Chapter 2108 : A Pact Forged in Shadow

Hearing the words of the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor [a powerful demonic sovereign from a foreign dimension], Eldrin Chen fell into a deep silence.

In all fairness, the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor's proposal was immensely tempting. Combined with his formidable past reputation, it lent his words an air of credibility. Yet, not a single shred of desire for cooperation stirred within Eldrin Chen.

For Eldrin Chen understood with perfect clarity that in the merciless world of the Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all things originate], any partnership between parties of vastly unequal strength was inherently devoid of fairness.

Every being who had ascended to the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler who commands the fundamental forces of Chaos] was a peerless genius who wielded a Great Dao [a supreme, fundamental principle or law of existence]. Against such power, even a Great Dao Oath [a binding vow sworn upon the fundamental laws of reality] would be rendered meaningless.

Once the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor stepped into the Dao-Union Supreme [the supreme realm of unity with the fundamental Dao], whether he honored his promise or not would rest entirely on his own whim.

Not just Eldrin Chen, but even the other Chaos Celestial Emperor present—could any of them truly defy the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor then?

Most crucially, the final warning left to Eldrin Chen by Aurelius, the Imperial Scion on the verge of death had planted a seed of profound vigilance within him.

"Beware... the Devourer..."

A shiver, cold and primal, raced down Eldrin Chen's spine as the memory surfaced.

The Foreign Realm Demon Emperor was hailed as the foremost prodigy of the Blazing Zenith Hundred Domains [a vast region of one hundred realms], deemed the most likely to break through to Dao-Union Supreme. This reputation stemmed precisely from his mastery of the Devouring Great Dao [the supreme principle of Consumption, a law that allows one to assimilate and absorb all things].

All under heaven know that the Devouring Great Dao [the supreme principle of consumption and absorption] is profoundly mysterious, a paramount Boundless Great Dao [a limitless and all-encompassing supreme principle]. Yet, few truly comprehend the sheer magnitude of power this Great Dao [the supreme principle or path of cultivation] embodies.

From the instance where the Solar Celestial Emperor [the Celestial Emperor of the Sun] sought to devour Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, and from Three Souls Emperor Lord's attempt to use his authority to consume Eldrin Chen, one can glean insights.

It is evident that the Devouring Great Dao can consume another's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and essence of a cultivator], their cultivated power, even their Great Dao, and very likely, their very True Spirit Foundation [the foundational spiritual root of one's cultivation].

The Solar Celestial Emperor and Three Souls Emperor Lord merely borrowed fragments of the Devouring Great Dao's authority. How overwhelmingly powerful, then, must the Devouring Demon Emperor be, who commands its full dominion?

Eldrin Chen dared not fully estimate the extent of such power, yet a conjecture took root within his heart, a shadow upon his own Great Dao.

Even if the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor's Devouring Great Dao has its limits, consuming a Perfect Innate Great Dao [a supreme principle born perfect from the world's inception] should pose no obstacle.

In Eldrin Chen's calculations, a Primordial Great Dao [a supreme principle from the dawn of creation] of the Wuji [Boundless] level possesses the quality of Imperishable [Indestructible], while a Chaos Tier Great Dao represents an immutable law of reality. Both are nigh impossible to destroy or consume.

However, should the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor advance further, enabling his Devouring Great Dao to achieve Ascension [a breakthrough to a higher realm] into the Dao Union Realm [the realm of merging with the Dao], would it then gain the power to devour even Primordial Innate Great Dao [Innate Great Daos from the Primordial Era] or the Chaos Great Dao [the supreme principles born from Chaos itself]?

By that time, Eldrin Chen's own foundational cultivation—his "Path of Self-Sacrifice" [a cultivation path where one sacrifices oneself to achieve the Dao], with potential reaching the Third Chaos Realm—would undoubtedly become a treasure coveted by the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor.

"The commoner is blameless, yet his treasured jade becomes his crime." [A proverb meaning that possessing a valuable object without the power to protect it invites disaster.]

"Whether this Devouring Demon Emperor [a powerful demonic sovereign who consumes the essence of others] truly harbors the world's well-being in his heart or conceals some sinister design, I cannot entrust the control of my Destiny [a profound divine ability related to one's fate and fortune] to him."

Eldrin Chen's thoughts churned, and his gaze swept across the surroundings.

He realized that, almost imperceptibly, the ten great Vorgath [a title for powerful demonic lords] under the command of the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor [the sovereign emperor of a foreign, demonic realm] had already encircled him and his companions.

