Chapter 2169 : The Imperfect Soul Path

After completing all this, Eldrin Chen began to focus wholeheartedly on remedying the deficiencies of the Soul Path [a profound cultivation art focusing on spiritual and soul refinement].

He first used a mid-grade Chaos Rare Treasure [a primordial artifact of immense power] as a catalyst to elevate all nine of his Chaos Divine Ability [divine powers born from primordial chaos] to a higher realm. Yet, he discovered that the power of his Primordial Spirit of the Supreme [the supreme spiritual core of a cultivator] still could not rival that of a practitioner at the same realm who had mastered Fleshly Body Sanctification [an art of physical perfection and bodily refinement].

"Even after refining a mid-grade Chaos Rare Treasure and greatly enhancing the power of Fleshly Body Sanctification, it still cannot match a peer-level Fleshly Body Sanctification practitioner?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a contemplative frown etching itself upon his features.

He had to admit that the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification was more complete. On this path, merely stepping into the half-step Limitless Realm [a realm approaching boundless power] allowed its practitioners to rival those at the Peak Half-Step Limitless [the pinnacle of that half-step realm].

In contrast, the Soul Path Supreme [the supreme version of the Soul Path] was not yet perfected. Even after refining nine portions of mid-grade Chaos Rare Treasure, which boosted the potency of his Chaos Divine Ability, he had only just entered the initial stage of the half-step Limitless Domain [a domain of power approaching the limitless].

"It is not a lack of cultivation in the Soul Path. The gap lies in not having cultivated a Path Union [a divine ability born from the fusion of multiple cultivation paths] divine ability."

Eldrin Chen whispered to himself, his brow furrowing slightly. The Primordial Chaos Great Path [the fundamental Dao of primordial chaos] could fuse into a Supreme Great Path [a supreme, unified Dao], and Chaos Divine Form [divine forms born from chaos] could merge into a Supreme Divine Form [a supreme, unified divine form]. However, Chaos Divine Ability were exceedingly difficult to fuse with one another.

This was because the Great Path [the fundamental Dao] was the essence of simplicity, the foundation of all things, making its fusion relatively less arduous.

And the Chaos Divine Form was the true manifestation of the Great Path, essentially just the authentic shape of the Dao itself, so merging them was not an insurmountable challenge either.

Yet divine abilities are profoundly complex. They are the fruit of contact with the Great Path [the fundamental principle governing all existence], and the difficulty of fusing them together has increased by more than tenfold.

"The path of Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [a profound cultivation art focused on the Primordial Spirit] should have its core in the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator] itself, not in the nine Chaos Divine Ability [divine abilities born from primordial chaos]. There is no need to tread the path of fusing Supreme [a prefix denoting the highest, most profound level] divine abilities, let alone pursuing Limitless Divine Ability [divine abilities of boundless, immeasurable power]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, dismissing the idea of merging the nine Chaos Divine Ability.

Furthermore, the Primordial Spirit Path Attainment Art left by Nameless in the past was too simplistic and crude. Even if one broke through into the realm of a Soul Path Sovereign [a sovereign who has mastered the path of the soul], they would at most be able to progress only to the early stages of Limitless Sovereign [a sovereign whose power knows no bounds].

Thus, Eldrin Chen had no choice but to start anew. He pondered, experimented, and combined his insights with the path of Primordial Spirit Path Attainment once trodden by Nameless, gradually forming a new thread of thought.

"What if, using the art of soul division, I cultivate nine avatar souls, each mastering a Supreme divine ability? Then, have these nine avatars sit in meditation within the Primordial Spirit Tower [a divine ability that manifests as a towering spiritual construct], using the tower to amplify their power."

"In the end, it should be possible... to forge a single, peerless, and invincible Primordial Spirit of the Supreme [a Primordial Spirit that has attained the supreme, highest state]."

Eldrin Chen whispered his thoughts. According to his continuous calculations, nine avatar souls at the Supreme level, combined with the Primordial Spirit Immortal Pagoda [a magical treasure in the form of an immortal pagoda that houses and nourishes the spirit], would naturally form a grand Primordial Spirit array.

With this array empowering his true Primordial Spirit, it would undoubtedly elevate his spiritual cultivation to its absolute zenith.

