Chapter 2118 : A Sage's Offer and a Path Unchosen

Seeing this, Violet Firmament Immortal Sage could not help but reveal a bitter smile.

He held Eldrin Chen's character in the highest regard, which was precisely why he was so determined to draw Eldrin Chen into the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance.

Yet, Eldrin Chen's outright refusal still stirred a pang of regret within him.

Even so, the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage remained unwilling to give up. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke, "Fellow Daoist, it is highly likely that the Nine Dragons' Nest Master and others will attend your Heavenly Emperor Ascension Banquet."

"When the time comes, this old man will invite them all to speak with you once more. Perhaps by then, your perspective may have shifted."

Having said his piece, the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage understood that further persuasion was futile. He bid farewell to Eldrin Chen and vanished into the Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all things emerged].

Eldrin Chen offered no further comment, merely watching the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage depart, a thoughtful expression settling upon his features.

The Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance was not weak. While entrusting one's safety entirely to them was unwise, establishing a degree of cooperation could prove to be a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Of course, Eldrin Chen's breakthrough to the Path Union Realm [the realm of unifying one's cultivated Paths] was still a distant prospect. It was far too early to dwell on such considerations.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen returned directly to the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven and began his secluded cultivation of the Chaos Divine Ability [a supreme technique for manipulating the power of primordial Chaos].

This time, Eldrin Chen retrieved the Chaos Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Stone and began refining this Chaos Spiritual Treasure to elevate his Chaos Divine Thunder [a divine ability born from primordial chaos].

With the support of a three-hundredfold acceleration in Space-Time flow, Eldrin Chen refined the Chaos Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Stone with extreme speed. In the outside world, merely one Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle] had passed before he had completely refined the stone.

After refining the Chaos Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Stone, the Chaos Divine Thunder finally underwent a complete metamorphosis, transforming into a true Chaos Divine Ability [a supreme ability born from the primordial chaos].

Having cultivated the Chaos Divine Ability, Eldrin Chen attempted to channel the Chaos Divine Thunder. He immediately discovered that the power of this divine ability had increased by more than severalfold.

With cultivation at the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor level and the amplification of the Primordial Spirit Pagoda, the might of this Chaos Divine Thunder was truly formidable.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, once unleashed against an enemy, its power would be sufficient to severely injure even a Half-Step Path Union Supreme [a cultivator half a step from the supreme union with the Heavenly Path], making it one of his most potent trump cards.

"Excellent."

Having successfully cultivated the Chaos Divine Ability, Eldrin Chen nodded with deep satisfaction. This breakthrough had significantly increased his combat power at the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] level and had further augmented his overall arsenal of techniques.

Of course, Eldrin Chen did not stop there. In the ensuing years, he continued to consume the various cultivation resources in his possession, ceaselessly elevating the strength of his physical body and his Soul Path [a cultivation art focused on the soul] cultivation.

It was only after several dozen Kalpa Tribulation had passed in the outside world that Eldrin Chen emerged, albeit with a touch of helplessness.

During this period of cultivation, he had already exhausted the accumulated reserves of Chaos Divine Liquid [a primordial liquid of immense spiritual potency] and Chaos Origin [the foundational essence of primordial chaos], along with other such resources that had taken years to gather.

Now, even the most skilled artisan could not work without materials. Even with a three-hundredfold acceleration within the Space-Time [the fabric of space and time], it held little practical use for him anymore.

"It seems the time to seek the Heaven and Earth Cauldron [a legendary cauldron said to refine the essences of heaven and earth] must be placed upon the agenda,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, yet he did not immediately set out to find the Heaven and Earth Cauldron.

For the Heavenly Emperor Grand Ceremony [a grand ceremony to celebrate the ascension of a Heavenly Emperor] was drawing near. As the central figure of this great hall of the Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign title for a supreme ruler among immortals], Eldrin Chen found it inconvenient to depart before the event.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen gathered his thoughts. In the following years, he devoted himself to two tasks: refining the cultivation methods for advancing the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art centered on self-sacrifice and transcendence], and meticulously polishing the various foundational aspects of his own power.

Thus, time flowed like a river. In what seemed like a fleeting moment, the day of the Heavenly Emperor Grand Ceremony finally arrived.

On that day, as Eldrin Chen emerged from his secluded abode, he found the entire Primordial Immortal Domain [the primordial realm of the immortals] brimming with an atmosphere of joyous celebration.

