Chapter 2145 : Eternal Life, Uninvited Guest

"They are evenly matched in strength, so it seems they haven't yet determined victory or defeat."

Heavenly Ke Daozu leaned on his cane and spoke with a gentle smile.

"That's most likely the case."

The Venerable Lord of 10 1000 Dawns also nodded in agreement. The Myriad Heavens Dao Disk undulated behind him, and his cultivation base had undergone a heaven-defying transformation compared to the past. His strength had surged by no less than severalfold.

It appeared that all 4 of them had encountered extraordinary fortunes, their cultivation now reaching the realm of Dao Fusion Sovereigns.

However, it was rather peculiar that the auras of Heavenly Ke Daozu, Myriad Dao Divine Venerable, and Phoenix Fairy Empress seemed somewhat unstable, as if their power had diminished to only 90 percent of a Unity Supreme’s level.

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

The Phoenix Empress also smiled faintly, then gazed into the depths of the Blaze Central 100 Domains and declared, "Now that we have set foot upon the Supreme Realm, henceforth these 100 Domains shall bow to our 100 Domains Unity Alliance."

"Be it the Otherworldly Demon Emperor or the Abyssal Dao Ancestor, should they dare defy me, I shall crush them all beneath my heel."

The Lord of the 9 Dragon Nest also nodded, a faint smile involuntarily gracing his lips as he remarked, "I've heard that the Patriarch of the Returning Abyss possesses a Heaven Puppet at the Supreme Realm."

"If he is willing to hand it over, this venerable 1 might indeed permit him to join the 100 Domains Unity Dao Alliance."

"Absolutely, absolutely!"

The Venerable God of 10 1000 Daos smiled faintly, then suddenly remarked, "To think that the Violet Heaven Immortal Sage would be so blind as to seek allegiance with the Primordial Chaos Dao Ancestor."

"His strength is utterly mediocre. If not for his alchemical skills, we would have expelled him from the 100 Domains Unity Alliance long ago."

"Now that we have set foot in the Supreme Realm, he will never even have the chance to stand as our equal again."

The Lord of the 9 Dragon's Lair couldn't suppress a faint cold smile before speaking in an indifferent tone, "The Alchemy Art of the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage is rather remarkable. Henceforth, he shall serve as our exclusive alchemist."

Upon hearing this, everyone present showed a hint of inexplicable confusion.

They knew the Master of the 9 Dragon Lair was taking revenge on the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage. After all, the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage had publicly turned against the Master of the 9 Dragon Lair all those years ago.

To this, they offered no further persuasion. After all, in the eyes of these 4, the entire 100 Realms of Chiyang would ultimately become their possession.

And with the 4 of them joining forces, their dominion over the 100 Realms of Chiyang would far surpass that of the Chiyang Supreme.

After all, with the 4 Great Venerables joining forces, what resistance could the Half-Step Unity Alliance of the Blaze Central Domains possibly muster?

Without a doubt, all the resources across the 100 Domains of Blazing Center would ultimately become the possessions of the 4 of them.

At this thought, all 4 of them revealed cold, mocking smiles.

In the vast expanse of primordial chaos, powerful beings were as numerous as clouds. Had they not departed from the 100 Realms of Blazing Zenith, they might never have secured such boundless territories.

The Central Flames Domain could be directly inherited. Though its resources were somewhat scarce, a thorough sweep would still yield enough to sustain the cultivation of all 4 of them.

At this thought, the Lord of the 9 Dragons' Lair waved his hand and declared outright, "Let us head straight to the Celestial Abyss and pay a visit to those 2 old friends."

As the words fell, the 4 immediately headed toward the Northern and Southern Celestial Abysses.

As they were about to reach the Abyss, they suddenly noticed numerous powerful figures journeying toward it with utmost reverence, as if undertaking a pilgrimage.

And within the domains of the Southern Abyss, the auras of over a 100 Heavenly Emperor-level experts had gathered, stirring a trace of bewilderment in their hearts.

"What's going on? Could there be a battle at the Abyss?"

The Lord of the 9 Dragon Nest furrowed his brow in puzzlement, then with a flick of his sleeve, plucked a pilgrim Sage from the swirling chaos.

