Chapter 1941 : A Sovereign's Defiance and Forbidden Cultivation

Upon hearing this, Exquisite Jiang [the Immortal Consort of the Chen Clan] could not help but draw a sharp breath.

She set down the Imperial Edict [a formal decree from a supreme ruler] in her hand and inquired further, "In your opinion, how should we respond to this edict?"

"Delay a little longer. Say our injuries are severe and that we will only regain the strength to fight after the Kalpa Tribulation [the great cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] has passed,"

Eldrin Chen [the Patriarch of the Chen Clan] said thus, and with that, he sent a letter in reply to Blazeflame Imperial Lord [a powerful ruler of the Blazeflame Immortal Domain].

The others present nodded in agreement upon hearing this. Although this course of action might provoke the displeasure of Blazeflame Imperial Lord,

they were all Great Encompassing Golden Immortals [the pinnacle of immortal cultivation, masters of their own fate] who held dominion over their own Destiny [the predetermined course of one's life and cultivation path]. They were not existences that a mere Primordial One Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord at the foundational stage of the Primordial Realm] could easily manipulate, and thus they harbored no fear.

Having finished the letter, Eldrin Chen dispatched it towards the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond ordered realms] and spoke again, "After years of cultivation, my physical body's training is nearing completion."

"Next, I must prepare for seclusion to break through to the fourth layer of the Great Encompassing Physique [a legendary body cultivation art that encompasses all things]. You must continue to guard the Seven Great Immortal Domains [the seven core territories under the Chen Clan's protection] in my stead."

Exquisite Jiang nodded and said, "Focus on your cultivation in peace. We will make the necessary preparations for your breakthrough."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen gave a firm nod and immediately proceeded to the Immortal Herb Garden [a garden cultivating rare spiritual plants] within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [the immortal domain ruled by Eldrin Chen].

Prior to this seclusion, Eldrin Chen intended to gather resources for his breakthrough into the Great Encompassing Physique. The most crucial among these resources was the Great Encompassing Golden Core [a supreme foundational elixir for cultivating the Great Encompassing Physique].

Whether it be a cultivator or an Immortal, it is common practice to consume elixirs and divine treasures that aid in breaking through to a higher realm.

These breakthrough-aiding Immortal Pill can be divided into two categories. The first type consists of pills and treasures that reduce the difficulty of the breakthrough, thereby increasing the probability of success.

The second type comprises Immortal Pill and divine treasures that supplement one's foundation and latent potential, which also enhances the chance of a successful breakthrough.

Between the two, the former is akin to forcing the growth of a seedling. While it can increase the certainty of a breakthrough, it also diminishes one's potential after the breakthrough is achieved.

The latter, however, nourishes and strengthens the very roots of one's cultivation, conferring immense benefits for future advancement.

Relatively speaking, the value of the latter category is often exorbitantly high, which is why few can afford to use them.

The higher one's cultivation realm, the fewer choose the former path. The Immortal Pill and divine treasures used by Great Encompassing Immortal Lord for their breakthroughs are, for the most part, free of such detrimental side effects.

The Great Encompassing Golden Core Eldrin Chen planned to refine was of this superior kind—a treasure that fortifies one's foundation.

However, refining the Great Encompassing Golden Core came at a tremendous cost. It required a primary ingredient of Innate Spiritual Root grade—the 'Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo Shoot'—to succeed in its creation.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen possessed the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth, which gave him a very high degree of confidence in nurturing the Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo Shoot.

He first consumed the Primordial One Qiankun Water from the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth to cultivate a single stalk of Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo. Then, he fused a strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a fundamental, unbreakable spiritual radiance] into it.

Relying solely on the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light, the chance of successfully advancing to an Innate Spiritual Root remained significant but not guaranteed. Therefore, Eldrin Chen exhaled another strand of Innate Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the foundational violet energy of primordial chaos] and merged it within, assisting the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light in elevating the Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo.

