Chapter 1900 : A Divine Emperor's Judgment

After comprehending the cause and effect of the matter, Eldrin Chen fell into a moment of silent contemplation within his heart.

After all, Tai Cang Divine Emperor was a supreme-level Primordial One Imperial Lord [the highest echelon of cultivators, sovereigns who have comprehended the fundamental truths of existence]. A poorly chosen response could invite significant trouble.

Thus, his thoughts churned a hundredfold before he ultimately answered truthfully: "Imperial Sun Tai Cang possessed extraordinary talent. I, recognizing his brilliant and overflowing aptitude, took him under my wing. I was unaware he was Your Majesty's son. In hindsight, it seems I have overstepped."

Upon hearing this, Tai Cang Divine Emperor's gaze flickered subtly, yet he offered no further comment.

Although a single session of his secluded cultivation often spanned several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of time, often billions of years], he was perfectly aware of the matter concerning Eldrin Chen taking Imperial Sun Tai Cang as a Divine General under his command.

Had he truly wished to prevent it, he would have intervened long ago. His inaction stemmed from the fact that Imperial Sun Tai Cang viewed Eldrin Chen as a life goal he was destined to surpass. Allowing him to follow Eldrin Chen was also beneficial for Tai Cang's own cultivation journey.

"To have defeated Soaring Sky Imperial Scion, and even triumphed over the reincarnated form of Three Souls Imperial Lord... this Eldrin Chen indeed possesses extraordinary aptitude. He will most likely join our ranks in the future," Tai Cang Divine Emperor mused silently within his heart, recalling Eldrin Chen's formidable prowess.

Finally, with a genial tone, he spoke: "My purpose in coming today was merely to meet the individual who has earned my youngest son's admiration. Now that I have seen you, you are indeed exceptional."

"Take this Seven-Aperture Divine Stone [a mystical stone with seven natural orifices, said to channel profound spiritual energies] as a congratulatory gift."

As his words faded, Tai Cang Divine Emperor flicked his sleeve, sending forth a radiant treasure light.

Eldrin Chen took it and examined it, immediately recognizing it as a divine stone with seven apertures, emanating a dazzling Innate Spiritual Radiance [a pure, foundational light born from the essence of heaven and earth]. He instantly understood that this treasure was likely even more precious than the gift from the Great Center Imperial Lord.

"A Seven-Aperture Divine Stone [a miraculous stone that can unlock the seventh spiritual aperture of a cultivator]? The Tai Cang Divine Emperor is willing to part with such a treasure?"

In that very moment, many of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the highest realm of cultivation, representing a perfected, all-encompassing state of being] present were greatly astonished.

The Great Center Imperial Lord himself blinked in mild surprise, remarking with some amazement, "I never imagined you would be willing to offer such a treasure, fellow Daoist?"

As he spoke, the Great Center Imperial Lord looked at Eldrin Chen and explained, "The Seven-Aperture Divine Stone can assist a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal in opening their seventh Primordial Spirit Apertures [the spiritual gateways within one's core soul, crucial for advancement]. It is a treasure many Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [those at the pinnacle of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] desperately seek but seldom find."

Eldrin Chen was inwardly astonished, comprehending the origin of this object in an instant.

So, the Seven-Aperture Divine Stone contained a power that could transform the mundane into the miraculous, capable of unlocking the seventh Primordial Spirit Apertures. It was an exceedingly rare and precious wonder.

Generally, divine stones for opening Primordial Spirit Apertures were classified from one to nine apertures. The one-aperture stone held the lowest value, while the Nine Orifices Divine Stone [the rarest and most potent version of these stones] was the most valuable.

Every Great Encompassing Golden Immortal possessed at least four major Innate Acupoints [the foundational spiritual nodes one is born with]. For them, divine stones with fewer than five apertures were essentially useless.

A Five-Aperture Divine Stone was worth one strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a fundamental, unbreakable spiritual energy]. A Six Orifices Divine Stone was valued at five strands. Such a Seven-Aperture Divine Stone, however, was in a league of its own, typically requiring at least thirty strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light to be exchanged for it.

The Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a rare and precious spiritual radiance that grants unbreakable properties] is exceedingly rare. Apart from what one might obtain upon ascension to the Immortal Domain [the higher realm of immortals], it is only occasionally nurtured within Great Encompassing Rank [a supreme cultivation stage] Chaos Lairs [primordial places of disorder]. Therefore, even a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [an immortal at the peak of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] would find it extremely difficult to produce thirty strands of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light.

In other words, this Seven-Aperture Divine Stone [a divine stone with seven spiritual apertures] gifted by the Tai Cang Divine Emperor before them is a divine object dreamt of by many Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortals.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen cast a rather astonished glance at the Tai Cang Divine Emperor, surprised that He was willing to part with such a valuable treasure.

Noting his expression, the Tai Cang Divine Emperor said calmly, "I know you have cultivated the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a divine ability that forges a Primordial Spirit of supreme purity] and possess nine Innate Acupoints [innate spiritual nodes within the body]. Yet, this Seven-Aperture Divine Stone still holds some use for you."

Seeing this, the Great Center Imperial Lord quietly transmitted a voice message, "Accept it. The Nine Orifices Divine Stone [a divine stone with nine spiritual orifices] can enhance the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], increasing both soul power and the speed of Primordial Spirit cultivation."

"If you can integrate one or even a Nine Orifices Divine Stone into your True Spirit Aperture [the spiritual aperture of a True Spirit], you might even cultivate a 'Primordial Spirit Supreme Treasure' [a supreme treasure born from the Primordial Spirit]. This forms the very foundation for glimpsing the realm of the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who has mastered the Path of the Soul]."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen immediately sent his divine sense into the Treasure Box gifted by the Great Center Imperial Lord. Sure enough, he discovered a Six Orifices Divine Stone [a divine stone with six spiritual orifices] within.

In that moment, he understood. These two, the Great Center Imperial Lord and the Tai Cang Divine Emperor, had likely discerned the extraordinary foundation of his Primordial Spirit and had seized this opportunity to present him with treasures for its cultivation.

Realizing this, Eldrin Chen promptly rose and said, "This junior offers his deepest gratitude for the great favor of you two Imperial Lords [titles for powerful rulers in the immortal realms]."

The Tai Cang Divine Emperor gave a light laugh, then said serenely, "The path ahead is rugged. How far you travel depends entirely on your own Creation [one's destiny, fortune, and inherent potential]."

Great Center Imperial Lord [the Imperial Lord representing the Great Center] also offered a faint smile and continued his mental transmission, "Among the Nine Orifices Divine Stone [a legendary stone with nine natural orifices, said to be the ultimate treasure for refining one's Primordial Spirit], the Eight Apertures Divine Stone [a divine stone with eight orifices, incredibly rare and precious] is a treasure so rare in this world it could drive even a Primordial One Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord who has unified their Primordial Spirit into a single, supreme entity] to fight to the death."

"And the Nine Orifices Divine Stone is a Chaos Rare Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, of the highest rarity and power]. Every time one appears, it stirs up a storm of bloodshed. Even beings of our stature have never had the fortune to obtain one, so you need not dwell on it."

"With the foundation of your Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator], integrating just seven divine stones will be more than sufficient. Achieving the Soul Path [a profound cultivation art focused on the soul and spirit] and becoming a Primordial One Imperial Lord will be well within your grasp in the future."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen promptly rose and offered his thanks repeatedly before inviting the two guests to take the seats of honor within the great hall.

Not long after their arrival, the sound of Immortal Crane [a crane of immense longevity and grace, often associated with immortals] wings beating against the air came from beyond the window once more. This time, the arrivals were from the Primordial Genesis Ancestral Court [the ancestral court of the Primordial Genesis lineage] and the Great Abyss Holy Land [a holy land named after the Great Abyss].

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the Ancestor of the Primordial Genesis Path] and the Great Abyss Immortal Sage [the Immortal Sage of the Great Abyss] are the two supreme Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors who emerged from the Primordial Chaos] of the Human Race. Naturally, they would not personally attend a banquet for a mere Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal whose power and influence are vast and all-encompassing].

