Chapter 1997 : The Celestial Bastion Rises

As the various Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [supreme rulers of the Primordial Chaos] concluded their deliberations, the entire Human Race [the collective of human cultivators and immortals] within the Celestial Beam Star Domain [a vast stellar territory] began to consolidate their forces.

Countless Human Race Immortal [beings who have ascended to immortality], Heavenly Soldiers and Divine Generals [celestial armies and their commanders], and even Grand Luo Golden Immortal [Golden Immortals of the Grand Luo realm] withdrew from the lower-tier Cosmic Stars [ordinary stars scattered across the cosmos], concentrating their strength upon the Thirty-Six Great Luo Ancient Stars [thirty-six primordial stars of immense power] and the Celestial Beam Imperial Star [the central, most fortified star of the domain].

To ensure the absolute security of these thirty-six ancient stars, Celestial Beam Emperor Lord [the sovereign ruler of the Celestial Beam Star Domain] even activated the Celestial Beam Star Domain Grand Formation [a colossal defensive array spanning the star domain], linking the thirty-six Nine Heavens Stars [stars imbued with the essence of the Nine Heavens] into a unified network, further fortifying their defenses.

Bolstered by the grand formation and the concentrated garrison of numerous Immortal and Grand Luo Golden Immortal, the Celestial Beam Imperial Star finally gained a measure of stability.

With their forces consolidated, the defensive pressure faced by the Human Race immortals was greatly reduced.

While the majority held their positions within this stellar territory, adopting a staunchly defensive posture, a select few elites at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] were detached. Armed with Spatial Supreme Treasure [artifacts of supreme rank capable of manipulating space], they launched covert raids against the rear stellar territories now occupied by the Demon Race [the collective of demonic beings].

Compelled by this strategy, the Demon Race was forced to divide its forces to garrison its conquests, causing its offensive momentum to slow dramatically.

Thus, Time [the river of time, a fundamental force] flowed on relentlessly. Unnoticed, another Two Kalpas [two immense cosmic cycles, each spanning billions of years] passed, until the day Eldrin Chen emerged from his secluded cultivation, greeted by news that sent shockwaves through his being.

"The Celestial Concord Emperor Star [the Star of Celestial Harmony, a key defensive bastion]... has fallen."

Within the Celestial Beam Great Hall [the grand audience hall of the Celestial Beam domain], the six Emperor Lord [titles for sovereign-level cultivators] stood facing one another, each visage etched with profound shock.

Eldrin Chen gazed at the intelligence report in his hand and could not help but voice his question. "The Celestial Concord Emperor Star holds an exceptionally high position. It is guarded by the Seven Primordial Unity Emperor Lords, and even has the Celestial Concord Emperor Lord, a cultivator of the Mid Primordial Unity realm, stationed there. How could it possibly fall so easily?"

The expressions of the other several Emperor Lord present shifted slightly. Their gazes all turned towards the Celestial Beam Emperor Lord. With a sigh, the Celestial Beam Emperor Lord spoke plainly. "Although the Celestial Concord Emperor Star possessed greater strength, the pressure it faced was even greater than ours."

"Not long ago, pressured by the Demon Race, they withdrew their forces to fortify their position upon the Celestial Concord Emperor Star itself."

"Yet, against all expectations, Aurelius, the Golden Crocodile Emperor Lord, who had come to lend his aid, suddenly turned traitor and sabotaged the grand defensive formation. Seizing the opportunity, the Demon Race concentrated the forces of Thirteen Emperor Lords for a surprise assault. Furthermore, two Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch of the mid-stage realm personally intervened. In a single battle, they breached the Celestial Concord Emperor Star."

"In that conflict, of the seven Emperor Lord defending the star, one turned traitor, three had their physical bodies utterly destroyed, and the remaining three all suffered grievous, near-crippling injuries."

Upon hearing this, the faces of everyone present paled slightly.

