Chapter 2139 : A Saint Emperor's Plea

Upon hearing this, the Verdant Luan Saint Emperor [the Saint Emperor of the Azure Luan, a mythical bird] could not help but wear an expression of slight awkwardness.

Back then, when they had moved against the Blazing Central Lineage [the Primordial Lineage of the Blazing Center], their primary goal had been the legacy left behind by the Blazing Center Supreme [the Supreme Being of the Blazing Center]. How could they possibly have been willing to let others come and take a share of the spoils?

Though this was what he thought in his heart, the Verdant Luan Saint Emperor dared not voice it. Instead, he spoke with earnest sincerity, "We were foolish. Now that a grave mistake has been made, we beseech you, Senior, to lend us your aid."

Eldrin Chen [the patriarch of the Chen Clan, also known as Eldrin] fell into a brief, contemplative silence. The current Blazing Central Chaos Domain [the Primordial Chaos Domain of the Blazing Center] was a tempting piece of meat, yet devouring it would likely require an immense and protracted effort.

First, to swallow the entire Blazing Central Chaos Domain, merely relocating those Chaos Domain [Primordial Chaos Domains, vast regions of unstable primordial energy] to the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss] would likely demand a considerable span of time and consume vast amounts of manpower and resources.

Second, having already inherited the legacy of the Desolate Heaven Lineage [the Primordial Lineage of Desolate Heaven], the current foundational strength of the Chen Clan [the Chen Immortal Clan] rendered the remaining inheritance of the Blazing Central Lineage rather unappealing.

Not to mention, the direct descendants of the Blazing Central Lineage had long since departed, taking the greater portion of their heritage with them.

Under these circumstances, Eldrin Chen felt no pressing need for the entire Blazing Central Chaos Domain.

In the end, strength reigned supreme within this Chaos [the Primordial Chaos, the formless state from which all things emerged]. Without sufficient power, seizing the Blazing Central Chaos Domain would be nothing but a futile exertion.

Therefore, the immediate priority for the Chen Immortal Clan [the Immortal Clan of the Chen family] should still be firmly placed on elevating their strength.

If one's strength is sufficiently formidable, then not even the mere Blazing Central Chaos Domain would dare harbor thoughts of resistance, let alone the entire Blazing Central Hundred Domains.

Of course, for Eldrin Chen, a journey to the Blazing Central Chaos Domain was still necessary.

After all, those few Chaos Domain steeped in Oblivion [the primordial state of non-existence and dissolution] were of immeasurable, heaven-defying value to the Returning Abyss Pearl. The opportunities within could be used to nurture Returning Abyss Attribute Spiritual Treasure [spiritual treasures imbued with the power of the returning abyss], essential for cultivating the Chaos Divine Form [a divine physique born from primordial chaos].

Furthermore, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor was on the verge of a breakthrough to Path Union [the realm where one's cultivated path merges with the heavenly Dao]. To prevent him from reaping the spoils of conflict, the Blazing Central Chaos Domain must not be allowed to descend into chaos.

Thus, after careful deliberation, Eldrin Chen spoke thoughtfully, "Very well. This time, I shall personally make the journey."

With those words, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate. He immediately tore through the void alongside the Verdant Luan Saint Emperor, setting course for the Blazing Central Chaos Domain.

With his current cultivation and speed, he could directly rend the void to traverse the Chaos Desolation Sea, arriving at the outskirts of the Blazing Central Chaos Domain not long after.

At that moment, Eldrin Chen perceived the Blazing Central Chaos Domain in utter turmoil, saturated with the auras of hundreds of supreme beings at the Heavenly Emperor [a title for sovereigns who have attained mastery over a heavenly domain] level.

These Heavenly Emperor hailed from various factions: members of the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance, several dozen native Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors who rule over domains of primordial chaos], and others from the surrounding regions.

