Chapter 720 : The Immortal Path's Ancient Choice

Gazing upon these three ancient scrolls, Eternal Profound Chen felt a flicker of hesitation stir within his heart.

Each of these three ancient scrolls represented a distinct Immortal Ascension Path [a legendary path of cultivation leading to immortality]. Among them, the Ascendant Immortal Path-Forging Art [a supreme technique for forging a Path Body through acquired means] was a method for forging a Path Body [a supreme physical constitution ideal for cultivation] through acquired means. Cultivated to its ultimate extreme, this art could achieve Fleshly Body Sanctification [the pinnacle state of physical refinement, where the mortal body becomes sanctified and immortal].

However, this art was incomplete. To cultivate it, one would need to deduce and reconstruct the techniques required before reaching the Primordial Spirit Late Stage [the advanced stage of the Primordial Spirit realm, where one's spiritual core is fully formed]. The difficulty of such a task likely far surpassed that of the other two arts.

The Void-Refining Immortal Scripture [a legendary scripture detailing the path to immortality through refining the void] was, in theory, the most precious of the three ancient scrolls. This method offered a direct path to immortality and was aligned with the fire attribute, making it seemingly the most suitable Immortal Ascension Art [a supreme cultivation art that guides one to immortality] for Eternal Profound Chen.

Yet, this was ultimately an Immortal Ascension Art centered on the Path Principles [the fundamental laws and truths of the Great Dao, the ultimate principle of existence]. Without truly earth-shattering comprehension and insight, it would be exceedingly difficult to fully grasp and master its profound mysteries.

In contrast, the Ascendant Immortal Vein-Forging Art [a supreme technique for forging immortal spiritual veins] left behind by the Verdant Seal Path Lord [a title for a powerful cultivator who has mastered the Verdant Seal Path], while presenting an immensely arduous path to immortality, placed far less demand on one's innate comprehension and talent. Relatively speaking, the possibility of breaking through to the Primordial Spirit [the realm where a cultivator's spiritual core condenses into a Primordial Spirit] seemed much greater with this method.

Having reached this conclusion, Eternal Profound Chen decisively reached out and took the Ascendant Immortal Vein-Forging Art, declaring firmly, "I shall choose this method."

"Old Granduncle, are you certain of your choice?"

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, and he could not help but offer a reminder.

In his heart, he still believed that the Void-Refining Immortal Scripture was the most suitable Immortal Ascension Art for Eternal Profound Chen. Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audio novel.com.

Old Patriarch [the venerable leader of the clan] shook his head, a bitter smile gracing his lips. "I know my own aptitude all too well," he said. "To dream of achieving immortality would be nothing short of delusion."

"Far better to choose this Ascendant Immortal Vein-Forging Art [a profound cultivation method focused on refining and elevating spiritual veins]. Perhaps then there remains a sliver of hope for a breakthrough to the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] realm."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen [the clan's rising star] could not help but nod slightly in agreement.

After a moment of contemplation, a smile touched his lips. "For Old Granduncle [a senior elder of the clan] to cultivate this art, we do indeed possess two suitable Earth Vein [a terrestrial spiritual energy leyline] sites."

Eternal Profound Chen [a senior clan elder] hesitated slightly before asking, "Are you referring to the Water Vein [an aquatic spiritual energy leyline] within the Vast Sea [a great ocean], and the Underground Fire Vein [a subterranean fire spiritual energy leyline] beneath the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire [a region of perpetual volcanic activity]?"

"Precisely," Eldrin Chen affirmed with a nod. He continued, "Should the Water Vein within the Vast Sea ascend to become an Ancestral Vein [a supreme-grade spiritual energy source], it would inevitably contend with the Vast and Misty Marsh [a great and mysterious wetland] for the Water Essence Power [the fundamental authority over water-based spiritual energy] of the Eastern Barrens [the eastern wilderness continent]. A confrontation with the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor [an ancient and powerful draconic fiend] would then be unavoidable."

"Moreover, the elemental nature of that Water Vein is incompatible with your own. In contrast, the Fire Vein [a fire spiritual energy leyline] within the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire would be of immense benefit to you."

Pausing briefly here, Eldrin Chen then added with a light laugh, "The Earth's Primordial Membrane [the foundational barrier separating the world's surface from its molten depths] beneath that sea of fire has been pierced. An endless tide of Demonic Fiendish Energy [a corrupting energy born of demonic and fiendish realms] persists there, impossible to fully eradicate. For the Purple Seal Realm [their home cultivation realm], it is a festering wound, a true forbidden land."

"If you were to make a great vow, pledging your next life to grinding away that infinite Demonic Fiendish Energy, to regulating the boundless magma of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire, allowing it to rest and recover the vitality it possessed millennia ago... you would undoubtedly earn the favor and grace of the World's Will."

"Then, when you lay the foundations for the Ascendant Immortal Vein-Forging Art, and at the opportune moment draw upon the infinite earth-fire power beneath the Earth's Primordial Membrane... perhaps you could catalyze the birth of the first Sixth Rank [a classification denoting supreme quality] Primordial Fire Ancestral Vein [a primordial-grade fire spiritual energy source] for the entire Eastern Region Great Wasteland Cultivation World [the cultivation world of the eastern wilderness]."

Upon hearing this, Eternal Profound Chen felt a sudden tremor in his heart. Within the entire Purple Seal Realm [the name of this cultivation world], there were only five Sixth Rank Ancestral Vein [supreme spiritual energy sources] of the fire attribute.

