Chapter 2065 : Clash of Forbidden Powers
Particularly Flame Soul Sage Ascendant [a powerful cultivator who has ascended to a sage-like state], who unleashed a Forbidden Divine Ability [a supreme technique with immense power and severe consequences] to confront the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon [a legendary dragon of immense power and malevolence] head-on. Not only is he now gravely wounded, but he also suffers from the backlash of the Forbidden Divine Ability, leaving him with merely thirty to forty percent of his original strength.
After a moment's observation, Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor [a supreme being on the cusp of attaining the rank of Emperor] realized this battle could not be continued.
With a furious roar, he Burst [released a sudden, overwhelming surge of power] with all his might once more, disregarding his injuries to unleash his full combat prowess, and forcefully carved a path through the encirclement.
As he departed, he turned his gaze back towards Eldrin Chen, his voice thundering with overwhelming Celestial Slaughter [an aura of divine, annihilating intent] as he roared, "Who are you, to dare ambush this venerable one?"
"This one is Returning Abyss [a title meaning 'One Who Returns to the Abyss']."
Eldrin Chen spoke slowly. Since the enmity was now absolute, there was little point in concealing his identity.
Moreover, with Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant [a sage who comprehends the principles of heaven and earth] present, deducing his identity would not be difficult for them.
Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor's expression turned icy and sinister. He finally left behind a parting threat: "Primordial Mire [a title meaning 'Primordial Mud' or 'Ancient Filth'], Returning Abyss, Spirit Emperor [a title meaning 'Emperor of Spirits']—this venerable one has noted today's grievance. Reckoning shall come in due time."
As his words faded, Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor had already broken through the Central [the core or heart of the] battlefield.
Seeing this, Flame Soul Sacred Venerable [a venerable one whose soul is akin to flame], Verdant Crane Sage Ascendant [a sage who has ascended with the grace of a verdant crane], and Myriad Stars Patriarch [the patriarch who commands the power of countless stars] all followed suit and withdrew.
Regarding this, Eldrin Chen did not give chase, for given the strength of the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor, even grievously wounded, he could still fight his way out by exacerbating his injuries.
Unless the Chaos Heavenly Emperor personally intervened, it was nearly impossible for anyone to suppress this Invincible Sage Ascendant.
Most crucially, Eldrin Chen still had to deal with the Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant and the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon, leaving little strength to spare against these other Sage Ascendant.
With this thought, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze back towards the Central heart of the battlefield.
He saw the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor already locked in fierce combat with the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon, while the Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant was momentarily stalled by the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor and the Primordial Qilin Patriarch.
"BOOM—"
Without hesitation, Eldrin Chen decisively struck, channeling the Chaos Heaven Halberd in a cleaving arc towards the Ancient One of Heaven and Earth.
The Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant, seeing Eldrin Chen's assault, abruptly paled. He instantly tore through the void and hurled the Heaven and Earth Cauldron [a legendary cauldron said to contain the essence of creation] towards his foe.
In that same instant, he fled in the opposite direction.
Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly. Seeing the Heaven and Earth Cauldron about to vanish, he hesitated for a mere breath before choosing to seize the Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant instead.
Almost simultaneously, the Heaven and Earth Cauldron tore through the void and vanished into the Boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all things originate].
"That one is truly decisive."
Eldrin Chen completely suppressed the Ancient One of Heaven and Earth, secretly storing him within the Chaos Void-Refining Vase, then gazed in the direction where the Heaven and Earth Cauldron had vanished, a flicker of regret coloring his expression.
This Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to a sage-like state, one step below a true sage] acted with ruthless decisiveness, willingly casting the Heaven and Earth Cauldron adrift, thereby robbing Eldrin Chen of the chance to complete the set of cauldrons.
Witnessing this, the nearby Qilin Sage Ascendant spoke up with a note of concern, "Allowing these sworn enemies to escape this time will likely sow the seeds for significant trouble in the future."
"We could not have held them."
Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh, his voice tinged with resignation as he replied.
