Chapter 1963 : Chaos Sea's Final Stand

Ultimately, they cornered Goose Startles Cold at the edge of the Chaos Desolation Sea [a perilous and unstable region bordering the primordial chaos], where a world-shaking battle erupted between them.

In the aftermath of this clash, both the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the world's essence] and the Slaughter Sword Embryo [the nascent form of a legendary sword of slaughter] wielded by Goose Startles Cold were shattered, while more than half of the powerful enemies who had come to pursue him fell in battle.

In the end, the grievously wounded and dying Goose Startles Cold fought his way through the Sea of Chaos [the turbulent, formless expanse of primordial chaos] with utter desperation, vanishing into the depths of the Chaos Desolation Sea.

"..."

Meanwhile, deep within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen felt a sudden, sharp pang in his heart.

After performing a brief divination with his fingers, his face paled slightly, and his pupils blazed with a terrifying aura of Celestial Slaughter [a divine, annihilating intent].

"What is it?"

Exquisite Jiang moved closer, holding him, and could not help but ask.

Eldrin Chen shook his head and sighed, "The Tribulation [a catastrophic fate or heavenly trial] destined for them has finally come to pass."

Upon hearing this, Exquisite Jiang fell silent, offering no further questions.

"..."

"Kill... kill... kill..."

Deep within the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole, Worthy Longevity Chen fought with a maddened frenzy.

He alone had carved a bloody path through the gathered heroes of the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole, only to face an even more terrifying foe.

The strongest of the Four Great Imperial Courts, the Primordial Solar Imperial Court, had made its move. They had assembled several dozen peerless enemies to hunt him down.

It was undeniable that the Primordial Solar Imperial Court was truly formidable. This lineage boasted seven supreme imperial scions, each of whom seemed to have employed some forbidden art to forcibly elevate their foundation. All had cultivated the seventh level of the Indestructibility Foundation [a supreme cultivation foundation focused on unbreakable durability], and their leader was an even more terrifying enemy who had cultivated the True Spirit Foundation [a legendary foundation art that nurtures one's primordial spiritual essence].

Logically, given the immense power of the Thirty-Three Heavens Vast Sea Divine Pearls, Worthy Longevity Chen should have been able to suppress even such a fearsome enemy.

However, his opponent was no ordinary being. The Primordial Solar Imperial Scion unleashed a Great Emperor Forbidden Artifact [an artifact of immense power, forbidden due to its devastating or taboo nature], forcibly scattering the formation of the Thirty-Three Heavens Vast Sea Divine Pearls.

The reason lay in the pearls themselves. The set of Thirty-Three Heavens Vast Sea Divine Pearls was missing its three most crucial pearls, rendering the Formation Artifact [an artifact specifically designed to create or power a formation] incomplete and flawed. This allowed the Primordial Solar Imperial Scion to find its weakness.

With no other choice, Worthy Longevity Chen was forced to burn his own Vitality [the life force and foundational energy of a cultivator] and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator's being]. Fueled by this desperate sacrifice, he fought his way through the encirclement and fled into the Vast and Boundless Chaos.

He had fled until his very life force was nearly extinguished, like a lamp burning its last drop of oil, before he managed to temporarily escape the relentless pursuit of his formidable foes.

Within the Primordial Domain of Myriad Gods, Fate Birth found himself in a predicament that bordered on absolute despair.

For the Primordial Domain of Myriad Gods was overwhelmingly powerful, and it harbored not a few who were Eldrin Chen's Great Path Rival.

The Four Great Imperial Courts had not only dispatched multiple top-tier Ancient Immortal but had also persuaded several Great Encompassing Divine Clan whose members possessed the fate of being Eldrin Chen's Great Path Rival.

In the great battle, Fate Birth was besieged by over a hundred powerful enemies. Even after unleashing his most transcendent techniques, he found it nearly impossible to break through the encirclement.

