Chapter 1979 : The Longest Seclusion

Returning to the main narrative, after mastering the Grasping Hand of Primordial Chaos, Eldrin Chen continued his cultivation of various divine abilities.

Approximately thirty million years later, he finally perfected the Primordial Chaos Divine Thunder to its Great Completion stage. After another twenty million years, he cultivated the Five-Colored Divine Light to its Great Perfection realm.

By the time Eldrin Chen had cultivated the Great Deduction of Yin-Yang and Stars to its Great Completion stage, he realized the next Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial marking the end of a cosmic cycle] was once again drawing near.

"Time flows with relentless swiftness," he murmured.

Having perfected four divine abilities to their Great Completion stage, Eldrin Chen could not help but sigh at the fleeting passage of the years.

In truth, a single seclusion lasting one Kalpa Tribulation cycle was not considered particularly lengthy for a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the pinnacle of the Grand Luo realm]. It was common for many Grand Luo Golden Immortal to enter seclusion for several Kalpa Tribulation cycles in order to comprehend a single profound divine ability or secret art.

By comparison, Eldrin Chen's achievement of mastering four divine abilities to their Great Completion stage within a single Kalpa Tribulation cycle could already be hailed as a divinely rapid advancement.

Yet, for Eldrin Chen himself, this single seclusion spanning an entire Kalpa Tribulation cycle marked the longest period of closed-door cultivation in his entire life thus far.

Of course, even after perfecting these four divine abilities, Eldrin Chen had no intention of emerging from seclusion. He merely continued his profound cultivation within the depths of his cave abode.

As for this ninth Kalpa Tribulation, neither the Chen Immortal Clan nor the Abyssal Immortal Alliance had any Great Luo True Seed [a prodigy destined for the Grand Luo realm] destined to undergo this tribulation.

Even after the multitude had embarked upon the Path of Self-Sacrifice, Eldrin Chen still discerned numerous imperfections within the art. The path to cultivating the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries proved vastly more arduous and formidable than achieving the Nine Heavenly Passes.

The fundamental reason why individuals like Daoxu Jiang and Alaric Lu succeeded in forging their Indestructible Immortal Treasury lay in the exhaustive nurturing provided by the Creation Cauldron and Eldrin Chen himself, coupled with the empowerment of various rare and extraordinary Opportunity [a fortuitous encounter or resource that significantly advances cultivation].

However, this held little universal applicability. For ordinary Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has lived through immense spans of time], not only was forging an Indestructible Immortal Treasury beyond reach, even the mere transformation of a Divine Treasury [the divine-level foundation stage] into an Immortal Treasury [the immortal-level foundation stage]—achieving a Nine-Limit Immortal Treasury comparable to a Nine-Limit Foundation—was a task as difficult as scaling the heavens.

And beyond the Nine-Limit, to tread the path of the Ten-Limit Immortal Treasury, let alone the Eleven-Limit Indestructible Immortal Treasury, was nearly impossible to accomplish through conventional means of cultivation.

Therefore, what Eldrin Chen currently required was a greater number of subjects—individuals to continually probe the limits of the Path of Self-Sacrifice and the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries. Only then could he devise methods to break through the inherent constraints of the Path of Self-Sacrifice.

In truth, with these several dozen Path of Self-Sacrifice practitioners who had reached the Immortal Treasury Realm as his subjects, Eldrin Chen was able to meticulously refine and perfect the art, gradually solidifying the cultivation path of the Immortal Treasury Realm.

Naturally, the corresponding trade-off was the exceedingly slow cultivation speed of these Path of Self-Sacrifice Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality]. The vast majority would likely require dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal, often spanning eons] before they might possibly complete the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries.

By Eldrin Chen's estimation, aside from a select few like Silas Chen, the others would need at least thirty Kalpa Tribulation to cultivate the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries and touch the threshold required to assault the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortality].

With no one from the Chen Immortal Clan entering this tribulation, the current Kalpa Tribulation unfolded in a rare and profound stillness.

