Chapter 1996 : The Ascent of Golden Immortal Might

Later, during the mid-stage of the Great Encompassing realm, each breakthrough only increased one's power by about fifty percent. Even when breaking through the bottleneck to Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, the increase in power was merely doubled.

Yet now, merely advancing to the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal has already doubled his power. This clearly shows that as one's cultivation realm climbs higher, the disparity between each level within the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm grows increasingly vast.

"No wonder the resources required for breakthroughs become so exceedingly precious after reaching Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal," Eldrin Chen murmured to himself.

After silently assessing the newfound strength coursing through his body, a wave of delight washed over him once more.

Following this breakthrough, Eldrin Chen could keenly sense the substantial elevation in his overall combat prowess.

If, before his advancement, Eldrin Chen's physical power alone was comparable to a top-tier Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection cultivator, then his current physique now rivaled half the might of a Primordial One Imperial Lord.

With such formidable bodily strength, Eldrin Chen estimated he could now contend against the combined force of five Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection experts using his physical power alone.

"Excluding the Sacrificial Self Path, my overall combat strength should have increased by roughly twenty percent," he concluded.

Heart brimming with satisfaction, Eldrin Chen once more retreated into secluded cultivation.

His Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation had also reached its current limit; the time was ripe for another breakthrough.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen once more retrieved a portion of the Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid [a rare elixir that nourishes and strengthens the soul] and began the breakthrough in his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation.

Given Eldrin Chen's profound foundation, breaking through to the Great Encompassing Primordial Spirit [a specific, advanced stage of Primordial Spirit cultivation] was inherently a simple task. Now, with the aid of the Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid, the breakthrough flowed as naturally as water finding its course.

Merely a short time after consuming the Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid, Eldrin Chen successfully completed his breakthrough in Primordial Spirit cultivation.

Following this breakthrough, Eldrin Chen's cultivation base ascended once more. His Three Great Foundations [the three core cultivation systems he practices] had all stepped into the realm of the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the eighth tier of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal stage].

After completing the breakthrough, Eldrin Chen immediately felt his Three Great Foundations becoming more perfectly integrated and flawless. Their combined power surged again, faintly reaching the level of the second layer of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a powerful cultivation realm, the first step into the ranks of Imperial Lords].

"With Three Great Foundations comparable to the second layer of a Primordial One Imperial Lord, combined with the power of the Sacrificial Self Path [his unique cultivation path], my strength should now rank as quite formidable even among the three layers of Primordial One Imperial Lord," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly.

After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin Chen shifted his gaze to the Returning Abyss Seal [a powerful enchanted seal artifact] in his hand.

With his current power, he was already considered strong among early-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord. His only remaining weakness was the insufficient potency of his Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the world's natural laws, possessing immense power].

Although the Returning Abyss Seal was a True Spirit Supreme Treasure [a treasure of the highest grade, embodying a True Spirit's essence], it was ultimately only an Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure. Its power was merely equivalent to that of a Twenty-Four Patterns Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [an Innate Spiritual Treasure of supreme grade, marked by twenty-four natural patterns].

While a Twenty-Four Patterns Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure was certainly not weak among early-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord, compared to figures like Celestial Kun Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord with the Dao Title 'Celestial Kun']—who stood backed by a Sage Ascendant [a realm just below the legendary Sages]—the gap in power was still vast and undeniable.

Eldrin Chen even suspected that Celestial Kun Imperial Lord likely possessed even more formidable trump cards, but had refrained from revealing them because he lacked the confidence to deliver a single, decisive blow that would utterly suppress and annihilate his foe.

Faced with such a formidable enemy, the current Returning Abyss Seal was clearly insufficient.

Although Eldrin Chen possessed the Indestructibility Battle Armor and the Creation Cauldron, both of which were Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade treasure born from the primordial chaos], such treasures were coveted even by Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord who has reached the pinnacle of the Primordial One Realm]. Eldrin Chen dared not expose them recklessly.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen gazed at the Returning Abyss Seal and mused for a moment before speaking. "The Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a supreme, primordial energy of creation and chaos] possesses extraordinary properties, allowing me to possess a Life-Bound Treasure [a treasure that grows and evolves with its master's cultivation] of a higher tier ahead of schedule."

"Previously, due to a lack of suitable materials, I did not integrate it into the Returning Abyss Seal. Now, it seems the time for its breakthrough has come."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen began retrieving various Rare Spiritual Wonders [extremely rare and precious materials imbued with profound spiritual power]. He soon assembled ten portions of Innate Rare Treasure [a treasure born from the innate laws of the world], which included Primordial One Gold, Primordial Solar Flame, and nine other such Rare Spiritual Wonders, making twelve in total.

