Chapter 1964 : Clash of the Heavenly Halberd

"Alaric Lu, where else can you flee?"

At that very moment, the Depths of Chaos trembled violently with light, as a group of powerful foes tore through the void, surrounding Alaric Lu completely, leaving him no avenue of escape.

The leader was clad in Gilded War Armor, a divine iron rod hovering above his head—it was none other than the Imperial Scion of the Desolate Ape Clan.

Alaric Lu did not immediately strike. After surveying his surroundings, he spoke calmly, "Yinghui, these thirty-two are your interest."

"Die!"

As the words fell, Alaric Lu shattered the firmament of World Creation [the divine ability to create a microcosmic world], wielding a celestial halberd that cleaved the heavens. A great battle thus Eruption [erupted into being], instantly turning the world upside down.

Initially, the Desolate Ape Imperial Scion sought to prevail through sheer force. Yet, upon their first clash, he was met with a torrent of peerless divine might, instantly sent reeling and coughing blood.

"Impossible! How has he grown so much stronger?"

A sense of dread washed over the Desolate Ape Imperial Scion. He immediately sought to disengage and flee, but it was already too late.

Having refined the Heaven-Slaying Divine Malignancy [a condensed essence of divine, heaven-defying malevolence] and Yinghui Ye's Dao Source [the foundational spiritual essence of one's cultivation path], nearly half of Alaric Lu's Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [a supreme cultivation art focusing on ten core spiritual repositories] had now stepped into the Indestructible Realm [a realm where one's spiritual foundation becomes nearly unbreakable]. Empowered by such divine strength, Alaric Lu's combat prowess had soared to a level nearly comparable to the Four True Spirit Foundation [a legendary cultivation foundation built upon four perfected primordial spirits].

In the span of a mere breath, the Desolate Ape Imperial Scion was sent reeling through the air, his blood painting the void, forcibly slain by Alaric Lu within ten moves amidst the Void [a profound state of emptiness and potential].

"Disaster!"

Witnessing the Desolate Ape Imperial Scion's execution, the complexions of the other hunters shifted dramatically.

They sought to unite and resist, yet against absolute power, numbers held little meaning.

Alaric Lu rode the celestial halberd, striking out against the gathered heroes. The great battle raged for a long time, the halberd itself shattering from the strain, until finally all thirty-two pursuing Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] were slain.

With the cosmos settled by this single battle, Alaric Lu refined the several dozen captured Dao Source [the primordial essence of the Great Dao]. His Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [a supreme cultivation method focusing on ten internal spiritual repositories] finally completed their metamorphosis, transforming entirely into the more formidable Imperishable Immortal Treasury [a state where the spiritual treasuries become indestructible].

Furthermore, from the Desolate Ape Imperial Scion's possession, Alaric Lu seized a mass of 'Desolate Heaven Divine Malignancy' [a supremely potent and destructive divine energy]. This Desolate Heaven Divine Malignancy is also one of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains's Ten Great Divine Malignancies [the ten most formidable and dangerous divine energies], specifically used by Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle immortal realm] who follow the Sainthood through the Flesh [a cultivation path focused on perfecting the physical body] to temper their physical forms.

This substance is overwhelmingly potent; even ordinary Grand Luo Golden Immortal dare not casually refine it. Yet Alaric Lu hesitated not in the slightest.

He fused this divine malignancy into his Qi and Blood Divine Treasury [the spiritual treasury governing life force and vitality], elevating it to the level of a Supreme Indestructible Foundation [a foundation of unparalleled and unbreakable solidity].

Having digested these gains, Alaric Lu's power now brushed against the very limits of the world. Beneath the Grand Luo Golden Immortal, he had become a force against whom few could stand.

He emerged from the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] and began his relentless march towards the Sacred Demon Primordial Domain, intent on sweeping away all his foes and washing away the shame of past defeats with their blood.

