Chapter 2055 : The Weight of Epochs

"With such strength and talent, he can be considered invincible within this Jiyuan-time [a grand cosmological Era, often spanning tens of thousands of years]. Even the supreme Earth Immortal [a cultivator who has ascended to the terrestrial immortal realm] of the lower realms before the severance of heaven and earth could not possibly be his match."

"Yet with merely this level of power, placed among three thousand Jiyuan-time [grand cosmological Eras], he would only rank near the bottom of the top hundred."

Speaking to this point, the old man sighed once more, his gaze complex as he said, "The three thousand Jiyuan-time [grand cosmological Eras] are drawing to a close. This impending Epochal Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic tribulation marking the end of a grand cosmic cycle] approaches. If Void Heaven Great Emperor cannot ascend to immortality, I fear he will be unable to stabilize this Universe [the vast cosmos encompassing all realms]."

"Ah, what is an Epochal Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic tribulation marking the end of a grand cosmic cycle]?"

The young maiden was slightly taken aback, a look of confusion washing over her features.

"The Jiyuan-time [grand cosmological Era] Tribulation is the cyclical calamity of the Universe [the vast cosmos encompassing all realms]."

The old man shook his head with a bitter smile, then began to explain, "This tribulation occurs once every million years. All living beings between heaven and earth must face its trial."

"Even a peerless Great Emperor [a supreme ruler who has mastered profound cosmic laws], if unable to survive the Great Tribulation [a devastating heavenly trial], will turn to dust and bones within their tomb."

"The most terrifying aspect is..."

The old man drew a deep breath, then continued, "The Limit-Breaker [a cultivator who has transcended the conventional limits of their realm] Great Emperor [supreme ruler] is cursed by the Great Path [the fundamental laws and principles governing all existence]. Their lifespan does not exceed a million years."

"To survive, countless powerful beings throughout the ages have chosen to slumber within Forbidden Land [a sealed and perilous realm where time flows differently] to prolong their lives."

"Whenever an Epochal Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic event that reshapes the cosmos] descends, it becomes their prime opportunity to Recovery [a profound technique to absorb and refine the essence of life] vital life essence."

Upon hearing this, the young maiden could not help but draw in a sharp, cold breath.

A flicker of panic crossed her features. "Old man," she blurted out, unable to contain herself, "what do we do then?"

"Maybe we should just run for it."

The old man chuckled, patting the girl's head. A trace of solemnity surfaced in the depths of his gaze. "It matters not," he said calmly. "I shall intervene."

"Intervene with your head," she shot back.

The maiden rolled her eyes. "Our little broken-down sect doesn't even have two or three decent disciples—hardly worth their notice. Don't go throwing your life away for nothing."

As they spoke, the Void Heaven Great Emperor had already breached the depths of the Immortal Ruins Forbidden Land [the ruins of a fallen immortal realm, now a perilous and forbidden zone].

In that instant, from the profound depths of the vast heavens, an aura capable of throwing the very sky and earth into chaos erupted.

Heaven and Earth swayed, the Starry River reversed its flow, and the Boundless Universe trembled violently. Countless streams of stellar essence [the refined spiritual energy of stars] surged forth, converging and flooding into the Immortal Ruins Forbidden Land.

"Aaaargh—!"

Void Heaven Great Emperor roared in fury. His Thirty-Six Divine Treasuries [the thirty-six core energy centers of a supreme cultivator] merged into one, erupting with an eternal radiance that seemed capable of swallowing the void itself.

"He is about to break through,"

the hunched old man murmured, his expression grave. "The more one is a Limit-Breaker [a cultivator who has surpassed the conventional limits of their realm], the lower the success rate of the Sacrificial Self [a supreme art requiring the sacrifice of one's very being for a chance at ascension] becomes."

"Should he fail, his soul will scatter utterly, never to return."

"BOOM—!"

At this critical juncture, auras of supreme power descended upon them.

The hunched old man's brow furrowed slightly. From the depths of the void, a golden holy sun soared, unleashing a pagoda that descended to suppress Void Heaven Great Emperor.

Simultaneously, a Great Roc [a mythical bird of immense size and power] beat its wings, riding upon the World-Ending Heavenly Blade [a legendary weapon said to possess the power to cleave worlds] as it slashed down with devastating force.

"Holy Sun Great Emperor, Golden-Winged Great Roc Emperor, Sunder Cosmos Ancient Emperor."

