Chapter 1804 : The Sacrificial Path to Immortality

Eldrin Chen pondered inwardly, a sense of trouble stirring within him.

If this Universe was not located beyond the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, but rather within that Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all worlds are born], then for this Reincarnation Body [a secondary body cultivated through profound reincarnation arts] to return to the Three Thousand Immortal Domains would likely face monumental difficulties.

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

Eldrin Chen murmured softly. Once his physical body had grown sufficiently, he began to tread the cultivation path anew, commencing his practice of the Martial Path True Body.

Indeed, in this lifetime, Eldrin Chen did not intend to follow the path of immortal cultivation. Instead, he planned to leverage the comprehension granted by his Primordial Chaos Saint Body Path Embryo [a supreme foundational constitution born from primordial chaos] to contemplate and master that Sacrificial Self Path.

In this incarnation, Eldrin Chen resolved to comprehend the Space-Time Great Path [the supreme Dao governing the fabric of space and time]. Since he would inevitably confront two Heavenly Emperor [supreme sovereigns who rule over heavenly realms] sooner or later, he might as well embrace the burden and cultivate this Sacrificial Self Path.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, once he perfected the Sacrificial Self Path to the level of an Earth Immortal [an immortal whose power is anchored to the mortal world] or even a Celestial Immortal Realm [a true immortal residing in the celestial heavens], and even created a method that pointed directly to the Great Encompassing Realm [the ultimate realm of omnipotence and omniscience]...

...and then spread it throughout the myriad worlds of the Myriad Heavens, he would become the Path Ancestor of this lineage. As the perfecter of this Great Path, this Reincarnation Body would also be blessed with immeasurable Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds].

At that time, bearing the boundless Merit earned from pioneering a cultivation Great Path, this Reincarnation Body would likely possess sufficient confidence to face even the Candle Dragon Heavenly Emperor directly.

The Sacrificial Self Path, specifically the realms beneath Sacrificial Self [the core concept of sacrificing one's lesser self to achieve a greater state of being], had in fact long been perfected by Eldrin Chen. Find this and other novels at audio—novel.com.

Therefore, Eldrin Chen cultivated with astonishing speed. He progressed through the realms one after another: Body Forging [the initial stage of tempering the physical form], Vital Essence Refinement [the stage of refining the body's vital life force], Foundation of the Path [laying the foundational core for one's cultivation path], Divine Treasury [opening the body's divine repositories of power], Path Embryo [the nascent seed of one's destined cultivation path], and Indestructibility [the state of achieving an unbreakable, eternal form].

For the first six cultivation realms, Eldrin Chen pushed each one to its absolute limit. He even shattered the conventional boundaries of each realm multiple times, achieving the state known as Limit-Breaker [one who surpasses the known limits of a cultivation realm].

Only when each realm was perfected to a flawless, leak-proof state, with no room for further advancement, did Eldrin Chen finally encounter a true bottleneck.

It was not that Eldrin Chen lacked the talent to break through to the Sacrificial Self Realm [a realm requiring the sacrifice of one's current self]. The problem lay in the realm's very nature. The Sacrificial Self Realm demanded the caster to 'sacrifice' their 'self'—to offer up their physical body, their cultivated energy, and their entire cultivation base as nourishment to nurture the Path Embryo, ultimately allowing it to metamorphose into a 'new self.'

Eldrin Chen's Primordial Chaos Saint Body Path Embryo [a supreme constitution born from the essence of primordial chaos] was inherently and immensely powerful, rivaling the Primordial One Indestructibility Body [the legendary unbreakable body of the primordial era] at the same level. It was virtually impervious to all calamities; not even the Nine Heavens Celestial Immortal Fire [a divine flame from the highest heavens] could harm it in the slightest. Sacrificing such a self was an impossibility.

Left with no other choice, Eldrin Chen resolved himself. He borrowed the Primordial Unity Immortal Sword [a legendary sword embodying primordial unity] from his father in this life and used it to sever his own Primordial Chaos Saint Body Path Embryo.

Only after he had completely dismantled the Primordial Chaos Saint Body Path Embryo, reducing himself to a mere mortal physique, did he finally begin his breakthrough into the Sacrificial Self Realm.

Using his lifetime of cultivation and the very essence of the Primordial Chaos Saint Body Path Embryo as the sacrificial fuel, he finally allowed the Path Embryo to transform into that 'new self.'

