Chapter 2085 : Trial of the Primordial Spirit

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a subtle stirring within his heart.

In contrast, Black Abyss Great Emperor and the others could not help but reveal a trace of helplessness in their expressions.

Comparatively speaking, these few individuals had all specialized in the Fleshly Body Sage Attainment Path [a cultivation path focused on tempering the physical body to sage-like perfection]. Naturally, their innate talent within the Primordial Spirit Lineage [a lineage or school of cultivation focused on the Primordial Spirit] was not exceptional.

Yet, the Ethereal Figure paid no heed to the others' gazes. With a flick of his sleeve, he fully activated the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass [a formidable trial or gateway that tests the strength of a cultivator's Primordial Spirit].

In that instant, Eldrin Chen felt the heavens spin and the earth tilt. A tempestuous wind of indescribable ferocity surged forth, relentlessly eroding his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and threatening to scatter his very soul to the winds.

"A force potent enough to Annihilation [utterly obliterate] a Primordial Spirit."

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. From within his Primordial Spirit, the Abyssal Tower [a mighty magical treasure] radiated a light that seemed capable of suppressing heaven and earth. With ease, it anchored his Primordial Spirit firmly in place, completely resisting the Annihilation force assailing his spirit.

The others, however, did not fare so well. The Primordial Demonic Ape [an ancient and powerful demonic beast] held out for a considerable time but ultimately could not withstand the onslaught and was forced to flee from within the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass.

Neither Misty Smoke Female Sage, Indestructible Elder, nor Black Abyss Great Emperor managed to endure. In the end, they were all compelled to withdraw from the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass.

Without a Primordial Spirit of Great Emperor Realm [the cultivation realm of a Great Emperor] strength, it was fundamentally impossible to traverse this Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass.

Witnessing this scene, Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly before continuing his stride deeper into the ancient ruins.

He pressed forward against a gale fierce enough to Annihilation a Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], journeying towards the end of the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass [a perilous trial realm for tempering one's Primordial Spirit]. Unconsciously, his gaze fell upon a towering stone stele.

Upon this stele were carved ten names. Eldrin Chen examined them closely and was surprised to find several he recognized.

Seven Extremities, Obsidian Abyss, Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor…

Gazing at these ten names, Eldrin Chen could not help but whisper in astonishment.

Seven Extremities undoubtedly referred to the Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden, Obsidian Abyss was that Foreign Realm Demon Emperor, and the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor needed no explanation.

If their names were inscribed upon this stele, did it not mean they had all once reached this very place?

At that moment, the Ethereal Figure spoke: "To fully transcend the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass, you must use your own Primordial Spirit Power [the spiritual energy of one's Primordial Spirit] to carve your name upon this stele."

"Since ancient times, ten individuals have transcended this Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass. These ten names belong to those venerable predecessors."

Eldrin Chen's heart shook. Those capable of transcending the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass invariably possessed the potential to cultivate into a Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a supreme realm where one's soul path merges with the heavenly dao].

It seems the legends are true—the tales of a Potential for Dao Union [a profound, destined bond between cultivators that can lead to shared enlightenment] between Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden and the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor are certainly not fabricated.

Yet, he could never have imagined that Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor also possessed the potential for Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [the ultimate achievement of merging one's Primordial Spirit with the Great Dao]. It appears the hidden depths and trump cards of this venerable human Clan Elder are far from what meets the eye.

"Since Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor attained his Dao, untold tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often associated with cataclysmic events] have passed in the blink of an eye. I wonder if he has now cultivated to the realm of a Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a supreme sovereign whose power is rooted in the mastery of the soul]."

"Wait." Eldrin Chen suddenly paled slightly, a flicker of astonishment crossing his features. "His sudden flight to the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, untamed expanse of primordial chaos at the edge of creation], far beyond the Blazing Zenith Hundred Domains, could it be that..."

In an instant, many puzzles in Eldrin Chen's heart were suddenly illuminated. He understood the reason why Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor had abruptly departed the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss for over a thousand Kalpa Tribulation.

Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor had always concealed his true Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator] cultivation level, hiding the secret of his Primordial Spirit aptitude.

