Chapter 2084 : A Glimpse of Sovereign Destiny

The Ethereal Figure murmured softly, a look of profound shock coloring its form.

As a contingency left behind by the Profound Heaven Lineage, he naturally understood what the cracking of the Mysterious Heaven Mirror signified.

One must understand, the Mysterious Heaven Mirror was a Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a treasure of immense power forged from primordial chaos]. Its might was near-limitless, capable of glimpsing the myriad possibilities of Future's destiny.

Even if one used the Mysterious Heaven Mirror to observe the Future of a Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified their cultivation path], theoretically, there should be no possibility of the mirror itself being destroyed.

Even if one possessed the potential to reach the Chaos Sovereign Realm [the ultimate realm of a primordial chaos sovereign], as long as their chance of breakthrough was not overwhelmingly high, the mirror would at most exceed its capacity, simply failing to perceive that Future.

For the Mysterious Heaven Mirror to crack, there could be only one explanation.

That was, Eldrin Chen's likelihood of breaking through to the Chaos Sovereign realm was virtually one hundred percent.

To use the Mysterious Heaven Mirror to observe the Future of a nearly predestined Chaos Sovereign was to see no possibilities at all.

On the contrary, the Future Chaos Sovereign, sensing the intrusion, cast a single glance back along the River of Space-Time [the metaphysical flow connecting past, present, and future]. That mere glance surpassed the absolute limit of what the Mysterious Heaven Mirror could endure.

The chasm between a Chaos Sovereign and a Path Union Supreme was too vast, an utterly insurmountable gulf.

For such an existence to suppress and slay a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler born from primordial chaos], it would not even require a personal move. A mere wisp of its aura descending would be enough to annihilate such an entity over and over again.

Even to utterly vanquish an ordinary Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified their cultivation path], a single finger would suffice to completely subjugate them.

"A Chaos Sovereign [a sovereign ruler of primordial chaos] from the Future."

The Ethereal Figure murmured softly, its gaze finally igniting with intensity as it spoke, "This is the greatest opportunity for the revival of the Profound Heaven Lineage. Perhaps by following him, we can shatter those eternal shackles."

"It seems that treasure, too, should finally have its destined master."

"..."

Meanwhile, at the location of the third trial, the gathered cultivators exchanged bewildered glances.

The Azure Mist Female Sage turned her gaze towards Eldrin Chen, a note of astonishment in her voice as she inquired, "For you to stir such a phenomenal vision, sir, could it be you possess the potential to reach the very pinnacle of the Path Union Supreme?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his tone calm and measured. "My aptitude is indeed not lacking, but I dare not presume how far this path will ultimately lead."

"Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the path leading back to the primordial abyss], I have heard of you."

The Primordial Era Demonic Ape spoke slowly, its gaze burning intensely. "You who pioneered the path of cultivation have also accrued great Merit [a metaphysical currency representing good karma or virtuous deeds] for the Vast and Boundless Chaos. I hold a measure of respect for you."

"However, we serve different masters. When the time comes for our duel upon Heaven Abyss, neither of us should hold back."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly, a vague understanding seeming to dawn within him.

Seeing this, the Primordial Era Demonic Ape did not conceal anything and spoke plainly. "The turmoil of Heaven Abyss is nearing its end. The unification of the Northern and Southern Heaven Abyss is an inevitable tide."

"Your Southern Abyss Seven Domains have but two choices: submit willingly, or be beaten into submission."

"Is that so?"

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor's gaze turned icy, the Obsidian Abyss Imperial Spear in his hand gleaming ominously. "I would like to test for myself," he stated coldly, "whether the prodigies of the Six Domains of the Northern Abyss are truly as formidable as claimed."

"Enough. Cease this bickering."

At that very moment, an Ethereal Figure descended through the air, stepping between the tense figures on the verge of conflict.

He looked towards the mountain range ahead and spoke with calm authority. "The third trial holds unpredictable dangers. You would do better to conserve your strength for overcoming it."

Hearing this, the group immediately reined in a measure of their killing intent.

