Chapter 2099 : The Primordial Spear's Ascendance

That was an incomparably supreme Chaos Ancient Pearl [a primordial treasure of immense power], yet it could evolve into nine different forms: bells, cauldrons, pagodas, and even blades, spears, swords, and halberds, each divine manifestation possessing ultimate might.

Clearly, the Sole Divine Form [a supreme divine transformation technique] of Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant inherited the limitless malleability of the Chaos Divine Form [the primordial divine transformation art], capable of morphing into the forms of the eight fused Great God [a powerful divine cultivation stage] and possessing nine supreme states.

"Boom—"

In the end, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant emerged, wielding the Primordial Chaos War Spear [a spear forged from primordial chaos] manifested by his Sole Divine Form, having blasted the cauldron's lid aside.

"He succeeded."

Witnessing this scene, a shiver of dread ran through all present, their gazes turning profoundly grave.

With this breakthrough, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant's aura and combat power had surpassed the limit of rivaling an Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign ruler] and fully entered the ChaosHeavenly Emperor's Domain [the domain of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor, a realm of ultimate power].

He had not yet broken through to become a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who commands primordial chaos], yet his strength had already stepped into the ChaosHeavenly Emperor's Domain. This transformation filled everyone present with utter astonishment.

"His combat power is already so heaven-defying before his breakthrough. What would happen once he truly becomes a Chaos Heavenly Emperor?"

Many present were struck with profound shock; even Blazing Center Incinerator wore an expression of extreme gravity.

That Blazing Center Incinerator harbored murderous intent in his gaze, unable to suppress a low murmur in his heart: "With such combat prowess, this individual is destined for the Path Union Supreme realm. His potential likely rivals, if not surpasses, that of Returning Abyss Path Ancestor."

"What is most terrifying is that his cultivation is but a single step away from the Chaos Heavenly Emperor realm. It is highly probable he will break through to Chaos Heavenly Emperor within the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain even faster than I can."

"When that time comes, it will inevitably disrupt the Patriarch's grand designs."

With this thought, Blazing Center Incinerator's gaze grew subtly sharp with killing intent. "It seems," he mused, "this man cannot be allowed to live once we depart from this place."

Just as Blazing Center Incinerator's murderous aura simmered, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant strolled back into view.

Eldrin Chen promptly clasped his hands in salute, unable to contain his delight. "Congratulations, Senior! Having now mastered the Sole Divine Form, your breakthrough to Chaos Heavenly Emperor is surely within sight."

Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant offered no direct reply. Instead, he looked at Eldrin Chen, a faint smile gracing his features. "With this breakthrough," he stated, "my power has fully entered the domain of a Heavenly Emperor's Domain."

"Our current predicament may thus find some slight relief."

Eldrin Chen nodded thoughtfully. "Upon our return, Senior, you must begin earnest preparations for your ascension to Heavenly Emperor," he advised. "We absolutely cannot allow that Blazing Center Incinerator to gain the advantage and break through first."

"Indeed."

Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has reached the pinnacle stage below the Divine Venerable realm] gave a slight nod, then swept his gaze over Blazing Center Incinerator [a formidable cultivator known for his fiery power]. A flicker of overwhelming, world-shaking killing intent surged within his eyes.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator from the Chen clan] said no more and turned his attention towards the Immortal Refining Furnace [a legendary artifact capable of refining a cultivator's foundation and aiding in breakthroughs].

Perhaps inspired by Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant's success, many other Sage Ascendant [cultivators at the peak stage below the Divine Venerable realm] now mustered their courage and began stepping into the Immortal Refining Furnace to attempt their own breakthroughs.

Alas, whether it was achieving the Sole Divine Form [a supreme divine ability representing the pinnacle of physical and spiritual cultivation] or attaining the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title representing mastery over primordial chaos], these were thresholds where success came easily to those prepared and remained insurmountable for those who were not.

