Chapter 2034 : Into the Boundless Chaos Sea

Immortality Desolation Emperor pondered for a moment before speaking, "My power has increased considerably. If I were to unleash my Burst Forbidden Divine Ability, I should be able to face that Azure Dragon Great Emperor in a direct confrontation."

Eldrin Chen nodded and said, "With Sword Abyss Saint Lord and myself added to that, we now possess the combat strength of three Great Emperor-level figures."

"Yet this alone is insufficient. Let us explore the Chaos Desolation Sea together from now on, hoping to find more Opportunity and Fortune. Perhaps it would be even better if we could convert and gain the aid of another Great Emperor-level combatant."

"..."

Early the next morning, Eldrin Chen led the group to explore the Chaos Desolation Sea.

For this journey, Eldrin Chen left his Reincarnation Body and Sword Mystery Imperial Lord behind to guard their base. He took with him six beings at the Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage, and then the entire group ventured forth into the Vast and Boundless Chaos Desolation Sea.

The Chaos Desolation Sea is boundless and endless. Without any prior information, attempting to locate a Chaos Lair [a domain within the chaotic sea] guarded by a powerful Desolate Race [a race of ancient, chaotic beings] is akin to searching for a solitary island in a vast, trackless ocean.

Eldrin Chen led his companions in an aimless exploration of the Chaos Desolation Sea. They spent several Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration] in their search, yet only managed to find a few smaller Desolate Domain [territories ruled by the Desolate Race].

These Desolate Domain were relatively weak, lacking any Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage overseers. They were inhabited only by some Desolate Race at the early or middle stages of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm.

This outcome was to be expected. After all, an existence at the Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage level is considered a formidable power even within the depths of the Chaos Desolation Sea.

A Desolate Domain [a primordial, chaotic realm] guarded by a Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage [a cultivator at the late stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm] could be considered one of the finest among dozens of its kind.

However, within the Chaos Desolation Sea [the vast, turbulent sea of primordial chaos], such small Desolate Domain were as numerous as grains of sand.

They had swept through over a dozen small Desolate Domain, and though they had not acquired any exceptionally precious treasures, they had obtained over a hundred strands of Innate Primordial Breath [the foundational, chaotic energy of creation], which replenished the depleted resources in Eldrin Chen's possession.

Yet, a small Desolate Domain was, after all, a small Desolate Domain; it could not nurture treasures precious enough to grant the group a significant leap in power.

It was not until this day, when they arrived before an unimaginably vast Desolate Domain, that ripples of emotion finally stirred within their gazes.

"This place... seems extraordinary,"

Tianyao Sword Saint spoke, his eyes fixed on the Desolate Domain before them, a trace of solemnity coloring his gaze.

Liana Imperial Lord pondered for a moment before replying, "I sense several auras no weaker than my own, and there seems to be a power far surpassing mine as well."

"Such potent Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] energy,"

Sword Abyss Saint Lord spoke, his expression grave. "I detect the presence of a formidable Great Path [a supreme cultivation technique]. There are at least three Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [cultivators at the 8th Tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm]. Their strength is not to be underestimated."

"It seems that after seven Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], we have finally found a powerful Desolate Domain [a primordial, untamed region of chaos]."

Eldrin Chen nodded, carefully surveying this Desolate Domain, a slight frown creasing his brow.

This Desolate Domain was a vast Chaos Lair [a nest or stronghold formed from primordial chaos], composed of seven powerful Primordial One Nests [the dens of primordial beings]. They were arranged in a Three Talents and Four Symbols Formation [a powerful mystical formation pattern representing Heaven, Earth, and Man, surrounded by the four cardinal beasts], spanning across the Vast and Boundless Chaos.

These seven Within the Chaos Lair were divided into inner and outer arrays. The three inner nests formed the Three Talents formation, while the four outer nests formed the Four Symbols Formation [the formation of the Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise].

Thus, the Three Talents and Four Symbols converged, transforming into a terrifying Seven Extremities Slaughter Formation [a formation of ultimate destructive power].

