Chapter 1853 : The Twelfth Limit Revelation

"My thanks for your guidance, Senior."

Eldrin Chen nodded and cupped his hands in thanks once more.

The Grand Nether Imperial Lord gave a slight smile, waving his hand dismissively. "With the foundation you possess now, attaining the Great Encompassing realm should be well within your grasp. There is even a sliver of possibility for you to prove your path and become a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme sovereign who has unified their cultivation path into a single, primordial essence]."

"However, you must guard against complacency. While the Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [a divine ability that renders one's spiritual core nearly unbreakable] and the Indestructibility Body [a physical constitution of legendary resilience] are formidable, for those of us at the Primordial One Imperial Lord level, they are not necessarily considered exceptionally rare foundations."

"To the true Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [an existence who has transcended the limits of a cultivation path and attained sagehood], such attainments are merely the bare minimum to be considered worthy of notice."

"If you wish to step into the realm of a Primordial One Imperial Lord, and ultimately transcend even the Primordial One [the state of unified, primordial essence], you will require an even more profound and powerful foundation."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell into a contemplative silence, his gaze thoughtful.

He understood the Grand Nether Imperial Lord's meaning—it was an exhortation to push himself further, to cultivate a foundation that reached the legendary Twelfth Limit [the theoretical pinnacle of foundational cultivation, representing the twelfth and ultimate limit of potential].

With this thought, Eldrin Chen remained silent for a moment longer before he could no longer contain his curiosity. "I have heard it said," he ventured, "that one who cultivates a foundation at the Twelfth Limit and successfully passes the Heavenly Pass [a supreme tribulation] possesses the latent potential to prove their path to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor, a sovereign who commands the power of primordial chaos]. I dare to ask, Senior, is this truly the case?"

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Grand Nether Imperial Lord nodded slightly and, after a moment of contemplation, said, "Any foundational path, if cultivated to the Twelfth Limit Realm, can rightfully be called peerless under heaven and earth, possessing the power to suppress all other paths with its singular might."

"Only by achieving one Twelfth Limit Foundation does one gain the capital to fully grasp a Great Path and prove their way to becoming a Chaos Path Ancestor or a Heavenly Emperor."

"However, the difficulty of cultivating a Twelfth Limit Foundation is akin to scaling the heavens themselves. The most crucial step is the fusion of one's True Spirit [the eternal, indestructible spiritual core of a being] with that foundation. Since ancient times, those who have accomplished this are exceedingly rare."

As Grand Nether Imperial Lord explained in detail, Eldrin Chen gradually understood the profound difficulty of cultivating the Twelfth Limit Foundation.

It turned out that whether it was the physical body, spiritual energy, the Primordial Spirit [the cultivated spiritual form of a cultivator], a Great Path, or a Path Fruit [the condensed essence of a cultivator's understanding of a Great Path], achieving perfection in any foundational path required the practitioner's True Spirit to merge with it.

The Primordial Spirit can be destroyed, but the True Spirit is deathless.

The True Spirit is born at the moment of Primordial Chaos Opening [the genesis of the cosmos], the very origin of all living beings. Its nature is akin to the root of a Great Path, possessing the eternal characteristic of Indestructibility. Not even a Chaos Divine Sovereign, a Heavenly Emperor, or a Path Ancestor can extinguish a True Spirit.

And once the True Spirit is fused with one's foundation, that foundation gains the property of absolute indestructibility.

Since Grand Nether Imperial Lord has cultivated the Twelfth Limit True Spirit Primordial Spirit, not even a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage could annihilate her Primordial Spirit.

If one cultivates a Twelfth Limit True Spirit Physique, their physical body would be imprinted with Indestructibility. Even if utterly annihilated to dust by a powerful foe, it could still revive and return from the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation].

Those who have cultivated the Twelfth Limit level of power, even if they perish utterly within the River of Space-Time, the power they cultivated disperses into the Chaos. It transforms into the world's spiritual energy and Chaos Water [primordial waters of creation], yet still flows with the unique Indestructibility [the principle of eternal, unbreakable essence] imprint belonging to that being.

