Chapter 1965 : Tides of Chaos Unleashed

Xianchang Chen [Chen Clan cultivator] stepped forth from the Profound Abyss Heaven [a celestial realm of profound and abyssal mysteries] and immediately charged towards the Chaos Heaven Extreme Domain [the extreme frontier domain of the chaotic heavens].

He had not traveled far when he encountered the powerful enemies who had come to hunt him down, led by none other than Pure Yang Imperial Scion [a scion of the Pure Yang lineage].

"Boom—"

The moment he saw the approaching foe, Xianchang Chen decisively took action, summoning the Vast Sea Divine Pearl [a divine pearl containing the power of the vast sea] to suppress them from above.

In that instant, heaven and earth trembled, the Chaos Sea [the primordial sea of chaos] churned backwards, and towering Chaos Tsunamis [tsunamis of raw, primordial chaos] swept over everything.

"Not good!"

The Pure Yang Imperial Scion had initially intended to deploy a formation to trap and slay Xianchang Chen, but there was simply no time. The Chaos Tsunamis surged forth, instantly scattering the incomplete formation before it could take shape.

In almost a single clash, dozens of Chaotic Fiendgod [primordial beings born of chaos] were caught in the tidal wave, sent flying and bleeding profusely.

"Cough—"

The Pure Yang Imperial Scion spat out a mouthful of blood, asking in disbelief, "You are merely an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations], how could you possibly command the Chaos Tsunamis?"

In that moment, every foe was struck with disbelief. To summon the Chaos Tsunamis was a feat only a Chaotic Fiendgod should be capable of. Xianchang Chen was merely an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal—how could he possibly achieve this?

"Because the Chaos Sea... is still a sea," [a vast, primordial expanse of chaotic energies]

Xianchang Chen sneered as he made his move. The Vast Sea Divine Pearl in his hand erupted with dazzling immortal light, instantly splitting into thirty-six luminous orbs that enveloped the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], sealing off this expanse of Chaos and Void [emptiness, the absence of form and substance].

The Pure Yang Imperial Scion sought to flee immediately, but discovered that even when he activated his Great Emperor's Forbidden Artifact, he could not shatter the blockade formed by the Thirty-Six Vast Sea Divine Pearls.

"A True Spirit Treasure?" [a supreme-grade magical artifact containing a true spiritual consciousness]

An expression of utter incredulity crossed the face of the Pure Yang Imperial Scion. He could never have imagined that even a Great Emperor's Forbidden Artifact [a treasure forged by a Great Emperor, imbued with a fraction of their supreme power] would fail to break the seal of the Vast Sea Pearl.

One must understand, this Great Emperor's Forbidden Artifact was a diminished version of an Imperial Armament. Though its grade was only that of an early-stage Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primal forces of heaven and earth], it bore the imprint of a sliver of power from an Innate Supreme Treasure [the highest order of innate treasures], making it nearly equivalent to a Pseudo True Spirit Treasure [a treasure that mimics the power of a True Spirit Treasure] among Low Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

Such a treasure, whose might surpassed many Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, could not disperse these Thirty-Six Vast Sea Divine Pearls. This proved they constituted a True Spirit Treasure Slaughter Formation [a lethal formation array powered by a complete set of True Spirit Treasures].

Realizing this, the Pure Yang Imperial Scion instantly understood he was no match for his opponent.

Watching as Xianchang Chen commanded the Thirty-Six Vast Sea Divine Pearls to press down upon him, his face paled with terror. "My grandfather is the Pure Yang Great Emperor! How dare you kill me?"

"I shall extinguish your very soul!"

Xianchang Chen spoke with chilling indifference. The Vast Sea Divine Pearl in his hand ground and annihilated everything, utterly suppressing and slaying Pure Yang Imperial Scion along with over twenty Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal within the Chaos.

This time, Xianchang Chen's strike was incomparably domineering, completely obliterating the souls of his foes. Only their Indestructible True Spirit [the indestructible core of a being's spirit] plummeted into the cycle of Samsara [the endless cycle of death and rebirth].

