Chapter 2114 : Heavenly Emperors' Treacherous Alliance

At this moment, the two Heavenly Emperors, Candle Dragon and Primordial Phoenix, maintained a calm exterior, yet within their hearts, a growing unease was becoming increasingly difficult to suppress.

As supreme Heavenly Emperors who had long stood unrivaled within the Chaos, they had dominated the Blazing Central Hundred Domains for countless years. They had originally believed that by following the Outer Realm Demon Emperor to unify the Northern and Southern Heaven Abyss, they could seek the opportunity for a breakthrough to the next level.

Yet, they never imagined the Outer Realm Demon Emperor harbored such treacherous designs, and that even the Solar Heavenly Emperor was merely an avatar of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

The reason for their betrayal at the critical moment was not only because they felt profoundly deceived, but also because they deeply feared the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's Devouring Great Path [a law of cultivation centered on consuming and assimilating all things].

Since the Outer Realm Demon Emperor had, from the very beginning, never been forthright about the Solar Heavenly Emperor being his avatar, they naturally could not bring themselves to trust any of his promises.

Yet, even now, having repelled the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, the two Heavenly Emperors, Candle Dragon and Primordial Phoenix, found no peace within their hearts.

Now, with Eldrin Chen having stepped into the Heavenly Emperor Realm and possessing the power to directly confront the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, the memory of their past, repeated conflicts with him made their hearts churn with unresolved tension.

Of course, given their power, even if they could not match Eldrin Chen, the worst outcome would be abandoning their foundations in the Southern Abyss Seven Domains and fleeing far into the Chaos Desolation Sea.

But doing so would mean their bloodline descendants, and indeed the entire True Dragon and Immortal Phoenix lineages, would suffer devastating losses, forced to exit the stage of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains entirely.

Understanding this, a profound gravity settled upon the hearts of the two Heavenly Emperors.

"Fellow Daoists."

At that moment, Eldrin Chen who stood nearby spoke up calmly, "In this great war, the two of you experienced a profound awakening and have rendered significant merit."

"However, I wonder what your plans are for the future?"

The Primordial Phoenix Heavenly Emperor pondered for a moment before replying, "We were deceived by the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Celestial Sovereign of the Sun] and have been at odds with the Human Race and the Divine Clan for many years. We hope to use this opportunity to turn hostility into friendship."

"That is indeed fitting."

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly. Considering the merit of the two Heavenly Emperors turning their allegiance, he continued thoughtfully, "That matter is easily settled. But what of the Demon Race? How should they be dealt with?"

Upon hearing this, everyone present fell into a heavy silence.

It had to be admitted that the Demon Race, as the mightiest race within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, possessed a level of strength and accumulated power that was truly staggering and profound.

Such a formidable force, which occupied vast resources across the Immortal Domain, would remain a significant problem if not handled properly.

With this thought, the Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign spoke, "The Demon Race is too vast and fragmented. Now that the Solar Heavenly Emperor has fallen, my suggestion is to re-divide them into the myriad tribes they once were."

Upon hearing this, both the Primordial Phoenix and the Candle Dragon felt their hearts sink slightly, but they quickly regained their composure.

In ancient times, the Demon Race was established by the Solar Heavenly Emperor to unite myriad races and dominate the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain.

Now, the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain was clearly dominated by the Human Race. Without a Half-Step Path Union cultivator to sustain it, the Demon Race had lost the qualification to contend for supremacy. Remaining united would only invite their own destruction.

Understanding this, the Primordial Phoenix Heavenly Emperor immediately declared, "Henceforth, my Immortal Phoenix Clan shall secede from the Demon Race and stand independently as an Immortal Phoenix Ancient Clan lineage. We will no longer involve ourselves in the affairs of the Demon Race."

"My Dragon Clan shall do the same."

The Candle Dragon Heavenly Emperor spoke slowly, then added, "My True Dragon lineage will also depart from the Demon Race and establish itself as a True Dragon Ancient Clan."

Witnessing the stance of these two great Heavenly Emperors, Eldrin Chen felt a wave of relief wash over him.

A faint smile touched his lips as he spoke. "Your sudden awakening and change of heart in this matter can be considered a significant merit."

"From now on, the Immortal Phoenix and True Dragon lineages shall be counted among the Supreme Saintly Clans of the Primordial Immortal Domain, their status transcendent above the myriad races, on par with the ancient clans behind me."

Hearing this, the two great Heavenly Emperors, Candle Dragon and Primordial Phoenix, felt a surge of quiet joy within their hearts.

Hearing Eldrin Chen utter these words personally, they understood it signified he would no longer personally suppress the lineages of the Immortal Phoenix and the True Dragon.

