Chapter 1954 : Tokens of the Immortal Firmament

After Diyang Tai Cang's foundation was reforge, Dawnlight Imperial Lord did not linger long within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

She spent several days reunited with Exquisite Jiang before departing the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain. Once Dawnlight Imperial Lord had left, Exquisite Jiang made her way to Eldrin Chen's cultivation abode.

"For the Tai Cang Divine Emperor to be willing to part with such an item, it seems his regard for Diyang Tai Cang is indeed profound," Eldrin Chen remarked with a sigh within the abode.

Inside the abode, Eldrin Chen, Verdant Consort, Nyssa Qu, and Exquisite Jiang sat facing each other. Their gazes were fixed upon a single Treasure Box resting before them.

Within the Treasure Box lay three ancient-looking tokens, each inscribed with two archaic characters: Immortal Firmament.

"Ancient Immortal Firmament Token [an ancient key granting access to the legendary Immortal Firmament realm]," Exquisite Jiang murmured, her eyes narrowing slightly as a trace of solemnity surfaced within them.

Gazing at the ancient tokens, a flicker of profound gravity passed through Exquisite Jiang's eyes.

Eldrin Chen was also somewhat aware of the Ancient Immortal Firmament Token's reputation and understood its immense value.

Legends spoke of the Ancient Immortal Firmament Token's origins stretching back to an immensely distant past. They were treasures left behind by the Immortal Firmament Heavenly Emperor [the sovereign ruler of the legendary Immortal Firmament] of the bygone Immortal Firmament Primordial Domain [a primordial realm of cosmic immortals].

In that ancient era, the Immortal Firmament Primordial Domain was home to a full nine Chaos Heavenly Emperor [supreme sovereigns who ruled during the primordial chaos], ranking it as the foremost Primordial Domain [ancient, foundational realm] among the surrounding fourteen Chaos Ancient Domain [domains that existed since the dawn of chaos].

Among these nine Chaos Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers of primordial chaos], the most formidable was undoubtedly Immortal Firmament Heavenly Emperor. It is said his cultivation had reached the 'Half-Step Path Union Realm' [a transcendent state half a step from merging with the fundamental laws of existence], far surpassing ordinary practitioners of the First Realm of Chaos.

Even the Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure known as the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of forging worlds] was a treasure wielded by Immortal Firmament Heavenly Emperor.

Such a nearly invincible and peerless Heavenly Emperor, had he not provoked unimaginably powerful enemies over the Chaos Cauldron, would likely have ascended to the Second Chaos Realm.

Legend tells that during his reign, Immortal Firmament Heavenly Emperor united the nine great Heavenly Emperor to construct a 'Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault' [a legendary repository of celestial treasures]. Within it, they left behind priceless legacies of the Heavenly Emperor, intended to nurture the rising talents of the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain [the primordial realm of the immortal cosmos].

However, following the fall of the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain, the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault vanished into the depths of Chaos [the formless primordial state before creation], reappearing only once every one hundred Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and renewal].

When the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault manifests, those who possess an Ancient Immortal Firmament Token [a key forged in the ancient immortal firmament] may enter the Heavenly Emperor's legacy to seek Opportunity and Fortune.

Of course, this Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault was established by the nine Heavenly Emperor of the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain to train their disciples. Therefore, only those whose strength is below the Primordial One Imperial Lord [the realm of a primordial imperial lord] are qualified to enter. Moreover, one must pass the trials left by the Heavenly Emperor to obtain the treasures.

Furthermore, the rewards vary according to one's cultivation and innate potential. The greater one's talent and foundational strength, the more astonishing the prize bestowed upon the Immortal [an ascended being who has transcended mortality].

Among the rewards are Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest grade of treasures born from the primordial chaos], Innate Primordial Breath [the purest breath of creation from the dawn of existence], and even Innate Supreme Treasure and Chaos Rare Treasure. With sufficient innate aptitude and latent potential, even a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a golden immortal of great encompassing power] could soar to unparalleled heights by relying on such boons.

