Chapter 2124 : The Genesis Energy's Legacy

This Primordial Immortal Domain [a primordial realm that births and sustains itself] spontaneously derived its own Primordial Chaos Great Path [the supreme law of primordial chaos]. Most crucially, it had actually nurtured three portions of Chaos Genesis Energy [the foundational energy from which all creation springs].

Regarding these portions of Chaos Genesis Energy, Nyssa Qu did not hoard them for herself. Instead, she handed them all over to Eldrin Chen for disposition.

Eldrin Chen did not decline. After accepting the Chaos Genesis Energy, he spoke, "Our most pressing task is still to nurture more Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for an emperor who commands the power of primordial chaos] as swiftly as possible."

"I shall hold onto this Chaos Genesis Energy for now. In the future, when our resources are more abundant, I will use it to advance your Nine Severities Spirit-Slaying Swords [a set of nine divine swords famed for slaying spirits]."

Nyssa Qu merely smiled, taking his hand and saying, "We are one. There is no need for such words between us. I trust you."

A wave of warmth washed over Eldrin Chen's heart, and he said no more.

After a night of tender companionship, early the next morning, Eldrin Chen summoned his disciples and clansmen.

Gazing upon these disciples and clansmen, a faint sense of pride welled up unbidden within Eldrin Chen.

Unbeknownst even to him, the foundation of the Chen Immortal Clan had grown to become the foremost Immortal Clan [a clan of cultivators who have attained immortality] within the Southern Abyss Ten Domains.

Within the present Returning Abyss Lineage, the number of those whose cultivation had stepped into the Great Emperor Realm [a supreme realm of power for emperors] already exceeded thirty individuals.

Among them were the five direct sons of Eldrin Chen, the Ten Direct Disciples, as well as the first-generation powerhouses such as Ethan Chen, Imperial Sovereign Jiang, Energy Abyss Chen, and Verdant Seal Patriarch.

Most of these individuals cultivated the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-sacrifice and rebirth]. Having previously received significant empowerment from numerous Innate Supreme Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos, possessing supreme power], they spent the vast expanse of time refining and assimilating these treasures. Through this process, they each cultivated at least nine True Spirit Immortal Treasuries [foundational cultivation realms representing perfected spiritual repositories].

Some among them did not walk the Sacrificial Self Path. These included individuals like Gentle Deer, Ao Hong, the Primordial Era Demonic Ape [an ancient and mighty ape demon from the dawn of time], Blazing Phoenix, and the seven Great Emperor Lords of the Three Talents and Four Symbols [a powerful formation based on the Three Celestial Talents and the Four Cardinal Symbols].

Although their innate talent and foundational reserves were slightly inferior, under Eldrin Chen's continuous nurturing over these years, their cultivation had now reached the absolute pinnacle of the Great Emperor realm. They had even branched out to cultivate other foundational aspects.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, these individuals were now also ready to attempt specializing in the Sacrificial Self Path.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Now, Nyssa's two great foundations have both ascended to the Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Celestial Sovereign, a pinnacle existence]. This proves that the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all things originate] path of the Sacrificial Self Path has been completely perfected."

"Next, all of you can also begin preparing to ascend to the Heavenly Emperor Realm."

Hearing these words, everyone present exchanged glances, their faces alight with ecstatic joy.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen imparted the method of becoming a Heavenly Emperor of the Sacrificial Self Path to the assembly. Then he declared, "This sovereign still possesses a reserve of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative force that gave birth to the cosmos]."

"Those among you who have successfully cultivated the Ten Great True Spirit Immortal Treasuries shall each receive a portion of Chaos Genesis Energy as support."

Upon hearing this, everyone felt a slight tremor in their hearts and turned their gazes towards Verdant Peak Lu and the others.

Currently, within the Returning Abyss Lineage, those who have cultivated the Ten Great True Spirit Immortal Treasuries [the ultimate foundational cultivation arts representing the ten primordial true spirits] are not many. Counting them, there are only four: Imperial Sovereign Jiang, Verdant Peak Lu, Worthy Pursuit Chen, and Lingering Ye.

