Chapter 1872 : Journey to the Primordial Ruins

Eldrin Chen merely offered a faint smile, countering with a question instead of an answer. "The Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent has always been perilous. You are not from the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. Are you certain you wish to accompany me?"

"Under normal circumstances, I would not dare. However, the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] has now arrived. All Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the highest echelon of immortal cultivators] are in seclusion. This is my best opportunity."

The Ancient Ice Phoenix spoke slowly, a glimmer of amusement flickering in its gaze.

Eldrin Chen gave a nod, offering no further words. He simply strode forward toward the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent.

They journeyed through the boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], arriving at the heart of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. From there, they ascended toward the Primordial Chaos Upper Firmament [the highest heavens born from chaos]. Within a vast and majestic Primordial Chaos Ocean [a sea of chaotic primal energy], they found a towering, magnificent landmass—the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent.

"So this is the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent?"

Upon beholding the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent, a look of solemn reverence washed over Eldrin Chen's face.

Having cultivated for a relatively short time, Eldrin Chen possessed limited knowledge of the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent. Yet, witnessing it now, he faintly perceived its extraordinarily elevated nature. It seemed to emanate an aura of supreme majesty, akin to that of a Primordial Immortal Domain [one of the legendary, foundational realms of the immortal world].

"You've sensed it too, haven't you?"

Noticing his expression, the Ancient Ice Phoenix could not help but speak with a hint of a smile.

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly, and then he inquired, "Senior, you rose to prominence during the Primordial Era [the most ancient epoch of creation]. You must know the secrets of this Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [a vast, shattered landmass of immense antiquity]."

"I do have some knowledge of it," she acknowledged.

The Ancient Ice Phoenix [a primordial beast of frost and legend] spoke calmly, her gaze turning grave. "What is called the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent is, in truth, a fragment of a Primordial Chaos Origin Domain [a supreme realm born directly from the Primordial Chaos, the foundational substance of all existence]."

"A Primordial Chaos Origin Domain?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, a flicker of confusion appearing in his eyes.

The Ancient Ice Phoenix nodded, her expression profoundly wistful. "The Chaos Sea [the infinite, formless void from which all realms are born] is boundless and endless. From it are born the Myriad Heavens [countless celestial realms], Cosmos [vast material universes], Immortal Domain [realms where Immortals dwell], and Chaos Nest [stable pockets of order within the Chaos Sea, ranked by their spiritual richness] of various grades."

"Among all worlds, the Origin Domain [a supreme realm of origin] and Chaos Nest of the seventh rank or above are considered supreme Chaos-grade domains."

"The Three Thousand Immortal Domains you hail from was known in the Primordial Era as the Primordial Beginning Origin Domain. Later, as the Divine Race [the race of ancient Gods] declined and the Demon Race [the race of Demons] and Human Race rose, the outside world began to call it the Three Poles Origin Domain. Of course, you internally still refer to it as the Three Thousand Immortal Domains."

The Ancient Ice Phoenix recounted the tale methodically. After a long while, she looked towards the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent and said, "This Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent was once a fragment of an ancient Origin Domain."

"It was a supremely powerful Origin Domain, named the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain. Even in the Primordial Era, it was guarded by a full seven Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [the supreme pinnacle of cultivation, beings who have comprehended the fundamental Dao]. Not only was its status equivalent to the Primordial Immortal Domain [the original, supreme Immortal Domain], its strength was even greater."

"Alas, in the twilight of the Primordial Era, a cataclysmic war of unprecedented scale erupted within the Chaos. The Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain [the primordial source realm from which all creation is said to have sprung] was shattered into fragments, and that vast Origin Domain was thus cleaved into seven pieces."

"Speaking of which, the reason your Three Thousand Immortal Domains's two Celestial Emperors, Candle Dragon and Primordial Phoenix, were able to break through to the Chaos Celestial Emperor [the supreme realm of a sovereign who commands the power of primordial chaos] realm was precisely because they obtained one of the greatest legacies left by the shattered Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain."

