Chapter 1947 : A Plea from the Ancient Sect

Hearing this, everyone present could not help but let a faint smile touch their lips.

After thirty million years of secluded cultivation to heal their wounds, their injuries were no longer a hindrance. All that remained was to replenish their depleted foundational essence.

Thinking of this, Exquisite Jiang said with a smile, "Our wounds are no longer a serious concern. As long as we avoid life-and-death struggles for the next Kalpa Tribulation [a grand cosmic cycle of immense duration], they will resolve themselves."

"That is good news."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then handed a letter he held to the other Mortal Path [Path of Mortality] cultivators present. "This is a plea for aid. What are your thoughts?"

The others took the letter and read it, their expressions shifting to one of surprise.

The letter originated from the Celestial Net Ancient Sect [Ancient Sect of the Heavenly Net], located within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain [Eastern Domain of Departing Flames]. This Celestial Net Ancient Sect was one of the Great Encompassing Ancient Sect [ancient sects of the Great Encompassing Realm] of the Human Race, and its sphere of influence was also within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain.

In truth, they had dealings with the Celestial Net Ancient Sect long ago. Back when Eldrin Chen was undergoing his first Path Tribulation [a tribulation related to one's cultivation path], he had encountered the sect's Seventh True Successor [Seventh True Inheritor], 'Song Luo'.

The Celestial Net Ancient Sect was originally founded by two rogue cultivators who had reached the Great Encompassing [Great Encompassing Realm]. They had a penchant for selecting supremely talented Ancient Immortal Great Power [Great Powers among the Ancient Immortals], offering them cultivation resources and guidance to break through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Realm] in exchange for their allegiance to the ancient sect.

Because the Celestial Net Ancient Sect's structure was relatively loose, more akin to an alliance of rogue cultivator factions, and it did not impose overly strict demands on its disciples, it attracted many top-tier rogue cultivators to join its ranks.

Furthermore, due to their substantial cultivation efforts and a fair share of good fortune, the Celestial Net Ancient Sect has successfully nurtured six Great Encompassing Golden Immortals over these years.

Thus, while the current Celestial Net Ancient Sect lacks any Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, it boasts eight Great Encompassing Golden Immortals in total. Among them, three have even reached the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage.

After the Chaos War erupted, the Eight Great Immortal Domains of the Celestial Net Ancient Sect swiftly consolidated their forces, deploying the Chaos Eight Extremities Formation. Although they did not participate in the frontlines, their defensive posture remained relatively stable.

However, many years ago, the Chaos Demon God forces split into three prongs. One of these prongs struck directly at the Eight Great Immortal Domains of the Celestial Net Ancient Sect. The assault on these domains has now persisted for tens of millions of years.

Over these long years, the Celestial Net Ancient Sect has relied on its deep reserves to endure this grueling siege. Yet, as the conflict drags on, their position grows increasingly precarious. It is for this reason they have sent a plea for aid to Eldrin Chen.

After understanding the full context, Exquisite Jiang drew a deep breath and spoke, "Although our injuries have largely healed, engaging in a life-or-death battle could easily cause them to reopen and worsen."

"Moreover, the Celestial Net's eight Immortal Domains [realms governed by immortal laws] are not our own personal domains of cultivation and influence. Rushing to their aid might well lead us into an ambush by the Chaos Demon God."

Verdant Consort also nodded in agreement. After a moment of contemplation, she added, "While we have won two Chaos Wars, our victories stemmed largely from the enemy underestimating us, unaware of our true capabilities."

"Now that our strength is largely known to all factions, joining another battle may not be the wisest course."

Hearing this, Nyssa Qu could not help but interject, "Yet, if we do nothing, the Celestial Net Ancient Sect will surely falter. As their strength wanes and the enemy's grows, the tide of the entire war could turn against us once more."

"To rescue them or not, both choices are fraught with peril!" Ethan Chen shook his head and turned his gaze towards Eldrin Chen, asking, "Uncle Eldrin, what is your counsel?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before speaking, "Aiding them does not necessarily require deploying our forces."

His words left everyone momentarily stunned. Gentle Deer could not help but inquire, "What do you mean?"

Without answering directly, Eldrin Chen picked up a brush and began composing a letter.

