Chapter 2032 : The Emperor's Supreme Treasure

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, his demeanor remarkably calm.

The higher one ascends in cultivation, the narrower the gap in foundational strength between peers becomes, and the distinction in the power of their respective Daos [the fundamental principles or paths of cultivation] also diminishes.

This is especially true upon reaching the Great Emperor realm. Beyond this point, what truly creates a chasm in power is, fundamentally, the possession of an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme magical artifact born from the wielder's own Dao and cultivation, possessing unparalleled power].

Within the Great Emperor realm, the presence or absence of an Innate Supreme Treasure demarcates two entirely different tiers of combat prowess. This distinction becomes even more pronounced, almost absolute, at the level of the Eighth Layer of Primordial Unity Emperor Lord.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen cast a glance at Immortal Emperor Lord and spoke, "Your sincere allegiance shall be rewarded. In time, the opportunity to forge your own Lifebound Innate Supreme Treasure [an Innate Supreme Treasure intrinsically linked to its creator's life force and destiny] may yet present itself."

"Is that so?"

Immortal Emperor Lord's eyes flickered with a subtle light. He looked at the Immortal Emperor Spear in his hand, a faint smile touching his lips. "I shall await that day with great anticipation."

With the suppression of Sword Abyss Sacred Lord, the battle below gradually drew to a close.

It was a decisive victory. All the Desolation Emperor [a title for powerful emperors from the desolate lands] who were at the Early Stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord realm had been utterly annihilated by the allied forces.

However, the two Desolation Emperor at the Late Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord Realm had acted with startling swiftness. The moment they sensed the presence of the Human Soul Scripture [a legendary scripture concerning the mysteries of the human soul], they immediately fled the battlefield, vanishing deep into the heart of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

Regarding this, Eldrin Chen harbored no concern in his heart. Two mere Seventh Layer Primordial Unity Emperor Lord were nothing compared to the combat prowess of Sword Abyss Sacred Lord, a Great Emperor who wielded an Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing supreme power].

The objective of this battle had been fully achieved with the successful suppression of Sword Abyss Sacred Lord.

Thereafter, Eldrin Chen personally scoured the battlefield, then journeyed to the Sword Abyss Realm Sea to plunder all treasures within, before finally returned to the Great Desolate Ancient Realm.

Upon returned to the Great Desolate Ancient Realm, Eldrin Chen immediately released Sword Abyss Sacred Lord and then activated the Human Soul Scripture [a supreme scripture for purifying and nurturing the soul] to cleanse the Desolate Decay Power [a corrosive power born from desolation and decay] festering within him.

Once the Desolate Decay Power was completely eradicated, Sword Abyss Sacred Lord awoke from his slumber. He immediately bowed to Eldrin Chen and said, "I offer my deepest gratitude for your aid, Fellow Daoist."

"It is good that you are awake."

Eldrin Chen smiled as he spoke. After exchanging pleasantries, he stated plainly, "Your methods are extraordinary. Would you be willing to serve me henceforth?"

"Does this old man truly have a choice?" Sword Abyss Sacred Lord responded with a bitter laugh, then continued, "From this day forward, my Sword Abyss Immortal Palace shall heed the commands of the Emperor Lord."

With those words, Sword Abyss Sacred Lord immediately swore a Great Dao Oath [a binding vow upon one's cultivation path, with severe consequences for betrayal].

Eldrin Chen gave a light chuckle and returned the Ancient Sword of the Vast Abyss to Sword Abyss Sacred Lord.

The Ancient Sword of the Vast Abyss was a trophy of war for Eldrin Chen; he would never have returned it had Sword Abyss Sacred Lord been unwilling to pledge his service.

After all, the grace of aiding in his revival was already an immense favor. To also return a captured Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born of natural law, vastly superior to crafted artifacts] would be less sensible than simply banishing him to the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea to slumber for all eternity.

