Chapter 1875 : Forgotten Realms and Ancient Treasures

As a fragment of an Origin Domain [the primordial and foundational realm from which all other realms are said to have originated], the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [a vast, ancient landmass formed from the shattered remains of a higher realm] could be described as boundlessly vast.

This place was not only tens of thousands of times larger than the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, but its spatial fabric was also far more solidified. Apart from special spatial divine abilities, not even an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations, a being of immense power] could tear through the void to travel here.

The party of eight flew ceaselessly across the heavens and earth, scouring the various forbidden lands and Grand Luo [the pinnacle realm of cultivation, representing ultimate unity with the Dao] spiritual veins of the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent.

The Grand Luo spiritual veins within the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent were almost all former Daoist sanctuaries left behind by Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal who has attained the Grand Luo realm, a sovereign existence] from the original Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain. Although their treasures had long been plundered, with the passage of each Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often associated with cataclysmic change], they could still give birth to Great Luo Rare Treasure [extremely rare materials or artifacts imbued with the essence of the Grand Luo realm].

Thus, the group pressed forward, successively conquering two more damaged Grand Luo spiritual veins and obtaining three portions of Great Luo Rare Treasure. It could be considered a fruitful journey.

Merely damaged Grand Luo spiritual veins held little deterrence for the eight of them, and the treasures obtained could not bring about a significant enhancement in their strength.

Unknowingly, they had wandered the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent for several hundred years. Finally, they came to a halt before an expansive great marsh.

"It is the Primordial Abyss Great Marsh [a legendary and perilous swamp said to date back to the dawn of creation]," one of them said.

Gazing at the swamp before them, Imperial Scion Umbralia [a name evoking shadow and mystery] furrowed his brow slightly, a trace of surprise coloring his expression.

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a cultivator on the path to immortality] felt a flicker of astonishment in his eyes, mingled with a thread of delight. Within the immense expanse of the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent, the remaining Grand Luo Daoist sanctuaries numbered in the thousands.

However, the vast majority of these ancient sanctuaries are now fragmented and incomplete, and the Opportunity [a chance encounter or resource that can significantly advance one's cultivation] contained within them is not considered particularly astonishing.

Yet, there exists a rare few Grand Luo [a supreme cultivation realm, one of the highest attainable states] sanctuaries that still retain their complete Grand Luo spiritual earth veins. Through the transformative power of various Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [a legendary realm representing the pinnacle of cultivation, a sage who has comprehended the fundamental Dao] and Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [an emperor or monarch who has attained mastery over the primordial chaos, a supreme sovereign], these veins have been refined into exceptionally rare cultivation paradises.

The Primordial Abyss Great Marsh [the Great Marsh of the Primordial Abyss, a legendary cultivation ground formed from an ancient sanctuary] is one such place.

Legends speak that this Primordial Abyss Great Marsh was once the sanctuary of the ancient Primordial Abyss Ancient Ancestor [the Ancient Ancestor of the Primordial Abyss, a supreme innate divine being]. That Primordial Abyss Ancient Ancestor was a top-tier Innate Divine Being [a being born with a divine constitution, possessing immense natural talent] from the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain [the Primordial Domain of the Immortal Cosmos, a legendary realm of origin], whose cultivation was merely A Step Away [a single step away, meaning extremely close] from the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

Later, when the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain shattered, the sanctuary that nurtured the Primordial Abyss Ancient Ancestor was refined by several Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage, forming a Primordial Abyss Immortal Pool [the Immortal Pool of the Primordial Abyss, a sacred pool of immense spiritual power].

The Primordial Abyss Immortal Pool can give birth to the divine substance known as Primordial Abyss Divine Liquid [Divine Liquid of the Primordial Abyss, a miraculous substance that profoundly enhances a cultivator's foundation]. This substance can vastly increase the foundational potential of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations, a being of immense power]. An ordinary Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal refining it would have absolute certainty of cultivating a Ten-Limit Physique.

Even those who have already achieved a Ten-Limit physical body can greatly enhance their foundational potential by cultivating within it, increasing their chances of breaking through to an Indestructible Body [a legendary physique of absolute durability and power] by at least thirty percent.

Furthermore, even peerless geniuses who have already attained an Indestructible Body can strengthen their foundation by refining this Primordial Abyss Divine Liquid. While it cannot guarantee the cultivation of a True Spirit Physique [a physique embodying a true primordial spirit, the pinnacle of physical cultivation], it can still increase one's physical power by ten percent.

