Chapter 2171 : The Primogenitor's Limitless Return

Just as Eldrin Chen entered seclusion, the entire Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged] was plunged into a state of profound shock.

The Primogenitor of Immortal Path [the legendary founder of the Immortal Path cultivation system] had returned from his slumber, having achieved the Sovereign Realm [the pinnacle of cultivation, granting dominion over fundamental cosmic laws] through the Soul Path [a supreme cultivation art focused on refining and empowering the soul], and the Immortal Great Path [the foundational and most revered cultivation system] had fully revived.

This astonishing news spread with lightning speed across the vast expanse of Chaos.

In its wake, countless powerful figures of the Immortal Path were overcome with ecstatic joy. The three thousand nominal disciples who had served under the Nameless [the Primogenitor's title before his awakening] and had hidden for eons now rushed towards the Returning Abyss Ancestral Court [the sacred headquarters and palace of the Returning Abyss lineage] in a frenzy of delight.

Cultivators of the Sacrificial Self Path [a powerful cultivation art that involves sacrificing parts of oneself for greater power] were equally astounded. Discovering that their own Path Ancestor was also the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [the supreme title of the revived Primogenitor], they spread the word with boundless excitement and pride.

Consequently, the propagation of the Sacrificial Self Path accelerated a hundredfold. Countless experts recognized its formidable strengths, and even the great Sovereign Holy Land [the most powerful and ancient sects and clans] ceased their opposition to its spread.

As time flowed on, news that the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor would host a Limitless Grand Ceremony [a cosmic-scale gathering and celebration] spread, drawing powerful beings from all corners towards the Returning Abyss Ancestral Court.

In what seemed like a fleeting moment, over one hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] had passed.

"..."

On this day, outside the former Primordial Chaos Primeval Secret Realm [a legendary hidden realm from the dawn of creation], now known as the Returning Abyss Ancestral Court, an innumerable host of figures gathered.

These figures stood like Primordial Era Saint Emperors, each one possessing a Vitality [the fundamental life force and energy of a being] as vast as the heavens. Every single one was a peerless existence of at least the Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of a heavenly domain] level, and among them were not a few Patriarchs of the Supreme [a prefix denoting the highest rank] and even Peerless Supreme [the pinnacle realm, unmatched by any] tiers.

Yet, despite this, these Heavenly Emperors and even Peerless Supremes were all behaving with a terrifying degree of propriety and order.

"Patriarch, are we truly connected to the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the Path of the Returning Abyss]?"

On this day, outside the Returning Abyss Ancestral Court, two figures appeared, one old and one young.

The youth gazed at the multitude of heroes within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all things emerged] and could not help but ask, his voice filled with awe and trepidation.

The old man stroked his long beard and replied, "Of course. In days of yore, I, your Patriarch, once fought side by side with this very Returning Abyss Path Ancestor."

"Is that truly so?"

The youth scrutinized the elder beside him, a flicker of doubt appearing in his eyes.

He simply could not fathom how his clan's Patriarch, whose cultivation had only reached the Unique Immortal Treasury [a foundational realm where one's unique immortal potential is stored and nurtured] and whose spiritual root was merely a Chaos Foundation [a foundational spiritual root born from chaos, of moderate quality], could possibly have any connection to the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor.

Thinking this, the youth couldn't resist saying, "Patriarch, you weren't just a standard-bearer or a foot soldier shouting slogans under the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor's command back then, were you?"

"You wretched boy, I'll beat you to death!"

The old man was so angry he raised his cane, intending to thrash the youth, but suddenly his expression shifted subtly. He hurriedly straightened up and smoothed down his robes.

At the same moment, a streak of light suddenly flew from within the Returning Abyss Ancestral Court and landed before the two figures, transforming into a handsome man.

"Path Union Supreme."

The youth's expression changed slightly. He quickly shielded the old man behind him and spoke respectfully, "This junior pays his respects to the senior."

