Chapter 1943 : The Abyssal Domains Prepare for War

"A powerful Immortal Domain [a vast territory governed by powerful immortals]?"

Ethan Chen's expression shifted slightly, a trace of solemnity coloring his features.

Eldrin Chen nodded, then began to speak. "Our Seven Abyssal Immortal Domains [a collective name for seven powerful immortal territories] are precisely such a powerful Immortal Domain, and thus a thorn in their side."

"It seems war is not far from us."

Lyra Jiang murmured, drawing in a slow, deep breath.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of agreement. "Send the order," he commanded. "Prepare for war."

True to Eldrin Chen's foresight, the coming of war did not exceed his expectations.

Not long after, the Chaotic Fiendgod [a race of powerful, primordial demonic beings] army split into three forces, each advancing to attack a different direction.

The targets of their assault were all territories belonging to the Great Luo Ancient Sect [an ancient and formidable cultivation sect] and its allied Ancient Clans [powerful, lineage-based clans with ancient histories]. One force marched towards the Celestial Net Ancient Sect, another towards the Longevity Liu Clan, and the final direction led straight to Eldrin Chen's Seven Abyssal Immortal Domains.

Reviewing the intelligence report in his hand, Ethan Chen could not help but sigh. "Twenty-three Chaotic Fiendgod are coming," he remarked. "It seems they do not underestimate us."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a slight movement between his brows, yet he did not speak immediately.

This time, the Chaotic Fiendgod [powerful, primordial demonic beings] forces were divided into four prongs, each led by a cultivator at the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a high-level immortal cultivation realm] Eighth Layer.

The contingent assigned to attack the Seven Abyssal Immortal Domains [a collective name for seven immortal domains] was led by one Grand Luo Golden Immortal Eighth Layer expert and three at the Seventh Layer. It also included seven Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal [the mid-stage of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] cultivators, with the remaining twelve being at the early stages of Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

Having roughly estimated the enemy's strength, Eldrin Chen finally spoke, "In this battle, the enemy is strong while we are weak. Our strategy must remain primarily defensive."

With this thought, Eldrin Chen summoned the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a powerful ancient phoenix demon beast] and said with a faint smile, "This time, the one leading their forces is actually an old acquaintance of yours, Fellow Daoist."

"The Primordial Chaos Kui Ox [a mighty, ancient ox demon born from primordial chaos]!"

The moment she saw the intelligence in Eldrin Chen's hand, a palpable killing intent erupted from the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix.

She clenched her fist, her expression turning icy. After a moment, she asked, "Though I bear a grudge against the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox, I must admit his power is formidable. Are you confident you can handle him?"

Eldrin Chen offered no direct reply. Instead, he produced another intelligence report and handed it to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix.

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix glanced at it, and a flicker of shock passed through her eyes. The report revealed that another Grand Luo Golden Immortal Eighth Layer expert was concealed just beyond the Abyssal Immortal Domain [one of the seven immortal domains], and had been watching it for a long time.

"The whereabouts of an Grand Luo Golden Immortal of the eighth layer, and such secret, precise intelligence on all their troop deployments—you, Fellow Daoist, have managed to acquire it all."

"It seems your methods are truly extraordinary."

Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix exclaimed with a sigh, then continued, "If there were only one Grand Luo Golden Immortal of the eighth layer, you and I joining forces might stand a chance. But if the two of them unite, we likely wouldn't have the slightest hope of victory."

Eldrin Chen nodded. After studying the map for a long while, he suddenly spoke, "I have an idea, and I wish to ask for your assistance in this endeavor."

"Oh?"

Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix was slightly taken aback, then fell into deep contemplation.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke plainly, "You and the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox are sworn enemies on the Great Dao. Once He discovers your trail, He will undoubtedly pursue you at any cost."

"We might use this opportunity to divide the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox's forces."

"You mean..." Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix pondered for a moment before speaking, unable to hold back, "You want me to lure away the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox?"

