Chapter 2149 : The Sacrificial Path's Ascendant Legacy
Unbeknownst to many, under the cultivation and guidance of Eldrin Chen, the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-sacrifice for power] has ascended to a zenith, shining as brilliantly as the midday sun.
Beyond the first generation of Heavenly Emperor of the Sacrificial Self Path [the supreme practitioners of the Sacrificial Self Path who have reached the Heavenly Emperor realm] such as Imperial Sovereign Jiang, Nyssa Qu, Ethan Chen, and Gentle Deer, the Sacrificial Self Path has welcomed a vast influx of new Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for those who have attained the Heavenly Emperor realm through the Chaos Path].
By now, all of Eldrin Chen's Ten Direct Disciples have stepped into the Heavenly Emperor Realm [the sovereign realm of cultivation, commanding immense power over heaven and earth].
Furthermore, there are seventy-two other Heavenly Emperor of the Sacrificial Self Path who have made their breakthroughs within the last twenty thousand Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often marked by great upheaval and tribulation].
These seventy-two Heavenly Emperor of the Sacrificial Self Path are known to the outside world as the Seventy-Two Sages of the Sacrificial Self Path.
However, their innate talent and foundational depth pale in comparison to figures like Ethan Chen. Over half of them sacrificed either their Inner Immortal Domain [a personal pocket dimension cultivated within oneself, a source of immense power] or their Nine Immortal Treasuries [nine foundational repositories of spiritual essence and power within a cultivator's body] to achieve their ascension.
A minority, with stronger foundations, managed to preserve both their Inner Immortal Domain and their Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [the ten supreme repositories of power, a pinnacle achievement]. Yet, the majority forged their path based on the Nine Immortal Treasuries alone, or cultivated only a Small Primordial Domain [a lesser, nascent form of an inner world]. Their future progress is likely capped at the Supreme Realm [a lofty but ultimately limited pinnacle below the absolute peak].
Of course, possessing the potential to reach the Supreme [a prefix denoting a cultivator of supreme, near-peerless power] realm is itself a testament to extraordinary talent. In the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the primordial, infinite expanse from which all realms are born], prodigies are as numerous as fish in a river, yet those with genuine Supreme potential remain exceedingly rare.
At this moment, Eldrin Chen surveyed the assembled crowd, a rare smile gracing his features.
Since resources were being invested to nurture these Heavenly Emperor of the Sacrificial Self Path, it was only natural that certain preferences and biases would come into play.
Among these seventy-two great sages of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence through sacrifice], aside from the earliest batch of outstanding nominal disciples, were also many familiar faces to Eldrin Chen.
These included Eldrin's old acquaintances from his early years, such as the Sage Ascendant Primordial Era Spirit Emperor and the Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor.
There were also four Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm representing immense power and authority] from the Human Race: Bright Radiance, Voidwalker, Purple Tenuity, and Azure Dragon [a mythical dragon representing the east and the wood element], along with Imperial Lord [a high-ranking immortal lord] from Divine Clan [clans with divine heritage] like Tai Cang Divine Emperor and Void Divine Emperor.
These Sage Ascendant [a realm just below the ultimate sages] and Great Emperors possessed considerable foundations, some even backed by Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of primordial chaos] and the Immortal Court [the celestial governing body of immortals]. Their conversion to the Sacrificial Self Path did not consume many of Eldrin Chen's resources.
Furthermore, there were venerable predecessors of the Human Race who had shown Eldrin Chen great kindness in the past, such as Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord, Grand Nether Imperial Lord, and Great Center Imperial Lord.
The breakthrough of these Primordial One Imperial Lord [a specific, powerful tier within the Imperial Lord realm] was due not only to their extraordinary foundations but also significantly to Eldrin Chen's cultivation and guidance.
Then there were the seven Great Emperors from the lineage of the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm: Sword Mystery Great Emperor, Sword Abyss Great Emperor, and the Three Talents and Four Symbols [a powerful formation based on the concepts of Heaven, Earth, Man, and the four directional beasts].
These nine individuals possessed exceptional talent. Apart from Sword Abyss Great Emperor, who lagged slightly behind, the others, after converting their cultivation, possessed foundations and potential no weaker than Gentle Deer. In the future, they too might possess the potential to reach the Half-Step Limitless [a realm bordering on true boundlessness].
