Chapter 1980 : The Foundation Reforging Ritual

"The three souls reunite, Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [a profound cultivation art focused on the unification of the spiritual essences]."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a faint ripple stirring within the depths of his gaze.

After a long period of contemplation, he finally spoke, "If that day truly arrives, and if I possess sufficient strength, I would naturally be willing to lend Imperial Lord [a title for a supreme ruler among cultivators] a helping hand."

Grand Nether Imperial Lord smiled slightly and said, "Then I thank you in advance."

Eldrin Chen spoke no more. After retrieving the Nether Soul Flower [a rare spiritual herb that nourishes the soul], he bid farewell to Grand Nether Imperial Lord and, changing his course, picked up Worthy Path Chen and his wife before returning to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

Upon returning to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen did not immediately enter seclusion to attempt a breakthrough in his cultivation. First, he led the pair into the depths of the Returning Abyss Forbidden Land [a restricted and perilous area within the immortal domain].

Gazing at Worthy Path Chen and Wonderful Sound Lu, his expression grew solemn. "I shall perform the Foundation Reforging [a divine technique to rebuild and perfect one's cultivation foundation] for you. The ultimate depth of potential you achieve will depend entirely on your own Creation [innate talent and destiny for cultivation]."

Worthy Path Chen nodded in understanding, offering no further words.

However, Wonderful Sound Lu vaguely comprehended that Eldrin Chen was about to bestow upon them a great Opportunity and Fortune [a rare and transformative chance bestowed by fate].

"Withdraw your six senses into your heart. Focus your entire being on the Foundation Reforging."

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly, immediately retrieving the Innate Supreme Treasure Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of refining the very foundations of existence] and drawing the two individuals inside to refine their foundational cultivation.

By now, Eldrin Chen's cultivation had reached the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [an advanced stage of the Golden Immortal realm where one's power begins to encompass the fundamental laws of reality], granting him just enough power to provide a trickle of energy to the Creation Cauldron. Thus, he began to channel his energy, activating the cauldron's power to perform the Foundation Reforging [a profound process of reforging and perfecting a cultivator's spiritual foundation] for the pair.

Of the two, Wonderful Sound Lu currently cultivated a traditional Immortal Path [a classic and orthodox method of immortal cultivation]. Her foundation was solid but largely unremarkable, with the sole exception of her extraordinary pair of World-Opening Dual Pupils [a divine ability where one's pupils possess the power to create and unravel worlds].

Wonderful Sound Lu was born with Dual Pupils [a legendary physical constitution where one possesses two pupils in each eye, a mark of supreme potential], a sign of an ancient sage's bearing. After years of dedicated cultivation, these Dual Pupils had been honed to their absolute peak. With a mere opening and closing of her eyes, she could cleave open a Universe [a self-contained cosmos or realm of existence].

Even an Innate Saint Body Path Embryo [an innate constitution embodying the embryonic path of a saint], the physical form of a Primordial Era [the mythic age of creation] True Dragon [the supreme and primordial race of dragons], or the exceedingly rare Chaos Body [a body forged from and attuned to primordial chaos]—unless they had broken through the Limit-Breaker [a legendary realm beyond conventional limits]—would not necessarily hold an advantage over these Dual Pupils.

However, any being capable of attaining the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal realm where one's power and comprehension begin to encompass the cosmos] inevitably possessed such supreme, Great Encompassing-grade physiques. At this exalted level, Wonderful Sound Lu's Dual Pupils might not necessarily grant her a distinct advantage.

After careful deliberation, Eldrin Chen reached into his sleeve and produced a single, dazzlingly radiant Chaos Origin [a primordial essence of pure chaos, the fundamental substance from which all things are derived].

This was an immensely precious Chaos Origin, an Exotic Treasure [a rare and unusual treasure of great power] that Eldrin Chen had acquired from a previous Barter Convention [a grand gathering where cultivators trade rare treasures]. Its grade placed it among the finest of Upper-Grade Innate Rare Treasure [innately formed treasures of exceptional rarity and power], its value equivalent to thirty strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [an innate spiritual light embodying the principle of indestructibility].

