Chapter 2166 : The Summit's Divine Toll

Suppressing the urge to act from the Old Man of Celestial Stele, Eldrin Chen led the group onward.

In the time that followed, the group continued their ascent up the mountain, gathering no small number of various Rare Treasure.

However, compared to the other major forces who were busy contending with each other, they had passed up many Rare Treasure. Consequently, they failed to acquire another Upper Grade Chaos Rare Treasure.

Thus, as time flowed on, they found themselves, almost without realizing it, with only the final half of the journey remaining to the summit of the Primordial Divine Mountain.

"We are nearing the peak."

Seeing the summit so close, a faint smile touched the lips of Eldrin Chen.

The oppressive aura at this altitude was at least tenfold stronger than at the mountain's base. Many of the ordinary Half-Step Limitless cultivators present had already expended over half their spiritual power, their combat strength likely reduced to a mere sixty or seventy percent of its peak.

Even among the top-tier Half-Step Limitless experts, spiritual power was likely more than half depleted. Only those at the Peerless Supreme level could maintain their peak combat prowess, though even their reserves had suffered significant consumption.

Only individuals with a foundation like Eldrin Chen's, or those like Nyssa Qu who had cultivated a Supreme Immortal Domain [a perfected inner world that generates boundless spiritual energy], faced no shortage of power. For them, their combat strength remained largely unchanged.

"*BONG*—"

At that very moment, a majestic tolling of a bell erupted from the mountain peak.

The sound of the bell was deafening, transforming into ripples of Great Path that swept across the Eight Desolations, as if pressing the vast Sea of the Great Path itself down upon all living beings.

The expressions of all the Supreme present changed drastically. Even Eldrin Chen's countenance darkened slightly, revealing an expression of utmost gravity.

"The sound of the Chaos Ancient Bell [a primordial artifact of immense power]."

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted subtly. He gave a slight nod to those beside him and immediately headed for the mountain peak.

Simultaneously, the other major powers were also filled with wild joy, immediately sparing no cost to rush towards the summit.

This time, they did not travel for long. After traversing a zone of boundless, clashing oppressive auras, they finally ascended to the summit of the Primordial Divine Mountain.

"Is this... the summit of the Primordial Divine Mountain?"

The moment his feet touched the peak of the Primordial Divine Mountain, Eldrin Chen raised his gaze to scan the surroundings. He immediately sensed wave after wave of supremely powerful auras ascending towards the heavens and arriving.

Led by figures from the Neutral Faction, the Path-Guarding Faction, and the radical faction—all at the Peerless Supreme level—over a hundred beings at the Half-Step Limitless realm arrived one after another, each setting foot upon the summit of the Primordial Divine Mountain.

However, this time, the number of Supreme who reached the summit had significantly decreased. Apart from the lineage of Eldrin Chen, only a little over one hundred and fifty individuals remained. It was evident that the major powers had suffered considerable losses during the fierce struggles on the mountain's slopes earlier.

And those lost were, for the most part, ordinary Half-Step Limitless cultivators.

Yet, this outcome was within expectations. These ordinary Half-Step Limitless cultivators were inherently at a slight disadvantage in terms of strength. Furthermore, during the ascent, they had to directly confront the immense pressure while simultaneously engaging in combat with others.

Under such circumstances, expending vast amounts of their spiritual power and ultimately being eliminated was a foreseeable result.

In contrast, Eldrin Chen's faction had adopted a strategy of yielding whenever possible when encountering Rare Treasure [precious spiritual artifacts], vividly illustrating the inherent weakness of rogue cultivators. Paradoxically, this very approach had allowed them to preserve the majority of their strength.

"Such dense Primordial Chaos Violet Mist [a mysterious, primordial energy mist imbued with chaotic and violet properties]!"

It was at this moment that an exclamation of awe rang out.

Eldrin Chen gazed towards the Central peak of the mountain. The vast summit of the Primordial Divine Mountain was shrouded in an incredibly thick veil of Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged] violet mist.

Through the hazy purple haze, they could vaguely make out a profusion of Immortal Herb [plants of immense spiritual value, often used in crafting elixirs] taking root upon the mountaintop.

"Within the Primordial Chaos Violet Mist, lies the opportunity to attain the Sovereign [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing ultimate mastery over the Dao] realm."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his expression turning grave.

He had a premonition that within the vast expanse of the Primordial Chaos Violet Mist [a primordial, violet-hued mist permeating the chaos], there likely existed opportunities at the level of Upper Grade Chaos Rare Treasure [a supreme-tier treasure born from primordial chaos].

