Chapter 2093 : Depths of the Sunken Abyss

Here, the Chaos Heavy Water [a primordial, incredibly dense and heavy spiritual liquid] is beyond count, and the deeper one goes, the heavier and more oppressive the Chaos Heavy Water becomes.

With the cultivation level of the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor, it would be fundamentally impossible to venture into the deepest reaches of the Sunken Abyss Heaven [a profound and perilous heavenly realm].

Considering this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze towards the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor and the Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor beside him and inquired, "How do you fare?"

"I fear venturing deeper would be difficult."

The Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor spoke with a trace of bitter laughter. "This is merely the shallows of the Sunken Abyss Heaven, yet its pressure is already sufficient to crush an ordinary Primordial One Imperial Lord [a powerful cultivator at the Imperial Lord realm]."

"Although I have stepped into the Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm just below that of a true Sage], delving further carries the risk of severe injury. It would be better to remain here in secluded cultivation, acclimatizing before attempting to press onward."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. "Each time the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven [a mystical realm of cultivation] opens, the Sunken Abyss Heaven remains accessible for ten Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration]."

"If you cultivate in seclusion here, you need only endure for the span of ten Kalpa Tribulation to proceed to the next trial, the Path-Forging Heaven [the Heaven of Path Forging]. We two shall not linger here any longer."

Upon hearing this, both the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor and the Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor inclined their heads in acknowledgment, clasping their hands in salute. "With your strength, you may have a chance to contend for the supreme treasure nurtured within the Sunken Abyss Heaven."

"Do not concern yourselves with us. Proceed directly to the deepest heart of the Sunken Abyss Heaven."

Upon seeing this, Eldrin Chen and Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor immediately headed deeper into the Sunken Abyss Heaven [a profound and perilous abyssal realm].

As they descended, they gradually realized the surrounding Chaos Heavy Water [primordial water of immense density and weight] was growing increasingly heavy.

By the time they had traversed half the depth of the Sunken Abyss Heaven, the water pressure here had surged severalfold, reaching a level sufficient to crush an ordinary Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the penultimate stage before true sagehood].

At this point, even Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant was feeling significant pressure.

Eldrin Chen could still withstand it, but he inquired of Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant, "How do you fare?"

"I can still bear it."

Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant replied with a grave expression, then pushed the power of his Chaos Divine Form [a supreme physical transformation technique] and Nine Great God Forms [a legendary set of nine ultimate physical forms] to their limits to resist the boundless Heavy Water [a concept representing immense, crushing pressure] force of the Sunken Abyss Heaven.

In this process, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant felt his physical body, which had reached its previous limit, was actually being tempered and strengthened bit by bit.

"This is a supreme cultivation site. It oppresses us, helping to temper our physical strength and even aiding in breaking through our physical limits."

Eldrin Chen also nodded in agreement. He attempted to sense his surroundings but found that even this level of Chaos Heavy Water could hardly impose significant pressure on him.

Unable to exert any pressure, it naturally could not bring about a breakthrough for him, leaving Eldrin Chen with a tinge of regret.

This also stirred a flicker of envy within Eldrin Chen. The power of Sunken Abyss Heaven was truly astonishing, capable of pushing an ordinary Sage Ascendant's cultivation to new heights, even potentially aiding them in shattering the limits of their physical body.

Yet, this power ultimately had its limits. For an existence like Eldrin Chen, who had already broken through the limits of his physical form multiple times, the assistance it offered was, in contrast, not as significant.

"Further into the depths, I hope it will provide a greater tempering for me."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. Then, exchanging a glance with Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant, he continued his journey deeper into the heart of Sunken Abyss Heaven.

They descended steadily, traversing the Bottomless Abyss without realizing it, arriving at the lower stratum of Sunken Abyss Heaven.

This place was already the profound depths of Sunken Abyss Heaven, separated from its very core by only one final layer.

Here, even Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant was clearly feeling considerable strain, and Eldrin Chen himself began to perceive a tangible pressure.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant and spoke, "Perhaps we should cultivate here for a time, acclimating to the pressure before venturing to that core region?"

"Agreed."

The Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant nodded. He understood that Eldrin Chen could proceed directly to the core region, yet he did not ask Eldrin Chen to leave.

Given the nature of their relationship at this point, certain formalities were no longer necessary.

Moreover, as he intended to attempt to break through the Limit-Breaker [the ultimate barrier of a cultivation realm] here, he required Eldrin Chen to stand guard for him.

Thus, the two of them began their secluded cultivation within the deeper layers of the Sunken Abyss Heaven [a profound and perilous heavenly realm of immense pressure]. Of the pair, the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant focused entirely on assaulting the Limit-Breaker.

