Chapter 1883 : Black Blade, White Sword
Just as Eldrin was observing the crowd, the other prodigies from the 7 Domains of Southern Abyss were also studying Eldrin.
The Tri-Primordial Realm stood as the foremost of the 7 Domains of the Southern Abyss, and thus prodigies hailing from this land naturally commanded greater attention from all.
The Primordial 9 Radiance Divine Lord from the Myriad Gods Primal Domain cast a glance at Eldrin, his gaze tranquil as he spoke, "The 3 Extremes Primal Domain stands as the foremost among our 7 Southern Abyss Domains. Yet this time, only 2 Heaven’s Chosen True Spirits have arrived."
"Where's Lingxiao? Why didn't he come?"
Eldrin remained utterly composed, casting a faint glance at the man before speaking calmly, "He is already dead."
The Ninefold Celestial Lord of Limitless Radiance felt a start in his heart. After scrutinizing Eldrin (Person Name) carefully, he couldn't refrain from remarking, "Heaven's Chosen of the human race, it seems this journey to the Chaotic Heavenly Abyss has grown even more intriguing."
"Boom—"
At that very moment, a violent roar erupted from the Chaos Abyss.
Eldrin looked up and saw a tattered ancient path of chaos slowly emerging within the Celestial Abyss.
The so-called Broken Ancient Path was formed from a stretch of chaotic meteorites and nests, interwoven with fragments of the primordial domains of the Immortal Realm. It resembled a cluster of meteors drifting through the chaos.
These chaotic meteorites and nests, having been refined by the Chaos Heavenly Emperor, contain formations of the Chaos rank within them. They are fully capable of withstanding the onslaught of chaotic storms and tsunamis, and can serve as sanctuaries when crossing the Chaos Heavenly Abyss.
Moreover, the Ancient Path could suppress the surrounding chaotic storms, reducing the dangers of the nearby Sea of Chaos to a certain extent.
"The Primordial Chaos Ancient Path has emerged."
Watching the Primordial Chaos Ancient Path take form, Tianxing (Person Name) from the Primordial Chaos Heavenly Extremity Domain let out a faint smile and said, "Gentlemen, this opportunity shall be ours to seize—each by their own means."
As the words fell, he was the first to soar through the sky, vanishing along the path of the primordial chaos.
The others, seeing this, did not hesitate either and immediately strode toward the Chaotic Heavenly Abyss. Eldrin also stepped forward, leading the 4 others as they ascended the Chaotic Heavenly Abyss.
Stepping into the Chaotic Heavenly Abyss, Eldrin immediately sensed the perilous and terrifying nature of the chaos within this place.
Here in the Sea of Chaos, chaotic tempests and tsunamis raged everywhere—even an 8-Tribulation Ancient Immortal wouldn’t dare face them head-on.
What was even more terrifying was that this place concealed countless chaotic undercurrents. A single misstep, and even an 8-Tribulation Ancient Immortal swept away by them would be trapped in the Chaotic Heavenly Abyss until they were utterly annihilated, reduced to ashes without a trace.
"Be careful."
The group had not traveled far when Eldrin’s expression shifted subtly. Without hesitation, he seized everyone and soared into the void toward a nearby expanse.
Just as the group had ventured out not long ago, they suddenly discovered a massive vortex of chaos emerging right where they had been standing.
"Ah—"
This chaotic vortex displayed astonishing suction force, drawing several 8-tribulation ancient immortals into its depths before vanishing into the boundless Chaos Celestial Abyss.
Youwu’s face paled slightly at the sight of this.
Such a terrifying chaotic vortex could easily sweep away even an 8-Calamity Ancient Immortal with the slightest misstep. Once dragged into the depths of this Chaotic Heavenly Abyss, there would be almost no chance of return—not even a Great Luo Golden Immortal could likely save them.
"The Chaos Abyss is perilous and unpredictable. Stay close behind me."
Eldrin murmured softly before continuing his journey deeper into the Chaotic Heavenly Abyss.
The group pressed onward, traversing the primordial chaos as they went. Occasionally, they took respite upon meteorites and nests scattered across the ancient chaotic continent. Before long, several 100 years had slipped by.
On this very day, Eldrin and his companions discovered a fragment of a dilapidated ancient continent upon the Primordial Chaos Ancient Path.
"It is a fragment of the Primal Chaos Realm."
Gazing at that ancient continent, a trace of delight surfaced on Lyra's face.
After the Primordial Realm of Immortal Cosmos shattered, the 7 largest fragments were seized by the major Primordial Immortal Domains. Yet countless remnants still scatter across this Chaotic Abyss.
