Chapter 1901 : Heavenly Wolf's Divine Spear Clash

"My Daoist title is Skywolf [meaning 'Heavenly Wolf'], and I have come today to seek instruction."

As the Demon Race [a race of powerful, often malevolent beings] cultivator of the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Immortal Realm, a supreme stage of cultivation] finished speaking, he instantly unleashed his full power. In that very moment, boundless Great Dao principles [the fundamental laws of the cosmos] converged upon him, and he erupted with a torrent of divine might to suppress his opponent.

Facing such an assault, Eldrin Chen remained utterly unperturbed. He had heard of this Skywolf Demon Lord before.

This demonic cultivator was a demon lord of the Skywolf [Heavenly Wolf] clan who had forged an Indestructible Body [a legendary physique of unparalleled resilience]. His Great Luo Body [a physical form tempered to the Grand Luo Immortal Realm] was considered extraordinarily powerful, and with the augmentation of the Great Dao, he could erupt with astonishing divine strength.

Within the previous Primordial Chaos Abyss [a legendary, perilous realm of primordial disorder], this individual had obtained significant opportunities [fortuitous encounters or resources that advance one's cultivation path]. Not only had he further cultivated Indestructible Dharma Power [an esoteric art granting unyielding spiritual power], but he had also acquired an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primal forces of heaven and earth]—a Divine Spear [a spear of divine power]. His combat prowess was by no means weak even among early-stage Grand Luo cultivators.

Yet, despite all this, in Eldrin Chen's eyes, it was still far from sufficient. The two erupted into a world-shaking battle, exchanging dozens of moves in the blink of an eye.

After nearly one hundred consecutive exchanges, Eldrin Chen, wielding his self-created Nine Slaughter Techniques [a set of nine devastating combat techniques], sent his opponent flying with a crushing blow.

Having defeated his foe, Eldrin Chen did not press his advantage. He merely spoke with calm detachment, "Your strength is not lacking. However, if this is all you possess, I fear you are not yet a match for this seat."

"Is that so?"

The Skywolf Demon Lord replied coldly, a glint of frosty intent flashing within his gaze.

"No, this seat refuses to accept defeat!"

In that instant, a surge of immensely powerful aura erupted from within Skywolf Demon Lord. A cyan-colored pagoda flew forth, radiating with blinding azure light.

The pagoda rotated slowly, emanating a dazzling cyan radiance as it descended with a force meant to suppress all things, bearing down upon Eldrin Chen.

"A Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a powerful artifact born from the primordial chaos, superior to ordinary magical treasures]. It seems you came prepared."

Witnessing this scene, Black Abyss Great Emperor's expression shifted slightly, a trace of gloom darkening his gaze.

Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate power] were already exceedingly rare. The value of a Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure started at five times that of a Low Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, and many Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal [a powerful immortal realm] might not possess such a treasure.

Given Skywolf Demon Lord's newly-advanced Grand Luo [a high immortal realm] cultivation base, it was clear he could not possibly own a Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

It was evident that Skywolf Demon Lord's Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure was most likely a treasure borrowed from Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor.

From the other side, Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor sneered, his gaze profound as he stated, "Though this is a fair duel, the rules never forbade the use of borrowed treasures."

"If you were willing, what would stop you from lending him a Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest grade of innate treasures, of immense power]?"

"Hmph—"

Upon hearing this, Black Abyss Great Emperor's eyes turned slightly cold, yet he refrained from speaking further.

Setting aside the fact that it was impossible for someone at the early Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle stage of immortal cultivation] realm to successfully refine a Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos], even if Eldrin Chen could refine it, there simply wasn't enough time now.

On the other side, Taiyang Emperor Lord's gaze also grew solemn as he spoke, "It seems the Demon Race [a powerful race of demonic beings] have been preparing for this moment for quite some time."

Taicang Divine Emperor remained calm, however, and spoke in a measured tone, "With his strength, he should be able to hold his own in battle, even if the opponent possesses a Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a powerful treasure born from the primordial chaos]."

"BOOM—"

In the very instant the others were conversing, the azure pagoda tore through the firmament, descending with a force capable of annihilating all things.

