Chapter 1990 : An Unfathomable Encounter

"Then I offer my sincere thanks."

After settling the matters concerning the Alchemy Mystery Hall, Eldrin Chen departed from Alchemy Mystery Heaven.

Once outside Alchemy Mystery Heaven, just as he was preparing to leave the Primordial Immortal Domain, a gentle voice suddenly reached his ears: "Young friend, might you spare a moment for a conversation?"

Eldrin Chen paused slightly, then immediately looked up towards the source of the voice not far away.

There, atop an ancient, unadorned immortal mountain ahead, stood a simple pavilion. Within it sat an elderly Daoist [a practitioner of the mystical arts] with hair and beard as white as snow.

With but a single glance, Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted slightly, a flicker of astonishment crossing his features.

The man's aura was as calm as still water. At first glance, he seemed like an old man devoid of any cultivation. Yet, upon closer inspection, his inner essence felt unfathomably deep, like a bottomless abyssal sea.

This was profoundly unusual. Even when facing Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, Eldrin Chen could sense the boundless, overwhelming strength of his aura and gauge the immense extent of his power.

But facing this person, Eldrin Chen felt his own presence was as insignificant as an ant's, as if they existed on entirely different planes of existence.

Realizing this, Eldrin Chen's expression shifted subtly. He calmly ascended the steps to the pavilion, then clasped his hands in a respectful salute, his voice steady. "This junior pays his respects to the Senior. May I inquire as to your esteemed identity?" Dive deeper into the Dao at audio-novel*com.

"Please, sit."

The old Daoist smiled and motioned for Eldrin Chen to take a seat. He studied Eldrin Chen carefully for a long moment before speaking with a smile. "To cultivate three paths simultaneously and even forge a new Great Path [a supreme cultivation methodology]... Your talent truly lives up to the rumors."

"Young friend, your innate gifts are indeed as extraordinary as the tales suggest. In time, you will undoubtedly stand among our ranks."

As he spoke, the old Daoist stroked his long beard and explained with a kindly expression. "This old one's Daoist title is Primordial Mire. My purpose in coming today is simply to make your acquaintance."

"Primordial Mire?"

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted dramatically, a flicker of profound shock crossing his features.

Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, any being granted the honorific prefix 'Tai' [meaning 'Primordial' or 'Great'] was invariably among the most ancient and venerable existences.

Such figures were the first generation of destiny-born Divine Spirits [powerful spiritual beings born from the world's essence] from the Primordial Immortal Domain. Beings like Great Abyss Immortal Sage, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, and Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign all belonged to this august 'Tai' lineage.

Thus, the Mortal Path [a cultivation path focused on worldly experiences] cultivator before him, bearing the title Primordial Mire, possessed an identity of unimaginable prestige. Even Eldrin Chen had heard his name thunder across the heavens.

Primordial Mire was the original Lord of Ten Thousand Beasts in the Primordial Immortal Domain, the paramount leader of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races, and none other than the Primordial Qilin Ancestor. His cultivation had reached the lofty Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm just below that of a true Sage], and he was once fated by heaven to become one of the Primordial Era Divine Sovereigns.

In that fleeting instant, Eldrin Chen recalled the origins of this figure. He immediately straightened his posture, his expression one of deep respect, and said, "I did not realize I was in the presence of the Primordial Qilin Ancestor. I failed to recognize you earlier; my apologies for the discourtesy."

"No need for such formalities,"

the Primordial Mire Patriarch replied, shaking his head, yet a warm smile touched his lips. "My purpose in coming here today was simply to meet a rising star of the younger generation."

As he spoke, the Primordial Mire Patriarch continued with a smile, "I had long heard tales of your extraordinary talent, that you possessed the bearing of a future Path Ancestor Immortal Sage. I had thought it mere exaggeration by your juniors, but seeing you in person truly proves that hearing of a reputation is no match for a direct encounter."

