Chapter 1935 : Forging the Divine Armor

With this foundation established, Eldrin Chen resumed his forging. He swiftly succeeded in crafting six sets of low-grade Great Encompassing Divine Armor.

Among these six sets of Great Encompassing Divine Armor, three were forged without integrating any divine bones, making their effects rather ordinary. The three that did incorporate divine bones were considered quite excellent. If a cultivator in the early Great Encompassing [the foundational stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] wore one, they would likely find no equal within their own realm.

Thereafter, Eldrin Chen consecutively succeeded in forging three sets of mid-grade Great Encompassing Divine Armor.

The efficacy of this mid-grade Great Encompassing Divine Armor was far superior. It not only possessed formidable defensive power but also boasted remarkable Mana Immunity [an ability to nullify a portion of magical energy attacks].

This was because the mid-grade Great Encompassing Divine Armor could perfectly integrate the Mana Immunity effect of the Chaos Limitless Great Path [a supreme divine ability embodying boundless chaos].

Although Eldrin Chen's Chaos Limitless Great Path was only at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage level, it could already nullify ninety percent of magical energy attacks from mid-stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal cultivators. It could even nullify roughly seventy percent of the spell attacks from a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, if Exquisite Jiang were to don this armor, she could likely hold her ground without defeat even against a Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

The final, high-grade Great Encompassing Divine Armor proved far more challenging to forge. Eldrin Chen spent a full three million years on it. He sequentially integrated nine pieces of Great Encompassing Adamantine [an incredibly hard, divine-grade metal] and the Great Encompassing Divine Bone [a divine-grade skeletal relic] of the Golden-Back Savage Bull King before finally succeeding in its creation.

The completed Great Encompassing Divine Armor was inscribed with the complete Chaos Limitless Great Path. It not only possessed an extremely potent Mana Immunity effect but also significantly enhanced its inherent defensive capabilities.

By Eldrin Chen's reckoning, any Great Encompassing Golden Immortal clad in this divine armor would be qualified to battle a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. At the very least, a Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal would find it exceedingly difficult to breach this divine armor and slay its wearer.

"This is a truly fine treasure [an object of great power and value]."

Gazing upon the Great Encompassing Divine Armor [a legendary suit of armor offering immense protection] before him, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a look of satisfaction.

For someone like him, who walks the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation method focused on forging an indestructible physical form], this Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a top-tier treasure born from the world's natural laws] merely added another layer of defense. Yet, for a Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a cultivator at the seventh stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] who follows the Path of Path Mastery [a cultivation method focused on comprehending and mastering the fundamental laws of existence], this was an invaluable life-preserving treasure whose worth was beyond estimation.

Even Eldrin Chen found himself momentarily unable to appraise the true value of this Great Encompassing Divine Armor.

"Should we trade it for Chaos Divine Material [a primordial ore of immense power, born from the chaos at the dawn of creation]?"

It was at this moment that Exquisite Jiang, standing beside him, spoke up and asked.

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell into a contemplative silence. His Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth [a mystical vase capable of containing and refining the primordial energies of creation] required two more portions of Primordial One Grade [pertaining to the highest grade of primordial materials] divine material to advance to the rank of a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the pinnacle grade of treasures born from natural law]. The value of such divine materials was astronomically high; only an item like this Great Encompassing Divine Armor might be sufficient to exchange for a single portion.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen pondered deeply for a long while before finally speaking. "It is worth considering. However, a single portion of Chaos Divine Material would not be enough. Let us observe the situation further before deciding."

With this thought, Eldrin Chen distributed the remaining nine suits of Great Encompassing Divine Armor among the members of the Chen Immortal Clan.

Three of the mid-grade Great Encompassing Divine Armor suits were given to Exquisite Jiang, Verdant Consort, and Nyssa Qu. The remaining lower-grade suits were bestowed upon Violet Consort Yan and the others.

The Reincarnation Body [a powerful duplicate body formed through reincarnation] also did not take these treasures. His Sacrificial Self Physique [a legendary body constitution forged through immense sacrifice] was even stronger than his main body's, making mid-to-low grade Great Encompassing Divine Armor [divine armor of immense protective power] rather useless to him.

After dealing with these treasures, Eldrin Chen was preparing to enter seclusion for cultivation when he noticed Nyssa Qu approaching with an excited air.

