Chapter 1992 : The Fiend God's Heartblood Bargain

Yet now, the injuries of Departing Flame Emperor Lord are no less severe than those of the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend [a powerful demonic entity born from chaos and flame], thus this plan can only be abandoned.

After all, no matter how grievously wounded the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend may be, it remains an existence at the Third Layer of Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord [the third stage of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord realm, a pinnacle of power]. It is absolutely not a foe that a single Third Layer of Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord could subdue alone.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "How long would you require to achieve a complete Restoration [a profound healing and recovery process]?"

Departing Flame Emperor Lord pondered briefly before replying, "Even with the supreme healing treasures bestowed by the Immortal Court [the celestial governing body of immortals], I fear it would still take at least several Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often involving great calamity and rebirth] to accomplish a full Restoration."

"As for reforging my Primordial Unity Dao Body [a legendary, perfected physical form achieved through supreme cultivation arts]..."

Departing Flame Emperor Lord's words trailed off, and his gaze turned meaningfully towards Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of understanding, grasping the unspoken implication.

Cultivating the Primordial Unity Dao Body is a path of immense difficulty, demanding not only vast stretches of time but also staggering quantities of rare and precious resources.

Unless Departing Flame Emperor Lord were to obtain a Fiend God Heartblood Pill [an elixir of legendary potency, refined from the core essence of a Fiend God] of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the realm above Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord] tier, it would likely require hundreds, even thousands, of Kalpa Tribulation to achieve a full Restoration.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen inquired, "Is it the Fiend God Heart [the crystallized core essence of a Fiend God, a treasure of immense power] of the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend that you seek?"

Departing Flame Emperor Lord gave a solemn nod. "The Fiend God Heart of the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend is exceptionally compatible with my Primordial Unity Dao Body [a supreme cultivation physique embodying the state of primordial unity]."

"If it can be refined into a Fiend God Heartblood Pill and supplemented with a wisp of Innate Primordial Qi [the most fundamental and purest form of energy from the dawn of creation], I should be able to restore my injuries within ten Kalpas [immense cosmic cycles in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years]."

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly in return. "The Fiend God Heart of the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend can indeed be entrusted to you, Fellow Daoist. However..."

"Rest assured, I would never let you suffer a loss," the other replied.

Departing Flame Emperor Lord spoke, then produced a white jade vial and handed it to Eldrin Chen. "I have heard you cultivate three paths simultaneously, so you must be in urgent need of resources for Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation."

"It so happens I have this substance in my collection. I wonder if it could be used to exchange for the Fiend God Heart?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen opened the vial and discovered it contained a radiant, precious liquid.

The liquid emanated an extraordinary soul-nourishing power. With just one whiff, Eldrin Chen felt as if he were floating in bliss, his mind's eye [a cultivator's spiritual perception] growing even clearer and more lucid.

"Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid [a rare liquid that nourishes and strengthens the Primordial Spirit]," he murmured.

Delight surged within Eldrin Chen's heart. Without hesitation, he declared, "Agreed."

The Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid [a rare liquid that nourishes and strengthens the spiritual core] is a scarce Primordial Unity Marvel [a marvel born from the primordial unity of creation] and an exceedingly rare spiritual treasure for the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator]. It can nourish the Primordial Spirit of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme cultivator who commands the primordial chaos] and even assist the Primordial Spirit of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal of the Grand Luo realm] in breaking through to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm.

Such a rare treasure would be of immense use to Eldrin Chen, so he naturally had no reason to refuse.

In high spirits after completing the transaction, Eldrin Chen inquired further, "Might I ask, Fellow Daoist, where exactly did you obtain this item?"

Departing Flame Emperor Lord smiled and replied, "In the past, when the Primordial Soul River [the legendary river of primordial souls] opened, I was fortunate enough to enter and search for the Nine-Aperture Divine Stone [a divine stone with one to nine apertures, used to enhance spiritual cultivation]. Although I never found that particular marvel, I did obtain some of this Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid. These are the last three portions."