In truth, it was not that he lacked the power to detain a few of them. By fully activating the Chaos Void-Refining Vase, restraining two or three of the Sage Ascendant would not have been overly difficult.
Yet, to do so would have meant revealing the existence of the Chaos Void-Refining Vase.
The Immortal Firmament Path Ancestor [a supreme progenitor of the immortal cultivation path] had left behind many foes in his wake, and a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a treasure forged from and attuned to primordial chaos] possessing Spatial Attribute [an innate affinity for manipulating space] was a treasure of inestimable value. Its exposure would undoubtedly draw the covetous gaze of certain Chaos Heavenly Emperor [supreme sovereigns who rule over realms of primordial chaos].
Eldrin Chen had already incurred the wrath of the Three Heavenly Emperors of the Demon Race; it was truly unwise to provoke further enmity from other Chaos Heavenly Emperors [supreme rulers who have mastered the primordial chaos].
It was precisely for this reason that Eldrin Chen chose to suppress the Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant, even at the cost of relinquishing the Heaven and Earth Cauldron.
Once merged, the Heaven and Earth Cauldron and the Creation Cauldron possessed the potential to recover into a Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a primordial artifact of immense power, ranking above ordinary chaos treasures].
Such a Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure was far too precious, its value eclipsing that of any ordinary Chaos Spiritual Artifact. If word of it were to spread, it would undoubtedly invite catastrophic calamity upon Eldrin Chen.
Fortunately, the Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant had never dared to reveal this secret to the outside world.
Had he dared to let this knowledge slip, he himself would have long since been suppressed by a Chaos Heavenly Emperor.
In truth, the shattering of the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron and its division into the Heaven and Earth Cauldron and the Creation Cauldron had always been the Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant's most closely guarded secret.
Throughout the vast and boundless chaos, no one could have imagined that the broken Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron would split into two separate Innate Supreme Treasures [primordial artifacts born from the chaos itself].
After all, logic dictated that if a Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure were to split, the result should at least be two Low-Grade Chaos Spiritual Artifacts.
Eldrin Chen only learned this secret because he had obtained the Creation Cauldron himself. Otherwise, he too would never have guessed that the Ancient One of Heaven and Earth's Heaven and Earth Cauldron was actually a fragment of the original Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron.
"Although we failed to secure the Heaven and Earth Cauldron [a legendary cauldron of immense power], suppressing the Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant has still resolved a significant hidden danger."
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Eldrin Chen allowed himself a slight sigh of relief.
While the loss of the Heaven and Earth Cauldron was regrettable, Eldrin Chen held the Creation Cauldron [a primordial artifact capable of creation and refinement]. As his cultivation deepened, he would inevitably be able to locate the Heaven and Earth Cauldron once more.
Furthermore, with the Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant now imprisoned, no one else knew the secret of the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron [the combined power of the Heaven and Earth and Creation Cauldrons], greatly enhancing Eldrin Chen's safety.
At this realization, a faint smile touched Eldrin Chen's lips.
He pushed aside his musings and swiftly turned his gaze to the heart of the battlefield. There, under the full-force suppression of the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, the severely wounded Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon [a monstrous dragon of legendary power] was being driven into continuous retreat.
Having sustained repeated grievous injuries, the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon retained barely thirty percent of its former might. It stood no chance against the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor.
Seeing this, Eldrin Chen addressed the Primordial Mire Path Master and the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor. "Fellow Daoists, please maintain vigilance on the periphery to prevent a sudden counterattack. Leave this Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon to us."
With those words, Eldrin Chen Burst [unleashed] his full combat prowess. Joining forces with the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, he moved to decisively subdue the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon.
The ensuing clash raged for an immeasurable span of time. In the end, the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon could hold out no longer. Under the combined assault of Eldrin Chen and the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, every one of its monstrous heads was severed.
With the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon slain, Eldrin Chen finally allowed himself a breath of relief.
He collected the demonic dragon's shed husk, then turned his gaze to the assembled group. "This battle has been arduous for all of you," he said.
"Our hardship pales in comparison to that of Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor and his companions," came the reply.
