Chapter 2071 : The Primordial Soul River Awakens

Eldrin Chen ceased his wandering thoughts and refocused his mind.

Seeing that the members of the Chen Clan had all received their Innate Supreme Treasure, he then bestowed upon them a batch of resources including Chaotic Divine Liquid [a primordial liquid of immense spiritual potency], encouraging them to cultivate diligently, before he himself embarked on a period of secluded cultivation.

In the years that followed, he cultivated in seclusion while simultaneously comprehending various Dao arts. Thus, time flowed on unceasingly, and before he knew it, more than twenty Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration] had passed.

In this year, Eldrin Chen was eight hundred and twenty-three Kalpa Tribulation old, and the Primordial Soul River [the legendary river of primordial souls] finally opened as destined.

When the Primordial Soul River opened, Eldrin Chen invited Black Abyss Great Emperor and some of the top-tier Emperor Lord [a title for supreme rulers in the cultivation world] from the Human Race Immortal Court, along with the various Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [Emperor Monarchs of the Primordial Chaos Realm] of the Chen Clan, to gather by the banks of the Primordial Soul River.

Among these Emperor Lord were the eight Late Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord Realm cultivators of the Chen Clan, as well as four Great Emperor [supreme rulers of immense power]: Liora, Sword Profound, Sword Abyss, and Indestructible.

Also present were several Great Emperor from the Immortal Court, and over ten other powerful Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch at the Late Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord Realm, including Grand Nether Emperor Lord.

"This place is the Primordial Soul River," he announced.

Gazing upon the Primordial Soul River before him, a ripple of emotion stirred within Eldrin Chen's eyes.

There, within the endless Void [the formless, boundless emptiness], a spectral, ethereal river of souls stretched across the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the vast, chaotic sea of the primordial era].

It emerged from the void and extended back into the void, its ends unseen by mortal eyes.

Surrounding the Primordial Soul River [the legendary river formed from the essence of primordial souls] was an aura of indelible curses and hatred, a force that corroded the mind, far more terrifying than the Desolate Decay Power [a power that induces decay and desolation].

Recalling the origins of the Primordial Soul River, Eldrin Chen felt a profound wariness towards such curses and promptly warned the assembled Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [Emperor Monarchs of the Primordial Chaos Realm] from the Immortal Court [the supreme governing body of immortals].

"Legends say the Primordial Soul River has an extraordinary origin. It was formed from the fall of a supremely powerful Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who mastered the Dao of the Soul] from the Primordial Era [the earliest epoch of creation], one who had reached the Half-Step Dao Union Realm [a realm half a step from uniting with the Dao itself]."

"This place is imbued with Taboo Power [a forbidden power that defies cosmic laws], posing a lethal threat even to Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch. When you enter later, you must remember to act within your limits."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions turned grave, not daring to show the slightest negligence.

At that very moment, Eldrin Chen noticed numerous powerful figures streaking through the void from afar. Among them were not only Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch but also experts at the level of Sage Ascendant [Sage Ascendants, cultivators who have ascended to a sage-like state].

"They arrived rather promptly,"

Eldrin Chen remarked, a trace of detached calm flickering in his gaze.

These were powerhouses from the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a collective term for the seven major domains bordering the Southern Abyss]. Their ranks included several hundred Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch and over twenty Sage Ascendant Ancestors.

It could be said that within the vast expanse of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, the majority of its supreme powerhouses and elites had gathered here.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen immediately spoke, "Once we enter, we must not only guard against the dangers within the Primordial Soul River, but you all must also be wary of these people."

"We understand," they replied.

The expressions of the various Immortal Court Emperor Lord grew somewhat solemn.

However, Black Abyss Great Emperor quietly sent a voice transmission to Eldrin Chen, saying with gravity, "Those from the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss might not resort to lethal measures."

"But with the opening of the Primordial Soul River, it is likely that powerful figures from other Chaos Domain will arrive."

"You must still exercise caution against those individuals."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this. The Nine-Aperture Divine Stone was extraordinarily precious. Even though its appearance within the Primordial Soul River was exceedingly rare, it remained a supreme treasure for Sage Ascendant.

Moreover, Blazing Zenith Supreme had promised an exchange with Chaos Primordial Qi, which would undoubtedly attract many foreign Sage Ascendant.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen stated, "Given our strength, even if foreign Sage Ascendant were to join forces against us, I believe we would have little to fear."

Black Abyss Great Emperor [one of the supreme rulers of the Netherworld] gave a slight nod, finding Eldrin Chen's words reasonable.

