Chapter 1880 : A Halberd Against the Heavens

Beside them, Kunpeng Scion and Zhuyin and the others all had their expressions change drastically upon seeing this. Kongling spoke directly, "He has already cultivated three True Spirit Foundation [a supreme foundation for cultivation representing the true essence of one's spirit]. Aurelius, the Imperial Scion alone is likely not his match."

"Let us join forces and lend Aurelius, the Imperial Scion our aid."

In a single Ksana-time [an infinitesimal unit of time], seven or eight peerless prodigies of the Demon Race soared into the sky one after another. They rose with power sufficient to shatter Cosmos [the ordered universe], engaging Eldrin Chen in a breathtaking duel.

Lyra Jiang saw this and wished to come to his aid, but Eldrin Chen shook his head and said, "Go and assist the others. I fear nothing."

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly, standing firm in the Nine Heavens Above [the highest celestial realm]. A single Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd [a polearm weapon forged from the essence of primordial chaos] faced the assembled heroes alone. He battled fiercely with them, displaying a peerless immortal's bearing.

Even though those present were all exceptional talents who had cultivated several Indestructible Foundation [a foundational cultivation stage renowned for its unbreakable resilience], and even though they summoned their Lifebound Formation Artifacts [artifacts bound to one's life force and cultivation base, used for suppression and combat] to press down upon him, Eldrin Chen remained utterly undaunted. Aside from Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, none could withstand a single full-powered strike from him.

"BOOM—"

The great battle instantly reached its peak. Eldrin Chen suppressed the group with all his might. After thousands of fierce exchanges, he sent Aurelius, the Imperial Scion flying with a palm strike. In a counterblow, his Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd shattered the physical body of the Firmament Heaven Imperial Scion, utterly annihilating even his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator's being].

It was undeniable—Imperial Scions who had cultivated an Indestructible Body [a physique tempered to be nearly unbreakable] were truly formidable. Although Eldrin Chen slew the Firmament Heaven Imperial Scion, the force of the clash also caused his Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd to fracture and break.

Eldrin Chen felt a pang of heartache. After all, the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd had been his companion for over ten million years, witnessing and enduring one fierce confrontation after another with him.

Yet it cannot be denied that to shatter upon the battlefield is perhaps the finest destiny a weapon could ask for.

"Kill—!"

Blades shattered, divine and demonic forms disintegrated, Eldrin Chen fought until he was bathed in blood and driven to a frenzied madness.

He was seen wielding the Nine Slaughter Techniques [a supreme combat art focused on overwhelming slaughter], soaring through the air as he clashed fiercely with his foes, growing ever more blood-soaked and berserk.

At this moment, not only Eldrin Chen, but every single Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an ancient cultivator who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] present had their eyes stained crimson with the fury of battle.

Whether it was Aurelius the Lesser Celestial Emperor, Zhuyin, or Kunpeng Scion, none abandoned the fight to flee; they too battled on, driven to the brink of insanity.

This was not only because they had sealed the heavens and earth with the Golden Crow Pagoda [a divine pagoda artifact], but because there was simply no possibility of evading the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic, world-ending cycle of fate and calamity].

Within a Kalpa Tribulation, aside from a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has transcended fate and mastered their own destiny], no one can avoid this cataclysm. Even a peerless genius like Aurelius the Lesser Celestial Emperor is merely a soul struggling to ford the river of fate.

Most crucially, in this moment they understood: the instant they stepped into this Kalpa Tribulation, their own River of Fate [the metaphysical river representing one's destiny and karma] had already become inextricably intertwined with Eldrin Chen's River of Fate, making them his Fated Adversary [a destined opponent within the grand tribulation] in this calamity.

Only by defeating or slaying Eldrin Chen could they hope to survive this Kalpa Tribulation and shatter that Destiny Heavenly Pass [the celestial gate of fate that must be overcome].

Even if they managed to escape with their lives this time, the inscrutable workings of fate would ultimately cause their paths to cross once more, leading to that unavoidable confrontation where victory and life itself would be decided between them.

If they chose to flee forever, the sole outcome would be the shattering of their Dao Heart [the foundational will and conviction of a cultivator] and the regression of their cultivation, forever losing any possibility of attaining the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the supreme pinnacle of immortal cultivation] realm.