Yet this time, he ventured into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea for over a thousand Kalpa Tribulation, risking a journey to another Origin Domain [a foundational realm or world]. If his goal were merely to cultivate a second Chaos Great Dao [a supreme Dao path born from primordial chaos], such extreme measures would be entirely unnecessary.

The greater likelihood is that Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor sought to evade Blazing Zenith Supreme, searching within the Depths of Chaos for a suitable moment and place to make his breakthrough.

With this realization, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Since Senior Primordial Beginning also surmounted this Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass [a critical, heaven-defying tribulation related to the Primordial Spirit], I wonder what treasures he obtained?"

"A single Nine-Aperture Divine Stone [a mystical stone with nine natural apertures, said to resonate with heaven and earth], one Nine Orifices Soul Elixir [a legendary pill that can open the nine orifices of the soul, enhancing spiritual perception], and a scroll containing the Ancient Soul Scripture [an ancient and profound manual for soul cultivation], which was created by Profound Heaven Supreme himself."

The Ethereal Figure spoke with measured grace, then declared, "He possesses the potential to reach the Dao-Union Supreme realm [the supreme state of unity with the Dao, the fundamental principle of existence]. For this reason, he has received cultivation resources of the highest caliber."

Eldrin Chen felt a tremor in his heart. The value of the Nine-Aperture Divine Stone [a legendary stone with nine natural apertures, said to possess divine properties] was, of course, beyond question.

The Nine Orifices Soul Elixir was a supreme Immortal Pill [a pill of celestial grade, capable of bestowing immense benefits] for cultivating the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator's being]. Its grade was comparable to the Dao-Union Supreme realm, capable of increasing one's chances of breaking through to the Soul Path Celestial Emperor realm [the sovereign realm of the soul's path] by fifty percent. Its worth was no less than that of a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos, possessing immense and unpredictable power].

As for the Ancient Soul Scripture [an ancient and profound manual for soul cultivation] left behind by Profound Heaven Supreme, it too was a tome of priceless, peerless value.

One must understand that Profound Heaven Supreme had cultivated his Primordial Spirit to the Dao Union Realm [the realm of unity with the Dao]. Relying solely on his Primordial Spirit Power [the profound power derived from a supremely cultivated Primordial Spirit], he was a match for a Dao-Union Supreme. His foundational depth and reserves far surpassed what any ordinary Dao-Union Supreme could hope to achieve.

With this realization settling in his mind, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate. He channeled his Primordial Spirit Power to condense a blade of Celestial Saber [a saber imbued with celestial might] and carved a single, grand character upon the stone stele: Abyssal.

"*Hummm—*"

In that instant, the stele trembled violently, releasing boundless streams of Soul Immortal Radiance [a luminous, soul-nourishing energy of immortal quality], which poured entirely into Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit.

Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit felt as if it were floating, weightless and transcendent. He could not help but greedily absorb the Soul Immortal Radiance.

He knew not how much time had passed when Eldrin Chen finally awoke from his deep cultivation. Only then did he feel that the foundation and latent potential of his Primordial Spirit had been significantly consolidated and fortified.

Without further delay, he took a single step and crossed the threshold of the third trial, the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass.

Seeing this, the Ethereal Figure nodded with evident satisfaction. "Excellent," it declared. "Not only is your physical aptitude astonishing, but your talent for the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] suggests you may one day reach the realm of Dao-Union Supreme."

"These are but minor achievements. You honor me too much, Senior," Eldrin Chen replied modestly.

He then cupped his hands respectfully and inquired, "Dare I ask, Senior, does this mean I have passed the trial?"

"Indeed, you have," the figure confirmed.

The Ethereal Figure gave a slight nod and continued, "By tradition, those who pass the threefold trial are granted a set of resources to aid their breakthrough to the Chaos Celestial Emperor realm."

"Which resource would you prefer?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback. He had expected a single portion of Chaos Primordial Qi [the primordial energy of chaos] as a reward. He never imagined the Opportunity [a rare chance or resource for advancement] offered would be so much more generous.

With this thought, he could not help but ask, "Senior, what treasures constitute this Opportunity you speak of?"

The Ethereal Figure did not answer directly. Instead, with a mere flick of its sleeve, it manifested three radiant orbs of light, each containing a different, profound treasure.

