Chapter 2017 : Clash of Chaos and Primordial Might

"Women of the Great Wasteland, no weaker than men."

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, a faint smile touching his lips.

He rode forth upon the Chaos Heaven Halberd, laughing heartily as he declared, "Excellent! Then let us fight side by side!"

"*Clang!*"

As the words fell, Eldrin Chen had already shattered the firmament, striding forth to slay his way out of the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm.

The moment he emerged from the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, several figures of the Chaos Desolate Race surged to meet him, all of them Desolate Race or Desolate People at the Great Encompassing Realm.

These Desolate Race beings, born from Chaos Demon God or transformed Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, immediately unleashed their Innate Spiritual Treasure to suppress him.

Eldrin Chen fought with all his might, his supreme Primordial One Body clashing against them. In mere exchanges, he tore through the heavens and gravely wounded several Chaos Demon God, yet a slight frown creased his brow.

"The physical bodies of these Chaos Desolate Race... they are unexpectedly formidable."

Eldrin Chen thought to himself. With his current power, even utilizing only twenty or thirty percent of his strength, he should theoretically be able to crush a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal with ease.

Yet these Chaos Desolate Race [a corrupted and immensely powerful race of beings from the primordial chaos] were merely severely wounded, with none having perished. This clearly indicated their physical bodies were far more formidable than those of ordinary Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation].

"After their fall into the Desolate Race [a corrupted and savage demonic race], these Chaos Demon God [primordial demonic deities] and Great Encompassing Golden Immortal have seen their mastery over the Great Path [the fundamental laws of the cosmos] and their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] greatly diminished,"

"However, their physical forms have been tempered day and night by the Desolation Power [a corrupting and destructive energy], making them vastly more powerful than ordinary Great Encompassing Golden Immortal and Chaos Demon God."

As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Eldrin Chen had already deduced the cause and effect of the situation.

Understanding the reason, the Slaughter Intent [an overwhelming aura of killing intent] within Eldrin Chen's heart surged even fiercer. He brandished the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a legendary halberd born from primordial chaos] and charged into the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation].

"Let us see which is harder: your Primordial One Path Body [a legendary physique said to embody the unity of all paths], or the edge of my Chaos Heaven Halberd!"

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen struck again. He moved like a Primordial Era Immortal King [a sovereign immortal from the dawn of time] cleaving through the Eight Desolations [the eight most desolate and ancient corners of the cosmos]. With heaven-sundering, earth-rending force, his blow descended, instantly tearing one of the Chaos Desolate Race into shreds.

"Such formidable physical power!"

Beside him, Sturdy Fellow exclaimed in astonishment. Without hesitation, he then maneuvered his war-spear in a crisscrossing descent. Amidst a fierce clash, the spear point pierced straight through the throat of another Chaos Desolate Race.

Eldrin Chen cast a glance of mild surprise. This Sturdy Fellow's innate talent was among the very best within the entire Great Wasteland Remnants [a faction of survivors from a great ancient wasteland]. The physical body he had cultivated was nearly comparable to a True Spirit Physique [a supreme constitution mirroring that of a primordial true spirit]. It seemed he indeed possessed remarkable qualities.

"Well done!"

Eldrin Chen exclaimed in admiration, his entire body erupting with a torrent of Chaos Lightning [primordial lightning born from the chaos of creation].

In that instant, billions of Chaos Thunderclap [deafening thunderclaps infused with chaotic power] inundated the firmament. Wherever they passed, even the Desolation Power [the corrosive, world-ending energy wielded by the Desolate Race] was scattered and dissipated. Tens of thousands of Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient beasts born in the primordial chaos] and even members of the Chaos Desolate Race [a powerful race born from chaos and dedicated to desolation] were annihilated.

In that single moment, Eldrin Chen held nothing back, unleashing his full power and elevating his combat prowess to a level rivaling the fourth level of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord who has unified their cultivation into a singular, primordial essence].

Under his relentless Slaughter [a divine ability focused on pure, overwhelming destruction], the Chaos Desolate Race and the Desolate People [the collective forces of the Desolate Race] began to fall one after another. Unnoticed at first, he had already slain over one hundred Desolate Race [the race dedicated to spreading desolation and ending worlds] who were at the Great Encompassing Realm [the Golden Immortal realm, where one's power and influence become vast and all-encompassing].

