Chapter 1914 : The Pillars of Immortal Ascension

"At least five hundred thousand Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [a supreme-grade immortal elixir that can catalyze ten cycles of profound transformation within a cultivator's body] will be required to break through to the second layer of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal stage within the Grand Luo realm, representing a pinnacle of power and longevity]."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a slight frown creasing his brow.

He understood clearly that this was not only due to the formidable nature of his Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body [a legendary physique forged from the essence of primordial chaos, granting near-immortality and immense strength], but also because the energy tier of the Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill was insufficient. Consuming them now yielded greatly diminished effects, relegating them to mere foundational cultivation resources.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen also set aside the portion of Innate Primordial Qi [the purest, most fundamental energy born at the dawn of creation] allocated for nurturing the Celestial Soldiers and Generals [an elite legion of celestial beings], intending to use it instead to cultivate the Primordial Chaos World Grass [a mythical herb that grows by absorbing the chaotic energies of nascent worlds].

Calculating thus, he estimated he could cultivate approximately two hundred thousand Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill, a thought which brought Eldrin Chen a measure of reassurance.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimations, given the current rate of acquiring Innate Primordial Qi and rearing Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient beasts born from and attuned to the energies of primordial chaos], while meeting the resource needs for his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] cultivation, he could produce roughly three hundred thousand Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill per Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often marked by cataclysmic upheavals].

At this pace, it would take nearly two such Kalpa Tribulation to advance his physical body cultivation to the second layer of Grand Luo [a supreme realm of cultivation representing mastery over cosmic laws]. While not swift, this progress was by no means slow.

Having charted his cultivation path, Eldrin Chen began directing the large-scale breeding of Chaos Beast King [monarchs among chaos beasts, possessing immense power and royal bloodlines].

After sixty million years of cultivation, each of the three great Chaos Celestial Domain [vast territories within the primordial chaos, serving as celestial domains] now hosted a herd of one hundred thousand Chaos Ancient Beast.

These Chaos Ancient Beast were breeds refined through relentless selection and culling, all possessing excellent Chaos Beast King bloodlines. They had traded combat prowess for a heightened probability of breaking through to become Chaos Beast King themselves.

Now, with a vast quantity of Primordial Chaos Realm Grass available, the Chaos Beast King began to successively Ascension [to break through to a higher cultivation realm].

These Chaos Beast King possessed low combat Force Extreme [physical might], and might not even be assured of victory against a Celestial Immortal [the Immortal realm] in the Great Perfection stage. Calling them pseudo-Chaos Beast King would not be an exaggeration. However, their Blood Qi [vital life force energy] was exceptionally vast and potent, making them the finest material for refining Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill.

With the Chaos Beast King secured, Eldrin Chen's cultivation base allowed him to commence large-scale refinement of the Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill.

Given his current level of cultivation, he could simultaneously refine one hundred furnaces of Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill. Moreover, under the tempering of the Chaos Heavenly Flame [a primordial flame born from chaos], each batch could be completed within a few years, scarcely wasting any of his precious time.

Thus, in the epochs that followed, Eldrin Chen would refine one hundred furnaces of Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill every ten thousand years. The remaining time was devoted to tempering his physical body, cultivating his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], and contemplating the profound truths of the Great Dao.

After five hundred thousand years had passed, Eldrin Chen had successively refined thirty thousand furnaces of Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill, and his physical cultivation had also seen significant advancement.

Then, on this very day, Eldrin Chen suddenly awoke from his secluded cultivation and arrived outside the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

Beyond the Immortal Domain, he saw Donghua Immortal Lord arriving astride an Azure Dragon, who smiled and greeted Eldrin Chen: "Fellow Daoist Abyssal, I offer my respects."

After inviting Donghua Immortal Lord into the Abyssal Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen personally brewed a pot of tea before inquiring, "I heard you were injured in that recent battle, Brother. Are you fully recovered now?"

Mention of the recent war in the Chaos [the primordial, formless void] brought a look of deep apprehension to Donghua Immortal Lord's face.

He drew a deep breath, then spoke: "That Primordial Chaos Kui Ox possesses formidable combat prowess. Even with Fellow Daoist Tianhe joining forces to encircle and slay it, we gained not the slightest upper hand. Indeed, we were even wounded by it."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen asked with profound apprehension, "Is this Primordial Chaos Kui Ox truly so powerful?"

Donghua Immortal Lord gave a slight nod and explained, "Even within the same late-stage Grand Luo realm, the chasm between the seventh and eighth layers is immense."

