Chapter 1938 : The Imperial Decree of War

Although everyone had long been mentally prepared for the eruption of this Chaos War, hearing the news confirmed directly by Eldrin Chen still caused their expressions to shift abruptly.

After a moment, Nyssa Qu took a deep breath and spoke, "What is the Imperial Lord [a title for a powerful ruler in the immortal realms]'s intention?"

Eldrin Chen passed the Imperial Lord's decree to the group and said, "The Imperial Lord's meaning is that our forces are weaker; we should conserve our strength, await the enemy's fatigue, and focus on defense."

Upon hearing this, everyone began to examine the Imperial Lord's decree.

A short while later, they all nodded in agreement. Exquisite Jiang could not help but remark, "Indeed, a direct confrontation would be disadvantageous for us."

Eldrin Chen nodded, a trace of solemnity flickering in his eyes.

Within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain, the Human Race possesses the Blazeflame Imperial Lord, who is at the early Primordial One Imperial Lord [the first major stage for an Imperial Lord cultivator] realm. The Chaos Demon God side has the Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor, also an early Primordial One Imperial Lord existence. Thus, the disparity in peak combat power between the two sides is not vast.

However, beneath the level of Primordial One Imperial Lord, the balance of power clearly tilts.

For within the Eastern Blazeflame Prison lie over one hundred Immortal Domain [realms governed by immortal powers]. Setting aside the Chen Immortal Clan, there are altogether more than one hundred and thirty Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [powerful immortals who have mastered their golden cores].

The Chaos Demon God faction also holds over one hundred Chaos Lair [nests of primal chaos where demons gather]. Yet, unlike an Immortal Domain which typically has one Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, a single Chaos Lair may harbor several Chaos Demon God coexisting within it. Join our community of readers at audio-novel dot com.

Therefore, even though the vast majority of these Chaos Lair were of the Lower Grade, the number of Chaos Demon Gods [primordial beings born from chaos] they birthed was still immense, totaling over two hundred and sixty.

It could be said that in terms of the number of Great Encompassing Golden Immortals [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation], there was a vast disparity between the two sides. Overall, the various Immortal Domains [realms governed by immortal powers] were at a disadvantage.

Fortunately, the average cultivation level of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortals from the Three Thousand Immortal Domains was higher. Furthermore, due to the limitations of their bloodline, the vast majority of Chaos Demon Gods could not break through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage. Thus, the two sides were not entirely mismatched in combat power.

Of course, in a direct confrontation, the hundred great Immortal Domains would undoubtedly suffer losses. Therefore, the best strategy was to rely on the defensive Formation [a structured arrangement of energy for defense or attack] of the Immortal Domains and seek opportunities for a counterattack.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before speaking. "So, the Blazeflame Imperial Lord's intention is to use the Blazeflame Immortal Domain as the core, gather thirty-six Immortal Domains and the bulk of our forces, and deploy a Chaos Heaven Pivot Grand Formation [a supreme defensive formation harnessing chaos energy] to withstand the Chaos Demon Gods."

"Our Chen Immortal Clan can bring our core clansmen into the Chaos Heaven Pivot Grand Formation for protection."

Hearing this, everyone fell into deep thought.

After a moment, Exquisite Jiang inquired, "Can our Seven Great Immortal Domains be integrated into the Chaos Heaven Pivot Grand Formation?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head, a trace of helplessness in his expression. "The Chaos Heaven Pivot Grand Formation is to be formed by twelve Upper Grade Immortal Domains and twenty-four Middle Grade Immortal Domains. Our Immortal Domains do not meet the requirements."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the others shifted slightly.

If the Seven Great Immortal Domains cannot be integrated into the Chaos Heaven Pivot Grand Formation, then relying solely on their own strength would render them far too vulnerable in the coming Chaos War.

Yet, abandoning the Seven Great Immortal Domains and relocating their core clansmen to the Chaos Heaven Pivot Grand Formation would exact a truly staggering price.

To do so, they would have to dismantle the Five Extremities Celestial Pillars, extract the core resources of their Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortals], and transport everything to the Chaos Heaven Pivot Grand Formation.

Although they could theoretically re-establish their Immortal Domain after the great war concluded, any domain founded anew would inevitably have a far weaker foundation and lose all potential for future growth.

Most crucially, restarting an Immortal Domain would mean the accumulated efforts of several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] would vanish in an instant. Countless endeavors would have to begin again from scratch—a cost far too heavy to bear.

Witnessing their dilemma, Eldrin Chen offered a measured assessment: "We possess seven Immortal Domain, supplemented by the mid-grade Great Encompassing Nest and the Chaos Golden Bull Nest. This should be sufficient to withstand an assault from an Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a powerful immortal realm]."

