Chapter 1928 : The First Chaos War

Upon hearing this, Energy Abyss Chen [the patriarch of the Chen Clan] paused his movements slightly.

A Chaos War [a cataclysmic conflict spanning multiple realms] initiated by a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal sovereign] is no trivial matter. Such a war inevitably engulfs countless Path [a fundamental principle or way of cultivation] within the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all realms are born], deciding the Destiny [the predetermined fate or course of events] of innumerable multiversal Space-Time [the continuum of three-dimensional space and time].

For such a monumental Chaos War, and the first one the Chen Immortal Clan [the immortal clan founded by the Chen family] was about to wage, victory should logically be the sole and paramount consideration. Choosing an opponent should be devoid of personal sentiment.

Yet, Eldrin Chen [the current leader of the Chen Clan] instructed him to prioritize selecting a Chaos Lair [a domain or stronghold within the primordial chaos] that possessed Adamantine [a mythical, indestructible metal] and Mithril Vein [a vein of the legendary, lightweight silver-like metal]. This clearly showed that Eldrin Chen was already granting him immense favor.

Of course, Adamantine and Mithril Vein were crucial for his own cultivation of the True Spirit Physique [a legendary, flawless physical constitution for cultivators]. Even understanding this, Energy Abyss Chen had absolutely no reason to refuse.

After a moment of contemplation, he nodded and said, "Leave this matter to me."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of approval, took a sip of tea, and then continued his inquiry. "What of the Solar Great Path [the supreme Dao of the primordial sun]? Do you intend to continue pursuing it?"

"I have set it aside for now."

Energy Abyss Chen shook his head, a trace of helplessness coloring his expression.

The Solar Great Path he cultivated was among the most supreme Primordial Chaos Great Path [fundamental cosmic principles originating from the primordial chaos]. Unfortunately, the authority over the Solar Great Path was already firmly held by the Solar Sun [the celestial embodiment of the primordial sun's essence] Heaven and Earth.

If he were to prove his Great Encompassing [the highest attainable realm of cultivation] through this method, the very lifeline of his cultivation would fall under the control of the Solar Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a deity of the sun]. This was an outcome he could not abide.

With this thought in mind, Energy Abyss Chen spoke: "I have come to understand. The greater part of my cultivation achievements and innate talent lies upon the Fleshly Body Sanctification [the path of refining the physical body to an indestructible state]."

"Rather than waste time laboring over the Great Path [the orthodox, all-encompassing cultivation path], it would be better to dedicate myself wholly to the Fleshly Body Sanctification."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. He then retrieved several scrolls of Ancient Scripture [ancient texts containing profound cultivation knowledge] from his sleeve and handed them to Energy Abyss Chen. "This contains my Primordial One Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique of ultimate resilience] method, as well as the Nine Tribulations Heavenly Art [a supreme body refinement art involving nine heavenly trials], a legacy inherited from the Depths of Chaos [a primordial and chaotic realm of existence]."

"These two arts each possess their own unique strengths, Patriarch [a respectful title for a senior clan leader]. You may study them; they might prove useful for walking the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification."

Energy Abyss Chen examined the two Ancient Scripture scrolls, a slight frown creasing his brow. "I see that the core of the Fleshly Body Sanctification path lies in the cultivation of Bloodline Divine Ability [innate supernatural powers passed down through one's ancestral lineage]."

"If I abandon the cultivation of my Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator] and the Great Path, I should be able to master several Bloodline Divine Ability. But which specific ones do you believe I should pursue?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before replying. "The varieties of Bloodline Divine Ability are numerous, yet their ultimate purpose is the same: to forge True Spirit Divine Runes [divine symbols that manifest the power of a True Spirit lineage]."

"And among the True Spirit Divine Runes, aside from the four supreme Ultimate Divine Rune [the pinnacle divine symbols], the defensive runes are dominated by 'Mana Immunity' [an ability granting near-total resistance to magical energy] and 'Indestructibility Golden Body' [a divine ability that renders the physical body nigh-unbreakable]."

Hearing this, Energy Abyss Chen understood Eldrin Chen's implication.