For the contention for the Great Dao [the ultimate cosmic principle and path of cultivation] is, by its very nature, a path of relentless advance with no retreat.

Facing one's own Fated Adversary [a destined rival whose path is inextricably intertwined with one's own], to retreat without a fight would inevitably lead to the complete collapse of one's Dao Heart.

For Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor, falling in battle or suffering defeat was not the true terror. Even if he were defeated here today, even if he were slain by Eldrin Chen and cast into a deep slumber, so long as he revived and returned, cultivating diligently to his peak, there remained a possibility to wash away the shame a thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] hence.

But if he fled in fear, then his Dao Heart would be shattered. In the days to come, merely hearing the name Eldrin Chen might cause him to tremble, his courage to charge against the current forever lost. How then could he dare to face a truly formidable foe?

At this moment, whether it was Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor or Zhuyin, both had fought themselves into a state of utter frenzy.

They understood clearly: this was their ordained destiny. Victory in this battle would forge the foundation for a future Dao Progenitor [the ultimate originator of a cosmic principle or path], while defeat and death would merely become the whetstone upon which Eldrin Chen sharpened his blade.

"Abyssal, meet your end!"

Driven to madness, Aurelius the Lesser Celestial Emperor channeled his full power into the Pure Yang Cosmic Diagram [a supreme treasure embodying the purest Yang cosmic principles] to counter the Primordial Chaos Qi Grasping Hand [a divine ability to seize and manipulate the fundamental energy of chaos]. In the same instant, he lunged forward, a Solar God-Spear [a divine spear forged from the essence of the sun] materializing in his grasp as he thrust it forth.

This spear was a Great Luo Divine Weapon forged for the Sainthood through the Flesh path. It possessed the divine power to pierce through Lucian [a formidable defensive treasure], carrying the heaven-defying, god-slaying might to impale Eldrin Chen's heart.

Unfortunately, at this moment, Eldrin Chen lacked a suitable weapon in hand. In his haste, he could only channel power into his palms, clamping down on the spear's shaft with immense force.

"A perfect opportunity."

Seeing Aurelius the Lesser Celestial Emperor unleash his full power, the others revealed a flicker of delight.

Instantly, Kongling made her move. She activated a set of Innate Five Elements Precious Mirror [a set of five mirrors, each embodying one of the primal elements], which radiated five streams of Innate Divine Light [primordial spiritual radiance] that merged into a single beam shining down.

This Innate Five Elements Precious Mirror consisted of five individual Innate Spiritual Treasure. It could unleash the five Innate Spiritual Light [primordial spiritual lights] of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, capable of capturing and suppressing all things within the world's five elements. It was a top-tier Lifebound Formation Artifacts, its power rivaling even Zhuyin's Seven Stars Turbid Malignancy Pearls.

Now, as Kongling channeled her power, the five-colored Innate Light [primordial light] enveloped Eldrin Chen, firmly restricting his movements.

After restraining Eldrin Chen, Kongling's face paled. "This is bad," she said. "His physical body is like a Chaos True Dragon [a legendary beast of primordial chaos]. I cannot hold him for long. You must act now!"

Hearing this, the others were overcome with fierce joy.

They understood this was perhaps their only chance to turn the tide. Immediately, they each brought forth their most hidden, ultimate techniques.

That Aurelius the Lesser Celestial Emperor did not hesitate to burn his True Spirit Blood [the potent lifeblood essence of a True Spirit cultivator], fully channeling the Solar God-Spear to contend with Eldrin Chen, seeking to occupy all of Eldrin's focus. The others, meanwhile, unleashed their most formidable assaults.

In a single Ksana-time [an infinitesimal unit of time], Zhuyin's Seven Stars Turbid Malignancy Pearls and Kunpeng Scion's Heaven-Slaying Six Demon Blades surged forth with world-shaking divine power, churning the heavens as they converged to annihilate Eldrin Chen.

The other top-tier Imperial Scions, all at the Indestructible Foundation [a supreme cultivation foundation granting near-immortality], also did not spare themselves. They burned their vital essence and soul energy, erupting with an unprecedented, all-out strike.

"BOOM—"

Instantly, the earth-shattering, epoch-defying divine might clashed against Eldrin Chen's Primordial Chaos True Aura [a supreme defensive aura born from the primal chaos], unleashing a shockwave of a magnitude never before witnessed.

