Chapter 2159 : Healing and Ascension at the Marrow-Cleansing Pool

Speaking of this, Eldrin Chen still felt a measure of apprehension.

If that earlier strike had been personally unleashed by the Netherworld Sovereign [the supreme ruler of the underworld], his physical body would likely have been utterly destroyed.

Fortunately, the Netherworld Imperial Scion [a prince of the underworld] lacked sufficient cultivation base; even a full-force sword strike could only inflict moderate injuries upon him, posing no lethal threat.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen grew solemn once more. If a single Netherworld Imperial Scion could wound him, wouldn't he face the danger of severe injury if three or five such Sovereign [a supreme cultivation realm] seeds joined forces?

"It seems that for the journey to the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden realm of primordial disorder], I must further elevate my strength," he concluded.

Eldrin Chen murmured this thought inwardly. He then distributed the seized resources to his companions, instructing them to continue their secluded cultivation. He himself proceeded to the banks of the Marrow-Cleansing Pool [a mystical pool that purifies the marrow] to heal his wounds.

Not long after, his injuries were completely healed.

Once fully recovered, Eldrin Chen gathered his scattered thoughts and sank into deep contemplation.

This lesson had made him understand that his current power did not grant him invincibility even among those at the Half-Step Limitless [a realm just shy of true boundlessness] realm.

To avoid another ambush and to prevent bringing calamity upon those around him, he decided to enter another period of secluded cultivation and quiet hibernation.

Thus, using the blood and bones of the Second Ancestor of Nether Mastiff as the primary material, supplemented by various Rare Treasure from the Fleshly Body Sanctification lineage, he refined a single furnace of Flesh and Blood Precious Pill [a supreme pill that nourishes and strengthens the physical body to an incredible degree].

This Flesh and Blood Precious Pill was a supreme treasure of the Fleshly Body Sanctification lineage, offering considerable benefit even to someone of Eldrin Chen's stature.

Unfortunately, his physical body cultivation had reached a bottleneck; the pill would be useless until he achieved his second Supreme Divine Form [a perfected state of divine physical manifestation].

Therefore, Eldrin Chen stored the Flesh and Blood Precious Pill away, intending to refine its astonishing power to rapidly advance his cultivation after successfully forging his second Supreme Divine Form.

Following the completion of the Flesh and Blood Precious Pill, time flowed onward for several thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years].

Then, on this day, the three Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Root [supreme spiritual plants born from primordial chaos] by the Marrow-Cleansing Pool finally, completely, bore fruit—Upper Grade Chaos Spirit Fruit [spiritual fruits imbued with the power of primordial chaos].

"Upper Grade Chaos Spirit Fruit," he murmured.

Gazing upon the three ancient trees before him, a wave of profound sentiment washed over Eldrin Chen.

These three Ancient Chaos Tree were all Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Root, and each had borne nine peerless Spirit Fruit.

Among them, the peerless treasure fruit of the Chaos Three Souls Tree was the most precious, a key resource for Eldrin Chen's future breakthrough in the Soul Path Sovereign [a supreme cultivation art focusing on soul mastery]. However, it was not yet time to use it, so he carefully stored it away.

As for the Chaos Five Elements Fruit Tree and the precious fruits of the Primordial Chaos Ancient Tree of Life, Eldrin Chen gathered them all into his hands, a flicker of irrepressible excitement coloring his expression.

"With these supreme treasures, the foundation of my Chaos Giant Cauldron and Eternal Physique will surely place one foot firmly within the Limitless Realm," he declared.

His thoughts swirling, Eldrin Chen immediately retrieved a Chaos Five Elements Fruit and began refining it.

In that instant, an immensely profound and potent Chaos Five Elements Origin [the primordial source energy of the five fundamental elements] was absorbed by Eldrin Chen. His physical body underwent an extreme metamorphosis, the transformation visible to the naked eye.

