Chapter 2053 : The Vial of Chaos and Conquest

In that fleeting instant, the head of Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign was severed, and his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] instantly sought to flee into the boundless Sea of Dao [the metaphysical ocean representing the totality of the Great Dao].

Yet Eldrin Chen was well-prepared. In a flash, he summoned forth the Chaos Void-Refining Vial [a supreme artifact capable of refining and containing even primordial chaos], capturing that fleeing Primordial Spirit and sealing it within the Void-Refining Vial for suppression.

On the other flank, boundless despair washed over Vorgath Di. Eldrin Chen gave him no time for words, directly unleashing the Chaos Void-Refining Vial once more to draw him in and seal him away.

With both Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to the penultimate sage realm] subdued and imprisoned within the Chaos Void-Refining Vial, the great battle finally drew to its inevitable close.

After concluding his own duel, Eldrin Chen found the other battlefields had long since fallen silent. The conflict against the two great Celestial Courts had entered its final, mopping-up stages.

He did not intervene. Instead, his gaze turned to Indestructible Elder. "My thanks, Elder, for guarding my flank," Eldrin said.

A complex smile touched the lips of Indestructible Elder, his expression one of profound reflection. "I had not imagined your power had already reached such heights," he remarked, his tone tinged with awe. "It seems you now rival the very pinnacle of the Sage Ascendant."

Eldrin Chen remained calm, yet shook his head. "Even among Sage Ascendant, there are vast gulfs in strength," he demurred. "This junior's meager power still falls far short of yours, Elder. I dare not claim to stand among the top-tier Sage Ascendant."

From the side, Extreme Emperor let out a rueful chuckle, unable to hold his tongue. "If even you do not qualify as a top-tier Sage Ascendant," he interjected, "then what, pray tell, does that make this old relic?"

"You are too modest, Senior," Eldrin replied.

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and spoke no more on the matter.

Thereafter, the group swiftly cleansed the two great Celestial Courts. Extreme Emperor obtained the Authority of the Heavenly Dao [the supreme right to command the fundamental laws of the cosmos] of the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain, and, as promised, handed over the entire legacy of both powers to Eldrin Chen.

Upon receiving this inheritance, Eldrin Chen did not hoard it all for himself. Instead, he presented the Sage Ascendant [a realm just below the legendary Sage] corporeal body of Vorgath Di, along with his several Innate Supreme Treasure [treasures born from the primal chaos, possessing unparalleled power], to Indestructible Elder.

Had Indestructible Elder not intervened in this battle, Eldrin Chen's victory, even if achieved, would have been a pyrrhic one. Bestowing these resources upon Indestructible Elder ensured that a precious favor was not squandered.

Regarding this legacy, Indestructible Elder did not decline. "This old man's injuries have only just undergone Restoration [a profound healing process], and my resources are utterly depleted. I shall not refuse these treasures."

"For your intervention, Senior, this share is rightfully yours," Eldrin Chen replied.

Eldrin Chen offered a slight smile. He did not linger within the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain, instead departing for the boundless expanse of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the endless, turbulent sea of primal chaos at the edge of creation].

Amidst the Boundless Chaotic Desolate Sea, Eldrin Chen turned to Indestructible Elder and spoke. "Once the spoils of this war are fully assimilated, I intend to return to the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss."

"When that time comes, I would once more seek your aid, Senior."

Indestructible Elder chuckled, stroking his long beard. "Since the shattering of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain, this old recluse has known nothing of the state of the Thirteen Domains of the Heavenly Abyss."

"Now, after all these years, this old man also misses the old friends from the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, so I shall accompany you on this journey."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then spoke: "The spoils of this war will likely require several dozen Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] to fully digest and integrate."

"I also wish to seize this opportunity to see if I can advance my physical cultivation realm further. How about we set our departure for fifty Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] from now?"

"Very well." Indestructible Elder nodded in agreement and said, "Then, fifty Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] hence, this old man shall come to the Great Desolate Ancient Realm to seek you out."

With those words, Indestructible Elder parted ways with the group, heading alone towards the Indestructible Primordial Domain.

