Chapter 1947 : A Plea from the Ancient Sect

Upon hearing this, a faint smile touched the lips of everyone present.

After thirty million years of secluded cultivation to heal their wounds, their injuries were no longer a hindrance. All that remained was to replenish their depleted foundational essence.

Thinking of this, Lyra Jiang said with a smile, "Our wounds are no longer a serious concern. As long as we avoid life-and-death struggles during the next Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial marking the end of a cosmic cycle], they will be fully resolved."

"That is good news."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then handed a letter he held to the others. "This is a plea for aid. What are your thoughts?"

The others took the letter and read it, their expressions shifting to one of surprise.

The letter, it turned out, originated from the Celestial Net Ancient Sect [an ancient and powerful human sect], located within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain [a vast and fiery region of the immortal realm]. This sect was one of the Great Luo Ancient Sect [prestigious ancient sects founded by Great Luo Golden Immortals] of the Human Race, and its sphere of influence also lay within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain.

In truth, they had dealings with the Celestial Net Ancient Sect long ago. Back when Eldrin Chen underwent his first Dao Tribulation [a heavenly trial testing a cultivator's comprehension of the Dao], he had encountered the sect's Seventh True Disciple [a core disciple of exceptional talent and status], Ronan Luo.

The Celestial Net Ancient Sect was originally founded by two rogue cultivators who had attained the Grand Luo [the realm of a Golden Immortal, a pinnacle existence]. Their method was to seek out supremely talented Ancient Immortal Great Powers [powerful cultivators at the Ancient Immortal realm], offering them the sect's resources and guidance to break through to the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal in exchange for their allegiance.

Because the Celestial Net Ancient Sect's structure was relatively loose—more akin to an alliance of rogue cultivators—and it imposed few harsh demands on its disciples, it attracted many supremely talented independents to its ranks.

Furthermore, due to their substantial cultivation efforts and a fair measure of good fortune, the Celestial Net Ancient Sect has, over these years, successfully nurtured six Grand Luo Golden Immortals [supreme immortals who have transcended the ordinary Golden Immortal realm].

Thus, the present-day Celestial Net Ancient Sect, while lacking any Late-Stage Grand Luo Golden Immortals [cultivators in the late stage of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm], possesses eight Grand Luo Golden Immortals in total. Among them, three have even attained the Mid-Stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the middle stage of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm].

After the Chaotic War [a cataclysmic conflict spanning the primordial chaos] commenced, the eight great Immortal Domains [realms governed by powerful immortals] of the Celestial Net Ancient Sect immediately banded together. They deployed a formidable Chaos Eight Extremes Formation [a grand defensive formation harnessing the power of the eight cardinal directions within the chaos], and though they did not participate in the frontlines, their defensive posture remained relatively secure.

However, many years ago, the Chaotic Fiendgods [ancient, malevolent beings born from primordial chaos] divided their forces into three prongs. One of these prongs struck directly at the eight Immortal Domains of the Celestial Net Ancient Sect, and the siege upon these domains has now persisted for tens of millions of years.

Over these long years, the Celestial Net Ancient Sect has relied on its profound foundational strength and heritage [the accumulated resources, knowledge, and power passed down through generations] to endure tenaciously. Yet, as the conflict drags on, their position grows increasingly precarious. It is for this reason they have dispatched a plea for aid to Eldrin Chen.

After comprehending the full context, Lyra Jiang drew a deep breath and spoke, "Although our injuries have Restoration [a divine ability focused on healing and recovery] nearly to completion, should we Eruption [unleash our full power in a life-or-death battle], I fear it would cause our wounds to deteriorate further."

"Moreover, the eight Immortal Domains of the Celestial Net are not our own Dao-field [a cultivator's personal sanctum and place of power]. If we rashly go to their aid, we risk walking into an ambush laid by the Chaotic Fiendgods."

Verdant Consort also nodded in agreement. After a moment of contemplation, she added, "While we have prevailed in two battles of the Chaotic War, our victories were largely due to the enemy underestimating us, unaware of our true capabilities."

"Now that our strength is largely known to all factions, joining this new fray may not be the wisest course."

Seeing this, Nyssa Qu could not help but interject, "Yet if we do nothing, the Celestial Net Ancient Sect will surely struggle to hold. As their strength wanes and the enemy's waxes, the tide of the entire war could swiftly turn against us."

