Chapter 2058 : An Audience with the Dao Progenitor

Following the decree issued by Eldrin Chen, Taicang Divine Emperor soon arrived at the Immortal Court [the celestial court governing the immortal realm].

After a span of several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], within the celestial halls of the Immortal Court, Eldrin Chen once again beheld Taicang Divine Emperor.

Compared to bygone years, the statuses of the two had undergone a profound and dramatic shift.

Facing Eldrin Chen, whose exalted status was that of a Sage Ascendant [a supreme being who has ascended to sagehood], Taicang Divine Emperor appeared exceptionally reserved. He did not directly step into the Immortal Court, but instead spoke respectfully from outside its gates: "Taicang seeks an audience with the Abyssal Dao Progenitor [the progenitor of the Abyssal Dao, a supreme title]."

"The Dao Progenitor [a supreme being who has comprehended and founded a fundamental Dao] bids you welcome. Fellow Daoist, please follow me."

Outside the great hall, a handsome man who had been waiting for some time greeted Taicang Divine Emperor with a faint smile.

The moment he laid eyes on this handsome man, Taicang Divine Emperor felt a tremor in his heart, instantly recognizing the man's identity.

Since Eldrin Chen's return, the more than ten Great Emperor [supreme sovereigns of immense power] under his command had each displayed astonishing prowess.

Having heard reports of these Great Emperor, Taicang Divine Emperor knew the man before him was named Sword Profound Great Emperor, an Invincible Great Emperor [a Great Emperor whose combat power is peerless, capable of astonishing even immortals] whose battle prowess could startle immortals.

Thus, Taicang Divine Emperor dared not show any neglect. He promptly spoke: "So it is Fellow Daoist Sword Profound. I never imagined Your Excellency would personally come to receive me. I am truly overwhelmed by such an honor."

Sword Profound Great Emperor offered a faint smile and spoke, "My Lord has mentioned that Taicang Divine Emperor is a dear friend of his and must be received with the utmost sincerity."

"My Lord has been awaiting your arrival. Please, follow me."

Hearing this, Taicang Divine Emperor felt a tremor in his heart, a wave of profound relief washing over him.

After all, the present Eldrin Chen was no ordinary Sage Ascendant. Not only did he possess combat prowess rivaling the very peak of that realm, but he also commanded the allegiance of over a dozen Great Emperor-level followers.

Such formidable power and influence were nearly equivalent to half the might of the entire Demonic Celestial Court. In terms of both raw strength and latent potential, he far surpassed even the Desolate Wasteland Quasi-Emperor of the Divine Race.

To be held in such high regard by Eldrin Chen, to share a bond of genuine friendship with him—this was an honor that even one of the Divine Race's Nine Divine Emperors felt deeply privileged to receive.

With this thought, Taicang Divine Emperor dared not show any discourtesy. He promptly followed Sword Profound Great Emperor as they proceeded at a measured pace.

Before long, they arrived deep within the Immortal Court. To his surprise, Taicang Divine Emperor discovered that Eldrin Chen had chosen not to receive him in the imposing main hall of the court, but within the breathtakingly beautiful confines of the Peach Orchard of Immortality.

The Innate Peach Orchard of Immortality was filled with countless Ancient Immortal Peach Tree. These trees were no ordinary flora; even the lowest among them were Spirit Root [a plant with innate spiritual properties] of the Innate Ancient Tree tier.

At that moment, the trees were in full bloom, their branches laden with peach blossoms. Beneath the gnarled boughs of one particularly ancient tree stood a simple stone table. There, Eldrin Chen sat in tranquil repose, having awaited his guest's arrival for some time.

"I pay my respects to the Abyssal Dao Progenitor."

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, Taicang Divine Emperor immediately strode forward and performed a respectful bow, saying.

Eldrin Chen shook his head with a faint smile, speaking calmly, "Between you and me, there is a friendship spanning hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles]."

"Even after so many years apart, why must we be so formal?"

Only then did Taicang Divine Emperor take a deep breath. After his breakthrough into the Sage Ascendant Realm, Eldrin Chen's aura had grown increasingly unfathomable. Even merely sitting there, he exuded an aura of supreme majesty.

Those of lower cultivation might not perceive it, but beings of their Great Emperor Realm stature understood all too well the terrifying presence of Eldrin Chen.

