Chapter 2056 : Clash of Heaven Sundering Palms

With the precedent of the earlier battle fresh in their minds, the various Demon Race Emperors actually dared not to block his path.

In the mere blink of an eye, Eldrin Chen had already broken through the Demon Race's Ninefold Heavenly Palaces and was on the verge of storming into the very heart of their Forbidden Land.

It was at this precise moment that an intangible, immense resistance descended from the boundless Heavenly Vault above.

A phoenix-drawn imperial carriage materialized, hovering majestically above the Heaven's Center and barring Eldrin Chen's advance.

"Returning Abyss Path Ancestor, you have gone too far!"

The newcomer was none other than the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant. His voice was calm, yet a glint of icy detachment flashed within his eyes.

Eldrin Chen's gaze narrowed slightly, a chill emanating from him as he spoke, "Your timing is perfect. Today, we shall settle an old score."

With those words, Eldrin Chen flipped his palm and pressed down. In an instant, the very fabric of heaven and earth, the Sun and Moon, seemed to invert. A colossal hand capable of sundering the heavens and shattering the cosmos descended, aiming to crush the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant.

"A mere newly ascended Sage Ascendant. Even if you have attained Path Mastery, what level of cultivation could you possibly possess?"

"Today, I shall make you understand that even among Sage Ascendant, there exists a chasm of difference."

The Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant [a supreme being who has attained sagehood through the path of the Vermilion Bird] let out a cold snort. The six Great Path Divine Form [divine manifestations of one's cultivated Dao] swirling behind him converged, and with a single palm strike, he unleashed a force that seemed capable of cleaving the heavens asunder.

In that instant, the power to destroy heaven and extinguish earth [a metaphor for cataclysmic, world-ending force] surged forth, shaking the very cosmos. It met Eldrin Chen's Burst [a divine ability focused on explosive, overwhelming force] in a cataclysmic collision that shook the ages.

With that single exchange, the shockwave from the clash of these two titans swept away all in its path. The vast Heavenly Vault [a celestial realm or palace complex] trembled, nearly cracking under the strain. Countless floating isles of the Celestial Immortal [a realm of immortal beings] shattered like glass, raining down in a devastating downpour.

"Old thief of the Vermilion Bird [a mythical, divine bird associated with the south and the element of fire], your time has passed."

After that first move, Eldrin Chen took a step, ascending into the heavens. He rode upon the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a divine weapon capable of sundering primordial chaos], its edge tearing through the firmament as he instantly moved to suppress the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant.

The Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant summoned all his power to parry with the Vermilion Heaven Solar Fire Sword [a supreme sword art embodying the essence of the Vermilion Bird's celestial fire]. Yet, in that very moment, he was sent hurtling backward, suffering a clear disadvantage in a direct confrontation.

"Even among Sage Ascendant [those who have ascended to the preliminary stage of sagehood], there exists a gulf of difference."

Having bested the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant in a single exchange, Eldrin Chen threw the other's own words back at him. Wielding his Cosmos-Sundering Power [a divine ability of such magnitude it can split the cosmos], he pressed the attack.

Watching Eldrin Chen charge forth once more, the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant's expression shifted slightly.

A moment later, with a roar of fury, he summoned three supreme treasures: the Vermilion Heaven Solar Fire Sword, the Tai Heng Furnace [a legendary alchemical furnace], and the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Seal [a divine seal imbued with the authority of the Vermilion Bird].

At this moment, the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator whose power and title are associated with the mythical Vermilion Bird], with the Tai Heng Furnace [a legendary cauldron of immense defensive power] shielding his form overhead, unleashed both the Vermilion Heaven Solar Fire Sword [a supreme sword technique manifesting the fury of the crimson sun] and the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Seal [a divine seal bearing the might of the Vermilion Bird] to suppress Eldrin Chen, intent on utterly defeating him and washing away the shame of past defeats.

Yet Eldrin Chen merely let out a cold snort. With a flick of his sleeve, he pushed the power of the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method that draws immense strength through self-sacrifice and willpower] to its absolute limit.

In that instant, peerless divine energy surged into Eldrin Chen's body, forcibly elevating his combat prowess to the pinnacle of the Sage Ascendant Realm [a supreme realm of cultivation just below the legendary Sages].

"Die—!"

