Chapter 1983 : The Gathering of Golden Immortals
Among those who had attained the Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal [the middle stage of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] realm, there were also five individuals: Ethan Chen, Lulu, Ao Hong, Qiyuan Chen, and Drayan Taicang.
Among these five, apart from Drayan Taicang, the other four had broken through their cultivation earlier. Although their resources had been slightly inferior, they had now all reached the Sixth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal [the sixth layer of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] realm.
As for Drayan Taicang, backed by Taicang Divine Emperor, the resources he received were even more astonishing than those Eldrin Chen had access to in his early years. Over these years, he had frequently consumed rare elixirs [spiritual pills that enhance cultivation] to elevate his cultivation. His current realm was also that of a Sixth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.
Among the nine who walked the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a cultivation method that emphasizes personal sacrifice for greater power], four individuals—Qingfeng Ye, Wen Yuan Lu, Xianqing Chen, and Purifying Bamboo—had all just recently entered the Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal realm.
The other five—Alaric Lu, Xianchang Chen, Yuannian, Daoxu Jiang, and Frostwing Yan—had broken through one or two Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often associated with great trials] later. Their current cultivation was only at the Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal realm.
However, the Chen Clan lacked no resources for the early and middle stages of Grand Luo Golden Immortal. At this pace, within about one Kalpa Tribulation from Weilai, the others should also be able to break through to Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal.
"Twenty Grand Luo Golden Immortal from a single clan."
Gazing upon the assembled Grand Luo Golden Immortal before him, a faint smile touched the lips of Eldrin Chen.
The strength of a single clan alone now boasted a full twenty Grand Luo Golden Immortal. Such profound foundation was no weaker than many lesser Primordial Emperor Court [ancient and powerful imperial courts from the dawn of time] or Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [a collective term for the myriad powerful spirit races of the immortal realms].
As far as Eldrin Chen knew, the Human Race hegemon of the Eastern Departure Flame Domain [a vast and fiery region in the immortal realms], the Departing Flame Emperor Lord's Liyan Imperial Court, in truth only had eighteen core Grand Luo Golden Immortal.
These Grand Luo Golden Immortal included the most outstanding among Departing Flame Emperor Lord's Dao companions, his bloodline descendants, and his disciples. They were talents he had painstakingly cultivated over tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], having paid no small price to nurture them.
For the Chen Immortal Clan to possess such profound foundations in less than ten Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] speaks volumes about the astonishing Fortune [the metaphysical luck and destiny of a person or lineage] of the Chen Clan.
"Is this... the Fortune [the metaphysical luck and destiny of a person or lineage] bestowed by the Primordial Essence?"
Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, recalling the words Profound Abyss Immortal Sage had imparted to Xianchang Chen.
Though Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds] and Fortune [the metaphysical luck and destiny of a person or lineage] are profound and elusive concepts, even a Chaos Celestial Emperor holds them in the highest regard. This is precisely why nearly all Grand Luo Golden Immortal establish a Great Luo Ancient Sect.
The glorious Fortune [the metaphysical luck and destiny of a person or lineage] of a single Great Luo Ancient Sect, bolstered by an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos of creation] anchoring that Fortune, is sufficient to smooth the path of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal's cultivation. Calamities and karmic burdens alike are suppressed by such Fortune.
And yet, even this pales into insignificance when compared to the Fortune [the metaphysical luck and destiny of a person or lineage] contained within the Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light [a fundamental, indestructible spiritual radiance from the dawn of creation].
With this thought, Eldrin Chen gathered his wandering contemplations.
He swept his gaze across the assembly, a faint smile gracing his lips. "The reason I have summoned you all is that the Celestial Emperor's Treasury [a legendary vault containing treasures of the Celestial Emperor] is soon to open. We must deliberate on who shall venture forth to claim its riches."
Upon hearing his words, a ripple of eager anticipation passed through the gathered crowd.