In their stead came the seventh direct disciple of the Great Abyss Immortal Sage, the Carefree Immortal Lord [an Immortal Lord known for his unfettered and carefree nature], and the eighth true disciple under the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, known as 'Primordial Energy True Lord' [a True Lord who commands the primordial energy of creation].

Eldrin Chen was naturally familiar with the reputation of the Carefree Immortal Lord. This figure had attained the Dao a mere few billion years ago, yet was already a Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal in the late stage of the Great Encompassing realm]. With the power of his True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a Primordial Spirit of the highest purity and truth, a divine ability], he stood among the elite even within the ranks of Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

As for the eighth true disciple under the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, 'Primordial Energy True Lord', Eldrin Chen was even more intimately acquainted, for this person was none other than Worthy Remembrance Chen.

"Fellow Cultivator Eldrin, congratulations, congratulations!"

Clad in verdant robes, the Carefree Immortal Lord possessed an aura of grace and bearing that was utterly Extraordinary. Merely standing there, he seemed like an Immortal Lord from the Primordial Era who had stepped through the fabric of Space-Time to arrive.

Eldrin Chen dared not be negligent. He promptly offered a respectful salute and said, "The joy is mutual. Your arrival, Fellow Daoist, is a great fortune for me."

"This is a modest gift from my Great Abyss Holy Land."

The Carefree Immortal Lord smiled faintly, casually handing a treasure to Eldrin Chen. Then, he tossed an ancient tome to him, saying, "I heard you have also cultivated the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a supreme spiritual core cultivation method]. These are my personal insights and experiences; perhaps they may be of some use to you as well."

A surge of delight filled Eldrin Chen's heart. He quickly clasped his hands and said, "My gratitude for the Immortal Sage's bestowed treasure, and my thanks for your esteemed regard, Fellow Daoist."

The Carefree Immortal Lord smiled without speaking, his gaze shifting to the Primordial Energy True Lord standing nearby.

That Worthy Remembrance Chen gave Eldrin Chen a slight nod and presented a Treasure Box [an ornate container for precious items], saying, "This is a token of my teacher's regard."

"Please convey my thanks to the Path Ancestor Senior,"

Eldrin Chen murmured in a low voice, then invited both guests into the main hall.

With their arrival, the Immortal Banquet was about to commence. Just as the festivities were poised to begin, a majestic and resonant voice echoed from outside the great hall.

"How could such a grand event at the Endless Heaven be complete without our Demon Race?"

From the horizon's edge, a voice, cold and detached, shook the heavens and the earth.

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. He looked up to see, at the far reaches of the Heavenly Vault, an endless tide of dark clouds surging forth. Where they passed, a searing Purple Heavenly Thunderclap [a divine lightning technique of immense destructive power] consumed everything in its path.

"BOOM!"

"MOOOO—!"

A deafening bestial roar echoed as a Purple Heavenly Thunderclap Savage Ox bellowed and charged through the sky, pulling a Thunderclap Chariot [a war chariot empowered by thunder] behind it.

Even before its master appeared, the sheer divine might of the Purple Heavenly Thunderclap Savage Ox was overwhelming. The horns of this ThunderclapKui Ox [a primordial, one-legged ox demon associated with thunder] were vaster than an entire Immortal Domain. Its aura swept across the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths [a poetic term for the entire cosmos], pressing down so heavily that many Great Encompassing Golden Immortal cultivators struggled to breathe.

"A Primordial Era Kui Ox,"

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted, a flicker of awe crossing his features.

The Primordial Era Kui Ox was a supreme being among the Chaos Fiend [a category of ancient, primordial demons]. The one before them possessed unfathomable power, radiating a sense of invincibility that even Eldrin Chen felt he could not withstand. Its cultivation level had likely already reached the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm.

To be able to have a Primordial Era Kui Ox [a mythical one-legged ox from ancient times, said to control thunder] pull one's chariot—what kind of peerless, world-shaking powerhouse must the person before them be?

"Thunder Sovereign [a title meaning 'Sovereign of Thunder'], I fear you are not welcome here."

In that very instant, an intangible field manifested, annihilating everything in its path and blocking the Primordial Era Kui Ox's heaven-shaking Thunderclap [a thunderous sonic attack].