As the two conversed, Eldrin Chen noticed several other old acquaintances arriving. Among them were Desolate Wasteland Quasi-Emperor [a powerful being on the cusp of true emperorhood] from the Divine Race, as well as the three great Sage Ascendant [beings who have ascended to the pinnacle of sagehood] from the Demon Race.

Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with Desolate Wasteland Quasi-Emperor and then cast his gaze upon the three Sage Ascendant: Kunpeng, Vermilion Bird, and Azure Crow. Only then did he speak to Black Abyss Great Emperor beside him.

"With three Sage Ascendant appearing together, it seems the Demon Race is determined to seize the Primordial Soul River [the legendary river of souls from the dawn of creation] this time."

"Be cautious. I fear they may be colluding with Sage Ascendant from beyond our realm."

Black Abyss Great Emperor spoke, a flicker of icy resolve gleaming in his eyes.

Eldrin Chen offered no reply. Instead, he spent a long while performing intricate hand-seals, attempting to divine the future. Yet, he found himself unable to pierce the veil of mystery, and a cold glint surfaced in his gaze.

Given the power of his current Heavenly Secrets Divine Ability [a supreme art for unraveling the secrets of fate], if even he could not divine his own fortune or misfortune, only two possibilities remained.

The first possibility was that the Primordial Soul River was simply too profound and terrifying, possessing the power to obscure the Celestial Mechanism [the cosmic tapestry of fate and destiny] and block all divination.

The second possibility was that an even more formidable Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme emperor born of primordial chaos] had employed transcendent means to shroud the Celestial Mechanism.

"Whichever it may be, it is not good news."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, yet felt no trace of worry.

He understood perfectly well just how immense the boost to his combat prowess had been after forging his Great Emperor Physique and condensing the Nine True Spirit Divine Patterns.

Strength was the greatest source of confidence. With power transcending the mundane at this moment, Eldrin Chen harbored no fear, even if the Demon Race had some scheme brewing.

As Eldrin Chen's thoughts drifted, the turbulent Primordial Soul River before him gradually calmed, and the overwhelmingly oppressive aura of the Soul Dao Curse surrounding them seemed to dissipate considerably.

"The Primordial Soul River has quieted for its Restoration. This is a rare chance to explore."

Instantly, the surrounding Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarchs spoke up one after another, their faces alight with immense joy.

Following that, a Sage Ascendant took the lead, charging into the Primordial Soul River in a flash.

Countless powerful experts followed closely behind, soaring into the vast soul Ronan one after another.

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered as he surveyed the Primordial Soul River. "Let us enter as well," he declared.

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen swept his sleeve, instantly transporting the group across the Chaos and arriving within the depths of the Primordial Soul River [a mythical river said to be the source of all spiritual essence].

Upon arriving within the Primordial Soul River, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly.

He discovered that within the Primordial Soul River, an invisible force of Curse Power [a malevolent supernatural energy that inflicts decay and misfortune] was constantly eroding his physical body.

This power was profoundly strange, saturated with energies of decay and corruption, capable of even hindering a powerful being's Revival and Rebirth Power [the innate ability of supreme beings to reconstitute their form and consciousness after destruction].

"A most peculiar power,"

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his brow creasing further. "This force can continuously corrode a cultivator's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a being], even preventing powerful figures from reviving and returning."

"If a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme ruler born from the primordial chaos] were slain here, it is likely they would find it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to revive and return."

Black Abyss Great Emperor also nodded, then added, "This power belongs to a certain supreme Curse Power, capable of corroding the Primordial Spirit of the mighty."

"It cannot utterly annihilate the Primordial Spirit of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch, but it can continuously erode their Primordial Spirit, keeping their spiritual core perpetually in a state of weakened slumber."

"Therefore, anyone slain within this place loses all possibility of revival."

Desolate Wasteland Quasi-Emperor knew a bit more and spoke up, "Legend has it that this Curse Power is but a mere wisp of residual power from a supreme curse."

"Its true power, like the Soul-Devouring Worm, ceaselessly devours the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of that Soul Path Celestial Emperor, preventing that Soul Path Celestial Emperor's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] from ever reviving."

Eldrin Chen felt a tremor in his heart. This was an exceedingly dreadful curse. It could continuously draw upon the spiritual power of the cursed one, using it as fuel to sustain its own existence.

For the cursed, although their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] was constantly Restoration [restored] by the nourishment of the Great Dao [the supreme, fundamental principle of the cosmos], it was also perpetually drained. The very power siphoned away was then turned back to suppress them, locking them in a state from which they could not awaken.

