Chapter 1990 : An Unfathomable Encounter

"Then I offer my sincere thanks."

After settling the matter of the Alchemy Profound Hall, Eldrin Chen departed from Alchemy Profound Heaven.

Once outside Alchemy Profound Heaven, he was preparing to leave the Primordial Immortal Domain when a gentle voice suddenly reached his ears: "Young friend, might you spare a moment for a conversation?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, then immediately raised his gaze toward the source of the voice.

Before him stood an ancient Immortal Mountain, upon which a simple pavilion was erected. Within it sat an elderly Daoist priest with hair and beard as white as snow.

With but a single glance, Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted slightly, revealing a flicker of astonishment.

This person's aura was as calm as still water. At first glance, he seemed like an old Daoist devoid of any cultivation. Yet, upon closer inspection, the depths within him felt unfathomable, like a boundless abyssal sea.

This was profoundly abnormal. Even when facing Black Abyss Great Emperor, Eldrin Chen could sense the other's overwhelmingly powerful presence and gauge the extent of his might.

But confronting this figure, Eldrin Chen felt his own aura was as insignificant as an ant's, as if they existed on entirely different planes of existence.

Realizing this, Eldrin Chen's expression shifted subtly. He immediately strode forward and ascended to the pavilion. With a composed demeanor, he clasped his hands in salute and said, "This junior pays his respects to the Senior. May I inquire as to your esteemed identity?"

"Please, sit."

The old Daoist smiled and motioned for Eldrin Chen to take a seat. He studied Eldrin Chen carefully for a moment before speaking with a warm smile, "To cultivate three paths simultaneously and forge a new Great Dao [a supreme and fundamental principle of cultivation]... Your talent is indeed as the rumors say. You will likely walk among our ranks in the future."

As he spoke, the old Daoist stroked his long beard and explained with a chuckle, "This old one's Daoist title is Grand Turbidity. My purpose in coming today is simply to make your acquaintance."

"Grand Turbidity?"

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted dramatically, a flicker of profound shock crossing his features.

Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, those deemed worthy of bearing the prefix 'Grand' [Tai, signifying primordial antiquity and supreme status] were without exception beings of the most ancient lineage.

Such figures were among the first Heaven-Mandated Divine Spirits [celestial beings whose authority is ordained by the cosmic order] of the Primordial Immortal Domain. Beings like Sage-King of the Grand Abyss, Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor, and Primordial Beginning Divine Emperor all belonged to this 'Grand' generation.

That this person before him bore the title Grand Turbidity meant his identity was immeasurably exalted. Even Eldrin Chen had heard his name thunderously echoed in legend.

Grand Turbidity was the primordial Lord of Ten Thousand Beasts in the Primordial Immortal Domain, the leader of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races—none other than the Kirin Progenitor [the mythical and benevolent unicorn-beast, progenitor of all auspicious creatures]. His cultivation had reached the lofty realm of Sage Ascendant [a near-legendary stage of cultivation, one step below true sagehood], and he was originally one of the Heaven-Decreed Primordial Divine Emperor [primordial rulers whose divine mandate comes from the cosmos itself].

In an instant, Eldrin Chen recalled the origins of this personage. He immediately straightened his posture, his expression one of profound respect, and said, "I did not realize I was in the presence of the Kirin Progenitor [the mythical and benevolent beast, progenitor of the Kirin lineage]. I failed to recognize you earlier; my apologies for the discourtesy."

"No need for such formalities,"

the Grand Turbid Ancient Ancestor [an ancient and venerable being of immense power] replied, shaking his head, yet a warm smile graced his features. "My purpose in coming here today was simply to meet a rising star of the younger generation."

As he spoke, the Grand Turbid Ancient Ancestor continued with a chuckle, "I had long heard tales of your extraordinary talent, that you possessed the bearing of one destined to tread the path of a Dao Progenitor [a legendary figure who establishes a new fundamental principle or school of the Dao]. I thought it might be the exaggerated praise of juniors, but seeing you in person truly proves that hearing of a reputation is no match for a direct meeting."

"You are too kind. Compared to a venerable senior like yourself, I still have a long road to travel,"

Eldrin Chen responded modestly. After exchanging a few more pleasantries with the Kirin Progenitor, he could not help but inquire, "Senior, for you to seek me out specifically, might there be a matter of importance?"

Hearing this, the Kirin Progenitor smiled and shook his head.

He pondered for a moment before speaking. "I came to find you today because I see your exceptional potential. I wished to see if you might become an ally for this old one in the days to come."

"An ally in the days to come?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, a flicker of confusion appearing in his eyes.

