Chapter 2125 : 9 Severing Spirit Sword

"Hmm."

Eldrin nodded slightly before once again contemplating the situation before him. Currently, the 10 Great Emperors of the Chen lineage all possessed formidable cultivation bases, yet none wielded weapons that truly suited them.

As fellow Chaos Heavenly Emperors, without a Chaos Spiritual Treasure, the various Heavenly Emperors of the Chen Clan would inevitably be at a disadvantage when facing formidable foes.

Especially for figures like Emperor Jiang and his ilk, though their combat prowess rivaled that of Half-Step Unity realm experts, they possessed no Chaos Spiritual Treasures in their hands.

A being whose cultivation has reached the half-step into Unity with the Dao would possess at least 3 well-suited Chaos Spirit Treasures in their grasp.

Some powerful Half-Step Harmony Realm cultivators could effortlessly wield 5 or 6 Chaos Spiritual Treasures.

Although Half-Step Unity practitioners could only wield 3 Chaos Spiritual Treasures at once, this did not prevent them from rotating their usage.

In such circumstances, if the various Chaos Heavenly Emperors of the Chen Clan were to face a powerhouse at the Half-Step Dao Unification Realm, they would likely be completely suppressed.

After much deliberation, Eldrin spoke: "There are still 7 100 kalpas remaining. During this time, you should first elevate your Natal Treasures into Chaos Spiritual Treasures."

Eldrin spoke thus, and with a sweep of his sleeve, produced a considerable amount of Chaos Primordial Qi.

It must be admitted that compared to the traditional Path of the Palm Dao Heavenly Emperor, the Path of Sacrificing the Self indeed possesses immense superiority.

Especially upon ascension to the Inner Immortal Realm, it could gestate the Primordial Chaos Genesis Qi, resolving a significant portion of the Chen lineage's resource shortages.

Over the years, Jiang Huang, Ye Qingfeng, Ye Yinghui, Chen Xianzhu, Chen Ethan (Person Name), and Lulu had all opened their Inner Immortal Domains. Among them, all except Lulu had obtained 3 strands of Primordial Chaos Qi.

Lulu’s foundation was slightly inferior by half a measure, yet within her inner immortal domain, 2 strands of Chaos Primordial Qi (Cultivation Resource) had also taken form.

After their breakthrough, they all handed over the Primordial Chaos Qi to Eldrin, intending to pool it for nurturing the other Chaos Heavenly Emperors.

This suddenly added 17 strands of Primordial Chaos Qi to Eldrin's possession. Combined with the 5 strands he had left earlier, Eldrin now held as many as 20-2 portions of Primordial Chaos Qi.

At this moment, with ample Primordial Chaos Qi in hand, Eldrin measured his words and said, "Since the journey to the Primordial Heaven Ancient Palace is perilous, it would be best to use this Primordial Chaos Qi to enhance our cultivation."

All those present nodded slightly, their faces lighting up with a hint of delight.

With the aid of Primordial Chaos Qi complemented by Primal Chaos Source Qi, along with the rare treasures of chaos nurtured during their ascension to the Primordial Domain, forging 1 or 2 Chaos Spiritual Treasures per person should be well within their grasp.

Eldrin pondered briefly before turning to Lulu first. "Lulu's 9-Colors Immortal Vial is a supreme treasure for healing," he said. "It should be prioritized for advancement into a Chaos Spiritual Artifact."

With those words, Eldrin (Person Name) bestowed a wisp of Primordial Chaos Qi and a stream of Primordial Source Qi upon Lulu with a flick of his sleeve.

Without waiting for her to say more, Eldrin turned his gaze to Chen Ethan and declared, "Ethan's Life-Death Twin Blades wield formidable power and should be the priority for advancement."

Subsequently, Eldrin handed 2 strands of Primal Chaos Primordial Qi and Primordial Purple Origin Qi to Chen Ethan.

Many thanks, Uncle.

Chen Ethan retrieved the treasure, a faint glimmer of delight flickering across his expression.

