Chapter 2146 : The Return of the False Supremes

They could never have imagined that the four Half-Step Path Union who had abandoned the Blazing Central Hundred Domains for so many years, presumably to flee the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, would return not as fugitives but as four Path Union Supreme.

"Four Path Union Supreme... no, one newly ascended Path Union and three Pseudo Path Union Supreme."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, his perception instantly piercing through the true nature of the four figures.

With the foundational knowledge inherited from the Nameless Path Ancestor, he understood perfectly the distinction between a Pseudo Path Union Supreme and a true Path Union Supreme.

Though also called a Path Union Supreme, a Pseudo Path Union Supreme possessed an extremely unstable foundation, forcibly elevated through methods with severe side effects.

Such methods were exceedingly rare within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], representing a breakthrough technique akin to pulling seedlings to hasten their growth—ultimately harmful.

Once this path was taken, not only would one's combat power be limited to ninety percent of a true Path Union Supreme, but all hope for further advancement was forever severed. Hence, they were deemed 'Pseudo' Supreme.

Yet, even a Pseudo Supreme wielded power approaching that of a newly ascended true Supreme, making the distinction nearly negligible from the perspective of a Half-Step Path Union cultivator.

Nevertheless, such a breakthrough method was profoundly uncommon, requiring specific Chaos Spiritual Treasure [artifacts born from primordial chaos] to facilitate. Only factions at the Chaos Sovereign level possessed the means to control it.

Eldrin Chen naturally was aware of this forced-growth technique. However, the members of the Chen Immortal Clan all possessed immense latent potential, rendering such a desperate secret art [a forbidden technique with severe consequences] utterly unnecessary for their ascension.

Moreover, the potential of Eldrin Chen's Sacrificial Self Path [a profound cultivation method focused on self-transcendence through sacrifice] was even greater. If he truly reached a point where no further advancement seemed possible, he could completely rely on the Sacrificial Self Art [the core technique of the Sacrificial Self Path] to achieve a breakthrough, reforging a peerless foundation from what seemed an impossibility.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen harbored no further worries for these four individuals.

He simply strolled forward, his gaze calm as he regarded the assembled crowd before him. With a serene expression, he spoke, "Fellow Daoists, your arrival carries such formidable momentum. I presume you have not come merely to offer birthday felicitations."

Nine Dragons' Nest Master offered a faint smile and spoke with deliberate casualness, "We have heard that Fellow Daoist wishes to become the new master of the Hundred Domains. However, our Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance [a coalition of major powers governing the Hundred Domains region] has not consented to this matter. I fear this issue requires further deliberation."

"Is that so?"

Eldrin Chen clasped his hands behind his back, his gaze steady and unflinching as it rested upon the four Supreme [a title denoting a cultivator who has reached the pinnacle of a cultivation path]. Finally, he spoke, "It seems the esteemed few are not convinced."

"Returning Abyss Path Ancestor!"

At that moment, Tianke Path Ancestor suddenly thumped his cane against the ground, his expression turning icy. "With the fall of the Blazing Center Supreme [the Supreme of the Blazing Center Path], the Hundred Domains rightfully belong to our Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance," he declared coldly.

"If you hand over the Supreme Puppet [a powerful enchanted artifact capable of rivaling a Supreme cultivator] today and join the Hundred Domains Path Union Alliance, a place of honor within the Hundred Domains will surely be yours in the future."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly before posing a counter-question. "And if I do not hand it over?"

"Boom—"

At that very instant, a sound of world-creation [the primordial act of forming a new cosmos] echoed from within the Chaos.

The Myriad Path Divine Venerable suddenly soared into the air. Behind him, the Myriad Path Disc of the Myriad Heavens spanned the eons, interwoven with infinite strands of Great Path order, standing there like a Sovereign [a supreme ruler of all cosmic principles] suppressing all paths.

Then, he smiled as he looked at Eldrin Chen and spoke calmly, "I have heard that your combat prowess is world-shaking, capable of challenging those a realm above. Today, I wish to witness it for myself."

