Chapter 1963 : Shattered Treasures and Fates Entwined

In the end, they cornered Frostwing Yan at the edge of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea. There, the two sides erupted into a world-shaking battle.

After this conflict, Frostwing Yan's Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme magical treasure born from one's own spiritual essence], the Slaughter Sword Embryo, was shattered, and over half of the powerful enemies who had come to pursue and slay him were annihilated.

In the end, the grievously wounded and dying Frostwing Yan desperately fought his way through the Chaos Sea, vanishing into the depths of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

Meanwhile, deep within the Abyssal Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen felt a sudden, sharp pang in his heart.

After performing a brief divination by finger calculation, his face paled slightly, and a tempest of killing intent surged behind his eyes.

"What's wrong?"

Lyra Jiang embraced him and could not help but inquire.

Eldrin Chen shook his head and sighed, "The calamity foretold in their fate has finally come to pass."

Upon hearing this, Lyra Jiang fell silent and asked no more.

"Kill... kill them all..."

Deep within the Chaos Heaven Extreme Domain, Xianchang Chen fought with a maddened frenzy.

He alone carved a bloody path through the assembled heroes of the Chaos Heaven Extreme Domain, only to face an even more terrifying foe.

The Pure Yang Imperial Court, the mightiest of the four great imperial courts, made its move, gathering several dozen peerless enemies to hunt him.

It was undeniable that the Pure Yang Imperial Court was truly formidable. This lineage boasted seven peerless imperial scions, all of whom seemed to have used some forbidden art to forcibly elevate their foundational power. Each had cultivated a Indestructible Foundation [a supreme and unbreakable cultivation foundation], and their leader was an even more terrifying enemy who had achieved a True Spirit Foundation [a foundation of pure spiritual essence, the pinnacle of its kind].

Logically, given the immense power of the Thirty-Three Heavens Vast Sea Divine Pearls, Xianchang Chen should have been able to suppress all opposition, even against such a fearsome enemy.

However, his opponents were no ordinary men. The Pure Yang Imperial Scion unleashed a forbidden imperial artifact, forcibly dispersing the formation of the Thirty-Three Heavens Vast Sea Divine Pearls.

Because the Thirty-Three Heavens Vast Sea Divine Pearls lacked its three most crucial pearls, the formation was not perfectly flawless, allowing the Pure Yang Imperial Scion to find its weakness.

With no other choice, Xianchang Chen was forced to burn his own Blood Qi [vital life force and blood essence] and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator]. He fought his way through the enemy Formation [a tactical or magical battle array] with sheer force, fleeing into the depths of the Vast Chaotic Void.

He fled until he was nearly drained dry, a lamp with its oil spent, only then managing to temporarily escape the relentless pursuit.

Meanwhile, within the Myriad Gods Primordial Domain, Yuansheng found himself in a situation bordering on utter desperation.

Because the Myriad Gods Primordial Domain was far too formidable, it also harbored many who were sworn enemies of Eldrin Chen on the path of the Great Dao [the fundamental principle governing all existence].

The Four Great Imperial Courts not only dispatched numerous top-tier Ancient Immortal [powerful beings who have transcended mortality through cultivation] but also persuaded several Grand Luo [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation] Divine Race [clans or lineages of divine beings] who harbored sworn enemies of Eldrin Chen.

Amidst the great battle, Yuansheng found himself besieged by over a hundred powerful foes. Even after unleashing his most peerless techniques, he struggled mightily to break through the encirclement.

Trapped within the formation, he was forced to clash with the host of heroes. From the outset, his position was one of absolute disadvantage, and the ensuing struggle grew increasingly desperate and brutal.

Fortunately, Yuansheng possessed the Nine Deaths Nirvana Pearl bestowed upon him by Eldrin Chen. This single-use Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primal forces of heaven and earth], if used by a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [an immortal at the peak of the Grand Luo realm], could at most cheat death nine times, merely Restoration [a divine ability to heal and recover] a certain degree of injury.

Yet, given Yuansheng's current level of cultivation, he was able to achieve a complete and perfect recovery nine times in succession. Each time, he would absorb the power of the Nine Deaths Nirvana Pearl, making himself even more formidable.

But now, facing the encircling hunt of over a hundred powerful enemies, Yuansheng fell and was reborn time and again, each resurrection followed by a desperate, all-out struggle.

After nine consecutive rebirths, Yuansheng had stubbornly slain dozens of his powerful foes. Yet, he had finally reached the point where his lamp of life was nearly extinguished, his oil spent.

