Chapter 1954 : Tokens of the Celestial Emperor

After Drayan Taicang's foundation was successfully remolded, Azure Dawn Emperor Lord did not linger for long within the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

She spent several days reunited with Lyra Jiang before departing the Abyssal Immortal Domain. Once Azure Dawn Emperor Lord had left, Lyra Jiang made her way to Eldrin Chen's cultivation abode.

"For the Taicang Divine Emperor to be willing to part with such an item, it seems his regard for Drayan Taicang is indeed profound," Eldrin Chen remarked with a sigh.

Within the abode, Eldrin Chen, Verdant Consort, Nyssa Qu, and Lyra Jiang sat facing each other. Their gazes were fixed upon an ornate casket before them, which had prompted Eldrin Chen's exclamation.

Inside the box lay three ancient-looking tokens, each inscribed with two archaic characters: Immortal Cosmos [a term denoting the celestial cosmos or immortal realm].

"Ancient Immortal Cosmos Token [an ancient token granting access to the legendary Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain]," Lyra Jiang murmured, her voice low.

As she beheld the ancient tokens, a flicker of solemnity passed through Lyra Jiang's eyes, her expression growing grave.

Eldrin Chen was also somewhat aware of the Ancient Immortal Cosmos Token's significance and knew well its immense rarity and value.

Legends spoke of the Ancient Immortal Cosmos Token's origins stretching back to an era lost to time. They were said to be treasures left behind by the 'Cosmos Celestial Emperor' of the bygone Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain [the primordial realm from which the immortal cosmos is said to have originated].

In that ancient era, the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain was home to a full nine Chaos Celestial Emperor. It stood as the foremost Origin Domain [a primal, foundational realm within the cosmology] among the fourteen surrounding Chaos Ancient Domain.

Among these nine Chaos Celestial Emperor, the most formidable was the Cosmos Celestial Emperor. It is said his cultivation had reached the 'Half-Step Dao Union Realm', far surpassing ordinary practitioners of the first realm within Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

Even treasures like the Mid Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of forging creation itself] were artifacts wielded by the Cosmos Celestial Emperor.

Such a nearly invincible, peerless Celestial Emperor would likely have ascended to the Second Chaos Realm, had he not drawn unimaginably powerful enemies due to the Chaos Cauldron.

Legend tells that during the Cosmos Celestial Emperor's reign, he united the nine great Celestial Emperors to construct a 'Celestial Emperor's Treasury' [a vault containing the legacy of the Celestial Emperors]. Within it, they left priceless imperial legacies to nurture rising talents of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain [the primordial celestial realm].

However, after the fall of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain, the Celestial Emperor's Treasury vanished into Chaos, reappearing only once every one hundred cycles of Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal].

When the Celestial Emperor's Treasury emerges, those who possess an Ancient Immortal Cosmos Token [a key to the celestial vault] may enter to seek their Opportunity [a chance for profound advancement].

Of course, this Celestial Emperor's Treasury was intended by the nine Celestial Emperors to train their disciples. Therefore, only those below the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm are qualified to enter, and they must pass trials left by the Emperors to obtain the treasures.

Furthermore, the rewards scale with one's cultivation foundation; the greater the talent and potential of the Immortal, the more astonishing the prize.

The treasury contains items such as Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest grade of treasures born from the primordial chaos], Innate Primordial Qi [the purest form of primordial energy], and even Innate Supreme Treasure and Chaos Rare Treasure. With sufficient innate talent and potential, even a Grand Luo Golden Immortal could soar to unparalleled heights with such a prize.

An Opportunity of this magnitude is considered among the very pinnacle, even within the vast expanse of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss.

With this thought, Lyra Jiang spoke, "According to established tradition, each time the Celestial Emperor's Treasury [the legendary vault of the Celestial Emperor] opens, a batch of Ancient Immortal Cosmos Token [ancient tokens granting entry to the Celestial Emperor's Treasury] is released several Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth] in advance."

"Now that Taicang Divine Emperor has gifted us these Ancient Immortal Cosmos Token, it seems the Celestial Emperor's Treasury is about to open once more."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, then said gravely, "It is said these Ancient Immortal Cosmos Token are exceedingly rare. Many Grand Luo Golden Immortal [powerful immortals at the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] would offer a Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure born of innate spiritual energy] in exchange, yet still fail to obtain one."

