Chapter 2045 : The Immortal Domain's Last Stand

As his words fell, Nirvana Emperor immediately surged into the Immortal Domain Grand Formation [the supreme defensive array protecting the immortal domains], intent on destroying it outright.

Watching the Nirvana Emperor breach the formation, a chill shot through Eldrin Chen's brow.

He instantly commanded the Immortal Domain Grand Formation. In that moment, the One Hundred and Eight Immortal Domains erupted with a torrent of Celestial Immortal [a high-level immortal] radiance, as if one hundred and eight peerless Imperial Lord [a sovereign ruler among immortals] were joining forces, manifesting a colossal Immortal Domain Grand Formation to suppress the intruder.

"Hah, overestimating yourself."

As the Formation [a structured arrangement of power for defense or attack] unleashed its might, the Nirvana Emperor sneered. Above his head, six Great Path Divine Form [divine manifestations of a cultivator's mastered Great Path] merged, coalescing into a single, swirling Great Path [a supreme cultivation principle or law] immortal lotus that stubbornly withstood the crushing pressure of the Immortal Domain Grand Formation.

He forced his way against the Suppression Grand Formation [a formation designed to suppress and contain], and in the same instant, a Great Cauldron [a mighty enchanted cauldron artifact] descended like a falling star, aiming to crush one of the Immortal Domain [a realm or territory of immortals].

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly. The power of the Great Path wielded by a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to a sage-like state, one step below a true Sage] was overwhelmingly potent. Even while contesting the Immortal Domain Grand Formation, he could still muster enough force to utterly annihilate an entire Immortal Domain.

"He must not succeed."

Eldrin Chen knew well that a single high-grade Immortal Domain, even with the protection of the Immortal Domain Grand Formation, would struggle to withstand the full Slaughter [an annihilating divine technique] of a Sage Ascendant.

Thus, Eldrin Chen acted decisively. He channeled his Heavenly Path Authority Power [the authoritative power derived from comprehending the Heavenly Path] to counter the assault, while simultaneously commanding the Returning Abyss Seal [a powerful seal artifact] to stabilize the heavens, intercepting the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign who sought to unleash his full might.

Fortunately, within the confines of the Immortal Domain Grand Formation [a grand defensive array powered by the essence of an immortal realm], the power of the Heavenly Path Authority [a supreme divine ability that commands the authority of the heavenly path] was amplified, allowing it to unleash force comparable to that of a Top-Tier Sage Ascendant [a cultivator at the pinnacle of the Sage Ascendant realm, one step below the Path Ancestor].

Augmented by the power of the Immortal Domain Grand Formation, Eldrin Chen could barely manage to suppress the two Sage Ascendant [powerful cultivators who have ascended to the realm of sages].

However, the power of a mere Upper-Grade Immortal Domain [a realm of immortal cultivation, graded by its spiritual richness and foundational strength] ultimately proved insufficient. Faced with the combined assault of three Sage Ascendant-level combatants, it suffered repeated, grievous wounds.

Left with no other choice, Eldrin Chen contracted these Immortal Domain down to the perimeter of the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm [an ancient and primordial world]. By compressing the spatial domain, he intensified the potency of the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy channels and nodes used for defense, attack, or cultivation], thereby bolstering the defensive capabilities of these immortal realms.

Yet even so, battered by the residual shockwaves of the Sage Ascendant's Slaughter [a divine ability focused on pure, annihilating destruction], the foundational essence of these Immortal Domain was being consumed at a terrifying rate.

After roughly thirty million years, the first Immortal Domain exhausted its last vestiges of essence and shattered with a cataclysmic roar. Even the Immortal Domain Grand Formation woven upon it crumbled into nothingness.

This was but the beginning. In the epochs that followed, one by one, the Immortal Domain met their end, fracturing into cosmic dust.

By the time the great war had raged for ten Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles marking eras of profound change and tribulation], the One Hundred and Eight Immortal Domains [a specific constellation of one hundred and eight immortal realms] had shattered one after another, their glory reduced to a field of broken world-fragments and ruins.

Deprived of the amplification from the Immortal Domain Grand Formation, the power of the Heavenly Path Authority waned dramatically outside the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm. Eldrin Chen was forced to retreat and fortify his position within the ancient realm itself, abandoning direct confrontation with the two Sage Ascendant.