One must understand that any being capable of achieving an Indestructible Body is undoubtedly a peerless genius. Such individuals have almost reached the absolute limit of advancement; without a special Opportunity, further progress is fundamentally impossible.

Under such circumstances, the ability to still enhance physical power by ten percent is a testament to the astounding nature of the Primordial Abyss Immortal Pool.

Of course, this Primordial Abyss Divine Liquid [a legendary liquid essence said to refine one's very foundation] also has its limitations. The first is that an Ancient Immortal [a cultivator who has transcended mortality and attained immortality] can only refine it once in their lifetime; a second attempt yields almost no effect.

Furthermore, the gestation of this Primordial Abyss Divine Liquid is exceedingly arduous. The quantity accumulated over the span of a single Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal, often spanning billions of years] is only sufficient for nine Ancient Immortal to use.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen glanced at the others and saw that all of them wore expressions of keen interest.

The Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor [a mighty ruler among demonkind] was visibly tempted. He spoke without hesitation, "The Primordial Abyss Immortal Pool [a legendary pool of concentrated spiritual energy] is crucial to my cultivation of an Indestructible Body [a physique of legendary resilience]. I intend to claim it."

Umbralia also nodded slightly, a glimmer of light flashing in her eyes. "A Grand Luo [a supreme realm of cultivation, one step below the legendary Dao Ancestor] cultivation ground of the Primordial Abyss Great Marsh's [a vast, primordial wetland realm] caliber is exceedingly rare even within the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [a fabled continent filled with the remnants of ancient immortal civilizations]."

"A domain left behind by the Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [the legendary progenitors of the cultivation path] resides there. It has drawn in the fragmented souls and lingering resentments of Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] who have perished there over countless Kalpa Tribulation, giving birth to numerous formidable Primordial Malevolent Spirit [ancient, wrathful spiritual entities born from concentrated negativity]."

"Even with our combined strength, subduing them will likely require no small effort."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow slightly.

He understood the truth of it. These Primordial Malevolent Spirit were, in essence, a trial left by the seven Celestial Emperors, Divine Sovereigns, and the Grand Luo Emperor Lords.

Only by overcoming these Primordial Malevolent Spirit could one prove worthy of entering the Chaos [referring to the Primordial Abyss] Immortal Pool to cultivate. In truth, the malevolent spirits inhabiting the thousands of forbidden lands and Grand Luo spiritual veins across the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent were fundamentally whetstones meant to temper the chosen.

Should they succeed, it would greatly increase their certainty of attaining the Grand Luo [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing the pinnacle of existence] realm.

Should they fail, they would perish within, their remnant souls transforming into new Indestructible Malignant Spirits [spectral entities born from the unextinguished hatred and power of fallen experts, eternally bound to the place of their demise], becoming whetstones for those who come after.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen did not act rashly. He observed the Primordial Abyss Great Marsh for a long while before finally speaking: "The number of Indestructible Malignant Spirits here is beyond counting, but those at the Ancient Immortal Realm [a powerful immortal cultivation stage] level or above are not many."

"Those who possessed the cultivation of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] in life number roughly thirty-some. However, as they are merely manifestations of remnant souls, their strength falls far short of a true Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal."

"Yet the field within this place is peculiar. Once we step inside, we will likely be suppressed, while our foes receive augmentation. With us weakened and them strengthened, a true battle would indeed require significant effort—but that is all it would be."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly. After assessing the situation, he judged their strength gave them great odds of victory. Without further hesitation, he declared, "Let there be no delay. We make our move."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen was the first to cleave the sky, charging into the heart of the Primordial Abyss Great Marsh.

The moment he crossed the threshold, the Primordial Abyss Great Marsh erupted with the wails of ghosts and the howls of wolves. Countless vengeful spirits and Indestructible Malignant Spirits roared into the air, unleashing an aura that could disorder the heavens and shake the earth.

Eldrin Chen gripped the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd, clashing with one of the Indestructible Malignant Spirits. In the blink of an eye, he parried assaults from several more, a flicker of surprise appearing in his gaze.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen glimpsed, as if in a trance, the silhouettes of one peerlessly talented figure after another.

