Chapter 2078 : The Ancestor's Return and a Father's Vow

Seeing that Xiannian Chen had formulated a plan in his heart, Eldrin Chen gave a slight, approving nod.

He pondered for a moment, then suddenly inquired, "It has been many years since Senior Primordial Beginning departed from the Primordial Immortal Domain. Do you know where he currently resides?"

"Master,"

Xiannian Chen replied after a moment of contemplation, choosing his words carefully, "Before he left, Master informed us he was seeking an Opportunity to step into the ranks of the supreme Celestial Emperor and even to break through to the Half-Step Dao Union Realm."

"For this journey, he even had to venture beyond the bounds of the Blazing Central Chaos Domain, so his round trip would take a very long time."

"However, he once told me that, at the latest, he would return within a thousand and some Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles]."

"A thousand and some Kalpa Tribulation?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered thoughtfully. Unconsciously, his own cultivation journey had now spanned nearly one hundred billion years.

This meant Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor had been gone for over nine hundred Kalpa Tribulation, not far from a full thousand.

"It seems Senior Primordial Beginning should be returning soon."

With these thoughts settling in his mind, Eldrin Chen felt a measure of calmness descend upon his spirit.

He said no more, casting a final glance at the Eight Trigrams Treasure Tree before speaking. "With the Eight Trigrams Treasure Tree here, your breakthrough into the Great Emperor Realm [the realm of a supreme sovereign cultivator] will proceed without mishap."

"Set your heart at ease and cultivate. In the days to come, no matter how arduous the path, I, your father, shall lend you my strength to the fullest extent of my ability."

With these final words, Eldrin Chen's avatar dispersed, fading away into the depths of the Boundless Void.

Gazing in the direction of his father's departure, Xiannian Chen immediately bowed with deep reverence. "This child shall not fail your profound expectations, Father."

Once Eldrin Chen had completely vanished, Xiannian Chen hesitated no longer. He directly refined the eight Origin Dao Fruit [fruits of enlightenment containing the essence of a Great Dao] from the Eight Trigrams Treasure Tree and began his assault on the Great Emperor Realm.

Xiannian Chen's foundation was extraordinary to begin with, further nurtured by the dedicated efforts of two Dao Progenitor [the ultimate masters of a fundamental cosmic principle]. Now, empowered by the eight Origin Dao Fruit, his cultivation began to advance by leaps and bounds.

Not long after, Xiannian Chen's Eight Trigrams Great Dao [the eight fundamental cosmic principles represented by the trigrams] broke through one after another. Each individual Great Dao [a supreme cosmic principle] stepped into the Great Emperor Realm, manifesting a Grand Dao Divine Form [a divine avatar embodying the power of a Great Dao].

"It is done."

Sensing the power contained within the eight Grand Dao Divine Form, a profound sense of certainty settled within Xiannian Chen's heart.

He attempted to channel his power and discovered that although his eight Great Dao [the supreme principles of cultivation] could not be fused into a single entity, the force unleashed by their Eruption [a divine ability to unleash power] was still astonishingly formidable.

Bolstered by this Eight Trigrams Great Dao [a supreme cultivation art based on the eight trigrams], both his techniques and combat prowess had ascended into a realm rivaling that of a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the threshold of sagehood]. His battle strength now approached that of a true Sage Ascendant.

"Hah—"

After completing his breakthrough, Xiannian Chen immediately sent word to Xianzhu Chen and Yinghui Ye.

Soon, both arrived with their respective guardian cultivators, gathering within the confines of Eastern Desolation Eight Trigrams Mountain.

The six of them convened within the great hall. Xiannian Chen surveyed the group and declared, "My cultivation has also broken through. The time has come for us to move against those Ancestral Vein [primeval spiritual energy sources of immense power]."

Hearing this, smiles touched the faces of all present.

With Xiannian Chen's ascension to the Great Emperor Realm [the realm of a Great Emperor], all among their number, save for Yinghui Ye, had now attained the Great Emperor Realm.

