Chapter 1994 : A Council of Immortal Lords

As Profound Departure Emperor Lord [one of the supreme rulers among cultivators] spoke, Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] could not help but frown slightly.

Only four Emperor Lord [supreme rulers among cultivators] were present. With the most senior among them, Profound Departure Emperor Lord, unwilling to commit to battle, his own proposal seemed difficult to advance.

As expected, following Profound Departure Emperor Lord's veto, Celestial Beam Star Lord [the ruler of the Celestial Beam Star Domain] also appeared to abandon the idea of defending the Celestial Beam Star Domain [a vast region of stars under his dominion].

However, Luo River Emperor Lord [another powerful Emperor Lord] pondered for a moment before speaking directly. "If we completely abandon the Celestial Beam Star Domain and disregard its billions of stars," he suggested, "it would likely shatter the fighting spirit of the Immortal [powerful immortal cultivators] stationed there."

"If that happens and defeat cascades like a collapsing mountain, and our star becomes the first to be besieged, we would become a laughingstock in the eyes of our peers."

"In my view, it would be better to dispatch additional Grand Luo Golden Immortal [powerful immortals of the Grand Luo realm] to garrison the thirty-six major stars at the core of the Celestial Beam Star Domain. They could then provide support to the surrounding Cosmic Stars [stars scattered throughout the cosmos]."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen seized the moment to add fuel to the fire. "Luo River Emperor Lord speaks wisely," he said. "Once the Celestial Beam Imperial Star [the central, most important star of the Celestial Beam Domain] is surrounded, we can leave at any time. But Fellow Daoist Celestial Beam [a respectful address for Celestial Beam Star Lord], what will you do then?"

Celestial Beam Star Lord's expression shifted slightly, a trace of grave concern washing over his features.

The Celestial Beam Imperial Star was his Daoist Abode [a cultivator's personal sanctum and place of power]; he naturally could not abandon it lightly.

Eldrin Chen smiled, pressing his advantage. "Why don't we do our utmost to tie down the Demon Race [a powerful race of demonic beings] Emperor Lord," he proposed, "and have our subordinate Grand Luo Immortal Lord [powerful immortals just below the Emperor Lord realm] strive to hold the Myriad Heavens' Stars [the countless stars of the heavens]?"

"By doing so, we can not only slow the advance of the Demon Race [the collective term for monstrous beings that cultivate demonic arts], but when the time comes for our counteroffensive, we will not be delayed for too long."

Upon hearing this, Celestial Beam Star Lord [the ruler of the Celestial Beam Star Domain] also nodded in agreement.

At this moment, he too felt a sense of urgency. If even he himself was unwilling to defend Celestial Beam Imperial Star [the primary and most fortified star of the Celestial Beam Star Domain] to the death, then outsiders like Eldrin Chen likely would not exert their full effort either.

With this thought, Celestial Beam Star Lord spoke directly: "Your words hold merit. Since that is the case, I too propose we dispatch forces to support the subsidiary stars of the Celestial Beam Star Domain [a vast stellar territory ruled by the Celestial Beam lineage]."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze towards Profound Departure Emperor Lord [a powerful Emperor-level cultivator of the Profound Departure lineage].

As all three pairs of eyes fell upon him, a look of calm settled over Profound Departure Emperor Lord's features.

He understood in his heart that with the vote standing at three against one, even if he insisted on abandoning the subsidiary star domains, he could not overturn the others' decision.

Thus, with a faint smile, he spoke plainly: "The three of you are not without reason. In my view, why not have me guard Celestial Beam Ancient Star [the ancient, core star of the Celestial Beam territory], while the three of you are responsible for containing the various Great Emperors of the Demon Race?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes narrowed slightly upon hearing this. He gave Profound Departure Great Emperor [the supreme ruler of the Profound Departure lineage, an alternate title for the same figure] a deep look and was just about to speak when Luo River Emperor Lord [an Emperor-level cultivator associated with the Luo River] stopped him.

Luo River Emperor Lord shook his head at Eldrin and then said: "The Celestial Beam Imperial Star must be guarded by someone after all. Entrusting it to Fellow Daoist Profound Departure [a respectful form of address for the Profound Departure Emperor Lord] is indeed a sound plan."

