Chapter 2130 : Puppets of Fortune and Flight

In that instant, Blazing Center Supreme [a title for a supreme being of immense power] could no longer concern themselves with anything else, and they all gave chase towards the Fourth Layer of Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

The expressions of all the others present also changed drastically, and they too surged forward in pursuit towards the fourth layer.

It must be understood that the Nine Chaos Dragons Vein [a legendary ore vein said to be formed from the essence of nine primordial chaos dragons] on the third layer was one of the greatest opportunities within the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

Every one million Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle marking the end and rebirth of a world], this place could give birth to several dozen portions of Chaos Spiritual Treasure Ore [ore imbued with the primal, chaotic energies of creation], an excellent resource whether used for forging Chaos Spiritual Artifact [artifacts of immense power born from primordial chaos] or cultivating divine abilities.

Most crucially, this place could occasionally even nurture materials of the Path Union [the realm where one's cultivated path merges with the fundamental laws of the cosmos] level, treasures that even Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has mastered the Path Union realm] would covet.

With so many treasures being taken away entirely by the Celestial Puppet [divine automatons of ancient and mysterious origin], how could their hearts not be stirred to action?

Watching the crowd give chase, Eldrin Chen maintained an unhurried pace, a glimmer of amusement hidden within his calm gaze.

The reason these Celestial Puppet had fled with the ores was naturally because Eldrin Chen had secretly gained control over their operational permissions.

With these puppets now under his command, Eldrin Chen felt his confidence swell. Even if he gained nothing further from this venture, he had already emerged as the greatest victor of this expedition to the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

"Blazing Center Supreme," he thought, a silent challenge forming in his mind, "with the aid of these puppets, whatever schemes you have prepared, I, this sovereign, shall meet them all."

Eldrin Chen's thoughts drifted for a moment before he took a step forward, heading towards the Fourth Layer of Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

Connecting to the fourth layer was a long Celestial Stairway, shrouded by boundless Primordial Chaos Great Path energy. It was clearly protected by a super formation of the Supreme level.

Compared to the first three layers, the situation on this fourth layer was vastly different. The Celestial Stairway leading up to it was imbued with a pressure that felt nearly irresistible.

It was a pressure that bore down on the very soul, causing many present to turn pale, their limbs trembling violently.

"Ah—!"

A sudden, pained cry rang out. Eldrin Chen looked up to see a Half-Step Path Union cultivator tumbling down from the Celestial Stairway.

Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor's expression shifted slightly. He took a deep breath and said, "Everything from the Fourth Layer of Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall upward represents the legacy left by Path Union Supreme beings, and holds opportunities to step into the Path Union Realm."

"Therefore, the conditions for setting foot on the fourth layer are exceptionally stringent. One of the most fundamental requirements is to have cultivated the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor foundation."

"Without this foundation, one will be severely wounded in their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] by the Supreme Formation, forfeiting any chance at the Path Union opportunities on the higher layers."

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly upon hearing this. Opportunities at the Supreme level naturally demanded extremely high qualifications. Those Path Union Supreme beings would not casually bestow their legacy treasures upon just anyone.

For those who have not achieved the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm where one's soul and cultivation path are perfectly unified], the chance of breaking through to Path Union Supreme [the pinnacle realm where one's cultivation path merges with the fundamental laws of the cosmos] is likely less than one in a hundred. Naturally, they cannot gain the recognition of the various Supreme [a title prefix denoting one who has reached the pinnacle of a cultivation path] within the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

However, those who have cultivated to the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor realm, bolstered by the immense power of their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator's being], possess a breakthrough chance to Path Union Supreme of at least ten percent from the outset.

If one has mastered three compatible Great Path [profound cultivation arts that embody fundamental cosmic principles], the likelihood of successfully achieving Path Union soars to over thirty percent.

Should one further obtain a Path Union Flower [a legendary herb that aids in merging one's path with the cosmos] or a Path Union Pill [a divine elixir crafted to facilitate the Path Union breakthrough], the probability of breaking through would surpass fifty percent.

It is precisely for this reason that the trial of the fourth layer of the Celestial Stairway [a mystical staircase leading to higher realms of power and enlightenment] is clearly designed to specifically sift for Supreme True Seed [prodigies with the genuine potential to reach the Supreme realm] who have attained the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor realm.

"Aaaaah!"

Just as these thoughts drifted through Eldrin Chen's mind, he immediately noticed numerous Half-Step Path Union [cultivators who have touched the threshold of the Path Union realm but not fully broken through] tumbling down from the Heavenly Vault [the celestial dome or highest point of the trial area].