Furthermore, among the six, Xiannian Chen, Xianzhu Chen, and Jiang the Sovereign Emperor each possessed combat prowess comparable to a Sage Ascendant.

Although Immortal Great Emperor and Sword Profound Great Emperor were slightly less formidable, they both still wielded strength within the domain of an Invincible Great Emperor [a Great Emperor of peerless might within their realm].

Yinghui Ye [Yinghui Ye] was also a top-tier combatant at the Great Emperor [Great Emperor] level. Among the contenders in this struggle for the Mandate of Heaven, he could be considered a truly formidable power.

With such a group of six individuals—three who had entered the tribulation and three guardians—they were fully qualified to occupy a Chaos-Grade [Chaos-Grade] Ancestral Vein [Ancestral Vein].

Having reached this conclusion, Sword Profound Great Emperor [Sword Profound Great Emperor] inquired, "Since we are to take action, which targets should we choose?"

Xianzhu Chen [Xianzhu Chen] did not answer immediately. Instead, with a flick of his sleeve, he manifested the Cosmographic Map [Cosmographic Map] of this Origin Domain [Origin Domain].

Upon this magnificent map were marked tens of thousands of large and small earth veins and Starry [Starry] Daoist Abode [Daoist Abodes], each one a cultivation sanctuary above the Grand Luo [Grand Luo] realm.

Among them, seventy-two earth veins at the Great Emperor [Great Emperor] level and nine at the Chaos Tier [Chaos Tier] level shone with the most dazzling brilliance.

Gazing at this map, Immortal Great Emperor [Immortal Great Emperor] could not help but sigh with emotion, "A single large Origin Domain [Origin Domain] actually possesses such a magnificent foundation."

"In comparison, even at its peak, the Great Desolate Ancient Realm [Great Desolate Ancient Realm] could not match one-tenth of this world's profundity."

Jiang the Sovereign Emperor [Jiang the Sovereign Emperor] also nodded, remarking with considerable feeling, "A large Origin Domain [Origin Domain] possesses an exceptionally high innate rank. Theoretically, it can give birth to nine Chaos Divine Emperor [Chaos Divine Emperors]."

"Once all nine Divine Emperor [Divine Emperors] are in place, such an Origin Domain [Origin Domain] has the potential to Ascension [Ascend] into a Mid-Grade Primordial Domain [Mid-Grade Primordial Domain]."

"A pity," one sighed, "that the Blazing Zenith Supreme intervened, personally severing the path forward for this Origin Domain [a primordial and foundational realm, often the source of a major power's strength]."

Hearing this, all those present could not help but feel a profound sense of regret.

They had to admit, had the Blazing Zenith Supreme not acted, even if the more than twenty Chaos Celestial Emperors of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a collective name for seven major realms in the southern cosmic abyss] joined forces, they likely could not have breached this Origin Domain.

Had the nine Chaos Divine Emperors of this domain succeeded in their Ascension [a critical breakthrough to a higher state of being or realm], this Origin Domain would have inevitably become another major power within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss.

By then, this Origin Domain, possessing nine Divine Emperors [a supreme cultivation realm, one step below the legendary Dao-Union Supreme], would likely have surpassed even the Three Poles Origin Domain [an Origin Domain named for its three cardinal poles], becoming an entity akin to the former Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain [a legendary Origin Domain of immense power].

Contemplating this, Xianzhu Chen mused thoughtfully, "The Dao-Union Supreme [the pinnacle of cultivation, where one's path merges with the fundamental Dao] who intervened likely did so to eliminate a future threat in its cradle."

"That is most probable," another agreed.

Yinghui Ye murmured in a low voice before speaking up, "Had the nine Divine Emperors succeeded in their Ascension, the combined power of a major Origin Domain should have been sufficient to withstand even a single Dao-Union Supreme."

Upon hearing this, a palpable sense of apprehension settled over the group.

A major Origin Domain, strangled in its very cradle—the thought filled them all with profound dread.

