Chapter 2155 : Forging the Second Divine Form

Among the seven Great God forms he currently possessed, three—the Battleaxe of Oblivion, the Chaos Pearl, and the Returning Abyss Annihilation Disc—had already merged into his Supreme Divine Form [the ultimate manifestation of his divine physique], forming the core foundation of his Supreme Physique [his unparalleled physical constitution].

Of the remaining four Great God forms, the Space-Time Divine Form [a divine form specializing in manipulating space and time] leaned more towards utility, offering little enhancement to his physical strength or raw bodily power.

The Chaos Giant Cauldron [a primordial cauldron embodying chaotic power], however, combined effects of strength, defense, speed, vitality, and explosive force, making it one of the key pillars of his current physical prowess.

The Impenetrable Physique [a divine ability granting near-invulnerability] and the Eternal Physique [a constitution of everlasting endurance] elevated his vitality and defensive capabilities to their absolute zenith.

If he were to progress further, merging the Chaos Giant Cauldron, the Impenetrable Physique, and the Eternal Physique into a second Ultimate Divine Form [a perfected divine manifestation] would be an optimal path.

Yet, the difficulty of forging a second Supreme Divine Form likely surpassed even that of cultivating a second Supreme Great Path [a supreme cultivation method].

The reason lay in the insufficiency of Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator]. His control over his own foundations was already nearing its limit; he could not suppress his myriad bases while simultaneously attempting to fuse a second Supreme Divine Form.

"To cultivate a second Supreme Divine Form," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, "requires the alignment of heaven's timing, earth's advantage, and human harmony. It demands a profound opportunity, a true catalyst."

With that thought, Eldrin Chen quietly set the notion aside for the time being.

Unable to fuse a second Supreme Divine Form, Eldrin Chen had no choice but to focus on achieving the eighth Ultimate Divine Form.

However, the choice of the eighth Ultimate Divine Form and the method to cultivate it plunged Eldrin Chen into deep contemplation.

After all, the Ultimate Divine Form was far too powerful, and the conditions for its cultivation were exceedingly stringent. Even though Eldrin Chen did not lack Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence, it was not something he could simply achieve at will.

"Among the defensive divine forms, with the Returning Abyss Annihilation Disc, the Impenetrable Physique, and the Eternal Physique, it should already be sufficient."

"For speed and function, there is the Cosmic Sky Sundial. For offensive forms, there are the Battleaxe of Oblivion and the auxiliary divine form, the Chaos Pearl. For foundation and latent potential, there is the Chaos Giant Cauldron."

"What I lack now is an Ultimate Divine Form that enhances my own foundational power."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, and soon a glimmer of understanding dawned upon him.

His three great defensive divine forms already covered all aspects, immensely bolstering his physique while granting him immunity to over ninety-five percent of all types of attacks within the Chaos realm.

Under such circumstances, even if he cultivated another defensive Ultimate Divine Form, its effect would largely be lost due to overlap.

Conversely, cultivating a divine form focused on strength, one that greatly enhanced his raw power, would allow him to use offense as his best defense, thereby indirectly boosting his protective capabilities.

Moreover, his Battleaxe of Oblivion required sufficient strength to unleash its absolute, devastating might.

"A strength-based Ultimate Divine Form?" Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his eyes then gleaming with a sudden realization as two individuals came to mind.

Without hesitation, he departed the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven at once and arrived within the Pan huang-radiant Primordial Domain, where he sought out Panhuang Emperor.

After many years apart, Panhuang Emperor's combat prowess had also stabilized at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Emperor Realm.

Panhuang Emperor cultivated the Great Path of Force, his foundation built around the Divine Form of Strength. His raw power was peerless within the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], embodying the classic principle of overwhelming force shattering all techniques.

Upon meeting Panhuang Emperor, Eldrin Chen immediately stated his purpose.

After listening, Panhuang Emperor directly handed over the core mysteries of his Great Path of Force to Eldrin Chen. He then refused any proposed trade, saying, "When I broke through to the Heavenly Emperor Realm long ago, I already owed you far too much."

"To be able to lend you a hand now settles a great regret in my heart. You must not try to exchange it for treasures."

Eldrin Chen was taken aback for a moment.

He glanced at the jade vial containing the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [a primordial substance containing the essence of creation] and couldn't help but ask, "Won't you even look at what's inside before refusing?"

