Chapter 1951 : The Furnace of Inner Conflict

Unlike Dao Patterns [the intricate markings that represent one's comprehension of the Great Path], this was a collision of different supreme Great Path themselves, originating from the most fundamental foundations within Eldrin Chen's body. To attempt to transfer this conflict by merely altering Dao Patterns was fundamentally impossible.

If it were that simple to accomplish, then throughout the ages, the number of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal who had simultaneously cultivated three Great Paths would certainly not be few.

After all, given the immense power of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, altering Dao Patterns was not something beyond their capability.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen's expression grew increasingly grave. For a time, he could conceive of no particularly convenient solution.

Only after a long while did Eldrin Chen's gaze fall upon the Root Origin Treasure [a treasure intrinsically linked to a cultivator's very foundation] within his body—the 'Returning Abyss Furnace'—and he sank into a pensive silence.

"If I cannot transfer the conflict outside my body... can I perhaps transfer it *within*?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, and suddenly, a brilliant light ignited within his eyes.

He studied the Returning Abyss Furnace forged from his lifelong cultivation foundation, then scrutinized the various foundational pillars of his own being. In the end, his resolve crystallized.

Acting decisively, he immediately took out several portions of Enlightenment Tea [a rare spiritual tea that greatly enhances comprehension and insight], brewed it, and after drinking, plunged into a state of profound contemplation.

The vast medicinal potency of the Enlightenment Tea caused his thoughts to expand and diverge endlessly, propelling him into a deep state of enlightenment [a sudden, profound breakthrough in understanding].

"So that's how it is. I understand now."

Suddenly, Eldrin Chen spoke up. Without hesitation, he decisively adjusted the Dao patterns [the fundamental laws and principles inscribed within a cultivator's being] within his body, attempting to transfer all the conflicts between his various foundational powers into this Returning Abyss Furnace.

However, as he continuously adjusted the Dao patterns, Eldrin Chen discovered that the Returning Abyss Furnace still struggled to maintain a complete equilibrium.

With no other choice, Eldrin Chen directly harnessed the Space-Time [the fundamental forces of space and time] and Reincarnation Great Path [the supreme art of the cycle of rebirth] from his Reincarnation Body [a divine physique embodying the power of reincarnation]. He inscribed them into the Returning Abyss Furnace, hoping to stabilize the balance.

Yet he found that the power of his Three Great Foundations [his three supreme cultivation bases] was too domineering. Once a repulsive force formed, even the combined might of Reincarnation [the cosmic cycle of death and rebirth] and the Space-Time Great Path [the supreme law governing space and time] could not completely counteract it and achieve perfect equilibrium.

"No, that's not right."

Eldrin Chen murmured. Just as the Returning Abyss Furnace was on the verge of collapse, a flash of inspiration struck him. He thought of the Returning Abyss Pearl and immediately copied a portion of its Dao patterns, fusing them into the Returning Abyss Furnace.

"*Hummm—*"

In that instant, the Returning Abyss Furnace trembled slightly. All conflicts seemed to vanish into nothingness.

Eldrin Chen gazed at the Returning Abyss Furnace. Upon this Root Origin Treasure [a primordial treasure of ultimate origin], an incredibly profound and mysterious Dao pattern was now inscribed, absorbing all conflicting forces into itself.

"The Great Path of Returning Abyss [the supreme ultimate path representing the final end of all things]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a sigh escaping his lips as a glimmer of profound understanding dawned upon him.

The Great Path of Returning Abyss truly lived up to its reputation as one of the supreme ultimate Great Paths [the highest laws governing existence]. It represented the ultimate destination for all things within the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation].

As the ancient texts said, the Returning Abyss [the mythical bottomless chasm] was the Bottomless Valley. The waters from the eight directions and nine wilds, the celestial streams of the Milky Way—all flowed into it, yet it neither increased nor diminished.

The Dao Rune [a trace of a fundamental cosmic law] that Eldrin Chen had imprinted was but an insignificant fragment, not even the embryonic form of the Great Path of Returning Abyss. Yet, under the absorbing power of this supreme Dao Rune, the repulsive forces between the Three Great Foundations [the three core cultivation systems of body, energy, and spirit] vanished into nothingness, as if all such forces were utterly insignificant.

"Within the True Spirit Divine Runes [divine symbols representing ultimate laws] of the Fleshly Body Sanctification [the path of physical cultivation to divinity], there are four Ultimate Divine Runes, namely Oblivion [the concept of absolute annihilation], Space-Time [the fabric of reality itself], Returning Abyss, and Primordial Chaos."

