Chapter 2068 : Escape from the Sage Ascendant

Fortunately, with the assistance of Indestructibility Ancient One now, such Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the threshold of sagehood] could no longer hinder them.

They fought their way out of the encirclement, traversing the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse that predates ordered reality], and did not halt until they were beyond the borders of the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain.

Only after returning to the heart of the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain, where its power was greatest, did Eldrin Chen turn to Indestructibility Ancient One and express his gratitude: "For this journey, I offer my deepest thanks for your aid, Senior."

"There is no need for such formality."

Indestructibility Ancient One remained calm, offering no further words. He merely gave Eldrin Chen's shoulder a firm pat before rising and departing from the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain.

Watching the receding figure of Indestructibility Ancient One, Eldrin Chen opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it, finally releasing nothing but a soft sigh.

This time, Indestructibility Ancient One had escorted him back, yet stopped at the very edge of the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain. It was clear he wished to avoid drawing near to Primordial Mire Path Master.

As one who aspired to the title of Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign who commands the primordial chaos itself] but had been trapped at the Sage Ascendant Realm for countless years, he dared not trust himself. In the presence of Primordial Qilin Patriarch, he might not be able to resist the temptation to covet the Chaos Genesis Energy [the fundamental creative power that shaped the cosmos from chaos].

Not meeting, not making contact—perhaps that was the wisest choice.

"Alas."

Eldrin Chen let out a soft sigh, yet could only suppress the thought.

He ceased his pondering and stepped into the Primordial Immortal Domain, arriving within the Qilin Ancient Domain.

Meeting with Primordial Mire Path Master, Eldrin Chen handed him a Primordial One Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir said to grant a cultivator a chance at a fundamental breakthrough] and spoke, "With this in hand, Fellow Daoist, your chances should increase by several more degrees."

"Mm."

Primordial Mire Path Master accepted the Primordial One Immortal Pill and exclaimed with rapturous joy, "My deepest gratitude for this, Fellow Daoist. With this treasure, my hopes for this endeavor have truly grown by several more measures."

"..."

Having obtained the Primordial One Immortal Pill, Primordial Mire Path Master immediately entered seclusion to consolidate his cultivation base, making his final preparations for the breakthrough to Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title representing mastery over primordial chaos].

As for Eldrin Chen, he did not linger. He proceeded to the Immortal Court and commenced a period of profound, secluded cultivation.

After an accumulation spanning two hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], and now bolstered by the Chaos Divine Liquid [a primordial liquid essence of chaos], the progress of Eldrin Chen's cultivation finally began to advance by leaps and bounds.

Approximately a dozen or so Kalpa Tribulation later, Eldrin Chen's Great Path [his core cultivation method] cultivation was the first to break through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier.

After another five Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation had advanced a step further, reaching the realm of the Primordial One [the foundational state of the Primordial Spirit] Primordial Spirit 8th Tier.

Of course, the Primordial Spirit foundation and Great Path Foundation [the foundational cultivation method] of Eldrin Chen were not as formidable as the foundation of his physical body.

Even after breaking through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier [the eighth tier of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm], the combat power of these two foundations had only just entered the domain of a Great Emperor [a supreme ruler among cultivators], offering no significant boost to Eldrin Chen's overall battle prowess.

It was the Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art centered on self-sacrifice] that had progressed further, having birthed the sixth of the Six Paths True Spirit Divine Forms [divine manifestations of the True Spirit] during these years, and the seventh True Spirit Divine Form was not far off.

Within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains now, the Sacrificial Self Path had begun to spread widely, and its refinement was accelerating at an ever-increasing pace.

Eldrin Chen estimated that within the next three hundred Kalpa Tribulation, the number of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm] practitioners of the Sacrificial Self Path would surpass three thousand. By then, the Sacrificial Self Path would possess the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms.

After the Sacrificial Self Path evolved to possess seven True Spirit Divine Forms, roughly another twenty-plus Kalpa Tribulation passed before the accumulated foundation for Eldrin Chen's Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique of unbreakable chaos] was finally sufficient.

