Chapter 1927 : The Gathering Before the Storm

As his physical body broke through to the third layer of the Great Encompassing Physique [a legendary body cultivation art], Eldrin Chen began to gradually consolidate his cultivation base.

Several million years later, when Eldrin Chen emerged from seclusion, he discovered that the Third Kalpa Tribulation [a great cosmic cycle of calamity and renewal] was once again drawing near.

By this time, Eldrin Chen's lifespan had already exceeded two hundred million years. Seizing the opportunity presented by the lifespan extension granted by the Kalpa Tribulation, he gathered his entire clan in the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain for a family banquet.

This gathering was a relatively casual affair, with Eldrin Chen inviting only his Dao companions and immediate clan members.

After the feast concluded, Eldrin Chen summoned everyone to the Great Hall and addressed them, "The Kalpa Tribulation approaches once more. It is time for you all to begin your preparations."

The now-humanized Verdant Consort spoke up directly, "For this Kalpa Tribulation, I shall personally enter the tribulation. There should be no great calamity."

Everyone nodded in understanding. Though they did not know what profound Opportunity and Fortune [a rare chance encounter or blessing that advances one's cultivation] the Verdant Consort had obtained, they were aware that her power had advanced by leaps and bounds, now nearly rivaling that of Exquisite Jiang in her prime.

With the Verdant Consort leading the charge, this Kalpa Tribulation should indeed pose little danger.

Considering this, Lila and Violet Consort Yan declared in unison, "The two of us shall enter the tribulation together. If we can take that final step, we will directly attempt our breakthrough into the Great Encompassing Realm [the legendary realm beyond the Immortal Emperor]."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of approval, then turned his gaze to the trio of Energy Abyss Chen, Kael Chen, and Ethan Chen.

Within the clan at present, aside from Verdant Consort and the other two, these three hold the greatest hope of attaining the Great Encompassing realm during this Kalpa Tribulation [a grand cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal].

As for the others—Alistair Ye, Literature Abyss Lu, and Fate Birth—while they possess the potential for the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle Golden Immortal realm of profound comprehension] realm, they have spent most of their time consolidating their foundations. Lacking an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primal chaos of heaven and earth] as a cornerstone, they are, for now, unable to break through to that lofty state.

Seeing this, Energy Abyss Chen shook his head and stated plainly, "My Immortality Golden Body [an indestructible golden body cultivated to perfection] has not yet reached its absolute limit. This Kalpa Tribulation is merely for accumulating deeper reserves; I will not attempt a breakthrough to the Great Encompassing Realm."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod of understanding. The Energy Abyss Patriarch now primarily followed the path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [the art of refining the physical body to a divine state], and his physical form had already reached the Half-Step True Spirit [a realm where one's physical form approaches the purity and power of a primordial true spirit] realm.

However, the path of the True Spirit is notoriously difficult to complete. Even with a physique of such formidable strength, taking that final step into the True Spirit Realm would be a feat as arduous as scaling the heavens themselves. Whether he could succeed remained uncertain.

On the other side, Kael Chen also inclined his head slightly and spoke with calm certainty, "My own Dao [the fundamental principle or path one follows] is not yet perfected; a long road still lies ahead. I, too, will not attempt a breakthrough to Great Encompassing during this tribulation cycle."

Only Ethan Chen offered a faint smile before speaking. "I, on the other hand, would like to charge the gates of Great Encompassing. The issue is, I have yet to shatter the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck requiring the refinement of one's spiritual treasure to a heavenly grade]."

Hearing this, a flicker of understanding passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes; he grasped the essence of Ethan Chen's predicament.

The present Ethan Chen had already cultivated the three great Indestructibility Foundation [foundations of immortality]—his physical body, his Great Path [his core cultivation art and Dao comprehension], and his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true self of a cultivator]. His power ranked among the very peak of Ancient Immortal [immortals who have weathered countless ages].

The sole impediment was that Ethan Chen had not yet achieved the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass.

Within the Clan Treasury of the Chen Immortal Clan currently reside three Lower Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [enchanted artifacts born from the world's essence, possessing unique powers] suitable for breaking through the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck in a cultivator's advancement]. However, none were a perfect match for Ethan Chen.