"Finally, we have broken through these Immortal Domain," one of the adversaries declared, their voice echoing across the desolate battlefield.

As Eldrin Chen retreated into the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, the six alien Great Emperor finally allowed faint smiles to touch their lips.

Yet, the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign wore a grave expression. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke gravely, "Though these Immortal Domain [realms governed by immortal laws] have been swept aside, the Heavenly Path Authority [the power to command the laws of heaven and earth] within the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm is not to be underestimated."

"If we rashly charge inside, even the two of us may not gain the upper hand."

The Nirvana Emperor nodded in agreement. As a peerless Sage Ascendant [a supreme being who has ascended beyond the sage realm], he understood the immense power of a Primordial Domain's [a world born from primordial chaos] Heavenly Path Authority.

Their earlier boldness in breaching the Immortal Domain Grand Formation [the grand defensive formation of an immortal realm] stemmed from their confidence that a mere upper-grade Immortal Domain was fragile enough for them to fight their way out.

But a Primordial Domain was fundamentally different. The full might of its Heavenly Path Authority Power [the manifested power of heavenly authority] possessed the terrifying potential to suppress even a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign emperor born from primordial chaos].

In essence, stepping recklessly into a Primordial Domain meant subjecting themselves to the oppressive weight of that entire world's Heavenly Path [the supreme laws of the cosmos].

Even though the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm had fallen from its peak, it remained a Quasi-Primordial Domain [a realm approaching primordial status], posing a genuine risk of severe injury—or worse—to their Sage Ascendant forms.

Of course, if that were the only concern, they would still be confident in their ability to fight their way out.

The most critical factor was that Eldrin Chen wielded a Slaughter [a divine ability of absolute annihilation] technique capable of piercing through the protection of their Great Path [their supreme cultivation arts], posing a tangible threat to them.

Considering this, Nirvana Emperor spoke, "The Great Wasteland Ancient Realm is brimming with primordial essence. Furthermore, that individual wields an exceptionally unique True Spirit Divine Form [a supreme manifestation of a True Spirit's power] capable of wounding our Sage Ascendant [a realm just below the Saint Emperor] true bodies."

"And while within the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, his strength will be vastly amplified. If our true bodies were to step inside, the risks would be far from insignificant."

"It would be wiser to first assault the World Membrane [the protective boundary separating a world from the primordial chaos], depleting this realm's foundational energy. Once the world's essence is exhausted and his combat power greatly diminished, we two can then charge in and reclaim this domain."

"Agreed."

Lord of the Great Wasteland Realm concurred with his view, then added with a faint smile, "It so happens that the battle has drained us considerably. Let us first Recovery [restore and replenish] our spiritual power, then deploy a grand formation to consume this realm's essence."

"Though this approach may be slower, it offers far greater security."

As he spoke, Lord of the Great Wasteland Realm commanded his forces to scour the surrounding Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, desolate expanse within the primordial chaos]. They gathered and transported hundreds of Great Encompassing Nest [massive, stable structures that serve as fortresses and power sources in the chaos] and even several dozen Primordial One Nests [an even more ancient and powerful tier of chaos lair].

This time, they intended to use the power of these Chaos Lair [general term for stable structures or domains within the primordial chaos] to erect an Innate Grand Formation [a formation born from natural laws, possessing immense power] of the Sage Ascendant level, designed specifically to drain the foundational energy of the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain.

However, locating and transporting the Chaos Lair was a lengthy endeavor, consuming several Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years] merely to prepare the formation.

While the forces outside were busy gathering the Chaos Lair, Eldrin Chen and his companions retreated into the Great Wasteland Sacred Hall.

Within the Great Wasteland Sacred Hall at this moment, the expressions of the gathered Primordial One Imperial Lord [the eighth and highest tier of the Imperial Lord realm] all grew profoundly grave.

Sword Mystery Imperial Lord looked toward Eldrin Chen seated at the head of the hall and could not help but ask, "Your Majesty, what shall we do now?"

"Do not worry. With the World Membrane [the protective barrier separating a world from the primordial chaos] and the Heavenly Path Authority [the supreme authority to command the laws of a world] sustaining us, they cannot breach our defenses."

