Chapter 1991 : A Demon God's Corpse and a Secret Pact

The strength of the Departing Flame Demon God [a powerful demonic entity] was no simple matter. Even though Nanxu Imperial Lord possessed cultivation at the Primordial One Imperial Lord 5th Tier [the fifth level of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm], he dared not claim he could utterly destroy the physical body of the Departing Flame Demon God.

The fact that Eldrin Chen had managed to leave it behind proved his strength was far from that of an ordinary Primordial One Imperial Lord [a cultivator at the Primordial One Imperial Lord level].

However, this was ultimately another's secret, and Nanxu Imperial Lord naturally would not pry. He carefully examined the physical body of the Departing Flame Demon God once more before finally speaking. "The remains are incomplete, missing the rather crucial head portion. Fortunately, the rest of the body is quite intact."

As he spoke, Nanxu Imperial Lord looked at Eldrin Chen and said, "In principle, this furnace should only yield two Precious Pill [a high-grade cultivation elixir]. However, I possess a special secret technique that can compensate for this missing part and refine three Primordial One Immortal Pill [an immortal-grade pill of the Primordial One level]."

"Yet, to perform such a technique requires one additional precious ingredient."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a flicker of joy in his heart and immediately inquired, "What does the Imperial Lord [a title for a powerful cultivator-lord] require?"

"One portion of Innate Flesh Ganoderma [a rare spiritual fungus born from innate essence]."

Nanxu Imperial Lord stated, then added, "I do possess this Spirit Herb [a plant imbued with spiritual energy], but its value is also not insignificant."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen spoke without hesitation, "Fellow Daoist, state your conditions plainly."

Nanxu Imperial Lord nodded and finally revealed his intent. "To speak frankly, I have a matter on which I must request your assistance…"

As Nanxu Imperial Lord spoke in a measured, unhurried tone, Eldrin Chen quickly grasped the nature of his request.

It turned out Nanxu Imperial Lord had a daughter, named Nanxi Immortal Lord, whose breakthrough to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm was relatively recent, leaving her cultivation at merely the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage.

In this great war of the three races, Nanxi Immortal Lord had also joined the fray within the Starry Sky Battlefield. Worried for his daughter's safety, Nanxu Imperial Lord wished to ask Eldrin Chen, when he later set foot upon the Starry Sky Battlefield, to extend a measure of protection and care towards her.

In truth, Eldrin Chen was not the first entrusted with such a request. Given Nanxu Imperial Lord's status, he had already beseeched several Primordial One Imperial Lord to look after her; Eldrin Chen was merely one among them.

Looking after a single Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage cultivator was, for a combatant of Eldrin Chen's Imperial Lord-level prowess, a trivial matter, easily accomplished in passing.

He offered no refusal, simply stating, "In the next Kalpa Tribulation [a grand cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal], I shall join the Starry Sky Battlefield. If Nanxi Immortal Lord remains upon that battlefield, I will naturally offer what care I can."

Upon hearing this, Nanxu Imperial Lord smiled and immediately declared, "In that case, consider this Innate Flesh Ganoderma [a legendary spiritual fungus of peerless quality] and the alchemical commission fee as remuneration for your promised guardianship."

With these words, Nanxu Imperial Lord proceeded into the Alchemy Chamber [a specially prepared room for pill refinement] to kindle the furnace and refine this batch of Primordial One Immortal Pill [a supreme-grade pill for Primordial One realm cultivators].

However, before Nanxu Imperial Lord began the alchemical process, Eldrin Chen could not resist making a request: "Might I be permitted to observe?"

"You practice alchemy as well?"

Eldrin Chen spoke, his expression calm as he replied, "I have already refined several batches of high-grade Great Encompassing Immortal Pill."

Nanxu Imperial Lord was happy to do him a favor and said with a smile, "In that case, you can assist me for a while."

The two entered the Alchemy Chamber. Eldrin Chen began helping to process the medicinal ingredients, and in their spare moments, they started exchanging their insights into alchemy.

As their exchange deepened, Nanxu Imperial Lord could not help but feel profoundly astonished. He was shocked to discover that Eldrin Chen's alchemical skill, even if not yet equal to his own, had at least touched the threshold of the Primordial One Tier [the foundational tier of the Primordial One realm].

After tens of thousands of years, Nanxu Imperial Lord successfully refined a batch of three Primordial One Immortal Pill [pills that aid in cultivating the Primordial One Indestructibility Body]. He handed the Immortal Pill to Eldrin Chen and could not resist saying, "Your alchemical mastery is truly Extraordinary. Perhaps you can attempt to refine a Primordial One Precious Pill [a rare and powerful pill for the Primordial One realm]."

