Chapter 2128 : Chaos Genesis Unleashed

"Boom—"

On the other side, Immortal Phoenix Empress also repelled a Chaos True Dragon, but shook her head and said, "To know when to advance and when to retreat is to understand gain and loss. Although we may not obtain much Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative energy of chaos], it is still better than returning empty-handed."

"Hmph—"

Nine Dragons' Nest Master snorted coldly but said nothing more.

At that very moment, Eldrin Chen fully unleashed the Chaos Heaven Halberd, sweeping across the eight directions with boundless divine might. He instantly suppressed and slew one of the Chaos True Dragon on the spot.

Immediately, that Chaos True Dragon turned to dust and ashes, transforming into a stream of Chaos Genesis Energy which he collected into his hand.

"So swift."

A Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator who has nearly reached the union of their cultivated path with the world] witnessing this scene could not help but exclaim in astonishment.

Even Violet Firmament Immortal Sage's pupils constricted sharply. He then spoke, "To suppress and slay one of them within ten moves while besieged by three Chaos True Dragon... the strength of Returning Abyss Path Master is truly terrifying to such a degree."

At this moment, everyone present was utterly shocked.

As powerhouses of the Half-Step Path Union Realm [a realm just below the ultimate fusion of one's cultivated path], each of them was capable of single-handedly defeating a top-tier Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of a heavenly domain]. However, such a feat typically required thousands of exchanges in a fierce battle.

Even a supreme Half-Step Path Union cultivator like the Nine Dragons' Nest Master needed hundreds of moves to suppress and slay a top-tier Heavenly Emperor.

And that was under one-on-one circumstances. Now, with their numbers inferior to the Chaos True Dragon [primordial dragons born from the primal chaos], nearly every one of them was besieged by several of these beasts.

Under such conditions, resolving a single Chaos True Dragon within ten moves seemed utterly inconceivable.

Yet, Eldrin Chen's ability to vanquish a top-tier Heavenly Emperor so swiftly proved his strength far surpassed that of an ordinary Half-Step Path Union cultivator.

"Is this... the combat power of one who cultivates all five Chaos Divine Form [divine abilities embodying the fundamental forces of primal chaos]?"

The Immortal Phoenix Empress could not help but glance over, her expression revealing a trace of profound shock.

*Clang—!*

While astonishment still gripped the others, Eldrin Chen was already wreaking havoc across the battlefield.

With his current power, he held a near-overwhelming advantage against Chaos True Dragon of the top-tier Heavenly Emperor level.

For a Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified their cultivation path with the fundamental laws of the cosmos], the sheer number of Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for a powerful ruler who commands the primordial chaos] holds little significance.

Unless a powerhouse at the Half-Step Path Union [a realm denoting one who has taken the first crucial steps toward unifying their path with the cosmos] level makes a move, even hundreds of Chaos Heavenly Emperor joining forces would be picked off and defeated one by one by a Path Union Supreme.

It is precisely for this reason that the members of the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance [a grand alliance of powerful cultivators from across a hundred domains] are all existences at the Half-Step Path Union level. Those below this tier pose almost no threat to a true Path Union Supreme.

Currently, while Eldrin Chen's physical combat prowess has not yet fully ascended to the level of a Path Union Supreme, it has reached seventy to eighty percent of that supreme power.

For Eldrin Chen at this level, threats from those beneath the Half-Step Path Union realm have become largely inconsequential.

It matters not if it is three or five top-tier Heavenly Emperor [a title for a sovereign ruler of a heavenly domain]; even a dozen Chaos True Dragon [a primordial dragon born from the chaos of creation] joining forces would be dismantled one by one by Eldrin Chen, unless they were arrayed in a grand formation.

This represents an absolute, qualitative chasm—an insurmountable gulf in power.

