Chapter 2162 : The Limitless Foundation Forged

It had to be admitted, the Stainless Flower [a legendary flower said to purify and harmonize one's very foundation] truly lived up to its reputation as a supreme treasure. After consuming it, Eldrin Chen felt his physical body become as clear and unblemished as Glazed jade. The barriers separating his various foundational powers also diminished significantly.

Once he had completely refined the Stainless Flower, Eldrin Chen immediately discovered that his various foundations had grown far more harmonious and integrated. His confidence in successfully cultivating a third Limitless [the highest tier of foundational cultivation realms, representing boundless potential] foundation had increased by several degrees.

Furthermore, after absorbing the mystical properties of the Stainless Flower, the immunity of his Eternal Physique [a legendary body constitution renowned for its durability and resistance] to curses had been elevated to its absolute peak. It seemed to have fully stepped into the Limitless tier.

"After consuming the Stainless Flower this time, my bottleneck has loosened slightly," he mused. "Now it is time to plan for the Limitless Immortal Pill [a mythical pill said to aid in breaking through to the Limitless Realm]."

Eldrin Chen whispered these thoughts to himself, then released the Treasure-Seeking Rat [a rare spirit beast with an innate talent for locating treasures and spiritual loci]. "Within this Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a primordial dimension of swirling, unformed energies and ancient secrets], is there a supreme location suitable for alchemy?"

"Squeak, squeak!"

The Treasure-Seeking Rat chittered twice, then stood up and pointed a paw towards the more distant Depths of Chaos [the perilous, energy-dense core region of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm].

Eldrin Chen looked up, a slight frown creasing his brow. "The core region?"

Nyssa Qu and the others had concluded their secluded cultivation. Seeing this, she spoke up, "The closer one gets to the core, the more practitioners at the Half-Step Limitless [those on the verge of attaining the Limitless Realm] level there are."

"The most troublesome part is that those from the Sovereign Holy Land [powerful, ancient sects that often dominate regions] have likely already formed alliances. With our current strength, we may not hold a decisive advantage."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then spoke, "Perhaps some plans should be advanced ahead of schedule."

With those words, Eldrin Chen patted the Treasure-Seeking Rat [a small, spirit-sensitive rodent adept at finding hidden treasures], instructing it to lead the way to the treasure.

This time, the group no longer scavenged for various treasures but instead pressed onward toward the secret realm's core. Before they knew it, they had arrived at the heart of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.

"Squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak!"

Just before reaching the central area, the Treasure-Seeking Rat let out a series of excited squeaks.

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with recognition. He looked up at the core region ahead, his brow furrowing slightly.

Before them stretched a vast and boundless Primordial Land [a primordial continent from the dawn of creation]. It was suffused with drifting wisps of Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme, foundational energy of creation, tinged with a violet hue]. Among the mountain ranges, countless Immortal Artifact [divine tools and weapons forged by immortals] and spirit medicines gathered, while intricate patterns of Great Path [the fundamental laws and principles of the cosmos] intertwined throughout.

"The core of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm... the Primordial Land,"

Eldrin Chen said slowly, a trace of solemnity coloring his expression.

Beside him, Nyssa Qu and the others were also deeply astonished. They realized this place was saturated with an immeasurable amount of Primordial Chaos Violet Aura. The visible, albeit thin, strands of this energy seemed countless beyond measure.

If they were to be fused into Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [the foundational essence from which all creation springs], the total would likely not fall below several dozen strands.

And this was merely what they could see. The entire Primordial Land [the primordial ground of creation] was shrouded in a mist woven from endless streams of Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme, primal energy of chaos].

This violet mist possessed a rank far too exalted, imbued with the profound mystery of isolating all spiritual sense detection, preventing them from discerning just how astonishing the opportunities hidden within truly were.

Thinking of this, Lingering Ye could not help but inquire, "Master, what is the origin of this Primordial Land?"

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before answering directly, "The so-called Primordial Land is a supreme Path-Field [a domain where a cultivator's Great Path is manifested and cultivated] at the Limitless [a realm beyond all bounds and definitions] level."

"It was originally the destined Path-Field of the Heaven-ordained Chaos Sovereign [a sovereign ruler born of chaos], 'Primordial Sovereign' [the Primal Sovereign]. It was woven from infinite Primordial Chaos Violet Aura and the Primordial Great Path [the original, foundational Great Dao], brimming with many of the most primordial mysteries within Chaos [the formless state preceding creation]."

