Chapter 2127 : Ancient Halls and Gathering Powers

"Let us proceed."

Understanding the rarity of this opportunity, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate for a moment. He immediately led his companions as they stepped into the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient and mysterious hall of immense power].

Not long after they entered the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, a strange and eerie light once again pierced the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

The newcomer was clad in the Obsidian Fiend Battle Armor [a legendary suit of armor forged from condensed netherworld essence], his form shrouded by the terrifying aura of the Primordial Chaos Obsidian Fiend [a supreme demonic art that harnesses the power of primordial chaos]. His gaze radiated a sky-piercing aura of Celestial Slaughter [a mythical plant whose essence embodies the concept of divine execution].

"Returning Abyss Path Master [a title for a master of the profound and abyssal cultivation path]... intriguing,"

the man in the Obsidian Fiend Battle Armor sneered coldly before finally striding into the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

And shortly after the armored man vanished within, another figure, draped in a black robe, arrived with measured steps.

Clad entirely in black, his cultivation aura and bearing had already touched the realm of Half-Step Path Union [a near-mythical state where one begins to merge with the fundamental laws of existence]. This was none other than the Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a sovereign of demonic forces from beyond the known realms], whose name shook the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [a vast and powerful region of the cultivation world].

Now, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor gazed calmly at the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall. His eyes remained as still as a deep pond, yet within their depths, a profound and inscrutable light flickered.

"Blazing Center Supreme [the supreme sovereign of the blazing central domains], Obsidian Fiend Supreme [the supreme master of the obsidian fiend path]... it seems the Returning Abyss Path Master's Tribulation [a cataclysmic trial or heavenly punishment] this time will be inescapable."

"Yet the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. Let you all fight to the death. This venerable one shall surely reap the fisherman's profit and, within this opportunity, find a sliver of a chance to prove the Supreme [the highest attainable state of enlightenment]."

With those words, he did not linger further, finally stepping forward into the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

"..."

Just as shock settled in the hearts of the crowd, Eldrin Chen had already stepped into the interior of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

The moment he crossed the threshold of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, Eldrin Chen instantly felt the heavens and earth spin, and Space-Time [the fabric of reality itself] twisted into disarray in an instant.

When their senses returned, they found themselves standing before an immortal hall shrouded in dense mists of Celestial Immortal [a high-level immortal being], while the surrounding mountains, rivers, and skies were filled with halls of every description.

Unfortunately, these halls were all veiled by Chaos [primordial, formless energy] immortal mists that blocked spiritual sense. Even with Eldrin Chen's current cultivation, it was difficult to peer into the state of those halls.

"The name Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall derives from these countless ancient halls."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [an ancient progenitor who comprehended the Dao of Primordial Genesis] murmured softly, his expression grave as he spoke: "Legend says the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall holds eight hundred immortal halls, which are broadly divided into six tiers."

"Within these six tiers, the first three contain legacies and treasures of Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign ruler of a heavenly domain], top-tier Heavenly Emperor, and even Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator on the verge of unifying with the fundamental Dao] level."

"As for the final three layers, there are only thirteen Immortal Halls. These represent the legacy of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall lineage—the thirteen Path Union Supreme and even the heritage of the Desolation Heaven Supreme."

As the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spoke in measured tones, Eldrin Chen's understanding of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall grew ever clearer.

It turned out that since ancient times, the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall had opened over a dozen times. Each opening drew a multitude of Chaos Heavenly Emperor to explore its depths.

However, in the vast majority of cases, the Chaos Heavenly Emperor who participated could only venture through the first three layers.

The seventeen Supreme Immortal Halls within the latter three layers were sealed by formidable restrictions. Only those with immense power and profound fortune stood a chance of entering and exploring them.

"The majority of the treasures within the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall lie in the final three layers. Furthermore, after being opened over a dozen times, the opportunities within the first three layers have largely been depleted."

"If we seek an opportunity for Path Union, we must venture into the deeper layers to find it."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor concluded, a grave solemnity gleaming in his eyes.

