Chapter 2003 : A Clan's Forbidden Ambition

Thinking of this, Ethan Chen could not help but smile faintly. He then spoke, "With this batch of resources, we can focus solely on our cultivation for the next ten Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles]."

"Perhaps within the next one hundred Kalpa Tribulation, we might all be able to break through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm [the realm of a foundational Imperial Lord, a pinnacle existence]."

Upon hearing this, everyone present revealed a smile, their eyes gleaming with a touch of pride.

The Great Encompassing [Great Encompassing Divine Generals] of the Chen Clan all possessed extraordinary foundations; it would be no exaggeration to say each had the potential of a Primordial One [a being of foundational, primordial power].

However, Eldrin Chen's expression turned solemn upon hearing this. He spoke gravely, "If twenty Primordial One Imperial Lord were to emerge from a single clan within one hundred Kalpa Tribulation, it would surely alarm those Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers of the heavens]."

The others' expressions also tightened slightly at his words.

Primordial One Imperial Lord were exceedingly rare. Across the entire Southern Abyss Seven Domains, the seven Primordial Domain [ancient, foundational realms] combined harbored little more than three thousand such beings.

The Three Thousand Immortal Domains stood as the leader of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, yet even there, the three dominant races—Human, Divine Beast [celestial beasts], and Demon—along with the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [various immortal spirit lineages], together numbered only slightly over seven hundred Primordial One Imperial Lord.

Among them, the Human Race, as one of the three paramount powers, possessed merely a little over one hundred Primordial One Imperial Lord.

Given this context, if the Chen Immortal Clan alone were to produce twenty Primordial One Imperial Lord, it would likely require power at the Sage Ascendant [a realm just below the ultimate Sages] level to maintain stability and deter unwanted attention.

After all, no matter how astonishing the legacy left by Supreme Lunar Imperial Lord might be, it would be considered excellent if it could nurture several dozen Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. The prospect of it cultivating several dozen Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme realm of cultivation, one step below the Heavenly Emperor level] would be utterly terrifying.

Thinking this, Violet Consort Yan could not help but speak up: "Perhaps we are being too hasty. It might be better to suppress our cultivation for a time and not rush to break through our realms."

"There is a difference between having a sword and choosing not to use it, and not having a sword at all."

Eldrin Chen shook his head and then said, "You all still have a considerable distance to cover before reaching the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm. Proceed with your cultivation step by step."

"I believe that as long as we do not have a large number of cultivators breaking through to become Primordial One Imperial Lord, those Chaos Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers of the primordial chaos] likely will not pay us any attention."

"As for breaking through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm, let us assess the situation later. After I myself break through to Primordial One Imperial Lord, I will venture into the Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, perilous expanse of primordial chaos]."

"At that time, we shall see if a solution can be found."

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, setting the matter aside for the time being.

After handling this matter, Eldrin Chen instructed his people to store the various Rare Spiritual Wonders [precious materials imbued with potent spiritual energy] seized in battle and bestowed by the Immortal Court [the celestial governing body of the immortal realm] into the clan treasury, bringing the meeting to a close.

Once the meeting concluded, Eldrin Chen resumed his life of secluded cultivation. In his spare time, he studied alchemy and artifact forging, occasionally deducing the mysteries of Divine Ability [supernatural powers and techniques cultivated by immortals] and profound arts, continuously refining and perfecting his own path of cultivation.

Thus, time flowed swiftly, and before one knew it, several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] had passed.

On this day, Eldrin Chen awoke from his secluded cultivation. Gazing at a spiritual talisman in his hand, a flicker of light passed through his eyes as he spoke, "Two old friends are preparing to attempt their breakthrough into the Great Encompassing Realm [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing the pinnacle of existence]."

Beside him, Exquisite Jiang glanced at the talisman and sighed with a touch of nostalgia. "Since they are old friends, we should offer them our support once more."

Eldrin Chen nodded. He rose and left his cave abode, his steps carrying him unconsciously to a secluded courtyard.

There, within the courtyard, stood a man and a woman, both peerless Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality through cultivation]. They seemed to have been waiting for some time.

The visitors were indeed Eldrin Chen's two old friends: the Master of the Horizon Pavilion and the Heavenly Mountain Goddess [a divine maiden associated with a celestial mountain].

Decades of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] had passed. Both the Master of the Horizon Pavilion and the Celestial Maiden [a title for a female immortal of high status] had long since converted to cultivating the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence]. Their cultivation had already reached the perfection stage of the Immortal Treasury [a profound cultivation stage representing the accumulation of immense spiritual power].

This outcome was fully anticipated by Eldrin Chen.

