Chapter 2003 : A Clan's Ambition, A Celestial's Fear

At this thought, Ethan Chen could not help but smile faintly before speaking, "With this batch of resources, we can focus solely on our cultivation for the next ten Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles]."

"Perhaps within the next one hundred Kalpa Tribulation, we might all be able to break through to the realm of Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the supreme sovereigns born from the primordial chaos]."

Hearing this, everyone present revealed a smile, their eyes gleaming with a touch of pride.

The various Grand Luo [Great Luo realm] experts of the Chen Clan all possessed extraordinary foundations; it would be no exaggeration to say each had the potential for Primordial Unity [the state of returning to the primordial oneness].

Yet, Eldrin Chen's expression turned solemn upon hearing this, and he spoke gravely, "For a single clan to give birth to twenty Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch within one hundred Kalpa Tribulation... I fear such a feat would surely alarm those Celestial Emperor [the supreme rulers of the heavens]."

The others' expressions also tightened slightly at his words.

Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch were exceedingly rare. Across the entire Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, the seven Origin Domain [the primordial source realms] combined held little more than three thousand such sovereigns.

The Three Thousand Immortal Domains stood as the foremost among the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, yet even there, the three dominant races—Human, Demon, and Divine—alongside the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [the hundred races blessed with immortal spirit], numbered only slightly over seven hundred Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

Among them, the Human Race, as one of the three paramount overlords, possessed merely a little over one hundred Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

Given this context, if the Chen Immortal Clan alone were to produce twenty Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, it would likely require power at the level of a Sage Ascendant [a sage who has ascended to supreme enlightenment] to deter the inevitable repercussions.

After all, no matter how astonishing the legacy left by Lunar Emperor Lord might be, it would be considered excellent if it could nurture several dozen Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of a Golden Immortal within the Grand Luo hierarchy]. The prospect of it cultivating several dozen Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler who has mastered the primordial chaos] would be utterly terrifying.

Thinking of this, Yvonne the Violet Consort also could not help but speak up, "Perhaps we are acting too hastily. It might be better to suppress our cultivation for a time, not rushing to break through our current realms."

"Having a sword and choosing not to use it is fundamentally different from not having a sword at all."

Eldrin Chen shook his head and then spoke, "The distance between your current cultivation and the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch is still considerable. You should proceed with steady, methodical cultivation."

"I believe that as long as we do not have a large number of breakthroughs to Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, those Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation] Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler among the heavens] should not take notice of us."

"As for breaking through to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm, let us observe the situation in the future. After I achieve my own breakthrough, I will venture into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, chaotic, and desolate expanse within the primordial void]."

"At that time, we shall see if a solution can be found."

Upon hearing his words, everyone present nodded in agreement, setting the matter aside for the time being.

After handling this matter, Eldrin Chen ordered the various rare treasures obtained from the battle spoils and bestowed by the Immortal Court [the celestial governing body of the immortals] to be stored in the clan vault, concluding the assembly.

Following the meeting, Eldrin Chen once again entered a state of Restoration [secluded cultivation]. In his leisure, he delved into the arts of alchemy and artifact forging, occasionally deducing new divine abilities and mystical techniques, continuously refining and perfecting his own path of cultivation.

Thus did Time flow swiftly by, and before one knew it, several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] had passed.

On this day, Eldrin Chen awoke from his secluded cultivation. Gazing at a spiritual talisman in his hand, a flicker of light passed through his eyes as he spoke, "Two old friends are preparing to attempt a breakthrough into the Great Luo Realm [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing the pinnacle of existence]."

Beside him, Lyra Jiang glanced at the talisman and sighed with a touch of nostalgia. "Since they are old friends, let us offer them our support once more."

Eldrin Chen nodded. He rose and left his cave abode, his steps carrying him unconsciously to a certain courtyard.

There, within the courtyard, stood a man and a woman, both peerless Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality and attained immortality], as if they had been waiting for some time.