As expected, as the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura and this strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light were continuously absorbed, the stalk of Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo smoothly completed its metamorphosis. Through a process of Nirvana Rebirth [a divine ability of death and rebirth], it transformed into a low-grade Innate Spiritual Root—the 'Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo Shoot'.

"Success."

Gazing at the Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo Shoot before him, Eldrin Chen gave a slight, satisfied nod.

Without hesitation, he immediately retrieved the Creation Cauldron along with various Immortal Artifact [enchanted artifacts of immortal grade] and Spirit Herb [herbs imbued with spiritual energy], and began refining this batch of Great Encompassing Golden Core [a supreme-grade Golden Core pill].

After tens of thousands of years, this single cauldron of Great Encompassing Golden Core was finally successfully refined.

"*Hummm—*"

The moment the Immortal Pill [a pill of immortal grade] was completed, a Golden Core [the condensed spiritual core of a Golden Core realm cultivator] brimming with Innate Spiritual Radiance [the innate, brilliant light of pure spirit] soared into the air. It shone like a Solar Sun [the essence of the sun itself] illuminating the Myriad Heavens [the countless realms of existence], its radiance bathing the Myriad Heavens in its glow.

Eldrin Chen grasped it in his hand, a faint smile gracing his lips.

This was Eldrin Chen's first time refining a Great Encompassing Immortal Pill of the Innate Spiritual Treasure grade. The supreme divine energy brimming within it truly left even Eldrin Chen astonished.

A single cauldron of Great Encompassing Golden Core could only yield one pill, yet it contained the entire foundational essence of an Innate Spiritual Root. Its efficacy and contained energy were, naturally, astonishingly potent.

Within the Immortal Court, exchanging for a single Great Encompassing Golden Core required a steep price of at least five strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light.

Yet for Eldrin Chen's batch, even accounting for the various auxiliary Immortal Herbs, Rare Spiritual Wonderss, and cultivation costs, the total expense fell short of two strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light, revealing a significantly lower production cost.

"It is time to prepare for the breakthrough to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself. He then stored the Great Encompassing Golden Core away before returning to his Seclusion Chamber to begin his secluded cultivation.

In truth, after refining several Great Encompassing Immortal Pills and Indestructibility Golden Fruits, and cultivating for tens of millions of years, Eldrin Chen's Great Encompassing Physique had gradually progressed to the point of thirty percent completion of its third stage.

As early as three million years prior, Eldrin Chen could have attempted the breakthrough to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage.

The reason he had refrained was to further temper his foundation, avoiding any potential instability that might arise from a hasty advancement.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen began his secluded cultivation with complete devotion. He circulated his True Spirit Supreme Treasure [his ultimate spiritual artifact], True Spirit Great Path [his supreme cultivation technique], True Spirit Dharmic Power [his foundational spiritual power], True Spirit Primordial Spirit [his core spiritual essence], and other foundational elements to temper his physical body. He even pushed his Root Origin Treasure [the treasure containing his primordial life force] to its absolute limit.

Under this intense, high-pressure tempering, Eldrin Chen's physical form began to be refined at a breathtaking pace. Every wisp of Vitality [life force energy] that flowed through the Root Origin Treasure became visibly more condensed and potent with each passing moment.

Thus, after merely several hundred thousand years of secluded cultivation, Eldrin Chen's physical body had reached a state where no further advancement seemed possible, its foundation now unshakably solid.

"It is almost time,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself. He then retrieved and consumed the Great Encompassing Golden Core [a supreme elixir representing the perfected golden core stage].

"Boom—"

The moment the Great Encompassing Golden Core was swallowed, Eldrin Chen felt as if a Chaos [primordial, formless essence] sun had detonated within him.

An immense, boundless energy erupted forth, like a Sea of Chaos [the primordial ocean of unformed existence] crashing against the shores of his Elixir Field [the core energy center within a cultivator's body]. Endless Sea of Chaos Tidal Wave [tidal surges of primordial chaos energy] roared and surged.

Yet, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. If the erupting energy of this elixir was like a violent Sea of Chaos Tidal Wave, then Eldrin Chen's Elixir Field was akin to an expanse of Chaos itself.

