Chapter 2025 : Confronting the Sword Abyss

Eldrin Chen recuperated within the Great Desolate Ancient Realm for tens of thousands of years. Only after his Restoration had returned his mana to its peak state did he venture once more into the depths of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

This time, his destination was the foremost of the Three Desolate Domains: the Sword Abyss Realm Sea.

Not long after, Eldrin Chen arrived at the periphery of the Sword Abyss Realm Sea. A grave expression settled upon his brow as he gazed upon the churning expanse before him.

Compared to the Myriad Stars Sea of Clusters and the Desolate Ancient Continent, the Sword Abyss Realm Sea possessed the most formidable strength.

This branch of the Chaos Desolate Tribe was not only one of the ten great Forbidden Land of the ancient Great Wilderness Primordial Domain, but it had also absorbed a multitude of powerful beings from the Chaos Realm Sea.

From what Eldrin Chen knew, within the vast Sword Abyss Realm Sea, the lineage that had fallen from the former Sword Abyss Immortal Source alone boasted terrifying power.

They possessed one Sword Sage [a supreme master of the sword path], one Sword Emperor [an emperor-level sovereign of sword arts], and twelve Primordial Unity Desolation Emperor [emperors who have attained the Primordial Unity realm within the Desolate lineage].

Among these fourteen peerless experts, the twelve Primordial Unity Desolation Emperor possessed strength at the early to middle stages of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the realm of a Chaos Emperor Monarch]. The most powerful among them was Sword Profound Desolation Emperor.

"Perfect timing," he murmured to himself.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen fell into a brief, contemplative silence, a flicker of deep consideration passing through his eyes.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen felt a stirring of resolve in his heart.

Eldrin Chen acted decisively, instantly activating the Abyssal Seal. The treasure, which had long since divided into twelve supreme artifacts, transformed in a flash into a complete trapping formation.

Seizing the moment, He then transformed into a sword-light that tore through the Void [the formless space between realms], aiming to escape through the crack in the Formation [a structured array of energy used for defense, attack, or confinement].

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen struck without hesitation. He channeled the Grasping Hand of Primordial Chaos, sending it crashing down to suppress and annihilate the Sword Profound Desolation Emperor.

He immediately readied his various techniques and then produced a portion of Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid [a precious liquid that can heal and strengthen the soul], using it as bait to lure out that Sword Profound Desolation Emperor.

"Now is the time."

A moment later, his eyes gleamed faintly, and he murmured to himself, "For the Desolate Tribe, what they crave most are treasures that nourish the soul and the spirits of sentient beings."

"Can I draw it out?"

However, the Sword Abyss Scion wielded an Innate Supreme Treasure [a peerless treasure born of heaven and earth, possessing immense innate power], granting him combat prowess that could rival a Great Emperor. If Eldrin Chen were to confront him head-on, he would likely suffer a grievous defeat.

In that instant, the Sword Profound Desolation Emperor sensed the danger. It instantly transformed into ten thousand streaks of sword-light that scattered in all directions, its form dissolving into phantom shadows that vanished into the empty heavens.

The Sword Profound Emperor Palace was situated atop a Primordial Unity Nest [a rare and powerful spiritual node where primordial energies converge], protected by an exceptionally sophisticated Primordial Grand Formation [a grand defensive array drawing upon primordial energies], formidable enough to withstand assaults from those at the Late Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord Realm [the advanced stage of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord cultivation realm].

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of solemn gravity surfacing in the depths of his gaze.

"A mere wisp of my soul's power should be sufficient to draw it out."

"In ages past, the Sword Abyss Immortal Palace employed a secret art to relocate the entire palace complex, along with fragments of a shattered Great Wilderness Primordial Domain [one of the ancient, primordial realms of creation], into the heart of a nascent Chaos Realm Sea [a turbulent, formless expanse where chaos energies coalesce into embryonic worlds]."

Eldrin Chen whispered to himself, yet a faint crease appeared between his brows.

Such a figure possessed combat prowess rivaling that of a Great Emperor. Had it not been for his profound enmity with that Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the penultimate stage before achieving full Sagehood], he likely would never have been reduced to exile within the desolate wastes.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen shrouded himself within Chaos Mist [a formless, concealing vapor born of primordial chaos], suppressing his aura to its absolute limit. Then, he stepped silently across the heavens, arriving unnoticed within the confines of the Sword Abyss Ancient Realm.

