Chapter 1845 : Primordial Treasures and a Clan's Destiny

Returning to the main topic, this time, the Ascension of seventy-two Innate Ancient Tree [primordial trees born from the essence of creation itself].

Beyond bringing immense enhancement to the Abyssal Heaven [Eldrin Chen's personal miniature cosmos], it also allowed Eldrin Chen to obtain a vast quantity of supreme-grade Innate Rare Treasure [rare treasures formed from the primal energies of the universe].

These wondrous treasures included the Enlightenment Tea [a tea that grants profound insights into the Dao], the Ren Water Flat Peach [a peach imbued with the essence of benevolent water], the Departing Fire Immortal Apricot [an apricot that tempers the flame of the spirit], the Violet Tribulation Thunder Fruit [a fruit charged with violet heavenly lightning], and many other Innate Rare Treasure. While most of these held limited direct utility for Eldrin Chen himself, they possessed the power to propel the cultivation of the Chen Clan members forward by leaps and bounds.

Eldrin Chen deposited the majority of these rare treasures into the clan vaults. He then summoned the clan's high-ranking members, including Ethan Chen and Qiyuan Chen.

Once everyone had gathered, Eldrin Chen spoke without preamble. "My Abyssal Heaven has reached a bottleneck. My next step is to send the miniature cosmos into the depths of the Primordial Chaos Sea [the boundless, formless ocean of primal energy that existed before creation]."

"Henceforth, the welfare of the clan will rest in your capable hands."

His words gave everyone present a moment's pause.

Qiyuan, the Ancient Ancestor's expression grew solemn. "I have heard tales that the Chaos Sea [the turbulent expanse of primordial energy] is perilous beyond measure," he ventured. "Is it not too soon to send your Abyssal Heaven into such a place?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head decisively. "The density of Primordial Chaos Qi [the primal, undifferentiated energy of creation] within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains is far too thin, less than one-thousandth of that found in the Chaos Sea," he stated.

"I have calculated it. Remaining here, even with the aid of seventy-two Innate Ancient Tree, I would be unable to accumulate sufficient foundational essence within my cosmos to reach perfection before the great Kalpa-time [the cosmic cataclysm that ends an era] descends."

Hearing this, the few of them fell silent, offering no further words.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, leaving behind over ten supreme killing treasures, including the Tempest God-Slaying Gourd and the Pure Yang Heaven Sword.

"These Primordial Ancient Treasure are all supreme weapons of slaughter. Their power is sufficient to severely wound or even slay Ancient Immortal Great Powers. Take them to serve as the clan's foundation, preparing for your future breakthroughs to the Ancient Immortal realm."

No one declined. They understood that given Eldrin Chen's current level of power, these treasures were of relatively limited use to him.

After settling this matter, Eldrin Chen did not wait for Lyra Jiang to emerge from seclusion. He hurriedly returned to the Abyssal Heaven and began propelling his cosmos forward.

A grand cosmos spanning fifty billion light-years is a realm of unimaginable vastness and majesty, its mass an incalculable, staggering weight.

Fortunately, as the master of this cosmos and possessing a physique at the pinnacle of the Eleventh Limit, Eldrin Chen found the task of moving it through the void not overwhelmingly difficult.

This journey saw Eldrin Chen propel his cosmos, navigating the endless Chaos. It consumed nearly one hundred thousand years before he finally reached the fringes of the Chaos Sea [the primordial, boundless ocean of chaotic energies from which all cosmos are born].

"The Chaos Sea."

Unconsciously, Eldrin Chen arrived at the shore of the Chaos Sea.

Gazing upon the vast expanse of the Chaos Sea [the primordial, formless ocean that existed before creation], Eldrin Chen fell into deep contemplation. After a mere moment's hesitation, he decisively propelled the cosmos forward.

"BOOM—"

A violent, thunderous collision echoed as the immense Abyssal Grand Universe plunged into the Chaos Sea, sending towering waves of Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state of existence] surging forth. An endless deluge of Chaos waters inundated everything in its path.

Given the diameter and foundational essence of the Abyssal Grand Universe, it should have been nearly impossible to withstand such a cataclysmic Chaos tide.