Once the Chaos Five Elements Fruit was completely refined, Eldrin Chen felt the foundational strength of his fleshly body surge forward by a significant margin.

"Such miraculous efficacy from just one fruit?" he murmured inwardly.

Whispering to himself, Eldrin Chen continuously retrieved and refined more Chaos Five Elements Fruit. Only after refining nine in total did he sense his physical form had reached its current absolute limit.

At this point, Eldrin Chen discovered that, bolstered by the Chaos Giant Cauldron, the comprehensive foundational strength of his body had reached a level comparable to the Half-Step Limitless.

This enhancement was not isolated; it was an all-encompassing improvement in physique, defense, speed, raw power, and vitality.

In truth, Eldrin Chen had absorbed only a minuscule portion of the medicinal potency from those nine Chaos Five Elements Fruit. The vast majority had been refined and stored deep within his body's reserves.

If no unforeseen circumstances arise, the primordial essence within these nine Chaos Five Elements Fruit [divine fruits containing the primordial power of the five elements] should be sufficient to sustain his cultivation until he reaches the Limitless Realm [a legendary state of cultivation where one's power and potential become boundless] before being exhausted.

After refining the Chaos Five Elements Fruit, Eldrin Chen proceeded to fully absorb the nine Life Fruit [fruits brimming with immense life force].

These Life Fruit were saturated with boundless life energy, continuously infusing and enriching the vital force within Eldrin Chen's body. This subtly elevated the power of his Eternal Physique [a supreme constitution granting near-immortality and incredible resilience], bringing it close to the domain of the Limitless.

At the very least, in terms of vitality and regenerative capacity, his Eternal Physique now rivaled that of a true Limitless Domain cultivator.

"Having refined eighteen peerless divine fruits, my strength has seen another significant leap," he mused, a rare smile touching his lips. "Should I encounter that Netherworld Imperial Scion again, I should no longer find myself at a disadvantage."

After completely assimilating the eighteen divine fruits, a quiet sense of satisfaction settled within Eldrin Chen's heart.

Though he had yet to fully integrate and manifest the fruits' ultimate potential, even this preliminary enhancement had substantially bolstered his power.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen cast his gaze beyond the confines of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden realm born from the primordial chaos], a flicker of icy intent gleaming in his eyes.

Yet, after a moment's contemplation, he reined in his thoughts and suppressed the urge to venture out for another confrontation.

His current strength, in the grand scheme, remained insufficient. Even if he could summon Energy Abyss Chen and the others to eliminate a few Half-Step Limitless [cultivators who have touched the threshold of the Limitless Realm but not fully stepped into it], it would hardly alter the overarching balance of power.

Most crucially, if multiple Half-Step Limitless [cultivators who have almost transcended all worldly limits] were to fall, there was a certain possibility it would attract the attention of the Heaven Flame Sovereign and the Netherworld Sovereign.

"For the foreseeable future, further breakthroughs will be impossible."

"Our primary focus must remain on safety. Everything must wait until the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a legendary realm born from the primordial chaos] opens."

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Eldrin Chen finally lowered his gaze and entered secluded cultivation.

Time, bright as an arrow, flew past. In what felt like a mere blur, tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] had elapsed. Then, on this day, a disturbance rippled through the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], and a light of Primordial Chaos [the original, undifferentiated essence of existence] slowly manifested.

"The Primordial Chaos Secret Realm is about to emerge."

Eldrin Chen opened his eyes, sensing the subtle threads of fate, then looked upon the nine Supreme [a title denoting the pinnacle of a particular Path or Dao] before him, including Nyssa Qu.

Upon hearing this, the nine Supreme all wore expressions of utmost gravity.

Ethan Chen could not help but ponder for a moment before turning to Eldrin Chen and asking, "Clan Uncle, this journey is likely fraught with extreme peril."

"But we have no other choice."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his voice carrying the weight of recent divinations. Through continuous calculations, he had faintly glimpsed a thread of destiny woven into the fabric of fate itself.