Through his prolonged cultivation, he had expended over six thousand drops of Chaos Divine Liquid [a primordial liquid of immense power], combined with the remains of the Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant [a title for a supreme sage of the Vermilion Bird], finally allowing him to touch the very limits of the Primordial One Imperial Lord 8th Tier.

"My physical body cultivation... it should be ready for a breakthrough," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly.

He then fell into deep contemplation.

Having reached this stage, Eldrin Chen could attempt his breakthrough into the Great Emperor Realm at any moment. Yet, he found himself hesitating, caught in a moment of profound contemplation.

The reason was clear. Once his physical body ascended to the Great Emperor Realm, the disparity between his Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body and his other foundational pillars would become too vast. This would drastically increase the difficulty of achieving the Limit-Breaker state.

After all, his Path of Self-Refinement demanded an exceptionally high degree of balance among his foundational strengths. A premature breakthrough would likely render the subsequent path nearly impassable.

"Perhaps I should first elevate the Returning Abyss Seal, and then attempt to shatter the limits of my physical form," he mused inwardly.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen retrieved the Returning Abyss Seal and began the meticulous process of fusing the various divine materials into its form.

Refining a Chaos Rare Treasure was an arduous task of monumental proportions. Even with Eldrin Chen's current cultivation level, completely assimilating a single piece of such material demanded a span of time measured in eons.

Fortunately, the Chaos Mud [a primordial substance capable of merging with and containing all things] within the Returning Abyss Seal possessed an innate ability to embrace all creation. This property greatly aided in the refinement process, allowing him to assimilate one Chaos Rare Treasure over the course of several Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years].

Thus, after the passage of several dozen such cosmic cycles, Eldrin Chen finally succeeded in refining all twelve divine materials.

"It is done," he declared, a note of quiet triumph in his voice.

With the divine materials successfully integrated, the very substance of the Returning Abyss Seal had been fortified to an extraordinary degree. Without a moment's further hesitation, Eldrin Chen proceeded to the next phase of his cultivation.

He retrieved the Innate Primordial Breath [the most fundamental and purest form of energy from the dawn of creation] and poured it entirely into the Returning Abyss Seal. After thirty-six such infusions, the Returning Abyss Seal finally reached its absolute limit.

"One hundred and eight Great Path Divine Chains [divine constructs that embody and enforce the laws of the Great Dao]."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, immediately sensing the Returning Abyss Seal begin to tremble violently. Within it, the Great Path Divine Chains continuously converged and transformed, striving to coalesce into twelve Great Path Divine Form [manifestations of divine power shaped by the Great Dao's principles].

"It cannot ascend here."

At this critical juncture, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate. He decisively utilized the Nameless Space [a pocket dimension detached from conventional reality] within the Returning Abyss Pearl to transport himself into the heart of the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm [a primordial and desolate expanse untouched by time].

Then, without a moment's delay, he urged the Returning Abyss Seal to complete its final metamorphosis.

"BOOM—"

In that instant, the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation] was torn asunder. From within the infinite Eternal Void [the absolute and timeless emptiness], the Eternal True Spirit [the primordial consciousness or will that governs destiny and cosmic law] quivered faintly, showering down a countless multitude of True Spirit Imprint [fragments of cosmic law and destiny bestowed by the Eternal True Spirit].

The cascade of True Spirit Imprint that descended this time was of an unprecedented, staggering magnitude, roaring forth like a boundless, churning ocean.

Eldrin Chen channeled his full power into the Returning Abyss Seal, compelling it to absorb the deluge. Only when the treasure reached its saturation point did he realize that a full nine-tenths of the imprints had been fused into the Returning Abyss Seal itself.

A small remainder flowed into Eldrin Chen's body, yet it still constituted an astonishingly vast quantity.

"An Innate Supreme Treasure—the Returning Abyss Seal!"

Gazing upon the Returning Abyss Seal before him, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a flicker of joy, a wave of profound satisfaction washing over him.

Yet, a mere moment later, a trace of astonishment surfaced in his expression.

"No... the current Returning Abyss Seal is not merely an Innate Supreme Treasure; it is a Limitless Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure of boundless potential, transcending ordinary innate treasures]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his face alight with dawning wonder.