"The power of this formation is likely not to be underestimated,"

Eldrin Chen spoke, then looked towards Dragon Turtle Imperial Lord and said, "Your defense is Extraordinary, Fellow Daoist Dragon Turtle. I must trouble you to test the might of this formation."

Dragon Turtle Imperial Lord nodded. He immediately manifested his Dragon Turtle True Form [his primordial, divine beast form], crashing towards the Desolate Domain before them like a Primordial Era Divine Mountain [a mountain from the dawn of creation].

"*Hum—*"

In but an instant, the seven Chaos Lair erupted with a sky-obscuring aura of Celestial Slaughter [heaven-ordained, annihilating intent].

The Three Talents Formation [a powerful formation harnessing the powers of Heaven, Earth, and Man] was instantly activated. As the ancient verse goes: When Heaven unleashes its killing intent, stars shift and constellations change; when Earth unleashes its killing intent, dragons and serpents rise from the land; when Man unleashes his killing intent, Heaven and Earth are overturned.

In that instant, a torrent of Celestial Slaughter [a plant whose essence embodies a celestial, annihilating power] intent surged forth, causing Dragon Turtle Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord with the combined traits of a dragon and a turtle] to turn pale with terror as he desperately sought to flee.

But at that very moment, the Four Symbols Formation [a formation based on the four celestial beasts] erupted with power. It manifested the phantom forms of the Azure Dragon [the celestial beast of the East, representing wood and spring], the White Tiger [the celestial beast of the West, representing metal and autumn], the Vermilion Bird [the celestial beast of the South, representing fire and summer], and the Black Tortoise [the celestial beast of the North, representing water and winter]. These four Great Path [a supreme cultivation method] phantoms coiled and circled, firmly trapping Dragon Turtle Imperial Lord within their grasp.

"Fellow Daoist, save me!"

Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor [a Desolation Emperor with the traits of a dragon turtle] paled drastically and immediately retracted into his turtle shell, hoping to preserve his life.

Yet this killing formation was far too terrifying. Even with Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor's formidable defenses, it was likely his physical body would not last long before being utterly destroyed.

"The power of this formation is extraordinary," Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] remarked calmly. "It is potent enough to trap and slay even a powerhouse at the Great Emperor Realm [the realm of a Great Emperor, a pinnacle of power]."

With a flick of his sleeve, Eldrin Chen summoned forth the Returning Abyss Pearl [a mystical pearl capable of absorbing and nullifying attacks]. He sent it soaring above Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor's head, where it devoured and dissolved the onslaught of killing intent.

Finally able to catch his breath, Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor turned his gaze toward the seven Chaos Lair [a lair born from primordial chaos] and sneered arrogantly, "A bunch of worthless fools. Did you think this haphazard, misshapen Formation [a structured arrangement of power used for attack, defense, or cultivation] could truly harm this venerable one?"

"Hmph—"

In an instant, seven figures of immense and majestic presence shot forth from Within the Chaos Lair.

Among them, the four on the periphery had cultivated the Four Extremities Great Path [a supreme cultivation art focusing on the four cardinal directions], their cultivation having reached the Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier [the seventh level of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm]. Each was a warrior of extraordinary prowess.

The three at the core cultivated the Heaven, Earth, and Man Three Ultimate Slaughter Auras [a divine ability that harnesses the slaughterous auras of Heaven, Earth, and Man], their cultivation having ascended even further to the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [the eighth level of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm]. In terms of both cultivation base and combat strength, they were considered profoundly deep-rooted even among their peers.

"Die!"

At this moment, the seven figures rode upon a surging tide of Celestial Slaughter [a plant imbued with the essence of heavenly slaughter] intent. They forcefully interwove their supreme Great Path [the supreme laws of cultivation] arts, which crisscrossed and intertwined, ultimately coalescing into a supreme Great Path Divine Form [a divine manifestation of a supreme cultivation path] that slashed down towards Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor.

The might of this single strike was peerless, causing even the Returning Abyss Pearl [a magical pearl capable of returning to the abyss] to tremble violently.

