Chapter 1893 : Forging the Abyssal Seal

"Hmmmm—"

As the words of Eldrin Chen fell, the Abyssal Seal emitted a faint spiritual glow, revealing a hint of joyous emotion.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a slight smile. He then refined it into his body and began to comprehend the power of the Abyssal Seal.

This Abyssal Seal truly lived up to its status as a True Spirit Supreme Treasure. Although its grade was only at the level of a Low Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, its power far surpassed that realm, even exceeding that of a Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure and reaching the level of a Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

Such a powerful supreme treasure would typically require immense consumption to activate. In principle, one would need at least the cultivation base of a Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal to barely have the capability to wield it.

Fortunately, compared to ordinary Innate Spiritual Treasure, a True Spirit Treasure reduced the magical power [the energy cultivated and wielded by practitioners of the Dao] required for activation by ninety percent. With his current cultivation and magical power, Eldrin Chen could now barely manage to activate it.

"Now that the True Spirit Treasure has been forged, it is time to break through the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass."

Having understood the might of the Abyssal Seal, Eldrin Chen murmured to himself. For an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal seeking to break through to Grand Luo Golden Immortal, the process hinged on three crucial steps.

These were, respectively: 'Fate Grasping', 'Grand Luo', and 'Dao Merging'.

Among these three steps, the first, Grasping Fate, required one to use their own supreme strength to forcibly sever their own unique Tributary of Fate from within the River of Fate [the metaphysical river representing the flow of destiny for all beings], and then merge it into their own body.

Only an existence that has grasped the reins of fate can be said to have shattered the Ninth Heavenly Pass and earned the qualification to prove their path to Grand Luo Golden Immortality.

However, destiny is ethereal and intangible, while fortune is as unpredictable as the surging sea. When these two combine into fate, the result is a tapestry of infinite change and fluctuation.

If, after breaking through the Destiny Heavenly Pass, one cannot ascend to Grand Luo Golden Immortality within an extremely short span of time, then fate itself will shift. One will fall back to the realm of an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal, and from that point onward, their destiny will become increasingly obscure and elusive, making it profoundly difficult to shatter the Destiny Heavenly Pass a second time.

The second step on the Grand Luo path is the cultivation of the Great Luo Foundation.

The so-called Great Luo Foundation involves infusing the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial, unbreakable radiance that forms the basis of ultimate existence] into the fundamental pillars of one's being—the physical body, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], and the Great Dao itself. This process transforms them into a complete Great Luo Body, a Great Luo Primordial Spirit, and a Great Luo Dao.

Among these Great Luo Foundation pillars, integrating even a single strand of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light is considered stepping into the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal.

This step requires Ascension [the act of transcending to a higher plane of existence] to the Immortal Domain [the celestial realm where true immortals reside] to obtain the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light.

However, the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light is exceedingly rare. Consequently, the vast majority of Grand Luo Golden Immortals must make strategic choices regarding which foundational pillars to prioritize.

Before breaking through to Late Great Luo Golden Immortality, most Grand Luo Golden Immortals will focus exclusively on cultivating their most critical Great Dao. Only after bringing it to perfection will they turn back to remedy the shortcomings in their other foundational aspects.

Those capable of advancing their physical body, Primordial Spirit, and other foundations in parallel are exceedingly few. The consumption of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light required for such a path is truly immense, and the corresponding boost to combat prowess is not necessarily proportional.

As for the third step, Dao Merging [the process of fusing one's cultivated Dao with the fundamental Dao of the cosmos], it is the final step in breaking through to Grand Luo [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing the pinnacle of existence].

The 'Dao Merging' required to break through to Grand Luo is fundamentally different from the 'Dao Merging' of the Second Chaos Realm [a profound cultivation stage preceding Grand Luo]. This latter form of Dao Merging is more rudimentary and primal in nature.