After Indestructible Elder's departure, Eldrin Chen wasted no time on further discussion. He directly led his contingent of Great Emperor [supreme cultivators at the peak of power] across the Boundless Chaotic Desolate Sea back towards the Great Desolate Ancient Realm.

Upon their return to the Great Wilderness Sacred Hall, Eldrin Chen finally had the chance to take stock of the war's spoils. An expression of profound joy and triumph spread across his face.

This great battle had seen them subdue two ancient Celestial Courts. The treasures seized were beyond counting, a veritable ocean of wealth.

Among them were over a thousand portions of Primordial Unity Spiritual Treasure [supreme treasures embodying the undivided origin of creation], more than eight hundred portions of Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial energy present at the dawn of existence], and a vast quantity of exceedingly rare, high-grade divine materials.

Divine materials of Great Luo Rare Treasure [treasures of the highest cosmic order] grade and above were innumerable, enough to fill two entire Great Emperor Ancient Ship [massive, ancient vessels used by supreme emperors for travel and transport].

According to the estimation of Eldrin Chen, the value of these divine treasures was at least several hundred times greater than the combined wealth of the Great Desolate Ancient Realm and the Three Desolate Domains.

"With such profound reserves, the wealth of the Desolate Ancient Celestial Court likely rivals more than half of the entire Human Race Immortal Court," he remarked.

Gazing upon this immense hoard of resources, Eldrin Chen could not help but voice his thoughts with a sigh of admiration [a deep feeling of respect and wonder].

Immortal Desolation Emperor let out a cold laugh and spoke, "When the Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign departed, he plundered ninety-nine percent of the resources from the Great Wilderness Primordial Domain."

"Had it not been for that, this realm might have been able to sustain itself a while longer."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement and stated, "Henceforth, this wealth shall be primarily allocated to the development of the Great Desolate Ancient Realm."

With these words, Eldrin Chen cataloged all resources below the Emperor Lord [a title for a supreme ruler among cultivators] tier into the treasury, finally turning his gaze to the truly invaluable treasures.

From this campaign, Eldrin Chen had inherited the legacies of two great Celestial Courts. Although he had given the Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from primordial chaos] lineage of Vorgath Di to the Indestructible Elder, the remaining resources were still considerable.

Among them, the most precious were one Chaos Rare Treasure [a treasure of immense power born from the primordial chaos], three Innate Supreme Treasure, and the complete remains of the Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign.

Of these five treasures, the three Innate Supreme Treasure were the 'Great Wilderness Heaven Halberd', the 'Immortal Refining Pool', and the 'Immortal-Slaying Banner'.

Among these three Innate Supreme Treasure, the Great Wilderness Heaven Halberd possesses extraordinary might, while the Immortal Refining Pool is a supreme treasure for suppressing formidable foes, capable of restraining experts at the Great Emperor level [the pinnacle realm of cultivation, representing supreme power and authority].

As for the Immortal-Slaying Banner, it is also an Slaughter Emperor Weapon [a divine weapon wielded by an Emperor-level being]. However, this treasure was bestowed by the Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign upon one of his Great Emperor subordinates, who was also his own direct descendant, 'Immortal Desolation Great Emperor'.

Now, that very Immortal Desolation Great Emperor has also been suppressed by Eldrin Chen within the Void-Refining Vial.

It must be admitted, the Void-Refining Vial truly lives up to its name as a supreme treasure for imprisoning powerful enemies. Even a Sage Ascendant [a realm transcending Great Emperors, approaching the Sagehood] expert would find it exceedingly difficult to break free from its confines.

Of course, the Void-Refining Vial has its limits. This treasure can suppress at most eighty-one Great Emperor, nine Sage Ascendant, and three Chaos Celestial Emperor [the supreme rulers born from primordial chaos].

Should this number be exceeded, the Void-Refining Vial would struggle to bear the burden, potentially allowing the imprisoned powerhouses to break free.

Currently, the Void-Refining Vial has only suppressed two Sage Ascendant, so there is no immediate cause for concern.

