Chapter 2082 : 3 Deadly Zones

Eldrin gave a slight nod. The Chaotic Desolate Sea was perilous and unpredictable, and the place he was about to explore was 1 of its deadliest realms.

Thus, this journey into the Chaos Desolate Sea was not 1 he intended to undertake alone. In addition to inviting Elder Immortal, he also requested the company of the Black Abyss Emperor.

With this thought in mind, Eldrin said with a smile, "Senior, please wait a moment. Fellow Daoist Black Abyss should be arriving soon."

As Eldrin’s voice faded, a towering figure strode into the great hall—the Black Abyss Emperor, foremost among the 5 Emperors of the Celestial Court.

Upon arriving at the main hall, he promptly cupped his hands and said, "My apologies for the slight delay. I've kept you both waiting."

"No matter, we've only just arrived ourselves."

Eldrin smiled and invited the Black Abyss Emperor to take a seat. With a flick of his sleeve, he unfurled a chart of chaotic divination.

The 2 of them looked up at the map, their brows slightly furrowing.

The map Eldrin (Person Name) had revealed was known as the 'Blazing Central Realms Cartography,' which delineated nearly a 100 neighboring chaos domains and spanned territories encompassing hundreds of primordial domains.

And within this cartographic scroll was recorded the vast chaotic realm centered on the Primal Dominion of Blazing Zenith—spanning over a 100 million desolate pathways.

You must understand, the span of a Barren Path is a distance that would take a Great Luo Golden Immortal 1 million years to traverse at full flight.

This was a journey so vast that even a Great Luo Golden Immortal, flying from south to north without any hindrance, would require over a million kalpas to traverse.

The 3 Extremes Primordial Realm had only been established for a mere 1 to 2 million cosmic calamities.

In other words, if a Great Luo Golden Immortal had begun crossing the Blazing Central 100 Realms back when the Primordial Domain first took form, they would have barely made it through by now.

In fact, given the perils of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, not even a Great Luo Golden Immortal, let alone a Heavenly Emperor, could likely traverse such an immense distance.

At this thought, the Undying Elder spoke, "Which of the Forbidden Lands within the 100 Realms of Blazing Yang do you intend to explore this time?"

Eldrin (Person Name) pondered briefly, not speaking immediately.

Within the vast and boundless Chaotic Desolate Sea, treasures were virtually countless. Yet, the Chaotic Desolate Sea was so immensely expansive and in perpetual, ceaseless motion.

Thus, even though the Blazing Central 100 Domains boasted over a 100 Chaos Heavenly Emperors and thousands of Quasi-Sage venerables, their exploration of this primordial chaotic sea remained exceedingly limited.

According to Eldrin's (Person Name) estimation, the exploration progress hadn't even reached 1 percent.

If Eldrin (Person Name) wished to seek the Primordial Beginning Qi (Cultivation Resource) or treasures of the level of Primordial Supreme Treasures (Magic Treasure), then as long as he journeyed through the Chaotic Desolate Sea (Location) for an extended period, he would inevitably reap rewards.

Yet what they truly needed was Primal Chaos Qi or a Chaos Spiritual Treasure. Even within the boundless Chaos Desolate Sea, treasures of such caliber were exceedingly rare, peerless wonders coveted by all.

If 1 were to search aimlessly, it might take thousands or even tens of thousands of kalpas without necessarily finding the Primordial Chaos Origin Qi.

Thus, this time Eldrin decided to venture into some forbidden realms to increase his chances of obtaining treasures.

And what are known as forbidden lands are some of the most perilous places within the chaos.

Those places were shrouded in mystery, either occupied by Chaos-level primordial horrors, imbued with peculiar chaotic domains, or harboring secret realms left behind since the dawn of primordial chaos.

In short, such forbidden lands often harbor dangers capable of threatening even the Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

It was precisely for this reason that Eldrin had invited the Undying Elder and the Black Abyss Emperor, thereby increasing their chances of victory.

At this thought, Eldrin gazed at the map before him and spoke, "Within the 100 Realms of Chiyang, there are dozens of locations that can truly be called forbidden lands."

