Chapter 2135 : Brotherhood Forged in Desolation

"It has been a long time."

Eldrin Chen also offered a faint smile, a trace of emotion welling up in the depths of his gaze.

This elder brother of his clan had not been considered a heaven-defying prodigy from the start, yet his temperament was exceptionally rare in this world. Having journeyed this far to this day, he could truly be called a peerless genius of extraordinary talent.

The two shared a knowing smile, then settled themselves within the Space-Time Secret Realm and began recounting the Karma [the web of cause and effect that binds all beings] of bygone days.

Through this process, Eldrin Chen also came to understand the experiences Kael Chen had undergone over these years.

It turned out that after Kael Chen fled into the Chaos Desolation Sea, he was relentlessly eroded by the boundless Desolation Power [a primordial force of decay and oblivion], nearly losing his sanity completely.

At that critical juncture, he made a desperate gamble, actively drawing the Desolation Power into his own body. He continuously contemplated its nature, ultimately comprehending the Desolation Great Path [a profound cultivation art centered on the power of desolation], which allowed him to glimpse a sliver of hope for survival.

Having mastered the Desolation Great Path, he encountered Azure Fall Supreme who was journeying through the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation]. This drew the attention of Azure Fall Supreme, who ultimately took him on as a disciple.

This time, Azure Fall Supreme had brought him here precisely to forge for him the foundation of a Supreme [a title denoting a cultivator who has reached the pinnacle of a particular Great Path].

Understanding all this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Elder Brother, your foundational accumulation is already sufficient. You need only replenish your cultivation base to break through to the Path Union Realm [a profound cultivation realm where one's personal path merges with the Great Dao]."

"My Space-Time Divine Form [a divine ability that transcends the constraints of time and space], might be of some assistance to you."

Kael Chen gave a slight nod, then said calmly, "There is no immediate rush for this matter. First, you should use the Space-Time Crucible [a mystical forge that utilizes the power of time and space] to temper and refine your own foundations."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement without further comment, immediately striding towards the Space-Time Crucible.

This Space-Time Crucible was itself a supremely wondrous realm, formed with a Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a powerful artifact born from primordial chaos] of Space-Time Attribute [possessing the properties of time and space] at its core, converging the power of the entire Space-Time Secret Realm [a hidden dimension governed by the laws of time and space] and even the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient, desolate celestial palace].

As Eldrin Chen was the first to step into the Space-Time Crucible, he instantly felt a power that transcended Space-Time [the fundamental concepts of time and space] lock onto him.

This force enveloped the vast expanse of Space-Time, pinning Eldrin Chen within this boundless, empty void.

"With Space-Time as the furnace and myriad spiritual essences as the flame, forge the ultimate Chaos Foundation [a foundational cultivation base born from primordial chaos]."

Sensing the extraordinary nature of the Space-Time Secret Realm, Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, then began to use the power of the Space-Time Crucible to burn and temper his own body.

It had to be admitted, this Space-Time Crucible was truly extraordinary. It drew upon endless flames of the Great Path [the supreme, all-encompassing Dao], continuously forging and refining the various foundations of Eldrin Chen.

And Eldrin Chen, seizing this opportunity, continuously polished and honed his own shortcomings.

As time flowed onward, Eldrin Chen felt his Five Great Chaos Divine Forms becoming increasingly refined and flawless.

His physical body, Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], mana, and Great Path [the fundamental laws of the cosmos] were all tempered and purified within the crucible of the Great Path flames, emerging more pristine and perfect.

Only when the day came that the towering Great Path flames could no longer harm him in the slightest did Eldrin Chen finally emerge from his secluded cultivation.

"It is done."

A faint smile touched Eldrin Chen's lips as he murmured inwardly. This trial by Great Path fire had ultimately allowed his foundational strength to advance yet another fraction.

His combat prowess in physical form had now completely shattered the Supreme bottleneck, granting him another slight increase in power. Overall, his comprehensive combat strength had risen by approximately half a tenth.

Though the overall gain in power was not immense, Eldrin Chen's foundation had grown even more unshakably solid. His mastery over every aspect of his being had reached a state of effortless control, as natural as moving his own limbs.

