Chapter 1977 : The Balance of Supreme Treasures

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's gaze subtly tightened, a trace of solemnity flickering within.

Eldrin Chen had also crossed paths with the Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor once before and was well aware of that individual's overwhelmingly domineering nature.

Among the ten Great Emperors of the Demonic Celestial Court, the Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor was one of the most radical proponents of war, having long sought to wage battle against the Human and Divine Races to avenge the grievous wounds inflicted upon the Demon Race by their alliance prior to the Three Thousand Kalpas.

Such a figure, already a key decision-maker within the Demon Race, would likely seize the opportunity to instigate war once more if he successfully refined an Innate Supreme Treasure.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but inquire, "Would the Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor truly be able to completely alter the balance of power in the Primordial Immortal Domain simply by possessing one Innate Supreme Treasure?"

"In a scenario where the Chaos Celestial Emperors do not intervene, any single Innate Supreme Treasure holds decisive weight," the Taicang Divine Emperor stated, his eyes reflecting profound gravity.

He drew a deep breath before continuing, "Since the fall of the Violet Immortal Lord, within the Three Poles Origin Domain, aside from the few Chaos Celestial Emperors, there have been only sixteen supreme Innate Supreme Treasures acknowledged openly."

"Of these sixteen Great Emperors, six hail from the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races, each an Ancient Progenitor of immense antiquity. Of the remaining ten, three are held by the Divine Race, three by the Human Race, and four are in the hands of the Demon Race."

At this point, the Taicang Divine Emperor concluded, his voice heavy, "With these three additions, the Demon Race would openly possess five Innate Supreme Treasures."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but frown slightly, a crease forming between his brows.

After a moment of contemplation, he could not resist asking, "Senior, you speak of the number on the surface. Does this imply there are, in the shadows, even more Innate Supreme Treasure [treasures born of the primordial chaos, possessing supreme power and unique laws]?"

"That is indeed the case."

Taicang Divine Emperor nodded, then continued, "The origins of an Innate Supreme Treasure are actually of two kinds. The first is a treasure one cultivates and refines oneself. The second is one discovered within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before the creation of the cosmos]."

"The sixteen Innate Supreme Treasure I mentioned refer specifically to those personally forged and perfected by a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme cultivator who has attained the pinnacle of power within the Primordial Chaos]."

"Such a treasure can attract a True Spirit Imprint [the fundamental spiritual signature or law of a True Spirit, the highest form of spiritual existence]. Once successfully cultivated, it will inevitably aid the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch in establishing a single True Spirit Foundation [the foundational spiritual core of a True Spirit, representing ultimate attainment in a specific Dao]. Consequently, individuals of this caliber possess exceptionally formidable strength."

"As for those retrieved from the Chaos, they are mostly fully-formed Innate Supreme Treasure. These artifacts already contain a True Spirit Imprint within them, making it impossible to leverage them to cultivate a True Spirit Foundation."

"Moreover, such completed Innate Supreme Treasure can all conceal themselves from heavenly divination. Unless a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch personally unleashes one in combat, even a Chaos Celestial Emperor [an emperor who rules over a portion of the Chaos] would find it difficult to deduce its existence."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. His own Creation Cauldron was also an Innate Supreme Treasure, yet it was clearly something the heroes of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms and worlds inhabited by immortals] had failed to detect.

It stood to reason that if the various great Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch possessed similar trump cards, they too would likely have means of concealment at their disposal.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke, "For the Primordial Thunder Crow to make you so cautious, I suspect the Demon Race must be concealing even more Innate Supreme Treasure [treasures born of the primordial chaos, embodying supreme laws]?"

"Indeed."

Taicang Divine Emperor nodded, his tone calm as he continued, "During the War of the Late Primordial Era, when the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain was utterly shattered, both of our Divine Race's Primordial Divine Emperor fell into deep slumber. The Demon Race were the greatest beneficiaries of that cataclysm."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, a shadow of gravity darkening his expression.

In that moment, Eldrin Chen grasped the formidable nature of the Demonic Celestial Court [the ruling court of the demonic forces], and the weight in his heart grew heavier.

Seeing his reaction, Taicang Divine Emperor spoke again, "We suspect that the Demon Race's Ten Direction Great Emperors [the ten supreme demon emperors ruling over all directions] likely all possess trump cards of the Innate Supreme Treasure [treasures born of the primordial chaos, embodying supreme laws] grade."

"Even if the vast majority of these Innate Supreme Treasure were not Ascension [the process of a cultivator's spirit merging with a treasure, elevating both] alongside their wielders, they are absolutely not to be underestimated."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen understood the general picture.

An Innate Supreme Treasure that one Ascension with would aid a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme cultivator who has mastered the power of primordial chaos] in forging a single True Spirit Foundation [the foundational spiritual core of a supreme being].