Among these Indestructible Malignant Spirits [vengeful spirits bound by immense hatred and unable to be truly destroyed], there were peerless immortal maidens of breathtaking elegance, sword immortals clad in robes whiter than snow, and world-shaking deities grasping heaven-rending giant axes.

Each of them was a supreme genius of a bygone era, figures who in life had likely reached the realm of Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immensely powerful ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]. Yet, their tales concluded within the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic, world-ending cycle of destruction and rebirth], slain by formidable foes within the depths of the Primordial Chaos Domain [an ancient, primordial realm of chaos].

After their fall, their remnant souls were trapped here, transforming into Indestructible Malignant Spirits [vengeful spirits bound by immense hatred and unable to be truly destroyed] brimming with boundless resentment, seemingly compelled to wage an endless, ceaseless war.

*Clang!—*

In that instant, a dazzling sword radiance pierced forth, blossoming with annihilating immortal light, seeking to cleave Eldrin Chen asunder between heaven and earth.

Giant axes, ancient bells, and immortal pagodas descended one after another, each strike capable of effortlessly extinguishing a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations]. Yet, Eldrin Chen faced it all without fear.

Behold as he wielded the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd [a divine halberd embodying the power of primordial chaos], battling across the eight directions, shattering immortal swords, crushing giant axes, demolishing ancient bells, and with a single fist, pulverizing an immortal pagoda.

"You are but a gathering of failures," he declared, his voice icy. "In life, you were merely Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immensely powerful ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]. Now that you have fallen, how could you possibly defy the heavens in battle?"

"Today, this sovereign shall deliver you unto liberation."

Eldrin Chen acted with chilling detachment. Each of his strikes unleashed divine power capable of annihilating Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], extinguishing one Indestructible Malignant Spirit [a vengeful spirit bound by immense hatred and unable to be truly destroyed] after another within the swirling Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation].

The great battle raged for over a century. Eldrin Chen stood alone against more than a dozen Indestructible Malignant Spirits [ancient, malevolent entities of immense power and near-immortality], ultimately purging them all with his blade.

The others did not disappoint, each having slain two or three of the Indestructible Malignant Spirits themselves. Together, they cleansed the Primordial Abyss Great Marsh of its spectral inhabitants.

"It is done."

Witnessing the eradication of the Indestructible Malignant Spirits, Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor let out a sigh of relief. His gaze then fell upon the now-quiet Primordial Abyss Great Marsh, and a faint smile touched his lips.

He turned to speak to Eldrin Chen, but the words died in his throat. He saw a flicker of grave solemnity pass over Eldrin's features.

In that moment, Eldrin Chen was staring into the depths of the void. "Since you have arrived, friend," he spoke, his voice clear and carrying, "show yourself."

"It seems we are not too late after all."

From the profound emptiness, over a dozen figures emerged one after another. At their forefront stood a handsome youth clad in black robes.

Eldrin Chen lifted his gaze, a trace of surprise in his eyes. "Zhuyin?" he uttered.

"Indeed, it is I."

Zhuyin stood with his hands clasped behind his back, speaking with serene composure.

He scrutinized Eldrin Chen carefully, a flicker of curiosity in his gaze as he remarked, "Your aura feels vaguely familiar to this lord, yet I cannot recall you. Have our paths crossed before?"

Recalling the Soaring Immortal Zither, Eldrin Chen allowed a faint smile to touch his lips before replying, "Indeed, we have met once before."

As he spoke, he lifted his gaze to the figures flanking Zhuyin, and a trace of solemnity deepened within his eyes.

Zhuyin had not brought any lower-tier Ancient Immortal or Celestial Immortal [a powerful immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm] cultivators as reinforcements. By his side stood a total of seventeen individuals, all prodigies of the Dragon Race [a powerful race of draconic beings] who had reached the Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [the pinnacle realm for an Ancient Immortal, having survived eight heavenly tribulations] realm.

Noticing his expression, Umbralia quickly transmitted a voice message: "This Zhuyin is an invincible figure among Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal. He has swept through dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that marks the end of a cosmic cycle] cycles without meeting his match. Were it not for his pursuit of a True Spirit Foundation [a perfect, flawless spiritual foundation for ascension], he would have long since broken through to Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm of immense power and longevity]."

"He has no need for assistance from ordinary Celestial Immortal or Ancient Immortal. However, these Dragon Race Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal are not to be underestimated either."

"Most crucially, three among them possess extraordinary strength. They must be watched with utmost caution."

