Chapter 2058 : An Audience at the Immortal Court

Following the decree issued by Eldrin Chen, Tai Cang Divine Emperor soon arrived at the Immortal Court [the supreme governing body of the immortal realm].

After a span of several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], within the celestial halls of the Immortal Court, Eldrin Chen once again beheld Tai Cang Divine Emperor.

Compared to their previous meeting, the statuses of the two men were now vastly different.

Facing Eldrin Chen, who now held the esteemed rank of a Sage Ascendant [a supreme being one step below a Path Ancestor], Tai Cang Divine Emperor appeared exceptionally restrained. He did not directly enter the Immortal Court, but instead spoke respectfully from outside its gates: "Tai Cang seeks an audience with the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [Eldrin Chen's title as a master of the profound and abyssal path]."

"The Path Ancestor bids you welcome. Please follow me, Fellow Daoist."

Outside the Great Hall, a handsome man who had been waiting for some time greeted Tai Cang Divine Emperor with a warm smile.

The moment he saw this handsome man, Tai Cang Divine Emperor felt a tremor in his heart, instantly recognizing his identity.

Upon Eldrin Chen's recent return, the dozen or so Great Emperor [powerful sovereigns at the peak of cultivation] under his command had each displayed astonishing prowess.

Having heard reports of these Great Emperor, Tai Cang Divine Emperor knew the man before him was Sword Mystery Great Emperor, an Invincible Great Emperor [a Great Emperor of unmatched combat power] whose battle prowess could startle even immortals.

Thus, Tai Cang Divine Emperor dared not show any neglect. He promptly spoke, "So it is Fellow Daoist Sword Mystery. I never imagined Your Excellency would personally receive me. I am truly overwhelmed by such an honor."

Sword Mystery Great Emperor offered a faint smile before speaking. "My lord has mentioned that Tai Cang Divine Emperor is a dear friend of his and instructed us to receive you with the utmost respect."

"He has been awaiting your arrival for some time now. Please, follow me, Fellow Daoist."

Tai Cang Divine Emperor felt a tremor in his heart, a growing sense of profound fortune washing over him.

One must understand that the present Eldrin Chen was no ordinary Sage Ascendant. Not only did he possess combat prowess rivaling a Top-Tier Sage Ascendant, but he also commanded the allegiance of over a dozen Great Emperor-level followers.

Such formidable power and influence were nearly equivalent to half the might of the Demon Race Heavenly Court. Whether in terms of raw strength or latent potential, he far surpassed any Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor from the Divine Clan.

To be held in such high regard by Eldrin Chen, to share a bond of genuine friendship, was an honor that even he, one of the nine Great God-Emperors of the Divine Clan, felt deeply privileged.

With this thought in mind, Tai Cang Divine Emperor dared not show any discourtesy. He promptly followed Sword Mystery Great Emperor as they proceeded at a measured pace.

Before long, they arrived deep within the Immortal Court. Tai Cang Divine Emperor then realized that Eldrin Chen had chosen not to receive him in the imposing Great Hall of the Immortal Court, but rather within the breathtakingly beautiful confines of the Flat Peach Orchard.

The Flat Peach Orchard was filled with countless Flat Peach Ancient Tree. These trees were all Spiritual Root [a plant with innate spiritual properties] of at least the Innate Ancient Tree [an ancient tree born with innate spiritual power] level.

At that moment, the trees were in full bloom, their branches laden with peach blossoms. Beneath a particularly ancient and gnarled tree stood a simple stone table. Eldrin Chen had been waiting there calmly for quite some time.

"I pay my respects to the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [a title for a supreme master of the cultivation path]."

The moment Tai Cang Divine Emperor saw Eldrin Chen, he hurried forward and performed a respectful bow, saying.

Eldrin Chen shook his head with a faint smile, speaking calmly, "Between you and me, there is a friendship spanning hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years]."

