Chapter 1991 : A Pact Forged in Primordial Flames

The strength of the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend [a powerful demon born from primordial chaos and flame] was no simple matter. Even though Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord possessed cultivation at the fifth layer of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme realm of power within the primordial chaos], he dared not claim he could utterly destroy the physical body of the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend.

The fact that Eldrin Chen managed to leave it behind proved his strength was far from that of an ordinary Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

However, this was ultimately another's secret, and Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord naturally would not pry. He examined the remains of the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend carefully before finally speaking. "The mortal shell is incomplete, missing the rather crucial head portion. Fortunately, the rest is quite intact."

As he spoke, Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord looked at Eldrin Chen and said, "By conventional means, this cauldron of precious pills could only refine two. Yet, I possess a special secret art that can compensate for this missing part and refine three Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir refined from the essence of primordial chaos]."

"However, to perform this secret art, one still requires a rare and precious ingredient."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a flicker of joy in his heart and immediately inquired, "What does the Emperor Lord [a title for a supreme ruler among cultivators] require?"

"A portion of Innate Flesh Ganoderma [a legendary spiritual fungus of unparalleled purity, said to be born from the world's innate essence]."

Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord stated, then added, "I do possess this spiritual herb, yet its value is also far from insignificant."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but speak. "Fellow Daoist, state your conditions plainly. There is no need for hesitation."

Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord nodded, finally revealing his intent. "To speak frankly, I have a matter to request of you…"

As Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord spoke at length, Eldrin Chen quickly understood his request.

It turned out that Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord had a daughter named Nan Xi, the Immortal Lord. Her breakthrough to the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of the Golden Immortal stage] had been relatively recent, and her cultivation was only at the Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal [the middle stage of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] level.

During this Three Races Great War [the great conflict between the Human, Demon, and other races], Nan Xi, the Immortal Lord had also joined the battles on the Starry Sky Battlefield [the vast, cosmic theater of war among the stars]. Worried for his daughter's safety, Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord wished to ask Eldrin Chen to look out for her and offer some protection when he himself later set foot upon that same Starry Sky Battlefield.

In truth, Eldrin Chen was not the first to be entrusted with such a task. Given Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord's status, he had already requested the favor of several Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme ruler whose power originates from the Primordial Chaos] to keep an eye on her; Eldrin Chen was merely one among them.

Looking after a single Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal would be a trivial matter, a mere task done effortlessly in passing, for someone of Eldrin Chen's combat prowess, which rivaled that of an Emperor Lord [a title for a supreme ruler among cultivators].

He did not refuse. Instead, he stated plainly, "I will join the Starry Sky Battlefield during the next Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal]. If Nan Xi, the Immortal Lord is still upon that battlefield then, I shall naturally offer what protection I can."

Upon hearing this, Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord smiled and immediately said, "In that case, consider this Innate Flesh Ganoderma [a legendary spiritual fungus of supreme quality, born of innate essence] and the alchemical remuneration as payment for your promised vigilance."

With those words, Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord proceeded into the alchemy chamber to begin refining this batch of Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill [an elixir of immense power, refined from the essence of Primordial Chaos].

However, before Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord commenced the pill refinement, Eldrin Chen could not help but venture a request: "Might I be permitted to observe the process?"

"You practice alchemy as well?"

Eldrin Chen spoke, his expression calm as he replied, "I have already refined several batches of high-grade Great Luo Immortal Pill [a supreme pill that aids in the advancement of Great Luo Golden Immortals]."

Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord was happy to grant a favor, and so he smiled and said, "Since that is the case, then you may assist me."

The two entered the alchemy chamber, and Eldrin Chen began helping to process the medicinal ingredients. In their spare moments, they started exchanging their insights into the art of pill refinement.

As their exchange deepened, Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord could not help but feel a profound sense of astonishment. He was shocked to discover that Eldrin Chen's skill in alchemy, even if not yet equal to his own, had at least touched the threshold of the Primordial Unity Level [the realm of a Primordial Unity Immortal, a master of creation and fusion].

After several tens of thousands of years, Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord successfully refined a batch of three Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill [a legendary pill forged from the essence of primordial chaos, capable of tempering an immortal's body to its utmost limits]. He handed the immortal pills to Eldrin Chen and could not resist saying, "Fellow Daoist, your alchemy attainments are already extraordinary. Perhaps you can attempt to refine a Primordial Unity [the realm of a Primordial Unity Immortal] treasure pill."

Eldrin Chen's eyes gleamed subtly. Accepting the pills, he smiled and said, "Thanks to the Emperor Lord's [a title for a powerful immortal sovereign] guidance, I have benefited immensely."

