Chapter 2094 : Treasures of the Sunken Abyss

With a thunderous roar, the ultimate depths of the Sunken Abyss Heaven finally opened completely. All nine individuals present lifted their gazes towards it, their faces alight with a flicker of astonishment and delight.

Deep within that ultimate place, upon the vast Ancient Abyssal Cauldron, dozens of strands of World-Illuminating Immortal Light drifted and swirled, emanating an indescribable, supreme divine power.

Among these several dozen treasures, the lowest were still peerless Rare Treasure of the Chaos Rare Treasure tier. There were even several divine objects of the Chaos Spiritual Artifact level.

"Chaos Genesis Energy, Abyssal Depths Divine Iron, Chaos Mother Spring... and a genuine Chaos Spiritual Artifact,"

the assembled figures murmured softly, unable to suppress a surge of wild elation.

At the very center of these myriad divine objects, a suit of armor forged from Abyssal Depths Divine Iron hovered, clearly a peerlessly defensive Chaos Spiritual Artifact.

Without the slightest hesitation, Blazing Center Incinerator surged towards the Rare Treasure, his voice ringing with arrogant declaration.

"Esteemed ones, among these treasures, I claim only this 'Abyssal Battle Armor' for myself."

"Obtaining this treasure will not be so simple,"

Chaos Dragon Lord moved instantly, mounting a Primordial Era Divine Spear that shot into the sky, blocking the path of the supremely arrogant Blazing Center Incinerator.

The others present also swiftly made their moves, with most charging towards this set of Abyssal War Armor.

Witnessing this scene, Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly, revealing a glimmer of understanding.

Among the various Chaos Spiritual Treasure, Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative force of chaos] is considered one of the most common yet vital resources.

However, the value of a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a treasure forged from primordial chaos] is typically about twice that of Chaos Genesis Energy.

Yet, among Chaos Spiritual Artifact, those of the armor or battle-garb type are often far more precious than ordinary ones.

Battle-garb type Chaos Spiritual Artifact not only enhance a Chaos Heavenly Emperor's [a supreme sovereign who has mastered the laws of chaos] defensive capabilities but also amplify their combat prowess, ranking them among the finest Defensive Spiritual Treasure.

Most crucially, such garb relies on its inherent Chaos Path Rune [mystical inscriptions containing the power of chaos] and durability for passive defense, consuming virtually none of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor's mana.

While ordinary Chaos Spiritual Artifact possess immense power, activating them is exceedingly difficult; typically, a standard Chaos Heavenly Emperor can only wield one such artifact at a time.

On this foundation, the more Primordial Chaos Great Path [the fundamental laws of primordial chaos] one masters, the more Chaos Spiritual Artifact a Chaos Heavenly Emperor can simultaneously activate.

Under these constraints, even a top-tier Chaos Heavenly Emperor can only activate two Chaos Spiritual Artifact at once, while a Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator on the verge of unifying their mastered paths] can manage perhaps three at most.

Under such circumstances, possessing a Chaos Spiritual Artifact battle armor would be akin to gaining an additional defensive Chaos Spiritual Artifact.

This would allow the Chaos Heavenly Emperor to allocate surplus power to refine a Chaos Spiritual Artifact with formidable Slaughter capabilities or other specialized functions, thereby enhancing their combat prowess and arsenal.

Consequently, battle armor-type Chaos Spiritual Artifacts are exceedingly rare and precious treasures; within the entire Blazing Central Hundred Domains, those who possess one are exceptionally few.

To Eldrin Chen's knowledge, among the several dozen Half-Step Path Union cultivators in the Blazing Central Hundred Domains, fewer than half actually own a Chaos Spiritual Artifact battle armor.

The remaining Half-Step Path Union cultivators lack such a treasure as their ultimate trump card.

If they were to learn that an Abyssal War Armor was here, they would undoubtedly pay a staggering price to acquire it.