Without further hesitation, the group surged forward into the violet mist.

Not long after passing through the mist, Eldrin Chen began to encounter numerous Chaos Rare Treasure [rare treasures forged in primordial chaos], among which were many at the Upper Grade Chaos Rare Treasure level. Their harvest was naturally substantial.

Guided by the Treasure-Seeking Rat [a mystical rodent with an innate ability to locate precious items], they swiftly navigated through the Primordial Chaos Violet Mist and arrived at a place teeming with Immortal Herb [plants of immense spiritual potency, used in alchemy].

This was a blessed land interwoven with countless strands of Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a potent, violet-colored energy from the primordial chaos]. Here grew thousands of divine herbs, the lowest among them being at the Low-Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a basic-tier spiritual treasure from chaos] level.

There was even one herb at the Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure level—the Limitless Profound Fruit [a fruit of unparalleled value for body refinement cultivators], a treasure of the fleshly body path whose worth was truly astronomical.

"A fine treasure indeed," he murmured.

Cang Ancestor's face lit up with delight. Just as he prepared to seize it, a wave of perilous aura surged forth.

A chill shot through Eldrin Chen's brow. His expression solemn, he gazed deep into the Primordial Chaos Violet Mist, from which a group of figures emerged.

At the forefront stood none other than World-Ending Child and Oblivion True King, along with other Peerless Supreme cultivators. It was clear these were the members of the Path-Obstructing Faction [a militant faction that seeks to obstruct the cultivation paths of others].

"Trash of the Seven Domains Alliance, surrender the treasures and get lost immediately,"

Oblivion True King spoke, a flicker of disdain coloring his gaze.

"Madmen of the Path-Obstructing Faction,"

The moment they saw the newcomers, Old Man of Celestial Stele and his companions felt a chill in their hearts, which was instantly replaced by a towering surge of battle intent.

Just as tensions between the two sides reached a breaking point, Eldrin Chen suddenly looked up towards another direction. Dozens more figures were strolling over—prodigies from the Neutral Faction [a faction that maintains neutrality in conflicts], led by Weeping Blood Demon Venerable.

In an instant, a three-way standoff formed, an invisible tension crackling in the air between the rival forces.

It was at this moment that Eldrin Chen spoke, his expression utterly calm. "Since you desire them, you may have these treasures."

With those words, Eldrin Chen flicked his sleeve with a sharp motion, sending the Limitless Divine Medicine [a legendary herb said to grant boundless potential] flying directly towards Oblivion True King.

With the treasure delivered right to him, Oblivion True King naturally did not hesitate. He accepted the Limitless Divine Medicine without a second thought.

"How dare you!"

In that instant, every single person present was overcome with furious indignation.

Immediately, the top prodigies from both sides were enraged. Weeping Blood Demon Venerable, World-Ending Child, and others surged towards Oblivion True King.

"Go—"

Seizing the opportunity, Eldrin Chen immediately led his companions away from the battlefield.

Only after putting a significant distance between themselves and the clashing factions did Old Man of Celestial Stele speak, his voice tinged with reluctance. "Are we just giving up like this?"

"If we hadn't withdrawn, they would never have fully shed their pretense and turned on each other."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a trace of cold detachment in his expression.

Having secured two Limitless Divine Medicine in two consecutive opportunities, Oblivion True King had essentially been handed a death warrant by Eldrin Chen.

Two peaches to kill three warriors—this was an overt stratagem that had endured for ages.

Among the major powers, Peerless Supreme [a supreme cultivation realm beyond the ordinary] were not uncommon, and there were even formidable figures like World-Ending Child and Weeping Blood Demon Venerable, yet everyone else had come away empty-handed. How could Oblivion True King alone have obtained two stalks of Limitless Divine Medicine [a legendary herb said to grant boundless potential]?

If it were Eldrin Chen, he might have shared one stalk of the Limitless Divine Medicine with World-Ending Child and Weeping Blood Demon Venerable. However, given the selfish and sinister nature of the Path-Obstructing Faction, they would never willingly relinquish two stalks of such a treasure.

Furthermore, with two stalks of Limitless Divine Medicine, three Great Emperor [a supreme sovereign-level cultivator] scions, and thirty Peerless Supreme, the distribution would still be insufficient.

Moreover, the Inorganic Mysterious Fruit [a fruit of profound mystery that aids in bodily refinement] was of paramount importance to Oblivion True King. With its aid, he could likely forge a Half-Step Limitless physique, simultaneously establishing a dual Sovereign Foundation [a supreme foundational state for cultivation].

