Chapter 2168 : The Gathering of Chaos Sovereigns

With no other Sovereign to share the resources, they each claimed the lion's share of the high-grade opportunities within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], and their cultivation bases naturally advanced by leaps and bounds.

Now, within the entire Chaos, the number of Paramount Sovereign [the highest echelon of power within the Chaos realm] had approached twenty, with the Path-Obstructing Faction [a powerful coalition that seeks to hinder the established cosmic order] occupying more than half of them.

Figures like Oblivion Sovereign, World-Extinction Sovereign, and Myriad Demons Primogenitor had even reached the peak of the Limitless Sovereign [a supreme cultivation realm representing boundless power] realm, their might not inferior to the Nameless in his prime.

Therefore, many of the Limitless Sovereign within the Path-Obstructing Faction did not fear the return of the Nameless Path Ancestor [a title for a supreme master of the Dao, the fundamental principle of existence]; they merely found it a troublesome complication.

Of course, some wore grave expressions. One spoke directly, his voice heavy, "The Nameless Path Ancestor, wielding the Chaos Bell [a legendary bell forged from primordial chaos, capable of shaping reality], will surely return with even greater power. We cannot afford to ignore this."

Upon hearing this, the gathered Chaos Sovereign [masters who have attained sovereignty within the primordial Chaos] all felt a chill of grim determination.

After a moment, the Myriad Demons Primogenitor suddenly spoke, "Can we pinpoint the precise Path Marker [a metaphysical anchor or coordinate within the cosmic pathways] of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension within the primordial Chaos]?"

"The Path Marker for the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm is exceedingly well-concealed. From the outside, it is profoundly difficult for us to determine its exact location," another replied.

The Nether Curse Sovereign spoke, his pupils narrowing with intense focus. "However, if the Path Marker were exposed from *within*... then perhaps we could make an attempt."

"Then it is worth a try."

Netherworld Sovereign [the supreme ruler of the underworld] suddenly revealed a cold smile and spoke, "Back when we joined forces, we established the Primordial Spirit Path Union Tribulation [a mystical formation that triggers a collective heavenly tribulation]. It allows us to pinpoint the location of anyone attempting a breakthrough from within the Sea of the Great Path [the boundless, conceptual ocean from which all cosmic laws and truths emanate]."

"If He wishes to restore His cultivation to the Primordial Spirit of the Supreme [the pinnacle realm of the Primordial Spirit stage] once more, He will inevitably trigger the Primordial Spirit Path Union Tribulation. At that moment, we should be able to determine the precise Path Marker [a unique spatial coordinate or anchor point within the cosmic fabric] of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension born from the primordial chaos before creation]."

Upon hearing this, the many Supreme [a title prefix denoting beings who have reached the apex of their respective paths] present revealed a flicker of joy.

World-Extinction Sovereign [a sovereign whose path embodies the end of all things] spoke up, a rare occurrence, his voice icy. "If we can confirm the exact Path Marker, we can join forces to directly and forcibly breach the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm and annihilate that Nameless Path Ancestor [an Ancestor who has transcended the need for a name, representing the ultimate mystery] once more."

"Since that is the case, let us make thorough preparations."

"…"

While schemes were being woven in the outside world, Eldrin Chen was deep in secluded cultivation.

With the vast cultivation resources provided by the Primordial Immortal Pool [a legendary pool containing the concentrated essence of primordial spiritual energy], Eldrin Chen's cultivation advanced with breathtaking speed. Unbeknownst to him, both his physical body and his Great Path [his core cultivation technique, representing his fundamental Dao] cultivation had reached a state of absolute perfection, leaving no room for further advancement.

"My physical body is perfected, and my Great Path cultivation is also perfected."

"For these two foundational pillars to progress any further, I must break through to the Limitless Realm [a legendary realm representing boundless potential and freedom from all constraints]."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then emerged from his secluded cultivation.

He certainly would not attempt to break through his Limitless Physique [a legendary constitution representing boundless physical potential] or his Limitless Great Path [the supreme cultivation art of the Limitless Realm] immediately, for the difficulty of breaking through the Limitless Great Path was immeasurably vast.

Compared to these two foundational pillars, his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and consciousness of a cultivator] was still far too weak. If he were to forcibly attempt a breakthrough in either the Limitless Physique or the Limitless Great Path, his chances of success were actually not high.

