Chapter 1423 : Ascension of the Ninefold Heaven

And after more than forty thousand years, Ethan Chen had completely replenished the third foundational aspect of his cultivation, thereby stepping into the Nine Tribulations Realm. With the power of Polarity [the fundamental duality of existence, such as life and death], he opened up the Ninefold Heaven [the ninth and highest layer of the celestial realms].

Not long after Ethan Chen's breakthrough, Eldrin Chen felt the energy within his inner world had accumulated to perfection, reaching the threshold of a breakthrough.

"The accumulation of Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy [the most fundamental and pure energy that constitutes heaven and earth] is now flawless and complete. It is time to break through to the Second Level Earth Immortal Realm."

Sensing the Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy within the Returning Abyss Great World, Eldrin Chen slowly opened his eyes.

He took a deep breath, and in that instant, boundless Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy surged through the Six Harmonies [a grand cosmic formation representing the harmony of the six directions]. The endless primordial energy of heaven and earth merged into the very essence of the Six Heavens and Seven Realms [the cosmological structure encompassing six celestial layers and seven mortal realms].

In a fleeting moment of profound transformation, the Six Heavens and Seven Realms began to expand, growing ever more vast and boundless. The Five Extremes Celestial Pillars [the five cosmic pillars that support the heavens at the cardinal points and the center] also grew more majestic and towering.

An immeasurable span of time seemed to pass before Eldrin Chen perceived that the immense Returning Abyss Great World had expanded by approximately thirty percent. The power of heaven and earth within it had likewise increased by a third.

The foundational essence and energy contained within this heaven and earth had also surged by more than thirty percent, becoming even more magnificent and expansive.

"Satisfactory."

Sensing the power of heaven and earth now flowing within him, Eldrin Chen gave a slight, approving nod.

This breakthrough into the Second Level Earth Immortal Realm was a natural progression, a culmination that flowed effortlessly. Eldrin Chen could clearly sense the power of heaven and earth [the ambient spiritual energy and natural laws] within him surge by more than thirty percent.

This substantial increase in the power of heaven and earth significantly augmented Eldrin Chen's own strength.

Eldrin Chen made a rough calculation in his heart. His current spiritual power [cultivation-derived energy] likely still fell short of a Seventh Level Earth Immortal, but it should be comparable to a Sixth Level Earth Immortal who had successfully opened their Seventh Heaven [the seventh and final major acupoint or energy center within the body].

Furthermore, with the power of the Positive Water Verdant Lotus augmenting him, Eldrin Chen's spiritual power was now roughly on par with that of a Seventh Level Earth Immortal.

"If I can advance one more step and break through to the Third Level Earth Immortal realm," he mused silently, "my spiritual power will be virtually indistinguishable from a Seventh Level Earth Immortal."

With this thought, Eldrin Chen emerged from his Seclusion Chamber.

Leaving the chamber, Eldrin Chen proceeded directly to the Returning Abyss Blessed Land. After a thorough inspection, he discovered that the Black Dragon Suppressing World Cauldron had already recovered to the Eighth Rank High-Grade level.

Exquisite Jiang was cultivating in seclusion there. Seeing Eldrin Chen arrive, she said, "It appears that in another two hundred thousand years, this treasure will fully restore itself to the level of a World-Opening Supreme Treasure. The Crimson Dragon World-Suppressing Cauldron is on a similar path."

Eldrin Chen nodded, his expression turning grave. "This matter must be kept absolutely secret," he stated with emphasis. "Otherwise, I fear the Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace might be driven to desperate measures."

"I understand," she replied.

Exquisite Jiang gave a slight nod and said no more.

A moment later, as if remembering something, she spoke again: "By the way, the family's reserves of World-Opening Energy [a primordial energy used to nurture and expand nascent inner worlds] are nearly depleted."

"It is time we purchased a new batch of World-Opening Energy."

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. With the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly calamity] having concluded a hundred thousand years prior, many Immortal [beings who have ascended beyond mortality] who had gained insights during that upheaval would now be making breakthroughs. Consequently, World-Opening Energy should be readily available.

Yet, a slight frown creased his brow as he pondered. "Last time at the Divine Abyss Immortal City, we already procured a significant amount of World-Opening Energy," he said thoughtfully.

"If we continue to purchase more, we risk drawing the attention of those with ulterior motives."

Upon hearing this, Exquisite Jiang fell into brief contemplation. After a moment, she suggested, "Then let us travel farther. We should venture beyond the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea."

"A sound plan," Eldrin Chen agreed with a smile. "It is customary throughout the various Heavenly Domain [a vast, administratively defined region of the immortal realms] of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain to hold grand auctions every hundred thousand years following a Great Tribulation."

"This presents a perfect opportunity for us to witness the wonders of other sea regions within the Vast Azure Immortal Domain."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen saw a dimly glowing Ancient Talisman fly towards him. He caught it and glanced at it, a slight frown creasing his brow.

Noticing his expression, Exquisite Jiang inquired, "What is it?"

Eldrin Chen handed the spirit talisman to Exquisite Jiang and explained, "Years ago, when I asked Ancient Ruins Nether Lord to aid us against the Patriarch of Celestial Crocodile Clan, he mentioned he would have a request of his own once the matter was settled."