The visitors were indeed Eldrin Chen's two old friends: Cosmos the Lord of the Endless Sea Pavilion and Celestial Mountain Goddess.

After the passage of several dozen Kalpa Tribulation, Cosmos the Lord of the Endless Sea Pavilion and Celestial Mountain Goddess had long since converted to cultivating the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation method that emphasizes sacrifice and dedication]. Their cultivation had already reached the Perfection stage of the Immortal Treasury Perfection [a high-level immortal realm where one's spiritual foundation is perfected].

This outcome was fully anticipated by Eldrin Chen.

Over these years, Eldrin Chen had shown great care for these two old friends. Nearly every Kalpa Tribulation, he would bestow upon them rare immortal treasures and wondrous materials, which included items of the Great Luo Rare Treasure [extremely rare treasures associated with the Great Luo Realm] grade and even treasures on the level of Innate Spiritual Treasures [treasures born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate laws and immense power].

With such an abundance of cultivation resources at their disposal, and having cultivated for over twenty Kalpa Tribulation, it was only natural that they had reached the Immortal Treasury Perfection realm.

At this moment, seeing Eldrin Chen arrive, the two of them smiled and said, "Greetings, Emperor Lord."

"There is no need for such formality between us."

Eldrin Chen smiled as he spoke, gesturing for them to sit before continuing, "I have heard that your cultivation foundations are now complete and you are preparing to attempt a breakthrough into the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal?"

Upon hearing this, both nodded. Tianya the Ancient Ancestor replied with a trace of a smile, "Thanks to your support, our accumulation is sufficient. We believe we can attempt that step now."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, a reminiscent smile on his face. "I still remember when we stood together in the Violet Boundary, resisting the foreign realm demon gods."

"And I recall the days when we were merely in the Celestial Immortal Realm, venturing together through the Chaos Sea. It all feels as though it happened just yesterday."

"Yet now, in the blink of an eye, more than twenty Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] have passed, and you are about to set foot upon the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal."

Hearing this, both Celestial Maiden and Tianya the Ancient Ancestor were filled with a profound sense of nostalgia.

The Celestial Maiden smiled gently and said, "Back when we explored the Chaos Sea, we thought we were the seniors guiding a junior. Who could have imagined that in the end, it was we who were under your care?"

"Hahaha..."

The three of them laughed heartily. After his mirth subsided, Tianya the Ancient Ancestor said, "After this tribulation, if we can break through to the Great Luo Realm [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing the pinnacle of existence], we will be able to offer you our meager assistance once more."

Eldrin Chen smiled, retrieving two jade boxes from his sleeve and handing them to the pair. "I have heard," he said, "that the two of you have pledged to become cultivation partners [a profound, lifelong bond between cultivators, deeper than marriage] once you both attain the Grand Luo."

"Consider the contents of these boxes my wedding gift."

"Then I shall accept without further ceremony."

Upon hearing this, Cosmos the Lord of the Endless Sea Pavilion let out a hearty laugh and directly accepted the congratulatory gift.

For once, Celestial Maiden lowered her head. A faint blush colored her cheeks, and a resolute light shone in her eyes.

Eldrin Chen understood. Cosmos the Lord of the Endless Sea Pavilion and Celestial Maiden had accompanied each other for many years. The bond forged over dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often billions of years] had long ripened into something that could become a partnership. It was only their singular devotion to the Dao [the fundamental principle or path in cultivation] that had kept them from acknowledging it.

Now, facing the tribulation of the Grand Luo, they had finally opened their hearts.

For this, Eldrin Chen offered his sincere blessings. Both had shown him great kindness, and their union was a tale worthy of celebration.

After presenting the jade boxes, Eldrin Chen gave a nod of satisfaction. He then drew another token from his sleeve and handed it to them, saying:

"This is my Emperor Lord decree. With this token, you may go to cultivate within the Great Luo Immortal Pool of the Immortal Court."