"Later, 'Primordial Sovereign' perished during its gestation. A supreme being with the potential of Half-Step Primordial Chaos [a state half-ascended into primordial chaos] dissolved its Path here, elevating this Path-Field's rank to surpass almost all Sovereign-level Path-Field within Chaos."

Speaking to this point, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a profound sense of reflection [a deep, contemplative emotion].

That Primordial Sovereign was born from the womb of the Primordial Great Path, a companion to the Chaos Supreme Treasure [a treasure of ultimate rank born from chaos], the Chaos Bell [the Bell of Chaos]. It was destined for a Half-Step Primordial Chaos form, yet it too perished silently, ensnared by schemes.

From this, one could see that beyond this Chaos Epoch [an era defined by chaos], there likely existed terrors of unimaginable scale.

Ethan Chen also nodded, then sighed with emotion, "Such a supreme blessed land, surely it must be filled with opportunities within?"

"That Chaos Bell is most likely hidden within this place."

As Eldrin Chen spoke thus, he lifted his gaze to survey the surroundings.

This Primordial Land was far too vast, and further obscured by the mists of Primordial Chaos, making it difficult for even cultivators of their current level to glimpse more than a corner of its expanse.

However, the periphery was teeming with powerful figures, yet they seemed wary of the array formations within the Primordial Land, hesitating for the moment just outside its borders.

And among these individuals were quite a few familiar faces to Eldrin Chen.

Among them were over thirty Half-Step Limitless cultivators from the Seven Domains Alliance, powerful experts from the Ancient Flame Clan and the Primordial Chaos Myriad Dragon Nest, as well as formidable members from the lineage of Netherworld Sovereign.

Yet the most eye-catching among these mighty figures was a group of peerless prodigies who had cultivated the Fleshly Body Sanctification.

This group numbered only eighteen individuals, yet their strength was terrifyingly potent, each having achieved the Half-Step Limitless Realm.

"Prodigies from the lineage of the Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of astonishment coloring his thoughts.

The Fleshly Body Sanctification lineage consumes resources tenfold that of the Path of Path Mastery, yet its combat prowess stands among the foremost of its peers.

Upon stepping into the Half-Step Limitless realm, one's battle strength is guaranteed to be at least that of the Peak Half-Step Limitless level.

These eighteen prodigies of the Fleshly Body Sanctification lineage are all at least Peak Half-Step Limitless. Led by three who have achieved the Sovereign Foundation, their power is terrifyingly formidable.

Of course, after attaining the Sovereign Foundation, the disparity in strength between practitioners of the Great Path and those of Fleshly Body Sanctification diminishes significantly.

This is because the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification makes no distinction between ordinary and peak Half-Step Limitless; it recognizes only two states: Half-Step Limitless and Sovereign Foundation.

The reason the Great Path has the Peak Half-Step Limitless classification is that the Path of Path Mastery allows for further advancement even after reaching Half-Step Limitless.

By continuing to master the Great Path, one can cultivate new Supreme Great Path arts or enhance their power through other avenues like the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator].

In contrast, while the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification is mighty, the physical body has its limits. After mastering the Three Supreme Divine Forms, it becomes impossible to cultivate a fourth Supreme Divine Form.

Therefore, practitioners of Fleshly Body Sanctification reach their personal ceiling upon entering Half-Step Limitless. Without refining the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [a primordial substance used to forge a supreme foundation] to achieve Sovereign Foundation, further progress is impossible.

"Three Sovereign Foundation [the foundational realm for those who have established their own sovereign path], fifteen Peak Half-Step Limitless [cultivators at the very peak, just one step away from the Limitless Realm], the lineage of Fleshly Body Sanctification [an art focused on purifying and strengthening the physical body to an immortal level] truly boasts a formidable gathering of power."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then sensed a wisp of killing intent emanating from the distance.

He looked up to see Netherworld Imperial Scion strolling forward, his expression icy as he spoke, "Little thief, to think we would meet here."

"Today, this lord shall be the one to end you."

As his words fell, Netherworld Imperial Scion swung his sword. A torrential surge of sword energy sought to cleave Eldrin Chen in two on the spot.

Facing this, Eldrin Chen's expression remained utterly placid. With a flick of his sleeve, he extended a single finger, repelling that peerless killing sword. Only then did he speak with calm finality, "Are you certain you wish for us to wound each other gravely?"

Upon hearing this, Netherworld Imperial Scion's pupils contracted with a flicker of cold light.

He swept his gaze around, realizing nearly a hundred Half-Step Limitless [cultivators who have taken the first half-step into the boundless Limitless Realm] stood within this stretch of void. Among them were several of his own rivals, sending a chill through his heart.

