Chapter 1804 : A New Path to Immortality

Eldrin Chen pondered inwardly, feeling a sense of complication arise within him.

If this Cosmos was not located outside the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, but rather within that Sea of Chaos, then this Reincarnation body [a body born into a new life through the cycle of rebirth] would face immense difficulties in its attempt to return to the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

"Enough. Overthinking is futile. It is better to first set foot upon the path of cultivation."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly. Once his Physical Body [the mortal vessel of flesh and blood] had grown somewhat, he began to tread the cultivation path anew, commencing his practice of the Martial Path True Body.

Indeed, in this lifetime, Eldrin Chen did not intend to follow the path of immortal cultivation. Instead, he planned to leverage the comprehension granted by his Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo [an innate constitution representing the embryonic form of a sacred Dao body] to contemplate and master that Path of Sacrificial Self.

In this life, Eldrin Chen was determined to comprehend the Time-Space Great Dao [the supreme principle governing time and space]. Since he would inevitably face two Celestial Emperor [supreme sovereigns of the heavens] sooner or later, he decided to embrace the burden and cultivate this Path of Sacrificial Self.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, once he perfected the Path of Sacrificial Self to the level of an Earth Immortal [an immortal whose power is rooted to the earth] or even the Heaven Immortal Realm [the realm of celestial immortals], and even created a method that pointed directly to the Great Luo Realm [the realm of ultimate perfection and unity with the Dao]...

...and then disseminated it throughout the Myriad Heavens and Worlds, he would become the Dao Ancestor [the founding progenitor of a cultivation path] of this Dao. As the perfecter of this Great Dao [a supreme cultivation principle], his Reincarnation body would also be blessed with immeasurable merit.

At that time, bearing the boundless merit of having pioneered a cultivation Great Dao, this Reincarnation body should possess sufficient confidence to stand before the Candle Dragon Celestial Emperor.

The stages of the Path of Sacrificial Self below the Sacrificial Self [the foundational realm of this self-sacrificing path] had, in truth, long been perfected by Eldrin Chen. Visit audio~novel.com to enjoy the complete series.

Therefore, Eldrin Chen cultivated with astonishing speed. He progressed through the realms one after another: Body Forging [the initial stage of tempering the physical form], Qi Refining [the stage of refining and circulating vital energy], Dao Foundation [the art of laying a stable foundation for one's cultivation path], Divine Treasury [the realm of opening and filling the body's spiritual repositories], Dao Embryo [the stage where one's nascent Dao takes form within], and Indestructible [the art of achieving an unbreakable body].

For the first six cultivation realms, Eldrin Chen pushed each one to its absolute limit. He did not stop there; he shattered the conventional boundaries of each realm multiple times, forging a foundation of unparalleled depth and stability.

Only when every realm was perfected to a state of flawless, leakless completion, with no room for further advancement, did Eldrin Chen finally encounter a true bottleneck.

This was not due to any lack of talent preventing him from breaking into the Sacrificial Self Realm [the realm where one sacrifices the 'self']. Rather, the Self-Sacrificial Realm required one to 'sacrifice' the 'I'—to offer up one's Physical Body [the art of cultivating the physical form], Mana [the refined spiritual energy used for casting arts], and all cultivated power as nourishment for the Dao Embryo, ultimately allowing it to metamorphose into a 'New Self'.

Eldrin Chen's Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo [a supreme innate constitution representing a sacred embryonic form of the Dao] was already immensely powerful, rivaling the Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body [a legendary constitution of unbreakable chaos] at the same realm. It was essentially Myriad Tribulations Uneroded [a divine ability granting immunity to all forms of erosion and calamity]; not even the immortal flames of the Nine Heavens [the highest celestial realm] could harm it in the slightest. Sacrificing such a 'self' proved nearly impossible.

Left with no other choice, Eldrin Chen resolved himself. He borrowed the Primordial Immortal Sword [an ancient sword of immortal origin] from his father in this life and used it to sever his own Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo.

Only after he had completely dismantled the Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo, reducing himself to a mere Mortal Constitution [the basic physical form of an ordinary mortal], did he finally begin his breakthrough into the Sacrificial Self Realm.

