Chapter 2035 : The Stone of Ascendant Spirit

Eldrin Chen was unaware that a hidden crisis was about to descend upon him.

At this moment, he was within the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, refining the Eight Apertures Divine Stone in preparation for the final confrontation with the Azure Dragon Great Emperor.

"Hmm—"

On this day, Eldrin Chen fully integrated the Eight Apertures Divine Stone into his eighth Innate Acupoints. Instantly, he felt his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] radiate with the light of Immortality, receiving a significant boost to both his cultivation speed and foundational potential.

Yet, Eldrin Chen was surprised to discover that after refining the Eight Apertures Divine Stone, the combat power of his Primordial Spirit had not increased substantially.

"Could it be," he mused, "that to unleash the true power of the Nine Orifices Divine Stone, one must gather all nine divine stones?"

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, recalling an ancient legend.

The legend spoke that gathering the complete Nine Orifices Divine Stone would allow one to forge a supreme Primordial Spirit Supreme Treasure.

That Primordial Spirit Supreme Treasure was a unique type of Chaos Spiritual Artifact. While its raw power among Chaos Spiritual Artifact [artifacts born from primordial chaos] was considered ordinary, it possessed the unparalleled ability to exponentially amplify the might of a Chaos Divine Ability.

A Chaos Divine Ability [a supreme power born from primordial chaos] was already devastatingly potent; amplified further by the Primordial Spirit Supreme Treasure, its power would become truly unimaginable.

It was precisely for this reason that the existence of Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [a supreme cultivation art focused on refining the Primordial Spirit to an unparalleled state] allowed its practitioners to be considered invincible within their realm, sharing the title of the two peerless paths alongside Fleshly Body Sanctification [a supreme cultivation art focused on forging the physical body to an indestructible state].

With this thought in mind, Eldrin Chen withdrew his focus, then spent a moment adjusting his own aura before settling into a state of waiting.

After these years of recuperation, the injuries of Three Talents and Four Symbols Imperial Lord had largely Recovery [recovered], but Four Symbols Imperial Lord was still in the midst of comprehending the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a profound state of spiritual enlightenment where one's Primordial Spirit aligns with its truest, most potent nature].

Eldrin Chen planned to wait until all four had made their breakthroughs before moving to subdue the Azure Dragon Great Emperor, thereby increasing his chances of success.

Thus, time flowed on like a swift river. Another several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] passed, and before he knew it, Eldrin Chen's lifespan had reached the venerable age of nine billion years.

"In the blink of an eye, ninety Kalpa Tribulation have passed. It seems I will not be able to return for this grand longevity celebration," he mused.

"And some promises made long ago now require fulfillment."

Eldrin Chen sighed softly within his heart, recalling his old pledge to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain's Heavenly Path [the Heavenly Path, a profound cultivation lineage]. He had vowed to lend his strength when the time came for Great God Vast Azure's revival.

Fortunately, given Eldrin Chen's current power, even if his true self could not intervene directly, aiding in the revival was no great difficulty. Simply dispatching his Reincarnation Body [an avatar body formed through profound reincarnation arts] would suffice to resolve the matter with ease.

As these thoughts flickered through his mind, Eldrin Chen suddenly sensed an immensely powerful aura Burst [erupt] forth.

He looked up and saw that within the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], a being wreathed in countless millions of sword energies soared into the heavens.

Throughout heaven and earth, countless millions of Sword Great Path [the supreme principles and techniques of the Sword Dao] swirled around him, eventually coalescing and converging into one, condensing within his body into an eternal Sword Intent [the conceptual essence and will of a swordsman, the core of their power].

"He has broken through."

Eldrin Chen murmured, a faint smile unconsciously touching the corners of his eyes.

The one who had broken through was naturally Eldrin Chen's Divine General, Sword Mystery Imperial Lord. This Sword Mystery Imperial Lord truly lived up to his reputation as the foremost prodigy of the bygone Great Wasteland Primordial Domain.

