Chapter 1275 : Clash of Celestial Artifacts

In that instant, the assembled immortals activated the Formation [a structured arrangement of cultivators or artifacts to channel and amplify power].

Within the Boundless Void [the infinite, starless expanse between realms], the Ancient Starry Firmament Bell [an ancient bell artifact embodying the power of the starry heavens] manifested into a colossal bell spanning millions of Zhang-lengths [one Zhang-length equals three point three three meters], descending to suppress the Lingering Sun Heavenly Ark [a celestial ark imbued with the essence of the lingering sunset].

"BONG—"

A rare and profound tolling of the bell reverberated between heaven and earth.

This strike from the Ancient Starry Firmament Bell, empowered by the might of the Cosmic Stellar Formation [a grand formation that harnesses the power of celestial bodies], possessed such devastating force that, if it landed squarely, even the Lingering Sun Heavenly Ark would likely be unable to withstand it.

Faced with this situation, the Lingering Sun Patriarch naturally would not stand idly by. With a flick of his sleeve, the Lingering Sun Heavenly Wheel [a celestial wheel artifact glowing with the light of the lingering sun] whirled into motion, interposing itself before the Ancient Starry Firmament Bell and blocking its descent.

Seeing this, Sun Consort immediately summoned her own World-Opening Treasure [a primordial-grade artifact of immense power capable of shaping reality], the Great Sun Heavenly Wheel [a celestial wheel blazing with the pure, midday radiance of the sun].

Unlike the Lingering Sun Heavenly Wheel, the Great Sun Heavenly Wheel manifested as a Heavenly Wheel [a disc-shaped celestial artifact] resembling the great sun of the Nine Heavens Above [the highest celestial realms], radiating an awe-inspiring, boundless majesty. It was a World-Opening Treasure adept at both offense and defense.

Now, the Great Sun Heavenly Wheel descended with crushing force, aiming to suppress the Lingering Sun Heavenly Ark. The Lingering Sun Patriarch merely sneered. With another flick of his sleeve, he released a dazzling, radiant pagoda.

This treasure was none other than the Lingering Sun Patriarch's Innate World-Opening Treasure [a World-Opening Treasure born from natural law, not crafted], the Lingering Sun Heaven-Suppressing Pagoda [a pagoda that uses the weight of the lingering sunset to suppress the heavens]. It unleashed billions of golden rays of heaven-suppressing light, forming an impenetrable barrier against the Great Sun Heavenly Wheel. For the best reading experience, visit audio-novel`com.

Simultaneously, Exquisite Jiang and the other immortals, witnessing this, consecutively unleashed their various Supreme-Grade Immortal Treasure [the highest tier of enchanted artifacts used by powerful immortals].

In that instant, the Six Harmonies and Eight Desolations Cauldron, the Crimson Dragon Sky-Scorching Sword, the Azure Dragon Stirring Sea Sword, the Azure Wave Lotus Immortal Sword, the Supple Wood Azure Dragon Banner, and numerous other Supreme-Grade Immortal Treasure soared into the sky, all converging to suppress their target.

However, the Lingering Sun Blessed Land [a sacred realm of immense power and profound foundations] possessed roots of extraordinary depth. Faced with the siege of so many Supreme-Grade Immortal Treasure, it showed not the slightest hint of fear.

The Setting Sun Patriarch and his Second Primordial Spirit [a powerful technique allowing a cultivator to manifest a second, independent spiritual avatar] alongside his Crimson Dragon True Body [a transformation technique that grants the physical power and attributes of a crimson dragon] together summoned several Supreme-Grade Immortal Treasure to block these incoming Immortal Treasure. Lingering Sun Child also activated the Myriad Miles Lingering Sun Pearl, firmly shielding the Lingering Sun Heavenly Ark [a celestial vessel of immense defensive power].

Seeing that they still could not breach the Lingering Sun Heavenly Ark, Blazing Phoenix and the others' expressions turned slightly cold. Without further hesitation, they ceased holding back and activated the Four Symbols Immortal-Trapping Formation [a trapping formation based on the power of the four celestial beasts] embedded within the overarching Cosmic Stellar Formation.

In that very moment, under their combined impetus, four dazzling Immortal Sword swept across the heavens, carrying boundless killing intent. They descended like a World-Opening Sword Formation [a formation of legendary power said to be capable of cleaving the world itself], intent on suppression.

