Chapter 2112 : Betrayal of the Heavenly Emperors

"Excellent, excellent, excellent."

As he witnessed the complete alliance of the various Emperors from the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, a surge of overwhelming killing intent [a palpable desire to destroy] flashed within the pupils of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

Yet, in that very instant, an overwhelming killing intent erupted from behind the Solar Heavenly Emperor. It was none other than the Candle Dragon and Primordial Phoenix, the two great Heavenly Emperors, launching a coordinated sneak attack against him.

Facing the ambush of these two powerful foes, the Solar Heavenly Emperor commanded his Solar Golden Bell to sweep outwards, instantly repelling them with a mighty force.

"Candle Dragon, Primordial Phoenix! You dare betray me?"

Having repelled the two Heavenly Emperors with a single move, the Solar Heavenly Emperor was nearly driven mad with rage. An even more terrifying killing intent radiated from his eyes.

Yet, witnessing this, the two Heavenly Emperors, Candle Dragon and Primordial Phoenix, both revealed looks of profound gravity.

The Primordial Phoenix Heavenly Emperor gazed at the Solar Heavenly Emperor, her voice filled with deep apprehension. "Outer Realm Demon Emperor, while we two owe you a debt of gratitude, we ultimately cannot allow you to set foot upon the Path Union Realm [the legendary realm where one's cultivation path merges with the fundamental laws of the cosmos]."

"Excellent, excellent, excellent."

Seeing his meticulously laid plans of many years crumble to dust, the killing intent within the pupils of the Outer Realm Demon Emperor boiled over with ever-increasing ferocity.

Though he had schemed for many years, he had also diligently nurtured the powerful beings under his command. The fact that Candle Dragon and Primordial Phoenix were able to attain the Dao and become Heavenly Emperor [the supreme ruler of a heavenly domain] was greatly related to his Solar Avatar as well.

He had originally believed that even if the truth were exposed, these two might not necessarily turn against him.

Yet, their betrayal at this moment made Outer Realm Demon Emperor's heart grow even colder. One must remember, these were two Heavenly Emperor [the supreme ruler of a heavenly domain] he had cultivated at a tremendous cost.

With this thought, Outer Realm Demon Emperor swept his gaze around, then spoke with an icy expression.

"Who else? Who else wishes to betray me?"

A slight silence fell upon the void. A moment later, Prison-Suppressor Demon Sovereign and the other eight great Demon Sovereign [a title for a supreme ruler among demons] spoke in unison: "We follow the Demon Emperor. In this battle, we shall advance, not retreat."

After a brief hesitation, Evil Spirit Monarch [a monarch ruling over malevolent spirits], the Blazing Radiance Primordial God, and the other seventeen Heavenly Emperor [the supreme ruler of a heavenly domain] from the Northern Abyss finally declared: "We are willing to lend our strength to the Demon Emperor."

"Good!"

With the allegiance of the Northern Abyss Emperors, Outer Realm Demon Emperor finally let out a slight sigh of relief. With a long roar, he soared into the air, wielding a dark imperial spear, and charged to cleave down upon Eldrin Chen.

In that instant, Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Heavenly Emperor embodying the power of the sun] and Outer Realm Demon Emperor joined forces, their combined might aimed at utterly annihilating Eldrin Chen upon the Void Heaven.

Thus, two such Half-Step Path Union [cultivators who have partially merged with their chosen Path, a step below true Path Union], the Solar Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler whose power is likened to the sun] was merely an ordinary Half-Step Path Union, while the Outer Realm Demon Emperor was a top-tier combatant even among Half-Step Path Union.

Their combined might was sufficient to sweep through the Six Harmonies [a powerful defensive or offensive formation based on the harmony of six principles]. A cataclysmic tide of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation, a source of immense and destructive power] surged forth, threatening to utterly annihilate Eldrin Chen in a single clash.

"Perfect timing."

Facing the assault of two such formidable foes, Eldrin Chen showed not a trace of fear.