Most crucially, Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator] cultivation has also reached the Heavenly Emperor Realm. His Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation art centered on sacrificing the self to achieve greater power] has forged thirty-six Great Path Divine Form [divine manifestations embodying the power of the Great Path], and the might of his Great Path [the fundamental, all-encompassing Dao or law of cultivation] is sufficient to allow him to challenge and strike down Heavenly Emperor across realms.

In essence, the current Eldrin Chen is a fusion of three profound foundations: the early stage of a Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor whose power is rooted in the cultivation of the soul], the early stage of a Path Mastery Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who has achieved deep mastery over their chosen cultivation path], and a physical body at the Half-Step Path Union level.

When these three foundational powers merge and are channeled into his physical form, Eldrin Chen's overall combat strength approaches the absolute limit of what is possible beneath the realm of a true Path Union Supreme.

His overall combat prowess had reached at least ninety-five percent of the level of a Path Union Supreme [a supreme cultivator who has unified their cultivation path]. It seemed he was separated from the true battle strength of a Path Union Supreme Realm by only the final, most elusive step.

"*Clang—*"

With a resonant, metallic cry, Eldrin Chen manifested the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords [a pair of divine swords embodying celestial and abyssal principles]. He then fused them into a single, incandescent white blade, which he used to pierce and slay another Chaos True Dragon [a primordial dragon born from the energies of primordial chaos].

Thus, all three of the Chaos True Dragon that had besieged Eldrin Chen were utterly vanquished by him.

Having slain these three formidable foes, Eldrin Chen gathered the Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative energy released upon the death of a Chaos True Dragon] and surveyed the battlefield once more. He noted that the number of participating Half-Step Path Union [cultivators who have half-stepped into the Path Union realm] had grown even larger.

The battlefield now swarmed with fifty or sixty Half-Step Path Union.

Without hesitation, Eldrin Chen plunged into the Central heart of the fray, beginning to seize Chaos True Dragon that others were engaged with.

His power was overwhelming, far surpassing that of ordinary Half-Step Path Union. Most of those he challenged yielded and retreated rather than face his wrath.

The great battle raged on for an immeasurable duration. By its end, Eldrin Chen had consecutively slain seventeen Chaos True Dragon, claiming seventeen portions of Chaos Genesis Energy in one breath.

"A satisfactory harvest," he remarked.

After slaying yet another Chaos True Dragon, Eldrin Chen swept his gaze across the battlefield and realized that the remaining Chaos True Dragon were now few and far between.

Meanwhile, the number of Chaos Heavenly Emperor who had descended to seize the spoils had already surpassed nearly one hundred. Most of them were embroiled in fierce contention over the Chaos True Dragon, while others had ignited battles of their own over various Chaos Spiritual Treasure.

Eldrin Chen chose not to intervene further. He had already secured eighteen portions of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative energy of chaos]; to grasp for more would risk inciting the collective wrath of the assembled powers.

After all, the gap between an ordinary Path Union Supreme and a Half-Step Path Union was not yet an insurmountable chasm.

And Eldrin Chen himself was merely approaching the threshold of the Path Union realm. Should he find himself besieged by a dozen or more Half-Step Path Union, even he would face dire consequences he could scarcely handle.

With this thought in mind, Eldrin Chen surveyed his surroundings once more. Noting that many Half-Step Path Union had begun vying for the Innate Primordial Breath [the fundamental, uncreated breath of existence], he immediately moved to assist Exquisite Jiang and the others, joining the fray to claim these energies for their own.

The Innate Primordial Breath were exceedingly plentiful, not yet precious enough to provoke all-out war among the gathered Half-Step Path Union. The rule was simple: the swiftest hand claimed the prize. Those who failed to seize one simply moved on to scour other areas.

They continued their harvest for an immeasurable span of time, until the treasures within the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool were finally exhausted. Only then did a look of profound satisfaction settle upon Eldrin Chen's features.

Gathering his companions together, Eldrin Chen finally spoke, his voice cutting through the lingering echoes of chaos. "What are your gains?"

