Chapter 2060 : The Path of Limitless Ascension

"This method holds great benefit for you all as well. If you can each achieve a single Major Limit-Breaker [a profound breakthrough that shatters the conventional limits of a cultivation realm], attaining the Limitless Primordial One Realm [the foundational realm of limitless potential, preceding the Primordial One stage] should be well within your grasp."

Upon hearing this, expressions of joy and anticipation blossomed on everyone's faces.

Previously, most of them had only a thirty percent chance of successfully cultivating to the Limitless Primordial One Realm. Now, with the Limit-Breaker Art [a profound cultivation technique designed to shatter inherent limitations], they felt a genuine flicker of hope for achieving the state of Primordial One Limitless [the perfected, limitless state of the Primordial One realm].

Of course, as peerless Immortal Lords who had already reached the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle of the Golden Immortal realm], they had each pushed against their limits numerous times. Even with this Limit-Breaker Art, successfully executing another Limit-Breaker [the act of breaking through a cultivation limit] was not guaranteed.

Yet, it remained a beacon of hope. Should they succeed, stepping into the domain of an Imperial Lord [a sovereign lord among immortals] with the foundation of a Limitless Primordial One would, in the future, perhaps even grant them a sliver of hope to prove their Dao and ascend to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm [the supreme realm of a Heavenly Emperor within the primordial chaos].

According to Eldrin Chen's estimations, the next step for the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation path centered on self-sacrifice and transcendence] upon entering the Realm of Chaos would be the spontaneous formation of an Inner Primordial Domain [a self-contained, nascent universe within the cultivator's body].

This Inner Primordial Domain would be capable of spontaneously generating the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the fundamental Dao of primordial chaos], allowing one to transcend the constraints of the Sea of the Great Path [the metaphysical ocean containing all Daos and their authorities].

At that point, with the Inner Primordial Domain existing beyond the bounds of Chaos, one could potentially break free entirely from dependence on the Sea of the Great Path. Thus, there would be no need to contend with others for Great Path Authority [the sovereign right to command a specific Great Dao], and one could directly ascend to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm.

As disciples of Eldrin Chen, they had long yearned for the day they would cultivate to the Limitless Primordial One Realm.

This realm was the very foundation for proving one's Dao in the Realm of Chaos, the beginning of a Chaos mythos. It possessed the potential to reshape the entire cultivation path across the vast expanse of the Chaos Desolation Sea [the boundless, desolate sea of primordial chaos].

With this thought in mind, everyone respectfully performed the half-teacher's bow [a gesture of deep respect acknowledging someone as a teacher or mentor] towards Lingering Ye.

"Fellow senior and junior brothers, there is no need for such formalities."

Facing their respectful gestures, Lingering Ye accepted them with composure.

She handed a thick scroll of Ancient Scripture to the group and said, "I possess thirty-eight thousand volumes of the Limit-Breaker Art [a profound cultivation method focused on surpassing inherent limits]. Each volume can guide one towards Limit-Breaker [the act of surpassing one's inherent cultivation limits], but the results vary greatly from person to person."

"To achieve Limit-Breaker again, you must find the method most suited to your own nature."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded solemnly and carefully took the Ancient Scripture to examine its contents.

After merely a brief glance, expressions of astonishment appeared on their faces. They learned that the path of Limit-Breaker is further divided into Minor Limit-Breaker [a minor breakthrough that slightly pushes past a limit] and Major Limit-Breaker [a major, transformative breakthrough that shatters a significant limit].

A Minor Limit-Breaker represents only a small step forward from one's current foundation, sometimes barely a hair's breadth of progress. Therefore, it does not bring about any qualitative transformation.

After achieving nine consecutive Minor Limit-Breaker breakthroughs, one may attempt a Major Limit-Breaker.

Once a Major Limit-Breaker is achieved, it is equivalent to an early breakthrough into a higher major realm, allowing one to continue increasing their cultivation power without formally advancing to the next cultivation stage.

