Chapter 2117 : Ascension of the Soul Emperor

At the peak of the realm, Eldrin Chen naturally did not hesitate in the slightest.

Gathering all his true power, he immediately began to assault the bottleneck of the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor Realm.

"RUMBLE—"

In that instant, Eldrin Chen's Nine True Spirit Apertures blazed with dazzling light. His Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation base visibly shattered the bottleneck and began to undergo a rapid, profound transformation.

A majestic, blazing aura swept through the Eight Desolations, shaking the Vast and Boundless Chaos Desolation Sea and awing the ancient Space-Time [the fabric of reality encompassing space and time] of the countless Blazing Central Hundred Domains.

"The Soul Path Heavenly Emperor Realm... he has broken through after all."

Far on the other side of the Heaven Abyss, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor opened his eyes, revealing a look of profound apprehension.

As one who had also attained the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor realm, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor understood precisely what Eldrin Chen's breakthrough signified. Yet, after a mere moment's contemplation, he abandoned any thought of intervening.

With Eldrin Chen's combat prowess at the pinnacle of the Half-Step Path Union Realm, his ascension to Soul Path Heavenly Emperor was fundamentally unstoppable.

Furthermore, the Southern Abyss was guarded by Path Ancestor Taihu, a Half-Step Path Union expert fully capable of repelling any sudden assault from another Half-Step Path Union powerhouse.

Moreover, Eldrin Chen's breakthrough was far too swift. He advanced with the sudden, unstoppable force of the Major Limit-Breaker Art, a speed so blinding that even if the Blazing Center Supreme [a supreme being of immense power] had intervened, he could not have halted the process.

"Damnation!"

At the same moment, the Blazing Center Supreme, observing through the Heaven-Deduction Mirror [a mystical artifact for observing distant events], witnessed Eldrin Chen complete his breakthrough. Boundless fury contorted his features.

Yet it was already too late. Any attempt to act now was futile. He could only watch, powerless, as Eldrin Chen successfully forged his Chaos Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, refined to a primordial chaos state].

"Hmmmm—"

Just as countless powerful beings sensed Eldrin Chen's ascension, the final step of his breakthrough was already complete.

He stood serene and unshakable upon the Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence]. His Chaos Primordial Spirit shimmered, interwoven with the boundless Primordial Chaos Great Path [the supreme law of primordial chaos], radiating an eternal, supreme divine might.

"Success."

Eldrin Chen withdrew his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], slowly opened his eyes, and murmured the word. A wave of profound relief and satisfaction washed over him.

This advancement of his Primordial Spirit had once again granted Eldrin Chen a monumental leap in his overall combat prowess.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, his current cultivation in the Soul Path had already reached the pinnacle of the Heavenly Emperor realm. Relying solely on his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] cultivation base, he should be able to contend with the combined might of five ordinary Heavenly Emperors.

Such combat power, while still significantly inferior to his current physical body cultivation, could nonetheless be considered formidable strength.

If he combined the power of his Primordial Spirit with his physical strength, it should boost his overall combat prowess by another twenty to thirty percent.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist, on your breakthrough to the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor Realm."

"With Fellow Daoist stepping into the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor realm, our Blazing Central Hundred Domains has gained another supreme Half-Step Path Union expert."

"Hahaha, if we join forces, next time we encounter Blazing Center Supreme, we might actually stand a chance in battle."

"I am the Nine Dragons' Nest Master. I have long admired the name of Returning Abyss Path Ancestor."

"Fellow Cultivator Eldrin, this old man is Violet Firmament Immortal Sage. Though merely a few hundred Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle in Buddhist cosmology] have passed, I never imagined you would have already cultivated to the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor realm. Truly, this calls for celebration."

Simultaneously, from within the Primordial Chaos Great Path Sea, a chorus of congratulatory voices arose.

Eldrin Chen lowered his gaze to sense them. He found that most of those offering congratulations were denizens of the Blazing Central Hundred Domains. Among them were familiar faces like the Indestructibility Ancient One, as well as many unfamiliar Chaos Heavenly Emperors.

Even the Nine Dragons' Nest Master [a powerful figure who rules over a domain of nine dragons], the Immortal Phoenix Empress [the sovereign ruler of the immortal phoenix lineage], the Myriad Path Divine Venerable [a supreme being who has mastered countless cultivation paths], and several other top-tier Half-Step Path Union [cultivators who have nearly achieved the ultimate fusion of their cultivation paths] sent forth threads of congratulatory intent.