Using his lifetime of cultivation, along with the Primordial Source [the fundamental, origin-point energy of creation] essence of his shattered Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo as the final nourishment, he fed it all to his Dao Embryo. In the end, the embryo transformed, giving birth to a 'New Self'.

"So this... is the New Self?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, sensing a power within him that was unprecedented and profound.

The Self-Sacrificial Realm [a profound cultivation stage where one sacrifices the old self to forge a new, transcendent being] was originally equivalent to the Seventh Realm of the Martial Path, theoretically on par with the cultivation level of the Ascension Immortal Realm. Yet, Eldrin Chen felt he could suppress and slay an Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality] with but a snap of his fingers.

Subsequently, Eldrin Chen challenged formidable foes from all directions, testing the limits of his newfound power. He discovered that with a mere flick of his wrist, he could vanquish even those at the Great Perfection of Immortal Ascension [the pinnacle stage of the Immortal Ascension realm].

Even when an Earth Immortal Progenitor [an ancient, immensely powerful Earth Immortal] attacked wielding a World-Opening Treasure [a legendary artifact of creation-level power], he could withstand it with his bare hands, even shattering one such treasure.

"Such formidable Physical Body [the strength and resilience of the corporeal form] power," he murmured.

"The Sacrificial Self Realm... this 'New Self' body has already surpassed the Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo [an innate constitution of legendary potential]. It possesses the bearing of one peerless under heaven."

Eldrin Chen whispered slowly, comprehending that the combat prowess of this Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth] body had already eclipsed that of his own self immediately after his breakthrough into the Ascension to Immortality Realm.

Of course, this was not due to any lack of strength on his own part. Rather, the cultivation of the Sacrificial Self Realm was profoundly Defy Heaven [defying the natural order or heavenly will], compounded by the fact that this Reincarnation body had the Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo as its foundational nourishment.

For the Path of Sacrificial Self [the cultivation method of sacrificing the old self] differed greatly from cultivation within the Ascension to Immortality Realm. The strength of the forged 'New Self' was wholly dependent upon the power of the 'Old Self'.

If the foundation of the Old Self was ordinary, then the potential of the summoned New Self would be low, its combat power perhaps insufficient to rival a same-realm Immortal.

Yet, if the 'Old Self' possessed astonishing latent potential, then the 'New Self' would be mighty enough to sweep across all challengers; rivaling even a Triple Ascension Foundation [a foundation forged through three successive ascensions] would be well within its capabilities.

The reason this myself [referring to a newly manifested self or avatar] is so formidable lies primarily in the unparalleled nature of the Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo [a supreme innate constitution representing the embryonic form of the Dao]. It is, in itself, a physique comparable to the ultimate Chaos Indestructible Body [an indestructible body forged from primordial chaos].

Such a constitution was already immensely powerful. Having undergone the cultivation of the six realms of the Martial Path [the path of physical and martial cultivation], the final 'new self' that was manifested unified Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], Mana [the refined spiritual energy used for spells and techniques], and Physical Body [the cultivator's corporeal form] into one entity. Naturally, it was peerless under the heavens.

Of course, while Eldrin Chen's 'new self' was astonishing, the greater part of its combat prowess still resided in its Physical Body. Its comprehension of laws and the Dao lagged far behind its foundational strength.

Therefore, after breaking through to the Sacrificial Self [a cultivation realm achieved by sacrificing one's old self to manifest a new, superior one], Eldrin Chen began to devote himself wholeheartedly to contemplating the Dao of Time and Space.

After the breakthrough, the 'new self's' innate talent grew even more astounding. It seemed to still be the Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo, yet it had shattered some unseen limitation, gaining an infinite potential for growth akin to the Mortal Constitution [a constitution with boundless, adaptable potential] and the Chaos Indestructible Body. Eldrin Chen named it the Primordial Chaos Sacred Body [a sacred body born from the fusion of primordial essence and chaos].