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly, yet his expression remained utterly composed and unperturbed, instantly dispelling the anxiety and uncertainty in the hearts of those present.

Dragon Turtle Imperial Lord grinned broadly and immediately spoke up, "His Majesty is peerless under the heavens. Even outside the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, he could hold his own against two opponents at once."

"Now that we are within the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, the power of the Heavenly Path Authority is multiplied. How would those two decrepit old fools dare to charge into this ancient realm and seek their own deaths?"

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement. Although Dragon Turtle Imperial Lord's tone was somewhat boastful, his words were not without reason.

After all, Eldrin Chen's previous battle, where he single-handedly contended against two Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to the first major realm beyond the Imperial Lord stage], had greatly solidified everyone's resolve to fight.

"Do not celebrate too soon, however. I doubt those two will simply give up and withdraw."

As Eldrin Chen spoke, he turned his gaze toward Liana and Sword Mystery Imperial Lord, asking, "When do you two plan to attempt your breakthrough to the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier?"

Liana Imperial Lord [the Imperial Lord of the Liana lineage] pondered for a moment before speaking, "In the coming days, I should be able to make the breakthrough."

"I can enter seclusion immediately to attempt the breakthrough."

Sword Mystery Imperial Lord [the Imperial Lord of Sword Mystery] spoke, a sharp, piercing gleam flashing in his eyes.

It turned out that as early as a dozen Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] ago, both Sword Mystery Imperial Lord and Liana Imperial Lord had successively cultivated their Root Origin Treasure [a foundational treasure born from one's own cultivation essence].

Once one cultivates a Root Origin Treasure, they are considered quasi-Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [the eighth tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm]. All that remains is to fuse with Great Path Divine Chains [divine chains representing mastery over a Great Path] to truly step into the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier.

The reason they had not broken through was that their spiritual power reserves were slightly insufficient, which was why they had suppressed their cultivation for over a dozen Kalpa Tribulation.

Now, their spiritual power accumulation was nearly complete. Coupled with the watchful eyes of two Sage Ascendant [beings one step below a Sage], it was time for them to break through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier.

Seeing that the two were on the verge of their breakthrough, Eldrin Chen spoke, "In that case, you should proceed to advance your cultivation realms as soon as possible."

"If, one day, you manage to set foot in the Great Emperor Realm [the realm of a Great Emperor], I will grant you the Opportunity and Fortune [the chance and destiny] to cultivate an Innate Lifebound Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure innately bound to one's life and soul]."

With these words, Eldrin Chen waved his hand dismissively and added, "You may withdraw for now. I myself am preparing to enter seclusion to see if I can continue advancing my own cultivation."

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, the various Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme title for cultivators who have mastered the foundational principles of the cosmos] departed one after another from the depths of the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm.

After everyone had left, the smile on Eldrin Chen's face gradually faded, replaced by an expression of profound gravity in his eyes.

He had to admit, the two Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to a state of sage-like enlightenment, one step below a Path Ancestor] from the Outer Realms had exerted immense pressure on him, forcing him to truly comprehend the formidable power inherent to that realm.

Currently, Eldrin Chen had cultivated the Three Great True Spirit Divine Forms [three supreme spiritual manifestations that grant immense power], elevating his combat prowess into the domain of an Invincible Great Emperor [a Great Emperor whose power is virtually unmatched within their realm]. This was further augmented by the Heavenly Path Authority [the power to command a fragment of the Heavenly Dao's laws] and the support of the Immortal Domain Grand Formation.

It could be said that, bolstered by the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, Eldrin Chen's ultimate combat strength had reached a level almost beyond description. Suppressing a single Great Emperor with one hand would be a trivial matter.

Yet, even such earth-shattering, awe-inspiring power had failed to pose a significant threat to the two Sage Ascendant, revealing just how terrifyingly powerful the Sage Ascendant Realm truly was.

"The Path Mastery [mastery over a fundamental cosmic principle] of the Sage Ascendant Realm, the complete power of an Innate [originating from the beginning of creation] Great Path Authority [supreme authority over a fundamental cosmic law]... is it truly this dreadful?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, the furrow between his brows deepening with concern.