Watching one supreme powerhouse after another make their move, the hunched old man's brow furrowed slightly. He was just about to intervene when he instantly dismissed the thought.

At that very moment, the Void Heaven Great Emperor's explosively surging aura abruptly receded. Then, he soared into the sky, wielding a Void Ancient Sword [an ancient blade that cuts through the fabric of reality itself], and launched a strike. Instantly, he was locked in fierce combat with the three Great Emperors.

After a mere instant of battle, the three Great Emperors were sent reeling, blood spraying from their mouths—a clear sign they had suffered a significant setback.

The hunched old man showed a look of surprise and couldn't help but remark, "A Path Embryo [the nascent, conceptual form of a cultivator's unique Dao] that has broken its limits. It seems I still underestimated him."

With these words, the hunched old man refrained from acting further, a faint smile appearing on his face.

For within the Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique said to be unbreakable and eternal] of the Void Heaven Great Emperor, there erupted a radiance of eternal Indestructibility, emanating with the Path Traces [the lingering imprints and principles of a cultivator's unique Dao] of everlasting Immortality.

"A Void Path Embryo."

Defeated by a single move, the three Great Emperors wore expressions of utter shock and terror.

They stared at the Void Heaven Great Emperor, unable to contain their astonishment as they exclaimed, "You have already cultivated to the Five Extremes Realm [a legendary cultivation stage representing mastery over the five cardinal extremes of power]. To think such a genius would appear in this era."

Void Heaven Great Emperor remained remarkably calm, his expression cold as he spoke, "Holy Sun, Golden Wing, Sunder Cosmos... at last, I have drawn you out."

"However, I suspect you are not the only ones."

"Your guess is correct."

At that very moment, several more cold voices echoed from the void.

Dozens of supreme powerhouses, each once a dominant force of their own era, descended one after another.

Now surrounded by these dozens of Great Emperor, the Holy Sun Great Emperor spoke with icy detachment, "To have cultivated the five Forbidden Foundation... your talent ranks within the top ten across three thousand eras."

"No wonder the Upper Realm Immortals [the powerful immortals residing in the higher realms] issued the order for us to eliminate you."

"Those from the Upper Realm?"

Void Heaven Great Emperor's expression turned frosty, his voice growing even more chilling. "Those mediocrities who curse our path to immortality?"

"How dare you!"

The Golden-Winged Great Roc Emperor spoke, his face contorted with fury. "Those who severed the path of the Sacrificial Self Path are supreme powerhouses from the Upper Realms, each one an invincible force that shakes the Vast and Boundless Chaos Sea."

"Do not speak of you mere Sacrificial Self Path cultivators; even this magnificent Universe is but a grain of dust in their eyes. Why would they ever feel threatened by it?"

"Those who issued the order this time were merely a few Celestial Immortal Great Power from the Upper Realms."

The Void Heaven Great Emperor's expression turned slightly cold as he sneered, "If they are not threatened, then why sever the cultivation path of the Sacrificial Self Path?"

"If I am not mistaken, the so-called supreme powerhouses you speak of must be afraid of something, which is why they acted to block the Sacrificial Self Path's path to immortality."

"You—!"

The Golden-Winged Great Roc Emperor was enraged and tried to speak again, but was cut off by the Holy Sun Great Emperor.

With a cold laugh, the Holy Sun Great Emperor spoke, his words radiating Fiendish Energy [a malevolent and corrupt form of spiritual power]. "Enough talk. Today, we sever his head and end this Universe's path to the Dao."

"Then let us fight!"

Roaring in defiance, the Void Heaven Great Emperor soared into the sky astride his ancient sword. With a resounding *clang*, he cleaved downward, unleashing a battle of peerless, epoch-shaking grandeur.

He stood alone against dozens of Forbidden Prodigies, yet the scale of his achievements was utterly terrifying.

One after another, Forbidden Prodigies fell, their heads severed by the blade of Void Heaven Great Emperor.

"What a dazzling junior," the stooped old man spoke, a look of wonder on his face. "I misjudged him again. It turns out he has achieved the Indestructibility Extreme, the foundation of the Six Extremes Foundation."

The hunched old man spoke, his expression one of deep admiration.

The young maiden rolled her eyes, unable to hold back a jab. "You're old. Your eyes are failing you."

"Hey! I'll beat you, you unfilial descendant!"

Masking his embarrassment, the stooped old man immediately pretended to strike.

The maiden quickly darted away, sticking her tongue out at him before she fled.

