Chapter 1905 : The Supreme Treasure of Rebirth

"It is the Nirvana Immortal Marrow [a supreme treasure capable of completely reforging a cultivator's foundational potential]."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a flicker of astonishment surfacing in the depths of his gaze.

At this moment, resting within that ancient, unadorned jade box was a singular marvel: a piece of jade radiating with a lustrous, glazed immortal light.

The so-called Nirvana Immortal Marrow is a supreme treasure of unparalleled value for reforging one's foundation. It is said that using this substance to reshape one's roots guarantees, at the very minimum, a talent of the Primordial Chaos Rank [the highest innate potential grade, signifying a connection to the primordial forces of creation]. It may even bestow the latent potential to prove one's Dao and ascend to the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor.

Such a divine object is exceedingly rare, even within the boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all existence emerged]. Its worth rivals that of an Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate, world-shaking power], enough to make even a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme sovereign whose power originates from the Primordial Chaos] covet it with fervent desire.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen could not help but share a look of profound shock with the other two.

Verdant Consort drew a deep breath before speaking. "Now, just as Sister Lyra is about to undertake the reforging of her foundation, Senior Primordial Genesis [the Primordial Genesis, a personification of the foundational creative force] has sent this priceless treasure. It seems the venerable one truly possesses omniscient knowledge."

Lyra Jiang also took a steadying breath. "Whether the venerable one specifically intended this gift or not, we must forever remember this profound kindness."

Eldrin Chen gave a solemn nod and handed the Nirvana Immortal Marrow to Lyra Jiang.

Originally, for Lyra Jiang to rebuild her foundation, she would have had to pay a tremendous price: discarding her cultivated power to start anew. Even if she succeeded in mending her roots, the process would inevitably have eroded a portion of her innate reserves and potential.

However, with this piece of Nirvana Immortal Marrow now in hand, Lyra Jiang would not only avoid depleting her foundational potential but could also receive the transformative Opportunity [a chance for profound advancement or enlightenment] bestowed by the Nirvana Immortal Marrow.

At least until she cultivated to the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, Lyra Jiang would not encounter any significant bottlenecks.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "The Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor and Senior Grand Abyss are held in the highest esteem. They have granted us a heaven-sent Opportunity. Should our cultivation bear fruit in the future, we must never forget the grace bestowed upon us today."

Upon hearing his words, both women nodded, a glimmer of joy lighting their eyes.

Eldrin Chen first discussed matters further with the two women before saying, "The Verdant Consort should proceed with secluded cultivation first, and Lyra also needs to prepare for reforging her foundation."

"I will make another trip to the Immortal Court to exchange for some cultivation resources, then return."

After seeing them off to begin their closed-door cultivation, Eldrin Chen departed from the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

In the blink of an eye, he traversed the vast Chaos and, not long after, returned to the Primordial Immortal Domain.

He then proceeded to the treasury of the Immortal Court, exchanged some Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light for a portion of Five-Aperture Divine Stone, and prepared to return to the Abyssal Immortal Domain for his own secluded cultivation.

"Benefactor, wait a moment!"

But just as Eldrin Chen had departed the Primordial Immortal Domain and ventured not long into the Chaos, his path was suddenly blocked by a demonic ape clad in black-gold armor.

"Primordial Demonic Ape."

Gazing at the figure before him, a flicker of surprise stirred within Eldrin Chen's eyes.

This being was none other than the Primordial Demonic Ape he had encountered within the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land, who had been on the very brink of death all those years ago.

Now, the Primordial Demonic Ape's cultivation had ascended to the Great Luo Realm. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, it immediately prostrated itself and declared, "I have come here specifically to offer my deepest gratitude for your life-saving grace, my benefactor."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, a smile gracing his lips as he replied, "Your divine soul was nearly extinguished back then. What I did was but a trivial effort. It was your own indomitable will that truly allowed you to survive."

"Had you not bestowed upon me that treasure for the divine soul, I fear I could never have regained consciousness through Restoration and cultivated the Indestructible Divine Soul," the Primordial Demonic Ape stated with utmost reverence and courtesy.

Eldrin Chen nodded once more, his thoughts turning to the origins of this Primordial Demonic Ape. The Primordial Demonic Ape Clan was one of the famed Primordial Hundred Clans, a lineage whose power during the Primordial Era was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The progenitor of this lineage, the Primordial Demon Ape Progenitor, was said to have attained cultivation at the Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord. His physical strength even surpassed that of the Primordial Desolate Dragon Progenitor, earning him the title of the foremost master of Sainthood through the Flesh in the history of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

Alas, during that fateful battle in the Late Primordial Era [a distant and chaotic epoch in the cosmic timeline], the Primordial Demon Ape Progenitor was subdued and captured by the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor [a supreme ruler from a distant, alien realm]. He was taken to that foreign land and became the foremost Divine General under the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor's command.

