Chapter 2043 : A Mother's Ancient Secret Revealed

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with a subtle light, and then he spoke: "That is precisely the case."

A flicker of joy stirred within Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant's heart, yet she refrained from voicing it.

She led the group into the Verdant Phoenix Primordial Domain, had Eldrin Chen escorted to a side hall to rest, and then personally guided Indestructibility Ancient One to meet with Verdant Luan Saint Emperor.

Meanwhile, Eldrin Chen was received by two Great Emperor-rank members of the Phoenix Clan, and no discourtesy was shown to him.

Thus, not long after, Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant hurriedly arrived at the Great Hall and met with Eldrin Chen alone.

Within the Great Hall, upon seeing Eldrin Chen, Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant immediately inquired: "From within your body, I sense a familiar aura [a distinct spiritual presence]."

"If you are acquainted with her, Fellow Daoist, you should be able to deduce my identity."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then asked in turn: "If my guess is correct, Senior, you must be the mother of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix?"

"Indeed," Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant affirmed with a nod, then inquired further: "Did the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix ever speak of me to you?"

"Yes," Eldrin Chen nodded, then said: "She once mentioned that, roughly over three thousand Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration] ago, her mother was ambushed by a Great Path Rival [a fated nemesis on the path of cultivation] while she was pregnant."

"To protect her, you traversed the Vast and Boundless Chaos Desolation Sea and nurtured her within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains."

"It was only because the power behind you faced calamity that you had to depart hastily after giving birth to him."

The Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant nodded, a wave of relief washing over her.

Since the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix was her own daughter, she would not casually reveal such secrets to just anyone. The fact that Eldrin Chen knew this information suggested his relationship with her daughter was far from superficial.

With this thought, the Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant spoke, "Back then, our Verdant Phoenix Primordial Domain clashed with the Vast Abyss Primordial Domain in the Chaos War."

"That conflict raged for an immensely long time, only coming to a temporary halt several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] ago."

"I achieved a breakthrough into the Sage Ascendant Realm during that period and was planning to retrieve Violet Ultimate. Now that I have news of her, a great weight has finally been lifted from my heart."

At this point, the Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant inquired further, "By the way, how has that girl been faring all these years?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before replying candidly, "My friendship with the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix runs deep. In her early years, she suffered a grave injury due to a Great Path Rival [a fated nemesis on the path of cultivation]."

"Later, I helped her sever that Great Path Rival. Now, her cultivation has already reached the pinnacle of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection."

Upon hearing this, the Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant [a supreme being who has ascended to a state of sagehood] had a complex shift in her expression, finally letting out a soft sigh. "I suffered a grievous injury while carrying her," she said, "which resulted in her Innate [the foundational spiritual potential one is born with] being insufficient."

"Otherwise, given the purity of her bloodline, she should have long since stepped into the Primordial One Realm [the first and foundational realm of high-level cultivation]."

Eldrin Chen understood then just how noble the bloodline of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a mythical bird of supreme power and ancient lineage] truly was.

That Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix was the offspring conceived by the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler of primordial chaos] known as 'Verdant Luan Saint Emperor' together with the Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant.

Even though the Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant's cultivation at the time was merely at the level of a Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord [the pinnacle stage of the Primordial One Realm for an imperial lord], the phoenix daughter born from their union was destined to possess a world-shaking, peerless grace.

Yet, they had not anticipated that shortly after the Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant became pregnant, news of it reached her Great Path Rival [a fated nemesis on the grand path of cultivation], triggering a World-Shaking Great War [a cataclysmic conflict that shook the foundations of reality] that reverberated through the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged].

That battle forced the Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant to flee into the Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, perilous sea within the primordial chaos], where within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a specific region of seven domains within the Southern Abyss] she gave birth to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix. However, this ordeal also caused the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's Innate foundation to be lacking, drastically diminishing her latent potential.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen could only offer consolation. "With the Saint Emperor's means, I am certain he can mend the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix's foundational roots."

The Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant nodded in agreement. "Since that is the case," she declared, "I shall journey to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains in a few days' time and bring that girl back."

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

He turned his gaze to Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant and, after a moment of careful consideration, spoke frankly, "To be perfectly honest, my arrival in the Blazing Central Primordial Domain this time was not by choice. I was driven into the Chaos Desolation Sea by a formidable foe."