Now, Eldrin Chen utilized the Chaos Cauldron [another name for the Creation Cauldron, emphasizing its power over chaos] to refine this essence. It was ultimately transformed into a stream of purest Chaos Origin, which was then absorbed by Wonderful Sound Lu's Dual Pupils. Before their very eyes, her pupils began a visible and profound metamorphosis.

"Now," Eldrin Chen murmured, his voice a thread of focused intent.

Eldrin Chen spoke decisively, promptly manifesting a Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark [a divine spark containing the indestructible essence of primordial chaos] and causing it to merge into Wonderful Sound Lu's Dual Pupils [a rare and powerful ocular constitution].

In that instant, an invisible shackle within the Dual Pupils was shattered. Immediately after, the Chaos Origin [the primordial source of chaos] was completely and utterly absorbed.

"Rumble—"

Only then did Eldrin Chen realize that within Wonderful Sound Lu's Dual Pupils, Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence] energy swirled densely. With each opening and closing, they seemed to flicker with the birth and death of infinite Myriad Heavens [the countless celestial realms], the collapse of vast cosmos into the dust of Decay [the divine ability of entropy and dissolution].

"Primordial Chaos Dual Pupils."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a faint smile touching the corners of his eyes.

The Primordial Chaos Dual Pupils [an ocular constitution born of primordial chaos] was a supreme innate talent, a foundation rivaling the True Spirit Physique [the physique of a true primordial spirit]. Wonderful Sound Lu's pair of Primordial Chaos Dual Pupils were not yet complete, but their shackles had been broken by the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark. From now on, she needed only to cultivate step by step to fully attain them.

"When used on an Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has transcended countless tribulations] who has cultivated an Indestructibility Foundation [a foundation of unbreakable durability], it can shatter the shackles barring their path to True Spirit [the realm of a true primordial spirit]. No wonder that Thalion Immortal Sage once said the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark was of immeasurable value, more than sufficient to trade for even an Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born from the cosmos itself]."

Eldrin Chen sighed softly. He certainly dared not sell the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark; at most, he would reserve it for the use of those closest to him.

After performing Foundation Reforging [a divine ability to rebuild and perfect one's cultivation foundation] for Wonderful Sound Lu, Eldrin Chen took out various Rare Spiritual Wonders [precious objects imbued with spiritual power] and began the process of Foundation Reforging for Worthy Path Chen.

After all, Worthy Path Chen was his own son, the most resilient among his five children, and one who had deeply earned the regard of Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler of immense power]. Therefore, Eldrin Chen held exceedingly high expectations for him.

"To cultivate the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme body-tempering technique] to the seventh revolution stage—such potential is not inferior to that of the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor in his youth."

"Since you possess such talent and potential, this father shall aid you one step further."

With these words, Eldrin Chen immediately retrieved nine portions of exceedingly rare Rare Spiritual Wonders [precious materials containing immense spiritual power]. Each was a divine object of peerless rarity from ancient times, their grade starting at Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Rare Material [the highest tier of naturally formed spiritual materials], and all were supreme treasures for cultivating the physical body.

The most precious among them was a piece of Mithril [a legendary, nearly indestructible metal] of Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the pinnacle grade for innate spiritual artifacts] level.

Under Eldrin Chen's personal guidance, the Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of creation and refinement] continuously refined and infused these nine portions of Rare Spiritual Wonders into Worthy Path Chen's body.

After absorbing the nine peerless Rare Spiritual Wonders, Worthy Path Chen's physical body was elevated to its absolute limit, nearly touching the threshold of the eighth revolution.

"Fellow Daoist."

Eldrin Chen spoke decisively, offering a timely reminder.

The Creation Cauldron understood immediately. It promptly summoned a strand of Creation Beginning Energy [the primordial energy from the dawn of creation] and fused it into Worthy Path Chen's form.

The Creation Cauldron [a legendary artifact of supreme power] proved itself worthy of its title as a peerless treasure born from the Creation Great Path [a supreme cultivation art of genesis]. As that wisp of Creation Beginning Energy [the primordial energy of creation] merged into Worthy Path Chen's body, his Seventh Revolution [the seventh major breakthrough in his cultivation path] visibly and rapidly grew in power, ultimately culminating in a thunderous shattering of the final barrier.

