Chapter 1922 : Confronting the Chaos Demon Gods

"Investigate the information on these individuals." [a command to gather intelligence on specific targets]

Upon discovering the seven Chaos Demon God [a primordial and immensely powerful type of demonic deity], Eldrin Chen was the first to speak.

Hearing this, Nyssa Qu retrieved a list from her sleeve. After examining it for a moment, she handed it over to Eldrin Chen.

Due to the vast distance from the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the primary realms of immortal cultivation], the Immortal Court [the supreme governing body of the immortal realms] possessed limited intelligence on the Sundered Heart Ancient Abyss [a perilous and ancient demonic realm]. Their records only detailed the Chaos Demon God-level powerhouses residing there.

Furthermore, only those at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme realm of immortal cultivation] could traverse such expansive Heavenly Domain [vast cosmic regions]. Consequently, the intelligence was updated only once every ten Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration], resulting in a degree of informational lag.

Fortunately, these Chaos Demon God had each achieved their Dao for more than ten Kalpa Tribulation. Eldrin Chen was able to locate their profiles within the provided materials.

Among the seven Chaos Demon God present, four were at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage [the initial phase of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]. They were named the Crimson Wolf [a ferocious wolf demon], the Celestial Ox [a mighty ox demon], the Primordial Chaos Golden Roc [a golden roc born of primordial chaos], and the Six-Winged Celestial Centipede [a centipede demon with six wings]. In Eldrin Chen's assessment, none of these posed a significant threat.

Of the three at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage [the middle phase of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], they were the Primordial Chaos Thunder Roc [a thunder roc born of primordial chaos], the Primordial Chaos Heaven Kun [a Kun fish demon born of primordial chaos], and the Nine-Winged Golden Centipede [a centipede demon with nine golden wings]. Among them, the Primordial Chaos Thunder Roc and the Nine-Winged Golden Centipede possessed cultivation at the Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the sixth layer within the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]. The Primordial Chaos Heaven Kun's cultivation was comparatively lower, roughly at the level of the fourth Heavy Water [a profound and weighty water-based divine ability] within the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm.

Having digested the intelligence, Eldrin Chen stated, "Among this group of Chaos Demon God, the Primordial Chaos Thunder Roc is undoubtedly the most formidable. It has walked its Dao for over thirty thousand Kalpa Tribulation."

"Although it has not broken through to the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the seventh layer within the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], it is certainly the most troublesome opponent among the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions grew slightly solemn.

A Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal who has trodden their path for thirty thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] is often the most difficult to deal with.

Due to limitations in innate talent and foundational strength, such Great Encompassing Golden Immortal often find it difficult to break through to the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. However, they possess ample time to cultivate their foundational strength to its absolute limit.

Such existences have typically not only mastered a minor Great Path [a profound cultivation art], but have also cultivated their physical body and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] to the Lesser Vehicle Realm. It is even highly probable they possess an Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-grade magical treasure born from nature] as part of their hidden reserves.

A Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal of such formidable power could likely contend against two ordinary Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal at once.

Understanding this, Exquisite Jiang spoke, "In terms of strength, I fear only you, my husband, would have the confidence to handle this individual."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. "I will deal with the Primordial Chaos Thunder Roc," he declared. "The Nine-Winged Golden Centipede shall be left to my Reincarnation Body [a powerful avatar formed through reincarnation]. The Primordial Chaos Heaven Kun is of insufficient strength to be a concern; let Gentle Deer handle it."

Gentle Deer nodded in agreement. With his current power and the Nine-Colored Immortal Sword gifted by the Immortal Deer Clan, dealing with a mere fourth-layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal would be more than sufficient.

Seeing this arrangement, Exquisite Jiang stated, "The remaining four, I alone can hold them off. Let Nyssa go to support Snow Soul Immortal Lord."

Everyone agreed with a nod. As a member of the Immortal Clam Clan, Nyssa Qu was the most suitable choice to safeguard her fellow clansman, Snow Soul Immortal Lord, during his cultivation.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "There is no need to rush for now. Let us wait for the Snow Soul Immortal Lord to awaken."