"For Taicang Divine Emperor to bestow three upon us... the value of this gift is truly immense."

Hearing this, Lyra Jiang also nodded solemnly.

Judging by past cycles, the Ancient Immortal Cosmos Token are incredibly scarce, with no more than three hundred slots available each time.

However, for those who secure a token, the treasures retrieved from the Celestial Emperor's Treasury are guaranteed to be worth no less than a Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a mid-grade treasure born of innate spiritual energy].

For Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [Grand Luo Golden Immortals at the late stage] of formidable talent, acquiring Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure or even Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the pinnacle grade of innate spiritual treasures] is well within reach.

The most elite among the Grand Luo Golden Immortal might even find within the Celestial Emperor's Treasury the Opportunity [a rare chance or catalyst for advancement] to prove their Dao and ascend to the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler born of Primordial Chaos].

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen carefully stored the treasure box away. His expression grew stern as he stated, "To enter the Celestial Emperor's Treasury, one must still pass the trials set by the Nine Celestial Emperors."

"However, your current cultivation realms are still somewhat insufficient. The most pressing task is to swiftly elevate your cultivation."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded, their expressions turning serious.

In the ensuing ages, the Grand Luo Golden Immortals of the Chen Immortal Clan devoted their full focus to cultivation.

With the supply of various resources, the Grand Luo Golden Immortals of the Chen Clan enjoyed provisions even more abundant than the direct descendants of the Primordial Emperor Court, leading to an exceptionally rapid pace of cultivation. It could be said that each of them was making astonishing progress.

Twenty million years later, Lyra Jiang was the first to complete a breakthrough in her Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation, attaining the Grand Luo Primordial Spirit, Mid Stage.

Although Lyra Jiang was only cultivating her Primordial Spirit as a secondary path and not pursuing the Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [the path of attaining the Dao through the Primordial Spirit], her speed of advancement was still remarkably impressive.

Following this breakthrough, Lyra Jiang's overall combat prowess increased by another ten percent. While her power had not yet reached the domain of a Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal, she was now only a single step away from that threshold.

Not long after Lyra Jiang's Primordial Spirit breakthrough, calamitous energy [the ominous aura preceding a great tribulation] began to permeate the heavens and earth. The fifth Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] since Eldrin Chen's attainment of the Dao was approaching once more.

This Kalpa Tribulation was unlike those of the past. Qiyuan Chen journeyed alone into the Depths of Chaos, intending to conceal his identity and use this Kalpa Tribulation to attain the Grand Luo realm.

Eldrin Chen held this particular ancestor of their clan in the highest regard.

He spared no cost to assist Qiyuan Chen with his Foundation Reforging [a profound process of reforging one's cultivation foundation]. Compared to aiding others in their Foundation Reforging, this assistance for Qiyuan Chen was undertaken more to fortify his latent potential and reserves.

Eldrin Chen specifically exchanged a Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-tier treasure born of innate spiritual laws] to procure for him a superior-grade Innate Divine Object [a primordial object of divine nature]—Chaos Immortal Copper [a mythical copper imbued with the primordial chaos of creation]. This served as the core material to rebuild the foundation of his Spiritual Treasure [an artifact powered by and attuned to spiritual energy].

Not only that, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate to expend a strand of Creation Beginning Qi [the primal breath of energy from the dawn of creation] and a beam of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light [an ancient, unbreakable radiance of pure spirit]. These served as the key resources to help him shatter his inherent limitations.

After receiving such an abundance of resources, Qiyuan Chen lived up to the great expectations placed upon him. His Eastern Emperor Bell achieved Ascension [a breakthrough to a higher state of being], transforming into a Half-Step True Spirit Treasure [a treasure on the cusp of attaining True Spirit grade, possessing immense partial divinity].

Furthermore, his own foundational cultivation, which was already built upon three True Spirit Divine Runes [mystical sigils containing the power and laws of a True Spirit entity], advanced once more. He successfully cultivated a fourth True Spirit Divine Rune: 'Blazing Sun'.

This Blazing Sun Divine Rune is a rune of ultimate offensive power. It can Eruption [unleash in a violent surge] torrents of Blazing Sun fire to empower its wielder, bringing forth Annihilation flames capable of incinerating all creation. Moreover, it possesses perfect synergy with his third True Spirit Divine Rune, 'Solar Conflagration'.

