Chapter 1808 : The Golden Crow's Solar Ambition

"Trouble!"

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw that the speaker was none other than the Golden Crow Ancient Immortal, causing his heart to sink slightly.

"This individual attained the Dao through the Golden Crow lineage and cultivates the Solar Great Path, which the Golden Crow Lineage is most adept in. This Primal Radiance Energy [a supreme-grade innate energy of pure solar essence] is likely the very reason he dared to traverse the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between worlds] to come here."

Eldrin Chen muttered to himself, a sense of foreboding growing within.

The Primal Radiance Energy is not only perfect for forging artifacts but is also a supreme material for refining elixirs and can be used to cultivate peerless divine abilities.

As a Supreme Grade Innate Rare Treasure, it is also one of the Primordial Energies of Heaven and Earth, most suited for refining magical power [the cultivated energy wielded by immortals] and aiding fire or solar-aligned Immortal in breaking through the Mana Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck in an immortal's cultivation path].

If the Golden Crow Ancient Immortal obtains this Primal Radiance Energy, it is highly likely he could shatter the Mana Heavenly Pass in one fell swoop and break through to the Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal Realm.

Among the Ninefold Great Encompassing Heavenly Pass, the fourth Heavenly Pass is a major bottleneck. Once broken, one's power becomes incomparable to their former self.

Such individuals have refined their magical power to its limit nine times, granting them the ability to barely refine Primordial Chaos Energy [the raw, untamed energy of creation]. Thus, they can move unhindered through this expanse of Chaos where the Three Thousand Immortal Domains reside.

Even within the depths of the Sea of Chaos [the vast, turbulent ocean of primordial chaos], they possess a certain degree of ability to preserve their lives. Visit audio-novel . com to enjoy the complete series.

It can be said that as long as they do not encounter the terrifying Chaos Storm [a cataclysmic storm of primordial chaos] or a tsunami, a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived four heavenly tribulations] generally would not be annihilated into dust by the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond ordered realms]. They could even venture into it briefly for several hundred thousand years.

Such individuals are considered one-in-a-hundred powerhouses even among Ancient Immortals [immortals of great antiquity and power]. They rarely linger within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad ordered realms of the immortals], a testament to their rarity and formidable strength.

"We cannot let the Golden Crow Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal embodying the power of the golden crow, a mythical solar bird] succeed."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, his resolve instantly hardening.

He understood clearly in his heart that once he broke through to Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal, the Golden Crow Ancient Immortal would very likely become the foremost powerhouse of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain [a major immortal realm]. Even the unfathomably deep Eternal Verdancy Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal known for longevity and profound cultivation] might not be able to stop him.

After all, although the Eternal Verdancy Ancient Immortal's cultivation level was the highest in the Purple Seal Realm [a specific immortal domain], he was not skilled in combat or martial arts. He might not be a match for this Golden Crow Ancient Immortal even within the same realm.

Furthermore, the Primordial Solar Patriarch [a patriarch whose power is aligned with the primordial sun]'s cultivation was only at the Third Level Ancient Immortal [the third major stage of an ancient immortal's power]. By then, he would be even less of a match for this individual.

Given this person's temperament, by that time, even if he dared not act directly against Eldrin Chen for fear of Heavenly Path [the cosmic law or Dao of Heaven] Merit [karmic virtue accrued from good deeds], he would likely swallow his pride and target the other Celestial Immortals [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] of the Chen Immortal Clan.

After all, the former Golden Crow Patriarch [the patriarch of the golden crow lineage] had once shamelessly sought to destroy the Nine Great Grotto-Heavens [nine major paradisiacal realms] of the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen's resolve crystallized instantly. He decisively sent a mental message to Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor [a demonic emperor of immense power]: "I offer this item in trade, Senior. I wonder if it would be to your liking."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing the mental transmission from Eldrin Chen, Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor initially paid it little mind, given that Eldrin Chen possessed only the cultivation of the sixth level of the Celestial Immortal realm [a powerful immortal who has ascended to the celestial plane].

Yet, when he casually glanced at the Rare Treasure [an exceptionally precious and powerful enchanted artifact] materialized by Eldrin Chen's divine sense, his expression shifted subtly. He decisively transmitted back, "How much of this do you possess?"

