Chapter 2089 : The Soul Path Ascendant

"Our gratitude for your aid, Path Ancestors."

As the four Heavenly Emperor departed, Eldrin Chen promptly clasped his hands in salute, offering thanks to the two Path Ancestor Immortal Sage.

Path Ancestor Haoxu gave a slight nod, offering no further words. He merely looked at Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor and said with a cupped fist salute, "Congratulations, Elder Brother. Having attained the realm of Soul Path Heavenly Emperor, it seems the title of foremost expert across the Southern Abyss Seven Domains shall henceforth belong to you."

"You flatter me. I have merely taken a single step ahead. I trust you, Worthy Brother, will catch up swiftly."

Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor replied calmly, then gave a slight nod towards Eldrin Chen.

With that, he lifted his gaze towards the other end of the void. There, the Three Heavenly Emperors of the Demon Race, sensing the unfavorable turn, had already retreated back into the safety of the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain.

"Their reaction was quite swift."

A faint crease appeared on Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor's brow, yet he did not give immediate chase. Instead, he addressed Eldrin Chen and Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant, saying, "Let us return for now."

Soon, all present gathered and made their way to the Primordial Immortal Domain.

Within the lofty halls of the Ninefold Heavenly Palaces, six Chaos Heavenly Emperor convened: Primordial Genesis, Great Abyss, Primordial Mire, Primordial Beginning, Purple Tenuity, and Indestructibility. Eldrin Chen and Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor stood respectfully to the side.

The Great Abyss Immortal Sage gazed at the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, unable to suppress his joy as he spoke, "With Elder Brother's return this time, we can finally vent our pent-up grievances."

The Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign also had a fierce, blazing light in his eyes, his words laced with killing intent, "Shall we take action and topple the Demon Race Heavenly Court?"

"Then let us seize this chance and turn their world upside down."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spoke slowly, then in a single step ascended into the Depths of the Starry Sky. With a flip of his palm, he unleashed a world-shaking collision against the Demon Race Heavenly Court.

In that instant, the vast Demon Race Heavenly Court shattered. Layer upon layer of celestial palaces crumbled and fell like rain, and countless peerless Demon Immortal emperors perished beneath that single blow.

"Old Daoist Primordial Genesis, do you truly intend to break all ties completely?"

Witnessing the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor erupt with his full power, the Three Heavenly Emperors of the Demon Race could no longer hold back.

Behold, the Candle Dragon Heavenly Emperor surged into the sky, commanding nine Primordial Era Dragon Pearl that transformed into a Innate Supreme Treasure Slaughter Formation to suppress the foe.

"Candle Dragon, after all these years, it seems you have made no progress whatsoever."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor let out a cold laugh. With a sweeping palm strike, he sent the Candle Dragon Heavenly Emperor hurtling backwards, crashing deep into the boundless Depths of the Starry Sky.

Simultaneously, ripples spread through the void as a breathtakingly beautiful Immortal Phoenix soared into the sky. With a mighty sweep of its wings, it cleaved through the air, its attack landing squarely before the figure of the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor.

"You, Primordial Phoenix, are not so formidable after all."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spoke with utter calm. With a mere flick of his sleeve, he unleashed a palm strike that sent the Primordial Phoenix reeling backward, its face drained of color.

With the two Demon Race Heavenly Emperor unable to prevail, the Solar Heavenly Emperor could no longer hold back. He took to the skies astride a majestic Solar Golden Bell, its power shattering the vast emptiness of the Void Cosmos as it descended to suppress the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor.

This time, a trace of solemnity finally appeared on the face of the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor. He brandished the horsetail whisk in his hand and summoned the Primordial Spirit Pagoda to meet the assault. In an instant, the two supreme treasures collided with world-shaking force.

After the clash, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor stood firm, unmoved. The Solar Heavenly Emperor, however, was forced back three steps, his complexion slightly pale.

"Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, do you truly intend to tear all pretense of civility asunder?"

Having been bested in the first exchange, the Solar Heavenly Emperor could not conceal his profound wariness. An icy, boundless chill flickered deep within his gaze.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen finally grasped the true extent of the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor's current power.

Having now attained the realm of a Soul Path Heavenly Emperor, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor's overall strength had undergone a monumental, qualitative leap.

Before his breakthrough, the usual combat strength of the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor was roughly sixty to seventy percent greater than that of an ordinary Heavenly Emperor.

At that time, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor could likely hold his own against two ordinary Chaos Heavenly Emperor opponents simultaneously.