"And the 'Returning Abyss Divine Rune' is the foremost defensive True Spirit Divine Rune, said to be far more powerful than the Mana Immunity [immunity to magical energy] and Indestructibility Golden Body [the unbreakable golden body] combined. It seems this legend is indeed not mere rumor."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a smile finally gracing his features.

The Dao Rune within his Returning Abyss Furnace [a cauldron imbued with the power of the Returning Abyss] was not truly a True Spirit Divine Rune. Yet, it was already capable of absorbing all incompatibility between the Three Great Foundations. This alone was enough to be considered heaven-defying.

With this thought, a wave of pure joy washed over Eldrin Chen.

This was not only because he had resolved the repulsive forces of the Three Great Foundations [the three fundamental cultivation stages], but most crucially, he had already discovered the method to cultivate the Returning Abyss Divine Rune [a supreme divine rune representing the power of the abyssal return].

With this Dao Rune [a fundamental pattern of cosmic law] as a foundation, supplemented by the assistance of the Returning Abyss Pearl [a mystical pearl embodying abyssal power], Eldrin Chen was confident he could cultivate another of the four great Ultimate Divine Runes [the pinnacle divine runes of cultivation]—'Returning Abyss' [the Abyssal Return].

Furthermore, for another of the four great Ultimate Divine Runes, 'Chaos' [Primordial Chaos], Eldrin Chen could also rely on the Chaos Limitless Great Path [the Great Path of Boundless Chaos] to achieve it.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, once the Chaos Limitless Great Path broke through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm [the realm of the Primal Unity Imperial Lord], and he fused the power of his existing five True Spirit Divine Runes [divine runes of true spirit power], it would be possible to cultivate the 'Chaos Divine Rune' [the Divine Rune of Chaos].

By then, Eldrin Chen, having simultaneously mastered two of the great Ultimate Divine Runes, would possess a physical strength unparalleled within the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the infinite expanse of primordial chaos]. Not only could he rely on it to prove his Dao through Fleshly Body Sanctification [the path of sanctifying the physical body] and attain the title of Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperor of Chaos], but he would also possess unimaginable, world-startling potential.

For those who walk the path of Fleshly Body Sanctification, each of these four great Ultimate Divine Runes is a mythic legend, existing only in theory. Mastering any single one is enough to grant power beyond comprehension.

"Step by step," he murmured. "These four great Ultimate Divine Runes can be planned for in the days to come."

Eldrin Chen spoke softly, a ripple of light flickering deep within his gaze.

He drew a deep breath, reined in his wandering thoughts, and turned his senses inward to feel the power within his body. Then, he extended his divine sense into the Returning Abyss Furnace [a mystical furnace for refining abyssal energies].

Only at this moment did Eldrin Chen begin to perceive the profound mysteries contained within the Returning Abyss Furnace.

It turned out that within the Returning Abyss Furnace [a legendary furnace capable of refining and purifying anything], there existed an almost intangible, minuscule pearl. This pearl resembled the Returning Abyss Pearl [a mythical pearl said to contain the essence of the primordial abyss], yet it possessed a power strikingly similar to it.

The tiny pearl continuously swirled, drawing upon the magical power and Vitality [the foundational life force and essence of a cultivator] within Eldrin Chen's body. Astonishingly, it was also tempering and refining his cultivation foundation and overall prowess.

"Was this formed by the coalescence of the repulsive forces between the Three Great Foundations [the three fundamental pillars of a cultivator's path: body, energy, and spirit]?"

Eldrin Chen murmured, a ripple of contemplation stirring within his gaze.

After further contemplation, a flicker of joy could not help but rise within Eldrin Chen.

To his delight, the repulsive force from the Three Great Foundations, now concentrated within the Returning Abyss Furnace, could actually polish his Vitality and magical power, consolidating his cultivation and fortifying his foundation for him.

With the aid of this power, Eldrin Chen's speed in refining various Rare Spiritual Wonders [extraordinary natural treasures imbued with potent spiritual energy] increased dramatically. If previously, within a single Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years, used here as a measure of time], he could refine six Great Encompassing Immortal Pill [pills of supreme quality that greatly enhance cultivation], now he was capable of refining twelve within the same span.

At this rate, the pace of Eldrin Chen's cultivation advancement had received another significant boost.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen once more retrieved Great Encompassing Immortal Pill and Indestructibility Golden Fruit [a legendary fruit said to grant unparalleled resilience] to consume. Only after successively taking six of these Immortal Pill [pills crafted by immortals] and immortal fruits did he reach the absolute limit his body could currently bear.