To this, Eldrin Chen responded to each in turn. After exchanging brief pleasantries, he departed from the Primordial Chaos Great Path Sea [the vast, primordial ocean of chaotic spiritual energy and cosmic laws].

Upon returning to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [a collective name for seven major territories in the southern abyssal region], Eldrin Chen sensed the progress of his Soul Path [a profound cultivation art focused on refining and empowering the soul] cultivation, and a faint smile touched his lips.

If the previous Eldrin Chen was roughly on par with the Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a supreme ruler of demons from a realm beyond the known cosmos], his current strength should now allow him to firmly suppress that foe by a noticeable margin.

From this day forward, the strength of Eldrin Chen could be considered the foremost beneath the Path Union Supreme [the ultimate realm where all cultivation paths are perfectly fused] within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [a vast region of one hundred territories centered around a blazing celestial phenomenon].

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a surge of profound satisfaction within his heart.

Once the tide of joy within him subsided, Eldrin Chen began to ponder the path of cultivation that lay ahead.

After a simple review of his foundational cultivation bases, Eldrin Chen realized that the road to his Future [a state of being representing ultimate potential and destiny] would likely not be easily traversed.

First, among the core foundations of his cultivation, his Path of Fleshly Body Sanctification [an art dedicated to forging the physical body into an indestructible vessel] had already achieved the cultivation of five Chaos Divine Form [divine physical manifestations born from and embodying primordial chaos]. Such a foundation, in principle, was already comparable to that of a Path Union Supreme.

However, to truly step into the Path Union Realm [the ultimate realm of cultivation where all paths converge], it was necessary to fuse his three major Chaos Divine Form into one, cultivating a single supreme and peerless 'Path Union Divine Form' [the ultimate divine form representing the perfect union of all paths].

However, the difficulty of fusing the Chaos Divine Form [a supreme divine ability embodying the power of primordial chaos] is immense. It requires not only an exceptionally profound foundation but also heaven-defying opportunities and resources to achieve a breakthrough.

Eldrin Chen possessed neither of these prerequisites. Furthermore, his physical body had only just stepped into the Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor, a sovereign-level cultivator]. It would require an exceedingly long period of time and vast resources to cultivate his Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body [an indestructible physique forged from primordial chaos] to the peak of the First Realm of Chaos [the foundational stage of the Chaos cultivation path].

The Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for a Heavenly Emperor who has mastered the Dao of Chaos] stage of Fleshly Body Sanctification [the art of sanctifying and perfecting the physical body] demanded not only an extremely high mastery of the Great Path Divine Form [a divine form representing the ultimate embodiment of a Great Dao] but also an exceptionally profound foundation for the physical body itself.

Although Eldrin Chen had cultivated five Chaos Divine Form, taking two steps beyond the standard Half-Step Path Union [a realm just half a step away from the complete union with a Great Path], making his realm among the pinnacle of Half-Step Path Union cultivators, the inherent depth and potency of his physical body's foundation still fell short.

The divisions within the First Realm of Chaos were rather nebulous. Setting aside the number of Chaos Divine Form one possessed, there was no concept of nine minor sub-levels within it.

Nevertheless, the foundational strength and latent potential of different Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign-level cultivator] physical bodies still varied greatly in power.

By Eldrin Chen's own estimation, the foundational strength of his physical body was currently still relatively weak and required a massive influx of resources to be properly fortified and filled out.

"For my Primordial Chaos Indestructibility Body to advance further, it requires an ocean of resources to break through. The resources I currently possess are insufficient; I fear significant progress will be difficult to achieve for the time being."

As these thoughts drifted through Eldrin Chen's mind, his focus shifted to his other great foundation rooted in chaos: his Chaos Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, refined with the essence of chaos].

His Chaos Primordial Spirit was considerably weaker than his physical body. To cultivate a Chaos Divine Ability [a divine ability powered by chaos], he would need to refine a corresponding Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure infused with chaotic energies], and it would also demand a vast quantity of cultivation resources for the Soul Path [the cultivation path focused on refining the soul and spirit].

