Chapter 1989 : Desperate Struggle at the Chaos Frontier

The three combatants clashed amidst the nine firmaments, yet Eldrin Chen still managed to hold the upper ground against two foes. However, he found himself frustrated, realizing it was exceedingly difficult to decisively subdue them both.

This was because the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch possessed the Imperishable [a divine ability granting near-absolute resilience]. Unless faced by an enemy two full realms higher, or unless they themselves refused to retreat and fought to the death, it was fundamentally impossible for an opponent of the same realm to completely suppress them.

Even if a Chaos Celestial Emperor were to intervene, they would likely only succeed in capturing the two Emperor Lord and subsequently imprisoning them within a forbidden ground.

Under such circumstances, Eldrin Chen engaged in a relentless life-and-death struggle with the pair, yet he consistently found it arduous to seize an opportunity to inflict truly crippling damage upon them.

The great battle raged for millions of years. They fought their way to the Chaos Frontier, their path of conflict nearly carrying them beyond the borders of the Chaos Celestial Domain itself.

Seeing that a decisive victory remained elusive, Eldrin Chen finally grew unwilling to wait any longer.

To continue fighting like this would ultimately leave all parties drained to their very dregs, requiring at least several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] to achieve complete Restoration [the process of recovering one's peak cultivation and vitality].

With this resolution firm in his heart, Eldrin Chen immediately abandoned his steady, defensive approach. He began fighting with reckless abandon, focusing solely on attack, disregarding defense, and trading wound for wound in a desperate life-or-death struggle with the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend.

This time, he did not even bother with Golden Spirit Ancient Progenitor, his Great Dao Adversary [a fated nemesis on the path of cultivation]. Instead, he poured all his fury into a relentless, suicidal clash with the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend.

"You are mad!"

Witnessing that Eldrin Chen was not turning to face the Great Dao Adversary, but instead, at the cost of enduring the full-force assault from the Golden Spirit Ancient Progenitor, was relentlessly directing his attacks towards him, the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend finally revealed a visage of shock and fury.

He had never imagined that Eldrin Chen would ignore the Great Dao Adversary and instead appear determined to suppress and slay him, even if it meant suffering grievous wounds or falling in battle himself.

Eldrin Chen let out a cold laugh, his voice icy as he spoke, "Even if I cannot slay you today, as long as I can inflict severe enough injuries upon you, the Departing Flame Emperor Lord will surely deal with you himself."

"Damnation."

Upon hearing this, the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend grew even more furious internally, yet a hint of hesitation crept into his movements.

Indeed, the Great Dao Adversary was still present. If he were to fight Eldrin Chen to a mutual standstill, how would he then contend with that Great Dao Adversary?

He had already unleashed a Forbidden Divine Ability. If he were to pay the further price of pushing his followers to the brink of death, and the Departing Flame Emperor Lord were to return victorious, his own life would likely be in grave peril.

With this thought, the Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor's attacks involuntarily grew more cautious, shifting focus towards preserving his own strength.

Seeing the situation turn unfavorable, the Golden Spirit Ancient Progenitor hastily launched a full-force assault against Eldrin Chen while shouting a warning, "Fellow Daoist Li Yan, do not be swayed by his deceitful words!"

"If we join forces to slay him, how could the Departing Flame Emperor Lord possibly stand against us?"

Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor offered no reply. Within the grand formation, Eldrin Chen's power was near-invincible. To slay Eldrin Chen here, the two of them would, at the very least, have to pay a tremendous price, and would likely have to exhaust all their hidden cards and fight with their very lives for but a sliver of a chance.

Yet the present situation was this: Eldrin Chen was not targeting Golden Spirit Ancient Progenitor, his Great Dao Adversary [a fated rival on the path of cultivation], but instead was directing this life-for-a-life assault against him, the one who had come to lend aid.

If so, did that not mean he, Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor, would be sacrificing his own life to pave Golden Spirit Ancient Progenitor's path to attaining the Dao?

Even understanding that this was Eldrin Chen's overt stratagem, Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor had no choice but to rein in his killing intent. He began to focus entirely on defense, and even harbored thoughts of withdrawing from the battlefield.