The Demi-Sage was hastening on his journey when suddenly, a 9 Dragons Nest Lord seized him in its grasp. Instantly, terror gripped him, sending chills down his spine.

Sensing the boundless aura of the assailant, which seemed to emanate from several Dao Fusion Supreme Elders, he immediately panicked and bowed in reverence. "This junior pays respects to the esteemed Seniors. May I ask why you have seized me?"

"Hmph—"

"Answer my questions truthfully. A single lie will cost you your head!"

The master of the 9 Dragon Nest let out a cold snort, his expression icy as he spoke.

The Quasi-Sage broke into a cold sweat and immediately bowed deeply, saying, "Esteemed Senior, please ask your questions. This junior shall hold nothing back and dare not deceive you in the slightest."

The Lord of the 9 Dragon Nest gave a nod of approval before inquiring, "For what purpose have you all journeyed to the Abyssal Chasm?"

"To attend the 10 1000 Tribulations Longevity Ceremony of the Eldrin (Dao Ancestor)."

"Oh?"

The 4 of them froze for a moment, instinctively exchanging glances.

That day, Patriarch Ke slammed his staff firmly into the ground and declared, "Patriarch of the Returning Abyss, how impressive. A mere 10-1000-Tribulation Longevity celebration, yet it has drawn so many Chaos Heavenly Emperors?"

The Demi-Sage’s face paled slightly before he spoke, “Not long ago, the Patriarch of the Returning Abyss slew the Infernal Demon Emperor of the alien realm and became the new master of the 100 Domains of the Returning Abyss. Naturally, we dare not show the slightest neglect.”

"What an imposing Patriarch of the Returning Abyss, daring to proclaim himself the new master of a 100 domains! What land does he take us for?"

The Divine Lord of 10 1000 Daos cast a cold gaze, unable to resist glancing at the Master of 9 Dragons beside him. "Brother Dao," he said, "we cannot stand idly by in this matter."

The Lord of the 9 Dragon Nest did not answer immediately. He merely gazed calmly at the Quasi-Saint before speaking, "How did the Dao Ancestor of the Returning Abyss slay the Otherworldly Demon Emperor? You must recount this truthfully."

The Demi-Sage’s heart trembled with dread, yet he forced himself to speak: “Legends say that when the Otherworldly Demon Emperor assaulted the Primal Domain of Blazing Centralis, the Daolord of the Returning Abyss confronted him directly in battle.”

At first, they were evenly matched, but later, the Ancestor of the Returning Abyss harnessed the power of his Time-Space Divine Form to drag him into a temporal domain. There, with the aid of 9 Half-Step Dao Fusion experts and a Supreme Puppet, they surrounded and ultimately slew him.

As the Demi-Sage recounted the tale in measured tones, the assembly came to understand the course of events.

After hearing this, the Myriad Dao Divine Sovereign couldn't help but sneer and remark, "To think that the Otherworldly Demon Emperor would be so overconfident."

"Knowing full well that the Void-Sovereign possesses supreme puppets and a grand puppet formation, yet daring to be drawn into his temporal domain for a direct confrontation—truly, they deserved their fate."

The Heavenly Ke Daozu let out a derisive snort before speaking, "The Otherworldly Demon Emperor has grown accustomed to arrogance, believing that breaking through to the Unity Sovereign realm makes him invincible under the heavens."

"But he is merely a newly-ascended Dao Fusion Supreme, fighting alone without allies—what capability could he truly possess?"

The Lord of the 9 Dragon Nest gave a slight nod and spoke with a trace of irritation, "The Otherworldly Demon Emperor is far too arrogant. Even if we join forces, we can still slay him."

"If the Daoist of the Returning Abyss hadn't taken advantage of our absence, how could he have been the 1 to slay the Outer Realm Demon Emperor? This credit would never have fallen into his hands!"

"Yet this is for the best, lest the Void-Reversion Daoist grow wary of us and join forces with the Infernal Abyss Demon Emperor against our cause."

With that said, the Lord of the 9 Dragons' Lair stated coldly, "No matter what, the position of Lord of the 100 Domains is hardly likely to fall to him."

The other 3 also nodded in agreement. However, the Phoenix Empress then voiced her concern with a hint of worry, "Even so, the fact that the Daoist of the Returning Abyss managed to slay the Otherworldly Demon Emperor shows his strength is not to be underestimated."

