Chapter 1949 : The Abyssal Seal's Ascension

Previously, Eldrin Chen was able to defeat Nine Extremes Divine Lord primarily due to the empowerment of Seven Luminaries Ascension, which doubled the foundation of his entire being.

At that time, the actual combat prowess of Eldrin Chen was nearly identical to his current strength in the Mid-Great Immortal Realm.

"Now that the breakthrough is complete, it is time to undertake the Ascension [the process of elevating an object or domain to a higher grade] of the Immortal Domain and the True Spirit Supreme Treasure," Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, immediately beginning the Ascension of the Abyssal Seal.

The Abyssal Seal was forged from the fusion of ten divine weapons. Previously, after Eldrin Chen had fused nine strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primal, unbreakable essence of spiritual energy], he discovered it had reached its limit and could not undergo Ascension any further.

This time, as Eldrin Chen initiated the Ascension of the Abyssal Seal once more, he found that after integrating eighteen strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light, it could still accept more.

Thus, Eldrin Chen continued the fusion process until it reached its absolute limit after integrating twenty-one additional strands. In total, the Abyssal Seal had fused a full thirty strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light before finally Ascension into a Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

"This Abyssal Seal is another major consumer of resources," Eldrin Chen sighed with a touch of helplessness after completing its Ascension.

The successive major battles had allowed Eldrin Chen to amass one hundred and eight strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light. However, with the breakthroughs of his three foundational pillars to the Grand Luo realm and the Ascension of the Abyssal Seal, this vast reserve of resources was nearly halved.

Furthermore, with the resources consumed by cultivating spiritual roots and by Lyra Jiang and others, the number of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a unique, indestructible form of spiritual radiance] remaining in Eldrin Chen's possession had now dwindled to fewer than thirty strands.

"Alas, resources are forever insufficient,"

sighed Eldrin Chen. He then focused his senses on the power of the Abyssal Seal [a powerful enchanted seal artifact], and a flicker of joy could not help but surface within him.

This time, after its Ascension [a qualitative evolution in power and grade], the Abyssal Seal's might had undergone another tremendous leap, breaking through the limits of a Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest standard grade of treasures born from heaven and earth].

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, the current Abyssal Seal was now powerful enough to rival a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure grade surpassing the top grade], having entered the domain of a Twelve-Rune Supreme-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure marked by twelve divine runes]. This was an exceedingly gratifying development.

It must be understood that the vast majority of Grand Luo Golden Immortal [cultivators at the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle of power] did not possess a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure in their hands.

Even the weakest Twelve-Rune Supreme-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure was a treasure dreamt of by many who had reached Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm].

Out of ten cultivators at Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection, at most three would own a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, and those three were almost invariably individuals with backgrounds connected to a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [an emperor-monarch who rules over a realm of primordial chaos].

They either leaned on the support of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, or, like the Seven Radiance Immortal Lord [an immortal lord title meaning 'Lord of Seven Radiances'], came from a lineage that was once illustrious, thereby possessing such profound foundational strength [deep reserves of power, heritage, and resources].

In fact, the primary reason why the Seven Radiance Immortal Lord of the Immortal Clam Race [a demonic race of immortal clams] was watched by numerous Grand Luo Golden Immortal and Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch was precisely because the Immortal Clam Race possessed inherited foundational strength such as Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

Returning to the main topic, after the Abyssal Seal completed its Ascension [the process of evolving to a higher grade or state], Eldrin Chen's combat power once again experienced a monumental surge.

With his True Spirit Divine Ability and True Spirit Divine Runes not yet fully perfected, this Abyssal Seal had already become Eldrin Chen's most formidable weapon, potent enough to pose a threat even to a Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection.

With his combat prowess thus secured, Eldrin Chen returned to the Abyssal Immortal Domain and once again guided it through another Ascension.

Following the Immortal Domain's Ascension, Eldrin Chen took the opportunity to elevate all one hundred and forty-four Innate Ancient Tree within the Abyssal Immortal Domain into Great Luo Ancient Tree.

Although these Great Luo Ancient Tree could not compare to an Innate Spiritual Root, their speed in converting the Chaos Sea Waters increased manifold, causing the rate at which the Abyssal Immortal Domain accumulated its foundational essence to skyrocket by several times....

Furthermore, thanks to these Great Luo Ancient Tree and the Immortal Domain's Ascension, the combat strength of the one hundred and forty-four Emperor Lord of the Abyssal Immortal Domain rose yet another level, reaching the power of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

While this Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal level of power would be lost the moment they left the Abyssal Immortal Domain, it was undeniably a formidable force in its own right.