In his heart, he understood that his current ability to rival a Sage Ascendant stemmed primarily from his acquisition of the Heavenly Path Authority Power.

The power granted by the Heavenly Path Authority originates from the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm. Once the foundational essence [the primordial life-force of a world] of the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm is depleted, the empowerment Eldrin Chen receives will be drastically diminished.

If Eldrin Chen were the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign, he would undoubtedly seek to deplete the foundational essence of the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm.

He would wait until that essence was mostly consumed, then venture deep into the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm to deliver a fatal blow to his opponent.

"This is somewhat troublesome,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. He glanced towards the Immortal Herb Garden and felt a measure of reassurance settle within him.

Within the Immortal Herb Garden, the Great Wasteland Ancient Tree stretched to blot out the sky, its trunk as massive as a World Tree and towering even higher than the Sun and Moon. It was so immense it remained clearly visible even from outside the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm.

In contrast, the Earth Soul Ancient Tree was rooted within the Netherworld and appeared far more diminutive. The Great Path Fruit Tree was even smaller, standing a mere three Zhang-lengths [one Zhang-length equals three point three three meters] tall, its roots anchored in the Sea of the Great Path.

Because of their relative insignificance and the concealment provided by the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, the two Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the threshold of sagehood] beyond the realm's borders could not possibly detect these two Innate Supreme Treasure Spiritual Root [a primordial spiritual root of supreme, heaven-defying quality].

Unaware that the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm harbored three such Innate Supreme Treasure Spiritual Root, these two Sage Ascendant would inevitably miscalculate the realm's true reserves of foundational essence.

"If they begin consuming the world's essence, I can gradually weaken the World Membrane [the semi-permeable barrier separating a world from the void], feigning its gradual exhaustion. Then, I can seize the opportunity to deal them a crippling blow."

Eldrin Chen's thoughts flickered, yet after a moment, he still shook his head.

Judging by the capabilities of the two Sage Ascendant [a realm denoting a cultivator who has ascended to a level just below the ultimate sages], even with the aid of the world's authority, Eldrin Chen would likely find it difficult to capture them. At best, he could only manage a mutual devastation [a battle outcome where both sides inflict severe damage upon each other, resulting in a stalemate or pyrrhic victory].

Unless Eldrin Chen's strength underwent another tremendous leap, only then would he have a chance to truly defeat them.

"How can my strength make such a tremendous leap?"

Eldrin Chen pondered inwardly, silently taking stock of his own power. He realized only two paths could lead to a significant advancement in his combat prowess.

Among Eldrin Chen's current foundational strengths, his cultivation base in the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a high level of spiritual attainment] and the Great Path [a profound and all-encompassing cultivation method] were insufficient. Even if he broke through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier [the seventh tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, a high stage of cultivation], his power would at most be comparable to a top-tier Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [the eighth tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm].

Only the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique forged from primordial chaos, granting near-immortality] and the authority granted by the Sacrificial Self Path [a unique cultivation path that gains power through sacrifice and self-offering] could induce an ultimate metamorphosis in Eldrin Chen's battle strength.

"The authority of the Sacrificial Self Path... I'm afraid a breakthrough there won't come in a short time."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, unable to suppress a helpless shake of his head.

The Sacrificial Self Path had been spreading for many years now. Within the 『『『Southern Abyss Seven Domains|Location Names|new』』』 [a collective name for seven major domains located in the southern reaches of the vast cosmic abyss] alone, there were already over seventy Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm where one's power and influence encompass vast cosmic principles] who followed this path.

However, ever since Eldrin Chen was forced to retreat from the Chaos Desolation Sea, not a single Sacrificial Self Path Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality through cultivation] within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains has managed to break through to the Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle stage of cultivation].

After arriving in the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, Eldrin Chen refined the method of achieving the Primordial One [the state of returning to the primordial unity of existence] within the Sacrificial Self Path and began spreading this path throughout this land.

Nevertheless, the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm is, after all, merely a Small Primordial Domain [a smaller, less stable primordial world], and its environment is not as stable as the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. Consequently, the rate at which Sacrificial Self Path Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality through cultivation] are born here is not particularly fast.

Even so, leveraging the inherent advantages of the Sacrificial Self Path, over the past one hundred and eighty Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years], nearly three hundred Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [pinnacle-stage Golden Immortals] have still emerged within the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm.