"That Great Luo Immortal Pool possesses wondrous and boundless utility. It offers significant benefits for cultivating the Path of Self-Sacrifice, so consider it my contribution towards your breakthrough to the Grand Luo realm."

Upon hearing this, Cosmos the Lord of the Endless Sea Pavilion hurriedly pushed the token back, saying, "The privilege to use the Great Luo Immortal Pool is far too precious. It is better not to waste it on someone like me."

Celestial Maiden also shook her head, unwilling to accept such a gift.

The Great Luo Immortal Pool is a celestial pool within the Immortal Court, a supreme treasure ground for the cultivation of Grand Luo Golden Immortal. Many Grand Luo Golden Immortal must pay a significant price for the chance to enter and cultivate within it.

They were merely at the Ancient Immortal Realm; how could they afford to use such a precious place?

Eldrin Chen shook his head, then spoke directly, "My current status is equivalent to an Emperor Lord. With each Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal], I am granted three opportunities to use the Great Luo Immortal Pool free of charge."

"And the Great Luo Immortal Pool holds no further use for me. Its purpose was always to aid the cultivation of my clansmen and imperial scions. Since you two are on the verge of breaking through to Grand Luo, it is fitting that you should be the first to cultivate there."

Only then did the two nod in understanding and accept the Emperor Lord decree from Eldrin Chen.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke again, "After the accumulation of more than twenty Kalpa Tribulation, the number of those who have perfected the Immortal Treasury Realm within the Path of Self-Sacrifice has reached several tens."

"Therefore, during this upcoming Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal], the Immortal Alliance will have many attempting to prove their Dao. You should all go and cultivate first. When the time comes, you can enter the tribulation together to strive for a breakthrough to Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of a Golden Immortal, representing supreme attainment]."

Upon hearing this, Tianya the Ancient Ancestor's eyes lit up, and he spoke, "It seems the time has come for the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a cultivation path that empowers oneself through the sacrifice of one's own potential and treasures], this entirely new Great Dao, to make its initial debut upon the stage of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains."

Eldrin Chen also smiled. After the accumulation of more than twenty Kalpa Tribulation cycles, the Path of Self-Sacrifice had long since spread across dozens of Immortal Domain [a vast region within the immortal realms]. The number of Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality through cultivation] practicing this path had grown ever larger.

Under these circumstances, the number of high-level Immortal within the Path of Self-Sacrifice had also increased significantly.

According to Eldrin Chen's knowledge, the practitioners of the Path of Self-Sacrifice who had reached the Immortal Treasury Realm [a profound cultivation realm focused on accumulating and refining internal power] now numbered over a thousand. Each of these individuals was a top-tier powerhouse comparable to an Ancient Immortal.

Although the vast majority of these Immortal Treasury Realm practitioners of the Path of Self-Sacrifice had not yet achieved the Nine-Limit Immortal Treasury [the ultimate perfection of the Immortal Treasury Realm], the sheer number of such powerful figures had continuously refined and perfected the Path of Self-Sacrifice itself.

The current power of the Path of Self-Sacrifice was already sufficient to rival the very limits of a First Layer of Primordial Unity Emperor Lord [the foundational tier of the Emperor Lord realm, representing the unification of primordial forces].

By Eldrin Chen's estimation, within just a few more Kalpa Tribulation cycles, as these Immortal of the Path of Self-Sacrifice gradually achieved their breakthroughs, it was highly likely that the path would give birth to several dozen Grand Luo Golden Immortal in one fell swoop.

By that time, the collective power of the Path of Self-Sacrifice was destined to experience another significant leap forward.

Moreover, once the Path of Self-Sacrifice produced several dozen Grand Luo through Ascension [the process of transcending to a higher realm], it would inevitably draw the focused attention of the entire Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

When the Grand Luo Golden Immortals of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains discovered the potency of the Path of Self-Sacrifice, this cultivation art would begin to spread like wildfire across the realms. Countless mortals without a Spirit Root [the innate spiritual foundation required for conventional cultivation] would embark upon the Path of Self-Sacrifice.

