Chapter 2020 : Ascension of the Primordial Tree

They understood that the treasure of the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree [a primordial tree of immense age and spiritual power], being an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primal chaos of creation], was undoubtedly of inestimable value and preciousness. Without delay, they all cupped their hands in salute and departed.

Only after everyone had left did Eldrin Chen remain behind alone.

This Great Wilderness Ancient Tree was merely a low-grade Innate Spiritual Root [a spiritual root born with innate properties], and its Ascension [the process of evolving to a higher state of existence] would require an immense span of time.

Eldrin Chen first retrieved the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase [a vase capable of gathering and refining the primordial energies of heaven and earth] and began using it to assist the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a strand of indestructible spiritual light born from primal chaos] in accelerating the growth of this Great Wilderness Ancient Tree.

After expending over twenty strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light in succession, the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree underwent Ascension, transforming into a Supreme-Grade Primordial Spiritual Roots [a spiritual root of the highest grade, marked with twenty-four primal Dao patterns].

However, upon reaching this stage, the growth-accelerating effect of the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase had already reached its limit.

"It seems the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase itself must also undergo Ascension, evolving into an Innate Supreme Treasure,"

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself. He then began to inhale and refine Primordial Chaos Source Qi [the most fundamental source energy of primal chaos], channeling it into the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase to facilitate the Ascension of this supreme treasure.

Given Eldrin Chen's current level of cultivation, it took approximately Two Kalpas [two immense cosmic cycles, each spanning billions of years] of time to refine a single strand of Primordial Chaos Source Qi.

Over the years, Eldrin Chen had already refined over a dozen strands of Primordial Chaos Source Qi.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen continuously channeled eight strands of Primordial Chaos Source Qi [the primordial, formless energy from which all creation springs] into the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase [a mystical vessel for nurturing spiritual essence]. Finally, he succeeded in elevating the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase into an Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born of the world's natural laws, possessing supreme power].

"Success!"

Witnessing the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase complete its Ascension [a breakthrough to a higher state of being or power], a faint smile touched the lips of Eldrin Chen.

Even after its Ascension, the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase still possessed no direct offensive or defensive capabilities.

However, its efficacy in accelerating growth had increased tremendously. It could now nurture Spirit Root [a plant with profound spiritual properties] of the Innate Supreme Treasure tier, and could even be used to facilitate the Ascension of Supreme-Grade Primordial Spiritual Roots [the highest grade of spiritual roots, containing the essence of primordial chaos].

Furthermore, a single drop of Innate Spiritual Water [water imbued with innate spiritual essence] from within its cosmos [the vast, ordered universe] could easily help an Innate Spiritual Root [a spiritual root born of innate laws] shatter its inherent shackles.

"With this Innate Supreme Treasure, perhaps the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree [an ancient, primordial tree of immense spiritual power] can complete its metamorphosis."

So saying, Eldrin Chen began to utilize the power of the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Vase, supplemented with Primordial Chaos Source Qi, to continue elevating the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree.

The effect of the Primordial Chaos Source Qi was truly extraordinary. The Great Wilderness Ancient Tree devoured the Primordial Chaos Source Qi as if parched with thirst. After absorbing seven consecutive strands, seven Great Dao Divine Chain [divine chains embodying fragments of the Great Dao, the fundamental laws of existence] manifested within the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree.

"A Great Wilderness Ancient Tree comparable to a Seven-Pattern Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [the nascent form of an Innate Supreme Treasure, marked with seven divine patterns]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, then ceased his movements.

It was not that he was unwilling to continue the Ascension [the process of elevating a being or object to a higher state of existence] of the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree [a primordial, world-anchoring tree of immense spiritual power]; rather, the Primordial Chaos Source Qi [the foundational, chaotic energy from which all creation springs] he had accumulated within his body was now utterly depleted.

"We must wait another four Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often associated with great upheavals] before the Ascension of the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree can be completed."

As these thoughts flickered through his mind, Eldrin Chen could not help but turn his gaze to observe the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree before him.

Having given birth to seven Great Dao Divine Chain [chains of solidified divine law, manifesting fundamental cosmic principles], the current Great Wilderness Ancient Tree had undergone a transformation so profound it was as if heaven and earth had been overturned.

