Chapter 2061 : The Path Ancestor's Ascendant Authority

"That goes without saying."

Long River Path Lord continued placing his pieces on the board, yet spoke with serene composure: "As you stand now, you are a Sage Ascendant [a supreme being just one step below a Path Ancestor], and also an Ancestor of a Great Path [the founder and supreme master of an entire cultivation path]. Who in the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the primordial, infinite expanse of existence] would dare show you disrespect?"

"Even a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign who rules over a portion of the primordial chaos] would address you with the title Returning Abyss Path Ancestor. Those so-called Imperial Lord [a powerful ruler within an immortal domain] or Great Emperor [a sovereign emperor of immense power] would never dare to act presumptuously in your presence."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but let out a soft sigh.

Among those who have attained Path Mastery [the profound understanding and command of a cultivation path], a Path Ancestor is fundamentally different from a Sage Ascendant. For an Ancestor of a Great Path who has pioneered a Great Path [a complete and profound system of cultivation], their Great Path Authority [the conceptual power and dominion inherent to their founded path] grows exponentially as more Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality through cultivation] cultivate and follow the path they created.

It is not merely a matter of attaining nine Great Path Divine Form [divine manifestations representing the ultimate principles of one's Great Path]; there is a significant likelihood of even stepping into the realm of the Limitless Great Path [a state where one's founded path transcends all boundaries and limitations].

It can be said that for a peerless Path Ancestor such as yourself, obtaining a single strand of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs] would almost certainly guarantee a future breakthrough to the level of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor, with a not insignificant hope of even reaching the Second Chaos Realm [a legendary, near-mythical tier of existence within the primordial chaos].

This is especially true given that Eldrin Chen's Sacrificial Self Path [a cultivation path centered on the profound sacrifice and refinement of the self] is extraordinary. It is likely to be ranked alongside the legendary Fleshly Body Sanctification [the path of perfecting the physical body to an indestructible state] and the Path of Path Mastery [the ultimate path of comprehending and unifying all paths], possessing a potential that is exceedingly rare.

Therefore, Eldrin Chen's status and potential are far beyond that of an ordinary Sage Ascendant. He is a destined Chaos Heavenly Emperor, a peerless Path Ancestor with the promise to even tread upon the realm of Path Union Supreme [the supreme state of unifying all paths into one].

Such a peerless Path Ancestor cannot be compared to a mere Sage Ascendant. Even a top-tier Sage Ascendant like the Qilin Sage Ascendant likely possesses potential that pales in comparison to Eldrin Chen.

It was precisely for this reason that even the Three Heavenly Emperors of the Demon Race did not act with arrogant pride before Eldrin Chen.

The willingness of the two Great God Emperors to sign an Eternal Covenant with Eldrin Chen stemmed from the fact that he was an Ancestor of a Great Path, not an ordinary Path Mastery Sage Ascendant.

Otherwise, what mere Sage Ascendant would have the standing to be mentioned alongside a Chaos Heavenly Emperor?

One must understand that even the Desolate Heaven Quasi-Emperor of a Divine Clan would position himself as a junior before the two Great God Emperors, not daring the slightest presumption.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen brought his mind back to the present and, with a smile, looked at Long River Path Lord. "It's still most relaxing and comfortable by your side," he said. "It allows me to truly empty my mind and spirit."

Long River Path Lord smiled faintly. Having witnessed Eldrin Chen's rise, he regarded him more like a cherished junior of his own clan.

With such a relationship, there were naturally no formal constraints between them.

After a moment of contemplation, he spoke. "I heard you intend to send a group of people for Reincarnation [the process of being reborn into a new life] in the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm?"

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then said after a thoughtful pause, "With my current level of cultivation, I am finally in a position to extend a helping hand to some old friends."

"The reason I sought you out this time was also to discuss this matter with you."

Long River Path Lord nodded, yet after a long moment of contemplation, he said, "It is hard to leave one's homeland. I will not go to the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm."

"I shall remain here in the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, and incidentally keep an eye on the Purple Seal Realm."

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly. After a moment's thought, he said, "If that is the case, how about I send you, Senior, back to the Purple Seal Realm for Reincarnation [the process of being reborn into a new life]?"

"Agreed."