Currently, Eldrin Chen possesses only a single Chaos Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Stone [a primordial stone containing the power of chaotic heavenly thunder tribulations], which is sufficient at most to cultivate a single Chaos Divine Ability [a supreme power born from the primordial chaos]. Therefore, he should not see any significant advancement in the immediate future.

"It seems," he mused, "the task of gathering the Chaos Three Souls Tree [a legendary tree said to nourish and unify the three souls of a cultivator] should be placed on the agenda."

"On this foundation, I must strive to collect Chaos Spiritual Treasure [spiritual artifacts imbued with the essence of primordial chaos] and attempt to cultivate more Chaos Divine Ability."

As these thoughts drifted through Eldrin Chen's mind, his gaze shifted to the remaining Great Path Foundation [the foundational cultivation arts that form the basis of one's Great Path].

Compared to his Fleshly Body Sanctification [the art of refining and purifying the physical body] and Soul Path [the cultivation path focused on nurturing the soul], Eldrin Chen's Great Path Foundation had yet to step into the Heavenly Emperor Realm [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor, a sovereign of immense power], thus holding far greater potential for growth.

The Sacrificial Self Path [a profound and demanding cultivation art] would be difficult to break through for now. Therefore, in the short term, the focus for further advancement lay with the five Great Path [supreme cultivation paths] that comprised the Chaos Limitless Great Path [the divine ability of boundless chaos].

"Each of my five Limitless Great Path possesses immense latent power," he reflected.

"Mastering any one of them would allow me to elevate it to the Realm of Chaos [a state of cultivation aligned with primordial chaos], thereby augmenting my own strength."

"Once I master all five in their entirety, they may very well form the very foundation upon which I first step into the Path Union Realm [the realm where multiple Great Paths converge and unify]."

Eldrin Chen pondered silently. His physical body lacked the necessary cultivation resources, and the difficulty of its breakthrough was exceedingly high.

Unless Eldrin Chen could retrieve the Chaos Cauldron or cultivate his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] to the Path Union Realm, it was fundamentally impossible for him to achieve the Second Chaos Realm through this method.

Furthermore, the path of the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor was cursed, with the precedent of the fallen Nine Souls Heavenly Emperor serving as a grim warning. Eldrin Chen dared not attempt a breakthrough into the Path Union Realm via this route lightly.

Therefore, the most viable path to breaking through the Path Union Realm was actually the Chaos Limitless Great Path cultivated by Eldrin Chen.

"Each of the Great Paths within my Chaos Limitless Great Path possesses extraordinary potential," he mused.

"If I could gather five such Great Paths and use them as the foundation to break through to the Path UnionSupreme Realm, I could likely ascend directly to become a top-tier Path Union Supreme."

As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Eldrin Chen began to contemplate the intricacies of his own Limitless Great Path.

Having now achieved the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor realm, he felt a measure of confidence in his ability to seize the authority over five distinct Limitless Great Paths.

At the very least, for the weakest among them, the Source Earth Great Path, Eldrin Chen harbored a fair degree of certainty in his capacity to contend for its Great Path Authority [the sovereign control over a fundamental cosmic principle].

After all, the two largest shares of authority over the Source Earth Great Path were held by two Chaos Heavenly Emperors, and neither seemed to have cultivated a Chaos Primordial Spirit.

"However, to have one's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] merge directly into a Great Path and initiate a battle for its Great Path Authority, one must first possess a sufficient foundation of Great Path Authority oneself," he concluded, his strategy taking shape.

"My current Chaos Great Path Authority [the supreme authority over a fundamental cosmic principle], after all, still falls slightly short."

Eldrin Chen's thoughts drifted, and he finally spoke after a moment of contemplation: "I shall accumulate a few more years of cultivation, elevate my Soul Path [a cultivation art focused on refining and empowering the soul] attainment a bit further, and then make plans for the Source Earth [the primordial, foundational earth from which all things originate] Great Path Authority."

With a faint flicker in his mind, Eldrin Chen then strolled out of the Seclusion Chamber.

Upon exiting the Seclusion Chamber, Eldrin Chen found that Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the Ancestor of the Primordial Genesis Path] and the others had already been waiting for some time.

Seeing him emerge from seclusion, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor could not help but speak: "With this breakthrough of yours, you are now sufficient to become the foremost figure within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains."

Eldrin Chen merely offered a slight smile and replied, "It is but a modest gain. You flatter me, Elder Brother."

