Chapter 2143 : Forging the Ultimate Immortal-Slaying Gourd

Returning to the main topic, after advancing the four Chaos Spiritual Root [a spiritual root of primordial chaos, the highest grade of cultivation foundation], Eldrin Chen directly retrieved the four Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a magical treasure forged from primordial chaos essence].

He entrusted the three treasures—the Seven Treasures Gourd [a gourd containing seven different types of spiritual treasures], the Nine Solar Heavenly Flame Sword Formation [a sword formation harnessing the power of nine celestial suns], and the Eight Trigrams Formation Flags [a set of eight flags arranged according to the Eight Trigrams for defensive or offensive formations]—to Worthy Pursuit Chen, Imperial Sovereign Jiang, and Lingering Ye respectively for them to refine and attune.

As for the Gale Wind Immortal-Slaying Gourd [a legendary gourd that unleashes a soul-reaping gale capable of slaying even immortals], Eldrin Chen personally began to refine it with great care, intending to make it his ultimate trump card.

The Gale Wind Immortal-Slaying Gourd possessed immense destructive power, but the cost to activate it was equally staggering. To fully charge its Gale Wind [the primordial wind essence sealed within the gourd] and manifest the treasure's foundational power required an immense expenditure of time.

Given Eldrin Chen's current cultivation level and the quality of his spiritual energy [the refined vital force cultivated by practitioners], he estimated it would take the span of one hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years] of dedicated nurturing to fully saturate the Gale Wind Immortal-Slaying Gourd with the required energy.

Once fully charged, the Gale Wind Immortal-Slaying Gourd could unleash a cataclysmic force of near-ultimate potency, powerful enough to grievously wound even a Half-Step Limitless Supreme [a cultivator who has nearly transcended all limitations and stands at the pinnacle of existence].

This was still with Eldrin Chen's insufficient cultivation, as the quality of the energy he could infuse was not yet potent enough. If Eldrin Chen possessed spiritual energy of Half-Step Limitless quality, the destructive might of the Gale Wind Immortal-Slaying Gourd would multiply severalfold.

Even so, the Gale Wind Immortal-Slaying Gourd remained a weapon of terrifying magnitude, fully capable of serving as Eldrin Chen's most formidable hidden ace.

Returning to the narrative, after distributing the treasures, Eldrin Chen instructed everyone to continue their secluded cultivation.

Subsequently, Eldrin Chen also entered his Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared chamber for undisturbed meditation and cultivation] and began to meditate, focusing his senses on the five primary Great Path [the supreme cultivation arts or laws that form the core of a cultivator's power] he cultivated.

Long ago, after slaying three Great Path Rivals, Eldrin Chen had already felt a certain confidence in seizing the authority over the three Great Paths of Life, Profound Darkness, and Mixed Metal.

Now that his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation had once again reached perfection, it was time to contend for the Great Path Authority [the sovereign control over a fundamental cosmic principle].

"It is time for the breakthrough," he murmured.

Eldrin Chen whispered softly, then decisively emerged from his Chaos Primordial Spirit [a Primordial Spirit state attuned to primordial chaos]. In an instant, he plunged into the boundless Primordial Chaos Great Path Sea [the metaphysical ocean where all fundamental cosmic principles originate and intertwine].

Immediately, his Primordial Spirit was the first to merge into the Mixed Metal Great Path [the fundamental cosmic principle governing all metallic essences and transformations], beginning an all-out struggle to seize its authority.

Among the five Great Paths that Eldrin Chen cultivated concurrently, the Mixed Metal Great Path and the Source Earth Great Path [the fundamental cosmic principle governing the primordial essence of earth] held the lowest ranks, each possessing eighteen Great Path Divine Forms [divine manifestations or avatars of a Great Path's power].

The Great Path of Profound Darkness [the fundamental cosmic principle governing profound darkness and shadow] possessed twenty Great Path Divine Forms, the Great Path of Life [the fundamental cosmic principle governing life and vitality] possessed twenty-four, and the Primordial Solar Great Path [the fundamental cosmic principle governing the primordial essence of the sun] possessed twenty-six.

