Chapter 1943 : The Gathering Storm of War

"A powerful Immortal Domain [a vast realm governed by immortal laws and powers]?"

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

Eldrin Chen nodded, then spoke. "Our Returning Abyss's Seven Immortal Domains [the seven immortal realms under the dominion of Eldrin Chen] are considered a powerful Immortal Domain, and thus a thorn in their side."

"It seems war is not far from us."

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

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

"..."

Indeed, the arrival of war unfolded precisely as Eldrin Chen had foreseen.

Not long after, the Chaos Demon God [a primordial race of demons born from chaos] legions split into three forces, each advancing to attack a different front.

Their targets were all territories belonging to the Great Encompassing Ancient Sect [an ancient and powerful cultivation sect] and the ancient clans: the Celestial Net Ancient Sect [an ancient sect known for its celestial formations], the Longevity Liu Clan [an ancient clan renowned for its longevity arts], and finally, Eldrin Chen's own Returning Abyss's Seven Immortal Domains.

Looking at the intelligence in his hand, Ethan Chen could not help but sigh and remark, "Twenty-three Chaos Demon Gods have come. It seems they do not underestimate us."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, but he did not speak immediately.

This time, the Chaos Demon Gods divided their forces into four prongs, each led by a cultivator at the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm.

The contingent tasked with attacking the Returning Abyss's Seven Immortal Domains was led by one such Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal and included three at the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm, seven at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage realm, and the remaining twelve at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage realm.

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

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

"The Primal Chaos Kui Ox!"

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

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

Eldrin Chen did not answer directly. Instead, he produced another piece of intelligence and handed it to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix.

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial and immensely powerful phoenix of violet flames] glanced at the intelligence, a flicker of shock passing through its eyes. The report indicated that beyond the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [a vast and perilous domain of returning energies], another Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme cultivator who has ascended to the eighth heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] lay hidden, and had been watching the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain for a very long time.

"The movements of an Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, and such precise intelligence on all their troop deployments—information so secret and detailed," the phoenix remarked, "Fellow Daoist, you truly possess extraordinary means to acquire it."

"It seems your methods are indeed unparalleled."

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix sighed, then continued, "If there were only one Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, you and I joining forces might stand a chance in battle. But if the two of them unite, I fear we would have no 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, Fellow Daoist."

"Oh?"

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

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen stated directly, "You and the Primal Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial beast of chaos resembling a one-legged ox] are Great Path Rival [fated rivals on the Great Path of cultivation]. Once it detects your presence, it will undoubtedly pursue you at any cost."

"We can use this opportunity to potentially divide the Primal Chaos Kui Ox's forces."

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

Eldrin Chen nodded, then spoke, "If you, Fellow Daoist, can lure away the Primal Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial bovine demon of immense power], and even draw off the seven Chaos Demon God [powerful demons born from primal chaos] under its command, then perhaps we can utilize our Formation [a structured arrangement to channel and amplify power] to decisively defeat the remaining Chaos Demon God."

Upon hearing this, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a primordial phoenix of supreme power and grace] could not help but change expression repeatedly.

To single-handedly lure away the Primal Chaos Kui Ox and its subordinate Chaos Demon God would indeed drastically weaken the strength of this demon army. However, doing so would inevitably entail taking on an immense and perilous risk.

With the slightest misstep, she could suffer grievous wounds, or even face the very real danger of falling [a cultivator's term for death].

Seeing the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix hesitate, Eldrin Chen spoke again, "I can bestow upon you three Spatial Divine Talisman [a talisman capable of tearing through space for escape], along with three portions of Nine-Colored Immortal Elixir [a supreme healing pill of nine radiant hues]. 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 formless, turbulent space between realms], making it a superior treasure for fleeing danger.

And the three portions of Nine-Colored Immortal Elixir could heal three severe injuries. Coupled with her own Thunderclap [a movement technique swift as lightning] and Immortal Phoenix Extreme Speed [the supreme velocity of a phoenix], she indeed had a high chance of preserving herself.

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

Eldrin Chen smiled upon hearing this and agreed without hesitation, "Done!"

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

After securing the treasures and preparing to withdraw, Eldrin Chen shook his head and said, "Fellow Daoist, there is no need for haste. Let these Chaos Demon God assault the grand formation first. Once they breach the defenses of the Seven Great Immortal Domains, their strength will surely be greatly depleted."