Countless Human Race Great Encompassing Immortal Lord [a high-ranking immortal lord who encompasses great mysteries] had gathered. Some Imperial Lord [a lord who rules over an imperial domain] and even Great Emperor [a sovereign emperor of immense power] attended the banquet, yet each conducted themselves with remarkable humility.

Beyond the borders of the Primordial Immortal Domain, streaks of Chaos [primordial chaos] light continued to pierce the firmament, arriving one after another. Almost all were powerhouses of the Heavenly Emperor Realm [the cultivation realm of a Heavenly Emperor].

As a Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator who has partially merged with their chosen Dao Path], the grand hall welcoming Eldrin Chen was exceptionally crowded. The various Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers who have attained the Heavenly Emperor realm] from the Southern Abyss Eight Domains all arrived with joyous expressions gracing their faces.

Furthermore, there were even Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors who rule over primordial chaos realms] who had journeyed from beyond the Southern Abyss, bearing lavish congratulatory gifts to offer their respects.

Eldrin Chen and Great Abyss Immortal Sage personally went to receive them. As the banquet was about to commence, five supremely rare and peerless powerhouses strolled into view.

These five individuals were the mightiest Half-Step Path Union figures within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains.

Among them were the Nine Dragons' Nest Master, the Immortal Phoenix Empress, Tianke Path Ancestor, the Myriad Path Divine Venerable, and Violet Firmament Immortal Sage.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, a flicker of astonishment passed through the gathered crowd.

Tianke Path Ancestor offered a slight smile and spoke, "I have long heard of your esteemed name, Fellow Daoist, and had hoped for an opportunity to meet."

"I never imagined that in the mere span of a single seclusion on my part, you would have already broken through to the Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor]. This is truly a cause for celebration."

"You are too kind,"

Eldrin Chen replied with a smile, cupping his hands in greeting as he exchanged pleasantries with the assembled Heavenly Emperor.

He guided the group into the Primordial Immortal Domain [the foundational realm of the primordial immortals]. Just as he was about to speak further, his brow suddenly furrowed slightly, and a trace of coldness flickered in his eyes.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen's brow creased slightly. He then lifted his gaze towards the vast and boundless Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all creation emerged].

There, within the Endless Chaos, a Path Void spatial vortex slowly yawned open. From its depths emerged a man clad in battle armor.

"It's him."

The moment he saw the newcomer, a glint of frost flashed in Eldrin Chen's eyes, and a cold, sharp light surfaced within them.

This person was none other than the foremost direct disciple of the Blazing Center Supreme [a supreme being whose title signifies mastery over the central, blazing essence of creation], renowned as the foremost expert in Fleshly Body Sanctification [a supreme cultivation art focused on forging the physical body into an indestructible vessel] within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains—'Panji Heavenly Emperor'.

As the supreme master of Fleshly Body Sanctification in the Blazing Central Hundred Domains, Panji had not only attained the realm of Half-Step Path Union [a pinnacle state just shy of complete fusion with the Heavenly Dao], but he had done so by forging his foundation upon the legendary Chaos Divine Form [a divine ability that allows one to manifest a form born of and attuned to primordial chaos].

In terms of pure combat prowess, Panji's strength was on par with even the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, placing him among the very apex of all Half-Step Path Union experts.

With this realization, a shadow of solemn gravity passed through Eldrin Chen's gaze.

"It seems our guest comes with ill intent."

The Nine Dragons' Nest Master [the master of the legendary Nine Dragons' Nest] spoke from the side, then looked meaningfully at Eldrin Chen and said, "Fellow Cultivator Eldrin, do you require our assistance?"

"That will not be necessary."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, then stepped forward to the edge of the Primordial Immortal Domain [the primordial realm of the immortals] and looked towards Panji Heavenly Emperor [the Heavenly Emperor Panji]. "Your Excellency's visit today," he inquired, "what business brings you here?"

"Returning Abyss Path Master."

Panji Heavenly Emperor spoke slowly, his gaze carefully appraising Eldrin Chen before he continued with calm composure. "Having heard that you are hosting a Heavenly Emperor Grand Ceremony [a grand ceremony to celebrate one's ascension to the Heavenly Emperor realm], I have come uninvited to offer my congratulations."

"I see."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then replied, "Given the nature of our relationship, I fear such congratulations are more than I can rightly accept."