His spiritual power was utterly depleted, his body a tapestry of grievous wounds, his cultivation base almost completely drained. His Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] flickered, teetering on the brink of being snuffed out….

A host of enemies suppressed him with an Innate Spiritual Treasure, gazing upon him with a mixture of awe and respect. An Imperial Scion from the Profound Nether Imperial Court could not help but remark, "This man's strength is truly astonishing. Had we not laid this killing formation and brought the forbidden artifacts of an Emperor Lord [a title for a supreme ruler among cultivators], we likely would have failed to subdue him."

From another side, a deity from the Myriad Gods Primordial Domain also sighed and could not help but speak out: "Even if the Path of Self-Sacrifice has its flaws, with this individual's strength, once he attains the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, he would undoubtedly possess the bearing of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch."

"He merely forcibly elevated his combat power using the Lunar Legacy Treasury; his true potential may not be that immense."

Another shook his head, his tone dismissive, yet a profound gravity still lingered deep within his gaze.

At that moment, an Imperial Scion from the Myriad Gods Primordial Domain inquired: "He is at his end, his Indestructible Primordial Spirit [the cultivator's spiritual core, said to be nearly unbreakable] has already shattered. Should we not hunt him down and finish him completely?"

"Hold."

Just then, the Profound Nether Imperial Scion spoke: "This individual possesses such formidable power. Perhaps he can be... utilized."

"My Profound Nether Imperial Court possesses an exquisite art from the Netherworld Realm. We can use his soul as a foundation to forge a new Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], shaping him into a soul-slave for our Profound Nether Imperial Court."

"If successful, we might obtain memories concerning the Path of Self-Sacrifice and Eldrin, the Abyssal Daoist."

The others were momentarily taken aback. An Imperial Scion from the Myriad Gods Primordial Domain asked, "He has already cultivated a True Spirit Foundation [a profound cultivation foundation representing one's true spiritual essence]. Will this method truly work?"

"It will," the Profound Nether Imperial Scion declared with a cold laugh. "Although he has forged a True Spirit Foundation, his seven foundational pillars are fused into a singular whole. It seems... distinct from an ordinary True Spirit Foundation."

"This particular type of Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] is not as powerful as a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a Primordial Spirit that has attained its true, perfected form], and it is already at the point of exhaustion, its flame nearly extinguished. Perhaps we can attempt it."

As the words fell, Profound Nether Imperial Scion produced a vast quantity of Soul-Nourishing Wood [a rare spiritual wood that nourishes and stabilizes the soul], then laid down a formidable and forbidden Formation [a magical array or diagram that channels energy for specific purposes]. He trapped the spirit within this formation to refine it.

Simultaneously, within the confines of the Formation, the nearly extinguished Yuansheng suddenly felt a surge of soul-nourishing power flowing into his being.

Immediately after, a torrent of forbidden Formation energy invaded his body, beginning to tear apart and reshape the very essence of his Primordial Spirit.

This caused Yuansheng's brow to furrow slightly, a shadow of gravity crossing his features. The Primordial Spirit cultivated through the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a cultivation method where the spirit is fused inseparably with the physical body] had long since become one with his flesh, making it nearly impossible to reshape or alter.

However, he had now reached the brink of total exhaustion, bearing irreversible wounds. His Primordial Spirit flickered like a guttering candle flame, perpetually on the verge of Annihilation [complete spiritual dissolution], which paradoxically granted it the potential to be remade.

Yet, with his True Spirit Foundation [the profound and stable spiritual foundation of a True Spirit realm cultivator], he possessed the strength to resist this reshaping force—though the price would be his utter and final annihilation.

Of course, a True Spirit Foundation was immensely powerful. Even after suffering such grievous injury, even upon the brink of true death, it held the potential for eventual recovery and return. Such a rebirth, however, would require an expanse of time measured in eons.

Contemplating this, Yuansheng resolved to fight this invasive power with every last shred of his being, even if it meant his final end.

"No! I cannot die!"

Yet at this very moment, Yuansheng was suddenly struck by a flicker of resolve: "I promised Master that even if I perish, I would cultivate the Path of Self-Sacrifice to help him complete his Great Dao [the supreme and fundamental principle of existence]."

"If Master can achieve the Dao, what does it matter if my Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] is remade and I am no longer myself?"

Yuansheng murmured inwardly, his mind drifting back to the old scenes of his youth—a world overrun by countless demons, the heavens and earth filled with the lamentations of the suffering masses.