Should Oblivion True King succeed, he would undoubtedly surpass Yin Imperial Sovereign and the others, becoming the most powerful Peerless Supreme present.

Therefore, Oblivion True King would never be willing to part with those two stalks of Limitless Divine Medicine.

Of course, the success of Eldrin Chen's scheme hinged on his willingness to sacrifice the two stalks of Limitless Divine Medicine—a resolve few could muster.

"Let us go. There is no need to contend with them."

So saying, Eldrin Chen continued onward.

They proceeded to explore the mountain peak, acquiring a great many Rare Treasure [precious spiritual artifacts and materials]. After a considerable time, Eldrin Chen suddenly sensed a powerful aura streaking through the sky, heading directly toward his location.

And behind that aura, a group of immensely powerful auras was in pursuit.

"It's him."

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw that Oblivion True King was covered in blood, having clearly suffered grievous wounds. His strength had been reduced by seventy or eighty percent. A cold sneer instantly appeared on Eldrin's face.

In that instant, he struck. He channeled the Chaos Heaven Halberd to pierce the firmament, thrusting it directly at Oblivion True King.

"How dare you!"

Oblivion True King roared in fury, desperately parrying with his divine weapon, the Heavenly Halberd. Yet, in that same instant, the Chaos Heaven Halberd pierced through his brow.

With a single blow, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of Oblivion True King was utterly extinguished, and he was slain upon the Void Heaven.

"Let's go—"

After slaying Oblivion True King, Eldrin Chen swept up the corpse without a moment's hesitation and vanished from the spot with his companions.

By the time Weeping Blood Demon Venerable and the others arrived in pursuit, they found only a lingering scar of Oblivion [the power of utter annihilation] and had no idea what had transpired.

"..."

"Hiss—"

After slaying Oblivion True King, the Old Man of Celestial Stele all turned their gazes toward Eldrin Chen, their expressions uniformly shifting to one of utter disbelief.

They could scarcely fathom that a being of Oblivion True King's caliber had not lasted a single exchange in Eldrin Chen's hands. The sheer impossibility of it left them reeling.

In response, Eldrin Chen remained utterly composed, his voice calm as he stated, "The Oblivion True King was grievously wounded, his power diminished to less than half. Had he been at his peak, it would have required some effort on my part."

His words only deepened the awe of those present.

From Eldrin Chen's tone, it was clear that even at the height of his power, the Oblivion True King would have merely been a minor inconvenience to be dealt with.

One must remember, the Oblivion True King was ranked second on the Peerless Supreme Ranking List. That such a figure was considered only a slight challenge by Eldrin Chen was a truth that defied belief.

"Not bad at all."

Of course, Eldrin Chen paid little heed to the stunned reactions swirling around him.

As he led the group forward, he simultaneously took stock of the treasures from Oblivion True King [a powerful entity associated with destruction], a faint smile gracing his lips.

He had to admit, the treasures in Oblivion True King's possession were truly extraordinary. Apart from an Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a supreme artifact born from primordial chaos]—the Heavenly Halberd—there was also a stalk of the Limitless Divine Medicine [a medicine of boundless, godly efficacy] known as the 'Eternal Blossom'.

The Eternal Blossom was a peerless divine herb, said to be an Immortal Herb [a plant of immortal quality] at the Limitless [a supreme cultivation realm] level. However, due to its rather esoteric nature, ordinary Half-Step Limitless [cultivators who have reached the threshold of the Limitless realm] were unable to utilize it.

Otherwise, Oblivion True King might have used it to advance his power further, becoming a more troublesome opponent.

Of course, besides these two divine objects, Eldrin Chen also recovered the Limitless Flower and the Limitless Profound Fruit.

Returned to their rightful owner, these two stalks of Limitless Divine Medicine showed no change whatsoever, remaining exactly as they were when he had first entrusted them to Oblivion True King.

"With Oblivion True King dealt with, the lineage of Oblivion Sovereign [the Sovereign of Oblivion] should be severely weakened. World-Ending Child [the Child who heralds the world's end] and his ilk have likely suffered losses as well. The situation ahead should be somewhat easier to manage,"

Eldrin Chen mused inwardly as he continued his exploration, eventually arriving before an immortal pool.

It was a vast Primordial Immortal Pool [an ancient pool imbued with immortal energies], shrouded by the lingering aura of the Primordial Great Path [the supreme, foundational Dao of creation] and emanating a hazy violet mist.

