Chapter 2140 : Gathering the Shattered Realms

"Perhaps it is time for me to depart from the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance as well."

This thought stirred within the heart of the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage, causing a faint ripple of emotion to shimmer in his gaze.

Simultaneously, having settled this matter, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate. He proceeded directly to several of the ruined Primordial Domain.

There, he activated the power of the Returning Abyss Pearl [a mystical pearl capable of absorbing the essence of shattered realms], drawing forth the Returning Abyss Traces [the residual spiritual energy and fundamental laws of a collapsing or destroyed domain] from these broken Primordial Domain and gathering their fundamental essence entirely into the Returning Abyss Pearl.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, with the aid of the Returning Abyss Pearl, infusing this Returning Abyss Traces into the Primordial Great Path Stone should allow for the forging of seven or eight Chaos Spiritual Artifact imbued with the Returning Abyss Attribute.

After handling all this, Eldrin Chen sought out the Verdant Luan Saint Emperor and other Mortal Path cultivators: "The Blazing Central Chaos Domain is now shattered, and with no Half-Step Path Union expert to guard it, you will lack a secure foothold should danger arise in the future."

"If you are willing, you may relocate your Chaos Domain closer to the Returning Abyss Chaos Domain in the days to come."

Upon hearing this, the Verdant Luan Saint Emperor and the others immediately revealed looks of pleasant surprise and promptly bowed in gratitude: "To be able to integrate into the Returning Abyss Chaos Domain would truly be an honor for us."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and, without further delay, departed directly from the Blazing Central Chaos Domain.

On his return journey to the Southern Abyss Domains, a faint smile finally touched the lips of Eldrin Chen.

Although this time, he returned the resources of the Blazing Central Lineage, it was not a loss for Eldrin Chen.

For a good reputation holds immense benefit for the future propagation of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-sacrifice and transcendence].

By upholding justice this once, the resistance to spreading the Sacrificial Self Path within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains will be drastically reduced in the future. Furthermore, even beyond these domains, it will garner favor among all living beings.

Consider this: would low-level cultivators prefer to practice a method founded by a person of noble character and integrity, or one pioneered by someone of ruthless and cruel disposition?

There is no doubt; the former's dissemination would be tenfold, even a hundredfold greater.

For who can know if a method created by a ruthless individual contains hidden flaws? Who can be sure that cultivating such a path would not one day turn them into mere ingredients for another's elixir?

"Yet, this journey was not without its gains,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. He then returned to the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden realm suffused with the energies of primordial chaos] and retrieved the Returning Abyss Pearl.

Subsequently, Eldrin Chen took out several pieces of Primordial Great Path Stone [a rare ore imbued with the essence of the primordial Dao]. Using these as the foundational vessel, he refined the Returning Abyss Traces [spiritual remnants containing the power of the returning abyss], ultimately nurturing eight Low-Grade Chaos Spiritual Artifacts [enchanted artifacts of the lowest chaos-grade] imbued with the Returning Abyss Attribute.

After completing this task, Eldrin Chen summoned his five Dao Companions: Exquisite Jiang, Verdant Consort, Violet Consort Yan, Lila, and Liana Imperial Lord.

After many years of cultivation, the cultivation bases of Exquisite Jiang and Verdant Consort had improved considerably, though their physical body cultivation had not seen significant advancement.

Between the two, Verdant Consort's ability to achieve Fleshly Body Sanctification [the process of purifying and strengthening the physical body to a sacred state] relied primarily on the potential of her Primordial Chaos Verdant Lotus Physique [a supreme innate constitution embodying the vitality and chaos of a primordial lotus]. However, her physical cultivation had also neared a bottleneck, preventing her from cultivating a second Chaos Divine Form [a divine manifestation born from primordial chaos].

After Exquisite Jiang attained the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a supreme realm where one's soul path reaches an emperor-like pinnacle] and refined the Great Path Authority [the supreme authority and laws of a Great Dao] and origin essence of the Supreme Lunar Demon Sovereign, she used her Supreme Lunar [the ultimate principle of the moon, representing extreme yin and cold] body to cultivate the Chaos Supreme Lunar Divine Form [a divine form merging primordial chaos with the supreme lunar principle].

