Chapter 2083 : Chaos Vortex and the Ten Arenas

Hearing Indestructible Elder speak thus, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod.

Since Indestructible Elder's strength was not inferior to these three individuals, Eldrin Chen no longer feared clashing with them within the ruins.

"Boom—"

At that very moment, a series of violent, rumbling roars emanated from the Depths of Chaos.

Everyone quickly looked up to see that within the vast Chaos, an intangible Void Gate [a portal leading to another dimension] had abruptly opened, transforming into a Chaos Vortex [a swirling maelstrom of primordial chaos] that isolated the Two Realms [the mortal realm and the higher spiritual plane].

"The Profound Heaven Ruins [ancient ruins of profound celestial origin] have opened,"

declared the Black Abyss Great Emperor, a glint of excitement flashing in his eyes.

Simultaneously, the three Invincible Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to the peak of the Sage realm]—Primordial Demonic Ape, Blazing Zenith Ember, and Misty Smoke Female Sage—soared through the air and vanished directly into the Chaos Vortex.

Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with Indestructible Elder and then spoke, "Let us enter as well."

"Agreed."

Indestructible Elder [the ancient being known for his unyielding nature] nodded and immediately took the lead, stepping into the secret realm.

The three of them proceeded together, soon crossing the threshold of the secret realm and appearing upon a vast plaza.

Eldrin Chen swept his gaze around, discovering that within the Void [the profound emptiness from which all things manifest] stood ten towering platforms. Their surfaces were inscribed with supreme formation patterns of the Chaos Tier [the primordial and most fundamental level of existence], seemingly designed as an arena for combat.

Indestructible Elder spoke with the authority of experience, "These ten platforms are known as the Chaos Combat Platform [arenas forged to withstand the fury of Chaos-level combat]. They were personally refined by a Dao-Union Supreme [a supreme being who has merged with the fundamental Dao] and are capable of enduring battles at the Chaos Tier."

"And the first trial of the Profound Heaven Ruins [the ancient and mysterious ruins said to hold heavenly secrets] tests our combat prowess."

"To pass this first gate, we must seize control of one of these platforms. Only then may we proceed to the second trial."

A subtle flicker passed through Eldrin Chen's brow. There were over one hundred Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to the sage-like tier just below immortality] present, yet only ten slots to pass the first gate. This revealed the daunting difficulty of the Profound Heaven Ruins's trials.

It must be understood that those daring to undertake the trials of the Profound Heaven Ruins were, without exception, pinnacle Sage Ascendant who had cultivated nine divine forms.

"It seems this battle will be a grueling one," he murmured inwardly.

As this thought settled within Eldrin Chen, he saw Blazing Zenith Ember [a being whose essence burns with the intensity of a dying sun's core] stride forward, ascending through the air to land upon the first of the towering platforms.

The remaining Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivation realm just below the Immortal Progenitor] exchanged glances, yet none stepped forward to claim the first platform, tacitly acknowledging the might of Blazing Zenith Ember.

Seeing this, Primordial Demonic Ape [an ancient and powerful demonic ape progenitor] and Misty Smoke Female Sage each claimed the second and third platforms. The assembled crowd offered no challenge, their silence a clear endorsement of these claimants' right to stand there.

Indestructible Elder gave Eldrin Chen a firm pat on the shoulder before ascending to claim the fourth dais.

Still, no one moved to contest their positions. It was evident that these four were deemed worthy to hold the platforms.

Thus, four of the ten platforms were now occupied. The gaze of the hundred-plus Sage Ascendant present inevitably turned toward the six that remained.

"It seems," Eldrin mused inwardly, "securing one of these last six spots will be far more contentious than anticipated."

After sharing a meaningful look with Black Abyss Great Emperor, Eldrin Chen moved decisively, ascending to claim the eighth and ninth platforms.

No sooner had Eldrin Chen set foot upon the eighth platform than a peerless Sage Ascendant surged forward to challenge him.

"So it is the Abyssal Dao Progenitor [a title meaning 'Progenitor of the Abyssal Dao']. This old one pays his respects."