Meanwhile, far within the Depths of Chaos, in a distant, desolate frontier of the Chaos, Xianchang Chen slowly opened his eyes, a trace of solemnity coloring his expression.

As the legitimate son of Eldrin Chen and the strongest among the three brothers, he had been targeted almost exclusively, suffering grievous wounds in the relentless onslaught.

It was only a few tens of thousands of years ago that he had barely managed to shake off his pursuers and flee into this Chaos Sea [a turbulent, energy-saturated region within the primordial Chaos].

"My injuries have finally mostly healed," he murmured.

"Those whelps, dozens of them ganging up on this venerable one alone. This debt will be settled in full, sooner or later."

Xianchang Chen whispered, a slight frown creasing his brow.

Although his wounds had healed, his Thirty-Three Heavens Azure Sea Divine Pearls [a set of powerful artifacts that can form a grand defensive and offensive array] had been compromised. The Pure Yang Imperial Scion had found a flaw in their formation, making it difficult to assemble them for battle.

Under such circumstances, seeking vengeance would be an extremely difficult path.

"I must still find a way to integrate the final three Azure Sea Divine Pearls [powerful pearls that are part of the Thirty-Three Heavens set] into my body," he concluded, his voice a low rumble of determination.

Xianchang Chen murmured softly, then rose to his feet and surveyed his surroundings. A slight frown creased his brow, and a trace of solemnity colored his expression.

In his desperate flight for survival, he had stumbled blindly and inadvertently fallen into this nameless forbidden land. Now, though his injuries had healed, he found himself at a loss for how to escape.

This was a vast and magnificent Chaos Celestial Domain, seemingly carved out by deliberate effort. At the heart of the Chaos Celestial Domain stood a grand hall, exquisitely carved from a single block of verdant jade.

Xianchang Chen approached and looked up. Before the great hall, three large characters were inscribed: 'Profound Abyss Heaven'.

"Profound Abyss Heaven?"

Xianchang Chen's eyes flickered with thought. After a moment of silent contemplation, he stepped forward.

An ineffable feeling stirred within him—a sense that this Profound Abyss Heaven had been waiting for him for a very, very long time.

"Hmm—"

Now that he was here, he would make the best of it.

Without further hesitation, Xianchang Chen pushed open the imposing doors of the great hall.

Upon stepping into the great hall, Xianchang Chen's gaze flickered slightly as he discovered an ancient pool within the chamber.

The ancient pool was filled with a crystalline, azure-hued immortal liquid [a potent spiritual fluid used by high-level cultivators]. Floating upon its surface were a Bamboo Slip Scroll, a Treasure Box, and a dazzling mass of Primordial Source Power.

"This is..."

The moment he laid eyes on these treasures, Xianchang Chen's face was overtaken by a look of ecstatic joy.

Just as he was about to reach out and take them, a calm voice spoke, "Young friend, you have finally arrived."

Xianchang Chen paused, startled, only then noticing that within the immortal pool had appeared a translucent, ethereal figure clad in robes of celestial blue.

This person wore robes of supreme and peerless dignity, with three thousand Great Daos [the fundamental principles and laws of the cosmos] spiraling and coiling around their form. Their bearing was as profound as the abyss and as vast as the sea, a depth of mystery Xianchang Chen had never before witnessed in his life.

"This junior was being pursued and inadvertently fell into this place. I beg your forgiveness, Senior,"

Xianchang Chen replied with a tremor in his heart, his tone immediately one of utmost respect.

The figure, however, merely smiled and said placidly, "This place is named the Profound Abyss Heaven [a pocket dimension or celestial realm]. It was specially opened and formed for you by this venerable one before my fall in ages past."

"Your arrival here today was also guided by my subtle hand."

"Forged for a junior like me?" Xianchang Chen's heart quaked with profound shock, and he could not help but speak out, "Senior, who are you?"

