Chapter 1803 : A Sovereign's Summons in the Grotto-Heaven

"Greetings to you both."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and calmly invited the two to step into the Grotto-Heaven [a pocket dimension or paradise for cultivation].

These two individuals were none other than the Antiquity-Tracing and Future Great Emperors [powerful Immortal Emperors], two of the three Human Race Great Emperors who had once resided within the Solar Realm Small Universe [a miniature cosmos].

It had to be admitted that the three Human Race Great Emperors who emerged from the Netherworld Small Universe [a miniature cosmos] were all exceptionally rare prodigies among their kind.

They had risen to prominence during the Path Tribulation [a great cosmic calamity], vanquished several formidable foes, and ultimately broke through to the realm of Immaculate Celestial Immortal [a flawless state of Celestial Immortality].

Unfortunately, after their breakthrough, lacking the foundational resources and heritage of a clan like the Chen Clan, their cultivation progress had slowed to an ordinary pace. Consequently, even though more than three million years had passed since the Path Tribulation, their cultivation bases remained at the First Heaven level of the Celestial Immortal realm.

At this rate, it would likely take them at least another two million years or more to attempt a breakthrough to the Second Heaven Celestial Immortal Realm.

Returning to the matter at hand, after Antiquity-Tracing Great Emperor and Future Great Emperor were seated, they both looked towards Eldrin Chen and asked, "For what purpose has the Human Sovereign [the legendary ruler of humankind] summoned us today?"

Eldrin Chen understood. In the past, he had received the legacy of the Heaven Sorrow Human Sovereign from within a Small Universe, obtaining the supreme Mortal Path [a cultivation method focused on the mortal world] treasure, the Human Sovereign's Sword. For this reason, these two acknowledged him as the Human Sovereign of the descendants from the Netherworld Small Universe.

Eldrin Chen accepted this title with equanimity. After carefully observing the two for a moment, he said, "In recent years, I have been attempting to comprehend the Dao of Space-Time [the fundamental laws governing space and time]. Many aspects of it remain profoundly obscure and difficult to grasp." Dive deeper into the Dao at audi0-n0vel.c0m.

"Thus, we have specially invited you both here today to seek your guidance on the Path of Time [the profound and elusive Great Path governing the flow and manipulation of time itself]."

"The Path of Time?"

Antiquity-Tracing Great Emperor exchanged a glance with Future Great Emperor upon hearing this.

After a moment of thoughtful silence, both men finally smiled and said, "It is our honor to discuss the Dao [the fundamental truth and principle of existence] with Your Majesty."

"…"

In the years that followed, Eldrin Chen resided within the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven, sitting in discourse on the Dao with the two Celestial Immortal who specialized in the Path of Time.

Antiquity-Tracing Great Emperor and Future Great Emperor possessed astonishing natural talent and an even more profound innate comprehension of the Path of Time; they were born seeds destined to cultivate the Time Great Path.

One cultivated the Antiquity-Tracing Path, while the other cultivated the Future Great Path—both were branches stemming from the supreme Time Great Path.

Through his discussions with them, Eldrin Chen gained profound insights, finally beginning to grasp some understanding of cultivating the Path of Time.

"The Time Great Path truly lives up to its name as a supreme Great Path. Even mere branches like Antiquity-Tracing and Future are considered Limitless Great Path, extending all the way to the realm of a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage. Its profundity is indeed unfathomable."

After the discourse on the Great Path concluded, Eldrin Chen could not help but sigh with emotion.

Upon hearing this, both Antiquity-Tracing and Future Great Emperor nodded slightly in agreement.

As the saying goes, the Great Path are three thousand in number, yet each and every one can lead to enlightenment. This means that mastering any single one of these three thousand Great Path is sufficient to point directly towards the realm of a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [the ultimate state of a being who has mastered a Great Path and attained sagehood].

However, the number three thousand for the Great Path is actually a metaphorical figure, for the Great Paths are boundless and endless. Each Great Path holds infinite potential, capable of branching into countless Path Principles [the fundamental laws and concepts derived from a Great Path], rules, and Path Principle [divine abilities born from the comprehension of a Path Principle].

These Path Principles, rules, and Path Principle all possess the potential for further advancement. If one pushes them to their absolute extreme through cultivation and comprehension, it is entirely possible for a new Great Path to be born from them.

