Chapter 1708 : Variables

"What a formidable opponent."

In the brief moment they crossed blows, Jiang Daoxu immediately sensed an overwhelming pressure bearing down upon him.

His brow furrowed slightly as he channeled the Taixu Sword Art, causing an arcane-grade divine ability to reappear in the mortal realm.

The Sword Severs the 9 Heavens.

In an instant, a sword intent capable of severing all things tore through the heavens, slashing toward the Solar Golden Bell and violently hurling it backward.

The Golden Crow Emperor Yang showed no fear whatsoever. With a mere flick of his sleeve, he unfurled a golden divine barrier, blocking the strike completely.

"Unbreakable Golden Aegis?"

Witnessing this, the Pure Sun Saint Son remarked with a flicker of astonishment in his gaze, "This Unbreakable Golden Aura is the ultimate defensive divine ability of the Golden Crow Cave Heaven. I never imagined he had already mastered it."

Luo Ming also nodded in agreement, remarking, "Having cultivated the Unbreakable Golden Aegis, he has already established an invincible position. I fear none of us alone would be capable of subduing him."

"Then allow me to have a try."

Eldrin's voice fell as he raised his palm to suppress the past.

In an instant, a colossal hand of chaos blotted out the heavens, descending with overwhelming force to suppress the Solar Golden Crow.

Witnessing this, Jiang Taixu sheathed his Innate Sword of Slaughter, refraining from joining forces with Eldrin (Person Name) against their foe.

"Perfect timing."

Seeing Eldrin's strike incoming, the Solar Golden Crow gripped the Solar Golden Bell and smashed it forward. A violent collision erupted with the Primordial Chaos Giant Hand, and then he strode through the void, unexpectedly closing in directly toward Eldrin himself.

This astonished Eldrin, who never expected anyone would still dare to engage him in close-quarters combat.

But in the fleeting moment of that thought, it vanished just as quickly. Eldrin exchanged a palm strike with his opponent in a mere flick of his sleeve, instantly feeling a violent tremor in his tiger’s mouth as a surge of immense primordial Yang energy rushed forth.

Under the divine might of this innate Primordial Yang energy, even the Innate Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body felt immense pressure.

Left with no alternative, Eldrin redirected a portion of the residual force. Yet as the aftershock of the strike dissipated, he watched in astonishment as layer upon layer of fissures were ruthlessly torn open across the void.

Innate Golden Crow Divine Body.

Eldrin (Person Name) felt astonishment surge within his heart, instantly realizing that this Solar Crow Emperor had taken the same perilous choice as he did.

By risking the increase of his heavenly tribulations to prematurely cultivate an Innate Physique, it was evident that the Golden Crow Emperor Sun was a being of immense pride and ambition, harboring the desire to dominate the entire Vastsky Immortal Realm.

"Your Innate Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body is no different in this regard."

The Solar Emperor Jinwu spoke unhurriedly. With a flick of his sleeve, he summoned a divine spear blazing like the sun, hurling it through the skies toward Eldrin.

Eldrin raised the Chaos Heavenly Halberd to block, instantly feeling an astonishing force surge toward him.

After attaining the Innate Physique, the Golden Crow Solar Emperor's combat prowess had transcended a certain threshold, surpassing even the former Great Azure Emperor Yang in power.

Eldrin was only using 50 percent of his power against the enemy, yet he could no longer match the divine might of this Golden Crow Imperial Sun, finding himself at an absolute disadvantage.

The Golden Crow Solar Emperor had already sensed this. Without delay, he spurred the Solar Godspear into a relentless assault. Each strike descended with the force to shatter celestial realms, aimed at sealing Chen Nian’s fate.

"If this is all you have to offer, then leave your life here today."

The Golden Crow Emperor Sun roared with laughter, his Solar God Spear growing ever more ferocious in its assault.

Eldrin's brow furrowed slightly as he reluctantly raised his power to 60-5 percent—the absolute limit he could currently muster without risking the collapse of his Dao Fruit.

At that time, he only had his own strength to rely on, so he dared not push it to the limit.

Fortunately, 60-5 percent of his power was enough to barely withstand the Golden Crow Emperor Sun, granting him the strength to engage in a climactic battle.