Yet, her physical cultivation also halted at a single Supreme Lunar divine form. She had now approached her personal limit and could not advance further in the short term.

The cultivation progress of Violet Consort Yan, Lila, and Liana Imperial Lord was not slow. The resources they had obtained over these years were sufficient to bankrupt a Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator on the verge of unifying their cultivated paths] expert.

With the aid of various resources, a three hundred-fold Space-Time [the fabric of space and time] flow rate, and the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of refining creation itself], Violet Consort Yan, Lila, and Liana Imperial Lord had now all cultivated the nine True Spirit Divine Runes [divine symbols representing the power of true spirits].

Among them, eight had been forged into True Spirit Divine Form [a divine manifestation based on a true spirit's power], with one even becoming a Chaos Divine Form. They had also reserved one blank divine rune in preparation for cultivating the Returning Abyss Divine Form [a divine form embodying the power of the returning abyss].

At this moment, Eldrin Chen swept his gaze over the group. After a brief moment of contemplation, he did not hesitate and directly took out five Chaos Spiritual Artifact [artifacts forged from primordial chaos spiritual materials] imbued with Returning Abyss Attribute [the property of the returning abyss, representing ultimate depth and absorption] and said,

"The Returning Abyss Divine Form is the ultimate defensive divine form against the Art of Divine Subjugation [a supreme art for subduing divine beings]. Once cultivated, it will be enough to make you peerless under the heavens."

"This rare opportunity is hard to come by. I hope you can seize it."

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces lit up with a trace of pleasant surprise.

Gazing at the Returning Abyss Divine Form [a supreme divine manifestation embodying the power of the abyssal return] before them, their expressions grew increasingly fervent.

Once they cultivated both Ultimate Divine Form [the pinnacle forms of divine manifestation] and used them as a foundation to sacrifice their physical bodies, the resulting Sacrificial Self Physique [a body forged through self-sacrifice, achieving immense power] would undoubtedly be extraordinarily powerful.

Thinking of this, Violet Consort Yan could not help but link arms with Eldrin Chen and spoke with considerable excitement, "Husband, we will certainly not disappoint you."

Eldrin Chen nodded and then said, "Let us first comprehend the Returning Abyss Power [the fundamental power of the abyssal return] and master the Returning Abyss Divine Rune [the divine rune symbolizing the abyssal return]."

Having said this, Eldrin Chen even lent them the true form of the Returning Abyss Pearl [a mystical pearl containing the essence of the returning abyss], allowing them to directly contemplate the most primordial Great Path of Returning Abyss [the supreme Dao of the abyssal return].

He believed that with their cultivation realms and innate talents, coupled with the three hundredfold acceleration of Space-Time [the flow of time and space], they would inevitably master the Great Path of Returning Abyss in time.

After completing these arrangements, Eldrin Chen sent his five Dao companions into seclusion. Only then did he turn his gaze to the remaining Returning Abyss Spiritual Treasure [spiritual treasures originating from the Returning Abyss], falling into a moment of contemplation.

The question of how to allocate the three remaining Returning Abyss Spiritual Treasure gave Eldrin Chen some pause.

"Even if one masters the Returning Abyss Divine Rune, its role for the Sacrificial Self Path [the cultivation path of self-sacrifice] is merely auxiliary," he mused.

"These three Returning AbyssSpiritual Treasures [enchanted artifacts imbued with spiritual power], should be prioritized for those cultivating the Fleshly Body Sanctification [an art focused on tempering the physical body to an indestructible state]."

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment, then sent a summons for Energy Abyss Chen, Worthy Path Chen, and Worthy Remembrance Chen to attend him.

Among the current core direct-line disciples of the Chen Clan Lineage, most had embarked upon the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method that refines the self through sacrifice]. Only Energy Abyss Chen and Worthy Path Chen remained who specialized solely in the Fleshly Body Sanctification.

Worthy Remembrance Chen's mother had followed a path that simultaneously cultivated the physical body, the Great Path [the fundamental Dao or Way of cultivation], and the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator]. His foundational potential could reach directly to the half-step Limitless Realm [a legendary cultivation stage of boundless power].