Fortunately, the Five Extremes True Spirits [five primordial beings representing the extremes of cosmic forces] expanded the World-Protecting Grand Formation [a supreme defensive array that shields a world from external threats]. Simultaneously, seventy-two Innate Ancient Tree [primordial trees born from chaos, possessing immense life force] took root within the Chaos itself, weaving together a protective barrier that held back the corrosive Chaos Sea waters.

At this critical juncture, the Two Ancestors of Heaven and Earth [the two primordial progenitors of the cosmos], the Five Extremes True Spirits, and the Seventy-Two Heavenly Emperors [seventy-two sovereigns who rule over celestial domains] poured every ounce of their power into driving the World-Protecting Grand Formation. While desperately fending off the Chaos Sea's assault, they continuously drew in the Chaos waters, refining and converting them into the fundamental essence of the universe itself.

Eldrin Chen observed with perfect clarity: the rate at which the universe's foundational essence and spiritual energy were growing had accelerated by hundreds, even thousands, of times compared to when it resided within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a vast cluster of three thousand immortal realms].

"Seventy-two Innate Ancient Tree... truly extraordinary."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, a faint smile gracing his lips.

He arrived within the Abyssal Heaven [the celestial realm at the heart of the Abyssal Grand Universe, a nexus of profound power] and chose not to depart from its confines. For now, the Abyssal Heaven had only just reached the Chaos. Its foundational essence remained insufficiently abundant and potent, barely strong enough to maintain its own existence within the Chaos without being extinguished.

Under such circumstances, should they encounter a Chaos Beast King, Abyssal Heaven would still face significant peril. Therefore, Eldrin Chen decided to remain and guard Abyssal Heaven for a period of time.

Seizing this opportunity, Eldrin Chen took out the 'Soaring Immortal Zither'. This Soaring Immortal Zither is an Innate Spiritual Treasure Embryo [a nascent form of a supreme, naturally-formed magical artifact]; theoretically, with sufficient Opportunity [a confluence of fate, resources, and enlightenment required for major breakthroughs], it could Ascension [undergo a qualitative evolution] to the realm of a true Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme, naturally-formed magical artifact of the highest order].

Eldrin Chen directly exhaled a wisp of Innate Primordial Chaos Purple Qi [a strand of supreme, primordial energy embodying the essence of chaos and creation] and fused it into the Soaring Immortal Zither. This zither was originally a supreme treasure with thirty-three Innate Dao Patterns [natural inscriptions of the Great Dao, marking its profound nature], and within it resided a complete strand of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [an immutable radiance that protects the treasure's core essence].

Upon fusing with this strand of Innate Primordial Chaos Purple Qi, the Soaring Immortal Zither instantly derived two additional Innate Dao Patterns, becoming a thirty-five-patterned Innate Spiritual Treasure Embryo. It was now but a single step away from becoming a true Innate Spiritual Treasure.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, this final step would not be excessively long; its successful gestation would be assured within a span of one million years.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen placed the Soaring Immortal Zither within Abyssal Heaven to nurture, and only then did he begin his secluded cultivation.

For this session of secluded cultivation, Eldrin Chen directly took out a portion of Innate Enlightenment Tea [a celestial tea that greatly enhances comprehension and insight] and began to contemplate his own cultivation methods.

By now, Eldrin Chen had clear ideas regarding the cultivation of his physical body, laws, Dao Fruits [the condensed essence of one's cultivated path], Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator], and magical power. However, he had never fully organized and systematized these insights.

Now, with this rare moment of leisure, Eldrin Chen began to consolidate his own cultivation path, gradually refining and perfecting his personal method of cultivation.

Among these, the cultivation method for the Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body [a physique of legendary resilience born from primordial chaos] progressed most swiftly. In merely two thousand years, Eldrin Chen perfected the cultivation method for the Great Luo Primordial Indestructible Body [the ultimate evolution of the Indestructible Body, aligned with the supreme Great Luo realm].

