Chapter 2088 : The Ancient One's Heavenly Ascent

Returning to the main narrative, after entrusting the task of Dharma protection to Eldrin Chen, the Indestructibility Ancient One immediately entered seclusion to attempt his breakthrough in cultivation realm.

Compared to the former Primordial Mire Path Master, the Path Marker within the Indestructibility Primordial Domain where the Indestructibility Ancient One resided was exceedingly well-concealed. Those aware of its location could be counted on one hand, thereby significantly enhancing its security.

This breakthrough attempt by the Indestructibility Ancient One proceeded far more smoothly, encountering no powerful enemies arriving to obstruct his path to the Dao.

Thus, after roughly a dozen Kalpa Tribulation in seclusion, the Indestructibility Ancient One finally elevated his own aura to its absolute peak and began his assault on the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm.

"He has begun his breakthrough," Eldrin Chen observed, his expression turning grave.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen revealed a look of solemn intensity.

Within the native confines of the Indestructibility Primordial Domain, the disciples and descendants of the Indestructibility Ancient One also watched, their faces etched with concern.

Breaking through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm was inherently a feat of monumental difficulty. Even for those who had attained Path Mastery and cultivated the Nine Great God Forms, the ultimate probability of a successful breakthrough averaged no more than fifty percent.

Furthermore, the Fleshly Body Sanctification Art was even more domineering, drastically reducing the odds of achieving the Chaos Heavenly Emperor breakthrough.

Even with the cultivation of the Sole Divine Form, the average success rate for such a breakthrough generally hovered around a mere thirty percent.

The Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler of the demonic abyss] nearby, seeing this, spoke up: "You need not worry. The Indestructibility Ancient One [an ancient being who has cultivated the path of unbreakable defense] walks the Indestructibility Path [a cultivation art renowned for its supreme defensive capabilities], which is most adept at defense."

"Coupled with the aid of the Ascension to Sainthood Pill [a legendary pill that significantly increases the chance of a breakthrough to sainthood], I believe his probability of a breakthrough far exceeds that of ordinary people. The likelihood of success should be extremely high."

Eldrin Chen also nodded in agreement. If one were to say that the probability of a practitioner of Fleshly Body Sanctification [an art focused on tempering the physical body to an indestructible state] breaking through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor who commands primordial chaos] was no more than thirty percent,

then the Indestructibility Ancient One, with his defensive-oriented Indestructibility Foundation [the foundational cultivation realm focused on achieving unbreakable durability], should have a success rate of no less than fifty percent.

This is because his unique Indestructibility True Form [a divine ability that manifests a form of absolute durability] possesses a tenacious Immortality [the divine ability of deathlessness and eternal endurance], and its defensive Force Extreme [the ultimate principle of defensive power] is exceptionally potent. Consequently, when undergoing the metamorphosis into a Chaos Divine Form [a divine form born from and embodying primordial chaos], the success rate is also significantly higher.

Add to that the Ascension to Sainthood Pill, which can increase the breakthrough probability by thirty percent, and the Indestructibility Ancient One's chance of success has become exceedingly high—far greater than that of the Primordial Mire Path Master [a master who cultivated the path of the primordial mire] in the past.

"Senior Indestructibility [the cultivation concept of achieving an unbreakable, eternal state] has encountered a great opportunity this time. It is fitting that he breaks through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor, a sovereign who commands a portion of the cosmos]."

As these thoughts flickered through Eldrin Chen's mind, he suddenly heard a violent roar of Primordial Chaos [the primeval, formless state from which all creation emerged].

With a sound that seemed capable of shattering heavens and cleaving the cosmos, the Indestructibility Ancient One suddenly ascended into the skies.

His entire being was enveloped by endless threads of the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the supreme Dao of primordial chaos], and, embraced by the myriad Daos of the Myriad Heavens [the countless celestial realms], he plunged directly into the depths of the Primordial Chaos Great Path Sea [the boundless sea where the essence of the Primordial Chaos Dao converges].

