Chapter 2081 : 1000 Calamities Lifespan

After giving instructions to a few clansmen and disciples, Eldrin returned to the Primordial Immortal Realm.

Now, Chen Xianzhu and the others had already seized the Chaos Ancestral Vein. With their strength bolstered by the formation arrays, the likelihood of them losing the Ancestral Vein was slim.

After all, they possessed the combined strength of several experts comparable to quasi-saints. Even if the 10 Imperial Sons of the Solar Celestial Emperor joined forces, they wouldn't gain the slightest advantage against such an alliance.

Moreover, once the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein fully recovers, their cultivation will undoubtedly advance significantly with the support of the ancestral vein. By then, seizing the Mandate of Heaven completely should be well within expectation.

With this worry lifted, Eldrin finally set his mind completely at ease. He immersed himself wholeheartedly in secluded cultivation, preparing to venture into the Chaotic Desolate Sea.

Meanwhile, the Chen Immortal Clan was also decorating with lanterns and streamers, preparing for Eldrin’s 1000-tribulation longevity celebration.

For a powerhouse at the Quasi-Sage Realm, even 1 1000 cosmic tribulations did not amount to an overly protracted span of time.

After all, for a Demi-Saint whose near-eternal lifespan was practically indestructible, a 1000 kalpas were but a fleeting stretch of time.

The several Quasi-Sages of the Primal Immortal Domain had all lived for nearly a million kalpas, with the sole exception of Eldrin. Even the youngest among them, the Quasi-Emperor of Celestial Desolation, had existed for over 300,000 kalpas.

Eldrin (Person Name) having lived through these 1000 calamities, carried more of a commemorative significance than anything else.

The Immortal Court of the human race also seized the occasion to hold celebrations, for this was considered an exceptionally rare grand event for the entire human race.

Since Eldrin stepped into the Great Perfection, those around him had gathered seldom and parted often.

Among these individuals, some presided over the Eldrin Dao Realm, while numerous Great Perfected Golden Immortals had established their own branches and ancient sects within the Chaos Sea.

The Chaos Sea was perilous beyond measure. For these Great Luo Golden Immortals from the ancient sects, things were slightly better—they could occasionally gather with 1 another.

However, those ancient immortals found it difficult to traverse the vast and chaotic sea. Many who were once fellow disciples under the same master had not seen each other for dozens, even hundreds of kalpas.

Seizing this opportunity to gather the disciples and descendants of the Abyssal Return lineage—for these individuals, it was also a rare chance.

Of course, for this grand milestone of a 1000-year lifespan, Eldrin had chosen to keep things simple, merely allowing his inner clan members and disciples to celebrate among themselves.

Apart from this, Eldrin had only invited a handful of close friends, as well as a select few high-ranking members from allied races such as the Humans and Celestials.

Yet even so, on this day when the 1000 Tribulations Longevity Ceremony of the Eldrin (Person Name) was to be held, far too many people arrived uninvited.

Countless divine clans, hundreds of immortal spirit races, and even major powers from beyond the Primordial Immortal Realm all arrived uninvited, bearing lavish gifts.

It was evident that in the eyes of many across the 7 Domains of the Southern Abyss, the Eldrin of the Returning Abyss was all but destined to become the future Chaos Heavenly Emperor. Now was a rare opportunity to forge alliances and offer congratulations.

Even the Undying Elder traversed the boundless Chaotic Sea, spending several kalpas to attend Eldrin's banquet.

It could be said that for this Millennium Tribulation Banquet, over 20 Quasi-Sages were in attendance, along with some 7 or 8 Chaos Heavenly Emperors.

Among them, in addition to the Great Abyss Immortal Sage, the 2 Divine Sovereigns, and the Great Turbid Daoist, there were also several Chaos Heavenly Emperors, including the Grand Void Dao Ancestor, in attendance.

Even the 2 supreme Divine Monarchs, Ant Emperor and Taishan Divine Monarch, had others deliver gifts of immense value.

At the banquet, Eldrin, as the host, graciously conversed with the various Heavenly Emperors and Divine Sovereigns, while also engaging in profound discourse with the numerous Quasi-Sage Ancestors.

However, these Dao Ancestors and Quasi-Sages did not linger long. After brief exchanges, they departed in haste.