Eldrin Chen, meanwhile, spent his time acclimating to the Sunken Abyss's oppressive force while observing the deeper layers of this realm.

He was acutely aware that, given the current foundation of his physical body, even the deepest pressures of the Sunken Abyss Heaven were unlikely to allow him to break his own Limit-Breaker. At most, they might grant his flesh a minuscule degree of refinement.

Such progress might amount to only a fraction of a percent, but for an existence like his, who had nearly reached the pinnacle, any measurable advancement was a rare and valuable gain.

Therefore, Eldrin Chen divided his efforts. He honed his physical form while simultaneously scouring the Sunken Abyss Heaven for various Rare Treasure [precious materials imbued with potent spiritual energy].

This vast Sunken Abyss Heaven nurtured numerous Rare Treasures within its depths, including items of the Primordial One Marvel [a supreme grade of spiritual treasure] and even the Chaos Rare Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos] tier.

Such divine objects were often immensely heavy. Among them were Chaos Heavy Water of the third revolution [a dense, chaotic liquid of great weight], and Abyssal Depths Divine Iron [a divine metal forged in the deepest abysses] of the Chaos Rare Treasure level.

Abyssal Depths Divine Iron [a divine metal of immense weight, typically found deep within the earth's core] is extraordinarily heavy and is considered an exceedingly rare and peerless Rare Treasure [a treasure of exceptional rarity and power].

However, the environment here is too peculiar. Lower-grade pieces of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron actually weigh less than the Chaos Heavy Water [primordial water of immense density] found in these depths. Consequently, many pieces of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron float suspended within the water.

This phenomenon results in a direct correlation: the deeper one ventures into the Sunken Abyss Heaven [the Heaven of the Sunken Abyss], the higher the grade of the Abyssal Depths Divine Iron encountered.

Eldrin Chen traversed the vast expanse, gathering a considerable number of Rare Treasure. He even found pieces of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron that had reached the level of Chaos Rare Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos, of the highest rarity].

He stored all these divine iron pieces within the Nameless Space [a mysterious, unnamed pocket dimension] that housed his Returning Abyss Pearl [a mystical pearl capable of traversing abysses].

"This is…"

Suddenly, Eldrin Chen paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

To his astonishment, the piece of Chaos Stubborn Iron [an unyielding iron born from primordial chaos] inside the Returning Abyss Pearl began to emit a dazzling radiance. It started voraciously devouring the surrounding Abyssal Depths Divine Iron.

Whether it was an illusion or not, Eldrin Chen had an indistinct sense that after consuming the Abyssal Depths Divine Iron, the Chaos Stubborn Iron seemed to undergo an intangible enhancement in both its indestructible hardness and its overall grade.

"Could it be… this piece of Chaos Stubborn Iron can strengthen itself by devouring other divine metals?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of surprise coloring his expression.

He immediately attempted to feed it various divine metals, only to discover this piece of Chaos Stubborn Iron was remarkably picky. It would only consume divine iron whose hardness reached the level of an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from the primordial chaos].

As for divine iron below that grade, the Chaos Stubborn Iron would not even deign to glance at it, seeming to regard such materials with utter disdain.

"To think you would be so fastidious,"

Eldrin Chen muttered with considerable astonishment, then a trace of hesitation surfaced in his eyes.

This Chaos Stubborn Iron possessed an Immortality [a state of absolute, unyielding hardness] level of durability. Not even a Path Union Supreme [a supreme cultivator who has unified their cultivation path] could refine it. It was truly an oddity among Chaos Rare Treasure [rare treasures born from the primordial chaos], and he currently had no means to utilize it.

If he fed these pieces of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron to the Chaos Stubborn Iron for it to devour, causing its grade and level to rise further, wouldn't Eldrin Chen's hope of refining it become a distant, almost impossible dream?

Thus, whether or not to sacrifice the Abyssal Depths Divine Iron for its consumption was a decision that gave Eldrin Chen pause.

After a moment of silent contemplation, Eldrin Chen's resolve crystallized. He decisively fed all the pieces of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron to the Chaos Stubborn Iron for it to devour.

"Ten pieces of rotten iron are not worth one piece of tempered, refined steel."

"These pieces of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron are of no use to me. It would be better to see the limits of this Chaos Stubborn Iron."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. He had a feeling that this piece of Chaos Stubborn Iron seemed to have a connection with him and possessed an almost inconceivable potential.

Perhaps one day, this piece of Chaos Stubborn Iron could break through some ultimate limit, becoming a vessel for an Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure or even a Chaos Supreme Treasure.