The letter was addressed to the Chaos Demon God besieging the Celestial Net Ancient Sect. Its essence was a warning: should they succeed in breaching the sect's defenses, he would personally pay a visit to their rear Chaos Lair [the primary stronghold and breeding ground of the Chaos Demons] at the very height of their most intense battle.

After reading it, Verdant Consort could not suppress a laugh. "You're actually planning to raid their home base? That is truly devious."

"However, I've heard that Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor long ago relocated those Chaos Lair beyond the boundaries of his own Imperial Lord Path-Field [a domain of reality shaped and governed by a powerful cultivator's comprehension of the Dao]. Will this tactic truly be effective?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head and explained, "If I am capable of visiting their Chaos Lair, I am equally capable of intervening directly in their Chaos War."

"Therefore, whether the threat is immediately actionable is not the point. I am merely informing them of the existence of a mobile force—one that has previously slain a Limitless Divine Lord. That alone should be sufficient to give them pause and deter any rash actions."

Upon hearing this, the others nodded slowly, a glimmer of understanding dawning in their eyes.

After dispatching the letters, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment, then also wrote a letter to the Chaos Demon God [primordial demons of disorder and destruction] army stationed outside the Seven Great Immortal Domains [a coalition of seven powerful immortal realms] of the Longevity Liu Clan [the Liu Clan of Longevity].

That Longevity Liu Clan possessed seven Great Encompassing [Golden Immortals who have attained the Great Encompassing realm], including a top-tier Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal of the Great Encompassing realm] at the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the advanced phase of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]. In theory, they had little to fear from the Chaos Demon God army, yet Eldrin Chen was still pleased to offer them a favor.

As the two letters were sent out, it was not long before the two separate Chaos Demon God armies stationed outside the Post-Heaven [the manifested, physical universe following the Primordial Chaos] Luo Clan's eight Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortals] and the Liu Clan's seven Immortal Domain received the messages.

"How presumptuous!"

"That upstart Eldrin dares to threaten this venerable one?"

Outside the Tianluo Immortal Domain, within the camp of the Chaos Demon God army, a figure clad in armor forged in the Nine Nether Abysses [the deepest, most profound layers of the underworld] seethed with rage. This man was none other than the Primordial Heavenly God Lord [Divine Lord of the Primal Heavens], one of the nine Great God [powerful deities] under the command of Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor [the Demi-Ancestor of Departing Flames].

At this moment, Primordial Heavenly God Lord looked at the letter in his hand, his fury erupting instantly. He tore the parchment to shreds and was about to seize his celestial halberd and charge out, but he was stopped by another Chaos Demon God.

"Divine Lord [a title for a powerful deity], you must not act rashly!"

A Divine General blocked his path, his expression grave as he spoke. "The fate of the Nine Extremes Divine Lord [Divine Lord of the Nine Extremes] serves as a stark warning. I implore you, Divine Lord, do not make a move without careful consideration."

Upon hearing this, Primordial Heavenly God Lord's face darkened slightly. It was only after a long moment that he finally regained his composure.

After a long while, He drew a deep breath and said, "With the fall of the Nine Extremes Divine Lord, we could be attacked from both front and rear at any moment."

"Alas, I fear this war cannot be sustained any longer."

Upon hearing this, the Chaos Demon God [primordial demons born from chaos] under the command of the Heavenly God [a powerful divine being] all fell into a heavy silence.

Since the onset of the Chaos War [the great conflict against the primordial demons], over sixty Chaos Demon God had perished. This meant that nearly one-quarter of the Chaos Demon God serving under Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor had been slain.

Such staggering losses were the most severe suffered in the last five hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years].

It was foreseeable that Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor would need to recuperate for dozens, if not hundreds, of Kalpa Tribulation before even considering launching another Chaos War.

Furthermore, the next Chaos War was more likely to occur a hundred Kalpa Tribulation from now, when these fallen Chaos Demon God began to stir from their slumber. Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor would likely wage war then to facilitate their resurgence.

Contemplating this, Primordial Heavenly God Lord sighed, "Enough. Send word to His Majesty Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor, inquiring if we may withdraw our forces."

"If withdrawal is not permitted, we still cannot continue this fight."

"..."

Just as Primordial Heavenly God Lord [a title for a powerful divine being] began to contemplate retreat, the Chaos Demon God [powerful primordial demons born from chaos] beyond the Liu Clan Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortals] also started to lose their will to fight.

