Chapter 1900 : A Divine Emperor's Test

After comprehending the cause and effect of the matter, Eldrin Chen fell into a moment of silent contemplation within his heart.

After all, this Taicang Divine Emperor was a supreme Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the highest echelon of cultivators, rulers of cosmic order]. A poorly chosen answer could invite significant trouble.

Thus, after a whirlwind of thoughts, he ultimately replied truthfully: "Drayan Taicang possesses extraordinary talent. I, recognizing his brilliant prowess, took him under my wing. I was unaware he was Your Majesty's son. It seems my presumption was indeed overstepping."

Upon hearing this, Taicang Divine Emperor's gaze flickered subtly, yet he offered no further comment.

Although a single session of his secluded cultivation often spanned several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of time], he was perfectly aware of the matter concerning Eldrin Chen taking Drayan Taicang as a divine general under his command.

Had he truly wished to prevent it, he would have intervened long ago. His inaction stemmed from the fact that Drayan Taicang viewed Eldrin Chen as the pinnacle he was destined to surpass. Following by Eldrin Chen's side would only aid Taicang's own cultivation journey.

"To have defeated Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, and even the reincarnated form of the Three Souls Emperor Lord... this Eldrin Chen truly possesses exceptional aptitude. He will likely join our ranks in the future," Taicang Divine Emperor mused inwardly, recalling Eldrin Chen's formidable strength.

Finally, with a cordial tone, he spoke aloud: "My purpose in coming today was merely to meet the individual who has earned my youngest son's admiration. Seeing you now, you are indeed extraordinary."

"Take this Seven-Aperture Divine Stone [a mystical stone with seven natural orifices, said to channel profound energies] as a congratulatory gift."

As his words faded, Taicang Divine Emperor flicked his sleeve, sending forth a radiant treasure light.

Eldrin Chen took it and examined it, immediately discovering it was a divine stone with seven apertures, radiating a dazzling Innate Spiritual Light [the primordial, uncreated light of spiritual essence]. He instantly understood this object was likely even more precious than the gift from Taiyang Emperor Lord.

"It is actually a Seven-Aperture Divine Stone [a miraculous stone that can open the seventh Primordial Soul Aperture]! How could Taicang Divine Emperor bear to part with such a treasure?"

In that very moment, many of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the highest realm of immortal cultivation, representing supreme power] present were greatly astonished.

Even Taiyang Emperor Lord was momentarily taken aback, his eyes widening slightly as he remarked with surprise, "I never imagined you, Fellow Daoist, would be willing to part with such a treasure?"

As he spoke, Taiyang Emperor Lord looked at Eldrin Chen and explained, "The Seven-Aperture Divine Stone can assist a Grand Luo Golden Immortal in opening their seventh Primordial Soul Apertures [the fundamental spiritual nodes within a cultivator's Primordial Spirit]. It is a treasure many Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [those at the peak of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] desperately seek but seldom obtain."

Eldrin Chen was inwardly amazed, comprehending the object's origin in an instant.

It turned out the Seven-Aperture Divine Stone contained a power that could transform the mundane into the miraculous, capable of unlocking the seventh Primordial Soul Apertures. It was an exceedingly rare and precious wonder.

Generally, divine stones for opening Primordial Soul Apertures are classified from one to nine apertures. The one-aperture stone holds the lowest value, while the Nine-Aperture Divine Stone [the most potent version of the aperture-opening stone] commands the highest.

A Grand Luo Golden Immortal possesses at least four major Innate Acupoints [the natural spiritual gateways within the body]. For them, stones with fewer than five apertures are essentially useless.

A five-aperture stone is valued at one Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a fundamental, indestructible unit of pure spiritual power]. A six-aperture stone is worth five such Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light. This Seven-Aperture Divine Stone, however, is of extraordinary worth, typically requiring at least thirty Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light to exchange for.

The Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a fundamental, unbreakable essence of creation] is exceedingly rare. Apart from what can be obtained upon Ascension [transcending to a higher realm of existence] to the Immortal Domain, it is only occasionally nurtured within Great Luo Grade Chaos Nest [primordial cradles of disorder]. Therefore, even Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [powerful beings at the peak of the Great Luo realm] seldom possess thirty strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light.