"It is done."

Witnessing this scene, Eldrin Chen felt a profound sense of certainty settle within his heart.

As expected, Indestructibility Ancient One floated and sank within the Sea of the Great Path [the metaphysical ocean where the fundamental laws of existence converge], allowing the boundless Primordial Chaos Great Path [the primordial, formless essence of creation] to baptize his physical form. In the end, amidst the celebratory resonance of infinite Great Path [the fundamental principles of cultivation], he successfully forged the unique Chaos Divine Form [a divine physique born from primordial chaos].

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist. Your attainment of the Chaos [the realm of primordial chaos] is a joyous and celebratory occasion."

"So it is my old friend Indestructibility [the Ancient One of Unbreakable Essence]. I had not anticipated you would have also completed your breakthrough."

"With the Fleshly Body Sanctification [the art of purifying and sanctifying the physical body], Elder Brother Indestructibility's power is sure to surge to new heights. It seems the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [a vast region of one hundred celestial domains] will welcome another supreme Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign ruler of a heavenly domain]."

Following the breakthrough of Indestructibility Ancient One, waves of congratulatory voices arose from within the Primordial Chaos Great Path Sea [the sea of the primordial chaos great path].

Many Chaos Heavenly Emperors from within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains, and even from realms beyond, sensed the anomaly within the Sea of the Great Path and became aware of Indestructibility Ancient One's ascension.

Numerous Chaos Heavenly Emperors sent forth messages of felicitation, seizing the opportunity to establish a connection with Indestructibility Ancient One.

Indestructibility Ancient One acknowledged each well-wisher in turn, then swiftly withdrew from the Sea of the Great Path and returned to his Indestructibility Primordial Domain [his personal realm of unbreakable essence].

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile and say, "Congratulations, Senior. With your attainment of the Realm of Chaos [the primordial state preceding all creation], you may now look down upon the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the infinite, formless expanse from which all realms are born]."

"Hahaha."

Indestructibility Ancient One laughed heartily. As the saying goes, all beneath a Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign who has mastered a fundamental force of the cosmos] are but ants. Though he had previously claimed to rival such beings, he was not yet a true Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who has mastered the primordial Chaos itself].

Now, having stepped into the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Realm [the sovereign realm of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor], his power ranked among the very pinnacle of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

If one's cultivation broke through to the Sage Ascendant Realm [the realm just below that of a Heavenly Emperor], they would barely qualify to participate in the affairs of the entire Blazing Central Hundred Domains [a vast cluster of one hundred celestial domains].

But upon truly setting foot into the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm, one would secure a place of significance within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains.

Having succeeded in his breakthrough, Indestructibility Ancient One, now a standout among Chaos Heavenly Emperor, would become a figure of formidable renown throughout the Blazing Central Hundred Domains.

With this thought, the Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor [the title and domain of the newly ascended Indestructibility Ancient One] said with a smile, "Let us treat each other as peers. There is no need for such formalities."

Eldrin Chen smiled but did not dwell on the matter of address.

He shifted the topic directly, asking with a smile, "How do you feel after this breakthrough, Senior? What has changed?"

"Transformation…"

Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor pondered for a moment, then tested his newfound power, a smile gracing his lips as he remarked, "My strength and methods have improved considerably."

"However, the greatest change lies in my defensive capabilities."

As Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor elaborated, Eldrin Chen gradually understood the shifts in his power following the breakthrough.

Having ascended to the Realm of Chaos, Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor's strength and techniques had grown significantly, now roughly approaching the level of an ordinary Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

Yet his most profound enhancement was in his personal defense.

Prior to his breakthrough, his physical resilience was already about fifty percent greater than that of a typical Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

Now, after his ascension, that defensive power had multiplied several times over its original foundation.

This monumental shift had vastly augmented his physical fortitude, allowing him to firmly step into the absolute limits of the First Realm of Chaos.