"BOOM—"

With a deafening, earth-shaking roar, the Chaos Void [the primordial chaos before creation] was violently torn asunder. An endless torrent of True Spirit Imprint [the fundamental imprints of a True Spirit's destiny and power] cascaded down, pouring into Worthy Path Chen's form. They ultimately fused with his Heavenly Eye [a divine third eye of perception], transforming into a dazzling True Spirit Divine Runes [divine runes of a True Spirit's essence].

—The True Spirit Heavenly Eye.

Gazing upon that True Spirit Divine Runes, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a look of profound satisfaction.

Worthy Path Chen's True Spirit Heavenly Eye was born from the interweaving of the True Spirit Divine Runes and his original Heavenly Eye. It possessed the profound mysteries of piercing through all illusions and Insight [the divine ability to perceive the true nature of all things] into the essence of all creation, coupled with an ultimate, devastating power of Slaughter [divine destructive force].

In battle, when Worthy Path Chen observed his foes through the True Spirit Heavenly Eye, he could keenly perceive every flaw and strength in their defenses, Insight the perfect moment to strike. Thus, he could always anticipate his enemy's moves and seize the initiative.

Furthermore, the True Spirit Heavenly Eye could unleash the Nine Revolutions God-Slaying Light [a divine light capable of slaying gods, refined through nine cycles]. Once released, it could annihilate the mightiest foes across all realms. Its destructive power surpassed even that of a forbidden Slaughter Divine Ability [a supreme divine technique] by a significant margin.

"Excellent."

Eldrin Chen nodded in satisfaction. Yet, after observing for a few more moments, a slight frown creased his brow.

He had a vague sense that the potential of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art was far too immense. The difficulty of cultivating its ninth revolution was likely more daunting than scaling the heavens themselves.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before decisively channeling a Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark [a fragment of primordial, indestructible divine power] to help shatter the shackles within him.

However, after merging one roaring strand of Violet Aura [a supreme, violet-hued spiritual energy], Eldrin Chen was astonished to find that the shackles within Worthy Path Chen's body still remained unbroken.

Eldrin Chen was initially shocked, but quickly regained his composure.

Upon careful reflection, this outcome was actually within expectations. After all, cultivating to the Seventh Revolution of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art could forge a True Spirit Physique [a body imbued with the essence of a primordial true spirit]. The eighth revolution could cultivate a single True Spirit Imprint [a mark of destiny left by a true spirit].

Once the ninth revolution was achieved, it could cultivate two more True Spirit Imprint. Shackles of such profound nature truly could not be shattered by a mere single Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark.

With this understanding, Eldrin Chen continued to merge more Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark.

Yet, even after merging three in succession, Eldrin Chen discovered that the nine-revolution shackles within Worthy Path Chen remained firmly sealed.

This was the first time he had encountered an existence whose shackles could not be broken even after consuming so many Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark. Without hesitation, he decisively merged yet another.

"While these Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark are peerless treasures to others," he declared, resolve hardening his voice, "I have now amassed over a hundred of them. I refuse to believe they cannot blast open these mere nine-revolution shackles of yours."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen immediately began to continuously channel the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark [a spark of divine, unbreakable power born from primordial chaos], fusing it into his being.

As time flowed on, after nine such sparks had been integrated in succession, the invisible shackle within Worthy Path Chen's body could finally hold on no longer. In the end, it was shattered by the force of those nine Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a supreme, violet-hued energy of primordial origin].

Only then did Eldrin Chen draw a deep, steadying breath.

"Truly, the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme cultivation method requiring nine cycles of refinement] is a technique meant to be opened only by those of the Third Chaos Realm [the third major stage of cultivation within the primordial chaos]. To think it requires nine resonances of Indestructibility [the state of being unbreakable and eternal] spiritual light to break a single shackle," he murmured.

Eldrin Chen whispered inwardly, a flicker of awe passing through his gaze.

One must understand, the value of nine Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark was comparable to nine Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born from the world's inception, possessing supreme power]!

Even a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign emperor who rules within the primordial chaos] would find it difficult to produce so many Innate Supreme Treasure in one go. Even if they could, it would likely cripple their foundations.

