Chapter 1984 : A Treasury Forged in Chaos

As these thoughts flickered through their minds, they saw the others depart by tearing through the Void [the fabric of space]. Eldrin Chen did not linger either. He immediately led his companions into the depths of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, turbulent sea of chaotic energies at the edge of the cosmos].

The Celestial Emperor's Treasury [a legendary vault of treasures] was sealed within the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, concealed by the combined arts of nine Immortal Sage [a supreme cultivator who has attained sagehood]. Even a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler born from primordial chaos] would find it nearly impossible to locate, let alone force it open.

Each time the Celestial Emperor's Treasury opened, a Teleportation Array Platform [a mystical platform inscribed with teleportation runes] would manifest at the fringes of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea. Stepping onto this platform would transport one directly into the treasury's interior.

However, the Teleportation Array Platform came with significant restrictions. Firstly, only cultivators at the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal realm within the Grand Luo hierarchy] realm or below could ascend it. Beings whose cultivation had reached the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [an Emperor Monarch born of Primordial Chaos] realm or higher were utterly barred from entering the Celestial Emperor's Treasury.

Eldrin Chen understood the reasoning behind this. After all, the Celestial Emperor's Treasury was fundamentally designed to nurture and temper rising talents.

Those who had ascended to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm were considered formidable powers even within the vastness of Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged]. For such beings to advance further required resources of unimaginable rarity and value—treasures even a Chaos Celestial Emperor would not part with lightly.

Returning to the matter at hand, after Eldrin Chen and his group entered the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea and stepped onto the Teleportation Array Platform, they felt the Ancient Immortal Cosmos Token [a token granting passage to ancient realms] they carried begin to glow with a faint, warm light.

Immediately afterward, an intangible force of Void translocation swept over them, wrenching them through space and depositing them within a formless expanse of Void.

The world spun, the heavens and earth inverted; mountains flowed backward like rivers.

When Eldrin Chen regained his senses, he found himself standing before a majestic complex of immortal palaces, their spires piercing the luminous mist.

Those immortal palaces soared into the clouds, connected by stairways paved with white jade, all shrouded within the billowing Chaos Immortal Mist [a primordial, formless mist that obscures perception and tests the spirit].

"It is the Immortal Cosmos Heavenly Stairway [a legendary celestial staircase that tests the foundation and potential of cultivators],"

Lyra Jiang spoke, her expression grave. "The Immortal Cosmos Heavenly Stairway was forged and consecrated from Chaotic Immortal Jade [a legendary jade born from the chaos of creation, possessing immense spiritual weight]. It consists of nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine Dao Platform [a platform or step imbued with Dao principles, used for meditation or trial] steps. Upon it, the Immortal Cosmos Dao Progenitor [the mythical founder of the cosmos' fundamental principles] laid down a Chaos Grand Formation [a supreme formation of primordial chaos that exerts immense pressure]. Even a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Golden Immortal realm within the Grand Luo hierarchy] would be suppressed by this Formation [a structured arrangement of energy, objects, or concepts to achieve a specific effect, often defensive or restrictive]."

"Merely traversing three thousand steps signifies the potential to become a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler whose power originates from the primordial chaos of creation], granting one the qualification to proceed to the next trial."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen's eyes narrowed slightly.

If merely walking three thousand steps indicated the makings of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, then would not one who completed the entire heavenly stairway possess the foundational depth of a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor whose authority and power are rooted in the fundamental chaos of existence]?

Seeing his reaction, Lyra Jiang offered a faint smile. "Legend says that forging a single True Spirit Foundation [a perfected, unshakable spiritual foundation for one's cultivation path] allows one to ascend beyond the eight thousandth step. Each step thereafter increases in difficulty exponentially, demanding immense foundational depth and unwavering perseverance."

"And to complete the entire staircase... legend holds that one would likely need to have forged a Sevenfold True Spirit Foundation [a foundation of seven perfected True Spirits, representing an almost mythical level of spiritual perfection and stability]."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of understanding passed through Eldrin Chen's gaze.

He glanced around and saw that many Grand Luo Golden Immortal had already begun their ascent. Yet, the stairway was wreathed in mist, obscuring from view just how far any of them had managed to tread.

