Chapter 2071 : The Primordial River Awakens

Eldrin Chen ceased his wandering thoughts and refocused his mind.

Seeing that the members of the Chen Clan had all received their Innate Supreme Treasure, he then bestowed upon them a batch of resources including Chaos Divine Liquid [a primordial liquid of immense spiritual and creative power], encouraging them to cultivate diligently before he himself embarked on a period of secluded cultivation.

In the years that followed, he cultivated in seclusion while simultaneously comprehending various profound arts. Time flowed on unceasingly, and before he knew it, more than twenty Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] had passed.

In this year, Eldrin Chen was eight hundred and twenty-three Kalpa Tribulation old, and the Primordial Era Soul River [the ancient, mythical river of souls from the dawn of time] finally opened as foretold.

When the Primordial Era Soul River opened, Eldrin Chen invited the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor and several top-tier Imperial Lord [a supreme rank among cultivators, rulers of vast domains] from the Human Race Immortal Court, along with the various Primordial One Imperial Lord [the foundational and most powerful stage for an Imperial Lord] of the Chen Clan, to gather at the river's edge.

Among these Imperial Lord were eight from the Chen Clan who had reached the Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage, as well as four Great Emperor [a sovereign rank above Imperial Lord]: Liana, Sword Mystery, Sword Abyss, and Immortality.

Also present were several Great Emperor from the Immortal Court, and over ten other powerful Primordial One Imperial Lord at the Late Stage, including the Grand Nether Imperial Lord.

"This place," Eldrin Chen declared, his voice carrying across the void, "is the Primordial Era Soul River."

Gazing upon the Primordial Era Soul River before him, a ripple of profound emotion stirred within Eldrin Chen's eyes.

There, amidst the endless void, an ethereal and shadowy river of souls stretched across the expanse of the Chaos Desolation Sea [a primordial sea of chaotic and desolate energies].

It emerged from the void and extended back into the void, its ends unseen by mortal eyes.

And surrounding the Primordial Era Soul River was an aura of indelible curses and hatred, a power that corroded the very soul, far more terrifying than the Desolation Power.

Recalling the origins of the Primordial Era Soul River, Eldrin Chen felt a profound wariness towards such malevolent power. He promptly cautioned the assembled Primordial One Imperial Lord of the Immortal Court.

"Legends say the Primordial Era Soul River has an extraordinary origin. It was formed from the fall of a supremely powerful Soul Path Heavenly Emperor who had reached the Half-Step Path Union Realm during the Primordial Era."

"This place is saturated with forbidden power. Even a Primordial One Imperial Lord faces the peril of falling here. When you enter later, remember to act within your limits."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions turned grave, not daring to show the slightest negligence.

At that very moment, Eldrin Chen noticed numerous powerful figures streaking through the distant skies. Among them were not only Primordial One Imperial Lord but also experts at the Sage Ascendant level.

"They arrived rather quickly,"

Eldrin Chen remarked, a trace of detached calm flickering in his gaze.

These were powerful figures from the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, including hundreds of Primordial One Imperial Lord and over twenty Sage Ascendant Patriarch.

It can be said that the vast majority of the top-tier powerhouses from the immense Southern Abyss Seven Domains have gathered here.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen immediately spoke up, "Once we enter, we must not only guard against the dangers within the Primordial Era Soul River, but you all must also be wary of these people."

"We understand," they replied.

The expressions of the various Immortal Court Imperial Lord grew solemn.

However, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor quietly sent a mental message to Eldrin Chen, speaking with gravity, "Those from the Southern Abyss Seven Domains might not resort to lethal measures."

"But with the opening of the Primordial Era Soul River, it's likely that powerful figures from other Chaos Domain will arrive."

"You must still exercise caution against those individuals."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this. The Nine Orifices Divine Stone was extraordinarily precious. Even though its appearance within the Primordial Era Soul River was exceedingly rare, it remained a supreme treasure for Sage Ascendant.

Moreover, Blazing Center Supreme had promised an exchange for Chaos Genesis Energy, which would undoubtedly attract many Sage Ascendant from beyond this domain.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen stated, "With our strength, even if foreign Sage Ascendant join forces against us, I believe we have little to fear."

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler of the demonic abyss] gave a slight nod, finding Eldrin Chen's words reasonable.