High above in the firmament, the assembled experts were locked in fierce combat. Jiang Taixu also sensed the issue with Eldrin (Person Name) and immediately moved to intervene, only to be intercepted by Lyra (Person Name).

But then Lyra sent a voice transmission: "Once he unleashes his full power, even he cannot control that strength. It may very well harm those who come to his aid. You need not worry."

Witnessing this, Jiang Taixu had no choice but to abandon his intention to intervene, redirecting his focus to the formidable foe before him. This battle represented the pinnacle confrontation within the Qingcang Immortal Domain, where over 60 percent of the supreme combat forces from both the human and demon races had converged.

Among the demon race alone, there were 3 Tribulation Chosen: Golden Crow Emperor Sun, 5-Colored Immortal Phoenix, and Zhu Yan Imperial Son. The human race, however, was not to be outdone.

At this moment, Lyra faced the 5-Colored Phoenix, Jiang Taixu battled fiercely with the Scion of the Zhu Yan, while the remaining Celestial 9-Tailed Fox stood alone against the Pure Yang Scion. Opposing them were 6 individuals: Feng Wuji, Chen Qiyuan, Kael, Seraphina Qu, and Qing Ji.

This caused the 9-Tailed Celestial Fox's expression to change drastically as she said with a bitter smile, "If none of you lend a hand, I'm afraid this humble sister will have to depart immediately."

"Why the rush, Sister 9-Tails?"

At that very moment, a dozen or so figures emerged beyond the Taixu Mountain Range, treading gracefully through the void.

These individuals were all peerless prodigies of the demon race, led by 3 prominent figures—2 men and 1 woman—each having ascended to the forbidden realm of supreme genius.

Bifang Imperial Son, Peacock Immortal Maiden, Suanni Imperial Son.

"How could it possibly be you?"

The Pure Sun Saint Son’s expression shifted drastically at the sight, and he exclaimed in alarm.

Hearing this, the crowd felt a stir of astonishment in their hearts. Among these individuals, the Eldrin was the foremost prodigy of the Eldrin Demon Realm, while the Peafowl Immortal and the Suanni both hailed from the Great Luo Demon Vein beyond the Vast Azure Immortal Realm.

Most crucially, they all underwent their tribulations in the Central Ancestral Domain. With the 3 races—humans, demons, and celestials—currently embroiled in a chaotic war there, how could they possibly appear here today?

"Surprised?"

Emperor Bi Fang’s son smiled faintly and spoke slowly, “In this Dao Tribulation, far too many heaven-favored prodigies have emerged among the human race. They have already gained the power to sweep through the tribulation with overwhelming force.”

"Our demon race and the Eldrin (Person Name) reached an agreement in advance to eradicate the human race."

Hearing this, the hearts of all present sank slightly, while Eldrin’s grew even heavier.

In this tribulation, the human race of the Qingcang Immortal Realm originally only had 2 figures of the Calamity Protagonist caliber: the Son of the Ziwei Emperor and Taiyang Wuji.

However, the rise of the Chen Immortal Clan brought 2 new protagonists of the Dao Tribulation caliber to the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance: Lyra and Eldrin.

Moreover, Jiang Daoxu had also risen to prominence due to the Primordial Inception Qi Sutra of Eldrin (Person Name).

Moreover, with over 20 more experts possessing the 3 Taiyi Foundations from the Guixu Immortal Alliance, it could be said that Eldrin's presence had boosted the human race's strength by at least 40 to 50 percent.

It could be said that, thanks to Eldrin's presence, the human race had gained 3 additional figures of Dao Calamity Protagonist caliber.

5 Dao Tribulation protagonists, along with several dozen 3 Taiyi Foundation experts, had already made the demon and god races feel an immense threat from this force.

The entire Qiangcang Celestial Domain knew full well that should the demon race be defeated in this war, the divine race would likely be powerless to turn the tide. Those who had already severed the karmic ties of their heavenly tribulation might still break through to the Celestial Immortal realm and evade the calamity.

But those who failed to sever their tribulations could only await death.

Thus, the demon race of the Central Ancestral Domain reached an agreement with the divine race, permitting 3 Emperor-level descendants of the demon race to enter. Their purpose was to decisively engage in battle, aiming to severely cripple or utterly annihilate the human race's prodigies.