With the cultivation of Skywolf Demon Lord, once he refined the Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, his combat power, even if insufficient to rival a Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal [a mid-stage pinnacle immortal], would still possess the might of a third-level Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

As it crashed down with overwhelming force, many of the early-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal present, who had cultivated arduously for tens of billions of years, revealed a trace of grave solemnity.

Yet, in the face of this, Eldrin Chen remained utterly composed. He simply channeled the Grasping Hand of Primordial Chaos [a divine ability to manifest a hand of primordial chaos], firmly holding the ancient azure pagoda at bay.

"Indeed, it is the True Spirit Divine Ability [a supreme divine power born from the perfect fusion of a cultivator's physique, spirit, and comprehension of the Great Dao]."

High in the heavens, the pupils of the Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor narrowed slightly, his expression growing solemn.

His purpose in coming this time was primarily to probe the strength and potential of Eldrin Chen, to ascertain whether he possessed the possibility of attaining the Chaos Celestial Emperor [the supreme sovereign who commands the primordial forces of Chaos] realm.

After all, judging by his performance during the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that tests a cultivator's destiny and foundation], Eldrin Chen had displayed potential rivaling that of a Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [a legendary existence who has comprehended the fundamental principles of the cosmos and attained sagehood]. If this proved true, then even at the risk of incurring the wrath of the Human Race's Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage, he would utterly suppress Eldrin Chen's path to the Dao.

"Legends speak of him having cultivated the four supreme foundations: the True Spirit Physique [a perfect physical vessel forged from primordial essence], the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a spiritual core refined to its absolute, flawless state], the True Spirit Great Dao [a complete and perfect comprehension of a fundamental cosmic principle], and the True Spirit Divine Ability."

"Now it appears those legends hold true. His combat prowess is even more formidable than anticipated."

The Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor murmured softly, but in the next instant, a flicker of icy intent flashed within his eyes.

For he saw Eldrin Chen now unleashing his full power with Eruption [a divine ability representing the ultimate, explosive release of power]. The supreme authority of his Chaos Limitless Great Dao [the Dao of boundless, primordial Chaos] surged forth, shaking heaven and earth, empowering the Grasping Hand of Primordial Chaos to its absolute zenith.

In but a moment, the azure pagoda was completely and utterly suppressed.

Then, with a mere flick of his sleeve, Eldrin Chen unleashed a bolt of Annihilation [a divine thunder of utter obliteration] divine lightning. It struck the Skywolf Demon Lord instantly, shattering his physical form into nothingness. Only his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], shielded by the grace of his Great Dao, managed to seize a sliver of survival.

"The Chaos Limitless Great Dao [the supreme path of limitless chaos], and the True Spirit Divine Ability [a divine ability born from one's true spiritual essence]—the Primordial Chaos Divine Thunder [the divine thunder born from the primordial chaos]."

"As expected."

The Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor spoke, yet the killing intent in his voice had inexplicably diminished by a fraction.

With a cold sneer, he looked at Eldrin Chen and said, "Young friend, this Chaos Limitless Great Dao of yours is indeed a rare and formidable path within the Mortal Realm [the mortal world where cultivators reside]. To fully master these five great Daos [fundamental principles of existence] would allow one to ascend to the heavens in a single step, entering the Second Chaos Realm [the second realm of chaos cultivation]."

"However... what a pity, what a lamentable choice..."

Seeing this, the other Grand Luo Golden Immortal [Golden Immortals of the Grand Luo realm, a high level of cultivation] present also revealed traces of regret in their expressions.

Even Black Abyss Great Emperor shook his head, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features. He had initially believed the Human Race was on the verge of welcoming its third Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [an Immortal Sage who is a progenitor of a Dao path], only to find that Eldrin Chen had chosen a path leading to a dead end.

"The fusion of the Five Elements Great Dao [the great Daos of the five fundamental elements] into the Chaos Limitless Great Dao does indeed align with the cultivation method for the Chaos Second Realm - Dao Union Realm [the second chaos realm where Daos are united]," he continued.

