Chapter 2060 : The Path of Limitless Primordial Unity

"This method holds immense value for you all as well. If you can achieve a single Limit-Breaking [a profound breakthrough that transcends conventional cultivation limits], attaining the Primordial Unity of Limitless Chaos Realm [a legendary cultivation state representing the perfect fusion of boundless chaos and primordial unity] should be well within your grasp."

Hearing this, expressions of joy and anticipation blossomed on everyone's faces.

Previously, most of them had estimated only a thirty percent chance of successfully cultivating the Primordial Unity of Limitless Chaos Realm. Now, with the Limit-Breaking Method [an esoteric technique designed to shatter cultivation bottlenecks] in hand, they felt a genuine flicker of hope for achieving the Unity of Chaos and Limitlessness [a supreme cultivation realm symbolizing the harmonious union of chaos and the infinite].

Of course, as peerless Immortal Lord [a title for a supreme immortal sovereign] who had already reached the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle state of a Golden Immortal within the Great Luo hierarchy], they had each shattered their limits multiple times before. Even with this new Limit-Breaking Method, success in breaking through their current Limit-Breaking was not guaranteed.

Yet, it represented a tangible hope. Should they succeed, stepping into the domain of an Emperor Lord [a sovereign ruler among cultivators, often holding supreme authority] with the foundation of Limitless Primordial Unity [a cultivation realm denoting boundless primordial oneness] would, in the future, perhaps even open a path toward the ultimate aspiration: proving their Dao and attaining the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme sovereign whose authority is born from and commands the primordial chaos itself].

According to Eldrin Chen's estimations, the next step on the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation method that involves great personal tribulation and sacrifice] leading into the Chaos Realm [a fundamental state of existence predating order, the source of all potential] would cause one's body to spontaneously form an Origin Domain [an internal, self-sustaining universe born from one's own Dao].

This Origin Domain would be capable of spontaneously generating its own Chaos Great Dao [the fundamental principle or law governing chaos itself], allowing it to exist beyond the constraints of the Sea of Dao [the metaphysical ocean containing all manifested Daos and principles].

At that point, with the internal Origin Domain transcending the external Chaos [the formless, primordial state of existence], one could potentially break free entirely from dependence on the Sea of Dao. Thus, there would be no need to contend with others for Dao Authority [the right to wield and embody a specific Dao principle], and one could directly ascend to the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor.

As disciples of Eldrin Chen, they had long yearned for the day they would cultivate the Primordial Unity of Limitless Chaos Realm.

This realm was the very foundation for proving one's Dao within the Chaos Realm, the beginning of a new myth within the Chaos itself. Perhaps it would even reshape the entire cultivation path across the vast expanse of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the endless, untamed ocean of primordial chaos that forms the backdrop of existence].

With this thought in mind, everyone present bowed deeply to Yinghui Ye in the manner reserved for a half-teacher [a gesture of profound respect for someone who has imparted significant knowledge or guidance].

"Fellow senior and junior brothers, there is no need for such formalities," she said.

Facing their respectful bows, Yinghui Ye accepted them with serene composure.

She handed them a thick, ancient scroll and spoke, "I possess thirty-eight thousand volumes of the Limit-Breaking Method [a profound cultivation art focused on transcending inherent limits]. Each volume can facilitate a Limit-Breaking [a state of transcending one's inherent cultivation limits], yet the outcome varies greatly from person to person."

"To achieve Limit-Breaking once more, you must each find the method most perfectly suited to your own nature and path."

Hearing this, everyone nodded solemnly and accepted the ancient scroll with utmost care, beginning their examination.

After merely a brief perusal, looks of astonishment dawned upon their faces. They learned that the path of Limit-Breaking was further divided into Minor Limit-Breaking and Major Limit-Breaking.

Minor Limit-Breaking represents only a slight advancement from one's current foundation, sometimes merely a hair's breadth of progress. Consequently, it does not bring about any qualitative transformation in one's power.

After achieving nine consecutive Minor Limit-Breaking breakthroughs, one may then attempt a Major Limit-Breaking.

