Chapter 2174 : Ascendant Realms of Primordial Chaos

Subsequently, Eldrin Chen began to focus on cultivating the Fleshly Body Sanctification and Soul Path Sovereign paths, as these two avenues also did not occupy slots within his Great Path [the supreme cultivation laws and principles a cultivator can master].

Thus, as countless eons flowed by in silence, Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] Great Path also stepped into the Half-Step Primordial Chaos Realm [a quasi-ultimate state bordering the primordial chaos].

Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor benefited from this connection, seizing the opportunity to cultivate his own attainment to the Half-Step Primordial Chaos Realm.

After his Primordial Spirit stepped into the Half-Step Primordial Chaos Realm, Eldrin Chen discovered he could now effortlessly command the Limitless Great Path [a supreme law representing boundlessness and infinity].

Without delay, he then proceeded to master thirty-six Limitless Great Path, including those of Primordial Origin, Space-Time [the fundamental laws governing dimensions and temporal flow], Returning Abyss [a profound and mysterious abyssal realm], Reincarnation [the cyclical law of death and rebirth], and others.

Time rushed onward. As the Chaos Epoch [a grand cosmic era of primordial disorder] approached its The End [the final conclusion, the terminus of all cycles], Eldrin Chen realized that, almost without his conscious notice, he had cultivated seven Half-Step Primordial Chaos Foundation [quasi-ultimate foundations rooted in primordial chaos].

Of these seven Half-Step Primordial Chaos Foundation, one Primordial Chaos [the state of ultimate, formless origin] foundation was his Half-Step Primordial Chaos Primordial Spirit.

The other six were Primordial Chaos Great Path [supreme laws of the primordial chaos], specifically: the Primordial Chaos Great Path, the Primordial Great Path [the law of the original beginning], the Space-Time Great Path [the supreme law of dimensions and time], the Great Path of Returning Abyss [the supreme law of the profound abyss], the Primordial Spirit Great Path, and finally, the Sacrificial Self Great Path [a supreme law centered on self-offering and transcendence].

With these seven foundations all reaching the pseudo-Half-Step Primordial Chaos Realm, even Eldrin Chen's Half-Step Primordial Chaos Primordial Spirit could not fully command them. He could only manifest several avatars at the Half-Step Primordial Chaos Realm level.

"Seven Primordial Chaos foundations... that is the absolute limit."

"To advance further, one must completely merge the seven Primordial Chaos foundations."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then turned his gaze towards the Depths of Chaos.

Unbeknownst to him, the Chaos had become saturated with calamitous energy [a destructive force that heralds the end of an era], as if it were once again on the brink of utter annihilation.

"The Chaos is about to be extinguished, and the Returning Abyss [the final, all-consuming void where all things return] is not far behind."

Eldrin Chen whispered to himself, then looked at the Returning Abyss Pearl in his hand. He saw that, without him noticing, the pearl had already ascended to become a Chaos Supreme Treasure [a treasure of the highest order, born from the essence of primordial chaos].

As the supreme treasure of the Chaos Returning Abyss [the cataclysmic event marking the end of a chaos epoch], the successful ascension of the Returning Abyss Pearl signified that this Chaos Epoch [a grand cosmic cycle of chaos] had reached its definitive The End.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen lifted his head to gaze into the Depths of Chaos. There, within the Chaos, a sound erupted—a roar so vast it seemed capable of shattering heavens and sundering earth.

Then, two figures strode forth from the tumult. They were none other than the Oblivion Sovereign and the World-Extinction Sovereign.

The two Half-Step Primordial Chaos cultivators fixed their eyes on Eldrin Chen. The Oblivion Sovereign let out a cold sneer. "Old fool Nameless, today marks your final hour."

"You dare!"

In an instant, from within the Endless Chaos, tens of thousands of figures surged forth.

The World-Extinction Sovereign immediately revealed a look of shock, unable to suppress his astonishment as he exclaimed, "One hundred thousand Chaos Sovereign? How is that possible?"

