Chapter 2129 : Supremes' Ruthless Decree

In a single Ksana-time [an infinitesimal unit of time from Buddhist cosmology, less than a second], the expressions of the assembled heroes shifted dramatically, their faces paling with shock as they whirled around in retreat.

The utterly ruthless methods displayed by the two Supreme truly surpassed the expectations of everyone present, instilling a profound sense of dread in the hearts of the gathered heroes.

Eldrin Chen also stood firm atop the Heavenly Vault, remaining silent in contemplation for a long moment before ultimately deciding not to act.

Neither Blazing Center Supreme nor Azure Fall Supreme were newly ascended Supreme; among their peers, they were considered established and formidable veterans.

With his current strength, even if he revealed all his hidden cards, he might barely qualify to contend with them, yet he would likely find himself at an absolute disadvantage.

Most crucially, with so many predatory eyes watching, even exposing his trump cards offered little hope of securing the Path Union Flower. Instead, it would only paint a target on his back, making him the focus of all hostility.

"All of you."

Having annihilated two powerful experts with a single move, Blazing Center Supreme swept his gaze across the surroundings and spoke with chilling calm. "The Path Union Flower is mine by necessity. Abandon any further thoughts of claiming it."

"Hmph—"

Azure Fall Supreme did not utter a word, yet his sharp, sweeping glare was enough to send the surrounding Heavenly Emperor scattering in all directions, their courage failing them.

The Heavenly Emperors present all harbored profound reluctance in their hearts. Most of these Half-Step Path Union cultivators had come to the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall precisely for the Path Union Flower.

This Path Union Flower was one of the greatest opportunities within the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall. In previous openings of the hall, Supremes rarely attended, so the contest was typically among these Half-Step Path Union cultivators themselves.

The most recent cultivator to break through to the Path Union Realm, the Verdant Sun Supreme, had succeeded precisely by seizing the Path Union Flower over a million Kalpa Tribulations ago.

But this time, two Path Union Supremes had arrived at once, drastically diminishing their hopes of obtaining the Path Union Flower. Naturally, their hearts were filled with immense frustration.

"Damnation!"

Nine Dragons' Nest Master and the others tightened their grips on their weapons. A surge of overwhelming battle intent flickered in their pupils, only to slowly fade away.

With nearly a hundred Half-Step Path Union cultivators present, joining forces could indeed allow them to contend with or even suppress the two Supremes.

But there was only a single Path Union Flower. How could such a prize possibly unite them?

It was at this moment that the Panji Heavenly Emperor standing beside the Blazing Center Supreme spoke. "Fellow Daoists, while there is but one Path Union Flower, there remain many other precious Earth Immortal-grade Spirit Fruits here."

"Withdraw now, and you may still have a chance to acquire other Immortal Herbs and Spirit Fruits."

As the words of Panji Heavenly Emperor fell, the expressions of those present shifted subtly.

Within this Immortal Herb Garden, there were indeed many Immortal Herb and Rare Treasure. Although Panji Heavenly Emperor and the others who arrived first had already gathered a significant portion, a vast quantity still remained.

With this thought, a dozen or so figures immediately took to the air, scattering in all directions to collect Immortal Artifact and Spirit Herb.

The other Heavenly Emperors present could not help but change their expressions upon hearing this. They recognized it as a divisive tactic by Panji Heavenly Emperor, yet the desire to continue the struggle faded.

For there was only one Path Union Flower [a legendary herb said to aid in the profound unification of one's cultivation path], and two Supreme-rank powers were already vying for it, making their own chances of success slim.

In contrast, Immortal Herbs and Rare Treasures were plentiful. If they wasted time here and allowed others to get ahead, there would be none left for them.

With this realization, the various Heavenly Emperors soared into the air, scattering across the Immortal Herb Garden.

"Let us go as well."

Eldrin Chen did not hesitate either, immediately abandoning the fight for that single Path Union Flower.

For they were still far from the Path Union Realm [a legendary cultivation stage representing the ultimate unification of one's Dao]. Their most urgent task now was to swiftly gather cultivation resources.

It must be admitted that within the Immortal Herb Garden [a legendary garden cultivating plants of immense spiritual value], the various Rare Treasures [objects of extraordinary power and rarity] and Immortal Herbs [plants imbued with potent spiritual energy for cultivation] were nearly countless.

The grades of these Immortal Herbs varied greatly. Even the lowest-ranked among them were at the Great Encompassing [a profound cultivation stage representing mastery over vast cosmic principles] level, and there was no shortage of supreme specimens at the Primordial One [pertaining to the primordial, foundational energies of creation] or even the elusive Chaos Tier [the highest tier, associated with the primordial chaos before creation].

The group continued their relentless search through the Immortal Herb Garden, discovering that Great Encompassing Immortal Herbs grew in patches like common weeds here, and Primordial One Immortal Herbs also flourished in dense clusters.

