Chapter 1978 : The Ant Emperor's Unyielding Code

"Ant Heavenly Emperor."

Recalling the tales of the Ant Heavenly Emperor, Eldrin Chen felt a stirring of admiration and longing in his heart.

From a being as insignificant as an ant to the mighty Chaos Ant Heavenly Emperor who shook the Sea of Chaos, this Heavenly Emperor's life was a legend even within the vastness of Chaos.

It had to be admitted that within the entire Southern Abyss Seven Domains, the Ant Heavenly Emperor was an exceptionally unique figure.

This was not only because his combat prowess was formidable, ranking among the top five in the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, but most crucially, because the Ant Heavenly Emperor possessed immense personal charisma.

It was said the Ant Heavenly Emperor never bullied the weak; he even forbade his own descendants from using their strength to oppress others. Yet, if others tried to use their greater power to bully the lesser, he would invariably step in to intervene.

However, if it was a fair duel between equals, even if his own direct son perished at another's hands, he would never interfere, nor would he seek revenge afterward.

Throughout the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, all the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal powers knew the Ant Heavenly Emperor was renowned for his unwavering integrity and impartiality, and thus held him in the highest esteem.

Seeing this, Great Center Imperial Lord also smiled and said, "With this Barter Convention being held within the Ant Heavenly Emperor's domain, safety should not be a significant concern."

Eldrin Chen nodded, a faint smile gracing his lips.

As they conversed, the two found themselves arriving within the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole [a primordial and chaotic region at the celestial pole].

Upon reaching the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole, Eldrin Chen realized that this session of the Barter Convention [a grand gathering for cultivators to trade rare resources] was being held within a vast and majestic Chaos Path Domain [a domain forged from the primordial chaos].

This was an artificially opened Path-Field [a domain shaped by profound cultivation laws], vaster than even a top-grade Immortal Domain [a realm suffused with immortal energy], its stature equivalent to a Path-Field of the Primordial One Imperial Lord [the foundational realm for Imperial Lords, representing the unity of one's cultivation path] level.

Stepping into the Path-Field, Eldrin Chen discovered it was already gathered with over one hundred Primordial One Imperial Lords.

"So many Primordial One Imperial Lords?"

Witnessing this scene, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a tremor in his heart.

Seeing this, Great Center Imperial Lord said with a smile, "Across the combined territories of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [the seven major domains of the Southern Abyss], there are roughly over three thousand Primordial One Imperial Lords."

"A small-scale Barter Convention like this, held once per Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often marked by great upheavals], doesn't actually attract that many Primordial One Imperial Lords. At most, it won't exceed two hundred Imperial Lords [powerful cultivators who have established their own imperial domains]."

"It's the medium-scale conventions held once every hundred Kalpa Tribulations, or the large-scale ones jointly hosted by the Seven Great Immortal Domains [the seven most prestigious immortal realms], that can draw a massive attendance of Primordial One Imperial Lords."

Great Center Imperial Lord explained in detail, telling Eldrin Chen that the grand Barter Convention held once every one thousand Kalpa Tribulations often sees participation from over one thousand Primordial One Imperial Lords.

By that time, even Innate Primordial Breath [the purest form of primordial energy] might be offered for sale, and nearly every Primordial One Imperial Lord [a cultivator who has reached the peak of the Primordial One Realm] could find almost all the items they desired within its offerings.

In comparison, such small-scale Barter Convention [a gathering where cultivators trade rare items] rarely feature truly precious treasures [rare and powerful spiritual objects], and there are often not many Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage [cultivators at the late stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm] in attendance.

Eldrin Chen listened quietly, giving a slight nod of understanding.

What he needed this time were Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Rare Material [high-quality innate spiritual materials], not the top-tier Primordial One Marvel [marvelous treasures of the Primordial One realm] or Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest grade of innate magical treasures]. Therefore, this Barter Convention was more than sufficient for his purposes.

It was at that moment that Eldrin Chen noticed a figure of imposing stature—a Chaos Demon God [a powerful demon born from primordial chaos]—approaching him.

The figure glanced at Eldrin Chen and spoke respectfully, "Might you be Eldrin the Immortal Lord?"

"Indeed, I am,"

Eldrin Chen replied, a trace of puzzlement in his voice as he asked, "And you are...?"

