Chapter 1955 : A War's End and a New Beginning

Although they had decided to sell the Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill to obtain the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a rare and potent spiritual radiance that grants a foundational, unbreakable durability].

However, Eldrin Chen understood clearly in his heart that this portion of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light could only resolve part of their needs. The greater solution lay in steady, long-term trade, a trickle that could not fill the vast and urgent deficit they currently faced.

Fortunately, Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal realm, where cultivators possess boundless lifespan and an eternal foundation beyond the cycle of reincarnation] possessed limitless lifespans and an eternal foundation untouched by Reincarnation. They were not necessarily in a desperate rush for an immediate breakthrough. After all, countless individuals had been stuck for over a thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years], unable to advance to the mid-stage of Great Encompassing.

Eldrin Chen suppressed the thoughts in his mind. Suddenly remembering something, his expression turned grave as he spoke, "During the years you were in seclusion for your breakthrough, some rather troubling news has circulated."

"Troubling news?"

Upon hearing this, Exquisite Jiang could not help but frown slightly between her brows.

Eldrin Chen nodded and then said, "Word has come from the front lines. Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor has decided to withdraw his forces."

At his words, Exquisite Jiang's countenance shifted slightly.

So, without them even realizing it, this Chaos War [a cataclysmic conflict that embroils vast regions of the cosmos], which had stretched on for more than two Kalpa Tribulation, had finally drawn to a close.

In truth, over a Kalpa Tribulation ago, as both sides suffered increasingly grievous losses, the Chaos War had already settled into a protracted stalemate.

Over these years, neither the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal of the Human Race nor the Chaos Demon God under the command of Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor were willing to continue the fight any longer.

Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor persisted in the war for two Kalpa Tribulation. Initially, they held the advantage and managed to breach several mid-to-low grade Immortal Domain. However, as time passed and the various Immortal Domain began forming alliances for mutual protection, it became exceedingly difficult for them to break through any Immortal Domain.

Since they could gain no further advantage and lacked the resolve for a decisive, final confrontation, there was naturally no need to prolong this conflict.

Thus, not long ago, Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor ordered the major Chaos Lair under his command to begin an orderly withdrawal, intending to end this Chaos War that had spanned two Kalpa Tribulation.

Logically, the end of the Chaos War should be a good thing for them, yet at this moment, both Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang wore expressions of solemn gravity.

For once the Chaos War concluded, Blazeflame Imperial Lord would no longer interfere with the Great Path Contention unfolding within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain.

Thinking of this, Exquisite Jiang sighed and said, "Perhaps war is about to descend upon us once more."

"We shall hold fast within our city-fortress; we should have nothing to fear,"

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his tone resolute as he spoke.

Hearing this, Exquisite Jiang also nodded in agreement. The current Returning Abyss's Seven Immortal Domains Grand Formation was potent enough to withstand assaults from several Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection, providing a substantial guarantee of safety.

"..."

Returning to the main narrative, in the ensuing epochs, the various Great Encompassing cultivators of the Chen Immortal Clan ceased their ventures abroad, choosing instead to cultivate in seclusion within the Immortal Domain.

While cultivating in seclusion, the Great Encompassing experts of the Chen Immortal Clan also prepared for war with utmost caution, guarding against potential sieges by other Great Encompassing Golden Immortal powers.

Surprisingly, however, as tens of millions of years passed and the era of the sixth Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] approached, no one came to attack the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

"Could it be that the Primordial Solar Immortal Lord did not invite Great Encompassing Golden Immortal cultivators who follow the other Great Path [fundamental cosmic principles or cultivation methodologies]?"

As the grand celebration for his five hundred millionth year of life drew near, Verdant Consort voiced her puzzlement.

Eldrin Chen shook his head. After performing a divination with his fingers, he found the Celestial Mechanism [the underlying principles and fate of the cosmos] within the Chaos Heaven to be murky and obscure. Even he could not clearly divine what would happen if he stepped beyond the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

For Eldrin Chen, with his mastery of True Spirit Divine Ability [a supreme divination art], to be unable to fully foresee the consequences of leaving the Immortal Domain, only two possibilities remained.

The first was that nothing of significance would happen at all. The second was that someone had used a Celestial Mechanism Secret Art [a profound art for obscuring fate and heavenly calculations] to deliberately scramble the Celestial Mechanism.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen fell silent for a moment before finally speaking. "The Celestial Mechanism is too obscure. I, too, find it difficult to divine what leaving the Immortal Domain would entail."