He had achieved his Path based on three True Spirit Foundation [foundational cultivation achievements of supreme quality]: the Great Path [the supreme principles of a cultivation path], the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a high-level cultivator], and Divine Ability [a powerful supernatural technique]. Now, having also cultivated a Sword Path Fruit [the condensed fruit of mastery over the Sword Dao], he had become a peerless genius with Four True Spirit Foundations.

If one day, Sword Mystery Imperial Lord could step into the Great Emperor Realm [the realm of a Great Emperor, a sovereign-level cultivator], cultivate a fifth True Spirit Foundation in the form of an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme magical weapon born of heaven and earth], and then use the True Spirit Divine Runes [divine symbols of power] invoked by refining such a treasure, he might ascend in a single step to achieve six True Spirit Foundation.

Such a figure likely possessed the potential of an Invincible Great Emperor [a Great Emperor of unmatched power within their realm].

It must be understood that since ancient times, those who walk the Path of Path Mastery [a cultivation path focused on comprehending and mastering fundamental principles] have rarely been able to enter the domain of the Invincible Great Emperor.

This is because once one cultivates to the Great Emperor realm, the foundational gap between cultivators is no longer vast; the difference is often merely ten or twenty percent.

To be able to leverage one's foundational strengths and cultivation path to widen the gap to the point of facing five opponents alone is an exceedingly rare feat on the Path of Path Mastery [a profound cultivation art focused on mastering the fundamental principles of the Great Path].

"This Sword Mystery Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord whose path is intertwined with the mysteries of the sword], shows promise and is worth nurturing."

Eldrin Chen pondered thus, then summoned Sword Mystery Imperial Lord and said, "Well done. You have not disappointed me."

Sword Mystery Imperial Lord smiled slightly before replying, "My rapid breakthrough is entirely due to Your Excellency's cultivation and guidance."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. For Sword Mystery Imperial Lord to break through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord 6th Tier [the sixth tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, a stage of immense power] had taken a mere forty or fifty Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often spanning billions of years].

By all reason, he should have needed to wait at least one or two hundred Kalpa Tribulation to have any hope of such an advancement.

His ability to break through in such a short span was primarily due to the precious cultivation resources Eldrin Chen had bestowed upon him.

At the very moment of his breakthrough, he had even received a precious Earth Soul Fruit [a legendary fruit that nourishes and strengthens the Earth Soul, a core component of a cultivator's spiritual foundation], a single Great Path Source Stone [a primordial stone containing the pure source energy of the Great Path, invaluable for cultivation], and ten drops of Chaos Divine Liquid [a divine liquid born from primordial chaos, capable of refining one's essence and spirit].

These three treasures were each of heaven-defying value, enough to bankrupt a Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier [the seventh tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, representing a pinnacle of power]. Only someone like Eldrin Chen would be willing to pay such a price to cultivate a subordinate.

As this thought crossed his mind, Eldrin Chen was about to speak when he suddenly sensed an overwhelmingly powerful aura. A faint frown creased his brow.

At the same moment, within the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, Sword Abyss Saint Lord and Immortality Imperial Lord [a title for a supreme cultivator] along with the others soared into the air, clearly having sensed something.

All eyes turned to Eldrin Chen. Immortality Imperial Lord spoke, "It seems... a rather familiar aura."

"Let us investigate first."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and stepped out of the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain.

The instant he crossed the boundary of the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly.

There, beyond the vast and ancient world, a colossal Chaos Ancient Ship [a legendary vessel capable of traversing the primordial chaos] hovered in the void. Upon its deck stood a figure of immense, imposing stature.

Clad in Gilded Battle Armor, his presence blazed like an eternal sun, its radiance cutting across the Vast and Boundless Chaos.

"Is it... Him?"

Immortality Imperial Lord murmured, a flicker of cold intent surfacing in his gaze.

Eldrin Chen's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "You know this person?" he asked.