The challenger had fiery red hair. Eldrin recognized him—they had crossed paths once before, at the Treasure Exchange Grand Assembly within the Blazing Central Primordial Domain.

He first clasped his hands in a respectful salute towards Eldrin Chen, then instantly summoned a divine statue wielding a celestial halberd, aiming to suppress Eldrin Chen with overwhelming force.

"Perfect timing."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. With a mere flick of his sleeve and a snap of his fingers, he sent the celestial halberd flying away and blasted the Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator who has ascended to the threshold of sagehood] himself sprawling through the air.

To intimidate the gathered foes, Eldrin Chen had unleashed nearly seventy percent of his true power, defeating this challenger in a single, decisive clash.

"*Cough*—"

Instantly defeated, the red-haired Sage Ascendant knelt on one knee, blood staining his lips, his face a mask of shock and disbelief.

He cast an incredulous glance at Eldrin Chen, then rose and saluted once more. "I had not realized Fellow Daoist Eldrin [a respectful title for a fellow cultivator] had already stepped into the invincible Sage Ascendant Realm [the supreme realm just below true sagehood]. My presumption was indeed rash."

With those words, the red-haired Sage Ascendant departed from the platform and vanished from the great hall.

Witnessing this, the remaining spectators could not help but reveal looks of deep wariness, even a tinge of helpless frustration.

In times past, when the Profound Heaven Ruins [a legendary and perilous ancient site] opened, it was rare for powerhouses who could challenge Celestial Emperor [the sovereign ruler of the heavens, a pinnacle existence] to attend. Back then, a top-tier Sage Ascendant still stood a chance of passing the first trial.

Yet this time, four invincible powerhouses challenging the Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of the heavens] have arrived. The difficulty for a top-tier Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the threshold of sagehood] to secure a spot has likely increased not tenfold, but by an order of magnitude far greater.

With this thought, many Sage Ascendant abandoned their designs on Eldrin Chen's position, their gazes shifting toward other contenders.

Only one Primordial Limitless Sage Ascendant [a Sage Ascendant embodying the boundless chaos of the primordial era] stepped forward, ascending onto the lofty platform.

It was a man of imposing stature, gripping a Chaos Giant Axe [a massive axe forged from primordial chaos]. He approached through the air like a Chaotic Fiendgod [a primordial demon-god born from chaos] striding forth to World Creation [the divine act of shaping a new world from the void].

Upon reaching the platform, he spoke with calm authority, "I am Panhuang. Allow me to test your mettle."

As his words faded, Panhuang surged forward, his colossal axe cleaving through space. In that single move, the forms of the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms [the nine supreme spiritual manifestations of divine power] materialized and coiled around him, their intent focused on utterly annihilating Eldrin Chen.

Facing this devastating downward strike, Eldrin Chen swiftly channeled his power into the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd [a halberd embodying the power of the primordial heavens and chaos] to parry.

Yet he discovered the force behind this blow had already transcended the limits of Sage Ascendant Pinnacle [the absolute peak of the Sage Ascendant realm]. The impact reverberated through him, numbing his palms with its sheer, overwhelming power.

"Such formidable strength,"

Eldrin Chen drew a sharp breath. This Panhuang was clearly a Flesh Sanctification Saint [a saint whose physical body has been refined to a sacred, indestructible state] specializing in raw power. His nine divine forms were almost entirely imbued with the Great Dao [the supreme, fundamental principle governing all existence] of Strength itself.

Thus, the power of the nine Eruption Divine Forms had nearly transcended a certain extreme, reaching a level almost seventy to eighty percent that of the Chaos Celestial Emperor.

"With such innate talent, once the nine Divine Forms merge into one, their sheer power alone would likely surpass even the Chaos Celestial Emperor," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, understanding that this Panhuang was similar to the Indestructible Elder—both were powerhouses of an extreme, specialized type.

The Indestructible Elder excelled in defense; his defensive and Life-force capabilities alone even surpassed the Chaos Celestial Emperor. Once this Panhuang cultivated his Unique True Form, his raw power would also exceed that of the Chaos Celestial Emperor.