As the two conversed, Eldrin Chen noticed several other familiar figures arriving. Among them were the Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor [a title for a powerful cultivator on the cusp of true emperorhood] from the Divine Clan, as well as the three great Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivation realm just below the Path Ancestor level] of the Demon Race.

Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with the Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor and then swept his gaze over the three Sage Ascendant: Kunpeng [a mythical creature of immense size and power], Vermilion Bird [a divine firebird of the south], and Verdant Crow. He then spoke to the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor beside him.

"For the three great Sage Ascendant to appear together, it seems the Demon Race is determined to seize the Primordial Era Soul River [a legendary river of souls from the dawn of time] this time."

"Be cautious. I fear they may be colluding with Sage Ascendant from the Outer Realms."

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor spoke, a flicker of coldness gleaming in his eyes.

Eldrin Chen did not reply. Instead, he spent a long moment performing intricate hand-seals, attempting to divine the future. Yet, he found himself unable to pierce the veil of fate, and a cold glint surfaced in his own gaze.

With his current mastery of Celestial Mechanism [the art of divining fate and heavenly secrets] and Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power], if he still could not divine his own fortune, only two possibilities remained.

The first possibility was that the Primordial Era Soul River was simply too terrifying, possessing the power to obscure Celestial Mechanism and block all divination.

The second possibility was that an even more powerful Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler born from primordial chaos] had employed transcendent means to shroud the Celestial Mechanism.

"Whichever it may be, it is not good news."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, yet he harbored no worry.

He understood perfectly well how immensely his combat prowess had soared after forging the Great Emperor's Physique and condensing the nine True Spirit Divine Runes.

Strength is the greatest source of confidence. With his current transcendent power, Eldrin Chen felt no fear, even if the Demon Race had some scheme brewing.

As Eldrin Chen's thoughts drifted, the turbulent Primordial Era Soul River before him gradually calmed, and the overwhelmingly oppressive Soul Path curses [malevolent spiritual afflictions] surrounding them seemed to dissipate considerably.

"The Primordial Era Soul River has quieted. This is a rare chance to explore."

Instantly, the surrounding Primordial One Imperial Lords [powerful cultivators at the peak of the Imperial Lord realm] spoke up one after another, their faces alight with immense joy.

Immediately, a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the Sage realm] took the lead, charging into the Primordial Era Soul River in a flash.

Countless other powerful figures followed closely behind, flying into the vast and misty soul river.

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered as he surveyed the Primordial Era Soul River. "Let us enter as well," he declared.

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen swept his sleeves, and in that motion, he led the group through the Chaos [the primordial, formless void that existed before creation], arriving within the bounds of the Primordial Era Soul River [the legendary river of souls from the dawn of time].

The moment they arrived within the Primordial Era Soul River, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly.

He discovered that within the Primordial Era Soul River, an invisible force of Curse [a malevolent, supernatural affliction] was constantly eroding his physical body.

This power was profoundly strange, saturated with the essence of decay and corruption. It even seemed capable of hindering the recovery and the power of Rebirth [a supreme ability allowing a cultivator to reconstitute their form after death] in powerful beings.

"What a bizarre power,"

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his brow creasing further. "This force can continuously corrode a cultivator's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator], even preventing a powerful being from reviving and returning."

"If a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator who has unified their being into a singular, primordial state] were slain here, it is likely they would find it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to revive and return."

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler associated with a profound, dark abyss] also nodded in agreement, then added, "This power belongs to a certain supreme form of Curse. It can corrode the Primordial Spirit of the mighty."

"It cannot utterly annihilate the Primordial Spirit of a Primordial One Imperial Lord, but it can continuously erode it, keeping their Primordial Spirit perpetually in a state of weakened slumber."

"Therefore, anyone slain in this place loses all possibility of revival."

Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor [a cultivator on the verge of attaining the rank of Emperor], who knew a bit more, spoke up, "Legend has it that this curse power is but a mere wisp of residual might from a supreme curse."

"Its true power is like a Soul Devourer [a legendary insect that feeds on souls], constantly gnawing away at the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of that Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler who has mastered the path of the soul], preventing that Soul Path Heavenly Emperor's Primordial Spirit from ever fully reviving."

Eldrin Chen felt a tremor in his heart. This was an exceedingly dreadful curse. It could continuously siphon the spiritual soul power of its victim, using that energy to sustain its own existence.