Seeing this, the Ethereal Figure spoke with a calm expression, "Having passed the trials of combat prowess and innate aptitude, you must now face the final test left by my Profound Heaven Lineage."

"And this trial is known as the Three Tribulations Heavenly Pass [a perilous trial designed to test a cultivator's resilience against three distinct cosmic tribulations]."

"The Three Tribulations Heavenly Pass?"

The crowd was momentarily taken aback by these words.

The Azure Mist Female Sage could not help but inquire, "What exactly is this Three Tribulations Heavenly Pass?"

"The so-called Three Tribulations Heavenly Pass is the ultimate trial left for you all by the Profound Heaven Supreme,"

the Ethereal Figure explained methodically, a trace of apprehension in its voice. "In comparison, the Three Tribulations Heavenly Pass is far more treacherous."

"Yet true strength is forged through relentless tempering. Even if you do not fully conquer the third tribulation, those who endure the trial of the Three Tribulations Heavenly Pass will undoubtedly reap immense rewards."

With those final words, the ethereal voice waved its sleeve, transporting everyone into a Nameless void.

Eldrin Chen felt the flow of Space-Time beneath his feet, and in the next moment, he found himself transported into a scorching, primordial realm of molten rock.

"This is..."

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, a grave expression settling upon his features.

The Ethereal Figure spoke at that moment, its voice, resonant with the power of the Great Path, echoing throughout the heavens and earth: "This first trial is named the Purgatory Heavenly Pass."

"This place contains seven supreme Chaos Divine Flames: the Purgatory Flame, the Red Lotus Karmic Fire, the Netherworld Ghost Flame, the Verdant Spirit Divine Flame, the Frost Soul Mysterious Flame, the Nine Nether Abyssal Demonic Flame, and the Indestructibility Immortal Flame."

"If you can withstand the incineration of any one of these Divine Flames upon your body, you will be considered to have passed this first trial."

"Should you endure the burning of multiple Divine Flames, you may even seize the opportunity to forge for yourself a supreme Chaos Treasure Body."

Eldrin Chen's heart jolted with shock. The Seven Great God Flames mentioned by the Ethereal Figure were each born from the Great Path of one of the seven Chaos Heavenly Emperor who had mastered the Great Path of Fire.

The power of such Divine Flames was boundless and infinite. Not even a Limitless Sage Ascendant could claim with certainty to withstand them. No wonder the requirements for this third trial were so exceedingly high.

With this realization, Eldrin Chen immediately channeled his cultivation physique to its utmost limit. He then drew upon a strand of Purgatory Flame, using it to sear and temper his own Chaos Indestructibility Physique.

"Hmmmm—" [a resonant, vibrating hum]

In that instant, Eldrin Chen felt a torrential surge of Purgatory Flame [a divine fire of immense purifying and destructive power] flood into his body.

This Purgatory Flame was indeed worthy of its origin from a Great Path [a supreme cultivation method] of the Chaos Tier [the primordial, foundational tier of existence]. Its power far surpassed any divine flame Eldrin Chen had ever encountered, potent enough to reduce even a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the cusp of sagehood] to ashes with ease.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen's Chaos Indestructibility Physique [a legendary body constitution of primordial chaos, renowned for its near-absolute resilience] was extraordinary. Despite the relentless incineration of the Purgatory Flame, his flesh showed not the slightest sign of being refined or consumed. On the contrary, the very intensity of the flames seemed to temper his physical form, causing its strength to increase continuously.

"Such formidable divine fire. This is a prime opportunity."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of pleasant surprise crossing his features.

Ever since his cultivation had broken through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord [the foundational stage of the Imperial Lord realm, representing the unity of primordial essence], Eldrin Chen had rarely relied on external Earth Vein [dragon lines or ley lines of concentrated earthly spiritual energy] or natural pressure fields to temper his body.

This was because he had created the Path of Self-Refinement [a cultivation method focused on internal self-tempering and surpassing one's own limits], which allowed him to hone and break through his own barriers without needing external assistance.

