Chapter 2056 : Clash of Celestial Titans

With the precedent of the earlier battle fresh in their minds, the Demon Race [a collective term for non-human, often malevolent, beings that cultivate demonic arts] Emperors actually dared not block his path.

In the mere span of a few breaths, Eldrin Chen had already breached the Ninth Heaven [the ninth and highest layer of the celestial realm, a domain of immense power and pressure] of the Demon Race, coming perilously close to storming into their very Forbidden Land [a sacred or heavily guarded territory, often the heart of a powerful faction's domain].

And in that very instant, an invisible, immense resistance descended from the boundless heavens above.

A phoenix-drawn imperial carriage materialized, hovering majestically above the Celestial Center [the central axis or core region of the celestial realm], barring Eldrin Chen's advance.

"Abyssal Dao Progenitor [a supreme title for one who has comprehended and mastered the fundamental principles of the Abyssal Dao], you have overstepped!"

The newcomer was none other than the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant [a supreme title for a Sage who has attained the pinnacle of the Vermilion Bird lineage's cultivation]. He spoke with a calm yet icy tone, his gaze chillingly indifferent.

Eldrin Chen's eyes narrowed slightly, a frosty glint flashing within them. "Your timing is perfect. Today, we shall settle an old score."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen flipped his palm and pressed down. In an instant, the very fabric of heaven and earth seemed to invert, sun and moon tilting on their axes. A colossal hand capable of shattering the heavens and rending the cosmos descended, aiming to crush the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant.

"A mere newly ascended Sage Ascendant [the realm just below the legendary Dao Progenitor, representing the pinnacle of power for most cultivators]. Even if you have touched the Dao-Grasping [a profound state of enlightenment where one begins to comprehend and grasp the fundamental principles of the Dao] realm, what fraction of your true power can you possibly wield?"

"Today, I shall make you understand that even among Sage Ascendant, there exists a chasm of difference."

The Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator who has attained the Sage Ascendant realm and embodies the power of the Vermilion Bird] let out a cold snort. The six Grand Dao Divine Form [manifestations of supreme divine power aligned with the fundamental principles of the cosmos] swirling behind him surged, and with a single palm strike, he cleaved downward with devastating force.

In that instant, a power capable of destroying heaven and extinguishing earth shook the very cosmos, clashing in a world-shattering collision with Eldrin Chen's Eruption [a divine ability that unleashes a cataclysmic surge of power].

With that single exchange, the shockwave from the clash of these two titans swept away everything in its path. The vast firmament seemed on the verge of being torn asunder. Countless floating isles of the Celestial Immortal [a realm of cultivation denoting an immortal who has ascended to the heavens] palaces shattered like glass, raining down in fragments like a celestial downpour.

"You old thief, Vermilion Bird [a mythical divine bird, one of the Four Symbols, associated with the south and the element of fire], you have grown old."

After that first move, Eldrin Chen strode forward, ascending into the heavens. He rode upon the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd [a supreme weapon forged from the essence of primordial chaos], its edge tearing through the sky as he instantly moved to suppress the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant.

The Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant mustered all his power to wield the Vermilion Heaven Departing Flame Sword [a divine sword imbued with the essence of the Vermilion Bird's heavenly flames] in defense. Yet, in that very moment, he was sent flying backward, actually suffering a disadvantage in a direct frontal confrontation.

"Even among Sage Ascendant [the pinnacle realm of cultivation below the Progenitor level, denoting a sage who has ascended to supreme understanding], there exists a gap."

Having defeated the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant in a single move, Eldrin Chen threw the other's own words back at him. With power capable of rending the cosmos, he charged forward to deliver the killing blow.

Seeing Eldrin Chen charge once more, the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant's expression shifted slightly.

An instant later, with furious indignation, he summoned three supreme treasures: the Vermilion Heaven Departing Flame Sword, the Tai Heng Furnace [a legendary alchemical furnace of immense power], and the Vermilion Bird Heaven Seal [a divine seal embodying the authority of the Vermilion Bird].

At this moment, Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator who has attained the Sage Ascendant realm and embodies the power of the Vermilion Bird], with the Tai Heng Furnace [an ancient, sentient cauldron of immense defensive power] shielding his form, also summoned forth the Vermilion Heaven Departing Flame Sword [a divine sword blazing with celestial fire] and the Vermilion Bird Heaven Seal [a mighty seal imbued with the authority of the heavenly Vermilion Bird]. He hurled them towards Eldrin Chen with crushing force, intent on utterly defeating him and washing away the shame of past defeats.

