Chapter 2125 : Forging Chaos Artifacts for the Clan

"Hmm."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod, then once more began to ponder the situation before him.

Currently, the cultivation bases of the ten Heavenly Emperor within the Chen Clan Lineage were not weak, yet none possessed truly suitable weapons.

As fellow Chaos Heavenly Emperor, without Chaos Spiritual Artifact [supreme weapons forged from primordial chaos] in hand, the various Heavenly Emperor of the Chen Clan would undoubtedly be at a disadvantage against formidable foes.

This was especially true for Imperial Sovereign Jiang and the others; although their combat prowess rivaled that of a Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator on the cusp of merging their being with the fundamental laws of existence], they lacked any Chaos Spiritual Artifact.

Yet, any being whose cultivation had reached the Half-Step Path Union realm would possess at least three suitable Chaos Spiritual Artifact.

For the more powerful among the Half-Step Path Union, wielding five or six such artifacts was nothing extraordinary.

Although a Half-Step Path Union cultivator could only actively command three Chaos Spiritual Artifact at once, this did not prevent them from rotating their arsenal in battle.

Under such circumstances, if the Chen Clan's Chaos Heavenly Emperor were to face a true powerhouse of the Half-Step Path Union Realm, they would likely find themselves utterly suppressed.

After much deliberation, Eldrin Chen spoke: "We still have seven hundred Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration] of time. During this period, you should first elevate your life-bound treasures into Chaos Spiritual Artifact."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] flicked his sleeve and produced a considerable amount of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative force from the dawn of the cosmos].

It had to be admitted that compared to the traditional Path Mastery Heavenly Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm], the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence] indeed possessed immense advantages.

Especially when advancing to the Inner Immortal Domain [an internal world cultivated within a practitioner's body], one could give birth to Chaos Genesis Energy, which resolved a significant portion of the resource shortages faced by the Chen Clan Lineage [the Chen family clan].

Over these years, Imperial Sovereign Jiang [a powerful sovereign], Verdant Peak Ye [a cultivator], Lingering Ye [a cultivator], Worthy Pursuit Chen [a member of the Chen Clan], Ethan Chen [a member of the Chen Clan], and Gentle Deer [a cultivator]—all six had opened their Inner Immortal Domain. Apart from Gentle Deer, the other five had each obtained three strands of Chaos Genesis Energy.

Gentle Deer's foundation was slightly inferior by half a step, yet within his Inner Immortal Domain, two strands of Chaos Genesis Energy had still been nurtured.

After their breakthroughs, they had all handed their Chaos Genesis Energy over to Eldrin Chen, intending to pool them for cultivating other Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for supreme cultivators who have mastered chaos].

This caused Eldrin Chen's hands to suddenly hold seventeen additional strands of Chaos Genesis Energy. Combined with the five strands remaining from before, Eldrin Chen now possessed a staggering twenty-two portions of Chaos Genesis Energy.

Now that Eldrin Chen had an ample supply of Chaos Genesis Energy, he pondered for a moment before speaking, "Since the journey to the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient and perilous ruin] is fraught with danger, let us use this Chaos Genesis Energy to enhance our cultivation bases instead."

Everyone present gave a slight nod, a glimmer of joy appearing in their eyes.

With Chaos Genesis Energy to assist the Primordial Chaos Source Essence [the foundational essence of primordial chaos], plus the Chaos Rare Treasure [rare treasures born of chaos] nurtured within their Primordial Domain [a domain of primordial power] upon advancement, it should be well within their capabilities for each person to refine one or two Chaos Spiritual Artifact [powerful artifacts forged from chaos].

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator and clan elder] pondered for a moment, then first turned his gaze to Gentle Deer. "Your Nine-Colored Immortal Vessel [a legendary healing artifact] is a supreme treasure for mending wounds," he declared. "It should be the first priority for advancement to a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [an artifact infused with primordial chaos energy, the highest grade]."

With those words, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, bestowing upon Gentle Deer a stream of Chaos Genesis Energy [the fundamental energy of creation from the primordial chaos] and a portion of Primordial Chaos Source Essence [the condensed, purest essence of primordial chaos].