Now, Eldrin Chen proceeded from the simple to the difficult, targeting first the authority over the Chaos [the state of primordial, undifferentiated existence] Metal Great Path.

As an Innate Limitless Great Path [a fundamental cosmic principle that is innate and boundless], the Primordial One Ancient Metal Great Path [another name for the Mixed Metal Great Path, emphasizing its primordial and singular nature] was considered quite rare even within Chaos, with several Chaos Heavenly Emperors [supreme sovereigns whose authority extends over domains within primordial chaos] cultivating it concurrently.

The moment Eldrin Chen began his assault on this authority, he immediately drew the attention of these Chaos Heavenly Emperors.

"How dare you!"

With a furious roar, several Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for supreme cultivators who have mastered the primordial chaos] with Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a high level of attainment] cultivation surged into the Desolation Sea and erupted into a Great Path Contention [a cosmic-level struggle for the authority over fundamental laws of reality] against Eldrin Chen.

Unfortunately, these powerful beings' Primordial Spirit cultivation was not particularly high, with only one among them having just stepped into the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a specific, advanced stage within the Primordial Spirit realm]. They were utterly incapable of posing any significant threat to Eldrin Chen.

Under these circumstances, Eldrin Chen battled fiercely against his numerous foes. In the end, he wrested the complete authority over the Primordial One Ancient Metal Great Path [the supreme law governing the essence of primordial metal] from the grasp of the horde.

"Success."

Seeing the authority of the Primordial One Ancient Metal Great Path secured in his hand, a surge of elation washed over Eldrin Chen.

Without further hesitation, he proceeded to seize the authorities over the Profound Darkness True Water [a divine ability embodying the power of profound, dark waters] and the Great Path of Life [the fundamental law governing vitality and life force].

Though he still faced fierce resistance, his formidable Primordial Spirit cultivation ultimately allowed him to prevail, albeit not without a few heart-stopping moments.

Thus, Eldrin Chen had now obtained three of the Innate Limitless Great Path [the supreme, boundless laws that form the foundation of existence]: Mixed Metal [the law of blended metallic essences], Profound Darkness [the concept of profound, primordial darkness], and Life.

Of the five authorities that comprised the Chaos Limitless Great Path [the ultimate divine ability born from the fusion of the five Limitless Great Paths], he now possessed three. The remaining two, he surmised, would only require a period of further accumulation.

With this thought in mind, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate. He immediately retrieved several strands of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative force from which all things originate] and began the process of elevating his Primordial Chaos Great Path [his foundational cultivation path, representing the law of primordial chaos].

Not long after, all three of Eldrin Chen's Great Path [supreme cultivation laws] had completed their advancement, transforming into top-tier Great Path each now possessing two Chaos Divine Form [manifestations of divine power shaped by chaos].

"Three Primordial Chaos Great Path, six Chaos Divine Form."

"My current strength should be on an entirely different level."

After the advancement was complete, Eldrin Chen focused inward to sense the new power coursing through him, and a sense of calm assurance settled in his heart.

The promotion of his three Primordial Chaos Great Path had once again caused his power to surge dramatically.

By Eldrin Chen's own estimation, if he now simultaneously activated all six Primordial Chaos Great Path Divine Form, the power of his Great Path alone should be enough to rival more than half of a Path Union Supreme [a supreme cultivator who has unified multiple Great Paths].

This qualitative leap in the power of his Great Path had propelled Eldrin Chen's overall strength up another significant tier.

If his previous strength could only be considered approaching the combat prowess of a top-tier Path Union Supreme, then his current power should now be a match for an ordinary, yet still top-tier, Path Union [a cultivator who has unified multiple Paths].

With his strength elevated once more, Eldrin Chen felt several degrees more confident about the impending war.

