Chapter 1980 : The Forging of Immortal Foundations

"Three Souls reunite, Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [the state of achieving enlightenment and forming one's Primordial Spirit]."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a faint ripple stirring within the depths of his gaze.

After a long period of contemplation, he finally spoke, "If that day truly comes, and if I possess sufficient strength, I would naturally be willing to lend Emperor Lord [a title for a supreme ruler in the cultivation world] a helping hand."

Grand Nether Emperor Lord smiled faintly and replied, "Then I thank you in advance."

Eldrin Chen said no more. After retrieving the Nether Soul Flower [a rare spiritual herb that nourishes the soul], he bid farewell to Grand Nether Emperor Lord. Changing his course, he then went to pick up Xander Chen and his wife before returning together to the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

Upon returning to the Abyssal Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen did not immediately enter seclusion to attempt a breakthrough in his cultivation. First, he led the two of them into the depths of the Abyssal Forbidden Land.

Gazing at Xander Chen and Melody Lu, his expression turned solemn as he spoke, "I shall perform the Foundation Reforging [a profound technique to rebuild and enhance a cultivator's foundational potential] for you. What level of innate potential you ultimately achieve will depend entirely on your own fortune."

Seeing this, Xander Chen immediately nodded in understanding, offering no further words.

However, Melody Lu vaguely understood that Eldrin Chen was about to bestow upon them a great Opportunity [a rare chance for significant advancement or gain].

"Withdraw your Six Senses [the six perceptual faculties of sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and mind] and focus them inward. Concentrate solely on the Foundation Reforging."

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly, immediately retrieving the Innate Supreme Treasure - Creation Cauldron and drawing the two individuals into it to refine their foundations.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen's cultivation base had already reached the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, granting him just enough power to provide some spiritual energy to the Creation Cauldron. Thus, Eldrin Chen began to channel his power into the Creation Cauldron to perform the Foundation Reforging [a profound process of reforging one's cultivation foundation from the ground up] for the pair.

Of the two, Melody Lu currently cultivated the traditional Immortal Dao path. Her foundation was solid but largely unremarkable, with the most exceptional aspect being her pair of Heaven-Opening Double Pupils.

Melody Lu was born with the Dual Pupils [a legendary constitution said to belong to ancient sages, granting profound vision]. After years of cultivation, these Dual Pupils had been refined to their ultimate state. With a mere opening and closing of her eyes, she could cleave open a Cosmos [a microcosmic realm or pocket dimension].

Even an 's Dao Embryo [the embryonic form of one's Dao core], the physical form of a Primordial Era True Dragon [a supreme dragon from the dawn of time], or the exceedingly rare —unless they had broken their limits and advanced further—might not necessarily hold an advantage over these Dual Pupils.

However, those capable of attaining the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm were all possessors of such supreme Grand Luo-grade constitutions. At this level, Melody Lu's Dual Pupils might not necessarily grant her a distinct advantage.

Therefore, after careful deliberation, Eldrin Chen retrieved from his sleeve a dazzlingly brilliant Chaos Origin [a primordial essence born from the formless Chaos].

This was an exceedingly precious Chaos Origin, a rare treasure Eldrin Chen had previously obtained from the Treasure Exchange Grand Assembly. Its grade placed it among the finest of High-Grade Innate Marvel [naturally formed wonders of the highest quality], its value equivalent to thirty strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [an indestructible spiritual radiance born from the primal void].

Now, Eldrin Chen used the Chaos Cauldron to refine it, ultimately transforming it into a pure Chaos Origin essence. This essence was absorbed by Melody Lu's Dual Pupils, initiating a visible metamorphosis within those extraordinary eyes.

"Now," he uttered.

Eldrin Chen spoke decisively, summoning forth a wisp of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light [a legendary, foundational spiritual radiance capable of breaking innate limitations] and guiding it to merge into Melody Lu's Dual Pupils [a rare and powerful ocular constitution].