Yet, Eldrin Chen merely let out a cold snort. With a flick of his sleeve, he pushed the power of the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a profound cultivation art that trades one's own vitality and lifespan for a temporary, explosive surge in power] to its absolute limit.

In that instant, peerless divine energy surged into Eldrin Chen's body, forcibly elevating his combat prowess into the pinnacle realm of a Sage Ascendant [the realm just below that of a true Immortal Sage, representing the apex of mortal cultivation].

"Perish—!"

The moment his power peaked, Eldrin Chen closed the distance in a blur. He unleashed a series of ultimate techniques, cleaving through the onslaught of the Vermilion Heaven Departing Flame Sword and the Vermilion Bird Heaven Seal to appear right before his foe.

Seeing this, the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant hastily commanded the Tai Heng Furnace to shield him. To his horror, he found the furnace seemed to have slipped from his control. Instead, it erupted with sky-scorching divine flames that turned to suppress his own Sage Ascendant physique.

In that fleeting moment of betrayal, Eldrin Chen, astride the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd [a weapon of ancient chaos, capable of sundering heaven and earth], charged forth with unstoppable force and pierced straight through his opponent's chest.

"Aaaagh—!"

A scream of agony tore from the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant's lips. He tried to retreat, to disengage, but it was far too late; the chance for recovery had vanished.

The sudden rebellion of his protective Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born with a cultivator, sharing a deep spiritual bond] had inflicted a catastrophic wound upon the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant. Faced with Eldrin Chen closing in for the kill, he had no time left for any other reaction.

"Perish!"

Eldrin Chen spoke with chilling indifference. His palms erupted with overwhelming, razor-sharp power, seizing the crimson wings of the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant and, with a brutal wrench, tore them clean from its body.

With its wings ripped away, the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant let out a piercing shriek of agony. Roaring in fury, it sought to fight to the death, but Eldrin Chen merely flipped his palm, sending the creature hurtling away, blood spraying through the void.

Continuing this onslaught, it was clear the Sage Ascendant's physical form was on the verge of being utterly annihilated.

"Cease!"

At that very moment, two thunderous shouts of reprimand echoed from within the Void [the formless, primordial emptiness].

From the depths of Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state before creation], a peerless Kunpeng [a mythical beast capable of transforming into a giant bird or fish] soared into the sky, while a Primordial Azure Crow [an ancient, divine crow of immense power] tore through the cosmos to join the fray.

It seemed that two Sage Ascendant [beings who have ascended to a supreme state of enlightenment and power] from the Demon Race [a powerful faction of non-human, often bestial, cultivators] could no longer stand by. They intended to intervene and prevent Eldrin Chen from completely suppressing the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant.

Alas, in that same instant, two majestic and formidable auras surged forth from the Void.

One figure wielded the Desolate Wasteland War Halberd, a single strike sending the Kunpeng Sage Ascendant reeling through the air. The other, clad in violet robes, merely flicked his sleeve, forcing the Azure Crow Sage Ascendant into a relentless, stumbling retreat.

It turned out these two were none other than Desolate Wasteland Quasi-Emperor of the Divine Race and Grand Turbidity the Daoist, who was also the Kirin Ancient Ancestor of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races.

At this moment, with two Sage Ascendants intervening, they instantly intercepted the two Sage Ascendants of the Demon Race, even managing to suppress them.

Seizing this opportunity, Eldrin Chen fiercely channeled his ultimate sharpness force, completely shattering the head of the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant and forcing his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] to flee, vanishing into the ethereal heavens.

In truth, had Eldrin Chen deployed the Chaos Void-Refining Vial, suppressing the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant would not have been difficult. However, to avoid attracting the gaze of the Chaos Celestial Emperor, Eldrin Chen temporarily suppressed the urge to act.

Allowing the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant to retreat in defeat, Eldrin Chen casually collected the Tai Heng Furnace and the Vermilion Bird Heaven Seal. Only then did he turn his calm gaze towards the endless Void above.

Ahead lay the location of the Solar Golden Pagoda, which was suppressing the Black Abyss Great Emperor.

Without the slightest hesitation, he strode forward to stand before the Solar Golden Pagoda, his expression cold as he launched an assault upon it.