And the cursed one, though their Primordial Spirit was constantly being replenished under the nourishment of their Great Path [their supreme cultivation method], was also being continuously drained. The very power being drained was then turned back to suppress them, locking them in a state from which they could not awaken.

Thus, a terrifying cycle was formed. The more the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor sought to Recovery [recover] their Primordial Spirit power, the stronger the curse's power would grow.

The stronger the curse grew, the further it would weaken the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor's Primordial Spirit.

It was precisely because the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor's Primordial Spirit was locked in this constant struggle with the curse that the Primordial Era Soul River [an ancient river of souls from the dawn of time] experienced periods of calm and periods of frenzy [violent, uncontrolled activity].

Each period of frenzy coincided with the time when the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor's Primordial Spirit was at its peak. The residual shockwaves from the clash between the two during that time were potent enough to slay even a Great Emperor [a supreme ruler], and not even a Sage Ascendant [a being who has ascended to the rank of Sage] would dare to provoke it lightly.

And when the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor's Primordial Spirit grew weak and entered a dormant state, the Primordial Era Soul River would fall into a rare period of tranquility. This was the reason others could now set foot within the Primordial Era Soul River.

"How vicious. How ingeniously crafted a curse."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his voice low. This curse clung to the very Great Path Origin [the foundational source of all cosmic principles], clearly the work of a Curse Great Path [a supreme master of the Dao of Malediction] from the Chaos Tier [the primordial realm of existence]. Moreover, it was not something any ordinary Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign ruler of the primordial chaos] could have accomplished.

A Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a supreme emperor who has mastered the Dao of the Soul], afflicted by such a profound Great Path [a supreme cultivation art], was condemned to slumber in a perpetual, mindless haze, fighting against it by instinct alone. What difference was there between that and true annihilation?

"What manner of supreme existence could reduce a Soul Path Heavenly Emperor of the Half-Step Path Union Realm [a realm just shy of perfect unification with the Dao] to an eternal slumber indistinguishable from death?"

A deep sense of dread settled within Eldrin Chen, his pupils narrowing with unprecedented gravity.

In that moment, his wariness towards the Curse Great Path soared to heights he had never before contemplated.

To think, an existence that by its very nature as a Chaos Heavenly Emperor should be unkillable, could be brought to such a wretched state by the mere power of a curse.

The supreme master who wielded this Curse Great Path was likely far more terrifying than even a Limitless Powerhouse [a being of boundless, immeasurable power] from the Third Chaos Realm [the third and profound stage of the primordial chaos].

"There is no need for excessive worry."

At that moment, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [the Great Emperor of the Darkest Depths] spoke abruptly. "If a powerful foe is slain here, their revival can be prevented."

"This may, for us, present an exceptional opportunity."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then with a flick of his sleeve, he summoned several dazzling divine stones from the Primordial Era Soul River [the legendary river of souls from the dawn of creation].

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler of profound darkness] took a glance and exclaimed with notable surprise, "The Six Orifices Divine Stone [a rare spiritual stone said to possess six natural apertures, enhancing soul perception]."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, his expression tinged with surprise. "The Six Orifices Divine Stone, which is exceedingly rare in the outside world, seems almost commonplace here," he remarked.

With that, Eldrin Chen waved his hand, instructing his companions to begin scouring the Primordial Era Soul River for its Rare Spiritual Wonders [precious objects imbued with potent spiritual energy].

Within the Primordial Era Soul River lay countless Rare Spiritual Wonders. Eldrin Chen observed that the vast majority were treasures that fortified the Primordial Spirit [the foundational spiritual core of a cultivator, the seat of consciousness and power].

There was Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid [a precious elixir that gently strengthens the soul], there was Soul-Refiner Divine Jade, and various types of Nine Orifices Divine Stone [an even rarer variant of divine stone with nine apertures]—all were invaluable Primordial Spirit Rare Spiritual Wonders.

After leading the group in their search for a time, Eldrin Chen gained a sudden insight. "Most of these Chaos Rare Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos at the beginning of time] seem to have been washed down from the upper reaches of the Primordial Era Soul River," he stated.

"It appears the true treasures lie upstream," he concluded.

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor nodded in agreement, yet his expression turned grave. "The further upstream we venture, the more perilous the Primordial Era Soul River becomes," he warned.

Eldrin Chen acknowledged this with another nod. The curse-laden power of the Primordial Era Soul River grew increasingly potent the closer one drew to its source.