In this state, Eldrin Chen estimated that if he were to attempt a breakthrough into the Path Union Realm [the realm where one's personal path merges with the cosmic Dao] in the future, his chances of success should now be an additional half a tenth higher.

One must not underestimate this half a tenth. Ascending to the Path Union Realm is inherently a trial of monumental difficulty. Often, it is precisely such a marginal difference that determines the Destiny [the ultimate fate or potential of a cultivator] of a Half-Step Path Union cultivator.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen did not delay further. He stepped forward and departed from within the Space-Time Crucible.

"How do you feel, my husband?"

After stepping out of the Space-Time Crucible [a mystical forge that tempers one's foundation across the flow of time and space], Exquisite Jiang could not help but inquire.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and then spoke, "Tempering one's foundation here offers a slightly greater hope of achieving the Path Union Realm [the profound realm where one's cultivated path merges into a unified whole]."

"There is no time to delay. You should all go into seclusion and cultivate for a time as well."

Upon hearing this, everyone present revealed a faint smile.

They hesitated no longer and began to enter the crucible one by one to temper their own foundations.

Eldrin Chen stood guard for them outside the forge. After the passage of several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of time, each spanning billions of years], they had each completed their tempering within the Space-Time Crucible.

This round of tempering seemed to have significantly elevated the foundational strength and latent potential of everyone present.

With considerable satisfaction, Eldrin Chen led the group out of the Space-Time Secret Realm [a hidden dimension where the normal laws of time and space are altered]. He then gazed towards the Sixth Layer of Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall and declared, "Beyond this lies the final layer."

His words stirred a palpable sense of anticipation in the hearts of all who stood there.

Even the usually taciturn Azure Fall Supreme spoke up, a rare occurrence, saying, "The sixth layer holds the legacy of Desolation Heaven Supreme, and indeed, the vast remaining treasures of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient and powerful sect from a bygone era]."

"However, since time immemorial, I have never heard of anyone who has ascended there."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly. He looked up towards the sixth layer and saw that upon the path leading to it, there was an invisible sealing formation [a powerful array designed to block passage].

This formation isolated the inside from the outside; it was likely that even a Path Union Supreme [a supreme expert who has unified their cultivation path] would find it difficult to force their way through.

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [a venerable ancestor from the dawn of cultivation] also spoke up, "Legend has it that the Treasure Vault of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall lies upon that final layer, filled with countless treasures."

"However, to reach the final layer, one must gain the recognition of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall itself. Otherwise, not even a Half-Step Limitless [an expert on the cusp of the Limitless Realm] can enter."

"Gain the recognition of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes gleamed with a ripple of thought. "How does one gain such recognition?" he asked.

"The bearing of a Limitless Sovereign [a sovereign of the Limitless Realm]. One must possess, at the very least, the potential of a Peak Half-Step Limitless."

Azure Fall Supreme suddenly spoke, his voice measured, his gaze turning grave. "The true intent of Desolation Heaven Supreme was likely to await a fated individual," he said.

"He wished to bequeath his legacy to this person, to nurture a cultivator capable of reaching the Peak Half-Step Limitless [the very threshold of the boundless realm, just shy of true Limitless power]."

"That is why I brought Kael here—to test if he is the one."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of understanding. He then stepped forward, making his way toward the Sixth Layer of Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

The others followed closely behind. As they arrived before the Celestial Stairway [a staircase of immense height and spiritual significance, often leading to celestial realms], a tremendous pressure instantly assailed them, causing their complexions to pale visibly.

Contrary to expectations, Eldrin Chen felt almost no pressure at all.

"It seems I am the fated one," he murmured.

He glanced back at the group, gave them a final nod, and then began his solitary ascent up the stairs leading into the Sixth Layer of Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

Time lost its meaning as Eldrin Chen climbed the vast, mist-shrouded Celestial Stairway. Finally, he stood before a majestic, towering immortal hall.

Upon the plaque above the hall's grand entrance, four ancient, powerful characters were inscribed: Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

Eldrin Chen's thoughts stirred slightly. With a casual gesture, he pushed open the grand doors of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall and stepped into the ancient hall.

"You have come!"

The moment he crossed the threshold of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, a gentle voice reached Eldrin Chen's ears.

Lifting his gaze, he saw an ethereal, heroic figure standing not far away, offering him a warm, faint smile.