Although most of the others have cultivated nine of the True Spirit Immortal Treasuries [foundational arts based on the powers of various true spirits], they are still one crucial step away from achieving the Ten Great True Spirit Immortal Treasuries.

This final breakthrough is immensely difficult, requiring tremendous opportunity and profound foundational strength to succeed.

Eldrin Chen swept his gaze over the four of them, then with a flick of his sleeve, bestowed upon each a portion of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative energy from which all things are born]. "Cultivate diligently," he instructed, "and strive to complete the Chaos Immortal Treasury [the foundational art based on the power of primordial chaos] as swiftly as possible."

"I hope that one day, you will rise swiftly and lend me your strength."

"We understand," they replied in unison.

Hearing his words, everyone nodded solemnly, their expressions growing grave and determined.

Eldrin Chen said no more on the matter. His gaze then shifted to Ao Hong the Primordial Chaos Black Dragon, Blazing Phoenix, Primordial Era Demonic Ape, Sword Mystery Imperial Lord, and the other cultivators of the Mortal Path [the conventional path of cultivation followed by most immortals]. "When your potential on your current path reaches its limit in the future," he stated, "and you wish to convert to the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound and demanding cultivation path focused on self-transcendence through sacrifice], you may seek me out at any time."

Upon hearing this, the few individuals were overcome with wild joy and immediately bowed deeply in gratitude.

Eldrin Chen waved his hand, dismissing the others and keeping only Ethan Chen, Gentle Deer, and a few others by his side.

Looking at the two of them, a glimmer of satisfaction appeared on Eldrin Chen's face.

In recent years, Ethan Chen and Gentle Deer had reached a point where their cultivation could progress no further. They had ventured together into the Chaos Desolation Sea and, by chance, fell into a Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden realm born from the primordial chaos of creation], where they obtained astonishingly great opportunities.

Seizing this chance, Ethan Chen had cultivated the Path of Life and Death [a profound cultivation method centered on the cycles of life and death] to the Sage Ascendant Pinnacle [the peak stage just below the Sage Ascendant realm] and had even successfully opened his Nine True Spirit Apertures [the nine foundational spiritual gateways within a cultivator's body].

Gentle Deer had obtained a wisp of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative energy from which the universe was born], which allowed her to shatter the bottleneck limiting her physical body. Her foundation transformed, taking on the qualities of a Chaos Nine-Colored Deer [a mythical beast of primordial chaos, its body shimmering with nine radiant colors].

Now, it seemed both had the potential to reach the Heavenly Emperor Realm [the sovereign realm of a Heavenly Emperor]. If they converted to cultivating the Sacrificial Self Path [a supreme cultivation path that involves sacrificing one's old self to forge a new, transcendent existence], their potential would undoubtedly soar once more.

This was especially true for Gentle Deer. Her foundational potential was now nearly on par with Nyssa Qu's in her early days. Once she completed the Sacrificial Self [the core transformative process of the Sacrificial Self Path], her latent power would likely approach that of Nyssa Qu.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Your foundations are now sufficiently profound. This time, attempt the conversion to the Sacrificial Self Path. Let us see if you can succeed in forging the Ten Great True Spirit Immortal Treasuries [the ten supreme spiritual repositories formed within the body upon mastering the highest levels of certain cultivation arts]."

Having said this, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate. He immediately led the two into the depths of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.

Upon arriving within the secret realm, Eldrin Chen began to harness the power of the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of refining and recreating existence itself] to assist them in their cultivation of the Sacrificial Self Path.

Within the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of forging heaven and earth], Ethan Chen naturally succeeded in cultivating the Ten Great True Spirit Immortal Treasuries [a supreme cultivation art that forges ten immortal treasuries within the cultivator's soul].

Regrettably, Gentle Deer fell just half a step short, ultimately only managing to cultivate nine of the True Spirit Immortal Treasury.

