Chapter 1600 : Harvest in the Netherworld Depths

"This time, our harvest has been truly bountiful."

After annihilating the seventh herd of Netherworld Ancient Beasts [feral beasts native to the deepest, most chaotic layers of the Netherworld], Yvonne the Violet Consort gazed at the Netherworld Turbid Qi [a dense, chaotic spiritual energy unique to the Netherworld, valuable for certain dark cultivation arts] in Eldrin Chen's hand and could not help but reveal a smile.

Thirteen strands of Netherworld Turbid Qi in total—their combined value was equivalent to a single Taiyi Immortal Weapon [a supreme-grade immortal artifact of immense power].

Such a haul was astonishing; typically, only an Heaven Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm, a being of immense power] would be capable of such a feat.

Within the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain, aside from those forces possessing their own Grotto-Heaven [a blessed, self-contained pocket dimension or paradise], the only entities with the power to gather so much Netherworld Turbid Qi at once were the Chen Immortal Clan and those few existences who had laid a Triple Taiyi Foundation [a legendary, near-perfect foundation for immortal cultivation, achieved only by the rarest of geniuses].

Eldrin Chen himself felt a surge of satisfaction. Storing the Netherworld Turbid Qi away, he said, "We have fought for a long time and wiped out seven inner herds. If we linger, we risk drawing the attention of the Celestial Immortal Realm [the realm of true celestial immortals] Netherworld [the chaotic, demon-infested underworld] apex predators."

"Then let us return,"

the others agreed with a nod, and they continued their journey outward from the Bottomless Nether Abyss.

Yet, they had not traveled far when Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, his expression turning grave.

For ahead of them, deep within the Netherworld Depths, an immense herd of beasts was gathering. Support the author by reading on audio novel.com.

"It is a clan of the Gloom-Scorpion."

Gazing at the herd of Netherworld Ancient Beasts before them, Qiyuan Chen spoke with a slight frown creasing his brow.

Kael Chen also nodded, his expression grave as he said, "A full five existences at the Taiyi Realm, and among them, two possess a Dual Taiyi Foundation."

"If we slay them, we could likely obtain five portions of Six Paths-grade Purest Netherworld Turbid Qi [the most refined and potent form of chaotic Yin energy from the Netherworld]."

Eldrin Chen understood that Kael Chen was still being conservative in his estimate.

A beast herd of this caliber, boasting two Dual Taiyi Foundation members, clearly had not faced assault for a long time. The energy gestating within these Netherworld Ancient Beasts was highly likely to be the Purest Netherworld Turbid Qi.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen made his decision. "Swift and decisive. We leave immediately upon success." No sooner had his words fallen than the group sprang into action.

This time, Eldrin Chen left Kael Chen, Nyssa Qu, and Yvonne the Violet Consort to hold back the main herd, while he led the others in a direct assault on the Netherworld Ancient Beasts.

To ensure a swift victory, the five Taiyi Realm Netherworld Ancient Beasts were divided. The three comparable to a Single Taiyi Foundation cultivator were dealt with by Lila, Qiyuan Chen, and Ethan Chen.

As for the two with Dual Taiyi Foundation, Verdant Consort temporarily engaged one, while Eldrin Chen joined forces with Lyra Jiang to surround and attack the powerful Ancient Beast leader possessing the Dual Taiyi Foundation.

With the combined strength of Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang, even without deploying their Innate Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact born from the world's natural laws], they could contend with at least four cultivators at the Dual Taiyi Foundation [a powerful cultivation stage where one has laid a dual foundation of Taiyi-level power] realm.

The leader of these Netherworld Ancient Beasts [ancient, powerful demonic beasts from the Netherworld], while possessing combat power comparable to a Dual Taiyi Foundation cultivator, lacked the protection of a Heaven-Opening Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade magical artifact of legendary power]. Its strength was thus a third weaker than a true Dual Taiyi Foundation expert. How could it possibly stand against the two of them?

Under their full-force assault, after merely thirty-some exchanges, the Netherworld Ancient Beasts leader was utterly suppressed and slain by Eldrin Chen.

Having slain this Ancient Beast leader, the pair repeated their strategy. They swiftly encircled and eliminated another Ancient Beast leader that was also at the Dual Taiyi Foundation level.

The remaining three Gloom-Scorpion [a type of ancient, venomous scorpion demon from the Netherworld], mere Taiyi Realm [the Taiyi cultivation stage] beasts, could not even overcome Lila, let alone contend with Eldrin Chen who had now freed his hands.

In just a few dozen more clashes, these three Gloom-Scorpion were also completely annihilated by the group.

"Seven strands of Purest Netherworld Turbid Qi [the most refined form of turbid, yin-attributed spiritual energy from the Netherworld]."

After slaying these several Gloom-Scorpion, Eldrin Chen discovered they had obtained a total of seven strands of Netherworld Turbid Qi [turbid spiritual energy from the Netherworld]. A look of delight crossed his face.

Just as he was about to speak, his expression shifted slightly. "Beware!" he warned. As the words fell, Eldrin Chen summoned his Primordial Unity Qi [a divine ability manifesting the primordial, unified energy of creation], forming a protective barrier that firmly enveloped his companions.

Yet, at that very moment, a dim, ash-gray radiance manifested across the boundless heavens and earth, engulfing the entire expanse of the Void [a profound cultivation art or state related to emptiness and the void].

Immediately after, an aura of supreme malevolence manifested, its dreadful, shadowy radiance engulfing the heavens and the earth.

Only then did the group survey their surroundings, discovering a primordial serpent with scales of jet, its coils encircling countless millions of Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] of the Void.