Understanding the immense value of the Abyssal War Armor, most of those present rushed to seize it, leaving other treasures momentarily forgotten.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant and decisively declared, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Let us not fixate on that Abyssal Battle Armor for now."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen was the first to shatter the Chaos and charge towards the array of other treasures.

Fortuitously, with everyone else scrambling for the Abyssal War Armor, no attention was paid to the remaining artifacts.

Seizing this opportunity, Eldrin Chen and Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant joined forces and, in an astonishingly short span of time, managed to seize over a dozen pieces of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron [a legendary metal forged in the deepest, most primordial abysses] of the Chaos Rare Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos, immensely powerful and rare] grade.

Not content with that, Eldrin Chen even charged directly towards that particular piece of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron.

That was a piece of Abyssal Depths Divine Iron of the Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure of the highest order, infused with the essence of primordial chaos] grade. Its value was comparable to Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative force that birthed the cosmos]. If fed to Chaos Stubborn Iron [a sentient, evolving metal born from chaos] for it to devour, it would likely trigger an ultimate, transcendent metamorphosis.

"Damn it all! If this fight continues, That upstart Eldrin is going to walk away as the biggest winner!"

Watching Eldrin Chen scheme to seize the Abyssal Depths Divine Iron, Blazing Center Incinerator, who was himself fighting for the Abyssal War Armor [a suit of armor forged in the abyss, renowned for its near-indestructible defense], finally could sit still no longer.

In an instant, Blazing Center Incinerator shot through the void astride his Chaos Scorching Heaven Spear [a spear that burns with the fury of chaotic heavens], its divine power cleaving the air as it descended upon Eldrin Chen with overwhelming force.

"He's fast,"

Eldrin Chen's eyes narrowed sharply. Instantly, he summoned his Chaos Heaven Halberd [a halberd embodying the authority of chaotic heavens] to parry the blow.

Yet, in that same fleeting moment, a chill of lethal intent pierced his back. It was Thunder Halberd Heavenly Saint, riding a Thunderclap War Halberd [a halberd that strikes with the force of a thunderclap] through the void, joining Blazing Center Incinerator in a pincer attack against Eldrin Chen.

"*CLANG!*"

Fortunately, at the critical moment, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant [a supreme cultivator one step below a Sage] wielded the Obsidian Abyss Imperial Spear [a legendary spear forged from the essence of the abyss] to block the blow, shielding Eldrin Chen's rear.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen and Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant exchanged a glance, then with perfect synergy, joined forces against the two Sage Ascendant [supreme cultivators one step below a Sage], erupting into a battle of ultimate extremity.

From the outset, this conflict descended into absolute chaos. The nine combatants, vying for the various Chaos Rare Treasure [precious artifacts born from primordial chaos], unleashed a war of unprecedented and extreme ferocity.

Revolving around the Abyssal War Armor [a suit of battle armor imbued with the power of the deep abyss], with this Chaos [primordial, formless state of existence] battle-knight's armor as the core prize, none were willing to relinquish the other three Chaos Spiritual Treasure [spiritual treasures of chaos] either: the Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs], the Abyssal Depths Divine Iron [a divine metal mined from the deepest abyssal realms], and the Chaos Mother Spring [a fountainhead spring of chaotic essence].

Anyone attempting to seize these treasures would inevitably face the combined obstruction of all others.

Thus, for a time, none could wrest away these four supreme treasures.

The battle raged on for over seven thousand exchanges. Seeing that neither side could easily claim the prizes, alliances finally began to form among the combatants.

In a flash, Crimson Phoenix Saintess, Azure Mist Female Sage, and Chaos Dragon Lord shared a look, a silent understanding passing between them in an instant.

Seizing the moment while Blazing Center Incinerator and Thunder Halberd Heavenly Saint were assailing Eldrin Chen and Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant, they launched themselves toward the four treasures at the Central [the central area of the battlefield].