Thus, having cultivated a True Spirit Physique [a body tempered to the level of a True Spirit] and possessing four True Spirit Divine Runes, the foundational strength of Qiyuan Chen was now sufficient to rival that of a peerless prodigy who had established Five True Spirit Foundations [a legendary cultivation base founded upon five distinct True Spirit principles].

"I hope that one day, you can tread the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [the arduous cultivation path of refining the mortal body to a state of sacred perfection], and walk to the very pinnacle of this world."

Within the Abyssal Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen watched the receding figure of Qiyuan Chen and offered a heartfelt, silent blessing from the depths of his soul.

After Qiyuan Chen had vanished completely from sight, Eldrin Chen's eyes slowly lowered. Finally, he sealed the vast expanse of the Abyssal Immortal Domain once more. ….

As the various Immortal Domain [a realm of immortals and profound cultivation] sealed their mountains, the prologue to this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle of cosmic upheaval and tribulation] finally began to unfold.

For the many Ancient Immortal [immortals who have existed since ancient times] of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal realms], they had initially believed this Kalpa Tribulation would be but an ordinary cycle of destruction. Yet, as this tribulation commenced, they were astonished to discover it was teeming with formidable powerhouses.

First, from within the Grand Frost Imperial Court [a mighty imperial court of the frost lineage], emerged a Vast Cold Celestial Maiden [a celestial maiden of profound frost and cold] who was peerless within the Mortal Realm [the realm of mortal beings and lesser cultivators]. Then, from the depths of the Grand Nether Imperial Court [the imperial court governing the netherworld], strode forth a Candle Nether Celestial Lord [a celestial lord who commands the darkness of the nether] who dominated the entire Netherworld Realm [the realm of spirits, ghosts, and underworld energies].

These two swept across the eight directions with their Seven Indestructible Foundations [a supreme cultivation foundation renowned for its near-unbreakable stability], displaying combat prowess that bordered on the invincible.

But even more terrifying was the emergence of Wuji Taiyang from the Human Race's Taiyang Clan [the Solar Clan of humanity]. On the Immortal Cosmos Ancient Continent [an ancient landmass at the heart of the immortal cosmos], He single-handedly confronted over twenty Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [ancient immortals who have survived eight great heavenly tribulations] from the Demon Race, and in that one battle, slaughtered the majority of His foes.

Furthermore, deep within the Immortal Cosmos Ancient Continent, the True Seed of the Yin-Yang Divine Emperor [a destined heir bearing the legacy of the Yin-Yang Divine Emperor] of the Taicang Imperial Clan, Drayan Taicang, breached a super-forbidden land, forcing a host of enemies to submit.

Most fearsome of all, these four powerhouses actually joined forces, proclaiming themselves the Four Peerless Prodigies of the Tri-Polar Primal Domain [a primal domain governed by three polar forces]. They swept across the vast expanse of the Immortal Cosmos Ancient Continent before venturing into the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless depths of chaos] to challenge all heroes from every direction.

Under the combined might of these four peerless prodigies, enemies from the Myriad Gods Primordial Domain [the primordial domain of myriad deities], the Chaos Heaven Extreme Domain [the extreme domain born of chaotic heavens], and even the Six Domains of the Northern Abyss [the six domains bordering the northern abyss] were all forced to bow their heads. Even a Celestial Emperor's Direct Offspring [a direct descendant of a Celestial Emperor] who had cultivated a True Spirit Foundation [a foundation of pure and true spirit essence] was defeated beneath the feet of Drayan Taicang.

It was not until a nameless rogue cultivator rose to prominence that they encountered a foe they could not defeat.

This was a rogue cultivator known as the Eastern Emperor, whose origins were shrouded in profound mystery. Wielding the power of Sainthood through the Flesh [a cultivation path focused on achieving sainthood through physical perfection], he battled fiercely across the realms, cleaving through several legendary adversaries. Even the direct offspring of a Foreign Realm Demon Emperor [a Demon Emperor from a foreign realm], who had also forged a True Spirit Foundation, was slain beneath his might.

After vanquishing the champions from foreign realms, the four peerless prodigies and Eastern Emperor engaged in a world-shaking battle at the end of the Heavenly Abyss Ancient Path through the Eruption [a divine ability of immense explosive power].

In that legendary clash, Vast Cold Celestial Maiden, Candle Nether Celestial Lord, and Wuji Taiyang were all defeated. Even united, they could not withstand a hundred moves from the Eastern Emperor.