"But the specific great Daos chosen by Fellow Daoist Abyssal are fundamentally flawed. They constitute a path that simply cannot be traversed to its end."

"Indeed," another voice chimed in. "The Daos of Life [the principle of life itself], Primordial Chaos Gold [the metallic essence of primordial chaos], Myriad Things Earth [the earthly foundation of all creation], Pure Yang [the purest masculine Yang energy], and Profound Nether [the profound feminine Yin energy of the netherworld]—these five are universally acknowledged as impassable great Daos. Without cultivation at the level of a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who commands chaos], one simply lacks the qualification to grasp their authority."

"Choosing a single path would have been one thing, but to select five simultaneously—how could one possibly master the Great Dao [the fundamental principle underlying all existence] with such a burden?"

Within the grand hall, many Grand Luo Golden Immortal [immortals who have attained the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] whispered amongst themselves, their expressions tinged with regret.

Yet others held a different view. The Verdant Radiance Immortal Lord offered a light chuckle before speaking. "Regardless, Fellow Daoist Abyssal [a title referring to Eldrin Chen] can still ascend directly to the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler born from the Primordial Chaos]."

"We are merely at the Grand Luo [Grand Luo Golden Immortal] level ourselves, with slim hope of even breaking through to Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch. What right do we have to look down upon Fellow Daoist Abyssal?"

Hearing this, the assembled Grand Luo Golden Immortal could only manage bitter smiles.

After attaining the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, every step forward becomes agonizingly difficult. Countless Grand Luo Golden Immortal remain stuck at the early stage for tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth], unable to advance a single inch.

Even if Eldrin Chen never proves his Dao to become a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor born from Chaos], he would still be far more secure than any of them.

To take it a step further, even if a conflict for the Dao were to erupt among Grand Luo one day, and Eldrin Chen were to lose one or two of his Dao Authority [authorities over specific aspects of the Dao], the remaining Dao Authority would still be enough to safeguard his life.

Coupled with the Imperishable [an ability granting nigh-immortality] nature of his True Spirit Foundation [a foundational cultivation stage centered on the True Spirit], Eldrin Chen was already in an unassailable position.

Contemplating this, the Grand Luo Golden Immortal present all sighed softly, conceding that Eldrin Chen had already surpassed them by a vast margin—a fact they could accept. Only the Taiyang Emperor Lord shook his head and murmured, "A pity. He truly possessed the Bearing of a Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [the destined potential to become a progenitor of the Dao and an Immortal Sage]."

Taicang Divine Emperor [the Divine Emperor of the Primordial Heavens] seemed lost in thought for a moment. He transmitted a message to Taiyang Emperor Lord [the Emperor Lord of the Grand Sun], saying, "With his innate aptitude, there is still hope for him to attain the Soul Path Celestial Emperor [the Celestial Emperor realm achieved through Primordial Spirit cultivation]."

Taiyang Emperor Lord shook his head, holding little hope. "It is exceedingly difficult. Whether it is Sainthood through the Flesh [attaining supreme power through physical body cultivation] or Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [attaining the Dao through the Primordial Spirit], both are far more arduous than mastering a Great Dao. Moreover, the path of Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment is obstructed by that formidable one."

"I had thought he could first master a Great Dao, then use the power of a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who has mastered the Chaos Great Dao] to pursue the Soul Path Celestial Emperor. A pity…"

Upon hearing this, Taicang Divine Emperor fell silent, offering no further words.

"Young Friend Eldrin [a respectful address for Eldrin Chen], your strength is indeed remarkable. You are worthy of the esteemed title of this era's foremost figure."

In the very instant the others were conversing, the Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor [the ancient and mighty Thunder Crow Emperor] slowly spoke. With a smile, he clasped his palms together and then, with a single motion, seized the fragmented Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of the Skywolf Demon Lord [the Demon Lord of the Heavenly Wolf].

For him, having probed the nature of Eldrin Chen's Chaos Limitless Great Dao [the Great Dao of Boundless Chaos], the purpose of this journey had already been fulfilled.

This Chaos Limitless Great Dao was a severed path, a road with no end. It was impossible for Eldrin Chen to truly master this Great Dao.

