Chapter 1805 : Legacy of the Chaos Stone

At this point, Desolate Heaven Patriarch seemed to recall something else.

He hastily rose to his feet and spoke, "Within the Desolate Heaven Sacred Land, there remains a treasure, a legacy of the World-Creating Divine Spirit. Even I lack the power to refine it, but I believe it may be of use to you."

As Desolate Heaven Patriarch spoke, he waved his sleeve, summoning a streak of immortal light from the depths of the Path-Field. It flew into his hand.

Eldrin Chen glanced at it and saw it was a peculiar stone imbued with Primordial Chaos Energy. His heart jolted violently, and a look of astonishment and doubt crossed his face.

"This is..."

"This is the Innate Heavenly God Object—the Chaos Stone!"

Desolate Heaven Patriarch spoke slowly, his expression grave. "Legend says that after the World-Creating Divine Spirit fell, most of his supreme treasures were lost within the Chaos. Yet, many rare wonders remained in this realm."

"The founding ancestor of my Desolate Heaven Sacred Land was a direct disciple under the World-Creating Divine Spirit. This Chaos Stone was the most powerful wonder he obtained after the deity's fall."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded slightly. This Chaos Stone was an exceedingly rare Chaos Divine Material, containing twenty-four Innate Path Patterns. It could be considered a top-tier Innate Rare Treasure. No wonder even the founding ancestor of the Desolate Heaven Sacred Land had been unable to refine it.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "This object is indestructible. With my current cultivation, I too would find it difficult to refine. However, should my cultivation advance further, I might be able to forge it into a Lifebound Supreme Treasure."

Speaking of this, Eldrin Chen took the Chaos Stone and, unable to put it down, carefully stored it away.

This Universe truly lived up to being a Great Universe opened by an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal. The value of this single Chaos Stone alone likely surpassed the entire wealth of an ordinary Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

Returning to the main topic, in the following years, Eldrin Chen emerged from seclusion to travel through this Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond the cosmos].

Within this Chaos, there existed Twenty-Four Holy Lands, each guarded by a Celestial Immortal Great Power. However, the cultivation of these Celestial Immortal [immortals who have ascended to a higher plane of existence] was only at the Early Celestial Immortal Realm.

The ancient predecessors who had reached the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm had either perished in the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle of cosmic destruction and renewal] or ventured into the Chaos never to return.

Those who remained, unable to obtain Innate Energy [the primordial energy of creation], saw their cultivation stagnate at the Early Celestial Immortal Realm.

The reason was the extreme danger of this Chaos. Even an Immaculate Celestial Immortal attempting a breakthrough to Celestial Immortal within it would surely meet a death with no place for burial.

Attempting a breakthrough within the Dimensional Void [the interstitial space between realms] would yield at most two or three strands of Innate Energy. Relying solely on those few strands obtained during the breakthrough was utterly insufficient for further advancement.

Eldrin Chen visited the twenty-four Great Sage [a title for a powerful immortal] lands in turn, sparring and exchanging blows with the Patriarch of each, yet never once meeting defeat.

"From this, it seems the twenty-four Supreme [a prefix denoting ultimate mastery] of this Universe are almost all Flawed Celestial Immortal [immortals whose ascension was imperfect, limiting their potential]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a sigh escaping his lips.

This Universe could no longer obtain Innate Energy [the primordial energy that existed at the dawn of creation], making it nearly impossible to cultivate new Innate [referring to treasures or medicines born from the primordial chaos] spiritual herbs. All manner of resources were exceedingly scarce, which was why these Celestial Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] were all Flawed Celestial Immortal [celestial immortals with flawed foundations, limiting their future potential].

And Flawed Celestial Immortal fundamentally could not break through to the Ancient Immortal Realm [the realm of ancient immortals, a higher state of being]. If they could not reach the Ancient Immortal Realm, they would be utterly incapable of surviving in the Depths of Chaos [the formless, primordial expanse beyond ordered worlds] should they ever leave this Universe. No wonder the various Great Sage [powerful beings who have comprehended great truths] and local Patriarch were all in a state of despair.

"A vicious cycle. If I had not come, in ten million years, likely no one from this Universe would have survived."

Eldrin Chen thought to himself. In the end, he gathered many rare treasures and returned to the Desolate Heaven Sacred Land.

