Chapter 2009 : A Sage's Decree and Hidden Peril

With his hands clasped behind his back, the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant spoke with a calm countenance, "The talent of Eldrin, the Abyssal Emperor is truly world-shaking. If we allow the Path of Self-Sacrifice to continue its growth, he will inevitably become a dire threat to us all."

"However, his cultivation has currently stalled at the Great Luo Realm. For one of our stature to act against him now would be beneath our dignity."

"Let it be thus. When he attempts his breakthrough to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, I shall personally intervene to capture him and seal him away for eternity within the Solar Golden Pagoda."

Hearing this, the Bifang Great Emperor spoke up, "Yet, in doing so, what of the two Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage of the Human Race…?"

The Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant shook his head, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Eldrin, the Abyssal Daoist possesses transcendent talent, with the potential to reach the Sage Ascendant realm, perhaps even the Celestial Emperor realm. Do you think the various Sage Ascendant and Celestial Emperor powers across the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss are eager for another rival to emerge?"

"I need only make a few discreet inquiries. Others will naturally step forward to deal with those two."

"Hahaha!"

Upon hearing this, the assembled Demon Race Emperors erupted in hearty laughter.

The Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor, his eyes blazing with torrents of lightning, spoke with icy detachment, "With a Sage Ascendant taking action, it seems the Solar Golden Pagoda is destined to house yet another peerless prodigy of the Human Race."

The Pure Yang Great Emperor also nodded in agreement, stating placidly, "Once this matter is concluded, I shall claim the Authority of the Pure Yang Great Dao from Eldrin, the Abyssal Daoist."

As for the schemes and machinations of the Demon Race [the collective term for demonic beings and monsters] and their various emperors, Eldrin Chen remained unaware.

At this time, Eldrin Chen's mind was largely focused on his cultivation, desiring to accumulate the necessary foundation to break through to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the supreme realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor] as swiftly as possible.

In the years that followed, Eldrin Chen continued to diligently refine his three primary foundational cultivation arts while also perfecting his own unique path of cultivation.

Approximately one Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years] later, Eldrin Chen had further perfected the cultivation method for the Chaos Indestructible Body [a legendary physique of unparalleled resilience born from Chaos], fully deducing it to the absolute pinnacle of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, after this refinement, the cultivation method of Refine Self Through Self Dao [a supreme art of forging one's own path through self-cultivation] at the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm was now not a whit inferior to the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a legendary art of nine heavenly revolutions].

After perfecting the Refine Self Through Self Dao, Eldrin Chen spent another Kalpa Tribulation deducing and refining both his Great Dao cultivation method and his Soul Path cultivation method, bringing them to the level suitable for the Emperor Lord [a title for a supreme ruler among cultivators] realm.

Of course, compared to the Refine Self Through Self Dao, Eldrin Chen's Soul Path and Great Dao cultivation methods were clearly a step behind, merely comparable to methods at the Great Emperor level.

Naturally, Eldrin Chen was not anxious about this. He had always intended to first achieve Sainthood through the Flesh [ascending to sainthood via physical cultivation] before breaking through to Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who masters the Soul Path] and Dao-Grasping Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who has comprehended the fundamental Dao]. There would be ample time to perfect them later.

Having refined his three main cultivation arts, Eldrin Chen then attempted to deduce the Path of Self-Sacrifice [an art of profound power gained through self-renunciation] to the Primordial Chaos Realm [the realm of primordial chaos].

Yet this step proved exceedingly difficult. Despite dedicating a full Kalpa Tribulation to its deduction, Eldrin Chen still found it immensely challenging to perfect the Primordial Unity [the state of returning to primordial oneness] method within the Path of Self-Sacrifice.

"It seems the method for Primordial Unity [the foundational unity of all things, a supreme cultivation state] within the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation art centered on sacrifice and transcendence] will remain difficult to perfect for some time," he murmured, a trace of regret coloring his thoughts.

