Chapter 2087 : Clash of Sovereigns in the Void

At this point, the Indestructibility Ancient One took a deep breath and gazed into the distant void, saying, "These scattered remnant souls have become intertwined with the Primordial Chaos Fragment World."

"Furthermore, they were cursed by the eternal Indestructibility [a state of absolute, unyielding permanence], ultimately transforming into beings that are neither fully human nor ghost."

Eldrin Chen followed the Indestructibility Ancient One's gaze, a slight frown creasing his brow.

There, in the void ahead, a malevolent spirit clad in violet robes hovered in the air, driving forward a crimson spear in a vicious thrust.

"Evade!"

The Indestructibility Ancient One swiftly maneuvered his own war spear to parry, instantly sending the attacker reeling backward.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen understood that the strength of this violet-robed malevolent spirit was roughly at the level of a Limitless Sage Ascendant.

Seizing the moment, he joined the assault. Channeling the Chaos Heaven Halberd, he unleashed a cataclysmic force. In the blink of an eye, the violet-robed spirit was sent flying, blood spraying from its wounds.

Simultaneously, the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant capitalized on the opening, closing in on the reeling spirit almost instantly.

The three supreme powerhouses joined forces in a heartbeat. Their perfect synergy [tacit understanding and flawless coordination] was displayed to its utmost limit in that flash of lightning and spark of flint. A relentless, overwhelming barrage of attacks descended upon their foe with dizzying speed.

Yet the violet-robed malevolent spirit showed not a trace of fear. It continuously wielded its crimson divine spear against its foes, and a domain of bloody light manifested around its form, greatly suppressing the techniques of the three powerful opponents.

"Is this... the power of a Sovereign [the supreme authority wielded by a Chaos Sovereign]?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily stunned, a flicker of astonishment crossing his features.

The so-called Sovereign power is a force unique to a Chaos Sovereign [a supreme being of the Third Chaos Realm].

The reason why cultivators of the Third Chaos Realm are titled Chaos Sovereign is precisely because they can exert Sovereign authority over the entire Vast and Boundless Chaos Sea [the primordial, infinite ocean of chaos from which all realms are born].

It is said that wherever a Chaos Sovereign resides becomes the Central heart of Chaos [the primordial, formless state of existence]. They command the power of the entire Chaos, and the myriad Daos of the Myriad Heavens [the countless celestial realms] and even the Vast and Boundless Chaos itself dare not disobey.

Such beings grasp a Limitless Great Path [a supreme and boundless cultivation law], enabling them to suppress ten thousand Daos with their single Dao, reigning supreme over the endless Primordial Chaos Great Path [the fundamental laws of the primordial chaos].

Even the Primordial Chaos Great Path mastered by a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler among the chaos realms] must submit before a Chaos Sovereign, rendered nearly powerless.

Now, the three of them were shocked to discover that upon entering this crimson domain, their own Great Path [cultivation laws and techniques] were being suppressed, making it momentarily difficult to unleash their full power.

"No, this is not the true power of a Sovereign."

The Indestructibility Ancient One spoke slowly, having clearly detected something amiss. With his full power unleashed, he managed to maintain seventy percent of the strength of his Sole True Form.

Only then did Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor let out a sigh of relief. As long as it wasn't a Chaos Sovereign in person, everything was manageable.

Eldrin Chen also mobilized all the power within his body at that moment. He immediately realized this crimson domain could not suppress the two Great God-grade divine patterns of his Returning Abyss and Chaos paths.

Moreover, bolstered by the Chaos Divine Rune, even his Sole Divine Form remained unaffected by its suppression.

Understanding that his combat power was not being suppressed, Eldrin Chen could not help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Without hesitation, he erupted with his full battle prowess. He engaged the violet-robed wraith in fierce combat while simultaneously attuning his senses to the power of the crimson domain.

After a moment, Eldrin Chen spoke, "This is not the power of a Sovereign. Or rather, it is but a superficial imitation of Sovereign power."

"The power of a Sovereign lies in suppressing all other paths with their own singular Great Path. His 'path' is not worthy of suppressing ours."

Eldrin Chen elaborated, yet his tone carried a note of gravity, "However, this power is eerily similar. It seems to faintly contain a trace of the profound mysteries inherent to Sovereign power."

