Chapter 1977 : The Thunder Crow's Ambition

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's gaze subtly tightened, a trace of solemnity flickering within.

He had crossed paths with the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor before and was well acquainted with that entity's domineering and overbearing nature.

Among the ten Great Emperor-level figures within the Demon Race Heavenly Court, the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor was one of the most radical warmongers. For ages, it had sought to wage war against the Human and Divine Races, seeking vengeance for the grievous wounds inflicted upon the Demon Race by their combined forces three thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] ago.

Such a figure was already a key decision-maker within the Demon Race. If it succeeded in refining an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme artifact born of primordial chaos], it would likely seize the opportunity to instigate conflict once more.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but inquire, "Would the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor possessing an Innate Supreme Treasure truly be enough to completely reshape the balance of power within the Primordial Immortal Domain?"

"So long as the few Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors who emerged from the Primordial Chaos] do not intervene, any single Innate Supreme Treasure holds decisive weight," the Tai Cang Divine Emperor replied, his eyes reflecting profound gravity.

He drew a deep breath before continuing, "Ever since the fall of the Purple Seal Immortal Lord, within the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain, aside from the Chaos Heavenly Emperor, there have been only sixteen publicly acknowledged supreme Innate Supreme Treasure wielded by the mightiest powers."

"Of these sixteen Great Emperor-level entities, six hail from the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [a collective term for various ancient spirit races], each an immensely ancient Ancient Progenitor. Of the remaining ten, three are held by the Divine Clan, three by the Human Race, and four are in the hands of the Demon Race."

"With these three new treasures," Tai Cang Divine Emperor stated, his voice low, "the Demon Race would openly possess five Innate Supreme Treasure."

The implication hung heavy in the air—a significant shift in the delicate equilibrium that had held for eons.

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but frown slightly, a crease forming between his brows.

After a moment of contemplation, he could not resist asking, "Senior, you speak of those on the surface. Does this imply there are even more Innate Supreme Treasure [treasures born of the primordial chaos, possessing supreme power] hidden in the shadows?"

"Indeed, that is the case."

Tai Cang Divine Emperor nodded, then continued, "The origins of Innate Supreme Treasure are actually of two kinds. The first are those cultivated into existence by an individual. The second are those discovered within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation].

"The sixteen Innate Supreme Treasure I mentioned refer specifically to those personally forged by a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator who has unified their cultivation into a singular, foundational path].

"Such treasures can attract a True Spirit Imprint [the fundamental pattern or destiny of a True Spirit]. Once successfully forged, they are certain to aid the Primordial One Imperial Lord in establishing a True Spirit Foundation [the foundational cultivation art based on a True Spirit's nature]. Consequently, individuals who achieve this possess exceptionally formidable strength."

"As for those found within the Chaos, they are mostly already-formed Innate Supreme Treasure. These artifacts already contain a True Spirit Imprint and cannot be used as a means to cultivate a True Spirit Foundation."

"Moreover, these completed Innate Supreme Treasure can all conceal themselves from Celestial Mechanism [the art of divination and reading the threads of fate]. Unless a Primordial One Imperial Lord personally unleashes one in battle, even a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler who commands the primordial chaos] would find it difficult to deduce their existence."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding. His own Creation Cauldron was also an Innate Supreme Treasure, yet it was clearly something the heroes of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of immortals] would struggle to detect.

It stood to reason that if the various Primordial One Imperial Lord possessed similar trump cards, they too would likely have methods to conceal them.

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Eldrin Chen spoke, "The fact that the Primordial Era Thunder Crow [a legendary avian demon beast of immense power from the dawn of time] makes you so cautious suggests the Demon Race [the collective term for all demonic beings] must be concealing even more Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme artifact born from the primordial laws of the cosmos, representing the pinnacle of power]?"

"Indeed."

Tai Cang Divine Emperor gave a slight nod, his tone calm as he continued, "During the final cataclysm of the Late Primordial Era [the twilight of the primordial epoch, marked by a universe-shattering war], when the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain [the original, unified realm of the cosmos before its fragmentation] was utterly shattered, both of our Divine Clan's [the race of celestial beings] Primordial Era Divine Sovereign [supreme rulers of the divine race from the primordial era] fell into deep slumber. It was the Demon Race who emerged as the greatest beneficiaries of that Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic event of cosmic scale]."

Hearing this, a slight frown creased Eldrin Chen's brow, and a shadow of solemnity passed over his expression.

In that moment, Eldrin Chen grasped the formidable nature of the Demon Race Heavenly Court [the ruling celestial court of the demon race], and the weight of concern within him grew heavier.

Seeing his reaction, Tai Cang Divine Emperor spoke again, "We suspect that the Demon Race's Ten Directions Great Emperors [the ten supreme demon emperors who rule over all directions] likely all possess trump cards at the level of Innate Supreme Treasure."