In that instant, an invisible shackle within the Dual Pupils shattered. Immediately after, the Chaos Origin [the primordial essence of chaos] was completely and utterly absorbed.

"Rumble—"

Only then did Eldrin Chen perceive it clearly. Within Melody Lu's Dual Pupils, the aura of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] swirled densely. With each blink, it was as if countless Myriad Heavens [the infinite realms and dimensions of existence] were born and destroyed, vast cosmos collapsing into the dust of Decay [the divine ability of entropy and dissolution].

"Chaos Double Pupils."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a faint smile touching the corners of his eyes.

The Chaos Double Pupils [a supreme innate constitution where chaos essence manifests within dual-pupiled eyes, rivaling the True Spirit Physique] was a peerless foundation, its potential matching that of the True Spirit Physique. Melody Lu's pair of Chaos Double Pupils were not yet complete, but their shackles had been broken by the Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light. From now on, she needed only to cultivate step by step to fully realize them.

"When used on an Ancient Immortal who has cultivated an Indestructible Foundation [an unshakable foundational cultivation realm], it can shatter the shackles barring their path to True Spirit [the state of a True Spirit, a higher form of spiritual existence]. No wonder that Profound Abyss Immortal Sage once said the value of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light is immeasurable—more than enough to trade for an Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing supreme power]."

Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh. He certainly dared not sell the Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light; at most, he would reserve it for those closest to him.

After performing Foundation Reforging [a divine ability to reconstruct and perfect one's cultivation foundation] for Melody Lu, Eldrin Chen took out various rare treasures and began the process of Foundation Reforging for Xander Chen.

After all, Xander Chen was a direct descendant, the most resilient in temperament among the five children, and one who had earned the deep regard of Black Abyss Great Emperor. Therefore, Eldrin Chen held exceedingly high expectations for him.

"To cultivate the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art to the Seventh Revolution realm—such potential is not inferior to that of the Black Abyss Great Emperor in his youth."

"Since you possess such talent and potential, this father shall aid you one step further."

With his words, Eldrin Chen immediately produced nine rare and wondrous treasures. Each was a divine object of ancient rarity, their grade starting at High Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-tier treasure born of heaven and earth], and all were paramount treasures for body cultivation.

The most precious among them was a piece of Mithril [a legendary, nearly indestructible silvery metal] of Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the pinnacle grade of treasures born of heaven and earth] rank.

With Eldrin Chen personally channeling its power, the Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of forging and refining creation itself] continuously refined and infused these nine wonders into Xander Chen's body.

After refining the nine peerless treasures, Xander Chen's physical body was elevated to its absolute limit, even brushing against the threshold of the Eighth Revolution.

"Fellow Daoist."

Eldrin Chen spoke decisively, offering a timely reminder.

The Creation Cauldron understood implicitly. It immediately manifested a strand of Creation Beginning Qi [the primordial Qi from the dawn of creation, containing boundless vitality] and fused it into Xander Chen's body.

The Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron embodying the power of creation] proved itself worthy of its reputation as a peerless treasure born from the Creation Great Dao [the supreme Dao of Creation]. As that wisp of Creation Beginning Qi [the primordial Qi from the dawn of creation] merged into Xander Chen's body, his Seven Revolutions Body [a body tempered through seven profound revolutions] grew visibly more powerful, ultimately shattering through its ultimate barrier with a thunderous force.

"BOOM—"

With a world-shaking roar, the Chaos Void [the primordial chaos-void] was violently torn asunder. An endless torrent of True Spirit Imprint [the fundamental imprints of true spirits] cascaded into Xander Chen's form, finally merging with his Celestial Eye [a divine eye capable of perceiving celestial truths]. There, they coalesced into a dazzling True Spirit Divine Runes [divine runes formed from true spirit essence].

—The True Spirit Heavenly Eye.

Observing that True Spirit Divine Runes, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a look of profound satisfaction.

