Chapter 1973 : Forging Immortal Foundations

Upon arriving at the Abyssal Forbidden Land, Eldrin Chen immediately sealed the Six Senses [the six perceptual faculties of sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and mental cognition] of the assembled Immortals. He then retrieved the Creation Cauldron to sever their foundational cultivation, allowing them to convert to the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation method that involves sacrificing one's own cultivation base for greater power].

With the aid of the Creation Cauldron, the process of severing their foundations proceeded with peril but ultimately without disaster. To help them forge even stronger foundations, Eldrin Chen even took out a significant amount of Innate Spiritual Treasures [rare treasures born of primordial spiritual energy, possessing miraculous properties] to assist their Foundation Reforging [the process of completely rebuilding one's cultivation foundation].

In the end, nearly every one of these several dozen Immortal [a cultivator who has ascended to immortality, possessing a lifespan of ten thousand years] who now specialized in the Path of Self-Sacrifice obtained a divine object of Low Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure grade.

After completing the foundational conversion for everyone, a faint smile touched the lips of Eldrin Chen.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, after absorbing the essence of their lifelong cultivation bases, these Ancient Immortal would ultimately advance their new foundations by at least two or three significant steps beyond their previous level.

If their original hope of breaking through to Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the realm of the Grand Luo, a supreme state of immortality where one's destiny is intertwined with the cosmic Dao] had been vanishingly slim, their current hope had now increased more than tenfold.

Furthermore, as time passed and they continuously accumulated power within the Immortal Treasury Realm [a cultivation realm focused on amassing vast reserves of spiritual energy and divine power], their ultimate hope of achieving the Grand Luo realm through the Path of Self-Sacrifice would gradually increase.

Returning to the main thread, after helping everyone convert to the Path of Self-Sacrifice, Eldrin Chen returned to the Abyssal Heaven to continue his secluded cultivation.

In the years that followed, Eldrin Chen devoted the greater part of his focus to comprehending the Great Dao [the fundamental principles and laws of the cosmos]. Thus, time flowed swiftly by, and before he knew it, the eve of the eighth Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal that tests all beings] drew near once more.

"The Kalpa Tribulation approaches again. It is time we made our arrangements."

On this day, Eldrin Chen emerged from his secluded cultivation. He cast a glance towards the Chaos Sea, where the aura of the impending tribulation was nearing its zenith, his gaze holding a profound calm.

Witnessing this, Lyra Jiang could not help but speak: "For this Kalpa Tribulation, do you intend to bring the Path of Self-Sacrifice to its Great Perfection?"

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, his expression serene as he replied: "To establish a foothold within the Chaos, one ultimately requires the means and combat prowess of the Primordial Unity Emperor Lord Level."

"If the Path of Self-Sacrifice can achieve Great Perfection, our safety will be greatly enhanced."

Lyra Jiang nodded in agreement, yet still voiced her concern: "If nothing unforeseen occurs, your great Dao adversaries will likely intervene once more to prevent you from perfecting the Path of Self-Sacrifice."

"Then it shall be a contest of whose methods prove superior."

Eldrin Chen spoke with tranquil resolve. He then summoned Daoxu Jiang and Frostwing Yan to his presence.

Within the halls of the Abyssal Immortal Palace, Eldrin Chen regarded the two before him. A subtle thought stirred within him. He first addressed Daoxu Jiang: "Grandfather, how have your accumulations fared over these years?"

"Through this Kalpa Tribulation, I shall attain the Dao."

Daoxu Jiang replied, his countenance utterly composed.

Eldrin Chen gave a solemn nod. Daoxu Jiang had not severed his foundation; instead, relying on his formidable True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the highest form of spiritual core for a cultivator], he had directly employed the Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation method involving the sacrifice of one's own essence for a greater breakthrough] technique to complete his ascension. Naturally, his subsequent cultivation progress had been astonishingly swift.

The present Daoxu Jiang had not only mastered the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [a legendary set of ten supreme cultivation foundations], but each individual Immortal Treasury [a foundational reservoir of immortal power] had been refined to the Indestructible Realm [a state of perfect, unbreakable foundation]. His foundational depth and latent potential far surpassed what figures like Qingfeng Ye had possessed in the past.

