortal of breathtaking elegance was smiling as she received the two guests.

That female immortal was none other than the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer, Gentle Deer. Several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] had passed since her revival and return.

As a Nine-Colored Immortal Deer who had taken human form, Gentle Deer possessed a heaven-defying aptitude. Although the resources she had received over the years were not exceptionally abundant, her cultivation had already reached the Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage.

At this moment, she was smiling politely while entertaining the two guests. Seeing Eldrin Chen arrive, she hurried over and whispered, "The Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan is furious. It doesn't look like this will be easy to handle."

"There is no need for concern."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile before instructing, "Have someone summon Worthy Longevity."

With those words, Eldrin Chen proceeded to the Great Hall.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, the two figures promptly rose to their feet. The young maiden appeared timid, not daring to speak.

The Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan, however, wore a displeased expression. Suppressing his indignation, he clasped his hands towards Eldrin Chen and said, "I pay my respects to the Path Ancestor."

"No need for such formality. Please, Fellow Daoist, be seated."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight smile, took his place at the head seat, and with a sweep of his sleeve, gestured for the Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan to sit.

Only after everyone was seated did Eldrin Chen turn his gaze to fully observe the Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan.

One had to admit, this Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan possessed a truly remarkable foundation. As one of the first living beings born at the dawn of the Primordial Immortal Domain,

the Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan was the incarnation of the very first divine stag of the World-Opening era. His true form was the exceedingly rare Nine-Colored Immortal Deer, a being born from the interwoven essence of nine supreme Great Path.

In terms of innate talent, she was not inferior to the Primordial Ancestor of Nine-Colored Immortal Shell of the Immortal Clam Clan.

It was merely that the Nine-Colored Clam Ancestor, nurtured by the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, managed to step into the Sage Ascendant Realm. In comparison, the resources available to the Clan Patriarch of the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer were somewhat lacking, causing him to remain at the Great Emperor Realm.

Yet this did not mean the Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan was weak. This Great Emperor of the Immortal Deer Clan had been renowned for ages and wielded three Innate Supreme Treasure [treasures born of heaven and earth, possessing immense innate power], placing him among the very pinnacle of Great Emperor.

Had he been willing to join the ranks of the Demon Race, he would have undoubtedly ranked among its top three Great Emperor.

Even the various Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [supreme beings who have comprehended a fundamental cosmic principle and attained sagehood] treated this Great Emperor as an equal.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen showed not the slightest hint of disrespect. Instead, he spoke calmly, "The matter at hand is clear to me. How does the Fellow Daoist wish to resolve it?"

"Resolve it?"

The Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan's expression darkened, his eyes filled with profound sorrow. "Yao'er was the cherished pearl of our clan, her talent not far inferior to my own," he said, his voice heavy.

"I had intended to groom her as my successor. Yet now, she has become entangled with..."

The Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan's words trailed off, and a look of helpless resignation washed over his features.

For a man of such profligate nature, were he anyone else, Eldrin would have broken his legs. But Worthy Longevity Chen was, after all, the direct descendant of a Path Ancestor [a supreme being who has mastered a fundamental cosmic principle]. In the end, Eldrin felt powerless to intervene.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but speak. "In my view," he said, "since the deed is already done, why not play the part of the benevolent matchmaker?"

"Impossible."

Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan's expression shifted slightly. "I have heard," he stated firmly, "that he has over thirty wives and concubines, and his fleeting dalliances beyond those are beyond counting."

Eldrin Chen felt a wave of awkwardness. As a father, even he did not know the full extent of Worthy Longevity Chen's romantic debts.

But from what Eldrin Chen understood, people often arrived at their doorstep with Worthy Longevity Chen's illegitimate children in tow. The number of those offspring was likely impossible to tally.

The count was so vast that even Worthy Longevity Chen himself had lost track and could scarcely afford to care for them all.

He could only allocate a significant portion from his own private coffers to cover the expenses of raising these children until they came of age.

It was precisely for this reason that Worthy Longevity Chen was, financially, the poorest among Eldrin Chen's five children.

Were it not for Nyssa Qu's frequent assistance and the clan's partial subsidies in this matter, Worthy Longevity Chen might well have been reduced to venturing into the Chaos Desolation Sea [a perilous, primordial expanse of chaotic energies] to pay off his debts.

"Alas."

Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh and was just about to speak when Worthy Longevity Chen walked in from outside the hall.

