Chapter 2131 : A Calculated Sacrifice

Upon hearing this, everyone present was momentarily stunned.

They had originally anticipated a fierce battle, never imagining that Eldrin Chen would relinquish the Primordial Chaos Source Essence [the primordial essence from which all creation springs] so readily.

This left them perplexed, yet they did not dwell on it, for the Primordial Chaos Source Essence was precious enough to potentially secure a chance for a breakthrough into the Path Union Realm [a profound cultivation stage where one's chosen Path merges with the fundamental laws of reality].

Thus, without hesitation, they agreed to Eldrin Chen's proposal. The Nine Dragons' Nest Master spoke directly, "If that is the case, we accept."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. While the Primordial Chaos Source Essence was indeed invaluable to others, for him, it was not an indispensable treasure.

Rather than fighting the five for the Primordial Chaos Source Essence, it was wiser to use the time to explore more of the ancient halls.

After all, these five were formidable. For Eldrin Chen to subdue them would require significant time and effort, with no guarantee of capturing them all.

By then, they might well align themselves with Blazing Center Supreme and his allies, creating unnecessary complications for Eldrin Chen.

The potential cost far outweighed the gain. Naturally, Eldrin Chen had no intention of contesting them for the Primordial Chaos Source Essence.

Now, seeing their agreement, Eldrin Chen wasted no time. He channeled his divine power, shattering the Lotus Throne [a throne formed from solidified spiritual energy, resembling a lotus] on both sides, and claimed the 'Celestial Heart Divine Liquid' [a divine elixir said to purify and elevate the cultivator's spiritual core] and the 'Verdant Emperor's Immortal-Binding Rope' [a legendary binding artifact once wielded by the Verdant Emperor].

After retrieving the treasures, Eldrin Chen did not linger for a moment. He departed the Verdant Emperor Immortal Hall directly.

The five Heavenly Emperor who remained behind watched as Eldrin Chen effortlessly claimed two of the treasures. Their expressions shifted abruptly, a flicker of wariness appearing in their eyes.

The restrictive barrier protecting the treasures on the final three Lotus Throne was immensely powerful. They had only been confident of seizing one or two items by joining forces, yet they had never imagined Eldrin Chen would claim two with such ease.

With this realization, they immediately unleashed their full power, joining hands to extract the Primordial Chaos Source Essence [a primordial essence of chaos, the fundamental substance from which all things were formed] from within the Lotus Throne.

While the five were securing their treasures, Eldrin Chen had already led his companions out of the Verdant Emperor Immortal Hall and proceeded directly to the second immortal palace.

This second palace was named the 'Star-Hunting Emperor Ancient Palace'. It was said to have belonged to a Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified their cultivation path with the fundamental laws of the cosmos] who was a master of the bow.

Fortunately, only two treasures remained within, and no other Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator on the cusp of achieving Path Union, possessing immense power but not yet the complete unification] had arrived to contest them.

Both treasures were of exceptional value. One was named the 'Star-Hunting Emperor Divine Bow', the Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a mid-tier artifact forged from and infused with the power of primordial chaos] of the Star-Hunting Supreme.

The other was called 'Chaos Jade Marrow' [a marrow-like essence refined from chaos-infused jade, containing immense foundational power], a premium specimen even among Low-Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure.

Having secured the two treasures from within the Star-Hunting Emperor Ancient Palace, the group could not help but feel a surge of satisfaction.

This Chaos Jade Marrow [a primordial substance of immense spiritual potency] possesses extraordinary and wondrous applications. It can be used to cultivate Innate Divine Ability [a supreme power born from one's very essence]. Furthermore, if used as a catalyst in alchemy, it seems his Chaos Weapon Forging Art [an art for forging weapons with primordial chaos energy] could be elevated to the realm of a true Chaos Divine Ability [a divine power born of primordial chaos].

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen stored the treasure away and continued his exploration of the other ancient halls.

Within the remaining seven ancient halls, most of the treasures had already been claimed by others, or else were sealed behind special restrictive barrier [a mystical seal or ward requiring specific conditions to bypass] that could only be opened under unique circumstances.

Although Eldrin Chen could have forcefully broken these barriers, he discovered there was a limit to what one could take: each person could claim at most three Chaos Rare Treasure [a treasure of immense rarity and power, born from primordial chaos].

This was likely a safeguard established by the Supreme [a title denoting the highest echelon of power] of the ancient Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall to prevent a single individual from claiming all the treasures.

Consequently, his subsequent harvests gradually diminished.