With this assurance, their faces immediately lit up with joy. The Candle Dragon Heavenly Emperor spoke up, "In that case, we offer our sincere thanks."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke again, "However, there is one matter I must state clearly beforehand."

"Please, speak."

Upon hearing this, the assembled Emperors all showed expressions of curiosity.

Eldrin Chen nodded calmly and continued, "While we, the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for supreme rulers who govern primordial chaos], can maintain harmony by sharing a common cause, our disciples and followers will inevitably face Great Path Contention [the inherent conflict and competition for resources and enlightenment on the cultivation path]."

"Therefore, regarding the conflicts between our various factions, we must establish a set of rules."

"That is only proper."

The Emperors all nodded in agreement. Eldrin Chen then continued, "Since we are to cooperate henceforth, the conflicts among the younger generation must be kept within certain bounds."

"Thus, three rules must be established."

"First, in future conflicts between peers of the same cultivation realm, higher-level powerhouses shall not arbitrarily bully the weak with their superior strength."

"Agreed."

Hearing this, everyone present nodded in agreement.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen continued, "Second, whether it is a Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic event testing the world], a Path Tribulation [a trial specific to one's cultivation path], a Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal], or even a Great Path Contention [a fundamental struggle over the nature of reality] between Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle of immortal cultivation] or Great Emperor [a sovereign ruler of immense power]..."

"...both sides shall contend fairly. One must not call upon friends and allies to escalate the war."

"Agreed."

The assembled Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler of a heavenly domain] also inclined their heads upon hearing this.

Seeing the consensus, Eldrin Chen finally stated, "Third, regardless of the nature of the conflict, after slaying a powerful foe, one must not pursue total annihilation. The vanquished must be granted the opportunity to reincarnate and cultivate anew."

"Well said."

All the Heavenly Emperor present nodded once more, each revealing a look of satisfaction.

It must be admitted that the three agreements proposed by Eldrin Chen were beneficial to everyone present.

After all, each of them had disciples and followers. If they were to fight to the death over their disciples' Great Path Contention [the struggle for supremacy on the cultivation path], it would ultimately only deplete the internal strength of the Tri-Pole Primordial Domain.

Having reached their level of cultivation, they were already beings of Indestructibility [a state of near-immortality]. For a Great Path Contention to escalate into a conflict that utterly shattered both sides would bring no benefit to them either.

Furthermore, by not pursuing total annihilation and leaving the defeated a chance for reincarnation, it also held advantages for the various major powers.

Understanding this, everyone was satisfied and reached the agreement.

With that, the matters concerning this battle were finally settled. Eldrin Chen and several Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers of a heavenly domain] of the Human Race proceeded to the Path-Field [a personal realm or sanctum of a supreme cultivator] of the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the Primordial Genesis cultivation path].

Within the Path-Field, Eldrin Chen looked at the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor and Great Abyss Immortal Sage, and could not help but ask with concern, "How are your injuries, Seniors?"

Great Abyss Immortal Sage let out a bitter laugh before speaking, "The injuries are not light. I fear it will take several hundred Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration] to recover."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, however, remained composed as ever. He calmly poured a cup of tea for Eldrin Chen and said, "The injuries are secondary. What weighs on me is the feeling of insufficient strength."

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment, then inquired, "With the Path Ancestor's Immortal Domain Art [a supreme cultivation technique], is it still impossible to cultivate a second Primordial Chaos Great Path [a supreme Dao of primordial chaos]?"

In ancient times, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the path of creation] pioneered the Immortal Domain Art [a profound cultivation method for creating inner worlds]. This art enabled cultivators to artificially obtain the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a foundational spiritual light of unbreakable nature], thereby completing the path to the Immortal Path Great Encompassing [the ultimate realm of the immortal path] and earning Immeasurable Great Merit [boundless virtue and cosmic credit].

Now, the Immortal Domain Art has spread widely across the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [a vast region of one hundred central domains], and its practitioners are as numerous as the hairs on an ox. Consequently, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor has also stepped into the Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor, a sovereign of the cosmos].

However, over these many years, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor has consistently failed to cultivate a second Primordial Chaos Great Path [a supreme Dao born from the primordial chaos].

Eldrin Chen understood in his heart that the main reason was the significant limitations of the Immortal Domain Art. It was useless for those above the Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing Realm], making further advancement considerably more difficult than anticipated.

"The Immortal Domain Art is, in itself, only one part of the cultivation path. It holds no use for those above the Primordial One Imperial Lord [the Imperial Lord of the Primal Unity], which is why it had already reached a bottleneck in recent years,"

the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor explained in detail. He then looked at Eldrin Chen and said, "Fortunately, you pioneered the Sacrificial Self Path [the Path of Self-Sacrifice], which inherited the essence of the Inner Immortal Domain Art [the art of the inner immortal domain] and can lead directly to the Great Emperor Realm [the realm of a Great Emperor]."