"If we further reinforce our Formation [defensive magical array] at any cost, we might even stand a chance against a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle of that immortal realm]."

"As long as the Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor does not personally intervene, we should retain a measure of self-preservation."

Hearing this, everyone present gave a slight, thoughtful nod.

Violet Consort Yan pondered for a moment before offering her analysis. "In truth, there is no need for excessive worry. The Departure Flame Imperial Lord would not permit the Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor to move against us. To do so would chill the hearts of all the Great Encompassing Immortal Lord [powerful immortal rulers] presiding over the various Immortal Domain. None would answer his future summons."

"Moreover, while the number of Outer Realm Demon God is vast, the overwhelming majority of Chaos Demon God are also blocked by the Chaos Heaven Pivot Grand Formation formed by the thirty-six Immortal Domain."

"Two Chaos Demon God at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection level will be dealt with by two senior experts who have also reached the Great Perfection of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm. Therefore, the number that can truly break through to our position should not be excessive."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen also nodded in agreement.

The Returning Abyss Immortal Domain and the other Seven Great Immortal Domains extend only a little over a million Path [a measure of cosmic distance] into the Chaos. Compared to the Eastern Departure Flame Domain, which has a diameter of tens of millions of Path, they can be considered among the Immortal Domain closest to the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

The Immortal Domain at this location is quite distant from the front lines, so its safety is indeed considerably greater.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke up: "I shall reply to Blazeflame Imperial Lord, informing Him that we will not enter the Chaos Heaven Pivot Grand Formation. Our strategy will focus entirely on defense, while incidentally tying down a portion of the enemy's forces." This chapter is part of a larger work available at *audio-novel.com*.

"Should the tide of battle shift, we stand ready to heed the summons and act at any moment."

As Eldrin Chen spoke these words, he swiftly composed a letter and sent it tearing through the void of the Chaos until it vanished from sight.

With this matter settled, Eldrin Chen declared, "While time remains, let us reconfigure our defensive Formation [a structured arrangement of energy for defense or attack]."

So saying, Eldrin Chen immediately summoned the other Great Encompassing Golden Immortal and began the work of rearranging the Chaos Grand Formation.

For this deployment of the Chaos War, Eldrin Chen not only connected the Seven Great Immortal Domains, but also designated the Middle Grade Chaos Lair and the Chaos Golden Bull Nest as primary Formation Eye [a key node that anchors and powers a grand formation] within it.

Furthermore, to unleash the Formation's ultimate potential, Eldrin Chen also mobilized the power of the Five Extremes Celestial Pillars.

To everyone's delight, each of the Chen Immortal Clan's Seven Great Immortal Domains contained five Innate Spiritual Root [a spiritual plant born from the world's origin, possessing immense natural power]. These Innate Spiritual Root were the perfect Formation Eye for deploying a Chaos Grand Formation.

Eldrin Chen used the thirty-five Worldly Spiritual Root [a high-grade spiritual plant nurtured by the world's essence] from the seven Immortal Domain as Formation Eye, harmonizing them with the Indestructibility Golden Fruit Tree to establish a minor version of the Chaos Heaven Pivot Grand Formation.

This formation merged with the Immortal Domain's original Chaos Seven Stars Grand Formation, transforming into the Chaos Heaven Pivot Seven Stars Formation. Its power ascended to a whole new level.

Subsequently, Eldrin Chen used the Primordial One Qiankun Water [a primordial water of creation containing the essence of heaven and earth] to nurture three hundred and sixty-five stalks of Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo. These were forged into Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo Sword and integrated to form a set of the Minor Cosmic Cycle Sword Formation.

This sword formation was then fused into the grand formation, ultimately giving birth to the 'Minor Chaos Heaven Pivot Cosmic Cycle Seven Stars Sword Formation'.

After completing the grand formation, Eldrin Chen tested its activation. He discovered it possessed three distinct transformations: the Cosmic Cycle Sword Formation, the Heavenly Pivot Divine Empowerment [a divine technique that channels the power of the celestial pivot], and the Seven Luminaries Ascension [a divine technique that harnesses the power of the seven stars].

The so-called Cosmic Cycle Sword Formation refers to its ability to unleash a Heaven-Scraping Sword Formation upon activation—a Minor Cosmic Cycle Sword Formation composed of three hundred and sixty-five Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo Sword.

Once activated, each Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo Sword strikes with force comparable to a full-power blow from an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal. The combined might of three hundred and sixty-five swords within the Sword Formation is sufficient to rend the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond ordered realms] and effortlessly slay hordes of Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient beasts born from and dwelling within the primordial chaos], making it a first-rate formation for mass slaughter.