"A pity. Lacking the core essence of the Limitless Great Path, it can hardly impose significant suppression upon us."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen unleashed his ultimate combat prowess. He manifested his Sole True Form [a cultivator's most fundamental and powerful spiritual manifestation] and the Chaos Ancient Cauldron materialized across the heavens, forcibly suppressing the violet-robed figure within its confines.

In that instant, a cataclysmic eruption of Chaos Primordial Solar Heavenly Flame [a supreme flame born from the chaos of creation, containing the essence of the primordial sun] burst forth. Before long, the figure was utterly refined into nothingness.

Witnessing this, Indestructibility Ancient One let out a sigh of relief. "That malignant spirit was truly not to be underestimated," he remarked. "It must have been formed from the remnant soul-fragment of the Mandate of Heaven Sovereign who is gestating here."

Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant's brow furrowed slightly as well. "A mere soul-fragment possessed power rivaling a Limitless Sage Ascendant [a supreme realm of cultivation representing boundless potential]," he stated, his voice grave. "It could even manifest that crimson domain."

"It seems this battle will be fraught with unpredictable peril."

Eldrin Chen also felt a wave of solemn gravity. He understood clearly that within this shattered realm, there were likely thousands upon thousands of such remnant souls.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke his plan. "These soul-fragments are formidable, but none should possess power at the Heavenly Emperor [a title denoting supreme, emperor-like authority over heavenly laws] level."

"We shall conceal our auras. First, we locate the treasure birthed at the core of this shattered realm. Then, we fight our way out through the heart of the secret realm."

Hearing this, both companions nodded in immediate agreement, accepting Eldrin Chen's strategy.

Without a moment's hesitation, Eldrin Chen channeled the power of the Returning Abyss Pearl. Its energy enveloped the trio, veiling their presence and obscuring the surrounding void.

From this, it became evident that the power of the Returning Abyss Pearl [a supreme treasure of immense spatial and abyssal power] far surpassed that of an ordinary Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a powerful artifact forged from primordial chaos].

It must be understood that this was the Primordial Chaos Fragment World [a shattered realm formed from the raw stuff of creation], where space was extraordinarily resilient; even a typical Chaos Spiritual Artifact would struggle to tear through the fabric of reality here.

Yet, the Returning Abyss Pearl had achieved precisely that. While it hadn't ripped open a spatial layer, it had effectively sealed off the small pocket of space they occupied.

This was the first time Eldrin Chen had mobilized the power of this Companion Supreme Treasure [a treasure that grows and evolves with its master] since its recent metamorphosis into a Chaos Spiritual Artifact.

In that moment, Eldrin Chen realized the Returning Abyss Pearl's potency vastly exceeded that of a common Chaos Spiritual Artifact.

After all, an ordinary Chaos Spiritual Artifact with Spatial Attribute [an innate affinity for manipulating space] properties could not be utilized within the Primordial Chaos Fragment World.

"The Chaos Void-Refining Vase [a legendary artifact capable of refining and containing void energies] possesses such formidable power?"

At this, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant could not help but exclaim in admiration.

Indestructibility Ancient One also wore a look of envy. Clearly, neither had detected the anomaly, attributing the feat of parting the spatial veil entirely to the Chaos Void-Refining Vase.

Eldrin Chen offered no further explanation. He simply led the two onward, skillfully navigating past hordes of malignant spirits that haunted the Primordial Chaos Fragment World, until they arrived at its very heart.

Here, within a towering Primordial Chaos Spring Eye [a nexus of primordial chaos energy], floated several exceedingly rare, world-shaking Rare Treasure [items of immense spiritual value and power].

Among them were a wisp of Chaos Genesis Energy [the foundational energy from which all creation springs], a Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo [the nascent form of a treasure born from chaos], a single Chaos Origin Pearl [a pearl containing the pure essence of primordial chaos], along with several other rare Chaos Rare Treasure [treasures unique to the primordial chaos], over a dozen portions of Chaos Origin [the fundamental substance of chaos], and more than one hundred thousand drops of Chaos Divine Liquid [a divine liquid condensed from chaos essence].

"So many resources."

Gazing upon the treasures before them, the hearts of the three cultivators trembled slightly, a wild joy flickering across their faces.

They exchanged a glance. Finally, the Indestructibility Ancient One [an ancient being who has transcended decay] looked at Eldrin Chen and said, "You shall retrieve the treasures shortly. Fellow Daoist Obsidian Abyss and I will hold them off."

