Chapter 2152 : 9 Chaos Supreme Treasures

The Golden Armor Supreme was momentarily taken aback, then produced a treasure mirror, seemingly initiating communication with someone.

A moment later, he put away the treasured mirror and finally looked at Eldrin with considerable surprise. "So you're the fortunate 1 who inherited the legacy of the Primordial Heaven Supreme? No wonder you managed to slaughter that old fool Chi Yang."

"However, the karma of the Heavenly Desolation Supreme is not so easily borne."

At this point, the Golden Armor Supreme Sovereign shook his head, a trace of caution flashing across his expression.

Eldrin was momentarily taken aback before realizing the news had spread—how he had obtained the legacy of the Primordial Heaven Ancient Palace and slain the Supreme Infernal Yang Lord.

However, this was to be expected. As the dominant power in this chaotic realm, the 7 Domains Alliance's intelligence network was undoubtedly far superior to his own. Moreover, his acquisition of the Deserted Heaven Legacy was no secret.

At this thought, Eldrin cupped his hands and said, "Indeed, it is I. May I ask your esteemed name, fellow Daoist?"

"This old man’s Daoist name is Golden Radiance. Though I have lived a few more years than you, my cultivation may not surpass yours by much. There is no need for such excessive courtesy."

Golden Radiance Supreme smiled faintly as he spoke, then led Eldrin into the Tri-Mystic Chaos Realm.

After stepping into the 3 Profound Chaos Domain, Golden Radiance Supreme finally spoke: "Not long ago, the 5 subordinate forces under the Netherworld Overlord suddenly launched attacks, dividing their troops into 5 routes to assault our 7 Domains Alliance."

"Our 3 Profound Chaos Domain is the front line against the Shadow Mastiff Clan, so it's only natural we maintain heightened vigilance."

Eldrin’s expression grew deeply solemn as he asked, “With the 5 great powers joining forces, can our 7 Domains Alliance withstand them?”

"It should be safe."

The Golden Radiance Sovereign spoke with unwavering confidence, a faint smile gracing his lips. "The 7 Domains Alliance is a superpower, fully capable of opposing the Limitless Dominator. As long as the Nether Dominator does not intervene personally, we should be able to maintain our defenses without issue."

Eldrin (Person Name) gave an involuntary nod, having grasped the general situation of the 7 Domains Alliance.

At the heart of the 7 Realms Alliance lay 7 grand Mid-Grade Chaos Domains. These domains were not only guarded by 7 Half-Step Infinite Realm experts, but also boasted over 3 100 Harmony Path Supreme Elders.

如此强大的底蕴，比起一些主宰势力都要更强一份，哪怕是幽冥主宰这一脉的嫡系，恐怕也未必能有这个数量的合道至尊。

Because the 7 Realms Alliance was, in essence, a superpower formed by the alliance of 7 supreme Half-Step Limitless experts.

The 7 Ancestors of the 7 Domains Alliance were each a powerhouse closest to the Chaos Lord. Were it not for the obstruction of the Chaos Lord's path, they would likely have already broken through to the realm of Lordship.

It could be said that the strength of these 7 Elders was truly heaven-defying, each possessing combat prowess capable of facing at least 3 opponents of the same cultivation level.

After the 7 Elders formed an alliance, it attracted numerous top Path Integration experts aspiring to become dominators from within the chaos to join their ranks.

Hence, aside from these 7 supreme Half-Step Eldrins, the 7 Domains Alliance also possessed over 20-some Half-Step Eldrins who had yet to establish a Ruler’s Foundation.

如此强大实力和底蕴，在混沌之中都是极其罕见的，能够与之相比的主宰势力都屈指可数。

Even the main bloodline of the Primordial Myriad Dragon's Lair could only muster a dozen or so Half-Step Wuji experts at most—less than half the number possessed by the 7 Realms Alliance.