Without further hesitation, Eldrin Chen immediately divided his spirit, creating nine divine ability avatars. He then accelerated their cultivation of the Path of Dreamwalking Reincarnation [a divine ability involving traversing dreams and cycles of rebirth] by a factor of one thousand within a realm of altered Space-Time [the fabric of space and time, which can be manipulated by high-level cultivators].

After the nine cycles of Reincarnation [the process of being reborn into a new life], all nine of Eldrin Chen's Supreme [a prefix denoting the highest rank] split souls had reached the initial stage of the Supreme Realm [the pinnacle cultivation realm].

At this point, Eldrin Chen had the nine split souls sit within the nine layers of the Primordial Spirit Immortal Pagoda [a mystical pagoda that houses and nourishes the primordial spirit], using the grand formation to amplify the power of his true self.

"The domain of the Peak Half-Step Limitless [the very peak of the realm just before achieving true Limitlessness]."

Having completed his cultivation, a faint smile touched the lips of Eldrin Chen as he murmured to himself.

His Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation and combat power fully entering the Peak Half-Step Limitless domain signified that his Soul Path [a cultivation art focused on refining the soul] now rivaled his Fleshly Body Sanctification Art [an art for perfecting the physical body].

"There is still room for improvement."

Eldrin Chen pondered silently, then retrieved nine Soul Path fruits.

These nine fruits were known as the Chaos Three Souls Fruit [a chaos-born fruit that nourishes the three aspects of the soul], the fruit of the Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Root [a top-tier spiritual plant born from primordial chaos], the Chaos Three Souls Tree [the Tree of Chaos and Three Souls]. Each was a priceless treasure of the Soul Path.

He decisively consumed the nine Soul Path fruits. In that instant, his nine Supreme split souls underwent continuous metamorphosis. Their potential and cultivation advanced yet again, actually elevating to the peak of the Supreme Realm.

"A hundred feet up the pole, one can still ascend further. Now, my Soul Path cultivation is sufficient to rival a Peerless Supreme [a Supreme who stands alone, unmatched by peers]."

Witnessing the cultivation realms of his nine split souls ascend once more, a rare smile touched the lips of Eldrin Chen.

Logically, given his current mastery of the Soul Path [a profound art of soul cultivation and division], the potential of the split souls he could manifest had a natural limit; it should have been impossible for them to cultivate divine abilities at the Pinnacle Supreme [the very peak of the Supreme realm] level.

Yet, the Chaos Three Blends Fruit [a legendary fruit born from primordial chaos, capable of refining and elevating one's spiritual foundation] had forcibly elevated the latent potential of his split souls, shattering that seemingly insurmountable barrier for him.

Even so, Eldrin Chen understood clearly that this still was not the ultimate limit of his Soul Path cultivation.

He then summoned forth the Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence [a wisp of the purest, most foundational energy from the dawn of creation], channeling it to merge with his Nine Great God Ability Split Souls [a supreme divine ability that creates nine independent soul avatars]. This fusion continuously enhanced the potential and foundational depth of these nine split souls.

After a long while, following the successive fusion of nine wisps of Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence, the potential of Eldrin Chen's Nine Great God Ability Split Souls ascended once more, directly reaching the Half-Step Limitless Domain [a transcendent state bordering on the boundless and infinite].

Furthermore, Eldrin Chen also fused Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence into his main Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true self of a high-level cultivator].

Perhaps due to the elevated potential of his nine Supreme [a title prefix denoting supreme mastery] split souls providing a form of spiritual feedback, the latent potential of his main Primordial Spirit proved astonishingly vast. It required a full nine wisps of Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence to reach a state of saturation.

"The potential of the Soul Path has been developed to its absolute limit," he murmured to himself.

"Now, all that remains is to replenish and solidify my cultivation base."

Having perfected the cultivation method of the Soul Path [a profound art focused on cultivating the soul and spirit] and completed the enhancement of his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] potential, Eldrin Chen began to continuously refine various resources for the Soul Path to elevate his Primordial Spirit cultivation base.

Uncountable tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of time] later, Eldrin Chen discovered that the foundational depth of his Soul Path had reached its limit. All nine of his Supreme [a title denoting the highest rank or quality] split souls had cultivated to the Half-Step Limitless Realm [a legendary cultivation stage beyond conventional limits].

Only at this point did Eldrin Chen's Soul Path cultivation base truly and completely reach the absolute pinnacle of the Supreme Realm [the highest attainable cultivation stage before transcending mortal limits].