At his most desperate moment, an ancient scroll had descended from the firmament, bestowing upon him the path of cultivation.…

"The Starfall Cataclysm, the Decay of Cangling."

"During the Demon Race's war to shatter the stars, the Star Spirit Clan was nearly annihilated. I intervened to quell the Cangling Demon Tribulation, vanquishing the extra-dimensional Heavenly Demons. No demonic beings above the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] realm remain in this world."

"However, upon the Ancient Star of Cangling, many low-level demonic cultivators still cling to a wretched existence, and their heretical legacies lie scattered across the land."

"If left unchecked, in a thousand or a hundred years, demonic chaos may once again arise in this realm."

"Moved by the suffering of all living beings, I bequeath to you a single volume of Daoist scripture. Cultivate it diligently. If you can one day quell this great calamity and ascend to immortality, perhaps we shall meet again."

Yuansheng whispered to himself, the memory of that first encounter flooding back. Finally, he slowly lowered his gaze.

He began to harness this forbidden power to reassemble his shattered and feeble Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator]. He imparted all his memories to the nascent Primordial Spirit, his final conscious thought crystallizing into a single phrase.

"Born of Yuansheng, ended by Yuannian."

"One thought Yuansheng, nine deaths Yuannian."

"You shall be named 'Yuannian'. Live well in my stead. Slaughter all those scheming vermin outside, and aid Master in perfecting the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation art centered on ultimate sacrifice]."

"*Hum*—"

In that instant, all the fragmented remnants of Yuansheng's Primordial Spirit surged into the newborn Primordial Spirit, becoming the very foundation of 'Yuannian'.

In the external world, witnessing the smooth progress of the Primordial Spirit's reconstruction, the Imperial Scion of the Netherworld Realm [a dark and profound underworld dimension] could not suppress a look of manic delight.

Gazing at Yuannian, a thought brimming with ecstatic surprise flashed through his mind: "A soul-slave of such formidable power... if this reshaping succeeds, could I not sweep through all opposition in my upcoming Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial faced by powerful cultivators]?"

With this ambition burning in his heart, he began to produce a myriad of rare treasures and precious artifacts. Among them were priceless treasures bestowed by Profound Nether Emperor Lord specifically to mend his foundational flaws.

This vast hoard of treasures poured into Yuansheng's body. Under the influence of the forbidden Formation [a complex array of magical symbols and energy channels], they began the work of reforging Yuansheng's soul essence.

As the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] was on the verge of taking form, Profound Nether Imperial Scion could not help but smile. He immediately activated the forbidden art, intending to refine the Primordial Spirit and begin altering the memories of this newly born spiritual essence.

Yet at this very moment, he discovered that the memories of this nascent Primordial Spirit were surprisingly resistant to change.

What he did not know was that the Body of Self-Sacrifice [a supreme constitution formed by sacrificing one's original body and Dao Embryo] was essentially a grand vessel for the Primordial Spirit, originally formed from the metamorphosis of a cultivator's Dao Embryo [the embryonic form of one's Dao, a critical cultivation stage]. And the Dao Embryo itself was akin to a cultivator's Nascent Infant [the infant form of one's nascent soul].

However, after completing the Self-Sacrifice [the profound act of sacrificing one's original form], the newly formed Body of Self-Sacrifice became a composite entity of flesh and blood, Primordial Spirit, Great Dao, Dao Fruit [the condensed fruit of one's cultivated Dao], and other foundational elements.

Under such circumstances, attempting to alter the memories within the Primordial Spirit of a Body of Self-Sacrifice was tantamount to simultaneously reshaping the Great Dao, the physical body, the Dao Fruit, and every other foundational aspect.

The forbidden art of Profound Nether Emperor Lord excelled at reshaping Primordial Spirit to transform them into soul-slaves, but it held little power over a constitution like the Body of Self-Sacrifice.

Now, sensing that something was amiss, Profound Nether Imperial Scion immediately sought to cease aiding Yuansheng in reforming his Primordial Spirit. Alas, it was already too late.

"BOOM—"

In that instant, heaven and earth trembled, and the Void [the fabric of space itself] shuddered and swayed.

Yuansheng—or rather, the newly reborn Yuannian—soared through the void and emerged, standing calmly and imposingly beneath the vault of the sky.

In this re-forging of the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], the newly born Yuannian possessed all the memories of Yuansheng, and shared the same True Spirit [the purified, immortal essence of a being], yet he was no longer the Yuansheng of old.