The moment his power peaked, Eldrin Chen closed the distance in a blur. He unleashed a series of ultimate techniques, cleaving through the Vermilion Heaven Solar Fire Sword and the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Seal to appear directly before his foe.

The Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant hastily tried to command the Tai Heng Furnace for protection. To his horror, he found the furnace had slipped from his control; instead, it erupted with torrents of Heavenly God [a high cultivation realm where one's power approaches that of minor deities] flame that suppressed his own Sage Ascendant physique.

In that fleeting moment of vulnerability, Eldrin Chen drove the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a primordial weapon capable of sundering the heavens] forward with unstoppable force, piercing straight through his opponent's chest.

"Aaaargh—!"

A scream of agony tore from the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant. He tried to retreat, to flee, but it was far too late.

The sudden betrayal of his protective Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born with a cultivator, sharing a deep spiritual bond] had inflicted a catastrophic wound upon the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant. Facing Eldrin Chen who had closed in for the kill, he had no time left for any other reaction.

"Perish!"

Eldrin Chen spoke with chilling indifference. His palms erupted with overwhelming, razor-sharp power, seizing the crimson wings of the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant and, with a brutal wrench, tore them clean from its body.

Its wings ripped away, the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant let out a piercing shriek of agony. Roaring in fury, it sought a desperate, final struggle, but Eldrin Chen merely flipped his palm, striking it with such force that it was sent tumbling through the air, blood spraying from its wounds.

To continue like this was to watch the Sage Ascendant's physical form be utterly annihilated.

"Cease!"

At that very moment, two voices of command thundered from the void.

From the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], a peerless Kunpeng [a mythical beast capable of transforming into a giant bird or fish] soared into the sky, while a Primordial Era Verdant Crow tore through the cosmos to join the fray.

It seemed two other Demon Race Sage Ascendant [cultivators who have ascended to a sage-like state, one step below true divinity] could no longer stand by and watch. They intended to intervene and stop Eldrin Chen from completely suppressing the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant.

Alas, in that same instant, two vast and majestic auras erupted within the void.

One figure, gripping the Desolate Heaven War Halberd, struck with a single blow that sent the Kunpeng Sage Ascendant reeling away. The other, clad in violet robes, merely flicked his sleeve, forcing the Verdant Crow Sage Ascendant into a relentless, stumbling retreat.

It turned out these two figures were none other than the Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor of the Divine Clan, and the Primordial Qilin Patriarch and Primordial Mire Path Master of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races.

At this moment, the two Sage Ascendant [powerful cultivators who have ascended to a sage-like state] made their move, instantly intercepting the two Sage Ascendant from the Demon Race and even suppressing them.

Seizing this opportunity, Eldrin Chen fiercely channeled the power of ultimate sharpness, completely shattering the skull of the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant and forcing his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] to flee, vanishing into the expanse of Void Heaven.

In truth, had Eldrin Chen deployed the Chaos Void-Refining Vase, suppressing the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant would not have been difficult. However, to avoid attracting the attention of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor, Eldrin Chen temporarily suppressed the urge to act.

Allowing the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant to retreat in defeat, Eldrin Chen casually collected the Tai Heng Furnace and the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Seal, then turned his calm gaze towards the endless void above.

Ahead lay the location of the Solar Golden Pagoda, which was suppressing the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor.

Without the slightest hesitation, he strode forward to stand before the Solar Golden Pagoda, his expression cold as he unleashed a strike against it.

"BOOM—"

At that very instant, from the boundless heights of the Heavenly Vault, an ancient Solar Sun [a primordial essence of solar power] surged into being.

That Solar Sun radiated a golden light that illuminated the Myriad Heavens, each strand possessing the power to annihilate all things.

"Solar Heavenly Emperor."

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw, within that magnificent radiance of the Dao Gold, a figure of immense majesty standing tall.

Merely by standing there, the light it emanated was enough to suppress the Myriad Heavens, even causing the Primordial One Imperial Lord to dare not look directly upon it.

Yet the present Eldrin Chen was also a supreme Sage Ascendant. Even facing this Heavenly Emperor from ancient legend, he had the right to meet its gaze with composure.

With a calm expression, he looked at the Solar Heavenly Emperor and spoke with unwavering resolve in his eyes, "Today, I will take him away."