Seeing that the members of the Chen Clan still had a considerable amount of time before emerging from seclusion, Eldrin Chen decided not to waste the opportunity. He immediately entered a state of deep meditation to begin comprehending the authorities of the Primordial Solar Heavenly Flame and the Source Earth of All Things Great Path.

With his current level of enlightenment, his speed in comprehending and perfecting the Great Path was naturally incomparable to the past. Further accelerated by the three-hundredfold flow of Space-Time, his progress in cultivating the Great Path advanced by leaps and bounds.

Thus, time flowed by in the blink of an eye. Unbeknownst to him, several thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] passed in the outside world, while Eldrin Chen had cultivated in seclusion within the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm for over a million Kalpa Tribulation.

On this day, Eldrin Chen awoke from his deep meditation, slowly releasing a long, steady breath.

"I fell just one step short in the end."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a trace of regret coloring his expression.

To contend for Great Path Authority [the fundamental authority over a cosmic law or principle] with one's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], one must either possess a full ten percent share of the Great Path Authority or hold the largest single share.

Eldrin Chen's share of the Source Earth [the foundational earth element principle] Great Path Authority was only a hair's breadth away from becoming the largest.

His progress with the Primordial Solar Heavenly Flame [the primordial flame of the sun and heavens], however, still lagged somewhat. It seemed a considerably longer period of cultivation would be required to perfect it.

"Relying solely on solitary cultivation, the pace ultimately remains too slow."

"The most effective method remains to seize the Great Path Authority [the supreme authority over a specific Great Path or Dao] from those Great Path Rival [destined rivals who walk the same Great Path]. Only by doing so can one swiftly occupy the greatest share of Great Path Authority and thereby initiate the Great Path Authority struggle [the ultimate conflict to determine the sole sovereign of a Great Path]."

Eldrin Chen's eyes gleamed faintly for a moment before he swiftly reined in the light.

Now, with the deadline of five thousand Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often associated with great calamity and renewal] approaching, it was time to emerge from seclusion and deal with that Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

Having settled his thoughts, Eldrin Chen directly emerged from his secluded cultivation and summoned the various Heavenly Emperor [a title for supreme rulers of heavenly domains] of the Chen Immortal Clan.

After years of secluded cultivation, the cultivation bases of the various Emperors of the Chen Immortal Clan had improved significantly once more.

Among them, Nyssa Qu, Imperial Sovereign Jiang, Ethan Chen, Ye Verdant Peak, Lingering Ye, Worthy Pursuit Chen, and Gentle Deer had made the greatest strides.

With Eldrin Chen being unstinting with opportunities, their cultivation had already reached the third Chaos Immortal Treasury [a profound cultivation stage representing a treasury of chaotic immortal power], and their Inner Immortal Domain [the internal world or domain cultivated within an immortal] was nearing perfection.

With such a foundation, combined with their Formation Artifact [artifacts designed to create or empower formations] and Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a powerful treasure forged from primordial chaos energy], their combat power had nearly touched the threshold of the Path Union Supreme Domain [the supreme domain stage within the Path Union realm].

It could be said that, with the exception of the slightly weaker Gentle Deer, the strength of these seven individuals was almost comparable to that of newly ascended Supreme [a prefix denoting the highest rank, e.g., Supreme Emperor, Supreme Lord] beings.

"Seven newly ascended Supreme-level combatants, plus the power of the Supreme Puppet [a puppet artifact possessing Supreme-level power]."

"With our forces arrayed against the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, victory should be all but assured."

Having gained a clear understanding of their respective strengths, a sense of calm settled over the assembled group.

Heartened by this, Ethan Chen could not help but speak up. "The timing seems opportune. Should we not launch our grand assault against the Outer Realm Demon Emperor now?"

"There is no need for haste."

Eldrin Chen shook his head. "With our current power, breaching the Six Domains of the Northern Abyss would not be difficult. However, it might very well provide the Outer Realm Demon Emperor with an opportunity to flee."