"But none of that is truly important. For us, the most crucial matter remains elevating our own cultivation."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement. Verdant Consort then spoke, "In recent times, I have accumulated sufficient foundation and can attempt to break through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage."

"I shall continue my secluded cultivation to see if I can complete the breakthrough."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this, a faint smile gracing his lips.

Verdant Consort possesses an Innate Chaos Foundation [a primordial spiritual root of the highest order]. She does not need to refine Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a supreme spiritual essence that mends foundational flaws] to compensate for any deficiencies in her foundation. Therefore, breaking through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage does not require consuming any Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to Ethan Chen, Lila, and Violet Consort Yan and asked, "When will the three of you be able to attempt your breakthroughs?"

"My accumulation is nearly complete. I should be able to attempt that step before the Kalpa Tribulation [the great cosmic cataclysm that marks the end of an era] arrives,"

Ethan Chen replied, a smile touching his lips.

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. This group of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal cultivators, including Verdant Consort, had all attained the Great Encompassing realm around the same time. Over the years, they had received roughly equivalent cultivation resources, and now their Great Path [the supreme cultivation method] cultivation had all reached the third-level perfection stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm.

This speed of progression was considered exceptionally fast even among Great Encompassing Golden Immortal cultivators.

The primary reason was the substantial resources seized during the several major battles, coupled with the nourishment provided by their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation base.

This is because, when foundational differences are minimal, a Primordial Spirit cultivation base nourishes one's Great Path [a supreme cultivation art] cultivation. Furthermore, a Great Encompassing [a high immortal realm] mid-stage Primordial Spirit provides immense assistance in comprehending the Great Path.

After all, comprehending an early-stage Great Path with a Great Encompassing mid-stage Primordial Spirit is, in essence, like building from a commanding height—it drastically reduces the difficulty of grasping the Great Path. This is not to mention the significant advantage that a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a perfected spiritual core] also confers in comprehending the Great Path.

It could be said that after everyone cultivated a Great Encompassing mid-stage True Spirit Primordial Spirit, their speed in achieving minor mastery of the Great Path was at least ten times faster than that of an ordinary Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal of the Great Encompassing realm].

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "The remaining Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primal light of indestructibility] in my possession is not much, only enough for three people to break through to Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage."

"Let us prioritize its use for Ethan, Lila, and Violet Consort Yan."

Upon hearing this, no one voiced any objection.

Although Gentle Deer and Ao Hong were also capable of attempting a breakthrough to Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage, their combat prowess could not match that of these three. Moreover, distinctions in closeness inevitably existed.

Handing the final dozen or so strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light to the trio, Eldrin Chen then said, "Go into seclusion first. See if you can break through to Great Encompassing mid-stage before the Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] arrives."

Hearing his words, the three departed with expressions of joy.

After seeing the three off, Eldrin Chen returned once more to the Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared room for undisturbed cultivation and meditation].

Unbeknownst to him, nearly two Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] had passed since his breakthrough to the mid-grade Great Encompassing Physique [a legendary body cultivation art that embodies the vastness of the cosmos]. During these two cycles, his physical cultivation had progressed swiftly, bringing him to the very threshold of the fifth layer of the Great Encompassing Physique.

Lately, Eldrin Chen had felt his foundation was sufficiently stable to refine another Great Encompassing Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir that nourishes the Great Encompassing Physique] and Indestructibility Golden Fruit [a mythical fruit said to grant aspects of indestructibility]. Thus, he decided to prioritize this breakthrough in his physical cultivation.

Upon entering the Seclusion Chamber, Eldrin Chen immediately consumed one of the Great Encompassing Immortal Pill.

As the pill's essence was refined and absorbed, he felt the abundant foundational energy within him finally reach its absolute peak. Then, like a dam bursting, it surged forth in a cataclysmic torrent.

There was no bottleneck to speak of. Eldrin Chen simply felt his physical body begin an unceasing process of sublimation, undergoing an ultimate metamorphosis and growth.

He knew not how much time had passed. When Eldrin Chen finally awoke from his deep meditation, he discovered that every single cell within his body now erupted with overwhelming Primordial Chaos Energy [the primordial, formless energy from which all creation emerged]. Each wisp, each strand, radiated an aura capable of annihilating the Myriad Heavens [the countless realms and dimensions of existence].

"The fifth layer of the Great Encompassing Physique," Eldrin Chen murmured to himself.