Seeing this, Eldrin turned his gaze to Seraphina Qu and said, "Seraphina Qu’s 9 Severities Soul-Slaying Sword possesses immense power—it will undoubtedly be our trump card. Therefore, its advancement must take priority."

As the words faded, Eldrin waved his sleeve and bestowed 9 strands of Chaos Primordial Qi and Primordial Source Qi upon Seraphina Qu.

The others witnessed this but voiced no objections.

They were well aware that this journey was fraught with unpredictable dangers. They had to enhance their combat strength at all costs—only then might they possess sufficient confidence to ensure their own survival.

Under such circumstances, it is of utmost importance to concentrate limited resources on cultivating the most formidable combat strength.

And Seraphina Qu's 9 Severities Soul-Slaying Sword was peerless in its lethality. Once elevated into a set of Chaos Spirit Treasures, it would be sufficient to propel Seraphina Qu's combat prowess into the very pinnacle of the Half-Step Dao Union realm.

After bestowing the Primordial Chaos Qi upon Seraphina Qu (Person Name), Eldrin (Person Name) turned his gaze to the remaining few individuals, falling into a moment of contemplative silence.

After sending out 12 strands of Primordial Chaos Qi in quick succession, Eldrin now had only 10 portions of Primordial Chaos Qi left in his grasp.

However, at this moment, Jiang Huang, Ye Qingfeng, Chen Xianzhu, Qing Ji, Lyra (Person Name), and Ye Yinghui had not obtained the Primordial Chaos Origin Qi.

After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin spoke up, "We don't have enough Primordial Chaos Qi. These remaining 10 strands of Primordial Chaos Qi will have to be concentrated for use."

"So it shall be."

Everyone nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

Seeing this, Eldrin handed 5 strands of Primordial Chaos Qi to Ye Qingfeng, while 3 strands were given to Chen Xianzhu to enhance the 3 accompanying treasures: the Immortal Iron Staff, the Kasaya, and the Book of Buddha's Salvation.

The last 2 were given to Emperor Jiang and Ye Yinghui.

The reason Lyra (Person Name) was not granted this opportunity was because she had yet to attain mastery over the Great Dao of Chaos. Her Lyra (Person Name) Immortal Pagoda possessed extraordinary potential, and prematurely elevating it to a Chaos Spiritual Treasure might ultimately prove detrimental.

Moreover, Lyra already possessed the Chaos Spiritual Treasure, Lunar Wheel of the Primeval Yin. Given her current cultivation level, wielding multiple Chaos Spiritual Treasures would hardly allow her to harness their full power.

As for Qing Ji, she already possessed 3 innate Chaos Spiritual Treasures: the Chaos Azure Lotus Tome (Cultivation Method), the Chaos Azure Lotus Immortal Garb (Immortal Garment), and the Chaos Azure Lotus Throne (Divine Artifact). Even if she obtained more, she would lack the spiritual power to wield them.

The reason for granting the 5 strands of Primordial Chaos Qi to Ye Qingfeng was that his Pure Yang 5 Elements Sword Formation possessed immeasurable power.

Once this sword formation advanced to become 5 Chaos Spiritual Treasures, combined with Ye Qingfeng’s profound foundation, it would undoubtedly elevate his offensive capabilities to an entirely new level, allowing him to step into the powerful Half-Step Dao Attunement realm.

After distributing the Primordial Chaos Qi, Eldrin finally gazed upon the assembly and declared, "When the time comes for your ascension to Chaos Spiritual Treasures, should you require any materials, you may inform me in advance."

Everyone smiled faintly at these words. Emperor Jiang spoke, "When they pioneer the Primordial Domain, it will naturally give birth to Chaos Treasures. They lack no such materials."

"However, my Primordial Qi Sword still requires your assistance in refining some Chaos Gold Bamboo for its advancement."

"This is easily handled."

Eldrin gave a slight nod, then used the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi Vase to accelerate the growth of the Chaos Gold Bamboo Shoot. In the end, he expended another wisp of Primordial Chaos Source Qi to cultivate it into a complete stalk of Chaos Gold Bamboo.