Having endured the violent erosion of the chaotic waters in the Primordial Abyss, only the Great Luo-level earth veins remained largely intact, and they likely contained relatively complete Great Luo inheritances.
At this thought, everyone exchanged a glance.
Eldrin nodded slightly before speaking, "Let's go up and take a look."
As the words fell, Eldrin was the first to set foot on the ruins of the Primordial Domain of Immortal Cosmos. Yet the moment he stepped upon it, a ripple stirred deep within his eyes.
But within these ruins, over a dozen 8-tribulation ancient immortals had already gathered, accompanied by an overwhelmingly powerful aura.
"Saint Demon Heavenly Monarch?"
Gazing at the figure before him, a flicker of surprise surfaced in Eldrin's eyes.
The Saint Demon Heavenly Monarch also cast a glance at Eldrin, a trace of wariness flashing in his eyes, before speaking, “So it’s a fellow cultivator from the Third-Level Primal Domain. I pay my respects.”
Eldrin nodded slightly and said, "Shall we settle the ownership of these ruins with a duel?"
The Sacred Demon Heavenly Monarch pondered briefly before shaking his head and saying, "I am no match for you. I shall cede this place to you, sir."
With those words, Saint Demon Heavenly Monarch directly departed with the dozen or so 8-Tribulation Ancient Immortels by his side, vanishing into the depths of this Primordial Chaos Ancient Land.
Eldrin made no move to pursue, merely watching his departure with tranquil composure.
Seeing this, Youwu couldn’t help but remark in surprise, "This person has quite a discerning eye."
Yet Seraphina Qu’s eyes flickered slightly, and she could not help but ask, “Why not apprehend this individual?”
"There is no need."
Eldrin shook his head and said, "This person holds no grudge against me, nor is he my fated enemy in this current kalpic tribulation. Since he has withdrawn voluntarily, there is no need for us to press the issue."
Seraphina Qu also nodded and said calmly, "After all, he is the true successor of the Celestial Emperor. As long as he does not strike first, we shall not trouble him."
At this, she turned her gaze toward the Chaos Nest, her eyes alight with curiosity as she remarked, "Let us see if this Chaos Nest holds the Great Luo inheritance we seek."
Eldrin did not hesitate either, immediately striking out horizontally at the ruins. The formation arrays here had long been reduced to tatters under the erosion of the Chaos Abyss.
At this moment, as Eldrin unleashed his full power, he found a flaw within moments and tore a breach in this formation.
The group arrived deep within the ruins, discovering that the pavilions and towers here remained remarkably well-preserved. Yet all the immortals who once dwelled within had long since achieved their final nirvana.
They quickly searched the area, uncovering a vast collection of ancient texts and cultivation techniques, along with some rare Great Luo treasures. Unfortunately, these treasures offered little assistance to Eldrin, though the cultivation techniques could provide some valuable insights for his reference.
Within these ancient texts, Eldrin also learned of the origins of this chaotic lair.
This lair was known as Greenjade Mountain, which had once been the sacred abode of Ivy the Verdant Fairy (Person Name), a Great Perfected Golden Immortal from the Primordial Realm of Celestial Dominion. Ivy the Verdant Fairy (Person Name) had attained the late-stage Great Perfected Golden Immortal realm and ranked among the top 100 on the Female Immortals Leaderboard of the Primordial Realm of Celestial Dominion.
Alas, no matter how peerless her beauty, no matter how eternally stunning the Great Luo Immortal Lord might be, faced with the cataclysm of the Primordial Domain's annihilation, she ultimately could not escape her end.
When the Primordial Realm of the Immortal Cosmos fell into ruin, even the 7 Chaos Heavenly Emperors were powerless to resist, let alone Ivy the Verdant Fairy (Person Name), who had only reached the late-stage Great Perfected Golden Immortal realm.
At this thought, Eldrin couldn't help but sigh and say, "Who could have imagined what manner of being struck that day? Even with 7 Chaotic Heavenly Emperors joining forces, they couldn't withstand a single stroke of that sword."
"At the very least, an existence at the third level of the Chaos Realm, right?"
Youwu whispered, then added with a hint of trepidation, "I once heard a rumor that the 7 Chaos Heavenly Emperors of the Primordial Immortal Domain retrieved a Chaos Supreme Treasure from the depths of chaos—suspected to be the 'Chaos Cauldron.' That very act brought calamity upon them."
"Oh?"
Eldrin (Person Name) froze for a fleeting moment, as if a profound realization had dawned upon him.
At this very moment, he seemed to understand why the Violet Immortal Lord was so urgently striving to break through to the realm of the Dao Ancestor and Celestial Sage.