The handsome man smiled faintly and turned his gaze to the old man. "Old Senior Heaven Wind, it has been a long time. And who is this by your side..."

"Scram, you brat."

The old man pulled the youth to his side, then looked at the handsome man before him. "So it's my grand-nephew Thinking Past. This old man has been wandering the Chaos for hundreds of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], and it has been an age since we last met."

"I never imagined you would have already stepped into the Path Union Realm. It seems this old fossil is truly useless now."

As he spoke, the Heaven Wind Path Master shook his head repeatedly, a bitter smile appearing on his face.

His talent was limited, yet in his early years, with the support of Eldrin Chen, he managed to cultivate and achieve the Sole Chaos Immortal Treasury [a legendary treasury containing the foundational essence of primordial chaos].

Regrettably, constrained by his innate potential, even though Eldrin Chen aided him through multiple cycles of Reincarnation [the process of spiritual rebirth to shed mortal limitations] and bestowed upon him resources sufficient to nurture several Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler who has mastered the laws of primordial chaos], he could only advance as far as the Early Stage Primordial Chaos Heavenly Emperor [the initial phase of mastering the fundamental forces of creation].

Understanding that his cultivation could progress no further, Heaven Wind Path Master [a title for a master who has comprehended the heavenly winds as his path] chose to wander the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerges]. There, he tirelessly propagated the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-transcendence and sacrifice] to repay the debt of nurturing he owed to Eldrin Chen.

To this day, Heaven Wind Path Master has been spreading the Sacrificial Self Path for over eight hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle marking epochs of destruction and renewal]. The cultivators he has nurtured are beyond counting, and from among them, several dozen have already ascended to become Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

Yet, his greatest satisfaction undoubtedly came from the youth standing beside him.

He had brought the young man here precisely to present him before the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [the revered founder and ultimate master of the Returning Abyss cultivation lineage].

With this thought, Heaven Wind Path Master tugged at the youth's sleeve and said, "You scamp, come forward."

The young man stepped up, his expression one of nervous reverence, as the Heaven Wind Path Master continued, "This is the direct disciple of the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor, the esteemed 'Literature Abyss Supreme' [a title denoting supreme mastery over literary and abyssal arts]. You should pay your respects."

"I greet you, Senior,"

the youth promptly replied with a deep, respectful bow, a flicker of awe finally breaking through his composure. He could scarcely believe the old man's claims had been true all along.

Before he could ponder further, the Heaven Wind Path Master spoke, "This young man's Daoist title is 'Mysterious Maple'. He is the last disciple this old man has taken in recent years. His aptitude is rather decent, so I specifically brought him here to make an appearance."

"He is indeed a fine piece of uncut jade [a metaphor for a person of great potential]."

Literature Abyss Lu gave Mysterious Maple a glance and nodded slightly in approval.

This Mysterious Maple also cultivated the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence]. Not only had he achieved the Unique Immortal Treasury [a foundational cultivation realm], but he had also forged a Primordial Immortal Domain [an internal spiritual world]. With such a foundation, his chances of eventually stepping into the Supreme [a prefix denoting the highest echelons of power] realm in the future would be no less than ninety percent.

Such aptitude could rank within the top three hundred even within the Returning Abyss Ancestral Court.

One should not underestimate this ranking. It must be remembered that Mysterious Maple had cultivated in the outside world without receiving any support from the Returning Abyss Ancestral Court.

In contrast, the Returning Abyss Ancestral Court possessed not only various rare resources but also treasures like the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron [a legendary cauldron capable of reforging one's foundation] for Foundation Reforging [a divine ability to rebuild one's cultivation base]. These were absolutely incomparable to what a rogue cultivator outside could access.

Considering this, Literature Abyss Lu spoke, "Since he is the old senior's last disciple, let him stay and cultivate within the Returning Abyss Holy Land from now on."

"Excellent, excellent, excellent."

