Chapter 1961 : A Neighbor's Proposal for Immortal Ascension

Gazing at the letter before him, Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with a subtle movement.

This missive, it turned out, was not from a stranger, but from their neighbor within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain, Donghua Immortal Lord.

It appeared that during the Chaotic War many years prior, Donghua Immortal Lord had obtained a significant Opportunity [a rare chance for advancement or gain]. His accumulated foundation was now sufficient, and he was preparing to assail the realm of the Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.

However, Donghua Immortal Lord lacked the necessary resources and thus wished to strike a deal with Eldrin Chen.

After finishing the letter, Eldrin Chen fell into a brief, contemplative silence before speaking. "Donghua Immortal Lord seeks to trade with us for some Immortal Peaches and Fiend God Heartblood Pill, to serve as auxiliary aids for his breakthrough to the Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal."

Upon hearing this, Lyra Jiang's gaze sharpened slightly.

The Immortal Peaches borne from an Innate Spiritual Root could nourish one's Innate Primordial Essence [the foundational, innate spiritual energy of a being], offering considerable benefit to a Grand Luo Golden Immortal refining their magical power and providing a slight boost for realm breakthroughs.

As for the Fiend God Heartblood Pill, it too could marginally increase the probability of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal successfully advancing their cultivation stage, making it an exceedingly valuable treasure.

The Fiend God Heartblood Pill that Donghua Immortal Lord required was certainly not the common variety. It would be a top-tier immortal pill, refined from the Fiend God Heart [the potent, condensed heart's blood of a powerful fiendish deity] of a Nine Extremes Divine Lord or one of the three great Divine Generals.

Considering this, Lyra Jiang smiled and said, "Our own reserves of resources are currently lacking. Let us make this trade with him."

"Mm-hmm."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and departed from the cave abode. He then sent a letter to Donghua Immortal Lord.

Not long after the letter was dispatched, Donghua Immortal Lord arrived at the Abyssal Immortal Domain. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, he smiled and said, "Several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] have passed since we last met. I never imagined you would have already forged such a formidable reputation. Truly, I am in awe."

"You flatter me. Your own cultivation achievements are profound and wondrous."

Eldrin Chen smiled and invited Donghua Immortal Lord into Abyssal Heaven.

The two sat beneath the Ancient Immortal Peach Tree. Eldrin Chen personally brewed a pot of tea for his guest. His eyes glimmered slightly as he remarked, "I hear your military exploits in this campaign were illustrious. It seems you have gained no small measure of Opportunity [chance encounters or resources that advance one's cultivation path]."

Donghua Immortal Lord waved his hand dismissively, then said with a smile, "After this war concluded, Departing Flame Emperor Lord bestowed upon me a few shares of Opportunity."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. During this Chaotic War, the several dozen Immortal Lord [powerful immortal cultivators] stationed at the front lines of the Thirty-Six Immortal Domains operated under a unified command. All spoils of war were collected and centralized under the authority of Departing Flame Emperor Lord.

Only after the war's end were they distributed according to each participant's military merits.

Furthermore, Departing Flame Emperor Lord would personally contribute treasures from his own treasury to generously reward those who had distinguished themselves in the conflict.

In truth, judging by the battle merits of the Chen Immortal Clan, they were also qualified to receive substantial rewards.

However, the Abyssal Ruins Chen Clan was not participating on the front lines; all treasures they seized were kept for themselves and did not need to be handed over to the Departing Flame Emperor Lord. Consequently, they accrued no battle merit for distribution, and the Departing Flame Emperor Lord did not bestow any significant rewards upon them.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but remark with admiration, "It seems it will not be long before our Eastern Departure Flame Domain gains another supreme Eighth Layer Great Luo."

Donghua, the Emperor Lord, maintained his usual composure, yet a faint smile flickered in the depths of his gaze.

He had only been on his Dao path for a little over three hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], yet he was already attempting to break through to the Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm. This cultivation speed was considered exceptionally fast even among Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

Throughout his journey, he had encountered few significant bottlenecks. His progress was mainly hindered intermittently by a lack of cultivation resources, often stalling for dozens of Kalpa Tribulation due to a shortage of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial and unbreakable essence of spiritual energy] or other breakthrough materials.

