Chapter 2099 : The Nine Forms of Chaos

That was an incomparably supreme Ancient Chaos Pearl [a primordial treasure of immense power], yet it could evolve into nine distinct forms: bells, cauldrons, pagodas, and even weapons like sabers, spears, swords, and halberds, each divine manifestation possessing ultimate might.

Clearly, the Unique Divine Form [a unique and supreme spiritual manifestation] of Black Abyss Sage Ascendant had inherited the protean malleability of the Chaos Divine Form [the primordial, formless spiritual manifestation], capable of transforming into the eight divine forms it had assimilated, thus possessing nine supreme states of being.

"Boom—"

Ultimately, Black Abyss Sage Ascendant emerged, wielding the Chaos War Spear [a spear forged from primordial chaos] manifested from his Unique Divine Form, having blasted the cauldron's lid aside and slain his way out.

"He succeeded."

Witnessing this scene, a shiver of dread ran through all present, their gazes turning profoundly grave.

With this breakthrough, Black Abyss Sage Ascendant's aura and combat prowess had transcended the limits of merely challenging a Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler among cultivators], fully stepping into the domain of a Chaos Celestial Emperor [a Celestial Emperor who has mastered primordial chaos].

He had not yet broken through to become a Chaos Celestial Emperor, yet his strength had already entered that very realm. This transformation filled everyone present with immense shock.

"His combat power is already this heaven-defying before his breakthrough. What would happen once he truly becomes a Chaos Celestial Emperor?"

Many among the gathered felt profound astonishment; even Blazing Zenith Ember wore an expression of utmost gravity.

That Blazing Zenith Ember [a powerful cultivator with a title meaning "Blazing Zenith Ember"] harbored killing intent in his gaze, unable to suppress the thought within his heart: "With such combat prowess, this individual is destined for the Dao-Union Supreme [the supreme realm of cultivation where one unites with the Dao]. His potential likely rivals, if not surpasses, that of the Abyssal Dao Progenitor [a legendary progenitor of the Dao path]."

"Most terrifying is that his cultivation is but A Step Away [a metaphorical phrase meaning very close] from the Chaos Celestial Emperor [the realm of a Chaos Celestial Emperor, a supreme sovereign]. He may very well surpass me and achieve a breakthrough to Chaos Celestial Emperor within the Three Poles Origin Domain [a primordial and mysterious realm]."

"When that time comes, it will inevitably disrupt the Ancient Ancestor's grand design."

With this thought, Blazing Zenith Ember's gaze grew sharp with undisguised murderous intent. "It seems," he murmured coldly, "this person cannot be allowed to live once we depart from here."

Just as Blazing Zenith Ember's killing intent reached its peak, Black Abyss Sage Ascendant [a Sage Ascendant whose title means "Black Abyss"] returned, his steps measured and calm.

Eldrin Chen quickly clasped his hands in salute, unable to contain his joy. "Congratulations, Senior! Having now mastered the Unique Divine Form [a unique and powerful divine transformation technique], your breakthrough to Chaos Celestial Emperor seems assured and imminent."

Black Abyss Sage Ascendant did not immediately reply. He looked at Eldrin Chen, a faint smile touching his lips. "With this breakthrough," he said, "my power has fully entered the domain of a Celestial Emperor [a sovereign emperor among cultivators]."

"Perhaps the pressure upon us can now be alleviated, if only slightly."

Eldrin Chen nodded thoughtfully. "Upon our return, Senior, you must begin preparations for your ascension to Celestial Emperor in earnest," he advised. "We absolutely cannot allow that Blazing Zenith Ember to gain the advantage and break through first."

"Indeed."

Black Abyss Sage Ascendant gave a slight nod, then swept his gaze over Blazing Zenith Ember, a flicker of overwhelming Heaven's Slaughter intent rising within his eyes.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen said no more and turned his attention towards the Immortal Refining Furnace [a legendary artifact capable of refining and purifying one's cultivation to an immortal level].