After all, Eldrin Chen's strength was no trifling matter, and the nine Supreme [a title prefix denoting supreme mastery or authority] by his side did not seem like easy opponents either.

"Imperial Scion of the Netherworld Emperor, if you intend to slay him, I can lend you my aid."

Just as the Netherworld Imperial Scion [a prince of the underworld realms] hesitated, a voice suddenly echoed from the distance.

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw that the forces of the Ancient Flame Clan [an ancient clan wielding primordial fire] and the Primordial Chaos Myriad Dragon Nest [a legendary lair of countless dragons] had closed in, seemingly intent on cutting off their retreat completely.

At the same moment, the Nine Nether Abyssal Netherworld Dragon [a mighty dragon sovereign of the deepest nether realms] revealed a faint smile and spoke calmly, "You thief. You dared to seize my Stainless Flower [a legendary herb of peerless purity]. Today, you shall not be spared."

"Is that so?"

A glint of cold killing intent flashed in Eldrin Chen's eyes.

Right then, a barrage of sharp, piercing auras shot from the distance, forcing the Nine Nether Abyssal Netherworld Dragon to retreat.

In that instant, eighteen figures with overwhelming Vitality [the sheer life force and vigor of a powerful being] strode forth. The leader, gripping a Heavenly Halberd [a divine polearm of immense power], spoke with composed authority, "For so many to bully the few... that hardly seems fitting."

"The Nether Son of Heaven [the sovereign ruler of the nether realms]!"

The moment they recognized the newcomer, the expressions of everyone present shifted slightly.

As one of the mightiest holy lands within the Chaos [the primordial, formless realm preceding creation], the lineage of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a supreme art for forging an indestructible physical form] had produced peerless talents without end. The lineage of the Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor [an ancient progenitor who mastered the path of nine cosmic cycles] could rank among the top three powers in the entire Chaos.

Yet, this alone was insufficient to instill true apprehension in those present. After all, no matter how formidable the Nine Revolutions Ancestral Court might be, it could not launch an assault upon the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.

What truly gave them pause at this moment was the figure of 'Yin Imperial Sovereign'. Yin Imperial Sovereign was a peerless prodigy of the Fleshly Body Sanctification lineage and, more importantly, the chief disciple under the tutelage of Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor.

Legends spoke of him, after stepping into the Supreme Realm, sequentially mastering the Nine Ultimate Divine Forms and, through them, cultivating the Three Supreme Divine Forms. He had refined Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence to forge his Sovereign Foundation [the foundational potential to ascend to the rank of Sovereign].

With such profound foundations, he had advanced to the half-step Limitless Realm. His power was such that he roamed the Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse between realms] with few who could rival him. Tales told of him defeating the combined might of two other Peerless Supreme [Supremes who have forged a Sovereign Foundation].

Within the Chaos, those Supreme [cultivators at the peak of the Supreme Realm] who had successfully forged a Sovereign Foundation were commonly hailed by the world as Peerless Supreme.

These Peerless Supreme all possessed the latent potential of a Sovereign [a ruler of a Great Dao]. Should the opportunity to prove their Dao and ascend to Sovereign ever arise, they each held the possibility of achieving it.

While the strength among Peerless Supreme was often comparable, idle gossips had still compiled a ranking. Upon this Peerless Supreme Ranking List, Yin Imperial Sovereign held the third position.

In contrast, figures like Netherworld Imperial Scion, Nine Nether Abyssal Netherworld Dragon, and Skywolf Supreme, though they could also be considered Peerless Supreme, were ranked only around the one hundredth mark.

With foundations and reserves such as theirs, they could not be called the weakest among the Peerless Supreme, but their strength was considered the most commonplace.

Now, witnessing the intervention of 'Yin Imperial Sovereign', a flicker of wary apprehension instantly surfaced in the eyes of the assembled crowd.

The Void Ancient Dragon wore an expression of deep solemnity. He could not help but look towards Yin Imperial Sovereign and ask, "Does the lineage of the Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor also wish to interfere in this matter?"

Yin Imperial Sovereign smiled faintly before speaking calmly, "The Primordial Chaos Myriad Dragon Nest prides itself on neutrality. I never imagined it would stoop to colluding with those who obstruct the Path [those who hinder others' cultivation and enlightenment]."

"You—!"

The Void Ancient Dragon was inwardly furious, yet he suppressed his rage and said, "Cooperating with those who obstruct the Path is also for the purpose of seizing the Chaos Bell. Why should you trouble yourself over this matter?"

