Chapter 1997 : The Stellar Bastion's Stand

As the various Primordial One Imperial Lord [the highest echelon of cultivators, lords of their own domains] reached their accord, the entire Human Race [the collective of human cultivators and their allied forces] within the Celestial Beam Star Domain [a vast stellar region under the dominion of the Celestial Beam lineage] began to consolidate and withdraw their forces.

Countless Human Race Immortals [beings who have ascended to immortality through cultivation], Celestial Soldiers and Divine Generals [elite warrior legions serving the higher powers], and even Great Encompassing Golden Immortals [powerful immortals who have mastered a fundamental law of the cosmos] evacuated the lower-tier Cosmic Stellar [ordinary stars and celestial bodies], concentrating their strength upon the Thirty-Six Great Encompassing Ancient Stars [thirty-six primordial and strategically vital stars] and the Celestial Beam Imperial Star [the central, most fortified star of the domain].

To ensure the absolute security of these thirty-six Ancient Stars, the Celestial Beam Imperial Lord [the sovereign ruler of the Celestial Beam Star Domain] even activated the grand formation of the Celestial Beam Star Domain, weaving the thirty-six Nine Heavens Stellar Bodies [stars of immense spiritual power and stability] into a unified defensive network, further fortifying these stellar bastions.

Bolstered by the grand formation and the concentrated garrison of vast numbers of Immortals and Great Encompassing Golden Immortals, the Celestial Beam Imperial Star finally gained a measure of stability.

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

While the majority held their positions within this stellar domain, steadfastly refusing to engage, a portion of the elite who had reached the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage for a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal] were detached. Armed with Spatial Supreme Treasures [artifacts of the highest order capable of manipulating space], they launched covert raids against the rear stellar regions occupied by the Demon Race [the collective of demonic cultivators and their monstrous legions].

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

Thus, time flowed on like a swift river. Unnoticed, another two Kalpa Tribulations [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] passed, until the day Eldrin Chen emerged from his secluded cultivation, greeted by news that sent shockwaves through his spirit.

"The Celestial Concord Imperial Star [a key fortified star representing celestial unity]... has fallen."

Within the grand hall of the Celestial Beam, the six Imperial Lords stood facing one another, each visage etched with profound shock and disbelief.

Eldrin Chen gazed at the intelligence report in his hand and could not help but voice his question. "The Celestial Concord Imperial Star [a major celestial fortress] holds an exceptionally high position. It is guarded by seven Primordial One Imperial Lord [powerful cultivators at the peak of the Primordial One realm] and overseen by the Celestial Concord Imperial Lord [the lord of that fortress], who is at the Primordial One Mid Stage [mid-stage Primordial One realm]. How could it have fallen so easily?"

The expressions of the other several Imperial Lord [rulers of their respective domains] shifted slightly. Their gazes turned towards the Celestial Beam Imperial Lord [the lord of the Celestial Beam Star]. With a sigh, the Celestial Beam Imperial Lord spoke plainly. "Although the Celestial Concord Imperial Star possessed greater strength, the pressure it faced was even greater than ours."

"Not long ago, pressured by the Demon Race [the collective forces of demons], they withdrew their forces to fortify their position upon the Celestial Concord Imperial Star itself."

"Yet, against all expectations, the Golden Crocodile Imperial Lord [an allied lord], who had come to lend his aid, suddenly turned traitor and sabotaged the grand defensive formation. Seizing the opportunity, the Demon Race concentrated the forces of thirteen Imperial Lord for a surprise assault. With two Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage [mid-stage Primordial One realm lords] leading the charge, they breached the Celestial Concord Imperial Star in a single battle."

"In that conflict, of the seven Great Emperor [sovereigns of immense power] guarding the star, one betrayed us, three had their physical bodies utterly destroyed, and the remaining three sustained grievous, near-crippling injuries."

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

The Golden Crocodile Imperial Lord was the Clan Patriarch [the ruling elder] of the Golden Crocodile Ancient Clan, one of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [a prestigious alliance of one hundred ancient spirit-blooded lineages]. This lineage ranked thirty-first among the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races, a renowned and formidable ancient clan.