After mastering the True Spirit Immortal Treasury, the two of them successively cultivated the Chaos Immortal Treasury [the foundational treasury of primordial chaos within a cultivator's dantian] and broke through to the Heavenly Emperor Realm [a supreme realm of cultivation, signifying dominion over heavenly laws], thereby further perfecting the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation path centered on self-sacrifice and transcendence].

Following their breakthroughs, Eldrin Chen resumed his life of secluded cultivation, no longer concerning himself with the cultivation affairs of the Sacrificial Self Path.

Just as he was wholly immersed in his secluded cultivation, Worthy Pursuit Chen, Imperial Sovereign Jiang, Lingering Ye, and Ye Verdant Peak successively mastered the Chaos Immortal Treasury.

Subsequently, they also completed the advancement of their internal Primordial Immortal Domain [the nascent immortal world within a high-level cultivator's body] and broke through to the Heavenly Emperor Realm one after another.

As for the others, lacking sufficient resources, they all began to venture into the Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, perilous sea of primordial chaos between realms] to seek opportunities for further advancement.

Thus, time rushed by in a blur, and nearly a thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] passed in what felt like a fleeting moment.

Until this day, Eldrin Chen emerged from his Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared chamber for deep, undisturbed meditation] and slowly let out a breath.

"The resources are exhausted."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a trace of helplessness coloring his expression.

This time, his emergence from seclusion was not because his cultivation had reached an impasse, but because his resources were utterly depleted.

Back when Eldrin Chen had conquered a Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, he had seized a vast quantity of Primordial Yellow Mother Energy and Chaos Divine Liquid. Over the years, he had also continuously cultivated Chaos Golden Bamboo Shoot.

Relying on these resources, Eldrin Chen's physical cultivation had advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years, more than doubling in power since his initial breakthrough to the Heavenly Emperor realm.

However, Eldrin Chen's physical body was far too formidable, and its cultivation consumed resources at an astonishing rate.

Now, the resources in his possession were completely exhausted; not even a single wisp of Innate Primordial Breath [the foundational, primordial energy of creation] remained.

The Southern Abyss Domains were, after all, a relatively minor region. Resources at the Innate Primordial Breath level were limited, and supplying a cultivator of Eldrin Chen's Half-Step Path Union [a realm just half a step from the ultimate fusion of one's cultivated path] was already a strain. This was especially true given that Eldrin Chen's cultivation speed was accelerated by a factor of three hundred.

Unless Eldrin Chen were to sell large quantities of Chaos Golden Bamboo Shoot or Chaos Golden Bamboo, expanding his trade across the entire Blazing Central Hundred Domains, it would be exceedingly difficult for him to acquire Innate Primordial Breath in bulk going forward.

Yet, taking such action would inevitably expose the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth. The value of such a treasure far surpassed that of an ordinary Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure, and its revelation would undoubtedly bring significant trouble upon Eldrin Chen.

Therefore, after much deliberation, Eldrin Chen decided it was best to temporarily hold off and reconsider the matter later.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen focused inward to sense the foundational strength of his physical body, and a faint smile could not help but touch his lips.

"My physical foundation has now more than doubled. I should possess about eighty percent of the strength of an ordinary Path Union Supreme [a supreme cultivator who has unified their cultivation path], shouldn't I?"

Eldrin Chen calculated inwardly, feeling a renewed surge of confidence for the upcoming opportunities within the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient and perilous ruin from a bygone era].

He proceeded directly to the main hall and summoned the core members of the Returning Abyss Lineage.

Gazing at the figures assembled before him, Eldrin Chen felt a slight tremor in his brow, followed by a look of genuine pleasure. "Excellent," he said.

"Your cultivation progress has been significant. It seems our chances for the expedition to the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall have improved considerably."

Over the years, several among them—Verdant Consort, Exquisite Jiang, Ethan Chen, Gentle Deer, Ye Verdant Peak, Lingering Ye, Imperial Sovereign Jiang, and Worthy Pursuit Chen—had all successfully broken through to the Heavenly Emperor Realm [a supreme realm of power, akin to a celestial sovereign].