"You are too kind. Compared to a senior like yourself, I still have a long path to walk,"

Eldrin Chen responded modestly. After conversing with the Primordial Qilin Ancestor for a few moments more, he could not help but inquire, "Senior, for you to seek me out specifically, might there be a matter of importance?"

Hearing this, the Primordial Qilin Ancestor smiled and shook his head.

He fell into thoughtful silence for a moment before speaking again. "I came to find you today because I see your exceptional potential. I wished to see if you might become an ally to this old man in the days to come."

"An ally in the future?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, a flicker of confusion appearing in his eyes.

Seeing this, the Primordial Qilin Ancestor spoke, "For an existence of my level, within the Sage Ascendant Realm [the realm just below the ultimate Path Ancestor Immortal Sage], to take the next step and set foot into the Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [the supreme realm of cultivation, merging one's path with the cosmos] realm, one must seize Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs, essential for the highest breakthroughs] to achieve a breakthrough."

"Yet Chaos Genesis Energy is exceedingly rare. Each time it appears, it draws the contention of numerous Sage Ascendant [cultivators at the peak just below Path Ancestor] and even Chaos Heavenly Emperor [supreme sovereigns who rule over primordial chaos realms]. The hope for a single individual to obtain Chaos Genesis Energy is far too slim."

"Therefore, to vie for Chaos Genesis Energy, we Sage Ascendant also form alliances amongst ourselves, thereby increasing our chances of a breakthrough."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of understanding.

Chaos Genesis Energy was far too precious. Even for a Chaos Heavenly Emperor, obtaining a single portion was immensely difficult. Without sufficient strength and foundation, relying on one's own power alone to acquire Primordial Chaos Energy [the raw, unformed energy of chaos, a precursor to Chaos Genesis Energy] was a possibility that could almost be described as negligible.

Even when Chaos Genesis Energy occasionally manifested within the Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, turbulent expanse of primordial chaos], it was often guarded by immensely powerful Colossal Chaos Fiend [titanic beasts born from and dwelling within primordial chaos]. If only a single Sage Ascendant were to make a move, the likelihood of success was, in truth, exceedingly low. Find thousands of chapters at audio‑novel.com.

Only by joining forces with two or three other Sage Ascendant might there be a sliver of hope to contend for it.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "The paths of fate for us Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality through cultivation] have always been shrouded in mystery. How can you, Senior, be so certain that this junior can break through to the Sage Ascendant Realm?"

"Your path of fate is indeed extraordinary and fraught with tribulation."

The Primordial Qilin Ancestor nodded, then continued, "You have no small number of Great Path Rival [formidable opponents fated to clash on the journey of cultivation]. Moreover, within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a cluster of seven perilous and profound realms in the southern reaches of the cosmos], there exist a few powerful beings whom even this old man regards with a measure of caution."

"But if you can secure my assistance, the likelihood of you growing safely to the Sage Ascendant Realm [the realm just below the legendary Path Ancestors] is no less than thirty percent."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen had a sudden flash of insight.

Understanding the implication, he spoke, "The Nether Mystery Imperial Lord of the Nether Race [a powerful race dwelling in the shadowy realms]... could it be that you, Senior..."

The Primordial Qilin Ancestor [the ancient and revered progenitor of the Qilin race] smiled faintly and replied calmly, "He is merely at the Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage [the middle stage of the Primordial One realm, a pinnacle of power]. A single word from me would be enough to settle the matter."

As he spoke, the Primordial Qilin Patriarch continued, "If you require it, it would be no great trouble for this old man to capture the three of them—Desolate Ape [a savage and ancient ape demon], Nether Mystery, and Golden Spirit Patriarch—for you."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly. These three Great Path Rival [fated rivals on the Great Path of cultivation] of his were all lofty beings at the Primordial One Imperial Lord [the supreme realm of Imperial Lords].

Yet in the mouth of the Primordial Qilin Patriarch, capturing them sounded as simple as rounding up a few stray cats and dogs. The implications hidden behind such casual power were utterly terrifying.