Yet, the fundamental reason was also that Eldrin Chen's physical body had grown too powerful. Within the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the infinite, primordial expanse of unformed reality], it had become exceedingly difficult to find an environment that could completely suppress and challenge his physique.

Now, however, the divine flames within this Purgatory Heavenly Pass [a trial realm or passageway of heavenly purgatory] had once again provided Eldrin Chen with the precise conditions he required.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen directly summoned his Root Origin Treasure—the Returning Abyss Furnace [a supreme furnace capable of refining chaos and returning all to the primordial abyss]—and then entered within it to begin cultivating the Path of Self-Refinement [a profound art of tempering one's own body and spirit to the ultimate limit].

In that instant, the Returning Abyss Furnace drew in the seven great Chaos [the primordial state before the formation of the cosmos] Divine Flames: the Purgatory Flame [a divine fire embodying the torments of hell], the Red Lotus Karmic Fire [a mystical flame that burns away karmic ties], the Netherworld Ghost Flame [a spectral fire from the underworld], the Verdant Spirit Divine Flame [a sacred flame of vibrant life essence], the Frost Soul Mysterious Flame [an enigmatic flame of icy soul energy], the Nine Nether Abyssal Demonic Flame [a demonic blaze from the deepest nether realms], and the Indestructibility Immortal Flame [an immortal fire symbolizing unbreakable endurance].

Then, using these seven supreme divine flames as the furnace's fire, it began to ceaselessly burn and temper Eldrin Chen's Chaos Indestructibility Physique [a legendary body constitution forged from primordial chaos, renowned for its near-unbreakable nature].

Immediately, Eldrin Chen's physical body seemed on the verge of melting away completely, yet the power contained within him grew ever more vast and mighty.

The five Great God [a supreme realm of cultivation, representing beings of immense divine power] forms—the Ancient Life Pearl [a primordial pearl containing the essence of life], the Ancient Black Tortoise Shield [a shield embodying the defense of the mythical Black Tortoise], the White Tiger Ancient Sword [an ancient sword channeling the killing intent of the White Tiger], the Vermilion Bird Wings [wings of flame manifesting the power of the Vermilion Bird], and the Qilin Seal [a seal imbued with the auspicious might of the Qilin]—blazed with radiant light, fusing together into a single Chaos Ancient Cauldron [an ancient cauldron forged from primordial chaos] that continuously condensed and reforged Eldrin Chen's flesh.

At a pace almost visible to the naked eye, Eldrin Chen's body grew increasingly solid and attained a state of Immortality [possessing the quality of being deathless and enduring, transcending mortal decay].

An immeasurable time passed. By the time the Seven Great God Flames could no longer harm Eldrin Chen in the slightest, his physical form had once again shattered its Limit-Breaker [a state of surpassing inherent limitations, achieving a new pinnacle]. It now resembled a divine embryo forged from Chaos Stubborn Iron [a legendary, unyielding primordial metal], possessing an ancient and enduring quality of Indestructibility [the conceptual state of being utterly unbreakable and eternal].

"BOOM!"

Infinite Chaos was torn asunder. The Vast Chaos True Spirit Imprint [the primordial mark or destiny of a True Spirit born from the vast chaos] howled down, its essence ultimately devoured entirely by Eldrin Chen's Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body [his perfected physique of primordial chaos and unbreakability]. Only a single portion was intercepted and retained by Eldrin Chen himself.

When all finally grew calm, Eldrin Chen slowly opened his eyes. Within their depths flickered a blazing, incandescent light.

"Once again, I have broken through the Limit-Breaker limit."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, extending his hand to find that the five True Spirit Divine Forms within his body had completely coalesced into a single Chaos Ancient Cauldron [an ancient vessel of primordial chaos, embodying unbreakable power], possessing an indestructible might.

"The Sole True Form."

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, his expression tinged with a hint of confusion.

His Sole True Form was forged from the convergence of five Great God forms, not from the fusion of the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms, yet its power was not the slightest bit inferior.

Thus, Eldrin Chen was uncertain whether he could truly be considered to have stepped into the realm of the Sole True Form.

