Chapter 1975 : Annihilation Across the River of Time

It was an entity beyond description, its true form never revealed. It merely wielded a blade that was neither quite a sword nor a knife—the Annihilation Blade—and brought it down in a single stroke.

Where it passed, the Great Dao [the fundamental principle underlying all reality] crumbled. Space-Time fractured, Samsara [the endless cycle of death and rebirth] shattered. All things met their Annihilation, everything was Annihilation into ashes.

The Future Self poured forth its full power to resist, yet in an instant, its entire defense was utterly dismantled by that single blow.

Eldrin Chen watched as the Future Self completely disintegrated, seemingly erased into nothingness. Immediately after, the entire ancient River of Time and Space was severed clean through by that strike.

At the final moment, Eldrin Chen saw the entire fabric of Space-Time begin to unravel. In the end, only a single Violet Seal shrouded in Primordial Chaos Aura [an aura of primeval, undifferentiated energy] remained. It was caught within the fragments of Space-Time and cast adrift, lost within the ancient River of Time and Space.

"This is…"

Only after what felt like an eternity did Eldrin Chen slowly awaken from the depths of Space-Time. He discovered he had already returned to the Abyssal Immortal Domain, countless hundreds of millions of years into his own future.

He drew a deep breath, his expression one of profound confusion. "Did the me from Weilai perish beneath that strike?"

"But the me from Weilai was already so immensely powerful. Why then would he defy the current of the River of Time and Space, traverse the fractures of Space-Time, to confront an invincible, forbidden existence?"

Eldrin Chen could not fathom the reason. Yet, in the end, he forcibly suppressed these swirling thoughts.

He understood his own nature all too well. The version of himself from Weilai [the future] would never undertake a meaningless endeavor, nor would he seek death without profound reason.

Since his future self had chosen this course, there must have been a compelling rationale behind it.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen ceased his pondering. He swiftly suppressed the injury at the corner of his mouth before letting out a slow, measured breath.

"How did it go?"

Seeing him return wounded, Lyra Jiang asked, her face etched with concern.

"It's nothing serious," Eldrin Chen shook his head, a trace of wry bitterness in his voice. "I sustained some injury while reviving Violet Ye. Later, I chanced upon a battle raging across Space-Time [the fabric of time and space itself] and was grazed by a mere wisp of its residual power, transmitted through the River of Time and Space."

"Fortunately, the era I was in was separated from that point in the Space-Time by an immense gulf of time, so the damage was not severe."

Only then did Lyra Jiang release a sigh of relief. She promptly fed Eldrin Chen several Healing Immortal Pill [pills of potent restorative power] before speaking. "The River of Time and Space is perilous and unpredictable. Within certain forbidden zones, there are even battles where Celestial Emperor [realm of a supreme sovereign cultivator] powerhouses clash across the spans of Space-Time."

"Though you now possess the combat prowess of an Emperor Lord, if you were to stumble into such a conflict, the risk of being grievously wounded and falling into a deep slumber is all too real."

As she spoke, Lyra Jiang continued, "Thankfully, within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, such cataclysmic wars are rare. As long as you avoid the specific era and location of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain's destruction, you should possess the means to safeguard yourself."

Eldrin Chen paused for a moment upon hearing this, a flicker of understanding seeming to dawn within him.

It appeared that his future self from Weilai had traveled upstream against the River of Time and Space for tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], to a time so ancient, and had clashed with the entity responsible for the destruction of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain.

But for what reason would he have dared to defy the currents of time and space to confront such an indescribable existence?

"Was it for the Chaos Cauldron, or was there another cause?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, yet the puzzle remained unsolved.

Noticing his expression, Lyra Jiang inquired, "What is it?"

"It is nothing," Eldrin Chen shook his head, then continued, "I did not witness the battle for the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain firsthand, but perhaps I have glimpsed the aftershocks of that conflict."

At this point, Eldrin Chen finally drew a deep breath and chose not to tell Lyra Jiang that his future self from Weilai would engage such a being.

After all, the entity behind the Annihilation Blade seemed to possess a power too vast and ineffable; speaking of it might inadvertently draw its attention.

For when one's cultivation realm reaches a certain level, they gain a certain sensitivity to matters pertaining to themselves.

