Chapter 2075 : A Prophecy of Primordial Storms

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. A hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years] was not a long span for his current self.

Yet he pondered for a moment before speaking. "In recent years, I have often felt a sense of foreboding in my heart."

"Through faint divination, I sense that several hundred Kalpa Tribulation from now, a Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic event of cosmic scale] will likely sweep across the Southern Abyss Seven Domains. When that time comes, I may need your aid to weather that Great Tribulation."

The Returning Abyss Pearl did not answer immediately. Only after a long pause did it speak. "If even one of your cultivation level feels such foreboding, this Tribulation [a calamitous trial or disaster] must be no small matter."

"Nevertheless, your foremost priority should be to enhance your own strength."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement; he understood this principle well.

If his power was sufficient, then no matter how terrifying the Great Tribulation might be, he could face it with equanimity.

With this resolve, Eldrin Chen did not linger. He directly utilized the Nameless Space [a mysterious, unnamed spatial realm] to return to the Primordial Immortal Domain.

Back within the Primordial Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen emerged from his Seclusion Chamber [a chamber for deep, undisturbed meditation] and immediately summoned the clan's senior members: Exquisite Jiang, Verdant Consort, Ethan Chen, and others.

Once everyone had gathered in the Great Hall, Eldrin Chen spoke with decisive clarity. "In recent times, I have sensed disturbances brewing within the Desolation Sea."

"Deep within the Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast and perilous sea of primordial chaos], I sensed the gestation of an immensely powerful force."

"Not long ago, I performed a divination. Barring unforeseen circumstances, a newly forming Primordial Domain [a nascent, foundational world-realm] is about to emerge near the Southern Abyss Seven Domains."

"A newborn Primordial Domain?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's minds were profoundly shaken.

Exquisite Jiang could not conceal her astonishment and inquired, "A newly born Primordial Domain?"

"Indeed. It appears to be a major Primordial Domain, its stature not inferior to the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain. It may even possess the potential for nine positions of Mandate of Heaven Divine Sovereign [a supreme ruler whose authority is divinely ordained]."

Eldrin Chen elaborated calmly, then turned his gaze to Worthy Pursuit Chen. "Moreover, this Primordial Domain seems intricately linked to the Heavenly Mandates [cosmic destinies or ordained paths] of both Worthy Pursuit and Worthy Remembrance."

"Heavenly Mandates?"

The group was momentarily stunned, expressions shifting to bewilderment.

Lila hesitated, then ventured to ask, "What exactly do you mean by 'Heavenly Mandates'?"

Eldrin Chen spoke with measured calm, then continued, "The specifics are unclear to me, but within this, there may lie the Opportunity and Fortune [a pivotal chance or stroke of fate crucial for a cultivator's advancement] for their attainment of the Path."

Having said this, Eldrin Chen addressed Worthy Pursuit Chen, "You must prepare yourself, striving to cultivate to the Great Emperor Realm [a supreme realm of power and authority within the cultivation hierarchy] before the Primordial Domain [a nascent, primordial world born from chaos] manifests."

With these words, Eldrin Chen spoke no more, dismissing the assembly.

After everyone had departed, Exquisite Jiang remained alone. She looked at Eldrin Chen and could not help but ask, "Husband, have you divined something?"

"The Celestial Mechanism [the inscrutable workings of fate and cosmic law] is obscure. I cannot perceive much, only glimpsed a fragment,"

Eldrin Chen sighed softly, lifting his gaze towards the Depths of Chaos [the boundless, formless expanse of primordial chaos]. With a tone of solemn reflection, he said, "That newly born Primordial Domain is likely destined to face a dreadful Tribulation [a catastrophic trial or heavenly calamity]."

"..."

Time flowed like a shuttle on a loom. In the blink of an eye, several dozen Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] had passed.

As the date of Eldrin Chen's Thousand Tribulations Longevity [a grand celebration marking the passage of a thousand great tribulations] drew ever nearer, a transformation finally occurred within the Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, turbulent sea of chaotic energy and desolation] beyond the Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

At the very fringe of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, a vast and ancient Primordial Chaos Domain suddenly coalesced into form. In a single breath's time, it suppressed the Chaos Desolation Sea across hundreds of Desolate Journey [a unit of measure for vast, desolate distances in the chaos].

