Chapter 2075 : A Prophecy of Forthcoming Calamity

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. One hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] did not seem overly long for him in his current state.

Yet he still pondered for a moment before speaking. "In recent years, I have often felt a sense of foreboding in my heart."

"Through vague divination, I sense that several hundred Kalpa Tribulation from now, a great calamity will likely sweep across the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss. When that time comes, I may need your aid to help me weather that great tribulation."

The Abyssal Pearl [a sentient treasure of immense power] did not answer immediately. Only after a long while did it speak. "If even one of your cultivation level feels such foreboding, this Tribulation [a destined trial or calamity] is likely no small matter."

"However, your foremost priority now should be to enhance your own strength."

Eldrin Chen nodded. He naturally understood this principle.

As long as his power was sufficiently great, no matter how terrifying the great calamity, he would be able to face it with composure.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen did not linger. He directly utilized the Nameless Space [a mysterious spatial passage] and returned to the Primordial Immortal Domain [his primary cultivation sanctuary].

Upon returned to the Primordial Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen emerged from his Seclusion Chamber [a chamber for deep meditation] and immediately summoned the clan's high-ranking members, including Lyra Jiang, Verdant Consort, and Ethan Chen.

Once everyone had gathered in the great hall, Eldrin Chen spoke decisively. "In recent times, I have sensed disturbances brewing within the Desolate Sea."

"Deep within the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, I sensed the gestation of a power of unimaginable magnitude."

"Not long ago, I performed a divination. Barring unforeseen circumstances, a nascent Origin Domain [a primordial world in its earliest stages of formation] is about to emerge near the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss."

"A nascent Origin Domain?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's hearts and minds were profoundly shaken.

Lyra Jiang could not conceal her astonishment and inquired, "A newly born Origin Domain?"

"Indeed. It appears to be a major Origin Domain, its stature no less than that of the Three Poles Origin Domain. It may even possess the potential for nine Mandate Divine Emperor [a supreme sovereign position aligned with cosmic destiny] thrones."

Eldrin Chen elaborated calmly, then turned his gaze to Xianzhu Chen. "Furthermore, this Origin Domain seems intrinsically linked to the Heavenly Mandate [a cosmic destiny or ordained fate] of both Xianzhu and Xiannian."

"Heavenly Mandate?"

The group was momentarily stunned, expressions shifting to bewilderment.

Lila hesitated, then ventured to ask, "What exactly do you mean by 'Heavenly Mandate'?"

Eldrin Chen spoke deliberately, then said, "The specifics are unclear to me, but within this, there may lie their Opportunity [a pivotal chance or juncture crucial for a cultivator's advancement] to achieve the Dao."

Speaking to this point, Eldrin Chen addressed Xianzhu Chen: "You must prepare yourself, striving to cultivate to the Great Emperor Realm [a supreme cultivation realm of immense power and authority] before the Origin Domain [a primordial, foundational realm born from chaos] manifests into the world."

With these words, Eldrin Chen said no more and dismissed the assembly.

After everyone had departed, Lyra Jiang remained alone. She looked at Eldrin Chen and could not help but ask, "Husband, have you divined something?"

"The Celestial Mechanism [the inscrutable workings of fate and cosmic law] is obscure. I cannot perceive much, only glimpsed a fragment,"

Eldrin Chen sighed softly, then lifted his gaze towards the Depths of Chaos [the boundless, formless expanse of primordial chaos]. With a tone of profound reflection, he said, "That newly born Origin Domain, I fear it is destined to face a dreadful Tribulation [a catastrophic trial or calamity, often of cosmic scale]."

Time flowed like a shuttle on a loom. In the blink of an eye, several dozen Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often ending in great upheaval] had passed.

As the thousandth Kalpa Tribulation marking Eldrin Chen's lifespan drew ever nearer, a transformation finally occurred within the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, untamed sea of primordial chaos] beyond the borders of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a collective of seven major realms in the southern cosmic abyss].

At the very edge of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, a vast and ancient Primordial Chaos Origin Domain [a foundational realm born directly from primordial chaos] suddenly took form. In a single breath, it suppressed the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea across hundreds of Desolate Journey [a unit of measure for vast distances in the primordial chaos].

The emergence of this Origin Domain instantly shook the entirety of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss to its core.