The Returning Abyss Seal, now housing twelve Great Path Divine Form [divine manifestations of the Great Dao], was no ordinary Innate Supreme Treasure. It had ascended beyond that realm, becoming a Limitless Innate Supreme Treasure that surpassed all conventional innate treasures.

Within the Boundless Chaos, Innate Supreme Treasure were hailed as Chaos Spiritual Treasure Embryo [embryonic forms of chaos spiritual artifacts], yet they remained a vast distance from becoming true Chaos Spiritual Artifact.

A genuine Chaos Spiritual Artifact was born from the profound resonance between a Primordial Chaos Great Path [a fundamental Dao principle of the primordial chaos] and Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative energy of chaos], possessing supreme and unparalleled might.

For an ordinary Innate Supreme Treasure, even after fusing with Chaos Genesis Energy, the chance of ultimately ascending to become a Chaos Spiritual Artifact was merely one in ten.

However, if one were to gather nine Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the world's natural laws] with compatible attributes, fuse them into one, and then use Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs] to catalyze its metamorphosis, then it would be guaranteed to ascend into a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a supreme artifact infused with the power of primordial chaos].

Yet, Eldrin Chen's Returning Abyss Seal possesses twelve Great Path Divine Form [divine manifestations of a supreme cultivation path]. Not only does this guarantee its future ascension to a Chaos Spiritual Artifact, but it also holds the potential for advancement even beyond that.

"It seems that when the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage acquired the Nine Dragon Treasures [a set of nine treasures each embodying a dragon's power], his intention was to refine them into a single Chaos Spiritual Artifact?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a wry smile touching his lips as he realized that the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage had likely secured quite a favorable deal.

Generally speaking, while Chaos Genesis Energy is precious, Chaos Spiritual Artifact are far rarer and more valuable.

After all, those most urgently in need of Chaos Genesis Energy are typically powerful figures at the Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm just below the ultimate sages], and Sage Ascendant cultivators seldom possess treasures that would tempt a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign emperor who commands the power of primordial chaos].

Furthermore, ordinary Chaos Heavenly Emperor do not have an excessive demand for Chaos Genesis Energy.

As for high-tier Chaos Heavenly Emperor at the Path Union Realm [the realm where one's cultivation path merges with the fundamental laws] and above, their true craving is for Primordial Chaos Object [objects born directly from the undifferentiated chaos], making Chaos Genesis Energy not their most pressing necessity.

In contrast, a single Chaos Spiritual Artifact can tangibly enhance a Chaos Heavenly Emperor's combat prowess. Consequently, the value of a Chaos Spiritual Artifact is typically about double that of Chaos Genesis Energy.

"It was a slight loss, but since I possess the Limitless Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure embodying the concept of boundlessness], the Nine Dragon Treasures are of no further use to me."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, then attempted to channel energy into the Returning Abyss Seal. A look of pleasant surprise immediately dawned upon his face.

It turned out that after its advancement, the power of the Returning Abyss Seal had undergone another tremendous increase, now reaching a potency twelve times that of an ordinary Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme magical treasure born from the world's natural laws].

Such a supremely powerful Innate Supreme Treasure could, in terms of raw destructive force alone, rival many Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a divine artifact forged from Primordial Chaos energy], and might even surpass some of them.

Its sole shortcoming was its failure to ascend to the rank of a Chaos Spiritual Artifact, thus lacking the empowerment and resonance with the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the fundamental Dao of the formless Primordial Chaos] that such artifacts possess.

Nevertheless, the Returning Abyss Seal could already be considered a peerless existence among Innate Supreme Treasure, a veritable Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivator who has perfected their physical body to a saintly level] among treasures. It had earned the right to stand against Chaos Spiritual Artifact.

"Excellent. With this treasure in hand, my combat prowess has soared once more," Eldrin declared, a note of satisfaction in his voice.

Eldrin Chen murmured once more, then stepped alone into the Chaos Desolation Sea [a vast, turbulent sea of chaotic energy]. He brandished the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a halberd imbued with the power of Chaos and Heaven], and with each swing, the unleashed force transcended a previously unimaginable limit.

