Chapter 1619 : A Destiny Too Noble to Name

Eldrin Chen paused for a moment, then immediately inquired, "Master..."

"Do not speak recklessly."

The spectral form of the Annihilation Path Master interrupted him with a grave expression. After scrutinizing Eldrin Chen several more times, he said, "I observe your Fortune [one's destined lot in life]; it is truly of such profound nobility it cannot be spoken of, yet it also bears a great burden of Karma [the cosmic law of cause and effect that binds all actions]. The title of master is one I dare not presume to accept."

After his expression shifted several more times, the Annihilation Path Master's spectral form could not help but sigh softly.

A prodigy like Eldrin Chen possessed the potential to one day step into the realm of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle immortal realm where one's power encompasses all creation], and perhaps even glimpse the possibility of becoming a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [a supreme being who has founded their own cosmic Path and attained sagehood].

Any existence that reaches the Great Encompassing Realm does so by emulating Heaven and Earth, comprehending the Great Path [the fundamental cosmic principles], and forging their own unique Great Encompassing [the state of encompassing all within one's own dao].

The Great Encompassing is a path one walks for oneself; it is never something that can be taught.

Even a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage would not dare claim they could certainly nurture another into a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

The Annihilation Path Master naturally dared not rashly accept Eldrin Chen as a disciple, lest he bear the immense Karma and cause his own True Spirit [the immortal's fundamental spiritual essence] to fall into the eternal silence of ten thousand kalpas, never to return.

Since his true body perished, this wisp of his divine soul had slumbered for an Immeasurable Kalpa Tribulation [an incalculably vast cosmic cycle of destruction and rebirth], all for the purpose of finding a successor to his lineage.

Before him now stood Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a cultivator of extraordinary talent], a once-in-an-era prodigy he had encountered, yet he could not take him as a disciple. He could only sigh, lamenting the insufficiency of their destined connection.

After pondering deeply for a long moment, Annihilation Path Master [an ancient and powerful cultivator] finally spoke, "In the brief span of just over two thousand years, you have comprehended five divine thunders. Your innate talent and comprehension, truly, are unparalleled in all my long life."

"In terms of raw genius alone, I fear even Vast Azure [a fellow powerful cultivator] would be far inferior compared to you."

Annihilation Path Master spoke slowly, ultimately offering a bitter smile. "So be it. Since I cannot accept you as my disciple, I shall bestow upon you some rewards instead."

As his words fell, with a flick of his sleeve, he released three beams of wondrous light.

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw that the treasures released by Annihilation Path Master were respectively: an ancient-looking jade box, a command token, and a scroll of archaic scripture.

He took the treasures and examined them. Inside the jade box lay five strands of Innate Energy [the primordial, unadulterated energy of creation]. The token was a key to the 'Innate Five Elements Thunder Pool' [a legendary pool of thunder infused with the power of the five primal elements].

The Ancient Scripture was titled 'Ten Directions Annihilation Thunder Path Scripture' [a supreme cultivation manual focused on annihilating thunder techniques]. This was a tome that pointed directly to the Ancient Immortal Realm [a legendary high realm of cultivation], holding immense referential value for Eldrin Chen.

"These three treasures—the five strands of Innate Energy will aid you in cultivating the Five Elements [the spiritual foundation representing Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth] Mysterious Grade [a high rank denoting profound mystery and power] Divine Thunder Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power]."

"As for the Innate Five Elements Thunder Pool, it shall assist in perfecting your Primordial Unity True Body [a legendary physical constitution representing primordial oneness]."

The Annihilation Path Master [the master of the Path of Complete Annihilation] spoke slowly, then sighed as he gazed at the scroll of the path scripture. "My Great Path [the supreme cultivation method] is exceedingly difficult to cultivate," he lamented. "I fear that relying solely on this legacy may not be enough to find a suitable successor."

"Your talent is Extraordinary [truly remarkable]. One day, you will undoubtedly become a Great Encompassing Immortal Lord [a supreme immortal lord of vast power]. If you are willing, when the time comes and you encounter a worthy disciple, please pass on my Ten Directions Annihilation Thunder Path Scripture [the scripture of the thunder path that annihilates all ten directions] to them."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] adopted a solemn expression. "This junior will forever remember the grace of your gift, Senior," he said respectfully.

"If fate allows me to find a suitable candidate one day, I will ensure this legacy is passed on."

"Very well. You may go."

Watching Eldrin Chen perform the ritual bow of a half-disciple, the Annihilation Path Master could not help but reveal a faint smile.

He said no more. With a mere flick of his sleeve, he sent Eldrin Chen out of the Great Hall [the grand ceremonial hall] and then returned to his state of deep slumber.

Once outside the Great Hall, Eldrin Chen drew a deep, steadying breath.

The value of an ancient Immortal Path [a supreme cultivation scripture from antiquity] scripture was beyond measure. Merely the five strands of Innate Energy [the primordial energy present at birth, foundational for cultivation] were a treasure that would stir envy in the hearts of even mid to late-stage Celestial Immortal [a high-ranking immortal realm] powerhouses.

Even a direct lineage disciple of the Great Encompassing Ancient Sect [a primordial and immensely powerful sect] might not receive such a lavish bounty of Innate Energy as a reward.

Although the Great Encompassing Ancient Sect could obtain more Innate Energy [the primordial, foundational energy of creation], it could not match the vast resources and deep foundations of the ancient sect.

Generally speaking, even those who had stepped into the Forbidden Domain [a realm of cultivation beyond the ordinary] might not necessarily receive the reward of a single strand of Innate Energy.

