Chapter 1928 : A Favor Forged in Chaos

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuan [the name of a character] paused his movements slightly.

A Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] war initiated by a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the highest realm of immortal cultivation] was no trivial matter. Such a conflict could easily ripple across the vast, boundless Chaos of countless Dao paths, deciding the fate of innumerable Space-Time [a term referring to a specific type of divine ability or concept] continuums.

For a Chaos war of such immense scale, and being the first war the Chen Immortal Clan [the Chen Clan of Immortals] was about to wage, victory should logically be the sole and paramount consideration. Choosing an opponent should be devoid of personal sentiment.

Yet, Eldrin Chen [the name of a character] instructed him to prioritize Chaos Nest [a specific type of location within the Chaos] possessing Adamantine [a mythical, ultra-hard metal] and Mithril [a legendary, silvery metal] veins. This clearly showed that Eldrin Chen had already granted him considerable favor.

Of course, veins of Adamantine and Mithril were crucial to whether he could cultivate the True Spirit Physique [a supreme physical constitution for cultivators]. Even understanding the personal consideration, Chen Yuan had absolutely no reason to refuse.

After a moment of contemplation, he nodded and said, "Leave this matter to me."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of approval, took a sip of tea, and then continued his inquiry: "What of the Great Dao of the Sun [the supreme cultivation path of the Sun]? Do you intend to continue pursuing it?"

"I have set it aside for now."

Chen Yuan shook his head, a trace of helplessness coloring his expression.

The Great Dao of the Sun he cultivated was among the most supreme of the Chaos Great Dao [the fundamental laws of the Chaos]. Unfortunately, the authority over the Great Dao of the Sun was already held by the Grand Yang [the supreme essence of Yang, representing the sun, light, and masculinity] Heaven and Earth.

If he were to prove his Dao [the fundamental principle or path in cultivation] and ascend to the Grand Luo realm through this method, his very lifeline would fall under the control of the Solar Celestial Emperor. This was an outcome he could not tolerate.

With this thought, Chen Yuan spoke: "I have come to understand. The greater part of my cultivation accomplishments and innate talent lies upon the path of Sainthood through the Flesh [a cultivation path focused on tempering the physical body to sainthood]."

"Rather than wasting time arduously cultivating the Great Dao [the supreme, all-encompassing principle], it would be better to devote myself wholly to the path of Sainthood through the Flesh."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this, then retrieved several ancient scrolls from his sleeve and handed them to Chen Yuan. "This contains my Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body [a legendary physique of unbreakable resilience born from primordial chaos], and the Nine Tribulations Heavenly Art [a supreme cultivation art involving nine heavenly tribulations], a legacy inherited from the Depths of Chaos."

"These two cultivation arts each possess their own unique strengths. Ancestor, you may study them. They might prove useful for your journey on the path of Sainthood through the Flesh."

Chen Yuan examined the two ancient scrolls, then frowned slightly. "I see that the most crucial aspect of the Sainthood through the Flesh path lies in the cultivation of Bloodline Divine Ability [innate supernatural powers passed down through one's bloodline]."

"If I abandon the cultivation of my Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true self of a cultivator] and the Great Dao, I should be able to master several Bloodline Divine Ability. But which specific ones do you believe I should cultivate?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before replying, "There are many varieties of Bloodline Divine Ability, but their ultimate purpose is to cultivate True Spirit Divine Runes [divine sigils that manifest the power of one's true spirit]."

"And among the True Spirit Divine Runes, aside from the four ultimate divine runes, the supreme defensive runes are 'Mana Immunity' [an ability granting immunity to magical energy attacks] and 'Indestructible Golden Body' [an ability that forges a body of unbreakable golden light]."

Hearing this, Chen Yuan understood Eldrin Chen's implication.

The inherent strengths of the Sainthood through the Flesh [a cultivation path focused on achieving divinity through physical perfection] lie in formidable bodily defense and the divine abilities of Indestructible [impervious to destruction] and Imperishable [eternal and unchanging]. If one were to further cultivate the two True Spirit Divine Runes [supreme mystical patterns that grant divine powers]—Mana Immunity [immunity to magical energy] and Indestructible Golden Body [an unbreakable golden physique]—they would undoubtedly possess combat prowess unrivaled within their own realm, even capable of challenging those of a higher cultivation stage.