"Now the time is nearly upon us. He bids me journey to the Depths of the Netherworld."

"I see." Exquisite Jiang's brow furrowed slightly. "What matter could it be, that he is being so secretive?"

"I do not know."

Eldrin Chen shook his head. "I shall go to Ancient Ruins Ghost City first and meet with him to hear it."

With that, Eldrin Chen wasted no further time and immediately set off, flying towards the boundless Depths of the Netherworld.

Upon his arrival at Ancient Ruins Ghost City, he found that Heaven Abyss Path Master and Ancient Ruins Nether Lord had already been waiting for some time.

Seeing Eldrin Chen arrive, Ancient Ruins Nether Lord personally poured him a cup of tea and said, "Brother Returning Abyss, you were the last one we awaited."

Eldrin Chen accepted the teacup, took a sip, and then spoke. "Fellow Daoist, you invited me here today. Has the time finally come to act upon the matter we discussed all those years ago?"

Upon hearing this, Ancient Ruins Nether Lord did not answer immediately. He exchanged a glance with Heaven Abyss Path Master.

Seeing this, the Heaven Abyss Path Master spoke up. "Fellow Daoist, do you recall when I mentioned the Small Universe and its Opportunity and Fortune to you back in Divine Abyss Immortal City?"

"Of course I remember." Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow slightly, unable to suppress his question. "Naturally, I remember. But wasn't that Small Universe supposed to face Oblivion [the state of complete cosmic annihilation] in at least several hundred thousand years?"

Ancient Ruins Nether Lord offered a faint smile and said, "Allow me to explain the nature of a Small Universe [a self-contained cosmos of immense but finite scale]."

As Ancient Ruins Nether Lord began his explanation, Eldrin Chen gradually came to understand the true, profound value of a Small Universe.

A single Small Universe spans at least several million light-years. Over its endless eons of existence, it inevitably gives birth to billions upon billions of Stellar [celestial bodies like stars and planets].

Even the smallest of these Small Universe is vaster than the Milky Way galaxy of old.

Within such an immense Universe, countless lifeforms naturally emerge. Among them are Divine Spirits [beings of pure spiritual energy and divine nature], members of the Demon Race [a race of powerful, often bestial beings], forbidden Starry Void Ancient Beasts [primordial creatures that dwell in the void between stars], and even Heavenly Path [profound cultivation methods and principles] are conceived within its depths.

Such a vast and fertile Small Universe naturally nurtures innumerable precious treasures. Among them are World-Opening Treasure [artifacts of such power they can cleave open new realities] and even the rarest top-tier Immortal Herb [plants imbued with immense spiritual energy, used in crafting elixirs].

Among the most precious are the Universe Genesis Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the very genesis of a cosmos] and the Universe Oblivion Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure formed from the essence of a cosmos at the moment of its final dissolution].

Speaking of this, Ancient Ruins Nether Lord said with an expression of utmost gravity, "The Universe Genesis Treasure [a treasure born from the very genesis of a cosmos] is a treasure that only appears at the moment of a Universe's [a complete, self-contained cosmos] birth."

"The Universe Oblivion Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure formed from the essence of a cosmos at the moment of its final dissolution] is an even rarer treasure, formed from the foundational essence of a Small Universe [a smaller, nascent or subordinate cosmos] during its Oblivion [the final, cataclysmic end of a cosmos]. Both are supreme, peerless treasures, their grade at least that of an Innate Rare Treasure [a treasure born from the innate laws of the cosmos, exceedingly rare]."

"Moreover, such foundational objects of origin often possess incredibly unique and wondrous properties, making them far more valuable than Innate Treasures [treasures born from the innate laws of the cosmos] of the same tier."

"Furthermore, the potential of such treasures is boundless. It is said they have the possibility to advance into Innate Ancient Treasures [ancient treasures born from the innate laws of the cosmos] or even Innate Spiritual Treasures [spiritual treasures of the highest innate order]."

"Therefore, the Oblivion [the final, cataclysmic end of a cosmos] of every Small Universe [a smaller, nascent or subordinate cosmos] stirs the covetous desires of Celestial Immortal Great Powers [powerful beings who have ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm]."

Ancient Ruins Nether Lord continued his explanation. Reaching this point, he smiled slightly and added, "Fortunately, the power of a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a powerful being who has ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm] is too immense. Should one step into a Small Universe [a smaller, nascent or subordinate cosmos], it would inevitably provoke the full resistance of that Universe's [a complete, self-contained cosmos] Heavenly Path [the cosmic laws and natural order governing a realm]."

"Thus, during each Small Universe's [a smaller, nascent or subordinate cosmos] Oblivion [the final, cataclysmic end of a cosmos], Celestial Immortal Great Powers [powerful beings who have ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm] are unable to set foot within. Instead, it is we Earth Immortals [immortals anchored to the earthly realm] and Half-Step Celestial Immortals [cultivators who have taken half a step into the Celestial Immortal realm] who can enter to contend for the Opportunity and Fortune [the chances and blessings bestowed by fate]."