Chapter 2081 : A Thousand Kalpas of Ascension

After giving instructions to several clan members and disciples, Eldrin Chen then returned to the Primordial Immortal Domain.

By now, Xianzhu Chen and the others had already secured the Chaos Ancestral Vein. With their combined strength and the aid of their Formation, the likelihood of losing the Ancestral Vein was exceedingly slim.

After all, they possessed the combat power of several individuals comparable to Sage Ascendant. Even if the Ten Imperial Scions of the Solar Celestial Emperor joined forces, they would not gain the slightest advantage against such a united front.

Furthermore, once the Chaos Ancestral Vein was fully Restoration, their cultivation would undoubtedly see significant advancement with the support of the Ancestral Vein. At that point, completely seizing the Heavenly Mandate should be well within expectations.

Freed from this concern, Eldrin Chen finally set his mind completely at ease. He devoted himself wholeheartedly to secluded cultivation, preparing for his journey into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

Simultaneously, the Chen Immortal Clan was bustling with activity, decorating and preparing for Eldrin Chen's thousandth Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration] birthday celebration.

For a powerhouse of the Sage Ascendant Realm, a span of one thousand Kalpa Tribulation is not considered an overly long period of time.

Given the near-eternal, Imperishable lifespan of a Sage Ascendant, one thousand Kalpa Tribulation is, in truth, merely a stretch of years not deemed excessively lengthy.

The several Sage Ascendant figures within the Primordial Immortal Domain have all lived for over a million Kalpa Tribulation. Apart from Eldrin Chen, even the youngest among them, the Desolate Wasteland Quasi-Emperor, has lived for three hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulation.

For Eldrin Chen, celebrating this thousandth Kalpa Tribulation milestone holds more symbolic and commemorative significance than anything else.

It also served as an opportune occasion for the Human Race Immortal Court to celebrate, as this was a truly rare and grand occasion for the entire Human Race.

Ever since Eldrin Chen stepped into the Grand Luo realm, gatherings with those close to him had become few and far between.

Among these people, some were stationed in the Abyssal Ruins Dao Domain, while many Grand Luo Golden Immortal had ventured into the Chaos Sea to establish their own branch lineages and ancient sects.

The Chaos Sea was perilous beyond measure. The Grand Luo Golden Immortal of these ancient sects fared better, occasionally able to gather with one another.

However, those Ancient Immortal found it difficult to traverse the Vast Chaotic Sea. Many who were once fellow disciples had not seen each other's faces for dozens or even hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation.

Seizing this opportunity for the disciples and descendants of the Abyssal Lineage to gather was a rare chance for these individuals as well.

Of course, for this millennial kalpa lifespan celebration, Eldrin Chen had already decided to keep things simple, intending only for internal clan members and disciples to celebrate amongst themselves.

Beyond that, Eldrin Chen had only invited a handful of his closest friends, along with a few high-ranking members from allied races such as the Human Race and the Divine Race.

Yet, even so, on the day the celebration for the Abyssal Dao Progenitor's millennial kalpa lifespan commenced, far too many arrived uninvited.

Countless members of the Divine Race, the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races, and even major powers from beyond the Primordial Immortal Domain arrived bearing lavish gifts, their presence unsolicited.

It was evident that in the eyes of many within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, the Abyssal Dao Progenitor was all but destined to become the Weilai Chaos Celestial Emperor. This moment presented a rare and opportune time to offer congratulations and forge favorable connections.

Even the Indestructible Elder traversed the boundless Chaos Sea, a journey spanning several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], to attend the banquet of Eldrin Chen.

It could be said that for this Millennial Tribulation longevity feast, the attendees included over twenty Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to the penultimate sage realm], and seven or eight Chaos Celestial Emperor [supreme rulers born from primordial chaos].

Among them, besides the Sage-King of the Grand Abyss, the Two Divine Emperors, and the Grand Turbid Daoist, there were also the Vast Void Dao Progenitor and several other Chaos Celestial Emperor in attendance.

Even the two supreme Divine Emperor [rulers of divine realms], the Ant Celestial Emperor and the Grand Extinction Divine Emperor, sent people to deliver congratulatory gifts of immense value.

During the banquet, Eldrin Chen, as the host, courteously exchanged pleasantries with the various Celestial Emperor and Divine Emperor, and engaged in discussions on the Dao with the venerable Sage Ascendant ancestors.

However, these Dao Progenitor [founders of fundamental cosmic principles] and Sage Ascendant did not linger long. After paying their respects, they departed in haste.