Immediately after, a black, mysterious bird took flight from the horizon's edge, its wings beating powerfully as it descended to stand guard before the great hall.

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw, standing atop the head of the black mysterious bird, a figure of supreme and peerless majesty clad in imperial robes of black and gold.

"The Black Emperor... Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of awe crossing his heart.

The Human Race Immortal Court [the paramount governing body for human cultivators across the realms] could maintain its footing across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad worlds and realms of cultivation], naturally, because it was never lacking in supreme powerhouses.

Legends spoke of the Immortal Court's Five Directions Great Emperors [the five supreme emperors who guard the cardinal directions and the center]: the 'Southern Pole Bright Radiance Great Emperor', the 'Northern Pole Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor', the 'Central Heaven Purple Tenuity Great Emperor', the 'Eastern Pole Azure Dragon Great Emperor', and the 'Western Pole Voidwalker Sword Emperor'.

These five were all existences at the Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord [the pinnacle stage of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm] and served as the Immortal Court's unshakable pillars, its Sea-Calmer needles [a metaphor for a stabilizing, foundational force]. With the Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [beings who have transcended the ordinary Paths and attained sagehood] withdrawn from worldly affairs, they were the true rulers of the Immortal Court.

And the figure before them was none other than one of the Five Great Emperor Sovereigns, the Northern Pole Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler of the northern polar region].

The black bird beneath his throne was a rare variant born from the Chaos Black Phoenix [a mythical bird of primordial chaos], akin to how the Vermilion Bird [one of the Four Divine Beasts, representing the south and fire] arose through mutation, its cultivation having already reached the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm [a supreme realm of power].

Yet at this moment, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor gazed at the Thunderclap Chariot [a divine chariot that rides upon thunder] ahead, a trace of solemnity flickering deep within his eyes.

It was precisely then that the Thunderclap Chariot fell silent for a heartbeat before finally sailing out of the sea of Thunderclap [a technique or phenomenon manifesting as a sudden, explosive peal of thunder], revealing the true visage of the one who stood upon it.

Only then did Eldrin Chen perceive clearly that upon that majestic Thunderclap Chariot stood a man clad in resplendent Violet Gold Armor [armor forged from a rare violet-gold alloy].

Boundless threads of the Great Path of Thunderclap [the supreme Dao principle governing thunder and its explosive force] coiled around his form. In his hand, he grasped a World-Ending Thunder Spear [a spear imbued with apocalyptic thunder] wreathed in crackling Thunderclap. He resembled a Demon Race Great Emperor [a sovereign emperor of the demon tribes] patrolling the Myriad Heavens [the countless realms and dimensions of existence], scrutinizing his subjects.

"Be at ease."

The man offered a faint, enigmatic smile, his gaze briefly settling on Eldrin Chen before he spoke, "This sovereign's visit is merely to behold the young hero of the Human Race who bested my eldest nephew."

A chill shot through Eldrin Chen's heart, his eyes hardening with profound gravity. In that instant, he vaguely surmised this person's identity.

Sure enough, at that very moment, the Great Center Imperial Lord transmitted a voice message, "This being is transformed from a Primordial Era Thunder Crow [an ancient, thunder-commanding crow demon]. He is the blood brother of the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Celestial Emperor who rules the sun], born with mastery over the Great Path of Thunderclap."

"His cultivation had already reached the realm of a Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] ago. He was merely trapped, unable to make a breakthrough due to the lack of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs]."

"His coming this time is likely to test your mettle. You must be exceedingly cautious."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a subtle weight settle in his heart.

If a being at the level of a Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord truly set its sights on him, it would undoubtedly become a monumental problem.

Seeing his expression, Great Center Imperial Lord spoke up. "You need not worry overmuch. Though you slew Soaring Sky Imperial Scion, it is a consensus that there can be no post-facto retribution in the struggle for Great Encompassing [the supreme realm of cultivation]."

"Should he dare to break this Heavenly Rules [the fundamental laws governing the cosmos], we, the Human Race Path Ancestor Immortal Sage, would not stand idly by."

"My greatest fear is that they will come to fear you, believing you possess the potential of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign who commands the primordial chaos]. They might then be willing to pay any price to obstruct your path."

