Chapter 2138 : Farewell to the Azure Phoenix Saint Emperor
"To completely expel this death energy, 1 must likely cultivate the Great Dao of Life and advance it to the Chaos level."
Eldrin's heart stirred faintly. He then stored away the Soul-Soothing Arbor Seed once more, deciding to nurture a Soul-Nourishing Tree as sustenance for his divine soul cultivation.
However, before cultivating the Soul-Nurturing Wood, Eldrin retrieved the Heaven and Earth Primordial Vial and the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron once more. This time, he intended to elevate both supreme treasures into high-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasures.
The Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi Vase and the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron were both special Chaos Spiritual Treasures leaning toward functional attributes.
Such treasures possess no offensive or defensive capabilities, yet within their specialized domains, they exhibit unrivaled effects.
Whether it was the foundation-forging effect of the Qiankun Creation Cauldron (Magic Treasure), its ability to fuse with Primordial Chaos Qi (Cultivation Energy), or the spirit root-accelerating properties of the Qiankun Primordial Qi Vial (Magic Treasure), all could be considered heaven-defying treasures.
Even if 1 were to offer a top-grade Chaos Spirit Treasure in exchange, Eldrin would likely be reluctant to part with these 2 treasures.
Under such circumstances, advancing both the Qiankun Creation Cauldron (Magic Treasure) and the Qiankun Primordial Vial (Magic Treasure) had become indispensable.
With this thought in mind, Eldrin carefully selected from the treasury and eventually found several portions of Chaos Treasures.
The reason he chose the Chaos Oddity was that Chaos Spirit Treasures aligned with the attributes of Qiankun and Creation were insufficient, and he could not find compatible materials.
Fortunately, Eldrin possessed thousands of Chaos Treasures in his possession, among which were not only numerous Chaos Treasures, but also 2 top-grade Chaos Treasures of the Heaven and Earth Creation attribute.
After gathering all the materials, Eldrin did not hesitate. First, he integrated the 2 treasures into the Chaos Creation Cauldron and the Primordial Qi Vessel to enhance their essence, then directly summoned the Primordial Genesis Qi to elevate these 2 artifacts.
After expending over a dozen strands of Primordial Inception Qi, the 2 treasures finally achieved successive breakthroughs, fully ascending to become supreme-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasures.
Supreme-Grade Chaos Spirit Treasure.
Watching the 2 Chaos Spiritual Treasures successfully advance, a flicker of delight surfaced in Eldrin's eyes.
You must understand, a top-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure possesses value that defies the natural order—it can only be conceived through fusion with Primordial Inception Qi.
Even across the vast expanse of the primordial chaos, superior-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasures were exceedingly rare, for they were, in theory, only conceived and formed during the dawn of the Primordial Beginning.
For such a rare treasure, only those at the peak of the Half-Step Infinite realm possessed the qualification to refine it.
Even those supreme Chaos Overlords possessed only a countable number of superior-grade Chaos Spirit Treasures.
Moreover, most Rulers did not possess Chaos Supreme Treasures, and their ultimate trump cards were merely high-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasures.
The nameless Dao Ancestor of that era was 1 of the first beings born at the dawn of chaos, among the earliest Chaos Overlords. In truth, he possessed merely 9 Supreme Chaos Spiritual Treasures in his possession.
Among these supreme-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasures, all were later bestowed by Nameless upon his 7 personal disciples. In truth, he himself retained merely 2 supreme-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasures.
Of course, Nameless possessed the Chaos Cauldron. With this treasure alone, he could roam unchallenged through the primordial chaos, rendering any other artifacts utterly superfluous.
Eldrin’s current cultivation level hovered at the half-step into Unity with the Dao, yet he possessed 2 supreme-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasures. If word of this spread, even those at the half-step into the Infinite realm might be tempted to hunt him down.
With this thought in mind, Eldrin gazed at the 2 supreme-grade Chaos Spirit Treasures in his hands and couldn't help but remark with delight, "Let me see exactly how much your wondrous functions have improved."
As the words faded, Eldrin activated the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi Vase, attempting to elevate the Soul-Nurturing Wood and the Chaos Gold Bamboo Shoot.