The onlookers saw only this: from the peak of the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land, a radiance saturated with the Dao of Annihilation swept across the firmament, nearly cleaving the entire sky in two.

Witnessing this, the Crimson Crow Imperial Scion murmured softly, a trace of awe and terror in his voice, "Such a combined strike... its power nearly rivals that of several True Spirit Foundation [cultivators who have established a foundation with a True Spirit] joining forces. Even a cultivator with three True Spirit Foundation would likely perish, would they not?"

"Not good!"

At that very moment, Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor sensed imminent peril. He immediately sought to warn the others to evade, but alas, it was already too late.

"CLANG—"

But in a single Ksana-time [an infinitesimal unit of time from Buddhist cosmology, less than a second], a violent sword's cry emanated from within the Chaos.

By Zhuyin's side, a phantom sword energy pierced through the void. Under his bewildered gaze, it stabbed into the center of his brow, completely piercing and annihilating his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator].

The killing divine ability of the Primordial Chaos Rank, infused with the power of a True Spirit Primordial Spirit, was truly too terrifying, capable of severing the life force of all beings under heaven.

"Pfft—"

In that instant, Zhuyin coughed up blood, his body suspended in the air.

The moment this sword energy pierced his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], even Zhuyin's Indestructible Primordial Spirit could scarcely withstand it, instantly disintegrating under the destructive force.

Now, his physical body and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] began to unravel. Boundless Tribulation Fortune Great Dao intertwined with his flesh and soul, forcibly dissolving both his Primordial Spirit and his corporeal form.

This was the power of the Tribulation Fortune Great Dao, also a Supreme Rule Great Dao of Chaos. Even the Indestructible Primordial Spirit could not resist it. Only an Indestructible Divinity [a divine object of supreme durability], cradling a wisp of remnant soul, vanished into the boundless firmament.

"Zhuyin has fallen."

At this moment, a heavy silence fell upon all present.

Even if the Dragon Race or a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the highest echelon of immortal cultivators] were to intervene, paying a certain price, there would be a great possibility for Zhuyin to be resurrected. Yet, it cannot be denied that he was utterly defeated and has fallen.

This was Zhuyin! The direct bloodline descendant of the Candle Dragon Celestial Emperor, whose combat prowess rivaled that of a Peerless Ancient Immortal [an immortal of legendary, unmatched power] with a True Spirit Foundation [a foundation of cultivation of the highest purity]. Who could have imagined he would fall here, in a battle that could not even be called a fair duel.

"Hahahaha!"

Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor let out a wild, desperate laugh, his face etched with despair.

He did not flee. In his heart, he understood clearly that even if he escaped this place, he could not advance further in a short time. Rather than being hunted down like a stray dog by the dictates of their intertwined fates, it was better to face a final, glorious confrontation.

He spoke no more. With a gaze of iron resolve, he gripped the Solar God-Spear and charged forth, intent on continuing the climactic battle against Eldrin Chen. The others also moved as one, determined to see this duel through to its end.

Yet even when they had joined forces, they were no match for Eldrin Chen. Now, with one less combatant in Zhuyin, how could they possibly hope to prevail against him?

In this battle, Eldrin Chen fought with frenzied abandon. He paid Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor no heed, focusing his full power on Kunpeng Scion, Kongling, the Crimson Crow, and the other Peerless Ancient Immortal.

After a mere three thousand exchanges, Kunpeng Scion was cleaved asunder upon the heavens. Not a thousand moves later, Kongling was forcibly suppressed and slain upon the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land.

As for the Primordial Fiend Dragon, the Netherworld Nether Lord, the Crimson Crow Imperial Scion, the Azure Crow Imperial Princess, the North Sea Mystic Turtle, the Shadow Crow Prince, and the others—they were even further from being a match for Eldrin Chen.

In fewer than several dozen exchanges, the Primordial Fiend Dragon was cleaved into several segments by Eldrin Chen, the Crimson Crow Imperial Scion was torn asunder while still alive, and the North Sea Mystic Turtle was shattered into pieces.

The once-proud genius, Azure Crow Imperial Princess, had her Dao Heart [the foundational core of a cultivator's will and resolve] utterly shattered by Eldrin Chen's relentless assault. Gazing upon that figure who seemed both divine and demonic, she collapsed to the ground, utterly bereft of any means to respond.

