Chapter 2108 : A Pact Forged in Shadow

Hearing the words of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, Eldrin Chen could not help but fall into silence.

In all fairness, the words of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor were highly tempting. Combined with his past reputation, they gained an intangible layer of credibility. Yet, Eldrin Chen harbored not a single thought of cooperation.

For Eldrin Chen understood clearly in his heart: in this brutally unforgiving world of Chaos, if the two parties in a partnership are not equal in strength, then such cooperation holds no fairness whatsoever.

Every being who has set foot into the Heavenly Emperor Realm within Chaos is a supreme prodigy who commands a Great Path [a supreme principle or law of existence]. Even oaths sworn upon a Great Path would be rendered useless.

Once the Outer Realm Demon Emperor steps into the Path Union Supreme Realm, whether he honors his promise or not will be a matter of his whim alone.

Not just Eldrin Chen, but even the various Chaos Heavenly Emperor present here—could they truly resist the Outer Realm Demon Emperor?

Most crucially, the warning left for Eldrin Chen by Soaring Sky Imperial Scion on his deathbed had planted a seed of profound vigilance within him.

"Beware... the Devourer..."

A shiver ran down Eldrin Chen's spine, a sudden, chilling sense of dread coiling in his heart.

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor, hailed as the foremost prodigy of the Blazing Central Hundred Domains and deemed the one most likely to break through to the Path Union Supreme, owed his reputation precisely to the Devouring Great Path [a supreme law centered on the concept of absolute consumption] he cultivated.

All under heaven know that the Devouring Great Path [a supreme cultivation art focused on absorbing and consuming the essence of others] is profoundly mysterious, a peerless Limitless Great Path [a cultivation art of the highest order, representing boundless potential]. Yet, few truly comprehend the sheer, overwhelming might this Great Path [a supreme cultivation art or principle] embodies.

From the events where the Solar Heavenly Emperor [a supreme celestial sovereign] devoured the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion, and the Three Souls Imperial Lord [an imperial lord who commands the power of three souls] sought to use his authority to consume Eldrin Chen, one can glean its terrifying nature.

It is evident that the Devouring Great Path can consume another's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator], their cultivated energy, even their very Great Path, and most likely, their True Spirit Foundation [the foundational spiritual root that determines a cultivator's potential and affinity].

The Solar Heavenly Emperor and the Three Souls Imperial Lord merely borrowed fragments of the Devouring Great Path's authority. One shudders to imagine the true, unfathomable power of the Devouring Demon Emperor [the demonic sovereign who holds the complete authority of the Devouring Great Path], who commands its full dominion.

Eldrin Chen dared not fully estimate the depths of such power, yet a chilling suspicion had taken root within his heart regarding this Great Path.

Even if the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's Devouring Great Path still possessed limits, devouring a Perfect Innate Great Path [a flawless, heaven-born supreme cultivation art] should pose no significant obstacle.

In Eldrin Chen's deductions, Innate Great Path [a supreme cultivation art born of natural law] at the Limitless [a transcendent cultivation realm] level possessed an Indestructibility [a state of being utterly unbreakable and eternal] that could not be destroyed. As for Chaos Tier Great Path [supreme arts born from the primordial chaos], they were immutable Heavenly Rules [the fundamental laws governing heaven and earth], both nigh impossible to annihilate or consume.

However, should the Outer Realm Demon Emperor advance further, elevating the Devouring Great Path to the Path Union Realm [a legendary realm where one's path merges with the fundamental laws of existence], would it then gain the power to consume even Limitless Innate Great Path or the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the supreme path born from the primordial chaos itself]?

By that time, Eldrin Chen's own foundational cultivation—the 'Sacrificial Self Path' [a unique cultivation art focused on self-sacrifice and rebirth, with potential reaching the Third Chaos Realm] whose potential soared directly to the Third Chaos Realm—would undoubtedly become a treasure of irresistible allure to the Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

"The commoner is not guilty; the crime lies in possessing the jade." [A proverb meaning that merely possessing a treasure can make one a target, regardless of innocence.]

"Whether this Devouring Demon Emperor [the ruler of the Outer Realm Demons] truly harbors concern for the world or conceals some sinister design, I cannot entrust the control of my own Destiny [the predetermined course of one's life and cultivation journey] to him."

Thoughts churned within Eldrin Chen's mind as his gaze swept across the surroundings.

