Chapter 2028 : Desolate and Broken
Lord Zhanmie gave a furious roar, pointing a finger that summoned a great solar disc to descend like a falling sun from the highest heavens—its radiance too blinding to behold.
"Hmph—"
Facing such a magnificent strike, the Immortal Desolate Emperor merely let out a cold laugh. The Immortal Emperor’s Spear in his hand tore through the heavens as he hurled it forward with a devastating throw.
In an instant, the Eternal Sovereign Spear soared like a sun-piercing arrow, cleaving through the vast primordial chaos as it violently impaled the 9 Heavens Radiant Sun. A terrifying shockwave tore through the boundless misty void.
"Strength Extreme, Immortality... This person has cultivated at least 2 True Spirit Divine Patterns."
Eldrin (Person Name) murmured inwardly, instantly comprehending the profound might of the Immortal Desolate Emperor.
Having cultivated a True Spirit Body and simultaneously mastered at least 2 major True Spirit Runes—this was unequivocally the makings of a Great Emperor. Even across the 7 domains of the Southern Abyss, such individuals stood as peerless prodigies.
"No wonder. This man is renowned far and wide, considered comparable to Eldrin (Person Name) at the Eighth Layer."
As Eldrin's thoughts wavered, the battle in the heavens instantly escalated to a fever pitch.
The Eternal Desolate Emperor faced 2 opponents alone, displaying a peerless and invincible demeanor rarely seen since ancient times. He relentlessly suppressed the Twilight Extinction Desolate Emperor and the Dragon-Turtle Desolate Emperor, forcing them into continuous retreat.
From the overall situation, the Dragon-Turtle Desolate Emperor was completely suppressed by the Immortal Desolate Emperor, barely able to mount any counterattack.
As for Emperor Mie of the Day, his mastery of the Day-Extinguishing Light evasion technique allowed him to defend himself adequately. However, even his most devastating attacks proved insufficient to seriously injure the Immortal Desolate Emperor, rendering him almost completely disregarded.
"Superb talent."
Eldrin (Person Name) declared inwardly, then decisively drew forth the Chaos Heavenly Halberd (Magic Treasure).
In an instant, Eldrin rode through the skies astride the Chaos Heavenly Halberd, unleashing its peerless divine power as he swept down to strike at the Immortal Desolate Emperor.
"It's you again!"
In the instant he detected Eldrin, a flicker of killing intent surfaced within the crimson pupils of the Immortal Desolate Emperor.
Though his mind was now clouded, he still held a profound impression of Eldrin.
Over the years, Eldrin had repeatedly launched assaults on the Barren Ancient Continent, capturing nearly all cultivators above the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm. This filled his heart with boundless fury.
He struck at Eldrin several times in succession, yet Eldrin, clad in his battle armor and adorned with the Dao patterns of the Returning Abyss, was able to neutralize nearly 90-9 percent of the damage inflicted by the Immortal Desolate Emperor.
Unable to penetrate Eldrin's defense, the Immortal Desolate Emperor found himself powerless against Eldrin, yet the killing intent in his heart only grew more intense.
"You've come at the perfect time. Today, I shall completely subjugate you!"
The Divine Will of the Immortal Desolate Emperor roared furiously, then decisively wielded the Imperial Spear of Immortality to suppress Eldrin with annihilating force.
"Hmph—"
Confronting the Immortal Desolate Emperor’s lethal assault, Eldrin no longer evaded as he had before.
In an instant, he seized control of the Chaos Heavenly Halberd and engaged in a world-shaking, earth-shattering duel with it.
"What formidable power."
After the brief exchange of blows, Eldrin’s expression shifted slightly as a faint numbness crept into his wrist.
The fleshly body of this Immortal Desolate Emperor was indestructible and everlasting. Empowered by the Rune of Ultimate Strength, the explosive force it unleashed nearly brushed against the domain of the eighth level of the Primordial Chaos Emperor.
Had it not been for Eldrin's recent breakthrough, a single exchange in direct combat would likely have sent him flying backward.
Fortunately, after this breakthrough, Eldrin’s physical combat prowess was no weaker than that of a seventh-level Chaos Origin Emperor.
Moreover, with the foundational support of the Great Dao, the Primordial Spirit, the Path of Self-Sacrifice, and more, his overall combat prowess had long surpassed the limits of the Seventh Heaven of the Chaos Origin Emperor, with half a step faintly stepping into the realm of the Eighth Heaven of the Chaos Origin Emperor.