Just like Eldrin Chen, within the boundless Multidimensional Space-Time of the Eight Great Immortal Domains, if someone were to call out his Dao title or true name, Eldrin Chen would sense it.

For beings of that level, the range of their perception would likely be even more astonishing; one might not even dare to think of them in one's heart.

Lyra Jiang did not possess a Primordial Scripture [a supreme cultivation scripture capable of veiling one's destiny from heavenly scrutiny] to veil the heavens, so if she were to learn of it, she could very well be detected.

"It must not be spoken, nor even thought of."

Eldrin Chen murmured, finally shaking his head at Lyra Jiang.

Lyra Jiang understood the implication and immediately refrained from asking further.

As the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly tribulation marking the end of a cosmic cycle] concluded, Daoxu Jiang and Frostwing Yan finally returned.

Unwilling to reveal their origins, Eldrin Chen did not have them appear publicly. Instead, he held a private Great Luo Immortal Banquet [a grand feast celebrating the ascension or major achievement of a Great Luo Golden Immortal] for them within their inner circle before once again entering seclusion to heal his wounds.

This period of recovery was not long, lasting merely several million years before Eldrin Chen had fully recovered from his injuries.

With his wounds healed, Eldrin Chen finally felt his comprehension of the Great Dao was sufficient, and he was ready to break through to the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal realm.

"The time has come to attempt the breakthrough," Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, his voice a low whisper in the sanctum's stillness.

With that resolve firm in his heart, Eldrin Chen immediately began his preparations to ascend to the realm of Late Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Ascending to Late Great Luo Golden Immortal typically required exceedingly rare resources. To forge the Great Dao [the fundamental, cosmic principle] foundation for the Mahayana [Great Vehicle] stage, one almost invariably needed the precious Great Dao Source Marrow [a primordial essence that serves as the foundational material for cultivating one's Great Dao].

However, Great Dao Source Marrow could only be produced within Chaos Nest [a rare, primordial pocket of unstable creation-energy] of Primordial Chaos Rank [the highest grade]. Consequently, it was exceedingly scarce within the Chaos [the formless, primordial expanse beyond ordered realms], and its value was astronomically high.

Eldrin Chen did not possess such a treasure in his current holdings. Yet, given the numerous rare wonders he had seized, acquiring it would not be difficult.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen turned to Lyra Jiang and inquired, "Where do you believe I should seek the Great Dao Source Marrow?"

Lyra Jiang offered a gentle smile before replying, "Given your current stature, husband, you need only approach any Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler who has mastered the power of Primordial Chaos] for a trade."

"In recent times," she continued, "many Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch have been eager to establish connections with you."

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, then recalled with a start how far he had come. He was no longer the cultivator of old.

Having mastered the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation art that focuses on transcending the self through sacrifice], he now stood among the ranks of Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch. Even the myriad sovereigns of that realm would now consider him an equal.

For an ordinary Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle of the Grand Luo cultivation realm], obtaining Great Dao Source Marrow [a primordial substance containing the essence of the Great Dao] was exceedingly difficult. Yet for the present self, acquiring Great Dao Source Marrow had become a matter of effortless ease.

"It seems one's station dictates the circles one moves in and the resources one can access," he mused.

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly. After reviewing the visitor information in his hand, he finally spoke with a light chuckle, "Since Departing Flame Emperor Lord [a powerful ruler who commands the Dao of departing flames] has personally invited me as a guest, it appears I should indeed meet with this senior."

Lyra Jiang also nodded gently, a smile gracing her lips as she said, "In my previous life, Departing Flame Emperor Lord was merely an obscure Grand Luo Golden Immortal."

"In these intervening years, as he has ascended to become a ruling Emperor Lord [a sovereign lord who has grasped a profound Dao], it was not fitting for me to engage with him. Now, however, it is indeed appropriate for you to establish contact with their kind."...

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a firm nod. Lyra Jiang's past incarnation had been a Quasi-Divine Emperor [a supreme being one step below a true Divine Emperor], but her current re-cultivation had only reached the Great Luo Realm.

To avoid the awkwardness of their reversed statuses, Lyra Jiang seldom interacted with acquaintances from her former life. Those old comrades, in turn, had tacitly refrained from seeking her out for reminiscence.