"Even though we have not met for many years, why must we be so formal and distant?"

Only then did Tai Cang Divine Emperor take a deep breath. After breaking through to the Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm signifying one has ascended to the level of a sage], Eldrin Chen's aura had grown increasingly unfathomable. Even merely sitting there, he exuded a supreme and awe-inspiring majesty.

Those of lower cultivation might not sense it, but beings of their level, who had reached the Great Emperor Realm [a realm of immense power and authority], understood all the more clearly the terrifying depth of Eldrin Chen's power.

Had Eldrin Chen not chosen this grove of peach trees, rather than a solemn and imposing immortal palace, he might have been too constrained and nervous to speak freely.

The will of heaven is inscrutable. After all, it had been hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation since their last meeting, and he did not know if Eldrin Chen's temperament had changed with his elevated cultivation.

Fortunately, from what he could see now, Eldrin Chen's nature seemed unchanged from years past.

With this thought, Tai Cang Divine Emperor let out a sigh of relief and said, "Back then, when you were defeated and retreated from the Chaos Desolation Sea [a primordial and perilous sea of chaotic energies], I feared the worst had befallen you."

"I never imagined that after merely a few hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], you would return with such invincible might."

Eldrin Chen smiled, gestured for him to sit, and even personally brewed a pot of tea.

As he poured the tea, he spoke calmly, "Back then, had it not been for your aid, I might not have escaped into the Chaos Desolation Sea [a primordial and perilous expanse of chaotic energy], nor would I have attained my current Opportunity and Fortune [favorable circumstances and destiny] and achievements."

"My contribution was merely adding flowers to brocade [a minor embellishment to an already good situation]," Tai Cang Divine Emperor demurred, then added, "With your capabilities, I believe you could have found a way to escape regardless."

"I consider it sending charcoal in snowy weather [providing timely and crucial aid],"

Eldrin Chen stated plainly, handing the Primordial Era Thunder Spear [a divine weapon forged in the earliest epochs, crackling with ancient thunder] to Tai Cang Divine Emperor.

Tai Cang Divine Emperor's expression shifted slightly, and he hastily declined, "This treasure is far too precious. I fear I am unworthy to receive it."

"Take it."

Eldrin Chen spoke with quiet authority, then continued, "Among the nine Divine Emperors of the Divine Clan [a supreme clan of celestial beings], only four lack an Innate Supreme Treasure [a peerless magical artifact born with its wielder]."

"As one of the Nine Emperors, to be without a companion Innate Supreme Treasure places you at a distinct disadvantage."

Tai Cang Divine Emperor had just retrieved the Primordial Era Thunder Spear when he spoke with a bitter smile, "It seems the choice I made back then was not a mistake."

Eldrin Chen smiled and began to chat with Tai Cang Divine Emperor about the events of the intervening years.

After a long while, Tai Cang Divine Emperor bid farewell to Eldrin Chen and was escorted out of the Immortal Court by Sword Mystery Imperial Lord.

As Tai Cang Divine Emperor was leaving, he unexpectedly encountered Void Divine Emperor. The two exchanged a slight nod before passing each other by.

"Did Returning Abyss Path Ancestor summon him here also because of that battle from years past?"

Tai Cang Divine Emperor's thoughts stirred, recalling that during the battle where Eldrin Chen was defeated and fled the Chaos Frontier Wasteland, only the two of them among the nine Great God Emperors of the Divine Clan had participated.

Returning to the matter at hand, Void Divine Emperor, guided by Immortality Great Emperor, soon arrived at the Great Hall within the Immortal Court.

Compared to Tai Cang Divine Emperor, Eldrin Chen had only met Void Divine Emperor once before. Therefore, he did not make any excessive overtures, merely receiving him as per custom in the Great Hall of the Immortal Court.

Upon entering the Great Hall, Void Divine Emperor was surprised to find Grand Nether Imperial Lord also present. He immediately bowed with great respect and said, "I, Tai Xu, pay my respects to Returning Abyss Path Ancestor."

