Chapter 1964 : Apex of the Heavenly Halberd

"Lofty Peak Lu, where else can you flee?"

At that very moment, the Depths of Chaos trembled violently with light, as a group of powerful foes tore through the void, surrounding Lofty Peak Lu completely, leaving no avenue of escape.

The leader was clad in Gilded Battle Armor, with an Immortal Iron Staff hovering above his head—it was none other than the Imperial Scion of the Desolate Ape Clan.

Lofty Peak Lu did not immediately attack. After surveying his surroundings, he spoke calmly, "For you, Lingering, these thirty-two are but the interest."

"Die!"

As the words fell, Lofty Peak Lu shattered the Heavenly Vault and soared into the sky, wielding a celestial halberd. A great battle Burst forth instantly, turning heaven and earth upside down.

Initially, the Desolate Ape Imperial Scion sought to prevail through sheer force. Yet, at the first clash, he was met with a torrent of peerless divine might that sent him reeling, blood spraying from his mouth.

"Impossible! How has he grown so much stronger?"

A sense of dread washed over the Desolate Ape Imperial Scion. He immediately tried to disengage and flee, but it was already too late.

Having refined the Heaven-Slaying Heavenly God Fiend and the Path Source of Lingering Ye, nearly half of Lofty Peak Lu's Ten Great Immortal Treasuries had now stepped into the Indestructibility Realm. This divine power, channeled into his own body, elevated his combat prowess to a level nearly comparable to one who had laid a Four True Spirit Foundations.

In the span of mere moments, Desolate Ape Imperial Scion was sent reeling through the void, blood spraying, decisively slain by Lofty Peak Lu within ten moves.

"Disaster!"

Witnessing the Desolate Ape Imperial Scion's swift demise, the faces of the other hunters paled with alarm.

They sought to unite their strength in resistance, yet against such overwhelming power, numbers held little meaning.

Lofty Peak Lu rode the divine halberd, cleaving through the gathered heroes. The battle raged for a considerable time, the halberd itself shattering under the strain, until all thirty-two pursuing Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal were ultimately slain.

With the heavens settled by this single battle, Lofty Peak Lu refined the dozens of captured Path Source. Finally, his Ten Great Immortal Treasuries underwent a complete metamorphosis, each one transforming into the more formidable Indestructibility Immortal Treasury.

Furthermore, from the fallen Desolate Ape Imperial Scion, Lofty Peak Lu seized a mass of 'Desolate Heavenly God Fiend'. This Desolate Heavenly God Fiend was also one of the Ten Great God Fiends within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, a substance specifically used by Great Encompassing Golden Immortal who cultivated the Fleshly Body Sanctification art to temper their physical forms.

This substance was overwhelmingly potent, so much so that even ordinary Great Encompassing Golden Immortal dared not casually refine it. Yet, Lofty Peak Lu hesitated not in the slightest.

He fused this divine fiendish energy into his Vital Essence and Blood Divine Treasury, elevating it to the level of a Supreme Indestructibility Foundation.

Having digested these gains, Lofty Peak Lu's power now brushed against the very limits of the world. Beneath the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm, he had become a figure against whom few could hope to stand.

He emerged from the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] and began his advance toward the Primordial Domain of Saint and Demon [the ancient battleground between holy and demonic forces], intent on sweeping away all his foes and thoroughly avenging his past humiliation.

"…"

At the same time, far within the Depths of Chaos [the most remote and turbulent regions of the primordial void], in a distant expanse known as the Chaos Frontier Wasteland [a desolate borderland on the edge of the Chaos], Worthy Longevity Chen slowly opened his eyes, a trace of solemnity coloring his expression.

As the direct son of Eldrin Chen and the strongest among the three brothers, he had been targeted almost exclusively, suffering grievous wounds in the relentless assaults.

It was only a few tens of thousands of years ago that he had finally managed to shake off his pursuers and flee into this Sea of Chaos [a vast, turbulent ocean of primordial energy within the Chaos].

"My injuries have finally recovered for the most part."

"Those whelps, dozens of them ganging up on this venerable one alone. This debt will be settled in full, sooner or later."

Worthy Longevity Chen murmured softly, a slight frown creasing his brow.

Although his wounds had healed, his Thirty-Three Heavens Azure Sea Divine Pearls [a legendary set of thirty-three divine pearls said to contain the power of the azure heavens] had been exploited for a weakness by the Primordial Solar Imperial Scion, making it difficult to assemble them into their grand formation for battle.

Under such circumstances, seeking vengeance would prove an exceedingly arduous task.

