Chapter 1995 : Clash of Celestial Titans

The Starry Abyss [a vast, empty expanse of cosmic void] stretched boundlessly, a place of endless silence and desolation. It was as still and fathomless as an abyss, devoid of any trace of life or the presence of Stellar [stellar energy].

Eldrin Chen stepped directly into the Starry Abyss, then turned to survey his surroundings. His gaze fell upon the two formidable enemies, the Howling Moon Sky Whale [a colossal celestial whale demon], who had already closed in to striking distance.

"Let this Emperor test your mettle!"

So spoke the Howling Moon Imperial Lord [the Imperial Lord of the Howling Moon], as he thrust forward with the Eternal Divine Spear [a divine spear of everlasting power] in his grasp. Where the spearpoint passed, space itself congealed and shattered, violently cleaved asunder by a supremely sharp and potent edge.

Eldrin Chen's eyes narrowed slightly, not daring to be negligent. With a sweep of his sleeve, he summoned the Primordial One Energy Grasping Hand [a divine hand technique born from the primordial unity of all energies] to press down in a crushing suppression. The collision that ensued was one of earth-shattering, epoch-defining magnitude.

"BOOM—"

Seizing this precise moment, the Celestial Kun Imperial Lord [the Imperial Lord of the Celestial Kun] also struck. He opened his maw and expelled a radiant, azure treasure pearl, sending it hurtling down with crushing force.

In that instant, countless Great Path Divine Chains [divine chains embodying the principles of the Great Dao] interlaced and descended. They carried with them the divine power of Oblivion [the power of absolute annihilation], seeking to utterly annihilate Eldrin Chen.

"This is..." Eldrin Chen's expression shifted minutely. He immediately channeled his full power into the Primordial One Energy True Aura [a protective aura of unified primordial energy] to block the assault. Yet, the impact was so tremendous that he was still sent flying backward.

Only then did the Celestial Kun Imperial Lord let out a cold laugh, his voice dripping with icy disdain. "This Vast Sea Mysterious Pearl [a mysterious pearl born from the vast sea] of mine," he declared, "is one of the nine profound pearls condensed from the North Sea Sea Eye [the primordial vortex of the North Sea] during the very dawn of the Primordial Immortal Domain [the primordial realm of immortals]."

"Do you believe that because you could contend with the Departing Flame Demon God [a powerful demonic entity associated with flames of departure], you are a match for this seat?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted slightly. So, the North Sea Mysterious Pearl [a legendary pearl of profound mystery from the Northern Seas] held by Celestial Kun Imperial Lord was actually a Three-Pattern Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [an embryonic form of a supreme innate treasure, bearing three foundational patterns].

It must be understood that Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [the embryonic form of a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos] are exceptionally precious. Furthermore, Innate Primordial Breath [the purest, most fundamental energy of creation] is extremely difficult to obtain. For this reason, beings at the early or middle stages of the Primordial One Imperial Lord [the foundational stage for Imperial Lords, representing the first major consolidation of their power] rarely divert their Innate Primordial Breath to refine an Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo.

Only those who have reached the Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage [the advanced phase of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm] possess sufficient strength to acquire surplus Innate Primordial Breath for refining an Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo to break through their cultivation.

Even so, many existences at the Great Emperor [a sovereign realm of immense power and authority] level refine Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo with only seven patterns.

The vast majority of Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage cultivators possess Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo with around four patterns, at best.

For those at the Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage [the intermediate phase of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm], owning an Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo is not particularly common, and they can typically only refine the first three patterns of such an embryo.

As for Primordial One Imperial Lord in the early stage, they almost never have surplus Innate Primordial Breath to refine an Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo. Therefore, an early-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord who possesses even a single-pattern Innate Supreme Treasure [a fully-realized supreme treasure born from innate chaos] is an exceedingly rare sight.

Given this context, for Celestial Kun Imperial Lord to possess a Three-Pattern Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo was truly an extraordinary rarity.