Had Eldrin Chen not chosen this grove of peach blossoms instead of a solemn, imposing immortal palace, Taicang Divine Emperor would likely have been too constrained to speak freely.

The will of heaven is inscrutable. After all, hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] had passed since their last meeting, and he did not know if Eldrin Chen's temperament had changed with his elevated cultivation.

Fortunately, from what he could see now, Eldrin Chen's disposition seemed unchanged from years past.

With this thought, Taicang Divine Emperor let out a sigh of relief. "When you were defeated and retreated from the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, I feared the worst had befallen you."

"I never imagined that after merely a few hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], you would return with such an invincible presence."

Eldrin Chen smiled, gestured for him to sit, and even personally brewed a pot of tea.

As he poured the tea, he spoke calmly, "Back then, had it not been for your aid, I might not have escaped into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the primordial, chaotic, and desolate expanse beyond the known cosmos], nor would I have attained my current Opportunity [a pivotal chance or favorable circumstance crucial for advancement] and achievements."

"My part was merely adding flowers to brocade [a minor contribution to an already splendid situation]," Taicang Divine Emperor replied, then continued, "With your capabilities, I believe you could have found a way to escape regardless."

"I consider it sending charcoal in snowy weather [providing essential aid in a time of desperate need]," Eldrin Chen stated calmly.

He then handed the Taicang Divine Emperor a Primordial Thunder Spear [a spear imbued with the primordial power of thunder].

Taicang Divine Emperor's expression shifted slightly, and he hastily declined, "This treasure is far too precious. I fear I am not worthy to receive it."

"Take it," Eldrin Chen insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

He continued, "Among the nine Divine Race [a powerful race of divine beings] Divine Emperors, only four lack an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme magical treasure one is born with or destined to possess]."

"As one of the Nine Emperors, to be without a companion Innate Supreme Treasure inevitably puts you at a disadvantage."

Taicang Divine Emperor [the supreme ruler of the Taicang Divine Court] had just retrieved the Primordial Thunder Spear [a divine weapon forged from the essence of primordial thunder], and with a bitter smile, he said, "It seems the choice I made back then was not a mistake."

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] smiled and began to chat with Taicang Divine Emperor about the events of the intervening years.

After a long while, Taicang Divine Emperor bid farewell to Eldrin Chen and was escorted out of the Immortal Court [the celestial court of the Immortals] by Sword Profound Emperor Lord [a mighty emperor renowned for his sword arts].

As Taicang Divine Emperor was leaving, he unexpectedly encountered Ethereal Void Divine Emperor [a divine emperor who commands the power of the ethereal void]. The two exchanged a slight nod before passing each other by.

"Did Abyssal Dao Progenitor [Eldrin Chen's exalted title as the progenitor of the Abyssal Dao] summon him here also because of that battle from long ago?"

Taicang Divine Emperor's thoughts drifted, recalling that fateful battle where Eldrin Chen was forced to retreat from the Chaos Frontier [the lawless borderlands between order and primordial chaos]. Of the Divine Race's Nine Divine Emperors [the nine supreme rulers of the Divine Race], only the two of them had participated in that conflict.

Returning to the matter at hand, Ethereal Void Divine Emperor, guided by Immortal Great Emperor [a sovereign emperor among the Immortals], soon arrived at the main hall of the Immortal Court.

Compared to his meeting with Taicang Divine Emperor, Eldrin Chen had only met Ethereal Void Divine Emperor once before. Therefore, he did not engage in any excessive attempts to win him over, merely receiving him as per protocol within the grand hall of the Immortal Court.

Upon entering the hall, Ethereal Void Divine Emperor was surprised to find Grand Nether Emperor Lord [a powerful emperor who rules over the grand nether realms] also present. He immediately bowed with utmost respect and said, "This humble one, Taixu, pays his respects to Abyssal Dao Progenitor."

"There is no need for such formality."

Eldrin Chen smiled and ordered a seat to be prepared for Ethereal Void Divine Emperor.

Only after Ethereal Void Divine Emperor had taken his seat did Eldrin Chen speak with a smile, "I have long heard that Ethereal Void Divine Emperor stands as the foremost among the Divine Race's Nine Divine Emperors. Seeing you today, the rumors indeed do not lie."