This time, having witnessed his formidable power and understood the astonishing potential of the Inner World [a cultivation path focused on creating and nurturing an internal universe] path, the various Great Sage regarded him as this Universe's sole hope for survival. Naturally, they brought forth the legacy treasures left behind by the former Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Unfortunately, the Innate Ancient Treasure [ancient treasures forged from primordial chaos], along with the vast majority of Innate Rare Treasure [rare spiritual objects of innate origin] and Innate Treasure [treasures born from the innate chaos], left behind by that Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal had been refined and used up by generations of preceding Immortal over billions of years.

Since ancient times, countless Celestial Immortal in the mid to late stages, trapped in despair, had ventured into that Chaos [the primordial chaos], seeking to carve out an immortal path and reach the fabled Immortal Domain [the domain of true immortals].

Alas, they had all failed. Along with them, vast quantities of Innate Rare Treasure and Innate Treasure were lost forever in the Chaos.

By now, the remaining Innate Rare Treasure were few. Powerful Innate Treasure were completely nonexistent. What remained were top-tier Innate Rare Treasure like the Chaos Stone [a primordial stone impervious to conventional refinement], objects that simply could not be forged or utilized.

However, there were only three of these supreme Innate Rare Treasure [a primordial treasure born from the chaos of creation], yet each was a true, peerless treasure of the highest order.

These three treasures were the Chaos Stone [a primordial stone embodying the essence of chaos], the Void Cosmos Immortal Gold [an immortal metal forged from the substance of the void cosmos], and the Nine-Colored Immortal Marrow [the marrow of an immortal being, shimmering with nine divine hues]. Each contained twenty-four Innate Path Patterns [the fundamental, heaven-born laws that define a treasure's power] and were classified as Supreme Grade Innate Rare Treasure [the highest possible grade of primordial treasure].

"These three Supreme Grade Innate Rare Treasure could be refined into three world-shaking supreme treasures,"

"In the future, they might be forged into a single Lifebound Supreme Treasure [a cultivator's ultimate weapon, bound to their life and soul]," Eldrin Chen murmured softly.

He then stored all three treasures away.

Beyond these three legacy treasures, the most precious items within the Ancient Immortal's [an immortal who has survived for countless ages] hidden trove were several hundred scrolls of Ancient Scripture [arcane texts containing profound cultivation knowledge and techniques].

These Ancient Scripture were all texts pertaining to realms above the Celestial Immortal [a powerful immortal who has ascended to the celestial realms]. They encompassed a vast array of mysteries, and among them was even a method for forging an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure born with innate power, superior to crafted artifacts]. This was clearly the Innate Path Patterns for the Lifebound Supreme Treasure of that Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has weathered eight heavenly tribulations].

Such a wealth of Ancient Scripture was of immense benefit to Eldrin Chen, and he immediately immersed himself completely in their study and contemplation.

In the brief span of a few thousand years, Eldrin Chen cultivated his comprehension of the Space-Time Path Principle [the fundamental laws governing space and time] to the Primordial Unity Realm [a profound state of unity with the primordial source of all things]. His own power grew increasingly profound and unfathomable.

It was also at this time that Eldrin Chen began to gain insight into the subsequent stages of cultivation for the Three Realms Realm [a legendary cultivation realm said to encompass the three great domains of existence].

Within this Small Universe [a self-contained pocket dimension], the Primordial Qi [the foundational energy of creation] was insufficient. Therefore, Eldrin Chen could not use this place to Unification of the Three Realms [a profound cultivation state where Heaven, Earth, and Man are unified within the cultivator] and advance it into an Inner Universe [a complete, self-sustaining cosmos cultivated within one's own body].

Furthermore, to venture into the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse before creation] to draw upon Primordial Chaos Energy [the raw, unformed energy of the primordial chaos] and use it to open an Inner Universe, was a feat beyond his current level of cultivation.

Thus, Eldrin Chen had only one path forward: to advance further upon the foundation of the Three Realms Realm, cultivating his own strength until it surpassed all conventional limits. Only then would he possess the power necessary to carve an Inner Universe from the heart of the Sea of Chaos.

"For ordinary Immortal [beings who have ascended to immortality], reaching the Primordial Unity Realm [the realm of primordial oneness] marks the absolute end of their path. Without Innate Energy [the primordial, uncreated energy present at the dawn of existence], further advancement is impossible."

"Yet, the Sacrificial Self Path [a supreme cultivation method focused on self-transcendence through sacrifice] transcends the ordinary. It allows for progression even beyond the Three Realms Realm."

Eldrin Chen murmured these words softly, contemplating the path he had deduced. A glint of unwavering resolve solidified within the depths of his eyes.

