Chapter 2025 : Into the Sword Abyss Depths

With a mana quality comparable to that of a Primordial Imperial Lord Mid Stage, the energy expenditure required to activate an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from the primordial chaos] was immense.

Eldrin Chen recuperated within the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm for tens of thousands of years. Only after his mana had fully recovered to its peak state did he venture once more into the depths of the Chaos Desolate Sea.

This time, Eldrin Chen's destination was the foremost of the three great Desolate Domain—the Sword Abyss Realm Sea.

Not long after, Eldrin Chen arrived at the periphery of the Sword Abyss Realm Sea. His brow furrowed with solemnity as he gazed upon the vast expanse before him.

Compared to the Myriad Star Archipelago and the Desolation Ancient Continent, the Sword Abyss Realm Sea possessed the most formidable strength.

This lineage of the Chaos Desolate Race was not only one of the ten great Forbidden Lands of the former Great Wasteland Primordial Domain, but it had also absorbed a multitude of powerful beings from the Primordial Chaos World Sea.

From what Eldrin Chen knew, within the vast Sword Abyss Realm Sea, the fallen lineage that originated from the former Sword Abyss Immortal Source alone possessed a formidable array of power.

This lineage boasted one Sword Saint, one Sword Emperor, and twelve Primordial One Desolation Emperors.

Among these fourteen peerless powerhouses, the twelve Primordial One Desolation Emperors were all at the early or mid-stage of the Primordial Imperial Lord realm. The strongest among them was the Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor.

Of the remaining two supreme experts, the Sword Emperor bore the title 'Tianyao Sword Emperor'. His cultivation had reached the Primordial Imperial Lord 7th Tier realm, and he had mastered the Tianyao Sword Path of the True Spirit Dao. His strength was undoubtedly profound and unfathomable.

The Sword Saint, known by his Daoist title 'Sword Abyss Child' and also called 'Sword Abyss Saint Lord', had cultivated his power to the Eighth Tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm [a supreme cultivation stage of immense power].

This Sword Abyss Child's Slaughter power was peerless under the heavens. In the bygone era of the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain [the primordial world of desolation], he was the foremost powerhouse beneath the three Great Emperor [the supreme rulers of the primordial epoch]. Furthermore, he wielded one of the ten Innate Supreme Treasures [primordial artifacts of immense power] of that domain, the 'Ancient Sword of the Azure Abyss'.

Such a figure possessed combat prowess that could rival a Great Emperor. Had it not been for his profound enmity with a certain Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator one step below the Great Emperors], he likely would not have fallen so far as to descend into Desolation [a state of ruin and decay].

"I must still proceed with caution."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a trace of solemnity flickering in the depths of his gaze.

Among these two Primordial One Late Stage powerhouses, Tianyao Sword Emperor was formidably strong, yet to Eldrin Chen, he did not pose an overwhelming threat.

However, Sword Abyss Child, armed with his Innate Supreme Treasure, possessed battle strength sufficient to challenge a Great Emperor. If Eldrin Chen were to confront him head-on, he would likely suffer a grievous setback.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen shrouded himself within Chaos Mist [a primordial vapor that obscures perception], suppressing his aura to its absolute limit. He then strode across the firmament and, almost imperceptibly, arrived within the Sword Abyss Ancient World.

Compared to the Desolation Ancient Continent and the Myriad Stars Archipelago, the Sword Abyss Realm Sea was noticeably less corrupted.

This place was composed of countless Chaos Lairs [nests of primordial disorder]. It seemed suppressed by some immense power, as the Sea of Chaos Water [the turbulent, formless waters of primordial chaos] within its depths flowed with relative calm.

Upon these Chaos Sanctums [ancient lairs formed from primordial chaos], Eldrin Chen discovered numerous signs of deliberate construction.

Many of the Chaos Sanctums were crowned with immortal halls and divine pavilions, where towers and pavilions stood. Within them, it seemed Primordial Desolate Clans [ancient, savage tribes born from desolation] lurked, exuding astonishingly powerful auras.

"In ancient times, the Sword Abyss Immortal Palace used a secret method to relocate the entire Sword Abyss Immortal Palace and fragments of a shattered Great Wasteland Primordial Domain into a nascent Primordial Chaos World Sea [a sea of worlds still forming from primordial chaos]."

