Chapter 2064 : Veil of Chaos and the Secret Realm

Hearing this, the group felt a sense of resolve settle within their hearts.

Without further hesitation, they then strode towards the core of the Vast Desolate Domain Forbidden Land.

Thus, before they knew it, they arrived before the entrance to the Incomplete Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.

"Hold a moment, everyone. Allow me to use the Chaos Origin to shield us from divination."

It was at this moment that Eldrin Chen suddenly spoke up.

With a flick of his sleeve, he activated the Boundless Chaos Great Path and enveloped the group in Chaos Mist, completely sealing off their auras from one another.

Seeing this, Primordial Qilin Patriarch could not help but exclaim with pleasant surprise, "With such a method to conceal us, the likelihood of our discovery is greatly diminished."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly. The Primordial Chaos Great Path could block all forms of calculation and deduction, while the Chaos Mist could merge with the Sea of Chaos Water, preventing any external prying eyes.

Combined, the two allowed the group to perfectly conceal themselves within the Chaos Desolation Sea.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen said with a light smile, "Merely a minor technique. Let us proceed inside."

"Hmm."

Primordial Qilin Patriarch gave a slight nod and was the first to stride into the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension born from the primordial chaos at the dawn of creation].

The moment he stepped into the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, Eldrin Chen immediately felt the surroundings were saturated with an incredibly pure Chaos Primordial Breath [the foundational energy of creation, the source of all things]. A flicker of surprise crossed his heart as he remarked, "Such pure Chaos Primordial Breath."

Seeing this, Primordial Era Spirit Emperor spoke up in a timely manner, "The Chaos Primordial Breath within the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm is not only exceptionally pure but also remarkably gentle."

"A complete Primordial Chaos Secret Realm can not only nurture a Chaos Tier [a supreme realm of power, the pinnacle of cultivation] powerhouse but also has the potential to give birth to a Chaos Spiritual Root [a supreme spiritual foundation born from chaos, granting unparalleled talent]."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen also gave a slight nod of understanding.

The reason Great Abyss Immortal Sage was able to attain the Chaos Immortal Sage [the ultimate sagehood, harmonizing with the primordial chaos] was precisely because, during his time in the Sage Ascendant Realm, he accidentally entered a Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.

It was a secret realm that had existed since the Primordial Chaos Unfolding [the initial separation of chaos into heaven and earth, the beginning of the cosmos], containing within it two seeds of a Chaos Spiritual Root.

However, due to various reasons, neither of the two Chaos Spiritual Root seeds sprouted, and one of the seeds even lost all vitality completely.

Great Abyss Immortal Sage refined and absorbed one of the seeds, using this opportunity to undergo reincarnation and cultivate anew. With the Chaos Spiritual Root as his foundation, he stepped into the realm of Chaos Immortal Sage.

The other dead seed was bestowed upon Eldrin Chen, which was later revived by him using Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a supreme, primordial energy of creation and transformation] and left for Verdant Consort to use in her reincarnation and cultivation restart.

"A complete Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden dimension born from the primordial chaos at the dawn of creation] would undoubtedly hold staggering Opportunity and Fortune. I wonder what an Incomplete Primordial Chaos Secret Realm might yield?"

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with his companions and began to stride deeper into the heart of the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm.

As they ventured further, they discovered this was an immeasurably vast Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, its expanse dwarfing even that of a typical Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortal powers].

The Chaos Primordial Breath [the foundational, chaotic energy of creation] here was of unparalleled purity, far denser than that found in the Chaos Desolation Sea [a turbulent sea of primal chaos].

Scattered stones, each an invaluable Chaos Stone [a stone imbued with primordial chaos energy], lay everywhere. Occasionally, they glimpsed veins of Immortal Gold Divine Iron [a divine metal used by immortals], including legendary Rare Spiritual Wonders [extremely rare spiritual materials] such as Primordial Yellow Mother Copper [a foundational, nurturing primordial metal], Myriad Tribulations Divine Iron [a metal tempered by countless heavenly tribulations], and Immortality Undying Marrow [a marrow said to grant undying vitality].

