Chapter 1975 : Echoes of a Shattered Future

It was an indescribable existence, its true form not revealed, merely wielding a weapon that was neither quite a blade nor a sword—the Blade of Oblivion—as it descended in a cleaving strike.

Where it passed, the Great Path disintegrated, Space-Time fractured, Reincarnation shattered; all things were annihilated, everything reduced to ashes of Oblivion.

The Future self [the projection of Eldrin Chen from a potential future timeline] poured forth its full power to resist, yet in an instant, its every defense was utterly dismantled by that single blow.

Eldrin Chen watched as the Future self completely disintegrated, seemingly erased into nothingness. Immediately after, the entire ancient River of Space-Time [the conceptual flow of time and space, often visualized as a river] was severed clean through by that strike.

At the final moment, Eldrin Chen saw the entire fabric of Space-Time begin to unravel. In the end, only a single Violet Seal [a powerful magical artifact] shrouded in Primordial Chaos Aura [an aura of primordial, undifferentiated energy] remained, wrapped in fragments of Space-Time and cast adrift, lost within the ancient River of Space-Time.

"This is..."

Only after what felt like an eternity did Eldrin Chen slowly awaken from within the currents of Space-Time, realizing he had returned to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [an immortal realm], countless eons into his own future.

He drew a deep breath, a trace of confusion coloring his expression. "Did my Future self... perish under that strike?"

"But that Future self was already so immensely powerful. Why then would it choose to ascend against the current of the River of Space-Time, traversing Space-Time itself to confront an invincible, forbidden existence?"

Eldrin Chen could not fathom the reason. Yet, in the end, he forcibly suppressed these swirling thoughts.

He understood his own temperament all too well. The Future version of himself would never undertake a meaningless endeavor, nor would he seek death without reason.

Since the Future version of himself had chosen this course of action, there must have been a compelling reason for it.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen ceased his pondering. He quickly suppressed the injury at the corner of his mouth before letting out a slow, steadying breath.

"How are you?"

Seeing him return wounded, Exquisite Jiang asked with evident concern.

"It's nothing serious," Eldrin Chen shook his head, a trace of bitterness in his smile. "I sustained some injuries while reviving Violet Capital. Later, I chanced upon a Space-Time battle, and a mere wisp of its residual power pierced through the River of Space-Time to wound me."

"Fortunately, the era I was in was separated from that point in Space-Time by an immense gulf of time, so the damage inflicted was not severe."

Only then did Exquisite Jiang relax. She promptly fed Eldrin Chen several Healing Immortal Pill [pills of profound restorative power] before speaking. "The River of Space-Time is perilous and unpredictable. Within certain forbidden zones, there are even Heavenly Emperor [supreme sovereigns of the heavens] clashing across the currents of Space-Time."

"Though you now possess the combat power of an Imperial Lord [a ruler of an imperial domain], if you were to stumble into such a conflict, you would risk grievous injury or being cast into a deep slumber."

As she spoke, Exquisite Jiang continued, "Thankfully, within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, such cataclysmic battles are rare. As long as you avoid the specific era and location of the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain's destruction, you should possess the means to protect yourself."

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] paused for a moment upon hearing this, a flicker of understanding seeming to dawn within him.

It appeared that his Future [a conceptual representation of his future self] self had traveled upstream along the River of Space-Time [the metaphysical flow of time and space] for tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years], reaching that distant epoch to clash with the entity that shattered the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain [the original, foundational realm of the immortal cosmos].

But for what reason would he have braved the perilous currents of time itself to confront such an indescribable existence?

"Was it for the Chaos Cauldron [a legendary artifact of immense power], or was there another cause?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, yet the puzzle remained unsolved.

Noticing his distraction, Exquisite Jiang [Eldrin's companion, a fellow immortal] inquired, "What troubles you?"

"It is nothing of consequence," Eldrin Chen shook his head before continuing, "I did not witness the battle for the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain firsthand, yet perhaps I have glimpsed the aftershocks of that cataclysmic conflict."

Speaking thus, Eldrin Chen finally drew a deep breath, choosing not to reveal to Exquisite Jiang the nature of the foe his Future self had faced.

After all, the being behind the Blade of Oblivion [a weapon of ultimate annihilation] seemed to possess a power so vast and ineffable that merely speaking of it might draw its attention.

For when one's cultivation realm [the level of spiritual power and enlightenment a cultivator has attained] reaches a certain profound height, one gains a certain sensitivity to matters pertaining to oneself.