But in that very instant, the old Taoist's expression shifted subtly. He lifted his gaze towards the depths of the Immortal Ruins Forbidden Land, his face hardening with profound gravity.

"BOOM—"

With a sound of cataclysmic fury, the vast and boundless Universe [the totality of all existence] tore asunder. An indescribable fissure manifested at its very Central [the core or heart of the cosmos].

Immediately thereafter, from the place beyond that rift, seven ineffable beings emerged.

Those entities were wreathed in boundless Immortal Spirit Essence [the purest spiritual energy of an immortal]. Their forms shimmered with infinite Innate Path Principle [the fundamental laws of existence made manifest]. The mere wisp of aura they exuded threatened to unravel the very fabric of this Universe.

"Celestial Immortal Great Powers [beings who have ascended to the highest echelons of immortal cultivation]," the stooped old man uttered slowly, his face etched with profound apprehension.

Without a moment's hesitation, he instantly appeared at the UniverseCentral, standing shoulder to shoulder with Void Heaven Great Emperor.

Almost simultaneously, over a dozen more figures materialized. Each one was an existence who had shattered the limits of the Five Extremities [a supreme cultivation milestone].

Foremost among them were four who had not only stepped into the domain of the Six Extremities but had refined their foundations within that realm to an unfathomable degree.

These four were Void Heaven Great Emperor, Starry River Ancient Emperor, Prison-Suppressor Great Emperor, and Grand Mystery Empress.

"We greet you, fellow Daoists [a respectful term for cultivators on the same path]," they said in unison.

Void Heaven Great Emperor exchanged formal greetings with the assembled figures, clearly recognizing the identities of the trio. The stooped old man among them was none other than Starry River Ancient Emperor, one of the four paramount powerhouses.

These individuals were all formidable experts from ancient epochs. Relying on their exceptionally profound foundations, they had withstood the erosion of the curse by sheer force, thus surviving from the boundless ages past to the present day.

"Denizens of the Immortal Realm [the higher plane of existence where true Immortals reside], do you intend to interfere in the Mortal Dust Affairs [the lower plane of mortal existence and its conflicts]?"

Witnessing the descent of seven Celestial Immortal [a cultivator who has ascended to the first major tier of true Immortality], Void Heaven Great Emperor's expression turned one of utmost gravity.

Among those seven Celestial Immortal, the leader possessed a pair of golden wings, clearly a supreme powerhouse of the Golden-Winged Great Roc Lineage [a lineage of powerful avian demonic beasts].

With a calm countenance, he surveyed the assembly before finally sneering coldly, "A swarm of ants. Without having achieved Immortality, you have actually cultivated to a level rivaling that of a Primordial Unity Immortal [an Immortal who has unified their foundational energies into a singular, primordial state]."

"Such foundational depth and latent potential is truly extraordinary."

"A pity. You are all followers of the Sacrificial Self Path [a forbidden cultivation art that involves sacrificing one's own essence], and thus none of you can be allowed to remain."

As his words fell, the Golden-Winged Great Roc Celestial Immortal made his move. He summoned an Ancient Divine Weapon [a weapon of immense power forged in antiquity] and cleaved it towards the gathered experts.

The group of powerhouses resisted with their lives on the line, only to discover the chasm between Immortal and mortal was nearly insurmountable. Even unleashing their full might, they found themselves almost utterly powerless to fight back.

At that very moment of life and death, a rent in the cosmos tore through the void.

A woman of peerless grace and beauty soared into the sky. With a flick of her sleeve, she unleashed a palm strike that cleaved downwards, barring the path of the seven Celestial Immortal Great Power [cultivators who have ascended to the celestial realm and possess immense power].

"We pay our respects to the Celestial Maiden [a title of great reverence for a powerful female immortal]."

The moment the several Great Emperor [supreme rulers who have mastered profound cosmic laws] saw the woman appear, expressions of wild joy instantly spread across their faces.

Yet, the peerless woman shook her head, a grave expression settling upon her features.

"Lingering Ye, it is indeed you."

Upon seeing the peerless Celestial Maiden, the seven Celestial Immortal Great Power felt not alarm, but delight.

Lingering Ye let out a soft sigh before speaking. "Even after I fell into the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] and fled to this remote Universe [a self-contained cosmic realm], you still refuse to let me be?"

