Chapter 2027 : The Three True Spirit Foundations

After all, Daylight Extinction Imperial Lord [a title for a powerful cultivator] possessed only a single True Spirit Foundation [the foundational cultivation base of a True Spirit cultivator], and while he had cultivated the True Spirit Great Path [the primary cultivation method of the True Spirit realm], he had not achieved the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a divine ability that refines one's spiritual core to a True Spirit level]. Without this, the difficulty of forging a Root Origin Treasure [a treasure born from and intrinsically linked to a cultivator's very origin and foundation] was immensely high.

In other words, without sufficient Opportunity and Fortune [the confluence of chance encounters and inherent destiny that aids a cultivator's path], Daylight Extinction Imperial Lord had little hope of even breaking through to the eighth tier of the Imperial Lord [a high-level cultivation realm].

In contrast, Liana Imperial Lord had not only cultivated both the True Spirit Great Path and a True Spirit Physique [a body tempered and refined to the standards of the True Spirit realm], but her Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] had already taken half a step into the True Spirit Realm [a profound cultivation realm].

Once she took the final step and achieved the Three True Spirit Foundations [the pinnacle state of having cultivated one's foundation, physique, and spirit all to the True Spirit level], her future prospects would be far greater.

Returning to the matter at hand, after reviving Daylight Extinction Imperial Lord, Eldrin Chen tossed him several segments of Soul Nourishing Wood [a spiritual wood that nourishes and repairs the soul] of Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Root [the highest grade of innate spiritual affinity] quality, gesturing for him to first go and Recovery [restore his cultivation and strength].

Shortly after Daylight Extinction Imperial Lord departed, Liana Imperial Lord approached and could not help but ask, "Once Daylight Extinction Imperial Lord has Recovery his strength, will we move against Immortality Desolation Emperor?"

"We should wait a while longer."

Eldrin Chen shook his head. Through his battle with Daylight Extinction Imperial Lord, he had gained a clear understanding of the terrifying prowess possessed by those at the late stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord [a specific high tier within the Imperial Lord realm].

And compared to Daylight Extinction Imperial Lord, the methods and combat power of Immortality Desolation Emperor were far more formidable.

As the former foremost figure among the Chaos Demon God [ancient and powerful demons born from primordial chaos] of the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain [a vast and ancient realm], Immortality Desolation Emperor had halted at the seventh tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord. Yet, his cultivation had long ago reached the very peak of that tier.

If that were all, it wouldn't be considered particularly heaven-defying. The most crucial point is that Immortality Desolation Emperor was formed from the transformation of Immortality Immortal Gold [a legendary, nearly indestructible metal], granting him a physical body whose strength could be called peerless within his cultivation realm.

Whether in terms of physical defense, resilience, or raw power, Immortality Desolation Emperor had comprehensively surpassed the Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier level, reaching a state comparable to that of an Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier.

It could be said that Immortality Desolation Emperor's true combat prowess was formidably powerful. Even against an ordinary Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier, he could firmly establish himself in an unassailable position.

Conversely, while the five of them possessed extraordinary strength, they amounted to, at best, the combat power of four Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier cultivators.

Even though Eldrin Chen possessed his companion Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme magical artifact born with its wielder], the Returning Abyss Pearl, it would likely still be very difficult for him to subdue Immortality Desolation Emperor.

With this thought in mind, Eldrin Chen spoke, "The strength of Immortality Desolation Emperor is extraordinary. With our current power, we can at most slightly suppress him. I fear it will be exceedingly difficult to confront and truly subdue him."

"It would be better to wait a while longer. Once my cultivation base makes another breakthrough, we will have a much greater chance of success in suppressing him."

Liana Imperial Lord gave a slight nod of agreement. Eldrin Chen's cultivation was only at the second level of Primordial One Imperial Lord, yet he already possessed such astonishing combat prowess.

Once his cultivation made another breakthrough, stepping into the Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier, his strength would increase by another fifty percent.

If he could advance further, breaking through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage, Eldrin Chen's combat power would directly rival that of a Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier.