"At that moment, your chances of safely luring away the Primal Chaos Kui Ox will be far greater, and we will have a genuine opportunity to defeat the remaining Chaos Demon God."

Upon hearing this, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix was momentarily taken aback. She had initially believed Eldrin Chen's true objective was simply for her to divert the main force of the Chaos Demon God, including the Primal Chaos Kui Ox.

Only now did she understand that Eldrin Chen's plan for her to lure away the Primal Chaos Kui Ox was not merely to alleviate pressure, but to genuinely create an opening for a decisive victory against the Chaos Demon God.

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

"That will not be necessary."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, clasping his hands behind his back. "Even if two beings at the Eighth Heaven of Great Encompassing [the eighth level of the Great Encompassing Realm, a supreme cultivation stage] were to attack me together, I would not necessarily be defeated after a battle fought to the utmost."

"..."

After giving his final instructions to the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, the entire Returning Abyss's Seven Immortal Domains began a full-scale mobilization once more.

Across every corner of the Returning Abyss's Seven Immortal Domains—within each Immortal Vein [a vein of earth that channels and concentrates immortal-grade spiritual energy], Blessed Land, Grotto-Heaven, and Heavenly Domain—countless Immortal Path Formation Patterns [arcane diagrams and arrays of varying power levels, designed to channel energy for defense or attack] had been meticulously inscribed and activated.

Even beings at the Ascendant Immortal Realm [the pinnacle realm of cultivation, one step below the legendary Great Encompassing Golden Immortal] were stationed within the Formation [a large-scale defensive or offensive magical array], serving as the anchors for its countless array nodes.

For the grand Formation of the Seven Great Immortal Domains [the seven core immortal realms under Eldrin Chen's protection], Eldrin Chen had designed immense redundancy from the very beginning. Even if a majority of these array nodes were annihilated in battle, the Formation could still maintain most of its formidable power.

Furthermore, this grand array was backed by a vast number of redundant systems. Should the Formation Eye [the central, most critical node of a magical formation] be damaged, backup systems could be activated immediately.

According to Eldrin Chen's calculations, even if the Minor Heavenly Dipper Seven Stars Grand Formation [a powerful defensive formation modeled after the seven stars of the Northern Dipper] were breached, it would require only a thousand years to fully Recovery [restore or repair] the grand Formation.

Although the Formation's power would diminish by thirty percent after such a Recovery, it would still be sufficient to seal off this region of the Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all realms were born]. It could even activate the Seven Luminaries Ascension [a divine ability that channels the power of the seven stars to empower cultivators], empowering seven Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing the ultimate fusion with the Heavenly Dao] to create 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 armies of the Chaos Demon God [powerful demonic beings born from the primordial Chaos] finally arrived at the borders of the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain [the immortal domain ruled by Eldrin Chen].

The alien force assaulting the Returning Abyss's Seven Immortal Domains this time was not only comprised of a full twenty-three Chaos Demon God, but also brought with them tens of millions of Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient, monstrous beasts that dwell within 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 tide of Chaos Ancient Beast, an ancient Purple Heavenly Thunderclap [a divine ability manifesting as a warship wreathed in violet thunder] warship floated. Upon it stood more than twenty Chaos Demon God.

Among them stood a man whose aura seemed to dominate the Myriad Heavens [a collective term for the countless realms and heavens]. Clad in azure-gold battle armor, a trace of icy coldness flickered in his pupils. "So this is the Returning Abyss's Seven Immortal Domains? It doesn't seem particularly impressive."

"Brother Pixiu, we must not underestimate this place, for it is where nine Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle of the Golden Immortal cultivation stage] met their end."

At that moment, another man clad in Great Wasteland [a primordial and desolate realm] battle armor spoke up from the side, a trace of solemnity flashing in his eyes.

Under the command of Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor, there were over two hundred Chaos Demon God [powerful demons born from primordial chaos], including two Invincible Divine Demons [demons of unparalleled might], nine Peerless Divine Lords [divine lords of unmatched prowess], and more than thirty Great Encompassing Divine Generals [elite divine commanders].

The speakers were precisely the Pixiu Divine General and the Bixia Divine General, both Great Encompassing Divine Generals at the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the seventh level of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] cultivation stage.

At this moment, Pixiu Divine General sneered coldly and declared, "The Crimson Wolf and the Primal Shadow [a profound cultivation concept related to primordial darkness] were nothing but trash. They dared to charge into the Formation [a powerful defensive or offensive magical array] without the strength to back it up, truly seeking their own demise."

