Chapter 2144 : The Heaven-Slaying Blade's Descent

This Heaven-Slaying Blade possessed a might so immense it could be called earth-shattering and epoch-defying, representing the ultimate trump card of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a supreme ruler from a realm beyond the known cosmos].

Now, bolstered by the power of the Supreme [a prefix denoting the highest mastery of a Great Path] Devouring Great Path [a supreme cultivation art centered on the concept of absolute consumption] and the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator], its power nearly transcended all known limits, even brushing against the threshold of a top-tier Path Union [a realm where one's cultivation path merges with the fundamental laws of the cosmos] Supreme Domain [the ultimate manifestation of one's cultivated path, forming a personal domain of absolute authority].

Facing such a strike, Eldrin Chen's gaze sharpened instantly, not daring to show the slightest negligence.

He channeled all his power to command the Primordial Chaos Unity Energy True Aura [a divine protective aura forged from the unified energy of primordial chaos] to shield his body, intending to block this blow with the immense, world-shaping power of this Chaos Divine Ability [a supreme ability born from the primordial chaos].

Alas, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's cultivation in the Great Path [a fundamental and supreme law of cultivation] was far more profound, and the Heaven-Slaying Blade was the paramount divine ability from the ninth layer of the Primordial Spirit Immortal Pagoda [a legendary pagoda treasure housing supreme cultivation arts]. The power of mere Chaos Unity Energy [energy harmonized from the primordial chaos] was fundamentally insufficient to withstand it.

After merely an instant of collision, the Primordial Chaos Unity Energy True Aura could hold no longer; it was utterly torn asunder by the blade. Immediately after, that Heaven-Slaying Blade cleaved directly into Eldrin Chen's physical body.

Instantly, an obliterating shockwave swept out in all directions, the ultimate power of Slaughter [a divine ability embodying pure, annihilating destruction] erasing everything in its path.

"This is bad!"

Upon hearing this, the several Heavenly Emperor [titles for supreme sovereigns who have mastered heavenly laws] present immediately revealed expressions of profound horror.

Yet, before they could even react, an extreme, piercing cry of a sword suddenly resounded through the air.

At the very core of the collision, a figure clad in snow-white robes soared into the sky. With a flick of his sleeve, he activated the Cosmic Sky Sundial [a legendary artifact capable of manipulating time and space], traversing the distance in the Eldrin [a brief moment, the time it takes for a single thought to form] and appearing directly before the Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor, having just expended his ultimate trump card to subdue his foe, was still in the midst of regulating his breath and recovering. He had no time to react before the Cosmic Sky Sundial dragged him into its Space-Time Domain [a bounded realm where the flow of time and space is controlled by the user].

Before he could even gather his wits, a supremely powerful puppet forged from Immortal Metal [a legendary, nigh-indestructible metal used by immortals] came crashing towards him.

"A Supreme Celestial Puppet!"

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor's pupils contracted sharply. He sought to muster his supreme true power to counter it, only to find his speed and reaction time severely hampered by the Space-Time Power [the energy governing time and space]. He was simply no match for the speed of the Immortal Metal puppet.

In their very first exchange, he was sent flying backward, a single drop of blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

"Aaaargh—!"

Pinned down by the Supreme Puppet, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor roared in fury, unleashing the absolute limits of his power.

An endless torrent of Great Path [the fundamental laws and principles of the cosmos] power surged into his physical form, actually allowing him to resist the suppressing force of the Cosmic Sky Sundial.

He struck out again with his full might to suppress the Supreme Puppet, and within a few exchanges, managed to send the construct hurtling away.

"To withstand the suppression of the Cosmic Sky Sundial [a legendary artifact capable of manipulating the flow of time and space], your strength is truly extraordinary."

Witnessing the Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a supreme ruler from a chaotic dimension beyond the known realms] resist the oppressive force of the Cosmic Sky Sundial, Eldrin Chen could not help but murmur softly, a trace of admiration coloring his expression.