"An impressive Formation [a structured arrangement of power, often using artifacts or positions, to achieve specific effects like attack, defense, or trapping]," came the remark.

The moment he saw this formation, the Lingering Sun Patriarch's eyes flickered slightly. He then spoke, "This formation is indeed Extraordinary, a pity its Formation Artifact [the core artifacts used to anchor and power a formation] are merely four Upper-Grade Immortal Sword."

"Had it been laid with four Supreme-Grade Immortal Sword, it might have posed a genuine threat."

As his words faded, the Lingering Sun Patriarch flicked his sleeve, manifesting the World-Opening Heavenly God Ability known as 'Lingering Sun Moon-Veiling Hand' [a divine technique of immense scale and sealing power]. In an instant, it sealed and suppressed the entire Four Symbols Immortal-Trapping Sword Formation.

"Now!"

In that very instant, Exquisite Jiang seized the fleeting opportunity and unleashed the Black Dragon Suppressing World Cauldron [a legendary cauldron forged to subdue dragons and stabilize realms].

In a flash, the World-Opening Ancient Cauldron [an ancient vessel of immense power, forged from primordial materials] crafted from Dragon-Patterned Black Gold [a rare, jet-black metal veined with dragon-scale patterns] soared into the sky. It descended with earth-shattering, heaven-rending might, intent on completely suppressing the Lingering Sun Heavenly Ark [a celestial vessel imbued with the essence of the setting sun].

"So it truly is in your hands!"

The moment the Black Dragon Suppressing World Cauldron appeared, a flicker of triumph crossed Lingering Sun Patriarch's face.

With a sweep of his sleeve, he summoned forth a crimson cauldron strikingly similar to the Black Dragon Suppressing World Cauldron, which firmly intercepted Exquisite Jiang's seemingly unstoppable strike.

"This is... Oh no!"

Exquisite Jiang's expression shifted dramatically as she finally understood why Lingering Sun Patriarch had targeted the Returning Abyss Sea Region [a vast and treacherous oceanic expanse].

Yet this realization seemed to come too late. Having parried their assault, Lingering Sun Patriarch swept his sleeve once more, channeling the Lingering Sun Moon-Veiling Hand [a divine technique that cloaks the moon with the power of the lingering sunset] in a renewed attempt to suppress this World-Opening Treasure [a treasure of such power it is said to have helped shape the world].

Seeing the dire turn of events, Sun Consort gritted her teeth in fierce determination.

She cast a frigid glance at Lingering Sun Patriarch [the ancient master of the waning sun], and finally drew from her sleeve an arcane and supremely intricate seven-colored treasure talisman.

"Sister, are you truly going to invoke this?"

Seeing her retrieve the talisman, Immortal Maiden Star Consort [the celestial maiden representing the stars] could not help but ask.

This talisman was an Eighth Rank Mid-Grade [a mid-level treasure of the eighth rank] treasure talisman, the Seven-Colored Divine Light Talisman [a talisman that unleashes a divine light of seven colors]. It was a trump card prepared by Glazed Divine Lord [the Divine Lord of Glazed Radiance] for Sun Consort [the celestial consort of the sun] to face her World-Opening Great Tribulation [the cataclysmic heavenly trial marking the opening of a new world], and also the highest-grade treasure she was capable of activating.

She had been reluctant to use it, but now, at this critical juncture of the great battle, she could no longer afford to hesitate.

With this thought, Sun Consort declared resolutely, "No matter how precious a treasure is, if we cannot survive this tribulation, keeping it would only serve to enrich our enemies." For the best reading experience, visit @udio-novel.com.

As her words fell, the spiritual talisman instantly transformed into a dazzling Seven-Colored Immortal Light [an immortal radiance of seven hues], carrying boundless and majestic power as it struck the Lingering Sun Heavenly Ark [the celestial ark of the lingering sun].

"Hmm?"

In that instant, Lingering Sun Patriarch's brow furrowed slightly. This Seven-Colored Immortal Light possessed immeasurable divine might, enough to destroy the current Lingering Sun Heavenly Ark in a single blow.

If the Heavenly Ark [the celestial vessel] were lost, even if he obtained the Black Dragon Suppressing World Cauldron [the cauldron that suppresses the world with a black dragon's power], he would absolutely be unable to conquer the Returning Abyss Sea Region [the sea region named for its abyssal, returning currents].