"But our strength is insufficient. We are incapable of exploring those forbidden realms potent enough to severely wound, or even suppress, the Chaos Celestial Emperor."

Speaking thus, Eldrin ultimately selected 3 forbidden lands and declared, "As matters stand, the only places we can explore now are these 3 locations."

Heavenly Crucible Grotto-Heaven, Mysterious Heaven Relic, Primordial Chaos Fragment.

Observing the 3 deadly domains Eldrin (Person Name) had singled out before them, the Undying Elder and the Black Abyss Emperor exchanged glances, then both revealed looks of dawning comprehension.

These 3 ruins were of extraordinary origin, all specially selected by Eldrin. They shared 1 common characteristic: none allowed entry to those whose power surpassed the Sub-Sage realm.

Among the 3 great secret realms, the Cauldron Cave Heaven boasted an ancient legacy. Legend held that tens of millions of kalpas ago, it once reigned as the primordial overlord of this chaotic domain.

In that era, the Heavenly Crucible Grotto-Heaven possessed a profound foundation, boasting 6 Dao-Unification Supreme Elders. Moreover, these 6 Supreme Elders had existed as paramount powerhouses since the primordial chaos first parted.

At that time, the power of the Heavenly Crucible Grotto-Heaven far surpassed the current Blaze Central lineage. It boasted 6 Dao-Unification Supreme Elders and over a 100 Chaos Heavenly Emperors, whose might and heritage alone commanded awe across the myriad realms.

Yet, 1 100 million kalpas ago, the master of the Heavenly Crucible Grotto-Heaven had stepped into the half-step Boundless realm, seeking to break through into the legendary domain of the Boundless Sovereign.

No 1 knew what had happened; they only knew he had met a sudden, violent death at the most critical moment of his impending breakthrough.

Close on the heels of this, the vast Heavenly Crucible Realm was utterly annihilated overnight. All 6 Path-Unification Supreme Elders and over a 100 Chaos Heavenly Emperors perished, their cultivation bases extinguished.

Only the Heavenly Crucible Realm, having been exiled and concealed in advance by the 6 Dao-Integration Supreme Elders, transformed into a hidden legacy ground that emerges but once every 10,000 kalpas.

The origins of the Mysterious Heaven Relics were quite similar—this lineage became the second-generation overlord following the era of the Heavenly Crucible Grotto-Heaven.

At its zenith, it boasted 3 Harmony Path Supreme Elders, with the foremost, Xuantian Supreme (Cultivator Name), having attained the pinnacle of Supreme Elder realm.

Although he had never set foot in the Boundless Realm, legends claimed he had attained soul cultivation of the Unity Realm.

Thus it came to pass that on 1 fateful day, the Mystic Heaven Sovereign was suddenly struck by divine retribution, and the entire Mystic Heaven Ruins were utterly obliterated in the blink of an eye.

The Profound Heaven Relic he left behind also emerges once every 10 1000 kalpas.

The Final Primordial Fragment, legend tells, is a broken ancient realm formed from the shattering of a Primordial Paradise during the dawn of chaos.

However, the fragmented ancient realm was filled with primordial-level incomplete Dao patterns, making it difficult even for a Dao Fusion Supreme to force their way inside.

Recalling the origins of these 3 forbidden lands, the Black Abyss Emperor couldn't help but speak: "You intend to explore these 3 great forbidden lands?"

Eldrin nodded slightly and said, "Both the Profound Heaven Relic and the Celestial Furnace Realm appear only once every 10 1000 kalpas."

"The last time the Profound Heaven Secret Realm emerged was nearly 10 1000 kalpas ago."

"As for the Celestial Crucible Grotto-Heaven, its emergence should occur within the next several million kalpas."

"This is a tremendous opportunity for us. It would be truly regrettable to let it slip by."

The Elder of the Undying gave a slight nod and spoke, "Both of these secret realms carry immense karma. Once we become entangled in them, it may invite tremendous trouble in the future."

"However, if 1 could reach the realm of Chaos Heavenly Emperor, such karma might be insignificant."