"Even if we join forces, we likely have no certainty of suppressing and slaying it—let alone the fact that it commands numerous half-step Dao Fusion experts."

"Don't worry."

The Lord of the 9 Dragon Nest shook his head, then suddenly sneered coldly, "He may command quite a few Half-Step Unity Realm experts, but we of the 100 Domains Unity Alliance have far more Supreme Unity Realm masters under our banner."

"Fellow cultivators of the 100 Domains Unity Alliance must also be within this Primordial Ruins Immortal Realm by now."

"With but a wave of my arm, most would still rally to our cause. Why should we fear those half-step Dao Fusion cultivators from the Abyssal Return sect?"

With those final words, the Lord of the 9 Dragons Nest crushed the Sub-Sage in his grasp and strode toward the Chaotic Domain of the Returning Abyss ahead.

"Esteemed colleagues, let us pay a visit to Fellow Daoist Guixu."

Meanwhile, within the Chaotic Realm of Returning Abyss, a magnificent 10-1000 Tribulation Longevity Banquet was underway.

“The Primal Celestial of the Distant Heavens, Qingyao Immortal Sage, requests an audience—bearing the gift of 1 Chaos Starstone.”

"The Mighty Saint Sovereign of the Cangming Primordial Realm has come to pay respects—3 pieces of Cangming Profound Gold as congratulatory gifts."

“The Purple Firmament Primal Sovereign of the Violet Firmament Domain has come to pay respects—congratulatory gifts include 5 vials of ‘Primordial Chaos Elixir,’ 3 pieces of ‘9 Heavens Divine Jade,’ and 30 portions of ‘Chaos Origin Essence’…”

Eldrin sat serenely upon the main throne, observing the hundreds of mighty figures from various domains gathered in the grand hall, quietly listening to the congratulatory offerings from the Immortal Sages and Celestial Emperors.

This 10-1000-year longevity celebration was exceptionally grand, with gifts from the major powers being remarkably lavish. In particular, the presents from the Purple Empyrean Celestial Sage even drew a faint flicker of surprise in Eldrin's eyes.

"Go and invite Fellow Daoist Zixiao over."

Eldrin turned to the nearby Purity Child and spoke. The young attendant bowed respectfully before summoning the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage.

The Violet Firmament Immortal Sage beheld Eldrin and promptly bowed with utmost reverence. "May this humble 1 congratulate the exalted senior on your boundless longevity. Your slaying of the alien demon emperor is a momentous blessing for all 100 realms of the Returning Abyss."

"I am eternally grateful for your benevolence."

Eldrin smiled faintly, sweeping his sleeve to help the other rise before speaking. "We are old friends after all. There's no need for such formalities between us."

"Attendant, prepare a seat."

As the words faded, the crowd arranged a seat not far from Eldrin for the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage.

The distant Celestial Emperors couldn't help but reveal looks of envy upon witnessing this scene.

It is known that within the entire grand hall, those qualified to be personally offered seats by Eldrin could be counted on 1’s fingers—all were old acquaintances of Eldrin, such as the Undying Elder and Emperor Pan.

Beyond this, even those at the half-step Fusion stage were unworthy of receiving seated honors and could only take their places at the banquet tables in the distant hall.

As the Violet Firmament Immortal Sage took his seat, the banquet was finally about to commence.

Outside the grand hall, Paragons and Celestial Emperors continued to arrive 1 after another. Before long, as the designated time finally concluded, the gathering had swelled to encompass several 100 Celestial Emperors and thousands of Paragons.

It could be said that nearly all the Heavenly Emperors and Sage-Emperors across the 100 Realms of the Returning Abyss attended Eldrin's 10-1000-Tribulation Longevity Celebration.

At that moment, Eldrin finally rose to his feet. He slowly raised his immortal brew in a gesture to all present, then spoke with serene composure:

"On this day of my 10 1000 Tribulations longevity celebration, your esteemed presence brings me profound joy."

"Here, I shall first propose a toast to all present." With these words, Eldrin drained his cup in 1 go.

"To be able to attend your esteemed birthday celebration is also our great honor."

All the guests present drank the wine from their cups before replying respectfully.