He realized that, almost imperceptibly, the Ten Demon Sovereigns [the ten most powerful demon lords under the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's command] under the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's banner had already encircled him and his companions.

Clearly, if Eldrin Chen refused to comply, the various Heavenly Emperors [supreme rulers of heavenly realms] from the Outer Realm would likely act immediately.

Looking again at Primordial God of Boundless Cosmos, Tai Nie Divine Sovereign, and the others, he saw hesitation etched on their faces. It was evident these Chaos Heavenly Emperors [Heavenly Emperors presiding over primordial chaos] were caught in a web of doubt.

"Nearly half of the Southern Abyss Emperors [the collective rulers of the Southern Abyss domains] have already been swayed. Unless I can find proof to convince them, they may not intervene. Relying solely on the few we can trust likely won't be enough to fight our way out."

"If I reveal my Space-Time Divine Form [a supreme divine ability to manipulate space and time], I should be able to escape. But doing so would likely mean Great Abyss, Primordial Genesis, and the other seniors would be captured and suppressed."

"Even if I later break through to the Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor], the Outer Realm Demon Emperor will most likely have already ascended to the Path Union Supreme Realm [the ultimate realm where one's Path merges with the supreme Dao]. If he truly devours the other Heavenly Emperors, my return, even if successful, might come too late."

Eldrin Chen's thoughts raced, searching for a solution, and a steely resolve gradually solidified within him.

At that very moment, Supreme Lunar Demon Sovereign [the sovereign ruler of lunar demons], standing nearby, grew impatient. With a cold voice, he spoke, "Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [Eldrin Chen's title as an Ancestor of the Returning Abyss Path], whether you submit or not, you must give an answer."

Eldrin Chen's expression darkened slightly. He was just about to speak when he suddenly noticed the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] had been pierced. A vortex slowly swirled into existence.

Following this, a majestic, golden figure materialized and stepped forth, its gaze calm as it surveyed the assembled crowd.

"Blazing Center Supreme?"

In that instant, the complexions of everyone present changed drastically. Even the various Demon Sovereign [a title for a supreme ruler among demons] from the outer realms showed clear signs of alarm.

Only the Outer Realm Demon Emperor remained composed. He spoke with detached calm, "There is no need for concern. What has arrived is merely an avatar."

"Ink Abyss, your schemes are truly profound."

At that moment, the golden figure solidified fully and turned its serene gaze upon the Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor stood with his hands clasped behind his back, a faint smile on his lips. "It pales in comparison to the Supreme [a prefix denoting a supreme, unparalleled status], whose cultivation has touched the very essence of Creation [the fundamental act of bringing the universe into being]. I am left with no choice but to resort to such covert stratagems."

"Hmph—"

The Blazing Center Supreme let out a cold snort before stating with icy composure, "This sovereign permits you to unify the Southern Abyss Seven Domains. However, there are three conditions."

"Otherwise, today, even if I must destroy this avatar, I will intervene to obstruct your path to the Dao [the ultimate principle and way of cultivation]."

Outer Realm Demon Emperor could not help but smile, then spoke calmly: "The Supreme may state their terms. If it is within our power, Ink Abyss will certainly do its utmost."

Blazing Center Supreme let out a derisive laugh, then with a sweep of his sleeve, gathered Blazing Center Incinerator, Azure Moon Empress, and Profound Desolation Heavenly Emperor to his side.

He then declared: "First: Allow Blazing Center Incinerator to attain the Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of a heavenly domain] Dao within the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain."

Outer Realm Demon Emperor nodded in agreement, immediately replying: "That is easily arranged."

Blazing Center Supreme gave another nod, then turned his gaze toward the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain and said: "Second: Expel the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain from the Heaven Abyss Domains and cease all interference in the affairs of that realm."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone from the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain changed drastically, especially Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, and Great Abyss Immortal Sage.

It was clear that Blazing Center Supreme's scheme was to devour the entire Tri-Pole Primordial Domain.

Allowing Blazing Center Incinerator to achieve his breakthrough within the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain was merely the first step in seizing control of that world.

Yet, for Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign and the others, this was utterly unacceptable. The Tri-Pole Primordial Domain was their home. If it were seized by Blazing Center Supreme, would they not all become homeless strays?

