Chapter 1979 : The Long Seclusion's Revelation

Returning to the main narrative, after mastering the Primordial Chaos Unity Energy Grasping Hand, Eldrin Chen continued his cultivation of various Divine Ability [profound supernatural techniques].

Approximately thirty million years later, he finally achieved mastery in the Chaos Divine Thunder. After another twenty million years, he brought the Five-Colored Divine Light to the Great Perfection Realm [the pinnacle state of a technique].

By the time Eldrin Chen perfected the Great Deduction Polarity Stars Path, he realized the next Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration and profound change] was once again drawing near.

"Time flows with relentless swiftness," he mused.

Having cultivated four Divine Ability to their peak, Eldrin Chen could not help but sigh at the fleeting nature of the years.

In truth, a single seclusion lasting one Kalpa Tribulation is not considered particularly long for a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal being]. Many such immortals would seclude themselves for several Kalpa Tribulation cycles just to comprehend the secrets of a single Divine Ability.

By comparison, Eldrin Chen's achievement of mastering four Divine Ability within one Kalpa Tribulation could already be considered divinely rapid progress.

Yet, for Eldrin Chen himself, this single seclusion spanning an entire Kalpa Tribulation was the longest period of closed-door cultivation in his entire life.

Of course, even after perfecting these four Divine Ability, Eldrin Chen had no intention of emerging. He merely continued his secluded cultivation within his abode.

As for this ninth Kalpa Tribulation, neither the Chen Immortal Clan nor the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance had any Great Encompassing True Seed [a cultivator at the threshold of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] destined to face its trials.

This was because, even after the multitude had cultivated the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-sacrifice and transcendence], Eldrin Chen still discerned numerous imperfections within it. The difficulty of achieving the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [the ten supreme divine abilities of the Sacrificial Self Path] far surpassed that of attaining the Nine Heavenly Passes [the nine foundational cultivation realms].

The fundamental reason why individuals like Path Ruins Jiang and Lofty Peak Lu were able to cultivate the Indestructibility Immortal Treasury [the Immortal Treasury of Unbreakable Form] lay in the full support and cultivation from the Creation Cauldron [a legendary artifact capable of forging and refining existence] and Eldrin Chen, coupled with the empowerment of various rare Opportunity and Fortune [moments of profound destiny and karmic favor].

However, this path held little universality. For ordinary Ancient Immortal [immortals who have weathered countless ages], not only was cultivating the Indestructibility Immortal Treasury out of reach, but even transforming a Divine Treasury [a divine-grade foundational core] into an Immortal Treasury [an immortal-grade foundational core]—achieving a Ninth Limit Immortal Treasury [an Immortal Treasury at the Ninth Limit, comparable to the Ninth Limit Foundation]—was a task as difficult as scaling the heavens.

And beyond the Ninth Limit, to set foot upon the Tenth Limit Immortal Treasury [the legendary Tenth Limit], or even the Eleven-Limit Indestructibility Immortal Treasury [the supreme Eleven-Limit], was nearly impossible to accomplish through conventional cultivation means.

Therefore, what Eldrin Chen currently needed was a greater number of subjects—individuals to continuously explore the limits of the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries within the Sacrificial Self Path. Only then could he devise methods to break through the inherent constraints of the Sacrificial Self Path itself.

In truth, with these several dozen Sacrificial Self Path practitioners who had reached the Immortal Treasury Realm [the realm of the Immortal Treasuries] as his subjects, Eldrin Chen was able to meticulously examine and refine the path, gradually perfecting the cultivation journey of the Immortal Treasury Realm.

Of course, the corresponding trade-off was that the cultivation speed for these Sacrificial Self Path practitioners was exceedingly slow. It was likely that the vast majority would require several dozen Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] of time to possibly achieve the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, aside from a select few like Silas Chen, the others would need at least thirty Kalpa Tribulation to cultivate the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries and touch the threshold required to attempt a breakthrough into the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of the Golden Immortal].

