Chapter 1846 : Journey Through the Primordial Chaos

Even if someone were to learn of the ancient tales from old texts, they would likely only glean a thin, paper-thin understanding of the events, unlikely to feel the profound weight of them.

"Alas."

"It seems, before the Kalpa Tribulation [the cosmic cataclysm that ends an age], I too should return to the Violet Boundary [a mystical realm or artifact] to see it once more."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, and in the end, said nothing more.

He rose to his feet, retrieved the now fully-formed Soaring Immortal Zither [a divine musical instrument], clasped his hands in farewell to the two Old Granduncle, and finally, with another respectful bow, shattered the sky and soared into the Depths of Chaos.

After so many years, stepping once more into the Chaos Sea, Eldrin Chen's state of mind was vastly different.

Back then, when Eldrin Chen first entered the Chaos Sea, his heart was dominated by tension and gravity, forcing him to carefully conceal his aura.

But the Eldrin Chen of today was no longer the same. His power had grown beyond measure. Unless a Chaotic Fiendgod [a primordial demonic deity born of chaos] or a powerhouse of the Great Luo Grade [the pinnacle realm of cultivation] made a move, he possessed ample ability to protect himself.

Now, Eldrin Chen advanced through the Chaos with calm composure. Wherever he passed, countless Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born of chaos] scattered in terror, fleeing like antelopes before a tiger.

Yet Eldrin Chen did not give chase. These low-tier beasts of the Primordial Chaos held no meaning for him anymore; hunting them would be a waste of time and effort.

Thus, as time flowed onward, Eldrin Chen traversed three hundred thousand Dao-paths [a measure of vast distance in the primordial chaos] without even noticing, arriving at the depths of the Chaos Sea.

At this location, the number of Chaos Beast King was exceedingly great, Supreme-Grade Chaos Nest were everywhere to be seen, and Eldrin Chen even frequently glimpsed numerous Immortal Domain [realms established by powerful immortals] spanning the void.

Within some of the more terrifying regions of Chaos, there remained forbidden lands, each occupied by Chaotic Fiendgod [ancient and powerful beings born from primordial chaos].

Eldrin Chen avoided these Immortal Domain and Chaos Forbidden Land, wandering amidst the endless Chaos Nest [regions of concentrated chaotic energy], ceaselessly hunting the various Chaos Beast King, and the rare treasures he obtained were exceptionally precious and extraordinary.

He journeyed for over three hundred thousand years, successively slaying dozens of Chaos Beast King, and the value of the Innate Rare Treasure [treasures born from the primordial essence of chaos] he obtained even surpassed ten thousand strands of Innate Primordial Qi [the purest foundational energy of creation].

"In a mere few hundred thousand years, to have such a harvest..."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a flicker of astonishment coloring his gaze.

Ten thousand strands of Innate Primordial Qi represented an immeasurably vast quantity for a Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm]. Even many sixth-stage Ancient Immortal [immortals of immense age and power] who roamed the Chaos for several Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth] might not acquire treasures and resources exceeding this amount.

Yet Eldrin Chen had obtained so many rare treasures in only three hundred thousand years, revealing how boundless the Opportunity [chance encounters and resources vital for advancement] within the Chaos truly was.

"For Ancient Immortal who have weathered seven tribulations or more, roaming the Chaos can yield such immense rewards. No wonder those high-stage Ancient Immortal wander the Chaos for years on end, seldom returning."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, then gave a slight, almost imperceptible shake of his head.

For he understood clearly that his combat prowess likely placed him at the pinnacle level of a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal. Coupled with the fact that he was not suppressed by the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], he was able to navigate the Chaos Sea [the boundless, turbulent expanse of primordial chaos] with the ease of a fish in water.

If an ordinary Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal were to venture into the Chaos, while they might still acquire a considerable number of rare treasures, their harvest would pale in comparison to his own monumental gains.

Eldrin Chen set aside his thoughts and began a simple inventory. A sigh of regret escaped him as he shook his head once more. "The treasures are plentiful, yet alas, none are suitable as catalysts for cultivating a Patriarch-Grade Divine Ability [a supreme divine art exclusive to Grand Luo Golden Immortals]. I find no Great Luo Rare Treasure [a treasure of the Grand Luo realm, peer to an Innate Spiritual Treasure but lacking its indestructible nature] among them."

At this realization, a pang of disappointment washed over Eldrin Chen.

Patriarch-Grade Divine Ability, being the exclusive domain of Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of Golden Immortals], required exceptionally precious catalytic ingredients to master successfully.

These so-called Grand Luo catalysts were typically Great Luo Rare Treasure. For instance, to successfully cultivate his Primordial Chaos True Aura [a divine ability harnessing the true essence of primordial chaos], Eldrin Chen needed to locate five distinct types of Great Luo Source Qi [the primordial source energy of the Grand Luo realm].