Little did he know that when titans clash, there is only advance, no retreat!

Facing such a supremely powerful foe, the moment his heart began to falter, his defeat was already sealed.

"Slay him—!"

Eldrin Chen roared decisively, commanding his myriad divine abilities in a sweeping horizontal assault.

Primordial Chaos Divine Thunder, Five-Colored Divine Light, Grasping Hand of Primordial Chaos—one after another, True Spirit Divine Ability [supreme divine techniques of the Great Ascension Realm] erupted under Eldrin Chen's command, Eruption with power capable of shattering heavens and extinguishing earth.

Relying on his Chaos Indestructible Body to withstand Golden Spirit Ancient Progenitor's attacks, he paid the price of sustaining grievous wounds again and again, all to unleash his divine abilities in a cataclysmic sweep.

The Departing Flame Chaos Fiend [a primordial demonic entity born from chaos and flame] found that a prolonged defense inevitably leads to a breach; finally, in a single moment of carelessness, its unceasing protective aura was shattered by the relentless onslaught.

In that instant, a bolt of Primordial Chaos Divine Thunder [a thunder of pure, unformed chaos] struck its demonic god-body, causing it to crack like ancient pottery, followed by a heaven-obscuring, earth-veiling Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] hand descending to suppress it, utterly pinning it within the palm's grasp.

"Aaaargh—!"

Ignoring its wounds, the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend immediately channeled all its power into its demonic god-body, straining to pry open the five fingers of the Grasping Hand of Primordial Chaos [a divine technique manifesting a hand of raw, unshaped chaos].

True to its status as a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler among primordial chaos entities], it managed, by sheer force, to break free from the suppression of the Primordial Chaos Qi Grasping Hand and fled, darting toward the distant horizon.

Alas, Eldrin Chen offered no defense, only an offense so fierce and relentless it seemed without end.

Before the fiend could even react, an ultimate Chaos ancient furnace descended to suppress it, instantly drawing its shattered physical form inside to be sealed.

"A Root Origin Treasure [the most foundational and powerful type of enchanted artifact]!"

The Departing Flame Chaos Fiend's expression changed drastically. It decisively abandoned its physical body, its Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] wrapping around its skull as it fled the sealing power of the Abyssal Furnace.

Without a moment's hesitation, it roared toward the Golden Spirit Ancient Progenitor, "Release the blockade immediately!"

Golden Spirit Ancient Progenitor hesitated, a flicker of doubt in his eyes. In his view, Eldrin Chen was already grievously wounded. Given a little more time, there might truly have been a chance to suppress and slay Eldrin Chen.

But before he could voice another word, Departing Flame Chaos Fiend roared in fury, "If you do not release it, this sovereign will join forces with Eldrin, the Abyssal Daoist and fight you to the death!"

Golden Spirit Ancient Progenitor's expression shifted abruptly. With a final, reluctant glance, he finally withdrew the Void Heaven Cauldron.

Seeing this, the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend immediately tore a ragged breach through the edge of the grand formation, forcing its way out with sheer, brute force.

The remaining few dozen Chaotic Fiendgod who had been struggling to hold their ground saw their chance. Without a moment's hesitation, they followed in a desperate scramble, fleeing the formation and vanishing instantly into the Depths of Chaos.

With the host of Chaotic Fiendgod gone, the Golden Spirit Ancient Progenitor knew he stood alone against an impossible tide. He cast one last, bitter look of resentment towards Eldrin Chen, then likewise broke free from the confines of the Chaos Grand Formation.

"Haaa..."

Watching the Golden Spirit Ancient Progenitor depart, Eldrin Chen made no move to pursue.

In battles at the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch level, without a supreme spatial treasure to seal the battlefield, it was nearly impossible to prevent an opponent's escape unless the disparity in power was truly overwhelming. If one side was determined to flee, the other could seldom stop them.

This was especially true now. Not only was Eldrin Chen severely wounded, but his power would plummet the moment he ventured beyond the formation's support. Even if he could maintain his peak Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch mid-stage combat strength, he stood no chance of capturing both the Golden Spirit Ancient Progenitor and the Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen sheathed the Forbidden Divine Ability [a supreme, reality-defying technique that exacts a terrible price from its user], allowing himself a slow, steady breath of relief.