Just like Eldrin Chen, within the boundless Multidimensional Space-Time of the Eight Great Immortal Domains of Returning Abyss, if someone called out his Dao title or true name, Eldrin Chen would sense it.

For beings of that level, the range of their perception would likely be even more astonishing; one might not even dare to think their name in the depths of one's heart.

Exquisite Jiang did not have the Primordial Chaos Scripture to obscure Celestial Mechanism [the workings of fate and heavenly secrets]. If she learned of it, she would very likely be detected.

"It must not be spoken, nor even thought."

Eldrin Chen murmured, finally shaking his head at Exquisite Jiang.

Exquisite Jiang understood and immediately refrained from asking further.

"..."

As the Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] concluded, Path Ruins Jiang and Goose Startles Cold finally returned.

Unwilling to reveal their origins, Eldrin Chen did not allow them to appear publicly. He merely held an internal Great Encompassing Immortal Banquet [a grand feast for immortals] in their honor before once again entering seclusion to heal his wounds.

This period of recovery was not long, lasting only a few million years before Eldrin Chen had fully Recovery [recovered] from his injuries.

After his injuries had Recovery [a divine ability focused on healing and restoration], Eldrin Chen finally felt his comprehension of the Great Path [the supreme cultivation art he practices] was sufficient. He was ready to attempt a breakthrough to the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the advanced stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm].

"It is time to attempt the breakthrough," he murmured to himself.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen immediately began his preparations to ascend to the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Ascending to the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal typically required exceptionally rare resources. To cultivate the Great Path to its Great Perfection Realm [the ultimate, flawless state of a cultivation art], one usually needed the supremely precious Great Path Source Marrow [a primordial essence vital for perfecting supreme cultivation arts].

However, Great Path Source Marrow could only be produced within Primordial One Grade [the highest grade] Chaos Lair [dangerous, primordial realms within the Chaos]. This made it exceedingly scarce and immensely valuable within the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond the ordered realms].

Eldrin Chen did not possess such a treasure himself. Yet, having seized numerous Rare Spiritual Wonders [exceptional spiritual materials and artifacts], acquiring it through trade would not be difficult.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen asked Exquisite Jiang, "Where do you think I should seek the Great Path Source Marrow?"

Exquisite Jiang offered a gentle smile before replying, "Given your current status, husband, you could simply trade with any Primordial One Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord who has reached the Primordial One realm]. Many have been seeking an audience with you lately."

"Indeed, quite a few Primordial One Imperial Lord have been eager to establish connections with you during this time," she added.

Eldrin Chen paused for a moment, then realized the truth of her words. He was no longer the cultivator he once was.

Having reached the Grand Completion realm of the Sacrificial Self Path, he now stood among the ranks of Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivation realm where one's power is considered foundational and peerless]. Even other Primordial One Imperial Lord would now treat him as an equal.

For an ordinary Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a high-level immortal cultivator], obtaining Great Path Source Marrow [a primordial substance that refines and strengthens one's cultivation foundation] was exceedingly difficult. Yet for him now, acquiring Great Path Source Marrow was as easy as breathing.

"It seems one's standing dictates the circles one moves in and the resources one can access," he mused.

Eldrin Chen chuckled softly. After reviewing the visitor's invitation in his hand, he spoke with a smile, "Since Blazeflame Imperial Lord has personally requested my presence as a guest, it appears I should indeed meet with this senior."

Exquisite Jiang nodded in agreement, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "In my previous life, Blazeflame Imperial Lord was merely an obscure, Nameless Great Encompassing Golden Immortal."

"All these years, as a ruling Imperial Lord [a sovereign lord over a vast domain], it was not fitting for me to interact with him. Now, however, it is indeed appropriate for you to establish contact with his kind."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. Exquisite Jiang's past incarnation had been a Quasi-Divine Sovereign [a being on the cusp of divine rulership], while her current re-cultivation had only reached the Great Encompassing Realm [a powerful but lesser realm].

To avoid the awkwardness of their reversed statuses, Exquisite Jiang seldom socialized with acquaintances from her former life. Those old friends, in turn, had tactfully refrained from seeking her out for reminiscence.