"I still need to find a way to integrate those final three Vast Sea Divine Pearl [divine pearls containing the essence of the vast sea] into my body," Worthy Longevity Chen murmured to himself.

Worthy Longevity Chen slowly whispered these words, then rose to his feet and surveyed his surroundings. A slight frown creased his brow, and a trace of solemnity colored his expression.

In his desperate flight for survival, he had stumbled blindly and inadvertently fallen into this Nameless Forbidden Land [a perilous, uncharted territory]. Now, his injuries had Recovery [healed through profound cultivation], yet he had no idea how to find his way out.

This was a vast and magnificent Chaos Heavenly Domain [a pocket dimension born from primordial chaos], seemingly carved out by a powerful hand. At the Central [heart] of this Heavenly Domain stood a Great Hall [grand pavilion] sculpted from pristine green jade.

Worthy Longevity Chen approached and looked up, finding three large characters inscribed before the Great Hall: 'Thalion Heaven'.

"Thalion Heaven?"

Worthy Longevity Chen's eyes flickered with thought. After a moment of contemplation, he stepped forward.

An inexplicable feeling stirred within him—a sense that this Thalion Heaven had been waiting for him for a very long time.

"Hmm—"

Since he was here, he would make himself at home. He would see what fate had in store.

Without a moment's hesitation, Worthy Longevity Chen pushed open the doors to the Great Hall.

Upon stepping inside the Great Hall, Worthy Longevity Chen's gaze flickered, immediately drawn to an ancient pool situated within the hall.

The pool was filled with a crystalline, azure-hued immortal liquid [a potent spiritual fluid used for cultivation and healing]. Floating upon its surface were a Bamboo Slip [a record-keeping medium often used for scriptures or techniques], a Treasure Box, and a radiant, swirling mass of primordial origin power [the fundamental creative energy of the cosmos].

"This is..."

The sight of these treasures ignited a blaze of ecstatic joy within Worthy Longevity Chen.

Just as he reached out to claim them, a calm, resonant voice spoke, "Young friend, you have finally arrived."

Worthy Longevity Chen started, only now noticing an Ethereal Figure [a semi-transparent, spiritual form] clad in robes of blue immortal silk had manifested within the Immortal Pool.

The figure wore garments of supreme and peerless dignity. Around him swirled three thousand manifestations of the Great Path [the fundamental laws of cultivation and existence], his aura profound as the abyss and vast as the sea. He was the most unfathomably profound being Worthy Longevity Chen had ever encountered.

"This junior was being pursued and inadvertently fell into this place. I beg your forgiveness for the intrusion, Senior."

His heart trembling slightly with awe, Worthy Longevity Chen responded with the utmost respect.

The figure smiled calmly and spoke in a placid tone, "This place is named Thalion Heaven [a celestial realm of profound mystery]. It was specially opened and formed by this venerable one for you, before my fall in ages past."

"That you have come here today is also the result of my subtle guidance."

"Opened... for me?" Worthy Longevity Chen's heart quaked with immense shock. He couldn't help but ask, "Senior, you are...?"

The figure's gaze shifted subtly, but instead of answering immediately, he posed a question: "You possess the makings of an Immortal Sage [a supreme being who has transcended mortality and attained profound enlightenment], and the Path you cultivate is that of the Vast Sea. You are the successor this venerable one has dreamt of most."

"I sought you out and brought you here so that you might receive my legacy. Are you willing to acknowledge me as your master?"

Worthy Longevity Chen was momentarily taken aback. After a brief moment of silent contemplation, he decisively knelt and prostrated himself upon the Earthly Path [the foundational ground of cultivation]. "Your disciple, Worthy Longevity Chen, pays his respects to his honored master."

"Hahaha... You are indeed decisive."

The figure laughed heartily, then shook his head. "Since you have already acknowledged me as your master, it is right that you should know my name and title."

"Remember this well. I am known as Thalion Immortal Sage, one of the Nine Sages [the nine legendary supreme beings] of the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain [the primordial realm where immortals dwell]."

Upon hearing this, Worthy Longevity Chen felt another tremendous shock in his heart, instantly recalling the origins of this Thalion Immortal Sage.

In the ancient days of the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain [the primordial world from which all realms are said to have originated], there existed a lineage that boasted nine Chaos Heavenly Emperor [primordial sovereigns who ruled during the dawn of creation]. After the shattering of the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain, all nine of these Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers of heaven] met their demise.