"To what level has my Soul Path cultivation now ascended?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, then closed his eyes to contemplate and sense the power within.

Within his body, his Primordial Spirit of the Supreme [the spiritual core of a cultivator who has reached the Supreme Realm] gently undulated. Nestled within this Primordial Spirit floated an Immortal Pagoda [a pagoda-shaped magical artifact], within which sat nine Supreme split souls. They acted like nine Formation Eye [the core focal points of a mystical formation, amplifying its power], synergistically amplifying his Primordial Spirit cultivation.

As Eldrin Chen willed it, his main Primordial Spirit, the nine split souls, and the Primordial Spirit Immortal Pagoda [the specific Immortal Pagoda artifact housing his Primordial Spirit] all began to glow in unison. These three forces intertwined almost completely, radiating a sliver of power that transcended all previous limits.

"The aura of the Limitless [the boundless, transcendent cultivation stage], a Soul Path cultivation base at the Quasi-Sovereign [a realm just one step below the ultimate Sovereign level] tier."

Eldrin Chen stated calmly, a faint smile finally gracing his features.

This advancement in his Soul Path cultivation was unprecedented in its potency. Not only had his soul force stepped into the Quasi-Sovereign level, but it now also slightly surpassed both his physical body cultivation and his Great Path [the cultivation of the fundamental Dao or cosmic principles] cultivation.

This granted him an extreme level of control over his own being, allowing him to perfectly fuse his three Sovereign Foundation [the foundational cultivation stage just below the Sovereign Realm] foundations together.

"If I were to step into the Sovereign Realm [the realm of cultivation sovereigns], with this supreme Soul Path [a cultivation art focused on the soul and spiritual power] attainment, perhaps I could simultaneously wield the power of all three Limitless [a supreme, boundless cultivation foundation] foundations," Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

Simultaneously controlling three Limitless foundations was far from a simple additive process; it would undoubtedly be a transformation of the most profound and ultimate kind.

Without having cultivated to the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [the pinnacle stage of the Soul Path cultivation art] level, even if Eldrin Chen had achieved two Limitless foundations, their mutually exclusive nature would have forced him to keep them separate.

For instance, if he cultivated both the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation art based on sacrificing the self] and the Immortal Great Path [the Great Path of Immortality], upon reaching the Limitless Great Path [the supreme level of a cultivation path] stage, he would be compelled to manifest one 'Immortal Path [the Path of Immortality] Sovereign [a cultivator who has attained the Sovereign Realm]' avatar and one 'Sacrificial Self PathSovereign' avatar.

Otherwise, the clashing energies of the two Limitless Great Path would tear his physical body apart, preventing him from harnessing the true power of the Sacrificial Self Path.

Once divided into two separate Sovereign avatars, their powers could not coalesce into a single entity, utterly negating the qualitative leap that would come from the fusion of two Limitless Great Path.

However, with his Soul Path cultivation, the situation changed entirely. It opened the possibility for Eldrin Chen to simultaneously command the power of two different Limitless Great Path.

At the very least, Eldrin Chen would, in the future, be capable of wielding the two Limitless foundations of the Chaos Limitless Great Path [the supreme divine ability of the Chaos Limitless Path] and the Primordial Chaos Limitless Physique [a supreme constitution born of Primordial Chaos].

"The Soul Path Sovereign Foundation [the foundational stage of the Sovereign Realm within the Soul Path cultivation art] is now complete. The next step is to plan the layout for the breakthrough."

Eldrin Chen set aside his thoughts and murmured softly to himself.

With his current cultivation level in the Soul Path, breaking through to the Sovereign Realm [the realm of Sovereigns, a high level of cultivation mastery] would not be difficult. He merely needed to completely fuse his nine Supreme [a title prefix denoting supreme mastery] split souls, the Primordial Spirit Immortal Pagoda [a pagoda-shaped treasure that houses and refines the Primordial Spirit], and his true body to achieve a perfect breakthrough into the Sovereign Realm of the Soul Path.

However, breaking through the Sovereign realm would require a not insignificant amount of time, which would inevitably attract numerous powerful enemies seeking to obstruct his path. Eldrin Chen knew he had to make sufficient preparations.

"With the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden realm of primordial chaos] serving as a veil, the initial phenomena of the breakthrough will not be detected by others."