The emergence of this Primordial Domain instantly shook the entire Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

Great Sage Ascendant and even Chaos Heavenly Emperor were astounded. They traversed the Vast and Boundless Chaos Sea one after another, arriving outside this newborn Primordial Domain. Eldrin Chen was naturally no exception.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen stood facing several Chaos Heavenly Emperor like the Primordial Qilin Ancestor and Great Abyss Immortal Sage. Gazing upon the vast, newly-born Primordial Domain before them, a look of astonishment could not help but appear on his face.

Primordial Mire Path Master spoke slowly, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "This is a major Primordial Domain," he said. "Its stature is not inferior to our own Tri-Pole Primordial Domain."

Great Abyss Immortal Sage also nodded, stroking his long beard. "Speaking of which," he mused, "the last time a Primordial Domain was born in the Thirteen Domains of the Heaven Abyss was two hundred and thirty thousand Kalpa Tribulation ago."

"Back then, the Evil Spirit Primordial Domain coalesced from the Chaos Desolation Sea. That 'Evil Spirit Monarch' attained the Chaos [the supreme realm of existence, representing primordial chaos and ultimate power], becoming one of the greatest victors of that Late Primordial Era."

At the same time, Path Ancestor Haoxu also strolled over. Looking at the newborn Primordial Domain before him, he could not help but sigh. "A major Primordial Domain is exceedingly rare," he remarked.

"If this land can give birth to nine Chaos Heavenly Emperor, it might even become a peer to the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain. The question is, who will be the ultimate victor?"

Eldrin Chen fell into a brief contemplation. He performed a divination with his fingers and discovered that within this Chaos Domain [a nascent, unstable region of primordial chaos], the destinies of a full nine Chaos Heavenly Emperor were currently gestating.

Yet, as he had anticipated, the atmosphere within this Chaos Domain seethed with calamitous energy. Each of the nine Chaos Heavenly Emperor seemed entangled by a shroud of deathly aura.

"Boom—" [a deep, resonant sound of impact or explosion]

Simultaneously, a sound of shattering void echoed from within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

Eldrin Chen looked up to see the boundless Chaos Desolation Sea [the endless, turbulent sea of primordial chaos] being torn asunder, from which emerged two figures radiating auras of immense, terrifying power.

Of the two mighty beings, one was draped in a seven-colored Nyssa [an immortal garment of peerless beauty], a woman of breathtaking, peerless elegance.

The other possessed a towering, stalwart frame, clad in battle armor forged from Immortality Immortal Gold [a legendary, indestructible divine metal] and wielding a long spear cast from eternal Immortal Gold [a supreme-grade spiritual metal], also a paramount Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign ruler who has attained the Heavenly Emperor realm within the Chaos].

"It's her!"

Eldrin Chen's heart shuddered, instantly recognizing the woman's origin. She was none other than the paramount Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign who has mastered a Heavenly Dao] of the Blazing Central Chaos Domain, 'Seven Extremities Empress'.

Seven Extremities Empress, also known as the Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden, cultivated both the Path of Path Mastery [the supreme art of mastering all Daos] and the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [the path of a Heavenly Emperor who commands the soul]. Her cultivation base and combat prowess were on par with, if not surpassing, those at the Half-Step Path Union Realm [a realm just half a step from the ultimate union of all Paths].

As for the other figure, Eldrin Chen had not met him before, but he had an inkling of his identity.

"Panji Heavenly Emperor."

The Primordial Mire Path Master spoke, revealing that person's origins.

Eldrin Chen felt a slight tremor in his heart, instantly understanding that his guess had been correct.

Seeing this, the Great Abyss Immortal Sage nearby also spoke: "Legend has it that under the command of the Blazing Center Supreme, there are twenty-five Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Sovereigns who have attained the Chaos Realm], all of whom are his disciples and bloodline descendants."

"Among these twenty-five Chaos Heavenly Emperor, there are five supreme experts of the Half-Step Path Union Realm [a realm just shy of the ultimate fusion of one's cultivated Paths]. The Seven Extremities Empress and the Panji Heavenly Emperor are two of them."

The Great Abyss Immortal Sage recounted this in detail, his expression suddenly turning grave as he continued: "Between these two, the Seven Extremities Empress cultivates both the Soul Path [a cultivation art focused on refining and empowering the soul] and the Path of Path Mastery [the art of comprehending and mastering a fundamental cosmic principle or 'Dao'], possessing the potential to break through to the Second Chaos Realm [the second major stage within the Chaos Realm]."

"As for the Panji Heavenly Emperor, he treads the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation path focused on tempering the physical body to an indestructible, divine state]. Moreover, he has successfully cultivated one of the four great Ultimate Divine Form [peerless physical transformations]—the Chaos Divine Form [a divine physical form born from and embodying primordial chaos]—and used this as his foundation to step into the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm [the Heavenly Sovereign level within the Chaos Realm]."