It must be understood that even the mighty Blazing Center Supreme [a title for a supreme cultivator who mastered the primordial flame], when faced with the Space-Time Domain [a divine technique that warps the fabric of reality to slow and control movement] unleashed by the Cosmic Sky Sundial, could only muster seventy percent of his usual speed and reaction.

Yet, this Outer Realm Demon Emperor remained utterly unaffected by the suppression of the Space-Time Power, a clear indication that his power far surpassed that of the Blazing Center Supreme and placed him among the very elite of the Path Union Supreme [the pinnacle realm where a cultivator's chosen Paths merge into supreme unity].

Upon hearing this, however, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor showed no hint of pride. Instead, an expression of profound gravity settled upon his features.

His gaze swept the surroundings, taking in the thirty-six Heavenly Emperor Puppet [powerful autonomous constructs forged in the image of ancient Heavenly Emperors] that had encircled him for some time. Above, the Heavenly Vault [the celestial dome of the sky] was sealed by the Polarity Void Mirror [a mirror treasure that stabilizes and isolates space], a manifestation of the Returning Abyss Seal [a seal that creates absolute spatial boundaries].

And in all directions—north, south, east, west, above, and below—stood nine peerless experts: Imperial Sovereign Jiang, Nyssa Qu, Lingering Ye, and others, their auras poised as if they had been lying in wait for him all along.

"You engaged me in fierce combat, deliberately revealing a flaw to lure out my full-powered strike," the demon emperor's voice was low.

"Seizing that moment to drag me into your Space-Time Domain—truly, a most cunning scheme."

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor spoke slowly, his eyes then shifting to Imperial Sovereign Jiang and the others. His pupils contracted slightly with intense focus as he asked, "Yet, what puzzles me is this: how did you conceal their presence so completely?"

"Logically speaking, with this venerable one's cultivation and perception, it should be impossible for me to have no forewarning of their approach."

Eldrin Chen could not help but smile upon hearing this. The Nameless Space was the very womb where the Chaos Supreme Treasure, the Returning Abyss Pearl, was nurtured.

Let alone a mere Path Union Supreme, even a top-tier Chaos Sovereign would be utterly incapable of sensing its location.

Of course, Eldrin Chen would never reveal this secret. Instead, he responded with a cold sneer, "The mysteries of the Space-Time Divine Form are far beyond your ability to comprehend."

"Today, trapped here, marks the end of your days."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen channeled his full power into the Battleaxe of Oblivion, unleashing a devastating horizontal slash aimed directly at the Outer Realm Demon Emperor with the intent to cleave him in two on the spot.

No longer holding back, Eldrin Chen fused his physical body, his Great Path, and his Primordial Spirit—the Three Great Foundations—into a single, unified force, unleashing a divine might capable of sundering heavens and shattering the cosmos.

The disparity in their strength was significant. Within mere exchanges, Eldrin Chen had completely suppressed the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, forcing him into a desperate, purely defensive posture.

"Perish, fiend!"

Almost simultaneously, Nyssa Qu, Imperial Sovereign Jiang, and the others joined the fray with their full might. Unleashing their hidden trump cards one after another, they besieged the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, quickly driving him into a relentless retreat.

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor was indeed formidable, a true paragon among his peers. Yet, besieged by the combined might of nearly ten combatants each wielding power comparable to the Path Union Realm, he ultimately could not withstand the onslaught.

After several dozen exchanges, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor realized that to continue this battle would lead only to his utter demise.

Thus, at the precipice of life and death, he roared and surged into the sky, unleashing the most potent forbidden trump card of his entire existence.

"Devour Heaven and Earth, Purge the Primordial Chaos!"

In that instant, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's physical body shattered, his blood and bones dissolving into his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator].

His aura underwent a terrifying sublimation, his Primordial Spirit transforming into a black hole that sought to consume the very heavens and earth, absorbing every single attack launched by his foes.

Even more terrifyingly, after absorbing this immense power, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor concentrated it into a single point and unleashed it as a blinding beam of light. This beam pierced straight through the Space-Time Domain [a field of distorted space and time] of the Cosmic Sky Sundial.