After yet another failure, Eldrin Chen spoke inwardly, unable to suppress a flicker of disappointment.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen also comprehended the profound difficulty of the Path of Self-Sacrifice's forward path. The primary reason the Path of Self-Sacrifice could not perfect the Ascension [the process of transcending to a higher state of being] of the Inner Immortal Domain [a cultivator's internal world, a manifestation of their Dao] was its inability to evolve an Immortal Domain [a cultivator's personal realm or world] into a Primordial Unity Immortal Domain [a theoretical, perfectly unified and foundational immortal realm].

Without an Inner Immortal Domain at the Primordial Unity Level [the level of Primordial Unity], the foundation of the Path of Self-Sacrifice would remain inherently insufficient, making it fundamentally impossible to step into the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler born from the primordial chaos].

Yet, a Primordial Unity Level Immortal Domain existed only in theory. Even the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the progenitor of the Dao from the dawn of existence] had never pioneered a method for its Ascension.

Furthermore, within the entire Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], no naturally formed Primordial Unity Immortal Domain existed.

Under these circumstances, with no reference to draw upon, Eldrin Chen relied solely on his own comprehension to create such a method. The difficulty far exceeded his initial expectations.

"It seems the method for Ascension to a Primordial Unity Immortal Domain will have to be perfected slowly in the days to come," he concluded.

With these thoughts flickering through his mind, Eldrin Chen set the matter aside.

Having released the preoccupying thought, Eldrin Chen emerged from his secluded cultivation to find that Qiyuan Chen had been waiting for him for quite some time.

Upon meeting Qiyuan Chen, Eldrin Chen first invited him to be seated, then personally brewed a pot of tea before finally inquiring, "How did the journey go, Ancestor?"

"These are my findings."

Qiyuan Chen set down a dossier, then picked up the fragrant tea for a light sip.

Eldrin Chen picked up the materials and glanced through them, giving a slight nod. "If we secure this High-Grade Great Luo Nest [a supreme-grade spiritual nexus of the Great Luo realm], we will possess three such nests."

"After capturing it, and then seizing the two major lairs within the territory of the Ancient Plain of Departing Flames, the Five Elements Earth Veins [spiritual earth veins imbued with the power of the five fundamental elements] I require will be complete."

As Eldrin Chen spoke these words, a glimmer of a smile surfaced in the depths of his eyes.

It turned out that the findings Qiyuan Chen had gathered pertained precisely to a High-Grade Chaos Nest [a supreme-grade spiritual nexus born from primordial chaos] known as the 'Primordial Golden Desolation Nest'.

The reason for investigating this target was that for Eldrin Chen's Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body [a legendary physique forged from the primeval energies of chaos] to advance into the Primordial Chaos Realm [a legendary cultivation realm], it required refining the Origin [the foundational spiritual essence] of five High-Grade Great Luo Nests.

In truth, over these years, Eldrin Chen had twice initiated the Chaos Great War, securing two High-Grade Chaos Nests from the Depths of Chaos—one of the water attribute and one of the wood attribute.

With the addition of this metal-attribute High-Grade Chaos Nest, Eldrin Chen would simultaneously possess three Chaos Nests.

The remaining Fire and Earth attribute Great Luo Nest [a powerful demonic stronghold in the Chaos] are held by the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend [a formidable Chaos Demon Monarch]. Acquiring them would simply require defeating him.

Seeing this, Qiyuan Chen gave a slight nod and asked, "Are you preparing to launch a Chaos Great War [a major, epoch-defining conflict within the primordial Chaos] against the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "The Departing Flame Chaos Fiend is, after all, a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler of the primordial Chaos, a pinnacle existence]. Even if his injuries have not yet fully healed, he would not be an easy foe to overcome."

"Moreover, my many Great Dao Adversary [powerful, fated rivals on the path of cultivation] are likely watching with predatory intent. It would be best to wait until Black Abyss Great Emperor returns."

Qiyuan Chen nodded in agreement and inquired, "Then how should we handle this Primordial Golden Desolation Nest [an ancient and powerful demonic nest]?"

Eldrin Chen offered no immediate reply. The strength of this Primordial Golden Desolation Nest was extraordinary.

This lineage boasted not just nine Grand Luo Golden Immortals [powerful immortal cultivators at the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm], but also three Late-Stage Great Luo Golden Immortals [those at the late stage of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm]. Among them was even a top-tier Demon God who had reached Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm].