"..."

With no one from the Chen Immortal Clan [the immortal clan founded by the Chen family] embroiled in this tribulation, the current Kalpa Tribulation unfolded in a rare and profound silence.

This Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense destruction and renewal] saw only a little over a hundred Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight great cosmic tribulations] from across the entire Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of immortals] drawn into its calamity. Perhaps because the conflicts of this tribulation were not fierce enough, in the end, not a single one managed to prove their path and ascend to Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of a golden immortal, encompassing all within].

Regarding this, Eldrin Chen merely paid slight attention before returning to his secluded cultivation.

Shutting out all worldly affairs, he entered seclusion once more, cultivating in solitude for over eighty million years. One by one, he mastered the Chaos Weapon Forging Art [a divine art for forging weapons from primordial chaos], the Polarity Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-sacrifice to achieve polarity], the Song of Ages Blade [a blade technique that sings with the weight of eons], and the Limitless Cosmos Sword [a sword art embodying the boundlessness of the cosmos], bringing each to great completion. Only then did he conclude this prolonged period of isolation.

"All eight of my Innate Divine Ability [divine powers inherent to one's being, awakened through cultivation] have reached great completion. It is time to emerge."

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself. Emerging once more from his Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared chamber for undisturbed cultivation], he discovered that Exquisite Jiang's cultivation had also advanced a step further, having broken through to the Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the sixth level of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm].

Seeing Eldrin Chen, Exquisite Jiang could not help but ask, "How were your gains from this seclusion?"

"My wishes have been fulfilled,"

Eldrin Chen replied, yet a trace of solemnity entered his gaze as he continued, "Some time ago, I performed a divination. It revealed that the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault [a legendary repository of treasures left by a Heavenly Emperor] is destined to emerge in the next Kalpa Tribulation."

"To emerge in the next Kalpa Tribulation?"

Exquisite Jiang's expression shifted slightly. She took a deep breath and said, "Your Great Path Rival [a rival destined to contend with one on the grand path of cultivation]... they are secretly plotting against you. If you participate in this Opportunity and Fortune [a chance encounter with great potential rewards, often perilous] at the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault, I fear you will walk straight into their ambush."

"But for this journey to the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault [a legendary repository of celestial treasures], I am determined to succeed."

Eldrin Chen spoke, his expression calm and composed.

Speaking of this, Eldrin Chen continued, "In recent years, I have felt the accumulation of my physical body and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] gradually reaching completion. It seems I should be able to achieve a breakthrough in both foundational pillars to the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the advanced stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] in the near future."

Only then did Exquisite Jiang let out a slight sigh of relief, though a trace of worry remained in her voice. "Your physical body is far too powerful. To break through to the late stage of Great Encompassing [a profound cultivation realm], you will require an immense and exceedingly precious amount of cultivation resources."

"I fear that treasures of the Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a high-tier category of naturally formed spiritual artifacts] level will be insufficient for your breakthrough."

Eldrin Chen nodded with some helplessness. His physical body was indeed overwhelmingly potent, consuming resources several times greater than others with a Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution] of the same rank. To break through to the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the seventh layer of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], ordinary resources would certainly not suffice.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen pondered and said, "The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme emperor] cultivates the path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [an art focused on perfecting the physical form]. I believe he must possess suitable resources in his possession. I intend to offer a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the pinnacle grade of innate spiritual artifacts] in exchange."

"Agreed."

Exquisite Jiang gave a slight nod of assent and then spoke, "The Grand Nether Imperial Lord [an imperial lord of the grand nether realm] cultivates the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a divine ability concerning the true spirit core]. In terms of Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation alone, his prowess ranks within the top three across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of immortals]. You could also seek a portion of Rare Spiritual Wonders [extraordinary spiritual materials] from him."

"Mm."

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] gave a nod, deciding not to waste any more time.