Before she could utter a word of thanks, Eldrin Chen shifted his attention to Ethan Chen. "Ethan," he began, his voice firm, "your Life and Death Twin Swords [a pair of swords embodying the opposing yet complementary forces of life and death] possess immense destructive power. They, too, are a priority for advancement."

Following his statement, Eldrin Chen presented two streams of Chaos Genesis Energy and the corresponding Primordial Chaos Source Essence to Ethan Chen.

"My gratitude, Clan Uncle."

Ethan Chen accepted the treasures, a flicker of joy lighting up his features.

Observing this, Eldrin Chen then looked toward Nyssa Qu. "Nyssa," he said, his tone grave, "your Nine Severities Spirit-Slaying Swords [a formidable set of nine swords specifically designed to sever spiritual beings] are weapons of unparalleled might. They will undoubtedly be one of our trump cards. Therefore, their advancement must also take precedence."

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen swept his sleeve once more, granting Nyssa Qu nine portions of both Chaos Genesis Energy and Primordial Chaos Source Essence.

The others present witnessed this without a hint of dissent.

They understood all too well the unpredictable and extreme dangers of the journey ahead. To have any hope of safeguarding themselves, they needed to enhance their combat strength by any means necessary, sparing no expense.

Under such circumstances, concentrating limited resources to nurture the most formidable combat power was of paramount importance.

And Nyssa Qu's Nine Severities Spirit-Slaying Swords [a set of swords renowned for their unparalleled power to slay spirits and immortals] possessed unparalleled slaughtering power. Once they ascended to become a set of Chaos Spiritual Artifact [supreme treasures born from primordial chaos], they would be sufficient to propel Nyssa Qu's combat strength into the very pinnacle of the Half-Step Path Union [a realm just shy of the ultimate unification of one's cultivated path] domain.

After bestowing the Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative force of chaos] upon Nyssa Qu, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the remaining few individuals, falling into a moment of thoughtful contemplation.

Having dispensed twelve strands of Chaos Genesis Energy in succession, Eldrin Chen was left with only ten portions of Chaos Genesis Energy in his possession.

Yet at present, Imperial Sovereign Jiang, Ye Verdant Peak, Worthy Pursuit Chen, Verdant Consort, Exquisite Jiang, and Lingering Ye had not received any Chaos Genesis Energy.

Thus, after a moment's deliberation, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Our reserves of Chaos Genesis Energy are insufficient. These remaining ten strands can only be concentrated for focused use."

"That is the proper course," they agreed.

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in assent.

Seeing their agreement, Eldrin Chen handed five strands of the Chaos Genesis Energy to Ye Verdant Peak, three strands to Worthy Pursuit Chen for advancing his Immortal Iron Staff [a supreme staff made of immortal-grade iron], his kasaya robe [a monk's patched robe], and the Enlightened One's World-Salvation Scripture [a sacred text embodying the power to save the world]—these three Companion Supreme Treasure [treasures that grow and evolve alongside their master].

The final two strands were given to Imperial Sovereign Jiang and Lingering Ye.

The reason Exquisite Jiang was not allocated any was because she had not yet cultivated the Primordial Chaos Great Path. Her Exquisite Immortal Pagoda possessed immense latent potential, and prematurely advancing it to a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a supreme treasure born of primordial chaos] might not necessarily be beneficial.

Furthermore, Exquisite Jiang already possessed a Chaos Spiritual Artifact, the Supreme Lunar Wheel. With her current level of cultivation, wielding too many Chaos Spiritual Artifacts would likely prevent her from unleashing their full power.

As for Verdant Consort, she inherently possessed three companion Chaos Spiritual Artifacts: the 'Scripture of the Primordial Chaos Verdant Lotus', the 'Primordial Chaos Verdant Lotus Immortal Robe', and the 'Primordial Chaos Verdant Lotus Throne'. Even if given more, she would lack the spiritual energy to activate them.