Aurelius, the Golden Crocodile Emperor Lord was the patriarch of the Golden Crocodile Ancient Clan, one of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races. This lineage ranked thirty-first among those hundred races, a renowned and formidable Ancient Clans in its own right.

That Aurelius, the Golden Crocodile Emperor Lord was, in fact, a close friend of the Celestial Concord Emperor Lord, which was why he had been invited to lend his strength. No one could have foreseen such a pivotal betrayal at the crucial moment.

With this thought, a ripple of unease passed through the assembly. Inevitably, their collective gaze shifted towards the Verdant Spirit Emperor Lord.

With the precedent of an ally's treachery now set, most of those seated here felt a flicker of wariness towards the Verdant Spirit Emperor Lord, an outsider in their midst.

Seeing this, Celestial Beam Emperor Lord hurriedly spoke up, "The Verdant Spirit Emperor Lord is an old friend of mine for many years. He would never betray us."

"That is not necessarily certain."

At that very moment, the Profound Departure Emperor Lord suddenly interjected, "From what I know, the reason Aurelius, the Golden Crocodile Emperor Lord turned his blade against us is because the Demon Race's Imperial Crocodile Bloodline was willing to merge with his lineage once more."

"As you all likely know, the Verdant Profound Celestial Fire Clan within the Demon Race was formed from a branch that split from the Verdant Flame Ancient Clan..."

Before the Profound Departure Emperor Lord could finish, the gazes of those present subtly shifted.

The Verdant Spirit Emperor Lord's expression instantly darkened. With a flick of his sleeve, he declared, "Since you all place no trust in me, then my participation in this battle was clearly a mistake."

With those words, the Verdant Spirit Emperor Lord swept his long sleeves aside and strode towards the Depths of Chaos.

The Celestial Beam Emperor Lord moved to stop him, but was brushed aside by the Verdant Spirit Emperor Lord's dismissive gesture. In a fury, the Verdant Spirit Emperor Lord departed the Celestial Beam Imperial Star.

"Alas—"

Watching the Verdant Spirit Emperor Lord leave, the Celestial Beam Emperor Lord sighed repeatedly. He turned back to the Profound Departure Emperor Lord, a flicker of anger in his eyes as if to speak, but in the end, he swallowed his words and reined in all emotion.

Eldrin Chen observed the scene in silence. He had initially intended to persuade Verdant Spirit Emperor Lord to stay, but in the end, he withdrew the thought.

With the precedent set by Aurelius, the Golden Crocodile Emperor Lord, the Human Race clearly harbored a degree of distrust towards the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races.

Under such circumstances, unless Celestial Beam Emperor Lord offered a tremendous guarantee at great personal cost, or unless a figure of Black Abyss Great Emperor's stature personally vouched for him, it would be exceedingly difficult for Verdant Spirit Emperor Lord to remain.

Furthermore, Verdant Spirit Emperor Lord had come originally to lend his aid in battle. He naturally would not wish to suffer wrongful accusations, and to clear his name of suspicion, he would certainly not choose to stay.

With these thoughts in mind, Eldrin Chen shifted his gaze towards Profound Departure Emperor Lord, a flicker of sharp light gleaming deep within his pupils.

At the moment Verdant Spirit Emperor Lord departed, this Profound Departure Emperor Lord had seemed far too calm. In contrast, the other Emperor Lords harbored at least a trace of doubt towards Verdant Spirit Emperor Lord.

"It seems even the Celestial Beam Imperial Star may not be without its perils," he mused inwardly.

Eldrin Chen whispered to himself, a nascent plan beginning to take shape in his heart.

He gathered his wandering thoughts and spoke aloud, "The Celestial Concord Emperor Star has fallen. What should our next course of action be?"

Meng Huang, the Emperor Lord collected his own contemplations and replied, "The Celestial Concord Emperor Star is one of the Southern Dipper Six Stars, a position of paramount strategic importance. It is highly likely the great emperors of the Immortal Court will use it as a fulcrum to launch their counterattack. We must prepare ourselves for battle."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded solemnly, their expressions growing grave.