Such Opportunity and Fortune ranks among the most supreme even within the vast expanse of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

With this thought in mind, Exquisite Jiang spoke, "According to established precedent, each time the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault [a legendary repository of treasures left by ancient Heavenly Emperors] opens, a batch of Ancient Immortal Firmament Token [special tokens granting entry to the vault] is released several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] in advance."

"Now that Tai Cang Divine Emperor has gifted us these Ancient Immortal Firmament Token, it seems the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault is about to open once more."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, then said gravely, "It is said these Ancient Immortal Firmament Token are exceedingly rare. Many Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [cultivators at the peak of the Golden Immortal realm] would offer up Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [powerful artifacts born from the world's primal energies] in exchange yet still fail to obtain one."

"For Tai Cang Divine Emperor to bestow three upon us... this is no trivial gift."

Hearing this, Exquisite Jiang also nodded solemnly.

Judging by past cycles, the Ancient Immortal Firmament Token were incredibly scarce, with the number of entrants never exceeding three hundred.

Yet, simply possessing a token guaranteed that the treasures retrieved from the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault would be worth no less than a Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a potent artifact of middling rank among those born from primal energies].

For a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal nearing the peak of their realm] of even moderate talent, acquiring an Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure or even a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest rank of primal artifact] was well within reach.

For the most elite among the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, there was even a chance to obtain the very Opportunity and Fortune [the pivotal chance and destiny] needed to prove their Dao and ascend to the realm of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a sovereign lord who has unified their cultivation into a singular, supreme principle] from within the vault's depths.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen stored the Treasure Box away, his expression turning grave. "To enter the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault," he stated, "one must still pass the trials set by the nine Heavenly Emperor [the supreme sovereigns who rule over the heavens]."

"However, your current cultivation levels are still somewhat insufficient. The most pressing task is to swiftly enhance your cultivation base."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded, their expressions turning serious.

"..."

In the following eons, the Great Encompassing Golden Immortals of the Chen Immortal Clan began to devote all their energy to cultivation.

With the supply of various resources, the cultivation resources available to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortals of the Chen Clan were even more abundant than those for the direct descendants of the Primordial One Imperial Court, leading to an exceptionally rapid pace of advancement. It could be said that each of them was making leaps and bounds in their progress.

Twenty million years later, Exquisite Jiang was the first to complete a breakthrough in her Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation, attaining the Great Encompassing Primordial Spirit Mid Stage.

Although Exquisite Jiang was only cultivating her Primordial Spirit as a secondary path and not pursuing the Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [a specific path of spiritual cultivation], her speed of advancement was still astonishing.

After this breakthrough, Exquisite Jiang's overall combat prowess increased by another ten percent. While her power had not yet reached the realm of a Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, she was now just one final step away.

Not long after Exquisite Jiang's breakthrough in Primordial Spirit cultivation, the tribulation aura [a pervasive energy signaling the approach of a cosmic calamity] between heaven and earth began to gradually spread. The fifth Kalpa Tribulation [a grand cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] since Eldrin Chen's attainment of the Dao was about to arrive.

This Kalpa Tribulation was unlike those of previous years. Energy Abyss Chen ventured alone into the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond ordered reality], intending to conceal his identity and use this Kalpa Tribulation to attain the Great Encompassing realm.

For his own clan's Patriarch, Eldrin Chen held him in the highest regard.

He spared no cost to assist Energy Abyss Chen in his Foundation Reforging [a profound process of reforging one's cultivation foundation]. Compared to helping others with their Foundation Reforging, this aid for Energy Abyss Chen was aimed more at strengthening his latent potential and depth.

Eldrin Chen specifically exchanged an Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a top-tier treasure born of heaven and earth] to obtain for him a superior-grade Innate Heavenly God Object [a divine material of celestial origin]—'Chaos Immortal Copper' [a primordial ore imbued with chaotic immortal essence]—to serve as the precious material for reforging his Spiritual Treasure [an enchanted artifact] foundation.