"You may have all of this Abyssal Depths Divine Iron, but I hope you will not disappoint me."

With these thoughts flickering in his mind, Eldrin Chen began to move about, gathering the Abyssal Depths Divine Iron and feeding it all to the Chaos anomalous iron.

The Abyssal Depths Divine Iron was incredibly durable, surpassing even the highest standards of its grade in both toughness and density, making it the perfect material to nourish the Chaos Stubborn Iron.

Eldrin Chen continued to wander the depths of the Sunken Abyss Heaven, scavenging for Abyssal Depths Divine Iron. Unnoticed, tens of millions of years slipped by.

Then, on one particular day, Eldrin Chen suddenly sensed something amiss.

He looked up and saw a powerfully built man clad in dark robes, seated amidst a cluster of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron, his entire body drenched in blood.

"It's him."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of surprise coloring his expression.

This person was none other than Pan huang-radiant, whom Eldrin Chen had once crossed blades with within the Profound Heaven Ruins.

Pan huang-radiant cultivated the path of proving the Dao through sheer force, having mastered the Great Path Divine Form imbued with nine distinct attributes of power. His might surpassed even the most elite of his peers.

Precisely because of this, the foundational essence and resilience of Pan huang-radiant's physical body were comparatively weaker. This left him severely constrained within the Sunken Abyss Heaven [a realm of immense gravitational pressure], where he suffered tremendously under its crushing force.

In theory, one who had cultivated the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms should possess a physique robust enough to withstand the pressures of this level of the Sunken Abyss Heaven.

Yet, Pan huang-radiant was being suppressed to the point of being drenched in blood, teetering on the very brink of his body exploding and perishing completely.

"He is in genuine peril of falling here," Eldrin Chen thought to himself.

With that thought, Eldrin Chen stirred his Primordial Chaos Great Path of Life, channeling and unleashing a torrential surge of Great Path of Life power. This vital energy flowed forth to mend Pan huang-radiant's grievous internal injuries.

The previously precarious Pan huang-radiant immediately felt a wave of vibrant life force wash over him. A look of profound relief and joy at having narrowly escaped death dawned on his face.

"My gratitude..." he managed to utter.

He opened his eyes and looked at Eldrin Chen, preparing to thank him, but was stopped by Eldrin Chen's gesture.

He saw Eldrin Chen grit his teeth, his expression grave as he spoke solemnly, "Focus your mind and spirit. Master the power of the Nine Great God Forms [the nine supreme divine manifestations of his cultivation path]."

"If you still cannot control it, you risk perishing violently."

Pan huang-radiant immediately fell silent, then mobilized the power of the Nine Great God Forms at any cost.

The nine True Spirit Divine Form [divine manifestations of primordial spiritual power] slowly began to circle around him. As time passed, they finally started to harmonize with one another, finding a moment of precarious balance.

After a long while, this equilibrium gradually solidified. Only then did Eldrin Chen nod in approval.

With the nine Great Path Divine Form [divine manifestations representing supreme Daos] in balance, the nine ultimate forces of True Spirit [Primordial Spirit] could be unleashed to their fullest potential. Confronting the depths of the Sunken Abyss Heaven should no longer be an issue.

He said nothing more, directly withdrawing the Great Path of Life [the supreme Dao representing the essence of life]. He glanced at Pan huang-radiant, who was in deep cultivation, confirmed he was in no danger, and finally departed without a sound.

Returning to the side of Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant, Eldrin Chen found that Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant had reached a critical juncture in his cultivation. He immediately began to stand guard with solemn vigilance.

An immeasurable time later, the Nine Great God Forms of Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant slowly rose and fell. With the Chaos Divine Form [the divine manifestation of primordial chaos] at its core, the other eight divine forms circled and undulated around it, ultimately forming a stable equilibrium.

"Haa—" [a long, slow exhalation]

Having completed this step, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant slowly drew in a deep breath and opened his eyes from his deep meditation.

Then he looked towards Eldrin Chen and spoke with a smile, "Although I have not broken through the Limit-Breaker boundary, I have finally fully mastered the Nine Great God Forms [the nine supreme divine transformations]."

"At this point, if I were to attempt to fuse them into the Sole Divine Form [the ultimate unified divine form], I should have a success rate of forty to fifty percent."

Eldrin Chen nodded. Fully mastering the Nine Great God Forms was the prerequisite for daring to venture into the realm of the Sole Divine Form.

Without achieving this, recklessly attempting to fuse the Nine Great God Forms would be nothing short of courting death.

Within the vast expanse of the Blazing Central Hundred Domains, those who had cultivated the Nine Great God Forms likely numbered in the hundreds.