Clearly, if Eldrin Chen was unwilling to agree, the various Celestial Emperor [the supreme sovereigns of the heavens, a pinnacle cultivation realm] of the Foreign Realm [a realm foreign to the protagonist's own] would likely take action immediately.

Looking further at Cosmos Extreme Progenitor God [an ancient progenitor deity of cosmic power] and Grand Nirvana Divine Emperor [a divine emperor who has attained great nirvana], he saw hesitation etched on each of their faces. It was evident these Chaos Celestial Emperor [celestial emperors who embody or rule over primordial chaos] were now mired in doubt.

"Nearly half of the Southern Abyss Emperors [a coalition or group of emperors from the Southern Abyss] have already been swayed. Unless I can find proof to convince them, they may not intervene. Relying solely on the few we can trust will likely be insufficient to fight our way out."

"If I were to reveal my Space-Time Divine Form [a divine ability that manipulates the fabric of space and time], I could probably escape. But by doing so, venerable seniors like Grand Abyss [an ancient and profound entity] and Primordial Genesis [a cultivation art of primordial creation] would surely be suppressed."

"Even if I later break through to the Celestial Emperor realm, the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor will most likely have already Ascension [the act of ascending to a higher state of being or realm] to the Dao-Union Supreme [a supreme realm of unity with the Dao, the fundamental principle]. If he truly devours these various Celestial Emperor, it will likely be too late for me to return and make a difference, even if I do come back."

Eldrin Chen's mind raced, searching for a solution, and he seemed to gradually solidify a certain resolve.

It was at this moment that the Lunar Demon Sovereign [a demonic sovereign associated with lunar or yin powers], growing impatient, spoke coldly from the side: "Abyssal Dao Progenitor [a progenitor of the Dao associated with the abyss], whether you submit or not, you should give an answer."

Eldrin Chen's expression darkened slightly. He was just about to speak when he suddenly noticed the Chaos being pierced through, and a vortex slowly materializing.

Following this, a majestic, golden-hued figure gradually solidified and stepped forth, its gaze calm as it surveyed the assembled crowd.

"Blazing Zenith Supreme?"

In that instant, the expressions of everyone present changed drastically. Even the various Vorgath from the Foreign Realm [a realm beyond the known cosmos] paled visibly.

Only the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor [the sovereign ruler of the demonic forces from the Foreign Realm] remained composed, speaking in a placid tone, "There is no need for concern. What has arrived is merely an avatar."

"Obsidian Abyss, your schemes are truly masterful."

At that moment, the golden figure fully manifested and turned its serene gaze towards the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor, speaking these words.

The Foreign Realm Demon Emperor stood with hands clasped behind his back, a faint, composed smile on his lips. "It pales in comparison to the Supreme One's profound mastery of the Dao [the fundamental principle of creation and cultivation]. I can only resort to such underhanded calculations."

"Hmph—"

The Blazing Zenith Supreme [a title for a being of supreme power and authority] let out a cold snort before stating calmly, "I grant you permission to unify the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a vast and perilous region of the cosmos]. However, there are three conditions."

"Otherwise, today, even if I must shatter this avatar, I will intervene to obstruct your path to the Dao [the fundamental principle or path in Chinese philosophy]."

Foreign Realm Demon Emperor could not help but smile, then spoke calmly: "Your Supreme Highness may state your terms. If it is within my power, Obsidian Abyss will certainly do his utmost."

Blazing Zenith Supreme let out a derisive snort, then with a flick of his sleeve, gathered Blazing Zenith Ember, Azure Moon Empress, and Profound Desolation Celestial Emperor to his side.

He then declared: "First: Allow Blazing Zenith Ember to attain the Celestial Emperor [the supreme realm of a celestial sovereign] within the Three Poles Origin Domain."

Foreign Realm Demon Emperor nodded, immediately agreeing: "That is easily arranged."

Blazing Zenith Supreme gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze toward the Three Poles Origin Domain and said: "Second: Expel the Three Poles Origin Domain from the Heavenly Abyss Domains and cease all interference in its affairs."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone from the Three Poles Origin Domain changed drastically, especially those of Primordial Beginning Divine Emperor, Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor, and Sage-King of the Grand Abyss.

It was clear that Blazing Zenith Supreme's scheme was to devour the entire Three Poles Origin Domain.

Allowing Blazing Zenith Ember to achieve his breakthrough within the Three Poles Origin Domain was merely the first step in seizing the authority over that realm.

