Chapter 1616 : Whispers of the Primordial Tree

"Innate Ancient Tree [a primordial tree born from the chaos at the dawn of creation, containing immense innate power]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a trace of solemn contemplation flickering in his gaze.

He performed a brief divination with his fingers, swiftly uncovering the chain of cause and effect and comprehending the entire sequence of events.

It turned out the root of all Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect that binds all actions and their consequences] lay with the few Innate Ancient Tree that Eldrin Chen had planted.

The Five Elements Small Universe [a nascent pocket dimension stabilized by the five fundamental elements] drifted within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation]. In principle, it was a relatively sealed space, not easily detected by Celestial Immortal Great Power [powerful beings who have ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm] from the Immortal Domain [the higher realm where true immortals reside].

Yet, in truth, the Endless Chaos [the boundless, primordial expanse] was never a safe haven.

Within this Primordial Chaos [the original, undifferentiated state of existence before the cosmos was formed], countless Chaos Ancient Beast [monstrous creatures born from and adapted to the raw chaos] and Chaos Demon God [demonic deities of immense power native to the chaos] were nurtured. There were even Celestial Immortal Great Power and Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [beings who have attained the pinnacle of immortal cultivation, mastering the laws of the cosmos] who wandered the Chaos.

Chaos Demon God were rare, and Great Encompassing Immortal Lord [a title for a supreme immortal lord] were exceedingly scarce, making encounters with them within the Boundless Chaos [the immeasurable sea of primordial chaos] highly unlikely.

However, Celestial Immortal Great Power traveling through the Chaos and Chaos Ancient Beast were relatively more common sights.

For both Chaos Ancient Beast and Celestial Immortal Great Power, a newly formed Small Universe [a self-contained, smaller dimensional realm] represented a significant Opportunity and Fortune [a chance encounter with great potential benefit or destiny]. After all, such places contained Universe Genesis Treasure [rare treasures formed during the birth of a universe, holding foundational power], and there might even be traces of Innate Energy [the pure, primordial energy that existed before the cosmos, the source of all creation].

Yet this alone was insufficient to attract a great number of Celestial Immortal Great Power [cultivators who have ascended beyond the Celestial Immortal realm] and Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from the primal chaos].

But this Five Elements Small Universe [a miniature cosmos structured upon the five fundamental elements] was different. Within the current Five Elements Small Universe, there existed three Innate Ancient Tree [trees of immense age and power, born from the world's primordial essence].

The value of such Innate Ancient Tree was beyond words. Even Celestial Immortal Great Power would be stirred by desire for them, and might even take great risks to obtain them.

As for the Chaos Ancient Beast, if they could devour the fruit of an Innate Ancient Tree, or even consume the tree itself, it could very likely trigger a metamorphosis in their bloodline power and strength.

"Three Innate Ancient Tree have already drawn the covetous gaze of the Chaos Ancient Beast,"

Eldrin Chen murmured slowly, his expression grave as he continued, "Perhaps one day, they may even attract the avarice of a Celestial Immortal Great Power."

Exquisite Jiang also nodded, then sighed. "While planting Innate Ancient Tree within a Small Universe [a self-contained, miniature cosmos] avoids drawing the attention of the great powers from the Immortal Domain [the primary realm of the immortals], without the protection of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain [a specific, powerful immortal realm], trouble will inevitably find its way here in time."

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen agreed, a slight furrow deepening between his brows.

Beings whose cultivation has ascended beyond the Celestial Immortal [a high immortal realm] often possess extraordinarily keen spiritual senses. Particularly those skilled in deducing the Celestial Mechanism [the hidden patterns and workings of heaven and fate] can even calculate the location and gestation period of an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the world's innate essence, possessing immense power].

Although the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] is inscrutable, if the number of Innate Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primal chaos, containing innate laws] within a Small Universe [a self-contained pocket dimension or nascent world] grows too numerous, it will inevitably attract the covetous gazes of others.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "The spiritual aura of an Innate Ancient Tree [a primordial tree born from chaos, possessing immense spiritual power] is astonishing. Even within the Chaos, it shines like a candle's flame in a dense fog."

"The more such candles burn within a Small Universe, the more brilliantly it will glow within the Chaos, making it far more likely to draw the attention of Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient, monstrous beings that dwell and hunt within the primordial chaos]."

"One or two Innate Ancient Tree might not cause significant trouble, but once their numbers increase, I fear great calamity will inevitably follow."

Eldrin Chen murmured thoughtfully before stating, "It seems we must cultivate with greater urgency and strive to transplant the Innate Spiritual Root [the foundational spiritual essence of a world or being, born from chaos] into the Earth Immortal World [a stable, mature world capable of sustaining immortal life] as soon as possible."

At that same moment, the Heavenly Path [the consciousness or will of the natural order and laws of a realm] of the Five Elements Small Universe [a pocket dimension whose foundational laws are based on the five elemental forces] slowly stirred to awareness.

Sensing Eldrin Chen, it descended, its voice heavy with foreboding. "I have a premonition. Once the Path Tribulation [a cataclysmic trial or calamity that tests the very laws and foundations of a cultivation path or realm] erupts, I fear there will be no place for us to hide."