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before replying, "One hundred and eight stalks. Is that sufficient to trade for your item?"

"One hundred and eight stalks?"

Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor was inwardly shaken. Without hesitation, he declared, "The trade is agreed."

As his words fell, Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor tossed the Primal Radiance Energy [a primordial energy of pure, radiant power] over.

Eldrin Chen caught the Primal Radiance Energy, then immediately retrieved a spatial ring and threw it to Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor.

The Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor examined the contents of the ring and discovered, to his immense excitement, that it contained precisely one hundred and eight stalks of Ninth Rank High-Grade [the pinnacle of the ninth rank, denoting supreme quality] Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo [a legendary bamboo imbued with primordial unity energy, prized for forging supreme weapons].

Each stalk of this supreme-grade Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo could be refined into a single superior-grade Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword [a sword forged from Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo, renowned for its sharpness and harmony with primordial energies]. One hundred and eight stalks meant the potential to forge one hundred and eight such peerless blades.

The Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation [a legendary formation of swords forged from spiritually attuned golden bamboo] possesses immense destructive power while consuming minimal magical power [the energy used to fuel spells and techniques]. When deployed as a coordinated Sword Formation [an array of flying swords working in unison], it can unleash astonishing might.

In ancient times, a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a powerful immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm] once used thirty-six Ninth Rank High-Grade [the highest quality tier for artifacts] Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Swords [swords forged from a unique, spiritually attuned golden bamboo] to form the Heavenly Dipper Sword Formation [a sword formation patterned after the stars of the Big Dipper] and accomplished the magnificent feat of slaying an Ancient Immortal [an immortal from a bygone era].

There was also a peerless Ancient Immortal who, wielding thirty-six Innate Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Swords [primordial, naturally formed versions of the golden bamboo sword], slaughtered immortals until they fell like rain, ultimately breaking through to the Great Encompassing Realm [a legendary realm of cultivation representing ultimate mastery].

Yet, even that number paled in comparison to the multitude held by Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor.

One hundred and eight Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Swords are sufficient to form a complete Heavenly Dipper and Earthly Fiend Sword Formation [a supreme sword formation combining celestial and earthly forces]. Its divine power of slaughter would be truly unparalleled, something even a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations] would not dare to take lightly.

"If I could obtain enough Innate Energy [the primordial, foundational energy of creation] to elevate one hundred and eight Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Swords to the Innate Grade [the primordial, natural-born grade of power]..." Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio-novel[dot]com.

Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor murmured to himself, a tremor of awe flashing through his heart before he instantly reined in the thought.

To refine so many Innate Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Swords would require nearly a thousand strands of Innate Energy. Even an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] would find it exceedingly difficult to gather such a vast quantity.

In his lifetime, if he could cultivate thirty-six swords, it would be considered an extraordinary opportunity, giving him hope to assault the Great Encompassing Realm.

If he could master seventy-two, it would be a heaven-defying stroke of fortune, granting him a great certainty of breaking through to the Great Encompassing Realm. As for achieving one hundred and eight... that was a thought he dared not entertain for now.

"Regardless, with these one hundred and eight Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword [swords forged from the legendary Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo], my combat power is destined to multiply severalfold."

"I dare not claim the ability to challenge a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations], but at the very least, I now possess the strength to stand against one."

"Though it was merely a transaction, to have obtained this treasure in exchange for the Primal Radiance Energy [a profound divine ability harnessing the power of the primordial sun] means I owe him a favor."

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor [a powerful demon emperor whose title signifies his might] tossed another token to Eldrin Chen and said, "Your treasures [enchanted artifacts used by cultivators] are impressive. Keep this for now."

"Should you encounter trouble in the future, you may use this to request my intervention once."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a stir in his heart. He immediately cupped his hands in a respectful salute and said, "I thank you, Senior, for this generous gift."

Witnessing this, the others present could not help but reveal looks of envy. Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor possessed combat prowess comparable to a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations], and his future held the potential of the Great Encompassing Potential [a legendary physique with boundless potential].

An opportunity for such a figure to intervene once was something even many Ancient Immortal [immortals who have existed since ancient times] would covet.

Many cast their gazes towards Eldrin Chen, but unfortunately, the boundless immortal mist shrouding the area blocked their spiritual senses.