"When she is on the verge of awakening, these Chaos Demon Gods [primordial beings of immense power born from the formless void] will have their attention drawn. Then we can see if there is an opportunity to ambush and slay one."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen began observing the positions of the seven Chaos Demon Gods.

These seven Chaos Demon Gods hailed from five different Chaos Lairs [fortresses or domains within the primordial chaos], belonging to disparate races and factions.

Among them, the Nine-Winged Golden Centipede and the Six-Winged Celestial Centipede were of the same clan, originating from a formidable Great Encompassing Chaos Lair [a major domain within the primordial chaos].

The Primordial Chaos Thunder Roc and the Primordial Chaos Golden Roc were powerful members of the Primordial Chaos Great Roc Clan. This lineage occupied a mid-grade Great Encompassing Chaos Lair, and their strength was considered formidable even within the Sundered Heart Ancient Abyss [a perilous and ancient region of the primordial void].

These two clans each had a pair watching each other's backs, making them difficult targets.

The remaining three hailed from different Chaos Lairs. If ambushed, they might not receive immediate support, potentially increasing our chances of success.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen stated, "If we are to launch an ambush, we could choose between the Primordial Chaos Heaven Kun [a mythical beast of chaos], the Crimson Wolf, or the Celestial Ox."

Exquisite Jiang pondered for a moment before asking, "If we ambush the Primordial Chaos Heaven Kun, are you confident of success?"

"Defeating it is not difficult, but given its methods, and with the other Chaos Demon God [a powerful demonic entity born from the primordial chaos] joining the fray, my chances of successfully slaying it are less than thirty percent."

Eldrin Chen shook his head. The opportunity for a surprise attack would come only once, and to suppress and kill a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage [a mid-stage Golden Immortal whose power encompasses the Great Dao] in an extremely short time was no easy feat.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen said, "The most crucial point is, even if we kill this Primordial Chaos Heaven Kun [a primordial leviathan born from the chaos of heaven], the spoils likely won't be substantial. We'd be better off targeting the Celestial Ox Demon God [a powerful demon god with the form of a celestial ox]."

Hearing this, Exquisite Jiang gave a slight nod of agreement.

Within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged], the strong remained strong, but it was not an absolute rule that those with higher cultivation necessarily possessed more resources.

Take the Primordial Chaos Heaven Kun as an example. This leviathan had attained its Dao for a mere eight billion years, its cultivation having just broken through to the fourth level of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Such a being, freshly ascended to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage, would likely have expended the majority of its resources on the breakthrough itself. Its reserves of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primal, unbreakable spiritual radiance] and other treasures would consequently be rather sparse.

In contrast, the Celestial Ox Demon God, according to records, had been trapped at the third level of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal for over several hundred billion years.

This kind of Chaos Demon God, shackled by its bloodline and with stagnant cultivation, was far more likely to have amassed greater resources, hoarding them in preparation for a future breakthrough.

Most crucially, if they launched a coordinated surprise attack, their chances of successfully slaying this Celestial Ox Demon God were exceedingly high.

Considering this, Exquisite Jiang [the Immortal Lord known for her profound wisdom and cultivation] spoke, "Since that is the case, we shall bide our time and await the perfect moment for a single, decisive strike."

As he said this, Eldrin Chen [the formidable Sword Immortal and patriarch] led the group, concealing themselves within the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between realms]. They advanced in utter silence, drawing near the Celestial Ox Demon God [a powerful bovine demon deity of immense strength].

Fortunately, the seven Demon God [powerful deities of the demonic races] present were also deeply wary of each other. They had each positioned themselves at a considerable distance, which afforded Eldrin's group the opportunity to approach unseen.