As for the Chaos Ancient Beast below the Great Encompassing realm, their numbers were beyond count—tens of millions had been reduced to dust.

"Splendid, splendid…"

Witnessing such divine valor from behind, the Great Wasteland Remnants [survivors and descendants of the destroyed Great Wasteland world] could not contain their excitement, erupting in fervent cheers.

A group of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [Golden Immortals whose power encompasses vast realms] seized this opportunity. Leading countless Great Wasteland Remnants, they surged forth from the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm [the ancient, ruined world that was their homeland] and launched a fierce counterattack against the Desolate Race.

Seeing this scene, Eldrin Chen could only offer a helpless sigh.

These Great Wasteland Remnants [the savage, primordial survivors of the Great Wasteland], are actually so fiercely warlike, launching a counterattack despite the disparity in numbers.

Fortunately, the Desolate Race [a race of mindless, bestial demons born from desolation] possess no true intellect, acting only on instinct. Seeing tens of thousands of Great Wasteland Remnants charging, many of the Desolate Race instinctively began to scatter and flee.

The remaining ones also fought in isolation, almost always outnumbered, so the overall situation continued to develop favorably.

"Watch out—"

Just as Eldrin Chen's thoughts flickered, Sturdy Fellow suddenly shouted a warning. Then, Eldrin Chen sensed an overwhelmingly powerful aura bearing down upon him.

In the flash of a lightning strike, Eldrin Chen summoned the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a divine halberd capable of sundering primordial chaos] to block. Instantly, he saw an immense Trident hurtling towards him, crashing against the Chaos Heaven Halberd with earth-shattering force.

"Hmph—"

"Such formidable strength."

Eldrin Chen grunted, staggering back several paces before he could focus on his assailant.

The figure before him possessed a humanoid form, clad in tattered battle armor, its pupils glowing with a crimson hue as deep and menacing as a blood-filled abyss.

"A Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator who has mastered the foundational principles of the cosmos] corrupted by Desolation."

As this thought flickered through his mind, Eldrin Chen suddenly felt a wave of bone-chilling cold surge from behind him.

In that instant, another World-Opening [an attack capable of sundering worlds] edge of lethal intent descended. Eldrin Chen parried the Trident with all his might, then whirled the Chaos Heaven Halberd behind him in a devastating arc, Burst [a technique of explosive, overwhelming force] into a cataclysmic collision with the new assailant.

"BOOM—"

The impact between Eldrin Chen and the newcomer was earth-shattering. Using the force of the clash, Eldrin propelled himself back several paces, narrowly evading yet another blindingly brilliant sword-aura.

Only then did Eldrin Chen steady his form, his gaze wary as he assessed the figures who had struck.

Within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], three figures had appeared as if from nowhere.

The first was the Desolate People Imperial Lord [a ruler of a vast domain] gripping the Trident, whose power was roughly equivalent to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage.

The second had a pair of horns more massive than an Immortal Domain [a realm inhabited by immortals], and a physique as hulking as a Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial, one-legged bovine demon of immense strength]. His cultivation was approximately at the fourth level of the Primordial One Imperial Lord.

The third was a tall, slender man. He commanded a Primordial One Sword Embryo [the nascent, unformed spirit of a divine sword], which appeared to be a Four Patterns Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [the embryonic form of a supreme treasure, born with four innate divine patterns]. His strength was the greatest among the three.

"Two Primordial One Imperial Lord of the fourth level, and one Sword Cultivator at the fifth level of Primordial One Imperial Lord 5th Tier from the Desolate People [a race of beings corrupted by the power of desolation]."

Eldrin Chen's gaze shifted subtly, a glint of frost flashing deep within his pupils.

Had he been at his peak, these three Primordial One realm Desolate Race [beings corrupted by the power of desolation] might not have been a grave concern. But now, with only thirty to forty percent of his combat strength remaining, a true confrontation promised to be exceedingly troublesome.

At that very moment, Sturdy Fellow's expression shifted. "Beware," he said urgently. "It's Trident Desolation Emperor, Savage Ox Desolation Emperor, and Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor."

"These Desolation Emperors possess formidable power. Do not engage them head-on."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly.