Thus, a terrifying cycle was formed. The more the Soul Path Celestial Emperor sought to Restoration [restore] their Primordial Spirit Power [spiritual essence], the stronger the curse's power would grow.

The stronger the curse grew, the further it would weaken the Soul Path Celestial Emperor's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator].

It was precisely because the Soul Path Celestial Emperor's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] was locked in this constant struggle with the curse that the Primordial Soul River experienced its periods of calm and its periods of violent turbulence.

Each period of turbulence coincided with the peak of the Soul Path Celestial Emperor's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator]. At such times, the residual shockwaves from the clash between the two were potent enough to annihilate even a Great Emperor, and not even a Sage Ascendant would dare to provoke them lightly.

And when the Soul Path Celestial Emperor's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] grew weak and entered a state of dormancy, the Primordial Soul River would fall into a rare period of calm. This was the reason others could now set foot within it.

"How vicious. How ingeniously crafted a curse."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his voice low. This curse clung to the Dao Origin [the foundational origin of the Dao, the highest attainable cultivation realm], clearly a Curse Great Dao [the supreme principle and power of curses] of the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] level. Moreover, it was certainly not something an ordinary Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler who has attained the pinnacle of power within the Chaos] could accomplish.

For a Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who has mastered the profound Dao of the soul] to be afflicted by such a Great Dao [a supreme, fundamental principle of existence and power] curse, condemned to drift in a perpetual, muddled slumber, fighting against it by instinct alone—what difference was there between that and utter annihilation?

"What manner of supreme existence could reduce a Soul Path Celestial Emperor of the Half-Step Dao Union Realm [a realm just half a step from the ultimate union with the Dao] to an eternal slumber indistinguishable from death?"

A profound wariness settled in Eldrin Chen's heart, his pupils narrowing with intense gravity.

In that moment, Eldrin Chen's apprehension towards the Curse Great Dao soared to an unprecedented height.

Consider this: a Chaos Celestial Emperor is an existence thought to be beyond true death, yet here one was, tormented to such a wretched state by mere Curse Power [the malignant energy and intent that fuels curses].

The supreme being who wielded this Curse Great Dao was likely far more terrifying than even a Primordial Extreme Powerhouse [a being who has reached the absolute peak of power in the Primordial Era] of the Third Chaos Realm [the third and profound stage of cultivation within the Chaos].

"Set your worries aside."

At that very moment, Black Abyss Great Emperor spoke up abruptly. "If we slay a powerful foe here, we can prevent their resurrection."

"This may present us with a most excellent opportunity."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then with a flick of his sleeve, drew several dazzling divine stones from the Primordial Soul River [a legendary river said to be the source of all spiritual consciousness].

Black Abyss Great Emperor glanced at them and remarked with considerable surprise, "The Six Orifices Divine Stone [a rare spiritual stone said to enhance the senses and perception of the soul]."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, expressing mild astonishment. "The Six Orifices Divine Stone, which is exceedingly rare in the outside world, seems almost commonplace here."

With those words, Eldrin Chen waved his hand, instructing the group to begin gathering the rare treasures scattered within the Primordial Soul River.

The Primordial Soul River held countless wonders. Eldrin Chen observed that the vast majority were treasures that enhanced the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, the foundation of their consciousness and power].

There was Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid [a mystical liquid that gently strengthens and heals the soul], Soul-Refining Divine Jade [a jade that purifies and tempers the spiritual essence], and various types of Nine-Aperture Divine Stone [an even rarer stone than the Six Orifices variant, believed to open profound spiritual pathways]—all were priceless rarities for nurturing the Primordial Spirit.

After leading the group in their gathering for a time, Eldrin Chen gained a sudden insight. "Most of these Chaos Rare Treasure [precious objects born from the primal chaos of creation] seem to have been washed down from the upper reaches of the Primordial Soul River."

"It appears the true treasures lie upstream."

Black Abyss Great Emperor nodded in agreement, yet his expression turned grave. "The further upstream we venture, the more perilous the Primordial Soul River becomes."

Eldrin Chen acknowledged this with another nod. The Curse Power [a malevolent, corrupting energy that clings to ancient places] of the Primordial Soul River grew increasingly potent the closer one moved toward its source.

Since ancient times, whenever the Primordial Soul River [a legendary river in the primordial chaos said to be the source of all souls] opened, ordinary Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme cultivation realm, one step below the Great Emperor] could only scavenge along its fringes, never daring to venture into its depths.