Each of these treasures was extraordinary, some even ranking as Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [a treasure of the highest encompassing grade] or Primordial One Marvel [a marvel from the very beginning of existence]. Yet, none could stir the hearts of these seasoned cultivators.

They did not pause to gather these riches, continuing their steady advance toward the secret realm's core. Soon, they sensed a trace of an astonishing aura.

"Boom—"

Deep within the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm, several supreme figures were locked in a world-shaking battle, their power Burst [erupting] forth with cataclysmic force.

Led by the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor, the Five Sage Ascendants were besieging a colossal beast with nine heads. Their fierce battle was turning heaven and earth upside down, unleashing chaos upon the world.

"Be cautious,"

Primordial Mire Path Master spoke, his expression grave. "That nine-headed behemoth is named the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon [a primordial chaos beast corrupted by demonic blood, possessing nine heads each with immense power]. Its strength has long since entered the realm of a Limitless Sage Ascendant."

"Each of its nine heads rivals an ordinary Sage Ascendant in power. Combined, even three or four Top-Tier Sage Ascendant would find it an impossible foe to match."

Primordial Qilin Ancestor explained in detail. He informed Eldrin Chen and Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor that he and the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor had clashed with the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon three times, yet they could never subdue this Chaos monstrosity.

Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow slightly. After a long period of calculation using his True Spirit Divine Ability, he spoke. "This Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon was originally named the Nine Extremities Dragon Emperor, a true Chaos Primordial God."

"But just as it was about to emerge into the world, this Primordial Chaos Secret Realm [a hidden realm born from the primordial chaos, containing ancient secrets and power] was exposed prematurely and attacked by several Chaos Heavenly Emperor."

"In that battle, not only was the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm shattered, but this gestating Nine Extremities Dragon Emperor was grievously wounded. Its very origin was polluted by Demonic Blood [a corrupting essence from the deepest abyss that taints and twists all it touches], and its consciousness was eroded by a sinister force, causing its fall into the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon."

Eldrin Chen recounted the tale, his brow creasing with concern.

At its peak, the Nine Extremities Dragon Emperor would have been a full-fledged Chaos Heavenly Emperor. Even in its nascent, unborn state, its power should not have been underestimated.

Now that the Nine Extremities Dragon Emperor has fallen, his power has greatly diminished, yet it still far surpasses that of the Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm of cultivation just below the level of a true Sage]. In fact, even among Invincible Sage Ascendants [the pinnacle masters within the Sage Ascendant realm], he would be considered formidable.

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor also nodded, taking a deep breath before saying, "With my current strength, I fear I am no match for this Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon either."

The Primordial Mire Path Master chuckled and stated plainly, "That Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor is no weakling. Let them test the mettle of the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon for us."

"BOOM—"

As they spoke, the battle on the field reached a fever pitch.

Amidst the fray, the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor rode a Heaven-Hunting Battle Axe [a legendary axe said to have been used to hunt celestial beings], striking with the ferocity of a Primordial Era Barbarian Emperor cleaving through the Eight Desolations [a mythical, barren expanse]. Alone, he withstood the frontal assault of the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon.

The Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant and the Flame Soul Sage Ascendant also displayed extraordinary combat prowess. Wielding their Innate Supreme Treasures [treasures born from the world's primal essence], they continuously harried the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon, diverting a significant portion of its attention.

The Verdant Crane Sage Ascendant and the Myriad Stars Patriarch were of more ordinary strength. Only attacks condensed with their Sole Divine Form [a supreme technique manifesting one's truest divine essence] and Burst [a technique focusing all power into a single explosive release] could pose a minor threat to the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon.

The Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon, arrogant beyond measure, paid little heed to the assaults of these two Sage Ascendants, focusing its relentless attacks on the other powerful foes.

"The strength of this Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor is no weakling even among Limitless Sage Ascendants [those at the very peak of the Sage Ascendant realm, approaching the next major boundary]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, sensing a degree of difficulty.

Generally speaking, after a Great Emperor Realm expert who has achieved Fleshly Body Sanctification [the pinnacle of physical refinement] cultivates the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms [nine supreme manifestations of one's spiritual essence], their combat power directly steps into the domain of the Limitless Sage Ascendant [a realm transcending ordinary Sage Ascendants].