The innate strengths of the Fleshly Body Sanctification [a supreme art for refining the physical body to a divine state] lie in its formidable physical defense and its Immortality [the state of being unaging and deathless] and Indestructibility [the quality of being impossible to destroy]. If one were to further cultivate the two True Spirit Divine Runes [divine symbols that grant supreme abilities] of Mana Immunity [an ability that grants near-total immunity to magical energy attacks] and Indestructibility Golden Body [a golden body of absolute indestructibility], they would undoubtedly possess combat prowess unrivaled within their realm, even capable of challenging those of a higher cultivation stage.

Mana Immunity can nullify at least ninety percent of damage from mana [the energy used to cast spells and techniques] and Divine Ability [supernatural powers granted by cultivation] attacks, while Indestructibility Golden Body bestows an Immortality and Indestructibility that transcends all calamities, elevating the resilience of a Great Encompassing [a supreme cultivation realm] Saint's physique to an almost inconceivable level.

However, as the most supreme-tier True Spirit Divine Runes, both Mana Immunity and Indestructibility Golden Body are immensely difficult to cultivate. Even the legendary Chaos Ant Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler among the Ant race] in ancient times only succeeded in mastering Mana Immunity.

Yet, Energy Abyss Chen's Gold-Silver Body Forging Art [an art for forging the body using gold and silver essences], which refines the body by absorbing Mithril [a legendary silver-colored metal known for its magic-resistant properties] and Adamantine [a mythical, nigh-unbreakable metal], significantly increases the possibility of cultivating these two ultimate True Spirit Divine Runes.

Thinking of this, Energy Abyss Chen could not help but speak out, "It is a pity. The prerequisite Bloodline Divine Ability [innate supernatural powers passed down through a bloodline] for both Mana Immunity and Indestructibility Golden Body are closely guarded secrets of the Flesh Sanctification lineage. No one in the entire Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a collective term for the myriad realms of immortals] has managed to cultivate them."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen shook his head with a light laugh. "The methods of predecessors are, after all, creations of those predecessors. If you wish to forge your own Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification, you must comprehend and walk your own path."

"I believe the inherent qualities of Mana Immunity and Indestructibility Golden Body have long been hidden within the very nature of Mithril and Adamantine."

"Hidden within Mithril and Adamantine?"

Energy Abyss Chen's heart trembled slightly, and in that instant, a profound understanding dawned upon him.

He nodded, a note of emotion in his voice as he said, "Indeed. Mithril is innately repellant to magic, and Adamantine is born with an Immortality and unyielding solidity. Are these not the embryonic forms of Mana Immunity and that Indestructibility Golden Body?"

Having spoken thus far, Energy Abyss Chen rose to his feet and declared, "I understand now. There is no time to waste. I shall set out today to locate the target of the Chaos War."

Eldrin Chen escorted Energy Abyss Chen beyond the borders of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain. As a precaution for his safety, Eldrin also gifted him several Great Encompassing Divine Talisman [powerful talismans capable of tearing through space].

Before parting, Energy Abyss Chen spoke once more. "Whenever a Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle] descends, the Chaos Demon God [primordial demons of disorder] also seal their mountains and retreat. This presents the best opportunity to explore their territories."

"Therefore, I will not be returning during this Kalpa Tribulation. Please convey my regards and tell them to take care."

Eldrin Chen clasped his hands in a respectful salute and nodded. "We shall await good news from the Patriarch."

"..."

After seeing off the Energy Abyss Patriarch, Eldrin Chen returned to Returning Abyss Heaven. After a moment of contemplation, he summoned Ao Hong.

Ao Hong had taken human form many years prior and now appeared as a valiant youth. Answering the summons, he arrived clad in a suit of Black Dragon Battle Armor [enchanted armor forged in the likeness of a black dragon]. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, he immediately prostrated himself and said,

"Ao Hong pays his respects to the Master."

Eldrin Chen nodded in acknowledgment. Ao Hong, having been awakened to sentience by Eldrin's power, had since childhood regarded him as a father and a deity.

As for Ao Hong, Eldrin Chen held him in great affection, treating him as a disciple. Most crucially, Ao Hong had long ago entered into a Primordial Spirit Contract [a profound soul-binding pact] with Eldrin Chen and served as his Dharma-Protecting Holy Beast [a sacred guardian beast bound to protect its master's cultivation path]. He could be considered one of the most trusted and closest individuals to Eldrin Chen.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, helping Ao Hong to his feet, and said, "Ao Hong, you have followed me for two great Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] now, have you not?"