"Is this... the new me?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, sensing a power within himself that was unprecedented and overwhelming.

This Sacrificial Self Realm [a profound cultivation realm where one sacrifices the old self to forge a new, transcendent existence] was originally equivalent to the Ascendant Immortal Realm [the foundational realm of true immortality], yet Eldrin Chen felt he could suppress and slay an Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality] with but a snap of his fingers.

Subsequently, Eldrin Chen challenged formidable foes from all directions to test his newfound power, only to discover he could effortlessly crush even those at the Great Perfection of the Ascendant Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the foundational immortal realm] with a mere flick of his wrist.

Even when an Earth Immortal Patriarch [a patriarch who has attained the Earth Immortal realm, a higher tier of immortality] attacked wielding a World-Opening Treasure [a supreme artifact capable of splitting primordial chaos and creating worlds], he could withstand it with his bare hands, even shattering one such treasure.

"Such formidable physical might," he murmured.

"The Sacrificial Self Realm... this 'New Self' body has surpassed the Primordial Chaos Saint Body Path Embryo [a legendary physique born from primordial chaos, considered a supreme foundation for the saintly path]. It possesses a bearing of invincibility under the heavens."

Eldrin Chen whispered softly, understanding that the combat prowess of this Reincarnation Body [a divine ability to forge a new, transcendent body through a process akin to rebirth] had already eclipsed that of his original self when it first broke through to the Ascendant Immortal Realm.

Of course, this was not due to any weakness of his original self, but rather because the cultivation of the Sacrificial Self Realm was overwhelmingly profound, and this Reincarnation Body had the Primordial Chaos Saint Body Path Embryo as its foundational nourishment.

For the Sacrificial Self Path [the supreme cultivation art of sacrificing the old self] operated on principles vastly different from the Ascendant Immortal Realm. The strength of the 'New Self' forged through sacrifice was intrinsically tied to the power of the 'Old Self'.

If the foundation of the 'Old Self' was ordinary, then the 'New Self' forged would possess limited potential, its combat power perhaps insufficient to rival an Immortal of the same realm.

Yet, if the 'Old Self' harbored astonishing latent power, then the 'New Self' would be capable of sweeping across all directions, its might sufficient to rival even a Triple Ascendant Immortal Foundation [a legendary, near-mythical foundation achieved by ascending through the immortal realm three times, representing ultimate perfection].

The reason this new self of mine possesses such formidable power lies primarily in the unparalleled supremacy of the Primordial Chaos Saint Body Path Embryo. This constitution is inherently a supreme physique, rivaling even the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body.

Such a constitution is profoundly powerful to begin with. After undergoing cultivation through the Six Realms of Martial Path, the 'new self' ultimately manifested integrates Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], mana, and physical body into one, naturally achieving a state of invincibility under the heavens.

Of course, while the 'new self' of Eldrin Chen is astonishing, a majority of its combat prowess resides in its physical form. Its comprehension of laws and the Dao [the fundamental principle underlying all existence] falls far short of its foundational strength.

Therefore, after breaking through the Sacrificial Self realm, Eldrin Chen began to devote himself wholeheartedly to contemplating the Dao of Space-Time.

After the breakthrough, the innate talent of the 'new self' grew even more astounding. It seemed to still be the Primordial Chaos Saint Body Path Embryo, yet it had shattered some unseen limitation, gaining an infinite potential for growth akin to that of a mortal body and the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body. Eldrin Chen named it the Primordial Chaos Saint Body.

With the assistance of the Primordial Chaos Saint Body's exceptional aptitude, Eldrin Chen's insights into the Dao of Space-Time grew increasingly profound. Not long after, he cultivated to the Great Perfection of the Sacrificial Self Realm and even comprehended the Space-Time Rule Power. Discover more cultivation stories at https://audio-novel.com.

Upon comprehending the Space-Time Rule Power, Eldrin Chen finally achieved enlightenment regarding the cultivation path for the Eighth Realm of Martial Path.

"I have attained enlightenment..."

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

On this day, Eldrin Chen opened his eyes from deep meditation, a look of ecstatic joy spreading across his face.

He emerged from his secluded cultivation, having finally advanced a crucial step further, creating a method to cultivate the Eighth Realm of Martial Path.

"Inner World."

