Chapter 2098 : Refining Heaven, Refining Furnace

With the aid of the Chaos Mirror of Self-Reflection, Eldrin continued to refine the method of the True Spirit Immortal Vault.

Moreover, Eldrin further simplified the 3 True Spirit Immortal Vault techniques based on the existing 3 major methods.

He simplified the True Spirit Immortal Treasury into 9 major treasuries, and the difficulty and conditions required to cultivate all 9 were significantly reduced compared to the original 10.

However, this meant that those who achieved the Dao through 9 True Spirit Immortal Depositories would have significantly diminished future potential, far inferior to those who broke through with 10 True Spirit Immortal Depositories.

However, the breakthrough difficulty for the 10 Great True Spirit Immortal Treasures was indeed excessively high, with the bottleneck being several times greater than that of the 9 Great True Spirit Immortal Treasures. This simplified version was far more suitable for the Monarch of the Sacrificial Self Path.

To return to our story, after perfecting the 3 great True Spirit Immortal Art techniques, Eldrin once again used the Chaos Mirror of Self-Reflection to examine his being. Once certain that no flaws remained, he emerged from his secluded cultivation.

At this moment, the kalpa's duration had concluded. The others were also teleported out from the ancient mirror, each bearing smiles that suggested they had gained considerable rewards.

"The time has come. All of you must ascend to the next celestial realm."

At that very moment, the grotto-heaven spirit manifested once more. With a sweep of its sleeve, it transported them to another celestial realm.

After a dizzying swirl of heaven and earth, Eldrin regained his bearings only to find himself transported to another majestic celestial realm.

In stark contrast to the boundless, crushing seas of the Abyssal Heavens and the infinite order of the Great Dao in the Forging Heavens, this celestial realm was filled with chaotic divine flames, resembling a vast, primordial celestial furnace of immeasurable scale.

Heaven's Refinement.

At that very moment, a trace of pleasant surprise flashed across Sub-sage Black Abyss’s face as he spoke.

Beside him, the Primordial Emperor, the Chaos Dragon Lord, and even the Great Ancient Demon Ape, among others, each revealed a trace of ecstatic delight.

Eldrin's eyes flickered with a faint gleam. Compared to the Abyssal Heaven that tempered the physical body and the Dao-Forging Heaven that enlightened 1 on the Great Path, this Refining Immortal Heaven was a treasured land most coveted by those who aspired to achieve sainthood through physical cultivation, as well as the most supreme quasi-saints.

The so-called Refining Immortal Heaven is formed by the combination of 3 treasures.

The 3 treasures were the Refining Immortal Furnace, the Primordial Chaos Immortal Fire, and the Primordial Chaos Fire Vein.

Among the 3 Treasures, the Refining Immortal Furnace was a mid-grade Chaos Spiritual Artifact, and itself the foremost treasure of the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven.

It is said that the complete form of the Refining Immortal Cauldron was a supreme-grade Chaos Spiritual Artifact of immense power, but its rank declined after its artifact spirit inexplicably vanished.

The Chaos Immortal Flame was also the foremost divine fire of the Celestial Crucible Grotto-Heaven in ancient times, possessing the terrifying power to incinerate even the Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

As for the Chaotic Fire Vein, it was also a mid-grade Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein, 1 of the 3 mid-grade Primordial Chaos Ancestral Veins controlled by the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven.

Gazing upon the Refining Immortal Heaven before him, the Chaos Dragon Lord could not contain his delight as he remarked, "In the era when the Heavenly Furnace Cave Heaven shook the cosmos, it once established 9 great Chaos Cave Heavens."

Among these 9 great grotto-heavens, Refining Immortal Heaven stands supreme, acclaimed as the foremost of the 9 Celestial Furnace Grotto-Heavens.

"This place is a supreme land of opportunity, perhaps 1 that holds the key to our path of enlightenment."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin (Person Name) grew increasingly curious and inquired with some puzzlement, "I've also heard that the Refining Immortal Heaven is a treasured cultivation ground, but I wonder what makes this place so extraordinary?"

Ignorant fool.

The Chaos Dragon Lord let out a derisive snort before calmly stating, "The heart of Immortal Refinement Heaven lies deep within the Chaos Fire Vein."

Legend has it that whenever the Sky Crucible Realm opens, the legendary Crucible of Ascension manifests at the very heart of the Chaotic Fire Vein.

Once we locate the Nian Xian Lu (Magic Furnace), we can harness its power to draw upon the energies of the Primordial Fire Vein and the Chaos Immortal Flames, refining our very beings until we achieve the ultimate metamorphosis within the crucible.