For to perish within the depths of the Primordial Soul River meant that even a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch would likely be unable to withstand the lingering corrosive power of its curses.

Only those at the Late Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord Realm [the advanced stage of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch realm] possessed the strength to tentatively tread into its middle and lower reaches.

Those bold enough to journey to its upper reaches, or even to seek the very source of the Primordial Soul River, were at the very least supreme powerhouses of the Great Emperor Realm [the pinnacle realm of cultivation, sovereigns of the cosmos].

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen instructed Lyra Jiang and the others, "Act within your means. Explore only the middle and lower reaches. Do not, unless absolutely necessary, venture to the upper regions."

Hearing his words, they all nodded, their expressions growing solemn.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen bestowed upon each member of the Immortal Court [the supreme governing body of the immortal cultivators] a Protective Talisman [a charm imbued with protective magic] he had personally forged. These talismans could, to a degree, ward off the erosion of the curses, ensuring safety within the middle and lower reaches.

With this done, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate. He immediately set off towards the upper reaches of the Primordial Soul River alongside Black Abyss Great Emperor and the Desolate Wasteland Quasi-Emperor.

They traversed the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], and before they knew it, they had arrived at the middle reaches of the Primordial Soul River.

Here, numerous spiritual treasures of the Primordial Unity Level [a high-tier cultivation realm] could be found, and even treasures of the caliber of the Seven-Aperture Divine Stone [a miraculous stone with seven apertures, said to contain divine spiritual essence] had begun to appear.

Eldrin Chen did not conduct a dedicated search, yet even a casual sweep yielded a considerable number of Primordial Unity Marvel and several hundred Nine-Aperture Divine Stone of varying grades.

Unfortunately, these resources were of little use to Eldrin Chen, so he did not linger further. Instead, he continued his advance, arriving at the upper reaches of the river almost without realizing it.

"Such potent Curse Power [a malevolent supernatural force that inflicts harm or misfortune]," he remarked.

Sensing the Curse Power [a malevolent supernatural force that inflicts harm or misfortune] here, Black Abyss Great Emperor's expression shifted slightly, becoming tinged with gravity.

Beside him, Desolate Wasteland Quasi-Emperor grew visibly pale, stating with utmost caution, "The Curse Power [a malevolent supernatural force that inflicts harm or misfortune] in these upper reaches is already terrifyingly potent."

"If our physical bodies were slain here, we would likely incur a most dreadful curse."

"Even if we managed to escape, it would demand a tremendous price to have any hope of refining and dispelling such a malediction."

Eldrin Chen focused his senses briefly. He discovered that under the refining power of his Chaos Indestructible Body, the Curse Power [a malevolent supernatural force that inflicts harm or misfortune] dissipated instantly like mist before the sun, posing him no significant threat.

"The curses here should be incapable of harming me," he concluded.

In that fleeting moment, Eldrin Chen had formed a precise and certain understanding.

Beside him, Black Abyss Great Emperor [one of the great emperors of the Netherworld] observed this and said to Eldrin Chen, "My Chaos Divine Rune [a divine ability born from primordial chaos] offers considerable resistance to curses, hence I remain largely unaffected."

Eldrin Chen nodded, offering no further words.

The Primordial Soul River [the primordial river of souls in the Netherworld] was vast and boundless. As they combed through its upper reaches, they surprisingly gathered a fair number of High-Grade Primordial Unity Spiritual Treasure [spiritual treasures of the highest Primordial Unity grade], and even several Eight-Aperture Divine Stone [divine stones with eight apertures, conduits for immense spiritual power].

Neither Eldrin Chen nor Black Abyss Great Emperor paid these treasures much heed. However, Desolate Wasteland Quasi-Emperor [a powerful cultivator on the cusp of becoming a true emperor] regarded them with notable interest.

Seeing this, Black Abyss Great Emperor spoke, "Fellow Daoist Tianhuang, we two intend to venture to the source of the Primordial Soul River. Will you accompany us on this path?"

Upon hearing this, Desolate Wasteland Quasi-Emperor's expression shifted subtly. After a moment, he replied with a wry smile, "The source of the Primordial Soul River is far too perilous, and the Curse Power [a malevolent supernatural force] there is overwhelmingly potent."

"Without strength rivaling a top-tier Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivation realm just below the Sage], one who falls there may never find their way back."

"My cultivation is insufficient. I shall not risk such a venture."

Eldrin Chen nodded once more, then clasped his hands in salute. "Since that is your decision, we shall not press the matter."