He could only fight desperately within the formation, a situation already overwhelmingly disadvantageous, making the conflict exceptionally brutal and tragic.

Fortunately, Fate Birth possessed the Nine Deaths Nirvana Pearl bestowed by Eldrin Chen. This single-use Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing immense innate power], if used by a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, could at most cheat death nine times, merely restoring some injuries.

Yet, given Fate Birth's current level of cultivation, he could achieve a complete and perfect recovery nine times in succession. Each time, he would absorb the power of the Nine Deaths Nirvana Pearl, making himself stronger than before.

But now, besieged by over a hundred powerful foes, Fate Birth fell and was reborn time and again, each resurrection followed by another desperate, all-out struggle.

After nine consecutive rebirths, Fate Birth had stubbornly slain dozens of his powerful enemies. Yet, he had finally reached the point where his lamp was dry, his strength utterly spent.

His mana was utterly depleted, his physical body was covered in wounds, his cultivation base was nearly exhausted like a lamp running out of oil, and his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] was on the verge of extinguishing.

A group of powerful enemies suppressed him with an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the essence of heaven and earth], looking at him with a mixture of respect and awe. An Imperial Scion from the Nether Mystery Imperial Court could not help but say, "This man is astonishingly powerful. Had we not laid down a killing formation and brought an Imperial Lord [a supreme ruler among cultivators] grade Forbidden Artifact [an artifact of forbidden, devastating power], we likely would not have been able to subdue him."

Beside him, a deity from the Primordial Domain of Myriad Gods sighed and spoke up, "Even if the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation method that involves sacrificing parts of oneself for power] has its flaws, with his strength, once he attains the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle of immortal cultivation], he would undoubtedly possess the potential of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a legendary, peerless sovereign among Imperial Lords]."

"He merely forcibly boosted his combat power using the legacy of Supreme Lunar [the supreme principle of the moon, representing profound yin power]," another person shook his head. Though his tone was dismissive, a deep gravity still shone in his eyes.

At that moment, an Imperial Scion from the Primordial Domain of Myriad Gods inquired, "He is completely spent, and even his Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [a divine ability that renders the Primordial Spirit nearly unbreakable] has shattered. Shall we finish him off for good?"

"Wait."

Just then, the Nether Mystery Imperial Scion spoke. "This man possesses such formidable strength. Perhaps he can be... utilized."

"Our Nether Mystery Imperial Court possesses profound arts from the Netherworld [the realm of the dead and spirits]. We can use his soul as a foundation to reshape a new Primordial Spirit, forging him into a soul-slave for our court."

"If successful, we might obtain memories concerning the Sacrificial Self Path and the Returning Abyss Path Master [a title for a master of the profound Returning Abyss cultivation path]."

As these words fell, the eyes of the surrounding powerful enemies all flickered with a strange light.

The others were momentarily taken aback. An Imperial Scion from the Primordial Domain of Myriad Gods spoke up, asking, "He has already cultivated the True Spirit Foundation. Will this act truly be effective?"

"It will be effective," the Nether Mystery Imperial Scion declared with a cold laugh. "Although he has achieved the True Spirit Foundation, his seven foundational aspects have coalesced into a singular whole, seemingly distinct from an ordinary True Spirit Foundation."

"Such a unique Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] is not as formidable as a True Spirit Primordial Spirit. Moreover, he is on the verge of exhaustion, his flame nearly extinguished. It may be worth an attempt."

As his words fell, the Nether Mystery Imperial Scion produced a large quantity of Soul Nourishing Wood [a rare spiritual wood that nourishes and repairs the soul]. He then laid down a terrifying forbidden formation, trapping his target within to be refined.

Simultaneously, within the confines of the formation, Fate Birth, who was nearly drained of all vitality, suddenly felt a surge of soul-nourishing power flood into his body.

Immediately after, the energy of the forbidden formation itself invaded his being, beginning to tear apart and forcibly reshape the very essence of his Primordial Spirit.