"Hmph—"

As the Space-Time Domain of the Cosmic Sky Sundial was suddenly breached, Eldrin Chen let out a muffled grunt, his face paling slightly.

His physical body's cultivation had not yet reached the Path Union Realm. Facing the Cosmic Sky Sundial's technique of borrowing force to counter force, he had allowed it to be used against him, resulting in the rupture of his Space-Time Domain.

After tearing through the Space-Time [the fabric of reality separating dimensions], the Outer Realm Demon Emperor gave a mighty beat of the Heaven-Devouring Wings [a pair of legendary wings capable of devouring the heavens] behind him, attempting to immediately rend the void and flee.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen reacted with lightning speed. In the very instant the Outer Realm Demon Emperor was about to vanish, he activated the Polarity Void Mirror to seal off this entire expanse of void space.

"Do not let him escape!"

Witnessing the Outer Realm Demon Emperor use their own force against them to tear open the Space-Time Domain [a divine technique that manipulates the flow of space and time], the expressions of everyone present turned grave and solemn.

They saw Lingering Ye activate the Eight Trigrams Formation Flags [a set of eight flags arranged according to the Eight Trigrams, used to create powerful formations] to ensnare the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, while Nyssa Qu also drove the Nine Severities Spirit-Slaying Swords [a set of nine swords famed for their ability to sever spirits] in a relentless, grinding assault.

Worthy Pursuit Chen, Imperial Sovereign Jiang, and Ye Verdant Peak also acted decisively. They unleashed a storm of lethal artifacts—the Seven Treasures Gourd [a gourd containing seven different types of powerful treasures], the Nine Solar Heavenly Flame Sword Formation [a sword formation that channels the power of nine heavenly suns], the Five Elements Sword Formation [a sword formation harmonizing the powers of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth]—launching a relentless, coordinated siege.

Although the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's Forbidden Divine Ability [a supremely powerful technique, often with severe costs or restrictions] was formidable, it ultimately struggled to withstand the concentrated, explosive might of so many divine techniques. Trapped in place, he found it nearly impossible to break free.

Judging by the situation, it seemed the Outer Realm Demon Emperor would likely be trapped and worn down to death right there.

However, to avoid unforeseen complications, Eldrin Chen immediately summoned forth the Gale Wind Immortal-Slaying Gourd [a legendary gourd that unleashes gale-force winds capable of slaying even immortals]. In an instant, he activated it, releasing a single, world-illuminating sword beam that shot forth.

"Disaster!"

The moment he laid eyes on the Gale Wind Immortal-Slaying Gourd, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor felt a jolt of dread in his heart. Yet, there was not the slightest opportunity for resistance.

The resplendent sword light blazed with unparalleled brilliance. Where it passed, Space-Time [the fabric of reality itself] seemed to congeal almost completely. It tore through the void in an instant, shattering the protective black hole surrounding the Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

Immediately after, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor utterly disintegrated, suffering wounds that were impossible to reverse.

Seizing the moment to press their advantage, Exquisite Jiang and the others unleashed a relentless assault. They activated treasures like the Nine Solar Heavenly Flame Sword Formation [a sword formation harnessing the power of nine suns], their combined might grinding down the remnants of the demon emperor's Primordial Spirit until it was nearly reduced to dust.

"He is finally vanquished."

Witnessing the Outer Realm Demon Emperor meet his final end, Eldrin Chen allowed himself a faint sigh of relief.

To prevent any possibility of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's resurrection, he even channeled the power of the Battleaxe of Oblivion to sweep through the surrounding Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation]. Only after ensuring every last wisp of the demon's remnant soul was utterly extinguished did he withdraw his power.

The slaying of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor filled all present with a rare and palpable excitement.

Exquisite Jiang approached, unable to contain her exhilaration. "With the Outer Realm Demon Emperor fallen," she said, "it seems a great thorn has been plucked from our side."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of agreement. He then collected the several Chaos Spiritual Artifact [artifacts forged from and imbued with primordial chaos] that had belonged to the fallen Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

This Outer Realm Demon Emperor possessed extraordinary wealth. After his breakthrough to the Path Union Supreme realm, he had gained an additional Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a powerful artifact forged from primordial chaos essence].