Among the three treasures, the one on the left contained a Chaos Immortal Pill [a supreme pill that aids in comprehending the fundamental principles of Chaos], a wisp of Chaos Primordial Qi [the primordial energy from which Chaos itself was born], three portions of astonishingly valuable Chaos Rare Treasure [rare materials born from the essence of Chaos], and one portion of a heaven-defyingly precious Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure of Chaos, a material of legendary rarity and power].

Eldrin Chen recognized these treasures. Combined, they could increase one's chances of comprehending the Chaos Great Dao [the supreme, foundational Dao of Chaos itself] by approximately thirty percent. It was clear these were the supporting resources meant for a breakthrough to the Dao-Grasping Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who has grasped a complete Great Dao].

At this thought, Eldrin Chen could not help but draw in a sharp, cold breath. The combined value of these resources was equivalent to at least three portions of Chaos Primordial Qi.

One must understand, an ordinary Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the preliminary stage of Sagehood] would be thanking heaven and earth for merely obtaining a single portion of Chaos Primordial Qi. At most, they might hope for an additional Chaos Immortal Pill. Who would dare to yearn for anything more?

The fact that the Profound Heaven Lineage [a supreme lineage of cultivators] could simultaneously produce so many treasures to nurture a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who wields the power of Chaos] revealed just how astonishingly profound the foundation and heritage [the accumulated resources, knowledge, and legacy] of a direct descendant of a Dao-Union Supreme [a Supreme Being who has united with the Dao] truly was.

No wonder the Profound Heaven Lineage had, at its zenith, boasted over a hundred Chaos Celestial Emperor. This level of foundation and heritage was absolutely incomparable to that of any ordinary Chaos Celestial Emperor.

With this understanding settling in his heart, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the other two sets of treasures.

The set on the right contained a portion of Chaos Primordial Qi, a Nine-Aperture Divine Stone [a divine stone with nine natural apertures, said to resonate with the heavens], a Nine Orifices Soul Elixir [an elixir that refines and opens the nine spiritual orifices of the soul], along with several other astonishingly precious rare and exotic treasures [items of exceptional rarity and spiritual value].

As for the treasure in the center, it consisted of a portion of Chaos Primordial Qi, an Ascension to Sainthood Pill [a legendary pill that aids the final ascension to true Sainthood], and one rare treasure of the Chaos Spiritual Treasure level.

Eldrin Chen knew the origins of that Ascension to Sainthood Pill. It was the supreme Treasure Pill [a pill of the highest grade and efficacy] of the Flesh Ascendant lineage [a cultivation path focused on the ultimate refinement and ascension of the physical body].

It must be understood that the cultivation path of the Flesh Ascendant lineage [a brutal and domineering method of physical ascension] is far too tyrannical, and thus the success rate for breaking through to the Chaos Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of primordial chaos] realm is correspondingly more violent and unforgiving.

Even if one cultivates the Unique True Form [a peerless physical manifestation of one's cultivation essence] and obtains a portion of Chaos Primordial Qi [the foundational energy of primordial chaos], the success rate for the breakthrough to Chaos Celestial Emperor generally does not exceed thirty percent.

Should the breakthrough fail, the outcome is utter annihilation—body destroyed and soul extinguished.

The Ascension to Sainthood Pill [a miraculous elixir that aids in achieving sainthood through physical ascension], however, possesses wondrous and boundless utility. It can increase the certainty of achieving Sainthood through the Flesh [attaining a saintly realm via physical cultivation] by thirty percent. This clearly demonstrates its value is in no way inferior to a portion of Chaos Primordial Qi.

It was at this moment that the Ethereal Figure [a mysterious, insubstantial presence] spoke: "These treasures are not fixed. Should you require other items of equivalent value, an exchange can be arranged."

Eldrin Chen steadied his heart, then decisively turned his gaze towards the resources for the Flesh Ascendant lineage and declared, "I wish to exchange that Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a treasure of chaos imbued with immense spiritual power] tier rarity for one of Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence] attribute."

"Granted."