As his words fell, the Myriad Path Divine Venerable attacked with his full power, commanding the Myriad Path Disc of the Myriad Heavens to press down with overwhelming force.

The momentum of this strike was vast and majestic. The radiant Myriad Path Disc descended, causing even the boundless Myriad Heavens and the Sea of the Great Path [the metaphysical ocean from which all cosmic principles emanate] to tremble.

Clad in snow-white robes, Eldrin Chen remained utterly unperturbed in the face of such heavenly might.

He stopped Ethan Chen and the others who were about to intervene. With a mere flick of his sleeve, he struck out with a palm, manifesting a colossal Chaos Giant Hand that blotted out the sky, firmly pinning the Myriad Path Disc within its grasp.

"Hummm—"

Witnessing his treasure being subdued, the Myriad Path Divine Venerable revealed a look of shock. He immediately channeled boundless Great Path power into the disc, striving with all his might to help it break free from the shackles of the Chaos Giant Hand.

However, given Eldrin Chen's current cultivation in the Great Path and his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] realm, the might unleashed by his Primordial Chaos Unity Energy Grasping Hand [a divine technique that manifests a giant hand of chaotic energy] was not something one could easily break free from.

As Eldrin Chen swept his palm downward, Myriad Path Divine Venerable was sent hurtling away, the Myriad Path Disc of the Myriad Heavens [a supreme disc-shaped treasure said to contain the power of countless heavenly paths] along with him, crashing into the boundless Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all creation emerged].

"A counterfeit remains a counterfeit. How dare a false Supreme [a title denoting the highest, most profound attainment] defy the heavens?"

Having repelled Myriad Path Divine Venerable with a single move, Eldrin Chen retracted his hand and spoke once more, "I grant you all one final chance. Depart now, and I shall let bygones be bygones."

"But if you dare raise a hand again, do not blame me for showing no mercy."

Myriad Path Divine Venerable barely managed to steady himself, his countenance shifting slightly.

He had not anticipated that even his current power would be so thoroughly suppressed before Eldrin Chen, and a look of profound apprehension surfaced in his eyes.

He turned his gaze back towards Nine Dragons' Nest Master and the others.

Seeing Nine Dragons' Nest Master give a slight nod, a glint of cold intent flashing in his pupils, Tianke Path Ancestor understood immediately. He stepped forward and declared,

"Your prowess is indeed Extraordinary, sir. Yet, it falls far short of what is needed to frighten us into retreat."

As his words fell, he fiercely channeled energy into the staff in his hand, causing four Great PathTrue Spirit [supreme spiritual entities representing cosmic principles]—a True Dragon, an Immortal Phoenix, a White Tiger, and a Black Tortoise—to materialize and spiral through the air before crashing down upon him.

The power of this strike was vast and overwhelming. If it landed fully, even a Small Primordial Domain [a nascent, self-contained pocket of reality] would be shattered into pieces.

Yet, Eldrin Chen remained utterly unmoved. With a mere flick of his sleeve, he summoned the Chaos Giant Cauldron to descend and suppress the attack, initiating a colossal collision with the four Great PathTrue Spirit.

In that instant, the vast heavens and earth were torn asunder. The Boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all things emerged] trembled and fractured continuously under the shockwaves of their clash.

"Returning Abyss Path Ancestor, we shall test your mettle."

No sooner had the words been spoken than the Immortal Phoenix Empress and the Myriad Path Divine Venerable sprang into action. They commanded the Ancient Immortal Phoenix Sword and the Myriad Path Disc to press down with a force that shook the annals of history.

It had to be admitted, the strength of these three was formidable, not far removed from that of a newly ascended Supreme [a title denoting the pinnacle of cultivation attainment].

Yet, even such power was insufficient before Eldrin Chen. In a flash, he activated both the Chaos Giant Cauldron and the Primordial Chaos Unity Energy Grasping Hand [a divine technique that seizes and manipulates the fundamental energies of chaos] to meet his foes.

