Chapter 1913 : The Lunar Immortal Pagoda Rises

After seeing off Lulu, Eldrin Chen once more entered a state of secluded cultivation through his Restoration [a profound ability to restore one's spiritual and physical state].

Years and seasons flowed by, and in the blink of an eye, thirty million years had passed. It was not until this day, when a resplendent immortal radiance bloomed from Lyra Jiang's secluded chamber and boundless True Spirit Imprint [the fundamental spiritual patterns that constitute reality] descended from the nine heavens, that Eldrin Chen was stirred from his deep cultivation, his eyes opening with joyful surprise.

"Has it succeeded?"

Eldrin Chen was pleasantly startled. He immediately went to Lyra Jiang's cave abode, where he saw her slowly opening her eyes.

Before her, a precious pagoda etched with True Spirit Imprint was gently rotating and hovering.

Witnessing this scene, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile and say, "Congratulations, my lady. You have finally succeeded in cultivating a True Spirit Treasure [a supreme magical artifact forged from and embodying the fundamental laws of reality]."

Lyra Jiang also smiled, a trace of excitement coloring her expression.

After comprehending the Heavenly Emperor's Artifact Fusion Chapter [a legendary secret art for fusing one's being with a supreme artifact] for tens of millions of years, she had finally mastered this peerless secret technique completely, forging a True Spirit Treasure in a single endeavor.

Contemplating the profound mysteries of this pagoda, Lyra Jiang spoke, "This True Spiritual Treasure Pagoda of mine shall henceforth be named the Lunar Immortal Pagoda."

"A fitting name," Eldrin Chen nodded, smiling as he said, "That Celestial Emperor's Solar Golden Bell is a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [an artifact born from primordial chaos]. I believe your Lunar Immortal Pagoda may one day prove to be no weaker than His."

Lyra Jiang smiled faintly, yet still replied, "My Lunar Immortal Pagoda has only just attained the True Spirit [the purest and most potent form of spiritual essence] rank. It is not yet worthy of being compared to his."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then inquired, "Now that you have successfully refined the Lunar Immortal Pagoda, my lady, the next step should be preparing to attempt the cultivation of True Spirit Magical Power [the supreme magical power derived from one's True Spirit foundation], correct?"

Lyra Jiang nodded in affirmation, a trace of solemnity appearing between her brows.

After refining her True Spirit Treasure, she had already achieved the True Spirit Physique [a body tempered and perfected by True Spirit essence], the True Spirit Great Dao [the supreme cultivation path aligned with True Spirit], the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a Primordial Spirit refined to its purest, most potent state], the True Spirit Divine Ability [a divine ability born from True Spirit mastery], and the True Spirit Treasure—completing the Five Great True Spirit Foundations [the five supreme pillars of foundation for a True Spirit cultivator].

To advance further, her next goal was to cultivate the True Spirit Dao Fruit [the metaphysical fruit of enlightenment borne from True Spirit cultivation] and the True Spirit Magical Power.

Both of these True Spirit Foundation pillars were exceedingly difficult to cultivate. Even Lyra Jiang harbored no absolute certainty of success.

Seeing that Lyra Jiang still lacked a clear path forward, Eldrin Chen retrieved a scroll—the Great Luo Marvelous Method [a profound cultivation art of the highest order]—and handed it to her. "Your time is still plentiful," he advised. "There is no need to rush. Simply proceed step by step, with a firm footing at each stage."

"This scroll of mine, the Triune Abyssal Cycle Revolving True Spirit Profound Method [a profound method for cycling and revolving the power of the True Spirit through three abyssal stages], may serve as a reference for your contemplation. It might prove beneficial for your cultivation of True Spirit Magical Power as well."

Lyra Jiang nodded in understanding. "In that case," she declared, "I shall continue my secluded cultivation and contemplation."

Eldrin Chen acknowledged her words with another nod. Suddenly, his brow furrowed slightly. With a flick of his sleeve, he reached into the Void [the formless, boundless space between realms] and retrieved a sealed letter.

He opened it and glanced at the contents, his brow involuntarily furrowing slightly.

"What is it?"

Seeing this, Lyra Jiang could not help but ask.

Eldrin Chen shook his head and handed the letter to Lyra Jiang, saying, "Recent news. Several Chaotic Fiendgod in the Eastern Departure Flame Domain are gathering Chaos Ancient Beast. It seems they intend to wage war against several nearby Immortal Domain."