That very Golden Crocodile Imperial Lord had been a close friend of the Celestial Concord Imperial Lord, which was why he had been invited to assist. No one could have foreseen such a betrayal at the critical moment.

This thought stirred a ripple of unease in their hearts. Almost as one, their eyes turned towards the Verdant Spirit Imperial Lord [the lord of the Verdant Spirit Star].

With the precedent of an ally's treachery now set, most of those seated here regarded Verdant Spirit Imperial Lord, an outsider among them, with a newfound wariness.

Seeing this, the Celestial Beam Imperial Lord hurriedly spoke up, "The Verdant Spirit Imperial Lord is a dear friend of many years; he would never betray us."

"That is not necessarily certain."

At that very moment, the Mystery Departure Imperial Lord suddenly interjected, "From what I know, the reason the Golden Crocodile Imperial Lord turned his blade against us is that the Imperial Crocodile lineage of the Demon Race was willing to merge with his forces once more."

"As you all surely know, the Verdant Mystery Heavenly Flame Clan within the Demon Race was formed from a branch that split from the Verdant Flame Ancient Clan..."

Before the Mystery Departure Imperial Lord could finish speaking, a subtle shift flickered in the gazes of those assembled.

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

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

The Celestial Beam Imperial Lord, witnessing this, moved swiftly to intercept and restrain his friend, but was ultimately shaken off by the Verdant Spirit Imperial Lord's forceful gesture. In a fury, the Verdant Spirit Imperial Lord departed the Celestial Beam Imperial Star.

"Alas—"

Watching the Verdant Spirit Imperial Lord leave, the Celestial Beam Imperial Lord heaved sigh after sigh. He turned back to look at the Mystery Departure Imperial Lord, a flicker of anger in his eyes as if to speak, but in the end, he swallowed his words and reined in all emotion.

Eldrin Chen observed the scene in silence. He had initially considered speaking up to persuade Verdant Spirit Imperial Lord to stay, but in the end, he withdrew the thought.

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

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

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

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen shifted his gaze towards Mystery Departure Imperial Lord, a flicker of sharp light gleaming deep within his pupils.

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

"It seems even the Celestial Beam Imperial Star may not be safe," he murmured inwardly.

Eldrin Chen silently pondered, a plan beginning to take vague shape in his mind.

He gathered his thoughts and then spoke aloud, "The Celestial Concord Imperial Star has fallen. What should our next move be?"

Desolation Meng Imperial Lord collected his own thoughts before replying, "The Celestial Concord Imperial Star is one of the Southern Dipper Six Stars, a position of critical strategic importance. It is highly likely the Immortal Court's various Great Emperors will use it as a focal point to launch their counterattack. We must prepare ourselves for battle."

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

With the meeting concluded, Eldrin Chen returned alone to his cultivation Great Hall. He then summoned the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal cultivators of the Chen Immortal Clan, his face etched with seriousness as he relayed the matter to them.

After listening, a shadow of gravity fell upon everyone present.

Exquisite Jiang took a deep breath and spoke, "Since the war between the three races began, the Human and Divine Races have been on the defensive."

"Over these years, the Demon Race, as the aggressor, has achieved significant gains, but their losses have far exceeded those of the Human and Divine Races. In contrast, our forces have been steadily accumulating strength."

"Considering the timing and the critical importance of the Celestial Concord Imperial Star, I believe the Human and Divine Races will likely seize this opportunity to launch a counteroffensive."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. "The Demon Race came prepared for this battle. Even if the Human and Divine Races counterattack, they may not achieve decisive results."

"Regardless, the fighting to come will undoubtedly grow more intense."

"I urge you all to seize every moment, to cultivate diligently and strive for a breakthrough in your cultivation before that time arrives."

Everyone nodded in response, their faces marked by a shared sense of solemnity.

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

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

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

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

Though many years had passed, the aura of Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor remained as profound and boundless as an abyssal sea, radiating a power so immense it was difficult to fathom.