Youwu nodded slightly and immediately began, "The reason Immortal Monarch Zi has reached the threshold of challenging the realm of Dao Ancestor and Immortal Sage in just a few million years is to attain the Chaos Celestial Emperor’s Dao before those formidable powers could even react."
"Otherwise, if the Purple Immortal Lord were to delay for several kalpas, it might very well bring calamitous tribulation upon our Third-Level Primordial Domain."
Hearing this, Eldrin took a deep breath and instantly comprehended everything.
It turned out that the reason Violet Immortal Lord had rushed his cultivation without consolidating his foundation was to achieve the Heavenly Emperor Realm by exploiting a time gap—before those who had struck against him back then could react.
Once 1 breaks through to the realm of the Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage, then conceals their aura with the aid of the Chaos Cauldron and hides deep within the chaos, perhaps only then will there be a glimmer of hope for survival.
To this end, Violet Immortal spent 8,000,000 years traversing a path equivalent to 8 100 cosmic kalpas for others, even at the cost of sacrificing his own foundational roots and accumulated essence.
Alas, in the end, Immortal Monarch Zi still failed. Although the entity that had struck back then had not yet fully reacted, cultivating too rapidly had left his foundation unstable. Coupled with the path obstruction from other Chaos-level powerers, all of Immortal Monarch Zi's efforts ultimately came to naught.
At this thought, Eldrin couldn't help but inquire, "After the fall of the Violet Immortal Monarch back then, where did that Chaos Cauldron end up going?"
"I do not know either."
Youwu let out a soft sigh before speaking, "The Chaos Cauldron is 1 of the numbered Chaos Supreme Treasures of the primordial chaos. Unless 1 is fated to obtain it, even an existence at the Third Realm of Chaos would most likely be unable to forcibly subdue it."
"Otherwise, should this object fall near the Chaos Heavenly Abyss, it would most likely draw the intervention of experts at the Second Realm of Chaos."
"Second Stage of Chaos." Eldrin frowned slightly between his brows and couldn't help but speak out, "Are cultivators at the Second Stage of Chaos truly that rare?"
Rare.
Youwu spoke, his expression tinged with reverence, "The higher 1 ascends on the path of cultivation, the more insurmountable the trials become to advance further—like scaling a heavens-defying peak."
"My master once told me," he said, "whether in the primordial realm of Immortal Cosmos of old, or across the combined territories of the present-day Southern Abyss's 7 Celestial Domains—and even including the Northern Abyss's 7 Celestial Domains—no 1 has ever successfully set foot upon this stage."
"Even the Lord of the Primordial Immortal Realm in his day, and that Chaos Demon Emperor from the Northern Abyss Exotic Realm, had merely set half a foot across the threshold at most."
"If 1 could cultivate to the second realm of Chaos, I'm afraid all the dozens of Chaos Heavenly Emperors across the 13 domains north and south of the Chaotic Abyss would have to live under another's shadow."
Hearing this, Eldrin vaguely understood that a powerhouse who had reached the second realm of Chaos—the Harmony Path—was likely an existence formidable enough to reign as a sovereign within the Chaos.
If the second realm of Chaos is already so rare and powerful, how terrifying must a cultivator of the third realm of Chaos be?
Noticing Eldrin’s gaze, Youwu took a deep breath and said, “This chaos is boundless and endless, far more vast and magnificent than either of us could ever imagine.”
The 3 1000 celestial domains may seem vast and boundless, yet within this primordial chaos, they are but a solitary island.
"We need not seek too much—cultivating to the Great Perfection Realm and attaining the fruit of liberation from the cycle of reincarnation shall suffice."
"As for what lies beyond, it's better to take 1 step at a time. If I truly reach the Great Perfection of the Primordial Chaos Emperor, then I shall seek other opportunities."
Eldrin nodded upon hearing this and said with a smile, "Senior Taiyou makes a valid point. For us now, the most crucial task is to lay a solid foundation and ensure every step we take is firm and steady."
"As for what comes after... we'll cross that bridge when we get there."
Having reasoned this through, Eldrin let out a subtle sigh of relief.
The group did not set out immediately, instead remaining within the ruins to rest for several days.
During this period of rest, Eldrin delved into the scriptures of the Primordial Realm of Immortals. After thorough examination, he discovered that the cultivation methods of this realm differed profoundly from the techniques practiced across the 3 1000 immortal domains.
Across the 3 1000 Immortal Domains, the current path of immortal cultivation revolves around creating and elevating worlds to obtain the Primordial Indestructible Radiance, thereby breaking through to the Great Perfection Realm.