Upon hearing this, Lyra Jiang was slightly startled. "A Chaos Great War? What shall we do?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head and continued, "Fortunately, the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend at the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch level shows no sign of taking action."

"Barring unforeseen circumstances, this is likely just a feud between a few Chaotic Fiendgod and the nearby Immortal Domain."

Speaking to this point, Eldrin Chen added, "You focus on your secluded cultivation. A Chaos Great War on the scale of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch will not erupt lightly. Leave everything to me."

Lyra Jiang nodded, yet still expressed concern. "Then what do you plan to do?"

"I will inform Donghua Immortal Lord and have him make preparations, just in case."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his voice measured. "Wars at the Great Luo Grade are notoriously difficult to decisively conclude. To achieve a sweeping victory in a single stroke, the paramount principles are surprise and striking where the enemy is unprepared."

"I have only recently entered the Great Luo Realm. My immediate priority must be to conceal my true strength, biding my time and gathering sufficient power. Only then will the moment be ripe to shatter our foes in one fell swoop."

Lyra Jiang nodded, her expression one of clear agreement with Eldrin Chen's assessment.

Eldrin Chen did not linger further. He urged Lyra Jiang to continue her secluded cultivation in peace, while he himself slipped away, traversing the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between realms] with utter silence until he arrived within a vast and magnificent Immortal Domain [a realm created and governed by a powerful Immortal].

The Donghua Immortal Domain was one of the ten great Immortal Domains of the Eastern Departure Flame Domain. Its grade had already reached the level of a High-Grade Immortal Domain, placing it among the very pinnacle of such realms.

Beyond this, an Immortal Domain could not advance further. Even a domain forged by a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme cultivator who has mastered the power of primordial chaos] would, at most, be more expansive; there was no qualitative difference from a High-Grade Immortal Domain.

"Fellow Daoist Abyssal."

The moment Eldrin Chen arrived just beyond the borders of the Donghua Immortal Domain, Donghua Immortal Lord sensed his aura.

He emerged from his Immortal Domain without delay, greeting him with marked courtesy. "Fellow Daoist, what matter brings you to seek me out today?"

Eldrin Chen did not answer immediately. First, he employed a secret art to veil the workings of fate [a metaphysical force governing destiny and causality]. Then, within the Depths of Chaos, he carved out a ChaosGrotto-Heaven [a pocket dimension or paradise], and respectfully ushered Donghua Immortal Lord inside.

"This is..."

Seeing Eldrin Chen act with such gravity, Donghua Immortal Lord faintly understood that Eldrin Chen had a matter of great importance. His expression immediately turned solemn as he asked.

Eldrin Chen did not answer verbally. Instead, he simply handed the letter in his hand to Donghua Immortal Lord.

Taking the letter, Donghua Immortal Lord read it for a few moments. His eyes then turned icy cold. "Seven Chaos Nest [a turbulent, primordial region where chaos energy coalesces], thirteen Chaotic Fiendgod [powerful, ancient beings born from primordial chaos]. It seems their restlessness over the years has finally come to a head."

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen asked calmly, "Are you confident in handling it?"

Donghua Immortal Lord pondered for a moment before replying, "Among them is a Chaotic Fiendgod at the eighth level of the Chaos Realm [a cultivation realm representing mastery over primordial chaos]. If they launched a sudden assault, I would have to pay a steep price, even originally."

"However, since I have received this forewarning from you, if I lay some preparations, I might be able to permanently eliminate one or two of their number."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. A Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm where one's destiny is intertwined with the grand cosmic laws] possessed formidable Force Extreme [a supreme defensive technique that pushes physical resilience to its absolute limit] for survival, along with forbidden, life-risking trump cards. Without overwhelmingly superior strength, it was exceedingly difficult to kill such an entity.

For Donghua Immortal Lord to be capable of eliminating one or two was already a testament to his extraordinary prowess.

After a moment of contemplation, however, Eldrin Chen spoke plainly. "For this battle, I do not wish to take part."

"Oh?"

Donghua Immortal Lord paused for a moment, then spoke, "With your strength, if you were to join, we might be able to keep one more Chaotic Fiendgod [a primordial, chaotic demonic being] from escaping. This would be an excellent opportunity to seize Chaos Opportunity [a rare chance for advancement or gain found within the primordial Chaos]."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen shook his head, a trace of concern flickering between his brows.