"When that time comes, this Universe will likely face a Great Tribulation [a world-shaking catastrophe or epoch-ending calamity] of its own."

Eldrin Chen's expression turned profoundly grave. "Set your mind at ease," he declared. "Since I gave you my word, I will ensure the safety of this Small Universe."

Having said that, Eldrin Chen inquired further, "What is the current situation beyond the borders of the Small Universe?"

"For the moment, it remains secure."

The will of the Small Universe [a miniature, self-contained cosmos] spoke slowly, its tone detached. "Of the seven Ninth Rank [the pinnacle rank for demonic beasts, equivalent to a peak-stage Celestial Immortal] Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from the primal chaos], four have been slain by your combined efforts."

"The remaining three Ninth Rank ancient beasts, along with that Innate Chaos Ancient Beast [a Chaos Ancient Beast of unparalleled, innate power], are powerless against the Universe Membrane [the dimensional barrier protecting a universe]. For now, they have retreated."

"However, if my predictions hold true, the day will come when they rally their forces and return."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression grew solemn.

Exquisite Jiang pondered for a moment before speaking. "The most pressing matter is for you to complete your cultivation of the Supreme Unity Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a legendary, nigh-invulnerable physical constitution] and achieve a breakthrough into the Celestial Immortal Realm [the realm of true celestial beings] as soon as possible."

"Once you break through to the Celestial Immortal Realm, safeguarding a Small Universe that harbors a few Innate Ancient Tree [primordial trees of immense spiritual power] should not pose a significant challenge."

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, for he understood this truth in his heart.

Without further delay, he bid farewell to Exquisite Jiang and the other Mortal Path [the Path of Mortality cultivators] and returned to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain. From there, he made his way towards the Eastern Pole Heavenly Domain [one of the major heavenly domains].

The Eastern Boundless Sea is one of the Seven Seas of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain. Situated in the Eastern Pole region of the domain, it is an exceedingly fertile and abundant sea.

The Forbidden Land known as the Ten Directions Annihilation Sea, which Eldrin Chen was now journeying to, lay within the heart of this Eastern Boundless Sea.

Having traversed the void with the aid of the Polarity Void Mirror, Eldrin Chen arrived at the periphery of the Ten Directions Annihilation Sea. His brow furrowed slightly as he took in the sight before him.

"Truly a formidable Forbidden Land," he murmured.

Gazing upon the Ten Directions Annihilation Sea, Eldrin Chen's expression grew profoundly grave.

The Ten Directions Annihilation Sea stretched before him, a vast and boundless expanse of ocean. Its sheer scale was immeasurable, spanning countless immortal journeys. It was a hundred times more vast than the entire Hundred Seas of Returning Abyss, occupying a full tenth of the Eastern Boundless Sea.

Within this sea, endless Thunderclap Force [a violent, annihilating power akin to divine thunder] churned heaven and earth. An indestructible, primordial Slaughter Intent [a will to annihilate so potent it has become a tangible force] swept across the skies. Oblivion-like Thunderclap Force lashed against the Eight Desolations, and terrifying Thunderclap Creature [beasts born of and dwelling within the annihilating thunder-force] roamed its depths.

Recalling the legends surrounding this Forbidden Land's origin, Eldrin Chen fell into deep contemplation.

Some said the Ten Directions Annihilation Sea was formed from the remnants of a shattered Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos of creation]. Others claimed it was the final resting place of a fallen Chaos Demon God Corpse [the corpse of a demonic deity from the primordial chaos], its undying Slaughter Intent merging with the local Thunderclap Origin [the primal source of thunder-force] to forge this deadly Forbidden Land.

Sensing the indestructible, ancient quality of the Slaughter Intent permeating the air, Eldrin Chen felt the latter theory held more weight.

"Whatever it is, this time I must venture in and see."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his expression serene as he stepped forward.

Upon first entering the Ten Directions Annihilation Sea, Eldrin Chen felt a cataclysmic surge of Thunderclap Force [a devastating power akin to heavenly thunder] converging upon him.

With a placid countenance, Eldrin Chen strode forward, allowing the boundless Thunderclap Force to hammer against his physical form, his face remaining utterly composed from beginning to end.

By now, Eldrin Chen's physical body was nearly flawless and complete, as indestructible as a piece of pure Primordial Unity Immortal Gold [a legendary, supremely durable divine metal].

The Thunderclap [thunderous strikes] potent enough to slay an Earth Immortal [a powerful immortal whose foundation is tied to the earth] could no longer harm him, offering only a slight tempering effect.

Thus did Eldrin Chen advance deeper into the Ten Directions Annihilation Sea, all the while enduring the endless baptism of Thunderclap Force, refining the power of his flesh.

After an immeasurable time, Eldrin Chen stepped into the inner reaches of the Ten Directions Annihilation Sea.

Upon entering this inner region, he discovered the sea was teeming with Thunderclap creatures. These beings were manifestations of the boundless Slaughter Intent [an aura of pure, annihilating will] and Thunderclap Origin [the primal source essence of thunder], each possessing cultivation at least comparable to an Earth Immortal Patriarch.

Most crucially, these Thunderclap creatures numbered in the hundreds, among them beings that had reached the Earth Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Earth Immortal realm].