Seeing this, the Kirin Progenitor spoke, "For beings like myself, who have reached the Sage Ascendant [the penultimate stage before becoming a Dao Ancestor] realm, to take the final step into the Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [the supreme realm of existence, a fusion of Dao and Sage] realm, one must seize and refine a wisp of Chaos Primordial Qi [the foundational energy of creation, born from the primal chaos] to achieve the breakthrough."

"Yet, the Chaos Primordial Qi is exceedingly rare. Whenever it manifests, it draws fierce contention from numerous Sage Ascendant and even Chaos Celestial Emperor [supreme rulers born of the primal chaos]. The hope for a single individual to obtain it is vanishingly small."

"Therefore, to vie for the Chaos Primordial Qi, we Sage Ascendant often form alliances amongst ourselves, to increase our slim chances of achieving that ultimate breakthrough."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight, thoughtful nod.

The Chaos Primordial Qi was a treasure of such profound value that even a Chaos Celestial Emperor would find acquiring a single wisp an arduous task. Without sufficient power and profound foundation, relying on one's own strength alone to seize the Primordial Chaos Qi was a possibility so remote it bordered on the impossible.

Even when the Chaos Primordial Qi occasionally surfaced within the depths of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, untamed expanse of primal chaos], it was almost invariably guarded by immensely powerful Primordial Chaos Dire Beast [ancient beasts born from and attuned to the raw chaos]. For a solitary Sage Ascendant to challenge such guardians, the odds of success were perilously low.

Only by joining forces, with two or perhaps three Sage Ascendant standing together, might there be a glimmer of hope to contend for it.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "The paths of us Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality through cultivation] are often shrouded in uncertainty, Senior. How can you be so certain that this junior will even reach the Sage Ascendant realm?"

"Your path, it is true, is marked by extraordinary trials."

The Kirin Progenitor nodded gravely before continuing, "You have no shortage of Great Dao Adversary [a destined rival or obstacle on one's cultivation path, often ordained by fate or karma]. Furthermore, within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a collective term for seven perilous and powerful regions in the southern reaches], there exist a few formidable beings whose power gives even this old man a moment's pause."

"Yet, with my aid, your chances of reaching the Sage Ascendant realm [the pinnacle of cultivation below the Immortal Progenitor] in peace would be no less than thirty percent."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen was struck by a sudden flash of insight.

Understanding dawned upon him, and he spoke, "The Profound Nether Emperor Lord of the Nether Race... could it be that you, Senior..."

The Kirin Progenitor [the primordial ancestor of all Kirin] smiled faintly and replied calmly, "He is merely at the mid-stage of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm [a supreme sovereign realm of immense power]. A single word from me would suffice to settle the matter."

As he spoke, the Kirin Ancient Ancestor continued, "If you require it, capturing the three of them—Desolate Ape, Profound Nether, and Golden Spirit Ancient Ancestor—would not pose any significant trouble for me."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression shifted subtly. These three were his Great Dao Adversary [fated nemeses on the path of cultivation], lofty beings who had ascended to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm.

Yet, in the words of the Kirin Ancient Ancestor, capturing them sounded as trivial as rounding up a few stray cats and dogs. The implications hidden within that casual remark were utterly terrifying.

Yet, upon deeper reflection, it seemed this was only to be expected.

After all, the Kirin Progenitor was the foremost among the five great Sage Ascendant of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of cultivation]. In comparison, even the Kunpeng Progenitor [the primordial ancestor of the Kunpeng] and the Primordial Azure Crow [an ancient and mighty avian demon] were slightly inferior.

In this era where the Chaos Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler born of primordial chaos] remained absent, the Kirin Progenitor stood peerless and invincible within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

In truth, given the power and status of Kirin Progenitor, even if Solar Celestial Emperor were to act personally, it is not certain he could completely subdue Kirin Progenitor.

Furthermore, Kirin Progenitor maintains amicable relations with the Human Race, and with figures like Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor restraining Solar Celestial Emperor, Kirin Progenitor exists in a state nearly beyond anyone's control. His standing in the eyes of the three great races is exceptionally lofty.

For such a being, possessing strength at the Sage Ascendant realm, capturing a few early or mid-stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch cultivators would not be considered a significant challenge.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen felt a stirring of temptation.

If Kirin Progenitor were to act, aiding him in slaying several Great Dao Adversary [a powerful entity that embodies opposition to one's cultivation path], his own cultivation of the Great Dao would advance by leaps and bounds.

Yet, after careful deliberation, he ultimately dismissed the notion. Relying on another to suppress his Great Dao Adversary felt like an unearned victory, lacking in true martial honor.