The Panhuang Emperor was decisive and unwavering. He then shook his head and said, "Given your profound foundation, the price for your assistance would surely be immense. I'd rather not inquire, lest it stir distracting thoughts within me."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, also feeling that the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [the primordial essence from which all creation springs] was indeed not something to be revealed to too many people for the time being. It would be better to wait until he himself had stepped into the Sovereign Realm [the realm of a supreme ruler, a pinnacle of power] and possessed the ability to protect himself before extending aid to his old acquaintances.

Since the Panhuang Emperor firmly declined, Eldrin Chen stored the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence away once more.

Afterwards, he spent some time sitting and discussing the Dao with the Panhuang Emperor before finally rising to his feet. "I must return to secluded cultivation," he stated. "I shall not linger here any longer today."

The Panhuang Emperor also nodded, then spoke. "I, too, shall venture beyond the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains [the collective name for the hundred realms surrounding the Returning Abyss] to wander and gain experience. Who knows how many Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth] will pass before I return? I hope that by our next meeting, your might will already shake the very foundations of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation]."

Eldrin Chen inclined his head and offered his well-wishes. "Then I wish you smooth sailing on your journey, and may you find a Supreme [a prefix denoting the highest, most profound level] opportunity of destiny."

With those words, Eldrin Chen said no more. He took his leave and departed from the Pan huang-radiant Primordial Domain.

The Panhuang Emperor stood silently, watching his retreating figure. A trace of profound emotion flickered across his countenance.

He had a premonition. Perhaps by the time they met again, the status of this Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [the Ancestor who has mastered the Path of the Returning Abyss] would be on a level utterly incomparable to the present.

"..."

After departing from the Pan huang-radiant Primordial Domain, Eldrin Chen proceeded directly towards the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole and soon arrived outside the Chaos Heavenly Ant Nest.

Sensing his arrival, the Ant Heavenly Emperor promptly invited him into the reception hall, offering him a most courteous welcome.

Eldrin Chen likewise dispensed with excessive pleasantries and directly stated his purpose: "To speak plainly, I have come seeking your cultivation method for the Force Extreme Great Path."

"The Force Extreme Divine Form?"

The Ant Heavenly Emperor's gaze grew contemplative, a flicker of surprise passing through his eyes.

Compared to Pan huang-radiant's Great Path of Force, the Ant Heavenly Emperor's Force Extreme Great Path was even more extreme—a supreme path for cultivating a Divine Form that he had pioneered himself.

If Pan huang-radiant's Great Path of Force was the majestic, domineering path of overwhelming force to shatter all techniques...

...then the Ant Heavenly Emperor's Force Extreme Great Path was the path of ultimate, explosive power achieved through an unorthodox and extreme focus.

The Force Extreme Divine Form possessed explosive power that surpassed all limits, granting strength in the short term that even exceeded the Force Divine Form of Pan huang-radiant.

However, the Ant Heavenly Emperor's explosive power was difficult to sustain for long. Thus, each had its own strengths and weaknesses, and on the whole, it was truly difficult to declare one superior to the other.

However, considering that the Force Extreme Divine Form was a unique creation of Ant Heavenly Emperor, Eldrin Chen believed that Ant Heavenly Emperor's talent and innate gifts were even more formidable.

It had to be admitted that Ant Heavenly Emperor's genius was rare in the world. From a humble ant embarking on the path of cultivation, he repeatedly shattered his own limits and the shackles of his bloodline; he was himself a figure of miraculous legend.

If not for his lack of a powerful patron in his early years and an insufficiently complete cultivation system, he might have long since stepped into the Supreme Realm.

Of course, within the Boundless Chaos, prodigies were as numerous as fish in a river. Such Chaos Heavenly Emperor were not necessarily uncommon, and the vast majority of them also halted their progress at the Heavenly Emperor Realm for various reasons.

Those who failed to break through to the Supreme Realm mostly shared a common point: they lacked a patron of the Supreme level.

They not only lacked resources but also, due to insufficient understanding in their formative years, reached the limits of their foundational potential, making it exceedingly difficult to advance any further.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a wave of emotion, experiencing a tinge of regret for Ant Heavenly Emperor.

Of course, had Ant Heavenly Emperor been given a stable cultivation environment and spared the countless trials he endured, he might not have been able to cultivate to such heights.

