Chapter 2038 : The Realm's New Sovereign

Beneath the illumination of the sword light, Chaos turned to dust, myriad worlds fell into Extinction Silence, and all things dissolved into motes of powder, vanishing into nothingness under its radiance.

"This is bad! He intends to unleash his full power, to slay a Great Emperor and establish his might!"

Shock surged through the hearts of the onlookers, a flicker of terror coloring their expressions.

Yet, the Great Wasteland Imperial Sword was unstoppable. It descended with an edge that cleaved all resistance, aiming to utterly annihilate Immortality Great Emperor.

Just as Immortality Great Emperor was about to be grievously wounded, the very heavens and earth suddenly grew still.

Before Immortality Great Emperor, a figure robed in snow-white stood. He stood calmly before the sword light, reaching out and pinching that Indestructibility radiance between two fingers.

No matter how peerless the sharpness of the Great Wasteland Imperial Sword, it could not harm that person in the slightest.

"Hmm?"

Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign paused, his gaze finally settling on the figure. His pupils contracted sharply.

Behind the snow-white figure, an infinite tide of Great Path Path Principles Power surged forth, pouring in from the depths of the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm.

These Great PathPath Principles were sublimely beautiful, like a pair of eternal wings sprouting from his back, bestowing upon him a power that seemed nearly limitless.

Bolstered by such might, he showed not the slightest hint of retreat, even when facing a full-force strike head-on.

"Empowered by the Heavenly Path Authority, are you the new Lord of the Great Wasteland Realm?"

The Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign spoke, a flicker of apprehension surfacing in the depths of his pupils.

Eldrin Chen remained utterly calm. With a flick of his finger, he deflected the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign's sword, then spoke in a placid tone, "Since you, Fellow Daoist, have already departed, what need is there to return?"

"Hahaha!"

The Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign let out a hearty laugh and quickly replied, "This old one merely heard of the ancient realm's revival and came to offer protection to the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm."

"I never imagined the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm already had a Realm Lord. It seems my journey today was for naught. In that case, this old man should take his leave."

So saying, the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign cupped his hands in a salute and decisively withdrew, making his departure.

Those present were somewhat taken aback. After the Lord of the Great Wasteland Realm had left, Liana Imperial Lord could not help but remark, "For him to leave so simply... it feels rather anticlimactic, does it not?"

"He is a clever man."

Eldrin Chen spoke, then said, "His Great Path possesses only five Great Path Divine Form. His combat prowess is considered rather weak even among those in the Sage Ascendant Realm."

"If he dared to charge into the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, I would have a fifty percent chance of utterly ending him there."

"His retreat now is because he understands the situation is untenable, so he wisely withdraws against the current."

At this moment, Eldrin Chen largely understood why the Lord of the Great Wasteland Realm of old did not dare to attempt the breakthrough to the Heavenly Emperor Realm.

The success rate is simply too low. Having cultivated only five Great Path Divine Form, the chance of successfully breaking through to the Primordial Chaos Great Path likely does not exceed twenty percent. If the hope of a breakthrough is truly that slim...

With this thought, Eldrin Chen also grasped the significance of the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain.

The Tri-Pole Primordial Domain is not merely a large Primordial Domain with seven Chaos Heavenly Emperor presiding over it. In ages past, its nine Mandate of Heaven Divine Sovereign were all existences who had cultivated nine Great Path Divine Form.

Such individuals possessed an immense probability of breaking through to become a Heavenly Emperor. In comparison, these Small Primordial Domain have incomplete Great Path, and the Person of Destiny they nurture have a much weaker foundation. Their hope of proving their Dao and attaining the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm is also far slimmer.

In truth, not a single Primordial Domain within the entire Southern Abyss Seven Domains is simple.

After all, to be able to traverse the vast and distant Chaos Desolation Sea [the boundless, desolate void between primordial worlds] while carrying an entire Primordial Domain [a foundational, ancient world at the heart of a cultivation realm], arriving at the gathering place where such domains converge to form a prosperous Chaos Domain [a cluster of interconnected primordial worlds], is no simple feat.

To accomplish such a thing, one would need at the very least a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign who has unified a Chaos Domain under their rule] presiding over it.

Of course, terms like 'prosperous' and 'remote' are only relative.

Compared to those thriving Primordial Domain [foundational, ancient worlds], the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a specific cluster of seven primordial domains] are but a small, rustic village within the vastness of Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerges], a truly remote corner.

