Chapter 1654 : A Gathering of Ancient Powers

Seeing this, Energy Abyss Chen could not help but speak, "Facing two opponents alone, the Seventh True Successor of the Celestial Net Ancient Sect possesses such formidable power?"

"It is difficult to say for certain," Eldrin Chen replied slowly. "After all, it is a Great Encompassing Ancient Sect. Since Song Luo dares to engage two foes at once, he likely has significant confidence in his abilities."

"That is true."

Exquisite Jiang nodded with a slight smile. "The Heavenly Dragon Grotto-Heaven is newly established. Apart from the Western Abyss Dragon King, it only has a few Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators who have nearly ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm]. As long as he does not personally intervene, Song Luo should have little to fear."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen also nodded in agreement.

What he did not know was that the Human Race had originally planned to place three pieces on the board within the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea, with one of them being Unfettered Great Center from the Taiyang Clan.

At that time, with eight transcendent powers placing their pieces in the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea, the Human Race would have held four of them. This could have allowed them to completely suppress the Demonic and Divine Clans and be the first to break the stalemate, giving rise to several Celestial Immortal Great Power [powerful beings who have ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm].

Unfortunately, due to Eldrin Chen's presence, Unfettered Great Center chose to avoid a direct confrontation, steering clear of such a Peerless Prodigy. This resulted in one fewer Primordial Era Immortal Clan placing a piece, a fact that nearly made Song Luo curse aloud in frustration.

Unaware of these machinations, Eldrin Chen nodded slightly and said, "Since the situation is gradually becoming clearer, it is time for us to seek an opportunity to act and obtain Path Source [the foundational essence of a cultivation path]."

As this thought drifted through his mind, Eldrin Chen was about to attempt entering the fray when he noticed countless streams of light streaking across the heavens and earth.

"Whoosh—"

In that very instant, a sound of something tearing through the air suddenly came from the distant horizon.

Everyone looked up and saw several streaks of radiant light cleaving across the vast sky from the horizon's edge.

The leader, clad in a profound black robe, strode through the air and looked down upon the assembly with a detached gaze. "Is this the Returning Abyss Sea Region [the vast oceanic territory ruled by Eldrin Chen]?" he asked.

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen surmised their purpose. A glint of Slaughter Intent [a palpable, murderous will to kill] flashed in his eyes as he replied, "It is."

"Then there is no mistake."

With those words, the man declared, "I am the Third Divine Scion [a title for a prodigious young master of a major power] of the Western Essence Grotto-Heaven [a powerful immortal sect]. Today, I have come to claim your wretched life."

No sooner had he spoken than the Third Divine Scion of Western Essence made his move. He summoned a dazzling pagoda that soared into the sky and descended with crushing force towards the Mountain Protection Formation [a powerful defensive array that shields a mountain or sect].

Behind him, three Divine Spirits [powerful beings who have ascended to a high level of cultivation, embodying divine power] from the Primordial Unity Realm [a profound cultivation stage where one's spirit merges with primordial cosmic principles] also acted. They unleashed their Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural technique] and hurled their Immortal Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact used by high-level immortals] against the Mountain Protection Formation.

Yet, the Mountain Protection Formation of the Returning Abyss Sea Region proved truly extraordinary. Despite the assault from all four attackers, it remained unbroken, its defensive power barely diminished.

"A turtle's shell."

After dozens of consecutive strikes, seeing that he could not breach the Mountain Protection Formation [a defensive array that shields a mountain or territory], the Third Divine Scion of Western Essence [a title for a prodigious cultivator from the Western Essence Grotto-Heaven] said with a cold glint in his eyes, "To be able to set up such a grand formation, it seems preparations were made long in advance."

"It appears my father's guess was correct. Leaving you alive would inevitably become a calamity."

As his words fell, the Third Divine Scion of Western Essence looked into the depths of the void and declared, "Esteemed ones, this That upstart Eldrin possesses extraordinary talent. Once he steps into the Half-Step Celestial Immortal Realm [a transitional state just below the true Celestial Immortal realm], the cost to slay him will increase tenfold."

"If we do not act now, when will we?"

"The Third Divine Scion speaks true."