Yet, Eldrin Chen showed no haste. Instead, he turned his gaze to the Immortal Hall before them and said, "There is no need for urgency. Let us first examine the opportunity this place holds."

With those words, Eldrin Chen stepped forward, approaching the entrance of the Immortal Hall that stood before them.

The group lifted their gazes, peering through the layered mists, and beheld a plaque hanging above the immortal hall.

"Spirit Vastness Imperial Hall."

Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spoke, then said, "Spirit Vastness Immortal Sage [an ancient sage of immense power], legend tells, was a Chaos Leviathan [a primordial sea monster of chaos] that attained the Dao. Now, only this immortal palace remains in the world."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and, taking the lead, guided the group as they stepped into the grand hall.

The moment he crossed the threshold, Eldrin Chen surveyed his surroundings. Dozens of jade platforms were arrayed within the vast chamber.

Upon each platform, there seemed to have once been a restrictive barrier [a protective ward or seal], clearly indicating these were once pedestals for displaying treasures.

Yet now, these jade stands lay utterly bare; evidently, all treasures had long since been taken.

However, Eldrin Chen felt no dismay. After all, Spirit Vastness Immortal Sage was but an ordinary Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign ruler from the primordial chaos era]. He likely possessed few Chaos Tier [pertaining to the primordial chaos] artifacts and would not have left truly precious items on this level.

If his assumptions held, the treasures once placed upon these platforms were likely Innate Supreme Treasure [naturally formed treasures of the highest innate grade] and Chaos Rare Treasure [rare spiritual materials from the chaos], not artifacts of the Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a crafted magical treasure of chaos-grade power] tier.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen conducted a swift search of the hall and soon arrived at an Immortal Herb Garden [a garden for cultivating spiritual and immortal plants].

Within the Immortal Herb Garden [a garden dedicated to cultivating rare spiritual plants], numerous Innate Spiritual Root [plants with an innate connection to spiritual energy] thrived. Among them was even a Spiritual Root [a foundational spiritual plant] of the Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure born of nature] tier—the Ancient Spirit Vastness Tree [an ancient tree imbued with vast, primordial spirit energy]. From its branches hung a cluster of Primordial One [pertaining to the primordial, foundational state of existence] Spirit Fruit [fruits saturated with spiritual energy].

Eldrin Chen did not take the Ancient Spirit Vastness Tree itself. He merely collected these Immortal Herb [herbs of immortal quality] and Spirit Fruit, then departed from the ancient hall.

Once outside, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the Ancestor of the Primordial Beginning Path] spoke. "It is unlikely that superior treasures remain within the first layer of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [the Ancient Hall of the Desolate Heaven lineage]."

"Our options are either to head for the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool [a pool formed by the convergence of primordial chaos energies] at the core of this layer, or to descend to the next level in search of treasures."

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before asking, "We are in urgent need of cultivation resources. Can that Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool give birth to Innate Primordial Breath [the innate, foundational breath of creation]?"

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor considered briefly, then replied, "The Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool is where over a hundred Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein [veins of primordial chaos energy] converge. It can not only nurture vast quantities of Innate Primordial Breath, but also produce a significant amount of Chaos Genesis Energy [the energy of chaos giving birth to new forms]."

"Then we set out immediately."

Without a moment's hesitation, Eldrin Chen abandoned any further exploration of the immortal halls. He strode directly towards the core region of the first layer.

As he flew, Eldrin Chen gained a general understanding of the first layer's layout within the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

The entire first layer of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall contained roughly six hundred ancient halls. These were all legacies left behind by ordinary Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors who mastered Chaos] of the former Desolate Heaven Lineage [the lineage or sect of Desolate Heaven].

These immortal halls appear to each be a Formation Eye [a key node that anchors and powers a larger formation], their structures interwoven with Chaos [the primordial state before creation] formation patterns and Great Path [a supreme cultivation art] runes, ultimately coalescing into a single, vast Primordial Chaos Cosmic Formation [a grand formation that harnesses the power of primordial chaos].