Fortunately, should the heavens truly fall, there are figures like Abyssal Dao Progenitor [the progenitor of the Abyssal Dao path] and Sage-King of the Grand Abyss [the Sage-King who rules the Grand Abyss] standing watch, so they need not overly concern themselves.

Gazing at the map before him, Immortal Great Emperor [a supreme ruler among Immortals] spoke, "Endless speculation is futile. Let us instead plan which of these Chaos Ancestral Vein [primordial sources of chaotic spiritual energy] we should seize."

Hearing this, the others gathered their thoughts and turned their attention to the Cosmographic Map [a mystical chart depicting the cosmos].

Within the Cosmographic Map, nine Chaos Ancestral Vein were marked. These nine Chaos Ancestral Vein were located within the Cosmic Stars [the celestial realm of stars], the Immortal Domain Earth [the earthly realm of Immortals], and the Depths of the Netherworld [the profound depths of the underworld].

Among the Cosmic Stars, there were three Chaos Star Dao-Field [stellar domains of chaotic Dao]: the Solar Emperor Star [the Star of the Solar Emperor], the Lunar Emperor Star [the Star of the Lunar Emperor], and the 'Ancestral Court of Myriad Stars' [the Progenitor's Court of Countless Stars] located within the Three Enclosures Ancestral Vein [the Ancestral Vein of the Three Celestial Enclosures].

Within the Netherworld Realm [the domain of the underworld], there was also one Netherworld Dao-Field [a Dao-field of the Netherworld], named the Nine Netherworld Realms [the Nine Realms of the Nether].

In the Mortal Realm [the realm of mortals], five Chaos Ancestral Vein were situated, located at the center of the Immortal Domain [the domain of Immortals] and within the Four Extremities of Heaven and Earth [the four farthest reaches of the world].

These five Chaos Ancestral Vein were positioned at the center, the Eastern Wasteland [the desolate eastern lands], the southern domain, the northern plains, and the western pole—each one a foundational Ancestral Vein [a primordial source of spiritual energy] of heaven and earth.

They were respectively: the 'Desolate Ancient Forbidden Abyss' [the Ancient and Forbidden Abyss of Desolation], the 'Kunxuan Ancestral Vein' [the Kunxuan Primordial Vein], the 'Unquenchable Fire Prison' [the Prison of Unquenchable Flames], the 'Eternal Frost River' [the River of Eternal Frost], and the 'Western Region Spirit Mountain' [the Spirit Mountain of the Western Region].

"The nine great Ancestral Vein," he concluded.

Xianzhu Chen murmured softly, and after a long while, he spoke, "The Desolate Ancient Forbidden Abyss has been occupied by Tianxing and Heaven's Slaughter Great Emperor, while the Solar Emperor Star has fallen into the hands of the Ten Golden Crows."

"My counsel is to not intervene in these two Ancestral Vein [the primordial spiritual arteries of the world]."

Hearing this, the others all nodded in agreement.

Tianxing is protected by Heaven's Slaughter Great Emperor, making him the strongest among all the Child of Destiny [individuals marked by profound fate]. Furthermore, he has already used the Ancestral Vein to lay down a formidable formation. Attempting to seize it would be an utter impossibility.

One must understand, the Desolate Ancient Forbidden Abyss is of extraordinary origin. It once nurtured an Heaven-Ordained Divine Emperor [a Divine Emperor whose ascension was decreed by Heaven's Mandate] who was highly likely to achieve Sainthood through the Flesh [a supreme path of cultivation focused on perfecting the physical body to sainthood].

Had his destiny not been forcibly severed by a Dao-Union Supreme [a supreme cultivator who has unified with the Great Dao], that individual would likely have been among the foremost of the nine great Divine Emperor.

As for the Solar Emperor Star, its power goes without saying. The combined might of the Ten Solar Emperor Scions is sufficient to contend against two or three Sage Ascendant.

If a true battle were to erupt, they likely would have no certainty of defeating their opponents.

After all, the Ten Imperial Scions are backed by the Solar Emperor Star. Even if they have not fully restored this Ancestral Vein, the power of the formation they have laid down is on an entirely different level.