Eldrin bid farewell to each person 1 by 1 before finally taking a rare moment to assess the situation within his own sect.

In recent years, as his cultivation advanced, Eldrin had focused his efforts primarily on secluded cultivation. Often, a single session of closed-door training would span several kalpas, or even dozens of kalpas in full.

Under such circumstances, Eldrin naturally had no mind to concern himself with his clan or disciples, remaining unaware of the recent circumstances regarding his bloodline and sect followers.

Fortunately, with Chen Qingmeng at the helm of the family affairs and the 10 Great Disciples of Eldrin (Person Name) overseeing the Path of Self-Sacrifice lineage, everything remained orderly as a whole.

At this moment, nearly all key members of the Chen Immortal Clan (Organization) and the Sacrificial Path lineage across the 7 domains of the Southern Abyss had gathered at the longevity banquet.

Within the Chen lineage, there were 30-7 Primordial Chaos Emperors and 3 100 70-1 Great Perfected Golden Immortals.

Among these direct descendants of the Chen Clan, the Primordial Chaos Emperor was almost always 1 of the clansmen who received special favor from Eldrin (Person Name).

Among them, besides those close to Eldrin (Person Name), there were also 3 direct descendants of Eldrin (Person Name): Chen Sigu, Chen Siyao, and Chen Siyuan.

It must be admitted that Chen Xianzhang, the third son of the Chen family, possessed truly astonishing bloodline potential. In his lifetime, he fathered 1 100 and 8 children, and now the majority of them have cultivated to the Great Perfection Realm(Daoist Cultivation Realm).

Chen Sigu, Chen Siyao, and Chen Siyuan stood as the foremost talents of their lineage, each having attained the realm of Primordial Emperor through the Wuji Primordial Foundation of the Sacrificial Dao Path.

It could be said that the current scale and accumulated heritage of the Chen Clan owed the greatest share of credit to the lineage of the Third Elder.

"However, Chen Xianzhang's temperament was far too libertine. Rumor has it he recently got the little princess of the 7-Colored Immortal Deer Clan pregnant again."

Eldrin swept a glance at Chen Xianzhang and could not help but let out a faint sigh in his heart.

The Patriarch of the 7-Colored Celestial Deer Tribe had cultivated to the peak of the Primordial Chaos Emperor realm, standing as 1 of the top 5 supreme powerhouses among the 100 Celestial Races. Merely half a step separated him from the Quasi-Sage realm.

The apple of such a mighty figure's eye—had it been anyone else, it might have been tolerable. But Chen Xianchang's notorious reputation as a libertine left the Stagkin Patriarch deeply displeased.

Were it not for Eldrin now being a revered Dao Ancestor, Chen Xianzhang would have long been skinned alive by the patriarch of the 7-colored Immortal Deer Tribe.

"Now I have to clean up his mess."

Eldrin sighed inwardly, then turned his gaze once more toward the Sacrificial Dao lineage.

Compared to the Chen Immortal Clan (Organization), the Sacrificial Self lineage flourished far more abundantly. It has now branched into 10 Great Ancestral Courts, 30-6 Imperial Courts, and 70-2 Ancient Sects.

The so-called 10 Great Ancestral Courts were established by Eldrin's 10 personal disciples, with each of these ancestral courts inheriting a portion of the orthodox teachings.

Among them, the lineage of Ye Qingfeng (Person Name) flourished most vibrantly, as he had attained enlightenment exceptionally early. Over the years, he had accepted numerous personal disciples, among whom the Da Luo Jin Xian (Cultivation Realm) alone numbered in the dozens.

Among them, 3 had even stepped into the Chaos Realm. Though all 3 had only established the Greater Chaos Foundation, it still elevated the lineage of Ye Qingfeng to the foremost position among the 10 Great Ancestral Courts.

And aside from Ye Qingfeng, the second-ranked Ancestral Court belonged to Ye Yinghui's lineage.

Although Ye Yinghui had attained the Dao for the shortest time, he had mastered partial authority over the Sacrificial Dao. Moreover, while imparting the Sacrificial Dao in the newly-born Primordial Domain, he had already nurtured several Great Luo Golden Immortal disciples.

Under his tutelage were 4 prodigies of the heavens—Void Heaven, Star River, Prison Suppressor, and Grand Xuan—all born with immense destiny. Though they remained at the Great Perfection Realm, each possessed the potential to attain the realm of the Infinite Emperor.