Long River Path Lord gave a slight nod, accepting Eldrin Chen's suggestion.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen played another game of chess with Long River Path Lord. Only when the final piece was placed, signaling The End [the conclusion of a cycle or fate], did he assist Long River Path Lord in his journey to Reincarnation.

In aiding Long River Path Lord's reincarnation this time, Eldrin Chen also fused two Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters [inscrutable symbols from the dawn of creation] into his consciousness.

Those two Primordial Chaos Ancient Characters intertwined with the Innate Mother Energy [the primordial, nurturing energy of existence] and the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme, foundational energy of the cosmos], ultimately giving birth to a scroll of several hundred words—the Innate River and Luo Scripture [an ancient scripture of supreme divination and cosmic patterns].

Eldrin Chen needed only a single glance to grasp, in broad strokes, the profound mysteries contained within this supreme Ancient Scripture.

This Innate River and Luo Scripture [an ancient scripture detailing a profound cultivation path] contains the Innate River and Luo Great Path [the supreme cultivation method of the River and Luo]. However, it lacks the technique for refining Innate Energy [the primordial, untainted energy of creation] found within the Scripture of Innate Primordial Breath, and its potential for enlightenment cannot match the astonishing profundity of the Innate Path-Seeking Scripture.

Yet, within this Ancient Scripture, two methods for cultivating True Spirit Treasures [supreme-grade magical artifacts of immense power] are recorded. These two treasures are the River Chart and the Luo Writing.

By carrying this scripture through reincarnation, Long River Path Lord could, from a young age, draw upon the primal energies of waterways—rivers, lakes, and seas—to nurture the embryonic forms of these two True Spirit Treasures.

As his cultivation advanced, by the time Long River Path Lord stepped into the Great Emperor [a supreme cultivation realm] realm, he would inevitably refine these two artifacts into Innate Supreme Treasures [legendary treasures born from primordial chaos].

Individually, the River Chart and Luo Writing are merely ordinary Innate Supreme Treasures. Yet, once combined to form the Primordial One River and Luo Grand Formation [a grand formation of cosmic significance], their power would far surpass that of typical Innate Supreme Treasures.

Moreover, cultivating with these two treasures would grant Long River Path Lord's reincarnated form, Future, tremendous potential.

"With this Opportunity and Fortune [a destined chance and great fortune], coupled with my guidance, Senior Long River's attainment of the Great Emperor Realm in his next life should face no significant obstacles," Eldrin Chen murmured to himself.

With these thoughts, Eldrin Chen departed from the Reincarnation Well [a mystical well governing the cycle of rebirth]. In the Netherworld Realm [the realm of the dead], he then met Verdant Seal Patriarch, who presided over the affairs of the Netherworld.

Within the Netherworld Grand Hall, Eldrin Chen sat facing Verdant Seal Patriarch. Gazing at the patriarch before him, Eldrin Chen posed a question.

"Patriarch, how do you feel your accumulation has progressed in recent years?"

"The path of Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [a cultivation method focused on refining one's spiritual core to its ultimate form] is arduous; I still find it difficult to reach that final step."

Verdant Seal Patriarch spoke slowly, a trace of helplessness coloring his expression.

After so many years apart, Verdant Seal Patriarch's cultivation base remained stalled at the Ancient Immortal Realm [a profound and venerable stage of immortal cultivation].

This was not due to any lack of Fortune [heaven-bestowed luck and opportunity] or talent on the part of Verdant Seal Patriarch, but rather because he had chosen to walk the path of Primordial Spirit Path Attainment.

If the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation art focused on forging an indestructible physical form] was a path where one survived a hundred deaths to achieve a single life, then the road of Primordial Spirit Path Attainment was widely acknowledged throughout the Southern Abyss Seven Domains as a veritable dead end.

Verdant Seal Patriarch possessed extraordinary talent. He had once created the Meridian Nurturing Ascendant Immortal Art [an immortal art for nurturing and ascending one's spiritual meridians] and was blessed with the support of Primordial Chaos Fortune [fortune born from the primordial chaos, representing immense potential]. Naturally, he had his own aspirations regarding the Primordial Spirit Path Attainment Art.

Over the course of four hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of time and tribulation], he had long since cultivated his Primordial Spirit [the foundational spiritual core of a cultivator] to the very threshold of a half-step True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the ultimate, perfected form of one's spiritual essence]. He stood but a hair's breadth away from achieving a true True Spirit Primordial Spirit.