They immediately sent word to Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor [a powerful figure at the demi-ancestor level], seeking to request an end to the war. This sentiment spread, and even the Chaos Demon God on the front lines began to think of withdrawal.

Although the Chaos Demon God do not fall into Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth], they ultimately have no desire to wage a war with no hope of victory.

In the following years, while Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor did not directly agree to their request, the war entered a phase of strategic stalemate. Fierce, life-or-death clashes at the Chaos Demon God level, where they would Burst [unleash their full power in a sudden, explosive manner], became exceedingly rare.

Of course, these Chaos Demon God did not cease all action. Instead, they began to target easier prey.

In later years, they turned their attention to weaker Immortal Domain. By joining forces, several powerful Chaos Demon God would assault lower-grade Immortal Domain, managing to slay a few Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage [cultivators at the early stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] in a very short time.

However, this situation did not last long. As several Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [cultivators who have achieved the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] fell, the remaining Immortal Domain began to gather in groups of two or three, supporting each other to resist the Chaos Demon God. This prevented the demons from gaining a significant advantage.

Meanwhile, the Great Encompassing [cultivators of the Great Encompassing realm] within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [an immortal realm named Returning Abyss], after their injuries gradually Recovery [healed through cultivation or special techniques], also embarked on further secluded cultivation.

Thus, time flowed swiftly by, and another twenty million years passed.

Until this day, when Eldrin Chen awoke from his seclusion. Sensing the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [his spiritual core, refined to a state of true spirit purity] within his body, he slowly let out a deep breath.

"It is about time for a breakthrough."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself. After several Kalpa Tribulation of arduous cultivation, the accumulation within his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] had finally reached perfection, allowing him to touch the threshold of the fourth level of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

With his foundation now complete, Eldrin Chen saw no reason to delay. He immediately prepared to enter seclusion to advance his cultivation.

Compared to the mainstream paths of Path of Path Mastery and Fleshly Body Sanctification, the Primordial Spirit Path Attainment was a far more esoteric and obscure route. Furthermore, with shadowy forces actively obstructing this path, there were exceedingly few Great Encompassing Golden Immortal within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains who walked it.

Consequently, Eldrin Chen had very few precedents to draw upon for his breakthrough into Great Encompassing Primordial Spirit. Even the Great Encompassing Soul-Nourishing Pill was largely his own creation, devised through trial and insight.

Now, as Eldrin Chen prepared to complete the breakthrough of his Primordial Spirit, he first retrieved the Great Encompassing Soul-Nourishing Pill.

To guard against any unforeseen circumstances, he also took out one hundred stalks of Great Encompassing Soul Nourishing Wood and fused them into his Elixir Field [the core energy center within a cultivator's body]. This would serve as the vital cultivation resources required for his Primordial Spirit's advancement.

"This should be sufficient."

Feeling adequately prepared, Eldrin Chen hesitated no longer. He immediately retrieved the Great Encompassing Soul-Nourishing Pill and began refining its power.

In that instant, a vast and mighty surge of Primordial Spirit energy flooded the sea of consciousness within Eldrin Chen's mind. It transformed into an immensely profound source of spiritual essence, which was then drawn into and absorbed by his Primordial Spirit.

"The potency of the Immortal Pill is not yet sufficiently refined,"

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself. Without delay, he guided the medicinal energy out once more, channeling it into the Root Origin Treasure [his foundational spiritual artifact] for continuous refinement and purification. There, it was transformed into the purest Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] essence, utterly devoid of any impurity.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen absorbed the refined energy again. Instantly, he felt his True Spirit Primordial Spirit [his perfected spiritual core] was on the verge of ascension, undergoing a profound and astonishing metamorphosis from within.

"The quality of my Primordial Spirit has doubled."

Eldrin Chen whispered, sensing that the space between the brows of his True Spirit Primordial Spirit now seemed gilded with a faint trace of Chaos Immortal Radiance [a luminous aura of primordial chaos]. The power it contained had undergone a qualitative transformation of the highest order.

With this realization, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate. He immediately activated the Chaos Refining Disc within his Root Origin Treasure, beginning to pulverize vast quantities of Soul Nourishing Wood [a spiritual wood that nourishes the soul]. The wood was reduced to its purest spiritual essence, which then merged seamlessly into his Primordial Spirit.