A pre-existing Innate Supreme Treasure could not achieve this. Yet, regardless of their origin, all Innate Supreme Treasure were vessels of Dao Authority [the authority to wield a fundamental law of existence], and their destructive power was, in essence, indistinguishable.

Therefore, those beings who have refined batches of Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from the primordial chaos] are exceptionally formidable and troublesome opponents.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke with a grave expression, "It seems the strength of the Demon Race [a powerful faction of non-human cultivators and beasts] is even greater than we anticipated."

"If they were not strong, how could they be called the foremost among the Three Great Celestial Courts [the three supreme ruling powers of the immortal realms]?"

Taicang Divine Emperor shook his head and added with a bitter smile, "That Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor is the younger brother of the Solar Celestial Emperor [the sovereign ruler of the solar domain]. He already possesses an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from the primordial chaos] bestowed by the Solar Celestial Emperor."

"If he were to obtain another and use it to cultivate a True Spirit Foundation [the foundational spiritual core of a high-level cultivator], his power would undoubtedly rise to become the foremost among the Demon Race's Ten Direction Great Emperors [the ten supreme rulers of the demonic factions]. His influence would then ascend to an entirely new level."

"At that point, he would likely be powerful enough to directly persuade the other factions within the Demon Race to launch a war that would sweep across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the myriad realms and worlds inhabited by immortals]. Neither you nor I would likely be able to remain aloof from such a conflict."

Eldrin Chen listened in silence, a deep furrow forming between his brows.

After a long while, Eldrin Chen spoke again, "How long would it take for Him to Ascension [the process of refining and elevating a treasure's grade] an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from the primordial chaos]?"

"The Solar Celestial Emperor [the sovereign ruler of the solar domain] is the foremost artifact forger within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a collective name for seven perilous and profound regions]. If He were to personally undertake the work, and use that Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [the primordial, unformed essence of a supreme treasure] as one of the primary materials, it would take at most three Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often involving great upheaval] to forge the Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from the primordial chaos]."

Taicang Divine Emperor replied, a trace of a sigh coloring his words.

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but frown slightly. He had heard some rumors about the artifact-forging arts of the Solar Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of the sun and fire, a legendary figure from the ancient demonic court].

In the Ancient Era [a primordial age of myth and legend], three hundred billion Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth] ago, the primary reason the Demonic Celestial Court [the ancient, unified empire of the demon race] was able to dominate all others was precisely due to the artifact-forging skills of the Solar Celestial Emperor.

It was said that the Solar Celestial Emperor, using his own mastery of artifact-forging as a foundation, created a heaven-defying method. This technique could extract the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a fundamental, indestructible essence of creation] from an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primal chaos of heaven and earth, containing immense power] at the cost of destroying the treasure itself.

Although roughly half of the essence would be lost in the process, this was indeed one of the greatest channels for obtaining the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light.

Throughout the entire Ancient Era, the Demonic Celestial Court successively destroyed hundreds of thousands of Innate Spiritual Treasure, thereby cultivating over ten thousand Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation] and a significant number of high-level Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

It was precisely because of this that the later, flourishing period of the Demonic Celestial Court came to be.

However, Innate Spiritual Treasure were ultimately a finite resource. As the Demon Race [the collective term for all demonic beings] continuously destroyed these treasures, the vast reserves of Innate Spiritual Treasure accumulated over millions of Kalpa Tribulation within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective realms of the immortal cultivators] were gradually exhausted.

This ultimately led to the latter half of the ancient era, where almost no Grand Luo Golden Immortal in the Three Thousand Immortal Domains possessed an Innate Spiritual Treasure. Many beings at the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [the advanced stage of the Grand Luo realm] could only use Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a lesser grade of these primal treasures].

It was amidst this seemingly prosperous and splendid situation for the Demon Race that, approximately ten thousand Kalpa Tribulation ago, the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the progenitor of the Dao, a supreme primordial existence] began to impart the method of Ascension [the process of transcending one's current realm] through opening an Immortal Domain [a personal realm or pocket dimension cultivated by an immortal].

The method of obtaining Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light by opening an Immortal Domain was destined, from the moment of its appearance, to alter the very structure and balance of power of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

As Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the progenitor of all cultivation paths], through the karmic fortune and merit of creating a new cultivation method, received the Great Dao's [the fundamental cosmic principle] bestowal of Chaos Primordial Qi [the primordial essence of chaos] and proved his Dao to become a Chaos Dao Progenitor [a progenitor who has mastered the Dao of Chaos], the ancient Demon Court [the celestial court ruled by demonic beings] finally began its decline.

Thus, the Demonic Celestial Court [the celestial court ruled by demonic beings] persisted for nearly ten thousand Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle of destruction and rebirth], until the moment, over three thousand Kalpa Tribulation ago, when Sage-King of the Grand Abyss proved his Dao, that it finally lost its status as the sole sovereign of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective realms of immortal cultivation].