Over the years, Eldrin Chen had shown great care for these two old friends. Nearly every Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycle], he would bestow upon them various Immortal Artifact [powerful enchanted objects used by immortals] and rare wonders. Among these gifts were treasures of the Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [extremely rare treasures of the highest grade] and even items of the Innate Spiritual Rare Material [primordial spiritual materials of innate origin] grade.

With such an abundance of cultivation resources at their disposal, and having cultivated for over twenty Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], it was only natural that they had reached the perfection of the Immortal Treasury [a profound cultivation stage].

At this moment, seeing Eldrin Chen arrive, the two of them smiled and said, "Greetings, Imperial Lord [a title for a powerful ruler in the immortal realms]."

"Between us, there is no need for such formality."

Eldrin Chen spoke with a smile, gesturing for them to sit before continuing, "I hear your cultivation bases have reached their peak and you are preparing to attempt a breakthrough into the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the realm of a supreme, all-encompassing golden immortal]?"

Upon hearing this, both nodded. Horizon Patriarch replied with a hint of mirth, "Thanks to your support, our accumulation is sufficient. We believe we can attempt that step."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, a nostalgic smile gracing his lips. "I still remember our time in the Purple Seal Realm, standing together against the Outer Realm Demon God [a powerful demonic deity from beyond the known realms]."

"And I recall when we were mere Celestial Immortal Realm [the foundational realm for true immortals] cultivators, venturing together into the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, formless expanse of raw energy and danger]. It all feels as if it happened just yesterday."

"Yet now, in the blink of an eye, more than twenty Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] have passed, and you are about to set foot upon the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm."

Hearing this, Celestial Maiden and Horizon Patriarch were also filled with a profound sense of reflection.

The Celestial Maiden offered a gentle smile and said, "Back when we explored the Sea of Chaos, we thought we were guiding a promising junior. Little did we know we would end up being the ones looked after by you."

"Hahaha…"

The three of them laughed heartily. After his mirth subsided, Horizon Patriarch said, "After this tribulation, if we can break through to the Great Encompassing Realm [the ultimate realm of cultivation, representing the pinnacle of existence], we will be able to offer you our meager assistance once more."

Eldrin Chen smiled, retrieving two jade boxes from his sleeve and handing them over. "I heard," he said, "that the two of you have agreed to become cultivation partners [a lifelong bond between cultivators, deeper than marriage] after attaining the Great Encompassing."

"Consider the contents of these boxes my wedding gift."

"In that case, I shall accept with gratitude."

Upon hearing this, Master of the Horizon Pavilion let out a hearty laugh and accepted the gift without further ceremony.

For once, the Celestial Maiden [a title for a supremely beautiful and powerful female immortal] lowered her head. A faint blush colored her cheeks, and a resolute light shone in her eyes.

Eldrin Chen understood. Master of the Horizon Pavilion and the Celestial Maiden had been companions for many years. Their bond, forged over dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years], had long been ripe for them to become cultivation partners. It was only their single-minded devotion to the Dao [the ultimate path and principle of the universe] that had kept them from acknowledging it.

Now, facing the tribulation of the Great Encompassing, they had finally opened their hearts to each other.

For this, Eldrin Chen offered his sincere blessings. Both had shown him great kindness, and their union was a beautiful tale in the making.

After presenting the jade boxes, Eldrin Chen nodded thoughtfully. He then retrieved a token from his sleeve and handed it to the two Mortal Path [a profound cultivation method focused on comprehending mortal experiences].

"This is my Imperial Lord decree. With this token, you may go to cultivate within the Great Encompassing Immortal Pool of the Immortal Court."

"That Great Encompassing Immortal Pool possesses boundless miraculous uses and offers considerable benefits for cultivating the Sacrificial Self Path. Consider it my contribution towards your breakthrough into the Great Encompassing realm."

Upon hearing this, Master of the Horizon Pavilion hurriedly pushed the token back, saying, "The privilege to use the Great Encompassing Immortal Pool is far too precious. It should not be wasted on someone like me."

The Celestial Maiden also shook her head, unwilling to accept such a gift.

The Great Encompassing Immortal Pool was a sacred Immortal Pool [a pool of concentrated immortal energy] within the Immortal Court, a supreme treasure ground for the cultivation of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Many Great Encompassing Golden Immortal had to pay a significant price for the chance to enter and cultivate there.

They were merely at the Ancient Immortal Realm; how could they afford to use such a precious place?

Eldrin Chen shook his head and spoke directly, "My current status is equivalent to an Imperial Lord. With each Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration], I am granted three opportunities to use the Great Encompassing Immortal Pool free of charge."

"Furthermore, the Great Encompassing Immortal Pool holds no further use for me. Its privileges were always intended for my clansmen and imperial scions. Since you two are on the verge of breaking through to Great Encompassing, it is fitting that you should be the first to cultivate there."