It was only then that Eldrin Chen realized the foundational essence of his Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique born from primordial chaos, granting near-absolute durability] had accumulated to more than fifty percent. He had taken another step closer to breaking through to the fifth layer of the Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution that encompasses and harmonizes all aspects of being].

"It seems I only need to wait for one more Kalpa Tribulation [a grand cosmic cycle of destruction and rebirth], and my Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution capable of encompassing all things] will break through to the fifth layer."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a slight sigh of relief escaping his lips.

His Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body [a physique born of primordial chaos, granting near-absolute durability] was far too potent, consuming resources that vastly exceeded those needed by ordinary Great Encompassing Golden Immortals [immortals who have achieved the Golden Immortal realm with a Great Encompassing foundation] within the clan. Even Exquisite Jiang and the others, who had also cultivated a True Spirit Physique [a physique aligned with one's true spiritual nature], required significantly fewer resources than he did.

He had begun to fear that his physical cultivation would eventually be surpassed by his Dao companions and clansmen. Now, it seemed he would remain a step ahead after all.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen allowed himself a faint smile. He exhaled slowly and stepped out from his Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared chamber for deep, undisturbed meditation].

"…"

In the years that followed, Eldrin Chen once again Recovery [resumed; returned to] his life of secluded cultivation, and the days settled into a period of relative tranquility.

Time flowed on relentlessly. In the blink of an eye, twenty million years passed. Then, on a certain day after that vast stretch of time, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [an ancient, supreme phoenix of violet radiance] came to visit the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [the immortal domain ruled by Eldrin Chen].

Beneath the Flat Peach Tree [the legendary peach tree of immortality] within Returning Abyss Heaven [the celestial realm at the heart of Eldrin's domain], Eldrin Chen personally brewed a pot of tea for the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix. He then inquired, "Fellow Daoist, how fares your injury?"

"After these years of recuperation, my wounds have Recovery [recovered; healed] considerably, though the process remains arduous."

At this point, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial and immensely powerful phoenix of the highest order] hesitated slightly before continuing, "My purpose in coming here today is to ask a favor."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen paused briefly, then poured a cup of tea for the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, gesturing for her to proceed.

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix pondered for a moment before speaking. "My sisters and I have cultivated within the Chaos Heavenly Domain [a primordial and turbulent realm of pure chaos] for many years, yet we have never possessed a Great Encompassing Path-Field [a personal domain or territory that resonates with one's cultivation path] of our own."

"Thus, we wish to return to our former home to see if we can relocate our Path-Field here."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. In the past, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's Path-Field, known as the 'Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest' [the legendary nesting ground of the Violet Phoenix within the Chaos], was a renowned Chaos Lair [a powerful stronghold or territory within the Chaos realm] within this expanse of Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged].

Since the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix was forced to flee, this lair had changed hands several times over the course of numerous Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often marked by great upheaval].

Initially, this Chaos Lair was seized by a newly ascended Chaos Demon God [a powerful demonic entity born of the Chaos]. Later, it was captured by a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained mastery over the fundamental laws of existence] from the Human Race. Afterwards, it fell into the hands of a mid-stage Great Encompassing cultivator under the command of the Primal Chaos Kui Ox [a mythical ox-like beast of immense power born from primal chaos], and has now been moved deep into the Depths of Chaos [the most turbulent and perilous regions of the Chaos realm].

Considering this, Eldrin Chen asked with concern, "Your former Chaos Lair is now held by a Chaos Demon God. Are you confident you can reclaim it?"

"Our confidence is not high," she admitted, "but this represents our greatest opportunity."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial phoenix of supreme violet radiance] offered a bitter smile, a trace of helplessness coloring her expression. "And to be perfectly honest, within that Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [the primordial nesting ground of the Violet Phoenix lineage] lies the very Opportunity and Fortune [a pivotal chance or stroke of destiny] that determines whether I can break through to the eighth layer of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal realm, a stage of profound cosmic integration]."

Eldrin Chen understood the Ancient Phoenix's line of thought and thus gave a nod of acknowledgment.

At this very moment, it was, in truth, the greatest opportunity for the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix to reclaim her Chaos Lair [a primordial demonic stronghold].

For ever since the fall of the Nine Extremes Divine Lord [a Divine Lord who mastered nine ultimate extremes] in ages past, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix had effectively been cast as a traitor to the Chaos Demon God [primordial deities of chaos and destruction] faction. At the very least, within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain [the Eastern Domain of the Departing Flame], that Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor [a Demi-Ancestor of the Departing Flame lineage] would not tolerate her presence.

With the Chaos Demon God arrayed against her, the difficulty of reclaiming her Chaos Lair was immense.