It was precisely this understanding that led Sword Abyss Sacred Lord to immediately swear an oath of fealty to Eldrin Chen.

For repaying a life-saving debt alone, serving for tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles, often spanning billions of years] would have sufficed.

But an Innate Supreme Treasure is rarer than a Great Emperor [a supreme cultivator who has attained the pinnacle of the Emperor Realm] and is intrinsically bound to Sword Abyss Sacred Lord's very life force and cultivation path; its loss would be utterly unthinkable.

Returning to the matter at hand, having secured the service of Sword Abyss Sacred Lord, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of approval. He bestowed upon him a batch of healing elixirs [pills refined with spiritual energy for recovery and cultivation] and said, "Go and tend to your wounds first."

"Having endured and been tempered by this tribulation, I hope you will be reborn from the ashes, advancing a hundred steps from where you stand, and soon set foot into the Great Emperor Realm."

Upon hearing this, Sword Abyss Sacred Lord's expression turned solemn. He respectfully nodded and then vanished from the great hall.

After Sword Abyss Sacred Lord departed, Eldrin Chen summoned the other Emperor Lord [a title for a powerful cultivator who has reached the Emperor Realm] to gather within the Great Wilderness Sacred Hall.

Inside the Great Wilderness Sacred Hall, Eldrin Chen surveyed the several Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [an Emperor Monarch who has cultivated the power of Primordial Chaos] before him. He then presented them with an inventory list, saying, "This campaign yielded considerable spoils, and you have all rendered significant merit."

"I have tallied these merits and recorded them in the ledger. You may now make your selections."

Hearing this, a glimmer of joy surfaced on everyone's faces.

In this battle, they had not only slain over twenty Chaos Desolation Emperor [a title for a powerful ruler in the desolate lands], but also obtained the treasury left behind by the Sword Abyss Immortal Palace, along with the treasures nurtured by the Realm Sea [a vast, primordial sea of realms] over these years.

The treasures were exceedingly abundant, including items capable of aiding a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme ruler born from primordial chaos] in breaking through their cultivation.

The most precious among them was a single withered leaf from a stalk of 'Primordial Sword Grass' [a legendary plant of chaos embodying the essence of the sword]. It was said that a complete stalk of Primordial Sword Grass was a Chaos Rare Treasure [a treasure of immense rarity born from chaos], its value comparable to an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born with the cosmos].

Such a treasure, even a mere withered leaf, would be of great benefit to one cultivating the Sword Great Dao [the supreme path of the sword] upon consumption.

Beyond that, there were also numerous Primordial Unity Marvel [marvelous objects containing the unified essence of primordial chaos], including nearly one hundred portions of Innate Primordial Qi [the most fundamental and purest energy from the dawn of creation].

Everyone exchanged some of their merit points for treasures, yet more than half remained. Eldrin Chen gathered the remainder and stored them away.

Finally, Eldrin Chen gazed at the withered leaf of the Primordial Sword Grass, a flicker of hesitation crossing his mind.

The medicinal potency within a leaf of the Primordial Sword Grass was boundless. A complete leaf could increase one's chances of condensing a Sword Grand Dao Divine Form [a divine manifestation of one's comprehension of a supreme Dao] by approximately ten percent.

Yet what lay before him were mere remnants of leaves, their medicinal potency and efficacy greatly diminished, likely insufficient to aid Sword Abyss Sacred Lord in achieving a breakthrough.

Moreover, Sword Abyss Sacred Lord possesses the Innate Supreme Treasure, the Ancient Sword of the Vast Abyss [a legendary sword of immense power], so this item's usefulness would likely be minimal.

After much deliberation, Eldrin Chen decided to entrust it to Sword Profound Emperor Lord instead. "Your innate talent surpasses that of Sword Abyss Sacred Lord," he declared, handing over the remnants. "These are for you."

"I hope you will soon break through to the Late Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord Realm [the advanced stage of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord cultivation realm]. Do not disappoint me."