"Let us ascend and see."

So saying, Eldrin Chen immediately strode forward and stepped onto the Immortal Cosmos Heavenly Stairway.

The moment he set foot upon the Immortal Cosmos Heavenly Stairway, Eldrin Chen instantly felt a vast and overwhelming pressure descend upon him.

It was a supreme Dao Aura [the profound and intrinsic presence emanating from a fundamental cosmic principle], imbued with the authority of the highest Chaos Great Dao. Even the faintest wisp of it exerted a palpable strain on Eldrin Chen.

This suppressive aura was calibrated to the cultivator's own cultivation level; the higher one's realm, the greater the pressure one would bear.

By Eldrin Chen's estimation, an ordinary Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal would need to actively circulate their spiritual energy to withstand such force.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen's combat prowess far exceeded his nominal cultivation stage. To him, this pressure was but a single feather added to his shoulders, scarcely noticeable.

With this thought, he glanced down at Lyra Jiang and the others beside him.

Thankfully, Lyra Jiang and her companions possessed exceptionally profound foundations. They remained utterly unaffected by the pressure, feeling no strain whatsoever.

"It seems there is no issue. Let us proceed onward, then."

Eldrin Chen spoke, his steps calm and measured as he ascended, swiftly reaching the summit of the three thousand steps.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen noticed that around the three thousandth step, numerous immortal palaces had already appeared, floating and sinking amidst the ethereal mists.

"The treasures within these immortal palaces were all left behind by the disciples and followers of the nine great Immortal Sage of old, as well as by the supreme Grand Luo Golden Immortal of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain [the primordial realm from which the current cosmos originated]. They will not contain exceptionally precious artifacts."

Lyra Jiang spoke slowly, a faint ripple of emotion shimmering in the depths of her gaze.

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. In ancient times, the nine Celestial Emperor established the Celestial Emperor's Treasury to nurture all the rising talents of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain [the primordial realm from which the current cosmos originated]. Naturally, it was not funded and built by the nine Celestial Emperor alone.

The entire Celestial Emperor's Treasury contains approximately three thousand immortal palaces. Each palace is a legacy left behind by a cultivator who had reached the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm.

Among them are nine ancient halls of the Celestial Emperor, twelve immortal palaces of the Sage Ascendant, thirty-six grand imperial mansions, and over one thousand palaces belonging to Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

The remaining two thousand or so immortal palaces are all treasure vaults bequeathed by those who attained the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm.

The palaces connected to the three thousandth step of the Immortal Cosmos Heavenly Stairway represent the lowest stratum of the Celestial Emperor's Treasury's legacy—the vaults holding the least valuable treasures.

Yet, one must not underestimate the difficulty of reaching this three thousandth tier. Since time immemorial, those who have not forged an Indestructible Foundation [a foundation of unparalleled solidity, essential for the highest echelons of cultivation], or who lack cultivation at the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal level, have likely found it impossible to ascend these three thousand steps.

"Let us press onward,"

Eldrin Chen spoke, for he held no regard for the immortal palaces upon the first three thousand tiers.

Within the span from the three thousandth to the six thousandth tier of the Celestial Stairway, there were no palaces left behind by the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, and thus no possibility of finding treasures of immeasurable, ancient value such as Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial, uncreated energy from which all things originate].

Furthermore, over the countless Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of creation and destruction] that have passed, innumerable Immortal [beings who have ascended to immortality] have climbed the Celestial Emperor's Treasury, long ago stripping the first several thousand tiers of the majority of their treasures.

What remained were items that could not be taken away, such as Spirit Root [spiritual plants that continuously produce spiritual fruits] that could yield Innate Spiritual Fruit [spiritual fruits born of innate spiritual energy], or treasures like Immortal Spring [a spring of immortal-grade spiritual water].

Yet, due to their lower tier, the grade of these treasures was mostly not high, and there was nothing particularly capable of stirring Eldrin Chen's heart, making them unworthy of wasting their precious time to explore.

The group continued their stride forward, and before they knew it, they had passed another several thousand tiers, arriving at the location of the six thousandth tier.

Upon reaching this position, Eldrin Chen distinctly felt a not insignificant pressure.