Furthermore, Great Luo Rare Treasure were akin to Taiyi Immortal Treasure [an immortal treasure of the Taiyi realm]; they belonged to the same tier of precious objects as Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate indestructibility].

Similar to Taiyi Immortal Treasure, Great Luo Rare Treasure contained within them Great Luo Dao Patterns [the fundamental patterns and laws of the Grand Luo Dao]. However, they lacked the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [the innate, unbreakable spiritual radiance], which prevented them from being classified as true Innate Spiritual Treasure.

Generally speaking, by refining a single strand of Indestructible Spiritual Light into a Great Luo Rare Treasure, one could catalyze its metamorphosis into a tenth-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

Back when Eldrin Chen explored the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest, the pool of Innate Thunder Water he obtained belonged to the category of Great Luo Rare Treasure known as 'Violet Heaven Thunder Tribulation Water'. The quantity of that pool of water was sufficient for eight portions of Great Luo Rare Treasure.

Furthermore, the Heaven-Earth Great Dao Water [a primordial water embodying the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth], which the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase produces one portion of per Kalpa Tribulation, is also a tenth-grade Great Luo Rare Treasure.

At that time, the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest still contained other Great Luo Rare Treasure, but with time running short, Eldrin Chen chose to seize the even more precious Soaring Immortal Zither and the damaged Innate Spiritual Treasure instead.

This time, Eldrin Chen's primary goal in exploring the Chaos was to search for Great Luo Rare Treasure to use as the catalyst for cultivating a Patriarch-Grade Divine Ability.

To his regret, despite exploring the Chaos for three hundred thousand years, he had not found a single catalyst.

At that moment, Eldrin Chen felt only a slight pang of disappointment, for such Great Luo Rare Treasure were indeed exceedingly rare.

The value of a single portion of Great Luo Rare Treasure started at over ten thousand strands of Innate Primordial Qi, and furthermore, it was not something one could simply purchase with wealth.

Because such treasures could serve as catalysts for cultivating Patriarch-Grade Divine Ability, they had been in perpetual short supply since antiquity, often fetching unprecedented prices.

Throughout the ages, there had always been exceptionally talented Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal who comprehended a Patriarch-grade supreme divine ability, only to be stalled at this most crucial step of obtaining the Grand Luo catalyst.

For the vast majority of Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal, even if they ventured into the Chaos for over a dozen Kalpa Tribulation, without a special Opportunity, they might ultimately still be unable to afford a single portion of Great Luo Rare Treasure.

In truth, not only for a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [a cultivator who has survived six heavenly tribulations], but even for a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [a cultivator who has survived seven heavenly tribulations], finding such a rare treasure would be exceedingly difficult.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen fell into a brief, thoughtful silence. After a long moment, he spoke, "Should we venture a little deeper into the Depths of Chaos [the most turbulent and primordial regions of the formless void]?"

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself. After a moment's hesitation, his resolve solidified, and he began walking towards the Depths of Chaos.

He possessed many treasures, yet to cultivate several Patriarch-Grade Divine Ability [supreme mystical techniques of a level mastered only by founding patriarchs], he still found himself slightly lacking in resources.

This journey lasted for millennia. Eldrin Chen pressed forward relentlessly for tens of thousands of Dao-paths [a measure of vast distance in the cosmos], finally halting before a region of violently churning Chaos [the primordial, formless essence from which all creation arises].

Before him raged an immensely violent Chaos Storm [a cataclysmic tempest of raw, unformed primal energy]. At its heart lay the ruins of an ancient world, shrouded by an aura of infinite slaughter and warfare. Within, titanic currents of Chaos boiled and surged, whipping up colossal waves that crashed outward in all directions.

Even a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal, daring to venture deep within, would likely meet a fate with no place for burial.

To Eldrin Chen's surprise, however, a group of majestic figures stood before this Chaos Storm.

Eldrin Chen observed them carefully. There were seven in total, each emanating an aura of immense grandeur. Among them, he recognized two faces.

"It's them."

Eldrin Chen murmured, a trace of solemnity surfacing in his gaze.

Among these seven individuals, two were none other than Six Harmonies Daoist and the Demon Emperor Rift-Heaven.

After a separation of many years, the Ancient Ancestor Six Harmonies seemed to have fully recovered from his injuries, his aura profound and unfathomable like an abyssal sea.

The Demon Emperor Rift-Heaven stood even more imposing, clad in golden armor, his stature majestic as a primordial abyss. He stood gripping the Heaven-Rending Long Spear, akin to an ancient deity rooted within the Chaos.

"He has broken through."