The leader of the group, a golden-winged Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm], sneered coldly. "The Great Emperor have joined forces to suppress the Sacrificial Self Path [a forbidden cultivation art that involves sacrificing one's own essence], severing its path to immortality. This is an unalterable decree of the cosmos."

"You, a disciple of an Imperial Lord [a ruler of an immortal domain], dared to defy the Mandate of Heaven, creating the Sacrificial SelfLimit-Breaker Art [a forbidden technique that breaks through natural limits through self-sacrifice]. You have truly brought this doom upon yourself."

"We have come under orders to apprehend you and bring you to justice."

It turned out that long ago, when she fell into the Eternal Tribulation Reincarnation Curse [a profound and inescapable curse that binds one to endless cycles of rebirth and tribulation], Lingering Ye had used the countless cycles of Reincarnation [the process of death and rebirth of the soul] to perfect the Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation art that involves sacrificing aspects of oneself to achieve ultimate power].

Later, upon her revival, the Sacrificial Self Path was cursed. Thus, in order to achieve Ascension and Attainment of the Path [the ultimate goal of cultivation, transcending mortality and merging with the cosmic Dao], she continuously pushed beyond the horizontal limits of the Sacrificial Self Path, exploring the ultimate boundaries of its Six Mortal Realms [the six foundational stages of existence within this particular cultivation system].

After further refinement over hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years], she finally pioneered the Six Extremes Art [an art that shatters the limits of the Six Mortal Realms], an art designed to break the Limit-Breaker [a state or realm defined by surpassing all previously known boundaries] threshold.

It was only several dozen Kalpa Tribulation ago that she fell into this Universe [a self-contained cosmos with its own laws and celestial bodies] and finally found a stable environment.

Within this Universe, she disseminated the techniques she had created. By leveraging the geniuses of this Universe across all eras, she finally perfected the Sacrificial Self Path to its current state.

"Alas—"

Seeing the seven Celestial Immortal [immortals who have ascended to a celestial state of being] radiating with Slaughter Intent [a palpable, murderous will to kill], Lingering Ye let out a soft sigh. She spoke no more, but her pupils ignited with a torrential Celestial Slaughter [a legendary plant whose essence embodies the concept of divine execution] intent.

In that instant, she rode her Innate Ancient Sword [a primordial sword born of heaven and earth, possessing immense power] through the void. The ultimate Path of Slaughter [a cultivation art focused on the absolute annihilation of all things] extinguished everything in its path, sending a chill of dread through even these Celestial Immortal Great Power [Celestial Immortals of immense power and status].

Yet, after merely tens of thousands of exchanges, the Celestial Immortal were already in full retreat. It was clear they were no match for Lingering Ye.

"Such formidable power, truly worthy of the one once hailed as invincible within the Ancient Immortal Realm [the realm of ancient, transcendent beings]."

Seeing they were no match, the seven Celestial Immortals [immortals who have ascended to the celestial plane] took a deep breath and immediately sent out messages, calling for reinforcements.

In what seemed like mere moments, dozens more Celestial Immortals descended into the mortal plane, pouring into this Universe [the vast cosmos containing countless worlds].

Witnessing this, Lingering Ye revealed a trace of helplessness in her expression.

Although her combat prowess was peerless, allowing her to tread the domain where she could battle Celestial Immortals, she ultimately could not sweep through this entire realm unaided.

Now, facing a multitude of descending Celestial Immortals, including not a few powerful figures from the Late Celestial Immortal Realm [the advanced stage of the Celestial Immortal realm], a resolute glint finally surfaced in her eyes.

"Sacrificial Self!"

With utter determination blazing in her gaze, Lingering Ye stirred. In an instant, the One Hundred and Eight Immortal Treasuries [a supreme cultivation foundation comprising one hundred and eight perfected spiritual repositories] manifested and churned behind her, her supreme foundational power seeming poised for sacrifice.

But simultaneously, from the very source of the boundless Great Path [the fundamental laws and principles of cultivation], a terrifying curse force surged forth, seeking to utterly sever Lingering Ye's path of Sacrificial Self [a profound and perilous cultivation art involving the sacrifice of one's own foundation].

Yet, at that precise moment, an intangible force shielded Lingering Ye, and a voice reached her, saying:

"You may advance without hesitation. The Karma [the metaphysical burden of one's actions and their consequences] shall be borne by me."

"Master."

Lingering Ye's heart stirred. Instantly, she began to channel all her power to assail the Sacrificial Self Realm [a profound cultivation stage where one sacrifices the mortal self to forge a higher existence].