The Ethereal Figure gave a slight nod, as if having anticipated this request, and produced an Ancient Chaos Pearl [a primordial pearl containing condensed chaos essence]. Handing it to Eldrin Chen, it said, "With this in hand, you should be able to cultivate the Chaos Divine Form [a divine physical form born of chaos]."

"By that time, your strength should see yet another significant increase."

A flicker of understanding passed through Eldrin Chen's mind, and he immediately smiled, saying, "My thanks, Senior."

The figure handed over the Chaos Primordial Qi [the primordial energy from which all creation emerged], a single Ascension to Sainthood Pill [a legendary elixir said to grant the potential for sainthood], and the Ancient Chaos Pearl to Eldrin Chen, then spoke, "Since you have received these treasures, you now owe a debt of Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect, action and consequence] to my Profound Heaven Lineage."

"In the future, when my Profound Heaven Lineage has need, you must not forget the Karma incurred today."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and replied calmly, "Rest assured, Senior. This debt of Karma is one I shall naturally remember."

The Ethereal Figure gave a slight nod. Then, with a flick of his sleeve, he passed a Treasure Box to Eldrin Chen and said, "This object was obtained by chance by the late Profound Heaven Supreme. It is a thing of immeasurable value."

"I believe it may be of some use to you."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen paused for a moment, slightly taken aback, then promptly accepted the Treasure Box.

Upon opening it, he found the Treasure Box contained a single, translucent stone.

At first glance, Eldrin Chen sensed nothing extraordinary about it. But upon closer inspection, he perceived the flow of Dao patterns within its depths and a single, profound incision mark etched inside.

"This is the Mark of Time [a legendary artifact said to bear a physical scar left by the passage of time itself]."

The Ethereal Figure spoke with measured gravity, its voice carrying the weight of eons. After a long pause, it declared solemnly, "This is a stone birthed in the very dawn of Primordial Chaos Beginning [the primordial state before creation]."

"It has endured epochs beyond telling, its form etched by the passage of ages, and within it lies a nearly complete imprint of the Time Great Dao [the supreme principle governing the flow and nature of time itself]."

"To fully comprehend its secrets is to potentially ascend to the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme sovereign whose power rivals the foundational forces of chaos] through mastery of the Time Great Dao."

With a sigh that seemed to echo through the void, the Ethereal Figure continued, "A pity, truly. The Time Great Dao is profoundly arcane. Furthermore, Profound Heaven Supreme's own mastery of the Profound Heaven Great Dao [a supreme cultivation path] has already reached the Dao Union Realm [a pinnacle state of unity with a chosen Great Dao]."

"As the axiom goes, a Great Dao demands singular devotion. For millions upon millions of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and renewal], that venerable one has contemplated this stone, yet has never glimpsed even the outermost veil of the Time Great Dao."

Eldrin Chen felt a tremor deep within his soul, instantly grasping the immeasurable value of this Mark of Time [a physical relic imprinted with the essence of time].

This was no mere fragment or branch law; this was the complete, undiluted Time Great Dao laid bare within stone.

He examined it closely. The stone, transformed by the Mark of Time's indelible brand, had undergone a metamorphosis of world-shaking magnitude. Its very substance had been elevated, becoming a true Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a primordial artifact of immense power, born from chaos].

"This stone," he murmured to himself, awe coloring his thoughts, "has ascended to become a Chaos Spiritual Treasure. It could be forged into a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a weapon or tool of chaos-grade power] attuned to the essence of time itself."

"Moreover, I can delve into its depths to comprehend the Time Great Dao. This understanding will be invaluable for refining my Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation method] and, ultimately, for achieving a breakthrough to master the Space-Time Divine Runes [cosmic sigils governing the fabric of space and time]."

Eldrin Chen's heart surged with pleasant surprise. He promptly accepted the Mark of Time [a mysterious object imbued with the power of time], then clasped his hands and bowed in gratitude. "My deepest thanks, Esteemed Senior. This generous gift shall be engraved upon my heart."

The Ethereal Figure [a figure composed of faint, shimmering light] smiled faintly before speaking. "Remember this: when you, Honored Sir, set foot upon the threshold of the Half-Step Dao Union Realm [the penultimate stage before achieving the supreme union with the Dao], you must return once more to the depths of the Profound Heaven Ruins."