"Not good!"

Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor's expression shifted slightly, and he cried out in alarm, "Save me, Imperial Lord [a title for a powerful cultivator at the Imperial Lord level]!"

"Now."

Sword Abyss Saint Lord spoke. He channeled the Ancient Sword of the Azure Abyss [an ancient sword forged in the depths of the azure abyss] and cleaved downward. A vast, endless torrent of sword energy surged forth, splitting the Sea of Chaos [a primordial sea of chaotic energies] in two. Like nine rivers of Celestial Silver [a divine, silvery spiritual metal], it crashed down upon the Formation [a structured array or defensive art].

Yet even so, the Formation [a defensive or offensive array constructed using spiritual energy and esoteric principles] remained unshakably solid, showing not the slightest sign of fracturing.

"A formidable Formation,"

Immortality Desolation Emperor praised, instantly urging his Immortality Imperial Spear [a supreme-grade spear imbued with the concept of eternal existence] to cleave down with overwhelming force.

A spear-light carrying the near-eternal power of the Great Path Divine Form [a supreme divine ability that embodies a fundamental law of the cosmos] struck the Formation in that instant, causing violent ripples to surge across its surface.

Yet, astonishingly, the grand formation still showed no sign of shattering.

Liana Imperial Lord also struck at the same time, remarking with some surprise, "To withstand the assault of three Innate Supreme Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos, possessing unparalleled power] simultaneously and remain as steady as a mountain... this Formation is truly formidable."

"They are the seven Primordial One Imperial Lord [the peak realm just below the Great Emperor, representing the pinnacle of an Imperial Lord's power] nurtured by the destiny of a powerful realm-sea. Barring unforeseen circumstances, each possessed a sliver of potential to prove their path and ascend to Great Emperor [the supreme sovereign realm, commanding laws and ruling over vast domains],"

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a note of regret in his voice. "A pity they all fell into the clutches of Desolation."

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen directly commanded the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a halberd of immense power capable of sundering primordial chaos] to tear a breach in the Formation. Then, he plunged alone into the heart of the formation.

Upon entering the Formation, Eldrin Chen was immediately assailed by an infinite tide of murderous intent.

Yet, under the absorption of the Indestructibility Battle Armor [a legendary suit of armor renowned for its near-unbreakable defense] and the Returning Abyss Divine Rune [a profound divine technique capable of absorbing and nullifying hostile energies], these lethal energies could not inflict the slightest harm upon Eldrin Chen.

"This formation can now stand toe-to-toe against a Great Emperor [the pinnacle sovereign of the cultivation world, wielding power that can reshape heavens and earth]," he declared.

Eldrin Chen's eyes gleamed with resolve. He then took command of the formation, wielding the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a divine weapon forged from primordial chaos, capable of sundering the firmament] to cleave a path forward, charging directly at the Three Talents Imperial Lord.

The Three Talents Imperial Lord were forced to meet his assault. After the first clash, Eldrin Chen felt a surge of profound astonishment within.

Individually, each of the Three Talents Imperial Lord possessed power that was merely average, perhaps slightly above, among those at the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [the eighth tier of the Primordial One realm, a stage of immense power for Imperial Lords].

Yet when the three joined forces, their Great Path [the supreme cultivation arts and laws they comprehended] amplified and fused with one another, unleashing combat prowess that soared to its absolute peak, reaching a domain that rivaled that of a Great Emperor.

In essence, united, the Three Talents Imperial Lord possessed the strength to truly contend with a Great Emperor.

The coordination of the Four Symbols Imperial Lord was also exceptionally seamless. Fortunately, their cultivation was slightly lower. Had all four of the Four Symbols Imperial Lord also attained the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier, they too would likely have possessed the power to challenge a Great Emperor.

Had that been the case, with all seven united, it would have been uncertain whether their side could have subdued them all.

"I shall aid you!"

As Eldrin Chen and his companions found themselves locked in a stalemate, both the Immortality Desolation Emperor and the Sword Abyss Saint Lord joined the fray.