Eldrin Chen nodded. "If you, Fellow Daoist, can lure away the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox, or even draw off the seven Chaotic Fiendgod under His command, then perhaps we can use a Formation [a mystical array or battle formation that channels and amplifies power] to decisively defeat the remaining Chaotic Fiendgod."

Upon hearing this, the countenance of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix shifted repeatedly, betraying her inner turmoil.

Luring away the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox and its legion of Chaotic Fiendgod single-handedly would indeed significantly weaken the army's overall might. Yet, such an act would entail venturing into a maelstrom of immense peril.

The slightest misstep could leave her grievously wounded, or even risk her utter annihilation.

Seeing her hesitation, Eldrin Chen spoke, "I can bestow upon you, Fellow Daoist, three Spatial Divine Talisman [talismans capable of tearing through space to facilitate escape] and three portions of the Nine-Colored Immortal Elixir [a supreme restorative pill]. This will surely guarantee your safety."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix fell into deep contemplation. The Spatial Divine Talisman could rend the Chaos Void [the primordial, formless expanse], making them superior treasures for flight.

Furthermore, three portions of the Nine-Colored Immortal Elixir could heal three severe injuries. Combined with her mastery of Thunder techniques and the Immortal Phoenix Extreme Speed [a supreme movement art], her chances of self-preservation were indeed greatly bolstered.

Having considered this, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix drew a deep breath and declared, "Add two more divine talismans and three more portions of the Nine-Colored Immortal Elixir, and I will draw the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox away for you."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly and agreed without hesitation, "Agreed!"

With those words, Eldrin Chen handed over five Spatial Divine Talisman and six portions of the Nine-Colored Immortal Elixir to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix.

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix accepted the treasures and prepared to depart immediately. However, Eldrin Chen shook his head. "There is no need for haste, Fellow Daoist. Let these Chaotic Fiendgod assault the grand formation first. By the time they breach the Seven Immortal Domains Grand Formation, their strength will surely be greatly depleted."

"By that time, Fellow Daoist, the safety of luring away the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox will be much higher, and only then will we have a chance of capturing the remaining Chaotic Fiendgod."

Upon hearing this, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix was momentarily taken aback. She had initially believed Eldrin Chen's true objective was for her to draw away the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox and the main force of Chaotic Fiendgod.

Only now did she understand that Eldrin Chen's request for her to lure the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox away was not merely to alleviate pressure, but to genuinely create an opportunity to inflict a major defeat upon the Chaotic Fiendgod.

Considering this, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix nodded and said, "Rest assured. If the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox does not pursue me, I will turn back and fight by your side."

"That will not be necessary."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly, clasping his hands behind his back. "Even if two Grand Luo of the eighth layer were to attack together, after a battle fought to the utmost extreme, I would not necessarily be defeated."

After giving instructions to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, the entire Seven Abyssal Immortal Domains began a full-scale mobilization once more.

Within the Seven Abyssal Immortal Domains, every single Immortal Vein [a vein of earth imbued with immortal-grade spiritual energy], Blessed Lands [lands of exceptional spiritual fortune], Grotto-Heaven [a secluded paradise realm], and Celestial Domains [a domain of celestial energy] was inscribed with Immortal Dao Formation Patterns [mystical arrays of varying grades, designed according to immortal principles].

Even beings at the Immortal Ascension Realm [the realm of ascending to immortality] were assigned positions within the Formation [the mystical defensive array], serving as nodes to maintain the countless array patterns.

From its initial design, Eldrin Chen had built significant redundancy into the Seven Immortal Domains Grand Formation [the grand defensive array of the seven immortal domains]. Even if the majority of these array nodes were annihilated during the great battle, the Formation would retain most of its formidable power.

Furthermore, for this grand formation, a substantial number of backup components were prepared, allowing for the immediate activation of reserves should any formation core be damaged.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, even if the Minor Heavenly Cycle Celestial Dipper Seven Stars Grand Formation were breached, it would only require a thousand years to fully restore it.

