Chapter 1937 : The Vase of Primordial Potential

With the Heaven Trigram Pure Energy and the Earth Trigram Mother Energy in hand, Eldrin Chen wasted no further time.

He proceeded directly into the heart of the Returning Abyss Forbidden Land, retrieved the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth along with the two strands of Mother Energy, and then respectfully summoned forth the Creation Cauldron. "I wish to advance this Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth," he stated. "I humbly request your assistance, Fellow Daoist."

The Creation Cauldron examined the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth and remarked, "A treasure of Heaven and Earth attributes. This artifact possesses a certain profound subtlety."

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with a hint of curiosity. "What do you mean, Senior?" he inquired.

"Artifacts imbued with the attributes of Heaven and Earth often harbor astonishing latent potential," the Creation Cauldron explained in a measured tone. "Consider my other half, the Heaven and Earth Cauldron—it is a supreme treasure of precisely this nature."

"This vessel of yours is a Primordial Chaos Spiritual Treasure. Should sufficient Opportunity and Fortune [auspicious circumstances and karmic luck] be gathered in the future, it may very well ascend to become a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a legendary artifact born from the primordial chaos]."

Upon hearing this, a wave of quiet elation washed over Eldrin Chen.

He knew well that advancing high-tier treasures was an arduous endeavor. Without ample Opportunity and Fortune and inherent potential, even obtaining Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative energy of chaos] was no guarantee of successfully forging a Chaos Spiritual Artifact.

The fact that this Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth held even a sliver of such potential was proof enough of its truly Extraordinary nature.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke again, "I beseech you, Senior, to purify its impurities and guide it towards a flawless ascension."

The Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of refining and creating artifacts] spoke no further, directly drawing the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth [a treasure vase that contains the primordial energies of the cosmos] into its depths to begin the refinement process.

Originally a Low-Grade Innate Treasure [a treasure born from the primal forces of the world], the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth had, in its quest to ascend to an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure of profound spiritual nature], been fused with several portions of Innate Rare Treasure [rare materials of innate origin] and Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [extremely rare treasures of cosmic rarity] by Eldrin Chen.

While these Rare Spiritual Wonders [wondrous objects of spiritual rarity] had enhanced the vase's fundamental material, they had also, imperceptibly, introduced impurities that were not in perfect harmony with its core nature.

Now, under the constant baptism of the Creation Cauldron's Creation Energy [the fundamental energy of creation itself], those discordant impurities were swiftly cleansed away.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen promptly channeled the Heaven Trigram Pure Energy [the pure, celestial energy of the Heaven trigram] and the Earth Trigram Mother Energy [the nurturing, foundational energy of the Earth trigram] into the cauldron, refining them into the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth to further fortify its substance.

As time flowed on, the impurities within the cauldron gradually vanished. The two streams of Primordial One Marvel [marvelous energies representing the primordial unity] also fully merged with the vase. Unnoticed at first, the material of the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth had successfully been elevated to a new level.

"It is nearly complete."

The Creation Cauldron gave a slight tremor and immediately turned its attention to Eldrin Chen.

Understanding its intent, Eldrin Chen immediately exhaled three strands of Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark [divine sparks embodying the indestructible nature of primordial chaos] and fused them into the vase, where they intertwined with its essence.

The Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth already contained nine such Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark. Now, with the infusion of three more, it finally underwent an intangible, profound metamorphosis.

Behold, twelve Great Path Divine Rune intertwined and ultimately fused into a single, flawless Embryonic Primordial One Great Path [the foundational, nascent form of a supreme cultivation path].

This sight filled Eldrin Chen's heart with considerable delight, a glimmer of joy flickering within the depths of his gaze.

Common Innate Spiritual Treasure [treasures born of heaven and earth, containing innate divine patterns] are categorized into three grades: inferior, medium, and superior. The Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the pinnacle grade of Innate Spiritual Treasures] stands above even these three, its distinction stemming from the fact that it contains an Embryonic Primordial One Great Path within.

Furthermore, among Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, there are two types: ordinary and top-tier. An ordinary Innate Spiritual Treasure of this supreme grade possesses twelve Great Path Divine Rune [divine symbols representing fragments of a Great Path's power], which coalesce into one Embryonic Primordial One Great Path. A top-tier one, however, boasts twenty-four Great Path Divine Rune, forming two such Embryonic Primordial One Great Path.