Seeing this, Donghua Immortal Lord understood instantly and could only nod. "Of course. You've just entered the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] yet possess combat power rivaling a Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal. Once those Chaotic Fiendgod discover you, they will undoubtedly see you as a thorn in their side."

"Your priority now is to cultivate in low profile. Only after you break through to the middle or late stages of Grand Luo Golden Immortal will you be able to truly stand firm within the Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all things originate]."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, a smile gracing his lips. "Therefore, on this occasion, I must ask you, my fellow Daoist brothers, to shield me from the storm."

"Hahaha!"

Donghua Immortal Lord laughed heartily and poured Eldrin Chen a fresh cup of tea. "By providing this intelligence, you have already secured the primary merit."

Departing from the Donghua Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen did not linger. He slipped away silently and returned directly to the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

In the days that followed, he cultivated in quiet seclusion while observing the shifting tides and gathering storms within the Chaos.

As expected, after five million years, a magnificent war erupted within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

This conflict raged across a territory spanning over a million Dao-paths, forcing the surrounding six Immortal Domain [realms governed by powerful Immortals] to be drawn into the fray.

A full thirteen Chaotic Fiendgod [primordial beings of immense power born from Chaos] joined forces to invade this territory, clashing with Donghua Immortal Lord in a world-shaking battle. The Human Race [the collective of human cultivators and their domains], with their six allied Immortal Domain, laid an ambush with over ten Grand Luo Golden Immortal [powerful Immortals who have attained the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm]. In the very first engagement, they slew one of the Chaotic Fiendgod.

What surprised Eldrin Chen, however, was that the leader of the invading Chaotic Fiendgod was actually a horned Primordial Chaos Kui Ox [a mythical, one-legged bovine beast of immense power born from primordial Chaos].

This Chaos Ancient Beast [an ancient creature born from the primordial Chaos] was recognized by Eldrin Chen—it was the very same Chaotic Fiendgod that had once assaulted the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix.

The power of this Primordial Chaos Kui Ox was unimaginable. Facing the combined assault of several Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [Grand Luo Golden Immortals at the peak of their realm], including Donghua Immortal Lord, it managed to fight its way out completely unscathed.

"The bearing of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme ruler among beings born from Chaos],"

"No wonder it is said that among Late Great Luo Golden Immortal, there are almost no weaklings."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a ripple of contemplation stirring within his gaze.

After that initial battle, the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox retreated in defeat. Yet, unwilling to accept the loss, it summoned several of its powerful allies to its aid.

He did not intervene, nor did he meddle in this war, merely sitting calmly upon the fishing platform, observing the shifting winds and clouds.

This Chaos Great War continued unabated, growing ever more intense. Unnoticed, the conflict stretched on for what seemed like tens of millions of years.

Over these tens of millions of years, both sides suffered immense losses. Countless Million Heavenly Soldiers and Generals perished, and the number of fallen Chaos Ancient Beast was beyond reckoning, likely numbering in the tens of millions.

During this prolonged struggle, many Chaos Beast King fled to the territories of the Abyssal Immortal Domain seeking refuge. This allowed the Abyssal Immortal Domain to hunt down and slay a significant number of these Chaos Ancient Beast.

Then, on this very day, Eldrin Chen suddenly sensed an aura of profound weakness. He immediately stepped into the Chaos and, within a Chaos Nest, discovered a woman of peerless grace and beauty, clad in violet robes.

This violet-robed woman possessed a slender, graceful figure and an aura of transcendent elegance, yet her face was as pale as parchment, as if she bore grievous, life-threatening wounds.

Despite her condition, her gaze remained sharp and piercing, seeming to hold the power to annihilate all things. After a single glance at Eldrin Chen, her pupils turned icy as she spoke, "A Human Race Grand Luo [a supreme realm of cultivation]. Leave. Now."

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. The woman before him was indeed peerless, but her aura was exceptionally domineering and sharp. It carried an edge that even he found somewhat disquieting.

"Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [a pinnacle stage within the Grand Luo realm]. The Great Dao of the Violet Firmament Divine Thunder [a supreme divine thunder technique]."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his tone becoming one of absolute certainty. "You are the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial phoenix of supreme violet essence], are you not?"

In that moment, Eldrin Chen recognized the origins of this woman.

This Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix was originally the tenth-ranked Chaotic Fiendgod within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain, her cultivation having reached the seventh level of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm.

Unfortunately, tens of millions of years ago, she suffered a sudden assault from the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox. That battle raged for millions of years before the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix was utterly defeated and fled into the Depths of Chaos.

Who could have imagined that now, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix had been hiding all along within the Abyssal Ruins Celestial Domain?

In that same moment, Eldrin Chen also understood why the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox had initiated the Chaos Great War.

The fundamental purpose behind the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox's launching of this great war was to scour out the location of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, in order to completely eradicate this great adversary of his Dao.

Given the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox's profound foundation, once he slew the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, he would likely break through to the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm immediately.

Within the entire Eastern Departure Flame Domain, both the Three Thousand Immortal Domains faction and the Chaotic Fiendgod faction each possessed two Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection experts. If the Chaotic Fiendgod side gained one more such supreme expert, it would be enough to begin tilting the scales of war.

At that time, the Half-Ancestor Li Yan would likely seize the opportunity to launch a full-scale Chaos Great War, forcing Eldrin Chen to be dragged into a perilous conflict.

"Since you know it is I, why do you not depart with haste?"

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix spoke, a trace of solemnity flickering in its pupils.

At the peak of her power, even an early-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal would have had only a chance to flee for their life before her.

But now, grievously wounded from unleashing a Forbidden Divine Ability, her strength was less than one-tenth of its former glory. Unless she resorted to life-risking measures, she had no confidence whatsoever in subduing a Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

Most crucially, the aura emanating from Eldrin Chen was astonishingly powerful, leaving her with no certainty of victory.

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, his calculations settling in an instant. "Fellow Daoist," he spoke, his voice calm, "I bear no ill intent. What say we strike a bargain instead?"

"A bargain?"

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix responded, her tone laced with suspicion.

"Seven Treasures, come forth."

Seeing her wariness, Eldrin Chen chuckled softly. From his sleeve, he produced the Seven Treasures Gourd and the Innate Ancient Tree vine from which it grew.

The moment the Seven Treasures Gourd emerged and beheld the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, it exclaimed with joyous surprise, "Master! You are unharmed?"

"Little Seven."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial phoenix of supreme violet radiance] paused for a moment, then immediately began communicating with the Seven Treasures Gourd [a sentient magical gourd containing seven distinct treasures].

In but an instant, she had gained a certain understanding of Eldrin Chen and withdrew her consciousness to look at him directly.

With the Seven Treasures Gourd vouching for Eldrin Chen's character, she felt a measure of trust towards him and inquired, "What transaction do you propose?"

Eldrin Chen was direct, asking with a smile, "If my deduction is correct, the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial ox demon born from chaos] instigated this great war with the true purpose of finding you, is it not?"

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's pupils contracted slightly as she listened quietly to Eldrin Chen's next words.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen continued, "Why don't we cooperate? I will help conceal your heavenly secrets [fate and destiny as perceived by celestial laws] and aid in your recovery and restoration of strength. In return, you become a guest elder of my Abyssal Immortal Alliance."

"You wish for me to deal with those Chaotic Fiendgod [demonic beings born from primordial chaos] from the Eastern Departure Flame Domain?"

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix spoke, directly piercing through Eldrin Chen's intentions.

Eldrin Chen nodded, stating bluntly, "From the moment the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox launched this war against you and no others intervened, you should have understood what that signifies."

Upon hearing this, Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial phoenix of supreme violet radiance] could not help but unleash a flicker of murderous intent from within her pupils.

She and Primordial Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial bovine demon of chaos] both served under Eastern Departure Flame Domain [the dominion of the Eastern Departure Flame], making them Chaotic Fiendgod [primordial deities born of chaos] under the command of the Half-Ancestor of Departing Flames.

Yet, on the day Primordial Chaos Kui Ox moved against her, not a single Chaotic Fiendgod stepped forward to mediate, nor did the Half-Ancestor of Departing Flames intervene to broker peace.

If it had been merely a one-on-one duel between them, one could argue it was a fair contest of the Great Dao [the supreme cosmic principle] between Chaotic Fiendgod, a matter too delicate to interfere with.

But now, Primordial Chaos Kui Ox had directly mobilized over a dozen Chaotic Fiendgod and conscripted countless Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient beasts of primordial chaos] to hunt for her trail, yet the Half-Ancestor of Departing Flames still showed no intention of intervening.