She handed a letter to Eldrin Chen and said, "A message has come from my elder sister. She requests our presence to discuss the matter of the Demon God Heartblood Pill [a supreme elixir refined from the heart's blood of a demon god]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen couldn't help but smile slightly. He then said to Exquisite Jiang, "It seems we have found an excellent buyer."

With those words, Eldrin Chen did not delay. He immediately took Nyssa Qu and traveled to the Seven-Colored Immortal Domain [a radiant realm bathed in seven hues of immortal light].

Within that Seven-Colored Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen met with Snow Soul Immortal Lord and Seven-Colored Immortal Lord.

Tens of millions of years had passed since their last meeting. Eldrin Chen observed that Snow Soul Immortal Lord's cultivation base was gradually Recovery [the process of restoring one's power and cultivation], though the pace was not particularly swift.

Her Path Mastery [the realm of mastering one's chosen Great Path] cultivation had Recovery to the third level of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm representing vast, all-encompassing power]. However, her physical body cultivation remained only at the Second Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal level.

This outcome was not entirely unexpected to Eldrin Chen.

When a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal is severed and later revives, both their Great Encompassing Physique [a physique embodying vast, all-encompassing power] and cultivation base initially manifest only at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage level. This is the maximum power the Innate Great Path [the fundamental, primordial laws of the cosmos] can accumulate and preserve for such a revival.

Thereafter, to restore one's cultivation, one must refine various types of Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [rare treasures of immense power and rarity] and other cultivation resources to regain one's strength.

For power does not arise from nothing. In the past, after being slain, all the fruits of one's cultivation were utterly lost.

Now, having revived and returned, though they have reforged their Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution of vast potential], they must still painstakingly rebuild their cultivation realms step by step.

Although rebuilding one's cultivation realms presents no bottlenecks—requiring no further integration of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a foundational spiritual light that grants innate indestructibility] to elevate one's foundation—and the speed of cultivation is exceedingly fast, the amount of cultivation resources required is by no means small.

This was precisely the case for Snow Soul Immortal Lord. That she could rebuild her cultivation to the third level of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme realm of immortal cultivation] within a mere few tens of millions of years was already a testament to the considerable wealth of the Immortal Clam Clan [a powerful clan of immortal clam spirits].

For Snow Soul Immortal Lord, the finest treasure for recovering her cultivation was none other than the Demon God Heartblood Pill [a potent elixir refined from the heart's blood of a demon god].

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, Snow Soul Immortal Lord could not help but ask, "Fellow Daoist, do you truly possess the Demon God Heartblood Pill?"

"Indeed, I do."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and produced seven Demon God Heartblood Pill.

Snow Soul Immortal Lord glanced at them, her heart leaping with joy, then turned her gaze towards the Seven-Colored Immortal Lord standing beside her.

"These seven Demon God Heartblood Pill [a potent elixir refined from the concentrated essence of a demon god's heart] can not only help Sister Snow Soul fully Recovery [restore] her cultivation base, but can even solidify her foundation completely, increasing her chances of a breakthrough to the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a profound stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]."

The moment she saw these seven Heartblood Pills, Seven-Colored Immortal Lord could not help but feel a surge of joy. She inquired eagerly, "This is precisely what I urgently need. What treasure do you seek in exchange?"

Without hesitation, Eldrin Chen came straight to the point. "I seek the Heaven Trigram Pure Energy [a primal energy of pure Yang aligned with the Heaven trigram] or the Earth Trigram Mother Energy [a primal energy of pure Yin aligned with the Earth trigram] of the Primordial One Grade [the Primordial One grade], or other Rare Spiritual Wonders [spiritual marvels] of a similar nature."

Upon hearing this, Seven-Colored Immortal Lord was momentarily taken aback, a trace of solemnity flickering across her expression.

After a moment of contemplation, she spoke. "Primordial Chaos spiritual materials are akin to Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [rare treasures of the Great Encompassing realm]. They are not Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures]; in principle, their value is roughly comparable to an Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure]."

"However, such treasures are exceedingly rare. I believe you understand their preciousness."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this, his expression turning grave.

The value of Primordial Chaos spiritual materials is indeed similar to that of a Supreme Grade Primordial Unity Rare Treasure [a Supreme Grade Primordial Unity Rare Treasure]. While they lack the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light], they possess at least twelve Great Path Divine Rune [Great Path Divine Runes], making them treasures of the Primordial One Imperial Lord [Primordial One Imperial Lord] level.