He could clearly sense that this pressure seemed to be the full-force assault of a supreme Grand Luo [a realm of cultivation beyond the Golden Immortal] at the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal stage, unceasingly suppressing him with supreme divine power, making it difficult to advance a single step further.

"With my level of cultivation, I can already feel such pressure. Those at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection stage likely endure an even greater burden."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, having roughly calculated that the number of Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the highest attainable realm of immortality] capable of reaching this level was already dwindling.

One must have cultivated at least three Indestructible Foundation [a supreme and unshakable cultivation base] to possibly ascend to this six-thousandth tier; to advance further depended on one's own willpower and fortune.

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen glanced at an immortal hall not far away, his eyes glinting with a flicker of interest. "A hall left behind by a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign who ruled during the primordial chaos], shall we investigate?" he proposed.

The others nodded, a shared spark of curiosity igniting within them.

They ascended the steps to the hall and discovered, before its entrance, a plaque inscribed with four grand characters.

"Glimmering Light Immortal Hall."

Eldrin Chen whispered the name, then stepped calmly into the hall's interior.

Upon entering, Eldrin Chen surveyed the space and found several treasured pavilions within: an Immortal Herb Garden [a garden cultivating plants of immortal grade], an Immortal Elixir Pavilion [a pavilion for storing immortal-grade pills], an Immortal Pool Hall [a hall containing a pool of immortal energy], and others.

They first entered the Immortal Elixir Pavilion, only to find nine immortal altars meant for holding treasures, now all empty and bare—clearly looted long ago.

"A pity," one of them sighed. "The immortal elixirs were taken ages ago."

Ethan Chen spoke slowly, a trace of regret coloring his tone.

Any elixir [a magical pill concocted through profound alchemy] left behind by a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch would undoubtedly be a rare and world-shaking divine treasure. Even if it held no use for Eldrin Chen, for them, it would still be a priceless marvel.

Without further comment, Eldrin Chen proceeded to the Immortal Herb Garden. There, his gaze alighted upon a radiant expanse of immortal herbs [plants imbued with potent spiritual energy], and a glimmer of pleasant surprise flashed within his eyes.

At that very moment, a faint shimmer of light trembled within the Immortal Herb Garden, and a figure of peerless grace and bearing materialized—an Azure-Robed Man.

His gaze was calm as he regarded the group, a faint smile gracing his lips. "If you wish to claim the treasures within this Immortal Herb Garden," he said, "you must withstand three moves from this Emperor."

"Three moves, is it?"

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, his voice composed. "Then make your move."

As the words fell, the Glimmering Light Emperor Lord instantly struck, his palm cleaving through the air with a force that Eruption [unleashed] a truly astonishing level of combat prowess.

A flicker of recognition passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes. The combat power displayed by this grand Dao [the fundamental principle or path of cultivation] phantom of the Glimmering Light Emperor Lord was extraordinary, nearly reaching the absolute limit of the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm. It was likely that even two or three ordinary cultivators at that same peak would be forced into retreat.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen's own strength was exceptional. With a simple turn of his palm, he met the attack head-on. In an instant, the grand Dao phantom of the Glimmering Light Emperor Lord was struck, its form utterly shattered and dispersed.

"Pfft—" [a sound of something being pierced or deflated]

An instant later, the phantom projection of Glimmering Light Emperor Lord's Great Dao [the fundamental principle or path of cultivation] reconstituted itself, gazing at Eldrin Chen with a trace of shock. "You possess such power?"

As he spoke, Glimmering Light Emperor Lord's expression shifted slightly. "With your bearing, Fellow Daoist, you are destined to join our ranks in the future."

"I can open this Immortal Herb Garden [a garden cultivating immortal-grade medicinal herbs] to you. I only hope that when I awaken in the future, Fellow Daoist might offer some care and assistance."

Eldrin Chen remained utterly calm, then spoke. "If it is within my power, I will naturally lend some aid."

Only then did Glimmering Light Emperor Lord offer a faint smile and release the locks sealing the Immortal Herb Garden.