Moreover, every action carries a price. To proceed thus would incur a monumental debt of favor to Kirin Progenitor, a debt whose future repayment would likely demand a staggering cost.

Most crucially, Eldrin Chen understood in his heart that his true, most formidable threat was an invincible Great Emperor like Pure Yang Great Emperor, not a few early or mid-stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch cultivators such as Desolate Ape Emperor Lord.

Eliminating these individuals now might very well force Pure Yang Great Emperor and his ilk to cast aside all pretense and dignity, potentially even uniting with even more powerful Great Dao Adversary entities against him.

With these thoughts, Eldrin Chen immediately clasped his hands and said, "This junior is deeply grateful for your esteemed offer, Senior."

"However, the Great Dao Adversary [a destined nemesis on one's path of cultivation], should still be settled with one's own strength, one by one, so as not to betray the Dao Heart [the fundamental will and resolve of a cultivator]."

"Well said."

The Grand Turbidity [a Daoist title meaning 'Great Turbidity'] Daoist nodded slightly, offering no further words.

With a flick of his sleeve, he produced a Treasure Box [a container for storing precious cultivation items] and handed it to Eldrin Chen. "For our first meeting, these few treasures may prove useful to you, young friend. Consider them a greeting gift."

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback and hurriedly tried to decline, only to find that the Grand Turbidity Daoist had already vanished from the pavilion with a mere flick of his sleeve.

Within the pavilion, only a single Treasure Box hovered, accompanied by a voice that drifted over: "Cultivate diligently, young friend. I hope that one day, this old man may sit and discourse on the Dao with you."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen could only accept and store away the Treasure Box.

He rose to his feet, cupped his hands in salute towards the direction the Grand Turbidity Daoist had departed, and said, "My gratitude for the Senior's bestowed treasures. This junior will surely remember your kindness."

Upon the mountain peak, the clouds and mist drifted ethereally, carrying no echo in reply—only a final, gentle utterance.

"Now, go."

Eldrin Chen took his leave at the pavilion and returned to the Abyssal Immortal Domain [a celestial realm of profound mysteries]. Only then did he open the treasure bestowed by Kirin Progenitor [the primordial ancestor of the mythical Kirin beast].

Within the Treasure Box, a single piece of ancient, unadorned jade drifted slowly, emanating a hazy, multicolored radiance.

"Qilin [a mythical, auspicious beast] Jade."

The moment she saw this treasure, Lyra Jiang's expression shifted slightly. She could not help but ask, "Where did you obtain this?"

"A gift from Senior Grand Turbidity [the Daoist of the Great Murk]."

Eldrin Chen began, recounting the experiences of his journey.

After listening, Lyra Jiang spoke thoughtfully, "The Daoist Grand Turbidity possessed extraordinary talent, destined by heaven to be one of the ancient sovereigns of Chaos [the primordial, formless state of existence]. A pity..."

A flicker of regret passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes as he, too, felt a pang of sympathetic sorrow.

The Primordial Immortal Domain [the original and most ancient of immortal realms] held a significant cosmic status. It was originally fated to nurture nine Chaos Celestial Emperor [supreme rulers born from Chaos]. However, due to the intervention of that Second Chaos Realm [a profound stage of cultivation beyond the ordinary] powerhouse, the Heavenly Dao [the fundamental law and will of the cosmos] fell into a deep slumber.

During that period of the Heavenly Dao's dormancy within the Primordial Immortal Domain, the nine heaven-mandated Divine Emperor [rulers of divine authority] lost the Dao's support. The first three to achieve the Dao seized the Opportunity [the crucial chance for ascension or breakthrough] from those who would have followed.

Aside from the Lunar Divine Emperor [the supreme ruler embodying the power of the moon], who is also of the Divine Race [the primordial race of gods], the other five Heaven-ordained Divine Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm, one step below the Dao Ancestor] have all lost their Chaos Primordial Qi [the foundational energy of creation from the Chaos Era]. Grand Turbidity [a title meaning 'Great Turbid One', referring to a powerful ancient figure] is naturally among them.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen could not help but inquire, "Can this Grand Turbidity be trusted?"

Lyra Jiang did not answer directly. Instead, she began, "During the Primordial Era [the first and most ancient epoch of the cosmos], the Divine Race held sole dominion over the world. The myriad other races could only survive by their sufferance."

"In the Ancient Era, Grand Yang [the Supreme Yang, a primordial cosmic principle] united the myriad races to establish the Demon Court [the imperial court of the demon races]. Thereafter, the Demon Race suppressed the Cosmos [the known universe] for tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth]. The plight of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [a collective term for the hundred most prominent immortal and spirit races] grew ever more difficult."

