Chapter 1895 : Forging the Three Realms

After fusing with the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial and unbreakable radiance of pure spirit], Eldrin Chen's cultivation had already reached the realm of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has transcended the cycles of fate]. Now, as he opened up this vast and boundless Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortal laws], the scale and power were naturally incomparable to his past efforts.

Witness Eldrin Chen unleash his full might, harnessing the power of the Chaos Limitless Great Dao [the supreme path of boundless chaos] to cleave through the Chaos [the primordial, formless void]. In that instant, the Chaos was rent asunder for countless billions of light-years, and from its depths, one celestial domain after another began to manifest and take shape.

By the time the tumult subsided, the Abyssal Immortal Domain had undergone a profound transformation.

Using his original Seventy-Two Heavenly Domains as a foundation, Eldrin Chen further expanded the realm, creating an additional thirty layers for the Nine Heavens [the highest celestial planes] and thirty-six domains for the Netherworld Realm [the underworld of spirits and the dead].

The newly formed Abyssal Immortal Domain was now structured into three great tiers: the Nine Heavens, the Mortal Realm [the plane of mortal existence], and the Netherworld Realm.

Among them, the seventy-two Mortal Domain were evolved from the original Seventy-Two Heavens. The Nine Heavens encompassed the starry Cosmos within its thirty layers. The Netherworld Realm contained the endless depths of the Netherworld Realm, structured into its thirty-six layers of Netherworld Hell [the punishing infernal regions of the underworld].

These three tiers, comprising one hundred and forty-four celestial domains in total, brought the Abyssal Immortal Domain into a state of near-perfect cosmic balance.

"The Nine Heavens, the Mortal Realm, the Netherworld Realm,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his gaze fixed upon the Abyssal Immortal Domain before him.

His eyes swept across the expanse of the Abyssal Immortal Domain, and in his mind, every detail of this newborn Immortal Domain was laid bare, understood with perfect clarity.

This vast Abyssal Immortal Domain [a realm of immortals, a higher-dimensional plane of existence], is a multidimensional space. Within its internal dimensions lie boundless planes, lesser thousand worlds, greater thousand worlds, and even countless Cosmos [a universe or a complete, self-contained world-system], all deriving their existence and shelter from the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

Billions upon billions of endless worlds converge upon a single layer of dimension, and layer upon layer of dimensions and Space-Time [the fabric of reality encompassing three spatial dimensions and one temporal dimension] fold upon one another, ultimately forming this vast, pluralistic Space-Time.

"A single Immortal Domain, is itself a boundless, infinite multiverse."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a glimmer of profound understanding flashing within his gaze.

Yet, in the next instant, he reined in his wandering thoughts. Then, harnessing the nascent spiritual vitality of the newly opened Seventy-Two Heavens [the seventy-two celestial layers or realms within the immortal domain], he condensed twelve strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial, unbreakable essence of spiritual energy, a foundational treasure for immortal domains].

Without a moment's hesitation, Eldrin Chen then took five of these strands and fused them into the five world-pillar ancient trees: the Fire Phoenix Parasol Tree, the Primordial Abyss Ancient Maple, the Ancient Tree of Longevity, the Great Chun Tree of the North Sea, and the Primordial Earth Source Tree.

The Abyssal Immortal Domain was now immense, boasting one hundred and forty-four celestial layers. Without the support of Innate Spiritual Root [a primordial spiritual foundation, often a rare plant or artifact that stabilizes a realm], it risked utter Annihilation [complete destruction, erasure from existence] should it face a single Chaos Tsunamis [a cataclysmic tide of primordial chaos energy that can scour realms].

Although, after Ascension [the process of a realm evolving to a higher state of existence] to an Immortal Domain, such a domain becomes somewhat optional for a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm]. After all, the primary purpose for an Immortal to guide their domain's Ascension is to obtain the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light. Once that treasure is secured, the domain itself is no longer strictly necessary.

