Chapter 1855 : A Thunderous Pact and a Veiled Warning

Upon hearing this, Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord [a powerful immortal lord] let out a sigh of relief and promptly produced the treasures to complete the transaction with Eldrin Chen.

It must be acknowledged that although Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord is a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations], he is, after all, a direct disciple of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal of the Grand Luo realm]. While he lacks an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born of heaven and earth] to prove his path to Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal, he is certainly not lacking in such Great Luo Rare Treasure [extremely rare materials from the Grand Luo realm].

After the two completed their trade, Eldrin Chen once again obtained a set of Five Elements Great Luo Thunder Marrow [a rare marrow infused with the power of the five elements and Grand Luo thunder] and five Great Luo Rare Treasure held as collateral.

According to their agreement, the remaining set of Five Elements Great Luo Thunder Marrow would be exchanged with Eldrin Chen for the collateral Great Luo Rare Treasure once it was naturally produced by the Myriad Thunder Holy Land [a sacred land of thunder] in the future.

Eldrin Chen was already quite satisfied with this arrangement. Even if Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord never brought the Five Elements Great Luo Thunder Marrow in the future, obtaining five Great Luo Rare Treasure was hardly a loss for him.

Returning to the matter at hand, after both had acquired their desired treasures, Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord prepared to take his leave.

However, before parting, he looked at Eldrin Chen with a meaningful glint in his eyes and said, "Having obtained what I sought today, I shall offer you a word of caution, Fellow Daoist."

"Once you depart from this Glimmering Light Immortal City [a city of immortals], you may encounter some... complications. I advise you to linger here a while longer."

"Hmm."

Eldrin Chen nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "My thanks for the warning, Fellow Daoist. I shall keep it in mind."

The Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord nodded, saying no more before turning and vanishing from the pavilion.

After his departure, Eldrin Chen also remained silent. He strode out of Glimmering Light Immortal City and headed beyond the borders of the Primordial Immortal Domain.

He had not flown far when Eldrin Chen suddenly halted, his expression serene. His gaze turned profound as he looked into the void ahead and spoke, "Show yourself."

"Quite perceptive."

A figure clad in black robes emerged from the void, his expression calm as he regarded Eldrin Chen. "You seem unfamiliar, Fellow Daoist. I gather you are not a native Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality through cultivation] of the Primordial Immortal Domain?"

Eldrin Chen did not answer, merely casting a cool, appraising glance at the man.

The man wore black and gold Daoist robes, yet an aura of Heavenly Demons [powerful, celestial-grade demonic beings] emanated from him, allowing Eldrin Chen to discern his origins.

"The bloodline aura of the Dark Roc Imperial Clan. You are a direct descendant of the Dark Roc Emperor lineage?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, recognizing the man's heritage.

The man in black and gold robes nodded, his gaze steady. "You have some discernment. In that case, hand over the Great Luo Rare Treasure [a legendary artifact of immense power from the primordial Great Luo Heaven] in your possession, and I may spare your life."

"Is that so?"

Eldrin Chen's gaze tightened slightly as he recalled the origins of the Dark Roc lineage [a powerful race of demonic birds].

Within the Demon Race [the collective term for all demonic beings], the Great Roc lineage has always been one of the Ten Imperial Clans [the ten supreme bloodlines ruling the demonic world], with this lineage's sovereign ruler being the Golden-Winged Roc [a legendary bird of immense power and speed].

That Golden-Winged Roc Progenitor is one of the ten Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarchs [a supreme cultivation realm representing the peak of demonic power] of the Demon Race, whose cultivation and combat prowess are second only to the three Demon Race Celestial Emperors [the three supreme rulers of the demonic race], his strength unfathomably profound.

Within the Great Roc clan, led by the Golden-Winged Roc, there are also over ten other supreme bloodlines such as the Azure Sky Roc [a roc with mastery over the azure heavens], the Violet Radiance Roc [a roc cloaked in violet light], and the Ethereal Sky Roc [a roc of elusive and intangible nature], each possessing peerless demon lords at the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a high-level immortal realm] level.

Although these races are mighty, they pale in comparison to the Golden-Winged Roc lineage, with one exception—that is the Dark Roc Clan.

Legend holds that the Dark Roc Clan evolved from an ancient mutation of the Golden-Winged Roc. Their bodies are cloaked in profound black, yet their imperial lineage bears dark golden Dao patterns [mystical inscriptions representing the fundamental laws of the universe], a bloodline rivaling even that of the Golden-Winged Roc.