A flicker of light passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes. Taking the Immortal Pill, he smiled and said, "Thanks to the Imperial Lord's guidance, I have benefited immensely."

Nanxu Imperial Lord, however, held Eldrin Chen back to exchange insights for a long while more. It was only when new alchemy tasks were issued that he reluctantly bid farewell to Eldrin Chen.

"..."

Departing from Alchemy Mystery Heaven, Eldrin Chen soon returned to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

Upon his return to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, he immediately retrieved the Primordial One Immortal Pill and began secluded cultivation to refine his Primordial One Indestructibility Body [an immensely durable physical form achieved in the Primordial One realm].

This period of secluded cultivation lasted for several million years. By the time Eldrin Chen had completely refined a single Primordial One Immortal Pill, he discovered his Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body had already been cultivated to the absolute limit of the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm.

At this point, Eldrin Chen's Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body had grown by approximately fifty percent compared to when he had first broken through to the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. All that remained was to accumulate sufficient foundational essence to break through to the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

At this rate, if Eldrin Chen were to consume another Great Encompassing Golden Core, he estimated he could attempt the breakthrough to the Eighth Layer of the Great Encompassing Physique within the next Kalpa Tribulation [a grand cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal].

Returning to the main thread, with his Great Encompassing Physique perfected to its limit, Eldrin Chen felt his insights into the Great Path [the supreme cultivation art he follows] were now sufficient.

He immediately began the breakthrough of his Great Path cultivation base. To advance his Great Path cultivation to the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, it was best to supplement his foundation with resources like the Great Path Source Crystal.

Eldrin Chen was not lacking in such treasures now. After successively refining several Great Path Source Crystal, his Great Path cultivation base finally broke through to the realm of the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Once his Great Path cultivation was fully consolidated, Eldrin Chen immediately sensed a significant increase in the power of his Great Path Authority [the authority and power derived from his mastery of the Great Path].

Previously, relying on the Chaos Limitless Great Path divine ability, he could already rival the combat power of a Ninth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. But now, with just the power of his Great Path cultivation, he could match a top-tier expert at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection. He estimated he could likely face three ordinary Ninth Layer Great Encompassing cultivators at once.

"Not bad at all," he murmured.

Seeing significant progress in both his physical body and his Great Path cultivation, Eldrin Chen's mood lifted considerably. Only then did he finally emerge from his Seclusion Chamber.

After emerging from seclusion, Eldrin Chen found Returning Abyss Immortal Domain adorned with lanterns and festive decorations, brimming with an atmosphere of joyous celebration.

A flicker of curiosity in his gaze, he turned to inquire of Exquisite Jiang beside him, "What occasion is this that brings such happiness to everyone?"

"You have been in seclusion for so long, you must have forgotten what day it is now," she replied.

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback. He performed a quick mental calculation and realized that his seclusion had spanned tens of millions of years. The Eleventh Kalpa Tribulation was now merely a little over ten million years away.

Most significantly, the date marking his one billionth year of life was also drawing very near.

"One billion years... Have I truly lived for such an age without even noticing?" he murmured, a profound sense of time's passage washing over him.

"How swiftly time flows."

Eldrin Chen could not help but sigh, his voice tinged with deep reflection.

The entire history of life on his ancestral homeworld, the Ancestral Star, from the first spark of existence to the rise of humankind, spanned only a few billion years.

His own lifespan had now surpassed that entire ancient chronicle. Even within the vast cosmos of the Boundless Starry Sky, such longevity was likely an unimaginable myth.

"I wonder how the old lands fare, and what of the old friends?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, then shook his head with a tinge of regret.

Back then, his mysterious reincarnation due to the Primordial Chaos Scripture had not only severed all Karma from his past life, but also made it nearly impossible for him to find his way back to his former homeland.

Now, after such an immense span of time, that old place had likely long since transformed beyond recognition. Unless one day he could ascend against the flow of Space-Time and traverse the entire annals of Chaos history, he feared he would never again lay eyes on those companions of yore.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen suppressed the sentiment and turned his gaze to Exquisite Jiang, asking, "The Heaven-Seizing War still rages. Let us keep this longevity celebration simple, as before."

"…"

Not long after, the longevity celebration for Eldrin Chen and the immortals of the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance commenced within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

For Immortal who possess Longevity and are deathless, marking birthdays holds little significance. They have witnessed the endless churn of Mortal Dust and the eternal flow of the Starry River; the distinction of years loses its meaning.

Only for commemorative milestones like a hundred million, a billion, or ten billion years do Immortal hold grand celebrations.

