Chapter 1883 : Prodigies Gather at the Chaos Abyss

Even as Eldrin Chen observed the others, the prodigies from the other domains of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss were also scrutinizing Eldrin Chen.

The Three Poles Origin Domain was the foremost among the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, so the prodigies hailing from there naturally commanded greater attention from the assembled crowd.

The Primordial Nine Radiance Divine Lord, who hailed from the Myriad Gods Primordial Domain, cast a glance at Eldrin Chen and spoke with a calm gaze, "The Three Poles Origin Domain is the leader of our Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, yet this time it has sent only two True Spirit Prodigies."

"Where is Aurelius? Why has he not come?"

Eldrin Chen remained utterly composed. He gave the speaker a cool, measured look before replying, "He is already dead."

The Primordial Nine Radiance Divine Lord felt a jolt of surprise. After scrutinizing Eldrin Chen more carefully, he could not help but remark, "A prodigy of the Human Race... It seems this journey into the Primordial Chaos Abyss will be even more intriguing."

"BOOM—"

At that very moment, a violent, rumbling roar erupted from within the depths of the Primordial Chaos Abyss.

Eldrin Chen looked up to see a shattered and ancient Chaos Ancient Path slowly materializing within the celestial abyss.

This so-called fragmented ancient path was paved with clusters of Chaos Meteorites and strange lairs, intermingled with vast quantities of debris from shattered Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain. In its entirety, it resembled a drifting asteroid field suspended within the Chaos.

These Chaos Meteorites and their lairs, having been refined by the Chaos Celestial Emperor, contain Chaos-Grade formation runes within. They are sturdy enough to withstand the onslaught of Chaos Storm [violent, energy-churning tempests within the primordial void] and tidal waves, serving as havens for those crossing the Primordial Chaos Abyss [the vast, perilous chasm of unformed reality].

Furthermore, the ancient path can suppress the surrounding Chaos Storm, thereby reducing the inherent dangers of the nearby Sea of Chaos [the boundless, turbulent expanse of primordial energy].

"The Chaos Ancient Path has manifested."

Watching the Chaos Ancient Path solidify, Tianxing from the Chaos Heaven Extreme Domain let out a light chuckle and declared, "Esteemed peers, for this Opportunity [a rare chance for advancement or gain], let us each rely on our own capabilities."

With those words, he was the first to streak across the sky, vanishing as he proceeded along the Chaos Ancient Path.

The others, seeing this, did not hesitate either. They immediately strode towards the Primordial Chaos Abyss, and Eldrin Chen stepped forward as well, leading his four companions onto the Primordial Chaos Abyss.

Upon setting foot on the Primordial Chaos Abyss, Eldrin Chen immediately sensed the terrifying peril of this Chaos [the raw, unformed state of existence].

The Sea of Chaos here was rife with Chaos Storm and cataclysmic surges; even an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [a cultivator who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] would not dare confront them head-on.

More frightening still were the countless hidden Chaos Undercurrents [powerful, invisible flows within the chaos]. A moment's carelessness, and even an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal could be swept away, trapped within the Primordial Chaos Abyss until utterly annihilated.

"Stay vigilant."

The group had not traveled far when Eldrin Chen's expression shifted subtly. He immediately gathered everyone with his power and flew towards a patch of empty void not far away.

Shortly after they departed, a massive Chaos Vortex [a swirling maelstrom of primordial disorder] manifested where they had just been standing.

"Ah—!"

The vortex displayed terrifying suction, dragging several Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [cultivators who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] into its maw. They vanished into the depths of the endless Primordial Chaos Abyss [the primordial, formless void from which all creation emerged].

Witnessing this, Umbralia's face paled slightly.

Such a dreadful Chaos vortex could ensnare even an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal with a moment's carelessness. To be pulled into the heart of the Primordial Chaos Abyss was almost certainly a one-way journey; not even a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal of the Grand Luo realm] would likely be able to effect a rescue.

"The perils of the Primordial Chaos Abyss are unpredictable. Stay close to me," Eldrin Chen murmured, his voice low.

He then pressed onward, leading the group deeper into the Primordial Chaos Abyss.