His physical combat prowess now rivaled that of a top-tier Half-Step Path Union. Furthermore, his Returning Abyss Divine Form [a divine physique capable of absorbing and nullifying attacks] could absorb all assaults, rendering him immune to any damage below the Half-Step Path Union level.

With such profound foundations, he moved with effortless grace even under the combined siege of two powerful enemies.

In the span of mere moments, Eldrin Chen had already exchanged over a dozen blows with the two Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers whose authority and power are likened to the heavens themselves], and for a time, neither side could gain a decisive advantage.

In contrast, the situation faced by the various Emperors of the Southern Abyss was perilously precarious, placing them at a severe disadvantage.

On this battlefield, not counting the Solar Heavenly Emperor and the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, the Northern Abyss alone boasted twenty-seven Heavenly Emperor presiding over the world. Each Heavenly Emperor was a peerless, invincible existence.

Although the Southern Abyss also possessed a considerable number of Heavenly Emperor-level combatants, their overall combat strength still lagged significantly behind.

Within the current Southern Abyss Seven Domains, aside from Eldrin Chen, the Primordial Domain of Grand Pot boasts six Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers of a heavenly domain], while the Primordial Domain of Myriad Gods is home to five.

Adding in the Primordial Domain of Saint and Demon and the Domain of Chaos Firmamental Extreme, this brings the total to fifteen Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Heavenly Emperors who have mastered the power of Primordial Chaos].

Furthermore, there are seven other Heavenly Emperor-level combatants: Candle Dragon and Primordial Phoenix [two supreme primordial beasts], Path Ancestor Haoxu, Ant Heavenly Emperor, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign, and Great Abyss Immortal Sage.

Combined, this amounts to a formidable force of twenty-two Heavenly Emperor-tier powers.

With such reserves, purely in terms of numbers, they should at least be capable of putting up a fight, even if they cannot match the sheer multitude of the Northern Abyss Emperors.

Yet, the current reality is grim. Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor, their mightiest warrior, is gravely wounded, while Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign and Great Abyss Immortal Sage also bear severe injuries.

In stark contrast, the Northern Abyss Foreign Realm fields not only Solar Heavenly Emperor and Outer Realm Demon Emperor, but also six other top-tier Heavenly Emperor whose combat prowess shakes the very heavens.

These six are: Blazing Radiance Primordial God, Thunder Punishment Heavenly Emperor, Frigid Soul Saint Ancestor, Prison-Suppressor Demon Sovereign, Seven Emotions Demon Sovereign, and Evil Spirit Monarch.

Each of these six supreme Heavenly Emperor rivals the likes of Tai Nie Divine Sovereign and Ant Heavenly Emperor, having each mastered at least two Primordial Chaos Great Path [fundamental laws of the Primordial Chaos].

Faced with such an onslaught, the Southern Abyss Emperors find themselves in dire peril, barely able to hold their ground, managing only a desperate defense.

"All of you, we have come to your aid."

Just as the battle situation reached a critical point, a thunderous roar suddenly emanated from within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation].

Everyone looked up to see two figures of imposing stature tearing through the void. They were immediately guided by Eldrin Chen into this isolated pocket of Space-Time [a dimension separated from the normal flow of time and space].

"It's them."

The moment they saw the arrivals, the tension visibly drained from those present.

The newcomers were none other than Indestructibility Ancient One and Panhuang Emperor. The instant they appeared, they plunged into the heart of the battlefield, intercepting the two Heavenly Emperor [supreme rulers of a heavenly domain], Blazing Radiance Primordial God and Thunder Punishment Heavenly Emperor, significantly alleviating the pressure on everyone.

Seizing this opportunity, Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the progenitor of the Path of Primordial Creation] also managed to catch his breath slightly, beginning to heal his wounds in preparation for a chance to turn the tide.

"Now, we only need to wait for Obsidian Abyss to achieve his breakthrough. Then, our Southern Abyss Domains will be in an unassailable position."