Azure Mist Female Sage and Crimson Phoenix Saintess intercepted Primordial Era Demonic Ape [a mighty ape demon from the dawn of time] and Verdant Sun Saint Lord, allowing Chaos Dragon Lord to make a move for the treasures on the field.

But then, the Chaos Dragon Lord instantly made his move, unleashing boundless magical power to seize the Abyssal War Armor [a legendary suit of armor forged in the depths of the netherworld].

Yet, at that very moment, the Abyssal War Armor seemed to be gripped by some immense, unseen force of suction.

A pressure of immeasurable weight anchored the treasure, making it difficult even for the Chaos Dragon Lord to wrest it away in that instant.

"What is this…?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, his gaze lifting towards the Central heart of the battlefield.

There, upon the vast Sunken Abyss Colossal Cauldron [a titanic cauldron said to have sunk into the primordial abyss], an intangible field enveloped the three treasures, generating a force of indescribable heaviness.

Pressed down by this crushing force, the difficulty of snatching the Abyssal War Armor was nearly akin to overturning a vast expanse of the Chaos Desolation Sea [a primordial sea of churning chaos and desolation].

"It seems that to claim these Chaos Spiritual Artifact [artifacts born from the primordial chaos], one must first demonstrate sufficient strength to be worthy of drawing them forth from the cauldron," he realized.

Witnessing this, Blazing Center Incinerator let out a derisive snort before speaking with icy detachment, "Chaos Dragon Lord, are you truly capable or not?"

"Argh, rise for me!"

Chaos Dragon Lord [a powerful dragon lord embodying primordial chaos] nearly went berserk. In an instant, he activated his Sole True Form [the ultimate manifestation of a being's true essence], transforming into a Primordial Era [the mythical age of creation] True Dragon [the most ancient and powerful form of dragon] and soared into the colossal cauldron. He coiled around the Abyssal War Armor [a legendary suit of armor forged in the deepest abyss], striving with all his might to haul it out completely.

The power of the Sole True Form was vast and boundless, capable of shaking even a Primordial Immortal Domain [a realm from the dawn of creation]. Now, the Chaos True Dragon [a dragon born of primordial chaos] coiled around the Abyssal War Armor, nearly lifting it free, inch by inch, beginning to break it from the cauldron's grasp.

Yet, the Sunken Abyss Colossal Cauldron [a titanic cauldron forged in the sunken abyss] erupted with a searing, oppressive light. Its pressure was unimaginably immense, and at the very moment the Abyssal War Armor was about to escape the cauldron's maw, it was brutally wrenched back inside.

"Aaaargh—!"

Witnessing his efforts crumble to nothing, Chaos Dragon Lord was so enraged he nearly coughed up a mouthful of vital blood in fury.

Seeing this, Blazing Center Incinerator [a being whose name signifies ultimate destructive power] could not help but sneer coldly. "Can't even retrieve a single treasure. It seems the lineage of the Nine Chaos Dragons Nest [the legendary lair of nine chaos dragons] is not all it's cracked up to be."

Seeing this scene, all those present fell into a contemplative silence, their expressions turning grave.

At this moment, everyone ceased their fighting. They understood clearly that to seize the four Chaos Spiritual Treasure [artifacts of immense power born from primordial chaos] within the Sunken Abyss Colossal Cauldron, one must first demonstrate sufficient strength.

If their power was insufficient to even extract the treasures, then continuing to battle amongst themselves was utterly meaningless.

The Crimson Phoenix Saintess [a saintess of the crimson phoenix lineage] pondered for a moment before speaking directly. "The treasures within this Sunken Abyss Colossal Cauldron are all suppressed by the power of Sunken Abyss Heaven [the heavenly realm of the sunken abyss] and the cauldron itself."

"It seems that to retrieve the four treasures within the cauldron, one must demonstrate sufficient power."

Seeing this, the Verdant Sun Saint Lord spoke with a faint smile, "Since that is the case, why don't we each employ our own methods? Whoever can extract a treasure shall claim it."

