Chapter 2049 : A Sage's Unexpected Request

Upon confirming his arrival within the bounds of the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain, the Elder [an old, venerable figure] allowed a faint smile to touch his heart. Without pause, he traversed the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between realms] and arrived before the Great Desolate Ancient Realm.

Almost the very moment the Elder arrived, Eldrin Chen sensed the newcomer's aura. His brow furrowed slightly, and he immediately stepped forth into the Chaos to meet him.

"And you are?"

Gazing at the Elder before him, Eldrin Chen felt a knot of tension form between his brows, his expression turning grave.

This person's aura was restrained, yet he radiated a sense of profound danger to Eldrin Chen—a presence that felt, at the very least, to be at the Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm of power just below that of a true Sage].

"So, you are the Realm Lord [the sovereign ruler of a domain] of the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain, the one who defeated Vorgath Di and the Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign?"

The Elder studied Eldrin Chen for a long moment before speaking with a smile. "This old one bears the Daoist title Extreme Emperor. I hail from the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain. My purpose in coming is to seek your assistance, Fellow Daoist."

"My assistance?"

Eldrin Chen was taken aback, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

Having subdued the several dozen Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [powerful rulers at the peak of the Chaos Emperor realm] who had followed the Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign, Eldrin Chen had gained some understanding of the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain.

He understood that this identity of Extreme Emperor was one of immense prestige, being one of the three Sage Ascendant of the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain.

Back then, the reason Vorgath Di aided Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign in attacking the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain was precisely because they had joined forces to defeat the Extreme Emperor and seize the Dao Authority [the supreme right to govern a domain's fundamental principles] of the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain.

"It seems this person is not an enemy," he concluded.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke again, "Fellow Daoist, please follow me."

So saying, Eldrin Chen escorted the Extreme Emperor to an Immortal Domain on the periphery. They settled atop a mountain peak amidst a range, and Eldrin Chen began his inquiry.

"Has Your Excellency sought me out, perhaps to deal with that Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign and Vorgath Di?"

"Precisely so."

The Extreme Emperor nodded, stroking his beard with a grave expression. "This old Daoist and those two are now bound by a hatred as deep as the sea. Fellow Daoist, you too share a profound enmity with them."

"The enemy of my enemy can surely become a friend. Shall we join forces to reclaim the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head and replied, "Those two are both peerless Sage Ascendant, and they command the Authority of the Heavenly Dao [the supreme power to command the natural laws of a domain] of an entire Origin Domain."

"Even if the two of us join forces, I fear victory remains beyond our grasp."

"As for the matter of the Authority of the Heavenly Dao [the supreme right to govern the fundamental laws of the cosmos], you may set your heart at ease." Extreme Emperor smiled faintly before continuing, "Although this old man was stripped of the Authority of the Heavenly Dao, I left behind a contingency that cannot be erased."

"Within the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain [the primordial realm of ultimate imperial power], within its Heavenly Dao [the cosmic order and natural law] Origin [the foundational source of all things], lies the contingency I prepared. It is sufficient to block their control over the Authority of the Heavenly Dao for a certain period of time."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a flicker of interest, yet he refrained from speaking.

Seeing this, Extreme Emperor spoke again, "Should this endeavor succeed, this old man seeks only the Authority of the Heavenly Dao of the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain. All resources accumulated by the lineage of Vorgath Di and Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign shall belong entirely to you, esteemed sir."

"What say you?"

Eldrin Chen still did not agree immediately. Instead, he stated frankly, "To be perfectly honest, the greater part of my strength lies within the Authority of the Heavenly Dao."

"Stripped of the Authority of the Heavenly Dao's augmentation, my power can only be considered as one who can contend with a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the threshold of sagehood]. Even with our combined might, victory is far from assured."

Pausing briefly here, Eldrin Chen then said, "I have a close friend, named Indestructible Ancient Ancestor. If he were to lend his hand, subduing these two should pose no difficulty."

"Indestructible Ancient Ancestor."

Extreme Emperor's expression shifted slightly, and he could not help but speak, "Could it be the Indestructible Sacred Venerable who once shook the Chaos Sea with his might?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and said, "I did not expect you, Fellow Daoist, to have also heard of the formidable reputation of Senior Imperishable."

Extreme Emperor chuckled before continuing, "The Indestructible Sacred Venerable forged a Sacred Body of Imperishable. He once faced pursuit from three Chaos Celestial Emperor and still managed to emerge unscathed."