Seeing reinforcements arrive, the various Emperors of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains felt their spirits surge, their will to fight solidifying even further.

Yet, at this very moment, Blazing Center Incinerator cast a cold, calculating glance at the avatar of Blazing Center Supreme beside him and said, "Sacred Ancestor, if we wish for them to exhaust each other in mutual destruction, we absolutely cannot allow Obsidian Abyss to complete his breakthrough."

Blazing Center Supreme fell silent for a moment before speaking, "I will entrust this matter to you later."

As the group conversed, the battle between the two sides reached its most ferocious peak.

Using the power of the Cosmic Sky Sundial to envelop his two formidable foes, Eldrin Chen unleashed a torrent of Space-Time Power [the profound force governing the fabric of space and time] to suppress the Outer Realm Demon Emperor and the Solar Heavenly Emperor. Even with its power significantly diminished, it granted Eldrin Chen an overwhelming advantage.

Witnessing Eldrin Chen continuously channel the Chaos Heaven Halberd to strike at his two great enemies, he relentlessly battered the Solar Heavenly Emperor, sending him flying through the air, blood spraying from his wounds.

"*Cough*—"

After another devastating blow, the Solar Heavenly Emperor was sent hurtling away once more, blood misting the air, his bones nearly shattered by Eldrin Chen's assault.

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor could endure no longer. With a furious roar, he erupted, unleashing the full, cataclysmic extent of his combat prowess.

He soared into the air, the Dark Imperial Spear in his grasp. A suit of obsidian war armor materialized around his form, and from his back unfurled a pair of vast, jet-black wings.

"The Ink Abyss War Armor, the Heaven-Devouring Wings, and the Fallen Heaven War Spear!"

Seeing this, Blazing Center Supreme's brow furrowed slightly, a trace of wary apprehension flashing in his eyes.

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor wielded three innate Chaos Spiritual Artifacts, each a masterpiece among Low-Grade Chaos Spiritual Artifacts. Their power surpassed that of ordinary artifacts of the same rank by thirty percent.

The simultaneous appearance of these three supreme treasures signified that the Outer Realm Demon Emperor had descended into utter madness, unleashing his full combat prowess in a desperate bid to settle the life-and-death struggle with Eldrin Chen once and for all.

"Eldrin, Path Ancestor of the Returning Abyss!"

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor spoke slowly, his pupils radiating a terrifying aura of Celestial Slaughter [a profound and annihilating intent]. "My unification of the Thirteen Domains of the Heaven Abyss is an unstoppable destiny."

"If you withdraw now, I can still pretend none of this ever happened."

Eldrin Chen let out a cold laugh. The Chaos Heaven Halberd in his hand pulsed with the sharp edge of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], yet his expression remained calm as he spoke. "At this point, is there any room left for compromise?"

Seeing his resolute demeanor, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor understood there was no longer any room for maneuver. He spoke with icy finality.

"Today's battle will see you all utterly annihilated!"

"Kill!"

As the word fell, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor beat his wings and soared. The Heaven-Devouring Wings on his back erupted with a light that devoured the heavens, actually consuming the suppressive power of the local Space-Time [the fabric of reality itself].

Thereupon, he tore through the void and charged before Eldrin Chen, erupting into a monumental duel with him.

The Solar Heavenly Emperor also arrived, cleaving through the void. With the Solar Golden Bell shielding his form atop his head, he rode upon the Chaos Spiritual ArtifactSolar Divine Spear to rend the Chaos [the primordial state before creation], joining his true self in a pincer assault against Eldrin Chen.

The battle was one of unparalleled ferocity, with both sides exchanging over three thousand blows in the span of mere moments.

"The combat prowess of this Returning Abyss Path Ancestor is truly world-shaking. The Outer Realm Demon Emperor has schemed for countless years. Neither of them is a force to be taken lightly."

