Chapter 1686 : Heaven Shatters, Immortal Staff Falls

Within the Great Desert Celestial Sands Domain [a vast and desolate region of shifting sands and celestial phenomena], atop the Ancient Temple [a sacred and time-worn structure], chaos reigned, shaking heaven and earth, causing the Starry River to tremble and sway.

A battle of unprecedented antiquity erupted. Celestial beings and gods shed their blood, and even the divine mountain of Antiquity-Tracing was pierced through. A single sweep from an Immortal Iron Staff [a staff forged from immortal-grade iron, possessing immense power] cracked the Heavenly Domain [a higher plane of existence]. Finally, a streak of radiant light pierced through the heavens and the earth, vanishing into the farthest reaches of the firmament.

"A spatial Exotic Treasure [a rare and powerful artifact with unique properties]!"

"Do not let him escape!"

"..."

In the Western Pole Heavenly Domain, beyond the Venus Mountain Range, a great battle still raged on. Yet, the Mountain Protection Formation [a defensive array protecting the mountains] was already on the verge of collapse, trembling precariously.

The celestial vein of Venus gathered the direct disciples and heirs from the Venus Grotto-Heaven, the Wind Cloud Path Palace, the Long Geng Sword Sect, and the Primordial Solar Grotto-Heaven. More than one hundred Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators who have ascended halfway to the Celestial Immortal realm] stood guard here, among them existences who had reached the realm of Triple Primordial Unity Foundation [a profound cultivation foundation that unifies three primordial energies].

However, their opponent was far too powerful. The Tai Cang Imperial Scion, as a Path Tribulation Protagonist [a figure destined to be a central player in great cosmic tribulations], after subduing the Holy Scion of the White Tiger Grotto-Heaven and two direct heirs from the Demon Race, commanded a force whose power could no longer be spoken of in the same breath as before.

The current Demon God Alliance had already gathered six major powers: the Tai Cang Branch, the Golden Radiance Grotto-Heaven, the White Tiger Grotto-Heaven, the Ancient Dragon Turtle Clan, the Blazing Sun Divine Clan, and the Golden-Winged Ancient Clan.

These six powers alone boasted more than two hundred Half-Step Celestial Immortal, completely overwhelming and suppressing the defenses of the Venus Mountain Range.

Even with the strenuous support of the four major Human Race powers, they were gradually becoming unable to hold the line.

"The grand Formation [a complex array of energy channels and symbols used for defense, attack, or cultivation] is about to shatter."

Hidden within the void, the group watched as the Formation grew increasingly unstable, on the verge of collapse. Energy Abyss Chen could not help but voice his observation.

Eldrin Chen's expression remained unchanged, though a glint of cold light flashed in his eyes. "Wait for the opportune moment," he said, his voice steady. "We shall strike together."

Just as they were communicating, amidst the Divine Beast [a powerful beast with innate spiritual power and often divine ancestry] horde, over a dozen World-Ending Cannon [cataclysmic siege weapons of immense destructive power] fired in unison. The grand Formation protecting the Venus Mountain Range could withstand no more. In that instant, it shattered with a thunderous roar.

"My fellow cultivators," a voice boomed, "the day to crush the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of conflict and upheaval foretold by fate] has arrived!"

The moment the grand Formation broke, a figure of immense, majestic stature strode forward.

He was clad in crimson-gold battle armor, gripping a scarlet spear. His aura and bearing were peerless, unmatched in grace and power.

"That is Tai Cang Imperial Scion,"

Song Luo said, his face etched with extreme gravity.

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw the Tai Cang Imperial Scion gripping a crimson spear, thrusting it forward as he charged at the forefront, leading the assault deep into the heart of the Venus Mountain Range.

Almost simultaneously, hundreds of streaks of light soared into the sky from both sides, all of them Peerless Prodigy at the Half-Step Celestial Immortal Realm.

Eldrin Chen scanned the scene and realized that the number of those who had established a Triple Primordial Unity Foundation was already close to twenty.

It seemed that since the outbreak of the Path Tribulation [a cataclysmic trial faced by cultivators], not only had the members of the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance seen their cultivation advance by leaps and bounds, but these opponents before them had also seized significant Opportunity and Fortune.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen delayed no longer. Acting according to the agreed plan, he instantly joined the fray.

In that very moment, over seventy Half-Step Celestial Immortal experts from the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance surged onto the battlefield, their arrival dramatically shifting the balance of the entire conflict.

"I knew you would come."

Yet, at that same instant, a calm, detached voice echoed across the field.

From amidst the ranks of the Demonic and Divine Clans, another figure stepped forth. Clutching a black-and-gold Heavenly Halberd [a polearm of immense divine power], he launched his attack directly at Eldrin Chen.

"Hmm?"

Eldrin Chen's gaze sharpened. Given his record of slaying a Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm], he was surprised anyone would dare face him directly.

In response, he struck back, the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a primordial weapon of immense destructive power] crashing down to meet his opponent in an instant.

After three consecutive exchanges, Eldrin Chen took half a step back. Only then did he see the man clearly—a cascade of black hair, his features nearly identical to those of the Tai Cang Imperial Scion [the heir to the vast and ancient Tai Cang lineage].

"Tai Cang Imperial Scion?"

Song Luo, witnessing this, was momentarily stunned before exclaiming in utter astonishment, "Impossible. If you are the Tai Cang Imperial Scion, then who is that other one?"

"We are both the Tai Cang Imperial Scion,"

the black-armored figure replied calmly, his gaze resting lightly on Eldrin Chen. "To withstand three of my strikes without faltering... you are indeed worthy of being the Human Race's Path Tribulation Protagonist [the fated champion destined to lead humanity through its greatest trials]."