Perhaps inspired by the success of the Black Abyss Sage Ascendant, at this moment, many other Sage Ascendant [the realm just below that of a true Immortal Sage] mustered their courage and began to step into the Immortal Refining Furnace to attempt their breakthrough.

Unfortunately, whether it was achieving a Unique Divine Form [a supreme physical manifestation of one's Dao, unique to each cultivator] or becoming a Chaos Celestial Emperor, these were hurdles where success came easily to those who could, and remained impossible for those who could not.

Those with a sufficiently profound foundation had long since cultivated their Unique Divine Form over the vast stretches of time. For those whose foundation was lacking, even with the aid of the Immortal Refining Furnace, their chances of success were not particularly high.

In the time that followed, several more cultivators failed in their breakthroughs one after another, their bodies dissolving into Life essence [the pure, condensed energy of life itself] to be absorbed by this place.

After four consecutive failures and deaths, someone finally succeeded again. It was a Primordial Limitless Sage Ascendant [a Sage Ascendant who has mastered the Nine Great Divine Forms] who had cultivated the Nine Great Divine Forms.

His Daoist title was 'Heavenly River Daoist'. This person was exceedingly low-key and not very famous within the Blazing Zenith Hundred Domains, ranking even among the lowest of the Primordial Limitless Sage Ascendant.

Yet, for this breakthrough, he advanced with unstoppable momentum, succeeding almost as naturally as water flowing downhill, and cultivated his Unique Divine Form.

After the Heavenly River Daoist's successful breakthrough, a few more Sage Ascendant entered the furnace to attempt their own, but all ultimately met with failure.

At this moment, scarcely anyone dared to venture within any longer.

Just as the crowd believed no one would dare enter, ten figures clad in golden imperial robes strode forth.

The arrivals were none other than Aurelius, the Imperial Scion and the Ten Imperial Scions of the Golden Crow Lineage. They exchanged a glance with Eldrin Chen before stepping directly into the Immortal Refining Furnace.

"One Great Emperor and nine Pseudo-Sage—are they courting death?"

Witnessing this scene, many among the onlookers wore expressions of stunned disbelief.

Only Eldrin Chen remained silent. After a long pause, his expression grew profoundly grave. "It seems," he said, "we may face considerable trouble."

Black Abyss Sage Ascendant gave a slight nod. "I have a growing suspicion," he began, "that the Solar Celestial Emperor has laid intricate plans. It is likely the Solar Celestial Emperor himself is moving pieces upon this board."

Eldrin Chen offered no reply, his gaze fixed intently upon the shifting energies within the Immortal Refining Furnace.

Within the vast confines of the Immortal Refining Furnace, the boundless Refining Immortal Fire [a divine flame capable of refining even immortal essence] began to seethe and boil. The furnace, drawing upon and exhaling the infinite immortal fires of the entire Immortal Refining Heaven, commenced its work of refining Aurelius, the Imperial Scion and the Ten Imperial Scions.

Yet, beneath the relentless tempering of these immortal flames, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion remained utterly unchanged.

Conversely, the physical bodies of the nine Golden Crow Imperial Scion were instantly refined. After their refinement, they transformed into nine swirling orbs of Supreme Yang Flames [the ultimate manifestation of solar essence and heat] that coiled and encircled Aurelius, the Imperial Scion.

The Aurelius, the Imperial Scion at the center began to ceaselessly absorb the nine orbs of Supreme Yang Flames, simultaneously drawing upon the Life essence [the vital life force and spiritual energy] of the nine Great Emperor scions.

As time flowed, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion's cultivation base began to climb at a pace visible to the naked eye.

In what seemed like the blink of an eye, his cultivation had firmly stepped into the Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm signifying one has ascended to the threshold of sagehood], and it continued its relentless ascent.

By the time the nine Great Emperor scions were completely refined, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion had touched the very limits of the Sage Ascendant realm, with one foot already half-stepping into the domain of a Celestial Emperor [the sovereign ruler of a celestial domain].

