Chapter 2069 : Clash of Divine Forms and Despair

In that fleeting instant, the Eight True Spirit Divine Forms [eight supreme manifestations of divine power] soared into the sky, transforming into ultimate divine forms that surged forth with overwhelming might. As the Obsidian Abyss Imperial Spear [a peerless spear forged from the essence of the primordial abyss] pierced through the fabric of space, it aimed directly for the chest of the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor.

"No—!"

In that very moment, the expression of the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor twisted into one of utter shock and alarm.

He desperately channeled his power into his war spear to parry, yet the impact still sent him hurtling backward, blood spraying from his mouth. An uncountable number of his divine bones shattered from the force.

"Gah—!"

After that brief, bloody exchange, the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor planted his war spear to steady himself. Turning his gaze back towards the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, his face could not conceal a flicker of profound dread.

He saw eight majestic True Spirit Divine Form [incarnations of primordial divine power] undulating around the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor. Among these eight divine forms were the Primordial Era Thunder Crow [an ancient avian beast born from the first thunder], the Nine Heavens Thunder Spear [a spear forged from heavenly lightning], and the Colossal Chaos Fiend [a titanic entity born from primordial disorder].

These True Spirit Divine Form pulsed with power, each one exuding a wisp of ultimate aura [a presence that signifies the pinnacle of a power's potential] that seemed to transcend a certain fundamental limit.

"This... this is the power of a Half-Step Ultimate Divine Form [a divine form on the very cusp of achieving its ultimate, perfected state]! Have you... have you mastered the Chaos Divine Rune [the supreme rune governing primordial chaos]?"

"Impossible. This cannot be!"

Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor let out a roar of utter despair, his face etched with disbelief.

The Ultimate Divine Rune represents the highest aspiration of the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification. For any practitioner of Fleshly Body Sanctification, successfully cultivating a single Ultimate Divine Rune is a feat worthy of immense pride.

Once one uses this to forge the unique Chaos Divine Form, they will be qualified to dominate the Heavenly Emperor Realm within the Chaos [the primordial state of existence before order].

Since ancient times, among those who walk the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification, the few who have managed to step into the Second Chaos Realm have almost invariably cultivated at least one Ultimate Divine Form.

It must be understood that within the Vast and Boundless Chaos, the Third Chaos Realm is virtually a legend.

Those capable of entering the domain of the 'Primordial Chaos Limitless' are almost exclusively beings who existed at the very moment of the Primordial Chaos Unfolding [the initial separation of order from chaos].

Throughout the countless millions of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] since the Primordial Era, scarcely any new Third Chaos Realm power has emerged.

This means that for any newly ascended Chaos Heavenly Emperor who arose after the Primordial Chaos Unfolding, no matter how prodigious their talent, their ultimate destination can only be the Second Chaos Realm.

This is the final horizon reachable by the myriad beings of the Vast and Boundless Chaos, the absolute limit of power in this current Chaos era.

Since Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor has already cultivated an Ultimate Divine Rune, he possesses, in theory, the qualification to touch this ultimate frontier of the Second Chaos Realm.

This single point alone grants him potential that surpasses Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor by a thousandfold.

It must be understood that within the dozens of Chaos Domain centered around the Blazing Central Chaos Domain, there are at least several hundred Chaos Heavenly Emperor. Yet, among them, only one has ever reached the Second Chaos Realm and attained the state of Path Union Supreme.

Having cultivated the Chaos Divine Rune, the potential of Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor is now on a completely different plane, utterly incomparable to what it was before.

"Hah—"

Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor let out a cold laugh, his expression calm as he spoke, "Today, I shall let you all witness the true power of the Chaos Divine Rune."

As his words fell, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor unleashed his full power Burst, his combat prowess soaring to a level that nearly transcended the limits of the Mortal Realm.

Alone, he faced seven Sage Ascendant, a group that even included the Limitless Sage Ascendant and Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor. Yet, he completely overwhelmed them, pummeling the seven Sage Ascendant with sheer force.

The might he displayed was truly awe-inspiring, enough to shake heaven and earth and move gods to tears. Even Eldrin Chen could not help but marvel at the sight.

"His strength has already far surpassed my own,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, finally grasping the true extent of Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor's formidable power.

It must be understood that Eldrin Chen relying solely on his physical body's strength was only at the level of a Top-Tier Sage Ascendant. The reason he possessed combat power comparable to an Invincible Sage Ascendant was due to the Sacrificial Self Path and the empowerment of his seven True Spirit Foundation.