As the struggle between the two grew inextricably fierce, the gaze of the Blazing Center Supreme's avatar turned increasingly frigid.

Clearly, the Blazing Center Supreme harbored profound wariness towards both combatants, biding his time for the perfect moment to reap the spoils of their conflict.

Both Eldrin Chen and the Outer Realm Demon Emperor remained vigilant against this threat, each holding back a portion of their strength to counter him.

"The power of the Ultimate Divine Form is unexpectedly formidable."

"This foe is tenacious beyond measure. To eliminate him would likely require unleashing a forbidden technique."

Witnessing the stalemate, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor silently mused. Yet, after a glance towards the Blazing Center Supreme, he suppressed the thought for the time being.

His ultimate trump card, the forbidden True Spirit Divine Ability housed within the ninth layer of the Primordial Spirit Pagoda, if unleashed in its entirety, possessed power sufficient to annihilate a Heavenly Emperor. Even a Path Union Supreme would be grievously wounded by its fury.

Yet such a forbidden technique came with immense restrictions. Once invoked, he himself would suffer severe backlash and injury. At that moment, Blazing Center Supreme would surely reap the spoils while others fought.

With this thought, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's heart grew ever more solemn. He had originally believed that even if Eldrin Chen returned with combat prowess rivaling a Half-Step Path Union, he could still defeat him with his own strength.

If he added the Solar Heavenly Emperor avatar to the fray and supplemented it with his ultimate trump card, not even the avatar of Blazing Center Supreme could defy the heavens.

By then, the entire Southern Abyss Seven Domains would be his for the taking. And after conquering the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, his breakthrough to Path Union Supreme would follow as naturally as water flowing downhill.

But now, it seemed the entire situation had deteriorated into chaos. His grand ambitions would likely remain unfulfilled.

With this realization, a sliver of retreat, a thought to end this war, flickered within the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's heart.

Thus, a moment later, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor suddenly sent a mental transmission to Eldrin Chen: "Returning Abyss Path Ancestor, if we fight to the bitter end, the most likely outcome is mutual destruction."

"Rather than letting Blazing Center Supreme pick up the pieces, why don't we cease hostilities here and now?"

Eldrin Chen did not reply, though a measure of hesitation also stirred within him.

With his current strength and foundation, he naturally far surpassed Solar Heavenly Emperor and was roughly on par with the Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

If he unleashed his full power, he might be able to defeat the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, but he certainly could not finish him off. The more likely outcome was mutual devastation.

And with Blazing Center Supreme watching like a tiger from the sidelines, he dared not risk a mutually destructive clash with the Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

Therefore, Eldrin Chen also harbored a sliver of thought about temporarily agreeing to a ceasefire regarding the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's proposal. However, they were sworn enemies, and Eldrin Chen placed little trust in the Outer Realm Demon Emperor.

"That Outer Realm Demon Emperor is cunning and treacherous. Cooperating with him is no different from seeking a tiger's skin—a fatal folly."

"Yet, Blazing Center Supreme is my Great Path Rival, and even more formidable than the Outer Realm Demon Emperor. His avatar must be eradicated in advance."

Having resolved his thoughts, Eldrin Chen transmitted his voice, "A ceasefire is not impossible. However, you must agree to one condition."

"Speak your mind."

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor replied, an inscrutable glint flashing in his pupils.

Eldrin Chen's gaze burned intensely as he whispered, "You and I join forces to leave this avatar of Blazing Center here for good."

"Agreed—"

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor [a powerful demonic sovereign from beyond the known realms] did not hesitate in the slightest, decisively accepting the terms set by Eldrin Chen.

This was because Blazing Center Supreme [a supreme being who suppresses the path of others] was a common enemy to all who sought to break through to the Path Union [the realm of unifying one's cultivated path].

Since he could not defeat Eldrin Chen, temporarily setting aside their grudge to join forces and sever one of Blazing Center Supreme's limbs was still a significant gain.