But places like the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain [a specific, isolated primordial world], which lack even a single Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign], left to drift alone in the Chaos Desolation Sea [the boundless, desolate void], cannot even be considered a village.

For countless Desolate Journey [a unit of measure for vast, desolate distances] in every direction across the distant Desolation Sea [a desolate expanse of the void], it stands utterly alone, with not even a neighboring realm to visit.

"The Chaos Desolation Sea [the boundless, desolate void] is infinite. Perhaps lonely ancient realms like the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain [a specific, isolated primordial world] are the most common of all," he mused.

"The Indestructibility Primordial Domain [the primordial world of the Indestructibility Ancient One] of the past, under Indestructibility Ancient One, was likely much the same."

"For Indestructibility Ancient One to traverse the Vast and Boundless Chaos Desolation Sea [the immeasurably vast and empty void] was akin to an old hermit descending from his mountain peak to seek a more advanced path within a bustling village."

Eldrin Chen allowed these thoughts to flicker through his mind before quietly gathering them back, focusing his awareness once more.

The Sword Abyss Great Emperor nearby, witnessing this, could not help but voice his concern: "Will that Indestructibility Ancient One still covet the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm?"

"Even if he returns, our combined strength should be sufficient to handle him."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, then added, "Our most pressing task remains to enhance our own power."

"Once our strength reaches a sufficient level, all manner of malevolent spirits and demons will cease to be a concern."

Hearing his words, everyone nodded in agreement, their resolve to accelerate their cultivation hardening further.

"..."

Meanwhile, the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign, carrying the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of the Pioneer Divine General, was traversing the Vast and Boundless Chaos Desolation Sea.

The Pioneer Divine General, looking at the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign before him, asked with worry, "Your Majesty, are we truly abandoning this matter?"

"Hmph—"

The Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign snorted coldly before speaking. "That individual is bolstered by the Heavenly Path Authority [the authority to wield the power of the Heavenly Path], granting him combat prowess nearly on par with a peak-level Sage Ascendant."

"Could it be that you wish to challenge him in battle?"

Pioneer Divine General was momentarily speechless, yet could not help but add, "But within the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, there remains a single Great Wasteland Sacred Tree and two Innate Supreme Treasure."

"If we could seize them, your power would undoubtedly advance another step."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of desire stirred within the gaze of the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign.

Seeing this, the Pioneer Divine General pressed on, "Relying solely on our own strength, we indeed lack the certainty to conquer the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm."

"But if we agree to assist Fellow Daoist Nirvana Emperor in seizing the Heavenly Path Authority of the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain, he will surely lend his aid once the deed is done."

The Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign's pupils gleamed faintly at these words, yet hesitation lingered. "But once Nirvana Emperor holds dominion over the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain, we would forever live under another's roof, losing our tripartite balance of power."

"Why concern ourselves with the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain?"

The Pioneer Divine General gave a cold laugh. "After the deed is done, we shall return to the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm. No longer will we dwell beneath another's shadow."

"A sound argument."

The Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign [the supreme ruler of the vast and ancient wilderness] nodded, then spoke: "However, the strength of that 'Extreme Emperor' [a title denoting an emperor who has reached the pinnacle of power] should not be underestimated. He even commands a portion of the Heavenly Path Authority [the supreme authority to command and shape the laws of heaven itself]."

"Even if I join forces with the Nirvana Emperor [an emperor who has undergone a profound rebirth through tribulation], we do not have absolute certainty of utterly defeating him. We must make many more preparations. I fear we will be unable to capture him for some time."

"…"

The schemes of the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign were unknown to Eldrin Chen.

At this moment, he was within the Great Wasteland Sacred Hall [the primary ceremonial and administrative hall of the Great Wasteland], discussing the matters to come with the various Great Emperor [cultivators who have ascended to the realm of Great Emperors] under his command.

Inside the Great Hall, Eldrin Chen swept his gaze over the assembly and declared, "The immediate crisis has been averted. Next, I intend to depart from the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain [the ancient, foundational realm of the Great Wasteland]."

"This journey is to sever a thread of Karma [the cosmic law of cause and effect that binds all actions and destinies]."

"During this time, I will leave behind a Reincarnation Body [a powerful avatar born from the cycle of rebirth] to wield the Heavenly Path Authority. Should any urgent matters arise, you may report directly to my incarnation."