"Such a staggering feat has earned him a resounding reputation across the hundreds of Origin Domain surrounding the Blazing Central Chaos Domain."

As he spoke, Extreme Emperor's expression grew solemn. After a long pause, he finally said, "If we can invite the Indestructible Sacred Venerable, then subduing those two will naturally be within our grasp."

"But we must agree beforehand: you must not covet the Authority of the Heavenly Dao [the supreme right to govern the fundamental laws of a realm] of this Origin Domain, and after the deed is done, you must never reveal the spatial coordinates of the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain."

"That goes without saying," Eldrin Chen replied with a smile, then stated plainly, "But you, Fellow Daoist, must also uphold your promise not to expose the coordinates of this Great Desolate Ancient Realm."

"You have my word," Extreme Emperor said with a bitter laugh. "For Origin Domain like ours, without a Celestial Emperor [a supreme cultivator who has ascended to rule over a celestial domain] to guard them, once our coordinates are leaked, it inevitably invites significant trouble."

"It is precisely for this reason that this old man dares not invite friends from the Blazing Central Primordial Domain either."

Eldrin Chen smiled, a glimmer of understanding dawning in his eyes.

The reason Extreme Emperor sought me out was likely not solely due to my enmity with those two Sage Ascendant figures, but because he knows the spatial coordinates [the unique metaphysical signature that allows travel to a specific location] to the Great Desolate Ancient Realm.

Once he possessed the coordinates to the Great Desolate Ancient Realm, he became a potential threat to it.

By that point, even if Eldrin Chen learned the coordinates to the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain, mutual wariness would make it highly unlikely for him to divulge them.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen spoke with grave solemnity, "And how, sir, did you come to know the coordinates to my Great Desolate Ancient Realm?"

Extreme Emperor let out a soft sigh before replying, "To speak plainly, among the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch you subdued, one was my informant."

"In the final moments of the conflict, he transmitted the coordinates to me via a message talisman [a magical slip of paper or jade used for long-distance communication]."

"I see."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, a flicker of concern passing through his gaze before it settled once more.

Message talismans capable of spanning the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea are of immense value, affordable only to those at the Sage Ascendant level.

Consider that Indestructible Elder, an invincible Sage Ascendant, bestowed upon me a mere three such talismans. This alone attests to their profound rarity.

Seeing this, the Extreme Emperor understood Eldrin Chen's concern and spoke again, "Fellow Daoist, you need not be overly worried."

"Within the Boundless Chaotic Desolate Sea, the location of the Origin Domain is constantly shifting."

"A coordinate that is accurate one moment may become exceedingly distant the next. For this old man to find this place, it consumed the time of over a dozen Kalpa Tribulation."

"As time flows on, the difficulty for others to locate the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain will increase by hundreds, even thousands of times."

"Moreover..." The Extreme Emperor paused briefly before continuing, "With your strength, Fellow Daoist, you should possess the capability to defend the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. Chaos Celestial Emperor often placed great emphasis on face and prestige. A mere Great Desolate Ancient Realm should not be enough to provoke direct action from a Chaos Celestial Emperor.

Unless the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain were to manifest Chaos Primordial Qi [the primordial energy of chaos, the source of all creation], only then might it tempt a Chaos Celestial Emperor to intervene.

As for those below the Celestial Emperor [the supreme sovereign realm of cultivation] who might move against the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain, Eldrin Chen was confident he could handle them.

"However."

The Extreme Emperor shifted his tone and spoke once more, "It is just that the Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign shares a karmic bond of destiny with the Great Desolate Ancient Realm and can sense its general location at all times."

"If this individual is not eliminated, he will inevitably become a festering thorn in your side, Your Excellency."

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly as he began to deliberate.

As long as Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign harbored even a sliver of desire for the Great Desolate Ancient Realm, it was highly unlikely he would reveal its spatial coordinates [the mystical markers used to locate and travel to specific realms].

However, if the day ever came when Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign realized he had absolutely no means to claim the Great Desolate Ancient Realm, he would very likely expose its coordinates.

Therefore, Eldrin Chen could not act immediately. Once he moved, he had to utterly suppress Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign without leaving any chance for reprisal.

Thus, after a long period of contemplation, he finally spoke: "Since we are to act, we must leave no loose ends."

"Your Excellency should wait a while longer. It would be wiser to strike after my cultivation advances a step further and after the Indestructible Sacred Venerable emerges from seclusion [a period of deep, uninterrupted meditation and cultivation]."