Shadow Crow Prince abandoned his comrades entirely, fleeing madly into the distance. In a crazed, delirious state, he shrieked, "Run! He is the Butcher, the Apocalypse, the Destroyer of All Things, the Eternal End!"

"*Crack.*"

Eldrin Chen wrenched the head from the shoulders of the Netherworld Nether Lord and cast it aside with indifference. He did not pursue the maddened Shadow Crow Prince, instead turning his gaze toward Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor. "Your turn," he stated.

"A figure such as you," Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor began, speaking slowly, "who single-handedly brought a glorious era to a desolate close... such a phenomenon has not been seen in the Three Thousand Immortal Domains for thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often associated with cataclysmic change]."

He sighed, a sound heavy with resignation. "My defeat in this battle is not unjust."

"Come then. Let me fall in battle here, and witness your true power."

"As you wish."

Eldrin Chen spoke these words calmly, his voice devoid of any inflection.

Aurelius, the Imperial Scion let out a hearty laugh. The Solar God-Spear in his hand pierced through heaven and earth, its dazzling divine edge thrusting forward with a radiance that could blind the world.

This was the pinnacle battle of the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent, and also the ultimate conflict of this tribulation for the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. Eldrin Chen and Aurelius, the Imperial Scion engaged in a monumental duel that would echo through the ages.

Aurelius, the Imperial Scion proved himself worthy of being the Celestial Emperor's Direct Offspring. His battle intent soared to the heavens, his surging, fervent blood burned like an inferno, and his aura swept across the vast Chaos. He resembled an eternal Grand Yang [the supreme, primordial Yang principle], becoming the most dazzling brilliance upon the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent.

In any other era, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion would have been the undisputed eternal sun, the most resplendent light between heaven and earth. Alas, he had encountered Eldrin Chen.

This was the foremost prodigy in the history of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, one who, even before perfecting the Nine Heavenly Passes [the nine supreme cultivation stages], was already the undisputed possessor of the Bearing of a Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [the destined aura and potential to become a progenitor of the Dao and an Immortal Sage].

As Eldrin Chen unleashed his full power, a Chaos-conjured hand vast enough to blot out the sky and shroud the sun eclipsed everything. It was like a Primordial Chaos Terminus Colossus [a mythical beast born from the primordial chaos that devours all existence], silently entombing the world in its grasp.

"I am defeated."

In the end, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion was left bloodied and battered, his indestructible divine soul beginning to unravel.

Pale-faced, he gazed at Eldrin Chen, yet the eternal battle intent in his eyes remained as piercing as the Grand Yang. "My defeat is not unjust," he declared, "but this is not the end."

"I possess the True Spirit Physique [a legendary constitution representing the foundation of one's true, indomitable spirit]. I am a foundation of eternal indestructibility. What fails to kill me will only forge me into something greater."

"No matter how long it takes, even if it is one thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of time], or even ten thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of time] from now, the day will come when I shall face you in a final contest once more."

"I will be waiting."

Eldrin Chen spoke with a tone of finality, watching as Aurelius, the Imperial Scion fell, his lifeblood spent. Only the shattered remnants of his True Spirit Physique [a supreme body constitution born from a True Spirit] plummeted down onto the desolate expanse of the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land.

"BOOM—"

In that instant, the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land seethed. Countless chains of grand Dao principles intertwined with the flesh of Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, yet they proved incapable of fully dissolving his corporeal form.

Even more surprising, the mangled remains of Aurelius, the Imperial Scion's body sank deep into the heart of the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land and vanished from sight.

"This…"

By now, Lyra Jiang had also routed the remaining forces of the Demon Race. Witnessing this scene, a look of astonishment crossed her features.

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. He performed a swift divination with his fingers and then declared, "A clever stratagem by the Solar Celestial Emperor [the Celestial Emperor of the Sun]. He used my hand to shatter his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], seeking to be broken and then reborn anew within this Soul-Extinction Ancient Land."

So it was. This time, when Aurelius, the Imperial Scion was slain by Eldrin Chen, his Indestructible Primordial Spirit [a divine ability granting an unbreakable spiritual core] was utterly dissolved and returned to the Dao. Yet, within his flesh, a sliver of Indestructible Divinity [a fragment of indestructible divine essence] remained, cradling a minuscule remnant of his soul and his True Spirit [the core spiritual essence of a being].