Most crucially, as a Lifebound Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure intrinsically linked to its owner's life force and cultivation base], the Chaos Spiritual Artifact resonated perfectly with his very foundation, unleashing power far surpassing that of a typical Innate Supreme Treasure.

"In my current state, I dare not claim I could directly challenge a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who has mastered the Dao of Primordial Chaos]," Eldrin assessed, his gaze sharp. "But I am but a single step away from being able to stand toe-to-toe with a Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler among Immortals]."

"All that remains is to break through to the Great Emperor Realm [the realm of a Great Emperor], fortify the remaining weaknesses of my physical form, and master the nine True Spirit Divine Runes [divine symbols containing the power of True Spirits]."

Having finished assessing his own strength, Eldrin Chen turned his senses inward with deep satisfaction to the True Spirit Imprint [a profound metaphysical mark representing destiny and potential] within him.

This time, with the Returning Abyss Seal [a powerful enchanted seal artifact] completing its advancement, the amount of True Spirit Imprint he obtained was immense. So immense that even after ninety percent was absorbed by the Returning Abyss Seal, what remained was sufficient to elevate two True Spirit Divine Runes [divine symbols of power and law].

Now, gazing upon the vast and potent True Spirit Divine Runes within, Eldrin Chen could not help but fall into hesitation.

With just one of these two portions of True Spirit Imprint fused into his physical body, his Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique of unyielding chaos] could once again shatter its Limit-Breaker [a state of transcending inherent limitations], allowing him to cultivate all nine True Spirit Divine Runes.

Yet, after careful deliberation, Eldrin Chen decided to abandon this course of action.

The primary reason for this choice was that Eldrin Chen's physical body was not far from achieving another Limit-Breaker. He estimated a breakthrough should be possible within one hundred Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often billions of years].

Under such circumstances, it seemed unnecessary to squander the precious True Spirit Imprint.

Secondly, Eldrin Chen intended to preserve the True Spirit Imprint. He was saving it to prepare for the future path of Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [the ultimate cultivation art focused on the Primordial Spirit].

According to Eldrin Chen's plan, on the day he successfully cultivated his seventh True Spirit Aperture [a spiritual opening or node of supreme power], he would immediately fuse these two portions of True Spirit Imprint.

Only by doing so would there be a possibility to soar directly into the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor who has mastered the Soul Path], before the Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified multiple cultivation paths] of the Blazing Central Primordial Domain [a primordial and central domain of blazing power] could even react.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen sealed away these two True Spirit Imprint [a unique spiritual signature left by a powerful being] and then returned to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains via the Nameless Space [a mysterious, transient dimension].

"The time is almost upon us."

After returning to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, Eldrin Chen performed a quick divination with his fingers and found that the day for the Primordial Mire Path Master to prove his Path [to achieve a major breakthrough in his cultivation and understanding of the Dao] was not far off.

He ceased his seclusion and immediately left his Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared chamber for deep meditation and cultivation], arriving within the Qilin Ancient Domain.

Within the Primordial Mire Path Master's grotto-abode, Eldrin Chen once again met with the Primordial Mire Path Master.

The two sat facing each other. Eldrin Chen inquired, "How are your preparations, Fellow Daoist?"

"Barring unforeseen circumstances, the breakthrough should occur in the coming days."

The Primordial Mire Path Master spoke, his brow furrowed with gravity. "I have heard that some are preparing to obstruct my Path."

"Fear not. They are but specters and goblins. We shall handle them for you."

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly, then added with a faint smile, "Not long ago, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor has already advanced another step."

Upon hearing this, Primordial Mire Path Master immediately revealed a look of pleasant surprise.

As companions who had ventured through the Primordial Chaos Secret Realm together, they naturally understood the immense significance of Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor's recent breakthrough.

It must be known that Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor, having obtained the Chaos Origin Pearl, was destined for a qualitative transformation in power once he cultivated the Chaos Divine Rune.

Now that Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor had completed his breakthrough, even if one dared not say he could rival a Great Emperor, he was likely not far from that realm.

To illustrate: a practitioner of Fleshly Body Sanctification who masters the Nine True Spirit Divine Forms possesses combat prowess comparable to a Limitless Sage Ascendant who commands twelve Great Path Divine Form.