At this moment, the advantage of superior numbers became apparent. The seven Great Emperor-level lords, whom Eldrin Chen had struggled to confront simultaneously, were soon forced into a steady retreat under the relentless, coordinated assaults of the group.

Eldrin Chen, the Immortality Desolation Emperor, and the Sword Abyss Saint Lord joined forces, engaging the Three Talents Imperial Lord in a fierce battle. It did not take long before they had driven their opponents into a series of defeats.

The four Four Symbols Imperial Lord, facing the combined might of the Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor, the Liana Imperial Lord, the Daylight Extinction Imperial Lord, and the Tianyao Sword Emperor, likewise failed to gain any significant advantage.

The battle raged for millions of years. In the end, Eldrin Chen activated the Returning Abyss Pearl [a supreme treasure capable of sealing and suppressing even the mightiest foes], successfully sealing away all of the Three Talents Imperial Lord.

The combat prowess of the Four Symbols Imperial Lord paled in comparison to that of the Three Talents Imperial Lord, making any attempt to defy fate utterly futile. After another round of intense combat, they were subdued and sealed away one by one.

"Hah—"

With the seven Great Emperor-level lords sealed, everyone present let out a collective sigh of relief.

The Sword Abyss Saint Lord smiled, a note of satisfaction in his voice. "It seems our journey to the Desolation Sea [a vast, perilous expanse of chaotic energies] can, for now, be considered concluded."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. Subduing these seven Great Emperor-level lords was a tremendous gain. Not only would it add powerful combatants to their ranks once they were pacified, but they had also acquired an exceptionally potent trapping and killing Formation [a complex arrangement of energy channels and symbols designed to trap and destroy enemies].

In dealing with the Azure Dragon Great Emperor, they now possessed a greater measure of confidence. At this thought, a rare flicker of joy surfaced within Eldrin Chen.

Leading his companions, he thoroughly scoured the Chaos Lair [a primordial nest formed from chaotic energies]. Within the seven nests, they discovered seven Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Root [roots of the highest purity, born from the primal chaos].

These were the three ancient trees of the Three Talents Ancient Tree [trees embodying the powers of Heaven, Earth, and Man]: the 'Celestial Slaughter', the 'Earth's Severance', and the 'Man's Punishment'.

Additionally, there were the four ancient trees of the Four Symbols Ancient Tree [trees representing the four cardinal divine beasts]: the 'Azure Dragon', the 'Vermilion Bird', the 'Black Tortoise', and the 'White Tiger'.

Of course, these ancient trees held little significance for Eldrin Chen.

What truly delighted Eldrin Chen was a batch of Nine Orifices Divine Stone [divine stones with nine natural apertures, conduits for supreme spiritual energy] he discovered within the Chaos Lair.

Among these Nine Orifices Divine Stone, there were three exceedingly rare 'Eight Apertures Divine Stone' [divine stones with eight apertures, a grade below the Nine Orifices]. For Eldrin Chen's cultivation of his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a high-level cultivator], these were indispensable treasures.

It must be understood that among Nine Orifices Divine Stone, the most precious are the true Nine Orifices Divine Stone, which are Chaos Grade [a rank denoting origin from or affinity with primal chaos] treasures.

A single genuine Nine Orifices Divine Stone is often comparable in value to a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [an artifact forged from or imbued with chaotic energies], enough to make many Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors who wield the power of chaos] covet it.

To Eldrin Chen's knowledge, within the entire Southern Abyss Seven Domains, a Nine Orifices Divine Stone has appeared only once before.

That Nine Orifices Divine Stone [a legendary stone with nine natural orifices, said to be the condensed essence of the primordial cosmos] once sparked contention among multiple Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for supreme rulers who have mastered the laws of primordial chaos]. In the end, it fell into the hands of the Outer Realm's Chaos Demon Emperor [a title for a demon sovereign who commands the power of primordial chaos], who was at the Half-Step Path Union Realm [a realm just shy of the ultimate unification of all paths].