These Rare Spiritual Wonders were of immense value, each one a precious Primordial One Marvel [a marvel suitable for use by Primordial One Realm cultivators]. An ordinary Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal who has mastered the Great Encompassing stage] would be considered formidable just for possessing one.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen's current status was extraordinary. Not only did he have access to many Rare Spiritual Wonders from the Immortal Firmament Treasure Vault, but over the years he had also continuously exchanged and gathered materials through the channels of the Immortal Court [the supreme governing body of the immortal realm], finally managing to assemble these twelve Primordial One Marvel.

Now, Eldrin Chen immediately sealed the Great Hall. He then began the process of integrating the twelve Primordial One Marvel, one by one, into the Returning Abyss Seal.

Only after all twelve treasures were fully integrated did Eldrin Chen begin to channel Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Divine Spark [a divine spark containing the power of primordial chaos and indestructibility] into the seal. He continued until thirty-six sparks had been fused within, at which point he ceased the infusion.

At that very moment, Eldrin Chen witnessed the Returning Abyss Seal erupt with a torrent of Celestial Immortal light [the radiance of a celestial being], ultimately manifesting twelve chaotic Primordial Spirit patterns [the foundational spiritual patterns of a cultivator's core essence].

"A Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest classification of treasures born from the world's primal energies]," he murmured.

Gazing upon the Returning Abyss Seal before him, Eldrin Chen slowly released a held breath, a wave of profound joy coloring his features.

In that instant, the Returning Abyss Seal within Eldrin Chen's possession now bore twelve chaotic Primordial Spirit patterns, and each of these patterns was itself woven from twelve interlocking Great Path Divine Rune [divine symbols representing fundamental cosmic laws].

In essence, the Returning Abyss Seal was an amalgamation of twelve Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure. Its power far transcended the realm of ordinary Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, even shattering their inherent limits. Its might was now comparable to an Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [the nascent, unformed state of a supreme treasure of cosmic origin].

Moreover, this was no ordinary Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo. Its potency likely rivaled that of a Three-Pattern Innate Supreme Treasure Embryo [an embryonic supreme treasure marked by three foundational divine patterns].

"Excellent," he affirmed.

Sensing the formidable power now thrumming within the Returning Abyss Seal, Eldrin Chen released another slow, satisfied breath, a deep sense of accomplishment settling upon him.

This advancement of the Returning Abyss Seal had multiplied its power severalfold over. Should he encounter Celestial Kun Imperial Lord again, unless the foe unveiled a more potent hidden card, Eldrin Chen was now confident he could face him in direct, head-on confrontation.

With this thought, elation surged within Eldrin Chen's heart. He strode from his Seclusion Chamber [a chamber for secluded cultivation] and immediately shot into the starry void, his spirit burning with the desire to clash once more with the Demon Race Imperial Lords [the sovereign lords of the demonic races].

"..."

Just as Eldrin Chen once again stepped into the starry void, another great battle upon the Violet Void Ancient Star drew to a close.

Ethan Chen had slain yet another Great EncompassingDemon Lord, dragging the corpse of his formidable foe back to the Violet Void Ancient Star. His face pale, he said, "The Demon Race forces grow ever more numerous. This war grows increasingly brutal."

Path Ruins Jiang's gaze was also grave, his tone heavy as he spoke. "Exquisite is in seclusion, attempting a breakthrough. If she can ascend to the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, it would relieve some of the pressure on us."

"The Demon Race has too many Great Encompassing experts. A breakthrough by one or two of our own is unlikely to fundamentally change the situation."

Energy Abyss Chen spoke up, his expression turning solemn.

After reaching the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, further advancement in cultivation became exceedingly difficult. Currently, the resources of the Chen Immortal Clan were concentrated on Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang, with the hope of swiftly nurturing a Primordial One Imperial Lord.

Although they themselves received considerable resources, it was ultimately insufficient to achieve a breakthrough to the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal in a short time.

Contemplating this, Energy Abyss Chen spoke again. "I observe the conflict intensifying. The Celestial Beam Star Domain will likely become even more perilous. We must elevate our cultivation realms with all haste."

"It would be best if we could summon another wave of reinforcements from the Eastern Departure Flame Domain to aid us here."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions turned grave.

Since the great war began, the Human and Divine Races have been critically short of manpower everywhere, making it nearly impossible to dispatch reinforcements. Only the Human Race Path Domain [a realm where cultivators have comprehended and begun to embody a fundamental cosmic principle] within the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond ordered realms], such as the Eastern Departure Flame Domain, could still spare some personnel.