As beings of incomparably noble status, Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle of immortal cultivation, surpassing even ordinary Golden Immortals], their experience and discernment were profound. Naturally, they understood the immense value of the Celestial Emperor's Treasury [a legendary vault containing the legacies and treasures left by the supreme Celestial Emperors], and a flicker of desire stirred within each of them.
Noticing this, Lyra Jiang nearby spoke up, "The Celestial Emperor's Treasury is a treasure beyond measure, yet each person is granted only a single opportunity to enter its hallowed halls."
"Furthermore," she continued, "the Celestial Emperor's Treasury holds trials left by the various Celestial Emperor [the supreme sovereigns who rule over vast cosmic domains]. While a higher cultivation base offers some advantage, these trials place greater emphasis on one's innate talent and latent potential."
"Therefore, for this journey to the Celestial Emperor's Treasury, we shall prioritize those with the most exceptional natural endowments. Only after that shall we consider the level of their cultivation."
Hearing her words, everyone present nodded in agreement.
The Celestial Emperor's Treasury was a treasury specifically established by the nine Celestial Emperor of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain [the primordial domain from which all immortal realms are said to have originated] for the sole purpose of nurturing their disciples and successors.
And the Chaos Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler presiding over the primordial chaos] possessed vision of the highest order. To catch the eye of the Nine Chaos Celestial Emperors and receive a legacy bestowed by a Celestial Emperor, one likely needed to be, at the very minimum, a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a monarch who rules over a portion of the primordial chaos] True Seed [an individual recognized as having the potential to ascend to the rank of Emperor Monarch].
Such individuals, blessed with heaven-defying talent and the potential to break through to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm or even the lofty heights of Chaos Celestial Emperor, were the ones deemed worthy of receiving the Opportunity [a rare chance or catalyst for a major breakthrough in cultivation] granted by a Celestial Emperor, thereby paving their path to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm.
Considering this, Qiyuan Chen inquired, "If that is the case, then who among us should undertake this journey?"
Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before speaking, "Priority shall be given to those who have forged a True Spirit Foundation [an exceptionally pure and potent foundation for cultivation, far surpassing ordinary foundations]. Furthermore, those who possess a legacy from a Celestial Emperor of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain shall also be granted preferential qualification."
Upon hearing this, none present voiced any objections.
After all, those who possessed the legacy of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain and the Celestial Emperor [the supreme sovereign ruler of the heavens] were highly likely to receive special consideration upon entering the Celestial Emperor's Treasury [a legendary vault containing the accumulated treasures and legacies of past Celestial Emperors].
With this criterion established, the first batch of seven slots was thus allocated.
Eldrin Chen, Lyra Jiang, Verdant Consort, and Nyssa Qu were unquestionable choices. Lila and Yvonne the Violet Consort also possessed Celestial Emperor legacies.
Xianchang Chen was the direct disciple of Profound Abyss Immortal Sage and had also brought back five Ancient Immortal Cosmos Token [ancient tokens granting entry to the Celestial Emperor's Treasury]; by either measure, he rightfully claimed a slot.
The remaining five slots, after repeated deliberation, were granted to Ethan Chen, Qiyuan Chen, Daoxu Jiang, Qingfeng Ye, and Alaric Lu.
In truth, among the others, individuals like Frostwing Yan, Yuannian, and Xianqing Chen were also qualified. However, slots were limited, and each person could only enter the Celestial Emperor's Treasury once. Thus, these individuals were not insistent on entering this time.
Take Xianqing Chen for example. She believed she had not yet fully unlocked the potential of the Primordial Immortal Lotus Seed [a seed of immense spiritual purity and power] and still had a long path of cultivation ahead. It was better to thoroughly digest her foundational gains and wait for the next opening of the Immortal Cosmos Treasury [another name for the Celestial Emperor's Treasury] to make her attempt.
As for Drayan Taicang, being the direct descendant of the Taicang Divine Emperor, he did not lack for such an Ancient Immortal Cosmos Token, and therefore did not claim a slot.