Only Drayan Taicang could truly cross blades with him. Yet, after a fierce exchange of a thousand moves, Drayan Taicang ultimately fell to the hand of the Eastern Emperor.

It was not that Drayan Taicang was lacking in might, but that his opponent's strength defied all comprehension.

The Eastern Emperor's Great Luo Body was already near-invincible, yet he also possessed the supreme defensive True Spirit Divine Runes known as Mana Immunity [a divine ability that renders one immune to magical energy attacks].

Though Drayan Taicang's Yin-Yang Limitless Great Dao was unparalleled under heaven, it could inflict little harm upon the Eastern Emperor. He could only reinforce his own body with his Great Dao and Dao Fruit [the condensed essence of one's cultivation path], relying on pure physical might to clash head-on.

What filled Drayan Taicang with despair was that the Eastern Emperor had also cultivated another supreme defensive divine pattern: the Indestructible Golden Body [a divine ability that grants an unbreakable physical form].

Impervious to magical energy and unbreakable by physical force—the fusion of these two supreme True Spirit Divine Runes was destined to forge a legend within the Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all realms emerged]. One who could sweep through the Myriad Heavens [the countless celestial realms] of Chaos and find no worthy rival.

After that ultimate battle, the Eastern Emperor returned to the Southern Abyss Seven Celestial Domains. There, he used the power of his physical body to prove his Dao and attain the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, before vanishing into the boundless Chaos.

Vast Cold Celestial Maiden, Candle Nether Celestial Lord, Wuji Taiyang, and Drayan Taicang, having reforged their resolve, ultimately achieved Ascension [the act of transcending to a higher realm] within the Depths of Chaos to the Immortal Domain [a higher plane of existence], where they finally broke through to the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal.

As the various Ancient Immortals [powerful beings who have cultivated for eons] successively attained the Dao, the calamitous aura of this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle of cosmic destruction and renewal] gradually subsided, and the great Immortal Domains [realms governed by powerful immortals] lifted their seals and emerged from seclusion once more.

Eldrin Chen also awoke from his secluded cultivation. After silently calculating the course of this Kalpa Tribulation, he opened the entrance to the Abyssal Immortal Domain [Eldrin Chen's personal immortal realm]. …

At the same moment, Qiyuan Chen and Drayan Taicang returned to the Abyssal Immortal Domain, materializing before Eldrin Chen as if from thin air.

Gazing upon the two figures before him, Eldrin Chen gestured for them to sit, specially brewing a pot of tea. With a smile, he then inquired, "How do you feel?"

"Upon stepping into the Grand Luo [the supreme realm of cultivation, transcending ordinary existence], one is utterly transformed from their former self."

Qiyuan Chen offered a faint smile. His form seemed to flow with the Chaos Innate Light [the primordial radiance born from the formless void], appearing more majestic and awe-inspiring than ever.

Drayan Taicang shook his head, a wry smile touching his lips. "I had believed that after my Foundation Reforging [a profound process of reforging one's cultivation foundation to achieve perfection], I would be powerful enough to sweep through this Kalpa Tribulation. I never imagined the world still held heavens beyond heavens."

"Do not underestimate yourself. Your strength should be no weaker than that of a Divine Emperor [a supreme sovereign among cultivators] Celestial Emperor of the same realm."

Eldrin Chen chuckled softly, then shook his head. "The Mana Immunity [an ability granting immunity to magical energies] and the Indestructible Golden Body [an inviolable physical form forged from golden essence]—each of these two True Spirit Divine Runes [supreme mystical patterns that embody divine laws] can be considered among the most supreme of their kind."

"Even within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a coalition of seven powerful immortal domains], the sole practitioner who achieved Sainthood through the Flesh [ascending to sainthood via physical perfection], the Ant Celestial Emperor, only managed to cultivate one such rune. For you, Ancestor, to have mastered two, your combat prowess can no longer be measured by conventional logic."

Upon hearing this, Drayan Taicang could not help but let out a soft sigh. He naturally understood the sound reasoning in Eldrin Chen's words.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and then inquired, "Do you wish for your Immortal Domain [a cultivator's personal realm, a pocket dimension shaped by their Dao] to be integrated into the Seven Great Immortal Domains?"

Drayan Taicang responded without the slightest hesitation, "I shall follow your esteemed command."