"But at the critical moment of the breakthrough, it will surely shake the entire Chaos [the vast, formless expanse of primordial chaos], and I will be powerless to intervene. I will need to rely on the Chaos Grand Formation [a grand defensive formation that harnesses the power of chaos] to hold them off."

"It is a pity the Immortal Great Path [a supreme cultivation art of immortality] has been suppressed too severely. Even with my current Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a high level of cultivation] cultivation, I find it difficult to revive it. Otherwise, this breakthrough would not be so troublesome."

After pondering this, Eldrin Chen summoned the core members of his faction who had reached the Path Union Supreme [the Supreme level of the Path Union Realm] realm.

After so many years, gathering his powerful subordinates once more, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a flicker of emotion.

Unbeknownst to him, his cultivation journey had now spanned over seven hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle, often billions of years], and the number of powerful experts within the Returning Abyss Lineage [the lineage or faction founded by Eldrin Chen] had become as numerous as the hairs on an ox.

Beyond the seven Peerless Supreme and over twenty Half-Step Limitless of the Seven Domains Alliance, he commanded nearly a hundred Peerless Supreme.

These Supreme were all core members of the Returning Abyss Lineage. Apart from Eldrin Chen's five direct sons, there were also the Ten Direct Disciples, as well as prodigies of the Human Race such as Melancholy Inscription Lord, Sword Mystery Supreme, and Annihilation Path Master.

In earlier years, these individuals had all ventured into the Chaos Desolation Sea, roaming the Chaos for hundreds of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles]. Consequently, their cultivation had successively broken through to the Half-Step Path Union Realm.

Later, after Eldrin Chen seized the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, he secretly brought them into it, aiding them in successively achieving breakthroughs into the Path Union Supreme Realm.

Of course, with the widespread dissemination of the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation method centered on self-sacrifice and offering], the number of Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for supreme rulers born from chaos] had long since surpassed a mere hundred. The number of Chaos Heavenly Emperor who could be considered his nominal disciples likely reached eight hundred.

Within the Endless Chaos, the number of Heavenly Emperor who had attained the Dao by cultivating the Sacrificial Self Path method probably exceeded three thousand.

However, compared to ordinary practitioners, these hundred-plus individuals possessed greater innate talent and potential, all bearing the makings of Path Union Supreme. They were the elite among the three thousand Heavenly Emperor, which was why they received Eldrin Chen's cultivation.

"Excellent. You have all broken through to the Path Union Realm, it seems the resources I bestowed upon you were not wasted."

At this moment, after sweeping his gaze over the assembly once more, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a faint smile.

All those present were filled with profound reverence, bowing respectfully upon the Earthly Path [the foundational path of cultivation connected to the mortal world]. "Our achievements today are entirely due to the Path Ancestor's nurturing," they declared in unison.

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] gave a slight nod and then spoke, "Soon, I shall attempt to break through to the Sovereign Realm [the pinnacle realm of cultivation, representing ultimate authority over one's own path] via the Soul Path [a profound cultivation method focused on refining and empowering the soul]. This breakthrough is certain to draw a host of old enemies seeking to obstruct my path."

"During this time, I need you to deploy the Limitless Grand Formation [a legendary defensive formation of immense power and scope] on my behalf, to withstand the assaults of those foes."

Upon hearing this, the assembled figures immediately bowed in unison. "It is our honor to guard the Path Ancestor's [a title for a supreme master of the cultivation path] ascension," they declared.

"Good."

Eldrin Chen nodded again, then turned his gaze to Yuan Ancestor [Eldrin's disciple]. "Yuan, how are your preparations?"

Yuan Ancestor responded with reverence, his expression calm. "Reporting to Master, Senior Brother and I have worked together and have prepared all the necessary Formation Artifact [enchanted artifacts specifically designed to anchor and power grand formations]."

Eldrin Chen gave an approving nod, then swept his gaze over the others present. Noticing the absence of Hong and Luo, a slight frown creased his brow. "Where are your Second and Fourth Junior Brothers?"

Yuan Ancestor was momentarily taken aback and instinctively looked towards Cang Ancestor [another of Eldrin's disciples].

Cang Ancestor stepped forward and explained, "Some days ago, our two junior brothers departed the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden realm of primordial, unformed energies]. They said they intended to lend their strength to aid Master's breakthrough to the Sovereign Realm."

"Lend me their strength?"

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, and he spoke, his voice carrying a stern edge. "This is folly. How can you depart at such a critical juncture?"

