Chapter 2170 : The Final Ascent

The Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] is vast, boundless and immeasurable.

Even a Limitless Sovereign [a supreme being who has transcended all limitations] would find it difficult to traverse the Boundless Chaos [the infinite expanse of primordial chaos] in a short time without prior preparation.

Though Hong and Luo's desperate gambit ended with their bodies perishing and their paths extinguished, it ultimately bought Eldrin Chen considerable time.

By the time Oblivion Sovereign and the others arrived at the edge of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden sanctuary within the primordial chaos], Eldrin Chen had reached the most critical moment of his breakthrough, having accumulated sufficient power to ascend to the heavens in one decisive surge.

"Slay them—!"

The instant he reached the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, Oblivion Sovereign launched a ferocious assault upon it, only to be firmly blocked by the Chaos Limitless Grand Formation [a grand defensive array that harnesses the limitless power of chaos].

Simultaneously, Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor, Primordial Chaos Spirit Venerable, and other Sovereign-level powerhouses from the Path-Obstructing Faction [a faction dedicated to obstructing the ascension of new powers] had also arrived, intercepting many of the opposing faction's formidable experts.

As for the violent clashes unfolding outside, Eldrin Chen remained utterly unmoved.

Thanks to Hong and Luo's intervention, his breakthrough had now entered its final stage. In the time that remained, it would be exceedingly difficult for these assailants to breach the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.

"Hong, your master will not let your sacrifice be in vain."

At this moment, Eldrin Chen slowly opened his eyes. The Primordial Spirit Immortal Pagoda and his nine divided souls merged completely with his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] true self, ultimately transforming into a snow-white-robed phantom of his Primordial Spirit.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit soared into the air. The primordial energy of the entire Primordial Chaos Secret Realm and even the Endless Chaos was drawn into it like moths to a flame.

"Boom—"

Until a certain moment, Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit finally reached the pinnacle of its metamorphosis, transforming into the supreme Limitless Primordial Spirit [the ultimate, boundless state of the spiritual core].

Then, his Primordial Spirit slowly descended, merging completely with his true body to become a peerlessly elegant White-robed Banished Immortal.

That White-robed Banished Immortal then strode forth, leaving the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm and appearing within the Chaos Desolation Sea.

"Limitless Primordial Spirit, Sovereign of the Soul Path."

Myriad Demons Primogenitor murmured softly, his expression filled with profound apprehension. "He has succeeded!"

"Success or not, this seat shall slay him once more today!"

Lord of Purgatory merely snorted coldly, immediately channeling the Purgatory Sword to cleave through the void towards his foe.

The strike unleashed by Purgatory Sovereign [the supreme ruler of the Blazing Prison realm], empowered by boundless Purgatory Great Path [the fundamental law governing torment and damnation] force, erupted with a divine might that shook the annals of history, seeking to utterly annihilate Eldrin Chen within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

Yet, facing this onslaught, Eldrin Chen's countenance remained as placid as still water.

With a sudden sweep of his sleeve, he channeled his world-shaking Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator] power, instantly piercing through the Primordial Chaos Great Path Sea [the boundless ocean of primordial, chaotic cosmic laws] to awaken a supremely noble and majestic Great Path [a fundamental cosmic law or principle].

This Great Path was vast and boundless, resembling a supremely noble violet-gold True Dragon [a legendary dragon of pure, supreme lineage] and also akin to a peerless Immortal Sword [a divine blade wielded by immortals] that had pierced through the eons, containing an inconceivable, ultimate power.

However, it was entangled by numerous strands of the Limitless Great Path [the cosmic law of boundlessness and infinity]. Those strands of Limitless Great Path coiled around it like countless iron Chains, suppressing it and preventing its revival for an unknowable number of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years].

Now, as the overwhelming aura of Primordial Spirit power surged forth, it awakened this supreme Great Path. Moreover, their fusion unleashed a might that could awe all ages.

In that instant, the violet-gold True Dragon shattered the Great Path Chains, transforming into a peerless Immortal Sword that materialized across the boundless Sea of the Great Path [the conceptual ocean where all cosmic laws converge] and appeared directly in Eldrin Chen's grasp.

"Great Path True Form, Sword of the Immortal Path!"

Witnessing the arrival of this power, Purgatory Sovereign's expression shifted abruptly, his face hardening with profound gravity.

The Immortal Great Path [the cosmic law of immortality and transcendence] was itself a perfected form of the Limitless Great Path. Empowered by Eldrin Chen's current cultivation at the Soul Path Sovereign [the sovereign realm of the soul's path] level, its potency had increased by far more than merely twofold.