As a Chaotic Fiendgod, her intellect was in no way inferior to that of humans. She understood all too well what this silence signified.

"I have been abandoned."

Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix murmured, the vast Great Dao of Thunder [the supreme principle governing thunder and lightning] erupting around her. An overwhelming tide of killing intent threatened to engulf the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths [the entirety of the cosmos].

After a long moment, she finally withdrew her gaze and turned to Eldrin Chen. "I accept," she declared. "If you can shroud my heavenly secrets [fate and destiny as perceived by celestial laws] and aid my Restoration [a divine ability focused on healing and recovery], I will act on your behalf."

"However, I have one condition."

"Oh?"

Faced with a combatant possessing the strength of a Late Great Luo Golden Immortal, Eldrin Chen dared not show the slightest negligence.

He looked at the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix and inquired directly, "What do you desire? If it is within my power, I shall naturally agree."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix spoke, its pupils gleaming with a chilling intent to kill: "One day, when you possess sufficient strength, you must aid me in slaying the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox."

"Very well. I promise you this."

Eldrin Chen nodded. Since he was within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain, the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox would inevitably become his great adversary sooner or later.

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix inclined its head in acknowledgment and said, "I shall trouble you, then."

"It is no trouble. Having received several legacies from you, a thread of karma already binds us."

So saying, Eldrin Chen immediately employed the Great Deduction of Yin-Yang and Stars to veil her heavenly secrets [to conceal her fate from celestial divination]. Only then did he retrieve the Heaven-Earth Great Dao Water from his sleeve to aid the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix in treating her grievous wounds.

The injuries of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix were profoundly severe, and the grade of the Heaven-Earth Great Dao Water was somewhat insufficient. Eldrin Chen administered a full ten portions to her before he barely managed to halt the worsening of her condition.

Thereafter, Eldrin Chen treated her with the Life Great Dao [the supreme Dao of life and vitality], laboring for thirty thousand years before the majority of her injuries were restored.

"I have healed your internal and external wounds," he said. "However, the backlash from the Forbidden Divine Ability [a supremely powerful technique with severe consequences for its user] is far too severe. You must complete the final stage of recovery yourself."

Only when the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's [a primordial phoenix of supreme violet flame] injuries were nearly fully healed did Eldrin Chen finally speak.

Yet, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix gazed at Eldrin Chen, a flicker of profound shock surfacing deep within her pupils. During the healing process, Eldrin Chen had revealed two of his True Spirit Foundation [foundational attainments of the True Spirit realm]: the True Spirit Great Dao [the supreme Dao path of the True Spirit] and his True Spirit Magical Power [the magical power cultivated at the True Spirit realm].

Coupled with the True Spirit Divine Ability [a divine ability of the True Spirit realm] that concealed heavenly secrets, this signified that Eldrin Chen had cultivated at least three True Spirit Foundation.

Three True Spirit Foundation! Even within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] Phoenix Clan, only beings at the level of a Chaos Ancient Progenitor could achieve such a feat.

"It seems," she thought, "cooperating with this one may yet prove to be an Opportunity [a rare chance for profound advancement]."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix murmured inwardly, her curiosity towards Eldrin Chen now undeniably piqued.

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and escorted her back to the outskirts of the Abyssal Immortal Domain [the immortal domain ruled by Eldrin Chen]. After surveying the Abyssal Immortal Domain, she ultimately chose the Chaos Southern Heaven Domain [the Southern Heaven region within the primordial Chaos] as her new roost.

"The Chaos Celestial Domain [a celestial domain you have carved from the Chaos] you have opened is far too crude," she remarked. "It offers almost no defense against an assault by a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal of the Grand Luo realm, a peak immortal cultivator]."

Witnessing the Chaos Celestial Domain [a primordial realm of pure, undifferentiated energy] opened by Eldrin Chen, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial avian entity of immense power and age] shook its head.

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly, and he could not help but shake his head in response. "This Chaos Celestial Domain is not a Great Luo Grade [the highest echelon of immortal cultivation] Daoist abode. It cannot support a Great Luo Grade Formation [a complex array or magical formation]."

"Who said it must be a Formation?"

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix shook its head and stated directly, "Watch closely."