The void fell into a brief silence before thirteen figures stepped forth through the air, their gazes gleaming with Slaughter Intent [a palpable intent to kill].

Eldrin Chen looked up and recognized several familiar faces among them.

They were the Central Bulwark Earth Divine Spirit, the Extinction Thunder God, the Celestial Prison Clan Patriarch, and two powerful experts from the White Tiger Clan: the Western Metal Patriarch and the Grand Elder of the Western Metal Blessed Land [a sacred land imbued with the power of the Metal element]. Additionally, there was a prodigy from the Dragon Clan, precisely the Third Prince of the Heavenly Dragon Grotto-Heaven [a celestial realm inhabited by heavenly dragons].

As for the remaining seven, Eldrin Chen did not recognize them, but he discerned that they all seemed to be prodigies of the Human Race.

However, Violet Mystery Path Master [a senior cultivator known for his profound knowledge] was well-informed and recognized the identities of several individuals. He could not help but speak, "The four on the left are the Second Holy Scion [the second-ranked direct disciple] of the Divine Abyss Grotto-Heaven [a sacred realm of cultivation], along with the Third Elder, the Ninth Elder, and the Fourteenth Elder."

"The three Human Race cultivators on the right are the Heaven Grain Path Master [a master of the heavenly grain cultivation path], the Netherfire True Lord [a lord who commands netherworld flames], and the Eternal Dawn Path Master [a master of the eternal dawn path]. Among these three, the Netherfire True Lord is a veteran Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator who has almost ascended to the celestial immortal realm] whose reputation shakes the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea [a vast and perilous sea region]. The other two have only recently advanced to this level."

"If my conjecture is correct, they are most likely being supported by the Longevity Sun Clan [a powerful clan renowned for its longevity techniques]."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a formidable sword cultivator] could not help but feel his expression grow even colder.

He looked at the assembled crowd and spoke, his voice carrying clearly, "The encirclement by the Demonic and Divine Clans [alliances of demonic cultivators and divine beings] was something I anticipated."

"But you seven are of the Human Race. Instead of uniting against external threats, you also choose to move against me. Does this not chill the heart?"

Above in the void, the seventeen Half-Step Celestial Immortal cultivators could not help but reveal faint smiles at his words.

The Second Holy Scion from the Divine Abyss Grotto-Heaven glanced at the others and said, "The Violet Mystery Path Master, the Heaven Abyss Path Master [a master of the heavenly abyss path], the Seven Mystery Path Master [a master of the seven mysteries path], the Glazed Divine Lord [a divine lord with a title referencing glazed perfection], and the Blazeflame Divine Spirit [a divine spirit embodying blazing flames] from the Divine Clan [a clan of divine beings]."

"That makes five portions of Path Source [the condensed essence and origin of a cultivator's chosen path, a supremely valuable treasure]. How should we distribute them among ourselves?"

The Third Holy Scion of Western Essence Grotto-Heaven [the third-ranked direct disciple of the Western Essence sacred realm] nodded slightly, then spoke with a smile, "The Returning Abyss Path Master [Eldrin Chen's title, meaning 'Master of the Returning Abyss Path'] possesses extraordinary talent. After his Path dissolves [a term for a cultivator's death and the release of their cultivated essence], the resulting essence should be comparable to a Supreme-Grade Path Source [the highest quality of Path Source]."

"But with only six, there won't be enough for all of us to share."

"My Western Essence Grotto-Heaven [a mystical realm of profound cultivation] demands two."

"Our Divine Abyss Grotto-Heaven [another powerful and ancient cultivation realm] is also entitled to two."

Western Metal Patriarch [a venerable patriarch associated with the Metal element] gave a faint smile, stroking his beard as he spoke. "This old man can forgo the Path Source [a primordial source of power tied to one's cultivation path]. However, I desire the two cauldrons in his possession: the Black Dragon [a cauldron forged with the essence of a mighty black dragon] and the Crimson Dragon [a cauldron imbued with the power of a fierce crimson dragon]."

Seeing this, Extinction Thunder God [a deity of devastating thunder] nodded slightly. "If you, Fellow Daoist, assist me in seizing the Path Source from Violet Mystery Path Master [a master of the Violet Mystery cultivation path], I shall bestow the Azure Dragon Ancient Cauldron [an ancient, legendary cauldron forged with Azure Dragon essence] upon you."