Throughout the entire Three Thousand Immortal Domains, only about one hundred and ten Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [ancients who have survived eight kalpa tribulations] entered this conflict. Perhaps because the strife was not fierce enough, not a single one ultimately succeeded in proving their Dao and attaining the Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

Regarding this, Eldrin Chen merely paid it a modicum of attention before continuing his secluded cultivation.

He remained utterly detached from worldly affairs, immersing himself in secluded cultivation for over eighty million years more. One by one, he perfected the Primordial Chaos Soldier Derivation Art [a divine art for conjuring soldiers from primordial chaos], the Yin-Yang Sacrificial Dao [a profound art of sacrifice based on the principles of Yin and Yang], the Years Like a Song Blade [a blade technique where time flows like a melody], and the Boundless Cosmos Sword [a sword art embodying the limitless cosmos], achieving mastery in each. Only then did he conclude this immensely prolonged period of seclusion.

"All Eight Innate Divine Abilities [the eight supreme innate powers] have now reached the pinnacle of mastery. The time has come to emerge."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly as he emerged once more from his cultivation chamber. He then discovered that Lyra Jiang's cultivation had also advanced significantly, having broken through to the Sixth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal [the sixth layer of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, a supreme stage of immortality] realm.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, Lyra Jiang could not help but ask, "What were the fruits of this seclusion?"

"My wishes have been fulfilled."

Eldrin Chen replied, yet a flicker of gravity entered his gaze as he continued, "Recently, I performed a divination. It revealed that the Celestial Emperor's Treasury [the legendary vault of the Celestial Emperor] is destined to emerge into the world during the next Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal]."

"To emerge in the next Kalpa Tribulation..."

Lyra Jiang's expression shifted, and she drew a deep breath before saying, "Your Great Dao Adversary [fated nemeses on the path of the Great Dao] are secretly plotting against you. If you participate in this Celestial Emperor's Treasury Opportunity [a chance for immense advancement], you will likely walk straight into their ambush."

"Yet, this journey to the Celestial Emperor's Treasury is one I am now irrevocably committed to undertaking."

Eldrin Chen spoke, his expression calm and measured.

At this point, Eldrin Chen continued, "In recent years, I have felt the accumulation of my physical body and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] gradually reaching completion. It seems that in the near future, I should be able to achieve a breakthrough in both foundational pillars to the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [the late stage of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle of cultivation]."

Only then did Lyra Jiang let out a slight sigh of relief, though a trace of worry remained in her voice. "Your physical body is far too formidable. To break through to the Great Luo Late Stage [the late stage of the Great Luo realm] would require cultivation resources of immense rarity and vast quantity."

"I fear that treasures of the Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest grade of treasures born from innate spiritual energy] level would still be insufficient for your breakthrough."

Eldrin Chen nodded with a hint of helplessness. His physical constitution was indeed excessively powerful, consuming resources several times greater than a typical Great Luo Body [a physical body cultivated to the Great Luo realm]. To ascend to the Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal [the seventh layer of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm], ordinary resources would undoubtedly fall short.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen mused thoughtfully, "The Black Abyss Great Emperor follows the path of Sainthood through the Flesh [a cultivation doctrine focused on achieving divinity through physical perfection]. I am certain he possesses suitable resources. I intend to offer a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure born from innate spiritual energy] in exchange."

"Agreed."

Lyra Jiang gave a slight nod of assent and then added, "The Grand Nether Emperor Lord cultivates the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a profound state of spiritual cultivation focusing on the True Spirit]. In terms of Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation alone, his prowess ranks among the top three within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of immortals]. You could also seek a rare treasure from him."

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen acknowledged with a nod, deciding not to waste any more time.

He traversed the Chaos without delay, arriving within the Black Abyss Heaven of the Primordial Immortal Domain.