Eldrin Chen bid farewell to each guest in turn, and only then did he find a rare moment to assess the state of his own lineage and disciples.

Over the years, as his cultivation advanced, Eldrin Chen had focused his primary efforts on secluded cultivation. A single session of closed-door meditation often lasted for several Kalpa Tribulation, or even dozens of such cosmic cycles.

Under such circumstances, Eldrin Chen naturally had little mind to spare for the affairs of his clan and his disciples' disciples. He was not fully aware of the recent circumstances of his own bloodline and his direct followers.

Fortunately, the affairs of the clan were steered by Cedric Chen, and the lineage of the Path of Self-Sacrifice was also managed by disciples from Eldrin Chen's Ten True Disciples. Overall, everything was in perfect order.

At this time, the core members of the Chen Immortal Clan and the Path of Self-Sacrifice lineage within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss had almost all gathered for the longevity celebration.

Among the Chen Clan lineage, there were thirty-seven Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the supreme sovereigns who have mastered the fundamental chaos of creation] and three hundred seventy-one Grand Luo Golden Immortal [immortals who have attained the pinnacle of the Grand Luo realm].

Among these direct descendants of the Chen Clan, the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch were almost all clansmen who had received special care and attention from Eldrin Chen.

Aside from Eldrin Chen's close relatives, this group included three of his direct grandsons: Sigu Chen, Siyao Chen, and Siyuan Chen.

One had to admit that the third son of the Chen family, Xianchang Chen, possessed astonishingly potent bloodline. In his lifetime, he had fathered one hundred and eight children, and the majority of them had now cultivated to the Great Luo Realm.

Sigu Chen, Siyao Chen, and Siyuan Chen were the outstanding talents of this branch. Each had stepped into the realm of Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch by establishing the Primordial Unity Foundation of the Limitless [the foundational cultivation method of the Path of Self-Sacrifice, which merges all into a boundless, unified origin].

It could be said that the current scale and profound heritage [deep reserves of power and legacy] of the Chen Clan were largely due to the greatest contributions from the third son's lineage.

"It's just that Xianchang Chen's temperament is far too... amorous. I heard that not long ago, he got the young princess of the Seven-Colored Immortal Deer Clan pregnant again."

Eldrin Chen swept a glance over Xianchang Chen and could not help but sigh softly in his heart.

The Patriarch of the Seven-Colored Immortal Deer Clan had attained cultivation at the Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord realm, ranking him among the top five supreme powerhouses within the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races. He stood but half a step away from the Sage Ascendant Realm.

While the cherished daughter of such a mighty figure might be one thing, the notoriously philandering reputation of Xianchang Chen was something the Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch found utterly distasteful.

Were it not for Eldrin Chen's current status as a Dao Progenitor, Xianchang Chen would likely have been skinned alive long ago by the Seven-Colored Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch.

"I still have to clean up his messes," Eldrin Chen sighed inwardly.

With that thought, his gaze shifted to the lineage of the Path of Self-Sacrifice.

Compared to the Chen Immortal Clan, the Path of Self-Sacrifice lineage was far more prosperous. It had now branched into the Ten Ancestral Courts, the Thirty-Six Imperial Courts, and the Seventy-Two Ancient Sects.

The so-called Ten Ancestral Courts were founded by Eldrin Chen's Ten True Disciples, each inheriting and guarding a portion of the orthodox teachings.

Among them, the lineage of Qingfeng Ye was the most flourishing. Having attained the Dao [reached a supreme level of enlightenment] exceptionally early, he had taken on many personal disciples over the years. Among them, dozens had already reached the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm.

Three of his disciples had even stepped into the Primordial Chaos Realm, though all three possessed only a Major Primordial Unity foundation. Nevertheless, this secured Qingfeng Ye's lineage its position at the forefront of the Ten Ancestral Courts.

Following Qingfeng Ye's lineage, the second-ranked Ancestral Court belonged to the lineage of Yinghui Ye.

Although Yinghui Ye has cultivated the Dao for the shortest time, she has grasped partial authority over the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation method based on the principle of sacrifice]. Furthermore, she now teaches the Path of Self-Sacrifice within the newly formed Origin Domain [a primordial realm], having already nurtured several disciples who have reached the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of a Golden Immortal] realm.

Among her disciples are four prodigies of exceptional talent: Ethereal Heaven Great Emperor, Starry River, Prison-Suppressing, and Grand Mystic. Each was born bearing immense Fortune [a destined measure of luck and opportunity]. Though they still reside within the Great Luo Realm [the Grand Luo realm], each possesses the Bearing of a Great Emperor [the destined potential to become a Great Emperor], boundless and profound.

