Chapter 2094 : Treasures of the Sunken Abyss

With a resounding boom, the ultimate depths of the Sunken Abyss Heaven [a legendary, perilous realm] finally opened completely. All nine figures present lifted their gazes towards it, their expressions revealing a glimmer of elation.

Deep within that ultimate place, upon the massive Ancient Abyssal Cauldron [a primordial artifact of immense power], dozens of dazzling immortal lights gently undulated, radiating an indescribable, supreme divine power.

Among these dozens of treasures, the lowest rank were still peerless rarities of the Chaos Rare Treasure [a supreme grade of treasure born from primordial chaos] level. Furthermore, there were several divine objects of the even higher Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a legendary grade of spiritual treasure forged in chaos] grade.

"Chaos Primordial Qi [the fundamental, unformed energy of creation], Sinking Abyss Divine Iron [a mythical metal forged in the heart of the abyss], Primordial Chaos Mother Spring [the source spring of all chaotic spiritual energy]... and a genuine Chaos Spiritual Treasure."

The assembled experts murmured softly, unable to suppress a surge of wild joy.

At the center of these myriad divine objects, a suit of armor forged from Sinking Abyss Divine Iron floated, clearly a peerlessly defensive Chaos Spiritual Treasure.

Without the slightest hesitation, Blazing Zenith Ember shot towards the treasures, his voice ringing with arrogance.

"Esteemed colleagues," he declared, "among these treasures, I claim this 'Abyssal Battle Armor' [the Armor of the Abyssal Depths] for myself."

"Claiming that treasure will not be so simple."

Instantly, the Chaos Dragon Lord made his move. Mounting a Primordial Divine Spear [a spear of divine origin], he soared into the air, blocking the path of the supremely arrogant Blazing Zenith Ember.

The others present also acted swiftly, most charging towards this set of Abyssal War Armor.

Witnessing this scene, Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with a glint of understanding.

Among the various Chaos Spiritual Treasure, Chaos Primordial Qi [the foundational chaotic energy from which all things are born] is one of the most common yet crucial resources.

The value of a Chaos Spiritual Treasure is typically about twice that of Chaos Primordial Qi.

However, among Chaos Spiritual Treasure, armor and battle-garb types are often far more precious than ordinary ones.

This type of Chaos Spiritual Treasure not only enhances a Chaos Celestial Emperor's defense but also amplifies their combat prowess, ranking among the finest defensive Spiritual Treasure.

Most crucially, such battle-garbs rely on their own Primordial Chaos Dao Runes [mystical symbols embodying the laws of primordial chaos] and inherent sturdiness for passive defense, consuming virtually no Chaos Celestial Emperor's mana [the spiritual energy used to power magical arts].

While ordinary Chaos Spiritual Treasure possess immense power, activating them is exceedingly difficult. Typically, an average Chaos Celestial Emperor can only wield one such treasure at a time.

On this foundation, the more Chaos Great Dao [the fundamental chaotic principles governing reality] one masters, the more Chaos Spiritual Treasure a Chaos Celestial Emperor can simultaneously activate.

Under these constraints, even a top-tier Chaos Celestial Emperor can only wield two Chaos Spiritual Treasure at once, while a Half-Step Dao-Unification [a cultivator on the verge of unifying their understanding of the Dao] can manage only three.

Under such circumstances, possessing a Chaos Spiritual Treasure battle armor would be akin to gaining an additional defensive Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure forged from primordial chaos, possessing immense power].

This would allow the Chaos Celestial Emperor to allocate his surplus power to refine a Chaos Spiritual Treasure with formidable Slaughter [a divine ability focused on pure destruction] or specialized functions, thereby enhancing his combat prowess and arsenal of techniques.

Consequently, battle armor-type Chaos Spiritual Treasure are exceedingly rare and precious; within the entire Blazing Zenith Hundred Domains [a vast region of one hundred interconnected realms], those who possess one are exceptionally few.