"However, regarding the personnel to reinforce the Cosmic Stars [the myriad stars scattered throughout the cosmos], Fellow Daoist, you must not be stingy."

Profound Departure Emperor Lord fell silent for a moment before speaking. "Among my subordinates, thirty-eight Grand Luo Immortal Lord [powerful immortals who have attained the Grand Luo realm] can be dispatched to reinforce the thirty-six Major Stars."

Seeing this, Luo River Emperor Lord said with a smile, "In that case, it shall suffice."

"Since it is settled, let us discuss the deployment of our forces."

Upon hearing this, Celestial Beam Emperor Lord began to outline the strategic layout of the Celestial Beam Star Domain [the stellar domain governed by the Celestial Beam Star].

As one of the Southern Dipper Six Stars [the six principal stars of the Southern Dipper constellation], the Celestial Beam Imperial Star held an exceptionally high status. It not only influenced billions upon billions of Cosmic Stars, but also commanded thirty-six Nine Heavens Stars [stars of paramount importance, often associated with celestial palaces or pivotal cosmic nexuses] of Great Luo Grade [a rank denoting power and significance equivalent to the Grand Luo realm]....

The number of Grand Luo Immortal Lord under the command of the Celestial Beam Imperial Star, combined with those newly summoned for this campaign, now exceeded three hundred Grand Luo Golden Immortal [immortals who have solidified their Golden Core within the Grand Luo realm].

Among these three hundred-plus Grand Luo Golden Immortal, over eighty had reached the Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [the advanced stage of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm], and there were fourteen existences who had attained Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle, the Great Perfection stage of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm].

Approximately three-tenths of these Grand Luo Golden Immortal were stationed upon the thirty-six Major Stars, averaging three Grand Luo Golden Immortal per star.

After grasping the general strategic picture, Eldrin Chen spoke directly. "With merely three Grand Luo [practitioners of the Grand Luo realm], they can at most defend a single Nine Heavens Stars. They would have no spare capacity whatsoever to provide support to the Cosmic Stars."

"In my view, it would be best to station between six and nine Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a cultivator who has attained the Golden Immortal realm within the Grand Luo stage] on each of the Nine Heavens Stars [a constellation of nine paramount celestial bodies]. On the most crucial major stars, we should deploy Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [a Golden Immortal who has reached the pinnacle of the Great Luo realm] to stand guard."

"Furthermore, with the three of us restraining the Demon Race [a powerful and ancient faction of demonic beings] Emperor Lord [a supreme title for a ruler among cultivators], we can certainly halt the Demon Race's advance for a significant period."

Upon hearing this, the others nodded in agreement, accepting Eldrin Chen's perspective.

Celestial Beam Emperor Lord [a powerful Emperor Lord whose authority is associated with the Celestial Beam constellation] pondered briefly before speaking directly: "The five Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection from the Great Luo Ancient Sect [an ancient and venerable sect of the Great Luo realm] can all be dispatched to provide support."

"Additionally, the four Grand Luo Golden Immortal under my command who have reached Great Perfection can each garrison one of the Grand Luo [a supreme cultivation realm, a step below the legendary Dao Progenitor] Ancient Stars."

Luo River Emperor Lord [an Emperor Lord whose power is tied to the celestial Luo River] also nodded, stating calmly, "The two Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection under my banner can each guard an Ancient Star."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke up, "My forces include no cultivators who have reached the Great Perfection of the Grand Luo realm. However, the eight Grand Luo I have brought can all emerge from seclusion to join the battle."

Celestial Beam Emperor Lord smiled slightly before continuing, "With the addition of the three Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection under Brother Profound Departure's command, that makes fifteen Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection available for reinforcement."

"This will undoubtedly greatly bolster the morale of our front lines. The hope of defending the Celestial Beam Star Domain [a vast region of space centered around the Celestial Beam constellation] remains far from negligible."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of assent, engaging in earnest discussion with the other Grand Luo Immortal Lord [a lordly title for an immortal who has ascended to the Grand Luo realm].

After the battle strategy was finalized, Eldrin Chen engaged in a lengthy discussion with the various Emperor Lord [a title for supreme rulers in the immortal realms] before finally leaving the grand hall to find Lyra Jiang and the others.