This formation possesses the ability to inhale and exhale Primordial Chaos Power [the raw, unformed energy of creation], continuously transforming the Sea of Chaos Water [a vast ocean of primal, chaotic essence] into foundational power, which is then channeled and concentrated into the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool [a sacred pool containing the concentrated essence of primordial chaos] at the formation's core.

And this very Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool, is the most critical source of energy for the entire Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [the Ancient Hall of Desolate Heaven].

One could say that the entire Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall is, in essence, a super-formation composed of eight hundred ancient halls combined into one.

Its power is sufficient to effortlessly suppress a Path Union Supreme [a supreme cultivator who has unified their cultivation path], and even several ordinary Half-Step Limitless [cultivators halfway to the Limitless Realm] joining forces would find it nearly impossible to breach.

Having vaguely discerned the profound mysteries of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, Eldrin Chen grew increasingly awed by the extraordinary scale of Desolation Heaven Supreme's [the Supreme Sovereign of Desolate Heaven] handiwork.

In the past, when Desolation Heaven Supreme established the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, it was clearly in preparation for his breakthrough to the Chaos Sovereign [Sovereign of Chaos] realm. Alas, he gravely underestimated those who would block his path.

Not only did he fail to achieve his breakthrough, but judging by the complete lack of assault marks on the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, it is evident this grand fortress played no protective role whatsoever in the final confrontation.

"The Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall shows no signs of attack, yet Desolation Heaven Supreme still failed in his breakthrough," Eldrin mused.

"If my deduction is correct, it was likely a Sovereign [a supreme ruler among cultivators] who had mastered the Curse Great Path [the Great Path of Curses]. They directly employed the Dao of Curses to slay him with a lethal hex at the very final moment of his ascension."

Eldrin Chen's thoughts stirred, and he had a fair guess as to who had made the move.

"Nether Curse Sovereign [a title for a powerful being who commands curses from the netherworld]."

Recalling the one who had struck, Eldrin Chen's pupils involuntarily turned icy cold.

In the past, when Nameless [a mysterious figure] was at the critical moment of breaking through to the Soul Path Sovereign [the Sovereign realm of the Soul Path], he was obstructed in his Dao by seven Limitless Sovereigns [Sovereigns of the Limitless realm]. Among them was that very Nether Curse Sovereign.

"One day, this seat will settle accounts with each of them."

Eldrin Chen whispered inwardly, then slowly gathered his focus once more.

He continued striding forward and, before he knew it, arrived at the core area of the first level of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient and desolate celestial hall].

There, at the heart of this core, Eldrin Chen beheld a sight where countless Ancestral Veins [the foundational spiritual energy arteries of a realm] converged, coalescing into a Super Domain Formation [an immensely powerful protective or gathering array] shaped like a hundred coiling dragons.

Over a hundred Primordial Chaos Ancestral Veins [the most ancient and potent veins of chaotic spiritual energy] spiraled like Chaos True Dragons [primordial dragons born from chaos] entwined together, forming a celestial guard that encircled a vast and boundless Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence] deep pool.

"So this is the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool [the primordial source pool of chaotic ancestral energy]."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the path of primordial creation] spoke, his voice tinged with awe as he said, "The Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool [a legendary pool of primordial chaos] has an extraordinary origin. It is a Creation [the act of genesis, of bringing forth life and form] ground painstakingly forged at great cost by the lineage of Desolation Heaven Supreme [the supreme sovereign of desolate heavens]."

"It is said that to forge this Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool, the Desolation Heaven Supreme of old refined over a hundred Chaos Tier [a realm of pure, undifferentiated chaos] lairs into Chaos Dragon Vein [a subterranean spiritual current shaped like a dragon], and upon this foundation, laid down the Super Chaos Grand Formation [a supreme formation harnessing primordial chaos]."