Extreme Emperor understood this reasoning, assuming Eldrin Chen intended to persuade the Indestructible Elder. He immediately replied, "This old one comprehends that as well. I shall rely on you, Fellow Daoist, to speak favorably on my behalf to the Indestructible Sacred Venerable."

"I will."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then saw Extreme Emperor off. Afterwards, he returned to the Great Wilderness Sacred Hall and sank into deep thought once more.

Regarding the impending battle, Eldrin Chen felt a profound sense of gravity.

The combat prowess of a Sage Ascendant-level powerhouse is vastly different from that of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch. Experts at this level possess extraordinary Force Extreme [a supreme defensive ability] capabilities, making even a Chaos Celestial Emperor hard-pressed to subdue them.

Most crucially, Vorgath Di and Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign also possess the Chaos Void-Rending Talisman [a talisman capable of tearing through the fabric of chaos and void]. Suppressing them would be an immense challenge, likely beyond even the Indestructible Elder.

"To subdue these two, one would need the power of a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a treasure forged from primordial chaos], and specifically one aligned with the spatial attribute."

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Eldrin Chen arrived within the Nameless Space where the Abyssal Pearl resided.

There, within that nameless Void [a profound cultivation art related to emptiness and space], the Abyssal Pearl drifted and pulsed gently.

It perceived Eldrin's intent and conveyed a thought: "For me to Ascension [undergo a qualitative evolution] into a Chaos Spiritual Treasure, approximately eight hundred Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration] are still required."

"I understand."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then shifted his gaze to a precious vase resting beside the Abyssal Pearl.

It was a supreme vase brimming with Void light, radiating the power of Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence] and Void, its form enveloped in the shimmering radiance of Immortal Cosmos [the immortal and eternal cosmos].

"The Chaos Void-Refining Vial."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a ripple of emotion shimmering in his gaze.

In ancient times, Immortal Cosmos Dao Progenitor [the progenitor of the Immortal Cosmos Dao] shook the Thirteen Domains of the Heavenly Abyss with his might, wielding three supreme Chaos Spiritual Treasure [primordial artifacts of immense power].

These three treasures were the 'Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron', the 'Immortal Cosmos Ancient Scroll', and the 'Void-Refining Vial'.

Among these three treasures, the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron was a Mid Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a mid-tier primordial artifact], its power ranking first among the three great Chaos Spiritual Treasure, and it was also the foremost treasure of the Thirteen Domains of the Heavenly Abyss.

The Immortal Cosmos Ancient Scroll was a supreme treasure of immortal path inheritance, inscribed with the primordial scriptures of the immortal Dao. It was said to be the very source of the immortal path, created by a supreme powerhouse at the dawn of Chaos [the primordial state before creation].

As for the Void-Refining Vial, it was a Chaos Spiritual Treasure of the spatial attribute, possessing the wondrous ability to contain and suppress all things. It had once been used by Immortal Cosmos Dao Progenitor to suppress several Chaos Celestial Emperor [primordial celestial emperors].

"If one could unleash the full power of the Void-Refining Vial, it would be entirely possible to suppress even an invincible Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the sage realm]."

As these thoughts drifted through his mind, Eldrin Chen channeled his spiritual power to refine the Chaos Void-Refining Vial. After a period of refinement, he finally gained preliminary control over this Chaos Spiritual Treasure.

Having preliminarily refined the Void-Refining Vial, Eldrin Chen attempted to activate it, only to find he could currently wield but one-tenth of the Void-Refining Vial's true might.

The fundamental reason was that Eldrin Chen's mana and his cultivation in the Great Dao [the supreme, fundamental laws of the cosmos] were not yet powerful enough.

Relying on the power of his Chaos Indestructible Body [a physique forged in primordial chaos, granting immense resilience], being able to unleash one-tenth of this Chaos Spiritual Treasure's [a treasure born from primordial chaos, possessing world-shaking power] might was already a testament to Eldrin Chen's astonishing foundational strength.

"A Chaos Spiritual Treasure at one-tenth of its power can suppress a Great Emperor [a sovereign ruler among cultivators] without issue, but suppressing a Sage Ascendant [a being who has ascended to the threshold of sagehood] is uncertain, let alone when they possess a Chaos Void-Rending Talisman [a talisman capable of tearing through the fabric of reality]."

As these thoughts drifted through Eldrin Chen's mind, he assessed his own strength.

He realized that even if his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true self of a cultivator] and Great Dao cultivation broke through to the Seventh Layer Primordial Unity Emperor Lord [the seventh layer of the Primordial Unity Emperor Lord realm], he would at most be able to unleash two-tenths of this treasure's power. It would still be difficult to suppress those two Sage Ascendant.