As the Ancient Ice Phoenix narrated, Eldrin Chen gradually comprehended the threads of this karma.

It turned out that after that ancient war, the various Chaos Celestial Emperor of the Primordial Immortal Domain joined forces. They obtained one fragment of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain and sealed it within the Depths of Chaos above the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, using it as a crucial anchor point for a grand formation to maintain the stability of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

This Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent emerges once every Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and rebirth], and each time it appears, it serves as the core battleground for proving one's Dao and attaining the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle immortal realm, signifying mastery over one's own grand destiny] realm.

Since time immemorial, the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent has opened for countless tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation cycles. The number of Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations, a being of immense power] who have perished within its bounds must number in the millions, if not more.

The fall of so many mighty beings has rendered the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent a place of unfathomable peril. It is haunted by ancient, malevolent spirits from foreign realms, by the undying wraiths of supremely powerful beings from the Primordial Era, and holds the hidden legacies of Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal who have fallen throughout the ages.

Yet, simultaneously, the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent is also a place of boundless Opportunity. Although the Innate Spiritual Treasure [treasures born from the primal forces of heaven and earth, possessing unparalleled power] have long been claimed, the remnants of Great Luo Rare Treasure [extremely rare materials and artifacts associated with the Grand Luo realm] and portions of the legacy from the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain remain objects of desperate yearning for countless cultivators.

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a stirring of desire in his heart, but it was swiftly overwhelmed by a chilling sensation that prickled his scalp. With deep apprehension, he said, "The Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain was, by all accounts, even more formidable than the Primordial Immortal Domain of old. How could it have been utterly shattered into such ruin?"

"Moreover, they possessed a full seven Chaos Celestial Emperor. Where are they now?"

"I do not know either."

Ancient Ice Phoenix drew a deep breath and then spoke: "My cultivation level was not particularly high in that era, so my understanding of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain [the primordial realm from which all immortal domains are said to have originated] is not extensive."

"However, from what I know, the seven Chaos Celestial Emperor [supreme rulers of primordial chaos] of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain joined forces back then. Within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], they discovered a treasure of unparalleled wonder, and in doing so, they provoked a foe of unimaginable power."

"That being, from an immeasurably distant Chaos Realm [a domain within the primordial chaos], struck with a single sword slash. It shattered the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain into fragments, leaving behind the Primordial Chaos Abyss [the fathomless chasm that now divides the northern and southern realms] that cleaves the two domains apart."

"The Primordial Chaos Abyss."

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly. He had long heard tales of the Primordial Chaos Abyss.

It was a chasm spanning the boundless Chaos Sea [the endless ocean of primordial chaos], seemingly having split the entire Chaos Sea in two. It stretched towards the infinite ends of Chaos, so vast that even an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] flying at full speed for over a hundred Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of creation and destruction] could not reach its end.

And this very Primordial Chaos Abyss isolated the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of immortals] from a supremely powerful foreign world. It ended the protracted war between the Three Thousand Immortal Domains and that alien realm, a conflict that had raged for over a hundred Kalpa Tribulation, and it utterly extinguished the final embers of the Primordial Era.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen drew a sharp breath and said, "What manner of supreme being could possess such power, to annihilate an entire Origin Domain [a primordial realm of origin] with a single sword stroke? Not even the combined might of seven Chaos Celestial Emperor could withstand it."

"I do not know."

The Ancient Ice Phoenix spoke slowly, and after a long while, drew a deep breath and said, "From what I know, even among the Chaos Celestial Emperor [the supreme rulers of primordial chaos], there are distinctions of strength and weakness. It seems they are also divided into three realms, with an immense gap between each one."

"For that person to slay seven Chaos Celestial Emperor with a single sword strike, he was likely at least a third-realm existence within that hierarchy, and perhaps even transcended it."

Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted sharply. "There are realms beyond the three realms of Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all things emerged]?" he could not help but ask.

"I do not know for certain, but one can speculate."

The Ancient Ice Phoenix spoke plainly, its tone calm. "Chaos Spiritual Treasure [artifacts born from primordial chaos] are also classified into upper, middle, and lower grades, corresponding to the three realms of the Chaos Celestial Emperor."

"But as we both know, the Chaos Cauldron [a legendary cauldron forged from chaos itself] that accompanied Violet Immortal Lord [a title for a supreme immortal] at his birth was, in truth, a genuine Chaos Supreme Treasure [a treasure of the highest order within chaos]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell silent. After a long moment, he inhaled deeply. "For one of my cultivation level to contemplate such realms is no different from an ant gazing at the heavens."

"Enough. Further thought is futile."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, once more sighing at his own insignificance.

The Ancient Ice Phoenix, however, gave a faint smile. "The Chaos is boundless and endless," it said, "always concealing countless mysteries within its depths."

"However, legend holds that within the entire Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], Chaos Supreme Treasure [the ultimate artifacts born from the fundamental principles of Chaos itself] are exceedingly rare. Some say their number does not exceed five, while others believe there are at most thirty. This is because each Chaos Supreme Treasure represents a supreme Chaos Great Dao [a fundamental, primordial law of existence]."

"One can surmise that if there truly are beings who transcend the Chaos itself, their number is likely just as few."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen suddenly recalled the Abyssal Pearl.

Having cultivated to his present level, he had begun to vaguely discern the true nature of the Abyssal Pearl.

The Abyssal Pearl is the treasure of all things' Abyssal [the principle of finality, oblivion, and return to nothingness], the embodiment of all endings. When it fully matures, it will become a Chaos Supreme Treasure.

And this Abyssal Pearl, the World-Ending Millstone, and the Annihilation Blade are the three great world-destroying Chaos Supreme Treasure.

Among them, the Annihilation Blade is the sharpest blade in Chaos, capable of slaughtering all living beings within it. The World-Ending Millstone can grind down a True Spirit [the immortal, indestructible spiritual core of a supreme being] and return it to its primordial essence. The Abyssal Pearl can swallow and spew forth all things of Chaos, capable of returning the entire Chaos to utter nothingness.

Should these three treasures all emerge into the world, it would likely herald the day of Chaos's destruction and rebirth.

"Chaos Supreme Treasure are supreme and peerless. Each one represents the ultimate authority over a fundamental aspect of the entire Chaos. To wield any single one is to become one of the mightiest beings within the entire Chaos Sea [the boundless ocean of primordial Chaos]."

"No wonder the Violet Immortal Lord of old was plotted against and fell."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a faint sigh escaping his lips.

The Violet Immortal Lord was born bearing the Chaos Cauldron [a supreme treasure of primordial chaos], carrying with him boundless, heaven-sent fortune, and perhaps even a destined purpose. Once he breaks through to the Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence] realm, he will undoubtedly become a supreme power within that boundless chaos.

Moreover, with a Chaos Supreme Treasure [a treasure born of primordial chaos] as his companion from birth, his potential likely far exceeds that. It is highly probable he could cultivate to the third realm of Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence], or even transcend beyond it.

At this thought, Eldrin Chen drew a deep breath and looked towards the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [a legendary land of immortal heritage and ruins]. "Such matters are far too distant for the likes of you and me," he said. "Our most pressing task now is to set foot upon that Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent."

Everyone nodded in agreement and immediately began striding towards the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent.

The Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent had not yet opened its gates. The three of them halted just outside its boundaries, only to find the surrounding Chaos teeming with countless powerful figures standing aloft. Among them were no fewer than three thousand Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations], and the number of Ancient Immortal [immortals of great age and power] below the Seven Tribulations [the realm of having survived seven heavenly tribulations] was truly beyond count.