Sword Profound Emperor Lord drew a deep breath, accepting the sword-grass remnants. "I will not fail you," he vowed.

After the others had departed, Eldrin Chen remained alone within the Great Wilderness Sacred Hall, sinking into deep contemplation.

Unbeknownst to him, over thirty Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] had passed since his arrival in the Great Desolate Ancient Realm. Adding the time spent adrift in the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, his departure from the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss now approached forty such cycles.

Previously, his focus had been consumed by perfecting the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation method centered on sacrifice], managing the incessant wars of the Three Desolate Domains, and refining the Immortal Domain to stabilize the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea. These myriad duties had shackled his spirit.

But now, as Eldrin Chen's cultivation steadily advanced and these pressing matters temporarily subsided, memories of his Dao-companions and old friends in the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss resurfaced in his heart.

"My defeated flight into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea... in the blink of an eye, forty Kalpa Tribulation have passed."

"For the vast majority of Immortal [beings who have ascended to immortality] within the Abyssal Ruins Dao Domain, I have likely become a figure from ancient legend."

"And beyond the Abyssal Immortal Domain, within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, I fear that aside from the occasional mention by those Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the highest echelon of immortal beings], few Immortal would even remember my name."

"Time has passed so swiftly."

Eldrin Chen sighed softly within his heart, his longing for his Dao companions [spiritual partners who share the path of cultivation] growing even more profound.

Thus, after much contemplation, he arrived within the Nameless Space where the Abyssal Pearl resided.

"You cannot return."

The Abyssal Pearl spoke. As Eldrin Chen's companion treasure [a magical artifact bound to a cultivator from birth or through profound fate], it understood the tide of yearning and remembrance within Eldrin Chen's heart.

Eldrin Chen let out another soft sigh. He understood all too well that he could not go back.

With his current level of cultivation, the moment he stepped foot into the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, the power of the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound and perilous cultivation method] would inevitably intensify. The cursed nature of the Path of Self-Sacrifice would then manifest a trace of its Vitality [its inherent, living essence].

And at that moment, the anomaly of the Path of Self-Sacrifice would be sensed by those who had cast the curse, thereby alerting them to his return.

When that time comes, what awaits Eldrin Chen will likely be far more dreadful troubles.

After all, before his retreat from the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, Eldrin Chen had revealed both the Indestructible Battle Armor and the Creation Cauldron, two Innate Supreme Treasure [treasures born from the primordial essence of heaven and earth, possessing supreme power].

Either one of these Innate Supreme Treasure would be enough to stir a bloody storm, inviting pursuit from multiple Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm, sovereign over vast domains] and even Sage Ascendant [a legendary realm where one ascends to sagehood, wielding power that shapes the cosmos] level beings.

Eldrin Chen would need strength at least on the level of a Sage Ascendant to have any hope of safeguarding these two treasures.

Though he understood he could not return, the longing in Eldrin Chen's heart grew only stronger. Gazing at the Abyssal Pearl, he sighed and said, "I wish to send them word of my safety."

The Abyssal Pearl fell silent. After a long while, it spoke: "Within the Abyssal Immortal Domain, there lies the Abyssal Forbidden Land you established long ago. At its heart is a Bottomless Abyss."

"A passage can be opened there. Once they discover it, they may come directly to this place."

As the Abyssal Pearl's words faded, it tore open a boundless portal, reaching across the vast Chaos to the distant Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen manifested a Li Fire Crystal [a crystal imbued with the essence of the Li Trigram fire, a refined spiritual object] and cast it through to the other side of the portal. Then, he began his quiet vigil.

Meanwhile, in the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss...

Within the vast expanse of the Abyssal Immortal Domain [the celestial realm governed by Eldrin Chen], several peerlessly elegant women sat within a cavern abode, their gazes fixed upon a letter before them.

