Chapter 2126 : Convergence at the Desolate Heaven Hall

After rendezvousing with Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the primordial genesis path], Eldrin Chen exchanged greetings with Path Ancestor Taihu [the path ancestor of the grand pot] and then proceeded into the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

Guided by the Desolate Heaven Ancient Map [an ancient chart of the desolate heavens], Eldrin Chen traversed the vast and boundless Desolation Sea [a sea of primordial desolation]. Unnoticed, he arrived beyond the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [the hundred domains at the blazing center] and finally came to a halt amidst the Desolation Sea.

Eldrin Chen looked up. Ahead, within the Chaos, an ethereal palace drifted, suspended and enshrouded by endless strands of the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the supreme path of primordial chaos].

"Is this place the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [the ancient hall of the desolate heavens]?"

"Fellow Cultivator Eldrin, you have finally arrived."

At that very moment, a voice reached his ears.

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly as he traced the sound. He saw over twenty supreme experts standing firm within the Chaos. Among them, a path master clad in violet robes was greeting him.

"Violet Firmament Immortal Sage [the immortal sage of the violet firmament], and the people of the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance [the alliance for the path union of the hundred domains]."

Recognition dawned upon Eldrin Chen as his thoughts churned. These twenty-plus individuals were all Half-Step Path Union [cultivators who have half-stepped into the path union realm] from the Blazing Central Hundred Domains. Clearly, they had all come seeking the opportunity for a complete Path Union [the union with the great path] breakthrough.

With this understanding, Eldrin Chen strode forward and calmly exchanged formal salutes with the gathered Half-Step Path Union experts.

As Eldrin Chen approached, the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage smiled and said, "I specifically invited Fellow Cultivator Eldrin here this time so that we might watch each other's backs."

"With Fellow Cultivator Eldrin's assistance, I believe our journey will be greatly fruitful."

As the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage explained in detail, Eldrin Chen quickly grasped his meaning.

According to the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage's plan, they would join forces with Eldrin Chen to venture into the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall. However, the others present did not seem entirely convinced.

The Master of the Nine Dragons' Nest shook his head and spoke, "We knew Fellow Cultivator Eldrin was coming, but we did not expect him to bring so many with him."

"With such formidable strength at his command, Fellow Cultivator Eldrin likely has no need for our aid."

As he spoke, the group glanced at Eldrin Chen, then swept their gazes over the numerous Emperors of the Chen Clan standing behind him, their expressions turning inscrutable.

As denizens of the Blazing Central Hundred Domains, they were well aware that Eldrin Chen's lineage had recently produced several new Heavenly Emperors. They simply hadn't anticipated that Eldrin Chen would bring all of these Heavenly Emperors along.

After all, the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall was a perilous place. Without strength at the Half-Step Path Union level, one simply lacked the power to ensure their own survival within it.

In their eyes, these members of the Chen Clan were all Newly Ascended Heavenly Emperors, their strength likely capped at that very level.

Bringing so many Newly Ascended Heavenly Emperor [a cultivator who has recently broken through to the Heavenly Emperor realm] along would likely not provide significant assistance. On the contrary, it would become a considerable burden, holding them back.

From the perspective of the various Half-Step Path Union [cultivators who have reached the threshold of the Path Union realm but not fully consolidated it] within the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance [an alliance of cultivators from across a hundred domains], cooperating with Eldrin Chen was simply not a worthwhile proposition.

In their view, with the Chen Clan members lacking sufficient strength, they would be more of a hindrance than a help—dead weight, in fact.

Yet, when it came time to divide the spoils, they would still demand a share.

Opportunities at the Path Union [a profound cultivation realm focused on unifying one's chosen Path] level were inherently scarce. With over twenty of them already vying for a piece, how could they possibly be willing to share with Eldrin Chen as well?

Therefore, the Immortal Phoenix Empress offered a faint smile and spoke, "If the two Path Ancestors, Primordial Genesis [the Dao title meaning 'Origin of All Beginnings'] and Returning Abyss [the Dao title meaning 'The Abyss of Return'], were willing to cooperate with us alone, we could certainly support each other on this journey."