At this moment, as Eldrin continued to strike with all his might, the power of the Chaos Heavenly Halberd was amplified to its absolute limit. In its relentless clashes against the Immortal Desolate Emperor, it merely found itself at a slight disadvantage.
Under such circumstances, Lord Morn-Killer and the Dragon-Turtle Desolate Emperor joined forces, actually managing to suppress the peerless divine power of the Immortal Desolate Emperor.
In yet another fierce collision, the Immortal Desolate Emperor was sent flying by the combined force of the 3, finally sensing the pressure of his limits.
There He stood, towering in the void of heaven, His gaze instantly locking onto Eldrin (Person Name). A wisp of indistinct intent drifted over.
"Human, thy power hath earned my respect."
"I shall defeat all you so-called prodigies and heroes with this single move."
In an instant, the Indestructible Wild Emperor’s combat power began to surge dramatically, and in the blink of an eye, he had already stepped into the Eighth Heaven of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Realm.
"Beware, it's the Immortal Desolate Emperor's 'Taboo Divine Runes' — the Ultimate Ascension."
The Emperor of Eternal Nightfall spoke, his expression revealing immense gravity.
A faint glimmer flickered in Eldrin (Person Name)'s eyes. After his cultivation had stepped into the realm of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Lord, the effects of ordinary forbidden divine abilities would be greatly diminished.
Because the Primordial Emperor's foundation and reserves defied the heavens, the power he could withstand far surpassed that of a Great Luo Golden Immortal. His normal state was already comparable to the forbidden state of a Great Luo Golden Immortal.
Under such circumstances, even by activating forbidden divine abilities to tap into 1's latent potential, 1 could typically only enhance their combat prowess by 20 to 30 percent, with 50 to 60 percent being the absolute maximum.
It was precisely for this reason that in all his battles against formidable foes over the years, Eldrin had seldom witnessed opponents resorting to forbidden divine abilities in desperate struggles.
Of course, the Primordial Chaos Emperor was not without ultimate forbidden divine abilities. However, to achieve an extreme transformation in combat power at the late stage of the Primordial Chaos Emperor realm, 1 must cultivate a supreme divine ability at the True Spirit level.
Before them, the Immortal Desolate Emperor had cultivated a forbidden divine rune at the level of a True Spirit.
The precursor to the Ascendant Sublimation Sigil was itself an ultimate bloodline divine ability. After the Eternal Wasteland Emperor attained the seventh level of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Realm, his physical form shattered its limits once more, undergoing baptism from the mark of a True Spirit.
Seizing this fortuitous encounter, the Undying Barren Emperor cultivated the forbidden True Spirit God Pattern 'Ultimate Ascension', attaining peerless combat prowess capable of shaking the heavens and earth.
The Divine Spirit Mark, in its ultimate sublimation, could elevate the Indomitable Desolate Emperor’s already maximized physical form to a realm that transcended all limits.
In theory, after undergoing Extreme Ascension, the Eternal Desolate Emperor would possess the invincible combat prowess of an Eighth-Level Chaos Origin Emperor.
Eldrin (Person Name) murmured inwardly, instantly comprehending the profound might of the Immortal Desolate Emperor.
Beside them, the Eldrin Emperor of Lingxi witnessed this and immediately spoke up, “The Forbidden Divine Runes are far too powerful. Retreat now, Your Majesty!”
"You may withdraw first."
Yet Eldrin did not depart. Instead, he gestured for the crowd to withdraw from the center.
Hearing this, the others all understood the immense power Emperor Immortal Asura could wield after unleashing his forbidden divine art. After a moment’s hesitation, they withdrew 1 after another to the edge of the battlefield.
And only then did the Immortal Desolate Emperor turn his gaze to Eldrin, a wisp of divine consciousness emerging as he spoke, "Thou dost not flee?"
"If you were to flee, it would be difficult to subdue a peerless prodigy like you."
Eldrin (Person Name) spoke slowly, a glimmer of approval flickering in his eyes.
It must be admitted that although Eldrin (Person Name) possessed exceptionally high standards, the Eternal Desolate Emperor before him had truly captured Eldrin (Person Name)'s attention.
The Chaos Origin Emperor, only at the seventh layer of cultivation, had achieved a True Spirit Body and 3 Divine True Spirit Runes. Such innate talent and brilliance were exceptionally rare even across the 7 Domains of the Southern Abyss.