It could be said that apart from lacking a Chaos Sovereign, the 7 Realms Alliance surpassed the vast majority of sovereign-level powers in all other aspects of foundational strength.

如此实力和底蕴，也难怪七域联盟敢号称超级势力，与混沌主宰一决高下。

Relying on the super formation of the 7 Domains Alliance, they possessed the capability to confront the Chaos Sovereign.

Moreover, legends say that the 7 Domains Alliance also has the support of certain Chaos Sovereigns, for not all Chaos Sovereigns seek to prevent others from attaining the Dao.

Within the ranks of the Chaos Overlords, there existed those with benevolent hearts and individuals of noble character. Yet their numbers paled in comparison to the Overlords who obstructed the Dao. Thus, they could only extend their discreet aid to the 7 Realms Alliance from the shadows.

"It seems the 7 Domains Alliance has ample confidence."

Eldrin murmured inwardly before speaking aloud, "Since they find it difficult to conquer the 7 Domains Alliance, why waste their efforts coming here?"

"This matter..."

Golden Radiance Supreme pondered briefly before speaking, “If my assumptions are correct, they aim to weaken our strength in preparation for the Primordial Heaven’s Secret Realm?”

Primordial Chaos Realm?

Eldrin (Person Name) froze for a fleeting moment, a trace of astonishment flickering across his expression.

The Golden Radiance Supreme nodded, then spoke, "Once, a Dominator divined and stated plainly that within 300,000 kalpas, a Primordial Chaos Secret Realm would emerge in the vicinity of the 7 Domains Alliance."

"And within the Primordial Hongmeng Realm, traces of the Chaos Supreme Treasure ‘Bell of Chaos’ shall emerge, along with even a sliver of opportunity to break through to the realm of Dominance."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin's expression shifted slightly.

Eldrin was naturally aware of the Chaos Bell, a treasure of primordial chaos.

Within the vast expanse of chaos, Chaos Supreme Treasures were exceedingly rare. According to Nameless' calculations, there should be precisely 9 such artifacts.

There were 3 primordial treasures of creation: the Chaos Pearl (Magic Treasure), the Chaos Cauldron (Magic Treasure), and the Chaos Bell (Magic Treasure).

There are 3 great treasures of the Dao: the Disk of Time and Space, the Chart of True Spirits, and the Tome of the Great Dao.

Then there were the 3 Treasures of Annihilation: 'Blade of Ruin', 'Millstone of Destruction', and 'Abyssal Pearl of the Returning Void'.

Among these 9 Chaos Supreme Treasures, the 3 Creation Treasures symbolize the initial stage of chaos evolution, representing the 3 Primordial Great Daos of the 5 Supreme Ultimates, Chaos, and Primordiality.

The 3 Treasures of the Great Dao represent the power of the boundless spacetime, the eternal true spirit, and the chaotic sea of the Great Dao. However, these 3 treasures have remained elusive without any trace, seemingly all being ownerless objects.

Of the 3 final cataclysmic treasures, the Blade of Annihilation rests in the hands of the Annihilation Overlord. The Millstone of World’s End serves as the congenital supreme treasure of the unnamed Dao Ancestor’s nemesis, the Cataclysmic Sovereign. Meanwhile, the Pearl of Oblivion stands as the congenital supreme treasure of Eldrin (Person Name).

Thus, the 9 supreme Chaos Treasures, beginning with the Chaos Pearl born of the primordial 5 Ultimates and culminating in the Abyssal Pearl embodying the Great Dao of Returning to Nothingness, seemed to resonate with a profound and inscrutable destiny.

However, according to Eldrin (Person Name), those who obtained the 3 Creational Treasures all seemed to have fallen prey to some inexplicable calamity ordained by fate.

The 9 Revolutions Dao Ancestor, wielder of the Chaos Pearl, was afflicted by a curse that compelled him to sever all ties to the '5 Primordial Great Daos,' embarking on a path of physical sanctification through bodily refinement.