After the breakthrough, Eldrin was astonished to discover his success rate had tripled—originally a mere 30 percent, it had now surged to a staggering 90 percent.
The only regret was that the miraculous water nurtured by the Qiankun Primordial Qi Vessel (Magic Treasure) remained limited in efficacy, still incapable of breaking through the bottleneck of the Chaos Spirit Root.
Fortunately, the elixir refined from the primordial spiritual root, when used as cultivation resources, proved exceptionally potent.
Even if its effects gradually diminish after reaching the Unity realm, it should still enable Eldrin to cultivate to the pinnacle of Unity Paramount.
In addition to the Qiankun Primordial Vessel, the effects of the Qiankun Creation Cauldron had also been greatly enhanced.
The original Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron could assist a Demi-Sage in increasing their probability of completing the Sacrificial Self by 30 percent. However, 1 must cultivate a True Spirit Divine Soul and unlock all 9 True Spirit Acupoints to guarantee success.
Now that the power of the Qiankun Creation Cauldron (Magic Treasure) had tripled, even without cultivating all 9 True Spirit acupoints, achieving the True Spirit Divine Soul would grant significant confidence to complete the Sacrificial Self.
From this perspective, the universality of the Sacrificial Path will be greatly enhanced in the future.
After all, for those who had surpassed the Great Emperor realm, cultivating a True Spirit Primordial Soul was not particularly difficult—the true challenge lay in failing to cultivate the 9 True Spirit Acupoints.
Of course, the strength of 1's foundation would also determine the potential and innate talent after completing the Sacrifice of Self.
If 1 fails to cultivate the 9 True Spirit Acupoints, it is evident that even by attaining the Emperor Realm through the Path of Self-Sacrifice, 1 would become the most ordinary and feeble Emperor of this path.
Such a sacrifice to my Dao Heavenly Emperor is rather mediocre; it would likely require offering up the Inner Immortal Domain to achieve a breakthrough.
In that case, even if they successfully break through, their combat prowess would likely only reach the level of Daoist Taizhuo, making it difficult for them to step into the realm of the Unity Supreme Sovereign in the future.
In comparison, Emperor Jiang and the others possessed formidable foundations in their primordial spirits. After the Sacrificial Awakening, they had cultivated 10 great True Spirit Immortal Treasures and preserved their complete Inner Primordial Domains, granting them far greater potential and power.
Not only were they invincible among their peers from the very beginning in terms of combat prowess, but they also possessed the potential to eventually tread the path of the Chaos Sovereign. At the very least, reaching the Realm of Unity with the Dao should present no significant bottleneck.
However, opening the 9 true spirit acupoints proved exceedingly arduous, and those capable of achieving this step were exceedingly rare.
The wonders of the Qiankun Creation Cauldron bestowed upon the Great Emperors under Eldrin (Person Name) the potential to tread the path of the Heavenly Emperor, rendering it a heaven-defying marvel of profound mystery.
"All the Great Emperors of the Celestial Court, along with those old acquaintances, may now begin cultivating the Path of Sacrificial Ascension."
Eldrin’s heart stirred faintly. He then summoned his disciples under his command and spread the news that those who had reached the Great Emperor realm could now transition to cultivating the Path of Self-Offering. Having done this, he resumed his secluded cultivation.
This time, with a substantial supply of Soul-Nourishing Wood, Eldrin's soul cultivation progressed at a markedly accelerated pace.
Merely a dozen or so kalpas had passed in the outside world, yet his soul cultivation had already advanced slightly.
Just then, a group from the Blazing Central Chaos Domain arrived, bearing shocking news that forced Eldrin (Person Name) to emerge from his secluded cultivation.
"The Primal Domain of Blazing Yang... has been breached?"
Eldrin's brow furrowed slightly, a trace of solemnity coloring his expression.
Beside him, the Eternal Elder nodded, his expression grave as he said, "Not long ago, after the fall of Supreme Lord Chiyang, civil strife erupted within the Primal Chiyang Realm."
"The Azure Phoenix Sacred Emperor has come seeking aid."
Eldrin nodded, pondered for a moment, and said, "Have them come in."