However, the Major Limit-Breaker [a perilous cultivation breakthrough that shatters fundamental limits] is exceedingly perilous. Failure often results in severe injury to the cultivator's foundation, and can even lead directly to their demise.

Given such immense difficulty, the Major Limit-Breaker is naturally an arduous endeavor. Fortunately, Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the highest immortal realm, granting boundless lifespan] possess limitless lifespans. Even if they fall, they do not descend into the Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth], granting them ample time to attempt this feat repeatedly.

Yet, once they successfully complete the Major Limit-Breaker, the benefits are monumental.

Without advancing to the Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme realm of cultivation], they can attain potential rivaling that realm. They may even cultivate their power to a level comparable to a Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord [the pinnacle stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm].

At that point, possessing cultivation power akin to the mid or late stages of a Primordial One Imperial Lord, the difficulty of directly breaking through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm and establishing a Limitless Primordial One Immortal Domain [a personal, boundless realm created by a supreme cultivator] would be drastically reduced.

In truth, Eldrin Chen was also deeply satisfied with the Limit-Breaker Art [a profound method for shattering cultivation limits]. It was a pity this art held little use for him now.

His foundational essence [the core potential and spiritual constitution of a cultivator] had long ago shattered its limits countless times. Unless he completed a single Major Limit-Breaker, attaining a foundation on the level of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a legendary title for one who commands primordial chaos], any further Minor Limit-Breaker [a lesser breakthrough that shatters minor limits] would be futile.

Yet, the barrier to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor level was a vast chasm, an insurmountable gulf.

Throughout the ages, how many peerless prodigies had successfully defeated all rivals to ascend to Path Mastery [the realm of mastering one's chosen Dao], only to falter and fail to take that final step of transforming their Great Path [one's supreme cultivation method or Dao] into one of Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all things originate].

No matter how astonishing Eldrin Chen was, attempting to complete a Major Limit-Breaker at this realm was a task bordering on the impossible.

Setting aside the breakthrough into the Realm of Chaos [the ultimate, formless state of existence beyond all known realms], there are only two possible outcomes: successful attainment of the Great Path or the destruction of one's path and demise.

Even if Eldrin Chen desired to perform a Major Limit-Breaker [a supreme, near-impossible feat of transcending the inherent limits of a cultivation realm], his foundational cultivation had not yet been refined to the absolute pinnacle of the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm. How, then, could there be any talk of a Limit-Breaker [the act of surpassing the conventional limits of a cultivation stage]?

The reason Lingering Ye pioneered the Limit-Breaker Art [a forbidden cultivation method focused on repeatedly breaking the inherent limits of each realm] was a desperate measure born from being unable to ascend to immortality, with no further path of advancement available.

Otherwise, with a mortal body and the terrifyingly low success rate of a Limit-Breaker, why would she have risked cultivating all six of her major realms to the point of achieving three consecutive Major Limit-Breaker feats?

"The Limit-Breaker Art is truly profound and ingenious, a precedent-setting creation unmatched in all of history," Eldrin remarked.

"This Little Seven's talent is dazzling, a brilliance that shines across ten thousand ages. She likely possesses the potential of a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage Potential [the innate capacity to one day become a foundational progenitor of a cultivation path and an immortal sage]."

With these thoughts flashing through his mind, Eldrin Chen finally retrieved a jade case from his sleeve and handed it to Lingering Ye.

The jade case contained several dozen Storage Ring [rings with internal dimensional space for storing items], which held a vast trove of cultivation resources sufficient for Lingering Ye to cultivate all the way to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the perfected pinnacle of the Golden Immortal realm, where one's power and comprehension encompass all things].

Afterwards, Eldrin Chen took out another batch of Innate Primordial Breath [the purest, most foundational energy of creation, present at the dawn of the cosmos] and bestowed it upon those cultivating the Great Path [the supreme, all-encompassing cultivation method], such as Ethan Chen, Diyang Tai Cang, and the Primordial Era Demonic Ape.

As for the others, they also received various cultivation resources bestowed by Eldrin Chen.