A profound intuition settled within him. He felt that the reason the Chaos Cauldron [a primordial artifact of immense power] had been lost within the Nameless Space [a mysterious, boundless void] and remained trapped was likely due to a formidable adversary who wished to prevent its return.

For, according to the natural flow of time's river, the Chaos Cauldron should have long since returned to his grasp.

Had that occurred, with the Chaos Cauldron's power aiding him, mastering the Three Supreme Divine Forms [three ultimate divine manifestations] and even three Supreme Great Path [ultimate cultivation arts] would have been as effortless as water finding its course.

By that point, his breakthrough into the Soul Path Supreme [the supreme realm of soul cultivation] would have been an unstoppable tide. Bolstered by the Chaos Cauldron's defensive might, stepping into the Sovereign Realm [a legendary cultivation realm of absolute mastery] would have been the natural next step.

Thus, an unseen presence had intervened. A hand, invisible to mortal sight, plucked the Chaos Cauldron from the currents of the River of Space-Time [the metaphysical flow of time and space], casting it adrift. It was kept perpetually lost, unable to find Eldrin Chen, and he, in turn, was denied its crucial assistance.

"It seems," Eldrin Chen murmured, his gaze turning inward, "the only path to break this deadlock lies within the opportunities hidden deep in the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a secret realm born from the primordial chaos, containing ancient and profound mysteries]."

Eldrin Chen whispered this thought to himself before slowly lifting his eyes to regard the assembly gathered before him.

Now, the nine Supreme [a title denoting ultimate mastery] who cultivated the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art centered on self-sacrifice and transcendence] had all elevated their strength to a tremendous degree.

During their prolonged seclusion and cultivation, they had successfully mastered the Great Completion stage of the Supreme Immortal Domain [the ultimate manifestation of an immortal's personal realm], two Supreme Immortal Treasury [ultimate arts for refining and storing immortal essence], and two or three Chaos Immortal Treasury [treasuries of power forged from primordial chaos energy].

Such a monumental advancement elevated their strength to a level comparable to that of a Half-Step Limitless cultivator [a practitioner who has nearly transcended all worldly limitations].

However, the price was the complete depletion of the Supreme Immortal Liquid Lake [a legendary lake brimming with the purest spiritual liquid] and all the resources Eldrin Chen had seized over the years.

Fortunately, these resources were not wasted in vain. These individuals had now become Eldrin Chen's right-hand men, their power not the slightest bit inferior to the two great Ancient Progenitor [primordial ancestors of immense age and power] of the Nether Mastiff Clan.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "This journey is fraught with peril, yet it is also the opportunity for my path to completion. There is absolutely no reason to abandon it."

"Henceforth, you shall remain concealed within the Nameless Space [a mysterious, extradimensional pocket realm] and accompany me as we venture into the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a legendary, primordial realm of untamed chaos and opportunity]."

Imperial Sovereign Jiang gave a slight nod, his expression serene as he recited, "For ten thousand ages, a sword is honed; its frosty edge has yet to be tested."

"The Primordial Chaos Secret Realm presents a fine opportunity. Let this old man witness firsthand the might of the heroes dwelling within the Chaos [the primordial state of formless potential from which all things emerged]."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen offered no further words and directly sent them into the Nameless Space.

Thereafter, Eldrin Chen employed a profound art to alter his form and appearance. Assuming a different identity, he strode out from the confines of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.

"…"

After emerging from the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, Eldrin Chen strolled towards the Depths of Chaos. Unconsciously, he arrived at the source of that Primordial Chaos light [the foundational, undifferentiated energy from which all creation emerged].

By this time, the area near the Primordial Chaos light had already gathered tens of thousands of peerless powerhouses, almost all of them at the Path Union Supreme level [a supreme cultivator who has unified their cultivation path].

