Chapter 1961 : A Neighbor's Proposal and Immortal Ambition

Gazing at the letter before him, Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with a subtle movement.

The letter, it turned out, was not from a stranger but from their neighbor in the Eastern Departure Flame Domain, Donghua Immortal Lord [a title for a powerful immortal lord].

It detailed how, during the Chaos War many years prior, Donghua Immortal Lord had obtained significant Opportunity and Fortune [a favorable turn of fate or a great opportunity]. His accumulation was now sufficient, and he was preparing to attempt a breakthrough to the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the eighth level of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal cultivation realm].

However, Donghua Immortal Lord lacked the necessary resources and thus wished to make a trade with Eldrin Chen.

After reading the letter, Eldrin Chen fell into a brief, contemplative silence before speaking. "Donghua Immortal Lord wishes to trade with us for some Flat Peach [a legendary peach that grants longevity and power] and Demon God Heartblood Pill [a potent pill refined from the heart's blood of a demon god], to serve as auxiliary aids for his attempt to break through to the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal."

Hearing this, Exquisite Jiang's gaze sharpened slightly.

The Flat Peach borne from an Innate Spiritual Root [a spiritual root of the highest innate quality] could replenish one's Innate Primordial Essence [the foundational, innate spiritual energy of a being], proving quite useful for cultivating the spiritual power of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a high-level immortal cultivator] and offering slight assistance in breaking through cultivation barriers.

Similarly, the Demon God Heartblood Pill could also marginally increase a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal's chances of successfully advancing a realm. Their value was, without a doubt, exceedingly high.

The Demon God Heartblood Pill that Donghua Immortal Lord required was certainly not an ordinary one. It would be a top-tier Immortal Pill [a pill of immortal grade] refined from the God-Demon Heart [the heart of a powerful god-demon hybrid] of a being like a Nine Extremes Divine Lord [a divine lord who has mastered nine extremes] or one of the Three Great God Generals [the three supreme generals among the gods].

Considering this, Exquisite Jiang smiled and said, "We are currently short on resources ourselves. Let us make this trade with him."

"Mm-hmm."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and departed from the cave abode. He then sent a letter to Donghua Immortal Lord.

Not long after the letter was dispatched, Donghua Immortal Lord arrived at the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, he smiled and said, "Several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] have passed since we last met. I never imagined you would have already carved out such a formidable reputation. Truly, I am in awe."

"You flatter me. Your own cultivation has reached the profound realm of Creation [the act of world-creation]."

Eldrin Chen smiled and invited Donghua Immortal Lord into Returning Abyss Heaven.

The two sat beneath the Flat Peach Ancient Tree. Eldrin Chen personally brewed a pot of tea, his eyes glinting slightly as he remarked, "I hear your military exploits this time were illustrious. It seems you have gained considerable Opportunity and Fortune [favorable circumstances and good luck]."

Donghua Immortal Lord waved his hand dismissively, then said with a smile, "After this war concluded, Blazeflame Imperial Lord bestowed upon me a few shares of Opportunity and Fortune."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. During this Chaos War, the dozens of Immortal Lord [powerful immortal cultivators] from the frontline Thirty-Six Immortal Domains operated under a unified command. All spoils of war were gathered into the hands of Blazeflame Imperial Lord.

Only after the war ended were they distributed according to military merit.

Furthermore, Blazeflame Imperial Lord would also take treasures from his own treasury to generously reward those who had distinguished themselves in the war.

In truth, judging by the military achievements of the Chen Immortal Clan, they were indeed qualified to receive a substantial reward.

However, the Returning Abyss Chen Clan was not participating in the frontlines. All treasures they seized were kept for themselves and did not need to be handed over to the Blazeflame Imperial Lord. Consequently, they accrued no military merit for distribution, and the Blazeflame Imperial Lord did not bestow any significant reward upon them.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but remark with admiration, "It seems it won't be long before our Eastern Departure Flame Domain gains another supreme expert at the Eighth Heaven of Great Encompassing [the eighth level of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]."

Donghua Immortal Lord's expression remained placid, yet a faint smile flickered in the depths of his eyes.