Eldrin nodded slightly before speaking again, "I am aware of your concerns, and I shall not beat around the bush."

"From this day forth, throughout the 100 Realms of the Returning Abyss, this Sovereign shall not forbid breakthroughs to the Dao Unification Realm. Should any of you seek to ascend to Dao Unification, not only will I refrain from impeding your path—I shall even forbid others from bullying the weak with their strength."

"Henceforth, let the grievances among peers be settled by peers themselves. Remember well—do not bully the young with seniority."

Upon hearing this, all the Celestial Emperors present revealed expressions of pleasant surprise.

They could see it clearly now—this Eldrin before them sought order, preferring the structured realms of the Abyss.

It serves as a restraint for major powers from bullying the weak, yet overall benefits the 100 Realms of the Returning Abyss as a whole.

After all, a chosen 1 who emerges victorious through fair competition stands a far greater chance of attaining the Dao than a rising star nurtured by bullying the weak.

All those present were dominant figures in their own right, yet they harbored no real opposition to this arrangement.

After all, their resources and accumulated foundations were far beyond what ordinary people could possess, and the disciples they nurtured were in no way comparable to those from commoner backgrounds.

If they could not surpass those without backing in fair competition, then they were unworthy of receiving the sect's full support and cultivation.

At this thought, all the Celestial Emperors present were overjoyed and unanimously agreed not to bully the young with their seniority.

Seeing this, Eldrin spoke once more, "Our Return to the Abyss lineage can offer you sanctuary to break through to the Integration Realm, and we shall defend against the attacks of foreign enemies in times of peril."

"As compensation, 30 percent of all cultivation resources produced henceforth from the 100 Domains of the Returning Abyss shall be delivered to me as tribute. Does anyone object?"

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

30 percent of the resources were allocated to the Abyssal Return Sect. While this proportion appeared substantial, it ultimately represented a favorable transaction for them.

After all, with the Return to Ruins lineage holding the line against external foes, they need not fear being targeted by a Path Unification Supreme.

Moreover, the mere promise of sheltering them through their breakthrough to the Unity Realm was enough to make them willingly offer 30 percent of their resources.

With this thought in mind, everyone felt a surge of joy in their hearts. The Violet Firmament Immortal Sage couldn't help but rise to his feet and ask, "Esteemed Senior, when you speak of sheltering us through the breakthrough into Dao Union, how exactly would this sheltering process unfold?"

Eldrin smiled faintly and declared, "I shall deploy a Supreme Chaos Formation across the celestial abyss domains. All of you may attempt your cultivation breakthroughs within its bounds."

"By then, even should the supreme Eldrin (Person Name) come to obstruct your path, it would be impossible to hinder your cultivation breakthrough."

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces lit up with ecstatic joy.

Many Half-Step Eldrins from the 100 Domains Alliance exchanged glances, their hearts visibly stirred by the prospect.

Just as the assembly was about to sign the covenant, an immeasurably vast aura swept across the Eldritch Abyssal Expanse.

4 boundless and majestic auras tore through the void in succession, arriving directly beyond this chaotic pocket dimension, followed by a cold, mocking voice that pierced through the air.

"Brother Guixu, why did you not invite this old man to celebrate your myriad calamities longevity?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin (Person Name) slightly furrowed his brow.

He looked up and saw 4 figures arriving together outside the grotto-heaven.

The newcomers were none other than the 4 Masters of the 9 Dragon Nest. They now fully unleashed their supreme Unity Realm cultivation, bearing down upon Eldrin with an overwhelming, divine pressure.

Wherever it passed, the 3,000 quasi-saints were pressed so hard they could barely stand, forced to their knees 1 after another. Even the various Heavenly Emperors revealed expressions of astonishment.

"Have the 9 Dragon Nest Lord, the Phoenix Immortal Empress, the Myriad Dao Divine Lord, and the Tianke Dao Ancestor successfully broken through to the Realm of Unity and Supremacy?"

The Violet Firmament Immortal Sage and the others paled in terror, their faces revealing expressions of incomparable shock.