"Our priority should be to wait for the Outer Realm Demon Emperor to emerge. Only then can we seek the perfect chance to utterly annihilate him."

The others nodded in thoughtful agreement.

After a moment of contemplation, Exquisite Jiang spoke. "The twenty-eight Primordial Domain under the command of the Blazing Central Chaos Domain are currently advancing towards our Blazing Central Hundred Domains."

"I believe such a prime opportunity is one the Outer Realm Demon Emperor is unlikely to miss."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. The Primordial Domain subordinate to the Blazing Central Chaos Domain were indeed preparing to integrate into the Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

Because the Primordial Immortal Domain was in the process of migrating, the protective formations of these Primordial Domain [the foundational realms of the cosmos] were being disrupted. Not only was their power greatly diminished, but they had also become considerably looser, presenting an excellent opportunity to defeat them one by one.

In the current Blazing Central Hundred Domains, the various Primordial Domain were banding together for warmth and mutual protection. Such a prime opportunity was likely rare, so that Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a supreme ruler from beyond the known cosmos] would probably not let this chance slip by.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen immediately spoke up: "Follow me to lay down the Heaven and Earth Net [a grand trapping formation]. For this battle, we must absolutely catch the Outer Realm Demon Emperor off guard."

"..."

To return to the main thread, on the very next day after the decision was made, Eldrin Chen concealed the various Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers who have attained the Heavenly Emperor realm] of the Chen Clan within the Polarity Void Mirror [a mystical mirror capable of containing space]. Then, he silently traversed the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between realms] and arrived at the Blazing Central Chaos Domain.

At this time, the Blazing Central Primordial Domain was still very distant from the Southern Abyss Ten Domains, yet the major powers seemed quite excited. They were all gazing into the distance towards the direction of the Southern Abyss Ten Domains.

Many were discussing Eldrin Chen, clearly finding this legendary figure quite novel.

Eldrin Chen only listened for a few moments before paying it no further mind. He directly and silently concealed himself just outside the Blazing Central Chaos Domain, waiting for the Outer Realm Demon Emperor to emerge from seclusion.

During this period, to prevent the Outer Realm Demon Emperor from heading elsewhere, Eldrin Chen performed numerous divinations by pinching his fingers. Only after repeatedly confirming that the Outer Realm Demon Emperor showed no unusual movement did he finally select this location as the site for their ambush.

Time flowed on like rushing light. After an unknowable span, an immense, boundless killing intent suddenly emanated from the Chaos ahead.

Eldrin Chen raised his gaze and instantly beheld several dozen figures whose auras seemed to overshadow the Myriad Heavens arriving together. Leading them was naturally the peerlessly elegant Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

"Outer Realm Demon Emperor, Ten Demon Sovereigns, Northern Abyss Emperors…"

Observing the assembled Heavenly Emperor before him, Eldrin Chen suppressed the urge to strike, continuing to wait for the optimal moment.

Simultaneously, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, accompanied by the Northern Abyss Emperors, had already charged to the very edge of the Blazing Central Chaos Domain.

"Outer Realm Demon Emperor, how dare you!"

Witnessing the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's assault, the Heavenly Emperor of the Blazing Central Chaos Domain urgently activated their grand formation to block him.

A person's reputation is like a tree's shadow.

Ever since the Outer Realm Demon Emperor devoured a Heavenly Emperor, he had provoked the resistance of countless powerful beings. Naturally, the Chaos Heavenly Emperor gathered here held not a shred of trust for him.

Yet the Outer Realm Demon Emperor remained utterly composed. He arrived before the assembled heroes of the Blazing Central Primordial Domain, then spoke with a calm countenance, "This sovereign has no desire for wanton slaughter. I offer you a chance now."

"If you merely withdraw from these Primordial Domain and allow this sovereign to consume their foundational essence, then I shall certainly not trouble you further."

"A jest."

At that very moment, a cold sneer echoed from within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

The newcomer, clad in violet robes, was none other than Zixiao [the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage], who had severed ties with the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance.