Peering through the hazy Primordial Chaos Violet Mist [a mysterious violet fog born from primordial chaos], Eldrin Chen vaguely discerned dozens of Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [strands of the primordial essence that gave birth to creation] swirling within, alongside numerous Chaos Divine Object [divine objects formed from chaos] floating and sinking in its depths.

And above this Primordial Immortal Pool [a legendary pool of primordial spiritual essence], upon that boundless and majestic Void Heaven [the highest layer of the heavens], within the infinite shroud of violet mist, a hazy Ancient Bell [a primordial bell of immense power] stood suppressing the very fabric of heaven and earth.

"It is the Chaos Supreme Treasure [a treasure of the highest order born from primordial chaos]—the Chaos Bell [the Bell of Primordial Chaos]!"

In that instant, cries of astonishment echoed from the distance.

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw that numerous powerful figures had arrived at this place, their faces alight with joy as they gazed upon the Chaos Bell.

"The Chaos Bell."

Regarding this Chaos Bell, Eldrin Chen's eyes also flickered slightly, revealing a trace of desire.

This Chaos Bell was an object he *must* obtain on this journey, the key to his breakthrough in both the Soul Path Supreme [the supreme art of soul cultivation] and the Limitless Sovereign [the Sovereign realm of Limitless power].

Yet, a moment later, he suppressed that thought. He would not be the first to strike, to seize the Chaos Bell before him.

For the Chaos Bell was a Chaos Supreme Treasure, a treasure of such caliber that it was not something ordinary beings could even touch. Generally, one required cultivation at the Limitless [the Limitless realm] level at minimum to refine it.

Although Eldrin Chen possessed power at the Quasi-Sovereign [the Quasi-Sovereign realm] level, refining the bell would still consume vast amounts of time and energy. Unless he could defeat every single being present, seizing the Chaos Bell now would make him the target of all.

It was precisely for this reason that the Chaos Sovereigns from the outside world harbored no concern, allowing them to come and contend for the Chaos Bell.

In the eyes of the external Sovereigns, no matter who seized the Chaos Bell, they would be unable to refine it. Ultimately, they would have no choice but to surrender this treasure in exchange for an opportunity to break through to the Sovereign realm.

Not only them, but even the Sovereigns of the Path-Obstructing Faction had promised that, upon obtaining this Chaos Bell, they would grant their disciples a single chance to ascend to the Sovereign realm.

Even the radical faction's Oblivion Sovereign and others had pledged that whoever could obtain the Chaos Bell and present it to their faction's Sovereigns would be granted one opportunity to break through to Sovereign.

"It truly is the Chaos Bell! This is a heaven-sent opportunity!"

With the Chaos Bell right before their eyes, someone among the gathered crowd finally lost their restraint.

Two Half-Step Limitlesss instantly shot into the sky, charging madly towards the Chaos Bell in a desperate bid to seize it.

*BONG—*

Yet, in that very instant, the Chaos Bell atop the Heavenly Vault trembled violently, unleashing a wave of Great Path bell patterns capable of erasing all existence.

In a flash, the vast heavens were torn asunder. The two Half-Step Limitlesss were instantly obliterated, their physical bodies and Primordial Spirits [the spiritual core of a cultivator] utterly annihilated.

"Hiss—"

In an instant, a collective, sharp intake of breath swept through the crowd.

None who had gathered here were weaklings. Those two had been among the rarest and most powerful within the ranks of the Half-Step Limitless. To think they had been utterly shattered, their souls scattered, in a mere single clash.

Such near-total annihilation meant recovery would likely require countless, countless Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years].

"A Chaos Supreme Treasure [a primordial artifact of unimaginable power born from the formless void] is not to be insulted."

It was then that a voice, brimming with majestic authority, echoed down from the Heavenly Vault.

The Chaos Bell slowly rotated, finally speaking: "To earn my favor, you must pass three trials set by me."

"Three trials?"

The assembled experts exchanged glances, solemn expressions settling upon their faces.

At that moment, Weeping Blood Demon Venerable could not help but step forward, inquiring with utmost reverence: "Might this junior dare to ask, Esteemed Senior, what are these three trials?"

"The Gate of Potential, the Gate of Dao Heart, the Gate of Combat Prowess..."

Chaos Bell [a legendary bell forged in the Primordial Chaos] elaborated, explaining the nature of the Three Gates trial to the assembled crowd.

It was at this moment that Eldrin Chen rose to his feet and glanced towards Nyssa Qu and the other Mortal Path [a cultivation art focused on comprehending the mortal world to achieve enlightenment] cultivators beside him. "Let us depart," he said.

"Are we not participating in the trial?"