"Esteemed one..."

A flicker of understanding passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes. "Could it be," he inquired, "that you are the Desolation Heaven Supreme?"

"Yes, and no."

The heroic figure shook his head. "Long ago, the Desolation Heaven Supreme was slain by a curse. His soul and bones dissolved back into the Great Dao [the fundamental principle and order of the cosmos]. I am but a remnant thought, preserved through a special method."

Eldrin Chen nodded in comprehension. "Senior, your words suggest you have been waiting for me for a long time?"

"Hmm?"

The Desolate Heaven Remnant Thought nodded and spoke calmly, "Before my attempt to ascend to the Sovereign realm in the past, I caught a fleeting glimpse of the Future. I learned that in the distant ages to come, one would appear who could shatter the ancient curse."

"Thus, I left the greater part of my legacy here, hoping to lend that person a hand."

Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted slightly. "What do you desire in return?" he asked.

"Inherit my legacy, and aid in my revival in the future. If fortune allows me to attempt the Sovereign realm again one day, I hope you might watch over me then."

The Desolate Heaven Remnant Thought spoke frankly, then continued, "As recompense, all that remains of my legacy is yours. Furthermore..."

The Desolate Heaven Remnant Thought paused briefly, then produced an ancient-looking token scroll and handed it to Eldrin Chen. "This, too, I bequeath to you."

"The Ancient Token of the Transcendent World."

The moment he saw the token, Eldrin Chen's expression shifted subtly, a flicker of astonishment crossing his features.

The so-called Ancient Token of the Transcendent World is the key that opens the gateway to the 'Transcendent World'.

The origins of the 'Transcendent World' are profoundly mysterious. Legends say it exists beyond the Endless Chaos, even outside the boundless River of Space-Time, belonging not to this Chaos Epoch at all.

Some say that the Transcendent World is a supreme realm of transcendence, opened by a mighty being from the Primordial Chaos Realm.

Others claim that the Transcendent World was formed from the remains of a fallen Primordial Chaos powerhouse, its interior brimming with supreme opportunities.

What is universally acknowledged, however, is that the 'Transcendent World' does not belong to this Chaos Epoch [a grand cosmic cycle]; it originates from a time far before the current Chaos Epoch.

According to the speculations of the Chaos Sovereign [supreme rulers of primordial chaos], before this Chaos Epoch, there once emerged a peerless and matchless supreme being.

This being transcended the Chaos [the primordial state of existence], observing the birth and extinction of Chaos Epoch from beyond, existing outside the boundless cycles of Chaos Epoch.

Until one day, for reasons beyond comprehension, this supreme being passed away in meditation, ultimately leaving behind a Transcendent World that exists beyond the Chaos.

Within this Transcendent World lie countless traces that do not belong to this Chaos Epoch, adrift beyond the infinite Chaos, having passed through an unknowable number of Chaos Epoch.

At certain moments, the Transcendent World drifts precisely into this Chaos Epoch, its Space-Time [the fabric of reality encompassing dimensions] node coinciding with the Boundless Chaos.

It is at such times that the mighty beings within the Chaos can use the Ancient Token of the Transcendent World to explore the mysteries predating this Chaos Epoch.

For it is said that within the forsaken ancient land, there exist opportunities even to tread upon the path beyond the Sovereign realm.

In truth, even without such legends, the various Chaos Sovereign would still be intensely curious about the Transcendent World [a mythical realm said to exist beyond the known cosmos].

For even Chaos Sovereign cannot transcend the Chaos Epoch [the grand cosmic cycle of creation and destruction]; they harbor a profound fascination for the secrets of the Chaos Epoch that have been buried and lost.

In ages past, the Nameless Path Ancestor was also deeply intrigued by this Transcendent World, yet he never lived to witness the moment of convergence between the Transcendent World and the Chaos [the primordial state of existence].

"I never imagined that Desolation Heaven Supreme would possess one of these Ancient Token of the Transcendent World [a mystical key said to grant passage to the Transcendent World]."

Eldrin Chen mused silently as he stored the Ancient Token of the Transcendent World away. He then spoke, "My thanks, Fellow Daoist. I accept this debt of gratitude."

"Good."

Desolate Heaven Remnant Thought nodded, a faint smile finally gracing his features.