"There is no need for such formality."

Eldrin Chen smiled and ordered a seat to be prepared for the Void Divine Emperor.

Only after the Void Divine Emperor had taken his seat did Eldrin Chen speak with a smile, "I have long heard that the Void Divine Emperor is the foremost among the Nine Great God Sovereigns of the Divine Clan. Seeing you today, the rumors indeed do not do you justice."

"If my estimation is correct, Fellow Daoist, you should have a genuine hope of successfully breaking through to the Sage Ascendant Realm."

"You flatter me, Path Ancestor,"

replied the Void Divine Emperor, his expression turning somewhat grave. "The Void Great Path is profound and unfathomable. My Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation is insufficient, and I am not yet confident enough to contend for its Great Path Authority [the supreme authority over a specific Great Path of cultivation]."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. Even among Perfect Innate Great Paths, there are distinctions in strength.

For instance, the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant's Great Path of Vermilion Heaven Solar Fire possesses only six Great Path Divine Forms [divine manifestations of a Great Path's power], which is why only a handful of Great Emperor Realm experts cultivate it.

In contrast, the Void Divine Emperor's Void Great Path belongs to a branch of the Path of Space, granting it nine Great Path Divine Forms.

A Great Path with nine Great Path Divine Forms, once fully mastered, offers a probability of no less than fifty percent for breaking through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm.

It is precisely for this reason that many Great Emperors cultivate the Void Great Path—at least twenty or more.

For the Void Divine Emperor to master the Void Great Path [the supreme Dao of Emptiness and Nothingness], the difficulty was naturally far greater.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen could not help but deliberate before speaking: "If the Divine Emperor's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] were to advance another step, perhaps you would have the confidence to seize a Great Path Authority [the supreme authority over a fundamental cosmic principle]."

The Void Divine Emperor was slightly taken aback. He glanced at the Grand Nether Imperial Lord beside him, then inquired, "Has the Path Ancestor summoned me here because you wish for the two of us to exchange our Tome of Earth Soul and Tome of Heaven Soul?"

"You could say that."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then continued, "I believe this act would be beneficial for both of you."

The Void Divine Emperor pondered for a moment before replying, "Unless one can find the legendary Tome of Human Soul [the mythical scripture containing the secrets of the human soul], relying solely on the Earth Soul Scripture [the scripture of the Earth Soul], my Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] will find it difficult to achieve a major breakthrough."

"However, if we were to trade, complementing each other's strengths and weaknesses, it would indeed be a mutually advantageous affair."

Eldrin Chen did not answer immediately. Instead, he said, "In truth, I sought you out this time for another important matter as well."

"Oh?"

A flicker of curiosity passed through the eyes of the Void Divine Emperor.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and then spoke, "I wish to exchange an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme magical artifact born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth] for your Heaven Soul Scripture [the Scripture of the Heavenly Soul, one of the three legendary soul scriptures].

"This..."

The Void Divine Emperor's expression shifted slightly, a trace of coldness flickering in the depths of his pupils.

Although the Heaven Soul Scripture was merely an Innate Supreme Treasure, it was a fragment derived from the Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture [the legendary Primordial Chaos Scripture of the Three Souls]. The value of such a supreme treasure was self-evident.

Legend held that gathering all three Soul Scriptures would allow one to restore the Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a spiritual artifact of primordial chaos], the Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture, and that the emergence of the three scriptures would inevitably give birth to a Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who has mastered the Path of the Soul].

Exchanging this treasure for a single Innate Supreme Treasure was likely not a favorable bargain.

With this thought, the Void Divine Emperor already felt inclined to refuse.

"Do not be so quick to refuse."

It was at this moment that Eldrin Chen spoke again.