"To rescue them or not to rescue them, both are fraught with peril!" Ethan Chen shook his head and couldn't help but look towards Eldrin Chen as he asked, "Uncle Eldrin, what is your counsel?"...

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before speaking, "To save them, we do not necessarily have to dispatch our forces."

Upon hearing this, everyone was momentarily taken aback. Lulu couldn't resist asking, "What do you mean?"

Eldrin Chen offered no reply. Instead, he directly picked up a brush and composed a letter.

This letter was addressed to the Chaotic Fiendgod besieging the Celestial Net Ancient Sect. Its general meaning was that if they succeeded in breaching the sect's defenses, he, Eldrin, would personally pay a visit to their rear-guard Chaos Nest [a primordial breeding ground and stronghold of chaos-aligned beings] at the very height of their most intense battle.

After reading it, Verdant Consort couldn't help but laugh. "You're actually thinking of raiding their home base. How delightfully underhanded."

"However, I've heard that Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor long ago relocated those Chaos Nest to the vicinity of his own Emperor Lord [a title for a supreme ruler among cultivators] Daoist sanctuary. Will this tactic truly be effective?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head and then stated, "Since I am capable of visiting their Chaos Nest, I am equally capable of intervening in their Chaotic War [a grand, fate-altering conflict involving primordial chaos forces]."

"Therefore, whether it is effective or not is not the crucial point. I am merely informing them that there exists here a force that can be mobilized at any moment—a force that once slew the Primordial Divine Lord [a title for a powerful deity]. That alone should be sufficient to make them think twice before acting recklessly."

Hearing this, everyone finally nodded with dawning comprehension.

After dispatching the letter, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment, then also wrote a letter to the Chaotic Fiendgod [a primordial race of savage, powerful beings] army stationed outside the Seven Great Immortal Domains of the Longevity Liu Clan.

The Longevity Liu Clan possessed seven Grand Luo [a supreme realm of cultivation] Immortal Domains, and even boasted a top-tier Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a pinnacle master within the Grand Luo realm] who had reached the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal stage. In theory, they had little to fear from the Chaotic Fiendgod army, yet Eldrin Chen was still pleased to offer this gesture of goodwill.

As the two letters were sent forth, it was not long before the two Chaotic Fiendgod armies stationed outside the eight Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortals] of Tian Luo and the seven Immortal Domain of the Liu Clan received the messages.

"Audacious!"

"Eldrin, the Abyssal Brat, how dare you threaten this sovereign?"

Outside the Tian Luo Immortal Domain, within the main camp of the Chaotic Fiendgod, a man clad in Nine Nether Abyss [a mythical place of profound darkness] divine armor seethed with rage. This was Xuan Tian Divine Lord, one of the nine great Divine Lord [a title for a powerful deity or immortal lord] under the command of Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor.

At this moment, Xuan Tian Divine Lord looked at the letter in his hand, his fury erupting instantly. He tore the parchment to shreds and was about to grasp his Heaven-Piercing Lance [a legendary spear capable of piercing the heavens] and charge out, but he was stopped by another Chaotic Fiendgod.

"Divine Lord, you must not act rashly!"

A Divine General blocked his path, his expression grave as he spoke. "The fate of the Nine Extremes Divine Lord serves as a stark warning. I implore you, Divine Lord, do not strike out recklessly."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Tian Divine Lord's face darkened slightly. It was only after a long moment that he finally regained his composure.

Only after a long while did He draw a deep breath and declare, "With the fall of Nine Extremes Divine Lord, we could be attacked from both front and rear at any moment."

"Alas, this war is likely unsustainable," He sighed.

Upon hearing this, the Chaotic Fiendgod under the command of Xuan Tian Divine General all fell into a heavy silence.

Since the onset of the Chaos Great War, more than sixty Chaotic Fiendgod had perished. It could be said that nearly one-fourth of the Chaotic Fiendgod serving under Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor had been slain in battle.

Such staggering losses represented the most severe toll suffered in the last five hundred Kalpa Tribulation.

It was foreseeable that Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor would need to recuperate for dozens, if not hundreds, of Kalpa Tribulation before even contemplating the launch of another Chaos Great War.

Furthermore, the next Chaos Great War was more likely to occur a full hundred Kalpa Tribulation hence, timed for the revival of these fallen Chaotic Fiendgod, a war Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor would wage to facilitate their return.

Contemplating this, Xuan Tian Divine Lord sighed wearily, "Enough. Send word to His Majesty Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor, inquiring if we may withdraw our forces."...