"Excellent—"
The Elder of Immortality nodded, then rose and departed from the grand hall. Not long after, he returned, accompanied by an elegant man draped in a cyan phoenix robe.
The man accompanying Immortal Venerable Unending gave a slight change of expression upon seeing Eldrin. He promptly bowed and saluted, saying, "Azure Phoenix pays respects to the Dao Ancestor."
"There is no need for formalities."
Eldrin waved his sleeve to signal the youth to rise, then surveyed the Cyan Luan Saint Emperor before him. A faint trace of wistful emotion surfaced in the depths of his pupils.
In distant memory, he had once journeyed to the Blazing Primordial Chaos Realm with the Undying Elder, back when he was merely at the Great Emperor Realm.
Back then, he followed the Immortal Venerable of No-Nirvana to the Primordial Azure Phoenix Domain, yet didn’t even have the qualification to have an audience with the Azure Phoenix Saint Empress.
Yet now, he had become the supreme Dao Ancestor who suppressed the Fiery Yang Supreme, while the Azure Phoenix Saint Emperor remained but an ordinary Heavenly Emperor.
Their roles had reversed. The Azure Phoenix Saint Emperor now stood before him, not even daring to breathe heavily.
If not for the introduction from the Undying Elder, he wouldn't even have the qualification to have an audience with Eldrin. Having any random Heavenly Emperor under Eldrin's command receive him would already be considered showing him great favor.
After all, the Chen Clan's Celestial Emperors were all half-step Dao Fusion experts. If they were to strike head-on, they could suppress him within a 100 moves. How could an ordinary Celestial Emperor like him ever hope to be treated as their equal?
At this thought, Eldrin was filled with profound emotion. After a long pause, he finally spoke, "So it is Fellow Daoist Qingluan. How has your esteemed daughter been faring of late?"
The Azure Luan Saint Emperor was momentarily taken aback before swiftly realizing Eldrin was referring to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix. With joyous enthusiasm, he replied, "By your esteemed grace, Huang'er has been well in recent times. Not long ago, her cultivation advanced to the great Emperor Realm."
Eldrin (Person Name) gave a slight nod and remarked casually, "Since your daughter and I are old acquaintances, she may come to my Abyssal Sanctuary for secluded cultivation if she so wishes."
Upon hearing this, the Azure Phoenix Saint Emperor immediately revealed an expression of ecstatic delight.
Nowadays, who in the 100 Domains of Chiyang does not know that the Abyssal Sanctuary is a supreme cultivation paradise?
Not to mention the Violet-Polar Ancient Phoenix, even a Chaos Heavenly Emperor like him would give anything for a chance to enter secluded cultivation.
Moreover, since the fall of Supreme Eldrin, the 100 Domains of Eldra have descended into utter chaos.
Especially since the Demon Emperor of the Outer Realm was on the verge of stepping into the Dao Unification Realm. Legend had it that once he broke through, he would be able to devour and refine the Primordial Chaos Heavenly Emperor to enhance his own cultivation.
Thus, even the Chaos Celestial Emperor lacked sufficient security. If he could establish a connection with the Void Dao Ancestor at this moment, that would truly grant him adequate protection.
"Many thanks for your gracious gift, Senior. This junior is eternally grateful on behalf of my daughter."
At this thought, the Azure Phoenix Saint Sovereign hastily expressed her gratitude.
Eldrin gave a slight nod, then with a flick of his sleeve gestured for attendants to bring a seat for the Azure Phoenix Saint Emperor. Only then did he inquire, "From what Elder Bumie conveyed, I understand you've come seeking assistance?"
"What kind of upheaval could possibly be occurring within the present-day Emberheart Chaos Realm?"
Upon hearing this, the face of the Azure Luan Sacred Emperor instantly shifted dramatically.
He took a deep breath, his expression turning grave as he spoke, "Since the fall of Supreme Eldrin, the Eldrin Chaos Realm has descended into utter chaos."
Beyond the present-day Blazeheart Chaos Realm, all the major powers were launching assaults upon it.
"Most crucially, not long ago the 100 Realms Dao Alliance took action, launching a Great Chaos War against our Blaze Central Chaos Realm."
