Chapter 1965 : Tides of Chaos Unleashed

Worthy Longevity Chen strode forth from Thalion Heaven and immediately set his course to slaughter his way towards the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole.

He had not traveled far when he encountered the formidable enemies pursuing him, led by none other than the Primordial Solar Imperial Scion.

"BOOM—"

The moment he saw the approaching foe, Worthy Longevity Chen decisively took action, summoning the Vast Sea Divine Pearl to suppress them from above.

In that instant, heaven and earth trembled, the Sea of Chaos churned in reverse, and a cataclysmic Sea of Chaos Tidal Wave [a devastating surge of primordial chaos energy] swept over everything.

"Disastrous!"

The Primordial Solar Imperial Scion, who had intended to deploy a formation to trap and kill Worthy Longevity Chen, found himself utterly unprepared. The Sea of Chaos Tidal Wave surged past, instantly scattering the half-formed formation before it could solidify.

In nearly a single clash, dozens of Chaos Demon Gods [primordial beings born from chaos] were caught in the tidal wave, sent flying and coughing up blood.

"Pfft—"

The Primordial Solar Imperial Scion spat out a mouthful of blood, his voice filled with disbelief. "You are merely an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]. How is it possible for you to command the Sea of Chaos Tidal Wave?"

In that moment, disbelief gripped every foe. To summon the Sea of Chaos Tidal Wave was a feat only a Chaos Demon God should be capable of. How could Worthy Longevity Chen, a mere Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, possibly achieve such a thing?

"Because the Sea of Chaos... is also a sea," he stated, his voice cold and clear.

With a chilling sneer, Worthy Longevity Chen made his move. The Vast Sea Divine Pearl in his hand erupted with blinding Immortal Radiance, instantly splitting into thirty-six luminous orbs that descended upon the Chaos, sealing this expanse of Chaos Void within an unbreakable prison of light.

The Primordial Solar Imperial Scion tried to flee immediately, but found that even when he channeled his Great Emperor Forbidden Artifact, he could not shatter the barrier formed by the thirty-six Vast Sea Divine Pearl.

"A True Spirit Treasure [a supreme-grade artifact born from the primordial chaos, possessing its own sentient spirit and immense power]?" he gasped.

Incredulity washed over the Primordial Solar Imperial Scion's face. He could scarcely believe that even a Great Emperor Forbidden Artifact [a powerful artifact forged by a Great Emperor, imbued with a fraction of their supreme power] failed to breach the seal of the Azure Sea Pearl.

After all, this Great Emperor Forbidden Artifact was a lesser version of an Imperial Weapon. Though its grade was only at the early stage of an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the natural laws of heaven and earth, possessing innate spiritual power], it bore the imprinted essence of an Innate Supreme Treasure [the highest class of innate treasures, embodying fundamental cosmic principles]. It was virtually a pseudo-True Spirit Treasure, rivaling the power of a Lower Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

Such a treasure, whose might surpassed many Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, could not disperse the Thirty-Six Vast Sea Divine Pearls. This proved they formed a genuine True Spirit Treasure killing formation.

Realizing this, the Primordial Solar Imperial Scion instantly understood he was no match for his opponent.

As Worthy Longevity Chen descended, commanding the Thirty-Six Vast Sea Divine Pearls to press down with crushing force, the Imperial Scion's face paled with terror. "My grandfather is the Primordial Solar Great Emperor! How dare you kill me?" he cried out in desperation.

"Annihilate your true soul!"

Worthy Longevity Chen spoke with chilling indifference. The Vast Sea Divine Pearl in his hand ground and obliterated everything, utterly suppressing and slaying Primordial Solar Imperial Scion along with over twenty Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal within the Chaos.

This time, Worthy Longevity Chen's strike was incomparably domineering, completely extinguishing the souls of his foes. Only their Indestructibility True Spirit [the indestructible core of a being's spirit] plummeted into the cycle of Reincarnation.

Thus, even a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal would find it difficult to resurrect them. Should the Primordial One Imperial Lord [the supreme ruler of the primordial chaos] deign to intervene personally, reviving them would still demand a staggering price.

