Chapter 1981 : The Threefold Golden Ascension

After his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation base achieved its breakthrough, Eldrin Chen spent over a million years consolidating his gains. Only when he felt his foundation was utterly solid did he finally begin the process of breaking through his physical cultivation realm.

With the aid of the Primordial One Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir that refines one's primordial essence], breaking through to the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the seventh level of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] for his Great Encompassing Physique [a legendary physique of immense capacity and resilience] presented no significant obstacle.

Upon consuming the Primordial One Immortal Pill, Eldrin Chen's Chaos Indestructibility Physique [a physique born of chaos, renowned for its near-unbreakable nature] immediately began an ultimate metamorphosis. It swiftly shattered the bottleneck barring the path to the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Once the bottleneck was broken, Eldrin Chen wasted no time. He first fused thirty strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primal spiritual light that grants innate durability] into his being. Then, he consumed various cultivation resources to replenish his foundational reserves, finally completing the breakthrough of his Great Encompassing Physique.

Thus, Eldrin Chen's Three Great Foundations [the trio of core cultivation aspects: spirit, body, and dao] had all advanced to the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the late stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], propelling him into the exalted ranks of high-tier Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm of vast power and comprehension] cultivators.

"So this is the power of having all Three Great Foundations reach their Great Perfection?"

After solidifying his breakthrough, Eldrin Chen closed his eyes, sensing the newfound power coursing within him. A faint, satisfied smile touched his lips.

All three of his primary cultivation foundations now stood firmly at the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Moreover, the combat prowess afforded by any single one of these foundations was already comparable to that of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] expert.

The power born from the convergence of these Three Great Foundations was far greater than a simple sum of their parts. It was not one plus one plus one equals three, but rather a profound, ineffable qualitative transformation.

The energies of his Primordial Spirit, his physical body, and his Great Path [the profound Dao or cosmic principle one follows] were fused together by his Root Origin Treasure [a treasure connected to one's fundamental origin]. This fusion had subtly transcended a certain limit, completing a metamorphosis that defied simple description.

This was a qualitative gap, a transcendence beyond the realm of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection.

"With the power of my Three Great Foundations alone, I have already touched the threshold of the Primordial One Imperial Lord domain, haven't I?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of a smile unconsciously lighting his eyes.

Setting aside the Sacrificial Self Path, his own inherent power alone could rival a newly ascended Primordial One Imperial Lord. Such profound foundation and combat prowess rendered him virtually unassailable.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen flicked his sleeve once more, summoning the power of the Sacrificial Self Path to envelop him.

In that instant, boundless Great Path Authority [the supreme authority and power inherent to one's cultivated Dao] descended upon Eldrin Chen, amplifying his combat strength nearly twofold.

"This power..."

Eldrin Chen whispered, a sharp glint flashing deep within his pupils.

By Eldrin Chen's own estimation, with the combined might of the Sacrificial Self Path and his Great Path Authority empowering him, his strength should now approach that of the Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier.

Of course, at such exalted realms, the chasm between each successive stage grew exponentially vast.

Those capable of breaking through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm [the third major realm of cultivation, where one's spirit and body begin to merge with the fundamental laws of the cosmos] have almost all cultivated at least three or more Indestructibility Foundation [the foundational cultivation stage focused on achieving an unbreakable physical and spiritual constitution]. Furthermore, any existence that has surpassed the Primordial One Imperial Lord [the initial stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm] is capable of re-cultivating their Indestructibility Foundation to achieve greater perfection.

For those who can break through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier [the third tier of power within the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm], while one cannot claim they will definitely achieve a True Spirit Foundation [the pinnacle, flawless version of the foundational cultivation stage], the odds of cultivating a fourth or even a fifth Indestructibility Foundation are exceedingly high.

Setting aside the unique case of the Sacrificial Self Path [a legendary and perilous cultivation method that involves sacrificing parts of oneself for power], the seven great True Spirit Foundation cultivated by Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator from the Chen Clan], while immensely powerful, also have inherent limits to the realm-spanning prowess they can provide.