This caused Fate Birth's brow to furrow slightly, a trace of grave solemnity coloring his expression. The Primordial Spirit cultivated through the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-sacrifice and rebirth] had long since fused inseparably with his physical form, making it nearly impossible to reshape or alter.

Yet, in his current state of utter exhaustion, bearing irreversible wounds, his Primordial Spirit flickered like a candle flame on the brink of being snuffed out, possessing just enough fragility to be vulnerable to such reshaping.

However, with his True Spirit Foundation, he possessed the power to resist this reshaping force—though the price would be his complete and final annihilation.

Of course, the True Spirit Foundation was supremely powerful. Even suffering such grievous injury, even facing total destruction, it held the potential for eventual recovery and return. But that would require the passage of an immensely long and uncertain span of time.

With this thought, Fate Birth resolved to stake his life to halt this force.

"No, I cannot die!"

Yet, at this very moment, a sudden realization flashed through Fate Birth's mind: "I promised my master that even if I perish, I must cultivate the Sacrificial Self Path to help him complete the Great Path."

"If my master can achieve the Great Path, what does it matter if my Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] is remade and I am no longer myself?"

Fate Birth murmured inwardly, recalling the old scenes from his youth when myriad demons ran rampant and the world was filled with lamentation.

In his moment of deepest despair, a scroll of ancient texts descended from the Heavenly Vault [the celestial dome of the heavens], bestowing upon him the path of cultivation.

"The Stellar [pertaining to the stars and celestial bodies] Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly calamity], the Verdant Spirit's ruin."

"In the Star-Shattering War of the Fiend Race [a race of malevolent cultivators], the Star Spirit Clan was nearly annihilated. I intervened to quell the Verdant Spirit's demonic tribulation, vanquishing the Outer Realm Heavenly Demon [a powerful demon from beyond this realm]. No Fiend Race above the Primordial Spirit realm remains in this world."

"However, upon the Verdant Spirit Ancient Star, many low-level Demonic Cultivator [cultivators who use demonic or unorthodox methods] still cling to life, and their heretical legacies are scattered throughout."

"If left unchecked, in a thousand or hundred years, demonic chaos may arise in this world once more."

"I pity the suffering of all living beings, and thus transmit this single scroll of the Path Scripture [a profound scripture detailing the principles of cultivation]. I hope you cultivate diligently. If in the future you can quell the great calamity and ascend to immortality, perhaps we shall meet again."

Fate Birth murmured inwardly, recalling the scene of their first meeting all those years ago, and finally, slowly lowered his gaze.

He began to harness this forbidden power to reassemble his own shattered and feeble Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator]. He bestowed all his memories upon the newly forming Primordial Spirit, his final conscious thought crystallizing into a single phrase.

"Born of Fate Birth, extinguished by Fate Extinction."

"One thought of Fate Birth, nine deaths for Fate Extinction."

"You shall be named 'Fate Extinction'. Live well in my stead. Slaughter all those vile, scheming wretches outside, and aid our master in perfecting the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-sacrifice and transcendence]."

"*Hum—*"

In that instant, all the fragmented remnants of Fate Birth's Primordial Spirit surged into the nascent Primordial Spirit, becoming the very foundation of 'Fate Extinction'.

In the outside world, witnessing the smooth progress of the Primordial Spirit's reconstruction, the Nether Emperor [a title for a sovereign ruler of the underworld or nether realms] could not suppress a look of wild exultation.

Gazing at Fate Extinction, a thought brimming with pleasant surprise flashed through his mind: "A soul-slave of such formidable power... if its reconstruction succeeds, could I not sweep aside all opposition in this coming Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal in Buddhist cosmology]?"

With this thought in mind, he began to retrieve various rare treasures and precious items, among which were not a few Nether Mystery Imperial Lord [the Imperial Lord of Nether Mystery] had bestowed upon him to mend his foundation.