Eldrin Chen nodded. The core region of the Primordial Chaos Fragment World [a shattered world adrift in the primordial chaos] teemed with malevolent spirits. Once they acted within this core, they would inevitably alert these spectral entities.

At that moment, they would be completely exposed. Even with the Returning Abyss Pearl [a magical pearl that aids in concealment and escape], evading the relentless pursuit of these spirits would be nearly impossible. Their only recourse would be to fight their way out through sheer force.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen began to survey their surroundings.

He discovered that within the entire core region of the Primordial Chaos Fragment World, there were roughly three hundred remnant soul malevolent spirits. The strongest dozen or so possessed cultivation bases comparable to a Limitless Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator on the cusp of sagehood].

The others were considerably weaker, but most still rivaled Great Emperor [a powerful sovereign-level cultivator], with some even matching the might of a Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator who has ascended to sagehood] Patriarch [a venerable leader of a clan or sect].

"There are far too many malevolent spirits [vengeful ghosts formed from corrupted souls] gathered here. If we become surrounded, we risk being pinned down. It would be best to lure some of them away first."

This thought flashed through Eldrin Chen's mind. With a subtle flicker in his gaze, five figures of the Great Emperor Soul Slaves materialized beside him.

These Great Emperor Soul Slaves had been obtained from Soul-Refiner Great Emperor. Once refined by Eldrin Chen into soul-bound servants, they had fought for him in numerous battles.

But now, as Eldrin Chen's own cultivation [the practice of refining one's body and spirit to ascend towards immortality] had advanced, these five soul slaves were of little practical use.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen looked upon the soul slaves before him and spoke directly. "Today, I require your sacrifice to draw these malevolent spirits away."

"If, in the future, I can ascend to the Limitless Realm [the ultimate stage of cultivation, representing boundless power and understanding], I shall act to aid your revival. I will help restore your consciousness and return you to freedom."

Upon hearing these words, a faint ripple of excitement stirred within the muddled consciousness of the five soul slaves.

Without the slightest hesitation, they instantly scattered in all directions. At the cost of sacrificing their physical bodies in a blood rite, they unleashed their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a high-level cultivator] and fled, streaking towards the horizons.

"Boom—"

The sudden appearance of the five soul slaves immediately agitated the malevolent spirits inhabiting the area.

In an instant, over a hundred malevolent spirits soared into the air, pursuing the five Great Emperor Soul Slaves.

These spirits were exceedingly swift, yet the five Great Emperor Soul Slaves, having sacrificed their flesh to erupt with Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] speed, managed to evade capture for a brief moment.

"Now is the time."

Seeing that nearly half the spirits had departed, Eldrin Chen acted immediately, charging towards the Primordial Chaos Spring Eye.

Instantly, the dozen or so malevolent spirits guarding the spring's edge were alerted and surged forth to intercept Eldrin Chen.

The cultivation bases of these spirits were profoundly high; even Eldrin Chen was unwilling to become entangled with them.

In that critical moment, Eldrin Chen activated the Time Divine Pattern, instantly altering the flow of Space-Time around him. His speed accelerated to its absolute limit, allowing him to slip through the closing encirclement by the narrowest of margins.

"BOOM—"

Simultaneously, Indestructibility Ancient One and Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor made their move, intercepting several of the most powerful spirits.

In that fleeting moment of delay, Eldrin Chen gathered all the treasures from the pool and instantly fought his way back out.

"Go!"

The instant Eldrin Chen burst forth, he decisively summoned his Celestial Abyss Twin Swords. The twin blades merged into one, instantly cleaving a path through the chaos.

With Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor on his left and Indestructibility Ancient One on his right, they shielded him as they fought their way out, carving a bloody swath from the very heart of the Primordial Chaos Fragment World.

The moment they broke free, they were met by a sky-darkening tide of malevolent spirits. The spectral horde poured into the core secret realm, with a portion turning its baleful gaze towards them.

Eldrin Chen let out a slow, measured breath. Had his five soul-slaves not drawn away nearly half of the vengeful spirits, they would have been bogged down for a crucial time.

Had that happened, the onslaught of thousands of remnant souls would have exacted a terrible price, even if they had ultimately fought their way free.

Fortunately, now that they had escaped the core, the pressure eased considerably.

The trio fought as one, a whirlwind of destruction where no malevolent spirit could withstand a single combined strike. Not even spirits at the Limitless Sage Ascendant level could hope to bar their path.