Therefore, in that fleeting moment of his turn, Eldrin had already abandoned the Black Dragon Suppressing World Cauldron [a supreme-grade immortal treasure of immense power], pouring all his strength into defending against the Seven-Colored Immortal Light [a devastating divine ability of legendary potency].

In that same instant, Exquisite Jiang recalled the Black Dragon Suppressing World Cauldron, and the assembled immortals, realizing the Lingering Sun Heavenly Ark [a formidable celestial vessel] was beyond their immediate grasp, likewise withdrew their various Immortal Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts used by immortals].

"A pity," he sighed.

Having blocked the strike from the Seven-Colored Immortal Light, the Lingering Sun Patriarch's complexion paled slightly.

He glanced back, seeing the Black Dragon Suppressing World Cauldron withdrawn, and a flicker of regret passed through him. Had the Sun Consort not unleashed that Seven-Colored Immortal Light talisman, he estimated a thirty percent chance of seizing that treasure for himself.

"No matter," he murmured. "Once we capture the Returning Abyss Sea Region [a vast and strategically vital sea territory], that Black Dragon Suppressing World Cauldron will not escape."

The Lingering Sun Patriarch let out a soft sigh, then ordered his forces to continue driving the Lingering Sun Heavenly Ark against the grand formation. The entire defensive array shuddered violently, teetering on the brink of collapse.

Judging by the relentless assault, it seemed the Cosmic Stellar Formation [a grand defensive formation drawing power from the stars] would be breached within a century.

Witnessing this, Exquisite Jiang sighed deeply. "We must take turns channeling our Supreme-Grade Immortal Treasure [the highest grade of immortal artifact] and World-Opening Celestial Immortal Treasure [treasures of power capable of shaping worlds] to shield the Cosmic Stellar Formation and absorb part of the onslaught. We must hold out for as long as we can."

"It seems we have no other choice," came the resigned reply.

Sun Consort sighed inwardly. The strength of Lingering Sun Patriarch [a powerful ancient cultivator] far exceeded her expectations. In a direct confrontation, they stood no chance of victory whatsoever.

Fortunately, they were within the Cosmic Stellar Formation [a grand defensive array harnessing cosmic power], sustained by the Immortal Spirit Essence [the concentrated spiritual energy of an immortal realm] of the entire Vast Sea for recovery. They also had vast reserves of Immortal Source [the foundational energy source for immortals] and Immortal Pill [elixirs of immense power for immortals]. They should be able to hold out for a while longer.

"..."

The great battle raged on without end. Relying on the might of the three World-Opening Treasure [legendary artifacts capable of shaping worlds]—the Ancient Starry Firmament Bell, the Great Sun Heavenly Wheel, and the Black Dragon Suppressing World Cauldron—and aided by over a dozen Supreme-Grade Immortal Treasure [the pinnacle grade of immortal artifacts], the Cosmic Stellar Formation barely managed to withstand the assaults from Lingering Sun Blessed Land [a powerful immortal's domain].

Thus, time flowed by, and three hundred years passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, within the Returning Abyss Blessed Land [Eldrin Chen's personal immortal domain], Eldrin Chen slowly opened his eyes.

He quietly sensed the power coursing within his body, releasing a slow, measured breath. A trace of serene composure bloomed in his expression, as if a great weight had finally been lifted from his shoulders.

After nine centuries of secluded cultivation, he had finally completely refined the three Path Source [the primordial essence of a Great Path, a treasure of unimaginable value]. This was slightly ahead of the projected thousand-year timeframe.

This period of deep meditation had allowed Eldrin Chen to achieve his long-sought goal: comprehending Rule Power [the power to command fundamental cosmic laws].

Not only that, he had comprehended not one, but three distinct Rule Power in a single breakthrough: the Primordial One Ancient Metal [the Rule of the primordial, unyielding metal], the Rule of Life [the cosmic principle governing vitality and creation], and the Profound Darkness True Water [the Rule of the profound, abyssal waters].

Furthermore, his cultivation had already reached the Great Perfection of the Ascendant Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage just before becoming an Earth Immortal], and the threshold to the Half-Step Earth Immortal Realm [a transitional state where a cultivator has partially transcended mortality] now lay open before him. All that remained was to accumulate a sufficient reserve of Immortal Essence [the purified, high-grade energy required for the final breakthrough into Earth Immortality], and he would naturally step across that final barrier. For more chapters, visit audio_novel.com for the complete novel.