Eldrin Chen swept his gaze across the surroundings. Before he could speak, he saw three figures approaching.

The arrivals were Umbralia, the Ancient Immortal, a disciple under Grand Nether Emperor Lord, the Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor from the Great Cold Immortal Domain [a vast and frigid immortal realm], and the third figure was his own Reincarnation Body [a secondary body formed through a profound reincarnation technique].

Umbralia, the Ancient Immortal, glanced at Eldrin Chen and gave a slight nod. "For this coming Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly calamity marking the end of an era]," she said, "I must ask for your guidance and support, Fellow Daoist."

Eldrin Chen inclined his head in acknowledgment, his tone calm. "Since I have accepted this charge, I will naturally fight alongside you, Fellow Daoist. However, given your formidable strength, it might be more apt to say we shall support each other."

Umbralia, the Ancient Immortal [a venerable immortal from ancient times] smiled faintly upon hearing this and did not speak further.

Witnessing this, the nearby Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor [a powerful demon emperor] was momentarily taken aback, somewhat surprised by the deference Umbralia showed towards Eldrin Chen.

Yet, after a brief pause, he still clasped his hands and said, "This impending Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] appears exceedingly perilous. Might I have the honor of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you, Fellow Daoist, in this battle?"

Eldrin Chen let out a hearty laugh, clapping the other's shoulder. "With your esteemed aid, Fellow Daoist, our strength will be like a tiger gifted with wings."

Subsequently, Eldrin Chen introduced everyone present to one another. Finally, he gestured towards the Reincarnation Body [a profound divine ability manifesting a separate physical form] and declared, "This is my dear friend, the Reincarnation True Lord [a title for a master of reincarnation arts]. He too shall fight alongside us in this coming conflict."

Upon hearing this, the assembled group cast their gazes upon the Reincarnation Body, and a flicker of astonishment crossed their faces.

For the aura emanating from the Reincarnation Body was distinct from that of an ordinary Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]. Its presence was one of Primordial Unity [a state of perfect, undifferentiated wholeness]—exceptionally potent and majestic. Within it seemed to reside an entire Cosmos [the ordered universe], radiating a brilliant, resplendent energy.

This power was fundamentally different from the orthodox Immortal Dao, yet it was overwhelmingly domineering and grand, rivaling even that of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

Observing the Reincarnation Body, Eldrin Chen felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

The foundation of this Reincarnation Body was profoundly formidable. Its entire lifetime of cultivation had been fused into a singular, unified whole, granting it a truly astonishing degree of power.

Over these years, the Reincarnation Body [a profound technique allowing one to forge a new body and life through reincarnation] had cultivated a True Spirit Foundation [the foundational spiritual core of an Ancient Immortal]. However, because the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], mana, Dao Fruit [the condensed essence of one's cultivation path and enlightenment], and Great Dao [the fundamental cosmic principles] of the Reincarnation Body were all fused into one, this True Spirit Foundation was different from that of an ordinary immortal's path.

Its combat power was slightly greater than a single ordinary True Spirit Foundation, but the Reincarnation Body could only cultivate this one True Spirit Foundation.

Overall, the combat power of the Reincarnation Body was considerably stronger than an ordinary Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight Heavenly Tribulations]. Yet, lacking an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the cosmos with innate power] and various other means, its combat power could not match that of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal who had cultivated a True Spirit Foundation.

"This Reincarnation Body has both advantages and flaws," Eldrin Chen mused. "While it fused all foundational aspects to cultivate a True Spirit Foundation, it remains only one True Spirit Foundation. Should it encounter a formidable enemy who has cultivated two True Spirit Foundation, the Reincarnation Body would likely be no match."

"It seems the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a cultivation art centered on sacrifice and rebirth] still possesses imperfections."

As these thoughts flickered through Eldrin Chen's mind, he began contemplating potential solutions.