Silence reigned in the void. After a long while, the Solar Heavenly Emperor spoke, "In recognition of your Extraordinary talent, if you withdraw now, I can still let bygones be bygones."

"Has it not already come to this point? Is there still room for maneuver?"

Eldrin Chen replied calmly, the Chaos Heaven Halberd in his hand radiating a blazing light.

The gaze of the Solar Heavenly Emperor sharpened instantly. An intangible majesty swept through the Chaos, and the vast Primordial Immortal Domain seemed to tremble in that very moment.

In an instant, heaven and earth were overturned, the Sun and Moon were inverted. An irresistible pressure bore down directly on Eldrin Chen, threatening to tear him asunder completely.

Such overwhelming pressure caused Eldrin Chen's brow to furrow slightly, and an irresistible thought even flickered within him.

"Hmm—"

Yet, in that very instant, a figure appeared beside Eldrin Chen.

The newcomer was none other than Indestructibility Ancient One. Clad in his Indestructibility Battle Armor, his expression was serene as he shielded Eldrin Chen from that overwhelming aura of Celestial Slaughter [a divine plant of immense destructive power].

"Indestructibility Ancient One."

Solar Heavenly Emperor's pupils turned icy as he spoke, unable to hold back. "I never imagined you had already revived. Yet, you should not have interfered in this matter."

"I have no choice. This old man owes him a life-saving debt."

Indestructibility Ancient One spoke, his tone calm. "To think that after tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], Fellow Daoist Solar Sun [the essence of the primordial sun] has already reached the pinnacle of the First Realm of Chaos [the foundational realm of primordial chaos]. With such power and foundation, no wonder you are even more domineering than in the past."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a wave of solemn gravity settle within his heart.

Those who have set foot upon the Realm of Chaos [the highest echelon of cultivation, where one's power approaches the fundamental laws of existence] are beings who have nearly reached the absolute pinnacle. Among such existences, the disparity in combat prowess is typically minimal.

On this foundation, even the slightest step forward represents a truly staggering achievement.

Generally speaking, a Path Mastery Heavenly Emperor [a supreme cultivator who has mastered a Primordial Chaos Great Path] who lacks a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a weapon or tool forged from the essence of primordial chaos, vastly more powerful than ordinary magical treasures] is considered the most ordinary type of Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme being who has attained the Realm of Chaos].

Building upon that, a Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme being who has attained the Realm of Chaos] who wields a Chaos Spiritual Artifact is considered a powerful Heavenly Emperor, their strength roughly twenty percent greater than the former. Such a Heavenly Emperor can suppress one who lacks such an artifact.

Aside from Chaos Spiritual Artifact, the factor that most influences a Heavenly Emperor's combat power is their Primordial Chaos Great Path [a fundamental, supreme law of existence mastered at the highest levels of cultivation]. However, unless it is the Limitless Great Path [a legendary and supremely powerful Great Path], the differences between various Primordial Chaos Great Path are often not vast.

For a Chaos Heavenly Emperor seeking to enhance their might, the most direct method is to master a second Primordial Chaos Great Path.

Generally, one who masters two Primordial Chaos Great Path is counted among the most elite Chaos Heavenly Emperor, capable of facing three ordinary Chaos Heavenly Emperor in combat.

One who masters three Primordial Chaos Great Path has reached the Half-Step Path Union Realm [a transitional state where one prepares to unify multiple Great Paths]. Such an existence, upon merging their three Great Path [fundamental laws of cultivation] into one, can ascend to the Second Chaos Realm [a higher, more profound stage within the Realm of Chaos].

A powerhouse of the Half-Step Path Union Realm can contend against as many as nine ordinary Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

The Solar Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor whose power is aligned with the supreme essence of the sun] before them had mastered two Primordial Chaos Great Path: 'Solar Sun' [the primordial essence of the sun] and 'Stellar' [the primordial essence of the stars]. He was thus one of the three mightiest Chaos Heavenly Emperor within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a vast and perilous region of the cosmos].

By comparison, Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign [the first Divine Sovereign of the Primordial Immortal Domain], even at the same cultivation level, could only contend against two opponents at once. The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the Ancestor of Primordial Genesis], a peerless Path Ancestor, could also only manage to fight two at the same level.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen felt a slight weight settle in his heart.

"Since you comprehend this venerable one's cultivation, why do you not withdraw immediately?"

The Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Heavenly Emperor of the Sun] spoke slowly, his gaze calm yet piercing as it rested upon Indestructibility Ancient One. "Do you truly believe," he said, his voice resonating, "that just because you have cultivated the Indestructibility Body [the Body of Indestructibility], I cannot utterly suppress you?"

"Solar Sun [the Solar Sun], is it necessary to bully the younger with your seniority?"

At that very moment, a series of divine harmonies, resonating with the Great Path [the fundamental laws of the cosmos], echoed through the sky.

Eldrin Chen looked up. Above the boundless Heavenly Vault [the Celestial Dome], he saw three peerless figures arriving together.

The leader sat upon a pure white Lotus Throne [a throne formed from sacred lotus petals]. The two figures behind him held the Great Abyss Sword [the Sword of the Great Abyss] and the Purple Tenuity Star Disc [the Star Disc of Purple Tenuity]. They were none other than Great Abyss Immortal Sage [the Immortal Sage of the Great Abyss] and Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign [the Divine Sovereign of Purple Tenuity].

"This junior pays his respects to the three Divine Sovereign and Immortal Sage [a supreme immortal realm] Seniors."

Eldrin Chen bowed deeply, his words filled with utmost reverence.

The Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign and the Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign offered faint smiles, offering no further words.

It was the Great Abyss Immortal Sage who reached out to help him rise, speaking with paternal warmth, "I have long said you would join our ranks. Now, events have unfolded precisely as foreseen."

"Now that you hold the dignity of a Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator one step below the legendary Sages], such formalities are no longer necessary."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, remaining silent.

Simultaneously, above the Void Heaven, the figures of the two Heavenly Emperors, Candle Dragon and Primordial Phoenix, materialized.

The Solar Heavenly Emperor regarded the trio with a calm yet piercing gaze, his voice resonant. "Three Great God-Emperors and Immortal Sages have gathered, and the various Great Emperor Courts are already prepared for war. It seems your preparations have been long in the making."

"A pity the Fellow Daoist Primordial Genesis is not present. Otherwise, today might have seen your Demon Race driven from the Primordial Immortal Domain."

So spoke the Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign, his eyes radiating a boundless, icy intent.

As the second Primordial Era Divine Sovereign, he had once cultivated the Stellar Path [the Dao of the stars and constellations] in parallel, simultaneously wielding the Chaos Spiritual Artifact known as the Purple Subtlety Star Plate. His power had once surpassed even that of the Solar Heavenly Emperor by a slight margin.

Had it not been for the Solar Heavenly Emperor's treacherous ambush from behind, which stripped him of his Stellar Path, he would not have been forced into a slumber spanning tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulations [immense cosmic cycles in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years].

The Solar Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler associated with the sun] let out a mocking laugh but offered no reply to Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign.

Instead, it was Candle Dragon Heavenly Emperor whose gaze turned icy as he stared at Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign and declared, "Old thief of Purple Tenuity, today is a fitting day to settle a score with you."

Upon hearing this, the eyes of those present flickered with understanding. The Purple Tenuity Star Disc [a powerful enchanted artifact] of Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign had been elevated by seizing the Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy of creation] that was meant to be its companion.

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen inwardly felt a flash of comprehension.

Back in the Primordial Era [the mythical first age of the cosmos], the Primordial Beginning Domain held an exceptionally high status. As a major Primordial Domain [one of the foundational realms of existence], it was destined to have nine Primordial Era Divine Sovereign [divine rulers ordained by the Mandate of Heaven in that ancient era].

However, later, the Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified multiple cultivation paths] from the Blazing Central Primordial Domain intervened at a great cost. This caused the Heavenly Path [the cosmic law or principle governing the heavens] of the Primordial Beginning Domain to suffer a grievous wound and fall into a deep slumber.

Without the protection of the Heavenly Path, the Destiny [the ordained fate or heavenly mandate] of the nine Mandate of Heaven Divine Sovereign was altered.

The three Great God [powerful divine beings] who were the first to emerge into the world—Primordial Beginning, Solar Sun, and Purple Tenuity—seized a significant portion of the Chaos Genesis Energy meant for others.

Many became victims of this act, including Three Souls Imperial Lord, Candle Dragon Heavenly Emperor, Primordial Phoenix Heavenly Emperor, Primordial Qilin Ancestor, and the Primordial Demonic Ape Progenitor from the Primordial Era.