After these three Primordial One Imperial Lord fell and became part of the Desolate Race, their minds were eroded, leaving them in a befuddled state. However, they retained a sliver of their former intellect.

The intelligence of such Desolate Race Imperial Lord was roughly comparable to that of a savage wolf or a vicious lion. They could even coordinate their attacks, making them exceptionally difficult foes to handle.

The trio's combined assault moments ago had been executed with cunning precision. Had it not been for Eldrin Chen's vast combat experience, an ordinary Primordial One Imperial Lord at the mid-stage would have been severely wounded.

"Troublesome, yes," he murmured to himself, a cold resolve settling in his eyes. "But not insurmountable."

Eldrin Chen's thoughts flickered, then he turned to Sturdy Fellow and declared, "All of you, withdraw. Leave this place to me."

"But—"

Sturdy Fellow's heart was filled with worry, wishing to stay and lend his strength, but he was restrained by one of the members of the Great Wasteland Remnants.

The hulking warrior from the Great Wasteland Remnants held Sturdy Fellow back, shaking his head as he said, "A battle at the Imperial Lord [a supreme ruler of a vast domain] level is utterly beyond our capabilities."

"We should return and request the High Priest to join the fray."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen let out a faint sigh of relief.

He raised his head, his gaze settling upon the three Desolate Race Imperial Lords before him. A spark of battle intent ignited within the depths of his eyes.

"Let this Emperor witness firsthand the true might of the Chaos Desolate Race [a primordial and savage race born from chaos]!"

"BOOM—"

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen stomped down, shattering the surrounding Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation]. In an instant, he catapulted forward, wielding the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a divine halberd forged from primordial chaos] as he brought it crashing down upon Trident Desolation Emperor.

In the blink of an eye, Eldrin Chen and the three Great Wasteland Emperors had already erupted into a world-shaking confrontation.

After a series of clashes, Eldrin Chen was forced to admit that the physical bodies of these Desolate Race were truly formidable.

Throughout his cultivation journey, Eldrin Chen had relied on the power of his Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique said to be unbreakable and eternal], finding almost no equal within the same realm.

Yet, the three Great Wasteland Emperors before him could match him blow for blow, each possessing a physical form comparable to a peerless Imperial Lord who had achieved Fleshly Body Sanctification [the pinnacle of physical refinement].

Among the three Great Wasteland Emperors, Trident Desolation Emperor possessed supremely refined combat techniques, Savage Ox Desolation Emperor wielded the most overwhelming brute force, and Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor delivered the most lethal attacks and excelled at long-range combat methods.

In the relentless, unceasing exchange of blows, Eldrin Chen once pushed his combat power to forty percent of its peak, only to find that even with his full arsenal, suppressing the three Great Wasteland Emperors was a daunting task.

Were it not for the invincible defensive power of his Indestructibility Battle Armor [a legendary suit of armor renowned for its absolute defense], Eldrin Chen would likely have been forced to risk worsening his injuries and Burst forth with his complete, unrestrained power.

Thus, after more than thirty thousand exchanges, a decisive victory remained elusive, and Eldrin Chen's patience finally began to wear thin.

"Since the Indestructibility Battle Armor's defense is unassailable," he resolved, "then I shall forsake defense entirely and focus solely on the attack. Let me first behead one of these formidable foes."

As this thought solidified, Eldrin Chen fixed his killing intent upon Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor.

Among the Three Emperors, the Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor possessed the highest cultivation base. He also wielded the Four Patterns Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [a supreme treasure born from the union of four primal patterns], and his Slaughter techniques were the most lethal, making him the only one capable of truly wounding Eldrin Chen.

Yet, for reasons unknown, this Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor kept his eyes firmly shut, never opening them to unleash his full power in battle.

If he could be slain, none of the others could penetrate the Indestructibility Battle Armor [a legendary armor said to be unbreakable] to harm him. The rest of the battle would then be a mere matter of attrition.

No sooner had the thought formed than Eldrin Chen acted. He activated the Chaos Weapon Forging Art [a supreme art that forges weapons from primordial chaos], manifesting ten Chaos Ancient Arms [primordial weapons of immense power] to suppress the two Great Wasteland Emperors. Simultaneously, he transformed the Returning Abyss Seal into the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords, their blades crossing as they slashed towards the Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor.