Since time immemorial, those tempered within the Refining Immortal Furnace have faced but 2 outcomes: either they emerge forged into a unique primordial form, or are utterly reduced to ashes within the flames.

Hearing this, the Black Abyss Sage also nodded slightly and said, "From what I know, if 1 breaks through within the Refining Immortal Furnace, the certainty of advancing to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor increases by at least 10 percent."

"However, every time the Sky Crucible Realm opens, the Refining Immortal Crucible remains 1 of the greatest opportunities. Yet few dare to attempt breakthroughs within it."

Eldrin gave a slight nod upon hearing this.

This Refining Immortal Crucible was clearly the ideal place to break through to the Chaos Celestial Emperor realm, for the path to becoming a Chaos Celestial Emperor offered only 1 outcome: either complete Dao destruction and personal annihilation, or directly ascending to the realm of Chaos Celestial Emperor.

Since it was a matter of life or death from the start, leveraging the power of the Refining Immortal Cauldron to gain an additional 10% chance of breaking through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm was truly a rare opportunity.

At this thought, he spoke with a hint of gravity, "It seems this Refining Immortal Heaven is indeed the most perilous, yet also the place of greatest opportunity."

With those words spoken, Eldrin, the Black Abyss Demi-Saint, and Emperor Pan stood together, ready to venture into the Refining Immortal Heaven as 1.

"Hmph."

Witnessing the alliance of 3, the Chaos Dragon Lord let out a cold snort, yet a trace of solemnity flickered in his eyes.

The Crimson Phoenix Saintess, however, shook her head and spoke calmly, "Within the Sky Furnace Grotto-Heaven, strength alone is not enough. 1 must also possess sufficient serendipity."

With those final words, the Crimson Phoenix Saintess did not hesitate in the slightest, heading straight for the chaotic fire veins deep within Refining Immortal Heaven.

The others also pressed forward 1 after another, flying over with solemn expressions.

Seeing this, Eldrin couldn't help but take a deep breath before heading toward the Chaos Fire Vein.

Entering the Chaotic Fire Vein, Eldrin discovered it was a terrifying forbidden land overflowing with primordial flames.

The Chaotic Flames in this place numbered as many as 30-6 distinct types, each having reached the tier of Chaos Celestial Emperors. Clearly, they had been jointly forged through the combined efforts of the Chaos Celestial Emperors who once presided over the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven.

Such terrifying 30-6 types of Chaos Flames, each possessing the dreadful divine power to incinerate Heavenly Emperors. Even when amplified across the entire Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein, they radiated incomparably formidable might.

Eldrin journeyed forth with Panhuang and the Sub-saint of the Black Abyss, while the Ancient Spirit Sovereign and the Quasi-emperor of Tianhuang followed in their wake.

But halfway there, the Ancient Spirit Sovereign and the Desolate Quasi-Sovereign halted their advance. The Ancient Spirit Sovereign sighed and said, "The Immortal-Tempering Flames here were forged specifically to temper the Chaos Heavenly Emperor."

"Our cultivation is insufficient, and we are not fated to break through to the Heavenly Emperor realm, so we shall venture no further."

Seeing this, Eldrin (Person Name) nodded in approval.

He knew all too well that the Heaven-Wasteland Quasi-Emperor and the Ancient Spirit Emperor lacked sufficient strength—even if an opportunity presented itself, they wouldn’t have the confidence to fully grasp it.

Fortunately, even the peripheral Refining Immortal Flames were a supreme cultivation site for them, perhaps capable of advancing their comprehension of the Great Dao.

At this thought, Eldrin bid farewell to the 2, saying, "In that case, you may cultivate in seclusion within the outer perimeter."

"The Celestial Furnace Grotto-Heaven lineage emphasizes fate and opportunity. This Primordial Chaos Fire Vein is a treasured land—even its periphery nurtures numerous treasures. Perhaps you too may gain something from it."

The 2 nodded. The Eldrin smiled faintly and said, "Our foundational reserves have grown substantially of late. Perhaps we can now harness the Refining Immortal Flames to cultivate our eighth divine manifestation."

"Continue on your way, do not worry about us."

Eldrin (Person Name) gave a slight nod and spoke no further, striding deeper into the Refining Immortal Heaven.

Similar to the Abyssal Heaven, the Refining Immortal Heaven also contained numerous treasures, the most common of which were various fire-attribute marvels nurtured by the Chaos Fire Veins.

These rare treasures varied in grade, but most were at the Chaos Origin tier. As Eldrin (Person Name) pressed forward, he effortlessly gathered quite a few along the way.