Ethan Chen had grown up under Eldrin Chen's watchful eye. Now, standing at the very threshold of attaining the Great Encompassing [the Golden Immortal realm, a state of profound unity and power], Eldrin Chen naturally wished to offer his support.

After a moment's contemplation, Eldrin Chen spoke. "I shall lend you two strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [primordial spiritual energy embodying the concept of unyielding durability], to elevate your life-bound Innate Spiritual Treasure [an artifact intrinsically linked to a cultivator's soul and cultivation path]."

"However, once you break through to Great Encompassing, you must repay this debt."

With those words, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, bestowing the two precious strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light upon Ethan Chen.

Receiving the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light, a flicker of confidence surfaced on Ethan Chen's face. His foundation was already solid, granting him a fair chance of assaulting the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm.

Now, with these two additional strands allowing him to upgrade his Life and Death Twin Swords, his certainty of successfully attaining the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal had grown immensely.

Thinking this, Ethan Chen immediately clasped his hands in gratitude. "Many thanks for your generous gift, Uncle."

Eldrin Chen waved a dismissive hand. "There is no need to rush the refinement of your life-bound treasure. You and Worthy Verdancy should proceed to the Returning Abyss Forbidden Land [a perilous region shrouded in mystery and potent energies] and await me there."

"Understood."

Having bestowed two strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a divine protective light born from one's own indestructible nature] upon Ethan Chen, Eldrin Chen discussed some final matters concerning the impending Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly tribulation marking the end of a cosmic cycle] with the others before finally arriving within the depths of the Returning Abyss Forbidden Land.

By this time, Worthy Verdancy Chen and Ethan Chen had been waiting for quite a while. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen arrive, both offered a respectful bow.

"Father... Uncle..."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then spoke with a tone of profound sentiment. "The reason I have brought you both here this time is to bestow upon you an Opportunity and Fortune [a rare chance for advancement, often granted by fate or heaven] of utmost importance."

"However, the nature of this Opportunity and Fortune is gravely significant. You must remember, its details are not to be divulged to anyone."

Upon hearing this, both were momentarily taken aback, their expressions turning solemn and grave.

Eldrin Chen offered no further explanation. With a sweep of his sleeve, he produced the Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron said to possess the power to reshape one's very foundation]. "This artifact is named the Creation Cauldron," he declared. "It holds the miraculous power of Foundation Reforging [the ability to completely remake and perfect a cultivator's spiritual foundation]."

"Remember well," he continued, his voice low and serious, "the secret of this Creation Cauldron is to be known only by the core Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of the Golden Immortal stage, representing near-perfect mastery] of our Chen Clan."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to Worthy Verdancy Chen. "Verdant Child, you shall go first."

Worthy Verdancy Chen nodded in acknowledgment and, without hesitation, stepped forward into the cauldron's embrace.

Eldrin Chen did not delay either. He directly retrieved several dozen Rare Spiritual Wonders including the 'Creation Verdant Lotus' and fed them one after another into the Creation Cauldron.

Using these as nourishment, and with the Chaos Creation Origin and Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light serving as the foundation for Worthy Verdancy Chen's Foundation Reforging, his potential grew increasingly astonishing without anyone noticing.

When everything concluded, Worthy Verdancy Chen strode out from the Great Hall, his aura and foundational essence now completely transformed from what they once were.

"Seven Supreme Indestructibility Foundations."

Ethan Chen suddenly spoke, a trace of shock coloring his voice.

One must understand, previously Worthy Verdancy Chen had only possessed four Indestructibility Foundation, and those were merely of the ordinary grade.

Yet now, not only had Worthy Verdancy Chen cultivated seven Indestructibility Foundation, but the lowest among them had reached the pinnacle tier. Among them, the Verdant Lotus Constitution, the Creation Verdant Lotus Great Path, and even his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] had all attained the half-step True Spirit Realm.

Although, as long as one does not achieve a True Spirit Foundation, there is no qualitative difference between a half-step True Spirit Foundation, an ordinary Indestructibility Foundation, or even a pinnacle-grade one. However, it represents the strength of one's Future potential.