Eldrin Chen whispered to himself. He realized that in the short time since their last meeting, the Demon Emperor Rift-Heaven had not only shattered the heavenly barrier of the Dao Heart [the fundamental, enlightened core of a cultivator's being and will], but had also ascended directly into the realm of a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations].

This astonished Eldrin Chen. For the Demon Emperor Rift-Heaven to consecutively breach two such formidable heavenly barriers in such a brief span was a testament to his prowess, truly befitting his reputation as the individual within the Great Cold Immortal Domain deemed most likely to attain Grand Luo [the supreme realm of immortality]. It was no wonder he had garnered the favor of White Crane Immortal Lord.

It was at this moment that the seven figures also noticed Eldrin Chen's arrival.

Initially, the seven paid little heed to Eldrin Chen, but after a cursory glance, sensing his immeasurably deep and profound aura, they promptly discarded any trace of underestimation.

One among them offered a light chuckle and spoke, "Another fellow Daoist has arrived. It seems our chances of victory in this battle have increased yet again."

"It is you."

The Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor [a powerful ruler among the demon race] was momentarily taken aback, clearly recognizing Eldrin Chen.

After a careful, appraising glance, he nodded and said, "Have you also come for this Ruined Abyss Ancient Realm [a shattered pocket dimension from a bygone era]?"

"The Ruined Abyss Ancient Realm?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered with surprise, and he immediately sent a mental message: "I beg you, Fellow Daoist, to enlighten me."

"It seems our meeting is by chance."

The Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor offered a faint smile and began to explain: "This Ruined Abyss Ancient Realm is the remnant of the Sword Abyss Ancient Realm [a legendary realm of swordsmanship], which was originally forged by the Sword Abyss Immortal Lord of ages past."

As the Demon Emperor's tale unfolded, Eldrin Chen gradually came to understand the origins of the shattered ancient realm before them.

It turned out this fragmented realm was a legacy left behind by the Sword Abyss Immortal Lord.

That Sword Abyss Immortal Lord was one of the sword-path Immortal Lord [a supreme master who has ascended to immortality] from the Human Race's sacred sword dao sanctuary, the Sword Clan [a legendary clan dedicated entirely to the Way of the Sword]. His cultivation had reached the mid-stage of Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a pinnacle realm of immortal ascension], and his combat prowess was considered formidable even among his peers at that level.

In his era, Sword Abyss Immortal Lord cultivated the Dao of the Sword [the path of ultimate martial prowess] to its most extreme and lethal form, and his temperament was ever one of unyielding advance.

After attaining the realm of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal sovereign], he spent nearly his entire existence in ceaseless warfare. Within the span of a mere ten Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration], he launched dozens of conflicts at the Great Luo Grade [the level of Great Luo immortals], assailing over a dozen Chaos Nest [primordial realms born from the primal chaos].

This relentless campaign allowed him to conquer three Chaos Nest, defeat numerous Chaotic Fiendgod [primordial beings of chaos and malice], and even slay more than one of these monstrous entities. Yet, this very success sowed the seeds of his eventual downfall.

Finally, three Kalpa Tribulation ago, Sword Abyss Immortal Lord suffered a defeat while attacking a Chaos Nest, a failure that ultimately summoned his doom.

In that fateful battle, the Chaotic Fiendgod laid a cunning trap. They ambushed him not only with seven Great Luo Grade Chaotic Fiendgod, but also with one whose power resided in the late-stage of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm.

Even the reinforcements from the other Grand Luo Golden Immortal experts of the Sword Clan [a clan of sword cultivators] were intercepted and blocked by terrifyingly powerful beings within the Chaos [the formless, primordial void]. Thus, Sword Abyss Immortal Lord fought alone, and in the end, met his demise within the depths of the Chaos.

Even after the fall of Sword Abyss Immortal Lord, some Chaotic Fiendgod remained, their hatred unquenched. With overwhelming force, they shattered the Sword Abyss Immortal Domain [the immortal realm ruled by the Sword Abyss Immortal Lord] into fragments, scattering them into the vast, turbulent Chaos.

Yet, among these scattered shards, a few remained largely intact. The land before them now was one such piece—a core fragment of the former Sword Abyss Immortal Domain.

Speaking to this point, Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor said, "That Incomplete Immortal Domain [a damaged or fragmented immortal realm] we discovered back in the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal realms] was itself a large fragment of the Sword Abyss Immortal Domain."

"And it was precisely by using that fragment as a reference that we spent several million years to finally trace the location of this Incomplete Immortal Domain."

The Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor spoke slowly, his voice a low murmur, before his gaze settled once more upon Eldrin Chen. "This fragment of the Incomplete Immortal Domain [a shattered realm of an immortal's dominion, perilous and unstable] is far vaster and more treacherous than the one from ages past."