Since attaining his current path, a mere three hundred plus Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] had passed, and he was already attempting to break through to the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. This cultivation speed was considered exceptionally fast even among Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the highest tier of immortal cultivators before the Primordial Chaos realm].

Throughout his journey, he had encountered few significant bottlenecks. The main hindrance had been the intermittent supply of cultivation resources. He would often be stalled for dozens of Kalpa Tribulation due to a lack of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a rare spiritual essence vital for advancing through the higher Great Encompassing realms] or other breakthrough resources.

A scarcity of cultivation resources was the most common plight among Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. For many, missing just one strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light could lead to a cultivation stagnation lasting over a hundred Kalpa Tribulation, a situation as commonplace as daily meals.

Unless one initiated a Chaos War [a cataclysmic conflict within the Primordial Chaos], obtaining Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light remained an arduous task even for a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Yet, to initiate a Chaos War was to face immense peril in every battle.

Returning to the matter at hand, Donghua Immortal Lord pondered briefly before speaking, "Although I have the Opportunity and Fortune [a destined chance or blessing] bestowed by the Imperial Lord [a sovereign-level immortal ruler], I cannot guarantee with absolute certainty that I will break through to the Eighth Heaven of Great Encompassing."

"Fellow Daoist, the Demon God Heartblood Pill [a potent elixir refined from the heart's blood of a powerful demon god] you possess are precisely the items I urgently require."

Eldrin Chen nodded and spoke calmly, "I have four Demon God Heartblood Pills [potent elixirs refined from the heart's blood of a powerful demon god], all of superior quality. What are you willing to offer in exchange, Fellow Daoist?"

"Would Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a rare and pure spiritual radiance embodying the concept of innate, unbreakable durability] be acceptable?"

Donghua Immortal Lord [a title meaning 'Immortal Lord of Eastern Splendor'] replied immediately, his eyes gleaming slightly.

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. He produced the four Demon God Heartblood Pills [potent elixirs refined from the heart's blood of a powerful demon god] and, after allowing Donghua Immortal Lord [a title meaning 'Immortal Lord of Eastern Splendor'] to inspect their quality, stated, "This one from Nine Extremes Divine Lord [a title meaning 'Divine Lord of the Nine Extremes'] is valued at twenty strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a rare and pure spiritual radiance embodying the concept of innate, unbreakable durability]. The remaining three are priced at nine strands each. What is your opinion?"

A flicker of delight crossed Donghua Immortal Lord's [a title meaning 'Immortal Lord of Eastern Splendor'] heart. He glanced at the Demon God Heartblood Pill [a potent elixir refined from the heart's blood of a powerful demon god] from Nine Extremes Divine Lord [a title meaning 'Divine Lord of the Nine Extremes'], his expression then tinged with reluctant longing.

The medicinal potency within that particular Demon God Heartblood Pill [a potent elixir refined from the heart's blood of a powerful demon god] from Nine Extremes Divine Lord [a title meaning 'Divine Lord of the Nine Extremes'] was exceptionally formidable. Even for a breakthrough to the ninth level of the Great Encompassing [a profound cultivation realm representing a vast, all-encompassing stage of power], it could increase the success probability by two-tenths.

Such a Precious Pill [a term for an exceptionally rare and valuable elixir] naturally commanded an inestimable worth. Unfortunately, given his current resources, he could not bring himself to purchase such a supreme treasure.

After a moment of contemplation, he ultimately chose another top-grade Demon God Heartblood Pill [a potent elixir refined from the heart's blood of a powerful demon god]. He also exchanged three strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a rare and pure spiritual radiance embodying the concept of innate, unbreakable durability] for some Flat Peach [a type of mystical peach, often associated with longevity and cultivation] to serve as supplementary resources.

After completing these exchanges, Eldrin Chen obtained twelve strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a rare and pure spiritual radiance embodying the concept of innate, unbreakable durability].

He felt a surge of delight, but then a thought occurred to him, prompting him to inquire, "Might I ask, Fellow Daoist, which kind of peerless Rare Spiritual Wonders [extraordinary treasures born from the convergence of heaven and earth's spiritual essence] did you use as the core treasure to assail the Eighth Heaven of Great Encompassing?"