By that time, Eldrin Chen would be able to unleash the full power of the Companion Supreme Treasure, the Returning Abyss Pearl, making the suppression of Immortality Desolation Emperor a far simpler task.

Thinking this, Liana Imperial Lord's eyes flickered slightly, and she said with a smile, "Then let this humble one accompany the Imperial Lord in his cultivation."

"..."

Having decided to temporarily leave Immortality Desolation Emperor be, Eldrin Chen once again Returned to a life of stable, secluded cultivation.

In the years that followed, he spent his time refining Chaos Divine Liquid and Soul Nourishing Wood, among other Rare Spiritual Wonders, while using his leisure moments to explore the various Chaos Lairs scattered across the Desolation Ancient Continent.

Protected by the defenses of the Indestructibility Battle Armor and the Returning Abyss Divine Rune, Eldrin Chen ventured into the Desolation Ancient Continent on multiple occasions. Under the very nose of Immortality Desolation Emperor, he captured Desolate Race Imperial Lords and plundered numerous Innate Spiritual Roots.

Time flowed swiftly. Several Kalpa Tribulations [immense cosmic cycles] passed in a silent blur. Unbeknownst even to himself, he had managed to subdue every single Desolate Race being beneath Immortality Desolation Emperor within the Desolation Ancient Continent.

From suppressing these Desolation Emperors and Great Encompassing Desolate Race, he obtained more than thirty strands of Innate Primordial Breath [the fundamental, uncreated energy of chaos] and over one hundred Innate Spiritual Roots.

With this new batch of resources added to his hoard, Eldrin Chen found he had unwittingly accumulated nearly one hundred strands of Innate Primordial Breath and more than four hundred Innate Spiritual Roots.

"The Chaos Desolation Sea truly is a land where treasures litter the ground," he mused.

On this day, Eldrin Chen returned once more from the Desolation Ancient Continent, a flicker of profound reflection coloring his expression.

Liana Imperial Lord personally helped him remove his battle armor, a smile gracing her lips as she spoke. "That is because your methods, Imperial Lord [a title for a supreme ruler in the immortal realms], are truly extraordinary. Were an ordinary person to explore the Chaos Desolation Sea [a perilous, primordial sea of chaotic desolation] in such a manner, not even ten lives would suffice."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight, acknowledging nod.

The Desolate Domain [a realm of ancient, untamed wilderness] is fraught with unpredictable dangers. Even a Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier [a cultivator who has reached the seventh tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm], if caught in a heavy encirclement, would face the peril of utter annihilation.

The reason he could come and go with such freedom lay primarily in the protection afforded by his Indestructibility Battle Armor and the Returning Abyss Divine Rune. These treasures allowed him to withstand attacks of Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm] caliber and remain unafraid of being swarmed by hordes of Desolation Emperors [powerful rulers native to the Desolate Domains].

Otherwise, given his current level of cultivation, he likely would not dare venture recklessly into such a Desolate Domain.

With these thoughts, Eldrin Chen set his mind at ease and proceeded to the Immortal Herb Garden. There, he planted the Spiritual Root [a plant with profound spiritual properties, often the foundation of powerful elixirs] he had acquired on his journey.

"We now have over four hundred Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Root [the highest quality of naturally occurring spiritual roots]," Liana Imperial Lord remarked, her eyes brightening as she gazed upon the Innate Spiritual Root [spiritual roots born of heaven and earth, not cultivated] within the Immortal Herb Garden.

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. "A pity," he said, "that nearly half are unsuitable to serve as Heaven-Propping Ancient Tree [legendary trees said to have once held up the heavens]. Otherwise, we could attempt to lay down the Immortal Domain Grand Formation [a grand, world-shaping defensive and offensive array]."

Liana Imperial Lord [the Imperial Lord of the Liana lineage] nodded in agreement. According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, if a grand formation were to be established with the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm [the primordial domain of the Great Wasteland] as its core, supplemented by one hundred and eight superior-grade Immortal Domain [realms of immortal cultivation] serving as its Formation Eye [the pivotal nodes that anchor and power the formation's structure]...