"The second-in-command of the Chaos Demon God back then, one of the cowards who ambushed me from behind alongside the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign — the Pioneer Demon God."

The Immortality Imperial Lord spoke coldly, a flicker of Slaughter Intent surfacing on his face.

At the same time, the figure clad in Gilded Battle Armor let out a cold laugh and spoke calmly, "Well, if it isn't my elder brother of Immortality?"

"It has been many years. I never imagined you would still cling so bitterly to the affairs of the past."

The Pioneer Divine General gave a faint smile and replied, "What happened back then was merely a matter of serving different masters."

"Now, after three hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulation have passed, I have ascended to the Great Emperor Realm, while your cultivation, fellow Daoist, remains stagnant at the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier."

"It seems my choice back then was not mistaken."

As he spoke, the Pioneer Divine General swept his gaze over the Sword Abyss Saint Lord, a trace of wariness flashing deep within his pupils.

Then, he looked up towards the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain and remarked with a note of surprise, "No wonder the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm could be revived. So, within this Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, an Innate Supreme Treasure Spiritual Root [a supreme spiritual root born of heaven and earth, possessing immense foundational power] has been nurtured."

"With such a Spiritual Root in hand, coupled with these Immortal Domain [realms of immortal beings] suppressing the Desolation Sea, it is little wonder the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm could be restored."

As he spoke, Pioneer Divine General turned his gaze towards Sword Abyss Saint Lord and Immortality Desolation Emperor, declaring, "On this journey, I come by the command of the Imperial Sovereign. As condemned subjects of the Great Wasteland, you are bound to obey the Imperial Sovereign's decree."

"Today, I grant you a single chance to cleanse your sins. Hand over the Innate Supreme Treasure Spiritual Root, and I shall petition the Sovereign to pardon your transgressions, allowing you to cultivate within the 'Imperial Extreme Saint Domain'."

"Hah—"

Immortality Imperial Lord let out a cold laugh, his voice finally breaking its icy silence. "Betrayers are beyond forgiveness."

"Today, I shall purge your sins with the Eternal Raging Flames!"

"BOOM—"

In that instant, Immortality Imperial Lord struck. Mounting the Immortality Imperial Spear, he cleaved through the vast seas with a force meant to suppress and annihilate the Pioneer Divine General.

The Pioneer Divine General, initially dismissive, merely raised his own war spear to parry. Yet, in the blink of an eye, he was sent hurtling backward through the air.

Wounded and reeling, he turned back with disbelief etched upon his face, his eyes fixed on the imperial spear in Immortality Desolation Emperor's grasp. "An Innate Lifebound Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born with and bound to its wielder's very life force]?" he gasped, his voice thick with shock. "How is this possible?"

"Ah," Immortality Imperial Lord sneered, his tone dripping with contempt. "So it merely rivals the domain of a Great Emperor."

The Immortality Imperial Lord [a title for a supreme ruler who has transcended mortality] spoke, sweeping his Immortality Imperial Spear [a supreme spear symbolizing eternal rule] across the Eight Desolations [a vast, barren expanse of eight desolate lands]. Unleashing his full power, he suppressed the Pioneer Divine General [a divine general who was among the first to explore new frontiers], forcing him into a steady retreat.

It seemed the Pioneer Divine General had broken through to the Great Emperor Realm [the realm of a Great Emperor, a pinnacle of power] using an unorthodox and special method. His foundation was extremely unstable, and his combat power was only about eighty percent that of an ordinary Great Emperor.

Furthermore, lacking an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos of creation] in hand, he was now being completely overwhelmed by the Immortality Imperial Lord.

"Impossible! How could you possess an Innate Supreme Treasure?"

The Pioneer Divine General's face was filled with disbelief. He knew that in the ancient days of the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain [the primordial domain of the Great Wasteland, a land of ancient origins], there had only been ten such Innate Supreme Treasures in total.