A faint smile touched his lips as he slowly clenched his fist, testing the newfound power thrumming within his veins.

He focused his senses inward. The accumulated foundational energy he had stored was now completely spent. This breakthrough had elevated his physical combat prowess by approximately half again.

After completing his breakthrough, Eldrin Chen found that the power of his physical body alone had already reached the pinnacle of the Seventh Layer of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm, sufficient to contend with the foremost experts among Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortals.

His overall strength had also seen a significant increase, roughly one to two tenths greater than his previous level.

Do not underestimate this mere one or two tenths. Eldrin Chen originally possessed combat power at the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal level. An increase of one to two tenths on that formidable foundation was akin to adding the strength of nearly an entire additional Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

"My power has grown once more. Now, if I were to face those three again, I should be able to handle them with much greater ease," he thought to himself.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen retrieved a radiant Primordial Solar Immortal Sword from his sleeve.

This immortal sword was the Lifebound Spiritual Treasure [a magical artifact bound to its owner's life force] of the Primordial Solar Immortal Lord. Since obtaining it, Eldrin Chen had continuously attempted to refine it, yet he had always struggled to erase a core Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] imprint left within.

Now, with his cultivation base elevated once more, Eldrin Chen immediately prepared to resume its refinement.

"*Hummm—*"

Eldrin Chen exerted his full power. Surging Chaos Flame [a primal flame born from primordial chaos] relentlessly scorched the Primordial Solar Immortal Sword, yet the core imprint stubbornly resisted being refined.

Eldrin Chen had anticipated this. Undeterred, he summoned his True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the true, purified form of one's spiritual core] to aid in the refinement process. Furthermore, he channeled the Chaos Origin [the fundamental, unformed essence of primordial chaos] from within his own body, guiding it to merge with the sword.

With the empowerment of these various forces, the Chaos Flame [a primordial fire embodying the essence of chaos] finally surpassed the limits of this imprint, grinding it utterly into nothingness.

"Aaaargh—"

At the same moment, far beyond the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, within the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all creation emerged], a figure robed in snow-white suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.

This was precisely the Primordial Solar Immortal Lord. The instant his Lifebound Immortal Sword [a sword forged with and bound to its wielder's very life force] was refined and destroyed, the Primordial Solar Immortal Lord's eyes nearly burst from their sockets, and a roar of unparalleled fury and shock tore from his throat.

"That upstart Eldrin, you deserve death!"

The Primordial Solar Immortal Lord was driven nearly mad with rage, teetering on the brink of charging into the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain to hunt down and slay Eldrin Chen.

But at that very moment, several figures suddenly moved to block his path.

These individuals were the Primal Chaos Kui Ox [a mythical bovine beast born from primal chaos], the Primordial Era Silver Dragon, and several other Great Encompassing Golden Immortals who cultivated Great Paths such as Mixed Metal and Profound Darkness [the profound and mysterious principle of ultimate shadow].

"Fellow Daoist, do not act rashly."

The Primal Chaos Kui Ox blocked him firmly, its expression grave as it spoke: "If you strike now, all of us will be exposed. We would likely lose our chance to ambush him forever after."

Yet the Primordial Solar Immortal Lord [a title for a powerful immortal lord associated with the primordial sun] had eyes filled with profound gloom, his countenance a mask of utter fury as he declared, "That That upstart Eldrin is like a turtle in its shell. For several entire Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years], he hasn't stepped a foot outside his gates. Tell me, how are we supposed to lay an ambush for him?"

Upon hearing this, the assembled figures fell into a heavy silence.

They had lain in wait beyond the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [an immortal realm governed by Eldrin Chen] for the span of a full Kalpa Tribulation, their original intent to find an opportunity to surround and slay Eldrin Chen.

Yet, to their immense frustration, not only had Eldrin Chen himself never once ventured forth from the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, but even the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation] experts of the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance [the alliance of immortals led by Eldrin Chen] had not left the Eight Immortal Domains of the Returning Abyss [the eight core domains of Eldrin's territory] for an entire Kalpa Tribulation.

This left them without even the chance to capture one of his allies and use them as leverage to force Eldrin Chen's hand.

Contemplating this, an Mace of Earth Immortal Lord [a title for an immortal lord who wields the power of the earth, often symbolized by a mace] who cultivated the Source Earth Great Path [a supreme cultivation art focused on the primordial essence of earth] spoke up after a moment of cold deliberation. "Another Kalpa Tribulation approaches. If things continue like this, it seems we will find no opportunity during this cycle."