However, such specialized opponents often possessed significant weaknesses.

For instance, while the Indestructible Elder's defenses were heaven-defying, his offensive methods were lacking. This Panhuang, whose attack power was supremely formidable, possessed defensive capabilities merely on par with an ordinary Sage Ascendant.

Such a lopsided combatant might prove troublesome for others, but Eldrin Chen, who had mastered the Abyssal Divine Rune, felt not the slightest fear.

With a mere flick of his sleeve, Eldrin Chen commanded the Abyssal Divine Rune to absorb all damage inflicted by Panhuang, then forcefully activated the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd to launch a fierce assault with his invincible battle prowess.

After enduring over eight thousand consecutive, brutal exchanges, Panhuang finally could bear no more. His physical body cracked and fissured mid-battle, sustaining injuries that were nearly irreversible.

"I am defeated," he conceded.

After suffering consecutive major defeats, Panhuang revealed a bitter smile, his heart filled with boundless unwillingness.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then spoke calmly, "Your Path of Ultimate Strength holds limitless potential."

"However, you have yet to cultivate the Unique Divine Form. Although the nine great divine forms are immensely powerful, they are scattered and ununified, unable to coalesce into a single force, thus possessing a fatal flaw."

"Your physical defense was never strong to begin with. Coupled with this fatal weakness, for me to confront you head-on with my ultimate power and defeat you was not difficult."

"So that is the reason."

Panhuang spoke, then said with a bitter laugh, "I am aware of this point as well. It is simply that my power is too immense, making it exceedingly difficult to condense into a unified whole."

"Every time I attempt to cultivate the Unique True Form, I feel as if my fleshly body is on the verge of complete disintegration. Thus, I have not dared to make the final attempt."

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment, then began to speak, "The Fleshly Body Sage Attainment Path has always been overwhelmingly domineering. One must be placed in a life-or-death situation to achieve a breakthrough."

"Your Divine Form of Strength is the most domineering among the domineering, making the difficulty of its breakthrough even greater."

"In my view, if you wish to cultivate the Unique Divine Form, you must subject yourself to sufficient pressure. Seek your breakthrough amidst the utmost peril of life and death; perhaps only then will you have a sliver of a chance for success."

Panhuang seemed to gain a sudden insight. He immediately cupped his hands in a respectful salute and said, "Many thanks for the reminder, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator]."

Eldrin Chen closed his eyes, offering no further words.

Seeing that even Panhuang was no match, the others present gave up contending for the eighth platform where Eldrin Chen stood.

Not long after, Black Abyss Great Emperor also secured the ninth platform with an invincible bearing.

As time flowed on, victors for the final four platforms were gradually decided, ultimately producing four supremely powerful Invincible Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has reached the peak of the Sage Ascendant realm, possessing unmatched power].

Thus, upon the ten great platforms, a single prodigy had now passed the first trial on each.

It was at this very moment that a phantom-like figure manifested within the Void [the primordial emptiness from which all things originate].

With a sweep of its sleeve, it teleported away those who had failed to secure a platform. Then, gazing upon the ten Invincible Sage Ascendant before it, it spoke.

"The first trial, you have all passed."

"The second trial to come tests your innate potential. If you possess the latent capacity to reach the Dao-Union Supreme [the supreme realm of unity with the fundamental Dao], you shall naturally pass through this gate."

As the words fell, the ethereal figure led the group before a grand hall.

Within the hall, suspended in a gentle flux, was an ancient and unadorned Chaos mirror, seemingly a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a primordial artifact of immense and unfathomable power] of staggering value.

"This is the Chaos Spiritual Treasure known as the 'Profound Heaven Mirror'."

Indestructible Elder explained to Eldrin Chen and Black Abyss Great Emperor: "The Profound Heaven Mirror possesses profound and supreme mysteries. It can probe the foundational potential of an individual and even glimpse a fragment of their Weilai [Future, one of the three temporal aspects of destiny]."

"So, once illuminated by the Profound Heaven Mirror, it can deduce what level of achievement we might reach in our Weilai [Future]?"

