Chapter 2096 : Trial of the Sunken Abyss

"Very well, let us both enter and test it."

Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant nodded and immediately strode towards the Sunken Abyss Colossal Cauldron.

Eldrin Chen walked beside him, but the moment they stepped within the range of the Sunken Abyss Colossal Cauldron, they were instantly assaulted by a force of staggering magnitude.

It was an all-encompassing, crushing pressure, as if a myriad of Great Universe were bearing down upon Eldrin Chen's frame. Even with his peerless Chaos physique, Eldrin Chen felt a significant strain.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen's body was on par with that of a Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler of the heavens], allowing him to withstand such pressure without immediate risk of grievous injury.

However, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant beside him was already struggling to hold on. The immense pressure bore down on him, nearly suffocating him.

"Senior, hold fast!"

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen spoke with utmost gravity.

Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant gritted his teeth, forcibly pushing his Chaos Divine Form [a supreme divine transformation technique] to its absolute limit. The other eight Half-Step Ultimate Divine Form [incomplete supreme divine forms] whirled and danced around him, on the verge of fusing completely into one.

Yet even so, against the pressure of the Sunken Abyss Colossal Cauldron, he found it difficult to withstand, teetering on the brink of suffering a truly devastating injury.

At the critical moment, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant harnessed the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme cultivation technique that cycles power through nine grand revolutions], using it to command the Nine Great God Forms [nine supreme manifestations of divine power]. Only then was he barely able to withstand the overwhelming pressure of this place.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen finally let out a sigh of relief.

Since Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant was unharmed, Eldrin Chen could now turn his full attention to his own cultivation.

The Sunken Abyss Colossal Cauldron [a primordial cauldron of immense weight and power] contained boundless, crushing pressure. It was an exceptional cultivation ground even for a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for an emperor who has mastered primordial chaos], so Eldrin Chen naturally had no intention of wasting this opportunity.

Now, he sat cross-legged within the Sunken Abyss Colossal Cauldron, his body surrounded by the Sole Divine Form [a divine manifestation representing singular, focused power] of the Chaos Cauldron [a treasure embodying the concept of a chaos-refining cauldron] and the Ultimate Divine Form [a divine manifestation representing ultimate, all-encompassing power] of the Chaos Pearl [a treasure embodying the primordial pearl of chaos]. They rose and fell in a constant rhythm, radiating supreme, majestic power.

Seizing this chance, Eldrin Chen continuously pitted these two Great God [a supreme cultivation realm, the pinnacle of divine power] forms against the pressure of the Sunken Abyss Colossal Cauldron. As time flowed on, his mastery and control over these two divine forms saw tremendous improvement.

After several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] had passed, Eldrin Chen opened his eyes once more, emerging from his secluded cultivation. A faint smile touched his gaze.

"I have reached the limit," he murmured.

Before Eldrin Chen, a Chaos Giant Cauldron [a massive cauldron forged from primordial chaos] slowly rotated. Within it, a Chaos Pearl bobbed and floated. A profound and mysterious connection had clearly formed between the two.

Although this period of secluded cultivation had not allowed Eldrin Chen to break through his physical limits once more, it had granted him the opportunity to achieve complete and utter mastery over the two Great God forms.

At this moment, the Sole Divine Form 'Chaos Cauldron' and the Ultimate Divine Form 'Chaos Pearl' merged together, transforming into the 'Pearl Within the Cauldron'. Their synergy and destructive power experienced another slight increase.

While this breakthrough could not be called monumental, it allowed Eldrin Chen to advance a step further from his already lofty pinnacle. The combat power of his physical body grew by approximately half a tenth.

"This is the limit."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then slowly rose from within the Sunken Abyss Colossal Cauldron.

He understood clearly that his strength had long since reached its absolute peak. Even the power of Sunken Abyss Heaven could not allow him to shatter the Limit-Breaker boundary once more. Therefore, he did not waste further time in secluded cultivation.

