Chapter 2080 : Alliance of Six Prodigies

With the plan set, the group immediately sprang into action.

They did not immediately assault the final Western Region Spirit Mountain. Instead, they first consolidated their newly claimed territories, focusing on perfecting the Formation [a complex array of magical barriers and energy conduits used for defense and cultivation] protecting both the Lunar Emperor Star and the Kunxuan Ancestral Vein.

An indeterminate amount of time passed as they completed the defensive arrays for all three Ancestral Vein [a supreme-grade spiritual energy source]. Only after sending word of their progress to the other major powers did they finally prepare to depart.

This time, the force heading for the Western Region Spirit Mountain consisted of six individuals. Alongside Xianzhu Chen, Xiannian Chen, and Jiang the Sovereign Emperor,

were three other peerless prodigies: Magnus the Virtuous, the Immortal Great Emperor, and the Primordial Thunder Dragon.

This assembly of six wielded formidable power, granting them significant confidence in their ability to seize the Western Region Spirit Mountain.

As for Yinghui Ye, Sword Profound Great Emperor, and Xander Yan, they remained behind to guard the three Chaos Ancestral Vein.

Though their individual strength was somewhat lesser, bolstered by the might of the Formation, they could likely withstand an assault from a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the penultimate stage before true immortality] for a considerable time.

Furthermore, Xianzhu Chen and his companions had already reached out to the Lesser Scale Emperor and the Carefree Great Emperor, requesting their factions offer some aid in a critical moment. With this safeguard, they believed they could hold their ground even if besieged by all ten Golden Crow Imperial Scion.

Returning to the main thread, their rear secure, the six set out for the western regions. They soon arrived at the periphery of the Western Region Spirit Mountain.

Yet, before they reached Western Region Spirit Mountain, their brows furrowed slightly as their gazes sharpened.

For within the Western Region Spirit Mountain, over a dozen immensely powerful auras had manifested, each belonging to a supreme powerhouse at the Great Emperor Realm.

"It seems they were prepared," one of them remarked.

Xianzhu Chen spoke, a tinge of regret coloring his voice.

Xiannian Chen, however, had anticipated this. "The Heaven's Derivation Sacred Emperor excels in divination. It was to be expected he could foresee our arrival," he stated calmly.

At that moment, the several Great Emperors within the Western Region Spirit Mountain soared into the sky, each unleashing an aura that shook the heavens and earth.

Xiannian Chen recognized many familiar faces among them, including the Heaven's Derivation Sacred Emperor, the Boundless Cosmos Great Emperor, the Desolate Ruins Great Emperor, the Primordial Snow Phoenix Great Emperor, and several other Great Emperors.

Besides these figures, there were five other Great Emperors whose Force Extreme seemed particularly formidable.

These five Great Emperors had cultivation bases that had only recently entered the Great Emperor Domain, appearing to possess only the strength of ordinary Great Emperors.

Yet, their auras were intricately interwoven, and when fused together, they seemed capable of Eruption with a combat prowess bordering on invincibility.

"The Five Extremes Great Emperors."

Gazing at the five figures before him, Xiannian Chen could not help but slightly furrow his brow.

The Five Extremes Great Emperors hailed from the Grand Pot Primordial Domain. Legend held they were originally a set of Innate Supreme Treasure known as the 'Innate Five Elements Banner'. After receiving enlightenment from Grand Pot Dao Progenitor, they embarked upon the Path of Numinous Treasure Enlightenment [a unique cultivation path where sentient magical treasures gain sentience and cultivate].

Now, their cultivation had reached the Great Emperor Realm. When joining forces, they were even qualified to battle a Sage Ascendant, reputed as the mightiest beings beneath the Sage Ascendant level within the Grand Pot Primordial Domain.

Considering this, Xiannian Chen spoke, "It seems conquering this spirit mountain will require considerably more effort."

At that very moment, the Five Extremes Great Emperors exchanged glances. Among them, the Earth Extreme Great Emperor declared, "Esteemed ones, this Western Region Spirit Mountain already has its masters. If you depart now, we can let bygones be bygones."