The reason this moment presented the greatest chance was that the main force of the Chaos Demon God was still locked in a stalemate with the Human Race on the front lines.

Striking now to retake the lair held a measurable chance of success. Should they wait until the Chaos War [the great war against the forces of primordial chaos] concluded, however, reclaiming the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest before the next such war erupted would be nigh impossible.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke. "I can aid you. But we must wait a little longer."

A flicker of hope crossed the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's features. "When shall we move?" she asked immediately.

"Soon."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly, then turned his gaze towards the Depths of Chaos before speaking. "My friend has arrived. Once I have finished receiving my guest, we shall continue our discussion in detail."

With these words, Eldrin Chen rose and stepped out of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, clasping his hands in greeting with a warm smile. "Brother Sunder Heaven, you have traveled far. I apologize for not coming further to welcome you."

The visitor was clad in golden battle attire, his form towering and imposing. It was none other than the Great Encompassing Immortal Lord of the Frigid Heaven Ancestral Court, Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor replied with a hearty laugh. "To be of service to you is an honor."

Eldrin Chen chuckled and ushered Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor into the Great Hall.

Once they were seated, Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor produced a Treasure Box and handed it to Eldrin Chen. "The treasures you requested were not easy to find. Two of them could not even be located within the Immortal Court."

"You have my sincere gratitude for your efforts," Eldrin Chen said.

Opening the treasure box, Eldrin Chen immediately saw the five portions of Rare Spiritual Wonders contained within.

These five portions of Rare Spiritual Wonders were Five Elements treasures essential for cultivating the Bloodline Divine Ability and True Spirit Divine Runes. Each was an Innate Spiritual Rare Material [a primordial spiritual material of immense rarity and power] of staggering value.

In recent years, to guard against the Primordial Era Silver Dragon and the Primal Chaos Kui Ox, Eldrin Chen had remained within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain and had not returned to the Primordial Immortal Domain. Furthermore, these five treasures were exceedingly difficult to procure. Therefore, he had specifically asked Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor to assist in gathering them.

After all, Sunder Heaven the Immortal Lord [a powerful immortal cultivator] had the backing of Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord, granting him broader channels and connections than even Eldrin Chen possessed.

With all the treasures now assembled before him, Eldrin Chen immediately took out several equivalent Innate Rare Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing immense power] and handed them to Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor, saying with a smile, "This time, I owe my success to your assistance, Fellow Daoist."

"There is no need for such formality between us."

Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor shook his head, a trace of emotion in his voice. "I heard you slew the Nine Extremes Divine Lord. Such combat prowess and methods are enough to shake the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of the immortal world]. I am far from your match."

"It was merely the power of a Formation [a mystical array that channels and amplifies energy] at work. It was not as exaggerated as you imagine."

Eldrin Chen shook his head. After conversing with Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor for a long while, he finally saw him off from the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

After bidding farewell to Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor, Eldrin Chen sought out the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial phoenix of supreme violet radiance] and said, "I need to enter seclusion for a time. Once I emerge, I shall venture into the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond ordered reality] to see if I can help you reclaim your Chaos Lair [a sanctuary or dwelling place within the chaotic void]."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix was visibly pleased. "If this matter succeeds," she said, "this humble one will surely offer a generous reward in the future."

Eldrin Chen merely smiled, offering no further words.

Returning to his Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared chamber for deep meditation and cultivation], Eldrin Chen immediately began refining the five portions of Rare Spiritual Wonders [extremely precious spiritual materials], aiming to complete the metamorphosis of his five great True Spirit Divine Runes [divine symbols representing the essence of true spirits, granting profound power].

As time flowed onward and vast quantities of resources were consumed, Eldrin Chen's five True Spirit Divine Runes finally underwent another transformation, reaching the Minor Achievement stage.

After the five True Spirit Divine Runes attained Minor Achievement, Eldrin Chen discovered that his Primordial One Indestructibility Body had grown significantly more robust once more, and his overall physical combat prowess had risen by a considerable margin.

Even measured by the totality of his power, this advancement was no small step. By Eldrin Chen's estimation, his overall combat strength had increased by roughly ten to twenty percent—a solid step forward from an already lofty peak.

Having completed his breakthrough, Eldrin Chen delayed no further. He sought out the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix and declared, "There is no time to waste. Let us depart now."

Upon hearing this, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix showed no hesitation and prepared to set out, intending to bring both the Flaming Phoenix and the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix along. However, Eldrin Chen stopped her.

Eldrin Chen shook his head and spoke, "Given the level of power we are dealing with, if we encounter an opponent we cannot overcome, having two newly-advanced Great Encompassing cultivators with us will be of little use."