Additionally, the Abyssal Immortal Domain, having completed its Ascension, saw significant improvements in its overall defensive capabilities and foundational essence. By Eldrin Chen's estimation, its size and foundational power should now be comparable to a Top-Grade Immortal Domain.

Once the Immortal Domain's Ascension was complete, Eldrin Chen returned to Abyssal Heaven, only to find Lyra Jiang and the others had been waiting for him for some time.

The women gathered around Eldrin Chen with cheerful chatter. Nyssa Qu couldn't help but laugh and say, "With your three supreme Daos [the fundamental principles or paths of cultivation] breaking through this time, husband, you have truly ascended into the ranks of the top-tier Grand Luo cultivators."

Lyra Jiang nodded slightly, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "With this breakthrough, we should have little to fear from any foe within the Great Luo Realm [the highest known realm of cultivation, representing the pinnacle of power]."

Having just achieved his breakthrough, Eldrin Chen was in exceptionally high spirits. Seeing his peerless Dao companions gathered around him, he could no longer contain himself. He swept Nyssa Qu into his arms and, with a wave of his sleeve, gathered the others before retreating to his secluded cultivation abode.

As seasoned cultivators who had witnessed countless cycles over several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years], his companions were not averse to such intimacy.

After a time of passionate reunion, Eldrin Chen held Lyra Jiang close and spoke, his voice resonant with newfound power. "With this advancement, my strength is now sufficient to establish a firm foothold within the Grand Luo [the supreme cultivation realm, a step beyond the Great Luo]."

"Thus, I plan to journey to the Silver Dragon Chaos Nest [a perilous, primordial realm of chaotic energies] in the near future. My aim is to see if I can secure the Mithril Vein [a legendary deposit of mystical silver ore] for Thalion, the Ancient Ancestor."

The women voiced no objection, though Nyssa Qu spoke up, "We shall accompany you."

"There is no need,"

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his expression turning grave. "The war is far from over. If too many of us depart at once, the Chaotic Fiendgod [ancient, malevolent beings born from primordial chaos] may detect our movement. We could easily fall into an ambush, risking catastrophic losses."

"It is safer if I go alone. You should remain here to guard our clan."

His words did little to ease their concern. Lyra Jiang asked, her voice laced with worry, "Are you confident you can manage this alone?"

"The might of the Primordial Silver Dragon stems primarily from its Mana Immunity and its formidable physical strength, aspects which I happen to counter rather well,"

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly, pausing in thought for a moment before continuing, "My Reincarnation Body and I should be sufficient to handle this matter."

Only then did the others nod in agreement upon hearing this. Lyra Jiang could only advise, "Since that is the case, you must be extremely cautious on this journey. Remember, you must not alert Primordial Chaos Kui Ox or the others."

Eldrin Chen nodded at her words and said, "Do not worry. I shall set out to retrieve it immediately."

Once the decision was made, they delayed no further.

Early the next morning, Eldrin Chen departed for the Depths of Chaos, accompanied by his Reincarnation Body.

The location of the Silver Dragon Chaos Nest was also situated a vast distance from the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. They journeyed through the Chaos for a long time before finally reaching the territory where the Silver Dragon Chaos Nest lay.

"Is this the place?"

Gazing upon the Silver Dragon Chaos Nest before him, a trace of solemnity surfaced in Eldrin Chen's expression.

Regarding the Silver Dragon Chaos Nest, Eldrin Chen had already obtained extremely detailed intelligence. The ruler of this nest, the Primordial Silver Dragon, was a Chaotic Fiendgod at the Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm….

It is said that the Primordial Silver Dragon possesses an Indestructible [impervious to harm] physical body, and its cultivation has long since reached the Sixth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal [the sixth level of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm]. Yet, this alone was insufficient to make Eldrin Chen take the matter seriously.

The most crucial factor was that the Primordial Silver Dragon possessed the innate characteristic of Mana Immunity [immunity to magical energy attacks] and had once cultivated a Half-Step True Spirit Physique [a physique halfway to becoming a True Spirit].

Such astonishing aptitude granted the Primordial Silver Dragon formidable power, to the extent that it had once achieved the feat of defeating a Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal [a cultivator at the seventh level of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm].

From this point alone, this Primordial Silver Dragon could be considered a top-tier, once-in-an-era prodigy.

A being of the seventh layer, if defending from within its Chaos Nest [a lair formed from primordial chaos], would indeed be enough to warrant Eldrin Chen's serious attention.

