Chapter 2058 : Invitation from the Lesser Sage

By the decree of Eldrin, the Divine Emperor of Taicang soon arrived at the Celestial Court.

After hundreds of kalpas had passed, within the celestial courts of the Heavenly Palace, Eldrin (Person Name) once again beheld the Divine Emperor of Taicang.

Compared to the old days, their identities were now vastly different.

Facing Eldrin, a figure of Sub-Sage stature, the Grand Cang Divine Emperor appeared unusually restrained. Instead of stepping directly into the Celestial Court, he stood respectfully beyond its boundaries and declared, "Grand Cang seeks an audience with the Void-Reversion Dao Ancestor."

"The Dao Ancestor requests your presence, fellow Daoist. Please follow me."

Outside the grand hall, a handsome man who had been waiting for quite some time greeted the Great Cang Divine Emperor with a warm smile.

The moment he laid eyes on the handsome man, the Emperor of Taichang’s heart trembled, and he instantly recognized the man’s identity.

This time Eldrin returned with over a dozen Emperor-tier experts under his command, each displaying astonishing prowess.

The Celestial Venerable Sovereign learned of these Great Emperors' identities and understood that the man before him was the Sword Profound Great Emperor—a peerless sovereign whose combat prowess could startle even immortals.

Thus, the Divine Emperor of Taicang dared not delay and promptly spoke, "So it is Fellow Daoist Jianxuan. I never expected you personally would come to receive me. I am truly overwhelmed by such an honor."

Swordmyst Emperor smiled faintly before speaking, "The Sovereign once mentioned that Empyrean Taicang was his dear friend, and we must receive him with utmost sincerity."

"The Lord has been waiting for quite some time now, Fellow Daoist. Please follow me."

The Heart Emperor of the Great Vastness felt a faint tremor within, growing ever more aware of a burgeoning sense of fortune.

It must be known that the current Eldrin (Person Name) was no ordinary quasi-sage. Not only did he possess the combat prowess of a top-tier quasi-sage, but he also commanded over a dozen Emperor-level followers under his banner.

Such astonishing methods and combat prowess were nearly equivalent to over half the Demon Imperial Court. Whether in strength or potential, they far surpassed the Divine Clan’s Celestial Wasteland Quasi-Emperor.

To be held in such high regard by Eldrin (Person Name), and even share a friendship of no small depth—even as 1 of the Divine Race's 9 Divine Emperors, he felt profoundly honored.

With this thought in mind, the Great Cang Divine Emperor dared not delay, promptly following the Sword Profound Emperor as they advanced at a measured pace.

Soon after, the 2 arrived deep within the Celestial Court. Only then did the Great Cang Divine Emperor realize that Eldrin (Person Name) had chosen to receive him not in the solemn main hall of the Celestial Court, but within the breathtakingly beautiful Peach Orchard of Immortality.

Within the Primordial Peach Orchard grew countless ancient peach trees, the lowest among them being spiritual roots at the Primordial Ancient Tree level.

At this moment, the peach tree was in full bloom, its blossoms adorning every branch. Beneath an ancient tree with gnarled and weathered limbs stood a simple stone table, where Eldrin had long been waiting in serene patience.

I pay my respects to the Ancestral Master of the Returning Abyss.

The Great Azure God Emperor immediately quickened his pace and stepped forward to salute upon catching sight of Eldrin.

Eldrin shook his head with a faint smile and spoke calmly, "Between you and me, there have already been hundreds of kalpas of shared history."

"Even after all these years apart, must we be so distant?"

Taking a deep breath, the Great Cang Divine Emperor felt that after breaking through to the Quasi-Sage Realm, Eldrin's aura had grown increasingly unfathomable. Even merely sitting there, he exuded an aura of supreme majesty.

Those with low cultivation might not sense it, but existences at their level of Great Emperor realm understood all too well how terrifying Eldrin (Person Name) truly was.

If Eldrin (Person Name) had not chosen this scroll within the peach grove, but instead been in the solemn and imposing immortal palace, he would likely have been too restrained to speak freely.

The ways of Heaven are inscrutable. After all, it had been hundreds of cosmic calamities since they last met, and he had no way of knowing whether Eldrin’s temperament had changed as his cultivation advanced.

