Chapter 2000 : Storming the Celestial Concord

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this. Since Celestial Concord Imperial Lord needed to contend for the authority over the Formation [a complex arrangement of energy and symbols used for defense, attack, or cultivation], he would certainly be unable to deal with that Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage [a powerful cultivator who has reached the middle stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm].

Therefore, in this battle, they had to intercept the remaining Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage, which was precisely why Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor had him participate.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Rest assured, Imperial Lord [a title for a powerful ruler in the immortal realms], we will spare no effort."

Primordial Breath Meng Imperial Lord gave a slight nod and rose to his feet. "If that is the case, then let us fight with our full strength."

As Primordial Breath Meng Imperial Lord's words faded, the group immediately surged forward, arriving before the Joyous Ancient Star of Celestial Concord.

In this battle, Primordial Breath Meng Imperial Lord struck first. He rode upon a divine talisman from the Primordial Era [the mythical first age of creation], tearing through the grand Formation of the Ancient Star of Celestial Concord with a single blow, then led everyone charging into its heart.

In principle, forcing one's way into an enemy's formation to fight was an exceedingly risky maneuver.

If one could not swiftly defeat the foe, being trapped within the enemy's powerful formation could trigger an unprecedented and catastrophic rout.

Fortunately, they had come prepared. As the Celestial Unity Star Lord, Celestial Concord Imperial Lord possessed the authority over the Ancient Star of Celestial Concord.

Now, Celestial Concord Imperial Lord unleashed his full power. Using his authority as Star Lord [a ruler of a celestial body or constellation], he interfered with the grand formation, even attempting to wrest control of it for himself.

Although they did not immediately seize control of the Celestial Concord Grand Formation [a powerful defensive array], its potency was greatly diminished, rendering it unable to exert any meaningful influence on the combatants below.

"How dare you!"

At the very moment the group annihilated the Ancient Star of Celestial Concord, the Demon Race Imperial Lords [powerful demonic lords] reacted. A full twelve of them surged forth, charging directly into the heart of the raging battle.

Among these twelve Demon Race Imperial Lords, ten were ordinary Imperial Lords at the early Primordial One Imperial Lord [the first major stage for Imperial Lords] level, whom the group could handle. However, two possessed the formidable strength of Great Emperors [a higher tier of power].

Of these two mighty Imperial Lords, one stood atop a mountain peak, a dazzling Immortal Sword [a sword of immortal grade] in hand. Behind him, myriad paths of power swirled and converged, coalescing into a single, awe-inspiring halo of ten thousand dao.

The other possessed a towering, majestic frame, clad in dark battle armor and wielding the Sunder Antiquity Heavenly Halberd. He advanced like a Peerless Divine King [a supreme divine monarch] striding forth from the Primordial Era [the mythic age of creation].

"Myriad Paths Sword Emperor, Dark Great Roc Emperor."

Information on these formidable foes flashed through Eldrin Chen's mind in an instant.

The Myriad Paths Sword Emperor was a legend among the Demon Race. His origin was that of a spiritual sword that gained sentience and transformed into a demon. His foundational roots were merely those of a common Postnatal Spiritual Treasure [a treasure forged after the world's creation], roughly equivalent to the pedigree of a Primordial Solar Spiritual Treasure.

By all logic, with such origins, achieving immortality would have been considered a heaven-defying feat for the Myriad Paths Sword Emperor. Yet, his talent and brilliance were such that they astonished the ages.

He possessed astonishing flawlessness in the path of Path Principles [the fundamental laws and truths of cultivation], which allowed him, after attaining immortality, to comprehend the profundities of myriad paths. He thus created the Myriad Paths Convergence Art [a supreme technique that harmonizes and converges countless cultivation paths] and integrated it into his Sword Path [the Dao of the sword]. Using this, he reforge [to fundamentally reshape and strengthen] his own foundation.

Now, the Myriad Paths Sword Emperor [the Emperor whose sword embodies the convergence of all paths] has cultivated his power to the Primordial One Imperial Lord 6th Tier [the sixth level of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, a pinnacle of power]. Even within the vast Demon Race [the collective race of demonic beings], he is a force of considerable weight and influence.