"That won't be necessary."

Eldrin Chen immediately shook his head, declining the Immortal Phoenix Empress's well-intentioned offer.

The thought was almost laughable. The Chen Clan Lineage [the direct lineage and forces of the Chen Clan] was now at the peak of its power. With ten Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a cultivator who has mastered a Heavenly Dao] joining forces, their combined might was in no way inferior to that of these twenty-plus Half-Step Path Union. Only a fool would seek cooperation under such circumstances.

"A pity."

Seeing this, Violet Firmament Immortal Sage [a powerful immortal sage] could not help but reveal a look of helplessness.

He said no more, merely cupping his hands in a respectful salute towards Eldrin Chen before speaking. "Fellow Daoist, on this journey, you must be especially cautious of the Blazing Central Lineage [a powerful and influential faction within the Blazing Central region]."

"I understand."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod. Leading his companions away from their current position, he then turned his gaze towards this expanse of Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all things originate].

Within the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the infinite, primordial void], aside from the heroes of the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance [a grand alliance of cultivators from a hundred domains], there were also a great many powerful experts hailing from other ancient domains.

These experts were largely divided into three distinct positions, seemingly originating from three different territories. Each position was occupied by several dozen Half-Step Path Union [cultivators who have taken the first half-step towards the legendary Path Union realm].

Seeing this, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [an ancient and venerable master of the Dao] began explaining to Eldrin Chen, "Surrounding the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [a vast territory of one hundred domains centered on the Blazing Central region], there are three other Chaos Domain [vast territories within the primordial Chaos] that possess forces led by Supreme [a title denoting the highest level of mastery] beings."

"They are respectively: the 'Verdant Sun Hundred Domains' [a territory of one hundred domains under the dominion of the Verdant Sun], the 'Azure Fall Sword Domain' [a domain renowned for its swordsmanship and falling like azure leaves], and the 'Azure Mystery Path Domain' [a domain shrouded in the mysteries of the azure path]."

As the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spoke in detail, Eldrin Chen gradually came to understand the formidable nature of these three territories.

Among these three great territories, the Verdant Sun Hundred Domains was very similar to the Blazing Central Hundred Domains, their sizes also being nearly identical.

This territory once belonged to the lineage of the Profound Heaven Supreme, and is now governed by the Verdant Sun Supreme.

However, the Verdant Sun Supreme has only attained the Path Union Supreme realm for eight hundred thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], making their overall strength slightly inferior to that of the Blazing Central Hundred Domains.

The Azure Fall Sword Domain, on the other hand, was founded by a female Path Union Supreme. Legend has it she cultivated three distinct Primordial Chaos Great Path: the Azure Firmament, the Yellow Springs, and the Sword Path.

Furthermore, she fused these three Great Path into one, ultimately forging the Azure Descent Sword Path.

The Azure Descent Sword Path is one of the supreme Supreme Great Path, possessing a lethality that can pierce the highest heavens and descend to the deepest netherworld.

It is precisely because of this that the strength of the Azure Fall Sword Supreme surpasses even that of the Blazing Center Supreme.

Finally, the Azure Mystery Path Domain practices the methods of the Immortal Path. It is said to have risen to prominence several million Kalpa Tribulation ago, and this lineage boasts two Path Union Supreme.

Mentioning the Azure Mystery Path Domain, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor suddenly spoke, "I once heard within the Seven Domains Alliance that this Azure Mystery Path Domain seems to possess an exceedingly profound background."

"Legends say this lineage has an extraordinary origin, with a backer suspected to be at the Half-Step Limitless Realm."

"The Azure Mystery Path Domain, with a Half-Step Limitless Realm as its patron?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered with a subtle light, a vague sense of familiarity stirring within him.

In ancient times, the chief disciple of the Nameless Path Ancestor was named 'Cang' [Vast Azure], and his Dao Companion held the revered title 'Xuan' [Profound Mystery]; she too was a Peerless Supreme who had reached the half-step Limitless Realm.

This Azure Mystery Path Domain bears the names 'Azure' and 'Mystery'. Could it be connected in some way to 'Cang' and 'Xuan'?

