Chapter 2089 : A Gathering of Celestial Sovereigns

"My gratitude for your aid, Dao Progenitor [the supreme master of a fundamental cosmic principle]."

Watching the four Celestial Emperor [supreme sovereigns of heaven] depart, Eldrin Chen quickly clasped his hands and bowed in thanks to the two Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [immortal sages who are progenitors of a cosmic Dao].

Vast Void Dao Progenitor gave a slight nod, offering no further words. He turned to Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the progenitor of the Dao of Primordial Beginning] and said with a clasped fist, "My congratulations, Elder Brother. Having attained the realm of Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who masters the path of the soul], it seems the title of foremost expert across the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss shall henceforth belong to you."

"You flatter me. I have merely taken a single step ahead. I have no doubt you, my worthy brother, will catch up swiftly."

Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor replied calmly, then nodded towards Eldrin Chen.

With that, he lifted his gaze towards the other side of the Void [the formless, boundless cosmic emptiness]. There, he saw that the Three Great Celestial Emperors of the Demon Race, recognizing the turn of the tide, had returned to the safety of the Three Poles Origin Domain with utmost haste.

"Their reaction was indeed swift."

A faint frown touched the brow of Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor. Yet, he did not give immediate chase. Instead, he looked at Eldrin Chen and Black Abyss Sage Ascendant and said, "Let us return for now."

Soon, all present gathered and made their way into the heart of the Primordial Immortal Domain.

Within the Nine-Layered Heavenly Palace, the six Chaos Celestial Emperor [Celestial Emperors born of or mastering primordial chaos] convened: Primordial Genesis, Grand Abyss, Grand Turbidity [Master of the Grand Turbid Dao], Primordial Beginning, Purple Tenuity, and Imperishable. Eldrin Chen and Black Abyss Great Emperor stood respectfully to the side.

The Sage-King of the Grand Abyss gazed at the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor, unable to contain his delight as he spoke, "With Elder Brother's return this time, we can finally vent our long-suppressed fury."

The Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor's eyes also blazed with a scorching light, his words laced with killing intent, "Shall we take action and topple the Demonic Celestial Court [the celestial court ruled by demonic powers]?"

"Then let us seize this opportunity and turn their world upside down."

The Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor spoke slowly, then took a single step that carried him into the depths of the starry void. With a flip of his palm, he unleashed a world-shaking collision against the Demonic Celestial Court.

In that instant, the vast Demonic Celestial Court shattered. Layer upon layer of celestial palaces crumbled and fell like rain, and countless peerless Demon Immortal [demonic cultivators who have attained immortality] perished beneath that single blow.

"Old Daoist Primordial Genesis, do you truly intend to burn all bridges between us?"

Witnessing the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor's decisive strike, the Three Great Celestial Emperors of the Demon Race [the three supreme rulers of the demonic forces] could no longer hold back.

Behold! The Candle Dragon Celestial Emperor surged into the sky, commanding nine Primordial Dragon Pearls [primordial treasures containing draconic essence] that transformed into a Innate Supreme Treasure Slaughter Formation [a supreme innate formation of slaughter] to suppress the foe.

"Candle Dragon, after all these years, it seems you have made no progress whatsoever."

The Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor let out a cold laugh. With a sweeping palm strike that cleaved through reality, he sent the Candle Dragon Celestial Emperor hurtling backwards, crashing deep into the boundless expanse of the starry void.

Simultaneously, ripples emanated from the Void [the primordial emptiness from which all things manifest], and a breathtakingly beautiful Immortal Phoenix soared into the sky. With a mighty sweep of its wings, it cleaved through the air, its attack landing squarely before the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the Progenitor of the Primordial Beginning Path].

"The Primordial Phoenix [the primordial ancestor of all phoenixes], you are not so formidable after all."

The Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor spoke with detached calm. With a mere flick of his sleeve, he unleashed a palm strike that sent the Primordial Phoenix reeling backward, its face drained of color.

With the two Demon Race Celestial Emperors [supreme rulers of the demon race] unable to prevail, the Solar Celestial Emperor [the Celestial Emperor of the Sun] could no longer restrain himself. He took to the skies astride a Solar Golden Bell [a divine bell forged from solar essence], its tolling shattering the vast expanse of Lucian as he sought to suppress the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor.