"Great Path Source Marrow [a primordial essence condensed from the very origin of the Great Dao, capable of aiding supreme cultivators in breaking through profound bottlenecks]."

Donghua Immortal Lord spoke, his gaze turning slightly solemn.

Eldrin Chen nodded, his expression growing grave in turn. After an Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality and attained immortality] breaks through to the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, ordinary cultivation resources become nearly useless for further advancement in cultivation.

Even treasures like Great Encompassing Immortal Pill, Indestructibility Golden Fruit, or Soul Nourishing Wood would see their efficacy reduced by ninety-nine percent for an existence at the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal level.

From what Eldrin Chen knew, the items capable of aiding a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal in breaking through their cultivation were almost exclusively true origin substances, or the fruits borne from a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Root.

Precisely because of this, for existences beyond the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, the path to advancement was either a grueling self-reliance through endless meditation, or the grim act of slaying one's Great Path Rival [a fated adversary whose destiny is intertwined with one's own on the Great Dao] and refining their origin essence.

Great Path Source Marrow was condensed from Great Path Origin [the fundamental, primordial source from which the Great Dao and all existence emanates]. It was typically produced only in minute quantities within Primordial One Grade Chaos Lair [a primordial sanctuary born from chaos, rich in primal energies]. Its value was invariably astronomical, yet it possessed the power to help a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal shatter their own bottlenecks.

Even for a Primordial One Imperial Lord, obtaining such a treasure was exceedingly difficult, a testament to its exorbitant worth.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but ask, "Fellow Daoist, do you happen to have any surplus of this Great Path Source Marrow?"

Donghua Immortal Lord [the title of a powerful immortal lord] paused for a moment, then spoke, "I do have an accumulation of it. Could it be that you, Fellow Daoist, desire this item?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head and replied, "I have a fellow Daoist who may have need of it."

"A fellow Daoist?" Donghua Immortal Lord's eyes flickered with a trace of understanding. "Could it be the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial phoenix of supreme violet radiance]?"

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen nodded, offering no further explanation.

Seeing this, Donghua Immortal Lord stated, "If she can produce a treasure of equivalent value, I would be willing to make the trade."

"Please wait a moment, Fellow Daoist."

With those words, Eldrin Chen rose and entered the Chaos Heavenly Domain [a primordial realm of swirling chaos], seeking out the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix who was in secluded cultivation there.

Many years had passed since their last meeting. The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's injuries had completely healed, and her cultivation base had solidified further upon its original foundation. She seemed to be touching the threshold of the Eighth Heaven of Great Encompassing [the eighth level of the Great Encompassing Realm, a profound stage of cultivation].

Over these several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years], the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix had spent most of her time recuperating. Yet, this period of forced rest had serendipitously aligned with the principle of 'breaking to stand anew,' allowing her cultivation to become ever more consolidated without conscious effort.

"It seems she may be ready to attempt a breakthrough into the Eighth Heaven of Great Encompassing [the eighth and penultimate stage of the Great Encompassing Realm, a pinnacle of cultivation]."

The thought flickered through Eldrin Chen's mind. He then informed the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial phoenix of supreme power and majesty] about the matter of the Great Path Source Marrow [a legendary substance, the crystallized essence of the Great Path's origin].

Upon hearing this, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's expression lit up with delight. Without a moment's hesitation, it followed Eldrin Chen as they departed.

Arriving within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [a vast and profound realm of immortal cultivation], the three took their seats. The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix immediately turned its gaze to Donghua Immortal Lord [a title meaning 'Lord of Primal Splendor'] and asked, "Fellow Daoist, have you brought the Great Path Source Marrow?"

Donghua Immortal Lord's expression turned solemn. With great care, he retrieved from his sleeve an ancient piece of Jade Marrow [a rare, spiritually potent jade-like mineral].

This piece of Jade Marrow was of unparalleled purity, brimming with the power of Great Path Origin [the foundational, primordial energy from which the Great Path, or Dao, emanates]. Moreover, its essence was several times more vast and refined than ordinary Great Path Origin.