...it would be possible to suppress the surrounding Chaos Desolation Sea [the turbulent sea of primordial chaos and desolation] encompassing nearly half of the Desolate Journey [the vast, desolate expanse], and expel the Desolation Power [the corrupting energy of decay and ruin] permeating it.

By that time, Eldrin Chen would be able to retrieve the Tome of Human Soul [the supreme artifact embodying the essence of humanity's collective spirit], and with the aid of this Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing unparalleled power], confront powerful adversaries.

Given the Tome of Human Soul's inherent suppression against the Desolate Race [a race born from and embodying desolation and decay], even if he could only unleash thirty percent of its might, it should be sufficient to deter that Sword Abyss Saint Lord [the Saint Lord who rules over the Sword Abyss].

After all, no matter how formidable the combat prowess of the Sword Abyss Saint Lord, his cultivation base remained firmly at the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [the eighth tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, a pinnacle stage for sovereign-level cultivators].

Returning to the main point, Eldrin Chen first selected all the Spiritual Root [the foundational spiritual plants that anchor and nourish a realm's energy] unsuitable to serve as the Four Extremities Celestial Pillars [the four supreme spiritual roots meant to stabilize the cardinal directions of heaven and earth]. Then, harnessing the power of the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth [a mystical vase capable of nurturing and refining primordial energies], he elevated these Spiritual Root to the rank of Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Root [the highest grade of spiritual root, born from innate chaos].

Among these Spiritual Root were many precious and unique varieties, such as the Soul Nourishing Wood [a wood that nourishes and strengthens the soul], the Great Encompassing Golden Bamboo Shoot [a golden bamboo shoot of immense spiritual containment], the Great Path Fruit Tree [a tree whose fruit aids in comprehending the Great Dao], the Enlightenment Tea Tree [a tea tree whose leaves promote spiritual enlightenment], and others. They represented top-tier cultivation resources.

Although Eldrin Chen possessed the Chaos Divine Liquid [a divine liquid condensed from primordial chaos energy], it was not a panacea. This batch of Innate Spiritual Root [spiritual roots of innate origin] would suffice to compensate for some deficiencies in his cultivation resources.

After processing these Innate Spiritual Root, Eldrin Chen spoke, "My recent accumulations are sufficient. This time, I shall prepare to break through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier [the third tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm]."

"I must trouble you to stand guard for me."

Liana Imperial Lord smiled, her eyes gleaming with intensity as she said, "With this breakthrough, are you planning to attempt refining the Great Wasteland Sacred Fruit [a legendary fruit said to contain the primordial essence of the untamed wilderness]?"

"Yes."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, offering no further words.

He proceeded directly into the Great Wasteland Sacred Hall [the primary ceremonial and cultivation hall of the Great Wasteland lineage], immediately sealing its doors to begin his secluded breakthrough.

Since his initial breakthrough to the second tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord [the foundational realm for those who have unified their cultivation into a singular, supreme path], Eldrin Chen had cultivated for nearly ten Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often spanning billions of years]. His physical body and Great Path [his supreme, unified cultivation method] had long since accumulated to a state of perfect readiness.

For this breakthrough, he decisively refined three drops of Chaos Divine Liquid [a primordial elixir containing the unformed essence of creation] and began forcefully assailing the barrier to the third tier of Primordial One Imperial Lord.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen's physical power surged violently. With visible speed, it shattered the bottleneck, propelling him directly into the realm of a Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier.

His Great Path cultivation followed closely behind, its accumulation completing in the blink of an eye and breaking through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier as well.

Only his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] cultivation lagged slightly, still requiring the accumulation of several more Kalpa Tribulation before it could breach its own barrier.

"It is done."

After completing his cultivation breakthrough, Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a ripple of emotion stirring in the depths of his gaze.

Following this breakthrough, Eldrin Chen felt his physical strength had undergone another immense enhancement, increasing by approximately half compared to its previous foundation.

His spiritual energy reserves had grown by a similar margin, also expanding by about fifty percent.

The simultaneous advancement of these two foundational pillars elevated Eldrin Chen's overall combat prowess once more, allowing him to touch the threshold of the Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier realm.

Yet, this alone was insufficient to satisfy Eldrin Chen's ambitions.

