Chapter 1967 : The Three Avatars Return

After Daoxu Jiang completed his specialized cultivation of the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation art that involves sacrificing one's own potential for a greater purpose], Eldrin Chen pondered deeply and ultimately sought out Kael Chen.

After many years apart, the three avatars of Kael Chen had all returned from within the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], merging once more into his original, true self.

Eldrin Chen found Kael Chen and conversed with him at length. Yet, in the end, Eldrin Chen abandoned his attempt to persuade Kael Chen to switch to cultivating the Path of Self-Sacrifice.

For upon this return, Kael Chen's Great Dao [the fundamental principle and path of cultivation] had taken its initial, complete form. His three foundational pillars were now extraordinary: the Unity of All Worlds [a supreme constitution that unifies the essence of myriad realms], his unique Great Dao that converged the distinct paths of Buddhism, Daoism, and Demonic Cultivation into one, and even his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] was but A Step Away from achieving a True Spirit Foundation [a perfected spiritual foundation].

Relying solely on his own efforts, he possessed an immense certainty of cultivating Three True Spirit Foundations, making it unnecessary for him to immediately switch to the Path of Self-Sacrifice.

Although Kael Chen did not switch to the Path of Self-Sacrifice, with Daoxu Jiang having successfully done so, Eldrin Chen felt a measure of confidence regarding the ultimate mastery of the Path of Self-Sacrifice.

Thus, without further delay, he simply returned to the Abyssal Immortal Domain and resumed his secluded cultivation.

With ample resources at hand, the cultivation speed of his Chaos Indestructible Body [a supreme physique forged in primordial chaos, granting near-immortality] was naturally swift. After approximately twenty million years, the foundational essence accumulation for Eldrin Chen's Great Luo Body [a body tempered to the pinnacle of the Great Luo realm] was sufficient, and he finally broke through to the sixth layer of the Great Luo Body.

Following this breakthrough, Eldrin Chen's physical combat prowess saw another significant increase, surging by more than fifty percent.

By this point, Eldrin Chen realized that his physical strength alone should now be sufficient to rival a top-tier Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal of the Great Luo realm] at the Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Although still not comparable to top-tier Eighth Layer Great Luo cultivators like the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox or the Nine Extremes Divine Lord, this level of combat prowess was by no means weak among the Eighth Layer Great Luo ranks.

However, because he cultivated three foundational paths simultaneously, the overall increase in his combat strength was not exceptionally large, amounting to less than twenty percent beyond his original baseline.

Not long after Eldrin Chen completed his breakthrough, Lyra Jiang's True Spirit Primordial Spirit cultivation advanced to the Fifth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, and her overall combat power saw another significant increase, now roughly comparable to the domain of an Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.

If one factored in her True Spirit Treasure, the Exquisite Immortal Pagoda, Lyra Jiang's strength could rival a large portion of a Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection cultivator.

In the following years, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation of Verdant Consort, Nyssa Qu, and others also successively broke through, and they unknowingly stepped into the Fifth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm.

During this subsequent period, Eldrin Chen also devoted himself fully to cultivating his Primordial Spirit and comprehending the Great Dao. Finally, forty million years after the Kalpa Tribulation [a great cosmic calamity], his Primordial Spirit cultivation broke through to the Sixth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm.

Another twenty million years passed, and Eldrin Chen finally managed, just before the opening of the Chaos Realm Sea, to cultivate his Chaos Limitless Great Dao to the Sixth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm.

At this point, all three of Eldrin Chen's foundational paths had reached the Sixth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, with each individual foundation possessing power comparable to an Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.

"Such formidable power," he murmured.

After completing his breakthrough, Eldrin Chen sensed the immense energy coursing within him and slowly let out a deep breath.

Three foundations, each rivaling the power of an Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal [a cultivator who has reached the eighth stage of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm], were astonishingly potent in their own right. When these three foundations fused together, the might of the Eruption [a divine ability or technique] was destined to be earth-shattering and heaven-rending.

Eldrin Chen focused his senses inward and confirmed that his spiritual power was indeed extraordinarily vast, significantly surpassing that of an ordinary Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [a cultivator at the pinnacle of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm]. This aligned perfectly with his expectations, leaving little discrepancy.

"Although my combat prowess has not yet fully entered the domain of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler whose power originates from the primordial chaos], it can be said that I have half a foot planted within its threshold." …

"As I am now, even when facing an ordinary Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection, I believe I am more than capable of holding my own against five of them."

Eldrin Chen murmured these words to himself before finally, slowly, drawing his immense power back within.