The various Sage Ascendant and even the Chaos Celestial Emperor were all profoundly shaken. They traversed the Vast Chaotic Sea one after another, arriving beyond this newly formed Origin Domain. Eldrin Chen was naturally no exception.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen stood facing several Chaos Celestial Emperor such as Kirin Progenitor and the Sage-King of the Grand Abyss. Gazing upon the vast, newborn Origin Domain before them, he could not help but reveal a look of astonishment.

Grand Turbid Daoist spoke slowly, a flicker of wonder in his eyes. "This is a major Origin Domain. Its stature is not inferior to our own Three Poles Origin Domain."

The Sage-King of the Grand Abyss also nodded, stroking his long beard. "Speaking of which, the last time an Origin Domain was born within the Thirteen Domains of the Heavenly Abyss was two hundred and thirty thousand Kalpa Tribulation ago."

"Back then, the Evil Spirit Primordial Domain coalesced from the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, and that 'Evil Spirit Monarch' attained the Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence] Dao. He was considered one of the greatest victors of that Late Primordial Era."

At the same time, Vast Void Dao Progenitor also approached, his steps measured. Observing the nascent Origin Domain, he sighed. "A major Origin Domain is an exceedingly rare occurrence."

"If this land can give birth to nine Chaos Celestial Emperor, it may well rise to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Three Poles Origin Domain. The question remains: who will emerge as the ultimate victor?"

Eldrin Chen fell into contemplation for a moment. He performed a brief divination, his fingers tracing unseen patterns. The calculation revealed that within this Chaos Domain, the destinies of a full nine Chaos Celestial Emperor were currently taking form.

Yet, as he had anticipated, the Chaos Domain seethed with calamitous energy. Each of the nine Chaos Celestial Emperor seemed ensnared by a shroud of deathly aura.

"BOOM—"

Simultaneously, from within the Chaos came the sound of Void shattering.

Eldrin Chen looked up to see the boundless Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea being torn asunder, from which emerged two figures radiating auras of immense and terrifying power.

Of the two supreme beings, one was draped in a seven-colored Nyssa [a type of celestial garment], a woman of breathtaking, peerless beauty.

The other possessed a tall and stalwart frame, clad in armor forged from Immortal Divine Metal [a legendary, nearly indestructible metal], and wielded a long spear crafted from Eternal Immortal Gold. He, too, was a supreme Chaos Celestial Emperor.

"It's her!"

Eldrin Chen's heart jolted, instantly recognizing the woman's origin. She was none other than the paramount Celestial Emperor [the highest echelon of power among cultivators] of the Blazing Central Chaos Domain, the 'Seven Extremities Empress'.

Also known as the Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden, she cultivated both the Path of Dao Dominion [the supreme path of mastering the fundamental principles of existence] and the Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a path focused on the ultimate refinement of the soul]. Her cultivation base and combat prowess were on par with those who had reached the Half-Step Dao Union Realm [a legendary state just below the ultimate union with the Dao].

As for the other man, Eldrin Chen had never seen him before, but he had an inkling of his identity.

"Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor,"

Grand Turbid Daoist spoke, revealing the man's origin.

Eldrin Chen's heart stirred faintly, instantly confirming his earlier suspicions were correct.

Witnessing this, the Sage-King of the Grand Abyss nearby also spoke: "Legend holds that under the command of Blazing Zenith Supreme, there are twenty-five Chaos Celestial Emperor [supreme cultivators who have mastered the power of primordial chaos], all of whom are his disciples or direct bloodline descendants."

"Among these twenty-five Chaos Celestial Emperor, there are five supreme experts of the Half-Step Dao Union Realm [a transcendent state bordering on the complete fusion with the fundamental Dao]. The Seven Extremities Empress and Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor are two of them."

The Sage-King of the Grand Abyss continued his narration, his expression suddenly turning grave: "Of these two, the Seven Extremities Empress cultivates both the Soul Dao and the Path of Dao Dominion [an esoteric method focused on dominating the fundamental principles of reality]. She possesses the potential to break through to the Second Chaos Realm."

"As for the Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor, he treads the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation art dedicated to forging the physical body into an indestructible vessel]. Moreover, he has mastered one of the four great Ultimate Divine Form—the Chaos Divine Form [a supreme physical manifestation embodying primordial chaos]—and used this as his foundation to step into the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor."

"Therefore, throughout the entire periphery of the Blazing Central Primordial Domain, he is recognized as one of the mightiest Three Celestial Emperors within the Flesh Ascendant lineage [the collective tradition of cultivators who prioritize physical body refinement]."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a tremor deep within his heart.