As its words fell, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix directly channeled the torrents of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], causing them to swirl endlessly around the Chaos Southern Heaven Domain [a specific region within the Chaos]. This swirling eventually coalesced into a ferocious and utterly violent Chaos Storm [a tempest of raw, destructive chaotic energy].

After a long while, Eldrin Chen observed that this Chaos Storm had formed a natural, moat-like barrier outside the Chaos Southern Heaven Domain.

This Chaos Storm was so incredibly violent that even an early-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal [an immortal who has attained the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] would have to pay a significant price to traverse it.

"So that's how it is."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. He grasped the principle now: it was a matter of utilizing the resources at hand. By relying on the Chaos, one could draw upon the power of the Chaos Sea [the boundless ocean of primordial chaos].

The power of Chaos is infinite and inexhaustible. In theory, if one could channel a sufficiently powerful torrent of Chaos, it could even form a Chaos Storm potent enough to annihilate a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme sovereign who rules over the Chaos].

For even the Chaos Celestial Emperor could not stand against the full might of the Chaos itself.

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix continued her work. Beyond the four Chaos Celestial Domain, she wove barriers of Chaos Storm, leaving only a few limited entrances. In doing so, she completed the sanctuary of the Chaos Celestial Domain.

The Chaos Sea teemed with countless Chaos Storm. These storms now served as both a formidable defense and a veil of concealment, a masterful stratagem that achieved two aims with a single stroke.

With the Chaos Celestial Domain thus veiled, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix stepped directly into the Chaos Southern Heaven Domain.

She carved out a palace for herself, then turned her gaze to Eldrin Chen and inquired, "Does my Soaring Immortal Zither rest in your hands?"

Eldrin Chen hesitated for a fleeting moment. Finally, with a sweep of his sleeve, he summoned forth the Abyssal Seal, which then transformed into the very Soaring Immortal Zither.

"Alas."

Upon seeing it, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix could not help but sigh softly. This Soaring Immortal Zither had once been her cherished treasure.

She had intended to reclaim it with other precious artifacts, never imagining that Eldrin Chen would have fused it into his very own life-bound treasure.

*Plink—*

Reunited with its former master, the spirit of the Soaring Immortal Zither trembled faintly, emitting a soft, spiritual glow.

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix caressed the Soaring Immortal Zither for a long, reluctant moment, communing with its spirit. After a silent exchange, it cast a look of surprise at Eldrin Chen and spoke.

"I did not expect you to be skilled in the ways of music and melody. It seems this treasure will not be wasted in your hands."

"So be it. This is the fate that binds you."

With a final sigh, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix reluctantly returned the zither.

Eldrin Chen accepted the Soaring Immortal Zither back without further comment.

Zither-type Magical Artifact [enchanted artifacts used by cultivators] were exceedingly rare to begin with. A zither of the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate spiritual power] grade was a treasure beyond compare, something many female Immortal Lord [a high-level immortal cultivator] of the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle stage of the Golden Immortal realm] would covet but never obtain.

Eldrin Chen cherished this Soaring Immortal Zither deeply. Even though it was not integrated as his life-bound treasure [a magical artifact cultivated and bound to a cultivator's very soul], he could not bear to part with it.

Returning from the Chaos Celestial Domain, Eldrin Chen once again Restoration [entered a state of secluded cultivation to restore his strength] into secluded cultivation.

In the years that followed, the Chaos Great War [the cataclysmic war between forces of order and primordial chaos] raged on, yet neither side could gain a decisive advantage.

Amidst the protracted and sprawling conflict, the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox ceaselessly sought opportunities to track the traces of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix. Yet, veiled by a True Spirit Divine Ability that obscured the workings of fate, even the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox proved incapable of locating the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's whereabouts.

Thus, after raging relentlessly for twenty million years, this great war finally drew to a close.

In the course of this conflict, one Chaotic Fiendgod at the early Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm met its end. Over a dozen other Grand Luo Golden Immortal were grievously wounded on both sides. On the whole, the forces of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains held the upper hand.

It was precisely during this period, as the battle concluded, that Eldrin Chen gazed upon the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase before him and slowly summoned forth the Innate Primordial Chaos Light.

In the blink of an eye, sixty million years had passed since the Kalpa Tribulation began, and Eldrin Chen's lifespan had now exceeded seventy million years.