After merely a short while of gathering, Eldrin Chen had harvested several thousand stalks of Great Encompassing Immortal Herbs, and even divine herbs at the level of Primordial One Marvels [marvelously potent spiritual objects containing primordial essence].

Without pausing in his search, Eldrin Chen soon arrived at a particular herb plot. To his surprise, this plot was eerily silent and dead, containing only a grove of withered ancient trees.

"These are..."

Gazing at these ancient trees, Eldrin Chen couldn't help but pause in slight astonishment.

Beside him, Exquisite Jiang furrowed her brow slightly and spoke, "A grove of Human Soul Sacred Trees [one of the Three Souls Ancient Trees, sacred for its profound benefits to a cultivator's Life Soul]. A pity they have withered."

Hearing this, everyone present sighed softly. The Human Soul Sacred Tree was one of the Three Souls Ancient Trees [a trio of mythical trees each corresponding to and nourishing one of the three fundamental souls of a being], also known as the 'Life Soul Ancient Tree [the Ancient Tree of the Life Soul, one of the three core souls]' or the 'Spirit Soul Sacred Tree [the Sacred Tree of the Spirit Soul]'.

This tree possessed profound and peerless mysteries, offering immense benefits to a cultivator's Life Soul [one of the three fundamental souls, representing vitality and life force], and was considered the foremost among the Three Souls Ancient Trees.

It is a pity that ever since the destruction of the Three Souls Ancient Trees [ancient trees representing the three aspects of the soul], the Human Soul [the spiritual essence of a human being] Ancient Trees have also been cursed, leading to their complete extinction within the Mortal Realm [the plane of existence inhabited by mortal beings].

The lineage of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient and powerful sect] once cultivated vast quantities of Human Soul [the spiritual essence of a human being] Ancient Trees here. Who could have imagined that even these have now withered and died completely.

"Not even such a supernal grand formation could protect the Human Soul Sacred Tree [a sacred tree linked to the essence of the human soul]?"

Eldrin Chen pondered silently. With a flick of his sleeve, he drew forth a single seed from among these withered Human Soul [the spiritual essence of a human being] Ancient Trees.

This seed was the most well-preserved of them all, yet its vitality had been utterly extinguished, leaving not a sliver of possibility for it to be planted and take root.

"If my Great Path of Life [the supreme Dao of Life and Creation] were to reach the Realm of Chaos [the primordial realm of undifferentiated potential], could it revive this seed completely?"

Such thoughts drifted through Eldrin Chen's mind. Nevertheless, he stored the seed away.

Having done this, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate for a moment. He turned and strode deeper into the medicinal garden.

In the time that followed, they continued to explore the garden, acquiring a great many divine herbs of the Immortal Artifact [a treasure of immortal grade] level.

Among them were more than seventy divine herbs at the Chaos Rare Treasure [a rare treasure born from primordial chaos] level, and as many as thirteen Immortal Herb [a herb of immortal grade] Spirit Fruit [a fruit brimming with spiritual energy] at the even higher Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure born from primordial chaos] level.

"With these rare immortal elixirs and divine herbs, my Primordial Spirit [the highest spiritual cultivation stage before ascension] cultivation and spiritual power should see some advancement."

As this thought crossed Eldrin Chen's mind, he suddenly sensed a surge of overwhelming Celestial Slaughter [a legendary herb of immense spiritual potency] aura emanating from the void. He raised his head to gaze into the depths of the empty space.

There, at the Central part of the herb garden, the two Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a cultivator of immense power] had finally determined a victor. The Azure Fall Supreme [a title meaning 'Supreme One of the Azure Descent'] had parried and sent Blazing Center Supreme [a title meaning 'Supreme One of the Blazing Center'] flying with a single sword thrust, finally seizing the Path Union Flower [a legendary flower said to aid in merging cultivation paths].

Immediately after, she took Kael Chen and broke away from the crowd, charging into the third level of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient and perilous ruin].

"Let's go. We should proceed to the next level as well."

Without a moment's hesitation, Eldrin Chen led his companions in a charge towards the third level.

Many other Heavenly Emperor [supreme cultivators] did the same, streaming towards the third level of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

After repeated raids over the ages, the treasures on the second level were now scarce. Even the Immortal Herb Garden [a garden cultivating rare spiritual plants], which they had just plundered, could no longer stir their hearts.

Rather than waste time here, it was better to explore the more precious resources on the third level.

Thus, Eldrin Chen led his group, continuously shattering the void as they traveled. Before long, they arrived at the third level of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall.

The moment he stepped into the third layer, Eldrin Chen immediately sensed the extraordinary nature of this place.

The number of immortal halls in the third layer was not great, totaling merely over forty.

This showed that within the lineage of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, cultivators at the Half-Step Path Union realm were considered core combat strength.