Such a True Spirit [the most fundamental and purest form of a spiritual entity's essence], having perished within the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land, perfectly aligns with the conditions for Nirvana [a state of complete spiritual liberation and rebirth]—to break and then rebuild, to sever all past karma and be reborn anew.

Lyra Jiang understood this point and exclaimed in surprise, "You mean to say that when this Aurelius, the Imperial Scion fell here and awakens once more upon his return, he will have cultivated a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a Primordial Spirit foundation of unparalleled purity and power]?"

Eldrin Chen nodded, speaking calmly, "Although this Aurelius, the Imperial Scion has triumphantly passed through over a hundred Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of cataclysmic trials], his journey has been far too smooth, devoid of encountering truly formidable foes of equal strength. Thus, he has been unable to forge that second True Spirit Foundation [a foundational cultivation stage of ultimate spiritual purity]."

"The Solar Celestial Emperor [the sovereign ruler of the solar heavens] likely foresaw this step. Therefore, he had him enter this tribulation, using me as the whetstone to help Aurelius, the Imperial Scion break and then rebuild, ultimately cultivating that True Spirit Primordial Spirit."

"Such intricate scheming."

Lyra Jiang was inwardly astounded and could not help but praise, "Truly worthy of the Chaos Celestial Emperor. Such calculation and methods are truly extraordinary."

Umbralia also inclined her head, stating serenely, "For those who stand above the Grand Luo [a supreme realm of cosmic law and order], even death itself can be treated as merely another facet of cultivation, if it allows them to advance a single step further."

"As I understand it, within the boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless state preceding creation], there has never been a lack of those who willingly relinquished their Great Luo Dao Fruit [the ultimate fruit of enlightenment within the Grand Luo realm], severed all ties to plunge into the cycle of reincarnation, and ultimately ascended once more to the realm of Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord [a sovereign lord who commands the power of the primordial chaos]."

Speaking of this, Umbralia gazed upward with a hint of reverence. "Take, for instance, that Sage-King of the Grand Abyss. Legend holds that in the Primordial Era, he chanced upon a seed of a Primordial Chaos Spiritual Root [a spiritual plant of supreme rank born from the primordial chaos] within the Chaos."

"In his quest to attain the Great Luo Realm, Senior Taicang did not hesitate to sever all memories, even abandoning his cultivation at the Great Perfection stage of Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch to step into the cycle of reincarnation. In the end, he became the spiritual soul nurtured by that very Primordial Chaos Spiritual Root."

"It is precisely because of this that the venerable Sage-King of the Grand Abyss was able to attain the realm of a Chaos Immortal Sage [the highest echelon of cultivation, harmonizing with the primordial chaos]."

"Such a thing exists?"

Eldrin Chen was mildly astonished. He had not imagined that one of the two current Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [supreme beings who have comprehended the fundamental Dao] of the Human Race had actually achieved the Dao with a body of Primordial Chaos Spiritual Root [a legendary innate constitution born from the primordial chaos].

Yet, after a mere moment, Eldrin Chen shook his head. Gazing towards the spot where Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor had vanished, he said, "If my estimation is correct, after one Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often marked by great upheaval], this Aurelius will awaken and return once more."

"When that time comes, he will be a peerless prodigy with a dual True Spirit Foundation [the foundational spiritual core of a cultivator, representing their potential and power]. Lyra, are you confident you can handle him?"

Lyra Jiang pondered briefly before replying, "One Kalpa Tribulation should be sufficient time for me to cultivate a second, perhaps even a third, True Spirit Foundation."

"It is good that you have such confidence."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. "If we, husband and wife, can both tread upon his path to achieve our own Dao," he continued, "it would surely become a celebrated tale."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen swept his sleeve, retrieving the Dao Source [the condensed essence of a cultivator's comprehension of the Dao] of Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor and gathering the other Dao Source spoils from the battlefield into his grasp.

Yet, at that very moment, his brow furrowed slightly. His gaze shifted beyond the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [a vast, ancient landmass scarred by the remnants of immortal conflicts], piercing into the Depths of Chaos [the formless, primordial expanse from which all creation emerged].

Lyra Jiang [the Immortal Maiden Lyra] noticed his unusual demeanor and could not help but inquire, "What is the matter?"