"Moreover, their injuries have not yet fully Recovery. It would be better for them to remain here and continue their recuperation."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix hesitated briefly upon hearing this; she had initially thought that for a matter concerning her, her own people should contribute more effort.

But since Eldrin Chen advised against it, she did not insist. She immediately agreed with Eldrin Chen's assessment.

"..."

Not long after, Eldrin Chen and the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix departed from the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

For this journey away from the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen brought only the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix with him, choosing not to seek assistance from Exquisite Jiang or the others.

The two of them traversed the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, formless expanse between realms], and before they knew it, they had circumvented the war's front lines, arriving at the location of the Chaos Lair [the stronghold of the Chaos Demon Gods] deep within the enemy's rear.

They journeyed through the vast, primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state of existence before creation], finally reaching the site of the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest.

"This is the place," Eldrin stated.

Gazing upon the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest before them, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix furrowed her brow slightly, a trace of solemnity coloring her expression.

She took a deep breath and spoke, "The current master of this Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest is a Chaos Demon God [a powerful demonic entity born from primordial chaos] of the Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the sixth level of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle stage of cultivation] realm. He is currently engaged in battle on the front lines."

"If we were to... appropriate this nest, it is likely he would not immediately detect it."

"Appropriate it?" Eldrin echoed, a flicker of interest in his eyes.

Eldrin Chen's gaze sharpened, and he inquired, "How does one go about 'appropriating' an entire Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest?"

"I have prepared a contingency plan that will allow us to enter the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest undetected."

As the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix spoke, it prepared to slip silently into the depths of the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest.

However, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, and he immediately reached out to stop the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, saying, "Hold on. Wait a moment."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen began to perform a divination with his fingers, only to find the Celestial Mechanism [the underlying principles and patterns of fate and the cosmos] obscured and inscrutable. The omens were ambiguous, showing neither clear fortune nor misfortune, as if they were being interfered with by some immensely powerful force.

"Something is wrong."

Eldrin Chen murmured, his gaze fixed on the distant Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest. "There is likely an ambush waiting for us within that nest."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's expression shifted, a flicker of uncertainty crossing its features. It couldn't help but ask, "Could they have anticipated our arrival?"

"It's hard to say."

Eldrin Chen shook his head and began another divination, pushing the Great Deduction Polarity Stellar to its absolute limit. Finally, by leveraging the power of the True Spirit Celestial Mechanism Divine Ability, he managed to glimpse a single thread of the Celestial Mechanism.

Within that single thread of fate, Eldrin Chen saw a vision: a Divine Thunderclap Spear, a silver long spear, and an overwhelmingly domineering Golden Flame Immortal Furnace [a legendary furnace capable of refining immortal treasures] all descending upon him simultaneously with crushing force.

"Three formidable adversaries."

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly as he calculated with grave seriousness. "The Primordial Era Silver Dragon, the Primal Chaos Kui Ox, and who is the third?"

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his tone measured. The aura emanating from that Golden Flame Immortal Furnace felt strangely familiar, yet he was certain he had never encountered it before, sparking his curiosity.

Upon hearing this, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's expression shifted subtly. "An ambush lies within?" it could not help but inquire.

Eldrin Chen did not answer directly. Instead, he turned his gaze to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix. "If I were to draw those three away, would you be confident in seizing the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest?"

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix pondered for a moment before replying, "If they are prepared, I cannot guarantee the capture of the entire Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest. However, if the goal is merely to secure the Opportunity and Fortune [the crucial chance and fortune needed to achieve a major breakthrough in one's cultivation path] for my ascension, I am absolutely confident of success."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. "Then I shall test their resolve," he declared.

No sooner had the words left his lips than Eldrin Chen acted. He decisively unleashed the Returning Abyss Seal, commanding it to descend with crushing force.

In an instant, the Returning Abyss Seal transformed into the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords, their blades flashing to strike the Mountain Protection Formation. The unmanned defensive array shattered upon impact, utterly destroyed.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen felt a surge of triumph and promptly strode forward into the now-unprotected space.

But halfway there, his expression abruptly changed, and he immediately soared toward a more distant location.

"BOOM—"

Almost in the same instant, a silver spear cleaved the heavens, a Divine Thunderclap Spear sundered the cosmos, and a Primordial Solar Immortal Furnace tore through the Chaos [the primordial state before creation], all converging to strike at Eldrin Chen simultaneously.

Eldrin Chen maneuvered the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords to parry, using the momentum to fly even farther away. Yet, he saw a figure crowned with the aura of Primordial Solar [the supreme, original essence of the sun] appear before him, having arrived later but overtaking him to block his path.