Since ancient times, each opening of the Primordial Era Soul River [a legendary river of souls flowing from the dawn of time] has seen ordinary Primordial One Imperial Lords [cultivators who have unified their Primordial Spirit, Soul, and Body into a single, supreme entity] only daring to scavenge along its fringes, never venturing into its depths.

For to perish within the deep reaches of the Primordial Era Soul River is to risk one's very essence; even a Primordial One Imperial Lord might struggle to withstand the corrosive erosion of the Curse Residual Power [the lingering, malignant energy of ancient curses that permeates the river].

Only powerhouses at the Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage [the advanced phase of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm] would dare, and even then only barely, to set foot within the regions of the Middle and Lower Reaches.

Those bold enough to journey to the upper reaches, let alone seek the very source of the Primordial Era Soul River, were figures of at least Great Emperor Realm [the realm of supreme monarchs who command laws and shape domains] strength—the paramount powerhouses of their age.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen instructed Exquisite Jiang and the other disciples of the Mortal Path [a profound cultivation method focused on comprehending the mortal world to transcend it]: "Proceed according to your strength. Explore only the Middle and Lower Reaches. Do not, unless absolutely necessary, venture toward the upper reaches."

Upon hearing his words, everyone nodded, their expressions tinged with a newfound gravity.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen bestowed upon each member of the Immortal Court [the supreme governing body of immortal cultivators in this region] a Protective Talisman of his own crafting. These talismans could, to a degree, resist the curse's erosion, offering sufficient protection within the Middle and Lower Reaches.

With this done, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate. He immediately set off toward the upper reaches of the Primordial Era Soul River alongside Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor and Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor.

They traversed the Chaos [the formless, primordial state from which all things emerged], and before they knew it, arrived at the middle reaches of the Primordial Era Soul River.

Here, numerous Primordial One Tier Divine Soul Rare Treasures [objects of immense spiritual power, suitable for Primordial One Imperial Lords] had begun to appear, and even treasures of the caliber of Seven-Aperture Divine Stones [legendary stones with seven natural orifices, said to contain condensed heavenly essence] could be found.

Eldrin Chen did not conduct an exhaustive search; he merely gathered what was readily available, yet still acquired a considerable number of Primordial One Marvel [a rare spiritual treasure of immense value], along with several hundred Nine Orifices Divine Stone [divine stones with nine natural orifices, prized for cultivation] of varying grades.

Unfortunately, these resources were of little use to Eldrin Chen. Therefore, he did not linger further but continued his advance, arriving almost imperceptibly at the upper reaches of the river.

"The power of the curse here is formidable," he noted.

Sensing the curse energy in this place, the expression of Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor shifted slightly, becoming tinged with gravity.

Beside him, Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor grew visibly pale, stating with utmost caution, "The curse power in the upper reaches is already terrifyingly potent."

"If our physical bodies were destroyed here, we would likely incur a most dreadful curse."

"Even if we managed to escape, it would demand a monumental price to have any hope of refining and dispelling such a curse."

Eldrin Chen focused his senses briefly. He discovered that under the refining power of his Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique of unyielding resilience], the curse energy dissipated into nothingness the moment it touched him, posing no significant threat.

"The curse here should be incapable of harming me," he concluded.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen arrived at a precise and certain understanding.

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor nearby, seeing this, also said to Eldrin Chen, "My Chaos Divine Rune offers considerable resistance to curses, hence I am largely unaffected."

Eldrin Chen nodded, offering no further words.

The Primordial Era Soul River was vast and boundless. As they combed through its upper reaches, they surprisingly gathered a significant number of Upper Grade Primordial One Spiritual Treasure, even finding several Eight Apertures Divine Stone among them.

These treasures held little interest for Eldrin Chen and the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, yet the Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor regarded them with notable appreciation.

Observing this, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor spoke, "Fellow Daoist Desolate Heaven, we intend to venture to the source of the Primordial Era Soul River. Will you accompany us on this path?"

Upon hearing this, the Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor's expression shifted subtly. After a moment, he replied with a wry smile, "The source of the Primordial Era Soul River is far too perilous, its curse power overwhelmingly potent."

"Without strength at the Top-Tier Sage Ascendant level, one who falls there may never find their way back."

"My cultivation is insufficient; I shall not risk such a venture."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then clasped his hands in a respectful salute. "Since that is your decision, we shall not impose further."