Aside from Daoxu Jiang, Frostwing Yan had also fully assimilated the Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial, uncreated energy from the dawn of existence], directly transforming his foundation into one of Primordial Chaos Rank [the most ancient and potent grade of cultivation foundation]. Compared to his former self, his foundation and potential had undergone a monumental transformation.

For individuals of their caliber, barring interference from overwhelmingly powerful enemies seeking to block their path, attaining the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of a Golden Immortal within the Grand Luo hierarchy] was virtually assured.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen drew a deep breath before speaking. "For the Path of Self-Sacrifice to reach its grand completion, it requires the Ascension [the final, transcendent breakthrough] of two more Grand Luo Golden Immortal."...

"Grandfather and Brother Frostwing are the most likely among us to prove their Grand Luo [the supreme Dao]. Therefore, I wish to ask both of you to plunge into the heart of the Kalpa Tribulation [the cataclysmic heavenly tribulation marking an era's end] during this coming calamity."

Daoxu Jiang inclined his head, his expression serene. "Then I shall charge in," he stated calmly.

Eldrin Chen nodded in acknowledgment, yet a trace of gravity remained in his voice. "This time, only the two of you will enter the Kalpa Tribulation, yet you will face the coordinated hunting of a great host of powerful foes."

"Those individuals represent the deep-seated reserves of power and talent [the foundational strength and latent potential] of the Primordial Emperor Court [the ancient and supreme imperial court of the primordial era]. I urge you not to underestimate them."

In truth, within Eldrin Chen's lineage, there were several others with the potential to prove their Grand Luo Dao.

Yet, regrettably, Xianzhu Chen remained trapped within the Samsara [the endless cycle of death and rebirth]. After Yinghui Ye's fall, he was cursed by the Profound Nether Emperor Lord, plunging him into an inescapable, cyclical Samsara of perpetual tribulation.

As for the earlier nominal disciples, the vast majority, at present, still proved largely incapable of shouldering significant burdens.

The old friends and disciples who had newly converted to the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation method centered on self-renunciation] were all powerful Ancient Immortal with formidable talent and Opportunity [fateful encounters and chances for advancement]. However, they would still require at least one or two Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration and upheaval] to truly come into their own.

In truth, among these newly converted old acquaintances, with the exception of a very select few, the overwhelming majority would need to accumulate dozens, even hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation to have a greater certainty of stepping into the Great Luo Realm [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing ultimate freedom and power].

In this regard, they bore some similarity to the Great Luo True Seed [prodigies destined for the Great Luo Realm] nurtured by the Great Luo Ancient Sect and the Imperial Courts.

Returning to the matter at hand, upon hearing Eldrin Chen mention his great Dao adversaries, a flicker of killing intent ignited within Frostwing Yan's gaze.

He clasped his hands, his eyes blazing with battle fervor, and declared, "Master, this disciple has long desired to settle the grievances of those bygone years."

Daoxu Jiang, however, remained utterly composed. Calmly polishing his Primordial Beginning Qi Sword [a divine sword embodying the primordial energy of creation], he replied with serene detachment, "I hear Aurelius stirs once more. In this coming Kalpa Tribulation, I shall go and sever him again, to collect a measure of interest on Lyra's behalf."

Beside him, Lyra Jiang could not help but allow a faint, cold smile to touch her lips at these words.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen offered no further counsel. Instead, he drew from his sleeve two stacks of Void Great Luo Divine Talisman [powerful talismans imbued with the authority of the Great Luo Realm over the void]. His voice was level as he stated, "Those individuals carry Great Emperor's Forbidden Artifact [artifacts of forbidden power left by ancient Great Emperors]. That will inevitably pose some complication."

"These Void Divine Talismans were forged from the Void power I refined within the Abyssal Seal. In a critical moment, they can be relied upon to shake off the pursuit of a powerful foe."

Daoxu Jiang did not take the Void treasure talismans, speaking calmly instead: "With my current strength, such things are of little use."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen could only nod in agreement. The current Daoxu Jiang and Frostwing Yan were both extraordinary.

Even Frostwing Yan possessed power comparable to an invincible Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal with a Four True Spirit Foundation. Daoxu Jiang far surpassed this realm, his combat prowess rivaling even that of Lyra Jiang in her prime.

Before such might, the sheer number of opponents held almost no meaning.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen sighed with feeling and said, "Then I shall await your good news."

As the calamitous aura between heaven and earth drew near, the eighth Kalpa Tribulation finally descended.