Aided by the aptitude of the Primordial Chaos Sacred Body, Eldrin Chen's insights into the Dao of Time and Space grew increasingly profound. Before long, he cultivated to the Great Perfection of the Self-Sacrificial Realm [another term for the Sacrificial Self realm] and even comprehended the Rule Power [the power to command and manipulate the fundamental laws of reality] of Time and Space. The story continues at www . audio-novel.com.

Upon comprehending the temporal and spatial Rule Power, Eldrin Chen finally achieved enlightenment regarding the cultivation path of the Eighth Realm of Martial Dao [the eighth and ultimate realm of the Martial Path].

"I have comprehended it…"

"So this is the nature of the Eighth Realm of Martial Dao!"

On that day, Eldrin Chen opened his eyes from deep meditation, his expression alight with wild joy.

Upon emerging from his secluded cultivation, he had finally advanced a crucial step further, creating the method to cultivate the Eighth Realm of Martial Dao.

"Inner Cosmos."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, having at last perfected the method for the Eighth Realm of Martial Dao.

In ancient times, Taishi Dao Ancestor, moved by compassion for all living beings, devised the Outer Cosmos method to aid Immortal [cultivators who have transcended mortality] in obtaining World-Initiating Qi [the primordial energy used to initiate the creation of a world]. This method harnessed the power of World Creation [the act of forging a new reality] within the Dimensional Void to acquire Innate Qi [the inborn, primordial spiritual energy].

Now, the Reincarnation [a fate-bound incarnation] body of Eldrin Chen had created the cultivation method for the Eighth Realm of Martial Dao, which involved opening an Inner Cosmos [a miniature universe within one's own body] to thereby obtain World-Initiating Qi.

This method of opening an Inner Cosmos was unprecedented. To cultivate it, one must fulfill two conditions.

The first was to master the Path of Sacrificial Self, discarding the old physical vessel to sacrifice and manifest a new self.

This new self, born from nothingness, possessed greater malleability. Furthermore, with the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and the Physical Body fused into one, it would not occupy the space of the consciousness sea or the Dantian [the primary energy center in the lower abdomen].

Thus, the three Dantian—the upper Purple Mansion [the energy center in the head], the middle Dantian, and the lower Qi Sea [the energy center in the lower abdomen]—could be vacated to perform World Creation within them.

The second condition was to achieve enlightenment in the spatial Rule Power [the power to manipulate the fundamental laws of reality].

If one cannot comprehend the Spatial Law [the fundamental principles governing space and dimensions], then even with a more malleable New Self [a reconstructed, perfected spiritual body], it would be impossible to open an Inner Cosmos [a self-contained universe within one's own body].

This is because World Creation [the act of forging a new world] requires inexhaustible resources and Primordial Qi [the primordial, foundational energy of creation]. If one uses their own cultivation base and Mana [the refined spiritual energy cultivated within] as the fuel to nourish the Inner Core [the spiritual core or seed of the inner world], the final result would be complete spiritual exhaustion long before one could ever hope to manifest an Earth Immortal World [the personal world of an Earth Immortal].

Only by gaining insight into the Spatial Law can one use it to pierce through dimensional barriers, drawing upon the boundless energies of the multiverse to forge a vast, ancient realm within oneself.

Once these two conditions are met, the ultimate size and grandeur of the world created depends entirely on the cultivator's Creation [destiny or fortune related to creation] and the depth of their foundational cultivation.

Eldrin Chen had comprehended the Space-Time Rule [the unified law governing space and time] and had forged the ultimate New Self body. Naturally, he had fulfilled both prerequisites.

Without hesitation, he began the process of opening his Inner Cosmos, and within his lower Dantian [the lower elixir field, a core energy center in the abdomen], he forged a Netherworld Ancient Realm [an ancient realm embodying the Netherworld, the underworld or land of the dead].

"This realm is distinct from the Earth Immortal [Earth Immortal] realm. Let it be known as the Heaven-Opening Realm [the Heaven-Opening Realm]," he murmured to himself after his breakthrough.

Having ascended, Eldrin Chen softly decreed this new stage and further divided the Heaven-Opening Realm into three tiers.