"Is it him?"

The Golden Crow Ancient Immortal also cast his gaze over, a trace of baleful aura faintly flickering between his brows.

He had long since detected Eldrin Chen's presence, but had refrained from acting due to the rules of the Frigid Immortal Domain. Now, witnessing Eldrin Chen snatch away the Primal Radiance Energy, his eyes grew increasingly somber.

Yet, after a mere moment, he withdrew his gaze and murmured calmly, "To be able to afford the Primal Radiance Energy, it seems the serendipity upon him is not small."

"It appears this time, not only can I obtain the Primal Radiance Energy, but I can also reap a windfall of wealth."

As for whether he had been discovered by the Golden Crow Ancient Immortal, Eldrin Chen had long harbored suspicions. Nevertheless, he still proceeded to secure the Primal Radiance Energy.

After all, having slain the Imperial Scion of the Golden Crow Clan, he had already irreparably offended the Golden Crow Ancient Immortal. Since reconciliation between them was impossible, he feared no additional enmity.

Returning to the matter at hand, after Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor descended from the stage, the Barter Convention continued unabated.

Subsequently, a great many Celestial Immortal Patriarchs took the stage. Seizing this opportunity, Eldrin Chen acquired numerous Rare Treasures, among which were Path Union Flowers, Innate Enlightenment Pills, and even the complete remains of two Upper Grade Chaos Ancient Beasts.

Among these Rare Treasures, Eldrin Chen purchased three Path Union Flowers alone. Combined with the other treasures, there were seven or eight items of Upper Grade Innate Rare Treasures.

These treasures were all exchanged for Upper Grade Innate Rare Treasures. While most held little immediate use for Eldrin Chen himself, they could be preserved as foundational assets for his clan. In the future, Exquisite Jiang, Verdant Consort, and others would likely have need of them.

Besides him, Horizon Patriarch [the master of the Horizon Pavilion] also procured a considerable number of Rare Treasures [precious spiritual artifacts], further increasing his confidence in attempting a breakthrough to the Ancient Immortal Realm [a venerable and powerful stage of cultivation]. This brought a smile to both their faces.

Time flowed swiftly in this manner. Before they knew it, the Barter Convention [a grand gathering for cultivators to trade rare items] had concluded. They then departed from Frigid Heaven Immortal City [a majestic city within the Frigid Immortal Domain] and set their course for the Horizon Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm and sanctuary].

Not long after, they traversed the Boundless Void [the endless, starry expanse between realms] and arrived at the periphery of the Horizon Grotto-Heaven.

Upon returning within the Horizon Grotto-Heaven, Eldrin Chen activated his Polarity Stellar Path [a profound divination technique based on stellar alignments] to perform a calculation. His expression darkened slightly as he spoke, "It seems the Golden Crow Ancient Immortal [a powerful cultivator of the Golden Crow lineage] has already arrived outside the Horizon Grotto-Heaven."

"He is biding his time, waiting for the day you leave the Frigid Immortal Domain [the vast celestial territory governed by the Frigid Heaven lineage]."

Horizon Patriarch nodded, then stated calmly, "Yet there is no need for concern. Once I successfully break through to the Ancient Immortal Realm, all such troubles will be resolved."

Eldrin Chen acknowledged this, understanding that, without revealing the Returning Abyss Pearl [a legendary treasure of immense power], this was indeed the most prudent course of action available.

With this thought, he could only clasp his hands and say, "It seems we have no other choice."

Seeing this, Horizon Patriarch smiled and produced an ancient cauldron, handing it to Eldrin Chen. "While I am in secluded cultivation," he said, "I must ask you to oversee the protective formations in my stead."

"The Azure Abyss Ancient Cauldron [an ancient artifact imbued with the profound essence of the azure abyss]."

Eldrin Chen's expression shifted slightly with surprise. The small cauldron before him was none other than the Azure Abyss Ancient Cauldron, an Innate Ancient Treasure [a primordial artifact born from the world's essence]. It also served as the Formation Artifact [the core artifact powering a grand formation] for the Mountain Protection Formation of the Horizon Grotto-Heaven.

