Chapter 2083 : The Chaos Combat Platforms

Hearing Indestructibility Ancient One speak thus, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod.

Since Indestructibility Ancient One's strength was not inferior to these three, Eldrin Chen no longer feared clashing with them within the ruins.

"Boom—"

At that very moment, a series of violent, rumbling roars emanated from the Depths of Chaos.

Everyone swiftly looked up to see that within the vast Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], an intangible Void Gate [a portal that bridges separate realms] had abruptly opened, transforming into a Chaos Vortex [a swirling maelstrom of primordial energy] that isolated the two worlds.

"The Profound Heaven Ruins [the ruins of a profound heavenly realm] have opened,"

declared Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, a glint of excitement flashing in his eyes.

Simultaneously, the three Invincible Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to a supreme, near-invincible sagehood]—Primordial Era Demonic Ape, Blazing Center Incinerator, and Azure Mist Female Sage—soared through the air, vanishing directly into the Chaos Vortex.

Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with Indestructibility Ancient One and said, "Let us enter as well."

"Agreed."

Indestructibility Ancient One gave a nod and immediately took the lead, stepping into the secret realm.

The three of them proceeded together, soon crossing the threshold of the secret realm and emerging onto a vast plaza.

Eldrin Chen surveyed his surroundings. In the void, ten towering platforms had manifested, each inscribed with profound Chaos Tier formation patterns that shimmered with power. It seemed to be an arena designed for combat.

Indestructibility Ancient One, drawing from his vast experience, spoke directly. "These ten platforms are known as the Chaos Combat Platform. They were personally forged by a Path Union Supreme and are capable of withstanding the full force of a Chaos Tier battle."

"And the first trial of the Profound Heaven Ruins tests our combat prowess."

"To pass this first gate, we must seize control of one of these platforms. Only then can we proceed to the second trial."

Eldrin Chen felt a flicker of realization. There were over one hundred Sage Ascendant gathered here, yet only ten slots to pass the first trial. The difficulty of the Profound Heaven Ruins's trials was laid bare.

It was worth noting that those daring enough to undertake the Profound Heaven Ruins trial were, without exception, Top-Tier Sage Ascendant who had mastered nine divine forms.

"It seems this battle will be a grueling one," he murmured to himself.

As this thought crossed Eldrin Chen's mind, he saw Blazing Center Incinerator stride forward, his figure soaring into the air to land upon the first of the ten platforms.

The remaining Sage Ascendants exchanged glances, yet none stepped forward to claim the first platform, tacitly acknowledging the strength of Blazing Center Incinerator.

Seeing this, the Primordial Era Demonic Ape and Azure Mist Female Sage claimed the second and third platforms respectively. The others present offered no challenge, accepting their right to the positions.

Indestructibility Ancient One gave Eldrin Chen a pat on the shoulder before ascending to claim the fourth platform.

Still, no one stepped forward to contest, a clear consensus that these four were worthy of their seats.

With four of the ten platforms now occupied, the attention of the hundred-plus Sage Ascendants present turned to the remaining six.

"It seems securing one of these last six spots will be even more difficult than imagined,"

Eldrin Chen mused inwardly. After exchanging a look with Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, he directly ascended to claim the eighth and ninth platforms.

No sooner had Eldrin Chen set foot on the eighth platform than a peerless Sage Ascendant surged forward to challenge him.

"So it is the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor. This old one pays his respects."

The newcomer had fiery red hair. He and Eldrin Chen had crossed paths once before, at the Barter Convention held within the Blazing Central Primordial Domain.

He first clasped his hands in a salute towards Eldrin Chen, then instantly summoned a divine figure wielding a Heavenly Halberd [a legendary polearm of immense power] to suppress Eldrin Chen.

"Perfect timing."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. With a flick of his sleeve, he flicked a finger, sending the Heavenly Halberd flying back with a resounding clang and violently repelling the Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the penultimate stage before true divinity] who wielded it.