Yet, this final half-step proved as difficult as scaling the heavens themselves, forever barring Verdant Seal Patriarch from completing that ultimate metamorphosis.

"The path to becoming a Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign whose authority stems from supreme mastery over the soul and spirit] has, since ancient times, been a road to ruin."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, unable to suppress a sigh. "Throughout the ages, how many peerless heroes, how many dazzling prodigies across the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the infinite, formless primordial expanse that predates creation] have there been? Yet, those who have succeeded in cultivating a True Spirit Primordial Spirit can be counted on one hand."

"With your current state as a Ghost Immortal [a powerful spirit that has transcended death but not yet attained true divinity], aspiring to cultivate the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the ultimate, perfected form of one's spiritual core] is naturally a path fraught with considerable difficulty."

Verdant Seal Patriarch gave a slow nod, then spoke. "I have studied the Earth Soul Scripture [an ancient text containing profound secrets of the earth and soul], and I have witnessed the legacy of the Soul Path Secret Art [an esoteric technique for refining and empowering the soul] you left behind. Yet, I have consistently found myself unable to take that final, crucial step."

"Where, I wonder, does the true obstacle lie?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a long moment before finally replying. "In my view, the path to forging a True Spirit Foundation [the unshakable spiritual bedrock required for the highest ascensions] is limited to two possible routes."

"The first," he began, "is the path I myself walked. One must build a foundation of supreme strength, shatter the Limit-Breaker [the inherent constraints of one's current cultivation stage], and thereby attract the Vast Chaos True Spirit Imprint [a profound cosmic blessing that imprints the essence of primordial chaos upon the soul]."

"The second," he continued, his tone growing more contemplative, "might involve severing all attachments. One could attempt to refine the Primordial Spirit [the core spiritual essence of a cultivator] to its most pure and unadulterated state, embarking upon the arduous Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [a cultivation method focused solely on the absolute purification and empowerment of the spirit]."

"To abandon... everything?"

The Verdant Seal Patriarch was momentarily taken aback, his thoughts turning unbidden to Energy Abyss Chen.

In ages past, when Energy Abyss Chen chose to walk the Fleshly Body Sanctification [the Path of Physical Divinity, a cultivation art that focuses on perfecting the mortal body into an indestructible vessel], he had renounced all his previous foundations. He had even sacrificed the Immortal Domain [a realm of his own creation, suffused with immortal energy] he had painstakingly opened and the Great Path [the overarching cultivation philosophy or law he followed] he had cultivated, committing himself wholly to the extreme purity of the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification.

Since that fateful decision, Energy Abyss Chen's cultivation had advanced with breathtaking speed. Now, almost imperceptibly, his power had soared to the realm of a Primordial One Imperial Lord 6th Tier [the sixth tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm, a stage of immense power where one commands authority over fundamental cosmic principles].

"So, all this time... have I been walking the wrong path?"

Verdant Seal Patriarch murmured softly, a bitter smile touching his lips.

Eldrin Chen nodded and then spoke. "The first path is exceedingly difficult to tread. It demands the boldness to suppress all other paths and the innate talent to master one's entire foundational cultivation."

"Would it not be better to sever all distractions and devote oneself solely to the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] path? By focusing without diversion and avoiding conflicts between different Great Path [the fundamental laws and principles of cultivation], one's cultivation would naturally advance by leaps and bounds."

"I understand."

Verdant Seal Patriarch inclined his head, a look of profound realization dawning on his face.

He understood now that each person's innate talent was different; not everyone could master the seven True Spirit Foundation [a supreme foundational cultivation method].

Yet, everyone possessed their own strengths. Some were suited for the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation path focused on refining the physical body to an indestructible state], while others were destined for the Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [the path of cultivating and perfecting the Primordial Spirit].

Rather than being distracted by a path ill-suited to them, it was better to sever all extraneous and impure ways, focusing solely on the path most fitting to one's nature. Only then might one achieve the highest accomplishments.

With this resolution firm in his heart, Verdant Seal Patriarch declared, "If that is the case, then I shall sever all else. With a pure Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] as my vessel, I shall embark upon the cultivation of the Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [the path of cultivating and perfecting the Primordial Spirit]."

"Hold a moment."

Just as Verdant Seal Patriarch was about to sever all ties and wholeheartedly pursue the Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification, Eldrin Chen stopped him.