Nan Xu, the Emperor Lord, however, held Eldrin Chen back to exchange insights for a long while more. It was only when a new alchemy task was issued that he reluctantly bid farewell to Eldrin Chen.

Emerging from Alchemy Profound Heaven [a celestial realm dedicated to the highest arts of alchemy], Eldrin Chen soon returned to the Abyssal Immortal Domain [Eldrin's personal immortal realm].

Upon returning to the Abyssal Immortal Domain, he immediately retrieved the Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill and began secluded cultivation to practice the Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body [a supreme physique tempered by the power of primordial chaos, granting near-invulnerability].

This session of secluded cultivation lasted approximately several million years. By the time Eldrin Chen had completely refined one Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill, he discovered his Chaos Indestructible Body had been cultivated to the absolute limit of the Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal [the seventh tier of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm].

At this moment, Eldrin Chen's Chaos Indestructible Body had grown by approximately fifty percent compared to when he had first broken through to the Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm. He now only needed to accumulate sufficient foundational essence to attempt a breakthrough to the Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Following this pace, if Eldrin Chen were to consume another Great Golden Immortal Pill, he estimated he could attempt to reach the eighth layer of the Great Luo Body by the next Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that marks the end of a cosmic cycle].

Returning to the main point, after cultivating his Great Luo Body to its current limit, Eldrin Chen felt his comprehension of the Great Dao [the fundamental laws and principles of existence] was now sufficient.

He immediately began the breakthrough in his Dao cultivation. To advance his Dao cultivation to the Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal, it was best to supplement his foundational reserves with resources like the Great Dao Source Crystal.

Eldrin Chen was not lacking in such treasures now. After refining several Great Dao Source Crystal in succession, his Dao cultivation finally broke through to the realm of Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Once his Dao cultivation had thoroughly consolidated this breakthrough, Eldrin Chen instantly felt the power of his Dao Authority [the dominion and command one wields over a specific Dao or law] increase significantly once more.

Originally, relying on his Chaos Limitless Great Dao, he could already rival the combat power of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal at the ninth layer. But now, with his Dao power alone, he could match a top-tier expert at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection stage. Facing ordinary Grand Luo ninth-layer cultivators, he could likely take on three at once.

"Not bad at all," he mused.

Seeing substantial progress in both his physical body and Dao cultivation, Eldrin Chen's mood lifted considerably. Only then did he emerge from his secluded cultivation chamber.

Upon exiting seclusion, Eldrin Chen found the Abyssal Immortal Domain adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations, filled with an atmosphere of joyous celebration.

His gaze flickered, and he could not help but ask the figure beside him, Lyra Jiang, "What occasion is this, that brings such joy to everyone?"

"You have been in seclusion for so long, you must have forgotten what day it is now," she replied.

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback. He silently calculated with his fingers and realized that his seclusion had already spanned tens of millions of years. The Eleventh Kalpa Tribulation [the cataclysmic cycle of cosmic destruction and renewal] was now merely a little over ten million years away.

Most crucially, the day marking his one billionth year of life was also drawing very near.

"One billion years... Have I truly lived for such an age, without even realizing it?"

"How swiftly time flows."

Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh, his voice tinged with profound reflection.

The ancestral star of his homeland in a past life—from the dawn of Life to the rise of humanity—had witnessed a history spanning only a few hundred million years.

Yet his own lifespan had now surpassed that entire ancient epoch. Even within the boundless expanse of the starry void, such longevity was likely an unimaginable myth.

"I wonder how that old land fares now, and what has become of those I once knew?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, then shook his head with a trace of regret.

Back then, his mysterious reincarnation due to the Primordial Scripture had not only severed all karmic ties from his past life but also made it exceedingly difficult for him to find the location of his former homeland.

Now, after such an immense span of time, that old place had likely long since transformed beyond recognition, the seas having turned to mulberry fields. Unless one day he could ascend against the current of Space-Time and traverse the entire ancient history of the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], he feared he would never again lay eyes on the companions of his youth.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen suppressed the sentiment in his heart and turned his gaze to Lyra Jiang. "The Heaven-Seizing War [the epochal conflict to seize the Mandate of Heaven] still rages on," he inquired. "Let us keep this longevity celebration simple once more."

Not long after, the longevity celebration for Eldrin Chen and the assembled Immortals of the Abyssal Immortal Alliance commenced within the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

As deathless Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality and achieved eternal life], they seldom paid heed to birthdays anymore. Having witnessed the endless churning of the Mortal Dust Realm [the mortal world of dust and toil] and the ceaseless flow of stars and Ronan [a metaphorical name for the celestial river of time], distinctions of years had lost their meaning.