"Return to the Profound Heaven Ruins?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, a flicker of astonishment crossing his features.

The Ethereal Figure gave a slight nod. "Within the Profound Heaven Ruins, there lies a supreme treasure, one that can increase one's chances of a breakthrough into the Dao-Union Supreme [the supreme realm of unity with the fundamental Dao] by thirty percent."

"However, this treasure is far too precious. Long ago, certain Dao-Union Supreme left their spiritual imprints upon it. Should it emerge into the world, it would inevitably draw the covetous gaze of other Dao-Union Supreme."

"Even with cultivation at the Half-Step Dao Union Realm, you would likely find it impossible to safeguard. You must achieve the breakthrough right there, on the spot."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding, offering his thanks once more. "So that is the way of it. This junior understands."

The Ethereal Figure inclined its head, offering no further words. "Go now. Your companions have been waiting for you for quite some time."

As these words were spoken, Eldrin Chen felt the heavens spin and the earth tilt. In the next instant, he found himself standing beside Black Abyss Great Emperor and the Indestructible Elder.

At this moment, both Black Abyss Great Emperor and Indestructible Elder were beaming with radiant satisfaction, clearly having reaped substantial gains.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile and remark, "It seems you two Seniors have returned with quite the bounty."

"Merely a modest acquisition,"

Indestructible Elder replied with a chuckle, a glint of genuine delight coloring his expression.

As the two recounted their tales, Eldrin Chen quickly grasped the nature of their rewards.

It turned out that their respective physical aptitudes had caught the eye of Profound Heaven Ruins, and thus each had received a staggeringly valuable boon.

Among them, Indestructible Elder obtained a single Ascension to Sainthood Pill [a legendary elixir that increases the chance of achieving Sainthood through physical cultivation by thirty percent]. In certain respects, this pill was even rarer than Chaos Primordial Qi.

Black Abyss Great Emperor received an even more significant reward, bestowed with a Chaos-attribute Chaos Spiritual Treasure [an artifact of immense power born from primordial chaos]. Once he used it to cultivate the Chaos Divine Form [a supreme divine ability manifesting the power of primordial chaos], his strength was destined for another monumental leap.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen spoke solemnly, "While our harvests are great, they may also draw covetous eyes."

"In my view, our most urgent task is to swiftly assimilate these treasures, enhance our power, and only then consider venturing forth."

Indestructible Elder [the ancient being known for his unyielding nature] gave a nod and spoke directly, "Since that is the case, I shall stand guard for your cultivation session."

"We are in your debt,"

Black Abyss Great Emperor [a powerful sovereign of the dark depths] replied with a cupped fist salute and a faint smile.

With Indestructible Elder standing guard, both Eldrin Chen and Black Abyss Great Emperor settled into their cultivation within the Profound Heaven Ruins [a mysterious and ancient site of profound power] with peace of mind.

However, refining a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [an artifact of primordial chaos, immensely powerful and difficult to master] was no simple task. Swallowing his pride, Eldrin Chen made a request of the Ruins Spirit [the sentient guardian spirit of the ruins], who was also the Ethereal Figure [a being of indistinct, ghostly form]: "Might we be permitted to enter the Purgatory Heavenly Pass [a legendary formation of divine flames] to utilize its sacred fire to aid in refining the Chaos Spiritual Treasure?"

The Ethereal Figure offered no verbal reply. With a mere flick of its sleeve, it teleported them directly into the heart of the Purgatory Heavenly Pass.

The moment he stepped into the Purgatory Heavenly Pass, Eldrin Chen immediately summoned the Seven Divine Flames [a supreme technique manifesting seven distinct divine fires], channeling their cataclysmic, heaven-scorching power to temper and forge the Chaos Spiritual Treasure.

Yet, even with this formidable aid, the process of refining a single Chaos Spiritual Treasure proceeded at a glacial pace.

At this rate, it would likely take over a thousand Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often spanning eons] to fully subdue and master it.

But at that very moment, the entire Purgatory Heavenly Pass trembled violently. Endless chains of Great Dao Divine Chain [manifestations of the fundamental laws of the cosmos, appearing as divine shackles] materialized in the air. The Seven Divine Flames slowly converged and fused into one, transforming into a single, supreme flame of seven radiant colors—a true Immortal Fire.