With those words, the two of them set off without delay, their path leading toward the distant source of the Primordial Era Soul River.

The higher they ascended, the more terrifying the curse power of the Primordial Era Soul River [the ancient river of souls from the dawn of time] became. Most critically, Eldrin Chen also discovered that the scouring force of the Primordial Era Soul River grew increasingly astonishing.

They journeyed for an unknowable length of time, finally nearing the source of the Primordial Era Soul River.

But at that very moment, Eldrin Chen's gaze turned icy as he discerned, amidst the vast expanse at the end of the Primordial Era Soul River, twelve figures of peerless grace and majesty standing tall.

"The Three Saints of the Demon Race, Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor, Verdant Crane Sage Ascendant, Myriad Stars Patriarch, Flame Soul Sage Ascendant."

Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor spoke slowly, then turned his gaze to several unfamiliar figures and asked, "And from which Chaos Domain [a primordial realm of swirling, unformed energies] do the remaining five fellow Daoists hail?"

The several Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to a state of profound wisdom and power, one step below a true Sage] did not answer. Instead, they simultaneously activated a Formation [a complex array or formation used to channel energy and manipulate space] to seal the void.

After completing this step, the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor smiled coldly and declared with an icy tone, "To die under the combined assault of the twelve of us is a fortune you two can count across three lifetimes."

"A pack of defeated curs, still daring to boast so shamelessly?"

Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor made his move, summoning the Obsidian Abyss Imperial Spear to soar into the air as he launched a crushing assault towards the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor.

But in that instant, two figures shot forth from beside the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor.

Of the two figures, one bore horns upon his head and was clad in Thunderclap Battle Armor [a legendary suit of armor that resonates with the power of thunder], his aura far surpassing that of a peak Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm of cultivation just below the legendary Sage Ascendant level].

The other rode upon a Heavenly Blade [a divine weapon of immense sharpness and power], his body a mass of corded muscle, an exceptionally imposing man.

In that instant, the two figures each summoned nine True Spirit Divine Form [a supreme manifestation of one's spiritual essence and power, taking the form of a divine avatar] and soared into the sky, clashing with Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor in a startling collision.

After the momentary impact, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor took a step back, his expression shifting slightly as he said, "Two Limitless Sage Ascendant [Sage Ascendants who have reached the pinnacle of their realm, touching upon the boundless]. I did not expect you to find such formidable allies."

"This one is Primordial Heaven Sacred Venerable."

Verdant Crow Sage Ascendant spoke with a smile, introducing the Sage Ascendant clad in Thunderclap Battle Armor: "Primordial Heaven Sacred Venerable is the youngest son of Kui Ox Heavenly Emperor, and he too walks the path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation art focused on refining the physical body to an indestructible, divine state]."

"He has now cultivated nine True Spirit Divine Form, and his combat prowess has long since stepped into the Limitless Domain [a conceptual state representing power that transcends ordinary limits]."

As his words fell, Verdant Crow Sage Ascendant turned his gaze to the other muscle-bound Sage Ascendant, a trace of amusement in his expression as he said, "This is Bedrock Sage Ascendant, who also follows the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification."

"He has cultivated the Nine Great God Forms [a supreme set of nine divine transformations that grant immense power] for more than several hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years], and is a powerhouse among Limitless Sage Ascendant."

At this point, Verdant Crow Sage Ascendant's eyes turned icy cold. "These two mighty experts were personally invited by my elder brother, Solar Heavenly Emperor."

"It is precisely to utterly annihilate the two of you and sever the path of the Human Race's rise."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression remained utterly unchanged, and he did not utter a single word in response.

Seeing this, Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor could not help but sneer coldly as he spoke: "Today, the three of us Limitless Sage Ascendant have joined forces, with the aid of nine other Sage Ascendant."

"Will you two not surrender peacefully?"

"Attack!"

As the words fell, Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor was the first to move, driving his war spear as he charged towards Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor.

Bedrock Sage Ascendant and Primordial Heaven Sacred Venerable did the same, now launching a frenzied assault towards Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor.

In their eyes, Eldrin Chen was, at most, a newly entered Newly Entered Limitless Sage Ascendant. The true threat that demanded their full and undivided attention was Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, who had mastered the Chaos Divine Rune.

Now, facing the assault of three Limitless Sage Ascendant, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant and Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance in an instant.

"*Clang—*"

After a moment of silent, perfect understanding, the two of them acted without the slightest hesitation.