However, Eldrin Chen was acutely aware that his combat prowess had fully entered the domain where he could contend with a Heavenly Emperor. The strength of his physical body should now be at sixty to seventy percent of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor's level.

"The unification of the five True Spirit Divine Forms allows one to cultivate the Sole Divine Form."

Simultaneously, the figure concealed within the void above could not help but draw in a sharp, cold breath.

He scrutinized Eldrin Chen intently, and after a long while, he exclaimed in awe, "His talent and potential are rare even across the eons. He has even cultivated the patterns of both Chaos and Returning Abyss into his Great God forms."

"Could it be that he actually intends to gather all four Ultimate Divine Rune?"

At this thought, the Ethereal Figure could not help but draw in a sharp, cold breath and said, "If that is truly the case, his potential and his Future achievements may well rival those of the founding ancestor of the Fleshly Body Sanctification lineage."

"No wonder the Mysterious Heaven Mirror shattered for him. This is the true bearing of a Chaos Sovereign."

Just as the Ethereal Figure was reeling in shock, Eldrin Chen slowly opened his eyes.

He rose to his feet unhurriedly, allowing the seven Chaos divine flames to sear his body, and then stepped out from within the Purgatory Heavenly Pass.

Once outside the Heavenly Pass, Eldrin Chen surveyed his surroundings and found that Indestructibility Ancient One, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, Primordial Era Demonic Ape, and Azure Mist Female Sage had all emerged before him.

Moreover, it was evident that all four had successfully passed through the Purgatory Heavenly Pass and had done so ahead of him.

This was to be expected, as all four were practitioners of Fleshly Body Sanctification, granting them a significant advantage in overcoming this particular Purgatory Heavenly Pass.

Furthermore, one only needed to withstand a single Chaos divine flame to step out of the Purgatory Heavenly Pass. Eldrin Chen, however, had used seven Chaos divine flames to cultivate the Path of Self-Refinement, consuming a great deal of time.

Seeing Eldrin Chen emerge, Indestructibility Ancient One promptly inquired, "I sense a significant shift in your aura. Have you achieved a major breakthrough?"

"A modest gain."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile before inquiring, "And what of your harvest, Senior?"

Indestructibility Ancient One chuckled, a note of genuine delight in his voice. "By tempering my body with the five Great God-level flames this time, my physical foundation has finally seen some slight progress, improving by roughly half a tenth."

"My congratulations then, Senior."

Eldrin Chen nodded, promptly offering his felicitations.

Unlike Eldrin Chen, who still possessed vast room for advancement, Indestructibility Ancient One's foundation had long ago approached a state of near-perfect limit.

Unless he broke through to the ChaosHeavenly Emperor Realm, even a mere one percent improvement would be considered a remarkable breakthrough.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, who nodded in acknowledgment. "My foundation is somewhat inferior," the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor stated. "I only managed to refine four of the Great God-level flames."

"However, this trial by fire has granted me a slightly firmer grasp for when I later attempt to fuse the Nine Great God Forms."

Eldrin Chen gave another nod, then looked towards Primordial Era Demonic Ape and Azure Mist Female Sage. Both wore expressions of clear satisfaction, their significant gains evident.

At that very moment, the Ethereal Figure emerged once more. He cast his gaze upon the assembly and declared, "Since you have all successfully traversed the Purgatory Heavenly Pass [the first trial of the Heavenly Passes, a test of endurance and willpower]."

"Then, for this second trial, the Battle Heavenly Pass [the second trial of the Heavenly Passes, a test of combat prowess], you must all take utmost care."

As his words faded, the Ethereal Figure waved his sleeve, instantly transporting everyone to another illusory ancient realm.

The moment Eldrin Chen appeared within this illusory ancient realm, his steps faltered for an instant. Reacting with decisive instinct, he summoned the Returning Abyss Seal [a powerful seal artifact], which instantly transformed into the Bulwark Earth Sovereign Bell [a mighty defensive bell] to shield his body.

