Chapter 1649 : The Twin Pillars of Power

Before possessing Innate Dharmic Power [a supreme, primordial energy born from one's very nature], nine-tenths of Eldrin Chen's combat prowess resided in his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a legendary, unbreakable body constitution].

The assistance provided by his spiritual energy, Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural technique], and even his Immortal Treasure [a peerless enchanted artifact] was minimal. Even with the Innate Dual-Polarity Void Mirror [a mirror capable of manipulating the void of Yin and Yang], he was constrained by his energy reserves, capable of unleashing only one or two decisive strikes. These could provide support but were insufficient to severely wound or slay a Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm].

Now, with the acquisition of Innate Dharmic Power, although the depth of his energy reserves still fell far short of a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a mighty figure among celestial immortals], it had nonetheless significantly augmented Eldrin Chen's combat strength.

Henceforth, the distribution of Eldrin Chen's combat power would shift. Roughly seven-tenths would stem from his physical body, with the remaining three-tenths derived from his energy, considerably narrowing the gap between the two pillars of his strength.

Most crucially, possessing Innate Dharmic Power now allowed him to unleash the full might of his Half-Step Patriarch Level Divine Ability [a divine ability nearing the power of a Patriarch]. This granted Eldrin Chen yet another trump card, a decisive blow capable of ending any confrontation.

The profound nature of his Slaughter [a divine ability of pure annihilation] was in no way inferior to the Gale Wind God-Slaying Gourd [a gourd that unleashes god-slaying gales]. While it lacked the pinpoint, reality-sundering sharpness of the Gale Wind God-Slaying Flying Dagger [a flying dagger that parts all creation], in terms of raw, destructive power, it surpassed the gourd by a noticeable margin.

Contemplating this, a wave of elation washed over Eldrin Chen, and he made his way back to the Small Universe [a miniature, self-contained cosmos he cultivates within].

Upon returning to the Five Elements Primordial Solar Grotto-Heaven [a paradise realm infused with the power of the five elements and the primordial sun], Eldrin Chen found the Grotto-Heaven [a blessed paradise realm] awash with a radiant, five-colored light. All of this brilliance was being drawn into and refined within the deepest part of the retreat where Exquisite Jiang was secluded.

A considerable length of time passed before all the luminous radiance finally receded and condensed. From the depths of the cavern abode, an immensely majestic and profound aura erupted.

Then, Exquisite Jiang emerged. Behind her head swirled a vast expanse of Five-Colored Radiant Light [a luminous halo of five colors], coalescing into a dazzling divine ring that embodied the Five Elements [the fundamental spiritual roots of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth].

"Congratulations, my lady. With your cultivation now perfected, it seems you possess the strength to contend even against an Early Celestial Immortal Realm [the initial stage of the Celestial Immortal realm]."

Eldrin Chen spoke, a smile gracing his features.

This time, Exquisite Jiang had consumed the 'Innate Enlightenment Lotus Seeds [seeds of a legendary lotus that bestows profound innate enlightenment]' and successfully cultivated the Great Five Elements Rule Power [a supreme cultivation art governing the five fundamental elements]. Furthermore, she had achieved a breakthrough in her Dual Primordial Unity Foundation [a foundational cultivation art representing the dual unity of primordial forces], resulting in a staggering qualitative transformation of her spiritual power.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, Exquisite Jiang's current spiritual power now surpassed his own in sheer volume. Her combat prowess should be comparable to that of a cultivator with a Triple Primordial Unity Foundation [the pinnacle foundation art representing the triple unity of primordial forces].

With a foundation rivaling the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation, augmented by the several Mysterious Grade Innate Divine Ability [innate divine abilities of the highest, most profound grade] she had mastered, Exquisite Jiang's strength had reached at least eighty percent of a first-level Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm].

Even against that Western Abyss Dragon King, though she might not emerge victorious, she should possess the power to stand her ground. After all, that particular Western Abyss Dragon King seemed to lack trump cards like an Innate Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate laws and supreme power].

Exquisite Jiang understood her current capabilities well, yet she shook her head gently. "Against the Western Abyss Dragon King, I might hold my own for perhaps a hundred exchanges," she said.

"However, a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a formidable expert within the Celestial Immortal realm] possesses spiritual power that has undergone Innate [the primordial, foundational state of existence] reversion. The quality of their power far surpasses ordinary Acquired Dharmic Power [spiritual power acquired through cultivation]. Beyond a hundred exchanges, once my power is depleted, I would stand no chance against him."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. Then, with a flick of his sleeve, he revealed a wisp of Innate Dharmic Power [the pure, primordial spiritual power that precedes all acquired forms]. A smile played on his lips as he asked, "My lady, behold. What do you see?"

"Innate Dharmic Power?"

Exquisite Jiang's heart jolted, and an expression of utter astonishment crossed her face.

With profound shock and a grave countenance, she asked, "Could it be that you have broken through to the Celestial Immortal Realm [the realm of celestial beings who have transcended mortality]?"

"Not quite a Celestial Immortal [a being who has ascended to the celestial realm], yet the difference is negligible,"

Eldrin Chen replied with a smile, beginning to explain the wondrous functions of the Innate Lifebound Lotus Throne [a mystical throne formed from an innate lotus, bound to its user's life force].

In truth, Eldrin Chen's words held merit. His physical body and spiritual power had both undergone the Innate [the primordial, heaven-defying transformation that marks the beginning of true divinity] reversal. Though he had not yet formally ascended to become a Celestial Immortal, his state was fundamentally no different from one who possessed dual Innate Foundation [a foundational spiritual constitution of primordial quality].

By the ancient standards predating the current era, Eldrin Chen could already be considered a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a formidable existence within the celestial immortal realm].