He then led Eldrin Chen deep into the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, to a majestic ChaosTreasure Vault. With a casual wave, he dispelled the restrictive barrier [a protective formation] sealing the vault.

Instantly, the Treasure Vault was illuminated by boundless Chaos Light [primordial radiance], revealing thousands upon thousands of peerless Rare Treasure arrayed before Eldrin Chen.

"Nine Orifices Divine Stone, Chaos Origin Pearl, Chaos Genesis Energy, Abyssal Depths Divine Iron…"

Eldrin Chen gazed upon the array of Rare Treasure before him, a ripple of pleasant surprise stirring within his heart.

This Desolate Heaven Treasure Vault truly lived up to its reputation as the bulk of the Desolate Heaven Lineage's legacy. It contained thousands of Chaos Rare Treasure, and even several hundred Chaos Spiritual Treasure.

Among them were eighteen Nine Orifices Divine Stone alone, over twenty Chaos Origin Pearl, and a staggering forty-eight portions of Chaos Genesis Energy.

The most precious items included eight Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure, twelve mid-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure, and a significant number of mid-grade Chaos Immortal Pill.

After a careful inventory, Eldrin Chen discovered that the opportunities for a breakthrough to the Path Union realm numbered two Path Union Immortal Pill, three Path Union Flower, one Path Union Golden Core, and a single Soul-Refiner Immortal Pill.

"With this windfall, the cultivation of my Returning Abyss Lineage will no longer stagnate. It is more than sufficient to nurture several Path Union Supreme cultivators," he murmured to himself.

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze towards the Desolate Heaven Remnant Thought.

The Desolate Heaven Remnant Thought gave a slight nod and spoke, "I trust you will not forget the promise made today."

With those words, the Desolate Heaven Remnant Thought swept its sleeve, gathering the thousands of treasures into its grasp before handing them all over to Eldrin Chen.

Securing this vast hoard, Eldrin Chen felt a wave of reassurance. He immediately clasped his hands in a respectful salute. "My deepest gratitude, Fellow Daoist. Should I one day ascend to the Sovereign Realm, I will assuredly extend my care to the Desolate Heaven Lineage."

The Desolate Heaven Remnant Thought [the lingering consciousness of the ancient Desolate Heaven] nodded slightly, saying no more. With a simple flick of his sleeve, he sent Eldrin Chen out of the ancient hall.

After leaving the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, Eldrin Chen found himself back on the fifth level.

Exquisite Jiang had been waiting for some time. Seeing him return, she couldn't help but ask immediately, "What did you gain?"

"Some small insights,"

Eldrin Chen replied casually. He then noticed that Azure Fall Supreme and Kael Chen had already departed. "And Elder Brother Kael?" he inquired.

"He went to the fourth level to refine the Supreme Divine Liquid [a liquid of supreme divine energy used for cultivation breakthroughs]," Nyssa Qu answered.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. He then strode back to the Supreme Immortal Pool on the fourth level. There, he personally channeled the power of the Cosmic Sky Sundial to carve out a temporary Space-Time Domain [a pocket dimension where time flows differently] for Kael Chen.

Once this was done, Eldrin Chen bid him farewell. "The Outer Realm Demon Emperor has returned ahead of schedule. I fear that once he breaks through, he may seize the chance to attack the Southern Abyss Seven Domains. I truly cannot linger here any longer."

"Understood," Kael Chen replied. After a moment of contemplation, he added, "Send word if you need aid. Once I break through to the Path Union [the realm where one's cultivated path becomes unified], I will also return to the Southern Abyss Domains."

Eldrin Chen nodded in acknowledgment, but said nothing more.

Now that Kael Chen had become a disciple under Azure Fall Supreme and received so much nurturing from him, it was not appropriate for Eldrin Chen to ask him to return to the clan.

However, once Kael Chen broke through to the Supreme Realm and Eldrin Chen's own power continued to advance, he would naturally find a way to repay Azure Fall Supreme for this investment in the future.

By that time, if Kael Chen wished to return to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, Azure Fall Supreme likely would not object.

With a final cupped-fist salute to Azure Fall Supreme and another farewell to Kael Chen, Eldrin Chen finally led the members of the Chen Immortal Clan as they tore through the Chaos and departed.