Now, these Heavenly Emperor had taken action. Many were besieging the Blazing Central Primordial Domain, while others were taking advantage of the chaos to plunder the native Chaos Domain.

"Utter chaos."

Eldrin Chen's brow twitched slightly. Without hesitation, he unleashed the full, resplendent, and awe-inspiring aura of his presence.

In that instant, the expressions of the various Heavenly Emperors within this Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] shifted dramatically, revealing profound wariness and apprehension.

Eldrin Chen offered no further words. He moved directly before the Blazing Central Primordial Domain [a primordial realm born from chaos], only to find it shattered and broken, teetering on the very brink of Oblivion [complete annihilation and erasure from existence].

This caused Eldrin Chen's brow to furrow. The Blazing Central Primordial Domain was, after all, a small-scale Middle Grade Primordial Domain. Properly utilized, it could have been transformed into a superbly powerful Path-Field [a territory imbued with and governed by a cultivator's unique Dao Path].

Yet now, it seemed that even if the Blazing Central Primordial Domain could be restored, its grade would inevitably plummet to that of a low-grade Primordial Domain.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen cast his gaze into the distance. Within the vast expanse of the Blazing Central Primordial Domain, he saw several dozen Half-Step Path Union [cultivators on the cusp of fully merging with their chosen Dao Path] fiercely contending for the realm's World's Origin [the foundational, life-giving essence and source code of a world].

Leading them were several supreme Half-Step Path Unions, foremost among them being the Nine Dragons' Nest Master.

A deeper frown etched itself on Eldrin Chen's face. He addressed the assembled crowd, his voice carrying across the chaos. "Esteemed ones, a Primordial Domain is a treasure rare even within the Chaos. Why must you see it destroyed?"

The Path Union [cultivators who have fully merged with their Dao Path] from the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance immediately paled. They swiftly gathered before Eldrin Chen, their postures tense.

The leading Nine Dragons' Nest Master cast a glance at Eldrin Chen, his expression revealing profound apprehension. He then cupped his hands and said, "Before their departure, the Blazing Central Lineage destroyed this realm's Heaven and Earth Ancestral Vein [the foundational spiritual arteries of heaven and earth that nourish a world]."

"This matter cannot be blamed on us."

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, a feeling of frustration washing over him, akin to disappointment in iron that failed to become steel.

The Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance boasted several dozen Path Union Supreme [cultivators who have attained the supreme realm of unifying their cultivated paths]. Had they joined forces immediately to repair the Heaven and Earth Ancestral Vein, they might have stabilized the grade of the Blazing Central Primordial Domain.

Regrettably, not only did they fail to stabilize the heavenly and earthly veins, they also plundered this domain's World's Origin [the foundational source energy from which a world is born], hastening the decline of the Blazing Central Primordial Domain's world rank.

Of course, Eldrin Chen had anticipated this outcome all along.

The Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance was an alliance formed by several dozen Path Union Supreme, a coalition where each major power harbored its own secret schemes. Deep-seated grudges festered between many of its members.

Previously, under the oppressive weight of Blazing Center Supreme [a title for a supreme master of the Blazing Center lineage], they had maintained a fragile, superficial balance.

But now, with the fall of Blazing Center Supreme, the defenseless Blazing Central Chaos Domain lay before them. They cast all restraint to the wind, and long-simmering enmities erupted into open conflict.

After all, each of them was a Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator on the very threshold of unifying their cultivated paths], every one yearning for a glimpse into the Path Union Supreme Realm [the ultimate realm where one's cultivated paths are perfectly unified].

However, the resources of the Blazing Central Chaos Domain are finite, incapable of sustaining too many Path Union Supreme [the supreme realm of cultivation where one's path merges with the fundamental laws of the cosmos]. Therefore, faced with the legacy of Blazing Center Supreme, they are compelled to contend amongst themselves.

Dismantling the Blazing Central Chaos Domain to obtain its vast Chaos Tier [a cultivation realm associated with primordial chaos] inheritance might just grant them a sliver of hope for a breakthrough to Path Union Supreme.