You must understand that the path of cultivation tread by the Immortal Desolate Emperor had no master’s guidance, nor any precedents to draw from. It was forged entirely through his own innate comprehension and talent, explored step by step on his own.
This further reminded him that this individual was 1 of the original founders of the Great Wilderness Body Refining Art. Such a feat demonstrated talents and comprehension so extraordinary they were virtually unheard of since time immemorial, placing him firmly within the first echelon among all 7 domains of the Southern Abyss.
Such a figure, if brought under my wing, would prove to be a tremendous asset when I eventually return to conquer the 7 realms of the Southern Abyss.
"Your arrogance is no less than mine."
A faint divine thought from the Immortal Desolate Emperor flickered, instantly seizing control of the Immortal Emperor Spear to strike horizontally, intent on completely impaling Eldrin (Person Name).
Facing such a strike, Eldrin remained utterly calm and composed.
With a light laugh, he then spoke: "Let us fight with all our might!"
In an instant, Eldrin unleashed his full power.
He instantly activated the Yin Yang Sacrifice Art, immediately pushing this forbidden divine ability to its second stage.
Then, Eldrin’s 7 True Spiritual Roots—his physical body, Great Dao, magical power, primordial spirit, Dao Fruit, and more—began to erupt to their absolute limits.
In an instant, his power transcended the limits of the Seventh Heaven of Primordial Chaos Emperor, ascending into an indescribable realm of the absolute.
True Spirit Taboo Art!
In the pupils of the Day-Severing Emperor, a trace of apprehension flickered.
Had Eldrin unleashed such forbidden divine abilities during the great war back then, he could likely have suppressed me single-handedly.
While the 3 of them were still lost in thought, the 2 had already erupted into an ultimate battle.
Between the 2 supreme experts, whose peak combat prowess had been virtually indistinguishable, the simultaneous activation of forbidden divine arts unleashed terrifying energies that nearly swept across all 6 directions and 8 dimensions.
Heaven and Earth trembled, the primordial chaos quaked. Blade edges capable of severing all existence carved out vast celestial pathways, 1 after another, across the desolate sea of chaos.
The onlookers felt their hearts racing with trepidation, realizing that rashly intervening would likely lead to severe injuries and the peril of bleeding profusely.
Their power had already placed 1 foot at the threshold of the Great Emperor realm.
“So spoke the Twilight Annihilation Sovereign,” he remarked, a trace of bitter smile gracing his features.
Compared to such a prodigy, even if he was once hailed as 1 of the 3 supreme powerhouses in the starry skies of the Primordial Desolate Domain, he still fell far short.
Clang—
Within the desolate ancient continent, the battle between the 2 had reached a fever pitch.
10 celestial treasures whirled behind Eldrin’s head as an ethereal immortal domain slowly coalesced around him. The true form of the Great Dao from the Path of Self-Offering teetered on the brink of total rampage.
The Immortal Desolate Emperor also reached the ultimate sublimation. His body erupted with immortal radiance, as if he were on the verge of ascending to the heavens. Every strike manifested the pinnacle of power.
"His combat prowess, foundational strength, and weaponry are no weaker than mine!"
During the course of their confrontation, Eldrin grew increasingly solemn within his heart.
This Immortal Emperor’s Sovereign Spear of the Undying Wilds was actually a 7-mark innate supreme treasure embryo, its power rivaling even that of the Abyssal Return Seal.
And Eldrin grew increasingly astonished as the battle raged on, for he was shocked to discover that the Immortal Desolate Emperor seemed to have retained a sliver of sentience.
This was not a combat instinct, but a wisp of near-indestructible spirituality that even the power of desolation could not completely erode.
"This person's talent is likely on par with even Emperor Black Abyss, no wonder he is acclaimed as the foremost among the Chaos Fiends."
Eldrin's thoughts raced incessantly, a towering battle intent nearly reaching its boiling point, now mingled with a growing desire to subdue his opponent.
By the time the great battle reached the point of tearing this chaos asunder, Eldrin harnessed the Abyssal Pearl to stabilize the void, yet he did not rely on this innate supreme treasure to subdue his formidable foe.
He would rely on his own strength to completely subdue this peerless adversary.
Thunder, Flame, Pure Yang, Profound Darkness, 5-Colored Divine Light...
1 after another, ultimate divine abilities manifested in Eldrin's hands.