After handling all these matters, Eldrin had the others retreat for secluded cultivation while he himself arrived at the Celestial Peach Garden.

At this moment, within the Celestial Peach Garden, the Primordial Daoist Master and the Grand Pot Daoist Master had been waiting for quite some time.

Seeing his arrival, Primordial Taishi Dao Ancestor (Person Name) spoke without preamble, "You've finally come."

"My apologies for keeping you both waiting."

Eldrin sat in serene composure, facing the 2 Great Daozu beneath a blossoming peach tree.

Observing this, the Grand Kettle Dao Ancestor spoke, "With the Primordial Heaven Ancient Temple now open, are you certain you must depart at first light?"

Eldrin spoke calmly, his gaze deepening slightly as he continued, "Within the Ancient Temple of Desolate Heaven lies an opportunity to break through to the Integration Realm, along with the accumulated foundation of a supreme Integration-tier ancient sanctuary."

"Once we miss this opportunity, relying solely on secluded cultivation within the Chaotic Sea, I'm afraid it would take us 1,000,000 kalpas to break through to the Dao Unity realm."

Upon hearing this, the Primordial Dao Ancestor could not help but nod in agreement.

As the founding patriarch of their sect, he understood all too well the importance of resources. Especially now, with the Abyssal Retreat Realm at their disposal—where disciples could enter for secluded cultivation at the cost of certain sacrifices and resources.

With the boost of a 3-100-fold time acceleration, their cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds, yet it nearly depleted all of their cultivation resources.

At this thought, the Primordial Dao Ancestor spoke, "This is our chance—the perfect opportunity to soar to greatness in a single leap."

"If we can obtain sufficient opportunities within the Ancient Desolate Hall, then with the augmentation of the Return to Ruins Grotto-Heaven, our breakthrough to the Unity Realm may well be within reach."

Upon hearing this, the Grand Elder of the Taihu Dao gave a slight nod, yet still mused thoughtfully, "But once we enter, what if we encounter a Harmony Path Supreme?"

Hearing this, Eldrin (Person Name) slightly furrowed his brow.

Compared to the Celestial Crucible Grotto and the Mysterious Heaven Ruins, the Primordial Heaven Ancient Palace appeared far more majestic.

When this branch of the Ancient Desolate Hall opens, cultivators of any realm may enter its gates. Theoretically, even Dao Unification Sovereigns or those at the Half-Step Beyond Infinity realm could venture inside to plunder its treasures.

Of course, the treasures of the Primordial Heaven Ancient Hall were not bestowed upon others without due cause.

Once 1 sets foot within the Ancient Temple of Desolation, they form a karmic bond with its lineage. Should they obtain the treasures and resources of the Ancient Temple of Desolation, they must inevitably repay this karma in the future.

And the way to repay this karma was to help the Heavenly Vastness Supreme revive.

However, the Celestial Venerable Kehuang was suspected to have perished at the hands of the Chaos Overlord, which is why the vast majority of Unity Venerables were unwilling to wade into these troubled waters. Typically, only Half-Step Unity experts would be inclined to involve themselves in such matters.

After all, a Half-Step Unity Realm expert's chances of breaking through to the Unity Realm were already slim. To obtain an opportunity for such a breakthrough, paying a tremendous price was undoubtedly worthwhile.

However, nothing is absolute. Since the Primordial Heaven Ancient Palace imposes no restrictions on the cultivators' realms of those seeking treasures, it is not impossible that a Dao Unification Supreme might step into it during this opening of the ancient palace.

At this thought, Eldrin spoke with measured deliberation, "This journey is indeed perilous, but nothing in this world is ever perfect."

"To set foot in the Unity Realm, I must take this risk."

The Primordial Dao Ancestor also nodded, then spoke, "For this journey, I shall accompany the Dao Ancestor of the Returning Abyss."