To intimidate the gathered foes, Eldrin Chen had employed nearly seventy percent of his true strength, defeating his opponent in a single, decisive clash.

"*Cough*—"

Instantly defeated, the red-haired Sage Ascendant knelt on one knee, blood staining his lips, his face a mask of shock and terror.

He stared at Eldrin Chen with disbelief, then rose and saluted once more. "I had not realized Fellow Cultivator Eldrin had already stepped into the invincible Sage Ascendant Realm [the pinnacle stage for a Sage Ascendant cultivator]. My presumption was indeed rash."

With those words, the red-haired Sage Ascendant departed the platform and vanished from the great hall.

Witnessing this, the remaining spectators could not help but show expressions of deep wariness, mixed with a tinge of helpless frustration.

In the past, when the Profound Heaven Ruins [an ancient and perilous mystical realm] opened, it was rare for powerhouses who could challenge Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler among deities] to appear. In those times, a top-tier Sage Ascendant still had a chance to pass the first trial.

But this time, four invincible powerhouses who dared to challenge Heavenly Emperor [the supreme title for the most powerful beings in the Immortal Realm] have arrived. The difficulty for a Top-Tier Sage Ascendant [a cultivator at the peak of the Sage Ascendant realm, just below the Heavenly Emperor level] to secure a spot has likely increased by more than tenfold.

With this thought, many Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to the Sage realm] abandoned the idea of challenging Eldrin Chen and turned their gazes toward other contenders.

Only one Limitless Sage Ascendant [a Sage Ascendant whose power seems to have no bounds] stepped forward and ascended onto the elevated platform.

It was a man of imposing stature, gripping a Primordial Chaos Giant Axe [an axe forged from the essence of primordial chaos]. He advanced through the air like a World-Opening [a legendary being said to have participated in the creation of the world] Chaos Demon God [a primordial demon deity born from chaos].

Upon reaching the platform, he spoke calmly, "I am Pan huang-radiant. Allow me to test your mettle."

As his words faded, Pan huang-radiant rode the momentum of his Giant Axe [a massive, devastating axe], cleaving through space itself. In a single move, the forms of the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms [the divine manifestations of nine legendary primordial spirits] materialized around him, converging with the intent to utterly annihilate Eldrin Chen.

Facing this earth-sundering strike, Eldrin Chen swiftly channeled his energy into the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a halberd imbued with the power to command the chaos of the heavens] to parry.

Yet he discovered the force behind this blow had already transcended the limits of a Sage Ascendant, the impact vibrating through his arms and numbing his palms.

"Such formidable strength,"

Eldrin Chen drew a sharp breath. This Pan huang-radiant was clearly a practitioner of a strength-focused Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation art that refines the physical body to divine levels of toughness and power]. The Nine Great God Forms [a supreme divine ability that conjures the avatars of nine great deities] he manifested were almost entirely infused with the principles of the Great Path of Force [the supreme Dao of raw, overwhelming physical force].

The power unleashed by the Nine Great God Forms in this state had nearly transcended a certain extreme, approaching perhaps seventy or eighty percent of the level of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a legendary title for a supreme cultivator].

"With such innate talent, once the Nine Great God Forms merge into one, their sheer power alone would likely surpass that of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly.

He understood that this Pan huang-radiant was similar to the Indestructibility Ancient One—both were powerhouses of an extreme, specialized type.

The Indestructibility Ancient One excelled in defense; their defensive capabilities and vitality even surpassed the Chaos Heavenly Emperor. Once this Pan huang-radiant cultivated the Sole True Form [the ultimate unified state of the Nine Great God Forms], their power would also transcend the Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

Yet, such specialized opponents often possessed glaring weaknesses.

For instance, while the Indestructibility Ancient One's defense was heaven-defying, their offensive methods were lacking. This Pan huang-radiant wielded attacks of immense power, but their personal defense was merely on par with an ordinary Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to a sage-like state].