Yet, for Primordial Beginning Divine Emperor and the others, this was utterly unacceptable. The Three Poles Origin Domain was their home. If it were seized by Blazing Zenith Supreme, would they not all become homeless strays?

The Foreign Realm Demon Emperor [a powerful demonic ruler from a foreign dimension] was well aware of this fact. Yet, from the moment Blazing Zenith Ember [a powerful cultivator of the Blazing Zenith lineage] sought to make his breakthrough here, the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor had steeled his resolve. Thus, he spoke with calm finality, "Agreed."

"Good."

Blazing Zenith Supreme [the supreme patriarch of the Blazing Zenith lineage] offered a faint smile but remained silent. It was Blazing Zenith Ember beside him who spoke next: "The third condition: you must hand over Eldrin, the Abyssal Daoist [Eldrin Chen, the Daoist of the Abyss] to our Blazing Zenith Lineage [a powerful cultivation lineage]."

The Foreign Realm Demon Emperor's gaze turned icy, a flicker of cold intent surfacing within.

Seeing this, Blazing Zenith Ember pressed on: "That youth cultivates the Pure Yang Great Dao [the supreme path of Pure Yang energy]. He is my grandfather's Great Dao Adversary [a fated nemesis on the path of cultivation]. How can we allow him to break through to the Celestial Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm], or even the Dao Union Realm [the realm of union with the Dao]?"

The Foreign Realm Demon Emperor did not answer immediately. Instead, his eyes shifted to Eldrin Chen.

Noting this, the Grand Yin [the supreme principle of Yin, the passive, dark, and feminine force] Demon Emperor nearby turned to Eldrin Chen and said, "Since you have already pioneered your own Sacrificial Self Great Dao [a Great Dao path centered on self-sacrifice], why not relinquish your claim to the Authority of the Pure Yang Great Dao [the sovereign right to wield the power of the Pure Yang Dao]? This could spare us all a needless conflict."

Eldrin Chen fell silent. Finally, a cold, mocking smile touched his lips.

So this was the truth of it. In this Heavenly Abyss War [a great war], the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor had emerged utterly victorious, and Blazing Zenith Supreme had suffered no real loss. The only ones truly wounded were their own Three Poles Origin Domain [a primordial realm] and the Human Race [the collective of humanity].

"Surrendering the Pure Yang Great Dao is impossible."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his resolve finally crystallizing into the ultimate, desperate gamble.

In that very instant, over a dozen supremely powerful auras pressed down upon him. Among them were not only the ten Vorgath of the Foreign Realm [a hostile, otherworldly dimension], but also the avatar of Blazing Zenith Supreme and the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor.

"Junior, why struggle?"

Blazing Zenith Supreme spoke with chilling calm. With a single, contemptuous flip of his palm, he unleashed a crushing force, intent on utterly suppressing Eldrin Chen once and for all.

"BOOM—"

Yet, in that same fleeting moment, an overwhelmingly potent aura erupted from within the Three Poles Origin Domain [a primordial realm representing the unity of Heaven, Earth, and Man].

There, within the vast expanse of the Celestial Court [the heavenly palace and seat of divine authority], a figure clad in the Thunder Emperor Battle Armor stood defiant against the firmament. Bathed in a cataclysmic sea of Chaos Thunder Tribulation [a heavenly trial of primordial chaos lightning], he sought to breach the ineffable, supreme realm.

"Black Abyss Sage Ascendant!"

"Disaster! He seeks to ascend to the Celestial Emperor [the supreme sovereign realm, ruler of the heavens]!"

Instantly, the complexions of every Celestial Emperor present shifted, their expressions a mixture of shock, alarm, and a flicker of grim anticipation.

It turned out that after accumulating power through two hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth], Black Abyss Sage Ascendant had finally cultivated his foundation to its absolute limit, reaching the most critical juncture for impacting the Chaos Celestial Emperor [the supreme sovereign realm born from primordial chaos] realm.

"He must not be allowed to break through!"

Prison-Suppressing Demon Sovereign's expression changed drastically, and he immediately struck out to suppress Black Abyss Sage Ascendant.

At this moment, not only the assembled Celestial Emperor [supreme sovereigns who command the heavens] present, but even Blazing Zenith Supreme himself showed a flicker of alarm.

Black Abyss Sage Ascendant had attained his Dao through the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme cultivation method involving nine cosmic revolutions] and had forged a foundation as profound as the Chaos Divine Form [a divine physique born from primordial chaos]. Once he broke through to the Chaos Celestial Emperor realm, he would inevitably draw the attention of the lineage behind the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art.