However, he did not delay and quickly strode toward the heart of Refining Immortal Heaven.

Deep within the primordial chaos vein, a colossal volcano brimmed with endless magma. Above the molten sea hovered an undying chaos immortal flame, and floating still higher was an immortal cauldron, rising and falling in the fiery currents.

The moment he laid eyes on that immortal furnace, Eldrin’s expression abruptly shifted, and he could not suppress a flicker of astonishment.

The Refining Immortal Cauldron!

The Dark Abyss Demi-Saint nearby noticed a slight anomaly and nodded slightly. "This is the Refining Immortal Cauldron, but is there something unusual about it?"

Eldrin did not respond, yet his mind could not help but wander through endless reveries.

He had initially assumed that the Refining Immortal Furnace in the Sky Hearth Grotto-Heaven was merely sharing its name with the 1 in the Violet Realm.

But at that moment, Eldrin suddenly realized that the Immortal Refining Furnace before him was nearly identical to the 1 from the Violet Realm.

The Refining Immortal Cauldron of the Violet Realm, however, was a replica modeled after the Violet Immortal Lord's own Refining Immortal Cauldron.

"Could it be that the legendary Violet Immortal Sovereign’s Refining Immortal Furnace was also a replica modeled after this very 1?"

"Could the former Violet Immortal Lord possibly have some connection to the Heavenly Crucible Secret Realm?"

Eldrin (Person Name) was utterly perplexed, yet he could deduce no cause and effect between the 2. He had no choice but to suppress the thought.

Eldrin thus withdrew his thoughts and cast his gaze around once more, only to discover that several dozen supreme quasi-sages had already gathered in the vicinity.

Each of these Quasi-Saints possessed combat prowess capable of startling immortals. Nearly all were Limitless Quasi-Saints who had cultivated 9 True Spirit Forms, with some even achieving the unique feat of forging a Singular Divine Form.

At this moment, everyone present gazed at the Alchemy Immortal Cauldron before them, each revealing a trace of covetousness in their eyes.

At that very moment, a peerless prodigy who had cultivated the 9 Divine Forms stepped forward, gazing at the Refining Immortal Furnace as he spoke.

"The Refining Immortal Cauldron can refine the 9 great divine forms, fusing them into a single ultimate divine form. It also increases 1's chances of breaking through to the Heavenly Emperor realm by 10 percent, making it 1 of the greatest opportunities in this place."

"The only question is, which among you dares to brave the Refining Immortal Furnace's flames?"

Everyone present exchanged uneasy glances, yet none dared to step forward first. After what felt like an eternity, a burly man finally emerged from the crowd.

"It's the Quasi-Emperor of the Stone Spirits."

With a trace of solemnity in his tone, the Emperor Pan declared, "The Stone Spirit Quasi-Emperor has mastered the 9 Great Divine Forms. He stands but a single step from challenging the Celestial Emperor himself, ranking 60-seventh in power among all Quasi-Saints across the Blazing Central 100 Domains."

Eldrin nodded, a flicker of surprise crossing his expression.

Across the countless domains of Chiyang, heroes were beyond reckoning, with Supremacies exceeding 6,000 in number. For this Stone Spirit Quasi-Emperor to rank 60-seventh, it proved he was far from weak even among the limitless Supremacies.

"Esteemed ones, this humble elder seeks to borrow this sacred ground to cultivate the 1 True Form. Should I fail and meet my end here, I beseech you to spare my disciples and followers."

Saying this, the quasi-royal Stone Spirit strode directly into the Refining Immortal Furnace and began his assault on the Realm of Singular True Form.

Witnessing this scene, the crowd began murmuring amongst themselves, with many wearing grave expressions.

Forging the sole true form is an all-or-nothing endeavor—1 misstep could lead to the annihilation of both 1's cultivation and mortal existence.

However, if the breakthrough were to occur in the outside world, with sufficient contingency measures in place, there would at least be a sliver of chance for revival. But once 1 perishes within this Refining Immortal Furnace, their soul would be utterly scattered to the winds.

"Do you think he can succeed?"

The Sub-Saint of the Dark Abyss spoke, a trace of solemnity coloring his expression as he said.

Panhuang pondered briefly before speaking, "The 9 true spirit manifestations of the Quasi-Emperor Stone Spirit only grant average amplifications of around 60 to 70 percent."

"With such a foundation, if you attempt your breakthrough in the outside world, the likelihood of success probably wouldn't exceed 20 to 30 percent."

"Even with the aid of the Refining Immortal Furnace in this place, our chances of success remain no more than 40 percent."