Such a lopsided combatant might prove troublesome for others, but Eldrin Chen, who had mastered the Returning Abyss Divine Rune, felt not the slightest fear.

With a mere flick of his sleeve, Eldrin Chen commanded the Returning Abyss Divine Rune to absorb all damage from Pan huang-radiant, then powerfully activated the Chaos Heaven Halberd to launch a fierce assault with invincible combat prowess.

After enduring over eight thousand consecutive, brutal exchanges, Pan huang-radiant finally could bear no more. Their physical body cracked and fissured mid-battle, sustaining injuries that were nearly irreversible.

"I am defeated."

After suffering successive major defeats, Pan huang-radiant revealed a bitter smile, his heart filled with boundless unwillingness.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then spoke calmly, "Your Path of Force Extreme holds limitless potential."

"However, you have failed to cultivate the Sole Divine Form. While the Nine Great God Forms are immensely powerful, their power is scattered and unfocused, unable to coalesce into a single unified force, thus possessing a fatal flaw."

"Your physical defense was never strong to begin with. Coupled with this fatal weakness, it was not difficult for me to defeat you by confronting you head-on with my ultimate power."

"So that is the reason."

Pan huang-radiant spoke, then said with a bitter laugh, "I am aware of this point. Yet, my power is simply too immense, making it exceedingly difficult to condense into a single entity."

"Every time I attempt to cultivate the Sole True Form, I feel as if my physical body is on the verge of complete disintegration, and thus I dare not make the final attempt."

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before speaking, "The path of Fleshly Body Sanctification has always been one of unyielding dominance. A breakthrough requires placing oneself in a mortal peril to be reborn anew."

"Your Divine Form of Force is the most dominant among the dominant, making the difficulty of its breakthrough even greater."

"In my view, if you wish to cultivate the Sole Divine Form, you must subject yourself to sufficient pressure. Only by seeking a breakthrough amidst the utmost peril between life and death might you find a sliver of a chance for success."

Pan huang-radiant seemed to gain a sudden insight. He immediately cupped his hands and said, "Many thanks for the reminder, Fellow Daoist."

Eldrin Chen closed his eyes, offering no further comment.

Seeing that even Pan huang-radiant was no match, the others gave up contending for the eighth platform where Eldrin Chen stood.

Not long after, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor also secured the ninth platform with an invincible bearing.

As time flowed on, the final four platforms gradually saw victors emerge, ultimately yielding four supremely powerful Invincible Sage Ascendant.

Thus, upon the ten great platforms, a prodigy now stood on each, having successfully passed this first trial.

It was at this very moment that an ethereal figure materialized within the void.

With a sweep of its sleeve, it transported away those who had failed to secure a platform. Then, gazing upon the ten Invincible Sage Ascendant before it, it spoke.

"The first trial, you have all passed."

"The second trial to come tests your innate potential. Should you possess the latent capacity for the Path Union Supreme realm, you will naturally overcome this gate."

As his words faded, the Ethereal Figure led the group before a grand hall.

Within the hall, suspended in mid-air, was an ancient and unadorned Chaos mirror, seemingly a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a supreme artifact born from primordial chaos] of staggering value.

"This is the Chaos Spiritual Artifact known as the 'Mysterious Heaven Mirror'."

The Indestructibility Ancient One spoke, explaining to Eldrin Chen and Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor: "The Mysterious Heaven Mirror possesses profound and unfathomable mysteries. It can probe the foundational potential of an individual and even glimpse a fragment of their Future."

"So, once illuminated by the Mysterious Heaven Mirror, it can deduce what level of achievement we might attain in our Future?"

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly with astonishment, and he could not help but ask, "If it can peer into the threads of a person's Future, does that not mean our Destiny [the predetermined course of one's life and cultivation] is already fixed?"

"Not necessarily."