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor understood this as well. Yet, from the moment Blazing Center Incinerator sought to make his breakthrough here, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor had steeled his resolve. Thus, he spoke with calm finality, "Agreed."

"Good."

The Blazing Center Supreme offered a faint smile but remained silent. It was the Blazing Center Incinerator beside him who spoke next: "The third condition: you must hand over the Returning Abyss Path Master to our Blazing Central Lineage."

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor's gaze turned icy, a sliver of cold fury flashing within.

Seeing this, the Blazing Center Incinerator pressed on: "That whelp cultivates the Primordial Solar Great Path. He is my grandfather's Great Path Rival [a destined adversary on the same Great Path]. How can we allow him to break through to the Heavenly Emperor realm, or even the Path Union Realm?"

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor did not answer immediately. Instead, his eyes shifted to Eldrin Chen.

Noting this, the Supreme Lunar [the supreme principle of the moon, representing profound yin power] Demon Emperor beside him turned to Eldrin Chen and said, "Since you have already pioneered the Sacrificial Self Great Path, why not relinquish your claim to the Primordial Solar Great Path Authority [the supreme authority over a Great Path's principles]? This could spare us all further conflict."

"…"

Eldrin Chen fell silent, a cold, mocking smile finally twisting his lips.

So this was the truth of it. In this Heaven Abyss War, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor had won a great victory, and the Blazing Center Supreme had suffered no loss. The only ones truly wounded were their own Tri-Pole Primordial Domain and the Human Race.

"Surrendering the Primordial Solar Great Path is an impossibility," he declared, his voice carrying the finality of a sealed decree.

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his resolve crystallizing in that moment. He was prepared for the ultimate, desperate struggle.

In that very instant, over a dozen overwhelming auras pressed down upon him. These were not just the Ten Demon Sovereigns from the outer realms, but also an avatar of the Blazing Center Supreme and the Outer Realm Demon Emperor himself.

"Junior, why struggle pointlessly?"

The Blazing Center Supreme spoke with chilling calm. With a mere flip of his palm, he unleashed a crushing force meant to utterly subdue Eldrin Chen.

"BOOM—"

Yet, at that precise moment, an immensely powerful and domineering presence erupted from within the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain.

There, standing atop the Heavenly Vault within the vast Heavenly Court, was a figure clad in the Thunder Emperor Battle Armor. He bathed in the raging torrents of the Chaos Heavenly Thunder Tribulation, poised to assault that indescribable, supreme realm.

"Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant!"

"Disaster! He seeks to break through to the Heavenly Emperor Realm!"

In an instant, every Heavenly Emperor present underwent a subtle shift in expression, revealing traces of either alarm or delight.

It turned out that after accumulating power for two hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant had finally cultivated his foundation to its absolute limit, reaching the most critical juncture for attempting a breakthrough into the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [the supreme realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor] realm.

"We cannot allow him to break through!"

Prison-Suppressor Demon Sovereign's expression changed drastically, and he immediately struck out to suppress Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant.

At this moment, not only the assembled Heavenly Emperors, but even Blazing Center Supreme himself showed a flicker of alarm.

Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant had attained his Dao through the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme cultivation method of nine cycles], and had forged a foundation as profound as the Chaos Divine Form [a divine physique born of Primordial Chaos]. Should he successfully break through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm, he would inevitably draw the attention of the lineage associated with the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art.

Given the might of that lineage, even the casual dispatch of a single Elder to receive him would be a force Blazing Center Supreme could not hope to oppose. Therefore, they absolutely could not allow Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant to succeed.

Thus, in that fleeting moment, every Chaos Heavenly Emperor present took action. The Demon Sovereigns of the Northern Abyss and the forces of the Blazing Central Lineage formed a rare, if temporary, alliance.

"Now is the time."

Yet, at that very same instant, Eldrin Chen erupted with a supreme, world-shaking aura that eclipsed the ancient and illuminated the present.

The Cosmic Sky Sundial [a legendary artifact that measures the flow of cosmic time] manifested behind him, erupting with a supreme power. This force allowed Eldrin Chen to break free from the suppression of all present and cleave through the sealed, boundless Space-Time [the fundamental fabric of reality encompassing both spatial dimensions and temporal flow].

Before parting, Eldrin Chen cast a final glance toward the direction of the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain [a legendary realm representing the convergence of three primordial cosmic poles].

"Do not look back."

Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant roared, mustering his final ounce of strength to unleash an unprecedented, supremely powerful aura.

There was no path of retreat in attempting a breakthrough into the Heavenly Emperor Realm [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing dominion over heaven and earth].

He charged toward death and the Heavenly Emperor Realm solely to draw the attention of everyone present, creating a sliver of an opportunity for Eldrin Chen to escape.

In a fleeting moment of clarity, Eldrin Chen recalled the past, when he had been defeated and forced to flee the Chaos Desolation Sea [a primordial sea of chaotic and annihilating energies]. Back then, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant had spoken the same words.

"Do not look back."

He had left the final thread of hope for him. His last words were not an exhortation for future vengeance, but a command for him to not glance back, not even for a moment.

Given another chance, he would have done the same.

"No—" [a cry of refusal or despair]

Eldrin Chen suddenly spoke, his gaze revealing an expression of utmost resolve. [his eyes showed a look of absolute determination]

This time, he would absolutely not abandon the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant; he would rather die than fail to find a sliver of hope for him. [he was determined to find a chance for survival, even at the cost of his own life]

Tears glimmered in Eldrin Chen's eyes as he gave up the chance to escape using the Space-Time Divine Form. [he abandoned the opportunity to flee via his divine ability]

He first imprinted this Space-Time node [a specific point of convergence in the fabric of space and time] completely within the Returning Abyss Seal. Then, he fused all the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [the foundational energy from which all creation springs] he had accumulated over the years into the Returning Abyss Seal. [he poured all his stored primordial energy into the magical treasure]

Thereafter, Eldrin Chen struck out with his full power, unleashing the most potent blow of his entire life. [he released an attack of unprecedented force]

"Boom…" [the sound of a colossal impact]

The power of this strike was earth-shattering, capable of shaking the ages. It pierced through the vast River of Space-Time [the conceptual flow of all time and space], severing the deep, ancient currents of Space-Time itself. [it broke the very continuum of time]

Clad in snow-white robes, Eldrin Chen stepped forward calmly, walking against the current of the River of Space-Time. His countenance was composed, serene, and unshakably resolute. [he moved upstream through time with a peaceful and determined demeanor]

He traversed the boundless River of Space-Time, journeying toward the immeasurably distant end of time. [he crossed the flow of time, heading for an era infinitely far in the past]

Ten thousand years, one million years, one Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years], one hundred Kalpa Tribulation, one thousand Kalpa Tribulation…

Eldrin Chen journeyed towards the source of Space-Time [the fundamental fabric of reality encompassing the three spatial dimensions and the flow of time], and before he knew it, he had traversed a span of time approaching two thousand Kalpa Tribulation.

Until a certain moment, within the vast and boundless River of Space-Time [a metaphorical representation of the continuum of all events as a flowing river], Eldrin Chen beheld a figure robed in white as pure as snow.

That person's aura was merely at the Great Encompassing Realm [the ultimate realm of cultivation, representing the pinnacle of existence], his form shrouded in Chaos Mist [the primordial, formless essence from which all creation emerged], yet he bore a countenance almost identical to his own.

"My former self."

"So it was."

Understanding dawned within Eldrin Chen's heart, and the doubts of the past finally scattered like mist dispelled by the sun.

Upon witnessing this scene in the past, that former Eldrin Chen could not comprehend why his Future self would travel upstream against the River of Space-Time, choosing to face the Immortal Firmament Tribulation [the cataclysmic heavenly tribulation that tests an immortal's right to ascend the firmament] even at the cost of his life.

Now, it was clear—all was governed by Karma [the universal principle of cause and effect, where actions determine future consequences].

In truth, Eldrin Chen could have fled, could have avoided confronting the Immortal Firmament Tribulation. It was his own heart, his very character, that rendered escape an impossibility.

If he departed this time, Obsidian Abyss would surely meet his final end.

"BOOM—"

As these thoughts churned within him, the vast and boundless River of Space-Time [the metaphysical river representing the flow of all time and space] was already pierced through.

Eldrin Chen traversed the River of Space-Time spanning tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth], arriving unknowingly at a point in time long, long before the era of Antiquity-Tracing.

Before him lay a weathered and ancient Immortal Domain [a vast realm governed by immortal laws]. It stretched across the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], serving as the central nexus for dozens of surrounding Primordial Domain [the foundational realms born from chaos].