Eldrin gave a slight nod, then spoke with grave solemnity, "The forces behind the 2 great ruins most likely perished due to the intervention of the Chaos Overlord."

"If we truly manage to obtain this opportunity, we might indeed become entangled in threads of karma."

As he spoke, Eldrin paid it no mind.

In this realm of chaos, to advance even a single step further, 1 must inevitably become entangled in karma.

Eldrin believed that even if he remained completely detached from all karma, when he attempted to breach the realm of Chaos Dominance, it would inevitably draw interference from those existing Chaos Dominants.

After all, the first 2 overlords of the Chi Yang 100 Domains had their formidable strength utterly extinguished by 1 or a multitude of indescribable dark hands while attempting to break through to the Chaos Dominator Realm.

Observing this, the Black Abyss Emperor on the side nodded slightly and remarked, "So long as we seek to advance further in our cultivation, we shall inevitably become entangled in these karmic ties."

"In my opinion, we absolutely cannot miss the expeditions to both the Sky Crucible Grotto-Heaven and the Mysterious Heaven Secret Realm."

Witnessing this, Elder Bujie also spoke up, "Since that is the case, let us prepare to set off."

"The Profound Heaven Relic will open after 30 kalpas. Our time is running out."

Eldrin nodded, immediately summoning Lyra and others to entrust the Celestial Court to their care. Then, alongside the Undying Elder and his companions, he ventured deep into the primordial chaos.

The 3 of them departed from the Tri-Primordial Realm, traversing the vast and desolate Chaotic Sea directly as they headed toward the hidden land where the Profound Heaven Ruins lay.

Along the way, Eldrin recalled the Profound Heaven Secret Realm and couldn't help turning to the Undying Elder to inquire, "Senior, you have cultivated through hundreds of thousands of kalpas since attaining the Dao. Surely you must know much more about the Chaotic Desolate Sea."

The Eternal Elder pondered briefly before speaking, "Compared to the present-day 100 Realms of Blazing Zenith, the Primordial Chaos Domain of Profound Heaven in ancient times was far more expansive."

Legend has it that in those days, the Profound Heaven Chaos Realm governed 3 100 surrounding chaos realms, its territory far vaster than the present-day Blaze Central 100 Realms.

Later, when the Profound Heaven Primordial Chaos Domain was destroyed, the Blaze Zenith lineage inherited only a portion of it. The remaining territories were seized by newly ascended or neighboring Dao Unification Supreme Elders.

"However, from what I know, the strength of these territories isn't much greater than that of the 100 Domains of Chiyang."

As he spoke thus, the Undying Elder paused briefly before continuing, "But according to legend, beyond nearly 10 billion desolate paths from the 100 Realms of Blazing Yang..."

"There exists an immensely majestic power known as the 7 Domains Alliance, a truly indescribable and colossal force."

"7 Domains Alliance?"

Eldrin (Person Name) froze momentarily, a flicker of curiosity stirring within him.

The Eternal Elder nodded, his gaze growing slightly solemn as he said, "Legend has it that the 7 Domains Alliance is a coalition formed by 7 mid-grade Chaos Domains."

The strength of these 7 domains is exceedingly formidable, with each 1 far surpassing the Primordial Flame Domain. Every domain is guarded by at least 1 Half-Step Chaos Dominator.

Upon hearing this, Eldrin (Person Name) felt a faint tremor in his heart and couldn't resist asking, "If each realm has a Half-Step Chaos Ruler, wouldn't that mean there are at least 7 Half-Step Chaos Rulers?"

The Eternal Elder nodded, then sighed and said, "The 7 Domains Alliance stands united, boasting not only 7 invincible Supreme Elders but also several dozen Dao-Unification Supreme Elders."

Legend has it that when joining forces, they possessed strength sufficient to rival the Chaos Overlord. Even the Wuji Overlord of the third Chaos Realm would afford them a measure of respect.

Eldrin gave a slight nod of understanding. The third realm of chaos was known as the Wuji Realm, and thus beings who had reached this stage were called Wuji Sovereigns, also referred to as Chaos Sovereigns.