Xianzhu Chen merely smiled, gripping his Immortal Iron Staff as he replied, "This Western Region Spirit Mountain has a karmic connection with me. I'm afraid we must still contend for it."

"Enough talk," interjected the Fire Extreme Great Emperor from among the five. "Since you've come knocking at our gate, let us settle this with force."

The Fire Extreme Great Emperor immediately took action, summoning a Flame Immortal Furnace that soared into the sky, bearing down to suppress Xianzhu Chen.

In response, Xianzhu Chen laughed. He directly activated his Great Majestic Heavenly Dragon True Body [a supreme transformation technique that manifests the true form of a Heavenly Dragon] and fearlessly charged straight into the heart of their defensive Formation [a structured arrangement of energy and power used for defense or attack].

"Activate the formation!"

Seeing Xianzhu Chen break through their defenses, the Five Extremes Great Emperors instantly took control of the Spirit Mountain Grand Formation [a grand defensive array centered on a spiritual mountain], intending to completely suppress him.

However, Xiannian Chen had long been prepared. In a flash, he soared into the sky, wielding the Eight Trigrams Formation Banners [a set of eight magical banners arranged according to the Eight Trigrams]. With these eight Innate Supreme Treasures [the highest grade of natural-born magical artifacts], he suppressed the mountain's Ronan [a location or entity], firmly and completely pinning down the Formation [the defensive array].

It had to be admitted, the power of a complete set of Innate Supreme Treasure Formation Flags [flags that form a supreme-grade formation] was truly extraordinary.

Xiannian Chen's cultivation originally only rivaled that of a Sage Ascendant [a supreme realm of cultivation]. Yet, after activating this formation, he could firmly suppress even a genuine Sage Ascendant. Suppressing this Formation was naturally well within his capabilities.

"So it truly is the Innate Supreme Treasure Slaughter Formation [a legendary, supremely lethal formation]," one of them uttered.

Witnessing Xiannian Chen unleash his might, the Five Extremes Great Emperors could not help but voice their envy: "To command the Innate Supreme Treasure Slaughter Formation at such a young age... Is this the kind of foundation one gains by having two Dao Progenitors [the ultimate originators of the Dao, the fundamental principle of existence] as one's backing?"

As these thoughts flashed through their minds, the two sides clashed in a furious melee.

The battle erupted into its most extreme intensity from the very first moment. Among them, Xianzhu Chen single-handedly confronted the Five Extremes Great Emperors.

Jiang the Sovereign Emperor also stood alone against the multitude of heroes. With but a single sword, he intercepted both the Heaven's Derivation Sacred Emperor [an emperor who comprehends the workings of heaven] and the two Guardian Great Emperors [protector emperors] from the Chaos Cosmos Extreme Domain [a realm of primordial chaos].

Magnus the Virtuous alone held back the Three Demon Emperors of the Sacred Demon Primordial Domain, a feat that included suppressing two Invincible Great Emperor [a title for a supreme-level Great Emperor whose power is nearly unmatched].

As for the Boundless Cosmos Great Emperor, the Desolate Ruins Great Emperor, and the Primordial Ice Phoenix Great Emperor, they were likewise intercepted by the Primordial Thunder Dragon and the Immortal Great Emperor.

Thus, from its very inception, the great battle erupted at its zenith.

The conflict descended into a bitter stalemate, a deadlock from which neither side could readily break free.

Watching the war grind to a halt, Xiannian Chen high above the heavens could not help but furrow his brow slightly.

He understood all too well that with the passage of time, Solar Emperor Scion and his allies would inevitably complete the restoration of the Chaos Ancestral Vein [the primordial source of chaotic spiritual energy for a realm].

Should they fail to capture this Earth Veins [the spiritual arteries of the world, crucial for cultivation and territorial control] by then, it could very well lead to their utter defeat.

"We must end this swiftly," he resolved.

Whispering the thought to himself, Xiannian Chen finally acted with decisive resolve, unleashing his hidden trump card.

In a flash, he produced an ancient, unadorned jade talisman and hurled it into the fray without a moment's hesitation.