That figure's gaze shifted subtly, but he did not answer immediately. Instead, he posed a question: "You possess the bearing of an Immortal Sage [a being who has ascended to the pinnacle of the immortal path], and you cultivate the Dao of the Vast Sea [the profound path of oceanic power and boundless depth]. You are the successor I have dreamt of most."

"I sought you out because I wish for you to inherit my legacy. Are you willing to acknowledge me as your master?"

Xianchang Chen was momentarily taken aback. After a brief moment of silent contemplation, he decisively knelt and prostrated himself, saying, "Your disciple, Xianchang Chen, pays his respects to Master."

"Hahaha... You are indeed decisive."

The figure laughed heartily, then shook his head and said, "Since you have already pledged yourself as my disciple, it is right that you know my name and title."

"Remember it well. I am known as the Profound Abyss Immortal Sage [an exalted title for a sage who has mastered the mysteries of the profound abyss], one of the Nine Sages of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain [the primordial realm where the cosmos of immortals first took form]."

Upon hearing this, Xianchang Chen's heart trembled violently once more, and he instantly recalled the origins of this Profound Abyss Immortal Sage.

In the ancient past, within the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain, one lineage boasted the Nine Chaos Celestial Emperors [supreme rulers born from primordial chaos]. After the domain's cataclysmic destruction, all nine of those Celestial Emperors met their end.

Among them, the Daoist Abode [the secluded cultivation residence of a powerful cultivator] of seven Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of a celestial domain], including Frost Soul and Immortal Flame, shattered and split into seven pieces, transforming into the seven fragments of the Immortal Cosmos Ancient Continent [a primordial landmass from the age of immortals] that exist today.

However, the Daoist Abode of the two mightiest Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler born from primordial chaos], Profound Abyss Immortal Sage and Immortal Cosmos Dao Progenitor, vanished. It now appears their methods were even more astonishing and their schemes far more intricate.

Thinking of this, Xianchang Chen exclaimed with overwhelming joy in his heart, "This disciple pays his respects to the Master. In the days to come, I shall never bring disgrace to the Master's illustrious name."

The phantom of Profound Abyss Immortal Sage merely smiled, stroking his long beard as he said, "With your current level of cultivation, you are still far, far from ready."

"First, receive this venerable one's legacy. We shall speak of other matters afterward."

As his words fell, Profound Abyss Immortal Sage tossed him into the immortal pool and declared, "This is the Supreme-Grade Innate Spiritual Water [water of the highest purity, containing primordial spiritual essence from the dawn of creation] known as the 'Vast Sea Source Spring' [the primordial fountainhead from which all seas originate]. It is more than sufficient to remedy the deficiencies in your foundation."

Upon stepping into the Vast Sea Source Spring, Xianchang Chen immediately felt his Innate Primordial Essence [the fundamental spiritual energy one is born with] begin to be replenished, and his Body of Self-Sacrifice [a unique physique forged through immense personal sacrifice and hardship] start to advance by leaps and bounds.

Seizing this opportunity, Xianchang Chen refined the final three Vast Sea Divine Pearl [divine orbs containing the condensed essence and power of the vast seas], bringing the set of Thirty-Six Vast Sea Divine Pearls to perfect completion.

"What a formidable foundation. This youth's innate talent rivals even my own from back in the day."

Witnessing this scene, a flicker of light passed through the eyes of Profound Abyss Immortal Sage. With his discerning vision, he could naturally perceive that the greater part of Xianchang Chen's foundation was anchored upon these Thirty-Six Vast Sea Divine Pearls.

Thus, he stroked his long beard, then gathered a handful of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial and unbreakable radiance of pure spiritual energy] along with a vast quantity of rare treasures, compelling them all to merge into the Thirty-Six Vast Sea Divine Pearls.

With the aid of such abundant resources, the Thirty-Six Vast Sea Divine Pearls ultimately underwent another transformation, evolving into a set of supremely powerful divine artifacts.