A Chaos Nest [a demonic fortress within the primordial Chaos] of such formidable power, if it were to rely on its defensive Formations [mystical arrays that channel energy for protection or attack], would likely prove unassailable even for a newly ascended Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin Chen summoned Daoxu Jiang and also recalled his Reincarnation Body [a profound ability to project one's consciousness and power into a separate, independently cultivated body].

Once everyone had gathered, Eldrin Chen explained the situation from beginning to end. He then stated, "The Demon Race [the collective races of demons] watch my movements too closely. I fear I cannot venture out myself."

"I must trouble the Ancient Ancestor, Grandfather, and my Reincarnation Body [a powerful duplicate body formed through a profound reincarnation technique] to make the journey together and seize this Primordial Golden Desolation Nest."

Upon hearing this, both individuals gave a slight nod of agreement.

Within the Chen Immortal Clan now, the earliest cohort of Grand Luo Golden Immortals [cultivators who have attained the pinnacle of the Golden Immortal realm within the Great Luo Heaven] had already attained the realm of Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection.

These Grand Luo Golden Immortals possessed extraordinary foundations; their combat prowess placed them among the nearly invincible within the ranks of Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection.

Among them, aside from Eldrin Chen, the most formidable in strength were individuals such as Lyra Jiang, Verdant Consort, Nyssa Qu, Lila, Yvonne the Violet Consort, Jiang the Sovereign Emperor, and Qiyuan Chen.

Among this group, Lyra Jiang, like Eldrin Chen, was a thorn in the side of the Demon Race. Once she ventured beyond the vicinity of the Abyssal Immortal Domain, she would inevitably be detected by the Demon Race.

Eldrin Chen's Dao Companions, such as Verdant Consort and Nyssa Qu, were also under close surveillance by the Demon Race. Should they leave the Abyssal Immortal Domain, they would likely face obstruction from those Great Dao Adversaries [powerful beings whose destiny is fundamentally opposed to one's own].

Therefore, individuals like Jiang the Sovereign Emperor and Qiyuan Chen were the most suitable candidates for this task.

Both had now reached the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm, and their combat strength had already brushed against the threshold of the Early Stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord [the initial stage of the Primordial Chaos Emperor realm, a supreme cultivation level] domain.

With them taking action, bolstered by a Reincarnation Body whose Force Extreme [a supreme divine ability focused on unleashing ultimate physical force] power was immense, their combined force was nearly equivalent to three newly ascended Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarchs acting in concert.

Contemplating this, Jiang the Sovereign Emperor spoke, "If it were merely one person acting, the news might still leak. But with the three of us striking together, we can seize them before they even have a chance to react."

Eldrin Chen nodded, a smile gracing his lips. "Then I shall trouble the three of you."

Qiyuan Chen rose to his feet, stating plainly, "Await our good news."

With those words, Qiyuan Chen took the lead, striding forth beyond the boundaries of the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

Jiang the Sovereign Emperor and the Reincarnation Body [a powerful avatar formed through profound reincarnation arts] also departed, concealing their auras as they slipped away from the heart of the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

Once the trio had stepped into the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between realms], they did not make directly for the Primordial Golden Desolation Nest. Instead, they pretended to be wandering cultivators simply journeying through the Chaos.

After drifting aimlessly for more than thirty million years within the Chaos Sea [the turbulent currents of the primordial Chaos], they suddenly converged just outside the Primordial Golden Desolation Nest, their gazes settling with a profound calm.

"This is the place," one of them uttered, "the Primordial Golden Desolation Nest."

Observing the Primordial Golden Desolation Nest before them, the Reincarnation Body spoke with serene composure.

Qiyuan Chen gave a slight nod. "This Primordial Golden Desolation Nest is held by the Golden-Winged Desolate Ape [a powerful, ancient simian demon species]. The physical might of this lineage is not to be underestimated."

"Even an ordinary Early Stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord [a supreme cultivator who has mastered the foundational laws of primordial chaos] might not find it easy to subdue and slay it."

The Reincarnation Body [a powerful avatar formed from the essence of past lives] nodded, then looked towards Jiang the Sovereign Emperor and said, "We trouble you, Grandfather, to breach the formation. We shall then strike to defeat the formidable foe."