He emerged from his secluded cultivation chamber to find Lyra Jiang and the others had been waiting for him for some time.

Seeing him exit seclusion, Nyssa Qu smiled and said, "The Chaos Realm Sea [a vast, turbulent sea of chaotic energies and realms] is about to open. With your breakthrough at this very moment, our strength has finally gained a significant edge."

Eldrin Chen returned the smile and inquired, "Shall we prepare to depart, then?"

Noting his demeanor, Lyra Jiang asked, "In your opinion, how many of us should venture forth this time?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment. Over these past several tens of millions of years, the few Grand Luo Golden Immortal [cultivators of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] within the Chen Clan had successively achieved their own breakthroughs.

Among them, Lyra Jiang's True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and her Great Dao cultivation [the profound understanding of the fundamental principles of existence] had both broken through to the Fifth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal [the fifth layer of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm]. With her formidable foundation and the True Spirit Treasure [a supreme-grade enchanted artifact born from a cultivator's spirit] in her possession, her cultivation depth and reserves were sufficient to rival an Eighth Layer Great Luo [an eighth layer Great Luo Golden Immortal]. In terms of combat prowess, she could contend with three opponents of that same Eighth Layer Great Luo realm simultaneously.

It must be understood that an ordinary Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [a cultivator at the peak of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm] could, at best, barely hold their own against five Eighth Layer Great Luo opponents.

With such formidable combat strength, Lyra Jiang's power was comparable to a significant portion of a Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection cultivator.

Projecting this progress, Eldrin Chen estimated that by the time Lyra Jiang broke through to the Sixth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal [the sixth layer of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm], she would possess combat power on par with a Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection.

Although such profound reserves still fell short of Eldrin Chen's own capability to face five Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection cultivators alone, it was nonetheless considered exceptionally powerful.

As for Verdant Consort, her cultivation had also stepped into the Fifth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal. She was a Chaos Azure Lotus [a primordial lotus of chaos and azure hue] that had taken human form with a True Spirit Foundation [a foundation built upon one's true spiritual essence]. Her cultivation depth and reserves far surpassed others of the same tier, allowing her to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with an Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Her combat prowess was naturally immense, nearly on par with Lyra Jiang. Two or three ordinary Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal cultivators joining forces would likely find it difficult to defeat her.

Nyssa Qu possessed a Sixfold True Spirit Foundation [a foundation amplified sixfold by true spiritual essence], which meant her inherent reserves were slightly inferior. Fortunately, she wielded the innate slaying artifact, the Nine Severities Spirit-Slaying Sword Array [a sword formation capable of severing spirits across nine levels of severity]. This compensated for the shortcomings of her Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [a bottleneck related to spiritual treasures in cultivation], granting her combat strength at the pinnacle of the Eighth Layer Great Luo tier. Holding her own against two such opponents was well within her capability.

This level of combat power was approximately the domain occupied by beings like the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [an ancient phoenix of ultimate violet power] and the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial ox born from chaos].

The Reincarnation Body [a body formed through the power of reincarnation] had also achieved a breakthrough in recent years. Bolstered by a mid-grade Inner Immortal Domain [an internal realm of immortal power] and the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [a supreme cultivation art involving ten immortal treasuries], its spiritual energy reserves were sufficient to rival an Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal, and its combat prowess could stand equal to Lyra Jiang.

As for the others, their cultivation realms were insufficient, and their spiritual power fell short by more than a single tier; at most, they possessed only the strength of a Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen mused aloud, "Each time the Chaos Realm Sea opens, those qualified to venture within and explore are, at minimum, beings of Late Great Luo Golden Immortal stature. Among them are never few formidable figures at the Primordial Unity Emperor Lord Level."

"Even if we remain in the periphery, avoiding the core regions where Innate Primordial Qi is contested, we will still encounter a multitude of Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal experts, and even powerhouses who have reached Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection."

"Under such circumstances, venturing deep within while lacking sufficient cultivation would be far too perilous."

Having said this, Eldrin Chen cast a final glance over the assembled group and declared, "For this expedition to the Chaos Sea, those whose combat prowess falls below the level of an Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal shall not proceed."

"Husband."

Lila and Yvonne the Violet Consort's expressions flickered slightly, but in the end, they could only grit their teeth and acquiesce to Eldrin Chen's decision.

They had broken through to Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal little more than a single Kalpa Tribulation ago. Even their fastest-progressing Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation had only just reached the Fifth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal stage….

Their overall combat strength barely allowed them to tread into the domain of a Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal, making it truly difficult for them to be of significant assistance under such circumstances.