Between these two exist Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure with fifteen or eighteen Great Path Divine Rune. Yet, these offer no qualitative leap over the twelve-rune treasures; their power is merely ten to twenty percent greater. All are still considered ordinary Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

However, once a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure assimilates Innate Primordial Breath [the primordial, foundational energy of creation], it holds the potential to undergo a further metamorphosis into an Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure that transcends the very category of Innate Spiritual Treasures].

The fundamental reason an Innate Supreme Treasure is designated as such is because its essence has surpassed the very rank of Innate Spiritual Treasure.

A true Innate Supreme Treasure contains within it the imprint of a Perfect Innate Great Path [a complete and perfected innate cultivation path]. It almost always represents the authority over that specific Perfect Innate Great Path, acting as its physical vessel within the Mortal Dust [the mundane, mortal world].

A single Perfect Innate Great Path can typically imprint only one or two Innate Supreme Treasure. Even the most supreme Perfect Innate Great Path can, in theory, imprint no more than nine such treasures.

In this sense, the status of an Innate Supreme Treasure is nearly equivalent to that of a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to sagehood], a Quasi-Divine Sovereign [a being on the cusp of divine sovereignty], or a half-step Heavenly Emperor [one who has partially attained the title and power of a Heavenly Emperor], all of whom have mastered a Perfect Innate Great Path.

It is precisely for this reason that Innate Supreme Treasure [a primordial treasure born from the chaos of creation, possessing unparalleled power] is incomparably precious.

Throughout the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the vast cosmos containing three thousand immortal realms], the Human Race boasts the Five Directions Great Emperors [the five supreme emperors ruling the cardinal directions], the Divine Clan has nine Great God Emperors [sovereigns who have ascended to the pinnacle of divine cultivation], the Demon Race also possesses ten Demon Race Great Emperor [peerless demon sovereigns], and adding to these are the Patriarch of the top ten races among the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [the hundred races blessed with immortal spirit bloodlines]. All these beings exist at the level of Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord [the ultimate stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, where one's power is perfected].

Yet, among so many Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord, the number of supreme Great Emperor who possess an Innate Supreme Treasure barely exceeds a dozen.

Peerless Great Emperor like the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [the Great Emperor who rules the Obsidian Abyss], the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor [the ancient Thunder Crow who ascended to emperorship], and the Primordial Qilin Ancestor—all of whom wield an Innate Supreme Treasure—are beings who reign nearly invincible across the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm [the realm of the Primordial One Imperial Lords].

In truth, because Chaos Spiritual Artifact [artifacts forged from primordial chaos essence] are far too rare, among the several dozen Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors who rule over domains of chaos] within the Thirteen Domains of the Northern and Southern Heaven Abyss [the thirteen chaotic domains bordering the Northern and Southern Heaven Abyss], at least one-third wield weapons of this very Innate Supreme Treasure grade.

"Innate Supreme Treasure are exceedingly rare in this world. To obtain even one is to gain a weapon with which one can dominate the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the infinite, formless expanse of primordial chaos]."

"Beneath them, the Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest grade of treasures born from innate spiritual energy] can also be considered peerless ultimate treasures."

Eldrin Chen mused inwardly, a flicker of joy rising within him as he gazed upon the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth [a vase capable of containing and refining the primordial energies of heaven and earth].

With a resonant hum, the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth flew out. The Creation Cauldron [a cauldron with the power to forge creation itself], its aura somewhat weakened, spoke: "Without a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a sovereign lord of the primordial realm] to control it, relying solely on my own power to refine a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure is still somewhat taxing."

"You must break through to the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the late stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] as soon as possible. By then, your magical power will be comparable to that of a Primordial One Imperial Lord. When you next refine this Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth, it will be sufficient to elevate it into a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure inscribed with twenty-four Great Path Divine Rune [divine runes that embody the principles of the Great Dao]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of understanding.

The Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure contained within it the Primordial One Great Path [the supreme cultivation method of the Primordial Unity]. Relying solely on the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark [a divine spark embodying the indestructible nature of primordial chaos] to allow it to evolve and take form on its own was far too slow a process.

If Eldrin Chen possessed cultivation base at the level of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme realm lord of the Primordial Unity], then with the aid of the Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of forging creation itself], he would have the confidence to directly refine it into its final form.

Of course, the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth [a vase containing the primordial energies of heaven and earth], now inscribed with twelve Great Path Divine Rune [divine runes representing fundamental cosmic laws], was already more than sufficient for Eldrin Chen's current needs.