Eldrin Chen glanced at it, a subtle flicker of understanding passing through his eyes.

Ordinary Great Path Origin was potent enough to aid a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a cultivator at the Golden Immortal stage within the Great Encompassing Realm] in attempting a breakthrough to the mid-stage of Great Encompassing [the realm encompassing all phenomena]. This Great Path Source Marrow, being the crystallized essence of that very origin, was exponentially more effective.

No wonder Donghua Immortal Lord, with his profound cultivation, treated such a treasure with such gravity.

"It is indeed the Great Path Source Marrow."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix spoke, then with a solemn expression, retrieved from its sleeve a blood-red jade piece the size of a fingernail. "I offer this in exchange. Will it suffice?" it asked gravely.

"Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone?"

Donghua Immortal Lord's expression shifted, revealing a look of astonishment.

Eldrin Chen was equally shocked. A Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone is formed from the congealed Vital Essence Blood [the lifeblood containing a cultivator's or beast's core essence] of an Immortal Phoenix. The more powerful its original owner, the more precious the resulting Bloodstone becomes.

The Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone before them was saturated with an overwhelmingly domineering aura of the Great Path of Thunderclap [a supreme Dao path embodying the explosive, annihilating power of thunder]. Its presence far surpassed the realm of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, indicating it was left behind by an existence of at least the Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord level, and very likely one at the Sage Ascendant tier.

In essence, this particular Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone possessed the effect of Nirvana reforge [a profound rebirth and reforging of one's foundation]. It could enhance the potential and foundational depth of a Chaos Demon God, increasing their chances of future realm breakthroughs. It would even hold some efficacy for a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

"If we obtain this Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone, the Azure Dragon's breakthrough to the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal would be assured," Eldrin thought.

"A pity this stone is so small, merely the size of a single drop of essence blood. If it were the size of a fist..."

Donghua Immortal Lord murmured inwardly, then shook his head.

A Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone the size of a fist would be immensely useful even for a Chaos Demon God attempting to break through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm. The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix would never part with such a treasure.

With this thought, Donghua Immortal Lord spoke, "This item holds great use for the Azure Dragon under my command. Let us make an exchange."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix gave a slight nod and promptly completed the transaction with him.

After concluding this trade, the three conversed a while longer before Eldrin Chen escorted Donghua Immortal Lord out of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

Once he had departed, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix and remarked with a smile, "I never imagined you possessed such a treasure, Fellow Daoist."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix shook its head, let out a sigh, and then began to recount for Eldrin Chen the origins of this Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone.

It turned out the mother of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix hailed from beyond the Thirteen Domains of the Northern and Southern Heaven Abyss, originally a being whose cultivation had reached the Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord realm.

Roughly three thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] ago, while she was pregnant with the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, she was ambushed by a Great Path Rival [a fated nemesis on the Great Dao].

Burdened by her pregnancy, the mother of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix was forced to flee. Unintentionally, she crossed the Chaos Desolation Sea and arrived within the Thirteen Domains of the Northern and Southern Heaven Abyss.

Thereafter, she gave birth to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix in the vicinity of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

As the war from which she came had not yet concluded, the mother of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, needing to return and aid her clan, had no choice but to leave the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix behind. She ventured alone across the world-spanning Desolation Sea and departed the Thirteen Domains of the Northern and Southern Heaven Abyss.

After comprehending all of this, Eldrin Chen could not help but ask with curiosity, "Do you know what kind of world lies beyond the Thirteen Domains of the Heaven Abyss?"

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix shook its head. After a long silence, it said, "I was born and raised within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains. I have never seen the world outside."

"But before my mother departed, she once told me that the foundation of their domain was utterly terrifying. It was not only home to supreme powerhouses at the level of Chaos Heavenly Emperor, but also Path Union Patriarch of the Second Chaos Realm. It was in no way comparable to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains."

As the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix spoke in detail, Eldrin Chen gradually came to understand the structure of the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

It turned out that within the entire Chaos, the vast majority of its territory was known as the Chaos Desolation Sea.

The so-called Chaos Desolation Sea referred to desolate, Primordial Land [land in its most ancient, untouched state]. It was akin to the Great Wasteland of antiquity, similar to the endless, uninhabited mountain ranges of the mortal realm, with almost no sentient beings present.