The Indestructibility Ancient One shook his head and continued, "Destiny ebbs and flows unpredictably. Each of us has countless possible Future."

"The mirror can glimpse several of our potential Future. If, in even one of those possible Future, we manage to break through to the Path UnionSupreme Realm [the supreme realm where one's personal Path merges with the fundamental laws of existence], it would be considered recognition of our innate talent."

At this point, the Indestructibility Ancient One offered a bitter smile. "To my shame, I have come here three times before. Each time, the Mysterious Heaven Mirror observed my potential Future, and not once did it find a thread where I achieved a breakthrough to the Path Union Supreme."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with a subtle light.

The Mysterious Heaven Mirror observes the Future by observing the countless possibilities of the Future.

In other words, within the observations of the Mysterious Heaven Mirror, the probability that a being with the potential to break through to the Path Union Supreme realm actually achieves that breakthrough is exceedingly low.

This is because every choice, every decision made by a powerful cultivator is enough to alter their own Future and the Future of countless others.

Among thousands upon thousands of possible Future, even if there exists a Future where one becomes a Path Union Supreme, that particular Future does not exist in the present Space-Time continuum.

Only by making every single choice that influences the Future correctly, through a fortunate convergence of circumstances, could one possibly achieve the Future predicted by the calculations—a feat more difficult than scaling the heavens themselves.

"Let us test it once more."

Indestructibility Ancient One spoke slowly, then added with a faint smile, "Since my Rebirth [the divine ability of being reborn], I have felt a shift in my fate's threads."

"I cannot tell if this is for good or ill. Perhaps He has already altered my Destiny [the preordained course of one's life and cultivation journey]."

As he spoke, Indestructibility Ancient One turned his gaze towards the main hall, quietly observing as the others utilized the Mysterious Heaven Mirror to divine the potential of their Future.

Soon, Blazing Center Incinerator was the first to step forward. He allowed the Mysterious Heaven Mirror [a legendary artifact said to reflect destiny and possibilities] to shine upon him, calmly awaiting the Future [a potential destiny or timeline] it would divine for him.

After a long while, the radiance of the Mysterious Heaven Mirror trembled slightly. Countless threads of Karma [the cosmic law of cause and effect] and Space-Time Great Path [the supreme law governing space and time] intertwined, its talismanic inscriptions [mystical symbols containing power] whirling like a great wheel, ultimately manifesting a myriad of possible futures.

In the end, Blazing Center Incinerator was violently repelled, sent flying backward to land outside the great hall.

The Ethereal Figure [a spectral, indistinct form] cast a glance at Blazing Center Incinerator and spoke thoughtfully, "Blazing Center Incinerator, no hope of reaching the Realm of Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence, a supreme cultivation realm]. Unqualified!"

"Impossible!"

Blazing Center Incinerator wore an expression of utter disbelief, his voice trembling with shock. "I am a direct descendant of a Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified multiple cultivation paths], possessing the potential of one! How could I have no path to the supreme Realm of Chaos?"

"Impossible! The ancient mirror must be mistaken."

"The Mysterious Heaven Mirror is never wrong."

The Ethereal Figure spoke slowly, its tone icy and detached. "The Mysterious Heaven Mirror has calculated thirteen thousand seven hundred and sixty-four possible Future for you."

"In every single one of those Future, you meet an untimely end, slain by the same hand."

"No, I refuse to believe it!"

Blazing Center Incinerator wore an expression of utter disbelief, his voice trembling with rage as he declared, "I am the direct grandson of a Supreme [a title denoting the highest echelon of existence]. Who dares to kill me? Who would even dare to try?"

"Moreover, I have cultivated the True Spirit Physique [a legendary body constitution that grants immense vitality and resilience]. Who possesses the power to truly and utterly extinguish my life?"

"A joke! This is the greatest joke of all! You are nothing but the remnants of a fallen, ancient land. How dare you claim to have seen through the threads of my Future [a personification of destiny or fate]?"