To Eldrin Chen's knowledge, among the several dozen Half-Step Dao-Unification [cultivators who have nearly unified their comprehension of the Dao, the final step before true ascension] in the Blazing Zenith Hundred Domains, fewer than half actually own a Chaos Spiritual Treasure battle armor.

The remaining Half-Step Dao-Unification lack such a treasure to serve as their ultimate trump card.

If they were to learn that an Abyssal War Armor [a specific, legendary type of chaos battle armor] was present here, they would undoubtedly pay a staggering price to acquire it.

Understanding the immense value of the Abyssal War Armor, most of those present rushed to seize it, their focus consumed by the prize.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with Black Abyss Sage Ascendant and declared decisively, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Let us not fixate on the Abyssal Battle Armor for now."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen was the first to shatter the Chaos [the formless, primordial void] and surge toward the array of other treasures.

It was a fortunate coincidence; with everyone else scrambling for the Abyssal War Armor, no attention was paid to the remaining artifacts.

Seizing this opportunity, Eldrin Chen and Black Abyss Sage Ascendant joined forces and, in an astonishingly short span of time, managed to seize over a dozen pieces of Sinking Abyss Divine Iron [a legendary metal born from the depths of chaos] at the Chaos Rare Treasure [a treasure of immense rarity and power born from primordial chaos] level.

Not content with that, Eldrin Chen even charged directly towards that particular chunk of Sinking Abyss Divine Iron.

That was a piece of Sinking Abyss Divine Iron at the Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure of supreme quality forged in chaos] level. Its value was comparable to Chaos Primordial Qi [the most fundamental and potent energy of the primordial chaos]. If fed to Chaos Stubborn Iron [a sentient, evolving metal of chaos], it would likely trigger an ultimate, transcendent metamorphosis.

"Damn it! If this fight continues, Eldrin, the Abyssal Brat will likely become the biggest winner," one of the combatants thought with fury.

Watching Eldrin Chen scheme to seize the Sinking Abyss Divine Iron, Blazing Zenith Ember, who was himself fighting for the Abyssal War Armor [a legendary suit of armor from the abyssal depths], could finally sit still no longer.

In an instant, Blazing Zenith Ember shot through the void astride his Primordial Chaos Scorching Heaven Spear [a spear of chaos that can scorch the heavens], its divine might cleaving towards Eldrin Chen with overwhelming force.

"So swift," Eldrin murmured.

Eldrin Chen's eyes narrowed. He instantly summoned his Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd [a halberd of chaos that can challenge the heavens] to parry the blow.

Yet, in that same moment, a chilling glint shot towards his back. It was Thunder Halberd Celestial Saint, riding upon a Thunder War Halberd [a halberd crackling with divine thunder], joining Blazing Zenith Ember in a pincer attack against Eldrin Chen.

"*Clang—!*"

Fortunately, at the critical moment, Black Abyss Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator of the Black Abyss lineage] wielded the Black Abyss Emperor's Spear [a legendary spear imbued with the power of the abyssal depths] to block this strike, shielding Eldrin Chen's rear.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen and Black Abyss Sage Ascendant exchanged a glance, then joined forces with perfect synergy to confront the two Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivation realm just below the legendary Dao Progenitor], unleashing an ultimate battle of Eruption [a divine ability of explosive, overwhelming power].

From the outset, this battle descended into absolute chaos. The nine combatants, vying for the various Chaos Rare Treasure [precious artifacts born from the primordial chaos], erupted into a conflict of unprecedented and extreme ferocity.

The struggle centered around the Abyssal War Armor [a suit of legendary armor forged in the depths of the abyss], with this Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence before the cosmos formed] battle-armor as the core prize. Yet, none were willing to relinquish the other three Chaos Spiritual Treasure [spiritual treasures of immense power born from primordial chaos]: the Chaos Primordial Qi [the fundamental energy of creation], the Sinking Abyss Divine Iron [a mythical metal that sinks into the abyss], and the Primordial Chaos Mother Spring [the source spring of all chaotic energies].