A scarcity of cultivation resources is the most common plight among Grand Luo Golden Immortal. For many, the absence of a single strand of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light can lead to a cultivation stagnation lasting over a hundred Kalpa Tribulation, a situation as commonplace as daily meals.

Unless one instigates a Chaotic War [a cataclysmic conflict that shakes the foundations of realms], obtaining Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light remains an exceedingly arduous task, even for a Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

Yet, to initiate such a Chaotic War is to court immense peril with every battle fought.

Returning to the matter at hand, Donghua Immortal Lord pondered briefly before speaking, "Although I have the Opportunity [a rare chance for advancement] bestowed by the Emperor Lord, I cannot guarantee with absolute certainty that I will successfully break through to the Eighth Layer Great Luo."

"The Fiend God Heartblood Pill [a supreme elixir that refines the bloodline and strengthens the divine soul] in your possession, Fellow Daoist, is an item of urgent need for me."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and spoke calmly, "I possess four Fiend God Heartblood Pills [supreme elixirs that refine the bloodline and strengthen the divine soul], all of them top-grade and of exceptional quality. I wonder what you are willing to offer in exchange, Fellow Daoist?"

"How about Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [strands of pure, primordial spiritual energy that fortify one's soul and cultivation foundation]?"

Donghua Immortal Lord's eyes gleamed slightly as he immediately spoke up.

Eldrin Chen gave an approving nod. He retrieved the four Fiend God Heartblood Pills [supreme elixirs that refine the bloodline and strengthen the divine soul] and, after letting Donghua Immortal Lord inspect their quality, stated, "This one, refined by the Nine Extremes Divine Lord, is valued at twenty strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [pure, primordial spiritual energy that fortifies the soul]. The remaining three are priced at nine strands each. What do you think?"

A flicker of delight stirred within Donghua Immortal Lord's heart. He glanced at the Fiend God Heartblood Pill [supreme elixir that refines the bloodline and strengthens the divine soul] refined by the Nine Extremes Divine Lord, yet his eyes betrayed a look of reluctant longing.

The medicinal potency within that particular Fiend God Heartblood Pill [supreme elixir that refines the bloodline and strengthens the divine soul] was extraordinarily potent. Even for a breakthrough to the ninth layer of the Grand Luo [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing the pinnacle of power before transcending mortality], it could increase the success probability by twenty percent.

The value of such a precious elixir was, of course, beyond question. Yet, given his current resources, he could not bring himself to purchase such a supreme treasure.

Thus, after a moment of contemplation, he ultimately chose another top-grade Fiend God Heartblood Pill [supreme elixir that refines the bloodline and strengthens the divine soul]. He also exchanged three strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [pure, primordial spiritual energy that fortifies the soul] for some Immortal Peaches [divine fruits that extend lifespan and enhance cultivation] to serve as supplementary resources.

After completing these exchanges, Eldrin Chen obtained a total of twelve strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [pure, primordial spiritual energy that fortifies the soul].

A surge of elation washed over him, yet a thought surfaced, prompting him to inquire, "Might I ask, Fellow Daoist, which peerless treasure of heaven and earth did you employ as the core treasure to assail the Eighth Layer Great Luo [the eighth layer of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm]?"

"Great Dao Source Marrow [the condensed essence of the Great Dao's origin]," replied Donghua Immortal Lord, his gaze turning slightly solemn.

Eldrin Chen gave a grave nod, his expression mirroring the weight of the words. After an Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality] breaks through to the Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal [the seventh layer of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm], attempting further advancement through ordinary cultivation resources becomes nearly futile.

Even treasures like Great Luo Immortal Pill [a supreme pill for Great Luo Immortals], the Indestructible Golden Fruit [a legendary fruit said to grant indestructibility], or Soul-Nourishing Wood [a mystical wood that nourishes the soul] would see their efficacy for a Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [a Great Luo Golden Immortal in the late stages] diminish by ninety-nine percent.

