Chapter 2115 : A Heavenly Emperor's Oath

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen said no more.

After a moment's thought, he still handed the Chaos Scorching Heaven Spear to the Obsidian Abyss Heavenly Emperor and spoke, "Senior, you have cultivated a Chaos body [a physical form forged from primordial chaos], and your cultivation ranks among the very pinnacle of Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of a heavenly domain]. Yet, you lack a truly fitting weapon."

"This Chaos Scorching Heaven Spear aligns perfectly with your nature. Please, accept it as a gift."

The Obsidian Abyss Heavenly Emperor pondered briefly but did not refuse. Instead, he stated, "I shall borrow this treasure for one thousand Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years]. I will return it to Worthy Path before I depart."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen sighed inwardly. The Obsidian Abyss Heavenly Emperor knew that Eldrin, having just broken through, was short on resources and was thus leaving this precious artifact for Worthy Path Chen.

Furthermore, with the Chaos Scorching Heaven Spear in hand, the Obsidian Abyss Heavenly Emperor's combat prowess would increase significantly, allowing him to lend greater aid should war arise.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen offered no further argument. He rose, bid farewell to the Obsidian Abyss Heavenly Emperor, and went to see off the two Heavenly Emperor: the Indestructibility Ancient One and Panhuang Emperor.

In this battle, the intervention of the Indestructibility Ancient One and Panhuang Emperor had been of immense help to both the Southern Abyss Eight Domains and to Eldrin Chen himself. As the de facto leader of the Southern Abyss Eight Domains, it was Eldrin's duty, both publicly and privately, to express his gratitude.

He escorted them to the edge of the Chaos Desolation Sea before turning to the Indestructibility Ancient One. "Regarding the matter of the Indestructibility Primordial Domain joining the Southern Abyss, I must ask you to handle the details, Fellow Daoist."

"You have my word."

The Indestructibility Ancient One chuckled softly before speaking. "Throughout my cultivation journey to this day, progress has always been agonizingly slow, with each step forward a struggle."

"Yet, ever since encountering you, my cultivation has advanced with almost effortless ease. How could I not be mindful of the matter of joining the Southern Abyss Domains [the collective name for the territories under the Southern Abyss Alliance]?"

"Hahaha!"

Eldrin Chen also allowed a smile to surface. He then turned his gaze to Panhuang Emperor and inquired, "Fellow Daoist, I have heard your Panhuang Primordial Domain is also a Primordial Domain [a vast, ancient, and spiritually rich realm, often the foundation of a major power]. Would you be willing to join the Southern Abyss Domains?"

Panhuang Emperor pondered for a moment before replying, "I do indeed have such thoughts. However, the Ancient Domain of Panhuang where I reside is exceedingly distant. I fear it would require nearly ten thousand Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years] of travel to reach this place."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. "If that is the case, then know that the gates of our Southern Abyss Domains shall forever remain open to both of you, Fellow Daoists."

"Excellent."

A faint smile touched the lips of Panhuang Emperor. Should this endeavor succeed, his future security would be greatly enhanced.

Even his hopes of breaking through to the Path Union Realm [a supreme cultivation realm where one's chosen Path merges with the fundamental laws of existence] had, imperceptibly, increased by several degrees.

With that, the conversation reached its end. The three figures clasped their hands in a final salute to Eldrin Chen, then took their leave, each departing on their own path.

After seeing off the others, Eldrin Chen immediately traveled to the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm. There, he retrieved Exquisite Jiang and the other members of the Chen Immortal Clan, bringing them all back to the Primordial Immortal Domain.

Upon their return to the Immortal Court that day, Eldrin Chen began recounting the events of his journey to Exquisite Jiang and the others. He explained the unforeseen developments and the reasons behind his breakthrough into the Heavenly Emperor Realm.

Of course, regarding the matter of Nameless, Eldrin Chen did not elaborate in detail. He simply informed them that he had utilized the power of the Blade of Oblivion to shatter an otherwise insurmountable barrier, thereby achieving the status of a Major Limit-Breaker.

Upon hearing this news, everyone present was filled with a mixture of astonishment and joy.