After rising, Eldrin Chen glanced at the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant nearby. He immediately noticed that the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant was still deep in meditation, seemingly locked in a profound equilibrium with the Sunken Abyss Colossal Cauldron.

Eldrin Chen did not disturb him.

He knew well that the suppressive force of the Sunken Abyss Colossal Cauldron allowed those practicing Fleshly Body Sanctification to continuously approach, and even shatter, their Limit-Breaker boundaries. This was an immense opportunity for the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant.

Thus, Eldrin Chen did not linger. He departed the Sunken Abyss Colossal Cauldron alone and began to explore the core treasures of this Sunken Abyss Heaven.

One had to admit, this Sunken Abyss Heaven truly lived up to its name as one of the Nine Heavens forged by the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven. The number of treasures contained within its depths seemed nearly infinite.

Even Primordial One Marvel [a foundational spiritual material of the Primordial Chaos] were commonplace here, scattered about as if mere pebbles.

In the years that followed, Eldrin Chen ceaselessly traversed the depths of the Sunken Abyss Heaven [a profound and sunken heavenly realm within the Primordial Chaos], gathering a veritable ocean of diverse resources.

Among this vast hoard, the resource Eldrin Chen amassed in the greatest quantity was the Abyssal Depths Divine Iron [a divine-grade iron ore forged in the deepest, most pressurized abysses of chaos].

As time flowed onward, by the arrival of the tenth Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle marking immense spans of time], Eldrin Chen had seized a staggering tally of several tens of thousands of pieces of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron.

Although these pieces of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron varied in grade, with the vast majority being divine iron of the Primordial One Marvel [the foundational tier of chaos spiritual objects] level, there was no shortage of pieces that had reached the tier of a Chaos Rare Treasure [a rare and precious treasure born of Primordial Chaos].

Eldrin Chen took stock and discovered that among this mountain of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron, thirty-six pieces had attained the Chaos Rare Treasure level.

The Abyssal Depths Divine Iron was supremely durable. Those pieces that, while not reaching Chaos Rare Treasure level, possessed a hardness rivaling an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born with the world, of unparalleled quality] numbered over one thousand.

Eldrin Chen fed all this Abyssal Depths Divine Iron to the Chaos Stubborn Iron [a unique, sentient, and devouring ore of Primordial Chaos] for it to consume. After over one thousand pieces of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron were utterly devoured, he perceived that the Chaos Stubborn Iron seemed to undergo a certain metamorphosis.

Following this transformation, the grade of the Chaos Stubborn Iron appeared to have evolved, likely advancing into the realm of a mid-grade Chaos Rare Treasure.

A mid-grade Chaos Rare Treasure corresponds to a Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a mid-tier treasure forged from Primordial Chaos spiritual materials], which in turn aligns with the Path Union [the realm of unifying one's cultivated Paths] level of the Second Chaos Realm [the second major realm of cultivation within the Primordial Chaos hierarchy].

As a Middle Grade Chaos Rare Treasure [a treasure of immense rarity and power within the primordial chaos], Chaos Stubborn Iron [a legendary, nearly indestructible metal born from primordial chaos] is an exceedingly rare supreme treasure. In terms of sheer durability alone, it far surpasses even a Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact forged from chaos materials].

In response, Eldrin Chen continued his nurturing. He fed dozens of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron [a divine-grade ore mined from the profound depths of the abyss] at the Chaos Rare Treasure level, consuming them all for the Chaos Stubborn Iron.

The Chaos Stubborn Iron accepted them all without refusal, devouring every last piece of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron. Its durability seemed to increase imperceptibly yet substantially.

However, having reached this stage, the Chaos Stubborn Iron appeared to hit a bottleneck. A vast chasm still lay between it and the final, ultimate step.

"It still hasn't transformed into an Upper Grade Chaos Rare Treasure [the pinnacle grade of chaos-born rare treasures]?"

Seeing the Chaos Stubborn Iron seemingly unable to break through, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. He fell into contemplation, a wave of hesitation washing over him.