Eldrin Chen tested the vessel and discovered its wondrous applications had been vastly enhanced once more. The effects of its original several types of Innate Spiritual Water [spiritual waters born of innate nature] had all undergone a qualitative transformation, and it had also gained a new type of Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Water [the highest grade of innate spiritual water].

This water was named Primordial One Qiankun Water [Primordial Unity Heaven-Earth Water]. Its function was to assist Innate Ancient Tree [ancient trees of innate origin] in advancing to become Innate Spiritual Root [innate spiritual roots, sources of profound spiritual power], and it greatly increased the success rate of such advancement.

After testing, Eldrin Chen found that using the Primordial One Qiankun Water to accelerate the growth of the Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo [a golden bamboo embodying primordial unity] gave him an extremely high chance of promoting a top-grade specimen into Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo [Golden Bamboo of the Great Encompassing, a legendary spiritual material].

It had the same effect and function when used on the Soul Nourishing Wood [a rare wood that nourishes and strengthens the soul].

Furthermore, this Primordial One Qiankun Water could also accelerate the maturation of existing Innate Spiritual Root. In the future, he could attempt to continuously hasten the production of cultivation resources from spiritual roots like the Enlightenment Tea [a tea that grants flashes of enlightenment] and the Primordial Unity Golden Fruit Tree [a tree bearing golden fruits of primordial unity].

Of course, while the Primordial One Qiankun Water was profoundly mystical, its consumption cost had also increased significantly. To refine the Heaven-Earth Primordial Energy Water [Water of Heaven-Earth Primordial Energy], one not only needed vast amounts of cultivation resources but also a small quantity of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [Innate Indestructibility Spiritual Light, a luminous essence of unbreakable nature].

Eldrin Chen employed a strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial light of unbreakable essence], and was astonished to find it had only condensed three thousand droplets of Primordial One Qiankun Water [the foundational water of heaven and earth].

Fortunately, the Primordial One Qiankun Water was indeed extraordinary. A single droplet could increase the chance of a Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo [a rare spiritual bamboo] advancing to become a Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo [a supreme-grade spiritual bamboo] by thirty percent. Adding three droplets could raise the success rate to sixty or seventy percent, with diminishing returns thereafter.

Thus, Eldrin Chen first expended three hundred droplets of Heaven-Earth Primordial Energy Water [a spiritual water rich in primordial energy] to cultivate one hundred and eight stalks of Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo, which he then delivered to the entrance of Path Ruins Jiang's cultivation abode.

At that moment, Path Ruins Jiang was in deep meditation. Seeing Eldrin Chen deliver the Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo, he could not help but reveal a trace of astonishment.

He rose to his feet, gazing at the one hundred and eight stalks of Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo before him. His expression shifted repeatedly before finally settling into a sigh of admiration. "One hundred and eight stalks of Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo," he murmured, "and each one possesses a primordial essence perfectly aligned. They are excellent material for forging a Great Encompassing Sword Formation [a grand sword array of cosmic scale]."

Path Ruins Jiang stored away all the Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo. A wave of emotion washed over him, and he sighed, "With this Opportunity and Fortune [a stroke of destiny and good luck], there is finally a glimmer of hope for me to refine a True Spirit Treasure [a treasure imbued with a true spirit's essence]."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly and asked, "Grandfather, after all these years of secluded cultivation, do you have confidence in mastering a Sword Formation composed of one hundred and eight Innate Spiritual Treasure [treasures born of innate spiritual energy]?"

"After contemplating the Dao of Formations for several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning eons]," Path Ruins Jiang replied, a smile gracing his lips, "I have grasped a sliver of certainty."

Path Ruins Jiang spoke, and a genuine smile finally appeared on his face.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. Path Ruins Jiang possessed extraordinary talent, ranking among the top three peerless geniuses in the entire history of the Purple Seal Realm. He was the very architect who had created the Cosmic Stellar Formation [a formation harnessing the power of stars], a grand defense that had safeguarded the Purple Seal Realm for an entire era.

With such favorable conditions now in place, the hope of mastering the Cosmic Limitless Sword Formation [a legendary and immensely powerful sword formation technique] is naturally not insignificant.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "To cultivate one's own Cosmic Limitless Sword Formation, the most critical conditions boil down to two points."

"First, that these Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo Sword [a set of powerful flying swords] share the same root and origin. Second, lies in the compatibility between the sword master and them."