Furthermore, the Limitless [the supreme cultivation realm representing boundlessness] Path, by its very nature, suppresses all other paths with its singular dominance. Once a breakthrough is successfully achieved, it exerts an extreme, overwhelming pressure on one's other foundational pillars, drastically reducing the possibility of them ever reaching the Limitless Realm [the realm of the Limitless].

This was precisely why figures like the Oblivion Sovereign and the World-Extinction Sovereign, despite being Paramount Sovereigns [the highest rank of Sovereign cultivators] who commanded the greatest share of resources within the Chaos [the primordial state of existence before order], had never been able to cultivate a second Limitless foundation.

It was not that they did not wish to break through, but rather that under the suppression of an established Limitless Great Path, the difficulty of cultivating a second Limitless Great Path increased a hundredfold compared to the first.

Of course, it was not entirely impossible to forge a second Limitless foundation, but the difficulty of doing so was akin to scaling the heavens themselves.

The mainstream method was exemplified by figures like the Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor, a founder of his own Path. He pioneered the Fleshly Body Sanctification Great Path [the Great Path of achieving sainthood through physical cultivation], which possessed an extraordinary, even perfect, compatibility with his own Limitless Physique, allowing him to achieve dual Limitless Sovereign Foundations [the foundational cultivation base of a Sovereign].

In the past, the Nameless had walked the Soul Path [the Path focused on cultivating the soul and spirit]. This Path granted immense control over the Primordial Spirit, enabling him to leverage his formidable cultivation in the Soul Path Sovereign [the Sovereign level of the Soul Path] to master a Limitless foundation and subsequently forge a second one.

Beyond these methods, legend spoke of Chaos Supreme Treasures [supreme artifacts born from the Primordial Chaos] being capable of suppressing one Limitless Great Path. By utilizing the power of a Chaos Supreme Treasure to restrain one's own established Limitless Great Path, one could also attempt to cultivate a second.

These three methods are all exceedingly demanding, yet they are the only three known ways within the Chaos [the primordial state before creation] to forge a dual Limitless [a foundational cultivation realm representing boundless potential] foundation.

Now that Eldrin Chen possesses the Chaos Bell [a supreme artifact forged from primordial chaos], if he cultivates the Chaos Limitless Great Path [a supreme art merging chaos and the boundless path] and then uses the bell to suppress it, the absence of the Limitless Great Path's [the supreme art of the boundless path] restraining force would, in theory, allow him to also achieve the Limitless Physique [a supreme physical constitution of boundless potential].

"My path to the Limitless must first be traversed by my Soul Path [a cultivation art focused on the soul] cultivation reaching the Limitless Realm,"

"Once I achieve the Soul Path Sovereign [the sovereign stage of the soul path], merging the Limitless Physique and the Limitless Great Path will follow as naturally as water flowing downhill."

Eldrin Chen murmured these thoughts to himself, then strolled to the edge of the Primordial Immortal Pool [a sacred pool brimming with primordial immortal energy].

By now, Nyssa Qu, Lingering Ye, and the others had successively made their breakthroughs. With the support of various resources, their Supreme Immortal Domain [a supreme-grade immortal domain cultivation art] had all advanced to the perfection stage.

With a flick of his sleeve, Eldrin Chen bestowed upon each of them nine strands of Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [the foundational essence of creation from primordial chaos] and spoke, "The Supreme Immortal Domain is no ordinary art, but to transform it into a Limitless Immortal Domain [an immortal domain art of boundless grade], one must use the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence to elevate its latent potential."

"Refine this essence, and your Supreme Immortal Domain should advance yet again. Your combat power may then brush against the threshold of the Quasi-Sovereign Domain [a realm bordering on sovereign-level power]."

Everyone nodded in understanding. Even the usually reserved Verdant Peak Ye could not contain his excitement, saying, "My gratitude, Master."

"There is no need for such formality."

Eldrin Chen waved his hand, signaling the others to proceed with their breakthroughs.

Refining the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura did not take long; all nine individuals successively completed the transformation of their Supreme Immortal Domain.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen summoned Nyssa Qu and the other eight, along with the seven Peerless Supreme cultivators from the Seven Domains Alliance.

"We pay our respects to our honored master."