Exquisite Jiang could not help but grasp Eldrin Chen's hand, her expression tinged with concern as she said, "This time, you took far too great a risk."

"Without taking that risk, everything in the Southern Abyss would have been lost beyond recovery," Eldrin Chen replied, shaking his head with calm resolve.

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen retrieved the Supreme Lunar Wheel from his sleeve and presented it to Exquisite Jiang. "This treasure," he said, "is finally returning to its rightful owner."

"Hmm."

The moment the Supreme Lunar Wheel appeared, it emitted a clear, resonant hum, thrumming with a palpable sense of joy. It began to circle Exquisite Jiang playfully.

Seeing this scene, Exquisite Jiang could not help but reveal a flicker of delight. With joy, she grasped the Supreme Lunar Wheel [a legendary artifact embodying the ultimate power of the moon]. "After thirty-eight thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years], we are finally reunited."

As she spoke, she turned her gaze to Eldrin Chen, her voice thick with emotion. "My husband…"

"Between us, there is no need for such words."

Eldrin Chen shook his head gently. He then produced the physical body and the shattered Great Path Origin [the foundational source of a cultivator's supreme Dao] of the Supreme Lunar Demon Sovereign.

He handed them to Exquisite Jiang, a faint smile gracing his lips. "I used the Blade of Oblivion [a weapon capable of severing existence and memory] to strike down the Supreme Lunar Demon Sovereign, completely shattering his Chaos Supreme Lunar Great Path [his supreme cultivation path of lunar chaos]."

"Though I did not utterly annihilate him, I have cast him into a slumber akin to eternity. It will take at least one million Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] for him to recover."

"If you, my lady, can cultivate your Supreme Lunar Great Path [the supreme path of lunar power] to the Realm of Chaos [a profound cultivation realm where primordial chaos is mastered] before that time, you may seize this opportunity to wrest his Great Path Authority [the sovereign authority over a Great Path] from him."

Upon hearing this, Exquisite Jiang fell into deep contemplation.

The Supreme Lunar [the ultimate principle of lunar power] and the Solar Great Path [the supreme path of solar power] are among the mightiest Great Path [supreme cultivation arts]. A complete authority over either can lead directly to the peak of the Second Chaos Realm [the second major stage within the Chaos Realm], granting mastery over nine Primordial Chaos Great Path Divine Form [divine forms born from the primordial chaos of a Great Path].

This is the threshold of the half-step Limitless Great Path [a cultivation art that transcends all boundaries]. Should all nine strands of Great Path Authority [the sovereign authority over a Great Path] fall into the hands of a single individual and fuse into the Chaos Limitless Great Path [the divine ability of limitless chaos], one could then step into the Limitless Sovereign Realm [the ultimate realm of boundless sovereignty].

Whether it be the Supreme Lunar Great Path or the Solar Great Path, their authority is far too fragmented, each held by multiple Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

To gather all of that authority would be a task more difficult than scaling the heavens.

Yet, this also presents an opportunity. If Exquisite Jiang can cultivate the Supreme Lunar Great Path and then refine the Supreme Lunar Demon Sovereign to reclaim the Supreme Lunar Great Path Authority, she could directly command two Great Path Divine Form.

Should she obtain one more, she could ascend directly to the Path Union Supreme Realm.

If one day she could gather all nine portions of Chaos Great Path Authority, she might even glimpse the Limitless Realm and become the Supreme Lunar Sovereign who stabilizes the Boundless Chaos.

Understanding this, Exquisite Jiang did not refuse. She directly took the origin essence of the Supreme Lunar Demon Sovereign and then spoke.

"Over the years, I have fallen further and further behind you. I hope that one day I can stand by your side in battle once more and lend you my strength."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, a smile gracing his lips as he replied, "I will await that day."

With those words, Eldrin Chen then took out the Solar Golden Bell and its origin essence, handing them to Energy Abyss Chen. "Patriarch, your physical cultivation has reached the profound realm of Creation, but focusing on a single path ultimately has its limits."

"It would be better to also cultivate the Solar Path. In the future, you may have a chance to glimpse the Second Chaos Realm."