Anyone attempting to seize these treasures would inevitably face the combined resistance of all others.

Thus, for a time, none could successfully claim any of the four supreme treasures.

The battle raged on for over seven thousand exchanges. Seeing that neither side could secure the treasures, alliances finally began to form among the combatants.

In a flash, Crimson Phoenix Holy Maiden, Misty Smoke Female Sage, and Chaos Dragon Lord exchanged glances, reaching a silent understanding in an instant.

Seizing the moment while Blazing Zenith Ember and Thunder Halberd Celestial Saint were assailing Eldrin Chen and Black Abyss Sage Ascendant, the trio surged forward toward the center where the treasures lay.

Misty Smoke Female Sage and Crimson Phoenix Holy Maiden intercepted Primordial Demonic Ape [an ancient and powerful demonic beast from the dawn of time] and Verdant Sun Sacred Lord, creating an opening for Chaos Dragon Lord to make a grab for the treasures on the field.

Then, the Chaos Dragon Lord instantly made his move, channeling boundless magical power to seize the Abyssal War Armor.

Yet, at that very moment, the Abyssal War Armor seemed to be gripped by a colossal, invisible force,

an immeasurably heavy power that anchored the treasure, making it difficult even for the Chaos Dragon Lord to wrest it away.

"This is..."

Eldrin Chen paused briefly, his gaze lifting towards the heart of the battlefield.

There, upon the vast Abyssal Giant Cauldron, an intangible field enveloped the three treasures, generating a force of indescribable, crushing weight.

Pressed down by this immense gravitational force, attempting to seize the Abyssal War Armor was a feat nearly as daunting as overturning a vast expanse of the Primordial Chaos Desolate Sea.

"It seems one must demonstrate sufficient strength to be worthy of extracting these Chaos Spiritual Treasure from the cauldron's grasp,"

Witnessing this, Blazing Zenith Ember let out a derisive snort and spoke with icy disdain, "Well, Chaos Dragon Lord, are you up to the task or not?"

"Argh, rise for me!"

The Chaos Dragon Lord nearly went berserk. In an instant, he activated his Unique True Form [a cultivator's ultimate form, embodying their deepest power and essence], transforming into a Primordial Era True Dragon [a legendary dragon of immense power from the dawn of creation] that soared into the colossal cauldron. Coiling around the Abyssal War Armor, he sought to wrest it free completely.

The power of the Unique True Form was vast and boundless, capable of shaking even the Primordial Immortal Domain. Now, the Chaos True Dragon coiled around the Abyssal War Armor, nearly lifting it entirely, beginning to pull it inch by inch from the grasp of the Chaos giant cauldron.

Yet, the Abyssal Giant Cauldron erupted with a searing light, its pressure so immense it defied belief. Just as the Abyssal War Armor was about to break free, the cauldron's power surged, dragging the treasure back into its depths.

"Aaaargh—!"

Seeing his efforts crumble at the final moment, the Chaos Dragon Lord was so enraged he nearly coughed up a mouthful of reverse blood [a sign of severe internal injury from cultivation backlash].

Witnessing this, Blazing Zenith Ember sneered coldly and spoke, "Can't even retrieve a single treasure. It seems the legacy of the Chaos Nine Dragon Nest is not all it's cracked up to be."

Seeing this scene, all those present fell into a contemplative silence, their expressions turning grave.

At this juncture, everyone ceased their fighting. They understood clearly that to seize the four Chaos Spiritual Treasure [primordial artifacts of immense power born from chaos] within the Abyssal Giant Cauldron, one must first demonstrate sufficient strength.

If their power was insufficient to even extract the treasures, then continuing to fight amongst themselves was utterly pointless.

The Crimson Phoenix Holy Maiden pondered for a moment before speaking directly, "The treasures within this Abyssal Giant Cauldron are all suppressed by the power of the Sunken Abyss Heaven and the cauldron itself."

