Chapter 1973 : Forging New Paths in the Abyss

After arriving at the Returning Abyss Forbidden Land, Eldrin Chen immediately sealed the six senses [sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and spiritual perception] of the assembled Immortals. He then retrieved the Creation Cauldron to sever their foundational cultivation and guide them in converting to the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-sacrifice and rebirth].

With the assistance of the Creation Cauldron, the process of severing their foundations proceeded with only minor scares, never true danger. To help them forge even stronger new foundations, Eldrin Chen even took out a considerable amount of Innate Spiritual Rare Material [naturally formed spiritual materials of the highest purity] to aid their Foundation Reforging [the process of completely rebuilding one's cultivation base].

In the end, nearly every one of these several dozen Immortal who now exclusively cultivated the Sacrificial Self Path obtained a divine object of Lower Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the world's innate energies, of the lowest recognized grade] caliber.

Once the foundational conversion for everyone was complete, a faint smile touched Eldrin Chen's lips.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, after absorbing the essence of their former cultivation bases, these Ancient Immortal [Immortals who have survived for immense ages] would ultimately advance their new foundations by at least two or three significant steps beyond their previous level.

If their original hope of breaking through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a legendary realm representing the pinnacle of the Golden Immortal stage] had been vanishingly slim, their current chances had now increased more than tenfold.

Furthermore, as time flowed on and they continuously accumulated power within the Immortal Treasury Realm [a cultivation realm focused on amassing vast reserves of energy], their ultimate hope of achieving the Great Encompassing realm through the Sacrificial Self Path would gradually increase.

Returning to the main thread, after helping everyone convert to the Sacrificial Self Path, Eldrin Chen returned to Returning Abyss Heaven to continue his secluded cultivation.

In the years that followed, Eldrin Chen devoted the greater part of his focus to comprehending the Great Path [the fundamental laws and principles of the cosmos]. Thus, time slipped away unnoticed, and before long, the eve of the eighth Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle of destruction and renewal that tests all beings] was upon them once more.

"The Kalpa Tribulation approaches again," he murmured. "It is time we made our preparations."

On this day, Eldrin Chen emerged from his secluded cultivation. He cast a glance towards the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all realms are born], where the aura of the impending tribulation was gathering. A profound calm settled within the depths of his eyes.

Witnessing this, Exquisite Jiang could not help but speak. "This time, during the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle of destruction and rebirth that reshapes the cosmos], do you intend to bring the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-transcendence through sacrifice] to its Great Perfection?"

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, his expression serene as he replied. "To establish a firm foothold within the Chaos [the boundless, primordial void beyond ordered realms], one ultimately requires power and methods on the level of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme sovereign whose power touches the foundational laws of existence]."

"If the Sacrificial Self Path can achieve Great Perfection, our safety will be greatly enhanced."

Exquisite Jiang nodded in agreement, yet a note of concern lingered in her voice. "If nothing unforeseen occurs, your Great Path Rival [a fated adversary who contends for supremacy on the same grand Dao] will undoubtedly intervene to prevent you from perfecting the Sacrificial Self Path."

"Then it shall be a contest of whose methods prove superior."

Eldrin Chen stated calmly. He then summoned Path Ruins Jiang and Goose Startles Cold to his presence.

Within the halls of the Returning Abyss Immortal Hall, Eldrin Chen regarded the two before him. A subtle thought stirred within him. He first addressed Path Ruins Jiang. "Grandfather, how have your accumulations progressed over these years?"

"This Kalpa Tribulation shall be the crucible in which I forge my Path."

Path Ruins Jiang replied, his countenance a mask of tranquil certainty.

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist] nodded. Jiang Path Ruins [his grandfather] had not severed his foundation but, relying on his formidable True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a supreme spiritual core], directly performed the Sacrificial Self Art [a profound self-sacrificial cultivation technique] to achieve his breakthrough. Naturally, his subsequent cultivation progressed with astonishing speed.

The present Jiang Path Ruins had not only mastered the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [ten supreme repositories of immortal power], but each Immortal Treasury [repository] had been cultivated to the Indestructibility Realm [a state of near-perfect durability]. His foundational depth and reserves were far beyond what figures like Alistair Ye [a past rival] and others could ever hope to match.