The reason for this was that the Sea of Chaos Water [the turbulent, primordial waters of Chaos] was far too violent. It was filled with raw Fiendish Energy [a malevolent and corrupting form of spiritual power] and Primordial Chaos Power [the fundamental, unrefined energy of creation], enough to erase the sentience and wisdom of living beings.

Therefore, the Chaos Demon God [demonic entities born from Chaos] that gestated within the Chaos Desolation Sea found it difficult to develop sentience. They knew only instinctual Slaughter [a divine ability focused on pure destruction] and chaos, their intelligence scarcely different from that of beasts. Hence, they were called Chaos Fiends or Chaos Great Evils.

And precisely because of this, Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] dared not set foot into the Chaos Desolation Sea.

For the Chaos Desolation Sea could injure a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] and erode their sentience. Once a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal lost their way within the Chaos Desolation Sea, they would ultimately fall into a state of complete, mindless oblivion.

Of course, the Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, turbulent, and primordial expanse of chaotic energy] is not eternal. The entire Chaos [the primordial state of existence before order] was originally the Chaos Desolation Sea, where all living beings existed without sentience or intelligence.

Yet today, numerous prosperous Chaos realms exist precisely because of the birth of Primordial Chaos Domain [stable, ordered domains born from the primordial chaos].

The birth of any single Primordial Chaos Domain, or the emergence of a Chaos Grade Chaos Lair [a powerful nexus of chaotic energy], can suppress a portion of the Chaos Desolation Sea, calming the turbulent energies in the surrounding region and allowing sentient life to awaken within it.

Within the Chaos Desolation Sea, Primordial Chaos World Sea [vast clusters of nascent worlds within the chaos] are also born from time to time. These Primordial Chaos World Sea can, to a certain degree, resist the corrosive influence of the surrounding Chaos Desolation Sea.

In exceedingly rare cases, a Primordial Chaos World Sea can even give birth to a Primordial Chaos Domain or a Heavenly Emperor Level Chaos Lair [a Chaos Lair of immense power, capable of anchoring a realm]. Once such an entity appears, it can forge a thriving Chaos realm.

These Chaos realms, akin to Primordial Immortal Domain [domains of immortal cultivation], are like solitary islands adrift within the vast Chaos Desolation Sea.

Some islands drift alone in the Chaos Desolation Sea, while others, like the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, connect to form archipelagos, jointly suppressing the Chaos Desolation Sea and expanding their sphere of influence.

In even more prosperous Chaos realms, led by a Mid-Grade or Upper Grade Primordial Domain [a domain of the highest order], dozens or even hundreds of Primordial Chaos Domain might gather. Together, they deploy colossal formation arrays to suppress and pacify an immense expanse of Chaos.

Within such flourishing realms, the range of activity for Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [immortals who have attained the pinnacle of the Golden Immortal realm] increases not by mere thousands, but by tens of thousands of times compared to their counterparts in places like the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

Regardless, the Chaos Desolation Sea remains an exceedingly perilous place. Only those who have attained the level of Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign whose power allows them to navigate the primordial chaos] possess the qualification to leave these islands and venture forth to explore the depths of the Chaos Desolation Sea.

"The Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, turbulent, and largely uninhabited expanse of primordial chaos] is boundless; islands like the Primordial Domain are always rare."

"More than ninety-nine out of a hundred parts of the Sea of Chaos are desolate and uninhabited Chaos Desolation Sea."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, finally understanding the purpose of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains Grand Formation [a colossal defensive array protecting the immortal realms] at this moment.

It turned out the power of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains Grand Formation was not only to resist powerful enemies from the Northern Abyss Foreign Realm, but its primary purpose was actually to suppress the Chaos Desolation Sea, helping them secure a greater sphere of activity.

"With my Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique said to be nearly unbreakable], I wonder if I can venture into the heart of the Chaos Desolation Sea?"

A sudden thought flashed through Eldrin Chen's mind.