Before Worthy Remembrance Chen broke through to the Half-Step Limitless [the threshold before the legendary Limitless Realm], Eldrin Chen did not intend for him to practice the Sacrificial Self Path, making him one of the best candidates to cultivate the Returning Abyss Divine Form [a supreme divine transformation technique].

Seeing the three arrive, Eldrin Chen directly produced the three great Chaos Divine Runes [primordial symbols of divine power]. With a slightly solemn expression, he spoke, "These three Returning AbyssSpiritual Treasures can be used to master the profound mysteries of the Returning Abyss Divine Form."

"I hope you can seize this opportunity to forge a peerless foundation that surpasses even the Half-Step Limitless."

The three nodded in understanding. Energy Abyss Chen took one of the Returning AbyssSpiritual Treasures and said, "The Fleshly Body Sanctification lineage possesses four supreme Ultimate Divine Forms [peak-level divine transformation techniques]. I never imagined I, Energy Abyss Chen, might have the chance to master two of them."

"Thank you, Father."

Worthy Remembrance Chen and Worthy Path Chen also wore expressions of joy, unable to resist taking the Returning AbyssSpiritual Treasures as they spoke.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. After inquiring about everyone's recent cultivation progress, he was about to dismiss Worthy Path Chen and the others when Energy Abyss Chen stopped him.

"With little to occupy me lately, a certain idea has taken root. I wish to discuss it with you."

Energy Abyss Chen spoke slowly, handing a scroll of scripture to Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen took it and began to read. At first, he was unimpressed, but after a few moments, his expression grew solemn.

After a long while, Eldrin Chen looked up at his Patriarch and said, "The Patriarch's concept is ingenious. Yet, if it were to spread, it would likely shake the very foundations of the Chaos [the primordial state before order]."

"Indeed. However, I possess only the seed of this idea, nothing more."

Energy Abyss Chen also spoke slowly, his face mirroring a grave seriousness.

Eldrin Chen fell into a contemplative silence, lost in thought as he studied the scroll in his hand.

This scripture from Energy Abyss Chen was not a cultivation art, but rather an incomplete method for forging an Ultimate Divine Rune [the pinnacle form of divine inscription, a supreme method of empowerment].

Over the years, Energy Abyss Chen had drawn upon the strengths of countless schools, fused the mysteries of various divine inscriptions, and used his own Gold-Silver Body Refining Art as a foundation to draft this preliminary version of the Ultimate Divine Rune method.

The Gold-Silver Body Refining Art practiced by Energy Abyss Chen was, in its essence, a supreme scroll of the Chaos Heaven Scripture [a legendary cultivation scripture of profound and primordial power].

This art could smelt and fuse the two Immortal Metal [metals imbued with immortal-grade spiritual properties] known as Adamantine and Mithril, continuously elevating a cultivator's physical fortitude. It could even directly cultivate two pinnacle divine patterns: 'Mana Immunity' [a divine pattern granting immunity to ninety percent of magical attacks from peers] and 'Impenetrable Golden Body' [a divine pattern granting immunity to ninety percent of physical attacks from peers].

Among these two Great God [a high-level divine cultivation realm] patterns, Mana Immunity granted immunity to ninety percent of spell damage from cultivators of the same realm, while Impenetrable Golden Body granted immunity to ninety percent of physical damage from peers.

When combined, and further enhanced by the increased bodily strength and rigidity gained from refining the golden essence of Mithril, these patterns bestowed upon Energy Abyss Chen a defense that bordered on invincibility. His physical resilience was proclaimed to be peerless under the heavens.

To a certain degree, the complementary nature of Energy Abyss Chen's two True Spirit Divine Runes [divine patterns formed from the essence of a True Spirit] endowed each with characteristics nearly rivaling those of a Half-Step Ultimate Divine Rune [a divine pattern one step below the ultimate pinnacle].

If the Indestructibility Divine Form [the Divine Form of Indestructibility], forged from the fusion of Indestructibility Ancient One's Nine Great God Forms [Nine Great Divine Forms], excelled in formidable vitality and regenerative power, then the two Great God forms of Energy Abyss Chen leaned more decisively towards pure defensive might.

To draw an analogy between two mortals: Energy Abyss Chen was like a man clad in a suit of seamless, impenetrable iron armor. Against such a defense, peers could not even hope to breach his guard—how could he possibly have a match?