Thinking of this, Violet Consort Yan spoke up: "My husband has been besieged by Demon Race Imperial Lords many times in recent years. The troubles and difficulties he faces are no less than ours."

"Let us ask for his counsel the next time he arrives at the Violet Void Ancient Star."

As they were discussing, Eldrin Chen returned from the Chaos, his white robes stained with blood and bearing wounds.

Everyone looked over, their faces registering shock. Violet Consort Yan hurried forward, taking Eldrin Chen's hand and asking, "Husband, your injuries…"

Eldrin Chen shook his head and smiled. "These wounds are severe precisely because I did not retreat. In a single battle, I repelled the two Great Emperor Lords, Heaven Leviathan Deng and Howling Moon Imperial Lord."

Their hearts shuddered at his words, finally understanding that Eldrin Chen had forcefully driven back the combined forces of Heaven Leviathan Deng and the Howling Moon Imperial Lord in a direct confrontation.

At this realization, their minds were struck with awe. Ethan Chen could not contain his joyful surprise, asking, "Have you… broken through?"

"Yes."

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] nodded with a faint smile and said, "This breakthrough in cultivation has granted me a significant increase in strength."

"Although it is difficult to defeat them head-on, by relying on the miraculous healing properties of the Great Path of Life [a supreme cultivation path focused on vitality and restoration], I managed to hold my own in a protracted battle lasting over a million years and ultimately gained a slight advantage."

It turned out that after his breakthrough, Eldrin Chen had immediately charged into the Starry Abyss [a vast, chaotic region of space between star domains] and once again engaged in an epic confrontation against the two Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm] experts of the Demon Race [a powerful race of demonic beings].

For the first time in a one-against-two duel, Eldrin Chen, by enduring through the power of the Great Path of Life, managed to inflict such severe injuries upon Celestial Kun Imperial Lord [a powerful demonic lord] and Howling Moon Imperial Lord [another powerful demonic lord] that they were forced to retreat.

Although Eldrin Chen himself suffered grievous wounds, this outcome was still a cause for celebration.

It must be understood that in all their previous clashes, Eldrin Chen had been almost constantly suppressed by the duo, ultimately being driven to flee back to the safety of the Celestial Beam Imperial Star [a fortified celestial body under his control].

Upon grasping this, a glimmer of joy flickered in the hearts of all present.

Nyssa Qu [Eldrin Chen's wife, a powerful cultivator] could not help but take Eldrin Chen's hand, a smile gracing her lips as she said, "With your breakthrough, my husband, our chances of successfully defending the Celestial Beam Star Domain [the star domain they protect] have grown even greater."

Hearing her words, smiles naturally blossomed on everyone's faces.

Although Eldrin Chen held the exalted status of an Ancestor of a Great Path [a founder of a supreme cultivation path], a position and power equivalent to that of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a peak-level immortal lord], his actual cultivation base was still only that of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a high-tier immortal realm].

If he were to take action against a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, no one could possibly accuse him of bullying the weak.

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his expression grave as he spoke. "Throughout this great war, I have harbored a growing suspicion that Celestial Kun Imperial Lord holds a hidden card. He has carried a Heavy Treasure [a supremely powerful enchanted artifact] yet has never once deployed it. It is highly likely he is waiting for the perfect moment to strike."

"Or perhaps," he continued, "his target was never me to begin with."

His words cast a pall of solemnity over the gathered group.

They exchanged glances, and finally, Path Ruins Jiang could not help but ask, "What are you implying?"

Eldrin Chen did not answer immediately. After a moment's pause, he said, "I have a feeling that the Demon Race's ambitions in launching this war are vast. Their goal is certainly not merely to reclaim the lost territories of the Cosmic Stellar [the vast, starry expanse of the cosmos]."

"Their target likely extends beyond the Celestial Beam Star Domain, perhaps even beyond the confines of the Southern Dipper Six Stars [a major celestial constellation]."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell into deep contemplation.

This time, the Demon Race had launched their great offensive, yet they had dispersed their forces across the entire breadth of the Cosmic Stellar.

Regions including the Southern Dipper Six Stars, the Big Dipper, the many domains of the Three Enclosures [celestial palaces], and the Twenty-Eight Mansions [lunar lodges] were all under assault from the Demon Race, making their true objective impossible to discern.

Were they truly aiming to reclaim all the lost Myriad Heavens Stellar in one fell swoop, or was this a feint to obscure their true objective, making it difficult to discern their real intent?