Take the Path of Fire, for instance. It branches into the Primordial Solar Heavenly Flame [the celestial fire of the primordial sun], the Solar True Flame [the pure essence of solar fire], the Chaos Immortal Flame [an immortal flame born from primordial chaos], the demonic flames of the Netherworld [the underworld realm], and so forth.

The Time Great Path [the supreme Great Path governing time] can also differentiate into Antiquity-Tracing [tracing the past], Future [prophecy of the future], the present, the flow of time, specific moments, and other such Great Path Path Principles. Cultivating any of these Great Path Path Principles to their zenith likewise holds boundless possibilities.

Of course, aside from the core three thousand Great Path, the vast majority of other Paths cannot be considered Primordial Chaos Great Path [Great Paths born from the Primordial Chaos, representing the most fundamental forces of existence]. At best, they can only be cultivated to the Great Encompassing Realm [a supreme cultivation realm], and it is exceedingly difficult to reach the state of a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage through them.

Yet in theory, if a peerless genius, unprecedented throughout the ages, were to pioneer a path never before walked, and cultivate a minor, insignificant Path to its absolute limit, continuously refining and sublimating it, it could ultimately transform into a Primordial Chaos Great Path that has never existed since time immemorial.

Indeed, even the most humble and ordinary Path Principles Power [the power derived from comprehending a Path Principle], which at its inception may not even qualify as a proper rule, if continuously perfected, sublimated, and transformed, could ultimately become a supreme Great Path rivaling even the Time Great Path.

Thus, a saying circulates within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains: "There is no distinction of strength or weakness among the Great Paths [the fundamental laws and principles of cultivation]. There is no strongest Great Path, only the strongest cultivator."

"Today's discourse on the Dao with you both has been immensely beneficial to me."

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

After the discourse concluded, Eldrin Chen, feeling he had gained a great deal, smiled and retrieved several portions of Innate Rare Treasure [spiritual materials of unparalleled purity born from the primordial chaos], presenting them to Antiquity-Tracing Great Emperor and Future Great Emperor.

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

The Innate Rare Treasure that Eldrin Chen had produced was of extraordinary value. While it held little further use for Eldrin Chen himself, for cultivators like them at the Early Celestial Immortal Realm [the initial stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation level], each piece was a priceless, peerless treasure. This content originates from audio-novel-dot-com. Please respect copyright.

This caused them to hesitate, refraining from immediately taking the treasures and instead offering a polite refusal.

"These rare treasures are far too precious. We would feel ashamed to accept them."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight smile and said, "There is no need for such formality. I possess a not insignificant quantity of such Innate Rare Treasure."

"If you truly feel indebted, consider guarding the Chaos Abyssal Chasm [a perilous rift in reality where primordial chaos energy seeps into the world] on my behalf. These treasures can serve as your compensation."

Upon hearing this, both Antiquity-Tracing Great Emperor and Future Great Emperor were momentarily taken aback. They then accepted the rare treasure and expressed their gratitude, saying, "We thank you for this gift."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod in response, offering no further comment.

Ever since the fall of Divine Abyss Path Master, two of the five Celestial Immortal Great Power [powerful beings who have ascended to the celestial realm] from the Divine Abyss Grotto-Heaven had fled and scattered. The remaining three, thoroughly shaken, had sealed their mountain retreat and refused to emerge. Consequently, the Chen Immortal Clan had already seized control of seventy-five percent of the authority over the Heavenly Path Source Artifact [a primordial artifact embodying the source of the Heavenly Path] within the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea.

However, the Chaos Grotto-Heaven required a significant workforce to operate. With the loss of the two Celestial Immortal [celestial realm immortals] who once guarded the Divine Abyss Grotto-Heaven, the Chen Clan now found itself somewhat short-handed.

Now, with Antiquity-Tracing and Future Great Emperor stationed there to oversee its operations, two Celestial Immortal could be reassigned. This would allow the clan's Celestial Immortal to focus more of their energy on their own cultivation [the practice of refining one's spirit and body to ascend to higher states of being].

Seeing their agreement, Eldrin Chen allowed a faint smile to touch his lips. He personally escorted the two emperors out of the Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm of concentrated spiritual energy, often a cultivator's sanctuary].