Yet, even with the combined support of his entire foundational cultivation, without employing the Returning Abyss Seal, Eldrin Chen's combat power was merely on par with a Limitless Sage Ascendant who commanded twelve Great Path Divine Form.

In stark contrast, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, relying solely on his physical might, could rival a Limitless Sage Ascendant commanding twenty-four Great Path Divine Form. The disparity in their power was already profoundly vast.

The reason for this lay in the fact that Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor had cultivated nine True Spirit Divine Runes, and his physical body realm was also one full stage higher than Eldrin Chen's.

Most crucially, his eight True Spirit Divine Form had all been amplified and empowered by the Chaos Divine Form, elevating them to the half-step Chaos Divine Form domain.

Whereas Eldrin Chen had only five of his True Spirit Divine Form receiving such empowerment. The gap between them was, therefore, naturally significant.

According to Eldrin Chen's own estimation, once his physical body broke through to the Great Emperor Realm, his physical combat power would be comparable to a Limitless Sage Ascendant commanding twelve Great Path Divine Form.

If he then succeeded in cultivating the True Spirit Divine Runes, his physical combat power would advance further, rivaling a Sage Ascendant commanding eighteen Great Path Divine Form.

Only at that point, with the addition of the Sacrificial Self Path and his various True Spirit Foundation, would Eldrin Chen's overall strength surpass that of Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor.

"The Invincible Sage Ascendant is also known as the Limitless Sage Ascendant."

"This domain [a conceptual sphere of cultivation attainment] has almost no limits; there are even Innate Great Path [a supreme cultivation art born from the primordial chaos] that contain seventy-two Great Path Divine Forms [manifestations of supreme divine power aligned with the fundamental laws of the cosmos]."

"If one were to master such a Limitless Great Path [a cultivation art representing the boundless and infinite], I fear that after fusing with Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs], one could break through to the Half-Step Third Chaos Realm [a demi-realm just below the Third Chaos Realm] in the span of a single breath [a very brief moment]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, shaking his head slightly.

Such an Innate Great Path points directly to the Half-Step Third Realm; it would be cultivated by at least several Dao Fusion Sovereigns [supreme beings who have fused their being with the fundamental Dao] simultaneously, and would not lack for practitioners who have reached the Third Chaos Realm [the third major realm within the primordial chaos]. It could not possibly be held by a mere Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the preliminary stage of sagehood].

With this thought, Eldrin Chen withdrew his contemplation and turned his gaze once more to the battle raging above the Heavenly Vault [the celestial dome of the heavens].

He saw that the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme emperor associated with the dark abyss], relying on his own power, was practically driving the seven Sage Ascendants before him to flee like stray dogs.

Yet, at that very moment, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. Acting on reflex, he summoned the Returning Abyss Seal [a powerful seal artifact], manifesting a Chaos Great Cauldron [a massive cauldron forged from primordial chaos] that descended to shield the Seclusion Chamber [a chamber for secluded cultivation] where the Primordial Mire Path Master was located.

"*Clang!*"

Almost simultaneously, several beams of Slaughter [a divine ability embodying pure annihilation] light slammed against the Great Cauldron, all of them firmly blocked by the Great Cauldron's formidable defense.

Having parried this strike, Eldrin Chen flicked his sleeve, shattering the surrounding void and forcing several immensely powerful Great Path Divine Forms to reveal themselves.

Observing the formidable figures before him, Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow slightly.

"It is Heaven's Prison Sage Ascendant, Fallen Heaven Demon Venerable, Imperial Halberd Quasi-Emperor, and also Myriad Tribulations Divine Venerable."

The Primordial Era Spirit Emperor beside him, seeing this, immediately announced the honorific titles of these four individuals.

In an instant, Eldrin Chen recalled the information on these four. Among these four great Sage Ascendant [the realm just below the Path Ancestor], Heaven's Prison Sage Ascendant hailed from the Primordial Domain of Saint and Demon and was a Patriarch of the lineage of Heaven's Deduction Great Emperor.

Fallen Heaven Demon Venerable also originated from the Primordial Domain of Saint and Demon. It was said he was a fallen Mandate of Heaven Divine Sovereign who had transformed, and he too was a top-tier Sage Ascendant of the Demonic Path [the cultivation path focused on demonic arts and power].

Imperial Halberd Quasi-Emperor came from the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot. He was a damaged Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a treasure born from primordial chaos] who had reincarnated to cultivate anew, and his cultivation had already reached the pinnacle of the Sage Ascendant Realm.