In other words, the defensive might of Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor's physical form at this moment should be comparable to that of an invincible powerhouse at the Half-Step Path Union Realm.

Overall, the combat prowess of the Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor should be comparable to that of a top-tier Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

However, due to its overwhelmingly formidable defenses, even an invincible Heavenly Emperor at the Half-Step Path Union level would find it exceedingly difficult to completely suppress the Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor.

Although its offensive power is slightly lacking, the Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor's defenses are so potent that against an ordinary Chaos Heavenly Emperor, it could afford to focus solely on attack without regard for defense, thereby securing a significant advantage.

Upon understanding the true strength of the Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor, Eldrin Chen could not help but breathe a sigh of relief.

With such a staunch ally, Eldrin Chen's return journey to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains now felt considerably more secure.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen inquired further, "Now that you, Senior, have broken through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm, what are your plans for the Indestructibility Primordial Domain?"

A flicker of understanding passed through the eyes of the Indestructibility Ancient One, who immediately grasped Eldrin Chen's implication.

Upon reaching the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm, one gains the ability to pilot a Primordial Domain [a primordial world-fragment] across the vast Chaos [the formless, primordial substance from which all things are born] to reach distant shores.

Therefore, within the Vast and Boundless Chaos, Primordial Domains possessing a Chaos Heavenly Emperor often congregate together to jointly secure and govern a region of the Chaos Desolation Sea.

For in the Chaos, a solitary Primordial Domain offers no guarantee of safety.

Even with a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler of primordial chaos] presiding over it, a Primordial Domain [a vast, ancient realm at the dawn of creation] possesses little capacity for self-preservation when faced with a Path Union Supreme [a cultivator who has unified multiple cosmic Paths] or a coalition of multiple Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

Therefore, many Primordial Domain tend to cluster together. This serves not only to suppress the Vast and Boundless Chaos Desolation Sea [the endless, turbulent sea of primal chaos and desolation], but also to enhance their collective resilience against threats.

Despite their internal discord, the seven Primordial Domain of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a coalition of seven ancient realms in the Southern Abyss] are bound by an Eternal Covenant [an ancient and binding pact] forged by their respective Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

Though the constraints of this covenant are not overly stringent, when faced with an external foe, the Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign ruler of a heavenly domain] of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains are obligated to join forces against the enemy.

This is the crucial reason why the Southern Abyss Seven Domains have endured to this day and even retain a modicum of confidence when confronting the Blazing Central Lineage [a powerful and ancient faction centered on the Blazing Central Realm].

Indestructibility Ancient One [the Ancient One of Unbreakable Existence] also considered this point. After a moment of silent contemplation, he spoke with a trace of helplessness, "Had the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain [the Primordial Realm of the Immortal Cosmos] still existed, I might have joined the Heaven Abyss Domains [the coalition of realms bordering the Heavenly Abyss]."

"Unfortunately, I share no close ties with the current Southern Abyss Seven Domains, so I am hesitant about joining them."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then suddenly proposed, "If you, Fellow Daoist, are unwilling to join the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, why not temporarily converge with the Great Wasteland Ancient Realm [the Ancient Realm of the Great Wasteland] instead?"

"The Great Wasteland Ancient Realm?"

Indestructibility Ancient One pondered briefly before replying, "The Great Wasteland Ancient Realm is not far from us. That is indeed a viable alternative."

Having spoken thus, Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor withdrew his thoughts and looked at Eldrin Chen. "However, this matter is not urgent. Let me first escort you back to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains," he said.

"Very well," Eldrin Chen agreed.

Eldrin Chen nodded. Currently, the emergence of the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven was still roughly three hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] away.

His plan was to return to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains first. However, the news of his possession of the Chaos Void-Refining Vase had likely been exposed. Having the backing of the Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor was indeed the best course of action.

Thus, he did not refuse and accepted the Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor's offer to escort him back.

Subsequently, after merely consolidating his cultivation base for a short while, the Indestructibility Ancient One set off for the Southern Abyss Seven Domains together with Eldrin Chen and the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant.