He still possessed one piece of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron at the Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a treasure tier above Chaos Rare Treasure, imbued with profound spiritual power] level. Forged by infusing it with Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative force that gave birth to the cosmos], its durability was in a league entirely its own, utterly incomparable to the Chaos Rare Treasure-grade Abyssal Depths Divine Iron.

If he allowed the Chaos Stubborn Iron to devour this Abyssal Depths Divine Iron, it held a high likelihood of completing that final, ultimate metamorphosis, ascending to become an Upper Grade Chaos Rare Treasure.

Yet, this Chaos Stubborn Iron was inherently Immortality [possessing a quality of unyielding, eternal durability]—its toughness surpassed that of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron of the same rank by more than tenfold.

Having reached the absolute limit of the middle grade Chaos Rare Treasure tier, its durability should now be sufficient to rival an ordinary Upper Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [the highest grade of chaos-forged spiritual artifact].

If the Chaos Stubborn Iron [a legendary, nearly indestructible primordial metal] were to advance further and transform into an Upper Grade Chaos Rare Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure born from primordial chaos].

Then, unless a Limitless Sovereign [a supreme being who has transcended all limits] personally intervened, even the most powerful Path Union Supreme [a master who has unified multiple cultivation paths] would be incapable of forging this piece of Chaos Stubborn Iron into a divine weapon.

By that time, even Eldrin Chen would likely find himself unable to refine such a treasure.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen fell into deep thought, a flicker of hesitation coloring his heart.

This piece of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron [a divine iron forged in the deepest abysses] was of extraordinary value—a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure infused with primordial chaos] that had absorbed Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy of creation]. If used to forge a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [an artifact of chaos], it could perhaps be crafted into a suit of Chaos Battle Armor [armor imbued with the power of chaos].

Thus, Eldrin Chen found himself torn: should he feed it to the Chaos Stubborn Iron, or use it to forge a Chaos [the primordial state of existence] battle cuirass?

Just as Eldrin Chen wavered indecisively, the Returning Abyss Pearl [a mystical pearl capable of returning to the abyss] suddenly spoke: "All under heaven know that Chaos Stubborn Iron possesses an Immortality [a divine property of indestructibility], yet it is notoriously difficult to inscribe with Chaos Path Rune [primordial runes of the Great Path]."

"However, once the patterns of the Great Path are born within Chaos Stubborn Iron, they are destined to become supreme Great Path [the fundamental laws of the cosmos] that will shake the very foundations of Chaos."

"And furthermore…"

The Returning Abyss Pearl paused briefly before continuing, "If one could harness the power of a Chaos Supreme Treasure [a paramount treasure of primordial chaos], it might not be impossible to forge this piece of Chaos Stubborn Iron after all."

"I understand."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. In that instant, an idea crystallized within him, and a certain plan in his heart seemed to have a missing piece fall into place.

He fed that piece of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron to the Chaos Stubborn Iron, then slowly withdrew his focus.

At the same moment, from the distant Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], an aura of immense and majestic power swept forth.

Eldrin Chen looked up. The vast Sunken Abyss Heaven trembled violently, and a colossal force locked onto him, instantly teleporting him to another pocket of Space-Time.

Lifting his gaze, he found himself before a grand, ancient hall. Around him, endless strands of the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the fundamental laws of the primordial universe] swirled, coalescing into terrifyingly potent Great Path True Form [manifestations of cosmic law] that intertwined in all directions.

Within the great hall itself, an ancient tree of immense age anchored the void. Each of its leaves was etched with Chaos Path Rune [mystical symbols of primordial law], as if woven from countless Great Path Divine Rune [divine symbols representing cosmic principles].

"The Myriad Heavens Great Path Tree. So this must be the Path-Forging Heaven [the Heavenly Realm where Paths are forged and laws are made manifest]."

Just then, a voice sounded beside Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen turned to look. He found that Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant, Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor, and the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor had all appeared by his side.

The one who spoke was Primordial Era Spirit Emperor. A slight frown creased her brow, yet a trace of joy colored her expression as she said, "The Path-Forging Heaven [the Celestial Realm where cultivators forge and perfect their Great Paths] is the place where one's Path is tempered and cast."