Consumed by fury, Blazing Center Incinerator was on the verge of overturning the very table in his rage. Yet, with a mere flick of its sleeve, the Ethereal Figure [a spectral, indistinct form] expelled him from the confines of the Profound Heaven Ruins.

This unexpected interlude left the remaining figures exchanging uneasy glances.

After a moment of contemplation, the Primordial Era Demonic Ape [an ancient and powerful demonic ape from the dawn of time] was the second to step forward before the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror [an ancient mystical mirror of profound power].

The ancient mirror trembled slightly, then emanated a hazy, luminous glow that enveloped the Primordial Era Demonic Ape. The light lingered for a long while before finally dissipating.

The Ethereal Figure observed the result, a note of distinct surprise coloring its voice as it spoke, "Your Future holds one hundred and six thousand possible threads."

"Among these, three thousand seven hundred threads lead to you attaining the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor within the Chaos]. Remarkably, ten threads of your Future even reach the Path Union Supreme Realm [the ultimate realm of Supreme unification with the Dao]."

"Though the chance of reaching the Path Union Supreme [the supreme realm where one's cultivation path merges with the fundamental laws of the cosmos] is but one in ten thousand, it is still a rare and precious opportunity."

"This second trial, you have passed."

The Primordial Era Demonic Ape [a primordial beast of immense power and ancient lineage] could not help but release a heavy sigh of relief. The possibilities for him to break through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title signifying mastery over primordial chaos] numbered over three thousand.

This meant that as long as he chose his path with caution and did not falter at the critical junctures, his chances of attaining the Chaos Heavenly Emperor were not insignificant.

Seeing this, the Azure Mist Female Sage immediately stepped forward into the hall. Not long after, the Mysterious Heaven Mirror [a mystical artifact capable of divining fate and potential] calculated the myriad possibilities for her Future.

Compared to the Primordial Era Demonic Ape, the Azure Mist Female Sage also possessed a sliver of hope to prove her Dao and reach the Path Union Supreme. However, this hope was exceedingly slim, merely a chance of one in several tens of thousands.

By this point, Eldrin Chen had largely grasped the pattern.

If one did not cultivate a Primordial Spirit [the foundational spiritual core of a cultivator] within the Realm of Chaos [a profound cultivation stage representing mastery over primordial chaos], then the possibility for their Future to break through to the Path Union Supreme would be exceedingly low.

Witnessing this, the Indestructibility Ancient One was the fourth to step into the grand hall.

As the light of the Mysterious Heaven Mirror continuously shifted and changed, the countless potential Future of the Indestructibility Ancient One gradually materialized. Finally, the Mysterious Heaven Mirror gave a slight tremble before withdrawing and converging all the visions.

Only then did the Indestructibility Ancient One turn his gaze towards the Ethereal Figure and could not help but inquire, "Esteemed Senior, has my fate [the predetermined course of one's life and destiny] undergone any change?"

The Ethereal Figure did not answer immediately. Instead, it regarded him with a look of astonishment, its thoughts churning inwardly. "How could the threads of His destiny have shifted so dramatically? Could it be He has gained the favor of some Chaos Sovereign [a supreme being who rules over primordial chaos]?"

As this thought sent tremors through its mind, the Ethereal Figure could not help but draw a deep, steadying breath.

Considering the terrifying secrets potentially involved, the Ethereal Figure chose its words carefully, not speaking directly. It merely stated, "The tapestry of your fate has indeed shifted significantly. A single, slender thread now exists—a possibility for you to set foot upon the Path Union [the legendary realm where one's cultivated path merges with the fundamental laws of existence]."

"Very well," it conceded. "This time, I shall grant you a place as well."

Eldrin Chen and the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor exchanged a glance. They rose together and offered their congratulations to the Indestructibility Ancient One. "Our sincerest congratulations, Senior," Eldrin Chen said. "With the prospect of the Path Union Realm before you, your future appears boundless."