Fortunately, from what could be seen, Eldrin's temperament remained unchanged compared to those bygone years.

With this thought, the Grand Primordial God-Emperor breathed a sigh of relief and said, "When you were defeated and fled to the Chaotic Abyssal Sea all those years ago, I had assumed you had met with an untimely demise."

"To think that in merely a few 100 kalpas, you have returned with an invincible presence to claim vengeance."

Eldrin smiled faintly and motioned for him to sit, even personally brewing a pot of tea.

While brewing tea, he spoke calmly, "Had it not been for your assistance back then, I might never have escaped into the Chaotic Abyssal Sea, nor would I have attained today’s opportunities and achievements."

"I merely added the finishing touch," the Emperor of Taicang spoke, then continued, "With your capabilities, I believe it's not impossible for you to escape."

"I believe it's like sending charcoal in snowy weather."

Eldrin spoke calmly as he handed an Ancient Thunder Spear to the Great Cang Divine Emperor.

The Emperor of Taicang’s expression shifted slightly, yet he promptly declined, “This treasure is far too precious. I fear I am unworthy of accepting it.”

"Take it."

Eldrin spoke calmly, then added, "Among the 9 Divine Emperors of the God Tribe, only 4 lack innate supreme treasures."

"As 1 of the 9 Emperors, you were never accompanied by a Primordial Supreme Treasure at birth—this has ultimately cost you dearly."

The Great Sovereign of Taicang then took the Primordial Thunder Spear and said with a bitter smile, "It seems the choice I made back then was not a mistake."

Eldrin smiled faintly, then began chatting casually with the Supreme Azure God Emperor about the events that had transpired over the years.

After a long while, the Grand Primordial Divine Emperor bid farewell to Eldrin, then was escorted out of the Celestial Court by the Sword Profound Imperial Sovereign.

Just as the Great Cang Divine Emperor was departing, he unexpectedly encountered the Great Void Divine Emperor. The 2 exchanged a slight nod before passing each other by.

"Did the Patriarch of the Returning Abyss summon him here because of that battle from ages past?"

The Heart Emperor of Taicang felt his thoughts drifting, recalling that great battle when Eldrin was defeated and fled to the chaotic borderlands. Of the 9 Divine Emperors of the god race, only the 2 of them had taken part in the fight.

To get back to the main story, under the guidance of the Immortal Emperor, the Divine Emperor of Taixu soon arrived at the grand hall of the Celestial Court.

Compared to the Heavenly Vast Divine Emperor, Eldrin had only met the Empyrean Divine Emperor once, so he did not go out of his way to curry favor. Instead, he followed protocol and met him in the grand hall of the Celestial Court.

When the Void God-Emperor stepped into the great hall, he was taken aback to find the Nether Serene Emperor present as well. He immediately bowed with utmost reverence and said, "I am Taixu, paying my respects to the Abyssal Revered Ancestor."

"There is no need for such formality."

Eldrin smiled faintly and ordered attendants to bring a seat for the Primordial Spirit Emperor.

After the Void God Emperor took his seat, Eldrin said with a smile, "I have long heard that the Void God Emperor ranks first among the 9 God Emperors of the Divine Clan. Seeing you today, I find the rumors truly do not do you justice."

"If my assumptions are correct, Fellow Daoist, even in your attempt to breakthrough to the Quasi-Sage Realm, there should be some hope of success."

"The Dao Ancestor flatters me."

The Great Void Divine Emperor spoke, his expression rather grave as he said, "The Great Void Dao is profound and unfathomable. My current soul cultivation is insufficient, and I am not yet confident in contending for the authority over the Dao."

Eldrin nodded slightly. Even within the perfected Primordial Dao, distinctions of strength existed.

For instance, the Vermilion Heavenly Ember Great Dao of the Vermilion Bird Demi-Saint possesses only 6 Great Dao Divine Forms, which is why merely a handful of powerhouses at the Great Emperor Realm cultivate it.

Yet the Great Emptiness Dao of the Heavenly Emperor of the Great Emptiness belonged to a certain branch of the Dao of Space, thus possessing 9 great Dao divine forms.

A Great Dao that manifests 9 supreme divine forms—once fully mastered, the probability of breaking through to become a Chaos Heavenly Emperor would be no less than 50 percent.