Combined with Eldrin Chen and Nyssa Qu, the Returning Abyss Lineage now boasted a full ten Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors who command the primordial power of Chaos].

Ten Heavenly Emperor within a single lineage—this was a staggering concept. Within the vast expanse of the Blazing Central Hundred Domains, the Returning Abyss Lineage now stood among the very pinnacle of powers.

Moreover, none of these Heavenly Emperor from the Returning Abyss Lineage were ordinary; each was a true Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

Among the ten great Heavenly Emperor [the supreme rulers of the heavens], seven individuals—Nyssa Qu, Ethan Chen, Gentle Deer, Ye Verdant Peak, Lingering Ye, Imperial Sovereign Jiang, and Worthy Pursuit Chen—all achieved their imperial status through the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-transcendence and sacrifice].

They all cultivated both the Inner Immortal Domain [a technique to forge an immortal world within oneself] and the Chaos Immortal Treasury [a legendary repository of primordial chaos energy], placing their combat prowess at the absolute pinnacle of the First Realm of Chaos [the foundational stage of chaos cultivation]. Their strength approached the level of Half-Step Path Union [a quasi-merged state with the Heavenly Dao].

Even Gentle Deer, whose foundation was considered the weakest among them, possessed combat power far surpassing that of a top-tier Heavenly Emperor. Contending against three to five ordinary Heavenly Emperor would be a trivial matter for her.

As for Exquisite Jiang and Verdant Consort, they were equally extraordinary.

Between the two, Exquisite Jiang had dual-cultivated the Soul Path [a path focusing on soul refinement] and physical body ascension. Her strength ranked among the very highest echelons of the Heavenly Emperor.

Verdant Consort was a Chaos Spiritual Root [a primordial spiritual entity of chaos] that had taken human form. Upon her breakthrough to Heavenly Emperor, she immediately attained the combat power of a top-tier Heavenly Emperor.

The reason they were able to cultivate to such lofty realms was intimately tied to Eldrin Chen.

Without the three-hundred-fold acceleration in Space-Time [the fabric of reality encompassing space and time] flow provided by Eldrin Chen, even with unlimited resources, it would have taken them at least several hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration] of arduous cultivation to reach their current levels.

Yet now, they had attained this state far earlier, a testament to the sheer, heaven-defying nature of that three-hundred-fold Space-Time acceleration.

At this moment, all those present were filled with profound excitement.

Nyssa Qu could not help but turn her gaze toward Eldrin Chen and inquired, "Husband, regarding this journey to the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [a legendary, perilous ruin from ancient times], must we all go together?"

"We go together,"

Eldrin Chen declared, a note of eager anticipation in his voice. "Within the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, there lies an opportunity to break through to the Path Union Realm [a profound cultivation stage where one's chosen Path merges with their very being]. For us, this is a rare chance indeed."

"If we miss it this time, I fear I will be unable to shoulder the burden of your future cultivation resources."

Upon hearing this, bitter smiles surfaced on everyone's faces.

Although the Chen Immortal Clan now controlled a significant portion of the resources within the Southern Abyss Ten Domains [a vast and resource-rich region of the immortal world], it was still a mere drop in the bucket for their needs.

The three-hundred-fold acceleration of Space-Time [the manipulation of temporal and spatial laws for accelerated cultivation] provided truly heaven-defying cultivation efficiency, but the resource consumption it demanded had increased by far more than three hundredfold.

The Chaos Desolation Sea [a turbulent, primordial sea bordering the Southern Abyss] surrounding the Southern Abyss alone was utterly insufficient to sustain the cultivation needs of the entire Chen Clan.

Even Eldrin Chen's personal stockpile of resources was nearly depleted, let alone those of the other clan members.

Contemplating this, Exquisite Jiang spoke with resolve, "For the sake of cultivation resources, this expedition is one we cannot afford to miss."

"It is merely to guard against those old foes that we must make a few more preparations."