One day, upon the moment of that being's revival and return, the Indestructibility [the principle of eternal, unbreakable essence] imprint within that spiritual energy and Chaos Water [primordial waters of creation] will awaken, flowing back into the cultivator's form.

"The True Spirit [the foundational spiritual core of a supreme cultivator] Indestructibility [the principle of eternal, unbreakable essence]; once it is fused with one's various foundational pillars, one can then achieve the True Spirit Foundation [the ultimate foundation art] of Immortality [the state of deathless existence] Indestructibility [the principle of eternal, unbreakable essence]."

Grand Nether Imperial Lord spoke methodically, his gaze resting on Eldrin Chen as he said, "This is the foundation for mastering the Great Path [the supreme cultivation art]. If one cannot accomplish this step, then one ultimately has no hope of reaching the Realm of Chaos [the primordial realm of undifferentiated existence]."

"The Indestructibility [the principle of eternal, unbreakable essence] imprint."

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, unable to resist asking, "How does one fuse one's own foundations with that True Spirit [the foundational spiritual core of a supreme cultivator] to form that deathless Indestructibility [the principle of eternal, unbreakable essence] imprint?"

Grand Nether Imperial Lord shook his head and vanished into the Boundless Void, leaving only a faint voice echoing behind: "You are not yet powerful enough. When the day comes that you tread upon that threshold, it will happen as naturally as water finding its course."

"My thanks for your guidance, Senior."

Watching Grand Nether Imperial Lord depart, Eldrin Chen bowed once more in gratitude.

In that moment, Eldrin Chen felt his resolve to cultivate the Twelfth Limit True Spirit Foundation [the ultimate foundation art] harden into unshakable certainty.

As Grand Nether Imperial Lord [the ruler of the vast Netherworld] receded into the distance, Eldrin Chen lingered no longer. He drew a slow, deep breath and departed from the Netherworld Origin Sea [the primordial sea from which the Netherworld's essence flows].

He left the Netherworld Origin Sea behind, exited the Grand Netherworld Domain [the vast realm of the dead], and journeyed until he arrived at the Primordial Immortal Domain [the ancient and foundational realm of the Immortals].

Upon returning to the Immortal Domain [the collective realms of cultivation and immortality], Eldrin Chen performed a brief temporal calculation. He discovered that over one hundred thousand years had passed during his secluded cultivation. The Barter Convention [a grand gathering for trade and exchange] in the Gleaming Brilliance Ancient Domain [an ancient land of radiant splendor] was still nearly two hundred thousand years away.

With time so plentiful, Eldrin Chen decided to wander through the Primordial Immortal Domain, making his leisurely way toward the Gleaming Brilliance Ancient Domain.

He traveled thus, pausing and proceeding, traversing several Great Encompassing Ancient Domain [vast and ancient realms that encompass all within], until he came to a halt before a majestic Spirit Mountain [a mountain suffused with potent spiritual energy].

Lifting his gaze, he saw a White-robed Man seated atop the mountain's peak, his eyes lowered in contemplation of the boundless, magnificent landscape of the Immortal Domain. Experience the full epic at audio-novel dot com.

Eldrin Chen did not disturb him. He simply stood quietly nearby, waiting patiently for the man to awaken from his profound meditation.

After a long while, the White-robed Man slowly stirred from his trance. He cast a calm glance at Eldrin Chen, and a long-absent smile touched his lips.

"It has been a long time."

"Indeed, it has been a very long time."

Eldrin Chen replied with a faint smile, gazing at the figure before him, Vast Righteousness True Lord, with a touch of emotion.

This person was none other than Vast Righteousness True Lord, who had been sent into the cycle of Reincarnation [the process of death and rebirth of the soul] by Eldrin Chen all those years ago. Nearly ten million years had passed since their last meeting, and Vast Righteousness True Lord's cultivation had now reached unfathomable depths, having long since broken through to the Ancient Immortal Realm [a profound stage of immortality].

Vast Righteousness True Lord smiled, studying Eldrin Chen for a moment before speaking warmly.