"Even if the vast majority of these Innate Supreme Treasure were not personally refined by them through ascension, they are absolutely not to be underestimated."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen understood the general picture.

An Innate Supreme Treasure refined through one's own ascension would aid a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a cultivator who has unified their foundational path into a singular, supreme authority] in forging a True Spirit Foundation [the ultimate, unshakable spiritual foundation for one's cultivation path].

A pre-existing Innate Supreme Treasure could not achieve this. However, regardless of their origin, all Innate Supreme Treasure were vessels of Great Path Authority [the supreme authority over a fundamental law of the cosmos], and their destructive power was essentially indistinguishable.

Therefore, those beings who have refined batches of Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from the primordial chaos] are also exceptionally formidable opponents.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen spoke with a grave expression before the others could: "It seems the strength of the Demon Race [the race of demonic beings] is even greater than we anticipated."

"If they were not strong, how could they be called the foremost among the Three Great Heavenly Courts [the three supreme celestial powers]?"

Tai Cang Divine Emperor shook his head, then added with a bitter smile: "That Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor [an ancient and mighty thunder crow emperor] is the younger brother of the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Celestial Emperor of the Sun]. He already possesses an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from the primordial chaos] bestowed by the Solar Heavenly Emperor."

"If he were to obtain another and use it to cultivate a True Spirit Foundation [a foundational cultivation art based on a True Spirit's power], his strength would undoubtedly rise to the top of the Ten Directions Great Emperors of the Demon Race [the ten most powerful demon emperors]. His influence would then ascend to an entirely new level."

"By that time, he would likely be able to directly persuade the other factions of the Demon Race [the race of demonic beings] to launch a war that sweeps across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the myriad realms of the immortals]. I fear neither you nor I would be able to remain aloof from the conflict."

Eldrin Chen listened quietly, a deep furrow forming between his brows.

After a long silence, Eldrin Chen spoke: "Approximately how long would it take for it to advance into an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from the primordial chaos]?"

"The Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Celestial Emperor of the Sun] is the Supreme Artificer [the paramount master of artifact forging] of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [the seven domains of the Southern Abyss]. If He personally takes action and uses that Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [the nascent form of a supreme-grade primordial artifact] as one of the primary materials, it would take at most three Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] to forge it into an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from the primordial chaos]."

Tai Cang Divine Emperor spoke, a trace of a sigh coloring his words.

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but frown slightly. He had heard some rumors about the Solar Heavenly Emperor's artifact forging skills.

In the ancient era, three hundred billion Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] ago, the primary reason the Demon Race Heavenly Court was able to dominate all others was precisely the Solar Heavenly Emperor's Artifact Forging Art.

It is said that the Solar Heavenly Emperor, using his own Artifact Forging Art as a foundation, created a method that plundered the very Creation [the primordial creative force] of heaven and earth. This technique could extract the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a fundamental, indestructible spiritual essence] from an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the world's natural laws] at the cost of destroying the treasure itself.

Although this process incurred a loss of roughly fifty percent, it was indeed one of the greatest channels for obtaining Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light.

Throughout that ancient era, the Demon Race Heavenly Court successively destroyed hundreds of thousands of Innate Spiritual Treasure, thereby cultivating over ten thousand Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm] and a significant number of high-level Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

It was precisely this that led to the later, flourishing era of the Demon Race Heavenly Court.

However, Innate Spiritual Treasure were ultimately a finite resource. As the Demon Race continuously destroyed them, the vast reserves of Innate Spiritual Treasure accumulated over millions of Kalpa Tribulation within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective realms of immortals] gradually dwindled to exhaustion.

This ultimately led to a situation in the latter half of the ancient era where Great Encompassing Golden Immortal within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains almost universally lacked Innate Spiritual Treasure. Many beings at the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal level could only make do with Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

It was amidst this seemingly prosperous and splendid situation for the Demon Race that, approximately ten thousand Kalpa Tribulation ago, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor began to disseminate the method for advancing the Immortal Domain Art.

The method of opening an Immortal Domain [a personal immortal realm] to obtain Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light was destined, from the moment of its appearance, to alter the very landscape of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

As the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the path of primordial creation] attained Merit [karmic virtue] and Fortune [heavenly favor] for creating a new cultivation method, receiving the Great Path's [the fundamental laws of the cosmos] gift of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative energy of chaos] to prove his path and ascend as a Chaos Path Ancestor [an Ancestor who has mastered the Dao of Chaos], the Ancient Demon Court [the primordial celestial court of the demon race] finally began its decline.

Thus, the Demon Race Heavenly Court [the Heavenly Court of the Demon Race] persisted for nearly ten thousand Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth], until the moment, over three thousand Kalpa Tribulation ago, when the Great Abyss Immortal Sage [the Immortal Sage of the Great Abyss] proved his Dao, finally losing its status as the sole Sovereign [supreme ruling power] of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective realm of three thousand immortal worlds].

