Chapter 1803 : The Human Sovereign's Summons

"Greetings to you both."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, calmly inviting the two to step into the Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm of higher spiritual energy, often a cultivator's personal sanctuary].

These two individuals were none other than Chronos and Future, two of the Three Human Great Emperors who hailed from the Yang Plane Microcosm [a minor world of Yang energy, one of the twin foundational realms].

It must be acknowledged that the three Human Race Great Emperor [a supreme ruler and powerful cultivator] who emerged from the Yin Plane Microcosm [a minor world of Yin energy, the counterpart to the Yang Plane] were all exceptionally rare Human Race Heaven's Chosen [prodigies blessed by fate and talent].

They rose to prominence during the Dao Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of conflict and upheaval ordained by the Heavenly Dao], vanquishing numerous formidable foes and ultimately breaking through to the Flawless Heaven Immortal Realm [the first major stage of true immortality].

Regrettably, after their breakthrough, lacking the profound Deep-Seated Foundation [the accumulated spiritual and resource-based groundwork essential for rapid advancement] of a clan like the Chen Clan, their cultivation progress became markedly ordinary. Consequently, even now, over three million years after the Dao Tribulation, their cultivation remains stalled at the First Heaven Celestial Immortal realm.

Given this trajectory, it would likely take them at least another two million years to attempt a breakthrough to the Second Level Celestial Immortal.

Returning to the matter at hand, after Archaic Emperor and Future Emperor were seated, they both turned their gaze to Eldrin Chen and inquired, "For what purpose has the Human Sovereign [the ordained ruler and protector of humankind] summoned us today?"

Eldrin Chen understood. In the past, he had received the legacy of the Minor Universe's Aethelred, the Human Sovereign, obtaining the Human Sovereign's Sword [a supreme treasure of human destiny from that realm]. For this reason, the two acknowledged him as the Human Sovereign for the descendants of the Yin Plane Microcosm.

Eldrin Chen accepted this title with equanimity. After studying the two for a moment, he spoke, "In recent years, I have endeavored to comprehend the Dao of Time and Space, yet many aspects remain profoundly arcane and difficult to grasp." Discover more cultivation stories at audio-novel.com.

"Thus, the reason for inviting you both here is to seek guidance on the Path of Time [a profound cultivation art that governs the flow and manipulation of time itself]."

"The Path of Time?"

Upon hearing this, the Archaic Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler who embodies the ancient, primordial aspects of existence] exchanged a glance with the Future Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler who embodies the potential and possibilities of what is yet to come].

After a moment of contemplative silence, the two finally smiled and said, "It is our honor to discuss the Dao [the fundamental principle or path of cultivation and existence] with Your Majesty."

In the years that followed, Eldrin Chen resided within the Abyssal Grotto-Heaven [a secluded, spiritually rich pocket dimension], engaging in profound discourse on the Dao with the two Heaven Immortal [immortals who have ascended to a celestial realm of power and longevity] who specialized in the Path of Time.

The Archaic Emperor and the Future Emperor possessed astonishing natural talent and an even more incredible affinity for comprehending the Path of Time. They were born as natural seeds for cultivating the Time Great Dao [the supreme Dao principle governing all aspects of time].

One cultivated the Path of Chronos [the branch of the Time Dao focused on the ancient, immutable past], while the other cultivated the Path of Future [the branch focused on the fluid, unwritten possibilities ahead]. Both were branches upon the vast tree of the Time Great Dao.

Through his discussions with them, Eldrin Chen immersed himself in contemplation and felt he gained profound insights. His cultivation of the Path of Time finally began to yield flickers of true understanding.

"The Time Great Dao truly lives up to its name as a supreme Great Dao [a fundamental and immensely powerful cosmic principle]. Even mere branches like those of Chronos and Future can be considered Boundless Great Paths [limitless and profound cultivation arts], extending all the way to the Dao Ancestor and Immortal Sage Realm [the legendary realm of beings who have merged with the fundamental principles of existence and achieved sagehood]. It is indeed unfathomably profound."

After the discourse concluded, Eldrin Chen could not help but sigh with heartfelt admiration.

Chronos and Future Emperor both nodded slightly upon hearing this.

As the saying goes, there are Three Thousand Great Daos [the foundational cosmic principles], and each one can lead to enlightenment. This means that mastering any single one of these Three Thousand Great Daos is sufficient to point directly towards the Dao Ancestor and Immortal Sage Realm [the ultimate realm of existence, merging with the fundamental principles of the cosmos].