Such individuals had already reached the terminus of the Chaos Realm, nearly all becoming indescribable supreme beings whose numbers could be counted across the entire expanse of chaos.

And this 7 Domains Alliance was likely established by those experts at the half-step Limitless Realm precisely to counter the third realm of chaos.

At this thought, Eldrin couldn't help but sigh, "The primordial chaos stretches boundless. Compared to the 100 realms of Chiyang, the 7 domains of Southern Abyss are but a speck of land."

Conversely, the 100 Domains of Blazing Yang appeared equally insignificant when compared to the 7 Domains Alliance.

"But even the 7 Domains Alliance, in the vastness of the entire chaos, might not truly be at the very core, would it?"

The Elder of Immortality nodded with a smile. "This 7 Realms Alliance may far surpass even our 100 Domains of Blazing Zenith."

“But looking across the Chaos, even the Wuji Chaos Realm guarded by a Third Chaos Realm expert could only be considered a prosperous realm at best. How dare anyone claim it to be the very center of the Chaos?”

The Black Abyss Emperor at his side could not help but sigh. "Legend says that after breaking through to the Chaos Celestial Emperor realm through the 9 Revolutions Heaven Art, 1 can sense the coordinates of the 9 Revolutions Ancestral Court."

"I wonder if the place where the founder who created the 9 Revolutions Heaven Art resided could be considered the center of chaos?"

Eldrin and the Eternal Elder immediately grew solemn upon hearing this. Eldrin could not help but remark, "Though it may not be considered the center, it should still be regarded as 1 of the 4 Extremes of the Primordial Chaos."

At this point, Eldrin couldn't help but feel deeply moved.

Legend has it that those who master the 9 Revolutions Heaven Art and use it as their foundation to break through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm would qualify to become inner disciples of the 9 Revolutions Heaven Art lineage.

A Chaos Heavenly Emperor who had cultivated the 9 Revolutions Heavenly Art to completion was merely an inner disciple—the implications behind this were enough to send chills down 1’s spine.

Eldrin had no doubt that the creator of the 9 Revolutions Heavenly Art must have been a supreme being at the third level of the Chaos Realm, and very likely 1 of the most formidable among those at the third level of the Chaos Realm.

The 3 of them chatted animatedly about the vast expanse of the Primordial Chaos Sea, and before they knew it, they had already traversed the distant chaotic waters and arrived at this stretch of the Primordial Chaos Sea just beyond the Profound Heaven Ruins.

"This is the place."

Gazing upon the chaotic barren sea before him, Eldrin couldn't help but murmur under his breath.

Black Abyss Emperor also nodded. He swept his gaze across the surroundings, yet his brow furrowed slightly as he remarked, "Quite a few have come."

Eldrin scanned his surroundings, sensing over a 100 overwhelmingly powerful auras concealed within the surrounding chaos.

These auras were, at the very least, existences at the Quasi-Sage level, with a small number even having stepped into the realm of Limitless Quasi-Sages.

Witnessing this, Elder Bumie spoke up at the opportune moment, "Each opening of the Mystic Heaven Relic is, in essence, meant to screen for prodigies with the potential to become Unity Supremes."

Whenever a suitable Heaven’s Chosen emerges, the Profound Heaven Ruins bestows upon them the opportunity to break through the Chaos Realm, in exchange for these prodigies owing a favor to the Profound Heaven lineage.

As he spoke thus, the Undying Elder shook his head and said, "These individuals all consider themselves extraordinary, yet passing the trial remains a challenge of 10 1000 difficulties."

Eldrin (Person Name) nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

For the Celestial Heaven Supreme 1 behind the Celestial Heaven Ruins, favors from those with potential below the Supreme Unity realm were practically worthless to them.

After all, given the magnitude of the tribulations faced by the Profound Heaven lineage, a mere Chaos Heavenly Emperor at the initial Chaos Realm possessed no capability whatsoever to intervene.

Only those with the potential to reach the level of Unity Dao Supreme, or ideally possess the aptitude for the Primordial Chaos Limitless realm, would be deemed worthy of their exchanging priceless treasures to incur favors.