The reason the five strands of Chaos Genesis Energy [the foundational energy of creation from chaos] were given to Ye Verdant Peak was due to the immense power of Verdant Edge's Primordial Solar Five Elements Sword Formation.

Once this Sword Formation [a coordinated array of flying swords] ascends to become five Chaos Spiritual Artifacts, combined with Ye Verdant Peak's profound foundational strength, it would undoubtedly elevate his offensive capabilities to a new height, allowing him to step firmly into the realm of a powerful Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator on the verge of unifying their cultivated path with the Great Dao].

After distributing the Chaos Genesis Energy, Eldrin Chen finally looked at the various Mortal Path [the sentient spiritual artifacts embodying his cultivation paths]. "When the time comes for your ascension into Chaos Spiritual Artifacts, if you require any specific materials, you may inform me in advance."

Hearing this, everyone smiled. Imperial Sovereign Jiang spoke up, "As they open their Primordial Domain [a personal realm born from one's cultivation], they will naturally give birth to Chaos Rare Treasures [rare materials formed from chaos], so they lack not for such resources."

"However, for my Innate Primordial Breath Sword [a divine ability manifesting as a sword of innate primordial energy] to advance, I will still need your help to cultivate some Chaos Golden Bamboo."

"That is easily arranged."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. He then used the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth to accelerate the growth of a Chaos Golden Bamboo Shoot, ultimately expending another strand of Chaos Source Energy [the purest source energy of chaos] to nurture it into a mature stalk of Chaos Golden Bamboo.

After handling all these matters, Eldrin Chen instructed everyone to go into seclusion for cultivation. He himself then proceeded to the Immortal Court Peach Garden [a legendary garden within the Celestial Court where divine peach trees grow].

At this time, within the Immortal Court Peach Garden, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the Primordial Genesis cultivation lineage] and Path Ancestor Taihu had already been waiting for some time.

Seeing his arrival, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spoke directly, "You have finally come."

"My apologies for keeping you both waiting."

Eldrin Chen sat down calmly, facing the two Great Path Ancestors [supreme masters of their respective cultivation paths] beneath the boughs of a peach blossom tree.

Seeing this, Path Ancestor Taihu spoke, "The Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient and perilous ruin from a bygone era] is opening. Are you certain you wish to take the early path this time?"

Eldrin Chen replied with steady composure, his gaze growing slightly more intense. "Within the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, there lies an opportunity to break through to the Path Union Realm [a legendary stage where one's cultivation path merges with the fundamental laws of existence]. Furthermore, it holds the accumulated legacy of a top-tier Path Union ancient hall."

"If we miss this chance, relying solely on secluded cultivation within the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all realms were born], I fear not even one million Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth] would be enough to achieve a breakthrough to the Path Union Realm."

Hearing this, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor could only nod in agreement.

As an Ancestor of a Great Path, he understood all too well the critical importance of resources. This was especially true now that they possessed the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven [a unique pocket dimension ideal for accelerated cultivation]. By paying a certain price and expending resources, they could enter the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven for secluded training.

The three hundredfold acceleration of Space-Time flow had propelled their cultivation to astonishing heights, yet it had also nearly exhausted their reserves of cultivation resources.

Contemplating this, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spoke, "This is our opportunity, the perfect moment to soar to the heavens in a single bound."

"If we can obtain sufficient opportunities within the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient and formidable hall of trials], then with the support of Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven, our breakthrough to the Path Union Realm [the realm where one's chosen Paths merge into a unified whole] might be just around the corner."

Path Ancestor Taihu nodded slightly upon hearing this, yet still pondered aloud, "But once we enter, what if we encounter a Path Union Supreme [a supreme expert whose Paths have fully merged]?"

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen also furrowed his brow slightly.

Compared to Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven and Profound Heaven Ruins, the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall was far more imposing and grand.

When this lineage's Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall opened, cultivators of any cultivation level could enter. In theory, even a Path Union Supreme or even a Half-Step Limitless [one who has taken half a step beyond the limits of conventional cultivation realms] could step inside to plunder its treasures.

Of course, the treasures of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall were not simply given away.