The ‘Nameless Dao Ancestor’ who wielded the Chaos Cauldron seemed equally afflicted by the curse. Instead of attaining enlightenment through the Chaos Dao manifested by the 30-6 Primordial Characters, he stepped into the realm of Dao Ancestry via the Immortal Dao.

Logically speaking, had Wu Ming successfully cultivated to become the Soul Dao Sovereign, he might have had a sliver of a chance to break the curse. Yet, due to the Path Obstructors—countless powerful enemies—he was ultimately forced into a deep slumber.

The same fate befell the Destiny Sovereign who had mastered the Chaos Bell. This sovereign met complete demise due to an unknown tribulation, and thus the Chaos Bell has never manifested in the world since.

Now, the Golden Radiance Supreme had informed him that traces of the ‘Chaos Bell’ might lie within the Chaos Realm, leaving Eldrin utterly astonished.

Chaos Bell.

Eldrin murmured inwardly, The reason the Chaos Lords obstructing our path now hold the upper hand is primarily because their side possesses 2 Lords who wield Chaos Supreme Treasures.

In contrast, the factions supporting the younger generation's advancement and those remaining neutral only had the 9 Revolutions Dao Ancestor—a sole wielder of a Chaos Supreme Treasure—leaving their overall strength thoroughly suppressed by the opposition.

After all, even among Chaos Overlords, those who wielded a Chaos Supreme Treasure and those who did not were simply not on the same level of power.

Had it not been for the sneak attack by the Destruction Overlord back then, even if Nameless had failed his breakthrough and suffered grave injuries, he would not have been defeated by a mere handful of Chaos Overlords joining forces.

Indeed, had the nameless Dao Ancestor of old not fallen, the current chaotic landscape would likely not have come to pass.

If Eldrin could obtain the Chaos Bell and retrieve the Nameless 1’s companion treasure, the Chaos Cauldron, then in the future, when he reclaims control over the path of immortality, he would likely be able to completely suppress the Destruction Lord and others.

"It seems that once this Primordial Heaven's Secret Realm emerges, I must also do my utmost."

Eldrin murmured inwardly, then withdrew his thoughts.

He suddenly felt as if he had overlooked something, and his expression shifted slightly. "In the vast chaos, are there truly only 9 Chaos Supreme Treasures?"

Eldrin murmured inwardly, recalling how the nameless Dao Ancestor of antiquity had once divined the mysteries of the primordial treasures, concluding that they comprised 3 treasures of creation, 3 treasures of the Great Dao, and 3 treasures of annihilation—9 primordial treasures in total.

But at this moment, Eldrin felt something was missing—something absolutely crucial.

"Fate, karma, and tribulations are missing."

Eldrin murmured inwardly, his pupils shimmering with profound gravity.

If there was anyone in the primordial chaos capable of making the 3 Fate Sovereigns, who wielded the 3 Creation Treasures, perish without a trace, it could only be these 3 indescribable forbidden powers.

Manipulating fate, toying with causality, commanding the tribulations.

These 3 supreme paths, each capable of leading directly to the Half-Step Primordial Chaos realm—why had the Nameless Daoist Patriarch instinctively overlooked them while deducing the laws of the Chaos Treasure?

Unless the opponent's cultivation realm far surpassed that of a Dominator, causing Nameless Dao Ancestor's power to instinctively overlook them.

And how could Eldrin have perceived this? With his current cultivation level, it should have been impossible for him to detect it—unless his future self had also reached that realm.

"12 Primordial Daos, each capable of reaching the Half-Step Primordial Realm, or even glimpsing the supreme Primordial Realm."

"Now it appears that long before the ancient Chaotic Era, there were predecessors who had already forged ahead, transcending chaos itself—their names absent from the annals of this Chaotic Epoch."

Eldrin (Person Name) pondered inwardly, a flicker of inscrutable emotion surfacing in his gaze.