Although after the formation's restoration, its power would be reduced by thirty percent, it would still be sufficient to seal off this expanse of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation]. Furthermore, it could still activate the Seven Luminaries Ascension [a formation ability that channels the power of seven celestial bodies] to empower seven Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation], creating an opportunity for Eldrin Chen to decide the fate of the entire conflict in a single, decisive battle.

Once again, after meticulously reviewing the formation, the great army of the Chaotic Fiendgod [primordial demon-gods born from chaos] finally arrived just beyond the borders of the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

The alien host besieging the Seven Abyssal Immortal Domains this time was not only comprised of a full twenty-three Chaotic Fiendgod, but also brought with them a multitude numbering in the tens of millions of Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient beasts native to the primordial chaos].

Eldrin Chen dared not show the slightest negligence. He immediately pushed the formation of the Seven Great Immortal Domains to its absolute limit.

Simultaneously, at the edge of the Chaos, amidst the endless sea of Chaos Ancient Beast, an ancient Violet Thunder War Vessel [a mighty warship crackling with violet lightning] rose and fell. Upon it stood more than twenty Chaotic Fiendgod.

Among them, a man whose aura seemed to encompass the Myriad Heavens [the countless realms and heavens], clad in Azure-Gold War Armor [enchanted armor of azure and gold], stood tall. A glint of icy coldness flashed within his pupils. "So this is the Seven Abyssal Immortal Domains? It doesn't seem particularly impressive."

"Brother Pixiu, do not underestimate it. After all, this is a place where nine Grand Luo Golden Immortal met their end."

At that moment, another man standing nearby, draped in Great Wilderness War Armor [battle armor imbued with the essence of the primordial wilderness], spoke up. A trace of solemn gravity surfaced within his gaze.

Under the command of Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor were over two hundred Chaotic Fiendgod [powerful demonic beings born from primordial chaos]. Among them were two Invincible Divine Demons [demonic beings of supreme power and near-indestructibility], nine Peerless Divine Lords [lords whose prowess in the Dao is unmatched], and more than thirty Great Luo Divine Generals [mighty generals who have attained the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm].

The ones who spoke were none other than the Pixiu Divine General and the Bixia Divine General under Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor's banner, both being Great Luo Divine Generals at the seventh layer of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortality, representing the ultimate refinement of one's Dao and spirit] realm.

At this moment, Pixiu Divine General let out a cold sneer and declared, "The Crimson Wolf [a ferocious demonic wolf imbued with the power of crimson flames] and Profound Yin were nothing but trash. They dared to charge into the Formation [a complex array or battle formation that channels spiritual energy for defense or attack] without the strength to back it up, truly seeking their own demise."

"Had they been within that Formation, any one of us could have annihilated them all. What is there to boast about in that?"

"Enough."

It was then that a voice, deep and resonant, cut through from the heart of the War Vessel [a massive, fortress-like ship designed for celestial warfare]. A towering figure clad in Violet Firmament Thunder Armor [enchanted armor that crackles with the power of violet-hued heavenly thunder] rose to his feet.

He stood calmly, his pupils churning with endless, world-annihilating Thunder [a devastating attack or phenomenon manifesting as celestial lightning]. His gaze swept over the distant Seven Abyssal Immortal Domains like twin orbs of Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all creation emerged] lightning. After a long silence, he finally commanded, "Issue the order. The army begins its assault."

"Within one hundred thousand years, you will sweep this Immortal Domain [a vast, self-contained realm governed by immortal laws and inhabited by cultivators] clean for this sovereign."

With those words, the man lowered his gaze once more.

The three Divine Generals—Pixiu Divine General, Bixia Divine General, and Desolate Silence Divine General—immediately bowed in unison upon seeing this. "We receive your command," they declared.

The figure clad in the Violet Firmament Thunder Armor was none other than the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial bovine demon of immense power], one of the nine great Divine Lord [a title for powerful divine beings] under the command of Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor.

To the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox, being dispatched by Departing Flame Demi-Progenitor to assault the Seven Abyssal Immortal Domains [a cluster of immortal realms] felt like using a cannon to swat a mosquito—a gross overkill.