A successful Major Limit-Breaking breakthrough is akin to prematurely advancing to a higher cultivation realm. It allows a cultivator to continue increasing their cultivation base and power without formally ascending to the next major realm.

However, the Great Limit-Breaking [a perilous process of transcending one's foundational limits] is exceedingly perilous. Should one fail, it is highly likely to result in severe self-inflicted wounds, or even lead directly to one's demise.

Such a Great Limit-Breaking is naturally a feat of immense difficulty. Fortunately, Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the highest tier of immortal cultivators] possess boundless lifespans, and even if they perish, they do not fall into Samsara [the endless cycle of death and rebirth]. They have all the time in the world to attempt it slowly and carefully.

Yet, once they successfully complete the Great Limit-Breaking, the benefits will be monumental.

Without breaking through to the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme sovereign realm born from primordial chaos] realm, they would possess potential on par with that realm, and could even cultivate further to a state comparable to the Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord [the pinnacle state of a Primordial Emperor Lord].

At that point, with cultivation power rivaling the mid-to-late stages of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, the difficulty of directly breaking through to that very realm and opening a boundless Primordial Unity Immortal Domain [an immortal domain representing the unified origin of all things] would be drastically reduced.

In truth, Eldrin Chen was also immensely satisfied with the Limit-Breaking Method [a profound technique for transcending one's limits]. It was a pity this method held little use for him now.

His foundational cultivation base [the core foundation of a cultivator's power] had long since shattered its limits countless times. Unless he accomplished a single Great Limit-Breaking to attain a foundation on the level of a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor born from and ruling over chaos], any number of lesser Limit-Breaking breakthroughs would be meaningless.

Yet, the barrier to reaching the level of a Chaos Celestial Emperor was a chasm too vast, an insurmountable gulf.

Throughout the ages, how many peerless geniuses had successfully defeated all rivals to tread the path towards Dao-Grasping [the realm of comprehending and seizing the fundamental Dao], only to falter and fail to take that final step towards transforming their path into a Chaos Great Dao [a supreme Dao born from and governing primordial chaos]?

No matter how astonishing Eldrin Chen was, attempting to complete a Great Limit-Breaking at this realm was a task bordering on the impossible.

Setting aside the breakthrough into the Chaos Realm, there are only two possible outcomes: successful attainment of the Dao [the ultimate enlightenment and ascension] or the destruction of one's Dao and demise.

Even if Eldrin Chen desired a great Limit-Breaking [a perilous process of transcending the established limits of a cultivation realm], his foundational cultivation had not yet reached the absolute pinnacle of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm. How, then, could there be any talk of Limit-Breaking?

The reason Yinghui Ye pioneered the Limit-Breaking Method was a desperate measure born from being unable to ascend to immortality, with no further path forward.

Otherwise, with a mortal body and the terrifyingly low success rate of Limit-Breaking, why would she have risked cultivating all six of her major realms to the point of achieving three consecutive great Limit-Breaking breakthroughs?

"The Limit-Breaking Method is truly ingenious, a precedent unseen throughout the ages," he acknowledged.

"This seventh disciple's talent is dazzling, a brilliance that shines across ten thousand epochs. She likely possesses the Bearing of a Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [the destined potential to become a progenitor of the Dao and an immortal sage]."

As these thoughts flickered through his mind, Eldrin Chen finally retrieved a jade box from his sleeve and presented it to Yinghui Ye.

The jade box contained several dozen spatial rings, holding within them a vast trove of cultivation resources sufficient for Yinghui Ye to cultivate all the way to the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm.

Subsequently, Eldrin Chen took out a batch of Innate Primordial Qi [the purest, most fundamental energy of creation] and bestowed it upon those cultivating the Great Dao [the supreme and ultimate path], such as Ethan Chen, Drayan Taicang, and the Primordial Demonic Ape.

As for the others, they also received various cultivation resources bestowed by Eldrin Chen.