The so-called Grand Luo Dao Merging involves directly drawing upon the Dao Origin [the primordial source and essence of a specific Dao] from within the Sea of Dao [the metaphysical ocean containing all fundamental principles of existence], and merging one's personally cultivated Great Dao with it. This act serves to complete, refine, and amplify the power of that Dao Origin.

Upon completing Dao Merging, one becomes a true Grand Luo Golden Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the Grand Luo realm and merged with a Dao Origin]. Beings of this caliber gain partial authority over the Great Dao they have cultivated.

Henceforth, a Grand Luo Golden Immortal can fuse their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true self of a cultivator] and True Spirit [the purified, essential spirit] into the Great Dao itself, receiving the protection of the Dao Origin. Even if their Primordial Spirit is utterly annihilated by another, they can be reborn from the Great Dao, never facing true death again.

Of course, these are secondary benefits. The most crucial aspect is that upon obtaining Dao Authority [the power to command a portion of a Great Dao's might], a Grand Luo Golden Immortal can mobilize a fraction of the infinite power of the Great Dao for their own use.

One must understand, how utterly awe-inspiring is the power of a Great Dao?

Even a Grand Luo Golden Immortal, who holds only the most minuscule sliver of authority, can possess matchless, peerless strength.

According to the knowledge of Eldrin Chen, over ninety percent of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal's combat prowess stems from their connection to the Great Dao. The remaining foundations—their Primordial Spirit, physical body, mana, and so forth—combined account for no more than one-tenth.

Even for those who have forged an Indestructible Foundation [a legendary, unbreakable cultivation base], the combat power derived from their foundational attributes amounts to, at most, two-tenths. This pales in comparison to the immense augmentation granted by the Great Dao.

Therefore, whether it is the Nine Limits Heavenly Pass or the Indestructible Foundation, the disparity in strength after breaking through to Grand Luo Golden Immortal is not overwhelmingly vast.

In actual combat, a Grand Luo Golden Immortal who has cultivated several Indestructible Foundation may not necessarily be able to completely suppress the most ordinary Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

Of course, this only pertains to the gap in combat prowess. The disparity in potential between the Indestructible Foundation and the Nine-Limit Foundation is as vast as the distance between mountains and the sun and moon.

It is just that most beings who achieve the Nine-Limit Foundation can only remain at the early stage of Grand Luo Golden Immortal, while those with the Indestructible Foundation have the hope of stepping into the realm of Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

Moreover, as cultivation progresses, when the Great Luo Body, Great Luo Primordial Spirit, and other aspects of an Indestructible Foundation cultivator are perfected, their power will gradually approach that granted by Dao Authority.

Thus, after reaching the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal stage, the gap in combat power between the Indestructible Foundation and ordinary Nine-Limit or Ten Limits Foundation cultivators widens dramatically. Furthermore, the Indestructible Foundation serves as the stepping stone to Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

"Regardless, aside from exceptional paths like Sainthood through the Flesh or Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment, beings above the Grand Luo Golden Immortal level place greater emphasis on the cultivation of the Dao [the fundamental principle or path]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his gaze turning solemn as he recalled his understanding of the Great Luo Realm.

No matter what, compared to the arduous cultivation of the self, the power granted by Dao Authority is swift and formidable. Even a slight increase in Dao Authority can bring about a tremendous surge in strength.

Once one uses Dao Authority to command the power of the Great Dao, whether to empower the physical body, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], or an Innate Spiritual Treasure, it can Eruption with a force that astounds the ages.

However, accomplishing the third step, 'Dao Merging', is by no means an easy feat.

For even with the power of an Ancient Immortal, cultivating a complete Great Dao is insufficient to allow it to merge with the Dao Origin [the primordial source of a specific Dao] within the Sea of Dao [the metaphysical ocean containing all fundamental principles of existence].

Therefore, later generations devised an ingenious workaround: to harness the power of an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primal chaos, embodying a fundamental law of the cosmos].