Thus, fighting a measured retreat, they battled their way completely out of the Primordial Chaos Fragment World.

"Away—now!"

Having fought his way out of the Primordial Chaos Fragment World, Eldrin Chen could not help but draw a deep, steadying breath.

Without a moment's hesitation, he activated the Chaos Void-Refining Vase and tore through the Chaos Desolation Sea before vanishing from sight.

"Hah—"

When his senses settled, Eldrin Chen found himself adrift once more within the boundless expanse of the Chaos Desolation Sea.

Beside him, both Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant and Indestructibility Ancient One wore expressions of profound relief, the ghost of a smile touching their lips in the wake of their narrow escape.

It had to be admitted—facing a swarm of tens of thousands of vengeful spirits, each starting at the level of a Great Emperor, was an experience that pressed even upon beings like them, who could contend with Heavenly Emperor-level existences. A palpable weight had hung in the air.

"Let us first find a secure location before we divide the spoils of our venture," Eldrin Chen suggested.

With those words, he once again initiated a passage through the Chaos.

They traversed the Chaos Desolation Sea several more times via the Chaos Void-Refining Vase, weaving through the primordial void until all traces of their passage were utterly erased. Only then did the trio seek refuge within a Nameless Chaos Lair to conceal themselves.

Within the Chaos Lair, Eldrin Chen laid out all the treasures they had seized from their recent endeavor.

The three of them gazed upon the treasures before them, and a look of delight naturally surfaced on their faces.

The spoils they had seized this time could truly be called bountiful. Among them, the most precious were three items: a wisp of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative force from which all things originate], a single Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo [an unformed treasure of immense potential, born from primordial chaos], and one Chaos Origin Pearl [a pearl containing the purest essence of primordial chaos].

Furthermore, there were also three top-grade Chaos Rare Treasure [rare treasures forged in the heart of chaos], twelve portions of Chaos Origin [the foundational substance of primordial chaos], and over one hundred thousand drops of Chaos Origin Liquid [liquid essence condensed from primordial chaos].

Looking at these treasures, Eldrin Chen spoke directly, "Senior Indestructibility [a state of being unbreakable and eternal] has accumulated for many years, and now he has also obtained an Ascension to Sainthood Pill [a legendary pill that aids in ascending to sainthood]. I suggest we prioritize giving this Chaos Genesis Energy to him."

Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant also nodded, smiling as he handed the Chaos Genesis Energy to Indestructibility Ancient One and said, "I have not yet cultivated the Sole Divine Form [a supreme divine physique]. This item should go to you, Fellow Daoist."

Indestructibility Ancient One's heart trembled slightly. He accepted the Chaos Genesis Energy with immense excitement and said with profound emotion, "This old man has toiled in cultivation for nearly a million years. Finally, my wish is about to be fulfilled."

Speaking to this point, Indestructibility Ancient One took Eldrin Chen's hand and said, "Thank you."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly, then turned his gaze to the remaining treasures.

Among the two remaining precious items, the Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo was of immeasurable value, and the Chaos Origin Pearl was also extraordinarily valuable.

Thus, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before looking at the Chaos Origin Pearl and saying, "I wish to keep this Chaos Origin Pearl to bestow upon Second Son, hoping he can cultivate the Chaos Divine Form [a supreme divine physique born from chaos]."

Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant gave a slight nod, then directly took the Chaos Origin Pearl [a primordial pearl containing the essence of chaos] and said, "As his master, I have not bestowed upon him many precious treasures over these years."

"Let this be my gift to him."

"This..."

Eldrin Chen was taken aback and quickly shook his head, saying, "This object is far too precious. Please, allow me to present it."

Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant decisively shook his head instead, then pushed the Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo [an unformed treasure containing the potential of primordial chaos] towards Eldrin Chen and said, "As for this Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo, perhaps you should give it to Path Ancestor Taihu."

Eldrin Chen's heart skipped a beat, and he instantly understood Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant's meaning.

To others, a Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo is merely an unformed Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a magical artifact forged from primordial chaos].

Yet, if it were to fall into the hands of Path Ancestor Taihu, it might very well give rise to a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign whose path to power is founded upon a spiritual treasure].

If Eldrin Chen were to present this Spiritual Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact] embryo to Path Ancestor Taihu, it would undoubtedly place the Taihu Lineage [the lineage or faction led by Path Ancestor Taihu] under a profound debt of gratitude.

