Chapter 1969 : A Demon Lord's Desperate Stand

"Your methods are formidable, sir."

Watching as Eldrin Chen allowed the Golden Roc Demon Lord to escape, the Blazing Heaven Heavenly Demon Lord could not help but reveal a trace of utter despair in his expression.

In this battle, Eldrin Chen clearly had the capability to capture them all in one fell swoop, yet he deliberately let the Golden Roc Demon Lord go, leaving the eight of them behind.

In truth, had the Golden Roc Demon Lord been willing to fight to the death, they might have still had a sliver of hope for survival.

But now that the Golden Roc Demon Lord had departed, how could the remaining eight of them possibly stand against Eldrin Chen?

"Gentlemen, allow me to grant you eternal slumber."

Eldrin Chen spoke with a cold laugh, then with a flick of his sleeve, he harnessed his peerless divine power to strike across the Eight Desolations, sending the Blazing Heaven Heavenly Demon Lord reeling and spitting blood with a single move.

Empowered by the authority of the Sacrificial Self Path, Eldrin Chen's combat prowess was now a world apart from his former self, nearly shattering the ultimate barrier between the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal and Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm realms.

Such power was sufficient to contend with five Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection experts joining forces. The two Demon Lord-rank beings possessed only ordinary Great Encompassing Golden Immortal cultivation; in a full-force duel, neither would likely last a hundred exchanges against Eldrin Chen alone.

Now, Eldrin Chen wielded his myriad Divine Ability [profound supernatural powers], each strike carrying the cosmos-sundering might to extinguish heavens and shatter earth. In merely a few hundred exchanges, the two demon lords were already grievously wounded one after another, clearly on the verge of collapse.

"Aaaargh—"

The Blazing Flame Demon Lord was once again sent flying, spitting blood, and finally could endure no more.

His face turned icy as he roared, "Eldrin, even if I perish today, I shall not let you escape unscathed."

As his words fell, both the Blazing Flame Demon Lord and the Verdant Crocodile Demon Lord unleashed their ultimate combat prowess. Their cultivation bases and physical power surged, nearly brushing against the threshold of the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm.

"A Forbidden Divine Ability [a supreme technique that consumes immense vitality or lifespan to unleash power beyond one's normal realm]?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes turned slightly cold, yet he remained utterly unmoved, continuing his assault to engage the two in a world-shaking duel.

When a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] employs a Forbidden Divine Ability, both their spiritual power and the might of their Divine Ability [supernatural techniques and powers] skyrocket, granting them power sufficient to threaten an early-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord. Thus, they gain the qualification to intervene in battles between Primordial One Imperial Lord.

However, the chasm between a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal and a Primordial One Imperial Lord is vast. Even a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection who unleashes a Forbidden Divine Ability can only barely possess combat power at that level, amounting to merely half the strength of a true Primordial One Imperial Lord.

Generally speaking, if three Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection cultivators jointly employ Forbidden Divine Ability and combine their strength, their combined power can rival that of an early-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord, granting them the capability to contend with one.

After activating their Forbidden Divine Ability, the power of the Blazing Flame Demon Lord and the Verdant Crocodile Demon Lord had become extraordinary. Yet, because the qualitative gap between their enhanced strength and Eldrin Chen's own formidable power was not insurmountable, Eldrin Chen faced their combined assault without the slightest trace of fear.

Due to the Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body's near-immortality and indestructibility, the two opponents could unleash combat power rivaling a half-step Primordial One Imperial Lord, yet they ultimately found it impossible to inflict fatal wounds upon Eldrin Chen.

The fierce battle between the two sides raged within the Chaos for an eternity, concluding only after more than four thousand years had passed.

As the Forbidden Divine Ability could not be sustained indefinitely, its power eventually faded. Depleted and pushed to their limits, Blazing Flame Demon Lord and Verdant Crocodile Demon Lord saw their cultivation bases nearly regress to the level of a Seventh Layer Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen directly summoned the Chaos Divine Thunder to strike across the void, annihilating both within the depths of the Primordial Chaos World Sea.

"Hah—"

After slaying the two, Eldrin Chen slowly let out a long breath.

He swept his gaze across the battlefield and saw that Exquisite Jiang and the others had also dispatched their foes, bringing this conflict to its final conclusion.

"Excellent."

In this battle, they had slain eight Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortals, a rare and resounding victory.

Eldrin Chen collected the spoils of war. A brief inventory revealed they had obtained sixteen Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures and a number of mid-grade and lower-grade Innate Spiritual Treasures.