This division stemmed from the fact that the three major Dantian—the Purple Mansion [the upper elixir field in the head], the Dantian [the middle elixir field in the chest], and the Qi Sea [the lower elixir field]—could each serve as the foundation for a distinct ancient realm: the Heaven [the Celestial Realm], the Mortal Dust [the Realm of Mortal Dust], and the Netherworld.

He designated the forging of the first realm, the Netherworld Ancient Realm, as the World Creation Early Stage. The creation of the second layer, the Mortal Dust Ancient Realm, would be the World Creation Middle Stage. And should one succeed in forging the third and final layer, the Heaven Ancient Realm, they would be revered as having reached the Heaven-Opening Late Stage [Late Stage of the Heaven-Opening Realm].

Once the Threefold Heavens [the three foundational cosmic realms: Heaven, Earth, and Man] are fully opened and subsequently interconnected, this state is referred to as the Three Realms Realm [a supreme cultivation realm where one's power is harmonized across the three cosmic planes].

The empowerment granted by the Three Realms Realm [a supreme cultivation realm where one's power is harmonized across the three cosmic planes] is vastly greater than the Outer Cosmos [an external universe cultivated by an Earth Immortal Progenitor] empowerment received by an Earth Immortal Progenitor [a cultivator who has ascended to become a progenitor of an earthly paradise].

After careful calculation, Eldrin Chen deduced that even the weakest practitioner of the Three Realms Realm [a supreme cultivation realm where one's power is harmonized across the three cosmic planes] should possess strength comparable to a Taiyi Realm [the Primordial Unity Realm, a profound stage of cultivation] Great Power.

Building upon this foundation, if one further comprehends the Taiyi Dao Principle [the fundamental principle of Primordial Unity] and cultivates a new True Body [a perfected, ultimate physical form], the ultimate pinnacle masters of the Three Realms Realm [a supreme cultivation realm where one's power is harmonized across the three cosmic planes] would likely possess combat power far surpassing ordinary Taiyi Realm [the Primordial Unity Realm, a profound stage of cultivation] experts, rivaling even Forbidden Prodigy [prodigies whose talents defy the natural order of heaven and earth].

"This path, cultivated to this point, can truly be called a world-shaking Great Dao [a supreme and profound cultivation method or principle]," Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a profound sense of awe stirring within him.

Eldrin Chen spoke in a low, contemplative voice, his heart filled with deep reflection.

He had now gained a clear understanding: even if a Three Realms Realm [a supreme cultivation realm where one's power is harmonized across the three cosmic planes] powerhouse were to abandon the Martial Path [the path of physical and combat cultivation] to specialize solely in the Immortal Path [the path of spiritual and longevity cultivation], upon breaking through to the Heaven Immortal Realm [the Celestial Immortal Realm], they would undoubtedly attain a flawless Celestial Immortal Aptitude [a constitution perfectly suited for ascending to and cultivating within the Celestial Immortal Realm].

Of course, this Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth] body of Eldrin Chen would absolutely not tread the orthodox Immortal Path [the path of spiritual and longevity cultivation] again.

An Earth Immortal Progenitor's [a cultivator who has ascended to become a progenitor of an earthly paradise] Outer Cosmos [an external universe cultivated by an Earth Immortal Progenitor], projecting its power across the Dimensional Void [the empty space between dimensions or realms], can at most channel thirty percent of its total strength to empower the progenitor. This is the limit of what This Venerable One [a formal and powerful self-referential title used by senior cultivators] can bestow.

In contrast, the 'Inner Cosmos' [an internal universe cultivated within one's own body] forged through the Path of Sacrificial Self [a cultivation art that involves sacrificing parts of oneself for greater power] resides within the cultivator's own form. It can channel its *entire* power to its creator. Therefore, the empowerment granted by an Inner Cosmos [an internal universe cultivated within one's own body] surpasses that of an Outer Cosmos [an external universe cultivated by an Earth Immortal Progenitor] by severalfold.

Just as the Heaven Immortal [a supreme immortal realm] who cultivates the modern method and opens a Cosmos [an inner universe] possesses combat power far surpassing those who cultivate the ancient method, the Heaven Immortal who has not opened a Cosmos and the Innate Divine Spirit [a being born with divine power] cannot compare.