However, the Three Thousand Great Daos is actually a metaphorical number, for the Great Dao [the fundamental cosmic principle] is boundless and infinite. Each Great Dao holds limitless potential, capable of branching into endless Laws of the Dao [the fundamental rules derived from a Great Dao], Rule [a specific, codified manifestation of a Law], and Dao Principles [the underlying truths and concepts of a Dao].

These Laws of the Dao, Rule, and Dao Principles all possess the potential for further advancement. If one pushes them to their absolute limits, they can give birth to entirely new Great Dao.

Take the Dao of Fire, for instance. It branches into the Pure Yang Celestial Flame [a supreme flame of pure yang energy], the Solar True Flame [the primordial essence of solar fire], the immortal flames of Primordial Chaos [the state of undifferentiated existence before creation], the demonic flames of the Netherworld [the underworld or realm of the dead], and so on.

The Time Great Dao [the cosmic principle governing time] can also differentiate into Chronos, Future, the present, Time [the general concept], the hour, and other such Great Dao Laws [the fundamental laws derived from a Great Dao]. Cultivating any of these Great Dao Laws to their zenith also holds infinite possibilities.

Of course, apart from the Three Thousand Great Daos, the vast majority of Great Dao cannot be considered Primordial Chaos Great Dao [the foundational Daos that existed from the beginning of creation]. At best, they can lead one to the Great Luo Realm [a high-level immortal realm], but it is exceedingly difficult to reach the Dao Ancestor and Immortal Sage Realm through them.

Yet in theory, if a genius of unprecedented, epoch-defining talent were to appear—one who could pioneer a path never before seen in all of history—and cultivate a minor Dao to its absolute extreme, allowing it to continuously transform and sublimate, it could ultimately evolve into a Primordial Chaos Great Dao that has never existed since the dawn of time.

Indeed, even the most humble and ordinary Law Power [power derived from a fundamental law], which at its inception may not even qualify as a Rule, can, through relentless refinement, perfection, and sublime transformation, potentially become a supreme Great Dao that rivals even the Time Great Dao.

Therefore, a saying circulates throughout the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the myriad realms of immortals]: "The Dao itself knows no distinction of strength or weakness. There is no strongest Great Dao, only the strongest cultivator."

"Today's discourse on the Dao with you both has been profoundly enlightening for me."

"These remaining treasures, I offer them to you both as a token of my gratitude."

After the discourse concluded, Eldrin Chen felt he had gained immensely. With a faint smile, he retrieved several portions of Innate Marvels [rare treasures born from the primal chaos of creation] and presented them to the Archaic Emperor and the Future Emperor.

The moment they laid eyes on the marvels, both men felt a slight tremor in their hearts.

The Innate Marvels that Eldrin Chen had produced were of extraordinary value. Though they were of limited use to Eldrin Chen himself, for cultivators like them in the Early Celestial Immortal Realm, they were priceless treasures beyond measure.

This caused them to hesitate. Instead of immediately accepting the gifts, they demurred. Access the full story on audio-novel .c om.

"These marvels are far too precious. We would feel unworthy to accept them."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen offered a gentle smile. "There is no need for such formality. I possess a fair number of such Innate Marvels still."

"If you truly feel indebted, consider guarding the Chaos Abyssal Cavern [a perilous, chaotic dimensional rift] on my behalf. These marvels can serve as your recompense."

The Archaic Emperor and the Future Emperor were momentarily taken aback by his words. Then, they accepted the treasures and expressed their thanks. "Our deepest gratitude."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod upon hearing this, offering no further words.

Ever since the fall of Divine Abyss Daoist, two of the five Heavenly Immortal Paragon from the Divine Abyss Grotto-Heaven had scattered and fled. The remaining three, thoroughly shaken, had sealed their mountain and refused to emerge. The Chen Immortal Clan had already seized control over seventy-five percent of the authority of the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact within the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea.

However, the Primordial ChaosGrotto-Heaven required a significant workforce to operate. With the loss of the two Heaven Immortal who once guarded the Divine Abyss Grotto-Heaven, the Chen Clan now found itself somewhat short-handed.