The Heaven Wind Path Master immediately broke into a smile, hurriedly pulling Mysterious Maple forward. "Hurry and thank Literature Abyss Supreme."

Mysterious Maple hastily bowed in gratitude. In a daze, he suddenly realized that his own Destiny [the predetermined course of one's life and cultivation journey] might have already been altered.

Next, Mysterious Maple followed the two into the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension born from the primordial energies of creation] and was then left to be hosted in a grand hall.

He then surveyed his surroundings and noticed that the hall held quite a few figures.

Heaven Wind Path Master seemed quite familiar with several of them. He rose and said, "Quickly, come and meet some old friends of mine."

"This is Earth Spring Patriarch, this is Heaven Abyss Path Master, and here is Ancient Ruins Nether Lord, Six Stars Immortal..."

As Heaven Wind Path Master made the introductions, Acerion Path Master gradually understood the identities of these individuals.

These Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for powerful beings who rule over realms of primordial chaos] generally possessed modest cultivation levels, their potential capped at the Supreme Realm [the pinnacle of cultivation before attaining true divinity]. However, they all shared an exceptionally close relationship with Returning Abyss Path Ancestor.

It seemed they had once hailed from the same Immortal Domain [a higher plane of existence where immortals reside], having fought side-by-side in the past, forging bonds of profound camaraderie.

Of course, they shared a common trait with Heaven Wind Path Master: each was accompanied by at least one or two prodigies of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method that emphasizes self-transcendence through sacrifice], all of them possessing truly astonishing talent.

"These individuals, much like my master, have wandered the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all realms emerged] for many years, solely to aid Returning Abyss Path Ancestor in spreading the Sacrificial Self Path."

Acerion Path Master murmured softly to himself, a glimmer of understanding dawning in his heart.

A sense of danger prickled at him. He quickly rose to greet the others, seamlessly blending into the small group without a sound.

Time flowed swiftly. After an indeterminate period, the Limitless Grand Ceremony finally commenced precisely on schedule.

Acerion Path Master followed the crowd towards the grand feast. As he walked, his gaze swept over the multitude of heroes gathered for the occasion, and an indescribable sense of pride welled up within him.

Such a magnificent banquet commanded reverence even from Peerless Supreme [cultivators who have reached the pinnacle of power]. Forces from all directions came to pay homage. The Path Union Supreme [Supreme cultivators who have unified their cultivation paths], whom he would normally regard with utmost caution, were here merely insignificant specks in the vast assembly.

To attend this feast, such powerful beings were relegated to seats at the mountain's base, utterly unworthy of ascending the peak.

In contrast, prodigies of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence], even those merely at the Heavenly Emperor Realm [a mighty realm of cultivation], retained the privilege to ascend the Primordial Divine Mountain and behold the majestic visage of Returning Abyss Path Ancestor. For they were all, in a sense, disciples and descendants of the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor.

As a member of the Returning Abyss Ancestral Court, Acerion Path Master shared in this profound honor.

Upon reaching the summit, Acerion Path Master instinctively surveyed his surroundings. He realized the mountaintop held a mere ten thousand or so individuals.

Among them were roughly three thousand Heavenly Emperor of the Sacrificial Self Path [Heavenly Emperors who follow the Sacrificial Self Path], three thousand peerless powerhouses who walked the Immortal Path [the path of Immortal cultivation], and another three thousand Supreme whose might shook the very Chaos [the primordial state of existence before order].

Those were either peerless powerhouses from among the Supreme [a title prefix denoting supreme status], whose cultivation realms were mostly at least Half-Step Limitless [a cultivation stage just below the Limitless Sovereign realm] or above, or they were disciples and members of the various great Sovereign Holy Land [a term for the most powerful and ancient sects or organizations].

And above the Heavenly Vault [a celestial platform or grand meeting place], stood a group of indescribable existences, all of them were world-shaking powerhouses who could awe both past and present.