"Husband—"

At that very moment, Lyra Jiang and Verdant Consort rushed forward, swiftly forming a protective circle around him.

Lyra Jiang immediately fed him several rare Immortal Crystal [a purified and high-density form of Spirit Stone] elixirs before asking, "How severe are your injuries?"

"With the Life Great Dao [the supreme principle of vitality and regeneration] to heal me, these wounds are of little concern."

Eldrin Chen drew a deep breath. First, he activated the Chaos Limitless Great Dao [the primordial principle of boundless, formless chaos] to expel and refine the foreign Dao principles [fundamental cosmic laws] invading his body. Once they were purged, he then channeled the Life Great Dao to begin his recovery.

Swiftly, bolstered by the Life Great Dao, his external injuries were soon Restoration [mended and restored].

The sole remaining issue was the severe damage to his foundational life essence [the core source of a cultivator's vitality and power], caused by the repeated injuries and the activation of the Forbidden Divine Ability. This would require vast resources and a long span of time to fully Restoration.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen's current foundation was extraordinary, and he possessed treasures capable of Restoration one's foundational essence.

However, Eldrin Chen did not immediately enter seclusion. He first ordered the battlefield to be cleared, then returned to the Abyssal Immortal Domain [his personal sanctum, a realm of profound spiritual energy] to commence his healing.

Upon arriving at the seclusion chamber, Lyra Jiang immediately retrieved a vial of immortal elixirs and handed it to Eldrin Chen, saying, "This Yin-Yang Dual Extremes Pill [a supreme pill that harmonizes the opposing forces of Yin and Yang] can replenish your depleted vitality and help you swiftly restore your injuries."

"Take this pill first and focus on recovering from your wounds as quickly as possible."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but let out a soft sigh of relief.

This Yin-Yang Dual Extremes Pill [a supreme pill that harmonizes the opposing forces of Yin and Yang] was an immortal pill Lyra Jiang had obtained from within the Primordial Unity Ancient Hall [an ancient sanctum from the dawn of creation]. Its grade reached the Primordial Chaos Realm [the foundational realm of primordial chaos], making it a treasure of inestimable value.

For the Yin-Yang Dual Extremes Pill [a supreme pill that harmonizes the opposing forces of Yin and Yang] was forged using the exceedingly rare Primordial Unity [the state of undifferentiated primordial unity] immortal herbs as its foundation, refined by drawing upon the Yin-Yang Origin [the primordial source energy of the Yin and Yang duality] from the Primordial Immortal Domain [the primordial realm of the immortals].

Such a precious pill did not directly enhance one's cultivation base. Instead, its true worth lay in its ability to mend the depleted foundational vitality of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal of the Grand Luo realm]. Most crucially, once consumed, the Yin-Yang Dual Extremes Pill [a supreme pill that harmonizes the opposing forces of Yin and Yang] could even erase the lingering aftereffects of employing a Forbidden Divine Ability [a divine ability whose use carries a severe, often crippling, backlash].

Furthermore, the Yin-Yang Dual Extremes Pill [a supreme pill that harmonizes the opposing forces of Yin and Yang] was fully effective for an Early Stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord [an Emperor Lord in the early stage of the Primordial Chaos realm]. Even for a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [an Emperor Monarch in the Primordial Chaos realm] at the mid-stage, consuming it could halve the recovery time required after using a Forbidden Divine Ability [a divine ability whose use carries a severe, often crippling, backlash].

In essence, possessing a single Yin-Yang Dual Extremes Pill [a supreme pill that harmonizes the opposing forces of Yin and Yang] granted an Early Stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord [an Emperor Lord in the early stage of the Primordial Chaos realm] one additional opportunity to stake their life in a desperate gamble.

It could be said that the value of a solitary Yin-Yang Dual Extremes Pill [a supreme pill that harmonizes the opposing forces of Yin and Yang] often surpassed that of even a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure of the highest innate spiritual grade], truly earning it the title of a priceless treasure beyond measure.

And the vial of Yin-Yang Dual Extremes Pill [a supreme pill that harmonizes the opposing forces of Yin and Yang] that Lyra Jiang had obtained contained ten of these precious pills.