According to his calculations, even after breaking through to the Three Realms Realm, there remained a possibility for further advancement. This was true even without opening a Celestial Immortal Universe [the perfected inner universe of a Celestial Immortal] or fusing with Innate Energy.

This was the greatest advantage of an Inner World [a world cultivated within oneself] over an Outer World [a world existing externally]. Because the Inner World resides within the body of a Three Realms Realm powerhouse, it is virtually equivalent to the cultivator's own Elixir Field [the core energy center within a cultivator's body].

The Power of the Three Realms [the combined power of Heaven, Earth, and Man] contained within this Elixir Field can nourish the Primordial Unity True Body [a perfected physical form achieved through primordial cultivation], and it can also temper the Immortal's mana and Primordial Spirit [the immortal spiritual core of a cultivator].

Building upon this foundation, an Immortal can leverage the power of Heaven and Earth to continue their cultivation. Their Path Principle [the fundamental laws or truths comprehended by a cultivator], their Path Fruit [the tangible manifestation of a cultivator's comprehension of a Path], and even their physical body can all advance further, ultimately reaching the Lesser Vehicle Realm [a profound realm representing a lesser, yet still supreme, vehicle of cultivation].

Conversely, when one's Path Principle [the fundamental laws one comprehends and embodies], Path Fruit [the condensed essence of one's cultivation path], and physical body have all been cultivated to the Minor Completion stage, they can, in turn, propel the expansion of one's Three Realms [the three foundational realms within a cultivator's inner world: Heaven, Earth, and Mortal], thereby achieving a breakthrough into the mid-stage of the Three Realms Realm [the cultivation realm focused on developing and harmonizing the Three Realms within].

Upon breaking through to the mid-stage of the Three Realms Realm, it can then nourish and enhance the physical body, Path Principle, and Path Fruit, allowing them to be cultivated to the Great Perfection Realm [the state of flawless completion within a cultivation stage].

In this manner, the Inner World [a cultivator's personally cultivated microcosm] and the cultivator themselves nourish each other in a reciprocal cycle. Upon reaching the theoretical limits, the strength of a Three Realms Realm expert will soar dramatically. Their physical body, Path Principles, and Path Fruit can all ascend to the realm of Primordial Unity Apex [the pinnacle state of primordial unity and perfection].

Therefore, experts of the Three Realms Realm can be further divided into the initial, mid, late, and even the consummate stages, corresponding respectively to the Early Celestial Immortal Realm [the first major stage of the Celestial Immortal realm], mid-stage, late-stage, and ultimately the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the state of flawless completion within the Celestial Immortal realm].

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, an expert who has reached the consummate stage of the Three Realms Realm—even without having reversed their essence to attain the Innate [a primordial, heaven-born state superior to the acquired] and thus being weaker than a Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm expert—should, with the empowerment of their Inner World, possess strength comparable to that of the Seventh Layer of the Celestial Immortal Realm [the seventh tier within the Celestial Immortal realm].

For a being of acquired origin to possess such power is nothing short of legendary.

One must understand that even a Twelve Tribulations Forbidden Imperial Scion [an Imperial Scion who has survived twelve heavenly tribulations, a peerless prodigy] typically possesses combat power only at the level of the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm [the middle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm]. And the gap between the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm and the Late Celestial Immortal Realm [the late stage of the Celestial Immortal realm] is not merely a slight distance.

"An expert of the Three Realms Realm likely exists in a space between the Eighth Realm of Immortal Path [the eighth major realm on the Immortal Path] and the ninth realm, rivaling the vast majority of Celestial Immortal Great Power [a formidable power within the Celestial Immortal realm]," Eldrin Chen mused.

"And if one at the consummate stage of the Three Realms Realm were to then venture into the Chaos [the primordial, formless void before creation] to carve out an Inner Universe [a universe cultivated within one's own being], the Innate Energy [primordial, heaven-born energy superior to acquired forms] they would obtain..."

Eldrin Chen's heart stirred with sudden realization. After a moment of silent calculation, he deduced that if an expert at the consummate stage of the Three Realms Realm were to perform such a feat within the Universe born from the Chaos Opening [the act of creation from Chaos] in the region of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a collective name for the myriad immortal realms], they would likely directly forge a Great Universe [a vast, complete cosmos] spanning hundreds of millions of light-years in diameter.