"It seems that to retrieve the four treasures within the cauldron, one must demonstrate sufficient power."

Seeing this, Verdant Sun Sacred Lord spoke with a faint smile, "Since that is the case, why don't we each employ our own methods? Whoever can extract a treasure shall claim it."

"Hmph—"

Upon hearing this, the others present merely sneered, offering no reply to Verdant Sun Sacred Lord's words.

Clearly, while this condition seemed relatively fair, none of those gathered were willing to accept it.

Blazing Zenith Ember let out a cold laugh and spoke directly, "There are four supreme treasures within the cauldron, yet nine of us stand here. These treasures are simply not enough to go around."

"In my view, we should drive away those who are merely fish eyes trying to pass as pearls, and let the four strongest among us join forces to retrieve the treasures."

Hearing this, the expressions of many present shifted slightly.

According to Blazing Zenith Ember's proposal, Blazing Zenith Ember, who possessed a Chaos Spiritual Treasure, would undoubtedly secure one of the precious items.

Chaos Dragon Lord and Crimson Phoenix Holy Maiden, backed by supreme Half-Step Dao-Unification experts and each wielding a Chaos Spiritual Treasure, possessed strength far beyond what the others could match.

If calculated this way, the other six individuals could only compete for a single remaining spot?

As expected, upon hearing Blazing Zenith Ember's words, both Chaos Dragon Lord and Blazing Phoenix Celestial Maiden showed signs of being swayed.

Then, Chaos Dragon Lord looked at the assembled group and proposed, "Those of us who wield Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from primordial chaos] should rightfully claim three of the spots."

"As for the remaining spot, let us grant it to Misty Smoke Female Sage."

As soon as her words fell, Misty Smoke Female Sage revealed a flash of pleasant surprise and immediately moved to stand behind Crimson Phoenix Holy Maiden.

In but a moment, the four powerhouses who dared to challenge Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of the heavens] had formed an alliance.

Witnessing this scene, the remaining five individuals' expressions shifted dramatically, their faces contorting with immense fury.

Thunder Halberd Celestial Saint, Verdant Sun Sacred Lord, and Primordial Demonic Ape [an ancient, savage ape demon] all wore expressions of bitter resentment, their features etched with boundless rage.

Yet, the opposing alliance of four supreme experts, each wielding a Chaos Spiritual Treasure, likely held a slight edge in strength over their group of five.

After all, among the five, Black Abyss Sage Ascendant had not yet cultivated his Unique Divine Form [a unique, perfected physical manifestation of one's divine power], which likely placed him at a disadvantage.

With these thoughts in mind, their brows furrowed slightly, revealing a flicker of fury and indignation, yet also a trace of unwillingness.

Seeing this, Black Abyss Sage Ascendant spoke coldly, "Since possessing a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from primordial chaos] grants one a spot for the rare treasure, why should Abyssal Dao Progenitor [the Progenitor of the Abyssal Dao] not occupy one?"

"Eldrin, the Abyssal Daoist?" Blazing Zenith Ember sneered, a thread of killing intent surfacing. "I do not permit it. Is that reason sufficient?"

It turned out that to exclude Eldrin Chen, Blazing Zenith Ember had deliberately courted the alliance of Chaos Dragon Lord and Crimson Phoenix Holy Maiden.

The bargaining chip for this exchange was the fourth spot being granted to Misty Smoke Female Sage.

As the most outstanding female prodigy within the Blazing Zenith Hundred Domains over the last ten thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], Misty Smoke Female Sage had a great many suitors.

Chaos Dragon Lord was one of her pursuers, and the Crimson Phoenix Holy Maiden was also a long-time close friend of Misty Smoke Female Sage.

It was precisely because of Misty Smoke Female Sage that these two had agreed to join forces with Blazing Zenith Ember.