In other words, this Seven-Aperture Divine Stone [a divine stone with seven spiritual apertures] gifted by Taicang Divine Emperor before them is a divine artifact dreamt of by many Late Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Thinking this, Eldrin Chen cast a rather astonished glance at Taicang Divine Emperor, surprised that He was willing to offer such a precious price.

Noting his reaction, Taicang Divine Emperor said calmly, "I know you have cultivated a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a perfected spiritual core] and possess nine Innate Acupoints [natural spiritual nodes]. Yet, this Seven-Aperture Divine Stone still holds some use for you."

Seeing this, Taiyang Emperor Lord quietly sent a mental transmission: "Accept it. A Nine-Aperture Divine Stone [the pinnacle form of such stones] can enhance the Primordial Spirit [the foundational spiritual essence of a cultivator], increase soul power, and accelerate the cultivation speed of one's Primordial Spirit."

"If you can integrate one into your True Spirit Aperture [the core spiritual cavity of a True Spirit], you might even cultivate a 'Primordial Soul Supreme Treasure' [a supreme treasure of the foundational soul]. This forms the very foundation for glimpsing the realm of a Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who masters the path of the soul]."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen promptly sent his divine sense into the treasure box gifted by Taiyang Emperor Lord. Sure enough, he discovered within it a six-aperture divine stone.

In that instant, he understood. Taiyang Emperor Lord and Taicang Divine Emperor had most likely discerned the extraordinary foundation of his Primordial Spirit and had seized this opportunity to present him with treasures for its cultivation.

Realizing this, Eldrin Chen promptly rose and said, "This junior offers his deepest gratitude for the profound favor of the two Emperor Lords."

Taicang Divine Emperor gave a light laugh, then said calmly, "The path ahead is rugged. How far you can travel depends on your own fortune and destiny."

Taiyang Emperor Lord [a supreme ruler of the celestial realms] also offered a faint smile and continued via voice transmission, "Among the Nine-Aperture Divine Stone [a legendary stone with nine spiritual apertures], an Eight-Aperture Divine Stone is exceedingly rare in the world, enough to make Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme ruler born from the primordial chaos] fight to the death."

"And a Nine-Aperture Divine Stone is a Chaos Rare Treasure [a treasure of unparalleled rarity born from the primordial chaos]. Each time one appears, it stirs a storm of bloodshed. Even beings like us have never had the fortune to obtain one, so you need not dwell on it."

"With the foundation of your Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], integrating seven divine stones will be sufficient. Achieving the realm of a Soul Path Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord [an emperor lord who masters the soul path within primordial chaos] in the future will be well within your grasp."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen promptly rose and offered his thanks repeatedly before inviting the two into the great hall and seating them in the places of honor.

Not long after their arrival, the sound of immortal cranes beating their wings echoed once more outside the window. This time, the arrivals were from the Primordial Ancestral Court [the ancient court of human origins] and the Grand Abyss Holy Land [a sacred land of profound mysteries].

The Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the progenitor of the Dao from the beginning of time] and the Sage-King of the Grand Abyss are the two supreme Chaos Celestial Emperor [celestial emperors reigning over primordial chaos] of the Human Race. Naturally, they would not personally attend a banquet for a mere Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal of the Grand Luo realm].

In their stead came the seventh direct disciple of the Sage-King of the Grand Abyss, the Carefree Immortal Lord [an immortal lord unbound by worldly cares], and the eighth True Disciple [a core disciple recognized as the true heir] under the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor, known as 'Single Primordial Qi True Lord'.

Eldrin Chen was naturally familiar with the name of the Carefree Immortal Lord. This figure had attained the Dao for merely several billion years yet was already a Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal in the late stages of the Grand Luo realm]. With the power of his True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a Primordial Spirit refined to its truest, most potent essence], he stood among the elite even within the ranks of Late Great Luo Golden Immortal.

As for the eighth True Disciple under the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor, 'Single Primordial Qi True Lord', Eldrin Chen was even more intimately acquainted, for this person was none other than Xiannian Chen.