Although Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor had cultivated the nine True Spirit Divine Runes [divine symbols of true spirit power] and also achieved the Eight True Spirit Divine Forms, his combat power only barely touched the Limitless Sage Ascendant realm.

Yet, lacking that final True Spirit Divine Form left Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor's strength slightly insufficient; he could only be considered to have crossed the threshold into the Limitless Sage Ascendant realm.

This marginal gap created a fatal weakness for Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor when facing Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor.

In a direct confrontation, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor was absolutely no match for Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor.

Eldrin Chen's strength might surpass Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor's by a hair, and his defensive capabilities were far greater, but with that alone, defeating this Limitless Sage Ascendant seemed unlikely.

"To defeat Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor, we must wait for the perfect moment to strike," Eldrin concluded.

A flicker of solemnity passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes as he pondered this.

Seeing this, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor beside him spoke decisively, "When the moment arrives, I will launch the frontal assault. You seize the opportunity to deliver the fatal blow."

Eldrin Chen nodded. Though ambushing a stranger he had never met might be considered somewhat dishonorable, this battle could very well determine his Opportunity and Fortune [the chance to achieve a higher state of being] on the path of cultivation. He was far from being a man bound by rigid, outdated principles.

Throughout the ages, countless prodigies and heroes have cultivated their way to the Path Mastery [the realm of mastering one's chosen cultivation path] and the Sage Ascendant Realm [a supreme realm just below the Heavenly Emperors], only to find themselves utterly stalled there, unable to advance a single step further.

Every single being who has managed to set foot in the Chaos [the primordial state before creation] Heavenly Emperor's Domain [the domain of the Heavenly Emperors, the pinnacle of power] has fought and triumphed over innumerable powerful foes to seize their Opportunity and Fortune.

"Kill—!"

Just as these thoughts flickered through Eldrin Chen's mind, the roar of battle from the distant conflict grew deafeningly loud.

As time wore on, the great battle grew ever more ferocious.

After an indeterminate period, with both sides having suffered losses exceeding half their forces, they finally committed to a decisive, all-out struggle for survival.

The six supreme powerholders clashed fiercely at the very Central [the core or central point] of the Chaos, each unleashing divine might of unprecedented, world-shaking magnitude.

It was then that the Heaven and Earth Sage Ascendant [a Sage Ascendant whose power encompasses Heaven and Earth] unleashed his full power in a Burst [a sudden, explosive release of energy]. Temporarily fusing his nine Great Path Divine Form [divine manifestations of his cultivation path] into one, he Burst forth with power rivaling that of a Limitless Sage Ascendant [a Sage Ascendant whose power knows no bounds].

He then channeled this fused, supreme power into the Heaven and Earth Cauldron [a legendary cauldron artifact capable of containing the power of Heaven and Earth], which descended with overwhelming, annihilating force to suppress his foes.

As an Innate Supreme Treasure [a primordial treasure born from the cosmos itself] that had descended from the Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a supreme artifact forged from the essence of primordial chaos], the Heaven and Earth Cauldron [a cauldron symbolizing the unity of heaven and earth] possessed power that was already peerless. Now, further empowered by the Sole Divine Form [a supreme technique that manifests one's ultimate divine avatar], its might increased by several fold.

"BOOM—"

With a deafening roar, the treasure descended with crushing force, pressing down upon the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon [a primordial dragon of immense power and malevolence] and forcing it into a desperate, full-powered retreat as it struggled to resist.

Simultaneously, Flame Soul Sacred Venerable [a title for a supreme master of flame and soul arts] also unleashed his full strength.

He fused the Nine Great God Forms [nine supreme divine manifestations] into one, transforming them into a single Crimson Flame Divine Spear [a spear of divine crimson fire] that shot into the sky. In an instant, he merged this spear into his Lifebound Supreme Treasure [a treasure bound to one's life and soul], the 'Flame Soul Divine Spear' [the Divine Spear of Flame and Soul].

In that very moment, the vast Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] shattered. A spear-light of blinding brilliance pierced through the Chaos, its searing, peerless edge aimed directly at the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon, threatening to impale it completely.