For this billion-year celebration, Eldrin Chen opted for a low-key affair, inviting only a select few close acquaintances among the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal to the banquet.

Even so, this celebration banquet was still unprecedentedly grand, far surpassing the scale and splendor of the previous birthday feasts.

The number of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation, representing supreme power and longevity] who came to attend the birthday feast was astonishingly high, reaching over a hundred. This included nearly a hundred Human Race Great Encompassing [the collective term for the most powerful human cultivators who have reached the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] from the Eastern Departure Flame Domain, as well as many other Great Encompassing Golden Immortal who had prior dealings with him or came uninvited.

The reason for this stark difference lay entirely in his changed status and position. During his previous birthday feast a billion years ago, Eldrin Chen was merely at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage [the initial phase of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] and was a newly ascended Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Back then, being able to invite a few fellow Great Encompassing Golden Immortal was considered a significant show of face.

Now, however, Eldrin Chen held a status equivalent to a Primordial One Imperial Lord [an ancient and supremely powerful rank among immortals, often rulers of vast domains]. No matter how low-key he wished to be, the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal in the surrounding regions would respectfully come to pay their respects and establish connections.

In this world, strength ultimately dictates the rules. Eldrin Chen might choose not to send out invitations, but the neighboring Great Encompassing Golden Immortal dared not neglect to come and offer their congratulations.

This was the disparity born from a difference in status and position, a vast chasm created by sheer power itself.

Even peerless figures like Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler associated with a profound and dark abyss], Tai Cang Divine Emperor, and Grand Nether Imperial Lord, though unable to attend the feast in person due to their weighty responsibilities, sent envoys bearing gifts of immense value.

The birthday feast lasted for several thousand years. When it finally concluded, the assembled immortals gradually took their leave.

Eldrin Chen remained seated in the Great Hall, his gaze fixed upon Silas Chen before him. A complex emotion flickered in his eyes as he inquired, "Are you truly determined to enter the tribulation?"

Below in the Great Hall, Silas Chen lowered his gaze, his voice carrying a resolute tone. "I have accumulated enough foundation. It is time to attempt the breakthrough."

Eldrin Chen nodded, a trace of solemnity flickering in his gaze.

His original intention was for Silas Chen to accumulate a few more years of cultivation, waiting until the number of cultivators who had perfected the Immortal Treasury Realm [the foundational stage of the Sacrificial Self Path] exceeded ten before attempting a collective breakthrough. At that time, with Silas Chen leading the charge, it would increase everyone's chances of surviving the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial].

But now that Silas Chen wished to enter the tribulation early, Eldrin Chen found no reason to refuse him.

In this life, Silas Chen was born carrying the Innate Primordial Simplicity Scripture [a supreme cultivation method embodying the concept of primordial simplicity]. His innate talent and foundation were not inferior to Great Ruins Jiang's, theoretically possessing the potential to prove the Sage Ascendant [a realm of profound enlightenment and power] and even the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title representing mastery over primordial chaos].

Even before cultivating the True Spirit Foundation [a supreme foundational cultivation art], Silas Chen had already mastered both the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a divine ability related to the true spirit core] and the True Spirit Great Path [a cultivation art of the true spirit].

After embarking on the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation path where one sacrifices one's own foundation to forge a new, greater one], Silas Chen sacrificed all his previous foundations. He took the True Spirit Great Path—specifically its 'Primordial Simplicity Great Path' [the aspect of primordial simplicity]—as the core and fused it into his True Spirit Primordial Spirit, ultimately forging the peerless and invincible True Spirit Foundation.

It could be said that Silas Chen's foundation was formed by the fusion of two supreme True Spirit Foundation arts with five Indestructibility Foundation [foundational realms of unbreakable durability], granting him terrifyingly profound potential and aptitude.

Given this, Silas Chen's foundational reserves were immensely powerful. Now, he had even cultivated the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [ten supreme divine abilities representing immortal treasuries] to a state where no further advancement was possible through normal means.

To take the next step, he absolutely needed to slay a peerless prodigy, seize their Path Source [the condensed essence of a cultivator's path and destiny], and fuse it into his own Immortal Treasury [the conceptual repository of his power].

Of course, Eldrin Chen understood in his heart that Silas Chen's desire to break through stemmed more from a wish to prove the Great Encompassing [a vast and all-encompassing realm] as soon as possible, so he could stand by his side and fight alongside him once more.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen fell into deep thought for a long while before finally speaking: "Now, with the grand conflict between the three races, this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense upheaval and calamity] is bound to be even more perilous and unpredictable. Have you truly made your decision?"