With a flick of his sleeve, he produced a gourd that seemed woven from the fabric of the void itself. "This Void Gourd [a Gourd of the Void] is a Spatial Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure with profound spatial properties]," he declared. "I believe it would suit Your Excellency far better than the Heaven Soul Scripture."

The Void Divine Emperor felt a stir in his heart, a flicker of genuine desire surfacing within him.

Artifacts with a Spatial Attribute [an inherent property related to space and dimensions] are often significantly more valuable than Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure born from nature] of the same rank. The worth of this item likely surpasses the Heaven Soul Scripture itself.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen continued, "The Heaven Soul Scripture is indeed precious, and the Three Souls Tome is a legendary Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a spiritual artifact of primordial chaos, of the highest order]."

"However, with that Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified multiple cultivation paths] from the Blazing Central Primordial Domain present, do you truly believe that obtaining the Three Souls Tome would allow you to achieve Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [the ultimate mastery of the Primordial Spirit cultivation path]?"

Hearing this, the Void Divine Emperor could not help but reveal a bitter smile.

Although he had also cultivated a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a Primordial Spirit of the highest purity and truth], his primary path was that of the Void. Even if he mastered the Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture, it was uncertain whether he could cultivate the Nine True Spirit Apertures [the nine supreme apertures of a True Spirit].

Most crucially, with that Path Union Supreme blocking his path, he likely could not protect the Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture.

With this thought, the Void Divine Emperor spoke, "I can hand over the Heaven Soul Scripture to Your Excellency. However, I hope that if one day you obtain the Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture, you will allow me to study it."

"Agreed."

Eldrin Chen gave his word, then added, "However, even if that day comes, this agreement can only be fulfilled once I have stepped into the realm of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who commands the power of Primordial Chaos]."

"That is only natural."

Void Divine Emperor nodded. The Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture was far too precious; without the strength of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler of primordial chaos], one simply could not protect it. Eldrin Chen's caution was entirely expected.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen exchanged the Void Gourd [a gourd-shaped treasure that can contain void essence] for the Heaven Soul Scripture [a scripture containing profound knowledge of the heavenly soul].

After completing this transaction, Eldrin Chen took out several Rare Spiritual Wonders. Among them was the Golden-Winged Heavenly Blade [a divine blade with the power of golden wings], which he presented to the Void Divine Emperor, saying, "In the battle of old, you rendered me no small assistance."

"Now that I have returned, I naturally will not treat you poorly."

"Consider this Golden-Winged Heavenly Blade as recompense for your efforts, Your Divine Majesty."

The Void Divine Emperor did not refuse. He accepted the Golden-Winged Heavenly Blade immediately, then said with a smile, "It seems I did not come out at a loss by trading away this Heaven Soul Scripture."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly but offered no further words.

Next, the Void Divine Emperor and Grand Nether Imperial Lord exchanged the Heaven Soul Ancient Scripture [an ancient scripture concerning the heavenly soul] and the Earth Soul Ancient Scripture [an ancient scripture concerning the earthly soul]. Afterward, the Void Divine Emperor departed the Great Hall in haste.

Only after he had left did Eldrin Chen turn to the Grand Nether Imperial Lord and inquire, "What are your impressions?"

"With this Ancient Scripture [a profound text containing esoteric cultivation knowledge], my chances of breaking through to the Great Emperor Realm [a supreme realm of power and authority] have already reached three or four out of ten."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then retrieved one Enlightenment Sacred Fruit [a miraculous fruit that grants profound insights] and one Earth Soul Sacred Fruit [a divine pill that nourishes and strengthens the earth soul] and handed them both to Grand Nether Imperial Lord. "With these two immortal fruits," he said, "I trust your breakthrough to the Great Emperor Realm will be assured."

A flicker of joy crossed Grand Nether Imperial Lord's features. He took out the Earth Soul Scripture [a sacred text containing the secrets of the earth soul] and passed it to Eldrin Chen. "The Earth Soul Scripture is yours," he stated. "However, you must remember to allow me to study your future Primordial Chaos Three Souls Scripture [a legendary scripture detailing the cultivation of the three primordial souls]."