In the cultivation methods of the Primordial Immortal Realm, ascending to the Great Luo Realm could only be achieved by scavenging and plundering from the chaos. Thus, although the Primordial Immortal Realm was vast beyond measure, the number of Great Luo Golden Immortals was far fewer than in the current 3 1000 Immortal Domains.
Throughout the entire Primordial Immortal Realm, there were fewer than 10,000 Great Luo Golden Immortals—not even 1-third of the current 3 1000 Immortal Domains.
"Obtaining the innate indestructible radiance of chaos through plundering methods is ultimately limited."
Moreover, those capable of seizing Primordial Indestructible Radiance are mostly powerful figures among the Great Luo Golden Immortals. These individuals are devoted to their own cultivation and may be unwilling to surrender the Primordial Indestructible Radiance to other Great Luo Golden Immortals.
Eldrin continued to study the Primordial Domain Method of the Immortal Cosmos, but ultimately couldn't help shaking his head slightly.
Of course, the cultivation methods of the Primordial Immortal Realm Domain still possess their own merits. The techniques of this realm are tailored for humanity's path of immortal ascension, appearing remarkably similar to the celestial arts practiced across the 3 1000 Primordial Domains. They even gave Eldrin (Person Name) the distinct impression of sharing the same lineage.
At this thought, Eldrin couldn't help but ask Youwu, "Do you know how the cultivation methods of the Primordial Realm of Immortal Cosmos are connected to our Immortal Dao?"
Seeing this, You Wu spoke up immediately, "In the primordial era, the dominant cultivation method across our 3,000 immortal domains was the Divine Clan Method, which was ill-suited for our human race. As for the remaining 100 immortal spirit clans and demon tribes, their techniques were fragmented and chaotic, never coalescing into a unified school."
Later, the Primordial Dao Ancestor, undaunted by hardship, journeyed to the Primordial Realm of Immortal Cosmos with several disciples. There, from the Ancestral Court of Immortal Dao, they sought and obtained 1 100 and 8 volumes of the True Scriptures of Immortal Dao.
Later, the Primordial Dao Ancestor and other sages built upon this foundation, integrating the strengths of myriad schools from the Primal Chaos Domain, ultimately forging the new celestial path methods that form the basis of today's immortal cultivation practices.
"So that's how it is."
Eldrin (Person Name) froze momentarily, struck by an uncanny sense of déjà vu reminiscent of the pilgrimage to the Western Heaven for sacred scriptures.
At this thought, he could not help but remark, "Who would have imagined that the immortal path of our human race inherits the orthodox traditions of the Primordial Domain of Immortal Cosmos."
Youwu nodded, then said with a smile, "In the primordial era, the Primordial Domain of Immortal Cosmos was the center of over a dozen surrounding primordial domains, as well as the birthplace of immortal dao civilization."
"Now that the Primordial Realm of the Immortal Cosmos has fallen, we humans of the 3 1000 Immortal Domains are considered the true successors of the Primordial Realm of the Immortal Cosmos."
Recalling this amusing tale from years past, Youwu began to recount it in her mellifluous voice.
He informed Eldrin that during the primordial era, the realm of chaos was entirely dominated by the Chaos Fiends and the Primordial Gods.
In those days, the human race was frail and weak. Aside from the Primordial Humans, few Acquired Humans could cultivate their way to the realm of immortality—until a peerless genius emerged from the Primordial Expanse of the Immortal Realm.
He created the methods of immortal cultivation and imparted the Dao within the vast chaos, allowing humanity to finally step onto the stage of this primordial expanse.
"The tales of the Primordial Era truly stir 1's heart with boundless yearning."
Eldrin murmured softly, and after perusing a few ancient scrolls, he finally tucked them away.
Seeing that everyone had mostly recovered, he delayed no longer. Leading the group, he stepped out of the vast chaos and pressed onward toward its deepest reaches.
The group pressed onward, soon discovering dozens of Chaos Nests of varying tiers along their path, along with several Chaos Ruins.
Within these ruins, some had long been explored by others, while others remained untouched. After thorough searching, his gains were quite substantial.
Thus time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, 10 1000 years had passed.
Until this day, when Eldrin arrived before a Chaotic Nest, a trace of astonishment surfaced on his face.
There lay a colossal chaos nest, shaped like a 9-colored treasure vase, spanning across the boundless primordial void as it inhaled and exhaled vast tides of chaotic qi.
Beside the Chaos Nest stood several dozen figures, led by Ni Cangtian (Person Name), Jiuyao Shenjun (Person Name), Shengmo Tianjun (Person Name), and the Chaos Saint Tai Huan (Spirit Entity).
