Chapter 1983 : Ascendants of the Golden Immortal Realm

Among those who had reached the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage [the middle stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], there were also five individuals: Ethan Chen, Gentle Deer, Ao Hong, Energy Abyss Chen, and Diyang Tai Cang.

Among these five, apart from Diyang Tai Cang, the other four had broken through their cultivation realms earlier. Although their resources had been slightly inferior, they had now all reached the Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the sixth layer of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm].

Backed by Tai Cang Divine Emperor, Diyang Tai Cang had access to resources even more astonishing than those available to Eldrin Chen in his early years. Having frequently consumed rare cultivation pills to enhance his cultivation over the years, his current realm was also that of a Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Among the nine who walked the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence through sacrifice], four—Alistair Ye, Literature Abyss Lu, Worthy Verdancy Chen, and Serene Bamboo—had only recently entered the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage.

The other five—Lofty Peak Lu, Worthy Longevity Chen, Fate Extinction, Path Ruins Jiang, and Goose Startles Cold—had broken through one or two Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration] later. Their current cultivation was merely at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage.

However, the Chen Clan lacked no resources for the early and middle stages of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm. At this pace, within about one Kalpa Tribulation in the Future, these few should also be able to break through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage.

"Twenty Great Encompassing Golden Immortals from a single clan."

Gazing upon the assembled Great Encompassing Golden Immortals before him, a faint smile touched the lips of Eldrin Chen.

With the strength of a single clan alone, there were a full twenty Great Encompassing Golden Immortals. Such profound foundation was no weaker than many of the lesser Primordial One Imperial Courts or Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [powerful clans descended from ancient spirits].

As far as Eldrin Chen knew, the core Great Encompassing Golden Immortals within the Blazeflame Imperial Court—the Human Race hegemon of the Eastern Departure Flame Domain under the command of the Blazeflame Imperial Lord—numbered only eighteen.

These Great Encompassing Golden Immortal included the most outstanding among Blazeflame Imperial Lord's Dao companions, his bloodline descendants, and his disciples. They were talents he had painstakingly cultivated over tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], paying no small price in the process.

For the Chen Immortal Clan to possess such profound foundations in less than ten Kalpa Tribulation, it was clear just how astonishing the Fortune [the metaphysical luck and destiny of a person or lineage] of the Chen Clan truly was.

"Is this... the Fortune augmentation brought by the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme primordial energy of creation]?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, recalling the words Thalion Immortal Sage had imparted to Worthy Longevity Chen.

Merit [good karma from virtuous deeds] and Fortune were profound and mysterious concepts, yet even a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler born from primordial chaos] held them in the highest regard. This was precisely why Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle cultivators who encompass all creation] almost invariably established Great Encompassing Ancient Sect [sects of immense scale and legacy].

The glorious Fortune of a single Great Encompassing Ancient Sect, bolstered by an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial laws of heaven and earth] to anchor that Fortune, was sufficient to smooth the cultivation path of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, suppressing myriad calamities and karmic burdens.

And yet, even such immense Fortune paled into insignificance when compared to the Fortune contained within a Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark [a divine fragment embodying the indestructible essence of primordial chaos].

With this thought, Eldrin Chen gathered his wandering contemplations.

He swept his gaze across the assembly, a faint smile gracing his lips. "The reason I have summoned you all is that the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault [a legendary repository of celestial treasures] is soon to open. We must discuss and decide who among us shall venture forth to claim its riches."

Upon hearing his words, a ripple of anticipation and joy spread through the gathered crowd.

As beings of incomparably exalted status, Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle of cultivation, a realm of near-omnipotence], their experience and discernment were profound. They naturally understood the immense value of the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault [a legendary repository of treasures left by the supreme rulers of the cosmos], and a flicker of desire stirred within each of them.

Noticing this, Exquisite Jiang spoke from the side, "The Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault is a treasure beyond measure, yet each person is granted only a single opportunity to enter its hallowed halls."

"Furthermore," she continued, "the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault contains trials left by the various Heavenly Emperor [the supreme sovereigns who rule over vast cosmic domains]. While higher cultivation provides some advantage, these trials place greater emphasis on one's innate talent and latent potential."

"Therefore, for this venture into the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault, we shall prioritize those with the most exceptional natural endowments. Only after that shall we consider the level of their cultivation."

Upon hearing her words, all those present nodded in agreement.

The Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault was a Treasure Vault [a specially constructed repository for priceless artifacts and legacies] established by the nine Heavenly Emperor of the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain [the foundational, most ancient realm of the immortal cosmos] specifically to nurture their disciples and successors.

The vision of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who emerged from and commands the primordial chaos] was exceedingly lofty. To catch the eye of the nine great Chaos Heavenly Emperor and receive a legacy bestowed by a Heavenly Emperor, one likely needed to be at least a true seed of the Primordial One Imperial Lord [a cultivator with the confirmed potential to reach the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm].