"If withdrawal is denied, we can fight no longer."

Just as Xuan Tian Divine Lord conceived this desire to retreat, the Chaotic Fiendgod positioned beyond the Liu Clan's Immortal Domain were also harboring similar thoughts of withdrawal.

They immediately sent word to Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor, seeking to request an end to this war. Even the various Chaotic Fiendgod on the front lines began to harbor thoughts of retreat.

Although the Chaotic Fiendgod do not fall into Samsara [the cycle of death and rebirth], they ultimately have no desire to wage a war with no hope of victory.

In the years that followed, while Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor did not directly agree to their request, the war entered a stage of strategic stalemate. Life-and-death battles on the scale of Chaotic Fiendgod rarely erupted anymore.

Of course, these Chaotic Fiendgod did not cease their actions entirely. Instead, they began targeting easier prey.

In later years, they turned their attention to weaker Immortal Domain. Several powerful Chaotic Fiendgod would join forces to assault a Low-Grade Immortal Domain, allowing them to slay a few early-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal in an extremely short time.

However, this situation did not last long. After several Grand Luo Golden Immortal were slain, the remaining Immortal Domain began to gather in groups of two or three, supporting each other to resist the Chaotic Fiendgod. This prevented the fiendgods from gaining a significant advantage.

Meanwhile, the Grand Luo of the Abyssal Immortal Domain, their wounds gradually healing, also embarked on further secluded cultivation.

Thus, the river of time flowed swiftly onward, and another twenty million years passed.

Until this day, when Eldrin Chen awoke from his seclusion. Sensing the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the perfected spiritual core] within his body, he slowly let out a breath.

"It is almost time for the breakthrough."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself. After arduous cultivation spanning several Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration], the accumulation within his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] had finally reached perfection, allowing him to touch the threshold of the fourth layer of Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme realm of immortal cultivation].

With his foundation now complete, Eldrin Chen saw no reason for further delay. He resolved to enter seclusion immediately to attempt his breakthrough.

Compared to the mainstream Path of Dao Dominion [a cultivation path focused on mastering the fundamental principles of existence] and Sainthood through the Flesh [a cultivation path focused on perfecting the physical body], the Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [a cultivation path focused on the ascension of the Primordial Spirit] was far more esoteric. Furthermore, with shadowy forces actively obstructing this path, it was exceedingly rare to find a Grand Luo Golden Immortal within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of immortal cultivation] who walked this road.

Consequently, Eldrin Chen had few precedents or case studies to draw upon for his breakthrough into the Great Luo Primordial Spirit [the Primordial Spirit realm within the Grand Luo stage]. Even the Great Luo Soul-Nourishing Pill [a supreme elixir for nourishing the Primordial Spirit] was largely his own creation, devised through trial and insight.

Now, as Eldrin Chen prepared for the final ascent of his Primordial Spirit, his first act was to retrieve the Great Luo Soul-Nourishing Pill.

To guard against any unforeseen shortfall, he also drew forth one hundred stalks of Great Luo Soul-Nourishing Wood [a rare spiritual wood that nourishes the soul] and fused them into his dantian [the core energy center within a cultivator's body]. This would serve as the vital cultivation resource required to fuel his Primordial Spirit's metamorphosis.

"This should suffice," he concluded, a note of finality in his voice.

Deeming his preparations sufficient, Eldrin Chen hesitated no longer. He immediately consumed the Great Luo Soul-Nourishing Pill and began its refinement.

In that instant, a torrent of immense Primordial Spirit power flooded his sea of consciousness [the realm of the mind and spirit]. This vast, primordial energy, the very essence of soul and spirit, was drawn inexorably into the core of his own Primordial Spirit.

"The medicinal potency of the Immortal Pill is not yet refined enough," he observed inwardly, sensing the raw, unpolished nature of the energy.

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, then immediately guided the medicinal potency out, infusing it into the Root Origin Treasure for continuous refinement and tempering. This process transformed it into the purest Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] essence, utterly devoid of any impurity.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen absorbed the medicinal potency once more. Instantly, he felt his True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a highly refined state of the spiritual core] was on the verge of ascension, undergoing a profound metamorphosis that radiated from within.