In the next breath, Eldrin Chen closed the distance, a tempest of unstoppable force sweeping forth. He launched a relentless, purely offensive assault against the Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor, forsaking all defense.

This Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor had once been a peerless Imperial Lord [a sovereign ruler among cultivators] whose name shook the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain, a figure of immense renown in that ancient land.

Such a supreme expert, even after falling to the Desolate Race [a race of ancient, corrupted beings], retained a combat instinct of terrifying acuity.

Seeing Eldrin Chen's charge, he instantly transformed into ten thousand streaks of sword energy crisscrossing the sky. Each streak pierced the firmament, tearing through the Chaos [the primordial, formless state of existence] to manifest over ten thousand Ethereal Figure [illusory, shifting forms], their true forms impossible to discern.

These myriad figures moved as one, each channeling sword energy, coalescing billions of sword auras that rent the heavens as they descended.

"An exquisite evasion art," Eldrin Chen acknowledged inwardly.

Eldrin Chen let out a sigh of admiration, akin to the Primordial Era Immortal Sovereign cleaving through the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] to depart. With a flick of his sleeve, he pressed down with a single finger.

"Reincarnation!"

With his true body, he harnessed the Reincarnation Great Path [the supreme law governing the cycle of rebirth] of the Reincarnation Body [an avatar or form embodying the power of reincarnation].

In a single Ksana-time [an infinitesimal unit of time], the vast Chaos froze in place. Then, the Chaos Torrent [a torrent of primordial chaos energy] reversed its flow. The boundless Sword Path Long River [the conceptual river representing the flow and history of sword arts] surged backwards, cleaving the myriad phantom reflections into dust, leaving only a single true form in the world.

"Found you."

Eldrin Chen's eyes suddenly blazed with light. The Celestial Abyss Twin Swords [a pair of divine swords] intertwined like Polarity Immortal Radiance [the opposing yet complementary lights of yin and yang], transforming into a blade of Chaos sword energy that slashed towards Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor.

Yet, facing such a strike, Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor instantly dissipated into mist and scattered, transforming into a streak of sword energy that fled far beyond the bounds of Void Heaven [a realm of absolute emptiness].

"*Clang—*"

Before Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor could even steady his form, he formed a seal and summoned his life-bound Sword Embryo [the nascent, conceptual core of a swordsman's ultimate weapon] to soar skyward.

In that instant, a blade of dazzlingly brilliant sword energy split the Chaos asunder. Wherever it passed, the Chaos disintegrated, the Desolation Sea [a sea of desolate, primordial energy] parted, and its Indestructibility [the quality of being unbreakable and eternal] Sword Intent [the concentrated will and concept embodied in a sword strike] nearly pierced through the River of Space-Time [the conceptual flow of time and space].

This single sword strike, bearing the awe-inspiring might of Slaughter [a divine ability of ultimate destructive power], was potent enough to threaten Eldrin Chen's severely wounded Primordial One Body [a legendary physique of unparalleled resilience].

"This Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor, in ages past, must have been a peerless genius of the Sword Path [the profound Dao of the sword]."

Rather than relying on his Indestructibility Battle Armor [a suit of nigh-impenetrable enchanted armor] to receive the blow head-on, Eldrin Chen instantly summoned the Primordial Chaos Unity Energy True Aura [a protective aura forged from the primordial energies of chaos] to shield himself. Then, he transformed into a streak of Five-Colored Aurora Evasion [a radiant, five-colored light used for transcendent movement], piercing through the Chaos [the primordial, formless state preceding creation].

By the time the Five-Colored Divine Light [a brilliant, five-hued radiance] abruptly condensed, he had already reappeared behind Sword Mystery Imperial Lord.

"Perish!"

Eldrin Chen let out a cold snort. He unleashed the Polarity Void Mirror [a mystical mirror capable of freezing space and locking targets] to immobilize Sword Mystery Imperial Lord, then, wielding the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a halberd imbued with the power to sunder heavens], he brought it down in a devastating cleaving strike.

Faced with such an onslaught, Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor remained utterly unperturbed, his expression never changing.

His gaze shifted subtly, and the pupils that had remained tightly shut until now finally opened. In the instant his eyes parted, a pair of Dual Pupils [a rare and powerful ocular constitution granting profound sight] blazed to life within them.