After annihilating the group, Worthy Longevity Chen felt a profound sense of vindication surge within him. He fought his way deep into the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole, settling old scores and clearing vast debts of enmity along his path.

Thereafter, he journeyed towards the Heaven Abyss Ancient Continent. In the depths of Heaven Abyss, he joined forces with Fate Extinction and Lofty Peak Lu, utterly eradicating the Imperial Scions of the Four Great Imperial Courts.

With this, the core Imperial Scions accumulated over numerous Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and renewal] by the Four Great Imperial Courts, dozens of Great Encompassing Ancient Sect, and hundreds of other factions were almost entirely swept clean by the trio.

Following their complete victory, the end of the current Kalpa Tribulation drew near.

The three did not immediately attempt their breakthrough into the Great Encompassing realm. Instead, they traversed the Chaos Frontier Wasteland and arrived at the edge of the Chaos Desolation Sea, the very place where Goose Startles Cold had vanished.

At the periphery of the Chaos Desolation Sea, they found only a shattered fragment of a broken sword and a few tattered leaves of the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass [a legendary plant whose leaves are as sharp as divine swords].

"Junior Brother Goose Startles Cold possessed such extraordinary talent, a true pity..."

Gazing at the shattered sword and the broken sword-leaf, Worthy Longevity Chen let out a soft sigh, a trace of lament coloring his expression.

The Chaos Desolation Sea [a primordial, turbulent expanse of chaotic energy] is saturated with Fiendish Energy [a corruptive, malevolent form of spiritual power]. Even a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm cultivator] venturing deep within would find their consciousness gradually eroded by its influence.

Goose Startles Cold possessed a cultivation base only at the Immortal Treasury Realm [a foundational immortal realm], yet he had fallen into the Chaos Desolation Sea. It was feared he would not last long before his mind was utterly worn away, sinking him into a state of complete, mindless oblivion.

Lofty Peak Lu also sighed softly but offered words of consolation: "This part of the Chaos Desolation Sea is the inner sea of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a collective name for seven major regions in the southern cosmic abyss]. Though vast and boundless, it does have its limits. Perhaps our master has the means to retrieve him."

Worthy Longevity Chen remained silent for a long while before finally speaking. "Let us hope so."

"..."

While the three outside worried, within that violently churning Chaos Desolation Sea, a single, grievously damaged Chaos Realm Grass [a rare spiritual plant born from chaotic energies] had taken root upon a massive Chaos Divine Stone [a primordial stone infused with chaotic divine essence].

It bore nine leaves shaped like Immortal Swords [divine blades wielded by celestial beings]. Several of the finest leaves had already Decayed [a state of divine withering or breakdown] and broken off, yet each severed leaf still contained Sword Intent [the conceptual essence and will of a swordsman] potent enough to grant eternal Indestructibility [a state of absolute, unyielding durability].

It turned out that after Goose Startles Cold fled into the Chaos Desolation Sea, to resist its corrosive influence, he had immediately assumed his true form and rooted himself upon a Chaos Divine Stone, using it as an anchor to withstand the sea's relentless erosion.

It must be admitted that while the Chaos Realm Grass is feeble and insignificant, its inherent nature is truly tenacious and unyielding. No wonder it can spread throughout the entire Sea of Chaos.

After reverting to its original form, Goose Startles Cold actually managed to barely withstand the erosion of the Chaos Desolation Sea, preserving a faint, muddled spark of spiritual awareness, much like it was at its very birth.

Yet even so, this flicker of awareness remained perilously weak, like a candle flame in the darkness, on the verge of being snuffed out at any moment.

"Boom—"

An unknowable length of time passed, just as Goose Startles Cold was about to be utterly extinguished.

Suddenly, a Sea of Chaos Waves surged forth, churning up Chaos Divine Stone that flew out in all directions, seemingly breaching an invisible barrier in the process.

What lay beyond was a realm in the very throes of gestation. Within it, tens of thousands of Chaos Lair were taking shape, among which were not only Great Encompassing Chaos Lair, but even Primordial One Grade Chaos Lair could be seen rising and falling.