"The Demon Race [the collective term for powerful, often antagonistic, non-human cultivators and beings] grows ever more brazen," one of them spoke, her voice laced with cold fury.

These five women were none other than the five Dao companions [spouses and cultivation partners bound by profound spiritual and martial ties] of Eldrin Chen.

The speaker was Yvonne the Violet Consort, her knuckles white as she clutched the missive, her expression icy. "Should we not confront them head-on, fight them to the last?"

"We cannot," came the immediate reply.

Verdant Consort shook her head, a bitter smile touching her lips. "Since that great battle of yore, one of our Human Race's Five Direction Great Emperors [the five supreme sovereigns who guard the cardinal directions of the human territories] was suppressed, and the remaining four Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm, one of the highest attainable] each bear grievous wounds."

"The Demon Race now stands at the zenith of its power, blazing like the midday sun. A direct confrontation offers us no chance of victory."

Nyssa Qu let out a soft sigh before speaking. "Over these years, the Demon Race has repeatedly pressured our Abyssal Ruins Dao Domain [the Dao territory and stronghold associated with Eldrin Chen's legacy], launching dozens of Chaotic War [large-scale, multi-faction conflicts that disrupt cosmic order and fate] against us."

"Now we are besieged near the Ancient Plain of Departing Flames [a legendary, desolate battlefield]. Nearly half of our Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a pinnacle immortal realm, representing supreme power and longevity] have already fallen in battle. To continue fighting would only lead us deeper into disadvantage."

Upon hearing this, the other women could only offer bitter smiles of their own, a profound sense of helplessness coloring their expressions.

There was a time when Eldrin Chen led them to sweep across all directions, almost never encountering a true defeat.

Now, with Eldrin Chen gone, led by the Profound Nether Imperial Clan and joined by other great enemies from the Demon Race's imperial bloodlines, a full six imperial clans have encircled the Primordial Unity Dao Domain, relentlessly compressing the territory of the Abyssal Immortal Alliance.

After being gnawed away for dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], the strength of the Abyssal Immortal Alliance has already suffered severe losses.

If not for their fear of the two Divine Emperor [supreme cultivators at the peak of the Divine Emperor realm] and their reluctance to launch an all-out assault on the Ancient Plain of Departing Flames where Lyra Jiang holds the line, they likely wouldn't even be able to hold the Ancient Plain of Departing Flames itself.

Thinking of this, everyone felt a wave of helplessness. Lila couldn't help but sigh, "I miss my husband so. If he were here, how could these brigands dare to act so insolently?"

Upon hearing her words, the hearts of the women present ached faintly.

Eldrin Chen's defeat and retreat into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, followed by dozens of Kalpa Tribulation with no word of him, remained the heaviest knot in their hearts.

Now, with Lila bringing it up, that ache resurfaced within them.

Lyra Jiang took a deep breath and then spoke, "If our husband were here, he would not wish to see us grieving like this."

"The most urgent matter now is for us..."

At this point, Lyra Jiang suddenly paused, her words trailing off.

The other women, noticing her hesitation, inquired, "What is it?"

"How could there be an additional Abyssal Chasm?"

Lyra Jiang was momentarily taken aback, then immediately strode from the cave abode and into the Abyssal Forbidden Land.

They proceeded all the way to the bottom of the Abyssal Chasm, where they suddenly discovered a faint, unremarkable crimson glow.

Lyra Jiang snatched it into her hand and found it to be a fiery red crystal.

"A Li Fire Crystal [a type of spiritual crystal formed from concentrated fire-attribute energy]."

Yvonne the Violet Consort spoke up, a note of surprise in her voice. "A third-rank mundane spiritual material [a spiritual resource of moderate quality, below immortal-grade]... how could it appear here?"

"Moreover, the pressure from the heavy waters [a type of dense, spiritually-charged water] in this place should be enough to crush even immortal metal. Yet this object remains completely unscathed."