Mana Immunity can nullify at least nine-tenths of damage from magical energy and divine abilities, while Indestructible Golden Body bestows an Indestructible and Imperishable form, elevating the resilience of a Great Luo Sacred Physique [a supreme physical constitution] to an almost inconceivable level.

However, as the most supreme tier of True Spirit Divine Runes, both Mana Immunity and Indestructible Golden Body are immensely difficult to master. Even the legendary Chaos Ant Celestial Emperor [a mighty emperor from ancient times] only succeeded in cultivating Mana Immunity.

Yet, Chen Yuan's Gold and Silver Body-Forging Art [an art for tempering the body using gold and silver essences], which refines the body using Mithril [a magical silver ore that repels spells] and Adamantine [a mythical, supremely hard ore], significantly increases the possibility of mastering these two ultimate True Spirit Divine Runes.

Contemplating this, Chen Yuan could not help but speak, "It is a pity. The prerequisite Bloodline Divine Ability [innate powers passed down through bloodlines] for both Mana Immunity and Indestructible Golden Body are closely guarded secrets of the Flesh Sanctification lineage. Throughout the entire Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective realms of the immortals], none have managed to cultivate them."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen shook his head with a gentle smile. "The methods of predecessors are, after all, creations of those predecessors. To forge your own path on the Sainthood through the Flesh, you must comprehend and walk a road of your own making."

"I believe the essence of Mana Immunity and Indestructible Golden Body has long been hidden within the very nature of Mithril and Adamantine."

"Hidden within Mithril and Adamantine?"

Chen Yuan's heart trembled slightly, and in that instant, a profound understanding dawned upon him.

He nodded, a note of awe in his voice as he remarked, "Indeed. Mithril is innately spell-repelling, and Adamantine is born supremely hard and Indestructible. Are these not the very embryonic forms of Mana Immunity and Indestructible Golden Body?"

Speaking to this point, Chen Yuan rose to his feet and declared, "I understand now. There is no time to waste. Today, I shall set out to locate the targets of the Chaos Great War."

Eldrin Chen escorted Chen Yuan beyond the borders of the Abyssal Immortal Domain. As a final safeguard, he bestowed upon him several Great Luo Divine Talisman [divine talismans capable of tearing through the fabric of space].

Before parting, Chen Yuan spoke once more, "Whenever a Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle] descends, the Chaotic Fiendgod [primordial demon-gods of chaos] also seal their mountains and retreat. This presents the finest opportunity to explore their territories."

"Therefore, I shall not return during this Kalpa Tribulation. Please convey my wishes for them to take care."

Eldrin Chen clasped his hands in a respectful salute and nodded. "We shall await good news from you, Ancient Ancestor."

After bidding farewell to Thalion, the Ancient Ancestor, Eldrin Chen returned to the Abyssal Heaven. After a moment of contemplation, he summoned Ao Hong.

Ao Hong had taken human form many years prior and now appeared as a valiant youth. Answering the summons, he arrived clad in a suit of Black Dragon Battle Armor [enchanted armor forged in the likeness of a black dragon]. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, he immediately prostrated himself and said,

"Ao Hong pays his respects to the Master."

Eldrin Chen nodded in acknowledgment. Ao Hong had been born from his enlightenment and had since regarded him as a divine father.

Eldrin Chen held great affection for Ao Hong, treating him as a disciple. Most crucially, Ao Hong had long ago entered into a Primordial Spirit Contract [a soul-binding pact] with Eldrin Chen, serving as his Dharma-Protecting Sacred Beast [a sacred beast sworn to protect its master's path]. He could be counted among Eldrin Chen's most trusted and intimate companions.

With these thoughts in mind, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve to help the other rise and said, "Ao Hong, you have followed me for two Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] now, have you not?"

"It has been one hundred and ninety-eight million years since you, my lord, enlightened Ao Hong."

Ao Hong replied with utmost reverence upon hearing this.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and sighed softly. "Time flows swiftly. I had not realized so many years had passed in the blink of an eye."