This time, it was still Xander Chen who received Eldrin Chen. Eldrin Chen took a rare, deliberate moment to appraise Xander Chen, a glimmer of satisfaction appearing in his eyes.

"The True Spirit Physique [a supreme foundational constitution forged through profound cultivation arts]. You have done well."

It turned out that over these years, Xander Chen had been cultivating the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a legendary body-tempering technique of nine progressive refinements] under the guidance of the Black Abyss Great Emperor. Through relentless arduous cultivation, he had finally achieved the Seventh Revolution.

Reaching the Seventh Revolution of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art allowed one to forge the True Spirit Physique, which had vastly augmented Xander Chen's foundational depth and latent potential.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke with evident satisfaction, "When did you complete the Seventh Revolution?"

"Not long ago."

Xander Chen replied with a smile, "I was planning to return home in a few days to visit and give you a pleasant surprise. I did not expect you to come to the Black Abyss Heaven first."

Eldrin Chen nodded, patting his shoulder. "After I meet with the Black Abyss Great Emperor, return with me to the Abyssal Immortal Domain."

Xander Chen gave a slight nod, a genuine smile lighting up his gaze.

He vividly recalled his father's words from years past: once he achieved the Seventh Revolution [the seventh major breakthrough in a cultivation technique], he was to seek him out. At that time, Eldrin Chen would grant him an Opportunity that might aid him in reaching the Eighth Revolution.

On their way to meet Black Abyss Great Emperor, father and son conversed for a time. Unnoticed, they arrived within the halls of the Black Abyss Imperial Palace.

Upon the great hall's dais, Black Abyss Great Emperor stood, ever clad in his black-and-gold war armor, his countenance an unyielding mask of eternal calm. Yet, as his gaze fell upon Eldrin Chen, a faint ripple stirred within its depths.

He studied Eldrin Chen intently before finally speaking. "To forge the Chaos Limitless Great Dao from the five Great Daos of Pure Yang, Profound Nether, Source Earth, Chaos Metal, and Life... and from that Dao, to cultivate the Chaos Indestructible Physique."

"The potential of this Great Luo Body of yours is nearly boundless. No wonder you were unwilling to abandon the pursuit of those five Daos, despite their near-impossible difficulty."

Eldrin Chen sighed inwardly. For Black Abyss Great Emperor to see through his foundations with a single glance was a testament to his status as one of the Human Race's mightiest pillars, a true titan upholding the heavens.

He released a soft sigh and spoke candidly. "To be frank, while this Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body is formidable, its resource consumption is staggering. Advancing to the seventh layer of the Great Luo Body is an endeavor of immense difficulty."

"Such is the nature of the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification," came the reply. "Greater consumption often signifies greater power."

Black Abyss Great Emperor offered a rare smile, then shook his head. "Since ancient times, those who have broken through to the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor via Sainthood through the Flesh have, at equivalent stages, likely consumed resources no less vast than yours."

A flicker of understanding passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes, a subtle dawn of comprehension within his heart.

Indeed, his Chaos Indestructible Body [a legendary physique said to be unbreakable by forces of the same cultivation level] may seem peerless within the same realm, but figures like Ant Celestial Emperor and Black Abyss Great Emperor likely consumed resources in their time that were no less vast than his own at comparable stages.

Consider this: Ant Celestial Emperor ascended to the Chaos Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of the primordial Chaos Realm] relying solely on the power of his physical body, and at the same cultivation level, he could even fight one against three. How astonishingly powerful must that physical form have been?

And those who cultivated the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme body-tempering technique involving nine cycles of refinement] to the eighth or even the ninth revolution—wouldn't their physical bodies also be sufficient to suppress all foes within the same realm?

Unless Eldrin Chen could cultivate at least one Ultimate Divine Rune [a supreme sigil of power that grants unparalleled mastery], his Chaos Indestructible Body might not hold a significant advantage in terms of pure physical strength and combat prowess compared to such beings.