Although the present Demonic Celestial Court no longer possesses the glory of the Ancient Era [a legendary age of antiquity], one must admit that the artifact-forging skill of the Solar Celestial Emperor [the Celestial Emperor of the Sun] is truly astonishing.

His mastery of artifact forging ranks first in the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, and he once even used that strand of Chaos Primordial Qi belonging to the Kirin Progenitor [the mythical progenitor of the Kirin race] to forge a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from Chaos]. Using it as a hidden trump card, he ambushed the Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor [the Divine Emperor of the Purple Tenuity constellation] and thereby seized the authority over the Starry Great Dao [the cosmic principle governing the stars].

It can be said that, with the methods of the Solar Celestial Emperor, if he were to use that Seven-Pattern Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [an embryonic treasure bearing seven innate patterns] as material and fuse it with the Life-Bound Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure bound to one's life essence] of the Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor, he would certainly enable the Lifebound Treasure of the Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor to Ascension [undergo a qualitative evolution] and become an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born from innate principles].

"At most three Kalpa Tribulation?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, before gathering his scattered thoughts a moment later.

In two or three Kalpa Tribulation, his physical body and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation should also advance further. By then, with his three foundational combat powers unified, he would surely possess strength comparable to the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [an Emperor Monarch who has mastered Primordial Chaos].

With such power, he should possess a certain degree of self-preservation capability when facing the great war of the Three Great Celestial Courts [the three supreme celestial powers].

Thinking this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Thank you for the guidance, Fellow Daoist. I understand the situation now."

After speaking of this matter, Eldrin Chen then stated the purpose of his visit.

After listening, Taicang Divine Emperor shook his head and said, "I am wounded. I fear I cannot accompany you to this Treasure Exchange Grand Assembly."

"My apologies for the presumption. Please focus on recuperating, Emperor Lord."

Finally, after a period of further private discourse, Eldrin Chen clasped his hands in farewell and took his leave.

Upon departing the Taicang Imperial Court, Eldrin Chen subsequently visited both the Grand Frost Imperial Court and the Grand Nether Imperial Court. Unfortunately, both Grand Frost Emperor Lord and Grand Nether Emperor Lord were in secluded cultivation and declined the opportunity to attend the Treasure Exchange Grand Assembly with Single Primordial Qi.

During this journey, Eldrin Chen also met with old acquaintances such as Umbralia and Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor.

Though several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] had passed, their cultivation progress was not particularly vast. Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor remained only at the third layer of Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle immortal realm], while Umbralia had just reached the fourth layer.

Of course, Eldrin Chen understood well that advancing three or four layers within the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm over seven-plus Kalpa Tribulation was by no means a slow pace.

The reason for Eldrin Chen's own rapid advancement was primarily due to victories in several Chaotic War [wars of cosmic scale], which yielded immense resources, coupled with the use of numerous Innate Spiritual Root [heaven-defying treasures that directly enhance cultivation base] to accelerate his cultivation.

In comparison, although both were Grand Luo Golden Immortal of a Primordial Emperor Court [an ancient and supreme imperial power] and backed by profoundly deep resources, the portion that trickled down to them individually was likely not as substantial.

Taking the Grand Frost Imperial Court [the celestial court ruled by the Grand Frost Emperor Lord] as an example, under the command of Grand Frost Emperor Lord alone, there were eighty-three Grand Luo Golden Immortal [cultivators who have attained the pinnacle of the Grand Luo realm, the Golden Immortal stage].

According to the knowledge of Eldrin Chen, the Grand Luo Golden Immortal under the banner of Grand Frost Emperor Lord primarily originated from four lineages. These were the Grand Frost Immortal Palace [the primary celestial palace of the Grand Frost lineage], the Great Cold Immortal Domain [a vast, frigid realm of immortals], the Grand Frost Dao Domain [a domain dedicated to the Grand Frost Dao path], and the Grand Frost Ancient Sect [an ancient sect founded upon Grand Frost principles], among these four major branches.

These four branches corresponded respectively to the Grand Frost Celestial Domain [the celestial domain of Grand Frost] within the Primordial Immortal Domain [the primordial realm of immortals], the Grand Luo Golden Immortal who emerged from the Great Cold Immortal Domain, the branch of the Grand Frost lineage established within the Chaos Sea [the primordial, formless sea of chaos], and finally, the teaching sect personally founded by Grand Frost Emperor Lord.

The Grand Luo Golden Immortal who emerged from these four lineages were all either direct disciples or grand-disciples of Grand Frost Emperor Lord.

Figures like Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor and the thirteen Grand Luo Golden Immortal from the Great Cold Immortal Domain represented merely one branch among the many under Grand Frost Emperor Lord's tutelage.