"When you journey to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, Senior, I humbly ask that you do not reveal any news of my whereabouts."

"Oh?"

Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant's eyes flickered with a trace of surprise.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen had no choice but to recount the general sequence of events to Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant.

After listening, Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant let out a cold laugh. "I have long heard that the Solar Heavenly Emperor of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains possesses a domineering and ruthless temperament. Yet, I never imagined he would lack even the slightest capacity for tolerance."

With that said, Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant finally declared, "Set your mind at ease. During my visit to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, I will also issue a warning to those Demon Race powerhouses who are besieging the Returning Abyss Path Domain."

"For that, I offer my deepest gratitude, Senior."

Eldrin Chen promptly clasped his hands in salute, his voice tinged with relief and joy.

Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant smiled faintly. From within his sleeve, he produced a fiery-red divine fruit and handed it to Eldrin Chen. "This is a Nirvana Phoenix Fruit [a legendary fruit said to contain the essence of a phoenix's rebirth, prized for body refinement]. For an Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality through cultivation] who follows the Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation path focused on forging the physical body into an indestructible vessel] path, it is a rather valuable cultivation resource."

"You should keep this. I hope you can soon achieve a breakthrough in your cultivation and return to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains to exact your vengeance."

"This is far too generous."

Eldrin Chen hastily declined, a flicker of astonishment crossing his features.

The Nirvana Phoenix Fruit was a treasure of immeasurable value, a precious fruit born from the Innate Supreme Treasure Spiritual Root known as the Phoenix Parasol Tree. Its worth was nearly on par with the legendary Great Wasteland Sacred Fruit.

For Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant to present him with one now was a gift of staggering magnitude, so much so that Eldrin Chen felt almost unworthy of accepting it.

Seeing his hesitation, Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant smiled warmly and said, "You saved Violet Ultimate's life and helped her sever her Great Path Rival. Consider this a token of our gratitude."

"Please, I must insist you do not refuse."

Only then did Eldrin Chen accept the Nirvana Phoenix Fruit.

After receiving the fruit, Violet Phoenix Sage Ascendant inquired further about the circumstances surrounding the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix and gathered more details about the affairs of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains before finally taking her leave.

Not long after, Indestructibility Ancient One returned from the Verdant Luan Saint Hall, his countenance brightened by a rare and unmistakable look of satisfaction.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but speak, "It seems you have achieved your wish, Senior."

"One Nirvana Sacred Fruit [a legendary fruit said to grant rebirth and profound healing], plus a vast amount of healing resources."

Indestructibility Ancient One spoke slowly, then said with a smile, "With these resources, after I return and enter seclusion for several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years], I should be able to Recovery [a profound restorative ability] most of my injuries."

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly and immediately cupped his hands in salute. "Then I offer my early congratulations on your full recovery and rebirth after tribulation, Senior."

"Hahaha."

Indestructibility Ancient One chuckled, patting his shoulder. "Come, let me show you the wider world."

As he spoke, Indestructibility Ancient One led the group towards the Blazing Central Primordial Domain [the primordial heart of chaos, a realm of immense power and ancient mysteries]. Unnoticed, they had already arrived within a certain part of the Blazing Central Primordial Domain.

After arriving at the Blazing Central Primordial Domain, Indestructibility Ancient One explained, "Within the Blazing Central Chaos Domain [the central chaotic expanse of the primordial domain], a Sage Ascendant [a realm just below the legendary Sages] level Barter Convention [a grand gathering for the exchange of rare treasures and resources] is held once every one hundred Kalpa Tribulation."

"Our timing is fortunate. Such a Sage Ascendant level Barter Convention is currently being held."

With these words, Indestructibility Ancient One led Eldrin Chen into a majestic Great Hall.

The Barter Convention had commenced. Indestructibility Ancient One merely revealed his cultivation aura, and the attendant promptly handed them two tokens.

However, before stepping into the Great Hall, Indestructibility Ancient One retrieved two cloaks from the attendant. He handed one to Eldrin Chen and said, "At this Barter Convention, one can participate while concealing their identity."

