Chapter 2080 : Alliance of the Six Prodigies

With the plan settled, everyone immediately sprang into action.

They did not immediately assault the final Western Region Spirit Mountain. Instead, they first consolidated their newly acquired territories, focusing on perfecting the Formation [a complex array of magical symbols and energy channels used for defense, attack, or cultivation] protecting the Supreme Lunar Imperial Star and the Kunxuan Ancestral Vein.

An indeterminate amount of time passed as they completed the defensive Formation for all three Ancestral Vein [primary spiritual energy arteries of a region]. Only after sending word of their progress to the other major powers did they finally prepare to set out.

This time, the group heading for the Western Region Spirit Mountain consisted not only of Worthy Pursuit Chen, Worthy Remembrance Chen, and Imperial Sovereign Jiang.

They were joined by three other peerless prodigies: Vast Righteousness True Lord, Immortality Great Emperor, and the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon [an ancient dragon of immense power from the dawn of time].

This party of six wielded formidable strength, giving them considerable confidence in their ability to conquer the Western Region Spirit Mountain.

As for Lingering Ye, Sword Mystery Great Emperor, and Profound Chess Yan, they remained behind to guard the three Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein [spiritual energy sources born from the primordial chaos at the beginning of creation].

Though their individual power was slightly lesser, bolstered by the might of the Formation, they could likely hold their ground for a time even against an assault from a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to a state of profound wisdom and power, just below the level of a true Sage].

Furthermore, Worthy Pursuit Chen and the others had already reached out to Little Scale Emperor and Carefree Great Emperor, requesting their factions provide some support in a critical moment. With this safeguard, they believed the defenses could withstand even a coordinated assault by the Ten Golden Crow Imperial Scions.

Returning to the main task, their rear secure, the six immediately journeyed westward. They soon arrived at the outskirts of the formidable Western Region Spirit Mountain.

Before they even reached the Western Region Spirit Mountain, their brows furrowed slightly in unison.

For within the Western Region Spirit Mountain, a dozen or so immensely powerful auras had manifested, each belonging to a supreme powerhouse at the Great Emperor Realm.

"It seems they were prepared,"

remarked Worthy Pursuit Chen, a flicker of regret coloring his tone.

Worthy Remembrance Chen, however, had anticipated this. "The Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor excels in divination. It is only to be expected that he could foresee our arrival," he stated calmly.

At that very moment, the Great Emperors within the Western Region Spirit Mountain soared into the sky, each unleashing an aura that shook the heavens and earth.

Among them, Worthy Remembrance Chen recognized many familiar faces, including the Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor, the Boundless Firmament Great Emperor, the Desolate Ruins Great Emperor, the Primordial Era Snow Phoenix Great Emperor, and several other Great Emperors.

Beyond these figures, there were five other Great Emperors whose presence was particularly formidable.

Individually, these five Great Emperors appeared to have only recently entered the Great Emperor realm, their cultivation seemingly on par with an ordinary Great Emperor.

Yet, their auras were intricately interwoven, merging into a single, cohesive whole. When combined, this unified force seemed capable of unleashing combat prowess that bordered on invincibility.

"The Five Extremities Great Emperors."

Gazing at the five figures before him, Worthy Remembrance Chen could not help but slightly furrow his brow.

The Five Extremities Great Emperors hailed from the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot. Legend held they were originally a set of Innate Supreme Treasure known as the 'Innate Five Elements Banner'. Later, enlightened by Path Ancestor Taihu, they embarked upon the path of Spiritual Treasure Path-Attainment.

Now, their cultivation had reached the Great Emperor Realm. When joining forces, they were even qualified to battle a Sage Ascendant, hailed as the mightiest beings beneath the Sage Ascendant level within the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot.

Considering this, Worthy Remembrance Chen spoke, "It seems conquering this Spirit Mountain will require considerably more effort."

At that very moment, the Five Extremities Great Emperors exchanged a glance. Among them, the Earth Extremity Great Emperor declared, "Esteemed visitors, this Western Region Spirit Mountain already has its masters. If you depart now, we shall let bygones be bygones."