Therefore, in terms of raw spiritual power and foundational depth, Eldrin Chen's strength among Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier cultivators would likely still be considered at the lower end, merely equivalent to a Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier cultivator who possesses three Indestructibility Foundation.

Of course, having attained combat power at this level, and bolstered by his various Divine Ability [supernatural techniques powered by divine will and profound understanding of the Dao] and the Returning Abyss Seal [a powerful enchanted artifact], he should still possess the capability to contend with a genuine Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier opponent in battle.

With these thoughts settling in his mind, Eldrin Chen allowed a faint smile to touch his lips as he withdrew his consciousness from introspection. He then rose and stepped out from his Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared room for deep, undisturbed meditation and cultivation].

Upon emerging, he found Exquisite Jiang [his wife and cultivation partner, a powerful immortal maiden] had been waiting for him for some time. Without a word, he drew her into his embrace and they retreated into the depths of his abode for secluded cultivation together.

After a period of intimate dual cultivation [a practice where two cultivators harmonize their energies for mutual benefit], Eldrin Chen felt his spirit refreshed and his vitality soaring. A contented smile graced his features as he spoke, "With this breakthrough, even a cultivator at the Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage [the middle stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm] would find it exceedingly difficult to capture or restrain me."

Exquisite Jiang nodded in agreement, yet a trace of concern lingered in her eyes. "You have broken through to the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the late stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm, the stage just below Primordial One Imperial Lord]," she said. "Have you given thought to how you will secure the cultivation resources needed for your future progress?"

Hearing her words, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, a shadow of contemplation passing over his previously serene expression.

Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, beings beyond the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm are exceedingly rare. The fundamental reason is that after breaking through the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal level, ordinary resources become largely ineffective.

To ascend beyond the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, one must first confront two major obstacles.

The first is the necessity of possessing sufficient latent potential. For instance, if Eldrin Chen's Great Path [his primary cultivation method], physical body, and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] are all founded upon a True Spirit Foundation [a supreme-grade foundation for cultivation], then all Three Great Foundations [the three core pillars of a cultivator's power] can continue to be refined upon the base of the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

However, an ordinary Great Encompassing Golden Immortal who has only cultivated to the Ninth Limit [the ninth and final limit of a foundation stage] can at most break through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage. Even one with a Tenth Limit Foundation [a foundation that surpasses the conventional nine limits] can only cultivate to the realm of the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Only by achieving an Indestructibility Foundation [a foundation of legendary, unbreakable quality] can one continue to cultivate to higher realms.

This is because foundations below the Indestructibility Foundation are not powerful enough; their latent potential and inherent reserves are insufficient to support a breakthrough to higher realms. They can only cultivate to the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal before progress becomes nearly impossible.

The so-called Indestructibility Foundation not only represents the potential to break through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, but is also crucial for determining whether one can ascend to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection.

Therefore, those capable of breaking through to Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection must have cultivated at least one Indestructibility Foundation, granting them a sliver of hope to reach the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm.

Since Eldrin Chen's seven great foundations are all True Spirit Foundation, this first obstacle naturally poses no difficulty for him. The second problem, however, is a different matter entirely.

For beings who have broken through the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, their foundation and reserves are already immensely powerful, even surpassing the limits accessible to ordinary Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Consequently, advancing a single step further requires the consumption of even more precious and rare resources.

As for cultivation base, it is relatively straightforward. Apart from consuming Great Path Source Crystal [a crystal containing the purest essence of the Great Path] to break through bottlenecks, it primarily relies on one's own comprehension and enlightenment.

However, advancing one's physical body and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] beyond the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the seventh level of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] becomes an immensely arduous task.

Ordinary Great Encompassing Immortal Pill [pills that aid Great Encompassing Immortals], Innate Spiritual Root [a root of spiritual power born from the world's inception], or even Indestructibility Golden Fruit [a golden fruit that grants a form of indestructibility] offer little benefit to a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal in the late stage of their cultivation].