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

"Enough."

Just then, from the Central part of the warship, a majestic figure clad in Violet Firmament Thunder Armor [a legendary suit of armor imbued with the power of violet firmament thunder] spoke.

He rose calmly to his feet. Within his pupils, endless, world-obliterating Thunderclap [a devastating thunder-based attack] roiled and seethed. His gaze swept over the Returning Abyss's Seven Immortal Domains like a pair of Chaos [primordial and formless] thunder-eyes. After a long silence, he finally commanded, "Pass down the order. The army is to commence the assault."

"Within one hundred thousand years, ensure this Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortals] is swept clean for this sovereign."

As his words fell, the man lowered his gaze.

Upon hearing this, the Three Great God Generals—Pixiu, Bixia, and Desolate Silence—immediately bowed and responded, "We shall obey your command."

The man clad in the Violet Firmament Thunder Armor was none other than the Primal Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial bovine demon of immense power], one of the nine Great God Lords under the command of Departure Flame Demi-Ancestor.

In the view of the Primal Chaos Kui Ox, dispatching him to attack the Returning Abyss's Seven Immortal Domains was akin to using a cannon to swat a mosquito—a gross overapplication of force.

After all, this army was a formidable Chaos legion, boasting one cultivator at the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm, three at the Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm, and nineteen Chaos Demon God [powerful demons born from primordial chaos].

In contrast, the Returning Abyss's Seven Immortal Domains possessed only nine cultivators at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage realm. Even if they relied on defensive Formation [magical arrays], their resistance would be as futile as a mantis trying to stop a chariot, destined to be utterly annihilated beneath the overwhelming force.

It was even likely that the situation would not require the Primal Chaos Kui Ox itself to take action personally.

With this thought, the Primal Chaos Kui Ox seized the opportunity to enter secluded cultivation. It had recently slain a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal from the Human Race, and now was the time to digest the gains from that battle.

However, as it secluded itself to assimilate its spoils, the war that unfolded over the next several tens of thousands of years took a turn it had not anticipated.

Tens of millions of Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from chaos], driven forth by the Three Great God Generals Pixiu, Bixia, and Desolate Silence, launched wave after wave of assaults against the Returning Abyss's Seven Immortal Domains. Yet, the Chaos Grand Formation [a supreme defensive array] protecting the domains stood firm like an Indestructibility [the concept of being unbreakable and eternal] fortress, repelling every attack.

Eldrin Chen had shrunk the area covered by the Seven Great Immortal Domains from its initial diameter of hundreds of thousands of Path [a unit of distance in the primordial cosmos] to a mere one thousand Path. While their operational range was drastically reduced, the pressure on their defenses was also significantly lessened.

Countless Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from chaos] charged forth in endless waves, yet the vast majority met their end beneath the blades of the Cosmic Cycle Sword Formation [a grand sword formation that mimics the cycles of the cosmos].

This great battle raged on for a full one hundred thousand years. Even when the Three Great God Generals—Pixiu Divine General, Bixia Divine General, and Desolate Silence Divine General—personally led their legions in a desperate assault, they still could not breach this Immortal Domain Grand Formation [the ultimate defensive formation of an immortal domain].

Finally, after one hundred thousand years, the Primal Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial beast of chaos resembling a one-legged ox] emerged from its secluded cultivation. Finding that the three generals were still unable to break the Chaos Grand Formation [a formation drawing power from primal chaos], its expression twisted with towering rage.

Seeing the Primal Chaos Kui Ox on the verge of unleashing its fury, Desolate Silence Divine General hurriedly spoke: "Your Majesty Primordial Chaos Patriarch, the foundational essence of their Seven Great Immortal Domains surpasses that of many Middle Grade Immortal Domain [an immortal domain of moderate rank and power].

"Moreover, at the very Central heart of their grand formation, there seems to be a Middle Grade Chaos Lair [a medium-grade nest or stronghold within the primal chaos]. With our current strength, breaching it is indeed exceedingly difficult."

Hearing this, the Primal Chaos Kui Ox's pupils contracted slightly, and it reined in its wrath.

With an Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortals] and a Chaos Lair as its dual foundation, a defense could withstand the assaults of several foes of equal cultivation realm. Even an opponent one major realm higher would find it nearly impossible to breach.

Given that these Seven Great Immortal Domains possessed such profound essence, coupled with a Middle Grade Chaos Lair, their ability to hold against twenty-two Chaos Demon God [powerful demonic beings born from primal chaos] was within expectations.