Just before parting, Future Great Emperor paused in thought for a moment. Finally, he withdrew from his sleeve a divine stone shimmering with the light of passing years and handed it to Eldrin Chen, saying:

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

"This is..."

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with recognition. "A top-grade Primordial Unity Rare Treasure [a treasure of unparalleled rarity from the dawn of creation]," he stated. "The Stone of Years [a mystical stone that contains condensed fragments of time itself]."

Future Great Emperor nodded, then spoke, "This is a primordial object bestowed upon me by the Heavenly Path [the supreme, guiding principle of the cosmos] at the moment the Small Universe [a self-contained, nascent world] reached The End [its final, destined conclusion]."

"I originally intended to fuse it into the World-Severing Mirror [a legendary artifact capable of cleaving worlds], but in recent years, I have encountered other Opportunity and Fortune [destined chances and great luck]. Its usefulness to me has diminished, so I shall gift it to you."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell into a brief, contemplative silence before cupping his hands in gratitude. "Then I offer my sincere thanks."

With those words, Eldrin Chen retrieved a mid-grade Innate Rare Treasure [a treasure born from the world's primal energies] and exchanged it with the Future Great Emperor.

Strictly speaking, a mid-grade Innate Rare Treasure is far more valuable than a top-grade Primordial Unity Rare Treasure [a treasure embodying the unified state of primordial chaos]. However, time-attribute treasures are exceedingly rare, making their true worth difficult to gauge. It could not be said that Eldrin Chen had gotten the worse end of the bargain.

After seeing off the two Great Emperor [supreme cultivators who have attained an emperor-level realm], Eldrin Chen resumed his secluded cultivation.

Thereafter, Eldrin Chen continued to contemplate the Stone of Years [a mystical stone containing the essence of time]. His comprehension of the time Path Principle [a fundamental law or truth of a Great Path] advanced by leaps and bounds. In a mere thousand years, he had cultivated the power of an Innate Path Principle [a Path Principle innate to one's being].

Yet, at this stage, Eldrin Chen discovered that the time and Spatial Path Principle [the fundamental law of space] were slowly merging, giving birth to an exceptionally rare Space-Time Power [a power born from the fusion of space and time].

This Great Path [a supreme, all-encompassing Dao] was astonishingly profound. It seemed to rival, even hint at challenging, the supremacy of the Primordial One Limitless Path Principle [the foundational principle of limitless, unified primordial energy].

But at this very moment, Eldrin Chen found his own Primordial One Limitless Rule [the governing law of his Primordial One Limitless energy] beginning to relentlessly suppress the Space-Time Great Path, hindering Eldrin Chen's deeper understanding and preventing further progress.

"The Time Path Principle [a supreme law governing the flow of time] born from the fusion of Space-Time [the unified concept of spatial dimensions and temporal flow] is simply too formidable. Even the Chaos Limitless Path Principle [the primordial law of boundless chaos] cannot fully suppress it, hence it obstructs the growth of this Great Path [a supreme cultivation methodology]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a shadow of solemn contemplation darkening his gaze.

In that moment, Eldrin Chen had an inkling of a feeling: should he choose to walk this Space-Time Great Path [the supreme path unifying space and time], the journey would undoubtedly be one of immense hardship.

Not only would the Primordial One Limitless Rule [the foundational, boundless law of the primordial cosmos] exert its suppression, but once he cultivated to the Quasi-Sage Realm [a realm just half a step below the legendary Sages], he would inevitably draw the attention of two Heavenly Emperor [supreme sovereigns who have mastered a Great Path]—Candle Dragon and Primordial Phoenix.

"The Time Great Path [the supreme path of temporal mastery] is already held by the Candle Dragon Heavenly Emperor, and the Path of Space [the supreme path of spatial mastery] has been comprehended by the Primordial Phoenix. The pinnacle of these two paths already has figures of Heavenly Emperor stature standing upon it."

"Even if I were to cultivate this path, with two Heavenly Emperor still in existence, it would be exceedingly difficult for me to make that final, ultimate leap to break through to the realm of a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [an existence who has founded their own Great Path and attained sagehood]."