Consequently, the number of Grand Luo Golden Immortals walking the Path of Self-Sacrifice would begin to multiply ceaselessly, without Eldrin Chen needing to expend immense resources to nurture them.

It must be understood that among the Abyssal Immortal Alliance's thousand-plus Immortal Treasury Realm [a high cultivation realm] cultivators of the Path of Self-Sacrifice, many had been elevated because Eldrin Chen had invested considerable resources in their cultivation.

This included former Celestial Immortals and Ancient Immortals who had switched paths. For them, Eldrin Chen had even employed the Creation Cauldron [a legendary artifact capable of forging and refining essence] alongside vast quantities of exceedingly rare resources.

However, once the Path of Self-Sacrifice spread beyond the confines of the Abyssal Immortal Alliance, Eldrin Chen would no longer need to deplete his resources to foster its practitioners.

By that time, relying solely on the countless mortals within the myriad Immortal Domains cultivating of their own volition, he believed that, given the vast foundational numbers, this path could become a transcendent great Dao rivaling the orthodox immortal path.

"I only need the birth of thirty-six Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfections and three hundred Grand Luo Golden Immortals from this path. Then, my Path of Self-Sacrifice can step into the domain of the Perfect Innate Great Dao [a state of Dao perfection representing the ultimate innate principle],"

"In other words, once the Path of Self-Sacrifice produces three hundred Grand Luos and thirty-six Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfections through Ascension [the process of breaking through to a higher realm], I shall be able to set foot into the realm of a Sage Ascendant."

Eldrin Chen murmured these thoughts within his heart, a faint smile gracing his lips.

He was convinced that once the Path of Self-Sacrifice permeated the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, the Ascension of three hundred Grand Luos would be a matter of, at most, a few hundred Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often involving cataclysmic events].

Due to the astonishing potential of the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a supreme cultivation art that involves sacrificing one's own being for ultimate power], many top-tier Ancient Immortal Great Powers [cultivators who have reached the pinnacle of the Ancient Immortal realm] who find themselves unable to break through to the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] would likely pay a tremendous price to reincarnate and cultivate the Path of Self-Sacrifice.

The sole flaw is that the Path of Self-Sacrifice has not yet been proven capable of reaching the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the supreme realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor]. This deters those with ambitions for the Primordial Chaos Realm [the ultimate realm of existence, the Primordial Chaos] from choosing this path.

Returning to the matter at hand, after gathering his thoughts, Eldrin Chen looked at Tianya the Ancient Ancestor and Celestial Maiden and said, "If you two can set foot in the Great Luo Realm [the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm], it will also count as contributing your share to the Path of Self-Sacrifice."

Hearing this, both of them smiled. Tianya the Ancient Ancestor spoke directly, "Then let us go to the Great Luo Immortal Pool [a legendary pool of immortal energy that aids in breakthroughs]. It should increase our chances of breaking through to Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm]."

After bidding farewell to Cosmos the Lord of the Endless Sea Pavilion and Celestial Maiden, Eldrin Chen gave a slight, thoughtful nod.

After a moment of contemplation, he first summoned Xianzhu Chen. Not long after, Xianzhu Chen arrived accompanied by a woman in a white dress.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, they immediately bowed with smiles and said, "Greetings, Father."

Eldrin Chen acknowledged them with a nod. His gaze swept over Xianzhu Chen before settling on the woman in white. With a warm smile, he asked, "Susu, how has your cultivation accumulation been progressing lately?"

"Thanks to Father's support, your child's cultivation has reached completion," the woman in the white dress replied, offering a graceful curtsy.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. These two were none other than his eldest son, Xianzhu Chen, and his wife, Susu.

In ages past, Eldrin Chen had sent Xianzhu Chen and Susu into reincarnation. Xianzhu Chen had fused with nine Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters and carried the Buddha's Salvation Scripture [a supreme scripture of enlightenment and liberation] into his new life.