Consequently, the Primordial Demonic Ape [a race of ancient, powerful ape demons] clan has since fallen into utter Decay [a state of profound decline and weakening]. They now lack even a single Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm cultivator] to anchor their lineage and have not even been included among the prestigious Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [a coalition of the one hundred most powerful immortal spirit-blooded races].

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Since you have achieved Ascension [the act of transcending to a higher realm of existence] to the Grand Luo [a supreme immortal cultivation realm], do you intend to join the Demon Race [the collective faction of demonic beings] or seek entry into the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races?"

The Primordial Demonic Ape took a deep breath and immediately clasped his hands in salute. "This one wishes to pledge allegiance to you, Immortal Lord [a title for a powerful immortal cultivator], and serve as a Divine General under your banner."

"Oh?"

A rare smile touched Eldrin Chen's lips as he replied with some surprise, "Do you truly mean this?"

The Primordial Demonic Ape nodded firmly. "What you have bestowed upon me is not merely the grace of saving my life, but the grace of paving my Dao [the fundamental path or principle of cultivation]. Such a profound debt is beyond repayment."

"Henceforth, following in your wake is the finest recompense I can offer."

"Moreover," he continued, "since our Progenitor chose to follow the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor, our clan has lost all standing within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of the immortal world]. It is far better for me to pledge myself to you."

Eldrin Chen listened, then gave a slow nod of understanding. He reached out and helped the Primordial Demonic Ape to his feet. "From this day forward, you shall be a Divine General in my service. In time to come, you will campaign with me through the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond ordered reality]."

The Primordial Demonic Ape was ecstatic within its heart. Having personally witnessed Eldrin Chen suppress and slay Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, it understood all too well the formidable power of Eldrin Chen.

Only by following such a mighty figure could it serve with genuine, heartfelt submission.

After accepting the Primordial Demonic Ape, Eldrin Chen began to converse with it.

Through their exchange, Eldrin Chen quickly grasped the reason for the Primordial Demonic Ape's allegiance. It turned out that long ago, after the Progenitor of the Primordial Demonic Ape Clan pledged fealty to the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor, it had turned around and slaughtered numerous Grand Luo Golden Immortal from the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, even butchering several Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

Consequently, many powerful figures from the Demon Race, the Divine Race, and even among the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races held deep-seated enmity towards the Primordial Demon Ape Progenitor.

Thus, over the countless tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation from the Primordial Era to the present day, the Primordial Demonic Ape Clan had been relentlessly suppressed by the various races. Most of their Grand Luo Golden Immortal had perished in battle; some of the survivors had pledged themselves to the Chaotic Fiendgod, while the most powerful had carved out their own Chaos Nest.

By this era, the Primordial Demonic Ape Clan within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains had withered to near extinction, their entire clan numbering fewer than one hundred souls.

Even though members of the Primordial Demonic Ape race could break through to the Celestial Immortal realm upon reaching adulthood, such meager strength, coupled with a single newly-ascended Grand Luo Golden Immortal, provided neither the foundation nor the accumulated heritage [the deep reserves of resources, knowledge, and power built up over generations] to establish themselves, whether by joining the Demon Race or founding a new lineage among the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races.

In truth, given the deep-seated hatred the various races held for the Primordial Demonic Ape Clan, any attempt by the Primordial Demonic Ape to join the Demon Court would surely be obstructed. Should they seek to establish a new lineage among the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races, they would likely be crushed, leading to the clan's utter annihilation.

From this perspective, the Primordial Demonic Ape's decision to pledge itself to Eldrin Chen was also a calculated move, valuing his formidable power and immense potential.

As long as Eldrin Chen could prove his Dao [achieve enlightenment in his chosen path] and attain the Chaos Celestial Emperor realm, then the Primordial Demonic Ape Clan, as the earliest Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm] to follow Eldrin Chen, would surely be able to use this opportunity to rise and escape the fate of being suppressed and exterminated.

Having grasped the general situation of the Primordial Demonic Ape [an ancient and powerful race of demonic apes] clan, Eldrin Chen could not help but sigh with emotion, "A clan as mighty as the Primordial Demonic Ape... to think it has been reduced to the brink of extinction."

"Back then, the Primordial Demon Ape Progenitor, being the foremost practitioner of Sainthood through the Flesh [a cultivation path focused on tempering the physical body to divine levels] across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, why would he need to commit such an act of betrayal and defection?"

Upon hearing this, the Primordial Demonic Ape merely grew solemn, his eyes hardening.