After thoroughly searching all nine immortal halls, the group tallied their gains and found they had acquired a total of twelve Chaos Spiritual Treasure [spiritual treasures imbued with the power of primordial chaos].

Among these, only three could be considered true supreme treasures, worthy of being called Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a mid-tier treasure of primordial chaos] or spiritual rarities: the Star-Hunting Emperor Divine Bow [a divine bow capable of hunting stars], the Verdant Emperor's Immortal-Binding Rope [the legendary binding rope of the Verdant Emperor], and the Celestial Heart Divine Liquid [a divine liquid said to be the heart's essence of the heavens].

The other Chaos Spiritual Treasure were all Low-Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a lower-tier treasure of primordial chaos], yet they were the finest of their kind, boasting formidable power and wondrous utility, surpassing their peers of the same grade by at least thirty percent.

With these treasures in hand, everyone was thoroughly satisfied.

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the primordial creation path] cast a glance at Eldrin Chen and spoke, "A pity. Among these nine ancient halls, this place holds no opportunity to tread the realm of the Path Union Supreme [the supreme state of path unification]."

"The nine halls of the fourth layer are merely legacies left by ordinary Supreme [beings who have attained a supreme state of cultivation]. Naturally, they contain no treasures of excessive rarity."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, then looked toward the Central region of the fourth layer. "Legends say the Central of the fourth layer holds a rather precious opportunity. We should not delay; let us go and see it immediately."

"Very well."

The group gave slight nods and immediately strode toward the core of the nine great immortal halls.

Not long after, when they arrived at the heart of the nine great immortal halls, they instantly realized this place was extraordinary.

Viewed from above, within the vast fourth layer of the immortal halls, the nine great Supreme halls occupied the positions of the Nine Palaces, resembling the nine Formation Eye [the critical focal points that power and control a mystical formation] of a grand formation.

And at the core of this formation, an immortal pool, shrouded in misty immortal fog, gently undulated.

The entire formation was drawing upon the foundational energies from the first three layers. After being suppressed and transformed by the nine Supreme halls, these energies ultimately accumulated within this immortal pool, condensing into a potent liquid.

" [a divine liquid of supreme quality, refined from immense spiritual energies]."

Witnessing this scene, Worthy Pursuit Chen's expression shifted slightly, a trace of awe coloring his features.

So-called Supreme Divine Liquid is the advanced form of Chaos Divine Liquid. It is a cultivation resource at the Path Union Supreme level, its value exceeding that of Chaos Divine Liquid by a hundredfold.

Who could have imagined that the core area of these nine Supreme Immortal Halls would contain such a vast pool of Supreme Divine Liquid? This alone speaks volumes of its immense rarity.

"An accumulation of a million Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], and it yields only this single pool of Supreme Divine Liquid?"

Gazing upon the sight, Exquisite Jiang asked with considerable astonishment.

Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor shook his head, then spoke, "This Supreme Immortal Pool has existed since tens of millions of Kalpa Tribulation ago. Legend holds it was prepared for Desolation Heaven Supreme's breakthrough to the Sovereign realm."

"For this one pool of Supreme Divine Liquid, the lineage of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall prepared for tens of millions of Kalpa Tribulation, investing a sea of Chaos Rare Treasure and divine materials."

"Alas, Desolation Heaven Supreme failed in his breakthrough. His cultivation and achievements dissolved back into the Great Dao. This Supreme Divine Liquid, unconsumed, remained here, becoming an opportunity for us, his descendants."

Eldrin Chen also nodded, adding, "For a Path Union Supreme, Supreme Divine Liquid is merely a basic cultivation resource."

"But for us Chaos Heavenly Emperor, it possesses the effect of Meridian Cleansing and Marrow Refining [a profound cleansing and refining of one's spiritual pathways and foundational essence], capable of slightly increasing one's potential to break through to the Path Union Supreme realm."

"Later, we shall cultivate in seclusion here. If possible, we should remain for as long as we can."

Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the Primordial Genesis Path] also nodded, yet shook his head with a sigh of regret. "A pity. The Supreme Divine Liquid [a liquid of supreme divine essence] cannot be taken away. We can only perform Meridian Cleansing and Marrow Refining [an art that purifies meridians and refines bone marrow] here for ten Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration]. I fear we will not be able to refine much of the Supreme Divine Liquid."

As he spoke, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor paused slightly, suddenly lifting his gaze to look at Eldrin Chen.

He saw Eldrin Chen give a slight nod, speaking thoughtfully, "Perhaps we can give it a try."

At that very moment, Eldrin Chen noticed several majestic figures within the vast Supreme Immortal Pool [a pool of supreme immortal essence] tearing through the void, heading directly towards the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [the Ancient Hall of Desolate Heaven].