Worthy Pursuit Chen merely smiled, gripping his Immortal Iron Staff as he replied, "This Western Region Spirit Mountain has a karmic connection with me. I'm afraid a contest is inevitable."

"Enough talk," one of them interjected. "Since you've come knocking at our gate, let us settle this with strength."

The Fire Extremity Great Emperor among the Five Extremities Great Emperors immediately took action. He soared into the air, commanding a Blazing Immortal Furnace to descend and suppress Worthy Pursuit Chen.

In response, Worthy Pursuit Chen laughed heartily. He directly activated his Great Power Heavenly Dragon True Body and fearlessly charged straight into the heart of their Formation.

"Activate the formation!"

Seeing Worthy Pursuit Chen charge in, the Five Extremities Great Emperors instantly commanded the grand formation of the Spirit Mountain [a sacred mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy], seeking to completely suppress Worthy Pursuit Chen.

However, Worthy Remembrance Chen had long been prepared. In a flash, he soared into the sky, wielding the Eight Trigrams Formation Flags [a set of eight formation banners based on the Eight Trigrams, used to manipulate cosmic energies]. With these eight Innate Supreme Treasure [a supreme grade of magical artifact born from the primordial chaos] suppressing the mountains and rivers, he firmly and completely held the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy nodes and patterns used for defense, attack, or cultivation] in check.

It had to be admitted that the power of a complete set of Innate Supreme Treasure Formation Flags was truly extraordinary.

Originally, Worthy Remembrance Chen's cultivation was only comparable to that of a Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the sage realm, possessing profound wisdom and power]. Yet, after activating this formation, he could firmly suppress even a genuine Sage Ascendant, so holding down this Formation was naturally well within his capabilities.

"So it truly is the Innate Supreme Treasure Slaughter Formation [a legendary and immensely powerful slaughter formation composed of innate supreme treasures]," the Five Extremities Great Emperors remarked, unable to hide their envy as they witnessed Worthy Remembrance Chen's display of power.

"To wield the Innate Supreme Treasure Slaughter Formation at such a young age... is this the kind of foundation one gains by having the backing of two Path Ancestor [the supreme founders and masters of a cultivation path, beings of near-mythical power]?"

As these thoughts flashed through their minds, the two sides clashed in a storm of steel and sorcery.

The battle erupted into its most ferocious intensity from the very first moment. Worthy Pursuit Chen stood alone against the combined might of the Five Extremities Great Emperors.

Meanwhile, Imperial Sovereign Jiang also fought alone against a host of heroes. With but a single sword, he intercepted Heaven's Deduction Saint Emperor, along with the two guardian Great Emperor [a supreme title for an emperor-level cultivator] from the Domain of Chaos Firmamental Extreme [a primordial and chaotic domain at the edge of the cosmos].

The Vast Righteousness True Lord alone suppressed three Demon Emperors from the Primordial Domain of Saint and Demon, including two who were Invincible Great Emperor [a supreme title for a Great Emperor whose power is virtually unmatched].

As for the Boundless Firmament Great Emperor, the Desolate Ruins Great Emperor, and the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix Great Emperor, they were also intercepted by the Primordial Era Thunder Dragon and the Immortality Great Emperor.

Thus, from the very outset, the great battle erupted at its most ferocious peak.

The conflict between the two sides fell into a deadlock, a stalemate from which victory or defeat seemed impossible to discern in the immediate moment.

Watching the war grind to a halt, Worthy Remembrance Chen high above the Heavenly Vault [the celestial dome of the sky] furrowed his brow slightly.

He understood all too well that as time flowed on, Imperial Scion Solar Sun [the essence of the supreme yang sun] and his allies would surely complete the restoration of the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein [the foundational spiritual artery of the primordial cosmos].

If they had not captured this Earth Vein [a major terrestrial spiritual artery] by then, it could very well lead to the collapse of their entire strategy.

"We must decide this swiftly," he murmured to himself.