Among them, the Path-Field [the personal domain and source of power for a supreme cultivator] of seven Heavenly Emperor, including Frigid Soul and Immortal Flame, fractured and split into seven pieces, becoming the fragments of the seven present-day Immortal Firmament Ancient Continent [vast, floating landmasses imbued with ancient power].

However, the Path-Field of the two most powerful Chaos Heavenly Emperor, Thalion Immortal Sage and Immortal Firmament Path Ancestor, vanished without a trace. It seems now that their methods were even more astonishing and their schemes far more profound.

Upon realizing this, Worthy Longevity Chen felt a surge of wild joy in his heart and declared, "This disciple pays his respects to his master! I swear I will not bring disgrace to your illustrious name in the days to come."

The phantom of Thalion Immortal Sage merely smiled, stroking his long beard as he said, "With your current level of cultivation, you are still far from ready."

"First, receive my legacy. We shall speak of other matters afterward."

As his words faded, Thalion Immortal Sage tossed him directly into the Immortal Pool [a pool of concentrated spiritual energy]. He then continued, "This is the Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Water [water of the highest purity, born from the world's primal essence] known as the 'Azure Sea Source Spring' [the primordial spring from which all seas are said to flow]. It is sufficient to remedy the deficiencies in your foundation."

As Worthy Longevity Chen stepped into the Azure Sea Source Spring, he immediately felt his Innate Primordial Essence [the fundamental life force one is born with] begin to be replenished and fortified. His Sacrificial Self Physique [a legendary body constitution forged through immense sacrifice and refinement] started to advance by leaps and bounds.

Seizing this opportunity, Worthy Longevity Chen refined the final three Vast Sea Divine Pearl [divine pearls containing the boundless power of the ocean], finally bringing the full set of thirty-six pearls to a state of perfect completion.

"What a formidable foundation," the phantom murmured with approval. "This child's innate talent rivals even my own in my youth."

Witnessing this scene, Thalion Immortal Sage's eyes gleamed with a subtle light. With his discerning vision, he naturally perceived that the greater part of Worthy Longevity Chen's cultivation foundation rested upon these Thirty-Six Vast Sea Divine Pearls.

Thus, stroking his long beard, he gathered a handful of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primal, unbreakable spiritual radiance] and a vast quantity of Rare Spiritual Wonders [precious materials imbued with profound spiritual properties], compelling them all to merge into the thirty-six Vast Sea Divine Pearls.

With the aid of such abundant resources, the thirty-six Vast Sea Divine Pearls ultimately underwent another profound transformation, evolving into a supremely powerful set of divine artifacts.

An immeasurable span of time seemed to pass before Worthy Longevity Chen completed his metamorphosis, having fully absorbed the Azure Sea Source Spring [a primordial spring containing the essence of the azure sea] within the pool. Only then did he slowly exhale a deep breath.

It was at this moment that Worthy Longevity Chen realized his Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [a set of ten supreme divine abilities] had, without his conscious notice, all stepped into the Indestructibility Realm [a state of near-perfect durability and power].

With such a formidable foundation, bolstered further by the thirty-six Vast Sea Divine Pearls, Worthy Longevity Chen felt confident enough to challenge even an invincible prodigy who possessed a Six True Spirit Foundations [a legendary cultivation art that forges six supreme spiritual foundations].

"You foolish boy, stop dawdling! Quickly use the Heavenly Emperor's Artifact Fusion Chapter [a supreme art for fusing one's lifebound treasures] to complete your breakthrough!"

At that very moment, Thalion Immortal Sage spoke decisively.

Worthy Longevity Chen was momentarily stunned. There was no time to question how Thalion Immortal Sage knew he possessed the Heavenly Emperor's Artifact Fusion Chapter. He immediately began to execute the art, using the Heavenly Emperor's Artifact Fusion Chapter to coalesce the Thirty-Six Vast Sea Divine Pearls.

Cultivating the Heavenly Emperor's Artifact Fusion Chapter placed extremely high demands on the compatibility between one's Lifebound Magical Treasures [treasures bound to a cultivator's life and soul]. Fortunately, these Vast Sea Divine Pearls were perfectly attuned to one another, meeting this crucial requirement.

As Worthy Longevity Chen continued his refinement, the thirty-six Vast Sea Divine Pearl [divine pearls imbued with the essence of the vast sea] finally interlocked their Dao patterns, transforming into a single, dazzlingly brilliant Ancient Pearl [a primordial pearl of immense power].

