Chapter 2061 : The Progenitor's Ascendant Path

"That goes without saying."

Riverlord Chang continued placing his piece on the board, yet spoke with serene calmness: "As you stand now, you are a Sage Ascendant and a Progenitor of your own Great Dao. Who in the Vast Chaotic Void [the boundless, primordial expanse of chaos] would dare show you disrespect?"

"Even the Chaos Celestial Emperor must address you with the title Abyssal Dao Progenitor. Those so-called Emperor Lord or Great Emperor—what audacity would they have to act presumptuously before you?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but release a soft sigh.

Among those who hold their own Great Dao, a Dao Progenitor [the founder of a new Great Dao] differs vastly from a Sage Ascendant. For the progenitor who originates a Great Dao, their Dao Authority [the authority and power inherent to one's foundational Dao] grows exponentially as more Immortal [a cultivator who has achieved immortality] cultivate and walk the path they created.

It is not merely a matter of attaining nine Grand Dao Divine Form [supreme divine manifestations of one's Great Dao]; there is a significant likelihood of even stepping onto the Boundless Great Dao [the ultimate, limitless expression of a Great Dao].

One could say that for a peerless Dao Progenitor such as this, securing a single wisp of Chaos Primordial Qi [the primordial energy of Chaos, foundational to all creation] guarantees a future breakthrough to the realm of Chaos Celestial Emperor, with a not-insignificant hope of even reaching the Second Chaos Realm.

Moreover, Eldrin Chen's Path of Self-Sacrifice is extraordinary, likely to be ranked alongside legendary paths like Sainthood through the Flesh and Path of Dao Dominion, possessing a potential of rare and profound depth.

Therefore, Eldrin Chen's status and potential far surpass that of an ordinary Sage Ascendant. He is a destined Chaos Celestial Emperor, a peerless Dao Progenitor with the promise to potentially ascend to the heights of Dao-Union Supreme [the supreme state of unity with the Dao].

Such a peerless Dao Progenitor stands on a plane far beyond comparison with any Sage Ascendant. Even a pinnacle Sage Ascendant like the Kirin Sage Ascendant likely possesses potential that pales in comparison to Eldrin Chen.

It was precisely for this reason that even the Three Great Celestial Emperors of the Demon Race did not display arrogance or conceit in the presence of Eldrin Chen.

The willingness of the two Divine Emperor [the supreme sovereigns of the divine realm] to sign an Eternal Covenant [a binding pact of everlasting alliance] with Eldrin Chen stemmed from his status as a Progenitor of a Great Dao [the founder and ultimate master of a fundamental cosmic principle], not merely an ordinary Dao-Wielding Sage Ascendant [a sage who has mastered and can wield a Dao].

Otherwise, what mere Sage Ascendant would possess the qualification to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme emperor born from primordial chaos]?

One must understand that even the Desolate Wasteland Quasi-Emperor [a supreme powerhouse on the cusp of true emperorship] of the Divine Race [a race of beings born with divine power] comported themselves as respectful juniors before these two Divine Emperor, daring not the slightest presumption.

With these thoughts settling, Eldrin Chen turned his focus back to the present and, with a smile, looked at Riverlord Chang and asked, "It is still by your side that I feel most at ease, where I can truly empty my mind and spirit."

Riverlord Chang returned the smile. Having witnessed Eldrin Chen's rise from its beginnings, he regarded the younger man more like a cherished descendant of his own clan.

Such a relationship naturally held no constraints.

After a moment of thoughtful silence, he spoke, "I have heard you intend to send a group of people for Samsara [the cycle of death and rebirth] reincarnation within the Great Desolate Ancient Realm?"

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then said after a measured pause, "With my current level of cultivation, I am finally in a position to extend a helping hand to some old friends."

"The reason I sought you out this time was also to discuss this matter with you."

Riverlord Chang nodded, yet after a long moment of contemplation, he said, "It is hard to leave one's homeland. I will not go to the Great Desolate Ancient Realm."

"I shall remain here within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, and incidentally keep watch over the Violet Boundary [a legendary magical boundary formation]."

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly. After a moment of thought, he said, "If that is the case, how about I escort you, Senior, back to the Violet Boundary for your Samsara [the cycle of death and rebirth]?"

"Agreed."

Riverlord Chang gave a slight nod, accepting Eldrin Chen's suggestion.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen played another game of Go with Riverlord Chang. Only when the final stone was placed, signifying The End [the conclusion of a fateful arrangement], did he send Riverlord Chang on his journey through Samsara.