Eldrin Chen remained extremely low-key, shrouding himself with Chaos Mist [a mist imbued with primordial chaos energy, obscuring perception] before silently blending into the crowd.

"So many have come," he observed.

"The Seven Domains Alliance, the Celestial Flame Limitless Domain, the Netherworld Limitless Domain, and a great many rogue Supreme cultivators from across this Chaos [the vast, formless expanse between ordered realms] are all here."

"Alas, whether it's a Sovereign [a ruler over a fundamental aspect of the cosmos] opportunity or a Chaos Supreme Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos of the highest order], these are heaven-defying fortunes beyond the reach of ordinary Supreme like us."

"That's not necessarily true. Perhaps we might step inside and seize a chance to advance to the Half-Step Limitless Realm [a realm approaching true boundlessness], ultimately finding the key to break through to Sovereign."

The moment Eldrin Chen entered the throng, he was met with a chorus of hushed whispers.

Scanning his surroundings, he noted that most of the speakers were Path Union Supreme and top-tier Path Union Supreme. The Half-Step Limitless Powerhouse [a powerhouse on the cusp of the Limitless Realm] stood like sentinels at the very edge of the Primordial Chaos light.

Among those Half-Step Limitless Powerhouse, Eldrin Chen spotted several familiar figures: the Progenitor of the Nether Mastiff Clan, and other Half-Step Limitless from various major powers.

However, most of these Half-Step Limitless cultivators [those who have reached the penultimate stage before the Limitless Realm] exuded an air of icy arrogance, their demeanor radiating an aura of absolute determination to claim the Chaos Bell [a legendary bell forged from primordial chaos].

Furthermore, numerous other Half-Step Limitless figures stood firm in all directions. Most of them gathered in small groups of two or three, and like Eldrin Chen, they had veiled their forms with Chaos Mist [a dense, obscuring fog born from primordial chaos], making their true identities impossible to discern.

Eldrin Chen surmised that these individuals were likely rogue cultivators [independent practitioners without a major sect] who had reached the Half-Step Limitless stage within the vast Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged]. Lacking the backing of a powerhouse at the Chaos Sovereign [a supreme ruler who commands a portion of primordial chaos] level, they all maintained a notably low profile.

In truth, it was not just them. Even the majority of the Path Union Supreme [cultivators who have unified their cultivation path to its supreme peak] present had cloaked their forms with Chaos Mist.

This place was a veritable den where dragons and fish swam together—impossible to tell who was friend or foe. It was wiser to avoid unnecessary trouble.

"The Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension within the deepest parts of primordial chaos] has not yet opened. The true powers at the Sovereign [a ruler or supreme authority over a vast domain] level have not arrived,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly before lifting his gaze once more toward the Depths of Chaos [the innermost, most turbulent regions of primordial chaos].

There, within the boundless Chaos, a colossal Chaos Ancient Ship [an ancient vessel capable of navigating the storms of primordial chaos] tore through the void. Upon its deck stood over thirty Half-Step Limitless cultivators, arriving in a grand procession. Each one was a peerless prodigy, their auras majestic and overwhelming.

"It's them."

"Members of the Seven Domains Alliance. They are said to be one of the very few forces within the Chaos capable of opposing a Chaos Sovereign."

The crowd murmured amongst themselves, their expressions revealing profound apprehension.

Even the several Half-Step Limitless cultivators upon the Heavenly Vault yielded their positions for this Chaos Ancient Ship.

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly, sensing several familiar auras from within the ship, a trace of surprise surfacing in his heart. "As expected, it is them."

"Cang, Yuan, Luo, Hong…"

"It seems this journey may hold some opportunities for planning."

Eldrin Chen mused inwardly. The seven disciples of the late Nameless were each prodigies of heaven-defying talent. Not only had their cultivation reached the Peak Half-Step Limitless realm, but each possessed their own unique mastery.