The Chaos Demon God did not answer directly, instead smiling and saying, "My Imperial Scion requests your presence. Please, follow me."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback. He exchanged a glance with Great Center Imperial Lord.

Seeing this, Great Center Imperial Lord quietly transmitted a voice message, saying, "This is the Chaos Heaven Ant Clan Great Encompassing [a supreme realm of cultivation, signifying one who has attained a profound understanding of the cosmos and its fundamental laws]. There should be no issue."

Eldrin Chen nodded. Only then did he cup his hands towards Great Center Imperial Lord in a respectful salute. He then proceeded to a pavilion, where he discovered a familiar figure standing within.

"Heaven Punishment."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a glimmer of understanding dawning in his eyes.

Within the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole, the one who could truly be considered an acquaintance was this Chaos Imperial Extreme Ant [a primordial and immensely powerful ant-like demonic beast].

"It has been a long time."

As Eldrin Chen arrived, Heaven Punishment spoke unhurriedly, then gestured with a faint smile for Eldrin Chen to take a seat.

Eldrin Chen remained composed. Sitting opposite Heaven Punishment, he studied him for a moment before expressing surprise, "You've actually reached the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the advanced phase of the Golden Immortal realm within the Great Encompassing stage]. Your cultivation progress is astonishingly swift."

"Merely a benefit of my forefathers' legacy," Heaven Punishment replied, his tone devoid of any pride.

Heaven Punishment spoke, his expression humble.

Eldrin Chen also nodded thoughtfully. As the youngest son of the Ant Heavenly Emperor [the Heavenly Emperor of the Ant Clan], the resources Heaven Punishment could access were likely far beyond what Eldrin himself could ever hope to match.

If one disregarded the risk of an unstable foundation, Eldrin Chen had no doubt that Heaven Punishment could break through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm [the cultivation realm of a First-Step Imperial Lord] within seven or eight Kalpa Tribulations [cosmic cycles of immense duration].

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Your foundation is solid. At this pace, it seems you will break through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm within ten Kalpa Tribulations."

"You pioneered your own cultivation method and became a Supreme Path Master [a supreme master who commands his own unique Dao Path]. Your methods and achievements are something I cannot hope to rival."

Heaven Punishment shook his head, speaking with a tone of genuine admiration.

He sighed, then suddenly added with a thoughtful expression, "Speaking of which, I'm afraid trouble is about to find you. You should be extra cautious in the coming days."

"Trouble?"

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of confusion crossing his features.

Heaven Punishment smiled, his gaze holding a meaningful glint. "Someone has been actively contacting your Great Path Rivals [fated opponents on the same grand Dao Path]. They are all Primordial One Imperial Lords. They plan to use the opening of the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault [a legendary repository of treasures] as an opportunity to seal and suppress you using special means."

"If I were you, I would likely forgo participating in this Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault opportunity altogether."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression shifted subtly, a flicker of profound gravity surfacing in the depths of his gaze.

The opportunities within the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault were of paramount importance to him; they were the key to the future breakthroughs for himself and his Dao companions into the realm of the Primordial One Imperial Lord [the highest echelon of power, a sovereign lord who has unified their foundational path].

He had never imagined that a scheme had already been set in motion long ago, aiming to use the opening of the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault as the perfect moment to utterly suppress him and seize his Great Path Authority [the supreme authority and control over a cultivator's fundamental Dao, the core of their power].

At this thought, a heavy weight settled in Eldrin Chen's heart.

He pondered for a long moment, then finally drew a deep breath and asked, "Do you know which ones are making their move?"

"There should be five Primordial One Imperial Lord," Heaven Punishment stated, then added abruptly, "Ah, right. There's also an ancient, undying Primal Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial bovine demon beast of immense power and thunderous might] seeking to settle a score with you."

"Word is, you slew his son, utterly extinguishing his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator's being]?"

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen understood the situation clearly.

Among the powerful foes preparing to strike, aside from his own Great Path Rival [a fated adversary who contends for supremacy on the same fundamental Dao], there was likely also an exceptionally powerful Primal Chaos Kui Ox.

That Primal Chaos Kui Ox was a descendant of the ancient Kui Ox Heavenly Emperor, its cultivation having reached the late-stage of the Chaos Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord who commands the power of primal chaos]. For years, it had hidden itself away, cultivating in seclusion within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

And back in the day, when Eldrin Chen helped the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix slay that Primal Chaos Kui Ox, it was a descendant of this very Primordial One Realm Primal Chaos Kui Ox.