"The quality of my Primordial Spirit has doubled,"

Eldrin Chen whispered, sensing that the space between the brows of his True Spirit Primordial Spirit seemed now gilded with a faint trace of Chaos Immortal Light [a luminous power born from primordial chaos]. The power it contained had undergone a qualitative transformation of the utmost profundity. …

With this thought, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate. He immediately activated the Chaos Grinding Disc within the Root Origin Treasure. It began to pulverize vast quantities of Soul-Nourishing Wood [a rare spiritual wood that nourishes the soul], refining them into the purest soul-nourishing energy to merge with his Primordial Spirit.

With this influx of nourishment, Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit began to change continuously. That single strand of Chaos Immortal Light spread and multiplied, eventually bathing the entire True Spirit Primordial Spirit in a dazzling, immortal radiance.

Only then did Eldrin Chen once again fuse ten strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a fundamental, unbreakable spiritual radiance], further elevating the potential and foundational depth of his True Spirit Primordial Spirit.

"The fourth layer of the Great Luo Primordial Spirit [the Primordial Spirit state of the Great Luo realm]. My True Spirit Primordial Spirit has finally reached its minor completion."

Eldrin Chen opened his eyes. Sensing the power of his Primordial Spirit, a smile touched his lips as he whispered softly to himself.

At this moment, he could feel that following this breakthrough, the power of his Primordial Spirit had increased by more than double.

This represents a qualitative leap; henceforth, when channeling divine abilities, the power unleashed will also experience a qualitative enhancement.

Eldrin Chen even felt that in his current state, even if he were to discard his physical body and his Great Dao [the fundamental cosmic principle or path], the power of his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] alone would be sufficient to sweep through a host of heroes, possessing combat prowess equivalent to the seventh layer of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

Furthermore, after this breakthrough, with the combined augmentation from his Primordial Spirit, physical body, and Great Dao, the combat power he could Eruption [a divine ability] had also seen a significant increase.

By his own estimation, his combat power in a normal state should now be comparable to that of a top-tier seventh-layer Grand Luo combatant.

This level of power was roughly similar to Desolate Silence Divine General—capable of fighting two ordinary seventh-layer Grand Luo Golden Immortal simultaneously—yet still fell short when compared to an eighth-layer Grand Luo.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, the minimum threshold for the eighth layer of Grand Luo was the ability to face three ordinary seventh-layer Grand Luo cultivators at once.

"In my current state, with the empowerment of Seven Luminaries Ascension and by unleashing the second stage of my Forbidden Divine Ability, dealing with Nine Extremes Divine Lord might not be as arduous as before."

As Eldrin Chen assessed his own strength, a faint smile touched his lips.

After completing his breakthrough, he emerged from his secluded cultivation chamber. Just as he was about to check on the recent state of the war, he noticed a streak of violet light flying towards the Abyssal Immortal Domain from beyond its borders.

Following that violet lightning was an even more domineering and formidable figure.

"Fellow Daoist Eldrin [a respectful title for a fellow cultivator], let me in at once!"

At that very moment, Eldrin Chen heard a familiar voice. The violet streak of light ahead was none other than Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a legendary phoenix of immense power and ancient lineage].

Seeing the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix arrive, Eldrin Chen immediately granted it entry. He tossed a Fiend God Heartblood Pill [a supreme-grade elixir that replenishes the vital essence of gods and fiends] to the creature and inquired, "How are you faring?"

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's face was deathly pale, a clear sign of grievous wounds.

After swallowing the Fiend God Heartblood Pill, she barely managed to suppress her injuries. With a bitter smile, she said, "This time, I was forced to consecutively unleash Forbidden Divine Ability [a supreme technique that inflicts severe backlash on the user]. The damage is even worse than last time. I fear I will not recover for quite some time."

"BOOM—"

Simultaneously, the pursuing Chaotic Fiendgod [a primordial deity of chaos and destruction] tore through the void behind them.

It was a figure that blotted out the sky. A single one of its horns was vaster than an entire Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortal laws]. It slammed against the Seven Immortal Domains Grand Formation [the ultimate defensive array protecting the seven immortal realms], Eruption [unleashing] shockwaves of unimaginable fury.

Fortunately, the defenses of the Seven Great Immortal Domains were truly extraordinary. Even though this Chaotic Fiendgod's aura dominated the Myriad Heavens [the countless realms of existence], it still could not breach the grand formation of the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

"Primordial Chaos Kui Ox [a mythical bovine fiendgod born from primordial chaos], your efforts are in vain."

Witnessing the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial beast of chaos resembling a one-legged ox] descend into a frenzy, Eldrin Chen stepped forth from the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], his expression cold and detached as he spoke.