"As expected of a direct-line Imperial Lord [a lordly cultivator of immense stature and power] from the Sage Ascendant [a realm denoting one who has ascended to sagehood] lineage of the Kunpeng Imperial Clan [a mighty imperial clan descended from the legendary Kunpeng]."

Eldrin Chen's thoughts flashed, and he instantly understood that victory in this battle would likely be elusive.

Generally speaking, the power of an Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [a nascent form of a supreme innate treasure] is roughly twice that of a Twenty-Four Patterns Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-grade innate spiritual treasure with twenty-four patterns].

Building on that foundation, each additional pattern increases its power by another thirty percent. A Three-Pattern Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [an innate supreme treasure embryo with three patterns], when wielded by the Celestial Kun Imperial Lord [the Imperial Lord of Celestial Kun], can unleash a Burst [a divine ability of explosive power] whose force is comparable to a mid-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord who has unified their Primordial Chaos and reached the Primordial One stage].

Realizing this, Eldrin Chen decisively invoked the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art that empowers the self through sacrifice] to augment himself. He pushed all his cultivation to its absolute limit and began a fighting retreat against the two Primordial One Imperial Lord [Imperial Lords at the Primordial One stage].

After thousands of fierce exchanges, Eldrin Chen quickly found himself at a severe disadvantage.

Fortunately, it is exceedingly difficult for Primordial One Imperial Lord [Imperial Lords at the Primordial One stage] to decisively defeat one another. Furthermore, wielding a Three-Pattern Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [an innate supreme treasure embryo with three patterns] consumes immense energy, making it difficult for the Celestial Kun Imperial Lord to deploy it continuously. Thus, the battle descended into a stalemate.

Eldrin Chen clashed with the two powerful foes for tens of thousands of years. Though he was firmly on the defensive, he possessed significant confidence in his ability to protect himself.

The war dragged on for several hundred thousand years. Estimating that Exquisite Jiang and the others had likely withdrawn from the front lines, Eldrin Chen finally pierced through the firmament and vanished beyond the Starry Abyss [the Abyss of Stars].

"He fled quite swiftly!"

Watching Eldrin Chen depart, the Howling Moon Imperial Lord [the Imperial Lord of the Howling Moon] narrowed his eyes, a glint of cold intent flickering within them.

Seeing this, Celestial Kun Imperial Lord retrieved the North Sea Mysterious Pearl [a legendary orb of profound power from the northern seas] and sneered coldly, "Even if he escaped, it is of no consequence. Were it not for the risk of alerting our true quarry, I could have either captured him today or at the very least inflicted grievous wounds upon him."

Howling Moon Imperial Lord nodded in agreement and spoke, "We have prepared for many years for the sake of the authority over the Southern Dipper Six Stars [a constellation of immense astrological and mystical significance]. Compared to this, all other matters are trivial."

At this point, Howling Moon Imperial Lord asked with a pointed tone, "As a direct disciple of a Sage Ascendant [a supreme master who has ascended to the threshold of sagehood], you surely know more than I do. Can you confirm if that rumor is true?"

Celestial Kun Imperial Lord shook his head, his expression turning grave. "The matter is of utmost gravity. It cannot be spoken of, it simply cannot be spoken of!"

"..."

Meanwhile, Eldrin Chen returned to the Celestial Beam Star Domain [a stellar region governed by the Celestial Beam constellation] and immediately went to the star sector defended by Exquisite Jiang and the others. He found them all gathered there, each bearing wounds of varying severity.

Seeing Eldrin Chen return injured, Exquisite Jiang asked with concern, "How did it go?"

"The wounds are of no concern," Eldrin Chen replied, his voice growing solemn. "What is your situation here?"

Verdant Consort nearby spoke up, her expression heavy. "The Demon Race [a vast and malevolent faction of demonic beings] has reinforced their ranks with over a hundred Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [powerful immortal cultivators of the Golden Immortal realm]. Our forces are stretched thin, and we suffered another concerted assault. Fortunately, no one perished."