These ancient halls spanned across the boundless Void Heaven, forming a super formation that suppressed the four directions. At the very center of these halls lay a majestic Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein [a supreme spiritual energy source born from the primordial chaos].

That Primordial Chaos Ancestral Vein was awe-inspiringly majestic, resembling a nine-aperture Chaos Lair [a lair formed from chaotic energies] occupied and coiled by countless Chaos True Dragons [primordial dragons born from chaos].

"A Nine Chaos Dragons Nest,"

Seeing this, Nyssa Qu's brow twitched slightly, and she couldn't help but reveal a look of surprise.

Eldrin Chen, however, shook his head. With his discerning eye, he naturally saw something unusual and spoke, "This is not a Nine Chaos Dragons Nest, but a Primordial Chaos Nine Dragons' Immortal Gold Vein [a supreme ore vein formed from nine chaotic lairs and immortal gold]."

"If my deduction is correct, this is a supreme Creation [the act of bringing something into existence] treasure land forged by Desolation Heaven Supreme [a title for a supreme being] using nine Chaos Lairs and nine source mines of Chaos Immortal Gold [a precious metal born from chaos]."

Sure enough, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [a title for an ancestor who comprehended the path of primordial genesis] nodded upon hearing this and said, "This Nine Chaos Dragons Vein was indeed artificially crafted."

As Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the Primordial Genesis Path] narrated the tale, the assembly swiftly grasped the origins of the Nine Chaos Dragons Vein [a legendary mineral vein said to be formed from the essence of nine primordial chaos dragons].

It turned out that in ancient times, when the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [the Ancient Hall of Desolate Heaven] was constructed, the entire structure was divided into six layers precisely to nurture various resources.

The first layer was the Primordial Chaos Ancestral Pool [the Ancestral Pool of Primordial Chaos], serving as the power source for the entire Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall and the birthplace of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs].

However, the treasures transformed from the Sea of Chaos Water [the primordial waters of chaos] were not limited to just Chaos Genesis Energy and Innate Primordial Breath [the innate breath of the cosmos]; they also included special essences and substances of various attributes.

Thus, the Desolate Heaven Lineage [the ancient lineage of Desolate Heaven] channeled the converted vitality and essence into the second layer, the Immortal Herb Garden [a garden cultivating herbs of immortality], to nurture Immortal Artifact [artifacts of immortal grade] and Spirit Herb [herbs imbued with spiritual energy].

Meanwhile, metallic substances and essences were directed into the third layer's Nine Dragons' Immortal Gold Vein [the Immortal Gold Vein of Nine Dragons], fostering various attributes of Immortal Artifact and spiritual ores.

"Boom—"

Just as Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor was explaining the Nine Chaos Dragons Vein to the group, a cataclysmic confrontation erupted ahead.

Behold, at the farthest reaches of the endless void, two Supreme [beings of the highest, most exalted rank] were locked in fierce battle against an indescribable existence. The shockwaves of their clash swept through the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the infinite, formless expanse of primordial chaos].

"That is..."

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly as he discerned that facing the two Supreme was an entity of astonishingly profound cultivation, a truly unique existence.

Its form was saturated with boundless Supreme Great Path power, and it seemed to have taken shape from Immortal Metal [a legendary metal imbued with immortal properties]. Yet, it was fundamentally different from a true living being, for this entity appeared to possess no soul whatsoever.

"A puppet, or perhaps a unique lifeform, at the Path Union Realm level," Eldrin Chen murmured, identifying the nature of the special being.

After a moment of silent observation, the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor spoke. "Among the thirteen Supreme of the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall, legend speaks of one titled 'Celestial Puppet Supreme'.

He attained the Supreme Realm through mastery of the Puppet Great Path. It is said his power not only places him among the peak Path Union Realm experts, but he also commands two puppets of Supreme rank."

"If my deduction is correct, the puppet before us is one of those two Supreme Puppet."

Ethan Chen was taken aback. "The path of puppetry... can it truly lead one to the Supreme Realm?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

"The Myriad Heavens [the countless realms of existence] encompass ten thousand paths, each holding infinite potential, each capable of reaching the Limitless Realm," Eldrin Chen replied, his tone calm and assured.

"True power resides always in the cultivator, never in the Great Path itself."

He spoke these words with serene conviction.

His words were not empty boasts. Possessing the complete memories of Nameless, Eldrin Chen knew many secrets hidden from the world.

In his early years, while traveling through Chaos, Nameless had once encountered a genius of his generation. This individual had taken the path of Talisman Path [the art of crafting magical talismans] from its foundational Path Principles and advanced it all the way to the Half-Step Limitless Realm.

His cultivation realm had consequently soared, long since reaching the Half-Step Limitless Realm. Were it not for the obstruction of a Limitless Sovereign, this person would likely have already broken through to the Sovereign Realm.

