Chapter 2090 : A Divine Sovereign's Regret

The Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign let out a faint sigh, then said with a bitter smile, "What happened in the past is done. It is fundamentally impossible for us to be of one heart and mind now."

Speaking to this point, the Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign's expression turned bitter, tinged with a flicker of regret.

To be fair, as the first Primordial Era Divine Sovereign [a supreme ruler from the primordial epoch] of the Primordial Immortal Domain, he had indeed possessed the standing to alter the course of events in the original Primordial Beginning Domain.

Back in the early days of the Primordial Beginning Domain, he was the first to break through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm [the sovereign level born from primordial chaos].

If he had not been the first to seize the Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy of creation] and had instead established a rule forbidding its plunder, then the present Tri-Pole Primordial Domain might very well have achieved true unity.

In that case, not only would the strength of the Primordial Domain have increased significantly, but during the wars against the outer realms in the Primordial Era, they would not have been beaten to the brink of utter collapse.

And a united Primordial Domain would never have allowed a mere Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator halfway to merging with the Heavenly Path] like Panji Heavenly Emperor to breach its defenses.

Alas, in the past, the Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign made a single, fateful misstep. Fearing the talent and potential of the Primordial Era Demonic Ape, he struck first and seized its portion of Chaos Genesis Energy.

From that moment on, it was as if Pandora's box had been opened.

Aside from the three Divine Sovereign closely aligned with him—the Supreme Lunar [the supreme lunar principle], the Solar, and the Purple Tenuity—the Chaos Genesis Energy of all other Heaven-Appointed Divine Sovereign [divine sovereigns ordained by heaven] was plundered.

"The causes of the past bear the fruits of today."

"The predicament we now face originated entirely from this old man's actions."

Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign spoke slowly, a bitter smile appearing on his face as he said.

Upon hearing this, everyone present fell into a contemplative silence.

Neither Primordial Mire Divine Sovereign nor Path Master Great Abyss and the others offered any comment.

For, in all honesty, if they had been in Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign's position, they might not have been able to resist the temptation to seize the Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs].

Even Eldrin Chen, over the years, had his cultivation resources not been wrested from the hands of formidable foes?

Thinking this, Eldrin Chen steered the conversation away, a slight frown creasing his brow. "Yet, this time, just as we were on the verge of a complete break with the Demon Race, the Blazing Central Lineage intervened and spoiled it all."

"I fear that when the great war erupts, the Three Heavenly Emperors of the Demon Race will betray us again, stabbing us in the back."

"Alas."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the path of primordial creation] let out a soft sigh before speaking. "I understand this as well. It is simply that our strength is ultimately insufficient."

Upon hearing this, everyone present fell into a contemplative silence.

Great Abyss Immortal Sage sighed and then said, "As things stand now, it seems we can only proceed one step at a time, watching as the path unfolds."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a look of helplessness on his face.

Even though he clearly understood that aligning with the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Celestial Sovereign of the Sun] would inevitably invite immense trouble, he currently had no other recourse.

After all, the foundations of the Human Race Immortal Court [the celestial governing body of humankind] lay within the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain [the primordial realm governed by the three celestial poles]. The foundations of the Divine Clan [the clan of deities] and the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [the collective of one hundred immortal spirit lineages] were also there. Abandoning the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain was simply not an option.

Although Eldrin Chen had the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm [the Ancient Realm of the Great Barrens] as a contingency, its inherent rank was insufficient—it could not even be considered a Small Primordial Domain [a minor primordial realm]. It was utterly incapable of sustaining the cultivation needs of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Celestial Sovereign who commands primordial chaos].

Eldrin Chen could not relocate everyone to the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm. Now, as the Lord of the Immortal Court, he could not possibly abandon the Human Race Immortal Court and depart.

Thus, he too could only advance cautiously, step by step. Unless the situation deteriorated to a point beyond all hope of reversal, he could not forsake the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain.

"Alas."

In the end, Eldrin Chen could only heave a sigh, finally grasping the true meaning behind the words of the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor.

Ultimately, it was a matter of insufficient strength. Had they possessed enough power, with a Half-Step Path Union or even a Path Union Supreme presiding over them, how could they have tolerated such insolence from the Blazing Central Lineage?

"We must enhance our strength with the utmost urgency."