Most crucially, the progenitor of the Dark Roc was the twin brother of the Golden-Winged Roc, whose cultivation also reached the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm, making him one of the pillar deities supporting the Demonic Celestial Court [the ruling court of the demonic heavens].

Thus, the Dark Roc Emperor clan is revered as an imperial lineage, its bloodline being a supreme Demon Race heritage second only to the direct descendants of the Ten Imperial Clans.

The black-robed Daoist [a cultivator who follows the Dao, or path to enlightenment] before him flowed with the blood of the Dark Roc Emperor clan.

Contemplating the formidable might of the Dark Roc Emperor lineage, a sharp glint of resolve flashed within Eldrin Chen's gaze.

An Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal who carried the bloodline of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch was indeed worthy of his full attention. He drew a deep breath and declared, "I have long wished to witness the power of the Demon Race's imperial blood."

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen flicked his sleeve, unleashing a torrent of Void Heaven power that coalesced into a dazzling sword radiance cleaving through the firmament.

This was the Boundless Cosmos Sword. Its power, already touching the Tenth Limit, erupted with world-shattering might when fueled by Eldrin Chen's current cultivation and profound foundation.

"You seek death!"

Facing this strike, the Dark Roc's expression chilled. With a sweep of his sleeve, two beams of dark celestial light tore through the Void Heaven, carrying annihilating divine power to clash against the Boundless Cosmos Sword.

Yet, in the aftermath of this exchange, the void itself trembled and roiled violently.

In the mere blink of an eye, the Dark Roc was sent hurtling back, blood spraying, for millions upon millions of Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters], crashing into the mountain ranges of the Immortal Domain.

"*Cough*—"

A moment later, the Dark Roc erupted from the shattered peaks, his face a mask of shock as he stared at Eldrin Chen.

His gaze turned sinister, a chilling coldness seeping into his words as he uttered, "A tenth-limit divine ability, the Indestructible Primordial Spirit [a legendary power that renders one's spiritual core utterly unbreakable]?"

"You possess some skill, I'll grant you that. But know this: all beneath the eighth tribulation are but ants."

"When you reach the end of the cycle of reincarnation, remember this name."

"I am—Vorgath the Heaven-Faller!"

"BOOM—"

In that instant, heaven and earth trembled, and all creation seemed on the verge of being overturned.

Vorgath the Heaven-Faller gripped a colossal black-gold greatsword, cleaving through the void with power capable of rending the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] itself, and launched a devastating horizontal strike towards Lucian Chen.

"An Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial essence of heaven and earth], the Heaven-Faller God-Slaying Sword."

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. With a flick of his sleeve, he summoned forth the Soaring Immortal Zither. Another flick, and a series of world-shaking sonic blades erupted, resonating through the six directions, parrying the overwhelming, epoch-defying sharpness of the Heaven-Faller God-Slaying Sword.

Blocked by this counter, Vorgath the Heaven-Faller's expression shifted dramatically. "An Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial essence of heaven and earth]?"

An instant later, Vorgath the Heaven-Faller inquired with a trace of surprise, "Since you possess an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the world's primal laws], why have you not used it to shatter the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck where one's path to immortality is forged by merging one's Dao with a spiritual treasure]?"

Eldrin Chen remained utterly composed upon hearing this. With his current foundation and reserves, he could indeed attempt to refine the Soaring Immortal Zither as his Dao-embodying treasure to break through that very bottleneck.

However, the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass itself had gradations of strength. Using an ordinary Innate Spiritual Treasure to anchor one's Great Dao would result in only the most common form of Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has weathered eight heavenly tribulations].

If one could elevate their own life-bound Immortal Treasure [a cultivator's personally forged and soul-linked magical weapon] into an Innate Spiritual Treasure through Ascension [a profound advancement or transformation], and use *that* to achieve the Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal realm, one's combat prowess would be noticeably greater.

Eldrin Chen already possessed a strand of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primal, unbreakable luminescence embodying the concept of indestructibility], which could elevate his life-bound Immortal Treasure. This path was clearly more aligned with his destiny; there was no need to bind his Dao to the Soaring Immortal Zither.

Upon realizing Eldrin Chen possessed an Innate Spiritual Treasure, a flicker of gravity entered Vorgath the Heaven-Faller's gaze.

Eldrin Chen's strength was formidable to begin with. Now, aided by both an Innate Spiritual Treasure and the Soaring Immortal Zither, Vorgath the Heaven-Faller had no absolute confidence in subduing him.

Understanding this, Vorgath the Heaven-Faller reined in a measure of his killing intent.