With the meeting concluded, Eldrin Chen returned alone to his cultivation hall. There, he summoned the Grand Luo Golden Immortal elders of the Chen Immortal Clan, his countenance stern as he relayed the grave news.

After listening, a shadow of solemnity fell upon all present.

Lyra Jiang drew a deep breath before speaking. "Since the onset of the Three Races Great War, the Human and Divine Races have been on the defensive."

"Over these years, the Demon Race, as the aggressor, has reaped great spoils, yet their losses have far exceeded ours. In contrast, the Human and Divine Races have been steadily amassing strength."

"Considering the timing and the strategic importance of the Celestial Concord Emperor Star, I believe the Human and Divine Races are likely to seize this moment to launch a counteroffensive."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. "The Demon Race came prepared for this war. Even if our side counterattacks, achieving decisive victory is far from certain."

"Regardless, the battles to come will undoubtedly grow fiercer."

"I urge you all to seize this time, to cultivate with utmost diligence. Strive to see if you can achieve a breakthrough and advance your cultivation before the storm breaks."

The assembled elders nodded, their faces etched with a shared, heavy resolve.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen dismissed the others. Just as he was preparing to enter seclusion for cultivation, he received a secret edict.

Upon opening it, he discovered it was a decree personally drafted by Black Abyss Great Emperor, summoning him to an audience within Black Abyss Heaven.

After receiving the secret edict, Eldrin Chen immediately and silently concealed his aura, making his way into Black Abyss Heaven.

Within Black Abyss Heaven, he beheld Black Abyss Great Emperor once more.

Despite the passage of many years, the aura of Black Abyss Great Emperor remained as profound and boundless as an abyssal sea, radiating a formidable power that inspired awe.

After seeing Eldrin Chen, Black Abyss Great Emperor studied him for a moment before nodding. "Your cultivation progress is exceptionally swift," he remarked. "It seems the realm of Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection is no longer far from your grasp."

"I owe much to the generous favor of the Immortal Court," replied Eldrin Chen.

He spoke truthfully. Over the years, his campaigns for the Immortal Court had naturally earned him substantial military merit and corresponding rewards.

Among the treasures bestowed by the Immortal Court were many rare resources, including Primordial Unity Marvel [a wondrous substance for refining the Primordial Spirit and physical body], whose value was comparable to the Primordial Chaos Immortal Pill and the Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid.

With the aid of these treasures, along with rare wonders such as the Heavenly Soul Fruit, Indestructible Golden Fruit, Soul-Nourishing Wood, and Great Luo Golden Bamboo Shoot, his advancement had been greatly accelerated.

Coupled with the tempering of war, Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and physical cultivation had grown by approximately fifty percent compared to when he first entered the Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, having already reached the absolute limit of that stage.

What remained was merely the accumulation of foundational essence [the primordial energy that forms the basis of a cultivator's power], preparing for the breakthrough to the Ninth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal.

At this pace, even though the resources required for cultivation had doubled once more after reaching the Eighth Layer Great Luo Golden Immortal, Eldrin Chen estimated that within three to five Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], he should be able to break through to the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm.

Once all three of his foundational pillars [cultivation, Primordial Spirit, and physical body] had fully stepped into Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection, Eldrin Chen's strength would experience another monumental leap.

Therefore, Eldrin Chen voiced his gratitude for the Immortal Court's rewards.

"You fought for the Immortal Court, for the Human Race's dominion over the starry heavens,"

"Those treasures are your rightful due."

Black Abyss Great Emperor smiled faintly before continuing, "The reason I summoned you here today is to request your participation in an operation."

"An operation?"

A flicker of understanding passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes. He instantly grasped the implication and inquired decisively, "Could it be, Emperor Lord, that you speak of..."

"Hmm."