Not only that, Eldrin Chen also did not hesitate to expend a strand of Creation Beginning Energy [the primordial energy from the dawn of creation] and a Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark [a divine spark embodying the indestructible nature of primordial chaos], using them as the core nourishment to help him shatter his shackles.

After receiving such an abundance of resources, Energy Abyss Chen lived up to everyone's hopes. His Eastern Sovereign Bell advanced to become a half-step True Spirit Treasure [a treasure on the verge of awakening its own true spirit].

Furthermore, his own foundation, originally built upon three True Spirit Divine Runes [divine symbols that grant profound abilities], now successfully cultivated a fourth: 'Blazing Sun'.

This Blazing Sun Divine Rune was a divine rune of ultimate offensive power. It could Burst forth with torrents of scorching solar flames to empower its wielder, unleashing Oblivion-fire [flames capable of reducing all to nothingness] that could incinerate the myriad things of creation. Moreover, it possessed perfect synergy with his third True Spirit Divine Runes, 'Solar Conflagration' [a divine rune of solar inferno].

Thus, having cultivated a True Spirit Physique [a body tempered to the level of a true spirit] and possessing four True Spirit Divine Runes, Energy Abyss Chen's foundation was now profound enough to rival a peerless prodigy with a five True Spirit Foundation [a cultivation foundation of five true spirit-grade elements].

"I hope that one day, you can tread the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [the arduous path of refining the physical body to a sacred state] and reach the very pinnacle of this world."

Within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen watched the departing figure of Energy Abyss Chen and offered a heartfelt wish from the depths of his soul.

After Energy Abyss Chen had vanished completely, Eldrin Chen's eyes slowly lowered, finally sealing the vast expanse of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

As the great Immortal Domain [realms of immortals] sealed their mountains, the prelude to this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] finally began to unfold.

For the many Ancient Immortal [immortals who have transcended countless ages] of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, they had initially believed this Kalpa Tribulation would be but an ordinary cycle. Yet, as this tribulation commenced, they were astonished to discover it was teeming with an unprecedented number of powerful figures.

First, from within the Frigid Heaven Imperial Court, emerged a Vast Cold Celestial Maiden who was peerless within the Mortal Realm. Then, from the depths of the Grand Nether Imperial Court, strode forth a Candle Nether Celestial Lord who dominated the entire Netherworld [the realm of spirits and the dead].

These two swept across the Eight Desolations with their seven Indestructibility Foundation [a foundational cultivation stage focused on achieving an unbreakable body], displaying a near-unstoppable, invincible combat prowess.

But even more terrifying was the emergence of Unfettered Great Center from the Human Race's Taiyang Clan. On the Immortal Firmament Ancient Continent, He single-handedly faced over twenty Demon Race Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [ancient immortals who have survived eight great heavenly tribulations], and in that one battle, slew the majority of His foes.

Furthermore, deep within the Immortal Firmament Ancient Continent, Diyang Tai Cang, the Polarity Divine Sovereign True Seed [a prodigy destined for divine sovereignty over cosmic polarities] of the Tai Cang Imperial Clan, stormed a super Forbidden Land [a perilous, restricted area], forcing all enemies there to submit.

Most fearsome of all, these four individuals joined forces, proclaiming themselves the Four Invincible Prodigies of the Three-Level Primordial Domain. They swept across the vast Immortal Firmament Ancient Continent before venturing into the Depths of Chaos to challenge all heroes from every direction.

Under the combined might of these four invincible prodigies, enemies from the Primordial Domain of Myriad Gods, the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole, and even the Six Domains of the Northern Abyss were all forced to bow their heads. Even a Heavenly Emperor's Direct Offspring who had cultivated the True Spirit Foundation [a supreme foundational cultivation art] was defeated beneath the feet of Diyang Tai Cang.

It was only when a Nameless rogue cultivator rose to prominence that they finally encountered an adversary they could not defeat.