Upon entering the Immortal Herb Garden, the group discovered the garden was filled with immortal herbs. Among them were rare specimens of Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from nature, possessing innate spiritual power] grade, and even a single High Grade Innate Spiritual Root [a supreme-grade plant born with innate spiritual properties]—the 'Starfruit Tree'—its branches laden with immortal fruits.

"By convention," Glimmering Light Emperor Lord began, "those who can withstand three of my strikes may take three Starfruit [the fruit of the Starfruit Tree, an immortal-grade herb], or three other immortal herbs."

He continued, a smile gracing his features. "However, since you, Fellow Daoist, have defeated me, I shall make an exception. You may take all the immortal treasures here, save for the Starfruit Tree itself."

"But by the rules, I must ask you to leave behind seeds, so they may be replanted and cultivated anew within the Immortal Herb Garden."

Eldrin Chen smiled and nodded, then spoke: "When gathering herbs, leave the roots; when plucking flowers, leave the seeds. This is the proper way."

As they spoke thus, the group harvested the immortal medicines from the garden, discovering they had obtained several dozen plants of Great Luo Immortal Medicine [a legendary grade of spiritual herb]. Among them were even nine exceedingly rare immortal herbs of the High Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme grade of spiritual object] tier, all items of immense value.

Furthermore, the highly valuable Starfruit [a spiritual fruit shaped like a star], numbered thirty-six in total from this single harvest.

After gathering these treasures, they proceeded to the Immortal Pool Hall. That Immortal Pool Hall housed a rare immortal pool, a sacred ground for tempering the physical body. It could even accelerate the process of honing the flesh for Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen immersed himself within it to cultivate for a period. He felt his physical cultivation foundation grow increasingly solid, and even the required interval between consuming the Supreme Grade Indestructible Golden Fruit [a supreme-grade fruit that fortifies the body to an indestructible state] had shortened considerably.

"It seems I can consume another Indestructible Golden Fruit [a golden fruit that grants an indestructible physique]."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. He immediately retrieved and swallowed one Indestructible Golden Fruit, instantly feeling his Indestructible Body [a physique tempered to a near-unbreakable state] strengthen once more by a significant degree.

Besides Eldrin Chen, the physical cultivation of the others also improved markedly.

Unfortunately, this immortal pool was not of a high grade, being merely a twenty-four pattern Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure born from nature]. Thus, its effects were only potent during the first use.

After completing their body tempering in the immortal pool, the group exited the Glimmering Light Immortal Hall and continued their ascent along the stone steps.

They continued their journey forward, exploring dozens of Primordial Unity Immortal Halls in succession. Yet, to the regret of Eldrin Chen, many of these Primordial Unity Halls were sealed by restrictions.

Numerous Primordial Unity Immortal Halls required meeting specific conditions to be opened—such as possessing a physique or aptitude similar to the Hall's original master. Those with simpler access requirements, however, often held little of value within.

Among the treasures they did find, truly precious items like Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial, uncreated energy from which all things originate] or Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [the nascent, unformed core of a supreme-grade magical artifact], Eldrin Chen did not encounter a single one.

"After hundreds of explorations, the lower-tier Primordial Unity Immortal Halls likely hold no treasures of great significance left,"

Lyra Jiang spoke, her gaze lifting naturally towards the higher reaches of the celestial staircase.

Eldrin Chen gave a nod of agreement. "Then let us not waste further time. We shall ascend beyond the eight thousandth tier."

With these words, Eldrin Chen strode forward, his steps carrying him unawares onto the eight thousandth tier of the Celestial Emperor's Treasury.

Reaching the eight thousandth tier of the celestial staircase typically demanded immense perseverance and willpower, coupled with astonishing innate talent and profound foundational strength.

Generally speaking, only those who had forged a True Spirit Foundation [the most perfect and potent foundation for a cultivator's future path] possessed the potential to set foot upon this level of the Celestial Emperor's Treasury.

The Immortal Halls above the eight thousandth tier were exceedingly sparse. Eldrin Chen swept his gaze forward and found that the remaining halls ahead numbered merely a little over one hundred.

"The celestial treasuries above the eight thousandth tier are legacies left by the pinnacle Late Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord Realm Emperor Lord."