After all, throughout his life, Ant Heavenly Emperor had repeatedly broken through his own shackles and limits only when pushed to the brink of death in desperate situations.

"If you desire the cultivation method for the Force Extreme Divine Form, I can naturally present it to you with both hands."

The Ant Heavenly Emperor spoke slowly, then produced a scroll of Ancient Scripture and looked towards Eldrin Chen. "However, I have a request I hope you will grant," he said.

"There is no need for such formality."

Eldrin Chen shook his head and replied, "If you have a request, speak it freely. I will assist to the best of my ability."

The Ant Heavenly Emperor gave a slight nod, then summoned Heaven Punishment before speaking. "My youngest son here is ready to attempt his breakthrough into the Heavenly Emperor Realm [the supreme realm of a Heavenly Sovereign]. I wish to ask for your aid in lending him a hand."

To this, Eldrin Chen nodded with a faint smile. "Heaven Punishment and I are old acquaintances. I shall lend my assistance."

With those words, Eldrin Chen handed a token to Heaven Punishment. "Take this," he instructed, "and go to the Returning AbyssTreasure Vault to claim a single opportunity for Heavenly Emperor advancement [a complete set of resources to aid in achieving the Heavenly Emperor realm]."

Upon hearing this, Heaven Punishment's face lit up with joy and surprise.

He knew well that the Heavenly Emperor advancement opportunity from the Returning Abyss Lineage was far more than just a single wisp of Chaos Genesis Energy [primordial energy of creation]. It included four or five other treasures, among them a Chaos Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir refined from chaos], and also granted one chance to utilize the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron that refines and perfects one's foundation].

Merely the chance to use the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron would increase his odds of successfully attaining the Heavenly Emperor realm by thirty percent. Combined with the assistance of the other treasures, his overall chance of a successful breakthrough would be no less than seventy or eighty percent.

Thinking this, Heaven Punishment promptly bowed in gratitude. "My deepest thanks," he said.

Eldrin Chen gave a nod. After Heaven Punishment had departed, he then turned his gaze to Ant Heavenly Emperor and said, "Fellow Daoist, with your innate talent and brilliance, you may perhaps glimpse the Supreme Realm [the ultimate, transcendent state of cultivation]."

"Stones from other mountains can be used to polish jade." [A proverb meaning one can learn and improve by drawing on external strengths and examples.]

"Rather than confining yourself within the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains, Fellow Daoist, it would be better to travel more and experience the vastness of the Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all realms are born]."

Ant Heavenly Emperor nodded slightly, then said with a smile, "Now that this lad has achieved his breakthrough, I can set my mind at ease."

"Before long, I too shall depart from the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains and venture into the Depths of Chaos to witness the wider world. Though when I shall return, what year or month that will be, I cannot say."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, then spoke, "Though the Chaos is boundless and vast, it has its limits; though time is immeasurable, it too has an end."

"I believe that even if the years stretch long, the day will surely come when we meet again."

"…"

After bidding farewell to Ant Heavenly Emperor, Eldrin Chen returned to his Path-Field [a cultivator's personal domain or spiritual field where they cultivate their Dao]. Setting aside all distracting thoughts, he then took out the two volumes of Ancient Scripture [ancient texts containing profound cultivation knowledge or techniques] given by Pan huang-radiant and Ant Heavenly Emperor.

"The Force Extreme Divine Form, the Divine Form of Force." [A supreme manifestation or embodiment of the fundamental principle of raw, absolute power.]

After finishing the two volumes of Ancient Scripture, Eldrin Chen let out a soft murmur, a glimmer of enlightenment dawning in his eyes.

He had to admit, these two volumes of Ancient Scripture were indeed extraordinary, each containing the most supreme cultivation method for a True Spirit Divine Form [the ultimate physical manifestation of a cultivator's spiritual power].

The core of these methods, the Force Extreme Divine Form and the Strength Divine Form, required comprehending the Force Extreme Great Path [a supreme cultivation art] and the Great Path of Force [a divine ability centered on absolute force] to successfully cultivate them.

These two Great Path were both profound Limitless Great Path [Great Paths with the potential to reach the Limitless Realm]. Cultivating them as one's primary Great Path theoretically allowed one to reach the Half-Step Limitless Realm [a quasi-ultimate state of cultivation], and even held a sliver of potential to step into the realm of a Limitless Sovereign [a supreme being who has transcended all limits].