Yet, upon deeper reflection, this seemed almost fitting, as it should be.

After all, the Primordial Qilin Ancestor was the leader of the Five Sage Ascendants [the five supreme Sage Ascendants] within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the vast expanse of immortal realms]. In comparison, even the Kunpeng Primogenitor [the primordial ancestor of the Kunpeng] and the Primordial Era Verdant Crow [an ancient Verdant Crow from the dawn of time] were slightly inferior.

In this era where the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [the legendary Emperor who rules primordial chaos] remains absent, the Primordial Qilin Ancestor stands as the undisputed, invincible power within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

In truth, given the power and status of the Primordial Qilin Ancestor [the primordial progenitor of the Qilin race], even if the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the supreme ruler of the solar domain] were to act personally, it is not certain he could completely subdue the Primordial Qilin Ancestor.

Furthermore, the Primordial Qilin Ancestor maintains amicable relations with the Human Race, and with figures like the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the Primordial Genesis Path] serving as a check on the Solar Heavenly Emperor, the Primordial Qilin Ancestor exists in a state of near-unassailability. His standing in the eyes of the three great races is exceptionally lofty.

For such a being, capturing a few early or mid-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord [a cultivator who has unified their Primordial Chaos and attained the first major stage of the Imperial Lord realm] with the power of the Sage Ascendant Realm [the realm just below the Path Ancestor] would hardly be considered a significant feat.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen felt a stirring of temptation within his heart.

If the Primordial Qilin Ancestor were to act, aiding him in slaying several of his Great Path Rival [a destined rival on one's Great Path of cultivation], then his cultivation in the Great Path [the supreme cultivation path one follows] would continue its meteoric ascent.

Yet, after careful deliberation, he ultimately abandoned this notion. Relying on another to suppress his Great Path Rival felt like an unearned victory, a triumph lacking in true martial honor.

Moreover, all actions carry a price. To proceed down this path would be to owe the Primordial Qilin Ancestor a debt of monumental proportions, one that would likely demand a staggering cost to repay in the future.

Most crucially, Eldrin Chen understood in his core that his true, most formidable threat was not a few early or mid-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord like the Desolate Ape Imperial Lord, but rather beings of the Primordial Solar Great Emperor [a Great Emperor who has mastered the Primordial Solar Dao]'s caliber—true Invincible Great Emperor [a Great Emperor whose power is unmatched within their realm].

Eliminating these few rivals now might very well force the Primordial Solar Great Emperor and his ilk to cast aside all pretense and dignity, potentially even uniting with even more powerful Great Path Rival against him.

With these thoughts crystallizing, Eldrin Chen immediately clasped his hands and said, "This junior is deeply grateful for your esteemed intention, Senior."

"However, a Great Path Rival should be settled with one's own strength, one by one, to avoid violating one's Dao Heart [the fundamental spiritual core and resolve of a cultivator]."

"Well said."

Primordial Mire Path Master gave a slight nod, offering no further words.

With a flick of his sleeve, he produced a Treasure Casket [an ornate container for storing precious items] and handed it to Eldrin Chen, saying, "As this is our first meeting, these few treasures may prove useful to you, young friend. Consider them a greeting gift."

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback and hastened to decline, but Primordial Mire Path Master had already vanished from the pavilion with a mere sweep of his sleeve.

Within the pavilion, only the gently floating Treasure Casket remained, accompanied by a voice that drifted through the air: "Cultivate diligently, young friend. I hope one day this old man may sit and discourse on the Dao with you."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen could only accept the Treasure Casket.

He rose to his feet, clasped his hands in salute towards the direction the Path Master had departed, and said, "My gratitude for your generous gift, Senior. This junior will remember your kindness."

On the mist-wreathed mountain peak, no echo replied, only a final, gentle utterance.

"You may go now."

"..."

