Chapter 2164 : The Alchemist's Trial

This was not the first time Eldrin Chen had attempted to refine the Limitless Immortal Pill [a legendary pill said to grant boundless potential], yet an air of profound gravity still clung to him.

After all, the one who had originally succeeded in its creation was the Nameless Path Ancestor [a mysterious and supremely skilled ancient master], not Eldrin himself. Thus, embarking on this alchemy now demanded the utmost caution.

Time flowed like an arrow, and before he knew it, several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] had passed. After what felt like an eternity, a thunderous explosion suddenly echoed from the chamber. Eldrin Chen emerged, his face smudged with soot, and let out a weary sigh.

"A failure."

Gazing at the charred and blackened interior of the Fire Phoenix Furnace [an alchemical cauldron forged in the heart of a phoenix's flame], a wry smile touched Eldrin's lips.

Ever since inheriting the memories of Nameless, his mastery of the Hundred Crafts of Cultivation [a supreme compendium of all crafting arts] had reached unfathomable heights. This was the first time an alchemical endeavor had ended in ruin.

Fortunately, this setback granted Eldrin Chen a deeper, more intuitive understanding of the Primordial Fire Vein [a ley line of ancient, foundational flame energy]. It sharpened his focus and bolstered his confidence for the next attempt.

"It was only off by a hair's breadth. The flame control needs but a finer touch."

Eldrin Chen murmured this to himself. He cleaned the alchemical furnace, meticulously recalibrated the Chaos Grand Formation [a formation that channels and stabilizes primordial chaos energy], and once again began the process of refining the Limitless Immortal Pill.

This time, the procedure unfolded with methodical precision. Though peril teetered on the edge of disaster more than once, his peerless alchemical skill always intervened at the critical moment, steering the process back from the brink.

Until this day, as a resplendent immortal radiance bloomed within the alchemical cauldron, a single, dazzling Limitless Immortal Pill [a legendary pill said to grant boundless potential] finally manifested within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence is said to have emerged].

"Success."

Gazing upon the Limitless Immortal Pill before him, Eldrin Chen felt a wave of profound relief settle in his heart.

The disciples at his side, including Cang and Hong, witnessing this, immediately turned to Eldrin Chen with joyous surprise and offered their congratulations: "Congratulations, Master! With the Limitless Immortal Pill forged, the restoration of your cultivation is now within reach!"

"It is but a single step forward on a long path,"

Eldrin Chen replied calmly before continuing, "Once this master recovers his cultivation, you, my disciples, may yet find a sliver of opportunity to set foot upon the Limitless [the ultimate, boundless realm of cultivation].

Hearing his words, the disciples nodded slightly, genuine smiles gracing their faces.

They understood their master's nature all too well. If their revered teacher possessed the means, he would undoubtedly strive to guide them toward the Sovereign Realm [the realm of supreme mastery over the Dao].

Furthermore, as the sole individual within the current Chaos capable of refining the Limitless Immortal Pill,

if even their own master could not aid their breakthrough, then who else in all existence could possibly help them transcend into Sovereign?

"Very well. Your master must now enter secluded cultivation. All of you shall stand guard outside."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded solemnly and immediately assumed their positions with grave expressions, beginning their vigil for Eldrin Chen.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen proceeded to replace the Formation Eye, using the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron as the stabilizing core, and then adjusted the entire Chaos Flame Grand Formation.

Once this was done, Eldrin Chen stepped directly into the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron and began his secluded cultivation to break through to the Half-Step Limitless Realm.

As a Path-Field at the Sovereign level, the Primordial Chaos Flame Earth Vein possessed profound and supreme mysteries. Attempting a breakthrough to the Half-Step Limitless Realm here could increase the probability of success by thirty percent.

Of course, the prerequisite was being able to withstand the searing heat of this Limitless Immortal Fire.

The Limitless Immortal Fire could incinerate all things. An ordinary peak Path Union Supreme cultivator, if their physical body was not sufficiently robust, risked being refined into ashes on the spot.