No matter how vast these Sea of Chaos Tidal Wave were, they could scarcely breach this Chaos, let alone overwhelm Eldrin Chen's physical form.

"Insufficient foundational essence [the primordial life force and energy that forms the basis of a cultivator's being]."

Eldrin Chen murmured, then took a single step out of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain and into the Chaos Heavenly Domain. Without hesitation, he began to voraciously absorb the Primordial Chaos Energy [the undifferentiated, primordial energy that existed before the formation of the cosmos].

In that instant, a torrential cascade of Sea of Chaos Water [a condensed, liquid form of primordial chaos energy of immense potency] poured forth, flooding entirely into Eldrin Chen's Elixir Field [the core energy center within a cultivator's body, analogous to the dantian].

The boundless Sea of Chaos Water merged with the foundational essence accumulated within Eldrin Chen's body, transforming into the power of World-Opening [the act of creating or birthing a new universe or world] and beginning its rapid ascension.

"Boom—"

In that moment, a series of thunderous, earth-shattering roars erupted.

Eldrin Chen felt a sudden, profound sublimation within, as if every single cell in his body was transforming into a vast Chaos Universe, stretching across untold billions of light-years.

Immediately after, countless other cells began their own genesis. Surging Chaos energy [the primordial, formless state of existence] swept through the Eight Desolations [a term for the remote, primordial corners of existence], giving birth to myriads upon myriads of Chaos Universes that transcended Multidimensional Space-Time.

Eldrin Chen greedily absorbed the Sea of Chaos Water. Turning his perception inward to observe his own form, he discovered what seemed like endless Great Universes perpetually forming and dissolving within. Each cell resembled a Great Universe erupting with Primordial Chaos Energy, harboring a supreme divine power capable of overturning the very fabric of Space-Time.

"The Great Encompassing Chaos Indestructibility Body [a legendary, supreme physical constitution said to be unbreakable and fused with the power of primordial chaos]... has reached the minor completion stage."

Eldrin Chen slowly lowered his gaze, murmuring softly as if comprehending something profound.

He took a deep breath and swallowed ten strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial spiritual light that grants unbreakable durability]. Looking inward, he found the five True Spirit Divine Runes [divine symbols representing the power of one's true spirit] within his body blazing with a radiant light, each one seemingly undergoing an indescribable metamorphosis.

"Hmm—"

Rising to his feet, he clenched his fist. Instantly, he felt a heaven-shaking, earth-sundering power surge through the Eight Desolations [a primordial and desolate region of chaos]. Several nearby Path [a fundamental principle or law of cultivation] realms within the Chaos Void [the formless, primordial void] fractured with massive rents, and the entire Chaos Multidimensional Space-Time [the multidimensional fabric of chaotic space-time] began to disintegrate.

"Such formidable power."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a smile gracing his lips. "As I am now, I should be able to tear apart a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a cultivator at the late stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] with my bare hands."

At that very moment, Exquisite Jiang approached with evident delight, unable to contain her curiosity. "How did it go?" she inquired.

"The power of my Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution that encompasses all things] has more than doubled,"

Eldrin Chen replied with a smile, then added, "But the five True Spirit Divine Runes have undergone a subtle transformation. Once this metamorphosis is complete, my physical combat prowess should achieve an even greater breakthrough."

Exquisite Jiang nodded, a flicker of joy lighting up her features.

Even before his breakthrough, Eldrin Chen's physical body was already comparable to a Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Now, with his strength doubling once more, did this not mean that by physical might alone, he could contend with a Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal?

If one further accounted for his cultivation base in terms of spiritual power, his Great Path, his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], and other foundations, Eldrin Chen's overall strength, even if it did not yet match an Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, was likely not far from it.

Considering this, Exquisite Jiang could not help but ask, "When will your five True Spirit Divine Runes [innate divine abilities derived from bloodline] complete their breakthrough?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head and replied, "For the five True Spirit Divine Runes to break through, they still require some precious Innate Spiritual Rare Material [naturally formed spiritual materials of exceptional rarity]."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly.