With this in mind, the group excluded these two great Ancestral Vein and turned their gaze toward the remaining few.

Among the remaining Ancestral Vein [a primary source of spiritual energy and ley lines], the 'Kunxuan Ancestral Vein', 'Unquenchable Fire Prison', 'Eternal Frost River', and 'Western Region Spirit Mountain' were all extraordinary, essentially held by various Celestial Emperor's Successor [heirs or inheritors of a Celestial Emperor's legacy].

The three Ancestral Vein—Nine Netherworld Realms, Myriad Stars Ancestral Vein, and Lunar Emperor Star—need not be elaborated upon; they were all firmly under the control of powerful Celestial Emperor's Direct Disciple [a direct disciple personally taught by a Celestial Emperor].

After a careful glance, the group continued their process of elimination.

Jiang the Sovereign Emperor ruled out the Eternal Frost River and then spoke: "Sky-Defier is backed by the Myriad Gods Primordial Domain [a primordial realm associated with myriad deities], with the top-tier Celestial Emperor Grand Extinction Divine Emperor as his patron. His strength may not be inferior to the previous two."

"Moreover, in times past, we fought side by side against powerful enemies from the Foreign Realm [a realm from beyond their known world]. Therefore, we shall not move to seize his Ancestral Vein."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, voicing no objections.

After this round of exclusions, the remaining six great Ancestral Vein were not weak, yet the group felt not a shred of fear.

After all, existences rivaling a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the threshold of sagehood] were exceedingly rare within the entire Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss.

This time, aside from the forces behind the three supreme Celestial Emperor, the other seven great earth veins likely harbored no power matching a Sage Ascendant.

Thus, in their eyes, all that remained were soft targets, ripe for the taking.

Thus, they began selecting territories. Xianzhu Chen directly claimed the Western Region Spirit Mountain and declared, "I intend to establish a Mahayana Buddhism [a major school of Buddhism emphasizing the path of the Bodhisattva and the liberation of all sentient beings] sect, and I am in need of a Chaos Tier-grade Daoist Abode [a sacred dwelling place for cultivation, often imbued with potent spiritual energy]."

"I plan to test my fortune at this Western Region Spirit Mountain."

Seeing this, Xiannian Chen chose the Kunxuan Ancestral Vein without hesitation. "The Fortune [the metaphysical luck or destiny associated with a person or place] of this land is extraordinary," he stated. "It shall serve as my cultivation Daoist Abode."

After the two had made their selections, Yinghui Ye chose the Lunar Emperor Star as her own objective.

Seeing that the three had chosen their targets, Jiang the Sovereign Emperor spoke directly. "The timing is fortuitous. The Ten Solar Emperor Scions [a powerful alliance or group of ten scions descended from a Solar Emperor] are still in the process of repairing the Chaos Ancestral Vein."

"If we act now to seize the Chaos Earth Vein, we will face fewer variables."

"Then let us act."

Xianzhu Chen retrieved his Immortal Iron Staff and prepared to depart, intending to aid Xiannian Chen in assaulting the Kunxuan Ancestral Vein.

At that very moment, a streak of light descended from beyond the heavens, landing before them and transforming into a Spirit Talisman [a piece of paper or jade inscribed with mystical characters, used to convey messages or store spells].

Jiang the Sovereign Emperor took it and examined it, a flicker of understanding passing through his gaze. "It is from Magnus the Virtuous," he said. "He wishes to request your aid in helping him attack the Ancestral Land of Myriad Stars [the primordial homeland or sacred territory associated with countless stars and celestial bodies]."

Xianzhu Chen smiled faintly and spoke directly, "Then let us act. We shall first seize the Ancestral Land of Myriad Stars [the ancestral domain of the Myriad Stars lineage]."

As his words fell, Xianzhu Chen directly tore through the firmament with the Heaven Sundering [a divine ability capable of rending the heavens] and vanished from between heaven and earth. Seeing this, the others swiftly followed.

After a dizzying shift through space and time, they found themselves deep within the Cosmic Stars [the celestial realm encompassing all the stars of the cosmos].