Primordial Mire Path Master stroked his long beard, a sigh coloring his expression.
At these words, smiles touched the faces of the others. Had Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant and his allies not spearheaded the assault, victory would likely have come at a far steeper price.
Reflecting on this, Primordial Era Spirit Emperor remarked with feeling, "It was a twist of fate that brought them to this Incomplete Primordial Chaos Secret Realm ahead of us."
Primordial Mire Path Master nodded in agreement. "Such is the variance of Fortune," he stated. "Had we arrived a few dozen Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] earlier, or a few dozen later, the Opportunity and Fortune of this place would most likely have been theirs."
As he spoke, Primordial Mire Path Master looked at Eldrin Chen with a wry smile. "Speaking of which, had you not chosen to enter seclusion for cultivation and instead rushed here a hundred Kalpa Tribulation ago..."
"...then the fate they met today could very well have been our Tribulation [a trial or calamity faced by cultivators]."
Eldrin Chen paused for a moment, a thoughtful expression flickering across his face.
Upon careful reflection, the timing of their arrival was indeed impeccable—neither too early nor too late, landing precisely in the window after the other party had entered but before the conflict had concluded.
Although the battle between figures like the Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant and the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon had raged for dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], this span was not particularly lengthy for beings at the Sage Ascendant level.
That they arrived precisely at this juncture could be described as having heaven-defying Opportunity and Fortune [a confluence of chance and favorable circumstances].
Had they come earlier, they likely would have become mere pawns for others; had they come later, this secret realm would have long since been picked clean.
"Is this the power of Fortune [favorable destiny], and of Merit [a metaphysical 'currency' representing good karma or virtuous deeds]?"
Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, understanding that this was likely an effect of the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a supreme, primordial energy of creation].
He cultivated the Primordial Chaos Scripture, and the more Primordial Chaos Violet Aura he accumulated within his body, the greater his Fortune became.
Furthermore, as a Path Ancestor, Eldrin Chen found his reservoir of Merit growing ever larger as the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method] he founded grew in strength and influence.
Now, Eldrin Chen had already condensed a single strand of Chaos Merit Golden Light [a divine radiance born from chaos and virtue]. Bolstered by this, his Fortune and Opportunity and Fortune far surpassed that of ordinary cultivators.
The combined power of Fortune [a measure of one's favorable destiny] and Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds] seems to have made this Opportunity and Fortune [a rare and pivotal chance for advancement] a matter of predestined fate.
In truth, Primordial Qilin Patriarch also surmised that it was due to Eldrin Chen's astonishing Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds] that they had encountered this Opportunity and Fortune [a rare and pivotal chance for advancement].
Thus, gazing at Eldrin Chen, he could not help but speak, "It seems this time, we have all basked in the reflected light of Fellow Cultivator Eldrin."
Primordial Era Spirit Emperor also smiled slightly, her beautiful eyes glinting as she said, "With your Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds] being so profound, Fellow Daoist, perhaps you can truly lead us to seize Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs]."
"You flatter me,"
Eldrin Chen shook his head, then turned his gaze towards the depths of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension suffused with primordial, unformed energies]. "Let us go and see."
So saying, he took the lead, striding forward to the Central region of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension suffused with primordial, unformed energies].
At the Central of this Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension suffused with primordial, unformed energies] stood a colossal Chaos [the state of primordial, undifferentiated existence] divine mountain. Within it, Primordial Chaos Energy [the raw, unformed energy of creation] churned and was exhaled, while countless strands of Great Path [the fundamental laws and principles of the cosmos] intertwined, forming a natural defensive grand formation.
Fortunately, no powerful beings remained within the divine mountain to command it. After expending some time and effort, they managed to open the Chaos Grand Formation [a formidable defensive array woven from the raw power of primordial chaos].
Once the grand formation was breached, the group stepped into the heart of the divine mountain. A look of pleasant surprise could not help but dawn upon their faces.
"A complete Primordial One Mysterious Gold Vein [a primary vein of the primordial metal known as Mysterious Gold]."
Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor spoke, a flicker of astonishment coloring his expression.
Primordial One Mysterious Gold is a superior grade of Primordial One Marvel [a category of spiritual materials born from the primordial chaos]. The value of such an intact Chaos Mysterious Gold [the highest grade of Mysterious Gold, refined by chaos] ore vein is nearly incalculable.
According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, if all this Primordial One Mysterious Gold were mined and refined, it would be sufficient to forge tens of thousands of Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the pinnacle grade of treasures born from nature, possessing immense power].
Furthermore, within this Primordial One Mysterious Gold Vein, there was no shortage of superior-grade Primordial One Mysterious Gold, a supplementary material of great significance even for the advancement of an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the fundamental laws of heaven and earth].
With this thought, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate. He immediately strode into the depths of the Primordial One Mysterious Gold Vein and finally discovered three pieces of Chaos Mysterious Gold that pulsed and breathed with Primordial Chaos Energy [the fundamental, undifferentiated energy from which all creation emerged].
"Chaos Mysterious Gold."
Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, an irrepressible glint of delight appearing in his eyes.
Chaos Mysterious Gold is a Chaos Rare Treasure [an exceedingly rare material tempered and perfected within the primordial chaos], its value slightly surpassing even that of an Innate Supreme Treasure.
It is said that for a metal-attribute Innate Supreme Treasure attempting to ascend to a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [an artifact forged from and embodying the power of primordial chaos], incorporating this material can increase the chance of a successful breakthrough by approximately ten percent.
"A fine treasure indeed."
Eldrin Chen stowed it away for the moment, then spoke, "Let us first proceed to the heart of the divine mountain."
"Agreed."
The group nodded and immediately made their way to the mountain's core.
Upon reaching the Central of the divine mountain, Eldrin Chen discovered that it was, in fact, a vast Chaos Spring Eye [a primordial font where chaotic energies converge and condense].
"A Chaos Spring Eye."
Eldrin Chen murmured, a flicker of desire igniting in his gaze.
Within that Chaos Spring Eye, an incredibly dense Chaos Divine Liquid [a primordial fluid of immense spiritual potency] churned. At its very heart, suspended in majesty, floated a wisp of supreme Chaos Mist [the primordial essence from which all creation is said to have emerged].
"Chaos Genesis Energy!"
The moment his eyes fell upon that wisp of Chaos Mist, Primordial Mire Path Master was overcome with a look of unbridled ecstasy.
Primordial Era Spirit Emperor [the ancient sovereign of spiritual beings] felt a surge of joy in his heart, which was soon followed by a flicker of dimness in his eyes.
"There truly is Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs]," he murmured, a note of regret coloring his voice. "Yet, alas, there is only a single strand."
Eldrin Chen spoke softly, a tinge of disappointment evident on his face, but he quickly suppressed the thought.
Typically, within a Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension born from the primordial chaos], between one and nine strands of Chaos Genesis Energy would coalesce, depending on the realm's size.
This place was merely an Incomplete Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a flawed or nascent dimension of primordial chaos]. To find even one strand of Chaos Genesis Energy here was a sign that their Opportunity and Fortune [karmic luck and destiny] was indeed favorable.
With this in mind, Eldrin Chen gently lifted the strand of Chaos Genesis Energy and presented it to Primordial Mire Path Master [the master of the Primordial Mire cultivation path]. "My congratulations, Fellow Daoist Primordial Mire," he said. "You have obtained the Opportunity and Fortune to forge your own path."
Primordial Mire Path Master could scarcely contain his excitement. He drew a deep, steadying breath, forcing his turbulent emotions to settle before accepting the Chaos Genesis Energy. His gaze then turned to the other three Mortal Path [cultivation arts focused on the mortal realm] cultivators present.
"Have no fear, fellow cultivators," he declared, his voice firm with resolve. "If this old man succeeds in proving his path and ascends to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [the sovereign title of a Chaos Path Emperor], I shall surely lend you my aid in your own endeavors."