Simultaneously, endless Chaos Thunderclap [primordial thunderbolts born from the chaos of creation] descended, striking Lingering Ye's form. Yet, they inflicted not a single wound. Instead, they seemed to temper and refine the very foundation of her being.

Time lost all meaning. After what felt like an eternity, Lingering Ye suddenly completed her breakthrough. Every ounce of her foundational power coalesced, merging into a single, peerless Invincible True Self Body [an ultimate physical form representing one's perfected and indomitable true nature].

"Now that you have ascended, go forth and annihilate them all."

Lingering Ye opened her eyes. A voice echoed in her ears, and in its wake, a torrent of supreme Great Path Authority [the absolute authority wielded by those who have mastered the fundamental laws of existence] surged into her body.

In that instant, Lingering Ye soared into the heavens. She grasped her ancient sword and cleaved through the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], instantly suppressing and slaying a Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realms] upon the Void Heaven [a desolate and boundless celestial plane].

Dozens of Celestial Immortal Great Power [mighty beings of the Celestial Immortal realm], faced with this ultimate Great Path Authority, were reduced to ashes and scattered to the winds in the blink of an eye.

"…"

"Pfft—" [a sound of something being forcefully expelled, like blood]

At the same moment, within the Demon Race Heavenly Court [the celestial court ruled by the demonic races], several peerless Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm, rulers of vast domains] suddenly and violently perished, their blood spilling.

It turned out that the instant Lingering Ye achieved his breakthrough, Eldrin Chen leveraged the backlash from that event, combined with the authority of his own Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art centered on self-sacrifice and immense power], to reflect the curse back upon the nine Great Emperor who had cast it.

In that fleeting moment, the several Great Emperor who had performed the curse suffered grievous wounds. Even Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant [a supreme title for a cultivator who has ascended to the Sage Ascendant realm, associated with the Vermilion Bird] had a trickle of blood escape the corner of his mouth, his expression revealing a flicker of shock.

"He has returned."

Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant murmured inwardly, a sense of astonishment coloring his thoughts.

And in that very same instant, the doors to the Great Hall [a grand ceremonial or audience hall] were thrown open. A Primordial One Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord of the Primordial One realm, a high-ranking cultivator] rushed in, his face a mask of utter terror, and cried out, "He has returned! He has come back to slaughter us?"

"Hmph—" [a sound of disdain or contempt]

Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant snorted coldly, then declared, "He is merely a newly ascended Sage Ascendant [a realm beyond Great Emperor, approaching the pinnacle of cultivation]. What can he possibly do, even if he has returned?"

"Our Demon Race Heavenly Court remains the most powerful Heavenly Court [a celestial court, the highest ruling body in a domain] within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of immortals]."

"No." The Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator who has unified their primordial essence] wore an expression of utter horror and could not help but exclaim, "Eldrin the Abyssal Emperor has returned with over a dozen Great Emperor [supreme rulers who have mastered their own Great Dao] in tow, and they are slaughtering their way back!"

"The Divine Clan and the Human Race Immortal Court have also launched their counteroffensive. Our Demon Race forces in the Cosmic Stellar [the starry expanse of the cosmos] and even the courts of various Great Emperor are under siege!"

"What?!"

The Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant [a title for a supreme cultivator who has ascended to a sage-like state, associated with the Vermilion Bird] paled slightly and immediately strode out of the Great Hall. There, in the boundless Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all creation emerged], over ten terrifyingly powerful auras had manifested.

"..."

At the same moment, Eldrin Chen crossed the Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state of existence] with lightning speed and plunged into the Returning Abyss Path Domain. He commanded his formidable subordinates to surround the entire Returning Abyss Path Domain.

The Returning Abyss Path Domain had originally been tightly encircled by the Four Great Imperial Courts. Over the years, figures like Nether Mystery Imperial Lord, Golden Spirit Imperial Lord, and the Golden-Winged Great Roc Clan—seven or eight Primordial One Imperial Lord in total—had been relentlessly constricting the space of the Returning Abyss Path Domain.

Yet, they could never have imagined that the world would be turned upside down overnight. Now, over ten peerless Great Emperor had surrounded *their* Path-Field [a cultivator's personal domain, shaped by their comprehension of the Dao].

"Golden-Winged Great Roc Clan, Nether Mystery Imperial Lord, Golden Spirit Imperial Lord."