Fortunately, the Primordial Silver Dragon was also a solitary figure, with no other Grand Luo Golden Immortal [Great Luo Golden Immortal realm cultivators] to aid it. Thus, Eldrin Chen was confident he could handle the situation.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen stealthily infiltrated to a point one hundred Dao Paths [a measure of distance in the primordial chaos] outside the Silver Dragon Chaos Nest. He glanced at his Reincarnation Body [a body formed through the power of reincarnation] and said, "I will use the Abyssal Seal to breach the formation. You guard against the Primordial Silver Dragon's escape."

"Understood."

The Reincarnation Body nodded and, harnessing the Samsara Great Dao [the Great Dao of the Cycle of Rebirth], vanished into the Chaos [the formless, primordial void].

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen immediately summoned the Abyssal Seal. In an instant, the treasure transformed into a Primordial Chaos Cauldron [a cauldron forged from primordial chaos] that descended with crushing force, striking directly upon the Primordial Silver Dragon Lair.

The Mountain-Protecting Formation [a defensive array that shields a location] of this Primordial Silver Dragon [an ancient and powerful dragon species] lair also possessed the effect of Mana Immunity [a state of being impervious to magical energy and spells]. If one were to confront it by channeling divine abilities and Daoist arts, it was highly likely they would be unable to breach this grand formation.

Therefore, Eldrin Chen directly used the Abyssal Seal [a powerful enchanted seal artifact] to manifest an ancient cauldron, intending to suppress this Chaos Nest [a primordial sanctuary born from chaos] with sheer, overwhelming force.

"BOOM—"

The Abyssal Seal was already comparable to a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure of the highest innate quality, born from heaven and earth]. Once it transformed into a Treasure Seal [a seal-type magical treasure], how utterly astonishing was the power of its Eruption [a divine ability that unleashes a sudden, explosive force]?

In that instant, the entire Silver Dragon Chaos Nest trembled violently. The Mountain-Protecting Grand Formation, which was nearly as Indestructible [utterly unbreakable] and Imperishable [eternally enduring] as if it had weathered ten thousand calamities, began to crack. The entire sky became webbed with Indestructible fissures.

"Who goes there?"

At that very moment, a silver-armored youth strode forth from within the Silver Dragon Chaos Nest.

He held a gleaming silver spear. Instead of fleeing for his life immediately, he charged directly at Eldrin Chen, intent on a crushing assault.

"Perfect timing!"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flashed with light. He immediately raised his palm and struck out with immense force, clashing head-on with the silver-armored youth. He then summoned the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd [a halberd weapon forged from primordial chaos] and unleashed its Eruption, resulting in a world-shaking collision.

After a fleeting moment of crossing blows, Eldrin Chen was forced back several steps in succession. He regarded the silver-armored youth with considerable surprise and asked, "You have broken through?"

"Who are you, sir?"

The silver-armored youth had also retreated several paces. He turned his gaze to Eldrin Chen, a flicker of astonishment crossing his features. He primarily cultivated the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation art focused on tempering the physical body to an indestructible state], and had long found no worthy opponents within the same realm. He had never even encountered anyone whose physical prowess could rival his own.

Having just emerged from seclusion, his cultivation had advanced to the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [the advanced stage of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle of immortal cultivation]. He had believed himself to be nearly invincible within the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm. To his surprise, he had gained not the slightest advantage against Eldrin Chen, and had even suffered a subtle disadvantage.

Considering this, the Primordial Silver Dragon [an ancient and mighty dragon of immense power] drew a deep breath and said, "Such formidable physical strength. Do you also walk the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification?"

"Come then, let us fight!"

As his words fell, the youth gripped his silver spear and charged. A torrent of piercing force tore through the Chaos Ethereal Cosmos [a mystical space or artifact embodying primordial chaos], and he clashed fiercely with Eldrin Chen.

At that moment, Eldrin Chen also adopted a grave expression. He engaged the Primordial Silver Dragon in relentless close-quarters combat, repeatedly Eruption [unleashing a powerful, explosive force] in massive collisions, yet still found it difficult to seize an absolute upper hand. …

After dozens of exchanged blows, Eldrin Chen understood that relying solely on physical strength, he would find it hard to overcome this Primordial Silver Dragon.

It was not that Eldrin Chen was lacking in power, but rather that the innate talent of the Primordial Silver Dragon was simply too astounding.

He had already mastered the Seven Bloodline Divine Abilities. Bolstered by their power and the astonishing divine strength of his Half-Step True Spirit Physique, the Primordial Silver Dragon found few equals in combat within the same realm.