Chapter 1 The Azure Cloud Sect's recruitment ceremony had just concluded. On the vast testing square, a young man in blue robes stood silently, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "Lin Xuan, inferior spiritual root, unqualified!" The deacon's cold announcement still echoed in his ears, each word piercing his heart like a sharp blade. He had traveled a 100 1000 miles, crossing 3 mortal kingdoms, only to receive such an outcome. "Next!" The deacon's impatient voice rang out. Lin Xuan took a deep breath, suppressing the bitterness in his heart, and stepped aside. Just then, a burst of exclamation arose from the crowd. "Look! It's Senior Sister Mu Qingxue!" "Legendary Heavenly Spiritual Root! She has directly been accepted as a personal disciple by the Sect Leader!" Amidst the commotion, a young girl in white robes walked gracefully toward the high platform. Her bearing was transcendent, her aura cold and elegant like an isolated snow lotus. As she passed by Lin Xuan, her gaze briefly swept over him, devoid of any emotion, as if looking at a mere ant. Lin Xuan's heart tightened. He remembered that 3 years ago, in a small mortal town, this girl, covered in wounds, had been rescued by him. At that time, she had tearfully vowed to repay his kindness. But now... He smiled bitterly and shook his head, turning to leave. "Wait." A clear, cold voice sounded. Mu Qingxue stopped in front of him, her delicate hand producing a jade bottle. "This is a Foundation Building Pill (Elixir). Consider it my repayment for your past kindness. From now on, we owe each other nothing." Her tone was indifferent, carrying an unapproachable aloofness. The surrounding disciples erupted into discussion. "A Foundation Building Pill! That’s something even inner sect disciples would fight over!" "This kid is so lucky!" Lin Xuan looked at the jade bottle, then at her cold, flawless face, and suddenly laughed. He reached out and took the jade bottle, but then, under everyone’s disbelieving gazes, he lightly opened his fingers. Clatter— The jade bottle fell to the ground, the Foundation Building Pill (Elixir) rolling out, instantly contaminated with dust. "I, Lin Xuan, may be insignificant, but I’ve never been 1 to accept condescending pity." After saying this, he turned and walked away, his back straight and unyielding. Mu Qingxue’s brows slightly furrowed, then quickly relaxed. To her, this was merely a minor interlude. An ant’s pride was not worth her attention. ... At the foot of the mountain, Lin Xuan found a remote cave. He sat cross-legged, calming his mind, and prepared to attempt cultivation 1 last time. Although he had an inferior spiritual root and could barely absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, he refused to give up. Just as he was about to start practicing, a sharp pain suddenly shot through his consciousness. A mysterious black tower appeared in his mind, its surface covered with dense, obscure runes. "This is... the relic my parents left me?" Lin Xuan was both shocked and bewildered. This black tower had been left to him by his parents before they disappeared. He had never been able to unravel its secrets, but he never expected it would suddenly activate today. A flood of information poured into his mind. "Chaos Heaven Tower (Supreme Treasure), able to refine all things in the world, reverse Yin and Yang, and seize the fortune of heaven and earth..." Following the guidance of the information, Lin Xuan focused his mind and communicated with the black tower. The next moment, his consciousness entered a mysterious space. In the center of the space floated a flickering flame, within which a damaged flying sword was slowly melting. "This is... the low-grade magical artifact I picked up last month!" Lin Xuan’s eyes lit up. He had casually picked up this damaged flying sword, never expecting it to be absorbed by the black tower. Ding— A clear sound rang out as the flying sword completely dissolved, transforming into a stream of pure energy that surged into Lin Xuan’s body. Boom! His cultivation, long stagnant, began to rise at a rate visible to the naked eye. Qi Refinement third layer... Qi Refinement fourth layer... In just a few breaths, he had broken through 2 minor realms! Moreover, the quality of his spiritual power had become exceptionally pure, far surpassing that of ordinary Qi Refinement fourth-level cultivators. "This Chaos Heaven Tower can actually refine magical artifacts and convert them into cultivation!" Lin Xuan was both shocked and overjoyed. With this treasure, what did spiritual roots matter? He took a deep breath, a glint of determination flashing in his eyes. "Mu Qingxue, just you wait. At the next sect recruitment, I will definitely make you look at me in a new light!"