Chapter 2005 : Gifts of War and Whispered Prophecy

Lofty Peak Lu nodded and withdrew several Rare Spiritual Wonders from his sleeve, handing them to the three and saying, "These are a few treasures your senior brother has accumulated over the years. Take them to enhance your cultivation."

"I will await your good news within the Immortal Domain."

The three glanced at the treasures and were inwardly shaken to discover that what Lofty Peak Lu had given them were actually Innate Spiritual Treasure and even Great Encompassing Immortal Pill. They immediately wanted to decline.

But Lofty Peak Lu shook his head and spoke directly, "All these were obtained by your senior brother from slaying those scum of the Nether Mystery Imperial Court. If you can help me rescue Lingering, consider them your reward."

Only upon hearing this did the three accept the treasures.

Seeing this, Lofty Peak Lu patted their shoulders and spoke with grave sincerity, "Focus on improving your cultivation. A full-scale war between us and the Nether Mystery Imperial Court is likely not far off."

"..."

Within the immortal hall, Eldrin Chen observed everything and could not help but release a slow, heavy sigh.

Over the years, Eldrin Chen had also felt a pang regarding his disciple's fall into Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth]. However, Nether Mystery Imperial Lord was a Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage [a cultivator at the mid-stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm], an opponent not to be subdued lightly.

Even if Eldrin Chen employed all his means, at best he would be evenly matched against this foe.

Moreover, Eldrin Chen's Great Path Rival [a destined adversary on one's cultivation journey] is by no means limited to Nether Mystery Imperial Lord alone.

Therefore, over these years, Eldrin Chen, and indeed the entire Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance, have generally adopted a strategy of maintaining a low profile.

Fortunately, as time flows onward, all things are progressing toward a more favorable state.

After cultivating for several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], Eldrin Chen's cultivation base has reached the very pinnacle of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection. Within five more Kalpa Tribulation, Future will be able to attempt a breakthrough into the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm.

Once he ascends to the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, Nether Mystery Imperial Lord will cease to pose a significant threat.

In truth, among Eldrin Chen's Three Great Foundations [the three core cultivation arts forming his foundation], his Great Path cultivation has progressed the fastest and is already ripe for an attempt to charge the gates of the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm.

The reason he has not yet broken through is that Eldrin Chen intends for his Three Great Foundations to ascend simultaneously.

When that moment arrives, with all Three Great Foundations reaching the Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage together, Eldrin Chen's power will experience a meteoric surge.

While he may not yet rival a practitioner at the Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage, at the peak of the Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage, his methods and combat prowess will be comparable to those of a Primordial One Imperial Lord 6th Tier expert.

By that time, dealing with Nether Mystery Imperial Lord should present no great difficulty.

Of course, once Eldrin Chen breaks through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm, he will also face a rather troublesome situation.

For once he ascends to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm, any Primordial One Imperial Lord who then moves against him would be engaging in a Great Path Contention [a struggle for supremacy and destiny between cultivators of equal standing]. Even the two Human Race Path Ancestor Immortal Sage would find it difficult to voice any objection.

Therefore, the moment Eldrin Chen sets foot in the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm, it is highly likely that the Primordial Solar Great Emperor himself would begin plotting against Eldrin Chen.

"I cannot rush this breakthrough."

"I must wait until the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor returns."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of anticipation gleaming in his eyes.

In the past, when the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor ventured into the Chaos Desolation Sea, he claimed he could return within ten Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] because he was heading to a Desolation SeaForbidden Land [a perilous, restricted region] that held the potential to elevate his power to new heights.

That Forbidden Land harbored astonishing Opportunity and Fortune [chance encounters with destiny and great boons]. The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor had explored it multiple times before, yet lacked the confidence to conquer it.

This time, armed with the Indestructibility Battle Armor, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor finally possessed a measure of certainty. Should he succeed, his strength would likely advance by another significant step.

By that time, Eldrin Chen's own safety would perhaps be considerably enhanced.