Now, with Chronos and the Future Emperor [the prophesied ruler of times yet to come] going to guard it, two Heaven Immortal could be reassigned. This would allow the clan's Heaven Immortal to focus more of their energy on cultivation.

Seeing their agreement, Eldrin Chen allowed a faint smile to touch his lips and personally escorted the two out of the Grotto-Heaven.

Just before parting, the Future Emperor [the prophesied ruler of times yet to come] paused thoughtfully. Finally, he withdrew from his sleeve a divine stone shimmering with the light of ages and handed it to Eldrin Chen, saying:

"Since Your Majesty wishes to comprehend the Time Great Dao [the supreme principle governing the flow of time itself], I have here a rare treasure that may be of some assistance."

"This is..."

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered with recognition. "A High GradeTaiyi Rare Treasure [a treasure of profound rarity and power, born from primordial unity]. The Stone of Ages [a legendary stone said to contain the condensed essence of time's passage]."

The Future Emperor [the prophesied ruler of times yet to come] nodded. "It is an object of Primordial Source [the original, foundational essence from which all things are derived], bestowed upon me by the Heavenly Dao [the supreme, impartial law of the cosmos] at the moment of that Minor Universe's final end."

"I had originally intended to integrate it into the World-Severing Mirror. Unfortunately, in recent years, I have encountered other serendipities, and this object is no longer of great use to me. Thus, I shall bestow it upon you."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell into a brief, contemplative silence. After a moment, he clasped his hands and said, "Then I offer my sincere gratitude."

With those words, Eldrin Chen retrieved a mid-grade Innate Marvels [a rare, naturally formed spiritual treasure of exceptional quality] and exchanged it with Future Emperor.

Strictly speaking, a mid-grade Innate Marvels holds far greater value than a High Grade Taiyi Rare Treasure [a precious artifact of the Taiyi grade]. However, treasures imbued with the attribute of Time [the fundamental dimension of sequence and duration] are exceedingly rare, making their true worth difficult to gauge. Therefore, Eldrin Chen may not have suffered a loss in this exchange.

After seeing off the two Great Emperor [cultivators who have reached the pinnacle of the Great Emperor realm], Eldrin Chen resumed his secluded cultivation.

Thereafter, Eldrin Chen continued to contemplate the Stone of Ages. His comprehension of the Dao Principle of Time [the fundamental cosmic law governing time] advanced by leaps and bounds. In merely a Millennium [a span of one thousand years], he had cultivated the power of Innate Dao Principles [the inherent, fundamental laws of the cosmos].

Yet, upon reaching this stage, Eldrin Chen discovered that the powers of Time and Spatial Dao Principles [the fundamental cosmic laws governing space] were gradually merging, giving birth to an extraordinarily rare Power of Time and Space [a unified force governing the fabric of spacetime].

This Great Dao [supreme cosmic principle] was astonishingly potent, rivaling even the power of the Primordial Chaos Limitless Dao Principle [the fundamental law of boundless, undifferentiated chaos], showing faint signs of standing as its equal.

But at this very moment, Eldrin Chen realized that myself own Primordial Chaos Limitless Rule [the governing principle of limitless primordial chaos] had begun to relentlessly suppress the Time-Space Great Dao, hindering Eldrin Chen's further enlightenment and preventing its advancement.

"The Dao Principle of Time born from the union of Time and Space is simply too formidable," he mused. "Even the Primordial Chaos Limitless Dao Principles cannot fully subdue it. Hence, they are obstructing the growth of this Great Dao."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his gaze tinged with a profound and solemn hue.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen had an indistinct premonition: if myself wished to tread this path of the Time-Space Great Dao [the supreme Dao of Time and Space], it would undoubtedly be an immensely arduous journey.

Not only would the Primordial Chaos Limitless Rule [the foundational law of boundless Primordial Chaos] exert its suppression, but once myself cultivated to the Quasi-Sage Realm [the realm just below that of a Sage], it would inevitably draw the attention of the two Celestial Emperor [supreme sovereigns of the heavens]-level figures: Candle Dragon and Primordial Phoenix.

"The Time Great Dao [the supreme Dao of Time] is already mastered by the Candle Dragon Celestial Emperor, and the Great Dao of Space [the supreme Dao of Space] has also been comprehended by the Primordial Phoenix. The pinnacle of these two paths already has two beings of Celestial Emperor stature."