In aiding Riverlord Chang's passage into Samsara this time, Eldrin Chen also fused two Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters [inscrutable symbols from the dawn of creation] into the depths of his consciousness.

Those two Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters intertwined with the Innate Mother Qi [the primordial source energy of all things] and the Primordial Essence [the purest foundational substance], ultimately giving birth to a scroll containing several hundred characters of a Primordial Ancient Scripture—the Primordial River and Luo Scripture [an ancient scripture of cosmic patterns and divination].

Eldrin Chen needed only a single glance to grasp, in its essence, the profound mysteries contained within this peerless ancient scripture.

This Primordial River and Luo Scripture [a profound cultivation scripture] contains the Primordial River and Luo Great Dao [the supreme path of the primordial river and Luo script]. It lacks the method for condensing Innate Primordial Qi [the purest form of primordial energy] found in the Primordial Beginning Qi Scripture [the scripture of primordial beginning Qi], and it cannot match the astonishing enlightenment-boosting power of the Primordial Book of Dao Inquiry [the ancient tome for inquiring into the Dao].

However, within this ancient scripture, methods for cultivating two types of True Spirit Treasure [a treasure that is an extension of one's own spirit and cultivation] are recorded. These two treasures are the River Chart [the mystical diagram of the river] and the Luo Script [the celestial script of the Luo].

Carrying this scripture through reincarnation, Riverlord Chang could, from a young age, absorb the power of rivers, lakes, and seas, cultivating the two True Spirit Treasure Embryo [the nascent forms of True Spirit Treasures].

As his cultivation base advanced, the moment Riverlord Chang's cultivation stepped into the Great Emperor [a supreme realm of power] Realm, he would inevitably refine these two embryos into Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born of innate laws].

Individually, the River Chart and Luo Script are merely ordinary Innate Supreme Treasure. Yet, once the two treasures combine to form the Primordial Unity River and Luo Grand Formation [the grand formation of primordial unity between the River Chart and Luo Script], their power would far surpass that of any ordinary Innate Supreme Treasure.

Furthermore, by cultivating with these two treasures, the future potential of Riverlord Chang's reincarnated self, Weilai, would undoubtedly be immense.

"With this Opportunity [a rare chance or favorable circumstance in cultivation], and with my guidance, Senior Ronan should face no great obstacle in his next life when he steps into the Great Emperor Realm," Eldrin Chen murmured to himself.

With these thoughts, Eldrin Chen departed from the Reincarnation Well [a mystical well connected to the cycle of rebirth]. In the depths of the Netherworld Realm [the underworld domain of spirits and the dead], he then met the one who presided over it: Verdant Ancient Ancestor.

Within the great hall of the Netherworld Realm, Eldrin Chen and Verdant Ancient Ancestor sat facing each other. Gazing at the Verdant Ancient Ancestor before him, Eldrin Chen could not help but voice his inquiry.

"Ancestor, how do you feel your accumulation has progressed in recent years?"

"The path of Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [the cultivation method focused on refining one's primordial spirit to achieve enlightenment] is arduous; I still find it difficult to reach that final step."

Verdant Ancient Ancestor spoke slowly, a tinge of helplessness coloring his expression.

After so many years apart, Verdant Ancient Ancestor's cultivation base remained stagnant at the Ancient Immortal Realm [a powerful immortal cultivation stage].

This was not due to any lack of Fortune [heavenly favor and destiny] or talent on his part, but because he had chosen to walk the Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment path.

If the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation method focused on tempering the physical body to an indestructible state] was a path where one survived a hundred deaths, then the Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment path was widely acknowledged within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss as a veritable dead end.

Verdant Ancient Ancestor possessed extraordinary talent. He had once created the Meridian Nurturing Ascension Method [a cultivation technique for nurturing spiritual meridians], and with the support of Primordial Fortune [a supreme level of heavenly destiny], he naturally pursued his own understanding of the Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment method.

Over the course of four hundred Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often involving great calamities], he had long since cultivated his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] to the threshold of the Half-Step True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a perfected and true form of the primordial spirit], standing just a hair's breadth away from the full True Spirit Primordial Spirit realm.

Yet, this final half-step proved as difficult as scaling the heavens themselves, preventing Verdant Ancient Ancestor from completing his ultimate metamorphosis.