Simultaneously, he unleashed the Chaos Weapon Forging Art [an art that forges weapons from the essence of primordial chaos] to suppress the battlefield from all sides. Facing three opponents alone, he did not yield an inch of ground.

"Such formidable skill," one of them murmured, a note of grudging awe in their voice.

Witnessing Eldrin Chen unleash his divine might, the Nine Dragons' Nest Master's pupils contracted with a flicker of cold intent. In the end, he could no longer restrain himself.

He abruptly soared into the air, riding upon an 'ancient imperial seal' that descended with crushing force.

Upon that ancient seal coiled nine True Dragon figures forged from Immortal Metal. In that instant, the eyes of all nine dragons blazed with light, transforming into nine coiling serpents that surged forth in a horizontal assault.

"Chaos Spiritual Artifact [a primordial artifact of immense power born from chaos]—the Nine Dragon Imperial Seal!"

As this treasure descended to suppress him, a trace of solemnity finally surfaced in Eldrin Chen's gaze.

This Nine Dragon Imperial Seal was the Nine Dragons' Nest Master's life-bound treasure [a magical artifact intimately connected to its owner's life force and cultivation]. Now, with the Nine Dragons' Nest Master's cultivation advancing to the Path Union Realm [a profound realm where one's chosen path merges with their being], it had metamorphosed into a Middle Grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure [a mid-tier artifact of primordial chaos].

Driven by the Nine Dragons' Nest Master's current level of power, it was a force not to be underestimated.

Facing this, Eldrin Chen did not act recklessly. Instead, he manifested the Chaos Heaven Halberd and directly smashed it towards the nine True Dragon figures. Relying on his supreme physical foundation and the power of the Chaos Spiritual Artifact, he forcefully sent the nine dragons scattering through the air.

"Since you seek death, this sovereign shall grant your wish!"

After several dozen exchanges, Eldrin Chen showed not a moment's hesitation. He directly activated the power of the Cosmic Sky Sundial, pulling all his opponents into his Space-Time Domain [a personal realm where the wielder can manipulate the flow of space and time].

The moment they were pulled into the Space-Time Domain [a divine ability that manipulates the flow of space and time], the Nine Dragons' Nest Master and the others instantly paled with terror.

The reason was simple: the suppression from the Space-Time Domain was overwhelmingly potent. While such a domain offered limited advantage against truly formidable foes, its power to dominate the weak was nothing short of heaven-defying.

Now trapped within the Space-Time Domain, the four found their speed and reaction times drastically crippled.

The Nine Dragons' Nest Master fared slightly better; fighting at his absolute limit, he could still muster sixty to seventy percent of his usual speed and reflexes.

But the three pseudo-Supreme [a title prefix denoting a supreme level of attainment] were far from his level. Their speed and reaction capabilities were reduced to a mere thirty percent of their normal state.

Even combined, the four were no match for Eldrin Chen. In such a crippled condition, how could they possibly offer any resistance? Within mere exchanges, they were utterly overwhelmed.

"BOOM—"

After hundreds of consecutive, desperate clashes, Myriad Path Divine Venerable was the first to falter. His Myriad Path Disc [a disc-shaped magical treasure embodying myriad paths] was pierced through, and his physical body—flesh, blood, and bone—was instantly and completely pulverized.

Following a wretched scream, his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] sought to flee. Yet, under the oppressive weight of the Space-Time Domain, his spirit found itself unable to instantly return to the Sea of the Great Path [the metaphysical ocean representing the source of all paths and laws].

Eldrin Chen, however, acted with ruthless decisiveness. Instantly channeling the Battleaxe of Oblivion, he brought it down in a crushing suppression, annihilating the Primordial Spirit on the spot.

After being utterly extinguished, the Path Union [the state of merging one's cultivation path with the Great Dao] and the Primordial Spirit of the Supreme [the ultimate spiritual core of a supreme being] face a recovery process of immense difficulty.

Struck by the Battleaxe of Oblivion [a legendary weapon capable of severing existence itself], the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of Myriad Path Divine Venerable was nearly annihilated completely.