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

In ancient times, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, moved by compassion for all living beings, devised the Outer World method to aid Immortals in obtaining World-Opening Energy [the primordial energy released during the creation of a new world]. This method harnessed the power of World-Opening [the act of creating a new world or realm] within the Dimensional Void to acquire Innate Energy [the pure, primordial energy inherent to all things at their creation].

Now, Eldrin Chen's Reincarnation Body [a divine ability to forge a new, perfected physical form] had allowed him to create a cultivation method for the Eighth Realm of Martial Path. This involved opening an Inner World [a miniature world cultivated within one's own body] within oneself, thereby generating World-Opening Energy.

This method of opening an Inner World was unprecedented. To master it, one needed to fulfill two conditions.

The first was to cultivate the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art that involves sacrificing the old self to forge a new, transcendent one], discarding the old body to offer up a new self.

This new self, born from nothingness, possessed greater malleability. Furthermore, with the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] unified with the physical body, it no longer occupied the space of the Sea of Consciousness or the Elixir Field [the core energy center within a cultivator's body].

Thus, the three Elixir Fields—the upper Violet Sanctum [a major cultivation realm], the middle Elixir Field, and the lower Energy Sea [a major cultivation realm]—could be vacated to serve as the sites for World-Opening.

The second condition was to comprehend the power of the Spatial Law [a fundamental law governing space and dimensions].

If one cannot comprehend the Spatial Law [the fundamental principles governing space and dimensions], then even with a more adaptable New Self [a refined, higher-level spiritual body], it would be impossible to open an Inner World [a personal microcosm or pocket dimension] within oneself.

This is because World-Opening [the act of creating an inner world] requires an inexhaustible supply of resources and primordial energy [the fundamental creative force of the universe]. If one relies solely on their own cultivation base and spiritual power as the fuel within their Elixir Field [the core energy center in a cultivator's abdomen], they would eventually drain themselves dry, like a lamp burning out its oil, and still fail to create an Earth Immortal World [a stable, self-sustaining inner world].

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

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

Eldrin Chen had comprehended the rules of Space-Time [the intertwined laws of space and time] and had forged the ultimate New Self body. Naturally, he had fulfilled both prerequisites.

Without hesitation, he began the process of opening his Inner World. Within his lower Elixir Field, he successfully carved out a Netherworld Nether Antiquity Realm [a primordial underworld layer of the inner world].

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

Having made this breakthrough, Eldrin Chen contemplated further and subdivided the World-Opening Realm into three stages.

This division was based on the fact that the three major Elixir Field centers—the Violet Sanctum [the mind palace, located in the forehead], the Elixir Field [the core energy center in the abdomen], and the Energy Sea [the reservoir of spiritual power at the base of the spine]—could each serve as the foundation for opening one of the Three Realms [the three layered worlds]: the Heaven Trigram [the Celestial Realm], the Mortal Dust [the Mortal Realm], and the Netherworld [the Netherworld Realm].

He designated the opening of the first layer, the Netherworld Nether Antiquity Realm, as the Early Stage of the World-Opening Realm. Opening the second layer, the ancient Mortal Dust world, would be the Mid Stage. Finally, successfully forging the third layer, the Heaven Trigram ancient realm, would be revered as the Late Stage of the World-Opening Realm.

Once the Threefold Heaven [the three internal heavens of a cultivator's body] are all opened and subsequently interconnected, this state is referred to as the Three Realms Realm [a profound cultivation realm where one's internal three heavens are unified].

The Power of the Three Realms [the unified power granted by the Three Realms Realm] bestowed upon a Three Realms Realm expert is far greater than the Outer World [an external miniature world created by an Earth Immortal] empowerment received by an Earth Immortal Patriarch.

After careful calculation, Eldrin Chen deduced that even the weakest Three Realms Realm expert should possess strength comparable to a Primordial Unity Realm [a foundational realm for true immortals] Great Power.

Building upon this foundation, if one further comprehends the Primordial Unity Path Principle [the foundational principles of the Primordial Unity Realm] and even cultivates the New Self True Body [a perfected physical form], the ultimate peak experts of the Three Realms Realm would likely possess combat power far surpassing ordinary Primordial Unity Realm cultivators, rivaling even Forbidden Prodigy [prodigies who defy conventional limits].