"I have thus benefited from your light, receiving a portion of the Merit [cosmic virtue and karmic credit] and authority. The stagnant authority of my Immortal Domain [inner immortal world] has advanced a step further, and recently, it has given birth to several new Great Path Divine Form [divine abilities embodying a Great Path]."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor smiled slightly. Speaking of this, he could not help but add, "Cultivating a second Primordial Chaos Great Path is not a great problem. However, it still requires a portion of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy of creation from chaos]."

Eldrin Chen nodded. He then retrieved a portion of Chaos Genesis Energy from his sleeve and presented it to the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, saying, "I still have one portion of Chaos Genesis Energy. Please, senior, take it."

"I cannot."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [a title for a supreme cultivator who has comprehended the fundamental laws of creation] hastily declined, then spoke: "The Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation is born] is precious, and it is something you urgently need yourself. You should keep it."

Eldrin Chen merely offered a faint smile and shook his head. "I used the Limit-Breaker Art [a legendary cultivation art that shatters the inherent limits of a being's foundation] to forcibly break through the foundational limits of a post-natal being, surpassing the Chaos Barrier [the ultimate barrier separating ordinary beings from the primordial chaos]."

"My foundation now is no weaker than that of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign born from the primordial chaos with an innate, supreme foundation]. Refining Chaos Genesis Energy would merely be adding flowers to brocade for me."

Upon hearing this, the hearts of everyone present trembled violently.

The reason a Primordial One Imperial Lord [an imperial lord whose foundation is rooted in the primordial unity] needs to refine Chaos Genesis Energy to advance their cultivation is because their foundational root is merely the Primordial One Foundation [a foundational spiritual root representing the state of primordial unity]. This inherently imposes a ceiling on their potential, making further advancement impossible.

The Major Limit-Breaker Art [the supreme version of the art that shatters foundational limits], however, forcibly shatters this limiting bottleneck. Without refining Chaos Genesis Energy, it grants a foundation comparable to that of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor.

Eldrin Chen had cultivated precisely such profound reserves. For him, before breaking through to the Second Chaos Realm [the second major realm within the chaos cultivation system], refining Chaos Genesis Energy offered little substantive help—at most, it could slightly increase his cultivation speed.

Rather than waste the Chaos Genesis Energy, it was better to entrust it to the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, further elevating his strength.

Judging by the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor's dual Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign ruler of a heavenly domain] foundational reserves, once his Great Path [the supreme cultivation path] cultivation advanced another step, his combat power should step into the domain of the Half-Step Path Union [a realm halfway to the ultimate union with the Great Path].

When facing the Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a demonic sovereign from beyond the known realms] and Blazing Center Supreme [a supreme being embodying the blazing heart of creation], Eldrin Chen would then have a bit more confidence.

Understanding this, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor did not decline further. He retrieved a piece of stone material brimming with Chaos Thunderclap [the primordial force of chaotic thunder] and handed it to Eldrin Chen, saying, "This object may be of use to you. Consider it an exchange."

"Chaos Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Stone [a primordial ore forged by heavenly thunder tribulation]."

Upon opening it, Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered with a subtle movement.

The so-called Chaos Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Stone is a Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos] of the Thunderclap [thunderbolt] attribute. It is saturated with terrifying Thunderclap Force [the destructive power of thunder] and serves as the finest catalyst for cultivating the Chaos Divine Thunder [Primordial Divine Thunderclap] technique.

Using this as a foundation, Eldrin Chen's True Spirit Divine Ability [a divine ability born from one's true spirit], the Chaos Divine Thunder, could undergo a metamorphosis into a supreme divine ability of the Chaos Tier [the primordial grade].

"The path of Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [the cultivation art of attaining the Primordial Spirit Path] is profound and unfathomable."

Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spoke earnestly, his expression turning grave as he continued, "Legend states that once one's Soul Path [the cultivation path focused on the soul] cultivation reaches the Half-Step Limitless [a quasi-limitless realm] and one masters nine great Chaos Divine Ability [Primordial Divine Abilities], one would possess the supreme combat power to challenge a Sovereign [a being who rules over a fundamental aspect of existence]."

"Your talent far surpasses this old man's. I hope that one day you can reach that very step."

"Nine great Chaos Divine Ability."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen's eyes gleamed with a flicker of profound contemplation.

As the founder of the Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [a profound cultivation method focused on nurturing the Primordial Spirit], the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a cultivator who has mastered the path of the soul] was naturally well aware of its true combat prowess.