Chapter 1 The biting northern wind swept across the mountain peaks, carrying with it flurries of snow that danced in the air. Lin Xuan stood at the edge of the cliff, his white robes fluttering violently in the gale. His gaze was fixed upon the distant horizon, where the last rays of the setting sun were being devoured by the encroaching darkness. "1 100 years," he murmured, his voice barely audible above the howling wind. "1 100 years of cultivation, and I'm still trapped at the seventh level of Qi Refining." His fingers tightened around the jade slip in his palm—a cultivation manual passed down through generations of his family. The characters glowed with a faint blue light, containing the profound mysteries of the "9 Revolutions Mysterious Art." According to the records, this art could lead cultivators to the Nascent Soul stage, but Lin Xuan hadn't even managed to break through to the Foundation Establishment realm. Suddenly, a brilliant streak of light tore through the sky, descending toward the mountain peak with terrifying speed. Before Lin Xuan could react, the light crashed into the ground not far from him, sending shockwaves that made the entire mountain tremble. When the dust settled, Lin Xuan saw a massive crater where the light had struck. At its center lay a glowing object—a bronze mirror adorned with intricate dragon patterns. As he approached cautiously, the mirror suddenly flew toward him, embedding itself directly into his forehead. A searing pain shot through his consciousness, followed by a flood of information. The mirror was called the Primordial Dragon Mirror (Magic Treasure), an ancient artifact from the primordial era that contained the complete inheritance of the Dragon Emperor. "Fate has chosen you," an ancient voice echoed in his mind. "The Dragon Emperor's legacy shall be yours to inherit." Lin Xuan's heart raced as he processed this incredible turn of events. Countless cultivators had sought the Dragon Emperor's inheritance throughout the ages, and now it had fallen directly into his lap. Just as he was about to examine the mirror's secrets, several powerful auras suddenly appeared around him. 3 figures descended from the sky, their cultivation bases far surpassing his own. "Hand over the treasure, junior," the lead cultivator said coldly, his eyes gleaming with greed. "A mere Qi Refining ant doesn't deserve such fortune." Lin Xuan's mind worked rapidly. These were clearly Foundation Establishment experts, possibly even from the nearby Profound Sky Sect. Against any 1 of them, he wouldn't stand a chance, let alone all 3. But surrender wasn't an option. The Primordial Dragon Mirror had chosen him, and he could feel its power coursing through his veins. Taking a deep breath, he channeled all his spiritual energy into the artifact. The mirror responded immediately, releasing a dazzling golden light that formed a protective barrier around him. The 3 Foundation Establishment cultivators exchanged glances before simultaneously launching their attacks. Sword lights and magical treasures converged on Lin Xuan's position, creating explosions that rocked the mountain peak. Yet the golden barrier held firm, deflecting all incoming assaults. "Impossible!" 1 of the attackers exclaimed. "How can a Qi Refining cultivator withstand our combined strength?" Lin Xuan didn't waste the opportunity. While his opponents were stunned, he poured more spiritual energy into the mirror. The dragon patterns on its surface began to move, coalescing into a massive golden dragon that soared into the sky with an earth-shaking roar. The 3 Foundation Establishment cultivators paled, recognizing the power of the ancient artifact. Without hesitation, they turned to flee, but the golden dragon was faster. It swept through them like a tidal wave, reducing them to ashes in an instant. As the dragon returned to the mirror, Lin Xuan collapsed to his knees, his spiritual energy completely depleted. But a smile touched his lips. For the first time in his 100 years of cultivation, he saw a clear path forward. The Primordial Dragon Mirror contained not only immense power but also countless cultivation techniques and secret arts. With this treasure, the Nascent Soul stage was no longer a distant dream—it was an inevitable destination. He glanced at the jade slip still clutched in his hand. The "9 Revolutions Mysterious Art" suddenly seemed insignificant compared to the Dragon Emperor's legacy. Still, he decided to keep it. Perhaps the 2 cultivation methods could complement each other. After regulating his breathing for a moment, Lin Xuan stood up and looked toward the distant stars now dotting the night sky. His journey as a cultivator had truly begun, and the world of cultivation wasn't ready for what was coming. Little did he know that the activation of the Primordial Dragon Mirror had alerted powers far beyond the mortal realm. In the depths of the immortal world, an ancient existence opened eyes that had been closed for millennia. "The Dragon Emperor's aura..." the ancient being murmured. "After 90-9 1000 years, it has finally reappeared."