Just then, Umbralia spoke up. She gazed towards the distant Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortals and declared, "Due to the Violet Opportunity [a rare and profound cosmic chance], more than three thousand Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortals have descended upon the mortal realm during this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that reshapes eras]."

"This is the first occurrence in over a thousand Kalpa Tribulations. You must be exceedingly cautious in how you proceed."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen withdrew his contemplations. After a glance at the assembled figures, a slight frown creased his brow.

Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective realms of immortal cultivation], each Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal represented the most core foundation of a Great Luo Ancient Sect [an ancient sect of immense power and lineage]. For an ordinary Great Luo Ancient Sect, dozens of Kalpa Tribulations might pass without successfully nurturing a single Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

Therefore, under normal circumstances, each time a Kalpa Tribulation arrives, the number of Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortals who enter the tribulation does not exceed two or three hundred individuals.

Under such conditions, a single Kalpa Tribulation can usually facilitate the Ascension [the process of transcending to a higher realm of existence] of one Grand Luo Golden Immortal, and with favorable fortune, perhaps two or three.

Of course, this probability only emerged after the Ancient Era.

Long ago, during the Primordial Era, before the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor had perfected the method of Ascension within the Immortal Domain [the celestial realm where immortals reside], Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortals had no means to obtain the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [the primordial, unbreakable essence required for the highest ascensions].

In that distant age, the Eight Tribulation Ancient Gods and Ancient Immortals who sought to ascend to Grand Luo Golden Immortal could only beseech senior Grand Luo experts to bestow the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light, or venture endlessly into the Chaos [the primordial, formless void before creation], clutching at the slender hope of finding it.

In the Primordial Era, forget a single Kalpa Tribulation, even a hundred such cycles might not see the Ascension of a single Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

It was precisely for this reason that, although the Great Ancient Era spanned millions of Kalpa Tribulations, the number of Grand Luo among the Divine Race barely surpassed one hundred.

After the Great Ancient Era, the Solar Celestial Emperor devised a method to plunder the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light from within Innate Spiritual Treasures [primordial artifacts born of the cosmos itself].

Although such plunder caused immense waste, it vastly increased the number of individuals who could achieve Ascension to the Grand Luo realm, and the birth rate of Grand Luo Golden Immortals accelerated dramatically during that period.

But the true achievement of having a Grand Luo Golden Immortal ascend in every Kalpa Tribulation had to wait for the widespread dissemination of the Heaven-Opening Method and the current era, where the spiritual mechanisms of the Immortal Domain could be harnessed to nurture the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light.

Yet even so, the simultaneous appearance of three thousand Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [cultivators who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] to undergo the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial] was an exceedingly rare sight, even within the vast expanse of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

For according to historical probabilities of Ascension [successfully advancing to a higher realm], with so many Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal entering the tribulation, it was highly likely that upon its conclusion, more than ten to thirty Grand Luo Golden Immortal [immortals of the Grand Luo, or Great Net, realm] would be born from this trial.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but ask, "Among these individuals, are there any formidable adversaries I should be wary of?"

Upon hearing this, Umbralia's expression turned grave, and she cast a wary glance into the depths of the void. "The vast majority of these three thousand Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal are merely ordinary Ancient Immortal [immortals of great age and power]; they pose no significant threat to you."

"However, there are over a hundred peerless geniuses among them—true prodigies of their era. They have long possessed a certain degree of confidence to assail the realm of Grand Luo Golden Immortal."

"Yet, in pursuit of forging a foundation surpassing the Eleventh Limit [a legendary threshold of cultivation potential], they have deliberately engaged in deep, prolonged seclusion. Many have cultivated for tens of billions of years. Each one is a force not to be underestimated."

As she spoke, Umbralia turned her gaze toward the few individuals radiating the most formidable auras on the battlefield. "Among these, there are more than ten you must remember not to provoke."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen was slightly taken aback before inquiring, "Tell me, who are they?"

"Look at the figure on the left," Umbralia said, pointing towards a person on that side.