These Half-Step Path Union cultivators had not achieved the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor realm. Unable to withstand the suppression of the fourth layer's grand formation, each of them suffered grievous injuries.

After being severely wounded, these Half-Step Path Union cultivators withdrew one after another in dejection. Even many other Half-Step Path Union cultivators who judged their own strength insufficient, upon witnessing this scene, retreated without even attempting the trial.

Eldrin Chen surveyed the scene and found that only slightly over twenty Half-Step Path Union cultivators ultimately set foot on the third layer. Among them were the several Half-Step Path Union cultivators brought by the Blazing Center Supreme [a Supreme whose Dao title signifies mastery over a blazing central essence].

Within the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance, only five top-tier Half-Step Path Union cultivators managed to ascend: the Nine Dragons' Nest Master, the Immortal Phoenix Empress, Tianke Path Ancestor, Myriad Path Divine Venerable, and Violet Firmament Immortal Sage.

After the others had departed one by one, Eldrin Chen finally spoke. "Let us proceed as well."

"Agreed."

Exquisite Jiang and the others nodded in unison, then stepped forward onto the Celestial Stairway leading to the fourth level.

The moment he set foot on the Celestial Stairway, Eldrin Chen was assaulted by an immense pressure. Fortunately, given his current level of cultivation, it was of little consequence.

The rest of their party could also withstand it. Among those present, Eldrin Chen and the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor were naturally beyond question, both possessing Primordial Spirit cultivation at the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor Realm.

Seven others—Nyssa Qu, Imperial Sovereign Jiang, Gentle Deer, Ethan Chen, Lingering Ye, Ye Verdant Peak, and Worthy Pursuit Chen—all followed the Sacrificial Self Path.

In the Sacrificial Self Path, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and the physical body are one. Their Primordial Spirit strength was nearly on par with that of a Soul Path Heavenly Emperor cultivator, leaving them with virtually no weaknesses. Bearing this pressure posed no difficulty for them whatsoever.

Although Exquisite Jiang and Verdant Consort had not converted to the Sacrificial Self Path, both had achieved the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor Realm. Faced with pressure of this Primordial Spirit nature, they encountered no issues either.

Since they could all endure it, they hesitated no longer and began their steady ascent up the Celestial Stairway.

Upon this vast Celestial Stairway, veiled by boundless immortal mists, the group could not clearly see the path ahead.

They journeyed for an unknowable duration, and upon stepping past a certain stair, Eldrin Chen suddenly felt his steps lighten, the invisible pressure surrounding him vanishing completely.

"The fourth level."

Eldrin Chen murmured, a faint smile touching his lips.

The others followed closely behind, their gazes lifting with curiosity to survey their surroundings.

They beheld that within the expansive fourth level stood only nine majestic, ancient immortal halls. These halls were interwoven with boundless Supreme Great Path [the ultimate principles of cultivation], interconnected with one another, radiating an aura of supreme and peerless might.

"Nine Supreme Immortal Halls."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a ripple of emotion stirring within the depths of his eyes.

Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor also nodded, a note of excitement in his voice. "Unlike the first three levels, the halls from the fourth level upward have been less explored. These nine great halls should each contain considerable treasures."

"Then let us go and see."

Eldrin Chen spoke, then headed directly towards the nearest immortal hall.

This was a verdant-hued immortal hall, standing amidst the boundless Heavenly Domain. Its entire structure was built from blocks of azure divine stone.

The group arrived before the hall's entrance, where they saw four large characters inscribed upon the plaque.

"Verdant Emperor Immortal Hall."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spoke slowly, a flicker of insight in his gaze. "The Verdant Emperor Supreme was one of the nine Supreme beings of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall lineage. Legend holds he was a willow tree that attained the Dao and ascended to Supremehood."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. With a wave of his sleeve, he pushed open the grand hall doors.

The moment he stepped into the ancient hall, Eldrin Chen immediately perceived radiant treasure light scattering within. At the hall's Central point, nine lotuses hovered in a slow, spiraling dance.

It was clear these nine lotuses had once each borne a treasure, but now six of them stood empty and barren.

Only upon the final three lotuses did three items of extraordinary value still rest.

However, before these three treasures, five Daoist figures hovered in the air. They were clearly in the midst of attempting to break through the restrictive barrier [a protective energy field] surrounding them.

"It is them."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of complex emotion passing through his eyes.

These five individuals were none other than the Nine Dragons' Nest Master, the Immortal Phoenix Empress, and the other three top prodigies of the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance.

At the same time, the five also noticed them, their expressions instantly turning grave.