Responding to Eldrin Chen's summons, everyone spoke with utmost reverence.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and then spoke, "My foundation is now complete. The next step is to break through my Soul Path Supreme cultivation. I will require your assistance."

Hearing this, a trace of solemnity appeared on the faces of those present.

Because the potential of the Soul Path Supreme was too great, the Path-Obstructing Faction had long ago laid down the Path-Obstructing Tribulation. Therefore, attempting a breakthrough into the Soul Path Supreme realm was fraught with extreme peril; even a Peerless Supreme cultivator daring to attempt it would face almost certain death.

However, recalling that Eldrin Chen already possessed the aura of one who had reached the Limitless realm, their confidence was somewhat restored.

The Hong Ancestor pondered for a moment before inquiring, "Master, do you intend to undergo your tribulation and ascend your realm here?"

"Not so."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, then explained in a measured tone: "Those who seek to block my path have laid their schemes for many years. If I were to attempt my breakthrough here, I would likely expose the Path Marker [a mystical object that serves as a key or anchor point for a secret realm] of this Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension born from primordial chaos]."

"Even if I managed to escape, this Primordial Chaos Secret Realm would be destroyed in the process."

Having said this, Eldrin Chen continued: "To avoid implicating others, I have decided to make my breakthrough attempt within that large-scale Primordial Chaos Secret Realm instead."

Upon hearing this, everyone present was momentarily taken aback, their gazes flickering with surprise.

The Primordial Chaos Secret Realm located within the Netherworld Nether Antiquity Domain [a vast, ancient domain within the Netherworld] was a large-scale one of Sovereign [a supreme cultivation realm] grade. Although its inherent rank was inferior to this current realm, its profound mysteries for concealing Celestial Mechanism [the workings of fate and heavenly secrets] were indeed Extraordinary.

If one used that Primordial Chaos Secret Realm as a foundation and the Chaos Bell [a legendary bell forged from primordial chaos] as the Formation Eye [the core and control point of a mystical formation] to deploy a Chaos Grand Formation [a grand defensive formation drawing power from chaos], there would be a reasonable chance of withstanding the methods of those Sovereign.

Considering this, everyone nodded in agreement, though Nyssa Qu expressed regret for the Earthly Path [a profound cultivation art attuned to the energies of the earth]: "Yet, by doing so, the Path Marker of that large Primordial Chaos Secret Realm will inevitably be exposed and most likely destroyed as well."

"As long as Master can achieve his breakthrough, any price is worth paying."

Yuan Ancestor spoke slowly, a look of unwavering resolve settling upon his features.

He rose to his feet, cupping his hands respectfully towards Eldrin Chen and said, "Master, allow me to assist you in setting up the formation."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. He retrieved a pile of Immortal Gold Divine Ore from his grasp and handed them to the assembled Mortal Path cultivators. "First, refine the Formation Artifact [enchanted artifacts used as nodes to power and anchor a formation]. We must prepare the necessary components before we can begin the actual layout."

"Understood."

With unanimous assent, the group each took a portion of the materials and immediately set to work forging the various Formation Artifact required for the grand formation.

With Cang Ancestor, a veritable patriarch of artifact forging, leading the effort, supplemented by the power of several dozen Half-Step Limitless experts, and further accelerated by the time dilation within the Kalpa Tribulation-spanning Space-Time [the fabric of reality encompassing spatial dimensions and the flow of time], the process of crafting the Formation Artifact proceeded with astonishing speed.

Before long, the complete set of Formation Artifact was successfully forged.

This formidable array of artifacts comprised three thousand Low-Grade Chaos Spiritual Artifact, over three hundred Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure, and was crowned by two Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure.

These two Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure were the 'Mysterious Moon Ring' and the 'Dawn Sun Pearl', both spoils of war seized from Peerless Supreme experts of the Neutral Faction. They served as natural Chaos Formation Eye [the central, most powerful control nodes of a formation, often requiring artifacts of immense power].

Once the Formation Artifact were assembled, Eldrin Chen utilized the Nameless Space to transport the entire group directly into the heart of the large-scale Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.

After years of nurturing and evolution, the Returning Abyss Pearl had ascended to the rank of an Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure. Leveraging its status as a Chaos Supreme Treasure, it now possessed the power to completely disregard the spatial suppression inherent to a large-scale Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.