Yet, an Immortal Domain still possesses the effect of accelerating cultivation. Moreover, it is equivalent to a Great Luo Grade cultivation sanctum. Naturally, Eldrin Chen had no intention of abandoning the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

Now, as the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light merged into them, the five Innate Ancient Tree [primordial trees of immense spiritual power], nourished by the world's Ascension, began to grow with astonishing speed.

In an exceedingly brief span of time, all five of these ancient trees had Ascension to the level of Innate Spiritual Root.

Following the Ascension of their spiritual roots, the five World-Protecting True Spirit residing upon them—the Phoenix of Departure, the White Tiger, the Black Tortoise, the Azure Dragon, and the Qilin—roared incessantly. Their true forms, spanning billions of light-years, manifested, their auras swelling to a level nearly approaching the realm of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

"Excellent."

Witnessing this scene, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a faint smile.

As the World-Protecting True Spirit of the Abyssal Immortal Domain, Phoenix of Departure and the others had absorbed nearly the entirety of the power from the five Innate Spiritual Root. Their combat prowess had now reached a level roughly equivalent to that of a single True Spirit Foundation.

Furthermore, within the confines of the Abyssal Immortal Domain, they could receive the Dao Authority [the authority and power derived from comprehending the fundamental principles of existence] amplification from the domain's one hundred and forty-four celestial layers. This allowed them to wield the power of the five Innate Spiritual Root to its absolute zenith, unleashing strength comparable to the early stages of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

Under such conditions, should the five World-Protecting True Spirit join forces, they could unleash the Five Directions True Spirit Formation [a powerful defensive formation harnessing the combined power of five guardian spirits], formidable enough to withstand assaults from a Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Of course, the source of their power was intrinsically linked to the Abyssal Immortal Domain. Therefore, they could only maintain this level of combat strength in the immediate vicinity of the domain. Once they ventured beyond its borders, their power would diminish significantly.

Moreover, should the Abyssal Immortal Domain suffer grievous damage, or should its Heavenly Dao [the fundamental law and order of the cosmos within the immortal domain] fall into a deep slumber, their strength would also wane dramatically, even risking falling into dormancy themselves.

Nevertheless, Eldrin Chen felt profoundly gratified. With the protection of these five World-Protecting True Spirit, the future security of the Abyssal Immortal Domain was now considerably more assured.

"From what I understand, the four Heaven and Earth Spiritual Roots [sentient spiritual trees that anchor the energy of a realm] of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain are actually derived from a single, split Innate Spiritual Root [a spiritual root born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate power] of the Four Extremities Ancient Tree [an ancient tree species representing the four cardinal directions]."

"In other words, while the Four Celestial Guardians [the four guardian spirits of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain] of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain are more ancient, their combat prowess is likely far inferior to my own Five Directions World-Protecting True Spirits [the five guardian spirits representing the center and four directions, tasked with protecting the world]."

As Eldrin Chen spoke these words, a faint smile could not help but touch the corners of his eyes.

He understood clearly. When the Vast Azure Great God first opened up the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, his primary goal was merely to obtain Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial energy from the dawn of creation]. To expend even a single low-grade Innate Spiritual Root for this purpose was already a considerable cost.

Even though the Vast Azure Great God was a Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [a cultivator at the late stage of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm], high-level Grand Luo [Great Luo Golden Immortals] require vast quantities of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [an indestructible spiritual radiance born from innate origins]. It was unlikely he would be willing to squander such precious resources merely to nurture Heaven and Earth Spiritual Roots for the sole purpose of stabilizing an Immortal Domain [a domain or realm inhabited by immortals].

Under these circumstances, compounded by the later catastrophic damage and subsequent fracturing of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, the combat power of its Four Celestial Guardians was inevitably further diminished.

Therefore, Eldrin Chen estimated that even if the Four Celestial Guardians of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain deployed their grand formation to unleash their full might, their combined strength would at most reach the level of an early-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal, and might very well fall short of even that mark.

By comparison, Eldrin Chen's act of nurturing five World-Protecting True Spirits [true spirits whose duty is to protect the world] from five separate Innate Spiritual Roots could already be considered a grand and lavish undertaking.