He immediately traversed the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between realms] and arrived at the Obsidian Abyss Heaven [a celestial realm of profound darkness and mystery] within the Primordial Immortal Domain [the foundational realm of the immortals].

This time, the one who received Eldrin Chen was still Worthy Path Chen [Eldrin Chen's descendant, a cultivator of great promise]. Eldrin Chen took a rare, careful look at Worthy Path Chen, and a trace of satisfaction appeared on his face.

"The True Spirit Physique [a perfected physical and spiritual foundation for cultivation]. You have done well."

It turned out that over these years, Worthy Path Chen had been cultivating the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme technique involving nine cycles of refinement] under the guidance of the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a supreme sovereign of the Obsidian Abyss realm]. Through arduous cultivation, he had finally achieved the Seventh Revolution.

Reaching the Seventh Revolution of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art allows one to forge the True Spirit Physique, which had greatly enhanced Worthy Path Chen's foundational potential and reserves.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen said with satisfaction, "When did you complete the Seventh Revolution?"

"Not long ago."

Worthy Path Chen replied with a smile, "I was planning to return home in a few days to visit and give you a surprise. I didn't expect you to come to the Obsidian Abyss Heaven first."

Eldrin Chen nodded, patting his shoulder. "After I meet with the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, return with me to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [Eldrin Chen's home domain]."

Worthy Path Chen gave a slight nod, a faint smile flickering in the depths of his eyes.

He distinctly remembered his father once telling him that after achieving the seventh revolution, he should seek him out. At that time, Eldrin Chen would bestow upon him an Opportunity and Fortune that might aid him in reaching the eighth revolution.

On their way to meet Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, father and son conversed for a while, and before they knew it, they had arrived within the Obsidian Abyss Imperial Palace.

Upon the Great Hall, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor stood as ever, clad in his black-and-gold battle armor, his countenance an unyielding mask of calm. Yet, as his gaze fell upon Eldrin Chen, a subtle ripple stirred within its depths.

He scrutinized Eldrin Chen carefully before finally speaking. "To forge the Chaos Limitless Great Path [a supreme divine ability born from the fusion of multiple Great Paths] from the five Great Path [fundamental cosmic laws and principles] of Primordial Solar [the purest essence of the sun], Profound Darkness [the profound essence of shadow and mystery], Source Earth [the foundational essence of the earth], Mixed Metal [the essence of blended and tempered metals], and Life... and then to cultivate the Chaos Indestructibility Physique [a legendary body tempered by the power of primordial chaos] from that Chaos Limitless Great Path..."

"The potential of this Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution] of yours is nearly boundless. No wonder you were unwilling to abandon cultivating those five Great Path that seemed almost impossible to master."

Eldrin Chen inwardly sighed. For Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor to see through his foundations with a single glance was a testament to his status as one of the paramount pillars supporting the Human Race.

He sighed softly within and then spoke. "To be frank, while this Primordial One Indestructibility Body [a supreme physique of primordial unity and indestructibility] of mine is formidable, its resource consumption is staggering. Breaking through to the seventh layer of the Great Encompassing Physique is an even more daunting task."

"Such is the nature of the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [the cultivation path focused on perfecting the physical body]. Greater consumption often signifies greater power."

Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor offered a rare smile, then shook his head. "Since ancient times, those who have achieved Fleshly Body Sanctification and broken through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor, a supreme sovereign] have, at the same level, likely consumed resources no less than yours."

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly, and a glimmer of understanding dawned in his heart.

Indeed, while his Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body seemed peerless within the same cultivation realm, figures like the Ant Heavenly Emperor and the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor likely consumed resources in their time that were no less than his own.

Consider this: the Ant Heavenly Emperor achieved the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm relying solely on the power of his physical body. At the same realm, he could even fight one against three. Was that not a testament to a truly staggering and formidable physical might?

And those who cultivated the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art to the eighth or even the ninth revolution—would their physical forms not also be sufficient to suppress all foes within their realm?