That Horizon Patriarch had entrusted this object to him, rather than to his own disciple Vast Sea Patriarch, spoke volumes of the trust being placed in him.

Noting Eldrin Chen's look of astonishment, Horizon Patriarch smiled and explained, "With an Innate Ancient Treasure in hand, the Celestial Maiden could trade dozens of blows even with a First Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived one heavenly tribulation]. Having her operate this formation would be a waste of her talents."

"Vast Sea's magical power [the refined energy wielded by a cultivator] is not yet sufficient to unleash this formation's full might. After careful consideration, you are the most suitable candidate."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen accepted the ancient cauldron. "With such trust from you, Senior, I, Returning Abyss, will not fail in this duty."

Horizon Patriarch nodded with satisfaction, then turned his gaze to the Celestial Maiden. "As for the rest, I must trouble the Celestial Maiden and all of you."

The Celestial Maiden offered a gentle smile, her reply calm and assured. "Set your mind at ease. Within the boundaries of the Frigid Immortal Domain, it is strictly forbidden for any Ancient Immortal [an immortal of great age and power] to take direct action. Your breakthrough will proceed without interference."

"Then my heart is at peace."

With that, Horizon Patriarch said no more.

He immediately returned to his Seclusion Chamber [a chamber for undisturbed meditation and cultivation] and began to continuously draw upon the primordial energy of the Vast Immortal Domain, making his final preparations to assault the Ancient Immortal Realm [the exalted realm of the Ancient Immortals].

This time, the breakthrough of Horizon Patriarch did not take long. After merely ten thousand years, an immensely majestic aura erupted, clearly signifying the shattering of the Fleshly Body Heavenly Pass [the final major barrier for the physical body before achieving a higher state of being].

"The Fleshly Body Heavenly Pass has been broken. It seems to have gone even more smoothly than anticipated."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a faint smile gracing his lips.

With Horizon Patriarch's Innate Heavenly God Foundation [a supreme innate constitution granting immense potential], after breaking through the Fleshly Body Heavenly Pass, neither the Path Principles [the fundamental laws governing a cultivator's chosen Dao] nor the Great Path [the ultimate barrier representing one's mastery over their chosen Dao] would pose a problem.

Eldrin Chen believed that, as time flowed on, Horizon Patriarch would soon break through the Threefold Heaven [the three successive tribulations faced by an Ancient Immortal] in one breath, achieving a breakthrough to the Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal Realm [a realm of existence transcending mortality and time].

"Breaking through to Ancient Immortal?"

At the same time, outside the Horizon Grotto-Heaven [a secluded pocket dimension], the expression of Golden Crow Ancient Immortal hardened slightly.

Gazing towards the core of the Horizon Grotto-Heaven, he muttered with a dark countenance, "So what if he breaks through to Ancient Immortal? It's merely the First Tribulation Ancient Immortal Realm. How could that possibly be enough to protect him?"

"BOOM—!"

Yet, at that very moment, a violent roar echoed through the void. To Golden Crow Ancient Immortal's astonishment, Horizon Patriarch's breakthrough was still continuing.

"It continues still. Could this person truly possess an Innate Heavenly God Foundation [a legendary spiritual root foundation of unparalleled quality, said to be a gift from the heavens themselves]?"

The Golden Crow Ancient Immortal [an ancient cultivator of immense power, associated with the mythical golden crow] shifted his expression, immediately intending to intervene and halt the process.

Yet, at that very moment, the Mountain Protection Formation [a powerful defensive array that shields an entire mountain or sect] of Horizon Grotto-Heaven [a celestial paradise and cultivation sanctuary] was pushed to its absolute limit. The Myriad Abyss Ancient Cauldron [an ancient, primordial cauldron artifact of immense power] hovered in the void above, radiating a force capable of suppressing the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] of the Void Heaven [a realm of pure emptiness and potential].

What shocked the Golden Crow Ancient Immortal even more was that within Horizon Grotto-Heaven, a Snow Lotus [a mystical lotus plant of pristine beauty and potent spiritual properties] also floated, emanating immortal light so vast it seemed to blot out the sky and sun.

"An Innate [pertaining to the primordial, uncreated state of existence] ancient cauldron, an Innate Treasure Lotus [a primordial lotus of supreme spiritual value]..."