From what Eldrin Chen understood, the items capable of aiding a Late Great Luo Golden Immortal in breaking through their cultivation were almost exclusively true objects of primal origin, or perhaps the fruits borne by a Supreme-Grade Primordial Spiritual Roots [the highest grade of spiritual roots from the Primordial Era].

It was precisely for this reason that for existences beyond the Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal, advancement in cultivation either required grinding through eons of personal hardship or involved slaying one's Great Dao adversaries and refining their fundamental essence.

The Great Dao Source Marrow was condensed from Dao Origin [the primordial source of the Dao]. Typically, only Chaos Nest [a rare, chaotic pocket dimension] of Primordial Chaos Rank [the rank of Primordial Chaos] could gestate it, and even then only in minuscule quantities. Its value was invariably astronomical, but it possessed the power to help a Late Great Luo Golden Immortal shatter their own bottlenecks.

Even for a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [an Emperor Monarch who has reached the Primordial Chaos realm], obtaining such a treasure was exceedingly difficult, a testament to its staggering worth.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but voice his question, "Fellow Daoist, do you happen to have any surplus of the Great Dao Source Marrow?"

Donghua Immortal Lord [the Eastern Radiance Immortal Lord] paused for a moment, then spoke: "I do have an accumulation of it. Could it be that you, Fellow Daoist, desire this item?"...

Eldrin Chen shook his head and replied, "I have a fellow Daoist who may have need of it."

"A fellow Daoist?" Donghua Immortal Lord's gaze flickered with understanding. "Could it be the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [the supreme phoenix of violet radiance]?"

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen nodded, offering no further explanation.

Seeing this, Donghua Immortal Lord stated, "If she can offer a treasure of equivalent value, I am willing to make the trade."

"Please wait a moment, Fellow Daoist."

Eldrin Chen spoke, then rose and entered the Chaos Celestial Domain [a primordial realm of swirling chaos], seeking out the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix who was in secluded cultivation there.

After the passage of many years, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's injuries had completely healed. Her cultivation base had not only recovered but had solidified further upon its original foundation, and she seemed to have touched the threshold of the Eighth Layer Great Luo [the eighth layer of the Great Luo Realm, a pinnacle stage of cultivation].

Over these several Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often marked by great tribulations], the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix had spent most of her time recuperating. Yet, this state of recovery after destruction had, unbeknownst to her, allowed her cultivation to become profoundly more stable and consolidated.

"It seems she may be ready to attempt a breakthrough to the Eighth Layer Great Luo."

This thought flickered through Eldrin Chen's mind. He then informed Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix about the matter concerning the Great Dao Source Marrow [a legendary substance, the crystallized essence of the Great Dao itself].

Upon hearing this, Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's expression lit up with delight. Without the slightest hesitation, she followed Eldrin Chen as he departed.

Arriving within the Abyssal Immortal Domain, the three of them took their seats. Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix immediately turned her gaze to Donghua Immortal Lord and inquired, "Fellow Daoist, have you brought the Great Dao Source Marrow?"

Donghua Immortal Lord's expression turned solemn. With great care, he retrieved from his sleeve a piece of ancient, unadorned jade marrow.

This piece of marrow was of unparalleled purity, brimming with the power of Dao Origin [the foundational source energy of the Dao]. Moreover, its aura was several times more vast and refined than ordinary Dao Origin.

Eldrin Chen glanced at it, and a subtle flicker passed through his eyes.

Ordinary Dao Origin was sufficient to aid a Grand Luo Golden Immortal in attempting a breakthrough to the Mid-Great Immortal Realm. This Great Dao Source Marrow, being the crystallized essence of Dao Origin, was undoubtedly several times more potent.

No wonder Donghua Immortal Lord, with his profound cultivation, would handle such a treasure with such gravity.

"It is indeed the Great Dao Source Marrow."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial phoenix of supreme power] spoke, then with a grave expression, retrieved from her sleeve a blood-red jade the size of a fingernail, and said solemnly, "I offer this in exchange. Will that suffice?"

"A Primordial Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone [a legendary stone formed from the condensed lifeblood essence of a Primordial Chaos Phoenix]?"

Donghua Immortal Lord's expression shifted slightly, revealing a look of astonishment.