In fact, strictly speaking, the lineage from the Great Cold Immortal Domain operated more on a principle of laissez-faire guidance. Consequently, the branch led by Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor held the lowest status among the four major branches.

Under such circumstances, the resources available to Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor were far inferior to those Eldrin Chen had accrued over the years, resulting in a significantly slower pace of cultivation progress.

In truth, the primary reason Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor was able to prove his Dao and attain the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo realm] was not chiefly due to Grand Frost Emperor Lord, but rather because he encountered two pivotal patrons.

His first patron was none other than White Crane Immortal Lord.

That White Crane Immortal Lord was originally a crane-demon reared by Grand Frost Emperor Lord in his early years. A bond of considerable depth existed between them, which was why Grand Frost Emperor Lord nurtured him all the way to the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [the late stage of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm].

It can be said that White Crane Immortal Lord held an exceptionally distinguished position within the Grand Frost Imperial Court. It was his favor that fell upon Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor, which led to the latter receiving focused cultivation and attention.

The second great benefactor was none other than Eldrin Chen.

Had it not been for Eldrin Chen carrying him through the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial] to sweep aside all rivals, he might never have attained the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortality].

Understanding this well, Rift-Heaven Demon Emperor treated Eldrin Chen with the utmost respect. He received Eldrin Chen with great reverence into the Grand Frost Imperial Court, hosting him with the most courteous hospitality.

Of course, this was but a minor interlude.

Since the Grand Nether Emperor Lord was in secluded cultivation, Eldrin Chen did not linger long within the Grand Frost Imperial Court. After merely leaving a letter, he returned to the Abyssal Immortal Domain.

He cultivated in seclusion within the Abyssal Immortal Domain for a time, and after several million years, he finally received word from Taiyang Emperor Lord.

"The Treasure Exchange Grand Assembly [a grand gathering for trading rare treasures] is about to commence. We should not delay; let us depart at once."

With those words, Taiyang Emperor Lord and Eldrin Chen together tore through the Chaos [the primordial, formless void], heading towards the Chaos Heaven Extreme Domain.

The Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss are vast and boundless, divided into seven great Origin Domain [primordial realms]: the Three Poles Origin Domain, the Vast Righteousness Primordial Domain, the Chaos Heaven Extreme Domain, the Chaos Cosmos Extreme Domain, the Myriad Gods Primordial Domain, the Sacred Demon Primordial Domain, and the Grand Pot Primordial Domain.

Among these seven domains, both the Chaos Heaven Extreme Domain and the Chaos Cosmos Extreme Domain are Chaos Nest [a primordial convergence point of chaotic energies] of the upper three grades.

Yet, of these two great Chaos Nest, the origins of the Chaos Heaven Extreme Domain are steeped in legend.

It is said the Chaos Heaven Extreme Domain was originally named the Chaos Kui Bull Domain, and its sovereign was a 'Primordial Chaos Kui Ox' [a primordial bovine demon beast of chaos] who had attained the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler within the primordial chaos].

Indeed, this Primordial Chaos Kui Ox belongs to the same race as the 'Primordial Chaos Kui Ox', the great Dao rival of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [an ancient phoenix of ultimate violet radiance].

It is said that Primordial Chaos Kui Ox proclaimed himself 'Kui Bull Celestial Emperor' and possessed the supreme power to suppress the Chaos [the primordial, formless state of existence] from birth. During the Primordial Era [the first and most ancient age], he once defeated a Chaos Celestial Emperor from the Grand Pot Primordial Domain, and his combat prowess was by no means weak among his peers.

Yet, regrettably, he encountered a figure of even more breathtaking brilliance.

The Ant Celestial Emperor embarked on the path of cultivation from the humblest origins of an ant, ascending all the way from a minor world to the vastness of the Chaos, his journey marked by an unstoppable, sweeping momentum.

However, before proving his Dao and attaining the Chaos Celestial Emperor realm, the Ant Celestial Emperor suffered repeated pursuits and hunts by the Kui Bull Celestial Emperor, pushed to the brink of annihilation on several occasions, and was ultimately forced to flee into the depths of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a desolate and perilous sea within the primordial chaos].

What transpired thereafter remained a mystery to all.

It is only known that after several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth], when the Ant Celestial Emperor returned from the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, he had already broken through to the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor.

The returned Ant Celestial Emperor immediately stormed into the Chaos Heaven Extreme Domain, where within the Chaos Nest he engaged Kui Bull Celestial Emperor in a world-shaking battle.

That clash shattered the Chaos and decayed all things, sending violent tremors that shook the very foundations of the entire Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss.

In the end, Kui Bull Celestial Emperor was left bleeding profusely within the Chaos, grievously wounded as he fled into the depths of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea, never to return.

And from that day forth, this Chaos Nest became the Daoist Abode for the Ant Celestial Emperor's cultivation.