The thought flickered through Eldrin Chen's mind, igniting within him an even more pressing desire to elevate his power.

Seeing this, the Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign suppressed his own swirling thoughts and spoke instead. "At this critical juncture, dwelling on other matters is meaningless for us."

"Our immediate priority must be preparing to resist the Northern Abyss Foreign Realm, while simultaneously strengthening our vigilance against the Demon Race and individuals like Blazing Center Incinerator."

"In my view, our next course of action should be..."

Thereafter, the Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign convened with the other Heavenly Emperors to deliberate on strategies for countering the Demon Race and the faction led by Blazing Center Incinerator.

Eldrin Chen listened for a short while before his mind drifted from the discussion.

He understood that all else was ephemeral; the true imperative, the bedrock of their survival, was the relentless pursuit of greater power.

After the meeting concluded, Eldrin Chen bid farewell to the assembly and personally escorted Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor out of the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain.

Before parting, Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor looked at Eldrin Chen, patted his shoulder, and said, "What's done is done. There's no need for you to dwell on it overmuch."

"If things truly reach an irredeemable point, come to the Indestructibility Primordial Domain and the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm."

"This old man's methods may not be the strongest, but protecting your safety should still be within my capabilities."

A warmth spread through Eldrin Chen's heart. He couldn't help but smile as he replied, "Then I thank you, Senior. If that day truly comes, I'm afraid I'll have to bring my entire family seeking shelter."

"Hahaha!"

Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor laughed heartily, taking Eldrin Chen's hand. "Focus on your cultivation. When the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven opens, this old man will personally see you off to the ruins."

"My sincere thanks."

Eldrin Chen clasped his hands in a respectful salute, a rare, genuine smile finally gracing his features.

"..."

After bidding farewell to the Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor, Eldrin Chen returned to the Primordial Immortal Domain.

Upon his return to the Primordial Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen promptly received an invitation from the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor.

Without hesitation, he made his way to the Primordial Genesis Ancestral Court. Within the courtyard of a serene garden, he found the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor and the Great Abyss Immortal Sage awaiting him.

The two Path Ancestor Immortal Sage were seated beneath an ancient tree. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, the Great Abyss Immortal Sage smiled and beckoned, "Come. We have been waiting for you."

Eldrin Chen approached and offered a respectful bow. "Eldrin of the Returning Abyss pays his respects to you both, esteemed Seniors."

"There is no need for such formality," the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor replied, swiftly helping Eldrin to his feet. He then studied Eldrin intently for a long moment.

A look of confirmation dawned in his eyes. "I see your physical foundation is truly extraordinary," he finally said. "It seems you are not far from achieving Fleshly Body Sanctification [the ultimate purification and fortification of the mortal form]."

"Not at all," Eldrin Chen responded with characteristic humility, his tone measured. "The path ahead remains long."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the primordial beginning path] gave a slight nod, then suddenly spoke: "During the Primordial Era [the mythical first age of creation], I once met someone who bore an uncanny resemblance to you."

"An uncanny resemblance to me?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily stunned, a look of astonishment crossing his face as he asked.

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor nodded again, pondering for a long while before speaking. "In the very dawn of the Primordial Era's Early Years [the earliest epoch of the primordial age], I once journeyed to the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain [the primordial realm of the immortal cosmos] in my pursuit of the Dao."

"At that time, a venerable senior held a grand lecture, expounding the Dao for the Nine Great Immortal Sages [the nine supreme sages of the immortal realm] of that domain. Thus, I was fortunate enough to attend as a silent observer."

At this point, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor paused briefly, his gaze settling on Eldrin Chen. "That senior... he was remarkably similar to you."

"Similar to me?"

Eldrin Chen's heart jolted violently within his chest, a profound sense of bewilderment flashing across his features.

After a long silence, Eldrin Chen could not help but voice the question. "Does the Senior believe... that I am the reincarnated form of that venerable one?"

"Whether you are or are not, I cannot say for certain."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spoke slowly, his voice measured, before finally stating with sudden clarity, "Your soul's aura bears a striking resemblance to his, yet there seems to be a profound distinction."

"But I believe you must be connected to him in some way. Perhaps one day, when the truth is unveiled, you will understand the cause and effect of it all."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell into a deep silence, momentarily at a loss for how to respond.

After a long period of contemplation, he finally spoke up and inquired, "Senior, have you ever met the Purple Seal Immortal Lord?"