As for that Myriad Tribulations Divine Venerable, he was the leader of the Five Sage Ascendants from the Primordial Domain of Myriad Gods, also a supreme Sage Ascendant.

These four supreme powerhouses, each only a single step away from the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor, sovereigns of vast cosmic domains], had clearly come for the Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs].

Thus, Eldrin Chen instantly understood the Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect] at play. A cold sneer touched his lips as he spoke, "Fellow Daoists, as esteemed Sage Ascendant of your generation, why not face me in an open battle?"

"Such skulking in the shadows seems rather unbecoming, does it not?"

"Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [a title for a supreme master of the profound and abyssal path]."

In an instant, those several Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to the penultimate stage before true sagehood] revealed icy expressions.

The Imperial Halberd Quasi-Emperor [a title for a supreme warrior on the cusp of emperorhood] spoke, his gaze frigid as he declared, "If you know what's good for you, step aside and clear the path."

"We will take the Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs] and leave without harming a single hair. Why exhaust yourself fighting for others?"

The Fallen Heaven Demon Venerable [a title for a mighty demon lord who defies the heavens] also cast a cold look at Eldrin Chen, his voice brimming with boundless killing intent. "Those who block my path shall perish, body and soul extinguished."

"Either let me take the Chaos Genesis Energy, or I will kill you first and then take it."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly, replying with calm composure, "There is only one strand of Chaos Genesis Energy, yet there are four of you. How will you divide it?"

The Myriad Tribulations Divine Venerable [a title for a divine being who has endured countless heavenly trials] glared, his face stern and voice cold. "How we divide it is our affair. Your interference is neither needed nor welcome."

Eldrin Chen shook his head and spoke again. "Perhaps you should discuss it amongst yourselves first. There is no hurry to act until you have reached an agreement."

"I see you are merely stalling for time."

Heaven's Prison Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator who has ascended to a sage-like state through immense tribulations] roared in fury, instantly commanding his myriad divine weapons to soar into the sky, bearing down upon Eldrin Chen with crushing force.

Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow slightly and sighed, "Alas, you have discovered me."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen instantly activated the grand formation. In that very moment, the Returning Abyss Seal [a supreme seal artifact embodying the power of the abyss] split apart, transforming into twelve distinct Innate Supreme Treasure [primordial treasures of ultimate power born from chaos].

These twelve Innate Supreme Treasure merged with the Qilin Ancient Domain [an ancient realm sacred to the mythical Qilin], coalescing into a single, formidable Twelve Celestial Stems Grand Formation [a grand defensive formation based on the twelve heavenly stems], which firmly enveloped and protected the Qilin Ancient Domain.

Not only that, but the overwhelming power of the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy and power for defense or attack] also trapped the four Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have reached the pinnacle just below true sagehood] within its confines.

It turned out that not long before, Eldrin Chen had used the Returning Abyss Pearl [a peerless pearl containing the essence of the primordial abyss] as the core, combined with the power of the Qilin Ancient Domain and a portion of Heavenly Path Authority [the authority to command the laws of the heavenly dao], to lay down this Chaos Grand Formation [a grand formation of immense power, drawing upon primordial chaos].

The might of the Returning Abyss Seal was originally comparable to a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [an artifact forged from and imbued with the power of primordial chaos]. Bolstered by the Formation, it was almost as if a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign emperor whose power originates from primordial chaos] was personally commanding it.

For a time, even with the combined strength of the four Sage Ascendant, it was exceedingly difficult to break through the formation's seal [the energy barrier created by the formation].

"Disaster!"

Seeing that they could not breach the seal [the energy barrier], the expressions of the four Sage Ascendant changed dramatically.

While resisting the grand formation with all their might, they simultaneously roared towards the Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all things emerged], "Fellow Daoists, if you do not act now, when will you ever?"

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly as he gazed into the Depths of Chaos [the innermost, most turbulent regions of the primordial Chaos].

There, he discovered over twenty Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to a state of profound wisdom and power, one step below a true Sage] materializing, their eyes gleaming with varying degrees of avarice.

"So many opportunists seeking to fish in troubled waters. Just how many did the Demon Race [a powerful and often malevolent faction of non-human cultivators] allow to slip through?"

Eldrin Chen's expression grew increasingly grave. Ever since the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor had fled, he had anticipated that many Sage Ascendant would come coveting what lay within.

Yet, for over thirty of them to arrive at once was truly an excessive, almost absurd, number.