With a thoughtful pause, Eldrin Chen retrieved two ethereal scrolls of the Soul Path Ancient Scripture and made copies for Verdant Seal Patriarch, saying, "These two volumes of the Soul Path Ancient Scripture may be of some use to you."

"Contemplate them first; you may gain some insights."

Verdant Seal Patriarch sensed the Ancient Scripture now residing within his sea of consciousness [the spiritual center of the mind] and his expression shifted subtly. "I never imagined all three volumes of this Ancient Scripture had already fallen into your hands," he said.

"This matter is of grave importance, Patriarch. You must not allow this knowledge to spread,"

Eldrin Chen affirmed with a solemn nod, his expression grave.

Verdant Seal Patriarch offered no further words, instead sealing his sea of consciousness with utmost caution and gravity.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen did not linger. He trusted that Verdant Seal Patriarch, having severed all worldly attachments, would likely succeed in cultivating a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a perfected spiritual core of immense purity and power].

Afterwards, by studying the three great Soul Path Ancient Scripture, his chances of successfully cultivating one or two True Spirit Aperture [a foundational spiritual node of supreme quality] should be considerable.

As for whether he could advance further, it would depend on whether he could forge his own path.

"..."

Departing from the Netherworld Realm, Eldrin Chen returned to his abode. Just as he was preparing to enter seclusion to consolidate the gains from the recent battle, he received a Visiting Card [a formal card used to request an audience].

The person who delivered the Visiting Card was merely a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a cultivator at the advanced stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]. In principle, such an individual would not warrant Eldrin Chen's personal attention.

However, upon seeing the name inscribed on the Visiting Card, Eldrin Chen instructed Alistair Ye to personally receive the visitor.

Not long after, Verdant Edge Ye escorted a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal into Eldrin Chen's immortal hall.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, the man immediately performed a deep, reverent bow.

"This junior, Vast Azure, pays his respects to the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [a title denoting a supreme master of the Returning Abyss Path]."

"Rise."

Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, a gentle force lifting the man to his feet. Gazing upon this imposing figure, a wave of complex emotions washed over Eldrin.

The figure before him was none other than Eldrin Chen, the master of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, and the illustrious Great God Vast Azure of the Primordial Era Divine Clan.

When Eldrin Chen first ascended to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, he had regarded Great God Vast Azure as a figure from ancient legend, a mythical being from a bygone age.

Now, after the passage of several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], meeting this Great God Vast Azure for the first time, Eldrin found the deity seemed... rather unremarkable.

Not just Great God Vast Azure—even the indescribable entity that had slain the Great God was merely a Demonic Path Sage Ascendant from the Northern Abyss Foreign Realm.

To pierce through the Chaos Heaven Abyss with a single sword strike, slaying a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal across vast stretches of Space-Time [the fabric of reality encompassing both space and time], and then obliterating it a thousand times over—such feats were well within Eldrin Chen's current capabilities.

"So, when one's cultivation realm reaches a certain height, even the ineffable myths of old appear to be just... ordinary," Eldrin mused inwardly.

With a soft sigh, Eldrin Chen spoke, "I see your injuries have fully Recovery [recovered through profound healing arts]. It seems you have fared well these past years."

Great God Vast Azure wore an expression of deference and reverence. "This junior's successful revival is entirely thanks to the incarnation you, Path Ancestor, descended to protect my path all those years ago," he said respectfully.

"I have come today specifically to express my gratitude for that profound kindness."

"These humble gifts represent a token of my sincerity. I humbly request that you, Senior, do not refuse them."

As he spoke, Great God Vast Azure [the ancient divine being] presented several Rare Spiritual Wonders [objects of profound spiritual power], each a treasure of the Innate Spiritual Treasure [naturally formed magical artifact] grade.

At this, Eldrin Chen smiled faintly. When Great God Vast Azure was awakening from his slumber, Eldrin had dispatched his Reincarnation Body [a powerful spiritual avatar] to guard the process, ensuring the ancient god's revival proceeded smoothly and without disturbance.

Now, for Great God Vast Azure to come and offer thanks was only fitting. While these treasures meant little to Eldrin Chen, they nonetheless represented a sincere gesture of gratitude from the other party.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, signaling for Alistair Ye to receive the gifts. With a warm smile, he then said, "Your master, Tai Cang Divine Emperor, has been a dear friend of mine for many years."