Now, however, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor's overall power has increased by more than double. He should be capable of facing five ordinary Chaos Heavenly Emperor foes.

With such might, while he dare not claim to rival a Half-Step Path Union cultivator, he undoubtedly ranks among the very strongest of the top-tier Heavenly Emperor.

Of course, a Soul Path Heavenly Emperor excels not in prolonged combat but in explosive, overwhelming force.

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor possesses the Primordial Spirit Treasure and the Amplification Divine Ability. At the peak of his explosive power, he can even pose a marginal threat to a Path Union Supreme, which is why ordinary Half-Step Path Union cultivators view him with profound wariness.

Such strength, while perhaps still far inferior to the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, places him in a league of his own within the current Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

Under these circumstances, while the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor might not be confident in slaying or suppressing the Solar Heavenly Emperor, he is undoubtedly significantly more powerful.

Should he unleash the forbidden Chaos Divine Ability 'Great Path Sword', there is a possibility he could severely wound or even annihilate the Solar Heavenly Emperor's physical body.

With this realization, a wave of relief washed over Eldrin Chen. With such a venerable Human Race elder as his guardian, his safety was now assured to a vastly greater degree.

"Fellow Daoist Solar, was it not you who chose to tear off the veil of civility?"

Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spoke, his voice carrying a thread of icy detachment.

Simultaneously, Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign, Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign, Great Abyss Immortal Sage, and others soared into the air, closing in to encircle the two Demon Race Heavenly Emperor.

"Do you truly intend to fight to the death, like a fish shattering the net?"

Seeing the six Heavenly Emperor closing in, the Solar Heavenly Emperor radiated boundless, bone-chilling cold.

In an instant, he unleashed his full power. The Solar Great Path and the Stellar Great Path manifested behind his head, summoning the power of Authority Over the Cosmic Stellar to envelop him.

In that very moment, the boundless stellar energies of the Primordial Immortal Domain, along with the power of the Solar Imperial Star, erupted. They transformed into infinite chains of divine order, reinforcing the Solar Heavenly Emperor's form.

Empowered by the Solar Imperial Star and the Cosmic Stellar, the Solar Heavenly Emperor's cultivation base and combat prowess surged by more than half, bringing him to the very cusp of the Half-Step Path Union Realm.

"The authority over the Cosmic Stellar and the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein?"

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor's gaze turned frosty. Within the Primordial Spirit Pagoda, the Great Path Sword churned and seethed, its aura faintly hinting at a power capable of shattering heavens and extinguishing worlds.

This sent a chill through the hearts of the Three Heavenly Emperors of the Demon Race. The power of the Cosmic Stellar was indeed formidable, and its augmentation could significantly elevate the Solar Heavenly Emperor's strength, yet it ultimately had not reached the domain of a Half-Step Path Union.

If the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor truly unleashed a Forbidden Divine Ability, it was not impossible for him to grievously wound the Solar Heavenly Emperor.

After all, among the three paths of Path Mastery Heavenly Emperor, Fleshly Body Sanctification, and Soul Path Heavenly Emperor, the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor was inherently the most powerful.

Not to mention, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor also wielded the Primordial Chaos Great Path, making his strength far beyond that of a mere Soul Path Heavenly Emperor.

With this realization, the three Heavenly Emperors' expressions turned profoundly grave.

Though deeply wary, the Solar Heavenly Emperor still spoke with a voice laced with killing intent, "Your Chaos Divine Ability is indeed Extraordinary, but even if you unleash it fully, this sovereign does not fear you."

"Is that so?"

As the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor's words fell, the Great Path Sword within the Primordial Spirit Pagoda began to radiate a light of utter annihilation.

Just as he was about to erupt with his full power and strike, a voice suddenly echoed from within the Chaos.

"Fellow Daoist, hold!"

Yet at this very moment, a majestic figure soared forth from the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

The newcomer was clad in Chaos Battle Armor [legendary armor forged from the essence of primordial chaos] and exuded an aura that had already stepped into the realm of Half-Step Path Union [a pinnacle state where one's cultivation path begins to merge with the fundamental laws of the universe]. It was none other than Panji Heavenly Emperor from the Blazing Central Primordial Domain [a primordial realm of immense power and ancient heritage].

"Him?"

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, his expression turning profoundly grave.

This Panji Heavenly Emperor hailed from the Blazing Central Primordial Domain, yet he had suddenly appeared within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a collective term for seven powerful and perilous domains in the southern reaches], a move that took everyone by surprise.