"I have merely cultivated my Great Dao [the fundamental principle or path of cultivation] to the Great Accomplishment stage, relying on the power of my Authority [a cultivator's conceptual dominion over a specific aspect of reality] in battle. That Primordial Chaos Kui Ox, however, has been at the seventh layer of Grand Luo Golden Immortal for many years and has now fully cultivated a Great Luo Body of the Great Accomplishment stage."

Hearing this, a slight frown creased Eldrin Chen's brow, and a shadow of wariness flickered in his eyes.

By now, Eldrin Chen had gained a deep understanding of the cultivation path within the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal.

After an Immortal breaks through to Grand Luo, the bulk of their combat power lies in their Dao Authority, but this does not mean other paths are inherently weak.

As their cultivation deepens, beings at the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal stage can turn to refining their physical body and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator]. Once both body and Primordial Spirit are cultivated to the late Grand Luo stage, their combat power receives a significant boost.

Take the Great Luo Body as an example. It has nine layers. Each advancement brings a tremendous increase in physical might.

Upon reaching the Great Accomplishment stage in the Great Luo Body, one's combat strength becomes a force to be reckoned with. If one can advance to the ninth layer, the Perfection stage, they would possess power rivaling that of a Dao Authority.

Some beings who specialize in the Great Luo Body [a supreme physical cultivation path] cultivate it to the ninth layer, achieving its perfect and consummate state. Empowered by their Bloodline Divine Ability [innate divine powers passed down through lineage], their combat prowess can even rival that of a Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm] who follows the Path of Dao Dominion [a cultivation art focused on supreme mastery over a specific Dao].

However, due to the conflicting nature of their foundational cultivation paths, those who walk the Path of Dao Dominion find it nearly impossible to cultivate a Bloodline Divine Ability. They are essentially limited to cultivating their Great Luo Body to the Great Accomplishment stage, finding it exceedingly difficult to advance it to its perfect and consummate state.

"For those on the Path of Dao Dominion, to reach the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection requires mending one's inherent weaknesses. At the very least, one must cultivate both the physical body and the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] to the Great Vehicle stage,"

"Only by compensating for these shortcomings does one earn the qualification to strive for the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler born from the primordial chaos]."

Donghua Immortal Lord spoke slowly, then sighed, "That Primordial Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial bovine demon beast] has already perfected its physical body to the Great Accomplishment stage. Combined with its Violet Firmament Divine Thunder Great Dao [a supreme divine thunder technique], its combat strength ranks among the foremost even among Grand Luo Golden Immortal [Great Luo Golden Immortals]. It is not far from reaching Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection."

"My injuries from that encounter were severe. It took nearly ten million years of recuperation to achieve a complete Restoration [a state of full recovery]."

As he spoke, Donghua Immortal Lord retrieved a white jade purification vase and handed it to Eldrin Chen, saying, "By the way, this item was always meant for you. I apologize for the delay of several million years in delivering it; I hope you will not take offense, Fellow Daoist."

Eldrin Chen took the jade vase and glanced inside, finding within it an immortal pill entwined with Great Dao Divine Patterns [divine patterns representing the fundamental laws of the Great Dao].

"A Great Luo Immortal Pill?"

In that instant, Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback and could not help but inquire, "A Great Luo Immortal Pill [a supreme pill for Great Luo realm cultivators] is a treasure of such immense value. Why would you, Fellow Daoist, bestow it upon me?"

"This low-grade Great Luo Immortal Pill [a supreme pill refined from the essence of a Great Luo realm being] was forged from the Great Luo Body [the physical form of a Great Luo realm cultivator or fiendgod] of the Chaotic Fiendgod [a primordial, chaotic demon-god] known as 'Crimson Antelope Demon God' after its demise,"

Donghua Immortal Lord explained methodically, then continued, "The refinement yielded a total of three pills. I specifically reserved one for you, Fellow Daoist, as recompense for the intelligence you provided."

At this point, Donghua Immortal Lord added, "There is no need for refusal. Had it not been for your warning back then, not only might we have failed to slay the Crimson Antelope Demon God, but we likely would have suffered grievous losses from its surprise assault."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen finally nodded and accepted the Great Luo Immortal Pill.

He understood the logic in Donghua Immortal Lord's words. In a fair duel between beings of the Grand Luo [a supreme cultivation realm] realm, determining life or death is exceedingly difficult. However, the element of preparedness—or the lack thereof—often becomes the decisive factor in such clashes.

Without his warning back then, several neighboring Immortal Domain [realms governed by immortal powers] would have been caught off guard and severely crippled by the sudden attack.