Only after completing all this did Eldrin Chen finally speak. "You may all withdraw now. I trust you will cultivate diligently henceforth, and never tarnish the prestige of our Returning Abyss Ancestral Court."

"We obey your command."

Upon hearing his words, the assembly bowed respectfully in unison before filing out of the Great Hall.

Once they had departed, only the Eight Primordial One Imperial Lords [the eight most powerful cultivators of the Chen Clan, each having attained the Imperial Lord realm] remained within the hall.

His five Dao-companions remained silent, but Energy Abyss Chen spoke up with a gentle smile. "Now that you have returned, how do you intend to manage affairs in the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm?"

"I will arrange for the Three Talents and Four Symbols Great Emperor to return and oversee its defense," Eldrin Chen replied calmly. "Furthermore, my Reincarnation Body [a powerful avatar created through a profound reincarnation technique] shall wield the Heavenly Path Authority [the authority to command and influence the natural laws of heaven]. No mishaps shall occur."

He paused briefly before continuing. "The Great Wasteland Ancient Realm can serve as my second homeland. I plan to send a contingent of our clansmen there to cultivate."

The others nodded in understanding. Eldrin Chen had spent over four hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] within the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, forging a profound bond with that land.

For him to simply abandon it now was unthinkable.

Moreover, it was unwise to keep all one's eggs in a single basket. To guard against potential calamity befalling the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, establishing a branch of the Chen Clan's lineage and resources within the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm served as a prudent contingency.

Considering this, Exquisite Jiang spoke, "In that case, we shall arrange for thirty percent of our core clan members to relocate. Several of the clan's Great Encompassing Golden Immortals and Primordial One Imperial Lords should also be dispatched."

"I will go."

Energy Abyss Chen stated calmly, "My strength is of limited aid here. It would be better for me to guard the Chen Clan branch over there, to prevent any unforeseen complications."

"Very well."

Eldrin Chen nodded. With his current cultivation level, he could activate the Returning Abyss Pearl to bridge the two realms at any moment. However, he could not be expected to watch over the Chen Immortal Clan perpetually.

Having Energy Abyss Chen, a Patriarch of the clan, stand guard over the Chen Clan branch was the most suitable arrangement.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen continued, "Since the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain cannot ascend to become a Primordial One Immortal Domain, I intend to assist Old Patriarch and our clan uncle, Eternal Verdancy, in extricating themselves from its confines."

"This opportunity also allows us to send them to the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm. What are your thoughts?"

Upon hearing this, everyone present nodded in agreement.

The Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, being only at the upper-grade Immortal Domain level, could no longer keep pace with Eldrin Chen's advancing cultivation.

Within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [a vast and ancient realm of cultivation], the Old Patriarch Eternal Profound Chen, Eternal Verdancy Chen, Eternal Spread Chen, and others like Long River Path Lord had reached the limits of their potential for further advancement.

With Eldrin Chen's current cultivation at the Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm signifying one has ascended to the cusp of sagehood], he now possessed the capability to elevate those close to him.

These individuals, having reincarnated with the foundation of Immortal Domain Imperial Lord [a lord who rules over a portion of an immortal domain], nurtured with Eldrin Chen's full support, and blessed by the Fortune [the favorable destiny or luck] of the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme primordial energy of creation], would find breaking through to Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal realm, a major milestone of immortality] to be of little difficulty, provided they were not utterly talentless.

Seeing this, Exquisite Jiang could not help but smile and remark, "As one of the Immortal Domain True Spirit [powerful spiritual entities born from the essence of an immortal domain], the Blazing Phoenix has guarded the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain for many years. Her contributions are by no means insignificant."

"She mentioned some time ago that the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain felt too stifling and that she wished to venture beyond the Immortal Domain [a vast domain governed by immortal laws]. It seems the time for that departure has now come."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and then spoke, "She took form from a Vermilion Bird [a mythical fire-attribute phoenix]. After reincarnation, she should walk the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation path focused on self-transcendence through sacrifice] and, in tandem, cultivate the Mysterious Heaven Solar Fire Great Path [a supreme art of the solar flame]."