"This Heaven-Shrouding Cloak was personally forged by the Chaos Heavenly Emperor. It not only conceals all aura and prevents others from spying, but it also allows you to hide your identity perfectly."

As Indestructibility Ancient One spoke, he donned the cloak and stepped into the Great Hall.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen quickly put on his own cloak and followed Indestructibility Ancient One inside.

Upon entering the Great Hall, Eldrin Chen saw that the vast chamber before him held roughly three hundred figures.

The weakest among them were at the Great Emperor Realm, and there were nearly one hundred at the Sage Ascendant level alone.

Among these powerful individuals, more than half wore concealing cloaks, while the other half did not.

Observing this, Indestructibility Ancient One explained, "The Sage Ascendant Barter Convention in the Blazing Central Primordial Domain is attended not only by local powers but also by many Sage Ascendant from the Chaos Desolation Sea."

"Local experts rarely hide their identities. However, we Sage Ascendant from other domains, unless we possess overwhelming strength, typically conceal our identities when participating in the Barter Convention."

As Indestructibility Ancient One [an ancient being of immense power] narrated, Eldrin Chen gradually came to understand the reason.

After all, the powerful figures from the outer realms were a mixed bag; some hailed from other Chaos Domain [a vast, turbulent region of primordial chaos], while others originated from weaker Primordial Domain [a foundational world born from the primordial chaos].

The forces backing these individuals were often relatively weak, lacking the presence of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign ruling over a Chaos Domain] to stand guard, which made them act with far greater caution.

In contrast, those Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator who has ascended to the cusp of sagehood] backed by Chaos Heavenly Emperor seemed to disdain hiding their identities beneath cloaks.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen swept his gaze across the assembly. When his eyes landed on a crimson-robed figure, a chill seeped into his gaze.

"It's him!"

Eldrin Chen murmured, instantly reining in the Slaughter Intent [a palpable aura of murderous will] that had begun to surface.

Seeing this, Indestructibility Ancient One turned his attention to that figure—a peerless presence clad in imperial robes of blazing crimson.

"Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant [a Sage Ascendant whose power is associated with the mythical Vermilion Bird], is this your great adversary? He doesn't seem particularly formidable,"

Indestructibility Ancient One mused quietly before adding, "If my guess is correct, he has only recently broken through to Sage Ascendant. Having consolidated his cultivation base, he has come to this Barter Convention [a grand gathering for the exchange of rare treasures and knowledge] to broaden his horizons."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, offering no words in response.

Indestructibility Ancient One nodded in return and spoke, "With your innate talent, surpassing that individual in the future will not be difficult."

"For now, encountering him, simply treat him as if he were air."

Eldrin Chen nodded once more, his expression settling back into its usual calm composure.

Having arrived somewhat late, the Barter Convention [a formal gathering where cultivators trade rare items] had already been underway for some time. The true top-tier powerhouses had already completed their exchanges, so no exceptionally precious treasures appeared in the subsequent proceedings.

Thus it continued. Even after over a hundred Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to a semi-saintly realm, one step below the Great Emperor realm] had gradually finished their trades, none of the Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical treasure born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth] that Eldrin Chen desired made an appearance.

As only the final few Sage Ascendant remained to take the stage, a tinge of regret began to color Eldrin Chen's thoughts.

If even the Sage Ascendant could not produce an Innate Supreme Treasure for trade, Eldrin Chen did not believe those Great Emperor [the supreme rulers of the cultivation world, standing at the peak of power] would be willing to part with such treasures.

Just as disappointment settled within Eldrin Chen's heart, the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant [a Sage Ascendant whose Dao title is associated with the mythical Vermilion Bird] ascended the platform.

Upon taking the stage, he swept his sleeve, manifesting several dozen portions of Primordial One Marvel [a rare and wondrous spiritual material containing the essence of primordial unity]. Among them was an ancient white sword that radiated with boundless Slaughter [a divine ability or law embodying pure, annihilating slaughter] light.

After manifesting these treasures, Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant spoke, "These treasures of mine can be exchanged for fire-attributed treasures of the same rank."

The moment Eldrin Chen laid eyes on that ancient white sword, his heart gave a faint tremor, and a peculiar feeling washed over him.