Or perhaps, the true goal of the Demon Race lay in some deeper, more profound secret?

Eldrin Chen had a vague sense that the ambitions of the Demon Race were likely far grander than they appeared.

Of course, even if the Demon Race truly harbored greater schemes, given Eldrin Chen's current level of power, it would be difficult for him to significantly influence the balance of the war.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen withdrew his contemplations and addressed the assembled group. "My recent divinations suggest this war between the three races will likely persist for at least another seven or eight Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years]."

"Therefore, a catastrophic defeat is unlikely in the immediate future. You should continue to hone yourselves in the crucible of battle."

Hearing this, the group collectively let out a slight sigh of relief.

Ethan Chen, recalling something, spoke up. "In that case, perhaps we could conscript some Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [powerful immortal cultivators] from the Eastern Departure Flame Domain to bolster our frontline forces and address the manpower shortage?"

After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin Chen replied, "That is a viable strategy. Very well, I will have someone report to the Immortal Court [the celestial governing body] and issue a decree ordering the Eastern Departure Flame Domain to dispatch half of its Great Encompassing Immortal Lord [immortal lords of significant power] to join the war."

"As for the clan's own Great Encompassing [powerful cultivators], those whose cultivation has reached a temporary plateau should also come to the battlefield to temper themselves."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

Each of the Chen Immortal Clan and the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal cultivators possessed extraordinary foundations, making them formidable opponents rarely matched by peers of the same realm. Furthermore, bolstered by the immense Fortune [a metaphysical concept representing destiny, luck, and accumulated positive karma] bestowed by the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme primordial energy of creation], their ability to protect themselves remained remarkably potent.

Having them join the Starry Sky Battlefield for tempering would also aid in solidifying their foundations.

Seeing everyone's consent, Eldrin Chen immediately arranged for Ethan Chen to handle these matters. Once this was settled, the Celestial Beam Star Domain gained reinforcements of several dozen Great Encompassing Golden Immortal cultivators, finally alleviating some of the immense pressure it faced.

Coupled with Eldrin Chen's breakthrough in cultivation and the subsequent great increase in his combat power, the four Imperial Lord [a high-ranking title for powerful immortals, often rulers of domains] devised a plan and organized a powerful counteroffensive. They seized the opportunity to reclaim much of the lost territory.

Initially, Eldrin Chen had harbored some criticism towards the Mystery Departure Imperial Lord for remaining securely in the rear.

However, during this campaign, the Mystery Departure Imperial Lord once again summoned several Great Encompassing Imperial Lord [a title for Imperial Lords who have mastered the Great Encompassing realm] to join the battle. He even dispatched an avatar to the front lines, where it intercepted a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a title for a powerful first-stage Imperial Lord] from the Demon Race, causing Eldrin Chen to dismiss his previous misgivings.

The victory in this battle seemed to mark a turning point, with the overall situation in the Celestial Beam Star Domain beginning to improve.

Yet, this respite was short-lived. As the Demon Race also began conscripting Great Encompassing Demon Lord [a high-ranking title for powerful demonic beings] to join the fray, the war in the Celestial Beam Star Domain once again descended into a bitter and arduous struggle.

Thus, time flowed on. Amidst the ceaseless, sprawling conflict, several Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years] passed. Despite their efforts, the Celestial Beam Star Domain was ultimately, and inexorably, consumed piece by piece.

After three Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], the territory of the Celestial Beam Star Domain had been lost by seventy percent, and everything began to trend toward an unfavorable direction.

"..."

On this day, Eldrin Chen returned bathed in blood from the Depths of the Starry Sky, bearing rather severe injuries, his expression tinged with gravity.

The war spanning four consecutive Kalpa Tribulation had caused Eldrin Chen to become tainted with a wisp of Indestructibility Fiendish Energy [a malevolent and corrupting spiritual force].

Now, as he strode forth, cleaving the firmament, he resembled a Heaven-Slaying Immortal Lord [a high-ranking immortal] who had traversed the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], his entire being radiating an Indestructibility [unyielding, eternal] battle intent.

Within the Great Hall of the Celestial Beam Imperial Star, Luo River Imperial Lord and the others had already gathered for some time.

Eldrin Chen swept his gaze around, finding the figures of five Primordial One Imperial Lord [Imperial Lords of the Primordial Unity Realm] standing within the Great Hall, and he gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.

Over these past Kalpa Tribulation, as the war grew increasingly dire, the Immortal Court had successively conscripted numerous Primordial One Imperial Lord into the fray, even inviting many Primordial One Imperial Lord from the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [a coalition of one hundred immortal spirit clans] to lend their aid.