Unfortunately, he lacks a Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign ruler of the heavens] to back him, nor even a patron at the level of a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the threshold of sagehood] or a Great Emperor [a mighty emperor among cultivators]. Otherwise, given the Myriad Paths Sword Emperor's innate talent, he would likely have long since reached the Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage [the advanced stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm].

As for that Dark Great Roc Emperor [the sovereign of the Dark Great Roc Clan], he is the Clan Patriarch [the ruling patriarch] of the Dark Great Roc Clan [a powerful clan of dark-feathered great roc demons]. His cultivation has reached the fourth level of the Primordial One Imperial Lord [a realm of immense power for imperial lords], making him a foe not to be underestimated in the slightest.

"Primordial Breath Meng [Meng, the embodiment of the Primordial Breath], you've arrived just in time!"

"I have long desired to cross blades with you. Today, we shall finally have our decisive battle!"

Just as these thoughts flashed through Eldrin Chen's mind, the Myriad Paths Sword Emperor spoke decisively.

With a cold sneer, he swung his sword. Ten thousand paths surged into the sky, transforming into billions of sword auras that shrieked downward with an unstoppable force, cleaving directly toward Primordial Breath Meng Imperial Lord [Imperial Lord Meng, wielder of the Primordial Breath].

"Hmph—"

Primordial Breath Meng Imperial Lord offered no reply, only a disdainful snort. He channeled his power into a celestial lance, thrusting it forward to meet the converging river of ten thousand sword paths head-on.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with Desolation Meng Imperial Lord.

After that momentary, silent exchange, Desolation Meng Imperial Lord was the first to act. He soared through the void astride his Heavenly Halberd, his unparalleled physical might propelling him directly toward the Dark Great Roc Emperor.

True to his reputation as a peak early-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord who cultivated the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art, Desolation Meng Imperial Lord displayed physical strength in his charge against the Golden-Winged Great Roc Emperor that could almost be called invincible among his peers.

By Eldrin Chen's estimation, while Desolation Meng Imperial Lord's offensive methods might be somewhat lacking, the defensive power of his physical body was likely comparable to that of a mid-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage.

"BOOM—"

Yet even so, when the Dark Great Roc Emperor struck with his full power, he sent Desolation Meng Imperial Lord tumbling back in their very first clash.

The Dark Great Roc Emperor advanced, the Sunder Antiquity Heavenly Halberd gripped in his hand. An endless tide of dark demonic flames wreathed his form, and three Great Path Divine Chains surged with power, resonating with a Six Harmonies formation. He unleashed a force that embodied the very essence of Oblivion [the absolute end and erasure of all things].

"So this is the power of a mid-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage?"

Eldrin Chen's heart shook. He dared not delay, instantly pushing his Three Great Foundations [the three core pillars of a cultivator's strength: body, energy, and spirit] to their absolute limit. Then, he joined the fray, engaging the Dark Great Roc Emperor in a monumental duel that would shake the heavens.

Of course, in this battle, Eldrin Chen did not unleash his full combat prowess. He merely employed the power of his Three Great Foundations, deliberately matching the level of strength displayed by Desolation Meng Imperial Lord.

Because Eldrin Chen's current strength was already astonishing, possessing the combat power of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme ruler of the primordial era] while only at the ninth level of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle golden immortal realm] realm, and could be explained by his Triple Path Cultivation [the rare and difficult practice of simultaneously cultivating three major cultivation paths] and the authority granted by his Path Mastery [the profound comprehension and command over a specific cultivation path].

However, if he were to reveal strength at the Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage [the mid-level of the supreme primordial ruler realm], it would likely provoke genuine fear and wariness in many, and might even compel the Primordial Solar Great Emperor [the supreme emperor of the primordial sun] to set aside decorum and intervene personally.

Even so, the power Eldrin Chen displayed was still staggering, causing the Dark Great Roc Emperor [the emperor of the dark great roc demon race] considerable shock.

After their brief, lightning-fast exchange, the Dark Great Roc Emperor stared at Eldrin Chen with profound astonishment and said, "Such astonishing cultivation speed. Such formidable physical body and spiritual power."

"Have you already broken through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [the absolute pinnacle of the golden immortal realm]?"

The Dark Great Roc Emperor's heart was in turmoil. Even accounting for Triple Path Cultivation, to wield such combat power at this realm was nothing short of miraculous.