A flicker of understanding passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes; he now grasped Departing Flame Emperor Lord's true intention.

The Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] holds countless wonders. Among the supreme treasures for Primordial Spirit cultivation is the Nine-Aperture Divine Stone.

The Nine-Aperture Divine Stone is categorized from one to nine apertures. It can open one to nine Innate Acupoints [innate spiritual nodes] within the Primordial Spirit or be integrated into the Primordial Soul Apertures [the apertures of the primordial soul] to increase the speed of Primordial Spirit cultivation.

Within Eldrin Chen's nine great Primordial Soul Apertures, seven are occupied by Nine-Aperture Divine Stone. The most precious among them possesses a full seven apertures and has been used all these years to accelerate his Primordial Spirit cultivation.

Among the Nine-Aperture Divine Stone, those with more apertures are more precious and far rarer.

Generally speaking, an eight-aperture divine stone could spark a life-and-death struggle among a group of early to mid-stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, while a Nine-Aperture Divine Stone is a treasure dreamt of by countless Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

The reason for this is that once the nine Innate Acupoints are opened, one can attract a True Spirit Imprint to cultivate a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a foundational spiritual state of exceptional purity and power], thereby mending the deficiencies in one's own Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] foundation.

Furthermore, the Nine-Aperture Divine Stone is also a key component for achieving Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [the pinnacle of spiritual cultivation, where one's Primordial Spirit fully comprehends the Dao]. It is said that those who walk the path of Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment must first cultivate the Nine Great True Spirit Apertures [the nine supreme spiritual apertures within the Primordial Spirit].

After cultivating the Nine Great True Spirit Apertures, one must refine one to nine Nine-Aperture Divine Stone [a legendary stone with nine apertures, essential for supreme spiritual cultivation], then merge the nine divine stones into one to forge a 'Primordial Spirit Treasure' [a supreme treasure born from the fusion of the Primordial Spirit and divine stones]. Only then is one qualified to attempt the breakthrough into Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment and step into the realm of a Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor whose authority and power stem from supreme mastery over the soul and spirit].

Although Eldrin Chen had already cultivated a True Spirit Primordial Spirit, his chosen path was that of the True Spirit Primordial Spirit itself.

Therefore, for him, whether it was an Eight-Aperture Divine Stone or the Nine-Aperture Divine Stone, both were treasures he would inevitably need to obtain in the future.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen could not help but inquire, "Fellow Daoist, what manner of treasure is this Primordial Soul River you speak of?"

Departing Flame Emperor Lord let out a soft sigh before speaking. "As far back as the Primordial Era [the mythic age of creation], within the domains of the Heavenly Abyss, there existed a Primordial Soul River."

"It is an exceedingly terrifying Chaos Forbidden Land [a perilous region within the Primordial Chaos where natural laws are twisted and dangers abound], hidden within the boundless Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the endless, turbulent sea of formless chaos that predates creation]. Legend holds it was formed from the cursed remains of a fallen Soul Path Celestial Emperor. It is home to horrifying Forbidden Malignant Spirits [ancient, twisted spirits born from chaos and corruption], yet also contains countless precious treasures related to the Primordial Spirit."

"In ordinary times, not even a Chaos Celestial Emperor would dare venture within. However, every few thousand Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and rebirth, often spanning eons], the Primordial Soul River falls into a state of dormancy. Its dangers diminish greatly, allowing beings like us to enter and seek Opportunity [a chance encounter or resource that can dramatically advance one's cultivation]."

As Departing Flame Emperor Lord spoke, a profound wariness flashed in his eyes. "The Primordial Soul River is a place of immense peril. Even a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [an Emperor Monarch who rules over a domain within the Primordial Chaos] who sets foot within risks utter annihilation."

"If you have not yet stepped into the realm of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the supreme sovereign of the primordial chaos], then even if the Primordial Soul River [the legendary river formed from the essence of a shattered Primordial Spirit] manifests in the world, I would still advise against entering it."

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly, and he could not help but speak, "The cursed Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler born of chaos]... could it be there are forbidden taboos behind this as well?"