Among them, the Three Talents and Four Symbols Imperial Lord earned Eldrin Chen's particular favor. Using Primordial Chaos Source Essence [the fundamental essence of primordial chaos] and Chaos Genesis Energy [the creative energy of chaos], he transformed his foundation into a Chaos Foundation [a supreme spiritual root born from chaos] before exclusively cultivating the Sacrificial Self Path to achieve his Dao. His foundation was in no way inferior to Gentle Deer's.
According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, the Great Paths [the fundamental cultivation principles] of these seven individuals were extremely compatible with one another. Once they stepped into the realm of Peak Half-Step Limitless, by joining forces, they might barely be able to contend with a weaker Chaos Sovereign [a sovereign ruler born from primordial chaos].
Of course, beneath the Sovereign [the supreme realm of cultivation, transcending all others], all are but ants. Such resistance is still a desperate struggle. At best, they can only rely on their formation to barely preserve themselves. There is no possibility whatsoever of harming a Chaos Sovereign [a Sovereign who has mastered the primordial forces of Chaos] in the slightest.
Beyond these illustrious Great Emperor [a supreme ruler whose power and authority are near-absolute], there were also many who had been close to Eldrin Chen since the early years.
Among them were Blazing Phoenix, the Heavenly Mountain Goddess, Horizon Patriarch, Violet Mystery Path Master, Violet Capital Path Master, Heaven Abyss Path Master, Ancient Ruins Nether Lord, Glazed Divine Lord, Void Sword Master, Primordial Solar Patriarch, and others.
There was also the Annihilation Path Master. Rescued by Eldrin Chen from the distant past, this individual displayed a talent comparable to the very pinnacle of Great Emperor.
With Eldrin Chen's support, he cultivated the Ten Directions Annihilation Great Path [a supreme cultivation art of absolute destruction], mastered the Ten Great Immortal Treasuries [ten supreme divine abilities representing ultimate treasures], and through them forged the Sole Chaos Immortal Treasury [a unique, peerless foundation born from primordial chaos]. His foundational depth was truly rare in the world.
Unfortunately, the Annihilation Path Master was not adept in the Inner Immortal Domain Art [the art of cultivating an inner world within oneself]. In the end, he was forced to sacrifice his Inner Immortal Domain [the cultivated inner world] to complete the Sole Chaos Immortal Treasury.
Beyond these individuals, many of the remaining disciples were prodigiously talented figures from the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains. After converting to the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation path centered on self-sacrifice and transcendence], they entered Eldrin Chen's tutelage as inner disciples.
According to Eldrin Chen's established rules, he would accept at most twelve personal disciples in the future.
Furthermore, there would be thirty-six true disciples, seventy-two inner disciples, and a nominal count of three thousand registered disciples.
Of course, the number three thousand was merely symbolic.
Once the quotas for direct disciples and inner disciples were filled, thereafter, any cultivator who stepped into the Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor, a supreme sovereign] via the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence] would be eligible to become a nominal disciple of Eldrin Chen.
As for direct disciples and inner disciples, their positions were to be contested based on strength.
After all, within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], strength was paramount. The strong rose, and the weak fell—this was an immutable Heavenly Rule [a fundamental law of the cosmos]. One could not have a Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified their cultivation path] addressing a mere Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for a Heavenly Emperor who rules within the Chaos] as 'Senior Brother'.
Returning to the matter at hand, Eldrin Chen swept his gaze over the assembly, then suddenly paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.
Within the crowd, he had spotted a familiar figure—none other than the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant [a title for a supreme sage whose dao is aligned with the mythical Vermilion Bird], with whom he had clashed in ages past.
Many years had passed. The Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant had severed all memories of his former life and reincarnated as a cultivator of the Sacrificial Self Path. He had already achieved the Heavenly Emperor Realm within the Chaos, and by all appearances, his innate talent and foundation were quite commendable.
Being the reincarnation of a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the penultimate sage realm], it was uncertain if he could reach the pinnacle of the Path Union Realm [the realm where one's cultivation path is fully unified], but the likelihood of him attaining an ordinary Path Union Supreme status was certainly not insignificant.