This time, a trace of solemnity finally appeared on the face of the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor. He brandished the horsetail whisk in his hand and summoned the Primordial Spirit Pagoda [a pagoda that houses and refines primordial spiritual essence] skyward. In an instant, it collided with the Solar Golden Bell in a cataclysmic clash.

After the single exchange, the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor stood firm, unmoved. The Solar Celestial Emperor, however, paled slightly and was forced back three steps.

"Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor, do you truly intend to tear all pretense of civility asunder?"

Having been bested in the first exchange, the Solar Celestial Emperor could not conceal his profound wariness. An icy, boundless chill flickered deep within his gaze.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen finally grasped the true extent of the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor's current power.

Having now attained the realm of Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm where one's soul path reaches the level of a Celestial Emperor], the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor's overall strength had undergone a monumental, qualitative leap.

Before his breakthrough, the normal combat strength of Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor was roughly sixty to seventy percent greater than that of an ordinary Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of a celestial realm, possessing immense power].

At that time, Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor could likely hold his own against two ordinary Chaos Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who has mastered the power of primordial chaos] in a one-versus-two confrontation.

Now, however, Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor's overall power has increased by more than double. He should be capable of contending with five ordinary Chaos Celestial Emperor.

With such might, while one dare not claim he rivals a half-step Dao Merging [a realm where one begins to merge their being with the fundamental Dao], he can certainly be considered among the very strongest of the top-tier Celestial Emperor.

Of course, a Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor whose power stems from profound mastery over the soul and spirit] is not adept at prolonged battles, excelling more in Eruption [a supreme technique that unleashes one's full power in a devastating, short-lived burst].

Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor possesses a Primordial Spirit Treasure [a treasure of immense power that resonates with and amplifies one's Primordial Spirit] to augment his divine abilities. At the peak of his Eruption, he can even pose a marginal threat to a Dao-Union Supreme [a supreme being who has fully merged with the Dao]. Thus, even ordinary half-step Dao Merging cultivators would view him with immense caution.

Such strength, while perhaps still far inferior to that of the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor, places him in a league of his own within the current Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss.

Under these circumstances, while Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor might not be confident in slaying or suppressing the Solar Celestial Emperor, he is undoubtedly significantly more powerful.

Should he unleash the forbidden Chaos Divine Ability [a supreme technique drawing upon the primordial power of chaos] known as 'Great Dao Sword' [the Sword of the Great Dao, a conceptual weapon embodying fundamental principles], there is a possibility he could severely wound or even annihilate the physical body of the Solar Celestial Emperor.

With this thought, a wave of relief and joy washed over Eldrin Chen. With such a formidable senior from his own Clan Elder [a senior member of a cultivation clan] offering protection, his personal safety was now secured to a vastly greater degree.

"Fellow Daoist of the Grand Yang [the supreme principle of the sun and masculine yang energy], was it not you who sought to tear apart all pretense of civility?"

The Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the progenitor of all beginnings, a supreme existence] spoke, his voice carrying a thread of icy detachment as he continued.

Simultaneously, figures like the Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor [the Divine Emperor governing the celestial Purple Tenuity constellation], the Primordial Beginning Divine Emperor [the Divine Emperor embodying the state of primordial origin], and Sage-King of the Grand Abyss [the sovereign sage who rules over the vast cosmic abyss] soared into the air, converging to encircle the two Demon Race Celestial Emperor [supreme rulers of the demonic races].

"Do you truly wish for a fight to the death, where both fish and net are destroyed?"

As the six Celestial Emperor [supreme sovereigns who have ascended to rule over celestial domains] closed in, the Solar Celestial Emperor [the Celestial Emperor who commands the power of the sun] unleashed a boundless aura of chilling intent.

In that instant, he unleashed his full power with an Eruption [a divine technique of explosive, overwhelming force]. Behind his head, the manifestations of the Great Dao of the Sun [the supreme path governing solar essence and flame] and the Starry Great Dao [the fundamental principle of the stars and celestial bodies] suddenly materialized, invoking and drawing upon the power of his Authority over the Cosmic Stars [the divine mandate granting dominion over the stars of the cosmos].

In a flash, the boundless Starry [pertaining to stellar or celestial] power of the Primordial Immortal Domain [the primordial realm where immortals dwell], along with the might of the Solar Emperor Star [the celestial body that is the seat of the Solar Emperor's power], erupted forth. This power coalesced into endless Order Divine Chains [divine constructs of law and cosmic order] that descended to empower the Solar Celestial Emperor.