Eldrin Chen nodded once more. He then produced the Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born of the world's primal essence], the Six Paths Heavenly Wheel [a divine wheel representing the cycle of the six paths of existence], and offered them to Grand Nether Imperial Lord. "Adding these," he said, "should be sufficient to match the value of the Earth Soul Scripture."

Grand Nether Imperial Lord did not refuse. After a long moment of silence, he could not help but inquire, "You are gathering both the Heaven Soul Scripture [a sacred text containing the secrets of the heaven soul] and the Earth Soul Scripture. Could it be you intend to walk the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a demanding cultivation path focused on perfecting the physical body to a divine state]?"

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before inclining his head in confirmation. "I cultivate both Fleshly Body Sanctification and the Great Path [the primary, all-encompassing Dao of cultivation]. The Soul Path [the cultivation path focused on the soul] is also one I seek."

"That may well be a path leading to a dead end."

Grand Nether Imperial Lord shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips. "As the saying goes, the Great Path reigns supreme. Once you step into the Realm of Chaos [the primordial, formless realm of ultimate power] via one particular path, all other cultivation methods will inevitably be suppressed."

"Even with peerless talent, reaching that step would be exceedingly difficult. It might even lead to an unstable foundation."

"One must always try."

Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh, offering no further words.

Seeing this, Grand Nether Imperial Lord understood that Eldrin Chen's resolve was unshakable, not something that could be swayed by a few sentences. She immediately ceased her attempts at persuasion.

She smiled faintly and rose to her feet. "With your aid today, the Great Emperor Realm [the pinnacle realm of an emperor-level cultivator] is nearly within my grasp. It is time for me to make my attempt at the breakthrough."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. "Then I shall await the good news of your success, Imperial Lord."

"..."

Watching Grand Nether Imperial Lord depart, Eldrin Chen wasted no time. He immediately stored the scrolls containing his Heaven and Earth Souls within the Nameless void where the Returning Abyss Pearl resided.

He did not immediately begin contemplating this Ancient Scripture [a profound and ancient cultivation manual]. Instead, he took a step and arrived at the very heart of the Primordial Immortal Domain [the primordial realm where immortals dwell].

The Qilin Ancient Domain was one of the three thousand Heavenly Domain [celestial regions] within the Primordial Immortal Domain, and among the most majestic and vast.

This place was the ancestral lair of the Qilin Clan, protected by a supreme killing formation of half-step Chaos Tier [a realm bordering on primordial chaos] potency, and further empowered by Heavenly Path Authority Power [the authority to command the laws of heaven itself].

The mightiest of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races, the Primogenitor of the Qilin [a mythical, auspicious beast] lineage, resided here permanently, a constant guardian of this sacred ground.

It is said that the Primordial Qilin Ancestor and the Primordial Mire Path Master have grasped partial authority over the Primordial Immortal Domain.

Within the territory of the Qilin Ancient Domain, the Primordial Qilin Ancestor can even unleash combat power rivaling half a Heavenly Emperor.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen strode forward to the edge of the Qilin Ancient Domain. Just as he was about to speak, he noticed two figures had been waiting for some time within a pavilion.

Upon closer inspection, he recognized them as the two great Sage Ascendant of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races: the Primordial Qilin Patriarch and the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor.

"Come, come quickly,"

the Primordial Qilin Patriarch said with a gentle smile, inviting Eldrin Chen to the pavilion's entrance.

Before Eldrin Chen could utter a word, the Patriarch turned to the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor and remarked, "Old friend, I told you long ago that this Returning Abyss Path Master would inevitably join our ranks."

"See? The truth of it can no longer be denied."

The Primordial Era Spirit Emperor was a woman of peerless elegance. She offered Eldrin Chen a serene smile, her grace a solitary marvel across the ages.