Qiyuan Chen, standing to the side, shook his head. He treads the pure Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation path focused on refining the physical body to an indestructible state]. His Great Dao [the fundamental principle or path], his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], and even his Dao Fruit [the culmination of a cultivator's understanding, a metaphysical fruit representing their attained power] would gradually fuse with his physical form. It was impossible for him to maintain an Immortal Domain.

Therefore, after his Ascension [the process of transcending to a higher realm of existence] and attaining the Grand Luo [a supreme cultivation realm], he had dismantled the original Immortal Domain born from his Ascension. He converted it entirely into nourishment, merging it into his Great Luo Body [the physical form of a Grand Luo realm cultivator] to accelerate his future cultivation.

Of course, long before undergoing his Kalpa Tribulation [a catastrophic heavenly trial faced by cultivators], he had already transferred all living beings within his Cosmos [his personal miniature universe or world], thus avoiding the burden of their collective karmic debts.

Eldrin Chen, already well aware of this, stated, "In that case, let the Drayan Immortal Domain be integrated into the Seven Great Immortal Domains, forming the Ten Directions Limitless Chaos Formation."

With these words, Eldrin Chen immediately departed from the Abyssal Immortal Domain and began the work of rearranging its grand defensive formation.

For this new configuration, Eldrin Chen used two Mid-Grade Great Luo Nest [a high-grade spiritual nexus suitable for Grand Luo realm cultivation] as the foundation. Combined with eight Immortal Domain, he established a single, mighty Ten Directions Boundless Formation.

This grand formation was constructed upon the principles of Yin-Yang [the dual forces of dark and light, passive and active], the Three Powers [Heaven, Earth, and Man], and the Five Elements [Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth]. It converged the power of ten Great Luo Dao Field [a Grand Luo cultivator's personal domain of influence and law], its might significantly surpassing that of the previous Formation.

Within the newly established grand formation, the original Seven Luminaries Ascension had transformed into Eight Trigrams Heavenly Ascent [a divine ability based on the eight trigrams, facilitating a celestial ascent], and an additional Yin-Yang Two Forms Defense Formation had been incorporated.

This Yin-Yang Two Forms Defense Formation was constructed by leveraging Drayan Taicang's Great Dao of Yin and Yang, supplemented by the two Chaos Nest composed of Adamantine and Mithril. It possessed exceptionally high physical defense and magical resistance, functioning as a purely defensive Formation.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, this newly arranged defensive Formation was potent enough to withstand attacks from at least one or two cultivators at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm.

If Lyra Jiang, Verdant Consort, and the others also completed their cultivation breakthroughs, advancing to the Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal realm and undergoing Ascension [a profound advancement process within one's Immortal Domain] within their Immortal Domain, the formation's power would receive a significant further boost.

By that time, even if three Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection experts joined forces to assault it, breaching this super defensive Formation in a short period would be exceedingly difficult....

Returning to the main thread, after successfully re-establishing the grand formation, Eldrin Chen felt a renewed sense of security regarding their defenses.

In the ensuing years, to prevent adversaries from finding an opening, the Grand Luo Golden Immortal experts of the Chen Immortal Clan remained wholly dedicated to their cultivation. They continued their secluded practice within the Abyssal Immortal Domain, rarely venturing beyond the eight major Immortal Domain.

Only to attend the Great Luo Immortal Banquet hosted by Drayan Taicang and others did Eldrin Chen make the rare departure from the Abyssal Immortal Domain. Furthermore, each such excursion was undertaken with a company of at least five Grand Luo Golden Immortal experts.

Thus, time flowed on relentlessly. Unnoticed, another fifty million years slipped past.

"Hmmmm—"

On this day, within the Abyssal Eight Immortal Domains, an aura of unparalleled brilliance erupted forth.

Eldrin Chen stood calmly within the Chaos, watching as a vast Immortal Domain before him trembled and began to expand, growing ever more expansive.

After a long while, when the Immortal Domain ceased its growth, Lyra Jiang emerged from within it, a smile gracing her features as she said, "The Ascension [the critical breakthrough to a higher cultivation realm] is finally complete."

"Congratulations, my lady. With your breakthrough complete, I have gained a powerful ally."

Eldrin Chen smiled, his eyes alight with joy.

Hearing his words, Lyra Jiang's beautiful eyes also shone with delight. Her aura, which had previously been somewhat unrefined, gradually stabilized and solidified.