Speaking thus, a mix of wariness and cold mockery colored his tone. "The Great Path [the supreme cultivation path] stands alone and supreme. Cultivating even two Great Paths simultaneously is an immense trial, let alone your reckless pursuit of three."

"In my view, you would be wiser to focus solely on the Path of Path Mastery [the cultivation path dedicated to achieving ultimate mastery]. Only then might you have a chance to comprehend the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the supreme path of primordial chaos]."

Eldrin Chen responded with a cold sneer, maneuvering the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a divine halberd embodying the power of chaotic heavens] as he clashed fiercely with his foe. "Whether I succeed or fail, I must try. Your concern is unnecessary."

"Arrogant fool."

The Dark Great Roc Emperor let out a cold sneer, his gaze icy as he unleashed a cleaving strike. "Your three paths may be formidable, but they are all dead ends."

"Enough! Today, this Emperor will teach you how to respect your elders!"

As his words fell, the Dark Great Roc Emperor rode the power of the Heavenly Halberd, launching relentless cleaving attacks aimed at utterly annihilating Eldrin Chen.

Thus, the ensuing battle between them grew increasingly fierce.

Eldrin Chen and Desolation Meng Imperial Lord joined forces, clashing with the Dark Great Roc Emperor for tens of thousands of exchanges. Yet, neither side could gain a decisive advantage.

Elsewhere, the other battles raged with equal intensity. Among them, Primordial Breath Meng Imperial Lord intercepted the Myriad Paths Sword Emperor [the Sword Emperor of Ten Thousand Paths], their duel a back-and-forth affair where he held a slight upper hand overall.

The ten Demon Race Imperial Lords were locked in combat with the fourteen Primordial One Imperial Lord [Imperial Lords who have attained the Primordial One Realm] of the Human Race. In theory, the Human Race held the advantage in both numbers and strength.

Unfortunately, the Demon Race were aided by several dozen Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection [cultivators at the Great Perfection stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]. These reinforcements significantly diverted the focus and energy of the Human Race Imperial Lord [Imperial Lords], forcing the battle into a stalemate.

Although the battlefront was balanced, the overall strategic situation still favored the Human Race greatly.

This was because Celestial Concord Imperial Lord was actively contesting for control of the Formation [a powerful array or defensive formation]. Once he reclaimed the power of the grand formation of the Celestial Concord Imperial Star, the outcome of this battle would be left with no suspense whatsoever.

For the Human Race's Imperial Lord [a supreme ruler of an immortal domain], the longer time stretched on, the more advantageous their position became.

Thus, time flowed swiftly. Unnoticed, the great war had persisted for over two million years. Then, on this day, Celestial Concord Imperial Lord finally gained the upper hand in the struggle for authority over the grand formation and began to reclaim its power.

Witnessing this, everyone present revealed expressions of profound relief, understanding that the outcome of this battle was now beyond any doubt.

The Demon Race's Myriad Paths Sword Emperor and his allies also grasped this reality. They immediately began a fighting retreat, withdrawing from the Celestial Concord Imperial Star.

However, to Eldrin Chen's surprise, the several Demon Race Imperial Lord showed not a flicker of dismay at losing control of the Celestial Concord Imperial Star. Instead, a cold, mocking sneer played upon their features.

"Something is wrong."

Suddenly, a premonition of dread coiled within Eldrin Chen's heart.

Sure enough, at that very moment, terrifying auras of immense power erupted from the masters of several other star domains, far away in the Southern Dipper Six Stars.

Instantly, the entire starry expanse trembled violently.

Eldrin Chen turned his gaze. Across the vast distance, beyond Void Heaven, he saw with perfect clarity: the radiant light of the Ancient Star of Celestial Beam suddenly dimmed and faded.

Not only that, but almost simultaneously, the Celestial Mechanism [a powerful celestial formation], the Celestial Aspect [a star of significant astrological power], the Seven Slaughter [a constellation associated with martial prowess], and even the Celestial Mansion Imperial Star [the paramount star of the Southern Dipper, seat of imperial authority] began to emanate astonishingly intense auras, their radiance flickering erratically.