A chill flickered in his gaze before he spoke, "I do not know. But I refuse to believe our Progenitor truly betrayed us."

Eldrin Chen was taken aback for a moment, his eyes shifting to study the Primordial Demonic Ape.

The Primordial Demonic Ape nodded firmly, his voice resolute with disbelief. "My Primordial Demonic Ape kin possess a fierce and unyielding spirit. We have only those who die in battle, never those who bow and scrape."

"Our Progenitor was the sovereign of the Primordial Demonic Ape. A being who knew only advance, never retreat. How could he have defected to serve under a Foreign Realm Demon Emperor?"

"The events of that era... the Progenitor must have suffered a grave injustice. Joining the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor was perhaps the only path left to him to wash away that shame and seek vengeance."

Eldrin Chen listened without comment, yet a spark of profound curiosity ignited within his eyes. He was clearly intrigued by this figure from the Primordial Era [the mythic age of creation], the undisputed pinnacle of the Sainthood through the Flesh path.

Seeing this, the Primordial Demonic Ape took a deep breath and said, "The Ancient Progenitor was one of the nine heaven-ordained Chaos-Grade powerhouses of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, and moreover, the most formidable among them—a Chaos Great Sage who had attained Sainthood through the Flesh [a supreme cultivation path focused on forging an indestructible physical body]."

"His venerable self possessed peerless talent, having cultivated nine True Spirit Divine Form [divine forms embodying the essence of primordial true spirits]. He was hailed as a Half-Step Celestial Emperor who had achieved the Dao through an alternate path, standing merely A Step Away from breaking through to the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor."

"Alas, in that distant age, while the Ancient Progenitor was still gestating within the cosmic womb, his innate Chaos Primordial Qi [the primordial chaotic energy one is born with] was stolen, preventing him from ever reaching the state of a Chaos Celestial Emperor."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback and immediately inquired, "Who was it that stole his Chaos Primordial Qi?"

The Primordial Demonic Ape's eyes turned icy, but he ultimately shook his head. "The mists of time are far too thick. I do not know who precisely was responsible."

"However, in the Primordial Era [the mythic first age of creation], only three individuals attained the Dao and became Celestial Emperors: Primordial Beginning, Purple Tenuity, and Grand Yang."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. Given the Primordial Demon Ape Progenitor's innate aptitude for Sainthood through the Flesh, had he successfully proven his Dao and ascended, he would have undoubtedly ranked among the pinnacle combatants even within the ranks of Chaos Celestial Emperor.

That he fell victim to another's machinations was, in a sense, to be expected.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but draw a sharp breath. "The several Divine Emperors of the Divine Race emerged earliest in the Primordial Era. They truly seized every advantage fate had to offer."

The Primordial Demonic Ape also nodded in agreement. Even in this present age, the three mightiest Chaos Celestial Emperor within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains remained the Primordial Beginning Divine Emperor, the Solar Celestial Emperor, and the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor.

Among these three, both the Primordial Beginning and the Grand Yang were Divine Emperors from the dawn of the Primordial Era. The Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor attained the Dao through the boundless fortune of pioneering the Great Path itself, making him a unique exception.

Among the other Divine Emperor Celestial Sovereigns, the strength of Candle Dragon and Primordial Phoenix was likely slightly inferior, by half a measure, to that of the Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor.

This was not due to any lack of power on their part, but rather because they failed to seize the initiative.

Within the Primordial Immortal Domain, there existed nine positions bearing the status of Chaos Celestial Emperor. However, the majority of these nine Opportunity [the chance or potential to attain a specific Dao or status] fell into the hands of the three Divine Emperors from the Divine Race.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen felt a flicker of curiosity. Since these were positions of Chaos Celestial Emperor ordained by heaven's decree, logic dictated that their attainment should have been unstoppable.

For these heaven-ordained positions within the Primordial Immortal Domain were all under the protection and auspices of that realm's Heavenly Dao [the fundamental governing principle and natural order of the cosmos].

At this thought, Eldrin Chen fell into a pensive silence. After a moment, he largely deduced the reason.

The root cause of it all most likely lay in the emergence of the Three Souls Emperor Lord in ancient times, which provoked the wariness of that supreme powerhouse from the Second Chaos Realm within the Depths of Chaos.

In that distant era, to obliterate the Dao path of the Three Souls Emperor Lord, that paramount existence was willing to pay a tremendous price to oppose the Heavenly Dao of the Primordial Immortal Domain.

Once the deed was done, that supreme powerhouse returned grievously wounded, while the Heavenly Dao of the Primordial Immortal Domain also suffered catastrophic damage and fell into a deep slumber. This allowed the three Divine Emperors who emerged first to seize and monopolize all the advantages.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen could not help but perform a quick divination with his fingers, ultimately revealing a trace of astonishment.