This Sword Abyss Scion wielded a Slaughter [a supreme divine ability focused on absolute annihilation] power peerless under heaven. He was the foremost powerhouse beneath the three Great Emperors of the ancient Great Wilderness Primordial Domain, and he once commanded the 'Ancient Sword of the Vast Abyss' [a legendary blade of immense power], one of the ten great Innate Supreme Treasure [treasures born of heaven and earth, possessing innate, supreme power] of that primordial realm….

The Sword Sage [a title for a supreme master of the sword path] bore the Daoist title 'Sword Abyss Scion' and was also known as 'Sword Abyss Sacred Lord'. His cultivation had reached the profound heights of the Eighth Layer of Primordial Unity Emperor Lord [the eighth stage within the Primordial Unity Emperor Lord cultivation realm].

Instantly, the myriad phantom images conjured by the Sword Profound Desolation Emperor dissipated into nothingness, leaving only his true form standing alone upon the battlefield.

It was a vast and ancient palace, spanning across the Vast Chaotic Void. Upon the plaque above its entrance was carved a line of large characters: Sword Profound Emperor Palace.

"We must still proceed with caution."

Compared to the Desolate Ancient Continent and the Myriad Stars Archipelago, the Sword Abyss Realm Sea was clearly less eroded.

"Is this the place where the Sword Profound Desolation Emperor's Daoist Abode [a secluded place for cultivation and meditation] is located?"

Upon many of the Chaos Nest [a turbulent, primordial convergence of chaotic energies], immortal halls and divine pavilions stood, with towers and pavilions erected within. It seemed members of the Great Luo Desolation Race lurked inside, emanating astonishingly powerful auras.

If the battle could not be concluded swiftly, and the Distant Heaven Sword Emperor and the Sword Abyss Sacred Lord arrived, Eldrin Chen would have no choice but to flee for his life.

"They utilized the membrane of the Realm Sea to resist the Desolate Decay Power [a power that induces withering and entropy] for tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], preserving the legacy and glory of their lineage. For a time, they became the most powerful orthodox tradition remaining from the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain."

As these thoughts flashed through Eldrin Chen's mind, he continued to traverse the Sword Abyss Realm Sea, arriving unknowingly before a majestic palace.

Upon these Chaos Nest, Eldrin Chen discovered many traces of artificial construction.

This place was composed of countless Chaos Nest, seemingly suppressed by some immense power. The Chaos Sea Waters [the turbulent, primordial waters of chaos] within them were noticeably calmer.

"I have been awaiting this move of yours."

After all, that Sword Abyss Scion, who wielded the Ancient Sword of the Vast Abyss and mastered the Slaughter [a divine ability focused on pure killing intent] of an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born of primordial chaos], posed a potentially immense threat to Eldrin Chen.

Even if Eldrin Chen were to unleash his full power and deploy the Abyssal Pearl to assault this Sword Profound Emperor Palace, it would likely be difficult for him to completely subdue the Sword Profound Desolation Emperor in a short time.

Among these two late-stage Primordial Unity [the realm of unifying one's primordial essence] powerhouses, the Distant Heaven Sword Emperor possessed formidable strength, yet he did not pose the greatest threat to Eldrin Chen.

Of the remaining two powerhouses, the one bearing the Sword Emperor [Sword Emperor] title 'Distant Heaven Sword Emperor' had cultivated to the level of a Seventh Layer Primordial Unity Emperor Lord. He had mastered the True Spirit Great Dao [Great Dao of the True Spirit] and the Distant Heaven Sword Dao [Distant Heaven Sword Dao], making his power truly unfathomable.

"*Clang!*"

"Alas, as the Realm Sea gradually took form, the Desolate Decay Power [power of desolate decay] continuously eroded it. Like a frog slowly boiled in water, it ultimately transformed the Sword Abyss Holy Land into a Desolate Domain Forbidden Land."

Seeing himself trapped, the Sword Profound Desolation Emperor decisively opened his eyes. In that instant, a dazzlingly brilliant sword aura tore through the firmament, ripping a breach in the Formation [a mystical array or defensive barrier].