"If my estimation is correct, Fellow Daoist, you should have a genuine hope of successfully impacting the Sage Ascendant Realm."

"You flatter me, Dao Progenitor,"

Ethereal Void Divine Emperor replied, his expression turning somewhat grave. "The Ethereal Void Great Dao [the supreme path of the formless void] is profound and unfathomable. My cultivation of the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] is still insufficient; I do not yet have the confidence to contend for Dao Authority [the sovereign right to command a Great Dao]."

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly in agreement. Even among Perfect Innate Great Dao [supreme, naturally perfect cosmic principles], there are distinctions of strength and weakness.

For example, the Vermilion Heaven Departing Fire Great Dao [the Great Dao of celestial fire and departure] cultivated by Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant possesses only six Grand Dao Divine Form [divine manifestations of a Great Dao's power]. Consequently, only a handful of powerhouses at the Great Emperor Realm cultivate it.

In contrast, the Ethereal Void Great Dao cultivated by Ethereal Void Divine Emperor belongs to a branch of the Space Great Dao [the fundamental principle governing spatial dimensions]. Thus, it commands nine Grand Dao Divine Form.

A Great Dao [a supreme cosmic principle] possessing nine Grand Dao Divine Form, once fully mastered, grants a probability of breaking through to the Chaos Celestial Emperor realm no lower than fifty percent.

It is precisely for this reason that many Great Emperor [powerhouses at the pinnacle of cultivation] cultivate the Ethereal Void Great Dao—at least twenty or more.

For Ethereal Void Divine Emperor to master the Ethereal Void Great Dao, the difficulty was naturally far greater.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen pondered and said, "If the Divine Emperor's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] could advance a step further, perhaps you would have the confidence to seize Dao Authority [the authority to govern a fundamental principle of reality]."

Ethereal Void Divine Emperor was slightly taken aback. He glanced at the Grand Nether Emperor Lord beside him, then inquired, "Did the Dao Progenitor [a supreme being who has comprehended and governs a fundamental Dao] summon me here to propose an exchange of the Earth Soul Scripture and Heaven Soul Scripture between the two of us?"

"That is essentially correct."

Eldrin Chen nodded and continued, "I believe this course of action would be mutually beneficial for both of you."

Ethereal Void Divine Emperor fell into brief contemplation before speaking, "Unless one can find the legendary Human Soul Scripture [a mythical scripture concerning the human soul], relying solely on the Earth Soul Scripture [a profound scripture concerning the earthly aspect of the soul] would not allow my Primordial Spirit to achieve a significant breakthrough."

"However, by trading scriptures and complementing each other's strengths, it would indeed be a mutually advantageous arrangement for us both."

Eldrin Chen did not answer immediately. Instead, he stated, "In truth, I sought you out this time for another important matter as well."

"Oh?"

A flicker of curiosity passed through the eyes of the Ethereal Void Divine Emperor.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and then spoke, "I wish to exchange an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure born from the primordial chaos] for your Heaven Soul Scripture [a legendary scripture containing profound soul cultivation arts]."

"This..."

Ethereal Void Divine Emperor's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of coldness appearing in the depths of his pupils.

Although the Heaven Soul Scripture was merely an Innate Supreme Treasure, it was a fragment derived from the Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture [the primordial scripture governing the three souls of heaven, earth, and man]. The value of such a supreme treasure was self-evident.

Legend held that gathering all three Soul Scriptures would allow one to repair the Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a treasure of chaos origin], the Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture, and that upon the scriptures' full emergence, a Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who has mastered the Dao of the Soul] would inevitably be born.

Exchanging such a treasure for a single Innate Supreme Treasure hardly seemed a favorable bargain.

With this thought, Ethereal Void Divine Emperor felt a growing inclination to decline.

"Do not be so quick to refuse."

It was at this moment that Eldrin Chen spoke again.

With a flick of his sleeve, he produced a Void Treasure Gourd [a gourd-shaped treasure that manipulates the power of void and space]. "This Void Gourd is a Space Spirit Treasure [a spiritual treasure attuned to the laws of space]," he stated. "I believe it would suit Your Excellency far better than the Heaven Soul Scripture."

Ethereal Void Divine Emperor felt a stirring in his heart, and a flicker of genuine interest arose within him.