Bolstered by the Solar Emperor Star and the Zhou Heaven Star Power [the collective stellar energy of the entire celestial sphere], the cultivation base and combat prowess of the Solar Celestial Emperor surged by more than fifty percent, bringing him to the very brink of touching the half-step Dao Union Realm [a transcendent state where one's being merges with the fundamental Dao].

"The authority of the Cosmic Stars [the stars and constellations of the heavens] and the Chaos Ancestral Vein [the primordial source of all chaotic energy]?"

The gaze of the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor turned frosty. Within his Primordial Spirit Pagoda [a pagoda-shaped treasure that houses and refines one's primordial spirit], the Great Dao Sword [a sword embodying the fundamental principles of the Great Dao] churned and seethed. A terrifying power, hinting at the capacity to annihilate heavens and extinguish worlds, began to condense within it.

This sent a chill through the hearts of the Three Great Celestial Emperors of the Demon Race. The Zhou Heaven Star Power was indeed formidable, its empowerment greatly enhancing the Solar Celestial Emperor's strength, yet it ultimately had not reached the domain of a half-step Dao Merging cultivator.

If the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor were to truly unleash a Forbidden Divine Ability, it was not impossible for him to severely injure the Solar Celestial Emperor.

After all, among the three paths—the Dao-Grasping Celestial Emperor, Sainthood through the Flesh, and Soul Path Celestial Emperor—the Soul Path Celestial Emperor was inherently the most powerful.

Not to mention, the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor also wielded the Chaos Great Dao, making his strength far beyond that of a mere Soul Path Celestial Emperor.

With this realization, the Three Celestial Emperors all wore expressions of extreme gravity.

Though filled with immense trepidation, the Solar Celestial Emperor still spoke with a voice dripping with killing intent: "Your Chaos Divine Ability is indeed extraordinary, but even if you unleash it fully, this sovereign does not fear you."

"Is that so?"

As the words of the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor fell, the Great Dao Sword within the Primordial Spirit Pagoda began to radiate with a light of Annihilation.

Just as he was about to erupt with his full power and strike, a voice suddenly echoed from within the Chaos.

"Fellow Daoist, hold your hand."

Yet at this very moment, a majestic figure soared forth from the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

The newcomer was clad in Chaos battle armor, his aura having already stepped into the half-step Dao Merging [the realm of unifying with the fundamental Dao] domain. It was none other than the Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor from the Blazing Central Primordial Domain.

"Him?"

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, his expression turning profoundly grave.

This Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor hailed from the Blazing Central Primordial Domain, yet he had suddenly appeared within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss today, a move that took everyone by surprise.

However, his cultivation had reached the half-step Dao Union Realm [the realm of Dao union], and his strength placed him among the foremost of those at the half-step Dao Merging threshold. Thus, for the moment, none dared act rashly.

"Fellow Daoist Bedrock Extreme, do you also intend to interfere in the affairs of our Three Poles Origin Domain?"

Seeing this, the Primordial Beginning Divine Emperor spoke, his brow knitted with solemnity.

The Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor merely offered a faint smile. He directly and forcefully stepped into the Primordial Immortal Domain, his expression calm as he spoke:

"The Heavenly Abyss [a cosmic chasm of profound danger] will soon calm. That Foreign Realm Demon Emperor will surely return with renewed force. Each of you is a pillar supporting the heavens within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss. How can you afford to turn on each other and waste your strength in internal strife at such a time?"

"Perhaps this humble one can act as a mediator. How about each of you takes a step back and ceases hostilities here and now?"

"Cease hostilities?"

Upon hearing this, the various Celestial Emperor of the Human and Divine Races, and even Grand Turbid Daoist [the Daoist of the Grand Turbid], all revealed a flicker of shock and fury in their expressions.

Now, with the Human and Divine Races allied, they had fought their way to the very doorstep of the Demon Race [the race of Demons]. They were on the verge of completely expelling the Demon Race from the Three Poles Origin Domain [the primordial domain encompassing the Three Poles].

For Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor to come urging peace at this very moment—wasn't this blatantly taking sides?

"Damnation! That old thief Blazing Zenith Supreme does not wish for our Three Poles Origin Domain to be unified. He seeks to plant a thorn within our midst."

Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor communicated via divine sense with the others, his face a mask of profound alarm and rage.

At this moment, everyone present understood the true reason behind Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor's arrival to broker peace today.

The fundamental cause was his unwillingness to see the Three Poles Origin Domain unified.

After all, the Three Poles Origin Domain possessed formidable strength and stood as a top-tier Origin Domain [a primordial realm of existence]. Now, it had even produced a Soul Path Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who has mastered the Soul Path] in the form of Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor.

An Origin Domain [a primordial and foundational realm in the cosmos] of such formidable power, if it were to achieve complete unification and then be jointly governed by the Nine Chaos Celestial Emperors, would likely possess the strength to contend with even a Dao-Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified their path with the fundamental Dao].

By that time, the Three Poles Origin Domain would very likely give birth to a Dao-Union Supreme, utterly shattering the established power structure of the Blazing Zenith Hundred Domains.

The Blazing Zenith Lineage was unwilling to witness this scene unfold, nor did it wish for the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor to break through to the Dao Union Realm [the cultivation realm of a Dao-Union Supreme].

Therefore, by dispatching Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor here, its purpose was precisely to prevent the Three Poles Origin Domain from achieving unification.

"What a masterful application of the doctrine of balance," he mused, "going to any length to extinguish another's hope of reaching the Dao-Union Supreme. The Blazing Zenith Lineage overreaches its authority far too much."

Indestructible Celestial Emperor communicated silently with the others, yet a profound wariness flickered deep within his gaze.

The six Celestial Emperor [supreme rulers of heavenly realms] were filled with immense frustration, yet found themselves somewhat powerless to act.

After all, Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor possessed formidable strength. With him personally acting as mediator, they stood no chance of prevailing against the three emperors of the Demon Race.

Nevertheless, Sage-King of the Grand Abyss remained unwilling to yield. He spoke with grave solemnity, "Your prowess is mighty, and the prestige of the Blazing Zenith Lineage resounds throughout the Chaos and the Myriad Heavens.

"However, your interference in the affairs of our Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss is simply overreaching."

"Arrogant?"

Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor let out a cold sneer. In his hand, the Unparalleled Heavenly Halberd cleaved through the void, aiming a devastating blow at Sage-King of the Grand Abyss.

In that instant, Sage-King of the Grand Abyss's expression changed drastically. He hurriedly channeled his Grand Abyss Sword to parry, yet he was still sent flying, blood spraying from his mouth.

Fortunately, at the critical moment, the Heavenly Dao's Will of the Primordial Immortal Domain stirred awake. Countless Great Dao Divine Chain descended, shielding Sage-King of the Grand Abyss and preventing him from suffering a grievous injury.

"*Hummm—*"

Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor instantly caught Sage-King of the Grand Abyss. He then summoned the Primordial Spirit Pagoda to confront the foe, his expression turning icy as he spoke, "Your actions, sir, are excessive."

Simultaneously, Indestructible Celestial Emperor and the other Celestial Emperors also rose into the air, standing shoulder to shoulder as they gazed with profound wariness at Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor.

Facing Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor, Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor showed a modicum of seriousness, yet his tone remained placid. "The order to cease hostilities," he stated, "was issued personally by Blazing Zenith Supreme."

"If you are dissatisfied, you may take your grievances directly to Blazing Zenith Supreme."

Upon hearing these words, the complexions of all present shifted subtly. The Three Great Celestial Emperors of the Demon Race, however, could not conceal their delight.

Blazing Zenith Supreme [the supreme ruler of the Blazing Zenith lineage] has dominated the Blazing Zenith Hundred Domains [the collective name for the vast territories under the Blazing Zenith lineage's control] for millions of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years]. Only those who have reached the half-step Dao Merging [a realm where one begins to merge with the fundamental Dao] can give him even a moment's pause.

Given the current strength of the Three Poles Origin Domain [a powerful alliance of three major factions], even if all six Celestial Emperor [supreme cultivators who have attained the pinnacle of power] were to join forces, seeking out Blazing Zenith Supreme would only be inviting trouble upon themselves.

"It seems we cannot capture the Demon Race Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of the demon race] today," he said.

Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the progenitor of the Primordial Beginning lineage] stopped the unwilling crowd and looked calmly at Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor known for his unyielding nature]. "Since Senior Blazing Zenith Supreme has personally issued the order, we naturally dare not disobey."