"Agreed."

Jiang the Sovereign Emperor inclined his head in acknowledgment, his expression calm as he began to gather and concentrate his sword intent.

Among the three present, the Reincarnation Body possessed the most balanced and profound foundation. Having cultivated both the Mana Immunity [a state of being impervious to most magical energies] and the Indestructible Golden Body [an ultimate physical form of near-unbreakable resilience], Qiyuan Chen boasted the greatest defensive prowess of the trio.

Meanwhile, Jiang the Sovereign Emperor, who wielded the True Spirit Treasure [a treasure of immense power, born from and containing a true spiritual essence] known as the 'Primordial Beginning Qi Sword' [the Sword of Primordial Beginning Qi], undoubtedly possessed the most formidable offensive power.

Now, as Jiang the Sovereign Emperor unleashed his full might, a sword intent capable of annihilating worlds pierced through the vast heavens and earth.

In that instant, the immense Primordial Golden Desolation Nest [an ancient lair of desolate power] trembled violently. The Formation [a mystical defensive or offensive array] capable of withstanding assaults from a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a ruler among those who command primordial chaos] could no longer hold. Cracks instantly spider-webbed across its entire structure.

Had this been the only assault, the Golden-Winged Desolate Ape [a powerful ape demon with wings of gold] Demon God might have rallied and reinforced the Formation to hold out for a time.

Yet, almost simultaneously, the Reincarnation Body and Jiang the Sovereign Emperor struck together. They summoned forth the Eastern Emperor Bell [a legendary bell embodying the authority of the Eastern Emperor] and the Reincarnation Golden Bell [a golden bell resonating with the power of the cycle of rebirth], pressing them down with overwhelming force to suppress their enemy.

When three Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme cultivation realm, one step below the legendary Dao Progenitor] level combatants struck simultaneously, how could a mere upper-grade Grand Luo [a high-level immortal cultivation realm] immortal formation possibly withstand them?

In the span of a single breath, the Formation [a structured array that channels energy for defense or attack] was shattered into oblivion.

Stripped of the Formation's protection, the nine Chaotic Fiendgod [ancient, primordial demon-gods born from chaos] within paled, their expressions shifting to stark terror.

The Golden-Winged Desolate Ape King [a powerful demonic beast king with golden wings and the form of a desolate ape] beat its wings, soaring skyward in a desperate attempt to tear through the Void [the fabric of space itself] and flee. Alas, it was far too late.

In that fleeting instant, a Reincarnation Golden Bell [a legendary golden bell artifact that governs the cycle of reincarnation] materialized, spinning with an overbearing, indomitable might. It descended, its power sealing the very Vitality [the life force and essence of a being] of the nine fiendgods.

Close on its heels, the Eastern Emperor Bell [a divine bell artifact associated with the mythical Eastern Emperor] crashed down with world-shaking divine majesty. In a single clash, it annihilated two of the Chaotic Fiendgod.

Three of the remaining fiendgods roared, their fury erupting as they prepared for a final, desperate struggle. Yet, before their defiance could take form, the Primordial Beginning Qi Sword [a sword forged from the primordial Qi of creation] pierced through, its blade finding the center of their brows in a flash of lethal light.

The remaining Chaotic Fiendgod had no time to react. The Reincarnation Golden Bell pulsed, and they were drawn inward, swallowed whole and imprisoned within the ancient bell's depths.

With the nine Chaotic Fiendgod slain, a subtle, contemplative light flickered in the eyes of the three victors.

There was a time when a Chaotic Fiendgod was an inconceivable, nigh-unassailable existence to them. Yet now, joining forces, the three of them had subdued nine such beings in the span of mere moves.

The disparity was simply too vast. They even felt that if they were to unleash their full power, the mere aftershocks of their strike could traverse the span of a hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], and within the distant Weilai Space-Time [the future space-time continuum], annihilate these Chaotic Fiendgod [primordial demon-gods] once more.

"Is this... the power of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch] realm?"

Qiyuan Chen murmured inwardly, a wave of profound reflection washing over him.

Unbeknownst to them, they had already ascended to this very pinnacle.

