Chapter 2035 : The Stone of Unbound Potential

Eldrin Chen was unaware that a hidden crisis was about to descend upon him.

At this moment, he was within the Great Desolate Ancient Realm, refining the Eight-Aperture Divine Stone in preparation for his final confrontation with the Azure Dragon Great Emperor.

"Hmm—"

On this day, Eldrin Chen fully integrated the Eight-Aperture Divine Stone into his eighth Innate Acupoints. Instantly, he felt his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] radiate with an Indestructible light, granting a significant boost to both his cultivation speed and foundational potential.

Yet, Eldrin Chen was surprised to discover that after refining the Eight-Aperture Divine Stone, the combat power of his Primordial Spirit had not increased substantially.

"Could it be," he mused, "that to unleash the true power of the Nine-Aperture Divine Stone, one must gather all nine stones?"

Eldrin Chen whispered this thought to himself, recalling an ancient legend.

The legend stated that once the Nine-Aperture Divine Stone were assembled, one could forge a supreme Primordial Soul Supreme Treasure [a peerless treasure that enhances the Primordial Spirit].

That Primordial Soul Supreme Treasure was a unique type of Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos]. While its raw power among Chaos Spiritual Treasure was considered ordinary, it possessed the unparalleled ability to drastically amplify the might of Chaos Divine Ability [divine abilities derived from chaos].

Chaos Divine Ability were already immensely powerful; the thought of their force being further magnified by the Primordial Soul Supreme Treasure was staggering.

It is precisely for this reason that the existence of Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [the state of achieving enlightenment through the Primordial Spirit] grants combat power that can be considered peerless within the same realm, sharing the title of the two invincible paths alongside Sainthood through the Flesh [the path of achieving divinity through physical body refinement].

With this thought in mind, Eldrin Chen withdrew his focus, adjusted his own aura, and then settled into a state of waiting.

After these years of recuperation, the injuries of Three Talents and Four Symbols Emperor Lord had largely Restoration [been restored/healed], but Four Symbols Emperor Lord was still immersed in comprehending the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the perfected spiritual core of a cultivator].

Eldrin Chen planned to wait until all four had made their breakthroughs before moving to subdue the Azure Dragon Great Emperor, thereby increasing their chances of success.

Thus, time flowed swiftly, and several more Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] passed. Unnoticed, Eldrin Chen's lifespan had already reached nine billion years.

"In the blink of an eye, ninety Kalpa Tribulation have passed. It seems I will not be able to return for this grand birthday celebration."

"Some promises made in the past must also be fulfilled."

Eldrin Chen sighed softly within his heart, recalling his past promise to the Heavenly Dao [the supreme natural order and principle of the cosmos] of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain. He had vowed to lend a hand when the Vast Azure Great God awakened.

Fortunately, given Eldrin Chen's current strength, even if his true self could not intervene personally, aiding in the revival was not overly difficult. Merely sending his Reincarnation Body [a secondary body formed through reincarnation or avatar techniques] would suffice to resolve the matter with ease.

As these thoughts flickered through his mind, Eldrin Chen suddenly sensed an immensely powerful aura Eruption [erupting/exploding forth].

He raised his gaze and beheld, within the Vast Chaotic Void [the primordial, formless expanse that existed before creation], a being wreathed in countless millions of sword energies soaring into the heavens.

Throughout heaven and earth, countless millions of Sword Great Dao [the supreme principles and laws governing the path of the sword] swirled around him, ultimately converging and coalescing into a single, eternal sword intent that solidified within his very being.

"He has broken through."

Eldrin Chen murmured, a faint smile of understanding finally touching his eyes.

The one who had achieved this breakthrough was naturally Sword Profound Emperor Lord, a Divine General under Eldrin Chen's command. This Sword Profound Emperor Lord truly lived up to his former reputation as the foremost prodigy of the bygone Great Wilderness Primordial Domain [the ancient and primordial lands of the Great Wilderness].

He had forged his path to power based on three True Spirit Foundation [the foundational pillars of a cultivator's ultimate potential, representing supreme talent and destiny]: the Great Dao [the supreme principles of existence], the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], and his divine abilities. Now, having also cultivated the Sword Dao Fruit [the ultimate fruit of comprehending the Sword Dao], he had become a peerless genius possessing Four True Spirit Foundation.

If one day, Sword Profound Emperor Lord could step into the Great Emperor Realm [the realm of a supreme sovereign emperor], cultivate a fifth True Spirit Foundation through an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born of heaven and earth, containing innate laws], and then use the True Spirit Divine Runes [divine runes that guide and manifest one's true spirit potential] drawn forth by refining such a treasure, he might ascend in a single step to achieve Six Great True Spirit Foundations.