Panji Heavenly Emperor acknowledged this with a nod of his own, his expression suddenly turning grave. "It is said," he began, his voice carrying a weight of intent, "that upon first entering the Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor], you already possess power rivaling that of a Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator halfway to merging with their chosen Path]."

"My purpose in coming today is to seek... enlightenment on this matter."

Hearing this, a chill settled in Eldrin Chen's heart. He understood, then, the true purpose of this visitor's arrival.

Attending the Heavenly Emperor Grand Ceremony was merely a pretext; the true intent was likely to probe the strength of Eldrin Chen.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen spoke with a calm expression, "Since Your Excellency, the Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of a heavenly domain], wishes to exchange pointers, I am naturally willing to oblige."

"Excellent—"

As his words fell, Panji Heavenly Emperor directly mounted a Heavenly Halberd [a divine polearm weapon] and soared into the air, cleaving down towards Eldrin Chen with immense force.

This single strike was overwhelmingly powerful, its might brushing against the very limits of the Half-Step Path Union Realm.

Eldrin Chen showed no fear, casually activating the Chaos Heaven Halberd to parry. Yet, he still felt a cataclysmic force assail him, sending a numbing sensation through his limbs.

"Such formidable strength."

After that single exchange, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes.

He possessed five Chaos Divine Form [a supreme physique forged from primordial chaos], a foundation that should have far surpassed the three Chaos Divine Form held by Panji Heavenly Emperor.

Yet, in their clash, Eldrin Chen found himself gaining little advantage. It was clear this opponent's physical combat prowess was truly extraordinary.

Of course, the primary reason was that Eldrin Chen's physical foundation was insufficient, far inferior to that of Panji Heavenly Emperor, who had refined himself within the Chaos Realm for over a million Kalpa Tribulation.

"It seems I need to get serious," he murmured.

With this thought flashing through his mind, Eldrin Chen suddenly raised his Chaos Heaven Halberd and soared into the air, then brought it crashing down with immense force towards Panji Heavenly Emperor.

Ever since it had fully absorbed all the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence, Eldrin Chen's Returning Abyss Seal had ascended to become a Chaos Spiritual Artifact.

Furthermore, the twelve Spiritual Treasure figures within the Returning Abyss Seal had all transformed into complete Chaos Spiritual Artifact.

The fusion of these twelve supreme treasures elevated the Returning Abyss Seal's power far beyond the limits of a Low-Grade Chaos Spiritual Artifact, firmly placing it within the realm of Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure.

In fact, according to Eldrin Chen's estimation, the Returning Abyss Seal's power should rank among the finest, perhaps even the pinnacle, within the Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure category.

Now, Eldrin Chen channeled the full might of his cultivation base, wielding the Chaos Heaven Halberd in a relentless series of earth-shattering clashes against Panji Heavenly Emperor. Their direct confrontation was so fierce it caused the very Chaos around them to fracture and split.

After merely a few thousand exchanges, Panji Heavenly Emperor's complexion had turned slightly ashen. He stared at the Chaos Heaven Halberd in Eldrin Chen's hands and said, "I never imagined you possessed a Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure as well."

"Just what is your origin?"

"You are not worthy to know this venerable one's origins."

Eldrin Chen unleashed his full power, wielding the Chaos Heaven Halberd to strike down again and again, ultimately smashing Panji Heavenly Emperor and sending him flying backward.

After a certain number of clashes, Panji Heavenly Emperor could endure no longer. He fiercely exchanged one final blow with Eldrin Chen, then used the momentum to vanish into the depths of the Chaos.

Regarding this, Eldrin Chen did not give chase. After all, Panji Heavenly Emperor was a top-tier Half-Step Path Union cultivator [a being who has nearly unified their cultivation path with the Heavenly Dao], whose strength far surpassed that of ordinary Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of a heavenly domain].

Even with Eldrin Chen utilizing his Soul Path cultivation [a profound cultivation art focused on the soul and spiritual power], he was only confident in defeating his opponent, with no certainty of capturing him.

Since he could not apprehend him, pursuit held no meaning.

Thus, he gathered his thoughts and strode back into the Primordial Immortal Domain.

At this moment, the various Heavenly Emperor within the Primordial Immortal Domain wore expressions of shock. Even the five supreme Half-Step Path Union cultivators revealed a flicker of apprehension.

Although they had long heard tales of Eldrin Chen's power, witnessing him defeat Panji Heavenly Emperor with their own eyes still evoked profound wariness within each of them.

It must be understood that Panji Heavenly Emperor's strength was not inferior to any one of them.