A practitioner of Fleshly Body Sanctification who merges the Nine Great God Forms into one possesses the power to rival a Heavenly Emperor, akin to a Limitless Sage Ascendant commanding thirty-six Great Path Divine Form.

Thus, the current Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor is, at the very least, comparable to a Limitless Sage Ascendant commanding twenty-four Great Path Divine Form.

Within the Vast and Boundless Chaos, those who can unify the Nine Great God Forms are exceedingly rare, and Limitless Sage Ascendant are figures almost unheard of since antiquity.

Given that Chaos Heavenly Emperor cannot set foot in the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, the strength of Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor can be considered peerless, capable of sweeping through the entire sub-Saint Realm.

Contemplating this, Primordial Mire Path Master could not help but sigh, "His success in cultivating the Chaos Divine Rune indicates his future potential is boundless, even holding the possibility of reaching directly for the Second Chaos Realm."

Eldrin Chen also nodded with a smile. A being who had cultivated the Ultimate Divine Rune [a supreme cultivation art focused on divine runes], if they further achieved the Ultimate Divine Form [the pinnacle state of a divine body] or even the Chaos Divine Form [a divine form born from primordial chaos], would undoubtedly see their future potential increase tremendously.

With such a foundation, the future potential of the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme emperor whose power is likened to a dark, unfathomable abyss] truly could not be underestimated.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Since Senior Obsidian Abyss is willing to lend a hand, Fellow Daoist, you need only focus on your breakthrough."

"Then I offer my sincere thanks."

The Primordial Mire Path Master [a master of the Path whose power is likened to the primordial mire, the source of all things] smiled faintly, a wave of relief washing over him.

Not long after, the Primordial Mire Path Master entered seclusion to accumulate spiritual power [the fundamental energy cultivated by immortals and cultivators], making his final preparations to break through to the realm of Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme emperor whose authority stems from the primordial chaos].

Simultaneously, over a hundred Primordial One Imperial Lords [powerful immortals who have unified their cultivation into a single, supreme origin] from the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [a coalition of one hundred immortal spirit clans], along with the majority of the core forces of the Human Race Immortal Court [the ruling celestial court of the human immortals], gathered within the Qilin Ancient Domain [an ancient realm associated with the mythical Qilin] to guard his seclusion.

Even beings of the Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm just below the ultimate Path Ancestors, possessing near-sagely wisdom and power] were present to protect his path, including three supreme powerhouses: the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [an Ancestor of the Path whose power embodies the concept of returning to the source, the abyss], the Primordial Era Spirit Emperor [an emperor whose spirit and power hail from the dawn of creation], and the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor.

It could be said that at this moment, the Qilin Ancient Domain was the focal point of the Primordial Immortal Domain [the central and most ancient immortal realm] and even the entire Tri-Pole Primordial Domain [the vast primordial cosmos encompassing the three poles].

Countless powerful figures cast their gazes upon it—gazes filled with curiosity, concern, goodwill, or veiled killing intent.

Thus time flowed on, and after an unknowable duration, the vast Qilin Ancient Domain trembled violently, and then the entire Primordial Immortal Domain began to shake incessantly.

An endless tide of Immortal Spirit Energy [the purest form of spiritual energy used by immortals] and World's Origin [the foundational energy that constitutes and sustains a world] surged forth, pouring entirely into the Qilin Ancient Domain.

"The breakthrough has begun."

Eldrin Chen's thoughts flickered, a trace of solemnity coloring his expression.

Simultaneously, a series of tremors echoed through the vast void.

Three supremely powerful auras pressed in, belonging to the three Heavenly Emperors of the Demon Race. Clearly, they were unwilling to witness their foe step into the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm.

"Fellow Daoists, why such haste?"

At the same moment, radiant light filled with auspicious colors blossomed from the depths of the Immortal Domain. Great Abyss Immortal Sage, Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign, and Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign—three Great God-Emperor Immortal Sages—made their move, intercepting the Three Heavenly Emperors of the Demon Race.