Taking a deep breath, he directly retrieved a single, ancient-looking sacred fruit, its color a profound blend of mysterious yellow and earthy brown.

"The Great Wasteland Sacred Fruit,"

Eldrin Chen whispered to himself. The Great Wasteland Sacred Fruit was a supreme treasure of the Fleshly Body Sanctification lineage, an item considered extremely precious even for a Great Emperor.

Such a divine object's value likely rivaled a small fraction of an Innate Supreme Treasure. Conventionally, it was consumed by cultivators at the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier level when attempting their final charge towards the Great Emperor realm to maximize its efficacy.

For Eldrin Chen, who had only just entered the Primordial One Imperial Lord 3rd Tier, consuming it now would be a grievous waste of a heavenly treasure.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen possessed an extraordinary foundation. Even though his physical cultivation was only at the third level of the Primordial One Body [a supreme physical cultivation method], it rivaled half the strength of a Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier [the seventh tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm].

Therefore, refining such a treasure would not result in significant waste.

"I hope that after consuming one, I can achieve a breakthrough in my physical cultivation,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then decisively swallowed one Great Wasteland Sacred Fruit [a legendary fruit containing immense primordial power].

Instantly, an overwhelmingly potent medicinal energy surged into Eldrin Chen's body.

He felt as if a vast Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] had been forced inside him. Its boundless, infinite power threatened to burst his physical form from within; even a mere wisp of its leaking force seemed capable of annihilating multiple dimensions of Space-Time.

"Such astonishing potency,"

Eldrin Chen thought silently. The Five Viscera Divine Spirits [divine spirits residing within and empowering the five vital organs] within him stirred into action. Five supreme forces began voraciously devouring the medicinal energy of the Great Wasteland Sacred Fruit.

Meanwhile, the Returning Abyss Divine Rune [a mystical rune symbolizing the power of the returning abyss] shone with brilliant radiance, continuously absorbing the excess energy and transforming it into a gentle, nourishing force that tempered his flesh.

Consequently, Eldrin Chen's physical essence began to increase at a staggering rate. In the time it takes to brew a cup of tea [a conventional short duration, roughly five to fifteen minutes], it had already grown by more than ten percent.

As time flowed onward, Eldrin Chen felt the foundational essence of his physical body continue to ascend. Yet, just as it seemed poised to reach its absolute limit, the medicinal potency of the Great Wasteland Sacred Fruit [a legendary fruit said to contain the primordial essence of the untamed wilderness] was utterly exhausted.

"The power of the Great Wasteland Sacred Fruit was insufficient to allow for an immediate breakthrough?"

Eldrin Chen's heart jolted with alarm. Without hesitation, he decisively swallowed ten drops of Chaos Divine Liquid [a primordial liquid essence born from the chaos of creation, capable of reforging flesh and spirit].

In that instant, an infinite torrent of Chaos Divine Liquid surged into his body. It transformed into a cataclysmic force of Heavenly God [a realm of cultivation where one's power begins to approach that of the celestial deities] magnitude, blasting through his meridians and flesh. It violently shattered an invisible bottleneck within his physical form, propelling his Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique forged in the fires of primordial chaos, granting near-immortality] into the Primordial One Mid Stage [the middle phase of the Primordial One realm, where one's foundation becomes unshakably solid].

"Mid-stage Primordial One Body. I must consolidate this advancement swiftly."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, his resolve firm. He immediately began refining Innate Primordial Breath [the purest form of energy that existed at the dawn of creation, used to enhance one's innate potential] to fortify his newfound power and expand his latent capabilities.

After successively refining ten strands of Innate Primordial Breath, Eldrin Chen's physical body finally achieved complete consolidation. His cultivation base was now firmly anchored at the level of a mid-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord [a cultivator whose power and authority within the Primordial One realm is recognized as lordly].

Furthermore, Eldrin Chen proceeded to infuse two or three strands of Innate Primordial Breath into each of his seven True Spirit Divine Runes [mystical sigils that manifest the power and law of one's True Spirit, a cultivator's spiritual core]. This process continuously deepened the profound foundational depth [the inherent potential and solidity of a cultivator's abilities] of these divine abilities.