The most crucial Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a rare and potent spiritual energy that grants temporary invulnerability], he had obtained over one hundred and thirty strands in one go. Combined with those captured earlier, Eldrin Chen now possessed more than two hundred strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light.

At this thought, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel his spirits soar.

He stored the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light away, then addressed the group. "This battle is a resounding victory. Even if we were to return immediately, our gains would already be considered immense."

Nyssa Qu was also elated and could not resist asking, "Should we head back now?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "The Chaos Desolation Sea [a primordial and perilous expanse of chaotic energies] emerges so rarely. This opportunity may well be our greatest Opportunity and Fortune for dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration] to come."

"Moreover, we still have a trump card we have yet to play. There is no need for undue haste."

Exquisite Jiang nodded in agreement. As the one closest to Eldrin Chen, she naturally understood the nature of his hidden ace.

During this great battle, Eldrin Chen had not yet employed his Forbidden Divine Ability [a supreme, reality-defying technique with severe costs].

With his current level of cultivation, if Eldrin Chen were to unleash the first stage of his Forbidden Divine Ability, he could likely contend head-on with a newly ascended Primordial One Imperial Lord [a sovereign who has unified their foundational energies into a singular, supreme origin]. Should he activate the Second Rank stage of the Forbidden Divine Ability, he would even be qualified to challenge an early-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord.

Such power was enough to give even a Primordial One Imperial Lord pause for thought.

Although a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator at the peak of the Primordial One realm] would become far more formidable and terrifying after unleashing a Forbidden Divine Ability [a supreme technique that exacts a heavy toll on the user], it is exceedingly rare for one to do so.

This is because the higher one's cultivation realm, the longer the period of Recovery [the process of recuperating from the backlash of a technique] required after using a Forbidden Divine Ability. For a being at the Primordial One Imperial Lord level, the backlash from such an ability is immensely severe.

Once they unleash it, they will be plunged into a prolonged state of weakness, a recovery that can easily span hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration].

Therefore, unless it is a true life-or-death struggle, Primordial One Imperial Lord treat Forbidden Divine Ability with utmost caution and are highly unlikely to employ them against an enemy.

With this understanding, Exquisite Jiang felt a slight measure of reassurance settle within her heart.

She let out a soft breath and spoke, "In that case, let us continue our exploration."

Seeing no objections from the others, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate. He led the group onward, continuing their journey through the Primordial Chaos World Sea [the boundless, formless sea from which all worlds are born].

In the time that followed, they ventured deep into the inner regions for a considerable period, even successfully assaulting and claiming two more Upper Grade Chaos Lair [dens of powerful chaos-born creatures, ranked as high-grade].

From Within the Chaos Lair [the interiors of these chaotic dens], they secured a substantial haul of resources once more. Among the spoils were several dozen strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primal spiritual light embodying the concept of unbreakable durability].

"We now have two hundred and eighty strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light," Eldrin noted.

On this day, Eldrin Chen once again thoroughly plundered a Chaos Lair [a dangerous, resource-rich pocket dimension within the primordial chaos], letting out a heavy sigh of relief.

At that very moment, a faint tremor resonated within Eldrin Chen's brow. He immediately lifted his gaze towards the Depths of Chaos [the most turbulent and perilous regions of the formless primordial void].

"Boom—"

A violent, thunderous roar suddenly erupted from the Depths of Chaos ahead.

A world-shaking battle was unfolding. Chaos Demon God [powerful, primordial entities born from chaos] roared, shaking mountains and rivers, while supreme Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of the Golden Immortal stage, representing near-perfection] bellowed and clashed in fierce combat, the cacophony of their struggle echoing without end.

Exquisite Jiang also sensed the disturbance. She looked over and, after a moment, remarked, "It seems another conflict has erupted over a Chaos Lair."

The others nodded in agreement.

In the recent period of exploration, the various Great Encompassing Golden Immortal had initially reaped bountiful harvests of resources. However, as time passed, these Chaos Lair had been picked clean, one after another.

With fewer and fewer Chaos Lair remaining, those Great Encompassing Golden Immortal who had not secured sufficient resources, or who remained unsatisfied with their current spoils, began to turn on each other, fighting fiercely over the remaining lairs.

During this time, Eldrin Chen had already witnessed dozens of such major confrontations and had himself been forced into the fray on several occasions.

Fortunately, their strength was formidable. They forcefully repelled powerful foes several times in succession, managing to preserve the gains they rightfully deserved.

"Let us depart. Our harvest is already substantial; there is no need to become further entangled in this,"

Eldrin Chen declared. He immediately led the group away.