Gazing upon these Great Emperor, Eldrin Chen's expression remained as calm and placid as a still lake, yet a chilling light flickered deep within his eyes.

The Nether Mystery Imperial Lord stared fixedly at Eldrin Chen, a trace of utter despair coloring his expression as he said, "You... you're actually still alive?"

"Hmph—"

Eldrin Chen let out a cold snort. With a flip of his palm, he suppressed and annihilated both the Desolate Ape Imperial Lord and the Nether Mystery Imperial Lord, utterly erasing them from the very roots of the Great Path [the fundamental laws of cultivation and existence].

As for the remaining few Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivation realm, the first step into the ranks of the primordial lords], Eldrin Chen did not even have the slightest interest in personally intervening.

The Sword Mystery Great Emperor wielded the Profound Heaven Immortal-Slaying Sword, each strike cleaving through the heavens. Not a single one of the Primordial One Imperial Lord required a second blow to be vanquished.

Only after all these Primordial One Imperial Lord had been completely eradicated did Exquisite Jiang and the others finally allow themselves to release a long, slow breath they had been holding.

Over the years, with Eldrin Chen's support, Exquisite Jiang's cultivation had already ascended to the Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier realm. She could have annihilated these foes long ago.

It was only because the Human Race forces were still relatively weak, and to avoid exposing the secret that Eldrin Chen was still alive, that she had been forced to restrain her desire to act.

Now, with Eldrin Chen's triumphant return, she could finally vent the pent-up fury and resentment she had harbored for so long.

"Husband."

The gazes of all present turned toward Eldrin Chen, a fierce battle intent igniting within their eyes.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then declared, "Today, we shall turn the heavens and earth upside down with our slaughter."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen immediately took command of the Great Emperor Ancient Ship and led the charge, plunging into the heart of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

For this battle, the highest echelons of the Human and Divine Races, including the Great Abyss Immortal Sage, had already coordinated their plans in advance.

Before the Demon Race could even react, Eldrin Chen had already breached the defenses of the Primordial Immortal Domain.

He surged directly into the Demon Race Heavenly Court within the Nine Heavens Above, making straight for the Solar Golden Pagoda that imprisoned the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor.

"That upstart Eldrin! How dare you act with such insolence!"

Witnessing Eldrin Chen's audacious assault, several of the Demon Race Great Emperor could no longer remain idle.

The Golden-Winged Great Roc Great Emperor descended from the skies, wielding a massive golden Great Halberd as he charged directly at Eldrin Chen.

"To show disrespect to a Sage [a being who has attained supreme enlightenment and power] merits punishment!"

Eldrin Chen's gaze sharpened, his myriad Great Path Divine Form [a supreme divine ability that manifests the wielder's comprehension of the Great Dao] intertwining to form a colossal hand. With a thunderous clap, it struck the face of the Golden-Winged Great Roc Great Emperor [a Great Emperor whose Dao title signifies his lineage and power as a Golden-Winged Great Roc], sending him reeling through the air, blood spraying from his mouth.

"*Cough—*"

In the wake of that single palm strike, a profound silence fell over the host of Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realms] deities. Even the Celestial Soldiers and Generals [the divine army of the heavens] from the Demon Race [a powerful race of beings often in conflict with cultivators and gods], who had been blocking the path, were too terrified to intervene.

The other Great Emperor [a supreme sovereign who has comprehended a Great Dao and rules over vast domains] figures who had been poised to act retreated several paces, their faces pale with shock.

The Golden-Winged Great Roc Great Emperor clutched his crimson, swollen cheek, an expression of utter disbelief etched upon his features. For the moment, he dared not utter another word.

The dignity of a Sage is not to be insulted. To dare call a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the threshold of Sagehood, a step below a full Path Ancestor] Path Ancestor a mere "child" was an affront so severe that even the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Heavenly Emperor who rules over the sun and solar principles] would have deemed that slap well-deserved.

"*Hmph.*"

With a cold glint in his eyes, Eldrin Chen paid the humiliated emperor no further mind. His chariot, drawn by five Soul-Slave Great Emperor, tore through the void, bypassing the Golden-Winged Great Roc Great Emperor entirely as it charged directly into the Nine Heavens Above [the highest and most sacred of the celestial realms].

A mere newly-ascended Great Emperor was nothing more than an ant before the current Eldrin Chen, unworthy of wasting a single breath.

The paramount task now was to rescue the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a Great Emperor whose Dao title is derived from the Obsidian Abyss].