"Purple Seal?" The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor's eyes flickered with a subtle light before he nodded. "Yes, I have."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but press further, "Then, in your esteemed opinion, Senior, am I connected to him?"

"That which cannot be spoken, shall not be spoken."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor shook his head repeatedly, adopting an air of profound mystery. "The origins of Purple Seal... I have only glimpsed the tip of the iceberg, harboring but a faint suspicion."

"If my suspicion holds true, then the origins of Purple Seal could be described as wondrous beyond words."

"If I were to reveal it to you, it might cause unpredictable ripples in the past Space-Time. Therefore, this secret is one you must uncover for yourself."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a look of astonishment.

What kind of secret, if told to him now, could produce an ineffable influence on the past?

Could the him of the present truly affect the Space-Time of the past?

After all, during the era when Purple Seal existed, he had not even been born yet. How could he possibly influence the Space-Time of that distant past?

If he could influence a past that had already occurred, would that not throw everything into utter chaos?

However, since Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor had already refused to answer further, no matter how burning his curiosity, Eldrin Chen knew it was improper to press the matter.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen gathered his wandering thoughts and inquired, "May I ask, Senior, where have you journeyed during these years since departing the Blazing Central Hundred Domains?"

Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor smiled, stroking his long beard as he replied, "This old man traversed over ten billion Desolate Journey [a vast, desolate expanse of the cosmos] to reach the distant Seven Domains Alliance."

"The Seven Domains Alliance?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily stunned, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. He could not help but ask, "The legendary Seven Domains Alliance said to be led by seven Half-Step Limitless Realm [cultivators who have taken the first half-step beyond the peak of known cultivation realms]?"

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the Primordial Genesis Path] nodded slightly before speaking. "The strength of the Seven Domains Alliance [a powerful coalition of seven major realms], which can contend against a Limitless Sovereign [a supreme cultivator who has transcended all limits], is by no means as simple as it appears on the surface."

"That Chaos Domain [a vast, primordial region of swirling, unformed energies] is composed of over a thousand Primordial Domain [the foundational, ancient realms that form the basis of reality]. It is not only exceedingly prosperous but also offers a far more lenient environment."

"More lenient?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly, a trace of doubt surfacing within them.

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor nodded and continued, "Within the Seven Domains Alliance, not only is there no obstruction when attempting a breakthrough to the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a supreme realm where one's soul path merges with the heavenly mandate], but one can also purchase many rare and exceptional resources."

"This old man's own recent breakthrough was made possible precisely because I managed to acquire many such rare resources there."

At this point, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spoke with a tone of envy. "The path of Soul Path [a profound cultivation art focused on refining and empowering the soul] cultivation is more complete there. There are even unique treasures, found nowhere else, that can increase one's chances of successfully breaking through to the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor realm."

"The only drawback is the exorbitant cost."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen and Great Abyss Immortal Sage [a venerable sage of profound wisdom] could not help but exchange a bitter smile.

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor was protected by thirty-six strands of Chaos Merit Golden Light [a divine protective aura born from immense merit within the primordial chaos]. He was the kind of figure who could literally stumble upon Chaos Genesis Energy [the pure, creative energy that birthed the cosmos] while merely walking through the Chaos [the formless, primordial state of existence].

Even such figures felt the resources were somewhat too expensive, which shows just how exceedingly precious those truly unique treasures are.

Mentioning the Seven Domains Alliance, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor also revealed a faint smile and then spoke: "That Seven Domains Alliance is vast and boundless, its cultivation environment far surpassing this place."

"Who knows when our Blazing Central Hundred Domains will develop to such a level."

The Great Abyss Immortal Sage could not help but shake his head, speaking with a bitter smile: "It would likely require producing a Limitless Sovereign [a supreme being who has transcended all limitations and boundaries] first."

"A Limitless Sovereign."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor also wore a wry smile. What manner of existence was a Limitless Sovereign?

Since the Primordial Chaos Unfolding, the newly ascended Chaos Heavenly Emperors [supreme rulers born from the primordial chaos] have been beyond counting, yet aside from that first generation, it has become nearly impossible for later arrivals to reach that realm.