Hearing this, Path Ruins Jiang nodded slightly, a thoughtful crease appearing between his brows. "The first point is already accomplished. For the second, the best method would be to undergo a journey of Reincarnation [a perilous process of rebirth to shed one's mortal shell and attain a new form] after forging the Sword Formation."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. Without the Creation Cauldron [a supreme artifact capable of profound creation and transformation], undertaking Reincarnation would indeed be the optimal path.

However, the path of Reincarnation is fraught with peril. Should it cause the loss of the Scripture of Innate Primordial Breath [a foundational and invaluable cultivation manual], the cost would far outweigh the gain.

Now, with the Creation Cauldron presenting a superior alternative, Path Ruins Jiang need not risk the journey of Reincarnation. Pondering this, Eldrin Chen fell silent for a moment before speaking. "I possess a method that can perform a Foundation Reforging [a divine ability to fundamentally reshape one's cultivation foundation] for the Patriarch, achieving perfect compatibility with the Sword Formation."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Path Ruins Jiang was visibly pleased and immediately inquired, "If you can assist me in this, this old man would truly be blessed for three lifetimes."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. "There is no need to rush the Foundation Reforging. The Patriarch has not yet accumulated sufficient Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a rare and potent spiritual energy required for high-level cultivation processes]. We can speak of this matter again once enough has been gathered."

Speaking to this point, Eldrin Chen paused briefly before continuing, "My visit this time also concerns a matter I wish to discuss with you, Grandfather."

Path Ruins Jiang pondered for a moment, seemingly having anticipated this, and asked, "Is it regarding the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial spiritual radiance that grants unbreakable durability and is essential for high-level cultivation breakthroughs]?"

"Precisely."

Eldrin Chen nodded and explained, "Having cultivated the seven great True Spirit Foundation [a supreme foundational cultivation method] and stepped into the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal realm of the Great Encompassing stage], my primary cultivation paths now focus on the physical body, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], and Path Mastery [comprehension and embodiment of a chosen Dao]. These are supplemented by cultivation of the Path Fruit [the tangible manifestation and fruit of one's cultivated Dao] and the True Spirit Supreme Treasure [a peerless magical artifact born from and bound to one's True Spirit]."

"If I am to cultivate all these foundational aspects to their perfect, consummate state, the consumption of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light will be as vast as mountains and seas."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a trace of solemnity flickering in his eyes.

Path Ruins Jiang also nodded in understanding, for he was deeply familiar with Eldrin Chen's circumstances.

Calculating based on Eldrin Chen's foundation, just the four major pillars—the physical body, the Primordial Spirit, the Great Path [the supreme Dao one follows], and the Path Fruit—would require forty strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light to break through to the mid-stage of the Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]. Adding the eighteen strands needed for the True Spirit Treasure [a powerful magical treasure refined from one's True Spirit essence] brings the total to fifty-eight strands.

And to break through to the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, he would require twice that amount again.

Thus, even without accounting for various other cultivation resources and considering only these foundational pillars for advancement within the Great Encompassing Realm, Eldrin Chen alone would need close to two hundred strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light.

If we include the other eight Great Encompassing Golden Immortals of the Chen Clan, this shortfall becomes even more staggering. It is likely that a deficit of less than a thousand strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a pure, unbreakable spiritual radiance used for high-level cultivation and forging] would be impossible to cover.

Under such circumstances, Eldrin Chen knew he must prepare for cultivation resources well in advance.

Path Ruins Jiang understood this as well. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Although I can condense over a dozen strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light with each passing Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration], there is, nevertheless, a limit to the amount I can produce."

"Before breaking through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, I can only condense three thousand strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light in total. Considering I must also reserve a portion for refining Innate Primordial Breath [the most fundamental and potent form of cosmic energy], I estimate I can only spare three to five hundred strands."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this, fully comprehending Path Ruins Jiang's predicament.

Once Path Ruins Jiang successfully refines a set of Cosmic Stellar Sword Formation [a powerful sword array that harnesses the power of stars], the resources required for its future ascension into a set of Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures would be astronomically vast.

That endeavor alone would consume at least a thousand strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light. After deducting what is needed for refining Innate Primordial Breath and for his own cultivation, being able to offer three to five hundred strands was already remarkably generous.