Energy Abyss Chen did not refuse, merely stating with a placid expression, "Next, we must also make plans to advance further."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen also bestowed the captured Innate Supreme Treasures [the highest grade of magical artifacts, born from the primordial chaos] upon everyone.

In this battle, Eldrin Chen defeated several dozen Sage Ascendants [powerful beings one step below the Sage realm] from the outer realms, seizing nearly one hundred Innate Supreme Treasures.

Coupled with the spoils previously obtained by the disciples of the Ten Direct Disciples, the Chen Clan Lineage now possessed well over one hundred Innate Supreme Treasures.

Such a vast number of supreme treasures represented the greatest opportunity and blessing for those cultivating the path of the True Spirit Immortal Treasury [a profound cultivation art focused on refining one's spiritual core into an immortal repository].

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, and aided by the temporal acceleration of the Space-Time Divine Form [a divine ability to manipulate the flow of time and space], their cultivation bases would surely advance by leaps and bounds in the Future.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen arrived at the deepest part of the Primordial Immortal Domain. He activated the supreme power of the Cosmic Sky Sundial [a legendary artifact capable of measuring and manipulating cosmic time] to carve out a Chaos Grotto-Heaven [a pocket dimension existing beyond the normal bounds of reality] that transcended the ordinary Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all things originate].

"This is..."

Witnessing Eldrin Chen create a Grotto-Heaven [a blessed pocket realm or paradise] that existed beyond normal Space-Time [the fabric of reality encompassing dimensions and the flow of time], everyone present showed a trace of astonishment.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen smiled and explained, "This is a Chaos Grotto-Heaven I forged using the power of the Cosmic Sky Sundial. It exists almost entirely outside the River of Space-Time [the metaphorical flow of time and dimensional space], possessing a time flow three hundred times faster than the outside world."

"From now on, cultivating here, your cultivation bases will surely advance by leaps and bounds."

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces instantly lit up with ecstatic joy.

A time flow three hundred times faster? Did that not mean that while a single Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years] passed in the outside world, three hundred Kalpa Tribulation would pass within this place?

It must be understood, the clansmen of the Returning Abyss Lineage all possessed immense Fortune [a metaphysical concept representing destiny, luck, and accumulated positive karma]. Under Eldrin Chen's tutelage, their innate talent and potential were nothing short of astonishing, and resources had always been relatively abundant for them.

However, their sole weakness was the brevity of their cultivation time. Consequently, their combat methods and foundational depth were slightly lacking, not yet reaching a state of flawless perfection.

Yet, with the support of this Chaos Grotto-Heaven [a primordial pocket dimension born from chaos], they would only need to cultivate in seclusion here for a few hundred Kalpa Tribulation, and that shortcoming of insufficient cultivation time could be remedied for the most part.

Thinking of this, their hearts swelled with wild delight. Imperial Sovereign Jiang spoke up, "With the aid of this place, within one hundred Kalpa Tribulation, I should be able to complete the cultivation of my tenth True Spirit Immortal Treasury [a supreme cultivation art that forges an internal repository of immortal power]."

The others also brimmed with joy. With the three-hundredfold time acceleration and the vast haul of Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from the primordial chaos] they had seized this time...

They dared not claim they would definitely cultivate all Ten Great True Spirit Immortal Treasuries, but mastering nine True Spirit Immortal Treasury should be well within their grasp.

Judging by the profound foundation of the Sacrificial Self Path [a supreme cultivation path focused on self-transcendence], upon establishing a complete Primordial One Immortal Domain [the foundational immortal domain of a cultivator], mastering nine True Spirit Immortal Treasury alone would grant a thirty to forty percent certainty of a breakthrough to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for an emperor-level existence who has mastered the power of primordial chaos] realm.

Such individuals possess combat prowess roughly comparable to that of a Limitless Sage Ascendant.

Once one cultivates the Ten Great True Spirit Immortal Treasuries [the ten supreme foundational cultivation arts that form the basis for the ultimate path], the certainty of later breaking through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [the supreme sovereign who commands the primordial chaos] realm becomes absolute, and their combat power will directly enter the domain of being able to rival a Heavenly Emperor.