Jiang the Sovereign Emperor seemed to have anticipated this moment. Calmly, he placed a hand on Qiyuan Chen's shoulder and spoke, "From here, we shall grow stronger still."

"Do not dwell on it. Let us retrieve this Great Luo Nest [Great Luo Nest]."

With those words, the trio inspected the Chaos Nest [Chaos Nest]. They discovered that this Primordial Golden Desolation Nest [Primordial Golden Desolation Nest] truly lived up to its status as a High-Grade Chaos Nest [High-Grade Chaos Nest]. Within its depths lay not only a vast trove of rare treasures but also an Innate Spiritual Root [Innate Spiritual Root].

This Spirit Root [Spiritual Root] was named the Golden Desolation Fruit Tree [Golden Desolation Fruit Tree]. Its effects were nearly identical to a same-tier Indestructible Golden Fruit Tree [Indestructible Golden Fruit Tree], but its grade was that of a High Grade Innate Spiritual Root [High Grade Innate Spiritual Root], making it superior to the Indestructible Golden Fruit Tree of old.

This unexpected bounty greatly lifted their spirits.

Carrying the Primordial Golden Desolation Nest, they traversed the Vast Chaotic Sea [Vast Chaotic Sea]. Their journey spanned several million years before they finally reached the Abyssal Immortal Domain [Abyssal Immortal Domain].

After arriving at the Abyssal Immortal Domain [the celestial realm governed by Eldrin Chen], they placed the Primordial Golden Desolation Nest [an ancient, desolate realm of golden energy] into the core of the Chaos Celestial Domain [a primordial domain of chaotic celestial energies], and only then did they find Eldrin Chen, who had just emerged from seclusion.

"Excellent, another High Grade Innate Spiritual Root [a spiritual plant of exceptional, naturally-born quality]," he remarked.

Gazing upon the Primordial Golden Desolation Nest and the Golden Desolation Fruit Tree [a tree bearing fruits imbued with the essence of golden desolation] before him, a look of satisfaction flickered across Eldrin Chen's face.

Over the years, Eldrin Chen had cultivated several more Supreme-Grade Primordial Spiritual Roots [spiritual plants of the highest primordial grade] to supply the cultivation needs of the cultivators within the family's Immortal Alliance [a coalition of immortal clans and sects].

However, Supreme-Grade Primordial Spiritual Roots demanded extremely high conditions from a Daoist Abode [a cultivator's personal sanctum for meditation and cultivation]. Even a Top-Grade Immortal Domain [a celestial realm of the highest tier] could only barely meet the minimum growth requirements for a supreme-grade Spirit Root [a spiritual plant that gathers and refines ambient energy].

The Abyssal Immortal Alliance, by pooling the power of its grand formation which concentrated the energies of over a dozen Top-Grade Immortal Domain, had only managed to cultivate nine Supreme-Grade Primordial Spiritual Roots.

Therefore, for the time being, this Golden Desolation Fruit Tree was also not quite suitable for Ascension [the process of elevating something to a higher state or grade] into a Supreme-Grade Primordial Spiritual Root.

Even so, a High Grade Innate Spiritual Root whose fruits were Innate Spiritual Fruit [naturally-formed fruits brimming with spiritual essence] still counted as a superior cultivation resource. It would be perfect for the newly ascended Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle stage of cultivation] cultivators within the Immortal Alliance who followed the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation method that emphasizes sacrifice and dedication].

With this thought, Eldrin Chen approached the Primordial Golden Desolation Nest and spoke, "You have both worked hard."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Eldrin Chen instructed that their meritorious contributions be recorded.

Thereafter, he stepped into the Primordial Golden Desolation Nest and began refining its metallic attribute Primordial Source Power [the foundational, primordial energy that constitutes the essence of all things].

This was the third time Eldrin Chen had refined a High Grade Great Luo Nest, and thus he was already quite familiar with the process.

The vast Origin [the fundamental life force and source power of a being or place] contained within a single High Grade Great Luo Nest was ten times more profound than that of a single Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection.

Yet, under Eldrin Chen's relentless refinement, its internal Origin was gradually, bit by bit, assimilated into his Chaos Indestructible Body.