Eldrin Chen [the Abyssal Emperor Eldrin] gazed with profound gravity, a trace of apprehension in his voice as he said, "I sense it. That is the aura of my Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic trial of immense scale and danger] Fated Adversary [a destined nemesis, a foe ordained by fate]."

The others were momentarily taken aback. Nyssa Qu [the Immortal Maiden Nyssa] could not resist asking, "Is your Fated Adversary [a destined nemesis, a foe ordained by fate] for this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic trial of immense scale and danger] not Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor [the Lesser Celestial Emperor Aurelius]?"

"It is true that I am the Fated Adversary [a destined nemesis, a foe ordained by fate] of Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor [the Lesser Celestial Emperor Aurelius]."

Eldrin Chen [the Abyssal Emperor Eldrin] spoke calmly, then shook his head. "However, a mere Aurelius, the Little Celestial Emperor [the Lesser Celestial Emperor Aurelius] is not worthy of being my true Fated Adversary [a destined nemesis, a foe ordained by fate]."

Umbralia [the Ancient Immortal Umbralia] paled slightly and immediately pressed, "Where is your true Fated Adversary [a destined nemesis, a foe ordained by fate]?"

Eldrin Chen [the Abyssal Emperor Eldrin] lowered his gaze, focusing his senses. After a long moment, he opened his eyes and declared, "Beyond the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective realm of three thousand immortal territories], within the Primordial Chaos Abyss [the Abyss of Primordial Chaos, a place of utter disorder and danger]."

"The Primordial Chaos Abyss [the Abyss of Primordial Chaos, a place of utter disorder and danger]?"

The faces of the assembly changed drastically. They all understood the profound peril of the Primordial Chaos Abyss [the Abyss of Primordial Chaos, a place of utter disorder and danger].

Umbralia [the Ancient Immortal Umbralia] drew a deep breath before speaking. "Legend holds that after the fall of the Violet Immortal Lord [the Immortal Lord of Violet Radiance], he left his legacy within the Primordial Chaos Abyss [the Abyss of Primordial Chaos, a place of utter disorder and danger]. It seems the tale holds true."

Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor [a powerful demonic sovereign] furrowed his brow slightly and spoke, "In this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal], the vast majority of Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived eight great tribulations] from the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective realm of three thousand immortal worlds] have entered the tribulation for the sake of the Violet Legacy [a legendary treasure of immense power]. It is highly likely that the Southern Abyss Seven Celestial Domains [the seven celestial domains of the Southern Abyss] also have a great number of Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal who have entered the fray for this reason."

"If the Violet Legacy is within the Primordial Chaos Abyss [the primordial chasm of chaos], I fear not only the Southern Abyss Seven Celestial Domains, but even those foreign lands of the Northern Abyss Six Celestial Domains [the six celestial domains of the Northern Abyss] would stir at the mere whisper of its presence."

"The Northern Abyss Six Celestial Domains?"

Eldrin Chen murmured, a flicker of solemn intensity appearing in his gaze.

Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor nodded. After a long pause, he said, "Though separated by the Primordial Chaos Abyss, the Northern Abyss Six Celestial Domains remain our greatest adversaries."

"Especially the True Demon Primal Domain [the primal domain of true demons]. Its strength surpasses even that of our Three Thousand Immortal Domains. Were it not for the barrier of the Primordial Chaos Abyss, we might not have withstood their assault at the end of the Primordial Era."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen frowned slightly once more.

He closed his eyes to sense again, and from the northern direction of the Primordial Chaos Abyss, he perceived a boundless black abyss surging forth, engulfing the entire expanse of Chaos [the formless primordial state].

"Such formidable pressure. I can feel it. My Fated Adversary [a destined rival or opponent] in this Kalpa Tribulation lies precisely within the Northern Shore of the Abyss [the northern banks of the great abyss]."

Eldrin Chen uttered slowly, his expression hardening for the first time as if facing a formidable enemy.

Upon hearing this, the group exchanged glances. Umbralia took a deep breath and spoke, "With your foundation of three True Spirit Foundation [the foundational stage of cultivating one's spiritual essence], you still treat this with such grave caution. This person must have achieved at least three True Spirit Foundation as well."