"This path, cultivated to this point, can truly be called a world-shaking Great Path [a supreme and profound cultivation methodology],"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a wave of profound sentiment washing over him.

In this moment, a clear understanding dawned upon him. Even if a Three Realms Realm expert were to abandon the Martial Path [the path of physical and combat cultivation] to specialize solely in the Immortal Path [the path of spiritual and longevity cultivation], upon breaking through to the Celestial Immortal Realm [the realm of true celestial immortals], they would undoubtedly attain a flawless Celestial Immortal Aptitude [a perfect foundation for celestial immortality].

Of course, this particular Reincarnation Body [an avatar created through reincarnation or soul-splitting techniques] of Eldrin Chen would decidedly not tread the orthodox immortal path again.

An Earth Immortal Patriarch's Outer World, projecting its power across the Dimensional Void [the empty space between dimensions or realms] to their main body, can at most channel thirty percent of its total strength to empower the patriarch.

In contrast, the 'Inner World' [an internal miniature world cultivated within one's own body] opened via the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation path focused on internal refinement and sacrifice] resides within the cultivator's form, allowing its full power to be channeled to its creator. Therefore, the empowerment granted by an Inner World surpasses that of an Outer World by severalfold.

Just as a Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm] who cultivates the modern method and opens a Universe [a complete, self-contained cosmos] possesses combat power far surpassing that of a Celestial Immortal who cultivates the ancient method without opening a Universe, or even an Innate Divine Spirit [a being born with divine power and status].

To put it simply, from the very moment the Inner World [the microcosm cultivated within a practitioner's own body] was opened, this era had already changed, silently and without fanfare.

"My lord, the times have changed."

Of course, the Immortal Path [the traditional path of cultivation aiming for immortality] values innate talent, while the Sacrificial Self Path [a radical cultivation path that sacrifices the self to achieve power] values indomitable will. Without astonishing courage and resolve, it is likely difficult to travel far on the Sacrificial Self Path.

For those who possess a Spiritual Root [the innate spiritual foundation that determines one's aptitude for cultivation], the Immortal Path remains the smoother journey.

Regardless, the Sacrificial Self Path is peerless within the same realm. Once its teachings spread, they will ultimately shake the heavens and the earth.

Furthermore, after opening his Inner World, Eldrin Chen's path toward the Future [a conceptual entity representing destiny or a future state of being] gradually became clearer. He had gained some comprehension regarding the cultivation method for the ninth realm of the Martial Path [a path focused on martial prowess and physical cultivation].

"After the Three Realms [the three fundamental planes of existence: Heaven, Earth, and the Mortal World] are fully connected and integrated, a practitioner at the Three Realms Realm [the cultivation realm where one unifies the three realms within themselves] has reached the absolute pinnacle of power under heaven, worthy of being called a Peerless Prodigy."

"To advance further from here, one must comprehend the power of the Spatial Path Principle [the fundamental law governing space and dimensionality], allowing those Three Realms to converge and unify, transforming into an Inner Universe [a complete universe cultivated within one's own body]."

Eldrin Chen murmured these words softly to himself, then settled back into secluded cultivation.

With the Inner World established, the methods for World-Opening an Earth Immortal World, a Celestial Immortal Universe, and even transforming into an Immortal Domain [a higher plane of existence governed by immortal laws] can now serve as valuable references.

Eldrin Chen merely needs to extract their essence, then refine and perfect them according to the principles of the Sacrificial Self Path. In time, he will undoubtedly be able to develop the method to ascend to the Universe realm and even to create the Immortal Domain Art [the supreme art for forging one's own Immortal Domain].

Having just entered the World-Opening Realm, he is in no hurry regarding the methods for the ninth realm. There will be ample time in the future to perfect them.

In the years that followed, Eldrin Chen began a prolonged period of secluded cultivation, delving into the mysteries of the Three Realms method. In what seemed like a blur, a span of one million years passed.

When time had flowed on and that million-year epoch reached The End, Eldrin Chen finally succeeded in opening his Three Realms. With supreme divine power, he connected these realms, breaking through to the unprecedented Three Realms Realm [a legendary cultivation realm where one's inner world manifests as three interconnected planes of existence].

"Upon first entering the Three Realms realm, I am already peerless within the Mortal Realm," Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself.

After his breakthrough, Eldrin Chen did not immediately continue his seclusion to perfect the Inner Universe method. Instead, he emerged to visit the Supreme Patriarch of the Desolate Heaven Sacred Land.