After all, refining a single strand of Innate Primordial Breath required one hundred and eight strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light. As Innate Primordial Breath was an exceedingly rare strategic resource, it was imperative to refine one's full allotted quota.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen nodded and said, "With your promise, Grandfather, a significant portion of our troubles will be alleviated."

"And of course, Grandfather, please rest assured. We will not take these cultivation resources for nothing. In the future, we will trade various other cultivation resources with you in return."

Path Ruins Jiang [the revered Path Master Jiang] gave a slight nod, offering no further words.

He intended to refine and consecrate one hundred and eight Great Encompassing Immortal Sword [divine swords wielded by supreme immortals]. Even if each Immortal Sword consumed only a portion of resources like Great Encompassing Immortal Metal [a supreme-grade immortal metal], the cumulative expenditure would undoubtedly be staggering.

Although the value of these resources paled in comparison to the several hundred strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial, indestructible spiritual radiance] he was prepared to contribute, he already owed Eldrin Chen [the patriarch of the Chen Clan] various Karma [the cosmic law of cause and effect]. There was no need to quibble over minutiae.

Of course, all this was still far in the future. He had not yet broken through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal realm of the Great Encompassing stage] to condense the three thousand strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light characteristic of that realm. This would require at least a hundred Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration]. For now, this was merely a preliminary discussion between the two parties.

Naturally, he was unaware that Eldrin Chen planned to gift him a portion of Creation Origin [the primordial essence of creation itself]. Had he known, it is unlikely he could have remained so composed.

After settling this matter, Eldrin Chen played a few more games of chess with Path Ruins Jiang before returning to Returning Abyss Heaven [the celestial realm of the Returning Abyss]. There, he began the work of nurturing the other Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [supreme and exceedingly rare treasures].

First, he expended one thousand drops of Primordial One Qiankun Water [primordial water embodying the unity of Heaven and Earth] to cultivate three hundred stalks of Great Encompassing Soul Nourishing Wood [a supreme-grade spiritual wood that nourishes the soul]. He then distributed thirty stalks to each Great Encompassing Golden Immortal within his clan.

A single stalk of Great Encompassing Soul Nourishing Wood was potent enough to increase the Primordial Spirit [the foundational spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation of an ordinary Great Encompassing Golden Immortal by several Kalpa Tribulation. Even though the members of the Chen Immortal Clan [the Chen Clan of Immortals] possessed deeper foundations, it could still advance their Primordial Spirit cultivation by one full Kalpa Tribulation.

With this batch of Great Encompassing Soul Nourishing Wood, the members of the Chen Immortal Clan would face no shortage of resources for Primordial Spirit cultivation until they reached at least the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage [the Mid Stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm].

Having attended to this, Eldrin Chen journeyed once more to the Chaos Heavenly Domain [a primordial domain of chaotic energies]. There, he used his power to accelerate the growth cycle of the Indestructibility Golden Fruit Tree [a divine tree bearing golden fruits of indestructibility] nine times in succession.

This Indestructibility Golden Fruit Tree [a legendary tree bearing fruits that grant unyielding vitality] was merely a low-grade Innate Spiritual Root [a naturally occurring spiritual plant root], capable of producing only three Indestructibility Golden Fruit [golden fruits that fortify the body with enduring strength] per harvest. Thus, after nine accelerated growth cycles, a total of twenty-seven Indestructibility Golden Fruit were obtained.

Considering the Chen Immortal Clan [the Chen family of immortal cultivators] had ten Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [Golden Immortals who have mastered the Great Encompassing realm] and each Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often billions of years] required thirty Indestructibility Golden Fruit for cultivation, this batch of fruits, combined with previous stores, was more than sufficient to sustain the clan's cultivation needs for over one entire Kalpa Tribulation.

An Innate Spiritual Root could be accelerated nine times per Kalpa Tribulation, allowing for another harvest in the next cycle. This output was just enough to barely meet the cultivation demands of the Chen Clan members.

With these resources secured, Eldrin Chen felt the immense pressure on his cultivation path lessen considerably.

He saw no need for further frugality. Distributing the Indestructibility Golden Fruit among the clan, he immediately began refining them to temper his physical body.

The potency of the Indestructibility Golden Fruit proved extraordinary. After refining just one fruit, Eldrin Chen felt his physical foundation strengthen by nearly ten percent. At this rate, refining ten fruits would allow him to reach the third and perfect stage of the Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution embodying boundless resilience].

However, after consecutively refining three Indestructibility Golden Fruit, Eldrin Chen sensed a slight instability forming in his foundation. He promptly halted further refinement.