"The path of the Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who achieved power through soul cultivation] has, since ancient times, been a path of certain doom."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a sigh escaping his lips as he said, "Throughout the ages, how many heroes and geniuses have there been across the Vast Chaotic Void [the boundless, formless cosmos]? Yet, those who have successfully cultivated a True Spirit Primordial Spirit are vanishingly few."

"With your current state as a Ghost Immortal [a cultivator who has shed their mortal body to become an ethereal spirit], aspiring to cultivate a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the ultimate, perfected spiritual core of a supreme cultivator] is naturally a path fraught with considerable difficulty."

Verdant Ancient Ancestor gave a slight nod, then spoke: "I have contemplated the Earth Soul Scripture [a profound scripture detailing the mysteries of the soul's connection to the earth], and I have witnessed the Soul Path Secret Art [an esoteric technique for soul cultivation] you left behind. Yet, I have consistently found myself unable to take that final, crucial step."

"I wonder, where exactly does the problem lie?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a long moment before finally replying: "In my view, there are ultimately only two paths one can walk to cultivate a True Spirit Foundation [the foundational state of a True Spirit Primordial Spirit]."

"The first," he continued, "is to follow the path I walked: forge an indomitable foundation that shatters all Limit-Breaking [the inherent limitations of a cultivation realm], thereby attracting the descent of a Vast True Spirit Mark [a celestial sigil or blessing that marks the birth of a supreme True Spirit]."

"The second," Eldrin Chen's voice grew solemn, "might be to attempt to sever everything. To walk the path of Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [the state of achieving the Dao through the Primordial Spirit alone] with the purest possible Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] as one's sole vessel."

"To abandon everything?"

Verdant Ancient Ancestor was momentarily taken aback, his thoughts involuntarily turning to Qiyuan Chen.

In times past, when Qiyuan Chen embarked upon the path of Sainthood through the Flesh [a cultivation path focused on achieving sanctity through the physical body alone], he had utterly forsaken all other foundations. He had even sacrificed the Immortal Domain [a personal pocket realm or domain created by an immortal] he had painstakingly opened and his own Great Dao [the supreme cultivation path or law one follows], committing himself wholly to the ultimate Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [the art of refining the physical body to a state of divine perfection].

From that moment onward, Qiyuan Chen's cultivation advanced with meteoric speed. Now, almost imperceptibly, his cultivation had already ascended to the Sixth Layer of Primordial Unity Emperor Lord [the sixth tier of the Primordial Unity Emperor Lord realm, a pinnacle of power].

"So, all this time... have I been walking the wrong path?"

Verdant Ancient Ancestor murmured softly, a bitter smile touching his lips.

Eldrin Chen nodded and then spoke: "The first path is exceedingly difficult to tread. It demands the boldness to suppress all other aspects and the talent to master one's entire foundation, along with the capability to command such profound roots."

"Would it not be better to sever all distractions and devote oneself single-mindedly to the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] path? By doing so, one need not divide their focus elsewhere, nor will there be conflicts with other Great Dao [the supreme, all-encompassing Path or Principle]. Cultivation progress would naturally advance by leaps and bounds."

"I understand."

Verdant Ancient Ancestor inclined his head slightly, a look of profound realization dawning upon his features.

He understood that each person's innate talent differed; not everyone could master the Sevenfold True Spirit Foundation.

Yet, everyone possessed their own strengths. Some were suited for the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation path focused on refining and empowering the physical body to an indestructible state], while others were destined for the Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [the path of cultivating and perfecting the Primordial Spirit].

Rather than being distracted by an unsuitable path, it was better to sever all extraneous and impure ways, focusing solely on the path most fitting for oneself. Only then might one achieve greater heights.

Having reached this understanding, Verdant Ancient Ancestor declared: "If that is the case, then I shall sever all else. With a pure Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] as my vessel, I shall embark upon the cultivation journey of Primordial Spirit Dao Attainment [the path of cultivating and perfecting the Primordial Spirit]."

"Hold."

Just as Verdant Ancient Ancestor was about to sever all ties and dedicate himself solely to the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification, Eldrin Chen stopped him.

After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin retrieved two ethereal scrolls of ancient soul-path scriptures, imprinting copies and handing them to the Verdant Ancient Ancestor. "These two volumes of ancient soul-path scriptures," he said, "may be of some use to you."

"Study them first; you may gain some insights."