Such treasures cannot be nurtured within ordinary Great Encompassing Nest [Great Encompassing Nests]. They can only be born within Chaos Lair [Chaos Lairs] of the Primordial One Imperial Lord [Primordial One Imperial Lord] level, or within the depths of a Primordial Domain [Primordial Domain].

The Three Thousand Immortal Domains [Three Thousand Immortal Domains] are not lacking in Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [Great Encompassing Rare Treasures]. This is because when an Immortal Domain [Immortal Domain] ascends to become a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [Great Encompassing Golden Immortal], it gives birth to a vast quantity of such treasures. Similarly, Great Encompassing Chaos Lair [Great Encompassing Chaos Lairs] are also capable of nurturing them in great numbers.

An upper-grade Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortal laws] cannot ascend to become a Primordial One Immortal Domain [the highest grade of immortal realm, born from primordial chaos], and thus naturally lacks any channel to obtain such supreme treasures through the ascension of an Immortal Domain.

Consequently, these Primordial One Marvel [a treasure of the highest primordial grade] become exceedingly scarce. Only the Chaos Lair [a dangerous domain born from primordial chaos] of Primordial One Grade [the realm of a Primordial One Imperial Lord] can occasionally yield them, making each one a truly rare and priceless treasure.

In truth, treasures exceeding the grade of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator who has merged with a Primordial One Marvel] are all incredibly scarce within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation].

It is precisely for this reason that while many Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the peak of the Celestial Immortal realm] cultivators possess Innate Ancient Treasure [a powerful innate-grade artifact], and numerous Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived for eons] have refined Innate Spiritual Treasure [an even more powerful innate-grade artifact], it is exceedingly rare to hear of any Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal who has comprehended the Great Encompassing Dao] capable of refining a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the pinnacle of innate-grade spiritual treasures].

Such treasures are far too rare; the Primordial One Imperial Lord themselves do not have enough to go around. Even many Primordial One Imperial Lord who ascended more recently may not possess a single Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

This illustrates just how exceptionally rare and precious treasures of the Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure grade and above truly are.

Under these circumstances, for Eldrin Chen to demand not only Chaos Divine Material [a divine ore forged in primordial chaos] but also specifically request Heaven Trigram Pure Energy [the purest yang energy of the Heaven trigram] and Earth Trigram Mother Energy [the foundational yin energy of the Earth trigram] was truly asking for the impossible.

Just as Eldrin Chen was feeling somewhat helpless and considering giving up, the Seven-Colored Immortal Lord spoke up, "Very well. I still maintain some rapport with a few old friends among the Primordial One Imperial Lord."

"I shall make inquiries to see if such treasures can be procured."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a surge of joy. "My deepest thanks, Fellow Daoist," he said gratefully.

"This is only as it should be."

Seven-Colored Immortal Lord waved his hand dismissively and then spoke, "These seven Precious Pill of yours, their combined value exceeds fifteen strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a foundational spiritual light essential for forging indestructible treasures]."

"I shall not haggle over the price with you. If the matter is accomplished, let them be exchanged for a portion of mixed Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] material."

Eldrin Chen felt a surge of joy in his heart and immediately nodded, saying, "Then I shall trouble you with this."

Indeed, the Immortal Clam Clan lived up to its reputation as one of the most ancient lineages among the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [a collective term for various ancient spirit races]. Even in its decline, the network of connections left behind by this lineage remained extraordinary.

As Seven-Colored Immortal Lord personally dispatched letters, promising an exchange of equivalent mixed Primordial Spirit material, news soon returned.

Merely a few tens of thousands of years later, word came back.

"That Primal Shadow Imperial Lord is one of the Thirty-Six Divine Kings [a prestigious rank among the highest echelons of divine cultivators] of the Divine Clan, his cultivation having reached the Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage. It is within expectation that he possesses this Earth Trigram Mother Energy [a primordial energy embodying the nurturing essence of the Earth trigram, used in profound formations]."

On this day, Seven-Colored Immortal Lord placed a portion of Earth Trigram Mother Energy before Eldrin Chen, his expression calm as he spoke.

Eldrin Chen felt his heart leap with joy. He carefully received the Earth Trigram Mother Energy and said at once, "My thanks, Fellow Daoist."

"There is no need for such formality."

The Seven-Colored Immortal Lord shook his head slightly before speaking. "If you still have resources to exchange for Heaven Trigram Pure Energy, I suggest you attend the upcoming 'Primordial One Barter Convention'."