In comparison, Sainthood through the Flesh was far too domineering. Its powerful exclusivity made it nearly impossible to coexist with a mastered Great Dao and a cultivated Primordial Spirit.

As for the path of the Primordial Spirit, it was not only immeasurably difficult to cultivate but would also draw the suppression and assassination attempts of powerful enemies from the Depths of Chaos [the unfathomable, primordial realm of Chaos]. The Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor did not believe Eldrin Chen could successfully traverse it either.

Since Eldrin Chen could never, no matter how powerful he became, ascend to the Chaos Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of primordial chaos] realm, he was simply not worth the immense cost of a total, irreparable rupture with the Human Race.

After all, even if Eldrin Chen did achieve the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler of primordial chaos] realm, he would still be just one Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch. No matter his individual might, he could never single-handedly alter the fundamental balance of power across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of immortals].

With this thought, the Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor [an ancient and mighty demon emperor] saw little point in further targeting a junior like Eldrin Chen, and prepared to withdraw.

"Senior, wait!"

But at that very moment, Eldrin Chen suddenly called out, stopping the Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor.

The Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor turned. A ripple of understanding flashed in his gaze, and he immediately comprehended the unspoken request. With a flick of his sleeve, he produced and tossed over a strand of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial, unbreakable essence of spiritual energy].

Eldrin Chen caught the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light, a surge of delight rising in his heart.

To dispel the Demon Race's [the collective of demonic beings] lingering suspicions with a single battle, and be rewarded with Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light on top of it? Such a favorable bargain would be impossible to find on any other day.

Thus, Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and spoke directly. "Senior, you stated earlier that you had brought five Demon Race experts of the Grand Luo [a high celestial realm] realm to spar with me. A single match would earn me one strand of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light."

"We have fought but one match. Why the haste to depart?"

Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor merely scoffed and stated bluntly, "With your power, you are already a match for a Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal [a cultivator who has reached the mid-stage of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm]. How could those few early-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation, representing supreme power and longevity] possibly be your opponents?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen could no longer remain seated.

To gain a single Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial and unbreakable essence of pure spiritual energy, immensely valuable for cultivation] from a single battle—this was the kind of opportunity that, once missed, would never come again.

Naturally, he was unwilling to let it slip by. He immediately spoke up, "Since facing them one-on-one is no challenge, why not have all four of them come at me together?"

"Or, if that's still not enough, I could even bind one arm behind my back to fight them."

"Such arrogance!"

Before Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor could even respond, the several Demon Race [a powerful race of beings, often with bestial origins and formidable innate abilities] Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] present were already incensed.

They were, after all, Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation, representing supreme power and longevity], each a figure who had once reigned supreme and unchallenged. How could they tolerate such humiliation?

At once, one of the Demon Race [a powerful race of beings, often with bestial origins and formidable innate abilities] Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] rose to his feet in fury and addressed the Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor, "Your Majesty, this person insults us so grievously! I, Rebellious Scale [a title meaning 'Rebellious Scale' or 'Defiant Scale'], request to face him in battle!"

"We, too, wish to fight!"

On the other side, the other three figures also rose to their feet, their faces etched with unwavering battle intent.

Seeing this, Primordial Thunder Crow [a powerful ancient demonic beast] narrowed his eyes coldly. He glanced back at Eldrin Chen and spoke, "Young whelp of the Human Race, know that arrogance demands a price."

"Since you seek death, do not blame us for overwhelming you with numbers."

As his words fell, he gave a slight wave of his hand. The four Grand Luo [a supreme cultivation realm] Demon Lords soared into the sky.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen immediately strode forward, ascending into the heavens. Using the Primordial Chaos Soldier Derivation Art [a divine art that materializes weapons from primordial chaos], he manifested a Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd [a halberd forged from the essence of primordial chaos]. Pointing it at the group, he declared, "State your names. This lord's Heaven Halberd does not slay the nameless."

"You seek death!"

Enraged, the four figures reacted. A man clad in azure-gold armor was the first to charge forth, killing intent blazing: "I am the Progenitor Ancestor of the Azure Heaven Python Clan [a powerful clan of serpentine demons], Azure Python Demon Lord! Prepare to die!"