Of these ten supreme treasures, four were in the hands of the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign [the supreme sovereign who once ruled the Great Wasteland], and three were held by the three original Great Emperors of that era.

Of the remaining three, one was in the possession of the Sword Abyss Saint Lord [the Saint Lord of the Sword Abyss], while the other two had long been lost within the depths of the Chaos Desolation Sea [a turbulent sea born from chaos and desolation].

When he, the Pioneer Divine General, had broken through to the Great Emperor realm, he had already taken shortcuts. How could he possibly hope to wield an Innate Supreme Treasure?

Now, witnessing the Immortality Desolation Emperor [the Desolation Emperor who has achieved immortality] charging forth astride the Immortality Imperial Spear, the Pioneer Divine General was simultaneously shocked, furious, and consumed by an overwhelming tide of greed.

"At least two Innate Supreme Treasures, plus that Innate Supreme Treasure Spiritual Root [the spiritual root of an Innate Supreme Treasure, a source of immense power]... If the Imperial Sovereign learns of this, he will surely move to seize them himself!"

"If I bring this news back, such immense Merits [a metaphysical 'currency' representing good karma or virtuous deeds], I will surely be granted a share of an Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme magical artifact born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth]."

As this thought stirred within Pioneer Divine General, he immediately fled towards the distance.

Yet at that moment, he discovered that the surrounding void had long been occupied by several Primordial One Imperial Lord [an immensely powerful cultivator who has unified their Primordial Spirit, physical body, and cultivation path into a single, supreme entity].

To his left stood Sword Abyss Saint Lord, sword in hand. To his right, three Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [an 8th Tier Primordial One Imperial Lord, a specific level of power within that supreme realm] figures, the Three Talents Imperial Lord, towered against the firmament.

Beneath him, four Imperial Lord [a powerful ruler of a celestial domain, a step below the Primordial One realm] of the seventh tier, their auras interlinked, waited in formation. Liana Imperial Lord and several other Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage [a cultivator at the late stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm] had also been lying in ambush.

Only directly ahead, a single white-robed Immortal [an immortal being who has transcended mortality] of the Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage [mid-stage Primordial One Imperial Lord] realm stood calmly, his expression serene as he awaited him.

"Hah, this is clearly a ruse, an empty fort strategy meant to frighten me from fleeing forward," he sneered inwardly.

"But who do you take me for? To be intimidated by a mere Primordial One Imperial Lord Mid Stage?"

Pioneer Divine General let out a cold laugh. He immediately channeled his power into his war spear and charged forward, his voice icy as he declared, "The might of a Great Emperor [a sovereign emperor whose power shapes the cosmos] is not to be withstood."

"You are courting death, boy!"

In that fleeting instant, he surged forth with overwhelming Heavenly God might, his spear a streak of devastating light.

Yet, contrary to all expectation, the figure did not even attempt to evade. It met the spear-thrust head-on, then delivered a thunderous kick that sent the attacker reeling.

"*Cough—*"

Pioneer Divine General was instantly sent flying, blood spraying from his mouth. As he whirled back to face the snow-white robed figure, he saw, to his disbelief, that his opponent bore not a single wound.

At the same moment, Immortality Desolation Emperor drove his imperial spear down like a falling mountain, the impact causing the divine general's flesh to crack and fissure, countless wounds lacerating his entire body.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen showed no concern and made no further move.

With a mere wave of his hand, his subordinate, Three Talents and Four Symbols Imperial Lord, understood his intent. A grand Formation [a complex array of energy channels used for defense, offense, or sealing] was swiftly deployed, utterly sealing off the surrounding heavens and earth.

Seeing the Formation solidify, Pioneer Divine General realized he had missed his final chance to break through. A look of utter despair washed over his face.

"Pioneer!"

Immortality Imperial Lord spoke, his Immortality Imperial Spear [a peerless spear embodying the concept of eternal existence] gripped tightly as he advanced. His expression was frigid as he declared, "Let us, brothers, settle our standing here and now."

"Hahaha!"

