Chapter 2005 : Gifts of War and Destiny

Alaric Lu nodded, retrieving several rare treasures from his sleeve and handing them to the trio. "These are but a few items your senior brother has accumulated over the years," he said. "Take them to aid your cultivation."

"I shall await your good news within the Immortal Domain [a realm of higher existence for powerful immortals]."

Upon inspection, the three were astounded to find that the gifts from Alaric Lu were actually Innate Spiritual Treasure [treasures born from the essence of heaven and earth] and even Great Luo Immortal Pill [a supreme-grade elixir capable of greatly enhancing a cultivator's foundation]. They immediately moved to decline such generosity.

Alaric Lu shook his head, speaking directly. "These were all taken from the scum of the Profound Nether Imperial Court [a powerful and malevolent empire from the Netherworld]. If you can retrieve Yinghui for me, consider them your reward."

Hearing this, the three finally accepted the treasures.

Seeing this, Alaric Lu patted their shoulders, his tone grave and earnest. "Focus on strengthening your cultivation. The full-scale war between us and the Profound Nether Imperial Court is likely not far off."

Within the immortal hall, Eldrin Chen observed everything, letting out a slow, deep sigh.

Over the years, Eldrin Chen had felt the weight of his disciple's fall into Samsara [the endless cycle of death and rebirth]. Yet, the Profound Nether Emperor Lord was a mid-stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign realm of immense power within the Primordial Chaos], an opponent not to be subdued lightly.

Even if Eldrin Chen employed his full arsenal of techniques, he would at best be evenly matched against such a foe.

Moreover, the Great Dao Adversary [a destined, formidable enemy on one's path of cultivation] for Eldrin Chen was certainly not limited to the Profound Nether Emperor Lord alone.

Therefore, over these years, Eldrin Chen and indeed the entire Abyssal Immortal Alliance have, as a whole, deliberately maintained a low profile.

Fortunately, as time flows onward, all things are progressing toward a more favorable state.

After cultivating through several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], Eldrin Chen's cultivation base has reached the very pinnacle of Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection. Within five more Kalpa Tribulation, Weilai will be able to attempt a breakthrough into the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm.

Once he ascends to Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, Profound Nether Emperor Lord will cease to pose a significant threat.

In truth, among Eldrin Chen's three foundational pillars [the core aspects of a cultivator's power], his progress in the Great Dao [the fundamental principle or path of cultivation] has been the swiftest, already reaching a point where he could attempt the breakthrough to Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

The reason he has not yet broken through is that Eldrin Chen intends for all three foundational pillars to advance simultaneously.

When that time comes, with all three pillars reaching the mid-stage of Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch concurrently, Eldrin Chen's power will experience a meteoric surge.

He would not dare claim to rival a Late Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord Realm cultivator, but at the peak of the mid-stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, his methods and combat prowess would be comparable to those of a sixth-layer Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

By then, dealing with Profound Nether Emperor Lord would present no great difficulty.

Of course, once Eldrin Chen breaks through to Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, he will also face a rather troublesome situation.

For once he broke through to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm, if those other Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch then moved against Eldrin Chen, it would constitute a Great Dao Contention [a direct, often violent, struggle for supremacy between beings of equal cultivation realm] among peers. Even the two Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage of the Human Race would have no grounds to object.

Therefore, the moment Eldrin Chen set foot into the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm, that Pure Yang Great Emperor would very likely begin plotting against him.

"I must not rush this breakthrough,"

"I must wait for the return of Black Abyss Great Emperor."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of anticipation gleaming in his eyes.

In the past, when Black Abyss Great Emperor ventured into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, he claimed he could return within ten Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years] because he was heading to a forbidden zone within the Desolate Sea—a place with the potential to elevate him to the next level.

That forbidden land held astonishing Opportunity [a chance encounter or discovery that can dramatically advance a cultivator's path]. Black Abyss Great Emperor had explored it many times before but lacked the confidence to conquer it.