"I fear it may be more than that."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly. After digesting the gains from this endeavor, given his foundational strength and accumulated potential, he would undoubtedly be able to cultivate a fourth True Spirit Foundation.

If it were merely three True Spirit Foundation, it likely wouldn't have exerted such immense pressure upon him.

"It seems a rare genius has also emerged from the Northern Shore of the Abyss."

Eldrin Chen spoke plainly, instantly withdrawing his wandering thoughts.

His gaze settled calmly upon the various Dao Source [a source of profound Dao principles] before him. "So be it," he said. "Stepping beyond the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, venturing into the Primordial Chaos Abyss to meet the heroes from various Origin Domain [the primordial realms from which all things originate]... perhaps that will provide the opportunity I need to cultivate a fifth, or even a sixth, True Spirit Foundation."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen turned his attention back to the others.

Only then did Eldrin Chen notice the severity of the injuries his companions had sustained in the battle.

Though they had emerged victorious, the price paid in this conflict was undeniably steep.

Among the eight Ancient Immortal [beings who have attained immortality through cultivation] present, all except for Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang were grievously wounded.

Among them, the Reincarnation Body [a powerful avatar or clone formed through reincarnation techniques], Umbralia, and Nyssa Qu sustained lighter injuries and would recover before long. However, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of the Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor was severely damaged, and his physical body was nearly shattered, requiring a long time to mend.

The Chaos Black Dragon and the Ancient Ice Phoenix were in far graver condition. The Chaos Black Dragon had its Primordial Spirit pierced by an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from heaven and earth, possessing immense innate power] and was now clinging to life thanks to a portion of Indestructible Soul Water [a miraculous spiritual liquid that can mend and protect the soul]. The Ancient Ice Phoenix's physical form had been destroyed, and more than half of its Primordial Spirit had been extinguished; it would likely require an immense span of time to recover.

After examining their wounds, Eldrin Chen could not help but speak. "Your injuries are exceedingly severe. I fear it will take no less than one full Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often billions of years] for you to recover."

"The coming war... I am afraid you will be unable to take part."

With a sigh, Eldrin Chen retrieved several portions of supreme-grade Dao Source [the primordial source energy of the Great Dao, invaluable for cultivation] and bestowed them upon the two, along with a great trove of treasures to aid their secluded recovery.

Having attended to this, Eldrin Chen then distributed the spoils of war among the others.

Understanding the formidable power of their impending Fated Adversary [a destined, inescapable foe], Eldrin Chen chose not to hold back this time when selecting the rare treasures.

He directly claimed five supreme-grade Dao Source of the Five Elements attributes, harvested from the likes of Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, the Kunpeng Imperial Scion, and the North Sea Mystic Turtle. He also took possession of a significant number of the captured Great Luo Rare Treasure [extremely rare treasures from the primordial Great Luo realm].

Among these were five strands of Great Luo Rare Treasure World-Creating Aurora [a primal light used in the creation of worlds], one portion of Great Luo Rare Treasure Chaos Qi [the primordial, undifferentiated energy of Chaos], and one portion of Great Luo Blade Malignancy [a rare, sharp, and destructive energy from the Great Luo]; all were urgently needed by Eldrin Chen.

In addition to these treasures, Eldrin Chen also acquired seven or eight portions of top-tier Great Luo Rare Treasures [extremely rare and powerful artifacts from the Great Luo realm]. While they held little immediate use for Eldrin Chen, each was a rarity even among Great Luo Rare Treasures, so Eldrin Chen kept them as part of the clan's strategic reserves for unforeseen circumstances.

After Eldrin Chen made his selections, the others took their turns choosing treasures based on their contributions. Each person received several portions of Dao Source [the foundational essence of the Great Dao] and other rare wonders, their faces alight with satisfaction.

For instance, Lyra Jiang selected five portions of Dao Source. Barring unforeseen obstacles, her hope of achieving a Half-Step True Spirit Great Dao [a profound cultivation state half a step into the realm of the True Spirit] was now exceedingly great.

Once the treasures were distributed, Eldrin Chen spoke, his voice firm. "Next, I shall undertake secluded cultivation here."

"This session of closed-door cultivation is of paramount importance. Unless an Opportunity [a rare chance for profound advancement] manifests within the Primordial Chaos Abyss [the primordial, chaotic void at the edge of existence], you must on no account disturb me."