Chapter 696 : Awakening of a Thousand Dreams

"In the dream..."

Summer Reign Xia froze, as fragmented memories from the haze of her mind began to coalesce into clarity.

The initial, indistinct recollections grew ever more tangible, and fragments of a past life gradually illuminated her consciousness.

"So, I am Verdant Consort Xia."

Tears traced paths down Summer Reign Xia's cheeks. She gazed silently at Eldrin Chen, his visage perfectly reflected in the depths of her pupils.

She smiled then, a smile glistening with unshed tears and brimming with unspoken thoughts.

"To be born in another Space-Time [a distinct continuum of existence] and to meet you here again... it truly is wonderful."

"Hmm..."

The heavens and earth grew ethereal, all things began to fade away.

The entire dreamscape crumbled into nothingness, leaving only the woman before him as the sole, undeniable reality. This content originates from audio_novel.com. Please respect copyright.

One after another, Manjusaka [the legendary flower of the underworld, also known as the red spider lily] bloomed, their crimson blossoms spreading boundlessly between heaven and earth, their appearance exceptionally vivid and alluring.

Between heaven and earth, one butterfly after another took flight from the sea of flowers, swirling and dancing around the two figures.

A single Mortal Dust Dream Butterfly [a mystical butterfly said to contain the memories of a mortal lifetime] held the memories of one lifetime. Now, thousands of these butterflies fluttered gracefully, flying bit by bit to land upon the center of Summer Reign Xia's brow.

The Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth] within a thousand lifetimes of dreams, the memories of a thousand dream-lives gradually awakened, only to blur once more, transforming into profound insights that settled within her heart.

In this moment, Summer Reign Xia seemed on the verge of apotheosis. As the dream butterflies continuously entered her form, the aura surrounding her grew increasingly powerful, and her figure became ever more flawless and perfect.

Eldrin Chen stood quietly amidst the myriad flowers, simply watching Summer Reign Xia in silence, a trace of serene acceptance in his gaze.

After a long while, Summer Reign Xia opened her bright eyes and said with a smile, "A millennium in the mortal dust, a thousand lifetimes in dreams... in the end, I have still waited for you."

Eldrin Chen stood in silent contemplation. Before him, a single butterfly beat its wings and soared, its fluttering seeming to stir the very Space-Time [the fabric of reality encompassing both spatial dimensions and the flow of time], guiding their paths to cross once more.

He extended his hand, allowing the butterfly to alight upon his fingertip, and finally said with a smile, "The Mortal Dust Dream Butterfly... it allowed me to see you here. For that, I already owe it a measure of Karma [the universal principle of cause and effect, action and consequence]."

"..."

Eldrin Chen awoke from his dream. Gazing upon the Verdant Consort [a powerful female cultivator] who had stirred beside him, a serene smile graced his lips.

The Verdant Consort's eyes opened languidly, her gaze drifting towards Eldrin Chen. Yet, before she could utter a word, the boundless Demonic Fiendish Energy [a corrupting, malevolent power] within her body surged forth, seeking to devour her consciousness and soul.

Confronted by this power, even Eldrin Chen felt a tremor of alarm. The Verdant Consort had been invaded by the Demonic Fiendish Energy, and her abrupt awakening risked her mind being utterly consumed.

Yet, in the face of this corrosive tide, the Verdant Consort remained utterly composed. Far from resisting the Demonic Fiendish Energy's encroachment, she harnessed its infinite power to cultivate a supreme art.

Within the sea of her consciousness, a Verdant Lotus [a symbol of purity and enlightenment that can grow even in corrupt environments] blossomed. Its pristine petals unfurled amidst the boundless sea of Demonic Path [the cultivation path of demons and fiends] magical power, appearing all the more sacred and flawless.

The Verdant Consort's Path Fruits [the culmination of a cultivator's understanding and power gained over lifetimes] from a thousand lifetimes of Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth] converged into one. Her awakening triggered a transformation of staggering magnitude.

The Verdant Lotus took root in the endless demonic miasma, ceaselessly drawing upon the Demonic Path's magical power as nourishment. This process catalyzed a profound metamorphosis in both her surrounding energy and her Demonic Path Infant Soul [the nascent spiritual form of a cultivator on the demonic path].

Her Demonic Path magical power transformed into an unprecedented Verdant Lotus Magical Power [a pure, lotus-derived energy born from corruption]. Simultaneously, her Demonic Path Infant Soul evolved, giving birth to a Verdant Lotus Immortal Embryo [a divine, lotus-based spiritual foundation born from purifying demonic energy].

"It emerges unstained from the filth; cleansed by clear ripples, it bears no taint of allure," Eldrin Chen murmured, a flicker of profound wonder in his eyes.

Eldrin Chen whispered the ancient verse, his expression one of quiet astonishment.

The Verdant Lotus Magical Power [a profound and balanced mystical energy] born from Verdant Consort's transformation was truly astonishing. This Arcane Power [a refined and potent form of spiritual energy] possessed a harmonious and righteous nature, capable of resisting all contamination and suppression from Demonic Path [cultivation arts aligned with demonic forces] energies, and could aid in purging corrupting forces.