The Chaos Desolation Sea was a treasure trove almost entirely unexplored, containing not only Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a rare, innate spiritual radiance that grants durability] and even Innate Primordial Breath [the purest, most foundational energy of creation], but occasionally, traces of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all things were born] could be found.

For only a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign who has mastered the laws of chaos] was qualified to explore its depths; even a top-tier Primordial One Imperial Lord [a peak-level immortal sovereign] dared not linger too long within. Thus, the vast majority of its resources likely remained undiscovered.

In comparison, although the Southern Abyss Seven Domains held considerable resources, over the course of hundreds of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth], most had been thoroughly scavenged.

If Eldrin Chen sought cultivation resources, he would have to constantly fight for them against these ancient predecessors—a path fraught with peril and uncertainty.

Under such circumstances, if Eldrin Chen could resist the erosion of the Chaos Desolation Sea [a primordial, perilous expanse of chaotic energies], he might not lack for cultivation resources in the future.

This thought stirred his heart, yet Eldrin Chen quickly suppressed the notion. With formidable foes encircling him, now was not the time to venture into the Chaos Desolation Sea.

Through their conversation, Eldrin Chen gained intelligence about the Chaos Desolation Sea, which filled him with considerable delight.

He set the thought aside and then, looking at the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial phoenix of immense power and violet radiance], inquired, "Fellow Daoist, do you still possess any Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone [a rare ore crystallized from the blood of a primordial phoenix in chaotic realms]?"

"You desire this item as well?"

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's eyes gleamed with a flicker of understanding, and it smiled. "I was just about to seek you out to exchange for a Demon God Heartblood Pill [a supreme elixir refined from the heart's essence of a powerful demon, greatly enhancing one's foundation]."

So saying, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix produced a small piece of Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone and traded it with Eldrin Chen for one top-grade Demon God Heartblood Pill and several Flat Peach [a legendary fruit of immortality that grants longevity and refines one's essence].

After concluding this transaction, Eldrin Chen bid farewell to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix and stored the Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone away.

The Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone was primarily used to enhance the innate potential of Chaos Demon Gods [powerful demons born from primordial chaos]. It held little use for Eldrin Chen himself; even for Ao Hong's seven Indestructibility Foundation [a supreme cultivation foundation renowned for its unbreakable resilience], refining this material offered negligible improvement.

The reason Eldrin Chen had acquired it was specifically to exchange for the benefit of the Divine Generals under his command.

After returning to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen handed the Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone to his Reincarnation Body [a separate physical avatar formed through profound reincarnation arts]. He then instructed the avatar to take the stone deep into the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all creation emerged].

Amidst the boundless, formless Chaos, the Reincarnation Body encountered a figure clad in battle armor—a Chaos Demon God [a primordial deity born from the raw essence of Chaos itself].

"This humble ape pays his respects to the Sovereign."

The moment he laid eyes on Eldrin Chen, the Chaos Demon God immediately bowed and offered his salutations.

This particular Chaos Demon God was none other than the Primordial Era Demonic Ape [a mighty simian demon god from the dawn of time], the Second Divine General under Eldrin Chen's command.

Over the years, Eldrin Chen had frequently dispatched resources to aid the Primordial Era Demonic Ape's cultivation. Now, after an absence spanning several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles marking the end and rebirth of worlds], Eldrin Chen noted that the ape's cultivation had, almost imperceptibly, advanced to the third level of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

With a wave of his sleeve, Eldrin Chen gently raised the kneeling general. His expression grew solemn as he spoke, "You have endured much hardship all these years."

"It was no hardship."

The Primordial Era Demonic Ape's reply was blunt and honest, his rugged features set with unwavering resolve.

Eldrin Chen gave the demon god's shoulder a firm pat. Then, from within his sleeve, he produced the Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone and placed it in his hands.

The Primordial Era Demonic Ape was momentarily taken aback and hurriedly declined, "This treasure is far too valuable, my lord. Please take it back."

Eldrin Chen shook his head with a smile. "Keep it," he said. "Consider it a reward for the many times you have risked your life to pass on intelligence over these years."

It turned out that after the Primordial Era Demonic Ape began following Eldrin Chen, he had been assigned by Eldrin Chen to infiltrate the forces of Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor, serving as a spy within his ranks ever since.