He slowly lowered his gaze, accepting the flood of memories, before finally looking down upon the assembled figures.

"You—"

The Profound Nether Imperial Scion felt a surge of primal terror and immediately sought to withdraw, but it was already far too late.

In that instant, Yuannian struck. A supreme manifestation of the Annihilation Great Dao [the supreme principle of absolute obliteration] swept across the firmament, instantly reducing the Profound Nether Imperial Scion to scattered dust and ashes….

Having broken and then been remade, having undergone utter destruction to achieve a greater establishment, Yuannian now stood on a plane utterly beyond the reach of his former self, Yuansheng.

Even more terrifying was that while Yuannian had inherited the Demon-Subduing Great Dao [the supreme principle for vanquishing demonic entities] from Yuansheng, he had also, from the very processes of Annihilation and his own rebirth, comprehended the twin Great Daos of 'Annihilation' and 'Vitality' [the supreme principle of boundless life and creation].

The convergence of these two Great Daos had already propelled him into the realm of the True Spirit Great Dao [the supreme cultivation path focused on the True Spirit].

The Profound Nether Imperial Scion was merely a forcibly elevated practitioner of the seventh Indestructible Foundation [a high-level cultivation stage denoting an unbreakable foundation]. Without the support of a Formation [a structured array of power, often for combat or defense] and the aid of over a hundred top-tier Ancient Immortal [immortals who have existed since ancient times], how could he possibly be a match for Yuannian?

Having slain the Profound Nether Imperial Scion, Yuannian stepped out from the confines of the Formation. He performed a brief divination with his fingers and discovered that this re-forging of his Primordial Spirit had consumed over one hundred thousand years. Those figures who had once hunted him had already departed for the Heavenly Abyss Ancient Path [an ancient and perilous path of tribulation] to face their own trials.

"The roles have reversed, esteemed ones…"

After comprehending the entire chain of cause and effect, Yuannian let out a sigh of serene acceptance before finally vanishing into the depths of the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged].

At the moment of Yuannian's birth, elsewhere within the Depths of Chaos, inside a Chaos Nest [a turbulent, energy-rich pocket within the primordial Chaos], Alaric Lu bore a visage etched with the harshness of countless trials.

After years of relentless warfare, Alaric Lu had evaded dozens of pursuits and slain many of his hunters in turn, yet the wounds upon his body had, unnoticed, grown ever more grievous.

At this moment, Alaric Lu held an Ancient Seal in his hand, his expression one of profound remembrance.

"Yinghui, I failed to protect you."

Alaric Lu spoke slowly, his pupils harboring a tempest of boundless hatred.

He, Alaric Lu, had risen from humble origins, never lacking in perseverance, constancy, or daring. Before attaining immortality, his path had been one of unstoppable momentum, carving through rivals with an unrivaled edge.

Yet, ever since becoming a disciple under Eldrin Chen, he had always trodden the orthodox path, perfecting the methods of his predecessors with meticulous care, steadfast and never once taking a reckless gamble.

It was only when his Dao Companion perished in his arms that he finally understood: in this world, there is no such thing as absolute safety.

Since the dawn of Sugu [the primordial beginning of time], across the boundless expanse of ages, the Chaos Sea [the primordial, ever-churning ocean of chaos] has remained a realm of ceaseless, magnificent turbulence.

His so-called tranquil years were only possible because of the sky held aloft for him by Eldrin Chen and the other Grand Luo [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing the pinnacle of power].

If, at that time, his methods had been potent enough, if he had possessed combat strength that surpassed all limits, could he have fought his way out alongside the ultimate technique of Yinghui Ye?

Alaric Lu fell into silence, and finally drew from his sleeve the Heaven-Slaying Divine Malignancy [one of the ten Primordial Divine Malignancies, an entity of pure, annihilating power]. This Heaven-Slaying Divine Malignancy was an ultimate, primordial Celestial Fiend [a being of celestial malevolence] Qi [the vital energy that flows through all living things]. Once refined, it could transform one of his Immortal Treasury [a foundational cultivation realm representing a repository of power] into the Heaven-Slaying Immortal Treasury [a legendary cultivation treasury imbued with heaven-rending power].

Once the Heaven-Slaying Immortal Treasury was integrated, his combat prowess would receive a monumental boost.

Yet the price for this was staggering. Not only would he endure excruciating agony, but there was also a grave risk of one Immortal Treasury shattering completely.

"Perilous," he murmured. "But the path of cultivation... if one dares not venture into danger, how can one ever attain means that surpass the ordinary?"