"They used the embryonic membrane of the Realm Sea to resist the Desolation Power [a corrupting force of decay and oblivion] for tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], preserving their lineage's legacy and glory, once becoming the most powerful surviving tradition from the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain."

"Alas, as the Realm Sea gradually took form, the Desolation Power continuously eroded it. Like a frog slowly boiled in water, it eventually transformed the Sword Abyss holy land into a Desolate Domain Forbidden Land."

As these thoughts flashed through Eldrin Chen's mind, he continued traversing the Sword Abyss Realm Sea. Unconsciously, he arrived before a majestic palace.

It was a vast, ancient hall, spanning the Vast and Boundless Chaos. Upon the plaque above its entrance were carved grand characters: Sword Mystery Imperial Hall.

"Is this the place where the Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor's Dao Sanctuary [the sacred domain where a cultivator comprehends and manifests their chosen Dao] resides?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a slight frown creasing his brow.

The Sword Mystery Imperial Hall was situated upon a Primordial One Sanctum [a lair of a Primordial One-level being], protected by an exceedingly sophisticated Primordial One Grand Formation capable of withstanding attacks from a Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage.

Even if Eldrin Chen were to unleash his full power and deploy the Returning Abyss Pearl to assault this Sword Mystery Imperial Hall, it would likely be difficult to completely subdue Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor in a short time.

If the battle could not be concluded swiftly, and Tianyao Sword Emperor and Sword Abyss Saint Lord arrived, Eldrin Chen would have no choice but to flee for his life.

After all, that Sword Abyss Child wielded the Slaughter Innate Supreme Treasure 'Ancient Sword of the Azure Abyss', which posed a potentially grave threat to Eldrin Chen.

"Could I lure him out?"

With this thought, Eldrin Chen fell into a brief, contemplative silence, a pensive look crossing his features.

A moment later, his eyes gleamed with a sudden insight. "For the Desolate Race," he murmured to himself, "their greatest desire is for treasures that nourish the soul and the spirits of sentient beings."

"I need only reveal a wisp of my soul's energy, and that should be enough to draw him out."

Having reached this conclusion, Eldrin Chen felt a surge of resolve.

He immediately prepared his various trump cards, then produced a portion of Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid [a precious liquid that strengthens and heals the spiritual essence] to serve as bait for the Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor.

"*Clang!*"

At the very moment Eldrin Chen revealed the Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid [a precious liquid that nourishes and heals the soul], a brilliant light trembled violently within the Sword Mystery Imperial Hall. A dazzling sword radiance then shot forth, streaking directly towards the Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid.

"Perfect timing."

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen acted decisively. He summoned the Primordial Chaos Unity Energy Grasping Hand [a divine technique that manifests a giant hand of unified primordial chaos energy] and unleashed it to suppress and slay the Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor.

In that instant, sensing the danger, the Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor transformed into ten thousand streaks of sword light that scattered in all directions, its form dissolving into phantasms that vanished from the Void Heaven [a vast, empty celestial realm].

"I've been waiting for this move."

Eldrin Chen seized the moment. He instantly activated the Returning Abyss Seal [a powerful seal artifact]. The seal, which had long since divided into twelve supreme treasures, instantly transformed into a trapping Formation [a structured array of energy used for defense, offense, or confinement].

Immediately, the countless phantasms conjured by the Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor flickered and dissipated, leaving only its true form trapped within the array.

Realizing its confinement, the Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor decisively opened its eyes. In that moment, an unbearably brilliant sword energy tore through the firmament, ripping a breach in the Formation.

Seizing this chance, it transformed into a sword light that sundered the void itself, fleeing towards the breach in the Formation.

"Now!"

In that very instant, Eldrin Chen seized the opportunity. He summoned the Returning Abyss Pearl to seal the breach that had been torn open, unleashing an indescribable, supreme suction force. In a flash, Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor was drawn into its depths.

"Success."

The moment Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor was suppressed, a flicker of elation crossed Eldrin Chen's face.

Yet before he could even process the thought, he sensed a peerless sword radiance cleaving through the firmament towards him.