Eldrin Chen used the Chaos Mist [a mystical vapor that obscures perception within the primordial void] to shroud their advance. He even activated the Great Deduction Polarity Stars Path [an esoteric art of celestial calculation and concealment] to mask their Fiendish Energy [the malevolent spiritual aura emitted by demons and cultivators of dark arts]. Only then did they manage to halt their approach at a distance of one Path [a vast cosmic distance, a standard measure in the boundless Chaos] from the Celestial Ox Demon God.

At this point, Eldrin Chen dared not venture any closer.

For a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained a state of cosmic unity and immense power], even the faintest whisper of a truly threatening Slaughter Intent [a focused will to kill, a palpable aura of murderous purpose] can be sensed with crystal clarity. This perception can span across a thousand Path of the vast Chaos.

Should someone chant the true name of Remembrance Truth [a being of profound power whose name holds mystical significance], that being could project an avatar of its will across tens of thousands of Path within the Boundless Chaos [the infinite, primordial expanse of nothingness], arriving at the very shores of the Chaos.

The reason Eldrin Chen could approach within one Path of the Celestial Ox Demon God was primarily due to his ability to suppress his own killing intent. This, combined with the Great Deduction Polarity Stars Path's power to obscure Celestial Mechanism [the underlying patterns and fate of the heavens, making divination and detection difficult], allowed their stealthy approach.

However, to advance any further was beyond even Eldrin's capabilities to remain undetected.

For a single Path represents the absolute sensory domain of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage [the initial phase of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]. Not even within the Chaos, which is famed for obscuring all things, could one take another step closer without being perceived.

Within a Path [a fundamental principle or law of the cosmos], even the most subtle fluctuation in the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] would be perceived with absolute clarity by the Celestial Ox Demon God [a primordial bovine deity of immense power], leaving no room for concealment whatsoever.

"A distance of one Path [a fundamental principle or law of the cosmos] is more than sufficient to launch a surprise attack."

"Now, we simply wait for our foe to reveal an opening."

So saying, Eldrin Chen closed his eyes to rest within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], biding his time for the perfect moment to strike. Time flowed swiftly in their vigil, and before they knew it, hundreds of thousands of years had slipped away.

They waited with immense patience, until the day when a change finally stirred within the Sundered Heart Ancient Abyss [a legendary, fathomless chasm of cosmic origin].

On that day, the boundless Sea of Chaos [the endless ocean of primordial chaos] ahead began to seethe and boil. In a fleeting vision, countless Great Path [supreme cosmic principles] pierced the firmament, and a colossal Space-Time [the fabric of reality encompassing dimensions and duration] fissure tore open from the Depths of Chaos [the innermost, most turbulent regions of primordial chaos].

The gathered Chaos Demon God [primordial deities born from chaos] lifted their gazes. Within that great rift in Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], they saw a blinding Immortal Radiance [a divine light of pure, immortal energy] erupt forth. Torrents of Sea of Chaos Water [the primal waters of chaos, containing the essence of creation] poured inward, coalescing into fundamental essence to nourish a single, coalescing sphere of light.

Then, bone and flesh began to slowly take shape.

"The revival is nearly complete."

From within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], the Six-Winged Celestial Centipede [a monstrous, multi-winged centipede deity] spoke, its eyes burning with intensity. "Once we slay that Snow Soul Immortal Lord [a title for an immortal lord whose essence is tied to frost and soul], this venerable one may attempt to break through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage [the middle stage of the Golden Immortal realm, a state of profound cosmic integration]."

"The Great Encompassing flesh and blood, my Primordial Chaos Great Roc Clan deserves a share."

On the other side, the Primordial Chaos Golden Roc sneered coldly, its expression one of absolute certainty.

The Celestial Ox Demon God was even more cautious. As a Chaos Demon God whose power was second only to the four Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage yet lacked a powerful backer, it understood clearly it had but one chance to strike.

Once that chance was missed, the three Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage Chaos Demon God would never grant it another opportunity to contend.

As time flowed on, watching the Great Encompassing Physique of Snow Soul Immortal Lord nearing completion, the Celestial Ox Demon God's spirit grew increasingly tense.