Thus, in the ensuing ages, Eldrin Chen embarked on a deeper, more profound seclusion. He tempered his body with various Divine Ability [supernatural powers granted by high-level cultivation] and secret techniques while simultaneously refining resources like the Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir refined through ten cycles of heavenly fire].

Millions of years later, Eldrin Chen was suddenly jolted from his deep meditation. His first action was to seek out Eastern Sovereign Patriarch.

The reason was this: ever since acquiring the Immortality Adamantine [a mythical, nearly indestructible metal] vein, Energy Abyss Chen had refined vast quantities of the ore, including significant amounts of Great Encompassing Adamantine [a supreme grade of the mythical metal]. His physical body had finally transcended the limits of the Mortal Realm [the plane of existence for ordinary beings] and achieved the legendary True Spirit Physique [a physical form rivaling that of primordial divine beings].

Energy Abyss Chen's True Spirit Physique was named the Immortality Body [a physique that grants near-eternal life and resilience]. It possessed all the characteristics of Immortality Adamantine [an incredibly durable, life-infused metal], and had ascended to an even higher level.

This Immortality Body had also given birth to a True Spirit Divine Runes [innate divine patterns that grant supreme abilities] known as 'Indestructibility Golden Body' [a divine rune that renders the physical form nearly unbreakable]. This particular True Spirit Divine Runes was as renowned as 'Mana Immunity' [a divine rune that grants immunity to magical energy attacks] and was hailed as one of the most formidable defensive True Spirit Divine Runes, second only to the four ultimate True Spirit Divine Runes.

Having cultivated both the True Spirit Physique and the Indestructibility Golden Body, Energy Abyss Chen was virtually immune to physical harm. The combat prowess of his physical body had reached a level that was truly terrifying.

"With a True Spirit Physique augmented by a True Spirit Divine Runes, the Patriarch's foundation can rival that of a dual True Spirit Foundation [a cultivation base built upon two supreme spiritual foundations]," someone remarked.

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a note of admiration in his voice. "Because of the existence of the 'Indestructibility Golden Body' True Spirit Divine Runes, your practical combat strength likely ranks among the very top even within the realm of dual True Spirit Foundation cultivators. It might even be comparable to a Three True Spirit Foundations [a legendary cultivation base built upon three supreme spiritual foundations]."

The Eastern Sovereign Patriarch smiled faintly, then shook his head. "A pity we have not located a Mithril Vein [a deposit of the legendary, magic-conductive metal mithril]. If we could find a sufficiently vast one, I am confident I could cultivate the True Spirit Divine Runes 'Mana Immunity' as well."

"At that time, my power would undergo a qualitative leap."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. "Then, after you have consolidated your cultivation, we shall venture once more into the Depths of Chaos [a primordial, unstable region between realms]," he stated.

"Once we locate a suitable Mithril Vein, we will find an opportunity to seize it."

Energy Abyss Chen nodded in agreement. "There is no need to rush this matter. I can use the time to further temper and refine my foundation," he said.

Eldrin Chen shook his head and spoke gravely, "In recent years, the atmosphere within the Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all creation emerged] has grown increasingly tense. Many Path Domain [vast territories governed by a specific cultivation philosophy or lineage] have already descended into open warfare."

"Our Human Race in the Eastern Departure Flame Domain [a specific region within the Chaos] have also had numerous violent clashes with the Chaos Demon Gods [primordial demons born from the Chaos] under the command of Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor. A full-scale war is very likely to erupt."

"Once the war breaks out, I fear we will be unable to extricate ourselves to assist you."

Hearing this, Energy Abyss Chen furrowed his brow slightly.

A Chaos War [a cataclysmic conflict fought within the primordial Chaos] at the Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme level of cultivation] level was no trivial matter. Such a conflict could rage for several Kalpa Tribulations [cosmic cycles of immense duration], and not even a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a pinnacle immortal cultivator] could remain aloof from it.

By that time, Eldrin Chen truly might not be able to spare the effort to handle this matter.

Contemplating this, Energy Abyss Chen nodded. "If that is the case, then after I consolidate my cultivation for a short while, I shall venture into the Depths of Chaos [the most perilous and untamed regions of the primordial Chaos] to see for myself."