There, amidst the boundless Void [the formless, primordial emptiness], a single Literary Star [the Star of Literature, a celestial body associated with scholarship and the Confucian Dao] drifted and floated. It was connected to eleven other Imperial Stars, continuously transforming the Primordial Chaos Qi [the primordial, undifferentiated energy of creation] into the Confucian Dao's Vast Righteous Qi [the immense, righteous energy of the Confucian Path].

Xiannian Chen could even perceive that this Vast Righteous Aura [the overwhelming aura of immense righteousness] was profoundly vast. It surged like a sky full of Starry [starlight or stellar energy], possessing a majestic, supremely holy, and utterly pure power.

"The Confucian Vast Righteous Aura, it truly possesses remarkable qualities,"

Jiang the Sovereign Emperor remarked slowly, his tone carrying a note of admiration.

At the same moment, a faint light shimmered upon the surface of the Literary Star, and two figures of peerless elegance and grace emerged.

Jiang the Sovereign Emperor looked up and saw that one of them was indeed Magnus the Virtuous, while the other was his guardian—Xander Yan.

Xander Yan was the premier prodigy of the Vast Righteousness Primordial Domain [the Primordial Domain of Vast Righteousness] in ages past, and also the second direct disciple of the Vast Righteousness Dao Progenitor.

His strength had already reached the Great Emperor Realm [the pinnacle realm for cultivators below the Sage Ascendant level], and his combat prowess had even stepped into the domain of the top-tier Great Emperor Domain [the highest echelon of power within the Great Emperor Realm].

However, that was merely the extent of it. The lineage of the Vast Righteousness Primordial Domain [a primordial realm associated with the Vast Righteousness Dao Progenitor] was sparse in numbers, possessing only five powerhouses at the Great Emperor level, and not even a single Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended beyond the Great Emperor Realm, touching the threshold of Sagehood].

This Xander Yan was merely a top-tier Great Emperor, yet he was already considered the foremost powerhouse under the command of Vast Void Dao Progenitor.

In contrast, the other Chaos Celestial Emperor [supreme rulers born from primordial chaos] almost all had one or two secretly nurtured Invincible Great Emperor [Great Emperors whose power stands unrivaled among their peers, a half-step beyond the top-tier] under their banners.

Even though, after such special nurturing, most of these Invincible Great Emperor had exhausted their potential, making a breakthrough to Sage Ascendant exceedingly unlikely, they still represented an immensely powerful force.

Yet, beneath the seat of Vast Void Dao Progenitor, there was no Invincible Great Emperor to be found. This clearly showed that this lineage was truly suffering from a lack of successors. Should any misfortune befall Vast Void Dao Progenitor, the entire Vast Righteousness Primordial Domain would likely face calamity.

It was precisely for this reason that Vast Void Dao Progenitor seldom ventured beyond the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss [a collective name for seven interconnected primordial realms in the southern cosmic abyss].

"You are too kind, Senior."

Magnus the Virtuous offered a slight smile and, with great courtesy, clasped his hands in salute towards Jiang the Sovereign Emperor. "For you all to come and lend your aid this time, I am truly and deeply grateful."

Jiang the Sovereign Emperor gave a slight nod. When he had attained immortality, Magnus the Virtuous had not even been born. As a junior descendant of the Violet Boundary [a legendary magical treasure of immense power], it was only fitting that Magnus the Virtuous showed him such respect and deference.

He wasted no time on further words, speaking directly, "Since we are here, let us not delay. We shall act at once."

Upon hearing this, Magnus the Virtuous [a powerful cultivator known for his righteous character] gave a slight nod and immediately led the group towards the Three Enclosures Myriad Stars [a legendary celestial formation]. Soon, they arrived before an Ancestral Vein [a supreme source of spiritual energy, the lifeblood of a region's cultivation potential].

Compared to other Ancestral Vein, the Myriad Stars Ancestral Vein [the specific Ancestral Vein formed by the Three Enclosures constellation] located within the Three Enclosures [a celestial region] was the most unique.