The journey passed in the blink of an eye, several Kalpa Tribulation slipping by. When Eldrin Chen finally beheld the Southern Abyss Seven Domains once more, a genuine smile graced his features.

"After nearly one hundred Kalpa Tribulation away from home, we have finally returned," he said.

Gazing upon the Southern Abyss Seven Domains before them, all three felt a rare surge of joy, a profound sense of returning home in glory.

Upon this return to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, the Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor had ascended to the Heavenly Emperor Realm, the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor possessed combat power nearing that of a true Heavenly Emperor, and Eldrin Chen himself wielded strength at the Heavenly Emperor level.

Such a monumental breakthrough subtly yet profoundly shifted the mindset of the three individuals.

Exchanging a glance, they shared a hearty laugh before striding purposefully towards the Primordial Immortal Domain.

They had not traveled far when Indestructibility Ancient One's brow furrowed slightly. "Show yourselves," he declared.

The Chaos [the primordial, formless state preceding creation] fell into a brief, heavy silence before two figures emerged from its depths.

One was enveloped in a radiant halo of sacred light, while the other was wreathed in a miasma of Demonic Fiendish Energy [a malevolent, corrupting energy]. Both were Chaos Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers who have attained enlightenment within the primordial Chaos], whose might shook the very foundations of the Blazing Central Hundred Domains.

"Radiance Saint Emperor, Nether Filth Demon Emperor," Indestructibility Ancient One named them.

Gazing upon the two figures, Eldrin Chen's brow creased in a flicker of surprise.

These were none other than the Chaos Saint Emperor and the Chaos Demon Emperor [a demonic sovereign who rules within the primordial Chaos] from the Primordial Domain of Saint and Demon.

As one of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, the Primordial Domain of Saint and Demon held a position of middling strength. The power of its two Great Sage [a supreme level of cultivation, one step below the legendary Path Ancestors] Emperors was nearly evenly matched.

Furthermore, each possessed a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a weapon or tool forged from and attuned to the essence of primordial Chaos] as their ultimate trump card, placing them among the most formidable of all Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

"Fellow Daoist Indestructibility, I never imagined you had already set foot upon the Heavenly Emperor Realm."

The Nether Filth Demon Emperor spoke, his tone laced with gravity. "We have come today to demand a certain treasure from Fellow Cultivator Eldrin."

"This matter does not concern you, Fellow Daoist. It would be best if you did not interfere."

The Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor merely chuckled, a hint of mockery in his voice. "With just the two of you, you think you can seize the Chaos Void-Refining Vase?"

"What if you add the two of us to their number?"

At that very moment, a sound of rending void echoed from within the Chaos.

Eldrin Chen looked up to see the vast Sea of Chaos torn asunder. Two supremely majestic figures strode forth, shattering the firmament itself as they came.

Both bore horns upon their heads. The foremost gripped a war halberd capable of cleaving the void, while the latter commanded seven wheels of spatial power. Clearly, they were both supreme experts who walked the path of the void.

"Primordial God of Boundless Cosmos, Star-Hunting Heavenly Emperor."

Gazing upon the two mighty beings before him, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, a shadow of solemnity crossing his features.

The Primordial God of Boundless Cosmos was the progenitor of the Domain of Chaos Firmamental Extreme and a Chaos Primordial God [a primordial deity born from chaos] exceptionally skilled in the Dao of Space.

Wielding the Chaos Spiritual Artifact known as the 'Cosmos Halberd', his power was on par with even the Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign, placing him among the foremost of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler born from primordial chaos]. He stood but a single step away from the very pinnacle of Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign ruler].

In comparison, the Star-Hunting Heavenly Emperor was slightly weaker. He was the direct descendant of the Primordial God of Boundless Cosmos, blessed with exceptionally potent bloodline talent.

However, having broken through to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm relatively recently, his strength was considered average among his peers, roughly equivalent to the Primordial Mire Divine Sovereign and at most only a hair's breadth superior.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen immediately felt considerable pressure.