Only for milestone anniversaries—those marking one hundred million years, one billion years, ten billion years—would an Immortal host grand festivities.

For this one-billion-year celebration, Eldrin Chen still strove for modesty, inviting only a portion of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the highest realm of immortal cultivation, the Golden Immortal of the Grand Luo] with whom he shared close ties.

Yet even so, the banquet proved unprecedentedly magnificent, far surpassing the grandeur of any previous celebration.

The number of Grand Luo Golden Immortal who came to attend the feast was astonishing—well over one hundred. Among them were nearly a hundred Grand Luo of the Human Race from the Eastern Departure Flame Domain, along with many other Grand Luo Golden Immortal with whom he had dealings, or who had arrived uninvited.

The reason for this lies entirely in the shift of status and position. During the previous Immortal Ascension Banquet held a billion years ago, Eldrin Chen was merely at the early-stage cultivation level of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm], and a newly ascended one at that. To have managed to invite a few fellow Grand Luo Golden Immortals was considered no small feat of face.

This time, however, Eldrin Chen holds a status equivalent to a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler born from primordial chaos]. No matter how low-key he remains, the Grand Luo Golden Immortals in the surrounding regions would all make a point to pay their respects and establish connections with due courtesy.

In this world, strength ultimately dictates the discourse. While Eldrin Chen might choose not to extend invitations, these neighboring Grand Luo Golden Immortals dare not neglect to offer their congratulations.

Such is the disparity wrought by differing status and position, a vast chasm carved by the sheer weight of power.

Even peerless Emperor Lords [titles for supreme rulers] such as Black Abyss Great Emperor, Taicang Divine Emperor, and Grand Nether Emperor Lord, though unable to personally attend the banquet due to pressing duties, sent envoys bearing gifts of immense value.

The Immortal Ascension Banquet lasted for several thousand years. When it finally concluded, the assembled immortals gradually took their leave.

Eldrin Chen remained seated upon the main hall's throne, his gaze fixed upon Silas Chen below. A complex emotion flickered in his eyes as he inquired, "Are you truly resolved to enter the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial]?"

Within the great hall, Silas Chen lowered his gaze, his voice carrying a note of unwavering determination. "I have accumulated sufficient foundation. The time has come to attempt the breakthrough."

Eldrin Chen gave a slow nod, a shadow of solemn gravity settling within his gaze.

His original intention had been for Silas Chen to accumulate a few more years of cultivation. He wished to wait until the number of cultivators who had perfected the Immortal Treasury Realm [a profound cultivation stage] through the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a demanding cultivation method] exceeded ten. Then, with Silas Chen leading the charge, they could attempt their ascensions together, thereby increasing the collective probability of surviving the Kalpa Tribulation.

However, now that Silas Chen wished to enter the Kalpa Tribulation [the great cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal], Eldrin Chen had no real reason to refuse him.

In this life, Silas Chen was born carrying the Scripture of the Innate Primordial Simplicity [a supreme cultivation scripture]. His innate talent and foundation were in no way inferior to Taixu Jiang's, and in theory, he possessed the potential to prove his Dao and attain the Sage Ascendant [a supreme realm of enlightenment] realm, or even that of a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler born from primordial chaos].

Even before cultivating his True Spirit Foundation [the foundational cultivation stage perfected with one's true spiritual essence], Silas Chen had already achieved a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a spiritual core refined to its absolute, truest essence] and comprehended the True Spirit Great Dao [the Great Dao of one's truest spiritual essence].

After cultivating the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound and perilous cultivation method that requires sacrificing one's own foundations], Silas Chen sacrificed all his previous foundations. Using the True Spirit Great Dao—specifically the 'Great Simplicity Great Dao' [the Great Dao of Supreme Simplicity]—as the core, he fused it into his True Spirit Primordial Spirit, ultimately forging an invincible, peerlessly strong True Spirit Foundation.

It could be said that Silas Chen's foundation was formed from the fusion of two supreme True Spirit Foundation realms and five Indestructible Foundation [a foundational cultivation stage renowned for its unbreakable solidity] realms, granting him terrifyingly profound potential and aptitude.

Given this, Silas Chen's foundational depth was immensely powerful. Furthermore, he had now cultivated the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [a legendary cultivation art involving ten supreme spiritual repositories within the body] to a state where no further advancement was possible through normal means.