And the 30-6 Imperial Courts were established by figures such as the Violet Mystic Daoist, the Abyssal Daoist, the Celestial Mountain Goddess, and the master of the Endless Sea Pavilion. Each Imperial Court boasts at least 10 Great Perfected Golden Immortals.

The 70-2 Ancient Sects were established by the 70-2 strongest registered disciples of Eldrin (Person Name).

The strength of these ancient sects varied greatly. The weaker ones possessed only a single Great Luo Golden Immortal, while the most powerful ones boasted as many as several dozen Great Luo Golden Immortals.

This was merely the inheritance of the Path of Self Sacrifice closely tied to Eldrin. Today, the number of cultivators practicing the Path of Self Sacrifice had grown beyond count.

Including those who cultivated the Path of Self-Offering but had no direct lineage connection to Eldrin, the number of Great Luo beings practicing this path now exceeded 4,000.

"Today, our Sacrificial Dao Sect has grown quite formidable wings."

A faint smile unconsciously graced Eldrin's (Person Name) lips as he murmured inwardly.

In truth, the Sacrificial Art of Self had now reached the absolute pinnacle attainable beneath the Limitless Great Dao.

The fundamental reason it had not transformed into the Boundless Dao ultimately lay in 3 points.

First, the number of Emperor-level experts in the Path of Sacrificial Dao is insufficient—we have yet to gather all 9 Emperors.

Second, the method of sacrificing my Dao's True Spirit Immortal Vault was not yet fully perfected.

Third, the Path of Sacrificing Oneself cannot ascend to the rank of Chaos Heavenly Emperor, thus it remains profoundly incomplete.

According to Eldrin's (Person Name) calculations, as long as any 1 of these 3 conditions is fulfilled, the Path of Self-Sacrifice would directly lead to the realm of the Boundless Great Dao.

Should 2 of these 3 be perfected, when I sacrifice my Dao to break through to the Chaos Great Dao, I shall step into the pinnacle realm of the Chaos Great Dao.

If all 3 conditions are met, once the Path of Self-Sacrifice evolves into the Chaos Great Dao, 1 can directly step into the Half-Step Dao Unity realm.

Moreover, when the time comes to break through to the Supreme Unity Realm, it will unfold as naturally as water flowing in its course.

To this day, the Path of Sacrificial Ascension already possessed 2 Great Emperors: Chen Xianzhu and Jiang Huang.

The 10 core disciples had already cultivated the Primordial Chaos Foundation. With this as their base, the first condition no longer seemed to pose a significant obstacle.

After all, the Primordial Chaos of Limitlessness served as the foundation to glimpse the realm of the Celestial Emperor. Breaking through to the Great Emperor realm would encounter almost no bottlenecks—it merely consumed an immense amount of resources.

"It seems this journey to the Chaotic Barren Sea calls for thorough acquisition of cultivation resources."

With this thought in mind, Eldrin gave a slight nod. After casting a glance at the assembly, he swept his sleeve and scattered a trove of resources, bestowing them upon these descendants of his bloodline and disciples of his legacy.

After completing all this, Eldrin withdrew from the banquet and arrived at a side hall.

Within the side hall, 2 figures of unparalleled elegance sat poised, as if they had been waiting for a long while.

The leader was a refined man draped in 9-colored immortal robes. Beside him, a young maiden kept her head lowered, a timid expression flickering across her face.

Beside them, an ethereal female immortal of peerless elegance was smiling as she received the 2 guests.

That female immortal was none other than Jiucai Xianlu. Since her revival and return, over a 100 kalpas had already passed.

As a transformed 9-colored Immortal Deer, Lulu's aptitude was truly heaven-defying. Although the resources she had obtained over the years weren't particularly abundant, her cultivation had already reached the middle stage of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord.

At that moment, she greeted the 2 with an ingratiating smile. Seeing Eldrin arrive, she hurried over and whispered, "The Stag Clan Lord is furious. This doesn’t look easy to handle."

"Worry not."

Eldrin smiled faintly, then instructed, "Have someone summon Sage Elder Xianzhang at once."

With these words, Eldrin stepped into the grand hall.

The 2 immediately rose to their feet upon seeing Eldrin, the young girl too timid to speak more than a few hesitant words.