He now grew curious—just who was that half-step Hongmeng expert said to have fallen in the legendary Land of Solitude, back in the distant Chaos Epoch?

Was it the masterminds behind these 3 Great Daos, or was there someone else?

Without having witnessed it with his own eyes, Eldrin ultimately found it difficult to grasp the full picture through mere speculation.

He withdrew his thoughts and cupped his hands respectfully toward Golden Radiance Supreme. "Many thanks for enlightening me about the mysteries of the Primordial Chaos Realm(Secret Realm), Fellow Daoist."

The Golden Radiance Supreme shook his head, then let out a bitter chuckle. "There's no need to overthink it. The Primordial Chaos Sanctuary holds Chaos Supreme Treasures and opportunities to break through to the Dominator Realm—how could such blessings ever be meant for the likes of us?"

"Although the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm and the Chaos Bell reject Dominators from entering, only permitting Half-Step Infinity cultivators to compete for the opportunity, without strength at the Half-Step Infinity level, entering would merely make 1 cannon fodder."

Eldrin nodded slightly, understanding that what Golden Radiance Supreme had said made perfect sense.

Yet he still offered a faint smile and said, "Even if we cannot obtain the Chaos Bell or the Sovereign’s opportunity, there should be no shortage of lesser opportunities within."

"If we could obtain 1 or 2, we might glimpse the threshold of the Half-Step Boundless realm."

Golden Radiance Supreme couldn't help but nod upon hearing this, a rare flicker of avarice crossing his expression as he said, "Indeed, though it's undoubtedly fraught with extreme peril."

With that said, Golden Radiance Supreme exchanged a few more words with Eldrin (Person Name). Once again confirming Eldrin (Person Name)'s identity was genuine, he spoke, "With the great war now approaching, Fellow Daoist, why not lend your assistance?"

Eldrin (Person Name) pondered briefly before speaking, "Having only recently broken through to the Supreme Realm, I'm afraid I can't be of much assistance."

The Golden Radiance Sovereign did not press the matter upon hearing this, merely stating, “We shall not detain you today. Yet when the war reaches its critical juncture, we will inevitably summon you to join the fray.”

"I understand."

Eldrin gave a slight nod and then bid farewell to Golden Radiance Supreme.

After leaving the 3 Profound Chaos Realm, Eldrin ventured into the depths of the chaos, then released Lyra and the others.

He gave them a brief account of the situation. After listening, Lyra (Person Name) nodded and remarked, "It seems the 7 Domains Alliance won't face major issues for the foreseeable future."

"For now, that does appear to be the case."

Eldrin nodded slightly before speaking, "Yet we must not let our guard down. The Netherworld Sovereign will likely seize this chance to drain the strength of the 7 Domains Alliance, making every preparation to seize the Chaos Bell."

"Even more likely, other Master-level factions might intervene."

At this point, a trace of solemnity surfaced on Eldrin's face.

As a representative of the rogue cultivators in the primordial chaos, the 7 Domains Alliance was a natural ally to Eldrin (Person Name). In fact, Eldrin (Person Name) had a strong suspicion that among the 7 Domains Alliance, there were likely disciples who once followed the Nameless 1.

Once this force could be wielded by him, the chances of seizing the Primordial Chaos Bell within the Primordial Chaos Realm would be greatly enhanced.

If the 7 Domains Alliance suffered heavy losses, then even if Eldrin stepped into the Primordial Chaos Realm, he would likely find himself fighting alone.

Lyra also understood this point and spoke directly, "There's no need for you to dwell on it. Our top priority now is to swiftly enhance our strength."

"Hmm."

Eldrin nodded slightly before speaking, "Let's head back first."

As the words faded, Eldrin led the group away, swiftly returning to the Abyssal Cavern through the power of the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss.

Upon arriving at the Abyssal Ruins Realm, Eldrin immediately sensed something unusual about the realm.