Pioneer Divine General laughed in fury, his expression icy as he spoke, "What does it matter if you lot can suppress me? When the Imperial Sovereign crosses the Chaos to come slaying, you will all become stray dogs with no home to return to."

"Stray dogs?"

Immortality Imperial Lord spoke coldly, his face like frost, "In my view, it is you who abandoned your homeland who are the true stray dogs, are you not?"

Upon hearing this, a flash of chilling light flickered in the eyes of the Pioneer Divine General.

In the past, they had followed the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign to seek refuge with an ally. Yet, that Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain was merely a Small Primordial Domain. The Opportunity and Fortune and living space within a Small Primordial Domain were inherently limited.

To secure their footing in that Imperial Extreme Domain, they had paid an immense price. Even to this day, they still faced exclusion from the local powers. To call them stray dogs was not far from the truth.

With this thought, the Pioneer Divine General spoke no more.

He spoke coldly, then suddenly sneered with a vicious grin, "But if we reclaim the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, we will cease to be stray dogs."

"Boom—"

With Slaughter Intent [a palpable aura of killing intent] surging to the heavens, the Immortality Imperial Lord struck down with a blow fueled by bitter hatred, forcibly severing the head of Pioneer Divine General.

In the end, the physical body of Pioneer Divine General was slain, and his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] fled into the Sea of the Great Path [the metaphysical ocean of the Dao], vanishing without a trace.

After completing this, everyone returned to the Great Wasteland Sacred Hall, each face now etched with a trace of concern.

Sword Abyss Saint Lord spoke, his expression grave. "If the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign returns, it will likely pose a significant threat."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then stated, "Yet, there is no need for excessive worry. I have calculated that it took Pioneer Divine General over a dozen Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] to reach our Great Wasteland Ancient Realm."

"If the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign were to launch an attack with an army, it would require at least a hundred Kalpa Tribulation. Should he come alone, we need not be overly concerned."

"Furthermore, with his physical form destroyed, Pioneer Divine General cannot return to deliver his report. This may buy us considerable time."

Hearing this, the others felt a slight easing of their tension.

Eldrin Chen's reasoning was sound. With his body annihilated, Pioneer Divine General, relying solely on the power of his Primordial Spirit, could not possibly traverse the Chaos Desolation Sea to return.

Even if he managed to reforge [reconstruct through cultivation arts] a new body, it would require a vast amount of resources to fully Recovery [restore to its original peak state].

Moreover, even if Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign received the news, it is highly unlikely he would immediately mobilize his forces to launch an attack.

The Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign is now firmly entrenched within the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain. For him to dispatch an army across the Chaos Desolation Sea to assault the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm would be an endeavor fraught with immense difficulty.

This is because sapient beings are considered the most delectable sustenance in the eyes of the Desolate Race. A vast host of intelligent life crossing the Chaos Desolation Sea would likely attract unpredictable and terrifying entities, making such a journey perilous in the extreme.

Should the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign indeed send forth his legions, it is probable that more than half his forces would be lost before they even reached the shores of the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm.

Furthermore, it is doubtful his subordinates would consent to such a reckless crossing of the Chaos Desolation Sea.

In the past, their departure aboard the Chaos Ancient Ship was driven by the certainty of death had they remained in the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm—a desperate gamble they were forced to take.

Now, to ask them to hazard that same treacherous sea for an offensive campaign? The mid and lower-tier powerhouses would almost certainly refuse.

Therefore, the most plausible scenario is that the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign would traverse the Vast and Boundless Chaos Desolation Sea accompanied only by a few select Great Emperor [the pinnacle sovereigns of the cultivation world], coming to contest control of the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm.

As for whether the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign would invite other Sage Ascendant [beings who have ascended to the threshold of sagehood], Eldrin Chen doubted he would.

For anyone who discovered a trove of Opportunity and Fortune [a convergence of destiny and profound benefits], the first instinct would always be to explore it alone, to ascertain its secrets before sharing the knowledge.