Had a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal been present, they would have instantly recognized the origin of this realm. This was a nascent Primordial Chaos World Sea, and it was not far from its complete emergence into existence.

"..."

As for Goose Startles Cold, who had fallen into the Chaos Desolation Sea, the three of them could do nothing but watch helplessly, powerless to aid.

After repeatedly confirming that Goose Startles Cold had indeed vanished into the Chaos Desolation Sea, they did not linger any longer at that place.

Within the Depths of Chaos, the three of them successively attained the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm through the Sacrificial Self Path, and then all returned to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

Simultaneously, as the Kalpa Tribulation [the great cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] gradually approached its Tribulation [its climactic, cataclysmic phase], the various Immortal Domain [realms governed by immortal powers] finally began to re-emerge into the world.

Eldrin Chen gazed upon his three disciples before him, a flicker of complex emotion surfacing in the depths of his pupils.

Although Eldrin Chen had long been mentally prepared for the possibility of a disciple meeting their fate within the tribulation, when the event unfolded before his very eyes, he could not help but feel a profound sense of sorrow and compassion.

After the three had recounted the entire sequence of events, Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh. "Go into seclusion to consolidate your cultivation bases," he said. "Leave everything else to me."

Once the three had departed, Eldrin Chen immediately traversed the Chaos [the primordial, formless state preceding creation] and arrived at the location where Goose Startles Cold had disappeared.

"Was it here?" he murmured.

Staring at the Chaos Desolation Sea before him, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, his expression growing solemn and grave.

The Chaos Desolation Sea into which Goose Startles Cold had fled was situated within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, one of the dozen or so inland seas that comprised that vast and perilous region.

Because the Southern Abyss Seven Domains are separated by immense distances, the area a Primordial Domain can influence is also limited. Consequently, between the Seven Great Immortal Domains, there exist numerous stretches of Chaos Desolation Sea [vast, perilous seas of chaotic energy between stable domains].

These Chaos Desolation Sea vary greatly in size. The largest are greater than thousands of Path Domain [realms governed by a Path Ancestor's law] combined, while the smallest are merely the size of several dozen Path Domain.

However, compared to the Boundless Chaos and Desolation Sea [the infinite, primordial chaos beyond the known domains] outside the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, the danger level of these inner seas is far lower. Generally, a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has comprehended the Great Encompassing Dao] possesses the capability to traverse them.

Nevertheless, a Chaos Desolation Sea remains inherently perilous. Even the smallest one can corrode a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true self of a cultivator], inflicting damage that is nearly irreversible. Therefore, even Great Encompassing Golden Immortal will typically choose to detour around them.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen performed a divination with his fingers. A subtle flicker finally passed through the center of his brow.

Within a Chaos Desolation Sea, Celestial Mechanism [the underlying principles and fate threads of heaven and earth] is thrown into chaos. Its effect in obscuring Celestial Mechanism is even stronger than the Sea of Chaos surrounding the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. Consequently, he was unable to divine the precise location of Goose Startles Cold.

Yet, it was, after all, a True Spirit Celestial Mechanism Divine Ability [a supreme divination art born from a True Spirit's innate talent]. Eldrin Chen managed to vaguely discern that Goose Startles Cold likely faced no grave danger. On the contrary, there seemed to be a hint of significant Opportunity and Fortune [a confluence of favorable circumstances and destined good luck] surrounding him.

"It seems his survival past the tribulation has brought renewal, and no small measure of Opportunity and Fortune," Eldrin Chen murmured to himself.

A weight lifted from Eldrin Chen's heart as he released a quiet sigh of relief.

For one like Goose Startles Cold, who carried the Fortune [destined luck and blessing] of the Chaos Realm Grass Clan [a primordial plant-based race], it was to be expected that surviving a Tribulation [a heavenly trial or calamity] would allow him to ascend to even greater heights.

As this thought crossed his mind, Eldrin Chen suddenly furrowed his brow slightly. After casting a glance towards the Depths of Chaos, he instantly transformed into a streak of light, tearing through the void and vanishing into the Chaos [the primordial, formless state preceding creation].