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Eldrin Chen quickly suppressed them. He gathered his focus and rose, making his way to a cluster of Grotto-Heaven [a type of blessed, self-contained pocket realm] within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

Within this assembly of Grotto-Heaven, Eldrin Chen once again met several old friends. They were Ancient Ruins Nether Lord, Violet Mystery Path Master, Myriad Spirit Patriarch, Blazeflame Divine Spirit, Heaven Abyss Path Master, and others.

After cultivating for several dozen Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], these old comrades had long since dedicated themselves to the Sacrificial Self Path. Their cultivation had now reached the peak of the Immortal Treasury Realm.

Compared to his nominal disciples, Eldrin Chen had shown even greater care and support for these lifelong friends.

Now, not only had these friends reached the peak of the Immortal Treasury Realm, but they had also successfully cultivated the True Spirit Sacrificial Self Physique. The Immortal Treasury [a core repository of power and laws within a cultivator] they had forged were all powerful ones of the Tenth Limit tier or beyond.

Seated side by side with his old friends within the Great Hall, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile warmly. "It has been too long," he said. "I trust all has been well with you?"

Upon hearing his words, smiles graced the faces of all present.

Violet Mystery Path Master stroked his long beard and spoke with a chuckle. "With you holding us in your thoughts, how could we possibly fare poorly?"

"Hahaha…"

His remark was met with hearty laughter from the entire group.

Eldrin Chen also smiled faintly before speaking. "I still remember those days when we fought side by side, braving the perils of the Great Tribulation, the Path Tribulation, and even the Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense destruction and rebirth]."

"But ever since I attained the Great Encompassing [the supreme realm of cultivation, transcending the mortal plane], our gatherings have grown fewer and farther between."

Upon hearing this, everyone present let out a soft, collective sigh.

All beneath the Great Encompassing were but ants. After Eldrin Chen's breakthrough, there was almost nothing they could do to assist him anymore.

In the wars and Tribulation [a trial of heavenly punishment or calamity] that followed, only those of the Great Encompassing realm were qualified to sit in the high councils of the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance. They simply could not intervene, and so their interactions naturally dwindled.

The Myriad Spirit Patriarch understood this well and sighed. "Our foundations are sufficient. In this coming Kalpa Tribulation, it is time for us to advance further."

The others all nodded in agreement. The Heaven Abyss Path Master then declared, "My Heaven Abyss Sword has been an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a magical treasure born from the world's natural laws, possessing immense power] for many years. This tribulation shall see it drink the blood of formidable foes."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen retrieved several Rare Spiritual Wonders [precious objects imbued with profound spiritual energy] from his sleeve and presented them to the group. With a warm smile, he said, "The Great Path [the ultimate Dao of cultivation] stands alone and supreme. The view from the peak is one of profound solitude."

"I have been waiting for you all atop the Great Encompassing for a long time now."

"..."

After departing from the old friend's Grotto-Heaven [a self-contained pocket realm often used as a personal cultivation sanctuary], Eldrin Chen finally returned to his own cave abode.

Upon returning to his cave abode, he found that Exquisite Jiang had just returned. A smile touched his lips as he inquired, "How did it go?"

"Elara, Freya, and my cousin Dorian have discussed it with me and are prepared to undergo Reincarnation [a profound process of rebirth to shed one's current cultivation foundation and start anew].

Exquisite Jiang spoke slowly, a trace of solemnity flickering in her gaze.

Eldrin Chen nodded, having anticipated this outcome.

Among these old friends, Dorian Ji was Exquisite Jiang's cousin, once hailed as the foremost strategist of the Purple Seal Realm. Over the years, he had also served as one of the key advisors behind the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance.

Elara Lin was Exquisite Jiang's personal disciple, who had rendered immense service to both the Chen Immortal Clan and the Heaven's Ruin Ancient Sect in their early days. Freya Ji was also a close confidante of Exquisite Jiang.

These three individuals shared an exceptionally close bond with Eldrin Chen and were all key figures the Chen Immortal Clan had painstakingly nurtured.