Even more astonishing was the fact that because the strength of a Three Realms Realm [the third major realm of cultivation, representing mastery over the three fundamental aspects of existence] expert far surpasses that of a Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator on the verge of ascending to the Celestial Immortal realm], the Universe [a self-contained cosmos created by a powerful cultivator] they can forge is vastly more expansive. During the process of creating this Universe, they can also obtain a significantly greater amount of Innate Energy [the primordial, foundational energy of creation, essential for advancing one's cultivation].

A Three Realms Realm cultivator who has reached perfection, if they ascend to the Inner Universe [a profound cultivation art focused on creating and nurturing an internal cosmos] realm within the Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all things originate], would obtain at least thirty-six strands of Innate Energy.

"Thirty-six strands of Innate Energy, combined with the already perfected Primordial Unity Path Principle [the foundational law of the Primordial Unity cultivation path], the Primordial Unity True Body [a perfected physical form aligned with the Primordial Unity path], and even the Primordial Unity Path Fruit [the ultimate fruit of cultivation on the Primordial Unity path]..."

"Wouldn't that mean a perfected Three Realms Realm cultivator, upon their breakthrough, would immediately reach the level of the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm]?"

Eldrin Chen pondered silently, a surge of elation rising within him.

If his calculations were not mistaken, then the amount of Innate Energy obtained by a perfected Three Realms Realm existence would start at several times that of an ordinary Immaculate Celestial Immortal [a Celestial Immortal who has achieved a flawless foundation], saving an immense amount of time that would otherwise be spent exploring the treacherous Chaos.

Furthermore, the reason many Celestial Immortal Great Power [a powerful being within the Celestial Immortal realm] fail to cultivate to the Late Celestial Immortal Realm [the advanced stage of the Celestial Immortal realm] is often not due to a lack of talent or insight, but rather an inability to acquire sufficient Innate Energy.

Additionally, the early and middle stages of a Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to a higher plane of existence]'s journey, spent exploring the Chaos, are fraught with extreme peril. Venturing into the Chaos alone carries a significant risk of perishing within its formless depths.

In comparison, a perfected Three Realms Realm cultivator, upon breaking through to the Celestial Immortal Realm [the realm of Celestial Immortals], would instantly ascend to the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm. This would allow them to bypass the most dangerous early and middle phases of the Celestial Immortal journey entirely.

Moreover, a Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm cultivator who follows the 'Sacrificial Self Path' [a profound and demanding cultivation path focused on self-transcendence] and has forged an Inner Universe possesses an internal cosmos that can continuously absorb and refine Primordial Chaos Energy [the raw, untamed energy of the primordial Chaos]. Even when venturing deep into the Chaos, they would never need to fear the exhaustion of their spiritual power.

It can be said that a Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm expert who breaks through with a perfected Three Realms Realm foundation will far surpass ordinary Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm cultivators in both combat power and endurance. Within the same realm, taking on two opponents at once would likely be well within their capabilities.

"A practitioner of the Sacrificial Self Path who breaks through to the Innate realm will undoubtedly possess astonishing and formidable strength."

"Unfortunately, cultivators at the Three Realms realm have not yet reversed their form into an Innate body. Even with the support of an Inner World [a personal microcosm cultivated within oneself], their strength is inferior to that of a Celestial Immortal of the same realm."

"However, for a Three Realms Realm expert to advance, the resources consumed are not insignificant. Moreover, whether one can progress further depends on their foundation and accumulated inner resources [profound heritage and cultivated potential]. I'm afraid the vast majority will be unable to break through to the perfected stage of the Three Realms Realm."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly. By his estimation, for the great majority of Three Realms Realm experts, reaching the mid-stage of that realm would mark the limit of their journey.

To break through to the late stage of the Three Realms Realm requires not only vast resources but also an exceptionally profound inner foundation [deeply cultivated potential and heritage].

This is because, even within the same Three Realms Realm, the strength and scale of one's Inner World ultimately determines the potential of their power.

For example, an ordinary Sacrificial Self Realm cultivator, with a foundation comparable to a Triple Ascendant Immortal Foundation, lacks the same malleability and potential as someone like Eldrin Chen. The Inner World they open would likely not be as vast.

An existence with a too-small Inner World is akin to an Earth Immortal Patriarch who opened a Fifth Sixfold Heaven [a lower-tier celestial realm]. They could never compare to a Celestial Immortal Seed from a Ninefold Heaven [a higher-tier celestial realm]. Such cultivators would ultimately lack sufficient potential and might not even be able to break through the Three Realms Realm barrier at all.