"Could it be... you intend to..."

Imperial Sovereign Jiang's eyes flickered, a trace of surprise coloring her expression.

Eldrin Chen nodded again and said, "We shall make preparations. Success or failure will depend entirely on her own Creation [her innate talent for creation and comprehension]."

Hearing this, the others seemed to understand the implication.

According to their deductions, the Solar Fire of the Mysterious Heaven, the Vermilion Heaven Solar Fire, and the Azure Heaven Solar Fire—if all three of these Great Path [supreme cultivation laws] were cultivated to the Realm of Chaos [the primordial state of formless potential] and then merged into one, they could transform into the 'Capital Heaven Solar Fire' Great Path.

It must be understood that among the several dozen Chaos Domain [vast regions of primordial chaos] surrounding the Blazing Central Chaos Domain, there are at least several dozen Half-Step Path Union Realm [cultivators on the cusp of merging their Great Paths] who have mastered three Primordial Chaos Great Path [supreme laws born from the primordial chaos].

Yet, there is only one being capable of merging them to become a Path Union Supreme [a supreme existence whose Great Paths have fully merged].

The reason for this is that each Great Path stands supreme and alone; the repulsive Force Extreme [immense opposing force] between different Great Path is so great that attempting to fuse three distinct Primordial Chaos Great Path into one is a difficulty nearly comparable to scaling the heavens themselves.

Only by cultivating three Primordial Chaos Great Path with profoundly compatible attributes is there a slight chance of successfully merging them.

The Mysterious Heaven's Solar Fire, the Vermilion Heaven Solar Fire, and the Azure Heaven Solar Fire are, in theory, supremely compatible Great Path. Once fully mastered, the likelihood of stepping into the Second Chaos Realm [the second level of the primordial chaos cultivation realm] should be no less than thirty percent.

Eldrin Chen had Blazing Phoenix cultivate the Mysterious Heaven Solar Fire Great Path. Recalling Eldrin Chen's great adversary, the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant, his purpose in this became glaringly obvious.

"My junior here repays a drop of kindness with a flowing spring for those who have shown him grace."

"But towards his enemies, his methods are decisively domineering, even to the point of being described as utterly ruthless."

As these thoughts drifted through Energy Abyss Chen's mind, he exchanged a glance with Imperial Sovereign Jiang, a flicker of relief coloring their shared understanding.

In the depths of their exchanged gazes, a shared understanding crystallized: "Fortunate indeed, that we are not his foes, but those bound to him by close ties."

As for the thoughts swirling within these two, Eldrin Chen remained entirely unaware.

He conferred with the assembly regarding the selection of individuals for the migration. Once a preliminary list was settled upon, the matter was considered concluded for the time being.

After the council adjourned, Eldrin Chen proceeded to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain. With the consent of Eternal Profound Chen and the others, he compiled the roster of those destined for reincarnation.

This cycle of rebirth included Eternal Profound Chen, Eternal Verdancy Chen, and Eternal Spread Chen.

In addition, several dozen other old comrades were listed, such as Long River Path Lord, Mysterious Verdant Robe, Blazing Phoenix, Black Tortoise Patriarch, Obsidian Qilin, Void-Refining Immortal, and Heavenly Feather Immortal. The list even extended to include the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape.

Most on this list shared a profound connection with Eldrin Chen. The inclusion of the Obsidian Qilin was largely a gesture of respect for Primordial Qilin Patriarch.

Compared to the others, the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape held a different history. In the early days of the Chen Immortal Clan, it had served as a Mountain-Guarding Divine Beast [a powerful spiritual creature tasked with protecting a clan's territory], a Demon Immortal [a demonic being who has attained immortality] subdued by Eldrin Chen through sheer martial prowess.

Its innate talent was not particularly exceptional; by all logic, its cultivation ceiling should have been the Earth Immortal Realm [a mid-level immortal realm].