Upon locating them, Eldrin Chen informed the group of the operational plan. He then spoke with a measured tone, "I have observed that Profound Departure Emperor Lord's resolve for battle is not firm. Once the great conflict erupts, he may prove to be an unreliable pillar of support."

"Those under his command should not be overly relied upon by any of you."

Hearing this, the expressions of the group grew slightly solemn.

Lyra Jiang, well aware of Eldrin Chen's keen judgment of character, asked with a serious gaze, "In your opinion, what should we do at the critical moment?"

"To defend their own Daoist Abode [a cultivator's personal sanctuary and place of cultivation], the lineage of Celestial Beam Emperor Lord will undoubtedly fight with all their might. In crucial times, I believe they can be trusted."

"As for Luo River Emperor Lord..."

Eldrin Chen paused, falling into brief contemplation.

He recalled his two encounters with Luo River Emperor Lord. After a moment, he continued, "For the several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration] since his ascension to the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm], Luo River Emperor Lord has consistently maintained a fine reputation. I believe that in times of necessity, we can also look out for one another to some extent."

The group nodded, committing Eldrin Chen's words firmly to heart.

After concluding this matter, Eldrin Chen then earnestly instructed, "As you go to guard the various star domains, remember that the primary purpose of this war is to temper yourselves. Do not act rashly, underestimate the enemy, or advance recklessly."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded, their expressions turning solemn. ….

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen retrieved eight precious mirrors from his sleeve and handed them to the group, saying, "These are forbidden artifacts I forged using the Void Great Dao. Although they can only be used three times, their life-preserving capabilities are not inferior to a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure."

"Each of you take one. When you encounter a powerful foe, you can activate it to escape. Even an ordinary Emperor Lord may not be able to suppress you."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen finally added, "Remember, your safety is paramount above all else."

The group accepted the mirrors and, in the end, gave a solemn nod.

Three days later, the over two hundred Grand Luo cultivators stationed at the Celestial Beam Imperial Star received their orders. They immediately began traversing the boundless starry void, heading to provide support at the surrounding thirty-six great celestial bodies.

The eight Grand Luo Golden Immortal of the Chen Immortal Clan, possessing only seventh-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal cultivation, did not attract significant attention. Consequently, they were all dispatched to support the same Grand Luo ancient star.

The Ethereal Violet Ancient Star was a high-grade Grand Luo ancient star, ranked ninth among the thirty-six Grand Luo ancient stars.

Upon the Ethereal Violet Ancient Star, three Grand Luo Golden Immortal were stationed: the Ethereal Violet Immortal Lord, a Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal, along with two other Grand Luo Golden Immortal who were Mid Great Luo Golden Immortal.

When the message of reinforcements arrived, the three Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle cultivators of the Grand Luo realm] were initially overjoyed. However, upon learning that Eldrin, the Abyssal had brought only eight Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal [cultivators at the seventh layer of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm], a tinge of disappointment crept into their hearts.

In their original expectations, given the stature of Ethereal Violet Ancient Star [a major celestial domain], the support should have included at least one Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [a cultivator who has reached the peak of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm]. They never imagined they would receive eight Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [cultivators in the later stages of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] instead.

While the combined might of eight Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal was formidable, they were, after all, still only Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal. The gap was palpable.

A single existence at the ninth layer of Grand Luo Golden Immortal could rival the combined strength of at least twenty Seventh Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal. This was a chasm that sheer numbers could scarcely bridge.

Nevertheless, reinforcements were reinforcements. Ethereal Violet Immortal Lord [the ruler of the Ethereal Violet Ancient Star] received them with utmost courtesy. He personally greeted the group and inquired about their identities.

His demeanor shifted to one of profound respect the moment he learned that Lyra Jiang was the reincarnation of the Lunar Emperor Lord [a legendary sovereign of the moon].

In his view, the Lunar Emperor Lord was a figure of immense renown. Even having undergone Samsara [the cycle of death and rebirth] and reincarnation, such a being was far beyond comparison with ordinary Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

Lyra Jiang did not stand on ceremony. She asked directly, "What is the true situation at Ethereal Violet Ancient Star now?"