Such a vast quantity of precious treasures poured into Fate Birth [the Patriarch of Fate Birth]'s body, beginning to reshape his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] under the influence of the forbidden formation.

As the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] was on the verge of taking form, Nether Mystery Imperial Scion [the Imperial Scion of Nether Mystery] could not help but smile. He immediately activated the forbidden art, intending to refine the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and begin altering the memories of this newly born spirit.

Yet at this moment, he discovered that the memories of this nascent Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] were proving difficult to change.

How could he know that the Sacrificial Self Physique [a unique constitution formed by sacrificing one's own path embryo] was essentially a grand-scale Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], originally formed from the metamorphosis of a cultivator's Path Embryo [the nascent seed of one's cultivated path]. And the Path Embryo [the nascent seed of one's cultivated path] itself was akin to a cultivator's Infant Soul [the nascent soul cultivation stage].

It was only after completing the Sacrificial Self [the art of sacrificing one's own path embryo] that the newly formed Sacrificial Self Physique [a unique constitution formed by sacrificing one's own path embryo] became an amalgamation of flesh and blood, Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], Great Path [the fundamental cultivation art one follows], Path Fruit [the fruit of one's cultivated path], and other foundational elements.

Under such circumstances, attempting to alter the memories of the Sacrificial Self Physique [a unique constitution formed by sacrificing one's own path embryo]'s Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] was tantamount to simultaneously reshaping the Great Path [the fundamental cultivation art one follows], the physical body, the Path Fruit [the fruit of one's cultivated path], and every other foundational element.

The forbidden art of the Nether Mystery Imperial Lord [the Imperial Lord of Nether Mystery] excelled at reshaping a Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], turning it into a soul-slave, but it held little power over a constitution like the Sacrificial Self Physique [a unique constitution formed by sacrificing one's own path embryo].

Now, sensing something amiss, Nether Mystery Imperial Scion [the Imperial Scion of Nether Mystery] immediately sought to halt the process of aiding Fate Birth [the Patriarch of Fate Birth] in reshaping his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator]. Alas, it was already too late.

"BOOM—"

In that instant, heaven and earth trembled, and the void itself swayed.

Fate Birth... or rather, the newly born Fate Extinction tore through the firmament, emerging to stand calmly upon the Heavenly Vault.

This time, having reforged his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], the newborn Fate Extinction possessed all the memories of Fate Birth and the same True Spirit [a profound cultivation realm], yet he was no longer the Fate Birth of old.

He slowly lowered his gaze, absorbing the torrent of memories, before finally looking down upon the assembled crowd.

"You—"

Nether Mystery Imperial Scion felt a surge of primal terror and immediately sought to flee, but it was already far too late.

In that moment, Fate Extinction struck. A supreme Annihilation Great Path [a divine technique of utter obliteration] swept across the celestial dome, instantly reducing Nether Mystery Imperial Scion to scattered ashes.

Having broken and then been remade, the Fate Extinction who emerged from this great destruction and rebirth was utterly incomparable to his former self as Fate Birth.

Even more terrifying was that Fate Extinction, while inheriting the Demon-Slayer Great Path [a supreme cultivation art] from Fate Birth, had also comprehended the Great Path of 'Extinction' and 'Vitality' from the very processes of Oblivion [a state of cosmic erasure] and his own reconstruction.

The convergence of these two Great Path had already propelled him into the domain of the True Spirit Great Path [the supreme cultivation art of the True Spirit realm].

However, a forcibly elevated seventh-level Indestructibility Foundation [the foundational stage of the Indestructibility cultivation path], without the aid of formation arrays or the support of over a hundred top-tier Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived multiple heavenly tribulations], was no match for Fate Extinction.

After slaying the Nether Mystery Imperial Scion, Fate Extinction stepped out of the formation. Calculating with his fingers for a moment, he realized that the process of reforging his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] had consumed over a hundred thousand years. Those figures who had once hunted him had long since departed for the Ancient Path of the Heaven Abyss to undergo their tribulations.