It was then revealed that, unbeknownst to all, the nine Great Emperor scions of the Solar Celestial Emperor had used their own Pseudo-Sage [a state mimicking sagehood but not yet fully realized] flesh and blood to forge nine True Spirit Divine Form [manifestations of a cultivator's truest spiritual essence and power] for Aurelius, the Imperial Scion.

Most terrifyingly, the Grand Dao Divine Form [a divine form embodying a supreme cultivation path] cultivated by the nine scions, along with their bloodline aura, perfectly harmonized with Aurelius, the Imperial Scion. The resulting True Spirit Divine Form were also a flawless match.

Thus, these Nine True Spirit Divine Forms spiraled and encircled one another, with Aurelius, the Imperial Scion's own Solar Golden Flame Divine Form [a divine form of solar golden flames] at their core. They ultimately fused into an entirely new Primordial Innate Great Dao [a supreme cultivation art born from one's most fundamental nature]—the Ten Solar Heavenly Flames.

"BOOM—"

Once the breakthrough was complete, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion erupted forth, violently casting aside the lid of the immortal furnace. He emerged with an aura of matchless, overwhelming power.

"Hiss—"

All those present who witnessed this scene revealed a trace of shock upon their faces.

They beheld Aurelius, the Imperial Scion standing tall upon the vast celestial firmament, the Solar God-Spear in his grasp. Behind his head, ten Primordial Golden Sun slowly rose and fell, radiating a scorching flame capable of annihilating heaven and extinguishing earth.

"Boundless Great Dao, Ten Solar Heavenly Flames."

"Unique Divine Form, Ten Suns Traverse the Sky."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his expression turning grave for the first time. He could not help but feel awe at the meticulous planning of the Solar Celestial Emperor.

To use ten Chaos Rare Treasure as embryos, infused with his own bloodline to nurture ten Imperial Scions whose destinies were intrinsically linked.

Then, to personally select ten compatible flame Great Dao [the fundamental laws of existence] for these Ten Imperial Scions, and finally, using the fire of the Immortal Refining Furnace, refine nine of the Great Emperor sons completely, transforming them into the Ascension [the process of transcending to a higher state of being] nourishment for Aurelius, the Imperial Scion.

Each step interlocked seamlessly, a scheme laid over at least several thousand Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years] of time. One could say it gathered every element of favorable timing, geographical advantage, and human harmony.

Thus, the Aurelius, the Imperial Scion who emerged was, for all intents and purposes, a peerless prodigy, a seemingly predestined Chaos Celestial Emperor, possessing even the potential to tread the path toward becoming a Dao-Union Supreme [a supreme being who has merged with the fundamental Dao] Paragon.

"Yet, for one such as the Solar Celestial Emperor [a title for a supreme being embodying the sun's ultimate principle], a being of such profound self-interest, to weave a scheme at such immense cost... is cultivating his own progeny truly his sole aim?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his gaze turning heavy as he looked towards Aurelius, the Imperial Scion.

Contrary to expectation, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion met his gaze. He regarded Eldrin Chen with a calm demeanor and stated, "My father made me a promise, with my willing consent as the price."

"That promise was to meet you today and grant me the freedom to battle you with everything I have."

Eldrin Chen fell silent for a moment, then spoke with a note of certainty. "This is to be your final battle, is it not?"

"You have perceived it."

Aurelius, the Imperial Scion offered a faint, sorrowful smile. "From the moment I drew my first breath, I understood I was merely a pawn. My Destiny [a preordained fate or course of events] was already immutable, carved in stone."

"At times, I have envied you. Though you rose from humble origins, you were never a piece on a board from birth, forced to watch helplessly as the abyss consumed you."

As Aurelius, the Imperial Scion finished speaking, he swept his sleeve, activating a scroll that pulled Eldrin Chen into a realm of Boundless Void.