Lyra Jiang spoke, her expression turning grave. "Vaults of this level once belonged to the supreme powerhouses of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain. It is highly likely they contain remnants of Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial, uncreated energy from which all things originate], and there is even a possibility of encountering an Innate Supreme Treasure [a peerless treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate laws and supreme power]."

"However, we can only attempt to open three vaults at this level at most."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this.

The Celestial Emperor's Treasury [a legendary repository containing the legacies of ancient supreme cultivators] operates under its own immutable rules. Among the vaults above the eight thousandth tier, one may only attempt to open three in total—specifically, one each from the Late Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord Realm, the Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord, and the Sage Ascendant levels.

In other words, once a Late Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord Realm vault is opened, if one cannot pass the trial of a Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord vault, then only that single vault remains accessible.

As for the vaults above the nine thousandth tier, those are the legacies left by the nine great Celestial Emperor [the supreme rulers of the cosmos, beings who have ascended to the apex of cultivation]. Vaults of that caliber are incomparably precious, and an individual may only attempt to open one.

Since the Celestial Emperor's Treasury first came into existence, the legacies of the nine great Celestial Emperor have been opened little more than a dozen times in total.

"With our attempts limited, we must aim for the most potent vaults."

Eldrin Chen turned, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group. "Given your innate talent and latent potential, most of you should be able to enter the majority of these hundred-plus Celestial Emperor's Treasury. You may each choose three to undergo their trials."

"Remember, rather than choosing the most powerful Celestial Emperor's Treasury [the legendary vault of a Celestial Emperor], it is better to choose the treasury most suited to yourself."

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement. They soon selected the ancient halls they wished to ascend to and began striding deeper along the celestial stairway.

After the others had departed, Eldrin Chen also continued his ascent towards the heavens, directly choosing a treasury belonging to an Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal at the eighth layer of the Great Luo realm].

This treasury was named the Celestial Dawn Immortal Hall, a legacy left behind by the peerless Emperor Lord [a supreme title for a powerful immortal ruler] known as 'Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor' from the bygone Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain.

That Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor had founded the Nine Suns Coexisting in the Sky Art [a supreme cultivation art manifesting nine suns] and even wielded an Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos]. His combat prowess was on par with a Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord [an Emperor Lord who has reached the pinnacle of the Primordial realm], making him one of the invincible powerhouses of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain in his era.

Most crucially, this Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor was also a direct disciple of the Chaos Celestial Emperor, granting him a status of exceptional nobility.

Upon stepping into the Celestial Dawn Treasure Vault, Eldrin Chen immediately discovered that the various Immortal Treasury [resources and treasures stored within] were preserved in remarkably pristine condition. It was evident that over countless eons, exceedingly few had been able to pass the trials set by the Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor.

"*Hum—*"

Just as Eldrin Chen's thoughts drifted, he suddenly felt an intangible force envelop him.

After a moment of dizzying spatial distortion, Eldrin Chen found himself transported to an unnamed void. Before him stood a crimson-haired Elder.

"To have set foot within this Celestial Dawn Immortal Hall of mine, young friend, you can indeed be considered divinely favored…"

The red-haired Elder spoke, but as his gaze fell upon Eldrin Chen's features, he suddenly froze, his expression shifting dramatically as he exclaimed in shock, "Patriarch…"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback and could not help but reply, "Fellow Daoist, I fear you have mistaken me for another."

The red-haired Elder stood dumbfounded for a moment before regaining his composure. After a long pause, he finally spoke, "The resemblance is uncanny, yet why is the essence so profoundly different?"

A slight frown creased Eldrin Chen's brow. Finding it peculiar that this red-haired Elder would mistake him for a patriarch, he inquired, "Does your Patriarch bear some resemblance to this humble one?"

The red-haired Elder did not answer immediately. Instead, he carefully circled Eldrin Chen several times, unable to suppress the thought rising in his heart: "Could this man be the reincarnated form of the Patriarch?"

Yet, in the next instant, he shook his head, dismissing the notion.

Having cultivated to his current realm, he naturally possessed the insight to discern the unique aura of a reincarnated soul at a glance.

Eldrin Chen's soul essence seemed distinctly more primal and youthful compared to that of the Patriarch, lacking the ancient, fathomless depth that characterized the Patriarch's spirit.