The moment he laid eyes on Eldrin, the Saintly Demon Heavenly Monarch let out a sigh and said, "So many have gathered here. It seems this place holds no fate with me."
"Enough, this seat takes its leave."
With those words, Saint Demon Heavenly Monarch turned to leave. But before departing, he cast a glance at the crowd and said, "Take my advice—when we reach the Abyssal Edge, we'll still need to contend with those demon whelps from the 6 Northern Abyssal Domains."
"You may cross blades, but it would be wiser to save some strength for dealing with those fiends."
With those words, the Saintly Demon Heavenly Monarch swiftly departed.
Coward.
Watching him depart, Nihility Heaven let out a derisive laugh before turning to Eldrin (Person Name). "Human from the 3 Extremes Primordial Realm, I’m afraid you’ve arrived too late."
"Leave now, and I may grant you the privilege of living."
Eldrin did not reply, his gaze fixed upon the chaotic nest that resembled a 9-colored treasure vase. After a moment of observation, he remarked, "It takes the form of a sacred vessel, yet contains 9 luminous hues within."
"This must be the legendary Chaos Immortal Vial Nest, I presume?"
Youwu nodded, her face lighting up with pleasant surprise as she said, "Among all the Chaos Nests, the 9-Colored Immortal Vial Nest only ranks 60-seventh, yet its rarity is likely enough to place it within the top 10."
Eldrin also gave a slight nod. The Chaos Immortal Vial Nest was a rare type of chaos lair.
Within such a chaotic nest, there must exist a companion treasure—the 9-Colors Immortal Vase. Legend has it this vase contains the power of 9 great Daos, capable of nurturing the ultimate treasure known as the 9-Colors Immortal Water.
This 9-Colored Immortal Water can restore nearly all injuries of a Golden Immortal. Moreover, if consumed by an 8-Tribulation Ancient Immortal, it can forge an Indestructible Foundation.
Moreover, when a Great Luo Golden Immortal seeks to advance to the mid-stage of the Great Luo Realm, consuming a single dose of 9-Colors Immortal Water can increase their breakthrough probability by 20 percent.
You must understand, after reaching the Great Luo Realm, each step forward is as difficult as ascending to heaven. Countless Golden Immortals of the Great Luo Realm with slightly inferior foundations have cultivated arduously for thousands of kalpas, yet may never break through to the middle stage of the Great Luo Golden Immortal.
Of course, the amount of immortal water nurtured by the 9-Colors Immortal Vessel was limited. It required consuming 9 types of Great Luo rare treasures to produce a single portion of Indestructible Foundation, making the cost truly immense.
Even so, with the Chaos Immortal Vial Nest right before their eyes, everyone present felt their hearts stir.
Lyra leaned close to Eldrin’s ear and whispered in a hushed voice, “Seraphina Qu possesses a 9-Colored Immortal Clam Foundation. This treasure resonates deeply with her innate constitution. If she were to obtain it, she would likely cultivate at least 2 or 3 Indestructible Foundations.”
Eldrin nodded, giving the others a reassuring look before turning to Ni Cangtian. "I've heard you are the Child of Destiny. I’ve been meaning to test your skills."
"You're courting death!"
Nihuang Tian flew into a rage, instantly shattering the primordial chaos as he drew a black blade and slashed forward.
This blade cleaved through the heavens, bearing a light that sought to slay the divine and seize fate, actually splitting apart this vast expanse of chaos.
The moment he laid eyes on the Heaven-Sundering Blade, Eldrin swept his sleeve aside and unleashed a palm strike, intercepting the Heaven-Slaying Blow from Nihility Celestia.
"This blade is not half bad!"
He blocked the innate spiritual treasure with his bare hands.
"Insolence!"
The failed strike only fueled Nirgrantha's fury. With his left hand, he drew a pale sword and thrust—a strike that seemed to pierce through the vast expanse of time and space itself.
To his astonishment, Eldrin casually extended 2 fingers and effortlessly caught the white blade between them. He then shook his head and remarked.
"The sword is decent as well."
"Alas, your strength falls short."
As he spoke, Eldrin's gaze remained placid as still water, yet a sharp glint flashed within his eyes. "If that is truly the only way, retreat now and you may yet preserve your lives."
Clang—
In that very instant, a blinding sword aura shot forth, aimed directly between Eldrin’s brows.
Contrary to all expectations, the 1 who struck was not the Divine Lord of 9 Supremes, but rather the Chaos Saint of the Primordial Chaos Domain—Taihuan.
A bit stuck today, falling short by 4 100 words and running out of time.
(End of Chapter)