"The roles are reversed now, esteemed ones…"

Having comprehended the full extent of the Karma [the cosmic law of cause and effect], Fate Extinction let out a sigh of profound tranquility before vanishing into the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all creation emerges].

"…"

At the moment of Fate Extinction's birth, deep within the Depths of Chaos, inside a Within the Chaos Lair, Lofty Peak Lu bore a visage etched with the harsh winds of time.

After years of relentless warfare, Lofty Peak Lu had evaded dozens of pursuits and slain many pursuers in turn. Yet, with each clash, the wounds upon his body had deepened, accumulating a silent, grievous toll.

Now, Lofty Peak Lu held an ancient seal in his hand, his expression one of deep remembrance.

"Lingering, I failed to protect you."

Lofty Peak Lu spoke slowly, his pupils blazing with a torrent of boundless hatred.

He, Lofty Peak Lu, rose from humble origins, never lacking in perseverance, constancy, or daring. Before attaining immortality, he carved his path by overwhelming all rivals, displaying a peerless, razor-sharp edge.

Yet, ever since becoming a disciple under Eldrin Chen, his approach had become measured and orthodox. He focused solely on perfecting the methods of his predecessors, advancing steadily and securely, never once taking a reckless gamble.

It was only at the moment his beloved dao companion perished in his arms that he understood a profound truth: in this world, there is no such thing as absolute safety.

Since the dawn of the Antiquity-Tracing Era, across the endless river of time, the Sea of Chaos has always been a place of tumultuous grandeur and ceaseless upheaval.

The peaceful years he had known were an illusion, a sky propped up by Eldrin Chen and the other Great Encompassing powerhouses who shielded him from the storm.

If only his own power had been sufficient then, if he had possessed combat strength that transcended all limits, could he have fought his way out alongside Lingering Ye's ultimate techniques?

Lofty Peak Lu fell into a heavy silence. Finally, he drew from his sleeve the 'Heaven-Slaying Heavenly God Fiend'. This object was a vessel of supremely potent Innate Baleful Energy [a primordial, destructive force of malice and slaughter]. Refining it would allow him to transform one of his Immortal Treasury [a foundational internal repository of an immortal's power] into the 'Heaven-Slaying Celestial Immortal Treasury' [a legendary cultivation art that channels the power of deicide].

Once the Heaven-Slaying Celestial Immortal Treasury was integrated, his battle prowess would increase dramatically.

Yet, the price for this power was staggering. It would inflict excruciating agony and carried the grave risk of causing one Immortal Treasury to shatter completely.

"Risk... If a cultivator dares not court danger, how can he ever hope to wield power that surpasses the ordinary?"

Lofty Peak Lu murmured softly, his resolve finally crystallizing into an unshakable decision.

With a sudden, fierce clenching of his jaw, he began the forceful refinement of this Heaven-Slaying Heavenly God Fiend [a primordial entity of pure, annihilating power].

As one of the Innate Ten Great God Fiends [the ten primordial, world-shaking demonic entities], the Heaven-Slaying Heavenly God Fiend was renowned for its overwhelming tyranny, possessing the slaughtering might to bring Oblivion [utter and final annihilation] to all things.

It targeted the very foundations of existence: one's origin essence, Vitality [life force], Force Extreme [the pinnacle of physical power], spiritual energy, soul, Dao-heart [the cultivator's core of conviction and enlightenment], Longevity, Celestial Mechanism [the workings of fate and heaven], Path Principles [the fundamental laws of cultivation], and even one's Great Encompassing [the highest, all-encompassing realm of cultivation].

Sensing the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [the ten supreme foundational repositories of power within a cultivator] within his body, Lofty Peak Lu fell into a long, profound silence. Finally, he directly fused it into his Force Extreme Immortal Treasury [the Immortal Treasury governing ultimate physical force].