However, such a Celestial Immortal Great Power, having only reversed their body and power to the Innate state, could not compare to a Flawless Innate Divine Spirit [a perfect divine being born with innate body, comprehension of the Path, and Path Fruit]. They were considered Flawed Celestial Immortal [a celestial immortal with imperfections in their ascension] or beings of the Heavenly God Realm [the realm of heavenly deities].

Understanding the profound utility of the Innate Lotus Throne [a throne of spiritual power often associated with enlightenment and authority], a faint smile finally touched Exquisite Jiang's lips.

Her mind turning over the implications, she spoke again, "With Innate Dharmic Power [primordial spiritual energy of the highest order] and an Innate body, the gap between you and a true Celestial Immortal is indeed paper-thin."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, his tone calm and measured. "Once your Lotus Throne successfully advances, your strength will undoubtedly see significant growth. Rivaling an existence like the Western Abyss Dragon King should be well within your grasp."

Exquisite Jiang rose to her feet. She understood that her most pressing task was still to advance her Innate Lotus Throne [a supreme treasure that grows and evolves with its owner's cultivation]. Without further delay, she began her secluded cultivation to elevate this Lifebound Supreme Treasure.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen chose not to intervene further.

He first returned to the Flowing Stream Hundred Seas. Finding the clan's preparations for the impending Path Tribulation [a cataclysmic event testing the fate of a cultivation lineage] to be thoroughly sufficient, he set his mind at ease and returned to his Small Universe [a personal pocket dimension created by a supreme cultivator].

With roughly twenty thousand years remaining before the Path Tribulation erupted, Eldrin Chen found himself with time to spare. He retrieved the Chaos Leviathan Inner Pill [the refined core of a primordial chaos beast] and prepared to forge it into an Innate Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos, possessing innate laws].

With his current level of spiritual power, Eldrin Chen's speed in crafting Innate Treasure had increased significantly.

Assisted by the Heavenly Path [the supreme law of heaven and earth] within his Five Elements Small Universe, Eldrin Chen sequentially fused five pieces of Chaos Divine Material [primordial ores containing fragments of chaos laws]. After approximately ten thousand years, he finally succeeded in refining the Chaos Inner Pill into a magnificent Innate Treasure.

This Innate Treasure was an Innate Ancient Pearl [an ancient pearl born from chaos], brimming with primordial Chaos essence. Within it, Eldrin Chen had inscribed an Innate Great God Ability—the power of Primordial One Energy [the undivided, original energy from which all things were born].

Using this Innate Ancient Pearl as a medium, the unleashed power of the Primordial One Energy Divine Ability would be nearly indistinguishable from Eldrin Chen personally channeling the technique himself.

"Since it contains the Primordial One Energy Divine Ability, let it be named the Innate Primordial One Energy Pearl," Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, finalizing the name for this pearl of immense power.

With those final words, Eldrin Chen bestowed its name upon this Primordial One Energy Pearl.

Having refined the Innate Primordial One Energy Pearl [a supreme treasure containing the primordial essence of creation], his hand now held another Innate Treasure [a supreme artifact born from the fundamental laws of the cosmos]. Eldrin Chen felt his confidence swell by several degrees.

With less than ten thousand years remaining until the Path Tribulation [the ultimate heavenly trial that determines a cultivator's fate], Eldrin Chen decided against further secluded cultivation.

Upon emerging from the Five Elements Primordial Solar Grotto-Heaven [a pocket dimension suffused with the essence of the five elements and the primordial sun], he discovered that the other Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators who have ascended halfway to the Celestial Immortal realm] of his clan had already concluded their own retreats. Many had already returned to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain to make their final preparations for the impending Path Tribulation.

Thus, Eldrin Chen did not linger. He returned directly to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain to make his own final preparations for the Path Tribulation.

"..."

Within the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, above the Returning Abyss Sea and the peaks of Green Chariot Mountain, a solitary Immortal Isles [a floating island of immortal abodes] hovered amidst the Heavenly Vault [the celestial firmament].

Upon this isle stood majestic immortal palaces. Within one grand hall, over a dozen figures of extraordinary bearing were seated in four groups.

These individuals were the ruling core of the Chen Immortal Clan. At their head sat Eldrin Chen, flanked by his five Dao-companions: Exquisite Jiang, Verdant Consort, Lila, Violet Consort Yan, and Nyssa Qu.

Joining them were Energy Abyss Chen, Verdant Seal Patriarch, Ethan Chen, Kael Chen, along with Worthy Verdancy Chen and Worthy Longevity Chen. In total, twelve Half-Step Celestial Immortal were gathered.

Furthermore, Eternal Profound Chen, Eternal Verdancy Chen, and Lior Chen had also arrived at this place.

Eldrin Chen sat upon the main seat, a faint smile gracing his features as he surveyed the assembly. He spoke in a calm, measured tone, "At present, our Chen Clan [the Chen family of cultivators] boasts twelve Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators who have reached the peak of the Earth Immortal realm and are on the cusp of ascending to the Celestial Immortal realm] gathered here."

"Even if a top-tier Grotto-Heaven [a powerful, independent realm and cultivation sanctuary] were to dispatch its own Half-Step Celestial Immortal into this tribulation, we would have no cause for fear."

Upon hearing his words, the gathered elders all smiled, a current of quiet excitement stirring within their hearts.

After tens of thousands of years of consolidation and growth, the Chen Clan of today was a far cry from its former self, its strength having advanced by leaps and bounds.

Among the clan's twelve Half-Step Celestial Immortal, only two had laid the Single Primordial Unity Foundation [a supreme and exceptionally rare foundational cultivation method that unifies one's spiritual essence into a singular, perfect core]: Worthy Verdancy Chen and Worthy Longevity Chen.