Among them, Lu was the Primogenitor of Alchemy [the supreme founding ancestor of the alchemical arts], while Huan was the founder of the Talisman Path [the cultivation art of crafting and wielding magical talismans]. Both were unparalleled geniuses who had perished long ago.

Of the remaining five, Cang was the Supreme Artificer [the paramount master of artifact forging], Yuan was the Founding Ancestor of Formations [the progenitor of the art of setting up magical formations], Tian excelled in the Beast Taming Path [the cultivation art of taming and commanding spiritual beasts], Luo was the Path Ancestor of Puppetry [the founding ancestor of the art of crafting and controlling puppets], and Hong, who created the Guizang Path [the cultivation art of the Abyssal Repository], was the founding ancestor of the Celestial Mechanism Lineage [the lineage specializing in celestial mechanisms and profound calculations].

Now, apart from 'Tian', four of the surviving direct disciples were present here, and they were clearly among the leaders of the Seven Domains Alliance.

If he could secure the aid of these four, this expedition to the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm would undoubtedly gain formidable strength.

"There is no need to rush for now."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, suppressing the urge to make contact with his four disciples, and continued to conceal himself silently within the crowd.

At the same time, within the Chaos Ancient Ship, four figures sat in silent meditation.

If any outsider were present, they would surely recognize these four as the 'Cang', 'Hong', 'Luo', and 'Yuan' Patriarchs, the masters of the Seven Domains Alliance.

At this moment, the Hong Ancestor among the four Patriarchs suddenly opened his eyes, revealing a trace of astonishment.

"What is it?"

Noticing his unusual expression, the Cang Ancestor beside him inquired with some puzzlement.

The Hong Ancestor pondered briefly before speaking, "I sensed a familiar aura."

"A familiar aura?"

The others present were momentarily taken aback. The Cang Ancestor could not help but ask, "Could it be an old acquaintance?"

The Hong Ancestor shook his head, then spoke with a trace of bewilderment, "Yet, I too find it difficult to divine the origins of this individual."

Upon hearing this, the complexions of those present shifted subtly.

This 'Hong Ancestor' before them was the founding ancestor of the Celestial Mechanism Lineage and had even forged a Sovereign Foundation. In terms of achievement in the Celestial Mechanism Path alone, even many Chaos Sovereign would find it hard to rival him.

That even he could not trace this person's origins left the assembly profoundly shaken.

"Could it be... a Sovereign has arrived?"

At that moment, the Yuan Ancestor on the other side spoke up, his expression one of deep apprehension.

The Hong Ancestor shook his head once more, his voice calm as he explained, "For this opening of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, none whose power surpasses the Half-Step Limitless realm may enter. Therefore, no Sovereign will interfere."

"Moreover, to prevent the failure of this opening, the Neutral Faction, the Path-Guarding Faction, and even the conservative factions within the Path-Obstructing Faction have secretly joined forces. No Chaos Sovereign will be permitted to intervene."

The others present finally let out a collective sigh of relief upon hearing this.

For them, as long as no Chaos Sovereign came slaughtering their way, all other matters were manageable.

This time, the three major factions had secretly joined forces precisely to ensure the opening of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a legendary, unstable pocket dimension born from the primordial chaos at the dawn of creation].

After all, those radical fanatics from the Oblivion Sovereign's faction, once they arrived outside this Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, were highly likely to launch a bloody massacre to block the realm's opening.

For those individuals, the opening of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm could yield opportunities to advance to the Sovereign [the pinnacle realm of cultivation, representing absolute mastery over a fundamental cosmic principle] realm, and there was even a chance for a Chaos Supreme Treasure [an artifact of unimaginable power, forged from the raw essence of primordial chaos itself] to appear. Such possibilities posed a tangible threat to them.

Since it was not the forces of the Oblivion Sovereign descending upon them, the assembled crowd finally allowed themselves to breathe a sigh of relief.