Furthermore, this power could grow by absorbing Demonic Fiendish Energy [the chaotic and malevolent energy of demons and fiends], granting it immense potency against the energies wielded by Demonic Cultivator [cultivators who follow demonic paths].

One could say the profound mysteries of this power were in no way inferior to Eldrin Chen's own Heavenly Flame Arcane Power [a supreme arcane power born of heavenly fire]. It was an incredibly profound Arcane Power, likely the envy of many Primordial Spirit Path Lord [cultivators who have reached the Primordial Spirit realm and mastered a Path].

Not only that, the Verdant Lotus Immortal Embryo [a foundational immortal constitution resembling a verdant lotus] was equally astounding. This Immortal Embryo [the nascent foundation for achieving immortality] had been born from the metamorphosis of Verdant Consort's Demonic PathInfant Soul [the core spiritual form cultivated during the Infant Soul stage via demonic arts].

That original Demonic PathInfant Soul had already reached the level of a Heavenly Path Infant Soul [an Infant Soul cultivated through orthodox, heavenly-aligned methods]. Now, having undergone this even more astonishing transformation, although this Infant Soul was not a Great Encompassing Infant Soul [the pinnacle, all-encompassing form of the Infant Soul], it was undoubtedly its peer.

Realizing this, Eldrin Chen could not suppress the tremor in his heart. "The Mortal Dust Dream Butterfly Art [a legendary cultivation art involving thousands of dream-life reincarnations] is truly formidable. To forge such a foundation from a thousand dream-lives... No wonder legends say that achieving perfection through three thousand lifetimes allows one to ascend to immortality on the spot." Visit *audio-novel.com* to enjoy the complete series.

Holding this thought, Eldrin Chen steadied his mind. He took Verdant Consort's hand and said, "Summer Reign, having returned from your thousand dream-lives, you have now forged an immortal foundation. From this day forward, we can finally walk this path together, side by side."

"I do not know if I am Summer Reign Xia reincarnated, or if I merely dreamed of being Summer Reign Xia,"

"But being able to see you again... that is enough for me."

Verdant Consort spoke earnestly, her gaze fixed upon him. She clasped his hand tightly, as if she never wished to let go.

Upon awakening Verdant Consort this time, Eldrin Chen calculated the time and discovered, to his surprise, that three decades had already passed.

After a moment of hesitation, he smiled and said, "It is time for us to leave seclusion."

Without further words, the two of them walked out from within the Seclusion Chamber.

"Husband."

Exquisite Jiang had been waiting outside the Seclusion Chamber for a long time. The moment the chamber's doors opened, she spoke with evident joy.

Yet, in an instant, her expression froze slightly, her gaze fixed intently on their clasped hands.

A strange tremor passed through Eldrin Chen's heart, and a complex mix of emotions flickered across his face. For the first time, he found himself at a complete loss for words.

Verdant Consort, however, remained perfectly composed. She glanced at Exquisite Jiang and said, "Exquisite, it has been a long time."

Yet, even as she spoke, her brow furrowed slightly. She had noticed Exquisite Jiang's form of address, and her gaze involuntarily shifted to Eldrin Chen.

Under the simultaneous scrutiny of both women, Eldrin Chen felt a prickling sensation on his scalp. For the first time in his life, he experienced the overwhelming urge to flee.

Fortunately, his Dao Heart [the core of a cultivator's will and resolve] remained unshaken. Summoning his courage, he spoke with feigned composure, "Please, allow me to explain the matter in full..."

Steeling himself, he recounted the gist of the events. After listening, the two women fell into a profound silence.

In the end, it was Exquisite Jiang who rose first. She shot Eldrin Chen a glare sharp enough to cut stone, then took Verdant Consort by the arm. "Come, Verdant Consort," she declared, her voice icy. "Let us leave this faithless scoundrel to stew in his own regrets."

"Agreed," Verdant Consort replied with a soft smile. "It has been many years since we sisters last met. It is high time we caught up."

She then linked arms with Exquisite Jiang, and together they walked away, their figures soon disappearing amidst the depths of the peach blossom grove.

Eldrin Chen: "..."

Regardless, the initial, palpable awkwardness of the meeting had finally dissipated.

Watching them depart, Eldrin Chen finally released a long-held breath of relief. He decided to leave Spirit Isle Lake altogether and made his way towards Green Chariot Mountain.

Upon Green Chariot Mountain, he found Eternal Profound Chen, who had just emerged from his secluded cultivation retreat.

Now, several decades later, thanks to the potent spiritual elixirs [miraculous pills that aid cultivation and healing] obtained through earlier exchanges, the Old Patriarch's injuries had largely healed.

At this moment, Old Patriarch was presiding over clan affairs. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, he said, "You have finally emerged from seclusion. How were the results of this session?"

"It went smoothly enough," Eldrin Chen nodded, then informed him of the news regarding Verdant Consort's awakening. He then inquired, "How has the clan fared these past years?" This chapter is provided by audio‑novel.com. Support the original.