Thus, not even a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has transcended the cycle of Samsara] could resurrect them. Even if a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme ruler born from the primordial chaos] were to intervene personally, reviving them would demand a staggering price.

After annihilating his enemies, Xianchang Chen felt a profound sense of vindication. He fought his way deep into the Chaos Heaven Extreme Domain, settling scores and clearing debts of vengeance against a multitude of foes along the path.

Thereafter, he journeyed towards the Heavenly Abyss Ancient Continent. Deep within the Heavenly Abyss, he joined forces with Yuannian and Alaric Lu, and together they utterly exterminated the Imperial Scions of the Four Great Imperial Courts.

By this point, the core Imperial Scions accumulated over hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and renewal] by the Four Great Imperial Courts and dozens of Great Luo Ancient Sect [ancient sects of Grand Luo immortals] had been almost completely swept away by the trio.

With the great battle decisively won, the end of the current Kalpa Tribulation was not far off.

The three did not immediately attempt their breakthrough to Grand Luo. Instead, they traversed the Chaos Frontier and arrived at the edge of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, the very place where Frostwing Yan had vanished.

At the edge of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, they found only a shattered fragment of a broken sword and a few tattered leaves of the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass [a legendary spiritual plant whose leaves are as sharp as divine swords].

"Junior Brother Yan possessed such prodigious talent, a true pity..."

Gazing at the shattered sword and the broken sword-leaf, Xianchang Chen let out a soft sigh, a tinge of regret coloring his expression.

The Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a boundless, turbulent sea of chaotic energies at the edge of creation] is saturated with baleful energies [corrosive spiritual forces born of chaos and destruction]. Even a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the pinnacle of cultivation] venturing deep within would find their consciousness gradually eroded away.

Frostwing Yan possessed a cultivation base only at the Immortal Treasury Realm [a realm where an immortal's foundational power is stored and refined], yet he fell into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea. It is feared he could not hold out for long before his consciousness is worn away, sinking utterly into a mindless stupor.

Alaric Lu also sighed softly but offered consolation, "This part of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea is the inner sea of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a collective name for seven vast and perilous regions in the southern reaches of the immortal world]. Though vast and seemingly endless, it does have boundaries. Perhaps Master has the means to retrieve him."

Xianchang Chen remained silent for a long while before finally speaking, "Let us hope so."

Even as the three outside worried, within that violently churning Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, a grievously damaged stalk of Chaos Realm Grass [a hardy spiritual plant capable of surviving within chaotic energies] had taken root upon a massive Chaos Divine Stone [a rare stone born from primal chaos, possessing immense spiritual density].

It bore nine leaves shaped like immortal swords. Several of the finest leaves had been broken, as if Decay [a state of withering or breaking down], yet each fractured leaf still contained a sword intent potent enough to be Imperishable [eternal and indestructible].

It turned out that after Frostwing Yan fled into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, to resist its corrosive energies, he had immediately assumed his true form—that of the Chaos Realm Grass—and rooted himself upon a Chaos Divine Stone, using it to anchor himself against the sea's relentless erosion.

One had to admit, though the Chaos Realm Grass appeared frail and insignificant, its intrinsic nature was truly tenacious and unyielding. No wonder it could spread throughout the entire Chaos Sea [a common term for the vast, chaotic oceans that separate realms].

After reverting to its original form, Frostwing Yan actually managed to barely withstand the erosion of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the boundless, annihilating sea of raw chaos at the dawn of creation], preserving a faint, nascent glimmer of sentience, much like it had at the moment of its birth.

Yet even so, this flicker of consciousness remained perilously weak, akin to a candle flame in the abyss, perpetually on the verge of being snuffed out for eternity.

"Boom—"

An unknowable length of time passed. Just as Frostwing Yan was about to be utterly extinguished...