"To be able to follow you, my lord, is the greatest honor of Ao Hong's existence."

Ao Hong declared with unwavering resolve, his eyes filled with determination.

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly at this. He casually picked up a cup of tea and took a sip. After finishing the tea, he set the cup down. "Your cultivation has remained at the Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [a supreme immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] realm for many years. The time has come for you to attempt a breakthrough into the Great Luo Realm [the Great Luo, or Primordial Chaos, Realm, a legendary state of being]."

"I shall bestow upon you an Opportunity [a rare chance for profound advancement, often granted by fate or a superior being]. Whether you can break through will depend on your own destiny."

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen flicked his sleeve, summoning a long, black spear from the air and tossing it into Ao Hong's hands.

The moment the spear touched his palms, Ao Hong's heart quivered, and an expression of astonished joy dawned upon his face.

It turned out that this long spear was precisely the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the world's essence, possessing unique and profound powers] of the Celestial Ox Demon God, named 'Immortal Divine Edge' [the Divine Edge of Immortality]. This Immortal Divine Edge did not greatly amplify magical power, but it could tremendously enhance physical strength, making it most suitable for those who practiced Sainthood through the Flesh [a path of cultivation focused on tempering the physical body to saintly levels] or for Chaotic Fiendgod [ancient, primordial demon-gods of chaos] to wield.

As a Chaotic Holy Spirit [a holy spirit born from primordial chaos], Ao Hong was the most fitting to refine and wield this Immortal Divine Edge.

Beholding Ao Hong caressing the Immortal Divine Edge with uncontainable delight, he could not help but exclaim with joy after a moment, "Many thanks for this generous bestowal, Master."

"A single Innate Spiritual Treasure, it scarcely counts as a great Opportunity [a rare chance for significant advancement or gain]," Eldrin Chen shook his head and spoke, "There is yet a true Opportunity to come. How much of it you can assimilate will depend entirely on your own fortune."

As his words faded, with a sweep of his sleeve, he lifted Ao Hong and transported him to the depths of the Abyssal Forbidden Land [a forbidden realm of profound and dangerous depths], then cast him into the Creation Cauldron [the Cauldron of Creation, a legendary artifact capable of profound reforging].

For this session of Foundation Reforging [the Divine Ability of reforging one's foundational cultivation], Eldrin Chen did not reveal the origins of the Creation Cauldron to the other. To prevent any secret from leaking, he directly sealed Ao Hong's Six Senses [the spiritual senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and spiritual awareness].

During the process of Foundation Reforging, Eldrin Chen also refrained from using other excessively precious Innate Divine Object [objects of divine nature born from the world's essence]. He employed only the harmonizing power of Creation itself, several portions of Great Luo Rare Treasure [rare treasures of the Great Luo realm], and one crucially vital strand of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light [a spiritual light embodying primordial indestructibility].

When all was concluded, Ao Hong emerged from his secluded cultivation, stepping forth with the foundation of seven Indestructible Foundation [a foundational cultivation realm renowned for its unbreakable solidity].

"Seven Indestructible Foundations, and all of them are upper-tier Indestructible Foundation at that."

Witnessing the completed reconstruction of Ao Hong's foundation, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a look of astonishment. Yet, after a moment, a glimmer of understanding dawned upon his features.

Although the Creation Cauldron [a legendary artifact capable of forging and reshaping existence] was profoundly mystical, without employing Innate Divine Object [objects born of primordial chaos, containing supreme laws] and Creation Origin [the fundamental essence from which all things are born], it should only have been able to forge two or three Indestructible Foundation [the ultimate, unbreakable foundational stage for a cultivator's path].

The reason Ao Hong was able to reconstruct seven Upper Tier Indestructible Foundation was primarily due to three factors.

First, it was because the Creation Cauldron was truly divine and extraordinary.

Second, naturally, it was due to the profound mystery of the Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial radiance that grants an unyielding foundation].

Third, it was because, having endured two Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of cataclysmic trials], he had followed Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang to slay a great number of Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] and successively refined twenty or thirty Eight Tribulations Dao Source [the condensed essence of the Dao left behind by an Eight-Tribulation Ancient Immortal].