Unfortunately, during this opening of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, the two Supreme beings from the Azure Mystery Path Domain did not attend. Otherwise, Eldrin Chen might have been able to deduce their origins.

"BOOM—"

Just as these thoughts drifted through Eldrin Chen's mind, another series of thunderous roars erupted from within the Chaos.

Eldrin Chen turned to look. A war chariot tore through the void, and a figure clad in golden imperial robes stood majestically in the air. Behind him followed seven Chaos Heavenly Emperor of formidable cultivation.

"Blazing Center Supreme,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a slight frown creasing his brow.

Witnessing this spectacle, the assembled crowd could not help but feel a wave of astonishment.

Generally speaking, Path Union Supreme [the highest echelon of cultivators who have unified their cultivation path] rarely attend the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient and prestigious assembly hall]. Yet this time, Blazing Center Supreme [a Supreme cultivator whose title signifies a blazing core of power] not only came in person but also brought eight powerful figures at the Half-Step Path Union Realm [a realm just shy of achieving full Path Union]. This far exceeded Eldrin Chen's expectations.

"Wait, eight Half-Step Path Union [cultivators at the Half-Step Path Union Realm]."

Eldrin Chen's heart gave a jolt. His gaze swept over the assembly, and among those eight Half-Step Path Union [figures], aside from familiar presences like Panji Heavenly Emperor, he spotted three unfamiliar figures.

These three individuals exuded exceptionally powerful auras, yet each carried a faint, familiar resonance that Eldrin Chen could sense.

"Profound Darkness True Water, Primordial One Ancient Metal, Great Path of Life."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, instantly recognizing three distinct and familiar energies emanating from within the trio.

So, these three were all Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors who have mastered the chaotic primordial energies] who also cultivated the Limitless Great Path [a profound cultivation art representing boundless potential]. Furthermore, they were Great Path Rival [fated rivals on the same cultivation path] to Eldrin Chen.

"Great Path Rival [a destined competitor on the same cultivation journey]."

Eldrin Chen whispered the term again, a slight frown creasing his brow.

The Limitless Great Path [a cultivation art of infinite potential] held boundless promise. If cultivated as one's primary Great Path [core cultivation art], it could even offer a sliver of hope to one day tread the Chaos Limitless Great Path [a legendary divine ability born from chaos and boundlessness]. Typically, only those with supremely lofty ambitions would dare to cultivate it as a secondary art.

However, the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] is vast and boundless, and the Great Paths [the fundamental laws and principles of cultivation] are nearly innumerable. Finding Path Union Supremes [cultivators who have unified their cultivation path with the fundamental laws of the universe] who cultivate the same Great Path is an exceedingly difficult task.

That Blazing Center Supreme [a title for a supreme cultivator associated with blazing central power] managed to gather three Half-Step Path Union [cultivators on the cusp of fully unifying their path with the universe's laws] at once is a testament to his truly extraordinary methods and connections.

"The connections and means of a Path Union Supreme are indeed beyond the ordinary,"

"It seems we are in for trouble this time."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a shadow of solemnity crossing his features.

Witnessing this, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [an ancient master of the path of primordial creation] nearby spoke up, "Within the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [the Ancient Hall of the Desolate Heavens], the void will be sealed."

"Turning back now might still be possible."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, sighing. "The arrow is already nocked on the bowstring; it must be released."

"I observe that Panji Heavenly Emperor's cultivation is on the verge of a breakthrough. He may very well seize this opportunity to step into the Path Union Realm [the realm of unifying one's path with the cosmos]."

"If we fail to seize this opportunity for advancement, and their lineage rises with two Supremes [titles for the highest echelon of cultivators], the situation for us in the days to come will likely grow increasingly dire."

Seeing this, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the Primordial Genesis cultivation path] could not help but sigh softly.

Once Panji Heavenly Emperor [the Heavenly Emperor Panji] breaks through to the Path Union Realm [the realm where one's cultivation path merges with the fundamental laws of the cosmos], the Blazing Central Lineage [the powerful faction known as the Blazing Central Lineage] will undoubtedly move to blockade and suppress them, completely severing their access to resources.