Departing Flame Emperor Lord shook his head, his expression turning grave as he lowered his voice. "Legend has it that the aptitude of a Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who has attained mastery through the Primordial Spirit path] is far too astonishing. Therefore, any existence who has achieved Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [the state of having one's Primordial Spirit aligned with the Great Dao] and seeks to break through to a higher realm will be struck by an utterly terrifying curse."

"The Primordial Beginning Divine Emperor [the Divine Emperor of the Primordial Beginning] once stated that the predecessor of the Primordial Soul River was a Soul Path Celestial Emperor who was invincible within the First Chaos Realm."

"He cultivated nine great Chaos Divine Ability [supreme techniques born of chaos] and had already touched the threshold of the Half-Step Second Chaos Realm [the second major realm within the chaos cultivation system]. Yet, when attempting to charge into the true Second Chaos Realm, he was struck by an incomparably dreadful curse. In the end, his True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the foundational spiritual core of a cultivator] completely disintegrated, transforming into the eternally Imperishable [indestructible and everlasting] Primordial Soul River."

Eldrin Chen's face paled. He had never imagined that behind the attainment of Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment lay such a horrifying curse.

Even after breaking through to the realm of a Soul Path Celestial Emperor, one could not escape a dreadful death calamity. Could it be that Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment was truly a severed path?

Noticing his expression, Departing Flame Emperor Lord sighed. "It is said that those who achieve Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment often possess the potential for the Third Chaos Realm [the third and highest major realm within the chaos cultivation system]."

"Once they cultivate their Primordial Spirit [the original, foundational spirit of a being] to the Second Chaos Realm, then, bolstered by the power of the Primordial Spirit, they can possess combat prowess ranking among the very top within the Second Chaos Realm."

"Most crucially, once one cultivates a Primordial Spirit of the Second Chaos Realm and concurrently practices the Path of Dao Dominion [a supreme cultivation art focused on dominating the Great Dao], their ability to contend for Dao Authority [the authority to command a fragment of the fundamental Dao] increases dramatically. Consequently, the possibility of breaking through to the Third Chaos Realm also rises significantly."

"Therefore, certain supreme powerhouses within the Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all things emerged] are unwilling to witness the emergence of a Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a supreme cultivator who has attained the Celestial Emperor realm through mastery of the soul] within the Second Chaos Realm [the second major realm of power within the Chaos]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen grasped the underlying reason.

Those who attain the Dao through Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [attaining enlightenment and power through the cultivation of one's primordial spirit] or through physical body refinement often possess combat prowess capable of sweeping through opponents of the same realm. Once a Soul Path Celestial Emperor breaks through to the Second Chaos Realm, they would likely possess sufficient power to ensure their own survival even when facing those of the Third Chaos Realm [the third and pinnacle realm of power within the Chaos].

A Soul Path Celestial Emperor of such formidable strength, though the path to breaking into the Third Realm through soul cultivation alone is arduous, would undoubtedly advance by leaps and bounds if they concurrently cultivated the Path of Dao Dominion [a supreme cultivation art focused on dominating and unifying aspects of the Dao]. This would grant them a tremendous advantage when contending for Dao Authority [the authority and dominion over fundamental aspects of the Dao itself].

For such an individual, the hope of breaking through to the Third Chaos Realm is likely more than ten times greater than that of an ordinary Dao Union Realm [a cultivator who has unified their comprehension of the Dao]. This is indeed enough to give pause to those supreme powerhouses within the Chaos.

After all, judging from existing records, beings of the Third Chaos Realm within the entire Chaos are exceedingly rare, their numbers likely countable on one's fingers.

It seems only natural that some would not wish for a new Third Chaos Realm to emerge within the Chaos.

Beyond this, Eldrin Chen even suspected that upon reaching the Second Realm or even the Third Realm, a Soul Path Celestial Emperor might harbor even more astonishing and profound secrets.

Secrets so profound that they would compel certain supreme beings of the Third Chaos Realm to cast aside their dignity and resort to laying curses upon them.