Its eyes were fixed upon Snow Soul Immortal Lord within the great Chaos rift, yet the greater part of its attention was locked onto the six Chaos Demon God, guarding against their potential strike.

Yet in that very instant, a sudden, unforeseen slash of Path Void cleaved through the void rift.

"*Clang!*—"

The Celestial Ox Demon God felt as if its brow had brushed against something, followed immediately by a surge of excruciating agony.

"Disaster—!"

In that fleeting instant, the Celestial Ox Demon God regained its senses, only to discover its brow had been cleaved in two.

Even its Great Encompassing Primordial Spirit, which possessed the Immortality and Indestructibility [the quality of being unyielding and everlasting], had been nearly half-destroyed in a flash. Under the shelter of the Great Path [the supreme, fundamental principle of the cosmos], it Burst forth with a dazzling radiance of Great Path light.

It turned out Eldrin Chen had seized the moment when the Celestial Ox Demon God's attention was drawn by the six Chaos Demon Gods, silently unleashing the Limitless Cosmos Sword.

This Primordial One Grade Divine Ability [a supreme-level divine technique from the dawn of creation] was truly extraordinary. It instantly traversed the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] to deliver its killing blow. Before the Celestial Ox Demon God could even sense the anomaly, it was grievously wounded.

"Ambushed!"

Panic surged within the Celestial Ox Demon God. Caught off guard, it sought to counter, but alas, it was already too late.

For then, from within the Chaos, a blindingly brilliant Five-Colored Divine Light descended, pinning down its chance to flee. Immediately after, a Chaos Divine Thunder [primordial lightning born from chaos] struck down, annihilating its Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] in an instant.

"Aaaargh—!"

The Celestial Ox Demon God managed only a final, agonized scream before it was utterly obliterated into dust and ashes. Only the portion of its Primordial Spirit fused within the Great Path flared with a final, brilliant light before plunging into profound silence.

Henceforth, for the Celestial Ox Demon God to resurrect, it would need to wait at least one hundred Kalpa Tribulations [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years]—until that sliver of Primordial Spirit within the Great Path had accumulated sufficient power to stir once more.

After slaying the Celestial Ox Demon God, Eldrin Chen emerged with his companions, strolling calmly into the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation]. With a placid expression, he regarded the other six Chaos Demon Gods [ancient, immensely powerful demons born from primordial chaos] and spoke, "Esteemed ones, I offer my greetings."

"A denizen of the Primordial Domain [the original, foundational realm of existence]?"

The Primordial Chaos Thunder Roc spoke, a flicker of wariness appearing in its gaze.

Clearly, Eldrin Chen's act of ambushing and annihilating the Catastrophe Demon God with a single strike had instilled a sense of caution in the ancient beast.

One must understand, the Celestial Ox Demon God had attained the Dao [achieved enlightenment and immense power] for tens of millions of years, its cultivation having long stabilized at the third level of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme realm of immortality where one's power encompasses all]. Such an entity could even put up a fight against a mid-stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Even for the Thunder Roc itself, defeating such a foe would require considerable effort.

As for achieving a complete kill, that would depend on favorable circumstances, terrain, and opportunity, and more crucially, on whether the Celestial Ox Demon God would be careless enough to provide such an opening.

Considering this, the Primordial Chaos Thunder Roc spoke again, "The legacy of the Snow Soul Immortal Lord holds three treasures: the immortal shell, the flesh and blood, and the Shell Pearl [a pearl of immense power condensed within a divine shell]. With your strength, you could claim one portion."

"Why not we three parties cooperate, each taking one? What say you?"

As it spoke, the Primordial Chaos Thunder Roc turned its gaze towards the Nine-Winged Golden Centipede. The massive centipede gave a nod and rumbled, "This venerable one agrees."

Both Primordial Chaos Heaven Kun and Crimson Wolf the Demon God [a powerful being of the demonic race] saw this and their expressions shifted slightly. However, understanding their own strength was no match, they immediately revealed looks of unwillingness and resentment.

