Chapter 1664 : A Pact Forged in Primordial Energy

Watching his close friend's cultivation path become blocked at the very threshold of the Great Tribulation [the ultimate trial faced by cultivators to ascend to immortality], Eldrin Chen felt a pang of compassion in his heart.

After pondering for a moment, Eldrin Chen spoke up, "To be perfectly honest, I still possess a few Innate Primordial Unity Pill [a legendary elixir that can help a cultivator achieve a flawless foundation for immortality]. Furthermore, I have an Innate Rare Treasure [a unique, heaven-born artifact of immense power] that can assist in breaking through to the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation [a supreme cultivation state representing the perfect fusion of essence, energy, and spirit]."

Upon hearing this, the others present were instantly overcome with wild joy.

Violet Mystery Path Master could not help but rise to his feet, his face alight with intense excitement, though he quickly regained his composure.

He let out a bitter laugh and said, "The Innate Primordial Unity Pill is a treasure beyond measure. I fear I could never repay such a debt."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. "I am aware. In return, you must agree to a single condition."

The group exchanged uncertain glances.

Even Heaven Abyss Path Master could no longer remain seated. "Please, Fellow Daoist, speak your terms," he urged.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and stated plainly, "After you successfully break through to Celestial Immortal [the first true stage of immortality] with a Flawless Foundation [a perfect, unblemished cultivation base], you will each repay me with three portions of Innate Energy [the pure, primordial energy of creation itself]."

Hearing this, a subtle gleam flickered in the eyes of those assembled.

Generally speaking, the existence of the Dual Primordial Unity Foundation allows one to condense three strands of Innate Energy [the primordial, foundational energy of creation] upon breaking through to the Celestial Immortal realm. A very rare few with exceptionally profound foundations can condense four strands.

These three or four strands of Innate Energy are used to reverse-engineer the Innate Path Principle [a divine ability born from one's innate connection to the Dao] and the Innate True Body [a perfect physical form aligned with one's innate nature]. What remains is only enough to elevate one or two Innate Treasure [a treasure born from and perfectly attuned to one's innate energy] before being completely exhausted.

However, the existence of the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation allows one to condense at least nine strands of Innate Energy upon the Celestial Immortal breakthrough. Even after investing in all three foundational aspects, a full six strands would remain.

These six strands of Innate Energy would be more than sufficient to elevate a Low-Grade Innate Treasure. Using them to repay the debt of assistance from Eldrin Chen would be a worthwhile trade.

Considering this, Violet Mystery Path Master spoke without hesitation, "If one can cultivate the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation, forging a flawless Celestial Immortal Aptitude [the inherent potential for reaching the Celestial Immortal realm] comparable to that of an Innate Divine Spirit [a being born from the essence of the cosmos], then any amount of Innate Energy is worth the price."

Seeing this, the others all nodded in agreement, willing to make this transaction with Eldrin Chen.

Witnessing their consensus, Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. "Let us first distribute the spoils from this battle," he said, "and then discuss the matter of the breakthrough."

With those words, they began to inventory the gains from the conflict.

From this great battle, they had acquired several hundred thousand Path Source [crystallized fragments of spiritual energy used for cultivation], over ten thousand Immortal Rank Ancient Ship [ancient vessels of immortal-grade construction], and countless other rare treasures and wonders.

As for these lower-tier Immortal Artifact and curiosities, there was naturally little need for intricate distribution.

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] merely set aside seven hundred million of the Immortal Source [a highly concentrated form of spiritual energy used by high-level cultivators] for himself. The remaining treasures were all deposited into the Clan Treasury [the central repository of the Chen Clan's wealth and resources], where their values were meticulously recorded. They were then made available for Immortal [a cultivator who has ascended to immortality] cultivators to exchange for, using either their accumulated Merits [a metaphysical currency representing good karma or virtuous deeds] or Immortal Source.