It was precisely because of this history that an irreconcilable enmity now existed among the various Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors who rule over chaos or primordial realms] within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

Upon careful reflection, this might very well be part of the open stratagem orchestrated by that Path Union Supreme [the supreme ruler of the Path Union].

After all, the original Nine Great God Sovereigns included both the Primordial Demonic Ape Progenitor [the foremost master of physical body sanctification] and Three Souls Imperial Lord [the Heavenly Emperor who mastered the Soul Path].

Such a vast Primordial Domain [an ancient, foundational realm of existence], if truly united, would pose a threat that could not be underestimated.

A large, cohesive Primordial Domain might indeed present a significant challenge to the Blazing Central Primordial Domain.

Yet, a Primordial Domain that is fractured and has lost more than half its strength would be of little concern in the eyes of the Path Union Supreme.

Perhaps the various Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers of celestial domains] within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains understood this as well, but faced with irreconcilable conflicts, they found it impossible to reunite.

This was also the crucial reason for the defeat of the Primordial Beginning Domain tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth] ago.

"The methods of that Path Union Supreme from the Blazing Central Chaos Domain are truly ruthless and cunning," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, his thoughts swirling before he swiftly reined them back in.

At the same time, high above the boundless Heavenly Vault [the celestial firmament], the Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign finally spoke: "Let our battle take place in the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse at the edge of creation]."

"Agreed," Eldrin Chen responded with a slight nod, his figure flickering as he vanished from the spot.

As his words fell, Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign [the supreme deity representing the dawn of creation] swept his sleeve, causing the Starry River [the celestial river of stars] to shift and whirl. The entire battlefield was relocated to the vast and desolate Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless void before creation], where he clashed with the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Celestial Sovereign of the Sun], initiating a battle of truly epic proportions.

In that very instant, Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign [the Divine Sovereign of the Purple Tenuity constellation], Great Abyss Immortal Sage [the Immortal Sage of the Great Abyss], and even the two great Heavenly Emperors [Celestial Sovereigns]—Candle Dragon [the primordial dragon whose eyes are sun and moon] and Primordial Phoenix [the first phoenix born from chaos]—had all plunged into the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the infinite, churning sea of primordial energy].

Witnessing this, Indestructibility Ancient One [the primordial being whose essence is unyielding and eternal] patted Eldrin Chen on the shoulder and said, "I shall go lend them my aid. This place I leave to you."

In the blink of an eye, Indestructibility Ancient One had also departed.

After Indestructibility Ancient One left, Eldrin Chen withdrew his gaze. A conflict at the level of Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Celestial Sovereign who commands the power of primordial chaos] was utterly beyond his ability to intervene in.

Even if he joined the fray, he could only rely on his Returning Abyss Divine Rune [a divine protective sigil that absorbs and redirects force] to endure the blows, and would most likely be beaten to the brink of death, grievously wounded.

Now, with the three Great Gods [deities of immense power] and Immortal Sages [enlightened beings who have transcended mortality]—the three sovereigns—along with Indestructibility Ancient One, it should be sufficient to contend with the three great Heavenly Emperors.

After all, the two Heavenly Emperors, Candle Dragon and Primordial Phoenix, did not possess Chaos Spiritual Artifacts [weapons or tools forged from and imbued with the power of primordial chaos]. Their combat prowess was slightly inferior, by half a measure, to that of Great Abyss Immortal Sage and Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign, not to mention that Indestructibility Ancient One had now gone to assist them.

Seeing the three great Heavenly Emperors thus held at bay, Eldrin Chen finally had the mental space to turn his attention toward the Solar Golden Pagoda [a majestic pagoda forged from solidified solar essence].

Yet, at that very moment, he discovered that within the Solar Golden Pagoda, ten figures of peerless, awe-inspiring presence had silently materialized and now stood imposingly.

"Soaring Sky Imperial Scion."

Eldrin Chen spoke, his gaze sweeping carefully over the group before him. He realized these ten individuals were none other than the ten invincible Imperial Scions of the Solar Heavenly Emperor.

Meeting again after so many years, Soaring Sky Imperial Scion's cultivation had long since stepped into the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm [the foundational realm for Imperial Lords, representing the unity of one's primordial essence], and he had traversed a considerable distance within this domain.