Those with a sufficiently profound foundation had long since cultivated the Sole Divine Form during the endless passage of time. For those whose foundations were lacking, even with the aid of the Immortal Refining Furnace, the chances of success remained dismally low.

In the time that followed, several more cultivators failed in their attempts, their bodies dissolving into streams of vital essence that were absorbed by the surroundings.

After four consecutive failures, another finally succeeded. It was a Limitless Sage Ascendant [a Sage Ascendant who has cultivated to the absolute theoretical limits of the realm] who had mastered the Nine Great God Forms [a set of nine powerful divine abilities].

His Dao title was 'Path Master Riverius' [a Path Master whose name evokes the concept of a great river]. This man was exceedingly low-key, not particularly famous within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [a vast region of one hundred domains], and his ranking even among Limitless Sage Ascendant was near the bottom.

Yet, for this breakthrough, he advanced with unstoppable momentum, his success flowing as naturally as water finding its course, ultimately cultivating the Sole Divine Form.

Following Path Master Riverius's successful breakthrough, a few more Sage Ascendant entered the furnace to attempt their ascension, but in the end, they all met with failure.

At this moment, there was scarcely anyone left who dared to step inside.

Just as the crowd believed no one would dare enter, ten figures clad in golden imperial robes strode forth.

The arrivals were none other than Soaring Sky Imperial Scion and the Ten Great Imperial Scions of the Golden Crow Lineage. They exchanged a glance with Eldrin Chen before stepping directly into the Immortal Refining Furnace.

"One Great Emperor and nine Pseudo-Sage... are they courting death?"

Witnessing this, many in the crowd wore expressions of stunned disbelief.

Only Eldrin Chen remained silent. After a long pause, his expression grew profoundly grave. "It seems," he said, "we may face some trouble."

Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant gave a slight nod. "I have a growing suspicion," he began, "that Solar Heavenly Emperor has been weaving a complex web of schemes. It is likely his hand moving pieces behind this."

Eldrin Chen offered no reply, his gaze fixed intently upon the shifting energies within the Immortal Refining Furnace.

Within the vast confines of the Immortal Refining Furnace, the boundless Immortal Refining Flame began to seethe and roil. The furnace, drawing upon and exhaling the infinite immortal flames of the entire Immortal Refining Heaven, commenced its work of refining Soaring Sky Imperial Scion and the Ten Great Imperial Scions.

Yet, beneath the tempering of these immortal flames, Soaring Sky Imperial Scion remained utterly unchanged.

Instead, the physical bodies of the nine Golden Crow Imperial Scion were instantly refined. After their refinement, they transformed into nine swirling orbs of Supreme Solar Fire [the purest and most potent form of solar flame, a supreme-grade spiritual fire] that coiled and encircled the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion.

The Soaring Sky Imperial Scion at the center began to continuously absorb the nine orbs of Supreme Solar Fire, while also drawing in the vital life essence of the nine Great Emperor scions.

As time flowed, the cultivation base of the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion began to climb at a pace visible to the naked eye.

In what seemed like the blink of an eye, the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion's cultivation had firmly stepped into the Sage Ascendant Realm [a realm just below that of a Heavenly Emperor, signifying supreme mastery over a Great Path], and it continued its relentless ascent.

By the time the nine Great Emperor scions were completely refined, the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion had touched the very limits of the Sage Ascendant realm, with one foot already half-stepping into the Heavenly Emperor's Domain [the supreme domain of power and authority, the pinnacle of cultivation for most beings].

It was then revealed that, unbeknownst to all, the nine Great Emperor scions of the Solar Heavenly Emperor had used their own Pseudo-Sage [a state approaching but not fully reaching the Sage Ascendant realm] flesh and blood to forge nine True Spirit Divine Form [a supreme divine manifestation embodying the essence of a primordial True Spirit] for the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion.