After bidding farewell at the pavilion, Eldrin Chen returned to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [a realm of profound mysteries and cultivation]. Only then did he open the treasure bestowed upon him by the Primordial Qilin Ancestor [the ancient progenitor of the mythical Qilin beast].

Within the Treasure Casket [an ornate container for holding precious artifacts], he saw a simple, ancient piece of jade gently floating, emanating a hazy, multicolored radiance.

"Qilin [a mythical, auspicious beast] Spirit Jade."

The moment she laid eyes on this treasure, Exquisite Jiang [a cultivator known for her grace and insight] expression shifted slightly. She couldn't help but ask, "Where did you obtain such a thing?"

"A gift from Senior Primordial Mire [a title meaning 'Primordial Mire', suggesting ancient and profound origins]."

Eldrin Chen began recounting the events of his journey.

After listening, Exquisite Jiang fell into thoughtful silence before saying, "The Primordial Mire Path Master [the master of the Primordial Mire cultivation path] possessed extraordinary talent. He was destined to be one of the Chaos [the primordial state before order, representing immense power] Ancient Emperors. A pity..."

A flicker of regret passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes as he shared the sentiment.

The Primordial Immortal Domain [the original and most fundamental realm of immortals] held a significant cosmic status. It should have nurtured nine Chaos Heavenly Emperor [supreme sovereigns ruling over the primordial chaos]. However, due to the intervention of that Second Chaos Realm [the second major stage within the Chaos cultivation realm] powerhouse, the Heavenly Path [the supreme, natural law of the cosmos] fell into a deep slumber.

During the long slumber of the Primordial Immortal Domain [the primordial realm where the first immortals dwelled], the nine Mandate of Heaven Divine Sovereign [Divine Sovereigns appointed by the Heavenly Mandate] lost the empowerment of the Heavenly Path [the supreme cultivation art of the Heavenly Dao]. The first three who achieved the Dao seized the Opportunity and Fortune [the chance and destiny to attain the ultimate Dao] that belonged to those who came after them.

With the exception of the Supreme Lunar Divine Sovereign [the Divine Sovereign of the Supreme Lunar Dao], who belonged to the same Divine Clan [the primordial clan of gods], the other five Heaven-Appointed Divine Sovereign [Divine Sovereigns appointed by Heaven] all lost their Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy of creation from the chaos]. The Primordial Mire Path Master [Master of the Primordial Mire Path] was naturally among them.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen could not help but ask, "Can this Primordial Mire [the Primordial Mire Dao] individual be trusted?"

Exquisite Jiang did not answer directly. Instead, she began to speak, "In the distant past of the Primordial Era [the Age of Primordial Beginnings], the Divine Clan held sole dominion over the world. The myriad other races could only survive by their sufferance."

"In the ancient era, the Solar Sun [the essence of the Solar Sun] merged with the myriad races to establish the Demon Court [the imperial court of the demon race]. Thereafter, the Demon Race suppressed the Cosmos [the universe and all realms] for tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles]. The plight of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [the Hundred Races of Immortal Spirits] grew ever more difficult."

"Yet, whether it was the myriad races of the Primordial Era, or the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races of the ancient and current eras, they all, in truth, existed under the shelter of the Primordial Mire Path Master."

Speaking to this point, Exquisite Jiang said with pointed meaning, "Before the Human Race rose to prominence, before it gave birth to a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [an Immortal Sage who is also an Ancestor of a Great Path], it was, in fact, one among the Primordial Era Myriad Clans [the Myriad Clans of the Primordial Era], and also one among the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen understood immediately.

Before the Human Race had a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage, it had once belonged to the Primordial Era Myriad Clans. Later, it also belonged to the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races.

In those times, the Human Race was not powerful. It even languished at the lower tiers among the Primordial Era Myriad Clans, and for a long time, it ranked only in the middle echelons of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races.