Primordial Era Spirit Emperor gave a slow, understanding nod, a smile gracing his lips. "We have waited for over a million Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration]," he said calmly. "A little longer is of no consequence."
Seeing this, Eldrin Chen proceeded to gather the remaining treasures from within the Chaos Spring Eye [the eye of a chaotic spiritual spring].
Within this Chaos Spring Eye [a primordial spring of chaos energy], aside from the Chaos Genesis Energy [the foundational energy of creation from the primordial chaos], there were also three incredibly valuable Chaos Rare Treasure [objects of immense power born from the primordial chaos], twelve portions of Chaos Origin [the purest essence of primordial chaos], and over thirty thousand drops of Chaos Divine Liquid [a condensed liquid form of chaotic divine energy].
Among those three Chaos Rare Treasure, there was one Chaos Origin Pearl [a pearl containing the origin of chaos], one Chaos Origin Marrow [the marrow-like essence of chaos origin], and one piece of Chaos Fire Jade [a jade imbued with the chaotic essence of fire].
The Chaos Origin needs little explanation; it is a lower-value Chaos Rare Treasure. In the past, the Indestructibility Ancient One had also given Eldrin Chen a portion.
The Chaos Divine Liquid is the most basic grade of Chaos Rare Treasure and also the most commonly used cultivation resource for a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler who has mastered the Dao of Chaos]. A single drop is only worth one Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a top-tier magical treasure born from nature itself].
However, with over thirty thousand drops of Chaos Divine Liquid here, their combined value is enough to rival several Innate Supreme Treasure [the highest class of treasures, born with the world].
"Adding the Chaos Mysterious Gold [a mysterious metal forged in chaos], we now possess four valuable Chaos Rare Treasure," Eldrin Chen remarked after tallying the treasures.
Having finished inventorying the treasures, Eldrin Chen could not help but voice his thoughts.
Seeing this, the Primordial Mire Path Master [a master of the Path born from the primordial mire] hurriedly spoke up, "This old man has taken the Chaos Genesis Energy, securing an immense advantage. I shall not lay claim to the other treasures."
The other three nodded in agreement, offering no further comment.
Gazing upon the remaining treasures, the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor [an emperor of spirits from the primordial age] proposed, "With the Chaos Genesis Energy accounted for, let us divide the rest according to our contributions in battle. What say you?"
Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke up, "According to our prior agreement, should a Chaos Origin Pearl [a primordial treasure containing the essence of chaos] appear, it is to be given first to the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor. The rest of us are not to contest it."
With these words, Eldrin Chen handed the Chaos Origin Pearl over to the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor.
Receiving the Chaos Origin Pearl, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor was also filled with profound excitement. He drew a deep breath and declared, "Though the Chaos Origin Pearl is classified as a Chaos Rare Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos], its worth rivals that of a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [an artifact forged with chaotic spiritual power]."
"By taking this treasure, I have gained an immense advantage. I shall not claim any further share of the other spoils."
"Moreover, I owe you all a debt of honor. Should I succeed in cultivating the Chaos Divine Rune [a supreme divine technique born from chaos], I will aid you unconditionally on three separate occasions."
Upon hearing this, both Eldrin Chen and the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor nodded in agreement.
Once the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor mastered the Chaos Divine Rune, his combat prowess was certain to undergo a significant metamorphosis.
At that point, even if he could not yet challenge a Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler of a heavenly domain], he should be capable of facing five Top-Tier Sage Ascendant [cultivators at the pinnacle of the Sage Ascendant realm] single-handedly.
Having such a powerful Invincible Great Emperor [a Great Emperor whose power is considered unassailable] pledge his unconditional aid three times would be of immense benefit to their future paths toward enlightenment and Opportunity and Fortune [the confluence of chance and destiny that shapes a cultivator's journey].
Furthermore, given the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor's current latent potential, it was highly probable he would eventually break through to the realm of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who commands the fundamental power of chaos].
Considering this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and looked towards Primordial Era Spirit Emperor saying, "For the remainder, I shall take seventy percent, and you, Fellow Daoist, shall take thirty percent. What say you?"