This particular Ancestral Vein was formed from the convergence of three hundred and sixty-five Starry [a profound cultivation art that harnesses stellar energies], a Chaos Dao-Field [a primordial field of chaotic energy] coalesced from condensed Zhou Heaven Star Power [the celestial power of the encircling heavens].

At this moment, the group could clearly perceive that these three hundred and sixty-five Starry were linked together by a grand formation, transforming into a Sage Ascendant Tier [a realm of power just below that of a true Sage] Supreme Slaughter Formation [a formation of unparalleled destructive intent].

"What a formidable slaughter formation,"

Immortal Desolation Emperor [a powerful emperor from a desolate realm] murmured, his expression turning grave.

However, Xiannian Chen [a master of formations from the Chen Clan], who was skilled in Formation [the art of creating and manipulating magical arrays], smiled faintly and spoke, "This formation is indeed extraordinary. However, the Chaos Ancestral Vein [the primordial source vein of chaotic energy] suffered a grievous wound. Only a small portion has been repaired thus far."

"Therefore, this Formation is not operating at its full power. We still have a chance to breach it."

As he spoke, Xiannian Chen carefully observed the formation. After a moment, he declared, "Later, I shall use the Eight Trigrams Formation Banners [a set of eight magical banners representing the fundamental trigrams of creation] to withstand the power of the Starry. That should temporarily suppress this formation."

"Seize the opportunity to strike," he commanded, "and swiftly defeat every foe within the formation."

Upon hearing this, the group nodded solemnly, their expressions turning grave.

Witnessing this, Xiannian Chen instantly soared into the air, commanding the Eight Trigrams Formation Banners [a set of eight enchanted banners that form a powerful defensive and offensive array based on the Eight Trigrams]. They transformed, weaving a vast Eight Trigrams Formation [a mystical array based on the eight fundamental trigrams of the I Ching, used to trap and suppress enemies] that sealed the entire expanse of starry void.

"This is..."

The moment he saw the Eight Trigrams Formation Banners, Xander Yan's face paled with shock, revealing an expression of utter disbelief.

For this set of Eight Trigrams Formation Banners was composed of eight individual Innate Supreme Treasure [a pinnacle-grade enchanted artifact born from the primordial chaos, possessing immense innate power]. Together, they formed a peerless array whose might was not inferior to that of the legendary Nine Dragons Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure said to be forged from the essence of nine primordial dragons].

This was the critical importance of profound heritage. As the direct disciple of the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the Progenitor of the Primordial Beginning Dao, a supreme existence] and the direct blood descendant of the Abyssal Dao Progenitor [the Progenitor of the Abyssal Dao, another supreme existence], Xiannian Chen had received the combined nurturing of two mighty Dao Progenitor [a supreme realm, the originator of a Great Dao] factions.

Without such backing, attempting to wield this set of formation banners would have been nothing but a fool's dream.

One must understand that over seventy percent of Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme emperor who rules over a realm born from primordial chaos] did not possess a single Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a treasure forged from and attuned to the primordial chaos, of the highest order]. The artifacts they relied upon in battle were often precisely such arrayed weapons composed of these very Innate Supreme Treasure.

"*Hummmm—*"

At this moment, Xiannian Chen channeled his full power into the Formation device. Instantly, the power of eight fundamental forces of heaven and earth sealed the vast starry void, suppressing the Sage Ascendant-level Formation of this place. Astonishingly, it caused the lethal formation to temporarily lose its formidable might.

Without a moment's hesitation, Xianzhu Chen directly mounted the Immortal Iron Staff and soared into the air, striding forth to slaughter his way into the heart of the surging Heaven's Slaughter formation.

"How dare you!"

Watching the intruders charge in, the powerful experts from the Ancestral Land of Myriad Stars paled with alarm.

In an instant, five mighty figures shot through the void, unleashing their Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from primordial chaos] to block Xianzhu Chen's path.