His thoughts churning, he spoke without hesitation, "I never imagined you would join forces to seize the Chaos Void-Refining Vase. I'm afraid it won't be so easy."

"Whether it's easy or not is not for you to decide," came the cold reply.

With those words, the Primordial God of Boundless Cosmos acted. He channeled his power into the Cosmos Heavenly Halberd, cleaving the void itself as he brought the weapon down upon Eldrin Chen with devastating force.

Just as Eldrin Chen prepared to counter, the Indestructibility Ancient One surged forward to meet the assault, charging directly at the Primordial God of Boundless Cosmos.

In that instant, battle erupted. The Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor stood alone against the gathered titans, his aura rolling forth like mountains and rivers, utterly fearless before the combined Slaughter [a divine technique of overwhelming destructive power] of four Heavenly Emperor.

"This Indestructible Ancestor is like a tortoise shell; I fear we cannot crack his defenses."

Seeing they could not overcome the Indestructible Heavenly Emperor, the Primordial God of Boundless Cosmos spoke up: "I will hold him here. The rest of you, go and capture this Returning Abyss Path Master."

Immediately, the three Great Divine Emperors [powerful divine rulers] disengaged and converged, their combined might bearing down upon Eldrin Chen with the intent to subdue him completely.

"Who dares!"

At that very moment, several overwhelming auras erupted from the Depths of Chaos.

Eldrin Chen looked towards the edge of the void and saw Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign, Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign, Great Abyss Immortal Sage, and Primordial Mire Divine Sovereign tearing through the void to come to his aid.

Yet they were intercepted by the Three Heavenly Emperors of the Demon Race, and for a time, found it difficult to break through the enemy's blockade.

Fortunately, at the critical moment, Path Ancestor Haoxu shattered the void and arrived, charging directly into the heart of the battlefield.

"What does it matter if one Path Ancestor arrives? With three against one, the advantage is ours."

The Radiance Saint Emperor spoke, exchanging a glance with the Star-Hunting Heavenly Emperor. Understanding the signal, the Star-Hunting Heavenly Emperor immediately moved to intercept Path Ancestor Haoxu.

Seizing this opportunity, the two Heavenly Emperors, Radiance Saint Emperor and Nether Filth Demon Emperor, acted in unison, unleashing their power to suppress Eldrin Chen.

As they struck, fearing Eldrin Chen might flee, Nether Filth Demon Emperor added a threatening declaration: "The legacy of the Immortal Firmament Path Ancestor is far too precious. With your current level of cultivation, you likely cannot protect it."

"If you hand it over to us, I give you my word that not a single hair on the heads of your family or friends will be harmed."

"How dare you!"

Eldrin Chen was instantly enraged, his power surging as he prepared to unleash a full-scale battle.

Yet, in that very instant, a sound capable of shattering the heavens and sundering the cosmos erupted from the Depths of Chaos.

In a flash, a colossal hand tore through the void, smashing into Nether Filth Demon Emperor with a single blow and sending him hurtling away, blood spraying from his mouth.

"Who is it?"

Severely wounded by a single strike, Nether Filth Demon Emperor wore a look of utter terror. He stared warily toward the Depths of Chaos, his voice trembling with shock and uncertainty.

"It is I."

From within the Chaos [the primordial state before the formation of the cosmos] came a sound of profound peace. Then, from the Chaos Void [the formless expanse of primordial chaos], a Daoist priest emerged, shattering the void as he stepped forth. He was enveloped in thirty-six layers of Merit Golden Light [radiant golden light formed from accumulated virtuous deeds and karma] and clad in traditional Daoist robes.

The moment they saw this figure, the complexions of everyone present shifted dramatically. The newcomer was none other than the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the Ancestor of the Primordial Beginning Path], who had been absent from the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a collective name for seven major regions in the southern part of the cultivation world] for many years.