Eldrin Chen was also deeply shocked. The Primordial Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone is formed from the condensed lifeblood essence of an Immortal Phoenix [a mythical bird of supreme power and longevity]. The more powerful the original owner's cultivation, the more precious the resulting Phoenix Bloodstone becomes.

The Primordial Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone before them was saturated with an overwhelmingly domineering Great Dao of Thunder [the supreme principle governing the power of thunder and lightning]. Its aura far surpassed the realm of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm]. It was at least a relic left by an existence at the level of Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord [the pinnacle stage of a Primordial Emperor Lord], and very likely originated from a being at the Sage Ascendant [a Sage who has ascended to a higher state of being] level.

It could be said that this Primordial Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone possessed the effect of Nirvana [a rebirth-like transformation, akin to a phoenix rising from ashes] and remolding, capable of enhancing the potential and foundational depth of a Chaotic Fiendgod [a primordial demon-god born from chaos], increasing their chances of future realm breakthroughs. It even held some efficacy for Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

"If we obtain this Primordial Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone, the Azure Dragon's breakthrough to the Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal [the seventh layer of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] would be assured."

"A pity, this Primordial Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone is too small, merely the size of a single drop of lifeblood essence. If it were the size of a fist..."

Donghua Immortal Lord murmured inwardly, then shook his head.

If the Primordial Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone were fist-sized, it would be of immense use even for a Chaotic Fiendgod attempting to break through to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch]. The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix would never have brought such a treasure out.

With this thought, Donghua Immortal Lord spoke, "This object holds immense value for my subordinate, the Azure Dragon. I shall exchange for it."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix gave a slight nod and promptly concluded the transaction with him.

After the exchange was completed, the three conversed a while longer before Eldrin Chen escorted Donghua Immortal Lord from the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

Once he had departed, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix and remarked with a smile, "I had not imagined you possessed such a treasure, Fellow Daoist."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix shook its head, sighed softly, and then began to recount for Eldrin Chen the origins of the Primordial Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone [a legendary stone formed from the crystallized blood essence of a primordial phoenix, containing immense life force and chaos energy].

It turned out the mother of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix hailed from beyond the Thirteen Domains of the Northern and Southern Celestial Abyss, a being whose cultivation had once reached the Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord [the pinnacle stage for a Primordial Emperor Lord, representing near-perfect mastery over one's chosen Dao].

Approximately three thousand Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often associated with cataclysmic change and tribulation] ago, while she was pregnant with the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, she was ambushed by a great enemy of her Dao [a rival whose cultivation path fundamentally opposed her own].

Burdened by her pregnancy, the mother of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix was forced to flee. Unintentionally, she crossed the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, chaotic, and perilous expanse of primordial energy separating major realms] and arrived within the Thirteen Domains of the Northern and Southern Celestial Abyss.

Thereafter, on the periphery of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, she gave birth to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix.

As the war from which she had fled was not yet concluded, the mother of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, in order to return and aid her kin, had no choice but to leave her offspring behind. She ventured alone across the World's Desolate Sea [a metaphorical term for the dangerous void between worlds], departing the Thirteen Domains of the Northern and Southern Celestial Abyss.

Having grasped all this, Eldrin Chen could not help but ask with curiosity, "Do you know what kind of world lies beyond the Thirteen Domains of the Heavenly Abyss?"

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix shook its head. After a long silence, it spoke, "I was born and raised within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss. I have never seen the world outside."

"But before my mother departed, she once told me that the foundation of their realm was profoundly terrifying. It was not only home to supreme powerhouses at the level of a Chaos Celestial Emperor, but also to ancient ancestors who had reached the Dao Merging stage of the Second Chaos Realm. It was in no way comparable to the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss."

As the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix recounted its tale, Eldrin Chen gradually came to understand the structure of the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged].

It turned out that within the vast expanse of the Chaos, the overwhelming majority of its territory was known as the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

The so-called Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea referred to a desolate, primordial wilderness. It was akin to the Great Desolation of antiquity, or the endless, uninhabited mountain ranges of the mortal world, where sentient life was virtually nonexistent.