Having said his piece, the Void Ancient Dragon fell silent for a moment. In the end, he turned and abandoned the encirclement.

It was clear. With Yin Imperial Sovereign and his allies intervening, they no longer had the confidence to capture Eldrin Chen and the others.

Watching the crowd depart, Eldrin Chen finally clasped his hands in salute towards Yin Imperial Sovereign. "We thank you, Fellow Daoist, for your timely aid."

"There is no need for such formalities."

Yin Imperial Sovereign smiled again, his voice steady. "When they band together to bully the weak, it is only right that we do not stand idly by."

"However, your strength and numbers are insufficient. Should you encounter these individuals again, you must tread with great caution."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, a faint smile gracing his lips as he cupped his hands in acknowledgment. "Thank you for the reminder. We understand the situation clearly."

Seeing this, Yin Imperial Sovereign and the others turned their gaze towards Primordial Land. "Once enough people have gathered, we will join forces to open the Primordial Land," they stated.

"If you seek the treasures within, you may enter and explore on your own."

"However, the primordial Earth Vein [a foundational spiritual artery of the land] within will inevitably spark fierce contention. You must carefully consider whether you possess the strength to seize it."

With those final words, Yin Imperial Sovereign and his companions departed slowly.

Eldrin Chen offered no further comment, merely watching them leave as he remained in place, awaiting the opening of the Primordial Land.

The Primordial Land was protected by a natural barrier field. The defensive power of such a field was nearly comparable to a grand formation personally maintained by a Limitless Sovereign [a supreme cultivator who has transcended all limits]. Logically, a group of Half-Step Limitless [cultivators on the very threshold of the Limitless Sovereign realm] should have found it impossible to breach.

Fortunately, the Chaos Sovereign [sovereigns who wield the power of primordial chaos] from the outside world had long ago deduced a method to enter the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.

The method was to wait for the moment when the Primordial Land's defenses were at their weakest. Then, by simultaneously attacking three specific weak points from three different directions, one could tear open a minuscule fissure.

Each of these three weak points required the combined effort of at least one hundred and eight Half-Step Limitless to barely force open a sliver of an entrance.

At this moment, the location where Eldrin Chen and the others were stationed was one of the three accessible nodes.

With the number of people required to activate the grand formation nearly complete, the anticipation among the crowd for the Primordial Land grew ever stronger.

Eldrin Chen did not have to wait long before the required number of individuals to activate this node had assembled.

Simultaneously, the other two node locations within the Primordial Land had also gathered the necessary number of people to commence the activation.

"Esteemed fellow cultivators, since the moment has arrived, let us act without delay,"

Seeing the numbers were complete, Yin Imperial Sovereign spoke directly.

As his words fell, everyone unleashed their full power, directing their attacks towards the node of the Primordial Land before them.

In an instant, chaos erupted along the edge of the Primordial Land, culminating in the tearing open of a fragile breach.

"Go!"

In that very moment, everyone present surged forward like a swarm, flying directly into the heart of the Primordial Land.

"Stay close to me."

Eldrin Chen instructed those around him, then plunged directly into the Primordial Land [a primordial, chaotic expanse at the dawn of creation].

Upon first entering the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, Eldrin Chen immediately felt engulfed by a sea of Primordial Chaos [the undifferentiated, formless state before the cosmos was ordered]. Countless mists, formed from Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme, foundational energy of primordial chaos], obscured everything. Even with his current cultivation level, his spiritual sense was severely suppressed.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen directly retrieved the Treasure-Seeking Rat [a rare spirit beast with an innate talent for locating treasures], and spoke, "It's up to you now."

"Squeak-squeak—"

The Treasure-Seeking Rat let out a few squeaks, then led the group forward.

It had to be admitted that within this Primordial Land, where spiritual sense and vision were so heavily suppressed, the utility of the Treasure-Seeking Rat was magnified a thousandfold.

They advanced steadily, gathering a vast quantity of Chaos Rare Treasure [rare spiritual materials born from primordial chaos] along the way, including even uncommon, world-shaking divine materials. In an astonishingly short time, they once again gathered the supplementary ingredients for five portions of the Limitless Immortal Pill [a legendary pill said to grant boundless potential].

One could say that in this brief period, their gains surpassed the sum total of all their previous harvests.

"We have already gathered the supplementary ingredients for nine portions of the Limitless Immortal Pill."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, and before he knew it, he had arrived before a mountain range of scorching, intense flames.

Before this fiery range, the Treasure-Seeking Rat let out a series of joyful squeaks, then pointed excitedly at the blazing mountains ahead.