Given the might of that lineage, even a casually dispatched elder coming to receive him would be a force Blazing Zenith Supreme could not hope to oppose. Therefore, they absolutely could not allow Black Abyss Sage Ascendant to succeed in his breakthrough.

Thus, in an instant, the gathered Chaos Celestial Emperor all took action. The various Vorgath of the Northern Abyss and the forces of the Blazing Zenith Lineage formed a rare, united front.

"Now is the time."

Yet, at that very same moment, Eldrin Chen suddenly Eruption [unleashed] an aura of supreme majesty, one that could shake the annals of history.

The Cosmos Sundial [a legendary artifact that measures the flow of cosmic time] materialized behind him, erupting with a power of ultimate supremacy. This force allowed Eldrin Chen to shatter the suppression bearing down upon him from all sides and cleave through the sealed, boundless Space-Time [the fabric of reality itself].

Before parting, Eldrin Chen cast his gaze toward the direction of the Three Poles Origin Domain.

"Do not look back."

Black Abyss Sage Ascendant roared, mustering the last vestiges of his strength to unleash an aura of unprecedented, supreme power.

There is no path of retreat when attempting a breakthrough to the Celestial Emperor realm.

He was charging to his death against the Celestial Emperor realm for one purpose only: to draw the attention of all present and carve out a chance for Eldrin Chen to escape.

In a daze, Eldrin Chen remembered that distant year, when he was defeated and fled the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea. Black Abyss Sage Ascendant had spoken those same words.

"Do not look back."

He had bequeathed his final thread of Vitality [the fundamental life force of a cultivator] to Eldrin. His last command was not a call for future vengeance, but an order: never to look back.

Given another chance, he would do the same again.

"No—!"

Eldrin Chen suddenly spoke, his gaze revealing an expression of unyielding resolve.

This time, he would absolutely not abandon Black Abyss Sage Ascendant. He would rather die than fail to find a sliver of Vitality [the fundamental life force] for him.

Tears glimmered in Eldrin Chen's eyes as he gave up the chance to escape using the Space-Time Divine Form [a divine ability allowing travel through space and time].

First, he imprinted the precise coordinates of this Space-Time node permanently within the Abyssal Seal [a powerful enchanted seal artifact]. Then, he fused all the Primordial Chaos Qi [the primordial, undifferentiated energy of creation] he had accumulated over the years into the Abyssal Seal.

Afterwards, Eldrin Chen struck with his full power, Eruption [unleashing] the most potent blow of his entire life.

"BOOM!"

The force of this strike was earth-shattering, capable of shaking the ages. It pierced through the vast, boundless River of Time and Space [the metaphysical flow of time and space], severing the deep, ancient currents of Space-Time.

Clad in snow-white robes, Eldrin Chen calmly stepped forward, ascending against the current of the River of Time and Space. His expression was composed, serene, and utterly resolute.

He traversed the boundless River of Time and Space, journeying toward the endlessly distant end of time.

Ten thousand years, one hundred thousand years, one Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years], one hundred Kalpa Tribulation, one thousand Kalpa Tribulation…

Eldrin Chen journeyed toward the source of Space-Time [the fundamental laws governing time and space], traversing a span of nearly two thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth] without even realizing the passage of time.

Then, at a certain moment, within the boundless expanse of the River of Time and Space [the metaphysical stream representing the flow of all events], Eldrin Chen beheld a figure clad in robes as white as snow.

That person's aura was merely at the Great Luo Realm [the pinnacle of cultivation before transcending mortality], and his form was shrouded in Chaos Mist [primordial, formless energy from the dawn of creation], yet he bore a countenance almost identical to his own.

"Myself, from the past."

"So it was like this."

Understanding dawned upon Eldrin Chen, and the doubts of bygone days finally scattered like mist before the sun.

Back then, upon witnessing this scene, the former Eldrin Chen could not fathom why his future self, Weilai [Future], would defy the River of Time and Space [the metaphysical stream representing the flow of all events] and ascend its currents, choosing to face the Immortal Cosmos Tribulation [the cataclysmic heavenly trial that reshapes the cosmos] even at the cost of his life.

Now, it was clear—all was bound by Karma [the universal law of cause and effect, where actions shape destiny].

The truth was, Eldrin Chen could have fled. He was not compelled to confront the Immortal Cosmos Tribulation [the cataclysmic heavenly trial that reshapes the cosmos]. Yet, his very nature and the integrity of his character rendered escape an impossibility.