The reason for this was the sheer violence of the Chaos Sea Waters. They were saturated with raw, baleful auras and the primal power of Chaos, forces potent enough to scour away the sentience and intellect of living beings.

Consequently, the Chaotic Fiendgod [primordial beings born from chaos] that gestated within the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea struggled to develop true consciousness. They were driven only by instinctual slaughter and chaos, their intellect scarcely different from that of wild beasts. Thus, they were called Primordial Chaos Savage Demons or Primordial Chaos Great Savages.

It was precisely for this reason that even Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Grand Luo realm] dared not venture into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

For the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea could injure the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal, eroding their sentience. Should a Grand Luo Golden Immortal lose their way within that desolate sea, they too would eventually succumb to a state of utter, mindless oblivion.

Of course, the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea is not eternal either. The entirety of Chaos was originally the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, a realm where all sentient beings existed devoid of consciousness or intellect.

Yet today, numerous flourishing Chaos Realm exist precisely because of the birth of Primordial Chaos Origin Domain.

The birth of any single Primordial Chaos Origin Domain, or the emergence of a Chaos-Grade Chaos Nest, can suppress a vast expanse of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea. This pacifies the surrounding territories of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, allowing sentient beings within to awaken their intellect and consciousness.

Within the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, Chaos Realm Sea are also born from time to time. These Chaos Realm Sea can, to a certain degree, resist the corrosive influence of the surrounding Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea. ….

In exceedingly rare cases, a Chaos Realm Sea can even give birth to a Primordial Chaos Origin Domain or a Celestial Emperor Grade Primordial Chaos Lair. Once such an entity appears, it can foster the rise of a prosperous Chaos Realm.

These Chaos Realm, akin to the Primordial Immortal Domain, are like solitary islands adrift within the vastness of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

Some islands drift alone, isolated within the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea. Others, like the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, connect to form archipelagos, jointly suppressing the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea and expanding their sphere of influence.

Furthermore, in the most prosperous Chaos Realm, dozens or even hundreds of Primordial Chaos Origin Domain may gather together under the leadership of a Mid-Grade or High-Grade Origin Domain. They deploy colossal grand formations to suppress and stabilize an immense, boundless expanse of Chaos.

Within such flourishing realms, the operational range of Grand Luo Golden Immortal expands by thousands, even tens of thousands of times compared to their counterparts in the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

Regardless, the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea remains an exceedingly perilous place. Only those who have attained the realm of Chaos Celestial Emperor possess the qualification to leave these islands and venture forth to explore the depths of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

"The Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea is boundless, and islands like the Origin Domain are always rare."

"More than ninety-nine percent of the Chaos Sea is the desolate and uninhabited Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, finally understanding the purpose of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains Grand Formation in this moment.

It turned out the power of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains Grand Formation was not only to resist powerful enemies from the Northern Abyss Foreign Domain, but its primary purpose was actually to suppress the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea and help them secure a greater sphere of activity.

"With my Chaos Indestructible Body, I wonder if I can venture into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea?"

A sudden thought flashed through Eldrin Chen's mind as he whispered to himself.

The Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea was a treasure trove, almost entirely unexplored. Within its depths lay not only Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light but also Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial spiritual energy from which all things are born], and occasionally, even Chaos Primordial Qi [the most fundamental and chaotic form of spiritual energy] could be found.

This was because only a Chaos Celestial Emperor was qualified to explore its depths. Even a top-tier Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch dared not venture too deeply for long. Consequently, the vast majority of its resources remained undiscovered.

In contrast, while the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss also held considerable resources, over the course of hundreds of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years], most had been plundered and exhausted.

For Eldrin Chen to obtain cultivation resources, he would have to constantly fight over scraps with these ancient predecessors—a path fraught with peril and uncertainty.

Under such circumstances, if Eldrin Chen could withstand the erosion of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, primordial, and perilous expanse of chaotic energy], he might no longer lack cultivation resources in the future.

At this thought, Eldrin Chen felt a flicker of temptation, yet he swiftly suppressed it. With formidable enemies encircling him, now was not the time to venture into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

Through their conversation, Eldrin Chen gained intelligence about the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, which filled him with considerable delight.