Both Sovereign were utterly astounded, never imagining that this Chaos Epoch [a grand cosmological cycle] could harbor so many Chaos Sovereign [supreme beings who have mastered the laws of primordial chaos].

Yet, a moment later, the Oblivion Sovereign spoke with sudden, gleeful realization: "All those below the Half-Step Primordial Chaos [a realm just shy of the ultimate state of primordial unity] are mere ants. These Chaos Sovereign are not a hindrance but our great fortune."

"We wield the powers of world-extinction and the Power of Oblivion [the conceptual force of absolute annihilation]. By slaughtering them all, we are destined to transcend this Chaos Epoch and may even glimpse the supreme Primordial Chaos Realm [the ultimate state of undifferentiated, primordial existence]."

With this thought, the Oblivion Sovereign instantly took action, summoning the Blade of Oblivion [a weapon embodying the concept of utter erasure] to pierce through the void, aiming directly at the myriad Chaos Sovereign filling the sky.

Simultaneously, the World-Extinction Sovereign activated the World-Ending Millstone [a mythical artifact capable of grinding entire worlds to dust], pressing it down with the intent to crush Eldrin Chen utterly on the spot.

The moment the two struck, every being present paled with profound terror.

Now, as the Chaos Epoch neared its final annihilation, empowered by the Mandate of Heaven [the cosmic authority governing an era], the two Chaos Sovereign had reached the pseudo-Half-Step Primordial Chaos realm.

With the Mandate of Heaven upon them, they possessed the power to slay even a genuine pseudo-Half-Step Primordial Chaos who stood before them.

"Hmph—"

Facing the combined strike of the two, Eldrin Chen merely let out a cold snort. With a flick of his finger, he repelled the two supreme treasures, sending the two Half-Step Primordial Chaos [cultivators at the threshold of the Primordial Chaos realm] reeling through the air, coughing up blood.

Defeated in a single move, Oblivion Sovereign wore an expression of utter disbelief, unable to contain his shock as he demanded,

"Impossible! We are both Half-Step Primordial Chaos [cultivators at the threshold of the Primordial Chaos realm]. How can you be so powerful?"

"Because you were born of the Mandate of Heaven [the cosmic decree that governs fate and order]. You can never comprehend the true essence of the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the supreme Dao of the formless primordial state before creation]."

Eldrin Chen struck instantly, harnessing the power of the Sacrificial Self Great Path [a supreme cultivation art based on the principle of self-sacrifice and transcendence] to sweep across all directions. With one blow, he shattered the physical body of Oblivion Sovereign.

Then, with a flick of his sleeve, he pressed down with a single finger, reducing World-Extinction Sovereign to a mist of blood.

Immediately after, he activated the Returning Abyss Pearl [a mystical pearl capable of sealing and refining souls] to suppress the area, drawing the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest form of a cultivator's soul] of both foes into it and grinding them into nothingness.

Once the two formidable enemies were utterly annihilated, Eldrin Chen collected the Blade of Oblivion [a legendary blade imbued with the power of absolute annihilation] and the World-Ending Millstone [a mythical artifact said to have the power to grind worlds to dust] into his grasp.

"Congratulations, Path Ancestor! The Path Ancestor is invincible!"

Witnessing Eldrin Chen annihilate two supreme powerhouses, everyone present revealed expressions of astonishment and joy.

Yet, Eldrin Chen lifted his gaze towards the Boundless Chaos. He saw the vast Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence] beginning to shatter and dissolve. His expression turned grave as he spoke, "All of you, seek refuge in the Transcendent World [a higher realm beyond the current tribulation] to avoid the impending cataclysm."

Upon hearing his words, everyone bowed with utmost reverence before departing one after another for the Transcendent World.

The crowd gradually dispersed until only four formidable figures remained. Each of them was an invincible powerhouse at the pseudo-Half-Step Primordial Chaos Foundation [a near-mythical cultivation stage just shy of establishing a foundation in Primordial Chaos] realm.

They were Exquisite Jiang, the Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor, the Melancholy Inscription Lord, and Kael Chen.