Of course, cultivating the ninth revolution of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art did not strictly *require* the shackles to be broken first. However, proceeding without doing so would increase the difficulty a hundredfold, reducing the chance of a breakthrough to almost nothing.

Any being capable of mastering the ninth revolution solely through their own power would undoubtedly be a supreme prodigy destined to shake the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged]. Such a figure could forge their own Ancient Chaos Scripture [scriptures of cultivation arts originating from ancient chaos], perfectly tailored to themselves, with no need to practice arts created by others.

Returning to the matter at hand, after Worthy Path Chen's shackle was shattered, Eldrin Chen retrieved the Creation Cauldron [a cauldron artifact associated with the power of creation]. He then released the seals on their six senses [sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and spiritual perception] before asking, "How do you feel?"

Wonderful Sound Lu [Lu Miaoyin] sensed the changes within herself and immediately discovered the transformation in her Dual Pupils [a rare and powerful ocular constitution]. Overjoyed, she said, "Thank you for your profound favor, Father. This junior is eternally grateful."

Worthy Path Chen [Chen Xiandao] also became aware of the changes within himself and could not help but reveal a look of astonishment.

Eldrin Chen [Chen Nianzhi] patted his shoulder and then spoke, "The Nine Revolutions Shackles have been unlocked. Once you complete the Nine Revolutions Reforging, you should be able to break through to the Ninth Revolution realm."

"For the second and third True Spirit Divine Runes [mystical symbols that grant power from a True Spirit], have you decided which ones you wish to cultivate?"

Worthy Path Chen [Chen Xiandao] pondered for a moment, finding it difficult to make a choice.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen [Chen Nianzhi] spoke up, "In my view, when it comes to innate talent for Fleshly Body Sanctification [the art of refining and empowering the physical body], Energy Abyss Patriarch [Chen Qiyuan] may not be inferior to Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [the Great Emperor of the Dark Abyss]. He might even..."

Eldrin Chen [Chen Nianzhi] paused briefly, choosing not to elaborate further on the matter.

In his opinion, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [the Great Emperor of the Dark Abyss] and Worthy Path Chen [Chen Xiandao] were walking paths laid by others, their success relying more on sheer determination and perseverance.

But Ant Heavenly Emperor [the Heavenly Emperor of the Ants] and Energy Abyss Chen [Chen Qiyuan] were different. Such individuals had forged their own paths. Setting aside their cultivation realms, they were of the same ilk as the founder of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme body refinement technique].

In other words, although the cultivation methods of Ant Heavenly Emperor [the Heavenly Emperor of the Ants] and Energy Abyss Chen [Chen Qiyuan] were not part of a formal system, their potential ceiling was astonishingly high. One day, they might even have a sliver of a chance to become figures like the founder of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme body refinement technique].

Conversely, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor and Worthy Path Chen, even if they cultivated the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art to its absolute peak, could never become a person like the founder of that art.

Those who learn from me may live; those who merely imitate me shall perish.

It is just like Eldrin Chen's Sacrificial Self Path; no matter how powerful later practitioners become, they cannot surpass Eldrin Chen on that path.

Of course, within the vast Chaos, individuals like Ant Heavenly Emperor and Energy Abyss Chen are as countless as the stars. Those who can reach the same realm as the founder of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art are, in truth, exceedingly rare.

Even Ant Heavenly Emperor remains immeasurably distant from that realm; one must at least step into the Third Chaos Realm to be considered of the same tier.

Hearing this, Worthy Path Chen understood.

He knew his father's meaning was for him to widely study the paths of others, to see if he could ultimately forge his own Way.

At the very least, the two True Spirit Divine Runes of Energy Abyss Chen—Mana Immunity and Impenetrable Golden Body—are among the top-tier divine runes of the first order within the Chaos.

Understanding this, Worthy Path Chen nodded and said, "Father, I understand. I will go seek out Energy Abyss Patriarch now."

With these words, Energy Abyss Chen bid farewell to Eldrin Chen and headed deep into the Chaos Heavenly Domain, to the Silver Dragon Chaos Nest, to find Energy Abyss Patriarch who was in secluded cultivation.

