Chapter 1186 : The Dragon's Last Stand

The speaker was Stella. Having recovered a portion of her Mana [the spiritual power of a cultivator], she saw the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor attempting to flee. Her eyes snapped open, and she immediately summoned a vast, sky-shrouding net.

This treasure was named the Heaven-Encompassing Spirit-Locking Barrier. It was also a Supreme Grade Immortal Treasure [a treasure of the highest rank, forged by or for Immortals] treasured within the Glazed Blessed Land, possessing the wondrous ability to seal both space and the heavens.

In an instant, the treasure unfurled, seeking to envelop and block the retreat of the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor.

The Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor showed not a trace of fear. With a flash in his eyes, he roared, "Who dares think they can stop this venerable one from leaving?"

As his words faded, he shielded himself with the Crimson Flame Golden Scale Armor and, forsaking all defense, poured his power into the Immortal Sword [a sword forged by or for Immortals]. With a mighty cleave, he forced the Heaven-Encompassing Spirit-Locking Barrier back half a step.

Just as the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor seemed poised to break free, Skywind the Daoist could no longer afford to hold back his secret treasure.

At his command, a resplendent bell toll echoed through the void. The Ancient Bell of the Starry Cosmos crashed down with overwhelming force, actually hurling the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor back from his escape path.

"Another World-Opening Treasure [a legendary treasure of immense power, said to be capable of splitting primordial chaos]."

Witnessing this, the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor paled, his expression turning grim and venomous. "To come bearing such heavy treasures... you truly honor this venerable one," he spat out bitterly.

"But what of it?" For the best reading experience, visit audio_novel.com.

As his words fell, Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor drew a deep breath, then opened his maw and spat out a resplendent Dragon Pearl [a crystallized orb of immense draconic power and essence].

The moment he beheld this Dragon Pearl, Eldrin Chen's countenance abruptly shifted. "Strike now! Do not hesitate!" he cried.

Alas, their reaction was a moment too late. This Dragon Pearl was the Lifebound Dragon Pearl [a dragon pearl intrinsically fused with its creator's life force and cultivation] forged in Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor's previous life.

It contained the supreme power of a True Dragon [a primordial and supremely powerful dragon species]. The reason Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor's cultivation had progressed so swiftly in this lifetime was intimately connected to this very Lifebound Dragon Pearl.

One could say that given another few tens of thousands of years to fully absorb this Dragon Pearl, he would have regained his cultivation at the Half-Step Earth Immortal Realm [a pinnacle state just below the realm of an Earth Immortal].

Now, by forcibly summoning the Dragon Pearl from his past life, Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor's power temporarily surged back to the Half-Step Earth Immortal Realm. With terrifying force, he even repelled the Ancient Bell of the Starry Cosmos [an ancient bell artifact containing the power of the cosmos].

Even the awe-inspiringly powerful Drought Fiend [a monstrous entity that brings drought and devastation] was driven back, forced into a defensive retreat under his assault.

"This is bad,"

Witnessing the battle turn arduous, a weight settled in Eldrin Chen's heart.

Although the group had brought multiple heavy treasures Heavy Treasures [exceptionally powerful magical artifacts] and could temporarily entrap Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor, their reserves of Mana [the spiritual energy used to power spells and artifacts] were far from sufficient.

With Skywind the Daoist's cultivation level, he could not sustain the Ancient Bell of the Starry Cosmos for more than a few strikes, while Stella grew even paler, the Heaven-Encompassing Spirit-Locking Barrier teetering on the brink of shattering at any moment.

"With our strength, I fear we cannot hold out until the Dragon Pearl's energy is depleted."

Just as anxiety gripped Eldrin Chen's heart, the Heavenly Eye of Xander Dao Chen beside him blazed with a piercing light, piercing through the layers of karmic obstructions, and he promptly warned:

"Father, three Cun-lengths [one Cun-length equals one-tenth of a Chi, approximately zero point zero three three meters] below the armpit of the Crimson Flame Golden Scale Armor, there is a crack that has yet to be repaired."

"Excellent!"

Delight surged within Eldrin Chen, and he immediately exchanged a glance with Verdant Consort and Lyra Jiang.

No longer able to maintain concealment, Verdant Consort instantly channeled the Nether Spring Sword, transforming it into a streak of Nine Nether light that shot forth, aiming directly for the spot three Cun-lengths below the armpit of the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor.

This spot, three Cun-lengths below the armpit, was the fatal weakness of the Crimson Flame Golden Scale Armor, where a lingering crack remained. If torn open by the Nether Spring Sword, it could very well inflict crippling damage upon the Crimson Flame Golden Scale Armor.

The Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor naturally dared not receive the blow. He immediately summoned the Crimson Dragon Heaven-Scorching Sword, cleaving downward with immense force to intercept the Nether Spring Sword.

"Now!"

In that very instant, Eldrin Chen seized the fleeting opportunity. He channeled the Heaven-Severing Twin Swords Union, transforming into a single, resplendent beam of immortal light that shot forth in a piercing strike.

The Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor felt a jolt of alarm in his heart. He hurriedly sought to activate a Divine Ability to parry, but was momentarily ensnared—delayed for the briefest fraction of a moment—by a dazzling yet profoundly dark divine radiance.