"BOOM—"

At that very instant, from the boundless firmament above, an ancient Grand Yang [the supreme principle of active, masculine, celestial energy] surged upwards.

That Grand Yang radiated myriad golden rays that illuminated the Myriad Heavens, each strand possessing the power to Annihilation [utterly obliterate] all things.

"Solar Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of the celestial realm, embodying the authority of the sun]."

Eldrin Chen lifted his gaze, beholding within that vast expanse of myriad golden radiance a figure of unparalleled majesty standing resolute.

Merely by standing there, the light it emanated was potent enough to suppress the Myriad Heavens, causing even the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch to dare not look upon it directly.

Yet the present Eldrin Chen was also a peerless Sage Ascendant. Even facing this Celestial Emperor from ancient legend, he possessed the qualification to meet its gaze with composure.

With a calm countenance, he looked towards the Solar Celestial Emperor and declared with unwavering resolve in his eyes, "Today, I shall take him away."

The Void fell into a profound silence. After a long while, the Solar Celestial Emperor spoke, "In recognition of your extraordinary talent, should you withdraw now, I may yet let bygones be bygones."

"Having come this far, is there still room for maneuver?"

Eldrin Chen replied with serene calm, the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd in his hand radiating a blazing light.

The gaze of the Solar Celestial Emperor sharpened instantly. An intangible majesty swept through the Chaos, causing the vast Primordial Immortal Domain to seem to tremble for a fleeting moment.

In that instant, heaven and earth overturned, sun and moon reversed. An irresistible pressure bore down directly upon Eldrin Chen, threatening to utterly tear him asunder.

Such overwhelming pressure caused Eldrin Chen's brow to furrow slightly, and an almost irresistible urge to yield surged within him.

"Hmm—"

Yet, in that very instant, a figure materialized beside Eldrin Chen.

The arrival was none other than Indestructible Elder. Clad in his Indestructible Battle Armor, his expression was serene as he shielded Eldrin Chen from the vast, annihilating intent.

"Indestructible Elder."

Solar Celestial Emperor's pupils turned icy. "I did not expect you to have already revived," he said, unable to hold back his words. "Yet, you should not have intervened in this matter."

"I have no choice. This old man owes him a life-saving debt."

Indestructible Elder spoke, his tone calm. "It has been tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation since we last met, yet Fellow Daoist Grand Yang's power has already ascended to the pinnacle of the First Realm of Chaos."

"With such strength and foundation, it is no wonder you are even more domineering than in ages past."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a weight of solemnity settle in his heart.

Those who tread upon the Chaos Realm [the highest realm of cultivation, representing the primordial state of existence] are beings who have nearly reached the absolute pinnacle. Among such existences, their combat prowess is almost universally comparable, with minimal disparity.

On this foundation, even the slightest step forward represents a truly staggering achievement.

Generally speaking, a Dao-Grasping [the stage of comprehending and mastering a fundamental principle of reality] Celestial Emperor [a supreme sovereign who has attained the Celestial Emperor realm] who lacks a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a primordial artifact born from chaos, of immense power] is considered the most ordinary type of Chaos Celestial Emperor.

Building upon that, a Celestial Emperor who wields a Chaos Spiritual Treasure is deemed a powerful Celestial Emperor, their strength surpassing the former by roughly twenty percent. Such an Celestial Emperor can suppress one who lacks a Chaos Spiritual Treasure.

Aside from Chaos Spiritual Treasure, the factor that most influences a Celestial Emperor's combat power is their Chaos Great Dao [a fundamental law or principle of the primordial chaos]. However, unless it is the Boundless Great Dao [the Dao of Infinity, a supreme and rare principle], the disparity between different Chaos Great Dao is typically not vast.

For a Chaos Celestial Emperor, the most direct method to enhance their battle prowess is to master a second Chaos Great Dao.

Generally, one who masters two Chaos Great Dao is counted among the most elite Chaos Celestial Emperor, capable of facing three ordinary Chaos Celestial Emperor in combat.

One who masters three Chaos Great Dao is a Half-Step Dao Union Realm [the realm of unifying multiple Daos into one]. Such an existence, upon merging their three Great Dao into one, can step into the Second Chaos Realm [the second layer of the Chaos Realm].

A powerhouse at the Half-Step Dao Union Realm can even contend against nine ordinary Chaos Celestial Emperor.