However, cultivating these two Great God [a powerful divine cultivation realm] Forms also required crucial medicinal catalysts. Fortunately, the Chen Clan Lineage now possessed the necessary foundation, and gathering the resources to cultivate both Great God Forms was well within their capabilities.

Thus, in the following period, Eldrin Chen continuously contemplated the Great Path of Force and the Force Extreme Great Path, constantly refining the power of these two Great Path. Before long, he had comprehended their Great Path True Form [the perfected, ultimate manifestation of a Great Path's power].

Subsequently, he fused these two Great Path True Form into his physical body. He refined various strength-enhancing Rare Treasure [rare spiritual materials] to augment his bodily power, and even refined two Chaos Spiritual Artifact [artifacts born from primordial chaos] with force attributes, successfully cultivating the two Great God Forms.

After achieving the two Great God Forms, he calmly summoned forth the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [the foundational essence from which all creation sprang].

Using the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence as the core, he spiraled and fused the Force Extreme Divine Form with the Strength Divine Form together, ultimately transforming them into a single Ultimate Divine Form [the pinnacle manifestation of divine power].

"Finally complete," he whispered.

Watching the Ultimate Divine Form [the pinnacle manifestation of a cultivator's divine power] be successfully cultivated, Eldrin Chen finally revealed a faint smile. After a moment of contemplation, he added, "This divine form was cultivated through the Dao of Pan huang-radiant and the Ant Heavenly Emperor. Let it be named the Pan-Ant Physique [a supreme physical constitution merging the primordial might of Panhuang with the boundless strength of the Ant Emperor]."

Thus, Eldrin Chen's eighth Ultimate Divine Form—the Pan-Ant Physique—was successfully mastered.

Next, Eldrin Chen continuously channeled the power of the Pan-Ant Physique, immediately discovering its profound mysteries.

Compared to his other foundational powers, the enhancement from the Pan-Ant Physique was primarily focused on raw physical strength.

The original Great Path of Force [a supreme cultivation art focused on amplifying physical might] could vastly enhance one's physical foundation, compensating for the inherent weakness in a cultivator's bodily power.

While the Force Extreme [the ultimate principle of force] within the Great Path [a supreme cultivation art] was slightly inferior to the former in bolstering overall physique, it excelled in unleashing bursts of power several times its normal limit.

These two Great Path represented the absolute pinnacle of strength-oriented arts. However, they had their limits; their enhancement for powerhouses at the Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler among immortals] level and beyond diminished considerably.

Yet, after Eldrin Chen fused them into an ultimate Chaos Divine Form [a divine form born from primordial chaos], it not only retained the effects of both Great Path but also transcended their combined limits.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, mastering this Pan-Ant Physique had increased his raw physical strength by nearly twofold, with his short-term explosive power receiving an even more significant boost.

One should not underestimate this twofold increase. He had already cultivated a Supreme Physique [a perfect, transcendent physical form], whose perfection surpassed mortal imagination. His bodily strength had long since eclipsed what any ordinary Heavenly Emperor could hope to match.

On this foundation, Eldrin Chen's power could still increase by nearly double, a truly astonishing transformation.

"With the addition of three more Ultimate Divine Form, my physical combat prowess should now be approaching the level of a Half-Step Limitless cultivator, shouldn't it?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, a rare smile gracing his features.

During this period of cultivation, his Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body had improved tremendously. His strength, defense, and vitality had all increased by roughly double.

These were foundational enhancements, comprehensively bolstering the very bedrock of his physical form and causing a qualitative leap in his overall combat capability.

"Eight Ultimate Divine Form now. Yet, how to cultivate the ninth Ultimate Divine Form requires careful deliberation."

Eldrin Chen pondered inwardly, his expression turning contemplative.

He needed to cultivate nine Ultimate Divine Form to achieve perfection in his foundational roots and latent potential. Only then, by fusing them into a Supreme Divine Form, could he directly reach the half-step Limitless Realm.

However, the choice for the ninth divine form was a matter of paramount importance, for it concerned his ultimate ability to merge the Nine Great God Forms into one, transforming them into the final Sole Divine Form.

"My eight Great God forms are far too potent. The difficulty of completely fusing them into a single entity is likely far greater than I initially anticipated."

"Therefore, this ninth Divine Form must be prepared to fuse the eight Great God forms."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, quickly suppressing the thought.