Not long before, Lyra Jiang had achieved a breakthrough in her cultivation, advancing her Great Dao cultivation to the realm of a Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal.

With this breakthrough, Lyra Jiang's power was now on an entirely different level. Not only had she directly entered the Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, but she had also progressed a significant distance within it.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, once Lyra Jiang fully consolidated her cultivation base, her strength would at least be comparable to that of Desolate Silence Divine General.

Furthermore, when augmented by her Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure-grade True Spirit Treasure [a sentient treasure born from the world's spiritual essence], the Exquisite Immortal Pagoda, Lyra Jiang's combat prowess would be sufficient to rival an Grand Luo Golden Immortal of the eighth layer.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a growing sense of relief and satisfaction.

In truth, over these years, it was not only Lyra Jiang who had broken through to the Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal realm. Nyssa Qu, who had ascended to Grand Luo during the same Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of catastrophe and renewal], had actually broken through to Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal nearly ten million years earlier than Lyra, owing to a slightly less profound foundation.

After her breakthrough, Nyssa Qu's combat prowess had also reached the level of a Sixth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal. Relying on her Sixfold True Spirit Foundation [a foundation of exceptional spiritual purity and strength] and the power of her set of Nine Severities Spirit-Slaying Sword [a legendary sword art of extreme lethality], Nyssa's strength could be considered top-tier among the seventh layer of Grand Luo experts.

Furthermore, five others—Verdant Consort, Yvonne the Violet Consort, Lila, Ethan Chen, and Lulu—had all cultivated their Great Luo Body to the fourth layer, and their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation had also stepped into the fourth layer of Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

It was only their comprehension of the Great Dao, the core of their cultivation, that required deeper meditation and insight. Thus, these five had not yet touched the threshold of Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Even so, their power was already formidable. Each possessed combat strength that placed them firmly within the highest echelons of Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal experts.

"This breakthrough has increased our strength considerably,"

Lyra Jiang began, her tone then turning grave, "However, the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial, unbreakable spiritual energy used for cultivation and refinement] in our possession has been completely exhausted once more."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could only offer a faint, wry smile.

Over the years, as everyone's cultivation continuously advanced, the remaining thirty-plus strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light that Eldrin had held had long since been utterly depleted.

After all, their breakthroughs into the Great Luo Body [the pinnacle of physical cultivation], breakthroughs into the Great Luo Primordial Spirit [the pinnacle of spiritual cultivation], and the refinement of Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [powerful artifacts born of heaven and earth]—each of these endeavors consumed vast quantities of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a rare and potent energy source essential for high-level cultivation breakthroughs].…

Even if the resources consumed by each individual were not as immense as those required by Eldrin Chen, the collective demand from so many cultivators amounted to a staggering total.

In truth, the mere thirty-plus strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light they initially possessed were far from sufficient to elevate everyone to their current lofty realms.

To facilitate these breakthroughs, Eldrin Chen was compelled to liquidate a significant portion of their assets. This included over a dozen captured Low Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [lesser innate artifacts] and a number of mid-to-low grade Fiend God Heartblood Pill [elixirs refined from the essence of powerful fiendish beings].

The exchange of these treasures yielded another thirty-plus strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light, yet the deficit remained. As a last resort, Eldrin Chen sold off several Innate Spiritual Fruit [fruit born from innate spiritual roots, containing immense spiritual power] to bridge the final gap.

However, the Chen Immortal Clan itself faced a shortage of these very Innate Spiritual Fruit, making large-scale external sales impossible.

In fact, even if they had a surplus, Eldrin Chen would have hesitated to sell them in great quantities.

For a massive sale would inevitably reveal that Eldrin Chen possessed either a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-grade artifact of heaven and earth] capable of accelerating the growth of Innate Spiritual Root [heaven-born spiritual plants], or an abundance of the roots themselves.

The value of an Innate Spiritual Root started at ten times that of an Innate Spiritual Treasure of equivalent grade. Furthermore, a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure that could hasten the maturation of such roots was worth ten times more than an ordinary supreme-grade treasure—a prize likely to stir the covetous desires of even a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler within the primordial chaos].

Thus, whether exposing the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase [a supreme treasure vase that gathers and refines primordial qi from heaven and earth] or revealing a vast stockpile of Innate Spiritual Root, either scenario could invite grave trouble upon Eldrin Chen.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but furrow his brow slightly, a note of helplessness in his voice as he said, "Within one Kalpa Tribulation, their comprehension of the Great Dao will brush against the threshold of the Mid-Great Immortal Realm, yet the required Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial, unbreakable radiance essential for certain high-level breakthroughs] remains elusive."