This Ancient Pearl immediately drew forth a cataclysmic surge of True Spirit Imprint [the foundational imprint of a True Spirit's destiny and power], ultimately merging to form a True Spirit Treasure [a treasure born from and bound to a True Spirit's essence]—the Azure Sea Pearl [a treasure embodying the boundless depths of the azure sea].

"Excellent, truly excellent."

Watching Worthy Longevity Chen successfully forge the True Spirit Treasure, Thalion Immortal Sage stroked his beard with satisfaction and remarked, "This True Spirit Treasure possesses limitless potential. In time, it may even have the possibility to evolve into a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [an artifact born from and containing the primordial power of chaos]."

"Very well, I shall give you this as well."

So saying, Thalion Immortal Sage handed over several treasures to Worthy Longevity Chen.

Worthy Longevity Chen took stock of the treasures and could not help but reveal a look of astonishment.

The gifts from Thalion Immortal Sage were few in number, yet each was of immeasurable value. They included one strand of Innate Primordial Breath [the most fundamental energy of creation, present at the dawn of the cosmos], one scroll of the all-encompassing Ancient Heavenly Emperor Scripture [a supreme cultivation scripture left by an ancient Heavenly Emperor], and five tokens of astonishing worth—the Ancient Immortal Firmament Token [tokens granting access to the legacy of the Ancient Immortal Firmament].

After presenting the treasures, Thalion Immortal Sage spoke again, "In our time, we few placed all treasures we deemed of no further use into the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault [a legendary repository established by ancient Heavenly Emperors], intending them to nurture future generations of disciples."

"Thus, what remains in my possession now holds little in the way of cultivation resources or Opportunity and Fortune [the confluence of chance and destiny that leads to great advancement] that would be of use to you."

At this point, Thalion Immortal Sage retrieved a dazzling violet radiance from his sleeve and, with utmost care, handed it to Worthy Longevity Chen.

He gazed at this purple spiritual light with immense fondness, a look of pride spreading across his face as he said, "Do you know what kind of treasure this is?"

Worthy Longevity Chen was momentarily taken aback. This wasn't a Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark; his own father had plenty of those.

However, seeing the unmistakably proud expression on Thalion Immortal Sage's face, Worthy Longevity Chen suppressed his initial thought and instead adopted a look of genuine curiosity.

"What is this?" he asked.

Sure enough, Thalion Immortal Sage's face lit up with pride as he declared, with no small amount of arrogance, "This is a Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark, an object born in the Primordial Chaos [the formless, undifferentiated state of existence before the creation of the cosmos] prior to the Chaos Opening."

"In the current Endless Chaos, such Primordial Chaos objects [objects originating from the Primordial Chaos] have become nearly extinct."

As he spoke, Thalion Immortal Sage turned his gaze back to Worthy Longevity Chen.

Seeing this, Worthy Longevity Chen feigned ignorance and inquired, "This Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark seems somewhat similar to an Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light. Could it also be used to break through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm?"

"The student is worthy of being taught," Thalion Immortal Sage replied, pleased.

Thalion Immortal Sage [the distant ancestor of the Chen Clan] nodded, then cursed angrily, "If that fool were to use this treasure on a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has transcended the limitations of the cosmos], I'd wring his neck myself."

"Such wanton waste would be no different from a wild boar devouring a priceless ginseng root!"

Worthy Longevity Chen [a senior member of the Chen Clan] was momentarily stunned, unsure how to respond.

Seeing this, Thalion Immortal Sage continued with pride, "A Primordial Chaos Object [an artifact born from the primordial chaos before creation] is nearly extinct within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before the universe was ordered]. This is a treasure even a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign who rules over a portion of the primordial chaos] would dream of possessing."

"When this Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark [a divine essence of indestructibility born from primordial chaos] first manifested into the world, it stirred more than ten Chaos Heavenly Emperor from across the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a vast and perilous region comprising seven major domains] into a fierce contest. In the end, this old man's skill proved superior."

As he spoke, Thalion Immortal Sage stroked his long beard with evident pride.

Witnessing this, Worthy Longevity Chen couldn't help but inquire, "If it is so precious, does the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark possess some astonishing, miraculous effect?"

"Indeed it does."

Thalion Immortal Sage gave an affirming nod and began to explain, "The Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark is of immeasurable value. It holds three wondrous applications."

"First, it can ignore cultivation bottlenecks, enhancing one's latent potential and foundational base [the spiritual and physical foundation of a cultivator], even aiding in unlocking the shackles of a True Spirit Foundation [a supreme cultivation method focused on awakening one's innate true spirit]."