"He fled with remarkable speed."

Not long after Eldrin Chen's departure, several formidable enemies emerged one after another within the Chaos. Among them were the Primal Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial beast of immense power] and the Verdant Extreme Patriarch, all of them top-tier Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme realm of cultivation]. Merely those at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of that realm] numbered as many as three.

Watching Eldrin Chen escape, a majestic figure with golden hair spoke, "A pity he slipped away. Today would have been the day to suppress and slay him for certain."

Hearing this, the Verdant Extreme Patriarch replied with a cold glint in his eyes, "Given his strength, if his sole intent is to flee for his life, dealing with him remains a formidable challenge."

Nearby, a violet-robed Innate Heavenly God Being [a being born with the power of a celestial deity] sneered, "Soon, that Primordial Chaos World Sea [a nascent cosmic ocean of worlds] will be born into this world. I believe he will inevitably make a move for it."

The Primal Chaos Kui Ox chuckled as well, then added, "This is the handiwork of the Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor, aided by the personal scheming of several Imperial Majesties who have been secretly stirring the waters, guiding his disciple into that very Primordial Chaos World Sea as it gestates."

"Barring unforeseen circumstances, his disciple is destined to obtain a wisp of Innate Primordial Breath [the foundational energy of creation]. When the Primordial Chaos World Sea finally emerges, even if he wishes to avoid entering to explore its Opportunity and Fortune [chances and destiny], he will become the target of all."

"Hahaha…"

Upon hearing this, the assembled Great Encompassing Golden Immortal all laughed heartily, a sense of deep satisfaction evident in their expressions.

As one of the top three masters of the Art of Divination within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, the Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor had cultivated his power to the Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord realm. Furthermore, he wielded the Innate Supreme Treasure known as the 'Heaven-Deduction Pearl'.

It could be said that the Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor was renowned for his flawless calculations, capable of orchestrating a foe's demise without leaving a single trace.

Given that such a figure had personally performed the divination, they believed it was more than sufficient to manipulate Eldrin Chen like a puppet on strings, utterly severing his thread of life.

Stroking his long beard, the Verdant Extreme Patriarch spoke after a moment's contemplation: "Due to the deterrence posed by the allies of the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance, the Four Great Imperial Courts cannot intervene directly. However, they have paid a king's ransom to hire two cultivators at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection level to act."

"When the time comes, the five of us will join forces. Coupled with the ambushes laid by these other formidable enemies, we will ensure that Eldrin the Immortal Lord meets his end within the depths of the Primordial Chaos World Sea."

"..."

Unaware of the intricate schemes being woven by his powerful adversaries, Eldrin Chen remained in the dark.

Upon returning to the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance, he immediately sought out Exquisite Jiang and the others, sharing the news that Goose Startles Cold might still be alive.

Hearing this, a wave of quiet relief washed over the group.

Exquisite Jiang let out a soft sigh of relief before speaking. "Having survived such a calamity, Goose Startles Cold is surely destined for great fortune hereafter. You need not worry overmuch."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then spoke, "Recently, through my divinations, I have discerned that the emergence of the Primordial Chaos World Sea [the primordial ocean from which all worlds are born] draws near. Barring unforeseen circumstances, it should manifest in approximately sixty million years."

"Sixty million years from now?"

Nyssa Qu's eyes narrowed slightly, and she could not help but inquire, "Do you intend to participate?"

Eldrin Chen did not answer directly, merely stating, "We are in dire need of cultivation resources."

Upon hearing this, solemnity settled upon the brows of all present.

Indeed, the Chen Immortal Clan was truly in urgent need of cultivation resources now.

Barring unforeseen events, Eldrin Chen and Future would likely break through to the Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the sixth level of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle stage of immortal cultivation] within tens of millions of years, and could attempt to charge towards the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal within three Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration].

When that time came, the amount of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primal, unbreakable spiritual radiance essential for foundational breakthroughs] he would need to consume for a single foundational breakthrough would start at several dozen strands at the very least. If sufficient resources could not be gathered during this period, his cultivation progress would inevitably grind to a halt.