Its height and girth had increased more than a hundredfold. Its massive, serpentine roots now pierced through the Great Desolate Ancient Realm [a primordial, decaying world-realm] to anchor themselves directly within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state preceding creation], where they began to ceaselessly devour the Chaos Sea Waters [the boundless, churning energies of the primordial chaos].

Countless streams of Chaos Sea Waters were being converted by the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree, their raw power now beginning to replenish the depleted Primordial Source Power [the foundational life-force energy of a world] of the Great Desolate Ancient Realm.

At this rate of conversion, even though the Great Desolate Ancient Realm continued to consume its own Origin [its fundamental essence or source], a fragile equilibrium should, at the very least, be maintainable.

Even if it could not fully Restoration [restore or mend] the shattered World's Placental Membrane [the protective, life-sustaining barrier that surrounds a world], it would at least ensure that Weilai's Great Desolate Ancient Realm would not continue its relentless decline into weakness.

With this thought settling in his heart, Eldrin Chen smiled faintly and spoke, "All of you, you may enter now."

As the words of Eldrin Chen fell, the Nine Great Priests burst through the door in a frenzy of elation.

Gathering around the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree, they could not contain their rapturous joy, exclaiming, "It devours the waters of the Chaos Sea Waters and transforms them into the Primordial Source Power of the world? Is this the power of an Innate Supreme Treasure Spiritual Root?"

"The balance of Heaven and Earth's Origin is being Restoration [the act of restoring something to its original or proper state]! Our Great Desolate Ancient Realm is saved!"

The hearts of the Nine Great Priests swelled with overwhelming emotion. Trembling, they exchanged glances before their eyes settled upon Eldrin Chen.

They approached Eldrin Chen and, to his surprise, prostrated themselves before him with utmost reverence. "Fellow Daoist," they declared, "you are the savior of our Great Desolate Ancient Realm."

"From this day forth, should you have any command, even if it means facing nine deaths to find but one life, we shall obey without hesitation."

Eldrin Chen shook his head gently, a faint smile gracing his lips. "It has not yet fully ascended. It will require approximately four Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years] of time for it to complete its final Ascension [the process of transcending to a higher state of being or realm].

"Even before its full ascension, it can balance the inflow and outflow of Heaven and Earth's Origin [the fundamental, primordial source energy of creation]?"

Awe-struck, the nine priests were rendered speechless. The Chief Priest Elder could not help but voice the thought burning in their minds: "Once the Innate Supreme Treasure Spiritual Root achieves Ascension, would it not accelerate the Restoration of Heaven and Earth's Origin, perhaps even rouse the slumbering Heavenly Dao [the supreme natural order or way of the cosmos] from its deep sleep?"

"If so... could it be that our Great Desolate Ancient Realm might one day return to the Origin Domain?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before speaking, "It may not be so heaven-defying. A single Innate Supreme Treasure Spiritual Root has its limits in converting the world's Origin [the primordial, foundational energy of creation]."

"When the Great Desolate Ancient Realm's Restoration [the process of healing and returning to a former state] reaches a certain level, the world's Origin will reach a state of equilibrium between intake and expenditure, making further progress exceedingly difficult."

Having said that, Eldrin Chen continued, "However, the Great Desolate Ancient Realm was, after all, once an Origin Domain [a realm of supreme primordial essence]. Even if it cannot fully regain that Origin Domain status, it should still be able to Restoration to a quasi-Origin Domain level."

Hearing this, the Nine Great Priests nodded, a flicker of disappointment crossing their faces.

The Chief Priest Elder offered a bitter smile and said, "To be able to Restoration the World's Placental Membrane [the primordial barrier separating the inner world from the outer chaos], giving us a place to dwell, is a blessing we should be grateful for. How dare we covet more?"

As he spoke, the Chief Priest Elder seemed to remember something. He took Eldrin Chen by the arm and said, "Benefactor, please follow me."

The Chief Priest Elder led Eldrin Chen to the very center of the Sacred Hall, to the place where the Human Soul Scripture resided.

Gazing upon the Human Soul Scripture, the Chief Priest Elder bowed with utmost solemnity. "Your grace towards us is as weighty as a mountain, Benefactor. This Sacred Scripture [a holy text of immense power and knowledge] is entrusted to you for contemplation and safekeeping."

Eldrin Chen's expression turned grave and solemn as he addressed the assembly. "Set your hearts at ease. I will not take this Human Soul Scripture until the crisis facing the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain is fully resolved."