It was precisely for this reason that many Great Emperors cultivated the Great Dao of Taixu, numbering at least 20-some in total.

The Void God Emperor sought to master the Great Dao of the Void, yet the path was fraught with incomparable difficulty.

With this thought in mind, Eldrin spoke with measured deliberation, "If the Divine Emperor's primordial spirit advances further, he may well gain the confidence to seize the authority of the Great Dao."

The Void God Emperor was momentarily taken aback, his gaze instinctively shifting toward the Netherdark Emperor beside him. "Has the Dao Ancestor summoned us here," he inquired, "to request that we exchange the Heavenly and Earthly Soul Tomes?"

"You could say that."

Eldrin (Person Name) nodded slightly before speaking, "I believe this course of action will benefit both of you."

The Great Void Divine Emperor pondered slightly before speaking after a moment, "Unless we can locate the legendary Human Soul Scripture, relying solely on the Earth Soul Scripture alone will hardly allow my primordial spirit to achieve any significant breakthrough."

"However, if we were to engage in an exchange and complement each other's strengths, it would indeed be mutually beneficial for both of us."

Eldrin did not answer immediately. Instead, he spoke gravely, "In truth, there is another matter of great importance for which I have sought you out."

"Oh?"

The Void God Emperor's gaze flickered slightly, a trace of bewilderment shimmering in his eyes.

Eldrin nodded slightly and said, "I wish to exchange a Connate Cardinal Treasure for your Heaven Soul Tome."

"This..."

The Emperor of Void's expression shifted slightly, a trace of frost gleaming in his pupils.

Although the Book of Heavenly Souls was merely an Innate Numinous Treasure, it had been formed from the division of the 3 Primordial Books of Souls. The value of such a treasure was self-evident.

Legend has it that by gathering the 3 Soul Tomes, 1 could restore the Chaos Spiritual Treasure known as the Tome of 3 Souls. Upon the emergence of these 3 Soul Tomes, a Soul Dao Heavenly Emperor would inevitably be born.

Trading this treasure for a Primordial Chaos Treasure would likely prove an unwise bargain.

With this thought in mind, the Grand Emptiness Divine Emperor felt a slight inclination to decline.

"There's no need to rush your refusal."

At that very moment, Eldrin suddenly spoke up.

With a flick of his sleeve, he produced a Void Treasure Gourd and declared, "This Void Gourd is a spatial numinous treasure, which I believe would suit you better than the Heaven Soul Tome."

The Void God-Emperor felt a slight stir in his heart, a flicker of temptation rising within him.

Spatial attribute treasures are often considerably more valuable than innate supreme treasures of the same tier. This item's worth likely surpasses even the Celestial Soul Tome itself.

Seeing this, Eldrin continued, "The Heaven Soul Tome is indeed precious, and the 3 Soul Tomes are legendary Chaos Spiritual Treasures."

"However, with the Dao Integration Supreme 1 from the Primordial Chiyang Realm present, do you truly believe obtaining the 3 Souls Tome will allow your primordial spirit to attain enlightenment?"

Hearing this, the Void God Emperor could not help but reveal a bitter smile.

Although he had also cultivated a True Spirit Divine Soul, his primary path was that of the Void. Even if he were to master the Chaos 3 Souls Tome, it was uncertain whether he could successfully cultivate the 9 True Spirit Acupoints.

Most crucially, with that Path-Unification Supreme blocking his way, he likely couldn't safeguard the Chaos Tripartite Soul Tome either.

With this thought in mind, the Primordial God Emperor spoke, "The Heaven Soul Tome can be entrusted to Your Excellency. However, should you ever obtain the 3 Chaos Soul Tomes 1 day, I hope you might grant me the opportunity to study them."

"Agreed."

Eldrin (Person Name) spoke, his voice resonating with determination, "However, even if that day arrives, this covenant shall only be fulfilled when I have set foot upon the realm of Chaos Heavenly Emperor."

"This is only natural."

The Void God Emperor nodded. The Chaos Tri-Soul Tome was far too precious; without the strength of a Chaos Heaven Emperor, 1 simply couldn't protect it. It was only to be expected that Eldrin would act with such caution.