This individual, whose Dao title was 'Luo', was also one of Nameless's seven great disciples. The Talisman Path he founded made immense contributions to the Immortal Path.

In truth, each of Nameless's seven disciples in the past possessed unique and extraordinary talents; every one was a peerless genius.

Among the present-day Hundred Crafts of Cultivation, the most mainstream arts—Alchemy, Formations, Artifact Refining, Talismans, Puppetry, Beast Taming, and Celestial Mechanism [the art of constructing complex spiritual mechanisms]—were all pioneered by these seven disciples.

Precisely because of this, their contributions to the Immortal Path and even to Chaos itself were monumental. Consequently, they received boundless Fortune [a metaphysical measure of destiny and luck] from the Immortal Path, each possessing a sliver of potential to ascend directly to the Sovereign realm.

"This Celestial Puppet Supreme cultivates the Puppetry Path. Could he be a descendant of the Fifth Disciple?"

Thoughts swirling, a ripple of contemplation stirred within Eldrin Chen's gaze. "If that is truly the case, then perhaps there is a chance to gain some measure of control over this Celestial Puppet [a divine-grade puppet construct]."

With this thought in mind, a pensive expression settled upon Eldrin Chen's features.

The reason Eldrin Chen had this idea was because puppets lack souls; they are fundamentally forged from the interweaving of the Supreme Great Path [the ultimate cultivation method] and divine materials like Immortal Metal [a legendary metal with immortal properties]. Therefore, their creators always leave backdoors within them.

Moreover, these backdoors are often not singular but consist of several hierarchical levels, with higher levels granting greater control over the puppet.

As the founding ancestor of the Immortal Path [the Path of Immortality] and, by extension, the ancestor of 'Luo', Nameless naturally knew the methods for these puppet backdoors—and possessed one with an exceptionally high level of authority.

Even if it wasn't the foundational, master-level permission that could wrest control from the puppet's original creator, Celestial Puppet [a supreme-level artificial being],

with Celestial Puppet Supreme [the Supreme Sovereign of Puppets] already fallen, the likelihood of seizing control of this Supreme Puppet [a puppet of the highest order] should be extremely high.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen immediately attempted to activate the backdoor permissions for this Celestial Puppet.

After a moment of channeling, the Celestial Puppet indeed responded. Its permissions silently transferred into Eldrin Chen's grasp.

"Success."

The instant he secured the permissions for this Celestial Puppet, a wave of calm settled over Eldrin Chen's heart.

With this Supreme [a prefix denoting the highest rank]-tier puppet, his combat power had silently nearly doubled. He should now have more than enough capability to ensure his survival in whatever situations lay ahead.

"Withdraw—" [a command to retreat]

With this thought, Eldrin Chen directly activated this Supreme Puppet [a puppet of supreme power], causing it to disengage from the battlefield with Azure Fall Supreme and vanish into the Boundless Void [the infinite, empty expanse between realms].

The two Supreme [beings who have attained the Supreme Dao realm] who had been fiercely battling this puppet were caught off guard when their opponent suddenly fled.

From their knowledge, this Celestial Puppet [a powerful, autonomous construct] was the greatest trial guarding the Nine Chaos Dragons Vein [a legendary mineral vein], and had always been one of the most formidable obstacles on the third layer.

According to past conventions, overcoming this trial was immensely difficult. They had braced themselves for a grueling battle, never expecting this Celestial Puppet to retreat without a fight.

At this thought, the two Supreme exchanged a glance, a flicker of astonishment passing between them.

Of course, avoiding a battle with the Celestial Puppet was also a boon. After all, this Supreme Puppet possessed a body of unyielding Immortality [a state of indestructibility]. Even with their combined strength, they could only suppress it, with no hope of achieving a decisive victory.

With this in mind, the two Supreme, along with the many Heavenly Emperor [beings who have attained the Heavenly Emperor realm] present, all surged toward the Nine Chaos Dragons Vein.

They fought their way to the front of the Nine Chaos Dragons Vein, ready to launch a full assault on the mineral vein, when dozens of figures suddenly flew out from within it.

Centered around that Supreme Celestial Puppet, a full thirty-six puppets of Heavenly Emperor level took to the skies and abruptly flew toward the Fourth Layer of Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [the fourth level of the ancient Desolate Heaven Hall].

"Strange, why are these Celestial Puppet retreating without a fight?"

Everyone present felt a flicker of confusion, yet none made a move to stop them. After all, it spared them the effort of a bitter struggle.

It was at that very moment that Blazing Center Supreme swept the mine with his divine sense. His expression abruptly shifted dramatically as he exclaimed,

"Disaster! The puppets are fleeing with the Immortal Crystal [a purified and high-density form of Spirit Stone, the highest-grade currency for immortals]!"