Exquisite Jiang offered a light smile before replying. "My harvest was quite favorable. I obtained more than eight thousand strands of Innate Primordial Breath."

Gentle Deer's beautiful eyes also shone with excitement, and she couldn't help but speak up: "I also obtained seven thousand three hundred strands..."

From the brief exchanges among the group, Eldrin Chen made a quick tally and discovered that the total amount of Innate Primordial Breath [the foundational, uncreated energy that existed before the cosmos] they had collectively gathered actually exceeded ninety thousand strands.

"It seems the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool [the primordial source from which all things emerged] holds far more Innate Primordial Breath than we initially imagined."

Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [a title for a supreme cultivator who has mastered the path of primordial creation] also smiled, handing a wisp of Chaos Genesis Energy [a potent energy born from the chaos of creation] to Eldrin Chen. "The Chaos Genesis Energy I owed you from before, I shall repay it today."

This time, Eldrin Chen did not refuse. In this battle, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor had benefited from Eldrin Chen's support and had managed to slay two Chaos True Dragon [ancient, powerful dragons born from primordial chaos], acquiring two portions of Chaos Genesis Energy in the process.

Even after repaying one portion to Eldrin Chen, the remaining one would be sufficient for Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor to cultivate his third Primordial Chaos Great Path [a supreme cultivation path rooted in the laws of primordial chaos].

Now that the Immortal Domain Art [a supreme cultivation technique for shaping an immortal domain] had been refined to the Primordial Domain [the realm of primordial origin] level, and Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor had gained a measure of its authority, his breakthrough into the third Primordial Chaos Great Path was likely imminent.

Returning to the matter at hand, Eldrin Chen collected all the Innate Primordial Breath. He then surveyed their surroundings once more, noticing that the other Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler of a heavenly domain] present had not lingered and were already proceeding towards the second level of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient, mysterious hall of immense power].

"Few treasures remain on this first level. Let us ascend to the second."

With those words, Eldrin Chen was the first to step into the air, soaring on a swift Flight Escape [a mystical art for rapid aerial movement] towards the second level of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

With their cultivation realms being exceedingly high, the group did not fly for long before arriving within the second layer of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

Yet, the moment they entered the second layer, Eldrin Chen sensed several immensely powerful auras locked in a tense standoff at the location of this layer's core.

"It's Blazing Center Supreme, and Azure Fall Supreme as well," he noted.

A trace of solemnity flickered across Eldrin Chen's brow as he silently assessed the situation.

Seeing this, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor beside him spoke up. "The two Supreme likely bypassed the first layer to claim the core Desolate Heaven Medicinal Garden of this second level."

"Let us hasten there ourselves. We may yet secure a portion of the spoils."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod of agreement. He immediately led the group through the air, speeding toward the Desolate Heaven Medicinal Garden.

As they traveled, Eldrin Chen observed over a hundred immortal halls scattered across the second layer. Their imposing aura far surpassed those of the first layer, suggesting they were legacies left by top-tier Heavenly Emperor [the highest sovereigns among celestial cultivators].

Furthermore, these halls formed a super-array that interlocked with the first layer's formation. Together, they channeled vast quantities of Primordial Chaos Power [the primordial, undifferentiated energy from which all creation emerged] to nurture a single medicinal garden at the very heart of the second layer.

"The Desolate Heaven Medicinal Garden is filled with all manner of Immortal Herb [plants imbued with potent spiritual energy for crafting elixirs], and even precious Chaos Spiritual Root [roots born from chaos, containing immense foundational power] are not uncommon. It is one of the greatest opportunities within the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall."

Along the way, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the Primordial Genesis Path] spoke at length, explaining to Eldrin Chen the preciousness of the Desolate Heaven Medicinal Garden [a legendary garden of immortal herbs].

According to him, within the Desolate Heaven Medicinal Garden, there was still one Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Root [a spiritual root of middling grade born from primordial chaos].