Just as the six Chaos Heavenly Emperors were on the verge of Bursting into a great battle, the Heavenly Path Will [the sentient will of the Heavenly Dao governing a realm] of the Primordial Immortal Domain manifested boundless repulsive force, forcibly expelling all six Chaos Heavenly Emperors from within the Primordial Immortal Domain.

Evidently, the Heavenly Path Will of the Primordial Immortal Domain did not wish for their conflict to disturb the breakthrough of Primordial Mire Path Master.

"The protection of the Heavenly Path [the fundamental laws governing the cosmos], is this the fate of the Mandate of Heaven Divine Sovereign?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, grasping the underlying reason.

The Primordial Domain [the foundational, chaotic realm from which all things originate] could spontaneously generate Great Paths [supreme principles of existence]. The Chaos Divine Sovereigns [rulers born of primordial chaos] within it, ordained by fate, were themselves nurtured into being by the Great Paths of the Primordial Immortal Domain [the immortal realm born from the Primordial Domain].

From the perspective of the Primordial Immortal Domain's Heavenly Path, the nine Mandate of Heaven Divine Sovereigns were its own cherished children. How could it possibly wish for them to slaughter one another?

Most crucially, Primordial Mire Path Master's breakthrough into the Realm of Chaos involved transforming his own Innate Great Path [the supreme principle one is born to embody] into a Primordial Chaos Great Path [a supreme principle of primordial chaos]. This act itself served to complete and perfect the rules of the Great Paths within the Primordial Domain.

As more Chaos Heavenly Emperors [supreme rulers who have mastered a Primordial Chaos Great Path] came to preside over Primordial Chaos Great Paths, the foundational essence and inherent rank of the Primordial Immortal Domain would grow ever more potent, ultimately holding the potential to metamorphose into a Second Chaos Realm [a higher-order realm of chaos].

Even if ascension proved impossible, a Primordial Domain with a greater number of Chaos Heavenly Emperors would possess correspondingly greater foundational essence and Heavenly Path Authority Power [the power to command the laws of the Heavenly Path].

By obstructing Primordial Mire Path Master's path to enlightenment, Solar Heavenly Emperor and the others were, in essence, hindering the Primordial Domain's own advancement. Such opposition naturally incurred the domain's profound disdain.

Were it not for the fact that the Primordial Chaos Great Paths mastered by the three Heavenly Emperors also provided immense support to the Primordial Domain, an ordinary being would have long been crushed under a deluge of boundless karmic retribution [the metaphysical consequence of actions, good or evil] from the domain itself.

Returning to the matter at hand, shortly after the six Heavenly Emperors were expelled from the Primordial Domain, numerous powerful figures began to emerge across the heavens and the earth.

Among these formidable figures, Eldrin Chen recognized quite a few familiar faces.

Among them were the three Sage Ascendant—Vermilion Bird Sage Ascendant, Kunpeng Sage Ascendant, and Verdant Crow Sage Ascendant—along with four other Sage Ascendant: Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor, Myriad Stars Patriarch, Verdant Crane Sage Ascendant, and Flame Soul Sacred Venerable.

It was clear that, aside from the three Demon Race Sage Ascendant, the other four Great Path Rival had joined the fray to utterly wash away the shame of their previous defeat.

"Quite a gathering," Eldrin Chen remarked, his expression unperturbed.

He then turned to the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor beside him and said, "I shall trouble you, Great Emperor, to deal with these few."

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor gave a slight nod, his voice calm and detached. "These worthless fools. Slaughtering them will be no different from butchering dogs."

With those words, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor took a single step forward, his divine might erupting as he charged towards the Heavenly Vault.

Seeing him advance alone, the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor sneered coldly. "You dare come forward to meet your death all by yourself?"

Without another word, the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor was the first to tear through the firmament. Power capable of suppressing Chaos itself surged from him as he descended to crush the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor.

From their previous clash, the Desolate Dragon Quasi-Emperor already understood the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor's strength and knew he was no match for him. Therefore, he harbored not a shred of fear.

At this moment, he unleashed his full power, intent on utterly suppressing and slaying Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor.

Yet, in that very instant, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor let out a cold sneer. The Thunder Emperor Battle Armor enveloping his body erupted with a searing Immortal Radiance [a divine light of immense purity and power].