Now that Eldrin Chen's combat prowess had entered the domain of a Primordial One Imperial Lord, and he was a Supreme Path Master [a master who has comprehended and commands a supreme Dao or cultivation path] who commanded his own unique Dao, both his status and power allowed him to engage with those former acquaintances as a true equal. This thought greatly pleased Exquisite Jiang.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen declared, "I shall meet with him. It will also be an opportunity to trade for some urgently needed resources."

With those words, Eldrin Chen hesitated no longer. He directly retrieved a batch of resources including Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure and Demon God Heartblood Pill [a potent elixir refined from the heart's blood of a powerful demonic entity], then tore through the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between realms] to arrive just outside the Blazeflame Immortal Domain [the celestial realm ruled by the Blazeflame Imperial Lord].

The moment he arrived beyond the borders of the Blazeflame Immortal Domain, the Blazeflame Imperial Lord immediately sensed his presence. With a warm smile, the Imperial Lord stepped forth to greet him, saying, "So it is Fellow Cultivator Eldrin himself who graces us with his presence. This is truly an honor for this humble one."

Eldrin Chen offered a slight smile in return, then clasped his hands in a respectful salute. "Senior paid me a personal visit some time ago," he said. "I was in secluded cultivation at the time and failed to receive you properly. I must beg your forgiveness."

"Please, hold!"

The Blazeflame Imperial Lord hastily waved his hands, speaking with earnest sincerity. "Fellow Daoist, you are a revered Ancestor of a Great Path [a supreme master who has founded his own profound cultivation methodology]. In the future, you may very well ascend to the Realm of Chaos [the legendary domain of primordial creation]. Please, do not humble yourself before me."

"Let us interact as peers of equal standing."

Only then did Eldrin Chen give a nod of acceptance, his smile gentle. "In that case, I shall presume upon your kindness and address the Imperial Lord [a title for a ruler of an immortal domain] as an equal."

"Hahaha! Excellent!"

The Blazeflame Imperial Lord rose promptly, his manner cordial as he took Eldrin Chen by the sleeve and guided him into the heart of the Blazeflame Immortal Domain.

Within an Immortal Garden wreathed in swirling Immortal Energy [the dense, life-giving spiritual essence that permeates immortal realms], the Blazeflame Imperial Lord personally seated him opposite. As they settled, several dozen peerless Immortal Consorts [celestial consorts of surpassing beauty and grace] glided forth. They began to dance amidst the immortal mists, their movements a graceful welcome, a performance meant to honor and cleanse the travel-weariness from Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen cast a glance and saw that each of these Immortal Consorts was a peerless beauty of timeless grace, their innate talent and cultivation level ranking among the very pinnacle even among Ancient Immortal. The lead dancer was a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

After the dance concluded, Blazeflame Imperial Lord could not help but ask, "What do you think?"

"This leisurely life of yours, Imperial Lord, is truly enviable,"

Eldrin Chen replied with a light smile, his tone calm.

Blazeflame Imperial Lord shook his head, his voice tinged with even greater admiration. "Fellow Daoist, your Dao Companion is the reincarnation of Supreme Lunar Imperial Lord. That is what truly makes us envious."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly.

Noticing his reaction, Blazeflame Imperial Lord continued with a smile. "In the Primordial Era, Supreme Lunar Imperial Lord possessed a grace and talent that eclipsed her generation. She was the First Divine Maiden of the Primordial Beginning Domain, standing at the very forefront of all female immortals."

"Even within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, Supreme Lunar Imperial Lord held the top position on the Ranking of Grace and Talent, a peerless beauty pursued by several existences of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor level."

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, only now understanding this part of Exquisite Jiang's past.

Seeing his expression, Blazeflame Imperial Lord spoke again. "Alas, Supreme Lunar Imperial Lord's standards were exceedingly high. She was, after all, a fated Chaos Divine Sovereign. How could she have been swayed by the pursuits of others?"

"There are even legends that the Demon Race's Heavenly Emperor [the supreme ruler of the heavens] acted out of spite and resorted to treachery after his romantic pursuit was rejected..."

Upon hearing the mention of the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Celestial Sovereign of the Sun], Eldrin Chen's gaze tightened slightly, but he swiftly reined in the flicker of cold intent.

He did not believe the Solar Heavenly Emperor truly acted out of mere wounded pride from a failed courtship, though it might have been one contributing factor among many.

For beings who have cultivated to the Great Encompassing [a profound realm of cosmic mastery] and beyond, human nature often proves a fragile thing when weighed against absolute benefit; fleeting sentiments of romance rarely hold decisive sway.