"Hmph—"

Upon hearing this, the others present merely sneered, offering no reply to the Verdant Sun Saint Lord's words.

Clearly, while this condition was relatively fair, none of those present were willing to accept it.

The Blazing Center Incinerator let out a cold laugh and spoke directly, "There are four supreme treasures within the cauldron, yet nine of us stand here. These treasures are simply not enough to go around."

"In my view, why not drive away those who are merely fish eyes trying to pass for pearls [pretenders or those unworthy], and let the four strongest among us join forces to retrieve the treasures?"

Hearing this, the expressions of many present shifted slightly.

According to the Blazing Center Incinerator's method, he, who possessed a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a primordial artifact of immense power], would undoubtedly secure one of the Rare Treasure slots.

The Chaos Dragon Lord and the Crimson Phoenix Saintess, backed by supreme Half-Step Path Union [cultivators on the very cusp of merging with the Heavenly Dao] and each wielding a Chaos Spiritual Artifact, possessed strength far beyond what the others could match.

If calculated this way, the other six individuals could only compete for a single remaining slot?

As expected, upon hearing Blazing Center Incinerator's words, both Chaos Dragon Lord and Flaming Phoenix Celestial Maiden showed signs of being swayed.

Then, Chaos Dragon Lord looked at the assembled group and proposed, "Those of us who wield Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a primordial artifact of immense power] should rightfully claim three of the slots."

"As for the remaining slot, why not grant it to Azure Mist Female Sage?"

As soon as her words fell, Azure Mist Female Sage revealed a flicker of pleasant surprise and immediately moved to stand behind Crimson Phoenix Saintess.

In but an instant, the four powerhouses who dared to challenge Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of the heavens] had formed an alliance.

Witnessing this scene, the remaining five individuals' expressions shifted dramatically, their faces contorting with immense fury.

Thunder Halberd Heavenly Saint, Verdant Sun Saint Lord, and Primordial Era Demonic Ape [an ancient and ferocious ape demon] all wore expressions of bitter resentment, their features etched with boundless rage.

Yet, the opposing alliance of four supreme experts, each wielding a Chaos Spiritual Artifact, likely held a slight edge in strength over their group of five.

After all, among the five, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant had not yet perfected his Sole Divine Form [a supreme divine transformation technique], which likely placed him at a disadvantage.

With this thought, their brows furrowed slightly, revealing a flicker of righteous anger, yet also a trace of unwillingness.

Seeing this, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant [a powerful cultivator who has ascended to the Sage Ascendant realm] spoke coldly, "Since possessing a Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a supreme treasure born from primordial chaos] grants one a spot for the Rare Treasure [a treasure of immense rarity and power], why should Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [the revered title of Eldrin Chen, Ancestor of the Returning Abyss Path] not occupy one?"

"Returning Abyss Path Master [the title of Eldrin Chen, Master of the Returning Abyss Path]?" Blazing Center Incinerator [a powerful cultivator whose name signifies a blazing, all-consuming force] sneered, a thread of killing intent surfacing in his voice. "I do not permit it. Is that reason sufficient?"

It turned out that to exclude Eldrin Chen, Blazing Center Incinerator had deliberately courted the alliance of Chaos Dragon Lord [a mighty lord among dragons born of chaos] and Crimson Phoenix Saintess [a saintess of the legendary Crimson Phoenix lineage].

The bargaining chip for this exchange was the fourth spot, which went to Azure Mist Female Sage [a renowned female sage whose name evokes the beauty of azure mist].

As the most dazzling female prodigy to emerge in the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [a vast region of one hundred domains centered on a blazing core] over the last ten thousand Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often associated with great upheaval], Azure Mist Female Sage had a multitude of suitors.

Chaos Dragon Lord was one of her pursuers, and that Crimson Phoenix Saintess was also a close friend of Azure Mist Female Sage of many years.