And in the very moment Eldrin Chen revealed the Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid, the Sword Profound Emperor Palace trembled violently with light. A resplendent sword radiance then shot forth, streaking towards the Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid.

Seizing this precise opportunity, Eldrin Chen unleashed the Abyssal Pearl to seal the torn breach. It erupted with an indescribable, supreme suction force, instantly drawing the Sword Profound Desolation Emperor into its depths.

"It is done."

The moment he suppressed Sword Profound Desolation Emperor, a flicker of elation crossed Eldrin Chen's face.

Yet, before he could even process the thought, he felt a peerless sword radiance cleaving through the firmament towards him.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen felt every hair on his body stand on end. An extreme force of Slaughter [a divine ability embodying the concept of absolute annihilation] pierced him with a bone-chilling sense of lethal threat.

"Hmph—"

Facing such a strike, Eldrin Chen snorted coldly. He decisively summoned the Indestructible Battle Armor [an enchanted armor of legendary durability] to block, then turned his gaze towards the depths of the Void [a profound cultivation art that manipulates spatial emptiness].

There, from the farthest reaches of the endless sky, a blindingly brilliant peerless sword light descended. Wherever it passed, the Vast Chaotic Void [the primordial, formless expanse between realms] and the Desolate Sea [a boundless, turbulent sea of chaotic energies] were sundered, forcibly split asunder.

"What a swift sword."

Before Eldrin Chen could contemplate further, the sword strike landed upon the Indestructible Battle Armor.

The peerless sword intent pierced through the battle armor, stabbing into Eldrin Chen's chest. A trickle of blood instantly escaped the corner of his lips.

Eldrin Chen let out a muffled grunt, then decisively commanded the Abyssal Pearl [a mystical treasure of profound spatial power], vanishing instantly into the boundless firmament.

After a dizzying whirl of spatial displacement, Eldrin Chen found himself within the confines of the Great Wilderness Sacred Hall [a sanctuary hall of immense power and protection].

"What an overwhelmingly domineering sword intent [the conceptual will and power imbued within a sword technique]," he murmured.

"Indeed, the combat prowess of the Sword Abyss Sacred Lord has truly stepped into the domain of a Great Emperor [a title for the most powerful beings at the peak of the Primordial Emperor Lord realm]."

Once he confirmed his safety, Eldrin Chen recalled that ultimate sword strike. Wiping a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth, he assessed his injuries.

In the recent battle, Eldrin Chen had been pierced by a single sword thrust from the Sword Abyss Sacred Lord, sustaining significant wounds. This encounter, however, allowed him to gauge his opponent's true strength.

Within the realm of Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the pinnacle cultivation stage before Sage Ascendant], those who reach the Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord [the absolute peak of the Primordial Emperor Lord realm] are worthy of the title 'Great Emperor'.

Beings within the Great Emperor domain are further stratified into several tiers based on their actual combat power.

These tiers are: Comparable to a Great Emperor, Newly Ascended Great Emperor, Powerful Great Emperor, Top-Tier Great Emperor, Peerless Great Emperor, and finally, those who Rival a Sage Ascendant [a being who has partially transcended the Emperor Lord realm].

The so-called 'Comparable to a Great Emperor' tier generally consists of the most supreme Eighth Layer of Primordial Unity Emperor Lord cultivators, or those Great Emperors who ascended with an insufficient foundation. Their power is roughly equivalent to eight or nine-tenths of a true Great Emperor's might.

Those newly ascended into the realm of Great Emperors represent the state of the vast majority of such sovereigns. These individuals do not possess an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primal chaos of heaven and earth], and their combat prowess is the most ordinary among Great Emperors.

Powerful Great Emperors typically wield at least one Innate Supreme Treasure. Among peers of the same realm, they can often contend against two opponents simultaneously. Figures like Pure Yang Great Emperor belong to this tier.

Top-tier Great Emperors not only command an Innate Supreme Treasure, but their combat strength allows them to face three opponents of equal standing. Eminent powers such as Heaven's Derivation Great Emperor and Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor reside within this exalted stratum.