"Since the day you enlightened me, Master, one hundred and ninety-eight million years have passed,"

Ao Hong replied respectfully.

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly, then sighed softly. "Time flows swiftly. I had not realized so many years had slipped by."

"To be able to follow you, Master, is the greatest honor of my existence,"

Ao Hong declared, his gaze unwavering and his voice resolute.

A faint smile touched Eldrin Chen's lips. He picked up a cup of tea and took a slow sip. After finishing the cup, he set it down and said, "Your cultivation has remained at the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight Heavenly Tribulations] realm for many years. The time has come for you to attempt a breakthrough into the Great Encompassing Realm [the legendary realm of the Great Encompassing, a pinnacle of existence]."

"I shall bestow upon you a measure of Opportunity and Fortune [a destined chance and favorable circumstances]. Whether you succeed in your breakthrough will depend entirely on your own Creation [the spark of personal enlightenment and creative power within a cultivator]."

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen flicked his sleeve. A long, dark spear materialized in the air and flew into Ao Hong's waiting hands.

The moment he grasped the long spear, Ao Hong felt a tremor in his heart, and an expression of pleasant surprise involuntarily appeared on his face.

This spear was none other than the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the world's essence, possessing innate power] of the Celestial Ox Demon God, named 'Immortality Divine Edge'. This Immortality Divine Edge did not offer a particularly potent boost to magical power, but it could greatly enhance physical strength, making it most suitable for practitioners of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation path focused on tempering the physical body to an indestructible state] or for Chaos Demon God [a primordial race of demons born from chaos] to wield.

As a Chaos Saint Spirit [a holy spirit born from the primordial chaos], Ao Hong was the most fitting candidate to refine and wield this Immortality Divine Edge.

Beholding Ao Hong caressing the Immortality Divine Edge with loving hands, unable to put it down, he could not contain his joy after a moment and said gratefully, "Many thanks for this generous gift, Master."

"A single Innate Spiritual Treasure is hardly a great Opportunity and Fortune [a significant chance encounter or stroke of fate that can alter one's destiny]," Eldrin Chen shook his head and spoke. "There is still a true Opportunity and Fortune awaiting. How much of it you can assimilate will depend entirely on your own Creation [the innate potential and destiny for creation within a being]."

With those words, he waved his sleeve, lifting Ao Hong and transporting him to the Returning Abyss Forbidden Land before casting him into the Creation Cauldron.

For this Foundation Reforging [a profound process of remolding one's foundational cultivation base] of Ao Hong, Eldrin Chen did not reveal the origins of the Creation Cauldron. To prevent any secrets from leaking, he directly sealed Ao Hong's six senses [sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and mental perception].

During the Foundation Reforging process, Eldrin Chen did not employ other excessively precious Innate Heavenly God Object [objects of divine origin born from heaven and earth]. He used only Creation Energy [the primordial energy of creation], several portions of Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [extremely rare treasures of the highest grade], and one crucially important Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark [a divine spark embodying the indestructible nature of primordial chaos].

When all was concluded, Ao Hong emerged from his secluded cultivation, having stepped forth with a foundation at the seventh level of Indestructibility Foundation [a cultivation realm focused on achieving an unbreakable foundation].

"Seven Indestructibility Foundations [the foundational cultivation stage representing unbreakable potential], and all of them are of the upper-tier variety."

Observing the foundation Ao Hong [the Primordial Chaos Black Dragon] had reforged [tempered and rebuilt his cultivation base], Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a look of astonishment. However, after a moment, an expression of understanding dawned upon his face.

Although the Creation Cauldron [a divine cauldron capable of forging foundations] is profoundly mystical, without employing Innate Heavenly God Objects [objects born from the essence of heaven and earth] and Creation Origin [the primordial source of creation], it should only be capable of Creation [the act of forging or creating a cultivation foundation] two or three Indestructibility Foundations.

The primary reasons why Ao Hong was able to reforge seven upper-tier Indestructibility Foundations are threefold.

First, it is due to the truly divine and wondrous nature of the Creation Cauldron.

Second, naturally, it is because of the profound mystery contained within the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark [a divine spark embodying the indestructible essence of primordial chaos].