Now, with Eldrin Chen's combat prowess having stepped into the domain of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a monarch whose power rivals the primordial chaos itself], and as a Dao-Grasping [having fully comprehended and mastered a fundamental Dao] supreme sovereign who commanded his own Dao, his status and strength were sufficient to engage with those former acquaintances on equal footing. This fact greatly pleased Lyra Jiang.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen declared, "I shall meet with him then, and incidentally trade for some urgently needed resources."

So saying, Eldrin Chen hesitated no longer. He gathered a batch of resources including Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [treasures of the highest innate quality, born of heaven and earth] and Fiend God Heartblood Pill [elixirs refined from the vital heartblood of fiendish gods], then directly tore through the Chaos [the formless, primordial void between realms] to arrive just beyond the Departing Flame Immortal Domain.

At the very moment he arrived just beyond the borders of the Departing Flame Immortal Domain, the Departing Flame Emperor Lord instantly became aware of his presence. With a warm smile, he stepped forth and said, "So it is Fellow Daoist Eldrin himself who graces us with his presence. This is truly an honor for this humble one."

Eldrin Chen offered a slight smile in return, then clasped his hands in greeting. "Senior paid a personal visit some time ago. I was in secluded cultivation at the time and failed to receive you personally. I must beg your forgiveness."

"Please, hold!"

The Departing Flame Emperor Lord hastily waved his hands, speaking immediately. "Fellow Daoist, you are honored as a Progenitor of a Great Dao [a supreme master who has founded their own complete path of cultivation]. In the future, you may very well step into the Chaos Realm. Please, do not humble yourself before me."

"Let us treat each other as peers."

Only then did Eldrin Chen give a nod of assent, smiling as he replied, "Then I shall have the audacity to address the Emperor Lord as an equal."

"Hahaha!"

The Departing Flame Emperor Lord promptly rose and, with great courtesy, took Eldrin Chen by the sleeve, leading him into the heart of the Departing Flame Immortal Domain.

Within an immortal garden wreathed in ethereal mists, the Departing Flame Emperor Lord personally seated him opposite. At the same moment, several dozen peerless Immortal Consorts [celestial consorts and attendants of an immortal lord's court] glided forth. They began to dance gracefully amidst the immortal fog, performing a welcoming ceremony in honor of Eldrin Chen's arrival.

Eldrin Chen cast a glance and observed that each of these Immortal Consorts was a beauty of timeless grace. Their innate talent and cultivation base were considered supreme even among Ancient Immortals. The one leading the dance was none other than a Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

After the dance concluded, Departing Flame Emperor Lord could not help but ask, "How was it?"

"This leisurely time of yours, Emperor Lord, fills me with envy,"

Eldrin Chen smiled and replied calmly.

Departing Flame Emperor Lord shook his head, his tone even more envious. "Fellow Daoist, your Dao Companion is the reincarnation of Lunar Emperor Lord. That is what truly makes us envious."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a slight flicker in his gaze.

Seeing his reaction, Departing Flame Emperor Lord continued with a smile. "In the era of the Primordial Era, Lunar Emperor Lord possessed a grace and talent that eclipsed her generation. She was the foremost goddess of the Primordial Beginning Origin Domain, ranking first among the countless female immortals."

"Even within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, Lunar Emperor Lord was the peerless beauty ranked first on the Ranking of Grace and Talent, pursued by several existences of the Chaos Celestial Emperor level."

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, only then realizing Lyra Jiang had such a past.

Seeing this, Departing Flame Emperor Lord spoke again. "Alas, Lunar Emperor Lord had exceedingly high standards. She was, by heavenly decree, a destined Chaos Divine Emperor. How could she have looked favorably upon the pursuits of others?"

"There is even a legend that the Celestial Emperor of the Demon Race, having been spurned and shamed, resorted to a treacherous plot against her in his fury…"

Upon hearing him mention the Solar Celestial Emperor, a flicker of coldness passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes before he swiftly reined it in.

He did not believe that the Solar Celestial Emperor had acted solely out of spite from a failed pursuit of affection, though it might have been one contributing factor.

For beings who have cultivated to the realm of Grand Luo [a supreme state of cultivation] and beyond, human nature is not always a reliable bastion in the face of absolute profit; sentiments of the heart often pale in comparison.