To put it simply, from the very moment the Inner Cosmos [the art of forging an inner universe] was opened, this era had already changed, silently and irrevocably.

"My lord, the times have changed."

Of course, the Immortal Path [the orthodox path of immortality] values innate talent, while the Path of Sacrificial Self [the path of self-sacrifice and transcendence] values indomitable will. Without astonishing courage and resolve, it is likely difficult to travel far on the Path of Sacrificial Self.

For those who possess a Spiritual Root [an innate affinity for absorbing spiritual energy], the Immortal Path remains the smoother path.

Nevertheless, regardless of other considerations, the Path of Sacrificial Self is peerless within the same realm. Once its teachings spread, they will undoubtedly shake the world.

Furthermore, after opening his Inner Cosmos, Eldrin Chen's path toward Future [a being representing the concept of time] grew increasingly clear. He had gained some comprehension regarding the cultivation method for the Ninth Realm [the ninth and ultimate stage] of the Martial Path [the path of martial cultivation].

"After the Three Realms are interconnected, a powerhouse of the Three Realms Realm [a realm where one's internal three worlds are unified] stands at the pinnacle of the world, worthy of being called a peerless genius of the age."

"To advance further from there, one must comprehend the power of Spatial Dao Principles [the fundamental laws governing space], allowing those three realms to merge into one and transform into an Inner Universe [a complete, self-contained universe within oneself]."

Eldrin Chen murmured these words softly, then resumed his secluded cultivation.

With the Inner Cosmos [a profound cultivation art focused on creating an internal universe], the methods for World Creation [the act of creating a world] an Earth Immortal World [a world created by an Earth Immortal cultivator], a Celestial Immortal Universe [a universe-level domain created by a Celestial Immortal], and even transforming an Immortal Domain [a higher plane of existence for Immortals] could now serve as valuable references.

Eldrin Chen merely needed to extract their essence, then refine and perfect them based on the Path of Sacrificial Self [a cultivation art involving self-sacrifice for greater power]. In time, he would inevitably devise a method to ascend to the Cosmos [the vast, overarching universe] and even to open an Immortal Domain.

Now that he had Initial Entry [initial mastery of a divine ability] into the Heaven-Opening Realm [a realm signifying the beginning of world-creation], he was in no hurry regarding the method for the Ninth Realm [a hypothetical ultimate cultivation realm]. There would be ample time in the future to perfect it.

In the ensuing epochs, Eldrin Chen began his secluded cultivation of the Three Realms method. In what felt like a fleeting moment, a span of one million years had passed.

When time's relentless flow finally brought that million-year cycle to its end, Eldrin Chen had at last opened the Three Realms within himself. Using the Supreme [a divine ability of the highest order] divine power to connect these realms, he broke through to the unprecedented Three Realms Realm [a cultivation realm where one has successfully created and integrated three internal worlds].

"With merely the Initial Entry into the Three Realms, one is already peerless in the mortal world," Eldrin Chen murmured softly.

After his breakthrough, Eldrin Chen did not immediately return to seclusion to perfect the Inner Universe [the art of cultivating an internal universe] method. Instead, he emerged to visit the Supreme Ancient Ancestor [the highest-ranking ancient progenitor] of the Desolate Wilderness Holy Land.

Ancestor Desolate Wilderness had cultivated to the Heaven Immortal Realm [the realm of a Heaven Immortal], ranking among the mightiest powerhouses in this Cosmos. Eldrin Chen sparred with the Ancient Ancestor of the Desolate Wilderness Holy Land, emerging victorious after one hundred exchanges.

Eldrin Chen was not surprised by this outcome. Upon breaking through to the Three Realms Realm, the Three Realms within his body had gained world-shaking divine power. Channeling this power to augment himself was sufficient to contend with a Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a pinnacle expert among Heaven Immortals].

The Innate Qi [the primordial, foundational energy of creation] of this Cosmos had long since vanished. Ancestor Desolate Wilderness possessed only the cultivation of a Third Heaven Celestial Immortal [a Celestial Immortal of the third heavenly tier]. Even when wielding an Innate Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos] to attack, he could not harm the Primordial Chaos Sacred Body [a sacred physique forged from primordial chaos] in the slightest.