In this Kalpa Tribulation, only two from the Abyssal Immortal Alliance entered the fray—Frostwing Yan and Daoxu Jiang—yet their strength was terrifyingly profound.

Amidst the Kalpa Tribulation, Daoxu Jiang charged directly into the heart of the Immortal Cosmos Ancient Continent. Within the Nirvana Ancient Land, he found Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, who had revived through the power of Rebirth.

"A thousand tribulations, ten thousand calamities, a billion years fleeting, a hundred cycles of Samsara [the endless cycle of death and rebirth]... I, Aurelius, have finally returned."

"In this tribulation, I shall sweep aside all opposition, attaining the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal with an invincible bearing."…

That Aurelius, the Imperial Scion had just awoken from his slumber, his baleful aura sweeping across the vast Immortal Cosmos Ancient Continent, revealing his peerless Three True Spirit Foundations.

Sensing the aura of Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, the Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal was struck with terror, his countenance drastically changing as he immediately fled the Immortal Cosmos Ancient Continent.

Yet, to everyone's astonishment, before Aurelius, the Imperial Scion could begin his rampage, he was interrupted by an indelible sword intent.

It was a sword intent that spanned the Myriad Heavens, cleaving through the Vast Chaotic Void to arrive, carrying with it an unstoppable, murderous will.

"No—!"

Aurelius, the Imperial Scion roared in fury, his bellow shaking the very fabric of time, past and present.

He bellowed as he met that sword intent head-on, unleashing in an instant the boundless divine power of Eruption, Decay the Myriad Heavens, and Annihilation the Chaos.

Alas, despite his full-force Eruption, he remained utterly insignificant before that sword intent.

"*Clang—!*"

With a resonant hum of steel, that sword intent descended, unstoppable. In a single clash, it annihilated the physical form of Aurelius, the Imperial Scion. Even his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and flesh began to disintegrate, dissolving back into the Dao [the fundamental principle or path in Chinese philosophy].

"Impossible! I, too, am a prodigy of my generation. How could I fail to withstand a single sword strike?"

Aurelius, the Imperial Scion roared in despair, his face a mask of utter unwillingness.

Yet all his defiance was in vain. Beneath the sword energy that ground all things to dust, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion had no time for further words before he was utterly obliterated, reduced to scattered ashes.

"This…"

Meanwhile, within the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent, a group of Imperial Scions from the Pure Yang and Profound Nether Imperial Courts, among others, paled dramatically.

They stared in disbelief at the scene before them. Finally exchanging glances, one of them spoke, his voice low. "Aurelius, the Imperial Scion has fallen. With what shall we now contend against Frostwing Yan?"

The Imperial Scions from the several great courts murmured amongst themselves, each visage etched with shock.

In their grand design, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, who had awakened in this tribulation, was to be their ultimate trump card against the practitioners of the Path of Self-Sacrifice.

Who could have foreseen that this ultimate card, freshly awakened, would be slain by a single sword stroke from an unknown powerhouse? This outcome lay far beyond all their calculations.

"Disaster strikes—"

At that very moment, a Pure Yang Imperial Court Imperial Scion cried out, his face contorting in terror as he sought to flee, but alas, it was already too late.

For from within the Chaos came a surge of overwhelming sword intent, unleashing a blade aura capable of erasing all existence. Where it passed, Immortals fell like rain, their souls and spirits utterly annihilated in an instant.

In the span of a single breath, more than half of the several dozen Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal had already perished.

Even more terrifying, before the survivors could react, dozens more sword auras descended in succession, instantly obliterating those who remained.

Only then did Daoxu Jiang within the Chaos sheath his Primordial Beginning Qi Sword, calmly gathering the fallen Immortals' Dao Source [the condensed essence of one's cultivation path] into his hand. With a placid expression, he remarked, "Were these the ones who gave you such trouble before?"

Beside him, Frostwing Yan could not help but reveal a look of profound complexity.

He understood well the might of these foes. Each had at least forged an Indestructible Foundation [a foundation stage of supreme durability]. A joint force of several dozen Imperial Scion-level prodigies was a threat even a genius with a Three True Spirit Foundations [a foundation stage empowered by three primordial spiritual sources] would need to approach with caution.

Yet such formidable enemies could not withstand a single stroke from Daoxu Jiang's sword.