With this realization, the red-haired Elder withdrew his probing thoughts. Fixing his gaze on Eldrin Chen, he said, "This old man's Daoist title is Tianxu [Celestial Dawn]. I presume you are already aware."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and then spoke, "You are the direct disciple of a Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of a celestial domain]. Even after tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of creation and destruction], your name would still be thunderous within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss."

The Crimson-Haired Ancient Ancestor began, saying, "In my youth, I was fortunate enough to accompany my Master to pay homage to our Founding Patriarch. I had the honor of seeing the Patriarch once. Fellow Daoist, your resemblance to our Patriarch is so striking that I momentarily mistook you for him."

Eldrin Chen was visibly shaken and could not help but inquire, "Fellow Daoist, who exactly is this Founding Patriarch of yours?"

Upon hearing this, the Crimson-Haired Ancient Ancestor pondered for a long moment before replying, "Before the era of Sugu [the Primordial Epoch], when the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain first opened, our Patriarch emerged from the Depths of Chaos."

"He established the Nine Methods of the Immortal Path. My Master and the other honored uncles—the nine Celestial Emperor of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain—were the nine great disciples seated at the Patriarch's feet."

Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted sharply. If the words of the Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor were true, then the nine great Celestial Emperor of the ancient Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain were all disciples of a single, supremely powerful being?

Most crucially, Eldrin Chen bore an exact likeness to that Founding Patriarch. If this was not mere coincidence, then the two must be connected by a thousand intricate threads.

This revelation was so staggering that it left Eldrin Chen momentarily questioning the very nature of his own origins.

"Could it be... that my identity conceals a deeper mystery?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, his thoughts a tangled skeil he could not yet unravel.

In the bygone era, the nine Celestial Emperor [supreme rulers who have ascended to the pinnacle of cultivation] of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain [the primordial realm from which all creation is said to have sprung] all possessed cultivation at the First Realm of Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged]. Among them, the Immortal Cosmos Dao Progenitor [the legendary founder who established the fundamental principles of the cosmos] had even half a foot stepped into the Second Chaos Realm [a profound state of unity with the fundamental Dao, beyond the initial grasp of Chaos].

If he truly were the reincarnation of that Founding Patriarch, would it not mean his previous life had reached at least the Chaos Second Realm - Dao Union Realm [the realm of merging one's being with the fundamental Dao], and it was highly probable he had even tread upon an even loftier plane?

A being of such stature should be a master player upon the boundless board of Chaos, a supreme figure gazing down upon the infinite expanse. How could such a one possibly sit in meditation and perish?

This stirred a faint sense of incongruity within Eldrin Chen, yet he felt only a dense fog of mystery before him, finding it difficult for the moment to part the mists and glimpse the truth.

"Alas..."

After pondering the matter thrice over, Eldrin Chen remained unable to deduce anything conclusive. In the end, he withdrew his thoughts and settled his mind.

Returning to the present, he felt it wiser for one of his current cultivation not to become entangled with beings of excessive power. He turned his gaze to the Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor and said, "A figure like your sect's Founding Patriarch must have been a world-shaking Celestial Emperor, whose might reverberated through Chaos."

"I am merely at the Great Luo Realm [a high but not supreme stage of cultivation]. How could I possibly be connected to such a being?"

"The wonders within Chaos are without limit. I believe encountering someone of similar appearance is likely just a coincidence."

The Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor also nodded. While he could not discern Eldrin Chen's true origins, he could perceive that Eldrin Chen was likely not the reincarnated form of his sect's Founding Patriarch.

After a moment of contemplation, he spoke, "Since there is a resemblance, perhaps it signifies a destined connection. An ordinary person who passes my trial may only take away one Heavy Treasure [a term for exceptionally rare and powerful treasures] and two ordinary treasures."

"However, if you can defeat this manifestation of my Grand Dao Divine Form [the supreme physical manifestation of one's mastered Great Dao], I grant you permission to select three Heavy Treasure."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's eyes gleamed with anticipation. Given the status and discernment of the Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor, what he considered an 'ordinary treasure' was likely a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a top-tier treasure born from heaven and earth]. Any item deemed a Heavy Treasure would undoubtedly be extraordinary beyond measure.