Seeing this, Eldrin exchanged the Void Gourd for the Celestial Soul Tome.

After completing this transaction, Eldrin took out several rare treasures, including the Golden-Winged Heavenly Blade, and presented them to the Divine Emperor of Taixu, saying, "During the battle of yore, your assistance rendered me no small service."

"Now that I have returned, I certainly shall not treat you unfairly."

"This Golden-Winged Celestial Blade shall be considered as remuneration for Your Excellency’s efforts."

The Void God Emperor did not decline. He promptly stored away the Golden-Winged Heaven-Slashing Blade and said with a light laugh, "It seems I’ve not suffered any loss in exchanging for this Heaven Soul Tome."

Eldrin (Person Name) smiled faintly, offering no further words.

Next, Emperor Taixu (Person Name) and Sovereign Taiyou (Person Name) exchanged the Celestial Soul Ancient Scripture (Cultivation Method) and the Earth Soul Ancient Scripture (Cultivation Method), after which Emperor Taixu hastily departed from the grand hall.

After he had departed, Eldrin turned his gaze toward the Grand Serene Emperor and inquired, "How do you feel?"

"With this ancient scripture, my chances of breaking through to the Great Emperor Realm have reached 30 to 40 percent."

Eldrin nodded, then retrieved a single Enlightenment Saint Fruit and a single Earth Soul Saint Fruit, handing both to the Great Nether Emperor. "With these 2 immortal fruits," he said, "ascending to the Great Emperor realm should be well within your grasp."

The Grand Serene Emperor revealed a trace of delight as he retrieved the Earth Soul Tome and handed it to Eldrin. "I hereby entrust the Earth Soul Tome to you," he said, "but remember—when you obtain the 3 Chaos Soul Tomes in the future, you must allow me to study them as well."

Eldrin nodded, then retrieved the innate supreme treasure 6 Paths Heavenly Wheel and handed it to the Great Nether Emperor. "With this added," he said, "I believe it should suffice to match the value of the Earth Soul Tome."

The Grand Serene Emperor did not decline the offer, yet after a long while, he could not help but inquire, "By gathering the Celestial Soul Tome and the Earth Soul Tome this time, are you perhaps seeking to walk the path of Physical Body Ascension to Sainthood?"

Eldrin (Person Name) pondered briefly before nodding in agreement. "I cultivate both the Path of Physical Ascension and the Great Dao," he said. "The Path of Soul is also 1 I seek to master."

"This is likely a dead end."

The Grand Serene Emperor shook his head and sighed, "As the saying goes, the Great Dao stands alone in its supremacy. Once you attain the Chaos Realm through 1 particular path, all other cultivation methods will inevitably be suppressed."

"Even with your unparalleled talent, it would be exceedingly difficult to reach that realm—it might even destabilize your foundation."

"Got to give it a try."

Eldrin (Person Name) let out a soft sigh, yet refrained from further words.

Seeing this, the Grand Nether Sovereign understood that Eldrin (Person Name) held firm convictions and could not be swayed by mere words, and thus refrained from further persuasion.

She smiled faintly and rose to her feet. "With your assistance today, the path to the Great Emperor Realm now lies within reach. The time has come for me to make my attempt at the breakthrough."

Eldrin (Person Name) gave a slight nod before speaking, "Then we shall await the Emperor's good news."

Watching the departure of the Grand Nether Emperor, Eldrin immediately stored the scrolls of his earthly and heavenly souls into the nameless void where the Abyssal Pearl resided.

He did not immediately delve into the ancient scripture, instead striding toward the heart of the Primal Immortal Realm.

The Qilin Ancient Domain was 1 of the 3 1000 celestial realms of the Primordial Immortal Domain, and among its most magnificent.

This place was the ancestral lair of the Qilin clan, guarded by a supreme killing array at the Half-Step Chaos realm, further empowered by the authority of the Heavenly Dao.

The paramount powerhouse among the 100 Races of the Immortal Realm, the Primordial Ancestor of the Qilin bloodline, has long been stationed here.

Legend has it that the Kirin Ancestor, Daoist Taizhuo, grasped partial authority over the power of the Primordial Immortal Realm.

Within the domain of the Qilin Ancient Realm, the Primordial Qilin could unleash combat prowess rivaling half that of a Celestial Emperor.