As the Verdant Ancient Ancestor sensed the ancient scriptures now residing within his sea of consciousness [the metaphysical center of awareness and spirit for a cultivator], his expression shifted subtly. "I did not expect," he remarked, "that all three of these ancient scriptures would have fallen into your hands."

"This matter is of grave importance," Eldrin Chen affirmed with a grave nod. "Ancestor, you must not allow their contents to spread."

Eldrin Chen gave a solemn nod, his expression grave as he spoke.

The Verdant Ancient Ancestor offered no further words, instead sealing his sea of consciousness with utmost caution and gravity.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen did not linger. He believed that the Verdant Ancient Ancestor, having severed all worldly attachments, stood a good chance of successfully cultivating a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the highest attainable state of spiritual essence, where one's soul becomes a true, independent spiritual entity].

Subsequently, by studying the Three Great Soul Dao Ancient Scriptures, his hope of opening one or two True Spirit Apertures [spiritual gateways within the soul that grant profound abilities and insights] should be considerable.

As for whether he could advance further, it would depend on whether he could forge his own path.

Departing from the Netherworld Realm [a realm of death and shadow], Eldrin Chen returned to his secluded cultivation abode. Just as he was preparing to enter seclusion to consolidate the gains from the recent battle, he received a Visiting Card [a formal card used to request an audience].

The one who delivered the Visiting Card was merely a Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [a cultivator at the late stage of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm]. By rights, such a person would not warrant Eldrin Chen's personal attention.

However, upon seeing the name inscribed upon the Visiting Card, Eldrin Chen instructed Qingfeng Ye to personally receive the visitor.

Not long after, Qingfeng Ye escorted a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a cultivator at the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm] into Eldrin Chen's immortal hall.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, the man immediately performed a deep, reverent bow.

"This junior, Vast Azure, pays his respects to the Abyssal Dao Progenitor [a title meaning 'Progenitor of the Abyssal Dao']."

"Rise."

Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, a gentle force lifting the man to his feet. Gazing upon the imposing figure before him, a wave of complex emotions washed over Eldrin.

For the man standing before him was none other than Vast Azure, the master of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain [a celestial domain], the very same illustrious Vast Azure Great God whose mighty name had thundered through the Primordial Era [the primordial age of creation] as a member of the Divine Race [the race of gods].

In the distant past, when Eldrin Chen ascended to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, he had always regarded the Vast Azure Great God as a figure from ancient legend, a character seemingly plucked from myth itself.

Now, after the passage of several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], he was meeting this Vast Azure Great God for the first time, only to find that the deity seemed... rather unremarkable.

Not just the Vast Azure Great God, but even that indescribable existence which had slain the Great God in the past was revealed to be merely a Demonic Dao Sage Ascendant [a supreme master of the Demonic Path] from the Northern Abyss Foreign Domain.

To pierce through the Primordial Chaos Abyss with a single sword strike, traversing vast Space-Time to slay a Late Great Luo Golden Immortal [a peak-stage Golden Immortal of the Great Luo realm], and even follow up by annihilating them a thousand times over—such feats were well within Eldrin Chen's current capabilities.

"So it seems," he mused inwardly, "that when one's own realm ascends to such heights, the once-unknowable myths of yore lose their luster and become... merely ordinary."

Eldrin Chen let out a soft mental sigh before speaking aloud. "I see your injuries have fully Restoration [been restored/healed]. It appears you have fared well these past years."

The Vast Azure Great God wore an expression of profound respect and slight apprehension. "This junior's successful recovery is entirely due to the grace of your Dao Progenitor [a progenitor of the Dao path] avatar, which descended to protect and guide me in those bygone days," he said with deference.

"I have come today specifically to express my gratitude for that profound kindness."

"These humble gifts represent a token of this junior's heartfelt appreciation. I implore you, Senior, not to refuse them."

As he spoke, the Vast Azure Great God presented several rare treasures, each one a precious object of Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born of innate spiritual nature, possessing immense power] grade.

In response, Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. Back when Vast Azure Great God was awakening, he had dispatched his Reincarnation Body [a duplicate body formed through profound reincarnation arts] to safeguard the process, ensuring Vast Azure Great God's revival proceeded smoothly.

Now that Vast Azure Great God had come to express his gratitude, it was a fitting gesture. While these treasures meant little to Eldrin Chen, they nonetheless represented the other's sincere intent.