"Should you choose to intervene within it, you must tread with utmost caution."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen immediately cupped his hands in a respectful salute. "My thanks for your counsel, Fellow Daoist."

The Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor offered a faint smile, his tone serene. "There is no need for such formality. In truth, my breakthrough to the Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [a venerable immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations] owes a great debt to that set of Primordial Gold Bamboo [ancient, spiritually potent bamboo of legendary rarity] you provided."

"Speaking of which, it is I who owe you a favor of immense magnitude."

Only then did Eldrin Chen comprehend. After obtaining the Primordial Gold Bamboo, the Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor had forged it into a Supreme Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation [a formidable sword array]. With this power and allies, he had seized a top-tier Chaos Nest [a primal, energy-rich vortex within the formless chaos], which ultimately paved his path to the Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal realm.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile. "External aids are, in the end, merely aids. Your achievements today, Fellow Daoist, surely rest upon far more than a single sword formation."

The Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor was about to reply when his head snapped up, his gaze piercing into the Depths of Chaos [the boundless, primordial void from which all things emerge].

From within that seething Chaos, a man with sword-like brows and star-bright eyes cleaved through the void, his approach calm and his demeanor detached.

Eldrin Chen observed that the moment this figure appeared, the others present did not dare show the slightest neglect. Each and every one promptly cupped their hands and offered a deep, respectful bow.

Witnessing this, the Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor [a supreme ruler among demonkind] spoke in a hushed tone, "This 'White Rainbow Sword Immortal' is a peak-level Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations]. It is said he has mastered three Patriarch-Grade Divine Ability [supreme-level mystical techniques] and once held his ground against three other Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal without defeat."

"The White Rainbow Sword Immortal?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly. He was just about to speak when a thunderous roar echoed from the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond ordered realms], and two more figures tore through the void to arrive.

Of the two newcomers, one was clad in a long black robe, his gaze somber and profound. The other rode a golden war chariot, his body sheathed in dazzling, sun-bright armor.

"The Nether Son of Heaven [the sovereign ruler of the underworld] and the Golden Sun Holy Son,"

the Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor stated coolly once more, then explained, "These two are in no way inferior to the White Rainbow Sword Immortal in strength. They are not to be underestimated."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression remained utterly placid. The Nether Son of Heaven was a ghost immortal who had attained the Dao [the fundamental principle or path] from the Netherworld. The Golden Sun Clan was one of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [a collective of one hundred powerful spirit-blooded lineages], and the Golden Sun Holy Son was the foremost expert beneath the Grand Luo [a supreme immortal realm] within his clan.

Yet even so, Eldrin Chen felt not a shred of concern. With his current power, he feared no opponent beneath the level of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

It was at this moment that the White Rainbow Sword Immortal swept his gaze over the assembled figures and declared, "Our numbers are sufficient. Let us act together."

"Agreed—"

Hearing this, the assembled Immortals immediately took action, each unleashing their power.

In that instant, numerous Patriarch-Grade Divine Ability [a supreme-level mystical technique mastered by a Patriarch] soared into the sky, bombarding the Chaos Storm [a violent maelstrom of primal, unformed energies at the edge of creation].

The Chaos Storm proved to be extraordinarily formidable. The group attacked in concert for a long while before finally tearing a breach in the Incomplete Immortal Domain [a partially formed or damaged realm of immortal-grade power and laws].

Seeing the entrance opened, they all stepped forward without hesitation, crossing the threshold into the Ruined Abyss Ancient Realm [an ancient, shattered realm steeped in ruin and profound, abyssal energies].

Yet, the moment they entered the Ruined Abyss Ancient Realm, Eldrin Chen sensed a surge of powerful energy assailing him. In a flash, he channeled his power, and the Sky-Severing Twin Swords [a pair of legendary swords famed for their power to cleave the heavens] crisscrossed through the void, suppressing and slaying the attacking figure.

Only then did Eldrin Chen have a moment to look, realizing what he had just slain was a Chaos Ancient Beast [a primordial creature born from and dwelling within the primal chaos].

"A three-tribulation Chaos Beast King [a ruler among Chaos Ancient Beasts, having survived three Heavenly Tribulations]," he noted.

Eldrin Chen murmured, his gaze turning grave. "It seems this Ruined Abyss Ancient Realm is even more perilous than we anticipated."

With this thought, Eldrin Chen lifted his head to survey the Ruined Abyss Ancient Realm. He discerned that the realm was composed of thirteen layered celestial domains. At its very core, an aura emanated that caused even his heart to palpitate with dread.

"At least a seven-tribulation Chaos Beast King," he concluded, his voice low.

Eldrin Chen murmured, a glint of cold light flickering in his gaze.