Later, as the Chen Immortal Clan rose to prominence, their ranks of Mountain-Guarding Divine Beast swelled. Eventually, even beings of the Celestial Immortal [a foundational immortal realm] and Ancient Immortal Realm [a venerable and powerful immortal realm] from the Demon Race were deemed unworthy of the title of Mountain-Guarding Divine Beast.

As one of the early Mountain-Guarding Divine Beasts [powerful guardian beasts bound to a clan or sect] who pledged allegiance to the Chen Clan, he held no status worthy of even polishing the boots of those mighty Demon Immortals [powerful immortal beings of demonic origin]. His sole merit was his seniority, having followed Eldrin Chen through both the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of heavenly calamity] and the Path Tribulation [a personal trial of one's cultivation path].

Yet, this very seniority was enough to stir envy in the hearts of countless Immortals and even Great Encompassing Golden Immortals [a high realm of immortal cultivation].

No matter how lacking his innate talent might be, the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape was a being whose name was recorded before Returning Abyss Path Ancestor. Now that Returning Abyss Path Ancestor had ascended to the dignity of a Sage Ascendant [a supreme realm just below the Sage], the ape's status had risen accordingly.

In the present day, even some Great Encompassing Golden Immortals had to curry favor when meeting the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape, and Primordial One Imperial Lords [a supreme realm of immortal lords] treated him as an equal.

Just as now, the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape reclined lazily upon a couch, idly munching on a few Flat Peaches [legendary fruits of immortality] while casting a sidelong, somewhat insolent glance at the two Immortals before him. "So, you two Immortal Lords [a title for powerful immortals]," he inquired with a drawl, "what brings you to seek out this Monkey Lord today?"

The two figures before him each possessed an aura of peerless grace, beings who had reached the realm of Great Encompassing Golden Immortals.

Yet, facing this mere Celestial Immortal Realm [the foundational realm for true immortals] ape, they dared not show the slightest disrespect. With a hint of ingratiation, they replied, "Our visit today seeks no particular favor."

"We merely wish to establish a connection with you, Fellow Daoist, and make your acquaintance."

The Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape shifted his gaze slightly, his eyes falling upon the jade case they presented. A single glance was enough for him to discern the precious nature of the treasure within.

Yet after a mere moment, he still closed the treasure and said, "Stop beating around the bush. If you have something to say, speak plainly."

The two Immortal Lord exchanged a glance, and then one of them spoke: "We two have heard that the Immortal Court is cultivating outstanding Great Encompassing Golden Immortals. We wish to request a spot for prioritized cultivation."

"Impossible."

The Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape immediately pushed the treasure back, adopting a somewhat cold tone: "The resources the Immortal Court uses to cultivate outstanding Great Encompassing Golden Immortals are reserved for newly ascended Great Encompassing Golden Immortals."

"You two have been at the Great Encompassing realm for three thousand Kalpa Tribulations [immense cosmic cycles], yet your cultivation remains at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage. How does that have anything to do with the word 'outstanding'?"

The two Great Encompassing Immortal Lords flushed slightly, a mixture of shame and anger coloring their expressions.

They too had once been peerless prodigies of their generation. Yet, which being capable of breaking through to become a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal was not a true, heaven-defying genius?

Within the realm of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, they possessed no outstanding distinction, being merely ordinary and unremarkable. Without the attention and cultivation of others, advancing further naturally proved arduous.

By now, they had come to accept their mediocrity within the Great Encompassing Realm.

Even so, being mocked by a mere Celestial Immortal still provoked a surge of furious indignation within them.

One of them flicked his sleeve and spoke with a cold sneer, "If I am not considered a genius, then what exactly are you?"

The Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape was rather candid, lying flat on the soft couch. "This old monkey is just a good-for-nothing," he said, "I've long since given up and accepted my lot."

"I was just lucky to have followed the right person. Your Opportunity and Fortune [the combination of chance and destiny that shapes one's path] has run out, and your innate talent has reached its limit. Progressing further will likely be a thousand times more difficult."