To enable a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [an immortal who has attained the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] to continue their breakthrough, only exceedingly rare treasures will suffice: either priceless Innate Spirit Herb [herbs imbued with primordial spiritual energy from the world's creation], or the immortal fruits borne from a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Root [the highest grade of spiritual root born at the dawn of creation].

Yet, each of these is exceptionally precious and rare beyond measure.

A single specimen of the former starts at a price of several strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial light that embodies the concept of indestructibility]. The latter is dozens of times more valuable than even a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure forged from innate spiritual materials], and is typically something only a cultivator of at least Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage [mid-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord realm] would be qualified to possess.

Consider this: these are merely the ordinary cultivation resources consumed as sustenance. The resources needed to advance a single minor realm number in the hundreds of such items. How could an ordinary Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal possibly afford such an expenditure?

Therefore, within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of the immortals], the vast majority of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal who cultivate Fleshly Body Sanctification [the art of purifying and strengthening the physical body] or Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [the art of attaining mastery over the Primordial Spirit] find their progress slowing to a crawl after reaching the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Unless they have the backing of a powerhouse at the Primordial One Imperial Lord [Primordial One Imperial Lord realm] level, it is commonplace for them to remain stagnant at the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal for tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often spanning billions of years].

Even Eldrin Chen, without the corresponding resources and relying solely on bitter cultivation, would likely require over ten thousand Kalpa Tribulation to break through to Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the Great Perfection stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm].

"We still need to prepare the cultivation resources required for the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] stage of the fleshly body," Eldrin Chen murmured softly before continuing.

"The resources needed for Primordial Spirit cultivation require Soul Nourishing Wood [a rare spiritual wood that nourishes the soul] of the Innate Spiritual Root [a supreme-grade spiritual root] rank," Eldrin Chen explained. "Alternatively, we could elevate the Heaven Soul Fruit Tree [a divine tree bearing fruits that strengthen the soul] to the Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Root [the pinnacle grade of spiritual roots] level."

"For the cultivation of the physical body, we also need Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo Shoot [a legendary golden bamboo shoot of immense spiritual value] of the Innate Spiritual Root rank," he added. "Or, we could advance that Indestructibility Golden Fruit Tree [a mythical tree bearing fruits that grant unbreakable durability] to the Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Root level. Whichever path we choose, it will consume a vast amount of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primal spiritual light that bestows innate indestructibility]."

"Most crucially, we will also need Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme primal energy of creation] to shatter the shackles," Eldrin concluded, his tone grave.

Upon hearing this, Exquisite Jiang's brow furrowed slightly with concern.

She performed a quick mental calculation and realized that Eldrin Chen's dual foundational pillars were overwhelmingly potent. For him to break through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the ultimate perfection stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], if he were to rely solely on lower-grade Innate Spiritual Root resources, the required Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light would number at least over one thousand strands.

Factoring in the future cultivation needs of the many Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a high immortal realm] experts within the Chen Immortal Clan [the immortal clan of the Chen family], the total consumption of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light would reach a truly staggering, even terrifying, magnitude.

Most troublesome of all was the additional requirement for a massive quantity of Primordial Chaos Violet Aura to break the inherent limitations.

"The Fleshly Body Sanctification [the art of purifying and perfecting the physical body] and the Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [the path to achieving a perfected primordial spirit] arts consume resources on such an astonishing scale," Exquisite Jiang murmured to herself, a trace of helplessness coloring her expression.

A sigh escaped her lips as she contemplated the immense challenge laid before them.

No wonder Triple Path Cultivation [the practice of simultaneously cultivating three distinct cultivation paths] can bestow such formidable combat prowess, yet even within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of immortals], very few Great Encompassing Golden Immortals [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation] choose to walk the Triple Path Cultivation.