Returning to the main point, aside from the three Innate Supreme Treasure, the complete Sage Ascendant physical body of a Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign is also an immensely valuable resource.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, the Sage Ascendant body of the Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign might be equivalent to two or three thousand drops of Chaotic Divine Liquid [a primordial liquid essence of immense power], sufficient for Eldrin Chen's cultivation base to break through to the Eighth Layer of Primordial Unity Emperor Lord.

As for that final piece of Chaos Rare Treasure, it is named 'Chaos Stubborn Iron' [an unyielding primordial metal]. This iron was obtained by the Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign from within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation].

This piece of iron appeared utterly unremarkable, yet concealed within it was a startling and profound mystery.

It was said that even when subjected to the relentless forging of the Primordial Chaos Divine Thunder [a supreme divine thunder technique of primordial chaos], or the day-and-night scorching of the Chaos Fire [a legendary flame born from the primal chaos], this metal remained steadfastly Indestructible [utterly unbreakable and impervious to damage].

For many years, the Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign [the supreme ruler of the Great Wilderness] had spared no cost in his attempts to refine this stubborn metal, yet he had always found it impossible to melt or shape.

"A piece of obstinate iron."

Gazing at the unyielding metal before him, Eldrin Chen fell into deep contemplation.

As the name implied, 'stubborn iron' was iron that was obstinate and exceedingly hard. Whether it was mundane stubborn iron, impervious to wind, sun, thunder, or fire...

...or the stubborn iron found in the Immortal World [the realm of immortal cultivators] and the Immortal World, it often possessed the Indestructible [utterly unbreakable] and Imperishable [eternally enduring] properties, leaving both cultivators and Immortal [beings who have ascended to the Immortal Realm] utterly helpless.

The peculiar metal before him, however, was the Chaos Stubborn Iron [a legendary, supremely hard metal born from primal chaos]. Its durability was such that even wielding a hammer of the Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a supreme grade of magical artifact born from chaos] level to forge it would likely fail to produce the slightest deformation.

If the Chaos Mud [a mystical, formless substance from primal chaos] possessed infinite malleability, then this piece of stubborn iron possessed absolutely none.

It was precisely because of this utterly unyielding, un-shapeable nature that such peculiar metal earned the name 'stubborn iron,' regarded by many Immortal as both foul and unbreakably hard.

Of course, the Chaos Stubborn Iron [a legendary, nearly unworkable metal] is not truly impossible to forge; it is merely exceptionally arduous to work with.

To forge Chaos Stubborn Iron, one either requires power and treasures far surpassing its current grade, must await the proper Opportunity [a pivotal moment of fate or chance] and timing, or it must be tempered by the convergence of heaven and earth's Great Dao [the supreme, fundamental laws of the cosmos].

For example, the first Primordial Immortal Weapon [a weapon of primordial origin and supreme power] that Eldrin Chen obtained, the 'Supreme Unity Thunder Abyss Myriad Tribulations Sword', had as its core a single piece of this stubborn iron.

A single piece of stubborn iron, hammered day and night by endless Thunder [the celestial force of lightning and thunder], for a span of time unknowable, spanning who knows how many Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth], eventually interwove the most potent Thunder Dao patterns and finally gestated into a Primordial Immortal Weapon.

"This stubborn iron possesses an Indestructible [utterly unbreakable] quality and a durability far exceeding its grade. If fused into the Abyssal Seal, it would undoubtedly increase the treasure's resilience manyfold."

"And if forged into a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos], it would surely become a peerless treasure most suited for one who walks the Sainthood through the Flesh [a cultivation path focused on achieving divinity through physical perfection]."

As these thoughts drifted through his mind, Eldrin Chen attempted to refine it using the Chaos Pure Yang Flame [a primordial flame of pure yang essence], even continuously channeling the power of the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation art]. Yet, he found this piece of Chaos Stubborn Iron showed not the slightest sign of being refined.

After repeated attempts, Eldrin Chen had no choice but to abandon the idea of refining it for now. He carefully stored it away, secreting it within the nameless Void [a conceptual space of emptiness] where the Abyssal Pearl resided.

A treasure of this caliber, perhaps even more precious than an Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born with heaven and earth, of supreme grade], deserved such cautious treatment from Eldrin Chen.