Now, though he had only just entered the Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, the might of his physical body nearly brushed against the domain of the Eighth Layer Great Luo.

If one added the unique property of Mana Immunity, the Primordial Silver Dragon could fully contend with an Eighth Layer Great Luo cultivator of the Path of Dao Dominion, and even had a chance to retreat unscathed from an encounter with a Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection expert.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Your physical prowess is formidable, worthy of my full strength."

"BOOM—"

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen instantly unleashed his full Eruption. In that moment, he channeled the power of his Great Dao and his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] into his own body, pushing the augmentation of the Five True Spirit Divine Runes to its absolute limit.

In this state, every strike from Eldrin Chen possessed force enough to wrestle with gods and demons, an Eruption that unleashed the world-shaking true power of Annihilation upon the Myriad Heavens.

"ARGH—"

The Primordial Silver Dragon was forced into continuous retreat, driven to a frenzied, blood-soaked rage. Roaring, it pushed its Bloodline Divine Ability to the extreme, even recklessly activating a Forbidden Divine Ability in a desperate fight for its life.

Had it not been for the overwhelming might of the Abyssal Seal in Eldrin Chen's hand, coupled with his own activation of the first stage of the Yin-Yang Sacrificial Dao, he might have nearly suffered defeat at its claws.

"Boom—"

No one could tell how long the battle raged. It continued until the Chaos Storm they stirred churned across the eight directions, and endless Chaos Tsunamis swept through the vast expanse of the Myriad Heavens. In the end, it was Eldrin Chen who emerged slightly superior.

Witness then, as Eldrin Chen wielded the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd, bringing it down with a force that cleaved the long spear held by the Primordial Silver Dragon clean in two.

"Aaaargh—!"

At the critical moment, grievously wounded, the Primordial Silver Dragon fled in bitter defeat towards the Depths of Chaos, declaring, "In today's battle, your victory rests solely upon the superiority of your weapon."

"Once I have fully consolidated my realm, I shall return to settle this score with you."

With those words, the Primordial Silver Dragon vanished into the Chaos, escaping even the grasp of the great Dao powers unleashed by the Reincarnation Body—the forces of Samsara [the endless cycle of death and rebirth] and Space-Time, among others.

"A pity. With his cultivation breakthrough, even I could not hold him back."

Watching the Primordial Silver Dragon depart, the Reincarnation Body spoke with a note of regret.

Eldrin Chen, however, remained utterly composed. The escape of the Primordial Silver Dragon had been within his expectations all along.

The Mana Immunity of the Primordial Silver Dragon was truly astonishing. Had his cultivation not broken through, the Reincarnation Body might have barely managed to hold him back. But now, with his realm advanced, the Reincarnation Body stood no chance of restraining him.

In truth, it was not just the Samsara and Time-Space Great Dao of the Reincarnation Body; even Lila's Eternal Glacier, Yvonne the Violet Consort's Net of the Purple Heavenly Flames, or Eldrin Chen's Five-Colored Divine Light would have been incapable of containing him.

Even if a Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection expert were to act, it would be nearly impossible to trap the Primordial Silver Dragon in his current state.

For Mana Immunity cultivated to such a profound level, if it could still be easily subdued by others, it would not deserve to be called Mana Immunity.

"I never imagined his cultivation would advance so swiftly. It seems we have provoked a formidable foe," Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a trace of helplessness coloring his expression.

Since attaining the Dao, the Primordial Silver Dragon had only experienced a few dozen Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth]. To reach this realm without any powerful backing was a testament to his truly exceptional, heaven-defying talent.

The reason Eldrin Chen had been able to defeat the Primordial Silver Dragon this time was primarily because the dragon had only recently broken through to the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal realm. His seven Bloodline Divine Ability [innate supernatural powers inherited through one's lineage] had not yet been cultivated to their Great Perfection stage.

Furthermore, his divine weapon, the 'Primordial Silver Dragon Spear', had not yet undergone Ascension [the process of refining and evolving a treasure to a higher grade] to become a Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

Once the Primordial Silver Dragon's seven Bloodline Divine Ability reached Great Perfection and his Innate Lifebound Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born with and intrinsically linked to a cultivator's life force] completed its Ascension, his combat power would undoubtedly see a far greater increase.

….

By that time, the Primordial Silver Dragon would possess the strength to contend with a Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm], provided, of course, that said Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection cultivated a path focused on the palm [a specific Dao or method of cultivation].

Regardless, it was foreseeable that once this Primordial Silver Dragon consolidated its cultivation base, it would undoubtedly become an opponent that could not be underestimated in the slightest.