While conflict between Ancient Immortal Great Powers [immortals of immense age and power] was not forbidden within the Primordial Immortal Domain [a primordial realm of immortals], a full-scale battle employing Innate Spiritual Treasure would inevitably inflict damage upon the realm's very fabric.

Since he lacked the certainty to slay Eldrin Chen, there was no point in continuing this confrontation.

With a faint smile gracing his lips and a profound gleam in his eyes, he spoke, "Since you, Fellow Daoist, are also one of our kind, then today's intrusion was my discourtesy."

"Let us end matters here for now. When the Kalpa Tribulation descends, we shall determine who stands superior."

As his final words faded, Vorgath the Heaven-Faller flicked his sleeve and transformed into a streak of light, piercing the cloud layers and vanishing at the horizon's edge.

Watching Vorgath the Heaven-Faller depart, Eldrin Chen stood calmly in place for a moment, yet a flicker of killing intent surfaced within his gaze.

He understood that Vorgath the Heaven-Faller's retreat was not due to the power of the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos], but rather because Eldrin Chen was able to unleash the Soaring Immortal Zither's full might.

Had it been an ordinary Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations], they would have surely met their end today, with no place for burial.

Most crucially, the other party could not fathom Eldrin Chen's hidden cards and feared the powerful ancient sect or sacred land that might stand behind him, which stayed his hand from acting rashly.

After all, within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, those powerful enough to wield an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos] almost invariably represented a backing of at least one Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm].

Yet, once the other party discerned his true identity, they would undoubtedly seek a way to strike against him.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate for a moment. He transformed into a streak of radiance and vanished into the endless void, finding himself, almost without realizing it, back at the periphery of the Primordial Immortal Domain.

Upon exiting the Primordial Immortal Domain [the primordial realm where ancient immortals reside], Eldrin Chen returned his entry token and soared through the void towards the Depths of Chaos [the formless, primordial expanse beyond ordered realms].

Only after traversing the boundless Chaos did he glance back at the Primordial Immortal Domain, his gaze profound and distant as he murmured, "The Primordial Immortal Domain..."

"The next time I return, I shall arrive with the bearing of a Peerless Immortal Lord [an immortal lord of unmatched prowess and renown], no longer this obscure and nameless wanderer."

With those words, the Abyssal Pearl [a mystical pearl containing the power of the abyss] pierced through the endless Chaos, carrying him away until he vanished into the infinite depths of the void.

Eldrin Chen emerged once more, this time beyond the borders of the Great Cold Immortal Domain [a vast immortal realm shrouded in eternal frost].

This time, Eldrin Chen did not overly conceal his aura. He strode forth, cleaving through the Chaos to arrive at the Great Cold Immortal Domain, his path leading him directly into the heart of the Rift-Heaven Ancient Domain [an ancient, fractured domain within the Great Cold Immortal Realm].

The moment his foot touched the soil of the Rift-Heaven Ancient Domain, a powerful presence manifested.

The arrival was none other than the Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor [the sovereign ruler of the Rift-Heaven Ancient Domain]. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, he spoke with palpable relief, "It is you. It is good to see you unharmed."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. "I apologize for this unannounced visit. I hope you do not mind the intrusion."

"Not at all, not at all," the Demon Emperor replied.

The Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor was exceptionally courteous. He took Eldrin Chen by the hand and led him into the Grotto-Heaven [a blessed paradise realm for cultivation] dojo. With great hospitality, he poured a cup of tea and said, "Had you not intervened that year in the Ruined Abyss Ancient Realm, I fear I would have perished there."

"Such a debt of gratitude, how could I ever forget it?"

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly at these words, offering no immediate reply. Instead, his gaze swept over the Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor, taking his measure.

After a moment's observation, Eldrin Chen spoke, "I perceive your spiritual power [the energy cultivated by immortals and cultivators] is profound, reaching to the heavens. It seems you have taken that final step?"

The Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor nodded, then clasped his hands respectfully towards the Primordial Immortal Domain. "I have been favored by our Patriarch," he said. "He bestowed upon me an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born of heaven and earth, possessing immense natural power]."

"If I can achieve the Dao [the ultimate path and principle of cultivation] through this, it will not have wasted my Master's many years of nurturing."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. Now he saw why the Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor had broken through to the Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal realm—it had finally brought him to the attention of Grand Frost Emperor Lord.