"Fellow Daoist Abyssal [a title denoting one who has mastered the profound abyss], our sincerest congratulations."

That Carefree Immortal Lord [a title for a supremely powerful and enlightened immortal], clad in robes of azure, possessed a bearing and aura of transcendent elegance. Merely standing there, he seemed like an Immortal Lord [a supreme realm of cultivation, surpassing even the Primordial Spirit stage] from the Primordial Era, having traversed Space-Time [the fabric of reality itself] to arrive.

Eldrin Chen dared not be negligent. He promptly offered a respectful salute and said, "The joy is mutual. Your arrival, Fellow Daoist, is a great fortune for this humble one."

"This is a modest gift from our Grand Abyss Holy Land [a sacred and powerful sect or cultivation sanctuary]."

The Carefree Immortal Lord smiled faintly. With a casual gesture, he handed a treasure to Eldrin Chen. Then, he tossed an ancient tome to him as well, saying, "I have heard you have also achieved the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the perfected and most potent form of the Primordial Spirit cultivation stage]. These are my personal insights and experiences from cultivation. They may prove of some use to you."

Delight surged within Eldrin Chen's heart. He quickly clasped his hands and bowed. "My deepest gratitude for the Immortal Sage's bestowed treasure, and my sincere thanks for your esteemed favor, Fellow Daoist."

The Carefree Immortal Lord smiled without speaking, his gaze shifting instead to the Single Primordial Qi True Lord standing nearby.

That Xiannian Chen gave Eldrin Chen a slight, respectful nod and presented a jeweled case. "This is a token of my teacher's regard."

"Please convey my thanks to Senior Dao Progenitor [a legendary figure who has comprehended the fundamental Dao and stands at the pinnacle of cultivation]."

Eldrin Chen murmured in acknowledgment, then courteously ushered both guests into the grand hall.

With their arrival, the Immortal Banquet was poised to commence. Just as the festivities were about to begin, a majestic and resonant voice echoed from beyond the hall's entrance.

"How could such a spectacle at Endless Heaven be complete without our Demon Race?"

A cold, detached voice shook the heavens and the earth from the horizon's edge.

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. He looked up to see an endless expanse of dark clouds spreading across the firmament. Where they passed, a searing violet Thunder [a manifestation of heavenly lightning energy] drowned everything in its path.

"Boom!"

"Moo—!"

A deafening bestial roar echoed, and a violet Thunder aurochs charged through the skies, pulling a Thunder Chariot [a divine vehicle powered by thunder] in its wake.

Even before its master appeared, the sheer majesty of the violet Thunder aurochs was overwhelming. The horns of this Thunder Kui Bull [a mythical one-legged bovine beast of thunder] were vaster than an entire Immortal Domain. The aura it radiated swept across the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, pressing down so heavily that many Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm] cultivators struggled to draw breath.

"A Primordial Thunder Beast."

This caused Eldrin Chen's expression to shift, a flicker of awe crossing his features.

The Primordial Thunder Beast [a supreme beast of chaos born from primordial thunder] was a peerless existence among the Chaotic Fiendgod. The one before him possessed unfathomable cultivation, giving Eldrin Chen a sense of utter invincibility. Its power had likely already reached the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

Yet to have such a Primordial Thunder Beast [a legendary beast born from the primordial chaos, embodying the power of thunder] pull one's chariot—what kind of peerless, world-shaking powerhouse must the figure before them be?

"Thunder Sovereign, I fear you are not welcome here."

In that very instant, an intangible field manifested, grinding all to nothingness and blocking the heaven-obscuring Thunder [a powerful lightning-based attack technique] unleashed by the Primordial Thunder Beast.

Immediately after, a black, profound bird took flight from the horizon's edge, its wings beating as it soared down to stand guard before the great hall.

Eldrin Chen looked over and saw, standing atop the head of that black profound bird, a being of supreme nobility clad in imperial robes of black and gold.

"The Black Emperor... the Black Abyss Great Emperor."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of awe crossing his features.