Alaric Lu whispered these words slowly, his resolve finally crystallizing into unshakable determination.

With a sharp clench of his jaw, he began the forceful refinement of this Heaven-Slaying Divine Malignancy.

As one of the ten Primordial Divine Malignancies, the Heaven-Slaying Divine Malignancy was renowned for its unbridled tyranny, possessing the annihilating might to Annihilation [utterly erase from existence] all things.

Fundamental Essence [the primordial source of all existence], Blood Qi, Force Extreme, Primordial Qi [the original vital energy of the cosmos], Soul, Dao Heart [the unwavering core of a cultivator's will and path], Longevity [the pursuit of eternal life], Heavenly Secrets [the hidden workings of fate and destiny], Laws [the fundamental principles governing reality], Grand Luo.

Alaric Lu sensed the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [ten supreme foundational cultivation arts] within his body. After a long and profound silence, he decisively refined and merged it into his Strength Extreme Immortal Treasury.

In that instant, the Strength Extreme Immortal Treasury began to tremble violently, corrupted by an infinite tide of Heaven-Slaying Divine Malignancy [a supreme, destructive, and chaotic power]. Its overwhelmingly tyrannical force nearly shattered this Immortal Treasury [a foundational cultivation realm] completely….

Gritting his teeth, Alaric Lu mustered all his strength to resist, engaging in an endless struggle against it across what felt like an eternity.

No one could tell how much time had passed, but ultimately, his indomitable willpower subdued the Heaven-Slaying Divine Malignancy. Alaric Lu had finally completed the metamorphosis of his Immortal Treasury.

"Is it done?"

Alaric Lu murmured softly to himself, lifting his gaze to inspect his Strength Extreme Immortal Treasury. To his astonishment, he found it had transformed into the 'Heaven-Slaying Immortal Treasury'.

This Immortal Treasury now possessed the inherent characteristics of the Strength Extreme Immortal Treasury, fused with the savage, slaughterous power of the Heaven-Slaying Divine Malignancy. Their union elevated Alaric Lu's offensive capabilities by more than severalfold.

Even more terrifying was the profound metamorphosis Alaric Lu sensed within his newly forged Heaven-Slaying Immortal Treasury.

If the original Strength Extreme Immortal Treasury was merely comparable to a Nine-Limit Foundation [a top-tier foundational cultivation art], then, after assimilating the Heaven-Slaying Divine Malignancy, this Immortal Treasury had ascended to a level rivaling an Indestructible Foundation [a legendary, unbreakable foundational realm].

Moreover, it was a supreme Indestructible Foundation [the pinnacle state of the foundational cultivation stage], even faintly brushing against the threshold of the half-step True Spirit Immortal Treasury [a legendary cultivation art focused on forging an indestructible spiritual treasury].

"The Imperishable [an ability granting unyielding durability] Immortal Treasury [a profound cultivation realm representing an internal vault of power]?"

Alaric Lu murmured, his eyes blazing with a brilliant light as he witnessed for the first time the immense potential hidden within the Immortal Treasury.

A moment later, he regained his composure. Sensing the power within his battered body, he shook his head. He yearned to return for vengeance, but he was grievously wounded. Furthermore, his enemies wielded Emperor Lord [a title for a supreme ruler among cultivators] forbidden artifacts. In his current state, he was no match for them.

With this thought, Alaric Lu gritted his teeth and finally drew from his sleeve a luminous orb of Dao Source [the crystallized essence of a cultivator's Dao path and cultivation].

This was the Dao Source of Yinghui Ye. He had kept it with him all this time, never refining it. But now, resolved to return for revenge, his determination solidified.

"Yinghui, you will accompany me. I shall wield your power and carve a path of vengeance in your name."

"Boom—"

As his words faded, Alaric Lu consumed the Dao Source of Yinghui Ye.

The moment the Dao Source entered his body, Alaric Lu felt a torrential surge of power erupt within him. His Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [a supreme cultivation art involving the forging of ten internal power vaults] began an intense, rapid metamorphosis.

Uncertain how long had passed, Alaric Lu stirred from his secluded cultivation chamber and rose, his gaze turning towards the Depths of Chaos.

He caressed the Abyssal Dao Seal, his eyes seeming to pierce through its surface to perceive the True Spirit [the core spiritual consciousness of a cultivator or artifact] and the faint soul fragment within. Finally, with a calm and detached tone, he declared, "Yinghui, I shall take you to slay our foes."