In that fleeting instant, the jade talisman transformed into a Cosmos-Rending Light [a divine light capable of tearing the fabric of reality] that slammed into the grand formation. The impact instantly caused the entire spiritual mountain's Earth Veins [the foundational spiritual energy currents within the earth] to tremble violently, shaking heaven and earth. The vast Sage Ascendant Tier [a realm of power just below the legendary Sages] Formation [a complex array of power used for defense, attack, or cultivation] crumbled into nothingness.

"A Chaos Ancient Talisman [a primordial talisman of immense power forged in the dawn of creation]."

The moment they saw the ancient talisman, the expressions of the Five Extremes Great Emperors shifted subtly, revealing profound shock.

This ancient talisman was, in fact, a treasure of the Chaos Celestial Emperor tier. It was refined from the hide of a powerhouse at the Chaos Celestial Emperor level, containing power sufficient to threaten even a true Celestial Emperor [the sovereign ruler of a heavenly domain, a pinnacle existence].

Such a supreme treasure was exceedingly rare even within the vast expanse of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, something many Chaos Celestial Emperor would treasure dearly.

By all logic, a treasure of this caliber should never fall into the hands of anyone below the Sage Ascendant realm. Even the direct disciples of a Celestial Emperor would find it nearly impossible to obtain.

Yet, they could never have imagined that Xiannian Chen, merely a Great Emperor [a powerful emperor-level cultivator], would possess such an artifact.

"Damnation! The Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the Progenitor of the Primordial Beginning Dao] values him this highly?"

Fury surged within the hearts of the Five Extremes Great Emperors, but they could only watch helplessly as their grand formation was shattered.

As the Formation collapsed, Xiannian Chen acted instantly. He summoned the Eight Trigrams Formation Banners [a set of eight enchanted banners used to create powerful spatial formations] into the air, firmly sealing this expanse of Void [empty space, often imbued with spatial or void-based energies].

As the Eight Trigrams Formation Banners [a set of enchanted banners that can create powerful sealing and suppression formations] descended to seal and suppress, the several Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm, representing the peak of power for most cultivators] instantly felt a profound stagnation in their internal spiritual power. It seemed even their Grand Dao Divine Form [a supreme divine ability that manifests one's comprehension of the Grand Dao into a powerful avatar] was being suppressed to a certain degree, causing their combat prowess to plummet significantly.

Seizing this opportunity, Xianzhu Chen instantly channeled his power into the Immortal Iron Staff [a divine staff forged from immortal-grade iron, possessing immense weight and power], unleashing a sweeping assault that pressured all five Great Emperor. He forced them into an almost immediate and continuous retreat.

These five Great Emperor were, in truth, only at the initial stage of that realm. While their combined strength, when working in unison, could rival the invincible might of a Sage Ascendant [a realm beyond Great Emperor, where one begins to comprehend the profound mysteries of the Sage path],

once stripped of the Formation's [a structured arrangement of power, often using artifacts or terrain, to achieve specific effects like attack, defense, or suppression] augmentation and forced to fight individually, their strength was hardly a cause for concern.

Now, with Xiannian Chen using the Formation to suppress the five Great Emperor and splinter their combined force, Xianzhu Chen rode the momentum of the Immortal Iron Staff, striking relentlessly. In the first clash, one Great Emperor's physical body exploded into fragments.

In the very next instant, another Great Emperor was struck, his flesh and blood sent flying in a gruesome spray.

The gulf in power between a Sage Ascendant's combat prowess and that of an initial-stage Great Emperor was nearly qualitative.

In a one-on-one confrontation, a Sage Ascendant expert unleashing their full Eruption [a powerful technique where one releases a massive surge of energy in a short burst] could completely subdue any ordinary Great Emperor within ten moves.

After Xianzhu Chen successively shattered the physical forms of two Great Emperor, forcing their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator, which can survive the destruction of the physical body] to flee into the Sea of Dao [a conceptual realm representing the vast ocean of all possible Daos and laws], the remaining three posed even less of a threat. Their physical bodies were soon annihilated by the combined efforts of Xiannian Chen and Xianzhu Chen.

With the defeat of the Five Extremes Great Emperors, the faces of all others present changed dramatically. They immediately began to scatter and flee for their lives.