Relying on the minuscule remnant of Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] within the Great Path [the fundamental laws of the cosmos], a full recovery would likely require at least ten million Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth].

"How dare you!"

Witnessing the suppression and slaying of Myriad Path Divine Venerable, the remaining three figures paled with terror.

They immediately acted, attempting to tear open the Space-Time Secret Realm [a hidden dimension governed by its own laws of space and time] to flee, but found their efforts utterly futile.

Perhaps in the outside world, the combined might of the four could have suppressed the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, but within this place, the gap was far too vast.

Suppressed by the Space-Time Domain [a divine ability that manipulates the fabric of space and time to create a controlled battlefield], the quartet could barely muster a fraction of their true power. Thus, in the eyes of Eldrin Chen, their threat paled in comparison to that of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

Yet, having crossed the point of no return, Eldrin Chen had no intention of letting the tigers return to the mountains, sowing future calamity.

He wielded the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a divine weapon capable of sundering primordial chaos] with full mastery, engaging the three in a fierce and relentless clash. After hundreds of exchanges, he succeeded in suppressing and slaying both the Immortal Phoenix Empress and the Tianke Path Ancestor.

Only the Nine Dragons' Nest Master [the master of the legendary Nine Dragons' Nest] managed, by pushing himself to his absolute limit, to momentarily resist the suppression of the Space-Time Divine Form [a supreme divine ability that manipulates the fabric of space and time].

Yet even so, his power was far inferior to that of Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator], for Eldrin Chen's strength at this moment was already comparable to a top-tier Path Union [a supreme cultivation realm where one's path merges with the fundamental laws of the cosmos]. The two were simply not qualified to face each other in a direct confrontation.

"Eldrin..."

On the brink of defeat and annihilation, the killing intent within the Nine Dragons' Nest Master [the master of the legendary Nine Dragons' Nest] bordered on madness.

With a furious roar, he soared into the air, glaring with bitter resentment at Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator]. "My backing is the Primordial Chaos Myriad Dragon Nest [a primordial and immensely powerful sanctuary of countless dragons]," he snarled. "If you slay me, the Primordial Chaos Myriad Dragon Nest will never let you live!"

"The Primordial Chaos Myriad Dragon Nest?"

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] offered a faint smile, yet his hand did not waver in the slightest. He channeled his power, driving the Battleaxe of Oblivion [a legendary weapon imbued with the power of absolute annihilation] down with crushing force. The axe cleaved through the Nine Dragons' Nest Master [the master of the legendary Nine Dragons' Nest], obliterating him amidst the swirling Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all creation emerged].

Having accomplished this, Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] calmly brushed his hands together. "I shall await that day," he stated.

"You—!"

Utterly unwilling, his face a mask of bitter defiance, the Nine Dragons' Nest Master [the master of the legendary Nine Dragons' Nest] was ultimately consumed by the all-devouring Power of Oblivion [the supreme power of absolute erasure and annihilation].

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen gathered all the treasures left behind by the fallen, a faint smile gracing his lips.

As for the threats uttered by the Nine Dragons' Nest Master, he did not truly take them to heart.

For within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], True Dragon [a supreme and ancient species of dragon] are numberless. If the fall of every single True Dragon could stir the Myriad Dragon Nest [the legendary lair of countless dragons], then its mighty denizens would have no time for cultivation at all.

Furthermore, the cultivation base and potential of the Nine Dragons' Nest Master were not particularly great, making him unworthy of intervention from the Primordial Chaos Myriad Dragon Nest [the supreme ancestral nest of dragons within the Chaos].

Even if the Nine Dragons' Nest Master did have backing within the Primordial Chaos Myriad Dragon Nest, the connection was likely merely transactional or a one-sided attempt at patronage.

Otherwise, he would not have forsaken the opportunity to remain within the Nine Chaos Dragons Nest [a powerful dragon nest within the Chaos] to return to this remote backwater of the Returning Abyss Hundred Domains [a collection of one hundred realms bordering the primordial abyss].

Of course, even if the threat held some weight, Eldrin Chen harbored no fear.