One must remember, this was the heart of the Primordial Immortal Domain [an ancient and powerful realm of immortals]. Outsiders, especially Sage Ascendant, could not simply waltz in as they pleased.

For so many to gather here now likely meant the Demon Race Heavenly Court [the ruling celestial bureaucracy of the Demon Race], and perhaps even the three great Heavenly Emperor [supreme sovereigns who rule over vast heavenly domains], had exerted their influence to covertly usher them inside.

"The Demon Race's methods are as venomous as they are cunning. One truly cannot share a stage with such beings,"

Eldrin Chen muttered, his face turning cold. He could only focus his entire being on commanding the grand formation, its protective aura enveloping the Qilin Ancient Domain [an ancient realm associated with the mythical Qilin beast] to withstand the relentless assaults of these Sage Ascendant.

Simultaneously, the Sage Ascendants above the Heavenly Vault were nearly driven to madness. With overwhelming battle intent, they surged forward, seeking to breach the grand formation and plunder the Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative force from the dawn of existence].

Fortunately, the formation composed of twelve Innate Supreme Treasures possessed power far beyond the mundane. Even under the assault of dozens of Sage Ascendants, it remained utterly unshaken.

An immeasurable length of time seemed to pass. Then, Eldrin Chen suddenly sensed an aura of supreme Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state before creation] emanating from behind him.

Immediately after, the vast Sea of the Great Path [the metaphysical ocean representing the convergence of all cosmic laws] was torn asunder.

A supreme Great Path [a fundamental cosmic law or principle] soared from the cavern abode. It enveloped a strand of Chaos Genesis Energy, while nine Great Path Divine Forms [manifestations of cosmic laws] bloomed open like a celestial lotus.

Subsequently, that strand of Chaos Genesis Energy began to be slowly absorbed, bit by bit merging into the refinement process. It imbued the Great Path Divine Forms with a layer of Chaos Light [radiance born from primordial chaos].

Until a certain moment, the nine Great Path Divine Forms gradually fused together, ultimately transforming into a single Lotus Seed brimming with Chaos Primordial Breath [the first breath exhaled by chaos at the beginning of time].

"BOOM—"

In that instant, Primordial Mire Path Master soared into the air, merging as one with that Chaos Lotus Seed.

Immediately after, an indescribable, supreme aura Burst forth. Cloaked in boundless Immortal Radiance, Primordial Mire Path Master tore through the Sea of the Great Path and vanished into the endless Great Path Origin [the source from which all cosmic laws emanate].

No one knew how much time had passed. Amidst the endless interweaving of the Great Path Divine Chains, a figure clad in violet robes, a Primordial Era Divine Sovereign [a supreme deity from the dawn of creation], strolled forth from the Sea of the Great Path [the boundless ocean of cosmic laws and principles].

He manifested as a handsome youth, his bearing and grace peerless in their generation. His tall, straight frame was draped in the noble violet robes of a Divine Sovereign [a supreme deity].

Merely by standing there, he seemed to become the very Central [axis and center] of the entire world, like a Primordial Era Divine Sovereign gazing down upon the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] from the moment of Primordial Chaos Unfolding [the initial separation of order from chaos].

"He has broken through."

Within the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the infinite expanse of primordial formlessness], countless supreme beings murmured, a flicker of cold intent gleaming in their eyes.

Beyond the Primordial Immortal Domain [the original realm of the immortals], the six Divine Sovereign Heavenly Emperor [Emperors who are also Divine Sovereigns] ceased their war. From within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [the seven realms of the Southern Abyss], the various Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors who rule over Chaos] cast their gazes, some filled with worry, others with joy, and some remaining utterly calm.

Even from the Six Domains of the Northern Abyss [the six realms of the Northern Abyss], and from the vast, indistinct Sea of the Great Path, one gaze after another was directed towards him.

"We congratulate Fellow Daoist Primordial Mire [the Primordial Mire] on attaining the Chaos realm."

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Qilin [the Mythical Qilin Beast], on achieving the state of a Divine Sovereign."

"With Fellow Daoist stepping into the Realm of Chaos [the Chaos Realm], our Southern Abyss Seven Domains has gained another Sovereign [a being of supreme authority]."

"Fellow Daoist, you are actually a member of our Qilin Clan [a clan of mythical, auspicious beasts]. We should exchange insights more often in the future."

"Hahaha, the path of enlightenment is not a lonely one."

Following the breakthrough of the Primordial Qilin Ancestor, congratulations arrived from one supreme powerhouse after another within the Realm of Chaos [the primordial, formless realm that existed before creation].