And the Celestial Beam Star Domain, being one of the Southern Dipper Six Stars, naturally received reinforcements once more.

Presently, the two newly arrived Great Emperor Lords were, respectively, 'Desolation Meng Imperial Lord' from among the seven great Primordial One Imperial Lord of the School of Military Strategy [a sect specializing in warfare and tactics]. His cultivation had reached the Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier, and he was a master of the Slaughter [the art of mass destruction] path of the School of Military Strategy, making his strength absolutely not to be underestimated.

The other individual possessed a cultivation base of only the Primordial One Imperial Lord 1st Tier [the first stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm]. He hailed from the Verdant Flame Ancient Clan, one of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [a collective term for one hundred ancient spirit-blooded clans], and was the Verdant Spirit Imperial Lord. It was said he was a long-time close friend of the Celestial Beam Imperial Lord.

Eldrin Chen exchanged greetings with each of the five Imperial Lord [a powerful cultivation realm title] figures, then settled into his own seat.

Having fought side by side for several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of time], they were quite familiar with Eldrin Chen. The Luo River Imperial Lord immediately inquired, "How are things?"

"The Demon Race [a major antagonistic faction of demonic beings] has dispatched an additional Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage [a cultivator at the mid-stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm]. The situation is growing increasingly dire."

Eldrin Chen spoke, his expression tinged with gravity.

Upon hearing this, the five Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm title] lords all showed a flicker of shock. The Verdant Spirit Imperial Lord could not help but say, "In recent years, the Demon Race has reinforced their forces multiple times. Now, the Celestial Beam Star Domain [a celestial region] holds seven hundred Demon Race Great Encompassing [powerful demonic cultivators], and there are even eight Primordial One Imperial Lord among them."

"Now they've sent a Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage. If this continues, we may soon find ourselves trapped, defending only the Celestial Beam Imperial Star [the central star of the Celestial Beam Domain]."

Everyone's expressions grew solemn at these words.

Seeing this, the Luo River Imperial Lord turned to the Celestial Beam Imperial Lord and asked, "The Demon Race has sent a Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage. What does the Immortal Court [the governing body of the immortal factions] say? Can they dispatch a Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage to reinforce us?"

"I fear that is unlikely."

Before Celestial Beam Imperial Lord could respond, Desolation Meng Imperial Lord from the School of Military Strategy spoke up.

As one of the top three schools among the Hundred Schools of Thought of the Human Race, whose sect master is none other than Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, one of the Human Race's Five Direction Great Emperors, the School of Military Strategy naturally possessed a clearer understanding of the current state of the war.

He took a deep breath and declared, "The main force of the Demon Race is assaulting the Supreme Subtlety Enclosure. Our Human Race's Five Direction Great Emperors and most of the mid-stage Imperial Lord [powerful cultivators who rule over vast territories] are currently defending there. I fear we cannot spare any reinforcements for the foreseeable future."

Hearing this, the expressions of those present shifted subtly.

Mystery Departure Imperial Lord drew another steadying breath and proposed, "If all else fails, we could abandon the subsidiary Stellar [celestial bodies and star systems] and retreat to defend the Celestial Beam Imperial Star."

The assembled Imperial Lord fell into contemplative silence, weighing their options.

Eldrin Chen believed that losing the subsidiary star domains would inevitably lead to the fall of the Celestial Beam Imperial Star itself. He spoke his mind, "A solitary fortress is difficult to defend; a lone star cannot hold out for long."

"To safeguard the Celestial Beam Imperial Star, we must not lose the various subsidiary Stellar within the Celestial Beam Star Domain."

"In my view," he continued, "we should concentrate our forces to defend the Thirty-Six Great Encompassing Ancient Stars, utilizing the grand defensive formation of the Celestial Beam Star Domain."

Luo River Imperial Lord nodded in agreement, seizing the moment to add, "By fortifying the Thirty-Six Great Encompassing Ancient Stars, we could hold out for several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] at the very least."

"Moreover, these Ancient Star [ancient celestial bodies imbued with profound spiritual energy] also contain Teleportation Formation [magical arrays designed for instantaneous travel across vast distances]. In a moment of dire necessity, they provide a secure path for withdrawal."

Verdant Spirit Imperial Lord and Desolation Meng Imperial Lord also nodded in agreement, their expressions grave as they acknowledged the validity of the two men's perspective.

Seeing this, Mystery Departure Imperial Lord could only abandon his attempt at persuasion. With a sigh heavy with unspoken concern, he conceded, "If that is the consensus, then we shall proceed as you all have decided."