"Even if I were to cultivate this path, with two Celestial Emperor in existence, it would be exceedingly difficult for me to achieve the final, ultimate breakthrough to reach the Dao Ancestor and Immortal Sage Realm [the realm of a Dao Ancestor or Immortal Sage]."

"Coupled with the suppression from the Chaos Infinity Rule [the foundational rule of infinite Chaos], my desire to fuse the Power of Time and Space and cultivate the Time-Space Great Dao is destined to be an endeavor of immense difficulty."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly once more, falling into deep contemplation.

Time reigns supreme, Space rules as king.

And should Time and Space unite as one, they would become truly invincible under the heavens.

To be honest, having witnessed the formidable power of the Time-Space Great Dao, Eldrin Chen found himself deeply covetous of such strength, unwilling to easily relinquish this supreme Great Dao [ultimate cosmic principle or path].

"This path is rugged and treacherous, destined to be a road that shakes the heavens and stirs the earth."

"I already possess the Primordial Chaos Limitless Dao [a supreme cultivation art of boundless chaos], there is no need to risk cultivating this Great Dao [a supreme and profound cultivation path]."

"Perhaps... a different approach is possible..."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, finally retrieving two radiant Immortal Fruit [fruits of immense spiritual power, often granting longevity or profound enlightenment] from his sleeve.

Both Immortal Fruit were enveloped in Innate Qi [primordial, heaven-born spiritual energy]. One was wreathed in the power of temporal cycles and Reincarnation Power [the mystical force governing the cycle of death and rebirth], while the other emanated boundless, sacred light.

"The Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit, the Innate Reincarnation Fruit."

"Using the Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit as a foundation to forge a peerless Deep-Seated Foundation [the profound and unshakable spiritual foundation of a cultivator] for a future life, thereby comprehending the Time-Space Great Dao [the supreme Dao governing the laws of time and space]."

"Reincarnating via the Innate Reincarnation Fruit can sever the subtle threads of karmic force, allowing one to undergo a cycle of Reincarnation [the transmigration of the soul into a new life] unimpeded by the Deep-Seated Foundation of the current life, and shielding one from the divinations of others."

"Thus, even if this Reincarnation body meets with misfortune, it will not bring calamity upon This Venerable One [a formal and powerful self-referential title used by high-level cultivators]."

Eldrin Chen pondered silently, lost in deep contemplation.

After a moment's contemplation, he steeled his resolve and consumed an Innate Reincarnation Fruit [a legendary fruit said to sever the ties of karma and fate], using it to generate a wisp of Divine Soul [a spiritual core capable of isolating one from the chains of causality].

He then merged this Divine Soul with a Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit [a fruit containing the essence of a primordial, sacred embryo], further infusing it with a strand of Innate Primordial Violet Qi [the most fundamental and auspicious energy born at the dawn of creation], before finally casting it into the vast river of Reincarnation [the endless cycle of death and rebirth].

As this wisp of Divine Soul journeyed through Reincarnation, it was tempered by the baptism of the Great Path of Reincarnation [the supreme law governing the cycle of rebirth]. Its ties to past causes and effects were utterly severed. Then, after converging with the Primordial Mother Qi [the nurturing, life-giving energy of the primordial cosmos], it soared away, vanishing into the boundless expanse of Reincarnation.

The Primordial Chaos [the formless, infinite void that existed before creation] is boundless, its dimensions endless, and the myriad heavens within it are without number.

Within one resplendent Grand Universe, in a Sacred Land [a blessed realm of immense spiritual power] ablaze with immortal radiance, a figure of majestic stature stood before the entrance to a birthing chamber.

A long time passed. Then, the cry of an infant pierced the silence.

The Firmament erupted with infinite auroras. Upon the earth, countless golden lotuses bloomed. Stars rained down from the sky, and the ethereal forms of countless immortals and deities appeared, offering blessings. It seemed as if the entire Heavenly Layers [the stratified realms of heaven] was celebrating the birth of this child.

"Heaven-Descending Aurora [a celestial phenomenon where the heavens themselves manifest radiant light], Earth-Surging Golden Lotus [an earthly phenomenon where sacred golden lotuses rise from the ground]... falling stars, and blessings from immortals and deities..."

Gazing upon the myriad celestial phenomena filling the sky, the majestic figure revealed a look of astonished joy. "For my son to be born with such omens... he likely possesses the potential of a Celestial Emperor [a sovereign ruler among the heavens]."