The Path Marker within the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm was of paramount importance. For this reason, the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm had, for many years, operated under a strict policy: entry was permitted, but exit was forbidden.

Only a select few, such as the four Principal Disciples, were granted the privilege to enter and leave the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, and only because they were needed to assist Eldrin Chen in gathering the materials required for the grand formation.

To think that at this pivotal moment, two of his Principal Disciples would suddenly depart was a development that filled Eldrin Chen with considerable anger.

Cang Ancestor and Yuan Ancestor exchanged a glance. It was clear they both knew something, yet they remained silent, neither willing to speak.

After a moment, Cang Ancestor broke the silence. "Master, the most urgent matter now is for you to achieve your breakthrough to the Sovereign realm as swiftly as possible."

Eldrin Chen offered no further comment. He performed a quick divination with his fingers, confirming there were no immediate anomalies, before finally instructing the others to proceed with setting up the formation.

After all, Cang's words held truth. His paramount priority was indeed the breakthrough to the Chaos Sovereign realm. All other matters had to be set aside for the time being.

With the assistance of over one hundred Supreme cultivators, the pace of the formation's construction was astonishingly rapid. After the passage of several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], they had successfully erected a super Chaos Limitless Grand Formation within the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.

This formation was constructed using thirty-six Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure artifacts as its Formation Eye [core nodes], and over ten thousand Low-Grade Chaos Spiritual Artifact artifacts as its foundational pillars. It was designed to harness and channel the very power of the entire Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.

Combined with the supreme divine power of the Chaos Bell [a primordial bell forged from chaos, capable of defending against and suppressing all creation], it could unleash a defensive capability comparable to that of a top-tier Chaos Sovereign [the ultimate ruler of a primordial chaos domain] personally channeling the Chaos Bell.

After confirming the grand formation was successfully established, Eldrin Chen instructed the various Supreme [a title denoting one who has reached the pinnacle of a particular Dao path] under his command to enter the formation and reinforce the Formation Eye [the core node that controls and powers a magical array]. He then proceeded to the Primordial Immortal Pool [a pool of concentrated primordial spiritual energy at the formation's heart] and began gathering his strength for the final preparations for his breakthrough.

Breaking through to the Sovereign [the supreme realm of cultivation, commanding authority over fundamental laws] was not a matter of a single day. One must first elevate their own power to its absolute peak and accumulate sufficient energy reserves before the final breakthrough could be attempted—a process requiring a considerable span of time.

Just as Eldrin Chen began this power accumulation, on the other side of the Boundless Chaos [the infinite, formless expanse from which all realms are born], within a vast Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden pocket dimension born from the primordial chaos], Hong Ancestor slowly opened his eyes.

He gazed calmly at Luo beside him and spoke in a measured tone, "Our master is about to attempt his breakthrough. The time has come for us."

Luo fell silent for a moment before replying, "The path of Limitless [a legendary cultivation realm representing boundless potential and transcendence] permits only advancement, never retreat. Failure means utter annihilation. Are you truly resolved to do this?"

"Even a Chaos Epoch [a grand cosmic cycle spanning the birth and death of chaos realms] must one day end, and all mortals must face their demise,"

Hong replied slowly, a faint smile touching his lips. "Were it not for our master imparting the Dao to us in those early years, you and I would have long since turned to dust."

"Our master raised and nurtured me to this day. His kindness to me is as weighty as a mountain. If my ultimate gamble today can smooth his path, even slightly, as he strives to reclaim his Sovereign cultivation, then perhaps that will be the greatest meaning of this life of mine."

Luo was silent again. After a long pause, he finally spoke, "I will exert my full power to conceal your traces."

"Very well."

Hong smiled. Then, in the next instant, the aura he had suppressed for so long erupted to its absolute limit.

His presence instantly transcended the Supreme Realm. The three Supreme Great Path within him began to slowly merge, unleashing a supreme radiance that shook the entire Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

"This is..."

At the same moment, far away in the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, Eldrin Chen sensed this aura and was instantly overcome with profound shock.

He nearly failed to restrain his own energy from bursting forth, but in the end, he forcibly held it back. Hong's final, desperate gambit was now an immutable fact. At this point, even if he tried to intervene, it would be utterly futile.

"Alas, why must it be this way?"

Recalling the unusual behavior of Cang and Yuan earlier, he suddenly understood everything.