Furthermore, among his three treasures—the Ink Abyss War Armor, the Heaven-Devouring Wings, and the Fallen Heaven War Spear—the Heaven-Devouring Wings had also ascended into the domain of Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure.

After storing these treasures, Eldrin Chen finally returned to the periphery of the battlefield.

He glanced back towards the battlefield where Verdant Luan Saint Emperor and the others were, only to find that Prison-Suppressor Demon Sovereign and his ilk had long since fled, having sensed the tide turning against them, and had escaped into the depths of the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond the ordered realms].

"They fled quite swiftly,"

remarked Ethan Chen, a flicker of cold intent gleaming in his eyes.

Exquisite Jiang, however, showed no concern. She spoke with calm assurance, "Without the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, these Demonic Path [a cultivation path that harnesses demonic energies] Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of a heavenly domain] are no longer a significant threat. There is no need to pay them undue attention."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Without the Outer Realm Demon Emperor to lead them, the so-called heroes of the Northern Abyss were no longer a formidable force. They wouldn't even require personal intervention; the Heavenly Emperor of the Blazing Central Hundred Domains would be more than capable of dealing with them.

The only fate left for them was to be driven in defeat beyond the borders of the Blazing Central Hundred Domains.

Of course, the Blazing Central Hundred Domains would likely need a new name in the times to come.

"Congratulations, Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [a title signifying one who has attained the pinnacle of the Returning Abyss cultivation path]."

At that very moment, the various Heavenly Emperor [supreme sovereigns who have attained the Heavenly Emperor realm] from the Blazing Central Chaos Domain approached.

They excitedly came before Eldrin Chen and bowed deeply. Verdant Luan Saint Emperor could not contain his excitement as he spoke: "Senior, you have vanquished the Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a demonic sovereign from a realm beyond the known cosmos]. Henceforth, the Blazing Central Hundred Domains shall undoubtedly honor you as their paramount authority."

"Indeed, indeed! I believe from this day forward, the Blazing Central Hundred Domains should be renamed the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains."

Amidst the flattery from the gathered Heavenly Emperor, a rare smile touched the lips of Eldrin Chen.

He surveyed his surroundings and then declared, "The Outer Realm Demon Emperor has been executed. From now on, the Northern Abyss Foreign Realm [a hostile, alien dimension to the north] no longer poses a significant threat."

"You may spread this news throughout the Blazing Central Hundred Domains, informing all the major Primordial Domain [ancient, foundational realms of the cosmos] that the immediate crisis has been averted."

Upon hearing this, Verdant Luan Saint Emperor and the others could not help but nod with profound emotion.

They all bowed once more and responded with utmost reverence, "We understand."

Witnessing this, Exquisite Jiang, who stood nearby, spoke directly: "Not long ago, the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor passed the milestone of ten thousand Kalpa-time [immense cosmic cycles, each spanning billions of years] in lifespan."

"We have been in seclusion for years, solely to eradicate the Outer Realm Demon Emperor and have not yet held the Myriad Tribulations Longevity Celebration. Now that the Outer Realm Demon Emperor has been vanquished, it is time to host the Myriad Tribulations Longevity Banquet."

Exquisite Jiang spoke eloquently, then exchanged a glance with Eldrin Chen before continuing, "Three hundred Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration] from now, we shall hold the Myriad Tribulations Longevity Celebration in the Returning Abyss Primordial Domain."

"All the Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers of heavenly realms] from across the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains are invited to attend the longevity banquet. You all are welcome to come if you have the time."

Hearing this, everyone present immediately showed expressions of excitement.

A cultivator's Myriad Tribulations Longevity Celebration is an exceptionally significant event, especially the first celebration after surviving the tribulations. Even a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign ruling over primordial chaos] would treat it with the utmost importance.

Moreover, Eldrin Chen now reigns supreme over the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains, so there is no longer any need for the low-profile approach of the past.