"The Sun and Moon [the celestial bodies governing day and night] revolve, mountains and rivers change; I have traversed a new Mortal Realm [the world of ordinary mortals], yet I find a friend unchanged."

"It is truly good to see you again."

Eldrin Chen wore a serene smile as he calmly sat down upon the ground, settling beside Vast Righteousness True Lord. Together, they watched the clouds drift and gather, sharing the stories of the long years that had passed for each of them.

As Vast Righteousness True Lord narrated his tale, Eldrin Chen gradually came to understand the journey he had undertaken.

After his fall in that distant past, Vast Righteousness True Lord had entered the cycle of Reincarnation, carrying with him a single scroll—the Innate Path-Seeking Scripture [a supreme cultivation manual for seeking one's innate Dao]. He had thus embarked once more upon the path of cultivation.

This Innate Path-Seeking Scripture was a tome for questioning the Dao [the fundamental principle of the universe], a peerless Ancient Scripture [ancient and profound text] no weaker than the 'Earth Soul Scripture'. With this scripture as his foundation, Vast Righteousness True Lord's comprehension of the natural laws of heaven and earth surpassed that of his previous life a hundredfold.

With such profound foundation and latent potential, Vast Righteousness True Lord cultivated with astonishing speed, reaching the Ascendant Immortal Realm [a high level of immortal cultivation] in a remarkably short span of time.

Over these years, Vast Righteousness True Lord had not maintained a fixed cultivation Path-Field. He continuously journeyed through various Immortal Domain realms, venturing across the Chaos and the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, and had now arrived within this Primordial Immortal Domain.

Throughout this process, Vast Righteousness True Lord ceaselessly contemplated the natural world, comprehending the Dao [the fundamental principle and path of existence] and principles [the underlying laws and truths] of mountains, rivers, Sun and Moon. His cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds almost imperceptibly, and he had now reached the Ancient Immortal Realm.

"To journey through the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, contemplating the Dao and principles of Heaven, Earth, and nature."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, nodding after a long moment.

He understood that this was indeed the most suitable path for cultivating the Innate Path-Seeking Scripture.

With this thought, he began to recount his own experiences of these years to Vast Righteousness True Lord.

A long while later, after listening to the tale of his recent past, Vast Righteousness True Lord offered no overt evaluation or further commentary.

He rose and began walking into the distance, offering only a calm instruction: "Walk with me for a while."

Eldrin Chen nodded slowly and followed, strolling amidst the mountains and rivers of this Immortal Domain, quietly experiencing the vastness of its landscape under the Sun and Moon, and contemplating the Dao inherent in Heaven, Earth, and nature.

After an immeasurable passage of time, they arrived before the Gleaming Brilliance Ancient Domain.

Vast Righteousness True Lord ceased his forward stride and turned his gaze towards Eldrin Chen, inquiring with a gentle smile, "How have you found this journey?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen did not reply immediately. He lowered his eyes in quiet contemplation for a long while before finally shaking his head and saying, "There is no rush for worldly affairs. It is rare to be able to set aside all concerns, to perceive the majestic beauty of heaven and earth, and to experience this precious state of being at peace with the world."

Vast Righteousness True Lord offered a faint smile. Looking towards the distant mountains and rivers, he spoke in a measured tone, "This stretch of road, a mortal might not complete it in a thousand lifetimes. Yet for you and me, it is but a very short path."

"But regardless of the journey's length, you should understand this: our entire lives, we are forever on the road."

"Forever on the road."

Eldrin Chen murmured the words, seeming to grasp a flicker of insight, yet something essential still eluded him.

He understood that Vast Righteousness True Lord's words carried a deeper meaning, but he did not press for clarification.

The road is one's own, and ultimately must be walked by oneself. Some truths must be comprehended through personal experience.

Seeing this, Vast Righteousness True Lord said no more. With a wave of his hand, he stated, "My own path stretches long ahead. I cannot accompany you any further."

"Perhaps we shall meet again when the Kalpa Tribulation [the great cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] arrives."

With those words, Vast Righteousness True Lord spoke no more, his figure vanishing into the distant horizon with a single step.