The Thirty-Six Imperial Courts [thirty-six sovereign celestial courts] were founded by individuals such as Zixuan the Daoist, Heavenly Abyss Daoist, Celestial Mountain Goddess, and Cosmos the Lord of the Endless Sea Pavilion. Each Imperial Court [celestial court] boasts at least ten Grand Luo Golden Immortal among its ranks.

The Seventy-Two Ancient Sects [seventy-two ancient sects] were established by the seventy-two most powerful named disciples of Eldrin Chen.

The strength of these ancient sects varies greatly. The weakest possess only a single Grand Luo Golden Immortal, while the most powerful number several dozen Grand Luo Golden Immortal among their members.

And this accounts only for the lineages of the Path of Self-Sacrifice with close ties to Eldrin Chen. Practitioners of the Path of Self-Sacrifice in the present age are now beyond counting.

Including those who cultivate the Path of Self-Sacrifice but have no direct master-disciple lineage connection to Eldrin Chen, the number of Path of Self-Sacrifice practitioners who have reached the Grand Luo [Grand Luo realm] now exceeds four thousand.

"The Path of Self-Sacrifice has now grown formidable wings indeed,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a faint smile touching his lips.

In truth, the Path of Self-Sacrifice has long since reached the absolute zenith beneath the Boundless Great Dao [the Primordial and Boundless Great Dao, the ultimate principle].

The fundamental reason it has not yet transformed into the Boundless Great Dao [the ultimate, limitless path of cultivation] lies in three key points.

First, the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a cultivation art that progresses through selfless sacrifice] lacks a sufficient number of Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm] level powerhouses; it has not yet gathered the required nine Great Emperor.

Second, the method of the True Spirit Immortal Treasury [the Immortal Treasury of the True Spirit, a core technique within the Path of Self-Sacrifice] within the Path of Self-Sacrifice has not been fully perfected.

Third, practitioners of the Path of Self-Sacrifice cannot Ascension [achieve a supreme breakthrough] to become a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler born of primordial chaos], which represents a significant inherent flaw.

According to Eldrin Chen's calculations, if even one of these three conditions is fulfilled, the Path of Self-Sacrifice could directly point toward the realm of the Boundless Great Dao.

If two of the three are perfected, when the Path of Self-Sacrifice breaks through to become a Chaos Great Dao [a Great Dao born of primordial chaos], it would immediately enter the ranks of the top-tier Chaos Great Dao.

Should all three be fully achieved, once the Path of Self-Sacrifice transforms into a Chaos Great Dao, it would directly step into the Half-Step Dao Union Realm [a quasi-realm just below the ultimate union with the Dao].

Furthermore, its subsequent breakthrough into the domain of the Dao-Union Supreme [the supreme realm of union with the Dao] would then proceed as naturally as water flowing in its course.

As of now, the Path of Self-Sacrifice already possesses two Great Emperor: Xianzhu Chen and Jiang the Sovereign Emperor.

The disciples of the Ten True Disciples [a legendary group of ten core disciples] have also cultivated the Primordial Unity Foundation of the Limitless [the foundational art of limitless primordial unity]. With this as a base, fulfilling the first condition no longer seems an insurmountable obstacle.

After all, the Limitless Primordial Unity [a profound cultivation state that serves as the foundation for glimpsing the Celestial Emperor realm] is the very bedrock for glimpsing the Celestial Emperor [the supreme sovereign realm of cultivation] realm. Breaking through to the Great Emperor Realm [a pinnacle sovereign realm of immense power] would present almost no bottleneck; the true challenge lies in the immense quantity of resources required.

"It seems that on this journey to the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, ancient, and perilous expanse of primordial chaos], I should strive to gather as many cultivation resources as possible," he mused.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. After casting a glance over the assembled crowd, he waved his sleeve, scattering a generous portion of resources as gifts for his descendants and disciples.

Having completed this, Eldrin Chen withdrew from the banquet and made his way to a side chamber.

Within the side chamber, two figures of peerless grace and beauty sat waiting, as if they had been anticipating his arrival for some time.

The one at the forefront was a Refined Gentleman clad in robes of nine-colored immortal silk. Beside him, a young maiden kept her head bowed, a trace of timidity evident in her demeanor.

To the side, a female immortal of breathtaking elegance, Lulu, was smiling warmly as she received the two guests.

This female immortal was indeed the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer [a mythical beast of supreme grace and potent spiritual power], Lulu. Several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] had passed since her revival and return.