Seeing this, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor exchanged a glance with Great Abyss Immortal Sage and said, "It has been over a hundred Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years] since you and Fellow Daoist Obsidian Abyss achieved your breakthroughs. Your cultivation bases should now be firmly consolidated."

"In my view, the time has come to hold a Heavenly Emperor Grand Ceremony [a grand ceremony to formally proclaim and celebrate the ascension of a new Heavenly Emperor]."

Eldrin Chen also nodded in agreement. Even for the entire Blazing Central Hundred Domains, the ascension of a Newly Ascended Heavenly Emperor [a cultivator who has recently attained the Heavenly Emperor realm] was by no means a minor event.

Moreover, Eldrin Chen had cultivated the Five Great Chaos Divine Forms [five supreme divine forms born from primordial chaos], making him a top-tier Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator halfway to merging with the fundamental cosmic Paths] the moment he succeeded in his breakthrough.

For such a grand occasion, Eldrin Chen and the Obsidian Abyss Heavenly Emperor [a powerful ruler of a celestial domain] might personally be indifferent. However, if a Heavenly Emperor Grand Ceremony [a formal ascension and recognition ceremony for a new Heavenly Emperor] were not held at all, the entire Human Race would become the subject of gossip and criticism from all major powers.

Furthermore, this event presented a rare opportunity for Eldrin Chen to meet the heroes and champions of the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [a vast and powerful region comprising one hundred chaotic domains] and to serve as a deterrent to any with ill intentions.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen smiled and said, "We can set the date for one hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles in Buddhist cosmology, often billions of years] from now. I must trouble you, fellow Daoists, to make the journey and deliver the invitations."

"Very well," they agreed.

Upon hearing this, the two Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [beings who have reached the pinnacle of cultivation, merging the paths of Ancestor and Immortal Sage] nodded in agreement with smiles.

This Heavenly Emperor Grand Ceremony was different from those of the past. To formally introduce the Southern Abyss Domains onto the stage of the Blazing Central Hundred Domains, the Human Race planned to invite all major powers from across the Blazing Central Hundred Domains to attend.

Therefore, it was necessary for the two Path Ancestor Immortal Sage to personally undertake the journey, traveling to the various Chaos Domain [realms born from primordial chaos, vast and perilous] to notify the other Path Ancestor Immortal Sage.

After bidding farewell to the two Path Ancestor Immortal Sage, Eldrin Chen returned to his secluded cultivation, intent on swiftly refining the Chaos Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Stone [a legendary ore containing the power of chaotic heavenly thunder tribulations] to master the Chaos Divine Ability [a supreme power born from primordial chaos].

Yet, at precisely this moment, a Violet Robe Path Master [a master of the Daoist path, distinguished by violet robes] traversed the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all realms emerged] and arrived within the Southern Abyss Domains.

This Violet Robe Path Master possessed profoundly deep cultivation. His mere appearance sent tremors through all seven domains of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains.

The various Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for the most powerful cultivators] from the Southern Abyss [a vast and perilous region of the cultivation world] all went to investigate, and one by one, their expressions turned wary and apprehensive.

Only Eldrin Chen remained calm. He approached the figure of the Violet Robe Path Master and spoke with a hint of surprise, "So it is Fellow Daoist Violet Firmament. To what do I owe the honor of your visit?"

This Violet Robe Path Master was none other than the Half-Step Path Union [a realm just below the legendary Path Union, marking the peak of power for most cultivators] who commanded awe throughout the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [a cluster of one hundred prosperous and powerful domains]. He was also renowned as the foremost alchemist of those domains, the 'Violet Firmament Immortal Sage'.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage gave a light flick of his horsetail whisk and replied with a warm smile, "Greetings, Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [a title of immense respect for a cultivator who has founded their own profound Path]."

"To think that in just over a thousand Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often spanning billions of years], you have surpassed this old man to become one of the mightiest Heavenly Emperor in the Blazing Central Hundred Domains."

"You flatter me. It is but an empty reputation," Eldrin Chen demurred with a slight smile. Yet, he understood the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage likely had serious matters to discuss and promptly led him to a secluded Immortal Palace Grotto-Heaven [a pocket dimension or paradise used by powerful immortals for cultivation and residence].