Now, armed with the Indestructible Battle Armor, he finally possessed a measure of certainty. Should he succeed, Black Abyss Great Emperor's power would likely advance significantly.

By that time, Eldrin's own safety would be considerably enhanced.

With these thoughts settling in his mind, Eldrin Chen quickly suppressed his ruminations. He withdrew his focus, then rose and made his way to a cluster of Grotto-Heaven [a blessed, self-contained pocket dimension of exceptional spiritual richness] within the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

Among these Grotto-Heaven [a self-contained pocket dimension or paradise], Eldrin Chen once again encountered several old friends: Nether Lord of the Ancient Ruins, Zixuan the Daoist, Myriad Spirits Ancient Ancestor, Li Yan Divine Spirit, and the Heavenly Abyss [a profound and mysterious abyss] Daoist, among others.

After cultivating for several dozen Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth], these old comrades had long since dedicated themselves to the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a cultivation method focused on selfless devotion and offering one's own essence]. Their cultivation had now all reached the peak of the Immortal Treasury Realm [a profound cultivation stage focused on accumulating and refining one's foundational spiritual resources].

Compared to his nominal disciples, Eldrin Chen had shown even greater care and guidance to these lifelong companions.

Now, not only had these friends reached the peak of the Immortal Treasury Realm, but they had also successfully cultivated the True Spirit Sacrificial Self Body [a powerful spiritual physique forged through self-sacrifice]. The Immortal Treasury [the core spiritual foundation at this stage] they had forged were all formidable ones, surpassing the Ten-Limit [a benchmark of exceptional quality and power].

Seated side by side with his old friends within the great hall, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile warmly. "It has been too long," he said. "I trust all has been well with you?"

His words drew gentle smiles from each of them.

Zixuan the Daoist stroked his long beard and replied, "With you holding us in your thoughts, how could our days be anything but favorable?"

"Hahaha…"

The group erupted into hearty laughter.

Eldrin Chen chuckled along with them, then spoke with a tone of reminiscence. "I still remember the old days, when we fought shoulder to shoulder, weathering great calamities, Dao Tribulation [heavenly trials testing one's comprehension of the Dao], and even the perils of the Kalpa Tribulation."

"Yet ever since I attained the Grand Luo [the supreme realm of cultivation, transcending mortality and attaining near-omnipotence], our gatherings have grown fewer and farther between."

Upon hearing this, everyone present let out a soft, collective sigh.

All beneath Grand Luo are but ants. After Eldrin Chen's breakthrough into that exalted realm, they could scarcely offer him any meaningful aid.

In the wars and tribulations that followed, only those of Grand Luo stature were permitted a seat at the high councils of the Abyssal Immortal Alliance. They were utterly out of their depth, and thus, their interactions with him naturally dwindled.

Myriad Spirits Ancient Ancestor understood this all too well, sighing as he spoke, "Our foundations are sufficiently solid. This coming Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle of destruction and rebirth ordained by cosmic fate] shall be our stepping stone to greater heights."

The others nodded in agreement. The Daoist of Heavenly Abyss then declared, "My Heavenly Abyss Sword, an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme magical weapon born from the primordial chaos, possessing immense power] that has accompanied my Ascension [the process of transcending mortal limits and ascending to higher states of being] for countless years, thirsts to be baptized in the blood of worthy foes during this tribulation."

Seeing their resolve, Eldrin Chen retrieved several rare treasures from his sleeve and presented them to the group. A warm smile touched his lips as he said, "The pinnacle of the Great Dao [the fundamental truth and path of the universe] is a solitary throne, where the air is thin and the cold bites deep."

"I have waited upon that Grand Luo peak for you all for a very long time."

After departing from his old friends' Grotto-Heaven [a blessed, secluded realm of profound spiritual energy, often a cultivator's personal sanctuary], Eldrin Chen finally returned to his own cavern abode.