This is because Innate Spiritual Treasure are manifestations of the Great Dorian and can serve as conduits to the Sea of the Great Dao.

The so-called Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass involves fusing the 'Great Dao' one has cultivated into an Innate Spiritual Treasure, then using the treasure's power to draw upon the Dao Origin force from the Chaos Sea of Dao [the primordial, undifferentiated source of all Daos].

Once the Dao Origin is stirred, the cultivator's personal Great Dao can merge with its counterpart within the Sea of Dao, thereby completing and augmenting the power of that Dao Origin.

By using one's cultivated Great Dao to complete the Dao Origin, its power is enhanced, and in return, the cultivator gains a sliver of Dao Authority [the right to command and wield a specific fundamental principle of reality].

Of course, using an Innate Spiritual Treasure to channel the power of the Dao is merely a clever shortcut, not the only path.

In truth, a cultivator of sufficient might can directly stir the Dao Origin without relying on any Innate Spiritual Treasure at all.

For instance, by achieving a True Spirit Foundation [a foundational cultivation state of immense purity and power], one can suppress all other Daos, forcibly piercing through the Sea of Dao with the power of the True Spirit Foundation to draw upon the desired Great Dao force.

In fact, one's own foundational cultivation can completely substitute for an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a primordial treasure born from the world's essence, capable of bearing a Great Dao] in bearing the weight of a Great Dao.

For instance, a being who has cultivated a True Spirit Physique [a perfected physical form embodying a primordial spiritual essence] can directly draw upon the Dao Origin [the primordial source and wellspring of all Daos]. Although the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation method focused on perfecting the physical body to an indestructible state] does not allow for the comprehension of a Great Dao, it can use a Bloodline Divine Ability [a supernatural power inherent to a specific lineage or bloodline] as its foundation to channel the Dao Origin and bathe the physical form, thereby amplifying the power of that Bloodline Divine Ability.

"'Fate Grasping', 'Grand Luo', 'Dao Merging'."

"Although for someone like me, an Innate Spiritual Treasure is not required to stir the Sea of Dao [the metaphysical ocean where all Daos converge and manifest], forging a treasure to prove one's Dao is still an essential step."

Contemplating the various crucial junctures on the path to Grand Luo [a supreme cultivation realm representing the pinnacle of existence], Eldrin Chen finally summoned forth his Chaos Limitless Great Dao [his personal cultivation art embodying the boundless, primordial chaos] and guided it to merge with the Abyssal Seal.

The Chaos Limitless Great Dao swirled incessantly around the Abyssal Seal, and as time flowed on, the two ultimately fused into one.

"Boom—"

At that very moment, the Abyssal Seal emitted a violent, thunderous roar. A torrent of Chaos Light [a manifestation of primordial, formless energy] erupted from it, a beam so potent it seemed on the verge of piercing through the very Sea of the Great Dao.

Eldrin Chen was nearly forced to prematurely draw upon the Sea of Dao, but understanding this was not the moment for a breakthrough, he swiftly and forcefully suppressed the unleashed power of the Abyssal Seal.

He then cast his gaze upon the Abyssal Seal and perceived that its resonance with him had grown profoundly deeper, its latent power now subtly yet undeniably greater.

"My power has reached the threshold of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation, signifying supreme power and longevity]. I fear I cannot suppress it for much longer and will soon have to make a breakthrough."

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself. He swiftly suppressed the Abyssal Seal [a powerful enchanted artifact used for sealing and suppression] completely. Then, surveying his internal state, he discovered a vast and swirling mass of True Spirit Imprint [the condensed essence and spiritual signature of a powerful being, used to empower cultivation] lingering within his body.

This mass of True Spirit Imprint was astonishingly abundant, several times greater than what Eldrin Chen had consumed previously to ignite a single True Spirit Aperture [a mystical node within a cultivator's spiritual foundation that, when ignited, grants profound power]. It was likely just barely sufficient to ignite all Nine Great True Spirit Apertures [the nine supreme spiritual nodes, the full ignition of which represents ultimate foundational perfection].