Besides Jiang Path Ruins, Goose Startles Cold [a powerful ally] had also fully assimilated the Innate Primordial Breath [the primordial energy present at the dawn of creation], directly transforming his foundation into the Primordial One Grade [the highest possible grade of foundational purity]. Compared to his past self, his potential and foundation had undergone a monumental change.

For two individuals such as these, barring obstruction by overwhelmingly powerful enemies, their ascension to Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle of cultivation] was almost a foregone conclusion.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen drew a deep breath and spoke, "For the Sacrificial Self Path [the Path of Self-Sacrifice] to reach its grand completion, it requires both of you to ascend to Great Encompassing Golden Immortal."

"Grandfather and Startles Cold, you are the most likely to prove the Great Encompassing [Great Encompassing Dao]. Therefore, I ask that you both plunge into the heart of the Kalpa Tribulation [the cosmic cycle of calamity and renewal] during this coming era."

Jiang Path Ruins gave a slight nod, his expression calm as he stated, "Then I shall enter the fray."

Eldrin Chen acknowledged this, yet a trace of gravity remained in his voice. "This time, only the two of you will enter the Kalpa Tribulation, yet you will face the coordinated hunting of a multitude of powerful foes."

"Those individuals represent the deep-seated strength of the Primordial One Imperial Court [the ancient and supreme celestial court]. I urge you not to underestimate them."

In truth, within Eldrin Chen's lineage, there were several others with the potential to prove the Great Encompassing Dao.

Yet, it is a pity that Worthy Pursuit Chen is still within the cycle of Reincarnation [the process of being reborn into a new life]. After Lingering Ye fell, he was cursed by Nether Mystery Imperial Lord, plunging him into an endless cycle of Eternal Tribulation Reincarnation [a state of perpetual reincarnation through cosmic calamities] from which escape is exceedingly difficult.

As for the earlier nominal disciples, the vast majority, it seems, are still far from being of significant use.

The old friends and disciples who have newly converted to the Sacrificial Self Path are all powerful Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived for countless ages] with neither weak talent nor lacking in Opportunity and Fortune [the confluence of chance and destiny that shapes one's path]. However, they will still require at least one or two Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] to truly come into their own.

In truth, among these newly converted old friends, with the exception of a very rare few, the overwhelming majority will need to accumulate dozens, even hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation before they have a greater certainty of stepping into the Great Encompassing Realm [the ultimate realm of cultivation, encompassing all things].

In this regard, they are somewhat similar to the Great Encompassing True Seed [a cultivator destined for the Great Encompassing Realm] nurtured by the Great Encompassing Ancient Sect and the Imperial Courts.

Returning to the main topic, upon hearing Eldrin Chen mention his Great Path Rival [a fated adversary on the grand path of cultivation], a flicker of Slaughter Intent [a murderous will to kill] surfaced within Goose Startles Cold's gaze.

He clasped his hands, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit, and declared, "Master, I have long wished to settle the grievances of those years, and this seems the perfect opportunity."

Path Ruins Jiang remained calm. As he wiped the blade of his Innate Primordial Breath Sword [a divine sword technique born from the world's primordial energy], he replied placidly, "I hear Soaring Sky is stirring to life once more. In this coming Kalpa Tribulation, I shall go and behead him again, to collect a bit of interest on Exquisite's behalf."

Hearing this, Exquisite Jiang, who stood nearby, could not help but allow a faint smile to touch her lips.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen said no more. He simply withdrew two stacks of Void Great Encompassing Divine Talisman [divine talismans imbued with the power of the Void and the Great Encompassing Realm] from his sleeve and stated calmly, "Those individuals carry Great Emperor Forbidden Artifact [artifacts of forbidden power used by Great Emperors], which will inevitably pose some trouble."

"These Void Escape Talisman [talismans imbued with the power of the void] were refined from the void energy I extracted from the Returning Abyss Seal [a powerful seal artifact]. In a critical moment, they can be used to shake off the pursuit of a powerful foe."