With this thought, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor's killing intent surged even more wildly. He and the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Celestial Emperor of the Sun] erupted with their ultimate power, launching a near-suicidal assault against Eldrin Chen as if to fight him to the death.

At that very moment, a world-shaking tremor emanated from beyond this pocket of Space-Time [a localized fold in the fabric of reality]. Looking up, they saw that Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant's breakthrough had reached its most critical juncture.

"Now!"

Blazing Center Supreme suddenly made his move. Unleashing his absolute peak combat prowess, he fiercely commanded a divine talisman that pierced through the void, violently tearing a rift in the fabric of this Space-Time.

Immediately, Blazing Center Incinerator shot forth with a Flight Escape [a high-speed movement technique], charging directly towards the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant who was in the midst of his breakthrough.

It was clear: Blazing Center Incinerator intended to strike and prevent Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant from successfully advancing to the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [the realm of a Heavenly Emperor presiding over primordial chaos].

"Slay—!"

Yet, in that very instant, the three Half-Step Path Union cultivators—Eldrin Chen, the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, and the Solar Heavenly Emperor—acted in unison, unleashing a combined strike against Blazing Center Supreme.

Caught off guard by their sudden cooperation, Blazing Center Supreme was utterly unprepared. He was instantly sent reeling through the air, blood spraying from his wounds.

With that single blow, Blazing Center Supreme was hurled away, bleeding profusely. His Immortality-enhanced half-step Supreme Physique shattered, leaving behind a terrifying, nearly irreparable injury.

"Aaargh—!"

Blazing Center Supreme was driven to the brink of madness. His avatar instantly ignited to its absolute limit, erupting with supreme Great Path power to strike across the Eight Desolations. The single counter-blow sent all three attackers flying back.

He then stood firm upon the Heavenly Vault, barely stabilizing his grievous wounds, and looked at the three Mortal Path cultivators with shock. "I never imagined... you would actually join forces."

"You are too powerful, and too arrogant."

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor spoke slowly, his voice calm. "You, who have dominated the ages, believe you can control everything. Yet you refuse to lower your gaze to the Mortal Dust [the mundane world of mortals], and thus cannot see the dust and mud beneath your feet."

"Since we, the weaker ones, cannot decide a victor among ourselves to step into the Path Union Realm, joining forces to deal with you, Supreme [a title for a supreme cultivator], is only natural."

"Hahaha!"

Blazing Center Supreme let out a maniacal laugh, his gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd before he spoke: "Well, it seems I have indeed underestimated you all."

"However, being able to prevent Obsidian Abyss from attaining the Heavenly Emperor [the supreme rank of a celestial sovereign] is already a wish fulfilled for this seat."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of those from the Southern Abyss Seven Domains darkened one by one, while the Northern Abyss Emperors revealed faint smiles.

Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant had cultivated the Chaos Divine Form [a supreme divine physique born from primordial chaos]. Once he attained the Heavenly Emperor rank through the Nine Revolutions Heavenly Art [a supreme cultivation method involving nine cycles of heavenly refinement], he would at the very least become an inner disciple of that lineage, with even a sliver of a chance to become a personal disciple of that exalted one.

Such a figure, once he attained the Heavenly Emperor rank and entered that lineage, would have at least a fifty percent certainty of breaking through to the Path Union Supreme [the supreme realm where one's path merges with the cosmos] in the future.

Neither Blazing Center Supreme nor the Northern Abyss Emperors wished to see Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant succeed in his breakthrough.

Thus, in a silent, unspoken accord, the Northern Abyss Emperors subtly locked their auras onto Eldrin Chen and the other Southern AbyssHeavenly Emperors, ready at any moment to prevent them from rushing to the rescue.

Witnessing this scene, Blazing Center Supreme turned to the Outer Realm Demon Emperor and said, "Ink Abyss [the Abyssal Realm of Ink], matters have reached this point. I have already completely broken with the Returning Abyss Path Ancestor. Why don't you and I join forces to eliminate the Returning Abyss Path Master?"