"To contend bare-handed against an Innate Treasure [a supreme magical artifact born from the world's natural laws], your strength is nearly peerless even within this entire Cosmos [a vast, self-contained universe]."

Defeated by Eldrin Chen, Ancestor Desolate Wilderness was filled with both shock and profound dread.

He knew this junior possessed heaven-defying talent, yet he had never imagined his brilliance was so staggering, achieving such terrifying accomplishments in the mere span of a million years.

At this thought, Ancestor Desolate Wilderness sighed and remarked, "With cultivation [the practice of refining one's body and spirit to ascend to higher states of being] like yours, you truly live up to that legendary constitution. Perhaps one day you can indeed lead us in ascension, to leave this doomed Cosmos."

"Ascension?"

Eldrin Chen murmured the word, then inquired, "As one of the most ancient beings in this Cosmos, you must know many hidden secrets unknown to others. I beg you to enlighten this junior."

Ancestor Desolate Wilderness nodded and began, "This Cosmos is immeasurably ancient. Even my understanding of its mysteries is limited."

"However, according to ancient records, this Cosmos was forged by the World-Creating Divine Spirit [the primordial deity who shaped this universe], originating from a place known as the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a legendary cluster of three thousand immortal realms]."

"It is said that three billion seven hundred million years ago, to break through to the supreme Great Luo Realm [the highest known state of cultivation, representing ultimate unity with the Dao], the World-Creating Divine Spirit propelled this Cosmos forward, journeying all the way to these Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond ordered reality], intending to seize the opportunity to assault that Great Luo Realm."

"Alas, the Progenitor God failed. He perished amidst the boundless tribulation, and this Cosmos was grievously wounded in the process."

"Given the current state of affairs, this Cosmos [a self-contained universe or world] is not far from destruction. I fear it can hold on for, at most, another ten million years."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this. The prediction that this Cosmos would perish in ten million years aligned closely with his own deductions.

According to his calculations, this Cosmos teetered on the brink of annihilation and would completely disintegrate in nine million, six hundred and sixty-seven thousand years.

"A Cosmos forged by an Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight great cosmic tribulations], adrift within the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all cosmos are born]... that is indeed a rather thorny predicament,"

Eldrin Chen murmured slowly. Even with his extraordinary Deep-Seated Foundation [the profound and stable base of a cultivator's power] and a Primordial Chaos Sacred Body [a legendary physique that allows one to exist within primordial chaos] capable of ignoring the suppressive aura of the Primordial Chaos within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, survival within the Sea of Chaos itself would be an arduous, near-impossible feat.

Unless... Eldrin Chen could comprehend the Dao of Space and Time, use that understanding to break through to the Ninth Realm of the Martial Path [a supreme cultivation art], and forge within himself a vast and boundless Space-Time Grand Universe [a personal universe governed by the laws of space and time]. Only then might there be a sliver of hope.

"If I truly succeed, using an Inner Universe [a universe cultivated within one's own body] to bear the myriad lives of this world... perhaps then there will be a chance for survival."

Eldrin Chen murmured these words softly, then relayed this revelation to Ancestor Desolate Wilderness.

Upon hearing this, Ancestor Desolate Wilderness could not contain a look of ecstatic joy. "An Inner Universe, capable of bearing all living beings within it... What a profound and wondrous concept!"

"If you truly accomplish this, you will undoubtedly be able to lead all beings of this Cosmos in a grand ascension, lifting the entire world itself. That would be a merit of immeasurable, boundless scale!"

Eldrin Chen nodded and spoke with calm authority, "The cultivation method of the Inner Universe [a profound art focused on developing one's internal cosmos] requires the consumption of significant resources."

Upon hearing this, Ancestor Desolate Wilderness replied decisively, "This realm was opened by the World-Creating Divine Spirit [the primordial deity who shaped this world]. Remnants of its legacy still reside within the various Sacred Land [places of immense spiritual power and significance]. I believe each of the great Sacred Land would be willing to lend you their aid." For the best reading experience, visit audio~novel.com.