In that instant, the Force Extreme Immortal Treasury began to tremble violently, corrupted by the boundless power of the Heaven-Slaying Heavenly God Fiend. Its tyrannical energy threatened to utterly shatter this Immortal Treasury [a foundational repository of a cultivator's power].

Gritting his teeth, Lofty Peak Lu mustered every ounce of his strength to resist, engaging in an endless struggle against the fiendish power across what felt like an eternity.

No one could tell how much time had passed, but in the end, his indomitable willpower overcame the Heaven-Slaying Heavenly God Fiend. Lofty Peak Lu had completed the metamorphosis of his Immortal Treasury.

"Has it succeeded?"

Lofty Peak Lu whispered, lifting his gaze to inspect his Force Extreme Immortal Treasury. He discovered it had transformed, evolving into the 'Heaven-Slaying Celestial Immortal Treasury' [the Celestial Immortal Treasury of Heaven-Slaying].

This Immortal Treasury [a cultivator's foundational spiritual construct] possessed the characteristics of the Force Extreme Immortal Treasury [a cultivation art focused on overwhelming force], yet was also imbued with the savage, slaughterous power of the Heaven-Slaying Heavenly God Fiend [a primordial spiritual object of immense destructive potential]. The fusion of these two forces elevated Lofty Peak Lu's offensive capabilities by more than mere tens of percent.

Even more terrifying was the fact that Lofty Peak Lu discovered his Heaven-Slaying Celestial Immortal Treasury [a supreme cultivation art for forging an immortal treasury] had undergone a profound metamorphosis.

If the original Force Extreme Immortal Treasury could only be compared to a Ninth Limit Foundation [the pinnacle of the Foundation Establishment realm], then after merging with the Heaven-Slaying Heavenly God Fiend, this Immortal Treasury was now potent enough to rival an Indestructibility Foundation [a legendary, near-unbreakable foundation].

And not just any Indestructibility Foundation, but a Supreme Indestructibility Foundation [the absolute peak of that legendary realm], one that even faintly brushed against the domain of a half-step True Spirit Immortal Treasury [a mythical treasury said to contain a true primordial spirit].

"An Indestructibility Immortal Treasury [an immortal treasury of legendary durability]..." Lofty Peak Lu murmured to himself. For the first time, he glimpsed the vast potential hidden within the Immortal Treasury, and a brilliant light shone in his eyes.

A moment later, he regained his focus. Sensing the power within his battered body, he shook his head. The desire for vengeance burned within him, but he was grievously wounded. Furthermore, his enemies still wielded an Imperial Lord [a cultivator of immense power, a step below an emperor] and a Forbidden Artifact [an artifact of forbidden, catastrophic power]. With his current strength, he was not yet a match for them.

With this thought, Lofty Peak Lu gritted his teeth in final resolve. From his sleeve, he retrieved a sphere of Path Source [the condensed origin and essence of a cultivator's lifelong comprehension of the Dao].

This was the Path Source of Lingering Ye. He had kept it with him all this time, never refining it for his own use. But now, driven by the need for vengeance, he had made his decision.

"Lingering," he whispered, his voice thick with resolve. "You will come with me. I will wield your power as my own, and we shall return together to claim our vengeance."

"Boom—"

As the words fell, Lofty Peak Lu swallowed the Path Source [a primordial essence containing the fundamental principles of a Great Path] given by Lingering Ye.

As the Path Source entered his body, Lofty Peak Lu immediately felt the power within him surge violently. His Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [a supreme cultivation art focusing on ten foundational energy reservoirs within the body] began to undergo a continuous and profound metamorphosis.

An unknowable length of time later, Lofty Peak Lu awoke from his Seclusion Chamber. He rose to his feet and cast his gaze towards the Depths of Chaos.

He caressed the Returning Abyss Path Seal, his eyes seeming to pierce through its form to perceive the True Spirit [the awakened, true spiritual core of a cultivator] and the faint soul consciousness within. Finally, with a calm and detached tone, he declared, "Lingering, I shall take you to slay our foes."