After all, this legion boasted one Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle immortal realm] of the eighth layer, three of the seventh layer, and nineteen mighty Chaotic Fiendgod [a race of powerful chaos-born demons]. It was a formidable Chaos [the primordial, formless void] army.

In contrast, the Seven Abyssal Immortal Domains possessed only nine early-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal. Even with the aid of their Formation [a mystical defensive or offensive array], resistance would be as futile as a mantis trying to stop a chariot. They were destined to be utterly annihilated beneath the legion's crushing advance.

It was even likely that He, the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox, would not need to lift a finger personally.

With this thought, the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox seized the opportunity to enter secluded cultivation. He had recently slain a Human Race Grand Luo Golden Immortal in the war and now was the perfect time to digest the spoils.

Yet, as he secluded himself to assimilate his gains, the war that unfolded over the next several tens of thousands of years defied all his expectations.

Driven by the three Divine Generals—Pixiu Divine General, Bixia Divine General, and Desolate Silence Divine General—tens of millions of Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient beasts born from chaos] launched ceaseless assaults upon the Seven Abyssal Immortal Domains. However, the domains' Chaos Grand Formation [a grand defensive array drawing power from chaos] stood firm, an Imperishable [an ability or state of being that cannot be destroyed] fortress that repelled every onslaught.

Eldrin Chen had contracted the area covered by the Seven Great Immortal Domains from an initial diameter of several hundred thousand Dao Paths [a unit of measure in the primordial chaos] to a mere one thousand. While their operational range was drastically reduced, the defensive pressure was likewise massively lightened.

Countless Chaos Ancient Beast charged forth in wave after wave, only for the vast majority to meet their end beneath the blades of the Cosmic Cycle Sword Formation.

This great battle raged on for a full one hundred thousand years. Even when the three great Divine Generals—Pixiu Divine General [a divine general named after the mythical Pixiu beast], Bixia Divine General [a divine general named after the mythical Bixia dragon-turtle], and Desolate Silence Divine General [a divine general whose title means 'Desolate Silence']—personally led their legions in a ferocious assault, they still could not breach this Immortal Domain Grand Formation [a grand defensive formation that protects an entire Immortal Domain].

Finally, after one hundred thousand years, the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial demonic beast resembling a massive, chaotic ox] emerged from its secluded cultivation, only to find that the three were still unable to break the Chaos Grand Formation [a powerful formation drawing upon the energies of primordial chaos]. A look of towering rage immediately darkened its features.

Seeing the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox was about to unleash its fury, the Desolate Silence Fiendgod [a fiendish deity whose title means 'Desolate Silence'] hastily spoke up: "Your Majesty Murky Heaven [a title meaning 'Murky Heaven'], the foundational essence of the enemy's Seven Great Immortal Domains [a collective name for seven powerful Immortal Domains] is more abundant than that of many Mid-Grade Immortal Domain [an Immortal Domain of middling rank and power]."

"Moreover, at the very heart of their grand formation, there seems to be a Mid-Grade Chaos Nest [a medium-grade nexus of primordial chaos energy]. With our current strength, breaching it is genuinely difficult."

Upon hearing this, the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox narrowed its eyes slightly, and the wrath simmering within it subsided.

With an Immortal Domain [a realm of immortals, a plane of existence] and a Chaos Nest [a nest or wellspring of primordial chaos energy] as its foundation, such a defense could withstand assaults from several opponents of equal cultivation realm. Even an enemy one major realm higher would find it exceedingly hard to breach.

Given the profound essence of these Seven Great Immortal Domains and the support of a Mid-Grade Chaos Nest, it was within expectations that they could hold against twenty-two Chaotic Fiendgod [powerful, chaotic demon-gods].

Of course, the most crucial point was that these three Divine Generals were all Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [cultivators at the late stage of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm], not beings he could easily intimidate or command.

Considering this, the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox reined in its anger completely.