"It is time for the breakthrough."

With this thought, Eldrin Chen swiftly drew his wandering thoughts back to the present moment.

After refining five strands of Innate Spiritual Light [a fundamental, pure light of creation], Eldrin Chen then retrieved three more strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [an unbreakable spiritual radiance of primordial origin] and fused them into his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true self of a high-level cultivator], completing the metamorphosis of his Great Luo Primordial Spirit [the Primordial Spirit of a Grand Luo Immortal, a state of supreme spiritual perfection].

Four strands remained, which Eldrin Chen did not rush to use, storing them away for later.

Thus, his breakthrough to the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo realm, a supreme stage of immortal cultivation] was concluded.

Having completed his breakthrough, Eldrin Chen immediately employed profound arts to gather all the Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial energy present at the dawn of creation] and various World Creation Treasures [rare treasures born from the act of world creation] that filled the heavens and the earth, drawing them into his grasp.

Among them were one hundred forty thousand strands of Innate Primordial Qi. Eldrin Chen took one hundred thousand for himself, leaving the remainder within the Abyssal Immortal Domain to nurture and grow naturally.

There were also several dozen Great Luo Rare Treasure [rare treasures of Grand Luo grade]: nine strands of World-Creating Aurora [the aurora light that heralds the birth of a world], one portion each of Yin-Yang Life and Death Dual Qi [the dual energies of Yin and Yang, representing life and death], one mass each of World-Opening Clear Qi [the pure, ascending energy released when a world is formed] and its counterpart, Turbid Qi, along with over ten portions of immortal-grade divine materials—all exceedingly rare finds.

After collecting these treasures, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, effortlessly drawing the assembled spectators before him.

"Congratulations, husband (Clan Uncle) (Master)... on attaining the Dao and becoming a Grand Luo Immortal Lord [an Immortal Lord of the Grand Luo realm]."

Witnessing Eldrin Chen's successful breakthrough, everyone's faces shone with pride and joy, and they promptly offered their congratulations with deep bows.

Eldrin Chen waved his hand dismissively, then swept everyone into the Abyssal Immortal Domain. He proceeded to the newly formed Abyssal Heaven [the highest celestial layer of the Abyssal Immortal Domain] at its apex. There, with supreme mystic art, he conjured an immortal palace from nothingness and led the gathering inside.

Then, with a sweep of his sleeve, he summoned to the great hall the various Abyssal Immortal Domain Emperor Lords, as well as the deities who held the authority of Heaven and Earth, and the Immortal [a being who has achieved immortality through cultivation].

At this moment, the Emperor Lords and deities of the Abyssal Immortal Domain had almost all experienced immense advancement.

The earliest cohort of three thousand deities had now each elevated their cultivation to the Celestial Immortal [a higher tier of immortal existence] realm, and the various Emperor Lords all possessed combat power on par with the Ancient Immortal level.

Most crucially, after the Abyssal Immortal Domain underwent Ascension [a fundamental evolution to a higher state of existence], these deities could now operate beyond the domain's constraints. They could cultivate independently and even venture into the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between worlds], embarking on the path toward Grand Luo [the supreme realm of enlightenment and unity with the Dao].

Of course, the path to Grand Luo was arduous. Within the Abyssal Immortal Domain, bolstered by the authority of Heaven and Earth, their strength far surpassed that of ordinary Celestial Immortal in the outside world.

This was especially true for the Emperor Lords who wielded authority over a single heavenly layer. Empowered by this celestial mandate, each rivaled the might of a Six Tribulation or even a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal. To relinquish this authority would cause their power to plummet to that of one who had just entered the Ancient Immortal Realm, which was not necessarily a favorable outcome.

"We congratulate the Immortal Lord [a title for a lord among immortals] on attaining the Grand Luo Dao! May your immortal blessings endure forever, eternal and unchanging."

The moment they saw Eldrin Chen, the Emperor Lords and deities of the Abyssal Immortal Domain could scarcely contain their inner jubilation, their faces alight with ecstatic joy as they offered their congratulations.