After an unknowable length of time, Xianchang Chen finally completed his metamorphosis, having absorbed every last drop of the Vast Sea Source Spring [a primordial spring containing the essence of the boundless sea] within the pool, and only then did he slowly exhale a breath.

It was at this moment that Xianchang Chen realized his Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [a supreme cultivation art focusing on ten foundational spiritual repositories] had, without his conscious notice, all stepped into the Indestructible Realm [a profound cultivation stage where one's foundation becomes nearly unbreakable].

With a foundation of such formidable strength, further augmented by the Thirty-Six Vast Sea Divine Pearls, Xianchang Chen now dared to contend even with a peerless prodigy possessing a Sixfold True Spirit Foundation [a legendary cultivation foundation formed by the perfect fusion of six true spiritual essences].

"You foolish boy, stop standing there dazed. Quickly use the Heavenly Emperor's Artifact Fusion Chapter [a secret chapter of a celestial cultivation art focused on fusing with one's destined artifact] to complete your breakthrough."

It was at this precise moment that Profound Abyss Immortal Sage spoke up decisively.

Xianchang Chen was momentarily stunned. There was no time to question how Profound Abyss Immortal Sage knew he possessed the Heavenly Emperor's Artifact Fusion Chapter. He immediately began to execute the art, using the Heavenly Emperor's Artifact Fusion Chapter to complete the fusion and consolidation of the Thirty-Six Vast Sea Divine Pearls.

When cultivating the Heavenly Emperor's Artifact Fusion Chapter, there is an extremely high requirement for compatibility between one's destined Magical Artifact [an enchanted artifact bound to a cultivator's soul]. Fortunately, these Vast Sea Divine Pearl [divine pearls containing the essence of the vast sea] were perfectly compatible with one another, coincidentally meeting this crucial condition.

As Xianchang Chen continued his refining process, the Thirty-Six Vast Sea Divine Pearls finally interlocked their Dao patterns [the fundamental laws and principles of cultivation inscribed upon artifacts] in a perfect sequence, transforming into a single, dazzlingly brilliant Ancient Pearl [a primordial pearl of immense power and antiquity].

This Ancient Pearl [a mystical pearl of immense age and power] immediately drew forth a cataclysmic surge of True Spirit Imprint [the fundamental spiritual essence and imprint of a powerful being], which ultimately fused with it to form a True Spirit Treasure [a supreme magical artifact born from a True Spirit's essence]—the Vast Sea Pearl.

"Excellent, truly excellent."

Witnessing Xianchang Chen refine the True Spirit Treasure, Profound Abyss Immortal Sage stroked his beard with satisfaction and said, "This True Spirit Treasure possesses boundless potential. In time, it may very well evolve into a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a primordial treasure born from the energies of Chaos itself]."

"Very well, I shall give this to you as well."

So saying, Profound Abyss Immortal Sage handed all the treasures over to Xianchang Chen.

As Xianchang Chen took stock of these treasures, an expression of profound astonishment dawned upon his face.

The treasures bestowed by Profound Abyss Immortal Sage were few in number, yet each was of inestimable value. They included a single wisp of Innate Primordial Qi [the original, uncreated energy that existed before the cosmos], a comprehensive scroll containing the Celestial Emperor's Ancient Scripture [an ancient and profound cultivation manual of celestial origin], and five tokens of staggering worth—the Ancient Immortal Cosmos Token [a token granting access to the legendary Immortal Cosmos Treasury].

After presenting the treasures, Profound Abyss Immortal Sage spoke once more. "In ages past, those of us who remained gathered the artifacts we no longer needed and placed them within the Celestial Emperor's Treasury [a legendary vault established by a Celestial Emperor], intending them to nurture future generations of disciples."

"Thus, I now possess few cultivation resources or Opportunity [a chance encounter or resource that can significantly advance one's cultivation] that would be of use to you."

As he spoke these words, Profound Abyss Immortal Sage retrieved from his sleeve a dazzling violet radiance. With utmost care, he presented it to Xianchang Chen.