Seeing this, the nearby Indestructibility Ancient One spoke up, "That is the White Tiger Imperial Sword, the Life-Bound Treasure of the former 'Jianbing the Great Emperor' from the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain. I never imagined it would end up in his hands."

A flicker of intent stirred within Eldrin Chen. He immediately handed the Tai Heng Furnace to Indestructibility Ancient One and said, "Senior, please acquire that treasure for me."

"This item indeed aligns well with your path," the Ancient One acknowledged.

Indestructibility Ancient One gave a slight nod, manifested the Tai Heng Furnace, and then sent a mental message to Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant: "Fellow Daoist, how about I exchange this for your White Tiger Imperial Sword?"

"The Tai Heng Furnace?"

Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant was momentarily taken aback before replying, "This is the supreme treasure of that Taiheng the Great Emperor from the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain of old."

"Rumor had it it was seized by the Soul-Refiner Great Emperor. I never thought it would have changed hands and ended up with you, Fellow Daoist."

"However, while this item is precious, compared to this White Tiger Imperial Sword which excels in Slaughter, I'm afraid it falls slightly short by half a measure."

"You must understand, this White Tiger Imperial Sword [a legendary sword of immense power] is hailed as the foremost Slaughter [a supreme divine ability of annihilation] Innate Supreme Treasure [a primordial treasure born from the cosmos itself] within the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain [the primordial realm of immortal cosmos]."

"Fellow Daoist, your words are mistaken."

Indestructibility Ancient One shook his head and continued his mental transmission. "The Tai Heng Furnace [a legendary furnace for forging and refining] excels in both offense and defense, and it is also a peerless furnace for refining Alchemy Immortals [immortals who specialize in pill concoction]. This treasure was once hailed as the number one immortal furnace of the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain."

"Even when viewed across the entire Blazing Central Chaos Domain [the central domain of blazing chaos], this Treasure Furnace [a furnace of immense value and power] ranks among the most supreme refining furnaces for Alchemy Immortals."

"If you do not want it, I can easily seek another to make the exchange."

With these words, Indestructibility Ancient One made as if to abandon the transaction.

Seeing this, the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant [a title for a supreme sage associated with the Vermilion Bird] hastily spoke up, "No need, no need! I agree to the trade."

The Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant promptly produced the White Tiger Imperial Sword and completed the transaction with Indestructibility Ancient One.

For the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant, exchanging this Innate Supreme Treasure, the White Tiger Imperial Sword, for the fire-attribute Tai Heng Furnace was an exceedingly favorable bargain.

After all, no matter how formidable the White Tiger Imperial Sword might be, for him it remained an ancient sword whose elemental nature did not align with his own cultivation path.

Not to mention, his Innate Lifebound Supreme Treasure 'Vermilion Heaven Solar Fire Sword' was already a supreme Slaughter Immortal Sword. He was not in urgent need of another Slaughter Innate Supreme Treasure.

The Tai Heng Furnace was both offensive and defensive, a fire-attribute Innate Supreme Treasure that could also be used for alchemy. For him, it was the most suitable treasure.

With the transaction complete, Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant stroked the Tai Heng Furnace with satisfaction, yet a trace of coldness flickered in Eldrin Chen's eyes.

His gaze fell upon the Tai Heng Furnace, and he shared one final, silent exchange with the treasure's Treasure Spirit [the sentient consciousness residing within a powerful magical artifact].

"Remember our agreement."

The wordless communication passed in an instant. Eldrin Chen withdrew his focus and followed Indestructibility Ancient One out of the trading Great Hall.

Only Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant glanced inexplicably at their retreating figures. A vague sense of unease settled within him, a feeling that he had overlooked something, though he could not immediately grasp what it was.

A moment later, Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant dismissed the thought, refusing to dwell on it further.

As a Path Mastery Sage Ascendant, he was powerful enough to roam the Sea of Chaos with few equals. What in this world could possibly give him cause for concern?

"..."

Eldrin Chen and the Indestructibility Ancient One departed from the Blazing Center Sea of Chaos and soon arrived within the Chaos Desolation Sea.

Before parting, the Indestructibility Ancient One advised, "This old one will enter seclusion to heal my wounds. Who knows in what year we shall meet again."