This Spiritual Root [a plant that channels and refines spiritual energy] was named the 'Path Union Flower' [the Flower of Path Union]. This Spiritual Root would mature once every million Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration], and each time it would bloom with a single Path Union Flower.

For a Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator on the very cusp of the Path Union realm], consuming the Path Union Flower could increase their chances of a breakthrough to Path Union Supreme [the Supreme realm of Path Union] by twenty percent.

The reason Blazing Center Supreme [the Supreme of Blazing Center] and the others had proceeded directly to the second layer, foregoing the struggle for the Chaos Genesis Energy [primordial energy of creation] on the first, was precisely their fear that someone else might seize the Path Union Flower before them.

"We are here."

Amidst their brief exchange, they arrived, almost without noticing, at the periphery of the Desolate Heaven Medicinal Garden.

As Eldrin Chen alighted on the garden's outer edge, he immediately beheld a vast expanse teeming with all manner of Immortal Herb [plants imbued with immortal properties].

And at the very heart of this Immortal Herb Garden [garden of immortal herbs], a dazzling, extraordinary flower was on the verge of blooming. On either side of this wondrous bloom, two figures stood locked in a tense confrontation.

"Blazing Center Supreme, Azure Fall Supreme."

"It seems this Path Union Flower has not yet fully matured and taken form."

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered slightly, then settled upon that Path Union Flower. A faint ripple of emotion stirred within his eyes.

Seeing this, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor nearby nodded and said, "The Path Union Flower matures once every million Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles]. The seeds left behind after harvesting can continue to nurture a new Path Union Flower."

"The Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall has opened thirteen times to date. By that count, this particular Path Union Flower has already borne fruit thirteen times."

Upon hearing this, the hearts of all present could not help but tremble with astonishment.

Worthy Pursuit Chen was taken aback and could not resist asking, "But can't a Chaos Spiritual Root [a primordial-grade spiritual plant] only mature nine times?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head, however, and explained, "The limitation on the number of times a Chaos Spiritual Root can bear fruit is primarily due to a lack of Great Path Origin [the foundational essence of the Great Dao]."

"If its foundational essence is replenished, this limitation can naturally be circumvented."

"The Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall possesses abundant foundational essence. The Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool continuously generates Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy of creation] and foundational essence, much of which is channeled into the herb garden. This Path Union Flower would certainly not lack for such essence."

Worthy Pursuit Chen nodded in understanding before speaking again. "If that is so, then with sufficient foundational essence, the Great Wasteland Ancient Tree should also be able to continue producing Great Wasteland Sacred Fruit, should it not?"

"Indeed," Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] nodded, yet shook his head. "Unless we too can establish such a transcendent domain, and expend Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all things are born] to replenish its foundational essence, I fear it will be exceedingly difficult."

As these words fell, another disturbance arose upon the Heavenly Vault [the celestial dome of the sky]. That Path Union Flower [a legendary herb whose bloom signifies the convergence of cosmic paths] finally underwent its transformation, radiating a light of unparalleled, majestic beauty.

The tightly furled petals, long awaiting their moment, began to unfurl.

"The Path Union Flower... it has ripened..."

The assembled experts spoke, their faces instantly alight with wild, unrestrained joy.

In that very instant, Blazing Center Supreme [a Supreme Being whose title signifies mastery over a central, blazing power] was the first to move. He summoned a golden-flame wheel and soared into the air, its power descending with crushing force towards the Path Union Flower.

"Blazing Center, this treasure is destined for me!"

From another direction, Azure Fall Supreme [a Supreme Being whose title signifies mastery over a descending azure power] snorted coldly. In a flash, he mounted a jade-green Immortal Sword [a divine blade wielded by immortal beings] and shot skyward, its edge cleaving directly towards Blazing Center Supreme.

The face of Blazing Center Supreme turned icy. He immediately poured his full power into controlling the golden-flame wheel to block, clashing with Azure Fall Supreme in a battle that shook the very heavens.