Furthermore, the cultivation speed of the Chen Immortal Clan's Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [cultivators at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] had also begun to gradually slow.

As the limited supply of Great Encompassing Immortal Pill [a supreme pill that greatly aids cultivation at the Great Encompassing realm] was prioritized for Eldrin Chen, relying solely on refining Indestructibility Golden Fruit [a golden fruit imbued with indestructible properties] and other resources to enhance their cultivation, the speed of their physical body refinement had been halved.

Moreover, as their cultivation progresses in the future, the consumption of resources will only increase. Resources such as the Indestructibility Golden Fruit [a legendary fruit said to grant a form of unyielding vitality] have a limited yield each Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense destruction and renewal], meaning their cultivation speed will inevitably slow down further.

In this context, the opening of the Primordial Chaos World Sea [the primordial, formless ocean from which all worlds are said to have emerged] might be the only chance to acquire resources like the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial spiritual radiance that embodies the concept of indestructibility] in vast quantities.

Thinking of this, Verdant Consort could not help but voice her concern, "I am merely worried that our enemies might seize this opportunity to move against you."

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before replying with considerable confidence, "If my Three Great Foundations [the three core pillars of a cultivator's power: body, energy, and spirit] all break through to the Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the sixth stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], then even those at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] will find it difficult to best me."

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement. Eldrin Chen's current level of cultivation was already extraordinary.

With the recent breakthroughs of Worthy Longevity Chen and the other two into the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm during this Kalpa Tribulation, the power of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-transcendence and sacrifice] had surged once more.

As the master of this Great Path [a supreme and fundamental principle of cultivation], Eldrin Chen could already wield power comparable to a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection cultivator, relying solely on the authority granted by this Path.

Furthermore, Eldrin Chen's Three Great Foundations were exceptional, already rivaling the most elite practitioners at the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the seventh stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm].

Once his Three Great Foundations broke through to the Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, each would advance further, propelling him directly into the domain of the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the eighth and penultimate stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm].

At that point, by unifying the power of his Three Great Foundations, Eldrin Chen would possess combat strength on par with the top-tier experts of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm.

With the power of the Three Great Foundations [the three fundamental cultivation paths of the body, energy, and spirit], augmented by the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art focused on self-transcendence], and wielding the Returning Abyss Seal [a powerful seal artifact] which rivals a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest tier of naturally formed magical artifacts], Eldrin Chen could contend with at least five ordinary cultivators at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm].

It must be understood that there are no weaklings among Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [cultivators at the late stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]. Those who have attained Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection have almost all forged three Indestructibility Foundation [foundations of unbreakable durability].

Such individuals are nearly comparable to half a Primordial One Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord who has unified their cultivation into a single, primordial essence]. Even if an early-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord were to personally attack, Eldrin Chen would at the very least possess the power to ensure his own survival.

The fact that Eldrin Chen could still fight one against five when facing Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection cultivators clearly demonstrates the formidable nature of Triple Path Cultivation [the simultaneous cultivation of the body, energy, and spirit paths].

After all, if Eldrin Chen had cultivated only a single path—be it Fleshly Body Sanctification [the path of physical perfection], Great Path [the path of profound Dao comprehension], or Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [the path of spiritual ascension]—his current combat prowess would likely only reside within the domain of the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the eighth minor stage within the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm].

Even with the addition of a True Spirit Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born from a True Spirit's essence], he would, at best, only be able to contend with a single Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection cultivator.

Unfortunately, Triple Path Cultivation is exceedingly arduous. Even Exquisite Jiang primarily focused on the Path of Path Mastery [the path of mastering cultivation arts] and Primordial Spirit Path Attainment, only dabbling in the Fleshly Body Sanctification Art [the art of physical sanctification] without cultivating its associated Bloodline Divine Ability [innate divine abilities tied to one's bloodline].

Returning to the main point, having ascertained that Eldrin Chen possessed the confidence to protect himself, Exquisite Jiang spoke up, "When the time comes, I shall accompany you."