"These Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein [the foundational spiritual veins of primordial chaos] resonate with these Chaos immortal halls, weaving together infinite strands of the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the supreme dao of primordial chaos]. Thus, they can seize the very Creation of heaven and earth, continuously birthing Chaos Genesis Energy [the foundational energy of creation born from chaos]."

As he spoke, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor gazed into the depths of the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool. Within the vast ancestral pool, Innate Primordial Breath [the innate, primordial life-breath of the cosmos] filled the space, and even the immensely valuable Chaos Genesis Energy was present in no small quantity.

"So much Chaos Genesis Energy... truly worthy of the accumulation of a million Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and rebirth]."

Eldrin Chen also nodded, a flicker of desire stirring within him.

With but a single glance, Eldrin Chen perceived that the Innate Primordial Breath here was as numerous as the hairs on an ox, their total likely exceeding one hundred thousand portions.

Even the amount of Chaos Genesis Energy was astonishing. With a rough estimate, Eldrin Chen calculated there must be no fewer than one hundred strands within.

However, the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool seemed enveloped by a formidable field. This field had transformed those strands of Chaos Genesis Energy into majestic Chaos True Dragon [true dragons born of primordial chaos].

These Chaos True Dragon emanated terrifying auras. Each one appeared to possess the combat prowess and abilities of a top-tier Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign ruler of a heavenly domain].

"This is the Primordial Chaos Hundred Dragons Formation [one of the supreme slaughter formations of the Primordial Chaos Era]."

Eldrin Chen recognized the origin of this formation, and a look of solemn gravity could not help but surface between his brows.

The so-called Primordial Chaos Hundred Dragons Formation is a Limitless-level Chaos Grand Formation [a grand formation of immense power from the Primordial Chaos Era]. It ranks ninth among the Ten Supreme Slaughter Formations of Primordial Chaos [the ten most formidable and destructive formations from the dawn of creation].

The complete Primordial Chaos Hundred Dragons Formation is the foremost killing formation of the Primordial Chaos Dragon Clan [the primordial race of dragons born from chaos].

The might of this formation is immense. It requires over one hundred Path Union-level Dragon Clan Supreme [Supreme Beings of the Dragon Clan] to jointly set it up. Once fully deployed, it even possesses the power to contend against a Chaos Sovereign [a sovereign ruler born from the Primordial Chaos].

In the past, when the Nameless Path Ancestor [the legendary founder of an unnamed path] journeyed through the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], he once witnessed the Primordial Chaos Dragon Clan activating this very formation against an enemy. At that time, the formation's power shook the very foundations of Chaos, earning even the Nameless Path Ancestor's admiration.

Of course, the Primordial Chaos Hundred Dragons Formation before them now was merely a flawed imitation, lacking the full might of its true, complete form.

With a single glance, Eldrin Chen discerned the key to this formation: it used Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation sprang] as a catalyst to gather the authority of the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the fundamental Dao of the Primordial Chaos], thereby activating the power of the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein [the supreme spiritual artery of the Primordial Chaos].

The manifested Primordial Chaos Hundred Dragons Formation, though formidable, possessed only the semblance of the true formation, not its soul.

Although their combat prowess could rival that of top-tier Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers of a heavenly domain], they lacked genuine sentience. They possessed only the combat instincts of the Heavenly Emperor level and were incapable of unleashing the ultimate mysteries of the Primordial Chaos Hundred Dragons Formation.

Otherwise, if over a hundred top-tier Chaos True Dragon [primordial dragons born from chaos] were to activate the grand formation, even slaying a supreme Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified their cultivation path] would likely be effortless.

"It seems this Chaos Grand Formation [a grand formation harnessing primordial chaos] is our first trial,"

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, understanding that only by defeating the Chaos True Dragon could they obtain this Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs].

At that very moment, one powerful figure after another flew in from the distant void.

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw that dozens of Half-Step Path Union [cultivators on the cusp of unifying their cultivation path] had arrived, including prodigies from the Blazing Central Hundred Domains like Violet Firmament Immortal Sage.