Such a figure would likely possess the Bearing of a Great Emperor [the destiny and aura of an invincible sovereign emperor].

It must be understood that since ancient times, those who walk the Path of Dao Dominion [the path of mastering and dominating a specific Great Dao] have rarely been able to set foot in the domain of an Invincible Great Emperor.

This is because once one cultivates to the Great Emperor realm, the foundational gap between cultivators is no longer vast; the difference often amounts to merely ten or twenty percent.

To be able to leverage one's foundational roots and cultivation path to widen the gap to the point of facing five opponents alone is an exceedingly rare feat on the Path of Dao Dominion.

"This Sword Profound Emperor Lord shows promise and seems worthy of some nurturing."

Such was the thought in Eldrin Chen's mind as he summoned Sword Profound Emperor Lord and said, "Well done. You have not disappointed me."

Sword Profound Emperor Lord offered a slight smile before replying, "My rapid breakthrough is entirely due to Your Excellency's cultivation and support."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod of acknowledgment. For Sword Profound Emperor Lord to have broken through to the Sixth Layer of Primordial Unity Emperor Lord had taken a mere forty or fifty Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles].

By all reason, he should have needed to wait at least one or two hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] before such a breakthrough was even possible.

The primary reason for his swift advancement was the precious cultivation resources Eldrin Chen had bestowed upon him.

At the very moment of his breakthrough, he had even received a precious Earth Soul Fruit [a fruit that nourishes the soul's connection to the earth], a single Great Dao Source Stone [a primordial stone containing traces of the Great Dao's origin], and ten drops of Chaotic Divine Liquid [a liquid containing the primordial essence of chaos].

These three treasures were each of heaven-defying value, enough to bankrupt a Seventh Layer Primordial Unity Emperor Lord. Only someone like Eldrin Chen would be willing to pay such a price to nurture a subordinate.

As this thought crossed his mind, Eldrin Chen was about to speak when he suddenly sensed an overwhelmingly powerful aura. A faint frown creased his brow.

Simultaneously, within the Great Desolate Ancient Realm, Sword Abyss Sacred Lord and Immortal Emperor Lord soared into the air, clearly having detected something.

All eyes turned to Eldrin Chen. Immortal Emperor Lord spoke, "It seems... a rather familiar aura."

"Let us investigate first."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and stepped forth from the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain.

The moment he crossed the threshold of the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly.

There, beyond the vast expanse of the ancient realm, a colossal Chaos Ancient Ships hovered in the void. Upon its deck stood a figure of immense, imposing stature.

Clad in Gilded War Armor, the figure's aura blazed like an eternal sun, its radiance spanning the Vast Chaotic Void.

"Is it... Him?"

Immortal Emperor Lord murmured, a flicker of cold intent passing through his gaze.

Eldrin Chen's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "You know this person?" he inquired.

"Back in the day, the second-in-command of the Chaotic Fiendgod, one of the cowards who ambushed me from behind alongside the Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign — the Pioneer Demon God."

The Immortal Emperor Lord spoke coldly, a flicker of killing intent surfacing on his face.

At the same time, the figure clad in Gilded War Armor let out a cold laugh and spoke calmly, "Well, well, if it isn't my Indestructible elder brother?"

"So many years have passed, yet I never imagined you, brother, would still cling so bitterly to the affairs of the past."

The Pioneer Divine General gave a faint smile and replied, "What happened back then was merely a matter of serving different masters."

"Now, after three hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and renewal], I have ascended to the Great Emperor Realm, while your cultivation, fellow Daoist, remains stagnant at the Eighth Layer of Primordial Unity Emperor Lord."

"It seems my choice back then was not mistaken."

As he spoke, the Pioneer Divine General swept his gaze over the Sword Abyss Sacred Lord, a trace of wariness flashing deep within his pupils.

Then, he lifted his head to look towards the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain, his voice tinged with surprise. "No wonder the Great Desolate Ancient Realm could be revived. It turns out this realm has nurtured an Innate Supreme Treasure Spiritual Root [a supreme spiritual root of unparalleled quality, born from the essence of heaven and earth]."

"With such a Spirit Root in hand, coupled with these Immortal Domain [realms of immortal power] suppressing the Desolate Sea, it is little wonder the Great Desolate Ancient Realm has been restored."

As he spoke thus, Pioneer Divine General turned his gaze towards Sword Abyss Sacred Lord and Immortal Desolation Emperor, declaring, "On this journey, I come by the command of the Emperor Sovereign. As condemned subjects of the Great Wilderness, you are bound to obey the Emperor's decree."