Such a staggering transformation could truly be called a monumental Opportunity and Fortune.

"Opportunity and Fortune has arrived. I hope that during this Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal], you will be able to cultivate a True Spirit Foundation."

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but murmur softly.

Worthy Verdancy Chen nodded. She understood that the shackles binding her cultivation of the True Spirit Great Path [a supreme cultivation method for forging a powerful spiritual foundation] had now been unlocked. Taking a deep breath, she declared, "For this Kalpa Tribulation [a great cosmic trial or epochal calamity], I will not disappoint you, Father."

Eldrin Chen gave an approving nod, then turned his gaze to Ethan Chen. "Your turn," he said.

Ethan Chen did not step forward immediately. After a moment of deep contemplation, he asked, "I observe that the essence within the cauldron seems to possess the effect of Heaven-Defying Fate Alteration [a miraculous ability to defy destiny and alter one's innate potential]. It is surely no simple treasure, and its quantity must be limited."

"May I ask, Uncle, how many portions of this essence remain within the cauldron?"

"You are quite perceptive," Eldrin Chen acknowledged with a nod. "There are six portions remaining."

"Although this Creation Origin [a primordial essence capable of reshaping one's fundamental nature] is profoundly wondrous, it must be paired with a superior Innate Heavenly God Object [a treasure born of heaven and earth, embodying divine laws] to potentially advance one's constitution further. You have but one chance to use it. Are you certain you wish to use it now?"

"Only six portions?"

Ethan Chen's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of hesitation crossing his heart.

Yet, in the next instant, his resolve solidified. He cupped his hands respectfully and said, "This treasure is far too rare. I have performed no great deeds to merit such a gift. I would feel unworthy to receive it."

"To avoid disturbing one's Dao Heart [the core of a cultivator's will and spiritual integrity], Uncle, you should keep this treasure for someone else."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen paused for a moment, then glanced at Ethan Chen. He patted the young man's shoulder and asked, "Are you certain?"

"Yes." Ethan Chen nodded firmly before continuing, "Your nephew has already received two strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a rare and potent spiritual energy that grants resilience]. How could I have the audacity to ask for such a supreme treasure as well?"

"Moreover, in my view, external aids are ultimately just that—external. They can only add embellishment to what is already there. Did you not cultivate your True Spirit Foundation [a perfect and pure foundational cultivation stage] without relying on such things in your youth?"

"Well said."

Eldrin Chen nodded with deep satisfaction, his hand still resting on Ethan's shoulder. "Indeed, that is the truth. Remember, the truly peerless geniuses under heaven are those who forge their own path to the Great Encompassing [a profound and all-encompassing state of cultivation]."

"Relying on external aids can, at most, make the journey slightly smoother—nothing more."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen added, "Enter the cauldron now. Though you will not use the Creation Origin [the primordial source of creation energy], the Creation Energy [the vital force that shapes and refines existence] within can still assist your Foundation Reforging [the process of reforging and perfecting one's cultivation foundation]."

Only then did Ethan Chen give a final nod of assent. He stepped forward and entered the Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron used for profound cultivation refinement].

As he stepped forward, Eldrin Chen also retrieved various Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [rare and precious treasures of immense power], gradually merging them into Ethan Chen's body.

Although he did not grant him the use of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a divine light embodying the concept of innate indestructibility], Eldrin Chen still bestowed upon him a single Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark [a divine spark containing the indestructible essence of primordial chaos].

Aided by this Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark and Creation Energy [the fundamental energy of creation], Ethan Chen ultimately completed his Foundation Reforging [a profound process of reforging one's cultivation foundation]. When the transformation was complete, Ethan Chen emerged having established seven Indestructibility Foundation [foundational cultivation realms focused on indestructibility].

In comparison, Ethan Chen's seven Indestructibility Foundation all began at the upper-tier level, with three among them reaching the pinnacle-tier of Indestructibility Foundation.

Furthermore, his primary cultivation path, the Life-Death Sword Path [a sword art embodying the cycles of life and death], had half a foot already stepped into the domain of a True Spirit Foundation [a foundational cultivation art of the highest purity and spirit].