Eldrin Chen, however, possessed an exceptionally powerful physical form and thus did not fear the tempering flames of the Limitless Immortal Fire.

He continuously channeled power into the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron, drawing upon endless streams of Limitless Immortal Fire to temper his Chaos Limitless Great Path. Unconsciously, the five Primordial Chaos Great Path within Eldrin Chen began to show the first subtle signs of fusion.

"Press on with full momentum and cultivate the third Supreme Great Path."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then decisively consumed the Limitless Immortal Pill [a legendary pill said to grant a cultivator a glimpse into the boundless Dao], beginning the fusion of his third Supreme Great Path [a pinnacle cultivation art representing one of the ultimate laws of existence].

Using the Limitless Immortal Pill to break through to the Half-Step Limitless [a quasi-legendary state just shy of true boundlessness] was an act of profound waste, a true desecration of a heavenly treasure. Had Eldrin Chen not been incapable of cultivating a Primordial Spirit of the Supreme [the highest form of spiritual core, representing perfect unity with the Dao], he would never have been willing to squander such resources so recklessly.

Yet, one had to admit, the medicinal potency of the Limitless Immortal Pill was truly heaven-defying.

As Eldrin Chen continuously refined and absorbed it, the pill's efficacy gradually took effect. His five Primordial Chaos Great Path [the fundamental Dao laws representing the state of primordial chaos before creation] began to slowly converge and unify.

Time flowed onward without cease. Then, at a certain moment, the third supremely powerful Supreme Great Path finally completed its gestation and took perfect form.

"BOOM—"

Following the thunderous reverberation, Eldrin Chen slowly opened his eyes, a faint smile instantly gracing his features.

He now simultaneously commanded three Supreme Great Path, and he felt a heaven-shaking, earth-sundering power surge forth from within him. It was many times stronger than before his breakthrough.

"Such formidable power,"

Eldrin Chen whispered softly. With his Great Path cultivation having stepped into the Half-Step Limitless Realm, he discovered his strength had undergone a monumental leap.

He possessed a profound sense that his current power, derived solely from the Great Path [the supreme cultivation art he practices], had already transcended the Half-Step Limitless Domain [a profound cultivation stage]. It was now equivalent to the level of a Peerless Supreme [an unparalleled genius] who had successfully forged their Sovereign Foundation [the ultimate foundational cultivation realm].

"My strength will not stop here," he declared inwardly.

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, then began the process of fusing with the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [a primordial spiritual substance containing the essence of creation].

His Chaos Limitless Great Path [his supreme divine ability born from chaos] had now reached a state where no further advancement was possible through ordinary means. To achieve true perfection, he needed to refine and absorb the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence.

Thus, Eldrin Chen continuously refined the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence. After successfully absorbing fifteen strands of this essence, his Chaos Limitless Great Path finally reached its absolute limit.

Upon reaching this realm, Eldrin Chen discovered that the power of his Great Path had transcended a certain ultimate boundary, entering an unimaginable, final domain of power.

"After forging the Sovereign Foundation, the power of the Great Path has doubled once more, despite having reached a point where further progress seemed nearly impossible," he realized.

"My current self has surpassed even the legendary Supreme Domain [the pinnacle cultivation realm for supreme geniuses]," he stated.

Eldrin Chen whispered these words slowly, a complex mix of emotions coloring his expression.

He made this claim because his current strength had completely and utterly transcended that of a legendary Supreme Domain cultivator.

Even if seven or eight Peerless Supreme [the pinnacle realm of cultivation, just below the ultimate Sovereign] were to join forces and come bearing Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-grade artifact born from primordial chaos], they would stand no chance against him now.

In fact, Eldrin Chen sensed that his Chaos Limitless Great Path [a supreme divine ability born from the primordial chaos, embodying the boundless Dao] seemed to have transcended a certain ultimate threshold, exerting an overwhelming, supreme pressure upon ordinary Supreme Great Path [the highest tier of cultivation arts].

