Chapter 2086 : Secrets of the Time Divine Pattern

With his current power, he could traverse between the past and the Future across roughly one hundred Kalpa Tribulation within a single Eldrin [a grand cosmological Era, often spanning tens of thousands of years].

Of course, Eldrin Chen would not resort to this unless absolutely necessary.

For such reckless temporal traversal could easily cause the River of Space-Time [the metaphysical flow of time and space] to become chaotic, leading to irreversible and unpredictable changes within this Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all realms are born].

Yet, even with this limitation, the Time Divine Pattern [a profound ability to manipulate the flow of time] held astonishing and profound mysteries.

Eldrin Chen discovered he could slow the flow of time in the surrounding Space-Time [the fabric of reality encompassing both dimensions], or conversely, accelerate the temporal stream around himself.

Both temporal acceleration and deceleration would provide immense advantages in combat.

Imagine during a true battle, where an opponent's strikes appeared to Eldrin Chen as slow as a tortoise's crawl—how could they possibly hope to injure him?

Alternatively, Eldrin Chen could accelerate time upon himself. In the span of a single moment in the external world, a thousand years could pass for him, allowing him to instantly escape any pursuit.

"The power of the Time Divine Pattern is truly profound," Eldrin Chen murmured, a faint smile touching his lips. "Worthy of being called a Half-Step Ultimate Divine Rune [a near-perfect manifestation of a supreme cosmic law]."

Eldrin Chen whispered softly to himself, a genuine smile finally gracing his features.

The legendary Space-Time Divine Rune [a supreme divine pattern born from the fusion of temporal and spatial laws] is woven from the intermingling of the two Great Path [fundamental cosmic laws] of Time and Space.

This level of Ultimate Divine Rune [the pinnacle category of divine patterns] grants mastery over Space-Time Power [the combined force of temporal and spatial manipulation], possessing unparalleled profundity. Its capabilities for survival and versatility rank it first among the four great Ultimate Divine Rune.

Eldrin Chen has now cultivated the Time Divine Pattern [a divine pattern embodying the law of time], which can be considered mastering half the power of the Space-Time Divine Rune. Even so, it qualifies as a Half-Step Ultimate Divine Rune [a divine pattern approaching the ultimate tier].

Next, he only needs to cultivate the Path of Space [the fundamental law governing dimensions and void] to fuse the Space-Time Power together and achieve the legendary Space-Time Divine Rune.

"Time reigns supreme, Space rules as king."

"Should Space-Time [the concepts of spatial and temporal dimensions] merge into one, one could become invincible under heaven."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, ripples of contemplation shimmering in the depths of his gaze.

It is said that the Time Great Path [the supreme law of temporal flow] and the Path of Space each alone can lead directly to the Limitless Sovereign Realm [the boundless realm of ultimate sovereignty]. Should the two be unified, one would step into the domain of the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the primordial law from which all creation springs].

Faced with such a supremely lofty Great Path, even Eldrin Chen could not help but devote his entire being to its pursuit.

"My next step," he resolved, "is to begin laying the groundwork for the Path of Space."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then gathered his thoughts and turned his gaze towards the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor beside him.

Not far away, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor slowly opened his eyes, a faint smile gracing his features.

Behind his head, a Chaos Ancient Bell [a primordial bell embodying the power of primal chaos] slowly condensed into form, radiating an invincible power capable of suppressing all chaos.

"Ultimate Divine Form—Chaos Ancient Bell."

Eldrin Chen spoke softly, a look of joy appearing on his face as he promptly cupped his hands in salute. "Congratulations, Senior. With your cultivation of the Chaos Divine Form [the ultimate manifestation of one's divine power, shaped by the primordial chaos], you have now fully stepped into the Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm of cultivation surpassing the Great Emperor level]."

"It pales before your own world-shaking combat prowess."

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor chuckled before continuing, "Nevertheless, my gains from this endeavor are indeed substantial."