His life-bound treasures, the Life and Death Twin Swords [twin swords representing life and death]—the Solar Fire Extinction Sword [Sword of Solar Fire Extinction] and the Positive Water Rebirth Sword [Sword of Positive Water Rebirth]—had fused into one, transforming into the 'Polarity Life-Death Sword Fiend' [Polarity Life-Death Sword Fiend].

This Polarity Life-Death Sword Fiend is an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from innate spiritual laws] exclusive to the Sword Path that employs the 'Sword-Refining into Fiend' [Refining the Sword into a Fiend] technique. Such an Innate Spiritual Treasure obeys the wielder's will, dispersing to form the Polarity Life-Death Sword Formation [Polarity Life-Death Sword Formation] or converging to unite as the singular Polarity Life-Death Sword Fiend.

A treasure of this nature possesses terrifying destructive power, ranking among the very pinnacle of Innate Spiritual Treasure in terms of sheer lethality.

Although graded merely as a Lower Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the destructive force of this Polarity Life-Death Sword Fiend has already reached the domain of a Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, truly worthy of being called an extraordinary divine weapon.

Regarding this, Eldrin Chen was deeply gratified. With Ethan Chen having mastered this Polarity Life-Death Sword Fiend, his combat prowess would likely place him among the foremost experts within the realm of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [Golden Immortals of the Great Encompassing realm].

Even the legendary Sword Abyss Immortal Lord of old, who once slew several Chaos Demon God, might not have surpassed Ethan Chen in combat prowess within the same realm.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "A commendable achievement. I hope that after this Path Tribulation [a climactic trial to transcend one's cultivation path], you shall become the next Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm signifying mastery over the cosmos] for our Chen Immortal Clan."

"I shall not fail your esteemed expectations, Uncle!"

Ethan Chen prostrated himself, kowtowing three times with utmost reverence before Eldrin Chen.

"…"

With this matter concluded, Eldrin Chen departed from the Returning Abyss Forbidden Land.

He proceeded directly to the abode of Energy Abyss Chen, seeking out the Energy Abyss Patriarch who was in deep seclusion.

Outside the cave abode of Energy Abyss Chen, the patriarch himself was engaged in a game of Go with the Old Tomb Guardian. Noticing Eldrin Chen's arrival, the guardian smiled and said, "You have come."

"I pay my respects to you, Senior."

Eldrin Chen held the Old Tomb Guardian in the highest regard.

He nodded politely, a warm smile gracing his features as he inquired, "In recent years, venerable senior, have you been faring well?"

"Well enough," came the reply.

Old Tomb Guardian nodded, a serene smile spreading across his face. "This old path master now enjoys a life of leisure and contentment."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but let a genuine smile touch his lips.

Nearly two hundred million years had passed since Eldrin Chen had revived Old Tomb Guardian from his long slumber.

After resurrecting those old friends from the past, Eldrin Chen had expended considerable resources to perform the Foundation Reforging [a profound technique to rebuild and enhance one's cultivation foundation] for each of them. Among them, the Opportunity and Fortune [a confluence of destiny and good luck that grants great potential] bestowed upon Old Tomb Guardian was particularly exceptional.

Later, within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, Old Tomb Guardian once again embarked upon the path of cultivation. With a heart free of distractions, he immersed himself in secluded cultivation for nearly two hundred million years. Unbeknownst even to himself, his cultivation had steadily advanced, reaching the profound Ancient Immortal Realm [a venerable and powerful stage of immortal existence].

The Old Tomb Guardian of today was now a First Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has successfully weathered their first Heavenly Tribulation].

This pace of advancement could not be considered fast; in fact, it was remarkably slow. After all, the Opportunity and Fortune Old Tomb Guardian had received was extraordinary. Furthermore, under Eldrin Chen's personal care, cultivation resources were delivered to him at regular intervals.

Many of these resources were of such quality that they would make even a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived seven Heavenly Tribulations] covet them with deep longing.

The reason for the Old Tomb Guardian's slow progress in cultivation was that he did not pursue realms beyond the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle of the Golden Immortal stage, representing a state of profound enlightenment and power].