As the Azure Phoenix Saint Emperor recounted the tale in her melodious voice, Eldrin finally understood the whole story.
As the saying goes, when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. Since the Great Perfected 1 Chi Yang and all his half-step Dao Attunement subordinates perished, the Chi Yang Chaos Domain has been in complete disarray.
First, within the Chi Yang Chaos Domain, over 30 subordinate chaos domains immediately turned traitor and launched a great war against the Primordial Chi Yang Domain.
These half-step Dao Fusion experts immediately dismantled the super chaos formation of the Chiyang Chaos Domain to seize the legacy of Supreme Chiyang.
Having lost the Fiery Sovereign and the support of the Chaos Grand Array, the Primordial Fiery Domain now stood alone as a solitary primordial realm.
Then these subordinate primordial realms joined in attacking the fallen foe, with dozens of Chaos Heavenly Emperors joining forces to launch an assault on the Chi Yang Primordial Realm.
The Chi Yang lineage suffered devastating losses, forcing them to reluctantly seek refuge within the Primordial Domain.
At this moment, though the Blaze Zenith lineage still had over 30 Chaos Celestial Emperors, they understood the tide had irrevocably turned.
As time passed, the major powers across the 1 100 Domains of Blazing Center would inevitably learn of the news. Soon, more and more Chaos Heavenly Emperors would arrive to join in beating a drowning dog.
Without the Chaos Grand Array and the Half-Step Unity realm, they simply had no power to oppose the hundreds of Chaos Heavenly Emperors from the 100 Domains of Chiyang.
The most terrifying part was that once Eldrin learned of this news, or once the Abyssal Demon Emperor broke through, they would certainly not spare the Blazeheart Primeval Domain.
Beset by internal troubles and external threats, and further plagued by discord among its people, the Celestial Emperors of the Primordial Chiyang Realm ultimately chose to abandon their domain.
After some deliberation, they seized the opportunity before anyone could react, fleeing the Chiyang Primordial Realm with all their possessions and leaving this vast primordial domain to the 100 realms’ alliance that had come to conquer it.
After the Chi Yang lineage fled, the several dozen Heavenly Emperors of the Chi Yang Chaos Domain refused to submit to 1 another, erupting into a great war over the legacy of the Chi Yang Primal Domain.
Before long, the news was leaked. The 100 Realms Unity Alliance arrived first, with several dozen Half-Step Unity cultivators launching a full-scale assault on the Chi Yang Chaos Realm.
In the span of just a few cosmic kalpas, the vast Primordial Ember Realm had transformed into a shattered battlefield.
Over a 100 Chaos Heavenly Emperors joined the fray, with several Primordial Domains utterly shattered in the carnage. The entire Blaze-Central Chaos Realm descended into a maelstrom of devastation and chaos.
"To think that in the mere span of our seclusion, the 100 Realms of Chiyang have already decayed to such an extent."
Eldrin let out a soft sigh, a trace of wistfulness coloring his expression.
He had intended to say that the Azure Phoenix Sacred Emperor and the others were fools, crippling their own strength before the battle even began by destroying that supreme Chaos Formation.
It must be known that at its zenith, the Blazing Central Chaos Realm, empowered by its supreme chaos formation, was capable of withstanding the combined assault of several top-tier Unity Supreme Elders.
If not for the fact that the Azure Phoenix Sacred Emperor and the others had crippled their own cultivation, the Blazing Central Chaos Realm would never have fallen to such a state.
However, after a moment, he began to understand somewhat.
Over these years, the pressure exerted by the Supreme Eldrin upon the 100 Realms of Eldrin had grown far too immense.
南渊十域这等混沌域还好，本身离炽央原始域就非常遥远，联起手对炽央至尊也勉强有一丝抵抗之力。
To put it bluntly, domains like the Azure Phoenix Sacred Emperor's under the rule of the Blazing Zenith Supreme were nothing more than his kennel-kept hounds.
他们所在原始域孕育的资源，九成都要交给炽央至尊，各大势力几乎日夜受到炽央一脉的压榨。
Even the Primordial Heavenly Emperor could only maintain a veneer of courtesy when facing the Scorching Zenith lineage.