"Today, I grant you a single chance to cleanse your sins. Surrender the Innate Supreme Treasure Spiritual Root [a spiritual root of unparalleled quality, born from the heavens and earth], and I shall petition the Emperor Sovereign to pardon your transgressions, allowing you to cultivate within the Imperial Extreme Sacred Domain [a legendary sacred realm of supreme cultivation]."

"Hah—"

Immortal Emperor Lord let out a cold sneer, his voice finally breaking its icy silence. "Betrayers are beyond forgiveness."

"Today, I shall purge your sins with the Eternal Wrathful Flame!"

"BOOM—"

In that instant, Immortal Emperor Lord made his move. Mounting the Immortal Emperor Spear, he cleaved through the vast seas with a force that could sunder oceans, striking down towards Pioneer Divine General.

The Pioneer Divine General, initially dismissive, merely raised his own war spear to parry. Yet, in the blink of an eye, he was sent hurtling backwards, utterly repelled.

Wounded and reeling, he turned back with disbelief etched upon his face, his eyes fixed on the imperial spear in Immortal Desolation Emperor's grasp. A tremor of dread laced his voice as he gasped, "A Lifebound Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born with and bound to one's very soul and destiny]? How can this be?"

"Ah," Immortal Emperor Lord uttered, a note of disdain now clear. "So it merely rivals the domain of a Great Emperor [the pinnacle realm of a sovereign cultivator, commanding laws of heaven and earth]."

Immortal Emperor Lord [the title for a supreme ruler among cultivators who has attained the Emperor realm] spoke, sweeping his Immortal Emperor Spear [a supreme-grade spear artifact wielded by an Immortal Emperor] across the Eight Desolations [a vast, barren, and perilous region]. Unleashing his full power, he suppressed the Pioneer Divine General [a title for a divine general who was among the first to explore and conquer new realms], forcing him into a steady retreat.

It seemed the Pioneer Divine General had broken through to the Great Emperor Realm [one of the supreme cultivation realms, representing immense power and authority] using an unorthodox and special method. His foundation was extremely unstable, and his combat prowess was only about eighty percent that of an ordinary Great Emperor.

Furthermore, lacking an Innate Supreme Treasure [a peerless treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing world-shaking power] in hand, he was now being completely overwhelmed by the Immortal Emperor Lord in battle.

"Impossible! How could you possibly possess an Innate Supreme Treasure?"

The Pioneer Divine General's face was filled with disbelief. He knew that in the ancient days of the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain [the primordial and untamed lands of the Great Wilderness era], there had only been ten such Innate Supreme Treasure in total.

Of these ten peerless treasures, four were in the hands of the Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign [the supreme sovereign ruler of the Great Wilderness era], and three were held by the three original Great Emperor of that time.

Of the remaining three, one was in the possession of the Sword Abyss Sacred Lord [a sacred lord associated with the Sword Abyss], while the other two had long been lost within the depths of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, chaotic, and desolate sea from the primordial times].

When he, the Pioneer Divine General, had broken through to the Great Emperor realm, he had already taken shortcuts. How could he possibly hope to command an Innate Supreme Treasure?

Now, witnessing the Immortal Desolation Emperor [an emperor associated with immortal desolation] bearing down on him with the Immortal Emperor Spear, the Pioneer Divine General was simultaneously shocked, furious, and overwhelmed by a wave of intense greed.

"At least two Innate Supreme Treasure, plus that Innate Supreme Treasure Spiritual Root [a spiritual root of the highest innate grade, a treasure beyond compare]... If the Emperor Sovereign learns of this, he will surely move to seize them personally."

"If I bring this news back, such a monumental merit would surely earn me a share of an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primal chaos of heaven and earth]."

As this thought flickered through his mind, Pioneer Divine General immediately fled towards the distance.

Yet at that moment, he realized that within the surrounding Void [the empty space between realms], several Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [Emperor Monarchs of the Primordial Chaos Realm] had already been lying in wait for some time.

To his left stood Sword Abyss Sacred Lord, sword in hand. To his right, three Eighth Layer of Primordial Unity Emperor Lord [Emperor Lords at the eighth layer of the Primordial Unity Realm]—the Three Talents Emperor Lord—towered against the firmament.

Beneath him, four Emperor Lord [a title for a supreme ruler in the cultivation world] at the seventh layer, their auras interwoven, awaited, alongside Liora, the Emperor Lord and several other Late Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord Realm [cultivators at the late stage of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord Realm].

Only directly ahead stood a single white-robed Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality] at the mid-stage of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm, who seemed to be waiting for him with a calm expression.

"Hah, this must be a ruse—an empty fort strategy meant to frighten me from fleeing forward."