"ROAR—"

Instantly, the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon let out a heaven-shaking bellow. It instantly expanded a Protective Divine Aura [a defensive barrier of divine energy], blocking the Slaughter [a divine ability focused on pure destruction] of this formidable foe.

"Perish!"

And at that precise moment, Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor [a title for a supreme being on the cusp of becoming a Desolation Emperor] struck with his full power. Soaring into the sky while wielding his Heaven-Hunting Giant Axe [a massive, legendary axe], he further fused the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms [divine forms representing nine primordial true spirits] into his attack, bringing it crashing down upon the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon with annihilating force.

The force of this strike nearly surpassed the realm of the Limitless Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator one step below a Heavenly Emperor], verging on a power that could rival a Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign who rules over a heavenly domain]. Even Eldrin Chen felt a tremor of apprehension in his heart.

"This is bad. That Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon [a primordial dragon of immense power] likely cannot withstand this," someone exclaimed.

Just as the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a Great Emperor whose title evokes the darkness of an unfathomable chasm] was about to intervene, he was stopped by Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen's eyes blazed with intense light, his expression turning profoundly grave. "Do not act hastily," he declared. "The outcome of this battle is not yet decided."

"BOOM—"

In that very instant, the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon suddenly Burst forth with a heaven-shaking roar [a technique of explosive power].

The void shattered. From each of its nine draconic heads, a Innate Supreme Treasure [a peerless artifact born from primordial chaos] erupted forth. There were nine supreme treasures in total: a cauldron, a seal, a pagoda, a bell, a furnace, a banner, a sword, a ring, and a blade.

As these nine supreme treasures soared into the sky, they instantly manifested a grand formation capable of annihilating heavens and sundering the cosmos. It forcefully blocked the attack of the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor [a dragon cultivator of immense power, on the cusp of becoming a full Emperor].

Not only that, the nine treasures swiftly dispersed, transforming into a draconic formation that sealed the Myriad Heavens [the collective realms of existence]. It trapped the Five Sage Ascendants [a group of five supreme cultivators] firmly within its confines.

"This is..."

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler of the demonic abyss] paled slightly, a flicker of shock crossing his features.

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] remained calm, his expression turning grave as he spoke with solemn weight: "These are the Nine Dragon Treasures [a set of nine supremely powerful innate artifacts]. They can manifest the Nine Dragon Grand Formation [a legendary battle formation of immense destructive power], which is the Lifebound Slaughter Formation [a formation that draws upon the life force of its users for ultimate power] of the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon [a primordial race of nine-headed demonic dragons] clan."

"Once this formation is deployed, even a Limitless Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the peak of the Sage Ascendant realm] would suffer grievous losses."

As Eldrin Chen spoke, a deep sense of gravity settled upon his face.

Innate Supreme Treasure [artifacts born from the primordial chaos, possessing world-shaking power] possess immense Force Extreme [the ultimate expression of power and law], but their consumption is equally vast. Typically, a Great Emperor [a sovereign-level cultivator] can only wield one such treasure at a time.

Even a peerless Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has transcended the Great Emperor realm] can generally only command three Innate Supreme Treasure simultaneously in battle.

Yet, the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon before them could command nine such treasures at once, even using them to lay down the Nine Dragon Grand Formation. Its strength likely ranked among the very pinnacle even within the ranks of Limitless Sage Ascendant.

Seeing this, the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor [an ancient emperor from the dawn of time] let out a slight sigh of relief, a thread of worry still in his voice. "It is fortunate they are taking the vanguard. Had we faced this head-on without preparation, we too would have suffered a terrible blow."

Eldrin Chen offered no reply, his entire focus fixed upon the heart of the battlefield.

Figures like the Ancient One of Heaven and Earth [a venerable sage who comprehends the mysteries of creation] were peerless Sage Ascendant. Their means of preservation and hidden trump cards were undoubtedly astonishing; they would not fall so easily.

Let alone the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor, who was transformed from a Primordial Era Desolate Dragon and had cultivated the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms to become an Invincible Sage Ascendant. His combat prowess was far beyond what any ordinary Sage Ascendant could hope to match.