Upon hearing this, everyone showed concern. Liana Imperial Lord could not help but ask, "When will the Imperial Lord [a title for a ruler of an imperial domain] return?"

"Barring unforeseen circumstances, I shall return within thirty Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, each marking an era of great upheaval and renewal]."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen weighed his words carefully before speaking.

This time, he intended to seek out the Indestructibility Primordial Domain to aid Indestructibility Ancient One in completing his revival.

Should this journey succeed, Eldrin Chen would likely gain an ally at the Invincible Sage Ascendant realm. This would significantly bolster his confidence, whether in confronting the Great Wasteland Imperial Sovereign or in making a triumphant return to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

Furthermore, at the very least, it would fulfill the promise he had made long ago.

With the Path Marker left behind by Indestructibility Ancient One, Eldrin Chen had a very high chance of locating the Indestructibility Primordial Domain.

The reason he needed thirty Kalpa Tribulation was due to the immense vastness of the Chaos Desolation Sea. It was a place where perilous Sea of Chaos Tidal Wave and violent storms could appear at any moment, likely causing significant delays.

Now, understanding that Eldrin Chen's resolve was firm, everyone present ceased their objections.

Only Liana Imperial Lord took a deep breath and could not help but speak out, "Go swiftly and return swiftly. Remember, your safety is paramount."

"Understood."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod. Without further ado, he activated the Returning Abyss Pearl and vanished into the Vast and Boundless Chaos Desolation Sea.

After departing from Great Wasteland Ancient Realm, Eldrin Chen activated the Returning Abyss Pearl several times in succession. Only when he was a vast distance from the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain did he finally cease its use.

Immediately afterward, he focused his senses through the Indestructibility Battle Armor and the Indestructibility Blood to locate the position of the Indestructibility Primordial Domain.

The connection between the Indestructibility Battle Armor, the Indestructibility Blood, and their source domain was profound. Even across the immense expanse of the Chaos Desolation Sea, Eldrin Chen could still faintly perceive the direction of the Indestructibility Primordial Domain.

Thus, he journeyed ceaselessly through the Chaos Desolation Sea, following that subtle pull toward his destination.

The Chaos Desolation Sea was boundless, a realm where time lost all meaning. Eldrin Chen flew for an unknowable duration, weathering one terrifying peril after another.

There were Sea of Chaos Tidal Wave, terrifying Chaos Storm, and Colossal Chaos Fiend that devoured all in their path—each a force capable of annihilating even a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal or a Primordial One Imperial Lord.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen's current power was extraordinary. He either relied on his formidable defenses to endure the onslaughts or found opportunities to evade them entirely.

Then, one day, Eldrin Chen realized he had passed through the turbulent heart of the Chaos Desolation Sea and arrived at the borders of a vast, tranquil Chaos Domain.

"This place is..."

Eldrin Chen paused, a look of astonishment crossing his face. "Another thriving Primordial Domain?"

Eldrin Chen lifted his gaze to the vast and boundless Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse that predates the ordered realms] before him, a surge of astonishment washing over him as he realized this Sea of Chaos was immeasurably more expansive than the Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

Within this Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence], Eldrin Chen detected thirty-seven immensely majestic auras, each one seemingly emanating from a vast and magnificent Primordial Domain [a foundational, ancient realm born from the Sea of Chaos].

"A Primordial Domain of unparalleled prosperity and vitality, far surpassing even the Southern Abyss Seven Domains in its splendor," he murmured to himself.

His heart filled with awe, Eldrin Chen looked toward the Central region of these infinite Primordial Domain. There, an aura blazed like a celestial sun dominating the heavens—an indescribable, supremely powerful presence.

That aura was the most formidable Eldrin Chen had ever encountered in his life, instilling in him a profound sense of dread and insignificance.

"A supreme powerhouse, likely an existence of the Second Chaos Realm [the second major stage of cultivation within the primordial chaos], a paramount sovereign of the Path Union Realm [the realm where one's cultivated path merges with the fundamental laws]," he whispered inwardly.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen swiftly sought out a Chaos Demon God [a powerful demonic entity native to the primordial chaos].

By gleaning information from the creature and cross-referencing it with the emanations from this Primordial Domain, he finally pieced together part of the identity of this vast Chaos Domain [a major region or territory within the Sea of Chaos].

"The Blazing Central Chaos Domain," the name formed in his mind.

As this realization crystallized, Eldrin Chen's thoughts raced, and a wave of profound shock coursed through him.