At that moment, Eldrin stepped forward before the Qilin Ancient Domain. Just as he was about to speak, he noticed 2 figures had been waiting for quite some time within a pavilion tower.

He scrutinized them carefully and realized these 2 were none other than the 2 Quasi-Sages of the 100 Races of Immortal Spirits—the Ancestral Qilin and the Primeval Spirit Sovereign.

"Hurry, come over here."

The Kirin Elder gave a faint smile and invited Eldrin (Person Name) before the pavilion.

Before Eldrin could say anything, he turned his gaze to the Ancient Spirit Emperor and remarked, "Old friend, I told you long ago that the Abyssal Return Taoist would eventually become 1 of us."

"See? It truly cannot be falsified now, can it?"

The Primordial Spirit Sovereign was a woman of unparalleled grace and elegance. She offered Eldrin (Person Name) a faint smile, her majestic aura unparalleled throughout the ages.

Eldrin (Person Name) immediately cupped his hands in salute and said, "Greetings, Elder Taizhuo (Person Name), and to you as well, Elder Linghuang (Person Name)."

"No need for such formalities." Daoist Taizhuo hastily waved his hand before continuing with a warm smile, "You now hold the esteemed status of a Dao Ancestor. This humble old man dare not accept such deference from you."

The Ancient Spirit Emperor also smiled, carefully studying Eldrin for a moment before speaking, “Tai Zhu makes a valid point. From now on, let us regard each other as peers.”

Seeing this, Eldrin did not press further but instead cupped his hands and said, "When I was defeated and forced to flee the Chaotic Abyssal Sea, both of you contributed greatly to that outcome."

"I had intended to pay a visit to express my gratitude, yet fate has brought us together today."

Taoist Priest Tai Zhuo, however, smiled calmly as he brewed a pot of tea for Eldrin. "We knew you would come," he said, "so we have all been waiting here together."

"Oh?"

Eldrin (Person Name) froze momentarily, a flicker of astonishment surfacing in his expression.

Seeing this, the Ancient Spirit Emperor spoke frankly, "To be honest, when we 2 assisted you back then, we indeed had a request to make."

Eldrin's eyes flickered faintly, yet he remained silent, quietly listening to the words of the Ancient Spirit Emperor.

The 2 quasi-saints pondered briefly before Elder Taizhuo responded, "In truth, long ago, we discovered a primordial realm within the Chaotic Barren Sea."

Chaos Realm?

Upon hearing this, Eldrin's (Person Name) expression abruptly shifted.

The so-called Chaos Realm refers to a dimension of primordial chaos, most often born during the dawn of creation. Forged by the Great Dao of Chaos and nurtured by the essence of primordial chaos, these realms frequently give birth to all manner of Chaos Treasures.

Most crucially, the emergence of a Chaos Realm would likely be accompanied by the appearance of Primordial Chaos Qi.

Thus, within the vast Chaotic Sea, the birth of each Chaotic Secret Realm would inevitably stir waves of bloodshed, even drawing hordes of Chaotic Heavenly Emperors and Demi-Sages to vie for control.

In ages past, the undying Elder had also ventured into a Chaotic Realm, yet he managed to scavenge merely 10 portions of Chaos Origin.

Yet even with the Undying Elder's formidable power, he failed to seize the most precious treasure among them—the Primordial Chaos Genesis Qi (Cultivation Resource). This demonstrated what terrifyingly powerful beings the Chaos Secret Realm could attract, all watching with covetous eyes.

Most crucially, once the Chaos Realm emerges, the ripples it causes will shake the vast Chaotic Expanse Sea, detectable even across millions of desolate pathways.

Thus, whenever a Chaotic Realm appeared, it would inevitably draw numerous Chaotic Heavenly Emperors to vie for it.

With this thought in mind, a trace of solemnity surfaced in Eldrin's heart.

Elder Taizhuo noticed the shift in Eldrin’s expression and spoke with a gentle smile, "There is no need for concern. That Chaos Secret Realm is, in truth, an incomplete 1."

"Incomplete Secret Realm?"

Eldrin (Person Name) froze for a moment, a trace of bewilderment flickering across his face.