"The Blazing Central Wheel, the Azure Descent Heaven Sword."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of apprehension crossing his features.

Both the Blazing Central Wheel and the Azure Descent Heaven Sword were Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [powerful artifacts forged from primordial chaos essence] of immense and terrifying power.

Furthermore, the combat prowess displayed by both Blazing Center Supreme and Azure Fall Supreme seemed to have transcended the realm of ordinary Supreme [a title denoting a cultivator who has reached the pinnacle of a cultivation path].

Given Eldrin Chen's current strength, facing either of them alone would likely offer not the slightest chance of victory.

"BOOM—"

The clash between the two Supreme unleashed divine might of the utmost extremity within mere moments.

Overall, Azure Fall Supreme held the upper hand. His unrestrained Azure Descent Sword Path [a sword art that descends from the heavens like azure judgment] severed all in its path, forcing Blazing Center Supreme into a steady retreat.

Seeing he was no match for Azure Fall Supreme, Blazing Center Supreme could no longer hold back. "Panji! Seven Extremities! Aid me at once!" he shouted.

At his command, the eight Half-Step Path Union [cultivators on the cusp of unifying their cultivation path with the Heavenly Dao] under his banner soared into the sky, converging to besiege Azure Fall Supreme.

Faced with the assault of so many powerful foes, Azure Fall Supreme remained utterly unmoved. A cold sneer curled his lips as he spoke, "A swarm of ants. What is there to fear, even if they join forces?"

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

As his words fell, Azure Fall Supreme [a title for a supreme cultivator] made his move once more. He summoned a deep yellow Immortal Sword [a divine-grade sword wielded by immortals] into the air, which then cleaved down towards the group with immense force.

Compared to the ethereal clarity of the Azure Descent Heaven Sword, the radiance of this Immortal Sword was turbid and profound, possessing a boundless, heavy, and profound power.

"The Nether River Ancient Sword [an ancient sword imbued with the power of the underworld river]."

Blazing Center Supreme spoke, his expression turning one of extreme gravity.

This Nether River Ancient Sword was also a Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a mid-tier treasure born from primordial chaos]. When paired with the Azure Descent Heaven Sword, it could unleash the Immortal-Slaying God-Slaying [a technique capable of slaying both immortals and gods] technique's devastating might.

As the saying goes, "Search the azure heavens above and the yellow springs below, yet both realms remain unseen." This pair of Immortal Sword possessed irresistible power. When united, they held the potency to sever even a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the indestructible spiritual core of a supreme being].

Even a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme emperor born from primordial chaos], renowned for his Indestructibility [the state of being unbreakable and eternal], if slain by the combined force of these Immortal Sword, would fall into a slumber bordering on eternity, requiring over a million Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth] to awaken once more.

After that initial clash, the expressions of Blazing Center Supreme and the others turned solemn. They immediately unleashed their full power, engaging Azure Fall Supreme in a battle of ultimate extremes.

"Now!"

At precisely this moment, many Half-Step Path Union cultivators [cultivators who have reached the peak of the Primordial Spirit realm and are on the cusp of the Path Union realm] felt their hearts stir. They immediately surged toward the center of the battlefield Central.

All of them rushed toward the Path Union Flower [a legendary spiritual herb said to contain the profound mysteries of the Path Union realm, capable of aiding a breakthrough], clearly intending to seize it and grasp a sliver of opportunity to break through to the Path Union realm [a profound cultivation stage where one's chosen Path or Dao begins to unify with the laws of heaven and earth].

"Courting death!"

Almost instantly, Blazing Center Supreme and Azure Fall Supreme ceased their duel with unspoken understanding.

They struck out in that same instant, unleashing world-shaking techniques that swept across the eight directions. In a flash, they shattered two Half-Step Path Union cultivators into pieces, their very Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a high-level cultivator] utterly disintegrating into the void.