Those figures were none other than Azure Fall Supreme [the Supreme One of the Azure Fall] and Blazing Center Supreme [the Supreme One of the Blazing Center], among others. Clearly, they disdained the effects of performing Meridian Cleansing and Marrow Refining here and had chosen to explore the fifth layer for Rare Treasure [rare and precious spiritual artifacts] first.

Not only them, but even Nine Dragons' Nest Master and other Half-Step Path Union [cultivators at the Half-Step Path Union realm, one step below true Path Union] all flew towards the fifth layer.

Evidently, these individuals planned to first explore the fifth layer for treasures, and only return to this place to perform Meridian Cleansing and Marrow Refining after their exploration was complete.

After all, most of these Half-Step Path Union had already reached their limits, their cultivation having been stagnant for many years with little room for further advancement. For them, the Supreme Divine Liquid now offered only the benefit of Meridian Cleansing and Marrow Refining.

If they cultivated here for ten Kalpa Tribulation only to have treasures snatched away by others who got there first, that would be a regret too late to mend.

"Should we also head to the fifth layer first?"

Seeing this, Ethan Chen could not help but voice his inquiry.

Eldrin Chen shook his head and spoke, "There is no need for haste. Although the treasures of the fifth level are precious, they are not so easily obtained."

"Sharpening the axe does not delay the work of cutting wood. Let us first enhance our strength here before proceeding."

Eldrin Chen understood clearly in his heart that his immediate priority was to increase his power. As for opportunities like the Path Union Pill to break through to the Path Union Realm, he was not particularly anxious.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen stepped forward directly towards the Supreme Immortal Pool.

The moment he stepped into the Supreme Immortal Pool, Eldrin Chen discovered its profound mystery. A vast tide of Supreme Divine Liquid [a divine liquid of supreme purity and power] surged towards him.

This was a supreme energy, a hundred times more refined than even Chaos Divine Liquid.

As Eldrin Chen slowly refined a portion of the Supreme Divine Liquid, he immediately felt his physical body and spiritual energy begin to absorb the divine liquid with ravenous hunger. His cultivation base began to soar at a rapid pace.

"Cultivating by refining Supreme Divine Liquid is likely a hundred times faster and more potent than refining Chaos Divine Liquid."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then decisively activated his Space-Time Divine Form [a supreme technique that manipulates the flow of space and time]. He isolated the pocket of Space-Time [the fundamental fabric of reality encompassing both dimensions] where they resided, accelerating the flow of time by more than three hundredfold.

"With the Supreme Divine Liquid [a primordial, supremely potent spiritual elixir] as nourishment, and three thousand Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years] of dedicated cultivation, my cultivation base is certain to advance significantly," he thought.

With this resolve, he immersed himself completely in his cultivation practice.

Simultaneously, the others present also began to fully refine the Supreme Divine Liquid, ceaselessly elevating their own cultivation bases.

In the blur of cultivation, time flowed swiftly. Three thousand Kalpa Tribulation passed in what felt like the blink of an eye.

On this day, the aura within Eldrin Chen's physical body suddenly surged violently. He felt his physical cultivation had reached a certain bottleneck, a point where further progress seemed impossible.

"Hah—"

Eldrin Chen opened his eyes and slowly exhaled a breath, a faint smile gracing his lips.

He experimentally clenched his fist, discovering that the foundational power and raw strength of his physical body had increased by approximately half once more.

"My physical strength should have reached the absolute limit of the First Realm of Chaos [the foundational stage of cultivating the primordial chaos body]," he concluded.

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. He attempted to summon the Five Great Chaos Divine Forms, and immediately discovered their power had increased by roughly forty to fifty percent.

This was because his physical body's strength had improved tremendously, allowing him to unleash a far greater might from the Five Great Chaos Divine Forms.

"My physical body has reached the limits of the First Realm of Chaos. Its power should now be comparable to that of a Path Union Supreme [a supreme cultivator who has unified their cultivation path], shouldn't it?"

At this thought, a faint smile touched Eldrin Chen's lips.

However, after sensing his condition once more, his brow furrowed slightly, and he shook his head slowly. "Still a hair's breadth short. Relying on physical strength alone, I fall just a sliver behind a true Path Union Supreme."

"Fortunately, when combined with my Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and other cultivation bases, my overall combat power should have broken through the Extreme Path Barrier [the ultimate barrier of a cultivation path], reaching the level of a newly-advanced Path Union Supreme."

With this realization, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of satisfaction, yet he refrained from excessive pride.