Some of these well-wishers hailed from the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, while others came from within the vast expanse of the Primordial Chaos Great Path Sea [the boundless, primordial ocean of chaos and potential].

With the exception of a very few Chaos Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers of chaos realms] who held grudges against Primordial Mire Path Master, the overwhelming majority extended gestures of goodwill.

Most were merely observers, with no particular enmity toward Primordial Mire Path Master.

After all, the Primordial Qilin Ancestor had already succeeded in his breakthrough; there was no longer any possibility of preventing his ascension. To make an enemy of him now would be to court unnecessary strife.

Since there was no existing grievance, it was far wiser to seize the moment and forge a favorable connection.

They were all eternal existences, beings who had transcended the cycle of Reincarnation [the endless cycle of death and rebirth]. In the absence of conflict, forming friendships was a sensible course.

To all such individuals, Primordial Mire Path Master offered his thanks and congratulations. With a final cupped-fist salute, he then turned and returned to the front of the Qilin Ancient Domain.

Eldrin Chen regained his senses and found that the Sage Ascendant [a realm just below the Path Ancestor] who had obstructed his path had all fled. Many had even resorted to using Chaos Void-Rending Talisman [a powerful talisman that tears through the fabric of the Primordial Chaos to facilitate instantaneous escape].

He then stored away the Returning Abyss Seal and, cupping his hands in salute towards Primordial Mire Path Master, said, "Congratulations, Senior Primordial Mire. With your breakthrough into the Realm of Chaos [the supreme realm of a Path Ancestor], you now stand as a true master overlooking the grand board of the Sea of Chaos [the boundless, formless expanse from which all realms are born]."

Primordial Mire Path Master hurriedly helped Eldrin Chen up, his expression turning serious. "Given the friendship between us, such formalities are unnecessary," he stated firmly.

"From now on, let us interact as peers. Please, do not humble this old man any further."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile but said nothing more on the matter.

Seeing this, Primordial Mire Path Master turned to Primordial Era Spirit Emperor and Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor. "You have rendered me an immense service this time, and this old man has little worthy of repaying such a debt," he said.

"Please accept these strands of Primordial Chaos Great Path Origin [the foundational essence of a Great Path born from the Primordial Chaos, invaluable for cultivation and comprehension] as a token of my gratitude to the three of you."

As he spoke, Primordial Mire Path Master produced three wisps of the radiant Primordial Chaos Great Path Origin and presented them to Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor and Primordial Era Spirit Emperor.

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with understanding. This Primordial Chaos Great Path Origin was a reward bestowed by the Sea of the Great Path [the metaphysical source and embodiment of all cosmic laws and Daos] upon Primordial Mire Path Master for his contribution in perfecting the Primordial Chaos Great Path [his unique and supreme Dao] during his ascension to the Primordial Chaos Great Path realm.

Such a treasure was a priceless, top-tier Chaos Rare Treasure [an artifact of supreme rarity and power born from the Primordial Chaos]. With only nine strands in total, gifting three of them to the two demonstrated the profound regard Primordial Mire Path Master held for them.

After bestowing rewards upon the two, Primordial Mire Path Master led Eldrin Chen into the cave abode. With a grave expression, he then handed a mass of Primordial Source Energies [the foundational energies from which all things originate] to Eldrin Chen.

"This is..."

The moment he saw this mass of Primordial Source Energies, Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly as he spoke.

Primordial Mire Path Master nodded and then began to explain, "This is a Primordial Great Path Stone [a supreme treasure formed from the condensation of the Great Path's origin] nurtured within the Sea of the Great Path [the conceptual ocean from which the fundamental principles of existence flow]. I obtained it only through a stroke of Opportunity and Fortune [a confluence of chance and destiny]."

"It is formed from the condensation of boundless Great Path Origin [the fundamental source of all cosmic principles], possessing near-infinite profundity. Using this as a foundation, one can forge a supremely powerful Chaos Spiritual Artifact [an enchanted artifact of primordial chaos]."

Eldrin Chen's heart sank slightly, and a pensive look crossed his features.

The so-called Primordial Great Path Stone is a supreme treasure condensed from Great Path Origin, ranking among the highest tier of Chaos Rare Treasure [rare objects imbued with primordial chaos]. It is also a universal embryo.

With this Primordial Great Path Stone, Eldrin Chen could theoretically use it as an embryo, supplemented with Chaos Genesis Energy [the creative energy of primordial chaos] and Great Path Divine Rune [divine inscriptions containing the principles of the Great Path], to forge a Chaos Spiritual Artifact of any attribute.