"What do you think of this plan?"

Upon hearing these words, the faces of everyone present instantly changed dramatically.

The various Emperors of the Southern Abyss Seven Domains all revealed looks of apprehension, while those of the Northern Abyss Emperors flickered with a trace of temptation.

If the Obsidian Abyss Sage Ascendant were to fail in his breakthrough, and with the aid of the Blazing Center Supreme's avatar along with the two Heavenly Emperor-level powers, Profound Desolation and Azure Moon, perhaps they truly could inflict a major defeat upon the Returning Abyss Path Master.

With this thought, the Northern Abyss Emperors all turned their gazes towards the Outer Realm Demon Emperor, seemingly awaiting his command.

"Clap, clap, clap."

At that very moment, Eldrin Chen suddenly clasped his hands together and laughed.

He strode forward, his expression calm as he spoke, "The Supreme is indeed a master strategist. Even after being drawn by me into this Space-Time [a unique dimensional construct] and ambushed by the three of us..."

"...with but a minor scheme, he has managed to shift the allegiances and hostilities between our three parties several times over in the blink of an eye."

"However, I fear the Supreme's calculations are unlikely to bear the fruit he desires."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze beyond the confines of this Space-Time.

Beyond that Space-Time [the fundamental fabric of reality separating different dimensions], a figure of boundless and majestic stature suddenly manifested.

It stood astride the heart of the Chaos Heaven [the primordial, formless realm before creation], with twenty-four True Spirit Immortal Treasuries [manifestations of supreme spiritual treasures] orbiting its form. They erupted with world-sundering, cosmos-rending power, descending to suppress the Blazing Center Incinerator.

The Blazing Center Incinerator resisted with all its might, yet within mere exchanges, its physical body was shattered. Flesh and bone dissolved into a mist of crimson, wholly suppressed by that majestic figure.

"Incinerator!"

The Blazing Center Supreme [a title denoting one who has reached the pinnacle of the Blazing Center Path] complexion changed abruptly, the killing intent within his pupils boiling over.

Eldrin Chen merely offered a faint smile, then withdrew his gaze and turned to the Outer Realm Demon Emperor. "Even if you join forces with the Blazing Center Supreme, I doubt you could conquer the Southern Abyss Seven Domains," he stated.

"And even if you could seize the Southern Abyss Seven Domains, do you truly believe the Blazing Center Supreme would stand idly by and allow you to succeed?"

The Outer Realm Demon Emperor gave no reply. Instead, he commanded the Fallen Heaven War Spear [a spear of catastrophic power capable of piercing the heavens] to tear across the sky, aiming to suppress the avatar of the Blazing Center Supreme.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen and the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the sovereign emperor embodying the essence of the sun] joined forces, their intent clear: to utterly crush this avatar of the Blazing Center Supreme.

One had to admit, this avatar of the Blazing Center Supreme was formidable. Merely a manifested projection, yet its combat power already rivaled that of a powerful Half-Step Path Union [a cultivator on the very threshold of unifying their cultivated Path with the cosmos itself].

His combat prowess was truly extraordinary, surpassing even that of the Solar Heavenly Emperor by a significant margin. Yet, even such power ultimately had its limits.

The three mighty opponents he faced were formidable. Eldrin Chen was a top-tier Half-Step Path Union expert, while the Outer Realm Demon Emperor was the foremost figure among the Half-Step Path Union cultivators within the Blazing Central Hundred Domains.

Any one of these two alone possessed the capability to defeat this avatar of Blazing Center Supreme. Now, with the three of them joining forces, how could this mere avatar of Blazing Center Supreme possibly withstand their combined assault?

Furthermore, this avatar of Blazing Center Supreme had been ambushed and now bore grievous wounds.

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!"

Witnessing the trio's united front, Blazing Center Supreme was driven to the brink of utter madness. He roared with fury, "You arrogant fools! Today, I shall show you the true might of a peerless Supreme!"