This is not only because the Triple Path Cultivation is incomparably arduous, but more critically, the resources it consumes are utterly staggering.

Unless one has reached a point where further advancement on a single path is impossible, why not use those finite resources to break through to a higher realm instead?

Contemplating this, Exquisite Jiang [Jiang Linglong] fell into a brief, thoughtful silence before finally speaking. "If the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth [a legendary treasure capable of refining the primordial energies of creation] were to advance to the level of a Twenty-Four Patterns Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest grade of natural-born spiritual artifact, marked by twenty-four divine patterns], would you be confident in using it to shatter the shackles of the Innate Spiritual Root [the ultimate spiritual foundation attainable in the mortal world]?"

"I fear not."

Eldrin Chen [Chen Nianzhi] shook his head and explained, "The Innate Spiritual Root represents the absolute limit of the Mortal Realm [the plane of existence for mortal beings]. Even if the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth were to advance further, it could at most increase the probability of breaking those shackles by half a tenth."

"Unless... it could take one more step, reaching the realm of an Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [the embryonic form of a supreme innate treasure, a state beyond spiritual treasures]."

As these words hung in the air, the two could not help but exchange a glance, a faint, determined light kindling in their eyes.

A moment later, Exquisite Jiang spoke with resolve. "If that is the case, then let us attempt it."

"Agreed."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then immediately brought Exquisite Jiang to the Returning Abyss Forbidden Land. There, he retrieved the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth and the Creation Cauldron, intending to use the power of the Creation Cauldron to elevate this supreme treasure that had accompanied him for so many years.

Having reached the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm, Eldrin Chen now possessed the capability to refine Primordial Chaos Source Essence. The process of refining a single unit of this essence required the consumption of thirty-six Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Sparks.

The Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth was a Twelve-Pattern Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure. It only needed to assimilate another twelve Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Sparks to synthesize them into Primordial Chaos Source Essence.

As Eldrin Chen continuously infused the divine sparks, the aura emanating from the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth grew increasingly formidable.

After successively assimilating twelve Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Sparks, the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth saw its might surge twofold, transforming into a Twenty-Four Patterns Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

Following its ascension, the profound Creation [the act of bringing something into existence] principle within the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth became even more astonishing. Nevertheless, Eldrin Chen suppressed his excitement and continued the refinement process.

He persisted until another twelve Innate Indestructibility Spirit Lights were fully refined. Finally, within the depths of the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth, thirty-six Great Path Divine Runes were born.

"*Hummm—*"

With a resonant hum, the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth erupted with a torrent of divine radiance. The thirty-six Primordial Chaos [the primeval state of undifferentiated existence before the cosmos formed] Dao Patterns fused together, transforming into a single, violet-gold chain of light—a Great Path Divine Chain.

"A First-Rank Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo," Eldrin Chen murmured, a note of profound satisfaction in his voice.

Eldrin Chen spoke, a faint smile gracing his lips.

At this moment, the Creation Cauldron was also somewhat astonished and could not help but sigh with emotion, saying, "A supreme treasure condensed from the Heaven and Earth Great Path [the supreme Dao of Heaven and Earth]. It bears great resemblance to my other half, yet there are also significant differences between them."

"If this treasure were to advance to the level of a top-grade Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos], it might very well obtain one of the authorities of the Heaven and Earth Great Path."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly, a trace of doubt surfacing within them.

Seeing his expression, the Creation Cauldron explained, "The Creation [the act of creating all things] and the Heaven and Earth Great Path possess an exceedingly high rank. They are akin to the Innate Five Ultimates Great Path [the innate Dao of the Five Ultimate Elements], being one of the Innate Primordial Chaos Great Path [the supreme Daos born from the primordial chaos]."

"The Great Path Authority [the authority to wield a portion of a Great Dao's power] of such a Great Path [a supreme cultivation principle or law] is far beyond what ordinary Innate Great Path can match. Legend has it they can give birth to twelve Chaos Spiritual Artifact [artifacts of chaos, the highest grade of treasures] and seventy-two Innate Supreme Treasure."