Artifacts with spatial properties are often considerably more valuable than Innate Supreme Treasure of the same rank. The worth of this item likely surpasses the Heaven Soul Scripture [a legendary scripture concerning the soul] itself.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen continued, "The Heaven Soul Scripture is indeed precious, and the Three Souls Book is a legendary Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from primordial chaos]."

"However, with that Dao-Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified with the Dao] from the Blazing Central Primordial Domain present, do you truly believe that obtaining the Three Souls Book would allow you to achieve Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [the state of enlightenment and union with the Dao through the Primordial Spirit]?"

Hearing this, Ethereal Void Divine Emperor could not help but reveal a bitter smile.

Although he had also cultivated a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a perfected and genuine spiritual core], his primary cultivation path was the Void Dao [the Dao of Emptiness and Void]. Even if he mastered the Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture [the scripture of the three souls from primordial chaos], it was uncertain whether he could cultivate the Nine Great True Spirit Apertures [the nine supreme spiritual openings of a True Spirit].

Most crucially, with that Dao-Union Supreme blocking his path, he likely could not protect the Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture either.

With this thought, Ethereal Void Divine Emperor spoke, "I can hand over the Heaven Soul Scripture to Your Excellency. However, I hope that if one day you obtain the Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture, you would allow me to study it."

"Agreed."

Eldrin Chen gave his word, then added, "However, should that day come, this promise can only be fulfilled after I have stepped into the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who commands the power of Chaos]."

"That is only natural."

Ethereal Void Divine Emperor nodded. The Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture [a legendary scripture detailing the cultivation of the three primordial souls] was far too precious; without the strength of a Chaos Celestial Emperor, one simply could not safeguard it. Eldrin Chen's caution was entirely expected.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen exchanged the Void Gourd [a gourd-shaped treasure capable of storing and manipulating spatial energies] for the Heaven Soul Scripture [the scripture pertaining to the cultivation of the Heavenly Soul].

After completing this transaction, Eldrin Chen took out several more rare treasures. Among them was the Golden-Winged Heaven-Slicing Blade [a divine blade said to be capable of cleaving the heavens], which he presented to the Ethereal Void Divine Emperor, saying, "In the battles of the past, you rendered me no small assistance."

"Now that I have returned, I naturally will not treat you poorly."

"Consider this Golden-Winged Heaven-Slicing Blade as a token of my gratitude for your efforts, Your Divine Majesty."

The Ethereal Void Divine Emperor did not refuse. He accepted the Golden-Winged Heaven-Slicing Blade immediately, then said with a smile, "It seems I have not come out at a loss by exchanging for this Heaven Soul Scripture."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly but offered no further comment.

Next, the Ethereal Void Divine Emperor and Grand Nether Emperor Lord exchanged the Heaven Soul Ancient Scripture [the ancient version of the Heaven Soul cultivation scripture] and the Earth Soul Ancient Scripture [the ancient scripture for cultivating the Earth Soul]. Only then did the Ethereal Void Divine Emperor depart the great hall in haste.

After he had left, Eldrin Chen turned to Grand Nether Emperor Lord and inquired, "What are your impressions?"

"With this ancient scripture, my chances of breaking through to the Great Emperor Realm [the pinnacle realm of a Great Emperor, a sovereign-level existence] have risen to thirty or forty percent."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then retrieved an Enlightenment Sacred Fruit [a divine fruit that grants profound insights and enlightenment] and an Earth Soul Sacred Fruit [a sacred fruit that nourishes and strengthens the earth-attuned soul], handing them both to Grand Nether Emperor Lord. "With these two immortal fruits, your breakthrough to the Great Emperor Realm should be assured."

A flicker of joy crossed Grand Nether Emperor Lord's features. He produced the Earth Soul Scripture [an ancient scripture detailing the profound mysteries of the Earth Soul] and handed it to Eldrin Chen. "The Earth Soul Scripture is yours. But remember, you must allow me to study your future Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture [a legendary scripture encompassing the secrets of the three primordial souls within chaos]."

Eldrin Chen nodded again. He then took out the Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born of primordial nature, of supreme rank] known as the Six Paths Heaven Wheel [a divine wheel representing the cycle of the six paths of existence] and presented it to Grand Nether Emperor Lord. "Adding this should sufficiently compensate for the value of the Earth Soul Scripture."