If he were to turn away now, Black Abyss would face utter and irrevocable annihilation.

"Boom—"

In the fleeting span of a single thought, the vast and boundless River of Time and Space [the metaphysical continuum through which all events flow] was already pierced through.

Eldrin Chen traversed tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth] within the River of Time and Space, arriving, almost without realizing it, in an era of unimaginable antiquity, long before the time of Sugu.

Before him lay a weathered and ancient Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortal beings and profound laws]. It spanned across the Vast Chaotic Void [the primordial, formless expanse of chaos], serving as the central nexus for dozens of surrounding Origin Domain [the foundational realms from which all creation springs].

As Eldrin Chen continuously pierced through Space-Time [the fabric of reality itself], arriving before this ancient immortal realm from the era of Ancient Immortal, a strange and inexplicable sense of familiarity welled up within his heart.

"The Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain."

The thought surfaced in Eldrin Chen's mind, and he lifted his gaze towards the endless horizon of Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated matter and energy].

In that instant, the Vast Chaotic Void trembled. A war-blade, brimming with boundless Annihilation Power [a force capable of reducing all existence to nothingness], cleaved through the void, striking forth from the unfathomable Depths of Chaos.

"Hummm—"

A chorus of mournful wails echoed from within the boundless Immortal Domain.

The nine supreme beings joined forces, conjuring forth a Primordial Chaos Cauldron [a legendary cauldron forged from the essence of primordial chaos] to oppose the strike, marshaling every ounce of their power to resist. Yet, countless other Immortal [beings who have ascended to a state of eternal life and profound power] were utterly unable to react in time.

"BOOM—"

With a cataclysmic roar, the Primordial Chaos Cauldron was sent hurtling away. In its wake, the Nine Great Immortal Sages [nine supreme cultivators who had reached the pinnacle of immortal cultivation] were utterly annihilated, their forms scattering like dust. The vast Immortal Domain [a celestial realm inhabited by immortal beings] itself shattered with a deafening crash.

The residual force of the Annihilation Blade [a weapon of legend said to possess the power to erase existence itself] did not cease. It continued its inexorable path, cleaving through the void towards Eldrin Chen.

"The Annihilation Blade... So this is the Annihilation Power [the fundamental force of absolute obliteration, the antithesis of creation itself]?"

Yet, facing this annihilating strike, Eldrin Chen remained as calm and unshaken as a deep, still lake.

He retrieved the two Origin Great Dao Stone [mystical stones said to contain the primal imprints of the Great Dao, the fundamental laws of existence]. Within them, he perceived a faint trace now imprinted—a sliver of the Annihilation Power and a wisp of Abyssal Origin [the primordial essence from which the Abyss, a realm of profound darkness and potential, was born].

Entrusting the two stones to the safekeeping of the Abyssal Seal [a mystical seal imbued with the power to contain and command abyssal energies], Eldrin Chen then rose. He soared into the heavens, confronting head-on the supreme, lingering might of the Annihilation Blade.

"Now... let me witness for myself the true nature of the Annihilation Power."

"*Thud*—"

Eldrin Chen roared as he soared into the sky, unleashing the Eruption [a divine ability to erupt with immense power] with a force potent enough to suppress a Celestial Emperor [the sovereign ruler of the heavens, a pinnacle cultivation realm] and contend against the opposing might.

Yet, before the power of the Annihilation Blade, he possessed not the slightest shred of resistance. A surge of Annihilation Power [a destructive force capable of erasing existence] pierced straight through Eldrin Chen's physical body.

At this moment between life and death, Eldrin Chen remained utterly, preternaturally calm.

He refined a wisp of the invading Annihilation Power into the ninth, previously blank, divine rune within him. Simultaneously, he summoned his most formidable defensive measure—the Chaos Stubborn Iron.

The Chaos Stubborn Iron was a High-Grade Chaos Rare Treasure [a supremely rare material born from primordial chaos], fit for forging High-Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [top-tier enchanted artifacts of chaotic origin]. Its resilience was peerless within its grade.

But even this was far from sufficient against the residual might of the Annihilation Blade. The iron was sent flying, cleaved away in an instant.

The blade's lingering force continued its descent. It utterly annihilated Eldrin Chen's physical form into motes of Annihilation [complete and utter erasure from existence], and with a final, cruel stroke, split his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] clean in two.

At this critical juncture, the Abyssal Seal shot forth. It instantly absorbed one half of Eldrin Chen's sundered Primordial Spirit, then vanished into the raging torrents of Space-Time [the turbulent flows that constitute the fabric of reality].