The Golden Crow Ancient Immortal murmured slowly, his expression darkening, and ultimately abandoned his thought of taking action.

By channeling the power of the Mountain Protection Formation to bolster Horizon Grotto-Heaven within the Innate ancient cauldron, it could already unleash the full might of an Innate Ancient Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing world-shaking power].

Coupled with a Celestial Maiden [a female immortal of great beauty and power] commanding the Innate ancient lotus for defense, it could be said that the defensive power of Horizon Grotto-Heaven was already astonishingly formidable.

Under such circumstances, even if the Golden Crow Ancient Immortal risked a full-force assault, he dared not claim he could breach this formation in a short time.

If he could not overcome this formation swiftly, and other Ancient Immortal [immortals who have cultivated for countless ages] from the Frigid Immortal Domain [a vast and icy realm of immortals] were alerted, or worse, if it stirred the attention of this world's Heavenly Path [the supreme, overarching law of the cosmos and cultivation], then he would likely face severe consequences, escaping with his life only after paying a heavy price.

"The Frigid Immortal Domain possesses extraordinary depth and foundation, and is a top-tier Immortal Domain primarily governed by the Human Race. I cannot risk acting rashly."

The Golden Crow Ancient Immortal murmured to himself, ultimately abandoning the thought of continuing his assault.

Thus, time flowed swiftly, and in what seemed like a blur, another ten thousand years passed. The Horizon Patriarch finally completed his breakthrough in full, shattering the barriers of the fleshly body, the Great Path, and the Path Fruit in one fell swoop, achieving the Threefold Heaven.

As a Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal of such caliber, he now stood among the not-weak within the ranks of Ancient Immortals, surpassing the majority of Ancient Immortal Great Powers in one leap.

"Hahaha!"

Having achieved his breakthrough, the Horizon Patriarch emerged from seclusion with a hearty laugh.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen and the others promptly cupped their hands in salute, smiling as they offered congratulations. "Our felicitations, Senior. With your shattering of the Threefold Heaven barriers this time, the prospect of the Great Encompassing realm is now within sight."

"You flatter me, you flatter me."

The Horizon Patriarch laughed heartily, quickly returning the courtesy. "For this breakthrough, I am indebted to your guardianship."

At this point, the Horizon Patriarch turned specifically to Eldrin Chen and offered a deep bow. "Had it not been for the Heaven-Earth Creation Water [a primordial liquid of immense vitality that aids in foundational breakthroughs] you gifted me, I would not have had the confidence to succeed in this breakthrough. This favor is akin to the grace of Path-establishment; I shall repay it a hundredfold in the future."

"Senior, between you and me, there is no need for such formality."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and promptly helped Horizon Patriarch to his feet.

Horizon Patriarch rose, his face radiant with joy. He said no more, offering a brief apology before flying out beyond the confines of the Horizon Grotto-Heaven.

At that very moment, over a dozen Ancient Immortal [powerful cultivators who have transcended mortality and attained immense age and power] arrived in succession outside the Horizon Grotto-Heaven.

They gazed towards the Horizon Grotto-Heaven and spoke with smiles, "We offer our congratulations, Fellow Daoist Horizon. Your breakthrough this time is truly a joyous and celebratory occasion."

"To think Fellow Daoist Horizon actually possesses an Innate Heavenly God Foundation [a supreme, heaven-defying innate talent for cultivation]. We were truly blind to have missed it."

"You flatter me. It is but a minor achievement, hardly comparable to the accomplishments of you all."

Horizon Patriarch wore a pleased expression as he received the well-wishers one by one.

Before his breakthrough, he was merely at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm]. In the presence of an Ancient Immortal Great Power, he would have had to address them as 'Senior'.

Now, having broken through to become an Ancient Immortal in a single leap and shattered the barriers of the Threefold Heaven [a legendary and immensely difficult triple-tiered breakthrough within the Ancient Immortal realm], his status and standing were instantly transformed, no longer what they once were.

Not to mention those Ancient Immortal Great Power [powerful cultivators who have transcended the mortal realm and attained immense power] who in the past had never shown him a kind word, even several Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived four heavenly tribulations] treated him with exceptional courtesy. For uninterrupted reading, go to site: audio-novel.com.