"Now that the slots are decided," the voice concluded, "prepare yourselves. In three days' time, you shall accompany me to partake in the Opportunity [a chance for profound advancement or gain] presented by the Celestial Emperor's Treasury."
Eldrin Chen finally spoke, then watched as the others departed.
Three days passed swiftly. Early that morning, Eldrin Chen gathered the twelve Immortal [a being who has achieved immortality through cultivation] who were to participate in the Immortal Cosmos Treasury Opportunity [a rare chance for advancement or gain], and then set off towards the Depths of Chaos.
They traversed through the Space-Time [a mystical technique to manipulate space and time] of thousands of Dao Paths [the unique cultivation paths and principles followed by cultivators], finally arriving before a vast expanse known as the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.
"This is the place."
Gazing upon the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea before him, a look of solemn gravity settled upon Eldrin Chen's face as he recalled the origins of this desolate sea.
Before the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain shattered, the half-step Dao Union Realm [a legendary cultivation stage representing the union with the fundamental Dao] Immortal Cosmos Dao Progenitor had faintly divined the calamity destined for himself.
Thus, the nine great Immortal Sage [a supreme immortal cultivator] joined forces to seal the Immortal Cosmos Treasury within this Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, intending to nurture the rising talents of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss.
The fundamental purpose was to forge karmic ties with the prodigies of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, laying subtle groundwork for their eventual revival and return.
To the nine Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler among immortals], this was a worthwhile transaction. If they could make a future Chaos Celestial Emperor like Weilai owe them a favor, it might reduce the variables and obstacles when the time came for their own resurgence.
After all, the triumphant return of a half-step Dao Union Realm Chaos Celestial Emperor, accompanied by eight Chaos Immortal Sage, would be enough to upset the delicate balance of power within the Thirteen Domains of the Northern and Southern Celestial Abyss. Neither the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss nor the Six Domains of the Northern Abyss would likely welcome their successful revival.
"It seems the gathering this time is quite substantial."
At that very moment, Eldrin Chen heard a cold, mocking laugh.
He raised his gaze to survey the surroundings and discovered that within the Chaos, several hundred Grand Luo Golden Immortal [supreme cultivators at the pinnacle of the Grand Luo realm] had already assembled.
The cultivation bases of these Grand Luo Golden Immortal were exceptionally profound, nearly all starting from the Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal [the eighth layer of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm], with over half being existences at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the peak perfection stage of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm].
Among them were several individuals who exerted such immense pressure that even Eldrin Chen felt it keenly.
"True Spirit Foundation [a supreme foundational cultivation state surpassing ordinary Grand Luo limits]."
Eldrin Chen murmured under his breath, a flicker of solemnity deepening within the light of his eyes.
The power of these few who had cultivated the True Spirit Foundation seemed to have transcended the limits of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal, even reaching a level comparable to an Early Stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord [an Emperor Lord in the initial stage of the Primordial Chaos realm].
This caused Eldrin Chen's brow to furrow slightly, and he instinctively exchanged a glance with Lyra Jiang.
Possessing broader experience, Lyra Jiang observed the assembly and spoke, "The Golden Crow Clan's Imperial Scion Aurelius, the Dragon Race's Candle Sun Imperial Scion, the Divine Race's Profound Contemplation Divine Lord, and the Kirin Clan's Fire Kirin Imperial Scion."
"These four True Spirit Foundation cultivators, each at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm, possess strength that cannot be underestimated."
Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow slightly, quickly recalling the origins of these four individuals.
This Ling Celestial Emperorzi was the youngest son of the Solar Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of the sun and fire], said to be the younger brother of Aurelius, the Imperial Scion. Compared to Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, who had lived for over a thousand Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration], his cultivation journey had spanned less than one hundred Kalpa Tribulation.
Although his years were fewer, Ling Celestial Emperorzi's innate talent was even more astonishing.