"The four great Ultimate Divine Rune; mastering even one grants peerless might within one's realm, allowing one to roam the Chaos Realm [the primordial realm of formless energy and potential] with few equals."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a ripple of contemplation stirring in the depths of his gaze.

At that moment, Black Abyss Great Emperor spoke again, "Your physical body has reached its current limit. To continue your breakthrough, ordinary resources are now useless."

"You have come to me now, most likely seeking the method for this next leap?"

Eldrin Chen gathered his wandering thoughts and promptly cupped his hands in respect. "That is indeed the case."

Black Abyss Great Emperor gave a slight nod and tossed a jade case to Eldrin Chen. "Within this case is a single Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill [an elixir refined from the essence of the primordial Chaos, capable of catalyzing profound breakthroughs]. It should be sufficient for you to complete your ascension."

"Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir refined from the flesh and blood essence of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch]."

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly. The so-called Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill was a supreme treasure pill refined from the flesh and blood essence of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

Such an immortal pill possessed unparalleled medicinal potency, capable of enhancing even the physical cultivation of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch to a certain degree. A treasure of such staggering power was comparable in value to a twelve-patterned Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

The fact that Black Abyss Great Emperor could produce one suggested he had likely slain a Primordial Unity Emperor Lord Level Chaotic Fiendgod.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen took a deep breath and produced the Longevity Ancient Seal, the Great Roc Golden Wing Slash, and the Violet Dawn Solar Pearl. "Your Majesty may choose one of these three treasures in exchange," he said.

Surveying the three treasures, Black Abyss Great Emperor smiled faintly and casually selected the Longevity Ancient Seal. "This artifact is a supreme treasure for healing wounds. If it could Ascension into a four-patterned or higher Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo, it would hold some use even for this Emperor," he remarked.

"To acquire this through trade is no loss for this Emperor."

Eldrin Chen, however, understood that Black Abyss Great Emperor was showing him consideration. A twelve-patterned Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure was leagues away from a four-patterned Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo, and even if it succeeded in Ascension, its utility to the Black Abyss Great Emperor would be limited.

At the very least, Eldrin Chen did not believe that someone of Black Abyss Great Emperor's status and position would lack access to superior healing treasures should he be injured.

Of course, a top-grade Innate Treasure was still a treasure of immense value, not far from that of a Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill. It could not be said that Black Abyss Great Emperor had gotten a poor deal.

Eldrin Chen set aside his thoughts and accepted the Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill. "In that case, I offer my sincere thanks to Your Majesty, the Emperor Lord [a supreme title for a ruler of immense power]."

The Black Abyss Great Emperor gave a slight nod, then spoke again. "You should strive for your breakthrough with haste. Before long, turmoil will surely rise again within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of the immortals]. When that time comes, I may not be able to offer you extensive protection."

Eldrin Chen felt a tremor in his heart, grasping the general meaning behind the Black Abyss Great Emperor's words.

If even the Black Abyss Great Emperor spoke thus, and considering the recent maneuvers of the major powers, it was likely that the matter concerning the Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor was nearing its conclusion.

"It seems I must also prepare more Celestial Soldiers and Generals [elite, immortal-rank warriors]," he mused to himself.

Eldrin Chen silently reflected. Over the past one or two Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of creation and destruction], the Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [a legendary pill that can significantly enhance a cultivator's foundation through ten cycles of refinement] trade of the Chen Immortal Clan had flourished. Numerous factions had even come personally to the Abyssal Immortal Domain [Eldrin Chen's celestial territory] to place orders.

Now, upon careful consideration, it was probable that the major powers had also caught wind of the impending storm and had begun amassing high-tier Celestial Soldiers and Generals as a precaution against unforeseen calamity.

After all, advancing the cultivation of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation] was exceedingly difficult in a short span, but raising an army of Celestial Soldiers and Generals was a far more straightforward endeavor.

"A season fraught with troubles," he sighed inwardly.