Eldrin Chen fell into a deep, contemplative silence.

His expression shifted through several shades of thought before settling into resolve. A quiet realization echoed within him. "So... it is the potential of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor that would make them truly fear me?"

In that moment, Eldrin Chen grasped a profound truth. Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, the Demon Race held overwhelming power. The Human Race and the Divine Clan had formed a tacit alliance, and even the ascension of the two Path Ancestor Immortal Sage had the unseen support of the Primordial Era Divine Sovereign [an ancient god-emperor from the dawn of time] behind them.

At the very least, the breakthrough of Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the primordial path of creation] was greatly aided by the efforts of the two Divine Sovereign [supreme rulers of the divine clans]. The Great Abyss Immortal Sage [the immortal sage of the great abyss] would likely also view such a breakthrough with favor.

However, if the Human Race were to produce a third Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a heavenly emperor born of primordial chaos], the two Divine Sovereign of the Divine Clan [the clan of divine beings] might not be so tolerant. If Eldrin Chen truly manifested the potential of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor, he would likely find himself in grave peril.

"I understand,"

In that instant, Eldrin Chen gained a vague understanding of how he should conduct himself moving forward.

It was at this moment that the Thunder Sovereign [the sovereign ruler of thunder] gave a light chuckle and, looking at Eldrin Chen, said, "I have heard that Young Master Returning Abyss [the abyss of return] possesses peerless talent and is hailed as the foremost figure of this Kalpa Tribulation [the great cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal]."

"Our Demon Race [the race of demons] also has several newly ascended Great Encompassing [the realm of the Great Encompassing, a supreme cultivation stage] cultivators. Yet, having never crossed blades with him, they remain unconvinced and wish to spar with this Fellow Cultivator Eldrin."

Upon hearing this, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [the great emperor of the obsidian abyss] narrowed his eyes, a chill flashing within them.

He let out a cold laugh and declared, "The Great Encompassing Immortal Banquet [the grand celestial feast of the Great Encompassing realm] is imminent. Fellow Cultivator Eldrin likely has no time for such sparring matches."

"Hahaha!"

Before the Thunder Sovereign could respond, a newly ascended Great Encompassing from the Demon Race burst into raucous laughter. "What is this? Are the Human Race Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing cultivators of the human race] truly such timid, mouse-hearted creatures?"

"If you lack the courage, perhaps you should relinquish the title of the foremost Kalpa Tribulation."

"Hmm?"

Upon hearing this, Obsidian Abyss the Imperial Lord [a title for a supreme ruler in the Immortal Realm] felt a chill flash in his eyes. A mere newly ascended Great Encompassing [a supreme cultivation realm, one of the highest attainable] dared to disregard his majesty? Such insolence was a sure path to death.

Just as his fury was about to erupt, a voice sounded from behind him.

"And what if we do fight?"

Obsidian Abyss the Imperial Lord turned his head. He saw Eldrin Chen striding forward, ascending into the sky. Eldrin Chen first offered a respectful salute to Obsidian Abyss the Imperial Lord, then cupped his hands towards Thunder Sovereign [a title meaning 'Ruler of Thunder'] before speaking with calm composure.

"Since several fellow Daoists from the Demon Race [a powerful race of demonic beings] desire a battle, this lord is naturally willing to oblige."

"However, since it is the Demon Race who issued the challenge, I cannot fight for nothing. How about your side offers some stakes for the contest?"

"Is that so?"

Thunder Sovereign's eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced at the five newly ascended Great Encompassing by his side.

Seeing this, the five individuals immediately understood and said, "With the treasures bestowed by you, Senior, our chances of victory should be around fifty percent."

"Fifty percent?"

Thunder Sovereign nodded, then looked towards Eldrin Chen and said, "If you win a single match, I shall grant you one strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a legendary, unbreakable spiritual radiance born from the primal chaos]. How about that?"

"Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, then promptly nodded in agreement. "Agreed."

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen immediately turned his gaze to the five Great Encompassing [a supreme cultivation realm] experts from the Demon Race and inquired, "Which of you shall step forward first?"

"I will."

The moment those words were spoken, a man gripping a divine spear was the first to stride forth, his killing intent surging forward.