Jiang the Sovereign Emperor [the supreme ruler of the Jiang Empire] unleashed his full power, slaying one of the Guardian Great Emperors [powerful emperors tasked with protection]. Meanwhile, Magnus the Virtuous [a righteous and powerful cultivator], leveraging the restraining power of his Vast Righteous Aura [a divine ability that projects an aura of immense righteousness] and Daoist Divine Ability [a divine ability rooted in Daoist principles] against the Demonic Path [a cultivation art associated with demonic forces], managed to annihilate the physical bodies of two Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm, one step below the Sage Ascendant].

The remaining foes, more or less, paid a certain price before they managed to escape the blockade of the Eight Trigrams Formation Banners [a set of enchanted banners that can form a powerful formation based on the Eight Trigrams].

"A fine victory," he said.

Witnessing this overwhelming triumph, Jiang the Sovereign Emperor [the supreme ruler of the Jiang Empire] could not help but smile faintly, a look of satisfaction gracing his features.

Xiannian Chen [a cultivator of the Chen Clan], however, wore a trace of regret. He then spoke, "A pity my cultivation base is insufficient to unleash the full might of the Eight Trigrams Formation Banners [a set of enchanted banners that can form a powerful formation based on the Eight Trigrams]."

"Had I possessed cultivation at the Sage Ascendant Tier [the pinnacle realm of cultivation, surpassing the Great Emperor], not a single one of them would have escaped."

Hearing his words, the others present nodded slightly in agreement.

Magnus the Virtuous [a righteous and powerful cultivator] chuckled softly, shaking his head calmly. "Those who have reached the Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm, one step below the Sage Ascendant] possess formidable abilities for preserving their lives. Subduing them is no easy feat."

"Even if one were to successfully suppress them, it would consume a vast amount of energy and time, making the endeavor hardly worthwhile."

Xiannian Chen [a cultivator of the Chen Clan] nodded, offering no further comment, and instead turned his gaze towards Xianzhu Chen [another cultivator of the Chen Clan].

Xianzhu Chen understood his meaning and immediately strode onto Western Region Spirit Mountain. Gazing at the spiritual mountain's Earth Veins [the foundational energy channels within the earth that nourish spiritual power], he sighed, "A pity that using the Chaos Ancient Talisman has once again damaged these Earth Veins."

"Restoring these Earth Veins will likely require a considerable amount of additional time."

Xiannian Chen nodded, stating calmly, "Had we not employed the Chaos Ancient Talisman, the battle would have dragged on, likely inviting unforeseen complications."

Xianzhu Chen offered a faint smile but said no more. Instead, he began the work of mending the local Earth Veins and laying down a new Defensive Grand Formation [a large-scale protective array].

Not long after, Eldrin Chen, far away at the Immortal Court, received news concerning the Savage Primordial Domain.

Reading the intelligence report in his hand, Eldrin Chen could not help but allow a smile to grace his features.

"How did it go?"

Beside him, Lyra Jiang, noticing his pleased expression, inquired with curiosity.

Eldrin Chen handed the letter to Lyra Jiang and said with a laugh, "Xiannian and the others have secured four Ancestral Vein [primeval spiritual energy sources of immense power]. Furthermore, they have sent me a Thousand Tribulations Longevity Gift [a legendary gift said to bestow longevity and fortune]."

"Oh?"

Lyra Jiang [the Immortal Maiden Lyra Jiang] felt a surge of joy in her heart and could not help but take the intelligence report to glance at it.

After examining it for a moment, she delightedly handed the letter to Lila [the young woman Lila] and said, "They have done well. It seems there should be no unexpected complications in this contest for the Heavenly Mandate [the divine right to rule or supreme destiny]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen [the cultivator Eldrin Chen] also nodded in agreement.

In truth, given the strength of Xiannian Chen [the cultivator Xiannian Chen] and his companions, there was never any real doubt about their ability to secure a Destiny Rank [a position of profound fate or destiny]. Acquiring control over three Chaos Ancestral Vein [primordial energy sources from the dawn of creation] was well within expectations.

Furthermore, Magnus the Virtuous [the True Lord Magnus], hailed by Vast Void Dao Progenitor [the primordial ancestor of the Dao] as a prodigy of unparalleled talent possessing an Immortal Sage Bearing [a constitution destined for sagehood], claiming one Chaos Ancestral Vein was also anticipated.