The method for cultivating the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] progressed somewhat slower. Eldrin Chen spent five thousand years before he could roughly draft the cultivation method for the Twelve-Limit True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a supreme level of Primordial Spirit cultivation], thereby further refining the Five Lights Spirit Refining Grand Method [a grand art for tempering the spirit with five lights] and the Five Thunders Spirit Forging Grand Method [a grand art for forging the spirit with five thunders].

After refinement, the two methods became increasingly profound and esoteric. One needed to master the Patriarch-level Five-Colored Divine Light [a divine ability manifesting five-colored light] and the Primordial Chaos Divine Thunder [divine thunder born from primordial chaos] to even meet the prerequisites for cultivation.

Eldrin Chen believed that the Primordial Chaos Divine Thunder Spirit Forging Grand Method should surpass the Great Luo Secret Scroll [a legendary secret cultivation scroll], rivaling the supreme methods personally transmitted by a Dao Ancestor.

After another hundred thousand years or so, Eldrin Chen further deduced the Innate Primordial Limitless Great Dao [the Great Dao of innate primordial boundlessness] to the Great Luo Realm [the realm of Great Luo, the pinnacle of cultivation], and he also perfected the method for cultivating the Dao Fruit.

By this point, the cultivation methods for the five great foundations—the physical body, the Great Dao, the Dao Fruit, the Primordial Spirit, and the magical power—had all been deduced by Eldrin Chen to the Patriarch level. For each foundational path, he had created at least one Great Luo Marvelous Method [a marvelous cultivation art of the Great Luo realm].

Having reached this stage, the methods for cultivating the five great foundations had reached the limit of Eldrin Chen's current capabilities. To deduce them further, his accumulated knowledge was no longer sufficient.

Thus, Eldrin Chen ceased his pursuit of further perfection and turned his focus to comprehending his various divine abilities.

The first ability he deduced was the Great Five Elements Pure Yang Divine Thunder [divine thunder combining the five elements and pure yang energy]. With his previous accumulations, this deduction proceeded with remarkable smoothness.

Within a mere few tens of thousands of years, building upon the Great Five Elements Pure Yang Divine Thunder, Eldrin Chen created the Great Five Elements Chaos Divine Thunder [divine thunder born from the chaos of the five elements].

Thereafter, time flowed on relentlessly. Eldrin Chen successively deduced the Primordial Chaos Qi [the art of primordial chaos energy], the Five Elements Divine Radiance [divine radiance of the five elements], the Taiyi Ethereal Void Sword Qi [the ethereal void sword energy of Taiyi], the Primordial Chaos Soldier Derivation Art [the art of deriving soldiers from primordial chaos], and the Great Deduction of Yin-Yang and Stars [the grand art of deducing yin-yang and the stars] to the Patriarch level.

Until this day, Eldrin Chen was jolted from his secluded cultivation, only to realize that a span of one million years had passed since he entered seclusion.

"One million years... time flows by so swiftly."

Eldrin Chen sighed with profound emotion. This had been the longest period of secluded cultivation in his current life, yet the gains were exceedingly gratifying.

Although his power had not undergone a monumental leap, over the course of that million-year span, he had completely organized and deduced the cultivation path for the Ancient Immortal realm, laying a solid foundation for his future ascension to the Grand Luo [the supreme, primordial state of existence].

"The divine ability has been fully deduced. Now, I merely need to gather the final catalyst ingredients, and I should be able to attempt its cultivation."

With this thought, Eldrin Chen emerged from his cultivation chamber.

Upon exiting, Eldrin Chen immediately sensed the profound changes that had occurred around his secluded abode.

Compared to a million years prior, the foundational essence of the current Abyssal Grand Universe had grown by no less than a hundredfold, and the concentration of Immortal Spirit Qi [the highest grade of spiritual energy, vital for immortal cultivation] had also increased by over a hundred times.

"Such a density of Immortal Spirit Qi... it is now far richer and more potent than even the Vast Azure Immortal Domain was."

Sensing the overwhelming concentration of spiritual energy, a faint smile touched the corners of Eldrin Chen's eyes as he murmured softly to himself.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, the concentration of Immortal Spirit Qi [the spiritual energy used by Immortals for cultivation] within the Abyssal Heaven should be more than thirty times that of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain.