There was no shortage of treasures at the World-Opening Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure capable of aiding in the creation of a new world or realm] level and above. This haul included several dozen World-Opening Treasure [powerful treasures used in world-creation or possessing world-shattering power], seven Primordial Unity Immortal Weapon [an immortal weapon of the Primordial Unity realm], and dozens of other rare and immensely valuable curiosities.

These Immortal Treasure [a general term for treasures used by Immortals] and lower-grade Primordial Unity Immortal Weapon held little appeal for Eldrin Chen. He allowed Ethan Chen [Eldrin's descendant] and Seven Mystery Path Master [a senior cultivator] and others to exchange for them as they wished. For himself, he singled out six particular rarities from the collection.

These six rarities were: seven Pill of Polarity Enlightenment [a legendary pill that grants profound insights into the duality of existence], one Primordial Unity Immortal Fruit [a fruit that contains the essence and power of the Primordial Unity realm], three Primordial Unity Dragon Blood Fruit [a fruit infused with the potent blood essence of a Primordial Unity realm dragon], one piece of 'Extreme Cold Condensed Jade' [a jade of ultimate cold, condensed over eons], one Divine Firmament Jade Tome [a jade book containing divine techniques], and the 'Three Marvels Ancient Pearl' [an ancient pearl containing three marvelous powers].

Among these treasures, the uses of the Pill of Polarity Enlightenment and the Primordial Unity Immortal Fruit need no elaboration. The Primordial Unity Dragon Blood Fruit is a supreme treasure for enhancing the bloodline of the Demon Race [a race of beings often depicted as powerful, shape-shifting, or malevolent entities]. If consumed by a member of the Human Race, it can also tremendously fortify one's physical body.

The Extreme Cold Condensed Jade contains within it the Path Principle [the fundamental laws or truths of a cultivation path] of Supreme Cold. An Immortal cultivating an ice-attribute Path Principle can refine this treasure to enhance their spiritual power and slightly increase their chances of achieving a breakthrough to a Dual Primordial Unity Foundation [a foundation built upon two complementary Primordial Unity principles].

The Divine Firmament Jade Tome records the legendary Divine Firmament Thunder Arts, specifically detailing three profound thunder techniques: Crimson Firmament, Verdant Firmament, and Violet Firmament. It is an exceedingly rare ancient manual.

The 'Three Marvels Ancient Pearl' is a set of Lower-Grade Primordial Unity Immortal Treasure [a treasure of the Primordial Unity realm, of the lower grade] and was also the Lifebound Supreme Treasure [a treasure intimately connected to its owner's life force, growing with them] of the Western Abyss Dragon King [a powerful dragon sovereign].

Each pearl contains the power of one of three Primordial Unity [a high realm of cultivation representing the unity of primordial forces] forces: wind, ice, and thunder. When combined, their might rivals that of a top-tier Mid-Grade Primordial Unity Immortal Treasure [a mid-grade treasure of the Primordial Unity realm]. Once unleashed, they possess the power to shatter the heavens and sunder the earth.

"All are excellent treasures," Eldrin Chen remarked.

Eldrin Chen spoke with a measured tone, "These treasures are clearly the preparations of the Western Abyss Dragon King and the various Half-Step Celestial Immortal cultivators for their breakthroughs. While they can certainly be stored as part of the clan's foundational reserves..."

After collecting the treasures, the group proceeded to distribute the Path Source [a condensed essence of a cultivator's path, used for profound advancement] simply among themselves, each receiving one or two pieces.

Among them, Nyssa Qu, Ethan Chen, and the Ancient Ruins Nether Lord were the closest to reaching the threshold for impacting the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation [the pinnacle foundation-building art, requiring perfect harmony of three primordial forces]. Each expended a vast amount of Merits [metaphysical currency representing good karma and virtuous deeds] to prioritize exchanging for two Path Source pieces aligned with the Dual Primordial Unity Foundation.

Once the distribution was complete and the others had departed, Eldrin Chen intentionally asked the Glazed Divine Lord and the Violet Mystery Path Master to remain.