Most terrifyingly, the Great Path Divine Form [a divine manifestation based on a cultivator's comprehension of their Great Path] cultivated by the nine scions, along with their bloodline aura, perfectly harmonized with the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion. The resulting True Spirit Divine Form they forged were also a flawless match.

Thus, these Nine True Spirit Divine Forms spiraled and encircled one another, with the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion's own Great Sun Golden Flame Divine Form [a divine form embodying the golden flames of the supreme sun] at their core. They ultimately fused into an entirely new Limitless Innate Great Path [a supreme cultivation path born from innate potential, with boundless possibilities]—the Ten Solar Heavenly Flame [a Great Path representing the combined, ultimate power of ten celestial suns].

"BOOM—"

Once the breakthrough was complete, the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion violently flung open the lid of the immortal cauldron and erupted forth, radiating an aura of matchless, overwhelming power.

"Hiss—" [a sharp intake of breath indicating shock or awe]

All those present witnessing this scene revealed a trace of astonishment upon their faces.

They beheld Soaring Sky Imperial Scion gripping the Solar Divine Spear, standing tall upon the vast celestial firmament. Behind his head, ten Primordial Era Golden Sun slowly rose and fell, radiating a scorching flame capable of destroying heaven and extinguishing earth.

"The Limitless Great Path, the Ten Solar Heavenly Flames."

"The Sole Divine Form, Ten Suns Traversing the Sky."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his expression turning solemn for the first time. He could not help but feel a sense of awe at the grand design of the Solar Heavenly Emperor.

To use ten Chaos Rare Treasure as embryos, nurturing them with his own bloodline to cultivate ten imperial scions whose destinies were intrinsically linked.

Then, to personally select ten corresponding flame-based Great Path for these Ten Great Imperial Scions, and finally, to use the fire of the Immortal Refining Furnace to completely refine nine of the Great Emperor scions, transforming them into the nourishment for Soaring Sky Imperial Scion's ascension.

Every step of this plan was intricately connected, a scheme laid over at least several thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles]. It could be said to have gathered every essential element of favorable timing, geographical advantage, and human harmony.

Thus, the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion who emerged from this process was, for all intents and purposes, a peerless prodigy, a seemingly destined Chaos Heavenly Emperor, possessing even the potential to tread the realm of Path Union Supreme Supreme.

"However," Eldrin Chen murmured with a trace of gravity, "for a being like the Solar Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler embodying the sun's absolute power], whose nature is one of ultimate self-interest, to lay out such an immense and costly scheme... is it truly only to nurture his own offspring?"

His gaze, heavy with unspoken thoughts, turned towards the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion.

Unexpectedly, the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion met his look. A calm, almost detached expression settled on the Scion's face as he spoke to Eldrin Chen. "My father promised me something, in exchange for my willing compliance."

"That promise was to meet you today, and to grant me the freedom to fight you with everything I have."

Eldrin Chen fell silent for a long moment, a certainty hardening within him. "This is your final battle, isn't it?" he stated more than asked.

"You see it too."

The Soaring Sky Imperial Scion offered a faint, sorrowful smile. "From the moment I was born, I understood I was merely a pawn. My Destiny [the preordained course of one's existence, often shaped by profound cosmic laws] was sealed, immutable."

"At times, I truly envy you," he continued, his voice tinged with a quiet ache. "You rose from obscurity, unburdened by a lifetime of calculation that began with your first breath. You have never had to watch helplessly as an abyss you were born into slowly consumed you."

As the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion finished speaking, he swept his sleeve through the air. A scroll materialized and activated, its power enveloping Eldrin Chen and pulling them both into a realm of Boundless Void [an infinite, featureless expanse of emptiness between worlds].

Deep within that Boundless Void, the Scion faced Eldrin Chen once more. "I know you conceal great depths of power," he declared. "This space is isolated from the world, severed from all external influence. It is more than sufficient to contain the full, unrestrained clash between you and me."