"An Innate Creature of Supreme Malevolence, the Netherworld Filth Serpent."

Gazing upon this ancient black-scaled serpent, Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his expression grave.

Upon hearing this, the others' expressions shifted slightly. The Netherworld Filth Serpent, also known as the Hellish Black Python, is born from the fusion of Innate Qi [the primordial energy of creation] and the most ferocious, baleful energies from the deepest reaches of Hell. One could say this Netherworld Filth Serpent is the very embodiment of the innate, savage malevolence of the Netherworld Depths.

This serpent is infamous throughout the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain. It is said to roam the inner regions of the Netherworld, its power boundless and terrifying, roughly comparable to an early-stage Heaven Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm]. Access the full story on audio novel.com.

"I heard that after the Dragon King of the Western Abyss broke through to the Heaven Immortal realm, he once ventured into the inner Netherworld to gather Netherworld Turbid Qi [the turbid, yin-heavy energy of the underworld]. He encountered this very Netherworld Filth Serpent, and neither side gained the upper hand."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his gaze fixed upon the Netherworld Filth Serpent. Beside the serpent's vital point, he discerned a massive, grievous wound, still crackling with interwoven strands of dreadful killing intent.

Clearly, Eldrin Chen had perceived this Netherworld Filth Serpent's injury, which was why he had not immediately activated the Yin-Yang Void Realm to depart.

Lyra Jiang also saw the serpent's wound. She turned to Eldrin Chen and asked, "Do you intend to take the risk and battle, to slay this Innate Filth Serpent?"

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, his expression calm as he spoke, "An entity comparable to an early-stage Heaven Immortal [a supreme immortal being], and one that is heavily wounded at that. Such a golden opportunity is rare indeed."

"Hiss—"

In the very instant the group was conversing, the Netherworld Filth Serpent [a primordial serpent born from the foulest essence of the underworld] let out a roar of pure rage. It unleashed a deafening shriek, releasing a boundless tide of murderous intent that swept through the heavens and earth. This killing aura was so potent that even an Earth Immortal Realm [an immortal whose power is anchored to the mortal world] existence would find their physical body dissolving and their soul scattering upon direct contact.

Fortunately, the assembled experts were formidable enough to withstand the brunt of it without suffering significant harm.

In that same fleeting moment, the Netherworld Filth Serpent suddenly opened its maw and spewed forth a terrifying stream of Innate Filth Water [primordial water of ultimate corruption] directly at the group.

"Beware! It's the Innate Filth Water!"

Eldrin Chen called out a warning even as he swiftly evaded.

This Innate Filth Water was the foulest water born from the cosmos. Even a Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a pinnacle Heaven Immortal] possessing an Innate Physique [a body born with supreme natural gifts] would find their flesh and bones melting away instantly if drenched by it.

None dared to meet it with their physical forms. They immediately retreated, their figures blurring as they dodged with all speed.

Ethan Chen summoned an Immortal Treasure [a treasure forged by or for immortals] to block the assault, his voice a mix of shock and fury. "You vile primordial abomination, spitting filth at the first sight of people! You disgrace the very title of 'Primordial Fierce Beast'!"

"Agh—"

"Your drool, how can it be so foul? How many Calamity Tribulation [cosmic trials of heavenly punishment] have you gone through without rinsing your mouth?"

Ethan Chen exclaimed with a mixture of shock and fury, retreating swiftly as he spoke.

The Netherworld Filth Serpent [a primordial creature of immense malevolence born from the foulest dregs of the underworld] was, after all, an innate creature of supreme malice. Though its intelligence was low and it could not comprehend Ethan Chen's words, the cultivator's demeanor inexplicably stirred a deep loathing within it.

Thus, with a thunderous roar, its tail—stretching for who knows how many millions of Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters]—swept forth like a continent uprooted, crashing down upon Ethan Chen.

"*Clang—*"

At the critical moment, Ethan Chen continued his retreat while simultaneously summoning the Twin Swords of Life and Death. The blades struck the Netherworld Filth Serpent's scales, but instead of biting deep, they erupted in a shower of dazzling sparks.

"Even a High Grade Heaven-Opening Immortal Sword [a supreme-grade divine weapon capable of cleaving the heavens] cannot pierce its scales?"

A jolt of alarm shot through Ethan Chen's heart, followed instantly by an overwhelming force that sent him hurtling through the void, blood spraying from his lips.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen immediately channeled his power into the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords, sending them slashing towards the serpent. Yet, they merely left a few shallow scratches upon its hide.

Simultaneously, Qiyuan Chen channeled the Heaven-Disrupting Battle Axe, cleaving it upon the Netherworld Filth Serpent's body and forcibly splitting open a fissure.

"A Heaven-Opening Supreme Treasure can indeed wound it!"

Qiyuan Chen spoke, manifesting an Indestructible Golden Body spanning hundreds of millions of Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters], utterly shattering that single scale which stretched for hundreds of millions of Li-lengths and leaving a scar upon the Netherworld Filth Serpent.

"BOOM—"

In that very instant, a colossal black tail lashed out, violently smashing Qiyuan Chen and sending him flying.

Only then did Eldrin Chen look up, realizing that the fragment spanning hundreds of millions of Li-lengths which Qiyuan Chen had cleaved off was utterly insignificant compared to the vast, immeasurable bulk of the Boundless Black Serpent. Ethan Chen swallowed, his throat parched, and said hoarsely:

"A single scale... is larger than an entire Great Thousand World." Continue reading this story at www . audio-novel.com.