Gazing solemnly at the two before him, he said, "Since ancient times, those who have opened the Eighth Heaven [the eighth foundational heaven within a cultivator's dantian] and succeeded in cultivating the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation have been exceedingly rare."

"To take this step yourselves will require further meticulous preparation."

Upon hearing this, their expressions shifted subtly.

They understood all too well. While the foundational depth of the Eighth Heaven appears to be merely one-tenth less than that of the Ninefold Heaven [the mythical realm of the nine heavens], that tenth often represents a chasm as vast as heaven and earth.

Furthermore, throughout history, those who managed to break through to the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation from an Eighth Heaven base had almost invariably encountered significant Opportunity and Fortune [serendipitous encounters and destiny-altering luck] to partially compensate for their foundational shortcomings.

With their own foundations yet to be fully mended, even with the aid of the Innate Primordial Unity Pill [a legendary pill that harmonizes one's innate primordial energies] and other Heavy Treasures [exceptionally powerful enchanted artifacts], their chances of successfully cultivating the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation would not exceed four in ten.

It was precisely for this reason that the two of them had initially prepared themselves for the possibility of breaking through with the Dual Primordial Unity Foundation [a cultivation art that forms a foundation based on the union of two primordial principles].

At this thought, the Glazed Divine Lord [a title for a powerful cultivator] pondered for a moment before asking, "In your opinion, what should we do?"

"There are essentially only two methods that can help you mend your foundational flaws,"

Eldrin Chen stated calmly, his eyes glinting slightly as he continued, "The first is the Innate Heaven-Mending Pill [a supreme pill capable of repairing foundational damage], and the second is the Path Source [the condensed essence of a cultivator's path] of a Nine Tribulations Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator who has survived nine heavenly tribulations and stands at the peak of the Half-Step Celestial Immortal realm]."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the two men shifted subtly.

The Innate Heaven-Mending Pill is an Innate Precious Pill [a pill born from innate natural laws, of the highest rarity], requiring the Innate Heaven-Mending Herb [a legendary herb that grows from the world's primal essence] as its primary ingredient. It can repair the damaged foundation of a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a mighty being who has ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm]. When used on an Earth Immortal [an immortal whose power is rooted in the earth], its effect is nothing short of Heaven-Defying Fate Alteration [a miraculous ability to overturn destiny itself].

Of course, using such a precious Innate Heaven-Mending Pill on a mere Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator on the cusp of the Celestial Immortal realm] would be a grievous waste of a divine treasure.

As for the Nine Tribulations Path Source [the condensed path essence of a cultivator who has endured nine heavenly tribulations], obtaining it requires slaying an existence who has cultivated the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation [a legendary foundation art unifying three primordial principles]. The difficulty of acquiring either is immense.

However, both of these treasures possess the Heaven-Defying Fate Alteration effect, making them exceedingly rare finds throughout the ages. Even many Grotto-Heaven [a blessed, secluded realm of profound spiritual energy], despite nurturing their lands for hundreds of millions of years, may never successfully cultivate a single practitioner of the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation or grow a single Innate Heaven-Mending Herb.

After much deliberation, the two could only look at Eldrin Chen and say, "The Innate Heaven-Mending Herb is of inestimable value, and the Nine Tribulations Path Source is a treasure scarcely seen across ten thousand epochs. We possess no such items."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then spoke with calm assurance. "The Innate Heaven-Mending Herb is indeed precious, and the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation is truly rare. To use them merely to mend the foundation of a Half-Step Celestial Immortal would be a grievous waste of heaven's gifts."

"Generally speaking, a single Innate Heaven-Mending Pill is potent enough to allow an existence with a dual World-Opening Foundation to defy the heavens and reforge a third World-Opening Foundation."

"Fortunately, you both possess a Triple World-Opening Foundation. Your deficiency lies not in lacking a foundational tier, but in having opened one fewer celestial layer within your existing foundations. There are other methods to remedy this."