The Desolate Heaven PatriarchDesolate Heaven Patriarch had cultivated to the Celestial Immortal Realm and was one of the mightiest beings in this Universe. Eldrin Chen sparred with him. After a hundred exchanges, Eldrin emerged victorious.

Eldrin Chen was not surprised by this outcome. Upon breaking through to the Three Realms realm, his body now housed the Three Realms, granting him world-shaking divine power. Channeling this power to augment himself was sufficient to contend with a Celestial Immortal Great Power.

The Innate Energy [the primordial energy of creation] had long since vanished from this Universe. The Desolate Heaven Patriarch possessed only Third Heaven Celestial Immortal Realm cultivation. Even when wielding an Innate Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos] in his assault, he could not harm the Primordial Chaos Saint Body in the slightest.

"To shatter an Innate Treasure with your bare hands... your strength is nearly unrivaled even across this entire Universe."

Defeated by Eldrin Chen, Desolate Heaven Patriarch was filled with both shock and awe.

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

Thinking of this, Desolate Heaven Patriarch sighed and said, "With cultivation [the practice of refining one's body and spirit to ascend to higher states of being] like yours, you truly live up to that legendary constitution [a cultivator's innate physical and spiritual foundation]. Perhaps one day you can indeed lead us in ascension [the act of transcending to a higher plane of existence], away from this Universe destined for Oblivion."

"Ascension?"

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

Desolate Heaven Patriarch nodded and began to speak. "This Universe is immeasurably ancient. Even my understanding of its mysteries is limited."

"However, according to records in the ancient histories, this Universe was opened by the World-Creating Divine Spirit, originating from a place called the Three Thousand Immortal Domains."

"It is said that three point seven billion years ago, to break through to the supreme Great Encompassing Realm, the World-Creating Divine Spirit propelled this Universe forward, journeying all the way to these Depths of Chaos to seize the opportunity to assail that Great Encompassing Realm."

"Alas, the Primordial God failed. He perished within the boundless Tribulation [a cataclysmic trial of heavenly punishment faced by cultivators seeking to advance], and this Universe was grievously wounded as a result."

"Given the current circumstances, this Universe [a vast, self-contained cosmos] is not far from Oblivion [the state of complete cosmic dissolution and non-existence]. I fear it can sustain itself for no more than ten million years."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this. That this Universe would face Oblivion in ten million years aligned closely with his own deductions.

According to his calculations, this Universe teetered on the very brink of Oblivion, destined to completely disintegrate in nine million, six hundred and seventy thousand years.

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

Eldrin Chen murmured softly. Even with his extraordinary foundational strength and a Primordial Chaos Saint Body [a sacred physique capable of withstanding the corrosive energies of primordial chaos] that could ignore the suppressive force of the Chaos [the primordial, formless state of existence] within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a collective term for the myriad realms of cultivation], surviving within the Sea of Chaos would be an immensely arduous task.

Unless... Eldrin Chen could comprehend the Dao of Space-Time [the fundamental laws governing space and time], use it to break through to the ninth realm of the Martial Path [the path of physical and martial cultivation], and open up a vast, boundless Space-Time Great Universe [a complete cosmos existing within one's own body] within himself. Only then might there be a sliver of hope.

"If I truly succeed, using an Inner Universe [a cosmos cultivated within one's own body] to bear all living beings of this world... perhaps then there will be a thread of survival."

Eldrin Chen murmured these words, then relayed this information to the Desolate Heaven Patriarch.

Upon hearing this, the Desolate Heaven Patriarch could not help but reveal an expression of wild joy. "An Inner Universe, bearing the multitude of living beings! What a profound wonder!"

"If you truly succeed, you will certainly be able to lead all beings of this Universe in an ascension of the entire world. This would be an Immeasurable Great Merit [an incalculable accumulation of virtuous karma and cosmic credit]!"

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and spoke with calm assurance, "The cultivation method of the Inner Universe requires the consumption of significant resources."

Upon hearing this, the Desolate Heaven Patriarch responded decisively, "This realm was forged by the World-Creating Divine Spirit, and its legacy treasures remain scattered across the lands of the various Great Sage. I believe each of the Great Sage territories would be willing to lend you their aid." The story continues at audio-novel.com (official site).