Yet, at that very moment, Eldrin Chen suddenly sensed an intensely familiar aura emanating from the heart of that distant battlefield.

This caused his steps to falter slightly, and he halted his intended departure.

Simultaneously, he exchanged a glance with Exquisite Jiang, who spoke, "It resembles the aura of Nine-Leaf Sword Grass. It is the presence of Goose Startles Cold."

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted. He instantly shattered the firmament and appeared at the edge of the battlefield.

Only then did Eldrin Chen see it clearly: an ancient Chaos Divine Stone, and rooted upon it, a single stalk of Nine-Leaf Sword Grass.

The grass's nine leaves were sharp and resilient, radiating a peerless Sword Intent [a conceptual force embodying the essence of the sword] capable of severing Chaos and the Myriad Heavens. It seemed as if it had been formed from that first flash of sword-light at the moment of Primordial Chaos Unfolding [the mythical event marking the beginning of creation from primordial chaos].

"It is indeed him."

Eldrin Chen spoke, only then noticing that around the Chaos Divine Stone [a primordial stone of immense power], more than ten Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [powerful cultivators at the peak of the Golden Immortal realm] were locked in fierce battle.

Factions clashed and contended for the Chaos Divine Stone, their Slaughter [a divine ability embodying pure killing intent] aura piercing through the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the endless, formless primordial expanse]. Many Chaos Demon God [powerful demons born from primordial chaos] had fallen, their blood staining the Eight Desolations [a desolate region of the primordial world], with more than one lying dead upon the ground.

"What is this…"

The Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [an ancient and supremely powerful phoenix of violet flame] asked, her expression shifting slightly.

Eldrin Chen did not act immediately. He performed a brief divination with his fingers, then said with a grave look, "It seems there is a strand of Innate Primordial Breath [the foundational, uncreated energy from which all things originate] within Goose Startles Cold's body."

It turned out that not long before, during the Burst [a cataclysmic divine ability] war among the Imperial Lord [rulers of vast domains] in the Depths of Chaos [the innermost, most turbulent regions of primordial chaos], an ownerless strand of Innate Primordial Breath had surged forth from the core. By a twist of Opportunity and Fortune [fate and serendipity], it had landed upon Goose Startles Cold.

Goose Startles Cold had used this Opportunity and Fortune to refine that strand of Innate Primordial Breath, but was discovered by several Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, thus triggering this world-shaking battle.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen's expression darkened further. "Goose Startles Cold has already begun to fuse with the Innate Primordial Breath. I fear it can no longer be extracted."

"We cannot delay any longer. We must take him away immediately."

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces turned grave. They understood the danger of delay. The longer they stayed, the more would discover them. Furthermore, once the war among the Primordial One Imperial Lord [the most ancient and powerful of the Imperial Lords] in the Depths of Chaos concluded, they would likely come to seize this strand of Chaos Genesis Energy [another term for Innate Primordial Breath, the energy of creation from chaos].

With this thought in mind, Exquisite Jiang spoke, "We will cover you. Go and seize the Chaos Divine Stone [a primordial stone of immense power and weight]."

"Understood—"

Eldrin Chen nodded and decisively unleashed the Chaos Divine Thunder [a devastating thunder technique born from primordial chaos], sending it sweeping across the battlefield.

In that instant, a cataclysmic tide of Chaos Divine Thunder surged through the Eight Desolations [a desolate and perilous region of the primordial cosmos], manifesting into countless Chaos [the state of primordial, undifferentiated existence] thunder spears that swept through the void. Wherever they passed, the assembled heroes were forced into retreat; even several cultivators at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Golden Immortal realm] were startled into hastily withdrawing.

Seizing this opportunity, Exquisite Jiang and the others launched a fierce assault, instantly pressuring the other Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a high-level immortal realm] experts and making it difficult for them to intervene.

In that fleeting moment, Eldrin Chen had already charged before the Chaos Divine Stone, reaching out to claim it.

But at that very instant, Eldrin Chen discovered that this Chaos Divine Stone emanated a power that stabilized and suppressed the very fabric of space, rendering it impossible to store within his spatial treasures.

With no other choice, Eldrin Chen could only grasp the Chaos Divine Stone in hand and fight his way toward the Depths of Chaos [the innermost, most turbulent regions of the primordial void].

"How dare you!"

Witnessing Eldrin Chen on the verge of escape, the battling Great Encompassing Golden Immortal experts from all sides were driven nearly to madness.