"This place is also the most coveted treasure ground for those of us who have attained the Path Mastery [the realm of mastering one's own Great Path]."

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment, his thoughts turning to the nature of the Path-Forging Heaven.

Among the four heavens within the ruins of the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven, the Sunken Abyss Heaven [the Heaven of the Sunken Abyss] was for Body Forging [the cultivation of the physical body], the Soul-Burial Heaven [the Heaven of Entombed Souls] was for soul cultivation, and the Path-Forging Heaven was precisely the realm for cultivating one's Path.

That Myriad Heavens Great Path Tree was a rare Chaos Spiritual Root [a spiritual plant born from Primordial Chaos].

Legend held that the Myriad Heavens World Tree possessed one hundred and eight thousand leaves, each one representing a different Innate Great Path [a Great Path born from the innate nature of the cosmos].

Most crucially, upon the Myriad Heavens World Tree were also imprinted the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the Great Paths of Primordial Chaos] of seven Path Union Supreme [Supremes who have unified their Paths] and several hundred Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors of Chaos], containing a certain supreme and divine power.

Those who had reached Path Mastery could come here to contemplate the power of the Great Path [the fundamental laws and principles of cultivation] contained within the Myriad Heavens World Tree, thereby using it as a reference to perfect their own cultivation Paths.

Furthermore, deep within the Path-Forging Heaven, there was a Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a mid-tier magical artifact born from Chaos] named the 'Chaos Self-Reflection Mirror'. This mirror could reflect the Great Path cultivated by a powerful individual, deducing its flaws and shortcomings.

Throughout the ages, countless individuals had perfected their Innate Great Path with the aid of the 'Myriad Heavens Great Path Tree' and the 'Chaos Self-Reflection Mirror', ultimately allowing them to step into the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor].

It could be said that this Path-Forging Heaven [a legendary realm where the fundamental laws of reality are forged and refined] is the most coveted treasure land for those at the Path Mastery [the realm of mastering one's own Great Path] realm.

Thinking of this, Primordial Era Spirit Emperor could not help but sigh with emotion, "When I first glimpsed the Sage Ascendant [the realm just below the legendary Sages] realm, I had only cultivated five Great Path Divine Form [divine manifestations embodying one's comprehension of a Great Path]."

"The reason I have now managed to cultivate seven Great Path Divine Form is due, at least seventy percent, to having come to this Path-Forging Heaven thirteen times in the past."

Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor also nodded slightly, speaking with a touch of emotion born of reflection, "The legacy of the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm known as the Heavenly Furnace] is considered one of the greatest opportunities within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [a vast region of one hundred domains at the heart of the Blazing Central Continent]."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, a look of respect appearing on his face.

Compared to the Profound Heaven Ruins [the Ruins of Profound Heaven], which weeds out the unworthy and only selects true Path Union [the realm of uniting one's Path with the heavens] seeds for nurturing, this Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven was remarkably generous.

If this Path-Forging Heaven were in the hands of any other Path Union power, it would undoubtedly be their most top-secret treasure land. Even on the brink of utter annihilation, they might not permit so many Sage Ascendant to come and gain insights here.

This might be related to the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven possessing greater profound heritage and accumulated strength, but one must admit its generosity is undeniable.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke up, "Both of you have visited this Path-Forging Heaven many times before. You must be familiar with its workings."

Both men nodded. Primordial Era Spirit Emperor began, "This Path-Forging Heaven is a place for enlightenment, but it does have its limitations. Do you see those meditation cushions?"

"Meditation cushions?"

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly as he finally noticed the three thousand meditation cushions placed within the grand hall.

Seeing this, the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor continued, "Each time the Path-Forging Heaven opens, there are only three thousand cushions. These represent the slots for comprehending the Myriad Heavens World Tree."

"To obtain a slot, we must seize one of these Enlightenment Meditation Cushions [a special cushion that aids in profound meditation and enlightenment]."