Unfortunately, all three were Flawed Celestial Immortals [immortals whose foundational cultivation is imperfect, limiting their future potential], their foundations bearing significant defects.

Even though Eldrin Chen had expended considerable resources over the years to help them mend their foundations, their potential ultimately remained limited.

Nowadays, Elara Lin and the others, having cultivated diligently for dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], have all remained at the early stage of the Ancient Immortal [a powerful immortal who has weathered many tribulations] realm, unable to advance any further.

Because their foundations are flawed, even if they were to exclusively cultivate the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence], they would still be incomplete.

For the three of them to progress further, the only path is to reincarnate and start their cultivation anew.

After all, Eldrin Chen possesses the Primordial Chaos Scripture [a legendary text containing the secrets of primordial creation]. If he could bestow upon them even one or two Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters [mystical symbols embodying the fundamental laws of chaos], breaking through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme realm of cultivation] in the future would not be an issue.

It was precisely for this reason that Exquisite Jiang personally sought out the three of them to inquire if they wished to reincarnate and cultivate anew.

"Since they have agreed, there is no need for further delay."

Eldrin Chen spoke, then found Elara Lin and the other two. He led them to the location of the Netherworld [the realm of the dead and reincarnation].

Before the Netherworld Underworld Court [the governing hall of the underworld], Eldrin Chen looked at Elara Lin, Freya Ji, and Dorian Ji and said, "Your foundations in this life are flawed. As you step into Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth], it is best to sever all memories and begin cultivation anew."

Upon hearing this, Dorian Ji nodded in understanding.

If one reincarnates with memories intact, the cultivation path of the next life will inevitably be influenced by the concepts of the previous one, making it difficult to break free from its shackles.

Moreover, the cultivation path they had walked in this life was inherently flawed to a significant degree.

Furthermore, this detrimental influence grows more profound with each advancement in cultivation realm. Once one surpasses the Immortal [a being who has achieved immortality through cultivation] realm, carrying memories into a reincarnation makes it nearly impossible to ever surpass the heights of one's previous life.

It is precisely for this reason that many great powers, though capable of preserving their memories for reincarnation, choose instead to sever all recollections and begin cultivation anew.

Understanding this, Dorian Ji stated plainly, "In that case, it is best we cleanse ourselves of everything before reincarnating to cultivate once more."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. He immediately channeled his Great Encompassing [the highest known realm of cultivation, representing ultimate comprehension and power] level spiritual energy, thoroughly purging the memories of all three. Then, he summoned the Creation Cauldron [a legendary artifact capable of refining and transforming essence on a fundamental level] to assist in the dissolution of their physical bodies and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest form of a cultivator's consciousness].

He continued until their entire foundational essence was transformed into latent potential for their next lives. Only then did he gently guide them into the flow of Reincarnation [the cyclical process of death and rebirth of the soul].

At the precise moment their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest form of a cultivator's consciousness] were cast into the Reincarnation Well [a mystical artifact or natural phenomenon that serves as a gateway to the cycle of rebirth], Eldrin Chen decisively activated the power of the Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters [mystical symbols containing the fundamental truths of creation from the dawn of existence] and the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark [a fragment of primordial, unbreakable divine essence]. His aim was to imprint as many of these ancient characters as possible onto their soul essences.

In the end, two Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters [mystical symbols containing the fundamental truths of creation from the dawn of existence] were imprinted upon the soul of each, and from them, a simple, archaic scroll of an Innate Ancient Scripture [a supreme cultivation manual born from the fundamental laws of the universe] was derived.

Among them, the Ancient Scripture [an archaic manual or text of profound knowledge] belonging to Dorian Ji contained merely a few hundred ancient characters. Upon it was inscribed the title: Innate Path-Deduction Scripture [a supreme art for comprehending and deducing the fundamental laws of existence].

The ancient tome for Freya Ji was not much different, named the Innate Six Souls Scripture [a supreme art concerning the cultivation and unification of the six aspects of the soul].