The chance to choose three such Heavy Treasure promised a harvest so bountiful it would greatly enrich even Eldrin Chen.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen declared, "Fellow Daoist, please make your move."

"Be on your guard."

As the words faded, the aura around the Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor surged violently. Boundless Great Dao power converged upon his form, coalescing into a majestic Grand Dao Divine Form—the Crimson Sun Celestial Crow [a divine form embodying the essence of a crimson sun and a celestial crow].

Eldrin Chen was not entirely unfamiliar with the concept of a Grand Dao Divine Form, for it was a supreme power attainable only upon reaching the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign who commands the primordial forces of chaos].

It was analogous to how a cultivator of the Sainthood through the Flesh [a path focusing on physical ascension to sainthood], upon reaching Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, could transform their True Spirit Divine Runes [divine runes of one's true spirit] into the more potent True Spirit Divine Form [a divine form born from one's true spirit]. Similarly, those who walked the Path of Dao Dominion [the path of mastering and dominating a Great Dao] could cultivate a Grand Dao Divine Form to empower themselves.

After breaking through to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm, if one advanced further to grasp Dao Authority [the authority to command a specific Dao], they could transform the power of the Great Dao they had mastered into the ultimate Grand Dao Divine Form.

And the Grand Dao Divine Form is the true form manifested by the Great Dao [the fundamental cosmic principle], capable of unleashing a divine power of unprecedented and ancient rarity.

Generally speaking, a single Perfect Innate Great Dao can, at most, give birth to nine [the ultimate artifacts born from a perfect innate great dao]; therefore, a Great Dao that possesses this can also have nine forms, allowing for the cultivation of nine divine forms.

And the more Grand Dao Divine Form one cultivates, the more powerful the grasp over the power of that Great Dao becomes.

Typically, cultivating one Grand Dao Divine Form allows one to step into the Late Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord Realm. Cultivating three divine forms signifies an existence at the Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord level.

As for those who cultivate all nine divine forms, they are exceedingly rare existences at the Sage Ascendant realm.

In fact, many Perfect Innate Great Dao lack sufficient foundational depth, only able to give birth to six or seven divine forms. A Sage Ascendant realm powerhouse who masters the authority of such a Dao can, at most, cultivate only six or seven [plural of Grand Dao Divine Form].

At this moment, the phantom of Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor manifested the Crimson Sun Celestial Crow Divine Form, unleashing with its first move a divine power of peerless might, rare even across the eons.

Even with his cultivation suppressed to the Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, he still displayed a peerless method rarely seen in the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], sufficient to rend apart a Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection existence—a force only a [a supreme cultivator who has mastered the power of primordial chaos] could withstand.

"You... are not unworthy."

Eldrin Chen raised his palm to meet the attack, sending the Crimson Sun Celestial Crow hurtling away, his expression calm as he spoke.

He was somewhat curious about the power of the Grand Dao Divine Form [a supreme divine ability that embodies the power of the Great Dao itself] and could not help but speak: "You may unleash your full strength. Let me witness the might of the Grand Dao Divine Form."

"Very well!"

The Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor acted decisively. Endless Great Dao Divine Chain [divine chains forged from the principles of the Great Dao] interwove and surged forth, carrying a near-limitless power of Dao Authority [the authority to command the fundamental laws of reality]. Each strand possessed the supreme might to suppress and slay a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a pinnacle immortal who has attained the Grand Luo realm].

It was an ocean of converging Great Dao, a supreme power originating from the Dao Origin [the primordial source and foundation of all Daos].

Even though the Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor had long since fallen, this Grand Dao Divine Form, bolstered by the immortal palace, still manifested a force of ultimate potency.

"The ultimate expression of Dao Authority, power drawn from the very root of the Great Dao."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his expression grave as he clashed with the Crimson Sun Celestial Crow Divine Form [a divine form embodying a celestial crow of the crimson sun].

In but a few moments, the two had already exchanged over three thousand moves. The cataclysmic divine energy unleashed was enough to annihilate a vast Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortals]. Were it not for the Indestructible [a property of supreme durability] and spatial fortitude of the Celestial Emperor's Treasury, the entire immortal palace would have long been reduced to dust.