With such a rare treasure in hand, coupled with the Indestructible Origin [a mystical object that allows its user to die and be reborn nine times], this was the confidence that allowed Eldrin Chen to dare gamble with his life this time.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen took one of the Yin-Yang Dual Extremes Pill [a supreme healing elixir that harmonizes the opposing forces of Yin and Yang] and spoke, "With the aid of this pill, my seclusion this time will not be overly long. Have the spoils registered first. We will decide on their distribution after I emerge."

Hearing this, Lyra Jiang nodded and said, "Do not worry about such matters. I will guard your cultivation. Focus solely on your seclusion and recovery."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and immediately consumed and began refining the immortal pill.

The Yin-Yang Dual Extremes Pill truly lived up to its reputation as a treasure coveted even by a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme cultivator who has mastered the primordial chaos]. Merely over three thousand years after Eldrin Chen consumed it, his depleted origin had been completely restored.

Not only that, the side effects of the Forbidden Divine Ability [a powerful technique that carries severe backlash] had also completely vanished. Even the Yin-Yang Dual Qi [the paired energies of Yin and Yang] stored by the Yin-Yang Sacrificial Dao [a forbidden art that sacrifices one's own life force] had been replenished without him noticing.

"Hah. This Yin-Yang Dual Extremes Pill is indeed a top-tier Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill [an elixir refined from the essence of primordial chaos] for healing," Eldrin Chen remarked, feeling the profound effects.

With his injuries restored, Eldrin Chen exhaled a long, turbid breath.

He and Lyra Jiang emerged from seclusion and immediately summoned the Grand Luo Immortal Lord [an immortal lord of the Grand Luo realm] from the various Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortals], gathering them within the Abyssal Immortal Palace of the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

On that day, within the great hall of Abyssal, Eldrin Chen sat upon the central throne. Nearly one hundred Grand Luo Golden Immortal [Golden Immortals of the Grand Luo realm] under his command were arrayed upon the elegant seats.

Eldrin Chen swept his gaze over the assembly, then spoke with a faint smile, "You have all labored diligently in this great victory over the demon god armies."

"Your battle merits have been recorded in the register. Here is a list of the spoils; you may exchange them according to your contributions."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen tossed a list to the gathered immortals.

The assembled Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation] took the list and, upon glancing at it, could not help but reveal smiles of satisfaction.

The sect master from the Celestial Net Ancient Sect stroked his beard and chuckled after reviewing the ledger, "Following His Majesty Eldrin truly yields bountiful rewards. The spoils from this single battle surpass the total plunder from all the wars waged by Departing Flame Emperor Lord over thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years]."

"Hahaha! Precisely, precisely!"

Upon hearing this, the other immortals also broke into smiles.

It had to be admitted that participating in major battles alongside Eldrin Chen yielded truly staggering amounts of plundered treasures.

After this conflict, over one hundred Chaotic Fiendgod [primordial demon gods born from chaos] had fallen in the Eastern Departure Flame Domain, meaning the core strength of the Chaotic Fiendgod in that realm had been nearly annihilated.

Henceforth, until these fallen Chaotic Fiendgod revived, it would be virtually impossible for their kind within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain to rise to prominence again.

Although the reason for such a bountiful harvest in this battle was primarily because the Chaotic Fiendgods underestimated the strength of Eldrin Chen.

Yet, if not for Eldrin Chen's unexpectedly formidable power, how could the enemy have suffered such grievous losses against an ordinary Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch?

Contemplating this, Donghua Immortal Lord clasped his hands and said, "The victory in this battle rests entirely on Your Majesty's merit. We merely offered a trifling effort and feel unworthy to exchange for these treasures."

Eldrin Chen merely smiled and shook his head. "Had you not entered the Formation to assist, greatly augmenting its power, I likely could not have achieved such a decisive victory. You are entitled to a share of the spoils for this merit."

"Speak no more of it. Each of you may now make your exchanges."

Upon hearing this, smiles finally graced everyone's faces, and they began selecting treasures for exchange.