Path Ruins Jiang did not take the Void Escape Talisman, merely speaking calmly, "With my current strength, these items are of little use."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen also nodded. The current Path Ruins Jiang and Goose Startles Cold were both extraordinary.

Even Goose Startles Cold was already comparable to an Invincible Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] who had laid a Four True Spirit Foundations [a supreme cultivation foundation method]. Path Ruins Jiang far surpassed even this realm, his combat prowess rivaling that of Exquisite Jiang in her prime.

Before such strength, numbers held almost no meaning.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen sighed with feeling, "Then I shall await your good news."

"..."

As the tribulation aura [a foreboding energy signaling an impending heavenly calamity] in heaven and earth drew near, the eighth Kalpa Tribulation [a grand cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] finally arrived.

In this Kalpa Tribulation, the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance had only two members entering the fray: Goose Startles Cold and Path Ruins Jiang. Yet, their strength was terrifyingly formidable.

During the Kalpa Tribulation, Path Ruins Jiang directly stormed into the Immortal Firmament Ancient Continent. Within the Nirvana Ancient Land, he found Soaring Sky Imperial Scion, who had revived through the Rebirth [a divine ability allowing resurrection] technique.

"A thousand calamities, ten thousand tribulations, a billion years fleeting, a hundred cycles of Reincarnation [the process of being reborn into a new life], I, Soaring Sky, have finally returned."

"In this tribulation, I shall sweep aside all opposition, attaining the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the supreme and ultimate state of immortal cultivation] with an invincible bearing."

Having just awakened from his slumber, the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion unleashed a tide of Fiendish Energy [a malevolent and corrupt form of spiritual power] that swept across the vast Immortal Firmament Ancient Continent, revealing his peerless Three True Spirit Foundations [a legendary cultivation method that forges three perfect spiritual foundations].

Sensing the aura of the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion, the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] was struck with terror. His face drastically changed, and he immediately fled the Immortal Firmament Ancient Continent.

Yet, to everyone's astonishment, before the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion could begin his rampage, he was interrupted by an indelible Sword Intent [the conceptual will and essence of a swordsman, made manifest].

It was a Sword Intent that spanned the Myriad Heavens [the countless realms and celestial domains]. It cleaved through the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] and arrived, carrying with it an unstoppable Slaughter Intent [a will focused purely on annihilation and destruction].

"No—!"

The Soaring Sky Imperial Scion roared, a bellow that shook the annals of time itself.

He roared defiance and met that Sword Intent head-on. In that instant, he Burst [unleashed] forth with divine power capable of Decay [rotting and withering] the Myriad Heavens and annihilating the Chaos [the primordial chaos].

Alas, despite his full-powered Burst, he remained utterly insignificant before that overwhelming Sword Intent.

"Clang—" [the sharp, resonant sound of metal striking metal]

As the cry of the sword rang out, that unstoppable Sword Intent [a cultivator's will and understanding of the sword made manifest] descended. In a single clash, it annihilated the physical body of Soaring Sky Imperial Scion. Even his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true self of a high-level cultivator] and flesh began to disintegrate, returning to the fundamental principles of the cosmos.

"Impossible! I am a prodigy of my generation! How could I fail to withstand a single sword strike?"

Soaring Sky Imperial Scion roared in despair, his face etched with utter unwillingness.

Yet all his defiance was in vain. Beneath the sword energy that ground all existence into nothingness, Soaring Sky Imperial Scion had no time for further words before he was utterly obliterated, reduced to scattered ashes.

"This…"

At the same moment, within the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent, a group of Imperial Scions from the Primordial Solar and Profound Darkness Imperial Courts, among others, paled dramatically.

They stared in disbelief at the scene before them. Finally exchanging glances, one among them spoke, his voice low: "Soaring Sky Imperial Scion has fallen. What do we use to deal with Goose Startles Cold now?"

The Imperial Scions from the several Great Emperor [a supreme title for a cultivator who has reached the pinnacle of power] Courts murmured amongst themselves, shock evident on their faces.