After Vast Righteousness True Lord departed, Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh. He offered no further comment, merely watching until the True Lord's form disappeared at the edge of the world. Only then did he turn and begin his journey towards the Gleaming Brilliance Ancient Domain.

The Gleaming Brilliance Ancient Domain was one of the three thousand ancient domains within the Primordial Immortal Domain. This ancient realm was vast and boundless, its expanse even greater than that of a standard Immortal Domain.

The Sovereign of the Gleaming Brilliance Ancient Domain was the Gleaming Brilliance Holy Land, one of the Great Encompassing Ancient Sect of the Human Race. Its primary cultivation lineage focused on the Stellar branch of the Great Path.

The Gleaming Brilliance Ancient Sect possessed a heritage of immense antiquity. Within its gates were no fewer than six Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Its Sovereign, Twinkling Light Immortal Lord, was an existence at the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal level, placing its strength among the foremost of the Great Encompassing Ancient Sect.

The Barter Convention hosted by the Twinkling Light Ancient Domain this time was the highest-level gathering of its kind in the surrounding dozens of ancient domains for millions of years. It had drawn tens of thousands of Ancient Immortal Great Power to participate.

Upon entering the Twinkling Light Ancient Domain, Eldrin Chen discreetly concealed his aura and made his way to the location of the Twinkling Light Immortal City.

It was at this moment that the Pure Tenuity Recluse approached, offering a warm smile. "Your timing is impeccable, Fellow Daoist. Any later, and you might have missed the commencement of the Barter Convention."

"I encountered an old acquaintance, which delayed me somewhat,"

Eldrin Chen replied with a courteous smile, returning the greeting with a respectful clasp of his hands towards the Pure Tenuity Recluse.

After a brief exchange of greetings, the Pure Tenuity Recluse led Eldrin Chen towards the Twinkling Light Immortal Pool at the Central area. Before long, they arrived at the Stellar Pavilion, the designated location for the bartering event.

"Fellow Cultivator Eldrin."

At that very moment, Eldrin Chen heard a familiar voice call out.

He looked up and saw that the speaker was none other than Falling Star Xuan, the direct disciple of the Flower Goddess Palace.

Many years had passed since their last meeting, and Falling Star Xuan's cultivation had advanced significantly, surprisingly reaching the Ancient Immortal Realm of the sixth tribulation. This progress somewhat surprised Eldrin Chen.

As Falling Star Xuan approached, her beautiful eyes held a smile as she spoke. "It has been many years. Your cultivation has grown even more profound and unfathomable, Fellow Daoist."

"You flatter me," Eldrin Chen replied with a calm smile. "Your own cultivation has also taken a great stride forward, Immortal Maiden. It seems you may even attempt to break through to the Great Encompassing Realm during this coming Kalpa Tribulation [the great cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal]."

"You overestimate me," Falling Star Xuan said with a wry smile, shaking her head slightly. "I know my own limits. If I can merely achieve the Seven Tribulations [the state of having survived seven heavenly tribulations] during this Kalpa Tribulation, I will be more than satisfied."

Changing the subject, Falling Star Xuan inquired, "What brings you to this Barter Convention? What treasures are you seeking to acquire?"

"I require some Rare Spiritual Wonders [extraordinarily precious materials imbued with spiritual power] to help me navigate the perils of the impending Kalpa Tribulation," Eldrin Chen answered.

Eldrin Chen spoke with a faint, measured tone, offering no further elaboration.

Seeing this, Falling Star Xuan did not press the matter. After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Eldrin Chen, she took her leave.

Pure Tenuity Recluse was visibly surprised. He glanced at Falling Star Xuan before remarking, "That is a Great Encompassing True Seed from the Flower Goddess Palace. I did not expect you to be acquainted with her?"

"We crossed paths a few times while journeying through the Sea of Chaos," Eldrin Chen replied, shaking his head. Without further comment, he stepped into the Stellar Pavilion.

The Stellar Pavilion was a vast expanse conjured from a majestic starry sky. Within its boundless void, countless Stellar [celestial bodies imbued with stellar energy] shimmered, each forming a Stellar Path Platform.