That was a rogue cultivator known as Eastern Sovereign [a title meaning 'Ruler of the East'], whose origins were shrouded in profound mystery. He fought against the denizens of Eight Desolations [a legendary, desolate realm] with the power of his Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation art focused on perfecting the physical body to a divine level], cleaving down several supreme foes with sheer might. Even the direct offspring of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a powerful demonic ruler from beyond this world], who had cultivated the True Spirit Foundation [a supreme foundation-building art], was slain beneath his blade.

After vanquishing the champions from the outer realms, the four peerless prodigies engaged Eastern Sovereign in a world-shaking battle at the very end of the Ancient Path of the Heaven Abyss [an ancient, perilous trail leading to a celestial chasm]. The clash was so intense it seemed to Burst [shatter/release with explosive force] the heavens themselves.

In that fateful confrontation, Vast Cold Celestial Maiden, Candle Nether Celestial Lord, and Unfettered Great Center were all utterly defeated. Even joining forces, they could not withstand a hundred moves from Eastern Sovereign.

Only Diyang Tai Cang proved capable of crossing blades with him. Yet, after a fierce exchange of a thousand moves, Diyang Tai Cang ultimately met his defeat at the hands of Eastern Sovereign.

It was not that Diyang Tai Cang lacked power, but rather that his opponent possessed strength of an utterly inconceivable level.

Eastern Sovereign's Great Encompassing Physique [a near-invincible physical constitution] was already nigh-unrivaled, yet he also possessed the supreme defensive True Spirit Divine Runes [mystical patterns that grant divine abilities] known as Mana Immunity [an ability that renders one immune to most forms of magical energy attacks].

Even though Diyang Tai Cang's Polarity Limitless Great Path [a supreme cultivation art of limitless polarity] was unparalleled under heaven, it could inflict little harm upon Eastern Sovereign. He could only reinforce his own body with his Great Path [profound cultivation method] and Path Fruit [the culmination of one's cultivated Dao, manifesting as tangible power], relying on pure physical might to clash head-on.

But what filled Diyang Tai Cang with despair was the revelation that Eastern Sovereign had also cultivated the supreme defensive Art of Divine Subjugation [an art for subduing divine forces] rune known as Indestructibility Golden Body [a divine ability granting a nigh-unbreakable golden form].

Impervious to magical energy and unyielding to physical force—the fusion of these two supreme True Spirit Divine Runes was destined to forge a legend within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged]. One who could sweep through the Myriad Heavens [the countless realms and dimensions of existence] within that Chaos, finding no worthy rival.

After that ultimate battle, Eastern Sovereign returned to the Southern Abyss Seven Heavenly Domains [a cluster of seven celestial domains in the southern abyss]. There, he used the power of his physical body to prove his Dao and ascend to the realm of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm of all-encompassing golden perfection]. Thereafter, he vanished into the depths of the Endless Chaos [the boundless, primordial chaos].

The Vast Cold Celestial Maiden [a powerful celestial being], Candle Nether Celestial Lord [a lord of the nether realms], Unfettered Great Center [a being representing ultimate freedom], and Diyang Tai Cang [an imperial scion of vast azure] managed to steady their resolve. Ultimately, within the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless void], they ascended to the Immortal Domain [a higher plane of existence for immortals] and successfully broke through to the realm of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal stage, a pinnacle of cultivation].

As these Ancient Immortal [immortals who have existed since antiquity] successively attained their respective Paths, the calamitous aura of this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] gradually subsided. The various Immortal Domain [realms of the immortals] lifted their seals and emerged from seclusion once more.

Eldrin Chen also awoke from his secluded cultivation. After performing a brief divination to trace the course of this Kalpa Tribulation, he opened the entrance to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [Eldrin's personal immortal realm].

At the same time, Energy Abyss Chen and Diyang Tai Cang returned to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain. Unnoticed, they appeared before Eldrin Chen.