They journeyed for centuries, traversing the Chaos, occasionally resting upon meteors or within nests found upon the Ancient Chaos Continent [a colossal, fragmented landmass adrift within the Primordial Chaos Abyss].

Then, one day, as they traveled along the Chaos Ancient Path [an ancient, perilous route through the Primordial Chaos Abyss], Eldrin Chen and the others discovered the remnants of a shattered ancient continent.

"It is a fragment of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain."

Gazing upon that ancient continent, Lyra Jiang revealed a trace of delight in her expression.

After the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain shattered, the seven largest fragments were seized by the various Primordial Immortal Domain, yet a multitude of fragments still scattered throughout this Primordial Chaos Abyss.

Having endured the erosion of the violent Chaos waters of the Primordial Chaos Abyss, those that remain intact are essentially Great Luo Grade [the highest grade of spiritual veins] earth veins, and they likely harbor relatively complete Great Luo Inheritance [legacies of the Great Luo realm].

Contemplating this, everyone exchanged glances.

Eldrin Chen nodded, then spoke, "Let us go up and investigate."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen was the first to set foot upon the ruins of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain, yet the moment he did, a ripple stirred within his eyes.

For within these ruins, over a dozen Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] had already gathered, accompanied by an aura of immense power.

"Sacred Demon Celestial Lord?"

Looking upon the figure before him, Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly, a hint of surprise surfacing within.

The Sacred Demon Celestial Lord also cast a glance at Eldrin Chen, a flicker of wariness surfacing in his gaze. He then spoke, "So it is a fellow Daoist from the Tri-Polar Primal Domain. I pay my respects."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and replied, "Shall our duel decide the ownership of this ancient site?"

The Sacred Demon Celestial Lord pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "I am no match for you. This place is yours."

With those words, the Sacred Demon Celestial Lord departed with the dozen or so Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal by his side, vanishing into the depths of the Ancient Chaos Continent.

Eldrin Chen did not give chase, merely watching his departure with calm detachment.

Witnessing this, Umbralia remarked with some surprise, "That one possesses keen judgment."

Nyssa Qu, however, narrowed her eyes slightly and inquired, "Why not capture him?"

"There was no need."

Eldrin Chen shook his head. "He bears me no enmity, nor is he a Fated Adversary in my current Kalpa Tribulation. Since he withdrew of his own accord, there is no cause for us to press the matter aggressively."

Nyssa Qu also nodded in agreement, stating calmly, "He is, after all, a Celestial Emperor's Direct Disciple. As long as he does not strike first, we shall not trouble him further."

Having said this, she turned her gaze towards this Chaos Nest [a primordial, unstable pocket of reality where chaos energy coalesces], her eyes alight with curiosity. "Let us see," she declared, "if within this Chaos Nest lies the Great Luo Inheritance [a supreme legacy of the Great Luo realm] we seek."

Eldrin Chen did not hesitate. He immediately unleashed his power to assail the ancient ruins. The protective Formation [a mystical array or defensive barrier] of this site had long been rendered fragile and broken under the relentless erosion of the Primordial Chaos Abyss [the boundless, formless void from which all creation emerged].

Now, with Eldrin Chen striking with his full might, it took but a few moments to find a flaw. He tore a breach through the weakened Formation.

The group ventured into the heart of the ruins. They found pavilions, terraces, and towers preserved in relatively good condition, yet the Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality through cultivation] who once dwelled here had all long since perished, their forms dissolved into dust.

They conducted a swift search, uncovering a trove of ancient texts and cultivation arts, along with some rare Great Luo Rare Treasure [precious artifacts from the legendary Great Luo era]. Regrettably, these treasures offered little direct aid to Eldrin Chen. The cultivation arts, however, held some value for his contemplation and refinement.

Among these ancient records, Eldrin Chen also learned the origin of this Chaos Nest.

This nest was once known as Verdant Enchantress Mountain [the Mountain of the Verdant Enchantress]. It was the former dao-field [a cultivator's personal sanctum and place of practice] of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal of the Great Luo realm] Ivy the Verdant Enchantress from the lost Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain [the Primordial Realm of Immortal Cosmos]. 『『『Ivy the Verdant Enchantress|Person Name|new』』』 was a cultivator at the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle stage of a Great Luo Golden Immortal] and ranked among the top one hundred figures on the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain's famed Ranking of Female Immortals [a legendary list that catalogued the most powerful female immortals].