Moreover, this was merely the beginning. Eldrin Chen estimated that as time progressed, the cultivation environment of the Abyssal Heaven would improve significantly. Ultimately, its Immortal Spirit Qi [the spiritual energy used by Immortals for cultivation] would likely exceed a hundredfold that of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain.

This was not because the Abyssal Heaven possessed a deeper foundation than the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, but rather due to its far smaller size. Combined with the seventy-two Innate Ancient Tree [primordial trees that convert chaos energy] transforming Innate Primordial Qi [the primal energy of creation], and its location within the Chaos Sea [the primordial sea of chaos beyond the ordered realms], the effect was concentrated and amplified.

The Vast Azure Immortal Domain, though an Immortal Domain [a realm governed by Immortals], was simply too vast. It lacked such a multitude of Supreme-Grade Innate Ancient Tree [the highest grade of primordial trees] to convert Primordial Chaos Qi [the raw, unformed energy of chaos]. Furthermore, the Primordial Chaos Qi [the raw, unformed energy of chaos] within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the major ordered realms] was inherently thin. Naturally, this resulted in a lower concentration of Immortal Spirit Qi [the spiritual energy used by Immortals for cultivation].

"The environment of the Chaos Sea [the primordial sea of chaos beyond the ordered realms] is far superior to that of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the major ordered realms]."

"It seems," he mused, "that if I were to later Ascension [undergo a tribulation to break through to a higher realm] and establish an Immortal Domain [a realm governed by Immortals] within the Chaos Sea [the primordial sea of chaos beyond the ordered realms], the number of Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality] it could sustain would start at several hundred times that of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain."

Eldrin Chen murmured these words softly to himself. He then extended his senses once more to gauge the state of the Abyssal Heaven, and a measure of calm settled within his heart.

Now that the foundational essence of the Abyssal Heaven had increased a hundredfold, the defensive power of the Universe Placenta Membrane [the protective boundary membrane of a nascent universe] had also risen more than tenfold. Furthermore, there was now ample foundational essence to supply the cultivation needs of the Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality] residing within the Abyssal Heaven.

Within the current Seventy-Two Heavens of the Abyssal Universe, the combined number of Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality] and Divine Spirits had already surpassed one hundred million. On average, each of the seventy-two heavens now housed over one million Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality].

Additionally, bolstered by the power of this universe, the earliest cohort of three thousand Divine Spirits now possessed combat prowess comparable to experts at the Taiyi realm.

As for the Seventy-Two Heavenly Emperors, nearly every one possesses combat power at the Great Perfection level of a Celestial Immortal [the highest tier of immortal cultivation].

The Two Ancestors of Heaven and Earth and the Five Directions World-Protecting True Spirits possess combat power even more formidable, rivaling that of Ancient Immortals who have weathered four or five heavenly tribulations.

Of course, this combat power is augmented by the Abyssal Universe [the cosmic realm founded by Eldrin Chen] and is essentially a manifestation of Eldrin Chen's own power. Therefore, it is only effective within the boundaries of the Abyssal Universe.

Once they venture beyond a certain range from the Abyssal Universe, losing the cosmic augmentation, their combat power would plummet by at least one major realm.

Nevertheless, possessing power equivalent to a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal within the Abyssal Heaven [the central divine realm of the Abyssal Universe] is already astonishing. Relying on the grand formations within the Abyssal Universe, they could even hold their ground for a time against an assault from a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before summoning the Two Ancestors of Heaven and Earth, Thalion Chen and Changqing Chen, and then calling forth the Five Directions World-Protecting True Spirits: the Phoenix of Departure, Profound Azure Robe, White Tiger, Qilin, and Black Tortoise.

He then produced the Primordial Seven Treasures Gourd [a supreme set of treasures born from the Primordial Seven Treasures Vine]. The Primordial Pure Yang Gourd was entrusted to Thalion Chen, the Primordial Pure Yin Gourd was given to Changqing Chen, and the Five Elements Gourd was divided among the remaining seven individuals.