...a sudden wave from the Chaos Sea [the turbulent, formless waters of primordial chaos] crashed forth, churning up and hurling a Chaos Divine Stone [a rare, primordial stone born from the essence of chaos]. Invisibly, it seemed to breach a certain barrier.

It was a realm in the very throes of gestation. Within it, tens of thousands of Chaos Nest [primordial cradles where worlds and laws are born from chaos] were taking form. Among them floated not just Great Luo Chaos Nest [Chaos Nests of the highest, most profound order], but even Chaos Nest of the Primordial Chaos Rank [a rank denoting a connection to the most ancient, foundational chaos].

Had a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the pinnacle of the Grand Luo realm] been present, they would have instantly recognized the origin of this domain. This was an embryonic Chaos Realm Sea [a vast, nascent expanse destined to become a sea of chaotic realms], and it was not far from its full emergence into being.

As for Frostwing Yan, who had fallen into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, the three of them could do nothing but watch helplessly.

After repeatedly confirming that Frostwing Yan had indeed vanished within the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, they did not linger at that place.

In the Depths of Chaos [the innermost, most profound layers of the formless chaos], the three, one after another, used the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a supreme cultivation art that requires profound personal sacrifice to achieve enlightenment] to prove their Dao and attain the realm of Grand Luo Golden Immortal. Afterwards, they all returned to the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

Meanwhile, as the Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] gradually approached its calamitous end, the various Immortal Domain [realms governed by immortal powers] finally began to re-emerge into the world.

Eldrin Chen gazed upon his three disciples before him, a flicker of profound complexity surfacing in the depths of his pupils.

Although Eldrin Chen had long been mentally prepared for the possibility of a disciple meeting their destined calamity, when the event unfolded before his very eyes, he could not help but feel a surge of poignant sorrow.

After the three had recounted the entire sequence of events, Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh and declared, "Go into seclusion to consolidate your cultivation bases. Leave everything else to me."

Once the trio had departed, Eldrin Chen immediately traversed the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between realms] and arrived at the location where Frostwing Yan had vanished.

"Was it here?" he murmured.

Surveying the expanse of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, turbulent sea of primordial chaos-energy] before him, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, his expression growing solemn and grave.

The particular stretch of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea that Frostwing Yan had fled into was situated deep within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a collective name for seven major immortal realms in the southern region], counted among the dozen or so inland seas contained within those domains.

Due to the immense distances separating the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, the sphere of influence exerted by any single Origin Domain [the foundational, central realm from which a domain's power emanates] was limited. Consequently, significant tracts of Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea persisted in the spaces between the Seven Great Immortal Domains.

These seas of chaos varied greatly in size. The largest among them surpassed the combined area of several thousand Dao Domain [a standard measure for an immortal-controlled territory], while the smallest were merely a few dozen Dao Domain in expanse.

However, compared to the boundless Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the vast, primordial, and perilous sea of chaotic energies that exists beyond the known realms] outside the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, the dangers within these inner seas are far lesser. Generally, a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Grand Luo realm] possesses the capability to traverse them.

Nevertheless, the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the vast, primordial, and perilous sea of chaotic energies that exists beyond the known realms] remains inherently perilous. Even the smallest expanse of it can corrode the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Grand Luo realm], inflicting damage that is nearly irreversible. Therefore, even Grand Luo Golden Immortals will choose to detour around it.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen performed a brief divination with his fingers. A subtle flicker of movement passed through the center of his brow.

Within the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the vast, primordial, and perilous sea of chaotic energies that exists beyond the known realms], the threads of heavenly fate are in utter disarray. Its power to obscure celestial secrets is even greater than that of the Chaos Sea within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. Consequently, he was unable to divine the precise location of Frostwing Yan.

Yet, this was, after all, the True Spirit Heavenly Secrets Divine Ability. Eldrin Chen managed to vaguely perceive that Frostwing Yan likely faced no grave danger. On the contrary, there seemed to be a hint of significant Opportunity [a chance encounter or circumstance that can greatly advance one's cultivation or fate] awaiting him.