With those words, the two of them set off immediately, their course set for the distant source of the Primordial Soul River.

The higher they ascended, the more terrifying the Curse Power [a malevolent supernatural force that inflicts harm or misfortune] of the Primordial Soul River became. Most critically, Eldrin Chen also discovered that the river's scouring force grew increasingly astonishing.

They journeyed for an unknowable length of time, finally nearing the source of the Primordial Soul River.

Yet, at that very moment, Eldrin Chen's gaze turned icy as he discerned, within the boundless expanse at the river's end, twelve figures of peerless grace and majesty standing tall.

"Three Demon Sage Ascendants, Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor, Azure Crane Sage Ascendant, Myriad Stars Ancient Ancestor, Blazing Soul Sage Ascendant."

Black Abyss Great Emperor spoke slowly, then turned his gaze to several unfamiliar figures and inquired, "And from which Chaos Domain [a primordial, unstable region of existence between ordered worlds] do the remaining five fellow Daoists hail?"

The several Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivation realm just below the legendary Dao Progenitor] did not answer. Instead, they simultaneously activated a grand Formation [a mystical array or formation used to channel energy or create effects] to seal the surrounding Void [the empty space between dimensions or realms].

With this done, the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor smiled coldly, his expression devoid of warmth. "To perish under the combined assault of the twelve of us," he declared, "is a fortune you two should count across three lifetimes."

"A pack of defeated curs, still daring to boast so brazenly?"

Black Abyss Great Emperor moved, summoning the Black Abyss Emperor's Spear to soar into the air as he launched a crushing assault toward the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor.

Yet, in that fleeting instant, two more figures shot forth from beside the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor.

Of the two figures, one bore horns upon his head and was clad in Thunder battle armor, his aura far surpassing that of a peak Sage Ascendant Realm cultivator.

The other rode upon a Celestial Saber, his muscles coiled like ancient pythons, a man of truly imposing stature.

In that fleeting instant, these two figures each commanded nine True Spirit Divine Form [manifestations of a cultivator's spiritual essence and martial will] as they soared into the sky, clashing with Black Abyss Great Emperor in an Eruption of staggering force.

After the momentary collision, Black Abyss Great Emperor took a step back, his expression shifting slightly as he spoke, "Two Primordial Limitless Sage Ascendant [Sage Ascendants who have reached the pinnacle of the early Sage Ascendant realm]. I did not expect you to find such formidable allies."

"This one is Primordial Heaven Sacred Venerable."

Azure Crow Sage Ascendant spoke with a smile, introducing the Sage Ascendant clad in Thunder armor. "Primordial Heaven Sacred Venerable is the youngest son of Kui Bull Celestial Emperor and treads the Fleshly Body Sage Attainment Path [a cultivation path focused on tempering the physical body to its absolute limit]."

"Having now cultivated Nine True Spirit Divine Forms, his combat prowess has long since entered the Primordial Extreme Domain [a legendary realm of power beyond the ordinary Sage Ascendant]."

As his words fell, Azure Crow Sage Ascendant turned his gaze to the other muscle-bound Sage Ascendant, a trace of amusement in his expression. "This is Bedrock Sage Ascendant, who also walks the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification."

"It has been over several hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] since he perfected his nine divine forms. He is a powerhouse among Primordial Limitless Sage Ascendant."

At this point, Azure Crow Sage Ascendant's eyes turned icy cold. "These two mighty warriors were personally invited by my elder brother, Solar Celestial Emperor."

"It is precisely to utterly annihilate the two of you and sever the path of the Human Race's rise."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression remained utterly unchanged, and he did not utter a word in response.

Seeing this, Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor could not help but sneer and speak: "Today, the three of us Primordial Limitless Sage Ascendant join forces, aided further by nine other Sage Ascendant."

"Will you two not surrender peacefully?"

"Attack!"

As the words fell, Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor was the first to move, commanding his war spear as he charged towards Black Abyss Great Emperor.

Bedrock Sage Ascendant and Primordial Heaven Sacred Venerable did the same, now launching a frenzied assault towards Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor.

In their eyes, Eldrin Chen was, at best, a newcomer to the realm of Primordial Limitless Sage Ascendant, while Black Abyss Great Emperor, who had mastered the Chaos Divine Rune, was the true, dire threat requiring their full and undivided attention.

Now, facing the assault of three Primordial Limitless Sage Ascendant, Black Abyss the Sage Ascendant and Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance in an instant.

"*Clang—*"

After a moment of wordless, instinctive understanding, the two of them acted with decisive swiftness.