This individual had not endured the trials faced by Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, having cultivated the three great True Spirit Foundation [the foundational spiritual, physical, and Dao aspects of a cultivator] early on. His cultivation had now been at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm for many years.
Currently, Ling Celestial Emperorzi's three foundational pillars—his physical body, his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], and his Great Dao—had all reached the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm. Although his physical body and Primordial Spirit were only secondary pursuits, his power was already extraordinary.
As early as three Kalpa Tribulation ago, Ling Celestial Emperorzi, while still at the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, had famously challenged and slain an Early Stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord, decisively defeating his opponent within three thousand exchanges.
Such profound foundational strength was exceedingly rare even within the annals of Demon Race history.
Therefore, Ling Celestial Emperorzi was regarded as the one among the nine sons of the Solar Celestial Emperor who most resembled his father, and was widely expected to become the next Supreme Heavenly Emperor [the paramount ruler of the demonic heavens] of the Demon Race.
"Aurelius's younger brother... is actually more powerful than he is."
"Intriguing," [a word expressing interest or amusement].
Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a faint smile touching his lips.
It was only now that he understood why Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, despite being the eldest son of the Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of the heavens], had been born with an innate deficiency in his spiritual foundation. This was the very reason he needed to repeatedly challenge and conquer successive Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense destruction and rebirth], hoping to find within these trials an opponent who could push him to the next level of his cultivation.
In stark contrast, the other eight Imperial Scions of the Solar Celestial Emperor [the Celestial Emperor associated with the sun] each possessed heaven-defying talent. Each had swept through a single Kalpa Tribulation with an invincible momentum before contending for the Dao and ascending to the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm].
Before the rise of Eldrin Chen, throughout the long span of one thousand Kalpa Tribulation, the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a collective term for the myriad immortal realms] had been virtually dominated by the myth of the nine sons of Grand Yang [the supreme Yang principle].
Every Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has existed since ancient times] across the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss lived under the shadow cast by the nine Imperial Scions of the Solar Celestial Emperor.
"The nine sons of the Celestial Emperor,"
Eldrin Chen mused, a note of surprise in his voice. "What kind of Opportunity [a rare chance or resource that can drastically advance one's cultivation] did the Solar Celestial Emperor obtain, that he could sire nine such peerless Imperial Scions within the span of one thousand successive Kalpa Tribulation?"
"He must have acquired some exceedingly rare Opportunity from the depths of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the primordial sea of chaos at the beginning of creation],"
Lyra Jiang spoke up, her own expression tinged with puzzlement.
Regarding this great adversary who was once her peer in renown, Lyra Jiang possessed only limited understanding.
After a moment of contemplation, Lyra Jiang began to speak. "The Solar Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of the sun] possesses a domineering temperament, yet remains shrouded in profound mystery. For the vast majority of his existence, he has either been in secluded cultivation or wandering the depths of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the primordial, formless ocean of chaos at the dawn of creation]."
"In truth, during the Primordial Era [the first and most ancient epoch of creation], the Solar Celestial Emperor never involved himself in the governance of the Primordial Divine Court [the original celestial court of the gods]. His focus was singularly fixed upon his own cultivation and enlightenment."
"Among the three Primordial Divine Emperor [the original, supreme divine emperors of the primordial age], the Solar Celestial Emperor was the last to Ascension [achieve the highest state of divinity and power]. On the surface, his power seemed the weakest. We all believed he held no craving for temporal authority, which is why we entrusted the defense of our rear to Him during the great war."
"Yet, none could have foreseen that the Solar Celestial Emperor, who had always remained an enigma, would betray us at the pivotal moment. He even revealed a supreme power rivaling that of the Primordial Beginning Divine Emperor [the divine emperor who presided over the beginning of all things]."
As she spoke of this, an unprecedented gravity settled upon Lyra Jiang's countenance.
It was clear she regarded this great adversary, the Solar Celestial Emperor, with profound wariness and the utmost seriousness.