By achieving the ninth True Spirit Divine Form [a divine manifestation based on one's innate true spirit], the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor's cultivation had irrevocably entered the Sage Ascendant Realm. His foundation and latent potential had undergone a tremendous enhancement.

If his former strength could be considered merely top-tier among Limitless Sage Ascendants [those at the peak of the Sage Ascendant Realm], his current power now likely rivaled half that of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor whose power stems from the Primordial Chaos].

While such strength had not yet reached the domain where one could truly challenge a Heavenly Emperor, it was nonetheless formidable. At the very least, he could now marginally intervene in conflicts at the Heavenly Emperor level.

Moreover, this was not his limit. Once Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor unified his Nine Great God Forms and fully cultivated the Sole True Form, his power was expected to surge dramatically once more.

By that time, the strength of Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor should be comparable to that of a newly ascended Chaos Divine Sovereign like the Primordial Mire Divine Sovereign.

Thinking of this, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor could not help but smile and say, "Our power has increased considerably this time. Perhaps we can try venturing into that Primordial Chaos Fragment World now."

Upon hearing this, both Eldrin Chen and Indestructibility Ancient One felt a stirring of anticipation.

The reason they had selected these three forbidden lands was a common trait they all shared: only those below the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm were qualified to enter and explore them.

Precisely for this reason, Eldrin Chen had not given the Chaos Genesis Energy to Indestructibility Ancient One.

For once Indestructibility Ancient One broke through to Chaos Heavenly Emperor, he would forever lose the chance to explore the remaining two sites of opportunity.

At this moment, the three exchanged glances. Eldrin Chen then spoke decisively, "Since that is the case, there is no time to waste. Let us depart immediately."

With those words, Eldrin Chen was the first to step out of the Profound Heaven Ruins and stride forth into the boundless Depths of Chaos.

Indestructibility Ancient One and Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor followed closely behind, cleaving a path through the Vast and Boundless Chaos as they journeyed onward.

Yet, after an unknowable span of time, the footsteps of Eldrin Chen suddenly paused, coming to a halt within a hazy expanse of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

"What is it?"

Beside him, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor grew alert, a flicker of wariness crossing his features.

Instead of answering, Eldrin Chen's expression turned cold and sharp. He gazed into the void and demanded, "Since you have come, why skulk in the shadows like a ghost?"

"So you did detect me after all."

A voice, detached and frigid, echoed from within the Chaos.

Then, the Chaos itself was torn asunder. A war chariot, drawn by nine Primordial Era [pertaining to the most ancient epoch of creation] True Dragon [the supreme, primordial dragons of myth], materialized before the group.

Upon the chariot stood a man of imposing stature, a war spear held firmly in his grasp. His countenance was a mask of icy indifference.

"Blazing Center Incinerator."

Indestructibility Ancient One spoke the name, his brow furrowing with profound gravity.

The Blazing Center Incinerator curled the corner of his mouth and spoke, "I heard the three of you passed the second trial. It seems your aptitudes are not bad."

"I won't waste words. Hand over the items, and I might spare your lives."

"On what grounds?"

The Indestructibility Ancient One was incensed, a flash of icy coldness flickering in his gaze.

Eldrin Chen and the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor exchanged a glance beside him, a hidden killing intent shimmering in their eyes.

"On what grounds?" The Blazing Center Incinerator chuckled, then his expression turned frigid. "On the grounds of superior strength."

As his words fell, the Blazing Center Incinerator shot into the air in an instant, riding a Crimson Flame Divine Spear that tore through the void, charging directly at the Indestructibility Ancient One.

Facing the supremely arrogant Blazing Center Incinerator, the Indestructibility Ancient One was the first to surge forward. Mounting his own Indestructibility War Spear, he soared to meet the attack, and an ultimate battle erupted between them.

Yet, in the very first clash, the Indestructibility Ancient One was sent flying backward. Though he suffered no grievous wounds, he seemed to have been put at a significant disadvantage.