Even so, Eldrin Chen cautioned, "However, the strength of the Ten Solar Emperor Scions [the ten direct descendants of the Solar Emperor] should not be underestimated. It is unwise to celebrate prematurely before the final moment arrives."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen continued, "Once the thousand-kalpa lifespan [a lifespan spanning immense cosmic cycles] concludes, I intend to journey to the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [the vast, untamed sea born from primordial chaos]."

His words caused a slight stir of surprise among those present.

Nyssa Qu [the cultivator Nyssa Qu], her heart filled with concern, could not help but ask, "This journey to the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea... does it signify some urgent matter?"

"Not at all," he replied.

Eldrin Chen shook his head and stated plainly, "Over the last two hundred Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration], my cultivation progress has slowed considerably, and my Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a profound art for refining the physical body to a sacred state] has also reached a bottleneck."

"To advance any further, I must venture into the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea [a vast, primordial, and perilous expanse of chaotic energies]."

Upon hearing this, everyone present nodded in understanding.

Lyra Jiang pondered for a moment before speaking, "The Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea holds many dangers, including forbidden lands that could threaten even a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler of the primordial chaos]."

"The supreme treasures you seek likely reside within those very forbidden lands. Therefore, on this journey, you must act according to your strength and not overreach."

"I understand."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, a complex light flickering in the depths of his eyes.

Inwardly, he could not help but sigh. He was well aware of the perils of those forbidden lands. Yet, through his divinations, he had sensed an impending Tribulation [a catastrophic heavenly trial or calamity] drawing near.

In recent years, he had even begun to vaguely discern the source and nature of this coming Tribulation.

If he could not achieve a breakthrough before it arrived, he feared he would lack the power to protect himself when danger struck, let alone safeguard his family.

Therefore, once the longevity celebration concluded, he had to journey to the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea and venture into its famed, perilous domains.

With this resolve firming in his heart, Eldrin Chen rose to his feet. He stepped into the Depths of Chaos and arrived before the borders of the Savage Primordial Domain.

There, Xiannian Chen had been waiting for some time. They handed over the Azure Extreme Sacred Emperor to Eldrin Chen, a smile gracing their features as they said, "Father, we trust we have not disappointed you this time."

"Abyssal... Abyssal Dao Progenitor."

Having just awakened from his state of suppression, the Azure Extreme Sacred Emperor found Eldrin Chen standing before him. A wave of profound shock and a flicker of despair washed over his heart.

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, his gaze fixed upon the Azure Extreme Sacred Emperor. "I still recall the days when you and your ilk hunted me with such imposing grandeur," he remarked. "How is it that today you resemble nothing more than a stray cur?"

The Azure Extreme Sacred Emperor's face paled, yet he gritted his teeth and replied, "The victor becomes king, the vanquished a bandit. Such is the way of things."

"To fall by your hands... I harbor no resentment over that defeat," he continued. "But the Chaos has never lacked for true prodigies."

"Compared to those genuine Chaos Sovereign, you are not some figure of invincibility. A day will come when you, too, shall taste the bitterness I now feel."

"Perhaps," Eldrin Chen conceded, his tone cool and final. "But that is a sight you will not live to witness."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly. With a single, effortless motion of his palm, he suppressed and annihilated Azure Extreme Sacred Emperor, utterly extinguishing his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator].

Only after completing this act did Eldrin Chen turn his gaze towards Xiannian Chen and Xianzhu Chen, among others. He nodded with satisfaction and said, "You have performed admirably."

"It is our honor to share your burdens, Father," they replied.

Both of them smiled, genuine warmth lighting their expressions.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, then cautioned them, "The Ten Imperial Scions [the ten direct heirs of the Solar Celestial Emperor] of the Solar Celestial Emperor are not to be underestimated. Avoid provoking them if you can."

"For this upcoming Tribulation [a great cosmic trial or calamity], your primary objective is to seize and master the Heavenly Mandate [the divine right to rule or a profound cosmic destiny]. Leave all other matters until after I have set foot upon the Chaos Realm [the legendary realm of primordial chaos]."