"But who do you think I am? To be intimidated by a mere mid-stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch?"

Pioneer Divine General sneered, immediately propelling his war spear forward in a lethal thrust. "The might of a Great Emperor [a supreme sovereign emperor] is not to be withstood," he declared coldly.

"Boy, you are courting death!"

In that fleeting instant, he surged forth with divine might that shook the heavens.

Yet, contrary to all expectations, the figure did not even attempt to evade. He met the spear thrust head-on, then delivered a devastating kick that sent his attacker reeling.

"*Cough—*"

Pioneer Divine General was instantly sent flying back, blood spraying from his mouth. When he looked back at the snow-white-robed figure, he found the man completely unscathed, not a single wound upon him.

At the same moment, Immortal Desolation Emperor drove his Immortal Emperor Spear down like a falling mountain, smashing it against the divine general's body. The impact caused countless fissures to spiderweb across his flesh, deep wounds lacerating his entire form.

Witnessing this scene, Eldrin Chen showed no concern and did not press the attack further.

With a mere wave of his hand, his subordinates, Three Talents and Four Symbols Emperor Lord, understood his intent. They swiftly deployed a grand Formation [a structured arrangement of energy and power used for defense, attack, or sealing], completely sealing off the surrounding heavens and earth.

Seeing the Formation solidify, Pioneer Divine General realized he had missed his final chance to break through. A look of utter despair washed over his face.

"Pioneer!"

Immortal Emperor Lord spoke, gripping his Immortal Emperor Spear as he advanced for the kill. His expression was frigid as he declared, "You and I, sworn brothers. Let us settle who stands superior today."

"Hahaha!"

Pioneer Divine General laughed in wrath, his expression icy as he spoke: "What does it matter if you lot can suppress me? When the Emperor Sovereign crosses the Chaos to come slaying, you will all become stray dogs with no home to return to."

"Stray dogs?"

Immortal Emperor Lord retorted coldly, his face like frost: "In my view, it is you who abandoned your ancestral lands who are the true stray dogs, are you not?"

Upon hearing this, a flash of frigid light flickered in the eyes of the Pioneer Divine General.

In the past, they had followed the Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign to seek refuge with an ally. Yet, that Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain was merely a minor Origin Domain. The Opportunity [chances for advancement and resources] and living space within a minor Origin Domain were inherently limited.

To secure their footing within that Imperial Extreme Domain, they had paid an immeasurably steep price. Even to this day, they still faced exclusion and prejudice from the local powers. To call them stray dogs was not far from the truth.

With this thought, the Pioneer Divine General spoke no more.

His voice was cold, then suddenly twisted into a savage grin: "If we reclaim the Great Desolate Ancient Realm, we will cease to be stray dogs."

"BOOM—"

Immortal Emperor Lord's killing intent surged to the heavens. With a strike born of bitter hatred, he cleaved downward, forcibly severing the head of Pioneer Divine General.

In the end, Pioneer Divine General's physical body was slain, and his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] fled into the Sea of Dao [the metaphysical ocean of universal principles], vanishing without a trace.

After completing this, everyone returned to the Great Wilderness Sacred Hall, each face etched with a trace of concern.

Sword Abyss Sacred Lord spoke, his expression grave. "If the Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign returns, it will likely pose a significant threat."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then spoke. "There is no need for excessive worry. I have already divined that Pioneer Divine General spent over a dozen Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] to reach our Great Desolate Ancient Realm."

"If the Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign were to dispatch an army, it would take at least one hundred Kalpa Tribulation. If he comes alone, we need not be overly concerned."

"Furthermore, Pioneer Divine General's physical form was destroyed by us. He cannot return to deliver his report, which may buy us a considerable amount of time."

Hearing this, the others felt a slight sense of relief.

Eldrin Chen's reasoning was sound. With his physical body annihilated, Pioneer Divine General, relying solely on the power of his Primordial Spirit, could not possibly traverse the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the primordial sea of chaos separating realms] to return.

Even if he were to reconstruct a new body, it would require a vast amount of resources to Restoration [a divine ability to restore or regenerate] his physical form.

Moreover, even if Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign received the news, it is highly unlikely he would immediately mobilize his forces to launch an attack.

Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign has already established deep roots within the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain. For him to dispatch an army across the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea to assault the Great Desolate Ancient Realm would be an endeavor fraught with immense difficulty.

This is because sapient beings are considered the most delectable sustenance in the eyes of the Desolate Tribe. A vast host of intelligent life crossing the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea would likely attract unpredictable and dreadful entities, making such a venture perilous and terrifying.