Even the most skilled housewife cannot cook without rice. Without resources, even with a Space-Time [the fabric of space and time] flow accelerated three hundredfold, the progress of their cultivation will inevitably become excruciatingly slow.

"Do not dwell on it," Eldrin Chen said, offering comfort. "The situation within the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [the Ancient Hall of Desolate Heaven] is intricate and complex. It is not impossible for us to find an opportunity within to turn the tables and secure victory."

Thus consoling them, Eldrin Chen led the group towards the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse of Chaos].

It was at this very moment that the Blazing Center Supreme [the supreme being of the Blazing Center lineage] cast his gaze their way. His eyes swept over Eldrin Chen, and a cold, mocking light flickered deep within his pupils.

He did not utter a word, yet the killing intent in his eyes was unmistakable and absolute.

"*Clang—*"

Simultaneously, a deafening chorus of sword cries erupted from within the Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse of Chaos].

A single emerald-green sword radiance shot forth from the Depths of Chaos. It blazed with a jade-green light that illuminated the Chaos, becoming the sole, dominant hue between heaven and earth.

Eldrin Chen looked up, his gaze piercing through the dazzling sword light to discern a figure of peerless elegance and grace standing majestically in the air.

"The Primordial Chaos Azure Descent Sword Path... it's that Azure Fall Supreme [a supreme title for a master of the sword path]."

The Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [an ancient and revered title for a progenitor of cultivation paths] spoke, his tone carrying a distinct weight. "I never imagined she would participate in the opportunity presented by this Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient and mysterious hall of profound significance]."

Eldrin Chen offered no reply, his attention instead drawn to a figure standing behind the Azure Fall Supreme.

For he noticed that beside that supreme master stood a handsome youth cloaked in black robes.

"It's him."

A slight tremor passed through Eldrin Chen's heart, followed by a flicker of astonishment.

Beside him, Ethan Chen's face was a mask of shock. He couldn't help but send a mental message to Eldrin Chen, saying, "That looks like Uncle Kael... how could he possibly..."

Eldrin Chen stopped Ethan Chen from continuing. Instead, he fixed his gaze on Kael Chen, a complex emotion surfacing in his eyes.

For he sensed that within Kael Chen's body flowed a strange and indescribable power of the Great Path [a fundamental and supreme cultivation principle]. This Great Path power was overwhelmingly domineering, brimming with a force that seemed capable of corroding and consuming all things.

"The Great Path of Desolation."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then spoke with a touch of emotion, "He fell into the Chaos Desolation Sea [a perilous sea of chaotic desolation energy]. I had thought he was long ago completely eroded by the Desolation Power [the corrupting essence of desolation] and had sunk into utter oblivion."

"Yet, who could have imagined he would comprehend the Desolation Power, and in that dire extremity, cultivate the Desolation Great Path [a supreme cultivation art harnessing the power of desolation] to completion."

Exquisite Jiang also sighed with deep feeling, "To simultaneously cultivate the paths of Buddha, Dao, and Demon, and now to wield the power of the Desolation Great Path... this elder brother's talent and insight are truly not to be underestimated."

"Moreover, I have a sense that within him lies another power, hidden exceedingly deep. It seems even more terrifying than the Desolation Great Path, yet it has not fully gestated and taken form."

"Hmm."

Eldrin Chen nodded. The Desolation Great Path was, in itself, a Primordial Chaos Great Path [a supreme cultivation path originating from the primordial chaos] with boundless potential, a path that could lead directly to the Path Union [the realm of unifying one's cultivated paths] and the Supreme Realm [the pinnacle of cultivation]. It even held a sliver of possibility to reach the Chaos Limitless Sovereign [the sovereign realm of limitless chaos].

Yet, within Kael Chen's body, there seemed to be a power whose latent potential surpassed even that of the Desolation Great Path. This was truly bewildering.

"It must be an extremely powerful Innate Limitless Great Path [a supreme cultivation art born from innate limitless potential]. To possess such dreadful potential, it must have gestated at least thirty-six Great Path Divine Form [divine manifestations of a great path's power]."