Most crucially, among the Ten Golden Crow Imperial Scions, each possessed exceptionally formidable cultivation. The strongest few had already stepped into the realm of Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm denoting sovereign power over vast domains].

This was rather abnormal. One must consider that the Demon Race possessed only ten Great Emperor. Yet, before him, the Ten Great Imperial Scions nearly all bore the potential of a Great Emperor, with several among them having already attained that very realm.

Such combat prowess and foundational strength were truly staggering, bordering on the unbelievable.

Yet, in the next instant, Eldrin Chen dismissed these thoughts. Having stepped into the Sage Ascendant Realm [a transcendent realm where one's comprehension approaches the fundamental truths of existence], he could already be considered peerless within the Mortal Realm [the collective plane of mortal existence]. Even if all ten Imperial Scions were to join forces, it would be futile.

With this conviction firm in his heart, Eldrin Chen spoke, his voice carrying an undeniable weight. "Soaring Sky, do you intend to bar my path?"

"Hmph—"

Soaring Sky Imperial Scion let out a cold snort, his hand tightening around the Solar Imperial Spear [a divine spear imbued with the authority and power of the Solar Emperor]. "By my honored father's decree, I am commanded to guard the Solar Golden Pagoda [a sacred pagoda of immense defensive and sealing power]. This place must not be compromised."

"Is that so?"

Eldrin Chen let out a cold snort. Without personally taking action, he unleashed the five Great Emperor Soul Slaves under his command. They surged forth in unison, clashing fiercely with the Ten Great Imperial Scions in a great battle.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen channeled his boundless true power, forcefully carving his way into the heart of the Solar Golden Pagoda.

The instant Eldrin Chen stepped inside the Solar Golden Pagoda, he felt an invisible force sever his connection to the outside world. Simultaneously, the great doors of the pagoda slammed shut behind him.

At the same moment, from all directions, one peerless Great Emperor after another manifested.

There stood the Primordial Solar Great Emperor, the Bifang Great Emperor, the Azure Dragon Great Emperor, the Golden-Winged Great Roc Great Emperor, the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor, and seven or eight other supreme Great Emperor figures.

"You have been guarding this place, it seems, waiting for me for quite some time."

Eldrin Chen spoke, his expression cold and detached.

The Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor, gripping his Primordial Era Thunder Spear, stepped forward with a cold laugh. "With your status as a Sage Ascendant, we could do nothing to you if you remained outside this Solar Golden Pagoda."

"But now that you have entered this Solar Golden Pagoda, you are like a dragon stranded in shallow waters. You have truly walked into your own doom."

Simultaneously, endless Great Path Divine Chains [divine chains forged from the power of a Great Path] wove themselves downward, locking onto the body of Eldrin Chen, suppressing his cultivation base by a staggering nine-tenths.

Clearly, this suppression was personally laid down by the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Celestial Sovereign of the Solar Path], infused with the supreme might of the Chaos Solar Great Path [the primordial Great Path of Chaotic Sun].

It turned out the location of the Solar Golden Pagoda was one of the supreme Forbidden Lands [places of immense power and danger] of the Demon Race, guarded by a grand formation at the half-step Chaos Tier [a realm bordering on primordial chaos], potent enough to suppress or even imprison a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the Sage realm].

This was a Formation [a structured array that channels energy for defense or attack] laid by the Solar Heavenly Emperor. Its sole difference from a true Chaos Grand Formation [a formation of primordial chaos] was the lack of a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [an artifact born from primordial chaos] serving as its Formation Eye [the core artifact powering a formation]. Yet, even so, it retained the power of a half-step Chaos Tier.

Now, bolstered by the Formation, the might of the Solar Golden Pagoda soared not merely tenfold, but to a level almost equivalent to a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Celestial Sovereign who has mastered a Path of Chaos] personally wielding this Innate Supreme Treasure [a treasure born with the cosmos, of the highest order] to suppress any intruder.

Fortunately, the Returning Abyss Divine Rune [a divine rune symbolizing the power of the returning abyss] was truly Extraordinary. These Great PathChains [chains imbued with the power of a Great Path], potent enough to suppress ninety percent of a Sage Ascendant's strength, were utterly devoured by the Returning Abyss Divine Rune, leaving Eldrin Chen completely unhindered.