In Eldrin Chen's estimation, there are three potential paths for the Sacrificial Self Path [a supreme cultivation method based on sacrificing one's own foundational treasures to achieve breakthroughs] to break through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm.

The first path is to merge the nine True Spirit Immortal Treasuries [foundational cultivation arts that create internal spiritual treasuries] into one, fusing them into the supreme Unique Immortal Treasury [a singular, ultimate internal treasury].

Then, by fusing with Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs] to cultivate the Chaos Immortal Treasury [an internal treasury born of chaos], and merging it with one's physical body, one can break through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm.

This method is similar to the Fleshly Body Sanctification Art [an art that refines the physical body to divine perfection] and shares common ground with the Path of Path Mastery [the ultimate cultivation path of mastering the Great Dao itself]. Once a breakthrough is achieved, one's combat power allows them to fight three opponents of the same realm single-handedly, with strength comparable to a Heavenly Emperor who has cultivated the Fleshly Body Sanctification.

Building upon this foundation, if the breakthrough is achieved via the Ten Great True Spirit Immortal Treasuries, one's foundational depth would be comparable to someone who has cultivated the Ultimate Divine Form [the pinnacle form achievable through divine body refinement], granting the potential to later reach the Path Union Supreme [the supreme realm where one's path merges with the cosmos].

The second path is to sacrifice the True Spirit Immortal Treasuries, using them as foundational nourishment to cause the Inner Immortal Domain [the cultivator's internal world] to transform and ascend into a Primordial Immortal Domain [a world born in the primordial era].

At that point, the Primordial Domain would absorb the True Spirit Immortal Treasuries and spontaneously generate the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the fundamental law of primordial chaos], also allowing one to step into the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm.

A Chaos Heavenly Emperor who achieves the Dao via this method possesses combat power nearly indistinguishable from the former. However, their Inner Immortal Domain would be capable of nurturing Chaos Genesis Energy and various Rare Treasure [extremely precious spiritual materials and artifacts], thus not requiring external Chaos Genesis Energy for the breakthrough.

Among the most outstanding of them, those who cultivate a complete Primordial Domain [a foundational, self-contained world within a cultivator] possess the potential to one day break through to the Path Union Supreme [the supreme realm where one's cultivated path merges with the fundamental laws of existence].

The third method is not to sacrifice the True Spirit Immortal Treasury [the innate spiritual repository within a cultivator], but to achieve the advancement of the Inner Immortal Domain [the perfected immortal world cultivated within oneself] based on the foundation of having cultivated a Chaos Immortal Treasury [an immortal treasury refined from primordial chaos energy].

Such individuals are undoubtedly peerless, heaven-defying prodigies. They not only possess the capability to set foot upon the Path Union [the realm where one's cultivated path begins to unify with the cosmos] and the Supreme Realm [the pinnacle realm of cultivation], but they also harbor a sliver of potential to one day tread upon the Sovereign Realm [the realm of ultimate dominion over cosmic laws].

Eldrin Chen categorized the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for an emperor who has mastered the power of primordial chaos] achieved through the advancement of these three methods into the Immortal Treasury Path [the cultivation path focused on refining the immortal treasury], the Immortal Domain Path [the path focused on perfecting the inner immortal domain], and the Limitless Path [the path of boundless potential].

Among them, both the Immortal Treasury Path and the Immortal Domain Path reach their absolute limit at the Path Union Supreme. Unless a truly monstrous, once-in-an-era genius emerges, it is nearly impossible to use these two paths to set foot upon the Realm of Chaos Sovereign [the sovereign realm born from primordial chaos].

Only the 'Limitless Path' is a true Path to Heaven [a cultivation path leading to the ultimate heavens]. Once cultivated and with sufficient opportunities and fortune, it theoretically offers at least a thread of hope to achieve the Limitless Sovereign [the sovereign of boundless power]. However, the conditions for its cultivation are far too demanding and severe.

Eldrin Chen believed that, for now, none of his current disciples possessed the capability to cultivate the 'Limitless Path'.

But with a three-hundredfold acceleration of Space-Time [the fabric of space and time], the situation was different. With the Space-Time acceleration within the Chaos Grotto-Heaven [a paradise realm refined from primordial chaos], they would have vast amounts of time to temper and polish their foundational potential.