"It seems that after weathering his tribulation, he has found rebirth, and his Opportunity [a chance encounter or circumstance that can greatly advance one's cultivation or fate] is not small,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a wave of relief washing over him.

For one like Frostwing Yan, who carries the destiny of the Chaos Realm Grass Clan, it was to be expected that surviving a great calamity could lead to a breakthrough, reaching new heights from a seemingly precarious position.

As this thought settled, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. He cast a final glance towards the Depths of Chaos [the profound and innermost reaches of the primordial chaos] before his form dissolved, tearing through the Void and vanishing into the roiling Chaos.

"He fled truly fast."

Not long after Eldrin Chen departed, several formidable foes emerged within the Chaos. Among them were the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox and the Verdant Extreme Ancient Ancestor, both top-tier Grand Luo Golden Immortal. Merely those at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm numbered three.

Watching Eldrin Chen escape, a majestic figure with golden hair spoke, "A pity he slipped away. Today would have been the day to seal his fate."

Hearing this, the Verdant Extreme Ancient Ancestor replied, his gaze turning icy, "With his power, if his sole intent is flight, subduing him remains a formidable challenge."

Nearby, a purple-robed Innate Divine Being [a being born with a divine nature] sneered, "Soon, this Chaos Realm Sea will be born into the world. I suspect he will inevitably make a move for it."

The Primordial Chaos Kui Ox chuckled and added, "This is the handiwork of the Heaven's Derivation Sacred Emperor, aided by the secret machinations of several Majesties who nudged his disciple into that nascent Chaos Realm Sea."

"All things proceeding as foreseen, his disciple is destined to obtain a wisp of Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial energy from which all creation springs]. When the Chaos Realm Sea manifests, even if he wishes to avoid entering to seek Opportunity [a chance encounter with fate or a rare resource that can advance one's cultivation], he will become the target of all."

"Hahaha…"

The assembled Grand Luo Golden Immortal laughed heartily upon hearing this, a sense of grim satisfaction in their mirth.

As one of the top three Divination Dao Immortal [an immortal who masters the Dao of prophecy and calculation] within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, the Heaven's Derivation Sacred Emperor's cultivation had reached the Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord realm. Furthermore, he wielded the Divination Dao Innate Supreme Treasure known as the 'Heaven-Derivation Pearl'.

It could be said that the Heaven's Derivation Sacred Emperor was renowned for his flawless calculations, capable of orchestrating a man's demise without ever lifting a finger.

Having personally divined such matters, in their view, it was more than sufficient to manipulate Eldrin Chen like a puppet on strings, utterly extinguishing his Vitality [a divine ability related to life force and vitality].

Verdant Extreme Ancient Ancestor stroked his long beard and, after a moment, said, "Due to the deterrence posed by the major allies of the Abyssal Immortal Alliance, the Four Great Imperial Courts find it inconvenient to intervene directly. However, they have lavishly hired two Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [cultivators at the peak of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm] to take action."

"When the time comes, the five of us joining forces, coupled with the covert schemes of various formidable enemies, will surely ensure that Eldrin, the Immortal Lord meets his end within the depths of the Chaos Realm Sea."

As for the machinations of these powerful adversaries, Eldrin Chen remained unaware.

Upon his returned to the Abyssal Immortal Alliance, he immediately sought out Lyra Jiang and the others, informing them of the news that Frostwing Yan might still be alive.

After hearing this, everyone felt a flicker of relief.

Lyra Jiang could not help but let out a sigh of relief before speaking, "Since he survived such a great calamity, Frostwing Yan is surely destined for great fortune hereafter. You need not worry overmuch."

Eldrin Chen nodded and then said, "I have performed divinations recently and found that the emergence of the Chaos Realm Sea is drawing near. Barring unforeseen circumstances, it should manifest in sixty million years."

"Sixty million years from now?"

Nyssa Qu's eyes narrowed slightly as she could not help but ask, "Do you intend to participate?"

Eldrin Chen did not answer directly, instead stating, "We are in urgent need of cultivation resources."