However, his cultivation had reached the Half-Step Path Union Realm, and his strength placed him among the foremost experts even within that exalted tier. Thus, for the moment, none dared to act rashly.

"Fellow Daoist Panji, do you also intend to interfere in the affairs of our Tri-Pole Primordial Domain [a primordial domain governed by the powers of the three celestial poles]?"

Witnessing this, Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign spoke, his brow knitted with solemn concern.

The Panji Heavenly Emperor merely offered a faint smile. He then stepped forward, his aura forcefully pressing into the Primordial Immortal Domain [the sacred domain where the gathered immortals convened], and spoke with calm assurance:

"The turmoil in Heaven Abyss [a celestial chasm of profound mystery and danger] is soon to subside. That Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a sovereign of demons from beyond the known realms] will surely return with renewed fury. Each of you is a pillar supporting the heavens within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains. How can you afford to exhaust yourselves in internal strife at such a critical juncture?"

"Perhaps this humble one could act as a mediator. How about each of you takes a step back and ceases hostilities here and now?"

"Cease hostilities?"

Upon hearing this, the assembled Heavenly Emperors of the Human and Divine Races, and even Primordial Mire Path Master, revealed a flicker of shock and fury in their expressions.

Now, with the Human and Divine Races allied and having fought their way to the very doorstep of the Demon Race, they were on the verge of completely expelling the Demon Race from the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain.

For Panji Heavenly Emperor to come urging peace at this very moment—wasn't this blatantly taking sides?

"Damnation! That old thief Blazing Center Incinerator does not wish for our Tri-Pole Primordial Domain to be unified. He seeks to plant a thorn in our midst."

Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign communicated via mental transmission with the others, his face a mask of profound alarm and indignation.

At that moment, everyone present understood the true reason behind Panji Heavenly Emperor's arrival to broker peace today.

The fundamental cause was his unwillingness to see the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain unified.

After all, the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain possessed formidable strength and stood as a top-tier Primordial Domain. Now, with the emergence of Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, a Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who has mastered the profound mysteries of the soul], its power was even more formidable.

A Primordial Domain of such formidable power, if fully unified and jointly governed by nine Chaos Heavenly Emperors, would likely possess the strength to contend even with a Path Union Supreme.

At that point, the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain would very likely give birth to a Path Union Supreme, completely shattering the power balance of the Blazing Central Hundred Domains.

The Blazing Central Lineage was unwilling to witness this scene and equally unwilling to allow the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor to break through to the Path Union Realm.

Therefore, by dispatching Panji Heavenly Emperor here, their aim was to prevent the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain from achieving unification.

"What a fine doctrine of balance," he mused, "to spare no cost in extinguishing another's hope of reaching the Path Union Supreme. The Blazing Central Lineage truly oversteps its bounds."

Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor communicated silently with the others, his gaze betraying profound apprehension.

The six Heavenly Emperors felt immense frustration, yet found themselves powerless to act.

After all, Panji Heavenly Emperor possessed formidable strength. With him personally acting as mediator, they stood no chance of prevailing against the Demon Race's Three Emperors.

Nevertheless, Great Abyss Immortal Sage remained unwilling to yield. He spoke with grave solemnity, "Your power is mighty, and the Blazing Central Lineage's prestige shakes the Chaos Myriad Heavens."

"Yet you overreach in meddling with the affairs of our Southern Abyss Seven Domains."

"Wide?"

Panji Heavenly Emperor let out a cold sneer. In his hand, a peerless Heavenly Halberd tore through the void, cleaving with immense force towards Great Abyss Immortal Sage.

In that instant, Great Abyss Immortal Sage's expression changed drastically. He hurriedly channeled his Great Abyss Sword to block, yet he was still sent flying, blood spraying from his mouth.

Fortunately, at the critical moment, the Heavenly Path Will [the conscious will of the Heavenly Dao] of the Primordial Immortal Domain stirred. Countless Great Path Divine Chains [divine chains manifesting the laws of the Great Dao] descended, shielding Great Abyss Immortal Sage and preventing him from suffering a grievous wound.

"*Hum—*"

Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor also instantly caught Great Abyss Immortal Sage. He then summoned his Primordial Spirit Pagoda to confront the foe, his expression turning utterly frosty as he spoke, "Has Your Excellency gone too far?"