After completing all this, Eldrin Chen finally spoke, "You may all withdraw now. I hope you will cultivate diligently henceforth and never tarnish the prestige of our Abyssal Ancestral Court."

"We obey your command."

Upon hearing his words, the assembly immediately bowed in unison before filing out of the great hall.

Once they had departed, only the Eight Primordial Unity Emperor Lords remained within the hall.

Eldrin Chen's five Dao companions remained silent, but Qiyuan Chen spoke up with a faint smile, "Now that you have returned, how do you intend to manage affairs in the Great Desolate Ancient Realm?"

"I shall arrange for the Three Talents and Four Symbols Great Emperor to return and oversee its defense," Eldrin Chen replied calmly. "Furthermore, a Reincarnation Body shall wield the Authority of the Heavenly Dao [the supreme mandate governing the natural order]. No mishaps shall occur."

He continued, "The Great Desolate Ancient Realm can serve as my second homeland. I plan to send a contingent of our clansmen there to cultivate."

Everyone nodded in understanding. Eldrin Chen had dwelled in the Great Desolate Ancient Realm for over four hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years], developing a profound bond with that land.

For him to simply abandon it now was unthinkable.

Moreover, one should not place all eggs in a single basket. To guard against potential calamity befalling the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss in the future, establishing a portion of the Chen Clan's lineage and foundational resources within the Great Desolate Ancient Realm would serve as a prudent contingency.

Contemplating this, Lyra Jiang spoke, "In that case, we shall arrange for thirty percent of our direct lineage clansmen to relocate. Several of the clan's Grand Luo Golden Immortals and Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarchs should also be dispatched."

"I will go."

Qiyuan Chen spoke, his expression calm. "My strength is of limited aid here. It would be better for me to guard the Chen Clan branch there, to prevent any unforeseen complications."

"That is acceptable."

Eldrin Chen nodded. With his current cultivation, he could activate the Abyssal Pearl [a mystical artifact capable of bridging realms] at any moment to connect the Two Realms. However, he could not personally watch over the Chen Immortal Clan at all times.

Having Qiyuan Chen, this venerable ancestor, guard the Chen Clan branch was the most suitable choice.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen stated, "The Abyssal Immortal Domain [a pocket realm or dimension] cannot Ascend [evolve to a higher state] to the Primordial Unity Immortal Domain. I intend to assist the Old Patriarch and Changqing Clan Uncle in extricating themselves from it."

"This opportunity can also be used to send them to the Great Desolate Ancient Realm. What do you all think?"

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

A Top-Grade Immortal Domain-level Abyssal Immortal Domain could no longer keep pace with Eldrin Chen's cultivation realm.

The Old Patriarch Thalion Chen, Changqing Chen, Dorian Chen, and others like Riverlord Chang within the Abyssal Immortal Domain [a celestial realm of profound cultivation] had reached the limits of their potential for further advancement.

With his current cultivation at the Sage Ascendant Realm [a pinnacle stage of immortal attainment], Eldrin Chen now possessed the capability to elevate those close to him.

These individuals would reincarnate with the innate foundation of Immortal Domain Emperor Lord [a sovereign-level cultivation base], receive the full support of Eldrin Chen's tutelage, and be blessed by the Fortune [cosmic luck and destiny] of the Primordial Essence [the purest, most ancient form of spiritual energy]. Barring utter incompetence, breaking through to Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm] should pose little difficulty.

Seeing this, Lyra Jiang remarked with a smile, "As one of the Immortal Domain True Spirit [sentient spiritual guardians of immortal realms], the Phoenix of Departure [a mythical firebird] has guarded the Abyssal Immortal Domain for many years. Her contributions are by no means insignificant."

"Years ago, she mentioned finding the Abyssal Immortal Domain too stifling and expressed a desire to venture beyond the Immortal Domain [a general term for celestial realms]. It seems the time for that departure has now come."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and said, "She took form from a Vermilion Bird [a divine avian of the south associated with fire]. After reincarnation, she should walk the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation method involving personal tribulation for greater power], and concurrently cultivate the Profound Heaven Departing Fire Great Dao [a supreme Dao of celestial flame and separation]."