Although the present Demon Race Heavenly Court no longer possesses the glory of its ancient era, one must admit that the artifact-forging arts of the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Heavenly Emperor of the Sun] are truly astonishing.

His mastery of artifact forging ranks first within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, having once used that wisp of Chaos Genesis Energy belonging to the Primordial Qilin Ancestor [the Primordial Ancestor of the Qilin] to forge a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a spiritual treasure born from chaos]. Relying on this as a hidden trump card to ambush the Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign [the Divine Sovereign of Purple Tenuity], he subsequently seized the authority over the Stellar Great Path [the Great Path of the Stars].

It can be said that, with the Solar Heavenly Emperor's methods, if he were to use that Seven-Pattern Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [an embryonic innate supreme treasure with seven natural patterns] as material and fuse it with the Lifebound Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure bound to one's life and soul] of the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor [the Great Emperor of the Primordial Thunder Crows], he would undoubtedly elevate the Great Emperor's lifebound treasure into a true Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the innate laws of the cosmos].

"At most three Kalpa Tribulation?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, before gathering his wandering thoughts a moment later.

Within two or three Kalpa Tribulation, his physical body and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation should also advance further. By then, the combined combat power of his Three Great Foundations [his three foundational cultivation aspects] would surely rival the domain of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord who has unified his cultivation into a singular, primordial whole].

With such strength, he should possess a certain degree of self-preservation capability when facing the great war of the Three Great Heavenly Courts [the three paramount Celestial Courts].

Thinking this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Thank you for the guidance, Fellow Daoist. I understand the situation now."

After speaking of this matter, Eldrin Chen then stated the purpose of his visit.

After listening, Tai Cang Divine Emperor shook his head and said, "I am injured. I am afraid I cannot accompany you to this Barter Convention."

"It was presumptuous of me. Your Excellency should focus on recuperating," Eldrin Chen replied respectfully.

Finally, after a period of further private discussion, Eldrin Chen clasped his hands in farewell and took his leave.

"..."

After departing from the Tai Cang Imperial Court, Eldrin Chen subsequently visited the Frigid Heaven Imperial Court and the Grand Nether Imperial Court. Unfortunately, both Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord and Grand Nether Imperial Lord were in secluded cultivation and politely declined the invitation to attend the Barter Convention.

During this journey, Eldrin Chen also met with old acquaintances such as Nether Phoenix and Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor.

Several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] had passed, yet their cultivation progress was not particularly vast. Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor remained only at the third level of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, while Nether Phoenix had merely reached the fourth level.

Of course, Eldrin Chen understood well that advancing three or four levels within the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm over the span of more than seven Kalpa Tribulation was by no means a slow pace of progress.

The reason for Eldrin Chen's own rapid advancement was primarily due to victories in several Chaos War [large-scale conflicts between major powers], which yielded vast resources, coupled with the use of numerous Innate Spiritual Root [natural treasures that directly enhance cultivation base] to accelerate his cultivation.

In comparison, although both were Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of cultivation, a supreme immortal existence] of the Primordial One Imperial Court [the supreme governing body of the primordial heavens] and possessed access to immensely profound resources, the portion that actually trickled down into their personal hands was not necessarily substantial.

Taking the Frigid Heaven Imperial Court [the celestial court ruled by the Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord] as an example, under Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord [the sovereign ruler of the Frigid Heaven Imperial Court] alone, there were eighty-three Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

According to Eldrin Chen's knowledge, the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal under Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord's banner primarily hailed from four major lineages: the Frigid Heaven Immortal Palace [the central palace of the Frigid Heaven realm], the Frigid Immortal Domain [a vast, icy immortal world], the Frigid Heaven Path Domain [a domain dedicated to the Frigid Heaven cultivation path], and the Frigid Heaven Ancient Sect [an ancient sect founded upon Frigid Heaven doctrines], among other major branches.

These four great lineages corresponded respectively to the Frigid Heavenly Domain [the core heavenly domain of frost] within the Primordial Immortal Domain [the primordial realm of immortals], the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal who emerged from the Frigid Immortal Domain, the branch of the Frigid Heaven lineage established within the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless chaos from which all realms were born], and the sect personally founded by Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord.

The Great Encompassing Golden Immortal who emerged from these four lineages were all either direct disciples or disciples of disciples of Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord.

Figures like Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor [a powerful demon emperor who challenged the heavens] and the thirteen Great Encompassing Golden Immortal from the Frigid Immortal Domain represented merely one branch among Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord's vast following.

Strictly speaking, the lineage from the Frigid Immortal Domain was more akin to a loosely managed, "free-range" faction. In fact, Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor's branch held the lowest status among the four major lineages.