"Is that so? It seems the Azure Heaven Python Clan, having only recently ascended a member to Grand Luo, will see its Progenitor Ancestor fall into eternal slumber. A truly pitiful and lamentable fate."

Eldrin Chen let out a cold laugh, wielding the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd to repel the attacker.

From another direction, a man gripping a war sword charged forth, his gaze icy as he stated, "The one who will sever your life is I, Rebellious Scale Demon Lord."

"The Dragon Race [a powerful race of mythical beings with draconic heritage]?"

Eldrin Chen let out a cold laugh. With a flick of his sleeve, he manifested a Chaos Ancient Bell [an ancient artifact of immense power forged from primordial chaos] to suppress the past. He spoke with icy derision, "So, you were not utterly exterminated by this seat during the battle at the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land [a legendary, cursed battlefield where souls are said to be permanently destroyed]?"

"*Clang!*"

The other two figures charged forward simultaneously, joining the encirclement against Eldrin Chen.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen stood alone against the siege of four Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle stage of cultivation] Demon Lords. The battle instantly escalated to its most ferocious intensity.

It was undeniable that there were no weaklings among Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle stage of cultivation]. Every being who had ascended to become a Grand Luo Golden Immortal had once been a figure who reigned nearly invincible within the Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [the Ancient Immortal realm after surviving eight heavenly tribulations] realm.

These four Demon Race [a collective term for various non-human, often bestial, cultivator races] Grand Luo Golden Immortal had each, without exception, forged an Indestructible Foundation [an unshakable and perfect foundational Dao base, a hallmark of supreme talent].

Among them, Rebellious Scale Demon Lord was the most formidable. He had cultivated three types of Indestructible Foundation, making him the second most powerful existence within the Dragon Race, surpassed only by Zhuyin.

Furthermore, Azure Python Demon Lord possessed extraordinary strength as well. This individual had forged two types of Indestructible Foundation and was the first Grand Luo Golden Immortal of the Azure Heaven Python Clan [a powerful clan of serpentine demon cultivators]. His potential ranked as mid-to-high even among his Grand Luo peers.

The other two were by no means weaklings either.

Moreover, Eldrin Chen was acutely aware that these were not the true powerhouses of the Demon Race. During this Kalpa Tribulation, the Azure Simurgh Imperial Princess of the Phoenix Clan had obtained a great Opportunity [a rare chance for advancement] and cultivated a True Spirit Foundation [the foundational stage of a True Spirit cultivator]. Yet, for reasons unknown, she had not broken through to Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal realm of the Grand Luo path].

Returning to the matter at hand, Eldrin Chen faced four opponents alone, continuously manifesting the Primordial Chaos Soldier Derivation Art [a divine art that conjures warriors from primordial chaos]. In an instant, ten Chaos Ancient Weapon [ancient armaments forged from chaos] soared into the sky. Empowered by his Dao Authority [the authority granted by one's comprehension of the Dao], he not only held his ground against the four but pressed them into a steady retreat.

Seeing imminent defeat, the Rebellious Scale Demon Lord finally erupted in fury. A blinding radiance exploded from within his form, and his aura surged severalfold, reaching a level comparable to a Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal at the mid-stage of the Grand Luo path].

"Beware! It is a Forbidden Divine Ability [a divine art of immense power with severe, often self-destructive, costs]!"

In that very moment, the Black Abyss Great Emperor high in the heavens spoke these words.

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. He had not anticipated that this Rebellious Scale Demon Lord would have cultivated a Forbidden Divine Ability.

It was well known that the price for such arts was far too steep; those below the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo cultivation path] dared not cultivate them. Therefore, mastering a Forbidden Divine Ability almost invariably required the opening of the fifth Innate Acupoints [the innate energy points within a cultivator's body].

That this Rebellious Scale Demon Lord, having only just entered the Grand Luo realm, could have mastered such an art was truly beyond his expectations.

My state has been truly poor lately. By month's end, I may only manage four thousand words daily. Once I adjust and recover, I will resume adding more chapters next month.