These Dao Source [the condensed essence of a cultivator's understanding of the Dao], combined with the resources from the various forbidden lands of the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent, had not been perfectly digested. Instead, they lay dormant within Ao Hong's body.

Now, harnessing the power of the Creation Cauldron, they were all perfectly transformed into latent potential, allowing Ao Hong to cultivate the Seven Indestructible Foundations.

"Truly, a magnificent Opportunity [a rare and pivotal chance for advancement on the cultivation path],"

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, unable to suppress a sigh of quiet admiration.

In that moment, Eldrin Chen seemed to comprehend the true might of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain [the primordial birthplace of the cosmos and cultivation] in ages past.

In its prime, the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain possessed the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron [a supreme artifact of creation] in its complete form. The number and depth of its peerless talents undoubtedly surpassed what any other Immortal Domain [a realm of immortals] could ever hope to match.

It was no wonder that during the Primordial Era [the dawn of creation], the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain had seven Chaos Celestial Emperor [supreme rulers born of primordial chaos] existing simultaneously. One must remember that in that same era, the entire Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective realms of cultivation] boasted only three Primordial Divine Emperor [primordial gods who attained emperorhood].

Those two Celestial Emperors—the Candle Dragon [a primordial dragon deity of time] and the Primordial Phoenix [the first phoenix, symbol of rebirth]—both ascended to the realm of Chaos Celestial Emperor by inheriting the legacy left behind by the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain.

It is said that within the True Demon Primal Domain [the foremost demonic realm], leader of the Six Domains of the Northern Abyss [six demonic territories in the northern void], five of the ten great Chaos Demon Sovereign [demon rulers of chaos] achieved their breakthrough by obtaining the legacy of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain.

And looking across both the Northern and Southern Celestial Abysses, those who broke through to the Chaos Rank [the realm of primordial chaos] by inheriting the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain's legacy likely far exceeded just those five Chaos Celestial Emperor.

"The Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron is truly worthy of being called the foremost treasure of the Northern and Southern Celestial Abyss [the twin voids of heaven and earth] during the Primordial Era,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, finally drawing his thoughts back to the present.

He stored the Creation Cauldron [the artifact of creation] and then released the seal on Ao Hong's Six Senses [the divine senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and thought].

The instant his Six Senses were Restoration [restored], Ao Hong immediately perceived the profound change within himself. His heart quivered with awe, and he promptly prostrated himself on the ground, his voice brimming with ecstatic gratitude. "This lowly one offers his deepest thanks, Master, for bestowing such a priceless Opportunity [a rare chance for profound advancement]."

"Quite satisfactory."

Eldrin Chen nodded, a look of contentment appearing on his face.

This time, Ao Hong's Foundation Reforging [a profound process of reforging one's cultivation foundation] not only allowed him to cultivate the Seven Indestructible Foundations [a legendary state of having seven unbreakable cultivation bases], but even his Immortal Divine Edge was remolded into his Companion Supreme Treasure [a supreme magical treasure bound to one's soul and destiny].

Now, the Immortal Divine Edge had reached the Imperishable [the Indestructible] realm, and an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate laws] at the Imperishable realm could already be considered an embryo of a Primordial Divine Weapon [a divine weapon originating from the dawn of creation].

In other words, theoretically, this Immortal Divine Edge could, at its limit, even Ascension [undergo a qualitative evolution to a higher state of being] into a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the pinnacle grade of innate spiritual treasures].

As for whether it could continue its Ascension beyond that to become an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure of innate origin, surpassing spiritual treasures], that would depend entirely on the divine weapon's own fortune and destiny.

For Ao Hong, with this divine weapon in hand and his current foundational strength, his hope of cultivating to the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal realm of the Grand Luo, a supreme immortal state] had grown immensely.

Overwhelmed with emotion, he prostrated himself on the ground, kowtowed several times, and said, "I offer my deepest gratitude, Ancestor, for bestowing this Opportunity [a rare chance for profound advancement]. This immense favor, Ao Hong shall never forget for all eternity."

"Rise."