"Agreed."
Primordial Era Spirit Emperor nodded. In truth, based on her contribution, she should likely only have received around twenty percent. To receive thirty percent was already a concession from Eldrin Chen.
Seeing Primordial Era Spirit Emperor's agreement, Eldrin Chen immediately proceeded to divide the remaining treasures.
After some discussion, the two cultivators reached a decision. In the end, Eldrin Chen took one piece of Chaos Fire Jade, the Chaos Mysterious Gold, nine portions of Chaos Origin [a primordial substance from which all things are derived], and twenty thousand drops of Chaos Divine Liquid [a divine liquid condensed from primordial chaos].
The remaining Chaos Origin Marrow [the refined essence of primordial origin], three portions of Chaos Origin, and ten thousand drops of Chaos Divine Liquid were all given to Primordial Era Spirit Emperor.
As for the carcass of the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon and the nine Innate Supreme Treasure [supreme treasures born from the world's natural laws], Eldrin Chen did not claim them all for himself either.
He took the complete set of Nine Dragon Treasures, while the body of the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon was allocated to Primordial Era Spirit Emperor.
Thus, both parties profited immensely, their harvests exceedingly bountiful.
After the treasures were divided, Eldrin Chen looked towards Primordial Mire Path Master and inquired, "Where does Fellow Daoist plan to undertake your breakthrough?"
Primordial Mire Path Master pondered for a moment before speaking, "I was originally prepared to attempt my breakthrough here once more. However, now that this location has been exposed, that plan is no longer feasible."
"It seems now, I have no choice but to return to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains and make my breakthrough within the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain."
Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement and said, "As the Heaven-Appointed Divine Sovereign [a ruler whose mandate is recognized by the heavens] of the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain, you naturally enjoy the protection of its Primordial Domain Heavenly Path [the fundamental laws and energies of that ancient realm]. Returning there for your breakthrough is indeed the more prudent course."
"However, when the time for your breakthrough comes, you will still need to manage relations with the Three Great Heavenly Courts."
Primordial Mire Path Master nodded firmly. "The Demon Race harbors an irreconcilable enmity towards me. I will certainly not seek their favor."
"The Human Race has maintained friendly relations with our Hundred Immortal Spirit Races for many years. I trust Fellow Daoist Great Abyss will undoubtedly lend me his aid."
"As for the Divine Clan, I can offer a personal favor as payment to secure their assistance. However, an intermediary will be needed to facilitate this arrangement."
Eldrin Chen nodded once more. "I share an Eternal Covenant with the two Great God Emperors, and our private rapport is quite good. Leave this matter to me to handle."
"Then I offer my sincere thanks."
A flicker of joy crossed Primordial Mire Path Master's features, and he could not help but grasp Eldrin Chen's hand in his own.
Eldrin Chen offered a light smile before speaking. "The bond between us is not shallow; there is no need for such formality."
"This is no place to linger. Let us first return to the Primordial Immortal Domain [the foundational realm of the immortals]."
All three nodded in agreement. Without delay, they departed from the Incomplete Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a perilous, half-formed realm of primordial energies] and set their course for the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [the seven great territories of the Southern Abyss].
For the return journey, the four of them made no attempt to conceal their presence. They traveled swiftly and directly together toward the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, reaching the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain [the primordial domain encompassing the three celestial poles] in the span of a mere few Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of creation and destruction].
Upon their return to the Primordial Immortal Domain, the group escorted Primordial Mire Path Master back to the Qilin Ancient Domain [the ancient homeland of the Qilin, creatures of auspicious omen].
Before parting, Eldrin Chen inquired of Primordial Mire Path Master, "Fellow Daoist, when do you anticipate beginning your breakthrough?"
Primordial Mire Path Master pondered for a moment, his expression turning solemn. "I require further preparations. What of one hundred Kalpa Tribulation from now?"
Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. "Then I shall first make contact with the two Great God Emperors [powerful sovereigns who have ascended to the Great God realm]. If they are willing to assist, you can then dispatch an avatar to discuss the details with them personally."