Only then did the two nod in understanding and accept the Imperial Lord decree from Eldrin Chen.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen continued, "After more than twenty Kalpa Tribulation of accumulation, the number of those who have perfected the Immortal Treasury Realm within the Sacrificial Self Path has reached several dozen."

"Therefore, during this upcoming Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense destruction and renewal], the Immortal Alliance will have many attempting to prove their Great Path [the ultimate cultivation principle one follows]. All of you should go and cultivate first. When the time comes, you can collectively enter the tribulation to attempt a breakthrough to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal realm of the Great Encompassing stage]."

Upon hearing this, Horizon Patriarch's eyes lit up, and he spoke, "It seems the time has come for this new Great Path, the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation art centered on sacrificing the self to empower the collective], to make its initial debut upon the stage of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal realms]."

Eldrin Chen also smiled. After more than twenty Kalpa Tribulation cycles of accumulation, the Sacrificial Self Path had already spread across dozens of Immortal Domain [a region or world governed by immortal laws]. The number of Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality through cultivation] practicing this path had grown ever larger.

Under these circumstances, the number of high-level Immortal within the Sacrificial Self Path had also increased significantly.

According to Eldrin Chen's knowledge, the practitioners of the Sacrificial Self Path who had reached the Immortal Treasury Realm [a cultivation realm focused on accumulating vast internal power reserves] now numbered over a thousand. Each of these individuals was a top-tier powerhouse comparable to an Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived for eons].

Although the vast majority of these Sacrificial Self Path cultivators at the Immortal Treasury Realm had not yet achieved the Ninth Limit Immortal Treasury [the pinnacle of the Immortal Treasury Realm], the sheer number of Immortal Treasury Realm experts within the Sacrificial Self Path had still contributed greatly to its continuous refinement and perfection.

The current power level of the Sacrificial Self Path was now sufficient to rival the very limits of the Primordial One Imperial Lord 1st Tier [the first tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm].

By Eldrin Chen's estimation, within just a few more Kalpa Tribulation cycles, as these Sacrificial Self Path Immortal gradually achieved their breakthroughs, the Sacrificial Self Path was likely to give birth to several dozen Great Encompassing Golden Immortal in one fell swoop.

By that time, the overall strength of the Sacrificial Self Path was bound to experience another significant leap forward.

Moreover, once the Sacrificial Self Path produced several dozen Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing stage of cultivation] experts, it would inevitably draw the focused attention of the entire Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

When the Great Encompassing Golden Immortals of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal realms] discover the power of the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation method that sacrifices the self to empower the collective], the Sacrificial Self Path will begin to spread with astonishing speed throughout the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, and countless mortals without Spiritual Roots [the innate spiritual foundation required for traditional cultivation] will embark upon the Sacrificial Self Path.

And the number of Great Encompassing Golden Immortals of the Sacrificial Self Path will also begin to increase continuously, without even requiring Eldrin Chen to expend immense resources to nurture them.

It must be understood that among the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance's thousand-plus Sacrificial Self Path Immortal Treasury Realms [a high-level cultivation realm], many were cultivated precisely because Eldrin Chen expended significant resources to nurture them.

Among them were even Celestial Immortals [a powerful immortal realm] and Ancient Immortals [immortals from ancient times] who switched their cultivation path. For them, Eldrin Chen even utilized the Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of forging and refining profound essences], along with vast quantities of exceedingly rare resources.

Yet once the Sacrificial Self Path spreads beyond the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance, Eldrin Chen will no longer need to expend resources to cultivate its practitioners.

By that time, relying solely on the countless mortals within the myriad Immortal Domains cultivating of their own volition, it is believed that, given the immense foundational numbers, this path could become a Path to Heaven [a supreme cultivation method leading to the heavens] rivaling the Immortal Path [the traditional path of immortal cultivation].

"It only requires the birth of thirty-six Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfections [the pinnacle stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] and three hundred Great Encompassing Golden Immortals for my Sacrificial Self Path to step into the domain of the Perfect Innate Great Path [the realm of a flawless, innate supreme path],"

"In other words, once the Sacrificial Self Path ascends to three hundred Great Encompassings and thirty-six Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfections, I myself shall be able to step into the Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm of sage-like ascension]."

Eldrin Chen murmured these words in his heart, a faint smile gracing his lips.

He believed that once the Sacrificial Self Path spreads throughout the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, achieving three hundred Great Encompassings would, at most, be a matter of a few hundred Kalpa Tribulations [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years].

Given the astonishing potential of the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation method focused on self-sacrifice and rebirth], many top-tier Ancient Immortal Great Power [powerful beings who have cultivated for eons] who find themselves unable to break through to the Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] would likely pay a tremendous price to reincarnate and cultivate this path.