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted with slight shock. He couldn't help but ask, "If it can spy upon the fate within a person's Weilai [Future], does that not mean our Destiny [the predetermined course of events] is already fixed?"

"Not necessarily."

Indestructible Elder shook his head and continued, "Destiny [Fate] is ever-shifting and uncertain. Each of us has countless possibilities within our Weilai [Future]."

"It can perceive multiple potential Weilai [Futures] for us. If, within even one of those possible Weilai [Futures], we manage to break through to the Dao-Union Supreme [the supreme realm of unity with the Dao] realm, then our aptitude is considered validated."

At this point, Indestructible Elder offered a bitter smile. "To my shame, I have come here three times before. Thrice, the Profound Heaven Mirror observed my Weilai [Future], and not once did it find a possibility where I achieved a breakthrough to Dao-Union Supreme."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen [the Abyssal Emperor] could not help but feel a flicker of light in his eyes.

The Profound Heaven Mirror [a supreme artifact capable of observing fate] observes Weilai [the Future], but it observes the countless possibilities of Weilai [the Future].

In other words, within the observations of the Profound Heaven Mirror, the probability that a being with the potential to break through to Dao-Union Supreme [the supreme realm of unity with the Dao] actually achieves that breakthrough is exceedingly low.

This is because every choice, every decision made by a powerful cultivator is enough to alter their own Weilai [Future], and even the Weilai [Future] of countless others.

Among thousands upon thousands of possible Weilai [Futures], even if there exists one where one becomes a Dao-Union Supreme, that particular Weilai [Future] does not exist in the present Space-Time [the continuum of space and time].

Only through a confluence of Opportunity [fateful chance] and coincidence, making every single choice that influences the Weilai [Future] correctly, could one possibly achieve the Weilai [Future] predicted by the calculations—a difficulty akin to scaling the heavens.

"Let us test it once more."

Indestructible Elder [the ancient being known for his unyielding nature] spoke slowly, then added with a smile, "Since my Rebirth [mystical rebirth], I have felt a shift in my own fate."

"I know not if this is for good or ill. Perhaps He has already altered my Destiny [predestined path]."

So saying, Indestructible Elder turned his gaze towards the great hall, quietly awaiting as the others utilized the Profound Heaven Mirror to divine the latent potential within Weilai [the Future].

Soon, Blazing Zenith Ember was the first to step forward. He allowed the radiance of the Profound Heaven Mirror [a legendary artifact capable of divining fate and potential] to wash over him, standing motionless as he awaited the mirror's revelation of his Weilai [a concept representing the myriad possible futures].

A long while later, the light of the Profound Heaven Mirror shimmered faintly. Countless runes of Karma [the cosmic law of cause and effect] and the Time-Space Great Dao [the supreme principle governing time and space] whirled and rotated, ultimately manifesting a countless number of possible destinies.

In the end, Blazing Zenith Ember was violently repelled, sent flying backward to land outside the great hall.

The illusory figure cast a glance at Blazing Zenith Ember, a thoughtful expression crossing its features as it spoke, "Blazing Zenith Ember, no hope of reaching the Chaos Realm [the ultimate realm of cultivation, representing primordial unity and supreme power]. Unqualified!"

"Impossible!"

Blazing Zenith Ember wore a look of utter disbelief, his voice trembling with shock. "I am a direct descendant of a Dao-Union Supreme [a supreme cultivator who has merged with the fundamental Dao], possessing the potential of a Dao-Union Supreme! How could I have no path to the supreme Chaos Realm?"

"It cannot be. The ancient mirror must be mistaken."

"The Profound Heaven Mirror is never wrong,"

the illusory figure stated coldly, its voice devoid of emotion. "The Profound Heaven Mirror has calculated thirteen thousand seven hundred and sixty-four possible Weilai for you."

"In every single one of those Weilai, you meet an untimely end, slain by the same hand."

"No, I refuse to believe it!"

Blazing Zenith Ember wore an expression of utter disbelief, his voice trembling with righteous fury as he declared, "I am the direct grandson of a Supreme Being! Who dares to kill me? Who would even dare to try?"