After tens of thousands of kalpas apart, the foundational essence of the Return Abyss Cave Heaven and even the Primordial Chaos Realm had increased by no less than several dozenfold. The primordial qi of heaven and earth had grown so dense it was nearly liquefied.

Thinking of this, Eldrin decisively flew out of the Abyssal Cavern and emerged into the primordial chaos.

He then surveyed his surroundings and realized that the Chaos Realm of the Returning Abyss now gathered 1 100 and 8 primordial domains.

This grand formation, composed of a full 1 100 and 8 primordial domains, continuously drew in and expelled the waters of chaos, transforming them into all manner of rare treasures. It caused the heaven and earth spiritual energy of the Abyssal Primordial Domain to advance by leaps and bounds.

Today, the Primordial Chaos of the Return Abyss had surpassed its capacity to contain the essence of heaven and earth. The excess essence could no longer be held, even flooding the Return Abyss Grotto-Heaven and the Chaos Realm.

"Already over 1 100 Primordial Domains have gathered, with countless others still migrating from distant realms, too far to converge here yet."

At that very moment, the Primordial Dao Ancestor approached, his face beaming with joy as he spoke, "If all goes as planned, within 1 100 1000 kalpas, we shall gather 3 100 Primordial Domains to deploy the Cosmic Chaos Formation."

Eldrin nodded slightly, then turned his gaze toward the Primordial Dao Ancestor. "I see your foundation has reached its peak, fellow daoist. When do you plan to enter seclusion for your breakthrough?"

"It will be within these coming days."

The Primordial Dao Ancestor spoke, a rare smile gracing his lips.

Seeing this, Eldrin gave a slight nod and said, "Let us wait a little longer. I must first succeed in advancing the Primordial Realm of the Returning Abyss."

As the words faded, Eldrin immediately activated the Primordial Domain of Returning Abyss, then drew upon the grand formation to summon boundless chaotic seas, aiding the Primordial Domain in its ascension.

As a major primordial realm, it had witnessed multitudes of Chaos Heavenly Emperors achieving ascension here over the years, etching countless Chaos Daos into its fabric.

After absorbing these Dao marks, the Primordial Abyssal Realm had long met the conditions for ascension, and could even advance all the way to become a large-scale intermediate-grade Primordial Abyssal Realm without any issue.

It was only due to a lack of foundational resources that he had refrained from advancing his cultivation until now.

Now with abundant origin source and the personal guidance of Eldrin, a supreme peak Harmony Path sovereign, the breakthrough progressed as naturally as water flowing downhill.

However, after just over a 100 cosmic kalpas, the Primordial Abyssal Realm had completely undergone its transformation, ascending to become a mid-grade primordial domain.

"Success."

Eldrin recorded the entire ascension process of the Primordial Realm of the Returning Abyss, mending the final shortcomings to advance to the Middle-Grade Primordial Realm. At last, he was confident in fully perfecting the Path of Self-Sacrifice’s realm of the Unity Dao Supreme.

A rare sense of relief washed over him before he spoke, "The Primordial Realm has successfully advanced, and the power of the grand formation here has increased significantly. Fellow Daoist, it is time for you to enter seclusion and make your breakthrough."

A flicker of delight arose in the heart of the Primordial Dao Ancestor. He then cupped his hands toward Eldrin (Person Name) and said, "I am indebted to you, fellow Daoist, for safeguarding my cultivation."

With these final words, the Primordial Dao Ancestor stepped into the great hall and began his secluded cultivation to break through to the realm of Unity Supreme.

The Primordial Dao Ancestor had tempered his foundation within the Spacetime Crucible, his soul cultivation having reached the Half-Step Unity realm. With the assistance of the Unity Elixir to break through his cultivation, his confidence in ascending to the rank of Unity Sovereign originally stood at 50 percent.

Moreover, Eldrin (Person Name) had even used the Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron (Magic Treasure) as the core to set up an auxiliary breakthrough formation, which increased his breakthrough probability by another 20 percent. Thus, his current breakthrough could be considered perilous yet ultimately successful.