As a shapeshifted Nine-Colored Immortal Deer, Lulu possessed a constitution of heaven-defying talent. Although the resources she had received over the years were not exceptionally abundant, her cultivation had still advanced to the mid-stage of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign realm of immense power within the primordial chaos].

At that moment, she was offering polite conversation to the guests. Seeing Eldrin Chen arrive, she hurried over and whispered, "The Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch [the patriarch of the Immortal Deer Clan] is quite displeased. It seems this matter will not be easily resolved."

"There is no need for concern."

Eldrin Chen offered a reassuring smile before instructing, "Have someone summon Xianchang Chen."

With those words, Eldrin Chen proceeded into the main hall.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, the two figures promptly rose to their feet. The young maiden stood timidly, not daring to speak.

The Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch, however, wore a displeased expression. Suppressing his indignation, he clasped his hands towards Eldrin Chen and said, "I pay my respects to the Dao Progenitor [a supreme being who has comprehended and mastered a fundamental cosmic principle]."

"No need for such formality, Fellow Daoist. Please, be seated."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight smile, took his place at the head seat, and with a sweep of his sleeve, gestured for the Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch to sit.

Only after everyone was seated did Eldrin Chen turn his gaze to fully appraise the Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch.

One had to admit, the Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch possessed a truly remarkable foundation. As one of the first living beings born during the dawn of the Primordial Immortal Domain [the original, ancient realm of immortals], his origins were extraordinary.

The Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch was the incarnation of the very first divine stag born from the World Creation [the cosmic act of creation]. His true form was the exceedingly rare Nine-Colored Immortal Deer [a mythical beast whose form is woven from nine supreme colors], a being conceived from the interweaving of nine supreme Great Dao [fundamental cosmic principles or paths].

In terms of innate talent, she was not inferior to the Nine-Colored Immortal Clam Progenitor of the Immortal Clam Race.

However, the Nine-Colored Immortal Clam Progenitor received cultivation resources from the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor, enabling her to step into the Sage Ascendant Realm. In comparison, the resources available to the Patriarch of the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer Clan were somewhat lacking, causing him to remain at the Great Emperor Realm.

Yet this did not mean the Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch was weak. This Great Emperor from the Immortal Deer Clan had been renowned for a long time, possessing three Innate Supreme Treasure. His strength placed him among the very top echelon of Great Emperor.

Had he been willing to join the ranks of the Demon Race, he would have undoubtedly ranked among its top three Great Emperor.

Even the various Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage treated this Great Emperor as an equal and a peer.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen showed no trace of disrespect. He spoke, "I have come to understand the matter at hand. How does the Fellow Daoist wish to resolve it?"

"Resolve it?"

The Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch's expression was grim, his gaze tinged with profound sorrow. "Yao'er was the cherished pearl of our clan. Her talent was not much weaker than my own."

"I had intended to groom her as my successor. Yet now, she has become entangled with..."

The Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch's words trailed off, his face clouded with helpless frustration.

For a man of such profligate nature, were he anyone else, Eldrin would have broken his legs. Yet Xianchang Chen was, after all, the direct son of a Dao Progenitor [a supreme being who has comprehended and mastered a fundamental principle of existence]. In the end, Eldrin felt powerless to intervene.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but speak: "In my view, since the matter has already transpired, why not play the role of a gracious matchmaker?"

"Impossible."

The Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch [the leader of a clan of cultivators with deer-like spiritual heritage] paled slightly and immediately retorted, "I have heard he has over thirty wives and concubines, and his fleeting romantic encounters beyond that are beyond counting."

Eldrin Chen felt a wave of awkwardness. As a father, even he did not know the true extent of Xianchang Chen's amorous debts.

But from what Eldrin Chen understood, over the years, people had frequently arrived at their doorstep with Xianchang Chen's illegitimate children in tow. The number of those children was likely impossible to tally.

There were so many that even Xianchang Chen himself had lost count and could not possibly care for them all.

He could only draw a substantial portion from his own private coffers to cover the expenses of raising these children until they reached adulthood.

It was precisely because of this that Xianchang Chen was, among Eldrin Chen's five children, the one in the most impoverished state.

Were it not for Nyssa Qu's frequent assistance and the clan's partial compensation in this regard, Xianchang Chen might well have been reduced to venturing into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, dangerous, and primordial expanse of chaotic energies] to repay his debts.

"Alas."

Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Xianchang Chen walk into the hall from outside.

It had to be admitted that compared to the eldest son's resolute character, Erlang's single-minded devotion, the third daughter's exceptional talent, and the fifth son's astonishing comprehension, this third son possessed truly remarkable innate aptitude.