"Moreover, I have cultivated the True Spirit Physique [an indestructible spiritual body]. Who could possibly kill me utterly?"

"A joke! This is the greatest joke of all! You are but a remnant of a fallen, ancient land. How dare you claim to have seen through my Weilai [Future] destiny?"

Blazing Zenith Ember was incensed, nearly overturning the table in his rage, but the ethereal figure merely flicked its sleeve, banishing him from the depths of the Profound Heaven Ruins.

Following this interlude, the remaining individuals exchanged uneasy glances.

The Primordial Demonic Ape [an ancient and powerful ape demon] pondered for a moment, then stepped forward as the second to approach the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror [a mystical mirror of profound divination].

The ancient mirror trembled slightly, emanating a hazy, mirror-like radiance that enveloped the Primordial Demonic Ape. After a long while, the light dissipated.

The ethereal figure observed the result, a note of distinct surprise coloring its voice as it spoke, "Your Weilai holds one hundred and six thousand possible threads."

"Among them, three thousand seven hundred threads lead to the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor. Remarkably, ten threads of your Weilai even reach the Dao-Union Supreme [the supreme realm of unification with the Dao, the ultimate goal of cultivation]."

"Though the chance of attaining the Dao-Union Supreme [the supreme state of unity with the Dao, the ultimate goal of cultivation] is but one in ten thousand, it is nonetheless a rare and precious potential."

"This second trial, you have passed."

The Primordial Demonic Ape [an ancient and powerful demonic beast of immense strength] let out a heavy sigh of relief. The possibilities for Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler who commands the primordial forces of chaos] to break through numbered over three thousand.

This meant that as long as he chose carefully and did not err in crucial decisions, his chances of achieving the Dao and becoming the Chaos Celestial Emperor should not be insignificant.

Seeing this, Misty Smoke Female Sage [a revered female sage whose presence is like ethereal mist] immediately stepped forward into the light. Not long after, the Profound Heaven Mirror [a mystical mirror capable of divining profound heavenly truths] calculated the Weilai [the 'Future', a conceptual entity representing potential destinies].

Compared to the Primordial Demonic Ape, this Misty Smoke Female Sage also possessed a sliver of hope to prove her Dao and attain the Dao-Union Supreme, though this hope was not great either, merely one in several tens of thousands.

By this point, Eldrin Chen had largely grasped the pattern.

If one did not cultivate a Primordial Spirit [the foundational spiritual core of a cultivator] within the Chaos Realm [a profound cultivation realm aligned with primordial chaos], then the possibility of Weilai breaking through to the Dao-Union Supreme would be exceedingly low.

Witnessing this, the Indestructible Elder [an ancient being renowned for his unyielding endurance] became the fourth to step into the center of the grand hall.

As the light of the Profound Heaven Mirror continuously shifted and changed, the countless Weilai of the Indestructible Elder gradually materialized. Finally, the Profound Heaven Mirror gave a slight tremble before drawing all the visions back into itself.

Only then did Indestructible Elder turn his gaze towards the ethereal figure, unable to restrain his inquiry. "Esteemed Senior, has the thread of my destiny been altered?"

The spectral form did not answer immediately. Instead, it regarded him with a look of profound astonishment, its thoughts churning. "How could the tapestry of his fate have shifted so dramatically? Could it be he has garnered the favor of a Chaos Sovereign [a supreme being who commands the primordial forces of chaos]?"

As this staggering notion reverberated within it, the ethereal figure could not help but draw a deep, silent breath.

Weighing the terrifying secrets such a possibility entailed, the figure deemed it unwise to speak plainly. It merely stated, "The weave of your destiny has indeed shifted significantly. A single, tenuous thread now leads towards the possibility of stepping into the Dao Merging [the realm of merging one's being with the fundamental Dao, a pinnacle of cultivation]."

"Very well," it conceded. "This time, I shall grant you a place as well."