However, just a few dozen kalpas later, the Primordial Dao Ancestor achieved a breakthrough in his cultivation, fully stepping into the realm of the Unity Dao Supreme.

Perhaps due to his solid foundation, although the Primordial Dao Ancestor had just broken through to the Integration Realm, his cultivation was significantly stronger than that of the 9 Dragons Nest Lord—even approaching the level of the Blazing Yang Supreme.

Such formidable combat prowess is on par with that of a veteran Supreme.

"Excellent, Fellow Daoist. With your breakthrough into the Harmony Realm this time, the strength of our 100 Domains of the Returned Abyss has increased significantly once more."

Eldrin smiled faintly. After exchanging pleasantries with the Primordial Dao Ancestor, he returned to the Abyssal Grotto-Heaven to begin refining the Path of Self-Sacrifice.

During the time Eldrin perfected the Path of Self-Sacrifice, Qing Ji also broke through to the Supreme Unity Realm with the aid of the Great Chaos Formation.

Her foundational potential was even greater. Having just broken through to the Realm of Unity, her strength already rivaled that of an Otherworldly Demon Emperor.

After Qingji's breakthrough, Lyra (Person Name) began gradually scheming to seize the Great Dao of Pure Yin and Non-Polarity.

Her potential in the Path of Pure Yin was extraordinarily high, forged from the fusion of 5 great Daos: Taiyin, Shaoyin, Xuanyin, Liuyin, and Jiuyin. Should she fully attain the Chaos Realm in all of them, she might even glimpse the pinnacle of Dao Integration.