The Eight Apertures Divine Stone [a divine stone with eight natural apertures, a treasure of immense spiritual potency] is far inferior to the Nine Orifices Divine Stone, yet it remains an exceedingly rare Primordial One Marvel [a wondrous spiritual object born from the Primordial Chaos, containing profound mysteries].

Though its value may not match that of an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme magical treasure born innately from the cosmos, embodying fundamental laws], it can still be considered a top-tier Primordial One Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure of the highest order, forged from Primordial Chaos essence] just below that level.

Such a supreme treasure is of extraordinary value; a single piece could drive Primordial One Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord who has attained mastery within the Primordial Chaos realm] to fight to the death. Yet, Eldrin Chen actually obtained three at once this time, a testament to his truly heaven-defying Opportunity and Fortune [the confluence of chance and destiny that guides a cultivator's path].

"Within the Chaos Desolation Sea [the vast, primordial sea of chaotic desolation between realms], Opportunity and Fortune truly knows no bounds," he murmured.

"Treasures rarely seen even once across the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [the seven major domains of the Southern Abyss region] can always be found within the Chaos Desolation Sea."

With these thoughts flashing through his mind, Eldrin Chen swiftly stored away the three Eight Apertures Divine Stone.

After securing the divine stones, Eldrin Chen proceeded to gather the remaining treasures. He discovered several Great Path Source Stone [a stone containing the pure source energy of the Great Path, used for major breakthroughs] that could aid in breaking through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage [the late stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm], along with a considerable number of other Primordial One Marvel.

He collected all these treasures, then led his companions back to the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm [the ancient realm of the Great Wasteland, a land of primal power and mystery].

Upon returning to the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, Eldrin Chen immediately went to the Great Wasteland Sacred Hall [the sacred hall within the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm]. There, he activated the power of the Tome of Human Soul [a magical tome that governs and nurtures the essence of the human soul] to assist, one by one, in reviving the seven Primordial One Imperial Lord.

After the seven siblings had fully recovered, they slowly bowed to Eldrin Chen with solemn expressions, offering a respectful salute as they said, "We seven siblings offer our deepest gratitude for your assistance, Imperial Lord [a title for a powerful ruler in the immortal realms]."

"There is no need for such formalities."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. After conversing with them, he quickly understood their origins.

It turned out that during the era of the Primordial Chaos Unfolding [the mythical event when the formless primordial chaos first separated to form the cosmos], there once existed a Primordial Chaos Secret Realm. Within it grew two ancient Ancient Chaos Tree [primordial trees born from chaos], named the Chaos Three Talents Tree and the Chaos Four Symbols Ancient Tree.

Later, due to some cataclysm, that Primordial Chaos Secret Realm shattered and became the object of contention among several supreme powerhouses of the Chaos realm.

The two ancient trees were seized, but the seeds they bore vanished into the torn fabric of Chaos Space-Time.

These seven siblings were precisely the seeds that fell from those two Ancient Chaos Tree.

Inherently carrying the principles of Three Talents and Four Symbols [a cosmological formation representing the three fundamental powers (Heaven, Earth, Man) and the four cardinal symbols (Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, Black Tortoise)], they had drifted aimlessly within the Chaos Desolation Sea ever since.

By a twist of Opportunity and Fortune, they fell into a Primordial Chaos World Sea with potent foundational energies, where they gestated and were born as Chaos Beings whose innate potential was that of Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm].

Originally, as seeds of a Chaos Spiritual Root [a primordial spiritual plant], their foundational potential should have been at least at the level of a Sage Ascendant [a cultivation realm just below the Sage].

Alas, because they detached before reaching full maturity, their Innate Path Patterns [the inherent, heaven-bestowed patterns of a being's cultivation path] were incomplete, causing their foundational potential to fall to the level of a Great Emperor [a supreme ruler whose power can shape the cosmos].

Furthermore, due to the insufficient origin power of the Realm Sea, their cultivation ultimately stagnated at the seventh or eighth level of the Primordial One Imperial Lord [a sovereign lord who has unified their inner cosmos into a singular, primordial state].

