Chapter 1404 : The Auction of Primordial Treasures

"However, it lacks the Primordial Unity Path Patterns [the foundational cosmic patterns that define the Primordial Unity realm], making it unable to amplify a treasure's power. Thus, it is considered a flawed product."

"Its true value might be equivalent to a World-Opening Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure capable of cleaving open a new world], yet it lacks the formidable power of one. For a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a mighty cultivator who has ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm], it is somewhat of an awkward possession."

Eldrin Chen mused silently, understanding full well that this object was beyond his means to purchase.

For no matter its flaws, its durability rivals that of a Primordial Unity Immortal Weapon [an immortal weapon forged in the Primordial Unity realm], ranking among the very finest even within that category.

If fused into an Innate World-Opening Treasure [a supreme treasure born from primordial chaos, capable of world-creation], it would greatly enhance the resilience of one's ultimate defensive treasure. Its worth would not fall below that of a World-Opening Supreme Treasure.

And indeed, that proved to be the case. All three of these supreme treasures were exchanged for exorbitantly high prices.

Among the three treasures, the Primordial Unity Immortal Pill [an immortal elixir refined with Primordial Unity realm principles] was the most precious, traded for a complete Ninth Rank Immortal Herb [a herb of the ninth rank, possessing immense spiritual potency]. The Primordial Unity Immortal Scripture [an immortal scripture containing the profound mysteries of the Primordial Unity realm] was exchanged for a rare treasure of World-Opening Supreme Treasure grade.

Finally, the Chaos Ancient Stone [a primordial stone forged in the chaos of creation] was also claimed, traded for a Top Grade World-Opening Marvel [a marvel of the highest grade, born from world-creation].

Watching as the treasures were claimed, Eldrin Chen turned to Nyssa Qu and inquired, "I just heard her mention the Chaos Ancient Stone originates from the Chaos Abyssal Chasm. I wonder, what exactly is this Chaos Abyssal Chasm [a fathomless chasm within the primordial chaos]?"

Having served Glazed Divine Lord for many years, Nyssa Qu possessed deeper knowledge of the secrets within the Vast Azure Immortal Domain [the vast and azure realm of immortals].

When she heard Eldrin Chen's inquiry, she began to explain, "Within the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, there exist the Thirty-Threefold Heavenly Domain. Within each of these Thirty-Threefold Heavenly Domain lies a Chaos Abyssal Chasm [a profound fissure connecting the Immortal Domain to the primordial chaos beyond]."

"Those Chaos Abyssal Chasm connect to the Chaos [the formless, primordial state of existence before creation]. They function like the seven orifices—ears, nose, and mouth—of a person, ceaselessly inhaling and exhaling the Primordial Chaos Energy [the raw, unformed energy of creation] from the Chaos Torrent [the turbulent flows within the Chaos], transforming it into Immortal Spirit Essence [the refined spiritual energy that permeates immortal realms] and Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy [the foundational energy of heaven and earth]."

"The Primordial Origin Ancient Treasure [ancient artifacts of foundational power] of the Thirty-Threefold Heaven are also located within these Chaos Abyssal Chasm. They are the key mechanisms for converting the Primordial Chaos Energy."

At this point, Nyssa Qu's expression turned grave. "The Chaos is an exceedingly perilous place. The Chaos Abyssal Chasm, connecting to it, are akin to sensory orifices—they represent some of the most vulnerable points of the entire Immortal Domain."

"Consequently, the Chaos Abyssal Chasm are frequently assaulted by Chaos Beings [entities born from or dwelling within the primordial Chaos]."

"Thus, within the Immortal Domain, the Celestial Immortal Great Power [powerful immortals who have ascended to a high realm] from the various Grotto-Heaven [paradisiacal realms and sanctuaries] must take turns standing guard within the Chaos Abyssal Chasm."

"Their primary duties are to repel unknown Chaos Beings from the Depths of Chaos, protect the Primordial Origin Ancient Treasure of the Immortal Domain, and, additionally, to assist these treasures in their task of inhaling and refining the Primordial Chaos Energy."