The fundamental reason lay in the sheer magnitude of Daoxu Jiang's power. After achieving a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a spiritual core of pure, primordial essence], he could manifest his Body of the New Self [a perfected physical form born of supreme cultivation]. This form was bolstered by the vastness of his Inner Cosmos [an internal universe cultivated within a high-level practitioner] and the empowerment of his ten great Imperishable Immortal Treasury [inviolable divine abilities linked to immortal repositories of power]. Combined with the ultimate combat prowess granted by his True Spirit Treasure [a treasure born of and bonded to a True Spirit], his strength was transcendent….

Such profound foundational strength had already surpassed the limits of the Mortal Realm [the plane of ordinary mortals, distinct from the realms of cultivators and immortals], even rivaling the power of a True Spirit Foundation [the pinnacle foundation-building stage for cultivators, representing immense potential and power].

In the face of absolute power, numbers held little meaning. Even those who had achieved an Indestructible Foundation [a legendary, nearly unbreakable cultivation foundation] could not withstand a single sword strike from Daoxu Jiang.

"I have dealt with the strongest among them for you."

Daoxu Jiang calmly collected the Dao Source [the primordial essence of the Great Dao, a supreme cultivation resource] and tossed a number of useless items to Frostwing Yan before speaking. "You still have many enemies within the Chaos Cosmos Extreme Domain [a perilous, lawless region at the extreme edges of the chaotic cosmos]. You should not require my assistance to handle them, correct?"

"I can manage them myself."

Frostwing Yan gave a slight nod, then transformed into a sky-rending sword aura, cleaving through the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all things emerged] as he departed for the Chaos Cosmos Extreme Domain.

Witnessing this, Daoxu Jiang offered no further comment. He immediately began refining the various Dao Source, attempting to continue cultivating the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [a legendary cultivation method focused on forging ten supreme spiritual treasuries within the body]. His goal was to see if he could advance further within the Imperishable [a divine ability or state of being that is eternal and cannot be destroyed] Immortal Treasury [a specific stage or aspect of the Immortal Treasury cultivation path].

Regrettably, even after refining a vast quantity of Dao Source, his Ten Great Immortal Treasuries had only seen a significant increase in foundational essence. The distance to achieving a True Spirit Divine Treasury [the ultimate, mythical level of the Immortal Treasury cultivation art] remained as vast and unreachable as ever.

Daoxu Jiang even began to suspect that cultivating a True Spirit Immortal Treasury [a synonym for the True Spirit Divine Treasury, the perfect treasury] was nearly an impossibility. Perhaps not even a Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [a supreme being who has comprehended the fundamental Dao and attained sagehood] could have created such a transcendent method.

Returning to the main thread of the tale, while Daoxu Jiang was in secluded cultivation, Frostwing Yan ventured alone into the Chaos Cosmos Extreme Domain to settle old scores.

He first sought out the enemies from that bygone era, settling scores with each and every one of them. Then, he stormed the areas surrounding several other Origin Domain [the primordial homeland of a clan or sect], aiding his martial brothers and sisters in exacting their vengeance.

Thus, over hundreds of thousands of years, Frostwing Yan single-handedly painted the four domains crimson with the blood of his foes, nearly carving a path of carnage through the entire Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a vast and perilous region in the southern reaches of the world].

In the end, Daoxu Jiang and Frostwing Yan plunged into the heart of the Heavenly Abyss [a legendary and treacherous chasm]. Upon the Heavenly Abyss Ancient Continent, they exterminated all enemies from the Northern Abyss, forging a legend that bordered on the Indestructible [a state of being utterly unbreakable and eternal].

Thereafter, within the Depths of Chaos of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, they achieved their breakthrough. They completed the Ascension [the critical process of advancing to a higher cultivation realm] of their Inner Immortal Domain [a perfected internal world cultivated within a supreme expert], using the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a supreme cultivation method that requires immense personal sacrifice] to ascend to the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of the Golden Immortal stage, representing supreme power and enlightenment].

"RUMBLE—"

At the very moment the pair completed their breakthrough, a thunderous roar echoed from within the Chaos Sea of Dao [the primordial ocean of chaos from which all Daos are said to originate].

The Dao Origin [the foundational source and principle of a specific Great Dao] belonging to the Path of Self-Sacrifice was finally made whole, transforming into a brand new, fully realized Primordial Great Dao [one of the fundamental, supreme laws of the cosmos].