The five True Spirit Divine Runes were, in essence, Bloodline Divine Ability [divine powers inherited through one's lineage]. The power of such abilities stemmed from the physical body, yet they also required various resources as nourishment to undergo a complete metamorphosis.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, for his five True Spirit Divine Runes to complete their first metamorphosis and reach the initial mastery stage, he would need a set of Five Elements Attribute [pertaining to the five fundamental elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth] Innate Spiritual Rare Material as sustenance.

In truth, reaching initial mastery was the simpler part. Later, when his Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution] broke through to the late stage of Great Encompassing, for the True Spirit Divine Runes to undergo their second metamorphosis and achieve great mastery, he would need five exceedingly precious pieces of Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Rare Material [the highest grade of naturally formed spiritual materials].

"The path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [the art of refining and empowering the physical body to a sacred state] truly consumes resources without end," Eldrin Chen murmured, a trace of frustration in his voice.

With a slight frown still creasing his brow, Eldrin Chen made his way into the depths of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, intending to enter seclusion to consolidate his newfound cultivation. However, he was intercepted by Exquisite Jiang before he could begin.

But then Exquisite Jiang took hold of Eldrin Chen's arm and spoke: "Do not rush into seclusion just yet. You and I must first discuss the matter of the Kalpa Tribulation [the immense cosmic cycle marking the end of an era]."

"Is the Kalpa Tribulation approaching once more?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, only then realizing that less than one hundred thousand years remained until the Kalpa Tribulation.

Over these tens of millions of years, the successive great wars and the Chaos War had caused Eldrin Chen to momentarily overlook the impending Kalpa Tribulation.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen pondered briefly, then summoned all the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation] elders of the clan. He addressed them directly: "For this Kalpa Tribulation, my intention is that the disciples and members of the Seven Great Immortal Domains shall not enter the tribulation fray."

Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged glances. Gentle Deer inquired, "Why? Many among our disciples possess the qualifications to brave the Kalpa Tribulation."

"There is no need for haste."

Eldrin Chen shook his head and stated plainly, "Our Returning Abyss Chen Clan has produced nine Great Encompassing Golden Immortal within three Kalpa Tribulation cycles. That alone is already a remarkable tale."

"If we were to produce more Great Encompassing Golden Immortal in this fourth Kalpa Tribulation, I fear the armies under Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor might abandon the frontlines at the Thirty-Six Immortal Domains and march directly upon us."

Hearing this, everyone present drew a sharp breath, finally understanding Eldrin Chen's meaning.

Indeed, for a single clan to consecutively produce nine Great Encompassing Golden Immortals [the supreme cultivators who have transcended the Primordial One realm and attained the pinnacle of the Great Encompassing path] is already enough to awe the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms and worlds within the immortal cosmos]. If the fourth Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that reshapes the cosmos and tests all living beings] were to yield yet another Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, it is likely that all the various Great Encompassing Ancient Clans [ancient lineages that possess Great Encompassing Golden Immortals among their ancestors] and Primordial One Imperial Lords [supreme cultivators who have mastered the Primordial One realm and rule over vast territories] would be unable to sit idly by.

The few Path Ancestor Immortal Sages [beings who have transcended the Great Encompassing realm, becoming the ultimate sovereigns of a fundamental cosmic principle or 'Path'] might not permit Solar Heavenly Emperors [supreme titles for rulers who command the power of the sun and heavens] or Primordial One Imperial Lords to intervene directly, but they could hardly be expected to intervene every time a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal made a move against them.

As the saying goes, two fists are no match for four hands. By that time, even if Eldrin Chen had cultivated the True Spirit Foundation [a legendary cultivation method that forges an indestructible spiritual foundation] to achieve undying Indestructibility [a state of being where one's body and spirit are impervious to decay and destruction], he would likely be forced to abandon his hard-won legacy and flee defeated into the Chaos [the primordial, formless void that exists beyond the ordered cosmos], or else retreat into the Primordial Immortal Domain [the ancestral homeland and most fortified sanctuary of the Chen Immortal Clan] and never emerge again.