"You may unleash your full power and face me in a fair and open battle."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, calmly drawing forth the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a legendary weapon of immense power]. "You are an anomaly," he stated, "your combat prowess nearly rivals that of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of primordial chaos]. Yet, you stand not a shred of a chance against me."

"I refuse to believe that."

The Soaring Sky Imperial Scion [a prince of the heavens] erupted into a frenzy. Ten blazing suns, manifestations of Great God [a high-level divine cultivation realm] power, whirled ceaselessly behind his head. He channeled the ultimate Primordial Chaos Power [the fundamental, formless energy from which all creation springs] into his Solar War Spear [a spear imbued with the fury of the sun].

With a roar, he swung the war spear, bringing its heaven-shaking, earth-sundering force crashing down.

"*Clang!*"

Eldrin Chen raised the Chaos Heaven Halberd to parry. In the blink of an eye, they had exchanged over three thousand blows, a storm of clashing energies and flashing steel.

The Soaring Sky Imperial Scion fought with near-maniacal fury, yet Eldrin Chen's countenance remained as placid as a still lake, as if he had not yet begun to exert his true strength.

"Impossible! My power can challenge a Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign ruler of a heavenly domain]! How can you deflect it with such ease?"

Watching Eldrin Chen effortlessly counter every move, seemingly with energy to spare, the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion demanded, his voice trembling with near-total desperation.

Eldrin Chen shook his head and spoke with calm authority. "Your power is extraordinary, nearly capable of facing a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler born from primordial chaos]. You can truly be considered a combatant at the Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign of the heavens] level."

"Even with my current self, relying solely on physical strength, we would be evenly matched."

"Yet, my true strength is not confined to mere physical prowess."

"Impossible... This cannot be!"

Soaring Sky Imperial Scion was nearly driven to madness, his voice thick with disbelief. "My combat power has surpassed the Primordial One Ultimate [the pinnacle state of the primordial unity realm] and can rival a Chaos Heavenly Emperor. How could there be any opponent beneath a Heavenly Emperor?"

"I refuse to believe it! Unleash your full power now and fight me with everything you have!"

As his words fell, Soaring Sky Imperial Scion's aura surged to the very limits of the Mortal Realm. The ten Primordial Era Golden Sun [ancient golden suns from the dawn of time] blazing behind him erupted into a frenzy, like ten Chaos [primordial, formless essence] divine suns detonating at once.

In that instant, an unimaginable force crashed forth, its pressure causing even Eldrin Chen's brow to furrow slightly.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen finally ceased holding back. He spoke, his voice still tranquil. "Since you insist on this path, then witness it for yourself."

"BOOM—"

In a single Ksana-time [an infinitesimal unit of time from Buddhist cosmology, less than a second], Eldrin Chen erupted with his full power.

With a deafening roar, the Eighteen Immortal Treasuries manifested behind Eldrin Chen, a True Spirit Divine Form [a manifestation of a cultivator's true spiritual essence] seated within each Immortal Treasury [a conceptual repository of immense power].

Beyond the Immortal Treasuries, three divine forms coalesced from the Chaos Limitless Great Path [the supreme cultivation art of boundless primordial chaos], their presence exuding a Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] aura potent enough to shatter the Myriad Heavens [the countless realms and heavens of existence].

Within the sea of consciousness of Eldrin Chen, the Primordial Spirit Pagoda [a magical treasure that houses and protects the cultivator's Primordial Spirit] also unleashed its Cosmos-Sundering Power [a divine ability capable of splitting the cosmos asunder], releasing a force that could annihilate heaven and earth.

All these powers converged, pouring their might into the physical body of Eldrin Chen, elevating his combat prowess to an indescribable, supreme realm.

An unimaginable barrier was shattered. A supreme force of destruction shot forth, blasting through the chest of Soaring Sky Imperial Scion with brutal finality, sending him flying in a spray of blood and shattered flesh.