Having secured the Chaos Stubborn Iron, Eldrin Chen then collected the Sage Ascendant [a realm denoting one who has ascended to sagehood] remains of Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign before turning his gaze to the three Innate Supreme Treasure.

These three Innate Supreme Treasure [treasures born of heaven and earth, possessing supreme power] were all exceptionally mighty. After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin Chen entrusted the 'Great Wilderness Heaven Halberd' [a halberd embodying the primordial power of the desolate wilderness] to his Reincarnation Body [a separate physical form created through profound reincarnation arts].

As for the 'Immortal-Slaying Banner' [a banner famed for its power to slay even immortal beings], it was given to Earth's Severance Great Emperor, one of the Three Talents Great Emperor [the collective title for three peerless emperors representing Heaven, Earth, and Man]. This further augmented the combat prowess of the Three Talents Great Emperor.

The 'Immortal Refining Pool' [a mystical pool capable of refining and subduing immortal beings], however, was more suited for suppressing powerful foes and offered little direct aid in battle.

Thus, after further deliberation, Eldrin Chen chose to integrate this treasure into the Great Desolate Ancient Realm [a primordial and vast independent dimension], using it specifically to suppress beings at the Great Emperor [the pinnacle realm of emperors, commanding immense cosmic authority] level.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, when combined with the grand Formation [a complex array or formation that harnesses cosmic energies], this treasure could simultaneously suppress nine Great Emperor Realm [the cultivation realm of a Great Emperor] experts, along with one hundred and eight enemies at or above the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [an emperor-monarch who has mastered the primordial chaos] level.

Having settled the Immortal Refining Pool, Eldrin Chen transferred the several Great Emperor and Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch he had recently subdued into the depths of the Immortal Refining Pool.

This action liberated the Authority of the Heavenly Dao [the power to command the fundamental laws of the cosmos] within the Great Desolate Ancient Realm, which had previously been dedicated to suppressing such powerful prisoners.

It must be understood that suppressing experts at the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch level and above is no simple task.

Those who reach the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm cultivate an Indestructible Primordial Spirit [an utterly unbreakable core of spiritual essence]. Augmented by the power of their Dao Authority [authority over a specific fundamental principle or Dao], their Primordial Spirit [the foundational spiritual core of a cultivator] becomes an Imperishable [truly eternal and indestructible] existence, capable of reconstituting a physical form and reviving at any moment.

If left un-suppressed, such formidable beings could endlessly reconstitute their fleshly bodies, reviving again and again like tenacious, unyielding glue.

Even if the physical body, upon its initial reconstruction, possessed only the first layer of the Primordial Unity Dao Body [a legendary cultivation physique representing the unity of primordial forces] and required vast resources for Restoration [a divine ability focused on healing and reconstitution], the worst outcome would be a decline in combat prowess after revival, not true and utter annihilation.

For beings of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the supreme realm of power within the primordial chaos] tier, even a Chaos Celestial Emperor would not find it easy to subdue them.

Destroying the physical form of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch is not difficult, but to truly suppress one requires a constant expenditure of magical power to seal their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator].

Though the drain on power is not immense, it necessitates a portion of one's strength being perpetually diverted.

Even with supreme treasures like the Solar Golden Pagoda and the Immortal Refining Pool, which are Innate Supreme Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos, possessing supreme power], capable of sealing experts at the Great Emperor Realm [a pinnacle realm of imperial authority and power], there is a limit to the number one can contain.

Therefore, even a Chaos Celestial Emperor would not recklessly suppress Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch without some measure of consideration.

During this period, Eldrin Chen had successively slain several dozen Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch. He paid little mind to those in the early or middle stages of this realm, as they posed no significant threat.

However, for the few existences at the Great Emperor level, he had expended Power of Heavenly Dao Authority [the authority and power derived from the Heavenly Dao, the fundamental law of the cosmos] to seal their Primordial Spirit, which undoubtedly consumed a considerable amount of this precious power.

Now, with the Immortal Refining Pool in hand, this portion of Power of Heavenly Dao Authority could finally be liberated, allowing Eldrin Chen's combat prowess to ascend to its absolute peak.