Seeing the two before him, Eldrin Chen invited them to sit, specially brewed a pot of tea, and then asked with a smile, "How do you feel?"

"Once you enter the Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], you are no longer who you were."

Energy Abyss Chen gave a slight smile. His form now flowed with the light of Chaos [primordial chaos] and Innate [the innate, born of heaven and earth], making him appear even more majestic and awe-inspiring.

Diyang Tai Cang shook his head, a bitter smile on his face. "I had thought that after my Foundation Reforging [a supreme process of reforging one's cultivation foundation], I would be enough to sweep through this Kalpa Tribulation. I never imagined the world still held heavens beyond heavens."

"Do not belittle yourself. Your strength should not be inferior to a Divine Sovereign Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler who is both a Divine Sovereign and a Heavenly Emperor] of the same realm."

Eldrin Chen chuckled, then shook his head. "Both Mana Immunity [an ability granting immunity to magical energy attacks] and the Indestructibility Golden Body [an inviolable golden physique]—each of these True Spirit Divine Runes [divine runes representing the power of a True Spirit] can be considered among the most supreme of their kind."

"Even the Ant Heavenly Emperor [the sovereign of the ant race, known for his immense physical power], the only one within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a cluster of seven perilous realms in the southern cosmic abyss] to have achieved Fleshly Body Sanctification [the pinnacle state of physical cultivation where the body becomes an indestructible vessel], has only mastered a single path of it. For a Patriarch [a venerable master or founder of a lineage] to cultivate two paths, their combat prowess simply cannot be measured by conventional logic."

Upon hearing this, Diyang Tai Cang [an Imperial Scion of the Tai Cang lineage] could not help but let out a soft sigh. He naturally understood that Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator also known as Eldrin] spoke the truth.

Seeing his reaction, Eldrin Chen smiled slightly and then inquired, "Do you intend to integrate your Immortal Domain [a cultivator's personal realm, a pocket dimension shaped by their power and laws] into the Seven Great Immortal Domains [a legendary alliance of seven powerful immortal realms]?"

Diyang Tai Cang replied without the slightest hesitation, "I shall follow your esteemed will, my lord."

Energy Abyss Chen [a patriarch of the Chen Clan, Thalion's father, specializing in physical cultivation], who stood nearby, shook his head. He walked the pure Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation philosophy focused entirely on refining the physical body to its absolute limit]. His Great Path [the fundamental Dao or law one comprehends], his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and soul essence of a high-level cultivator], and even his Path Fruit [the tangible manifestation and culmination of one's cultivated Dao] would gradually fuse with his physical form. Because of this, it was impossible for him to maintain a separate Immortal Domain.

Therefore, after ascending to the Immortal Domain realm and proving his Great Encompassing [a supreme cultivation realm representing mastery over vast cosmic principles] Dao, he had dismantled his newly formed Immortal Domain. He converted it entirely into nourishment, merging it into his Great Encompassing Physique [a legendary physical constitution capable of containing the cosmos] to accelerate his future cultivation.

Of course, long before undergoing his Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that tests a cultivator's worthiness for ascension], he had already transferred all living beings from his Universe [his personal inner world or cosmos]. Thus, he bore no karmic burden from them.

Eldrin Chen, who was well aware of this, stated, "In that case, let the Diyang Immortal Domain [the immortal domain belonging to Diyang Tai Cang] be integrated into the Seven Great Immortal Domains. Together, they shall form the Ten Directions Limitless Chaos Grand Formation [a grand defensive formation of unimaginable power, encompassing all directions]."

With these words, Eldrin Chen immediately departed from the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [Eldrin Chen's personal immortal domain] and began the work of rearranging its grand protective formation.

For this restructuring, Eldrin Chen used two mid-grade Great Encompassing Nest [cosmic nexuses of immense spiritual power, ideal as formation cores] as the foundation. Incorporating the Eight Great Immortal Domains [now including Diyang's domain, making eight in total], he established a single, unified Ten Directions Limitless Grand Formation [the ultimate defensive array, shielding all within from external threats].