"Could it be... you intend to..."

Jiang the Sovereign Emperor's eyes flickered, a trace of surprise coloring his gaze.

Eldrin Chen nodded again and stated, "We shall make the preparations. Whether she succeeds or not will depend entirely on her own destiny."

Hearing this, the others seemed to comprehend his unspoken meaning.

According to their calculations, if the Profound Heaven Departing Fire [a supreme flame-based cultivation art], the Vermilion Heaven Departing Flame [a supreme flame-based cultivation art], and the Azure Heaven Departing Fire [a supreme flame-based cultivation art]—these three distinct Great Dao [supreme cosmic principles]—were all cultivated to the Chaos Realm [the primordial, undifferentiated state of a Dao], and then merged into one, they could transform into the 'Capital Heaven Departing Fire' Great Dao [the supreme cosmic principle of the ultimate departing fire].

It must be understood that within the dozens of Chaos Domain [vast cosmic territories] surrounding the Blazing Central Chaos Domain [the central, fiery primordial territory], there are at least several dozen half-step Dao Union Realm [cultivators on the verge of unifying multiple Daos] who have mastered three Chaos Great Dao [primordial supreme principles].

Yet, there is only one being capable of unifying them, ascending to become a Dao-Union Supreme [a supreme existence who has successfully merged multiple Daos].

The reason for this scarcity is that each Great Dao [supreme cosmic principle] stands alone and supreme; different Great Dao [supreme cosmic principles] repel each other with an immense Force Extreme [a force of ultimate magnitude]. The difficulty of fusing three distinct Chaos Great Dao [primordial supreme principles] into one is nearly comparable to scaling the heavens themselves.

Only by cultivating three Chaos Great Dao [primordial supreme principles] with profoundly compatible attributes does one have a slight chance of successfully merging them.

The Profound Heaven Departing Fire [a supreme flame-based cultivation art], the Vermilion Heaven Departing Flame [a supreme flame-based cultivation art], and the Azure Heaven Departing Fire [a supreme flame-based cultivation art] are, in theory, supremely compatible Great Dao [supreme cosmic principles]. Once all are fully mastered, the likelihood of stepping into the Second Chaos Realm [the second stage of primordial Dao mastery] should be no less than thirty percent.

Eldrin Chen had the Phoenix of Departure [a mythical firebird] cultivate the Profound Heaven Departing Fire Great Dao [the supreme principle of profound heaven's departing fire]. Recalling Eldrin Chen's great adversary, the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant [the Sage who has ascended through the Vermilion Bird Dao], his purpose in this became glaringly obvious.

"My junior here repays a drop of kindness with a fountain's worth,"

"but towards his enemies, his methods are decisively domineering, even to the point of being ruthlessly severe."

As these thoughts drifted through Qiyuan Chen's mind, he could not help but exchange a glance with Jiang the Sovereign Emperor, a flicker of profound relief coloring his expression.

In the depths of their exchanged gaze, they understood each other's unspoken thought: "Fortunate indeed, that we are not his foes, but those bound to him by close ties."

As for the thoughts of these two, Eldrin Chen remained entirely unaware.

He deliberated with the assembly regarding the candidates for migration, and once a preliminary list was settled upon, the matter was considered concluded.

After the council adjourned, Eldrin Chen proceeded to the Abyssal Immortal Domain. With the consent of Thalion Chen and the others, he compiled the roster of those destined for reincarnation.

This cycle of reincarnation included Thalion Chen, Changqing Chen, and Dorian Chen.

Furthermore, the list encompassed several dozen other old comrades, such as Riverlord Chang, Profound Azure Robe, Phoenix of Departure, Black Tortoise Ancient Ancestor, Ink Kirin, Void-Refining Immortal, Tianyu the Immortal, and even included the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape.

Most among them shared a profound connection with Eldrin Chen; the inclusion of Ink Kirin was primarily out of regard for Kirin Ancient Ancestor.