"Yet, whether it was the myriad races of the Primordial Era or the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races of the Ancient and Current Eras, they all, in truth, survived under the sheltering mantle of Grand Turbidity."

Speaking to this point, Lyra Jiang said with pointed meaning, "Before the Human Race rose to prominence, before it had given birth to a Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [the ultimate pinnacle of cultivation, a being who has comprehended the fundamental Dao], it was, in fact, one of the myriad races of the Primordial Era, and also one among the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen understood immediately.

Before the Human Race possessed a Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage, it had belonged to the myriad races of the Primordial Era, and later, it had also been counted among the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races.

In those days, the Human Race was not powerful. It languished near the bottom ranks of the Primordial Era's myriad races, and for a long age, it occupied only a middling position within the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races.

Yet even under such circumstances, the Human Race maintained an exceptionally close relationship with the Kirin Clan [the noble race of divine kirin beasts]. This bond endured so profoundly that even now, with the Human Race having ascended as the hegemon of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective realms of immortal cultivation], its two Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage still share an excellent rapport with the Kirin Progenitor [the primordial ancestor of all kirin]. This is clear testament that the character of the Kirin Progenitor is beyond significant reproach.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "We owe him a debt of gratitude. If our cultivation reaches sufficient heights in the future, it would be fitting to offer mutual support."

As he said this, Eldrin Chen looked at the Ancient Kirin Jade and could not help but smile.

The Ancient Kirin Jade gifted by the Kirin Progenitor was a special, supreme-grade Primordial Unity spiritual treasure. It did not enhance combat power, but it could significantly increase the cultivation speed of Grand Luo Golden Immortal and Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch cultivators.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, cultivating while holding this Ancient Kirin Jade would greatly accelerate the process of tempering one's foundation. The time required to break through to the Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm would likely be shortened by approximately thirty percent from the current baseline.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen declared, "Using this Ancient Kirin Jade as the primary array core, combined with the three Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure—the Sun God Pearl, the Moon God Pearl, and the Star God Pearl—I should be able to establish a supreme-grade cultivation Daoist Abode [a cultivator's sanctum for seclusion and practice]."

"Once complete, all Grand Luo Golden Immortal within our clan will benefit from it."

With these words, Eldrin Chen immediately set to work constructing the formation. It took him over two hundred thousand years to successfully establish the Daoist Abode.

After the grand formation was completed, Eldrin Chen discovered that the newly established Daoist Abode possessed the effect of refining and tempering one's foundation. It could increase the cultivation speed of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal by roughly thirty to forty percent.

Most crucially, the formation's power was immense, capable of simultaneously accommodating twelve Grand Luo Golden Immortal cultivators for practice, making it one of the most supreme cultivation sanctuaries.

Returning to the main thread, after completing the grand formation, Eldrin Chen briefly tested its effects through cultivation before sensing that Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord was nearing the end of his seclusion.

Thus, he did not linger and departed directly from the Abyssal Immortal Domain, arriving within the Primordial Immortal Domain.

Within a majestic immortal palace in Alchemy Profound Heaven, Eldrin Chen waited for a considerable time before finally meeting Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord.

At this moment, Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord had clearly just emerged from seclusion. His azure imperial robes still carried a faint scent of alchemical fire, and his countenance bore traces of evident weariness.

Clearly, even for an existence like Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord, refining a Primordial Unity Level immortal pill was an immensely taxing endeavor.

Nevertheless, Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord accorded Eldrin Chen significant respect. He personally received him, had tea served, and then came straight to the point: "I hear you have come this time, Fellow Daoist, to request that I refine the Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill?"

Eldrin Chen nodded. He directly manifested the remains of the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend and stated, "It is this demon god's body."

Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord's pupils contracted slightly. He then smiled and said, "This Departing Flame Chaos Fiend possessed cultivation at the Third Layer of Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord. Even if I had personally acted, subduing and slaying it would have been exceedingly difficult."

"To think Fellow Daoist possesses such formidable means truly fills me with admiration."

Eldrin Chen shook his head modestly. "The Departing Flame Chaos Fiend was merely overly arrogant. I only managed to defeat it by relying on the advantage of a Formation."

Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord nodded in acknowledgment, though he did not fully believe these words.

While the power of a Formation [a structured arrangement of forces or energies, often used for defense or attack] is formidable, often allowing one to contend with foes of a higher cultivation realm, its efficacy is entirely dependent on the level of the enemy one faces.