The three Grand Luo exchanged glances. After a moment, Ethereal Violet Immortal Lord spoke, "The Ethereal Violet Ancient Star itself holds firm for now. However, more than half of its subsidiary stars have already been lost."

Lyra Jiang's brow furrowed slightly. She cast a glance over the assembled group before speaking. "The Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly calamity] has just passed. They should not yet have grasped the shift in our strategy."

"Return immediately and strike them before they can prepare," Eldrin Chen commanded without hesitation.

At the command of Lyra Jiang, the forces of the Ethereal Violet Ancient Star [a legendary, ancient celestial body] began their counteroffensive.

Lyra Jiang and the other seven Grand Luo Golden Immortal [supreme cultivators at the peak of the Grand Luo realm] acted decisively, unleashing a world-shaking battle in the depths of the starry void.

They did not reveal their full power, merely displaying strength equivalent to the seventh or eighth layers of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm. Yet, within a span of several hundred thousand years, they caught the Demon Race [a powerful, ancient race of demonic beings] completely off guard.

Virtually all the important stars surrounding the vast Ethereal Violet Ancient Star were recaptured. In the fierce clashes, they even succeeded in slaying several Grand Luo Golden Immortal of the demonic forces....

This campaign became one of the most brilliant victories in the entire Celestial Beam Star Domain [a vast region of space under the dominion of the Celestial Beam constellation] during that period.

For the grand scale of the Three Races Great War [the epochal, cataclysmic conflict between the Human, Demon, and other major races], it might have been but a minor triumph, and the overall losses to the Demon Race were not crippling. Yet, it acted like a spark that ignited a powder keg.

Immediately following, all thirty-six ancient stars under the command of the Celestial Beam Star Domain launched their own counterattacks without delay.

The Demon Race, caught unprepared at first, suffered the loss of multiple Grand Luo Golden Immortal in the initial engagements. However, as time flowed on, they swiftly rallied and marshaled their forces.

Thus, within the starry expanse of the Celestial Beam Star Domain, the two sides became locked in a rare and chaotic theater of war, a maelstrom of clashing powers and shifting fronts.

Hundreds of Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle cultivators of the Grand Luo realm] from both sides clashed amidst the starry void. The war raged on for millions of years in the blink of an eye, until one fateful day on the battlefield, Lyra Jiang and her comrades unveiled a world-shaking, epoch-defying combat prowess.

In that pivotal battle, eight Grand Luo Golden Immortal from the Chen Immortal Clan [the Chen Clan of Immortals] took to the field. Each one displayed combat strength surpassing the ninth layer of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm.

They invoked the power of the Mirror of Yin, Yang, and Void [a supreme magical treasure that manipulates the fundamental forces of creation], trapping over thirty Demon Race [the race of demons] Grand Luo cultivators within the boundless void. In the final confrontation, they were utterly annihilated.

News of this battle spread like wildfire, sending seismic tremors throughout the entire Starry Sky Battlefield [the cosmic expanse where celestial wars are waged].

Even with the profound foundational strength and heritage of the Demon Race, the loss of over thirty Grand Luo Golden Immortal in a single engagement was by no means a minor setback.

Although Grand Luo Golden Immortal do not truly perish in Samsara [the endless cycle of death and rebirth], their fall still carries a significant price. The complete eradication of over thirty such beings in one battle directly altered the strategic configuration and power dynamics of the Celestial Beam Star Domain [a vast region of the starry sky].

The Demon Race Grand Luo forces began to contract and retreat. The scales of war within the Celestial Beam Star Domain seemed to tilt decisively.

As the saying goes, a single thread pulled can move the entire garment. A major defeat for the Demon Race in the Celestial Beam Star Domain would inevitably reshape the strategic configuration and power dynamics of the entire Southern Abyss Six Domains [the Six Star Domains of the Southern Abyss].

Thus, not long after, the Demon Race dispatched reinforcements—dozens of additional Grand Luo Golden Immortal poured into the Celestial Beam Star Domain theater. Furthermore, they sent two Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [supreme beings who have mastered the laws of Primordial Chaos, a rank above Grand Luo] to spearhead the assault into the domain.