Eldrin Chen promptly clasped his hands in salute and spoke, "I pay my respects to Senior Primordial Mire and Senior Spirit Emperor."

"There is no need for such formality," Primordial Mire Path Master [a senior cultivator known for his profound and murky cultivation arts] quickly waved his hand, then said with a smile, "You are now a Path Ancestor [a supreme existence who has mastered a fundamental cosmic principle]. Do not humble this old man so."

Primordial Era Spirit Emperor [an ancient emperor whose power stems from the primordial spirits of creation] also smiled, carefully looked Eldrin Chen over twice, and then spoke: "Primordial Mire [the Daoist title of the Primordial Mire Path Master] speaks wisely. From now on, let us interact as peers."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen did not insist. Instead, he clasped his hands and said, "When I was defeated and fled from the Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, turbulent, and lawless expanse of primordial chaos], both of you provided immense assistance."

"I had intended to visit your abodes to express my gratitude. I did not expect to encounter you both together today."

Primordial Mire Path Master chuckled softly, calmly pouring a pot of tea for Eldrin Chen, and then said, "We knew you would come to visit, so we waited here together."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen was slightly taken aback, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

Seeing this, the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor spoke frankly: "To be honest, when we helped you back then, we indeed had a request of our own."

Eldrin Chen's eyes gleamed thoughtfully. He did not speak, merely listening quietly to the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor's words.

The two Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to a state just below that of a Sage] pondered for a moment. Then, it was Primordial Mire Path Master who spoke: "The truth is, long ago, the two of us discovered a Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden pocket dimension born from the primordial chaos, containing ancient treasures and dangers] within the Chaos Desolation Sea."

"A Primordial Chaos Secret Realm?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression shifted dramatically.

So-called Primordial Chaos Secret Realm are secret realms of the Chaos Tier. They are mostly born during the Primordial Chaos Unfolding, conceived from the Primordial Chaos Great Path and nurtured by Chaos Origin. Within them, all manner of Chaos Rare Treasure are often bred.

Most crucially, the emergence of a Primordial Chaos Secret Realm is very likely to be accompanied by the appearance of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative force that shaped the cosmos].

Therefore, within the Vast and Boundless Chaos Sea, the birth of every single Primordial Chaos Secret Realm stirs a storm of bloodshed, even attracting hordes of Chaos Heavenly Emperor and Sage Ascendant to vie for its treasures.

In ages past, even the Indestructibility Ancient One once ventured into a Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, yet he managed to scavenge only ten portions of Chaos Origin.

But despite the Indestructibility Ancient One's formidable power, he failed to seize the most precious Chaos Genesis Energy within. This reveals the terrifyingly powerful beings such a realm inevitably draws.

Most critically, once a Primordial Chaos Secret Realm emerges, the ripples it causes will shake the very foundations of the Vast and Boundless Chaos Sea, detectable even across millions of Desolate Journey.

Thus, whenever a Primordial Chaos Secret Realm appears, it is destined to attract numerous Chaos Heavenly Emperor to contend for its riches.

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, a shadow of solemn gravity fell over Eldrin Chen.

Primordial Mire Path Master noticed the expression on Eldrin Chen's face and spoke with a gentle smile, "You need not worry. That Primordial Chaos Secret Realm is, in truth, merely a fragmented one [a secret realm that has been broken and is no longer whole]."

"A fragmented secret realm?"

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

Seeing this, Primordial Era Spirit Emperor explained, "That fragmented realm is a piece of a Primordial Chaos Secret Realm that was torn asunder during a fierce struggle among mighty powers and cast adrift into the Depths of Chaos by a Path Union Supreme."

"And because this fragment is not a complete Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, its origins cannot be divined by those powerful beings."

"I see,"

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding, then inquired, "So, you sought me out because you wish for me to join you in exploring this Incomplete Primordial Chaos Secret Realm?"