Grand Nether Emperor Lord did not refuse. After a long moment of silence, he could not help but ask, "You seek both the Heaven Soul Scripture [an ancient scripture detailing the profound mysteries of the Heaven Soul] and the Earth Soul Scripture. Could it be... you intend to walk the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [the arduous cultivation path of refining one's physical body to a sacred, indestructible state]?"

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before giving a slight, confirming nod. "I cultivate both the Sainthood through the Flesh [the path of achieving sacred, god-like power through physical refinement] and the Great Dao Path [the primary path of comprehending and merging with the fundamental laws of existence]. The path of the soul is also one I seek."

"That... may be a path that leads to a dead end."

Grand Nether Emperor Lord shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips. "As the saying goes, the Great Dao [the supreme, fundamental principle of all existence] reigns supreme and alone. Once you step into the Chaos Realm [the primordial realm of undifferentiated chaos, the origin of all] via one particular path, all other cultivation paths you follow will inevitably be suppressed."

"Even with your peerless talent, reaching that ultimate step would be exceedingly difficult. It might even destabilize your very foundation."

"One must still try."

Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh, offering no further words.

Seeing this, Grand Nether Emperor Lord understood that Eldrin Chen's conviction was unshakable, not something that could be swayed by a few words, and thus ceased any further attempts at persuasion.

She smiled faintly, rising to her feet. "With your aid today, the Great Emperor Realm [the pinnacle realm of an emperor-level cultivator] is nearly within my grasp. It is time for me to make my attempt at the breakthrough."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. "Then I shall await the good news from the Emperor Lord [a title for a powerful ruler in the cultivation world]."

Watching Grand Nether Emperor Lord depart, Eldrin Chen immediately stored the scrolls containing the Heaven and Earth Souls into the nameless Void [a profound state of emptiness or a specific spatial technique] within the Abyssal Pearl.

He did not immediately begin contemplating the ancient scripture. Instead, he strode towards the very heart of the Primordial Immortal Domain.

The Kirin Ancient Domain was one of the Three Thousand Heavenly Domains [a collective term for the myriad realms within the Primordial Immortal Domain] of the Primordial Immortal Domain, and among the most majestic of all the Celestial Domains.

This place was the ancestral stronghold of the Kirin Clan, guarded by a supreme killing formation of half-step Chaos [referring to the primordial Chaos, a state of ultimate power and disorder] level, and further empowered by the Power of Heavenly Dao Authority [the authority and mandate granted by the Heavenly Dao, the supreme natural order].

The mightiest of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races, the Progenitor of the Qilin [a mythical auspicious beast, often translated as Kirin] lineage, resided here perpetually.

It was said that this Kirin Progenitor, the Grand Turbid Daoist, held partial authority over the Primordial Immortal Domain, wielding a portion of its sovereign power.

Within the bounds of the Kirin Ancient Domain [the ancestral homeland of the Kirin race], the Kirin Progenitor could unleash combat prowess rivaling that of half a Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler among cultivators, wielding power over cosmic laws].

At this moment, Eldrin Chen strode forward to the edge of the Kirin Ancient Domain, preparing to speak, when he noticed two figures who had been waiting for some time within a nearby pavilion.

Upon closer inspection, he recognized them as the two great Sage Ascendant [a supreme realm just below the legendary Dao Progenitor] figures of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [a grand alliance of powerful, ancient spirit races]: the Kirin Ancient Ancestor and the Primordial Spirit Emperor.

"Come, come quickly."

The Kirin Ancient Ancestor offered a gentle smile, beckoning Eldrin Chen to approach the pavilion.

Before Eldrin Chen could utter a word, the Ancient Ancestor turned to the Primordial Spirit Emperor and said, "Old friend, did I not tell you long ago that Eldrin, the Abyssal Daoist would inevitably join our ranks?"

"See now? My words have proven true, have they not?"

The Primordial Spirit Emperor was a woman of peerless grace and beauty. She bestowed a smile upon Eldrin Chen, a smile whose elegance seemed unique across all the ages.

Eldrin Chen hastily clasped his hands in a respectful salute and spoke, "I pay my respects to Senior Grand Turbidity and to Senior Spirit Emperor."