It turned out that the inherent rank of the Primordial Immortal Domain was originally exceedingly high. Within it were nine Chaos Celestial Emperor. If all nine Chaos Celestial Emperor were to assume their rightful positions, the Primordial Immortal Domain even possessed the potential to Ascension and become a mid-grade Origin Domain.

Unfortunately, due to the absence of the nine Chaos Celestial Emperor, and the critical lack of the Soul Path Celestial Emperor and the Fleshly Body Celestial Emperor in particular, the Primordial Immortal Domain's Dao potential remained incomplete, preventing it from reaching the level of a mid-grade Origin Domain.

"So that is the reason," Eldrin Chen murmured, a flicker of understanding in his eyes.

He shook his head slightly, then swiftly suppressed the train of thought.

Whether a low-grade Origin Domain or a mid-grade one, both were Dao-fields of the Chaos Celestial Emperor tier, realms far beyond Eldrin Chen's current reach.

He withdrew his contemplation and turned his gaze towards the Primordial Demonic Ape. "Your identity is rather sensitive," he stated. "It is not yet prudent for you to be exposed."

"First, accompany me back to the Abyssal Immortal Domain. We shall discuss your future arrangements there."

Departing from the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, Eldrin Chen returned to the heart of the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

He did not immediately enter seclusion. Instead, he retrieved from his sleeve a map detailing the Eastern Departure Flame Domain, a subtle ripple of intent stirring within the depths of his eyes.

After a long while, he set down the map and looked at the Primordial Demonic Ape [a progenitor-level demonic beast of immense power and ancient lineage], saying, "Your identity is unique. There happens to be a task perfectly suited for you to undertake."

Upon hearing this, the Primordial Demonic Ape immediately turned its gaze to the map in Eldrin Chen's hand.

A considerable time later, the Primordial Demonic Ape departed from the Abyssal Immortal Domain [a celestial realm of profound mysteries] and vanished into the depths of the Chaos Sea [a primordial, formless expanse of chaotic energies].

After the Primordial Demonic Ape's departure, Eldrin Chen said nothing more and immediately resumed his secluded cultivation.

For this session of secluded cultivation, Eldrin Chen first took out five wisps of Imperishable [a divine ability representing the concept of indestructibility] spiritual light. He completely fused them into his Dao Fruit [the crystallized essence of a cultivator's comprehension of the Dao, their fundamental path], allowing the Dao Fruit to undergo a complete metamorphosis.

By this point, the four most critical foundations of Eldrin Chen's being—his physical body, his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator], his Great Dao [the supreme cosmic principle he follows], and his Dao Fruit—had all thoroughly transformed into foundations worthy of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme realm of immortal cultivation]. Each foundation could now continue its cultivation journey independently.

Having completed this step, he directly retrieved seven Nine-Aperture Divine Stone [mystical stones of heaven-defying quality, said to possess nine spiritual apertures] and proceeded to merge them, one by one, into his Primordial Spirit.

As the seven divine stones integrated, Eldrin Chen immediately felt the fundamental essence of his Primordial Spirit expand tremendously. Moreover, his cultivation speed began to increase by an immense magnitude.

"The cultivation speed of my Primordial Spirit has increased dramatically,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly. He closed his eyes to sense the change and discovered that the cultivation speed of his Primordial Spirit had been enhanced forty-ninefold.

At this pace, a single Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] would suffice for him to cultivate his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] to the second level of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme realm of immortal cultivation] realm.

It must be understood that this speed could be considered remarkably swift, for Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit was a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a primordial spirit of unparalleled purity and power], vastly more potent—several times over—than that of an ordinary Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

Without Great Luo Grade [pertaining to the Grand Luo realm] soul-nourishing treasures, Eldrin Chen feared that even over billions of years, he might not advance a single layer in his Primordial Spirit cultivation.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen immediately retrieved a batch of Supreme-Grade Innate Soul-Nourishing Wood [a supreme-grade spiritual wood that nourishes and strengthens the soul from its innate foundation] and began refining it, merging its essence into his spiritual core. Only with these Supreme-Grade Innate Soul-Nourishing Wood serving as nourishment could the demands of his Primordial Spirit cultivation be met.

"The resource consumption for cultivation beyond the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm is truly staggering," he murmured.

"No wonder those Grand Luo Golden Immortal might spend hundreds of billions of years without necessarily breaking through a single layer of cultivation."

Sensing the rapid depletion of the Supreme-Grade Innate Soul-Nourishing Wood, a trace of solemnity colored Eldrin Chen's features as he whispered to himself.