The Lord of the Celestial Deer Clan wore a grim expression, suppressing his inner resentment as he cupped his hands toward Eldrin (Person Name) and said, "I pay my respects to the Patriarch of the Dao."

"Please, no need for formalities. Have a seat, fellow Daoist."

Eldrin smiled faintly and ascended to the main seat before sweeping his sleeve in a gesture for the Immortal Deer Clan leader to be seated.

After everyone had taken their seats, Eldrin finally took a closer look at the leader of the Celestial Deer Clan.

It must be admitted that the Stagborne Patriarch possessed truly remarkable foundations, being 1 of the first living beings born when the Primal Immortal Realm first took form.

The Patriarch of the Celestial Deer Clan was the very first divine deer born at the dawn of creation, his true form being the exceedingly rare 9-Colored Celestial Deer—a being conceived through the intertwining of 9 supreme Daos.

In terms of innate talent, she was in no way inferior to the progenitor of the Immortal Shell Clan, the 9-Colored Immortal Shell.

However, the 9-Colored Clam Ancestor had received tutelage from the Abyssal Demon Emperor, enabling him to step into the Quasi-Sage Realm. In contrast, the 9-Colored Immortal Deer Clan Lord had far inferior resources and had remained stagnant at the Great Emperor Realm all along.

However, this did not mean the Immortal Deer Clan Lord was weak. This Deer Monarch had long established his renown, possessing 3 innate supreme treasures, placing his strength among the pinnacle of all Monarchs.

If he were willing to join the demon race, he would undoubtedly rank among the top 3 Great Emperors.

Even the various Dao Ancestors and Immortal Sages interacted with this Great Emperor as peers.

At this thought, Eldrin did not hesitate in the slightest. Instead, he spoke calmly, "I have already grasped the matter at hand. How does Fellow Daoist propose we resolve this?"

"Resolve?"

The Patriarch of the Celestial Deer Clan wore a grim expression, his gaze tinged with profound sorrow as he lamented, "Yao'er is the cherished jewel of our clan. Her innate talent rivals even my own."

"I intended to nurture him as my successor, yet now he has become..."

The leader of the Celestial Deer Tribe paused, a trace of helplessness coloring his expression.

Such a libertine—were it anyone else, he would have broken their legs. But Chen Xianzhang was, after all, the direct descendant of the Dao Ancestor. In the end, he could do nothing but swallow his powerlessness.

Eldrin (Person Name)见此，不由开口说道：“依我之见，既然事情已经发生，那何不成人之美？”

"Impossible."

The Patriarch of the Celestial Deer Clan’s expression shifted slightly as he immediately spoke up, “I’ve heard he has over 30 wives and concubines, not to mention countless fleeting affairs beyond that.”

Eldrin couldn't help but feel rather awkward. As a father, even he had no idea exactly how many romantic entanglements Chen Xianzhang had accumulated over the years.

However, from what Eldrin had learned, over the years, people had frequently shown up claiming to be Chen Xianzhang's illegitimate children. The number of these alleged bastards was likely impossible to count.

The sheer quantity was so immense that Chen Xianchang himself had lost count, and he simply couldn't be bothered to keep track of it all.

He had no choice but to draw a considerable portion from his own private coffers to cover the expenses of raising his illegitimate children until they came of age.

For this very reason, Chen Xianchang was the poorest among Eldrin's 5 children.

If not for the occasional support from Seraphina Qu (Person Name), coupled with some compensation from the family, Chen Xianzhang would likely have been reduced to venturing into the Chaotic Desolate Sea to repay his debts.

"Alas."

Eldrin (Person Name) let out a faint sigh and was just about to speak when Chen Xianzhang (Person Name) strode into the hall from outside.

It must be admitted that compared to the eldest son's resolute character, the second son's unwavering devotion, the third daughter's extraordinary talent, and the fifth son's astonishing comprehension, this third son possessed truly remarkable innate aptitude.

He inherited Eldrin's striking features, along with a trace of Seraphina Qu's peerless elegance, giving him an indescribable allure that drew women's gazes.

At that very moment he entered, the young maiden of the Celestial Deer Tribe brightened, her eyes sparkling as she delightfully stepped forward to link arms with him. "Elder Brother Xianzhang, you've finally come," she chimed.

"It's over."