Alas, no matter how peerless her beauty or how she had astonished the ages as a Grand Luo Immortal Lord [a lord among Great Luo immortals], facing the cataclysmic downfall of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain, she ultimately could not escape her fate.

When the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain was destroyed, even the seven Chaos Celestial Emperor [supreme rulers born from primordial chaos] were powerless to resist. How then could 『『『Ivy the Verdant Enchantress|Person Name|new』』』, merely a Late Great Luo Golden Immortal, have hoped to survive?

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but sigh. "To think," he murmured, "we still do not know what manner of existence struck the blow that day. That even the combined might of seven Chaos Celestial Emperor could not withstand a single stroke of its sword..."

"At least an existence of the Third Chaos Realm [the third major stage of cultivation within the primordial chaos], wouldn't you say?"

Umbralia murmured, then added with a note of apprehension, "I once heard a rumor that the seven Chaos Celestial Emperor [supreme rulers born from the primordial chaos] from the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain [the primordial realm where the cosmos originated] found a certain Chaos Supreme Treasure [a peerless artifact forged in or from the primordial chaos] from the Depths of Chaos [the unfathomable, formless expanse of primordial chaos]. It was suspected to be the 'Chaos Cauldron' [a legendary cauldron of creation and refinement born from chaos itself], and that very discovery brought about their doom."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, a flash of understanding dawning upon him.

In that instant, he seemed to grasp why Violet Immortal Lord [a title for a supreme immortal ruler] had been in such a desperate rush to break through to the Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [the realm of a sage who has comprehended the fundamental Dao and achieved immortality].

Umbralia gave a slight nod and continued, "The reason Violet Immortal Lord reached the threshold to challenge the Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage realm in a mere few million years was precisely to attain the Chaos Celestial Emperor realm before those formidable powers could react."

"Otherwise, had Violet Immortal Lord delayed for several Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often associated with cataclysmic events], it might have drawn a calamitous fate upon our Tri-Polar Primal Domain [a primordial domain governed by three polar forces]."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen drew a deep breath, the full picture becoming clear.

So, Violet Immortal Lord had forsaken the meticulous tempering of his foundation in his frantic cultivation for one purpose: to achieve the Celestial Emperor realm by exploiting a narrow window of time, before the entities who struck before could mobilize once more.

Once he broke through to the Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage realm, he could then use the Chaos Cauldron to veil his aura and vanish into the Depths of Chaos. Only by hiding there might he secure a sliver of hope for survival.

To achieve this, Violet Immortal Lord spent eight million years, traversing a path that would take others eight hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], even sacrificing his own foundational potential and accumulated reserves.

Regrettably, Violet Immortal Lord ultimately failed. Although the entity that struck back then had not fully reacted, his cultivation progressed too swiftly, leaving his foundation insufficient. Coupled with obstruction from other Chaos Rank [the highest echelon of power in the primordial chaos] powerhouses, his grand endeavor crumbled at the final moment.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen inquired, "After Violet Immortal Lord fell, where did the Chaos Cauldron [a supreme artifact forged from primordial chaos] go?"

"I do not know."

Umbralia sighed softly before speaking. "The Chaos Cauldron is one of the few Chaos Supreme Treasure [peerless artifacts born from the primordial chaos] within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation]. Unless one is fated to possess it, even a being of the Third Chaos Realm [the third highest realm within the primordial chaos hierarchy] would likely find it impossible to forcibly subdue."

"Otherwise, if such an artifact were to appear near the Primordial Chaos Abyss [a fathomless chasm at the heart of the primordial chaos], it would surely draw the attention and intervention of powerhouses from the Second Chaos Realm [the second highest realm within the primordial chaos hierarchy]."

"The Second Chaos Realm." Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. "Are powerhouses of that realm truly so rare?"

"Exceedingly rare."

Umbralia spoke, her expression one of profound reverence. "The higher one ascends toward the ultimate pinnacle, the more insurmountable each subsequent step becomes, akin to scaling the heavens themselves."