Nyssa Qu elaborated patiently, then sighed. "Of course, the Celestial Immortal Great Power do not guard the Chaos Abyssal Chasm without recompense."

"The Chaos Abyssal Chasm are places where the Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy is at its most concentrated. The cultivation environment there surpasses even that of the Grotto-Heaven by a significant margin."

"Furthermore, the reason those Supreme Grotto-Heaven [the most exalted of the paradisiacal realms] can shelter their disciples and help them transcend the Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic trial of fate and power] and the Path Tribulation [a tribulation related to one's cultivation path] is precisely because their Celestial Immortal Great Power have rendered meritorious service to the Immortal Domain. Thus, they earn the favor and recognition of the Heavenly Path of the Immortal Domain [the celestial authority governing the Immortal Domain]."

"Furthermore, the Chaos Abyssal Chasm connects to the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond the ordered worlds]. It is common for Exotic Treasure [rare artifacts and materials born from the primordial chaos] from within the Chaos to be swept into it by the chaotic currents. Thus, it is considered the place within the Immortal Domain [the collective realm of immortals] richest in treasures. This Chaos Ancient Stone [a primordial ore tempered by chaos] was most likely carried in by one of those chaotic torrents."

Hearing her explanation reach this point, several long-held doubts within Eldrin Chen suddenly cleared, as if a veil had been lifted.

No wonder there was a consensus within the Immortal Domain that Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality] and Earth Immortal [immortals anchored to and drawing power from a specific earthly domain] were merely great thieves who stole the power of heaven and earth to achieve Longevity [endless life] and avoid death. Only Celestial Immortal Great Power [immortals who have ascended to a higher state, harmonizing with and contributing to the cosmic order] were considered to have merit in the eyes of the cosmos.

The Immortal Domain continuously instigates Great Tribulation [cataclysmic trials that reshape the world] and even Path Tribulation [existential trials targeting a cultivator's very Dao], with the fundamental purpose of constantly purging these ageless, deathless thieves.

Moreover, it is also a method of natural selection, cultivating more Celestial Immortal Great Power to guard the Chaos Abyssal Chasm on behalf of the Immortal Domain.

Of course, from the perspective of existing Celestial Immortal Great Power and the various established Grotto-Heaven [self-contained paradisiacal realms], they naturally might not desire the birth of newly ascended Celestial Immortal.

For the emergence of a new Celestial Immortal would dilute their own authority, diminish their control over Primordial Origin Ancient Treasure [artifacts of immense power linked to the foundational laws of reality], and split the pool of available resources.

If they wish to advance further, to step into the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm, the late stage, or even the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm, they naturally crave to monopolize the vast majority of resources.

Therefore, established Grotto-Heaven will also suppress newcomers, hoping that if any Celestial Immortal do ascend, they will be from their own ranks of Celestial Immortal Great Power.

And when prevention is impossible, they will resort to every scheme and calculation to ensure such an ascendant breaks through to Celestial Immortal by condensing only two types of Primordial Unity Path Fruit [the foundational fruits of power that define a Celestial Immortal's strength and potential], limiting their future prospects.

Take the Western Abyss Dragon King, for instance. After arduous cultivation, he ultimately only managed to cultivate two types of Primordial Unity Foundation.

With such a foundation, even if he broke through to the Celestial Immortal Realm, he could at most reach the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm. There was simply no hope of attaining the Late Celestial Immortal Realm realm, making him no significant threat to them.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen felt a weight settle in his heart.

He knew all too well that if he ever reached the Half-Step Celestial Immortal Realm, his fate might be no different from that of the two Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm of profound spiritual energy].

He said nothing more, quietly observing the ongoing Barter Convention.

As the Barter Convention progressed, one Earth Immortal Patriarch after another took the stage. Each presented rare and precious treasures, bartering ceaselessly for the items they desired.

At such conventions, those who stepped forward first were often the ones most likely to have their wishes fulfilled and secure satisfactory treasures.

However, those who could take the stage early were invariably from major powers or were top-tier great powers at the Late Stage Earth Immortal realm.

As time wore on, those who came later found it increasingly difficult to obtain what they sought.