Eldrin Chen thought to himself, then sent a voice transmission, "This Azure Fall Supreme [a supreme title meaning 'Azure Descent'] has remained aloof from Mortal Dust Affairs [the affairs of the mortal world] for many years. By all logic, he should not participate in the opportunities presented by the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient hall holding secrets of the desolate heavens]."

"This time she came in person, bringing only Elder Brother Kael with her. Could it be that she came specifically for Elder Brother Kael?"

Eldrin Chen's thoughts churned, and a contemplative expression settled upon his features.

At the same moment, Kael Chen, standing beside Azure Fall Supreme, seemed to sense something and turned his gaze back towards them.

Their eyes met. In that fleeting moment of exchanged glances, Kael Chen understood and averted his gaze, choosing not to acknowledge them openly.

Just then, the Chaos Desolation Sea before them trembled slightly. The protective formation of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall ahead began to open, unfurling a Path to Heaven paved with white jade.

"Whoosh—"

Without a moment's hesitation, Azure Fall Supreme transformed into a streak of emerald sword light that cleaved through the firmament, directly entering the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall with Kael Chen in tow.

Blazing Center Supreme shot a cold glance at Eldrin Chen, let out a disdainful snort, and then soared into the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

Instantly, a wave of excitement rippled through the gathered Half-Step Path Union cultivators present.

"The opportunity for Path Union [the profound union of one's cultivated path with the Heavenly Dao] lies within this very moment."

"Fellow Daoists, this old man shall take the first step."

An elderly Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator on the cusp of fully merging with their chosen Path] cupped his hands towards the assembled crowd, then was the first to stride directly into the opening.

Seeing this, the rest of the group also began ascending the steps one after another.

Watching the multitude of heroes, numerous as fish crossing a river, stream into the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, Eldrin Chen could not help but sigh. "One hundred and thirty-seven Half-Step Path Union [cultivators on the cusp of fully merging with their chosen Path]," he murmured.

"The opening of a single Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall can draw such a throng of powerful contenders."

"It seems that within the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerged], even for those of us at the Half-Step Path Union [the cusp of fully merging with a Path], taking the next step forward is as difficult as scaling the heavens."

Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [an Ancestor who has mastered the Path of Primordial Creation] also nodded, then shook his head. "The strong remain strong; this is an eternal, unchanging truth."

Eldrin Chen nodded as well, understanding the logic in Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor's words.

For within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state], the vast majority of resources were held in the hands of the mightiest.

Take the Southern Abyss Ten Domains, for instance. Over ninety-five percent of the Innate Primordial Breath [the purest, most foundational energy born from Chaos itself], including the lairs of Primordial One Tier [beings who have attained the first, foundational tier of power within Chaos] entities, were essentially divided among their group of twenty or thirty Chaos Heavenly Emperor [supreme sovereigns who rule over domains within the primordial Chaos].

The remaining several thousand Primordial One Imperial Lords could only divide a mere five percent among themselves.

For a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal seeking to ascend to Primordial One Imperial Lord, without a powerful patron, the only path truly is to risk life and limb, or else rely on the rewards bestowed by the various Heavenly Emperors and Imperial Lords.

Similarly, the resources needed for a cultivator from the Blazing Central Hundred Domains to break through to Heavenly Emperor were largely controlled by the Blazing Center Supreme and figures like Eldrin Chen, who stood at the Half-Step Path Union realm.

Yet, for those at their own Half-Step Path Union level, were not the opportunities to advance to Path Union Supreme governed by the same harsh reality?

Within the Chaos, over ninety percent of the resources vital for reaching Path Union were held by those of the Half-Step Limitless realm and above.

Of the remainder, ordinary Path Union Supremes controlled a portion. For those like them, stuck at Half-Step Path Union, obtaining such treasures depended entirely on seizing their own fate through perilous ventures and sheer grit.

The Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall opened only once every million Kalpa Tribulations. This was their greatest chance. To miss it likely meant they would not encounter another opportunity for a million Kalpa Tribulations or more.