"Something's wrong. That weapon in his hand is a Chaos Spiritual Artifact—the Chaos Scorching Heaven Spear [a spear forged from the primordial chaos, capable of scorching the heavens]!"

Eldrin Chen immediately called out a warning, then steered the Chaos Heaven Halberd forward to meet the attack, blocking the full-force strike unleashed by Blazing Center Incinerator.

At that moment, both Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor and Indestructibility Ancient One understood the formidable power of Blazing Center Incinerator.

This Blazing Center Incinerator was inherently skilled in explosive bursts of power; his peak, short-lived combat prowess could even rival that of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

Such a figure, now wielding a Chaos Spiritual Artifact, was clearly a difficult opponent for Indestructibility Ancient One, who was not specialized in Slaughter.

Of course, Indestructibility Ancient One excelled in defense; even if he could not prevail, his own safety was never in question.

"Returning Abyss Path Ancestor, how dare you stand in my way?"

Seeing Eldrin Chen charge forth, Blazing Center Incinerator nearly flew into a frenzy on the spot. He instantly erupted with techniques akin to Oblivion [the power of absolute annihilation], sweeping across the Eight Desolations in an attempt to utterly annihilate Eldrin Chen.

Yet Eldrin Chen was no easy mark. His physical combat prowess surpassed that of Blazing Center Incinerator by a margin, and his Chaos Heaven Halberd was not a whit inferior to the Chaos Scorching Heaven Spear.

In this fierce battle, Eldrin Chen did not unleash his full strength, yet after exchanging three thousand blows in succession, he remained unyielding and held his ground.

"How is this possible?"

Witnessing the utterly extreme combat prowess unleashed by Eldrin Chen, even Blazing Center Incinerator was somewhat shaken.

He saw the man erupt with power akin to Oblivion itself, his Chaos Scorching Heaven Spear blazing with heaven-scorching flames.

Such terrifying flames were potent enough to sear and even wound a Chaos Heavenly Emperor, yet they were still insufficient to give Eldrin Chen pause.

However, Eldrin Chen was unwilling to reveal too much of his true strength. He immediately manifested the Bulwark Earth Sovereign Bell for protection, then turned his gaze towards Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor and Indestructibility Ancient One.

In that instant, the two powerhouses moved with perfect tacit understanding [unspoken coordination], striking in unison with Eldrin Chen to pincer Blazing Center Incinerator from three sides.

Facing three opponents alone, Blazing Center Incinerator found himself hard-pressed, forced into a continuous, stumbling retreat under the relentless assault.

"Damnation! Your progress is so immense... it seems you truly did obtain a great opportunity [a significant fortuitous encounter or treasure]," he snarled through gritted teeth.

Realizing he could not withstand the combined might of the trio, Blazing Center Incinerator roared in fury and desperation. He turned his gaze deep into the void and cried out, "Brother Profound Desolation! Aid me swiftly in suppressing them!"

"BOOM—"

In that moment, the void itself was violently torn asunder. A terrifying Chaos Giant Hand shattered through spatial fabric, descending with the intent to utterly crush and subdue all three cultivators.

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw a majestic figure tearing through the void from the Depths of Chaos, an invincible Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler born from primordial chaos].

"It's the Profound Desolation Heavenly Emperor! We must flee!"

The Indestructibility Ancient One spoke immediately. He then summoned his Indestructibility War Spear to block the attack head-on before attempting to pull everyone away to escape.

Yet, the Profound Desolation Heavenly Emperor remained impassive, his expression cold as he declared, "Surrender the treasure first, then you may leave."

As his words fell, he flicked his sleeve and unleashed a Void Treasure Gourd [a gourd-shaped treasure that manipulates spatial void], instantly sealing off the surrounding space.

"The Chaos Void Gourd! That's a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a primordial treasure forged from chaos] with Spatial Attribute [spatial-manipulating properties]!"