The Grand Elder of the Taihu Dao pondered for a moment before finally fixing his gaze on Eldrin. "Should you encounter schemes of the Supreme Venerables," he inquired gravely, "what measure of confidence do you hold in emerging unscathed, Fellow Daoist?"

Eldrin (Person Name) pondered briefly before speaking, "The alignment of heaven, earth, and human factors—all can determine success or failure, life or death. Even I cannot foresee how this will unfold."

"Alas." The Grand Elder of the Taihu lineage let out a soft sigh before finally speaking. "The destiny of our Spirit Treasure lineage rests upon my shoulders. I beg your forgiveness, but I cannot risk my life so recklessly."

"Very well, I shall lend you 2 spiritual treasures and provide support outside the Ancient Desolate Hall."

As the words fell, Patriarch Taihu produced 2 Chaos Spiritual Treasures.

Eldrin glanced over and was astonished to find a Chaos Battle Armor alongside a Radiant 7-Hued Silk—both were supreme-grade chaos spirit treasures.

"You have my gratitude, Fellow Daoist."

Eldrin did not decline the 2 treasures. Instead, after storing them away, he smiled and said, "If we obtain any treasures during this journey, you shall receive your share as well, Fellow Daoist."

Lord Daohu of the Great Kettle paid no mind to these concerns. After a moment of contemplation, he cautioned, "Remember, you must be wary of the Blazing Yang Supreme (Cultivator Title) on this journey, and even more so of the Infernal Demon Sovereign (Demon Ruler)."

Eldrin's expression instantly turned solemn as he replied, "I understand."

7 100 kalpas was an exceedingly long time, yet even that eventually reached its end.

Until this day, the Primordial Heaven Ancient Diagram suddenly stirred, erupting with a blazing, divine radiance.

Eldrin immediately summoned the 9 Great Emperors of the Returning Abyss lineage, then gazed upon the assembled figures and declared.

"The Primordial Heaven Ancient Artifact is stirring—it seems the Primordial Heaven Ancient Palace will soon emerge into the world."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone present shifted between astonishment and delight. Ethan (Person Name) couldn’t help but clench his fists and declare, “This opportunity may very well be the turning point for our rise.”

Eldrin nodded slightly, offering no further words.

He carefully scanned the crowd, a glimmer of satisfaction rising within him.

Over these years, the 9 Heavenly Emperors of the Abyssal Return lineage had all made significant progress in their cultivation.

Seraphina Qu's 9 Severities Soul-Slaying Swords had all ascended to the rank of Chaos Spiritual Treasures, while Ye Qingfeng's Pure Yang 5 Elements Sword Array had also reached the realm of Chaos.

The others did not experience such significant breakthroughs, but each had successfully cultivated 1 or 2 Chaos Spiritual Treasures.

The Grand Dao Ancestor of the Great Kettle had borrowed 2 Chaos Spiritual Treasures. The battle armor was given to Lyra (Person Name) for refinement, while Lulu mastered the Chaos Silk.

Eldrin even borrowed the Abyssal War Armor from Pan Huang and gave it to Seraphina Qu, whose physical defense was relatively weak, further enhancing her combat prowess.

It could be said that the current Chen Immortal Clan (Organization) could be considered an army of formidable strength and well-fed horses.

If we were to rank by combat prowess, Eldrin's strength would be in a league of its own.

Ranked second, Seraphina Qu (Person Name) theoretically possessed the capability to contend with 3 Half-Step Unity Realm experts, owing to her 9 Severities Spirit-Slaying Sword and the Abyssal Battle Armor.

Ye Qingfeng ranked third. With the power of the 5 Elements Sword Formation, he had already stepped into the top-tier Half-Step Dao Unification realm.

Jiang Huang, Ye Yinghui, Chen Ethan (Person Name), and Chen Xianzhu each possessed strength at the conventional Half-Step Unity realm level, with relatively minor disparities in power among them.

Lulu's strength far surpassed that of the top-tier Celestial Emperors. Though she still fell short of reaching the Half-Step Unity realm, she had already attained the capability to contend with such masters.