As expected, after a moment of stunned disbelief, the Five Sage Ascendants quickly regained their composure and reacted.

The Myriad Stars Patriarch was the first to act, immediately deploying the Myriad Stars Grand Formation to barely withstand a portion of the Nine Dragon Grand Formation's devastating power.

The Verdant Crane Sage Ascendant unfurled its wings, merging with the Six Great True Spirit Divine Forms to unleash the True Spirit Divine Ability, the Verdant Crane Soaring Immortal Slash. Like a Primordial Era Divine Sovereign shattering the void, it surged forth to slay the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon.

The Ancient One of Heaven and Earth also exerted his full power, summoning forth the Heaven and Earth Cauldron and even producing a set of Innate Supreme Treasure Formation Flags to barely hold against the immense pressure of the Formation.

After accomplishing this, the Ancient One of Heaven and Earth spoke with an expression of utmost gravity, "Fellow Daoists Desolate Dragon and Flame Soul, it is up to you now."

The Flame Soul Sage Ascendant gave a solemn nod. Then, a torrential blaze of Great Path fire erupted from his entire being. His aura and cultivation base instantly skyrocketed, his power surging by more than half.

"A Forbidden Divine Ability [a supreme, world-defying technique that carries immense risk or cost]," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of understanding crossing his mind.

For a Top-Tier Sage Ascendant to enhance their combat power by half, such a Forbidden Divine Ability was undoubtedly considered exceptionally formidable.

Indeed, a Forbidden Divine Ability capable of boosting a Top-Tier Sage Ascendant's battle strength by fifty percent was already an immensely powerful technique.

At this moment, with the Flame Soul Sage Ascendant unleashing his full power, he even gained the qualification to face the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor in direct combat, barely stepping into the domain of a Limitless Sage Ascendant.

Witness the Flame Soul Sage Ascendant, at the peak of his unleashed might, his Crimson Flame Divine Spear shattering all in its path, posing a grave threat even to the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon.

If that were all, it might be manageable. But most crucially, at this very instant, the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor also began his ultimate Burst.

Behold as the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms swirling behind his head erupted into a frenzy, fusing into one in the blink of an eye.

In that fleeting moment, the power of the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor surged explosively, elevating him to a realm where he could truly challenge a Heavenly Emperor.

The fusion of the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms into the Sole Divine Form represents a power that utterly defies a Heavenly Emperor.

However, achieving the Sole True Form is immensely difficult. Though the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor had not yet fully mastered this state, he could still briefly step into its domain.

"BOOM—"

In the instant of fusing into the Sole True Form, the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor's combat prowess exploded. His physical strength nearly reached seventy to eighty percent of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor's level.

Such power bordered on challenging a Heavenly Emperor. Wielding force to sweep away all before him, he clashed with the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon, sending the beast reeling and bleeding with a single, devastating blow.

Yet within a few thousand exchanges, the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon was already in continuous retreat, suffering grievous wounds one after another. Even its Nine Dragon Grand Formation was shattered several times.

"Such formidable power," he murmured. "Strength, speed, defense, Insight [the divine ability to perceive and analyze], Burst [the divine ability for explosive power]—all aspects are approaching the level of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor's Domain [the supreme cultivation realm of a Heavenly Emperor]."

"Is this the power of merging the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms into one, achieving the Sole True Form [the ultimate unified divine form]?"

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor whispered slowly, his expression filled with immense anticipation.

Eldrin Chen also nodded, then spoke: "It is a pity he cannot maintain this state permanently. Otherwise, we would have no choice but to turn and flee."

The unification of the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms represents a qualitative transformation—a power that can challenge a Heavenly Emperor. It approaches, or perhaps even surpasses, the ultimate limit of an Invincible Sage Ascendant.

Even the current Eldrin Chen remains a considerable distance from reaching this realm.

Fortunately, the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor could only sustain this state briefly. After a few thousand exchanges, he reached his limit, and his Sole Divine Form began to show signs of instability.

"Seize the moment. Strike the instant the Nine Great God Forms collapse."