"It is you!"

The moment he laid eyes on Eldrin Chen, the pupils of the Chaos Kui Ox grew even more frigid and sinister.

His gaze darkened, and only after a long silence did he speak. "Using the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a mythical phoenix of supreme violet radiance] to lure me away, then employing a Formation [a mystical array or battle formation] and hidden reserves to trap and slay the Nine Extremes Divine Lord [a divine lord who has mastered nine extremes of power]... your methods are truly cunning, sir."

"All is fair in war. My victory this time stems merely from your inability to relinquish the Opportunity [a rare and pivotal chance for a cultivator to advance their Dao] to attain your Dao."

Upon hearing this, the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox's pupils grew even more chillingly cold.

For a moment, the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox nearly succumbed to the impulse to slaughter his way into the Formation at any cost, but in the end, he suppressed that murderous intent.

He shook his head. The Primordial Heaven Thunder Spear [a divine spear imbued with the power of primordial heavenly thunder] in his hand erupted with dazzling arcs of lightning as he pointed it at Eldrin Chen and declared, "You are a hero of your generation. Dare you step out of the formation and face this lord in single combat?"

"I dare not."

Eldrin Chen shook his head with a faint smile. "Your Excellency is a peerless Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, a supreme stage of cultivation]. How could I possibly dare to face you alone?"

"Hah—"

The Primordial Chaos Kui Ox let out a cold laugh, finally stowing away the Primordial Heaven Thunder Spear. With an icy expression, it declared, "Rest assured. Perhaps it will not be long before you and I have our chance to do battle."

Witnessing this, the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox stamped its hooves, shattering the Chaos beneath it, and vanished into the depths of the boundless Chaos Sea.

"Not long before we have our chance to do battle?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly for a moment before he instantly reined in his thoughts.

He turned his head to look at the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix beside him and could not help but inquire, "How are your injuries?"

"I won't die from them." The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix shook its head, then said with a slightly grave expression, "You must be wary of this Primordial Chaos Kui Ox."

"Is this creature truly that formidable?"

Eldrin Chen spoke, a flicker of surprise appearing in the depths of his gaze.

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix drew a deep breath and then explained, "Among the nine Divine Lord under the command of Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor, this Primordial Chaos Kui Ox ranks first. It stands but half a step away from the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, a trace of solemnity appearing on his face.

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix nodded and continued, "This Primordial Chaos Kui Ox hails from beyond the Eastern Departure Flame Domain. It is said to possess an even more astonishing background. The reason it came to the Eastern Departure Flame Domain was for my Dao Authority [the authority and power inherent to one's cultivation path and comprehension of the Dao]."

"If you encounter it within the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between realms], remember not to confront it head-on. Put as much distance between you and it as you can."

Eldrin Chen nodded in acknowledgment but still inquired, "How does it compare to the Nine Extremes Divine Lord?"

"Stronger."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix spoke, then sighed. "Although there are no weaklings among Late Great Luo Golden Immortals [cultivators who have reached the pinnacle of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm], this Primordial Chaos Kui Ox is a powerhouse among powerhouses. You must understand, among the nine great Divine Lords, the Nine Extremes Divine Lord only ranks third."

"I understand."

Eldrin Chen nodded once more, having roughly gauged the strength of the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox.

He then turned his gaze back to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix and said, "You should go into seclusion to heal your wounds first. We will deal with this Primordial Chaos Kui Ox another day."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment, then took out some of the cultivation resources he had seized and gave them to Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix as a reward for luring away the powerful enemy.

After handling these matters, Eldrin Chen returned to the Abyssal Immortal Domain and summoned Qiyuan Chen back.

Within the grand hall, Eldrin Chen looked at Qiyuan Chen and asked, "The war has delayed things these past years. Have you managed to locate your Mithril Vein yet?"

Qiyuan Chen shook his head, a trace of helplessness in his voice. "In recent years, the surrounding Dao Domain have all been Eruption by war. The situation is one of utter Chaos, making it impossible for me to venture deep into those Chaos Nest."

"Although I have gathered some intelligence, unfortunately, none of it points to a top-tier Chaos Nest."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this, then stated, "Given the current circumstances, it seems our only option is to seize that Silver Dragon Chaos Nest."

Upon hearing this, Qiyuan Chen grew concerned and could not help but voice his worry, "If we launch a direct assault on the Silver Dragon Chaos Nest, might it not give him the chance to escape?"