"Clang—" [the sharp, resonant sound of metal striking metal]

In that instant, this peerless Immortal Sword resonated with the Six Harmonies formation. Empowered by the supreme cultivation of Eldrin Chen, it cleaved through the void, colliding with the Purgatory Sword in a cataclysmic clash that shook the heavens.

In a mere single exchange, Lord of Purgatory was sent hurtling backward, sword and all, a supreme sword scar piercing through his chest, inflicting a grievous and terrifying wound.

"The Immortal Great Path, the Soul Path Sovereign."

"A dual Limitless foundation... to possess such terrifying power?"

Witnessing Lord of Purgatory being critically wounded in a single move, the assembled Sovereign [supreme rulers of the cosmos] present were instantly struck with profound shock and awe.

One must understand, Lord of Purgatory's cultivation had touched the profound mysteries of Creation [the act of bringing the universe into being], standing but a single step away from the Paramount Sovereign realm. Even figures like Myriad Demons Primogenitor or Myriad Demons Ancestor—true Paramount Sovereign—would find it difficult to defeat him in a single blow.

Yet such a formidable being had been critically wounded by Eldrin Chen in one move, a result that left them utterly astonished.

"Nameless, cease your arrogance this instant!"

Seeing Eldrin Chen defeat Lord of Purgatory with a single strike, the gathered Chaos Sovereign [Sovereigns who rule over primordial chaos] erupted in fury.

In that fleeting instant, Myriad Demons Primogenitor, Heaven's Extinction Sovereign, and Fallen Heaven Sovereign—three Paramount Sovereign [the supreme rulers of the cosmos]—closed in from all sides.

They gazed coldly at Eldrin Chen, until finally, Myriad Demons Primogenitor spoke, his eyes glinting with frost. "To think you truly succeeded. Nevertheless, today we must settle this."

Clad in robes white as snow, Eldrin Chen stood poised in the void, serene and unmoving. He resembled an Immortal Sovereign from the Primordial Era [the mythic first age of creation], standing firm at the Central [the cosmic axis] of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], his gaze sweeping over the foes surrounding him with utter disdain.

"Let Oblivion [the primordial force of absolute annihilation] come. You are no match for this one."

"Arrogant fool!"

Enraged, Heaven's Extinction Sovereign immediately summoned his Heaven-Slaying War Halberd and shot through the air, aiming to crush Eldrin Chen where he stood.

Yet Eldrin Chen remained utterly unperturbed. With a mere flick of his sleeve, he channeled the Immortal Great Path [the supreme cultivation art of the immortal dao]. In an instant, he manifested a peerless true form that swept through the Six Harmonies [a formation representing the union of the six directions], forcefully blasting his opponent away.

It was clear. Though both were Sovereign at the Peak Limitless [the apex of the Limitless Realm], Heaven's Extinction Sovereign's power ultimately fell short against Eldrin Chen, whose foundation was built upon dual Limitless [a transcendent cultivation realm] pillars.

"Aaaargh—!"

After several dozen exchanges where he was relentlessly driven back, Heaven's Extinction Sovereign could endure no more. He finally turned to Myriad Demons Primogenitor and Fallen Heaven Sovereign and cried out, "Both of you, join me! We must suppress him together!"

"We shall aid you."

Seeing this, the Myriad Demons Primogenitor and the Fallen Heaven Sovereign immediately took to the skies, wielding their Chaos Divine Weapons as they launched a coordinated assault against Eldrin Chen.

It had to be admitted that the combined might of three Paramount Sovereign [the pinnacle rulers of the cosmos] was truly earth-shattering, enough to give even the Nameless in his prime a moment of pause.

Yet the present Eldrin Chen felt not a shred of fear, though he had no desire to engage in a protracted struggle.

"BONG—"

With a sudden, forceful flick of his sleeve, a Chaos [the primordial state before creation] great bell tore through the void. It struck the three Paramount Sovereign head-on, sending them reeling through the air, blood spraying from their mouths.

"A Chaos Supreme Treasure [a weapon forged from the essence of primordial chaos]!"

Witnessing the emergence of the Chaos Bell, a glint of icy intent flashed in the eyes of the Oblivion Sovereign.

He abruptly channeled his power into the Blade of Oblivion and cleaved downward in a devastating strike, aiming to sever Eldrin Chen from behind.

The force of this blow was peerless. The supreme Power of Oblivion [a force capable of erasing existence itself] was potent enough to grievously wound even a Limitless Sovereign, and would surely shatter the physical form of any Paramount Sovereign caught in its path.

"Oblivion..."

As Oblivion Sovereign surged forward, Eldrin Chen wore an expression of solemn gravity for the first time.