Yet, among these individuals, fewer than one in three had successfully fused them to cultivate the Sole True Form, proving this step was far from simple.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile and say, "Since you have now mastered the Nine Great God Forms, let us proceed directly to the core region."

"Very well."

Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant [a powerful sage who has ascended beyond the ordinary] nodded. Having fully mastered the Nine Great God Forms [a supreme divine art that allows the user to manifest nine godly avatars], he now possessed sufficient resistance to withstand the most perilous depths of the Sunken Abyss Heaven [a legendary, dangerous realm of sunken seas and profound abysses].

Now was the time to venture into the core region of the Sunken Abyss Heaven and contend for its ultimate treasures.

Thus, the two immediately set forth, striding purposefully towards the heart of the Sunken Abyss Heaven.

They advanced towards the deepest reaches of the Sunken Abyss Heaven, gathering resources along the way and amassing a vast quantity of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron [a rare, dark-hued metal forged in the profound pressures of the abyss].

They journeyed for an immeasurable time through the Sea of the Sinking Abyss [the vast, lightless ocean within the Sunken Abyss Heaven], only arriving at a majestic undersea chasm when even Eldrin Chen began to feel immense pressure bearing down upon him.

It was a boundless, somber sea-trench. At its heart, an ancient cauldron, vaster than an Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortals], was suppressed. The entire area was enveloped by a shimmering curtain of light.

And upon the brink of this oceanic abyss, seven towering figures stood resolute.

Eldrin Chen swept his gaze across the scene, recognizing several familiar faces: Blazing Center Incinerator [a being whose very essence embodies incinerating flames], Azure Mist Female Sage [a wise and powerful woman shrouded in azure mist], and the Primordial Era Demonic Ape [an ancient, monstrous ape from the dawn of time].

He had not met the remaining individuals, but he could vaguely surmise their origins.

"Thunder Halberd Heavenly Saint [a celestial saint wielding a thunderous halberd], Chaos Dragon Lord [a dragon sovereign born of primordial chaos], Crimson Phoenix Saintess [a saintess associated with a crimson phoenix], Verdant Sun Saint Lord [a saint lord embodying the verdant sun]."

Beside him, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant murmured softly, revealing the origins of these individuals.

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly as he instantly recalled the backgrounds of these four figures.

Among the four great powerhouses, Thunder Halberd Heavenly Saint was similar to Indestructibility Ancient One—a renowned rogue cultivator specializing in Fleshly Body Sanctification [the art of refining one's physical form to an indestructible state] within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, with no backing from a powerhouse at the level of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler who commands primordial chaos].

Chaos Dragon Lord hailed from the Nine Chaos Dragons Nest, which was none other than the Nine Chaos Dragons Nest that Eldrin Chen had long heard of.

Within the entire Southern Abyss Seven Domains, the Nine Chaos Dragons Nest stood as a hegemon-level, peak-tier force.

This lineage possessed truly formidable Force Extreme [the pinnacle of martial power and influence], boasting nine True Dragon [primordial dragon beings of immense power] at the Chaos Heavenly Emperor level. Furthermore, the master of the Nine Dragons' Nest had cultivated his strength to the Half-Step Path Union Realm [a quasi-merged state with the Heavenly Dao, one step below true Path Union].

He simultaneously cultivated both the Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [the art of refining one's primordial spirit to achieve enlightenment] and the Path of Path Mastery [the art of comprehending and mastering the fundamental Paths of existence]. His strength placed him firmly within the first echelon beneath the Path Union Supreme [those who have fully merged their being with the Heavenly Dao].

The same was true for Crimson Phoenix Saintess. She originated from the Seven Chaos Phoenixes Nest, a lineage possessing seven Chaos Heavenly Emperor and even including a top-tier Half-Step Path Union powerhouse—the Immortal Phoenix Empress.

Within the entire Blazing Central Hundred Domains, there were several dozen Half-Step Path Union powerhouses. Among them, only five could be considered top-tier Half-Step Path Union.

This list included the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, the Nine Dragons' Nest Master, and the Immortal Phoenix Empress.

It is said that each of these five supreme Half-Step Path Union [cultivators who have half-stepped into the union of their chosen Path] possesses the strength to contend against two opponents of the same realm, and when united, they could even challenge a true Path Union Supreme [a supreme expert who has fully unified their Path].

These three individuals also share a common trait: they have all cultivated to the realm of a Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who has forged their Path through the cultivation of the soul], and have traversed a considerable distance upon this arduous road.

The last among them, Verdant Sun Saint Lord, is also a figure of extraordinary origins, backed by a force at the Half-Step Path Union level.