"Therefore, throughout the periphery of the Blazing Central Primordial Domain, he is one of the three strongest Heavenly Emperor within the Fleshly Body Sanctification lineage."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a profound tremor within his heart.

According to the words of the Great Abyss Immortal Sage, an ordinary expert of the Half-Step Path Union Realm could contend against ten ordinary Heavenly Emperor like the Primordial Mire Path Master.

If that was the case, then the strength of the Panji Heavenly Emperor belonged to the category of an invincible powerhouse among Half-Step Path Union Realm cultivators. He should be capable of fighting two ordinary Half-Step Path Union experts single-handedly.

It must be understood that those who can set foot upon the realm of Chaos Heavenly Emperor are all peerless prodigies of their generation, unmatched in their era.

Furthermore, those who have reached the Half-Step Path Union Realm are beings who have mastered three Primordial Chaos Great Path. Such individuals possess power that can truly be described as defying the heavens.

Yet, he was still able to hold his own against two such opponents simultaneously. This clearly demonstrates that Panji Heavenly Emperor can indeed be hailed as a supreme prodigy without equal.

With such astonishing methods and combat prowess, it is likely that even when facing a supremely powerful Path Union Supreme, he might possess some ability to ensure his own survival.

"Twenty Heavenly Emperor-level figures, five Half-Step Path Union Realm experts, and one Path Union Supreme."

Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh before speaking. "I fear that even if the combined strength of the Thirteen Domains of the Heaven Abyss were gathered, it would not amount to one-tenth of the power held by the lineage of the Blazing Center Supreme."

Great Abyss Immortal Sage gave a nod of agreement. With a flick of his sleeve, he carried Eldrin Chen far away from this Chaos Domain.

Only after completing this did he speak again. "With the arrival of the two supreme powerhouses of the Half-Step Path Union Realm, it seems this newly born Primordial Domain is destined to face calamity once more."

Hearing this, Primordial Mire Path Master could not help but feel a pang of sorrow for the impending fate of others, a sentiment born from shared vulnerability.

The gaze he cast towards Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden and Panji Heavenly Emperor also carried a faint, chilling edge.

Had it not been for the intervention of Blazing Center Supreme back then, who severely wounded the Heavenly Path of the Primordial Immortal Domain, he would not have had his Chaos Genesis Energy seized by others, delaying his breakthrough to the Heavenly Emperor Realm until this very moment.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen offered no comment. Instead, his gaze shifted towards the Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden and Panji Heavenly Emperor, his eyes narrowing with a trace of solemnity.

Both the Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden and Panji Heavenly Emperor were invincible powerhouses at the Half-Step Path Union Realm. Even if the more than twenty Heavenly Emperor from the Southern Abyss Seven Domains joined forces, it was unlikely they could defeat these two.

Now, the two Heavenly Emperor had arrived before the nascent Primordial Domain. They exchanged a glance.

The Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden gave a slight nod. In an instant, she commanded seven Peerless Immortal Sword, transforming them into a world-shaking SlaughterSword Formation that cleaved towards the newborn Primordial Domain.

In that moment, a cataclysmic tide of Chaos sword-light erupted, its boundless sword-energies churning the Vast and Boundless Chaos and violently splitting the Chaos Desolation Sea in two.

"Those are the Seven Extremities Immortal Swords,"

Great Abyss Immortal Sage remarked with a deep breath, his voice thick with envy.

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered, recalling the legend of these Seven Extremities Immortal Swords.

It was said the Seven Extremities Immortal Swords were a set of seven ChaosImmortal Sword. Each individual Immortal Sword was a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a supreme artifact born from primordial chaos] of unparalleled Slaughter power.

It is said that in order to forge these seven swords, Blazing Center Supreme [a supreme title for a master craftsman] ventured deep into the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] to obtain seven types of Chaos Immortal Gold [immortal-grade metals born from primordial chaos]. He then refined them with seven strands of Chaos Genesis Energy [the foundational creative energy of the universe] to form their Sword Embryo [the nascent spiritual core of a divine weapon].

Later, at great personal cost, he journeyed with the seven swords to the Depths of Chaos [the most profound and dangerous regions of primordial chaos] and discovered a Chaos treasure site known as the Chaos Sword-Tempering Pool [a legendary pool within chaos used to temper divine blades]. There, he tempered them for a full four thousand nine hundred Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years] before they were finally perfected.