"We are now aware of this matter. Fellow Daoist, please return swiftly."

"You are the one who understands the greater picture," Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor replied with a faint smile, then turned to look behind him. "Come forth."

Immediately, several immensely powerful auras surged from within the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between realms], and three figures—two men and one woman—stepped forward.

Eldrin Chen looked up, and his expression shifted slightly.

For among these three, the two men were figures Eldrin Chen knew all too well.

These two were none other than the Profound Desolation Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor embodying profound desolation] from the Blazing Zenith Lineage [the supreme faction led by the Blazing Zenith Supreme], and 'Blazing Zenith Ember' [a title for a powerful cultivator within the Blazing Zenith lineage], who had cultivated the Unique True Form [a supreme divine ability that manifests one's unique and ultimate form].

The final woman was not someone Eldrin Chen knew personally, yet he could roughly discern her origins.

Her Daoist title was 'Azure Moon Empress', and she was a veteran Chaos Celestial Emperor of the Blazing Zenith Lineage.

"One who can challenge a Celestial Emperor, and two Chaos Celestial Emperors."

The moment the trio appeared, everyone present felt a flicker of wariness, their expressions betraying a trace of astonishment.

Seeing this, the Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor spoke calmly, "His Holiness Blazing Zenith Supreme personally performed a divination. He discovered that the Primordial Chaos Abyss will calm down within the next several hundred Kalpas."

"When that time comes, the Northern Abyss Foreign Domain will likely launch an invasion. To aid the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, our Blazing Zenith Lineage is seizing this opportunity to dispatch three powerful experts in assistance."

At this point, the Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor paused briefly before continuing, "For this period, Xuanhuang, Cangyue, and Fenjin shall be temporarily stationed within your Three Poles Origin Domain."

"Stationed in the Three Poles Origin Domain?"

In that instant, the expressions of all present shifted dramatically.

Even the Three Celestial Emperors of the Demon Race revealed a flicker of peculiar emotion.

Eldrin Chen's expression turned frosty in an instant, as he grasped the multifaceted scheme of the Blazing Central Primordial Domain.

Dispatching three mighty experts here was likely a pretense to aid the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss; their true aim was to plant a spy within its borders.

Their objectives were threefold. First, to prevent Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor and his allies from reneging on their word and expelling the Three Great Celestial Emperors of the Demon Race immediately after Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor's departure.

Second, to monitor Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor, ensuring he did not make a sudden breakthrough into the Dao-Union Supreme realm.

The third and most crucial point was to scheme for control over the authority of the Primordial Immortal Domain.

As the saying goes, it is easier to invite a deity than to send one away.

With three powerful figures garrisoned within the Primordial Immortal Domain, they would have the potential to usurp the authority of the Primal Immortal Domain's Heavenly Dao.

This was especially true for Blazing Zenith Ember, a being who could rival a Celestial Emperor.

If he were to attain the Dao of the Chaos Celestial Emperor [the supreme path of a Chaos Celestial Emperor] within the Primordial Immortal Domain, he could complete the domain's Fleshly Body Sage Attainment Path. In doing so, he would naturally gain partial control over the authority of the Three Poles Origin Domain.

At that point, the Blazing Zenith Lineage could, through Blazing Zenith Ember, gradually seize the Authority of the Heavenly Dao [the supreme right to command the fundamental laws of heaven and earth] of the Three Poles Origin Domain.

"Damnation."

After comprehending the full picture, Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with the other Celestial Emperor [the supreme rulers of the heavens, beings of immense power and authority], and a look of profound fury surfaced on their faces.

Yet fury was one thing; action was another. Even if they wished to intervene, it was now impossible. To ensure their own survival, the Three Great Celestial Emperors of the Demon Race [the three paramount rulers of the demonic hordes] would undoubtedly agree to the entry of Blazing Zenith Ember and his allies.

Even if they sought to unite and request aid from the other Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [progenitors of the Dao, beings who have transcended mortality to become immortal sages] within the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss, it was unlikely those powers would lend their hand.

For once the Demon Race were expelled and the Three Poles Origin Domain unified, the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the Progenitor of Primordial Beginnings, a title for a supreme cultivator] would very likely achieve a breakthrough into the Dao Union Realm [a legendary state of cultivation where one's being merges completely with the fundamental Dao].