The most crucial point is that the five Half-Step Path Union [cultivators who have touched the threshold of the Path Union realm but not fully ascended] are nearly equal in power. None among them truly submits to another. Even if a single opportunity to break through to Path Union Supreme were obtained, they would likely be the first to turn on each other.

"Once any of them breaks through, I fear they would become a second Blazing Center Supreme," Eldrin Chen sighed inwardly.

Eldrin Chen sighed inwardly. The very reason he had not joined the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance back then was his understanding of their disunity. When the moment for a true Path Union breakthrough arrived, they would likely sabotage each other's efforts.

With this thought, he turned his gaze to the Nine Dragons' Nest Master and said, "The Outer Realm Demon Emperor is on the verge of his breakthrough. If you can preserve the Blazing Central Chaos Domain, you might stand a chance of holding him at bay."

The Nine Dragons' Nest Master, however, remained unperturbed. He calmly cupped his hands and replied, "Set your mind at ease, Senior. Even if the Outer Realm Demon Emperor succeeds in his breakthrough, our Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance harbors not a shred of fear."

As he spoke, a trace of unwavering confidence surfaced on the faces of the Alliance's several Half-Step Path Union.

In their view, having once resisted the Blazing Center Supreme, and now bolstered by the inheritance of Blazing Center, dealing with the Outer Realm Demon Emperor should pose no greater difficulty.

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen saw no point in continuing the discussion.

He summoned the various Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for the most powerful rulers in the Immortal Realm] and spoke: "I have come today to resolve the chaos plaguing this land."

"Though the Blazing Center Supreme [the former supreme ruler of the Blazing Central Primordial Domain] has fallen, the low-level cultivators and mortals of the Blazing Central Primordial Domain [the core domain once ruled by the Blazing Center Supreme] are innocent. So too are the myriad beings across the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [the collective name for the hundred domains surrounding the Blazing Central Primordial Domain]."

"I demand that you cease hostilities immediately and swiftly bring order to this turmoil."

Upon hearing this, the gathered Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for the most powerful rulers in the Immortal Realm] all wore expressions of deep reluctance.

The fall of the Blazing Center Supreme [the former supreme ruler of the Blazing Central Primordial Domain] had presented a golden opportunity. Their assault on the Blazing Central Chaos Domain [the central domain now plunged into chaos] had reaped immense rewards. To have such a bounty cut short now filled their hearts with bitter resentment.

Finally, one Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who rose to power amidst the recent chaos] could no longer contain himself. "Senior," he spoke out, defiance in his tone, "you have not yet set foot upon the Path Union Realm [the legendary realm where one's cultivation path merges with the fundamental laws of the cosmos]. Is it not overly domineering to issue commands to us, fellow Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for the most powerful rulers in the Immortal Realm]?"

"Hmph—"

Eldrin Chen's gaze turned icy. In an instant, he raised a hand and brought it down in a crushing palm strike.

The Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who rose to power amidst the recent chaos] paled in horror. With a furious roar, he mustered all his power to resist. Yet, it was futile. His physical form exploded in a shower of gore, his blood and bones scattering across the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse that exists between ordered realms].

"Hiss—"

After that single move, every Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for the most powerful cultivators who have attained a heavenly throne] present wore an expression of profound shock.

It must be understood, the one who had spoken was a top-tier Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who has mastered the power of primordial chaos], yet he had been suppressed and slain by Eldrin Chen in a mere instant. Such a feat could only be accomplished by one who had at least reached the realm of a Path Union Supreme [a supreme being who has unified their cultivation path with the fundamental laws of the cosmos].

"It seems the rumors were true. His strength has indeed stepped into the domain of Path Union [the profound state where one's personal cultivation path merges with the Heavenly Dao]."

Tianke Path Ancestor murmured, his gaze towards Eldrin Chen now filled with an unprecedented gravity.