He channeled all his divine abilities into the Chaotic Heavenly Halberd, unleashing an eternal and blazing power of unparalleled might, engaging the Immortal Desolate Emperor in a prolonged and earth-shattering battle.
"Fight...argh!"
The Immortal Vast Emperor roared with fury, channeling all the power within him to unleash 1 final, earth-shattering strike.
Eldrin roared furiously as he soared into the heavens, the Chaos Heaven Halberd in his grasp concentrating every ounce of his power. All his divine abilities nearly coalesced into 1 unstoppable force, crashing forth with overwhelming divine might.
As the 2 supreme strikes collided, an indescribable explosion of sound erupted, and the vast, boundless ancient barren continent let out a groan of agony.
Then, the vast Barren Ancient Land cracked and splintered apart with a deafening roar.
This forbidden land of the barren domain, which had existed since time immemorial, was violently shattered into fragments by the residual shockwaves of the battle between the 2.
The onlookers felt the blood drain from their faces.
They lifted their gazes toward the depths of chaos, only to behold 2 figures of peerless elegance standing firm amidst the turbulent tides of disorder, towering over the celestial dome.
The aura of the Immortal Desolate Emperor grew extremely feeble, the power of the forbidden divine patterns gradually faded, and his presence seemed to have plummeted to the early stage of the seventh level of the Primordial Chaos Emperor.
Eldrin's (Person Name) complexion had also turned slightly pale, and his cultivation seemed to have diminished to an extremely feeble state.
"They..."
The Emperor of Eternal Night spoke, a trace of astonishment flickering in his gaze.
Spiritstream Emperor immediately went to Eldrin's side, helping Eldrin up before casting a wary gaze around.
Sword Profound Emperor also transformed into a sword radiance, vigilantly standing guard beside Eldrin (Person Name) with a hint of caution.
The Dragon-Turtle Emperor and the Day-Extinguisher Emperor knew better than to approach. They were merely offering temporary service, neither Divine Generals under Eldrin’s command nor those close to him, making it inappropriate for them to draw near at this moment.
In comparison, Swordmyst Emperor was a Divine General who had sworn a Great Oath, while Spiritstream Emperor was also an extremely close confidant, making them far more trustworthy.
Seeing that the 2 had not approached, Emperor Lingxi quickly turned to Eldrin (Person Name) and handed over a healing pill, asking, “How is your injury?”
"Town——"
Eldrin did not respond, his gaze fixed upon the Immortal Desolate Emperor before he struck in an instant. The Li Fire Pearl of the Returning Abyss materialized above him, its presence descending like a celestial decree, completely suppressing the emperor within its depths.
After completing all of this, Eldrin finally spoke calmly: "No harm done."
Seeing that Eldrin (Person Name) truly appeared unharmed, Emperor Mornslayer and the Dragon-Turtle Wasteland Sovereign finally exclaimed with astonishment, "Congratulations, Your Majesty. This time, you have suppressed the Eternal Wasteland Sovereign."
"Such methods were truly unparalleled, even when viewed across the entire Primordial Barren Realm of antiquity."
Eldrin smiled faintly without uttering a word, merely leading the group back to the Great Desolate Ancient Realm.
After arriving at the Great Desolate Ancient Realm, Eldrin finally let out a slight sigh of relief.
In this battle, he unleashed forbidden divine abilities, engaging in an ultimate confrontation with the Immortal Desolate Emperor, yet suffered severe backlash in return.
After unleashing the forbidden divine ability, Eldrin's cultivation base had significantly deteriorated. Should Emperor Zhoumie and the Dragon-Turtle Desolate Emperor harbor ill intentions, this would undoubtedly pose a considerable threat.
Fortunately, judging by the outcome, both individuals proved to be of decent character and showed no signs of duplicity.
In truth, the Dragon-Turtle Desolate Emperor and the Daylight Extinction Sovereign had indeed felt tempted by Eldrin’s Primordial Chaos Treasure, yet in the end, it was merely a fleeting desire.
The strength and potential Eldrin (Person Name) demonstrated in this battle were truly staggering and terrifying.
If they failed to suppress Eldrin, their only fate would be death.
Moreover, once they left the Great Desolate Ancient Realm, without the protection of the Human Soul Scripture, they would only be courting death.
In that case, there was truly no need for them to take such a risk.
To get back to the main point, after Eldrin returned to the Great Desolate Ancient Realm, he immediately made his way to the Great Desolate Sanctuary.