Eldrin Chen gestured, using his power to gently lift him up, then said, "Go and consolidate your cultivation. Navigate this upcoming Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic calamity or trial of fate] with utmost care. I hope you can break through to the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal."

After instructing Ao Hong to enter seclusion to consolidate his cultivation, Eldrin Chen departed from the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

He stepped out of the Abyssal Immortal Domain and arrived within the Chaos Celestial Domain, where he met Violet Ancient Phoenix, who was cultivating in seclusion there.

The immortal palace where Violet Ancient Phoenix resided was perched upon a sky-shrouding Thunder Wutong Tree. Eldrin Chen ascended along the trunk, and as he gazed upon the immense Thunder Wutong Tree, a ripple of emotion stirred within his eyes.

This Thunder Wutong Tree was, in fact, a High Grade Innate Spiritual Root [a spiritual plant of the highest innate quality, born with profound spiritual properties].

"The Violet Wutong Tree, my companion spiritual root [a spiritual plant intrinsically linked to one's life and cultivation from birth]," said Violet Ancient Phoenix.

Clad in a regal violet phoenix robe, Violet Ancient Phoenix sat serenely before the immortal hall, brewing a pot of immortal tea infused with the power of Thunder [the elemental force of lightning and storm] for Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and took a seat opposite Violet Ancient Phoenix. "It seems your injuries have nearly Restoration [recovered/healed]," he inquired.

"Two hundred million years have passed, yet it was only enough to barely Restoration [recover from] the wounds," Violet Ancient Phoenix replied, shaking her head, her expression still grave.

"Even so," she continued solemnly, "if I were to face that Primordial Chaos Kui Ox [an ancient and mighty demonic beast born from primordial chaos] again, I would have no certainty of victory."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. He picked up the Thunder Immortal Tea [a celestial tea infused with thunder essence] and took a sip. Instantly, a torrential surge of Thunder [the elemental force of lightning and storm] erupted within his body. This thunderous energy began relentlessly tempering his physical form, accelerating the refinement and absorption of the essences from the Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir refined through ten cycles of heavenly fire] and the Soul-Nourishing Wood [a miraculous wood that nourishes and strengthens the soul] within him.

"Excellent tea."

This drew a murmur of admiration from Eldrin Chen, who could not help but remark, "Such celestial tea must be an extraordinary treasure."

"This is brewed from the leaves of the High Grade Innate Spiritual Root known as 'Thunder Enlightenment Tea' [a legendary tea plant said to grant flashes of insight akin to a thunderclap]. My own supply is nearly depleted."

Violet Ancient Phoenix shook her head, her gaze sweeping over Eldrin Chen before she spoke. "I have asked you here today to seek a favor."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes glimmered with interest as he waited silently for Violet Ancient Phoenix to continue.

Seeing this, Violet Ancient Phoenix turned her gaze to a spot not far behind her. "Sister Blazing Phoenix, you may come forth."

"As you wish..."

Eldrin Chen looked up to see a woman of breathtaking beauty, clad in a gown of fiery crimson, step gracefully into view.

"It's her?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with a moment of recognition as he discerned the origin of this person.

The woman glanced at Eldrin Chen, a complex emotion flashing deep within her gaze. Nevertheless, she bowed gracefully and said, "This humble one pays her respects to Immortal Lord [a title for a powerful immortal cultivator]."

"There is no need for such formalities,"

Eldrin Chen replied with detached calm. This woman was none other than the younger sister of Violet Ancient Phoenix, known as 'Blazing Phoenix Immortal Consort'.

Blazing Phoenix Immortal Consort hailed from the Fire Phoenix lineage within the Chaos Phoenix Clan. In her early years, she had been under the care of Violet Ancient Phoenix. When Violet Ancient Phoenix later faced a great calamity, Blazing Phoenix Immortal Consort was also forced into a life of exile and displacement.

Later, when Eldrin Chen obtained the Chaos Nest [a primordial source of chaotic power] essence that belonged to Blazing Phoenix Immortal Consort, he had also crossed paths and clashed with this woman within Sword Abyss Immortal Lord's Incomplete Immortal Domain [a partially formed realm of an immortal]. He had not expected to encounter her once more here and now.