Besides the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant, there was also the Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant. In the past, this individual had fought Eldrin Chen over the Heaven and Earth Cauldron [a legendary cauldron artifact], and was subsequently imprisoned within the Void-Refining Vase [a mystical vase capable of refining void essence] by Eldrin Chen.
In truth, there existed no irreconcilable enmity between them.
Now, Eldrin Chen's cultivation was on an entirely different plane. No longer concerned about the exposure of the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron [the true name of the legendary cauldron, capable of creation], he simply released the captive.
Upon discerning the true strength of Eldrin Chen, this individual decisively pledged allegiance under his banner, converting to the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-sacrifice and transcendence] and becoming his nominal disciple.
Ancient One of Heaven and Earth was originally a Chaos Divine Beast known as the 'Qiankun Kui' [a mythical beast embodying the primordial forces of heaven and earth] who had taken human form. His innate talent and foundational depth were extraordinary, and after converting to the Sacrificial Self Path, his potential soared even higher.
Now, having reached the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm [the supreme realm of a Heavenly Emperor within the primordial chaos] via the Sacrificial Self Path, he likely possesses the Potential for Path Union [the potential to ultimately merge with and become one with the Great Path itself] in the future.
Regarding these two former adversaries, Eldrin Chen harbored no ill will. Instead, a rare, genuine smile touched his lips.
From the lofty perspective Eldrin Chen now occupied, many of the past grudges had faded into insignificance.
His nature was decisive; any vengeance that demanded repayment had long been settled without mercy. Those who remained were individuals without absolute enmity between them—their past conflicts born merely from differing allegiances.
Now, with the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains [the collective name for the vast territory under Eldrin Chen's unified rule] united as one, clinging to such old grievances served no purpose.
Returning to the matter at hand, after surveying the assembled figures, Eldrin Chen gave a satisfied nod. Only then did he extend the perfected Scripture of Path Transmission [the sacred text containing the complete and refined teachings of his cultivation path].
"Esteemed ones," he declared, "this is the perfected Sacrificial Self Path scripture from my hand. It will provide immense benefit to all of you who cultivate this method."
"Devote yourselves to its profound study henceforth, and your cultivation bases are certain to advance even further."
The group took the Scripture of Path Transmission and glanced at it, their faces immediately lighting up with delight.
Many also discerned the deeper purpose behind Eldrin Chen's actions, a flicker of astonishment appearing in their gazes.
Seated at the Central of the great hall, Eldrin Chen took a sip of tea. After everyone had finished reading the Scripture of Path Transmission, he spoke calmly, "The method of the Sacrificial Self Path must be widely disseminated throughout the Chaos."
"Your cultivation has now reached the Heavenly Emperor Realm. Henceforth, you shall each venture into the Chaos and, on my behalf, spread the cultivation method of the Sacrificial Self Path."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions brightened with joy.
As Chaos Heavenly Emperors of the Sacrificial Self Path, these Heavenly Emperors had long understood that once they stepped into the Heavenly Emperor Realm, Eldrin Chen could offer them little further direct assistance.
Although the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven possessed a three-hundredfold Space-Time acceleration, this was primarily reserved by Eldrin Chen for nurturing promising newcomers to the Sacrificial Self Path; it could not be freely provided for the cultivation of these established Heavenly Emperor of the Sacrificial Self Path.
Moreover, having just broken through to the Heavenly Emperor Realm, they possessed scant cultivation resources. Many still owed debts for the resources Eldrin Chen had previously provided.
Henceforth, Eldrin Chen could not continue to sustain their further breakthroughs. To advance, they would have to venture into the Chaos Desolation Sea to seek their own fortunes and opportunities.
Fortunately, with this new Sacrificial Self Path technique, the resources generated by their Inner Immortal Domain [a self-contained miniature world within a cultivator] would, to a certain extent, alleviate their shortage of cultivation materials.
And spreading the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-sacrifice and transcendence] is also a great act of Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds] for them.
This is because the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-sacrifice and transcendence] holds boundless Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds]. If they can spread the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-sacrifice and transcendence] throughout the Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all realms are born], they will naturally receive a portion of the Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds] earned from spreading the Dao.
It can be said that journeying through the Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all realms are born] while preaching the Dao across the myriad realms [the countless realms and worlds that exist within the cosmos] holds immense benefits for them.