Of course, Eldrin Chen would have been compelled to issue the warning regardless. For when the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact. Had the surrounding Immortal Domain been devastated, Eldrin Chen would have been forced into the fray himself.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen smiled. "Since I possessed the intelligence, standing idly by was never an option."

Donghua Immortal Lord chuckled, his tone carrying a hint of implication. "To obtain such clandestine information ahead of time... your reach and perception are truly profound, Fellow Daoist."

Eldrin Chen responded with a knowing smile, offering no further words. He understood that Donghua Immortal Lord had likely surmised something of his methods, but both men maintained an unspoken understanding and did not elaborate.

Following this, Eldrin Chen continued his discourse with Donghua Immortal Lord. They conversed for a long while, finding great mutual satisfaction in their exchange.

Just as Donghua Immortal Lord was about to take his leave, Eldrin Chen suddenly recalled something. He then spoke up, asking, "Brother, having attained the Dao for many years, I wonder if you have any special channels for acquiring the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial and unbreakable radiance essential for high-level cultivation breakthroughs]."

"So, you are lacking Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light," Donghua Immortal Lord remarked with a slight smile.

"Indeed. Who among us does not lack this treasure?"

Eldrin Chen nodded, a trace of helplessness coloring his expression.

Only after breaking through to the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Realm, a supreme stage of cultivation] did Eldrin Chen truly comprehend just how scarce the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light was.

Having cultivated to his present level, Eldrin Chen had already fused five strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light into each of his foundations: his physical body, his Great Dao [the fundamental cosmic principle or path], his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], and his Dao Fruit [the culmination of one's cultivation path]. Adding the Abyssal Seal [a powerful enchanted seal artifact] and the five Heaven-Propping Ancient Tree [primordial trees of immense spiritual power], the total Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light he had consumed amounted to a staggering thirty strands.

To advance further in his cultivation, the resources required would be even more astonishing.

By Eldrin Chen's estimation, breaking through to the mid and late stages of the Grand Luo would likely require dozens of strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light for each foundational pillar.

Although he had only just entered the Grand Luo, it was already time to begin making preparations.

Most crucially, the final three strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial and unbreakable essence of light, fundamental for crafting supreme treasures] were given to Lyra Jiang. Back then, to aid Lyra Jiang in forging her True Spirit Treasure [a treasure born from and bonded to one's very soul], Eldrin Chen had even swallowed his pride to borrow two strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light from Black Abyss Great Emperor.

With empty coffers and debts owed, Eldrin Chen found himself compelled to make plans for acquiring more Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light.

"The Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light is indeed a necessity for those of us at the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, a supreme stage of cultivation] realm,"

Donghua Immortal Lord began, a note of helplessness tinging his sigh. "Yet, Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light is exceedingly rare. Aside from emerging during the opening of an Immortal Domain [a personal realm or paradise forged by an immortal], it can only be nurtured within Chaos Nest [primordial cradles of chaos energy, often guarded by powerful beings] of the Grand Luo grade or higher."

"So you mean the only way to obtain it is by assaulting a Chaos Nest?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly.

Donghua Immortal Lord nodded in confirmation. "In truth, due to limitations of their innate foundations, even Great Luo Grade Chaos Nest can only produce a finite amount of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light."

"Generally speaking, a low-grade Grand Luo nest can nurture nine strands. A mid-grade nest can yield thirty strands. As for a high-grade nest, it can produce a maximum of eighty-one strands."

At this point, Donghua Immortal Lord concluded, "Low-grade Grand Luo nests offer scant resources, while mid-grade and high-grade ones... conquering them is no easy feat."

Only then did Eldrin Chen understand that the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light birthed by a Chaos Nest was a quantifiable resource, causing his frown to deepen once more.

Once it has gestated a sufficient number of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial, unbreakable spiritual radiance], it will thereafter become an ordinary Great Luo Dao Field [a supreme cultivation realm or domain], and will never again be able to give birth to Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light.

Thus, the difficulty of acquiring Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light will likely become even greater.

Seeing his expression, Donghua Immortal Lord pondered for a moment before speaking. "Actually, there are other methods to obtain Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light in large quantities."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes brightened, and he inquired, "Please elaborate, Fellow Daoist."

Donghua Immortal Lord nodded and began to explain. "The Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] is boundless and endless. Worlds are born and perish within it, and so too are Chaos Nest [realms or pockets of concentrated primordial chaos].

As I understand it, within the Chaos, Chaos Nest are constantly undergoing Annihilation [a state of complete dissolution], even as new ones are ceaselessly being born."