Its sole flaw is that the Sacrificial Self Path currently cannot be cultivated to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm [the ultimate realm of the Primordial One]. This deters any being with aspirations for the Primordial One Realm [the supreme state of existence] from choosing this road.

Returning to the matter at hand, after gathering his thoughts, Eldrin Chen looked at Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal] and said, "If you two can step into the Great Encompassing Realm, it would also be a contribution to the Sacrificial Self Path."

Hearing this, both of them smiled. Horizon Patriarch spoke directly, "Then let us go to the Great Encompassing Immortal Pool [a legendary pool that aids in achieving the Great Encompassing realm]. It should increase our chances of a breakthrough to Great Encompassing Golden Immortal."

"…"

After bidding farewell to the Master of the Horizon Pavilion and the Celestial Maiden, Eldrin Chen gave a slight, approving nod.

After a moment of contemplation, he first summoned Worthy Pursuit Chen. Not long after, Worthy Pursuit Chen arrived, accompanied by a woman in a white dress.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, they immediately bowed with smiles. "Greetings, Father."

Eldrin Chen acknowledged them with a nod. His gaze swept over Worthy Pursuit Chen before settling on the woman in white. With a warm smile, he asked, "Plain Essence, how fares your recent cultivation and accumulation?"

"Thanks to Father's support, your child's cultivation has reached completion."

The woman in the white dress spoke, offering a gentle and graceful bow.

Eldrin Chen nodded in acknowledgment. These two were none other than his eldest son, Worthy Pursuit Chen, and his wife, Plain Essence.

In the past, Eldrin Chen had sent Worthy Pursuit Chen and Plain Essence into reincarnation. Worthy Pursuit Chen had fused with nine Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters and carried the Enlightened One's World-Salvation Scripture into his new life.

As for Plain Essence, she had also received one Ancient Character, which had evolved into a companion Ancient Scripture known as the Innate Plain Questions Scripture.

After their reincarnation, Eldrin Chen had secretly guided them to cultivate the Sacrificial Self Path. Their cultivation had now reached the peak of the Immortal Treasury Realm.

In truth, they could have broken through the Immortal Treasury Realm long ago. However, because the Sacrificial Self Path still had numerous minor imperfections, they willingly remained within the Immortal Treasury Realm to assist Eldrin Chen in perfecting the Sacrificial Self Path.

During this process, they had also been continuously exploring the limits of the Sacrificial Self Path, seeking a method to cultivate a True Spirit Immortal Treasury. Yet, they had consistently found it difficult to achieve that final breakthrough.

Now, Eldrin Chen summoned the pair and spoke with a smile, "I have divined that it is fundamentally impossible to cultivate a True Spirit Immortal Treasury within the Sacrificial Self Path before reaching the realm of a Primordial One Imperial Lord."

"Your years of exploring the limits of the Immortal Treasury have helped me identify many issues. Now, the Immortal Treasury Realm is nearly flawless, and there is no need for you to linger here any longer."

"Prepare yourselves. During this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle], you shall break through to the Great Encompassing Realm."

Upon hearing this, a subtle glimmer flickered in the eyes of both individuals.

Plain Essence nodded slightly and immediately bowed respectfully, saying, "I will follow Father's guidance entirely."

Worthy Pursuit Chen also nodded. Yet, after a moment of silence, he suddenly spoke, "Father, I wish to walk the Path of the Buddha [the spiritual cultivation path focused on enlightenment and compassion]."

"Oh?"

A flicker of understanding passed through Eldrin Chen's gaze, a look that suggested he had long anticipated this.

Worthy Pursuit Chen nodded once more and continued, "Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, the Buddhist path has waned. I carry the Enlightened One's World-Salvation Scripture within me from my past life; it is my duty to spread the Great Vehicle Buddhist Dharma [the profound teachings of universal salvation in Buddhism]."

Eldrin Chen gave a slow, acknowledging nod. "I foresaw this long ago through divination," he said. "You are the one destined to face the tribulations for the Buddhist Sect, the child of fate born within its lineage."

"However, to propagate the Buddhist teachings, you must first unite the hundred schools of thought within the Buddhist Sect, and rectify the chaotic state that plagues the Buddhist orders across the Myriad Heavens."

Worthy Pursuit Chen nodded in understanding, grasping the implication behind Eldrin Chen's words.

Within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, the Buddhist Sect had declined, growing weaker by the day, lacking a powerful central pillar. The mightiest among their Buddhas had only reached the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm [a high but not supreme level of cultivation attainment].

It was precisely because of this that the Buddhist Sect became extremely chaotic.

Throughout his journey, Eldrin Chen had witnessed this within the Purple Seal Realm. There were temples like the Western Pole Serene Spirit Temple which sought to deliver all living beings from suffering, yet there were also places like the Vajra Temple, whose monks practiced the Blissful Union Meditation.