In that split second, Eldrin Chen felt every hair on his body stand on end. An extreme, annihilating power [a force of pure destruction] carried a bone-chilling threat that prickled his very marrow.

"Hmph—"

Facing such a strike, Eldrin Chen snorted coldly. Without hesitation, he summoned the Indestructibility Battle Armor to block, then turned his gaze towards the depths of the void.

There, from the farthest reaches of the Heavenly Vault, a blindingly brilliant sword light descended. Where it passed, the very fabric of the Vast and Boundless Chaos Desolation Sea was sundered, ripped asunder into two halves.

"What a swift blade."

Before Eldrin Chen could ponder further, the sword strike crashed upon the Indestructibility Battle Armor.

A peerless Sword Intent [a cultivator's concentrated will and understanding of the sword path, given lethal form] pierced through the battle armor and into Eldrin Chen's chest, causing a trickle of blood to instantly spill from the corner of his mouth.

Eldrin Chen grunted in pain, then decisively channeled the Returning Abyss Pearl [a mystical orb capable of traversing vast distances], vanishing in an instant into the boundless Heavenly Vault [the infinite, starry expanse of the cosmos].

After a dizzying sensation of spatial displacement, Eldrin Chen found himself within the Great Wasteland Sacred Hall [a hallowed sanctuary located in the primordial wilderness].

"What an overwhelmingly tyrannical Sword Intent," he remarked, his voice low.

"The combat prowess of the Sword Abyss Saint Lord has indeed stepped into the domain of a Great Emperor [a supreme title denoting a cultivator of unparalleled power, a pinnacle existence]."

Once he confirmed his safety, Eldrin Chen, recalling that ultimate sword strike, wiped the blood from his lips.

In the battle just concluded, Eldrin Chen had been wounded by a single thrust from the Sword Abyss Saint Lord, sustaining significant injury. This, however, had allowed him to gauge his opponent's true strength.

Within the realm of the Primordial One Imperial Lord [a high-level cultivation stage where one's power begins to approach the foundational laws of existence], those who reach the Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord stage can be titled a Great Emperor.

Beings within the Great Emperor domain are often further stratified into several tiers based on their actual combat power.

These tiers are: Comparable to a Great Emperor, Newly Ascended Great Emperor, Powerful Great Emperor, Top-Tier Great Emperor, Invincible Great Emperor [a Great Emperor with no peer in their realm], and Rivaling a Sage Ascendant [one who has partially transcended the Great Emperor realm, touching the next stage of cultivation].

Those said to rival a Great Emperor [the supreme sovereigns of the cultivation world, standing at the peak of power] are generally either the most supreme Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [the eighth-tier lords who have touched the primordial origins of the cosmos] or those who forcibly broke through to the Great Emperor realm with an insufficient foundation. Their combat power is roughly equivalent to the eighth or ninth level of the Great Emperor Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Great Emperor cultivation path].

Those who have newly entered the domain of a Great Emperor represent the state of the vast majority of such sovereigns. These figures do not possess an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme artifact born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth], and their combat prowess is the most ordinary among the Great Emperor ranks.

Powerful Great Emperor sovereigns typically command at least one Innate Supreme Treasure. Within the same realm, they can often contend against two opponents of equal standing. Figures like the Primordial Solar Great Emperor [the Great Emperor embodying the primordial essence of the sun] belong to this tier.

Top-tier Great Emperor sovereigns not only wield an Innate Supreme Treasure, but their combat power allows them to face three opponents of the same realm. Beings such as the Heaven's Deduction Great Emperor [the Great Emperor who comprehends the heavenly principles of deduction] and the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor [the ancient Great Emperor of the Thunder Crow lineage] are warriors of this caliber.

As for those who have attained the Invincible Great Emperor [the peerless and undefeatable level among Great Emperors] realm, they essentially represent the absolute ceiling of power within the Great Emperor domain.

Such individuals possess world-shaking combat strength, capable of facing five opponents of the same realm. Even within the vast expanse of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [the seven great domains of the Southern Abyss region], such figures can be counted on one hand.

Among those Eldrin Chen knows, there is only one Invincible Great Emperor: the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [the Great Emperor whose power is as profound and unfathomable as an obsidian abyss], this very sovereign of Invincible Great Emperor stature.