The Nine Dragons' Nest Master's heart sank, and he spoke with deep wariness, "So it is Fellow Cultivator Eldrin. We did not expect you to reach this place. It seems the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence] truly possesses extraordinary merits."

"Greetings to you all, fellow Daoists."

Eldrin Chen clasped his hands in salute, then turned his gaze once more to the three remaining treasures within the grand hall, his eyes glinting with subtle intent.

Within the three lotuses, the one on the left held a long, verdant rope. This rope appeared to be woven from willow branches, still adorned with lush, emerald-green willow leaves.

"The Verdant Emperor's Immortal-Binding Rope."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [a title for a supreme being who embodies the origin of all paths] spoke up at that moment, his voice tinged with longing. "This is the Lifebound Supreme Treasure [a magical artifact intrinsically linked to its master's life force] of the Verdant Emperor. Its grade reaches that of a Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a supreme artifact born from primordial chaos], and it is counted among the most formidable treasures for restraining enemies."

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze to the right. There, upon a small pedestal, rested a bowl containing a pool of faint azure jade-like liquid.

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [a supreme being who comprehended the Dao of Creation] observed this and spoke once more, "This is the mid-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure known as 'Celestial Heart Divine Liquid' [a legendary elixir]. It is one of the most potent divine fluids for the Spiritual Root lineage, capable of enhancing the potential and innate talent of a Chaos Spiritual Root."

"Great Abyss [a powerful cultivator] has long been constrained by the limitations of his foundational origin, finding it difficult to advance further for many years."

"If he could obtain this treasure, breaking through to the Half-Step Path Union realm in the future would pose little problem. There might even be a sliver of a chance for him to tread upon the path of the Supreme."

Eldrin Chen nodded again, his eyes shifting to the treasure positioned in the center.

Upon the central Lotus Throne [a divine seat of power], there swirled a mass of indescribable, profound Violet Aura [a supreme-grade spiritual energy].

"Primordial Chaos Source Essence [the foundational energy from which all creation sprang]!"

In that instant, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor's expression shifted to one of profound shock and disbelief.

Not only him, but even the five Heavenly Emperor figures at the forefront revealed looks of extreme gravity.

Clearly, their relentless assaults upon the Lotus Throne had been aimed precisely at obtaining this portion of Primordial Chaos Source Essence.

Ethan Chen heard this, a slight frown creasing his brow. He then asked with some confusion, "If the Primordial Chaos Source Essence [the foundational essence from which all chaos and creation originates] is so precious, why is it among the three treasures at the Central?"

Not only Ethan Chen, but everyone present revealed a look of curiosity.

It must be understood that all those present who cultivated the Sacrificial Self Path had been granted one strand of Chaos Genesis Energy and one strand of Primordial Chaos Source Essence by Eldrin Chen when they broke through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm.

They had originally assumed that between the two, the Chaos Genesis Energy should be the more valuable. Yet, judging by the current situation, the Primordial Chaos Source Essence appeared to be far more precious than they had anticipated.

After all, the three great treasures left behind by the Path Union Supreme were, at the very least, artifacts of mid-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure level. And the Primordial Chaos Source Essence actually occupied the foremost position among these three treasures.

Judging from the restrictive barrier [a protective seal or ward placed on an object], this seemed to be the case as well.

Among the nine Lotus Throne [a sacred platform or seat shaped like a lotus, often used for meditation or containing treasures] left by the Verdant Emperor, the more precious the throne, the more powerful its restrictive barrier would be, and the greater the difficulty in claiming it.

The value of the other six Lotus Throne that had been taken was certainly extraordinary, but they likely could not compare to the three remaining treasures.

With this thought, everyone present could not help but feel even more curious.

Seeing this, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spoke, "The Primordial Chaos Source Essence is naturally precious because it represents the possibility of stepping into the Third Chaos Realm."

"Oh?"

A flicker of curiosity and doubt crossed the faces of those present.

Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor gave a slight nod and continued, "Legend holds that after stepping into the half-step Limitless Realm, to break through to the Third Chaos Realm, one must first remedy the deficiencies in their foundational cultivation."

"And for a Path Union Supreme to remedy their foundation, they require a full nine strands of Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence."

Upon hearing this, the hearts of those present trembled slightly.

If one could gather nine portions of Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence, would they then possess a Chaos Sovereign Foundation, and even the potential to step into the Sovereign Realm?

It was common knowledge that, given sufficient cultivation power, strands of Primordial Chaos Violet Aura could be synthesized together.

Thirty-six Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark could be fused into one portion of Primordial Chaos Source Essence, and eighty-one portions of Primordial Chaos Source Essence were needed to synthesize a single portion of Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence.