The faces of the Human Race Imperial Lord [a sovereign-level cultivator]s present shifted slightly. Desolation Meng [an Imperial Lord of the Meng lineage], in particular, wore an expression of profound gloom as he spoke, "Your true objective was to lure us into counter-attacking the Celestial Concord Imperial Star [a key star in the Southern Dipper formation], so you could launch a sneak assault to sabotage the Southern Dipper Six Stars Grand Formation [the grand defensive array formed by the six stars of the Southern Dipper constellation]?"

Dark Great Roc Emperor [a mighty demon emperor] let out a cold sneer, his countenance icy. "It's far too late for that realization now."

"After your forces withdrew from the Southern Dipper Six Stars [the six stars forming the Southern Dipper constellation], those positions were left vulnerable. We planted agents within to carry out the ambush. Those Ancient Star [primordial celestial bodies of immense power] are already beyond saving."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen [the patriarch of the Chen Immortal Clan] could not help but feel a flicker of alarm cross his features.

The Southern Dipper Six Stars held an exceptionally high cosmic status. Their combined power rivaled that of a Sage Ascendant [a realm just below the ultimate Sage] level Path-Field [a domain imbued with profound Dao principles]. This was especially true for the paramount Celestial Mansion Imperial Star, the leader of the six. Should the Celestial Mansion Imperial Star fall, the loss to the Human Race would be catastrophic.

Most critically, the main force of the Chen Immortal Clan was currently stationed at the Celestial Beam Imperial Star [another crucial star in the formation]. If the Celestial Beam Imperial Star were to be completely overrun, the Chen Immortal Clan would likely suffer devastating casualties.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen felt an urgent need to act, but he was restrained by Primordial Breath Meng Imperial Lord [Imperial Lord Meng of the Primordial Breath lineage].

Primordial Breath Meng let out a derisive laugh before speaking. "Did you truly believe we would be caught completely unprepared?"

"BOOM—"

In that instant, the entire expanse of the void began to tremble violently.

Eldrin Chen heard only a series of earth-shattering sounds, followed by the appearance of one after another figure radiating an aura of eternal indestructibility [a state of being unbreakable and everlasting] within the Depths of the Starry Sky.

Their radiance illuminated the Myriad Heavens, each one enveloped by divine halos, every single one possessing the world-suppressing divine power to subdue the Vast and Boundless Chaos.

Northern Pole Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, Southern Pole Bright Radiance Great Emperor, Western Pole Abyssal Sword Emperor…

One figure after another stood firm upon the starry firmament, each emanating a light that bordered on the eternal, as if they had been waiting for a long time.

Seeing this scene, Eldrin Chen could not help but slowly let out a sigh of relief.

This time, the Human Race had only dispatched a little over ten Primordial Chaos Imperial Lords [powerful cultivators who have mastered the Primordial Chaos], but each one was at the Primordial Chaos Imperial Lord Late Stage or higher, even including three invincible figures of the Great Emperor Realm.

Instantly, these peerless Imperial Lords made their move, engaging in fierce battle with the various Emperors of the Demon Race within the Southern Dipper Six Stars. They gained the upper hand almost in the blink of an eye.

Yet, in that very same moment, their expressions shifted slightly.

For they discovered that the Demon Race Great Emperor who had come to attack the Southern Dipper Six Stars was only the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor alone; even the number of Primordial Chaos Imperial Lords was not particularly high.

The reason they were able to breach the Southern Dipper Six Stars Grand Formation was because a traitor within struck from the inside.

"This is bad, we've been tricked! This isn't the main force of the Demon Race!"

In that instant, the several Human Race Great Emperor realized the truth, but it was already too late.

From the depths of the boundless starry firmament, in the direction of the southern Vermilion Bird Star Domain, several supremely powerful auras Burst forth.

The Primordial Era Vermilion Bird Great Emperor, the Golden-Winged Great Roc Great Emperor, the Primordial Era Crimson Dragon Great Emperor…

A full three supreme Great Emperor launched a surprise attack on the Vermilion Bird Star Domain, clashing in a world-shaking battle with the Divine Clan's Primordial One Imperial Lord who was garrisoned there.

"It's too late."

With a single glance, Eldrin Chen instantly understood that reinforcing them was now impossible, and he couldn't help but sigh softly.