However, while this formation is formidable, its utility against a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation, representing immense power and longevity] is rather limited.

The so-called Heavenly Pivot Divine Empowerment [a divine technique that channels foundational cosmic energies] is such that once the grand formation is activated, it can mobilize the power of the Innate Spiritual Root [the primordial source of spiritual energy within a world] to empower the thirty-six Heaven and Earth True Spirit [primordial spirits embodying the essence of heaven and earth].

At that moment, the cultivation bases of the thirty-six True Spirit [beings of pure spiritual essence, often ancient and powerful] will continuously ascend, their combat prowess becoming sufficient to rival a genuine Chaos Demon God [a primordial demon born from the chaos at the dawn of creation].

The Seven Luminaries Ascension [an ascension technique drawing power from the seven celestial luminaries] is even more profound and mysterious. This method utilizes the power of the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy nodes and patterns used for defense, attack, or cultivation] to consume the foundational essence of seven Immortal Domain [a realm or territory governed by immortals, rich in spiritual energy], temporarily enhancing the combat strength of seven Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. It can temporarily more than double the battle power of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

This is almost equivalent to a Forbidden Divine Ability [a supremely powerful technique with severe costs or restrictions], yet it carries no side effects and can be maintained indefinitely until the World's Origin [the primordial life-force and foundational energy of a world] is exhausted.

"The Cosmic Cycle Sword Formation [a sword formation that harnesses the cyclical energies of the cosmos], the Heavenly Pivot Divine Empowerment, and the Seven Luminaries Ascension,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a faint sigh of relief escaping his lips.

With its threefold transformations, the 'Minor Chaos Heaven Pivot Cosmic Cycle Seven Stars Sword Formation [a lesser version of a grand formation combining chaos, celestial pivot, cosmic cycles, and seven stars]' could already be considered extraordinarily powerful.

Even if it still fell far short of Blazeflame Imperial Lord's Chaos Heaven Pivot Grand Formation [a supreme formation blending chaotic and celestial pivot energies], it should be sufficient to deal with an ordinary Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [one who has reached the absolute peak of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm].

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen once again gathered his companions. He assigned Ao Hong, Verdant Consort, Violet Consort Yan, Lila, Ethan Chen, Nyssa Qu, and Gentle Deer to stand long-term guard at the Formation Eye [the central, most critical node of a formation] without respite. He also made a point to meet with the three Phoenix Clan Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, including the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [an ancient and supremely powerful phoenix of violet hue].

After all arrangements were clearly communicated, Eldrin Chen finally let out a sigh of relief and began to quietly await the arrival of the great war.

Time flowed swiftly in this manner. After several million years had passed, Eldrin Chen finally received a piece of news.

"The Chaos War has finally begun."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a faint sigh escaping his lips as he reviewed the intelligence in his hand.

The Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle of immortal cultivation, a realm of supreme power and enlightenment] from the Seven Great Immortal Domains also descended their avatars to examine the information on Eldrin Chen, their expressions shifting subtly with concern.

For it had been revealed that not long before, the Chaos War within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain had finally erupted in full force.

In this conflict, Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor had mustered over two hundred Chaos Demon God [primordial beings of immense power born from the formless chaos]. Leading the majority of this force, he laid siege to the Chaos Heaven Pivot Grand Formation [a grand defensive array centered on a cosmic axis], with the Blazeflame Immortal Domain at its core. Between them, a war of unimaginable ferocity and devastation had broken out.

After encircling the Chaos Heaven Pivot Grand Formation, Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor dispatched a smaller contingent of Chaos Demon God to penetrate deep into the territories aligned with the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

This force was not large, its primary purpose being to pin down the various Immortal Domain [realms governed by immortal powers] that had not entered the Chaos Heaven Pivot Grand Formation, preventing them from reinforcing the main front.

As for the main battlefield, Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor concentrated his heaviest forces for the siege, intending to deliver a crippling blow to the elite forces of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Constellations Immortal Domains.

In the eyes of the Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor and the Chaos Demon God [a primordial demonic deity born from the primordial chaos] under his command, these thirty-six Immortal Domain [a vast realm governed by powerful immortals] were the very core of the Human Race's strength within the Eastern Departure Flame Domain. Once this group of high-ranking Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] was eradicated, the remaining lower-tier Great Encompassing Golden Immortal would be of little concern.