Thus, Time flowed swiftly. After tens of millions of years had passed, once the Chaos Nest was completely refined, the metallic attribute Primordial Source Power within Eldrin Chen's Chaos Indestructible Body was finally perfected.

"At last, has it reached completion?"

Watching the Great Luo Nest be fully consumed, Eldrin Chen could not help but let out a slow, relieved sigh.

Having refined three High Grade Great Luo Nest in succession, his physical combat prowess had not undergone a qualitative transformation, but the Origin within his body had increased tremendously.

Next, he only needed to refine two more High Grade Great Luo Nest before he could attempt to break through to the Primordial Unity Dao Body.

With this thought, a flicker of joy arose within Eldrin Chen's heart.

Emerging from his secluded cultivation, he was about to share the good news with Lyra Jiang and the others when he found they had already been waiting for some time.

Seeing Eldrin Chen exit seclusion, Lyra Jiang promptly spoke, "The Black Abyss Great Emperor has returned!"

"He wishes for you to visit him at the Black Abyss Heaven once you have concluded your cultivation."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of delighted surprise lit within Eldrin Chen's eyes.

Unbeknownst to him, nearly ten Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] had passed while the Black Abyss Great Emperor explored the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, and now he had returned as promised.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen rose immediately. "I shall go to the Black Abyss Great Emperor at once," he declared.

So saying, he tore through the Vast Chaotic Void and journeyed toward the Primordial Immortal Domain.

Arriving at the Black Abyss Heaven, Eldrin Chen was once again received by the Black Abyss Great Emperor within the imperial abode.

This time, their meeting again took place within a courtyard garden.

Eldrin Chen perceived that the Black Abyss Great Emperor, returned after so many years, now emanated an aura of even greater, more majestic power—a profound, ineffable transformation compared to his former self.

With these thoughts in mind, Eldrin Chen could not help but inquire, "Your Majesty, this journey to the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, has it yielded the desired outcome?"

The Black Abyss Great Emperor nodded, a trace of a smile gracing his features. "It was a rare Chaos Forbidden Land. I had attempted to breach it several times before without success."

"This time, with your Indestructible Battle Armor in hand, I finally succeeded in seizing the Opportunity [a rare chance for profound advancement] concealed within."

As he spoke, the Black Abyss Great Emperor returned the battle armor to Eldrin Chen and continued, "Now, I have refined that inner Opportunity, achieving the eighth revolution of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art."

With his final word, the aura around the Black Abyss Great Emperor surged violently. Six distinct True Spirit Divine Form [manifestations of one's true spiritual essence given physical, divine shape] materialized, swirling around him and unleashing a divine power that shook the heavens and earth.

Eldrin Chen felt a tremor in his heart, a wave of astonishment washing over him.

By all logic, even mastering the eighth revolution of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art should only allow one to cultivate True Spirit Divine Runes [divine sigils of true spirit power], not the fully realized True Spirit Divine Form.

The Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation path focused on perfecting the physical body to a divine state] was notoriously resource-intensive. To transform True Spirit Divine Runes into a True Spirit Divine Form, there were generally only two known methods.

The first was to refine and absorb an Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born from the primal forces of heaven and earth]. The second was to refine the complete remains of a powerhouse who had reached the Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord [the pinnacle realm for an Emperor Lord], a being of Great Emperor caliber.

Beyond these two paths, no other method to cultivate a True Spirit Divine Form was known to exist.

It is precisely for this reason that those who have cultivated the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms and achieved Sainthood through the Flesh can possess the peerless combat power of the Sage Ascendant realm, and even gain the qualification to challenge a Chaos Celestial Emperor.

Previously, having obtained a staggering Opportunity and cultivated four True Spirit Divine Form, Black Abyss Great Emperor was already considered a top-tier Great Emperor.

Now, having cultivated two more True Spirit Divine Form, his combat power has likely undergone a qualitative transformation once more. Even if he cannot yet match a true Sage Ascendant powerhouse, he should be counted among the ranks of the invincible Great Emperors.

Black Abyss Great Emperor seemed to notice the expression on Eldrin Chen's face and said with a smile, "During this journey to the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, I slew a Great Emperor-level Primordial Chaos Dire Beast."