As Umbralia continued her explanation, Eldrin Chen swiftly grasped the formidable power of the experts backing Zhuyin.

Behind Zhuyin stood seventeen Imperial Scions of the Dragon Race, each a peerless genius from the lineage of the True Dragon [the primordial and most powerful strain of dragonkind].

These Dragon Race Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [cultivators who have survived eight heavenly tribulations and attained the Ancient Immortal realm], numbering among the ranks of the Primordial Nine Dragons, the Pixiu, the Bixia, and other Dragon Race, each possessed heaven-defying talent. Yet, in the eyes of Eldrin Chen, they were all but ordinary, with only three warranting a modicum of his attention.

These three were: Bixia, the Imperial Scion, the Imperial Scion 'Ao Qing' from the lineage of the Primordial Azure Dragon [one of the nine primordial dragon progenitors], and the Imperial Scion 'Ao Huang' from the clan of the Primordial Desolation Dragon [a powerful dragon lineage known as the Tenth Primordial Dragon].

Among these three, Bixia, the Imperial Scion had cultivated the Indestructible Primordial Spirit [a divine ability that renders one's spiritual core impervious to destruction]. 'Ao Qing' had cultivated both the Indestructible Body [a physical constitution of supreme resilience] and the Indestructible Great Dao [a supreme cultivation art focused on an unbreakable Dao]. The Primordial Desolation Dragon 'Ao Huang' had also cultivated the Indestructible Body.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. Among these three prodigies of the Dragon Race, Bixia, the Imperial Scion was the weakest, yet still slightly stronger than Vorgath the Nether Prison.

Ao Qing was a direct descendant of the Primordial Azure Dragon, one of the Primordial Nine Dragons. He had cultivated a dual Indestructible Foundation [a foundation for cultivation based on unbreakable principles], and coupled with his cultivation at the Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal realm, his combat prowess was on par with that of Firmament Heaven Imperial Scion.

Ao Huang was the most unique. He was of the bloodline of the Primordial Desolation Dragon clan.

The Primordial Desolation Dragon was not counted among the Primordial Nine Dragons, yet it was hailed as the Tenth Primordial Dragon. This was because the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and spiritual power of this lineage were exceptionally weak, making it fundamentally impossible for them to shatter the Great Luo Heavenly Pass [the ultimate heavenly barrier one must overcome to reach the apex of cultivation].

In truth, Ao Huang had only shattered the four heavenly passes concerning the physical body, the Dao Heart [the unwavering heart and will of a cultivator aligned with their chosen Dao], divine abilities, and Spiritual Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts]. The other four heavenly passes remained unbroken by him.

Yet, even so, Ao Huang already possessed combat strength at the Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal level, and was considered powerful even among others of that realm.

His physical body had nearly approached the realm of the True Spirit [a state of being where one's essence is purified into a form of true spiritual substance]. He needed but half a step more to cultivate the True Spirit Foundation [a foundation built upon the power of a True Spirit]. Combined with the innate bloodline treasure arts of the Primordial Desolation Dragon clan, he could unleash power surpassing that of an ordinary Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the others and declared, "Hold them off. Once I have subdued Zhuyin, I shall lend you my aid."

Upon hearing this, the group's expressions grew solemn. Umbralia drew a deep breath and spoke, "We must rely on you."

Simultaneously, Zhuyin let out a cold laugh. "Whether we know each other or not," he said, "it holds no meaning now."

"In the battle of the Kalpa Tribulation [the cataclysmic tribulation marking the end of a cosmic cycle], there is only advance, no retreat."

"Slaying you all today will perfectly aid this sovereign in assailing the True Spirit Foundation [the foundational realm of a True Spirit, representing a profound advancement in one's cultivation essence]."

As his words fell, Zhuyin struck instantly. Gripping a Chaos Divine Spear, he pierced through the void, thrusting directly at Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen did not hesitate either. With a flick of his sleeve, he summoned the Primordial Chaos Divine Thunder to intercept. The blow parried the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos, possessing innate divine power] spear, and he engaged Zhuyin in a ferocious, blistering exchange.

"A Divine Ability of the Primordial Chaos Grade," Zhuyin noted, his voice tinged with recognition.

After they had clashed for over a dozen exchanges, Zhuyin's eyes gleamed with a strange light. "At least four or five Indestructible Foundation [a legendary, supremely stable cultivation foundation]," he stated. "In my thirty-three conquests of the Kalpa Tribulation, I have never before faced an opponent such as you."