It was precisely for the sake of Azure Mist Female Sage that these two had agreed to join forces with Blazing Center Incinerator.

After all, there were only four Chaos Spiritual Treasure [treasures of immense power forged in primordial chaos], yet four individuals present wielded Chaos Spiritual Artifact. They could hardly afford to ostracize Blazing Center Incinerator, the direct grandson of a Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified multiple cultivation paths].

"Arrogant fool."

Having grasped the full situation, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant's killing intent surged forth, a palpable force that nearly drove him to immediate action.

Yet Eldrin Chen reached out a hand to restrain him, speaking with a calm that belied the tension. "If we were to engage in a great battle here," he said, "it would inevitably draw more powerful figures. You might not secure the treasure after all."

Crimson Phoenix Saintess gave a slight nod, a smile gracing her lips. "There is no need for haste, honored ones," she offered. "Having taken the paramount treasure, we would not leave you with empty hands."

"Several dozen Chaos Rare Treasure [supreme artifacts born from primordial chaos] remain within the cauldron. I can grant them to the five of you."

Witnessing this, Blazing Center Incinerator suddenly turned his gaze towards Primordial Era Demonic Ape, Thunder Halberd Heavenly Saint, and Verdant Sun Saint Lord. "There are thirty-three Chaos Rare Treasure left," he stated. "Dividing them among five seems overly generous, does it not?"

"Why not join forces, the seven of us? We could drive off Returning Abyss Path Master and Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant. The remaining thirty-plus Chaos Rare Treasure would surely constitute a windfall for you."

Upon hearing these words, Thunder Halberd Heavenly Saint decisively stepped forward, aligning himself with the group of four.

Verdant Sun Saint Lord pondered for a moment, then finally clasped his hands towards Eldrin Chen. "Fellow Daoist," he said, "such are the circumstances. Do not blame this old one for standing against you."

Only Primordial Era Demonic Ape remained, his gaze turning icy. He let out a derisive snort. "I have always despised using numbers to bully others," he declared. "Today, I find no honor in joining your ranks."

With that, Primordial Era Demonic Ape did not move an inch, yet his eyes blazed with a towering, heaven-defying will to fight.

That the Primordial Era Demonic Ape did not take advantage of his predicament to kick him while he was down left Eldrin Chen momentarily surprised. Yet, this feeling quickly gave way to a sense of inevitability.

In the past, the reason the Primordial Era Demonic Ape had defected was precisely due to his disdain for the character of Solar Heavenly Emperor and Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign, leading him to flee into the Six Domains of the Northern Abyss.

Now, his unwillingness to bully others by leveraging his superior position seemed a predictable extension of that nature.

What Eldrin Chen did not know, however, was that before making this choice, the Primordial Era Demonic Ape's heart had been roiled by a moment of hesitation and inner conflict.

To be fair, he *should* have gone against his own temperament and conscience, choosing to join forces with Blazing Center Incinerator and the others. That would have guaranteed him a share of at least eleven Chaos Rare Treasure [a primordial treasure of immense rarity and power].

Yet, before making his final decision, he recalled his experiences within the Profound Heaven Ruins.

Back then, the Mysterious Heaven Mirror [a divine artifact capable of revealing profound truths] had told him that the course of his Future life depended on the choices he made in the present and in the Future.

For reasons he could not quite name, his thoughts turned to the peculiarities surrounding Eldrin Chen.

While he did not know the full details of Eldrin Chen's performance within the Profound Heaven Ruins, he was aware that Eldrin Chen had been highly favored by the Ruins Spirit [the sentient guardian spirit of the ancient ruins], possessing the potential to reach the Path Union Supreme [the supreme realm where one's cultivation path merges with the fundamental laws of the cosmos].

Thus, in the moment of choice, he ultimately decided to follow his conscience and his core beliefs, choosing not to align himself with Blazing Center Incinerator.