"It seems the road ahead remains fraught with formidable adversaries," he murmured.

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a sigh escaping his lips as he felt the path ahead grow ever more rugged and treacherous.

Yet, Eldrin Chen swiftly reined in his wandering thoughts. After all, that lofty realm remained a distant horizon, and the time to confront its ultimate terrors had not yet arrived.

With his focus restored, he offered a gentle smile and said, "The Primordial Soul River [a legendary, perilous river of souls] presents a rare Opportunity [a chance for profound advancement or enlightenment]. For you to have emerged from its depths, Fellow Daoist, surely speaks of awe-inspiring prowess."

"I merely chanced upon a period of its dormancy," came the reply.

The Departing Flame Emperor Lord shook his head, offering no further elaboration.

After a moment of contemplation, he turned his gaze back to Eldrin Chen. "There is another matter. I must now enter seclusion to heal my wounds. It is likely I shall not emerge for several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles marking epochs of great upheaval and renewal].

The Starry Sky Battlefield [the vast, war-torn expanse between celestial realms] will require your strength, Fellow Daoist."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. Indeed, the thought of journeying to the Starry Sky Battlefield had taken root in his mind over a Kalpa Tribulation ago. He had only held back because the Departing Flame Emperor Lord had already gone to wage war there.

Now, with the Departing Flame Emperor Lord returned wounded, Eldrin Chen was resolved to test the mettle of the Demon Race [a powerful and often hostile faction of demonic beings] upon that starry stage.

Thus, Eldrin Chen stated plainly, "Once this Kalpa Tribulation has passed, I shall depart for the Starry Sky Battlefield. However, I must ask for your aid in safeguarding the legacy of the Eastern Departing Flame Domain [a realm associated with the power of departing flames] in my absence."

Upon hearing this, Departing Flame Emperor Lord nodded in agreement and said, "The Departing Flame Chaos Fiend has already been wounded. It is unlikely that any major upheavals will occur within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain for now."

Eldrin Chen also gave a slight nod of assent. Within the current Eastern Departure Flame Domain, the great adversary, the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend, was unlikely to emerge from seclusion in the short term. As for the others, they were essentially not worth worrying about.

The most crucial point was that after Eldrin Chen departed from the Eastern Departure Flame Domain, the likelihood of those Great Dao Adversary [powerful enemies bound by fate and destiny] taking action against the Abyssal Immortal Domain was also quite slim.

After all, while the Abyssal Immortal Domain remained, Eldrin Chen still had a vulnerable point, a place he must protect. But once the Abyssal Immortal Domain was destroyed, Eldrin Chen would instead be free to roam the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between realms]. From then on, tracking his movements would become a task of immense, near-impossible difficulty.

Thinking this, a sliver of calm settled within Eldrin Chen's heart.

Following this, he inquired further with Departing Flame Emperor Lord about the state of the conflict on the Starry Sky Battlefield before finally bidding farewell as Departing Flame Emperor Lord took his leave.

After Departing Flame Emperor Lord vanished from sight, Eldrin Chen perceived the tribulation aura [a malevolent energy that heralds and fuels cosmic calamities] between heaven and earth gradually thickening. The eleventh Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle of destruction and renewal ordained by cosmic fate] was clearly on the verge of Eruption [a violent, explosive unleashing of power].

In response, Eldrin Chen immediately sealed off the Eight Great Immortal Domains, then entered seclusion to begin refining the Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid.

The Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid [a precious elixir that nourishes and strengthens the soul] truly lived up to its reputation as a Primordial Unity Marvel [a wondrous treasure born from the primordial unity of creation]. The efficacy of each portion was approximately three times that of a Heavenly Soul Fruit. After refining just a single portion of the Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid, Eldrin Chen felt his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] cultivation reach the very limits of the Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm.

As his Primordial Spirit cultivation broke through this barrier, Eldrin Chen immediately sensed a significant increase in the combat power of his Primordial Spirit.