After distributing the treasures, Eldrin Chen spoke, "This Primordial Seven Treasures Gourd was born from the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd Vine [a primordial spiritual vine], forming a peerless set of supreme treasures. If you seven refine and wield them in unison, you should be capable of contending with a mighty figure at the level of a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal."

"Henceforth, each of you seven shall take one as a foundational treasure to guard our Abyssal Heaven."

Upon hearing his words, the expressions of the seven individuals grew solemn.

Old Patriarch pondered for a moment, then spoke: "This treasure can contend against a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations]. Perhaps you should keep it for yourself."

Eldrin Chen shook his head calmly. "With my current strength, this treasure is merely an embellishment. It cannot bring about a truly monumental increase in power."

"In contrast, Abyssal Heaven drifts within the Chaos Sea [the primordial, formless expanse beyond ordered realms], perpetually vulnerable to the covetous gazes of Chaos Beast King [rulers of monstrous entities born from primal chaos] and other Ancient Immortal [immortals who have transcended for eons]. It requires a certain measure of self-preservation capability."

Hearing this, Thalion Chen said no more and accepted the Primordial Pure Yang Gourd [a legendary gourd vessel containing the essence of primordial yang energy].

After the others had departed, leaving only Old Patriarch and Changqing Chen behind, Thalion Chen finally spoke. "You are preparing to leave, then?"

"Yes."

Eldrin Chen nodded. "Only two million years remain until the Great Calamity [the cataclysmic tribulation that periodically reshapes existence]. Abyssal Heaven now possesses the means to defend itself. I do not intend to delay any longer."

"I plan to first journey into the Depths of Chaos [the innermost, most turbulent regions of the Chaos Sea], and then proceed to the Primordial Immortal Domain [the legendary realm of the first and most powerful immortals]. If all proceeds smoothly, I will still have a million years to prepare, and I can also celebrate my ten millionth lifespan anniversary."

Upon hearing this, Thalion Chen could not help but feel a profound sense of reflection and emotion.

Unbeknownst to them all, Eldrin Chen's lifespan had already reached nine million years.

The ten million year lifespan anniversary of an Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality] is also called the 'Dao Longevity' celebration. Generally, Celestial Immortals [a higher tier of immortal beings] will celebrate it with great fanfare. After all, the vast majority of Celestial Immortals will only experience a few, or perhaps a dozen or so, such 'Dao Longevity' celebrations in their entire existence, so they naturally place considerable importance on them.

In truth, the first ten-thousand-year, hundred-thousand-year, million-year, ten-million-year anniversaries, and the lifespan marking a Kalpa-time [an immense cosmic cycle], are all milestones cherished by countless Immortals. They represent significant landmarks, carrying profound commemorative meaning.

Moreover, this celebration was not just for Eldrin Chen alone. Lyra Jiang, Verdant Consort, Ethan Chen, and others were of a similar age, meaning over a dozen individuals were celebrating their ten-million-year milestone simultaneously. How could such an occasion possibly be a simple affair?

After all, following this lifespan anniversary, the Kalpa-time looms less than a million years away. No one dares claim with certainty they will survive beyond that cataclysm.

Returning to the matter at hand, Thalion Chen, contemplating this point, could not help but smile and remark, "Truly, time flows like a song, fleeting in the blink of an eye."

"I recall back in the days of the Violet Boundary [a legendary realm or artifact], the Violet Boundary itself had existed for little more than eight million years."

"Who could have foreseen that now, your own lifespan has surpassed that of the Violet Boundary from those bygone days."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen was also moved to deep reflection.

Nine million years—a span that might seem insignificant to many Ancient Immortals [immortals of great antiquity], yet for the Violet Boundary, it constitutes a vast and lengthy chronicle.

Such an immense passage of time is enough to bury epics and elegies. Perhaps the cultivators and mortals within the Violet Boundary today have long forgotten the world-ending demonic tribulation that stretched for tens of thousands of years in that distant past.

Of those who fell in battle for the Violet Boundary [a legendary enchanted artifact] in years past, their valiant and heart-wrenching struggle fought in blood, how many are still remembered today?