Among them, the Melancholy Inscription Lord wielded the Chaos Supreme Treasure [a weapon of ultimate power born from Chaos] known as the Great Path Tome [the Book of the Great Dao], while Kael Chen commanded the Chaos Supreme Treasure called the True Spirit Diagram [a chart depicting the forms of primordial spirits].

Both were Persons of Destiny [individuals fated to play a pivotal role in the cosmic order] of this Chaos Epoch [a grand cosmic cycle beginning and ending in Chaos]. In the original Destiny [the preordained course of events] witnessed by Future, they were comrades of Eldrin Chen and had also reached the pseudo-Half-Step Primordial Chaos Realm.

In that original fate, both had fallen in battle at the final moment.

Thus, when Future's Eldrin Chen altered his own Destiny, he incidentally reshaped the destinies of these two as well.

"Is the Chaos Epoch's descent into the Returning Abyss [the final dissolution where all things return to nothingness] truly irreversible?"

At this moment, as the Chaos [the primordial state from which all existence emerged] teetered on the brink of total annihilation, Exquisite Jiang spoke softly, a note of confusion coloring her voice as she asked her question.

Eldrin Chen shook his head and then spoke, "If I were to step into the Primordial Chaos Realm [the ultimate realm of cultivation, representing the origin of all things], I could indeed establish an eternal epoch."

"But that would be meaningless. The true path of a supreme power must transcend the Chaos Epoch [the grand cosmic cycle of creation and destruction] itself."

Having said this, Eldrin Chen then retrieved the Blade of Oblivion and the World-Ending Millstone [a legendary artifact said to grind entire worlds to dust]. With calm finality, he declared, "Stand guard for me."

"Understood!"

Exquisite Jiang responded, her expression instantly turning grave.

Without another word, Eldrin Chen immediately began refining the Blade of Oblivion and the World-Ending Millstone. Swiftly, he mastered the two Primordial Chaos Great Paths [supreme Daos representing fundamental cosmic principles] they embodied, forging two more Half-Step Primordial Chaos [avatars possessing power just shy of the ultimate realm] avatars.

"Nine Primordial Chaos foundations have now been completed."

With the establishment of his nine Primordial Chaos foundations, Eldrin Chen rose to his feet, a rare moment of tranquility upon him. He lifted his gaze towards the Depths of Chaos [the innermost, most primordial regions of the Chaos], only to see that the Chaos itself was now more than half-destroyed.

An endless torrent of world-ending power, Oblivion [the conceptual force of absolute erasure and non-existence], and Returning Abyss Power [a profound divine ability related to the abyssal end of all things] surged into Eldrin Chen's body, ceaselessly augmenting his cultivation base.

"Once I transcend this tribulation, shed the false and preserve the true, I can attempt the breakthrough into the Primordial Chaos Realm [the ultimate state of existence, a realm of pure, undifferentiated cosmic origin]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, waiting in stillness for the moment of The End [the final, predestined conclusion of an era] within the Chaos Epoch [a cosmic age of primordial disorder and creation].

An immeasurable time passed. As the Chaos Epoch teetered on the brink of utter annihilation, myriad rays of Primordial Chaos [the fundamental, formless energy from which all creation springs] light shimmered beyond the Endless Chaos [the boundless, formless expanse that predates and surrounds all ordered realms].

Three supreme figures strode forth, their gazes resting calmly upon Eldrin Chen.

The leader's eyes held a flicker of lament as he spoke, "You have altered your own Destiny [the preordained course of fate and fortune]. You are mightier now than the you who was bound by it."

"Destiny, Tribulation, Karma…"

Eldrin Chen uttered the names slowly, a cold glint sharpening his gaze. "So it is you, after all."

The Destiny Path Ancestor gave a slight nod, his expression revealing profound wariness.

He who wielded the power of Destiny had originally, through its interference, ensured Eldrin Chen forged only three false Primordial Chaos foundations.