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw a figure that seemed strangely familiar. A flicker of surprise crossed his face as he murmured, "It's him."

"You know him as well?"

Umbralia's gaze shifted subtly before she continued, "Of course. The name of Candle Dragon Scion thunders across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. It is only natural you would have heard of him."

"This Candle Dragon Scion is named Zhuyin. He is the direct grandson of the Candle Dragon Celestial Emperor and the most formidable prodigy of the Dragon Race. Do not be fooled by the fact he has not yet broken through to Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the supreme immortal realm]; his foundation is mightier than that of many who have."

"From what I know, he has weathered thirty-three Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of calamity and renewal]. Each time he entered the tribulation, he carved a path of utter dominance through it, emerging undefeated yet still refusing to prove his Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the supreme immortal realm]."

"Through these thirty-three Kalpa Tribulation, he has cultivated an Indestructible Dragon Body [a physique of unbreakable draconic might], an Indestructible Primordial Spirit [an imperishable spiritual core], Indestructible Dharma Power [inexhaustible mystical energy], and multiple Ten Limits Foundation [foundations pushed to the absolute pinnacle of ten limits]. Most crucially, he has also refined a set of formation artifacts: the 'Seven Stars Turbid Malignancy Pearls'."

"The Seven Stars Turbid Malignancy Pearls are a set of seven pearls, each one a Lifebound Innate Spiritual Treasure [a magical treasure born with and bound to one's soul]. Once arrayed in formation, their power is said to be peerless under heaven, rivaling a single True Spirit Foundation [a foundation of pure, primordial spirit]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly.

The Seven Stars Turbid Malignancy Pearls were a set of Innate Spiritual Treasure [a magical treasure of innate, natural origin] formation artifacts. Such Lifebound Formation Artifacts represented the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [the Heavenly Pass of Spiritual Treasures], one of the Eleventh Limit [foundations that surpass the pinnacle, reaching an eleventh limit]. However, because the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass was the mightiest among the Nine Heavenly Passes in terms of combat prowess, the power of this artifact set was undoubtedly no weaker than a True Spirit Foundation.

Furthermore, according to Umbralia's account, this Candle Dragon Scion had also cultivated three Eleventh Limit Indestructible Foundations. His combat strength was likely terrifyingly formidable.

"With my current strength, I likely do not possess absolute certainty of capturing him."

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

Seeing this, Umbralia spoke again: "Among those with combat prowess rivaling Zhuyin, there are other peerless prodigies such as the Divine Race's Niyang, Leihuang, and Diling, as well as monstrous talents from the Demon Race like Kunpeng Scion, the Azure Simurgh Imperial Princess, and the Qilin Clan's Violet Kirin Lord."

"They have long been capable of attempting a breakthrough into the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm. Some have even deliberately accumulated foundations for dozens or even hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation cycles without advancing, all to amass the groundwork necessary to achieve the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm."

"Should you encounter any of them, remember not to engage them head-on. Retreat far away is the wisest course."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this, then turned his gaze towards the most radiant figure within the Depths of Chaos and asked, "And what if one encounters that person?"

Umbralia followed his line of sight, and her expression changed abruptly as she spoke.

"Encounter *him*?"

"You should pray you do not cross paths with that one."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before it was instantly replaced by understanding.

If he were facing Candle Dragon Scion, while he had no certainty of capturing him, he held great confidence in defeating him. Yet, confronting this golden figure, he felt an immense pressure bearing down upon him.

Seeing this, Umbralia took a deep breath and said, "That is Aurelius."

"Aurelius?" Eldrin Chen's brow creased slightly.

"Yes, Aurelius, the Grand Crown Prince 'Aurelius', the most formidable prodigy of the Golden Crow Clan in three thousand Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration], hailed as one of the greatest geniuses of the Demon Race since ancient times, and known by the title Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor."