In contrast to the others, the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape had originally been the Chen Immortal Clan's early guardian beast, a Demon Immortal subdued by Eldrin Chen through sheer martial prowess.

Its innate talent was not exceptionally outstanding; by all logic, its cultivation path should have culminated at the Earth Immortal Realm at most.

Later, as the Chen Immortal Clan rose to prominence, the ranks of its guardian beasts swelled. Eventually, even Demon Race cultivators at the Celestial Immortal and even Ancient Immortal Realm levels were no longer deemed qualified for such a role.

As one of the earliest guardian divine beasts to follow the Chen Clan, he wasn't even qualified to carry the shoes of those mighty Demon Immortal [powerful immortals who have transcended their demonic origins]. His sole merit was his seniority, having followed Eldrin Chen through great calamities and the Dao Tribulation [a cataclysmic trial that reshapes the very fabric of fate and destiny].

Yet, this very seniority was enough to make countless Immortal [beings who have achieved immortality] and even Grand Luo Golden Immortal [immortals who have reached the pinnacle of the Grand Luo realm] gaze upon him with envy.

No matter how lacking his innate talent, the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape was a being whose name was known before the Abyssal Dao Progenitor. Now that the Abyssal Dao Progenitor held the esteemed rank of a Sage Ascendant [a supreme being who has ascended to the realm of sages], the status of the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape had risen correspondingly.

By this point, even some Grand Luo Golden Immortal had to curry favor when meeting the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape, and Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [sovereigns who rule over the primordial chaos] treated him as an equal.

Just as now, the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape reclined lazily upon a couch, casually munching on a few Immortal Peaches [divine fruits that grant longevity and enhance cultivation] while casting a sidelong, somewhat insolent glance at the two Immortal before him, inquiring with a drawl.

"You two Immortal Lord [lords among immortals], what business brings you to seek out this Monkey Lord today?"

The two figures before him each possessed peerless grace, beings who had reached the Realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Yet, facing this mere Celestial Immortal Realm [the realm of celestial immortals] Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape, they dared not show the slightest disrespect. With a hint of ingratiation, they spoke: "We come today with no particular request."

"We merely wish to establish a connection with you, Fellow Daoist, and make your acquaintance."

The Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape shifted his gaze slightly, glancing at the jade box they presented. A single look was enough for him to discern the preciousness of the treasure within.

Yet after a fleeting moment, he still closed the treasure case and said, "Stop beating around the bush. If you have something to say, speak plainly."

The two Immortal Lord [a powerful immortal being] exchanged a glance, and then one of them spoke, "We have heard that the Immortal Court [the celestial governing body of immortals] is cultivating outstanding Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the foundational realm of a Grand Luo Immortal]. We wish to request a spot for prioritized cultivation."

"Impossible."

The Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape [a powerful divine ape demon beast] immediately pushed the treasure back, adopting a somewhat cold tone as he said, "The resources the Immortal Court allocates for cultivating outstanding Grand Luo Golden Immortal are reserved for newly ascended Grand Luo Golden Immortal."

"You two have been at the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo realm, a supreme state of cultivation] realm for three thousand Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration], yet your cultivation remains at the early stage of Grand Luo Golden Immortal. How does that qualify as 'outstanding' in any way?"

The two Grand Luo Immortal Lord [an Immortal Lord within the Grand Luo realm] flushed slightly, their faces betraying a mix of shame and anger.

They had once been peerless geniuses of their generation. Yet, among those capable of breaking through to Grand Luo Golden Immortal, who was not a true, heaven-defying prodigy?

Within the vast ocean of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, they were not exceptional but merely ordinary, receiving neither special attention nor cultivation resources. Advancing further naturally proved immensely difficult.

By now, they had come to accept their mediocrity within the Great Luo Realm [the overarching realm encompassing Grand Luo cultivation stages].

Even so, being mocked by a mere Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm] still provoked a surge of righteous fury within them.

One of them flicked his sleeve and spoke with a cold sneer, "If I am not considered a genius, then what does that make you?"

The Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape was rather forthright, lying flat on the soft couch. "This old monkey is just a good-for-nothing," he said. "I've long since given up and accepted my lot."

"Though my luck was good enough to follow the right person. Your fortunes were not, and your innate talent has already reached its limit. Advancing further will likely be a thousand times more difficult."

"Hmph—"

The two Immortal Lord [a powerful immortal cultivator] paled, then finally flicked their sleeves and departed.

After the two had left, a figure draped in a long robe approached, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Well, well, if it isn't Lord Monkey. Quite the imposing figure you cut."

The moment the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape saw the man, he hurriedly rose to his feet with an ingratiating smile. "So it's Lord Varen Wei who has arrived! Allow me to massage your shoulders."

As he spoke, the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape quickly stepped forward, his face a mask of playful obsequiousness as he moved to knead the newcomer's shoulders.

While massaging, he fawned, "Please, don't humble this little monkey so. Before you, how could I possibly be called 'Lord'? I am but a mere monkey-head."

Varen Wei chuckled, allowing the ape to press a few times before finally asking, "Why did you not agree to their proposal?"

"Hey, the little monkey isn't foolish,"

Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape replied with a cheeky grin, his face full of mirth. "Isn't the good life this little monkey enjoys now all thanks to that one's influence?"

"If I dared to act recklessly under that one's name, I'm afraid this good fortune would come to an end."

"You hairy ape, you're not so dim after all."

Varen Wei couldn't help but chuckle at his shift from arrogance to deference. He then drew an imperial edict from his sleeve. "This is a decree from that lord. Prepare yourself for Samsara [the cycle of death and rebirth] re-cultivation."

"Th-this... this..."

Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape took the edict, his hands trembling so much he was momentarily speechless.

He carefully stored the decree away, then knelt upon the ground, his voice choked with emotion. "My lord bestows upon me such an Opportunity [a rare chance for advancement]. This little monkey will surely live up to my lord's expectations."

Varen Wei smiled faintly and rose to his feet. "Soon, the Great Emperor Ancient Ship [a legendary vessel from ancient times] will set sail for the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, primordial ocean of chaotic energies]. Time is running short."

"Quickly settle your personal affairs. Leave no regrets behind. Once we depart the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, it will likely be a very, very long time before we can return."

"Understood, little monkey."

The Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape rose and bowed to Varen Wei, saying, "Master Wei, you are an old friend of that one. When we reach the Great Desolate Ancient Realm, you must look after me a little."

"You impudent ape."

Varen Wei chuckled, stood up, rapped the creature on its head, and then hurriedly departed from the cave abode.

Meanwhile, Eldrin Chen had arrived alone within the Abyssal Heaven Grotto-Heaven.

The Abyssal Heaven Grotto-Heaven of the Abyssal Immortal Domain was the Daoist Abode [a secluded place for cultivation and meditation] of the Abyssal Heaven Emperor Lord, the cultivation ground of Riverlord Chang.

In the past, before Eldrin Chen left the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, he would often visit Riverlord Chang to reminisce, sharing his heart and discussing the various difficulties he encountered.

Though Riverlord Chang could offer little practical help, he would always listen attentively, then advise Eldrin Chen not to burden himself too heavily, to do his utmost in all matters, and to be at peace with his conscience.

Now, after the swift passage of several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], Eldrin Chen had returned once more to the Abyssal Heaven Grotto-Heaven, his heart filled with a myriad of emotions.

"You have come."

Riverlord Chang spoke slowly, seated before a stone table as he waited. Upon the table lay a Go board, unchanged from how it had been hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation ago.

Eldrin Chen approached and took a seat opposite Riverlord Chang, then picked up a stone and began a game of Go with him.

"Your mind is troubled?"

Riverlord Chang placed a stone upon the board, then inquired calmly.

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, placed another stone, and after a moment of contemplation, said, "Perhaps I have been away from home for too long. This return feels... profoundly different."

"The seniors of old, who once regarded me with utmost deference, now seem... less imposing. Many figures I once held in awe now appear to be merely mortal."