If the Solar Heavenly Emperor had intended from the very beginning to seize the Great Path Authority [the supreme authority over a fundamental cosmic principle], then his so-called pursuit was likely nothing more than a calculated ruse.

Unwilling to dwell further on the Solar Heavenly Emperor, Eldrin Chen spoke up, "Fellow Daoist, matters concerning such exalted beings are best left undiscussed by the likes of us."

"Ah, my apologies for the indiscretion!"

Blazeflame Imperial Lord quickly laughed it off, then personally poured Eldrin Chen a cup of tea, his tone warm and enthusiastic. "Fellow Daoist, having perfected your own Great Path [a supreme cultivation methodology], your future potential is surely boundless."

"I am a few years your senior; I hope you don't mind this old brother presuming upon our acquaintance?"

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, a faint smile gracing his lips. "The Imperial Lord [a title for a powerful ruler-lord] may address me as he pleases."

The Blazeflame Imperial Lord [a powerful ruler of the Blazeflame Immortal Domain] nodded slightly before speaking. "To be frank, the reason I personally sought you out last time was to ask for your assistance."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered subtly, as if a thought had just occurred to him.

The Blazeflame Imperial Lord smiled and continued, "Within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain [a vast and perilous region of the immortal realms], that Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor [a powerful being who has attained a state between immortal and true ancestor] remains a thorn in both our sides. What say we join forces and eliminate him?"

Hearing this, a faint gleam stirred in Eldrin Chen's gaze.

In truth, Eldrin Chen had anticipated the Blazeflame Imperial Lord's request. The Imperial Lord's cultivation had been stagnant at the Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier [the third level of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, a pinnacle stage of power] for several thousand Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often spanning billions of years].

If he could slay the Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor, his Great Path Rival [a fated adversary whose existence blocks one's own advancement on the Great Dao], the Blazeflame Imperial Lord's chances of breaking through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage would increase dramatically.

However, the Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor was no easy foe. With his current strength, Eldrin Chen dared not lightly involve himself, and so he remained silent.

Seeing this, the Blazeflame Imperial Lord spoke again. "If you join me in this endeavor, Fellow Daoist, upon success I shall gift you three Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest grade of treasures born from heaven and earth, possessing immense innate power]."

Eldrin Chen heard the offer but did not reply. While Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure were valuable, they were not indispensable treasures for one at the Primordial One Imperial Lord level.

Eldrin Chen already possessed three such treasures in his hands, so he felt no pressing urgency for this particular grade of artifact.

The most crucial point was that the Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor occupied the Primordial One Grade Chaos Lair known as the Ancient Plain of Departing Flames. Even disregarding his Divine Fiend physique and the Chaos Lair itself, the treasures he likely possessed were worth at least ten Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures as a starting point.

A mere three Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures were not worth Eldrin Chen's direct intervention.

After pondering for a moment, he thus spoke: "The Imperial Lord should understand that although I have attained Path Mastery, my cultivation base ultimately remains insufficient."

"Powerful enemies still surround us now, so I dare not involve myself in a conflict of this magnitude."

"Furthermore, that Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor relies on the Ancient Plain of Departing Flames. If he defends with a Primordial One Grand Formation, even three to five early-stage Primordial One Imperial Lords joining forces would likely find his defenses Impenetrable."

Having said this, Eldrin Chen's tone shifted once more: "Perhaps it would be better for you, Fellow Daoist, to wait a little longer. When my cultivation advances further and I reach the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm, I might then have a measure of confidence."

Upon hearing this, the Blazeflame Imperial Lord also smiled slightly. He nodded and said, "Your words are reasonable, Fellow Daoist. Waiting a while longer poses no issue."

In truth, the Blazeflame Imperial Lord's current invitation for Eldrin Chen to act was partly motivated by a desire to share fewer treasures with him.

But since Eldrin Chen intended to advance his strength before taking action, the Imperial Lord was naturally willing to wait. At worst, it meant sharing a greater portion of the spoils later. As long as he obtained the Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor's Great Path Authority, he would not suffer a loss.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke up, "By the way, I also wished to exchange for some Great Path Source Crystal [a rare crystalline substance containing the pure, foundational energy of the Great Path] with you, Fellow Daoist."

"Oh?"

Blazeflame Imperial Lord's eyes flickered with a subtle light, and then he smiled as he replied, "That is easily arranged. I still have ten portions of Great Path Source Crystal in my possession. How about I allocate five of them for you, Fellow Daoist?"