Even though the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor prided himself on possessing talent rare throughout the ages, he dared at most to claim he had hope of reaching the Path Union Supreme Realm [the pinnacle state of unifying one's cultivated path]. As for the Chaos Sovereign [a sovereign who commands the primordial chaos itself], he did not even dare to contemplate it.

Having spoken thus, he lost the inclination for further idle conversation.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before speaking: "I intend to seek an alliance with the lineage of the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot. Senior, do you believe this course of action is feasible?"

Speaking thus, Eldrin Chen began to speak slowly, sharing his own and Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant's thoughts with the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the supreme progenitor of the Primordial Beginning Path].

After listening to his proposal, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor gave a slight nod. "The Taihu Lineage has always maintained neutrality. You possess a Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo [a nascent treasure of primordial chaos], which presents a rare opportunity to win them over."

"If we can bring them to our side, we will gain several more powerful allies."

Great Abyss Immortal Sage also nodded, a smile gracing his features as he spoke. "The Spiritual Treasure Path-Attainment Art [a mystical technique for nurturing treasures to enlightenment] of Path Ancestor Taihu is of little use to fully-formed Chaos Spiritual Artifact [primordial chaos artifacts]."

"Conversely, an unformed Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo is the ideal medium for cultivating the Spiritual Treasure Path-Attainment Art."

"Path Ancestor Taihu has always placed immense value on such Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo, nurturing them as if they were his own flesh and blood."

"If you were to entrust your Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo to him, you would likely not only receive a treasure of immense worth in return but also earn a significant favor from him."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a wave of reassurance. He then declared, "In that case, I shall personally journey to the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot."

"Very well," the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor affirmed with a nod. Yet, before parting, he added a final counsel: "Keep this journey as secret as possible. Do not let the three from the Demon Race and the Blazing Central Lineage learn of it."

"I understand."

Eldrin Chen nodded, a look of dawning comprehension upon his face.

He understood the intention of the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the path of primordial creation]—to conceal this connection, as it might yield unexpected advantages at a critical juncture.

With this thought in mind, Eldrin Chen took his leave of the two Path Ancestor Immortal Sages [beings who have attained the pinnacle of both cultivation path and immortal sagehood] and returned to the Immortal Court [the celestial governing body of the immortal realm].

"..."

Upon his return to the Immortal Court, Eldrin Chen immediately announced his seclusion for cultivation.

He then utilized the Nameless Space [a unique, dimensionally isolated void] within the Returning Abyss Pearl [a mystical pearl capable of traversing abyssal realms] to journey into the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all realms are born]. There, he masked his aura and finally arrived at the periphery of the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot [an ancient and powerful realm].

Having reached this place, Eldrin Chen did not enter directly. Instead, he sent a missive to an old friend.

Not long after, a dazzling stream of violet light shot forth from within the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot.

The newcomer was wreathed in a towering sword intent, with surging currents of Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state of existence] sword radiance swirling around him. This was none other than the contemporary Imperial Scion of the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot, 'Violet Radiance Sword Extreme' [a master whose sword arts have reached the pinnacle of violet brilliance].

Violet Radiance Sword Extreme concealed his aura and ventured into the Chaos, swiftly locating a lair nestled within its formless depths.

"My old friend Returning Abyss [a profound and mysterious abyssal realm], as an Ancestor of a Great Path [a supreme being who has founded and mastered a fundamental cosmic principle], why must you meet me in such a furtive manner?"

Upon arriving at the Chaos Lair [a primordial sanctuary hidden within the chaotic void], Violet Radiance Sword Extreme turned his gaze towards Eldrin Chen, who had concealed his aura not far away, and inquired with a trace of puzzlement.

Eldrin Chen shook his head, then spoke with a smile, "I sought you out this time for a matter of grave importance. To avoid arousing suspicion, the fewer who know, the better."

Violet Radiance Sword Extreme was momentarily taken aback, his expression growing solemn. "What matter could be so crucial?"

Without answering, Eldrin Chen carefully retrieved from his sleeve a string of 'tiny wind chimes,' each one intricately carved with Phoenix Divine Patterns [sacred sigils imbued with the essence of the mythical phoenix].

"This is..."

The moment his eyes fell upon the small chimes, Violet Radiance Sword Extreme's countenance shifted slightly.

As one born from a Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo [the nascent, unformed essence of a primordial artifact], he instantly recognized the profound nature of this treasure and understood its immense significance.