Such individuals, overflowing with heaven-defying talent and possessing the potential to break through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm or even the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm itself, were the ones deemed worthy of receiving the Opportunity and Fortune [the pivotal chance and cosmic luck required for a major breakthrough] granted by a Heavenly Emperor, thereby ascending to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm.

Considering this, Energy Abyss Chen inquired, "If that is the case, then who should embark on this journey?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before replying, "Priority shall be given to those who have cultivated a greater number of True Spirit Foundation [a supreme foundational cultivation art that shapes one's spiritual core]. Furthermore, those who possess a legacy from one of the Heavenly Emperor of the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain may also claim precedence in obtaining a qualification."

Upon hearing this, no one voiced any objections.

After all, those who possessed the legacy of the Heavenly Emperor from the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain were very likely to receive special consideration upon entering the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault [a legendary repository of treasures left by a supreme ruler of the heavens].

With this criterion established, the first batch of seven slots was swiftly allocated.

Eldrin Chen, Exquisite Jiang, Verdant Consort, and Nyssa Qu were unquestionable choices. Lila and Violet Consort Yan also possessed Heavenly Emperor legacies of their own.

Worthy Longevity Chen, as the direct disciple of Thalion Immortal Sage and the one who had retrieved five Ancient Immortal Firmament Token [ancient tokens granting access to the Immortal Firmament's treasures], deserved a slot for either reason, let alone both.

After repeated deliberation, the remaining five slots were awarded to Ethan Chen, Energy Abyss Chen, Path Ruins Jiang, Alistair Ye, and Lofty Peak Lu.

In truth, among the others, figures like Goose Startles Cold, Fate Extinction, and Worthy Verdancy Chen were also qualified. However, slots were limited, and each person could only enter the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault once. Thus, these individuals were not insistent on entering this time.

Take Worthy Verdancy Chen as an example. She believed she had not yet fully tapped the potential of her Primordial Beginning Immortal Lotus Seed [a seed of an immortal lotus from the dawn of creation] and still had a long path of cultivation ahead. It would be better to thoroughly consolidate her foundation and wait for the next opening of the Immortal Firmament Treasure Vault to make her attempt.

As for Diyang Tai Cang, being the direct descendant of the Tai Cang Divine Emperor, he had no shortage of such opportunities and thus did not claim a slot for this Ancient Immortal Firmament Token.

"Now that the slots are decided," the voice concluded, "prepare yourselves. In three days, you shall accompany me to seize the Opportunity and Fortune [a chance encounter with great destiny] within the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault."

Eldrin Chen finally spoke, then watched as the others departed.

"..."

Three days passed swiftly. Early that morning, Eldrin Chen gathered the twelve Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality through cultivation] who were to participate in the Immortal Firmament Treasure Vault Opportunity and Fortune [a chance encounter with great potential for advancement], and they set off towards the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all realms were born].

They traversed thousands of Path [a cultivator's unique journey and methodology towards enlightenment] Space-Time [the fabric of reality encompassing dimensions and time], finally arriving before a vast expanse known as the Chaos Desolation Sea [a turbulent and barren region within the primordial chaos].

"This is the place."

Gazing upon the Chaos Desolation Sea before him, a look of solemn gravity settled upon Eldrin Chen's face as he recalled the origins of this desolate sea.

Before the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain [the original, foundational world of the immortals] met its cataclysmic end, the Immortal Firmament Path Ancestor [a supreme being who founded a major cultivation lineage], who had reached the Half-Step Path Union Realm [a pinnacle state just shy of ultimate unity with the cosmic laws], had vaguely foreseen his impending Tribulation [a catastrophic heavenly trial faced by powerful cultivators].

Thus, the Nine Great Immortal Sages [a council of the most powerful ancient immortals] joined forces to seal the Immortal Firmament Treasure Vault [a legendary repository of ancient treasures and legacies] deep within this Chaos Desolation Sea, intending to nurture the rising talents of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a collective name for seven major realms in the southern cosmic abyss].

The fundamental purpose was to establish Karma [the cosmic law of cause and effect, binding actions to future consequences] with the prodigies of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, laying subtle groundwork for their own eventual revival and return.

To the nine Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler of a heavenly domain], this was a calculated bargain. If they could incur a debt of gratitude from a future Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign born from the primordial chaos], it might reduce the variables and uncertainties when the time came for their own resurgence.

After all, the return of a Half-Step Path Union Realm Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler of primordial chaos], accompanied by eight revived Chaos Immortal Sage [ancient sages who have attained enlightenment within the primordial chaos], was enough to destabilize the balance of power within the Thirteen Domains of the Northern and Southern Heaven Abyss. Neither the Southern Abyss Seven Domains nor the Six Domains of the Northern Abyss would likely welcome their successful resurgence.