"In my early years, I too cultivated within the Vast Azure Immortal Domain [a legendary realm of immortals]. In a way, this means you and I share a thread of Karma [the cosmic principle of cause and effect that binds all beings]."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen smiled again and, with a flick of his sleeve, sent forth several beams of rare and radiant spiritual light, bestowing them upon Great God Vast Azure.

"Take these treasures," he declared. "Consider them a gift from me, a token to mark our meeting."

When Great God Vast Azure received the several treasures, his heart shook with profound astonishment.

The gifts from Eldrin Chen were of extraordinary value. They included a strand of Innate Primordial Breath [the foundational energy from which all creation springs] and several treasures of the Primordial One Marvel [objects containing the essence of the primordial beginning] tier.

If his Opportunity and Fortune [the combination of destined chance and personal luck] proved sufficient, he might very well use them as a stepping stone to ascend into the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm [a supreme realm of cultivation representing unity with the primordial origin].

With this thought, he immediately prostrated himself on the ground, his voice brimming with ecstasy as he said, "My deepest gratitude for this generous bestowal, Imperial Lord [a title for a supreme ruler in the immortal realms]."

"You may withdraw."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and waved his sleeve, signaling for the man to leave.

After the man departed, Eldrin Chen, recalling something, suddenly turned to ask Exquisite Jiang beside him, "Since my return, I have not seen Elder Brother Kael. Why is that?"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the others present darkened slightly.

Ethan Chen let out a soft sigh before speaking. "During the great siege by the Four Great Imperial Courts [the four most powerful ruling factions in the immortal realms], at the most perilous moment of the battle, Uncle Kael revealed power capable of rivaling an Imperial Lord to protect our clansmen."

"In that battle, he was besieged by the assembled emperors of the Demon Race [a powerful race of beings often in conflict with cultivators], and even drew the attention of a powerhouse at the Primordial One Imperial Lord Late Stage [the pinnacle stage of the Imperial Lord realm]."

"In the end, Uncle Kael was forced to flee into the Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, turbulent, and perilous expanse of chaotic energy between realms]. That was several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years] ago, and he has not been seen since."

A heavy weight settled in Eldrin Chen's heart, a wave of solemn gravity washing over him.

So it was. To conceal the fact that Eldrin Chen still lived, Exquisite Jiang and the others had deliberately suppressed their true strength, remaining confined within the Returning Abyss Path Domain [the territory and headquarters of Eldrin Chen's lineage] except in moments of absolute necessity.

Kael Chen was forced to reveal combat prowess rivaling that of a Primordial One Imperial Lord in order to save his clansmen.

His cultivation base was merely at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection level, yet he displayed strength comparable to the Primordial One Imperial Lord tier. This immediately drew the attention of powerful figures from the Demon Race.

At that time, the Demon Race believed he possessed the potential to become a Great Emperor and was highly likely to lead a resurgence of the Sacrificial Self Path [a heretical cultivation path that involves self-sacrifice and taboo arts].

Consequently, the Demon Race dispatched multiple Primordial One Imperial Lord to hunt him down, including formidable experts at the Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier level.

To avoid implicating the Returning Abyss Path Domain, Kael Chen fled alone into the Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, primordial sea of chaotic and corrupting energy]. For hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], there has been no trace or news of him since.

"So that's what happened,"

Eldrin Chen murmured, his pupils chilling slightly as a wave of profound fury washed over him.

It must be understood that the Desolation Power [a corrupting, soul-eroding energy] within the Chaos Desolation Sea is potent enough to utterly corrode the soul of even a Primordial One Imperial Lord. Even supreme powerhouses at the Great Emperor level risk becoming completely lost within its depths.

Back then, Kael Chen was only at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Great Perfection level. How could he possibly have withstood the erosion of such a terrifying Desolation Power?

Now, hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation have passed. Barring some unforeseen miracle, Kael Chen has likely long since been completely corroded by the Desolation Power, his consciousness extinguished, transformed into a mindless member of the Desolate Race [a race of beings born from or corrupted by Desolation Power].

Under such circumstances, Eldrin Chen found himself powerless to rescue Kael Chen even if he wished to.

For the Chaos Desolation Sea was boundless and endless; not even a Path Union Supreme could locate a single, insignificant member of the Great Encompassing Desolate Race within its vastness.