Even if they did break through to the Three Realms Realm, a Three Realms Realm expert from a Sixfold Heaven could never match a Three Realms Realm Great Power from a Ninefold Heaven, let alone a Ten-Layered Heaven.

"An Inner World [a self-contained miniature universe within a cultivator's body] can only reach the Sixfold Heaven [the sixth and highest tier of the Heaven realm] at most; it is impossible to break through to the Three Realms Realm [the realm encompassing Heaven, Earth, and the Netherworld]."

"An existence above the Sixfold Heaven can break through to the Three Realms Realm, but one at the Sixfold Heaven can only remain at the early stage of the Three Realms Realm."

"Those at the Seventh Heaven [a legendary realm beyond the standard six heavens] or above can break through to the mid-stage of the Three Realms Realm. Those who have opened a Ninefold Heaven [a mythical, supremely vast inner world] can cultivate to the late stage of the Three Realms Realm. Only those who have opened an existence beyond the Ten-Layered Heaven [a theoretical pinnacle of inner world foundation] have the potential to cultivate to the Great Perfection of the Three Realms Realm."

"As for me..."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his divine sense [a cultivator's spiritual perception] peering into the Inner World within his body. There, within the Heaven Trigram [the Heavenly realm], the Mortal Dust [the Earthly realm], and the Netherworld [the realm of spirits and the dead]—the three pillars of the Three Realms—five Fivefold Heaven [the fifth tier of the Heaven realm] lands each rose and fell. Moreover, a strand of Space-Time Power [the fundamental power governing dimensions and time] spanned through them all.

"Ten Fivefold Heaven lands."

"Truly worthy of the Primordial Chaos Saint Body [a legendary physique born from primordial chaos]. With such a constitution walking the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence], the foundation and latent potential of this Reincarnation Body [a body formed through a cycle of rebirth] are several degrees more profound and solid than my original body was at the same realm."

"..."

At the same moment, far away within the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven [a secluded paradise realm], Eldrin Chen slowly opened his eyes.

Sensing the formidable power of the Reincarnation Body, a trace of satisfaction appeared on his face. He then withdrew his divine sense.

Now that the path of cultivation for the Reincarnation Body within the Three Realms Realm [the third major stage of cultivation, focusing on harmonizing the physical, energy, and spiritual aspects of existence] is firmly established, and with the support of a Great Universe [a self-contained, nascent cosmos cultivated within a powerful being], resources for cultivation should not be lacking before the breakthrough to the Perfection stage of the Three Realms Realm.

Next, he could finally devote his full attention to his own cultivation.

However, before entering seclusion, Eldrin Chen attempted to deduce a method for cultivating within the Three Realms Realm, hoping to find a way to reduce the difficulty of breaking through beyond the Mid-stage.

Yet, after repeated deductions, Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow and abandoned the endeavor.

He discovered that for a powerhouse of the Three Realms Realm to advance further, there were no easy paths left. The only options were to pay an immense price for Foundation Reforging [a perilous process of completely reconstructing one's cultivation foundation], or to consume rare and divine treasures far exceeding the value of this realm.

Neither option was a cost-effective trade, making them impossible to truly popularize or standardize.

"Fortunately, even the Initial stage of the Three Realms Realm is already comparable to the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation [a legendary, supremely stable cultivation foundation representing the perfect fusion of essence, energy, and spirit]," he mused.

"Powerhouses at this realm, even if they cannot advance further, can still ascend to the Celestial Immortal Realm [the tenth and final major stage of the martial path, marking transcendence to a true immortal] within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad worlds and realms of the cultivation universe] by cultivating an Inner Universe [a personal microcosm cultivated within the body, a source of immense power] in this Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerges], thereby reversing their constitution into an Innate True Body [a primordial, flawless physical form possessed at the dawn of creation]."

Eldrin Chen spoke softly. After much contemplation, he ultimately decided to still name this Tenth Realm of Martial Path the 'Celestial Immortal Realm'.

Of course, to distinguish them, Eldrin Chen gave those who successfully opened an Inner Universe another title.

"Cosmos Realm."

A Celestial Immortal who has broken through the Sacrificial Self Path possesses a genuine Great Universe within their body. To say they harbor the cosmos within their breast is no exaggeration, making them truly worthy of the title Cosmos Realm.

"The Six Mortal Realms: Body Forging, Vital Essence Refinement, Foundation of the Path, Divine Treasury, Path Embryo, and Indestructibility."

"The Four Immortal Realms: Sacrificial Self, World-Opening, Three Realms, and Cosmos…"