Considering this, everyone present bowed respectfully and declared in unison, "We shall heed the Path Ancestor's instruction and ensure the Sacrificial Self Great Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-sacrifice and transcendence] is propagated throughout the myriad realms [the countless realms and worlds that exist within the cosmos]."
"Very well,"
Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. With a flick of his sleeve, he transmitted a map to the assembly and spoke, "This is a map of the Seven Domains Alliance [a vast and powerful coalition of seven major domains]. Each of you shall select a territory within it to spread the teachings."
Each person received a scroll containing the map. A single glance was enough to stir a sense of awe within their hearts.
They realized that within the entirety of the Seven Domains Alliance [a vast and powerful coalition of seven major domains], the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains [a specific region of one hundred domains known as the Returning Abyss] was but an insignificant speck, occupying less than one five-hundredth of the alliance's total territory.
"The Seven Domains Alliance [a vast and powerful coalition of seven major domains] is boundless and vast, serving as the heart of this Chaos Domain [a specific region within the primordial Chaos]," he continued.
"Your current strength is insufficient. Do not venture to preach in the core regions of the alliance. Focus instead on spreading the Dao within the remote and desolate fringes of the Chaos Domain [a specific region within the primordial Chaos]."
Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, convinced that given the superiority of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence through sacrifice], no Great Emperor [a supreme ruler who has mastered profound cosmic laws] could possibly refuse such a path of cultivation.
Furthermore, those spreading the teachings were all Sacrificial Self Path Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for an emperor who reigns over primordial chaos], each a peerless powerhouse among their rank. Even if other Chaos Heavenly Emperor intervened, they would be unable to stop them.
The only concern was interference from a Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified multiple cultivation paths]. However, as Chaos Heavenly Emperor, they could easily operate from the shadows, using avatars to spread their teachings, thus avoiding significant trouble.
With this in mind, Eldrin Chen offered further instructions, advising them that should a Path Union Supreme obstruct their mission, they should temporarily withdraw. They were to return and let supreme-level combatants like Nyssa Qu and Imperial Sovereign Jiang handle the negotiations.
And if that still failed, Eldrin Chen himself would make the journey.
Bolstered by this assurance, the group dispersed, each beginning preparations for their journey to the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse at the edge of creation] to propagate the Path.
After a moment's thought, Eldrin Chen personally penned a letter. He had it delivered to the Azure Fall Sword Domain [a renowned realm of sword cultivators] for Kael Chen.
With this elder clan brother's influence, it was unlikely the lineage of the Azure Fall Supreme [the supreme sovereign of the Azure Fall Sword Domain] would hinder their missionary work.
With all arrangements made, Eldrin Chen surveyed the now-empty great hall. He realized only his closest companions, such as Exquisite Jiang, remained by his side.
Gazing at them, Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh, a wave of complex emotion washing over his features.
"What is the matter?"
Exquisite Jiang spoke, her voice tinged with confusion as she inquired.
Eldrin Chen shook his head, then began to speak: "After the consumption of twenty thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], the resources in our hands are now nearly depleted."
Upon hearing this, Exquisite Jiang and Nyssa Qu could not help but show a trace of helplessness on their faces.
Previously, within the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, Eldrin Chen had obtained the legacy of that ancient place, becoming fabulously wealthy overnight, so to speak.
Yet, though this trove of resources was vast, it could not withstand the even greater consumption of the Returning Abyss Lineage.
To enable Imperial Sovereign Jiang and the others to attain Supreme [the highest level of] combat prowess, nearly half of those resources had already been expended, and Eldrin Chen himself had consumed a significant portion as well.
The remaining resources, used to nurture nearly one hundred successors after the Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign ruler among immortals] level, were now also nearly exhausted.
At present, resources like the Chaos Golden Bamboo Shoot and Soul Nourishing Wood were still manageable, as they could be cultivated using the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth. However, the resources required for ascension to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign who commands primordial chaos] realm were running dangerously low.
Henceforth, although the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-transcendence] would still be able to continuously produce Chaos Heavenly Emperor cultivators, both the speed and the numbers would inevitably be greatly reduced.