For the Human Race Immortal Court [the supreme governing body of human cultivators] to establish its footing across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the myriad realms and worlds inhabited by immortals], it naturally was not lacking in apex powerhouses.

Legends spoke of the Immortal Court's Five Direction Great Emperors: the 'South Pole Luminous Radiance Great Emperor', the 'North Pole Black Abyss Great Emperor', the 'Central Heaven Purple Tenuity Great Emperor', the 'Eastern Pole Azure Dragon Great Emperor', and the 'Western Pole Ethereal Void Sword Emperor'.

These five were all existences at the Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord [the pinnacle stage of the Primordial Emperor Lord realm], serving as the Immortal Court's immovable pillars. With Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [beings who have transcended the mortal world to comprehend the fundamental Dao] no longer concerning themselves with worldly affairs, they were the true rulers of the Immortal Court.

And the figure before him was none other than one of the Five Great Emperors, the North Pole Black Abyss Great Emperor [a supreme ruler of the northern polar regions, embodying the profound and unfathomable power of the abyss].

The Mysterious Bird beneath his throne was a rare variant born from the Chaos Black Phoenix [a primordial avian demon beast of chaos and darkness], akin to the mutation that produced the Vermilion Bird, and its cultivation had already ascended to the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign-level existence born from the primal chaos of creation].

Yet at this very moment, the Black Abyss Great Emperor gazed upon the approaching Thunder Chariot [a divine vehicle forged from and propelled by the power of thunder], and a trace of solemn gravity flickered deep within his eyes.

It was then that the Thunder Chariot emerged from the sea of roiling lightning, its journey through the tempest complete, finally revealing the true visage of the one who stood upon it.

Only now did Eldrin Chen perceive clearly: upon that majestic Thunder Chariot stood a man clad in resplendent armor of violet-gold, crackling with latent power.

He was wreathed in the boundless strands of the Great Dao of Thunder [the fundamental cosmic principle governing lightning, fury, and divine punishment], gripping a World-Ending Thunder Spear [a divine spear said to carry the power to shatter worlds] around which thunder serpents coiled. He resembled a great emperor of the Demon Race [a powerful faction of beings often in conflict with humanity] surveying the Myriad Heavens [the countless realms and celestial domains of existence], inspecting his subjects with a sovereign's gaze.

"Be at ease."

The man offered a faint, enigmatic smile, his eyes lingering on Eldrin Chen for a meaningful moment before he spoke. "This sovereign's visit has but one purpose: to behold the young hero of the Human Race [the collective of human cultivators and civilizations] who managed to best my own nephew."

A chill pierced Eldrin Chen's heart, and profound solemnity flooded his eyes. In that instant, he had an inkling of this person's true identity.

Sure enough, at that very moment, the voice of Taiyang Emperor Lord [the Emperor Lord of the Great Sun] whispered into his mind, "This being is one transformed from a Primordial Thunder Crow [an ancient avian demon beast born from the first thunderclaps of creation]. He is the blood brother of the Solar Celestial Emperor [the Celestial Emperor who rules over the sun and solar essence], born with innate mastery over the Great Dao of Thunder."

"His cultivation had already reached the realm of the Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation ago, but he was trapped, unable to make the breakthrough due to a lack of Chaos Primordial Qi."

"His coming here this time is most likely to test your mettle. You must be extremely cautious."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a slight, sinking weight in his heart.

If a being at the Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord level truly set its sights on him, it would likely spell immense trouble.

Seeing this, Taiyang Emperor Lord spoke up, "There is no need for such excessive worry. While you did slay Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, it is a consensus that post-factum retribution is forbidden in the struggle for the Grand Luo [the supreme, transcendent state beyond the Primordial Emperor Lord realm]."

"Should he dare to break this rule, the Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [the supreme progenitor-sages who have transcended the Grand Luo realm] of our Human Race would not stand idly by."

"My greatest concern is that they will come to fear you, perceiving in you the potential of a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme sovereign born of primordial chaos]. They might then be willing to pay any price to obstruct your path to the Dao [the fundamental principle and ultimate goal of cultivation]."

Eldrin Chen listened, his expression growing solemn and contemplative.