As these words were spoken, the Refining Immortal Cauldron sealed completely, its boundless Refining Immortal Flames surging forth. An overwhelmingly violent inferno raged, incinerating everything in its path.

Eldrin could clearly sense that the intensity of those flames was sufficient to incinerate the Chaos Heavenly Emperor, far surpassing what even the Stone Spirit Quasi-Emperor could possibly withstand.

"I'm afraid it's going to fail."

Eldrin spoke slowly, a trace of regret coloring his expression as he said.

Sure enough, after a violent tremor, the Refining Immortal Furnace gradually calmed down once more, accompanied by a deafening roar.

The lid of the immortal cauldron soared into the air as boundless life essence surged forth from within. This vital energy merged completely with the chaotic fire veins, transforming into supremely refined primordial power.

Everyone present understood that this primordial energy was forged from the Great Dao and the flesh and blood of the Stone Spirit Quasi-Emperor—the very essence that nurtured all manner of miraculous treasures within the Chaos Fire Vein.

"Failed."

The assembled crowd spoke up, 1 after another, each revealing a hint of shared sorrow for their fellow's demise.

The path of physical sanctification is far too domineering. Should 1 fail, their Dao would be utterly destroyed and their very being annihilated. Most of those present were individuals who had attained physical sanctification.

The trials faced by the Stone Spirit Quasi-Emperor today may well become their own fate in days to come.

Instantly, numerous Demi-Sages began to depart 1 after another, and in the blink of an eye, nearly 30 percent had vanished.

The remaining quasi-saints all wore solemn expressions, yet none dared to step inside to cultivate.

"Since none of you dare, then allow this humble 1 to make an attempt."

At that very moment, a woman of unparalleled elegance emerged from the crowd. Clad in a sheer cyan gown, she possessed an aura, appearance, and cultivation base that all seemed extraordinarily formidable.

To Eldrin's (Person Name) surprise, this woman did not appear to have achieved sainthood through physical cultivation, but rather seemed to be walking the path of mastering the Dao.

A slight furrow appeared between Panhuang’s brows as he remarked with unexpected surprise, “It’s her.”

"You know this person." Eldrin spoke with some puzzlement.

Pan Huang nodded slightly before speaking, "Her daoist title is Qingxu Xianzi (Person Name), renowned throughout the 100 Domains of Chiyang. She treads the Path of Palm Dao, and it's said she has long since cultivated the 9 Great Divine Forms to perfection."

"Her visit today likely means she has obtained the Primordial Chaos Qi and is merely 1 step away from her breakthrough."

Eldrin nodded upon hearing this. Those who have cultivated the 9 Great Divine Forms on the path of the Dao have at least a 50 percent chance of breaking through to become a Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

If she could obtain another Chaos Immortal Pill, the chances of Lady Qingxu achieving the Dao would rise to 70 percent.

Under such circumstances, by venturing into the Immortal Crucible Grotto-Heaven to achieve her breakthrough, Verdant Flutter Fairy's chances of successfully advancing to Chaos Heavenly Emperor should be no less than 70 percent.

Breaking through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor was an all-or-nothing endeavor from the start. With a full 70 percent chance of success, it was enough for him to stake everything he had.

Sure enough, the moment Immortal Qingxu stepped into the Refining Immortal Furnace, she immediately began refining the Primordial Chaos Qi to break through to the Heavenly Emperor realm.

With the aid of the Cauldron of Immortal Refining, Fairy Qingxu's breakthrough proceeded as smoothly as water flowing in a channel.

Ultimately, refined by the boundless flames of chaos, the Primordial Dao she had mastered underwent a complete metamorphosis, seamlessly transforming into the Dao of Chaos as naturally as water flows downstream.

"Bzzz—"

In an instant, the massive Refining Immortal Furnace swung open.

The Ethereal Mallow Fairy ascended step by step into the heavens, her aura and elegance now incomparable to the past, having already stepped into the realm of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

I pay my respects to the Immortal Sage.

A newly ascended Chaos Immortal Sage had emerged, and none present dared show the slightest disrespect. Even those existences who had cultivated the Sole Divine Form bowed deeply in salute.

The Verdant Flocculus Immortal chuckled softly, sweeping her gaze over the assembly with an ethereal smile before gently waving her hand. "Fellow cultivators," she spoke, her voice like wind chimes in a sacred grove, "I have merely taken but a single step ahead."

"Let us meet again in the chaos of days to come."

The Heavenly Furnace Realm would not permit the Chaos Celestial Emperor to remain. With those words, Fairy Qingxu swept her sleeve, tore through the void, and vanished from the realm.

It was only at this moment that everyone present revealed expressions of either shock or delight.