Even Eldrin Chen himself likely could not retrieve him, let alone aid in his revival and return.

"Alas—"

Eldrin Chen sighed softly within his heart, suppressing this line of thought.

A glint of Slaughter Intent [a palpable aura of killing will] flickered in his eyes before he spoke, inquiring, "Who were the ones who struck that year?"

"Golden-Winged Great Roc Imperial Lord, Howling Moon Imperial Lord, and the Imperial Lord from the Dawn Sun Verdant Bird Clan, among seven others,"

Exquisite Jiang recounted methodically, then continued, "Six of them were suppressed by you. However, that Primordial One Imperial Lord 7th Tier was the founding ancestor of the Howling Moon Skywolf Clan."

"His name is Howling Heavenly Emperor Imperial Lord. He was not within the Returning Abyss Path Domain at the time and thus escaped that calamity."

"I understand."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. With a flick of his sleeve, he unleashed the Primordial Chaos Unity Energy Grasping Hand [a divine technique capable of seizing and manipulating the fundamental energies of chaos]. In an instant, it tore through the Vast and Boundless Chaos Sea [the primordial, formless expanse of chaotic energies that predates creation] and vanished into the distant reaches of the Boundless Void [the infinite, empty space between realms].

Meanwhile, far within the Primordial Immortal Domain [the ancient and supreme realm of immortals], a magnificent Demon Race [a powerful race of beings often in opposition to humans and celestials] imperial court drifted majestically beneath the Heavenly Vault [the celestial dome of the sky].

This was an incomparably grand imperial court, named the Howling Moon Imperial Court. It belonged to the Howling Moon Skywolf Clan, a clan whose might shook the very foundations of the Primordial Immortal Domain.

The Howling Moon Skywolf Clan, also known as the Primordial Era Skywolf Clan, was once counted among the Primordial Era Myriad Clans [the countless powerful clans that existed in the earliest age of creation].

It had endured for hundreds of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years]. Even after weathering the boundless calamities of the Late Primordial Era [the final, cataclysmic period of the primordial age], it had never faltered, standing firm through the ages.

As a powerful imperial court possessing several Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivation realm, the pinnacle of power for an imperial sovereign], the Howling Moon Skywolf Clan ranked within the top fifty among the Primordial Era Myriad Clans during the Primordial Era [the first and most ancient epoch of existence].

Later, when the Primordial Era came to an end and the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Celestial Emperor of the Sun] established the Ancient Demon Court, the Howling Moon Skywolf Clan joined the ranks of the Demon Race. It thus became one of the Demon Race's top thirty most formidable imperial clans.

To this day, the Howling Moon Imperial Court remains unshaken, counted among the supreme imperial bloodlines of the Demon Race.

Yet on this very day, a sound that seemed capable of tearing through eternity itself suddenly erupted from beyond the Howling Moon Imperial Court.

"BOOM—"

Then, a sound of rending, as if the heavens themselves were being torn asunder, echoed forth. The void of the Primordial Immortal Domain [the most ancient and foundational realm of the immortal world] was violently ripped open.

Immediately after, a Chaos [the primordial state before the formation of the cosmos] giant hand, vast enough to blot out the sky and sun, descended with crushing force, slamming directly onto the Howling Moon Heavenly Court [a celestial palace of immense power and grandeur].

"BOOM!"

In that instant, the boundless and majestic Howling Moon Heavenly Court trembled violently, on the verge of collapse. The endless celestial palaces, once resplendent like a divine moon from the Primordial Era [the mythical first age of creation], began to fracture and shatter incessantly.

In this moment of peril, a world-shaking grand formation was forcibly activated. A figure of immense and supreme power soared into the heavens.

He stood firm at the Heaven's Center [the central axis of the cosmos], like a Primordial Era Divine Demon [a titanic being of divine and demonic power from the dawn of time]. Drawing upon the formation's power to prop up the very sky, he strained with all his might to resist the sky-blotting giant hand.

"CRACK—CRACK—"

Yet, even so, under the relentless pressure of the Chaos Giant Hand [a manifestation of primordial, world-sundering power], the super formation still teetered precariously. The Primordial Era Divine Demon supporting the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy nodes and patterns used for defense, attack, or cultivation] was nearly forced to its knees, letting out a cry of agonized anguish.

"Ah! Path Ancestor, have mercy! Spare me!"