It was Lyra Jiang, who had unleashed the Soul-Snatching Mirror. With this supreme-grade Netherworld Ghost Treasure [a powerful enchanted artifact forged from ghostly energies of the underworld], she restrained the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor.

And in that single, stolen moment, the incandescent sword-light of the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords Union descended. It pierced ruthlessly into the Crimson Flame Glazed Armor, cleaving through and shattering this defensive treasure-armor.

"Agh!"

Struck by this grievous wound, the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor let out a cry of agony. The perpetually calm expression on his face finally cracked, revealing a flicker of shock and fury. Experience the full epic at audio-novel.com (official site).

For the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor, the physical injury itself was of lesser consequence. The true blow was the critical damage to his Crimson Flame Golden Scale Armor, which could no longer fully protect his form.

Without this Bodyguard Supreme Treasure [a paramount defensive artifact that guards its wielder's life], he could no longer maintain his offense and defense in perfect harmony. His focus was forcibly split; he now had to prioritize guarding his own life above all else.

Yet, if he could not break through...

...the encirclement, then even with his peerless Great Luo Foundation [the foundational cultivation realm representing the Great Luo, a state of profound cosmic unity] and his supreme Deep-Seated Foundation [a cultivation concept referring to an exceptionally profound and stable foundational cultivation base], he would find it impossible to fend off attacks from all sides. Sooner or later, he would fall beneath the combined assault of his foes.

"Boom!"

Another deafening explosion tore through the air as the Drought Fiend [a legendary beast of immense strength and drought-bringing power] went berserk, its attack sending the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor hurtling through the sky.

Without the protection of his Crimson Flame Golden Scale Armor, even with his Earth Immortal [a high-level immortal realm] cultivation, the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor found it impossible to match the peerless physical might of the Drought Fiend. He was forced into a steady, humiliating retreat.

The group seized the chance to beat the drowning dog. Dozens of Immortal Treasure [powerful artifacts forged by immortals] and Divine Ability [supernatural powers cultivated to a divine level] rained down upon him in an unrelenting barrage. It was not long before the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor was grievously wounded.

Just as the situation became irredeemable, the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor roared with bitter resentment, "You rely on numbers to bully the few! This is unworthy conduct, a disgrace to the dignity of an Immortal [a being who has achieved immortality through cultivation]!"

"I shall remember this grudge! In time, I will settle accounts with each and every one of you!"

As his words faded, the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor summoned a dazzling Immortal Talisman [a powerful charm inscribed with immortal power] and began to channel his energy to activate it.

At this sight, the hearts of all present sank. Eldrin Chen's expression shifted dramatically as he recognized the origin of this particular Talisman [a charm or seal imbued with mystical power].

This talisman was known as the 'A World in a Footstep Talisman' [a talisman that allows the user to traverse vast distances in a single step], a Supreme Treasure Talisman [the highest grade of mystical charm] of the Supreme Grade Immortal Treasure [the pinnacle rank of immortal artifacts] tier.

Such a Treasure Talisman could only be forged by an Earth Immortal who commanded the laws of void and space, and even then required the rarest of materials to craft.

To be able to instantly tear through the void of the Immortal Domain [a higher realm of existence] and reach the The Other Shore [a distant, often unreachable place] at Ronan's Endless Mountain [a specific mountain location], such a treasure is a life-saving ultimate treasure even for an Earth Immortal [a powerful immortal cultivator anchored to the mortal world].

It can be said that the value of such a treasure is incomparably precious; many Earth Immortal would seek it in vain. Who could have imagined that the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor [an ancient and powerful progenitor of the crimson dragon lineage] actually possessed such an artifact in his hands.

"Disaster."

Eldrin Chen's heart sank like a stone. He understood that if the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor escaped with his life, he would undoubtedly become a dire threat in the future.

Yet, at this critical juncture, the light from the A World in a Footstep Talisman [a talisman allowing instantaneous travel over vast distances] in the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor's grasp flickered and dimmed. It was seized by an invisible force, flying away into the boundless depths of the Firmament [the heavens, the sky].

"This..."

Eldrin Chen was momentarily stunned, then a look of wild elation dawned on his face. He swiftly channeled his power, urging the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords [a pair of legendary divine swords] to cleave down with devastating force.

The others also grasped the situation. They immediately unleashed a barrage of Immortal Treasure [powerful artifacts used by immortals] attacks, seizing the chance to slay the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor once and for all.

Without the A World in a Footstep Talisman, the Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor had no means left to turn the tide. In the end, joined by their combined might, he was slain upon Crimson Dragon Island [the ancestral home of the crimson dragon lineage].

"Hah..."

With a single thrust, Eldrin Chen pierced through the brow of Crimson Dragon Ancient Ancestor, utterly annihilating his Immortal Embryo [the nascent immortal form within a high-level cultivator]. Only then did he allow himself to release a heavy sigh of relief.

He had no time to savor the triumph. Immediately, he rose and offered a slight, respectful bow towards the boundless Firmament [the highest heavens].

At that same moment, at the furthest reaches of the endless Firmament, two figures stood side by side, silently observing the conclusion of the battle.

Of these two figures, one was a middle-aged man whose bearing exuded a noble and refined elegance. The other was an elder whose very presence spoke of an immortal's grace and a Daoist's profound bearing. Continue your cultivation journey at audio-novel`com.