"Coupled with the suppression of the Primordial Chaos Limitless Rule, my desire to fuse Space-Time Power [the combined power of spatial and temporal laws] and cultivate the Space-Time Great Path is destined to be a path of profound difficulty."

Eldrin Chen murmured again, falling into deep thought.

Time reigns supreme, Space rules as king.

And should Space-Time become one, it would surely be peerless under heaven.

In all honesty, having witnessed the formidable power of the Space-Time Great Path [a supreme law governing the fabric of space and time], Eldrin Chen found himself deeply covetous of such might, unwilling to simply abandon this Great Path [a supreme and profound cultivation law].

"This path is rugged and treacherous, destined to be a road that disturbs the heavens and shakes the Earthly Path [the fundamental order of the mortal world]," he mused.

"I already possess the Primordial One Limitless Path [the foundational, boundless cultivation art of the Primordial Chaos], so there is no need to risk cultivating this other Great Path."

"Perhaps... a different approach is needed..."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, finally retrieving two radiant immortal fruits from his sleeve.

Both fruits were enveloped in Innate Energy [energy present since the dawn of creation, pure and untainted]. One was wreathed in the power of temporal Reincarnation Power [the cyclical force of death and rebirth], while the other pulsed with boundless, sacred light.

"The Innate Sacred Embryo Fruit [a fruit of primordial origin that can forge a sacred foundation for a future life], and the Innate Reincarnation Fruit [a fruit that facilitates reincarnation while severing karmic ties]," he named them.

"Using the Innate Sacred Embryo Fruit as a foundation, I could reforge [reshape and strengthen through profound cultivation] a peerless foundation for a future incarnation, using that life to comprehend the Space-Time Great Path."

"Using the Innate Reincarnation Fruit to reincarnate can sever the subtle threads of Karma [the cosmic law of cause and effect that binds all actions] and allow for one cycle of Reincarnation [the process of the soul passing into a new body after death] unhindered by the limitations of my current foundation. It would also shield me from the divinations of others."

"Thus, even if this Reincarnation Body [a body born from a deliberate act of reincarnation] were to meet with disaster, my true self would remain unscathed."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, his thoughts sinking into deep contemplation.

After a moment, his resolve solidified. He consumed an Innate Reincarnation Fruit [a legendary fruit said to sever the ties of past lives], using its power to generate a wisp of soul essence capable of severing Karma [the cosmic law of cause and effect that binds all beings].

He then fused this soul essence with an Innate Sacred Embryo Fruit [a fruit of profound vitality that nurtures nascent life], further blending it with a strand of Innate Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the most primordial and potent form of spiritual energy, born from chaos itself]. Finally, he cast this amalgamation into the vast river of Reincarnation [the endless cycle of death and rebirth].

As this soul wisp journeyed through Reincarnation, it was tempered by the baptism of the Reincarnation Great Path [the supreme law governing the cycle of rebirth]. Its ties to Karma were utterly severed. It then converged with the Innate Mother Energy [the fundamental, nurturing energy that gives birth to all things] before soaring into the boundless expanse of Reincarnation.

"..."

The Boundless Chaos [the formless, infinite void preceding creation] is infinite in its dimensions, and the Myriad Heavens [the countless realms and worlds that exist] are without end.

Within one such resplendent Great Universe, in a sacred land radiant with Immortal Radiance [a divine light signifying supreme purity and power], a figure of immense stature stood before a birthing chamber.

After a long while, the cry of an infant pierced the air.

Instantly, the Heavenly Vault [the celestial dome of the sky] erupted with endless auroras. Golden lotuses bloomed from the earth in boundless profusion. Stars cascaded from the firmament like rain, and countless ethereal visages of immortals and deities appeared, offering blessings. It was as if the very heavens and earth themselves were celebrating this child's birth.

"Auroras descend from heaven, golden lotuses surge from the earth, stars fall in showers, and immortals offer their blessings..."

Gazing upon the celestial phenomena filling the sky, the majestic figure revealed a look of pleasant surprise. "My son is born with such extraordinary portents. He likely possesses the potential of a Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler among deities]."

At that very moment, the door to the birthing chamber opened. A figure emerged, exclaiming joyfully, "My Lord, the Lady has given birth. It is a boy."

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!"

Overwhelmed with elation, the man strode inside with unrestrained joy.