Once one entered the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, they would form a Karma [a metaphysical bond of cause and effect] with that lineage. If they obtained its treasures and resources, they would inevitably have to repay that Karma in the future.

The method of repaying this Karma was to aid in the revival of Desolation Heaven Supreme.

It is suspected that Desolation Heaven Supreme [a title for a supreme being of immense power] likely perished at the hands of Chaos Sovereign [a sovereign-level cultivator who commands primordial chaos]. Consequently, the vast majority of Path Union Supreme [supreme beings who have unified their cultivation path] are unwilling to wade into these troubled waters. Typically, only Half-Step Path Union [cultivators who have taken half a step into the Path Union realm] are willing to intervene.

After all, for powerful figures at the Half-Step Path Union Realm [the realm just before fully unifying one's cultivation path], the hope of breaking through to the true Path Union [the realm of unifying one's cultivation path] is already slim. To obtain an opportunity for such a breakthrough, paying a tremendous price is deemed worthwhile.

However, nothing is absolute. Since the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient and perilous hall from a bygone era] does not restrict the cultivation level of those who seek its treasures, it is not impossible that a Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified their cultivation path] might step into its depths during this opening.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before speaking. "The journey is indeed perilous, but nothing in this world is ever perfect."

"To set foot upon the Path Union Realm [the realm of unifying one's cultivation path], I must take this risk."

Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [an ancestral figure representing the origin of all paths] also nodded and said, "For this journey, I shall accompany Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [an ancestral figure representing the path of returning to the abyss]."

Path Ancestor Taihu fell into deep thought for a time, his gaze finally settling on Eldrin Chen. He asked, "If you encounter a scheme by a Supreme [a prefix denoting a being of supreme power], Fellow Daoist, what are your chances of retreating unscathed?"

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before replying, "The alignment of heaven's timing, the advantage of terrain, and the harmony of people—all can determine success, failure, life, or death. I cannot calculate the outcome."

"Alas," Path Ancestor Taihu sighed softly. "My fate is intertwined with the legacy of the Spiritual Treasure [enchanted artifacts of immense power] lineage. I must beg your pardon, for I cannot risk myself so recklessly."

"Instead, I shall lend you two of my Spiritual Treasure [enchanted artifacts of immense power], and I will await your return outside the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient and perilous hall from a bygone era], ready to provide support."

As his words fell, Path Ancestor Taihu produced two Chaos Spiritual Artifacts [supreme treasures forged from the primordial energies of chaos].

Eldrin Chen glanced at them and discovered they were a suit of Chaos battle armor [armor imbued with the fundamental power of chaos] and a length of seven-colored silk brocade, both of them superior-grade Chaos Spiritual Artifacts.

"You are most thoughtful, Fellow Daoist."

Eldrin Chen did not refuse the two treasures. Accepting them with a smile, he said, "Should this journey yield any treasures, you shall not be left without your share."

Path Ancestor Taihu paid little mind to such promises. After a moment of contemplation, he advised gravely, "Remember, you must be wary of that Blazing Center Supreme [a supreme being whose title signifies mastery over a blazing central power], and be doubly cautious of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a demonic sovereign from a realm beyond the known cosmos]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression turned solemn instantly. "I understand," he stated firmly.

"..."

Seven hundred Kalpa Tribulations [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] constituted an exceedingly long span of time, yet even such an epoch eventually drew toward its conclusion.

Then, on this very day, the Desolate Heaven Ancient Map [an ancient chart leading to the Desolate Heaven realm] suddenly stirred, erupting with a dazzling, otherworldly radiance.

Eldrin Chen immediately summoned the nine Heavenly Emperors [supreme rulers who have attained the Heavenly Emperor realm] of the Returning Abyss Lineage. His gaze swept over the assembled masters of the Mortal Path [the foundational cultivation path of mortality, which leads to immortality].

"The Desolate Heaven Ancient Map is stirring. It seems the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall is about to emerge into the world."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of those present shifted between shock and delight. Ethan Chen could not help but clench his fist and declare, "This opportunity may very well be the catalyst for our rise."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, offering no further comment.