Umbralia spoke slowly, a trace of fear audible in her tone. "If we encountered Zhuyin, we might still have some chance of escaping with our lives. But facing this Aurelius, I fear we would have no opportunity for escape whatsoever."

"Is he truly that powerful?"

Eldrin Chen raised an eyebrow, speaking with some astonishment.

Umbralia nodded and continued, "This Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor is said to have been born in the late ancient era. His bloodline was extraordinarily pure from birth, earning him the deep favor of His Majesty, the Solar Celestial Emperor."

"Before his birth, the Solar Celestial Emperor specially prepared for him a set of Companion Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure that grows and evolves alongside its destined master] called the 'Pure Yang Cosmic Formation Diagram'. This formation diagram was forged by merging an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth] chart with ten Innate Spiritual Treasure known as the 'Pure Yang Celestial Fire Pearls'. It is hailed as the foremost pure yang formation under the heavens."

"With such profound foundations, Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor has lived up to expectations. Not only has he cultivated to the Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal realm, but he has also remained undefeated through one hundred successive Kalpa Tribulation trials."

"Throughout these one hundred Kalpa Tribulation trials, he successively forged the Indestructible Great Dao at the Eleventh Limit, cultivated Indestructible Dharma Power, Indestructible Primordial Spirit, an Indestructible Dao Fruit [the ultimate fruit of one's cultivation path], Indestructible Divine Abilities, and Indestructible Spiritual Treasure. Furthermore, he refined his Grand Luo physique to the Twelfth Limit True Spirit Realm."

"A True Spirit Physique?"

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself. This Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor was the first cultivator he had encountered with a True Spirit Foundation [the pinnacle foundation for a physical body cultivator], and a flicker of surprise crossed his features.

The True Spirit Physique was inherently formidable. Coupled with five major Indestructible foundations at the Eleventh Limit, and the 'Pure Yang Cosmic Formation Diagram'—whose combat power rivaled a True Spirit Foundation despite being at the Eleventh Limit—this Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor's profound reserves likely matched his own without the slightest disadvantage.

Moreover, this Aurelius possessed a slightly higher cultivation realm than Eldrin Chen. If they were to clash now, Eldrin Chen might not necessarily gain the upper hand.

"Equivalent to two True Spirit Heavenly Passes and five Indestructible Heavenly Passes."

"A truly formidable adversary."

Eldrin Chen calculated inwardly, a rare trace of solemnity gleaming in the depths of his eyes.

At this thought, a cold light flickered in his gaze. "Yet, what a coincidence. It seems he also cultivates the Pure Yang Great Dao."

Seeing this, Umbralia [the Ancient Immortal] sighed and said, "That Aurelius [the Grand Crown Prince of the Golden Crow Clan] is proud and ambitious, always striving to cultivate a second True Spirit Foundation [the foundational spiritual core for an immortal's power]. Over the years, to achieve this second True Spirit Foundation, he has repeatedly committed great slaughter during the Kalpa Tribulation [the cosmic cycles of destruction and renewal]."

"This coming Kalpa Tribulation will surely see him embark on another great massacre. Let us only hope we do not cross his path when the time comes."

As they were speaking, the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [a vast, ancient landmass filled with the remnants of a fallen immortal civilization] trembled violently, and the grand formation enveloping the immense Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent began to slowly open.

"Let's go."

Witnessing this, Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor [a title for the powerful Golden Crow Crown Prince] was the first to charge forward.

After him, Zhuyin [the Imperial Son], Kunpeng Scion [the descendant of the Kunpeng Demon Sage], Niyang [the Ancient Immortal], and others also shot through the void one after another.

Eldrin Chen saw this and did not hesitate further. He glanced at Lyra Jiang and Nyssa Qu and said, "Let's go. Remember to stay close to me."

With those words, he took the lead, cleaving through the Chaos [the primordial, formless void] with his companions in tow, heading towards the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent.

Happy National Day. I'm going out for a meal today, so just six thousand words for this chapter. Also, seeking a bit of...