Guarded unto death by Exquisite Jiang and other pseudo-Half-Step Primordial Chaos [cultivators who have attained a profound state approaching, but not fully reaching, the Primordial Chaos Realm] experts, Eldrin Chen had sacrificed those three false foundations to refine his one true self, thereby attaining the power to stand against these three.

With such power, should he transcend this Chaos Epoch [a grand cosmological era of primordial chaos], the three of them combined would likely be no match for Eldrin Chen.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen ultimately did not fully transcend this Chaos Epoch, leaving them a chance to eliminate him.

Thus, joining forces, they manipulated Karma [the cosmic law of cause and effect], toyed with Destiny [the predetermined course of fate], and laid down a Tribulation [a calamitous trial or heavenly punishment] in an attempt to directly alter Eldrin Chen's past.

They placed three pieces on the board: Catastrophe Demon God, Devouring Demon Emperor, and Oblivion Sovereign.

Regrettably, Eldrin Chen also seized the opportunity to act, engaging them in a game of strategy within the River of Space-Time [the metaphysical flow of time and space] of the past.

He altered his former self, allowing that version to rise from hardship and grow progressively more formidable.

In the end, Catastrophe Demon God was slain by Eldrin Chen, and Devouring Demon Emperor, who possessed the potential of a Sovereign [a supreme ruler of a cosmic domain], failed to make even a ripple before Eldrin Chen.

Though Oblivion Sovereign was meant to be the greatest obstacle, Eldrin Chen instead used the situation to split his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator]. One part journeyed to the Antiquity-Tracing era of the Chaos Epoch to cultivate into an avatar of the Nameless Path Ancestor [an ancient, nameless progenitor of a cultivation path], thereby laying the groundwork to feign the attainment of a Half-Step Primordial Chaos Primordial Spirit.

It could be said that in this contest of wits, Eldrin Chen achieved a nearly total victory.

He directly altered his own Destiny and Tribulation, cultivating a Primordial Spirit at the Half-Step Primordial Chaos Realm [a realm bordering the primordial chaos]. This allowed him to master nine foundational Primordial Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence] principles, making his power far greater than it was before his Destiny was changed.

"For countless years, I have toyed with Destiny [the predetermined course of events and fortune], yet never imagined I would ultimately lose to you upon its very foundation."

Destiny Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the Path of Destiny] spoke slowly, a sigh of lamentation coloring his expression.

Lord of Tribulations [the sovereign deity who governs heavenly calamities and trials] merely let out a cold laugh before replying, "This may not be a misfortune."

"Within the weave of Destiny, you possessed but three false Primordial Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence before creation] foundations. You nearly failed even during the Sacrificial Self [the art of sacrificing one's own being to achieve transcendence]."

"Now you have cultivated nine true Primordial Chaos foundations. The difficulty of sacrificing all to forge your one true self has increased a hundredfold, if not more."

"To succeed or to fail, one must ultimately stake everything on a single attempt."

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] spoke with serene finality. He then marshaled his supreme cultivation physique and began the great sacrifice—offering up his eight Primordial Chaos foundations and his thirty-six Chaos Limitless Great Path [divine abilities born from the boundless power of Chaos].

In that instant, Oblivion [the concept of utter annihilation and non-existence], World-Extinction, Returning Abyss [a mythical place of final return], Chaos [the primordial state of disorder], Primordial Beginning, Space-Time [the fabric of reality itself], Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth]—one by one, these Great Path [supreme cultivation arts and principles] merged into Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator].

All these Great Path, all these foundational powers, fused completely with Eldrin Chen, seeking to gestate and give birth to a single, peerless Primordial Chaos form.

The power, nearly sufficient to consign all things to Oblivion, surged to utterly annihilate Eldrin Chen, yet was forcibly suppressed and contained by his indomitable will.

"Stop him!"

The Lord of Tribulations spoke, his voice instantly brimming with boundless killing intent.

In that instant, infinite power of Destiny [the predetermined course of events], power of Karma [the cosmic law of cause and effect], and even the power of Tribulation [heavenly retribution and calamity] all converged to slash towards Eldrin Chen, seeking to utterly consume and annihilate him.