In their plans, Soaring Sky Imperial Scion, who had awakened during this tribulation, was their greatest trump card for confronting the Sacrificial Self Path [a formidable and unorthodox cultivation method].

Yet who could have foreseen that this ultimate trump card, having just awakened, would be slain by a single sword stroke from an unknown powerhouse? This outcome utterly defied their expectations.

"Disaster—"

At that very moment, an Imperial Scion from the Primordial Solar Imperial Court cried out, his face contorting with terror as he sought to flee. Alas, it was already too late.

For from within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], a torrential Sword Intent [the conceptual will and power imbued within a sword technique] surged forth. It erupted with sword auras [condensed blades of energy] potent enough to obliterate all existence. Where it passed, Immortals fell like rain, their Primordial Spirits [the spiritual core of a cultivator] utterly extinguished in an instant.

In the span of mere moments, more than half of the several dozen Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived eight Heavenly Tribulations] had already perished.

Even more terrifying, before the survivors could react, dozens more sword auras descended in succession, instantly annihilating those who remained.

Only then did Path Ruins Jiang within the Chaos sheath his Innate Primordial Breath Sword [a supreme sword art born from one's innate Primordial Breath]. He calmly gathered the fallen Immortals' Path Source [the condensed essence of a cultivator's cultivation path] and remarked with serene composure, "Were these the ones who gave you such trouble back then?"

Beside him, Goose Startles Cold could not help but reveal a look of profound complexity.

He understood all too well the might of these foes. Each had at least forged an Indestructibility Foundation [a foundational cultivation realm focused on achieving an unbreakable body and spirit]. A joint assault by several dozen prodigies of Imperial Scion caliber was a force even a genius who had cultivated the Three True Spirit Foundations [a legendary cultivation method involving three supreme foundational realms] would have to approach with utmost caution.

Yet such formidable adversaries could not withstand a single move from Path Ruins Jiang's sword.

The fundamental reason was still that Path Ruins Jiang was simply too vast. After cultivating the True Spirit Primordial Spirit and manifesting his new self-body, bolstered by the Inner Universe and the Ten Great Indestructibility Immortal Treasuries, and further amplified by the supreme combat power granted by the True Spirit Treasure, his foundation had become overwhelming.

Such profound and immense reserves had already transcended the limits of the Mortal Realm and could even be said to rival the legendary Seven True Spirit Foundations.

In the face of absolute power, numbers held little meaning. Even those who had achieved the Indestructibility Foundation could not withstand a single sword strike from Path Ruins Jiang.

"I have dealt with the strongest among them for you,"

Path Ruins Jiang calmly collected the Path Source [a primordial source energy of the Great Path], then tossed a significant portion of the useless ones to Goose Startles Cold before speaking. "You still have many enemies within the Domain of Chaos Firmamental Extreme. You should not require my further assistance, correct?"

"I can handle them myself,"

Goose Startles Cold gave a slight nod. Then, transforming into a sky-rending sword aura, he cleaved through the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] and shot towards the Domain of Chaos Firmamental Extreme.

Witnessing this, Path Ruins Jiang offered no further comment. He immediately began refining the various Path Source he had gathered, attempting to continue cultivating his Ten Great Immortal Treasuries. He sought to see if he could advance further within the Indestructibility Immortal Treasury.

Regrettably, even after refining a vast quantity of Path Source, his Ten Great Immortal Treasuries had only seen a substantial increase in their foundational essence. The distance to achieving the True Spirit Divine Treasury remained as vast and unreachable as ever.

Path Ruins Jiang even began to suspect that cultivating the True Spirit Immortal Treasury might be an impossibility. Perhaps not even a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [a supreme being who has comprehended the fundamental truths of existence and attained sagehood] could create such a transcendent method.

Returning to the main narrative, while Path Ruins Jiang was in secluded cultivation, Goose Startles Cold single-handedly stormed into the Domain of Chaos Firmamental Extreme to settle old scores.

He first hunted down his old enemies from that year, cleansing them one by one, then charged to the peripheries of several other Primordial Domain to help his martial brothers and sisters exact their vengeance.