Not long before, upon the recommendation of White Crane Immortal Lord, the Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor had received an Innate Spiritual Treasure bestowed by the Grand Frost Ancestral Court. With its aid, he had ascended to the realm of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen smiled and said, "With your foundational strength and reserves, it is entirely possible that during this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that reshapes eras], you may take that final step. You could become the fourteenth Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has transcended the cycle of kalpas] to achieve Ascension [transcending to a higher state of being] within the Great Cold Immortal Domain itself."

"You flatter me, you flatter me," the Demon Emperor demurred.

Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor shook his head, his expression turning solemn as he said, "The fact that I, Rift-Heaven, have reached this day is entirely due to the favor of our Founding Patriarch and the deep affection of my Master. If I truly can take that final step, I will never forget the grace shown to me today."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this. His interactions with the Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor had been few, yet he could vaguely discern that this individual's character was not lacking. He supposed this was precisely why Grand Frost Emperor Lord was willing to nurture him.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke, "My visit today is actually to ask a favor."

"Oh?" The Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor was momentarily taken aback, then inquired, "Speak freely. If it is within my power, I shall not refuse."

Eldrin Chen offered a slight smile and explained his desire to borrow the core earth vein [the primary spiritual energy artery of a region] of the Great Cold Immortal Domain for his cultivation.

Upon hearing this, the Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor paused briefly before nodding. "The core earth vein of the Great Cold Immortal Domain has always been under the control of the direct lineage of the Grand Frost Ancestral Court," he said.

"But rest assured, with me as your guarantor, it will be sufficient for you to enter and cultivate there."

So saying, the Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor wasted no time. He took Eldrin Chen by the arm and headed straight for the Grand Frost Celestial Domain.

As the heart of the Great Cold Immortal Domain, the Grand Frost Celestial Domain was a place of exceptional significance. Fortunately, the Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor, being the grand-disciple of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, held a status and position that were anything but ordinary.

They traversed the vast Lucian and arrived within the Grand Frost Celestial Domain. After the Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor provided his guarantee, Eldrin Chen was brought to the very core of the Great Cold Immortal Domain—the Grand Frost Immortal Pool.

The Grand Frost Immortal Pool [the primordial source of extreme cold within the Great Cold Immortal Domain], is the core origin of the Great Cold Immortal Domain [a realm of ultimate frost], the very heart of the polar chill within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal realms].

Eldrin Chen stepped into the Grand Frost Immortal Pool. The moment he crossed its boundary, an indescribable, absolute cold assailed him, a frigidity so profound it threatened to freeze his very blood, marrow, and bones into crystalline frost.

An ordinary Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations], caught unprepared within its depths, would likely be frozen to death in an instant.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen possessed an extraordinary foundation. Even bearing the extreme cold of the Grand Frost Immortal Pool, it remained within the limits of what he could endure.

He continuously refined the essence of this ultimate cold. With each cycle of cultivation, his flesh, blood, and bones were tempered, growing ever more resilient and unyielding.

Thus, ten thousand years passed in a blur. Eldrin Chen found his physical body's strength had ascended another notch, and the purity of the primordial essence within him had grown even more refined.

"It is almost time."

Seeing the moment ripe, Eldrin Chen began to inhale and exhale the Grand Frost Immortal Water [the condensed, liquid essence of extreme cold from the pool], ceaselessly replenishing the source of his Frost Soul [a conceptual essence embodying the principle and power of absolute frost]. Only when he had reached his absolute limit did he slowly release a final, measured breath.

At this point, Eldrin Chen opened his eyes. Assessing his power, he discovered his Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique [a legendary constitution of innate, primordial, and near-indestructible toughness] had advanced yet further from its already peak state. Compared to before his seclusion, it had improved by a full twenty percent.

Having reached this stage, Eldrin Chen faintly perceived that the distance between himself and the True Spirit Physique [the ultimate physique of a True Spirit, representing a qualitative leap in bodily cultivation] at the Twelfth Limit [the theoretical pinnacle, the twelfth and final limit of bodily refinement] seemed to be separated by nothing more than the finest of lines.

"After enduring just one more tribulation—the Wind Vein's bone-eroding, soul-scouring ordeal—my Great Luo Primordial Indestructible Body will achieve perfection [reach a state of flawless completion],"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, then stepped forth from the depths of the Grand Frost Immortal Pool.

He paid a considerable fee, sought out Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor to bid his farewells, and then returned to the heart of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain.

Seeing Eldrin Chen return, Lyra Jiang let out a sigh of relief. "Your ten-million-year grand longevity celebration approaches," she said. "Had you not returned soon, I would have had to venture into the Primordial Immortal Domain to find you."