As for those who have attained the state of an Invincible Great Emperor, they essentially represent the pinnacle, the very ceiling of power within the Great Emperor domain.

The battle prowess of such beings shakes the very heavens. Against peers of the same realm, they can achieve feats like facing five opponents alone. Within the entire Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, individuals of this caliber can be counted on one hand.

Among those Eldrin Chen knows, there is only one Invincible Great Emperor: the formidable Black Abyss Great Emperor.

In times past, Black Abyss Great Emperor cultivated six great True Spirit Divine Form [a supreme divine ability manifesting the true form of one's primordial spirit]. Wielding the Thunder Emperor Battle Armor and the Black Abyss Emperor's Spear, he clashed against seven other Great Emperors. His foes included top-tier sovereigns like Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor and Heaven's Derivation Great Emperor. His ability to accomplish this stemmed precisely from his attainment of Invincible Great Emperor combat strength.

Beyond the Invincible Great Emperor lies the legendary realm of power that rivals a Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator who has ascended to the threshold of sagehood].

Beings capable of rivaling a Sage Ascendant possess combat power within the Great Emperor domain that allows them to contend against ten opponents of equal standing.

Such a feat is fundamentally achievable only by those who have walked the path of Sainthood through the Flesh [a legendary cultivation path focused on refining the physical body to an immortal, indestructible state].

Within the entire Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, beings of such caliber number only one or two. Eldrin Chen knew only of 'Heaven's Slaughter Great Emperor', the eldest son of the Ant Celestial Emperor, who was an existence rivaling a Sage Ascendant.

He had cultivated seven True Spirit Divine Form [supreme physical manifestations of primal spiritual power] and once battled a Sage Ascendant for over a million years before finally being defeated.

And this was merely with seven True Spirit Divine Form. It is said that once one cultivates eight True Spirit Divine Form, one could become an existence not inferior to, or even surpassing, a Sage Ascendant....

The Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a supreme cultivation art focused on perfecting the physical form], if one cultivates the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms and then fuses these nine divine forms into one, their combat power would undergo an ultimate metamorphosis, leaping to a level where they could challenge a Celestial Emperor.

Returning to the main point, setting aside those truly peerless figures, even the Sword Abyss Sacred Lord he had previously fought was already an invincible character.

Merely at the Eighth Layer of Primordial Unity Emperor Lord [the eighth stage of the Primordial Unity Emperor Lord realm], and relying on the power of his Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the world's primal essence], he already possessed combat power at the threshold of the Great Emperor domain.

Once his cultivation base truly steps into the Great Emperor domain, his combat power would undoubtedly undergo another astonishing qualitative transformation.

By that time, the strength of the Sword Abyss Sacred Lord would likely directly enter the realm of a powerful Great Emperor, or even potentially that of a top-tier Great Emperor.

"A Sword Dao Emperor Lord, peerless in Slaughter."

"If this Sword Abyss Sacred Lord could be made to serve my purpose, he would undoubtedly become a sharp blade in the future."

Eldrin Chen's thoughts flickered, a glint of unwavering resolve kindling within his gaze.

This retreat to the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea had made Eldrin Chen acutely aware of the paramount importance of sheer strength.

The Human Race was truly too weak. Not only did it lack a single Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator who has transcended the Great Emperor realm and stands at the apex of power] to anchor its fate, it possessed a mere five Great Emperor [the supreme rulers of the cultivation world, beings of immense power who have transcended mortality].

In stark contrast, the Demon Race boasted ten such Great Emperor, each wielding an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from the world's natural laws] to stabilize their Fortune [the metaphysical concept of destiny and luck], making every one of them a formidable sovereign.

Under such circumstances, had it not been for the intervention of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races and the Divine Race, Eldrin Chen might very well have failed to reach the sanctuary of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

Conversely, if the Human Race possessed ten Great Emperor, with several Sage Ascendant Ancestors standing guard, how would the Demon Race dare to act with such brazen arrogance?

Setting aside Sage Ascendant, if the Human Race could muster ten Great Emperor, they could, under the leadership of Black Abyss Great Emperor, push the Demon Race back entirely.

Without sufficient numbers, no matter how mighty Black Abyss Great Emperor was, there would inevitably come a moment when even his strength reached its limit.