And the Ancient Scripture [a profound and ancient cultivation manual] belonging to Elara Lin was no less remarkable, named—Innate Primal Shadow Scripture [the Primordial Scripture of Innate Nether Shadow].

With but a single glance, Eldrin Chen deduced the profound mysteries contained within the three volumes of the Ancient Scripture.

Among these three volumes, the Innate Path-Deduction Scripture [the Primordial Scripture of Innate Path Calculation] was a supreme celestial tome of the Yi Dao [the Way of Change and Divination]; the Innate Primal Shadow Scripture was a manifestation of the Primal Shadow Great Path [the Great Dao of Primordial Shadow]; and the Innate Six Souls Scripture [the Primordial Scripture of Innate Six Souls] contained methods for cultivating the six corporeal souls, a path of the Soul Path [the Dao of the Soul].

Each of these three Ancient Scripture was of the Innate Supreme Treasure [Innate Supreme-grade Magical Treasure] level. In theory, they could all lead one directly to the Great Emperor Realm [the realm of a Great Emperor]. As for whether one could advance further, that depended entirely on one's own Creation [the act of creation and innovation] and destiny.

Taking Freya Ji's Innate Six Souls Scripture as an example, the human body possesses three ethereal souls and seven corporeal souls. Yet this scripture cultivated only six of those corporeal souls, making it likely insufficient to reach the Realm of Chaos [the Primordial Chaos Realm] directly.

"In ancient times, the Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture [the Scripture of Primordial Chaos Three Souls] transformed into the Heaven Earth and Human Souls Treasure Scripture [the Treasure Scripture of Heaven, Earth, and Human Souls]."

"The complete form of the ancient scripture of the seven corporeal souls should also have been the Primordial Chaos Seven Souls Scripture [the Scripture of Primordial Chaos Seven Souls]. Now, missing one soul, it is incomplete."

"It seems the Soul Path truly is a forbidden Dao [a prohibited path of cultivation] that invites the envy of Heaven itself."

As these thoughts flashed through Eldrin Chen's mind, he guided the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator] of the three individuals completely into the cycle of Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth].

He withdrew his focus, issuing orders for their reincarnated forms to be discreetly watched over and guided, then returned to his own cultivation abode.

With these matters concluded, Eldrin Chen once more resumed a life of secluded cultivation.

Meanwhile, the disciples and followers of the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance devoted themselves wholeheartedly to their cultivation, making their final preparations for the impending Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle that reshapes the heavens and the earth].

Thus, twenty million years passed in the blink of an eye, until the day the ominous aura of heavenly and earthly calamity descended once more, signaling that another Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle that reshapes the heavens and the earth] was imminent.

"..."

As this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle that reshapes the heavens and the earth] descended, the Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality] practitioners of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence through sacrifice] within the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance finally began to bare their fangs. With astonishing sharpness, they stepped into the heart of the tribulation.

Melancholy Inscription Lord, Violet Mystery Path Master, Heaven Abyss Path Master, Horizon Patriarch, Celestial Maiden, and even Lofty Pavilion Lin, Tianheng Child, and other peerless prodigies of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence through sacrifice] departed from the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

Furthermore, a full hundred beings who had reached the peak of the Immortal Treasury Realm [the stage where an immortal's internal world is perfected and brimming with power] vanished into the Southern Abyss Seven Domains like fish returning to the sea, awaiting the perfect moment to transform into dragons.

During this process, from the Demon Race Heavenly Court, the Primordial Era Divine Court, the Human Race Immortal Court, the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races, and even the various imperial clans of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, one peerless powerhouse after another stepped into the Chaos [the primordial state of existence before order, representing immense power].

All understood that for this tribulation, Eldrin the Abyssal Emperor had amassed resources accumulated over dozens of Kalpa Tribulations [cataclysmic cosmic cycles], and had likely even expended the final legacy left behind by the Supreme Lunar Imperial Lord.