With that thought, Worthy Remembrance Chen made his decision and decisively played his hidden card.

In an instant, he acted, producing an ancient, unadorned jade talisman from his sleeve and hurling it forth without hesitation.

In that fleeting instant, the jade talisman transformed into a beam of cosmos-sundering light that struck the grand formation. The impact instantly caused the entire Spirit Mountain and its Earth Vein [the spiritual artery of the land] to tremble violently, shaking heaven and earth. The vast Formation [a complex array of magical barriers and energy channels] at the Sage Ascendant [a realm just below the legendary Sage] level crumbled and collapsed in its wake.

"Primordial Chaos Ancient Talisman [a talisman of immense power forged from the hide of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor]!"

The moment they saw the Ancient Talisman, the expressions of the Five Extremities Great Emperors shifted slightly, revealing looks of profound shock.

This Ancient Talisman was, in fact, a talisman of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of primordial chaos] tier. It was refined from the hide of a powerhouse at that very level, containing power potent enough to threaten even a Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign ruler of a heavenly domain].

Such a supreme treasure was exceedingly rare even within the vast expanse of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, something many Chaos Heavenly Emperor would treasure dearly.

By all logic, a treasure of this caliber should never fall into the hands of anyone below the Sage Ascendant realm. Even the direct disciples of a Heavenly Emperor would find it nearly impossible to obtain.

Yet, they could never have imagined that Worthy Remembrance Chen, merely a Great Emperor [a powerful ruler just below the Heavenly Emperor level], would possess such an artifact.

"Damnation! The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the founding ancestor of the Primordial Genesis Path] values him this highly?"

Fury churned within the hearts of the Five Extremities Great Emperors, but they could only watch helplessly as their grand formation was shattered.

With the Formation broken, Worthy Remembrance Chen acted instantly. He summoned the Eight Trigrams Formation Flags [a set of eight flags representing the eight trigrams, used to create powerful spatial seals] into the air, firmly sealing and locking down the surrounding void.

And with the Eight Trigrams Formation Flags [a set of eight magical banners that can form a powerful sealing formation] suppressing and sealing the area, the several Great Emperor [a supreme realm of power, one step below the legendary Sage Ascendant] instantly felt a stagnation in their internal spiritual power. It seemed even their Great Path Divine Form [a supreme divine transformation technique that embodies a cultivator's comprehension of the Great Path] was suppressed to a certain degree, causing their combat strength to plummet significantly.

Worthy Pursuit Chen seized the opportunity, instantly channeling his Immortal Iron Staff [an indestructible staff forged from immortal-grade iron] to press down upon the five Great Emperor, forcing them into an almost immediate and continuous retreat.

These five Great Emperor were merely at the initial entry-level of the Great Emperor realm. Only by joining forces did they possess a peerless combat power that could rival a Sage Ascendant [a legendary realm representing the pinnacle of mortal cultivation, a half-step to true immortality].

Yet once they lost the amplification of their combined Formation [a tactical art that combines the power of multiple cultivators into a greater whole] and were forced to fight individually, their strength was simply not a cause for concern.

At this moment, with Worthy Remembrance Chen using his Formation to suppress the five Great Emperor and splinter their combined power, Worthy Pursuit Chen rode the might of his Immortal Iron Staff, unleashing sweeping blows. In the first clash, one Great Emperor's physical body exploded into fragments.

And in the very next instant, another Great Emperor was struck, his flesh and blood sent flying in a gruesome spray.

The gap in power between a Sage Ascendant's combat strength and that of an initial-entry Great Emperor was nearly qualitative, a chasm of might.

In a one-on-one confrontation, a Sage Ascendant expert going all out could completely subdue any ordinary Great Emperor within ten moves.

Worthy Pursuit Chen successively shattered the bodies of two Great Emperor, forcing their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a high-level cultivator] to flee into the Sea of the Great Path [a conceptual realm representing the boundless ocean of cosmic laws and truths]. The remaining three were even less of a threat, their physical forms soon destroyed by the combined efforts of Worthy Remembrance Chen and Worthy Pursuit Chen.