In an instant, all the women were slightly stunned, a flicker of pleasant surprise crossing their features.

Lyra Jiang [the Immortal Maiden Lyra] suppressed the excitement in her heart, a trace of nostalgia coloring her expression as she said, "The Li Fire Crystal [a spiritual crystal imbued with the essence of the Li Fire element]. In days past, it was the material my husband used to forge the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss [a magical sword of Li Fire, destined for the Abyss]. It is also the very first bond between him and me."

As her words faded, Lyra Jiang channeled her spiritual power, piercing through the vast and desolate Bottomless Abyss [the Endless Chasm]. Finally, at its very extremity, she located an entrance.

Without a moment's hesitation, they stepped through. In the next instant, they found themselves within an Nameless Space [a realm without designation].

Lifting their gazes, they beheld, at the heart of that boundless Void [the Emptiness, a profound state of nothingness], the white-robed man of their daily thoughts and dreams, who had been awaiting them for a long time.

"Husband."

Unable to contain her emotion, Lyra Jiang was the first to rush forward.

Eldrin Chen [the cultivator Eldrin] caught her in his embrace. Before he could utter another word, he was already lost in the tender depths of their reunion.

When all was said and done, Eldrin Chen held his Dao Companion [a cultivator's lifelong partner in both cultivation and life] close and began to recount his experiences over these many years.

After listening to Eldrin Chen's tale, the women were both thrilled and excited, yet a hint of gentle reproach flickered in their eyes.

Lyra Jiang could not help but give him a pinch, saying with feigned exasperation, "With the five of us here, you still managed to find time for dalliances elsewhere."

It was Nyssa Qu who was more considerate, speaking gently as she said, "My husband, you have been gone for billions of years. Having someone who understands your heart to accompany you in our stead brings me some comfort."

"It's you who spoiled him,"

Lyra Jiang glared, but in the end, she said nothing more.

Upon careful reflection, apart from herself, all the other sisters present had come into his life later. It truly wasn't their place to comment on such matters.

Eldrin Chen could only offer a helpless smile. He took Lyra Jiang's hand, soothing her for a moment, before asking, "How have you all been these years?"

"We..." Lyra Jiang's voice faltered slightly, a shadow passing over her brow. "Lulu has fallen."

"What?"

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed. He immediately began inquiring about the situation in the Abyssal Immortal Domain during his absence.

As the women recounted the tale, Eldrin Chen understood the full chain of cause and effect. It turned out that ever since his defeat and retreat into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea all those eons ago, several lineages of the Demon Race's Great Emperor [the supreme rulers of the demonic forces] had joined forces with his Great Dao Adversary [his fated nemesis on the path of cultivation]. Together, they had been relentlessly encroaching upon the territories of the Abyssal Immortal Alliance.

Because Eldrin Chen's breakthrough back then had consumed the majority of the Abyssal Immortal Alliance's resources, the Alliance now had only three who had managed to ascend to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme realm of power within the primordial chaos]: Lyra Jiang, Nyssa Qu, and Verdant Consort.

Relying solely on three newly ascended Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme cultivation realm, one step below the legendary Dao Progenitor], their strength remains woefully insufficient.

Consequently, under the relentless encroachment of several Major Primordial Unity [a powerful cultivation realm] imperial clans in recent years, Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a high-level immortal cultivation realm] experts of the Abyssal Immortal Alliance have fallen one after another.

Among the fallen were many of Eldrin Chen's old acquaintances, including the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer, the Daoist of Heavenly Abyss, Nether Lord of the Ancient Ruins, and Cosmos the Lord of the Endless Sea Pavilion. All perished in the hunts orchestrated by the great Imperial Court [powerful, organized factions akin to celestial empires].

Today, the territory controlled by the Abyssal Immortal Alliance has shrunk by several tens of times under the constant erosion of powerful enemies.