"There is no need for such formality," the Grand Turbid Daoist [the Daoist title of the Kirin Ancient Ancestor, representing the concept of primordial chaos] quickly waved his hand, a smile gracing his features. "You now hold the esteemed status of a Dao Progenitor [the ultimate pinnacle of cultivation, a being who has comprehended and mastered a fundamental Dao of existence]. Do not humble this old one so."

Primordial Spirit Emperor [a title for an ancient and powerful emperor of spiritual beings] also smiled, carefully appraising Eldrin Chen for a moment before speaking. "The words of Grand Turbidity [a title meaning 'Great Turbid One'] hold merit. From now on, let us interact as peers."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen did not press the matter. Instead, he clasped his hands and said, "When I was forced to retreat from the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, primordial sea of chaotic energy], both of you provided immense assistance."

"I had intended to visit your abodes to express my gratitude personally. I did not expect to encounter you both here today."

Grand Turbid Daoist [a Daoist master bearing the title 'Grand Turbid'] merely smiled serenely, pouring a cup of tea for Eldrin Chen before speaking. "We knew you would come to pay a visit, which is why we waited here together."

"Oh?"

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

Seeing his reaction, the Primordial Spirit Emperor spoke frankly. "To be honest with you, when we aided you before, we too had a matter on which we sought your assistance."

A subtle light shifted in Eldrin Chen's eyes. He remained silent, listening intently to the Primordial Spirit Emperor's words.

The two Sage Ascendant [a cultivation realm just below that of a Sage] pondered for a moment. It was Grand Turbid Daoist who finally continued. "The truth is, long ago, the two of us discovered a Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden pocket dimension born from primordial chaos] within the depths of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea."

"A Chaos Secret Realm?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression shifted abruptly, a flicker of alarm crossing his features.

So-called Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension born from the primordial chaos] are secret realms of the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] level. They mostly originate from the dawn of Chaos, born from the convergence of the Chaos Great Dao [the fundamental principle of primordial chaos] and Chaos Origin [the primordial source material of chaos]. Within them, all manner of Chaos Rare Treasure [rare treasures imbued with the power of primordial chaos] are often nurtured.

Most crucially, the emergence of a Chaos Secret Realm is very likely to be accompanied by the appearance of Chaos Primordial Qi [the most fundamental and potent spiritual energy of primordial chaos].

Therefore, within the Vast Chaotic Sea [the boundless expanse of primordial chaos], the birth of every single Chaos Secret Realm stirs a tempest of blood and strife, even attracting hordes of Chaos Celestial Emperor [supreme rulers who have mastered the power of chaos] and Sage Ascendant [beings who have ascended to the threshold of sagehood] to vie for its treasures.

In ages past, even the Indestructible Elder had ventured into a Chaos Secret Realm, yet he managed to scavenge only ten portions of Chaos Origin.

Yet, despite the Indestructible Elder's formidable power, he failed to seize the most precious Chaos Primordial Qi within it. This reveals just what terrifyingly powerful beings are drawn to covet a Chaos Secret Realm.

Most critically, once a Chaos Secret Realm emerges, the ripples it causes will shake the very foundations of the Vast Chaotic Sea, detectable even across millions of Desolate Journey [a vast unit of distance in the chaotic realms].

Thus, whenever a Chaos Secret Realm appears, it is destined to draw numerous Chaos Celestial Emperor into fierce contention.

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, a weight of solemnity settled upon Eldrin Chen.

Noticing Eldrin Chen's grave expression, Grand Turbid Daoist spoke with a reassuring smile, "There is no need for concern. That particular Chaos Secret Realm is, in truth, a damaged and incomplete one."

"A fragmented secret realm?"

Eldrin Chen blinked, a flicker of confusion crossing his features.

Seeing this, Primordial Spirit Emperor explained, "That fragmented realm is a piece of the Chaos Secret Realm [a primordial realm born from chaos, rich in treasures and dangers]. After fierce contention among powerful beings, it was torn away and cast adrift into the Depths of Chaos [the boundless, formless void between worlds] by a Dao-Union Supreme [a supreme cultivator who has unified their understanding of the Dao]."

"And because this fragment is not a complete Chaos Secret Realm, its origins cannot be divined by those mighty figures."

"I see."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then inquired, "So, you sought me out to join you in exploring this fragmented Chaos Secret Realm?"