In the past, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, having cultivated the Six Great True Spirit Divine Forms [a supreme divine art manifesting the forms of six primordial true spirits], and wielding the Thunder Emperor Battle Armor [the legendary armor of the Thunder Emperor] and the Obsidian Abyss Imperial Spear [an imperial spear embodying the power of the obsidian abyss], clashed against seven Great Emperor sovereigns. His foes included top-tier Great Emperor like the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor and the Heaven's Deduction Great Emperor. He could achieve this precisely because he had attained the combat power of an Invincible Great Emperor.

Beyond the Invincible Great Emperor lies the legendary realm of rivaling a Sage Ascendant [a being who has ascended to the preliminary stage of sagehood, transcending the mortal coil].

Those capable of rivaling a Sage Ascendant possess combat strength within the Great Emperor domain that allows them to contend against ten opponents of equal standing.

Such individuals are essentially only those who have achieved Fleshly Body Sanctification [a supreme state of physical cultivation where the body is refined to a divine level] who can accomplish this.

Within the entire Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a vast and perilous region comprising seven major domains], there are only one or two such beings. Eldrin Chen only knows that the eldest son of the Ant Heavenly Emperor, 'Heaven's Slaughter Great Emperor', is one who rivals a Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator who has ascended to a sage-like state, one step below a true Sage].

He cultivated seven True Spirit Divine Form [divine transformations based on the forms and powers of primordial true spirits] and once battled a Sage Ascendant for over a million years before finally being defeated.

And this is merely with seven True Spirit Divine Form. It is said that once one cultivates the Eight True Spirit Divine Forms [the complete set of eight divine transformations], one can become an existence not inferior to, or even surpassing, a Sage Ascendant.

The Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification, if one cultivates the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms [the legendary pinnacle of nine divine transformations] and then fuses these Nine Great God Forms into one, undergoes an ultimate metamorphosis in combat power, leaping to become an existence capable of challenging a Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign ruler of a heavenly domain].

Returning to the main point, setting aside those invincible figures, even the Sword Abyss Saint Lord he previously fought is already an invincible character.

He was merely at the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [the eighth tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm], yet with the power of his Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born from heaven and earth, possessing unparalleled might], he possessed combat power at the initial threshold of the Great Emperor [a supreme emperor-level cultivator] domain.

Once his cultivation base truly steps into the Great Emperor domain, his combat power is certain to undergo a startling qualitative transformation.

By that time, the strength of Sword Abyss Saint Lord would likely directly enter the realm of a powerful Great Emperor, or even potentially that of a top-tier Great Emperor.

"A Sword Path [the Dao of the Sword] Imperial Lord, peerless in Slaughter [a divine ability focused on absolute destruction and killing]."

"If this Sword Abyss Saint Lord could be made to serve us, he would undoubtedly become a sharp blade in our hands in the future."

Such thoughts flickered through Eldrin Chen's mind, and a glint of unwavering resolve surfaced in his gaze.

This retreat to the Chaos Desolation Sea had made Eldrin Chen realize more acutely than ever the paramount importance of sheer power.

The Human Race was far too weak. Not only did they lack even a single Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator who has ascended to sagehood] to stand guard, they possessed a mere five Great Emperor [a supreme ruler among cultivators, wielding immense power] cultivators.

In stark contrast, the Demon Race boasted ten Great Emperor powerhouses, each wielding an Innate Supreme Treasure [a primordial treasure of immense power, born from the cosmos] to anchor their Fortune [the metaphysical concept of destiny and luck], making each one a formidable force in their own right.

Under such circumstances, had it not been for the intervention of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races and the Divine Clan, Eldrin Chen might never have escaped to the Chaos Desolation Sea at all.

Conversely, if the Human Race possessed ten Great Emperor cultivators and several Sage Ascendant Patriarch [a venerable and powerful leader of a clan or sect] standing guard, how would the Demon Race dare to act so brazenly?

Forget Sage Ascendant for a moment. If the Human Race could muster ten Great Emperor, they could, under the leadership of the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, push the Demon Race forces back.