Under such circumstances, the resources Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor received paled in comparison to those Eldrin Chen had amassed over the years, resulting in a significantly slower pace of cultivation progress.

In truth, Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor's attainment of the Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] was not primarily due to Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord, but rather because he encountered two pivotal benefactors.

The first of these benefactors was none other than White Crane Immortal Lord [a venerable immortal lord often depicted riding a white crane].

The White Crane Immortal Lord was once a crane demon raised by Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord in his youth, and a deep bond existed between them. For this reason, he was nurtured by Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord until he reached the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm.

It can be said that White Crane Immortal Lord held an exceptionally distinguished position within the Frigid Heaven Imperial Court. It was his favor towards Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor that allowed Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor to receive such focused cultivation and attention.

The second great benefactor was none other than Eldrin Chen.

Had it not been for Eldrin Chen leading him to sweep through the multitude of heroes during the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle], he might never have achieved the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm.

Understanding this well, Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor treated Eldrin Chen with the utmost respect. He welcomed Eldrin Chen into the Frigid Heaven Imperial Court with great deference and hosted him with the highest courtesy.

Of course, this was merely a minor interlude.

Since Grand Nether Imperial Lord was in seclusion, Eldrin Chen did not linger long within the Frigid Heaven Imperial Court. After leaving a single letter, he returned to the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain.

He cultivated in seclusion within the Returning Abyss Immortal Domain for a time, and after several million years, he finally received word from Great Center Imperial Lord.

"The Barter Convention [a grand gathering for the exchange of rare treasures and cultivation resources] is about to begin. We should not delay; let us depart at once."

With those words, Great Center Imperial Lord and Eldrin Chen together tore through the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between realms], heading directly for the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole.

The Southern Abyss Seven Domains [the seven primordial realms of the Southern Abyss] are vast and boundless, further divided into the seven great Primordial Domain [a foundational, ancient realm of immense size and spiritual significance]: the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain, the Primordial Domain of Vast Righteousness, the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole, the Domain of Chaos Firmamental Extreme, the Primordial Domain of Myriad Gods, the Primordial Domain of Saint and Demon, and the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot.

Among these seven domains, the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole and the Domain of Chaos Firmamental Extreme are both Chaos Lair [a domain born from primordial chaos, ranked among the highest tiers].

Of these two Within the Chaos Lair [realms born from primordial chaos], the origins of the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole are particularly legendary.

It is said the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole was originally named the Chaos Kui Ox Domain, and its Sovereign [a supreme ruler of a domain] was a Chaos [pertaining to the primordial, formless state of existence] Heavenly Emperor Realm [a supreme cultivation realm, one of the pinnacles of power] being known as the 'Primal Chaos Kui Ox' [a mythical bovine beast born from primordial chaos].

Indeed, this Primal Chaos Kui Ox belongs to the same race as the Great Path Rival [a destined, lifelong rival on the path of cultivation] of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix—the other 'Primal Chaos Kui Ox'.

It is said that particular Primal Chaos Kui Ox, hailed as the 'Kui Ox Heavenly Emperor', possessed the innate, supreme power to suppress Chaos itself. During the Primordial Era [the mythic age of creation], it once defeated a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler who has mastered primordial chaos] from the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot, establishing itself as no weakling even among the ranks of Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

Yet, regrettably, it encountered a figure of even more breathtaking brilliance.

The Ant Heavenly Emperor embarked on the path of cultivation from the humblest origins of an ant, ascending all the way from a minor world into the vastness of Chaos, carving a path of absolute dominance.

However, before attaining the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm, the Ant Heavenly Emperor suffered repeated pursuits by the Kui Ox Heavenly Emperor, pushed to the brink of annihilation multiple times, and was ultimately forced to flee into the Chaos Desolation Sea [a treacherous sea of formless chaos and desolation].

From that point onward, no one knew what transpired.

It is said that after hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], when Ant Heavenly Emperor returned from the Chaos Desolation Sea, he had already ascended to the Heavenly Emperor Realm [the supreme realm of a Heavenly Emperor] within the Chaos [the primordial state of existence].

The returning Ant Heavenly Emperor immediately stormed into the Domain of Chaos Celestial Pole, confronting Kui Ox Heavenly Emperor within the Chaos Lair in a battle that shook the heavens.

That clash shattered the very fabric of Chaos, unleashing waves of Decay [a state of entropy and dissolution] that rippled through the void. The ensuing tumult violently rocked all Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

In the end, Kui Ox Heavenly Emperor was defeated, his blood staining the Chaos. Gravely wounded, he fled into the depths of the Chaos Desolation Sea and was never seen again.

And from that time forth, this Chaos Lair became the Path-Field [a sacred ground for cultivation and enlightenment] of Ant Heavenly Emperor.