It might even secure their alliance, or at the very least, facilitate an exceedingly lucrative exchange.

It must be understood that the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot lineage possesses no fewer than six Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for supreme cultivators who have attained the Heavenly Emperor realm within the primordial chaos]. To be able to draw them into an alliance would be enough to reshape the very balance of power across the Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen felt a slight stir in his heart. He then turned to the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant and spoke, "My thanks for your guidance, Senior."

The Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant offered a faint smile. "The Taihu Lineage has always maintained a stance of neutrality and operates with notable discretion, yet their strength is absolutely not to be underestimated," he began.

"Moreover, the six Heavenly Emperor of the Taihu Lineage share a bond of unity, sailing the same boat through thick and thin. Their cohesion and collective power far surpass what the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain or the Primordial Domain of Myriad Gods can boast."

"If you can truly forge an alliance with them, then even if the Chaos Void-Refining Vase [a supreme treasure capable of refining the primordial void] were to be exposed, few would dare to move against you."

Eldrin Chen nodded, a look of understanding dawning on his face.

Seeing this, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor then pushed forward the three supreme-grade Chaos Rare Treasure [objects of immense power born from the primordial chaos], the twelve portions of Chaos Origin [the foundational essence of primordial chaos], and the hundred thousand plus drops of Chaos Origin Liquid [a liquefied, highly concentrated form of Chaos Origin] towards Eldrin Chen.

Then, he looked towards Indestructibility Ancient One and said with a smile, "He contributed the most this time. Let the remainder go to Returning Abyss Path Master."

Indestructibility Ancient One chuckled. "This old man has obtained Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative force that gave birth to all existence]. What more could I possibly desire?"

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen offered no further refusal and directly stored the remaining treasures.

Having completed all this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze towards Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor and Indestructibility Ancient One, then inquired, "What are your plans now?"

Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor gave a light laugh and stated directly, "The Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven will open in another two hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles]. I intend to venture there when the time comes."

"This old man will not be going."

Indestructibility Ancient One shook his head, a wry smile touching his lips. "The opportunities within the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven are even more demanding. My chances of success there are slim, even if I went."

"Now that I have obtained the Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs], to prevent unforeseen complications, I have decided to attempt my breakthrough into the Realm of Chaos [the legendary realm of primordial disorder and potential] immediately."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. "Where do you plan to undertake your breakthrough, Senior? We can stand guard for you."

"I shall return to the Indestructibility Primordial Domain."

Indestructibility Ancient One declared, then added, "Once my breakthrough is complete, I will personally escort you back to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains. It will also serve to deter any petty troublemakers on your behalf."

A smile touched Eldrin Chen's lips. He rose and clasped his hands in a respectful salute. "Then we shall trouble you for your assistance."

"There is no time to delay. Let us depart."

Eager to achieve his breakthrough into the Realm of Chaos, the Indestructibility Ancient One immediately took the two of them across the Boundless Void and headed towards the Indestructibility Primordial Domain.

The distance to the Indestructibility Primordial Domain was exceedingly vast. They flew for more than twenty Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] before finally returning to the heart of the Indestructibility Primordial Domain.

Upon his return, the Indestructibility Ancient One immediately summoned his disciples and descendants to arrange a grand formation. He then entrusted the Heavenly Path Authority Power to Eldrin Chen, authorizing him to wield it in his stead.

This act alone spoke volumes of the profound trust the Indestructibility Ancient One placed in Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen understood the reasons well. It was not merely due to their close relationship, but more so because of the impeccable character he had cultivated over countless years.

Throughout the Southern Abyss Seven Domains and even within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains, who did not know that Eldrin Chen was ruthless to his enemies, yet never failed those who stood by his side?

Such a man of noble virtue—even if it were merely a facade—had, over the course of a thousand Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles], forged a reputation that was now unshakable.

Eldrin Chen already possessed a strand of Chaos Genesis Energy. With no shortage of such energy, it would be utterly foolish for him to sacrifice a reputation painstakingly built over millennia for the sake of a single additional strand.

The cost would far outweigh the gain; it simply was not worth it.

After all, they were all beings who had transcended the cycle of Reincarnation [the endless cycle of death and rebirth]. In the near-eternal years that lay ahead, there would be ample time for their relationships to deepen and mature.

Once a reputation, painstakingly built over many years, was tarnished, it could never truly be salvaged.