"Hah—"

Only when his cultivation was utterly solidified did Eldrin Chen finally allow himself to release a long, heavy sigh of relief.

This time, refining the Great Wasteland Sacred Fruit and the Chaos Divine Liquid to break through two consecutive cultivation realms in one breath was an exceedingly perilous act. Yet, the benefits were equally manifest.

Following this breakthrough, Eldrin Chen's physical strength surged dramatically. The robustness, foundational depth, and latent potential of his fleshly body were elevated to a level roughly comparable to that of a cultivator at the Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier.

Most notably, this breakthrough induced a qualitative metamorphosis within Eldrin Chen's physical form.

Prior to the breakthrough, while Eldrin Chen's body was profoundly solid and could, to a degree, rival a Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier cultivator's, a fundamental qualitative chasm still separated them.

If Eldrin Chen's former body was akin to Mystic Iron, then the body of a Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier cultivator was like Immortal Gold—the difference was one of essence. In a direct clash, Eldrin Chen would have undoubtedly been at a severe disadvantage.

His previous ability to contend with a Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier opponent had relied primarily on the power of the Returning Abyss Divine Rune and the Indestructibility Battle Armor.

Now, Eldrin Chen's physical strength alone could rival a Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier cultivator. Augmented by the Indestructibility Battle Armor and his other formidable techniques, he should possess the capability to stand his ground even against an opponent at the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier level.

Furthermore, this breakthrough also granted Eldrin Chen a significant enhancement in his mastery over the Returning Abyss Pearl.

"Fifty percent,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly as he slowly summoned forth the Returning Abyss Pearl.

After this breakthrough, Eldrin Chen's control over the Returning Abyss Pearl had improved significantly, now capable of unleashing fifty percent of this Companion Supreme Treasure's power.

It was a pity that Eldrin Chen's cultivation in the Great Path had not advanced. Otherwise, had the quality of his spiritual energy risen to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage, he could have wielded the Returning Abyss Pearl's true form at its full, ten-tenths might.

By that time, even an ordinary Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier cultivator would likely find themselves no match for Eldrin Chen.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen stored away the Returning Abyss Pearl. Sensing the state of his physical body, a slight frown creased his brow.

"The foundation is rather unstable. It seems my physical cultivation cannot advance any further for the next thirty Kalpa Tribulation cycles after Future."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, shaking his head slightly.

This forced breakthrough had granted him immense power, but the price was a foundation grown perilously unsteady.

To recklessly push further now would risk crippling his latent potential.

In the time to come, Eldrin Chen would have to rely on the Path of Self-Refinement to continuously temper and consolidate this unstable foundation until it was utterly solidified.

"Perhaps it is for the best. This is an opportunity to deepen my cultivation and let my power settle."

Eldrin Chen's thoughts flickered, and he emerged once more from the Seclusion Chamber.

Upon exiting the Seclusion Chamber, Eldrin Chen immediately summoned Liana, Sword Mystery, Dragon Turtle, and the four Great Emperor-level lords, including Daylight Extinction Imperial Lord.

The moment the four of them saw Eldrin Chen, they were all momentarily taken aback.

Sword Mystery, Dragon Turtle, and the other two were inwardly startled. They promptly offered their congratulations, saying, "We congratulate the Realm Lord. With your cultivation soaring, you are now a step closer to the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the ultimate Dao of the primordial universe]."

Daylight Extinction Imperial Lord perceived even more. After a careful appraisal, he could not help but remark, "Your innate talent is truly extraordinary. It seems you are confident in your ability to subdue and convert Immortality Desolation Emperor."

Eldrin Chen allowed himself a faint smile. He had attained the Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing Realm, a supreme cultivation stage] in ten million years, reached the Primordial One [the foundational state of the Primordial Chaos] after thirty Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration], and now, after merely twenty more Kalpa Tribulation, he had advanced to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage [the Mid Stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm].