If Eldrin Chen could defeat Panji Heavenly Emperor, it signified he possessed the power to defeat any one of them present.

With this thought, even Nine Dragons' Nest Master and Immortal Phoenix Empress wore expressions tinged with solemnity, appearing rather wary of Eldrin Chen.

Unconcerned with the thoughts of others, Eldrin Chen calmly returned to the Immortal Court to join the celebration of this Heavenly Emperor Grand Ceremony.

After several rounds of wine, Violet Firmament Immortal Sage drew Eldrin Chen and several other top-tier Half-Step Path Union cultivators aside. With a grave expression, he said, "Esteemed colleagues, I wish to invite Fellow Cultivator Eldrin to join the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of apprehension crossed everyone's faces.

The Nine Dragons' Nest Master shook his head directly and stated, "With Fellow Cultivator Eldrin's strength, his chances of a breakthrough are likely significant even without joining the Path Union Alliance, are they not?"

Myriad Path Divine Venerable also nodded, speaking calmly, "Indeed. Since Fellow Cultivator Eldrin can achieve a breakthrough, why should we complicate matters?"

Hearing this, Violet Firmament Immortal Sage's expression changed abruptly.

He quickly regained his composure, but a trace of helplessness ultimately surfaced on his face.

It turned out he had previously convinced the other major Half-Step Path Union cultivators, believing everything would proceed smoothly.

However, the combat prowess Eldrin Chen displayed this time caused the assembled Half-Step Path Union [cultivators who have partially merged with their chosen Dao Path] experts to reconsider their initial stance.

The reason was simple: Eldrin Chen's power was overwhelmingly superior, clearly surpassing even these top-tier Half-Step Path Union cultivators by a significant margin.

If Eldrin Chen were to join the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance, they would likely all have to defer to his leadership. Furthermore, his presence would inevitably dilute their own authority. Should disagreements arise in the future, how could they possibly contend with him?

Realizing this, the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage [a powerful immortal sage] wore a bitter smile and could only offer an apology to Eldrin Chen: "Alas, this old man was too presumptuous. I ask that you, Fellow Daoist, do not take this matter to heart."

Eldrin Chen smiled slightly before speaking. "There is no need for such concern, Fellow Daoist. The matter is of little importance."

With that, he continued, "Although I will not join the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance, that does not preclude the possibility of cooperation between us."

"Cooperation?"

His words caused everyone present to pause in mild surprise.

Seeing their reaction, Eldrin Chen elaborated, "At critical moments, we could join forces to resist the Blazing Center Supreme [a supreme being whose Dao is aligned with the blazing center]. I believe this would be mutually beneficial."

The assembled Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for the most powerful cultivators who have attained the Heavenly Emperor realm] all nodded slightly upon hearing this.

The Tianke Path Ancestor stroked his long beard and said with a smile, "Indeed. When dealing with the Blazing Center Supreme [a title for a supreme being of immense power], every additional ally is a source of strength."

Seeing this, the others also smiled and nodded, reaching a preliminary consensus on forming an alliance against the Blazing Center Supreme.

"..."

Afterwards, Eldrin Chen hosted the guests for a while longer. Only after the Heavenly Emperor Grand Ceremony [a grand ceremony celebrating the ascension of a Heavenly Emperor] concluded did he finally see them off.

Unexpectedly, just before parting, the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage handed Eldrin Chen a scroll of ancient-looking parchment.

"What is this?"

Gazing at the precious map, Eldrin Chen could not help but show a flicker of surprise.

Seeing his expression, the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage explained, "This is the Desolate Heaven Ancient Map [an ancient map leading to the Desolate Heaven Ruins]. It also serves as a token of entry to the Desolate Heaven Ruins."

"When the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, a legendary site within the ruins] opens in the future, Fellow Daoist, you may use this map to seek your fortune within."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly, and he could not help but recall the origins of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

It turned out that the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall was a relic left behind by a transcendent power from beyond the Blazing Central Hundred Domains.

It was said that the predecessor of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall was a superpower that once possessed thirteen Path Union Supreme [cultivators who have unified their cultivation path and reached the supreme realm].

Later, this lineage was utterly annihilated in the distant past, yet they left their treasures within the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall. Anyone who possesses an ancient map and steps into it is qualified to compete for the treasures of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage and asked, "Such a fortuitous opportunity—why would you, Fellow Daoist, hand it over to me?"