Chapter 551 : A Gathering of Cultivators

Literature Abyss Lu followed behind his own Patriarch, his heart surging with excitement throughout the journey. However, the moment he stepped onto the Verdant Lotus Isle Path-Field, an air of solemn reverence settled upon him.

A Foundation Establishment Cultivator of his standing was typically considered a figure of prominence within Fate's Edge Prefecture, commanding respect from all save for the few Violet Sanctum Patriarch of the Violet Sanctum Immortal Clan.

Yet here, he was but one among many. Foundation Establishment Cultivators were as common as blades of grass across the entire Verdant Lotus Isle.

Even those lofty Violet Sanctum Patriarch who usually carried themselves with imposing auras moved with utmost care here, meticulously reining in their presence lest they harm a single plant or tree upon the isle.

The elder and the youth arrived at the main hall of the Path-Field to register, each receiving a token. Then, they settled in to await the commencement of the Path Lecture Assembly.

Early on the appointed morning, the day of the lecture finally dawned. Clutching his token, Literature Abyss Lu made his way to the Verdant Lotus Isle Path-Field.

The Verdant Lotus Isle Path-Field was situated at the very heart of the lake. Literature Abyss Lu gazed out and saw stone platforms, shaped like lotus blossoms, arrayed across the water's surface. A subtle, profound spiritual light [a radiant energy indicative of deep cultivation and enlightenment] seemed to shimmer within them.

With just a cursory glance, he estimated their number to be a staggering eighteen thousand. A multitude of cultivators were already finding their assigned seats with their tokens in hand.

"How can there be so many?"

Literature Abyss Lu drew a sharp, incredulous breath. Heaven's Fate County, one of the thirty-six counties of Chen Nation, even when combined with the Violet Sanctum Immortal Clan, boasted little more than one hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators in total. This content originates from audio novel.com. Please respect copyright.

The entire Chen Nation has only a few thousand Foundation Establishment Cultivators [cultivators who have built their spiritual foundation], not even counting those from the Chen Immortal Clan. Yet, the crowd before them now numbered over ten thousand, far exceeding their expectations.

The Lu Family Patriarch also wore an expression of utmost reverence. He shook his head and said, "I've heard that this time, not only have cultivators from our Chen Nation flocked here, but also great numbers from the Yan, Ling, Yan, Chu, and Qi nations have come as well."

"It is said that cultivators have even arrived from the distant Wei Nation at the far edge of Ji Continent, and even from across the Vast Sea, traveling via Teleportation Formations [magical arrays for instantaneous long-distance travel]. And within the Chen Immortal Clan alone, there are several thousand Foundation Establishment Cultivators."

Hearing this, Literature Abyss Lu was profoundly shaken once more, finally understanding the terrifying degree of influence an Infant Soul [a cultivator whose nascent soul has formed] Path Lord [a master of a profound cultivation path] commanded.

In truth, Eldrin Chen was greatly surprised by the number of attendees. When Vast Righteousness True Lord held his lectures on the Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range, fewer than three thousand people ever attended.

Yet, upon reflection, this made perfect sense. The Heavenly Ridge Mountain Range was sparsely populated, whereas the various nations of the Ji Continent Cultivation World [the world of cultivators on the Ji Continent] were now all connected by Teleportation Formations, not to mention the large number of cultivators who had come from the Vast Sea Cultivation World.

Seeing the look on Literature Abyss Lu's face, the Lu Family Patriarch smiled faintly once more. "A lecture by a True Lord [a title for a powerful cultivator] is an exceedingly rare opportunity. Naturally, cultivators from across the land would swarm here."

"You must listen with utmost focus. Even a sliver of enlightenment gained here will benefit you for a lifetime."

"I understand," Literature Abyss Lu replied.

Literature Abyss Lu nodded. Taking a deep breath, he addressed his Patriarch [the leader of his clan], "I will take my seat now and await the commencement of the lecture."

"You may proceed."

Literature Abyss Lu took his token and proceeded forward, quickly finding his assigned seat.

Upon sitting down, he realized his position was exceptionally close to the front, already within the foremost row reserved for Foundation Establishment Cultivator [cultivators who have solidified their spiritual foundation].

Beyond that lay the twelve hundred seats for Violet Sanctum [cultivators who have opened their third spiritual eye, a higher realm of power], and at the very front, seated upon over one hundred daises, were figures of usually unattainable stature—the Golden Core Patriarch [powerful elders who have condensed a Golden Core, the pinnacle of mortal cultivation].

He took a deep breath, suppressing his nervous excitement, and then noticed a youth seated beside him who offered a slight, courteous bow with a smile.

"I am Support Revive Chen, greetings, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator]."

Literature Abyss Lu was inwardly shaken, sensing an aura from this person that was profound and unfathomable. He hurriedly returned the bow. "I am Literature Abyss Lu, greetings, Fellow Daoist Chen."

The Support Revive Chen gave a gentle smile. "You seem unfamiliar, Fellow Daoist. May I ask where you hail from?"