The Solar Celestial Emperor before them had mastered two Chaos Great Dao: 'Grand Yang' [the supreme principle of the active, masculine, and luminous force] and 'Starry' [the Dao of the Stars and Cosmos]. He ranked among the three mightiest Chaos Celestial Emperor within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss.

In comparison, Primordial Beginning Divine Emperor [the first Divine Emperor of the Primordial Immortal Domain], even at the same realm, could only contend against two opponents at once. Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [a peerless Dao Progenitor], also at the same realm, could likewise only manage to fight one against two.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen felt his heart sink slightly.

"Since you comprehend this sovereign's cultivation, why do you not withdraw with haste?"

Solar Celestial Emperor [the Celestial Emperor of the Sun] spoke slowly, his gaze calm yet piercing as he looked at Indestructible Elder. "Do you truly believe that just because you have cultivated an Indestructible Body [a body of unbreakable resilience], I cannot utterly suppress you?"

"Grand Yang [the Supreme Yang Principle], must you bully the weak with your strength?"

At that very moment, divine harmonies of the Great Dao [the supreme and fundamental principle of existence] echoed through the heavens.

Eldrin Chen looked up to see three peerless figures arriving together from the boundless firmament above.

The one at the forefront sat upon a pure white lotus throne. The two behind him wielded the Grand Abyss Sword and the Purple Tenuity Star Disc respectively. They were none other than Sage-King of the Grand Abyss and Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor [the Divine Emperor of the Purple Tenuity Constellation].

"This junior pays his respects to the three Divine Emperor and Immortal Sage [a sage who has attained immortality] Seniors."

Eldrin Chen bowed deeply, his words filled with utmost reverence.

The Primordial Beginning Divine Emperor and the Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor offered faint smiles, offering no further comment.

It was the Sage-King of the Grand Abyss who reached out to help him rise, speaking with paternal warmth, "I have long said you would inevitably join our ranks. Now, events have unfolded precisely as foreseen."

"Now that you hold the dignity of a Sage Ascendant, such formalities are no longer necessary."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, remaining silent.

Simultaneously, high in the ethereal heavens, the figures of the two Celestial Emperors, the Candle Dragon and the Primordial Phoenix, materialized.

The Solar Celestial Emperor regarded the trio with a calm expression, his gaze burning intensely as he spoke, "Three Divine Emperor-Immortal Sages arrive together, and the various Imperial Courts stand ready for war. It seems your preparations have been long in the making."

"A pity Fellow Daoist Primordial Genesis is not present. Otherwise, today might have seen your Demon Race driven from the Primordial Immortal Domain."

The Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor spoke, his eyes radiating a sky-scorching chill.

As the second Primordial Divine Emperor, he had once cultivated the Starry Dao [the cosmic path of stellar energies] in parallel, simultaneously wielding the Chaos Spiritual Treasure Purple Tenuity Star Disk. His power had surpassed even that of the Solar Celestial Emperor by a slight margin.

Had it not been for the Solar Celestial Emperor's treacherous ambush from behind, which stole his Starry Dao, he would not have been plunged into a slumber spanning tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulations [immense cosmic cycles in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years].

Solar Celestial Emperor let out a derisive snort, offering no reply to Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor.

Instead, it was Candle Dragon Celestial Emperor whose gaze turned icy as he stared at Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor and declared, "You old thief, Purple Tenuity, today is as good a day as any to settle a certain debt between us."

Upon hearing this, the eyes of those present flickered with understanding. The Purple Tenuity Star Disc of Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor was forged precisely by seizing the companion Chaos Primordial Qi [the primordial essence of chaos] of another during their Ascension [the critical breakthrough to a higher realm of power].

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen also felt a flash of comprehension within his heart.

Back in the Primordial Era, the Primordial Beginning Origin Domain held an exceptionally high status. As a major Origin Domain [a foundational realm of existence], the Primordial Beginning Origin Domain was destined to have nine Mandate Divine Emperor [Divine Emperors ordained by the Heavenly Mandate].

However, later, the Dao-Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified with the Dao] from the Blazing Central Primordial Domain intervened at a great personal cost. This act severely wounded the Heavenly Dao [the Celestial Way, the fundamental order of the cosmos] of the Primordial Beginning Origin Domain, plunging it into a deep slumber.

Without the protection of the Heavenly Dao, the fates of the nine Mandate Divine Emperor were irrevocably altered.

The first three Divine Emperor to be born into the world—Primordial Beginning, Grand Yang [the Supreme Yang principle], and Purple Tenuity—seized the Chaos Primordial Qi of many others.