"There is so much True Spirit Imprint, yet I cannot use it all to ignite True Spirit Aperture."

Eldrin Chen whispered, a note of caution in his voice. Although this immense quantity of True Spirit Imprint could allow him to ignite his True Spirit Aperture, his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and essence of a cultivator's being] was only at the Ancient Immortal Realm [a venerable and powerful stage of immortal cultivation], roughly equivalent to the early stages of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal. It would still require a long, long time before he could hope to break through to the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a sovereign ruler whose power commands the primordial chaos itself].

To dare ignite the Nine Great True Spirit Apertures at this juncture would be nothing short of courting death.

Thus, after much deliberation and a moment of silent contemplation, Eldrin Chen decided. He would instead channel this energy, fusing it entirely into his True Spirit Flesh Body [a perfected physical form tempered by true spiritual essence], using it to cultivate True Spirit Divine Runes [mystical sigils of divine power, inscribed upon one's very being].

In that instant, Eldrin Chen mobilized the vast reservoir of True Spirit Imprint, guiding it to merge completely with his Chaos Indestructible Body [a legendary physique forged in primordial chaos, renowned for its near-absolute resilience].

The quantity of this True Spirit Imprint was truly staggering. By the time it was fully expended, it had succeeded in transforming all five of his Bloodline Divine Ability [innate supernatural powers passed down through one's ancestral lineage] into nascent True Spirit Divine Runes.

Although these True Spirit Divine Runes were merely in their embryonic forms, requiring eons to fully gestate and mature, the patterns they formed wove together into a magnificent Five Elements Formation Patterns [a mystical array that harnesses and balances the powers of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth]. This formation thrummed with a terrifying, awe-inspiring power.

Eldrin Chen raised his hand, sensing that the power of his Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique had increased more than threefold under the augmentation of these True Spirit Divine Runes [mystical symbols that channel and amplify the power of one's True Spirit foundation].

In that moment, the strength of his physical body even surpassed that of his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator]. Fortunately, these five True Spirit Divine Runes were derived from the Chaos Limitless Great Dao [the supreme cultivation art of boundless chaos], which Eldrin Chen had practiced for many years, resulting in minimal rejection or conflict.

"It is still manageable, but I must be careful to maintain balance in my future cultivation," he murmured to himself.

Eldrin Chen whispered, a trace of gravity flashing in his eyes. If his physical strength grew even more powerful, potentially exceeding that of his seven major True Spirit Divine Runes, it could form an absolute suppression over his other True Spirit Foundation [the foundational cultivation realm built upon one's True Spirit].

By that point, even he would be unable to control it. With his foundational pillars consuming each other in internal strife, his cultivation speed would likely plummet drastically.

Setting aside further contemplation, he repeatedly consolidated his cultivation base, elevating his strength to its peak before beginning preparations to condense his Great Luo Dao Fruit [the ultimate Dao Fruit of the Great Luo realm, representing a pinnacle achievement].

"Hmmmm—"

On this day, a faint, resonant hum emanated from Eldrin Chen's secluded cultivation chamber.

Within the vast chamber, dazzling rays of light and billowing Chaos Mist [a primordial mist born from chaos, rich with spiritual energy] obscured everything from view.

Seated within the Chaos Mist, Eldrin Chen pushed his power to its absolute limit. His Chaos Indestructible Body, his Nine-Aperture Primordial Spirit [a divine ability manifesting a Primordial Spirit with nine apertures], his True Spirit Magical Power [the magical power derived from the True Spirit realm], his Chaos Limitless Great Dao, his Abyssal Seal—each of his True Spirit Foundation pillars erupted with a vast, radiant light.

These luminous streams, flowing like aqueous ripples, converged entirely upon the crown of Eldrin Chen's head.