As for the Innate Five Elements Thunder Pool [a legendary pool brimming with the primordial thunder essence of the five elements], it was a cultivation treasure land dreamt of by countless thunder-path Celestial Immortal Great Power [powerful immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm].

"The Supreme Unity Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [the legendary physique of unbreakable unity with the primordial source], it should reach completion now."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, then, utilizing the token in his hand, made his way towards the Innate Five Elements Thunder Pool.

Soon, he found the Innate Five Elements Thunder Pool. It was an Immortal Pool [a pool of sacred, energy-rich water] filled with water of Innate [primordial] Thunderclap [thunderbolt essence]. It shimmered with a Chaos [primordial disorder] hue, each strand of lightning possessing the power to annihilate immortals and demons alike.

Eldrin Chen had a feeling that even a Celestial Immortal Great Power stepping into it would likely be reduced to ashes of the heavenly tribulation on the spot.

Facing such a terrifying Innate thunder pool, Eldrin Chen stepped into it with utmost solemnity. Instantly, he felt an onslaught of Thunderclap Force [a force of divine thunder capable of sundering heaven and earth] powerful enough to tear the skies and split the earth.

Even Eldrin Chen's Primordial One Indestructibility Body [his body forged in the indestructible essence of the primordial one], under the assault of this fearsome water of Innate Thunderclap, developed fine cracks.

Fortunately, his Primordial One Indestructibility Body possessed extremely high resistance to Thunderclap, and he had the Chaos Mist [a mist of primordial chaos] to shield him. Thus, there was no immediate danger of being utterly annihilated.

Thus, in the time that followed, Eldrin Chen continuously channeled the Rule of Life [the fundamental principle governing vitality and growth] to aid his physical body's recovery, while simultaneously drawing upon the waters of the Innate [the primordial, foundational stage of cultivation] Thunder Pool.

Throughout this process, his flesh seemed to undergo a thousand temperings and a hundred refinements, visibly growing stronger and more resilient with each passing moment.

More importantly, the Thunderclap Origin [the foundational spark of thunderous power] within his Primordial One Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique said to be unbreakable and eternal] also grew increasingly potent.

As time flowed onward, a span of eight thousand years slipped by in the blink of an eye.

Finally, after those eight millennia, Eldrin Chen sat serenely within the heart of the thunder pool. His Primordial One Indestructibility Body was now flawless, bearing not a single trace of injury.

"Hmm—"

Suddenly, Eldrin Chen's body gave a faint tremor.

He slowly closed his eyes, his inner vision revealing that the essence of his Five Divine Deities [a supreme ability manifesting five divine aspects] had intertwined with the power of the Three Wonders. Within his flesh, the Chaos Mist [a primordial, formless spiritual substance] had accumulated into a vast, boundless sea.

Compared to when his Primordial One Indestructibility Body had been cultivated to the level of the World-Opening True Body [a divine physique capable of splitting the heavens and cleaving the earth], the amount of Chaos Mist within Eldrin Chen had now increased by no less than a hundredfold.

"Since it is so," he declared, his voice resonating with resolve, "then condense for me!"

Eldrin Chen let out a sudden, sharp cry. In that instant, boundless Chaos Mist [a primordial, formless spiritual vapor] began to slowly converge, ultimately coalescing into a mass of liquid Chaos [the state of undifferentiated primordial existence before the creation of the cosmos] substance.

"Hmmmm—"

With a resonant hum, Eldrin Chen slowly opened his eyes, a trace of profound serenity gleaming within their depths.

He extended his hand. The Primordial Breath [the fundamental energy of creation] of the Boundless Chaos [the infinite, formless void that existed before the universe] gathered slowly, solidifying into a single Primordial Chaos Sword [a blade forged from the essence of primordial chaos].

"Screeeech—"

A piercing sword cry echoed as Eldrin Chen swept the blade forward in a cleaving arc. The strike tore a rent in the fabric of space itself, a scar that lingered, refusing to mend.

Had any Celestial Immortal Great Power [a supreme cultivator who has ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm] been present, they would have surely gasped in shock.

Within the Immortal Domain [the higher realm where ascended immortals reside], the ability to rend space was the hallmark of a hegemon, a being of Celestial Immortal Great Power caliber.

For Eldrin Chen to sunder the void with Primordial Chaos Energy [the raw, unformed energy of creation] meant his offensive power now rivaled that of a true Celestial Immortal Great Power.

Even more terrifying was the fact that the true horror of Eldrin Chen's Primordial One Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique said to be unbreakable and forged from the essence of the primordial beginning] lay not merely in its staggering strength, but in its peerless, nigh-impenetrable defense.

"The Chaos Mist [a primordial, formless spiritual substance] condensed into a liquid state."

"My Supreme Unity Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a legendary, unbreakable body forged from the essence of creation] has reached perfection, and I have cultivated a single wisp of Chaos Primordial Breath [the most fundamental and potent energy of primordial chaos]."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a faint smile touching the corners of his eyes.

Compared to Chaos Mist and the ambient aura of Chaos [the primordial state before creation], this Chaos Primordial Breath represented a far more refined and potent grade of Chaos energy.

From what Eldrin Chen knew, within the expanse of Chaos surrounding the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a vast cluster of immortal realms], the Primordial Chaos Energy [the raw, untamed energy of the primordial void] was relatively thin and suppressed by the Three Thousand Immortal Domains Grand Formation [a colossal defensive array protecting the immortal domains]. Here, Primordial Chaos Energy typically manifested only as diffuse, gaseous currents.