Deep within that Boundless Void, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion faced Eldrin Chen. "I know you harbor many secrets," he declared. "This space is isolated from the world, sufficient to contain the full measure of our clash."

"You may unleash your full power and face me in a fair, head-on battle."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and calmly drew forth the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd [a legendary polearm forged from the essence of primordial chaos]. "You are an anomaly," he stated, his voice even. "Your combat prowess nearly rivals that of a Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of a heavenly domain, a being of immense power]. Yet, against me, you stand not the slightest chance of victory."

"I do not believe it."

Aurelius, the Imperial Scion [the crown prince of the Golden Crow Clan] erupted into a frenzy. The ten divine suns behind his head whirled incessantly, Eruption [a supreme technique of explosive power] to their utmost limit, channeling the ultimate power of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] into his Solar War Spear [a spear blazing with the fury of the sun].

He then swung his war spear, bringing its heaven-shaking, earth-sundering force crashing down.

"*Clang—*"

Eldrin Chen raised the Primordial Chaos Heaven Halberd to parry, and in the blink of an eye, they were locked in a furious exchange of over three thousand moves.

The Aurelius, the Imperial Scion fought with near-maniacal fury, yet Eldrin Chen remained as calm and composed as still water, seemingly not even exerting his full strength.

"Impossible! My power can challenge a Celestial Emperor! How can you so effortlessly deflect it?"

Watching Eldrin Chen dismantle his every attack with apparent ease, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion demanded, his voice trembling with near-total madness.

Eldrin Chen shook his head and spoke with calm composure, "Your strength is extraordinary, nearly capable of facing a Chaos Celestial Emperor. It can truly be considered combat power at the level of a Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of the heavens, a pinnacle existence]."

"Even with my current self, relying solely on physical might, we would be evenly matched."

"Yet, my true strength is not confined to mere physical prowess."

"Impossible... utterly impossible!"

Aurelius, the Imperial Scion was nearly driven to madness, his voice laced with disbelief as he demanded, "My combat power has surpassed the ultimate limits of Primordial Unity [a profound cultivation realm representing the initial unification of one's foundational energies]. I can vie for supremacy even with a Chaos Celestial Emperor! How could there be any rival beneath a Celestial Emperor?"

"I refuse to believe it! Unleash your full power at once and fight me with everything you have!"

As his words fell, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion's combat aura surged almost to the very limits of the Mortal Realm. The ten Primordial Golden Sun [ancient, primordial suns of immense power] blazing behind him erupted into a frenzy, like ten Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] divine suns undergoing a cataclysmic Eruption [a divine ability of explosive, overwhelming power].

In that instant, an unimaginable force crashed forth, its pressure causing even Eldrin Chen's brow to furrow slightly.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen finally ceased holding back. He spoke with serene finality, "Since you desire it so, then behold."

"BOOM—"

In a single Ksana-time [an infinitesimal unit of time from Buddhist cosmology, less than a second], Eldrin Chen fully unleashed his power.

With a deafening roar, eighteen Immortal Treasury [a supreme cultivation realm representing a treasury of immortal power] manifested behind Eldrin Chen, each one housing a coiled True Spirit Divine Form [a divine avatar formed from one's true spiritual essence].

Beyond these Immortal Treasury, three divine forms, born from the Chaos Limitless Great Dao [the Great Dao of Limitless Chaos, a supreme cultivation art], surged and ebbed, unleashing countless strands of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] aura potent enough to shatter the Myriad Heavens [the countless realms and heavens of existence].

Within Eldrin Chen's sea of consciousness [the spiritual center of a cultivator's mind], the Primordial Spirit Pagoda also erupted with cosmos-rending power, unleashing a force capable of destroying Heaven's Extinction and shattering the earth.

All these powers converged, pouring their might into Eldrin Chen's physical body, elevating his combat prowess to an indescribable, supreme domain.