Eldrin Chen's expression remained unchanged. After a careful appraisal of the Tai Cang Imperial Scion, he nodded. "You have transcended the Nine Tribulations [the pinnacle of tribulation cultivation]. Your power has already entered the Forbidden Domain [a legendary realm of power where normal laws of cultivation no longer apply]."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of those present shifted dramatically.

The black-armored Tai Cang Imperial Scion before them had attained power within the Forbidden Domain, and the crimson-armored one was not far behind. This level of strength was utterly beyond their expectations.

With this thought, Song Luo looked towards Eldrin Chen and asked, "Are you confident?"

"Leave it to me."

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly, and with a single stride, he swung the Chaos Heaven Halberd in his hand towards his foe.

The battlefield was currently a chaotic stalemate. Seeing this, the others immediately charged into the fray, pushing towards the Central heart of the conflict.

The black-armored Tai Cang Imperial Scion did not hinder their departure. He watched Eldrin Chen with utter composure and stated, "Even with them, this battle is beyond salvation."

"All I need to do is hold you here. The Crimson Emperor's scion is more than enough to sweep away all opposition."

As Eldrin Chen brandished the Chaos Heaven Halberd and clashed fiercely with him high upon the Heavenly Vault, these words made him realize this Tai Cang Imperial Scion was not one person, but two: the Crimson Emperor's scion and the Black Emperor's scion, together known as the Twin Imperial Scions of Tai Cang.

They were Divine Descendants [beings born with immense divine potential] conceived and born together, their innate talent and brilliance nearly identical, their combat prowess both having reached the Ten Tribulations Realm.

Previously, the Tai Cang Crimson Emperor's Scion alone had already swept through the Six Harmonies and Eight Desolations, displaying the awe-inspiring might of a Path Tribulation Protagonist [a figure destined to challenge and overcome great cosmic tribulations]. Now, with the Black Emperor's scion joining the fray, he too revealed transcendent battle strength.

Realizing this, Eldrin Chen replied with serene indifference, "The Ten Tribulations Realm, is it?"

The Chaos Heaven Halberd [a legendary weapon of immense destructive power] cleaved through all resistance, its force carrying the power to Oblivion [utterly erase and annihilate] all things as it swept across the battlefield. It struck with such overwhelming might that it sent the Tai Cang Black Emperor's Scion [the direct descendant of the Black Emperor of the Tai Cang lineage] hurtling through the air.

"This alone is not enough!"

"*Cough*—"

The Tai Cang Black Emperor's Scion spat blood as he was sent flying, his face etched with utter shock and disbelief.

He could never have imagined that in a direct clash of power, he would find himself at such an absolute disadvantage.

With his forbidden combat prowess at the Ten Tribulations Domain level, he had already shattered the Extreme Path Barrier [the theoretical limit of power for a given cultivation realm] of the Celestial Immortal Realm [the realm of Celestial Immortals]. He feared not even those at the Third Heaven Celestial Immortal Realm [the third major stage within the Celestial Immortal realm]. Yet, against Eldrin Chen, he had already suffered a grievous setback.

"The Forbidden Domain [a legendary state of power that transcends normal cultivation limits]? And one at its very peak?"

The Tai Cang Black Emperor's Scion muttered inwardly, a chill flashing in his eyes.

He had believed that within this Vast Azure Immortal Domain [the name of a vast immortal realm], only figures like the Void Holy Son, the Golden Crow Imperial Scion, and a handful of other Imperial Scion Level Figure [prodigies from ancient sects with power comparable to imperial descendants] from the ancient sects could possibly touch the pinnacle of the Forbidden Domain.

He never expected that Eldrin Chen would now display combat power approaching that of a top-tier forbidden prodigy.

Since the era of Antiquity-Tracing [the legendary spear-wielding great emperor], how many individuals across the vast expanse of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain [the primary immortal realm where the story unfolds] have managed to cultivate a Forbidden Domain [a supreme, nearly mythical state of power within a cultivation realm] while still within the Primordial Unity Realm [a foundational stage of cultivation focused on unifying one's essence]?

"Die!"

As these thoughts flickered through his mind, Eldrin Chen once more channeled the power of the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a divine weapon capable of sundering the heavens] and brought it cleaving down with devastating force, smashing his opponent aside in a spray of divine blood.

A wound imbued with the power of Indestructibility [a supreme law representing unyielding permanence and resistance to decay] was carved into his divine form, driving him to the brink of madness.

"An Imperial Scion shall not be humiliated!"

In that instant, Tai Cang Black Emperor's Scion [the descendant of the Black Emperor from the Tai Cang lineage] roared with fury.

Gripping his Heavenly Halberd [a polearm of celestial might], he soared into the air and summoned a dazzling Immortal Sword [a sword forged with immortal power]. Its energy surged, activating a Six Harmonies [a powerful formation based on the harmony of six directions or elements] as he launched a devastating slash aimed directly at Eldrin Chen.

"An Innate Ancient Sword?"

A chill shot through Eldrin Chen's brow. Without hesitation, he summoned his own Innate Brute Beast Ancient Sword [a primordial sword embodying the savagery of ancient beasts]. It transformed into a beam of Slaughter [a divine ability focused on pure, overwhelming destruction] and shot forth to meet the attack.

The Innate Ancient Sword [a sword born from the primal laws of the world, not forged by mortal hands] unleashed by Tai Cang Black Emperor's Scion was named the Innate Obsidian Fiend Sword [the Primal Black Fiend Sword], a weapon peerless in its Slaughter [destructive] intent. Yet, the ferocious aura emanating from Eldrin Chen's Innate Brute Beast Sword [Primal Savage Beast Sword] was even more overwhelming, gradually seizing the upper hand in their clash.