Once he had returned to his abode, he found that Lyra Jiang had just returned as well. A smile returned to his face as he inquired, "How did it go?"

"Elara Lin [the Verdant Spirit True Person], Freya Ji [the Immortal Maiden], and my cousin Dorian Ji [the True Lord] have already discussed it with me. They are prepared to undergo Samsara Rebirth [the profound process of discarding one's current cultivation base and physical form to be reborn and start anew]."

Lyra Jiang [the Immortal Maiden] spoke slowly, a trace of solemnity flickering in the depths of her gaze.

Eldrin Chen [the Abyssal Emperor] nodded slightly, having anticipated this development.

Among these old friends, Dorian Ji [the True Lord] was Lyra Jiang's maternal cousin. Once hailed as the foremost strategist within the Violet Boundary [a legendary realm], he had served as one of the key masterminds behind the Abyssal Immortal Alliance [a powerful coalition of immortal forces] for many years.

Elara Lin [the Verdant Spirit True Person] was Lyra Jiang's personal disciple. In the early days, she had rendered immense service to both the Chen Immortal Clan [the immortal clan founded by Eldrin Chen] and the Heaven's Ruin Ancient Sect [an ancient and venerable cultivation sect]. Freya Ji [the Immortal Maiden] was also a cherished confidante of Lyra Jiang from their youth.

These three individuals shared an exceptionally close bond with Eldrin Chen and had long been nurtured with great care by the Chen Immortal Clan.

Alas, all three were flawed Celestial Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm], their foundations marred by significant inherent defects.

Over the years, Eldrin Chen had repeatedly expended considerable resources to mend their foundational shortcomings. Yet, in the end, their latent potential remained limited.

Now, after cultivating diligently for dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years], Elara Lin and the others found their cultivation realms stagnated at the early stage of Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has existed since ancient times]. Further advancement was an impossibility.

Due to the flaws in their very foundations, even if they dedicated themselves to the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation art that emphasizes sacrifice for greater power], their attainment would never reach a state of true perfection.

For the three of them to advance further, their only path was to undergo reincarnation and cultivate anew.

After all, Eldrin Chen possessed the Primordial Scripture. If he could bestow upon them even one or two Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters, breaking through to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm in the future would pose no significant problem.

It was precisely for this reason that Lyra Jiang personally sought out the three of them this time, inquiring if they wished to be reborn and start their cultivation anew.

"Since they have agreed, we should not delay."

Eldrin Chen spoke, then sought out Elara Lin and the other two. He led them to the location of the Netherworld Realm.

Before the Netherworld Underworld, Eldrin Chen looked at Elara Lin, Freya Ji, and Dorian Ji and said, "The foundations of your cultivation in this life are flawed. As you step into Samsara [the cycle of death and rebirth], it would be best to sever all memories and begin cultivation anew."

Upon hearing this, Dorian Ji nodded in understanding, for he grasped the logic of it.

If one carried memories into the next life, the cultivation path of that future existence would inevitably be influenced by the concepts and principles of the previous life, making it difficult to break free from its inherent limitations.

Moreover, the cultivation paths they had walked in this life were themselves deeply flawed.

Furthermore, this influence would only grow stronger with higher cultivation realms. Beyond the Immortal realm, if one underwent reincarnation while retaining memories, it became nearly impossible to surpass the achievements of the previous life.

It was precisely for this reason that many great powers, though capable of retaining their memories through reincarnation, would still sever all recollections and begin cultivation anew.

Understanding this, Dorian Ji stated plainly, "In that case, let us cleanse ourselves of everything and undergo reincarnation cultivation once more."

Eldrin Chen nodded. He immediately activated his Great Luo Dharmic Power, thoroughly purging the memories of the three. Then, he summoned the Creation Cauldron to assist them in dissolving their physical bodies and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] through the process of Body-Spirit Dissolution.

Only after all their foundational essence had been transformed into potential for their next lives did he slowly guide them into the flow of Samsara [the cycle of death and rebirth].