"It is nearly complete."

With the distribution of treasures concluded, Eldrin Chen finally addressed the assembled group. "For this battle, the rest of you may go and rest," he instructed. "The seven Great Emperors of Three Talents and Four Symbols, follow me to the Artifact Refining Chamber."

"As you command, Master," they replied.

Upon hearing this, the seven Great Emperors of Three Talents and Four Symbols all revealed expressions of pleasant surprise.

They understood that Eldrin Chen summoning them now was undoubtedly for the matter of ascending their Innate Supreme Treasures [supreme-grade magical artifacts born from the fundamental laws of the universe].

Thus, they promptly followed Eldrin Chen into the depths of the Artifact Refining Chamber.

Once they stepped into the Artifact Refining Chamber, Eldrin Chen wasted no words. He directly produced various Primordial Unity Spiritual Treasures [spiritual treasures of the Primordial Unity realm, used as foundational materials for refining supreme artifacts] to assist the seven in ascending their Lifebound Treasures [magical treasures bound to a cultivator's life and soul, growing in power with them].

The Three Talents Banner and the Four Symbols Banner were originally Innate Supreme Treasure Embryos [the nascent, foundational forms of Innate Supreme Treasures] with insufficient foundational strength. As long as there were enough resources to supplement their foundation, their ascension to true Innate Supreme Treasures held almost no possibility of failure.

With Eldrin Chen's assistance, the Lifebound Treasures of the Three Talents and Four Symbols Great Emperors succeeded in their ascension one after another. After approximately a dozen or so Kalpa Tribulations [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often associated with great calamities and rebirth], they had all ascended to become true Innate Supreme Treasures.

Thus, the Lifebound Treasures of these seven Great Emperors had all stepped into the domain of Great Emperor [the cultivation realm of a Great Emperor, representing supreme power and authority].

Furthermore, by leveraging the ascension of their Lifebound Innate Supreme Treasures [Innate Supreme Treasures that are Lifebound], the foundational strength of the three surged once more, each cultivating an additional True Spirit Foundation [a foundational cultivation stage representing the purity, strength, and potential of one's spiritual essence].

These seven individuals possessed extraordinary foundations. They originally all had Three True Spirit Foundations [a state where a cultivator has consolidated three distinct spiritual foundations], and now, having cultivated two additional True Spirit Foundation [a solidified spiritual foundation core], their combat prowess had once again seen a significant increase.

Following this enhancement, the strength of Three Talents Emperor Lord surged dramatically, allowing him to step into the realm of top-tier Great Emperor [a supreme sovereign-level cultivator]. Four Symbols Emperor Lord lagged slightly behind, solidifying his position firmly within the domain of powerful Great Emperor.

Such power rendered the combined might of Three Talents and Four Symbols Emperor Lord increasingly formidable.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, the combined combat strength of Three Talents Emperor Lord had now entered the domain of rivaling a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the threshold of sagehood], sufficient to contend against the combined force of ten Great Emperor.

Four Symbols Emperor Lord was not far behind; their united power could also battle against a powerhouse capable of rivaling a Sage Ascendant.

If all seven were to join forces and deploy the Three Talents and Four Symbols Grand Formation [a grand battle formation based on the principles of the Three Talents and Four Symbols], they could even contend on equal footing with a Sage Ascendant like Great Wilderness Emperor Sovereign.

"Excellent."

Witnessing the substantial progress of the four, Eldrin Chen nodded with satisfaction.

He drew a deep breath and inquired, "Having reached this level, do you have the confidence to glimpse the threshold of the Sage Ascendant Realm [the realm of a Sage Ascendant]?"

The seven Great Emperor contemplated silently for a long moment, sensing their own inner states.

The Heaven-Slaughter Great Emperor [a supreme title for a cultivator who has reached the pinnacle of the Great Emperor realm] let out a heavy sigh, his voice tinged with resignation. "Given the state of my foundation and the depth of my reserves," he said, "a bid for the Sage Ascendant [a legendary realm beyond that of a Great Emperor, representing a sage-like ascension] realm is likely beyond my reach. The most critical issue... is our insufficient potential."