An unimaginable barrier was shattered. A blow of supreme, transcendent force shot forth, smashing through the chest of Aurelius, the Imperial Scion and sending him flying in a spray of blood and flesh.

"Aaaargh—!"

Aurelius, the Imperial Scion screamed in agony. He looked at Eldrin Chen, his expression one of utter disbelief, as if he could not fathom such world-shaking power from Eldrin Chen.

At that moment, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion's body began to disintegrate irreversibly, his very flesh, blood, and soul seeming to ignite and burn away.

Yet, contrary to all expectations, a trace of unmistakable relief surfaced on Aurelius, the Imperial Scion's face.

He turned his gaze toward Eldrin Chen, a flicker of inexplicable hope coloring his expression.

"Hahaha."

Aurelius, the Imperial Scion suddenly burst into loud laughter, allowing his physical form to begin disintegrating, scattering into a sky-filling shower of luminous rain.

He fixed his gaze intently on Eldrin Chen and finally spoke: "You have slain me, yet you will now face a far more formidable Him."

"He is my most terrifying nightmare, and he shall become your most dreadful adversary."

"Remember this: henceforth, no matter the circumstance, never trust Him, and above all, never trust the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor."

"The Foreign Realm Demon Emperor?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback. That the Solar Celestial Emperor [the supreme ruler of the solar domain] was a selfish, self-serving individual made his untrustworthiness somewhat understandable.

Yet, the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor enjoyed a sterling reputation that resonated throughout the Blazing Zenith Hundred Domains. Why, in the eyes of Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, was his credibility deemed even lower than that of the Solar Celestial Emperor?

Pondering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but inquire: "Why should the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor not be trusted?"

At this moment, Aurelius, the Imperial Scion was already in a state of extreme weakness. His physical body began to continuously fade and grow ethereal, his entire cultivation seeming to dissipate bit by bit.

Yet, he still forced himself to endure, speaking with a trace of utter despair in his expression, "Beware... the Devourer..."

"Huummm—"

Before Aurelius, the Imperial Scion could finish his words, he was instantly engulfed by a wave of boundless, all-consuming darkness.

The Ten Solar Heavenly Flames [a supreme flame art capable of incinerating the heavens] that could have Fenjin the Myriad Heavens, along with the very essence of his Life [the vital life force and spiritual energy of a cultivator], were all devoured by some unfathomable power, vanishing into the Boundless Void.

Only then did Eldrin Chen realize the surrounding Void [the fabric of empty space] had shifted, and he found himself already returned to the Celestial Furnace Grotto-Heaven.

"Devoured,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a flicker of inexplicable dread crossing his features.

The Foreign Realm Demon Emperor wielded the authority of the Devouring Great Dao [the supreme principle of consumption and absorption], his power unfathomably deep. He was arguably the greatest victor following the fall of the Immortal Cosmos Origin Domain.

It was once believed that this Foreign Realm Demon Emperor possessed an impeccable reputation, a being of the highest virtue and purity. Yet, now it seemed this perception might have been gravely mistaken.

Eldrin Chen recalled the Three Souls Emperor Lord from days past. In order to mend the deficiencies in his own soul, that ancient being had once borrowed a portion of the authority over the Devouring Great Dao [a supreme principle governing consumption and absorption] from the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor.

The Three Souls Emperor Lord had sought to devour Eldrin Chen back then, yet ultimately met his defeat at Eldrin's hands.

As for Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, who consumed his nine brothers, and the Solar Celestial Emperor who later consumed Aurelius—behind these acts, the shadow of the Devouring Great Dao seemed to loom.

Now it appeared these events were likely part of the machinations of the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor.

This realization sent a chill down Eldrin's spine. If the Solar Celestial Emperor was an agent of the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor, how could the impending battle within the Heavenly Abyss [a profound and perilous cosmic chasm] possibly be fought?