In that same breath, a peerless sword of slaughter cleaved forth from the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], crashing against the Bulwark Earth Sovereign Bell with a force that shook the very heavens.

After the momentary clash, Eldrin Chen steadied himself and looked up. There, suspended in the air, stood a woman of unparalleled grace, her form shrouded by countless Great Path Divine Chains [chains of divine law manifesting the power of the Great Path]. In her hand, she held a sword, and her eyes blazed with boundless killing intent.

"An illusion of the Great Path [the supreme, fundamental law of the cosmos]. The Chaos Divine Form [a divine combat technique] left behind by a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign who ruled during the primordial Chaos] of ages past."

Eldrin Chen's heart quaked, a flicker of profound shock crossing his features.

Simultaneously, a voice echoed down from the Heavenly Vault [the celestial dome above]. It was the Ethereal Figure speaking once more: "To ascend to the Path Union Realm [a legendary cultivation realm where one merges with the fundamental laws], one must contend for Great Path Authority [the right to wield and embody a fragment of the Great Path's power]."

"Without sufficient battle prowess, what right does one have to vie for the Great Path Authority?"

As her words fell, that peerless empress brandished her sword and thrust forward. A cataclysmic sword intent swept through the Six Harmonies and Eight Desolations, seeking to utterly annihilate Eldrin Chen within the void.

Yet, Eldrin Chen showed not a trace of fear. With a flick of his sleeve, he unleashed a palm strike that sent the Ethereal Figure reeling through the air, blood spraying from its form.

By this moment, Eldrin Chen had discerned the nature of the Battle Heavenly Pass. The opponents here were generated based on the challenger's own cultivation realm.

The foe before him was a phantom rivaling an Invincible Sage Ascendant. Its power was likely calibrated according to the number of divine forms Eldrin Chen had manifested.

But such strength was far from sufficient to withstand Eldrin Chen. Within mere exchanges, the phantom was battered and sent flying, its ethereal essence bleeding profusely.

"Such formidable combat prowess,"

murmured the Ethereal Figure within the void. Then, with a sweeping gesture, it pointed towards the Battle Heavenly Pass.

Instantly, nine supreme figures materialized in the sky, each a projection left behind by the Chaos Heavenly Emperor of ages past.

These Heavenly Emperor projections surged forth with world-ending malice, each unleashing techniques at the level of a Limitless Sage Ascendant.

"Perfect timing,"

Eldrin Chen's mind quaked with resolve. He decisively channeled the Chaos Heaven Halberd to cleave the heavens, erupting into an epochal battle against the projections of the ten Heavenly Emperor [the supreme rulers of the cosmos].

The battle proved that Eldrin Chen, having cultivated the Sole True Form [a supreme manifestation of one's unified cultivation essence], now possessed combat power unrivaled in the world, capable of facing a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor born from primordial chaos] head-on.

Even when the ten Heavenly Emperor projections unleashed their ultimate power, they were ultimately and completely suppressed by Eldrin Chen.

Driven to the peak of battle frenzy, Eldrin Chen commanded his Sole True Form—the 'Chaos Ancient Cauldron' [a primordial vessel of immense power]—to descend and suppress. In that instant, all ten true forms were utterly annihilated beneath its weight.

"Hah—"

Having vanquished the ten Great God [a powerful divine cultivation realm] forms, Eldrin Chen slowly let out a long, steadying breath.

In that moment, he truly understood what it meant to 'challenge a Heavenly Emperor.' The gulf between them was simply too vast.

Even if ten Sage Ascendant [a sage who has ascended to a higher state of being] who had just entered the Limitless Domain [a realm of boundless potential] were to join forces, they would stand no chance against a single opponent of the 'Heavenly Emperor-challenging' tier.

For one who can challenge a Heavenly Emperor, their power, defense, speed, and vitality all approach the level of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor's Domain [the sovereign domain of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor].

An ordinary Limitless Sage Ascendant [a Sage Ascendant within the Limitless Domain], even at their utmost eruption, could at most inflict minor wounds upon such an existence, posing no genuine threat whatsoever.

This was a qualitative chasm, an insurmountable gulf.