Seeing the worry in the two women's eyes, Eldrin Chen patted their shoulders and offered words of comfort, "Do not fret. Guarding the Eight Great Immortal Domains on my behalf will spare me from concerns about our rear, and that is aid enough."

Hearing this, both women nodded, a trace of a smile finally gracing their features.

After settling the clan affairs, Eldrin Chen wasted no time and immediately set off for the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

For this journey to the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, the Chen Immortal Clan dispatched four Grand Luo Golden Immortal: Eldrin Chen, Lyra Jiang, Verdant Consort, and Nyssa Qu. Counting his Reincarnation Body as well, they effectively had the strength of five Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

Furthermore, Eldrin Chen had also invited the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, a top-tier Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal and a significant asset.

With these six formidable forces united, Eldrin Chen estimated they would face no fear even against seven or eight Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection.

Thus, the six of them traversed the Chaos, arriving at the periphery of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea before they knew it.

Upon reaching the edge of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, Eldrin Chen surveyed his surroundings and found that a considerable number of Grand Luo Golden Immortal had already gathered there.

These Grand Luo Golden Immortal were all beings of at least the Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, among whom were many top-tier Grand Luo who had reached Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection.

Among these various Grand Luo Golden Immortal, some rode True Dragon through the void, others arrived astride ChaosImmortal Phoenix, and still others had Chaotic Fiendgod pulling their chariots. Each exuded an aura of immense grandeur, like deities from the Primordial Era standing firm within the Depths of Chaos.

"Such formidable auras," he murmured.

Eldrin Chen murmured, a flicker of solemnity rising within his pupils.

"Brother Abyssal, it has been a while."

At that very moment, a gentle voice sounded from not far away.

Eldrin Chen looked up to see a figure clad in jade-like azure robes, riding a Primordial Azure Dragon that parted the skies, materializing gracefully before him.

"So it is Fellow Daoist Donghua. My apologies for not recognizing you sooner."

The newcomer was indeed Donghua Immortal Lord. Dressed in azure robes and holding a folding fan, he resembled a refined young master from the Mortal Dust Realm, yet carried an aura of transcendent detachment, as if standing apart from the world.

He smiled, cupped his hands in greeting to the assembled figures, and said, "Each opening of the Chaos Realm Sea is a rare feast for the Grand Luo Golden Immortals of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss."

"It is an Opportunity [a chance for advancement or attainment] to prove one's path to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm, and the best place to obtain Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial, unbreakable radiance of spiritual energy]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement.

Every time the Chaos Realm Sea opened, vast quantities of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light would appear. On each occasion, several strands of Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial, foundational energy of creation] would also manifest. Such an Opportunity was impossible for anyone present to resist.

Seeing this, Donghua Immortal Lord opened the folding fan in his hand, waved it gently a few times, and said, "Although the Chaos Realm Sea holds immense Opportunity [a chance for great advancement or fortune], you must not venture too deeply into its heart."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly as he listened intently to Donghua Immortal Lord's words.

Donghua Immortal Lord gave a slight nod and continued, "When the Chaos Realm Sea opens, the probability of encountering Primordial Chaos Rank Chaos Nest [a rare spatial anomaly brimming with primordial chaos energy] increases the further one ventures inward."

"Within them lies not only Innate Primordial Qi [the purest form of primordial energy, foundational to creation], but also Primordial Chaos Rank Chaotic Fiendgod [ancient, immensely powerful beings born from primordial chaos]. Their emergence each time draws fierce contention from hordes of Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch."...

At this point, Donghua Immortal Lord's brow furrowed with gravity as he said, "The core of the Chaos Realm Sea is a battlefield for the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch. We must not delve that deep."

"It is enough to seek Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a luminous spiritual essence renowned for its unbreakable nature] in the outer regions. If one's Opportunity is sufficient, it is still possible to encounter Innate Primordial Qi there."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, a flicker of contemplation passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes.

It was foreseeable that even if Innate Primordial Qi appeared in the periphery, it would incite a fierce struggle involving hundreds, even thousands, of Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

To stand out from the crowd and obtain the Innate Primordial Qi [the most fundamental and purest form of energy from the dawn of creation], one requires not only formidable means but also astonishing Opportunity [a confluence of fate and circumstance crucial for major breakthroughs] and sheer luck.

As they spoke, the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the boundless, turbulent expanse of unformed chaos at the beginning of time] before them began to tremble violently. A realm brimming with dense Innate Light [the primordial radiance inherent to all things at their moment of creation] flickered into view before the assembled crowd.

"The Chaos Realm Sea [a nascent universe forming within the Primordial Chaos] is nearing its final gestation," someone murmured.

A Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has transcended the cycles of life and death] whispered, their eyes igniting with a light that could startle the heavens.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen felt a complex mix of anticipation and solemn gravity well up within his gaze.

Most Chaos Realm Sea are birthed from the womb of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea. They are realms woven from the very threads of the Chaos Great Dao [the fundamental principle governing all chaos and potential], making them the natural cradles for Chaos Nest [a focal point of immense chaotic energy and potential treasures].

Within the bounds of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a specific, vast region within the chaotic expanse], every Chaos Realm Sea that gestates emerges into being only after the Chaos Nest at its heart has fully formed.

The Chaos Realm Sea before them now radiated such a torrent of Innate Light, shining as brilliantly as an eternal sun within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state of existence]. This was the final sign, proving its emergence was imminent.

"*Hummm—*"

An immeasurable span of time seemed to pass. Then, a deafening roar erupted from the depths of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

Eldrin Chen lifted his gaze. From the depths of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, a violent tremor resonated, followed by the Chaos Realm Sea seeming to be veiled by some immense power, on the verge of vanishing from within the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

"Thinking of fleeing? That won't be so easy."

At that very moment, a cold, mocking laugh echoed from within the Chaos.

Eldrin Chen looked up and immediately witnessed a blindingly radiant sword aura cleave through the firmament, instantly splitting the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea asunder and plunging deep into its heart.

Close on its heels, several dozen majestic figures tore through the heavens, their auras surging as they charged into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

With but a glance, Eldrin Chen perceived that each of these mighty beings possessed an aura of terrifying power, any one of them capable of rending this expanse of Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea with ease.

"Western Pole Ethereal Void Sword Emperor, Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor, Taicang Divine Emperor…"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, instantly picking out several familiar silhouettes from among the host of heroes.

Yet, among this gathering of powerhouses, Eldrin Chen did not spot the figure of Black Abyss Great Emperor. Had he been present, Eldrin's own safety would have been far more assured.

Donghua Emperor Lord seemed to have anticipated this. He cast a glance at the host of heroes in the sky above before speaking. "The Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss teem with formidable experts. Those at the Primordial Unity Emperor Lord Level are by no means few in number."

"Each time the Chaos Realm Sea [a primordial, ever-shifting sea of chaotic energies] opens, it yields at most a few dozen strands of Innate Primordial Qi [the purest, most foundational energy of creation]. If every Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme ruler who has mastered the laws of primordial chaos] were to come and contend for them, it would be a case of too many monks for too little gruel. The ensuing conflict would likely outweigh any potential gains."

"Therefore, the various powers of the Seven Great Immortal Domains [the seven major realms of immortal cultivation] have forged a covenant. Each time the Chaos Realm Sea coalesces and takes form, no more than thirty Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch may participate in the exploration."

"Among them, newly ascended Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch are guaranteed a place. The remaining slots are allocated among the major powers in rotation."

Eldrin Chen nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this, finding the logic of this arrangement sound.

The Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a vast constellation of three thousand immortal realms] alone housed seven Chaos Celestial Emperor [emperors who command the very essence of chaos], yet fewer than one in a hundred Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch ever managed to break through to the realm of Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [a sage who has become one with the fundamental Dao, the ultimate path].

It was foreseeable that the Three Thousand Immortal Domains contained at least seven hundred Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch. Even if the other six domains of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [the seven domains that comprise the southern reaches of the cosmic abyss] could not match the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, their numbers of Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch were certainly not small.

One could say that across the entire Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, the number of Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch likely exceeded three thousand.

Under such circumstances, if anyone could enter and contend each time the Chaos Realm Sea opened, then no amount of resources would be sufficient to divide among them. There might not even be enough resources to Restoration [a divine ability to heal and restore one's essence] their injuries from the conflicts.

By agreeing in advance to rotate and allow only thirty Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch to enter each time, the hope of seizing Innate Primordial Qi became significantly greater, even if one might only get a chance every ten thousand Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal]. Moreover, it avoided the need to take excessive risks.

Of course, in Eldrin Chen's view, such an agreement was not equally beneficial to all parties.

As for allowing newly ascended Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch to enter and explore for Opportunity, it may seem like a gesture of consideration for these fledgling sovereigns.

Yet, with their nascent cultivation and shallow foundations, how could these newcomers possibly contend against the established, veteran Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch?

It is abundantly clear that the newly ascended Emperor Lord are merely there to make up the numbers. In the end, most will likely fail to obtain any Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial, uncreated energy from which all things originate], settling at best for a few strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [an indestructible spiritual radiance born from the primal chaos].