Eldrin Chen's gaze swept over the assembly, and he said with a smile, "Today, I have attained the Grand Luo Dao, opened the Abyssal Immortal Domain, and established a Dao lineage within the Chaos."

"As the first generation of Emperor Lords and deities within this Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortal laws], you must remain diligent in your duties. Strive to convert more Primordial Chaos Qi [the primordial energy of creation] to replenish the foundational essence of this domain."

Hearing this, the assembly bowed deeply and declared, "We have received the grace of Immortal Lord [a title for a supreme immortal being], and it is our duty to repay it with our utmost effort."

Eldrin Chen nodded and then spoke, "Having recently achieved a breakthrough, I must now consolidate my cultivation base."

"Outside the main hall, I have left some Opportunity [a chance for advancement or obtaining treasures]. You may all go and seek them. What fortune you obtain will depend on your own capabilities."

With these words, Eldrin Chen turned and vanished along with Lyra Jiang and other close confidants, leaving behind the gathered Emperor Lords, Divine Spirits, and some of the direct descendants of the Chen Immortal Clan.

The crowd exchanged glances, then surged out of the hall with immense excitement.

The moment they stepped outside, they discovered that a Great Cauldron [a massive, enchanted cauldron] had appeared before the hall, filled with a dazzling Innate Spiritual Light [a primordial, radiant spiritual energy].

"Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh—"

Instantly, thousands of brilliant immortal rays shot forth from the Great Cauldron. Among them were Innate Rare Treasure [treasures born from primordial chaos], supreme-grade Taiyi divine materials, peerless immortal elixirs, and even the most exalted Supreme-Grade Innate Ancient Treasure [the highest class of primordial artifacts].

"Marvelous treasures!"

In that moment, everyone present was overcome with fervor, chasing after these rare wonders as they scattered across the sky.

As countless Immortal [a cultivator who has ascended to the highest realms of power and longevity] pursued those treasures, deep within the cavernous halls of the palace, Eldrin Chen gathered with over a dozen core members of the Chen Clan, including Lyra Jiang, Nyssa Qu, and Xiannian Chen.

Gazing upon them, Eldrin Chen allowed a faint smile to grace his lips before speaking. "With this breakthrough, our Chen Clan has now firmly established itself among the top-tier powers of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the vast and myriad realms inhabited by immortals]. This achievement owes much to your dedication and efforts over these many years."

Upon hearing his words, the assembled group all smiled warmly.

Qiyuan Chen shook his head slightly. "The glory we see today rests almost entirely upon your own shoulders. If anything, it is we who have been the recipients of your profound grace."

Eldrin Chen offered a gentle smile in return. With a flick of his sleeve, he summoned forth over one hundred precious objects.

A single glance was enough. The expressions of those present shifted dramatically, a wave of astonishment washing over their faces.

The several dozen treasures Eldrin Chen had produced were all Great Luo Rare Treasure [extremely rare and valuable treasures from the highest realms of existence] of staggering worth. Among them were even six items that were either Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primal forces of heaven and earth, possessing innate spiritual power] or Innate Divine Object [an object of divine origin, containing innate divine power].

"My journey into the Primordial Chaos Abyss [the primordial, formless void from which all creation emerged] and the subsequent Ascension [the process of transcending one's current realm to a higher state of being] through the Immortal Domain yielded a total of one hundred and sixty-four rare finds," Eldrin Chen began, his voice calm and measured.

"I have utilized a fair number, yet these hundred or so remain. Along with three Innate Spiritual Treasure and three Innate Divine Object, they hold little further use for me personally."

Eldrin Chen continued his explanation. "These three Innate Spiritual Treasure can be used to breach the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck in cultivation related to spiritual treasures], though their efficacy is limited to the Ninth Limit. I shall deposit them within the clan treasury for your future endeavors in attempting the Grand Luo [a supreme realm of cultivation representing the pinnacle of power]."