"It seems I can only wait for the authority of the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation art centered on the principle of sacrifice for greater power] to make a breakthrough."

Eldrin Chen pondered. The authority of the Path of Self-Sacrifice had now reached the domain of the Seventh Layer Primordial Unity Emperor Lord, hitting the limit of a fully mastered Primordial Great Dao [a Great Dao art of the most ancient and profound order].

The next step forward would allow it to directly transform into a Perfect Innate Great Dao [a flawless, naturally-born Great Dao art, representing the pinnacle of such arts].

At that time, Eldrin Chen would be able to borrow the authority of the Path of Self-Sacrifice to ascend in a single step, attaining the Dao-Grasping [the act of comprehending and seizing hold of a Great Dao] cultivation level of the Sage Ascendant Realm.

Then, with the power of a perfected Great Dao, Eldrin Chen could channel the Chaos Void-Refining Vial [a vial capable of refining the void of chaos itself] and should be able to unleash the majority of this treasure's might. Suppressing those two Sage Ascendant would likely be well within his grasp.

With this thought in mind, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate in the slightest. He directly summoned the Nine Great Priests and Amani, then inquired,

"Within the current Great Desolate Ancient Realm, how many individuals have now cultivated the True Spirit Foundation [the foundational stage of the True Spirit cultivation path] through the Path of Self-Sacrifice?"

The Chief Priest Elder knew this matter as clearly as his own reflection. He replied directly, "Including Amani, there are a total of sixteen who have achieved the True Spirit Foundation."

"Among them, three have cultivated to the ninth layer of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm. The cultivation levels of the rest mostly lie within the middle to late stages of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then fell into pensive contemplation.

The Great Desolate Ancient Realm possessed sixteen Grand Luo cultivators of the Path of Self-Sacrifice. Adding to them the seventeen such Grand Luo cultivators from the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, the total number of Path of Self-Sacrifice Grand Luo had reached thirty-three.

Calculated this way, they were short by only three final Grand Luo cultivators of the Path of Self-Sacrifice who possessed the True Spirit Foundation.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen declared, "For these Grand Luo cultivators of the Path of Self-Sacrifice who have achieved the True Spirit Foundation, their cultivation resource allocation is to be tripled once more. Furthermore, each is to be rewarded with ten Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill [pills of immense power refined from primordial chaos energies]."

"Inform them that if they can break through to Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection within fifty Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration], then I, this sovereign, shall bestow upon each of them a portion of Innate Primordial Qi [the purest, most fundamental energy from the dawn of creation]."

Upon hearing this, the Nine Great Priests could not help but reveal looks of profound envy.

The resources Eldrin Chen bestowed upon these Path of Self-Sacrifice True Spirit Foundation cultivators were sufficient to rival the accumulated wealth of many Late Great Luo Golden Immortal cultivators over hundreds of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles].

Such a staggering fortune, enough to stir the hearts of even Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch beings, had fallen into the hands of a group of newly ascended Grand Luo Golden Immortal cultivators, filling the onlookers with profound envy.

"We shall obey your command."

With a tone laced with that envy, the Chief Priest Elder spoke.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke again, "Furthermore, inform those Immortal Treasury Realm cultivators: for any who can cultivate to the True Spirit Foundation realm within ten Kalpa Tribulation, I, this lord, shall personally provide all resources needed for them to reach Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection."

"And for the first three to achieve the True Spirit Foundation realm, I shall bestow upon them the Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial energy of creation, essential for the highest breakthroughs] needed to break through to the Primordial Chaos Realm."

Upon hearing these words, everyone present felt a seismic shock in their hearts.

How precious was Innate Primordial Qi! Even though the Primordial Unity Immortal Domain [a perfected inner world] within a Path of Self-Sacrifice cultivator could, in theory, give birth to Innate Primordial Qi, it was by no means a certainty.

This was because the Inner Immortal Domain [the cultivator's internal perfected world] of the Path of Self-Sacrifice was divided into three stages: Minor Primordial Unity, Major Primordial Unity, and Limitless Primordial Unity.

Among these, the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch cultivators of the Path of Self-Sacrifice who possessed only Minor Primordial Unity or Major Primordial Unity harbored an incomplete Primordial Unity Immortal Domain within them.