At this point, the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor spoke with considerable gravity, "If one's strength is insufficient, or fate is lacking, and they cannot secure an Enlightenment Meditation Cushion, they will be expelled by the Ruins Spirit."

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly upon hearing this. With his power, securing a slot was naturally not a problem.

Seeing this, the Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor nearby spoke again, "These Enlightenment Meditation Cushions also differ from one another. Legend has it they each bear the blessings of the various Chaos Heavenly Emperors [supreme beings who ruled during the primordial chaos] from the ancient Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven."

"Therefore, the cushions closer to the front receive greater blessings."

"And the six cushions at the very front are imbued with the blessings of six Path Union Supreme beings [cultivators who have unified their cultivation path with the supreme laws of heaven and earth]. Gaining their blessing would allow one's comprehension to advance a thousand Li-lengths in a single day, so to speak."

Eldrin Chen nodded again upon hearing this, then exchanged a glance with the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant.

Seeing this, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant [a powerful cultivator who has ascended to a sage-like state] spoke up, "Since that is the case, why don't we try to seize the six foremost meditation cushions?"

As his words fell, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant was the first to soar into the air, striding towards the great hall.

Simultaneously, countless Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have reached the penultimate stage before true sagehood] from the surrounding void also took flight, rushing towards the three thousand meditation cushions.

Many Sage Ascendant with a clear sense of their own limits occupied the cushions in the middle and rear sections. Yet, fierce battles erupted between numerous others as they vied for the more desirable positions.

Primordial Era Spirit Emperor [an ancient emperor of spirits from the dawn of time] and Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor [a mighty figure on the cusp of becoming a true emperor] joined forces, successfully securing two cushions in the central area.

Eldrin Chen and Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant, however, pressed forward relentlessly, advancing directly to the very front of the hall where the six core cushions were located.

But at that very moment, several familiar figures also flew over.

Blazing Center Incinerator [a cultivator whose name signifies a core of incinerating flame] directly unleashed a Forbidden Divine Ability [a supreme, world-shaking technique], forcibly seizing one cushion. Chaos Dragon Lord [a title for a master of primordial chaos] and Crimson Phoenix Saintess [a saintess associated with the crimson phoenix] were a step slower, claiming the second and third cushions respectively.

Panhuang Emperor [the legendary Panhuang Emperor], Primordial Era Demonic Ape [a terrifying ape-demon from the primordial era], and Azure Mist Female Sage [a wise and powerful female sage] were also swift, each occupying one of the remaining three spots.

This was Eldrin Chen's first time here, and coupled with him bringing Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant along, he was thus a fraction too slow and failed to secure one of those six coveted cushions.

Yet he did not hesitate in the slightest. After sweeping his gaze over the six figures, he directly kicked out at Blazing Center Incinerator.

Caught completely off guard, Blazing Center Incinerator was sent tumbling from his meditation cushion.

"You dare, That upstart Eldrin!"

Witnessing Eldrin Chen's brazen audacity, Blazing Center Incinerator was nearly driven mad with rage. He immediately summoned his Chaos Scorching Heaven Spear and lunged forward to attack.

Eldrin Chen merely sneered. With a wave of his hand, he signaled for Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant to secure the vacated position. Then, he threw another punch, a horizontal blow of immense force that sent Blazing Center Incinerator flying backward once more.

Blazing Center Incinerator's eyes turned icy with fury, his entire body trembling on the verge of unleashing a berserk frenzy.

"Enough!"

At that very moment, a voice echoed through the great hall, accompanied by an overwhelming pressure of the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the supreme and fundamental law of primordial chaos] that forcibly halted the two combatants.

Eldrin Chen immediately ceased his movements and looked up toward the front of the hall. There, he saw that a Verdant-robed Path Master had appeared, though none could tell when.

The figure was shrouded in boundless Great Path [the supreme principles and laws of cultivation], making it impossible to discern his true Hugo.

Yet its mere presence, standing there, sent shivers through the hearts of the three thousand Sage Ascendant present. It was clear this was no ordinary Chaos Heavenly Emperor that could be compared to it.