Thus, the great war raged on, stretching across tens of thousands of years in the blink of an eye, until the day a group of uninvited guests arrived beyond the borders of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

There, within the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all things emerged], a full nine Chaos Demon God strode through the void, leading a countless tide of Chaos Ancient Beast [feral beasts born from the raw essence of chaos] to the very gates of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

"Nine Chaos Demon God, and over ten million Chaos Ancient Beast,"

Exquisite Jiang spoke, a slight frown creasing her brow as she observed the approaching Chaos Demon God and the endless horde of Chaos Ancient Beast. A cold glint flashed within the depths of her pupils.

Ethan Chen also flew out. Upon witnessing the scene, a cold sneer touched his lips. "They send only nine Chaos Demon God? Do they hold us in such low regard?"

"On the surface, we appear to have only nine Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, and all of them newly ascended to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage [the initial phase of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]. Sending nine Chaos Demon God against us is, in fact, showing us considerable respect,"

Eldrin Chen stated calmly, his expression serene.

With a note of amusement, Eldrin Chen continued, "And if I am not mistaken, their purpose here is to contain us."

Hearing this, the others present gave slight nods of agreement.

Seeing this, Exquisite Jiang could not help but smile and say, "Among these nine Chaos Demon Gods, there are three at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage. If their purpose is merely to contain us, it already counts as them thinking highly of us."

As she spoke, Exquisite Jiang looked at Eldrin Chen and asked, "Husband, what is your meaning?"

"Hold fast and do not sally forth. Show the enemy our weakness."

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly, setting the strategy for this battle.

At his command, the grand formations of the Seven Great Immortal Domains were all activated one after another. The Great Encompassing Golden Immortals of the Chen Clan all withdrew into their shells, refusing to emerge from within the protective arrays.

On the other side, the nine Chaos Demon Gods witnessed this scene and could not help but sneer in contempt. A crimson-haired Chaos Demon God spoke up.

"I heard that this Eldrin the Immortal Lord possesses heaven-defying talent and once even slew a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Who would have thought he would prove so timid and fearful now."

The nine Chaos Demon Gods tasked with containing the Chen Immortal Clan hailed from two different Great Encompassing Nests: the Chaos Crimson Wolf Nest and the Chaos Mysterious Eagle Nest.

These two Chaos Lairs were both genuinely powerful, ranking among the foremost of the Middle Grade Chaos Lairs.

The crimson-haired Demon God who had just spoken was precisely the Crimson Wolf King of Chaos, whose cultivation had reached the lofty realm of the Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

On the other side, the Mysterious Eagle Demon God of Chaos observed this and spoke with calm detachment. "Though the Returning Abyss Path Master possesses heaven-defying talent, his time in cultivation is ultimately far too brief."

"Within the entire Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance, all nine of their Great Encompassing [the highest tier of immortal cultivation] are newly ascended within the last three Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration]. The longest among them has cultivated for less than three full Kalpa Tribulation. How much of their true power can they possibly wield?"

"In my judgment," he continued, "their cultivation bases likely remain at the First Layer of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the foundational stage of the Great Encompassing realm]. Their strength is, in the end, still lacking by a significant margin."

Having said this, the Mysterious Eagle Demon God of Chaos declared, "Given their insufficient power, it is entirely within expectations for them to temporarily withdraw and turtle within their defenses."

However, the Crimson Wolf King of Chaos wore a dark, brooding expression. His gaze turned profound as he countered, "Yet if they do so, they will be backed by the Immortal Domain Path [a powerful defensive formation]. It will be exceedingly difficult for us to gain any tangible advantage."

The Mysterious Eagle Demon God of Chaos shook his head. "Our primary objective has always been to contain them. We need only pin them down. Once His Majesty breaches the Blazeflame Immortal Domain, our victory will be complete."

"Remember," he emphasized, "our numbers of Great Encompassing experts are double theirs. By using an equal number of our Great Encompassing Golden Immortal to tie them down, we can concentrate a force three times their strength on the other front."

Upon hearing this, the Crimson Wolf King of Chaos frowned deeply, his countenance souring. "I have been trapped at the Sixth Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal for many years. To advance into the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, these enemy Great Encompassing Golden Immortal are the finest nourishment one could ask for."

"If we are merely to stand by and watch, this great war will likely yield little substantial harvest for us."

"What are you suggesting?" The Chaos [a primordial state of existence] Mysterious Eagle's eyes narrowed, a glint of dangerous intent flickering within their depths.

The Crimson Wolf King of Chaos [a powerful demonic beast lord] gave a slight nod and spoke directly, "Why don't we find a flaw in the grand formation, break in, and slaughter that Returning Abyss Path Master [a master of the profound and abyssal cultivation path]?" Access the full story on audio . novel . com.