Leaving Energy Abyss Chen's abode, Eldrin Chen returned to his own. Exquisite Jiang, upon seeing him, inquired, "How did it go? Is there still time?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head, a trace of concern in his voice. "From the intelligence I have received, the Chaos Demon Gods in the Eastern Departure Flame Domain have already begun preparing for war."

"Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Chaos War in the Eastern Departure Flame Domain will fully erupt at the earliest in thirty million years, or at the latest, after this current Kalpa Tribulation concludes."

"Before that, we must possess a certain degree of self-preservation capability."

Beside him, Nyssa Qu's expression shifted slightly, and she couldn't help but look towards Eldrin Chen and ask, "What did Blazeflame Imperial Lord say on his end?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his expression turning grave as he replied, "He has already issued the decree, ordering us to marshal our forces and prepare for war. Once the conflict Burst forth, we must immediately march to the battlefield."

Speaking of this, Eldrin Chen's countenance remained somewhat heavy.

The opening act of this Chaos War had arrived more abruptly than he had anticipated. Had it been delayed by another one or two Kalpa Tribulation, allowing Eldrin Chen's cultivation to break through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage, facing the Chaos War would undoubtedly have been far easier.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke, "I intend to refine the Great Encompassing Immortal Pill to further elevate my physical cultivation. I will strive to see if I can, with my Great Encompassing Physique, break through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage before the war descends upon us."

"You all must not be sparing with resources either. Spare no expense in focusing solely on elevating your cultivation."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded, each face revealing a trace of solemnity.

With these words, everyone ceased hoarding their resources and began utilizing treasures like the Great Encompassing Immortal Pill, which they had originally reserved for use during the mid-stage of Great Encompassing cultivation.

With these resources at their disposal, the members of the Chen Immortal Clan began to achieve breakthroughs in their cultivation one after another.

The path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation art focused on refining the physical body to an indestructible state] has always been one that can be rapidly advanced with sufficient resources. After the members of the Chen Immortal Clan refined three Great Encompassing Immortal Pill [a supreme-grade pill that nourishes the Great Encompassing Physique] and the Indestructibility Golden Fruit [a legendary spiritual fruit that grants immense vitality and resilience to the physical form], their Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution known for its boundless resilience and strength] all began to show signs of a breakthrough.

The first and second layers of the Great Encompassing Physique did not consume an excessive amount of resources. Furthermore, the resource expenditure of the others could not compare to that of Eldrin Chen, so their progress was still remarkably swift.

Merely ten million years later, as the three Indestructibility Golden Fruit and the Great Encompassing Immortal Pill were fully refined, nearly all ten Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the cultivation realm of a Golden Immortal who has mastered the Great Encompassing Dao] of the Chen Immortal Clan had cultivated their Great Encompassing Physique to the third layer.

Even those who had achieved the Dao later had already cultivated the Great Encompassing Physique to the second layer.

Unfortunately, as they did not cultivate the Bloodline Divine Ability [an innate supernatural power passed down through a bloodline] of the Fleshly Body Sanctification lineage and only practiced the Great Encompassing Physique as a supplementary art, even achieving the third layer did not grant them a significant boost in overall combat power, merely increasing their battle prowess by about ten percent.

The only notable improvement was a considerable increase in their ability to preserve their lives.

Relying on the second or third layer Great Encompassing Physique, coupled with the protection of their Great Encompassing Divine Armor [divine armor forged with the essence of the Great Encompassing Dao], they now possessed a sliver of self-preservation capability when facing a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Eldrin Chen's own cultivation progress was also steady. After refining three Great Encompassing Immortal Pill, the accumulation for his Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique born from Primordial Chaos, granting near-absolute indestructibility] increased by another thirty percent, reaching eighty percent completion.

The remaining deficit would require approximately four hundred thousand Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [a high-grade immortal pill refined through ten cycles of alchemical revolution] or three more Great Encompassing Immortal Pill to fill.

However, there is a limit to how many Great Encompassing Immortal Pill one can refine per Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often associated with great tribulations], and consuming Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill also requires continuous refinement over a significant period of time.

During this period of waiting for Eldrin Chen, more than twenty million years passed in the blink of an eye. Then, one day, an imperial decree from an Imperial Lord arrived from the Depths of Chaos.

Eldrin Chen immediately summoned the Great Encompassing experts of the Chen Immortal Clan. He passed the Imperial Lord's decree to them, his expression turning profoundly grave as he spoke.

"Esteemed colleagues, it has arrived even faster than we anticipated. The Chaos War we foresaw has finally Burst forth."