A long while later, after examining the infant's cultivation base, the man could not help but speak. "An Innate Saint Body Path Embryo [a supreme innate constitution, born with the embryonic form of a saint's body and path], born with the cultivation of a Primordial Spirit Path Lord [a master of the cultivation path who has awakened their primordial spiritual core]. Could it be my son is the reincarnation of a Great Power?"

"Yet, such heaven-defying talent is far too astonishing. It may deprive him of necessary tempering. Perhaps a portion of his innate origin should be severed, allowing him to cultivate anew from the beginning."

"..."

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

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

"A magnificent Great Universe, with a diameter of at least tens, if not hundreds, of billions of light-years. It must have either been spontaneously nurtured by the Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state before creation], or was opened by an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]. It is not far from transforming into an Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortal laws]."

"However, the spiritual energy [the vital energy that flows through all living things] within this Universe is far more turbulent and violent, and the Great Path [the supreme cultivation method] appears fragmented and incomplete. This suggests one of two possibilities: either the Ancient Immortal [an immortal from a bygone era] who opened this Universe has perished, or this realm is nearing its end, descending into an age of spiritual decay."

Eldrin Chen murmured these thoughts inwardly, then turned his focus to examining his own innate aptitude.

The potential of this Reincarnation Body [a body formed through the profound art of reincarnation] was utterly staggering. It possessed the Innate Saint Body Path Embryo [a supreme innate constitution], and had further fused with the Innate Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the primordial violet energy of chaos] and the Innate Mother Energy [the fundamental creative energy] from the process of Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth], transforming into the unprecedented Primordial Chaos Saint Body Path Embryo [a saintly embryo constitution born of primordial chaos].

The aptitude of the Primordial Chaos Saint Body Path Embryo was so extraordinary that even Eldrin Chen, with his vast and profound experience, had never heard of such a constitution. He understood instinctively that this physique was likely even more formidable than the Innate Saint Body Path Embryo.

Indeed, it probably stood shoulder-to-shoulder with, if not surpassed, even the legendary Primordial One Indestructibility Body [the body of primordial unity and indestructibility].

Yet, this very perfection was a cause for concern. The Reincarnation Body was born with the cultivation of a Primordial Spirit Path Lord [a master of the primordial spirit realm], a fact that shocked his parents. Fearing that such effortless power would deprive him of necessary tempering and struggle, they severed his cultivation base, forcing him to begin his path anew from the very foundations.

Furthermore, his family background in this life was anything but ordinary.

This fractured Great Universe was divided into twenty-four stellar domains, each governed by a single, supreme Holy Land.

The domain he now resided in was named the Desolate Heaven Star Domain. His father was a powerhouse at the Nine Tribulations [having survived nine heavenly tribulations] level of the Primordial Unity Realm [the realm of primordial unity]. Moreover, their clan boasted a Patriarch whose power was comparable to that of a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a great power of the celestial immortal realm].

Due to the severe scarcity of Innate Energy [the primordial energy of creation] in this Universe, there were only twenty-four Celestial Immortal Realm [celestial immortal realm] powerhouses in total, known collectively as the Twenty-Four Myriad Heavens [the formation of the twenty-four myriad heavens] Supreme [supreme ones]. The fact that the Desolate Heaven Chen Clan possessed one of these supreme beings was a testament to the astonishing depth and heritage of his family's power in this life.

Yet, even with twenty-four Celestial Immortals [powerful beings who have ascended beyond the mortal realm], none within this Universe possessed the capability to depart from this cosmic expanse.

It was said that beyond the fractured Universe lay a silent, desolate Sea of Chaos [a primordial, formless void of raw, destructive energies]. Even a Celestial Immortal of Supreme [the highest] rank would be utterly annihilated upon setting foot within it. Since ancient times, more than one Celestial Immortal had ventured forth, yet not a single soul had ever returned alive.

"Even a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a Celestial Immortal of immense strength and attainment] would be reduced to dust in an exceedingly brief span of time. The Primordial Chaos Energy [the raw, unformed energy of creation and destruction that predates the universe] beyond this Universe is so incredibly dense."

"Could it be... I am no longer within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the vast, ordered cosmos of immortal realms], but adrift within the Sea of Chaos itself?" Experience the full epic at audio–novel.com.