Simultaneously, the various Heavenly Emperors from Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor also soared into the air, standing shoulder to shoulder, their gazes filled with profound wariness as they looked towards Panji Heavenly Emperor.

Facing Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, Panji Heavenly Emperor showed a slight degree of seriousness, yet his tone remained calm as he stated, "The order to cease hostilities was personally issued by Blazing Center Supreme."

"If you are dissatisfied, you may go and ask Blazing Center Supreme yourself."

Upon hearing these words, the complexions of all present shifted slightly. The Three Heavenly Emperors of the Demon Race immediately revealed looks of delight.

The Blazing Center Supreme [a title for a supreme being of immense power] has dominated the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [a vast region of one hundred interconnected realms] for millions of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration]. Only those at the Half-Step Path Union [a cultivation realm just below the ultimate union with the Heavenly Path] can give him even a moment's pause.

With the current strength of the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain [the primordial domain encompassing the three poles of the cosmos], even if the six great Heavenly Emperor [titles for supreme rulers of heavenly domains] were to join forces, seeking out the Blazing Center Supreme would only be inviting calamity upon themselves.

"It seems we cannot capture the Demon Race Heavenly Emperor [the Heavenly Emperor of the Demon Race] today."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [a title for an ancient progenitor of a cultivation path] halted the unwilling crowd, his expression calm as he looked towards Panji Heavenly Emperor and said, "Since Senior Blazing Center Incinerator has personally issued the order, we naturally dare not disobey."

"We are now aware of this matter. Fellow Daoist, please return swiftly."

"You, Fellow Daoist, understand the greater situation." Panji Heavenly Emperor smiled slightly, then turned and called out, "All of you, come forward."

Instantly, several immensely powerful auras surged from within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], and three figures—two men and one woman—stepped forth.

Eldrin Chen looked up, and his expression shifted subtly.

For among these three, the two men were figures Eldrin Chen knew all too well.

These two were the Profound Desolation Heavenly Emperor of the Blazing Central Lineage [the lineage or faction centered on the Blazing Central Domains], and the one who had cultivated the Sole True Form [a divine ability manifesting one's ultimate, true essence], 'Blazing Center Incinerator'.

The final woman was not personally known to Eldrin Chen, yet he could roughly discern her origins.

Her Daoist title was 'Azure Moon Empress', a veteran Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign who has transcended the Heavenly Emperor realm and touched the primordial chaos] from the Blazing Central Lineage.

"One who can rival a Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign among cultivators], and two Chaos Heavenly Emperors."

The moment the trio appeared, a ripple of wary apprehension and stunned disbelief passed through the assembled crowd.

Observing their reaction, the Panji Heavenly Emperor spoke with calm authority. "The venerable Blazing Center Supreme [the supreme patriarch of the Blazing Central Lineage] personally divined that the turmoil within the Chaos Heaven Abyss [a primordial and chaotic dimensional rift] will subside within the next several hundred Kalpa Tribulations [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] of the Future."

"When that time comes, the Northern Abyss Foreign Realm will likely launch their invasion. To aid the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, our Blazing Central Lineage has seized this opportunity to dispatch three of our mighty experts in assistance."

Here, the Panji Heavenly Emperor paused briefly before continuing. "For this period, Profound Desolation, Azure Moon, and Incinerator shall be temporarily stationed within your Tri-Pole Primordial Domain [the primordial domain encompassing the three celestial poles]."

"Garrisoned within the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain?"

In that instant, the expressions of all present shifted dramatically.

Even the three Heavenly Emperors from the Demon Race revealed a flicker of peculiar emotion in their eyes.

Eldrin Chen's expression turned cold in an instant, as he grasped the multifaceted scheme of the Blazing Central Primordial Domain.

Their dispatch of three supreme powerhouses here was likely a pretense to aid the Southern Abyss Seven Domains; the true purpose was to plant a spy within its borders.

Their objectives were threefold. First, to prevent Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor and his allies from reneging on their agreement and expelling the Three Heavenly Emperors of the Demon Race immediately after Panji Heavenly Emperor's departure.

Second, to monitor Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, ensuring he did not make a sudden breakthrough to the Path Union Supreme Realm.

Third, and most crucially, it was to covet the authority over the Primordial Immortal Domain.

As the saying goes, it is easier to invite a deity than to send one away.

As long as the three powerhouses remained stationed in the Primordial Immortal Domain, they possessed the potential to usurp its Heavenly Path Authority [the supreme right to command the laws of heaven and earth within a domain].