Fueled by this immense resource, Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit began to change continuously. That single strand of Chaos Immortal Radiance spread like wildfire, eventually bathing his entire True Spirit Primordial Spirit in a dazzling, resplendent Immortal Radiance.

Only then did Eldrin Chen integrate another ten strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a spiritual light embodying innate indestructibility], further elevating the potential and foundational depth of his True Spirit Primordial Spirit.

"The fourth layer of the Great Encompassing Primordial Spirit [a supreme art for cultivating the spirit]. My True Spirit Primordial Spirit has finally reached the minor completion stage."

Eldrin Chen opened his eyes. Sensing the formidable power now residing within his Primordial Spirit, a faint smile touched his lips as he whispered softly to himself.

In this moment, he could feel that the power of his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] had increased by more than double since this breakthrough.

This represented a qualitative leap. From now on, when he channeled his Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power], the unleashed force would be of a fundamentally higher order.

Eldrin Chen even had a sense that his current self, even if he discarded his physical body and his Great Path [his supreme cultivation art], could sweep through all rivals relying solely on the might of his Primordial Spirit, possessing combat power rivaling a Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Furthermore, after this breakthrough, with the combined augmentation from his Primordial Spirit, physical body, and Great Path, the combat power he could Burst [explosively unleash] had also seen a significant increase.

By his own estimation, his baseline combat strength in a normal state should now be comparable to a top-tier Great Encompassing seventh-layer combatant.

This level of power was roughly similar to that of Desolate Silence Divine General—capable of fighting two ordinary Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal at once—yet still fell short of an Eighth Heaven of Great Encompassing.

According to Eldrin Chen's reckoning, the minimum threshold for the Eighth Heaven of Great Encompassing was the ability to face three ordinary Great Encompassing seventh-layer opponents simultaneously.

"With my current strength, if I were bolstered by the Seven Luminaries Ascension and unleashed the Second Rank stage of my Forbidden Divine Ability [a taboo-level ultimate technique], dealing with a Nine Extremes Divine Lord might not be as arduous as before."

As Eldrin Chen assessed his newfound power, a faint smile touched his lips.

Having completed his breakthrough, he emerged from his Seclusion Chamber [a chamber for secluded cultivation]. Just as he was about to inquire about the recent state of the war, he noticed a streak of violet light flying towards him from beyond the borders of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

Following that violet lightning, an overwhelmingly domineering figure surged forth.

"Fellow Cultivator Eldrin, let me in, quickly!"

At that very moment, Eldrin Chen heard a familiar voice. The violet streak of light ahead was none other than the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix.

Seeing the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix arrive, Eldrin Chen immediately granted it entry. He then tossed it a Demon God Heartblood Pill [a supreme pill refined from the heart's blood of a demon god, capable of rapidly restoring vitality and healing severe injuries] and inquired, "How are you holding up?"

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's face was deathly pale, a clear sign of grievous wounds.

After swallowing the Demon God Heartblood Pill, it barely managed to suppress its injuries. With a bitter laugh, it said, "This time, I was forced to use Forbidden Divine Ability [a supreme, world-defying technique that inflicts immense backlash on the user] repeatedly. The backlash is even worse than last time. I'm afraid it will be a long while before I recover."

"BOOM—"

Simultaneously, the pursuing Chaos Fiend [a primordial demon born from the chaos before creation, possessing immense and terrifying power] tore through the void, arriving behind them.

It was a figure that blotted out the sky. A single one of its horns was vaster than an entire Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortal laws, a world unto itself]. It instantly slammed into the grand formation protecting the Seven Great Immortal Domains, Burst forth with astonishing, world-shaking shockwaves.

Fortunately, the defenses of the Seven Great Immortal Domains were truly Extraordinary. Even though this Chaos Demon God [a supreme demonic entity born from primordial chaos, a ruler among Chaos Fiends] exuded an aura that could suppress the Myriad Heavens [a collective term for the countless realms and dimensions of existence], it still found it difficult to breach the grand formation of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

"Primal Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial beast of thunder and chaos], you waste your breath."

Watching the Primal Chaos Kui Ox rage, Eldrin Chen stepped forth from the Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence]. His expression was cold as he spoke.

"It is you!"

The moment Eldrin Chen came into view, the pupils of the Chaos Kui Ox contracted with a frigid, deepening chill.