"They have succeeded."

Simultaneously, Eldrin Chen opened his eyes from deep meditation, a faint smile finally gracing his gaze.

The return of nine Grand Luo [practitioners at the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm] who walked the Path of Self-Sacrifice allowed this Path to step into its fully realized state. This also allowed Eldrin Chen to release a breath he had been holding for what felt like an eternity.

The Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation art centered on sacrifice and transcendence], having reached its Great Perfection stage, now wielded a power that was utterly extraordinary. As a Dao-Grasping [a supreme cultivator who has grasped the authority of a fundamental cosmic principle] who had mastered Dao Authority [the sovereign authority over a specific cosmic principle or 'Dao'], the strength possessed by Eldrin Chen was now beyond any past measure.

"Let me witness the true power of the Path of Self-Sacrifice," he murmured to himself.

With that thought, Eldrin Chen flicked his sleeve, channeling the profound power of his Dao-Grasping realm.

In that instant, an indescribable force began to coalesce within his palm.

As if in a dream, a phantom Immortal Domain [a celestial realm of an immortal] took shape in his grasp, around which ten eternally radiant Immortal Treasury [the foundational spiritual repositories of an immortal, often ten in number] slowly orbited.

"Is this... the Dao's Form?"

Gazing at the illusory Immortal Domain cradled in his hand, a gleam of understanding brightened Eldrin Chen's eyes.

The so-called Dao's Form was the primordial manifestation of a Great Dao [a fundamental cosmic principle or law]; as the name implied, it was the very 'shape of the Dao'.

It was often said that 'the Great Dao is formless,' a notion born from the Dao's omnipresence—something to be comprehended through insight, not seen with the eye. This was because ordinary cultivators and even Immortal [beings who have ascended to immortality] were deemed unworthy to gaze upon the Dao's true visage.

Yet, a true Dao-Grasping could directly perceive, touch, and ultimately command the very form of the Dao itself.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen was wielding the power of Dao-Grasping [the profound ability to perceive and manipulate the fundamental principles of existence], transforming the formless Dao [the ultimate, ineffable truth and principle underlying all reality] into a tangible manifestation, cradling it within the palm of his hand.

Dao-Grasping [the profound ability to perceive and manipulate the fundamental principles of existence] is, in essence, the mastery of Dao Authority [the sovereign right to command a specific aspect of the cosmic Dao]. Is it not, then, also the Dao Authority [the sovereign right to command a specific aspect of the cosmic Dao] held within one's own palm?

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly, then clenched his fist with sudden force. The Dao [the ultimate, ineffable truth and principle underlying all reality] within his palm instantly transformed into a surge of Dao Authority [the sovereign right to command a specific aspect of the cosmic Dao], merging with his very being.

In that fleeting instant, Eldrin Chen felt his power skyrocket, surpassing in a heartbeat the ultimate limits of the Grand Luo [the penultimate realm of cultivation, representing the peak of cosmic law and order] and finally shattering the barriers of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the perfected state within the Grand Luo realm, a pinnacle of immortal attainment]. He stepped into the ineffable domain of Primordial Unity [the legendary realm of cultivation representing the return to the undifferentiated, primordial state of oneness with the cosmos].

"So this... is the domain of Primordial Unity [the legendary realm of cultivation representing the return to the undifferentiated, primordial state of oneness with the cosmos]?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, allowing the immense, ancient Dao Authority [the sovereign right to command a specific aspect of the cosmic Dao] to fully suffuse him. With a single step, he pierced through the River of Time and Space [the metaphysical confluence where the streams of time and the fabric of space intertwine], traversing the ancient River of Time and Space [the metaphysical confluence where the streams of time and the fabric of space intertwine] across dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often ending in cataclysm and renewal].

When he finally halted his steps, he found himself billions of years in the past, within a boundless, ancient Chaos Celestial Domain [a primordial region of the cosmos where unformed chaos and celestial order intermingle].

There, adrift within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state preceding creation], floated a Grotto-Heaven [a self-contained pocket dimension or paradise, often a cultivator's sanctuary]. It stretched into infinity, vast and majestic. At its heart stood a palace constructed entirely of violet jade.

Eldrin Chen lifted his gaze. Above the palace entrance hung a plaque inscribed with three grand characters.

—Violet Ye Heaven.