With a frosty expression, Zixiao spoke in an utterly icy tone, "So your plan was to devour the Primordial Domain [the foundational, primordial realm], grow vastly more powerful, and then eliminate us all one by one, was it?"

"Zixiao, I never imagined you would dare show your face here."

Upon hearing this, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a supreme ruler of demons from beyond the known realms] could not help but let a flicker of coldness cross his features.

Gripping his longsword, an overwhelming aura of baleful energy erupted from him as he declared, "Since you seek death, I shall grant your wish and eradicate every last one of you today."

With those words, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor took the lead, charging into the Blazing Central Chaos Domain [the central, fiery region of the primordial chaos] alongside the heroes of Northern Abyss.

Instantly, the Blazing Central Grand Formation was activated once more. Dozens of native Heavenly Emperor [supreme sovereigns who have attained the Heavenly Emperor realm] took control of the formation, clashing with the Devouring Demon Emperor in a world-shaking battle.

Alas, the Chaos Grand Formation [a grand defensive array powered by chaotic energies], while in rapid motion, could not unleash its full might. It struggled to withstand the full-force Slaughter [a divine ability focused on pure annihilation] of a Path Union Supreme [a supreme cultivator who has unified their cultivation path], let alone contend with an Outer Realm Demon Emperor who was far from an ordinary Path Union Supreme.

The great battle had raged for mere moments when the Outer Realm Demon Emperor unleashed a devastating sword strike, shattering the Chaos Grand Formation on the spot.

"Disastrous," someone gasped.

Witnessing the grand formation's collapse, the expressions of the assembled Heavenly Emperor shifted dramatically, many among them revealing a flicker of stark terror.

For a Path Union Supreme, those below the Half-Step Path Union realm held little significance.

With the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's power, he could pick off every single person present, one by one.

This realization plunged all present into despair, a chilling sense of hopelessness taking root in their hearts.

*Clang!*

At that very instant, a Chaos Heaven Halberd descended from beyond the heavens, its trajectory cleaving the sky. It collided with the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's Devouring Ancient Sword, unleashing a shockwave of earth-shattering, heaven-trembling sharpness.

After the clash, the newcomer descended slowly from the Void Heaven, positioning himself squarely before the Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

"Eldrin Chen," the figure announced, his voice resonating with authority.

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a supreme ruler from a dimension beyond the known cosmos] furrowed his brow slightly, a trace of icy disdain coloring his expression as he spoke, "Do you dare to stand in my way?"

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, his voice calm and measured. "Between you and me, a final battle is inevitable. Let us settle our enmity here and now."

"I have long desired to test the mettle of Fellow Cultivator Eldrin," the demon emperor replied.

With those words, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor took to the skies, wielding the Devouring Ancient Sword [a legendary blade said to consume the essence of all it strikes] in a sweeping slash, and thus began a cataclysmic battle against Eldrin Chen that would be remembered for ages.

From the very first clash, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor fought with utter abandon, determined to crush Eldrin Chen with his most devastating techniques and prove himself the one truly worthy of the Sovereign [the pinnacle realm of cultivation, representing absolute mastery over cosmic laws] realm.

Eldrin Chen, for his part, met the assault head-on, yet he held back, revealing only half his true strength.

His restraint was deliberate; he feared that unleashing his full power might startle the Outer Realm Demon Emperor into a desperate retreat, forever losing the chance to end this threat for good.

Even so, Eldrin Chen fighting at half his might was a formidable force, a match for the demon emperor in every exchange.

Thus their duel raged on, an epoch-spanning conflict where time itself seemed to blur. They fought until both were drenched in blood, each bearing wounds that appeared grievous and mortal.

After thousands of exchanges, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor finally spotted a fleeting opening in Eldrin Chen's defense. Seizing the moment, he erupted with his full, pent-up power, summoning forth a blade of dazzling demonic light to crush and subdue his foe.

"Chaos Supreme Art — Heaven-Severing Blade."