"I heard from my Master that whether in the ancient Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain [the primordial domain where the immortal cosmos originated] or the present Southern Abyss Seven Celestial Domains [the seven celestial domains of the Southern Abyss], and even when combined with the Seven Northern Abyss Celestial Domains, no one has ever successfully taken that final step."

"Even the former master of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain, and that Chaos Demon Emperor from the Northern Abyss Foreign Realm, had merely set half a foot within its threshold."

"If one could cultivate to the Second Chaos Realm, I fear that across the entire thirteen domains, north and south, of the Primordial Chaos Abyss, the dozens of Chaos Celestial Emperor would have to live under another's shadow."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen vaguely understood that a powerhouse of the Second Chaos Realm, the Dao Union Realm, was likely an existence mighty enough to proclaim itself king within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

If the Second Chaos Realm was already so rare and formidable, how utterly terrifying must a powerhouse of the Third Chaos Realm be?

Noticing Eldrin Chen's gaze, Umbralia drew a deep breath and said, "The Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] is boundless and endless, far vaster and more magnificent than you or I can imagine."

"The Three Thousand Immortal Domains may seem vast, yet within this Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], they are but a solitary island."

"We need not seek overmuch. It is enough to cultivate to the Great Luo Realm, to obtain the Dao Fruit [the fruit of one's cultivation path, granting immunity to the cycle of reincarnation] that grants immunity to the wheel of reincarnation."

"As for what lies beyond, let us take one step at a time. If we truly can cultivate to the Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord, then we may plan for other Opportunity [chance encounters or resources that aid cultivation]."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this and said with a smile, "Your words hold wisdom, Senior Taiyou. For us now, the most important thing is to lay a solid foundation, to make each step we take firm and steady."

"As for what comes after... we shall speak of that later."

Having clarified this point in his mind, Eldrin Chen could not help but let out a soft sigh of relief.

Following this, the group did not depart immediately. They remained within the ruins to rest for a period of time.

During this period of rest, Eldrin Chen delved into studying the scriptures of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain. After a thorough examination, Eldrin Chen discovered that the cultivation methods of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain were vastly different from those of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, the current path of immortal cultivation is based on opening up one's inner world and Ascension [the process of elevating and perfecting one's inner cosmos], thereby obtaining Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a fundamental, indestructible spiritual radiance essential for the highest breakthroughs] to achieve a breakthrough into the Great Luo Realm.

In contrast, the cultivation method of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain requires one to Ascension into the Great Luo Realm solely by plundering and seizing resources from the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond ordered realms]. Consequently, although the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain is immensely vast, the number of Grand Luo Golden Immortal [cultivators who have reached the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm] is actually fewer than in the current Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

Throughout the entire Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain, the number of Grand Luo Golden Immortal does not even reach ten thousand, which is less than one-third of the current count in the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

"A method reliant on plundering to obtain the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light from Chaos is ultimately limited," Eldrin Chen mused.

"Moreover, those capable of seizing Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light are mostly powerful figures among the Grand Luo Golden Immortal. These individuals need resources for their own cultivation and are unlikely to willingly hand over Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light to other Grand Luo Golden Immortal."

Eldrin Chen continued to study the methods of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain, eventually shaking his head slightly.

Of course, the techniques of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain still had their merits. The methods of this domain were an immortal cultivation path suited for the Human Race, seemingly very similar to the immortal path of the three thousand Origin Domain. They even gave Eldrin Chen a sense of being part of the same lineage.

At this thought, Eldrin Chen could not help but ask Umbralia, "Do you know if there is any connection between the cultivation methods of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain and our own Immortal Path?"

Seeing this, Umbralia immediately began to explain, "In the Primordial Era, the mainstream method in our Three Thousand Immortal Domains was that of the Divine Race, which was not suitable for our Human Race. As for the others, the techniques of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races and the Demon Race were a chaotic and jumbled mess, unable to form a cohesive system."

"Later, the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor, undaunted by hardship, led several disciples to the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain. From the Immortal Dao Ancestral Court there, they sought and obtained one hundred and eight volumes of the Immortal Dao True Scriptures."

"Subsequently, the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor and other sages of that age used these as a foundation. By further integrating the strengths of the various schools from the Primordial Beginning Origin Domain, they created the present-day New Immortal Dao Method, giving birth to the Immortal Path cultivation method we know today."