For instance, if Eldrin Chen were to encounter a certain Opportunity and Fortune, he could use this embryo to forge a Chaos Spiritual Artifact possessing an Ultimate Attribute [a supreme and fundamental cosmic principle].

Chaos Spiritual Artifact with Ultimate Attribute refer to artifacts imbued with properties such as Oblivion [the principle of absolute annihilation], Space-Time [the fabric of reality itself], Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence], Destiny [the unalterable thread of fate], Tribulation [the power of heavenly retribution], or Karma [the law of cause and effect].

It must be understood that these Primordial Chaos Great Path-born Chaos Spiritual Artifact [supreme treasures forged from the essence of primordial chaos] are exceedingly rare, each possessing an ineffable and immense value.

"To cultivate my four Ultimate Divine Form [peerless divine transformations], I still require Chaos Spiritual Artifact of four specific attributes: Space-Time [the fundamental forces of space and time], Oblivion [the power of absolute annihilation and erasure], Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence], and Returning Abyss [the power of the ultimate abyss]."

"This item, therefore, is an absolute necessity for me."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his expression hardening with resolve.

Among these four types of Chaos Spiritual Artifact, those with the Chaos attribute are considered the most common.

Since all Chaos Spiritual Artifact possess some degree of Chaos essence, a standard Chaos Spiritual Artifact can serve as a substitute, provided its Chaos property reaches a sufficient level of purity.

As for a Chaos Spiritual Artifact with the Returning Abyss Attribute [the essence of the ultimate abyss], Eldrin Chen believed he could refine one using the power of the Returning Abyss Pearl [a pearl containing the essence of the ultimate abyss], though it would require both Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy of creation] and a suitable opportunity within a Primordial Domain [a realm of primordial essence] to grasp the Oblivion principle.

However, Chaos Spiritual Artifact imbued with the attributes of Space-Time or Oblivion are truly, profoundly rare.

A Chaos Spiritual Artifact possessing merely the Spatial Attribute [the property of spatial manipulation] is already an exceptionally uncommon treasure. How much more heaven-defying, then, would a Chaos Spiritual Artifact that simultaneously holds the dual attributes of Space-Time be?

And regarding a Chaos Spiritual Artifact with the Oblivion attribute, Eldrin Chen had only a faint idea and a thread of a clue, yet held not the slightest shred of certainty.

Now, with this Primordial Great Path Stone in hand, a thread of inspiration began to weave itself within the mind of Eldrin Chen.

"If this Primordial Great Path Stone were to absorb a sufficient amount of Space-Time Trace [fragments of temporal and spatial essence], and be further tempered with Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all things are born], could it be forged into a Chaos Supreme Treasure [a peerless artifact born of primordial chaos] imbued with Space-Time Attribute [the power to manipulate time and space]?"

"Or perhaps, if the Primordial Great Path Stone were to absorb enough Power of Oblivion [the annihilating force of absolute nothingness], or even directly inscribe upon itself the marks of the Oblivion Great Path [the supreme cultivation art of erasure], could it be refined into a supreme treasure of the Oblivion [the concept of absolute annihilation] attribute?"

Eldrin Chen murmured these thoughts softly to himself, a glimmer of understanding dawning in his eyes.

In that moment of clarity, certain enigmatic glimpses from his past seemed to unravel, revealing a sliver of their hidden truth.

Events within the Space-Time [the fabric of time and space] of the Future have not yet occurred; logically, if one foresees them, they should be alterable.

Yet, over the years, as Eldrin Chen navigated the upper reaches of his own River of Space-Time [the metaphysical river representing one's personal timeline], observing its entire course,

he was struck with a profound realization. That vision of a moth flying into the flame, it seemed to persist unaltered within the Future, never deviating by even the slightest thread.

Eldrin Chen knew with certainty: having seen this fate, he should not walk willingly to his doom.

What force, then, would compel him—knowing full well the futility of a moth charging into fire—to still choose a final, desperate confrontation with that Blade of Oblivion?

"To knowingly attempt the impossible—is it done with sufficient confidence, or is it a desperate grasp at a thread of hope as ephemeral as mist?"

"Or perhaps, the Future me faces unimaginable pressure, leaving no choice but to risk everything in a single gamble?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, before finally reining in his wandering thoughts.

He dared not speculate further. Involving that which cannot be named might invite unforeseen variables, bringing calamity not only upon his future self but upon his present one as well.