Primordial Mire Path Master gave a solemn nod, his expression grave. "That Incomplete Primordial Chaos Secret Realm is fraught with peril. We have ventured into it several times and each time suffered significant setbacks."

"Your strength is considerable. With you joining us, our chances of successfully navigating the secret realm would increase."

Eldrin Chen nodded once more, then posed the crucial question, "And how shall we divide the treasures [magical artifacts and resources] should we succeed?"

Primordial Mire Path Master gave a faint smile and stated plainly, "As the ones who discovered the Incomplete Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, once treasures are found within, we must have the right of first selection."

"If it is Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy that gave birth to the cosmos], it should also be our choice first."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and spoke, "That is only fair. As for the remaining treasures, shall we distribute them based on contributions in battle?"

"Then it is settled."

Both Primordial Era Spirit Emperor and Primordial Mire Path Master spoke, their expressions revealing a trace of satisfaction.

For them, no treasure was as crucial as Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy that gave birth to the cosmos]. Securing the priority to choose it was sufficient.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen quickly reached an agreement with the two. For him at present, the most pressing need was cultivation resources to help his physical body break through to the Great Emperor Realm.

He was not lacking in Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy that gave birth to the cosmos]; after all, he had the superior Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [the purest essence of primordial chaos] as a substitute.

Thus, after establishing a Great Path Contract [a magically binding oath sworn upon the Great Path] with the two, Eldrin Chen then said, "However, I have only just returned, and many matters remain unsettled."

"The exploration of this secret realm will have to be postponed for a time."

Primordial Mire Path Master nodded slightly and then spoke, "How about we postpone it for one hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years]? What do you think?"

"That is sufficient."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, and the pact was sealed between them then and there.

With the agreement reached, all three were deeply satisfied.

Then, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze back to Primordial Mire Path Master and, after a moment of consideration, spoke frankly, "In truth, this junior has one more request to make of you today."

"Speak your mind freely."

In excellent spirits, Primordial Mire Path Master replied with a smile.

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before stating his purpose directly, "I wish to request that you bestow upon me an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born of heaven and earth, containing immense primordial power], to aid in my cultivation of the True Spirit Divine Form [a divine ability that allows one to manifest the true form of a primordial spirit]."

"Cultivating the True Spirit Divine Form?"

A flicker of understanding passed through Primordial Mire Path Master's eyes. He had guessed the implication instantly. "You came specifically to seek me out. It seems the Innate Supreme Treasure you require must be of the Qilin [a mythical, auspicious beast of great virtue and power] attribute," he inquired.

Eldrin Chen nodded, a flicker of anticipation rising within him.

Seeing this, Primordial Mire Path Master flicked his sleeve and produced a suit of armor. "This Qilin Battle Armor," he said, "was formed from the scales I shed upon my own ascension to the Sage Ascendant [a realm of cultivation signifying profound enlightenment and power] realm."

"However, its use to me has greatly diminished. If it can aid you in cultivating the True Spirit Divine Form [a supreme divine ability that manifests the essence of a primordial true spirit], perhaps that is not a bad thing."

So saying, Primordial Mire Path Master handed the armor to Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen received it with solemn gravity. "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist," he declared. "With this treasure, I shall master the True Spirit Divine Form. I will not disappoint you."

"Hmm."

Primordial Qilin Patriarch said no more, merely giving Eldrin Chen's shoulder a firm pat.

With matters thus settled, Eldrin Chen spent some time in further conversation with the two Sage Ascendants before finally taking his leave from the Qilin Ancient Domain.

Afterwards, he made time to pay a visit to Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor [a cultivator of immense power, one step below the rank of Emperor], thereby concluding all the major affairs of his return to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

Even after completing these tasks, Eldrin Chen did not yet enter seclusion for cultivation. Instead, he made his way to the heart of the Returning Abyss Path Domain.