Eldrin Chen nodded. "I will return to the Celestial Beam Imperial Star [the central, fortified star of the Celestial Beam domain] and see if I can secure reinforcements for our defense."

Hearing this, a flicker of relief and joy appeared on the faces of the several individuals.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen immediately returned to the Celestial Beam Imperial Star. There, he found Celestial Beam Imperial Lord, Luo River Imperial Lord, and Mystery Departure Imperial Lord all gathered together.

Among the three, both Celestial Beam Imperial Lord and Luo River Imperial Lord bore significant wounds, clearly having endured fierce and desperate battles.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen inquired, "What is your situation?"

"I was besieged by two Imperial Lord [supreme rulers of vast domains]," Celestial Beam Imperial Lord began, his expression turning grave. "They brought Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [primordial artifacts of immense power] specifically designed to counter me. While I am not mortally wounded, my injuries are far from light."

Luo River Imperial Lord offered a bitter smile, his gaze heavy. "I encountered Crimson Flame Heavenly Dragon Imperial Lord. His Crimson Flame Heavenly Flame [a divine fire of devastating potency] held a distinct advantage over my techniques. I suffered a significant setback in that clash."

Mystery Departure Imperial Lord spoke up, "Just as I foresaw. Had you heeded my counsel to fortify our position and await reinforcements, this would have been far less arduous."

At these words, Celestial Beam Imperial Lord fell into a heavy silence.

Eldrin Chen glanced at Mystery Departure Imperial Lord but chose not to comment further on that point. Instead, he asked, "With the Demon Race [a powerful faction of non-human beings] receiving reinforcements of two new Imperial Lord and over a hundred Great Encompassing Golden Immortals [immortals who have mastered a fundamental cosmic principle], they now hold an overwhelming numerical advantage."

"What are your thoughts on how we should proceed?"

"Our best course of action now is to send word back to our rear lines and request reinforcements," Eldrin Chen suggested.

"I fear that will be exceedingly difficult," came the reply.

Mystery Departure Imperial Lord spoke, his voice grave. "This time, the Demon Race has rallied myriad clans and is concentrating its forces to assault the Supreme Subtlety Enclosure. The pressure on that front is immense; it is unlikely they can spare significant additional strength."

Upon hearing this, a slight frown creased Eldrin Chen's brow, and a shadow of solemnity passed over his features.

He understood the logic in the Mystery Departure Imperial Lord's words. The Demon Race was not only the foremost of the three paramount powers but also the most populous race within the Primordial Immortal Domain.

It must be understood that the Demon Race was not a single, unified lineage. It was a colossal coalition formed from hundreds of millions of distinct clans and tribes.

In the primordial era, when the Solar Heavenly Emperor first established the Demon Race, he gathered nearly every race from across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. With the exception of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races and the Divine Clan, almost all other races joined the demonic fold.

Even later, as the Divine Clan gradually Recovery its strength, the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races grew powerful, and the Human Race rose to prominence, they still struggled to match the staggering, foundational might of the Demon Race.

To this day, following the establishment of the Immortal Domain system, the Three Thousand Immortal Domains are home to more than eighty thousand Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Of these, the Demon Race alone accounts for roughly sixty percent—a staggering fifty thousand Great Encompassing beings.

This single fact reveals that, barring intervention from Divine Sovereign Path Ancestors, the Demon Race's military strength already surpasses that of the Human and Divine Races combined. Even with the addition of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races, they would still be outmatched.

Of course, the Demon Race [a collective term for various non-human, often bestial, sapient beings] possesses uneven bloodlines, often constrained by their own inherent limitations. While the number of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme cultivation realm, the pinnacle of power below the Primordial One] level beings within the Demon Race is vast, those capable of breaking through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord [the foundational realm of the Primordial One stage, a supreme level of existence] are exceedingly rare.

Therefore, from the perspective of the higher echelons of Primordial One Imperial Lord power, the combined strength of the Human and Divine Races [the collective forces of humanity and the god-like Divine Race] is not significantly weaker than that of the Demon Race.