His aim was to propel the power of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence through sacrifice] to a higher realm in one fell swoop, allowing it to step firmly onto the stage of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains and become an existence that could rival, or even surpass, the Immortal Path [the orthodox and mainstream path of immortal cultivation].

Yet these formidable beings who had entered the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of conflict and destiny] arrived with undiminished, peerless fighting spirit.

Their motives were varied. Some came to sever the path of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-sacrifice and rebirth], preventing its rise. Others sought to sweep away all obstacles to prove their own path to the Great Encompassing [the ultimate, all-encompassing realm of cultivation]. Still others aimed to pave their own road to glory by trampling upon the corpses of the Sacrificial Self Path's champions.

Amidst this convergence, a rare Golden Prosperous Age [an era of unprecedented opportunity and flourishing talent] quietly began to manifest.

On the very first day the Great Tribulation commenced, the Immortal Phoenix Clan [a legendary clan of phoenix-blooded cultivators] produced an invincible prodigy.

This figure was named the Vermilion Bird Holy Scion. He was the direct descendant of the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant [a supreme being who has attained the Sage Ascendant realm through the Vermilion Bird lineage] and represented the dormant, millennia-deep heritage [profound legacy and hidden strength] of the Immortal Phoenix Clan, accumulated over a thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and renewal].

Bearing the prestige of a Sage Ascendant [a realm just below the ultimate Path Ancestor]'s direct heir, the Vermilion Bird Holy Scion immediately displayed matchless combat prowess. He swept across the heroes of the Immortal Firmament Ancient Continent [a vast, ancient landmass steeped in immortal history], boldly declaring his intent to completely sever the path to perfection for the Sacrificial Self Path.

He issued a challenge to the champions of the Sacrificial Self Path from the Eight Desolations [a remote and perilous region], seeking to wage a world-shaking battle upon the Immortal Firmament Ancient Continent.

As the challenged party, the Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality through cultivation] of the Sacrificial Self Path did not retreat. They agreed to meet for a climactic, ultimate confrontation at the Central Heaven Location [the central, most significant region] of the Immortal Firmament Ancient Continent.

Countless Ancient Immortal [immortals who have existed for eons] across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective realms of immortal cultivation] awaited this battle with immense anticipation.

For this clash concerned the very potential of the Sacrificial Self Path, and whether it could truly step onto the grand stage of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

If, in this battle, the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation method that empowers oneself through sacrifice] demonstrates sufficient potential to contend with the Vermilion Bird Holy Scion, that peerless True Spirit Prodigy [a cultivator born with the innate power of a primordial divine beast], it will undoubtedly compel many Ancient Immortal [immortals who have lived for countless eons] to convert to the Sacrificial Self Path.

Precisely for this reason, on the day of the agreed duel, countless Ancient Immortal Great Power [Ancient Immortals of immense strength and influence] have converged upon the Central Heaven Location of the Immortal Firmament Ancient Continent.

Among the gathered multitude are peerless Imperial Scions from the Imperial Courts, monstrous prodigies from the Demon Race, invincible geniuses from the Divine Clan, and exceptional talents from the Human Race.

Their intentions are varied. Most from the Demon Race harbor a desire to suppress the geniuses of the Sacrificial Self Path, while the prodigies of the Divine Clan largely adopt a wait-and-see attitude towards this nascent path.

The disciples of the Human Race, however, wish to intervene if possible, hoping to preserve some measure of the Sacrificial Self Path's vitality.

Overall, expectations for the strength of the Sacrificial Self Path are not high. Its authority likely points directly to the Realm of Chaos [the primordial state before creation, a supreme realm of cultivation], and the Demon Race is loath to see the Human Race produce another Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator on the cusp of becoming a Path Ancestor], let alone a full Path Ancestor.

Consequently, throughout the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, the major powers largely maintain a stance of suppression against the Sacrificial Self Path.

Under such circumstances, few believe that the Sacrificial Self Path Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality through cultivation] can carve out a Path to Heaven [a way to ascend to the highest realms] from beneath the weight of opposition from all sides.