Later, when the Realm Sea emerged into the world, the consciousness of the seven siblings was eroded by the Desolation Power [a corrupting, entropy-like force that erodes life and spirit], and they ultimately became mindless members of the Desolate Race [a race of beings consumed by primal desolation and chaos].

"Born from a Seed of Chaos Spiritual Root [a primordial seed with the potential to grow into a root connecting to the chaos of creation], your innate destiny was to possess the foundation of a Sage Ascendant [a sage who has ascended beyond the mortal coil, touching the edges of true divinity], with even the potential to reach the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor who commands the primordial forces of Chaos]."

"What a pity that a single twist of fate reduced seven beings destined for Sage Ascendant or even Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for a Heavenly Emperor who rules over Chaos] to this mindless state among the Desolate Race. Truly a tragic and lamentable fate."

Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh before speaking. "You seven siblings, if you are willing to follow me from this day forward, you may yet find the Opportunity and Fortune [the chance and favorable circumstances granted by fate] to mend your foundations, break through to Sage Ascendant, and perhaps even set foot upon the Heavenly Emperor Realm."

The seven siblings were taken aback for a moment. The eldest brother, Celestial Slaughter Imperial Lord, could not help but ask, "Does the Imperial Lord [a title for a sovereign lord] possess such heaven-defying means?"

Eldrin Chen offered a faint, enigmatic smile but did not answer immediately.

Understanding his meaning, the seven siblings immediately swore a Great Path Oath [a binding vow sworn upon one's cultivation path, with severe consequences for betrayal], pledging their allegiance to Eldrin Chen from that moment on.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, revealing within it a wisp of Primordial Chaos Source Essence [the most fundamental and potent essence, the source from which all chaos and creation springs].

"This is..."

The seven individuals glanced at it, and a flicker of excitement could not help but rise in their expressions.

Eldrin Chen nodded, then spoke: "You hail from the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, so you must have seen this before."

Earth's Severance Imperial Lord inclined his head, a look of reminiscence coloring his face. "In our youth, within the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm we inhabited, there remained quite a bit of Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a supreme-grade primordial energy, the foundational breath of creation], and even several strands of Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [the most primal and potent spiritual substance, the very seed of cosmic genesis]."

"Yet, precisely because of this, we suffered an undeserved calamity."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and said, "I, too, once discovered a Primordial Chaos Secret Realm and obtained a measure of Opportunity and Fortune [the mysterious confluence of chance and destiny that shapes a cultivator's path] for myself."

"I dare not claim I can help you ascend to the Heavenly Emperor realm [the supreme sovereign of the heavens, a pinnacle existence], but to return you to the Sage Ascendant Realm [a profound state of enlightenment and power just below the Heavenly Emperor]... that, perhaps, lies within my grasp."

Upon hearing this, the seven Great Emperor Lords [powerful rulers who have mastered profound laws] immediately revealed looks of joyous surprise.

The Man's Punishment Imperial Lord promptly prostrated himself on the ground and spoke with utmost reverence, "If that is so, then henceforth, we seven shall follow in your wake, Master."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the Four Symbols Imperial Lord. He bestowed upon each of them a single Earth Soul Fruit [a miraculous spiritual fruit that can nourish and restore the foundational Earth Soul of a cultivator], then inquired, "First, Recovery [to restore or heal one's cultivation base and vitality] your cultivation. After you have Recovery, refine this treasure and see if you can step into the realm of the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [the eighth tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, a significant milestone in power]."

Having obtained the Earth Soul Sacred Fruit [a legendary fruit said to nourish and solidify the Earth Soul, a foundational aspect of a cultivator's spirit], Four Symbols Imperial Lord could not help but feel a flicker of joy.

For those who tread the Path of Path Mastery [the profound cultivation art focused on comprehending and mastering the fundamental Paths of existence], to step into the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [the eighth tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, a pinnacle of power], one must first cultivate a Root Origin Treasure [a unique, foundational treasure born from one's own cultivation essence, representing the core of one's power].