A group of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal unleashed astonishing methods, each straining their utmost to block his path. Yet, despite their formidable power, they found it nearly impossible to halt Eldrin Chen at this moment.

Empowered by the Sacrificial Self Path [a supreme cultivation art that sacrifices the self for immense temporary power], Eldrin Chen was already nigh invincible among the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Unless a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator who has unified their path and stands at the peak of the Great Encompassing realm] intervened personally, who could possibly stand in his way?

"Those who stand before me shall perish!"

Eldrin Chen struck with his full might. In a single clash, he shattered the physical form of a seventh-level Great Encompassing cultivator, instantly tearing a bloody gap through the encircling forces.

Seizing the opportunity, Exquisite Jiang and the others launched a ferocious assault, breaking through the encirclement with lightning speed.

They fled towards the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond ordered realms], flying for millennia before they finally managed to shake off their relentless pursuers, if only temporarily.

But before Eldrin Chen could even catch his breath, he noticed the Chaos Divine Stone [a legendary stone born from primordial chaos, containing immense power] was emitting a dazzling Immortal Radiance [a divine light of supreme purity], illuminating the Chaos [the formless primordial energy] for hundreds of Path [a fundamental concept representing a cultivator's chosen way or principle] in every direction.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen immediately halted his flight.

He gazed deeply at the Chaos Divine Stone, and at Goose Startles Cold slumbering within it. A slight frown creased his brow as he spoke, "It seems we have been played."

At that moment, the expressions of Exquisite Jiang and the others shifted to one of stark horror. Looking again at the Chaos Divine Stone before them, they realized with a jolt that it was not a treasure, but a burning hot potato they could not hold.

"You have indeed realized it, but alas, it is already too late."

At that very moment, from all directions within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], a group of figures whose auras seemed to dominate the Myriad Heavens [the countless realms and dimensions of existence] suddenly appeared.

There were over ten Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme rank of immortal cultivators who have comprehended the fundamental laws of reality] in total. Among them were several figures familiar to Eldrin Chen, namely the Primal Chaos Kui Ox [a primordial divine beast resembling a one-legged ox, born from chaos], the Verdant Extreme Patriarch, the Mace of Earth Immortal Lord [a title for an immortal lord who wields an earth-element mace], and others.

There was even one person who was none other than the Golden Roc Demon Lord, whom Eldrin Chen had previously allowed to escape.

The one who spoke was precisely the Verdant Extreme Patriarch. He glanced at Eldrin Chen and said with a calm expression, "Eldrin of the Returning Abyss [a legendary, fathomless chasm], you are indeed formidable. Perhaps you could become the third Path Ancestor [a supreme being who has founded their own complete and independent Great Path of cultivation] of the Human Race."

"Since you already possess such potential, why must you stubbornly cling to those five Great Paths [complete and ultimate systems of cultivation and cosmic law]?"

Eldrin Chen's expression remained unchanged. He merely swept his gaze calmly over the assembled foes before speaking with icy detachment, "The Verdant Extreme Patriarch, the Desolate Wilderness Patriarch, the Golden Radiance Celestial Lord, the Violet Dawn Divine Spirit [a divine being born from the first light of a violet dawn], and the Golden Roc Demon Lord."

"With five supreme experts at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] joining forces, you still needed to resort to scheming with this Chaos Divine Stone [a primordial stone born from chaos, possessing immense and mysterious power] to entrap me?"

It turned out that among these dozen or so powerful enemies, there were a full five existences at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection level, including Eldrin Chen's adversaries.

Among these five, aside from the Golden Roc Demon Lord, the other four were all Great Path Rivals [fated adversaries who pursue conflicting or competing Great Paths, destined for conflict] of Eldrin Chen.

Among them, Verdant Extreme Patriarch cultivated the Great Path of Life, Golden Radiance Celestial Lord cultivated the Primordial One Ancient Metal Great Path, and Desolate Wilderness Patriarch practiced the Great Path of Profound Darkness.

The Violet Dawn Divine Spirit hailed from the Primordial Domain of Myriad Gods. The Violet Dawn Thunderfire Great Path he cultivated was forged from the fusion of the Primordial Solar Heavenly Flame and the Violet Ruins Divine Thunder Great Path.

These five adversaries were each supremely powerful. Among them, Verdant Extreme Patriarch, Violet Dawn Divine Spirit, and Golden Roc Demon Lord all possessed Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure. Their prowess and methods far surpassed that of ordinary cultivators at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection level.