At that very moment, the door to the birthing chamber opened. A figure emerged, exclaiming with delight, "Your Majesty, the Consort has given birth. It is a boy."

"Excellent, excellent, excellent!"

The man was ecstatic and walked inside, overjoyed.

A long while later, after examining the infant's cultivation level, the man could not help but exclaim, "Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo [a legendary constitution where one is born as a nascent Dao embryo], born with the cultivation of a Nascent Soul Dao Lord [a master who has formed their nascent soul and comprehended the Dao]. Could my son be the reincarnation of a great power?"

"But such heaven-defying talent is too astonishing; he might lack proper tempering. Perhaps I should sever part of his Primordial Source [the foundational life force and spiritual essence of a being], letting him cultivate anew from the beginning."

Eldrin Chen slowly awoke from his deep slumber, and it took him a considerable amount of time to comprehend his current circumstances.

This Cosmos was an immeasurably vast Grand Universe. Although Eldrin Chen's current cultivation was insufficient, through various calculations and deductions, he estimated that the diameter of this Cosmos likely exceeded tens of billions of light-years.

"A magnificent Grand Universe, with a diameter of at least tens, if not hundreds, of billions of light-years. It was either born naturally from the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], or it was opened by an Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight great heavenly tribulations]. It is not far from transforming into an Immortal Domain [a realm suffused with immortal energy and laws]."

"However, the spiritual energy [the vital energy that flows through all living things and the world] within this Cosmos is more violent and turbulent, and the Great Dao [the fundamental laws and principles of existence] here seems somewhat fragmented and incomplete. Either the Ancient Immortals [immortals from a bygone era] who opened this Cosmos have perished, or this Cosmos is nearing its Dharma-Ending Age [an era of spiritual decline where the Dao becomes obscure and cultivation grows difficult]."

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, then turned his attention inward to examine his own innate aptitude.

The aptitude of this Reincarnation [the process of being reborn into a new life] body was truly staggering. It possessed the Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo, and had fused with the Innate Primordial Violet Qi [a supreme, innate spiritual energy of creation and nobility] and the Primordial Mother Qi [the primordial, nurturing energy of all life from the beginning of time] contained within the Reincarnation, transforming into that unprecedented Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo.

The aptitude of the Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo was far too astonishing. Eldrin Chen considered himself to possess an exceptionally rich breadth of experience, yet he had never heard of such a constitution. He understood only that this physique was likely even more formidable than the Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo.

Even when compared to the Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body, such a constitution would likely prove to be its equal, if not its superior.

However, the natural talent of this Reincarnation body was simply too prodigious. Born with the cultivation of a Nascent Soul Dao Lord, it shocked even his parents. Fearing he would lack the necessary tempering, they severed his cultivation base, forcing him to begin his cultivation journey anew from the very beginning.

Furthermore, the circumstances of this life's family seemed anything but ordinary.

Within this fragmented Grand Universe, there existed a total of twenty-four stellar domains. Each domain possessed a single Sacred Land.

The stellar domain where he resided was named the Desolate Wilderness Star Domain. His father was a powerhouse at the Nine Tribulations Taiyi Realm, and the clan even boasted an Ancient Ancestor whose power was comparable to a Celestial Immortal [a supreme immortal being who has transcended mortality].

Due to the extreme scarcity of Innate Qi [the primordial energy of creation], this Cosmos harbored only twenty-four Celestial Immortal powerhouses, known as the Twenty-Four Heavens Supreme Rulers. The fact that the Desolate Wilderness Chen Clan possessed one of them demonstrated the truly astonishing Deep-Seated Foundation [profound and unshakable foundational strength] of this life's family background.

Yet, despite the presence of twenty-four Celestial Immortals, no one in this Cosmos possessed the capability to leave it.

It was said that beyond the fragmented Cosmos lay a dead and silent Sea of Chaos. Even a Celestial Immortal would be utterly annihilated upon entering it. Since ancient times, more than one Celestial Immortal had ventured forth, yet not a single one had ever returned alive.

"Even a Celestial Immortal would be reduced to ashes in an exceedingly short time. The Chaos Qi [the primordial, formless energy of chaos] beyond this Cosmos must be incredibly dense."

"Could it be that I am no longer within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of cultivation], but have instead fallen into the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse that exists beyond the ordered realms]?"

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