But just at that moment, Eldrin Chen spoke coldly, "The shell, the flesh, the Shell Pearl [a precious pearl formed within a powerful creature's shell]—all are treasures. Yet, I fear none of you will obtain them."

"What did you say?"

Primordial Chaos Thunder Roc's expression darkened, a chill flashing in his eyes. "Does the esteemed one intend to monopolize everything?"

"Not so!"

Eldrin Chen shook his head and then spoke, "We have come to guard the path for Snow Soul Immortal Lord [a title for a powerful immortal lord]. You should depart with haste."

"Guard the path?"

Primordial Chaos Thunder Roc's face turned icy, and the Nine-Winged Golden Centipede also revealed a sliver of coldness.

For tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], the legacy treasures left behind after the fall of Snow Soul Immortal Lord had been a source of Opportunity and Fortune [a chance encounter with great benefit or destiny] within the Sundered Heart Ancient Abyss. Their growth to this day was precisely because they had obtained such Opportunity and Fortune on multiple occasions.

If Snow Soul Immortal Lord were to revive and depart, would that not mean such Opportunity and Fortune would be lost forever?

Contemplating this, the Nine-Winged Golden Centipede spoke with icy detachment, "The Opportunity and Fortune for the Snow Soul Immortal Lord's revival has, since ancient times, belonged to the Sundered Heart Ancient Abyss."

"If you allow her to awaken and depart, not only we, but the dozens of nearby Chaos Lair will not tolerate it."

"Enough idle talk," Eldrin Chen declared coldly. With a resonant *shing*, he summoned the Chaos Heaven Halberd, his gaze frigid. "If you object, you are welcome to test that conviction."

"You seek death!"

Enraged, the Primordial Chaos Thunder Roc struck. It commanded a Thunderclap Immortal Sword that cleaved the firmament, descending upon Eldrin Chen with annihilating force.

True to its status as a peak Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, the Primordial Chaos Thunder Roc led with a trump card. This Thunderclap Immortal Sword was, astonishingly, an Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure born of primordial chaos, possessing immense innate power].

Eldrin Chen dared not be negligent. He met the assault head-on with the Chaos Heaven Halberd, and in the blink of an eye, a dozen clashes had erupted between them.

*BOOM—*

Almost simultaneously, his Reincarnation Body [a powerful clone or avatar formed through profound reincarnation laws] moved into action.

It harnessed the Space-Time Great Path [the supreme law governing space and time] to intercept the other formidable foe, colliding with the Nine-Winged Golden Centipede and Burst into a cataclysmic battle that shook the heavens.

The others also swiftly joined the fray. Gentle Deer intercepted the Primordial Chaos Heaven Kun, while Exquisite Jiang single-handedly engaged three Chaos Demon God: the Primordial Chaos Golden Roc, the Crimson Wolf, and the Six-Winged Celestial Centipede.

Meanwhile, Nyssa Qu stood guard at the edge of the great Chaos rift, protecting the site where Snow Soul Immortal Lord was undergoing her recovery.

Thus, the battle escalated to a white-hot intensity in the blink of an eye. The ten Great Encompassing Golden Immortal combatants on both sides unleashed their True Flame [the purest, most potent form of spiritual fire] almost instantly.

Overall, however, Eldrin Chen and his allies held the upper hand.

In his duel with the Primordial Chaos Thunder Roc, Eldrin Chen exchanged over a hundred blows. Having gauged his opponent's general strength, he began to press his advantage, forcing the thunder roc onto the defensive.

His Reincarnation Body [a powerful spiritual avatar] was, after all, a pinnacle combatant even among mid-stage Great Encompassing experts. He had the nine-winged golden centipede firmly suppressed. Were it not for his wariness of the creature's Great Encompassing-grade venom, he could have decisively defeated it.

While Gentle Deer and the Primordial Chaos Heaven Kun were evenly matched, Exquisite Jiang was a force unto herself. She alone pressed three early-stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Chaos Demon God into a steady retreat.