His countenance shifted through several shades of emotion before he finally murmured inwardly, "So it is the potential of a Chaos Celestial Emperor that would make them truly fear me?"

In that instant, Eldrin Chen gained a flash of insight. Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, the Demon Race currently held overwhelming power. The Human Race and the Divine Race had formed a tacit alliance, and even the breakthroughs of the two Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage might have had the backing of the Primordial Divine Emperor [the ancient, supreme emperor of the Divine Race] behind the scenes.

At the very least, the breakthrough of Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [a title for a supreme cultivator who has returned to the primordial origin of the Dao] was greatly aided by the efforts of the two Divine Emperors, and Sage-King of the Grand Abyss would likely be pleased to see such a breakthrough as well.

However, if the Human Race were to produce a third Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler whose power embodies primordial chaos], the two Divine Emperors of the Divine Race might not be so tolerant. If Eldrin Chen truly revealed the potential of a Chaos Celestial Emperor, he would likely find himself in grave danger.

"I understand,"

In that instant, Eldrin Chen vaguely grasped how he should conduct himself moving forward.

It was at this moment that the Thunder Sovereign [a title for a supreme ruler of thunder and lightning] chuckled lightly before looking at Eldrin Chen and saying, "I have heard that Young Friend Eldrin possesses peerless talent, hailed as the foremost figure of this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and rebirth]."

"Our Demon Race also has several newly ascended Grand Luo [a supreme immortal realm] cultivators who, having never crossed blades with him, are unwilling to accept this ranking. Thus, they wish to spar with this Fellow Daoist Abyssal [a title referring to Eldrin Chen, meaning 'the one who returns to the abyss']."

Upon hearing this, the Black Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme emperor associated with the dark abyss] narrowed his eyes, a chill flashing within them.

He let out a cold laugh and spoke, "With the Great Luo Immortal Banquet [a grand celestial feast for supreme immortals] imminent, Fellow Daoist Abyssal likely has no time for your sparring matches."

"Hahaha!"

Before the Thunder Sovereign could respond, a newly ascended Grand Luo from the Demon Race burst into raucous laughter: "What is this? Are the Grand Luo of your Human Race truly such timid, mouse-hearted creatures?"

"If you lack the courage, perhaps you should relinquish the title of Kalpa Tribulation's foremost."

"Hmm?"

Upon hearing this, Black Abyss Emperor Lord's eyes chilled slightly. A newly ascended Grand Luo [the pinnacle realm of cultivation, transcending the mortal plane] dared to disregard his majesty? Truly an arrogant fool seeking death.

Just as his fury was about to erupt, a voice sounded from behind.

"And what if we do fight?"

Black Abyss Emperor Lord turned his head to see Eldrin Chen striding forward, ascending into the sky. After offering a slight bow to Black Abyss Emperor Lord and a cupped-fist salute to Thunder Sovereign, he spoke with calm authority.

"Since several fellow Daoists from the Demon Race [a powerful race of beings with bestial origins and formidable innate abilities] desire a battle, this lord is naturally willing to oblige."

"However, since your esteemed Demon Race party issued the challenge, I cannot fight for nothing. How about your side offering some stakes for the contest?"

"Is that so?"

Thunder Sovereign's gaze sharpened imperceptibly as he glanced at the five newly ascended Grand Luo beside him.

Seeing this, the five individuals immediately understood the implication and declared, "With the treasures bestowed by you, Senior, our chances of victory should be fifty-fifty."

"Fifty-fifty, you say?"

Thunder Sovereign [a title for a supreme ruler of thunder] nodded, then turned his gaze to Eldrin Chen and said, "If you win a single match, I shall grant you one strand of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial and unbreakable essence of pure spiritual energy]. What say you?"

"Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, then promptly nodded in agreement. "Agreed."

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen immediately looked towards the five Grand Luo [a supreme realm of cultivation] experts from the Demon Race [a powerful race of demonic beings] and inquired, "Which of you shall step forward first?"

"I shall."

The moment his voice fell, a man wielding a divine spear was the first to stride forth, launching his assault with lethal intent.