The spoils from this engagement were staggering in number. Among them were several hundred strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primal, unbreakable radiance of spiritual energy], over two hundred Innate Spiritual Treasures of varying grades, and hundreds upon thousands of Great Luo Rare Treasures and Innate Spiritual Treasuress.

With such a vast haul, Eldrin Chen was exceedingly generous to all present.

Nearly one hundred Grand Luo Golden Immortals were in attendance, and almost every one received a Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born of primal chaos, possessing innate spiritual power], along with a number of rare items such as Great Luo Immortal Pills.

Of course, the true pinnacle treasures seized in this battle were not brought out for distribution by Eldrin Chen.

Among them were the physical body of Departing Flame Chaos Fiend and a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Soul-Devouring Pearl.

Returning to the main topic, after everyone had exchanged their treasures and offered their repeated thanks before departing, Eldrin Chen took stock of the remaining items. He discovered there were still three hundred strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a fundamental, unbreakable spiritual radiance] and nearly one hundred Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate spiritual power] left.

He placed all these treasures into the Clan Treasury and then returned to his cultivation cave, accompanied by his Dao companions.

Upon arriving at the cave abode, Eldrin Chen retrieved the physical body of Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor. He pondered for a moment before asking, "How do you think we should best handle this Chaotic Fiendgod [a primordial being of chaos and malevolence] corpse?"

Lyra Jiang contemplated briefly before speaking. "A physical body at the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the sovereign realm within primordial chaos] level can be used to refine Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir forged from the essence of primordial chaos]. However, lacking the most crucial head, the number of pills produced will likely be reduced by one."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. Generally, the demonic body of an Early Stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord should yield three Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill.

Now, with one less, it would likely only produce two. Even so, these would be immensely precious.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, if he could consume one Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill, its effect would be at least equivalent to three Indestructible Golden Fruit [a legendary fruit that grants resilience and longevity], reducing his cultivation time by three Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often marked by tribulations] and significantly advancing the time for his breakthrough to the eighth layer of the Great Luo Body [the physical cultivation path of the Great Luo realm].

It must be understood that Eldrin Chen, at the seventh layer of Grand Luo [the Great Luo realm, a supreme cultivation stage], while consuming Indestructible Golden Fruit, would require only ten Kalpa Tribulation to break through to the eighth layer of Great Luo Body.

Since his breakthrough to the seventh layer of Great Luo Body one Kalpa Tribulation ago, Eldrin Chen had cultivated using both Indestructible Golden Fruit and Great Luo Golden Bamboo Shoot [a shoot of golden bamboo containing Great Luo essence]. He had already consumed two Indestructible Golden Fruit and refined three stalks of Great Luo Golden Bamboo Shoot, saving the equivalent of one Kalpa Tribulation in time.

If he were to consume another Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir capable of refining one's Primordial Chaos Body], the distance to the eighth layer of the Great Luo Body [the pinnacle physical form of a Great Luo Immortal] would likely be reduced to merely one or two Kalpa Tribulations [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth].

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen deliberated and said, "Resources are precious and must not be squandered. Yet, with my current alchemical arts, I am not confident in successfully refining two Primordial Chaos Immortal Pills. This matter still requires seeking assistance from others."

Lyra Jiang nodded, smiling as she spoke, "The Human Race is exceptionally skilled in alchemy. Within the Human Race Immortal Court [the supreme governing body of the Human Race immortals], there are many capable individuals, including numerous high-ranking Alchemy Immortals."

"You could make a trip to the Immortal Court. Perhaps you can invite a master to lend their aid."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and then stated, "The Departing Flame Chaos Fiend [a powerful Chaos-aligned demonic entity] is still recuperating from its injuries. It is unlikely to emerge from seclusion for several Kalpa Tribulations. This is a perfect opportunity for me to journey to the Immortal Court and see if I can refine two Primordial Chaos Immortal Pills."

With these words, Eldrin Chen immediately departed from the Abyssal Immortal Domain [his personal immortal realm], traversing the boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless void between realms] to arrive within the Primordial Immortal Domain [the central immortal realm of the Human Race].

Upon reaching the Primordial Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen immediately sensed an atmosphere of solemn killing intent pervading the Immortal Domain. Upon the supreme heights of the Myriad Heavens' Stars [the celestial firmament], one peerless figure after another stood in confrontation or engaged in fierce battle, a stark contrast to the peace of former times.