Thus, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, signaling Qingfeng Ye to receive the gifts. With a warm smile, he then said, "Your Master, Taicang Divine Emperor, has been a dear friend of mine for many years."

"In my early years, I too cultivated within the Vast Azure Immortal Domain. Speaking of which, a thread of karma connects us as well."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen smiled gently. With a flick of his sleeve, he conjured several rare spiritual radiances and presented them to Vast Azure Great God, saying,

"Take these treasures. Consider them a meeting gift from me."

Upon receiving the several precious objects, Vast Azure Great God felt a profound tremor within his heart.

The treasures bestowed by Eldrin Chen were of extraordinary value. Among them was a wisp of Innate Primordial Qi [the foundational, uncreated energy from which all things originate] and several items of the Primordial Unity Marvel [objects containing the profound mystery of primordial unity] grade.

If his Opportunity [the alignment of fate and circumstance necessary for a breakthrough] proved sufficient, he might very well use them to step into the realm of a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler whose power touches the primordial chaos].

Realizing this, he immediately prostrated himself on the ground, his voice brimming with ecstatic gratitude, "This humble one offers deepest thanks for the Emperor Lord's [a title for a supreme ruler among cultivators] generous gifts!"

"You may withdraw."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and then waved his sleeve, signaling the man to leave.

After the man departed, Eldrin Chen seemed to recall something and suddenly turned to ask Lyra Jiang beside him, "Since my return, I have not seen Kael, our clan elder brother. Why is that?"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of those nearby darkened slightly.

Ethan Chen let out a soft sigh before speaking. "In the past, when we were besieged by the Four Great Imperial Courts, a moment of great peril arrived during the battle. To protect our clansmen, Kael, our Clan Uncle, was forced to reveal combat prowess capable of rivaling an Emperor Lord [a supreme ruler among cultivators]."

"In that battle, he was surrounded and attacked by the many Emperors of the Demon Race [a powerful race of monstrous beings], and even drew the attention of a powerhouse from the Late Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord Realm [the penultimate stage of cultivation before the absolute peak]."

"In the end, Kael, our Clan Uncle, was compelled to flee into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, primordial, and perilous expanse of chaotic energies]. That was several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] ago, and he has not been seen since."

Eldrin Chen's heart sank, a wave of solemn gravity washing over him.

It turned out that, to conceal the news that Eldrin Chen was still alive, Lyra Jiang and the others had deliberately suppressed their true strength, remaining confined within the Abyssal Ruins Dao Domain [a sacred and fortified territory of their clan] unless absolutely necessary.

Kael Chen had been forced to reveal power comparable to a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler within the Primordial Chaos realm] in order to save their clansmen.

With a cultivation base merely at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection level, he displayed strength comparable to a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch. This immediately drew the attention of the Demon Race powerhouses.

At that time, the Demon Race believed he possessed the Bearing of a Great Emperor [the destined aura and potential to become a supreme ruler] and was highly likely to cause the Path of Self-Sacrifice [a forbidden cultivation method that thrives on sacrifice and suffering] to rise from its ashes.

Consequently, the Demon Race dispatched multiple Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch to hunt him down, their ranks even including powerhouses at the Seventh Layer Primordial Unity Emperor Lord level.

To avoid implicating the Abyssal Ruins Dao Domain, Kael Chen fled alone into the depths of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea. For hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years], there has been no trace or word of him since.

"So that is what happened,"

Eldrin Chen's pupils contracted slightly, a chill passing through them as an overwhelming wave of fury rose within him.

One must understand that the Desolate Decay Power [a corrosive, reality-eroding force born from primordial chaos] within the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea is potent enough to utterly corrode the Soul [the spiritual essence and core of a being] of even a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch. Even supreme powerhouses at the Great Emperor level risk becoming completely lost within it.

Back then, Kael Chen was merely at the Great Luo Golden Immortal Great Perfection level. How could he possibly have withstood the erosion of such a terrifying Desolate Decay Power?

Now, hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation have passed. Barring some unforeseen miracle, Kael Chen has likely long been completely corroded by the Desolate Decay Power, transformed utterly into a mindless, wandering member of the Desolate Tribe [a tribe of beings corrupted and hollowed out by the Desolate Decay Power].

In such circumstances, even if Eldrin Chen wished to rescue Kael Chen, his power would fall tragically short of the task.