The power of a Pinnacle Supreme [a cultivator who has reached the absolute zenith of the Supreme Realm] was no trifling matter, even within the depths of the Primordial Chaos Myriad Dragon Nest. Within that vast nest, only those who had touched the threshold of the Half-Step Limitless [cultivators who have begun their ascent beyond the Supreme Realm] could hope to completely suppress Eldrin Chen.

Yet such Half-Step Limitless Powerhouse [powerhouses who have taken half a step into the Limitless Realm] were exceedingly rare, even in a place like the Myriad Dragon Nest. It was highly improbable that one would traverse the vast Sea of Chaos [the boundless, turbulent expanse of primordial Chaos] merely to avenge a newly ascended Supreme [a title denoting one who has reached the Supreme Realm].

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen felt no lingering concern. After securing the treasures, he pondered for a moment before summoning forth the Supreme Celestial Puppet [a puppet of immense power, rivaling a Supreme Realm expert] and the thirty-six Heavenly Emperor Puppets [powerful puppets, each possessing strength comparable to a Heavenly Emperor].

Only after completing all this did he withdraw his Space-Time Domain [a divine ability that manipulates the flow of space and time], slowly manifesting within this stretch of heaven and earth once more.

"This is..."

Witnessing the Space-Time Domain recede and only Eldrin Chen returning alone, everyone present drew in a sharp, cold breath. This signified that Eldrin Chen had single-handedly defeated four Supreme [a title prefix denoting a cultivator who has reached the pinnacle of a cultivation path].

However, upon seeing the Supreme Puppet [a puppet artifact possessing power at the Supreme level] and the thirty-six Heavenly Emperor Puppet [puppet artifacts modeled after Heavenly Emperors], a flicker of understanding dawned upon their faces.

With Returning Abyss Path Ancestor [Eldrin Chen's title as the founder of the Returning Abyss Path] suppressing them via the Space-Time Domain, aided by the Supreme Puppet and thirty-six Heavenly Emperor Puppet, defeating four Supreme seemed to have a somewhat plausible explanation.

Though it still stretched credulity, no one knew if Returning Abyss Path Master [another title for Eldrin Chen] held any other trump cards.

After all, according to rumors, Returning Abyss Path Ancestor had obtained the greatest opportunity within the Desolate Heaven Ancient Hall [an ancient and mysterious ruin]. Possessing other means sufficient to annihilate Supreme did not seem entirely inexplicable.

With this thought, a shiver of fear ran through the crowd. Many quietly shelved the ambitions they had previously harbored.

Eldrin Chen, having observed everything, returned to the great hall. With a sweep of his sleeve, he spoke, "The Nine Dragons' Nest Master [the master of the legendary Nine Dragons' Nest] and his ilk showed disrespect to this seat. They have been utterly vanquished."

"Since you have no further objections to the matters previously discussed, you may now affix your seals to this covenant."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen swept his sleeve and presented a contract to the assembled crowd.

According to this pact, the major powers within the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance would henceforth cede thirty percent of their resource output to the Returning Abyss Lineage.

In return, Eldrin Chen would pledge his protection against external threats and provide both a suitable location and guardians for their breakthroughs into the Path Union realm [the stage of unifying one's cultivated Paths].

Naturally, securing such a breakthrough site and guardians required an additional, substantial fee—a clever means of generating revenue for the Chen Clan Lineage.

No one voiced any objection to these terms. The price was negligible compared to the security and order that came with residing within a governed domain of a hundred regions.

Soon, the contracts were signed, and the grand Myriad Tribulations Longevity Celebration drew to a close.

Only after the crowd had dispersed did Eldrin Chen gather with Exquisite Jiang and the others to examine the spoils taken from Nine Dragons' Nest Master and his companions.

Perhaps having exhausted their cultivation resources in the desperate push toward Path Union, the four had carried little treasure.

Eldrin Chen tallied the haul: aside from four Chaos Spiritual Artifact [powerful artifacts forged from primordial chaos], there remained only a handful of Chaos Rare Treasure [rare materials imbued with chaotic energies].