Within the sacred hall, he released the Immortal Desolate Emperor. Unlike the Dragon-Turtle Desolate Emperor and the Lord of Perishing Day, this time, the Immortal Desolate Emperor did not harbor the slightest thought of resistance.
His strand of spiritual essence seemed to be fiercely resisting the power of desolation, vying for control over the physical form.
Seeing this, Eldrin (Person Name) hastily activated the Human Soul Book (Magic Treasure) to assist.
With Eldrin's current level of magical power, he could now unleash 20 percent of the Soul Tome's strength, significantly accelerating the purification of the desolate energy.
Thus, in a mere several 100 1000 years, the Desolate Power within the Immortal Desolate Emperor was completely eradicated.
"This battle was truly exhilarating!"
The moment he regained consciousness, the Immortal Emperor turned his gaze toward Eldrin, his voice carrying a bold and heroic tone as he spoke.
Eldrin's gaze flickered slightly as he instinctively assessed the Immortal Desolate Emperor. He found the emperor's stature towering and upright, his eyes sharp and resolute like immortal divine metal, giving off an aura too dazzling to meet directly.
"You're no weakling yourself!"
An instant later, Eldrin spoke with a gentle smile.
The Immortal Emperor’s gaze rippled with a trace of emotion as he scrutinized Eldrin (Person Name) intently. Finally, he spoke, “Do you wish for this sovereign to become a divine general under your command?”
"Precisely so."
Eldrin spoke calmly, without any trace of circumlocution.
The Eternal Sovereign smiled faintly and rose to his feet. "From this battle, I can see your strength already rivals mine without you even summoning your Primordial Treasure. Had you unleashed it, I would have been subdued long ago."
"With such strength, it would not be unacceptable for you to become my sovereign."
"However, I am prideful by nature. Should the day come when my strength surpasses yours within the same realm, I may challenge you openly. At that time, the roles might well be reversed."
"Is that so?"
Eldrin smiled faintly, casually brewing a pot of tea. He picked up a cup and took a delicate sip before speaking, "A sword that can prick 1's hand is a true fine blade—otherwise, it’s likely far too dull."
"From this day forth, you shall be the Fourth Divine General under my command."
After accepting the Immortal Emperor, Eldrin (Person Name) bestowed a collection of supreme healing treasures before gesturing for the Immortal Emperor to withdraw.
After he had departed, Emperor Lingxi approached Eldrin (Person Name) and remarked with a faint smile, "The Indomitable Emperor possesses an unyielding temperament. It was precisely this nature that led to his suppression by the Primordial Emperor Lord in ages past."
"Had it not been so, with his innate talent and potential, he would likely have already cultivated to the Great Emperor Realm."
"However, judging by this man's character, he wouldn't stoop to repaying kindness with enmity."
Eldrin nodded slightly, having heard tales of the Great Wilderness Emperor—the legendary figure who was once the sole Paragon Saint of the primordial Great Wilderness Domain.
The former Great Wilderness Emperor was said to be of an exceedingly domineering temperament, holding absolute authority within the Primordial Great Wilderness Domain. He had even once sought to forcibly summon Empress Lingxi as his concubine.
Lord Kelingxi was a figure of extraordinary stature, and naturally, he would not agree to such a demand. As a result, he missed the opportunity to board the ancient vessel and depart.
In truth, the Sword Abyss Immortal Palace, along with figures like the Day Extinction Emperor, also disdained the character of the Great Wasteland Emperor. Their strained relationship with him was precisely why they had not boarded the ancient vessel to depart.
The Immortal Monarch was exceptionally gifted, and had crossed paths with the Great Wilderness Emperor in his early years, forging a history of enmity between them.
The Great Wilderness Emperor, relying on his superior cultivation, sought to enlist the Eternal Emperor as 1 of his divine generals. Yet the Eternal Emperor declared he would only consent if the Great Wilderness Emperor could defeat him in a battle of equal cultivation realms.
And in that battle, under the forbidden divine power of the Immortal Sovereign, the Great Wilderness Emperor suffered significant losses, which left him deeply resentful.
After his breakthrough to the Great Emperor realm, he joined forces with dozens of other Emperors to suppress the Immortal Emperor within an Innate Supreme Treasure. This resulted in the Immortal Emperor being unable to advance his cultivation even a single step for countless ages.
Otherwise, when the Great Desolate Primordial Domain faced calamity back then, the Immortal Emperor would have at least stepped into the Great Emperor Realm.
(End of Chapter)