Upon hearing this, Silas Chen nodded slightly and replied, "If I cannot sweep through this Kalpa Tribulation, I fear I would be unworthy of the guidance you, my clan uncle, have bestowed upon me."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod, offering no further words.

After a long silence, he retrieved a Treasure Casket [an ornate container for storing precious items] and tossed it to Silas Chen. "You walk your own cultivation path," he said. "There is little I can offer to aid you."

"These few portions of Rare Spiritual Wonders [exceptionally precious materials imbued with potent spiritual energy] might assist you in refining your Life-Bound Treasure [a magical artifact bound to a cultivator's life force and soul]."

Silas Chen took the Treasure Casket and opened it. Inside were several portions of Five-Colored Misty Veil [a rare, multi-hued ethereal material], all of them rare Innate Spiritual Rare Material [naturally formed spiritual substances of the highest grade]. They were the perfect materials for her to refine her 'Primordial Simplicity Misty Veil Canopy' [a legendary defensive treasure of profound mystery].

She accepted the treasures, bowed respectfully to Eldrin Chen, and cast one final glance his way. Words seemed to linger on her lips, but in the end, she remained silent. Turning, she vanished from the Great Hall.

"That girl... her thoughts still linger with you,"

remarked Exquisite Jiang from the side, a thoughtful glimmer appearing in her eyes.

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his voice calm and steady. "I watched her grow up. My feelings for her are solely those of an elder's care for a junior."

Exquisite Jiang remained silent for a long while before finally letting out a sigh. "But in her heart," she said, "perhaps from the very moment you rescued her in her youth, her affections were already pledged to you."

"..."

With the longevity celebration concluded, Eldrin Chen once again retreated into a life of secluded cultivation.

Tens of millions of years slipped by unnoticed within the depths of his secluded cultivation.

As the Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] drew near and the baleful aura of heavenly calamity rose once more, the war between the three races finally came to a temporary halt.

It was on this very day that a battered war chariot arrived at the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain from the Depths of Chaos, and Blazeflame Imperial Lord stepped forth from it.

After so many years apart, Blazeflame Imperial Lord was a far cry from the confident, spirited figure who had once set out on campaign. His face was deathly pale, as if gravely wounded.

"Your Imperial Lord [a title for a supreme ruler among cultivators]... these injuries, could they be..."

Eldrin Chen received Blazeflame Imperial Lord. With a grave expression, he asked,

Blazeflame Imperial Lord shook his head, a bitter smile on his lips. "During the battle amidst the stars, I was ambushed by Nether Mystery Imperial Lord, Desolate Ape Imperial Lord, and two other Great Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of immense power] Lords. My Primordial One Imperial Body [a legendary physique of unparalleled foundation and power] was utterly destroyed."

"This current reforge [the process of reforging or reconstructing one's physical body] body is merely comparable to a Great Encompassing Physique [a powerful physical constitution], insufficient to support my full power in battle."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly. The Primordial One Imperial Body [the physical form of a Primordial One Imperial Lord, representing a major part of their foundation] of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator at the peak of the Primordial One realm] is immensely powerful, constituting the greater part of their foundational strength.

Once an Imperial Body is destroyed, relying solely on the power of the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a high-level cultivator] and one's Great Path [a supreme cultivation art or law], one's combat prowess would be drastically diminished.

In his prime, Blazeflame Imperial Lord was a Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier [a Primordial One Imperial Lord at the third tier of power]. Now, his combat strength has likely plummeted to the level of a Primordial One Imperial Lord 1st Tier [a Primordial One Imperial Lord at the first, or lowest, tier].

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a pang of regret. He had originally intended to take advantage of Departing Flame Demon God's [a powerful demonic entity] severe injuries and join forces with Blazeflame Imperial Lord to assault the Ancient Plain of Departing Flames [the domain ruled by the Departing Flame Demon God].

Now, with the majority of the Demon God [powerful demonic beings] under Departing Flame Demon God's command dead or wounded, and with no one else to rely on, the newly ascended Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage [a cultivator at the mid-stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], Primordial Era Demonic Ape [a powerful demonic beast from the Primordial Era], was gradually approaching the core of power within Departing Flame Demon God's ranks.

With Primordial Era Demonic Ape serving as this crucial inside agent, Eldrin Chen was confident he could temporarily disable the defensive Formation [a magical array or defensive barrier] of the Ancient Plain of Departing Flames.

At that moment, joining forces with Blazeflame Imperial Lord at his peak strength, two Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier against a single, grievously wounded Primordial One Imperial Lord, their chances of subduing Departing Flame Demon God should have been no less than fifty percent.