"Hmph—"

The faces of the two Immortal Lord [a high-ranking immortal cultivator] paled. In the end, they flicked their sleeves and departed.

After the two had left, a figure draped in a long robe approached, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Well, well, if it isn't Lord Monkey. Quite the imposing figure you cut."

The moment the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape saw the man, he hurriedly rose to his feet, offering an ingratiating smile. "So it's Lord Varen Wei who has arrived! Allow me to massage your shoulders."

As he spoke, the Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape quickly stepped forward, his face a mask of playful obsequiousness as he moved to knead the newcomer's shoulders.

While massaging, he fawned, "Please, don't humble me like that. Before you, how could I possibly be called 'Lord'? I'm just a little monkey."

Varen Wei chuckled, allowing the ape to press a few times before finally asking, "Why didn't you agree to their proposal?"

"Hey, this little monkey isn't foolish,"

The Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape [a powerful demonic beast with command over wind, fire, and thunder] replied with a cheeky grin, its face full of mirth. "Isn't this good life I have now all thanks to that person's connection?"

"If I dared to use that person's name to act recklessly, I'm afraid this good life would come to an end."

"You hairy ape, you're not stupid after all."

Varen Wei couldn't help but chuckle at its shift from arrogance to deference. He then produced an imperial edict from his sleeve. "This is that person's decree. Prepare for Reincarnation [the process of being reborn into a new body to restart one's cultivation path] and to rebuild your foundation."

"This... this..."

The Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape took the edict, its hands trembling so much it could barely speak coherently.

It carefully stored the sacred document away, then knelt on the Earthly Path [a foundational cultivation method aligned with the element of earth], choked with emotion. "My lord bestows upon me such Opportunity and Fortune [a rare chance and stroke of destiny]. This humble monkey will surely live up to my lord's expectations."

Varen Wei smiled faintly and stood up. "Soon, the Great Emperor Ancient Ship [a legendary vessel of immense size and power] will set sail for the Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, perilous sea of primordial chaos at the edge of the known world]. Time is running short."

"Quickly settle your personal affairs. Leave no regrets behind. Once we depart the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a collective name for seven major regions in the southern reaches of the world], it will likely be a very, very long time before we can return."

"Understood, little monkey."

The Wind-Fire-Thunder Divine Ape rose and bowed to Varen Wei, saying, "Master Wei, you are an old friend of that one. When we reach the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, you must look after me a little."

"You impudent ape."

Varen Wei chuckled, stood up, rapped the creature on its head, and then hurriedly departed from the cave abode.

"…"

Meanwhile, Eldrin Chen had already arrived alone within the Grotto Abyss Heaven.

The Grotto Abyss Heaven within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain was the Path-Field [a realm cultivated and governed by a powerful Path Lord] of Cavernous Abyss Imperial Lord, the cultivation ground of Long River Path Lord.

In the past, before Eldrin Chen departed from the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, he would often visit Long River Path Lord to reminisce, sharing his heart and discussing the myriad difficulties he encountered.

Though Long River Path Lord could offer little practical aid, each time he would listen attentively, then advise Eldrin not to burden himself overly, to do his utmost in all matters, and to be at peace with his conscience.

Now, after the swift passage of several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years], Eldrin Chen returned once more to the Grotto Abyss Heaven, his heart filled with boundless emotion.

"You have come."

Long River Path Lord spoke slowly, seated before a stone table as he waited. Upon the table lay a Go board, unchanged from how it had been hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] ago.

Eldrin Chen approached and took a seat opposite Long River Path Lord, then picked up a stone and placed it on the board, beginning a game with the Path Lord.

"Your mind is troubled?"

Long River Path Lord placed a piece of his own, then inquired calmly.

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, made another move, and after a moment of contemplation, said, "Perhaps it is the length of my absence. Returning now, everything feels profoundly different."

"Seniors who once regarded me with utmost deference now seem... diminished. Many figures I once viewed as lofty and unapproachable now appear to be merely mortal."