A wave of quiet joy passed through the Nine Great Priests. They each bowed respectfully towards Eldrin Chen before departing the Sacred Hall, leaving Eldrin Chen alone within its hallowed silence to begin his contemplation.

After the others had departed, Eldrin Chen approached the Human Soul Scripture and began to contemplate the power contained within this ancient text.

The scripture itself was not voluminous, containing merely a few thousand characters, yet each word elucidated the profound mysteries of the Human Soul [the soul of self-awareness and intellect within a living being].

As Eldrin Chen delved deeper into his contemplation, his comprehension of the great Dao principles inscribed upon the Human Soul Scripture grew steadily more profound.

All living beings in this world possess the Three Souls and the Seven Corporeal Souls.

The Three Souls are divided into the Heaven, Earth, and Human Souls, while the Seven Corporeal Souls correspond to the seven emotions: joy, anger, sorrow, fear, love, aversion, and desire.

The Three Souls reside within the spirit, while the Seven Corporeal Souls are anchored within the physical body.

The Three Souls are not inherently unified from birth. Before the breakthrough to the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], the Heaven Soul dwells in the Nine Heavens Above, anchored within the Boundless Void. It is a soul of utmost purity, devoid of emotion and desire, lofty and aloof.

The Earth Soul is concealed within the depths of the Netherworld Realm, residing in the bottomless abyssal chasms. It is a soul of utmost turbidity, born from murky Qi [the vital energy that flows through all things], profound and immense.

The Human Soul resides within the body; it is the soul of self, the very source of a cultivator's consciousness and intellect.

This scroll, the Human Soul Scripture, expounds upon the Great Dao of the Human Soul. It is a supreme tome of boundless wisdom, possessing the wondrous ability to Soren [to illuminate the heart and perceive one's true self].

It was precisely for this reason that the Human Soul Scripture [a profound scripture detailing the cultivation and mysteries of the human soul] could expel the Desolate Decay Power [a corrupting, soul-withering energy] and exert such a potent restraining effect on the mindless Desolate Tribe [a savage race of beings corrupted by decay].

This was because the Desolate Tribe had been eroded by the Desolate Decay Power, their human souls long since fragmented and incomplete. Once suppressed by the power of the Human Soul Scripture, they faced the very real possibility of having their souls utterly scattered and annihilated.

"The Human Soul Scripture can Soren [to illuminate or bring clarity to the mind and soul]. If one masters it completely, perhaps it could help Desolate Tribe who have lost their sanity to Restoration [to restore or recover] their wits," he mused.

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of dawning comprehension crossing his features.

He quickly gathered his wandering thoughts and began cultivating the Human Soul Scripture, delving into the profound mysteries of the Human Soul Dao [the fundamental principle governing the essence of the human spirit] contained within.

Thus, time flowed on unnoticed. After an indeterminate period, Eldrin Chen slowly emerged from his deep meditation, a gleam of profound understanding lighting his eyes.

He rose gracefully, and with a flick of his sleeve and a guiding finger, golden Dao patterns [mystical symbols representing fundamental truths] materialized in the air. They multiplied into countless chains of order, a shimmering golden lattice that veiled heaven and earth.

Enveloped by this myriad of golden chains of order, all things in creation began to emit a gentle, spiritual luminescence. A soothing power, one that calmed the heart and eased the soul, washed forth, purging the weariness from the spirits of all living beings.

"Is this... the power of the Human Soul?"

Eldrin Chen whispered softly, a faint, satisfied smile touching the corners of his eyes.

The Human Soul Scripture [a profound cultivation scripture focusing on the soul] was not adept at Slaughter [a divine ability focused on destruction], yet it possessed the power to enlighten the minds of all living beings, holding the supreme and profound mystery of universal salvation.

As these thoughts drifted through his mind, Eldrin Chen gathered his focus and set them aside.

He departed from the Great Wilderness Sacred Hall [the central hall of the Great Wilderness Sect] and returned to his residence, immersing himself once more in undisturbed and focused cultivation.

In the years that followed, Eldrin Chen dedicated himself to two parallel pursuits: comprehending the Great Dao of the Human Soul, and refining the cultivation method for the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing their true essence].

During moments of leisure, he would divide into countless avatars, personally wandering through the vast expanse of the Great Desolate Ancient Realm [an ancient, primordial world].