The Verdant-robed Path Master swept his gaze over the assembly and spoke with calm authority, "I am the Spirit of the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven [the sentient guardian spirit of this pocket realm]. Since you have all managed to arrive here to seek enlightenment, you are, by nature, individuals blessed with fate."

"Now that the seats are decided, those who have not secured a place are, it seems, blessed with fate but not the fortune to claim it. You may all depart."

"Depart?"

Blazing Center Incinerator's expression shifted dramatically. Unwilling to accept this, he protested immediately, "I *had* a seat! It was stolen from me by this villain's trickery!"

The Grotto-Heaven Spirit merely smiled faintly and replied with unshakable calm, "To obtain something yet be unable to hold it is the very definition of having fate without fortune. You must still depart."

With those words, the Grotto-Heaven Spirit flicked his sleeve, and Blazing Center Incinerator was forcibly expelled from the grotto-heaven.

Having completed this action, the Grotto-Heaven Spirit turned his gaze to Eldrin Chen and inquired, "And you, honored guest, why do you not depart?"

Eldrin Chen did not answer immediately. He had begun to understand. This Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven valued fate and opportunity above all else; raw power and innate talent were not the primary requirements.

No wonder, throughout its history of opening, the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven had never lacked for fortunate souls who soared to the heavens from obscurity.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen swept his gaze around the hall. He noticed that before the three thousand meditation cushions, upon the central dais, there lay a single, exceptionally unique cushion. No one dared to sit upon it.

Without hesitation, he inquired directly, "Why does no one dare to occupy the seat upon the central dais?"

"How presumptuous!"

Before the Grotto-Heaven Spirit [the sentient consciousness of a mystical realm] could respond, the Chaos Dragon Lord roared with fury, "That central seat represents the position of the Great Path [the supreme, fundamental principle of cultivation and existence]. It symbolizes the Primordial Chaos Great Path Sea [the primordial ocean from which all cosmic principles emanate]."

"Furthermore, it is the very spot where the founding patriarch of the six Supreme [a prefix denoting the highest rank] lineages of the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven [a celestial realm of creation and refinement], the venerable Nameless Path Ancestor, once expounded the Dao. How dare you even consider seating yourself there?"

Facing the Chaos Dragon Lord's furious questioning, Eldrin Chen offered no immediate reply.

Instead, he turned his gaze to the Grotto-Heaven Spirit, his expression serene as he stated, "We who walk the Path Mastery [the realm of mastering and defining one's own cultivation path] are destined to forge and perfect our own Great Path. In time, we are fated to become masters of our own principles."

"How could we possibly consent to reside beneath the Sea of the Great Path [the metaphorical source and totality of all cosmic principles]?"

"As for this central seat," he continued, his voice calm yet firm, "if the Nameless Path Ancestor deemed himself worthy to sit there, why should I be any different?"

Contrary to expectations, the Grotto-Heaven Spirit showed no anger. Instead, a flicker of thoughtful contemplation appeared within its presence.

He then looked towards Eldrin Chen and suddenly inquired, "Are you aware that the former Nameless Path Ancestor [a legendary figure whose true name is lost to history] was the only Chaos Sovereign [a supreme being who has mastered the primordial forces of creation] to have fallen since the Chaos Opening [the primordial event that birthed the cosmos]?"

"This main seat is tainted by a baleful power. Even if a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler of the primordial heavens] were to presumptuously sit upon it, they would invite Tribulation [a catastrophic heavenly retribution]."

A flicker of surprise passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes.

Only then did he understand. During the era of the Primordial Chaos Unfolding [the shaping of order from the formless void], there had once been a supremely exalted Nameless Path Ancestor.

His cultivation had reached the ChaosSovereign Realm [the sovereign realm within the chaos domain, the pinnacle of power]. He had three thousand nominal disciples under him, among whom were peerless figures who had attained the Path UnionSupreme Realm [the supreme realm of path union, where one's being merges with their chosen Dao].