At the very moment their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] were cast into the Reincarnation Well, Eldrin Chen decisively channeled the power of the Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters and the Primordial Indestructible Spiritual Light. His aim was to imprint as many of the ancient characters as possible onto their soul essences.

In the end, two Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters were imprinted upon the soul of each of the three, each pair giving rise to a volume of ancient, primordial scripture.

Among them, Dorian Ji's scripture contained merely a few hundred ancient characters, inscribed with the title—Primordial Derivation Dao Scripture.

Freya Ji's ancient tome was not much different, named—Primordial Six Souls Scripture.

And Elara Lin's ancient book was no less profound, titled—Primordial Profound Yin Scripture.

With but a single glance, Eldrin Chen perceived and deduced the profound mysteries contained within these three volumes of ancient scripture.

Among the three ancient scriptures, the Primordial Derivation Dao Scripture is the Supreme Scripture of Divination Dao, the Primordial Profound Yin Scripture was born from the Profound Yin Great Dao, and the Primordial Six Souls Scripture is a soul-path cultivation method focused on refining the six corporeal souls.

These three ancient scriptures are all at the level of Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos], theoretically capable of leading one directly to the realm of a Great Emperor. Whether one can advance further depends entirely on one's own fortune and destiny.

Taking Freya Ji's Primordial Six Souls Scripture as an example, the human body possesses three ethereal souls and seven corporeal souls. Yet this scripture cultivates only six of the corporeal souls, making it likely difficult to reach the Chaos Realm [the primordial, undifferentiated state of existence before creation] directly.

"In ancient times, the Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture transformed into the Heaven, Earth, and Human Three Souls Treasure Scripture."

"The complete form of the ancient book of the seven corporeal souls should also be the Chaos Seven Souls Scripture. Now, it is incomplete, missing one soul."

"It seems the path of the soul is truly a forbidden Dao, one that invites the jealousy of Heaven itself."

As these thoughts flickered through Eldrin Chen's mind, he guided the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true self of a cultivator] of the three individuals directly into the cycle of Samsara [the endless cycle of death and rebirth].

He withdrew his consciousness, arranging for their reincarnated bodies to be discreetly watched over and guided, before returned to his secluded cultivation abode.

With this matter concluded, Eldrin Chen once again Restoration [resumed] his life of secluded cultivation.

Meanwhile, the disciples and members of the Abyssal Immortal Alliance devoted themselves wholeheartedly to their cultivation, making their final preparations for the impending Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic catastrophe marking the end of a great cycle of time].

Thus, twenty million years passed in the blink of an eye, until the day the calamitous aura of heaven and earth descended once more, heralding the imminent arrival of another Kalpa Tribulation.

With the advent of this Kalpa Tribulation, the Path of Self-Sacrifice Immortals of the Abyssal Immortal Alliance finally began to bare their fangs, stepping into the Kalpa Tribulation with astonishing, razor-sharp intent.

One by one, peerless prodigies of the Path of Self-Sacrifice departed the Abyssal Immortal Domain: Inscription of Sorrow Lord, Zixuan the Daoist, the Daoist of Heavenly Abyss, Tianya the Ancient Ancestor, Celestial Maiden, and even Xander Lin and Celestial Balance Scion.

Furthermore, a full hundred existences who had reached the Perfection stage of the Immortal Treasury Realm vanished into the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss like fish returning to the sea, awaiting the perfect moment to transform into dragons in a single, decisive leap.

Amidst this process, peerless powerhouses from the Demonic Celestial Court, the Primordial Divine Court, the Human Race Immortal Court, the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races, and even the various Imperial Clans of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss stepped forth, one after another, into the Chaos.

All understood that for this tribulation, Eldrin, the Abyssal Emperor had mobilized the foundation accumulated over dozens of Kalpa Tribulations, perhaps even expending the final legacy left behind by Lunar Emperor Lord.