So, Hong had planned this all along—to prematurely break through to the ChaosSovereign Realm [the ultimate realm of mastery over Chaos itself], using himself as bait to draw the attention of those Chaos Sovereign [beings who have attained supreme dominion over Chaos].

"Nameless Path Ancestor, you are destined to return to the Sovereign Realm after all."

In that very instant, across the boundless Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, turbulent sea of primordial chaos], every Chaos Sovereign [a supreme ruler who has mastered the power of primordial chaos] sensed the aura of someone breaking through to the Chaos Sovereign realm.

In a flash, dozens of Chaos Sovereign figures soared into the sky, tearing through the Chaos Void [the formless void between realms of chaos] as they sped towards the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden realm of pure, unformed chaos] where Hong was located.

Seeing the host of powerful figures arriving to obstruct him, Luo revealed a look of towering fury. He instantly activated thousands of Heavenly Emperor Puppet [powerful, autonomous constructs imbued with the power of a Heavenly Emperor], pushing the grand formation protecting the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm to its absolute limit.

"You shall not obstruct my master's path to enlightenment!"

"Moths flying into the flame!"

Oblivion Sovereign [the Sovereign who embodies the concept of absolute annihilation] sneered coldly. He immediately summoned his Blade of Oblivion [a weapon capable of erasing existence] and cleaved through the Limitless Grand Formation [a formation of seemingly infinite layers and power]. With a single strike, he even shattered the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm itself.

Yet, after that one earth-shattering blow, Oblivion Sovereign's expression suddenly shifted dramatically. A look of profound and furious realization dawned on his face. "This is wrong," he thundered. "This is not the true Primordial Chaos Secret Realm!"

The Sovereigns of the Path-Obstructing Faction [a faction dedicated to preventing others from achieving supreme enlightenment] were all struck with astonishment. Before their eyes, the endless mists of Primordial Chaos [the primal, formless state of all existence] within the supposed secret realm dissipated into nothingness. What was revealed was not a realm, but a single figure—a Daoist clad in violet robes.

"Esteemed ones, this humble Daoist greets you."

Hong Ancestor [an ancient and revered progenitor] spoke, a faint, knowing smile gracing his features.

It turned out that Hong had used the Way of Celestial Mechanism [a profound art of divination and cosmic calculation] to simulate the Primordial Chaos Aura [the primordial, formless energy that existed before creation], even obscuring the divinations of all present and deceiving the senses of the several Chaos Sovereign [supreme beings who have attained mastery over the primordial chaos].

"BOOM—"

At that very instant, from the other end of the Endless Chaos [the boundless, formless expanse of primordial existence], another supremely powerful aura of the Soul Path [a cultivation art focused on the refinement and mastery of the soul] erupted, causing the complexions of everyone present to turn ashen.

The Oblivion Sovereign [the Sovereign representing ultimate annihilation] gazed coldly at Hong, his killing intent radiating like sharp blades as he declared, "Merely at the half-step Limitless Realm [a transcendent state bordering on true boundlessness], yet you managed to deceive us all. You may take pride in that."

"SHING—"

As his words fell, the Oblivion Sovereign swung his blade down, utterly severing the Hong Ancestor's chance for ascension and annihilating both him and the Luo Ancestor within the Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state of existence].

However, while Luo could potentially revive, Hong had been severed at the critical moment of his breakthrough. The Limitless Great Path [the supreme Dao leading to absolute boundlessness] he was on the verge of ascending to was completely shattered, resulting in the destruction of his Dao and his demise.

"Esteemed ones, to strike at a junior in such a manner is truly excessive."

At that very moment, another group of figures arrived within the Chaos.

The newcomers belonged to two major factions: the Path-Obstructing Faction [a coalition of powers seeking to hinder the established cosmic order] and the Path-Guarding Faction [a coalition dedicated to preserving the foundational cosmic paths], led respectively by the World-Extinction Sovereign and the Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor. It was clear a fierce confrontation had erupted between them.

At this moment, the Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor gazed towards the place where the Hong Ancestor had perished, a trace of regret coloring his expression as he said, "With actions such as yours today, I fear a day of reckoning will surely come."

"Hmph, reckoning? Let him survive first before speaking of such things," retorted the Oblivion Sovereign.

With those words, the Oblivion Sovereign acted, tearing open the Chaos with a single motion and heading towards the location of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.