After three thousand exchanges, Eldrin Chen had largely grasped the profound mysteries of the Grand Dao Divine Form. His eyes gleamed with a sudden light as he spoke: "A formidable Grand Dao Divine Form indeed. It is worthy of my full power."

"Boom—"

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen unleashed a palm strike that forced the Crimson Sun Celestial Crow into retreat, then transformed into an eternal divine sun that soared into the heavens.

In that instant, the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries behind him began to rotate, and the faint phantom of an Immortal Domain materialized, channeling supreme power to bolster his own form.

"Dao Authority [the authority to command a fundamental principle of the cosmos]... You have already grasped a Great Dao?"

Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor cried out in alarm, hurriedly commanding the Crimson Sun Celestial Crow to unleash its full power in an Eruption, but it was already too late.

For Eldrin Chen, wielding the deepened authority of the Path of Self-Sacrifice, brought his fist crashing down. A supreme force capable of cleaving all creation surged forth, and every opposing power was swept away into Annihilation beneath this ultimate fist.

"Hah—"

The Crimson Sun Celestial Crow shattered, instantly reforming into the phantom of Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor.

Gazing at Eldrin Chen, his expression one of astonishment, he spoke: "To think you have already mastered a Great Dao. I perceive this Dao's potential is boundless. In the future, you will likely become, at the very least, an invincible powerhouse at the Sage Ascendant realm."

"To be defeated by you... this old man's loss is not unjust."

Eldrin Chen's countenance remained serene, then he smiled and said, "Due to the restrictions imposed by the rules of the Celestial Emperor's Treasury, Fellow Daoist, the cultivation level of this Great Dao phantom of yours is confined to Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection."

"Had you been at the peak of your power, Fellow Daoist, I would likely have been subdued by a mere thought from you."

Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor shook his head and then spoke, "There is no pride to be found in overwhelming others with sheer cultivation level."

"For you, with your Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal cultivation, to defeat my Grand Dao Divine Form while surpassing two major realms... such talent is truly peerless, even within the annals of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain's history."

Eldrin Chen nodded in acknowledgment. This Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor possessed extraordinary strength. In his prime, during the Ancient Immortal Realm, he had also cultivated several True Spirit Foundation [a supreme foundation for one's cultivation path].

With such profound foundation and accumulated power and the might of his True Spirit Divine Form, it was entirely within his capability, even at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm, to challenge and slay a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

For Eldrin to have defeated him could indeed be considered a testament to heaven-defying talent.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen smiled and inquired, "Fellow Daoist, you mentioned earlier that I could choose three of the great treasures?"

Upon hearing this, the Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor waved his sleeve, summoning over a dozen radiant beams of treasure light. Eldrin Chen lifted his gaze, and his expression shifted slightly.

Each of the more than ten treasures presented by the Celestial Dawn Ancient Ancestor was of staggering value.

Among them were four Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [the nascent, unformed state of a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos], thirteen portions of Innate Primordial Qi [the most fundamental and pure energy from the dawn of creation], one top-grade Primordial Chaos Rank Immortal Pill, and several Primordial Chaos Rank Immortal Herbs.

Each of these supreme treasures was of astonishing value, each worth at least one Innate Primordial Qi [a strand of the most fundamental and potent spiritual energy from the dawn of creation] or more.

Eldrin Chen surveyed the options for a long while, then after a moment of contemplation, he retrieved one portion of 'Pure Yang Origin [the fundamental essence of pure, unadulterated Yang energy, crucial for high-level cultivation]' that had been fused from Innate Primordial Qi. For the remaining two portions, he chose the Innate Primordial Qi itself.

Although the other treasures were also extraordinary in value—especially those few Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [the nascent forms of heaven-defying magical artifacts, each a divine object of staggering worth]—they were primarily offensive or defensive treasures, offering little practical use to Eldrin Chen at this juncture.

In contrast, the Pure Yang Origin, when integrated into the Pure Yang True Spirit Divine Rune [a supreme divine rune technique] of his Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body [a legendary physique of unbreakable chaos], would provide a sufficient catalyst for his cultivation all the way to the realm of Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign-level cultivation stage commanding the power of primordial chaos].