This grand formation, constructed based on the principles of Polarity [the fundamental duality of yin and yang], the Three Talents [Heaven, Earth, and Man], and the Five Elements [Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water], draws upon the power of ten Great Encompassing Path-Field [vast cultivation domains]. Its might has increased significantly compared to the original Formation [a structured array that channels and amplifies energy].

Within this newly established grand formation, the original Seven Luminaries Ascension [a divine technique harnessing seven celestial bodies] has been transformed into the Eight Trigrams Ascension Formation [an array based on the eight trigrams of the I Ching]. Furthermore, an additional layer of defense has been added: the Polarity Two Forms Defense Formation [a defensive array embodying the two forms of yin and yang].

This Polarity Two Forms Defense Formation was established by leveraging Diyang Tai Cang's Polarity Great Path [a supreme technique of the polar duality], combined with the power of two Chaos Lair [primordial energy nodes] composed of Adamantine [an unbreakable mythical metal] and Mithril [a legendary, magically conductive silver]. It possesses exceptionally high physical defense and magical resistance, functioning as a purely defensive Formation.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, this newly arranged defensive Formation should be capable of withstanding the assault of at least one or two cultivators at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm].

If Exquisite Jiang and Verdant Consort and the others also complete their breakthroughs, advancing to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage [the middle stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] and facilitating the promotion of their Immortal Domain [a cultivator's personal realm], the formation's power would receive another substantial boost.

By that time, even if three Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection experts joined forces to attack, it would be exceedingly difficult for them to breach this super-defensive Formation in a short period.

Returning to the main thread, after successfully re-establishing the grand formation, Eldrin Chen felt a renewed sense of security and confidence.

In the years that followed, to prevent their enemies from finding an opening, the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [powerful immortal cultivators] of the Chen Immortal Clan remained wholly dedicated to their cultivation. They continued their secluded practice within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [Eldrin's personal immortal realm], rarely venturing beyond the boundaries of the Eight Great Immortal Domains [the collective territories of the Chen Clan].

The only occasions when Eldrin Chen would leave the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain were to attend the Great Encompassing Immortal Banquet [a grand gathering of high-level immortals] hosted by Diyang Tai Cang and others. Even then, these departures were rare, and he was always accompanied by at least five other Great Encompassing Golden Immortal experts.

Thus, time flowed on relentlessly. Before anyone realized it, another fifty million years had passed.

"Hmmmm—" [a resonant, droning hum]

On this day, within the Eight Immortal Domains of the Returning Abyss, an aura of unparalleled brilliance erupted forth.

Eldrin Chen stood calmly within the Chaos, watching as a vast Immortal Domain before him trembled and began to expand, growing ever more immense.

Only after a long while, when the Immortal Domain ceased its growth, did Exquisite Jiang emerge from within it, a smile gracing her lips as she said, "The ascension is finally complete."

"Congratulations, my lady. With your breakthrough, I have gained another powerful ally."

Eldrin Chen smiled, his eyes gleaming with genuine delight.

Hearing his words, Exquisite Jiang also smiled, her eyes sparkling. Her aura, which had not yet fully solidified, gradually stabilized.

It turned out that not long before, Exquisite Jiang had achieved a breakthrough in her cultivation. Her Great Path cultivation had advanced into the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage realm.

With this breakthrough, Exquisite Jiang's power was now a far cry from her former self. Not only had she directly stepped into the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm, but she had also progressed a significant distance within it.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, once Exquisite Jiang fully consolidated her cultivation base, her strength would at least be on par with that of the Desolate Silence Divine General.

If one also factors in the Exquisite Immortal Pagoda, a True Spirit Treasure [a treasure born from a True Spirit's essence] of Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure of exceptional quality, born from the world's innate principles] grade, Exquisite Jiang's combat prowess is truly sufficient to rival that of an Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a cultivator at the eighth minor stage within the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm].

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a growing sense of profound satisfaction.