"Aaaargh—!"

Soaring Sky Imperial Scion screamed in agony. His gaze fell upon Eldrin Chen, disbelief etched upon his features, as if he could not fathom such world-shaking power.

At that moment, the body of Soaring Sky Imperial Scion began to disintegrate irreversibly, his very flesh and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] seeming to combust.

Yet, contrary to all expectation, a trace of unmistakable relief surfaced on the face of Soaring Sky Imperial Scion.

He turned his gaze toward Eldrin Chen, a flicker of inexplicable hope coloring his expression.

"Hahaha!"

Soaring Sky Imperial Scion suddenly burst into loud laughter, allowing his physical form to begin disintegrating, scattering into a sky-filling shower of luminous rain.

He stared intently at Eldrin Chen and finally spoke: "By slaying me, you have merely paved the way to face a far more formidable Him."

"He is my most terrifying nightmare, and He shall become your most dreadful adversary."

"Remember this: no matter what happens in the future, never trust Him. And above all, never trust Outer Realm Demon Emperor."

"The Outer Realm Demon Emperor?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback. That Solar Heavenly Emperor was a selfish, self-serving individual; distrusting him made sense.

Yet, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor enjoyed a sterling reputation, held in high esteem throughout the Blazing Central Hundred Domains. Why, in the eyes of the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion, was his trustworthiness ranked even lower than that of the Solar Heavenly Emperor?

Pondering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but inquire: "Why should the Outer Realm Demon Emperor not be trusted?"

At this moment, Soaring Sky Imperial Scion was already in an extremely weakened state. His physical body began to fade continuously, and his entire cultivation base seemed to be dissipating bit by bit.

Yet, he still forced himself to hold on, speaking with a trace of despair in his expression, "Beware... the devourer..."

"Hmm—"

Before Soaring Sky Imperial Scion could finish his words, he was instantly engulfed by a boundless radiance of darkness.

The Ten Solar Heavenly Flame [a supreme flame art capable of incinerating the heavens], potent enough to Incinerator the Myriad Heavens, and even his very life essence were all devoured by some unknown force, vanishing into the Boundless Void.

Only then did Eldrin Chen realize the surrounding void had shifted, and he found himself back within the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven.

"Devoured,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a flicker of inexplicable dread crossing his features.

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a supreme demonic sovereign from beyond this cosmos] wielded the Great Path Authority [the supreme authority over a fundamental cosmic principle] of Devouring. His power was unfathomably deep, and he had been the greatest beneficiary following the fall of the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain.

It was once believed that this Outer Realm Demon Emperor possessed an impeccable reputation, a figure of the highest virtue. Yet now, it seemed that perception might be far from the truth.

Eldrin Chen recalled the Three Souls Imperial Lord [a powerful entity who once sought to refine his own soul] from days past. Back then, to mend the deficiencies in his own spiritual soul, the Three Souls Imperial Lord had borrowed a portion of the authority of the Devouring Great Path [a profound and terrifying cultivation art focused on consumption] from the Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a supreme ruler from beyond the known realms].

The Three Souls Imperial Lord had once sought to devour Eldrin Chen, but in the end, he was defeated by Eldrin Chen's own hand.

And the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion [a prodigious scion of an imperial lineage] devouring his nine brothers, the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Celestial Sovereign of the Sun] devouring the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion... behind these events, the shadow of the Devouring Great Path seemed to loom.

Looking at it now, all of this was likely part of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's machinations.

Thinking this, Eldrin Chen felt a chill crawl up his spine. If the Solar Heavenly Emperor was an agent of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, then how could the impending battle within Heaven Abyss [a fabled and perilous realm] possibly be fought?

Yet, upon deeper reflection, this possibility seemed slim. After all, the Solar Heavenly Emperor was a top-tier Heavenly Emperor [a supreme ruler among celestial beings]. Having devoured the Soaring Sky Imperial Scion, he had likely stepped directly into the realm of Half-Step Path Union [a transcendent state nearing the fusion of one's cultivation with the Great Path itself].