"So that is how it came to be."

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, a vivid image of a pilgrimage to the Western Heavens [a legendary journey to obtain sacred scriptures] flashing in his mind.

Thinking of this, he could not help but remark, "I had not realized that the Immortal Path of our Human Race inherits the orthodoxy of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain."

Umbralia nodded, then said with a smile, "During the Primordial Era, the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain was the center of over a dozen surrounding Origin Domain and the very cradle of Immortal Path civilization."

"Now that the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain has fallen, our Human Race in the Three Thousand Immortal Domains can be considered the legitimate heirs of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain legacy."

Recalling this fascinating tale from ages past, Umbralia began to recount it in vivid detail.

He informed Eldrin Chen that during the Primordial Era, within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], it was the domain of the Chaotic Fiendgod [primordial beings born from chaos] and the Innate Divine Race [races born with divine power].

At that time, the Human Race was weak and frail. Apart from the Innate Human Race [humans born with innate spiritual gifts], members of the Acquired Human Race [humans who must cultivate their power] rarely ever reached the Immortal [a transcendent state of being] realm. This persisted until a peerless genius emerged from the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain.

This genius created the methods for Immortal Dao cultivation and spread these teachings across the vast Chaos. Only then did the Human Race step onto the grand stage of the Chaos.

"The tales of the Primordial Era truly stir one's heart with longing,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly. After perusing the several ancient scrolls, he finally stored them away.

Seeing that everyone had mostly recovered, he delayed no further. Leading the group, he stepped out of the boundless Chaos and journeyed towards the Depths of Chaos.

Thereafter, the group pressed onward, discovering dozens of Chaos Nest [regions of concentrated chaotic energy] of varying grades and several Chaos Ruins [remnants of ancient structures within the chaos] along their path.

Among these ruins, some had long been explored by others, while others remained untouched. Their subsequent searches yielded no small amount of treasure.

Thus, time flowed swiftly by. In the blink of an eye, ten thousand years had passed.

Then, on this day, Eldrin Chen arrived before a particular Chaos Nest, a look of surprise coloring his features.

Behold, there lay a vast Chaos Nest [a primordial convergence point of chaotic energies], its form resembling a Nine-Colored Treasure Vase [a legendary vessel said to contain boundless fortune], spanning across the boundless Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation]. It breathed in and out, swallowing and spewing forth immense tides of Primordial Chaos Qi [the raw, unformed energy from which all things originate].

Beside this Chaos Nest, several dozen figures stood arrayed. At their forefront were Sky-Defier, the Nine Radiance Divine Lord, Sacred Demon Celestial Lord, and the Chaotic Holy Spirit known as 'Grand Cosmos'.

The moment he laid eyes on Eldrin Chen, the Sacred Demon Celestial Lord let out a sigh. "So many have come," he said. "It seems this place holds no fate for me."

"Enough. I shall take my leave."

With those words, the Sacred Demon Celestial Lord turned to depart. Yet, before vanishing, he cast a final glance at the assembled crowd. "Heed my counsel," he spoke. "At the end of the Celestial Abyss, we must still contend with the demonic whelps from the Six Domains of the Northern Abyss [a notorious demonic territory]. You may cross blades here, but it would be wise to conserve some strength for those fiends."

"You may test each other, but best to keep some vigor in reserve for dealing with those true monsters."

Having spoken, the Sacred Demon Celestial Lord swiftly vanished from sight.

"Coward."

Watching him flee, Sky-Defier sneered with contempt. His gaze then settled upon Eldrin Chen. "Human from the Three Poles Origin Domain [a realm representing the fundamental forces of heaven, earth, and humanity], you have arrived too late," he declared. "Depart now, and I may yet grant you your life."

"Leave this place, and perhaps I shall permit you to live."

Eldrin Chen did not answer, merely gazing at the Chaos Nest [a primordial, self-contained pocket of chaos energy and laws] that resembled a Nine-Colored Treasure Vase. After observing it for a moment, he said, "Its form resembles a precious vase, containing nine colors within."

"This place, I presume, is the legendary Chaos Immortal Vase Nest?"