After seeing Eldrin Chen, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor observed him for a moment before nodding in approval. "Your cultivation progress has been exceptionally swift. It seems the threshold of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection is no longer distant."

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

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

Among the treasures bestowed by the Immortal Court were many rare resources, including items for cultivating the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and the physical body, such as the Primordial One Marvel. Their value was comparable to that of Primordial One Immortal Pill and Soul-Nourishing Treasure Liquid.

With the aid of these treasures, along with resources like the Heaven Soul Fruit, Indestructibility Golden Fruit, Soul Nourishing Wood, Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo Shoot, and other such Rare Spiritual Wonders, his advancement had been greatly accelerated.

Combined with the tempering of war, Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and physical cultivation had grown by approximately fifty percent since he first entered the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the eighth level of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], reaching the very limits of that stage.

What remained was merely the accumulation of foundational essence [the core energy required for major breakthroughs] to prepare for the breakthrough to the Ninth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

At this pace, even though the resource expenditure for cultivation had doubled again after reaching the Eighth Heaven of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, Eldrin Chen estimated he could still break through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] within three to five Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles].

By that time, with all Three Great Foundations [his three core cultivation paths] reaching Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection, Eldrin Chen's power would experience another tremendous leap.

Therefore, Eldrin Chen expressed his gratitude for the Immortal Court's [the celestial governing body] rewards.

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

"Those treasures are your rightful due."

Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor smiled, then continued, "The reason I summoned you here is to request your participation in an operation."

"An operation?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with sudden understanding. He asked decisively, "Could it be, Imperial Lord [a title for a powerful ruler], that you speak of..."

"Mm-hmm."

Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor gave a slight nod, then spoke: "The war is currently at a stalemate. We are preparing to muster forces for a counteroffensive to retake the Ancient Star of Celestial Concord."

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, then inquired, "Could it be that even with the Immortal Court's contingency plans, you are unable to recapture the Ancient Immortal of Celestial Concord?"

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

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

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

At this thought, Eldrin Chen drew a deep breath and asked, "Does the Demon Race harbor an even greater scheme, then?"

"I do not know."

Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor shook his head again. "Given the strength of the Demon Race, even with our Human and Divine Races united, it is highly probable they could seize a vast stretch of starry territory from us."

"If we grow careless, we may not even be able to hold the Southern Dipper Six Stars."

Speaking thus, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler of a dark, fathomless realm] pondered briefly before continuing, "Given your foundation, if you were to break through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm, would you have the confidence to hold back a Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage [a cultivator at the mid-stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, a supreme level of power]?"

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

With his Three Great Foundations [the three supreme cultivation arts forming his core strength], any single one reaching the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection realm should allow him to rival an early-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord.

With the Three Great Foundations converging into one, a qualitative transformation was inevitable. Even if he couldn't match a powerful Great Emperor [a supreme ruler] at the fourth tier of Primordial One Imperial Lord, he would undoubtedly possess peerless combat power within the Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier.

Such profound depth, combined with the Great Path Authority [the supreme authority over a Great Path of cultivation] power of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art centered on self-sacrifice], might indeed allow him to barely withstand a fourth-tier Primordial One Imperial Lord.

Thinking this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "If the goal is merely to entangle and delay such an opponent, I might have a four or five in ten chance. However, given my current foundation, a breakthrough in the short term seems unlikely."

"A four or five in ten chance?" repeated the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, then declared, "That will suffice."

With those words, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor said, "Follow me."

His voice still echoing, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor led Eldrin Chen deep into the heart of Obsidian Abyss Heaven [a heavenly realm of profound darkness], to a place of utter blackness—a bottomless chasm.

"This is the Bottomless Obsidian Abyss [a fathomless, lightless abyss within the Obsidian Abyss Heaven]."

Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor spoke, his expression calm. "The Bottomless Obsidian Abyss is something I retrieved from the Depths of Chaos. The Primordial Chaos Profound Water [a primordial water of immense density and spiritual power, said to be the origin of all waters] within it is a supreme location for a Primordial One Imperial Lord to cultivate their physical body. It is also my private cultivation Path-Field."

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

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