Throughout these vast eons, Eldrin Chen had accumulated eleven strands of Innate Primordial Chaos Light. Setting aside the three already consumed, he now possessed eight more strands of the Innate Primordial Spirit Light.

"Eight strands of the Innate Primordial Spirit Light, combined with the one from before... My Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase is now ready to Ascension to the High Grade," Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself.

With a calm focus, Eldrin Chen then began to channel the Innate Primordial Chaos Light, guiding strand after strand to merge into the heart of the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase.

After two strands were fully assimilated, the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase underwent a qualitative metamorphosis, evolving into a Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure. Within its depths, the violet radiance of Primordial Chaos grew ever more profound and dense.

Eldrin Chen continued the infusion. After six more strands were seamlessly absorbed, the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase finally reached its absolute limit, its potential fully realized.

"A Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the pinnacle of treasures born from the world's primal essence]?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, realizing at this moment that the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase [a mystical vase that refines the world's primordial energy] seemed to have encountered a bottleneck.

Its material had reached its limit; it required the integration of Primordial Chaos Rank [a realm of existence predating the ordered cosmos] divine materials, otherwise, the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase would find it exceedingly difficult to ascend to the Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the world's primal essence, one step below the ultimate] tier.

Eldrin Chen had long anticipated this. After all, a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure was already considered a peerless divine artifact second only to an Innate Supreme Treasure [the ultimate treasure born from the primal chaos]; most Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [sovereigns who rule over the primordial chaos] wielded divine weapons of this very grade.

For now, possessing a Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure was more than sufficient for his needs.

Eldrin Chen swiftly gathered his thoughts and began to examine the effects of the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase following its successful Ascension [a breakthrough to a higher state of being or power].

After some experimentation, Eldrin Chen discovered that the vase's efficacy had improved dramatically post-Ascension.

The Dao power within its Great Luo Divine Water [divine water imbued with the profound laws of the Great Luo realm] now held a chance to help a Supreme-Grade Innate Ancient Tree [an ancient tree of the highest innate grade] shatter its Dao shackles, enabling its Ascension into a Great Luo Ancient Tree [an ancient tree that has ascended to the Great Luo realm].

A Great Luo Ancient Tree is an Innate Spiritual Root [a root of spiritual power born from the world's essence] that has not yet fused with Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [an indestructible light of primal spiritual essence]; for a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [an immortal of the Grand Luo golden realm], it already counts as quite a valuable cultivation resource.

Taking the Supreme-Grade Innate Soul-Nourishing Wood [wood of the highest innate grade that nourishes the soul] as an example, once it to become Great Luo Soul-Nourishing Wood [Soul-Nourishing Wood of the Great Luo realm], its efficacy in cultivating the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] would increase by thousands of times. Most crucially, it would retain its cultivation-enhancing effects even for a Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal at the mid-stage of the Great Luo realm].

However, the current Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase [a mystical vessel that condenses the primordial energies of heaven and earth] exacts an exceedingly high cost to produce the Great Luo Divine Water [a divine water imbued with the supreme laws of the Great Luo], and the probability of it aiding in breaking through the bottleneck of the Great Luo Ancient Tree [an ancient tree of profound spiritual significance] does not exceed one in a thousand.

If used to nurture the Great Luo Soul-Nourishing Wood [a spiritual wood that nourishes and strengthens the soul], the returns are essentially negligible.

Fortunately, after the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase underwent its Ascension [a qualitative evolution or breakthrough to a higher state of being], its efficacy on the Ascension of the Chaos Realm Grass [a rare spiritual grass that thrives in primordial chaos] was greatly enhanced.

If Eldrin Chen were to irrigate the Chaos Realm Grass with Great Luo Divine Water, the probability of the grass undergoing Ascension into Primordial Chaos Realm Grass [a supreme variant of Chaos Realm Grass born of primordial chaos] would increase severalfold.

Of course, the cost would also be far greater than using Innate Spiritual Water [spiritual water of innate origin], as converting it into Great Luo Divine Water requires Innate Primordial Qi [the most fundamental and pure form of primordial energy, existing since the dawn of creation].

Eldrin Chen made some calculations and discovered that, on average, facilitating the Ascension of three stalks of Primordial Chaos Realm Grass would consume resources equivalent to one strand of Innate Primordial Qi.