He had inherited Eldrin Chen's handsome features and a measure of Nyssa Qu's peerless elegance, possessing an indescribable allure to women.

The moment he entered, the young maiden from the Immortal Deer Clan [a clan of cultivators with a deep connection to immortal deer spirits] brightened visibly. She stepped forward joyfully, linking her arm with his and saying, "Brother Xianchang, you've finally arrived."

"This is trouble."

Eldrin Chen pressed a hand to his forehead, an expression of helpless resignation washing over his features.

The Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch clenched his fists so tightly the knuckles cracked audibly. His eyes widened to the size of saucers, glaring with a fury that seemed ready to devour the young man on the spot.

If not for the consideration [restraint; regard for consequences] of the fact that the boy had a Dao Progenitor [a supreme being who has comprehended and established a fundamental Dao or Path of cultivation] for a father, Xianchang Chen would likely have faced severe consequences today.

Thinking this, Eldrin Chen quickly interjected, "Third Son, hurry and pay your respects to Senior Taiji?"

Xianchang Chen came to his senses and, with a smile, bowed respectfully, saying, "Your son-in-law pays his respects to his father-in-law."

"Who is your father-in-law!"

The Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch ground his teeth in frustration, nearly unable to resist striking him.

Xianchang Chen chuckled, then beckoned towards the rear, saying, "Yao Yao, come quickly and greet your maternal grandfather."

As his words fell, a young maiden walked in from outside the room; it was none other than Siyao Chen, the direct granddaughter of Eldrin Chen.

At this, not only the Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch, but even Eldrin Chen himself could not help but change countenance.

The Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch was nearly driven to the brink of madness, on the verge of a full-blown eruption, but fortunately, he was immediately subdued by Eldrin Chen.

Having restrained Taiji, the Ancient Ancestor, Eldrin Chen finally could not help but inquire, "Speak quickly, what in the world is going on?"

"This matter... requires a long explanation from the beginning."

Xianchang Chen glanced at Lunyao and began to recount the tale in detail.

It turned out that as early as several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] ago, Xianchang Chen had already met and fallen in love with Lunyao.

Back then, after they fell in love, Lunyao became pregnant. However, at that time, Eldrin Chen had retreated far into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, perilous sea of primordial chaos], his fate uncertain. Thus, they dared not inform Taiji, the Ancient Ancestor of this matter.

They kept it a secret from Taiji, the Ancient Ancestor and gave birth to a daughter, who is the present-day Siyao Chen.

Later, when Eldrin Chen returned, Xianchang Chen intended to tell him about this. However, due to Xianchang Chen's overly philandering nature, Lunyao became furious and left in a huff, causing the matter to be shelved.

Afterwards, the two separated and reconciled multiple times. It was only recently, when Lunyao became pregnant again, that the Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch discovered this secret.

"You... you... you..."

After hearing the whole story, the Immortal Deer Clan Patriarch was so enraged he nearly suffered a stroke on the spot.

Eldrin Chen could only offer a bitter smile. "Esteemed in-law," he said, unable to hold back, "this matter is truly a failure of my parenting."

"But rest assured, I will discipline this scoundrel severely later. And the matter of the betrothal gifts will certainly not be neglected."

Taiji, the Ancient Ancestor was left speechless. He looked at the blissful couple, then at Siyao Chen, and finally slumped into his chair with a heavy sigh. "So be it," he conceded, his resistance crumbling.

"Your affairs, this old man will no longer interfere."

As the words fell, Taiji, the Ancient Ancestor departed the great hall alone, his entire being seeming to have aged considerably.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but let out a bitter laugh. If it were his own daughter in such a situation, he feared he would also want to skin the other party alive.

Fortunately, most of his children were sons, and his only daughter, Xianqing Chen, possessed exceptionally high standards, which spared him some of this displeasure.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen had Lulu take Lunyao away. Then, with a look of exasperation, he glanced at Xianchang Chen and said, "Regarding this matter, you should go and beg your mother."

Having spoken, Eldrin Chen said no more and directly left the side chamber.

Afterward, he made his way to another side chamber, where he met with another old acquaintance.

Within the hall stood a man of imposing stature and heroic bearing—none other than the Indestructible Elder, whose name commanded awe throughout this Chaos Domain.

Upon meeting Indestructible Elder, Eldrin Chen sat opposite him and began, "For you to personally make the arduous journey for this longevity celebration, Senior, is truly asking too much."

Indestructible Elder smiled and replied, "Since we are to explore the Chaos Forbidden Land together, making the trip was only proper."