Xander Chen's True Spirit Heavenly Eye was forged from the interweaving of the True Spirit Divine Runes and his original Celestial Eye. It possessed the profound mysteries of seeing through all falsehoods and Insight [the divine ability of profound perception] into the nature of all things, coupled with an utterly devastating Slaughter [the divine ability of absolute destruction] power.

In battle, when Xander Chen observed his foe through the True Spirit Heavenly Eye, he could keenly perceive every strength and weakness, Insight the perfect moment to strike. Thus, he could always anticipate his enemy's moves.

Furthermore, the True Spirit Heavenly Eye could unleash the Nine Revolutions God-Slaying Light [a divine light capable of slaying gods, refined through nine revolutions]. Once released, it could annihilate the mightiest foes across all realms, its power surpassing even that of a Forbidden Slaughter Divine Ability [a forbidden divine ability of ultimate slaughter] by a significant margin.

"Excellent."

Eldrin Chen nodded with satisfaction. Yet, after observing for a few more moments, a slight frown creased his brow.

He had a vague sense that the potential of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme cultivation technique involving nine cycles of profound transformation] was far too immense. The difficulty of achieving the Ninth Revolution likely surpassed even the challenge of scaling the heavens themselves.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before decisively channeling a strand of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primal, unbreakable light of pure spiritual energy used to shatter cultivation barriers] to help unlock the shackles within.

However, after infusing one roaring strand of violet Qi [the vital energy that flows through all living things], Eldrin Chen was astonished to discover that the shackles within Xander Chen's body still remained unopened.

Eldrin Chen was initially struck with disbelief, but he quickly regained his composure.

Upon careful reflection, this outcome was, in fact, within expectations. After all, achieving the Seventh Revolution of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art allowed one to forge a True Spirit Physique [a body tempered to resonate with the fundamental truths of the spirit], while the Eighth Revolution could cultivate a single True Spirit Imprint [a spiritual seal containing a fragment of primordial truth].

Once the Ninth Revolution was mastered, one could forge two additional True Spirit Imprint. Shackles of such profound nature truly could not be opened by a mere single strand of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light.

With this understanding, Eldrin Chen continued to channel and merge more strands of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light.

Yet, even after infusing three consecutive strands, Eldrin Chen found that the Nine Revolutions Shackles within Xander Chen remained firmly sealed.

This was the first time he had encountered a barrier that could not be shattered after consuming so many strands of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light. Without hesitation, he decisively merged yet another strand.

"While this Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light is a peerless treasure to others," he declared, resolve hardening his voice, "I have now accumulated over one hundred strands. I truly refuse to believe they cannot blast open these mere Nine Revolutions Shackles."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen immediately began to continuously channel and fuse the Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light [a fundamental, unbreakable spiritual radiance] into it.

As time flowed on, after nine successive infusions, the invisible shackle within Xander Chen's body could finally hold on no longer, ultimately shattered by the bombardment of the nine streams of Primordial Essence [the purest foundational energy of creation].

Only then did Eldrin Chen draw a deep, steadying breath.

"Truly, the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme cultivation method of nine cycles] is a technique meant to be opened only by those of the Third Chaos Realm [a profound stage of cultivation mastery]. To think it requires the resonance of nine Imperishable [an attribute of divine abilities denoting eternal, unyielding nature] spiritual lights to break its shackle."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of awe passing through his gaze.

One must understand, the value of nine streams of Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light was comparable to nine Innate Supreme Treasure [treasures born of heaven and earth, possessing supreme power]!

Even a single Chaos Celestial Emperor would find it difficult to produce so many Innate Supreme Treasure in one breath; doing so would likely cripple even their vast resources.

Of course, mastering the ninth revolution of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art was not strictly contingent upon breaking the shackle first. However, attempting it otherwise would increase the difficulty a hundredfold, reducing the chance of a breakthrough to virtually nil.