"Seven Extremities Divine Flame [a supreme divine flame embodying the seven ultimate principles of existence]."

Eldrin Chen's heart quivered. He immediately cupped his hands in salute towards the Ethereal Figure and said, "Many thanks for your assistance, Senior."

"It is nothing, a trivial matter."

The Ethereal Figure waved a hand dismissively, leaving them with only the sight of its retreating back.

With the aid of the Ruins Spirit [a primordial spirit born from the essence of ancient ruins], the power of the fused Seven Divine Flames surged, its might increasing by far more than sevenfold.

Instantly, the speed of refining the Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a primordial treasure born from the essence of Chaos] began to increase at a breathtaking pace. Seizing the opportunity, Eldrin Chen channeled the full power of his cultivation base and physical energy, beginning to devour this Chaos Spiritual Treasure with all his might.

This continued for a full thirty Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth], only then was this Chaos Spiritual Treasure completely refined.

"BOOM—"

The moment the Chaos Spiritual Treasure was fully refined, Eldrin Chen instantly fused it into his Chaos Divine Rune [a divine rune of primordial Chaos].

In that instant, Eldrin Chen's Chaos Divine Rune underwent a metamorphosis, transforming into a Chaos Divine Form [a divine manifestation of primordial Chaos].

Moreover, this divine form [the ultimate manifestation of a cultivator's power and essence] continuously transformed. At times, it took the shape of the Primordial Chaos Cauldron, then metamorphosed into the Ancient Chaos Sword, and at other moments, it evolved into the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd.

Finally, at the very instant the divine form solidified completely, it manifested as a single 'Chaos Pearl'.

"The Ultimate Divine Form—the Chaos Pearl,"

Eldrin Chen murmured, channeling the power of the Chaos Pearl to bolster his own being. Instantly, he felt every facet of his strength surge to a vastly higher level.

If one were to measure, Eldrin Chen's physical combat prowess was originally about six-tenths that of the Chaos Celestial Emperor, reaching seven-tenths in only a few specific aspects.

Now, however, Eldrin Chen found that in most areas, he could rival nine-tenths of the Chaos Celestial Emperor's power. In a select few domains, he had even attained the Chaos Celestial Emperor's full ten-tenths capability.

And when it came solely to defense, he had surpassed many of the Chaos Celestial Emperor himself.

"My overall strength has increased by another half from its previous peak,"

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

For most cultivators, achieving a Unique True Form [the pinnacle physical manifestation of one's cultivation path] represented the absolute limit of advancement, a plateau beyond which no further progress was possible.

Within this realm, even a one percent increase would be considered a monumental breakthrough. Yet, he had managed to enhance his combat power by a staggering fifty percent in a single instance—a feat that could only be described as defying the heavens to an extreme degree.

"Such a tremendous enhancement truly lives up to the name of the Ultimate Divine Form," he mused inwardly.

His thoughts flickered, and then Eldrin Chen turned his gaze towards Black Abyss Great Emperor beside him. Finding him still deep in cultivation, Eldrin decided not to disturb him.

He retrieved the Mark of Time [a profound artifact containing the mysteries of temporal flow] and began to contemplate the Time Great Dao [the supreme principle governing the flow and nature of time itself].

With Eldrin Chen's exceptional comprehension and the tangible Mark of Time to study, cultivating the Time Great Dao was not an overly arduous task.

After merely several tens of millions of years, Eldrin Chen had advanced the Time Great Dao to the Great Emperor Realm and successfully forged a Grand Dao Divine Form [a divine avatar embodying a supreme principle].

Without hesitation, he directly imprinted the Time Great Dao onto a blank divine rune, thereby cultivating a Time Divine Rune [a runic symbol containing the condensed power of Time].

Instantly, the power of the Time Divine Rune surged through him. Eldrin Chen even experienced a fleeting sensation of navigating the River of Time and Space [the metaphysical stream connecting all moments in existence] in the space of a single breath.

He discovered that, within the limits of his current power, he could directly traverse to any point in time across the past and the Weilai.