The Blazing Central Chaos Domain [the central and most powerful region within the vast primordial chaos] is an immeasurably vast Chaos Domain [a major region within the primordial chaos]. This Chaos Domain is composed of thirty-seven Primordial Domain [ancient foundational realms] and Celestial Pole Domain [realms aligned with cosmic poles], and is home to over several dozen powerful beings at the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor, a sovereign ruler within the chaos].

Here, Sage Ascendant [beings who have ascended to the threshold of sagehood] Patriarch [venerable clan or sect leaders] number in the hundreds, Great Emperor [powerful emperors] number nearly a thousand, and Primordial One Imperial Lord [ancient, foundational imperial lords] are as numerous as the stars in the sky.

Most terrifying of all, within the Blazing Central Chaos Domain, there resides a single supreme being at the Second Chaos Realm [the second major stage of cultivation within the primordial chaos], a Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified multiple cultivation paths].

It can be said that this Blazing Central Chaos Domain is the absolute core of the surrounding Chaos Desolation Sea [the vast, desolate sea of primordial chaos], far more prosperous and powerful than the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [the seven domains of the Southern Abyss].

By comparison, the Southern Abyss Seven Domains seem like a mere remote village, almost insignificant.

"What a formidable Chaos Domain," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly.

He was surprised to discover that, unlike the inhabitants of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, the cultivators here in the Blazing Central Chaos Domain possessed a certain degree of knowledge about his homeland.

This place held a Cosmographic Map [a celestial chart mapping the cosmos], which marked the locations of several dozen surrounding Chaos Domain, including the approximate coordinates of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

However, these coordinates were outdated, recorded a full thousand Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration] ago. Relying on this Cosmographic Map to find the way back would entail significant risk.

Even a powerhouse at the Great Emperor Realm could easily become lost in the Vast and Boundless Chaos Desolation Sea [the immense and trackless sea of primordial chaos] due to such erroneous coordinates.

What truly surprised Eldrin Chen was that the Chaos Heavenly Emperors from the Southern Abyss Seven Domains had, without exception, all visited the Blazing Central Chaos Domain at some point, leaving behind traces of their renown.

This was because, within the Blazing Central Chaos Domain, a grand Barter Convention at the Chaos Tier level was held once every thousand Kalpa Tribulations [immense cosmic cycles].

Only the most supreme Sage Ascendants or powerhouses at the level of Chaos Heavenly Emperors were deemed worthy of attending such a Barter Convention.

At these conventions, Chaos Tier Rare Spiritual Wonders were commonplace, and even the exceedingly rare Chaos Spiritual Artifacts made appearances. On occasion, even Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs] could be found for trade.

With nearly every gathering, one or two Chaos Heavenly Emperors from the Southern Abyss Seven Domains would inevitably arrive to participate.

Eldrin Chen quickly grasped the reason. With only twenty Chaos Heavenly Emperors across the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, finding suitable treasures for trade amongst themselves was exceedingly difficult.

In contrast, the Barter Convention held in the Blazing Central Primordial Domain consistently drew dozens of Chaos Heavenly Emperors from the surrounding regions.

For beings of their stature, traversing the Chaos Desolation Sea posed little difficulty, making their attendance at the convention a perfectly logical course of action.

With this understanding, Eldrin Chen examined the Cosmographic Map once more, and a wave of relief washed over him.

Compared to the vast and influential Southern Abyss Seven Domains, the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm was but a mote of dust, its position within the ever-shifting currents of the Chaos Desolation Sea nearly impossible to pinpoint.

Therefore, the Cosmographic Map [a celestial chart mapping the vast cosmos] does not record the location of the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm [an ancient and desolate domain].

Not only that, but this Cosmographic Map does not even mark the positions of individual Primordial Domain [a foundational, chaotic realm at the dawn of creation]. All recorded Primordial Domain are depicted as part of a larger Chaos Domain [a turbulent, formless region of primordial chaos].

Generally speaking, at least three or more Primordial Domain cluster together, each guarded by a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign ruling over primordial chaos], who uses a grand Formation [a mystical array or formation art] to suppress the vast Chaos Domain formed from the churning Chaos Desolation Sea [the boundless, turbulent sea of primordial chaos].

Furthermore, the recorded Path Marker [a celestial beacon or navigational marker] are not precise coordinates.

This is because the Chaos Desolation Sea is in constant motion. A single Sea of Chaos Tidal Wave [a cataclysmic wave of chaotic energy] can alter the trajectory of these drifting Chaos Domain.