And with the defeat of the Five Extremities Great Emperors, the faces of all the others present changed dramatically. They immediately began to scatter and flee for their lives.

Imperial Sovereign Jiang [the supreme ruler of the Jiang lineage] unleashed his full power, slaying a guardian Great Emperor [a supreme ruler who has mastered a Great Dao]. Meanwhile, Vast Righteousness True Lord [a powerful cultivator renowned for his immense virtue and strength], leveraging the inherent suppression his Vast Righteous Energy [a divine ability that channels pure, unyielding virtue] and Daoist Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power] held over the Demonic Path [a cultivation art that harnesses corrupt and malevolent energies], utterly annihilated the physical bodies of two other Great Emperor.

The remaining foes, more or less, paid a certain price before they managed to escape the blockade of the Eight Trigrams Formation Flags [a powerful formation array based on the eight trigrams of the I Ching].

"Splendid."

Witnessing this overwhelming victory, Imperial Sovereign Jiang allowed a faint smile to grace his lips, his expression one of clear satisfaction.

Yet, Worthy Remembrance Chen [a senior member of the Chen Clan] felt a twinge of regret. "A pity my cultivation base is insufficient to unleash the full might of the Eight Trigrams Formation Flags," he lamented.

"Had I possessed cultivation at the Sage Ascendant [a realm just below the legendary Sages] level, not a single one of them would have escaped."

Upon hearing his words, the others present nodded slightly in agreement.

Vast Righteousness True Lord chuckled softly, shaking his head with calm composure. "Those who have reached the Great Emperor level possess formidable means of preserving their lives. Subduing them is no easy feat," he stated.

"Even if one were to successfully suppress them, it would consume a vast amount of energy and time, making the endeavor hardly worthwhile."

Worthy Remembrance Chen gave a nod of understanding, offering no further comment. Instead, his gaze shifted towards Worthy Pursuit Chen [a promising young cultivator of the Chen Clan].

Worthy Pursuit Chen understood his meaning and immediately strode onto Western Region Spirit Mountain. Gazing at the Earth Vein [the spiritual artery of the land] before him, he sighed, "A pity that using the Primordial Chaos Ancient Talisman has once again damaged this Earth Vein."

"Repairing this Earth Vein will likely require a significant amount of additional time."

Worthy Remembrance Chen nodded, stating calmly, "Had we not employed the Primordial Chaos Ancient Talisman, the battle would have dragged on, likely inviting unforeseen complications."

Worthy Pursuit Chen offered a faint smile, saying no more. He then set about mending the local Earth Vein and re-establishing a formidable defensive formation.

"…"

Not long after, Eldrin Chen, far away at the Immortal Court, received news concerning the Savage Primordial Domain.

Reading the intelligence report in his hand, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal a smile of satisfaction.

"How did it go?"

Noticing his pleased expression, Exquisite Jiang beside him inquired with curiosity.

Eldrin Chen handed the letter to Exquisite Jiang and said with a laugh, "Worthy Remembrance and the others have secured four Ancestral Vein [supreme-grade spiritual arteries]. Moreover, they have sent me a gift for my thousandth tribulation anniversary."

"Oh?" [an expression of mild surprise or curiosity]

A flicker of delight stirred within Exquisite Jiang's heart, and she could not help but take the intelligence report to glance over it.

After perusing it for a moment, she handed the letter to Lila with evident joy and said, "They have performed admirably. It seems there should be no unexpected complications in this contest for the Mandate of Heaven [the divine right to rule or ascend, a pivotal concept of fate and destiny]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen also gave a nod of agreement.

In truth, given the strength of Worthy Remembrance Chen and the others, there was never any real doubt about their success in seizing the Mandate of Heaven. Securing three Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein [supreme spiritual arteries born from the primordial chaos, sources of immense power] was well within expectations.

Furthermore, Vast Righteousness True Lord, hailed by Path Ancestor Haoxu as a peerless prodigy with the potential of an Immortal Sage [a supreme realm of cultivation denoting wisdom and power akin to a sage], claiming one Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein was also anticipated.