"I am a junior of the Lu Clan from Heaven's Fate County." Literature Abyss Lu replied, his face flushing slightly with nervousness. "You bear the surname Chen... could it be that you are...?"

The Support Revive Chen chuckled softly. "There is no need for tension. Since you are seated in the first row, you must possess exceptional qualities. Let us converse as equals."

Literature Abyss Lu let out a sigh of relief upon hearing this and then asked, "Why do you say that, Fellow Daoist?"

"Allow me to introduce everyone, and you will understand,"

said Support Revive Chen, casually gesturing towards the cultivators beside him. "The person to your left is Cherished Phoebe Cheng. He is a prodigy blessed with a Variant Spiritual Root [a rare and superior type of spiritual root]. His father, Recluse of Verdant Verse, is a mighty figure at the Ninth Layer of Golden Core [the peak of the Golden Core cultivation stage], not far from the True Lord Realm [the Nascent Soul stage]."

"That young maiden in the verdant robe is Like Swallow Meng. She is the greatest prodigy in the history of the Meng Immortal Clan and possesses a Water Spiritual Root [a spiritual root attuned to the water element]. She has already been accepted as a direct disciple by Patriarch Lin of the Heavenly Ruins Sect."

"That elderly cultivator in the gray robe is Ancestor Mystery Chen. Do not be fooled by his aged appearance; he actually possesses a Four Spiritual Roots [a spiritual root of middling quality]. Achieving Self-Achieved Foundation Establishment [reaching the Foundation Establishment stage without external aid] at the age of sixty-three is a feat that has set a precedent within our Chen Immortal Clan."

Support Revive Chen recounted each name with intimate knowledge, and with every mention, Literature Abyss Lu felt a deepening sense of awe. Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio-novel . com.

After a long while, Literature Abyss Lu clasped his hands towards Support Revive Chen and inquired, "I presume you, Fellow Daoist, also possess extraordinary qualities."

Support Revive Chen smiled and replied, "Our ages are not far apart, and since we are gathered here, we may well become close companions in the future. There is no harm in telling you."

"Although I am a cultivator with Three Spiritual Roots [a spiritual root of average quality], I possess the Triad Path Body [a rare and powerful innate constitution]. Furthermore, I am the leader of the Chen Clan's Fu Generation [the generation of the Chen Clan bearing the character 'Fu' in their names]."

"The Triad Path Body..."

Literature Abyss Lu's expression changed abruptly, and he couldn't help but bow respectfully. "Fellow Daoist, your natural talent is peerless. My own aptitude is merely that of a Self-Achieved Foundation Establishment [a cultivator who reached the Foundation Establishment realm through sheer personal effort, without external aid]. I fear I am far inferior to you. My apologies for my earlier disrespect."

"I suspect our standing may be more equal than you think," Support Revive Chen replied with a light shake of his head and a calm tone. "Our Chen Clan governs the Vast Sea and the Chen Nation. When individuals of notable talent emerge within our territories, we naturally extend discreet support."

"So, you need not worry. Our Chen Clan possesses the magnanimity to nurture talent. In fact, many of the current prodigies across Ji Continent have received favors from our clan at some point."

Only then did Literature Abyss Lu let out a sigh of relief. He then transmitted a message discreetly, "It is true that my constitution has been unusual since childhood. However, with my limited knowledge and lack of a powerful backer, I dared not reveal it recklessly."

Support Revive Chen smiled, his gaze carrying a hint of reverence. "Our Chen Clan Patriarch [the supreme leader of a cultivation clan] commands awe across the land. He has always abhorred evil and conducted affairs with unwavering fairness."

"With your Extraordinary talent, it's entirely possible you might catch the eye of one of our clan's Patriarch and be accepted as a direct disciple."

Literature Abyss Lu listened quietly, his heart a mix of trepidation and a strange, budding sense that a great opportunity was approaching.

Thus, a small circle of connections took shape as these several Foundation Establishment [the second major realm of cultivation, where a cultivator solidifies their foundation for future advancement] prodigies sat together, conversing through sound transmission.

Time flowed on in this manner. After the span of one Shichen-time [a unit of time equal to two hours], the cultivators who had come to listen to the Dao discourse had finally all arrived. Then, movement stirred at the very core of the Path Discussion Assembly.

A beam of spiritual light descended from the heavens. Faint azure radiance coalesced, transforming into a Azure Lotus Throne [an enchanted seat shaped like a lotus flower, symbolizing purity and enlightenment] over one Zhang-length [one Zhang-length equals three point three three meters] in size. Seated cross-legged upon that throne was a figure robed in snow-white garments.

"An Immortal?"

Literature Abyss Lu looked up at the figure. The man possessed a peerlessly handsome countenance, his white robes seemingly woven from Immortal Energy [a sublime, transcendent energy that marks the boundary between mortal and immortal existence] itself, radiating a light that verged on the transformative brilliance of ascension. This chapter is provided by audio—novel.com. Support the original.