The Indestructibility Ancient One's expression shifted slightly, and his gaze instantly snapped towards Eldrin Chen.

Without a moment's hesitation, Eldrin Chen summoned the Chaos Void-Refining Vase. It countered the power of the Chaos Void Gourd, allowing him to tear through the void and flee with his two companions.

"That is the Lifebound Supreme Treasure [a cultivator's ultimate treasure, bound to their very life force] of the Immortal Firmament Path Ancestor."

Watching the trio vanish, the Profound Desolation Heavenly Emperor paused briefly before remarking, "No wonder the Returning Abyss Path Master rose with such meteoric speed. So he is the heir of the Immortal Firmament Path Ancestor."

At this moment, Profound Desolation Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler of the heavens] nodded slightly. Some of his speculations regarding Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] instantly became clearer.

Over these years, as Eldrin Chen gradually rose to prominence, he had already entered the gaze of the powers within the Blazing Central Primordial Domain [a primordial and powerful region of the cosmos].

Many believed that Eldrin Chen, with his peerless talent, had the potential to become a figure akin to a second Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a legendary and formidable demonic sovereign from beyond this realm].

The various Chaos Heavenly Emperor [supreme emperors who rule over primordial chaos] of the Blazing Central Chaos Domain had thus paid considerable attention to Eldrin Chen as well.

It was only because the Blazing Central Lineage [a powerful and ancient faction] had made too many enemies, and because Eldrin Chen had the backing of several Chaos Heavenly Emperor standing behind him, that the Blazing Central Lineage had likely refrained from moving against him directly.

Now, with the emergence of the Chaos Void-Refining Vase [a legendary artifact capable of refining primordial chaos], the Blazing Central Lineage had begun to form some conjectures about Eldrin Chen's origins.

In the view of the Profound Desolation Heavenly Emperor, Eldrin Chen was most likely a direct disciple of the Immortal Firmament Path Ancestor [a foundational patriarch of the immortal path] lineage, and perhaps even a hidden contingency prepared by the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain [the primordial realm from which the immortal path originated].

Only such an explanation could account for the astonishing speed of Eldrin Chen's meteoric rise.

"Elder Brother of our clan, must we simply let them depart like this?"

At the same time, Blazing Center Incinerator [a powerful figure associated with the Blazing Central Lineage] spoke with a tone of deep reluctance.

Profound Desolation Heavenly Emperor shook his head, his expression placid as he spoke. "That Immortal Firmament Path Ancestor achieved the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor realm, and his strength was not inferior to an Outer Realm Demon Emperor."

"Had he not met calamity because of the Chaos Cauldron, he likely would have already broken through to Path Union and the Supreme Realm. The legacy left behind by such a figure is surely extraordinary."

"However, he possesses the Chaos Void-Refining Vase. Unless a Patriarch personally intervenes, it would be difficult for either of us to capture him."

"Yet, our Blazing Central Lineage has many enemies. Those Half-Step Path Union cultivators within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains would not tolerate us making a move."

Speaking thus, the Profound Desolation Heavenly Emperor continued, "However, we can spread this news. Though the remaining legacy of the Immortal Firmament lineage is not vast, it is still enough to tempt many."

"I believe some within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains would be willing to act as our proxies to deal with him."

"Excellent."

Blazing Center Incinerator praised the idea, then added, "This way, even if we cannot seize the treasure ourselves, we can continue to destabilize the situation in the Southern Abyss Seven Domains."

"This stratagem of setting a tiger to chase a wolf may well lead them to exhaust each other in conflict."

"..."

Just as Profound Desolation Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler of the heavens] was gripped by profound apprehension, the trio on the other side had already escaped from peril.

The Indestructibility Ancient One [an ancient being who has transcended the concept of destruction] immediately turned his gaze towards Eldrin Chen and spoke, "Exposing the Chaos Void-Refining Vase [a legendary vessel capable of refining the essence of primordial chaos] this time will likely bring trouble upon you."