Old Man of Celestial Stele [an ancient, sentient stone monument] voiced his confusion, a trace of unwillingness coloring his inquiry.

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his voice calm as he transmitted his words. "Trials have always been, and will always be, for the weak. Who has the right to test the truly powerful?"

With those words, Eldrin Chen strode forward without hesitation. He walked to the very edge of the Primordial Immortal Pool [a mystical pool containing the essence of the primordial world] and plucked from its depths a stone inscribed with the power of the Primordial. Then, turning, he vanished into the depths of the Primordial Chaos Violet Mist [a mysterious, ever-shifting mist born from the chaos of creation].

Witnessing Eldrin Chen and his companions depart from the Primordial Immortal Pool and the Primordial Chaos Violet Mist, many present showed expressions of surprise, which quickly faded into understanding.

The Supreme [a title denoting a cultivator who has reached the pinnacle of a particular Dao] known as the Heavenly Leviathan let out a cold laugh before speaking. "They recognized their own inadequacy. Knowing they lacked the qualifications to claim a Chaos Supreme Treasure [a peerless treasure born from the Primordial Chaos], they chose to forfeit the trial."

"This was to be expected."

Myriad Crows Supreme [a supreme-level cultivator] nodded calmly and said, "While we may not obtain the Chaos Supreme Treasure [the ultimate treasure born from primordial chaos], using the remaining time to plunder the other treasures still hidden within the Primordial Chaos Violet Mist [a mysterious, primordial mist] is not a bad alternative."

"That is also true," Kunpeng Cosmos Supreme [a supreme-level cultivator] agreed with a nod, yet his tone turned cold. "However, this means the divine artifacts upon the mountain peak may fall into their hands first."

Weeping Blood Demon Venerable [a powerful demonic cultivator] let out a derisive laugh. "It matters not. Once we secure the Chaos Supreme Treasure, we can deal with these rogue cultivators at our leisure."

While the others began participating in the trials, Eldrin Chen stepped directly into the depths of the Primordial Chaos Violet Mist.

Finding a secluded spot suitable for secluded cultivation, he turned to the disciples of the Mortal Path [a profound cultivation method] beside him. "I am preparing to enter secluded cultivation. I need you to stand guard for me."

Upon hearing his words, they all nodded in understanding and immediately began setting up a grand protective formation around Eldrin Chen.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen then retrieved a stone imbued with a primordial force. This stone was called the Primordial Stone [a stone containing the essence of the primordial beginning], a Low-Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure of the lowest grade born from chaos]. To the various Half-Step Limitless [cultivators at the half-step to the Limitless Realm], it was merely an inconspicuous trinket.

Thus, when Eldrin Chen took the stone, those Peerless Supreme [Supreme Realm cultivators of peerless strength] paid it no mind and did not hinder him from claiming it.

Yet for Eldrin Chen, this object was the key treasure for cultivating the Primordial Divine Form [a divine ability that manifests a form of primordial power].

For etched within this stone was the Primordial Great Path [the supreme cultivation art of the primordial beginning], left behind by the Primordial Sovereign [the sovereign ruler of the primordial era] at the moment of his final meditation. It was the most primordial of objects, perfectly suited for comprehending the Primordial Great Path and for forging the Primordial Divine Form.

The primary reason Eldrin Chen had forgone the trial of the three perspectives was to refine this Primordial Stone.

Given his current cultivation level and comprehension, Eldrin Chen's speed in deciphering the Primordial Stone was already extraordinarily swift. Augmented by the three-hundredfold acceleration of Space-Time flow, his progress could only be described as heaven-defyingly rapid.

Not long after, he had already grasped the Primordial Great Path contained within it and cultivated it to the Great Emperor Realm.

Using this as a foundation, he then cultivated the Primordial Divine Runes, ultimately refining the Primordial Stone completely and achieving the Ultimate Divine Form—the Primordial Ancient Bell.

The Primordial Ancient Bell possessed boundless, wondrous applications. As the most primordial of Ultimate Divine Form, it held the profound mystery of manifesting Polarity [the fundamental duality of yin and yang], the Three Talents [Heaven, Earth, and Man], the Four Symbols [mythical beasts representing cardinal directions], the Five Elements [the foundational energies of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth], the Six Harmonies [a concept representing spatial harmony], the Seven Stars [of the Big Dipper], the Eight Trigrams, the Nine Palaces, and ultimately, the myriad paths of the Great Dao.

It was the primordial true form of all paths, capable of comprehensively amplifying Eldrin Chen's foundational aspects in every way, and also possessed the supreme wonder of infinite transformation.