Compared to ordinary Limitless Sovereign, figures like Oblivion and World-Extinction were Primordial ChaosSovereign born with a Heavenly Mandate.

They were born carrying this destiny, true Half-Step Primordial Chaos Foundation whose power far surpassed that of ordinary Paramount Sovereign of the same rank. This was especially true since he wielded the mightiest Chaos Supreme Treasure of Slaughter.

Facing such a formidable foe, Eldrin Chen showed not the slightest hint of carelessness. With a sudden flick of his sleeve, he uttered a clear command.

"Cauldron, come forth—"

In that instant, from within an unknown fracture in Space-Time, a Chaos Great Cauldron trembled violently. Wrapped in the power of the Immortal Great Path and the Soul Path, it tore itself free from its confines.

It leaped from the boundless Space-Time, manifesting within this Chaos. With a thunderous crash, it slammed into the Blade of Oblivion, the impact so immense it sent Oblivion Sovereign staggering back three full steps.

"Hiss—"

After being repelled, Oblivion Sovereign drew in a sharp, cold breath of astonishment.

He cast a glance filled with profound apprehension at Eldrin Chen, his voice icy as he finally spoke, "Nameless, in the days to come, when I ascend to the Half-Step Primordial Chaos realm, you shall be the first I utterly annihilate."

With those words, Oblivion Sovereign unleashed a single strike that pierced the firmament and vanished instantly into the Boundless Chaos.

The other Sovereign of the Path-Obstructing Faction, witnessing this, all revealed expressions of deep dread before they too stepped away and disappeared into the Depths of Chaos.

Regarding this, Eldrin Chen did not give chase. With the enemy on guard, attempting to suppress and slay a Chaos Sovereign was a task as difficult as scaling the heavens.

Even if one could destroy their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], for a being of Chaos Sovereign cultivation, recovery would not be overly troublesome.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen stored away the Chaos Bell and Chaos Cauldron, then turned to the assembled Sovereign of the Path-Guarding Faction. "My thanks for your assistance, fellow Daoists," he said. "I owe you all a debt of gratitude."

Hearing this, the gathered Chaos Sovereign all revealed faint smiles.

The Primordial Chaos Spirit Venerable, observing this, spoke with a smile, "We congratulate you on your triumphant return, fellow Daoist. It seems our Path-Guarding Faction can now stand as equals to the Path-Obstructing Faction."

"Indeed, indeed," another agreed. "Not only has fellow Daoist Nameless returned, but he has also forged a Sovereign Foundation through the Soul Path. Henceforth, those Sovereign of the Path-Obstructing Faction will surely think twice before acting so brazenly."

All the Chaos Sovereign present shared knowing smiles, each face alight with a spark of exhilaration.

After exchanging brief pleasantries with the assembled guests, Eldrin Chen saw the various Sovereign off, retaining only Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor.

He invited the Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor into the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden realm of primordial, undifferentiated energy] before speaking. "You have borne the burden alone these years. It must have been arduous."

"Alas."

The Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor sighed softly. "That year, I was obstructed by the World-Ending Ancient One and could not lend you my aid. The shame of it weighs heavily upon me."

"Between us, such formality is unnecessary. Let us speak as peers."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, dismissing the notion. After further conversation, he inquired about the recent circumstances of Obsidian Abyss and Worthy Pursuit Chen.

Upon learning of their origins, the Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor could not help but marvel. "I had not realized my two disciples shared such a profound connection with you, Senior."

"Their innate talent and potential are formidable. In time, they may well ascend to the half-step Limitless Realm [a legendary state bordering on true omnipotence]."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod of agreement. "I would trouble you to watch over them for a time. I shall pay a personal visit in the coming days."

"It shall be done." A smile graced the features of the Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor as he rose. "When that day comes, I shall prepare my humble abode to welcome you."

"…"

After bidding farewell to the Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor, Eldrin Chen personally journeyed to the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all creation emerged], arriving at the place where Luo and Hong had fallen.

There, he did not hesitate to expend his own Great Path Origin [the foundational source energy of one's cultivation path], channeling boundless power of the Immortal Great Path [the supreme cultivation art] to completely revive Luo from within it.

"Master."

Upon his revival, the first person Luo saw was Eldrin Chen. Overwhelmed with joy, he immediately prostrated himself upon the Earthly Path [the path of cultivation grounded in the earth's essence]. "Congratulations, Master, on your return to the Limitless Realm [the ultimate realm of cultivation where all boundaries are transcended]."

"Rise."

Eldrin Chen calmly gestured for him to stand. Then, he mobilized his supreme cultivation physique to reshape the destroyed Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension born from the original chaos]. Yet, despite his efforts, Hong, who had been within the secret realm, showed no signs of revival.