"It seems slaying you may grant this sovereign the hope of cultivating the True Spirit Foundation after all."

Speaking of this, Zhuyin [the Imperial Son of the Celestial Emperor] grew even more fervent with battle intent, revealing an expression of immense delight.

At this moment, fearing that Eldrin Chen might flee, he actually summoned a space-attribute Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos]—the Grand Cosmos Pagoda—to suppress the vast expanse of the Primordial Abyss Great Marsh.

"Heh, who will emerge victorious remains to be seen."

Eldrin Chen let out a cold laugh. While Zhuyin coveted his Dao Source [the foundational origin of one's cultivation path], little did he know that Eldrin Chen also harbored a deep desire for *his* Dao Source.

Both sides resolved to slay the other, and thus began to unleash their full power in earnest. The most pinnacle battle between Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [supreme beings who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] erupted forth.

Simultaneously, fierce clashes had already broken out among the other combatants.

Umbralia [an Ancient Immortal] intercepted Ao Qing [a Dragon Prince], while the Reincarnation Body [a powerful avatar born from the cycle of rebirth] held its own against the combined might of Ao Huang and Pixiu, the Imperial Scion [an Imperial Scion of the mythical Pixiu beast]. Lyra Jiang and Nyssa Qu each engaged two or three Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal, keeping the battle within manageable bounds.

However, the Ancient Ice Phoenix [a primordial phoenix of frost], the Chaos Black Dragon [a dragon born from primordial chaos], and Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor all found themselves besieged by multiple foes. For the moment, they were forced onto the defensive, and it seemed they might not be able to hold out for long.

"It seems I can no longer hold back."

Seeing the enemy's numerical advantage, Eldrin Chen decided then and there to conceal his strength no longer. He acted decisively, erupting with his ultimate combat prowess.

In that fleeting instant, Eldrin Chen fully unleashed his True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the highest foundational spiritual core of a cultivator, representing immense potential and power]. He summoned forth the Primordial Chaos Divine Thunder [a supreme divine ability born from the primordial chaos, capable of obliterating all creation] and struck down with a blow carrying divine might that surged like a tidal wave, crashing towards Zhuyin.

"Disaster!"

At the critical moment, Zhuyin sensed the impending doom. He immediately channeled his innate divine spear to block, yet in the next instant, he was sent flying, blood spraying from his mouth.

Empowered by the True Spirit Primordial Spirit, the Primordial Chaos Grade Divine Ability [a divine ability of the highest primordial chaos grade, wielding power that transcends ordinary laws] had, in a single moment, sent Zhuyin reeling and bleeding.

"A True Spirit Foundation?"

At this moment, Zhuyin's expression changed drastically.

He had cultivated the Indestructible Dragon Body [a legendary physique as tough as a dragon's scales], the Indestructible Primordial Spirit [a divine ability that renders one's spiritual core nearly impervious to harm], and the Indestructible Dharma Power [a cultivation art that produces supremely resilient spiritual energy]. He also possessed multiple Ten Limits Foundation [a supreme cultivation foundation that pushes ten different aspects to their absolute limits]. Arrogant in his belief of being invincible among his peers, he still dared not claim he could contend with a True Spirit Foundation.

Now, witnessing Eldrin Chen reveal his True Spirit Foundation, he could no longer afford to hold back. He immediately brought out his ultimate, trump-card technique.

"BOOM!"

In that very moment, seven dark, luminous pearls flew out from above Zhuyin's head. They carried a divine power that seemed capable of suppressing all existence, soaring through the air to smash down upon Eldrin Chen.

"So what if you possess a True Spirit Foundation [the foundational spiritual core of a True Spirit realm cultivator]? How will you withstand my Seven Stars Turbid Malignancy Formation [a formidable formation harnessing the corrupt power of seven stars]?"

The instant the Lifebound Formation Artifacts [artifacts intrinsically linked to a cultivator's life force and cultivation base] were unleashed, Zhuyin let out a cold, mocking laugh.

This Seven Stars Turbid Malignancy Formation was Zhuyin's ultimate trump card, a formation composed of seven Innate Spiritual Treasure [treasures born of heaven and earth, possessing innate spiritual power]. Together, they possessed the divine might to suppress the very fabric of heaven and earth, the primordial chaos itself.