Upon hearing this, the brows of all present furrowed with gravity.

Indeed, the Chen Immortal Clan was truly in desperate need of cultivation resources now.

If nothing unexpected occurred, Eldrin Chen and Weilai could break through to the Sixth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal within a few tens of millions of years, and within three Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], they could attempt to charge towards the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal.

When that time came, for him to break through a single layer of his foundation, the required consumption of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primal, unbreakable essence of spiritual energy] would start at several dozen strands at the very least. If sufficient resources could not be gathered during this period, his cultivation progress would inevitably grind to a halt.

Furthermore, the Grand Luo Golden Immortal of the Chen Immortal Clan had also begun to see their cultivation speeds gradually slow.

As the limited supply of Great Luo Immortal Pill was allocated to Eldrin Chen, relying solely on refining Indestructible Golden Fruit and other resources to enhance their cultivation, the speed of their physical body refinement had been halved.

Moreover, as their cultivation realms rose in the future, consuming ever more resources, the finite output of resources like Indestructible Golden Fruit per Kalpa Tribulation meant their cultivation speed would continue to decline.

Under such circumstances, the opening of the Chaos Realm Sea might be the only chance to obtain large quantities of resources like Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light.

Considering this, Verdant Consort could not help but voice her concern, "My only worry is that our enemies will seize this opportunity to move against you."

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly, then spoke with considerable confidence: "If my three foundational pillars were to fully break through to the Sixth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, those at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection level would find it exceedingly difficult to best me."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement. Eldrin Chen's cultivation level was already extraordinary.

Following the breakthrough of Xianchang Chen and the other two to the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm during this Kalpa Tribulation, the power of the Path of Self-Sacrifice had ascended once more.

As the master of this Great Dao [the supreme cosmic principle and path], Eldrin Chen could already unleash power rivaling a Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection cultivator, relying solely on the authority granted by this Dao.

Furthermore, Eldrin Chen's three foundational pillars were exceptional. Even now, they were comparable to the most supreme Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Once these three pillars broke through to the Sixth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, each would advance another step, propelling Eldrin Chen directly into the domain of the Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.

At that point, the combined might of his three foundational pillars alone would grant Eldrin Chen combat prowess on par with a top-tier Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection.

With such formidable foundations, augmented by the power of the Path of Self-Sacrifice and the Abyssal Seal—a treasure rivaling a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure—Eldrin Chen could contend with at least five ordinary Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection cultivators simultaneously.

It must be understood that there are no weaklings among Late Great Luo Golden Immortal cultivators. Those capable of attaining Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection have almost invariably forged three Indestructible Foundation pillars.

Such individuals are nearly half a step into the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch. Even if an Early Stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord were to strike personally, Eldrin Chen would possess, at the very least, the power to ensure his own survival.

Facing Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection opponents, Eldrin Chen was still able to hold his own against five of them, a testament to the formidable power of cultivating three paths simultaneously.

After all, if Eldrin Chen had focused on a single path—whether it was the Sainthood through the Flesh [the path of tempering the physical body to divine levels], the Great Dao Path [the path of comprehending and wielding the fundamental laws of the cosmos], or the Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [the path of refining one's spiritual core to its ultimate form]—his current combat prowess would likely only reside within the realm of an Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Even with the aid of a True Spirit Supreme Treasure [a peerless artifact born from and bonded to a cultivator's very soul], he would, at best, be capable of contending with a single Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection.

Alas, the simultaneous cultivation of three paths is a path fraught with immense difficulty. Even Lyra Jiang primarily focused on the Path of Dao Dominion [the art of mastering and commanding cosmic principles] and the Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment, treating the Sainthood through the Flesh as a secondary pursuit. She never cultivated the Bloodline Divine Ability [innate supernatural powers passed down through one's lineage] specific to that physical path.

Returning to the matter at hand, now assured of Eldrin Chen's ability to protect himself, Lyra Jiang spoke, her voice resolute. "When the time comes, I will accompany you."