"Primordial One Barter Convention?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, a flicker of confusion crossing his features.

He was only aware that the Three Thousand Immortal Domains hosted a Great Encompassing Rank level Barter Convention once every Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle]. He had not known there was also a Primordial One Grade level Barter Convention.

The Seven-Colored Immortal Lord gave a slight nod and continued. "The so-called Primordial One Barter Convention is the most prestigious gathering of its kind within the Primordial Immortal Domain."

"Across the entire Three Thousand Immortal Domains, the number of Primordial One Imperial Lord does not exceed a few hundred. The vast majority of them are either wandering the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond ordered realms] or are in secluded cultivation, often not emerging for several Kalpa Tribulation."

"Because the number of participants in each Primordial One Barter Convention is so small, the convention within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains also permits Great Encompassing Golden Immortal to attend."

"However, only those at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection stage, or those who possess a letter of recommendation from a Primordial One Imperial Lord, are qualified to receive an invitation to a convention of this tier."

As the Seven-Colored Immortal Lord explained in detail, Eldrin Chen came to understand the significance of this Primordial One Barter Convention.

A Barter Convention [a formal gathering where cultivators trade rare treasures and resources] at the Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme realm of cultivation, one step below the legendary Path Ancestors] level is typically held once every three Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often spanning billions of years]. As most Primordial One Imperial Lord are either in seclusion or deep cultivation, the number of participants in such a convention rarely exceeds twenty.

Only the Centennial Tribulation Assembly, held once every ten billion years, can attract over a hundred Primordial One Imperial Lord.

In truth, due to the scarcity of participants and the unlikelihood of finding truly eye-catching treasures, the most powerful Primordial One Imperial Lord from across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms and worlds of the immortal cultivation universe] are generally not keen on attending conventions of this grade.

Those true powerhouses prefer to attend the Primordial One Grade [the highest grade of cultivation convention, reserved for the most supreme experts] Barter Convention jointly hosted by the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a coalition of seven powerful and ancient immortal domains].

It is usually only those in the early stages of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm who are willing to attend such gatherings, hoping to chance upon a supreme treasure from the hands of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a cultivator who has attained the Golden Immortal realm and comprehended the Great Encompassing Dao].

It is precisely for this reason that Great Encompassing Golden Immortal who possess a letter of recommendation from a Primordial One Imperial Lord, as well as those at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] stage, are also granted the qualification to participate.

At this point, Seven-Colored Immortal Lord paused briefly before continuing, "The next Barter Convention is in thirty million years. With your talent and foundation, you are widely acknowledged as having the potential to reach the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm. Obtaining a letter of recommendation should not be difficult for you."

"The Primordial One Imperial Lord within your Human Race Immortal Court [the supreme governing body and bastion of humanity across the immortal realms] would likely be more than willing to write one for you."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a measure of relief settle within him. He nodded and said, "I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Fellow Daoist."

"It was merely a word of advice, nothing to dwell upon."

The Seven-Colored Immortal Lord smiled, conversed with Eldrin Chen for a long while, and then finally saw him off from the Seven-Colored Immortal Domain.

Upon returning to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen recalled the Primordial One Barter Convention mentioned by the Seven-Colored Immortal Lord. After much deliberation, he decided to make a trip back to the Primordial Immortal Domain.

He ascended to the Immortal Court and arrived at Obsidian Abyss Heaven, where he had his Visiting Card [a formal card used to announce one's visit] presented.

Not long after, Worthy Path Chen came out and personally escorted Eldrin Chen into the depths of Obsidian Abyss Heaven.

Within the Obsidian Abyss Immortal Palace, after Eldrin Chen stated his purpose, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor said calmly, "A letter of recommendation for the Barter Convention [a grand gathering where cultivators trade rare treasures]? That is not difficult."

As he spoke, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor casually tossed a token to Eldrin Chen and added, "You may go and broaden your horizons. If you cannot find what you seek, I shall inquire with others on your behalf."

Eldrin Chen promptly smiled and cupped his hands in salute [a traditional gesture of respect], saying, "Many thanks for your esteemed favor, Senior. This junior will remember it well."

To be frank, a mere letter of recommendation was nothing significant; for the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, it was but a trivial matter requiring only a few strokes of his brush.

However, asking the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor to act on his behalf would incur a substantial favor. While he was not averse to owing such a figure a debt, the price of repaying it would undoubtedly be steep.

If he were to owe the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor a favor over some minor matter, not only would his debt grow, but it would also cause the Great Emperor to think less of him.