Even so, Eldrin Chen cautioned, "Yet, we must not underestimate the strength of the ten great Solar Sun [the pure essence of the sun, a potent elemental force] Imperial Scions. Do not celebrate prematurely before the final moment arrives."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen continued, "Once the Thousand Tribulations Longevity [a grand celestial cycle or era marked by numerous trials] concludes, I intend to journey to the Chaos Desolation Sea."

His words caused a ripple of surprise among those present.

Concern welled up in Nyssa Qu's heart, and she could not restrain herself from asking, "This journey to the Chaos Desolation Sea... does it signify some grave matter has arisen?"

"Not at all."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, then stated plainly, "Over the last two hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], my cultivation progress has slowed considerably, and my Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation art focused on perfecting the physical body] has also reached a bottleneck."

"To advance any further, I must venture into the Chaos Desolation Sea."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

Exquisite Jiang pondered for a moment before speaking, "The Chaos Desolation Sea holds many perils, including forbidden lands that could threaten even a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler of chaos]."

"The supreme treasures you seek likely lie within those very forbidden lands. Therefore, on this journey, you must know your limits and act accordingly."

"I understand."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, a complex light flickering in his eyes.

Inwardly, he could not help but sigh. He was well aware of the dangers posed by forbidden lands. Yet, he had already divined through fate that his personal Tribulation [a heavenly trial or calamity faced by cultivators] was drawing near.

In recent years, he had even begun to vaguely discern the source from which this impending Tribulation would arise.

If he could not advance further before that time, he feared that when facing the perils to come, he might not be able to safeguard himself, and might even fail to protect his family.

Therefore, after the longevity celebration concluded, he had to journey to the Chaos Desolation Sea and venture into its famed, perilous forbidden lands.

With this resolve firm in his heart, Eldrin Chen rose to his feet. He stepped into the Depths of Chaos and arrived at the periphery of the Savage Primordial Domain.

There, Worthy Remembrance Chen had been waiting for some time. They presented the captive Verdant Extreme Saint Emperor to Eldrin Chen, saying with a smile, "Father, we trust we have not disappointed you this time."

"Returning Abyss... the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor."

As the Verdant Extreme Saint Emperor stirred from his enforced slumber, his eyes fell upon Eldrin Chen standing before him. A wave of profound shock and despair washed over him.

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, his gaze fixed upon the Verdant Extreme Saint Emperor. "I still recall the day you and your allies hunted me," he said, his voice calm yet carrying immense weight. "Such majesty you displayed then. How is it you now resemble a stray dog with its tail between its legs?"

The Verdant Extreme Saint Emperor paled, but gritted his teeth in defiance. "Victors become kings, the defeated become bandits. That is the way of things," he retorted.

"I do not resent my defeat at your hands. But know this: the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged] is never lacking in prodigies."

"Compared to the true Chaos Sovereigns [legendary beings who attained supreme mastery over the primordial Chaos], you are no undefeatable legend. A day will come when you, too, shall know the taste of this despair."

"Perhaps so, but I fear you will not live to see it."

Eldrin Chen gave a faint smile. With a simple turn of his palm, he suppressed and slew Verdant Extreme Saint Emperor, utterly extinguishing his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator].

Only after this did Eldrin Chen turn his gaze to Worthy Remembrance Chen and Worthy Pursuit Chen and the others. He nodded with satisfaction and said, "You have done well."

"It is our honor to share your burdens, Father."

The two of them smiled, genuine warmth touching their expressions.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, then cautioned them, "The Ten Great Imperial Scions [the ten most formidable direct descendants of the Solar Heavenly Emperor] of the Solar Heavenly Emperor are not to be underestimated. Avoid provoking them if you can."

"For this Tribulation [a great cosmic calamity or trial], your primary objective is to seize control of the Heavenly Mandate. Leave all other matters until after I have stepped into the Realm of Chaos [the primordial state preceding ordered creation]."