The current situation is rather awkward. In this conflict, the seven Chaos Heavenly Emperor [supreme sovereigns who rule over primordial chaos] have yet to take action. Yet, the Demon Race already holds a numerical advantage in Great Encompassing Golden Immortal over the Human and Divine Races, creating a palpable and mounting pressure on the latter.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a sense of difficulty.

The disparity in Great Encompassing Golden Immortal numbers between the two sides was too great. Furthermore, the Demon Race also possessed significantly more Primordial One Imperial Lord than the Human and Divine Races.

In such a collision between supreme races, even though Eldrin Chen now held a status equivalent to an Imperial Lord [a high-level ruler within the Primordial One stage], he could not help but feel a sense of powerlessness.

"Alas."

Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh, then spoke with grave seriousness: "Once we lose the Formation [a complex array or defensive magic circle] supported by the subsidiary Stellar [celestial bodies or star systems], and rely solely on the grand formation of the Celestial Beam Imperial Star [a major celestial fortress], the Demon Race would only need to dispatch a few Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage [cultivators at the mid-level of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm] to breach it."

"Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, we absolutely cannot abandon the Celestial Beam Imperial Star."

Upon hearing this, Luo River Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord associated with the Luo River] could not help but furrow his brow slightly, agreeing with Eldrin Chen's assessment.

Although the number of high-level Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivation realm] among the Human and Divine Races is not less than that of the Demon Race, and the number of Great Emperor [the pinnacle realm above Primordial One Imperial Lord] is even greater,

there remains a significant gap in the early and middle stages of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm. The demons possess enough strength to allocate a certain number of Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage cultivators as a reserve force.

Once the Demon Race discovers this vulnerability, they need only dispatch a few Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage experts to forcibly breach the Celestial Beam Imperial Star [a key stellar fortress]. In that case, the Celestial Beam Imperial Star would likely be impossible to hold.

After all, while the Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage experts are restrained by the Human and Divine Races, sending a few Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage cultivators would still be effortless for the demons.

Considering this, Luo River Imperial Lord spoke, "We cannot abandon the subsidiary Stellar [celestial bodies, often planets or stars, imbued with spiritual significance]. Once we forsake them, the Celestial Beam Imperial Star will surely fall."

"If one of the Southern Dipper Six Stars [a constellation of six key stellar fortresses] is lost, the power of the Southern Dipper Six Stars Grand Formation [a grand defensive array linking the six stars] will be greatly diminished. This could very well lead to the complete collapse of the entire Southern Dipper Six Stars defense line."

Hearing this, Celestial Beam Imperial Lord also nodded in agreement.

Since both Eldrin Chen and Luo River Imperial Lord advocated for protecting the subsidiary Stellar, he, as the master of the Celestial Beam Imperial Star, naturally was also unwilling to abandon them.

Thus, the vote in this meeting remained three to one, rejecting the proposal put forth by Mystery Departure Imperial Lord.

After the meeting concluded, the three others departed to tend to their injuries. Only Mystery Departure Imperial Lord remained seated within the Great Hall. A trace of shadow flickered within his smiling eyes, belying the mirth on his face.

He remained seated in that spot for a long time, his face flickering with a trace of inner struggle, yet in the end, he reined it all back, letting it vanish without a trace.

"Enough. There is no turning back now."

"..."

After returning to the palace, Eldrin Chen immediately used his Recovery [a powerful restorative technique] to heal his injuries.

Once his wounds were mended, he stepped back into the starry void, clashing once more with the various Demon Race Imperial Lords [powerful rulers of the demonic factions].

In the years that followed, Eldrin Chen engaged in successive, earth-shattering duels with the Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm] of the Demon Race, each battle nearly shattering the Starry Abyss [a vast, star-filled region of space] to its foundations.

However, those who had reached the Primordial One Imperial Lord [the pinnacle realm of an Imperial Lord] had almost universally cultivated the Primordial One [the state of returning to the primordial, unified origin of all things] and forged an Indestructibility Body [a physique of absolute durability]. Many had even achieved an Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [an unbreakable spiritual core]. Thus, battles at this level rarely ended in death.