In truth, over these years, it was not only Exquisite Jiang who had broken through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage [the middle phase of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]. Nyssa Qu, who had ascended to Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing realm] within the same Kalpa Tribulation [a grand cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] as her, had actually broken through to Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage a full ten million years earlier, owing to a foundation slightly less profound.

After her breakthrough, Nyssa Qu's combat strength had also stepped into the Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the sixth minor stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]. Relying on the power of her Six True Spirit Foundations [a cultivation art that establishes six foundational cores of True Spirit power] and a set of Nine Severities Spirit-Slaying Swords [a set of nine swords famed for their lethality against spiritual beings], Nyssa Qu's strength could be considered top-tier among the seventh-layer Great Encompassing cultivators.

Furthermore, the five individuals—Verdant Consort, Violet Consort Yan, Lila, Ethan Chen, and Gentle Deer—had all cultivated their Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution of the Great Encompassing realm] to the fourth stage. Their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation had also stepped into the fourth layer of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

It was only their primary Great Path [the cultivation of one's fundamental Dao or Path] cultivation that required deeper comprehension and insight; thus, these five had not yet touched the threshold of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage.

Nevertheless, the strength of these five was already formidable. Each possessed combat power of an extremely high order, placing them within the top echelons of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage cultivators.

"This breakthrough has increased our strength considerably,"

Exquisite Jiang began slowly, yet her tone grew solemn as she continued, "However, the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primal, unbreakable spiritual radiance used for cultivation and refinement] in our possession has once again been completely exhausted."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but offer a slight, wry smile.

Over these years, as the cultivations of everyone continued to advance, the thirty-plus strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a supreme-grade spiritual light that grants near-perfect durability and resilience] that Eldrin Chen had left in his possession were long since exhausted.

After all, their breakthroughs into the Great Encompassing Physique [a legendary physical constitution of immense power and resilience], their ascensions in the Great Encompassing Primordial Spirit [a profound art for cultivating one's spiritual core to a grand, all-encompassing state], and the consecration of their Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a mid-tier magical treasure born from the world's innate laws]—each of these endeavors consumed significant amounts of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light.

Even if the resources consumed by each individual were not as vast as those required by Eldrin Chen, the collective consumption by so many people amounted to a truly staggering quantity.

In truth, relying solely on those thirty-plus strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light was far from sufficient to elevate everyone to their current realms of power.

To aid their cultivation breakthroughs, Eldrin Chen was compelled to sell off a considerable amount of assets. This included over a dozen captured Lower Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a lower-tier magical treasure born from the world's innate laws], as well as several mid and lower-grade Demon God Heartblood Pill [a potent elixir refined from the core essence of a demon god].

These treasures were exchanged for another thirty-plus strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light, yet it still fell somewhat short. As a last resort, Eldrin Chen sold some Innate Spirit Fruit [a spiritual fruit born from an Innate Spiritual Root, containing immense natural energy] to bridge the remaining gap.

However, the Chen Immortal Clan itself did not have a surplus of these Innate Spirit Fruit, making it impossible to sell them in large quantities.

In fact, even if there were enough, Eldrin Chen would not dare to sell them in bulk.

For doing so would reveal that he possessed either a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-tier magical treasure born from the world's innate laws] capable of accelerating the growth of an Innate Spiritual Root [a spiritual plant root of the highest innate grade, a source of profound energy], or that he had a large number of such roots themselves.

The value of an Innate Spiritual Root starts at ten times that of an Innate Spiritual Treasure of the same grade. Furthermore, a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure that can accelerate such a root's growth is worth another tenfold compared to an ordinary supreme-grade treasure—a prize likely to stir the covetous desires of even a Primordial One Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord who has comprehended the Primordial Chaos Dao and reached the first step of the Chaos Immortal realm].