He gazed at the wisp of violet spiritual light with immense fondness, a trace of self-satisfaction coloring his expression as he said, "Do you know what manner of treasure this is?"

Xianchang Chen was momentarily taken aback. Wasn't this the Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light [a foundational spiritual energy from the dawn of creation]? His own father had plenty of this stuff.

However, seeing the utterly self-satisfied look on the face of the Profound Abyss Immortal Sage, Xianchang Chen suppressed his initial thought and instead adopted a mask of genuine curiosity.

"What is this?"

Sure enough, the Profound Abyss Immortal Sage puffed up with pride, declaring with immense satisfaction, "This is the Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light [a foundational spiritual energy from the dawn of creation], a substance born of the Primordial Chaos [the formless, undifferentiated state before the cosmos was ordered] that existed before the Chaos [the vast, turbulent expanse between worlds] itself was even formed."

"In the endless Chaos of the present age, such relics from the Primordial Chaos have become virtually extinct."

As he spoke, the Profound Abyss Immortal Sage turned his gaze toward Xianchang Chen.

Seeing this, Xianchang Chen played the part of the ignorant student and asked, "This Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light seems somewhat similar to the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a rare spiritual energy born with the world]. Could it also be used to achieve a breakthrough to the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of immortality, transcending the cycles of fate]?"

"The student is teachable."

The Profound Abyss Immortal Sage nodded, then immediately erupted in anger, "If that idiot dared to waste this on a mere Grand Luo Golden Immortal, I'd wring his neck myself!"

"Such wanton waste of a divine treasure is no different from a wild boar devouring a ginseng root!"

Xianchang Chen was momentarily stunned, at a loss for how to respond.

Seeing this, Profound Abyss Immortal Sage continued with a proud tone, "Such Primordial Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence before the cosmos formed] treasures have become nearly extinct within the Chaos [the formless, primordial void]. This is a treasure even a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler born from the primordial chaos] would covet."

"When this strand of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial, unbreakable radiance of pure spiritual essence] first manifested, it stirred more than ten Chaos Celestial Emperor from across the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [the seven vast and perilous regions of the southern cosmic abyss] into a fierce contest. In the end, this old man's skills proved superior."

As he spoke, Profound Abyss Immortal Sage stroked his long beard with evident pride.

Witnessing this, Xianchang Chen could not help but inquire, "If it is so precious, does the Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light possess some astonishing, miraculous effect?"

"Indeed it does."

Profound Abyss Immortal Sage gave a solemn nod before explaining, "The Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light is of inestimable value. It holds three profound and wondrous uses."

"First, it can ignore cultivation bottlenecks, enhancing one's latent potential and foundational cultivation base [the spiritual and physical foundation of a cultivator], even helping to unlock the True Spirit Foundation Shackles [the innate spiritual constraints that limit one's ultimate cultivation potential]."

"Second, it carries innate, immense fortune. If you keep this strand of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light upon your person in the future, your cultivation breakthroughs will proceed with unparalleled smoothness. Even your kin and close companions will benefit, their chances of breaking through to Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal realm within the Grand Luo hierarchy, a pinnacle of immortal attainment] increasing by at least thirty percent."

"Third, this substance can be synthesized into Primordial Chaos Source Qi [the most fundamental and potent source energy of Chaos], and even into Primordial Chaos Qi [the pure, foundational energy of the primordial Chaos]."

At this point, Profound Abyss Immortal Sage said with a bitter smile, "Do you know how precious Primordial Chaos Qi truly is?"

"Within the Vast Chaotic Void [the infinite, formless expanse of primordial Chaos], those who have cultivated to the Third Chaos Realm [a profound stage of power within the Chaos] are almost exclusively ancient beings born at the very dawn of Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence]."

"The reason for this is that breaking through to the Chaos realm using Primordial Chaos Qi not only forges a vastly more formidable foundation, but also increases one's chances of a future breakthrough into the Dao Union Realm [the realm of merging with the fundamental Dao] by thirty percent."