Particularly the Violet Dawn Divine Spirit. This being had achieved his , his enlightenment, by establishing seven Indestructibility Foundation [the foundational pillars of an unbreakable cultivation base]. He had once single-handedly defeated a combined assault from three Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection. With such strength, he could be considered nearly invincible even among his peers at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm.

The combined combat power of these five formidable foes was sufficient to contend with nine, even ten, Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection. They could even put up a fight against an Primordial One Imperial Lord in its early stages.

Their alliance was one thing, but Eldrin Chen had never imagined they would go so far as to ensnare him using the Chaos Divine Stone.

At this thought, a glacial chill seeped into Eldrin Chen's gaze, his pupils sharpening with cold intent.

"Blame your own overwhelming strength."

The Violet Dawn Divine Spirit spoke, his expression frigid and detached. "With your potential, if we do not eliminate you today, you will inevitably become a calamity in the future."

"This time, the Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor himself orchestrated this trap. You are destined to perish without a grave."

Eldrin Chen offered no reply. He handed the Chaos Divine Stone to Exquisite Jiang and then spoke. "Startles Cold has taken root within the Chaos Divine Stone. Forcibly extracting him now would cause his fusion with the Innate Primordial Breath [the primordial energy inherent to the universe at its dawn] to fail, resulting in a severe backlash."

"However, in merely thirty thousand years, he will have completely fused with the Innate Primordial Breath. At that time, he will awaken and detach from the Chaos Divine Stone of his own accord."

"Guard him well for me. Once those thirty millennia have passed, we can shatter the void and depart with him."

Upon hearing this, Exquisite Jiang's expression shifted subtly. Words seemed to form on her lips, yet she ultimately swallowed them back, suppressing the thought.

One had to admit, the machinations of the Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor were truly astonishing.

If Goose Startles Cold required over a hundred thousand years to awaken, Eldrin Chen would have decisively abandoned him to cut their way out, avoiding the decimation of their main force here.

Yet, the time needed for Goose Startles Cold's awakening was cunningly set at precisely thirty thousand years.

Thirty millennia was neither too long nor too short—insufficient to draw a massive siege from Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation, one step below the Dao Ancestor]s, yet certain to precipitate a cataclysmic battle. This duration pressed precisely against the absolute limits of what Eldrin Chen could possibly endure.

Contemplating this, Exquisite Jiang finally voiced her concern. "Are you certain you can withstand it?"

"We must at least make the attempt."

Eldrin Chen spoke, and then an indescribable power of the void enveloped the Eight Desolations, forcibly isolating the void of ten Path [a fundamental concept representing a distinct way or principle of cultivation and existence] from the surrounding Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all worlds are born].

"This is..."

The Verdant Extreme Patriarch's expression shifted slightly, revealing a trace of shock.

The eyes of the Violet Dawn Divine Spirit also grew solemn, and he could not help but speak: "To carve out ten Path of Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state of existence before creation] from the Chaos itself... such a feat is likely only possible for a Twenty-Four Patterns Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure born from chaos, marked with twenty-four primal patterns]."

"This space has been partitioned. No one can disturb us here. Let us fight to our utmost limits."

Eldrin Chen spoke, his tone calm and even.

The force that had divided this expanse of Chaos was naturally the Spatial Sub-Pearl [a subsidiary pearl specializing in spatial manipulation] of the Returning Abyss Pearl.

Although the Spatial Sub-Pearl of the Returning Abyss Pearl was currently only at the grade of an Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, it was, after all, born from the division of a Chaos Supreme Treasure Embryo [the primordial seed of a supreme treasure from the chaos]. Its power far surpassed that of any ordinary Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

At this moment, the Returning Abyss Pearl had directly severed and concealed the Chaos Void [the empty, chaotic space between realms] of ten surrounding Path from the Primordial Chaos World Sea [the vast, chaotic ocean containing all nascent worlds].

With the Returning Abyss Pearl's ability to obscure Celestial Mechanism [the heavenly principles and mechanisms governing fate and deduction], it was likely that even the Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor would be unable to deduce their current location.

Seeing this, the expressions of the powerful foes present also shifted slightly. The Desolate Wilderness Patriarch took a deep breath, then spoke coldly, "So it comes down to a final life-or-death struggle after all?"

"Enough. With the five of us joining forces, it is sufficient to annihilate all of you!"

The Golden Radiance Celestial Lord was even more frigid. He channeled a Great Halberd that sundered Chaos, launching a forceful strike to suppress Eldrin Chen: "No more words. Let us act."

"BOOM—"

With a deafening roar, the halberd's blow surged forth with an unending, world-shaking divine might, seemingly intent on cleaving Eldrin Chen in two on the spot.