Therefore, whether it was exposing the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth [a legendary vessel said to contain the primordial energies of creation] or revealing a large quantity of Innate Spiritual Root [a rare spiritual material that forms the foundation of a cultivator's innate talent], either could potentially bring trouble upon Eldrin Chen.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but furrow his brow slightly, a note of helplessness in his voice as he said, "Within one Kalpa Tribulation [a vast cosmic cycle spanning billions of years], Verdant Consort and the others will approach the threshold of the mid-stage of the Great Encompassing [the Da Luo realm, a supreme state of cultivation]. Yet, the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a divine light embodying the concept of primordial, unbreakable essence] they require remains elusive."

Upon hearing this, Exquisite Jiang also frowned slightly at the center of her brow. After a moment of contemplation, she suggested, "What if we sell some Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [a high-grade elixir refined through ten cycles of purification]?"

"Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, then fell into thoughtful silence.

The value of Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill was not exceedingly high; it would not attract the attention of top-tier Great Encompassing experts. Yet, precisely because its value was modest, it often could not command a very high price either.

Noticing Eldrin Chen's pensive expression, Exquisite Jiang continued, "After we achieved the mid-grade Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution aligned with the Da Luo realm], the Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill has become of little use to us."

"I believe if we sell them at a reasonable price, we should still be able to fetch a sufficient sum."

"After all, the Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill still holds some utility, whether for cultivating the Great Encompassing Physique or for nurturing Celestial Soldiers and Generals [elite, spirit-bound warriors and commanders]."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell into quiet contemplation once more.

Over these years, with no shortage of Adamantine Mithril and a vast supply of Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill, the Chen Immortal Clan has successfully nurtured a million elite Celestial Soldiers and Generals.

Each of these Celestial Soldiers and Generals possesses combat power at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm level. Among them, over ten thousand are comparable to Chaos Beast King, and their combined strength is absolutely not to be underestimated.

It can be said that such a celestial army is already capable of intervening in battles at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal level. At the very least, they can serve as cannon fodder to deplete the vitality and mana of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. When assaulting a Chaos Lair, they can be used to wear down the power of its defensive Formation [a structured arrangement of energy for defense or attack].

If deployed skillfully, this million-strong celestial army could be enough to tip the scales in a conflict between Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage cultivators.

Seeing this, Exquisite Jiang spoke up, "For five hundred thousand Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill, how about setting the price at one Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light?"

"Agreed."

Eldrin Chen nodded. The effect of five hundred thousand Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill was roughly equivalent to five Great Encompassing Immortal Pill, more than sufficient to help an ordinary Great Encompassing Golden Immortal cultivate their Great Encompassing Physique from the first layer to the third layer's perfection.

Five Great Encompassing Immortal Pill would typically cost at least two or three Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light, so this price was more than half off—a bargain sure to tempt any Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

He believed many Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage cultivators who were reluctant to purchase the expensive Great Encompassing Immortal Pill might be willing to invest in these Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill to cultivate their Great Encompassing Physique.

Although for Great Encompassing Golden Immortal who walk the Path of Path Mastery, enhancing the Great Encompassing Physique does not dramatically boost overall combat power, it still provides a measurable improvement.

This is especially true for those who have reached the Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal and find their progress utterly stalled. They will invariably cultivate their Great Encompassing Physique to the sixth layer of the Great Encompassing Realm, seeking to shore up their inherent weaknesses and bolster their combat prowess.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen finally spoke, "During the recent conflicts, we seized a considerable amount of Innate Energy [the primordial, unformed energy that predates creation]. Our Clan Treasury still holds over ten million Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill [pills refined through ten cycles of heavenly fire, greatly enhancing cultivation]. We can use them to exchange for twenty strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial spiritual light that grants near-absolute resilience]."

"Moving forward, we can consider purchasing more Innate Energy to nurture Chaos Beast King [a primordial beast king born from chaos] and refine more Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill. However, we must not flood the market with these pills, lest we destabilize their value."

Upon hearing this, Exquisite Jiang nodded in agreement. "Henceforth, we shall sell ten million Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill per Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle marking immense upheaval and renewal]. The vast market of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms where immortals dwell] should readily absorb such a quantity."