Many were victims of this act, including Three Souls Emperor Lord, Candle Dragon Celestial Emperor, Primordial Phoenix Celestial Emperor, Kirin Progenitor, Primordial Demon Ape Progenitor, and numerous others.

It was precisely because of this history that the various Chaos Celestial Emperor [Celestial Emperors born of Chaos] across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains now harbor irreconcilable conflicts amongst themselves.

Upon careful reflection, this might very well be the overt stratagem of that Dao-Union Supreme [the supreme ruler of the Dao-Union].

After all, the original nine Divine Emperor [supreme rulers of the cosmos] included both Primordial Demon Ape Progenitor [the foremost master of the Sainthood through the Flesh [a cultivation path focused on tempering the physical body to saintly perfection]] and Three Souls Emperor Lord [a Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who has mastered the profound cultivation path of the soul]].

Such a vast Origin Domain [a primordial and foundational realm of existence], if truly united, would pose a threat that could not be underestimated.

A large, unified Origin Domain might indeed present a significant challenge to the Blazing Central Primordial Domain [the central, dominant realm of the cosmos].

Yet, a fractured Origin Domain, its strength halved and splintered, would be of little concern in the eyes of the Dao-Union Supreme.

Perhaps the various Celestial Emperor of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal realms] understood this as well, but faced with irreconcilable conflicts, they found it impossible to reunite.

This was also the crucial reason for the defeat of the Primordial Beginning Origin Domain [the original domain of creation] tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth] ago.

"The methods of that Dao-Union Supreme from the Blazing Central Chaos Domain [the central domain of primordial chaos] are truly ruthless and cunning."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then instantly reined in his wandering thoughts.

Meanwhile, high in the vast heavens, the Primordial Beginning Divine Emperor [the Divine Emperor of Primordial Beginning] finally spoke: "Let our battle be in the Depths of Chaos [the unfathomable, primordial depths of chaos]."

As his words fell, Primordial Beginning Divine Emperor [a supreme ruler from the dawn of creation] flicked his sleeve, causing the stars to shift and the entire battlefield to be relocated to the boundless Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless void before creation]. There, he engaged Solar Celestial Emperor [the sovereign emperor embodying the essence of the sun] in an epoch-making battle with his Eruption [a cataclysmic divine technique].

In that instant, Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor [the divine emperor of the celestial north star], Sage-King of the Grand Abyss, and even the two Celestial Emperor [the supreme realm of cultivation, rivaling the heavens themselves]—Candle Dragon [a primordial dragon deity that controls time] and Primordial Phoenix [the first phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and primordial fire]—had all plunged into the Vast Chaotic Void [the infinite, turbulent expanse between realms].

Witnessing this, Indestructible Elder patted Eldrin Chen on the shoulder and said, "I shall go lend them my aid. This place is now in your hands."

In the blink of an eye, Indestructible Elder had also departed.

After Indestructible Elder left, Eldrin Chen withdrew his gaze. A conflict at the level of Chaos Celestial Emperor [a celestial emperor born from the primordial chaos] was utterly beyond his ability to intervene in.

Even if he joined the fray, he could only rely on his Abyssal Divine Rune [a divine defensive technique of profound depth] to endure the blows, and would most likely be beaten to the brink of death.

Now, with three Divine Emperor [a realm of cultivation denoting divine sovereignty] Immortal Sage [a realm transcending mortality, embodying immortal wisdom] and Indestructible Elder joining the fight, it should be sufficient to contend with the three Celestial Emperor.

After all, the two Celestial Emperor—Candle Dragon and Primordial Phoenix—lacked Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure forged from primordial chaos], making their combat prowess slightly inferior to that of Sage-King of the Grand Abyss and Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor. This was especially true with Indestructible Elder now rushing to their aid.

Seeing the three Celestial Emperor thus intercepted, Eldrin Chen finally had the focus to turn his attention toward the Solar Golden Pagoda [a majestic pagoda forged from solar essence].

Yet, at that very moment, he discovered that within the Solar Golden Pagoda, ten peerless figures had silently materialized, standing tall and imposing.

"Aurelius, the Imperial Scion."

Eldrin Chen spoke, his gaze sweeping over the assembled figures. He discerned that these ten individuals were none other than the ten peerless Imperial Scions of the Solar Celestial Emperor.