Yet even under such circumstances, the relationship between the Human Race and the Qilin Clan remained exceptionally strong. Even now, with the Human Race having become the overlord of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, the two Path Ancestor Immortal Sage still maintained excellent relations with the Primordial Qilin Ancestor. This clearly indicated that the Primordial Qilin Ancestor's character was unlikely to have any major flaws.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "We owe him a debt of gratitude. In the future, if our cultivation becomes sufficiently powerful, it would not be inappropriate to look out for one another."

As he said this, Eldrin Chen looked at the Ancient Qilin Jade and could not help but reveal a faint smile.

The Ancient Qilin Jade gifted by the Primordial Qilin Ancestor was a special, top-tier Primordial One Spiritual Treasure. It did not possess the effect of amplifying power, but it could to a certain degree increase the cultivation speed of both Great Encompassing Golden Immortal and Primordial One Imperial Lord.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, if one cultivated while holding this Ancient Qilin Jade, the speed at which one tempered their foundation would be greatly increased. The time required to break through to the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal should be shortened by approximately thirty percent from the current baseline.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen said, "I will use this Ancient Qilin Jade as the primary Formation Eye, coordinating it with the three Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure—the Sun God Pearl, the Moon Goddess Pearl, and the Star Deity Pearl. This should allow me to establish a top-tier cultivation Path-Field [a specialized area where the ambient energies of the Great Path are concentrated, ideal for cultivation]."

"When it is complete, all the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal of our clan will benefit from it."

With these words, Eldrin Chen immediately set to work establishing the formation. It took him over two hundred thousand years to successfully complete the Path-Field.

Once the grand formation was established, Eldrin Chen discovered that the newly formed Path-Field possessed the effect of refining and tempering one's foundation. It could roughly increase the cultivation speed of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal by thirty to forty percent.

Most crucially, the formation's power was astonishingly potent. It could simultaneously accommodate the cultivation of twelve Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, making it one of the most supreme cultivation treasures.

Returning to the main narrative, after the grand formation was fully deployed, Eldrin Chen briefly attempted cultivation before sensing that Nanxu Imperial Lord was about to emerge from seclusion.

Therefore, he did not linger. He departed directly from the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain and arrived within the Primordial Immortal Domain.

Within a majestic immortal hall of Alchemy Mystery Heaven, Eldrin Chen waited for a considerable time before finally being received by Nanxu Imperial Lord.

At this moment, Nanxu Imperial Lord had clearly just concluded his secluded cultivation. Traces of alchemical fire-essence still clung to his verdant imperial robes, and a faint weariness was etched upon his countenance.

It was evident that even for an existence of Nanxu Imperial Lord's caliber, refining a Primordial One Tier Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir of profound power] was an immensely taxing endeavor.

Despite this, Nanxu Imperial Lord accorded Eldrin Chen significant respect. He personally received him, had tea served, and then came straight to the point: "I have heard, Fellow Daoist, that your purpose in coming is to request that I refine a Primordial One Immortal Pill?"

Eldrin Chen nodded in affirmation. He directly manifested the mortal remains of the Departing Flame Demon God and stated, "It is this Demon God [a supreme entity of the demonic path]'s corporeal form."

Nanxu Imperial Lord's pupils contracted slightly before he smiled and said, "This Departing Flame Demon God possessed cultivation at the Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier. Even if I were to act personally, subduing and slaying it would have been exceedingly difficult."

"To think Fellow Daoist possesses such formidable means truly commands my utmost admiration."

Eldrin Chen shook his head modestly and replied, "The Departing Flame Demon God was merely overly arrogant. I only managed to defeat it by leveraging the advantages of my Formation [a structured array that channels and amplifies power]."

Nanxu Imperial Lord [the Imperial Lord of the Southern Marshes] nodded in acknowledgment, yet he did not fully believe those words.

The power of a Formation [a structured arrangement of energy nodes and patterns used for defense, attack, or cultivation] is formidable, often allowing one to contend with opponents of a higher cultivation realm. However, its effectiveness ultimately depends on the level of the enemy one faces. This chapter is provided by audio—novel.com. Support the original.