According to the words of the Sage-King of the Grand Abyss, an ordinary expert of the Half-Step Dao Union Realm could contend against ten ordinary Celestial Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm] like the Grand Turbid Daoist.

If that was the case, then the strength of the Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor belonged to the category of an invincible powerhouse among the Half-Step Dao Union Realm. He should be capable of fighting two ordinary half-step Dao Merging [the state of beginning to fuse one's being with the fundamental Dao] experts simultaneously.

One must understand that those capable of setting foot into the Chaos Celestial Emperor realm are all peerless, heaven-defying prodigies.

As for those who have stepped into the Half-Step Dao Union Realm [a realm just below the supreme union with the Dao], they are beings who have mastered three strands of the Chaos Great Dao [the primordial Dao of Chaos, representing the state before creation]. The power of such individuals is inherently considered heaven-defying.

Yet, he was still able to contend against two such foes simultaneously, proving that Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor truly deserves to be called a peerless prodigy.

With such astonishing methods and combat prowess, it is likely that even against a supremely powerful Dao-Union Supreme [a cultivator who has fully merged with the Dao, the pinnacle realm], he might possess some ability to preserve himself.

"Twenty Celestial Emperor [supreme rulers of the heavens, a pinnacle cultivation realm], five Half-Step Dao Union Realm, and one Dao-Union Supreme."

Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh before speaking. "I fear the combined strength of the Thirteen Domains of the Heavenly Abyss [a coalition of thirteen chaotic realms] does not equal even one-tenth of the lineage under Blazing Zenith Supreme."

Sage-King of the Grand Abyss gave a nod. With a flick of his sleeve, he carried Eldrin Chen far away from this Chaos Domain [a region of primordial, unformed chaos].

Only after completing this did he speak again. "The arrival of two supreme powerhouses from the Half-Step Dao Union Realm... it seems this newly born Origin Domain [a nascent realm containing the essence of creation] is destined for calamity once more."

Upon hearing this, Grand Turbid Daoist could not help but feel a pang of sorrow for a fellow creature facing doom—the fox mourning the hare's death.

His gaze towards Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden and Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor also grew slightly colder, a flicker of frost in his eyes.

If not for Blazing Zenith Supreme's intervention back then, who forcefully wounded the Heavenly Dao [the celestial law and will of a realm] of the Primordial Immortal Domain, he would not have had his Chaos Primordial Qi [the primordial energy of chaos, the source of all creation] seized, delaying his breakthrough to the Celestial Emperor realm until now.

Eldrin Chen witnessed this but offered no comment, his gaze instead settling upon the Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden and the Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor. A flicker of profound gravity surfaced within the depths of his eyes.

The Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden and the Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor were both peerless powerhouses at the Half-Step Dao Union Realm. Even if the more than twenty Celestial Emperor from the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss joined forces, it was unlikely they could defeat these two.

Now, as the two great Celestial Emperor arrived before the nascent Origin Domain, they exchanged a glance.

The Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden gave a slight nod. In the next instant, she commanded seven peerless immortal swords, which coalesced into a world-shaking Slaughter sword formation that cleaved towards the newborn Origin Domain.

In that moment, a cataclysmic tide of Chaos Sword light erupted, infinite sword energies churning through the Vast Chaotic Void and violently splitting the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea asunder.

"Those are the Seven Extremities Immortal Swords,"

the Sage-King of the Grand Abyss declared, drawing a deep breath, his voice thick with undisguised envy.

Eldrin Chen's eyes narrowed slightly as he recalled the origins of these Seven Extremities Immortal Swords.

Legend held that the Seven Extremities Immortal Swords were a set of seven immortal swords forged from Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence]. Each individual sword was a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a supreme artifact born from Chaos] of unparalleled Slaughter [killing intent and destructive power].

It was said that to forge these seven blades, the Blazing Zenith Supreme had ventured deep into Chaos to procure seven distinct types of Chaos Immortal Metal [metals imbued with the essence of Chaos], tempering the sword embryos with seven strands of Chaos Primordial Qi [the most fundamental and potent energy of primordial Chaos].

Later, at immense cost, he journeyed to the Depths of Chaos with the seven swords and found a Chaos treasure site known as the Chaos Sword-Tempering Pool. There, he tempered them for a full four thousand nine hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles in Buddhist cosmology] before they were finally and utterly forged to completion.