It can be said that for the Sacrificial Self Path to ascend to the level of a Perfect Innate Great Path [a supreme, innate cultivation path], the required number of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [pinnacle-stage Golden Immortals] has already been met.

However, for the Sacrificial Self Path to truly ascend to a Perfect Innate Great Path [a supreme, innate cultivation path], it requires not just over three hundred Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [pinnacle-stage Golden Immortals], but also thirty-six who have reached the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the absolute pinnacle of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm].

Nurturing cultivators to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the absolute pinnacle of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] is no easy feat, for it demands exceptional innate talent, profound potential, and an exceedingly long span of time.

Among the practitioners of the Sacrificial Self Path, those who have reached the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the absolute pinnacle of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] or beyond currently number only eighteen in total.

Seventeen of these reside within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, comprising Eldrin Chen's direct disciples and peerless prodigies such as Imperial Sovereign Jiang.

The remaining one is a heaven-favored genius from this Great Wasteland Primordial Domain—the young woman known as Sturdy Fellow, who converted to the Sacrificial Self Path.

As for the others, they are still far from reaching that level.

In the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain [the primordial domain associated with the Great Wasteland lineage], although many have broken through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm through the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation art focused on sacrificing the self to forge a powerful inner world], the vast majority have their potential capped at the early or middle stages of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

This is due to the nature of the Inner Immortal Domain [the immortal domain cultivated within one's own body through the Sacrificial Self Path]. For practitioners of the Sacrificial Self Path, reaching the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection stage is even more difficult. It requires at least achieving the True Spirit Sacrificial Self Physique [a physique forged by sacrificing the true spirit to create an indestructible foundation] and cultivating multiple Indestructibility Immortal Treasury [immortal treasuries that grant indestructibility] within oneself.

The Great Encompassing cultivators from the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm [the ancient realm of the Great Wasteland] possess far less Fortune [heavenly fortune and destiny] compared to the direct disciples of Eldrin Chen. Among the nearly three hundred Great Encompassing practitioners of the Sacrificial Self Path, fewer than ten have successfully cultivated the True Spirit Physique [a foundational physique of true spirit essence].

Without achieving the True Spirit Physique, one is unqualified to set foot into the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm. Thus, it is clear that the vast majority of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal cultivators on the Sacrificial Self Path can only progress so far within the Great Encompassing Realm.

This outcome, however, was anticipated. After all, the difficulty of cultivating the True Spirit Physique through the Sacrificial Self Path is not immense; it is roughly equivalent to establishing an Indestructibility Foundation [an unshakable foundational realm] on the Immortal Path [the orthodox path of immortal cultivation].

In contrast, those on the Immortal Path who manage to step into the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm have almost invariably established their Indestructibility Foundation.

The challenge of forging the True Spirit Physique is comparable to establishing the Indestructibility Foundation on the Immortal Path. If one cannot even achieve the True Spirit Physique of the Sacrificial Self Path, how could their body possibly bear the weight of an entire Inner Immortal Domain?

"Even if I were to cultivate them with all my might, bestowing sufficient cultivation resources, the number of Sacrificial Self Path practitioners who can reach the Great Encompassing realm with a True Spirit Physique remains insufficient," he mused. "The Sacrificial Self Path will still be unable to reach completion."

"It seems that to gather thirty-six cultivators at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection stage, it will require at least another hundred Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration] of time."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a soft sigh escaping him in the end. He forcibly suppressed the urge to rush the perfection of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence through sacrifice].

Having quelled that impulse, Eldrin Chen turned his senses inward to examine the state of his Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique forged from the essence of primordial chaos, granting near-immortality].

After years of dedicated cultivation, the foundational accumulation for the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body had surpassed the halfway mark. It seemed a breakthrough was possible within fifty Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles, each spanning billions of years].

"If I were to simultaneously refine the Nirvana Sacred Fruit [a divine fruit capable of bestowing rebirth-like enlightenment] and the Great Wasteland Sacred Fruit [a fruit brimming with the primordial essence of the ancient wastelands], perhaps I could shorten that timeframe to within twenty Kalpa Tribulation."