Eldrin Chen casually selected one and ascended it, only then discovering that these platforms possessed the wondrous ability to shield one's spiritual sense [a cultivator's extended perception].

It was then, as he surveyed his surroundings, that Eldrin Chen realized the immense Stellar Pavilion already held over ten thousand luminous Stellar. Each one harbored a powerful Ancient Immortal Great Power [a venerable cultivator who has transcended mortality and attained immense age and power].

"Not counting other regions, the gathering of Ancient Immortal from the vicinity of the Twinkling Light Ancient Domain alone numbers a full ten thousand Ancient Immortal Great Power," he mused inwardly.

"This Primordial Immortal Domain," he concluded, a sense of awe settling upon him, "truly lives up to its name as the source of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, the primordial birthplace from which Chaos [the formless, primordial state of existence] first differentiated."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, a flicker of delight stirring within him.

The more Ancient Immortal [powerful immortals from ancient times] present, the greater his chance of bartering for a suitable Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [a treasure of immense rarity and power, coveted by the highest echelons of cultivators].

Having spent considerable time touring the Immortal Domain [a realm of immortals] with Vast Righteousness True Lord, Eldrin Chen had arrived at the Stellar Pavilion [a celestial gathering place] only a short while before the Barter Convention [a grand gathering for the exchange of rare treasures and cultivation resources] commenced.

From the depths of the starry expanse, a woman of peerless grace and beauty descended, treading upon the void itself.

She approached with measured steps, alighting at the very heart of the Cosmic Stellar [the stellar core of the gathering place], her presence commanding the scene like the moon surrounded by a host of adoring stars.

"The Twinkling Light Saintess,"

Eldrin Chen uttered in a low voice, a ripple of recognition passing through his gaze.

The Twinkling Light Saintess was the most prodigious talent of the Twinkling Light Holy Land [a sacred land of radiant light] in this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration and tribulation]. Having cultivated for barely one such kalpa, her cultivation had already reached the Eighth Tribulation Ancient Immortal Realm [the realm of ancient, venerable immortals], marking her as one of the most dazzling prodigies within the entire Primordial Immortal Domain [the primordial realm of immortals].

Eldrin Chen observed her carefully. He noted that her Path Fruit [the crystallized essence of a cultivator's chosen Dao path] and Primordial Spirit [the foundational spiritual core of a cultivator] were exceptionally potent, seemingly both cultivated to the Tenth Limit Foundation [the ultimate, perfect foundation, reaching the theoretical tenth limit of a cultivation stage]. This prompted him to spare her a second, more appraising glance.

"With two foundations at the Tenth Limit, her hope of attaining the Great Encompassing [the supreme, all-encompassing realm] is likely not insignificant," he mused inwardly.

Just as the thoughts of the assembly began to stir, the Twinkling Light Saintess swept her gaze over them and spoke with calm authority, "The Barter Convention of the Twinkling Light Ancient Domain commences today. As your hostess, I shall cast the first stone to attract jade."

As her words faded, the Twinkling Light Saintess flicked her sleeve, sending forth dozens of radiant beams of light. Each beam contained a rare Innate Rare Treasure [a treasure born of heaven and earth, possessing unique and profound properties].

With but a single glance, Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted slightly, a flicker of delight surfacing in his eyes.

This time, the Twinkling Light Saintess had produced thirty-two Rare Spiritual Wonders [extremely precious and unique spiritual materials of immense value]. Each of these wonders was priceless, each at least of the caliber of a top-tier Twenty-Four Patterns Innate Treasure [an innate treasure marked with twenty-four natural patterns, signifying immense power and rarity].

Among them, there were a full twelve Tenth Rank Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [a treasure of the tenth rank, the pinnacle of rarity and power within the Great Encompassing classification]. These included the Solar Fire Path Source [the primordial source essence of the Solar Fire Path], the Supple Wood Heavenly Lightning Marrow [the marrow essence of Heavenly Lightning infused with the vitality of Supple Wood], the Heavenly Net Marvelous Light [a wondrous light capable of forming a net across the heavens], and other such Rare Spiritual Wonders that Eldrin Chen required. Experience the full epic at audio-novel[dot]com.