Meeting again after so many years, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion's cultivation had long since stepped into the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a supreme ruler within the primordial chaos], and he had traversed a considerable distance within that domain.

Most crucially, among the ten Golden Crow Imperial Scions, each possessed cultivation of immense power. The strongest few had already stepped into the domain of a Great Emperor [a sovereign ruler of immense power, a pinnacle existence].

This was rather abnormal. One must consider that the Demon Race [the collective of demonic beings] itself only had ten Great Emperor. Yet here, almost every one of the ten Imperial Scions bore the Bearing of a Great Emperor [the destined aura and potential to become a Great Emperor], and several among them had already truly stepped into the Great Emperor realm.

Such combat strength and foundational depth were truly staggering, bordering on the unbelievable.

Yet, in the next instant, Eldrin Chen set aside these thoughts. Having stepped into the domain of a Sage Ascendant [a being who has ascended to the threshold of sagehood], he could already be called peerless within the Mortal Realm [the plane of mortal existence]. Even if all ten Great Emperor were to join forces against him, it would be futile.

With this conviction firm in his heart, Eldrin Chen spoke, his voice carrying the weight of his authority. "Aurelius, do you intend to bar my path?"

"Hmph—"

Aurelius, the Imperial Scion let out a cold snort, his hand tightening around the Solar Imperial Spear [a divine spear imbued with the essence of the sun]. "By our Imperial Father's decree, I am commanded to guard the Solar Golden Pagoda [a sacred pagoda forged from solar essence]. This place must not be compromised."

"Is that so?"

Eldrin Chen let out a cold snort. Without personally taking action, he commanded the five Great Emperor-ranked Soul Slave [a cultivator whose soul and will have been completely subjugated] under his command to surge forward, immediately engaging the ten Great Emperor-ranked sons of Eruption in a fierce battle.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen channeled his boundless true power, forcefully carving his way into the Solar Golden Pagoda.

The moment Eldrin Chen stepped into the Solar Golden Pagoda, he instantly felt himself isolated by an invisible force. Immediately after, the great doors of the pagoda slammed shut behind him.

Simultaneously, from all directions, one peerless Great Emperor after another manifested.

There stood seven or eight supreme Great Emperor-ranked figures, including the Pure Yang Great Emperor, the Bifang Great Emperor, the Azure Dragon Great Emperor, the Golden-Winged Roc Great Emperor, and the Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor.

"You have been guarding this place, it seems you have been waiting for me for quite some time."

Eldrin Chen spoke, his expression cold and detached.

The Primordial Thunder Crow Great Emperor, gripping his Primordial Thunder Spear, stepped forward with a cold sneer. "With your status as a Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator who has ascended to the threshold of Sagehood], had you not entered this Solar Golden Pagoda, we could have done nothing to you."

"But now that you have entered this pagoda, it is like a dragon entering shallow waters. You have truly sought your own doom."

Simultaneously, endless Great Dao Divine Chain [divine chains forged from the fundamental principles of the cosmos] wove downwards, shackling Eldrin Chen and suppressing his cultivation base by a staggering ninety percent.

Clearly, this suppression was personally laid down by the Solar Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler embodying the solar principle], infused with the supreme might of the Chaos Great Dao of the Sun [the primordial path of the solar principle].

It turned out that the location of the Solar Golden Pagoda [a supreme golden pagoda artifact] was one of the paramount Forbidden Land [restricted and perilous sacred grounds] of the Demon Race, guarded by a grand formation of half-step Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state before creation] level, potent enough to suppress or even imprison a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the sage realm].

This was a Formation [a mystical array or defensive formation] laid by the Solar Celestial Emperor. Its sole difference from a true Chaos Grand Formation [a grand formation of primordial chaos] was the lack of a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos] as its formation core. Yet, even so, it retained power at the half-step Chaos level.

Now, bolstered by the Formation, the might of the Solar Golden Pagoda surged not merely tenfold, but to a degree almost equivalent to a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who has mastered the Dao of Chaos] personally wielding this Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born with the heavens and earth, of supreme grade] to suppress any foe.

Fortunately, the Abyssal Divine Rune [a divine rune symbolizing the power of the abyss] proved truly extraordinary. Those Great Dao [the fundamental principles governing all existence] chains, potent enough to suppress ninety percent of a Sage Ascendant's strength, were utterly devoured by the Abyssal Divine Rune, leaving Eldrin Chen completely unhindered and under no suppression whatsoever.