The most terrifying aspect was this: while Indestructibility Ancient One's mighty Indestructibility Divine Form was the result of fusing his Nine True Spirit Divine Forms [Nine Divine Forms born from True Spirit essence].

This formidable "iron armor" of Energy Abyss Chen's occupied only two slots among the True Spirit Divine Form [a Divine Form derived from True Spirit essence]. He could still cultivate a Slaughter [the Divine Form embodying pure slaughter] divine form to compensate for any lack in offensive capability.

Yet, even with such advantages, Energy Abyss Chen remained unsatisfied. He aspired to merge 'Mana Immunity' and 'Impenetrable Golden Body' into one, to create an unprecedented 'Ultimate Divine Rune' [the pinnacle divine pattern, a legend unto itself].

"Should this endeavor succeed, the Patriarch will undoubtedly shake the Chaos to its core, gaining the boundless Fortune [auspicious power and destiny] of the Fleshly Body Sanctification lineage. His future path will lead him straight to the Half-Step Path Union Realm, with even a sliver of hope to one day tread upon the Sovereign Realm."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, then set down the scripture in his hand.

Energy Abyss Chen shook his head, however, and said, "The difficulty of fusing two Great God divine patterns into a single, supreme divine pattern is likely more daunting than scaling the heavens themselves."

Eldrin Chen also nodded in agreement. His own Chaos Giant Cauldron was forged from the fusion of five supreme True Spirit Divine Form [divine manifestations of primordial true spirits], so he understood well the profound difficulty of such a step.

Both Mana Immunity and Impenetrable Golden Body rank among the most formidable defensive divine patterns of the Art of Divine Subjugation [a supreme body cultivation art]. Should they merge into the Ultimate Divine Form, its defensive power might not be inferior to the Returning Abyss Divine Rune.

Moreover, their natures differ. The Returning Abyss Divine Rune absorbs incoming harm, while Mana Immunity and Impenetrable Golden Body enhance the physical body's resilience to directly negate damage from peers.

Combining the two would undoubtedly elevate defensive capabilities to a terrifying level.

Even though Eldrin Chen had already mastered the Five Great Chaos Divine Forms, his heart stirred with deep desire for this incomplete Ultimate Divine Form.

After a moment of contemplation, he retrieved several dozen scrolls of the Ancient Chaos Scripture and handed them to Energy Abyss Chen, saying, "These are the Fleshly Body Sanctification Art of the Desolate Heaven Lineage. They may hold valuable insights."

"Use them for reference. Perhaps you can find a glimmer of opportunity within."

Having spoken thus far, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before continuing, "Whether it is the Mana Immunity or the Impenetrable Golden Body, both are supreme manifestations of the Limitless Great Path [the ultimate, boundless cultivation principle]."

"To fuse them, I believe one must first comprehend the two distinct Great Path [profound cultivation principles], and only then merge them to achieve the Path Union Realm [a state of unified cultivation principles]."

"Path Union?"

Energy Abyss Chen's expression shifted slightly. Having already embarked upon the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [the cultivation path focused on perfecting the physical body], attempting to cultivate a method for Path Union would likely be an arduous, near-impossible task.

Eldrin Chen, understanding this point, spoke again, "Achieving Path Union does not necessarily mean one has stepped into the Path Union Realm."

"My own Chaos Limitless Great Path [the divine ability of boundless chaos] achieved Path Union long ago, though I have not yet ascended to the realm of the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the title for one who has mastered the Great Path of Primordial Chaos]."

This revelation brought a glimmer of understanding to Energy Abyss Chen, who slowly articulated, "The Path [the Dao, the fundamental principle] knows no hierarchy, no distinction of realms."

"I need only merge the two Great Path, cultivating them into a single, nascent Great Path that rivals the ultimate Great Path of this level."

Eldrin Chen nodded, a faint smile touching his lips. "Those who walk the Fleshly Body Sanctification are not typically adept at comprehending Great Path. You can play to your strengths and circumvent this step through ingenious means."

"I suspect that both the Mana Immunity Great Path and the Impenetrable Golden Body Great Path harbor a profound yearning for the other's power."

"The matter of Path Union [the profound state of merging one's cultivated path with the world's fundamental laws] need not necessarily fall to you to accomplish."