Some were overjoyed, some were worried, while others couldn't conceal a flicker of envy in their eyes. It was evident that Qingxu Immortal Saint's(Eldrin) breakthrough had stirred both admiration and jealousy among all those present.

And so, in the time that followed, several more individuals stepped into the Refining Immortal Furnace 1 after another, seeking to break through their own cultivation realms.

Alas, they all failed, 1 after another turning to ashes beneath the furnace flames, their lifelong cultivation transforming into vital essence to nourish this realm.

Eldrin understood vaguely in his heart when he saw this.

According to his estimation, the Primordial Immortal Refining Furnace in its prime could enhance a Demi-Saint's chances of breaking through to the Chaotic Heavenly Emperor by 20 percent. Even if the breakthrough failed, it would not reduce the cultivator to ashes.

However, due to the disappearance of the artifact spirit and its degraded rank, the Refining Immortal Cauldron could no longer fully control the intensity of its flames, thus reducing these Paragon Saints completely to ashes.

At its peak state, the Immortal Refining Furnace should be a supreme-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure of incalculable worth.

It can increase the odds of breaking through to the Chaos Celestial Emperor or cultivating the unique divine form by 20 percent, with no risk of the backlash that completely incinerates a powerful practitioner.

At this thought, Eldrin couldn't help but glance at the Black Abyss Paragon before speaking, "The Immortal Refining Furnace is perilous. Do you have confidence in withstanding its power, Senior?"

"I'm not confident I can hold out for long."

The Dark Abyss Paragon shook his head, then continued, "However, I have already cultivated the Chaos Divine Form and fully mastered all 9 Divine Forms. My chances of breaking through to the Unique Divine Form were already exceedingly high from the start."

With the aid of the Refining Immortal Furnace, achieving the sole divine form became as natural as water flowing downhill.

As the words fell, the Black Abyss Demi-Saint did not hesitate in the slightest, stepping directly into the Refining Immortal Furnace.

As the Black Abyss Sub-Sage stepped inside, Eldrin immediately grew solemn and began observing with utmost concentration.

Indeed, it was just as the Eldrin had anticipated. This time, his breakthrough into the sole divine form was nothing more than water flowing naturally into its course.

Under the refinement of the Immortal Refining Furnace, the Black Abyss Demi-Saint began his breakthrough, harnessing the furnace's flames to ascend.

During the breakthrough process, he took the opportunity to refine the Chaos Mother Spring, fully replenishing the 8 divine forms to a perfect tenfold amplification, thus achieving the final fusion.

In the end, using the Chaos Divine Form as his core, he completely refined the power of the 8 great divine forms, forging an ultimate and unparalleled singular Divine Form.

Chapter 1 The Azure Cloud Sect's recruitment ceremony had reached its final day. On the vast testing square, over a 1000 youths stood waiting, their faces etched with nervous anticipation. At the center of the square stood a towering Spirit Testing Stone, its surface shimmering with faint, swirling patterns. An elder in blue robes called out names in a booming voice, his expression stern and imposing. "Next, Zhao Yun!" A youth of about 16 or 17 stepped forward, his plain linen robes fluttering in the mountain breeze. He placed his palm upon the stone. Hum— The Spirit Testing Stone remained dull and unresponsive, not a single gleam of light appearing. "Without spiritual roots, unqualified!" The elder's voice was cold and indifferent. Disappointment flashed in the youth's eyes, but he merely nodded calmly and stepped aside. Murmurs rippled through the crowd. "He's already failed 3 times, yet he still dares to come?" "Without spiritual roots, he’s nothing but a mortal—how could he ever tread the path of immortality?" Zhao Yun paid no heed to the whispers, his gaze fixed firmly ahead. Suddenly, the sky darkened. Rolling black clouds blotted out the sun, and a terrifying pressure descended from above. "Heavenly Tribulation!" The elder’s expression shifted dramatically. "Everyone, retreat at once!" Before the crowd could react, a violet lightning bolt tore through the clouds, hurtling straight toward the center of the square. Just as the lightning was about to strike, Zhao Yun suddenly looked up, a faint, almost imperceptible smile curling at the corners of his lips. A 100 years ago, he had been the unparalleled Vast Abyss Demon Lord(Demon Cultivator Title), dominating the cultivation world. Now, reborn anew, he stood once more at the starting point of the immortal path. This tribulation lightning—it was nothing but nourishment to him. The violet lightning struck him squarely, yet instead of reducing him to ashes, it was swiftly absorbed into his body. [Ding—Detected Tribulation Lightning energy. The system is activating...] An unfamiliar mechanical voice echoed in his mind.