"It seems the gathering will be substantial," Eldrin Chen murmured.

At that moment, a cold, mocking laugh echoed through the void, catching Eldrin Chen's attention.

He lifted his gaze, surveying the surrounding Chaos [the formless, primordial state from which all existence emerged]. Already, several hundred Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [immortals who have achieved the pinnacle of the golden immortal path, encompassing vast cosmic laws] had converged upon the area.

The cultivation bases of these Great Encompassing Golden Immortal were exceptionally profound. Nearly all were at least at the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal level, and over half had reached the stage of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection.

Among them were several figures who emanated an aura so formidable that even Eldrin Chen felt a significant pressure weighing upon him.

"True Spirit Foundation," he whispered under his breath.

A flicker of solemn gravity passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes as he spoke the words.

These few who had cultivated the True Spirit Foundation [a legendary foundational cultivation method that forges one's spiritual core with unparalleled purity and strength] seemed to possess power that transcended the conventional limits of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Their might was comparable to that of an early-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord [a sovereign who commands the fundamental unity of primordial forces].

This realization caused Eldrin Chen's brow to furrow slightly. He exchanged a meaningful glance with Exquisite Jiang, a silent communication passing between them.

Exquisite Jiang [the Immortal Maiden Exquisite Jiang], with her broader experience, observed the assembled figures and spoke, "From the Golden Crow Clan [the clan of the Golden Crow divine birds], there is the Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion [the Imperial Scion Soaring Heavenly]. From the Dragon Clan [the ancient and noble Dragon race], we have the Zhu Solar Imperial Scion [the Imperial Scion Zhu Solar]. From the Divine Clan [the clan of innate divine beings], there is the Can Xuan Divine Lord [Divine Lord Can Xuan]. And from the Qilin Clan [the auspicious Qilin race], we have the Fire Qilin Imperial Scion [the Imperial Scion Fire Qilin]."

"These four, each possessing a True Spirit Foundation [a foundation built upon the power of a True Spirit] and having reached the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], are forces not to be underestimated."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen [Eldrin Chen] furrowed his brow slightly, quickly recalling the origins of these four individuals.

The Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion [Imperial Scion Soaring Heavenly] was the youngest son of the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Heavenly Emperor of the Sun]. He was said to be the younger brother of the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion [Imperial Scion Soaring Sky]. Compared to his elder brother, who had lived for over a thousand Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration], the Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion had cultivated for less than one hundred such cycles.

Though his years were fewer, the Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion possessed an even more astonishing Innate [innate, heaven-bestowed] talent.

Having not endured the trials faced by the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion, he had long ago cultivated three major True Spirit Foundation. His cultivation had now been at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection for many years.

Currently, the Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion had elevated all three of his Three Great Foundations [the three core pillars of cultivation]—his physical body, his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], and his Great Path [his comprehension of the Dao]—to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection. Although his physical body and Primordial Spirit were secondary pursuits, his power was already extraordinary.

As early as three Kalpa Tribulation ago, while still a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a cultivator at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], the Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion had famously defeated an early-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord at the Primordial One realm] in a direct confrontation, overwhelming his opponent within three thousand exchanges.

Such foundational depth and latent power were exceedingly rare even within the annals of Demon Race [the race of powerful, often bestial, cultivators] history.

Therefore, the Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion was regarded as the one among the nine sons of the Solar Heavenly Emperor who most resembled his father. It was widely believed he would likely become the next supreme Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign ruler of the heavens] for the Demon Race.

"The younger brother of Soaring Sky is actually more formidable than him."

"Interesting."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a faint smile touching his lips.

It was only then that he learned Soaring Sky Imperial Scion, despite being the eldest son of the Heavenly Emperor [the supreme ruler of the heavens], had been born with an innate deficiency in his Innate [fundamental spiritual] constitution. For this reason, he had been forced to repeatedly challenge and conquer successive Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth], seeking within their crucible an opponent who could push him to the next level.

In stark contrast, the other eight Imperial Scions of the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Celestial Sovereign of the Sun] each possessed heaven-defying talent. Each had needed to conquer only a single Kalpa Tribulation before ascending with an aura of invincibility to the realm of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal who encompasses all].

Before the rise of Eldrin Chen, throughout that long stretch of one thousand Kalpa Tribulation, the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the myriad realms of the immortals] had been virtually dominated by the myth of the nine sons of the Solar Sun [the essence of the celestial sun].

The Ancient Immortal [immortals who have weathered countless ages] of the entire Southern Abyss Seven Domains lived under the shadow cast by the nine Imperial Scions of the Solar Heavenly Emperor.

"The nine sons of the Heavenly Emperor."