He believed that with his innate talent, it would be exceedingly difficult to prove the Dao and attain the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm. He preferred to remain a carefree Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has lived through countless ages], and thus had exchanged most of those resources for various Immortal Metal Divine Objects [divine-grade ores and metals used for forging supreme artifacts] and given them to Energy Abyss Chen.

"Since you've come this time, I assume you're looking for that lad, Energy Abyss."

At that moment, the Old Tomb Guardian said with a smile.

He stood up, gestured for Eldrin Chen to sit, and then added, "You two talk first. I'll go brew a pot of tea for you."

"We are all family here, Senior. There is no need for you to withdraw."

Eldrin Chen offered a slight smile, motioning for the Old Tomb Guardian to remain seated beside them.

Energy Abyss Chen was not particularly surprised by Eldrin Chen's arrival. After all, with the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle marking the end of an era] imminent, it was only fitting for Eldrin Chen, as the leader of the Chen Clan, to confer with those who had the potential to reach the Great Encompassing [a supreme state of cultivation] realm.

In response, Energy Abyss Chen accepted the tea poured by the Old Tomb Guardian, glanced at Eldrin Chen, and said, "You haven't come to me this time just for a game of chess, I presume."

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then inquired, "Regarding the cultivation of the True Spirit Physique [a legendary physical constitution said to grant the resilience and power of a primordial spirit], does the Patriarch have confidence?"

"If there is sufficient Adamantine Mithril [a legendary alloy combining the properties of adamantine and mithril], I am one hundred percent certain of cultivating the True Spirit Foundation [the foundational cultivation art for achieving the True Spirit Physique]," replied Energy Abyss Chen, his tone remarkably composed and self-assured.

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly upon hearing this. To have absolute certainty in cultivating the True Spirit Physique... his clan's Patriarch was truly a peerless genius, worthy of having created the Gold-Silver Body Forging Art [a supreme art for tempering the physical body].

Countless metals exist under heaven. In terms of immunity to magical Divine Abilities [supernatural powers and techniques], Mithril [a silvery, magic-resistant metal] is arguably unparalleled. As for sheer durability and Immortality [the property of being unyielding and everlasting], Immortality Adamantine [an indestructible, golden-hued metal] stands as the foremost among all heavenly stones and metals.

Once Energy Abyss Chen used these to cultivate the True Spirit Physique and then broke through to the Great Encompassing [a supreme realm of cultivation] via the path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [the art of purifying and perfecting the physical form], his combat prowess would likely become so terrifying it would shock even a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal who has reached the Great Encompassing Realm].

Unfortunately, high-grade Mithril and Adamantine [the base form of the indestructible metal] can both be used to transform Celestial Soldiers and Generals [heavenly troops and commanders], making their value exorbitantly high. Despite Energy Abyss Chen's accumulation of resources over many years, reaching that step remained exceedingly difficult.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "After this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle of cosmic destruction and renewal], I will consider launching a Chaos War [a campaign of conquest within the primordial chaos]. However, I have not yet settled on a specific target."

"The Patriarch's physical body is matchless under heaven, making him most suited to traverse the Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all things emerged]. Furthermore, his cultivation has not yet entered the Great Encompassing Realm, allowing him to venture into the Depths of Chaos [the innermost, most dangerous regions of the primordial chaos] for preliminary reconnaissance," Eldrin Chen suggested.

Energy Abyss Chen nodded in agreement. If one's cultivation was below the Great Encompassing Realm, then even entering the territory of other Chaos Demon Gods [powerful demons native to the primordial chaos] would not provoke their immediate vigilance.

He then added, "In that case, I will make preparations. Once the Kalpa Tribulation concludes, I shall set out to explore the Depths of Chaos and search for a suitable target for our Chaos War."

Considering this, Energy Abyss Chen inquired, "Which targets do you intend to act against?"

"Beyond the borders of the Eastern Departure Flame Domain, their strength must not surpass the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage,"

Eldrin Chen began, explaining methodically, "Furthermore, the more remote the location, the better. Ideally, even if conflict erupts, it should not draw the attention of others."

At this point, Eldrin Chen paused briefly before concluding, "On this foundation, if a target possesses an Adamantine Mithril Vein, it should be prioritized for action."