As for Susu, she had also received one of the ancient characters, which had evolved into her companion ancient scripture, the Primordial Inquiry of Fundamentals Scripture [a profound scripture focused on questioning and understanding the fundamental principles of existence].

After their reincarnation, Eldrin Chen had secretly guided them to cultivate the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a cultivation art that focuses on sacrifice and refinement of the self]. Their cultivation had now reached the peak of the Immortal Treasury Realm [the realm where one stores and refines their immortal essence].

In truth, they could have broken through the Immortal Treasury Realm long ago. However, because the Path of Self-Sacrifice still possessed several subtle flaws, they willingly remained within the Immortal Treasury Realm, assisting Eldrin Chen in perfecting the art.

Throughout this process, they had continuously explored the limits of the Path of Self-Sacrifice, seeking a method to achieve the True Spirit Immortal Treasury [the ultimate, perfected state of the Immortal Treasury, where one's true spirit is fully integrated and refined]. Yet, they had always found the final breakthrough elusive.

Now, Eldrin Chen summoned the pair. With a gentle smile, he spoke, "I have divined it. Before reaching the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme ruler whose power originates from the primordial chaos], it is fundamentally impossible to cultivate the True Spirit Immortal Treasury through the Path of Self-Sacrifice."

"Your years of exploring the limits of the Immortal Treasury have helped me uncover many issues. Now, the Immortal Treasury Realm is nearly flawless. There is no need for you to linger here any longer."

"Prepare yourselves. For this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial marking the end of a cosmic cycle], you shall break through to the Great Luo Realm [the Great Luo Realm, a profound stage of cultivation]."

Upon hearing his words, a subtle light flickered in the depths of their eyes.

Susu [a character's name] nodded slightly, then bowed respectfully and said, "I shall follow Father's guidance entirely."

Xianzhu Chen [a character's name] nodded in acknowledgment. After a moment of silence, he suddenly spoke, "Father, I wish to walk the Path of the Buddha [a spiritual cultivation path focused on Buddhist enlightenment]."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist's name]'s eyes flickered with a glimmer of understanding, as if he had long anticipated this.

Xianzhu Chen nodded and continued, "Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a vast cosmos of three thousand immortal realms], the Buddhist path has waned. I, bearing the Buddha's Salvation Scripture [a sacred Buddhist cultivation scripture], have been reborn into this world. It is my destiny to propagate the Great Vehicle Buddhist Dharma [the Mahayana teachings of Buddhism, the 'Great Vehicle' path to enlightenment]."

Eldrin Chen gave a slow nod. "I have foreseen this through divination," he said. "You are the one destined to face the tribulations for the Buddhist Sect [the collective Buddhist monastic orders and schools], the child of fate born within its lineage."

"However, to spread the Buddhist teachings, you must first unite the hundred schools of thought within the Buddhist Sect, and rectify the chaotic state of the Buddhist orders across the Myriad Heavens [the countless layers and realms of the cosmos]."

Upon hearing this, Xianzhu Chen nodded once more, understanding perfectly what Eldrin Chen referred to.

Within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a specific region of the cosmos known as the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss], the Buddhist Sect had declined, growing weaker by the day. It lacked a strong, unifying core, and its most powerful Buddha had only reached the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a specific high-level cultivation realm, the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch].

It was precisely this weakness that had led to the extreme disarray within the Buddhist Sect.

Throughout his journey, within the Violet Boundary [a mystical realm or artifact], Eldrin Chen had encountered those who sought to universally save all living beings, such as the Western Pole Temple of Serene Spirit [a sacred temple dedicated to spiritual peace], as well as those who practiced the Blissful Chan Method [a cultivation art focused on achieving a state of blissful enlightenment], like the monks of the Vajra Temple [a temple named for the Vajra, a symbol of indestructible truth and power].