This power felt as if it stood above the myriad Daos themselves, harboring a faint aura capable of suppressing all other paths.

As a former Limitless Sovereign [the ultimate sovereign who has transcended all limits and rules over the boundless Dao], Eldrin Chen was all too familiar with this kind of power.

To suppress the myriad Daos with a single Dao—this was the most precise description of the Limitless Great Path [the ultimate cultivation art representing the boundless, limitless Dao]. It represented an insurmountable, ultimate chasm.

"The Limitless Great Path?"

"No, it still seems far from complete, yet it carries a wisp of the Limitless [the state of being boundless and without constraints] aura."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, finally weighing his words before speaking aloud: "This domain... it would be more fitting to call it a quasi-Limitless Domain [a domain approaching the boundless state], or perhaps a Quasi-Sovereign [one who has nearly attained the rank of Sovereign]."

With this understanding, Eldrin Chen gained a clearer grasp of his own strength.

That is, while his current power was still insufficient to contend with a true Limitless Sovereign, he might now be able to withstand a single blow from one without perishing.

This represented a monumental breakthrough, bringing Eldrin Chen one step closer to meeting the requirements for cultivating the Primordial Spirit of the Supreme [the highest spiritual core attainable by a cultivator].

Most crucially, refining a Chaos Supreme Treasure [a treasure of primordial chaos, the highest rank of artifact] required cultivation at the Limitless [a realm transcending all boundaries] level. Now that Eldrin Chen possessed a wisp of the Limitless aura within his Primordial Chaos Great Path [the supreme Dao of primordial chaos], he might barely be able to perform the rites to refine such a treasure.

Returning to the main thread, after completing his cultivation breakthrough, Eldrin Chen did not delay.

Emerging from seclusion, he immediately summoned Nyssa Qu and the other eight.

Through successive great battles, the nine had amassed vast cultivation resources. They had each now cultivated nine Chaos Immortal Treasury [internal spiritual realms that store immense power] and were not far from breaking through to the Half-Step Limitless [a quasi-state just below the true Limitless Realm].

Seeing them, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Your foundations are nearly complete. This Chaos Fire Vein [a ley line of chaotic flame energy, a supreme cultivation site] is a place of profound opportunity. Seize it and make your breakthrough."

Upon hearing his words, smiles graced their faces.

Worthy Pursuit Chen nodded and said, "Our accumulation is sufficient. With the Lesser Limitless Immortal Pill [a pill that grants a glimpse into the Limitless Realm] we obtained, the time is ripe to advance our cultivation."

"I shall guard your cultivation," Eldrin Chen declared.

With that, he had them enter the Chaos Fire Vein one by one to begin their ascension to the Half-Step Limitless Realm.

Given the cultivation base and physical fortitude of the nine individuals, enduring the searing flames of the Limitless Immortal Fire [a legendary, all-consuming flame of immense power] was still a formidable challenge.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen could harness the power of the grand formation and the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron [a supreme cauldron capable of forging creation itself] to precisely control the intensity of the Limitless Immortal Fire, keeping it within a manageable threshold.

Thus, this breakthrough proceeded with peril but ultimately no disaster, and they all successfully cultivated their third Supreme Immortal Treasury [a supreme art for forging an internal repository of immortal power].

Upon achieving the third Supreme Immortal Treasury, the strength of the nine underwent another monumental leap, each reaching the realm of Peak Half-Step Limitless [the pinnacle stage just before the Limitless Realm].

This was despite their Supreme Immortal Domain [a supreme art for manifesting a personal domain of immortal law] not yet being perfected. Once that domain reached its flawless state, their overall combat prowess would experience yet another drastic surge.

At that level, their individual combat strength would likely be sufficient to rival a true Sovereign Foundation [the foundational stage of the Sovereign Realm].

Of course, perfecting the Supreme Immortal Domain demanded a terrifying amount of resources. Even with the support of the Three Supreme Immortal Treasuries [the trio of supreme arts: Treasury, Domain, and Body], achieving a flawless Supreme Immortal Domain was far from an overnight endeavor.