To completely slay Eldrin Chen, the three supreme Half-Step Primordial Chaos [beings who have nearly transcended into the primordial state of creation] did not hesitate to shatter their three quasi-Primordial Chaos Supreme Treasure [artifacts of near-creation-level power]—the Threads of Karma, the River of Destiny [the metaphysical flow of fate], and the Sword of Tribulations—unleashing a single, peerless strike of unprecedented, world-shattering power.

"Hmph—"

Eldrin Chen grunted, his physical body cracking open with fissure after fissure.

"Husband!"

Exquisite Jiang's expression shifted. She immediately fought her way out with desperate fury, blocking the three supreme powerhouses at any cost.

The other three also attacked with their full might, not hesitating to burn their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and their Great Path [their foundational cultivation method], engaging the three Half-Step Primordial Chaos in a life-or-death struggle.

"Mere pseudo-Half-Step Primordial Chaos, and you dare to face us in battle?"

With a cold sneer, the Lord of Tribulations [a supreme divine ability representing the authority to judge and punish] stirred a strand of sword intent to soar into the sky, severing the head of the Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor.

Yet, filled with unwillingness, he let out a roar of ultimate fury. At the cost of self-destructing his own Great Path [the fundamental cultivation principle one embodies], he unleashed a desperate, final strike.

Alas, the power of these false Half-Step Primordial Chaos [cultivators who have not fully transcended the Chaos Epoch and thus cannot achieve true Primordial Chaos realm status], who had not transcended the Chaos Epoch [the primordial era before the formation of the ordered cosmos], was ultimately limited. They could not withstand the three true Half-Step Primordial Chaos, and after holding out for a time, they were utterly annihilated.

By this time, Eldrin Chen's physical body was thoroughly cracked, teetering on the very brink of complete death.

"To sacrifice the nine Primordial Chaos [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing the origin of all things] foundations to forge a singular True Self—such overweening arrogance," one of the three mocked.

Seeing Eldrin Chen at death's door, the three Half-Step Primordial Chaos let out a scornful laugh before cleaving down towards him with overwhelming force.

With a thunderous explosion, Eldrin Chen's physical form shattered completely, its essence scattering and dissipating throughout the vast Chaos [the formless, primordial state of existence before order].

"Hahaha!"

Witnessing Eldrin Chen's body utterly Oblivion [to be erased from existence, body and soul], the three supreme beings broke into triumphant smiles.

Their gazes fell upon the spot where Eldrin Chen had been seated in meditation. There, at the very site of his supposed demise, an intangible vortex began to swirl into existence.

This was a Returning Abyss Vortex [a vortex of ultimate dissolution], which ravenously devoured the entire Primordial Chaos Power [the primordial, formless energy preceding creation], utterly consuming the shattered Chaos Epoch [the Age of Chaos].

"The Chaos Returning Abyss [the final dissolution of the Chaos Epoch into nothingness], this is the end of all things. Everything shall cease to exist."

"This time, he is dead beyond any doubt."

The Lord of Karma [the conceptual embodiment of Karmic Law] spoke, a faint smile finally gracing his features.

They combined their power to channel the forces of Destiny [the predetermined course of fate], Karma [the law of cause and effect governing all actions], and Tribulation [the power of heavenly retribution] to perform a divination. Finding no trace whatsoever of Eldrin Chen's survival, they all let out a collective sigh of relief.

The master of Destiny smiled broadly and declared, "After the Returning Abyss [the Abyss of Ultimate Return, a place of final dissolution], the Chaos [the Realm of Primordial Chaos] is about to transform into the Primordial Chaos [the state of pure, undifferentiated existence before creation]. Legend speaks of a Primordial Chaos opportunity manifesting this time. Perhaps both of us can finally take that final step."

Just as the trio was overcome with ecstatic joy, the entire Chaos opportunity dissolved into nothingness, swallowed whole by that boundless Returning Abyss vortex.