Thus, over several hundred thousand years, Goose Startles Cold alone forced the enemies across four domains to bleed, nearly carving a path of carnage through the entire Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

In the end, Path Ruins Jiang and Goose Startles Cold invaded the Heaven Abyss, annihilating all foes from the Northern Abyss upon the Heaven Abyss Ancient Continent, forging a legend that bordered on the Immortality.

Thereafter, they completed their breakthrough within the Depths of Chaos of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, achieving the ascension of their Inner Immortal Domain and breaking through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm via the Sacrificial Self Path.

"Boom—"

At the very moment the two completed their breakthrough, a thunderous roar echoed from within the Primordial Chaos Great Path Sea.

The Great Path Origin belonging to the Sacrificial Self Path had finally been fully mended, transforming into a brand new Great Completion Innate Great Path.

"They succeeded."

Simultaneously, Eldrin Chen opened his eyes from his secluded cultivation, a faint smile finally gracing his gaze.

The return of the nine Great Encompassing [the highest attainable cultivation realm] practitioners of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art focused on self-transcendence] allowed the Path itself to step into the realm of Great Completion, causing Eldrin Chen to heave a profound sigh of relief.

The power of the Sacrificial Self Path at the Great Completion stage was now extraordinary. As a Path Master [a title for one who has mastered a Great Path] who wielded Great Path Authority [the authority to command the principles of a Great Path], Eldrin Chen's strength was utterly transformed from what it had been before.

"Let me witness the power of the Sacrificial Self Path," he murmured to himself.

With a flick of his sleeve, Eldrin Chen channeled the power of his Path Mastery [the state of complete mastery over a cultivation path].

In that instant, an indescribable force began to coalesce within his palm.

As if in a dream, a phantom Immortal Domain [a realm governed by an immortal] took shape in his hand, encircled by ten eternally radiant Immortal Treasury [a legendary repository of an immortal's treasures].

"Is this the Path Form [the manifested, tangible shape of a Great Path]?"

Gazing at the illusory Immortal Domain cradled in his palm, a gleam of understanding brightened Eldrin Chen's eyes.

The so-called Path Form was the primordial manifestation of a Great Path [a fundamental principle or law of the cosmos that can be cultivated]. As the name implied, it was the 'form of the Great Path'.

It was often said that 'the Great Path is formless,' a notion stemming from its omnipresence—something to be comprehended, not seen. This was because ordinary cultivators and even Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality through cultivation] were unworthy of gazing upon the true visage of a Great Path.

And a true Path Master is one who can perceive, touch, and even grasp the very form of the Great Path [the fundamental laws and principles that govern existence and cultivation].

At this moment, Eldrin Chen was employing the power of Path Mastery [the profound state of comprehending and wielding the laws of the Great Path], transforming the intangible Great Path into a tangible form and containing it within his palm.

Path Mastery is the mastery of Great Path Authority [the authority to command and shape the fundamental laws of reality]; is it not, then, also the authority held within one's own grasp?

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly, then clenched his fist abruptly. The Great Path within his palm instantly transformed into a surge of sovereign power that infused his entire being.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen felt his power skyrocket, surpassing in a heartbeat the ultimate limits of the Great Encompassing [a supreme cultivation realm] and finally shattering the barriers of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle stage of the Great Encompassing realm]. He stepped into the ineffable domain of the Primordial One [the legendary, foundational state of existence from which all things originate].

"So this... is the realm of the Primordial One?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, allowing the immense Great Path Authority to fully envelop him. With a single step, he pierced through the River of Space-Time [the metaphysical flow connecting all moments and places], traversing the ancient currents spanning dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often involving great cataclysms and rebirth].

When he finally halted, he found himself billions of years in the past, within a boundless, ancient Chaos Heavenly Domain [a primordial realm born from and existing within the formless Chaos].

It was a Grotto-Heaven [a self-contained paradise or transcendent realm] adrift within the Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state before creation]. Its majesty stretched endlessly, and at its heart stood a palace constructed from Violet Jade [a rare and spiritually potent violet-colored jade].

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw a plaque above the palace gate, upon which three large characters were inscribed.

The Violet Firmament.