"Second, this object carries great Innate Fortune [a profound and auspicious destiny]. If you keep this Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark [a divine spark embodying the indestructible nature of primordial chaos] upon your person in the days to come, your cultivation breakthroughs will proceed with unstoppable momentum. Even your close kin and friends will benefit, increasing their chances of breaking through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm by at least thirty percent."

"Third, this object can be synthesized into Primordial Chaos Source Essence [the foundational essence of primordial chaos], and even into Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [the essence of creation from the dawn of chaos]."

At this point, Thalion Immortal Sage said with a wry smile, "Do you know just how precious Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence is?"

"Within the Vast and Boundless Chaos, those who have cultivated to the Third Chaos Realm are almost all ancient beings who were born at the very moment of the Primordial Chaos Unfolding [the initial expansion and ordering of primordial chaos]."

"The reason for this is that breaking through to the Realm of Chaos using Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence not only results in a far more formidable foundation, but also increases one's chances of later breaking through to the Path Union Realm by thirty percent."

"It even offers significant benefits for reaching the Limitless Realm."

His expression turning grave, Thalion Immortal Sage continued, "From what I know, Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence can even elevate a Chaos Spiritual Artifact into a Chaos Supreme Treasure."

"Such a divine object—its priceless nature needs no further elaboration."

Then, Thalion Immortal Sage looked at Worthy Longevity Chen and said, "If you break through to the Realm of Chaos in the future and can traverse the Chaos Desolation Sea to reach the more prosperous Primordial Domain, then this single Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark alone could be exchanged for at least one Innate Supreme Treasure."

Upon hearing this, Worthy Longevity Chen finally understood the preciousness of the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark [a spark of divine, unbreakable essence from the dawn of creation] and roughly grasped why the Chen Immortal Clan had produced so many heaven-defying prodigies one after another.

Worthy Longevity Chen did not know where his father had obtained the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a light of unbreakable spirit born from the world's inception], but he vaguely sensed the quantity was likely not small.

The immense Innate Fortune [the profound luck and destiny inherent to one's very being] brought by a vast number of Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark, combined with Eldrin Chen's full support and cultivation, and the fact that the members of the Chen Clan were sufficiently driven and talented, made their current achievements seem almost predestined.

Perhaps, in the eyes of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [supreme sovereigns who rule over the primordial chaos], using Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark on mere Ancient Immortal [immortals who have weathered countless ages] was a grievous waste of a celestial treasure. Yet, for the present strength of the Chen Clan, it was precisely appropriate.

After all, unlocking the shackles of one's True Spirit [the authentic, primordial spiritual core of a being] was the primary function and most significant characteristic of the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark.

Furthermore, no matter how precious a resource, if one lacks the strength to protect it, possessing it only invites calamity.

Most crucially, given their current level of power, they were utterly unqualified to trade the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark for an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme magical artifact born alongside the world]. Their only viable option was to use it for cultivation.

Fortunately, the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme violet energy of the primordial chaos] seemed innately capable of obscuring Celestial Mechanism [the heavenly laws and mechanisms that govern fate]. Even though Eldrin Chen possessed the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura, as long as he did not reveal it, not even a Chaos Heavenly Emperor standing before him could detect it.

Returning to the matter at hand, Worthy Longevity Chen carefully stored away that wisp of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light, his expression one of utmost reverence. "Such a Heavy Treasures [a treasure of immense weight and significance] is far too precious," he said solemnly. "I am deeply grateful for Master's generous gift."

Thalion Immortal Sage smiled faintly, stroking his beard. "In the end, it is merely a single Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark," he said. "Had it been Primordial Chaos Source Essence [the very source essence of the primordial chaos], even this old man would have been reluctant to part with it."

"However, having obtained this treasure, your future potential is certain to rise by several more degrees. Perhaps you truly can prove the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [the supreme title for a ruler who has mastered the primordial forces of creation]."

"Now, cultivate diligently. When this venerable one awakens in the future, I may yet require your aid."

With those final words, the phantom of Thalion Immortal Sage finally faded into nothingness.

Worthy Longevity Chen watched Thalion Immortal Sage depart. After offering three final bows of respect, he stepped out of Thalion Heaven [the celestial realm founded and ruled by the ancient sage Thalion], a palpable aura of killing intent now cloaking his form.

Once beyond the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all creation emerged], he gazed towards the direction of the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole [the central axis and most sacred region within the primordial chaos]. A cold sneer curled his lips. "An eye for an eye, a debt for a debt. I have returned at last, you little whelps."