Since time immemorial, the Mystic Heaven Ruins had opened hundreds of times, yet those who obtained treasures from within numbered no more than 10.

The Elder of Immortality spoke unhurriedly, then revealed a bitter smile. "This old man has attempted this thrice, yet each time I fell at the second trial."

"Had I not gained some advancement after being reborn through nirvana following the Immortal Realm Cataclysm, I would never have come here today to make a fool of myself."

Eldrin gave a slight nod, offering no further words as he lifted his gaze to the vast chaos surrounding them. A trace of solemnity flickered in his eyes.

Within this chaos, there were over a 100 Quasi-Sages, yet only a handful truly posed a threat to Eldrin (Person Name).

Yet there were 3 individuals who gave Eldrin an overwhelming sense of peril.

Among the 3 supreme experts, the first bore the likeness of a primeval demonic ape, wielding an ancient war spear forged from 9 Underworlds Dark Iron.

The second figure was clad in gilded battle armor, radiating an intensely scorching aura from head to toe.

The third figure was a woman, clad in an elegant suit of battle armor. With every flicker of her gaze, it seemed as though divine light capable of cleaving heavens and shattering realms shimmered within her eyes.

The Eternal Elder noticed his expression and spoke, "These 3 possess extraordinary power: the Primordial Demon Ape, the Blazing Sun Incinerator, and the Mistveil Saintess."

The 3 of them were supreme beings who had cultivated the forms of the 9 great true spirits and fused them into a singular entity.

As the Ancient Immortal Elder recounted his tale, Eldrin gradually came to understand the origins of these 3 individuals.

It turned out that these 3 were all peerless prodigies of the Fleshly Body Sanctification lineage, among them the Primordial Demonic Ape was none other than the progenitor of demonic apes from the Tri-Polar Primal Domain.

Now he has pledged allegiance to the Foreign Demon Emperor, becoming the foremost Divine General under his command. His combat prowess is hailed as peerless beneath the Chaos Heavenly Emperor, with some even claiming he possesses the strength to challenge a Heavenly Emperor.

The Blazing Central Incinerator was the foremost powerhouse among the third generation of the Blazing Central lineage, mastering the path of extreme eruption. Within a brief span, his explosive combat prowess could even confront the Primordial Heavenly Emperor.

The final Saintess of the Azure Mist, however, was a rising star who had emerged within the last 10,000 kalpas.

He rose to prominence 3 1000 kalpas ago, and is considered the unrivaled genius among the younger generation.

Legend has it she once engaged in a fierce battle against the Chaos Celestial Emperor, exchanging over 3 1000 moves without suffering defeat. She even withdrew from the combat with effortless grace, proving her power was absolutely not to be underestimated.

"3 beings who have cultivated the ultimate true form, no wonder they can exert such immense pressure on me."

Eldrin's thoughts flickered rapidly. He estimated that even if he unleashed all his means at full strength, facing these 3 invincible quasi-saints would likely leave him with only 1 path: fleeing into the chaotic primordial sea.

Of course, with the protection of the Return to the Abyss Divine Patterns, Eldrin had more than enough to ensure his own safety.

At this thought, Eldrin spoke: "How does the strength of these 3 compare to yours, Senior?"

Between an elder and a younger brother.

The Undying Elder spoke, then continued, "Chiyang Fenjin possesses the greatest strength. Legend has it that he once refined a Chaos Origin Pearl, yet fortunately, he never succeeded in cultivating the Chaos God Runes."

"The other 2, while not weak in strength, are likely no match for this old man either."

"Speaking of this," Elder Bumie added, "the Great Calamity of the Primordial Immortal Cosmos allowed this old man to advance further. In a true battle, I might even have a few more chances of victory."