"Within our Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, there exists a Chaos Realm Sea [a vast, churning ocean of primordial chaos]. It is a place dedicated to the gestation of Chaos Nest. Countless Chaos Nest are born there, and there are even nests of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme ruler born of primordial chaos] level being nurtured."

"There, Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light number in the thousands upon thousands, and even Innate Primordial Qi [the most fundamental, uncreated energy of existence] emerges into the world."

Donghua Immortal Lord continued his detailed account, concluding, "The Chaos Realm Sea was formed by the grand cycle and transformation of the Chaos itself. It is perpetually sealed by the Chaos Great Dao [the supreme principle or law of primordial chaos], only revealing itself when a Chaos Nest has fully matured and is ready to emerge."

"Once the Chaos Realm Sea [a primordial, ever-shifting sea of chaotic energies and nascent realms] takes form, those from the outside world may enter to seek Opportunity [a chance encounter with fate, often leading to great power or treasures]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a look of keen interest.

However, Donghua Immortal Lord shook his head and finally spoke, "The Chaos Realm Sea is a rare Opportunity, and no one knows when it will manifest into the world."

"Most crucially, the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial, unbreakable radiance born from chaos itself] and Innate Primordial Qi [the foundational, chaotic energy from which all creation springs] found there are treasures worthy of contention even among Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [supreme sovereigns who have mastered the primordial chaos]. Without strength at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm] level, stepping into it is almost certainly a path to one's doom."

Hearing this, a slight frown creased Eldrin Chen's brow.

In that moment, Eldrin Chen understood with even greater clarity the brutal reality of the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation, a realm of infinite potential and danger].

Even within the Chaos, an extreme minority hoarded the vast majority of resources.

It was not that resources within the Chaos were scarce, but rather that the overwhelming share of them was likely claimed by a tiny fraction of high-ranking cultivators.

Though the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a collective term for the myriad immortal realms] boasted tens of thousands of Grand Luo Golden Immortal [immortals who have attained the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm], the combined wealth of these tens of thousands might not even rival the fortune of a single Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler whose power stems from and commands the primordial chaos].

Indeed, the combined treasures held by a thousand ordinary Grand Luo Golden Immortal might very well be worth less than a single Primordial Supreme Treasure Divine Spear [a divine weapon of supreme rank, forged from primordial chaos] wielded by the Black Abyss Great Emperor.

True powerhouses are those who command near-total dominion over resources; it is precisely this mastery that allows them to ascend to the supreme realms of cultivation.

Take Eldrin Chen as an example. He possesses the might to relocate thousands of Chaos Nest [a primordial, unstable pocket of chaotic energies], refining them into a Chaos Celestial Domain [a stabilized realm born from refined chaos], and nurturing tens of thousands of Chaos Beast King [powerful beasts born from primal chaos] to serve as an endless wellspring for his cultivation.

Yet, an ordinary Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a peak-stage Heavenly Immortal], even if they conquer a Chaos Nest, lacks the power to claim it permanently. At best, they can only plunder its riches once before moving on.

In stark contrast, Eldrin Chen simply takes the nest away, transforming it into a source that continuously produces Innate Primordial Qi [the foundational, uncreated energy of the cosmos] until its very essence is utterly depleted.

"It seems the path remains clear: focus on elevating one's strength. Only by growing more powerful can one secure greater resources," he mused.

"If I truly cannot gather enough Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a legendary, unbreakable spiritual radiance], then I shall have no choice but to cultivate using Innate Primordial Spirit Light [the innate light of one's primordial spirit] instead."

These thoughts flickered through Eldrin Chen's mind. Finally, he clasped his hands and bowed slightly towards Donghua Immortal Lord. "My thanks for your guidance, Fellow Daoist. I understand now."

Donghua Immortal Lord gave a slight nod, a smile gracing his features. "With a foundation as profound as yours, there is little need for excessive risk. Simply cultivate steadily to the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [the late stage of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm]. By then, you should possess combat prowess rivaling a Grand Luo [Great Luo Golden Immortal] at the Perfection stage."

"When the time comes, should the Chaos Realm Sea [the legendary, ever-shifting Sea of Chaotic Realms] manifest in this era, you may well possess the qualifications to step into its depths."

"We, the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [Great Luo Golden Immortals], possess boundless lifespans and stand beyond the grasp of Samsara [the endless cycle of death and rebirth]. There will be ample time in the ages to come."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, acknowledging the perspective of Donghua Immortal Lord. After all, he was not Violet Immortal Lord. He needed to break through to the Chaos Realm [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence, the ultimate goal of cultivation] before others discovered his secret, and he was prepared to pay any price to achieve it.