In ancient times, the Nameless Path Ancestor [the enigmatic progenitor of a forgotten cultivation lineage] had cultivated nine supreme Chaos Divine Ability [divine arts born from the primordial chaos, wielding immense destructive power] to the Great Perfection Realm [the pinnacle stage of mastery for any technique or art].

By harnessing the power of these nine Great God Ability [another term for the supreme Chaos Divine Abilities], the Nameless Path Ancestor created a peerless and supremely powerful cultivation art named the 'Nine Extremities Heavenly Art' [a legendary technique allowing simultaneous control over nine ultimate divine abilities].

This art enabled one to simultaneously command nine Chaos Divine Ability to clash with formidable foes, unleashing an annihilating force capable of obliterating all creation.

In the distant past, the Nameless Path Ancestor once relied on this art to confront a Chaos Sovereign [a being who has attained sovereignty over a fragment of primordial chaos] head-on. Alas, he ultimately never stepped into the Third Chaos Realm [the third and highest known realm of chaos cultivation].

Otherwise, with the profound foundation of the Soul Path Sovereign [the ultimate state of the Primordial Spirit Path Attainment art], slaying a Chaos Sovereign would have been well within his grasp.

Of course, Eldrin Chen dared not reveal the slightest hint about the information concerning Nameless. With a grave expression, he spoke solemnly, "I thank you for the guidance, Senior. This matter is now firmly etched upon my heart."

"What 'Senior'?"

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [a title for a venerable master of the primordial creation path] shook his head with a wry smile. "Among us Immortal [cultivators who have transcended mortality], precedence is given to those who have attained higher cultivation. For me not to address *you* as Senior would be presumptuous. Let us interact as peers."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen did not insist. He immediately changed his form of address, calling the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor 'Elder Brother' [a respectful term for a peer or senior in the Dao].

Speaking of which, Eldrin Chen also felt their relationship was rather convoluted. In the past, the disciple of Nameless, 'Immortal Firmament Path Ancestor', could be considered the teacher of Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor.

In those days when the Human Race was weak, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor once journeyed to the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain to seek the Immortal Path scriptures, the Seventy-Two Scrolls.

At that time, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spent many years listening to the teachings at the feet of Immortal Firmament Path Ancestor and was accepted as a nominal disciple.

Calculated this way, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor should be considered a disciple or even a grand-disciple of Eldrin Chen.

With these thoughts, Eldrin Chen gathered his focus and turned to the two Path Ancestor Immortal Sage. "The great battle has just concluded," he said, "and there remain many pressing matters within the Immortal Domain to attend to."

"The two of you should first enter seclusion to heal your wounds. I shall not impose upon you further."

After bidding farewell to the two Path Ancestor Immortal Sage, Eldrin Chen departed the Primordial Genesis Ancestral Court alongside Obsidian Abyss Heavenly Emperor.

Upon returning to the Immortal Court, Eldrin Chen finally turned to Obsidian Abyss Heavenly Emperor and inquired, "Senior, how do you feel about this breakthrough?"

"The gains were not insignificant," Obsidian Abyss Heavenly Emperor replied with a faint smile before continuing, "Following this breakthrough, I have sensed the guidance of the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art."

"He informed me that my location has been marked by the Nine Revolutions Ancestral Court and that a reception Elder of the Path Union Supreme Realm will come to find me."

"If nothing unexpected happens, after one thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], I will have to go to the ancestral court of the Nine Revolutions lineage."

Eldrin Chen felt a surge of emotion in his heart. That junior who was once at the Half-Step Path Union Realm had, without him realizing it, become the founding ancestor of the Fleshly Body Sanctification [a cultivation art focused on refining the physical body to a sacred state] lineage.

One must understand, that former Nine Revolutions Path Ancestor was merely a junior in front of Nameless. Although they were friends despite the age gap, it was mostly Nameless who offered guidance.

Yet now, their status and positions were as different as heaven and earth.

With this connection, his seniority relative to the Obsidian Abyss Heavenly Emperor also became rather convoluted.

No wonder in the path of cultivation, those who achieve more are revered as seniors. If everything were based solely on generational seniority, everything would likely descend into chaos.

Of course, Eldrin Chen took that address of 'Senior' from Obsidian Abyss very, very seriously.

Obsidian Abyss had risked his life to aid him several times. Even though Eldrin Chen possessed the means to protect himself, he was genuinely and deeply moved in his heart.

After pondering for a long while, Eldrin Chen finally spoke and asked, "Senior, when will you return after this departure?"

"Impossible to estimate."

Obsidian Abyss Heavenly Emperor shook his head, then said calmly, "The Nine Revolutions Ancestral Court is far too distant. Without cultivation at the Path Union Supreme Realm, merely traversing the distance would likely require tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation cycles as a starting point."

"Moreover, I do not know if I will ever be able to return from such a journey."