These swords possess the supreme might of Slaughter [a divine ability embodying absolute destruction]. Their edge is sharp enough to slay a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign who rules over a domain within chaos]. Even an invincible Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign] who has achieved Fleshly Body Sanctification [a state of physical perfection where the body becomes indestructible] would likely not dare to face their blade's edge directly.

"Blazing Center Supreme is the most skilled artificer across several dozen surrounding Chaos Domain [vast territories within the primordial chaos]. His reputation likely echoes far beyond these several dozen domains as well."

"The Immortal Sword [a sword forged for and used by immortals] he crafted are bound to possess extraordinary qualities."

As these thoughts swirled in Eldrin Chen's mind, he watched the seven Immortal Sword strike the newly born Primordial Domain [a nascent, self-contained world born from chaos]. They Burst [erupted or unleashed power] forth, resulting in a cataclysmic collision that shook the heavens.

However, a large-scale Primordial Domain proved to be truly extraordinary. Even without a Chaos Heavenly Emperor to wield its heavenly mandate [the divine right to rule granted by the cosmos], the self-reviving power of its Heavenly Path [the fundamental laws of heaven and the universe] was still capable of confronting a powerhouse of the Second Chaos Realm [the second major stage of cultivation within the chaos realm].

Now, this newborn domain churned and seethed. Countless Great Path Divine Chains [manifestations of the Great Dao's laws, appearing as divine chains] intertwined, erupting with a supreme, annihilating force capable of severing all things.

After a moment of intense clash, the boundless Heavenly Path Authority Power [the authoritative power derived from the Heavenly Path's laws] actually managed to bind the Seven Extremities Heavenly Swords, locking both sides in a fierce stalemate.

"Hmph—"

Seeing that Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden alone could not subdue the Heavenly Path Will [the sentient will of the Heavenly Path, the supreme law of the cosmos], Panji Heavenly Emperor decisively joined the fray. He manifested a body of chaos spanning billions of Zhang-lengths [one Zhang-length equals three point three three meters], his Chaos True Body [a supreme physique born from and embodying the primordial chaos] radiating overwhelming power.

In that instant, an eternal force of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] infused his physical form, Bursting [releasing or erupting with immense power] with an ineffable, supreme might.

Then, with a mighty strike, he wielded the Eternal War Spear to rend the heavens, engaging the Heavenly Path Will in a world-shaking duel of epic proportions.

Thus began the cataclysmic battle between two powerhouses at the Half-Step Path Union Realm [a realm just below the ultimate fusion with the Great Path] and the Heavenly Path [the supreme cosmic law] of the nascent Primordial Domain [a primordial world in its earliest stages of formation].

The Heavenly Path Will, with reserves rivaling a true Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has fully merged with the Great Path], was naturally not an opponent two Half-Step Path Union Realm cultivators could easily overcome.

However, because the Heavenly Path Authority [the authority to command the power of the Heavenly Path] lacked a true wielder, its manifested power was scattered and unfocused. This allowed the duo to hold their ground, not immediately falling into a disadvantage.

Just as the conflict reached a stalemate, with neither side able to secure a decisive victory, a sound of world-shattering destruction echoed from the depths of the Chaos.

"BOOM!"

Eldrin Chen felt a sudden, profound sense of dread. In the next moment, an ultimate force tore through the fabric of the Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, turbulent sea of chaotic and desolate energies].

Instantly, a supreme Primordial Chaos Great Path Divine Form [a divine manifestation born from the fusion of Primordial Chaos and the Great Path] materialized. It took the shape of a celestial furnace vast enough to blot out the heavens, descending with crushing force to suppress the newborn Primordial Domain.

In the blink of an eye, the immortal furnace descended, suppressing the Primordial Domain [a vast, primordial expanse of land and energy at the dawn of creation] and locking it into a stalemate with the newly born Primordial Domain.

"This is..."

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly, revealing a look of profound shock.

Primordial Mire Path Master's face was etched with extreme gravity. He gazed at the immortal furnace and sighed, "The Blazing Central Immortal Furnace [a legendary furnace of immense power]. This is the Great Path True Form [a supreme manifestation of one's cultivated Dao, a projection of their ultimate power] materialized by that Blazing Center Supreme."

"His true self has not even arrived. Yet, across the boundless Chaos Desolation Sea [the endless, turbulent sea of primordial chaos separating realms], he can project his Great Path True Form to suppress a large-scale Primordial Domain. His power has grown even greater since those days."