After drawing a deep breath, Lyra Jiang offered her final assessment. "The Solar Celestial Emperor presents a facade of domineering and unyielding force, yet beneath it lies a mind of unfathomable depth. His resolve is absolute, and his methods are ruthless."
"In ordinary times, he may appear utterly reliable. But when sufficient profit is at stake, not even his own direct bloodline is safe from being used as a bargaining chip for his own advancement."
"That was our fatal mistake—we trusted him too completely. The entire Primordial Divine Court, including the two great Divine Emperor [beings who have ascended to the realm of divine emperors], was deceived by his machinations. Even if you one day prove your Dao and become a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a celestial emperor who commands the power of primordial chaos], you must never underestimate him."
Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression turned solemn, and he gave a grave nod. "I understand," he said.
At the same time, the Celestial Emperor-realm scion, Ling, also turned his gaze. After sweeping his eyes over Eldrin Chen, he spoke. "So it was you who defeated my elder brother all those years ago?"
Eldrin Chen remained silent, offering no reply to the words of the Celestial Emperor-realm scion, Ling.
The Celestial Emperor-realm scion, Ling, gave a light laugh before speaking again. "My elder brother was born with innate deficiencies. I suppose I should thank you for helping him break and then rebuild himself."
"A pity we are not of the same realm. Otherwise, I would have certainly crossed blades with you to seek justice for my brother."
Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly, and he finally spoke. "Even if we were not of the same realm, I would not fear you!"
"Hah—"
The Celestial Emperor-realm scion, Ling, let out a cold laugh, then stated calmly, "Your ability to forge your own Great Dao [the supreme, fundamental principle of cultivation] proves you are a man of extraordinary talent. But the reason you were able to rise was because you encountered my brother, and not me."
The Celestial Emperor-realm scion, Ling, exuded an arrogance that pierced the heavens, an invincible aura that looked down upon all directions. In the end, he shook his head coldly. "I will await you at the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm. There, in a fair duel, I shall sever your head."
With those final words, he shattered the firmament beneath his feet and departed, vanishing into the depths of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.
Eldrin Chen watched his departure with a calm gaze, a flicker of surprise coloring his eyes.
This Aurelius, the Imperial Scion possessed an exceedingly lofty spirit, which earned him a measure of respect.
Lyra Jiang, however, seemed to understand something deeper. She spoke with a grave tone, "As the direct offspring of the Solar Celestial Emperor, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion's foundation is profound. While you currently hold the advantage with the power of the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a supreme cultivation art that sacrifices one's own essence for immense temporary power], a battle with him now is not guaranteed victory."
"Once he breaks through to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm, his heritage as a Celestial Emperor's Direct Offspring will grant him access to the pinnacle of cultivation resources and legacies. He may even attempt to refine an Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing world-shaking power]. At that point, the scales would tip against you."
"So, while a battle at the same realm seems fair, the underlying reality may be quite different."
"I see."
Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. Treasures of the Primordial Chaos Rank were exceedingly rare. When comparing a Celestial Emperor's Direct Offspring backed by a Celestial Emperor to someone like himself, who had only recently entered the Primordial Unity realm, the disparity in resources was indeed vast and seemingly incomparable.
With this thought, Eldrin Chen's gaze shifted to the Candle Sun Imperial Scion, the Profound Contemplation Divine Lord, and the Fire Kirin Imperial Scion. These three seemed a notch below Aurelius, the Imperial Scion in presence, yet each had cultivated at least one or two True Spirit Foundation [a foundational cultivation stage focusing on purifying and solidifying one's spiritual core], granting them combat power likely at the Primordial Unity Emperor Lord Level.
"It seems," he mused, "to prepare for the opening of the Celestial Emperor's Treasury [a legendary repository of treasures left by a Celestial Emperor], they have all suppressed their cultivation, refraining from breaking through for hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often associated with great calamities and rebirth]."
This chapter makes up for yesterday's.