Third, it is because, having endured two Kalpa Tribulations [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth], he followed Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang to slay a great number of Eight-Tribulation Ancient Immortals [ancient immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations]. In the process, he refined and absorbed twenty or thirty Eight-Tribulation Path Sources [the condensed essence of a path cultivated through eight tribulations].

These Path Sources [the fundamental source energy of a cultivation path], combined with the resources harvested from the various great Forbidden Lands [dangerous, restricted regions rich in resources] across the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [an ancient continent filled with immortal ruins], were not perfectly digested at the time. Instead, they lay dormant within Ao Hong's body.

Now, harnessing the power of the Creation Cauldron, all of this latent potential was perfectly transformed into profound foundational strength, allowing Ao Hong to cultivate seven Indestructibility Foundations.

"Truly, this is a magnificent Opportunity and Fortune [a stroke of great luck and favorable destiny]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, a sigh of profound realization escaping his lips.

In that moment, Eldrin Chen seemed to grasp the true might of the ancient Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain.

In its prime, the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain possessed the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron in its complete form. The number and foundational strength of its prodigies undoubtedly surpassed what any other Immortal Domain could ever hope to rival.

It was no wonder that during the Primordial Era, the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain had seven Chaos Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers who have mastered the primordial chaos] alive simultaneously. One must remember that the entire Three Thousand Immortal Domains at that time harbored only three Primordial Era Divine Sovereign [divine sovereigns from the dawn of time].

Both the Candle Dragon and the Primordial Phoenix—those two Heavenly Emperor—had ascended to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm by inheriting the legacy left behind by the fallen Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain.

It is said that within the True Demon Primordial Domain, the foremost of the Six Domains of the Northern Abyss, five of the ten great Chaos Demon Sovereign [demon lords who command primordial chaos] achieved their breakthrough by claiming fragments of the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain's legacy.

And looking across both the northern and southern Heaven Abyss [the twin cosmic chasms], the number of beings who reached the Chaos-level by seizing the domain's remnants was certainly far greater than just those five Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

"The Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron truly lives up to its name as the paramount treasure of the Primordial Era, peerless within the Northern and Southern Heaven Abyss," Eldrin Chen concluded inwardly.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen quieted his mind and withdrew his contemplations.

He stored the Creation Cauldron away and then released the sensory seals he had placed upon Ao Hong.

In the moment his Recovery [the ability to restore one's senses and awareness] was complete, Ao Hong immediately perceived the profound changes within himself. A tremor of awe shook his heart, swiftly followed by a surge of ecstatic joy. He prostrated himself before Eldrin Chen on the Earthly Path [a profound cultivation method] and exclaimed, "This humble one offers his deepest gratitude, Master, for bestowing such a monumental Opportunity and Fortune [a rare chance to alter one's destiny and gain profound benefits]."

"A satisfactory outcome," Eldrin Chen remarked.

He gave a nod, a look of genuine approval gracing his features.

This Foundation Reforging [a supreme process of reforging one's cultivation foundation] had not only allowed Ao Hong to cultivate the seven great Indestructibility Foundation [the foundational stage of the Indestructibility Realm], but had also reforge [to temper and reshape through profound means] the Immortality Divine Edge into his very own Companion Supreme Treasure [a treasure bound to one's soul that grows with the cultivator].

The Immortality Divine Edge now resided within the Indestructibility Realm [a realm of cultivation focused on achieving unbreakable durability]. A treasure of this realm, an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos with its own innate spiritual nature], could be considered the very embryo of a future Primordial One Divine Weapon [a weapon of legendary power from the dawn of creation].

In theory, this meant the Immortality Divine Edge possessed the potential to ascend, its ultimate limit being the rank of a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the pinnacle grade of Innate Spiritual Treasures].

As for whether it could transcend even that pinnacle and become an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure of innate origin, surpassing all spiritual treasures], that would depend entirely on the weapon's own Creation [its inherent destiny and the path of its forging].

For Ao Hong, wielding this divine weapon alongside his newly reforged foundation made the prospect of achieving the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm of vast power and comprehension] seem not just possible, but highly probable.

