Chapter 2145 : Supreme Realms and Shifting Alliances

"Their strengths are evenly matched; it seems they have yet to determine a victor."

Tianke Path Ancestor leaned on his cane and spoke with a smile.

"That is most likely the case."

Myriad Path Divine Venerable also nodded in agreement. Behind him, the Myriad Path Disc of the Myriad Heavens rose and fell, and his cultivation base had undergone a heaven-defying transformation compared to years past. His power had surged by far more than just severalfold.

It appeared that all four of them had obtained astonishing opportunities, their cultivation having already stepped into the Path Union Supreme Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Path Union realm].

However, somewhat strangely, the auras of Tianke Path Ancestor, Myriad Path Divine Venerable, and Immortal Phoenix Empress seemed unstable, their strength appearing to be only at ninety percent of a true Path Union Supreme cultivator's level.

Moreover, their potential seemed to have been exhausted, making it difficult for them to advance any further in the future.

Immortal Phoenix Empress also smiled faintly, then looked towards the depths of the Blazing Central Hundred Domains and said, "Now that we have stepped into the Supreme Realm, these Hundred Domains shall henceforth honor our Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance as supreme."

"Whether it be the Outer Realm Demon Emperor or the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor, if they dare to defy us, we shall suppress them all."

Nine Dragons' Nest Master also nodded, a trace of a smile appearing on his face as he said, "I have heard that the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor possesses a Celestial Puppet of the Supreme Realm [a supreme-grade puppet artifact]."

"If he is willing to hand it over, this seat is not entirely opposed to allowing him to join the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance [a grand coalition of cultivation sects and clans across a hundred domains]."

"Well said, well said!"

The Myriad Path Divine Venerable smiled faintly, then suddenly spoke again. "Consider that Violet Firmament Immortal Sage [a powerful immortal alchemist], who lacks all discernment, actually sought to pledge allegiance to the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [a formidable and ancient master of the Dao]."

"His strength is mediocre at best. Were it not for his alchemical skills, we would have long since expelled him from the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance."

"Now that we have stepped into the Supreme Realm [the pinnacle of mortal cultivation, a realm of near-divine power], he will no longer even have the chance to stand as our equal."

A cold sneer flickered across the face of the Nine Dragons' Nest Master [a powerful lord dwelling within a nest of nine dragons], who then spoke with deliberate calm. "The Violet Firmament Immortal Sage's alchemical arts are indeed quite refined. Henceforth, he shall serve as our personal alchemist."

Upon hearing this, the assembled figures all revealed subtle, inscrutable expressions.

They understood this was the Nine Dragons' Nest Master's retaliation against the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage, for in the past, the Sage had publicly broken ties with the Nest Master before all.

To this, none offered counsel or objection. In the view of these four, the entire Blazing Central Hundred Domains [a vast region of one hundred cultivation domains centered around a blazing core] would soon be theirs for the taking.

And with their combined might, their dominion over the Blazing Central Hundred Domains would far surpass that once held by the Blazing Center Supreme [the former supreme ruler of the Blazing Center].

After all, with four Supreme [the highest honorific prefix for beings of ultimate power] joining forces, what resistance could the Half-Step Path Union [an alliance of cultivators who have nearly achieved the ultimate state of Path Union] within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains possibly muster?

There was no doubt in their minds that all the myriad resources of the entire Blazing Central Hundred Domains would ultimately fall into their possession, becoming spoils for the four of them.

At this thought, cold, mocking smiles touched the lips of all four.

The Vast and Boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse between ordered worlds] teemed with powerful beings. If they were to leave the Blazing Central Hundred Domains, they might not be able to claim such vast territories for themselves.

But by directly inheriting the Blazing Central Hundred Domains, even if the resources were somewhat sparse, a thorough plundering would still be sufficient to sustain the cultivation of all four of them.

With this settled, the Nine Dragons' Nest Master waved a hand grandly and declared, "Let us proceed directly to Heaven Abyss and pay a visit to our two old friends."

"..."

As his words faded, the four figures immediately set off towards the Northern and Southern Heaven Abyss.

However, as they neared Heaven Abyss, they noticed a peculiar sight. Numerous powerful figures, moving with the reverence of pilgrims, were journeying towards Heaven Abyss with utmost deference.

Furthermore, within the Southern Abyss Domains, the converging auras of several hundred beings at the Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign title for rulers of heavenly domains] level gathered, stirring a flicker of puzzlement within the four arrivals.

"What is happening? Could there be conflict in Heaven Abyss [the Heavenly Abyss]?"

Nine Dragons' Nest Master [the Master of the Nine Dragons' Nest] showed a look of confusion, then with a flick of his sleeve, he plucked a pilgrim Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the Sage realm] from the Chaos [the Primordial Chaos].