"No wonder the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix once said that Primal Chaos Kui Ox had an extraordinary background,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a trace of solemnity flickering between his brows.

Seeing this, Heaven Punishment spoke up, "If you lend a hand and help me lure out that Primal Chaos Kui Ox, I can, in turn, help you hold off those few Great Path Rival."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen finally understood. So, the Chaos Heaven Ant Clan wanted to use this opportunity to locate the hidden Primal Chaos Kui Ox Clan.

However, Eldrin Chen did not agree immediately. This matter involved the conflict between two great Chaos Heavenly Emperor-level clans. Even though the Primal Chaos Kui Ox Clan had declined, a starved camel is still larger than a horse [a proverb meaning even a weakened giant remains formidable].

Furthermore, within the Chaos Desolation Sea, there still existed a Chaos Heavenly Emperor from the Primal Chaos Kui Ox Clan. Therefore, Eldrin Chen dared not lightly involve himself.

After much deliberation, Eldrin Chen spoke thoughtfully, "This is no trivial matter. Please allow me some time to consider."

Heaven Punishment understood his concerns and thus did not press the issue.

After a moment of contemplation, he presented Eldrin Chen with a scroll of Ancient Scripture, saying, "I have heard you cultivate both the Great Path and the Fleshly Body Sanctification. Such a dual cultivation path must be exceedingly arduous."

"I have here a scroll of the Fleshly Body Sanctification Art [a cultivation technique focused on tempering and purifying the physical body], which may be of some use to you."

Eldrin Chen took the Ancient Scripture [an ancient text containing profound cultivation knowledge] and glanced at it. He discovered, to his surprise, that it was actually half a volume of the Heavenly Emperor Scripture [a legendary cultivation art associated with a Heavenly Emperor]. His expression shifted slightly as he said, "This is the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Scripture [the original, foundational version of the Heavenly Emperor Scripture] created by your esteemed father. Isn't this far too precious a gift?"

Heaven Punishment shook his head, his tone calm. "We once fought side by side against the demonic whelps of the Northern Abyss [a desolate and demon-infested northern region]. That forges a bond of comradeship between warriors."

"Moreover, with only half a volume of the Ancient Scripture, it can only serve as a reference for study. Even if you were to cultivate it, it would cause no great harm."

Only then did Eldrin Chen accept the scripture, clasping his hands in gratitude. "My thanks."

Heaven Punishment said no more. He rose to his feet and stated, "The Barter Convention [a grand gathering where cultivators trade rare treasures and resources] is about to commence. I shall not keep you any longer."

"As for the matter of cooperation, you may give it further consideration."

With those final words, Heaven Punishment finally vanished into the Chaos [the primordial, formless void that exists beyond the ordered realms].

After Heaven Punishment departed, Eldrin Chen sought out Great Center Imperial Lord to continue participating in the Barter Convention.

Seeing his return, Great Center Imperial Lord was naturally curious about his recent excursion, but he was tactful enough not to press with questions.

It was at this very moment that the Barter Convention finally commenced. The first to take the stage was a Primordial One Imperial Lord from the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole.

The cultivator who ascended the platform possessed cultivation at the Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord level. Upon taking the stage, he immediately displayed several dozen treasures.

Each of these treasures was of immense value, the lowest among them being Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure and Primordial One Marvel. Among them were even a few Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo with around three Dao patterns. Unfortunately, none were the Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Rare Material that Eldrin Chen sought.

Eldrin Chen had anticipated this. An existence at the Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord level would not be so destitute as to bring mere Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure to trade at an auction.

Eldrin Chen's true targets were those Primordial One Imperial Lord in the early and middle stages of their cultivation.

Soon, after this Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord completed his trades, several Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage cultivators took the stage in succession. Once they had all descended, the Primordial One Imperial Lord began to come forward to trade.

It was at this time that Eldrin Chen finally began to see the treasures he desired.

Five Elements Origin Energy, Five-Colored Aurora, Five Elements Divine Thunder, Space Origin, Spoon of Time, Chaos Divine Stone, Celestial Mechanism Path Jade, Polarity Origin, Stellar Path Essence…

One after another, these Rare Treasure—each as precious as an Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure to a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal—appeared. Eldrin Chen immediately began transmitting messages to barter for them, one by one.