He set the notion aside and then looked at the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial phoenix of immense power and ancient lineage] and inquired, "Fellow Daoist, do you still possess any Primordial Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone [a rare ore formed from the crystallized blood essence of a primordial phoenix within the chaos]?"

"You desire this as well?"

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's eyes gleamed with a subtle light, and it smiled, saying, "I was just about to seek you out to exchange for a Fiend God Heartblood Pill [a supreme elixir that refines the heart's blood and strengthens one's foundational essence]."

So saying, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix produced a small piece of Primordial Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone and exchanged it with Eldrin Chen for one top-grade Fiend God Heartblood Pill and several Immortal Peaches [divine fruits that grant longevity and enhance cultivation].

After concluding this transaction, Eldrin Chen bid farewell to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, then stored away the Primordial Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone.

The Primordial Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone was primarily used to enhance the innate talent of Chaotic Fiendgod [a powerful race of demons born from primordial chaos]. It held little use for Eldrin Chen himself; even for Ao Hong's Seven Indestructible Foundations [a legendary cultivation stage representing seven unshakable foundational realms], refining this material offered no significant improvement....

The reason Eldrin Chen had acquired it was specifically to exchange it for the benefit of the Divine Generals under his command.

After returned to the Abyssal Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen handed the Primordial Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone [a legendary ore containing the condensed blood essence of a primordial phoenix born from chaos] to his Reincarnation Body [a powerful avatar or clone created through profound reincarnation arts]. He then instructed the Reincarnation Body to take the stone and journey into the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all creation emerged].

Amidst the boundless, formless expanse of Chaos, the Reincarnation Body encountered a formidable Chaotic Fiendgod [a powerful demonic deity born from the raw energies of chaos] clad in battle armor.

"This humble demon ape pays his respects to Your Lordship."

The moment he laid eyes on Eldrin Chen, the Chaotic Fiendgod immediately bowed and offered his salutations.

This Chaotic Fiendgod was none other than the Primordial Demonic Ape [a mighty ape demon progenitor from the dawn of creation], the Second Divine General under Eldrin Chen's command.

Over the years, Eldrin Chen had frequently sent cultivation resources to the Primordial Demonic Ape. Now, after an absence spanning several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles marking epochs of destruction and rebirth], the ape's cultivation had, almost imperceptibly, advanced to the third layer of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme realm of immortality representing the pinnacle of cultivation].

With a sweep of his sleeve, Eldrin Chen raised the demon ape to his feet, his expression grave. "You have endured much hardship all these years," he said solemnly.

"It was no hardship."

The Primordial Demonic Ape's tone was blunt and straightforward, his rugged features set with unwavering resolve.

Eldrin Chen gave the demon's shoulder a firm pat. Then, from within his sleeve, he produced the Primordial Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone and placed it in his hands.

The Primordial Demonic Ape was momentarily taken aback and hurriedly declined, "This treasure is far too precious. Please, my Lord, take it back."

Eldrin Chen shook his head with a smile. "Keep it," he said. "Consider it a reward for the many times you have risked your life to deliver intelligence over these years."

It turned out that after the Primordial Demonic Ape began following Eldrin Chen, he had been instructed by Eldrin Chen to infiltrate the forces of Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor. Since then, he had been acting as a deep-cover agent within Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor's ranks.

In several major battles, Eldrin Chen had consistently managed to anticipate his enemies' moves. This was because Eldrin Chen possessed nearly complete intelligence on his opponents.

He knew not just their numbers and strength, but even their divine abilities, foundational cultivation, innate talents, hidden trump cards, and weaknesses—all had been meticulously uncovered by Eldrin Chen.

Nine Extremes Divine Lord and his allies were essentially playing with their cards laid bare on the table against Eldrin Chen. How could they possibly hope to defeat Eldrin Chen under such circumstances?

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen patted the Primordial Demonic Ape's shoulder once more, offering words of comfort. "Hold on a little longer. The day will come when I defeat Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor, and you will receive your due rewards."