Within the tranquil confines of the Immortal Palace Grotto-Heaven, Eldrin Chen and the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage sat facing each other. Eldrin personally prepared and poured a pot of tea.

"Excellent tea,"

remarked the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage after taking a sip, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.

After exchanging pleasantries with Eldrin Chen for a short while, he suddenly adopted a serious expression and said, "To be perfectly honest, this old man has come this time to invite you, Fellow Daoist, to join the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance."

"The Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance?"

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

Seeing this, Violet Firmament Immortal Sage spoke up, "The Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance is a loosely organized coalition. It was initiated by this old man, Tianke Path Ancestor, Myriad Path Divine Venerable, Nine Dragons' Nest Master, Immortal Phoenix Empress, and also Outer Realm Demon Emperor."

"Apart from the six of us, the thirty-seven Half-Step Path Union cultivators within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains are all members of our Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a slight tremor in his heart.

A single Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance actually comprised thirty-seven Half-Step Path Union cultivators. With such combined foundation and strength, they would likely be capable of withstanding a Path Union Supreme.

Seeing his reaction, Violet Firmament Immortal Sage continued, "Our Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance was established precisely for the purpose of breaking through to the Path Union Supreme realm."

"The goal of the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance is to aid one another, to join forces in opposing Blazing Center Supreme, and to seize the hope of advancing to the Supreme Realm of the Path Union."

"In the past, when Outer Realm Demon Emperor was breaking through the constraints of heaven and earth, the reason the forces of Blazing Center Supreme were held back was due to the combined efforts of our Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a profound tremor within his heart.

No wonder, back when the Outer Realm Demon Emperor sought to unify the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, the Blazing Center Supreme and his five Half-Step Path Union subordinates had remained utterly motionless.

He had originally assumed those individuals refrained from acting out of respect for the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's reputation, having reached some tacit agreement.

Now it seemed the Outer Realm Demon Emperor had relied on an alliance pact, compelling the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance to intervene and block that Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen inquired, "The matter concerning the Outer Realm Demon Emperor back then—was that also the work of your Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance?"

"Indeed it was."

The Violet Firmament Immortal Sage spoke, then added with a bitter smile, "In our original plan, once the Outer Realm Demon Emperor succeeded, we would join forces to gather thirty-six Primordial Domain.

"We would then use them to deploy the Chaos Grand Formation, with thirty-seven Half-Step Path Union cultivators jointly wielding the formation's authority. This was meant to grant us all a chance to break through to the Path Union realm."

"Alas, hearts were not united. Each harbored their own schemes. Coupled with the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's plans being thwarted by you, sir, the entire endeavor ultimately came to naught."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this. The strategy of the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance had indeed been sound in principle.

Should their plan succeed, they would be able to directly confront Blazing Center Supreme [a supreme being of immense power], granting each of them an opportunity to break through to the Path Union Supreme [the supreme realm where one's path merges with the fundamental laws of existence].

Alas, the greatest flaw in this grand design lay in the question of trustworthiness.

What if one among them achieved the Path Union Supreme first, aspiring to become a second Blazing Center Supreme, or worse, allied with the Blazing Central Lineage [a powerful and ancient faction]? How would the others possibly contend?

Initially, they had maintained a fragile unity, bound by their pact and the oppressive might of the Blazing Center Supreme.

However, the sudden exposure of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a terrifying demonic sovereign from beyond their known realms] sent a collective chill of dread down their spines.

Before even ascending to the Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign ruler of celestial domains] realm, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor had been capable of devouring an Solar Divine Sovereign [a divine ruler embodying solar power] still in its nascent state. If he were to break through to the Path Union Supreme Realm, would he then possess the power to consume a Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator on the cusp of the Path Union realm]?

If the Outer Realm Demon Emperor could accomplish this, and by devouring all Heavenly Emperor and Half-Step Path Union cultivators, transform his Devouring Great Path [a supreme art of consumption] into the Chaos Limitless Great Path [a legendary ability of boundless chaos], seizing the chance to assault the Limitless Sovereign Realm [the ultimate realm of boundless sovereignty]...

...would he not do so?

The Half-Step Path Union powerhouses of the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance [an alliance of powers from a hundred domains] searched their hearts and arrived at a terrifyingly clear conclusion.

It was glaringly obvious. The Outer Realm Demon Emperor would undoubtedly pursue this course. In his place, any one of them would likely do the same.