A being of such supreme power would not stoop to being a mere underling of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor. The relationship between them was more likely one of cooperation.

But since they were cooperating, Eldrin Chen had no choice but to remain vigilant, though for now, he had no concrete countermeasures.

"It seems that Outer Realm Demon Emperor is far more terrifying than I ever imagined," he murmured.

"With the Heaven Abyss War [the prophesied cataclysmic conflict within the Heaven Abyss realm] drawing near, the situation grows ever more dire."

Eldrin Chen's heart gave a faint sigh, and he could not help but reveal a trace of solemnity in his expression.

If he had not managed to draw the lineage of the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot to his side, and if there were not too many people within the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain whom he found difficult to abandon, he would likely have already considered leaving the Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

"Eldrin, are you alright?"

Just as these thoughts drifted through Eldrin Chen's mind, the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant, who was standing nearby, approached.

He looked at Eldrin Chen, first checking his physical condition, and only then did he let out a sigh of relief and ask with concern.

Eldrin Chen collected his thoughts, then shook his head and said, "He was no match for me. He left the Heavenly Furnace Grotto-Heaven at the final moment."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen gave the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant a meaningful look.

Seeing this, the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant immediately understood this was not the place for discussion. He promptly led Eldrin Chen away.

The two found a secluded corner. Only after Eldrin Chen had set up a restrictive barrier [a mystical seal to prevent eavesdropping] did he transmit his voice, recounting the entire sequence of events and his own conjectures to the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant.

After hearing his account, the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant could not help but speak with considerable apprehension: "Among the five supreme Half-Step Path Union [cultivators who have half-stepped into the realm of merging with the Heavenly Path] experts, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a demonic sovereign from beyond this realm] rose to power most recently, yet he possesses the greatest potential."

"Such a figure is indeed a formidable opponent, yet you need not be overly concerned."

"With our strength, even if we cannot withstand the Northern Abyss Foreign Realm, preserving ourselves should be well within our capabilities."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, finally suppressing those thoughts.

He withdrew the restrictive barrier and surveyed his surroundings. He noticed that most of the Sage Ascendant cultivators who had been gathered around the Immortal Refining Furnace had already departed, leaving only a few individuals still exploring the Lava Fire Vein.

Seeing this, Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant spoke up, "The Immortal Refining Heaven remains open for an extended period. Everyone is out searching for secret realms and cultivating."

"When the time for the Immortal Refining Heaven to close finally arrives, the Grotto-Heaven Spirit [the sentient spirit of this celestial realm] will select the most promising few and bestow upon them several opportunities for attaining the Great Path."

"We simply need to continue exploring the Immortal Refining Heaven and wait for its closure. With the foundation you and I possess, we should each secure at least one such opportunity."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, then inquired, "I have heard of another Heavenly Domain, named the Soul-Burial Heaven. When does this Heavenly Domain open?"

Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant shook his head, his expression turning grave. "The Soul-Burial Heaven typically does not open. To set foot within it, one must either cultivate to the Nine True Spirit Apertures [a profound cultivation stage where nine apertures for spiritual energy are opened within the soul] or forge a Primordial Spirit Treasure [a treasure refined from and bound to one's very soul essence]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, instantly realizing he possessed the qualifications to enter.

With this thought in mind, his gaze turned towards the Heavenly Vault above, towards the omnipresent Grotto-Heaven Spirit [the sentient spirit of a Grotto-Heaven, a higher-dimensional pocket realm].

"So you have discovered it."

The voice of the Grotto-Heaven Spirit drifted over, calm and measured as it inquired, "Will you first test the Immortal Refining Furnace [a legendary furnace capable of refining even immortals], or proceed directly to the Soul-Burial Heaven [a perilous realm where souls are laid to rest]?"