After all, which being who has attained the realm of a Great Emperor is not a peerless genius who dominated their era?

Each of them has cultivated their foundation to its absolute peak; the disparity in combat prowess between them is never overwhelmingly vast.

Even an invincible Great Emperor [a supreme cultivator at the peak of the Great Emperor realm] can, at most, contend against five opponents simultaneously, and that is only against those who have just entered the Great Emperor realm without possessing an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from the primordial laws of heaven and earth].

If the opponents were powerful Great Emperor who wield Innate Supreme Treasure, being able to withstand the combined assault of three such Great Emperor would already be considered a heaven-defying, truly invincible Great Emperor.

In truth, aside from those who have achieved Sainthood through the Flesh [a legendary cultivation path focused on forging an indestructible physical body], due to the unique nature of their cultivation path which allows them to advance their True Spirit Divine Form [a divine ability manifesting one's true spiritual essence] even further, it is exceedingly rare for ordinary cultivation paths to give birth to an invincible Great Emperor.

A Great Emperor who has reached the pinnacle of the Path of Dao Dominion [a supreme cultivation art focused on dominating the fundamental Dao principles] is essentially at the level of a top-tier Great Emperor. An invincible Great Emperor within the Dao-Grasping [the realm of comprehending and grasping the fundamental Dao] is almost a legend, and it is fundamentally improbable for anyone to achieve it.

In other words, within the domain of Great Emperor, contending against three opponents at once is practically the limit.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen felt a renewed sense of anticipation towards this Sword Abyss Sacred Lord, though a weight of solemnity also settled in his heart.

"Given the strength of the Sword Abyss Sacred Lord, I fear it will still be difficult for him to suppress that being," he mused.

Eldrin Chen's thoughts flickered, but he soon suppressed them. "Enough. We shall proceed step by step."

"First, we shall restore the consciousness of the Sword Profound Desolation Emperor. The Sword Abyss Sacred Lord can be dealt with in due time."

With this thought, Eldrin Chen released the Sword Profound Desolation Emperor. Then, using the power of the Human Soul Scripture [a profound scripture for tempering and purifying the human soul], he began to cleanse the corrosive Desolate Decay Power [a divine ability embodying the power of desolation and decay] from him.

Thus, Time flowed swiftly. After several hundred thousand years had passed, the Desolate Decay Power [a corrosive and decaying energy born from the Desolate Wasteland] within Sword Profound Desolation Emperor's body was finally cleansed completely.…

"My gratitude."

Once the Desolate Decay Power within him was purified, Sword Profound Emperor Lord awoke from his stupor. He offered Eldrin Chen a solemn and respectful bow.

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and spoke, "How do you feel?"

"The erosion of my Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] is not too severe. It should be Restoration [the process of healing and restoring one's cultivation base] within several dozen Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often associated with great calamities]."

Sword Profound Emperor Lord spoke slowly, a glimmer of profound relief surfacing in the depths of his gaze.

Eldrin Chen gave a nod of acknowledgment. As expected of one who had laid a Three True Spirit Foundations [an exceptionally solid and profound foundation for one's cultivation path], the damage to Sword Profound Emperor Lord's Primordial Spirit was far less severe than that suffered by Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor or Liora, the Emperor Lord.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen revealed his purpose to Sword Profound Emperor Lord and declared, "I shall speak plainly. This Emperor wishes to take you under my command as a Divine General. What say you?"

Sword Profound Emperor Lord's eyes flickered, a trace of world-shaking sword intent gleaming within his pupils.

Yet, after a moment's contemplation, recalling the methods Eldrin Chen had displayed earlier, he gave a slight nod. "Given your strength, your methods, and the debt of saving my life, you indeed possess the qualifications to command my loyalty."

"However, I have three conditions."

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly before he spoke. "State them."

Sword Profound Emperor Lord gave a slight nod and said, "First, you must not compel me to act against my conscience."

"Second, regarding my fellow disciples of the Sword Abyss Immortal Palace [the celestial palace of the Sword Abyss lineage], I must trouble you, Fellow Daoist, to aid in their revival. At the very least, ensure they do not perish in the cycle of reincarnation [the cosmic cycle of death and rebirth]."