Of course, these were all low-tier resources for Eldrin Chen and thus not a major issue. The critical problem was that the resources he needed for his cultivation, such as Supreme Divine Liquid [a supreme-grade spiritual liquid essential for high-level cultivation breakthroughs], were far from sufficient.
Considering this, Exquisite Jiang inquired, "Husband, what do you think we should do next?"
Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before replying, "Among my Three Great Foundations [the three core pillars of a cultivator's power: Primordial Spirit, Great Path, and physical body], my Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation cannot advance, and my Great Path [the cultivation of one's fundamental Dao or law] cultivation cannot progress significantly in the short term either."
"The only aspect that can achieve a rapid breakthrough now is my physical body cultivation."
"For me, the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains are too resource-poor to allow further advancement. Therefore, I plan to travel and explore the Chaos Desolation Sea."
Everyone nodded upon hearing this. Nyssa Qu spoke up, "Spreading your teachings while journeying through the Chaos Desolation Sea is indeed a fine choice."
"This time, let us accompany you."
Eldrin Chen considered it. With the Reincarnation Body [a powerful avatar or clone formed through reincarnation techniques] and the Supreme Puppet [a peak-grade enchanted automaton] standing guard, the security of the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains should be assured.
Moreover, if danger arose, he could swiftly return using the Nameless Space [a mysterious pocket dimension] within the Returning Abyss Pearl. Thus, he nodded and said, "Since that is the case, let us embark on this journey."
"..."
Early the next morning, Eldrin Chen set out with his six Dao companions to wander the Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all realms are born].
Compared to his previous ventures into the Chaos Desolation Sea, this journey felt far more leisurely for Eldrin Chen.
His mind was largely devoted to the journey itself, a rare chance to truly immerse himself in the wonders of the Chaos. His bond with his companions deepened, growing ever more affectionate.
He traveled the Chaos with his immortal maidens, witnessing the customs and cultures of various Primordial Domain [vast, ancient territories within the Chaos]. Wherever he went, he would also spread his teachings.
Occasionally, a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler of a Chaos domain] might consider obstructing him, but the moment they sensed his aura, they would be struck with such fear that they dared not interfere in the slightest.
Beyond exploring the great Primordial Domain, Eldrin Chen also ventured into the various deadly forbidden lands scattered throughout the Chaos.
Within the Chaos Domain governed by the Seven Domains Alliance, there were few ChaosForbidden Land [places of extreme danger and mystery within the Chaos] that could truly threaten a Path Union Supreme [a cultivator who has unified their cultivation path to a supreme level]. This was even more true for Eldrin Chen, who stood among the foremost of Pinnacle Supreme cultivators.
Whenever Eldrin Chen entered a territory ruled by a Supreme [a title denoting supreme power], he would thoroughly explore these Forbidden Land, acquiring numerous Chaos Spiritual Treasure [rare artifacts born from the essence of Chaos] and more.
Unfortunately, most of these treasures were low-grade Chaos Rare Treasure [rare treasures of Chaos origin], of little use to Eldrin Chen. He also rarely found Path Union Flower or other such Rare Treasure.
However, he did gather a considerable amount of supplementary ingredients for refining the Path Union Pill [a pill that aids in unifying one's cultivation path], as well as auxiliary herbs for the Lesser Limitless Immortal Pill.
Even for the key supplementary ingredient of the Lesser Limitless Immortal Pill [a pill that can significantly enhance a cultivator's foundation and potential], Eldrin Chen had managed to find one specimen. It was called the Path-Seeking Fruit [a spiritual fruit said to guide one's cultivation path].
To refine the Lesser Limitless Immortal Pill, besides the most crucial main ingredient, two key supplementary herbs were required: the Path Union Flower [a flower representing the union with the Heavenly Path] and the Path-Seeking Fruit.
Both the Path Union Flower and the Path-Seeking Fruit were Mid-Grade Chaos Spirit Herb [spiritual plants of immense value]. Their worth was comparable to, if not exceeding, that of a Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact from the Chaos Realm].
Eldrin Chen had now obtained two of the three key ingredients. All that remained was to gather the main ingredient to begin refining the Lesser Limitless Immortal Pill.
The most critical main ingredient for refining the Lesser Limitless Immortal Pill was the Limitless Grass [the Grass of Boundlessness]. This Limitless Grass could be considered a lesser version of the legendary Limitless Flower [the Flower of Boundlessness], yet it still ranked among the most supreme Mid-Grade Chaos Spirit Herb.