The aim was to propel the power of the Path of Self-Sacrifice to a higher realm in one fell swoop, allowing it to step firmly onto the stage of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains and become an existence second only to, or even rivaling, the orthodox Immortal Paths.

Yet, the mighty ones entering this tribulation came bearing matchless fighting spirit.

Their motives varied. Some sought to sever the rising path of the Path of Self-Sacrifice. Others aimed to sweep away all obstacles to prove their own Grand Luo Dao. Still others wished to pave their own path to prodigious glory upon the corpses of the Path of Self-Sacrifice's heroes.

Under such circumstances, a rare and resplendent golden age quietly dawned.

On the very first day the great tribulation commenced, the Immortal Phoenix Clan produced a peerless prodigy of unmatched prowess.

This individual was known as the Vermilion Bird Holy Son, the direct descendant of the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant and a profound, dormant legacy of the Immortal Phoenix Clan, slumbering for over a thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles].

Bearing the formidable prestige of a Sage Ascendant's heir, the Vermilion Bird Holy Son immediately displayed invincible combat prowess, sweeping across the champions of the Immortal Cosmos Ancient Continent. He even proclaimed his intent to utterly sever the path to perfection for the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a cultivation art focused on profound personal sacrifice for greater power].

He issued a challenge to the Heroes of the Eight Desolations [a legendary group of champions], the practitioners of the Path of Self-Sacrifice, seeking to wage a world-shaking battle upon the Immortal Cosmos Ancient Continent.

As the challenged party, the Immortal [powerful immortal cultivators] of the Path of Self-Sacrifice did not retreat. They agreed to meet for a climactic, ultimate confrontation at the Center of Heaven within the Immortal Cosmos Ancient Continent.

Countless Ancient Immortal [venerable immortal beings] across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains watched this impending clash with immense anticipation.

For this battle concerned the latent potential of the Path of Self-Sacrifice, and even whether it could fully ascend to the grand stage of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

Should the Path of Self-Sacrifice demonstrate sufficient potential in this battle—enough to contend with the Vermilion Bird Holy Son, that peerless True Spirit Prodigies [prodigies blessed with a True Spirit foundation]—it would undoubtedly persuade many Ancient Immortal to convert to its practice.

Precisely for this reason, on the day of the agreed duel, innumerable Ancient Immortal Great Powers [great powers among the ancient immortals] converged upon the Center of Heaven within the Immortal Cosmos Ancient Continent.

Among them were supreme imperial scions from the Celestial Courts, unparalleled fiends from the Demon Race, invincible prodigies of the Divine Race, and peerless geniuses of the Human Race.

Their hearts were divided. Most among the Demon Race [a race of beings often associated with malevolent power and chaotic nature] desired to suppress the prodigies of the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a cultivation art that involves sacrificing one's own essence or life force for immense power], while the scions of the Divine Race [a race of beings often associated with celestial power and order] largely adopted a stance of watchful waiting towards this art.

As for the disciples of the Human Race [the race of mortal humans striving for ascension], they wished to intervene as much as possible, hoping to preserve some measure of the bitter resentment [the profound grievance and indignation] cultivated by the Path of Self-Sacrifice.

Overall, none of the factions held a favorable view of the Path of Self-Sacrifice's prospects. After all, the authority [the inherent power and dominion] of this art likely pointed directly towards the Chaos Realm [a legendary and immensely powerful stage of cultivation], and the Demon Race was loath to see the Human Race produce another Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator who has ascended to a state of profound wisdom and power], let alone a Dao Progenitor [the ultimate progenitor of a fundamental cosmic principle or path].

Thus, throughout the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a vast and perilous region comprising seven major territories], the major powers largely maintained an attitude of suppression towards the Path of Self-Sacrifice.

Under such circumstances, most did not believe that the Immortal [a cultivator who has achieved a state of longevity and profound power] practitioners of the Path of Self-Sacrifice could carve a path to the heavens through the relentless pressure exerted by the various factions.