"Third, if one day my strength surpasses yours, then after repaying this debt of gratitude, I may choose to depart of my own accord."

"Agreed!"

Eldrin Chen nodded. For a person of such world-shaking talent as Sword Profound Emperor Lord, he was willing to be exceptionally tolerant and approving.

Sword Profound Emperor Lord nodded again, his expression calm as he stated, "Since that is the case, from this moment forth, I shall serve under your banner, Emperor Lord."

"Then from this day forward, you shall be the third of my Divine Generals."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly. He then bestowed upon Sword Profound Emperor Lord a batch of healing elixirs [pills imbued with spiritual energy for recovery] and allowed him to depart in haste.

At this moment, Liora, the Emperor Lord approached, glanced at the departing Sword Profound Emperor Lord, and said with a smile, "Even after awakening from his stupor, this Sword Profound Emperor Lord remains as stern and unsmiling as ever."

"Those who walk the path of the sword adhere to either ultimate passion or utter detachment."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, then shook his head. "This Sword Profound Emperor Lord treads the path of the emotionless sword. All thoughts and desires in his heart are but fleeting wisps, unbound and indifferent."

Liora, the Emperor Lord chuckled softly. She glided to stand before Eldrin Chen, her graceful form leaning against him. With breath as fragrant as orchids, she whispered by his ear, "And you, what path do you cultivate?"

"What path do I cultivate?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a brief moment, a smile touching his lips before he wrapped an arm around her.

"I am the path itself!"

After rescuing the Sword Profound Emperor Lord, Eldrin Chen did not immediately move against the Diurnal Extinction Desolation Emperor, for the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of all three had not yet undergone Restoration.

Of course, even without taking immediate action, Eldrin Chen did not remain idle.

In the years that followed, during his moments of leisure, Eldrin Chen journeyed multiple times to the Myriad Stars Archipelago. There, he both suppressed the Desolation Emperor [a powerful ruler from the Desolate Wastelands] residing within the archipelago and searched for traces of the Innate Spiritual Root [a supreme spiritual root born of heaven and earth, the foundation for unparalleled cultivation talent].

Each time he subdued a Desolation Emperor [a ruler of the desolate wastelands], he would bring them back to the Great Desolate Ancient Realm [the primordial realm of desolation]. There, he would purify the Desolate Decay Power [the corrupting energy of decay] using the Human Soul Scripture [a sacred text for soul purification], then allow them to undergo Body-Spirit Dissolution [the dissolution of physical form and spiritual essence], letting their Primordial Spirit [the foundational spiritual core of a being] dissipate naturally.

In this way, he accomplished two goals: he rescued these Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarchs [ancient sovereigns born from primordial chaos], and simultaneously weakened the forces under the command of Diurnal Extinction Desolation Emperor [the Desolation Emperor who brings extinction with the dawn].

After roughly one Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration], Eldrin Chen had successfully converted all dozen or so Desolation Emperors from the Myriad Stars Archipelago [a constellation of floating islands], leaving Diurnal Extinction Desolation Emperor as a commander without an army.

During this process, Eldrin Chen also seized a bounty of over two hundred and sixty Innate Spiritual Roots [spiritual roots of heaven-born quality].

Even the exceedingly rare Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial energy of creation], he captured a full thirty-six strands, handsomely replenishing his depleted resource reserves.

Leveraging these resources, Eldrin Chen guided the Abyssal Seal [a seal of profound abyssal power] through its Ascension [a breakthrough to a higher state of being], transforming it into an Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [the embryonic form of a heaven-born supreme treasure].

Following its Ascension, each of the twelve artifacts differentiated from the Abyssal Seal now possessed one Great Dao Divine Chain [a divine chain embodying a fragment of the Great Dao]. Collectively, they boasted a total of twelve such Great Dao Divine Chains.

In principle, an Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo needs only to accumulate more than nine Great Dao Divine Chains to fuse them into a single Grand Dao Divine Form [a divine manifestation of the complete Great Dao], thereby metamorphosing into a true Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born of heaven].

Unfortunately, the Great Dao Divine Chains within the Abyssal Seal did not merge. Instead, their powers remained relatively dispersed, preventing the formation of a unified Grand Dao Divine Form and the subsequent evolution into an Innate Supreme Treasure.