"Similarly, such Great Path Authority is also extraordinary, capable of branching into multiple Great Path tributaries. Even mastering just one of these branch Great Path is enough to prove one's Dao and attain the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor within the chaos]."

At this point, the Creation Cauldron continued, "As far as I know, the Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign mastered a branch of the Primordial Beginning Great Path [the Great Dao of the Primordial Beginning]. With that alone, he has already reached the perfection of the First Realm of Chaos 'Path Mastery Realm' [the realm of fully mastering one's chosen Path]."

"If he could cultivate another branch to completion, stepping into the Path Union Realm [the realm of unifying multiple Paths] would be a matter of course."

Only upon hearing this did Eldrin Chen understand that Daos like Time, Space, Heaven and Earth, Creation, Polarity [the principle of opposing yet complementary forces], Supreme Lunar [the supreme principle of the moon and yin], Solar Sun [the essence of the sun and yang], the Innate Five Ultimates [the five ultimate innate elements], and others were all Limitless Great Path [boundless supreme Daos] of the highest rank.

Once one fully masters such a Great Path [a supreme cultivation art that governs a fundamental principle of existence], one can step into the realm of the Third Chaos Realm known as 'Limitless' [a state of boundless power and existence].

Yet, precisely because the authority [the power to command and shape a fundamental cosmic principle] wielded by these Great Path is so immense, it has also led to far too many cultivators pursuing them.

Consider this: the five Innate Limitless Great Path [supreme arts born from the primordial chaos, representing ultimate principles] cultivated by Eldrin Chen are each practiced by numerous Chaos Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers of chaos realms] as secondary arts, let alone these Chaos Limitless Great Path [divine abilities derived from chaos-level great paths] that point directly toward the Realm of Chaos [the ultimate state of primordial disorder and potential].

Many beings of transcendent talent and towering ambition cultivate these supreme Limitless Great Path, resulting in the authority of these paramount Great Path forever remaining fragmented and difficult to unify.

The authority of these supreme Great Path is perpetually dispersed. Among those who cultivate them, the strongest merely reach the Second Chaos Realm [the second highest tier within the chaos cultivation system].

"In truth, across the entire Chaos [the primordial state of all existence before order], almost all Limitless Great Path are fragmented, splintered into countless branch Great Path,"

"The various Chaos Heavenly Emperor each grasp a portion of the authority. It is exceedingly rare for anyone to fully master a single Chaos Tier [pertaining to the chaos realm] Limitless Great Path."

Creation Cauldron [a sentient artifact of immense age and wisdom] spoke methodically, then said with grave solemnity, "And precisely because of this, beings of the Third Chaos Realm within the Chaos are exceedingly rare. Even when surveying the entirety of the Chaos, their number can be counted."

"The one who destroyed the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain [the original, foundational realm of the immortal cosmos] in ages past was suspected to be a Chaos Sovereign [a supreme ruler of chaos] of the Third Chaos Realm."

At these words, the expression of Creation Cauldron grew subtly more solemn.

Eldrin Chen's countenance shifted slightly as well. In that moment, he finally understood in his heart the true magnitude of power possessed by the being who wielded the Blade of Oblivion [a legendary weapon of immense destructive power].

"Could the founder of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme cultivation technique of nine cycles] stand shoulder to shoulder with that individual?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a tremor of awe coursing through him.

He had cultivated for many years, and within the expanse of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a vast and perilous region of the cosmos], he had earned a name for himself. Yet, the chasm separating him from the founder of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art and the existence who commanded the Blade of Oblivion remained an impassable abyss.

Those two were akin to the Nine Heavens Stellar [a celestial body of immense spiritual power], while he was but a feeble ant. How could a mere ant discern the relative strength of such transcendent beings?

"Yet even an ant may harbor the ambition to ascend to the heavens."

"One day, I too shall stand as your equal."