After arriving at the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden realm suffused with the energy of primordial chaos], Eldrin Chen instructed everyone to first thoroughly plunder all the treasures within the realm and completely transplant all the Chaos Spiritual Roots [spiritual plants that thrive on chaos energy]. Only then did he begin to set up the Chaos Limitless Grand Formation [a grand defensive array drawing power from chaos].

In the end, Eldrin Chen used the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm as the foundation, three thousand Chaos Spiritual Treasures [artifacts imbued with chaos power] as the formation's pillars, and two Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasures [high-quality chaos artifacts] as auxiliary Formation Eyes [core nodes of an array]. With the Chaos Supreme Treasure Chaos Bell [a supreme bell forged from chaos] serving as the formation's supreme suppressing treasure, he laid down a Limitless Grand Formation.

The power of this formation was truly extraordinary, capable of withstanding a full-force strike from several top-tier Chaos Sovereigns [supreme beings who rule over chaos]. It could even hold its ground for a time against an assault wielding a Chaos Supreme Treasure.

After confirming there were no oversights in the formation, Nyssa Qu couldn't help but look at Eldrin Chen and ask, "Husband, when do you plan to make your breakthrough?"

"Let's wait a little longer. I intend to give them a surprise."

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly, then turned his gaze to the Mortal Path cultivators [cultivators following the path of mortality]. "You all should return first. I can handle this place alone."

"This... very well."

Though Nyssa Qu was still somewhat worried, she understood she could offer no further assistance in what was to come. With that realization, she could only bid farewell and depart.

Using the Nameless Space [a mysterious spatial artifact] to send everyone back to the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, Eldrin Chen then piloted the Limitless Grand Formation alone. Carrying the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm with him, he silently traversed the Boundless Chaos Sea [a vast sea of chaotic energy] and arrived at the very core of the Netherworld Ancient Domain [an ancient domain shrouded in deathly energy].

"This is the place."

Gazing upon the vast expanse of the Netherworld Ancient Domain [a primordial and perilous realm steeped in deathly energies], a glint of icy resolve flickered within Eldrin Chen's eyes.

The heart of this Netherworld Ancient Domain was the very lair of the Netherworld Sovereign [the supreme ruler of the deathly realms]. Eldrin Chen intended to deliver a monumental surprise to its inhabitants right here.

Having confirmed his location, Eldrin Chen immediately released his myriad split souls. Among them were the manifestations of the Nine Great God Ability Split Souls [a supreme technique allowing the division of one's soul into nine powerful avatars] and his three thousand lesser soul fragments.

Through the continuous cultivation of the Dreamwalking Reincarnation Art [an esoteric art of tempering the soul through cycles of dreamlike reincarnation], Eldrin Chen had not only mastered the Nine Great God Ability Split Souls over the years but had also perfected the creation of three thousand lesser soul fragments.

Among them, the avatar born from his divine ability possessed exceptional talent. Having undergone nine cycles of Reincarnation [the process of death and rebirth of the soul] within the dream realm, its cultivation had already ascended to the Half-Step Path Union Realm [a transcendent state bordering on the unification of one's cultivated path with the cosmos].

The lesser soul fragments inherited only a sliver of Eldrin Chen's potential. Yet, through his meticulous and relentless refinement, each had ultimately reached the Great Emperor Realm [a supreme realm of power and authority].

Thus, Eldrin Chen now commanded nine avatars at the Half-Step Path Union and three thousand soul fragments at the Great Emperor Realm.

Of course, these split souls merely possessed the foundational depth and cultivation level of these realms. Their true combat prowess fell far short of matching a genuine Great Emperor or a true Half-Step Path Union cultivator.

Fortunately, what Eldrin Chen sought was not their battle strength, but the profound soul essence within these fragments—the very fuel that would allow his own Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true self of a high-level cultivator] to advance by leaps and bounds.

"With the soul essence of my fragments now brimming, it is time for the breakthrough," he murmured, his voice a low whisper that carried the weight of impending ascension.

Seeing that his accumulation was sufficient, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate in the slightest. He immediately began refining the myriad sub-souls and child-souls, using their power to continuously assail the barrier of the Path Union Realm [the realm where one's cultivation path and soul become one].

In that instant, the three thousand child-souls and nine major sub-souls converged upon his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] like fledgling swallows returning to their nest, merging into it completely.