In several major battles, Eldrin Chen had consistently managed to anticipate his opponents' moves, all because he possessed nearly complete intelligence on them.

Not just their numbers and strength, but even their Divine Ability [powerful supernatural techniques], foundational cultivation, innate talent, hidden trump cards, and weaknesses had all been thoroughly investigated by Eldrin Chen.

Figures like the Nine Extremes Divine Lord were essentially playing with their cards laid bare on the table against Eldrin Chen. How could they possibly hope to win?

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen patted the Primordial Era Demonic Ape's shoulder once more, offering reassurance. "Hold on a little longer. The day will come when I defeat Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor, and you will certainly receive your due rewards."

Only then did the Primordial Era Demonic Ape accept the treasure, uttering a single, terse word: "Understood."

Satisfied, Eldrin Chen gave a nod of approval. He then provided the Primordial Era Demonic Ape with another batch of cultivation resources before departing as silently as a shadow.

"..."

Just as the Reincarnation Body went to seek the Primordial Era Demonic Ape, Eldrin Chen once again retreated into secluded cultivation.

In the years that followed, Eldrin Chen focused his efforts on cultivating the Great Path, striving to achieve a breakthrough in his mastery of this profound art as swiftly as possible.

Time flowed by in this manner, and before he knew it, more than twenty million years had passed. During this period, it seemed his Great Path Rival had come to understand the difficulty of assaulting the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain and did not launch another attack.

Several pieces of good news arrived during this time. The first was that Donghua Immortal Lord was the first to complete his breakthrough.

After his breakthrough, he personally visited the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain to inform Eldrin Chen that should his Great Path Rival attack again, he could help hold off one of the powerful foes.

Donghua Immortal Lord had cultivated four Indestructibility Foundation and was a top-tier Great Encompassing Golden Immortal among the Human Race. After breaking through to the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, he had become one of Eldrin Chen's more significant allies in the region.

Furthermore, the Azure Dragon under Donghua Immortal Lord's command had used this opportunity to refine a Chaos Phoenix Bloodstone, successfully advancing to the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm. It, too, could provide assistance when necessary.

Additionally, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix also completed her breakthrough not long after, stepping into the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm.

As a Chaos Thunderclap Violet Phoenix with astonishing bloodline purity and a direct descendant of a Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix possessed formidable power.

Upon completing her breakthrough, her combat prowess immediately placed her among the ranks of the top-tier Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal experts, rivaling even the Primal Chaos Kui Ox.

With these allies by his side, Eldrin Chen felt a great weight lift from his shoulders, allowing him to devote his entire focus to comprehending the Great Path [the supreme cultivation art he follows].

Thus, another several million years passed. Eldrin Chen's cultivation in the Great Path finally advanced another step, allowing him to set foot into the realm of the Fifth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Following this breakthrough, Eldrin Chen sensed the power of the Great Path had increased by another fifty percent. Relying solely on the Great Path and his own spiritual energy, his combat prowess was now sufficient to rival that of a top-tier Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

When the power of his Three Great Foundations [his three core cultivation bases] converged, his overall combat strength increased by over ten percent more. This additional increment pushed his power to the very brink, allowing him to half-step into the domain of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection.

Such power, further augmented by the Sacrificial Self Path [his unique cultivation method] and his True Spirit Treasure [a treasure born from a True Spirit's essence], elevated Eldrin Chen's overall capabilities to yet another level.

After completing his breakthrough, Eldrin Chen performed a quick calculation with his fingers. He discovered that only a little over ten million years remained until his Seventh Kalpa Tribulation [his seventh great heavenly trial].

He immediately summoned five individuals: Worthy Longevity Chen, Fate Birth, Goose Startles Cold, Lofty Peak Lu, and Lingering Ye.

Within the Great Hall, Eldrin Chen gazed upon his five disciples and descendants. A profound sense of gravity settled upon him.

Now, with the Kalpa Tribulation [the cosmic calamity] approaching, whether these five could successfully tread their own paths to enlightenment was of paramount importance. It concerned whether Eldrin Chen's Sacrificial Self Path could reach its grand completion, and more crucially, whether he could attain combat strength rivaling a Primordial One Imperial Lord.