After all, there were only four Chaos Spiritual Treasure, yet four individuals present wielded such treasures. They could hardly kick out Blazing Zenith Ember, the direct grandson of a Dao-Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified with the Dao].

"Arrogant fool."

Having grasped the full picture, Black Abyss Sage Ascendant's killing intent surged forth like a palpable tide, and he nearly gave in to the impulse to strike.

Yet Eldrin Chen reached out a hand to restrain him, speaking with a voice of unsettling calm, "Should we engage in a full-scale battle here, it would inevitably draw more formidable powers to this place. You might not secure the treasure after all."

Crimson Phoenix Holy Maiden gave a slight nod, a faint smile gracing her lips as she said, "There is no need for haste, honored ones. Having claimed the paramount treasure, we would not leave you empty-handed."

"Several dozen Chaos Rare Treasure [supreme artifacts born from primordial chaos] remain within the cauldron. I can grant them to the five of you."

Seeing this, Blazing Zenith Ember suddenly turned his gaze towards Primordial Demonic Ape, Thunder Halberd Celestial Saint, and Verdant Sun Sacred Lord, saying, "There are thirty-three Chaos Rare Treasure left. Dividing them among five seems overly generous, does it not?"

"Why not join forces, the seven of us, to drive out Eldrin, the Abyssal Daoist and Black Abyss Sage Ascendant? The remaining thirty-plus Chaos Rare Treasure should still constitute a windfall for you."

Upon hearing this, Thunder Halberd Celestial Saint decisively stepped forward, aligning himself with the other four.

Verdant Sun Sacred Lord pondered for a moment, then finally clasped his hands towards Eldrin Chen and said, "Fellow Daoist, such are the circumstances. Do not blame this old man for standing against you."

Only Primordial Demonic Ape remained unmoved, his eyes glinting coldly. He let out a derisive snort. "I have always despised bullying through sheer numbers. Today, I find no honor in joining your ranks."

Having spoken, Primordial Demonic Ape did not budge an inch, yet his gaze blazed with a towering, heaven-defying will to fight.

That the Primordial Demonic Ape did not choose to kick a man while he was down struck Eldrin Chen with a flicker of surprise, yet this feeling was swiftly replaced by a sense of inevitability.

In the past, the reason the Primordial Demonic Ape had defected was precisely due to his disdain for the character of the Solar Celestial Emperor and the Primordial Beginning Divine Emperor, leading him to flee into the Six Domains of the Northern Abyss.

Now, his unwillingness to bully others with superior force seemed a predictable outcome.

However, what Eldrin Chen did not know was that before making this choice, the Primordial Demonic Ape's heart had been stirred by a moment of hesitation and inner conflict.

In all honesty, he should have gone against his own nature and principles, choosing to join forces with Blazing Zenith Ember and the others. Doing so would have guaranteed him a share of at least eleven Chaos Rare Treasure.

Yet, before making his final decision, he recalled his experiences within the Profound Heaven Ruins.

Back then, the Profound Heaven Mirror had told him that the course of his life, Weilai, depended on the choices he made in the present and in the Weilai.

For reasons he could not name, he thought of the peculiarities surrounding Eldrin Chen.

While he did not know the full details of Eldrin Chen's performance within the Profound Heaven Ruins, he was aware that Eldrin Chen had been highly regarded by the Ruins Spirit, likely possessing the potential to reach the Dao-Union Supreme realm.

Thus, when the moment of choice arrived, he ultimately chose to follow his conscience and his own convictions, deciding not to align himself with Blazing Zenith Ember.

"Regardless of the outcome, even if this venture yields no harvest,"

"I need only follow my true heart and act with a clear conscience."

With these thoughts flashing through his mind, Primordial Demonic Ape [a primordial beast of immense demonic power] finally felt a glimmer of resolve solidify within his gaze.

Seeing this, Blazing Zenith Ember could not help but sneer coldly, "As expected of a fiend from the Northern Abyss Foreign Domain [a desolate and chaotic outer realm]. You'd rather forgo the treasures than yield an inch of your stubborn pride."