Yes, but it was merely a facade of propriety. When the Chiyang lineage demanded dragon livers and phoenix marrow at their banquet, when they required the blood of qilins, how would figures like the Azure Phoenix Sacred Emperor dare refuse?
Not to mention, these powerful figures from various factions reside within the territory of the Blazeheart lineage. If they cultivate the same Chaos Dao as the Blazeheart clansmen, how could there ever be a principle of fair competition?
When the Purple Phoenix Demi-Saint left the Violetpole Ancient Phoenix in the 7 Domains of the Southern Abyss, there was undoubtedly this very consideration behind the decision.
Under this perennial pressure, the various major factions had long nurtured a sea of blood feud with the Zhiyang lineage. They merely dared not voice their resentment, cowed by the overwhelming might of the Zhiyang Supreme.
Now that they witnessed the fall of Supreme Chi Yan, their first instinct was to settle scores and avenge grievances—how could they possibly continue to align themselves with Chi Yan’s lineage?
Understanding this, Eldrin let out a soft sigh before saying with lament, "Had you informed me before taking action, you would never have fallen to such a state today."
Chapter 1 The biting northern wind swept across the mountain peaks, carrying with it flurries of snow that danced in the air. Lin Xuan stood at the edge of the cliff, his white robes fluttering violently in the gale. His gaze was fixed upon the distant horizon, where the last rays of the setting sun were being devoured by the encroaching darkness. "1 100 years," he murmured, his voice barely audible above the howling wind. "1 100 years of cultivation, and I'm still trapped at the seventh level of Qi Refining." His fingers tightened around the jade slip in his palm—a cultivation manual passed down through generations of his family. The characters carved upon it glowed with a faint, ethereal light: "9 Revolutions Mysterious Art." Suddenly, a brilliant streak of light tore through the twilight sky, descending toward the mountain with incredible speed. Lin Xuan's eyes widened as he recognized the phenomenon—a cultivator riding a flying sword. The figure landed gracefully before him, clad in azure robes embroidered with silver cloud patterns. Spiritual energy radiated from the newcomer, so potent that it made the air hum. "Junior brother," the cultivator spoke, his voice calm yet carrying undeniable authority. "The sect master has summoned all disciples to the main hall. An ancient ruin has been discovered in the Northern Wastelands, rumored to contain the legacy of a Nascent Soul expert." Lin Xuan's heart raced. Ancient ruins often held treasures beyond imagination—cultivation techniques, magical treasures, and precious elixirs that could dramatically enhance 1's power. "How many are going?" Lin Xuan asked, trying to keep his voice steady. "30-2 core disciples," the senior brother replied. "Including you. Prepare yourself—we depart at dawn." After the senior brother left on his flying sword, Lin Xuan returned to his humble abode—a small cave dwelling carved into the mountain side. He took out his meager savings: 3,200 spirit stones, a dozen or so healing pills, and his most prized possession—the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure). He sat cross-legged on his meditation cushion, circulating his spiritual energy through the pathways described in the 9 Revolutions Mysterious Art. The energy flowed through his meridians, gathering at his dantian before spreading throughout his body. With each cycle, he could feel his power growing slightly, though the bottleneck at the seventh level remained as solid as ever. "Perhaps this expedition will provide the opportunity I need to break through," he thought, his determination hardening. As night fell, Lin Xuan practiced his sword techniques in the moonlit clearing before his cave. The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) danced in his hands, leaving trails of crimson light in the air. Each movement was precise, honed through thousands of repetitions over countless nights. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his spiritual sea—the unique space within a cultivator where spiritual consciousness resided. Visions flashed before his eyes: towering palaces floating among clouds, ancient battles between powerful cultivators, and a mysterious symbol that pulsed with primordial energy. When the visions cleared, Lin Xuan found a strange mark had appeared on his right palm—a complex pattern that seemed to shift and change even as he watched. "A legacy mark?" he whispered in disbelief. Such marks were legendary, said to be left by ancient powers to guide worthy successors. The mark glowed faintly, pointing insistently toward the Northern Wastelands. It appeared this expedition would be far more significant than he had ever imagined.