Eldrin Chen murmured, a note of surprise in his voice. "What kind of Opportunity and Fortune [profound destiny and cosmic luck] did the Solar Heavenly Emperor obtain, that within the span of one thousand consecutive Kalpa Tribulation, he could sire nine such peerless Imperial Scions?"

"He must have obtained some rare Opportunity and Fortune from the depths of the Chaos Desolation Sea [the primordial sea of chaos and desolation]."

Exquisite Jiang spoke, a flicker of doubt surfacing in her expression.

Her understanding of this great rival, once considered her equal in renown, was surprisingly limited.

After a moment of contemplation, Exquisite Jiang began, "The Solar Heavenly Emperor [the supreme ruler of the sun and fire] possesses a domineering nature, yet he is shrouded in profound mystery. He spends the vast majority of his time in secluded cultivation or wandering the depths of the Chaos Desolation Sea."

"In truth, during the Primordial Era, the Solar Heavenly Emperor never involved himself in the governance of the Primordial Era Divine Court. His focus was solely on his cultivation."

"Among the three Primordial Era Divine Sovereign, the Solar Heavenly Emperor ascended last and was ostensibly the weakest. We all believed he held no lust for power, which is why we entrusted the defense of our rear to him during the great war."

"Yet, no one could have foreseen that the Solar Heavenly Emperor, who had always kept a low profile, would betray us at the critical moment. He even revealed a strength rivaling that of the Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign."

As she spoke these words, an unprecedented gravity settled upon Exquisite Jiang's features.

It was clear she regarded the Solar Heavenly Emperor with profound wariness and respect.

Taking a deep breath, Exquisite Jiang delivered her final assessment: "The Solar Heavenly Emperor presents a facade of brash, unyielding force, but beneath it lies a mind of unfathomable depth and a will of ruthless, decisive cruelty."

"In times of peace, he may seem dependable, but when sufficient profit is at stake, not even his own flesh and blood is safe from being used as a stepping stone for his own advancement."

"Back then, we trusted him too much. Both the Great God Emperors and the entire Primordial Era Divine Court were deceived by him. Even if you one day attain the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [the supreme sovereign of primordial chaos] realm, remember never to underestimate this man."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression turned solemn, and he nodded gravely. "I understand," he said.

At the same time, Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion [a scion of the heavenly lineage] also looked over. His gaze swept across Eldrin Chen before he spoke. "So it was you who defeated my elder brother all those years ago?"

Eldrin Chen remained silent, offering no reply to Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion's words.

Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion gave a light laugh and continued, "My brother's Innate [the foundational, innate potential] was insufficient. I suppose we should thank you for helping him break and then rebuild himself."

"A pity we are not of the same cultivation realm. Otherwise, I would certainly cross blades with you to seek justice for my brother."

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered, and he finally spoke. "Even if our realms differ, I do not fear you!"

"Hah—"

Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion let out a cold snort, then said calmly, "Your ability to found a Great Path [a supreme cultivation methodology] proves you are a man of extraordinary talent. But the reason you were able to rise was because you encountered my brother, and not me."

Arrogance surged from Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion, an aura of invincibility that looked down upon the Eight Desolations [the eight primordial wastelands]. He shook his head with finality. "I will await you at the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm [the realm of the primordial singular imperial lord]. There, in a fair duel, I shall claim your head."

With those words, he shattered the firmament and departed, vanishing into the depths of the Chaos Desolation Sea.

Eldrin Chen watched his departure with a calm gaze, a flicker of surprise inevitably rising within his eyes.

This Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion possessed an exceptionally lofty spirit, which earned him a measure of respect.

Exquisite Jiang, however, seemed to understand something deeper. She spoke with a tone of gravity, "As the direct offspring of the Solar Heavenly Emperor, Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion may not be able to defeat you now, with the empowerment of your Sacrificial Self Path."

"But once he breaks through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm, his status as a Heavenly Emperor's Direct Offspring grants him access to the most supreme cultivation resources and foundations. He could even attempt to refine an Innate Supreme Treasure. At that point, the advantage would likely shift to him."

"So, while it appears to be a fair duel at the same realm, the reality may be quite different."

"I see."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. Treasures of the Primordial One Grade were exceedingly rare. Comparing a Heavenly Emperor's Direct Offspring backed by a Heavenly Emperor to himself, who had only recently entered the Primordial One realm, indeed seemed to offer little grounds for comparison.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen's gaze shifted to Zhu Solar Imperial Scion, Can Xuan Divine Lord, and Fire Scale Imperial Scion. These three seemed slightly inferior to Soaring Heavenly Imperial Scion, yet each had cultivated at least one or two True Spirit Foundation. It appeared they all possessed combat power at the level of a Primordial One Imperial Lord.

"It seems," he mused, "for the opening of this Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault, they have all suppressed their cultivation, refraining from a breakthrough for at least several hundred Kalpa Tribulation."