That Sage Ascendant was traveling when he was suddenly seized by the Nine Dragons' Nest Master, causing his scalp to tingle with fright.

Sensing the boundless, terrifying aura of his captor, which seemed to emanate from several Path Union Supreme [Supreme Beings who have unified their cultivation paths], he immediately bowed in terror and said, "This junior pays his respects to the Senior. May I ask why you have seized me?"

"Hmph—"

"You will answer my questions. Speak a single lie, and your head will roll!"

Nine Dragons' Nest Master snorted coldly, his expression icy as he spoke.

The Sage Ascendant broke into a cold sweat from fear and immediately bowed deeply. "Senior, please ask. This junior will speak all he knows without reservation and dare not deceive you in the slightest."

Only then did Nine Dragons' Nest Master nod slightly before inquiring, "For what purpose are you all journeying to Heaven Abyss?"

"To attend the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor's Myriad Tribulations Longevity Celebration [the grand celebration of longevity for the Path Ancestor of the Returning Abyss, marking his survival of myriad heavenly tribulations]."

"Oh?"

The four figures were momentarily taken aback, exchanging glances with one another.

The Tianke Path Ancestor forcefully planted his staff on the ground and declared, "The Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [the revered title of the supreme master of the Returning Abyss domain] cuts quite an imposing figure. For a mere Myriad Tribulations Longevity Celebration [a grand ceremony celebrating longevity and transcending myriad tribulations], he has managed to draw the attendance of so many Chaos Heavenly Emperor [titles for supreme rulers who command primordial chaos]?"

The Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the Sage Ascendant realm, one step below a Path Ancestor] paled slightly and replied, "Not long ago, the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor vanquished the Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a demonic sovereign from beyond the known realms] and established himself as the new master of the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains [a vast territory comprising one hundred domains]. Naturally, we dare not show the slightest disrespect."

"How audacious is this Returning Abyss Path Ancestor, daring to proclaim himself the new lord of a hundred domains! What does he take us for?"

The Myriad Path Divine Venerable [a supreme being who has mastered myriad cultivation paths] glared coldly, unable to restrain himself from turning to the Master of the Nine Dragons beside him. "Elder Brother, we cannot stand idly by and allow this."

The Nine Dragons' Nest Master did not answer immediately. He merely gazed calmly at the Sage Ascendant and inquired, "How exactly did the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor slay the Outer Realm Demon Emperor? You must recount the truth of the matter."

Trembling inwardly, the Sage Ascendant began, "The tale goes that when the Outer Realm Demon Emperor launched his assault on the Blazing Central Primordial Domain [a primordial domain at the heart of creation, associated with blazing energy], the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor confronted him directly in battle."

"At first, they were evenly matched. But then, the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor utilized the power of his Space-Time Divine Form [a divine ability to manifest a form that manipulates space and time] to drag his foe into a Space-Time Domain [a pocket dimension where the caster controls the flow of space and time]. There, with the aid of nine Half-Step Path Union [cultivators on the cusp of unifying their cultivation path with the Great Dao] and the Supreme Puppet [a legendary autonomous construct of immense power], they surrounded and executed the demon emperor."

As the Sage Ascendant narrated the events in detail, the assembly grasped the full sequence of what had transpired.

After hearing this, Myriad Path Divine Venerable [a supreme being who has mastered countless cultivation paths] could not help but sneer coldly and speak, "I never imagined that Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a demonic sovereign from beyond this realm] would be so arrogant and overconfident."

"Knowing full well that Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [the Ancestor of the Path that leads back to the primordial abyss] possesses the Supreme Puppet [a peerless enchanted automaton] and the Puppet Grand Formation [a grand battle formation of puppets], he still dared to be drawn into the Space-Time Domain [a divine technique that manipulates space and time] to fight head-on. He truly deserved his fate."

Tianke Path Ancestor [the Ancestor of the Tianke Path] scoffed mockingly before continuing, "The Outer Realm Demon Emperor has been accustomed to arrogance, believing that breaking through to the Path Union Supreme [the supreme realm where one's cultivation path merges with the Great Dao] would make him invincible under heaven."

"But he was merely a newly ascended Path Union Supreme, fighting alone without allies. What true capability could he possibly have?"

Nine Dragons' Nest Master [the master of the legendary nest of nine dragons] nodded slightly, a trace of anger in his voice. "That Outer Realm Demon Emperor was so reckless. Had we joined forces, we could have slain him ourselves."

"Returning Abyss Path Master [the Master of the Returning Abyss Path] only managed to kill the Outer Realm Demon Emperor first because we were not present. Otherwise, that credit would never have fallen into his hands."

"But perhaps this is for the best. It prevents Returning Abyss Path Master from growing wary of us and potentially allying with the Outer Realm Demon Emperor against our coalition."

Having said his piece, the Nine Dragons' Nest Master stated coldly, "Regardless, the position of Lord of the Hundred Domains is not yet his to claim."