The Devouring Great Path [a cultivation art that allows the user to devour the essence of other Great Paths] is utterly terrifying. Once one breaks through to a certain realm, it is highly likely that other Primordial Chaos Great Path [the fundamental laws governing primordial chaos] would become the nourishment for their advancement.

Even if the probability is merely one percent, not a single person within the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance [an alliance of one hundred domains united by their cultivation paths] dares to take that gamble.

With the precedent set by the Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a demonic sovereign from beyond the known realms], the powerful figures of the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance harbor immense uncertainty regarding the alliance's continued existence.

Due to a profound lack of trust, even if someone were to truly break through to the Path Union Realm [the realm where one's cultivation path merges with the fundamental laws], should they become a second Blazing Center Supreme [the supreme sovereign of the Blazing Center], it would spell disaster for all.

A single Blazing Center Supreme alone has already prevented the various Half-Step Path Union [cultivators on the cusp of merging their path with the fundamental laws] across the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [the one hundred domains centered around the Blazing Center] from achieving their breakthrough. If a new Blazing Center Supreme were to emerge, we would all likely be reduced to homeless strays.

"Within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains, the major powers are intricately and complexly intertwined,"

"Many of us Half-Step Path Union harbor deep-seated enmities towards one another. It is only the pressure from the Blazing Central Lineage [the dominant lineage ruling from the Blazing Center] that has forced us into this alliance."

"Yet, given the current situation, it seems this favorable state of affairs will be difficult to maintain."

The Violet Firmament Immortal Sage [an immortal sage of the violet firmament] spoke with a measured tone, a bitter smile touching his lips.

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] furrowed his brow slightly. After a moment of contemplation, he inquired, "If the hearts within the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance are not united, why then do you seek to draw me into its fold?"

"You are different."

Violet Firmament Immortal Sage [a supremely powerful and ancient immortal being] shook his head and then spoke: "I have investigated you and found that your character has always been noble and pure. You have repeatedly aided old friends and have never used your power to suppress juniors."

"Panhuang Heavenly Emperor [a legendary emperor from ancient times], Indestructibility Heavenly Emperor [an emperor whose name signifies unyielding endurance], Primordial Mire Path Master [a master of profound and obscure cultivation arts], and others—they all received your grace and were thus able to achieve the Dao [to attain the highest state of cultivation and enlightenment]."

"Most crucially, in a moment of dire peril, you did not flee. Instead, you faced death head-on to confront the Blade of Oblivion [a legendary weapon of ultimate destruction], accomplishing that feat which can be called a miracle—the Major Limit-Breaker [a legendary and nearly impossible breakthrough in cultivation]."

Speaking to this point, Violet Firmament Immortal Sage's eyes shone with a light that held a trace of genuine admiration.

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] could not help but slightly furrow his brow. He then spoke: "I thank you, Fellow Daoist [a respectful term cultivators use for each other], for your regard. However, I have no taste for political intrigue and scheming. Let us set aside the matter of joining the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance [a powerful coalition of cultivators from many realms]."

Violet Firmament Immortal Sage immediately grew anxious. He reached out and grasped Eldrin Chen's sleeve, saying, "Fellow Daoist, do not be so quick to refuse. Once our plan succeeds, I can personally recommend you to be the first to break through to the Path Union [a legendary and supremely powerful cultivation realm]."

"Oh?"

A flicker of interest passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes. He then asked, "Is this your personal opinion, Fellow Daoist, or the collective will of the entire Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance?"

Violet Firmament Immortal Sage's expression instantly turned somewhat awkward. With firm resolve, he declared, "For the present, it is merely this old man's solitary idea."

"However, Fellow Daoist, rest assured, this old man is certain he can persuade the other fellow cultivators."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke up, saying, "Fellow Daoist, there is no need to expend further effort on this matter. Let us simply abandon it."

Compared to the method proposed by Violet Firmament Immortal Sage, Eldrin Chen already had his own plans for breaking through to the Path Union [the profound realm where one's cultivated path merges with the Heavenly Dao]. Thus, he was not particularly interested in the affairs of the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance.

After all, the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance was a gathering of disparate minds, each harboring their own schemes. Rather than seeking cooperation for a breakthrough, Eldrin Chen feared a treacherous strike at the most critical moment of his ascension more.