Therefore, the most pressing matter is for the Chen Immortal Clan to slow its pace. Before amassing sufficient strength, they should avoid attracting the attention of the various powers at all costs.

Considering this, Verdant Consort nodded in agreement. "It is for the best that they do not enter the tribulation this time. Let them further temper their foundations and accumulate their profound reserves [deep reserves of power, resources, and heritage]. If they break through after one or two more Kalpa Tribulation cycles, our own strength should have seen significant advancement by then as well."

The others present also nodded upon hearing her words.

Judging by Eldrin Chen's current cultivation progress, within one or two Kalpa Tribulation cycles, both his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true self of a high-level cultivator] and his Great Path [the supreme cultivation art that leads to the Great Encompassing realm] cultivation would undoubtedly break through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage.

By that time, Eldrin Chen's power would certainly see another substantial leap. He might even possess the ability to defend himself against a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal who has reached the absolute peak of that realm].

As for the others, their cultivation bases would advance by at least one or two minor realms. With sufficient resources at hand, it would be well within the capabilities of both Exquisite Jiang and Nyssa Qu to break through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage.

Given their profound foundations, once they successfully break through, they would at least possess the combat power of a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Only at that time, when the Chen Immortal Clan possesses several combatants at the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal level, will they truly be able to establish a firm foothold among the many Great Encompassing Ancient Sect within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

Contemplating this, Violet Consort Yan could not help but speak: "If that is the case, then let our clansmen enter seclusion and not become entangled in this impending Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense destruction and renewal]."

Eldrin Chen nodded, yet still voiced his thoughts: "Ultimately, it depends on whether Blazeflame Imperial Lord and Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor will truly come to blows. If they are determined to fight, we may still find it impossible to remain aloof."

"Of course, I believe these two are unlikely to start a war."

Finally, Eldrin Chen stated with a measure of certainty.

The others were somewhat surprised upon hearing this, seemingly unable to grasp the source of his conviction.

Seeing their expressions, Eldrin Chen calmly explained: "Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor and Blazeflame Imperial Lord have been locked in a standoff for tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation. They have instigated dozens of Chaos War [wars of primordial chaos between supreme powers], yet each time, they have withdrawn on the eve of the Kalpa Tribulation."

A flicker of dawning comprehension passed over the faces of the assembled group.

Seeing this understanding, Eldrin Chen said no more, and the council meeting drew to a close.

With the Kalpa Tribulation drawing near, Eldrin Chen no longer had the heart for prolonged seclusion. He chose instead to cultivate in quiet preparation while keeping a vigilant watch on the news from the front lines of the conflict.

From the front lines, battle reports continued to arrive, each one painting a picture of a conflict that seemed to be escalating in ferocity.

Yet, around five hundred thousand years later, a new dispatch arrived, bringing a faint smile to the lips of Eldrin Chen.

"Just as I anticipated,"

Eldrin Chen murmured, handing the report to Exquisite Jiang.

Exquisite Jiang scanned the document, then drew a deep breath. "A ceasefire after all. It seems the pressure on the front is immense as well."

The latest missive, it turned out, announced a temporary cessation of hostilities between the two sides.

Both Primordial One Imperial Lord [the supreme sovereigns who have attained the first stage of primordial unity], seeking to avoid the impending Kalpa Tribulation [the cataclysmic cycle of cosmic destruction and renewal], had simultaneously decided to enter seclusion and seal their mountains, vowing not to emerge until the tribulation had passed before resuming their war.

To this, Eldrin Chen responded with a cold laugh. "It appears neither of the two Primordial One Imperial Lord possesses the confidence to decisively defeat the other. Thus, they dare not risk themselves lightly."

Exquisite Jiang nodded in agreement, her tone calm and measured. "For a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [an immortal whose golden essence encompasses all], death in battle is not truly to be feared, for they do not fall into the cycle of Reincarnation [the endless wheel of death and rebirth]."