Without the ability to calculate their shifting directions, relying solely on Path Marker left behind hundreds or thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration and cataclysm] ago makes locating these Chaos Domain an exceedingly difficult task.

After all, the Chaos Desolation Sea is unimaginably vast. A mere millimeter's shift on the Cosmographic Map could translate to an error spanning hundreds or even thousands of Desolate Journey [a unit of measure for traversing desolate, chaotic space] in reality.

Without constant, real-time positioning, pinpointing the exact location of a Chaos Domain is a feat of near-impossible difficulty.

Moreover, within this Chaos Desolation Sea, a Chaos Heavenly Emperor possesses the means to conceal the precise Path Marker of their Chaos Domain, a task not overly challenging for such a being.

Returning to the matter at hand, after comprehending the intelligence on the Blazing Central Chaos Domain [a specific, fiery region within the chaos], Eldrin Chen immediately grew cautious.

He possessed Heavy Treasures like the Returning Abyss Pearl. If discovered within the Blazing Central Chaos Domain, their origins could easily be traced back to him.

"Until I possess sufficient strength, as an outsider, I must avoid contact with the inhabitants of this place as much as possible."

With this thought, Eldrin Chen decided not to linger. He immediately retreated from the Chaos Desolation Sea and took a detour, continuing his journey towards the Indestructibility Primordial Domain.

Skirting the vast expanse of the Blazing Central Chaos Domain, Eldrin Chen traversed the Vast and Boundless Chaos Desolation Sea. Unnoticed, he finally arrived at the periphery of a vast and imposing Primordial Domain.

"This place should be the Indestructibility Primordial Domain, correct?"

Gazing at the Primordial Domain before him, a faint smile touched Eldrin Chen's lips. Through the resonance of the Indestructibility Battle Armor and the Indestructibility Blood, his heart confirmed this was indeed the Indestructibility Primordial Domain.

With this conviction, he flew forward. Yet, as he neared the Indestructibility Primordial Domain, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

He sensed that within the Indestructibility Primordial Domain, a torrential surge of bloody aura was rising to the heavens, as if a brutal and desperate battle was Burst forth.

He hurriedly stepped into the Indestructibility Primordial Domain. There, he beheld countless Immortal of the Fleshly Body Sanctification lineage soaring through the skies. They rode upon their war chariots, sweeping across the Heavenly Vault as they Burst into combat against a host of celestial soldiers at the very edge of the Nine Heavens.

Those celestial soldiers exuded an aura of frigid death, as terrifying as corpses returned from the netherworld.

"Slaughter, slaughter, slaughter! This war to defy the heavens is our final chance."

"All immortals, heed my command! The defense of the Indestructibility Primordial Domain begins now, at this very moment. Follow me and charge into the Nine Heavens!"

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw peerless powerhouses at the Imperial Lord realm roaring between heaven and earth. They mounted their steeds and soared skyward, clashing in a world-shaking battle against unfathomably powerful foes from the Nine Heavens Above.

Countless Immortal [powerful cultivators who have transcended mortality] roared as they charged towards the Heavenly Vault. They ascended with boundless Slaughter Intent [a palpable aura of killing will], their desperate cries echoing: "We, the sons of Indestructibility [a concept of unyielding, eternal resilience], shall have souls that remain Indestructibility even in death!"

"Today, even if we shed our last drop of blood and become wraiths in the Nine Nether Abysses [the deepest, most dreadful layers of the underworld], we must not let that fiend complete his ritual to sacrifice all life to the heavens and earth!"

"Slaughter! Slaughter! Slaughter!"

Innumerable Immortal roared as they took to the skies, soaring upward with overwhelming Slaughter Intent.

Somewhat confused by the situation, Eldrin Chen reached out and stopped an Immortal flying past him. "Young friend," he asked, "what is happening?"

"What is happening?"

The Immortal was momentarily taken aback, then replied, "Senior, how long have you been in seclusion? The Sea of Blood Great Emperor [a title for a supremely powerful and ruthless cultivator], in his bid to break through to the Saint Realm [a legendary cultivation realm of sainthood], is willing to sacrifice all living beings in a blood ritual to advance his cultivation!"

"Now that we are marching to our deaths in defiance, we can only make this final, desperate gamble."

"The Sea of Blood [a realm of endless crimson liquid and malevolent energy]... that treacherous disciple dares to do this!"