"It is of no consequence."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his expression remaining as calm and unperturbed as a still lake.

After the destruction of the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain [the original realm of the cosmos where immortals dwelled], its remaining legacy was largely divided among the Thirteen Domains of the Northern and Southern Heaven Abyss [thirteen powerful realms bordering the celestial abyss].

The Candle Dragon [a primordial dragon whose eyes are said to govern day and night], the Primordial Phoenix [the first phoenix, progenitor of all avian divine beasts], and even the various Chaos Demon Sovereign [lords of demonic beings born from primordial chaos] from the outer realms—most of them ascended to the rank of Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign emperor who commands the power of primordial chaos] because of this.

Even if the Immortal Firmament Path Ancestor [the founding ancestor of the immortal firmament path] left behind treasures, the remaining artifacts are few, and thus unlikely to stir the hearts of powerhouses at the Half-Step Path Union Realm [a realm where one is halfway to unifying their cultivated path with the heavenly Dao].

Therefore, even if the Chaos Void-Refining Vase is a Treasure Furnace [a supreme-grade vessel for forging and refining treasures], the danger Eldrin Chen faces is not an absolute dead end. With his current strength, there is even a possibility he can protect the Chaos Void-Refining Vase.

After all, not only is his personal power formidable, but he also has several allies at the level of Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

Conversely, this opportunity to Treasure Furnace the Chaos Void-Refining Vase also provides a perfect explanation for Eldrin Chen's rapid cultivation speed and formidable power.

A person without a heaven-defying background, cultivating to the level of strength like Eldrin Chen, even passing the trials of Profound Heaven Ruins, is enough to make a Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified their cultivation path] wary.

However, if it were the successor of a top-tier Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator on the verge of unifying their cultivation path], who, after obtaining the vast resources hoarded by that Half-Step Path Union, cultivated to such a realm and level of power, it would seem entirely reasonable.

Even if somewhat exaggerated, it could still be perfectly explained away.

This, in turn, would reduce much of the external covetous attention on Eldrin Chen, making him considerably safer without him lifting a finger.

Furthermore, if he did not bring out the Chaos Void-Refining Vase, Eldrin Chen would have to display combat power at the level of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler within primordial chaos] to fight his way out of the battlefield.

By that point, it would inevitably alarm Blazing Center Supreme, thereby inviting even greater trouble for Eldrin Chen.

After all, a mere practitioner of Fleshly Body Sanctification [an art focused on purifying and strengthening the physical body], who had not yet broken through to the ChaosHeavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor within primordial chaos], was already comparable to a Chaos Heavenly Emperor. If he were to fully step into the ChaosHeavenly Emperor Realm, what then?

"I've attracted some trouble, but with my strength and connections, I should barely be able to manage it for now," Eldrin murmured to himself.

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

Having gathered his focus, Eldrin Chen looked towards the Depths of Chaos and declared, "The immediate priority remains that strength is paramount above all else."

"Let us first venture into the Primordial Chaos Fragment World [a shattered realm born from the primordial energies of creation] and see if we can find opportunities for further advancement."

Upon hearing this, both the Indestructibility Ancient One and the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor nodded in agreement, following him as they made their way toward the Primordial Chaos Fragment World.

Their journey stretched on for dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years]. By the time Eldrin Chen felt a hint of weariness, they had finally arrived at the periphery of the Primordial Chaos Fragment World.

"This is the place."

Gazing upon the Primordial Chaos Fragment World before him, Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a ripple of emotion stirring in the depths of his eyes.

So-called Primordial Chaos Fragment World are what remain of Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [realms of pure, unformed chaos]. A complete Primordial Chaos Secret Realm possesses an exceedingly high rank, having been born even before the Primordial Chaos Unfolding [the event that gave form to the cosmos from the primordial chaos].

They are woven from Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme, foundational energy of primordial chaos] and contain a power of truly extraordinary, world-shaking magnitude.