The other half of his Primordial Spirit was scoured and extinguished by the boundless Annihilation Power, leaving only a remnant. This final fragment was then drawn into the half-formed Seed of the Soul Dao [a nascent embodiment of the profound Dao of the Soul].

Suddenly, the soul-seed erupted with infinite Dao-imbued light. Wrapping around Eldrin Chen's Unique Divine Form [his unique, divinely-empowered physical manifestation], the Chaos Cauldron, and the Chaos Stubborn Iron, it disappeared into the vast, boundless expanse of the River of Time and Space [the metaphysical confluence where all timelines and dimensions flow].

"Who dares to steal the authority of Annihilation?"

At the same moment, in the distant, unfathomable reaches of the Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence before the cosmos], an indescribable existence opened its eyes, a flicker of confusion passing through them.

It performed a brief divination, its fingers tracing unseen patterns, before speaking with grave solemnity. "It cannot be divined. Could it be one of the old ones plotting against me?"

As that nameless entity pondered, the two halves of Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] were swept away, vanishing into the currents of the River of Time and Space [the metaphysical river representing the flow of time and space].

The Abyssal Seal [a powerful enchanted seal artifact] was utterly lost. Wreathed in boundless violet Qi [the vital energy that flows through all living things], it transformed into a small Violet Seal and, carrying Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit, began to drift aimlessly through the River of Time and Space.

Meanwhile, the Seed of the Soul Dao [the embryonic essence of the fundamental principle of the Soul Dao] fused completely with the other half of Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit. Borne by the Seed of the Soul Dao, it continued its journey, swimming relentlessly *upstream* against the flow of the River of Time and Space.

Time lost all meaning. After traversing countless Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] of Space-Time [the fabric of space and time], Eldrin Chen arrived at what seemed to be the very source, the headwaters of the River of Time and Space.

It was an epoch of unimaginable antiquity. The Vast Chaotic Void [the boundless, formless expanse of primordial chaos] seemed as if newly born, and the fabric of Space-Time itself was saturated with thick, primordial Primordial Essence [the purest form of spiritual energy from the dawn of creation].

Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit was in a daze, its memories seemingly severed by the Annihilation Power [the power of absolute destruction], leaving no trace of its past. Finally, it descended into an ancient Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden realm born from the primordial chaos of creation].

Within this secret realm, the Seed of the Soul Dao, now the vessel for half a Primordial Spirit, floated alongside a piece of Chaos Stubborn Iron [an incredibly dense and resilient ore forged in primordial chaos]. Together, they drifted at the realm's heart, rhythmically inhaling and exhaling the boundless Primordial Essence that filled the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.

Unmeasured ages passed, and the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of Eldrin Chen radiated with a scorching, brilliant light. A single Primordial Ancient Scroll [an ancient enchanted scripture] absorbed the Primordial Chaos [the primeval, formless state before creation] Origin [the fundamental source of all things], and finally, seventy-two Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters [primordial symbols of chaos] flew forth from it.

Thirty-six of these Chaos Ancient Characters [ancient symbols of chaos] fused with Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit, nurturing the embryo of a Primordial Chaos Beginning [a destiny tied to the dawn of creation].

The other thirty-six Chaos Ancient Characters intertwined with Chaos Stubborn Iron [a primordial, unyielding metal], and sensing the power of the Unique True Form [a unique manifestation of one's true essence] and the Primordial Chaos Cauldron [a legendary cauldron forged in primordial chaos], they ultimately coalesced into a simple, archaic vessel with three legs and two handles.

Another immeasurable span of time passed, and from within the embryo emerged an indescribable existence. Born with a Supreme Constitution [a physique of unparalleled perfection], its cultivation was profound, rivaling the very act of creation itself.

This was the era of Primordial Chaos Opening [the fate of the world's beginning], a time when sentient beings bore no names.

It remembered no past, saw no Karma [the web of cause and effect] stretching into Weilai [the Future], and in its dreams felt itself incomplete, a fragment out of place in this age. Thus, it took Nameless as its Daoist title.

After Nameless came into the world, its companion treasure was born alongside it.

"I was born Nameless, a naive newborn," it spoke.

"You too are Nameless, yet to call you Nameless again would be unsuitable."

Nameless murmured softly, gazing at the ancient Chaos [the primeval, formless state] vessel before it. After a long, contemplative silence, it finally spoke: "You shall be called 'Ding' [a ritual cauldron]."