During this Great Tribulation, Eldrin Chen and his allies had joined forces to slay the Lord of Thousand Dragon Lake, which placed his ranking relatively high.

He was the three hundred and fifty-first person to take the stage, placing him among the earlier participants among the more than three thousand Immortal present.

Upon ascending the platform, Eldrin Chen directly produced two stalks of World-Opening Spiritual Root [a primordial spiritual root of immense value], over ten pieces of World-Opening Marvel [rare treasures born from the chaos of creation], and over thirty pieces of both Supreme-Grade Immortal Treasure and Immortal Artifact [powerful enchanted weapons and tools used by immortals].

Only then did he announce, "Esteemed assembly, my purpose here today is solely to exchange for World-Opening Energy [the primordial energy released during world-creation] and Spiritual Root [the foundational spiritual plants that anchor cultivation realms]."

"If any among you possess Five Elements [spiritual roots aligned with the five fundamental elements], Three Anomalies [spiritual roots of the three rare anomalies], or spiritual roots of other special attributes, regardless of their grade, you may bring them forth to trade with me."

"Regardless of grade?"

The assembled Immortals were momentarily taken aback by his words, then promptly began offering prices and initiating trades.

Swiftly, those two stalks of World-Opening Spiritual Root were purchased, one for ten and the other for eleven strands of World-Opening Energy.

Among the remaining treasures, the World-Opening Marvel was exchanged for thirteen strands of World-Opening Energy, while the rest of the artifacts were traded for over two hundred stalks of various Spiritual Root.

The grades of these Spiritual Root varied greatly, the highest being a Supreme-Grade Acquired Spiritual Root [a top-tier spiritual root acquired post-creation], while the lowest were mere Fifth Rank Worldly Spiritual Root [common spiritual roots of the mortal world].

This vast collection of Spiritual Root possessed a dazzling array of rare properties. Beyond the most common metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, it included spiritual roots of every conceivable special attribute.

Such as the thunder-attributed Heavenly Thunder Bamboo [a rare bamboo that channels and stores heavenly thunder energy], the wind-attributed Ancient Gale Tree [an ancient tree imbued with the essence of primordial winds], the ice-attributed Frost Soul Immortal Pear Tree [a pear tree whose fruit contains the chilling essence of frost and soul], and the Myriad Soul Wood [a mystical wood said to hold the secrets of the soul], among others.

Even more astonishing, Eldrin Chen also obtained a tree imbued with the Reincarnation Path Principles [the profound laws governing the cycle of rebirth]—the Ancient Reincarnation Tree [an ancient tree whose essence is tied to the cycle of reincarnation]—and a tree possessing the power of the void, the Void Heaven Wood [a supreme-grade spatial spirit wood that channels the power of the heavens and the void].

It is said the Ancient Reincarnation Tree can bear Reincarnation Fruit [a miraculous fruit that allows one to experience a simulated lifetime in a dreamlike state]. After consuming it, a cultivator can undergo a single lifetime of Dreamwalking Reincarnation [a profound state where one's consciousness lives through an entire simulated lifetime within a dream].

At that moment, the cultivator merges the Path Fruit [the accumulated insights and power from one's cultivation path] of two lifetimes. Both their foundational roots and accumulated essence [the deep-seated potential and spiritual reserves built up over time] will be greatly enhanced, significantly increasing their probability of breaking through to the next realm.

The Void Heaven Wood is the pinnacle of spatial Spirit Wood [wood infused with potent spiritual energy]. This wood can nurture and give birth to the Void Profound Method Fruit [a fruit that contains the profound principles of void and spatial laws].

Upon consuming this fruit, a cultivator has the potential to comprehend the power of the void, leading to a tremendous leap in their strength.

The only regret was that both the Ancient Reincarnation Tree and the Void Heaven Wood were of too low a grade, merely at the Sixth Rank Worldly Spiritual Root [a mid-tier grade of spiritual root quality] level. They were already useless to an Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality], let alone to those present who were already Earth Immortal Patriarch [patriarchs who have attained the Earth Immortal realm, a high level of cultivation].