Umbralia nodded, her expression one of considerable delight as she said, "Among the various Chaos Nest, the Nine-Colored Immortal Vase Nest ranks only sixty-seventh, yet its preciousness is likely enough to place it within the top ten."

Eldrin Chen also gave a slight nod of agreement. The Chaos Immortal Vase Nest was indeed a rare type of Chaos Nest.

Within such a Chaos Nest, there was invariably a Companion Supreme Treasure—the Nine-Colored Immortal Vase. Legend held that this vase contained the power of nine great Daos [fundamental principles of the cosmos] and could nurture the supreme treasure known as Nine-Colored Immortal Water [a miraculous water imbued with the essence of nine Daos].

This Nine-Colored Immortal Water possessed the power to heal nearly any injury sustained by a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a cultivator who has attained the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm]. Furthermore, if consumed by an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations], it could forge an Indestructible Foundation [a foundation of such resilience it is nearly impossible to destroy].

Additionally, when a Grand Luo Golden Immortal sought to break through to the Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal [the middle stage of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm], consuming a portion of Nine-Colored Immortal Water could increase their chances of success by twenty percent.

It must be understood that after reaching the Great Luo Realm, every step forward was as difficult as scaling the heavens. Countless Grand Luo Golden Immortal with slightly weaker foundations had cultivated in bitter seclusion for thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration] without necessarily being able to break through to the Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Of course, the amount of immortal water the Nine-Colored Immortal Vase could nurture was limited. Producing a single portion of the Indestructible Foundation required the consumption of nine types of Great Luo Rare Treasure [extremely rare treasures of the Great Luo realm], a cost that was by no means insignificant.

Even so, with the Chaos Immortal Vase Nest now before their eyes, everyone present felt their hearts stir with desire.

Lyra Jiang [the Immortal Maiden Lyra Jiang] stepped even closer to Eldrin Chen [the cultivator Eldrin Chen] and whispered a secret message into his ear: "Nyssa [the cultivator Nyssa] possesses a foundation rooted in the Nine-Colored Immortal Clam [a mythical clam demon beast]. This treasure resonates deeply with her foundational essence. If she could obtain it, she would likely be able to cultivate at least two or three Indestructible Foundation [layers of an unbreakable cultivation foundation]."

Eldrin Chen [Eldrin Chen] gave a slight nod, offering his companions a reassuring glance, then turned his gaze towards Sky-Defier [the cultivator known as Sky-Defier]. "I have heard you are a Son of Destiny [one chosen by fate itself]. I wish to test your mettle," he declared.

"You seek death!"

Enraged, Sky-Defier [Sky-Defier] stomped, shattering the Chaos [primordial Chaos] around him. He drew a Black Saber [a sinister black-bladed saber] and unleashed a cleaving strike.

The blade's arc tore through the firmament, a light that seemed capable of slaying heavens and stealing lives, actually splitting the vast expanse of Chaos [primordial Chaos] asunder.

The moment he saw this heavenly saber, Eldrin Chen [Eldrin Chen] simply flicked his sleeve and met the attack with a palm strike, parrying Sky-Defier's [Sky-Defier's] heaven-slaying blow.

"Not a bad blade," he remarked.

"To block an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos] with a mere hand..."

"Arrogant fool!"

Infuriated that his first strike had failed, Sky-Defier [Sky-Defier] grew even more wrathful. With his left hand, he drew a White Sword [a gleaming white sword] and thrust it forward. The thrust seemed to pierce through distant time and space itself as it shot towards its target.

Yet what left him utterly astounded was how Eldrin Chen casually extended two fingers and effortlessly caught the White Sword between them. Shaking his head, he remarked.

"The sword is not bad."

"A pity your strength is insufficient."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen's gaze remained placid as still water, yet a sliver of sharpness gleamed within. "If this is all you can muster, retreat now and you may yet preserve your life."

"*Clang—*"

In that very instant, a blinding sword energy shot forth, aimed directly at Eldrin Chen's brow.

Contrary to all expectation, the one who struck was not the Primordial Nine Radiance Divine Lord, but rather the Chaotic Holy Spirit of the Chaos Cosmos Extreme Domain—'Grand Cosmos'.

The writing was a bit sluggish today; four hundred words short and time has run out.