Should they succeed, Eldrin Chen would stand fearless before all adversaries. He could then venture into the Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond ordered realms] to seek Opportunity and Fortune, or even assault a Chaos Lair [a den of powerful beings within the Chaos] to resolve the pressing issue of insufficient cultivation resources.

Yet if they all fail, the investments Eldrin Chen has made thus far would be utterly wasted, forcing him to continue lying low, turtled up within the Within the Chaos Lair.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen performed a quick divination on the Destiny [the predetermined fate and fortune of a being] of the five. He found that the Tribulation [a catastrophic trial ordained by fate or heaven] destined for them was drawing ever closer.

Eldrin Chen could vaguely divine that this was a Tribulation [a catastrophic trial ordained by fate or heaven] fated within their very destinies. He could not intervene directly; they would have to face and transcend it themselves. Moreover, this Tribulation was inescapable. The longer it was delayed, the more terrifying it would become.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen looked at the group, his expression turning grave as he spoke. "A Tribulation [a catastrophic trial ordained by fate or heaven] is woven into your destinies. It shall manifest during this coming Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal]."

"If you can transcend it, you may break through your limits and attain the Great Encompassing [the Da Luo realm, a supreme state of cultivation representing omnipresence and cosmic law]. But if you fail... the risk is one of utter annihilation, with no hope of return."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the five shifted subtly.

Worthy Longevity Chen took a deep breath, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Father, watch as your son carves a path straight through this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal]."

Clad in robes white as snow, Fate Birth spoke with serene calm. "Master, even should Fate Birth fall into the Reincarnation [the endless cycle of death and rebirth], I will not fail your expectations."

The remaining three did not speak, yet their demeanors each told a different story.

In Goose Startles Cold's eyes, a Slaughter Intent [an aura or will focused purely on killing] soared to the heavens. Lingering Ye's gaze boiled with fighting spirit, while a shadow of deep concern clouded the eyes of Lofty Peak Lu.

Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh, offering no further words.

He retrieved several Rare Spiritual Wonders from his sleeve, then turned his gaze to Worthy Longevity Chen. "Worthy Longevity, you possess thirty-three Vast Sea Divine Pearl. Once they evolve into Innate Spiritual Treasure, you will be virtually invincible among your peers."

"I bestow upon you thirty-three strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light. May they empower you to carve a path through this Kalpa Tribulation and achieve the realm of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal."

Worthy Longevity Chen accepted the treasures, his face lighting up with joy.

He had feared that the sheer number of thirty-three Vast Sea Divine Pearl would prevent them all from ascending to Innate Spiritual Treasure. He never imagined Eldrin Chen would, in one stroke, fill this very gap for him today.

With this thought, Worthy Longevity Chen immediately prostrated himself upon the Earthly Path. "Father, rest assured. With these in hand, your son is destined to be unmatched."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze to Fate Birth. "Fate Birth, I bestow upon you the Innate Spiritual Treasure 'Nine Deaths Nirvana Pearl'. This pearl can substitute death for you nine times, and with each death, it can facilitate a Nirvana Rebirth."

Fate Birth received the treasure, a wave of pleasant surprise washing over him.

The Nine Deaths Nirvana Pearl was a unique type of Innate Spiritual Treasure. It could be used a maximum of nine times, after which it would shatter, its essence merging to enhance the potential of the one who underwent the Nirvana.

Understanding the immense value of this treasure, Fate Birth spoke immediately. "Thank you for your profound favor, Master."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze towards Goose Startles Cold. He bestowed a single Sword Embryo [the nascent, unformed core of a divine sword, awaiting a master's will to shape it], saying, "I bestow upon you the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme magical artifact born from the essence of heaven and earth, possessing unparalleled potential] known as the 'Slaughter Sword Embryo'. I trust you will not disappoint your master."

Goose Startles Cold accepted the Sword Embryo. He offered no lengthy words, but within the depths of his pupils, his Sword Intent [the focused will and essence of a swordsman, capable of cutting through all obstacles] grew ever more resolute and unyielding.