Since he had not yet conceived how to cultivate the ninth Chaos Divine Form, Eldrin Chen turned his attention to examining his other foundational aspects.

After thorough examination, Eldrin Chen found that his physical body, Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], and Great Path [the supreme cultivation art he follows] had all reached their current limits, with no possibility for rapid advancement in the short term.

The only thing that could further enhance his combat power was an Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a top-tier enchanted artifact forged from primordial chaos].

Thus, after much deliberation, Eldrin Chen retrieved the Returning Abyss Seal and began the process of advancing this life-bound treasure.

In truth, ever since Eldrin Chen had mastered the Supreme Great Path, he had been capable of elevating the Returning Abyss Seal.

However, his cultivation had progressed so rapidly in recent years that most of his energy was devoted to enhancing his own realm, causing him to postpone this task.

Now that his cultivation had reached a bottleneck, Eldrin Chen decided it was time to complete this matter with haste.

As Eldrin Chen continuously infused Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [the foundational energy of creation from the primordial chaos] and added various Chaos Rare Treasure [rare materials born from chaos], the advancement of the Returning Abyss Seal began to proceed as naturally as water flowing downhill.

After consuming twenty-four portions of Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [a primordial substance used to refine and empower spiritual treasures], the Returning Abyss Seal finally completed its advancement, transforming into a Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact forged from primordial chaos energy].

"Excellent."

Witnessing the successful ascension of the Returning Abyss Seal, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a look of satisfaction.

The power of the Returning Abyss Seal had increased by more than tenfold since its promotion to a Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure.

One must remember, the original Returning Abyss Seal already possessed power comparable to a top-tier Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure.

Now, having ascended once more, its might had transcended the realm of Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure and could rival even an Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [the highest grade of chaos-forged treasures].

Furthermore, the Returning Abyss Seal was no ordinary Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure. It was a versatile combat Spiritual Treasure [an enchanted artifact used by cultivators], capable of both offense and defense, sealing the void, and transforming into a grand formation to trap enemies.

With this treasure in hand, the boost to Eldrin Chen's overall combat prowess was truly immense.

"As I am now, even among Half-Step Limitless [cultivators who have nearly transcended all mortal limits] experts, I should no longer be considered weak."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. He then stored the Returning Abyss Seal and retrieved a withered seed.

This seed was wreathed in an aura of death [a palpable energy signifying the end of life], its vitality utterly severed, with no possibility of revival whatsoever.

"A seed of the Human Soul Fruit Tree."

Eldrin Chen pondered silently, then directly summoned the Great Path of Life [the fundamental Dao principle governing vitality and growth] to revive the seed. However, he discovered a terrifyingly potent curse energy clinging to the seed, actively resisting the restorative power of the Great Path of Life.

"Nether Curse power. The handiwork of that filthy insect."

Eldrin Chen's gaze turned icy, instantly recognizing the signature of the Nether Curse Sovereign.

With a cold snort, he retrieved the Returning Abyss Pearl and used it to continuously devour the Nether Curse energy, finally purging the seed of that baleful force entirely.

Subsequently, Eldrin Chen once again invoked the Great Path of Life, washing the seed with its power until the last vestiges of deathly aura were scoured away, leaving behind a faint, flickering spark of life.

"Successfully revived at last."

A glimmer of understanding flashed in Eldrin Chen's eyes. He then fetched the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth [a treasure capable of accelerating the growth of spiritual plants] and began to nurture and advance the Human Soul Fruit Tree, rapidly maturing it to the level of a Human Soul Sacred Tree.

At this stage, further progress for the Human Soul Sacred Tree became exceedingly difficult.

He then retrieved the Heaven Soul Sacred Tree and the Earth Soul Sacred Tree, and channeling the power of the Great Path of Life [the supreme principle governing all life and vitality], he fused the energies of the three sacred trees into one, ultimately recreating the Chaos Three Souls Tree [a legendary tree of immense power over the soul, famed throughout the primordial chaos].

"The Chaos Three Souls Tree," he murmured, the name resonating with ancient power.

Gazing upon the Chaos Three Souls Tree, a rare flicker of profound emotion crossed the face of Eldrin Chen.

This Chaos Three Souls Tree was originally an Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Root [a top-tier spiritual plant born from primordial chaos], and together with the Chaos Seven Souls Tree, they were hailed as two of the supreme treasures of the Soul Path [a cultivation discipline focused on mastering the mysteries of the soul].