Amidst the stars, Eldrin Chen fiercely battled the Imperial Lord [a supreme ruler among cultivators], unleashing dozens of world-shaking confrontations. At most, he was forced to retreat into the depths of the Celestial Beam Imperial Star [a legendary celestial body].

In response, the Demon Race Imperial Lord did not pursue him, nor did they move against the Human Race Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the highest realm of immortal cultivation, representing ultimate comprehension and power].

After all, the Demon Race already held an overwhelming advantage with their Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. These peerless Imperial Lord, who possessed Longevity [eternal life] and near-Indestructibility [the quality of being unbreakable and everlasting], saw no need to stoop so low as to attack juniors still in the Great Encompassing Realm [a high but not ultimate cultivation stage].

He could make a move, but it was unnecessary, as it would invite ridicule from fellow cultivators.

Thus, time flowed on, and in the blink of an eye, another Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years] had passed.

A single Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years] of leisurely time was not considered particularly long for a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator who has unified their inner cosmos and attained lordly status].

During this period, Eldrin Chen continuously clashed with powerful foes, honing himself in these battles. He also consumed another dose of Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid [a precious liquid that nourishes and strengthens the soul] and a Primordial One Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir for Primordial One Imperial Lords], finally accumulating sufficient cultivation base to reach the threshold for breaking through to the eighth tier of both the Great Encompassing Physique [a legendary body constitution that encompasses all things] and the Great Encompassing Primordial Spirit [a supreme art for cultivating a Primordial Spirit that encompasses all things].

This time, after Eldrin Chen Recovery [a divine ability to rapidly heal wounds] his injuries, he did not immediately emerge from seclusion to face enemies. Instead, he began his assault on the realm of the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [the eighth stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm].

"It is time for the breakthrough," he murmured.

On this day, Eldrin Chen slowly retrieved his final Primordial One Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir for Primordial One Imperial Lords]. After adjusting his state to its peak, he swallowed it, his cultivation firmly anchored at the Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage [the late stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm].

The medicinal potency of the Primordial One Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir for Primordial One Imperial Lords] was astonishing. It was a treasure for Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator who has unified their inner cosmos and attained lordly status] cultivating the Primordial One Imperial Body [the supreme physical form of a Primordial One Imperial Lord]. Using it to break through the bottleneck to Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal realm of the Great Encompassing Path] was naturally effortless.

After Eldrin Chen swallowed this Primordial One Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir for Primordial One Imperial Lords], he immediately sensed a surge of incredible medicinal power. Instantly, he felt the vast, heaven-shaking foundation he had accumulated within his body being stirred into motion.

"BOOM—"

With a thunderous roar, the boundless primordial essence within Eldrin Chen surged through his entire being. Every single cell erupted with an eternal Immortal Radiance [a divine light symbolizing everlasting life and power].

In that fleeting moment, Eldrin Chen seized the opportunity. He guided this overwhelming tide of primordial force to pierce through every meridian and acupoint in his body, then channeled it into the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all creation springs] cells within him. This allowed every single cell in his body to shatter its previous limits.

In a daze, Eldrin Chen felt as if each cell within him was a Universe [a cosmos, a complete world] violently Burst [exploded, shattered open] forth, blooming with a power that felt eternal.

"Such formidable physical power,"

Eldrin Chen murmured, a flicker of astonishment inevitably coloring his gaze.

He withdrew his mind from the depths of cultivation. After his foundation was completely solidified, he took a moment to experience the newfound strength coursing within him, and a faint smile touched his lips.

This breakthrough had directly doubled his physical might—a leap that could almost be considered monumental.

It was crucial to remember that during his time at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage [the initial phase of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], each of Eldrin Chen's breakthroughs typically increased his strength by roughly twenty percent.

Even when breaking through the bottleneck to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage [the middle phase of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], the growth in his physical power had only been around fifty percent.