"Since that is the case, we shall simply suppress you utterly."

As his words fell, Blazing Zenith Ember summoned forth the Primordial Chaos Scorching Heaven Spear [a spear forged in the fires of primordial chaos], ready to abandon all pretense and clash with Eldrin Chen.

Yet, at that very moment, from the profound depths of the vast Sunken Abyss Heaven [a perilous, gravity-warped celestial domain], an overwhelmingly powerful aura surged forth.

Sensing this, everyone present furrowed their brows slightly and turned their gazes upward in unison.

There, from within the stygian gloom of the Sunken Abyss Heaven, a figure of imposing stature and heroic build strode forth.

Nine divine forms swirled around his body, straining to resist the crushing weight of billions upon billions of Heavenly Wheel [cosmic wheels of immense gravitational force] pressing down from the Sunken Abyss Heaven, his face pale almost to the point of transparency from the exertion.

"It is him."

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered, revealing a trace of astonishment.

The others were also momentarily taken aback. The Chaos Dragon Lord could not help but speak: "The Panhuang Sage Ascendant. Legend says he cultivated the Nine Great Strength Divine Forms [nine supreme divine forms embodying the Dao of Strength], intending to walk the path of Strength-Based Dao Attainment [a method of cultivation focused entirely on attaining enlightenment through pure physical might]."

"Now it seems he has completely mastered all nine Grand Dao Divine Form [divine forms embodying a supreme Dao]. His progress this time is truly not insignificant."

Blazing Zenith Ember let out a cold sneer, his tone dripping with disdain: "Nine Grand Dao Divine Form of Strength. This Panhuang is truly arrogant beyond measure."

"Who does he think he is? A second Ant Celestial Emperor reborn?"

The Crimson Phoenix Holy Maiden wore a grave expression, her voice tinged with awe: "Cultivating nine Grand Dao Divine Form of Strength simultaneously grants him peerless, overwhelming power."

"Yet, correspondingly, his defensive capabilities and Life [vitality and regenerative power] are comparatively weak. That he could still set foot in this place under such circumstances shows his willpower is truly astonishing."

Seeing this, Blazing Zenith Ember spoke coldly: "Regardless, without having cultivated a Unique Divine Form [a singular, perfected divine form that transcends ordinary divine forms], this is not a place he is qualified to tread."

As his words fell, Blazing Zenith Ember instantly made his move, commanding the Primordial Chaos Scorching Heaven Spear to thrust towards Panhuang.

"Clang—!"

Yet, in that very instant, Eldrin Chen parried the blow with the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd, his expression calm as he spoke. "Though Your Excellency holds a noble status, is it truly appropriate to bully the weak with your superior strength in this manner?"

"Seeking death!"

Blazing Zenith Ember uttered coldly, channeling the Primordial Chaos Scorching Heaven Spear to this spot, its power almost fully Eruption [a state of unleashing one's full combat potential].

Unfazed, Eldrin Chen immediately Eruption ninety percent of his physical combat power. He drove the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd forward, clashing with the spear in a series of earth-shaking impacts, forcefully suppressing Blazing Zenith Ember by half a measure.

"Incredibly strong."

Witnessing this, the Chaos Dragon Lord drew a sharp breath, a flicker of apprehension crossing his features.

The Crimson Phoenix Holy Maiden also sighed softly before speaking. "Had he not offended Blazing Zenith Ember, I too would be reluctant to make an enemy of him."

Upon hearing these words, a trace of solemnity settled upon the faces of all present.

In truth, each individual present harbored their own calculations. Their reason for suppressing Eldrin Chen this time was not solely due to the Dao-Union Supreme [a supreme realm of cultivation where one's path merges with the fundamental Dao] backing Blazing Zenith Ember, nor was it merely for the sake of the Misty Smoke Female Sage.