There, upon Eldrin Chen's brow, a single Chaos Dao Fruit [the ultimate fruit of enlightenment born from primordial chaos] gradually coalesced, its form solidifying from ethereal mist to tangible reality as time flowed onward.

"BOOM!"

The very instant the Chaos Dao Fruit took its final shape, the vast expanse of the Chaos Void [the primordial, formless state before creation] shuddered and split asunder once more.

From that immeasurably lofty and unknown realm, the Eternal True Spirit [the everlasting, fundamental consciousness of the cosmos] again cast down its dazzling radiance. Countless True Spirit Imprint [fragments of cosmic law and primordial essence] surged forth like a tidal wave, all merging into Eldrin Chen's newly formed Chaos Dao Fruit.

"The True Spirit Dao Fruit [the Fruit of the True Spirit, a supreme state of cultivation]... is complete."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, then finally consumed this singular Dao Fruit [the condensed essence of one's cultivated path and power].

After a long while, he opened his eyes once more, a faint smile gracing his features.

By now, he understood the power of this True Spirit Dao Fruit. Its profundity could indeed be described as boundless and infinitely wondrous.

Eldrin Chen's True Spirit Dao Fruit, also known as the 'Chaos Primordial Great Luo Dao Fruit' [the Great Luo Dao Fruit born of Primordial Chaos], possessed the ability to comprehensively amplify all of Eldrin Chen's foundational aspects—his magical power, physical body, comprehension of the Great Dao, and his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator]—doubling their potency.

If one were to offer a Dao Fruit [the condensed essence of one's cultivation path] as a sacrifice, the resulting surge in power could exceed threefold.

Do not think that a mere doubling or tripling of power seems unremarkable, perhaps even paling in comparison to the amplification granted by the five divine patterns of the True Spirit Physique [a supreme physical constitution].

Yet, one must understand that this Chaos Primordial Dao Fruit [the condensed essence of one's cultivation path] provides a comprehensive, all-encompassing enhancement, representing the ultimate amplification of one's foundational power.

The higher one ascends in cultivation, the more arduous it becomes to augment one's combat prowess.

The strength of an ant, even multiplied a thousandfold, remains but that of a slightly larger insect.

Yet, for a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Grand Luo realm], even a mere ten percent increase in power is considered significant. Moreover, once Eldrin Chen steps into the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo realm], his strength will far surpass that of any ordinary practitioner of that realm.

"With my foundational strength, once I break through to Grand Luo [the Grand Luo realm] and sacrifice a Dao Fruit [the condensed essence of one's cultivation path], I fear I shall rank among the powerful even within the ranks of Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Grand Luo realm]."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a placid light shimmering in the depths of his eyes.

He withdrew his thoughts and cast his senses inward, focusing on the True Spirit Imprint [a profound spiritual mark left by the True Spirit Dao Fruit] within him. A subtle ripple of emotion stirred in his gaze.

Although the True Spirit Imprint [a profound spiritual mark left by the True Spirit Dao Fruit] gained from condensing the True Spirit Dao Fruit [the ultimate Dao Fruit of the True Spirit path] this time could not rival the Abyssal Seal [a supreme magical treasure], it was not inferior to the imprints from his other foundational achievements. He had gained yet another True Spirit Imprint [a profound spiritual mark left by the True Spirit Dao Fruit].

Eldrin Chen had initially intended to integrate it into either the Years Like a Song Blade or the Boundless Cosmos Sword. However, after much deliberation, he ultimately decided to abandon the idea.

If he could have illuminated two True Spirit Apertures [the foundational spiritual nodes within a True Spirit cultivator's body], Eldrin Chen would have undoubtedly chosen to merge the Years Like a Song Blade and the Boundless Cosmos Sword.

At that point, the two True Spirit Divine Abilities [supreme powers awakened from True Spirit Apertures] would have combined, transforming into the True Spirit killing move 'Spacetime Annihilation Sunder', becoming a trump card no weaker than a Root Origin Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial essence of heaven and earth].