Generally speaking, the value of a single stalk of Limitless Grass was enough to incite life-and-death struggles among many top-tier Path Union Supreme [cultivators at the peak of the Path Union realm]. Even Half-Step Limitless Powerhouse [beings on the verge of the Limitless Realm] would likely be stirred by desire for it.
After all, a single stalk of Limitless Grass could very well enable a top-tier Path Union cultivator to ascend directly to the Half-Step Limitless Realm in one great leap.
After stepping into the realm of Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for supreme cultivators within the Chaos Realm], breakthroughs became increasingly arduous, and the gaps between stages grew ever wider. Even the weakest Half-Step Limitless Powerhouse could sweep away a coalition of ten ordinary Pinnacle Supreme [cultivators at the pinnacle of the Supreme realm].
As for ordinary Path Union Supreme like the Blazing Center Supreme [a title for a Supreme cultivator], a Half-Step Limitless being could suppress them with a single finger.
The disparity in power was so vast that numbers held no meaning unless one could form a grand formation. Otherwise, any number of ordinary Path Union cultivators would be picked off one by one by a Half-Step Limitless opponent.
"The Limitless Grass [a legendary herb said to grant boundless potential] is exceedingly rare. Legends say it can only be found within medium or large-scale Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [hidden dimensions born from the primordial chaos], or perhaps within the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [hidden dimensions born from the primordial chaos]."
Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then turned his gaze towards the direction of the Seven Domains Alliance.
The Seven Domains Alliance is the Sovereign [the supreme ruling power] of this vast Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all creation emerged]. It is likely they possess information regarding the Limitless Grass [a legendary herb said to grant boundless potential].
However, Eldrin Chen regarded the Seven Domains Alliance with considerable caution.
For Eldrin Chen suspected that within the Seven Domains Alliance likely resided at least one or two disciples of the ancient master, Nameless.
While this could be advantageous, the complication was that these disciples were likely key targets of surveillance by those Chaos Sovereign [the supreme rulers of the primordial chaos realm].
Should Eldrin Chen make contact with them, he risked alerting the former comrades of Nameless and revealing clues to his own identity.
"Matters concerning the Seven Domains Alliance require the utmost prudence," he concluded.
"Yet, that particular Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [hidden dimension born from the primordial chaos] from years past holds a role of paramount importance for my cultivation of the Supreme Physique [a legendary, flawless bodily foundation for cultivation]."
As Eldrin Chen whispered these thoughts to himself, he fell into deep contemplation.
In ages past, Nameless [the enigmatic Path Ancestor] wandered the Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse between worlds] for many years, exploring countless Chaos Forbidden Land [dangerous, uncharted regions of the primordial void]. Once, in a remote corner of the Chaos near the Seven Domains Alliance [a coalition of seven powerful immortal domains], he discovered a rare Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden pocket dimension born from the primordial chaos].
It was a large-scale Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, one that had nurtured not just one, but multiple Limitless Flower [a legendary herb said to grant insights into the boundless Dao]. Of the three Limitless Flower once possessed by the Nameless Path Ancestor, two were harvested from this very place.
Of course, that particular Primordial Chaos Secret Realm has long since been picked clean, its supreme treasures like the Limitless Flower gone.
Yet, being a large-scale Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, it contained a 'Chaos Marrow-Cleansing Pool' [a pool of primordial energy that purifies and reforges the physical body]—a peerless cultivation site for those following the Fleshly Body Sanctification [the art of refining one's physical form to divine perfection] path.
If Eldrin Chen could enter and cultivate within it, achieving a Path Union [a profound state of unity with one's chosen Dao] Supreme Physique [a body tempered to its ultimate, flawless potential] would likely be as natural as water flowing downhill.
In essence, that large Primordial Chaos Secret Realm represents one of the legacies the Nameless Path Ancestor left behind as a contingency—and it constitutes only a small fraction of his total inheritance.
However, the rest of his legacy was either bestowed upon his seven direct disciples, hidden in even more distant reaches of the Chaos, or seized by other Chaos Sovereign [beings who have mastered and rule over fragments of the primordial chaos]. Retrieving them in the short term would be impossible.