Yet, upon deeper reflection, this likelihood seemed small. After all, the Solar Celestial Emperor was a peak-tier Celestial Emperor [a supreme ruler among immortals]. Having devoured Aurelius, he had likely stepped directly into the realm of Half-Step Dao-Unification [a transcendent state bordering on the unification of all cosmic principles].

A being of such supreme power would not serve as a mere underling to the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor. Their relationship was more likely one of cooperation.

But since they were collaborators, Eldrin Chen had no choice but to remain vigilant, though he currently saw no clear path to counter them.

"It seems that Foreign Realm Demon Emperor is far more terrifying than I ever imagined," Eldrin murmured.

"With the Heavenly Abyss War drawing near, the situation grows ever more dire."

Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh in his heart, a trace of solemnity involuntarily coloring his expression.

If not for having drawn the Grand Pot Primordial Domain lineage to his side, and the fact that there were far too many people in the Three Poles Origin Domain he could not bear to abandon, he might have already considered leaving the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss.

"Eldrin, how are you?"

Just as Eldrin Chen's thoughts were swirling, the nearby Black Abyss Sage Ascendant approached.

He looked at Eldrin Chen, first examining his physical condition, and only then let out a sigh of relief before asking.

Eldrin Chen collected himself, then shook his head and said, "He was no match for me. He departed the Celestial Furnace Grotto-Heaven at the final moment."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen gave Black Abyss Sage Ascendant a meaningful look.

Seeing this, Black Abyss Sage Ascendant immediately understood this was not the place for discussion and promptly led Eldrin Chen away.

The two moved to a secluded corner. Only after Eldrin Chen had erected a concealment ward [a barrier to prevent eavesdropping] did he transmit his voice, recounting the entire sequence of events and his own conjectures to Black Abyss Sage Ascendant.

After hearing his account, Black Abyss Sage Ascendant spoke with evident apprehension, "Among the five supreme Half-Step Dao-Unification experts, the Foreign Realm Demon Emperor rose to power most recently, yet possesses the greatest potential."

"Such a figure is indeed a formidable opponent, but you need not worry overmuch," he said.

"With our strength, even if we cannot withstand the Northern Abyss Foreign Domain, preserving ourselves should be well within our capabilities."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, finally suppressing the troubling thoughts.

He withdrew the concealment ward and surveyed his surroundings. He noticed that most of the Sage Ascendant cultivators who had been gathered around the Immortal Refining Furnace had already departed. Only a few remained, exploring the depths of the Molten Lava Fire Vein.

Seeing this, Black Abyss Sage Ascendant spoke up, "The Immortal Refining Heaven remains open for an extended period. Everyone is out searching for secret realms and opportunities for cultivation."

"When the time for the Immortal Refining Heaven's opening finally draws to a close, the Grotto-Heaven Spirit will select the most promising few and bestow upon them several portions of the Opportunity [a rare chance to advance one's cultivation path]."

"We need only continue exploring the Immortal Refining Heaven and wait for its closure. With the foundation you and I possess, we should be able to secure at least one portion of the Opportunity."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, then inquired, "I have heard of another Celestial Domains, named the Soul-Burial Heaven. When does this particular Celestial Domains open?"

Black Abyss Sage Ascendant shook his head, his expression turning grave. "The Soul-Burial Heaven typically does not open. To set foot within it, one must have either cultivated the Nine Great True Spirit Apertures [a supreme foundational cultivation achievement] or forged a Primordial Spirit Treasure [a treasure born from and bound to one's very soul essence]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, then immediately understood that he himself possessed the qualifications to enter.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze toward the heavens, toward the omnipresent Grotto-Heaven Spirit [the sentient spirit of a Grotto-Heaven, a pocket dimension of immense spiritual power].

"So you have discovered me."

The voice of the Grotto-Heaven Spirit drifted over, inquiring calmly, "Will you first test the Immortal Refining Furnace [a legendary furnace capable of refining the essence of immortals], or will you proceed directly to the Soul-Burial Heaven [a realm of final rest and oblivion for souls]?"