Fortunately, both sides exercised restraint, not bringing the battlefield into the heart of the Primordial Immortal Domain itself. The great conflict had merely erupted upon the Cosmic Stars [the stars of the cosmos].

With this thought, Eldrin Chen soon withdrew his gaze and ascended to a majestic and vast Celestial Domain [a heavenly realm] located within the Thirty-Three Heavens [the layered heavens of the immortal world].

—Alchemy Profound Heaven [the Celestial Realm dedicated to the profound art of Alchemy].

Alchemy Profound Heaven [the sixth layer of the Thirty-Three Heavens] is one of the Celestial Domains governed by the Human Race, and upon it stands a vast complex of Celestial Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realms] palaces and halls. This is the Alchemy Profound Hall, one of the nine main halls of the Immortal Court.

Within the Immortal Court, the Alchemy Profound Hall is also one of the top-tier immortal halls, second only to the Five Directions Imperial Halls.

The entire lineage of the Alchemy Profound Hall boasts more than three hundred Grand Luo Golden Immortal [Golden Immortals of the Grand Luo realm]. These Grand Luo Immortal Lord [Lords of the Grand Luo realm] possess alchemical skills starting at the Mid-Great Immortal Realm level at minimum, making this hall the gathering place for the essence of the Human Race's alchemists.

Furthermore, the Alchemy Profound Hall has one Hall Master and nine Vice Hall Masters, each an existence at the level of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [an Emperor Monarch who has comprehended the laws of Primordial Chaos].

The Hall Master of the Alchemy Profound Hall possesses cultivation at the formidable Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord [the pinnacle of the Primordial Emperor Lord realm]. This figure is none other than the South Pole Luminous Radiance Great Emperor, one of the Five Emperors of the Immortal Court.

Now, having arrived within the Alchemy Profound Hall, Eldrin Chen intended to seek out a Vice Hall Master to refine pills for him. However, he found the entire hall bustling with activity; all nine Vice Hall Masters were in secluded cultivation, focused on alchemy.

With no other choice, Eldrin Chen summoned the Chief Steward of the Alchemy Profound Hall and inquired, "Might I know when the Hall Masters are expected to emerge from seclusion?"

The Chief Steward of the Alchemy Profound Hall is usually responsible for receiving and seeing off guests, hosting Grand Luo Immortal Lord and even Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch from all quarters. His own cultivation is naturally not low.

His cultivation reaches the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [late stage of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm], making him a figure of considerable renown even among Grand Luo Golden Immortal. Due to his special position, even many cultivators at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [Great Perfection stage of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] must curry his favor.

Yet, facing Eldrin Chen, he dared not show the slightest neglect. With utmost solemnity, he replied, "The recent conflicts have been frequent. The front lines are in dire need of elixirs [spiritual pills used for cultivation and healing], and we must accelerate our stockpiling efforts."

"Doing the math, even the earliest among them, Li He, the Emperor Lord, will likely not emerge from seclusion for over one hundred thousand years."

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before speaking, "I wish to commission the refinement of a batch of Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill [a legendary elixir said to contain the essence of primordial chaos, capable of greatly enhancing a cultivator's foundation]. I wonder which Hall Master is most proficient in this particular pill?"

"The Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill?"

The Chief Steward's expression shifted with surprise, and he replied immediately, "Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord has deeply cultivated this path and is most skilled in its refinement. However, he is currently refining several major batches of elixirs and will likely not conclude his seclusion for another three hundred thousand years."

"Three hundred thousand years... I can wait."

Eldrin Chen spoke, then cupped his hands respectfully. "In that case, I shall pay my respects to Fellow Daoist Nan Xu again in three hundred thousand years. If he concludes his seclusion earlier, I would appreciate being notified."

Upon hearing this, the Chief Steward offered a slight smile. "I shall note this matter. If the Emperor Lord [a supreme title among cultivators, denoting a ruler of immense power] concludes his seclusion ahead of schedule, I will certainly inform him."

Two updates, totaling twelve thousand characters; the extra update compensates for a previously owed chapter.