This was especially true for Blazing Center Incinerator, a being who dared to challenge a Heavenly Emperor.

If he were to achieve the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign who commands primordial chaos] Dao within the Primordial Immortal Domain, he could complete the domain's path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [the art of refining one's physical form to divine perfection]. In doing so, he would naturally gain partial control over the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain's authority.

At that point, the Blazing Central Lineage could, through Blazing Center Incinerator, gradually seize the Heavenly Path Authority of the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain.

"Damnation."

After comprehending the full picture, Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with the other Heavenly Emperors present, and an expression of profound fury inevitably surfaced on their faces.

Yet, fury was one thing; stopping this was another matter entirely. Even if they wished to intervene, it was now impossible. For the sake of their own survival, the Three Heavenly Emperors of the Demon Race would undoubtedly agree to the entry of Blazing Center Incinerator and his allies.

Even if they sought to unite and request aid from the other Path Ancestor Immortal Sages of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, it was unlikely those powers would lend their assistance.

For if the Demon Race were expelled, allowing the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain to achieve unification, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor would have a high probability of breaking through to the Path Union Realm.

Compared to the distant threat of Blazing Center Supreme, a Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor from their own Southern Abyss Seven Domains achieving the Path Union Realm was a prospect that filled these Chaos Heavenly Emperors with far greater apprehension.

"This is troublesome."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, his gaze sweeping over the assembled figures once more, his expression turning grave with utmost solemnity.

He saw Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign and the others frowning deeply. The expressions of Candle Dragon and Primordial Phoenix were a complex mix of hope and worry. Only Solar Heavenly Emperor remained impassive, his face an unreadable mask, seemingly devoid of joy or sorrow.

Yet it was abundantly clear that regarding the impending arrival of these three supreme powers, those present were utterly divided and powerless to prevent their entry.

Seeing this, Panji Heavenly Emperor could not help but let a faint smile curl at the corner of his mouth. He then spoke, "Since you have no other objections, let this matter be settled as such."

"I hope you can cooperate with utmost sincerity to jointly resist the assaults from the Northern Abyss Foreign Realm."

With those words, Panji Heavenly Emperor said no more, leaving the three powerful beings to be accommodated by the Demon Race Heavenly Court.

Eldrin Chen observed all of this calmly, only to suddenly sense a chilling gaze directed his way.

He looked up and found Blazing Center Incinerator staring at him with icy coldness, a strange, sinister sneer playing on his lips.

He said nothing more, but after giving Eldrin Chen a meaningful look, he departed with the Three Heavenly Emperors of the Demon Race.

Only after the Three Heavenly Emperors of the Demon Race had taken Blazing Center Incinerator and the others away did Eldrin Chen come back to himself, a shadow of worry crossing his features.

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor patted Eldrin Chen on the shoulder, gave him a slight shake of the head, and then said, "Let us first convene for discussion."

"Agreed."

Eldrin Chen nodded and followed the various Heavenly Emperors into the heart of the Immortal Court.

"..."

Upon the Ninefold Heaven, celestial palaces rose in layered splendor.

Boundless immortal mists swirled, and a majestic celestial palace drifted upon the Heaven's Center.

Within the grand immortal hall, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor and five other Heavenly Emperor sat facing each other, while Eldrin Chen and the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant were seated to the side, each wearing expressions of utmost gravity.

"Bang—"

The Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign slammed the table fiercely, his face contorted with immense fury. "The Blazing Center Supreme," he spat, "It's the Blazing Center Supreme again."

"He severely wounded the Primordial Immortal Domain in the past, and now he dares to meddle in the affairs of our Tri-Pole Primordial Domain? Does he truly believe we are easy to bully?"

A heavy silence fell upon those present, none knowing quite how to respond.

Eldrin Chen understood well enough. In the eyes of the Blazing Center Supreme, the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain—lacking a Half-Step Path Union cultivator to guard it—likely seemed nothing more than a soft, easy target.

To be bullied so brazenly, yet possess no means to retaliate, filled everyone present with a profound sense of defeat.

"At times, I truly envy the True Demon Primordial Domain [the primordial homeland of the demonic races]."

The Primordial Mire Divine Sovereign [a supreme being whose divine authority is likened to the primordial mire] spoke slowly, then said with a bitter smile, "Not only is there an Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a demonic emperor from beyond this realm] presiding over it, but they are also united as one. Even the Blazing Center Supreme [the supreme being embodying the blazing center of all things] has found it impossible to gain any advantage over them."