Eldrin Chen paid this no mind. He directly bestowed upon each person nine strands of Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [the primordial essence from which all creation is born] and spoke, "The Supreme Immortal Treasury holds exceptional potential, yet it cannot directly lead to the Sovereign Realm [the realm of ultimate cosmic sovereigns]."

"Using the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence as your foundation, you can construct a Sovereign Foundation. In the future, you may yet grasp a sliver of opportunity to reach the Sovereign realm itself."

Hearing this, the group roughly understood the path within the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation path centered on self-sacrifice and rebirth] that led toward Sovereignhood.

By cultivating solely the Supreme Immortal Treasury and the Supreme Immortal Domain arts, one can theoretically step into the Sovereign Realm after breaking through to the Limitless Immortal Treasury and Limitless Immortal Domain levels, though only to the initial stage of the Sovereign domain.

However, by cultivating both the Limitless Immortal Treasury and the Limitless Immortal Domain arts in tandem, one can ascend into the Paramount Sovereign domain.

Upon realizing this, everyone gratefully accepted the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence and offered their thanks to him for bestowing this Sovereign realm opportunity.

Eldrin Chen waved his hand dismissively, instructing them to refine the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence. Only after they had all completed their refinement did he deactivate the formation array and allow them to emerge from seclusion.

Having established their Sovereign Foundation, the nine individuals saw their strength increase significantly once more, barely stepping into the realm of a peerless Supreme Domain cultivator.

This bolstered Eldrin Chen's confidence considerably for the upcoming journey to the Primordial Land.

Yet, he did not depart immediately. Standing within the Primordial Land, he began to contemplate the path of his future cultivation.

After cultivating his third Supreme Great Path, his mastery of the Great Path arts had reached its limit. Even if he were to cultivate other Supreme Great Path arts, it would not bring about a substantial increase in power.

For his strength to breakthrough once more, he would need to cultivate a third Supreme Divine Form.

But how could he cultivate a third Supreme Divine Form when he had not yet even perfected his ninth Ultimate Divine Form?

"This Path-Field [a cultivator's personal domain or field of power] of the Primordial Sovereign [the Primordial Ruler], this ninth Ultimate Divine Form [a supreme manifestation of divine power], shall be rooted in the Primordial Great Path [the Great Way of Primordial Chaos]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, gaining a sliver of insight into the choice for the ninth Great Path Divine Form [a divine form embodying a Great Path].

However, to cultivate the Primordial Great Path, one requires a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure born from primordial chaos] of the Primordial attribute. Furthermore, one must also comprehend the Primordial Great Path itself. Eldrin Chen still needed to find a Primordial object to establish this foundational Primordial root.

If the opportunity presented itself, the optimal choice would still be to find the legacy left by the Primordial Sovereign and obtain that Chaos Bell [a bell-shaped magical treasure of chaos] as the blueprint.

Thus, without wasting time, he directly tidied up the Chaos Grand Formation [a grand formation of chaos] and set off deeper into the Primordial Land [the Land of Primordial Beginnings].

Afterwards, Eldrin Chen led his companions in a continuous exploration of the Primordial Land. They successively discovered a vast quantity of exceedingly rare Rare Treasure [rare spiritual treasures], and even obtained many of the auxiliary herbs for the Limitless Immortal Pill [the Immortal Pill of Limitlessness].

Unfortunately, the main ingredient, the Limitless Flower [the Flower of Limitlessness], was extraordinarily difficult to find in this world. Eldrin Chen had only three blossoms remaining in his possession and did not find any new ones.

During their treasure-seeking journey, they also found another Chaos Earth Vein [an earth vein of chaotic spiritual energy]. Regrettably, most of the treasures within these Earth Vein [veins of concentrated earth spiritual energy] had been plundered, leaving few precious items behind.