Qing Ji and Lyra (Person Name) were much the same, their overall combat prowess lying somewhere between that of a top-tier Heavenly Emperor and a Half-Step Dao Fusion cultivator.

According to Eldrin's (Person Name) estimation, even if he didn't intervene, the 9 Great Emperors of the Chen Clan joining forces might barely manage to contend against a slightly weaker Path Integration Supreme.

With myself included, even if we were to face the Supreme Fiery Sovereign, we should at the very least be completely unafraid.

At this thought, Eldrin felt more assured. He withdrew his gaze and said, "Since the time is about right, let us prepare to depart."

As the words fell, Eldrin did not hesitate any longer, immediately leading everyone out of the Abyssal Return Grotto-Heaven.

Beyond the celestial realm, the Primordial Dao Ancestor had been waiting for a long time.

The Primordial Patriarch of the Great Beginning swept his gaze over the assembly and finally sighed in admiration, "It seems it won't be long before your Chen lineage sweeps across all 100 domains of the Blazing Central Realm."

"However, the Blazing Sun lineage stands imposingly ahead—crossing over them won't be easy."

Eldrin (Person Name) gave a slight nod, understanding the profound meaning behind the words of the Primordial Dao Ancestor.

The heaven-defying effect of the Spacetime Divine Form enabled the Chen lineage to rise at a speed visible to the naked eye. As the great Dao rival of Eldrin, Supreme Monarch Chiyang would never tolerate them taking that final step.

It was foreseeable that the struggle for the Primordial Heaven Ancient Palace would inevitably lead to a major confrontation between the Guixu lineage and the Chiyang lineage.

Whether the Chen lineage would seize this opportunity to rise, or be suppressed by the Zhiyang lineage, would likely be determined by the fortunes awaiting within the Ancient Temple of Primal Heavens.

Chapter 1 The biting mountain wind whipped across the cliffside, carrying with it the scent of pine and damp earth. Lin Feng tightened his coarse hemp robe, his breath misting in the chill air. 1 100 years had passed since he first set foot on the path of cultivation, yet he remained stranded at the third layer of Qi Refinement—a dozen or so years without the slightest hint of breakthrough. His gaze fell upon the meager pile of spirit stones gleaming faintly in the moonlight. Only 32,000. A paltry sum, barely enough to purchase a single mid-grade Qi Gathering Pill. Countless fellow disciples had long surpassed him, their cultivation advancing by leaps and bounds while he remained trapped in this endless stagnation. "Lin Feng!" A sharp voice cut through his reverie. He turned to see Elder Minghe's stern face, his long beard swaying in the wind. "The sect leader has decreed that all outer disciples must contribute 1,000 spirit stones for the upcoming Grand Competition. Failure to comply will result in expulsion from the sect." Lin Feng's heart sank. This would nearly deplete his already scarce resources. Yet defiance was not an option. "As you command, Elder," he replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. As night deepened, Lin Feng sat cross-legged in his humble abode, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss resting across his knees. This magic treasure, passed down through generations of his family, seemed to pulse with a faint, comforting warmth. He closed his eyes, circulating what little spiritual energy he possessed through his meridians. Suddenly, a searing heat erupted from the sword. Crimson light flooded the chamber, and ancient characters materialized in the air before him—the long-lost Crimson Sky Art, a supreme cultivation method thought lost to the ages. The characters swirled and danced, then streamed directly into Lin Feng's forehead. Knowledge—vast, profound, and overwhelming—flooded his consciousness. He saw the path to Foundation Establishment, to Core Formation, even glimpses of realms beyond. When he opened his eyes hours later, dawn was breaking. His spiritual sense had expanded exponentially; he could now perceive the minute movements of insects in the grass outside his window. A faint crimson aura shimmered around his body—the first manifestation of the Crimson Sky Art. A slow smile spread across his face. The endless years of struggle, the countless disappointments—they had all led to this moment. The world of cultivation thought him worthless, but they would soon learn otherwise. He gripped the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss, its warmth now a roaring fire in his soul. His journey was just beginning.