Regrettably, the power of his three foundational pillars and the Path of Self-Sacrifice was already overwhelmingly potent. Consequently, the overall enhancement to his combat prowess was minimal, amounting to an increase of less than half a tenth.

Returning to the main narrative, Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation had only recently broken through. Thus, this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] passed by in a hurried blur.

Upon emerging from seclusion, he discovered that Silas Chen had already returned, and moreover, had stepped into the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation] via the Path of Self-Sacrifice.

During this entry into the tribulation, Silas Chen encountered numerous formidable adversaries. It was a period of fierce contention among the Human and Divine Races and the Demon Race, with the great ancient sects and imperial courts dispatching many invincible imperial scions into the fray.

Among them were the True Dragon Imperial Scion from the true Dragon Race, the direct grandson of a Sage Ascendant from the Roc Clan, an undefeated phoenix maiden from the Immortal Phoenix [a mythical bird of supreme grace and power] clan, and even Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, who had awakened once more, his intent set on sweeping across the entire Kalpa Tribulation.

The Demon Race alone had sent forth these four True Spirit Prodigies [prodigies possessing the potential of a True Spirit] into the tribulation, a display of foundational strength arguably unmatched in history.

Yet, the Human and Divine Races were not to be outdone in the slightest. From the Divine Race emerged 'Primordial Beginning Imperial Prince', the direct bloodline descendant of the Primordial Beginning Divine Emperor, and 'Starry Divine Son', who descended into the world under the banner of the Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor.

The Human Race also presented the seventh direct disciple of the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor, 'Eight Trigrams True Lord', and the personal disciple of the Black Abyss Great Emperor, 'Erlang True Lord'.

Among these four, Primordial Beginning Imperial Prince and Starry Divine Son were the hidden foundational strengths of two ancient Divine Emperor lineages, their prowess requiring little elaboration. Eight Trigrams True Lord was none other than Eldrin Chen's youngest son, Xiannian Chen, while Erlang True Lord was the second son, Xander Chen.

Of these four, while the might of Primordial Beginning Imperial Prince and Starry Divine Son was formidable as expected, it was Xiannian Chen and Xander Chen who truly displayed combat prowess so dazzling it would be remembered for ages to come.

And Xiannian Chen was a Child of Destiny, who had also received the guidance of a Dao Progenitor as a True Disciple. He had cultivated the rare trio of True Spirit Foundation techniques: the Eight Trigrams Great Dao, the Eight Trigrams Dao Body, and the Eight Trigrams Immortal Embryo.

Xander Chen had even cultivated the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art to its ninth revolution, unlocking a full three True Spirit Aperture.

The clash between the four Demon Race Imperial Scions and the four peerless prodigies of the Human and Divine Races was expected to be an epoch-defining spectacle. Yet, against all expectations, the battle proved to be utterly one-sided.

Among the four True Spirit Prodigies of the Demon Race, the True Dragon Imperial Scion and the Kunpeng Holy Son both possessed only a single True Spirit Foundation. They stood no chance in their one-on-one duels and were both slain within the Depths of Chaos.

The True Dragon Imperial Scion was cleaved apart by Xander Chen, while the Kunpeng Holy Son failed to last three thousand exchanges against Xiannian Chen before being crushed in the void.

The Immortal Phoenix Divine Maiden, a peerless prodigy with a Dual True Spirit Foundation, personally faced the Primordial Beginning Scion. To her astonishment, the Primordial Beginning Imperial Prince was a supreme talent with Three True Spirit Foundations. Her physical form was utterly destroyed, leaving only her Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] to vanish into the heavens.

As for Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, though he had awakened with the supreme foundation of Three True Spirit Foundations, his misfortune was to encounter the present Silas Chen.

In this tribulation, Silas Chen had reforged his Dual True Spirit Foundation by cultivating the Path of Self-Sacrifice, forging a peerless foundation nearly comparable to Five Great True Spirit Foundations. After a fierce battle spanning over seven thousand exchanges, he ultimately slew Aurelius, the Imperial Scion within the Depths of Chaos.