He had a vague understanding in his heart: in this battle, the Human and Divine Races had likely been outmaneuvered by the Demon Race.

With this thought, he turned his gaze towards the Demon Race Imperial Lord. He saw that, having achieved their objective, the Demon Emperors were already withdrawing from the Celestial Unity Star Domain with all haste.

With his heart heavy with concern for his clansmen, Eldrin Chen immediately returned to the Celestial Beam Imperial Star [the central star of the Celestial Beam constellation, a key defensive bastion]. He quickly located Exquisite Jiang and the others who were there. Fortunately, none of the Chen Clan's Great Encompassing Golden Immortals [the pinnacle of the Golden Immortal realm, cultivators of immense power] had fallen in battle.

Seeing that the Chen Clan had not suffered significant losses, Eldrin Chen let out a sigh of relief. He then inquired about the situation at the Celestial Beam Imperial Star.

After gathering the details, Eldrin Chen understood the sequence of events that had transpired.

It turned out that the Demon Race force that attacked the Celestial Beam Star Domain was not particularly large, consisting of only three Primordial One Imperial Lords [powerful beings at the first major stage of the Imperial Lord realm].

The reason they were able to breach the Celestial Beam Imperial Star was twofold: both Eldrin Chen and Desolation Meng Imperial Lord were absent, and Mystery Departure Imperial Lord suddenly turned traitor.

This Mystery Departure Imperial Lord had been stuck at the Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier for one hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulations [immense cosmic cycles, each spanning billions of years], unable to make a breakthrough. The Demon Race's Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor [an ancient and mighty demon emperor] personally promised to help him break through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage if he aided in capturing the Celestial Beam Imperial Star.

The sudden betrayal by Mystery Departure Imperial Lord allowed the three Demon Race Imperial Lords to fight with the ferocity of ten. They shattered the Southern Dipper Six Stars Grand Formation [a powerful defensive array formation] almost instantly.

In fact, similar incidents had occurred, to varying degrees, at the other Ancient Stars [long-established stellar fortresses].

The Demon Race had paid a steep price, either subverting or planting several Primordial One Imperial Lords as spies. These agents enabled them to breach the various Stellar Grand Formations [powerful star-based defensive arrays] in an extremely short time.

This maneuver caused the Human Race to mistakenly believe the Demon Race's main assault was targeting the Southern Dipper Six Stars. Consequently, they dispatched their main forces as reinforcements there. The Demon Race, however, had executed a feint. Their true objective was the Vermilion Bird Star Domain, into which they launched their decisive strike.

The guardian of the Vermilion Bird Star Domain was none other than the 'Southern Blaze Divine King' of the Divine Clan. He cultivated the 'Vermilion Heaven Solar Fire' Great Path [a supreme cultivation method] and had attained the realm of an Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [the eighth level of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm].

A figure of such stature was considered a pinnacle powerhouse even within the Divine Clan, possessing the means to preserve his life even when facing a Great Emperor [a supreme cultivator at the Great Emperor level].

Unfortunately, at this moment, the main forces of both the Human and Divine Races were pinned down by surprise attacks from the Demon Race, forcing him to confront the assault of three Great Emperor and a vast host of Demon Race warriors.

Most crucially, the Great Path Rival [a fated nemesis on one's cultivation path] of the Southern Blaze Divine King was precisely the Vermilion Bird Great Emperor, ranked first in strength among the Ten Great Emperors of the Demon Race.

That one was the second-in-command of the Immortal Phoenix Clan, wielding three Innate Supreme Treasure [treasures born of heaven and earth, possessing supreme power]. Hailed as invincible beneath the Sage Ascendant [a realm just below the Sage], his power far surpassed even that of the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor.

Such a paramount figure had clearly come to slay his Great Path Rival, seeking to break through to a higher realm. This scheme had been laid across countless Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] of immeasurably long eons.

Given the Vermilion Bird Great Emperor's status within the Immortal Phoenix Clan, it was highly likely that the machinations of the Primordial Phoenix Heavenly Emperor lay behind him. This likely involved the strategic contest between Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors who existed since the dawn of Chaos].

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen sighed softly before speaking. "It seems the Southern Blaze Divine King faces grave peril, and the Divine Clan will likely fail to hold the Vermilion Bird Star Domain."