"It even offers significant benefits for reaching the Boundless Realm [a legendary realm of limitless potential]."

His expression turning grave, Profound Abyss Immortal Sage continued, "From what I know, Primordial Chaos Qi can even enable a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from and attuned to Chaos] to Ascension [undergo a qualitative evolution] into a Chaos Supreme Treasure [a peerless treasure of supreme rank within Chaos]."

"For a divine object of such caliber, its immeasurable worth goes without saying."

Then, Profound Abyss Immortal Sage looked at Xianchang Chen and said, "If you one day break through to the Chaos realm and can traverse the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the turbulent, primordial sea of Chaos] to reach the more prosperous Origin Domain [the central, most ancient domain of existence]..."

"...then this single strand of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light [an indestructible spiritual radiance from the dawn of creation] could, at the very least, be exchanged for an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born innately with the cosmos]."

Having heard this, Xianchang Chen finally understood the profound value of the Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light, and gained a rough idea of why the Chen Immortal Clan [the immortal clan of the Chen family] produced an endless stream of heaven-defying prodigies.

Xianchang Chen did not know where his father had obtained the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial and unbreakable light of pure spiritual essence], but he vaguely understood that the quantity involved was likely not small.

The immense innate fortune brought by a large amount of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light [the foundational, indestructible spiritual radiance from the dawn of creation], combined with Eldrin Chen's full support and cultivation, and the fact that the members of the Chen Clan were sufficiently driven and talented, made their current achievements somewhat expected.

Perhaps, in the eyes of the Chaos Celestial Emperors [the supreme rulers born from primordial chaos], using Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light on mere Ancient Immortals [immortals from ancient eras] was a grievous waste of a priceless treasure. Yet, for the Chen Clan in its present state, it was precisely the right level of resource.

After all, unlocking the shackles of one's True Spirit [the authentic, fundamental soul of a being] was the primary function and characteristic of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light.

Furthermore, no matter how precious a resource might be, if one lacked the strength to protect it, possessing it would only invite calamity.

Most crucially, given their current level of power, they simply lacked the standing to trade Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light for an Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born from heaven and earth, possessing supreme power]. Their only viable option was to use it for their own cultivation.

Fortunately, Primordial Essence [the pure, foundational energy of creation] seemed innately capable of veiling itself from heavenly scrutiny. Even though Eldrin Chen possessed Primordial Essence, as long as he did not bring it forth, not even a Chaos Celestial Emperor standing before him could detect it.

Returning to the matter at hand, Xianchang Chen carefully stored away this strand of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light, his expression one of profound reverence. "Such a weighty treasure is far too precious," he said solemnly. "I am deeply grateful for your generous gift, Master."

Profound Abyss Immortal Sage smiled, stroking his beard. "In the end, it is merely a single strand of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light," he said. "If it were Primordial Chaos Source Qi [the primordial breath of chaos, the source of all things], even this old man would be reluctant to part with it."

"However, with this object, your future potential is certain to rise by another measure. Perhaps you may truly prove your Dao and ascend to become a Chaos Celestial Emperor."

"Now, cultivate diligently. When this venerable one awakens in the future, I may yet require your aid."

With those final words, the phantom of Profound Abyss Immortal Sage [a title for an immortal sage of profound power] ultimately faded into nothingness.

Xianchang Chen watched Profound Abyss Immortal Sage depart, offered three final bows of reverence, and then stepped out of Profound Abyss Heaven [a celestial realm or domain associated with profound mysteries] with a murderous aura clinging to him.

Once beyond the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all things emerged], he gazed towards the direction of Chaos Heaven Extreme Domain [the ultimate domain at the edge of the chaotic heavens] and uttered a cold laugh. "An eye for an eye, a debt for a debt. You little whelps, this lord has finally returned."

My condition is somewhat poor today, so there is only one chapter.