Given this, even a single Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark should command an exorbitantly high price.

After all, since the Chaos Opening, no new Primordial Chaos Essence had been born. The Primordial Chaos Violet Aura within the Chaos was now a finite resource, dwindling with each use.

Especially as time has grown longer, Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [the foundational energy from which all things in the primordial chaos are born] has, without anyone noticing, become increasingly precious.

It is said that during the Primordial Chaos Unfolding [the initial expansion and ordering of the primordial universe], a single wisp of Primordial Chaos Source Essence [the purest form of energy from the dawn of chaos] could only be exchanged for an ordinary Chaos Spiritual Artifact [an artifact forged from chaotic energies]. Yet, as the eons passed, its value has multiplied by several dozen times.

By now, a single portion of Primordial Chaos Source Essence can be traded for a Path Union Pill [a legendary pill that aids in the profound unification of one's cultivation path], and there are plenty of Half-Step Limitless [cultivators who have almost transcended all worldly limits] eager to make that trade.

Thus, upon realizing this, everyone present could not help but feel a wave of astonishment wash over them.

Seeing this, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the Ancestor who embodies the beginning of all paths] spoke again: "Among fellow Half-Step Limitless, those who refine Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence to complete their Sovereign Foundation [the foundational power of a sovereign] become the pinnacle combatants within the Half-Step Limitless tier."

"Such Demigod powerhouses can, at the very least, contend against three opponents of equal rank. They stand as the mightiest tier just below the Chaos Sovereign [a sovereign ruler who commands the primordial chaos], and some might even barely qualify to cross blades with a true Chaos Sovereign."

"To my knowledge, the reason the Seven Domains Alliance [a grand alliance of seven major realms] can stand against Chaos Sovereign is precisely because they possess seven supreme Half-Step Limitless who have solidified their Sovereign Foundation."

Hearing this, the assembly finally grasped the immense value of Primordial Chaos Essence [a general term for essences born from the primordial chaos]. Their hearts warmed with gratitude towards Eldrin Chen for bestowing upon them the Primordial Chaos Source Essence.

It was at this very moment that Eldrin Chen chose to speak: "Legends say that even those Chaos Sovereign, seeking to advance their cultivation further, also require the refinement of Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence."

"This Primordial Chaos Source Essence is exceedingly rare, truly deserving to be called the scarcest resource within the entire Chaos [the primordial state of existence before order]."

Eldrin Chen spoke with a measured cadence, a trace of profound emotion coloring his expression.

Upon reaching the Sovereign Realm, Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the foundational violet energy born from the Primordial Chaos] becomes an indispensable resource, whether one seeks to advance further to become a Paramount Sovereign or to step into the realm that lies beyond the Sovereign Realm itself.

In ages past, the reason Nameless was able to cultivate his Paramount Sovereign cultivation base was not only due to the profound power of the Immortal Great Path [a supreme cultivation art] but also because, during his gestation, he absorbed thirty-six strands of Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [the purest foundational essence of Primordial Chaos].

At that time, Nameless obtained the Thirty-Six Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters [thirty-six primordial runes containing the laws of creation] and absorbed thirty-six portions of Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence, thereby laying the foundation necessary to ascend beyond the Sovereign Realm.

Consider this: the Chaos Cauldron, which also absorbed the Thirty-Six Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters, ascended to become the supreme Chaos Supreme Treasure [a treasure of ultimate rank born from Primordial Chaos].

"Fellow Cultivator Eldrin possesses remarkable insight indeed."

At that moment, the Nine Dragons' Nest Master spoke slowly, his gaze turning to Eldrin Chen as he declared, "However, this strand of Primordial Chaos Source Essence [the origin essence of Primordial Chaos] is something we are determined to obtain. I suggest you all abandon any thoughts of contesting it."

Eldrin Chen's eyes glinted subtly, yet his voice remained calm as he replied, "And what if we choose to intervene?"

"You dare!"

Myriad Path Divine Venerable's gaze sharpened, his words laced with threat. "The five of us, united, possess power sufficient to challenge even a Path Union Supreme [a supreme expert who has unified multiple cultivation paths]. If you wish for battle, then let us engage with our full might."

"Is that so?"

Nyssa Qu's gaze turned frosty, the battle intent within her heart surging even more fiercely.

Just as the two sides were on the verge of drawing their swords, Eldrin Chen suddenly stopped his companions and spoke, "The Primordial Chaos Source Essence [the primordial, undifferentiated essence from which all things are born] can be yours, but all other treasures belong to us."