For the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot [an ancient and vast primordial realm], a fully formed Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a completed artifact forged from primordial chaos] held far less value than such an Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo.

A completed Chaos Spiritual Artifact had lost its potential for growth, making it exceedingly difficult to embark on the Spiritual Treasure Path-Attainment [the profound cultivation path where a spiritual treasure evolves alongside its wielder]. Even if one managed to cultivate to the level of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign ruler who commands the power of primordial chaos], further advancement was often an insurmountable barrier.

On the contrary, such Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo [a nascent form of a Chaos-grade magical artifact], precisely because they are not fully formed, possess boundless potential once they embark on the cultivation path of Spiritual Treasure [a magical artifact imbued with spirit and power] apotheosis.

He, Violet Radiance Sword Extreme, was a prime example. As a Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo, Violet Radiance Sword Extreme had cultivated for merely a little over a thousand Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often billions of years], yet his cultivation had already reached the Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm signifying one has ascended to the threshold of Sagehood].

At this pace, within at most another thousand Kalpa Tribulation, Violet Radiance Sword Extreme would be able to break through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor's Domain [the realm of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor, a sovereign of primordial chaos].

Moreover, because his foundation was inherently of Chaos Foundation [a spiritual root constitution born from primordial chaos], he would face no bottlenecks whatsoever when breaking through to become a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign emperor whose authority stems from primordial chaos].

If Violet Radiance Sword Extreme was like this, then naturally, this little bell chime was the same.

Thinking of this, Violet Radiance Sword Extreme could scarcely contain his excitement and couldn't help but ask, "You intend to gift this Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo to our lineage of the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot?"

Eldrin Chen nodded and then spoke, "This Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo is named the Myriad Phoenix Chime [a Chaos-grade treasure embryo resonating with the essence of countless phoenixes]. Once entrusted to Path Ancestor Taihu for nurturing, it is destined to metamorphose into a new Chaos Heavenly Emperor."

"This matter is of extraordinary significance, which is why I wish to discuss it face-to-face with Path Ancestor Taihu."

"Agreed." Violet Radiance Sword Extreme nodded, then said, "I will personally inform my master. I believe the venerable one would be willing to accept this junior sister."

So saying, Violet Radiance Sword Extreme, still unable to mask his exhilaration, immediately vanished into the depths of the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot to deliver this news to Path Ancestor Taihu.

Not long after, when Violet Radiance Sword Extreme returned once more, he was accompanied by a peerless beauty draped in a violet Nyssa [a type of elegant, flowing immortal garment].

"Greetings, Senior Path Ancestor Taihu."

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly as he immediately cupped his hands and spoke.

That peerless beauty was indeed Path Ancestor Taihu. She glanced at Eldrin Chen and inquired directly, "Might I ask where the Myriad Phoenix Chime [a legendary musical instrument said to be crafted from the essence of ten thousand phoenixes] is located?"

Without a word, Eldrin Chen retrieved the Myriad Phoenix Chime.

The peerless beauty looked upon it, a flicker of fondness appearing in her eyes. She then smiled and said, "This Myriad Phoenix Chime is most suited for cultivating the Spiritual Treasure Path-Attainment Art [a profound cultivation method focused on harmonizing with and empowering spiritual treasures]."

"Hand her over to me, and you may name any condition."

Eldrin Chen's heart settled, and a solemn expression appeared on his face.

This Path Ancestor Taihu was an exceedingly mysterious figure, the most low-key of the Path Ancestors within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, her true strength a closely guarded secret known to few.

Yet at this moment, Eldrin Chen sensed that Path Ancestor Taihu's depths were profoundly concealed. She was likely the most enigmatic and deeply hidden Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler who has mastered the primordial chaos] within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

Although practitioners of the Spiritual Treasure Path-Attainment [a cultivation art focused on refining and empowering spiritual treasures], who bear the title of Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler among immortals], are often considered slightly weaker than their peers at the same cultivation level, Path Ancestor Taihu was no ordinary figure.

Consider this: each of her five great disciples, with her guidance and aid, had successfully stepped into the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm [the supreme realm of a Heavenly Emperor, representing the pinnacle of power within the primordial chaos].

As the Ancestor of a Great Path [a founder of a major cultivation lineage or philosophical system] who pioneered the Spiritual Treasure Path-Attainment Art, how utterly terrifying must her own personal power have been?