Such a speed of cultivation was likely among the fastest within the Vast and Boundless Chaos.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen swept his gaze over Daylight Extinction Imperial Lord and asked calmly, "Fellow Daoist Daylight Extinction, how is the Recovery [the process of healing and restoration] of your soul injury progressing?"

"It is no longer an impediment," Daylight Extinction Imperial Lord replied.

As he spoke, a glimmer of a smile appeared in his eyes.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen nodded and spoke, "Since that is the case, let us prepare to make our move."

Upon hearing this, the four exchanged glances, the fighting spirit within their hearts boiling even more fiercely.

"..."

Early the next morning, after instructing Sturdy Fellow and the others to guard the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, Eldrin Chen led the four Great Emperor-level lords out of seclusion and charged towards the Desolation Ancient Continent.

Upon arriving at the Desolation Ancient Continent, Eldrin Chen glanced at the Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor beside him and inquired, "You have had many dealings with the Immortality Desolation Emperor. What is your assessment of his true strength?"

The Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor pondered for a moment before replying, "The defensive power of the Immortality Desolation Emperor's physical body is not inferior to my own current state. In terms of raw power, he likely rivals an Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier cultivator."

"In a true confrontation, my only path would be retreat."

The Daylight Extinction Imperial Lord pondered for a moment, then spoke, "During the Primordial Era, I clashed with him on several occasions, yet I could find no way to overcome him."

"By my estimation, an ordinary Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier powerhouse can contend with four opponents at the Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier level simultaneously."

"The Immortality Desolation Emperor is reputed to rival an Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier. Even if he falls short of a true Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier, against average Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier opponents, he should at least be capable of fighting three at once."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen combined it with his earlier speculations and felt a flash of understanding.

He gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze towards Liana Imperial Lord and Sword Mystery Imperial Lord. "For this battle, anyone below the strength of a Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier [the seventh level of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, a pinnacle of power] will likely be of little use," he stated.

"Therefore, the three of us will take the vanguard. You two should focus on providing support and containment from the flanks."

Sword Mystery Imperial Lord offered no further words, yet a flicker of battle intent still gleamed in his eyes.

Liana Imperial Lord nodded in agreement, her expression tinged with concern as she looked at Eldrin Chen. "If that is the case, you must be extremely careful," she urged.

"Understood."

Without further preamble, Eldrin Chen spoke decisively. "Let us begin."

As his words faded, it was the defensively formidable Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor who moved first.

He manifested his boundless Dragon Turtle True Form [the ultimate, primordial manifestation of a Dragon Turtle's power and essence]. Like a Primordial Era Divine Mountain [a mythical mountain from the dawn of creation, symbolizing immovable weight and ancient power] descending to suppress the world, his vast form blotted out the heavens and obscured the earth.

"BOOM—"

At the very moment Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor made his move, the Immortality Desolation Emperor deep within the Desolation Ancient Continent [a primordial, desolate continent] also acted.

Clad in his Immortality War Armor, he took a single stride and unleashed a horizontal fist strike. The blow landed with devastating force, sending Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor reeling through the air, blood spraying from his maw.

"Dragon Turtle... You dare betray me?"

In that instant, a murky, boiling tide of killing intent surged from Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor.

In the blink of an eye, he flipped his palm and struck out horizontally once more, like a supreme Immortal King [a ruler among immortals] suppressing a rebel. The blow sent Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor hurtling through the air again, crashing through several vast mountain ranges.

Even with his peerless defenses, Dragon Turtle Desolation Emperor felt immense pressure under the divine might of Immortality Desolation Emperor.

He grunted, retreating in defeat, leaving a deep scar upon the Desolation Ancient Continent. His face pale, he spoke, "The rest of you, will you not act swiftly?"

"Allow me to test your mettle!"

So spoke Daylight Extinction Imperial Lord. He surged forward like a Primordial Era Divine King [a divine sovereign from the dawn of time], his peerless imperial robes billowing in the wind.

As Daylight Extinction Imperial Lord's eyes blazed open, an Eternal Divine Sun [an everlasting divine sun] manifested behind his head, illuminating heaven and earth and revealing the Gloom Eternal Daylight Radiance [a divine radiance of perpetual, gloomy daylight].

"Perish!"