Without this formation, his combat prowess would, at most, allow him to contend with three or four Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]. Yet, armed with the Seven Stars Turbid Malignancy Formation, Zhuyin was confident he could suppress seven or eight ordinary Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal working in concert.

"Perfect timing."

Yet, in that very instant, Eldrin Chen released a derisive snort.

With a mere flick of his sleeve, a colossal hand woven from the threads of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] materialized across the sky. It clamped down upon the Seven Stars Turbid Malignancy Formation, holding it fast. Despite their frantic struggles, the seven Innate Spiritual Treasure could not break free from its grasp.

"Impossible!"

At that moment, Zhuyin's face contorted with despair and utter disbelief. "A True Spirit Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power accessible only to those at the True Spirit realm]... and a dual True Spirit Foundation? How can this be?"

"You should know," came the reply, icy and absolute, "that beneath the True Spirit [the supreme spiritual state transcending ordinary immortality], all are but ants."

Eldrin Chen spoke with detached calm. In a single stride, he unleashed a palm strike that sent Zhuyin hurtling through the air, blood spraying from his mouth.

With a sickening *thud*, Zhuyin was sent flying, a spray of crimson marking his path. An expression of utter shock dawned on his face. A cultivator with a dual True Spirit Foundation [the perfected spiritual core of a supreme cultivator] was immensely powerful; within the entire expanse of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, such individuals emerged, on average, only once every several tens of billions of years.

Even that Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor had only cultivated a single True Spirit Foundation, and it was only by augmenting it with his Lifebound Formation Artifacts [artifacts bound to one's life force and cultivation base] that he could barely muster combat power equivalent to a dual foundation.

Now, witnessing Eldrin Chen manifest two distinct True Spirit Foundation, Zhuyin's face turned deathly pale. Yet, a mere instant later, that pallor was replaced by a flicker of manic delight.

"No... you haven't condensed your Dao Fruit [the ultimate fruit of one's cultivation path, representing supreme enlightenment], nor have you shattered the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [a legendary bottleneck in cultivation]. I am not without the power to fight!" he declared.

As the words left his lips, Zhuyin immediately activated a Patriarch-Grade Divine Ability [a supreme defensive technique of the ancestral level] to shield his body. With a sweep of his sleeve, he summoned forth two Innate Spiritual Treasure [treasures born of primordial chaos, possessing innate power]: the Chaos Divine Spear and the Grand Cosmos Pagoda. His intent was to forcibly reclaim the Seven Stars Turbid Malignancy Pearls.

In his view, if he could just recover the Seven Stars Turbid Malignancy Pearls, he would at least retain a fighting chance in this battle.

Yet, in that very instant, a radiant pearl soared from above Eldrin Chen's head, intercepting the Grand Cosmos Pagoda. Simultaneously, an ancient zither of primordial origin manifested, parrying the thrust of the Chaos Divine Spear.

"The Soaring Immortal Zither! It's you!"

The moment Zhuyin beheld the Soaring Immortal Zither, his shock deepened into profound astonishment. His gaze flickered with a tremor of rage, yet it was swiftly overshadowed by a chilling wave of despair.

In that moment of shock and fury, he also realized that relying on his own power alone, he could not retrieve the Seven Stars Turbid Malignancy Pearls. He immediately spoke out, "Everyone, come and aid me at once!"

As his words fell, from among the Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal cultivators besieging the others, seven or eight immediately disengaged and moved to assist Zhuyin in surrounding Eldrin Chen.

"Now is the moment."

Yet, in that very instant, a chilling glint flashed within the pupils of Eldrin Chen.

In a flash, a formless, intangible sword energy cleaved through the void and struck the protective divine ability surrounding Zhuyin.

The Boundless Cosmos Sword [a supreme sword art that harnesses the power of the primordial cosmos], true to its status as a Primordial Chaos Grade Divine Ability [a supreme-level divine ability born from the primordial chaos], instantly pierced through Zhuyin's protective divine art, tearing a massive hole through his physical body.

"A pity!"

Yet, in that same moment, the brow of Eldrin Chen furrowed slightly, a trace of regret flickering across his features.

"Aaaargh—!"

Candle Dragon Scion let out a piercing shriek. A dazzling spiritual light erupted from within his form, enveloping him and causing him to vanish from the world between heaven and earth.