Compared to the distant threat of Blazing Zenith Supreme, the prospect of the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor from the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss breaking through to the Dao Union Realm was a far more immediate and terrifying concern for these Chaos Celestial Emperor.

"This is trouble."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, his gaze sweeping over the assembled figures once more, his expression hardening into one of grave solemnity.

He saw the Primordial Beginning Divine Emperor [the Divine Emperor of Primordial Beginnings] and others furrow their brows in consternation. The expressions of Candle Dragon [a primordial dragon deity associated with time and light] and Primordial Phoenix [the first phoenix, a symbol of rebirth and cosmic fire] were a complex mix of apprehension and a sliver of hope. Only the Solar Celestial Emperor [the Celestial Emperor of the Sun] remained impassive, his face an unreadable mask, betraying neither joy nor sorrow.

Yet it was abundantly clear: regarding the imminent arrival of these three mighty powers, those present could reach no consensus, and they possessed no means whatsoever to bar their entry.

Seeing this, Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler among the demon race] could not help but let a faint smile curl at the corner of his mouth. He then spoke, "Since you have no other objections, let this matter be settled as such."

"I hope you can cooperate with utmost sincerity to jointly resist the assaults from the Northern Abyss Foreign Domain [a chaotic and perilous realm bordering the known world]."

With those words, Bedrock Extreme Celestial Emperor said no more, leaving the three powerful experts to be accommodated by the Demonic Celestial Court [the governing body of the demon race].

Eldrin Chen observed all of this calmly, only to suddenly sense a chilling gaze directed his way.

He looked up and found Blazing Zenith Ember [a powerful demon emperor] staring at him with icy coldness, a strange, sinister sneer playing on his lips.

He did not speak, but after giving Eldrin Chen a meaningful look, he departed with the Three Great Celestial Emperors of the Demon Race [the three paramount rulers of the demonic forces].

Only after the Three Great Celestial Emperors of the Demon Race had taken Blazing Zenith Ember and the others away did Eldrin Chen come back to himself, a shadow of worry crossing his features.

The Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [a venerable figure representing the origin of all things] patted Eldrin Chen on the shoulder, gave a slight shake of his head, and said, "Let us convene for discussion first."

"Agreed."

Eldrin Chen nodded and followed the various Celestial Emperor [supreme cultivators who have ascended to rule over celestial domains] into the heart of the Immortal Court [the celestial governing body of the immortal cultivators].

Upon the Ninth Heaven [the highest celestial realm], immortal palaces rose in tiered splendor.

Boundless immortal mists swirled, and a majestic celestial palace drifted above the Celestial Center [the central axis of the heavens].

Within the grand immortal hall, the Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor [the progenitor of the primordial Dao] and five other Celestial Emperor [supreme rulers of a heavenly domain] sat facing one another. Eldrin Chen and Black Abyss Sage Ascendant were seated to the side, each wearing expressions of profound gravity.

"Bang—"

The Purple Tenuity Divine Emperor [the Divine Emperor of the Purple Tenuity constellation] slammed the table, his face contorted with fury. "Blazing Zenith Supreme," he spat, "It's Blazing Zenith Supreme again."

"In the past, he grievously wounded the Primordial Immortal Domain [the original domain of the immortals]. Now he dares to meddle in the affairs of our Three Poles Origin Domain [the primordial domain of the three celestial poles]. Does he truly believe we are easy to bully?"

A heavy silence fell upon those present, none knowing quite how to respond.

Eldrin Chen understood well enough. In the eyes of Blazing Zenith Supreme, the Three Poles Origin Domain, lacking a half-step Dao Merging [a cultivator who has begun merging their being with the fundamental Dao] expert to guard it, likely seemed nothing more than a soft target.

To be bullied so brazenly, yet possess no means to retaliate, filled everyone present with a sense of bitter defeat.

"At times, I truly envy the True Demon Primal Domain [the primordial domain of the true demons]," one voice finally broke the quiet.

Grand Turbid Divine Emperor spoke slowly, a bitter smile gracing his lips. "Not only is there a Foreign Realm Demon Emperor [a powerful demon emperor from a foreign, hostile realm] holding the fort, but their forces are united as one. Even Blazing Zenith Supreme found it impossible to gain the slightest advantage over them."