Over seventy percent of Path Union Supreme cultivators had achieved the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign who has mastered the path of the soul] realm. Therefore, even a newly-advanced Path Union Supreme was by no means weak.

At best, he was at the very bottom tier among Path Union Supreme. If he truly encountered a newly-advanced one, the most he could hope for was a stalemate; he might not even gain the upper hand.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen withdrew his focus and turned his gaze towards the other members of the Chen Clan gathered nearby.

Within the Supreme Immortal Pool [a legendary pool of supreme spiritual energy], the others now slowly opened their eyes, awakening from their secluded cultivation.

At this moment, smiles graced everyone's faces, a clear sign that their gains had been substantial.

Eldrin Chen cast a glance around and inquired, "It seems this period of deep cultivation has significantly enhanced your foundational reserves and latent potential."

"Hahaha."

Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the Ancestor of the Primordial Genesis Path] chuckled, stroking his beard. "Three thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] of secluded cultivation have greatly advanced my cultivation base. Upon my return, I should be able to master my third Primordial Chaos Great Path [Great Path of Primordial Chaos]."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze to the others.

Compared to Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, the progress made by the others who cultivated the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art focused on self-transcendence] was even more remarkable.

As they were all newly ascended Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors of Chaos], their room for advancement was far greater. This time, their foundational essence and cultivation roots had been enhanced by more than half.

Such a monumental improvement had substantially increased their overall combat prowess.

Among them, Gentle Deer's cultivation base had improved by sixty percent, her comprehensive strength now likely brushing against the threshold of the Half-Step Path Union [a realm just below the complete union of one's cultivated Paths] domain.

Originally, figures like Imperial Sovereign Jiang, Worthy Pursuit Chen, and Ethan Chen possessed combat power at the level of ordinary Half-Step Path Union cultivators. Now, while one wouldn't dare claim they have stepped into the ranks of the top-tier Half-Step Path Union experts, their strength is not far from it.

Ye Verdant Peak, who was originally considered a top-tier Half-Step Path Union expert, has now seen his spiritual power increase by nearly seventy percent. The might of his Chaos Five Elements Sword Formation has also grown substantially. His current strength might now be comparable to that of an Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

Having mastered the Nine Severities Spirit-Slaying Swords, Nyssa Qu has experienced an explosive leap in her overall combat prowess.

Her Nine Severities Spirit-Slaying Sword Formation was already immensely powerful. Now, with her cultivation foundation and essence having undergone a tremendous enhancement, her overall combat strength has increased by at least fifty percent.

It can be said that the current Nyssa Qu, once she activates her Nine Severities Spirit-Slaying Sword Formation, possesses at least fifty to sixty percent of the combat power of a true Path Union Supreme.

Even if four or five ordinary Half-Step Path Union experts joined forces, they might not necessarily be a match for Nyssa Qu.

"The Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-sacrifice and rebirth] was formidable to begin with," Eldrin Chen mused inwardly, a trace of awe coloring his thoughts. "Now that Nyssa's cultivation and foundational essence have caught up to that of a top-tier Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of primordial chaos], augmented by the power of the Nine Severities Spirit-Slaying Swords, her combat prowess is truly world-shaking."

As this thought settled, a wave of complex reflection and emotion washed over Eldrin Chen.

He had to acknowledge the unique advantages bestowed by the Sacrificial Self Path. Furthermore, Nyssa Qu cultivated both the Inner Immortal Domain [the internal, spiritual world of an immortal] and the Outer Immortal Treasury [the external, material repository of an immortal's power]. Once her cultivation truly steps into the Half-Step Path Union Realm, she may very well possess the qualifications to challenge a genuine Path Union Supreme in battle.

With this conviction firm in his heart, Eldrin Chen felt considerably more assured about the upcoming exploration of the fifth layer.

He retracted the Space-Time Divine Form [a supreme divine ability that manipulates the fundamental forces of space and time], then stepped out of the Supreme Immortal Pool [a legendary pool of concentrated immortal energy used for profound cultivation]. Gazing towards the fifth-tier immortal hall ahead, he declared, "Now, it is time for us to witness the legacy left by a Pinnacle Supreme [the ultimate, quasi-divine stage of cultivation, one step below true godhood]."

With those words, Eldrin Chen took the lead, soaring directly towards the fifth tier.

They traversed the Boundless Void [an endless expanse of empty space between realms] and soon arrived within the fifth tier. There, they found only three Supreme [a prefix denoting the highest, most profound attainment in a particular Dao or path] immortal halls, majestic and solitary, floating upon the Void Heaven [a higher plane of existence bordering the primordial void].