"It seems the major Sovereign [a supreme cultivation realm] factions are not without capable individuals,"

Eldrin Chen remarked with a mix of admiration and sighing as he observed several Limitless Path-Field [domains of the Limitless Path] that had been picked clean.

However, this outcome was within expectations. If he possessed a Treasure-Seeking Rat [a mystical creature adept at sniffing out spiritual treasures] to locate treasures, it was hardly surprising that other Sovereign [a supreme cultivation realm, representing the pinnacle of power] level powers might possess tools of a similar caliber.

Under such circumstances, the fact that the most precious treasures within the secret realm had been thoroughly scavenged seemed almost a foregone conclusion.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen wasted no further time. He directly instructed the Treasure-Seeking Rat to lead him towards the Central region of the Primordial Land [an ancient, primordial continent].

Traveling at full speed this time, the group swiftly arrived at the location of the Primordial Land's Central heart.

"Is this the core of the Primordial Land?"

Eldrin Chen lifted his gaze. At the very heart of the vast Primordial Land, a majestic Primordial Era [pertaining to the earliest, most ancient epoch of creation] divine mountain stood towering between heaven and earth.

The mountain range stretched boundlessly, shrouded in an aura of supreme, oppressive majesty that left all beings at its foot gasping for breath. It felt as if a peerless Sovereign sat in meditation upon its peak.

"It is the Primordial Divine Mountain [the central, most sacred peak of the primordial continent]," Eldrin Chen stated, his voice low.

Gazing upon the magnificent mountain range before him, Eldrin Chen slowly spoke, his eyes inevitably clouding with profound gravity.

The others also looked up, their expressions instantly turning solemn and heavy.

The Primordial Divine Mountain was the cradle of the Primordial Sovereign, a supremely rare and peerless Chaos Path-Field [a primordial realm where the fundamental laws of existence converge and manifest]. Had the Primordial Sovereign not perished during its gestation, this place would undoubtedly stand as one of the mightiest holy lands within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged].

Yet, the fall of the Primordial Sovereign left the profound opportunities of the Primordial Divine Mountain behind. Its depths likely teem with countless epoch-defining fortunes, perhaps even harboring the key to a breakthrough into the realm of Chaos Sovereign [the supreme ruler of primordial chaos].

Most of the Half-Step Limitless [cultivators who have taken the first step beyond the known limits of power] who have come to the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm are undoubtedly drawn by the allure of the Primordial Divine Mountain's legacy.

However, seizing an opportunity left by a Sovereign [a supreme ruler of a realm or domain] is no simple feat.

Eldrin Chen surveyed his surroundings, finding that the vast expanse outside the Primordial Divine Mountain had already gathered a formidable assembly of powerhouses.

Among them were over two hundred Half-Step Limitless alone. These mighty figures, Patriarchs [venerable leaders of great clans or sects] from various major powers, were broadly divided into three factions.

These three factions were the Path-Guarding Faction [those who seek to preserve and uphold the established cosmic order], the Path-Obstructing Faction [those who actively seek to block or destroy the established paths of cultivation], and a coalition of the Neutral Faction [those who remain unaligned in the great conflict] and the Path-Hindering Conservative Faction [a conservative group that seeks to hinder progress along new or dangerous cultivation paths].

The Path-Guarding Faction, comprising over eighty Half-Step Limitless, was a union of seven powers, including the Nine Revolutions Ancestral Court and the Spirit Venerable Holy Land.

This lineage boasted thirteen Peerless Supreme [cultivators whose power stands unrivaled among their peers], led by Yin Imperial Sovereign and the Cosmos Supreme from the Spirit Venerable Holy Land.

That Cosmos Supreme had attained enlightenment through the Chaos Spiritual Root [a primordial plant of immense spiritual power] known as the 'World Ancient Tree'. His strength ranked tenth on the Peerless Supreme Ranking List [a legendary list ranking the most powerful cultivators], placing him just below Cang Ancestor. His power could truly be described as unfathomable.