After such a long absence, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor's cultivation in the Great Path [the supreme and fundamental Dao, the ultimate principle of existence] seemed largely unchanged. However, the aura of his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator's being] was now utterly incomparable to the past, having ascended to an indescribable and profound realm.

"The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor... impossible. This cannot be."

The Nether Filth Demon Emperor [a powerful demonic sovereign ruling over realms of corruption and decay] wore an expression of utter disbelief. After scrutinizing the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor for a long moment, he finally spoke, his voice trembling with shock: "Have you... achieved the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor Realm [the legendary realm of a Heavenly Emperor who has mastered the Path of the Soul, representing the pinnacle of spiritual cultivation]?"

"It seems you are not entirely foolish."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor offered a faint smile. With a flick of the horsetail whisk in his hand, he ensnared the Nether Filth Demon Emperor and yanked him forward. Then, he delivered another resounding slap across the demon emperor's face.

This blow was imbued with the ultimate power of both Primordial Spirit and the Great Path. It struck with such force that the Nether Filth Demon Emperor was sent flying once more, blood spraying from his mouth, several of his teeth shattered by the impact.

"Aaargh! An Emperor's dignity cannot be insulted!"

Wounded grievously for a second time, the Nether Filth Demon Emperor was driven to the brink of utter madness. He immediately unleashed his absolute peak combat power, determined to fight the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor to the death.

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor shook his head, a flicker of cold light gleaming in his eyes. "Are you truly so eager to seek death?" he asked, his voice laced with menace.

In that instant, the Nine-Storied Exquisite Pagoda soared from above the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor's head. From its nine tiers radiated the eternal light of nine supreme divine abilities.

Most terrifying of all, upon the pagoda's ninth level, a Great Path Sword forged from Chaos energy hovered and pulsed. It seemed to contain a power capable of annihilating even a Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

"Hiss—"

The Nether Filth Demon Emperor drew in a sharp, cold breath. An intuition gripped him: should that Great Path Sword unleash its might, amplified ninefold by the pagoda, its strike would be potent enough to grievously wound even a Path Union Supreme.

He was but a single Chaos Heavenly Emperor. If struck and wounded by that sword, not only would his physical form be utterly obliterated, but even his Root Origin Treasure [his foundational life-bound artifact] and his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of his being] would be shattered and severely damaged.

Recovery from such devastation would likely consume him for hundreds of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years].

And indeed, the origins of this Great Path Sword were extraordinary. It was fundamentally a True Spirit Divine Ability [a divine ability born from a True Spirit's innate power] of the most devastating potency.

After attaining the realm of Soul Path Heavenly Emperor, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor had obtained an additional strand of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs]. Yet, he had not used it to forge a second Primordial Chaos Great Path.

Instead, he had immediately fused it into the Great Path Sword, forging this forbidden Chaos Divine Ability of ultimate Slaughter.

The might of such a divine ability far surpassed that of the First Realm of Chaos [the foundational level of existence within the primordial chaos], and was even potent enough to intimidate beings of the Second Chaos Realm [the second, more profound level of existence within the primordial chaos]. It was also the greatest trump card in the hands of the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the supreme progenitor who embodies the origin of all creation].

With this thought, the Nether Filth Demon Emperor immediately backed down, forcing a conciliatory smile as he said, "I beg the Path Ancestor to stay his hand. I was merely jesting."

"Is that so?"

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spoke with icy detachment. With a violent flick of his wrist, he sent the demon emperor flying, blood spraying from his mouth.

Having done this, he then turned his gaze to the others present and asked, "And you all? Were you also merely jesting?"

Upon hearing this, both the Radiance Saint Emperor and the Star-Hunting Heavenly Emperor revealed looks of apprehension, not daring to utter a single word in response.

Even the Primordial God of Boundless Cosmos wore an expression of extreme gravity.

Without another word, he summoned his Cosmos Halberd [a divine weapon capable of sundering the fabric of reality], tore through the void, and departed with his companions.