Eldrin massaged his forehead, a helpless expression spreading across his face.

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

If not for the fear of his father being a Dao Ancestor, Chen Xianzhang would have suffered a great loss today.

At this thought, Eldrin quickly spoke up, "Third Brother, why haven't you yet paid your respects to Elder Taiji (Person Name)?"

Chen Xianzhang snapped back to his senses and promptly bowed with a smile, "Your son-in-law pays his respects to Father-in-law."

"Who's your father-in-law!"

The leader of the Celestial Deer Clan was fuming with rage, his teeth nearly grinding to dust as he barely restrained himself from slapping the man.

Chen Xianzhang smiled faintly, gesturing toward the rear as he said, "Yaoyao, come quickly and greet your grandfather."

As the words faded, a young maiden stepped into the room—none other than Chen Siyao, the direct granddaughter of Eldrin.

At this moment, not only the Stagwood Monarch, but even Eldrin (Person Name) could not help but change countenance.

The Patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan was nearly driven to madness with rage, on the verge of unleashing his full fury, when he was promptly subdued by Eldrin.

After suppressing the Grand Suppression Antiquity Ancestor, Eldrin (Person Name) couldn't help but ask, "Speak quickly, what exactly happened?"

"This matter must be spoken of at length."

Chen Xianzhang glanced at Lu Yao and began to recount in a measured tone.

It turned out that Chen Xianzhang (Person Name) had already known Lu Yao (Person Name) since hundreds of kalpas ago.

At that time, after they fell in love, Lu Yao became pregnant. However, Eldrin (Person Name) had ventured far into the Chaotic Desolate Sea where life and death were uncertain, so they dared not inform Tai Ji about this matter.

They secretly gave birth to a daughter behind Grand Elder Taiji's back, who is now known as Chen Siyao.

Later, when Eldrin returned, Chen Xianzhang had intended to inform him of the matter. However, due to Eldrin’s incorrigibly philandering nature, Lu Yao grew furious and departed without a trace, leaving the matter unresolved.

The 2 had an on-and-off relationship over the years, and it wasn’t until Lu Yao became pregnant again not long ago that the secret was uncovered by the Stag Monarch of the Immortal Deer Clan.

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

After learning the whole story, the leader of the Immortal Deer Clan nearly had a stroke from sheer fury.

Eldrin (Person Name) couldn't help but let out a bitter chuckle, unable to resist saying, "Dear in-law, this matter truly stems from my failure to properly educate my son."

"Rest assured, I will give this brat a proper thrashing later. As for the betrothal gifts, you shall receive every last 1 of them."

Grandmaster Tai Ji fell silent for a moment. He glanced at the blissful pair, then turned his gaze to Chen Siyao before slumping into his chair. Finally, he could no longer restrain a heavy sigh. "Let it be, let it be."

"I shall no longer meddle in your affairs."

As the words faded, Patriarch Taiji walked out of the grand hall alone, his entire being seeming to have aged considerably.

Seeing this, Eldrin couldn't help but let out a bitter smile. If this had happened to his own daughter, he'd probably want to flay the perpetrator alive as well.

Fortunately, most of his children were sons, and his only daughter, Chen Xianqing (Person Name), possessed such lofty standards that it spared him much displeasure.

With this thought in mind, Eldrin had Lulu take Lu Yao away before casting an irritated glance at Chen Xianchang. "In this matter," he said tersely, "you'd better go beg your mother."

With those words, Eldrin said no more and directly departed from this side chamber.

Then, he made his way to another side hall, where he encountered another old acquaintance.

Within the great hall stood a man of towering stature and majestic bearing—none other than the Undying Elder, whose name resounded with awe across this chaotic realm.

Meeting the Eternal Elder, Eldrin sat facing him and began, "For you to personally journey here for this longevity banquet, Elder, is truly a great exertion on your part."

The Undying Elder chuckled softly before speaking. "Since we are to explore the Chaotic Deadlands together, it is only fitting that I accompany you on this journey."