Yet, after a single clash, the five great experts were forced back several paces. Xianzhu Chen also halted, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

He looked down to find five figures of immense and terrifying aura standing firm within the roiling Chaos ahead. Several of them were faces he recognized all too well.

"Heaven's Derivation Sacred Emperor, the Azure Extreme Sacred Emperor, and three Demonic Dao Great Emperor [supreme demonic emperors who have mastered the Demonic Path] from the Sacred Demon Primordial Domain."

Xianzhu Chen spoke slowly, a glint of icy coldness surfacing in his gaze.

It turned out these five supreme experts from the Sacred Demon faction had joined forces—three peak Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm, one step below the Sage Ascendant realm] and two Invincible Great Emperor [a legendary tier among Great Emperors, nearly unmatched within their realm]—to seize control of this Chaos Ancestral Vein [a primordial source of chaotic spiritual energy, the highest grade of spiritual land].

In the past, Heaven's Derivation Sacred Emperor schemed against Eldrin Chen, causing Eldrin Chen to be defeated and flee to the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea. Furthermore, Azure Extreme Sacred Emperor [a title for a supreme emperor of the Azure Extreme lineage] was Eldrin Chen's Great Dao Adversary [a fated nemesis on the path of cultivation].

Now, upon seeing these two, a boiling surge of killing intent rose within Xianzhu Chen's heart, accompanied by another wave of towering, heaven-shaking battle fervor.

"Perish!"

Xianzhu Chen spoke, then mounted the Immortal Iron Staff and soared into the nine heavens, charging directly towards the two Great Emperor [supreme sovereigns at the peak of cultivation].

Heaven's Derivation Sacred Emperor's expression shifted slightly. He immediately summoned his Life-Bound Supreme Treasure [a supreme magical artifact bound to one's life essence], the Heaven's Derivation Disk, to defend with all his might. Yet, in an instant, he was sent flying, blood spraying from his mouth.

Though hailed as a top-tier Great Emperor, he was not skilled in combat arts. His face paled as he cried out in alarm, "Fellow Daoists, lend me your aid at once!"

"Heh. All of you shall die."

Xianzhu Chen spoke again. He directly channeled and unleashed the Six-Syllable Mantra [a supreme mantra of six sacred syllables], transforming it into six supremely ancient characters that materialized across the sky, bearing down to suppress the five mighty opponents.

The five powerhouses resisted with their full strength, yet they found themselves utterly unable to harm Xianzhu Chen in the slightest.

"Hiss..."

The Azure Extreme Sacred Emperor drew a sharp breath, his face betraying profound alarm as he spoke, "His combat prowess is likely comparable to that of a Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator who has ascended to the threshold of sagehood]. Yet, why did he not contend for a Chaos Ancestral Vein [a primordial source of chaotic energy, the highest grade of spiritual land] before?"

The five Sacred Emperors and the Demonic Emperor were filled with confusion. By all logic, possessing strength rivaling the Sage Ascendant Tier should guarantee the ability to occupy a Destiny Rank [a land of destiny, a place where fate and fortune converge to aid cultivation].

After all, the effect of a Destiny Rank was merely to allow one to break through to the Sage Ascendant realm. At best, it could slightly increase the odds of successfully advancing to become a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler who commands the power of primordial chaos].

Yet, without Chaos Primordial Qi [the most fundamental and potent energy of primordial chaos], such marginal benefits were essentially useless.

Precisely for this reason, those Chaos Celestial Emperor and Sage Ascendant did not place excessive importance on the boon provided by a Destiny Rank.

Contemplating this, the Azure Extreme Sacred Emperor could not help but speak out, "With your power, sir, you are more than capable of claiming this Chaos Earth Vein [an earth vein infused with chaotic energy, a powerful spiritual land]. We shall depart immediately. We ask only that you do not hinder us."

As he finished speaking, the Azure Extreme Sacred Emperor prepared to cede the earth vein to Xianzhu Chen.

But at that very moment, a peerless sword energy surged forth from within the Void [a profound cultivation art or state of emptiness], forcing the Azure Extreme Sacred Emperor to stagger back, blood spraying from his lips.