Only when they realize they truly cannot handle it alone will they invite others to share in the Opportunity and Fortune [a favorable juncture of fate and chance].

Furthermore, the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign likely will not bring too many subordinates initially, for doing so would leave his foundation in the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain vulnerable to attacks from rivals.

This mirrors the past, when Eldrin Chen was forced to retreat from the Chaos Frontier Wasteland, not due to any lack of personal strength, but because the Human Race's pillar of heaven, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, was not present within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

Otherwise, even if granted ten thousand times their current audacity, the Demon Race would likely not have dared to act so brazenly.

Eldrin Chen estimated that upon discovering the fall of the pioneering Great Emperor, the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign would not act rashly at first. Instead, he would cautiously seek to understand the situation within the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm.

Only then, based on the specific circumstances, would he formulate his countermeasures. This process alone would buy a significant amount of time.

"By leveraging this disparity in information, we likely have several dozen, perhaps even over a hundred, Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years] of time,"

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, a slight frown creasing his brow as he continued, "Before that time runs out, we must swiftly enhance our strength and secure that sub-dragon carcass with all haste."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

They understood the critical importance of time. That sub-Saint Realm dragon corpse, if utilized effectively, could nurture at least two or three powerhouses at the Great Emperor Realm.

A dragon corpse of this caliber would likely attract the covetous gaze of even Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the penultimate stage before becoming a true Sage]. Therefore, it must be dealt with before the arrival of Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign.

Seeing this, Immortality Imperial Lord spoke, "If I can refine the fleshly body of Pioneer Divine General, I may be able to cultivate a True Spirit Divine Form [a supreme physical manifestation of one's divine spirit and cultivation]."

"Time is still sufficient. Why not grant me the span of a Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle, often billions of years] to achieve a breakthrough?"

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement and said, "Precisely. This will also allow Four Symbols Imperial Lord to make his breakthrough swiftly."

With these words, the meeting concluded rather abruptly.

Eldrin Chen specifically instructed Four Symbols Imperial Lord to complete his cultivation of the Root Origin Treasure [a foundational treasure tied to one's primal origin] as soon as possible. Afterwards, he accompanied Immortality Imperial Lord into a Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared chamber for deep, undisturbed meditation and cultivation].

This time, as Immortality Imperial Lord sought to cultivate his True Spirit Divine Form, it presented a valuable opportunity for Eldrin Chen to observe and learn. Naturally, he would not pass up the chance to witness the process.

At that moment, Immortality Imperial Lord retrieved the skeletal remains of Pioneer Divine General. What appeared was an ancient, unadorned Chaos Divine Stone [a primordial stone born from the chaos before creation], radiating a dense aura of Primordial Chaos Energy [the raw, unformed energy that existed before the cosmos was ordered] that spoke of Immortality.

"This Pioneer Great Emperor [a supreme sovereign among cultivators] was originally formed from a Chaos Marvelous Stone [a wondrous stone of primordial chaos], one of the world's rarest Holy Spirits. In his early years, I provided him with much care and guidance."

"I never imagined that, for the sake of seizing the Opportunity and Fortune [a rare chance and blessing of fate] to break through to the Great Emperor realm, he would betray me and launch a treacherous sneak attack."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen fell into a contemplative silence.

He possessed some understanding of the past of Immortality Imperial Lord [a title for a supreme ruler who has achieved a state of deathlessness].

In that bygone era, Immortality Imperial Lord had defeated Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign [the supreme ruler of a vast, desolate realm] in a fair, one-on-one duel at the same cultivation level, utterly humiliating his opponent.

To exact revenge, Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign conspired with several other powerful Great Emperors [rulers who have ascended to the pinnacle of the Great Emperor realm] to ambush Immortality Imperial Lord.

Yet, the fatal blow that ultimately felled Immortality Imperial Lord was struck not by an enemy, but by his own trusted friend, Pioneer Divine General.