Almost in the blink of an eye, his cultivation in the Soul Path [a profound art focused on soul cultivation] surged tenfold. He instantly shattered the bottleneck of the Soul Path Supreme [the supreme stage of the Soul Path art], and his power continued to skyrocket without pause.

"BOOM—"

And in that very same moment, from within the Primordial Chaos Great Path Sea [the primordial sea from which all cosmic laws and paths originate], a supremely powerful surge of Power of Oblivion [a divine power embodying the concept of absolute annihilation] descended upon him.

This force pierced through all of time, past and present, merging the powers of Oblivion [the state of utter non-existence], world-extinction, curses, the Netherworld [the realm of the dead], and dozens of other Limitless Great Path [profound arts of boundless power]. It cleaved directly towards Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit of the Supreme [the supreme state of the Primordial Spirit].

"This power... it truly is specifically targeting me. The obstructive force of the Great Path has been deliberately amplified,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, yet his expression remained utterly calm. He activated the Limitless Grand Formation [a grand defensive formation of boundless power], using the Chaos Bell [a supreme treasure forged from primordial chaos] to forcefully block this supreme strike.

Even so, a residual portion of that power, operating on the very level of the Great Path [the fundamental cosmic laws and principles], still seeped through, intent on utterly erasing Eldrin Chen from existence.

Though this residual force was but a sliver, the divine might it contained remained overwhelming, potent enough to annihilate even a Peerless Supreme [a cultivator who has reached the pinnacle of power] with ease.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen's defensive capabilities were now virtually peerless under heaven. Even without the Chaos Bell, he could have withstood a portion of the assault, let alone with the bell having already absorbed the brunt of the residual force.

He channeled his full physical might to endure the remaining shockwave. Then, at the cost of grievously wounding his Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [his innermost spiritual world], he forcefully used the Chaos Bell to deflect the Path-Obstructing Power, sending it crashing like a tidal wave towards the Netherworld Holy Land.

"Disaster!"

The Netherworld Sovereign, who was within the holy land channeling his own power into the obstruction, had no time to react to the sudden, redirected onslaught.

In an instant, the vast Netherworld Holy Land was pierced through. The Netherworld Sovereign himself was struck by the supreme divine energy, his physical form torn asunder.

This single strike contained the combined, full-force assault of dozens of Path-Obstructing Primordial Sovereign from the Path-Obstructing Faction, originally intended to utterly annihilate Eldrin Chen.

The Netherworld Sovereign had been a contributor to that very power, pouring nearly his full strength into the collective attack. He never imagined it would be turned back upon himself.

Thus ensnared by his own making, the Netherworld Sovereign suffered unimaginable devastation. His physical body was nearly obliterated, on the verge of being scattered to dust and ashes.

Infinite curses, the power of Oblivion [the force of absolute annihilation], and world-ending energies surged through him, threatening to shatter even his Limitless [the pinnacle cultivation realm] cultivation base.

"Aaaaaagh—!"

The Netherworld Sovereign [the supreme ruler of the Netherworld] let out a shriek of agony and immediately fled, his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] attempting to return to the Sea of the Great Path [the metaphysical ocean representing the source of all Dao].

Yet, in that very instant, a Chaos Ancient Bell [an ancient bell forged in the Primordial Chaos] tore through the void with a thunderous roar, striking his Primordial Spirit and scattering it to dust and ashes.

"All of you," a voice echoed, "the Karma [the cosmic law of cause and effect] from days past shall be settled, one by one. Today was merely the collection of interest."

Simultaneously, Eldrin Chen strode forth from the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden realm born from the Primordial Chaos], swept up the various legacies left behind by the Netherworld Sovereign, and vanished into the depths of the Boundless Chaos [the infinite, formless void before creation].

Not long after Eldrin Chen's departure, several Chaos Sovereign [beings who have attained sovereignty over a fragment of the Primordial Chaos] appeared one after another outside the Netherworld Holy Land [the sacred domain of the Netherworld].

The Oblivion Sovereign [a sovereign whose path embodies absolute annihilation] gazed upon the ruined Netherworld Holy Land, then turned his eyes towards the nearly half-destroyed Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, a glint of cold intent flashing within his pupils.