One was located in the Central Ancestral Domain, two were in the Southern Ridge Cultivation World [a major region of the cultivation world], and the final two resided within the Southern Sea Cultivation World [another major region].

If Eldrin Chen's plan succeeded, they could add another Primordial Fire Ancestral Vein [an ancient, supreme-grade fire spiritual vein] to the Purple Seal Realm. This would be a monumental achievement, a legacy for countless generations.

Thinking of this, Eternal Profound Chen furrowed his brow once more, then spoke hesitantly, "However, our Chen Clan holds only a fifty percent stake in the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire [a legendary sea of flames]. To claim it exclusively, we would need to negotiate with the other major Immortal Clan [powerful clans with immortal heritage]."

"I have already considered this matter," Eldrin Chen nodded, weighing his words carefully. "Of the remaining fifty percent share, the Heavenly Reed Sect holds thirty percent, while Violet Consort Yan and Ethereal Mistress Ling each hold ten percent."

"Given our relationship with the Violet Consort, her ten percent share should not pose a significant issue. Ethereal Mistress Ling's portion is also small; we can likely settle it by offering suitable compensation for her interests."

"It is only the Heavenly Reed Sect that requires my personal visit to resolve."

Seeing that he had a plan in mind, a wave of relief washed over Eternal Profound Chen.

He took a deep breath and spoke with newfound resolve, "If that is the case, then I can proceed with my reincarnation tribulation with peace of mind."

As he spoke, Eternal Profound Chen ceased his struggle to maintain his form. A serene smile graced his lips as he dispersed his cultivation base's power. A wisp of soul-light soared forth, spiraling gracefully within the void.

Eldrin Chen took a deep breath and exhaled, releasing three streams of Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a supreme, primordial energy of creation and chaos].

The Primordial Chaos Violet Aura swirled three times around his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator]. In the end, only one stream was absorbed into it. The remaining two circled a few more times before flying back to him.

"It seems one is sufficient."

With a focused thought, Eldrin Chen observed Old Granduncle's Primordial Spirit, now sheathed in a faint, noble purple radiance. The spirit nodded to him, then, trailing motes of starlight, flew towards the Nirvana Pool [a mystical pool that facilitates rebirth and recovery for a cultivator's spirit].

This sight allowed Eldrin Chen to release a slight sigh of relief. An Infant Soul True Lord [a cultivator who has condensed their Primordial Spirit into an Infant Soul] undergoing tribulation rebirth within the Nirvana Pool would require only three hundred years to fully restore their former peak strength.

After assisting Old Granduncle with his final transformation, Eldrin Chen departed the cave abode directly. He informed Exquisite Jiang and the others of the situation, then stated, "I intend to visit the Heavenly Reed Sect. As for Violet Consort Mountain and Ethereal Mist Lake, I must trouble you, my lady, to make the journey." Read the full novel exclusively on audio-novel[dot]com.

"Violet Consort and Ethereal Mistress Ling should be straightforward to approach," Exquisite Jiang nodded in agreement before adding a note of caution. "However, the Heavenly Reed Sect Master has not yet returned from his tribulation rebirth. They may not be in a position to make a definitive decision at this time."

"I understand," Eldrin Chen acknowledged with a slight dip of his head. "This visit is primarily to sound them out and establish communication. The Heavenly Reed Sect Master shares a long-standing friendship with us. I believe that with sufficient mutual benefit, they will not refuse."

"..."

Departing from Green Chariot Mountain, Eldrin Chen soon soared towards the Heavenly Reed Sect. Not long after, he arrived at the foot of their Spirit Mountain [a mountain rich with spiritual energy, often serving as a sect's headquarters].

After presenting the Visiting Card, the ones who came out to receive him were not only Longbeard Path Master but also a woman of extraordinary grace and beauty—none other than Immortal Maiden Heavenly Daylily, who had fallen in battle at the Desolate Demon Ridge many years prior.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, Immortal Maiden Heavenly Daylily smiled faintly and said, "It was but the span of a single secluded cultivation session and tribulation for me, yet I find that Fellow Cultivator Eldrin has already shaken the world with his might. Your cultivation speed is truly awe-inspiring."

"You flatter me," Eldrin Chen replied with a light smile, then cupped his hands respectfully. "The true fortune for the Heavenly Reed Sect is your successful return from tribulation, Immortal Maiden."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Immortal Maiden Heavenly Daylily invited Eldrin Chen to be seated within the Guest Greeting Peak.

She personally poured a cup of tea for Eldrin Chen before her brow furrowed slightly as she inquired, "Might I ask what brings you to our Heavenly Hut Mountain, Fellow Daoist?"

"It concerns the matter of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire,"

Eldrin Chen stated plainly, revealing the purpose of his visit to the two of them. He then added, "Rest assured, Fellow Daoists, we do not intend to take it without compensation. If you are willing, I can naturally offer a corresponding price."

Upon hearing this, both of them felt a stir in their hearts. Longbeard Path Master could not help but speak up, "That Flaming Prison Sea of Fire is one of the top ten supreme Earth Vein [a powerful natural ley line of earth energy] within the Three Veins Ancient Domain. Do you, Fellow Daoist, truly intend to claim it exclusively?"

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly before he replied, "This Flaming Prison Sea of Fire Earth Vein is indeed of paramount importance to our Chen Clan." Experience the full epic at audio . novel . com.