With a final, heavy-hearted farewell to the Black Abyss Great Emperor, Eldrin Chen took his leave from the Black Abyss Heaven [the celestial palace of the Black Abyss Great Emperor], his mind clouded with foreboding.

After departing from Black Abyss Heaven, Eldrin Chen then made his way through Netherworld Hell and arrived within the Seventh Layer Region.

"The Grand Nether Abyss Domain."

Upon reaching the Grand Nether Abyss Domain, Eldrin Chen immediately sensed a subtle fluctuation in the Void ahead. In the next moment, a figure of peerless grace and beauty materialized before him.

Clad in a long black gown, Grand Nether Emperor Lord greeted him with a faint smile. "Several Kalpa Tribulation have passed since we last met. How have you been, Fellow Daoist?"

"Thanks to the favor of the Emperor Lord, these years have been relatively smooth."

Eldrin Chen offered a slight smile in return, then followed Grand Nether Emperor Lord to a secluded courtyard.

Once they were both seated, Grand Nether Emperor Lord spoke first. "If my guess is correct, your visit this time is likely concerning the matter of your Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] breakthrough."

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen nodded, his expression turning grave. "To speak plainly, my Primordial Spirit has reached an impasse. I fear ordinary treasures will be insufficient to facilitate a breakthrough."

"That matter is not so difficult."

Grand Nether Emperor Lord spoke, then withdrew a jade vial from his sleeve.

Eldrin Chen opened it and saw that within lay a dazzling Netherworld Realm divine flower.

"This," he said, "is the supreme-grade Innate Spiritual Herb—the Nether Soul Flower [a legendary spiritual herb said to nourish and empower the soul, found only in the deepest reaches of the Netherworld]."

Grand Nether Emperor Lord spoke slowly, then added abruptly, "I can gift this to you, but I hope that one day you might do me a favor in return."

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered at these words, yet he replied, "When you, Senior, allowed this junior to study the Earth Soul Scripture [one of the three supreme scriptures governing the soul, representing the earthly aspect], I already owed you a debt of gratitude. How much more so for such a precious treasure?"

"Whatever favor you require, Senior, if it is within my power, please speak it plainly."

"This matter is of no small consequence." Grand Nether Emperor Lord shook his head, finally stating, "I hope that when the Human Soul Scripture [one of the three supreme scriptures governing the soul, representing the human aspect] emerges into the world, you will lend me your aid."

"The Human Soul Scripture?"

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly. In ancient times, the Chaos Spiritual Treasure known as the Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture [the primordial scripture that split into the three scriptures governing Heaven, Earth, and Human souls] had split into three, transforming into the Heaven, Earth, and Human Soul Scriptures, each one an Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born from the primal forces of the cosmos, possessing unparalleled power].

Among them, the Heaven Soul Scripture [one of the three supreme scriptures governing the soul, representing the heavenly aspect] had soared into the depths of the firmament, falling into the hands of the Ethereal Void Divine Emperor, leader of the Nine Divine Emperors of the Divine Race. The Earth Soul Scripture was held by the Grand Nether Emperor Lord.

Only the Human Soul Scripture [one of the three supreme scriptures of the soul] vanished into the boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], its whereabouts remaining unknown to this very day.

Now, Grand Nether Emperor Lord was instructing him to scheme for the Human Soul Scripture. Could it be that the scripture was on the verge of re-emerging into the world?

With this thought, Eldrin Chen looked towards Grand Nether Emperor Lord and asked, "Is it possible... could the Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture [the legendary scripture encompassing the three soul scriptures] truly reappear in the mortal realm once more?"

Grand Nether Emperor Lord shook his head, his expression turning grave as he replied, "The Human Soul Scripture fled into the Chaos, and its trail has grown cold, its fate still shrouded in mystery."

"However," he continued, "the Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor [a supreme divine emperor] once divined that when the three soul scriptures reunite within the Chaos, the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a vast and perilous region of the cultivation world] shall inevitably give birth to a Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a peerless sovereign who has mastered the supreme Dao of the soul]."