Any being capable of cultivating the ninth revolution entirely through their own power would undoubtedly be a supreme prodigy destined to shake the very foundations of Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged]. Such a figure could forge their own, perfectly tailored Ancient Chaos Scripture [scriptures of power originating from the dawn of Chaos], having no need to tread the path laid by another.

Returning to the matter at hand, once Xander Chen's shackle was shattered, Eldrin Chen retrieved the Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron associated with the act of creation itself]. Only after lifting the seal on both their Six Senses [a heightened state of perception encompassing all senses and intuition] did he inquire, "How do you feel?"

Melody Lu [the daughter of Eldrin Chen] sensed the changes within herself and immediately discovered the transformation in her Dual Pupils [a rare and powerful innate ocular constitution]. Overjoyed, she said, "I am deeply grateful for your profound favor, Father. This junior is eternally thankful."

Xander Chen [the son of Eldrin Chen] also became aware of the changes within himself, and a look of astonishment could not help but appear on his face.

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist and patriarch] patted his shoulder and then spoke, "The Nine Revolutions Shackles have been unlocked. Once you complete the Nine Revolutions Reforging, you should be able to break through to the Ninth Revolution realm."

"For the second and third True Spirit Divine Runes [mystical runes that empower the cultivator's spirit], have you decided which ones you wish to cultivate?"

Xander Chen pondered for a moment, finding the choice difficult to make.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke again, "In my view, if we speak solely of comprehension talent for the Sainthood through the Flesh [a path of cultivation focused on achieving divinity through physical perfection], Qiyuan, the Ancient Ancestor [an ancient and powerful cultivator] may not be inferior to Black Abyss Great Emperor [a powerful emperor of the Netherworld], and might even..."

Eldrin Chen paused briefly, choosing not to elaborate further on that point.

In his view, Black Abyss Great Emperor and Xander Chen were walking paths laid by others; their success relied more on sheer determination and unwavering perseverance.

But Ant Celestial Emperor [a powerful emperor who achieved divinity through an ant-based cultivation] and Qiyuan Chen [the ancient ancestor from the Chen Clan] were different. Such individuals had forged their own paths. Setting aside their cultivation realms, they were of the same breed as the founder of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme cultivation technique involving nine cycles of refinement].

In other words, although the cultivation systems of Ant Celestial Emperor and Qiyuan Chen were not part of an established orthodox lineage, their potential ceiling was astonishingly high. One day, they might even harbor a sliver of a chance to become figures like the founder of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art.

Conversely, Black Abyss Great Emperor and Xander Chen, even if they cultivated the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art to its absolute peak, could never become like the founder of that art.

Those who learn from me may live; those who merely imitate me shall perish.

It is just like Eldrin Chen's Path of Self-Sacrifice. No matter how powerful later practitioners become, they cannot surpass Eldrin Chen on that path.

Of course, within the vast Chaos, individuals like the Ant Celestial Emperor and Qiyuan Chen are innumerable, yet those who can reach the founder's level of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art are exceedingly rare.

Even the Ant Celestial Emperor remains immeasurably distant from that realm; one must at least step into the Third Chaos Realm to be considered of the same tier.

Upon hearing this, Xander Chen understood.

He knew his father's meaning was for him to study the paths of others extensively, to see if he could ultimately forge his own Dao [the fundamental principle or path in cultivation].

At the very least, Qiyuan Chen's Mana Immunity and Unbreakable Golden Body, these two True Spirit Divine Runes, are among the top-tier divine runes of the first sequence within the Chaos.

Understanding this, Xander Chen nodded and said, "Father, I understand. I shall go seek out Qiyuan, the Ancient Ancestor now."

With these words, Xander Chen bid farewell to Eldrin Chen and headed deep into the Chaos Celestial Domain, to the Silver Dragon Chaos Nest [a primordial nesting ground of chaos energy, shaped like a silver dragon], to find Qiyuan, the Ancient Ancestor who was in secluded cultivation.