This Great Desolate Ancient Realm had fallen from the Origin Domain [the primordial source realm of all existence]. Its inherent rank surpassed that of a Top-Grade Immortal Domain [the highest tier of immortal realms], yet it could not compare to the true Origin Domain, making it an ancient realm of the Primordial Unity Level [a profound cultivation stage representing the unity of all primal forces].

Eldrin Chen harbored a profound intuition: once the Great Desolate Ancient Realm stabilized and could endure eternally within the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the boundless, chaotic sea of primal energy], he would be able to study its condition and thereby discover the method to open his own Primordial Unity Immortal Domain [an immortal domain founded on the principles of Primordial Unity].

Success in this endeavor would not only perfect the method for establishing an Immortal Domain [a personal realm for an immortal cultivator], but would also provide immense assistance in refining the Primordial Unity cultivation techniques within the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation art].

Time flowed onward, swift and relentless, as Eldrin Chen continued his unwavering and secluded cultivation.

Several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] later, Eldrin Chen consumed a single drop of Chaotic Divine Liquid [a primordial liquid of immense spiritual power] and, with a tranquil heart, dedicated himself once more to perfecting the cultivation method for the Primordial Spirit.

In that moment of dawning clarity, a profound understanding finally settled upon him.

"The path of the physical body allows one to refine the self, to shatter one's own limits through cultivation," he mused.

"Yet the Dao [the fundamental principle or path] of the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cannot rely on arduous cultivation alone to break its confines."

"I should utilize the profundity of the Human Soul Scripture to comprehend the sufferings of all living beings between heaven and earth, to perceive the wondrous workings of the Heavenly Dao [the supreme natural order] and the Samsara [the endless cycle of death and rebirth]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a gleam of comprehension lighting his eyes. He had gained a measure of enlightenment regarding the cultivation path of the Primordial Spirit.

Rising to his feet, he turned his gaze towards the heart of the Great Desolate Ancient Realm.

He arrived within the Great Wilderness Sacred Hall, where the Nine Great Priests awaited him, having stood vigil for a long while.

At this moment, the faces of the Nine Great Priests were etched with intense nervousness and a flicker of hopeful anticipation as they watched him.

Eldrin Chen offered no lengthy words, merely giving them a solemn nod before proceeding into the depths of the Immortal Herb Garden.

Now, within the vast expanse of the Immortal Herb Garden, only a single towering ancient tree remained.

After four Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth], this Great Wilderness Ancient Tree [a primordial tree of immense spiritual power], having been nurtured multiple times by Eldrin Chen, had already gestated eight Great Dao Divine Chain [divine chains embodying fundamental cosmic principles]. It was but a single step away from Ascension [transcending to a higher state of being] and becoming an Innate Supreme Treasure Spiritual Root [a supreme, naturally-born spiritual foundation].

Now, facing the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree on the very cusp of its final transformation, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate for even a moment.

He directly expelled a single strand of Primordial Chaos Source Qi [the primordial breath of creation from before the universe formed] and guided it to merge into the heart of the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree.

"Hmmmm—"

As that strand of Primordial Chaos Source Qi fused within it, the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree suddenly began to tremble with violent intensity.

Eldrin Chen could see with perfect clarity as, deep within the ancient tree, one final Great Dao Divine Chain slowly condensed and took form.

The moment that Great Dao Divine Chain solidified, all nine of the Great Dao Divine Chain erupted with a blazing, eternal light.

In that instant, the nine Great Dao Divine Chain intertwined and crisscrossed, ultimately coalescing into a single, dazzlingly brilliant Grand Dao Divine Form [a divine manifestation of the supreme cosmic principles].

"It is done!"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, sensing the power of the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree suddenly surge tenfold. Its rate of converting the Chaos Sea Waters [the primordial, formless waters of chaos] increased by the same magnitude.

In their wake, vast quantities of the Chaos Sea Waters were transformed into the world's Origin [the primordial, foundational essence of creation]. The Primordial Source Power [the fundamental life-giving energy of a realm] within the Great Desolate Ancient Realm began to visibly undergo Restoration [a process of healing and returning to a former, complete state].

Eldrin Chen could distinctly sense a faint consciousness within the Great Desolate Ancient Realm slowly stirring awake.

Its awareness focused upon Eldrin Chen, then showered him with countless beams of Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds] light.

In that instant, rings of Merit Golden Light [a visible halo of accumulated virtue and cosmic favor] began to coalesce behind Eldrin Chen's head. In the blink of an eye, three thousand such radiant halos had gathered.