No matter how arduous the cultivation process, as long as they spent hundreds of thousands, even millions, of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] in accumulation, their inherent depth and reserves would inevitably see significant improvement.

By the time they reached that level of insight and power, perhaps their hope of cultivating the Limitless Path would also be considerably elevated.

Returning to the main topic, Eldrin Chen swept his gaze over the assembled group. Seeing a flicker of joy appear on their faces, he spoke, "The cost of establishing this Chaos Grotto-Heaven was not insignificant, and its operation will also require substantial resources."

"At any one time, it can only accommodate a maximum of one hundred and eight Sage Ascendant for cultivation."

"Each of you will occupy one slot. The remaining slots should be reserved as rewards for the rising talents within our clan and for those who have rendered meritorious service within the Immortal Court."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

Exquisite Jiang could not suppress her delight and spoke up, "Such a Chaos Grotto-Heaven rivals even the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven. Shall we name it the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before replying, "Approved."

"..."

With the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven established, Eldrin Chen watched as the others departed to begin their cultivation. He then led his closest companions to the deepest part of the grotto-heaven's abode.

Standing before his companions now, a wave of complex emotions washed over Eldrin Chen's countenance.

To others, it seemed he had ascended to the Heavenly Emperor Realm in the span of a single breath. Yet, only he truly understood the vast, immeasurable epochs he had traversed to reach this point.

Seeing his Dao Companions once more, he was struck by a profound sense of the vast changes wrought by time, as if witnessing the sea transform into mulberry fields.

He did not speak much at first. Only after embracing his Dao Companions and sharing a time of tender intimacy did he finally gather his beloved in his arms and say, "Although my breakthrough was successful this time, internal troubles and external threats remain unceasing."

"Next, it is time for you all to begin preparations for your own ascension to the Heavenly Emperor realm."

Upon hearing this, his Dao Companions' expressions all shifted, a mixture of astonishment and joy blooming on their faces.

Verdant Consort pondered for a moment before speaking, "Both Nyssa Qu and I possess foundations at the Chaos level. Given sufficient time, our breakthrough to Heavenly Emperor should come as naturally as water flowing downhill."

"Now, with the resources of the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven, we should be able to break through within a few hundred Kalpa Tribulation."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. Yet, as his gaze fell upon the elegantly charming Nyssa Qu before him, he pondered once more and said, "You both possess Chaos Foundation, so reaching the Realm of Chaos is indeed a natural progression."

"However, you will also be constrained by the limits of your own foundational roots. Once you break through, it may prove difficult to advance further."

"My suggestion is to accumulate and refine your foundation extensively before the breakthrough. Wait until your latent potential reaches its absolute peak before considering the ascension to the Heavenly Emperor Realm."

Upon hearing his words, both Verdant Consort and Nyssa Qu fell into thoughtful silence.

Between the two, Nyssa Qu possesses a Chaos Foundation [a spiritual root formed by fusing with primordial chaos energy], meaning her future potential is theoretically capped at the First Realm of Chaos [the foundational realm of chaos cultivation].

Verdant Consort, however, is endowed with exceptional natural talent. Her true form is that of a First Chaos Verdant Lotus [a primordial lotus born from the first chaos, a legendary spiritual plant], which inherently contains nine distinct Primordial Chaos Great Path [Great Daos, or fundamental cosmic laws, born from the Primordial Chaos].

This signifies that, should Verdant Consort cultivate diligently step by step, her future attainment would be, at the very least, that of a Half-Step Limitless Realm [a transcendent cultivation realm beyond the constraints of ordinary chaos].

If she were to successfully merge those nine Primordial Chaos Great Path into one, Verdant Consort would even possess the possibility of glimpsing the Limitless Sovereign [the supreme sovereign realm of limitless power].

Given these circumstances, Verdant Consort's future can be described as boundless, while Nyssa Qu seems destined to halt her progress at the First Realm of Chaos.

Unless, that is, she can circumvent the shackles of her innate constitution and, through a special method, completely sever her own Chaos Foundation.