"Chaos Sovereign."

Acerion Path Master was utterly shaken in his heart. With his level of cultivation, he didn't even have the qualification to have an audience with a Half-Step Limitless [a cultivation stage just below the Limitless Sovereign realm], yet here he was, witnessing more than thirty Limitless Sovereign [the pinnacle cultivation realm, sovereigns of boundless power] with his own eyes. How could his heart not be filled with overwhelming astonishment?

After that momentary shock, Mysterious Maple immediately lowered his head, not daring to directly face the majesty of these various Sovereign [a title for cultivators who have reached a sovereign-level realm].

For he had a feeling that these supreme Sovereign were all restraining their auras. Otherwise, forget about gazing upon them directly; merely their presence standing within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all things emerged] would be enough to reduce the Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, primordial sea of chaotic energy] spanning billions upon billions of Desolate Journey [a unit of immense distance in the primordial cosmos] to nothingness.

"Hmm—"

Just as Mysterious Maple was reeling from the shock, ten thousand rays of immortal light suddenly radiated from the Heavenly Vault, followed by a figure clad in snow-white robes descending slowly.

That person sat upon a Lotus Throne [a divine seat shaped like a lotus flower, symbolizing purity and enlightenment], and with a single calm glance at the assembly, an intangible majesty suppressed everything.

"Soul Path Sovereign, Ancestor of Immortal Path, Ancestor of the Sacrificial Self Path."

"Is this the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor?"

The hearts of the assembled heroes trembled, and they immediately prostrated themselves in unison: "We pay our respects to the Path Ancestor and congratulate the Path Ancestor on your return to the Sovereign Realm [the supreme realm of cultivation, transcending all previous limitations]."

"Rise."

Eldrin Chen gave a calm nod, raising the crowd with a sweep of his sleeve.

Then, his gaze swept across the surroundings, and a faint smile could not help but appear in his eyes.

Unbeknownst to him, the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method centered on self-sacrifice and transcendence] had already spread far and wide. It seemed the time to set foot upon the Limitless Great Path [the ultimate, boundless cultivation path] was not far off.

Beyond the Sacrificial Self Path, the Immortal Path [the traditional path of immortal cultivation] had also flourished greatly. Among Nameless's seven direct disciples, aside from Hong, both Huan and Lu had been revived and returned by his hand.

Many old friends who had fallen in the past, such as the Primordial Mire Path Master and the Primordial Era Demonic Ape [a mighty demonic beast from the primordial era], had also been revived and returned.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen felt quite gratified in his heart. Thus, he spoke: "Now that I have returned to the Limitless [the boundless, ultimate cultivation realm] and have cultivated the Soul Path [a supreme cultivation art focusing on the soul's evolution] to the Sovereign Realm, this is a rare and joyous occasion."

"Since you have all come to offer congratulations, it is only fitting that you celebrate with me."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen flicked his sleeve, scattering a sky full of radiant streams. Tens of thousands of Rare Treasure [precious enchanted artifacts] descended before the assembled crowd. Every Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality through cultivation] present received a peerless Rare Treasure.

After bestowing the treasures, Eldrin Chen settled upon the Void Heaven [a celestial realm of profound emptiness] and began to expound the Great Path [the fundamental principles of cultivation and existence] for all living beings.

He first elucidated the mysteries of the Immortal Path [the path to achieving immortality], then imparted the cultivation methods of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art centered on self-transcendence], and finally taught the Great Path for cultivating the Primordial Spirit [the highest spiritual core of a cultivator].

When the sermon concluded, everyone present had reaped bountiful gains, each having attained numerous profound insights.

High upon the Heavenly Vault [the highest celestial dome], the gathered Chaos Sovereign [beings who rule over primordial chaos] wore expressions of deep reflection. The Primordial Chaos Spirit Venerable [a venerable title for a supreme being of chaos] spoke, a rare occurrence: "He has founded three supreme Great Path. It seems he is the one with the greatest chance of achieving Transcendence from this era's opportunities."