Eldrin Chen and Black Abyss Great Emperor exchanged a glance. They rose together, offering their congratulations to the Indestructible Elder. "Our sincerest congratulations, Senior. To glimpse the path to the Dao Union Realm [synonymous with Dao Merging, the realm of ultimate unity with the Dao]—your future prospects are truly boundless."

"You flatter me," the elder demurred with a wave of his hand.

Indestructible Elder offered a wry smile, then added with a hint of bitterness, "Even if there is a sliver of hope, the odds remain no greater than one in ten thousand."

Eldrin Chen returned the smile, an intuition whispering within him that Indestructible Elder's chance of a breakthrough, guided by the mysterious Weilai [Future, a person or entity representing or influencing destiny], was likely far greater than a mere one in ten thousand.

He turned his attention back to Black Abyss Great Emperor. "It is your turn now, Great Emperor [a title for a sovereign ruler who has reached the pinnacle of the Great Emperor cultivation realm]. Please, proceed with your assessment."

"Very well," he replied.

Black Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a powerful ancient emperor] nodded and immediately strode into the grand hall.

As the radiance of the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror [a mystical mirror capable of revealing one's innate potential] shone upon him, Black Abyss Great Emperor emitted a light of unprecedented intensity this time. His aura even surpassed that of the Indestructible Elder, giving rise to a trace of astonishing phenomena.

"This is..."

The illusory figure revealed a look of shock, swiftly turning its gaze to Black Abyss Great Emperor. It could not suppress its delight as it exclaimed, "The Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme cultivation technique involving nine cycles of refinement], and he has even mastered the Ultimate Divine Rune Chaos [the pinnacle state of divine rune cultivation leading to primordial chaos]!"

"If he forges a Unique Divine Form [a one-of-a-kind divine physique] upon this foundation, he could become a registered disciple of that exalted one. There is even the possibility that he may one day ascend to become a True Disciple [a core, personally taught disciple]."

Containing its inner excitement, the illusory figure looked at Black Abyss Great Emperor and declared, "Your innate talent ranks among the top ten witnessed across the span of millions of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of creation and destruction]."

"Remain here and await the trial of the third gate."

With these words, the illusory figure respectfully escorted Black Abyss Great Emperor to a separate area.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen did not immediately step forward for the assessment. Instead, he gestured for the other several Primordial Limitless Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to the Sage Ascendant realm, touching the primordial and limitless] to proceed with their tests first.

The reason for this was that Eldrin Chen possessed astonishing potential, and with the Primordial Scripture [a supreme cultivation art that obscures one's destiny and fate] veiling his destiny, he was highly likely to trigger unforeseeable variables.

Under such circumstances, the fewer who knew, the better.

Seeing this, the other four Primordial Limitless Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivation realm beyond the Immortal Emperor] immediately went forward to be tested. Unfortunately, within the visible Weilai [the name of a character, meaning 'Future'], none of these individuals possessed the potential to break through to Dao-Union Supreme [the supreme realm of uniting with the Great Dao].

After everyone else was sent away, Eldrin Chen finally ascended into the ancient hall.

The moment he stepped onto the hall's platform, the Profound Heaven Mirror [a divine mirror capable of profound divination] emitted a hazy light, shining directly upon Eldrin Chen.

"Boom—"

In that very instant, the vast hall trembled violently, and the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror itself seemed to shudder with great intensity.

"Trouble."

The illusory figure's heart sank. He swiftly swept Eldrin Chen out of the hall's range and declared without preamble, "You, too, possess the makings of a Dao-Union Supreme. Follow me to the third trial."

With those words, he immediately transported the group to the location of the third trial.

Simultaneously, the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror [an ancient and powerful enchanted artifact] emitted a series of sharp, cracking sounds, and a web of fractures began to spread across its ancient surface.

The ethereal figure arrived before the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror. Its first action was to seize the fractured mirror, and within its gaze flickered a look of profound and utter astonishment.

"The Profound Heaven Mirror shatters... a sign of the Destiny's Chaos Sovereign [a legendary, supreme state of cultivation representing the pinnacle of chaos and destiny]."

"No... this is likely a true Destiny's Chaos Sovereign in the flesh."