However, that particular Half-Step Path Union is merely an ordinary one, having not achieved the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor. His strength pales in comparison to figures like Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

"Seven individuals who have cultivated the Sole True Form [a supreme divine ability that manifests one's unique and ultimate form]."

Eldrin Chen's thoughts churned, and he instinctively exchanged a glance with Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant.

Simultaneously, the figures gathered before the barrier turned their gazes. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, a flicker of surprise passed through their expressions.

"I did not expect you to have reached this place as well."

Blazing Center Incinerator spoke, a thread of disdain woven into his tone.

The others wore varied expressions. Chaos Dragon Lord inquired with keen interest, "I have heard that Fellow Daoist Blazing Center once crossed blades with Returning Abyss Path Master. I wonder, what is the true measure of Returning Abyss Path Master's strength?"

"Hmph."

Blazing Center Incinerator's expression chilled slightly, and he spoke, "In that battle of yore, I alone faced the combined might of Returning Abyss Path Master, Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor, and Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant."

"Had it not been so, I would have long since utterly suppressed that Returning Abyss Path Master."

"Is that so?"

Crimson Phoenix Saintess offered a faint smile tinged with mockery. "Yet, how is it I heard that you, Fellow Daoist, failed to pass even the second trial within the Profound Heaven Ruins, while Returning Abyss Path Master succeeded in passing the third?"

"You—!"

Blazing Center Incinerator's face darkened, a glint of cold fury flashing in his eyes.

Unfazed, Crimson Phoenix Saintess merely smiled and turned her gaze towards Eldrin Chen. "So it is the direct descendant of Immortal Firmament Path Ancestor who stands before us. You possess the qualification to stand alongside us. Please, come forward swiftly."

Without another word, Eldrin Chen stepped forward to the barrier's edge.

In ages past, Immortal Firmament Path Ancestor was the mightiest Chaos Heavenly Emperor within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains, his power surpassing even that of the Nine Dragons' Nest Master. In that era, even the Outer Realm Demon Emperor was forced to lie low and bide his time.

With this status bolstering him, in the eyes of those present, Eldrin Chen's background truly did not seem inferior to that of these few individuals.

Therefore, even the proud Chaos Dragon Lord harbored no objections to Eldrin Chen's arrival.

He looked towards Eldrin Chen and Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, his expression calm as he stated, "To open the final sanctum of this Sunken Abyss Heaven requires the combined strength of nine powerhouses who can rival a Heavenly Emperor."

"The seven of us, plus Fellow Cultivator Eldrin, make eight. The only question is whether this one's strength is sufficient."

Seeing this, Azure Mist Female Sage spoke up, "Although he has not yet cultivated the Sole True Form, he has achieved the Chaos Divine Form. His power is already very close to our own."

"Why not test it? Perhaps we can indeed open this final sanctum."

Upon hearing these words, all those present adopted expressions of careful consideration.

Regardless of whether Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant had cultivated the Sole Divine Form, the mere fact of having achieved the Chaos Divine Form was enough to earn Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant their serious regard.

The Verdant Sun Saint Lord gave a slight nod and said directly, "If that is the case, then let us make the attempt."

Hearing this, all those present gave a slight nod of agreement.

Once they set foot within the final sanctum, the nine of them would inevitably clash over the treasures within.

It was far preferable to let Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant [a being whose power was demonstrably a notch below the others] enter, rather than inviting someone who had cultivated the Sole True Form [the ultimate manifestation of one's cultivation path] and could challenge a Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler among immortals].

With this thought, all present nodded in agreement. The Crimson Phoenix Saintess spoke directly, "Since it is so, let us join forces and open this ultimate place."

As her words fell, the Flaming Phoenix Celestial Maiden made her move. She was the first to harness the power of her Sole Divine Form [the divine aspect of the Sole True Form], manifesting a Chaos [a primordial state of undifferentiated existence] Crimson Phoenix that soared into the sky, pressing down upon the barrier.

The others also took positions across the eight directions, each unleashing their own Sole True Form to suppress the barrier.

Exchanging a glance with Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant, Eldrin Chen then summoned his Sole True Form—the 'Chaos Great Cauldron' [a primordial vessel of immense power]—and directed its crushing weight against the luminous shield.

In that instant, eight of the barrier's vast array nodes blazed with light, leaving only the final one shrouded in dimness.

Seeing this, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant immediately summoned his own Chaos Divine Form [the divine manifestation aligned with the Chaos realm] and directed its force to press upon the barrier's last remaining node.

The barrier fell into a brief, profound silence. A moment later, it shuddered violently, and finally, the ninth array node ignited completely.

"BOOM—"