"However, using another's Spiritual Treasure to break through the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck in cultivation related to one's spiritual treasure] only leads to the most ordinary Nine-Limit Realm. I do not advise you to choose this path."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded slightly and turned their gazes towards the three Innate Divine Object [rare treasures born of heaven and earth, containing profound innate laws].

An Innate Divine Object can be used to cultivate an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure born from an innate divine object, possessing unique and powerful properties], but it places significant demands on compatibility.

The three Innate Divine Object before them were: a wisp of Profound Heaven Violet Flame [a rare and powerful celestial flame], a piece of Immortal Refined Gold [a divine metal forged by immortal means], and the heartwood core of an Everlasting Verdant Wood [an ancient, eternally green tree of immense spiritual power]. All were treasures Eldrin Chen had seized within the Violet Heaven [a legendary realm or celestial domain].

After a moment's contemplation, Eldrin Chen continued, "Among these three Innate Divine Object, the Immortal Refined Gold will be of great aid to Qiyuan, the Ancient Ancestor. The heartwood of the Everlasting Verdant Wood shall go to Verdant Consort, and the Profound Heaven Violet Flame shall be given to Violet Consort."

As Eldrin Chen was distributing his own treasures, naturally, no one voiced any objection.

After allocating the three Innate Divine Object, Eldrin Chen then had each person take one Great Luo Rare Treasure [a supreme treasure from the Great Luo Heaven, possessing miraculous properties] to refine, before he himself prepared to enter seclusion to consolidate his cultivation.

Before entering seclusion, Eldrin Chen cast a glance over the assembly and admonished, "After refining these Great Luo Rare Treasure, your prospects of one day reaching the realm of a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations] are exceedingly high."

"But remember, external aids are ultimately just that—external. You must not become wholly dependent upon them."

"To walk a farther path, to perhaps even forge a True Spirit Foundation [the ultimate foundation for cultivation, representing one's truest spiritual potential], will ultimately depend on your own destiny and Opportunity [a pivotal moment or chance encounter that can alter one's cultivation path]."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded thoughtfully, each lost in their own contemplations.

After the others had departed, Eldrin Chen asked Jiang the Sovereign Emperor to stay behind. He then produced a wisp of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a fundamental, indestructible spiritual radiance] and said, "Grandfather, your Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light was of immense help to me this time. I have not yet had the chance to properly thank you for it."

Jiang the Sovereign Emperor offered a gentle smile and pushed the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light back. "For one such as I," he said, "this light manifests but once every several million years. It is not an object of extraordinary rarity."

"Moreover, the Primordial Beginning Qi Scripture [a supreme ancient scripture detailing the cultivation of primordial Qi] was a gift from you. How could I possibly accept this light in return?"

Eldrin Chen could not help but smile at these words. The higher his cultivation realm ascended, the more profoundly he understood the priceless value of the Primordial Beginning Qi Scripture.

This world-shaking, peerless ancient scripture could lay the foundation for one to become a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler born of primordial chaos], and even held the promise of glimpsing the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor [the supreme sovereign of the primordial chaos]. It was, without doubt, a supreme treasure.

Yet, Eldrin Chen had also come to realize a limitation. The Primordial Scripture [the foundational ancient scripture] contained only several hundred ancient characters. Each character could be used but once; it could not endlessly give birth to scriptures like the Scripture of the Innate Primordial Simplicity [an ancient scripture of innate simplicity] or the Primordial Beginning Qi Scripture.

With this thought in mind, Eldrin Chen retrieved the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light. He then spoke solemnly, "Having traversed the Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic calamity of immense scale], I understand more clearly now. The Great Luo Realm [the Great Luo Heaven realm] is merely the beginning of the path into the realm of Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state of existence]."

"Grandfather, if you truly wish to ascend beyond the Grand Luo [the Great Luo Heaven] and peer into the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor, it would be wise to cultivate at least one True Spirit Foundation [a foundational cultivation stage of a True Spirit, representing a profound and pure spiritual origin]."

Jiang the Sovereign Emperor fell into deep contemplation for a long moment before asking, "In your view, what must I do to successfully cultivate a True Spirit Foundation?"