As this thought flickered through his mind, Eldrin Chen's gaze fell upon the Communication Talisman [a jade slip used for long-distance spiritual messaging] in his hand. He pondered for a long while, yet ultimately suppressed the urge to send a message.

At present, the Indestructibility Ancient One was still secluded, healing his wounds and likely refining a supreme treasure in isolation. Sending a message now would undoubtedly disturb his crucial retreat.

If the Indestructibility Ancient One were to come, it would force him to squander rare and precious resources, along with invaluable time.

If the Indestructibility Ancient One chose not to come, it would undoubtedly plunge their relationship into an icy abyss. While this possibility seemed small, it was not a risk worth taking.

Furthermore, there was another possibility: the Indestructibility Ancient One might be in a state of death-seclusion, utterly cut off from the world, and thus unable to receive any message promptly.

Eldrin Chen estimated that, regardless of the scenario, requesting aid from the Indestructibility Ancient One while he was healing would inevitably diminish the goodwill the ancient being held for him.

Therefore, this was not an opportune moment to send a message.

As an intelligent man, Eldrin Chen was unwilling to disturb Indestructibility Ancient One at this time and waste that hard-earned favor.

He understood clearly that once Indestructibility Ancient One's injuries were fully recovered, a being capable of challenging a Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler of the heavens] would hold a favor of immense value.

"Senior Indestructibility Ancient One is not adept at offensive techniques, and his injuries have not yet fully healed."

"Even if summoned, he might not be able to completely suppress two Sage Ascendants [beings who have ascended to the sage realm, one step below the Heavenly Emperor]. It is better to preserve this favor for future use."

As these thoughts flickered through his mind, Eldrin Chen retrieved the 'Nirvana Phoenix Fruit' and began refining the power contained within, starting to elevate the accumulated foundation of his own being.

After completely refining it, Eldrin Chen perceived that the foundational essence of his physical body had increased by thirty percent. He was now only twenty percent away from the accumulation needed to step into the Seventh Layer Primordial Emperor [the seventh tier of the Primordial Emperor realm].

With this realization, Eldrin Chen wasted no time. He immediately began refining the Dragon Blood Pill and various Rare Spiritual Wonders [rare treasures imbued with spiritual energy], continuously amassing his own foundational power.

Not long after Eldrin Chen entered seclusion, Sword Mystery Imperial Lord and Liana Imperial Lord successively broke through their cultivation, stepping into the realm of the Eighth Layer Primordial Emperor [the eighth tier of the Primordial Emperor realm].

After their breakthroughs, both experienced a significant increase in strength. Among them, Liana Imperial Lord could be considered a standard example of one possessing the Three True Spirit Foundation [a supreme cultivation foundation built upon three perfected spiritual cores].

Such aptitude could be described as bearing the makings of a Great Emperor [the supreme sovereign ruler of an immortal domain]. In terms of combat prowess among those at the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [the eighth level of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm], he is considered formidable.

Sword Mystery Imperial Lord, on the other hand, has cultivated four major True Spirit Foundation [foundational cultivation arts that nurture one's true spiritual essence]. His combat strength surpasses that of Liana Imperial Lord by a noticeable margin, placing him at the pinnacle level within the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier.

If pushed to his absolute limits, Sword Mystery Imperial Lord could even be deemed unrivaled among Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier cultivators, his power comparable to that of Immortality Desolation Emperor when he had just made his breakthrough.

However, having consecutively broken through realms within a mere few hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years], both have developed certain shortcomings.

For instance, although Sword Mystery Imperial Lord's cultivation has reached the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier, the Life-Bound Treasure [a magical artifact bound to a cultivator's life force and soul] he is refining remains merely a Five-Pattern Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [an embryonic form of a supreme innate treasure bearing five primal patterns].

While Liana Imperial Lord's cultivation has also stepped into the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier, her Life-Bound Treasure, the Starry River Silk, is only a Four Patterns Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo.

In contrast, the vast majority of Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier cultivators wield Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [the embryonic forms of supreme innate treasures] bearing six or more patterns, with some even possessing Seven-Pattern Supreme Treasure.

By comparison, their Lifebound Immortal Treasure [an immortal-grade treasure bound to one's life and cultivation] lag significantly behind, dragging down their overall combat effectiveness. Were it not for this, their battle prowess could be even greater.