Unless Eldrin Chen could cultivate at least one Ultimate Divine Rune, his Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body might not hold any significant advantage over such beings in terms of raw physical strength and combat prowess.

"The four great Ultimate Divine Rune—mastering even one grants peerless might within one's realm, allowing one to roam the Realm of Chaos with few equals."

Eldrin Chen murmured these words inwardly, a ripple of emotion stirring in the depths of his eyes.

At that moment, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor spoke again. "Your physical body has reached its limit. To continue your breakthrough, ordinary resources are useless."

"You have come to me this time, most likely seeking a method for further advancement?"

Eldrin Chen gathered his wandering thoughts and promptly cupped his hands in a respectful salute. "That is indeed the case."

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor nodded and tossed a jade box to Eldrin Chen, saying, "Within this box is a single Primordial One Immortal Pill [a supreme pill refined from the flesh and blood essence of a Primordial One Imperial Lord]. It should be sufficient for you to complete your breakthrough."

"A Primordial One Immortal Pill..."

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly. The so-called Primordial One Immortal Pill was a Supreme Precious Pill [a pinnacle-grade pill of immense power] refined from the flesh and blood essence of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator who has mastered the foundational principles of the cosmos].

Such an Immortal Pill possessed boundless medicinal efficacy, capable of enhancing even the physical cultivation of a Primordial One Imperial Lord. A treasure of such staggering potency was comparable in value to a twelve-patterned Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure born from the world's natural laws].

The fact that the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor could produce one meant he had likely slain a Primordial One Imperial Lord-level Chaos Demon God [a primordial demon born from the chaos of creation].

At this thought, Eldrin Chen took a deep breath. He then produced the Longevity Ancient Seal, the Great Roc's Golden Wing Slash, and the Violet Dawn Divine Sun Pearl. "Your Majesty may choose one of these three treasures in exchange," he said.

Surveying the three treasures, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor smiled faintly and casually took the Longevity Ancient Seal. "This artifact is a supreme treasure for healing," he remarked. "If it could advance to become a Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [the embryonic form of a supreme innate treasure] with four or more patterns, it would hold some use even for this Emperor."

"Acquiring this item in trade is not a loss for this Emperor."

Yet, Eldrin Chen understood that the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor was showing him consideration. A twelve-patterned Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure was leagues away from a Four Patterns Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo, and even if it succeeded in its advancement, its utility to the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor would be minimal.

At the very least, Eldrin Chen did not believe that someone of the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor's status and position would be unable to obtain a superior healing treasure should he ever be injured.

Of course, a top-grade Innate Treasure is, after all, of extraordinary value, not far off from the worth of a Primordial One Immortal Pill. Thus, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor likely did not come out at a disadvantage in this exchange.

Eldrin Chen set aside his thoughts and then accepted the Primordial One Immortal Pill. "In that case, I must still offer my thanks to Your Excellency the Imperial Lord," he said.

Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor gave a slight nod, then spoke again. "You should strive for your breakthrough with haste. Before long, turmoil will surely arise once more within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, and at that time, I may not be able to afford you much protection."

A tremor passed through Eldrin Chen's heart; he understood the implication behind Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor's words.

If even Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor spoke thus, and considering the recent movements of the major powers, it seemed the ascension of the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor was all but inevitable.

"It appears we must also prepare a greater number of Celestial Soldiers and Generals," he mused to himself.

Eldrin Chen silently reflected. Over the past one or two Kalpa Tribulation, the Ten Revolutions Immortal Pill trade of the Chen Immortal Clan had flourished. Many factions had even come personally to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain to place their orders.

Now, upon careful consideration, it was likely these major powers had also caught wind of the impending storm and had begun amassing high-tier Celestial Soldiers and Generals in preparation for unforeseen calamity.

After all, the cultivation base of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal was difficult to advance significantly in a short time, but raising legions of Celestial Soldiers and Generals was a far more straightforward endeavor.

"Truly, a season of many troubles," he concluded.