The Demon Race already had four Emperor Lord [titles for supreme rulers and powerful beings] holding the line in the Celestial Beam Star Domain. With the addition of two more, it appeared they possessed sufficient force to once again sway the tide of the war.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen stood amidst the depths of the starry void, with two Demon Race Emperor Lord [a supreme title for a ruler among powerful cultivators or demons] standing before him.

"Celestial Kun Emperor Lord, Howling Moon Emperor Lord."

Gazing upon the two Demon Emperor [a ruler among powerful demons] standing before him, a slight frown creased Eldrin Chen's brow, and a trace of solemnity flickered in his eyes.

Celestial Kun Emperor Lord was one of the seven great Emperor Lord of the Kunpeng Imperial Clan [a powerful clan descended from the mythical Kunpeng creature]. His cultivation had reached the Third Layer of Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord [a profound and powerful stage of cultivation], and his strength was absolutely no weaker than that of the Departing Flame Chaos Fiend [a powerful and chaotic demonic entity].

Howling Moon Emperor Lord had also established his Dao [the fundamental principle or path] for two thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of time and tribulation]. His cultivation had ascended to the second layer of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme stage of cultivation], making him a figure who could not be underestimated in the slightest.

Faced with such formidable foes joining forces, Eldrin Chen, without the empowerment of the Seven Luminaries Ascension [a divine ability that channels the power of seven celestial bodies], feared he would possess only the strength to defend himself.

As countless thoughts flashed through his mind, Eldrin Chen finally spoke, "I never imagined that to deal with a mere Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a high-level immortal cultivator] like myself, it would require the combined efforts of two Emperor Lord such as yourselves."

"Hahaha!"

Celestial Kun Emperor Lord chuckled, then spoke calmly, "You single-handedly confronted two great Emperor Lord, Golden Spirit Emperor Lord and Li Yan, the Emperor Lord, and even destroyed Li Yan's physical form. Who does not now know the fearsome reputation of Eldrin, the Abyssal Emperor?"

Howling Moon Emperor Lord also nodded, his expression cold and stern as he stated, "Yet now, you lack the support of any Formation [a structured arrangement that channels and amplifies power]. We wonder, what fraction of your true combat prowess can you still muster?"

Howling Moon Emperor Lord [a powerful demonic emperor] rode forth astride a Primordial Era Divine Spear [a divine spear from the Primordial Era], cleaving through the void. With a mere flick of his sleeve, a spear-tip radiance capable of slaying immortals shot towards the center of Eldrin Chen's brow.

"Hmph—"

Faced with such a formidable foe, Eldrin Chen merely let out a cold snort, his pupils instantly glinting with a frosty light.

He harbored no thought of retreat. Instead, he summoned the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd [a halberd embodying the power of primordial chaos] and clashed fiercely with Howling Moon Emperor Lord. The might of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [an emperor-monarch of the Primordial Chaos Realm] was truly earth-shattering and heaven-overturning. Even the vast, multi-layered Space-Time [the fabric of space and time] of the Primordial Immortal Domain [the primordial realm of immortals] strained under the pressure, finding it difficult to endure.

In that instant, the boundless starry Ronan [a vast cosmic structure] cracked and splintered. Great fissures in Space-Time tore through the vast, desolate Void [the emptiness between realms], revealing the endless, multi-layered Space-Time Cosmos [universes] contained within.

What was truly astonishing was that within this vast, boundless starry Ronan...

...a single grain of dust, a wisp of stardust—each was a transformed Great Thousand World [a Great Thousand World, a vast cosmic realm].

Those Cosmic Stars [Cosmic Stars], each one stretching across countless billions of Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters], contained within them an unknowable number of Great Thousand World.

If the two combatants were to unleash their full power, then under the force of their collision, dust, stardust, and even the Cosmic Stars themselves would all be reduced to ashes.

If the battle were to continue like this indefinitely, the damage might be negligible to the Primordial Immortal Domain as a whole, but it would inevitably generate boundless Karmic Malignancy [a corrosive force born from accumulated negative karma and destruction].

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke decisively, "This place is ill-suited for battle. Let us take our clash to the Depths of the Star Abyss!"