The three Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, along with nearly one hundred Grand Luo Golden Immortal, are now crammed onto the Ancient Plain of Departing Flames and the surrounding Immortal Domain [a region suffused with immortal energy], their space for survival and development severely constrained.

"The Profound Nether Imperial Court, the Golden-Winged Great Roc Clan, the Howling Moon Skywolf Clan, the Dawn Sun Azure Bird Clan."

After comprehending the full chain of cause and effect, Eldrin Chen spoke, his expression icy. "These vile specters and malevolent spirits... upon my return, I shall settle accounts with each and every one of them."

Lyra Jiang let out a soft sigh, taking Eldrin Chen's hand. "You need not bear such immense pressure. Those two Divine Emperor [a sovereign cultivation realm] have already declared that as long as we hold firm at the Ancient Plain of Departing Flames, they dare not make a move."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. "Merely enduring attacks is not a viable strategy. You must continue to elevate your strength."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen retrieved some Innate Primordial Qi [the purest, most fundamental energy of creation] and handed it to Lyra Jiang.

Then, Eldrin Chen spoke with grave solemnity, "If too many Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch emerge within a short span of time, it will likely draw the attention of the Demon Race [the collective term for demonic beings and monsters]."

"Aside from yourselves, you may select a few others to assist in their breakthrough to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm, but try not to exceed three individuals."

At this point, Eldrin Chen sighed again, "It is a pity. Although this passage leads directly to the Great Desolate Ancient Realm [a primordial and desolate world from ancient times], it concerns the secret of the Abyssal Pearl [a legendary treasure of immense power] and cannot be revealed to others."

"Otherwise, they could all journey to the Great Desolate Ancient Realm to attempt their breakthroughs."

Lyra Jiang nodded and spoke, "For the candidates to break through, let us choose Qiyuan, the Ancient Ancestor, Grandfather, and Xianzhu."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, offering no objection.

These three individuals possessed peerless, heaven-defying talent. Once they broke through to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm, they might be capable of facing opponents at the Third Layer of Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord or even the fourth layer, making them the optimal choices.

Returning to the main subject, after selecting the candidates for the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch breakthrough, Eldrin Chen distributed a batch of cultivation resources to everyone, including the Great Wilderness Sacred Fruit [a divine fruit born of the primordial wilderness], the Earth Soul Sacred Fruit [a sacred pill that nourishes the earth-attuned soul], and others.

Having dealt with these matters, Eldrin Chen said with a grave expression, "Due to the immense distance, opening the passage consumes significant power. Therefore, from now on, I will only open the Bottomless Abyss [a fathomless chasm serving as a passage between realms] once every several hundred million years."

"In the meantime, accompany me as we walk through the Great Desolate Ancient Realm."

Lyra Jiang smiled, a rare occurrence as she spoke, "I wish to see for myself which immortal maiden has so captivated my husband's soul."

Not long after, Eldrin Chen brought Lyra Jiang and the others into the depths of the Great Desolate Ancient Realm.

There, they met Liora, the Emperor Lord. To Eldrin Chen's surprise, the women got along remarkably well.

Liora, the Emperor Lord had long known Eldrin Chen had other Dao companions [life partners in cultivation] and did not mind this fact.

Seeing her profound cultivation and her peerless, breathtaking elegance, Lyra Jiang and the others felt a degree of acceptance.

After all, if such a transcendent and peerless Emperor Lord [a supreme title for a cultivator of immense power] was willing to pledge herself to their shared Dao companion, it somewhat validated their own judgment.

As for Eldrin Chen, he seized the chance to enjoy a rare period of tender affection, a fleeting echo of the peaceful days once spent in the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

Yet such respite is always brief. The situation in the Abyssal Ruins Dao Domain remained unsettled, and they soon returned to its tumultuous heart.

After bidding farewell to everyone, Eldrin Chen settled his mind once more, embarking on a rare, leisurely, and prolonged period of secluded cultivation.