Simultaneously, the Seven Stars Turbid Malignancy Pearls [seven enchanted orbs containing condensed celestial and malign energies], which had been suppressed by the Primordial Chaos Qi Grasping Hand [a divine technique that manifests a giant hand of primordial chaos energy], suddenly erupted with several times their previous power. They violently broke free from their restraints and vanished into the expanse between heaven and earth.

"Was this the Celestial Emperor's contingency plan?"

After Zhuyin departed, Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow slightly, a trace of solemnity appearing in his expression.

It turned out that in that fleeting moment, the Boundless Cosmos Sword [a supreme sword technique capable of cleaving the cosmos] had already slain Zhuyin. However, within Zhuyin's body, there existed a special forbidden technique [a secret, powerful, and often costly method] that allowed him to substitute his death at the critical juncture.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen withdrew his gaze and looked towards the seven Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight Heavenly Tribulations] who had just surrounded him.

"Gentlemen, your timing is impeccable."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and immediately activated the Boundless Cosmos Sword. The sword light cleaved through the void, and in an instant, it severed the head of one of the Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

In that very moment, the Dragon Race Ancient Immortal [an immortal being who has cultivated for an extremely long time] present were seized by immense terror. They scattered in all directions, fleeing in panic towards the distant void.

Eldrin Chen led his companions in a relentless pursuit. They hunted down and slew seven more Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal before this battle finally drew to a close.

Once the great battle concluded, the group returned to the Primordial Abyss Great Marsh.

Umbralia cast a wary glance at Eldrin Chen and spoke with profound apprehension, "Your Boundless Cosmos Sword, truly worthy of being a Primordial Chaos Grade Divine Ability [a supreme divine ability born from the primordial chaos], is far too terrifying to behold."

Though Eldrin Chen's expression remained placid, a flicker of understanding dawned within him.

This battle had revealed the true might of the Boundless Cosmos Sword. Perhaps it was not the most overwhelmingly powerful Primordial Chaos Grade Divine Ability, but it was undoubtedly the most fearsome and dreaded among them.

Formless and intangible, this divine ability was nigh impossible to guard against. Even an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] could be slain in an instant if caught off-guard by its strike.

Even a top-tier Ancient Immortal who had forged an Indestructible Foundation [a foundation of cultivation said to be unbreakable] would be grievously wounded or even killed outright if they did not face it with the utmost caution.

Take Zhuyin, for instance. His Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] was pierced in a moment of lowered guard. Had it not been for a certain hidden safeguard within his spirit, he would have nearly met his end then and there.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but inquire, "How exactly did Zhuyin preserve his life?"

Umbralia's brow furrowed slightly before she replied, "It was the Mark of Undeath [a mystical imprint left by an Emperor-level figure who cultivates the Great Dao of Undeath, granting a single chance to cheat death]. A single imprint of the Undeath Dao, left within him by an Emperor who has mastered that path."

"However, while the Great Dao of Undeath can substitute for death, someone of Zhuyin's cultivation can bear only one such mark."

"The next time you cross blades, you may attempt to finish him for good."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] could not help but frown slightly. "If we kill him, could it invite trouble?" he asked.

"It should not come to that,"

Umbralia [a powerful ally] replied, then continued, "A single seclusion for a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme cultivation realm, the ruler of primordial chaos] often spans several Kalpa Tribulation [a grand cosmic cycle of creation and destruction]. For a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler born of chaos], a descendant like Zhuyin [an imperial scion] is but one among hundreds, scarcely worthy of their direct notice."

"Unless Zhuyin ascends to become a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch himself, he will not merit the serious attention of the Candle Dragon Celestial Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of time and darkness]."

Only then did Eldrin Chen nod, letting out a slight sigh of relief, yet he could not help but shake his head with a wry smile.

The struggle within a Kalpa Tribulation was, by its nature, a contest among the younger generation. Each cycle saw the fall of countless Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]. If every loss were to be avenged, the great powers would tear each other apart until nothing remained.

After all, when one truly considered it, which of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a golden immortal of the Grand Luo realm, a pinnacle existence] from the great ancient sects had not risen to power drenched in the blood of formidable foes?

With this thought, Eldrin Chen retrieved several portions of Dao Source [the primordial source essence of the Dao, a supreme treasure] from his sleeve. "Having defeated the prodigies of the Dragon Race [a powerful race of dragon demons] in this battle and seized the Primordial Abyss Great Marsh [a legendary, primordial wetland realm], it seems our path to further advancement may now lie open," he said.