Chapter 1 The biting mountain wind whipped across the cliffside, carrying with it the scent of pine and damp earth. Lin Chen gritted his teeth, his knuckles white as he gripped the rough stone ledge. Below him, a sea of clouds churned, obscuring the treacherous depths of the ravine. He had been climbing for what felt like an eternity, his body pushed to its absolute limit. His mind drifted back to the events of 3 days prior—the humiliating defeat at the hands of his arrogant cousin in the clan's annual sparring tournament, the mocking laughter that had echoed through the training grounds, the cold disappointment in his father's eyes. That single, crushing loss had cost his branch of the family a significant portion of their already meager resources: 5,000 spirit stones and a dozen precious Qi Replenishing Pills. The shame burned within him, a cold fire that fueled his desperate climb. He was here, risking his life on this forbidden peak, for a single, desperate chance. Legends whispered of a long-lost cave hidden somewhere on these cliffs, a place where a mighty cultivator had supposedly achieved a breakthrough centuries ago. It was a fool's hope, a story for children and desperate fools. Yet, Lin Chen had nowhere else to turn. His own cultivation had been stagnant at the 3rd level of the Qi Refining stage for 2 years, a fact his cousins never failed to remind him of. "Just give up, trash," their taunts echoed in his memory. "You'll never amount to anything." With a final, grunting heave, he pulled himself over the final ledge and collapsed onto a small, surprisingly flat platform. His lungs burned, and every muscle screamed in protest. As his vision cleared, he noticed a faint, almost imperceptible shimmer in the rock face to his right. Heart hammering against his ribs, he crawled towards it, brushing away thick vines and moss. There it was. A narrow fissure, cleverly concealed by a rudimentary illusion array that had weakened with time. His breath caught. The legends were true. Summoning the last dregs of his Qi, he pushed through the shimmering barrier and slipped inside. The air within the cave was still and cold, thick with the dust of ages. The dim light from the entrance revealed a small, circular chamber. In the center, seated in the lotus position upon a simple stone dais, was a skeletal figure draped in faded grey robes. The bones gleamed with an unnatural, pearlescent sheen, untouched by decay after countless years. With a trembling heart, Lin Chen knelt and bowed deeply, his forehead touching the cold stone floor 3 times in a gesture of utmost respect. "This unworthy junior, Lin Chen, pays his respects to the revered senior. I intrude upon your eternal rest out of dire necessity. I beg for your forgiveness and guidance." As he rose, his eyes fell upon a small, pristine jade slip resting in the skeleton's lap. Next to it lay a simple, unadorned spatial ring. Swallowing hard, he reached out, his fingers gently closing around the cool, smooth surface of the jade slip. The moment his skin made contact, a torrent of information flooded his mind—complex cultivation methods, profound insights into the Dao of the Sword, and memories not his own. He saw fleeting images of a man battling against heaven and earth, contending with monstrous beasts, and facing heavenly tribulation amidst roaring thunder and crackling lightning. The technique's name branded itself into his consciousness: The Heavenly Dao Sword Scripture. It was a legacy far beyond anything his clan possessed, a path to power he had never dared to dream of. When the torrent subsided, Lin Chen was left gasping, his mind reeling. He then turned his attention to the spatial ring. Focusing a wisp of his spiritual sense, he probed its interior. His eyes widened in disbelief. The space within was vast. Neatly stacked in 1 corner were glittering mountains of spirit stones—he estimated there were over 100,000, a fortune that could sustain his entire family for generations. Rows of jade vials contained pills that shimmered with potent energy, their names and effects now known to him from the legacy: Meridian Cleansing Pills, Soul Consolidating Pills, even a single, priceless 9 Revolutions Golden Dan. And there, resting on a pedestal of black wood, was a long, slender sword. Its scabbard was a deep azure, inlaid with silver runes that pulsed with a faint, hungry light. An ethereal, cold aura emanated from it. He knew its name instantly, whispered from the memories of the deceased expert: the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure). Tears of relief and overwhelming gratitude welled in his eyes. He turned back to the skeleton and kowtowed once more, this time with even deeper sincerity. "Senior, your grace is as weighty as a mountain. This junior swears upon his soul to honor your legacy and walk the path of the righteous, never bringing disgrace upon your name." A profound sense of purpose solidified within him. The ridicule, the shame, the years of struggle—they were the tempering of his will. Gripping the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss, he felt a newfound connection to the spiritual energy around him. The world seemed sharper, clearer. He sat down in the same lotus position before the dais, a fierce determination burning in his gaze, reflected in the cold, hungry light of the sword's runes. "The Lin Clan... just you wait. I, Lin Chen, am coming back."