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 ledge. Below him, a sea of clouds churned, obscuring the treacherous depths of the ravine. He had been climbing for what felt like an eternity, his body pushed to its absolute limit. His mind drifted back to the events of 3 days prior—the humiliating defeat at the hands of his cousin in the clan's annual sparring session, the mocking laughter that had echoed in the training grounds, the cold dismissal in his uncle's eyes. He, Lin Chen, the once-prodigious son of the Lin Family, had been reduced to a mere laughingstock. His cultivation had stagnated at the 4th level of the Body Refinement stage for 3 whole years, a fact that was now the talk of the entire Azure Peak City. "Without strength, 1 is nothing but an ant," he muttered, the words tasting like ash in his mouth. It was a truth he had learned the hard way. With a final, grunting heave, he pulled himself over the precipice and collapsed onto a small, surprisingly level platform. He lay there for a long moment, his chest heaving, drawing in great gulps of the thin, cold air. As his breathing slowly steadied, he pushed himself up and took in his surroundings. The platform was nestled against the cliff face, hidden from view from above and below. And there, almost obscured by thick, ancient vines, was the dark, yawning mouth of a cave. A faint, barely perceptible spiritual energy seemed to emanate from within, causing the air around it to shimmer slightly. His heart hammered against his ribs. This was it. The secret his mother had whispered to him on her deathbed, the family's greatest, most closely guarded secret—the location of the Fallen Star Abyss, a secret realm left behind by their founding ancestor. Steeling his resolve, he parted the vines and stepped inside. The air within was cool and still, thick with the dust of ages. The cave was larger than it had appeared from the outside. Faint, phosphorescent moss provided a dim, ethereal glow, illuminating strange, twisting patterns carved into the walls. He ventured deeper, his footsteps echoing in the profound silence. After several dozen paces, the tunnel opened into a vast, circular chamber. In the center of the chamber, seated cross-legged on a simple stone dais, was a skeleton. Its bones glimmered with a pearlescent sheen, untouched by time. It was clad in robes that, though faded, were of an exquisite make he had never seen before. Before the skeleton, on the dusty stone floor, lay 3 objects. The first was a small, unadorned jade slip, its surface smooth and cool to the touch. The second was a simple, grey pouch made of a strange, leathery material—a Storage Pouch (Magic Treasure). The third was a sword. It was sheathed in a plain, dark scabbard, but Lin Chen could feel the immense, restrained power radiating from it. He instinctively knew its name, whispered to him by the very energy in the room: the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure). With trembling hands, he reached for the jade slip. The moment his fingers made contact, a flood of information surged directly into his mind. It was a cultivation manual. Not the basic, commonplace "Azure Cloud Art" practiced by his clan, but something infinitely more profound and powerful—the "9 Revolutions Starsoul Codex." The introductory lines alone were enough to make his soul shudder. "The stars are the souls of the cosmos. To refine the stars is to refine the heavens themselves..." He spent an unknown amount of time simply standing there, absorbing the foundational knowledge. The "9 Revolutions Starsoul Codex" was divided into 9 major stages, each more earth-shattering than the last. It spoke of condensing stellar essence within the dantian, of forging a body and soul capable of withstanding the very power of creation. Finally, he turned his attention to the Storage Pouch. Following the basic method described in the jade slip, he channeled a wisp of his meager spiritual power into it. His consciousness slipped inside. His breath caught. The space within was far larger than he had imagined—a small room of about 10 cubic meters. And within that space, piled high, were glittering, palm-sized stones that pulsed with pure, concentrated spiritual energy. Spirit stones! He quickly made a rough count. There were stacks and stacks of them. His mind raced, performing the calculation. There had to be at least 32,000 spirit stones here. It was a fortune beyond his wildest dreams. The entire Lin Family's annual income was likely only a few 1000 spirit stones. This was enough to support a cultivator for... for countless years. Alongside the mountain of spirit stones were several jade bottles. He willed 1 into his hand. It was cool and heavy. Pulling out the stopper, a rich, herbal fragrance immediately filled the cavern, so potent that the spiritual energy in the air seemed to grow denser. Inside were a dozen or so dragon-eye-sized pills, crimson in color, with a faint, golden swirl at their center—the legendary Golden Marrow Pills (Elixir), famed for their unparalleled efficacy in cleansing the marrow and strengthening the bones. For a long time, Lin Chen simply sat in the silent chamber, the jade slip in 1 hand and a Golden Marrow Pill in the other. The despair and bitterness that had festered in his heart for 3 years began to melt away, replaced by a blazing, resolute fire. He looked at the luminous skeleton of his ancestor, a figure from a bygone era of legends, and then back at the treasures laid before him. His path was clear. He kowtowed deeply, his forehead touching the cold stone floor 3 times. "Ancestor," he whispered, his voice firm and clear in the stillness. "Your unworthy descendant, Lin Chen, offers his gratitude. This inheritance will not be wasted. I will not bring shame to your name." 1 100 years had passed in the blink of an eye within the cultivation world. Azure Peak City had seen the rise and fall of many clans. The Lin Family, after a period of decline, had recently shown signs of a resurgence, thanks to a new, talented generation. Deep within the forbidden grounds of the Lin Estate, in a secluded meditation chamber shrouded in protective formations, a young man sat in profound stillness. It was Lin Chen. His form was surrounded by a swirling vortex of spiritual energy so dense it was nearly visible to the naked eye. Countless depleted spirit stones lay around him, their light faded to grey, like a circle of dead insects. The spiritual energy from tens of thousands of stones had been completely absorbed. Suddenly, the energy in the room shuddered. The vortex collapsed inwards, pouring into his body with a sound like a roaring tide. His eyes snapped open. 2 beams of piercing starlight shot from his pupils, illuminating the dark chamber for a brief instant before fading. He exhaled slowly, and the air itself seemed to crackle with released power. He had finally done it. After 1 100 years of secluded cultivation, after consuming all 32,000 spirit stones and every last 1 of the Golden Marrow Pills, he had broken through the final bottleneck. The Foundation Establishment stage was now beneath him. He was a Golden Core (Cultivation Realm) cultivator. A faint, sharp smile touched his lips. It was time to return.