Figures like Blazing Center Supreme [the Supreme of the Blazing Center] were not present, having clearly gone to explore treasures in the higher-tier Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient hall of desolate heaven].

"Forty-seven Half-Step Path Union,"

Eldrin Chen thought to himself. From the crowd, a Half-Step Path Union from the Verdant Sun Hundred Domains spoke up: "With over forty Half-Step Path Union gathered, our numbers are sufficient."

"Since we are assembled, let us act together."

As the words fell, that cultivator took the lead, charging directly into the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool [the primordial pool from which chaos itself is said to have originated].

Seeing this, the others present also soared into the sky without hesitation, charging into the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool [the legendary source of all primordial energies] at the first opportunity.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen showed not a moment's hesitation. Exchanging a glance with Imperial Sovereign Jiang and the others, he spoke directly: "There is no time to delay. Securing the treasures comes first."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen was the first to step forth, his form ascending into the air as he crossed the threshold into the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool.

The rest of the group, seeing his lead, also surged forward, plunging into the depths of the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool.

"BOOM—"

The moment he entered the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool, Eldrin Chen found himself assailed by several ethereal Chaos True Dragon [primordial spirit-beasts of immense power] converging upon him.

He had no choice but to fully unleash the power of the Chaos Heaven Halberd, shattering several of the Chaos True Dragon in the initial clash. Turning to Exquisite Jiang and the other eight Heavenly Emperor [supreme cultivator titles] of the Chen Clan, he commanded:

"You all, go and seize the Innate Primordial Breath [the purest form of primordial creation energy]. Leave these Chaos True Dragon to me."

"Understood."

Hearing his words, everyone nodded in agreement.

As members of the Chen Clan, they understood the profound importance of Innate Primordial Breath [the most fundamental and pure form of energy from the dawn of creation] to their clan's legacy.

After all, Eldrin Chen possessed the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth [a legendary vessel capable of nurturing spiritual essences], which could utilize Innate Primordial Breath to cultivate vast quantities of Chaos Golden Bamboo Shoot [a rare spiritual plant born from primordial chaos]. The Chaos Golden Core [a supreme cultivation pill] refined from these shoots represented an exceptionally precious resource for cultivation advancement.

The Chaos Golden Core was a resource particularly attuned to the path of physical refinement, making it an indispensable key resource for both the Fleshly Body Sanctification [an art focused on forging an indestructible physical form] and the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-transcendence].

In contrast, while Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy that gave birth to all things] was even more precious, once it coalesced into these Chaos True Dragon [primordial dragons of immense power] whose combat prowess rivaled that of top-tier Heavenly Emperor [supreme sovereigns who have mastered a Heavenly Dao], they became formidable adversaries indeed.

"Now!"

With this understanding, the nine of them did not hesitate for a moment. They soared into the depths of the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool [the primordial source pool of chaotic energy] and began swiftly gathering the Innate Primordial Breath.

Conversely, the various Half-Step Path Union [cultivators on the cusp of unifying with their chosen Path] upon the Heavenly Vault [the celestial platform above the pool] looked down upon such Innate Primordial Breath, currently locked in desperate battle against the Chaos True Dragon.

However, when they noticed the members of the Chen Clan all scavenging for Innate Primordial Breath, expressions of surprise flickered across their faces one after another.

"They're gathering Innate Primordial Breath?"

High upon the Heavenly Vault, the Nine Dragons' Nest Master wielded his Primordial Era Dragon Spear [a spear forged in the dawn of time] to strike in all directions, sending a Chaos True Dragon reeling away with grievous wounds.

He then glanced back at the Chen Clan members, a mocking sneer twisting his lips. "Since you lack the confidence to subdue the Chaos True Dragon, you've turned to scavenging for Innate Primordial Breath [the pure, foundational energy of creation]. A wise choice, knowing your own limitations."