"First, there was the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox, and now this Primordial Silver Dragon..."

"Unconsciously, the number of enemies we have provoked has grown ever larger."

Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh, then withdrew his thoughts.

He proceeded immediately to the Silver Dragon Chaos Nest and thoroughly ransacked this Chaos Nest [a primordial place of power born from chaos].

Unfortunately, the spoils were meager: merely a single Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a powerful artifact born from the world's innate laws] called the 'Spell-Warding Silver Gourd', and one large Mithril Vein.

Eldrin Chen had anticipated this. This Primordial Silver Dragon had attained its Dao for only a few dozen Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration]. In such a short span, it had broken through to the Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm; it would be a miracle if it had managed to amass any significant resources.

Furthermore, most of its resources had likely been taken by the Primordial Silver Dragon when it fled, so finding only this much was within expectations.

The saving grace was that the large Mithril Vein remained. It contained over one hundred portions of Great Luo Mithril and nine portions of Mithril at the Innate Divine Metal [metal born of primordial chaos] grade. This alone fulfilled Eldrin Chen's primary objective.

"Take it back."

After thoroughly looting the treasures, Eldrin Chen immediately began propelling the [the lair of the ancient Silver Dragon, a powerful Chaos Demon Beast] towards the Abyssal Immortal Domain. It took over a million years before he finally and silently returned to the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

Upon arriving at the Abyssal Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen placed the within the Chaos Celestial Domain, positioning it opposite the Chaos Golden Bull Nest. Only then did he allow himself a slight sigh of relief.

Upon hearing of this, the other Grand Luo Golden Immortals of the Abyssal Immortal Alliance arrived at the Chaos Celestial Domain with great interest.

Even Violet Ancient Phoenix was stirred from her seclusion. Gazing at the before her, she remarked, "I never imagined you would secure this Chaos Nest as well. The strength of that Primordial Silver Dragon was certainly no weaker than my own."

"He had already broken through to the Great Luo Late Stage."

Eldrin Chen did not conceal the truth, informing everyone of the intelligence failure.

The expressions of the assembled Grand Luo Golden Immortals shifted slightly upon hearing this. Violet Ancient Phoenix could not help but exclaim, "Once the Primordial Silver Dragon broke through, his combat power would have surged dramatically once more. To think you were actually able to defeat him?"

"His breakthrough was recent, his cultivation base not yet solidified. I merely relied on the advantage of my Magical Artifacts."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his expression turning grave as he added, "Although I defeated the Primordial Silver Dragon this time, I failed to slay him."

"Once his injuries are Restoration [a divine ability focused on healing and recovery], you must all remember never to venture alone beyond the Seven Great Immortal Domains [the seven core, stable realms of the immortal world]."

Everyone nodded upon hearing this. If a top-tier Grand Luo [the pinnacle cultivation realm, representing the apex of power] expert like the Primordial Silver Dragon [an ancient and immensely powerful dragon of chaos] were to ambush them within the Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond the ordered realms], then even Violet Ancient Phoenix [an ancient and powerful phoenix cultivator] would face the grave danger of severe injury or even demise.

It could be said that within the Chen Clan, aside from Eldrin Chen, no one could be confident of defeating such a foe.

Considering this, Lyra Jiang spoke up: "Henceforth, if any of us must journey into the Depths of Chaos [the most perilous and untamed regions of the primordial chaos], we must inform the others beforehand. It is best to travel in a group of several."

The others all nodded in agreement, accepting her view.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke to reassure them: "There is no need for excessive worry. The Primordial Silver Dragon's greatest strength lies in its Mana Immunity [a divine ability that grants near-total immunity to magical and energy-based attacks]. However, its physical resilience is not invincible among peers. Where there is a weakness, there is a way to confront it."

With those words, the matter was settled. After learning more about the profound properties of the Mithril Vein [a legendary vein of ore possessing unique spiritual and physical properties], the group dispersed.

After everyone had left, Eldrin Chen sought out Thalion, the Ancient Ancestor and brought him to the Mithril Vein. "With this Mithril Vein," he said, "Ancestor, you should have the means to master the Mana Immunity."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuan's face lit up with a flash of joyous surprise.

He now understood the full sequence of events. After a moment of silence, he sighed. "It seems I have caused you trouble this time."

"There is no need for excessive worry. We live within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all things originate], and in the end, we must still strive and contend."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, then spoke: "However, there is one matter for which I would like to ask for the Ancestor's assistance."

My condition today is slightly poorer, so the update is a bit shorter.