His gaze was dark and heavy. After a long silence, he finally spoke: "Using the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a supreme phoenix of the primordial era] to lure me away, then employing a Formation [a mystical array or trap] and hidden means to entrap and slay the Nine Extremes Divine Lord [a divine lord who mastered nine extremes]. Your methods, sir, are truly cunning."

"All is fair in war. My victory this time stems only from your inability to relinquish the Opportunity and Fortune [a rare chance for profound advancement] of your own Path."

Upon hearing this, the Primal Chaos Kui Ox's eyes grew even more frigid, a glacial fury swirling within them.

For a moment, the Primal Chaos Kui Ox nearly gave in to the impulse to charge into the Formation at any cost. Yet, in the end, he suppressed that surge of Slaughter Intent [the palpable will to kill].

He shook his head. The Primordial Chaos Thunder Spear [a spear imbued with the power of primordial chaos and thunder] in his hand erupted with dazzling arcs of lightning. Pointing it at Eldrin Chen, he declared, "You are a hero of your generation. Dare you step out of your array and face me in single combat?"

"I dare not."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, then said with a light laugh, "Your Excellency is a supreme Great Encompassing [a legendary realm of cultivation representing the pinnacle of power]. How would I dare to face you in a solo duel?"

"Hmph—"

The Primal Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial beast of chaos, resembling a mighty ox] sneered coldly, finally stowing away its Primordial Chaos Thunder Spear [a spear forged from the raw power of chaos and thunder]. Its expression turned icy as it stated, "Rest assured. Perhaps it will not be long before you and I have our chance to clash."

Seeing this, the Primal Chaos Kui Ox shattered the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged] beneath its feet and vanished into the depths of the Endless Chaos [the boundless, turbulent sea of primordial energy].

"A chance to clash, and not long from now?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly for a moment before he instantly reined in his thoughts.

He turned his head to look at the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [an ancient and majestic phoenix of supreme violet radiance] beside him and could not help but ask, "How are your injuries?"

"I won't die from them," the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix replied, shaking its head. Its expression then grew slightly grave. "You must be wary of that Primal Chaos Kui Ox."

"Is that creature truly so formidable?"

Eldrin Chen asked, a flicker of surprise appearing in his gaze.

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix drew a deep breath and then spoke, "Among the nine Great God Lords under Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor, this Primal Chaos Kui Ox ranks first, being only half a step away from Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, a trace of gravity appearing in his expression.

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix nodded and continued, "This Primal Chaos Kui Ox hails from beyond the Eastern Departure Flame Domain and is said to possess an even more astonishing background. The reason it came to the Eastern Departure Flame Domain was for my Great Path Authority."

"If you encounter it within the Chaos, remember not to confront it head-on. Retreat as far as you can."

Eldrin Chen nodded but still inquired, "How does it compare to the Nine Extremes Divine Lord?"

"Stronger."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix spoke, then sighed, "Although there are no weaklings among Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal cultivators, this Primal Chaos Kui Ox is a powerhouse among powerhouses. You must understand that among the nine Great God Lords, the Nine Extremes Divine Lord only ranks third."

"I understand."

Eldrin Chen nodded again, having roughly gauged the strength of the Primal Chaos Kui Ox.

He then turned his gaze towards the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix and spoke, "You should first enter seclusion to heal your wounds. As for that Primal Chaos Kui Ox, we shall deal with him another day."

As he said this, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment, then took out some of the cultivation resources he had seized and gave them to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix as a reward for luring away the powerful foe.

After handling these matters, Eldrin Chen returned to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain and summoned Energy Abyss Chen back.

Within the Great Hall, Eldrin Chen looked at Energy Abyss Chen and asked, "The recent great war has caused delays. Have you managed to locate your Mithril Vein yet?"

Energy Abyss Chen shook his head, a trace of helplessness in his voice. "In these past years, the surrounding Path Domain realms have all been Burst by conflict. The situation is one of utter Chaos, making it impossible for me to venture deep into those Within the Chaos Lair."

"Although I have gathered some intelligence, unfortunately, none of it points to a top-tier Chaos Lair."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this and then stated, "It seems our only course now is to take that Silver Dragon Chaos Nest."

Upon hearing this, Energy Abyss Chen grew concerned and could not help but voice his worry, "If we launch a direct assault on the Silver Dragon Chaos Nest, might it not give him the chance to escape?"