Having suppressed and slain a Chaos Heavenly Emperor with a single move, Eldrin Chen remained utterly unperturbed. He calmly brushed his hands together and declared, "This is precisely how overbearing I am. If anyone else is dissatisfied, step forward now."

The assembled Heavenly Emperors exchanged uneasy glances, their complexions shifting through a spectrum of emotions before they ultimately withdrew their rebellious thoughts.

Eldrin Chen swept his gaze across the crowd, his heart a placid lake untouched by the storm. From the very moment he embarked on the path of cultivation, he had understood one immutable truth of this world: strength was the ultimate authority.

Reason held no sway with such individuals. In this world, the only true argument was the fist.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke once more. "I shall propose three suggestions. You may all deliberate on them together."

"First: All foreign Heavenly Emperors must immediately withdraw from the Blazing Central Chaos Domain [a vast and turbulent region of primordial chaos at the center of the cosmos]. They are forbidden from causing further damage to the Blazing Central Primordial Domain [the stable, core world at the heart of the Blazing Central region] and from attacking its affiliated Primordial Domains [ancient, foundational worlds that form the bedrock of reality]."

"Second: All treasures you have plundered from the vassal forces of the Blazing Central Lineage must be returned in full to the pillaged factions."

"Third: For the treasures you seized that belong to the Blazing Central Lineage, I claim a thirty percent share, leaving seventy percent for you."

"My terms are spoken. Who agrees, and who opposes?"

Upon hearing this, the complexions of the several Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a cultivator who has reached the pinnacle of power] present shifted dramatically.

While withdrawing from the Blazing Central Chaos Domain and ceasing their plunder was somewhat acceptable, and returning the assets of the Blazing Central Lineage's vassals would cause them significant heartache, the third demand was a bitter pill to swallow.

Surrendering a portion of the treasures looted directly from the Blazing Central Lineage itself was a concession they found nearly intolerable.

Yet, at that very moment, dozens of figures with heaven-defying auras materialized behind Eldrin Chen. As the assembly looked up, they beheld thirty-six Heavenly Emperor Puppet [powerful enchanted constructs possessing strength comparable to a Heavenly Emperor] and a single, even more formidable Supreme Celestial Puppet [the pinnacle of enchanted constructs, surpassing even Heavenly Emperor Puppets].

"A Supreme Puppet, and a Grand Formation of Heavenly Emperor Puppets..."

The faces of those present paled, and a collective, sharp intake of breath echoed through the hall.

The native Heavenly Emperors, led by Verdant Luan Saint Emperor, immediately moved to stand behind Eldrin Chen, voicing their staunch support. "Senior Eldrin speaks wisdom! Cease your warfare at once and return all that you have stolen!"

The expressions of those present shifted slightly. The Nine Dragons' Nest Master could not help but ask, "Senior, regarding the third point you mentioned, this thirty-seventy split—how should it be divided?"

"Nonsense, of course the senior takes seventy percent."

The Verdant Luan Saint Emperor spoke decisively, his expression resolute as he stated.

The faces of the several Heavenly Emperor present changed subtly, yet under the intimidating pressure of Eldrin Chen, they ultimately handed over seventy percent of their wealth and possessions.

Only after collecting the wealth did Eldrin Chen speak again: "During my travels through the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before ordered worlds], I have often witnessed Chaos Heavenly Emperor [powerful sovereigns who rule over chaotic realms] plundering the wealth of others."

"This is the case in the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain, the Indestructibility Primordial Domain, and the Imperial Extreme Primordial Domain. Those with a shred of kindness might spare the world itself from destruction, but the truly vicious would not hesitate to annihilate an entire Primordial Domain [a vast, foundational realm at the beginning of creation]."

"Across the Vast and Boundless Chaos, among the countless mortals, low-level cultivators, and Immortal [beings who have ascended to a higher state of existence], who knows how many have suffered calamity through no fault of their own?"