To take the next step, he absolutely needed to slay a peerless genius of his era, take their Dao Source [the condensed essence of a cultivator's comprehension of the Great Dao], and fuse it into his own Immortal Treasury [one of the ten supreme spiritual repositories].

Of course, Eldrin Chen understood in his heart that Silas Chen's desire to break through was driven more by his wish to prove his Dao and attain the Grand Luo [the supreme realm of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal] realm as soon as possible, so he could stand and fight by his side.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen fell into deep thought for a long while before finally speaking. "The great war between the three races is now upon us. This Kalpa Tribulation will undoubtedly be more perilous and unpredictable than ever. Have you truly considered this?"

Upon hearing this, Silas Chen nodded solemnly. "If I cannot sweep through this Kalpa Tribulation, then I, Silas, would be unworthy of the cultivation and guidance you, my Clan Uncle, have bestowed upon me."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, offering no further words.

After a long silence, he retrieved a Treasure Box and tossed it to Silas Chen. "You walk your own path of cultivation," he said. "There is little I can do to aid you on your journey."

"These rare treasures may assist you in refining your Lifebound Treasure [a magical artifact bound to a cultivator's life force and soul]."

Silas Chen took the Treasure Box and found within it several portions of Five-Colored Misty Veil [a rare, multi-hued spiritual material resembling a fine, ethereal fabric], all of them precious Innate Spiritual Treasures [spiritual objects born of heaven and earth, containing pure natural energies]. They were the perfect materials for her to refine the 'Primordial Simplicity Misty Veil Canopy'.

She accepted the treasures, bowed deeply to Eldrin Chen, and cast one final glance his way. Words seemed to hover on her lips, yet remained unspoken. In the end, she turned and vanished from the great hall.

"That girl... she still holds you in her heart,"

remarked Lyra Jiang from the side, a pensive light flickering in her eyes.

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his voice calm and steady. "I watched her grow up. My feelings for her are solely those of a guardian's care for a junior."

Lyra Jiang offered no immediate reply. After a long moment, she sighed softly. "Yet in her heart, perhaps from the very moment you rescued her in her youth, her affections were already pledged."

With the longevity banquet concluded, Eldrin Chen once again retreated into a life of secluded cultivation.

Tens of millions of years flowed by in the blink of an eye, lost within the depths of secluded cultivation.

Only when the Kalpa Tribulation drew near and the baleful aura of the world's tribulation rose once more did the war between the three races finally come to a temporary halt.

It was on this very day that a battered war chariot arrived at the Abyssal Immortal Domain from the Depths of Chaos, and Departing Flame Emperor Lord stepped down from it.

After all these years, Departing Flame Emperor Lord was a far cry from the confident, spirited figure who had once set out on campaign. His face was now deathly pale, as if bearing the weight of a grievous and severe injury.

"That injury of yours, Emperor Lord... could it be..."

Eldrin Chen received him, his expression turning solemn as he spoke.

Departing Flame Emperor Lord shook his head with a bitter smile. "During the battle amidst the stars, I was ambushed by four Emperor Lord including Profound Nether Emperor Lord and Desolate Ape Emperor Lord. My Primordial Unity Emperor Body [the supreme physical form of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch] was utterly destroyed."

"This Dao Body [cultivator's physical form] before you is merely a reconstructed one, its strength comparable only to that of a Great Luo Body. It can no longer sustain my full power in battle."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly. The Primordial Unity Emperor Body of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch was immensely powerful, constituting the greater part of their foundational strength.

Once an Emperor's Body is destroyed, relying solely on the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and the power of the Great Dao, one's combat prowess would be drastically diminished.

At his peak, Departing Flame Emperor Lord was a Third Layer of Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord [a supreme cultivator at the third layer of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord realm]. Now, his combat power has likely plummeted to the level of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme cultivator at the first layer of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm].

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a pang of regret. He had originally intended to take advantage of the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend's severe injuries and, by joining forces with Departing Flame Emperor Lord, launch an assault on the Ancient Plain of Departing Flames.

Now, with the majority of the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend's subordinate Demon Gods dead or wounded, and with no one else to rely on, the newly ascended Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal [a cultivator at the mid-stage of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm], the Primordial Demonic Ape, was gradually approaching the core of power within the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend's faction.

With this key inside agent, the Primordial Demonic Ape, Eldrin Chen was confident he could directly cause the Formation [a powerful array or defensive barrier] of the Ancient Plain of Departing Flames to temporarily fail.

Then, by allying with the Departing Flame Emperor Lord at the peak of his strength, two Third Layer of Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord against one severely wounded Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, their chances of successfully capturing the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend should be no less than fifty percent.