Chapter 1 The biting mountain wind whipped across the cliffside, carrying with it the scent of pine and damp earth. Lin Chen gritted his teeth, his knuckles white as he gripped the rough stone edge of the cultivation platform. 3 years. For 3 years, he had remained stagnant at the third layer of the Foundation Establishment realm, watching as his peers advanced, their condescending glances becoming more frequent. He closed his eyes, reaching inward to the faint, flickering core of spiritual energy within his dantian. It pulsed weakly, a dying ember compared to the roaring furnaces he imagined others possessed. "Again," he whispered to the relentless wind, his voice barely audible. He began circulating the Azure Cloud Art according to its esoteric pathways. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth, visible only to his mind's eye as shimmering motes of light, sluggishly drifted towards him. He guided them, willing them to merge with his own qi, to strengthen the brittle meridians that felt like cracked riverbeds. Progress was agonizingly slow, each cycle a battle against his own limitations. Suddenly, a sharp, discordant chime echoed from the Communication Talisman at his waist, shattering his concentration. The carefully gathered spiritual energy scattered instantly, causing a sharp pain behind his eyes. He knew who it was before he even infused a trickle of qi into the jade slip. "Lin Chen." The voice that emerged was laced with undisguised mockery. "Still clinging to that broken cultivation technique? Senior Brother Zhang requires your presence at the Main Hall. Immediately. Don't keep him waiting... again." The connection severed. Lin Chen's fist clenched, his short, ragged nails digging into his palm. He took a deep, steadying breath, the thin, high-altitude air doing little to cool the simmering frustration in his chest. He looked down at the handful of pitted, low-grade spirit stones in his lap—his entire savings of 3,200 spirit stones, painstakingly accumulated over the last 2 years. They felt cold and inert. He stood, his joints protesting from the long hours of seated meditation. His simple grey disciple robes, worn thin at the knees and elbows, flapped pathetically in the gale. Below, the majestic peaks of the Soaring Sword Sect pierced the clouds, their grandeur a stark contrast to his own insignificance. Elders and talented disciples soared through the skies on shimmering swords, their trajectories graceful arcs of power he could only dream of. The walk to the Main Hall was a familiar march of shame. He ignored the whispers and sidelong glances from other disciples. "The eternal third-layer," someone snickered, not bothering to lower their voice. The Main Hall was immense, supported by pillars of carved white jade that reached towards a vaulted ceiling lost in shadow. Incense smoke coiled in the air, thick with the scent of sacred sandalwood. At the far end, seated upon a raised dais, was Senior Brother Zhang Hao. He was flanked by 2 lackeys, their arms crossed, expressions smug. Zhang Hao didn't look up as Lin Chen approached and gave a shallow bow. He was idly examining a long, sheathed sword resting across his knees. The scabbard was dark, polished wood, unadorned yet radiating a palpable, cold energy. Lin Chen's breath hitched. He recognized it. The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure). A high-grade magic treasure his own grandfather had once wielded. "Lin Chen," Zhang Hao finally said, his voice smooth and condescending. "You have been a disciple of the Outer Sect for nearly a decade. Your lack of progress is... concerning. It reflects poorly on the sect's reputation to harbor someone with such... limited aptitude." He paused, letting the words hang in the solemn air. "The upcoming Outer Sect Examination is in 1 month. The minimum requirement to remain is the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment. You are at the third." He stated it as a simple, unchangeable fact. "It would be a mercy for you to voluntarily withdraw. Spare yourself the public humiliation of being expelled." Lin Chen's head remained bowed, his eyes fixed on the intricate patterns of the marble floor. The cold seeped from the stone into his bones. He thought of the 3,200 spirit stones, of the countless hours spent in futile cultivation, of the memory of his grandfather's proud smile. A spark of defiance, long suppressed, flickered to life within his chest. He lifted his head, meeting Zhang Hao's gaze. His voice, when it came, was low but clear, carrying a newfound steel that surprised even himself. "I will take the examination." A faint, cruel smile touched Zhang Hao's lips. "As you wish." He waved a dismissive hand. "Do not say I did not warn you." Lin Chen turned and walked out of the hall, the weight of their scornful stares heavy on his back. But with each step, the spark inside him grew brighter, hotter. He would not give up. Not yet. He had 1 month. And 3,200 spirit stones. It was time for a desperate gamble.