In that very moment, heaven and earth seemed to revert to the state of Chaos Opening [the primordial separation of chaos into order], the very fabric of space disintegrating. A sword-light of world-shaking brilliance pierced through the vast expanse of the firmament, hurtling directly toward Eldrin Chen.

The power of this strike was truly terrifying. In the blink of an eye, it pierced straight through the Chaos Unity Energy [the foundational energy of primordial unity], this True Spirit Divine Ability [a supreme ability born from one's true spiritual essence]. Its remaining force, undiminished, continued its relentless, crushing advance to annihilate Eldrin Chen.

"Not good—"

Eldrin Chen's heart lurched. The Returning Abyss Seal above his head, sensing its master's peril, activated of its own accord. In an instant, it transformed into the Bulwark Earth Sovereign Bell [a legendary defensive treasure], encasing his body and blocking that world-obliterating strike of Slaughter [a supreme divine ability of pure annihilation].

Turning back, Eldrin Chen saw that the Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor had dissipated once more, transforming into a streak of sword energy that fled into the distance, beyond the bounds of Void Heaven [a vast, empty expanse of the cosmos].

Eldrin Chen retracted the Bulwark Earth Sovereign Bell. Through the Indestructibility Battle Armor [a peerless suit of armor], he assessed the injuries within his body, then cast his gaze into the distance.

There, amidst the boundless Chaos Desolation Sea [a primordial sea of chaotic desolation energy], the Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor was wreathed in endless sword energy. The Indestructibility Sword Intent [an unbreakable conceptual force of the sword path] radiating from his form cleaved the very fabric of heaven and void, causing Eldrin Chen's brow to furrow slightly.

"To think he has cultivated a pair of Dual Pupils [a rare and powerful innate ocular constitution] to such a profound realm."

"Moreover, he has concealed True Spirit [the spiritual core of a True Spirit realm expert] Sword Intent [the conceptual essence and will of a swordsman's path] within those Dual Pupils. This Sword Mystery Imperial Lord has actually mastered the Sword Great Path [the supreme Dao of the Sword] at the True Spirit Realm [a high cultivation realm focused on spiritual essence]."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, growing ever more certain that this Sword Mystery Imperial Lord must have been a peerless genius of the bygone Great Wasteland Primordial Domain [an ancient and vast primordial world].

Had it not been for the cataclysm that befell the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain, such a figure would undoubtedly have possessed the potential to become a supreme Great Emperor [a pinnacle-level sovereign cultivator]. To see him now, fallen into the ranks of Desolation [those corrupted by the power of desolation], was truly a pitiful and lamentable fate.

"*Hummm—*"

Just as the thought flickered through Eldrin Chen's mind, Trident Desolation Emperor and Savage Ox Desolation Emperor tore through the void to attack, bearing down upon Eldrin Chen with overwhelming, crushing force.

Seizing the moment, Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor struck as well, unleashing a peerless Sword Intent [a cultivator's concentrated will and understanding of the sword, capable of cutting through reality itself] that pierced the heavens.

"Troublesome…"

Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted slightly. Just as he was feeling hard-pressed, a profound, violent silence erupted from the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged].

In that instant, from within the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain, a supremely radiant World-Illuminating Immortal Light [a divine radiance said to be capable of illuminating all worlds] shot forth.

It was an ancient, unadorned scripture tome, glowing like an eternal Solar Sun [the purest essence of the sun, a supreme yang energy] and emanating boundless light of the soul.

"A Soul Supreme Treasure [the highest grade of treasure that directly targets and manipulates the soul and consciousness]."

Eldrin Chen's brow twitched slightly as he beheld the ancient book radiating a soul-light that made all living beings tremble.

This soul-light was condensed from countless golden ancient characters. Each character was of profound and supreme mystery, exuding an indescribable, paramount power.

As the golden characters resonated and chanted, Trident Desolation Emperor and Savage Ox Desolation Emperor instantly crashed to their knees, clutching their heads and unleashing cries of utter agony.

Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor also staggered, instantly transforming into a streak of sword radiance that pierced through the Chaos and vanished into the depths of the vast Desolation Sea.

"A perfect opportunity!"