It had to be admitted that compared to the eldest son's resolute character, the second son's single-minded devotion, the third daughter's extraordinary talent, and the fifth son's astonishing comprehension, this third son's innate aptitude was truly exceptional.

He had inherited Eldrin Chen's handsome features and a measure of Nyssa Qu's peerless elegance, possessing an indescribable allure to women.

The moment he entered, the young woman from the Immortal Deer Clan [a clan of cultivators with a deep connection to immortal deer spirits] brightened up, stepping forward joyfully to link arms with him. "Brother Worthy Longevity, you're finally here," she said, beaming.

"This is it."

Eldrin Chen rubbed his forehead, unable to suppress a look of helplessness.

The Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles cracked, his eyes bulging wide as if he wished to devour the young man on the spot.

If not for the fear of offending a Path Ancestor [a supreme being who has mastered a fundamental cosmic principle] who was his father, Worthy Longevity Chen would likely have faced serious consequences today.

Thinking this, Eldrin Chen quickly interjected, "Third Son, hurry and pay your respects to Senior Taiji [an honorific title meaning 'Great Primordial']!"

Worthy Longevity Chen snapped back to reality and, with a smile, bowed respectfully, saying, "Your son-in-law pays his respects to his father-in-law."

"Who is your father-in-law!"

The Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan ground his teeth in frustration, nearly unable to resist the urge to strike him.

Worthy Longevity Chen chuckled and beckoned towards the rear, saying, "Yao Yao, come quickly and greet your maternal grandfather."

As his words fell, a young maiden walked in from outside the room. It was none other than Thinking Jade Chen, the direct granddaughter of Eldrin Chen.

At this, not only the Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan, but even Eldrin Chen himself could not help but change countenance.

The Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan was nearly driven to the brink of madness, on the verge of a full-blown eruption of rage, but was fortunately suppressed on the spot by Eldrin Chen.

Having restrained the Taiji Patriarch, Eldrin Chen finally could not help but inquire, "Speak quickly, what in the world is going on?"

"This matter... requires a long explanation."

Worthy Longevity Chen glanced at Deer Jade and began to recount the tale in detail.

It turned out that as early as several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] ago, Worthy Longevity Chen had already known Deer Jade.

Back then, after they fell in love, Deer Jade became pregnant. However, Eldrin Chen had ventured far into the Chaos Desolation Sea at that time, his fate uncertain, so they dared not inform Taiji Patriarch of this matter.

They kept it secret from Taiji Patriarch and gave birth to a daughter, who is now Thinking Jade Chen.

Later, when Eldrin Chen returned, Worthy Longevity Chen intended to tell him about this. However, due to his overly philandering nature, Deer Jade flew into a rage and left in a huff, and the matter was thus shelved.

Afterwards, the two separated and reconciled multiple times. It was only recently, when Deer Jade became pregnant again, that this secret was discovered by the Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan.

"You... you... you..."

After hearing the whole story, the Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan was so furious he nearly had a stroke.

Eldrin Chen could only offer a bitter smile and spoke up, "Esteemed in-law, this truly reflects my failure in disciplining my son."

"But rest assured, I will give that boy a proper thrashing later, and the matter of the betrothal gifts will certainly not be neglected."

Taiji Patriarch was left speechless. He looked at the blissful couple, then at Thinking Jade Chen, and finally slumped into his chair with a heavy sigh. "Let it be, let it be," he conceded at last.

"I shall not interfere in your affairs any longer."

With those words, Taiji Patriarch departed the Great Hall alone, his entire being seeming to have aged considerably.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but offer a bitter smile. If it were his own daughter in such a situation, he would likely want to skin the other party alive.

Fortunately, most of his children were sons, and his only daughter, Worthy Verdancy Chen, possessed exceptionally high standards, which spared him such displeasure.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen had Gentle Deer take Deer Jade away. Then, with a look of exasperation, he glanced at Worthy Longevity Chen and said, "For this matter, you should go and beg your mother."

Having spoken, Eldrin Chen said no more and directly left the side hall.

He then made his way to another side hall, where he met with another old acquaintance.

Within that Great Hall stood a man of imposing stature and heroic bearing—none other than the Indestructibility Ancient One, whose name commanded awe throughout this Chaos Domain.

Upon seeing the Indestructibility Ancient One, Eldrin Chen sat down opposite him and began, "For you, Senior, to personally undertake the journey for this longevity celebration is truly too arduous."

The Indestructibility Ancient One smiled faintly before replying, "Since we are to explore the Chaos Forbidden Land together, making the trip was only fitting."