"If my deduction is correct, his strength is now merely a single step away from that of a top-tier Path Union Supreme [a supreme cultivator who has unified their cultivated Paths, a pinnacle existence]."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen's eyes narrowed slightly.

Legends spoke of how the Blazing Center Supreme had paid a heavy price, suffering grievous wounds, to suppress the newly born Primordial Beginning Domain [the very first Primordial Domain]. Only by suppressing the Primordial Beginning Domain's Heavenly Path [the supreme, natural law of the heavens] was he able to slay the Three Souls Imperial Lord.

It was precisely because of those severe injuries, and his fear of ambush by other powerful foes, that he did not continue to plunder the Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy of creation] and resources. This gave the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a collective name for seven domains in the southern abyss] a chance to Recovery [recover and regain their strength].

Yet now, the Blazing Center Supreme's true form had not even arrived, yet he had completely suppressed this newborn Primordial Domain, which was no weaker than the Primordial Beginning Domain. This was clear proof that the Blazing Center Supreme's power had undoubtedly increased significantly.

"This Blazing Center Supreme [a title for a supreme being who has mastered the Primordial Chaos], I fear he will become a formidable foe in the days to come."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a tinge of regret coloring his thoughts.

In theory, ten ordinary Half-Step Path Union Realm [cultivators who have half-stepped into the realm of unifying their cultivation path] experts joining forces should be able to contend with a single ordinary Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has fully unified their cultivation path].

Across the surrounding dozens of Chaos Domain [realms of primordial disorder and potential], there were more than thirty powerful Half-Step Path Union Realm experts. This was precisely why the Blazing Center Supreme had been relatively restrained in his actions.

These Half-Step Path Union Realm Heavenly Emperor [titles for sovereigns who rule over heavenly domains] remained deeply wary of this sole Path Union Supreme, and thus had formed an unspoken, tacit alliance.

Yet, for Half-Step Path Union Realm experts, taking that final step forward was nearly as difficult as scaling the heavens themselves. The Blazing Center Supreme, however, continued to grow stronger without cease.

If one day the Blazing Center Supreme were to ascend to the level of a top-tier Path Union Supreme, or even to the Half-Step Limitless Sovereign Realm [the threshold of the boundless realm of ultimate sovereignty], then mere numbers would likely cease to pose any meaningful threat to him.

Unless a new Path Union Supreme were to emerge, who could possibly threaten a supreme being of such pinnacle power?

"Alas," Eldrin sighed, "it seems my own breakthrough to Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign who commands the power of primordial chaos] cannot be delayed for too long."

"If he truly reaches the apex of the Path Union Supreme Realm, then even if I achieve Fleshly Body Sanctification [a state of physical perfection and purification], breaking through to Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign who has mastered the path of the soul] under his obstruction may prove impossible."

Eldrin Chen's thoughts stirred briefly before he swiftly reined them in.

He witnessed that after the Heavenly Path of the newly born Primordial Domain [a nascent, primordial expanse of reality] was suppressed, Seven Extremities Celestial Maiden and Panji Heavenly Emperor were able to disengage and plunge into the Primordial Domain to plunder its World's Origin [the foundational essence from which a world is born] and Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative force of chaos].

They stripped the domain bare of all Chaos Rare Treasure [rare artifacts born from chaos] that had been gestating within, even seizing nine strands of Chaos Genesis Energy and three Chaos Spiritual Root [primordial spiritual plants of immense power].

Not even the several Chaos Spiritual Artifact [powerful magical weapons still in their embryonic state] still forming within were spared their thorough looting.

Only after this was done did the two Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers of a heavenly domain] depart, thoroughly satisfied, leaving behind a shattered and desolate newborn Primordial Domain.

After they had vanished from sight, Eldrin Chen watched their retreating figures, a note of deep apprehension in his voice as he remarked,

"Three Chaos Spiritual Root, four Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo [the nascent forms of chaos-born treasures], and a full nine strands of Chaos Genesis Energy."

"To think such staggering gains come merely from suppressing a single large Primordial Domain. No wonder the lineage of Blazing Center Supreme grows ever more formidable."

"The strong grow stronger—it has ever been thus," Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign spoke from nearby, then added with a tinge of regret, "A pity our Southern Abyss Seven Domains [the seven major realms of the Southern Abyss] lack a single Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator who has nearly achieved the supreme union with the Heavenly Path]."

"Otherwise, holding the advantage of our home territory and joining forces, we should at least have been able to claim a share of the spoils."