"To use the destruction of a large Primordial Chaos Secret Realm as the price to deflect our combined strike meant to annihilate Fellow Daoist Netherworld... the methods of this Nameless Path Ancestor [an Ancestor-level figure whose true name is unknown] remain as ruthless as ever," he remarked.

The Myriad Demons Primogenitor [the primordial ancestor from whom all demons are said to descend] spoke, his tone laced with palpable wariness.

The others fell into a heavy silence, offering no further words. For after blocking the Path-Obstructing Tribulation [a cataclysmic tribulation meant to sever one's path to the Dao] they had jointly unleashed, the exposure of this large Primordial Chaos Secret Realm had become inevitable.

Even if it did not face Oblivion [complete and utter non-existence], it would have fallen into the hands of us Sovereign [beings who have attained a level of mastery over a fundamental aspect of reality]. Rather than letting it aid an enemy, it was better to seize the chance to grievously wound the Netherworld Sovereign.

By seizing the opportunity to slay the Netherworld Sovereign [a supreme ruler of the underworld realms], Eldrin Chen effectively severed one of their fingers—a move that served multiple strategic purposes with a single stroke.

Lord of Purgatory [the sovereign ruler of the infernal realms] let out a derisive chuckle before speaking. "The Dao-heart [the fundamental spiritual core and resolve of a cultivator] of Fellow Daoist Nameless has always been this ruthless. This is hardly our first encounter with it."

Observing this, the World-Extinction Sovereign [a sovereign whose power embodies the end of worlds] spoke up. "Having cultivated back to the Path Union Supreme [the supreme realm where one's path merges with the fundamental laws of existence] and with the Chaos Bell [a primordial bell artifact that commands the power of primal chaos] in hand, his breakthrough to the Limitless Realm [a transcendent cultivation stage beyond conventional limits] seems inevitable."

"Our enmity with this individual runs deep. To ignore him would be the worst course of action. I intend to hinder his progress."

The others nodded in agreement. The Oblivion Sovereign [a sovereign whose dominion is absolute annihilation], calmly polishing his Blade of Oblivion [a weapon that erases existence with each cut], stated plainly, "Breaking through to the Sovereign [the ultimate realm of rulership over cosmic laws] is an immensely difficult feat, not something achieved overnight."

"When the time comes for us to act, there may still be a chance to disrupt his Dao-advancement [the critical process of breaking through to a higher cultivation realm]. Count me in for that endeavor."

The rest gave their silent assent. A glint of killing intent flickered in their eyes, and an unspoken pact of mutual understanding was forged between them.

"…"

While the outside world reeled in shock, Eldrin Chen had already returned to the depths of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension formed from the essence of primal chaos].

Back within the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, Eldrin Chen handed the three thousand Formation Artifact [specialized artifacts used to construct and power grand arrays] used for the array to Yuan Ancestor and the others, instructing them to deploy the artifacts throughout the secret realm. Only then did he turn his focus inward, beginning a profound contemplation of the power now residing within him.

With this breakthrough, he fused all nine of his split souls and three thousand subsidiary souls in one fell swoop. His cultivation in the Soul Path [a profound art focused on soul manipulation and refinement] soared to the heavens in a single step, directly reaching the threshold of the Half-Step Limitless realm.

Of course, this was merely a breakthrough in cultivation level. The foundation of his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] still had deficiencies that needed to be mended bit by bit. Only then would he truly possess the combat prowess of a genuine Half-Step Limitless expert.

"The foundation of the Soul Path can be solidified gradually," he mused. "Now, it is time to return to the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains and bring Exquisite Jiang and the others back."

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Eldrin Chen then retrieved the legacy left behind by the Netherworld Sovereign.

Although this Netherworld Sovereign was merely an ordinary Sovereign [a supreme realm of power], the resources in his possession were considerable. Among them were not a few Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasures [supreme artifacts forged from primordial chaos] and various other divine materials.

Among them were five Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasures, each a rare and peerless divine weapon. However, Eldrin Chen currently lacked for no treasures, so he temporarily stored them within the Nameless Space.

After dealing with these Rare Treasures, Eldrin Chen took the time to return to the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains. He brought Exquisite Jiang, Verdant Consort, and other core members of the Chen Immortal Clan back to the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, allowing them to enjoy the higher-tier cultivation resources within that sacred space.