Eldrin Chen's heart sighed softly. In the end, he bid farewell to the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor and departed from the Obsidian Abyss Heaven, his mind heavy with concern.

After leaving the Obsidian Abyss Heaven, Eldrin Chen journeyed onward, traversing the Netherworld Hell until he arrived within the Seventh Layer Region.

"The Grand Netherworld Domain."

No sooner had he set foot in the Grand Netherworld Domain than Eldrin Chen sensed a subtle ripple in the void ahead. A figure of peerless grace and beauty materialized before him.

The Grand Nether Imperial Lord, clad in a flowing black gown, greeted him with a faint smile. "Several kalpas [immense cosmic cycles] have passed since we last met. How fares the Path, Fellow Daoist?"

"Thanks to the Imperial Lord's [a title for a supreme ruler in the immortal realms] favor, these years have passed smoothly enough."

Eldrin Chen returned a slight smile and followed the Grand Nether Imperial Lord to a secluded courtyard.

Once they were seated, the Grand Nether Imperial Lord spoke. "If my guess is correct, your visit this time is likely concerning the matter of your Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] breakthrough."

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen nodded, his expression turning grave. "To speak plainly, my Primordial Spirit has reached a bottleneck. I fear ordinary treasures will be insufficient to facilitate my advancement."

"This matter is not difficult."

Grand Nether Imperial Lord spoke, then retrieved a jade vial from his sleeve.

Eldrin Chen opened it and saw that within lay a dazzling Netherworld divine flower.

"This is the supreme-grade Innate Spirit Herb—the Nether Soul Flower [a legendary spiritual herb said to bloom only in the deepest realms of the underworld, capable of nourishing and mending the soul]."

Grand Nether Imperial Lord spoke slowly, then suddenly added, "I can gift this to you, but I hope that one day you might assist me with a certain matter."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered, yet he still replied, "When you allowed me to study the Earth Soul Scripture in the past, I already owed you a favor, Senior. How could I not mention such a precious Rare Spiritual Wonders as this?"

"If there is anything you need assistance with, Senior, and it is within my power, please speak freely."

"This matter is of no small consequence." Grand Nether Imperial Lord shook his head, finally stating, "I hope that when the Tome of Human Soul manifests into the world, you will lend me your strength."

"The Tome of Human Soul?"

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly. In ancient times, the Chaos Spiritual Artifact Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture split into three, becoming the Heaven, Earth, and Human Souls Tome [the three legendary tomes containing the foundational laws of the soul, each an artifact of immense power], each one an Innate Supreme Treasure.

Among them, the Heaven Soul Scripture [a legendary tome containing the secrets of the celestial soul] flew deep into the Heavenly Vault [the highest, most profound layer of the cosmos] and fell into the hands of the Void Divine Emperor, the foremost of the nine Great God [a supreme cultivation realm] Emperors of the Divine Clan. The Earth Soul Scripture [a legendary tome containing the secrets of the earthly soul], meanwhile, was grasped by the Grand Nether Imperial Lord.

Only the Tome of Human Soul [the legendary third tome containing the secrets of the human soul] vanished into the Endless Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond ordered reality], its whereabouts remaining unknown to this very day.

Now, the Grand Nether Imperial Lord was asking him to scheme for the Tome of Human Soul. Could it be that the legendary tome was about to re-emerge into the world?

With this thought, Eldrin Chen looked at the Grand Nether Imperial Lord and asked, "Is it possible... could the Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture [the ultimate cultivation art formed by the union of the three soul tomes] truly manifest in the world once more?"

The Grand Nether Imperial Lord shook his head, his expression turning grave. "The Tome of Human Soul retreated into the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], and its trail has grown cold, its fate still shrouded in silence."

"However," he continued, "the Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign once divined that when the three soul tomes reunite within the Chaos, the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a vast and perilous region of seven interconnected realms] shall inevitably give birth to a Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who has mastered the ultimate path of the soul]."