Grand Turbid Daoist gave a solemn nod. "That fragmented Chaos Secret Realm is exceedingly perilous. The two of us have ventured inside several times and each time suffered significant setbacks."

"Your strength is considerable. With you joining us, our chances of successfully navigating the secret realm would increase."

Eldrin Chen nodded again, then asked the crucial question. "And how would any treasures we find be divided?"

Grand Turbid Daoist offered a faint smile, his tone direct. "As the discoverers of the fragmented Chaos Secret Realm, we would claim the right of first pick from any treasures found within."

"If it is Chaos Primordial Qi [the primordial energy from which all creation emerged], then it is only fitting that the two of us should have first pick."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and spoke, "That is indeed fitting. As for the other treasures, shall we distribute them based on contributions in battle?"

"Then it is settled."

Both Primordial Spirit Emperor and Grand Turbid Daoist spoke, their expressions softening with smiles.

For them, no treasure held greater importance than the Chaos Primordial Qi. Securing the right of first selection was all they needed.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen quickly reached an agreement with the three. For him at this moment, the most pressing need was cultivation resources to aid his physical body's breakthrough into the Great Emperor Realm [a supreme realm of power where one's physical form becomes nearly indestructible].

He was not lacking in Chaos Primordial Qi; after all, he had the superior Primordial Chaos Qi [an even more refined and potent form of primordial energy] to serve as a substitute.

Thus, after establishing a Great Dao Contract [a binding oath sworn upon the fundamental laws of the cosmos] with the two, Eldrin Chen finally spoke again, "However, I have only just returned, and many matters remain unsettled."

"The exploration of this secret realm will have to be postponed for a time."

Grand Turbid Daoist nodded in agreement and said, "Then let us delay it for one hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years]. What say you?"

"That is sufficient."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and immediately reached an agreement with the two of them.

After the agreement was settled, all three were thoroughly satisfied.

Then, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to Grand Turbid Daoist and, after a moment of consideration, spoke frankly: "In truth, this junior has one more request to make of you today."

"Speak freely."

In excellent spirits, Grand Turbid Daoist replied with a smile.

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before stating directly: "I wish to ask you, Fellow Daoist, to bestow upon me an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born of heaven and earth, containing innate laws] for the purpose of cultivating the True Spirit Divine Form [a divine ability that manifests the true form of one's primordial spirit]."

"Cultivating the True Spirit Divine Form?"

A flicker of understanding passed through Grand Turbid Daoist's eyes; he instantly guessed the implication and inquired, "Coming specifically to seek out this old man... it seems the Innate Supreme Treasure you require must be of the Qilin [a mythical auspicious beast, often symbolizing benevolence and good fortune] attribute."

Eldrin Chen nodded, a glimmer of hopeful anticipation rising within him.

Seeing this, Grand Turbid Daoist [an ancient and powerful cultivator] flicked his sleeve and produced a suit of armor. "This Kirin Battle Armor [a divine armor forged from the scales of a Kirin]," he said, "was formed from the scales that shed from my body when I achieved my Ascension [the process of transcending to a higher state of being] to the Sage Ascendant [a supreme realm of cultivation]."

"However, this treasure is of little use to me now. If it can aid you in cultivating the True Spirit Divine Form [a supreme divine body technique], perhaps that is not a bad thing."

As he spoke, Grand Turbid Daoist handed the armor to Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen received it with solemn reverence and declared, "Fellow Daoist, rest assured. With this treasure to cultivate the True Spirit Divine Form, I will certainly not disappoint you."

"Mm."

The Kirin Ancient Ancestor [the primordial progenitor of the Kirin race] said no more, merely giving Eldrin Chen a firm pat on the shoulder.

With matters settled thus, Eldrin Chen spent a considerable while longer in conversation with the two Sage Ascendant before finally taking his leave from the Kirin Ancient Domain [the primordial ancestral realm of the Kirin race].

Afterwards, he found time to pay his respects to the Desolate Wasteland Quasi-Emperor [a supreme being on the cusp of the Emperor realm], finally concluding all the major affairs of his return to the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss.

Yet even after completing all this, Eldrin Chen did not immediately enter seclusion for cultivation. Instead, he journeyed to the heart of the Abyssal Ruins Dao Domain.