Black Abyss Great Emperor [one of the supreme rulers of the Northern Pole] nodded, then spoke: "The war is currently at a stalemate. We are preparing to muster our forces for a counter-offensive to retake the Celestial Concord Ancient Star."

Eldrin Chen was slightly taken aback, then inquired: "Could it be that even with the Immortal Court's [the supreme governing body of the immortal realm] contingency plans, you are unable to recapture the Celestial Concord Ancient Immortal [a cultivator who has achieved immortality in ancient times]?"

Black Abyss Great Emperor shook his head and said, "The true main force of the Demon Race has yet to appear. I fear their capture of the Celestial Concord Ancient Star is merely a feint, a diversion. Therefore, I dare not divert too many of our reserve forces."

A flicker of gravity passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes.

If seizing the Celestial Concord Ancient Star was but a feint, then the secret hidden behind it was likely far more terrifying.

At this thought, Eldrin Chen drew a deep breath and asked, "Does this mean the Demon Race harbors an even greater conspiracy?"

"I do not know."

Black Abyss Great Emperor shook his head again. "Given the strength of the Demon Race, even if our Human and Divine Races [the allied forces of humanity and the divine beings] join forces, it is highly probable they could seize a vast stretch of starry territory from us."

"If we are careless, we may not even be able to hold the Southern Dipper Six Stars [a crucial constellation of six stars in the southern sky]."

As he spoke, Black Abyss Great Emperor [one of the supreme rulers of the Netherworld] paused thoughtfully before continuing, "Given your foundational strength, if you were to achieve a breakthrough into the Great Luo Gold [the pinnacle state of a Great Luo Golden Immortal] Great Perfection Realm, would you have the confidence to hold back a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme ruler who has mastered the power of Primordial Chaos] of the mid-stage?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback and fell into deep contemplation.

With his three supreme foundations, any single one achieving the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the absolute peak of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm] should allow him to rival an Early Stage Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord [a newly ascended ruler who commands Primordial Chaos].

Furthermore, with all three foundations fused into one entity, a qualitative transformation was inevitable. Even if he could not match the might of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch at the fourth layer, he would undoubtedly possess peerless combat power within the Third Layer of Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord [the third major stage of power for a Primordial Chaos Emperor].

With such profound foundational depth, augmented by the Dao Authority [the conceptual authority wielded by a supreme cultivator] power of the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a supreme cultivation art that empowers through sacrifice], he might indeed barely manage to withstand a fourth-layer Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen finally spoke, "If the goal is merely to entangle and delay such an opponent, I estimate perhaps a four or five in ten chance. However, given my current foundational state, achieving a breakthrough in the short term seems exceedingly difficult."

"A four or five in ten chance?" repeated the Black Abyss Great Emperor, a note of finality in his voice. "That will suffice."

With those words, the Black Abyss Great Emperor commanded, "Follow me."

His voice still echoing, the Black Abyss Great Emperor led Eldrin Chen deep into the heart of Black Abyss Heaven [the celestial realm ruled by the Black Abyss Great Emperor], to a place of absolute darkness—a fathomless, lightless chasm.

"This," the Great Emperor intoned, his voice resonating with the abyss's own silence, "is the Bottomless Black Abyss [a legendary, infinite chasm within the Netherworld]."

Black Abyss Great Emperor spoke, his expression calm. "The Bottomless Black Abyss is a place I retrieved from the Depths of Chaos. The Chaos Profound Water [a primordial water imbued with the essence of chaos] within it is a supreme location for a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch to temper their physical body, and it also serves as my personal Daoist Abode [a secluded cultivation sanctuary]."

"If you enter it to cultivate, breaking through to the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection with your physical form should be well within your grasp."

"However, while this treasured land's wondrous effects are boundless, the cost to activate it even once is not small. Were it not for the urgency of the current war, even if you offered me a Three-Pattern Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo, I would not necessarily make an exception to open it for you."