Should Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign indeed send forth his legions, it is probable that more than half his forces would be lost before they even reached the shores of the Great Desolate Ancient Realm.

Furthermore, his subordinates would likely be unwilling to consent to such a hazardous crossing of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

In the past, their departure aboard the Chaos Ancient Ships was driven by the certainty of death had they remained in the Great Desolate Ancient Realm—a desperate gamble they were forced to take.

Now, to ask them to risk that same crossing for an offensive campaign? The mid and lower-tier powerhouses would almost certainly refuse.

Therefore, the most plausible scenario is that Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign would traverse the Boundless Chaotic Desolate Sea accompanied by a few other Great Emperor to contest control of the Great Desolate Ancient Realm.

As for whether Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign would invite other Sage Ascendant, Eldrin Chen doubted he would.

For anyone who discovered a realm of Opportunity, the instinctive course would be to explore it first in secrecy, to ascertain its secrets before sharing the knowledge.

Only when one truly finds oneself incapable of handling a situation alone will they invite others to share in the Opportunity [a chance for advancement, discovery, or great fortune].

Furthermore, Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign likely would not bring too many subordinates with him from the outset, for doing so would leave his foundation within the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain vulnerable to attacks from rivals.

This mirrors the situation of years past when Eldrin Chen was forced to retreat from the Chaos Frontier. His defeat was not due to a lack of personal strength, but rather because the Human Race's pillar of heaven, the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the legendary progenitor of the human cultivation path], was not present within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss at that time.

Otherwise, even with ten thousand times their current audacity, the Demon Race would never have dared to act so brazenly.

Eldrin Chen estimated that upon discovering the fall of the Pioneer Great Emperor [a supreme cultivator at the peak of power], Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign's first reaction would not be reckless action. Instead, he would proceed with caution, meticulously gathering intelligence on the Great Desolate Ancient Realm.

Only then, based on the specific circumstances, would he formulate his countermeasures. This process alone would buy a significant amount of time.

"By leveraging this disparity in information, we likely have several dozen, perhaps even over a hundred, Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] before he acts,"

Eldrin Chen stated gravely, a slight furrow appearing between his brows. "Before that time comes, we must enhance our strength with utmost urgency and secure that Demi-Dragon Corpse [the remains of a dragon of immense, near-divine power] as quickly as possible."

Upon hearing his words, everyone present nodded in solemn agreement.

They understood the critical importance of time. That dragon corpse, a being of the Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm just below the legendary Sages], if utilized properly, could nurture at least two or three powerhouses at the Great Emperor Realm.

A dragon corpse of this caliber would likely attract the covetous gaze of even a Sage Ascendant. Therefore, it must be dealt with before the arrival of the Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign.

Seeing this, Immortal Emperor Lord spoke, "If I can refine the fleshly body of the Pioneer Divine General, I might be able to cultivate a True Spirit Divine Form [a supreme divine manifestation of one's true spiritual essence]."

"Time is still sufficient. Why not grant me the duration of a Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle] to attempt a breakthrough?"

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement and said, "Perfect. This will also allow the Four Symbols Emperor Lord to achieve his breakthrough swiftly."

With these words, the meeting concluded rather hastily.

Eldrin Chen specifically instructed the Four Symbols Emperor Lord to cultivate his Root Origin Treasure [a foundational magical artifact tied to one's origin] as soon as possible. Afterwards, he accompanied Immortal Emperor Lord into a Seclusion Chamber.

This time, Immortal Emperor Lord's endeavor to cultivate the True Spirit Divine Form presented a valuable opportunity for Eldrin Chen to observe and learn. Naturally, he would not miss the chance to witness it.

At this moment, Immortal Emperor Lord retrieved the remains of the Pioneer Divine General. It appeared as an ancient, unadorned Chaos Divine Stone, radiating an Indestructible aura of Primordial Chaos Qi [the primordial, undifferentiated energy of creation].

"This Pioneer Great Emperor was born from a Chaos Marvelous Stone [a wondrous stone of primordial chaos], making him one of the world's rarest Sacred Spirits. In his early years, I provided him with much care and guidance."

"I never imagined that for the Opportunity to break through to the Great Emperor realm, he would betray me and launch a sneak attack."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell into a contemplative silence.

He possessed some understanding of Immortal Emperor Lord's past.

In a bygone era, Immortal Emperor Lord had defeated Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign in a fair, single-combat duel at the same cultivation realm, utterly shattering the latter's pride.

To exact revenge, Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign conspired with several other powerful Emperor Lords to ambush Immortal Emperor Lord.

Yet, the fatal blow was delivered not by his enemies, but by his own trusted friend, Pioneer Divine General.