After journeying all the way to the Silver Dragon Chaos Nest, and paying his respects to the ancient ancestor Qiyuan Chen, Xander Chen explained the purpose of his visit.

Qiyuan Chen scrutinized him for a moment, then finally sighed in admiration and said, "I, too, have once contemplated the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art. Such a technique, worthy of its creation in the Third Chaos Realm, forges a foundation far more solid than what ordinary cultivators achieve through their own groping in the dark."

"This Gold and Silver Body-Forging Art of mine was tailor-made for my own unique constitution. It possesses almost no universal applicability; an ordinary person would have no possibility of successfully cultivating it."

"However, once you complete the Nine Revolutions, you may be able to practice certain esoteric methods derived from the Gold and Silver Body-Forging Art. At the very least, mastering the two divine runes of Mana Immunity and Indestructible Golden Body should pose no issue."

Upon hearing this, Xander Chen finally let out a sigh of relief.

The Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art was a technique that pointed directly to the Third Chaos Realm. In theory, successfully cultivating it to the Ninth Revolution granted a certain hope of achieving Mana Immunity and Indestructible Golden Body.

Now, with Qiyuan Chen personally imparting the profound mysteries of the Gold and Silver Body-Forging Art to him, it seemed the path to forging these two supreme True Spirit Divine Runes would be free of unexpected obstacles.

Immediately, Xander Chen showed not the slightest negligence, beginning to attentively listen to the peerless, wondrous method being transmitted by his clan's ancient ancestor.

It was precisely while Xander Chen was seeking this method that Eldrin Chen returned to his secluded cultivation abode and began closed-door meditation to advance his cultivation realm.

For this breakthrough, Eldrin Chen intended to first advance his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation.

Before his breakthrough, he first prepared three hundred stalks of Great Luo Soul-Nourishing Wood. Using the Primordial Chaos Grinding Mill, he thoroughly pulverized them into pure Primordial Source Power [the fundamental, unadulterated energy from which all things originate], setting it aside as the necessary nourishment for his Ascension [the process of advancing to a higher cultivation realm].

After completing this step, he retrieved the Nether Soul Flower and began refining it.

This Nether Soul Flower was a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Medicine [a medicinal herb of the highest natural quality, born with potent spiritual properties]. It took root within the Netherworld Region, nourished by the countless, scattered soul energies drifting through the Netherworld Hell [a realm of punishment and torment for souls], and was itself the purest essence of spiritual soul power.

Refining a treasure of this caliber was an exceedingly simple process.

As Eldrin Chen continuously absorbed it, he immediately sensed the essence within his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest form of a cultivator's soul] growing ever more refined. Within his True Spirit Aperture [a specific stage in the cultivation of the Primordial Spirit], the seven Nine-Aperture Divine Stone [mystical stones representing the pinnacle of spiritual apertures] began to radiate with dazzling divine light.

Eldrin Chen was astonished to discover that, within his Primordial Spirit, the apertures from the first to the seventh—represented by the Seven-Aperture Divine Stone—lit up one by one. Ultimately, they formed a complete Seven Stars Grand Formation [a powerful array pattern based on the seven stars of the Big Dipper], which began to voraciously absorb the vast ocean of soul essence.

As time flowed on, and the Nether Soul Flower was completely refined, the Primordial Spirit of Eldrin Chen finally shattered its bottleneck, commencing a breathtaking metamorphosis.

"Success."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. Without delay, he took out thirty strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial, unbreakable light that fortifies the spirit] and fused them into his Primordial Spirit. Then, with ravenous thirst, he absorbed the Primordial Source Power transformed from those three hundred stalks of Great Luo Soul-Nourishing Wood.

Under such conditions, in what seemed like the blink of an eye, the Primordial Spirit cultivation of Eldrin Chen completed its breakthrough, stepping firmly into the seventh layer of the Great Luo Primordial Spirit realm.