It rose to its feet and gazed toward the Seven Abyssal Immortal Domains [another name for the Seven Great Immortal Domains, emphasizing their profound and abyssal nature]. After a moment's contemplation, it declared, "If that is the case, then dispatch the Primordial Heaven War Vessel [a colossal, ancient warship of immense power] forward."

Upon hearing this, the three Divine Generals felt a flicker of delight. The Primordial Heaven War Vessel under the command of the Primordial Chaos Kui Ox was a formidable weapon for breaching defenses.

This Primordial Heaven War Vessel was vast and boundless, an Innate Great Luo War Vessel forged from countless Chaos Divine Material. It possessed the capability to store the fundamental power of the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

At the prow of this Murky Heaven battlefield vessel stood a Thunder Giant Cannon cast from Innate Thunder Divine Iron, its destructive power surpassing even that of the Crimson Wolf Ancient Cannon by a significant margin.

"BOOM—"

At this moment, as the Primordial Heaven War Vessel finally surged into motion, a majestic and overwhelming aura swept across the Myriad Heavens.

The towering waves of the Chaos Sea Waters transformed into a raging deluge, crashing towards the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

"It's an innate Great Luo Ancient Ship!"

Witnessing this spectacle, the cultivators within the Formation [a structured array of energy used for defense or attack] all paled slightly, their expressions turning grave with profound concern.

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. An innate Great Luo Ancient Ship of this caliber, if unleashed at full power, was capable of shattering an entire Immortal Domain into fragments. It even posed a severe threat of critically damaging the grand defensive formation protecting the Seven Great Immortal Domains.

"We must cripple it, preferably destroy this Great Luo Ancient Ship entirely."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, drawing a deep breath before stepping onto the Artillery Platform of the Crimson Wolf Ancient Cannon.

This Crimson Wolf Ancient Cannon possessed unparalleled destructive power. Without venturing out to engage the enemy personally, it was Eldrin Chen's sole means of threatening that Great Luo Ancient Ship.

"BOOM—"

Not long before Eldrin Chen reached the Crimson Wolf Ancient Cannon, the Primordial Heaven War Vessel had already begun its assault. Its Thunder Giant Cannon unleashed a cataclysmic wave of divine energy against the defensive Formation [a complex array of energy channels and runes used for defense or other purposes]. The impact caused the entire formation to shudder violently, and faint cracks began to spiderweb across its luminous barrier.

Within the Formation, countless Immortal [a cultivator who has ascended to a higher state of being, transcending mortality] suffered violent backlash. In an instant, their physical bodies were pulverized. Some were annihilated so utterly that even their Primordial Spirit Immortal Embryo [the nascent spiritual core of an Immortal, the foundation of their future power] was scattered to dust.

"Damn it!"

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen's expression darkened slightly, yet he restrained himself from acting.

Although the Crimson Wolf Ancient Cannon was immensely powerful, its accuracy against a maneuvering Great Luo Ancient Ship was far from guaranteed.

The distance between them was still too great. If the enemy ship reacted in time, a premature shot would surely miss its mark. Therefore, Eldrin Chen had no choice but to personally command the ancient cannon, biding his time and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

"BOOM—"

At that very moment, the Primordial Heaven War Vessel unleashed its power once more. A Thunder-infused projectile struck with devastating force, causing the Immortal Domain Grand Formation to tremble violently. Countless souls were instantly reduced to ashes, their forms scattered like dust upon the wind.

Simultaneously, Eldrin Chen perceived with acute clarity a critical flaw. The moment the Primordial Heaven War Vessel fired its cannon, the intricate array patterns etched upon its hull flickered and stalled for a fleeting instant.

This meant that once the cannon fired, the ancient vessel would find it difficult, if not impossible, to alter its course or maneuver with any semblance of agility.

Eldrin Chen understood this was a flaw born of the Chaotic Fiendgod's comparatively crude artifice techniques. A Great Luo Ancient Ship crafted by the Human Race would likely possess no such vulnerability.

Regardless, it presented a perfect opportunity to strike.