For the Heavenly Emperor of the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains, this is also a prime opportunity to establish favorable relations with the Returning Abyss Chen Clan.

After all, with a new master now ruling this Chaos [primordial state of undifferentiated existence] hundred domains, they must understand how this new sovereign intends to govern the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains.

This Myriad Tribulations Longevity Celebration presents their best chance to gauge the character and intentions of the Returning Abyss Path Master.

Understanding this, the assembled Heavenly Emperor all wore expressions of pleasant surprise. They bowed in unison and declared, "We understand."

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] flicked his sleeves, using a gentle force to lift them to their feet, and then spoke, "Your Primordial Domain is not far from the Returning Abyss Chaos Domain now. This period of time should be sufficient for you to reach it."

"It is my hope that, before the longevity celebration, you will be able to merge your Primordial Domain into the Returning Abyss Chaos Domain."

Having said his piece, Eldrin Chen did not linger any longer. He immediately changed course and headed towards Heaven Abyss.

After returning to the Southern Abyss Ten Domains, Eldrin Chen did not pause for a moment. He went straight to the Northern Abyss Foreign Realm and launched his assault.

They pressed directly into the heart of the Northern Abyss Foreign Realm, swept away all the forces left behind by the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, and ultimately conquered the entire Six Domains of the Northern Abyss.

With this, the lingering threats from the Outer Realm Demon Emperor were completely eradicated. The remaining matters could be left to the Chen Immortal Clan and the Human Race Immortal Court to handle.

Having dealt with all of this, Eldrin Chen returned to the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven and resumed his secluded cultivation, continuing to contemplate the Primordial Solar Heavenly Flame Great Path and the Source Earth of All Things Great Path.

Meanwhile, the entire Human Race Immortal Court, and indeed all the major powers across the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains, began their preparations for the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor's Myriad Tribulations Longevity Celebration.

For all the myriad beings across the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains, this longevity celebration was an event of unprecedented grandeur. The last time such a celebration had occurred was over a million Kalpa Tribulation ago.

As for the news that the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains had gained a new master, it stirred complex and turbulent emotions in the hearts of all who heard it.

They feared that the dragon-slayer might one day become the dragon himself, that Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [the revered founder of the Returning Abyss Path] might become the next Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a tyrannical ruler from beyond this realm]. Yet, recalling the myriad deeds of Returning Abyss Path Ancestor, their hearts swelled with a greater measure of anticipation.

Burdened by these fears and buoyed by this hope, their feelings toward the upcoming Myriad Tribulations Longevity Celebration [a grand festival celebrating longevity and enduring countless trials] grew ever more complex.

Thus, time flowed on like a swift river, and three hundred Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years] gradually slipped away into the past.

"…"

Until one day, four figures suddenly descended from the skies beyond the borders of the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains [the vast territory governed by the Returning Abyss lineage].

These four individuals radiated an aura that could command mountains and rivers. They were none other than the Nine Dragons' Nest Master [the sovereign ruler of the Nine Dragons' Nest] and his companions, who had long ago retreated far beyond the Blazing Central Hundred Domains [the central territories once ruled by the Blazing Center lineage].

Now, their faces were alight with triumph and glory. As they drew near to the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains, smiles blossomed ever more freely upon their features.

"The Blazing Central Hundred Domains, we have finally returned."

The moment he set foot once more within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains, the Nine Dragons' Nest Master could no longer contain himself and let out a hearty, booming laugh.

Having been away from his homeland for several thousand Kalpa Tribulation, his cultivation had at last ascended to the Path Union Realm [a profound realm where one's chosen Path merges with the fundamental laws of existence]. Looking back, he was filled with the unique exhilaration of returning home in splendid robes, a triumphant hero welcomed back with honor.

With this thought in mind, the Nine Dragons' Nest Master sneered coldly and said, "After several thousand Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles] have passed unseen, I wonder how the battle between Returning Abyss Path Master and the Outer Realm Demon Emperor has been going?"