If one were to find a complete Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, even a Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified their cultivation path] or a Limitless Sovereign [a sovereign whose power knows no bounds] would be moved to desire it.

For within it, there is a high likelihood of finding remnants of Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [the primordial essence from which all creation sprang], and that Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence is the most crucial resource for stepping into the Third Chaos Realm [the third and highest realm of chaos cultivation].

The Chaos [the foundational realm of chaos] remnant before them was already a damaged Primordial Chaos Secret Realm. In the distant past, it had suffered devastation in a great battle.

Two Limitless Sovereign [the supreme cultivators who have transcended all limits] clashed in a great war over the fate of this realm, ultimately shattering the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension born from the primordial chaos] into utter ruin.

Afterwards, the resources within the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm were plundered completely, leaving only a single, broken Primordial Chaos Fragment World [a shattered remnant of the primordial chaos realm] to endure.

Though this Primordial Chaos Fragment World lies in ruins, it still holds traces of supreme Primordial Chaos Path Profundity [the profound truths of the primordial chaos path]. Across spans of tens of thousands of years, it periodically gives birth to exceedingly rare Chaos Rare Treasure [treasures born from chaos] and even Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy of creation from chaos].

However, the Primordial Chaos Fragment World is perilous beyond measure, scarred by the lingering, forbidden Slaughter [a divine ability of absolute annihilation] left behind by the two Limitless Sovereign.

This Slaughter power is terrifyingly potent; once provoked, it erupts with cataclysmic force, capable of destroying even a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign emperor who rules over chaos].

It is precisely for this reason that not even Chaos Heavenly Emperor or Path Union Supreme [supreme beings who have unified multiple great paths] dare risk entering this Primordial Chaos Fragment World.

Conversely, those who have not cultivated the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the supreme path of primordial chaos], due to their lower spiritual rank and cultivation realm, do not trigger a reaction from these remnants of Chaos Sovereign [sovereigns of chaos] power.

"The Primordial Chaos Fragment World can, at most, accommodate beings at the Sage Ascendant Realm [the realm just below sagehood]," Indestructibility Ancient One stated, gazing at the fractured realm before them. "While we can enter without issue, the dangers within that shattered world are unpredictable. You must proceed with utmost caution."

Upon hearing this, both individuals nodded in solemn understanding.

The two of them, upon hearing these words, both nodded in acknowledgment.

Seeing this, Indestructibility Ancient One spoke up, "This old one's physical defenses are rather robust. Allow me to take the vanguard."

As his words fell, Indestructibility Ancient One was the first to step within, with Eldrin Chen and Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor following closely behind.

The moment they entered the Primordial Chaos Fragment World, Eldrin Chen immediately felt a wave of murderous aura [a palpable, hostile intent that can chill the soul] assail him.

Within the vast, desolate expanse of the Primordial Chaos Fragment World, everything was bathed in an eerie, dark violet-red radiance, rendering the scene profoundly strange and terrifying.

Witnessing this, Indestructibility Ancient One recalled the origins of this Primordial Chaos Fragment World and spoke, "Legends say that within this fragment world, an existence that had half a foot already in the Limitless Realm [the ultimate, boundless state beyond all known realms of power] was once nurtured."

"Originally, it should have been considered a Mandate of Heaven Chaos Sovereign [a Chaos Sovereign whose authority is ordained by the Heavenly Mandate, a being of supreme cosmic order]. Yet, tragically, it was discovered while still in its gestation, before Future could even emerge into the world, it attracted a dreadful Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial or calamity]."

"After that quasi-Chaos Sovereign [a being on the cusp of attaining the supreme rank of Chaos Sovereign] perished, it was utterly annihilated by two Limitless Sovereign [Sovereigns who have transcended all limits]. Its Primordial Spirit [the foundational spiritual core and consciousness of a supreme being] was blasted into thousands upon thousands of fragments."