Without sufficient numbers, no matter how mighty the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor was, there would inevitably come a point where even his strength reached its limit.

After all, any being capable of cultivating to the Great Emperor realm was a peerless prodigy who had dominated their era.

Each of them had cultivated their foundation to its absolute limit, leaving no vast chasm in combat prowess between them.

Even an Invincible Great Emperor [a title for a Great Emperor whose power is considered peerless] could, at most, contend against five opponents simultaneously, and that was only against those who had just entered the Great Emperor [the pinnacle realm of mortal cultivation] realm without possessing an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical weapon born from the world's primal energies].

If the opponents were powerful Great Emperor who wielded Innate Supreme Treasure, being able to withstand the combined assault of three such Great Emperor would already qualify as a heaven-defying Invincible Great Emperor.

In truth, aside from those who had achieved Fleshly Body Sanctification [a legendary state of physical perfection], the unique nature of their cultivation path allowed them to advance further in their True Spirit Divine Form [a divine ability manifesting one's true spiritual essence]. For those on ordinary paths, the birth of an Invincible Great Emperor was exceedingly rare.

A Great Emperor who had walked the Path of Path Mastery [the cultivation path focused on comprehending and mastering the fundamental laws of existence] to its zenith would typically only reach the level of a top-tier Great Emperor. An Invincible Great Emperor from the Path Mastery [the cultivation realm focused on mastering a fundamental Path or Dao] was virtually a legend, a feat considered nearly impossible to achieve.

This meant that within the domain of Great Emperor, contending against three opponents at once was essentially the absolute limit.

With this understanding, Eldrin Chen felt a renewed flicker of hope regarding the Sword Abyss Saint Lord, yet a weight of solemnity also settled in his heart.

"Given the strength of the Sword Abyss Saint Lord, I fear it will still be difficult for him to suppress that entity," he mused.

Thoughts flashed through Eldrin Chen's mind, but he quickly suppressed them. "Enough," he decided. "We shall proceed step by step."

"First, we must restore the sanity of the Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor. The Sword Abyss Saint Lord can be dealt with in due time."

With these thoughts, Eldrin Chen released Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor and then used the power of the Tome of Human Soul [a legendary book capable of purifying souls and spiritual essence] to cleanse the Desolation Power [a corrupting, entropic energy that erodes life and spirit] from him.

Time flowed swiftly in this manner. After several hundred thousand years had passed, the Desolation Power [a corrupting, entropic energy that erodes life and spirit] within Sword Mystery Desolation Emperor was finally washed completely clean.

"My gratitude."

Once the Desolation Power [a corrupting, entropic energy that erodes life and spirit] within him was purified, Sword Mystery Imperial Lord awoke from his dazed state. He offered Eldrin Chen a solemn and respectful bow.

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and spoke. "How do you feel?"

"The erosion of my Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator] is not too severe. Recovery should take only a few dozen Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles, each spanning billions of years]."

Sword Mystery Imperial Lord replied slowly, a look of profound relief surfacing in the depths of his eyes.

Eldrin Chen nodded. As expected of one who had established the Three True Spirit Foundations [a supreme cultivation method focusing on perfecting the three core aspects of spirit, energy, and vitality], the damage to Sword Mystery Imperial Lord's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator] was far less severe than that suffered by Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor or Liana Imperial Lord.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen revealed his intentions to Sword Mystery Imperial Lord. "To speak plainly," he said, "this Emperor wishes to take you under his command as a Divine General. What is your will in this matter?"

A flicker of movement passed through Sword Mystery Imperial Lord's gaze, and within his pupils, a trace of world-shaking Sword Intent [the conceptual essence and willpower focused through the art of the sword] ignited.

Yet after a moment's reflection, recalling the methods Eldrin Chen had previously displayed, he gave a slight nod and said, "With your strength and capabilities, coupled with the life-saving debt I owe you, you are indeed qualified to be the one I pledge my allegiance to."

"However, I have three conditions."

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly before he spoke, "State them."

Sword Mystery Imperial Lord nodded and then declared, "First, you must not compel me to act against my conscience."