For those who cultivate the Path of Self-Sacrifice and reach the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the supreme realm of a Chaos Emperor], the Primordial Unity Immortal Domain [the foundational immortal domain within a cultivator's body] within them cannot spontaneously give birth to Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial energy of creation]. Naturally, they still require Innate Primordial Qi to consolidate their Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm.

Only a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch who has cultivated the Path of Self-Sacrifice to the Limitless Primordial Unity [the perfected state of Primordial Unity] is capable of opening a complete Primordial Unity Immortal Domain.

Such a powerhouse not only possesses the potential to break through to the Chaos Celestial Emperor [the Celestial Emperor of Chaos] realm, but their body can also naturally nurture Innate Primordial Qi.

Given this, by bestowing them with Innate Primordial Qi, was Eldrin Chen not essentially providing them with all the resources needed to reach the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm?

At this thought, waves of envy washed over them, and for a fleeting moment, the notion of abandoning all their hard-earned cultivation to reincarnate and start anew even crossed their minds.

Eldrin Chen perceived their unspoken thoughts and offered a faint smile. "You have followed me for many years," he said, "managing the myriad affairs of the Great Desolate Ancient Realm [the primordial and desolate ancient world]. Your service has been invaluable to this realm."

"However," he continued, "the Great Desolate Ancient Realm now stands at a point of renewal, rising from the ashes. I still require trusted hands to oversee its daily workings."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen placed a reassuring hand on the shoulder of the Nine Great Priests [the council of nine high priests]. "Set your hearts at ease," he promised. "When the time is right, I shall grant you the opportunity to rebuild your foundations anew. Your loyalty will not go unrewarded."

Hearing this solemn pledge, the Nine Great Priests drew a deep, steadying breath and bowed to Eldrin Chen with profound reverence.

Seeing their acceptance, Eldrin Chen deemed no further words necessary.

He motioned for the Nine Great Priests to withdraw, leaving only Amani behind, and then inquired, "I've heard you've been consolidating your foundation in recent years. How is your accumulation progressing?"

"Ah."

The young woman Amani had been staring intently at Eldrin Chen's profile. Hearing his question, she snapped back to attention.

After a moment of flustered hesitation, Amani widened her eyes and declared, "The accumulation is nearly complete. Amani plans to attempt her breakthrough soon."

Eldrin Chen nodded, studying Amani carefully for a moment before speaking. "The Path of Self-Sacrifice is not like the Immortal Dao or the Sainthood through the Flesh. While this path allows for Foundation Reforging [a profound process of remolding one's cultivation foundation]," he began.

"At higher realms, it places the greatest emphasis on the solidity of one's foundation and latent potential."

"When you step into the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, whether you can forge a Limitless Primordial Unity foundation will determine your ultimate destiny."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen paused thoughtfully. "Very well," he said finally. "Today, I shall perform the Foundation Reforging for you once more. Whether you can cultivate the Primordial Unity Immortal Domain [a legendary, perfect foundational realm] will depend on your own fortune and will."

With those words, Eldrin Chen summoned the Creation Cauldron and immediately began the Foundation Reforging ritual for Amani.

Within the vast expanse of the Great Desolate Ancient Realm, Amani was a peerless prodigy of truly ancient rarity. Her innate talent likely rivaled, if not surpassed, that of Sword Profound Emperor Lord himself.

However, achieving the Limitless Primordial Unity [a legendary state of boundless foundational unity] is an endeavor of immense difficulty, no less arduous than cultivating the Three True Spirit Foundations [a supreme foundational cultivation method] within the Ancient Immortal Realm [a primordial realm of cultivation]. Therefore, Eldrin Chen proceeded with the utmost caution.

Such innate talent can be described as bearing the potential of a Dao Progenitor [an ultimate progenitor of a cultivation path]. Even within the vast expanse of the Three Poles Origin Domain [a major cosmic domain], such a prodigy emerges perhaps only once across thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth].

Within a smaller Origin Domain [a foundational cosmic realm] like the Great Desolate Ancient Realm, such an individual would possess the qualifications to contend for the title of the greatest genius across all ages, past and present.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen channeled the Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron of creation] to perform the Foundation Reforging [a divine technique to rebuild one's cultivation foundation] for Amani. He did not hesitate to expend a full ten portions of Primordial Unity Spiritual Treasure [spiritual treasures of foundational unity], each valued at the level of a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest grade of innate magical treasure] or greater.

Under Eldrin Chen's guidance, these rare treasures continuously merged into Amani's body, ultimately transforming into ten supremely powerful Immortal Vault Treasure [treasures that form the foundation of an immortal's internal vault].