As Eldrin Chen continuously pierced through the fabric of Space-Time [the interwoven dimensions of reality], arriving before this Antiquity-Tracing Immortal Domain, an inexplicable sense of familiarity stirred within his heart.

"The Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain."

The name surfaced in Eldrin Chen's mind, and he lifted his gaze towards the distant reaches of the Endless Chaos [the infinite expanse of primordial disorder].

In that instant, the Vast and Boundless Chaos trembled. A war-blade, saturated with boundless Power of Oblivion [the annihilating force that erases all existence], tore through the void, cleaving its way from the unfathomable Depths of Chaos [the most profound and turbulent regions of the primordial chaos].

"HUM—"

From within the Vast Immortal Domain [a boundless realm of celestial beings and profound spiritual energy], a chorus of anguished wails erupted.

Nine supreme beings joined forces, unleashing a Chaos Ancient Cauldron [a primordial artifact of immense power forged in the dawn of chaos] to resist, marshaling every ounce of their strength against this single strike. Yet, countless more Immortal [celestial beings who have transcended mortality] were caught utterly unprepared.

"BOOM—"

With a cataclysmic roar, the Chaos Ancient Cauldron was sent hurtling away. In its wake, the Nine Great Immortal Sages [a legendary council of nine supreme celestial masters] were utterly annihilated, their forms scattering like dust. The vast Immortal Domain itself shattered with a deafening crash.

The residual force of the Blade of Oblivion [a conceptual weapon embodying the absolute end of all existence] did not cease. It continued its inexorable path, cleaving through the void towards Eldrin Chen.

"The Blade of Oblivion... so this is the true face of the Power of Oblivion [the fundamental force of absolute annihilation and unmaking]?"

Yet, facing this annihilating strike, Eldrin Chen remained as serene and unshaken as a deep, still lake.

He retrieved two Primordial Great Path Stone [stones of cosmic origin capable of recording and containing traces of fundamental cosmic laws]. Within them, he perceived they had already been imprinted with a wisp of the Power of Oblivion and the essence of Returning Abyss Origin [the foundational spiritual source of the Abyssal Return, a principle of cyclical destruction and rebirth].

Handing the two Primordial Great Path Stone to the Returning Abyss Seal [a mystical seal attuned to the power of the cyclical abyss] for safekeeping, Eldrin Chen then rose. He soared into the heavens, confronting head-on the supreme, lingering might of the Blade of Oblivion.

"Now then... let me witness for myself the true nature of the Power of Oblivion."

"Pfft—" [the sound of something being pierced or a sudden expulsion of air]

Eldrin Chen roared as he surged into the sky, unleashing power sufficient to suppress a Heavenly Emperor to contend against the attack.

Yet, against the might of the Blade of Oblivion, he possessed not a shred of resistance. A single strand of Power of Oblivion pierced straight through Eldrin Chen's physical body.

At this life-or-death juncture, Eldrin Chen remained utterly and chillingly composed.

He refined a wisp of the invading Power of Oblivion into the ninth blank divine pattern, while simultaneously unleashing his most formidable defensive measure—the Chaos Stubborn Iron.

The Chaos Stubborn Iron was an Upper Grade Chaos Rare Treasure, material fit for forging an Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure. Its resilience was peerless within its grade.

Yet, facing the residual force of the Blade of Oblivion, even the Chaos Stubborn Iron proved woefully inadequate. It was sent flying with a mighty clang.

The lingering edge of the Blade of Oblivion continued its descent. It utterly annihilated Eldrin Chen's physical form, reducing it to dust, and cleaved his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cleanly in two.

At this critical moment between life and death, the Returning Abyss Seal instantly shot forth. It absorbed one half of Eldrin Chen's sundered Primordial Spirit before vanishing, lost within the turbulent currents of Space-Time.

The other half of his Primordial Spirit was largely extinguished by the boundless Power of Oblivion. In the end, it was drawn into a half-formed Soul Path Seed.

Then, the Soul Path Seed [a seed containing the essence of a profound cultivation path] suddenly erupted with boundless Dao Rhyme [the profound resonance and principles of the Great Dao]. It enveloped Eldrin Chen's Sole Divine Form [a unique and powerful spiritual manifestation], the Chaos Cauldron [a cauldron forged from primordial chaos], and the Chaos Stubborn Iron [an incredibly durable metal born from chaos], vanishing into the vast, boundless River of Space-Time [the conceptual flow of time and space, often visualized as a river].