"The power to challenge a Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler of the heavens, a pinnacle existence]," he murmured with a smile.

With a heart brimming with quiet joy, Eldrin Chen stepped forth from the confines of the Battle Heavenly Pass [a legendary trial realm where cultivators face their ultimate limits].

This time, Eldrin Chen emerged from seclusion relatively early, for he had carved his path out by directly overwhelming all foes in his way.

In contrast, the others emerged far more slowly. The trial of the Battle Heavenly Pass was predicated on defeating a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign who attained divinity in the primordial chaos] of one's own cultivation level.

Although these were merely phantoms of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor, possessing only ninety percent of the sovereign's power from that era, they were not foes to be vanquished lightly.

Even those who had achieved Fleshly Body Sanctification [a legendary state of physical perfection, making one's body an indestructible divine vessel] and were considered invincible within their realm faced a monumental task. For every being who had broken through to become a Chaos Heavenly Emperor had themselves once been peerless prodigies, unrivaled in their own time.

Thus, the great battles raged on for an immense span. It was only after several hundred thousand years that Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor emerged as the second to triumph.

Having mastered the Chaos Divine Rune [a supreme divine technique born from primordial chaos], he crushed his formidable opponent with overwhelming, unstoppable force.

The third to emerge was the Primordial Era Demonic Ape [an ancient and mighty demonic beast progenitor], the fourth was Azure Mist Female Sage, and finally, the slowest of all was Indestructibility Ancient One.

He was not adept in offensive combat, yet he stubbornly persisted for thirty million years before finally overcoming this trial.

Seeing the four emerge, the Ethereal Figure finally spoke: "It seems your combat talents are all commendable. For this final trial, I hope you will not disappoint me."

As the words fell, the Ethereal Figure turned his palm and struck open a gate to the Chaos.

The five filed in one after another and were immediately assaulted by a surge of immense Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] power, causing looks of astonishment to appear on their faces.

Seeing this, the Ethereal Figure spoke directly: "This third trial is named the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass, its purpose is to test your Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] aptitude and cultivation."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen understood. The trials of the Profound Heaven Ruins were clearly designed to select and nurture those with the potential for the Path Union Supreme [the supreme realm where one's cultivation path fully unites with the Great Dao] realm.

The initial ten high platforms were meant to weed out those who were unqualified.

The second trial, the Profound Heaven Ancient Mirror, was to find those possessing the latent potential for Path Union Supreme [the supreme realm where one's cultivation path fully unites with the Great Dao].

The subsequent Three Tribulations Heavenly Pass and the Purgatory trial tested physical constitution and potential, seeking those capable of breaking through to Path Union Supreme [the supreme realm where one's cultivation path fully unites with the Great Dao] via Fleshly Body Sanctification [a supreme cultivation art focused on refining the physical body to an immortal state].

The Battle Heavenly Pass tested combat prowess. After all, if one possessed overwhelming strength, they could seize Great Path Authority [the authority over a fundamental aspect of the Great Dao] from others, thereby cultivating a second or even a third Primordial Chaos Great Path [a supreme cultivation path representing a fundamental force of the primordial universe].

And this Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass [a critical trial realm for cultivators], tests whether one possesses the innate talent to cultivate into a Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a supreme cultivator whose power stems from the soul].

After all, those who succeed in cultivating into a Soul Path Heavenly Emperor possess significantly greater potential and aptitude for breaking through to the Path Union Supreme [the realm of unifying one's cultivated path with the fundamental laws]. If one cannot achieve the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor, it is feared they would be unworthy of receiving the Profound Heaven Lineage's meticulous nurturing and guidance.

It was at this very moment that the Ethereal Figure spoke, its voice resonating, "Should you pass this third trial, you shall be granted resources to aid your breakthrough into the Realm of Chaos [the primordial state preceding ordered creation]."

"Even if you fail, our Profound Heaven Lineage shall still bestow upon each of you a precious treasure, one that will increase your chances of successfully advancing to the rank of Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for an emperor who has mastered the power of primordial chaos]."