Observing this, the Primordial Spirit Emperor spoke, "That fragmented realm is what remains of the Primordial Chaos Realm after fierce battles among powerful experts. It was torn apart by a Dao-Unification Supreme and cast into the depths of the primordial chaos."

"And this incomplete portion, not being a full Chaos Realm, cannot have its origins deduced by those powerful figures."

"So that's how it is."

Eldrin nodded slightly before inquiring, "Have you sought me out because you wish to explore the Fragmentary Chaos Realm together?"

Elder Taizhuo nodded, his expression grave as he said, "That fragmented Chaos Realm is exceedingly perilous. The 2 of us have ventured into it multiple times, yet each expedition has cost us dearly."

"Your strength is considerable. If you join us, we would have greater confidence in exploring the secret realm."

Eldrin nodded slightly before inquiring, "How shall we distribute the treasures after the task is accomplished?"

Elder Taizhuo gave a faint smile and stated plainly, "As the discoverers of this fragmented Chaos Realm, should any treasures be found within, we reserve the right of first selection."

"If it is the Primordial Chaos Qi, it should be ours to choose first."

Eldrin gave a slight nod and said, "That is only fitting. As for the remaining treasures, shall we distribute them based on military merits?"

"Then it's settled."

The Ancient Spirit Emperor and the Daoist of Turbid Origins both spoke, revealing faint smiles on their faces.

For them, no treasure could compare in importance to the Primordial Chaos Qi. Having the right of first selection was more than sufficient.

Seeing this, Eldrin quickly reached an agreement with the 3 individuals. For him at this moment, the most crucial thing was cultivation resources for his physical body to break through to the Emperor Realm.

He had no lack of the Primordial Chaos Qi, for he possessed the far superior Primordial Purple Qi as a substitute.

Thus, after establishing a Great Dao Contract with the 2, Eldrin finally spoke: "However, I have only just returned and still have numerous matters left unattended."

"This matter of exploring the secret realm will have to be postponed for now."

Elder Taizhuo nodded slightly before speaking, "What if we postpone it for 1 100 kalpas? How does that sound?"

"That will suffice."

Eldrin nodded and immediately reached an agreement with the 2.

After reaching the agreement, all 3 of them were thoroughly satisfied.

Eldrin then turned his gaze toward Daoist Taizhuo, weighing his words carefully before speaking. "To be honest, Senior, I have another request to make of you today."

"Speak freely."

The Daoist Priest Tai Zhuo was in high spirits and immediately spoke with a laugh.

Eldrin pondered for a moment before speaking candidly, "I wish to request that you bestow upon me a Primordial Chaos Treasure, to aid in cultivating my True Spirit Divine Form."

"Cultivating the Divine Spirit Form?"

Elder Taizhuo's eyes flickered slightly, instantly deducing the situation. Without hesitation, he inquired, "Seeking me out specifically—it seems what you require is an innate supreme treasure of the Qilin attribute."

Eldrin nodded, a glimmer of anticipation flickering in his eyes.

Seeing this, Elder Taizhuo retrieved a suit of armor with a flick of his sleeve. "This Qilin Battle Armor (Divine Armor)," he said, "was formed from the scales I shed when I advanced to the Quasi-Sage Realm."

"However, this object holds little use for me now. If it enables you to cultivate the True Spirit Divine Form, perhaps this isn't necessarily a bad thing."

With these words, Grandmaster Taizhuo handed it to Eldrin (Person Name).

Eldrin carefully stored it away before speaking solemnly, "Fellow Daoist, rest assured. With this treasure to cultivate the True Spirit Divine Form, I shall not disappoint you."

"Hmm."

The Kirin Ancestor said no more, merely patting Eldrin (Person Name) on the shoulder.

With matters having reached this point, Eldrin exchanged pleasantries with the 2 Quasi-Sages for a good while longer before finally taking his leave from the Kylin Ancient Domain.

Afterward, he took the time to pay respects to the Heaven Wasteland Quasi-Emperor, finally concluding all major affairs of his return to the 7 Domains of Southern Abyss.

After completing all of this, Eldrin still did not enter seclusion for cultivation. Instead, he arrived within the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss.