"Who dares to steal the authority of Oblivion [the ultimate state of non-existence and erasure]?"

At the same moment, far at the edge of the Endless Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], an indescribable existence opened its eyes, a flicker of confusion surfacing within them.

It performed a brief divination, its expression growing solemn. "It cannot be traced... Could it be one of those old monsters plotting against me?"

"..."

While that unfathomable being pondered, the two halves of Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator's being] were swept away, disappearing into the currents of the River of Space-Time.

The Returning Abyss Seal [a powerful seal artifact] was utterly lost. Wreathed in endless Violet Aura [a supreme, primordial form of spiritual energy], it transformed into a small, exquisite Violet Seal. Carrying a fragment of Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit, it drifted aimlessly through the River of Space-Time.

Meanwhile, the Soul Path Seed merged completely with the other half of Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit. Guided by the seed's power, this fusion continued its journey, battling against the current, flowing *upstream* through the River of Space-Time.

Time lost all meaning. They traversed countless, myriad Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of creation and destruction] worth of Space-Time [the fabric of reality encompassing dimensions and duration]. Finally, Eldrin Chen arrived at what seemed to be the very source, the headwaters of the River of Space-Time.

It was an epoch of unimaginable antiquity. The Vast and Boundless Chaos [the infinite, undifferentiated state preceding the ordered universe] seemed as if newly born. The Space-Time here was saturated, thick with the swirling mists of Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the most ancient and potent form of Violet Aura, the breath of creation itself].

Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] drifted in a state of profound confusion, as if all its memories had been severed by the Power of Oblivion [a divine power capable of erasing existence]. It could recall not a single detail of its past life, and ultimately descended into an ancient Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension born from the primordial chaos before creation].

Within this secret realm, a Soul Path [a profound cultivation method for the soul] seed, carrying half of a Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], and a piece of Chaos Stubborn Iron [an incredibly durable primordial metal] floated at its Central [the core or heart of a place]. Together, they inhaled and exhaled the boundless Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme spiritual energy of the primordial chaos] that filled the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension born from the primordial chaos before creation].

An unknowable span of time passed. Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] began to emit a dazzling radiance. A Primordial Chaos Ancient Scroll [an ancient artifact inscribed with primordial chaos mysteries] absorbed the fundamental essence of Primordial Chaos [the state of undifferentiated existence before creation] and finally released seventy-two Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters [mystical symbols embodying the laws of primordial chaos].

Thirty-six of these Chaos Ancient Character [primordial symbols containing profound laws] merged with Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], coalescing to form the embryo of a Primordial Chaos Opening [a divine ability representing the genesis of all things from chaos].

The other thirty-six Chaos Ancient Character [primordial symbols containing profound laws] intertwined with the Chaos Stubborn Iron [an incredibly durable primordial metal]. Sensing the power of the Sole True Form [a divine ability representing one's ultimate, unchanging essence] and the Chaos Ancient Cauldron [an ancient cauldron forged in primordial chaos], they ultimately gave birth to a simple, archaic vessel with three legs and two handles.

Another immeasurable epoch flowed by. From within the embryo emerged an entity beyond description. It was born with a Supreme [a prefix denoting the highest, most exalted rank] physique, and its cultivation could be described as having comprehended the very principles of Creation [the act of bringing the universe into being].

This was the era of Primordial Chaos Unfolding [the epoch when the primordial chaos began to differentiate and form the cosmos], a time when sentient beings possessed no names.

It remembered no past, could not perceive the Future [a being representing the concept of time yet to come] or the threads of Karma [the universal law of cause and effect]. In its dreams, it sensed its own incompleteness, a feeling of not belonging to this age. Thus, it took Nameless [a title meaning 'without a name'] as its Daoist appellation.

Upon Nameless's emergence into the world, its companion treasure was born alongside it.

"I was born Nameless [without a name]," it intoned, its voice resonating with the weight of newborn awareness, "a naive and ignorant beginning."

"You too are Nameless [a being without a designated name], but to continue calling you Nameless is no longer fitting."

Nameless murmured softly, his gaze fixed upon the Chaos [the primordial state before creation] ancient artifact before him. After a long, contemplative silence, he finally spoke: "Henceforth, you shall be called 'Cauldron'."