Unable to contain his excitement, the master of Destiny stroked his beard, his voice trembling with anticipation. "The Primordial Chaos is about to appear. The moment for us to witness the birth of the Primordial Chaos has arrived."

Under the trio's expectant gazes, the Returning Abyss vortex vanished without a trace, leaving behind in its wake an endless expanse of Primordial Chaos Violet Radiance [a mysterious violet light born from the Primordial Chaos].

Within that towering, overwhelming Primordial Chaos Violet Radiance, the indistinct silhouette of a humanoid figure could be seen seated in meditation.

He sat there in meditation, as if the origin of all things and yet also their ultimate end, emanating an indescribable, supreme aura of the Great Path [the fundamental principle and order underlying all existence].

He transcended the Path itself, transcended matter, transcended Chaos.

He had also transcended Destiny, Karma, Space-Time, Reincarnation, Tribulation, and all other philosophies defined by mortal minds.

The opportunities of the Endless Chaos, the boundless River of Space-Time, the infinite power of Destiny—all of it swirled and flowed within the palm of his hand.

Eldrin Chen rose slowly. In a single thought, he opened up hundreds of millions of Chaos, and in the next, he allowed them to pass through three thousand Chaos Epoch.

He raised his hand. In his palm, minor worlds, major worlds, Great Thousand World, Universe, Multidimensional Space-Time, infinite multiverses, and the Boundless Chaos manifested one by one, forming a layered, endless exponential tower whose peak could not be seen.

With a single glance of favor, an ant could grasp the Great Path and attain cultivation at the Half-Step Primordial Chaos realm.

And with the closing of his eyes, all would turn to dust, collapsing like a great tower, vanishing into nothingness.

Survival, procreation, love, tragic songs, epics, time, Destiny, Karma, the Path…

All the joys and sorrows, partings and reunions of the mortal world, all things defined and undefinable, gained meaning in a single thought of his, only to lose it again in the next.

"To create all things, to transcend all things, to reign supreme over all things, to master all things."

"So this is the Primordial Chaos Realm..."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, lifting his gaze to the three Half-Step Primordial Chaos entities: Destiny [the predetermined course of events], Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect], and Tribulation [the heavenly trials and calamities].

The three of them stood frozen, momentarily unable to utter a single sound. To their utter terror, they discovered that the Great Path [the supreme cultivation laws] they had mastered were vanishing.

The River of Destiny [the metaphysical flow that dictates fate] ceased to exist. Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect] vanished from the world, and Tribulation [the heavenly trials and calamities] dissipated into nothingness.

Trembling, they sought to alter something, anything, only to find their consciousness, their physical forms, their very essence dissolving, until finally, it was as if everything had never been.

Having extinguished the three Half-Step Primordial Chaos entities, Eldrin Chen then, with a mere flick of his sleeve, created the Boundless Chaos [the infinite, formless state preceding creation].

One after another, Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence] realms were born from the Primordial Chaos [the ultimate, foundational state of all existence]. One by one, old friends returned from the void.

There were the five soul-slaves, there was Abyssal Repository Hong Ancestor, there was Nine Souls Heavenly Emperor. All his former companions, and indeed every living being from the world that once was, were revived and returned in a single Eldrin [a fleeting moment].

Exquisite Jiang, Kael Chen, Melancholy Inscription Lord, Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor—they all appeared beside Eldrin Chen, their cultivation having also reached the transcendent state of Half-Step Primordial Chaos.

Eldrin Chen wore a smile that blossomed from the very depths of his heart for the first time, yet he sighed as he spoke to Exquisite Jiang.

"Every regret can be mended, every grievance can be undone."

"To command all things, to create all things, and thus to alter all things."

"Yet it is a pity. The Primordial Chaos Stage [the ultimate state of existence that governs all reality] commands all things. It is impossible for one to exist who is beyond its command. A second powerhouse of the Primordial Chaos Realm [the supreme realm of existence that encompasses and governs all of reality] can no longer emerge into this world."