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly. His gaze met that of the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, and between them, an absolute understanding was forged.

Simultaneously, the Nine Extremities Demonic Dragon had suffered successive grievous wounds, with six of its nine draconic heads severed by the relentless assault.

Just as the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor sought to press his advantage and utterly annihilate it, the Sole True Form [the ultimate unified manifestation of a cultivator's power] within his body trembled violently, ultimately dispersing back into the Nine Great God Forms [nine distinct divine manifestations representing different aspects of power].

The Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor paled slightly as a wave of weakness from the dissipation of the Nine Great God Forms washed over him, causing his combat prowess to plummet by roughly thirty percent.

And in that very instant, a beam of ultimate Slaughter [a divine ability embodying pure, annihilating intent] light tore through the void towards him.

The Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor whirled around to see the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor unleashing his full power. He channeled his eight True Forms [powerful spiritual avatars] into the Obsidian Abyss Imperial Spear, Bursting forth with a strike that pushed his limits to the extreme.

"A mere eight Great God [a high cultivation realm] forms, and you dare defy the heavens?"

A cold glint flashed in the eyes of the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor. He immediately swung the Giant Axe to meet the attack, his weapon clashing against the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor's Burst in a world-shaking confrontation.

Yet, in that same fleeting moment, the void behind the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor split open. A white-robed figure emerged, riding upon two dazzling Immortal Swords that cleaved the firmament asunder.

The attacker was none other than Eldrin Chen. Utilizing the power of the Returning Abyss Pearl [a spatial treasure], he had instantly torn through space to appear behind the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor.

Now, Eldrin Chen struck with his full might. He activated the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords, merging them instantly into one. Then, he fused his True Spirit Divine Form [a divine manifestation of one's spiritual essence] and Great Path Divine Form [a divine manifestation aligned with the fundamental laws of the cosmos] completely into the blade, transforming it into a sword-aura capable of rending the very Heavenly Vault [the dome of the sky, the heavens themselves].

In that desperate moment, Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor had no time to evade. Instantly, the sword energy [a concentrated blade of spiritual power] pierced through his physical body, inflicting a grievous and severe wound.

"You dare?!" he roared, his voice a thunderclap of fury.

With a furious bellow, Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor surged into the sky. In an instant, he manifested his boundless Primordial Era Desolate Dragon form—a titanic, primordial beast of desolation—and charged towards Eldrin Chen with world-shaking rage.

Yet Eldrin Chen merely snorted coldly. Channeling his power, he brought the Chaos Heaven Halberd crashing down like a falling mountain, suppressing the dragon's assault. The impact sent Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor reeling once more, blood spraying from his maw as he was hurled backwards.

At the peak of his strength, the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor might have given Eldrin Chen pause, perhaps even forced him to be cautious. Yet even then, he would have struggled to seriously injure Eldrin Chen, who was protected by the profound Returning Abyss Divine Rune [a supreme defensive divine technique].

Now, gravely wounded and with his power severely depleted, how could he possibly stand as a match for Eldrin Chen?

Within mere exchanges, he was battered and broken repeatedly. The Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor suffered devastating losses; seven or eight parts out of ten of his combat strength had been stripped away.

Seizing this opening, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor also acted. Mounting his Obsidian Abyss Imperial Spear, he launched a full-force assault. The spear's might struck true, sending the already faltering Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor tumbling through the void, a trail of blood marking his path.

"Damnation!" the quasi-emperor cursed, his spirit seething with humiliation and wrath.

As fury shook his core, the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor cast a desperate, sweeping gaze around the battlefield, searching for any sliver of hope or path of escape.

Yet, they saw the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor unleash his full power [the maximum combat potential a cultivator can channel], holding back both the Myriad Stars Patriarch and the Verdant Crane Sage Ascendant. Meanwhile, the Patriarch of Heaven and Earth and the Flame Soul Sage Ascendant were also intercepted by the Primordial Mire Path Master.

It was not that these four Sage Ascendant [a powerful realm just below the legendary Sages] were lacking in strength. Rather, after the prolonged and brutal warfare up to this day, their spiritual energy reserves had been largely depleted, and each bore grievous wounds of varying severity.