The Hong Ancestor [an ancient and formidable patriarch], however, let out a derisive snort before speaking. "Do not celebrate too soon. While those Sovereign have agreed not to intervene at this moment, it does not mean they will remain idle after the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm concludes."

"Once the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm seals shut, whoever obtains the Chaos Supreme Treasure will inevitably become a target in the eyes of those Sovereign. I fear the final victor may not be able to hold onto their prize."

His words cast a heavy silence over the rest of the assembly.

After a moment, the Luo Ancestor [another venerable patriarch] broke the quiet. "Regardless, this remains our greatest chance to set foot upon the path of a Sovereign."

The others nodded in solemn agreement. Only in the eyes of the Hong Ancestor did a flicker of inscrutable emotion pass.

He had a feeling. That aura, though vastly different, stirred within him a profound sense of familiarity. It was definitely not the presence of an ordinary Chaos Sovereign [a Sovereign whose authority is derived from the primordial chaos].

This stirred some suspicion within him, yet he suppressed the thought. Some conjectures are best kept within one's heart, unspoken.

"..."

Following the arrival of the Seven Domains Alliance, numerous Half-Step Limitless [cultivators on the verge of transcending all limits] arrived, and soon, forces at the Sovereign [a supreme cultivation realm] level began to appear.

As time flowed on, over thirty forces of the Sovereign level arrived in person.

Most astonishingly, each of these Sovereign-level factions arrived with a retinue of at least seven or eight Half-Step Limitless cultivators.

By the time the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a legendary realm of primordial disorder and opportunity] was about to open, Eldrin Chen observed that the Chaos [the boundless, formless void between realms] had gathered more than six hundred Half-Step Limitless cultivators.

"So many powerful figures,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a trace of solemnity coloring his thoughts.

By his estimation, at least one-fifth of all the Half-Step Limitless cultivators within the Chaos had gathered here.

Those yet to arrive were mostly solitary rogues and powerful individuals from the Neutral Faction [a loose coalition of powers not aligned with major alliances].

Most of these individuals were unable to journey here due to the immense distance, while a small number possessed the self-awareness regarding their own strength and thus refrained from coming to contend for this opportunity.

Yet, even with just over six hundred Half-Step Limitless [cultivators who have reached the threshold of the Limitless Realm], this constituted an overwhelmingly formidable force.

Fortunately, among the gathered Half-Step Limitless present, the vast majority were merely ordinary practitioners of that realm. Those who had managed to cultivate a Sovereign Foundation [a supreme foundational cultivation state] were exceedingly rare.

Eldrin Chen made a quick estimate; there were only slightly more than thirty such individuals. These were essentially all direct descendants or disciples of the various Chaos Sovereign [supreme rulers of primordial chaos].

Among them were the direct heirs of the True Dragon Sovereign, peerless prodigies from the Immortal Phoenix Ancient Clan, and the direct disciples of the Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor.

These individuals possessed immense power, and most of them wielded Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [supreme artifacts forged from primordial chaos]. Even if Eldrin Chen were to confront them personally, his chances of victory would be no more than fifty percent.

A flicker of thought passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes as he subtly sensed the Treasure-Seeking Rat [a mystical creature adept at locating hidden treasures] within the Nameless Space [a pocket dimension he possessed].

"It seems that after entering the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a legendary hidden realm born from the primordial chaos], my first priority must be to enhance my strength," he murmured to himself.

"The Primordial Chaos Secret Realm is about to open."

Just as this thought settled in Eldrin Chen's mind, a sudden wave of exclamations arose from the distance.

Eldrin Chen immediately raised his head to look. He saw that the Primordial Chaos radiance within the Depths of Chaos was gradually intensifying, ultimately coalescing into a vast, jagged fissure wreathed in violet light.

This fissure was extraordinarily vast, wide enough for powerful beings to slip through. However, it could only permit entry to those whose cultivation had reached the level of Half-Step Limitless at most.