Yet the greatest obstacle in cultivating a Root Origin Treasure lies in whether one can achieve the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a state where one's Primordial Spirit, the core spiritual self, attains a perfect, flawless, and true form].

Though the four of them possessed extraordinary foundations, the reason they could not advance to the Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier was precisely because their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and higher consciousness of a cultivator] had stalled at the half-step True Spirit Realm [a transitional state just before achieving a True Spirit Primordial Spirit].

If they could consume the Earth Soul Sacred Fruit, their hope of achieving the True Spirit Primordial Spirit would increase dramatically. Once the True Spirit Primordial Spirit was attained, breaking through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier would be a matter of course.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen finally spoke, "First, contemplate the Tome of Human Soul [a mystical tome containing profound insights into the nature of the human soul] and the Heart's Mirror Path of Self-Realization [a cultivation art I created, focused on introspection and achieving true self-understanding]. They may offer some benefit in your pursuit of the True Spirit Primordial Spirit."

"We thank you, Master."

The seven were filled with excitement and immediately withdrew to tend to their wounds.

After the seven had departed, the solemn expression on Eldrin Chen's face faded, replaced by a trace of heartfelt delight.

These seven Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm denoting imperial-level power] Lords were all of Great Emperor origin. Had the foundational essence of the Realm Sea that nurtured them been sufficient, they should have been born directly into the Great Emperor Realm.

With such a profound foundation, the hope of cultivating a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the ultimate spiritual form of a cultivator, representing perfect unity of soul and essence] is exceedingly great, with virtually no room for unexpected failure.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen withdrew his focus. He retrieved an Eight Apertures Divine Stone [a rare spiritual stone containing eight natural apertures, used to refine one's spiritual core] and began the process of refining and integrating it into his Primordial Spirit Apertures [the foundational spiritual gateways within a cultivator's soul].

"..."

It was precisely during Eldrin Chen's secluded cultivation that, far beyond the boundless Vast and Boundless Chaos Desolation Sea, within a vast expanse of Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all creation emerges], a majestic Primordial Domain [a primordial realm, one of the foundational worlds born from Chaos] could be seen slowly drifting and undulating.

This was a magnificent Primordial Domain, spanning across the Vast and Boundless Chaos and emanating an aura of supreme, eternal majesty.

Within this Primordial Domain, three supremely powerful auras resided. Each one shone with a brilliance that illuminated the Myriad Heavens [the countless celestial realms], and each had already stepped into the Sage Ascendant Realm [a transcendent realm of cultivation where one approaches sagehood].

The Desolate Antiquity Heavenly Court [the Celestial Court of Desolate Antiquity, one of the supreme imperial courts of the primordial era] was one of the three most majestic and supreme imperial courts within this Primordial Domain.

At this moment, within the Desolate Antiquity Heavenly Court, a towering figure clad in golden imperial robes opened his eyes. A flicker of confusion passed through his profound gaze.

"This aura... it seems to be the one I left within the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain [the Primordial Domain of the Great Wasteland]," he murmured.

"Should not the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain have been utterly destroyed? Why does a thread of its destiny still remain?"

The figure spoke slowly, its voice a low rumble that seemed to stretch across the ages. After a long, contemplative silence, it finally uttered, "Could it be... that the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain [the primordial land of desolation and chaos] can truly be resurrected from the ashes of oblivion?"

"In the haze of passing eons, it has been over three hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth] since I, this Emperor, departed from the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain," the voice mused, tinged with a profound sense of temporal distance.

"Enough of this reverie. Let someone return and see for themselves."

With those words, the majestic figure issued a calm, resonant command that echoed through the void. "Summon the Pioneer Divine General [the Divine General who first tamed the wilderness]. Command him to attend this Emperor with all haste."

"As you command!"

Beyond the Great Hall [the grand audience chamber], a figure clad in Dao Gold [a divine metal forged from the essence of the Great Path] armor acknowledged the order.