"You flatter me," the Indestructibility Ancient One demurred with a wave of his hand.

He offered a wry smile, then added with a hint of bitterness, "Even if there is a sliver of hope, the odds remain no more than one in ten thousand."

Eldrin Chen returned the smile, a subtle intuition whispering to him that the Indestructibility Ancient One's chance of a breakthrough into the Future [a profound state representing one's ultimate potential and destiny] was likely far greater than a mere one in ten thousand.

He turned his attention back to the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor. "Great Emperor," he said, "it is your turn to have your fortune measured."

"Very well."

Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor nodded and immediately strode into the great hall.

As the radiance of the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror shone upon him, this time Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor emitted a light of unprecedented intensity. His aura even surpassed that of the Indestructibility Ancient One, manifesting a trace of astonishing phenomena.

"This is..."

The Ethereal Figure revealed a look of shock, swiftly turning his gaze to Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor. He could not suppress his joy as he exclaimed, "The Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme cultivation method involving nine cycles of profound refinement], and he has cultivated it to the Ultimate Divine Rune Chaos [the pinnacle state where divine runes merge with primordial chaos]."

"If he refines this foundation to achieve the Sole Divine Form [a unique divine manifestation representing ultimate attainment], he could become a registered disciple of that venerable one, with the potential to even become a true disciple in the future."

Thinking this, the Ethereal Figure hurriedly suppressed the excitement in his heart. He then looked at Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor and declared, "Your innate talent ranks among the top ten witnessed across millions of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often spanning billions of years]."

"Remain here and await the trial of the third gate."

As he spoke, the Ethereal Figure respectfully escorted Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor to a separate area.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen did not immediately step forward to test his own aptitude. Instead, he gestured for the other several Limitless Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to the sage realm and touched the boundary of the limitless] to proceed first.

The reason for this was that Eldrin Chen possessed astonishing potential, and with the Primordial Chaos Scripture [a legendary cultivation manual] veiling his destiny, he was highly likely to trigger unforeseeable variables.

Under such circumstances, the fewer who knew, the better.

The other four Limitless Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivation stage beyond the Sage Ascendant realm] witnessed this and immediately stepped forward to undergo the test. Regrettably, within the visible Future [the potential futures revealed by the mirror], none of them showed any possibility of breaking through to Path Union Supreme [the ultimate realm where one's path merges with the supreme Dao].

After the others were sent away, Eldrin Chen finally ascended into the ancient hall.

The moment he stepped onto the hall's platform, the Mysterious Heaven Mirror [a divine artifact capable of revealing fate and potential] emanated a hazy light, shining directly upon Eldrin Chen.

"Boom—"

In that instant, the vast hall trembled violently, and the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror [another name for the Mysterious Heaven Mirror] itself seemed to shudder with immense force.

"This is bad!"

The Ethereal Figure [the guardian spirit of the trial grounds] felt his heart lurch. He swiftly swept Eldrin Chen away from the platform and declared without preamble, "You, too, possess the makings of a Path Union Supreme. Come with me to the third trial."

With those words, he immediately transported everyone to the location of the third trial.

Simultaneously, a series of sharp cracking sounds emanated from the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror [a legendary artifact of immense power], and a web of fractures began to spiderweb across its ancient surface.

The Ethereal Figure [a being of indistinct and ghostly form] arrived before the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror. Its first act was to seize the fractured mirror, and within its gaze, an expression of profound and utter shock materialized.

"The Mysterious Heaven Mirror [another name for the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror] shatters... a sign of Limitless [the pinnacle potential of a cultivator, capable of reaching the ultimate heights]."

"No... this... this is likely the mark of a true Mandate of Heaven Chaos Sovereign [a legendary sovereign whose destiny is intertwined with the primal chaos of creation itself]."