Eldrin Chen seized the moment, driving the Chaos Heaven Halberd to pierce through the skull of the Trident Desolation Emperor.

He further commanded the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords to crisscross and weave, plunging from the eyes of the Savage Ox Desolation Emperor deep into its mind, where they churned and shredded without cease.

No one knew how much time had passed before the two Great Wasteland Emperors wailed, collapsing to their knees, not a flicker of movement left in them.

"Hah—"

With the fall of the two Great Wasteland Emperors, the remaining Desolate Race forces fled, leaving a field of corpses behind, and the battle finally drew to a close.

Eldrin Chen let out a sigh of relief. His gaze then turned to the ancient scripture, radiant as an eternal sun, and a ripple of awe stirred within his eyes.

"An immensely powerful Innate Supreme Treasure [a primordial treasure born of the cosmos, possessing supreme power], and it seems to be a soul-attributed supreme treasure of the Soul Path?"

"Moreover, the power of this treasure appears to be particularly effective against the Chaos Desolate Race."

"What is the true origin of this ancient and unadorned scripture?"

Just as Eldrin Chen's thoughts were swirling, that ancient scripture had already flown away, vanishing into the vastness of heaven and earth.

Seeing the ancient book had disappeared, Eldrin Chen also abandoned the notion of investigating its secrets further.

Upon his return from the Chaos Desolation Sea, countless Great Wasteland Remnants erupted in cheers of celebration.

"Victory! We are victorious!"

The Great Wasteland Remnants cheered loudly, and a group of burly warriors from the Desolate Race looked at Eldrin Chen with immense joy, roaring in unison: "Valor! Valor! Valor!"

Countless Great Wasteland Remnants cheered, lifting Eldrin Chen high into the air from the depths of their hearts, the exhilaration of surviving a great calamity flowing through every soul.

Eldrin Chen did not resist, joining in the celebration as was the local custom. When he was finally set down, he looked towards Sturdy Fellow, only to see Sturdy Fellow lower their head, cheeks slightly flushed.

"Alas—"

In that fleeting moment, Eldrin Chen seemed to grasp something, and could not help but sigh softly within his heart.

He did not speak further, instructing the others to gather the spoils of war while he retired alone to his cultivation chamber to await the inevitable.

As he had anticipated, it was not long before envoys arrived from the Great Wasteland Sacred Hall, and it was precisely the Old Priest who came.

Meeting Eldrin Chen once more, the Old Priest's demeanor had undergone a profound shift.

He bowed deeply and performed a solemn salute before speaking. "For this Desolate Tribulation [a cataclysmic event of ruin and decay], we owe our survival to your timely intervention, honored guest."

"This humble elder has come to formally invite you to the Sacred Hall for an audience."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and replied with calm composure. "There is no need for such formality, Elder. The debt of saving my life is one I could never fully repay; offering aid was only natural."

"With your power, even without our intervention, you would have surely managed to Recovery [to restore oneself to a former state of power or health] and return."

The Old Priest gave a knowing smile and then escorted Eldrin Chen into the heart of the Great Wasteland Sacred Hall.

Upon arriving at the Great Wasteland Sacred Hall, Eldrin Chen discovered that within its halls, including the Old Priest himself, a total of nine elders clad in black robes now stood assembled.

Among these nine elders, eight possessed cultivation bases at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] level. The most powerful among them had stepped into the early stages of the Primordial One Imperial Lord [the foundational stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm] realm.

Unlike the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the highest known cultivation realm in the orthodox path] practitioners of the outside world, these Great Wasteland Remnants [survivors from the primordial era] do not seem to cultivate the Great Wasteland Body Tempering Art [a primal, body-focused cultivation method]. Instead, they tread the orthodox path of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, each possessing a not-insignificant level of Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and higher consciousness of a cultivator] cultivation.

However, the auras of these individuals now seem exceedingly frail, their spiritual power and Primordial Spirit having been drained to the brink of exhaustion.

"Esteemed guest, do you find our chosen path of cultivation somewhat surprising?"

Noticing the shift in Eldrin Chen's expression, the leading Old High Priest spoke with a faint smile.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of acknowledgment before inquiring, "I presume you all are the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal who remained from the era of the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain [the primordial world before the current cosmic order]."