"Endlessly waiting here is no solution. In my view, we should find a way to force him out," he suggested.

"Force him out?"

The others frowned slightly at his words, brows knitting in thought.

The Primordial Solar Immortal Lord immediately turned his gaze to the Mace of Earth Immortal Lord, unable to suppress his question. "And how, precisely, do you propose we force him out?"

The Mace of Earth Immortal Lord pondered for a moment before speaking. "This Returning Abyss Path Master leans on the legacy of the Supreme Lunar Imperial Lord [a powerful immortal lord associated with the moon], so he likely lacks no cultivation resources. Moreover, he has long holed up within his Immortal Domain [a personal realm or territory of an immortal], leaving us with no leverage to grasp."

"However, I have heard that this Returning Abyss Path Master has four sons and one daughter. Perhaps we can capture one of them to force him out."

The Bulwark Earth Immortal Lord [an immortal lord whose power is rooted in the earth element] continued with a cold laugh. "Among his four children, the third son and fourth daughter cultivate by his side. The Second Son has taken the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor as his master, and the youngest is a direct disciple of a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [a supreme being who has mastered a Great Dao and attained sagehood]. We have little chance of seizing any of them."

"Only the eldest son walks the path of the Buddhist Sect [a monastic order focused on enlightenment and compassion]. He cultivates alone within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the vast, myriad realms of the immortal world]. He is the one we can capture."

Upon hearing this, the assembled figures fell into a heavy silence.

The Primordial Era Silver Dragon [an ancient and mighty dragon from the dawn of time] shifted uncomfortably, his expression darkening. "We are Great Encompassing Golden Immortals [beings who have transcended the mortal coil and attained a supreme state of immortality]. To stoop to capturing a mere Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has lived through many ages] just to slay our foe... it is utterly beneath our dignity."

"I cannot partake in such a deed. You will have my pardon."

With those words, the Primordial Era Silver Dragon snorted coldly and departed directly from that region of Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all creation emerged].

The Mace of Earth Immortal Lord watched his retreating form, his pupils chilling. A sneer curled his lips. "A stray dog with no home, yet he puts on airs of lofty pride."

The remaining figures exchanged glances, their expressions uniformly grim.

Primordial Solar Immortal Lord [a title meaning 'Lord of the Primordial Sun'] was known as a gentleman among immortals, yet at this moment, he did not depart immediately. After a long silence, he finally spoke, "Who shall handle this matter?"

To everyone's surprise, upon hearing this, all eyes turned towards Primordial Solar Immortal Lord.

A Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the highest realm of cultivation, transcending the cycle of life and death] does not fall into Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth]. They fear not the pain of parting in life or death; what they value most is their face, their honor and reputation.

Bullying the weak is one thing, but stooping so low as to capture an Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived for countless ages] merely to threaten a powerful foe—this is an act of profound disgrace.

Once word spread, he would be nailed to the pillar of shame for all eternity. This deed would become an indelible stain upon his name.

Moreover, the principle holds that calamity should not extend to one's family. To violate this would shatter the unspoken rules among Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. This was absolutely not a good precedent, for which of those present did not have kin, Dao companions, disciples, or followers of their own?

Thus, none wished to undertake this task, and so their gazes all settled upon the one who had suffered the greatest loss—Primordial Solar Immortal Lord.

Primordial Solar Immortal Lord's expression shifted repeatedly, finally settling into one of cold detachment. "Very well," he said. "To reclaim the Primordial Solar Immortal Sword [a legendary sword of the primordial sun], I shall play the villain."

"…"

Unaware of the schemes and machinations brewing in the outside world was Eldrin Chen.

He could never have imagined that a group of lofty Great Path Rival [a destined rival on the Great Path of cultivation] would stoop so low as to set their sights on Worthy Pursuit Chen.

Having refined the Primordial Solar Immortal Sword, Eldrin Chen was in excellent spirits. He immediately summoned nine individuals: Alistair Ye, Literature Abyss Lu, Serene Bamboo, Worthy Verdancy Chen, Worthy Longevity Chen, Fate Birth, Goose Startles Cold, Lofty Peak Lu, and Lingering Ye.

These nine were all disciples who cultivated the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound and demanding cultivation art], and they were also the ones with the potential to attain the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of a Golden Immortal] during this coming Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of tribulation that reshapes the cosmos].