Only then did the Primordial Demonic Ape accept the treasure, uttering a single, terse word: "Understood."

Satisfied, Eldrin Chen gave a nod of approval. He then provided the Primordial Demonic Ape with another batch of cultivation resources before departing as silently as a shadow.

While the Reincarnation Body [a body formed through a profound reincarnation technique] went to seek out the Primordial Demonic Ape, Eldrin Chen himself returned to his secluded cultivation.

In the years that followed, Eldrin Chen dedicated himself primarily to the cultivation of the Great Dao [the fundamental cosmic principles and laws], striving to achieve a breakthrough in his comprehension as swiftly as possible.

Time flowed by with relentless haste. Before he knew it, more than twenty million years had passed. As the years unfolded, it seemed his adversaries on the Great Dao path, perhaps realizing the formidable nature of the Abyssal Immortal Domain, ceased their direct assaults against Eldrin Chen.

During this period, several pieces of welcome news arrived. The first was that Donghua Immortal Lord had successfully achieved his breakthrough ahead of the others.

After his ascension, Donghua Immortal Lord personally journeyed to the Abyssal Immortal Domain. He conveyed that should Eldrin Chen's Great Dao foes launch another attack, he could intervene to hold back one of the powerful adversaries.

Donghua Immortal Lord, having cultivated four Indestructible Foundation [a supreme and unshakable cultivation base], was already a top-tier Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm] among the Human Race. His breakthrough to the Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal solidified his position as one of Eldrin Chen's most significant allies in the region.

Furthermore, the Azure Dragon under Donghua Immortal Lord's command seized this opportunity to refine the Primordial Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone [a legendary ore containing the essence of a primordial phoenix], successfully advancing to the Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm. In times of dire need, it too could provide substantial assistance.

Additionally, not long after, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix also completed her breakthrough, stepping into the realm of the Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.

As a Primordial Chaos Violet Thunder Phoenix of astonishing bloodline purity, and a direct descendant of a Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix possessed truly formidable power.

Upon her ascension, her combat prowess immediately ranked among the top echelon of Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal, rivaling even the mighty Primordial Chaos Kui Ox.

With such powerful allies at his side, Eldrin Chen felt a profound sense of relief and assurance. He was now free to devote his entire focus and spirit to the profound contemplation and mastery of the Great Dao.

Thus, after another several million years, Eldrin Chen's cultivation of the Great Dao [the fundamental laws of the cosmos] finally advanced another step, allowing him to set foot into the realm of a Fifth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Following this breakthrough, Eldrin Chen felt the power of his Great Dao surge by another fifty percent. Relying solely on the might of his Dao and his spiritual energy, he could now rival the combat prowess of a top-tier Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Furthermore, with the combined power of his three foundational pillars [Body, Energy, and Spirit], his overall combat strength increased by over ten percent. This additional increment pushed his power to the very brink, half a step into the domain of a Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection.

Such power, augmented further by the Path of Self-Sacrifice and the might of his True Spirit Treasure, elevated Eldrin Chen's overall capabilities to yet another level.

After completing his breakthrough, Eldrin Chen performed a brief calculation with his fingers and discovered that only a little over ten million years remained until the Seventh Epochal Cataclysm.

He immediately summoned five individuals: Xianchang Chen, Yuansheng, Frostwing Yan, Alaric Lu, and Yinghui Ye.

Within the grand hall, Eldrin Chen gazed upon his five disciples and descendants, a profound solemnity settling upon his features.

With the Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic calamity marking the end of an era] now imminent, whether these five could successfully tread their own paths to enlightenment was paramount. Their success or failure would determine if Eldrin Chen's Path of Self-Sacrifice could reach its grand completion, and more crucially, whether he could attain the combat strength of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

Should they succeed, Eldrin Chen would stand fearless before all adversaries. He could then venture into the Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond ordered worlds] to seek Opportunity [a chance encounter or resource vital for advancement], or even launch an assault on a Chaos Nest [a dangerous, resource-rich anomaly within the Chaos] to resolve the pressing shortage of cultivation resources.