The other three also nodded in agreement. However, Immortal Phoenix Empress [the sovereign empress of the immortal phoenix lineage] voiced a concern, "Even so, the fact that Returning Abyss Path Master was able to slay the Outer Realm Demon Emperor shows his strength is not to be underestimated."

"Even if we join forces, I fear we may not be confident of suppressing and killing him, let alone the fact he commands several Half-Step Path Union [cultivators who have taken half a step into the Path Union realm] under his banner."

"There is no need for worry."

However, the Nine Dragons' Nest Master shook his head and suddenly sneered coldly, "He commands quite a few Half-Step Path Union [cultivators who have partially merged with their chosen Path]. Yet, we have even more Supreme [a title prefix denoting supreme mastery] within our Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance."

"Now, I believe our fellow cultivators from the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance are also within this Returning Abyss Immortal Domain."

"With but a rallying cry from this old man, most would likely follow us once more. Why should we fear those Half-Step Path Union from the Returning Abyss Lineage?"

With those words, the Nine Dragons' Nest Master crushed the Sage Ascendant [a cultivator who has ascended to the threshold of Sagehood] in his hand, then strode forward towards the Returning Abyss Chaos Domain.

"Let us go, everyone, and meet Fellow Cultivator Eldrin."

"..."

Meanwhile, within that Returning Abyss Chaos Domain, a grand Myriad Tribulations Longevity Banquet [a celebratory feast marking the transcendence of countless tribulations and the attainment of longevity] was being held.

"Qingyao Immortal Sage [an Immortal Sage titled Qingyao] from the Distant Heaven Primordial Domain pays his respects—offering a congratulatory gift of one piece of Chaos Star Dawn Stone [a primordial ore containing the essence of chaotic starlight and dawn]."

"Boundless Saint Emperor [a Saint Emperor titled Boundless] from the Vast Abyss Primordial Domain pays his respects—offering a congratulatory gift of three pieces of Vast Abyss Mysterious Gold [a mysterious, profound gold from the Great Abyss]."

"Violet Firmament Primordial Domain and Violet Firmament Immortal Sage have come to pay their respects — congratulatory gifts include five vials of 'Chaos Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir refined from primordial chaos energies]', three pieces of 'Nine Heavens Divine Jade [a divine jade said to have fallen from the highest heavens]', and thirty portions of 'Chaos Origin [the purest essence of primordial chaos]'..."

Eldrin Chen sat serenely upon the main throne, observing the gathered heroes from a hundred domains within the grand hall, quietly listening as the various Immortal Sages and Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler who has attained the Heavenly Emperor realm] presented their congratulatory gifts.

This ten-thousand-year longevity celebration was exceptionally grand, and the gifts sent by the major powers were remarkably lavish. In particular, the presents brought by Violet Firmament Immortal Sage elicited a flicker of surprise even from Eldrin Chen.

"Go and invite Fellow Daoist Violet Firmament over,"

Eldrin Chen instructed Serene Child who stood nearby. The Serene Child bowed respectfully and then went to fetch Violet Firmament Immortal Sage.

Upon meeting Eldrin Chen, the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage immediately offered a respectful bow and said, "Congratulations, Senior, on your boundless longevity. Your recent slaying of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a demonic sovereign from beyond the known realms] is a great blessing for our Returning Abyss Hundred Domains."

"This junior is endlessly grateful."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly, raising a sleeve to help the sage rise. "We are old friends," he said. "There is no need for such formality."

"Attendants, prepare a seat."

At his command, a seat was arranged for Violet Firmament Immortal Sage not far from where Eldrin Chen sat.

The Heavenly Emperors observing from afar could not help but reveal looks of envy at this sight.

It must be understood that within the entire grand hall, those deemed worthy of being personally granted a seat by Eldrin Chen were exceedingly few, limited to old acquaintances of Eldrin Chen such as the Indestructibility Ancient One and the Panhuang Heavenly Emperor.

Beyond them, even the various Half-Step Path Union cultivators were not qualified for such an honor and could only take their places at the banquet tables arranged further away.

With the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage now seated, the grand feast was finally poised to commence.

Sage Ascendants and Heavenly Emperors continued to arrive from beyond the hall until, not long after, the appointed time arrived. By then, the gathering had swelled to encompass several hundred Heavenly Emperors and several thousand Sage Ascendants.

It could be said that nearly every Heavenly Emperor and Sage Ascendant from across the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains had come to partake in Eldrin Chen's Myriad Tribulations Longevity Celebration.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen finally rose to his feet. He slowly raised the immortal wine [a divine nectar brewed for celestial beings] in his hand in a gesture to all present, then spoke with serene composure:

"Today marks my Myriad Tribulations Longevity Celebration. That you have all deigned to attend brings me profound solace and joy."