Seeing this, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor smiled faintly and then spoke, "In recent years, this Emperor has observed the Chaos Storm [a cataclysmic storm of primordial chaos] growing ever more violent. It seems a Chaos [the primordial state before creation] realm is nearing its final stage of gestation and will soon take form."

"Barring unforeseen circumstances, that Chaos realm will emerge into being within ten Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often billions of years]. During this period, a Burst [a sudden, violent eruption] of Chaos War [a cataclysmic conflict born from primordial chaos] is inevitable between the various Immortal Domain [realms governed by immortal powers] and the Chaos Demon God [demonic entities born from primordial chaos]. You must remember to exercise extreme caution."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a tremor in his heart. His expression turned utterly solemn as he replied, "I thank you for the warning, Senior."

Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor said nothing more, merely raising a hand to signal for Worthy Path Chen to see the guest out.

Once outside the Obsidian Abyss Immortal Palace, Eldrin Chen observed Worthy Path Chen. He noticed that his Second Son's aura had grown even more refined and condensed, though his cultivation base had fallen to the Early Celestial Immortal Realm [the initial stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm].

This was precisely what Eldrin Chen had anticipated, and a look of deep satisfaction crossed his face.

The Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme cultivation art focusing on nine cycles of refinement] places paramount importance on achieving the effect of nine successful revolutions. These so-called nine revolutions refer to consecutively dispersing one's cultivation and rebuilding it from scratch nine times.

Before breaking through to the Great Encompassing [a supreme cultivation realm of vast comprehension], each cycle of dispersing and rebuilding one's cultivation transforms the dissipated power into foundational reserves for the physical body.

With each successive cycle of complete dispersion and reconstruction, one's limits are shattered. It is said that after successfully completing seven revolutions, one can cultivate a True Spirit Physique [a physique embodying a primordial, true spirit]. If one can achieve the full nine revolutions, they can forge three True Spirit Divine Runes [divine symbols of primordial power].

With such a foundation upon stepping into the Great Encompassing Realm, the probability of later cultivating all nine True Spirit Divine Runes far surpasses that of ordinary practitioners of Fleshly Body Sanctification [arts focused on purifying and strengthening the physical form].

Worthy Path Chen had already undergone the process of Dissipating Cultivation [the act of voluntarily dispersing one's cultivation base to rebuild a stronger foundation] and reforging his foundation for the sixth time. His physical body had already reached the threshold of a half-step True Spirit Physique [a legendary physical constitution nearing perfection]. Even if he were to break through to the Great Encompassing Realm [the Great Encompassing Realm, a supreme cultivation stage] at this very moment, he would be considered a talent of legendary, world-shaking proportions.

One must understand that the legendary Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor of antiquity, after bitterly cultivating for dozens of Kalpa Tribulations [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] before his own breakthrough to Great Encompassing, had only managed to complete seven cycles of refinement.

"Your progress is quite satisfactory," Eldrin Chen remarked.

Observing Ethan Chen, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod before inquiring, "How many cycles of refinement are you confident you can achieve?"

"My master once said I could cultivate to the seventh cycle. Beyond that, the path becomes exceedingly treacherous, and success would depend entirely on my own destiny and fortune," Worthy Path Chen replied, his expression hardening with resolve as he continued, "This child wishes to cultivate to the ninth cycle, to step into the Great Encompassing Realm with a foundation of perfect, unblemished completion."

Eldrin Chen nodded once more and spoke, his tone measured, "The path of cultivation is not one where achievement comes solely from relentless, unyielding toil."

"Remember, the bowstring must be drawn and relaxed in turn for endurance on the long road. Balance is the key to longevity."

Upon hearing this, Worthy Path Chen seemed to gain a flicker of insight. "I understand," he said. "Father means that cultivation emphasizes personal experience and profound comprehension over mere accumulation of power."

"Understand my foot! You understand nothing!"

Eldrin Chen delivered a sharp rap on his skull with a knuckle and scolded angrily, "A whole Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years] without visiting your mother! You unfilial son, I'll beat you senseless!"

"Ah—!"

Worthy Path Chen wore a look of utter astonishment and hurriedly offered his apologies, "This child was wrong. I will return to see Mother tomorrow."

"Hmph." Eldrin Chen snorted coldly, then added, "Remember to bring Wonderful Sound. Your father-in-law hasn't seen his daughter for tens of millions of years either."