Yet, should they all fail, Eldrin Chen's immense investments would be utterly wasted. He would have no choice but to continue his retreat, remaining dormant and confined within the Chaos Nest.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen performed a divination with his fingers, seeking the fates of the five individuals. Yet, he found the calamities destined for them were drawing ever closer.

Eldrin Chen could vaguely discern that these were tribulations woven into the very fabric of their destinies. He could not intervene directly; they had to face and transcend these trials themselves. Furthermore, these calamities were inescapable. The longer they were delayed, the more terrifying they would become.

Mindful of this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze upon the group, his expression turning grave as he spoke, "A tribulation is woven into your fates, destined to manifest during this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of cosmic upheaval and trial]."

"If you can successfully transcend it, you may break through your limits and attain the Grand Luo [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing unity with the Dao]. But if you fail... the risk of utter and eternal ruin is profound."

Upon hearing these words, the complexions of the five shifted subtly.

Xianchang Chen drew a deep breath, a cold smile touching his lips. "Father," he said, "watch as your son carves a path straight through this Kalpa Tribulation."

Clad in robes white as snow, Yuansheng spoke with serene calm. "Master," he stated, "even should Yuansheng fall into the endless cycle of Samsara [the wheel of death and rebirth], I shall not fail your expectations."

The remaining three remained silent, yet their expressions were a tapestry of differing resolve.

Within Frostwing Yan's eyes, a killing intent soared to pierce the heavens. Yinghui Ye's gaze boiled with the fervor for battle. In the depths of Alaric Lu's eyes, a shadow of deep concern flickered.

Eldrin Chen released a soft sigh, offering no further words.

He retrieved various rare treasures from his sleeve, then looked toward Xianchang Chen and said, "Xianchang, you possess thirty-three Vast Sea Divine Pearl [divine pearls containing the essence of the vast ocean]. Once they ascend to become Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primal chaos of heaven and earth], you will be virtually invincible among those of your cultivation realm."

"I bestow upon you thirty-three strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primal, unbreakable spiritual radiance]. I hope you can carve a path of victory through this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic trial of immense scale and danger] and successfully prove your Dao, attaining the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of a Golden Immortal, embodying the Great Luo, the ultimate principle]."

Xianchang Chen accepted the treasures, his face alight with astonishment and joy.

With thirty-three Vast Sea Divine Pearl [divine pearls containing the essence of the vast ocean], the quantity was so vast he had feared it impossible for them all to undergo Ascension [the process of evolving to a higher state of being] into Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primal chaos of heaven and earth]. He never imagined Eldrin Chen would, in one breath today, fill this gap for him completely.

Thinking of this, Xianchang Chen immediately prostrated himself and said, "Father, be at ease. With these treasures in hand, your son is destined to be unmatched."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze to Yuansheng. "Yuansheng, I bestow upon you the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primal chaos of heaven and earth] named the Nine Deaths Nirvana Pearl [a pearl that allows its wielder to cheat death nine times, each time undergoing a nirvanic rebirth]. This pearl can aid you in substituting death nine times, and with each death, you may achieve Nirvana Rebirth [a divine ability to be reborn from the ashes of destruction, stronger than before]."

Yuansheng took the treasure, unable to suppress a surge of delighted surprise.

The Nine Deaths Nirvana Pearl [a pearl that allows its wielder to cheat death nine times, each time undergoing a nirvanic rebirth] was a special type of Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primal chaos of heaven and earth]; it could be used at most nine times. After that, the treasure would be destroyed, its essence transforming to enhance the potential of the one who performed the Nirvana [the transcendent act of rebirth from destruction].

Recognizing the preciousness of this treasure, Yuansheng said promptly, "Thank you for your profound favor, Master."

Eldrin Chen nodded again, then looked toward Frostwing Yan and bestowed a sword embryo, saying, "I bestow upon you the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primal chaos of heaven and earth] named the Slaughter Sword Embryo [an embryonic sword imbued with the primal intent to slay immortals]. I hope you will not disappoint your master."

Frostwing Yan accepted the sword embryo without a word, yet the sword intent within his pupils grew ever more resolute.

There is no time to write eight thousand words today, so let this be one large chapter of seven thousand two hundred words.