He carefully surveyed the assembly, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his mind.

Over these years, the nine Heavenly Emperor of the Returning Abyss Lineage had all made significant strides in their power.

Nyssa Qu's Nine Severities Spirit-Slaying Swords had all ascended to the rank of Chaos Spiritual Artifact, and Ye Verdant Peak's Primordial Solar Five Elements Sword Formation had also reached the Realm of Chaos.

While the progress of the others was not as monumental, each had essentially managed to refine one or two Chaos Spiritual Artifact of their own.

Of the two Chaos Spiritual Artifact borrowed from Path Ancestor Taihu, the battle armor was given to Exquisite Jiang for her to refine, while Gentle Deer mastered the Chaos silk ribbon.

Eldrin Chen had even borrowed the Abyssal War Armor from Pan huang-radiant and entrusted it to Nyssa Qu, whose physical defenses were relatively weaker, to further bolster her combat prowess.

It could be said that the current Chen Immortal Clan was a force to be reckoned with, its ranks strong and its arsenal formidable.

If categorized by combat prowess, the strength of Eldrin Chen could be considered in a league of its own.

Nyssa Qu ranked second; with the Nine Severities Spirit-Slaying Swords and the Abyssal War Armor, she theoretically possessed the power to contend with three Half-Step Path Union cultivators.

Verdant Peak Lu ranked third. Relying on the might of the Five Elements Sword Formation, he had already stepped into the realm of top-tier Half-Step Path Union cultivators.

The four individuals—Imperial Sovereign Jiang, Lingering Ye, Ethan Chen, and Worthy Pursuit Chen—possessed strength at the level of conventional Half-Step Path Union cultivators, with the gap in power between them not being overly significant.

The strength of Gentle Deer was considerably greater than that of a top-tier Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a cultivator of immense power], yet it fell short of a true Half-Step Path Union by a noticeable margin. Nevertheless, she had already attained the capability to engage such opponents in battle.

Verdant Consort and Exquisite Jiang were in a similar position. Their overall combat power resided somewhere between that of a top-tier Heavenly Emperor and a Half-Step Path Union.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, even if he did not intervene, the combined force of the Chen Clan's nine Heavenly Emperor cultivators might barely be able to contend with a single, relatively weaker Path Union Supreme [a supreme cultivator who has unified their cultivation path].

If he joined the fray, then even facing a Blazing Center Supreme [a supreme title for a master of blazing core energies], they should at the very least have nothing to fear.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen felt a surge of confidence. He withdrew his gaze and spoke, "Since the time is nearly upon us, we should prepare to depart."

His words hanging in the air, Eldrin Chen hesitated no longer. He immediately led the group out of the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven.

Beyond the Immortal Domain [a realm of higher existence where true Immortals reside], the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the Primordial Genesis lineage, a being of immense power and antiquity] had already been waiting for a long time.

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor swept his gaze over the assembled group and finally could not help but sigh with emotion, "It seems it will not be long before your Chen Clan Lineage can sweep across the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [a vast region of one hundred celestial domains ruled by the Blazing Central lineage]."

"However, the Blazing Central Lineage [the dominant power of the Blazing Central Hundred Domains] stands as a formidable barrier ahead; crossing over it will be no easy feat."

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly, understanding the meaning behind the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor's words in his heart.

The heaven-defying effect of the Space-Time Divine Form [a supreme cultivation art that manipulates the very fabric of space and time] had allowed the Chen Clan Lineage to rise at a visible pace. As the Great Path Rival [a destined adversary on the Great Path of cultivation] of Eldrin Chen, the Blazing Center Supreme [the supreme ruler of the Blazing Central lineage] would not tolerate them taking that final, crucial step.

It could be foreseen that during the coming struggle for the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient, mysterious hall containing profound opportunities], the Returning Abyss Lineage [the lineage founded by Eldrin Chen] was destined to clash head-on with the Blazing Central Lineage.

Whether the Chen Clan Lineage would seize this opportunity to rise to glory or be suppressed by the Blazing Central Lineage would largely depend on the fortunes found within that very Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.