Western Metal Patriarch let out a hearty laugh, stroking his beard once more. "The Azure Dragon Ancient Cauldron is of little use to you. Yet, by trading it for Violet Mystery's Path Source, you can achieve the Dual Primordial Unity Foundation [a supreme foundational cultivation art of unparalleled harmony]. Your calculations are indeed shrewd."

"Since that is the case, this old man agrees to your terms."

Having said this, Western Metal Patriarch turned his gaze towards Central Bulwark Earth Divine Spirit [a divine spirit embodying the unyielding essence of the central earth].

Noticing the look, Central Bulwark Earth Divine Spirit's expression shifted slightly as he spoke. "If you, Fellow Daoist, are willing to exchange a single World-Opening Supreme Treasure [a treasure of such power it is said to have helped shape the world] for it, this item can certainly be handed over to you."

"Agreed."

Western Metal Patriarch [a title for a powerful patriarch associated with the Metal element] nodded, a faint smile gracing his features.

Once the Five Dragon Ancient Cauldron [an ancient, legendary cauldron artifact] was made whole again, it would grant him an additional Primordial Unity Immortal Treasure [a supreme-grade immortal artifact of primordial origin].

Although the Western Metal Patriarch himself possessed Primordial Unity Immortal Weapon [weapons of the same supreme primordial grade], even a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a mighty cultivator who has ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm] would never refuse more of such treasures.

Moreover, the Nine Dragon Ancient Cauldron was, after all, the former treasure of the legendary Crimson Sun Heavenly God. Legend held that once the Nine Dragon Ancient Cauldron was fully restored, it would reveal the location of the lost legacy of the Crimson Sun Heavenly God—a prize that would stir the heart of even a Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has transcended the mortal realm].

The remaining figures, such as the Celestial Prison Clan Patriarch and the Netherfire True Lord, also wore faint smiles as they preemptively divided the spoils they would claim from their opponents, clearly not deeming the besieged group a threat.

"Damnation! You dare treat us as nothing!"

Within the protective Formation [a defensive or offensive array powered by spiritual energy], seeing the several Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators on the verge of breaking through to the Celestial Immortal realm] treating them as prey to be divided even before the battle began, the defenders' faces twisted with fury.

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] wore a face like thunder, his eyes icy cold as he spoke, "You may outnumber us, but do not grow too arrogant."

"We are shielded by this Formation, and have 'five' Half-Step Celestial Immortal standing guard. What can you possibly do to us?"

"Hahaha!"

Upon the Heavenly Vault, the assembled figures erupted into raucous laughter.

The Second Holy Scion of the Divine Abyss Grotto-Heaven wore a sneer of cold amusement. Gripping a celestial sword, he slashed through the air, causing the Mountain Protection Formation to tremble violently, its radiance scattering chaotically. "A jest," he declared.

"We are over a dozen Half-Step Celestial Immortals [cultivators who have nearly ascended to the celestial realm], our combined strength more than triple yours. Moreover, several among us possess the Dual Primordial Unity Foundation [a profound cultivation method that harmonizes two primordial essences] and have brought 'great slaying weapons'."

"Do not speak of you; even a cultivator with the Triple Primordial Unity Foundation [an even rarer and more powerful cultivation method harmonizing three essences], if surrounded, would find only death."

The Third Divine Scion of the Western Essence Grotto-Heaven also sneered coldly. "To deal with you, we need not shatter your formation entirely. We need only breach a temporary gap, enter the array, and slaughter you all."

"Regardless of your struggles, this battle is a dead end for you."

"You..."

Witnessing this scene, Eldrin Chen's face flushed slightly, a clear sign of his inner turmoil. Faced with this hopeless situation, his heart was anything but calm, roiling with indignation and bitter resentment.

His expression one of towering rage and shock, he spoke with furious intensity, "You petty villains! To deal with a junior like myself, you not only bully the weak with your greater strength but also gang up to besiege me. You have utterly no shame!"

"How I hate this! If only I were granted another ten thousand years, I would surely cut every last one of you down!"