When all grew calm once more, Eldrin Chen discovered that nearly six thousand additional rings of Merit Golden Light now graced the space behind him.

"Six thousand rings of Merit Golden Light,"

Eldrin Chen murmured, a flicker of profound satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.

With this gain of nearly six thousand rings, combined with the Merit Golden Light accumulated over the years since pioneering the Path of Self-Sacrifice, Eldrin Chen now possessed a total of six thousand three hundred radiant halos.

An ordinary Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has transcended the cycles of fate] typically possessed only one or two such rings. Even most Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarchs [emperors who rule over primordial chaos] seldom exceeded one hundred.

To possess such an immense number of Merit Golden Light rings placed Eldrin Chen within reach of a realm few dared envision: the legendary domain of ten thousand golden halos.

Legend holds that when ten thousand strands of Merit Golden Light [a golden radiance representing accumulated virtuous deeds and good karma] converge, they can coalesce into a single strand of Merit Chaos Golden Light [a legendary golden light born from chaos and immense merit, said to guide one's destiny].

And it is said that obtaining just one strand of Merit Chaos Golden Light can increase the probability of a breakthrough to the Chaos Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of chaos, a pinnacle existence] realm by ten percent.

In ancient times, the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the progenitor who first established the Dao and the laws of cultivation] disseminated the method for opening an Immortal Domain [a personal realm or world created by an immortal] throughout the Thirteen Domains of the Northern and Southern Celestial Abyss [a collective name for the major realms in the northern and southern parts of the cosmos]. It is said he obtained nine strands of Merit Chaos Golden Light for this deed.

With such an immense accumulation of Merit [the metaphysical "currency" representing good karma and virtuous deeds] upon his person, the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor naturally possessed Fortune [destiny, luck, and heavenly favor] that defied the heavens themselves.

It is whispered that the reason the venerable ancestor was able to break through to Chaos Celestial Emperor was because he stumbled upon a wisp of Chaos Primordial Qi [the most fundamental and potent energy of primordial chaos] while wandering the Chaos [the formless, primordial void beyond ordered realms].

This is not mere folklore, but an event witnessed by many with their own eyes.

They say that after the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor achieved his breakthrough to Sage Ascendant [a realm just below the ultimate pinnacle of power], he emerged from seclusion to visit a friend within the Chaos. Without engaging in any battle, he simply found a wisp of Chaos Primordial Qi by the roadside.

Upon discovering the Chaos Primordial Qi, the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor refined it on the spot and ascended to the realm of Chaos Dao Progenitor [the ultimate originator of the Dao within chaos], a feat seemingly simpler than eating a meal or drinking water.

At that time, many Chaos Celestial Emperor who learned the news sought to snatch the treasure for themselves, but before they could even step beyond their thresholds, the ancestor had already completed his ascension.

Thus, one can see how profoundly miraculous and heaven-defying the utility of the Merit Chaos Golden Light truly is.

Returning to the main narrative, after Eldrin Chen had fully refined all the Merit Golden Light [a radiant energy representing accumulated virtue and cosmic favor], he once again extended his consciousness towards the will of the Heavenly Dao [the supreme, impersonal governing principle of the cosmos].

He beheld the will of the Heavenly Dao emanating a faint, weary light, from which a gentle voice resonated.

"Thou hast rendered immeasurable service in saving this world, accruing supreme and boundless Merit [cosmic credit for virtuous deeds] within Heaven and Earth."

"I bestow upon thee the Merit Golden Light and the authority of the Lord of the Great Wilderness Realm. It is my hope that thou shalt aid in this realm's Restoration and the revival of its Vitality [its fundamental life force and spiritual vigor]."

As the words faded, another stream of golden radiance materialized.

Eldrin Chen instantly felt a profound connection form between himself and this world—a power of the Heavenly Dao that was of the highest order yet paradoxically frail and depleted.

"The Authority of the Heavenly Dao," he murmured in realization.

After a moment of stunned silence, Eldrin Chen swiftly gathered his wits.

He understood then that the Heavenly Dao of the Great Desolate Ancient Realm had just conferred upon him the sovereign authority over this realm.

With this power of World Sovereignty now in his grasp, henceforth, while within the bounds of this world, Eldrin Chen would be able to mobilize the very strength of the entire realm itself.

Alas, the Origin [the fundamental source energy of a world] of this realm is exceedingly frail and can provide but a sliver of power for now.