Upon hearing this, Lyra Jiang also knitted her delicate brows. After a moment of silent thought, she suggested, "What if we sell some Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [a high-grade cultivation pill that refines the body through ten cycles of transformation]?"

"Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, then fell into deep contemplation.

The value of Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill was not exceedingly high, unlikely to draw the attention of top-tier Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle of cultivation] experts. Yet, precisely because their value was modest, they often could not command a premium price.

Noticing Eldrin Chen's thoughtful silence, Lyra Jiang continued, "Since we achieved the Mid-Grade Great Luo Body [a physique tempered to the Grand Luo realm], the Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill has become far less useful to us."

"I believe if we price them affordably, we should still be able to fetch a sufficient sum."

"After all, Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill still hold some utility, whether for cultivating the Great Luo Body or for nurturing Celestial Soldiers and Generals [elite, immortal-tier military forces]."

Eldrin Chen listened, his expression growing pensive once more.

Over the years, with an ample supply of Adamantine [a mythical, ultra-hard metal] and Mithril [a legendary, silvery magical metal], bolstered by vast quantities of Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill, the Chen Immortal Clan had already trained a million elite Celestial Soldiers and Generals.

Each of these Celestial Soldiers and Generals [heavenly warriors and commanders] possessed combat power at the peak of the Celestial Immortal [a high-level immortal realm] realm. Among them, over ten thousand possessed strength rivaling that of Chaos Beast King [powerful beasts born from primordial chaos], and when united, their collective might was absolutely not to be underestimated.

It could be said that such a legion of celestial troops was already capable of intervening in conflicts at the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation]. At the very least, they could serve as cannon fodder to deplete the stamina and mana of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [an immortal at the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm]. When assaulting a Chaos Nest [a lair or breeding ground of chaos creatures], they could be used to wear down the power of its defensive Formation [a mystical array or defensive barrier].

If deployed skillfully, a celestial army of one million soldiers could be sufficient to tip the scales of victory in a war between early-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

Seeing this, Lyra Jiang spoke up, "For five hundred thousand Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [pills that refine the body through ten cycles], how about setting the price at one Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a rare, indestructible spiritual essence of innate origin]?"

"Agreed."

Eldrin Chen nodded. Five hundred thousand Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill had an effect roughly equivalent to five Great Luo Immortal Pill [pills used for cultivation at the Great Luo realm]. This was more than enough to assist an ordinary Grand Luo Golden Immortal in cultivating their Great Luo Body [the physical form tempered at the Great Luo realm] from the first layer all the way to the peak of the third layer.

Five Great Luo Immortal Pill were worth at least two or three Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light. This price was more than half off, certainly enticing enough to make any Grand Luo Golden Immortal's heart stir.

It was believed that many Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal [immortals at the mid-stage of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm] who were reluctant to purchase the expensive Great Luo Immortal Pill might be willing to acquire these Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill to cultivate their Great Luo Body.

Although for Grand Luo Golden Immortal who walked the Path of Dao Dominion [a cultivation path focused on mastering and dominating the Dao], enhancing the Great Luo Body did not provide a massive boost to their overall combat power, it still offered a measurable improvement.

This was especially true for those stuck at the Sixth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal [the sixth layer of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm] with no hope of further advancement. They would all strive to cultivate their Great Luo Body to the sixth layer of the Great Luo Realm [the Great Luo realm], patching up their weaknesses and augmenting their battle prowess.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen finally spoke, "During the previous conflict, we seized a considerable amount of Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial spiritual energy present at the dawn of creation]. Currently, the Clan Treasury holds over ten million Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir refined through ten cycles of heavenly fire]. We can use them to exchange for twenty strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [an indestructible spiritual radiance born from the primal chaos]."

"Thereafter, we can consider purchasing Innate Primordial Qi to nurture Chaos Beast King [a primordial beast king born from chaos] for refining Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill. However, we must not flood the market by selling these pills in vast quantities, lest we destabilize their value."

Lyra Jiang nodded upon hearing this and said, "Going forward, we can sell ten million Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill every Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle marking immense upheaval and renewal]. The market across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the myriad realms inhabited by immortals] is vast enough to absorb this quantity."