"Here, I shall first offer a toast to you all." Having spoken, Eldrin Chen drained his cup in one swift motion.

"To be granted attendance at Senior's longevity celebration is an honor for us as well," the assembly responded in kind.

All the guests present drank the wine from their cups and then replied with reverence.

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly before speaking again, "I know what concerns you all, so I shall not keep you in suspense."

"Henceforth, within the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains, I will not forbid breakthroughs to the Path Union Realm [the realm where one's chosen cultivation path merges with the fundamental laws of the world]. Should any of you wish to attempt such an ascension, I will not obstruct your path. Furthermore, I will forbid the strong from bullying the weak."

"From now on, let grievances among peers be settled by peers themselves. Remember well, do not use your superior strength to oppress the younger generation."

Upon hearing this, the assembled Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler who has mastered heavenly laws] all revealed looks of pleasant surprise.

They began to perceive that this Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [the founding master of the Returning Abyss cultivation path] before them sought order, preferring a structured and regulated Returning Abyss Hundred Domains.

Forbidding major powers from bullying the weak might seem like a restriction to the powerful factions, yet it ultimately benefited the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains as a whole.

After all, a prodigy who triumphed through fair competition had a far greater chance of achieving the ultimate Dao than a rising star cultivated through oppression by their elders.

The assembled individuals all represented the dominant powers, yet they did not truly oppose this decree.

Their resources and foundational heritage [accumulated strength and legacy] far surpassed the ordinary, allowing them to nurture disciples and followers that common-born talents could scarcely hope to match.

If, in a fair competition, they still cannot surpass those without powerful backing, then they are not worthy of receiving our full support and cultivation.

Considering this, the Heavenly Emperors present were all pleasantly surprised and unanimously agreed not to bully the weak with their superior strength.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke again: "My Returning Abyss Lineage can provide you sanctuary to attempt your breakthrough into the Path Union Realm [the realm of unifying one's cultivated path with the heavenly Dao], and will defend against attacks from external enemies in times of peril."

"In return, three-tenths of all cultivation resources produced henceforth within the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains must be surrendered to me as tribute. Do any of you have objections?"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of those present shifted slightly, but they quickly regained their composure.

Surrendering three-tenths of their resources to the Returning Abyss Lineage seemed like a significant portion, yet for them, it was ultimately a favorable bargain.

After all, with the Returning Abyss Lineage guarding against external threats, they would no longer need to fear assaults from Path Union Supremes [cultivators at the peak of the Path Union Realm].

Moreover, the mere promise of sanctuary for their breakthrough into the Path Union Realm was reason enough for them to willingly part with three-tenths of their resources.

With this realization, joy surged in their hearts. The Violet Firmament Immortal Sage could not help but stand and ask, "Esteemed Senior, regarding this sanctuary for the Path Union breakthrough... how exactly will it be provided?"

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile before replying, "I shall deploy the Super Chaos Grand Formation [a grand defensive and supportive array harnessing primordial chaos energies] within the Heaven Abyss Domains. All of you may attempt your cultivation breakthroughs within its protective confines."

"At that time, even if a top-tier Path Union Supreme were to come to obstruct your path, they would be utterly incapable of preventing your breakthrough in cultivation."

Upon hearing these words, everyone present revealed expressions of ecstatic joy.

Many of the Half-Step Path Union cultivators from the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance exchanged glances, their hearts clearly stirred with immense longing at this prospect.

Just as the assembly was preparing to finalize the covenant, an aura of boundless, majestic power emanated from beyond the borders of the Returning Abyss Chaos Domain.

In rapid succession, four more such auras of immeasurable grandeur tore through the void, arriving directly outside this Chaos Grotto-Heaven, followed by the sound of a cold, mocking laugh.

"Eldrin the Worthy Brother, why was I not invited to your Myriad Tribulations Longevity Celebration?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly.

Lifting his gaze, he saw four figures arriving in unison just beyond the Grotto-Heaven's boundary.

The newcomers were none other than the Nine Dragons' Nest Master and his three companions. They had now fully unleashed the supreme cultivation of the Path Union realm, directing an overwhelming, peerless pressure directly towards Eldrin Chen.

Wherever their aura passed, the three thousand Sage Ascendant cultivators present were nearly forced to their knees, many buckling under the weight. Even the various Heavenly Emperor figures present revealed looks of profound shock and alarm.

"The Nine Dragons' Nest Master, the Immortal Phoenix Empress, the Myriad Path Divine Venerable, and the Tianke Path Ancestor... they have broken through to the Path Union Supreme Realm [the pinnacle state of cultivation where one's path merges with the supreme laws of heaven and earth]?"

The Violet Firmament Immortal Sage and the others paled with shock, their faces etched with expressions of profound and utter disbelief.