Yet, once the world's Origin [the fundamental source energy of a world] undergoes a complete Restoration [a divine ability to restore or heal], the empowerment from the strength of an ancient realm at the quasi-Origin Domain [a primordial domain of pure origin energy] level will grant Eldrin Chen a force within the Great Desolate Ancient Realm [an ancient and desolate primordial world] that borders on invincibility.

Such combat prowess, while perhaps not rivaling the Chaos Celestial Emperor, should at least be comparable to those within the domain of a Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivation realm just below the Sage-King].

At this thought, Eldrin Chen could not help but sigh with emotion, "Truly, fate works in mysterious ways. Who would have thought that after my defeat and flight from the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, chaotic, and desolate expanse of primordial seas], I would become a Lord of the Great Wilderness Realm [a title meaning Sovereign of the Great Wilderness World]."

With this reflection, Eldrin Chen extended his senses once more towards the Heavenly Dao [the supreme natural order and will of the heavens] of this realm. He discovered that after bestowing upon him the Authority of the Heavenly Dao [the divine authority to command a portion of the Heavenly Dao's power], its consciousness had fallen into a deep slumber.

Simultaneously, witnessing this scene, the nearby Nine Great Priests immediately prostrated themselves, declaring, "We pay homage to the Realm Lord."

"Rise, all of you."

Eldrin Chen offered a gentle smile and spoke in a warm tone, "Though I am now the Realm Lord, the Great Desolate Ancient Realm [an ancient and desolate primordial world] shall forever belong to all Descendants of the Great Desolate [the descendants and inheritors of the Great Desolate legacy]. You need not harbor any concerns."

Upon hearing these words, the Nine Great Priests finally allowed themselves to relax.

For they understood that Eldrin Chen, now bearing the title of Lord of the Great Wilderness Realm [a title meaning Sovereign of the Great Wilderness World] and wielding this realm's Authority of the Heavenly Dao [the divine authority to command a portion of the Heavenly Dao's power], possessed the absolute capability to usurp their place and expel them entirely.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke once more, "After the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree's Ascension [the process of a being or entity transcending to a higher state of existence], the Origin [the primordial, foundational energy of creation] between heaven and earth will gradually grow abundant."

"When that time comes, the World's Placental Membrane [the conceptual barrier or veil separating the world from the primordial chaos] will gradually mend itself, and Restoration [the process of returning something to its original, undamaged state] and Vitality [life force, vigor, and generative power] will slowly return to the world."

"Go and make preparations for how to govern this newborn Great Desolate Ancient Realm."

"We understand."

Upon hearing this, the Nine Great Priests prepared to rise and depart.

Yet before they could leave, Eldrin Chen called them back. With a sweep of his sleeve, he bestowed upon them a batch of immortal elixirs [pills of immense power used by cultivators for healing and advancement], saying,

"Your Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and essence of a cultivator's being] is nearly exhausted. Continuing like this risks your utter demise."

"These divine pills and miraculous medicines can aid your Restoration from your injuries. I hope they will help you swiftly Restoration your strength."

Hearing his words, the hearts of the Nine Great Priests trembled faintly.

Ever since the shattering of the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain, it had been they who held up the sky for the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain. All this time, they had persevered almost solely on the strength of their conviction.

Throughout such an immeasurably long span of years, they had always poured their hearts and souls into caring for their clansmen. This was the very first time they had ever received care from others.

They did not speak further, only offering a deeply reverent bow before finally withdrawing from the Great Wilderness Sacred Hall.

"Alas—"

Eldrin Chen sighed softly within his heart, understanding well the hardships endured by the Great Desolate Ancient Realm.

He gathered his wandering thoughts and lifted his gaze to the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree before him. A flicker of astonishment could not help but surface in the depths of his eyes.

For upon the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree, nine fruits had quietly taken form, unnoticed until now.

"Great Wilderness Sacred Fruit."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a glimmer of comprehension dawning in his gaze.

These Great Wilderness Sacred Fruit were formed after the Great Wilderness Ancient Tree achieved Ascension [a supreme breakthrough in cultivation], as it inhaled and exhaled Primordial Chaos Qi [the primordial, undifferentiated energy of creation] to condense them. They were peerless treasures for cultivating the physical body.

The medicinal potency within such divine fruits was boundless. An existence at the sixth layer of the Primordial Unity Body [a legendary physique representing perfect physical and spiritual unity] could, by consuming just one, step directly into the seventh layer.