All the Chaos Sovereign present nodded in agreement, a flicker of envy passing through their hearts.

Within one Chaos Epoch [a grand cosmic cycle spanning immense ages], there are theoretically only nine slots for Half-Step Primordial Chaos [a realm just shy of true mastery over primordial chaos]. Those who occupy these slots are called pseudo-Half-Step Primordial Chaos.

If such a pseudo-Half-Step Primordial Chaos can transcend beyond the Chaos Epoch, they become a true Half-Step Primordial Chaos, forever breaking free from the constraints of the Chaos Epoch and even the River of Space-Time [the metaphysical flow of time and space].

Now, Eldrin Chen's strength and potential are both peerless. Within this Chaos Epoch, he is the most promising candidate to step into the Half-Step Primordial Chaos Realm, and the most likely to achieve Transcendence.

Contemplating this, the expressions of the Chaos Sovereign present shifted subtly, each seemingly forming the intention to further strengthen their ties with him.

Simultaneously, Eldrin Chen, having concluded his sermon on the Dao, ascended to the Heavenly Vault and began conversing with the assembled Chaos Sovereigns.

Over thirty Chaos Sovereigns had come to offer their congratulations, each presenting a top-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure as a gift—a truly significant tribute.

After exchanging pleasantries, Eldrin Chen seized the opportunity to trade for various cultivation resources from them. Among these were numerous Chaos Rare Treasures that he urgently needed.

Due to their role in obstructing his path, each of the thirty-some Chaos Sovereigns present possessed at least ten top-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasures.

Eldrin Chen traded away a considerable portion of the Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasures he had seized. In exchange, he acquired enough treasures to gather the catalyst materials needed to elevate six of his Chaos Divine Abilities to the Limitless Divine Ability level in one fell swoop.

With this batch of treasures secured, Eldrin Chen felt a deep sense of satisfaction. After bidding farewell to each guest, he finally retreated to his Seclusion Chamber.

There, Exquisite Jiang had been waiting for him. Seeing him enter the grand hall, she spoke, "Myriad Demons Ancestor [the Primordial Ancestor of all Demonic Beasts] has yet to return Tian to us. It seems he is determined to remain your sworn enemy."

"If he has not returned him, there must be a reason he cannot," Eldrin Chen replied calmly, his voice even. "Regardless, this debt will be settled."

Exquisite Jiang's eyes flickered with a subtle light. "You intend to seek him out and confront him?" she asked.

"Waiting a while longer is not too late."

Eldrin Chen replied calmly, then proceeded into the Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared room for deep, undisturbed meditation and cultivation] and declared, "My accumulation is now sufficient. It is time for me to take that step."

With those words, Eldrin Chen stepped into the Chaos Cauldron [a legendary vessel used for tempering one's body and spirit through primordial chaos]. He then used the Chaos Bell [a divine bell capable of suppressing and stabilizing immense energies] to steady the Immortal Great Path [his foundational cultivation method], before beginning his assault on the Chaos Limitless Great Path [a supreme divine ability born from the fusion of chaos and the boundless dao].

After achieving the Limitless Primordial Spirit [a perfected state of the spiritual core, granting unparalleled control over one's own essence], Eldrin Chen's mastery over himself was incomparable to before. For this breakthrough into the Chaos Limitless Great Path, he did not even rely on the assistance of the Limitless Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir designed to aid in breaking through the limits of cultivation].

With the aid of the Chaos Cauldron and the ultimate power of his Limitless Primordial Spirit, the breakthrough of the Chaos Limitless Great Path was as natural as water flowing downhill.

"Boom—"

Following a resonant hum that filled the chamber, Eldrin Chen slowly opened his eyes. "The Limitless Great Path," he murmured, a trace of newfound understanding in his gaze, "is nothing more than this."