Overwhelmed, he kowtowed repeatedly upon the ground. "My thanks to the Patriarch for this Opportunity and Fortune. Such profound grace, Ao Hong shall remember for all eternity."

"Rise," Eldrin Chen said.

Eldrin Chen helped him to his feet and said, "Go and consolidate your cultivation. Strive well in this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense destruction and rebirth], and I hope you can break through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation]."

After sending Ao Hong into seclusion to consolidate his cultivation, Eldrin Chen departed from the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

He stepped out of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain and arrived within the Chaos Heavenly Domain, where he met the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix who was cultivating in seclusion there.

The immortal palace where the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix resided was perched upon a sky-shrouding Thunderclap Parasol Tree. Eldrin Chen ascended along the Thunderclap Parasol Tree. Gazing at this colossal tree, a ripple of emotion stirred in his eyes.

This Thunderclap Parasol Tree was actually an Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Root [a supreme-grade spiritual plant born of heaven and earth, containing immense natural power].

"The Violet Ultimate Parasol Tree, my companion Spiritual Root [a spiritual plant that shares a profound, symbiotic bond with a cultivator]," she said.

Clad in a violet phoenix robe, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix sat calmly before her palace, brewing a pot of immortal tea infused with Thunderclap Force [a divine power manifesting as thunderous energy] for Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and sat down opposite the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix. He then inquired, "It seems your injuries have Recovery [the process of healing and restoring one's cultivation base] almost completely."

"Two hundred million years have passed, yet my injuries are only barely Recovery,"

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix shook her head, her expression still grave as she continued, "Even so, if I were to face that Primal Chaos Kui Ox again, I would have no certainty of victory."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, picked up the Thunderclap Immortal Tea, and took a sip. Instantly, he felt a torrential surge of Thunderclap Force [a potent, lightning-like energy] explode within his body. This Thunderclap Force continuously tempered his physical form, accelerating the refinement of the Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir that undergoes ten cycles of refinement] and the essence of the Soul Nourishing Wood [a rare spiritual wood that nourishes the soul] within him.

"Excellent tea."

Eldrin Chen could not help but voice his admiration, saying, "Such immortal tea must be an extraordinary treasure."

"This is brewed from the leaves of the Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Root [a supreme-grade spiritual plant born of heaven and earth] known as the 'Thunderclap Enlightenment Tea' [a tea that grants flashes of insight akin to thunderclaps]. I myself do not have much left."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [an ancient and immensely powerful phoenix of violet radiance] shook her head. After appraising Eldrin Chen with a glance, she finally spoke, "I have asked you here today because I have a favor to request."

"Oh?"

A flicker of light passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes as he waited silently for the ancient phoenix to continue.

Seeing this, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix turned her gaze to a spot not far behind her and said, "Sister Flaming Phoenix [a phoenix embodying pure, blazing flame], please come out."

"As you wish…"

Eldrin Chen looked up to see a woman of breathtaking beauty, clad in a gown of fiery crimson, walking gracefully towards them.

"It's her?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes widened slightly in recognition, instantly recalling the woman's origins.

The woman glanced at Eldrin Chen, a flicker of complex emotion passing through her gaze, yet she still bowed gracefully and said, "This humble one pays her respects to the Immortal Lord [a title for a powerful immortal cultivator]."

"There is no need for such formality."

Eldrin Chen replied with detached calm. This woman was none other than the younger sister of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial and immensely powerful phoenix], known as the 'Flaming Phoenix Immortal Consort' [a title for a high-ranking female phoenix immortal].

The Flaming Phoenix Immortal Consort belonged to the Fire Phoenix Bloodline [a specific lineage of fire-aligned phoenixes] within the broader Chaos Phoenix Clan [a primordial clan of phoenixes]. In her early years, she had been under the care of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix. When the latter later faced a Great Tribulation [a catastrophic, fate-altering calamity], the Flaming Phoenix Immortal Consort was also forced into exile, wandering without a home.

Later, when Eldrin Chen obtained the Chaos Lair [a primordial nest or dwelling place of great power] essence that had belonged to the Flaming Phoenix Immortal Consort, he had also clashed with this woman within the Incomplete Immortal Domain [a partially formed realm of an immortal] belonging to Sword Abyss Immortal Lord. He had never expected to encounter her again here and now.