Of course, the most crucial point was that these Three Great God Generals were all Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [cultivators at the late stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]. They were not pawns he could easily command or crush.

Contemplating this, the Primal Chaos Kui Ox reined in its fury.

It rose to its feet and gazed towards the Returning Abyss's Seven Immortal Domains. After a moment's silence, it spoke, "If that is the case, then let the Primordial Heaven War Junk advance."

Upon hearing this, the Three Great God Generals felt a flicker of joy. The Primordial Heaven War Junk upon which the Primal Chaos Kui Ox sat was a formidable weapon for breaching defenses.

This Primordial Heaven War Junk was vast and boundless, an Innate Great Encompassing War Junk forged from countless Chaos Divine Material. It possessed the capacity to store immense Chaos Origin Power.

At the prow of this primordial war vessel stood a Thunderclap Giant Cannon, cast from Innate Thunderclap Divine Iron. Its destructive power surpassed even that of the Crimson Wolf Ancient Cannon by a significant margin.

"BOOM—"

Now, as the Primordial Heaven War Junk finally began to move, a majestic and overwhelming aura swept across the Myriad Heavens.

Billowing waves of the Sea of Chaos Water surged forth like a cataclysmic tide, crashing towards the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

"It's an Innate Great Encompassing Ancient Ship!"

Witnessing this spectacle, the cultivators within the defensive Formation [a mystical defensive barrier] all paled, their expressions turning grave with profound apprehension.

Eldrin Chen's brow also furrowed slightly. An Innate [the highest tier of innate talent and potential] Great Encompassing Ancient Ship [a colossal, ancient vessel of immense destructive power] operating at full capacity was potent enough to shatter an Immortal Domain [a vast realm governed by immortal cultivators] into several pieces, and could potentially inflict severe damage upon the grand defensive formation of the Seven Great Immortal Domains [the seven most powerful immortal realms in this region of the cosmos].

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

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly. After taking a deep breath, he immediately moved to the gun platform of the Crimson Wolf Ancient Cannon [a legendary siege weapon of devastating power, named for the crimson wolf spirit bound within it].

This Crimson Wolf Ancient Cannon possessed unparalleled destructive force. Without personally venturing out to engage the enemy, it was Eldrin's only means of threatening that colossal Great Encompassing Ancient Ship.

"BOOM—"

Just before Eldrin Chen reached the Crimson Wolf Ancient Cannon, the Primordial Heaven War Junk [a massive, heavily armed warship] had already begun its assault. Its Thunderclap Giant Cannon [a massive cannon that fires bolts of concentrated thunder energy] unleashed a torrent of Heavenly God [a powerful cultivation realm] level energy against the defensive formation. The barrage struck the barrier with such force that it trembled violently, and faint cracks began to spiderweb across its luminous surface.

Within the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy nodes and channels used for defense, attack, or cultivation], countless Immortal [beings who have ascended to immortality through cultivation] suffered violent backlash. In an instant, their physical bodies were torn asunder, and some were even obliterated completely, their Primordial Spirit Immortal Embryo [the nascent spiritual core of an immortal, the foundation of their future power] scattered to dust.

"Damn it!"

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

Although the Crimson Wolf Ancient Cannon possessed tremendous power, its accuracy against a maneuvering Great Encompassing Ancient Ship was far from guaranteed.

At this moment, the distance between the two sides was still too great. If the enemy reacted in time, a single strike could easily miss its mark. Therefore, Eldrin Chen had no choice but to personally man the ancient cannon, seeking the perfect moment to unleash its power.

"BOOM—"

It was at that very instant that the Primordial Heaven War Junk roared to life once more. A Thunderclap shell screamed through the air and struck, causing the Immortal Domain Grand Formation to shudder violently. Countless souls were extinguished in the blink of an eye, reduced to ashes.

Yet, in that same fleeting moment, Eldrin Chen keenly perceived a critical flaw. The instant the Primordial Heaven War Junk fired its cannon, the intricate array patterns etched upon its hull would falter and stall for a brief heartbeat.

This meant that once the cannon fired, the ancient vessel would be unable to change course or maneuver with its usual agility.

Eldrin Chen understood this was a flaw born from the Chaos Demon God's less refined artifact-forging techniques. A Great Encompassing Ancient Ship crafted by the Human Race would likely possess no such weakness.

Nevertheless, regardless of its origin, this flaw presented a golden opportunity to strike.