These swords possess the supreme might of Slaughter [the divine ability of absolute annihilation]. Their sharpness can cleave even a Chaos Celestial Emperor. Even an invincible Celestial Emperor who has achieved Sainthood through the Flesh [a supreme cultivation path focusing on physical perfection] would likely not dare to face their edge directly.

"Blazing Zenith Supreme possesses the highest skill in artifact forging among the dozens of surrounding Chaos Domain [vast regions of primordial chaos]. His reputation likely resonates far beyond those dozens of Chaos Domain as well."

"The immortal swords he forges are certain to possess extraordinary qualities."

As these thoughts drifted through Eldrin Chen's mind, he watched the seven immortal swords strike into the nascent Origin Domain [a primordial world in its formative state], Eruption [erupting] in a cataclysmic collision that shook the heavens.

Yet, a large Origin Domain proved truly extraordinary. Even without a Chaos Celestial Emperor to command its destiny, the Heavenly Dao [the supreme natural law and will of heaven] power awakened by its own revival was still capable of confronting a powerhouse of the Second Chaos Realm.

Now, this newborn Origin Domain churned and boiled endlessly. Infinite Great Dao Divine Chain [divine chains embodying fragments of the Great Dao] intertwined, unleashing a supreme, annihilating force capable of severing all existence.

After a moment of clashing, the boundless Power of Heavenly Dao Authority [the authoritative power of the Heavenly Dao's will] actually managed to bind the Seven Extremities Heavenly Swords, locking both forces in a stalemate of titanic struggle.

"Hmph—"

Seeing that the Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden alone could not subdue the Heavenly Dao's Will, the Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor decisively intervened. He manifested a Chaos True Body [a primordial physical form born of chaos] that towered billions of Zhang-lengths [one Zhang-length equals three point three three meters] high.

In that fleeting instant, a power of eternal Chaos True Form [the ultimate manifestation of primordial chaos] descended upon his physical form, granting him an indescribable, supreme might that Eruption [erupted forth].

Then, with a sudden and decisive motion, he took action, wielding the Eternal War Spear to rend the heavens asunder, engaging the Heavenly Dao's Will [the collective consciousness and will of the Heavenly Dao, the cosmic order] in a world-shaking, epoch-defining duel.

Thus began the cataclysmic battle between two powerhouses at the Half-Step Dao Union Realm [a quasi-legendary state just below the ultimate union with the Dao] and the Heavenly Dao [the fundamental cosmic law and order] of the nascent Origin Domain.

The Heavenly Dao's Will possessed reserves and profundity rivaling a true Dao-Union Supreme [a being who has fully merged with the Dao], making it impossible for the two Half-Step Dao Union Realm experts to subdue it swiftly.

However, because the Authority of the Heavenly Dao [the right to command the fundamental laws of reality] lacked a true wielder, its manifested power was scattered and unfocused. This allowed them to hold their ground, not falling into immediate disadvantage.

Just as the conflict reached a stalemate, with neither side able to secure a decisive victory, a sound capable of shattering heavens and extinguishing earth reverberated from within the Chaos.

"BOOM! RUMBLE!"

Eldrin Chen suddenly felt a palpitation in his heart, a premonitory chill. In the next moment, an overwhelming force tore open the fabric of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

In an instant, a supreme and peerless Chaos Great Dao Divine Form [a divine manifestation born from the Great Dao of Chaos] materialized. It took the shape of a celestial furnace vast enough to blot out the sky and sun, which then descended with crushing force to suppress the newborn Origin Domain.

Immediately, the celestial furnace settled upon the Origin Domain, locking into a tense stalemate with the nascent domain's own burgeoning power.

"This is..."

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly, revealing a look of profound shock.

Grand Turbid Daoist's face was etched with extreme gravity. He gazed at the immortal furnace and sighed, "The Blazing Zenith Immortal Furnace [a legendary furnace forged from the essence of a supreme being's true form]. This was transformed from the Great Dao True Form [the ultimate physical manifestation of one's cultivation and connection to the Dao] of that Blazing Zenith Supreme."

"His true body has not even arrived. Yet, across the boundless Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, he can manifest his Great Dao True Form to suppress an entire large-scale Origin Domain [a primordial realm born from chaos]. His power has grown even stronger since those bygone days."

"If my deduction is correct, his strength is now merely A Step Away from that of a top-tier Dao-Union Supreme [a supreme being who has achieved perfect unity with the fundamental Dao]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's eyes narrowed slightly.