Because the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the boundless, chaotic expanse of the primordial cosmos] is vast and endless, even a Dao-Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified with the fundamental Dao] would find it impossible to locate a single, insignificant member of the Great Luo Desolation Race [a race of desolate demons from the Great Luo realm].

Even Eldrin Chen likely could not retrieve them, much less aid in their revival and return.

"Alas—"

Eldrin Chen sighed softly within his heart, suppressing this line of thought.

A glint of killing intent flickered in his eyes as he inquired, "Who were the ones who struck that year?"

"The Golden-Winged Great Roc Emperor Lord [the sovereign lord of the golden-winged rocs], the Howling Moon Emperor Lord, and the Emperor Lord [sovereign lord] of the Dawn Sun Azure Bird Clan [a clan of azure birds associated with the dawn sun], among seven in total,"

Lyra Jiang recounted methodically, then continued, "Six of them were suppressed by you. However, the Seventh Layer Primordial Unity Emperor Lord [an emperor lord at the seventh layer of the Primordial Unity realm] is the progenitor of the Howling Moon Skywolf Clan [a clan of celestial wolves that howl at the moon]."

"His name is the Howling Heaven Emperor Lord [the sovereign lord whose howls shake the heavens]. He was not within the Abyssal Ruins Dao Domain [the domain of the Dao within the abyssal ruins] at the time and thus escaped that calamity."

"I understand."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. With a flick of his sleeve, he summoned the Grasping Hand of Primordial Chaos [a divine ability that manifests a hand capable of grasping the very fabric of primordial chaos]. In an instant, it tore through the Vast Chaotic Sea [the immense, turbulent sea of chaos] and he vanished into the depths of the Boundless Void [the limitless expanse of emptiness].

Simultaneously, far within the Primordial Immortal Domain [the ancient and primordial realm where immortals dwell], a majestic Demon Race Imperial Court [a celestial palace and seat of power for a supreme demonic lineage] drifted and floated upon the firmament.

This was an incomparably grand Imperial Court, named the Howling Moon Imperial Court. It belonged to the Howling Moon Skywolf Clan, a clan whose might shook the very foundations of the Primordial Immortal Domain.

The Howling Moon Skywolf Clan, also known as the Primordial Heavenly Wolf Clan, was once counted among the Myriad Primordial Races [the countless ancient and powerful races that existed at the dawn of creation].

It had endured for several hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth], standing unshaken even through the boundless calamities of the Late Primordial Era [the final, cataclysmic age of the primordial world].

As a powerful Imperial Court possessing several Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [supreme beings who have mastered the power of primordial chaos], the Howling Moon Skywolf Clan ranked within the top fifty among the Myriad Primordial Races even during the Primordial Era.

Later, when the Primordial Era met its end and the Solar Celestial Emperor [the sovereign emperor who embodies the essence of the sun] established the Ancient Demon Court, the Howling Moon Skywolf Clan joined the ranks of the Demon Race, becoming one of the top thirty supreme imperial clans within the demonic hierarchy.

To this day, the Howling Moon Imperial Court remains unyielding, a paramount imperial bloodline among the Demon Race.

Yet, on this very day, a sound that seemed to tear through the annals of eternity suddenly erupted from beyond the Howling Moon Imperial Court.

"BOOM—"

A rending noise, capable of shattering heavens and extinguishing earth, echoed forth. The Void [the fabric of empty space] of the Primordial Immortal Domain was violently torn asunder.

Immediately thereafter, a sky-obscuring Chaos colossal hand descended, pressing down with immense force to strike directly upon the Howling Moon Celestial Court.

"BOOM!"

In that instant, the boundless and majestic Howling Moon Celestial Court shuddered violently, teetering on the brink of collapse. The immense celestial palace, vast as the Primordial Divine Moon itself, began to fracture and crumble incessantly.

In this moment of peril, a world-shaking grand formation was forcibly activated. A figure of supreme and awe-inspiring power ascended into the heavens.

He stood like a deity-demon from the Primordial Era, anchored at the Celestial Center, using the formation's power to prop up the very sky and earth, exerting his full might to resist that sky-covering giant hand.

"CRACK—CRACK—"

Yet, even so, under the crushing pressure of the Chaos Colossal Hand, the super formation still appeared precarious, on the verge of shattering. The Primordial Era deity-demon sustaining the Formation was nearly forced to its knees, emitting agonized cries of torment.

"Ah! Spare me, Dao Progenitor!"