"I hope that when we do meet again, you will possess strength rivaling that of a Sage Ascendant."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly before replying, "Senior, please go ahead. Once your injuries have Recovery [fully healed], I believe our reunion will not be difficult."

The Indestructibility Ancient One nodded, finally saying, "I know you bear a great enmity, but remember, safety must always come first."

"Before you possess sufficient power, do not provoke that Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant, and do not return to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains."

Eldrin Chen nodded solemnly, immediately cupping his hands in a formal salute. "Thank you for the reminder, Senior. This junior will certainly keep it in mind."

"Since that is settled, let us part ways here."

The Indestructibility Ancient One waved a hand and vanished into the Chaos [primordial, formless void].

Eldrin Chen lingered for a moment. Only after the Indestructibility Ancient One had completely vanished from sight did he, along with Sword Abyss Great Emperor and the others, set course for the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm.

After traversing the journey for several more Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years], the group finally returned to the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm.

Upon returning to the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, Eldrin Chen found the realm to be utterly tranquil, with no signs of conflict stirring. A faint sigh of relief escaped him.

Liana Imperial Lord had been waiting for some time and promptly escorted him to her abode.

She gave Eldrin Chen's shoulder a gentle squeeze, her face alight with joy as she asked, "How did the journey fare? Was all well?"

"All proceeded smoothly,"

Eldrin Chen replied, then inquired, "By the way, in these past years, has the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign shown any signs of watching us?"

"There has been no movement,"

Liana Imperial Lord shook her head, then continued, "Yet, I cannot shake the feeling that he is plotting something far grander in the shadows."

"Do not worry. We shall meet soldiers with soldiers, and water with earth [a proverb meaning to deal with challenges as they come]. What we must focus on now is strengthening our own power."

So saying, Eldrin Chen retrieved several cultivation resources he had specifically selected for Liana Imperial Lord—items to aid her cultivation and exquisite immortal gowns from the Blazing Central Primordial Domain.

It must be admitted that the immortal gowns from the prosperous Immortal Domain were indeed far more exquisite and splendid than those from a desolate place like the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, bringing a look of pleasant surprise to Liana Imperial Lord's face.

The love of beauty is universal. After receiving the gift, Liana Imperial Lord was overjoyed and clung to Eldrin Chen for several million years before their cultivation session of the Polarity Mutual Cultivation [a dual cultivation art that harmonizes opposing energies] finally concluded.

Once the cultivation session ended, Eldrin Chen immediately went to the Seclusion Chamber and retrieved the Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos], the White Tiger Imperial Sword.

The moment the White Tiger Imperial Sword was drawn, Eldrin Chen felt an overwhelming aura of Celestial Slaughter [a plant embodying heavenly destructive power] surge forth. A peerless sword radiance capable of cleaving heaven and earth erupted from the blade, threatening to annihilate the entire expanse of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] into nothingness.

"A magnificent Immortal Sword," Eldrin Chen murmured, a flicker of desire in his eyes. "Truly worthy of being the most formidable offensive Innate Supreme Treasure from the ancient Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain."

Gazing at the White Tiger Imperial Sword, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a pang of longing.

The Slaughter [a divine ability of pure annihilation] power of this White Tiger Imperial Sword was peerless. If Eldrin Chen could refine and wield it, his offensive capabilities would increase tremendously.

Unfortunately, this treasure was far too compatible with his True Spirit Divine Runes [divine runes that manifest one's true spiritual essence]. It was the perfect choice for cultivating the True Spirit Divine Form [a divine form that embodies one's primordial spiritual truth], leaving Eldrin Chen with no real alternative.

Thus, with his mind made up, Eldrin Chen gritted his teeth and mobilized the full power of his cultivation base to begin refining the White Tiger Imperial Sword.

"*Hummm—*"

The instant Eldrin Chen began refining it, a torrential surge of Sword Intent [the concentrated will and concept of a swordsman made manifest] pierced through his body, threatening to cleave his physical form asunder.

Even the formidable Black Tortoise Shield, his supreme True Spirit Divine Form [a powerful defensive manifestation based on a primordial beast's essence], saw its defensive efficacy halved under the onslaught of that overwhelming Sword Intent.

The raging Sword Intent continued to churn violently within Eldrin Chen's meridians, relentlessly carving one wound after another upon his flesh.