"A Primordial Fire Vein [a supreme-grade earth vein born from the primal chaos, infused with the essence of fire]?"

Gazing at the fiery mountains before him, a flicker of pleasant surprise stirred within Eldrin Chen's eyes.

So-called Primordial Fire Vein, are a type of supreme-grade Chaos Earth Vein [a foundational spiritual landform born from the primal chaos]. They are formed from the interweaving of primordial power and the Great Path [the fundamental laws and principles of the cosmos] of fire. In theory, such a vein is capable of nurturing a ChaosSovereign Realm [a supreme being born from and ruling over a domain of primal chaos].

Yet, this Fire Vein lay in utter silence and desolation; the Chaos Sovereign [a sovereign being born from primal chaos] within it seemed to have perished completely.

"A Mandate of Heaven Sovereign [a sovereign whose authority is intertwined with the cosmic mandate], born alongside a Primordial Sovereign [a sovereign from the dawn of creation], has also met its end here,"

Eldrin Chen whispered to himself. He then stepped forward to the edge of the Primordial Fire Vein, immediately discerning the profound mysteries of this vein.

This was a peerless Primordial Fire Vein, brimming with Primordial Flame Great Path Formation Patterns [ancient, naturally occurring patterns that channel the fundamental laws of primordial fire]. It appeared to be a supreme cultivation sanctuary.

"With the aid of this Primordial Fire Vein, I might finally be able to refine the Limitless Immortal Pill [a legendary elixir said to grant boundless potential or longevity],"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then slowly withdrew his gaze.

He then lifted his head to look into the void not far away, his expression calm as he spoke. "You've been following for so long. Isn't it time to show yourselves?"

"I didn't expect you to notice."

At that very moment, from within the nearby Primordial Chaos Violet Mist, several dozen figures emerged one after another, walking leisurely into view.

Nyssa Qu and the others looked up, their expressions instantly shifting dramatically. They saw that Netherworld Imperial Scion, Void Ancient Dragon, Blazing Prison Celestial Venerable, and others had, without them realizing, completely surrounded their group.

The one who spoke was precisely the Netherworld Imperial Scion. He gazed calmly at Eldrin Chen, a cold sneer curling his lips. "Your strength and perception are not lacking. A pity you realized it too late."

At this point, the Netherworld Imperial Scion continued with a derisive laugh. "We should thank you. If not for your Treasure-Seeking Rat, we might not have found this treasure trove so swiftly."

It turned out the Netherworld Imperial Scion and his allies had long intended to move against Eldrin Chen. However, because of the Treasure-Seeking Rat's presence, they had deliberately shadowed Eldrin's group for a considerable time, suppressing their urge to strike until this moment.

The Nine Nether Abyssal Netherworld Dragon wore a cold smile as he spoke with feigned curiosity. "I am intrigued. Why do you show not a trace of panic?"

Eldrin Chen, however, merely offered a faint smile before replying in a placid tone. "Your strength is considerable. In a normal confrontation, subduing you would be exceedingly difficult."

"Now that I can capture you all in one fell swoop, why should I be anxious?"

Upon hearing this, Void Ancient Dragon's expression shifted dramatically to one of terror, and he immediately sought to withdraw. Alas, it was already too late.

For the vast Primordial Fire Vein erupted with boundless Limitless [a state of cultivation representing infinite potential] formation patterns, its endless primordial flames sealing off this entire expanse of Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state before creation].

"Disaster!"

Void Ancient Dragon looked around, and a look of utter despair washed over him.

From within the infinite Underground Fire Vein, several dozen peerless, matchless figures strode forth.

At their forefront were seven supreme Supreme [a title prefix denoting ultimate mastery and authority] beings of a generation: one wielded a peerless slaughter-sword; another held the Guizang Path Book [a legendary tome containing profound cultivation secrets]; a third was shrouded by seventy-two Formation Flag [enchanted banners used to deploy powerful arrays]; and a fourth was accompanied by twelve puppets.

The remaining three were a woman of breathtaking, peerless beauty, an old man carrying a Celestial Stele [a mysterious stone tablet inscribed with celestial secrets], and a youth holding a jade flute.

"The Four Ancestors of the Immortal Path, the Three Heroes of Path Creation."

The moment he saw these seven figures, Void Ancient Dragon was struck speechless, and even Netherworld Imperial Scion felt a flicker of despair.

The reputation of a person and the shadow of a tree—the awe-inspiring fame of the Four Ancestors of the Immortal Path and the Three Heroes of Path Creation truly was too staggering.