This drew a soft sigh from him. His current cultivation level could be described as rivaling Creation [the act of bringing the universe into being]. He could open three thousand Primordial Immortal Domain [realms of immortal beings from the dawn of time] in the span of a single Eldrin [a brief moment named after the master himself], and could even restore a shattered Primordial Chaos Secret Realm. Yet, there were still things beyond even his power.

This time, in order to divert attention, Hong had gambled everything, sacrificing himself without reservation. His path was utterly destroyed and his being extinguished. Even with Eldrin Chen's current profound cultivation and mastery, it was exceedingly difficult to bring him back to life.

"Oh, foolish child."

Eldrin Chen let out a sigh. Then, together with Luo, he tore through the Chaos and returned to the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.

After returning to the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, Eldrin Chen summoned the Supreme beings under his command. He then spoke calmly, "My attainment of the Sovereign Realm is a joyous and celebratory occasion."

"More than one hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] from now, coinciding with my millionth Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycle] of existence, we shall hold the Limitless Grand Ceremony."

"We obey your command."

Upon hearing this, everyone present was overjoyed and prostrated themselves on the ground.

In response, Eldrin Chen said nothing further. He merely waved his hand, signaling for the assembly to depart.

A moment later, the crowd dispersed one after another. Only a handful of individuals remained, including Exquisite Jiang.

"You are not very happy."

Seeing that Eldrin Chen seemed devoid of joy, Exquisite Jiang could not help but ask with concern.

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly, then shook his head and said, "I had thought that upon returning to the Limitless Realm, I would be able to command all things."

"Yet now it seems, there are things even I cannot accomplish."

Exquisite Jiang understood he was thinking of Ao Hong and comforted him, saying, "You need not grieve. I believe Hong would be immensely comforted to see you have returned to the Limitless Realm [the pinnacle realm of cultivation, representing boundless power and understanding]."

"Moreover, I believe that if you become strong enough, you might be able to change everything. Rather than dwelling in sorrow here, it is better to focus wholeheartedly on your cultivation."

"Mm."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, calming his emotions, and then began a period of secluded cultivation to consolidate his newfound power.

Upon returning to his Seclusion Chamber, Eldrin Chen began to examine the state of his cultivation.

With this breakthrough, his Soul Path cultivation had ascended into the Chaos Sovereign Realm [the supreme realm of power, where one commands the fundamental forces of chaos], resulting in a transformation of his strength that could only be described as heaven-defying.

Originally at the Quasi-Sovereign level, he had not merely stepped into the Sovereign Realm but had soared directly to the Mid-Stage Sovereign Realm, leaving only a short distance to the Paramount Sovereign [the absolute peak of the Sovereign Realm].

Furthermore, upon breaking through to become a Soul Path Sovereign, Eldrin Chen had also reclaimed the authority of the Immortal Great Path [the supreme cultivation art of immortality]. This granted him, in one fell swoop, power equivalent to a Peak Limitless Sovereign.

It was precisely this immense power that had allowed Eldrin Chen to force the retreat of World-Extinction Sovereign and the others.

Because Eldrin Chen, who simultaneously cultivated two Limitless Great Path [the supreme cultivation art of boundless potential] and mastered two Chaos Supreme Treasures [the ultimate artifacts born from primordial chaos], had already become an existence that could no longer be encircled and slain.

Even if all the Sovereigns [the supreme rulers of the cosmos] of the Path-Obstructing Faction [the coalition of powers seeking to halt the advancement of the Heavenly Path] joined forces to besiege him, they could at most force Eldrin Chen to flee into the Chaos Frontier Wasteland [the lawless, primordial borderlands of the cosmos], with no possibility of suppressing and killing him.

However, the Path-Guarding Faction [the alliance dedicated to protecting the established Heavenly Path] also possessed numerous Sovereigns; they would not stand idly by and allow a joint assault on Eldrin Chen.

Under such circumstances, knowing they could do nothing to Eldrin Chen, retreat was their only viable option.

"My current cultivation base and combat prowess are now on par with Oblivion Sovereign and World-Extinction Sovereign,"

"However, with two Chaos Supreme Treasures in hand, I can now slightly suppress these two by a margin."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then surveyed the various foundations of his being, formulating plans for the path ahead.

Since his cultivation in the Soul Path [the cultivation art focused on refining the Primordial Spirit] had already achieved a breakthrough, the next step of his plan should be to cultivate the Chaos Limitless Great Path [the supreme divine ability born from the fusion of chaos and the boundless path] and the Primordial Chaos Limitless Physique [the ultimate physical constitution forged from primordial chaos and boundless essence].