Legends say that in order to suppress the newly born Primordial Beginning Origin Domain back then, the Blazing Zenith Supreme paid a heavy price, sustaining severe injuries to overpower the Heavenly Dao [the celestial will and natural order of a realm] of the Primordial Beginning Origin Domain and slay the Three Souls Emperor Lord.

It was precisely because of those grave wounds, and his fear of ambush by other powerful foes, that he did not continue to plunder the Chaos Primordial Qi [the primordial energy of chaos, the source of all creation] and resources. This granted the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss the opportunity for Restoration [the process of recovering and rebuilding] and gathering Primordial Qi [the foundational energy of the universe].

But now, the Blazing Zenith Supreme's true form has not yet arrived, yet he has completely suppressed this newborn Origin Domain, which is no weaker than the Primordial Beginning Origin Domain. This clearly indicates that the Blazing Zenith Supreme's power has undoubtedly increased significantly.

"This Blazing Zenith Supreme will likely become a formidable enemy in the days to come."

Within Eldrin Chen's heart, a soft whisper arose, accompanied by a sigh tinged with melancholy.

In theory, ten ordinary Half-Step Dao Union Realm cultivators joining forces should be able to contend with a single ordinary Dao-Union Supreme.

Furthermore, across the dozens of surrounding Chaos Domain, there were more than thirty powerful beings at the Half-Step Dao Union Realm, which was precisely why Blazing Zenith Supreme conducted himself with relative restraint.

These Celestial Emperor at the Half-Step Dao Union Realm remained deeply wary of this sole Dao-Union Supreme, and thus had formed a tacit, unspoken alliance.

Yet, for those at the Half-Step Dao Union Realm, taking the next step forward was nearly as difficult as scaling the heavens themselves. Meanwhile, Blazing Zenith Supreme continued to grow ever stronger.

If one day, Blazing Zenith Supreme were to step into the realm of a top-tier Dao-Union Supreme, or even the half-step Boundless Sovereign realm, he would likely become nearly impervious to threats based on numbers alone.

Unless a new Dao-Union Supreme were to Ascension [achieve a breakthrough to a higher realm], who could possibly pose a threat to a supreme being of that caliber?

"Alas," he sighed inwardly, "it seems my own breakthrough to the Chaos Celestial Emperor realm cannot be delayed for too long."

"If he truly reaches the pinnacle of the Dao-Union Supreme realm, then even if I succeed in Sainthood through the Flesh [cultivating my physical body to a saintly level], I may not be able to break through to the Soul Path Celestial Emperor realm under his obstruction."

These thoughts swirled within Eldrin Chen's mind, but he quickly reined them in, focusing his will once more.

Yet, as the Heavenly Dao [the supreme natural order and will of the cosmos] of the nascent Origin Domain [a primordial realm at the dawn of creation] was suppressed, Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden and Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor were able to disengage and plunge into the Origin Domain, plundering its Origin [the fundamental source energy of creation] and Chaos Primordial Qi [the primal, undifferentiated energy of Chaos].

They stripped the realm bare of all Chaos Rare Treasure [rare treasures born from Chaos] that had gestated within the heavens and earth, even seizing nine strands of Chaos Primordial Qi and three Primordial Chaos Spiritual Root [spiritual roots of the utmost antiquity, born from Primordial Chaos].

Not even the several Chaos Spiritual Treasure [spiritual treasures of Chaos, still in the process of formation] were spared their rapacious search, all swept clean without exception.

Only after this was done did the two Celestial Emperor [supreme rulers of a heavenly domain] depart, thoroughly satisfied, leaving behind nothing but a shattered and desolate newborn Origin Domain.

After they had vanished into the distance, Eldrin Chen watched their retreating figures and spoke with profound wariness.

"Three Primordial Chaos Spiritual Root, four Primordial Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo [embryonic forms of treasures born from Primordial Chaos], and a full nine strands of Chaos Primordial Qi."

"To subdue a single large Origin Domain yields such staggering rewards. No wonder the lineage of Blazing Zenith Supreme grows ever more formidable."

"The strong grow stronger—this has been true since time immemorial," spoke the Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor from nearby, a note of regret coloring his words. "A pity our Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss lack even a single half-step Dao Merging [a cultivator on the verge of merging their being with the fundamental Dao]."

"Otherwise, holding the advantage of terrain, we could have joined forces and claimed at least a share of the spoils."