If the Solar Celestial Emperor had intended from the very beginning to seize the Dao Authority [the authority and power over a fundamental Dao principle], then his so-called courtship was likely a calculated ruse all along.

Unwilling to dwell further on the Solar Celestial Emperor, Eldrin Chen spoke up, "Fellow Daoist, matters concerning such an exalted existence are best left undiscussed by the likes of us."

"Ah, my apologies for the indiscretion!"

Departing Flame Emperor Lord quickly laughed it off, then personally poured a pot of tea for Eldrin Chen, saying with warm enthusiasm, "Fellow Daoist, having perfected the creation of your own Great Dao, your future potential is surely boundless."

"Though I am but a few years your senior, would it be too presumptuous of me to call myself your elder brother?"

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, replying with a smile, "The Emperor Lord may address me as he pleases."

Departing Flame Emperor Lord nodded in return and then said, "To speak plainly, the reason for my personal visit last time was to seek your assistance with a certain matter."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly, as if a thought had occurred to him.

The Departing Flame Emperor Lord smiled and continued, "Within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain, that Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor remains a thorn in our sides. How about we join forces to eliminate him?"

Hearing this, a subtle shift passed through Eldrin Chen's gaze.

In truth, Eldrin Chen had anticipated Departing Flame Emperor Lord's request. The Emperor Lord's cultivation had stagnated at the Third Layer of Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord for several thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles].

If he could slay Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor, his great Dao adversary, his chances of breaking through to the mid-stage of Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch would increase dramatically.

However, Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor was no easy foe. With his current strength, Eldrin Chen dared not intervene lightly and thus remained silent.

Seeing this, the Departing Flame Emperor Lord spoke again, "If you, Fellow Daoist, ally with me, upon success, I shall gift you three Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest grade of treasures born from the primordial chaos]."

Eldrin Chen heard the offer but did not reply. While Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure were valuable, they were not indispensable treasures for a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

Eldrin Chen already possessed three such treasures himself, so he felt no urgent need for more.

Most crucially, the Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor occupies the Primordial Chaos Rank Chaos Nest known as the Ancient Plain of Departing Flames. Even disregarding his divine-demon physique and the Chaos Nest itself, the treasures in his possession are likely worth at least ten Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest tier of treasures born from the primal chaos] to begin with.

A mere three Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure were not worth Eldrin Chen intervening in such a conflict.

After a moment of contemplation, he thus spoke: "Your Excellency the Emperor Lord [a title for a supreme ruler in the cultivation world] should understand that although I have attained Dao-Grasping [the profound realm of comprehending the fundamental Dao], my cultivation base ultimately remains insufficient."

"Powerful enemies still encircle us now, so I dare not involve myself in a war of this magnitude."

"Furthermore, that Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor relies upon the Ancient Plain of Departing Flames. If he defends using a Primordial Grand Formation [an ancient and immensely powerful defensive array], even three to five Early Stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord [Emperor Lords at the initial stage of the Primordial Chaos realm] joining forces would likely find his defenses Unbreakable [an ability or state of being utterly impregnable]."

Having said this, Eldrin Chen finally shifted his tone once more: "It would be better, Fellow Daoist, to wait a while longer. When my cultivation advances a step further, reaching the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a monarch within the Primordial Chaos realm], perhaps then I might have some measure of confidence."

The Departing Flame Emperor Lord smiled upon hearing this and nodded in agreement. "Your words hold wisdom, Fellow Daoist. There is no harm in waiting a little longer."

In truth, the reason the Departing Flame Emperor Lord was inviting Eldrin Chen to act now was also to reduce the share of treasures he would have to part with.

But since Eldrin Chen intended to increase his strength before acting, the Emperor Lord was naturally willing to wait. At worst, it meant dividing more treasures later. As long as he obtained the Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor's Dao Authority [the authority and power over a specific aspect of the Dao], he would not suffer a loss.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke again: "By the way, my visit this time also has another purpose. I wish to exchange for some Great Dao Source Crystal [crystals containing the condensed source energy of the Great Dao, immensely valuable for cultivation]."

"Oh?"

Departing Flame Emperor Lord's gaze flickered with a subtle light, and then he said with a smile, "That is easily done. I still have ten portions of Great Dao Source Crystal [a primordial crystal containing the condensed essence of the Great Dao] in my possession. How about I allocate five of them to you, Fellow Daoist?"