A single Ninth Rank [the ninth major stage in the cultivation hierarchy] upper-grade Chaos Ancient Beast [an ancient beast born from and adapted to the primordial chaos] would need to consume between twenty and thirty stalks of Primordial Chaos Realm Grass to break through to the realm of a Chaos Beast King [a sovereign among chaos beasts, possessing immense power].

"To nurture one Chaos Beast King, the cost in Chaos Realm Grass alone would be approximately six to ten strands of Innate Primordial Qi. Factoring in all other associated costs, the average total expenditure per Chaos Beast King comes to about ten strands of Innate Primordial Qi."

"A Chaos Beast King at the early Ancient Immortal [a venerable immortal who has existed since ancient times] stage can, on average, yield three Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [a supreme immortal pill refined through ten cycles of heavenly revolution]."

"Even valuing one Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill at a conservative fifty strands of Innate Primordial Qi, that still represents a profit of fifteenfold."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his eyes finally gleaming with a sharp light.

Three strands of Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial energy of creation] for one Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir refined through ten cosmic cycles]—such a low cost would stir the hearts of many Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Grand Luo realm].

Although the Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill could not aid the cultivation of a Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal [a Grand Luo Golden Immortal in the middle stage of their realm], it still represented an immense amount of resources. It could be used to nurture Celestial Soldiers and Generals [elite immortal warriors and commanders] or to support the cultivation of disciples and followers.

After a Grand Luo Golden Immortal cultivates to the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [the late stage of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] and finds themselves unable to break through to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the realm of a sovereign who commands primordial chaos], they will often turn to refining their physical body and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] to shore up their weaknesses, thereby increasing their chances of a breakthrough.

At this stage, those Grand Luo Golden Immortal would also purchase Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill to cultivate their Great Luo Body [a body tempered to the pinnacle of the Grand Luo realm].

It could be said that selling Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill to certain Grand Luo Golden Immortal might even yield some Great Luo Rare Treasure [rare treasures of the Grand Luo realm] in exchange. Over time, this would accumulate into a considerable fortune of resources.

Of course, the Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill was, after all, merely a top-grade Ninth Rank [the ninth and highest rank of immortal elixirs] elixir. It could not be exchanged for an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos], and for truly high-ranking Immortal [beings who have attained immortality], it was not a major concern.

After all, if one were to trade an Innate Spiritual Treasure for Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill, why not simply use it to acquire innate spiritual treasures for body refinement or Great Luo Immortal Pill [pills specifically for Grand Luo realm cultivation] specifically for that purpose?

Returning to the main point, upon discovering that cultivating Primordial Chaos Realm Grass [a spiritual herb that grows in the primordial chaos] could yield a fifteenfold return, Eldrin Chen immediately began large-scale cultivation of the Chaos Realm Grass.

Over these tens of millions of years, the Chen Immortal Clan [the immortal clan founded by the Chen family] had accumulated over a million strands of Innate Primordial Qi. Eldrin Chen set aside thirty percent to cultivate Primordial Soul-Nourishing Wood [a primordial wood that nourishes the soul], another thirty percent to transform into Celestial Soldiers and Generals, and used the remainder to cultivate Primordial Chaos Realm Grass.

With this batch of Innate Primordial Qi [the purest form of primordial energy, foundational to creation], Eldrin Chen directly converted a vast quantity into Great Luo Divine Water [a divine liquid capable of nurturing life and accelerating growth], swiftly cultivating over a million stalks of Chaos Realm Grass [a mystical grass that thrives on primordial chaos energy].

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, this immense amount of Chaos Realm Grass could nurture approximately thirty to forty thousand Chaos Beast King [powerful beasts born from primordial chaos], which could then be refined into one hundred thousand Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir that refines the body through ten cycles of purification].

This many Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill would be sufficient for a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal whose body and soul have achieved a state of golden perfection] who had cultivated the Indestructible Body [a physique of legendary resilience] to break through to the second layer of the Great Luo Body [the perfected physical form of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal].

Yet, after calculating several times, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a bitter smile.

His Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body [a peerless physique forged in the heart of primordial chaos] was far more formidable than that of an ordinary Grand Luo Golden Immortal. With his physical body alone, he possessed combat power nearly approaching that of a Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal [a Grand Luo Golden Immortal who has reached the middle stage of that realm]. These resources could only barely advance his Great Luo Body by half a step; it was utterly impossible for him to cultivate the second layer of the Great Luo Body.