Since the vast majority of the treasures in his possession held little use for Primordial One Imperial Lord, Eldrin Chen was forced to pay a significant premium to acquire these Rare Treasure.

Thus, by the time Eldrin Chen had finished exchanging for all the treasures he required for his cultivation, he found that his accumulated stock of top-grade Innate Rare Treasure was nearly depleted.

Demon God Heartblood Pill, Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, various spiritual talismans, Rare Treasure, and relics from Great Encompassing experts were almost entirely emptied.

Even this was not enough. Eldrin Chen had no choice but to supplement the exchange with over one hundred additional strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a pure, unbreakable spiritual energy used for high-level cultivation and forging] before he could acquire all the medicinal catalysts and materials needed to cultivate his divine abilities.

"Resources truly vanish like smoke," he sighed inwardly.

After completing the exchange for the necessary treasures, a wisp of helplessness surfaced in Eldrin Chen's heart.

This time, to obtain the medicinal catalysts required to advance his eight major Innate Divine Ability, the total value of resources he had expended exceeded five hundred strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light.

Such a staggering expenditure had nearly halved the vast reservoir of resources Eldrin Chen had painstakingly accumulated.

"The might of divine abilities is profound, yet their cultivation demands resources of equally terrifying magnitude," he mused.

"The resources needed for a future breakthrough to the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm will be tenfold, even a hundredfold greater. It seems the Heavenly Emperor's Treasure Vault remains an opportunity I cannot afford to miss."

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Eldrin Chen nonetheless stored away his newly acquired treasures with a deep sense of satisfaction.

After securing sufficient treasures, Eldrin Chen did not linger long within the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole. Once the Barter Convention concluded entirely, he departed alongside the Great Center Imperial Lord.

Perhaps truly intimidated by the formidable reputation of the Ant Heavenly Emperor, their journey back proceeded without any unforeseen incidents.

Upon returning to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen immediately entered a period of secluded cultivation. In the ensuing years, he dedicated himself to mastering various divine abilities, striving to advance his several Innate Divine Ability to the Great Perfection Realm as swiftly as possible.

In truth, with the necessary catalysts in hand, advancing an Innate Divine Ability was fundamentally a matter of patient, meticulous effort.

Following his cultivation regimen methodically, Eldrin Chen achieved a breakthrough approximately three million years later, elevating his Chaos Unity Energy to the Great Perfection Realm.

With this breakthrough, the potency of his Chaos Unity Energy had grown immensely. Whether it was the Primordial Chaos Unity Energy Grasping Hand, the Primordial Chaos Unity Energy True Aura, or the Primordial Chaos Unity Energy Great Millstone, each technique's power had undergone a qualitative leap.

If his previous Chaos Unity Energy had possessed power comparable to a Patriarch Level Divine Ability at the Great Perfection Realm, its current might now rivaled a mixed Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] technique at the Lesser Vehicle Realm.

Wielding such formidable divine abilities, Eldrin Chen not only matched the combat prowess of an early-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord, but his arsenal of techniques was now in no way inferior to one either.

"The True Spirit Divine Ability is indeed formidable," he mused. "Merely reaching its Great Perfection is enough to rival a mixed Primordial Spirit technique."

"And this is merely a Great Encompassing Rank True Spirit Divine Ability. Once it evolves into a Pseudo-Chaos Divine Ability and is cultivated to its absolute limit, would its power not be comparable to an Innate Supreme Treasure?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a faint smile touching the corners of his eyes.

To put it plainly, a True Spirit Divine Ability [a supreme divine ability born from the essence of a cultivator's Primordial Spirit] is the nascent form of a Chaos-Grade Divine Ability [a divine ability of the highest order, capable of manipulating the fundamental forces of chaos], its ultimate achievement being its transformation into a complete Chaos Divine Ability.

From what he knew, after stepping into the realm of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [the first and foundational stage of the Imperial Lord realm], a True Spirit Divine Ability would undergo an even more astonishing metamorphosis, evolving into a Pseudo-Chaos Divine Ability [a divine ability that has partially transcended its original nature, approaching the power of true Chaos Divine Abilities]. At that stage, its power would far surpass that of ordinary Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a major cultivation stage] abilities of the same rank.

By that time, even among Primordial One Imperial Lord, Eldrin Chen would be able to dominate his peers by relying on this divine ability.