"Regardless of the outcome, even if this venture yields no harvest,"

"I need only follow my true heart and act with a clear conscience."

These thoughts flickered within the Primordial Era Demonic Ape's mind, and finally, a glint of unwavering resolve kindled in his gaze.

Seeing this, Blazing Center Incinerator could not help but sneer coldly, "Truly worthy of the fiends from the Northern Abyss Foreign Realm. You'd rather forgo the treasures than yield an inch in your obstinacy."

"Since that is the case, we shall simply suppress you utterly."

As his words fell, Blazing Center Incinerator summoned forth the Chaos Scorching Heaven Spear, ready to break all pretense and clash with Eldrin Chen.

Yet, at that very moment, from the profound depths of the vast Sunken Abyss Heaven, an aura of immense and formidable power surged forth.

Sensing this, the brows of all present furrowed slightly, and their gazes lifted in unison towards the source.

There, from within the stygian gloom of the Sunken Abyss Heaven, a figure of imposing stature and formidable presence strode forth.

The Nine Great God Forms swirled around his form, straining to withstand the crushing weight of billions upon billions of Heavenly Wheel forces pressing down from the Sunken Abyss Heaven, his face pale almost to the point of transparency from the immense pressure.

"It's him."

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered, revealing a trace of astonishment.

The others were also momentarily taken aback. The Chaos Dragon Lord spoke up, "The Pan huang-radiant Sage Ascendant. Legend says he cultivated nine divine forms of the Great Path of Force [the supreme law of raw, unadulterated power], intending to tread the path of proving his Dao through sheer force."

"It seems now he has completely mastered all nine divine forms of the Great Path of Force. His progress this time must be truly significant."

Blazing Center Incinerator let out a cold sneer, his voice dripping with disdain. "Nine divine forms of the Great Path of Force? This Pan huang-radiant is truly arrogant beyond measure."

"Who does he think he is? A second coming of the Ant Heavenly Emperor?"

The Crimson Phoenix Saintess, however, wore a grave expression, her voice tinged with surprise. "Cultivating nine divine forms of the Great Path of Force simultaneously does grant him unparalleled might."

"But conversely, his defenses and vitality must be comparatively weak. That he could still set foot here under such circumstances speaks volumes about his astonishing willpower."

Seeing this, Blazing Center Incinerator spoke coldly, "Regardless, without having cultivated the Sole Divine Form [the ultimate state of unifying one's divine manifestations into a single, perfect entity], this is no place for him to tread."

As his words fell, Blazing Center Incinerator instantly made his move. He summoned the Chaos Scorching Heaven Spear and thrust it directly at Pan huang-radiant.

"Clang—" [the sharp, resonant sound of metal striking metal]

Yet, in that very instant, Eldrin Chen parried the blow with his Chaos Heaven Halberd, his expression calm as he spoke. "Though your status is exalted, Your Excellency, is it truly fitting for one of your stature to bully the weak?"

"You seek death!"

Blazing Center Incinerator uttered coldly, channeling his Chaos Scorching Heaven Spear and unleashing its power with near-total ferocity.

Unfazed, Eldrin Chen instantly unleashed ninety percent of his physical combat prowess. He drove his Chaos Heaven Halberd forward in a series of thunderous clashes, forcefully suppressing Blazing Center Incinerator by a slight margin.

"Incredibly powerful."

Witnessing this, Chaos Dragon Lord could not help but draw a sharp breath, a flicker of apprehension crossing his features.

Crimson Phoenix Saintess also sighed softly before speaking. "Had he not offended Blazing Center Incinerator, I would have been reluctant to make an enemy of him."

Upon hearing these words, a trace of solemnity settled upon the faces of all present.

In truth, each person there harbored their own calculations. Their reason for suppressing Eldrin Chen this time was not solely due to Blazing Center Incinerator's backing from a Path Union Supreme, nor was it merely for the sake of Azure Mist Female Sage.