The Path-Obstructing Faction numbered only around fifty individuals, yet one should not underestimate them. Most were either direct disciples or affiliates of the Oblivion Sovereign or the World-Extinction Sovereign, each one a character as mad as the next.

The majority of these fifty-odd individuals had stepped into the pinnacle Limitless Domain. Among them, twelve were Peerless Supreme at the Sovereign level. Their overall strength was not the least bit inferior to that of the Path-Guarding Faction.

Within the Path-Obstructing Faction, the World-Ending Child and the Oblivion True King stood supreme.

They ranked first and second respectively on the Peerless Supreme Ranking List, their strength on par with that of the Yin Imperial Sovereign, and perhaps even a hair's breadth stronger.

The strength of the Neutral Faction and the Path-Hindering Conservative Faction was also formidable. Combined, these two factions boasted over one hundred Half-Step Limitless cultivators.

Among them, the Neutral Faction had over forty Half-Step Limitless. Their leaders were the 'Celestial Roc Supreme' and the 'Kunpeng Cosmos Supreme' under the command of the Myriad Demons Ancestor, and the 'Myriad Crows Supreme' under the command of the Primordial Era Crow Emperor.

Although these three had not entered the top ten, their power was not far off, making them outstanding figures among the Peerless Supreme.

Of course, the Neutral Faction had other powerful figures. However, most of its Chaos Sovereign preferred secluded cultivation, and many were unwilling to involve themselves in the affairs of the Mortal Dust Affairs [the mundane world of mortal concerns], hence they did not intervene in this particular opportunity.

As for the conservative faction within the Path-Obstructing Faction, a significant number of its Half-Step Limitless had arrived, numbering over sixty individuals.

This faction was led by the 'Weeping Blood Demon Venerable' under the command of the Primordial Chaos Demon Ancestor. Composed of multiple Sovereign Holy Land, it alone boasted ten Peerless Supreme.

This was only possible because Eldrin Chen annihilated Bright Radiance Child and the other Three Great Holy Lands in a single battle, slaying four Peerless Supreme. Otherwise, the strength of this lineage would have been even more terrifying.

Aside from these major powers, the rogue cultivator factions of Eldrin Chen and the Seven Domains Alliance could also be considered a separate faction.

However, most rogue cultivators are isolated and weak, operating independently. Without powerful backing, the majority dare not enter the Primordial Land.

Even those who do venture into the Primordial Land mostly hide in the shadows, waiting to play the role of the oriole that catches the cicada after the mantis. Consequently, their numbers are far fewer.

If one excludes Eldrin Chen's lineage, the strength of the Seven Domains Alliance alone appears as a lone tree trying to hold back a forest against these formidable powers.

"They arrived quite swiftly,"

Just as Eldrin Chen was deep in contemplation, a voice echoed from the distant void.

Eldrin Chen looked up to see that the speaker was none other than Weeping Blood Demon Venerable.

The Weeping Blood Demon Venerable cast a cold, sneering glance towards Cang Ancestor and the others, saying, "So the Seven Domains Alliance has arrived as well. But why have you brought along some unfamiliar faces?"

"Is this your hidden card? Yet, with merely this level of strength, you still cannot hope to contend with us."

Cang Ancestor let out a cold laugh and spoke with calm composure, "There is no need for the Demon Venerable to trouble himself with this."

"Weeping Blood Demon Venerable, is this the caliber of those under the command of Myriad Demons Primogenitor?"

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a trace of icy resolve coloring his thoughts.

The Primordial Chaos Demon Ancestor, also known as Myriad Demons Primogenitor, was the progenitor who founded the cultivation methods of the Demonic Path [the heretical path of demonic cultivation]. His cultivation had reached the Peak Limitless Sovereign Realm [the absolute pinnacle of the Sovereign realm], making him one of the most formidable Chaos Sovereign [Sovereign-level beings of the Primordial Chaos] within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state of existence before creation].

If one were to ask who, within the entire expanse of the Chaos, had posed the greatest threat to the Nameless of old, it would undoubtedly have been this Myriad Demons Primogenitor.