"Such occurrences are far from rare. This is not solely due to the wicked deeds of the Blazing Central Lineage, but also a consequence of your own reckless and unrestrained actions."

Speaking to this point, Eldrin Chen's gaze turned icy as he declared, "Henceforth, within these Blazing Central Hundred Domains, I will not tolerate such acts."

"Do not impose upon others what you yourself do not desire."

"I care not for your struggles amongst peers of equal cultivation realm. However, should I discover that any of you continue to destroy Primordial Domain [the foundational worlds born from primordial chaos], or worse, cause such destruction to spill over and harm the countless low-level cultivators within, I shall show no mercy whatsoever."

Having spoken his piece, Eldrin Chen then handed seventy percent of the resources belonging to the Blazing Central Lineage to the Verdant Luan Saint Emperor standing beside him, saying,

"These seventy percent of resources, I entrust to Verdant Luan Saint Emperor and the other local Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of a heavenly domain] to manage. They are to be used to repair the damage inflicted upon the Blazing Central Primordial Domain and the thirty-six Primordial Domain."

"Let this serve as a stern warning. Take heed, and ensure you do not become the next Blazing Center Supreme."

Hearing these words, the assembled Heavenly Emperor could not help but feel a flicker of astonishment.

Within the Boundless Chaos [the infinite, formless expanse from which all worlds are born], the only law since time immemorial has been that of chaos itself. The strong devouring the weak is nearly the sole, immutable truth.

Every single Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who rules within the primordial chaos] present had clawed their way to their current heights through countless storms of blood and slaughter.

To them, seizing the Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial creative energy that forms new worlds] from a nascent Primordial Domain, or even destroying an entire Primordial Domain outright, were commonplace occurrences.

The more benevolent might only take the Chaos Genesis Energy. The truly ruthless would drain a world's very foundational essence, leaving it shattered and its rank diminished, much like the fate that befell the Great Wasteland Primordial Domain.

In their relentless pursuit of greater power, countless Heavenly Emperor had not hesitated to sacrifice entire Primordial Domain upon the altar of their ambition.

Yet, one such as Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator], who encourages fair competition among peers, shows compassion and care for lower-realm cultivators, and detests those who bully the weak, is truly a rare sight.

For a moment, many Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a title for supreme cultivators who have mastered primordial chaos] felt a pang of shame, their minds drifting back to the fiery youths they once were.

There was a time when they, too, were filled with righteous fervor, eager to champion justice for all under heaven.

Yet, when they reached the peak of their current paths, tormented by the desperate need to advance further, few could still hold fast to that original heart.

The dragon-slayer, in the end, often becomes the dragon he sought to slay!

"I am not his equal,"

Violet Firmament Immortal Sage [a venerable immortal sage] murmured inwardly, a sigh coloring his expression.

While he himself had never bullied the weak, that was only in the absence of significant conflict of interest.

If a weaker cultivator possessed a resource that caught his eye, even if he wouldn't resort to outright plunder, he would employ various means to exchange for it.

Were he in that position—a being who had yet to set foot upon the Path Union Realm [a profound cultivation realm where one's chosen path merges with the greater Dao]—facing such a situation, he would at most seek to protect himself, accept the offered resources, and play the role of a neutral mediator.

Contemplating this, Violet Firmament Immortal Sage understood the general picture. In the future, the Returning Abyss Lineage would inevitably surpass the lineage of Blazing Center Supreme.

The reason lay in their differing scopes. Given Eldrin Chen's past reputation and his actions today, he was bound to attract a great number of Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors who rule over primordial chaos realms] to his banner.

For the Chaos was boundless. While it harbored many ruthless and vicious Heavenly Emperor, it was also home to those of noble character and unyielding pride.

These individuals shared Eldrin Chen's ideals and principles. Their philosophies aligned closely, and they would likely be most willing to join the ranks of the Returning Abyss Domains.