Energy Abyss Chen gave a slow nod, as vague threads of thought began to coalesce into clarity within his mind.

While comprehending the full profundity of Mana Immunity [a supreme defensive art that nullifies magical energy] and Impenetrable Golden Body [an ultimate defensive art that renders the physical body nigh-invulnerable] was indeed immensely difficult, grasping them at the foundational levels of Path Principles [the fundamental truths underlying a specific cultivation path], Heavenly Rules [the cosmic laws governing reality], or even the Path Principle [the principle-level manifestation of a divine ability] tier posed no great challenge for one of his caliber.

He could first master both Great Path [a supreme cultivation art representing a fundamental cosmic principle] at the Path Principles level, then fuse them to birth an entirely new Path Principles, subsequently refining it step by step until it ascended to the realms of Heavenly Rules, Path Principle, and ultimately, the pinnacle of a complete Great Path.

Although each Great Path stood supreme and unique, Mana Immunity and Impenetrable Golden Body were perfect complements, their natures flawlessly aligned. Merging them into a new, ultimate Great Path might prove far simpler than anticipated.

Indeed, at a certain stage of mastery, he might not even need to force their fusion. These two Great Path could spontaneously converge, giving rise to a new Chaos Limitless Great Path [the Great Path of Primordial Chaos and Boundlessness, a supreme art born from the fusion of ultimate defense and energy nullification].

With this understanding crystallized, Energy Abyss Chen spoke, "The powers of Mana Immunity and Impenetrable Golden Body are fundamentally distinct."

"They appear as separate as clear waters, yet once united, they form a match made by heaven itself."

"Perhaps I need only give them a gentle push, rather than exhaust myself in a desperate struggle to forcibly merge the Great Path."

Having said his piece, Energy Abyss Chen clasped his hands in a formal salute towards Eldrin Chen and declared, "I depart now for a life-or-death seclusion [a closed-door cultivation session of utmost peril, where one either achieves a breakthrough or perishes in the attempt]. I shall not emerge until these two arts are fused into one."

"Then I shall await the good news from the Patriarch."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, his gaze following the departing figure until it vanished from sight.

Once the visitor had departed, Eldrin Chen returned to the Seclusion Chamber and resumed his life of profound cultivation.

Now, with the aid of the Soul Nourishing Wood and various other Rare Treasure, the progress of his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation had finally begun to show a steady, tangible improvement.

At this rate, it would take roughly several thousand Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years] of time in the outside world for his Primordial Spirit cultivation to reach the Half-Step Path Union Realm.

Yet this period of seclusion was not destined to last long. Before much time had passed, within the depths of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, a supreme and peerless Primordial Chaos Great Path [a supreme Dao principle born from the primordial chaos] was conceived and born.

Behold! His Reincarnation Body [an avatar formed from the power of reincarnation] soared into the air. Around it, six streams of Reincarnation Power [the fundamental energy governing the cycle of rebirth] churned and coalesced, ultimately transforming into the supreme Primordial Chaos Great Path Divine Form [a divine manifestation embodying a Great Path born from primordial chaos].

"The Reincarnation Great Path, it has finally reached the Realm of Chaos [a state of cultivation aligned with the primordial chaos]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, a ripple of profound emotion stirring within his heart.

The Reincarnation Great Path was a Chaos Limitless Great Path [a supreme Dao path of boundless potential born from chaos]. Legend spoke of it possessing nine distinct Chaos Divine Form [divine manifestations born from chaos]. Once all nine of these Great Path [supreme Dao principles] manifestations were gathered, one could ascend directly to the half-step Limitless Realm.

Now, the Reincarnation Great Path [a supreme cultivation art centered on the profound mysteries of rebirth and the cycle of existence] cultivated by the Reincarnation Body [a special physical form or avatar born from the power of reincarnation] is but a single branch of that vast and ancient Reincarnation Great Path.

In theory, within the boundless expanse of Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all creation emerged], there should be multiple supreme powerhouses who cultivate the Reincarnation Great Path.

"The Reincarnation Great Path has indeed reached the Chaos," he mused, "yet upon this Great Path [a supreme and fundamental cultivation art or principle], it seems there are quite a few who also cultivate the path of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler who commands the primordial forces of Chaos]."