"But for such Primordial One Imperial Lord, to be slain by a rival—especially if that death occurs *during* the Kalpa Tribulation—would mean utter and final annihilation, with no chance of ever rising again."

"Indeed, that is precisely why they have become even more cautious."

Eldrin Chen nodded slowly, having grasped the general disposition of the two Primordial One Imperial Lord [the highest echelon of cultivators, sovereigns who have transcended the ordinary bounds of immortality].

These two Primordial One Imperial Lord appeared to be locked in a life-and-death struggle, yet in truth, both were acting with extreme prudence. They would not lightly step into the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal, a trial that reshapes fate itself].

For once one entered the Kalpa Tribulation, there was no path of return.

The most terrifying prospect was to step into the Kalpa Tribulation only to find your opponent had cunningly avoided the tribulation altogether, refusing to emerge.

The Kalpa Tribulation carried a fifty percent chance of utter annihilation. Given that a Primordial One Imperial Lord required ten thousand Kalpa Tribulation cycles to revive, it was highly likely that by the time one managed to reawaken, their opponent would have advanced further. At that point, the one who had entered the tribulation would face a situation of nine deaths for one slim chance of survival.

"Since the two Imperial Lord [a title for a supreme ruler among immortals] will not act, then these Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [powerful immortals who have attained a profound golden core of enlightenment] surely will not risk it either."

Eldrin Chen spoke deliberately, then commanded, "Issue the decree. Let the Seven Great Immortal Domains [the seven paramount realms governed by immortal powers] seal their mountains and withdraw. None are to step into the Kalpa Tribulation."

As Eldrin Chen's decree descended, the Seven Great Immortal Domains began their seclusion. Only a handful of Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality through cultivation] from the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-transcendence through sacrifice] ventured into the Chaos Heavenly Domain [a primordial realm of unformed chaos and potential], intending to use the tribulation's pressure to temper themselves.

Of course, these Immortal of the Sacrificial Self Path confined their tempering to within the bounds of the Chaos Heavenly Domain. They would not venture beyond the Seven Great Immortal Domains into the deeper, more distant Chaos [the formless, primordial state from which all existence emerges].

As the Seven Great Immortal Domains sealed their mountains and withdrew from the world, other Immortal Domains and Chaos Lairs followed a similar tune, beginning their own seclusion to avoid the impending tribulation.

In an instant, the smoke-filled Sea of Chaos seemed to fall into an intangible silence. Only a handful of Great Encompassing Golden Immortals and Chaos Demon Gods ignited their True Flame [the ultimate spiritual fire of a cultivator's soul], determined to settle life-and-death scores amidst the unfolding Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal].

Thereupon, the Chaos [the primordial state before creation] tribulation energy began to seethe and boil. The fourth Kalpa Tribulation since Eldrin Chen's ascension to immortality finally began to slowly spread forth.

For this Kalpa Tribulation, the Chen Immortal Clan did not dispatch a single Great Encompassing True Seed [a cultivator who has grasped a foundational Great Dao principle] into the fray. Yet, paradoxically, the entire expanse of Chaos seemed to grow even more tumultuous.

Perhaps it was the prolonged Chaos War that preceded it, which had allowed many Ancient Immortals to rise from the crucible of conflict. This had birthed a great number of Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortals, making the number of top-tier Ancient Immortals entering this Kalpa Tribulation exceptionally high.

Within the bounds of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, the combined number of Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortals and Chaos Beings [primordial entities born from Chaos] who entered the tribulation exceeded three thousand.

They battled their way into the Depths of Chaos, then clashed upon the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent, and finally plunged into the domain of the Chaos Heaven Abyss. From this maelstrom, nine peerless prodigies ultimately emerged, breaking through to the realm of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Among these nine new Great Encompassing Golden Immortals, three were Demon Race Great Encompassings, two were peerless Divine Spirits [innate divine beings] from the Divine Clan, one was a prodigy of the Human Race, and the remaining three were outstanding figures from among the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races.