After journeying all the way to the Silver Dragon Chaos Nest, Worthy Path Chen paid his respects to the Patriarch of his clan, Energy Abyss Chen, and then explained the purpose of his visit.

Energy Abyss Chen looked him over carefully before finally letting out a sigh of admiration. "I have also studied the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art," he said. "Such a technique, worthy of its creation by a Third Chaos Realm [the third and highest tier of existence in the primordial chaos] master, forges a foundation far more solid than anything one could achieve through ordinary self-guided cultivation."

"My Gold-Silver Body Forging Art was created specifically for my own unique constitution," he continued. "It possesses almost no universal applicability; an ordinary person would have no possibility of successfully cultivating it."

"However, once you complete the Nine Revolutions, you may be able to cultivate certain secret methods derived from the Gold-Silver Body Forging Art. At the very least, achieving the two divine runes of Mana Immunity [a state where the body becomes impervious to external magical energies] and Indestructibility Golden Body [an ultimate defensive state rendering the physical form nearly unbreakable] should not be a problem."

Upon hearing this, Worthy Path Chen finally let out a sigh of relief.

The Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art was a technique that pointed directly toward the Third Chaos Realm. In theory, mastering its Nine Revolutions granted one a genuine hope of attaining both Mana Immunity and Indestructibility Golden Body.

Now, with Energy Abyss Chen personally imparting to him the profound mysteries of the Gold-Silver Body Forging Art, it seemed cultivating these two supreme True Spirit Divine Runes [powerful, innate symbols of divine law that manifest on a cultivator's soul or body] would proceed without unforeseen complications.

Immediately, Worthy Path Chen focused his entire being, listening with utmost reverence as his clan's Patriarch began to transmit this peerless, profound method.

"..."

It was precisely while Worthy Path Chen was seeking this dharma that Eldrin Chen returned to his abode and entered secluded cultivation to attempt a breakthrough in his cultivation realm.

For this breakthrough, Eldrin Chen planned to first advance his cultivation in the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] realm.

Before the breakthrough, he prepared three hundred stalks of Great Encompassing Soul Nourishing Wood [a rare spiritual wood that nourishes the soul]. Using the Primordial Chaos Grinding Mill [a supreme ability to refine and purify essence], he thoroughly ground them into pure foundational energy, setting it aside as the nourishment required for his advancement.

After completing this step, he took out the Nether Soul Flower [a flower that grows by absorbing scattered soul energy from the Netherworld] and began refining it.

This Nether Soul Flower was a supreme-grade Innate Spirit Herb [a spirit herb born from innate spiritual conditions]. Rooted within the Netherworld Region [a realm of the dead and lost souls], it grew by absorbing the countless, scattered soul energies drifting through Netherworld Hell [the hellish depths of the Netherworld], making it the purest essence of soul power itself.

Refining a treasure of this caliber was remarkably straightforward.

As Eldrin Chen continuously absorbed it, he immediately sensed the foundational energy within his Primordial Spirit growing ever more refined. Within his True Spirit Aperture [the spiritual aperture housing the Primordial Spirit], the seven Nine Orifices Divine Stone [mystical stones that resonate with the soul's apertures] began to emit dazzling divine light.

Eldrin Chen was astonished to discover that within his Primordial Spirit, the divine stones corresponding to the first aperture all the way to the Seven-Aperture Divine Stone lit up one by one. Ultimately, they formed a Seven Stars Grand Formation [a grand stellar formation pattern], which began voraciously absorbing the vast ocean of soul essence.

As time flowed on, once the Nether Soul Flower was completely refined, the Primordial Spirit of Eldrin Chen finally shattered its bottleneck and began an astonishing metamorphosis.

"Success,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. He promptly took out thirty strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [an innate spiritual light that grants indestructibility] and refined them into his Primordial Spirit. Then, with ravenous thirst, he absorbed the foundational power transformed from those three hundred stalks of Great Encompassing Soul Nourishing Wood.

In that fleeting moment, Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation shattered its previous limits, propelling him into the Seventh Layer of Great Encompassing Primordial Spirit [the seventh level of the Great Encompassing Primordial Spirit cultivation art].