"Second, regarding my fellow disciples of the Sword Abyss Immortal Palace [the celestial palace of the Sword Abyss lineage], I must trouble you, Fellow Daoist, to aid in their revival. At the very least, ensure they do not perish in the Rebirth [a divine ability or state of reincarnation]."

"Third, if a day comes when my strength surpasses yours, then after I have repaid this debt of gratitude, I may choose to depart of my own will."

"Agreed!"

Eldrin Chen nodded. For a person of such world-shaking talent as Sword Mystery Imperial Lord, he was willing to be exceptionally tolerant and approving.

Sword Mystery Imperial Lord gave another nod, his expression calm as he stated, "Since that is settled, henceforth I shall follow under the banner of the Imperial Lord [a title for a supreme ruler or a high-level cultivator]."

"Then from this day forward, you shall be the third Divine General under my command."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly, then bestowed a batch of healing elixirs [pills with restorative properties] upon Sword Mystery Imperial Lord before allowing him to depart in haste.

At this moment, Liana Imperial Lord approached. She glanced at the departing Sword Mystery Imperial Lord and said with a gentle smile, "Even after awakening from that state of confusion, Sword Mystery Imperial Lord remains as solemn and unsmiling as ever."

"Those who walk the Sword Path [the Way of the Sword, a martial and philosophical discipline] emphasize either profound emotion or absolute detachment."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, then shook his head. "This Sword Mystery Imperial Lord treads the path of the emotionless sword. All worldly thoughts and attachments are but faint, unbound whispers within his heart."

Liana Imperial Lord chuckled softly. She glided to Eldrin Chen's side, her graceful form leaning against him. With breath as fragrant as orchids, she whispered by his ear, "And what path do you cultivate?"

"What path do I cultivate?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a brief moment, a smile playing on his lips. Then, he wrapped an arm around her and declared.

"I am the Path itself!"

"..."

After rescuing Sword Mystery Imperial Lord, Eldrin Chen did not immediately move against Dusk Extinction Desolation Emperor, for the Primordial Spirits [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator] of the three had not yet fully recovered.

Of course, even without taking immediate action, Eldrin Chen did not remain idle.

In the years that followed, during his moments of leisure, Eldrin Chen journeyed to the Myriad Stars Archipelago on multiple occasions. There, he both suppressed the Desolation Emperors [rulers corrupted by the power of desolation] of the archipelago and searched for Innate Spiritual Root [primordial spiritual roots of exceptional quality and power].

Each time he subdued a Desolation Emperor, he would bring them back to the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm. There, he would use the Tome of Human Soul to purify the Desolation Power [the corrupting power of desolation] from them, then allow them to undergo Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] dissolution.

In this way, he saved these Primordial One Imperial Lord [Imperial Lords who had attained the Primordial One realm] while simultaneously weakening the forces under Dusk Extinction Desolation Emperor's command.

After roughly one Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle], Eldrin Chen had successfully guided all dozen or so Desolation Emperors of the Myriad Stars Archipelago towards liberation, leaving Dusk Extinction Desolation Emperor as a commander without an army.

During this process, Eldrin Chen also seized more than two hundred and sixty Innate Spiritual Roots.

He even captured a staggering thirty-six strands of the exceedingly rare Innate Primordial Breath [the primordial breath of creation, a foundational energy of the cosmos], substantially replenishing his depleted resources.

Leveraging these resources, Eldrin Chen elevated the Returning Abyss Seal into an Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [the embryonic form of a supreme innate treasure].

After its ascension, each of the twelve artifacts differentiated from the Returning Abyss Seal now possessed one Great Path Divine Chain [a divine chain embodying a Great Path]. Combined, they held a total of twelve such Great Path Divine Chains.

In principle, an Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo possessing more than nine Great Path Divine Chains can fuse them into a single Great Path Divine Form [a divine form representing a complete Great Path], thereby metamorphosing into a true Innate Supreme Treasure.

Regrettably, the Great Path Divine Chains [divine manifestations of supreme laws] within the Returning Abyss Seal [a powerful sealing artifact] did not merge with one another. Instead, their powers remained relatively scattered and dispersed, failing to undergo the metamorphosis necessary to coalesce into a singular Great Path Divine Form [a unified, supreme manifestation of a cultivator's comprehended laws].