Chapter 1 The Azure Cloud Sect's outer gate examination had just concluded. Lin Xuan stood silently amidst the crowd, his fingers tracing the faintly glowing token in his palm—the symbol of a newly accepted disciple. "Next, the distribution of cultivation resources!" announced an elder clad in white robes, his voice echoing across the square. "Each disciple shall receive 1 100 spirit stones and 3 Foundation Establishment Pills!" A wave of excitement swept through the assembly. Lin Xuan’s eyes, however, remained calm. He had waited 10 years for this day. Suddenly, a commotion erupted nearby. "You dare steal my Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure), you worthless ant?" snarled a haughty young man, gripping the collar of a trembling boy. Lin Xuan recognized the speaker—Eldrin (Person Name), the arrogant grandson of an inner sect elder. Without hesitation, Lin Xuan stepped forward. "Brother Eldrin, the sect forbids disciples from fighting before the official induction ceremony." Eldrin sneered, his gaze sharp as a blade. "And who do you think you are? A mere outer gate disciple dares lecture me?" Silence fell. The tension thickened like gathering storm clouds. Just as Eldrin’s hand moved toward the sword hilt at his waist, a thunderous roar echoed from the heavens. "Enough!" An overwhelming pressure descended, forcing everyone to their knees. Even Eldrin paled, his arrogance vanishing instantly. High above, a figure materialized mid-air, shrouded in radiant golden light. It was the Azure Cloud Sect’s Grand Elder, a legendary figure who had secluded himself for nearly a 1000 years. "Today marks the day our Azure Cloud Sect welcomes new disciples," the Grand Elder’s voice resonated like a deep bell, carrying both majesty and grace. "Remember this: the path of cultivation is long and treacherous, filled with countless trials. Only those with unwavering determination shall ascend to the pinnacle." His gaze swept across the crowd, pausing briefly on Lin Xuan. A flicker of surprise passed through his eyes, so fleeting that no 1 noticed. "The cultivation world is vast and boundless, with mysteries beyond imagination," the Grand Elder continued. "Legends speak of ancient ruins, celestial artifacts, and even the secrets of immortality itself. But remember—with great power comes great peril. Demonic beasts, rival sects, and heavenly tribulations await those who walk this path." He raised a hand, and a beam of light shot into the sky, transforming into a magnificent, swirling portal. "Beyond this gate lies the Mystic Realm of Endless Trials, a realm where time flows differently. A century within is but a day in the outside world. This is your final test." Murmurs rippled through the crowd. A realm where a century passed in a single day? Such power was beyond comprehension. Lin Xuan’s heart raced. He knew this was his chance—an opportunity to gain strength far beyond his peers. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and bowed. "Disciple Lin Xuan is willing to enter the mystic realm!" The Grand Elder nodded approvingly. "Very well. But know this: while the realm offers great rewards, it also holds great dangers. Ancient formations, savage spiritual beasts, and even residual will of fallen immortals linger within. Few who enter emerge alive." Lin Xuan met the Grand Elder’s gaze steadily. "This disciple understands." A faint smile touched the Grand Elder’s lips. "Then go, and may the heavens guide your path." Taking a deep breath, Lin Xuan stepped through the glowing portal. The world around him twisted and warped, and he felt as though his very soul were being torn apart. When the dizziness subsided, he found himself in an ancient, primordial forest. Giant trees towered into the sky, their canopies blotting out the sun. The air thrummed with dense spiritual energy, so rich it felt tangible. Suddenly, a system notification echoed in his mind: [Ding! Host has entered the Mystic Realm of Endless Trials. The Cultivation Acceleration System is now activated!] [Current cultivation speed: 100x normal rate!] Lin Xuan’s eyes widened in shock. A system? And a hundredfold cultivation speed? With this, what heights could he not achieve? But his thoughts were cut short by a low, menacing growl. From the shadows emerged a massive wolf, its fur silver like moonlight and its eyes glowing with a fierce, crimson light. A Moonhowl Wolf—a peak Qi Condensation level demonic beast! Lin Xuan’s expression turned grave. He had just begun his journey, and already he faced a life-or-death battle. The wolf lunged, its claws tearing through the air with a sharp whistle. Lin Xuan reacted instantly, channeling spiritual energy into his palms. "Flame Palm Technique!" A surge of fiery energy erupted, crashing toward the beast. The battle for survival had begun.