Chapter 1598 : The Path to the Nether Abyss

"The three thousand Great Path [the myriad ultimate cultivation arts], though their paths diverge, all lead to the same destination. Buddhism, Daoism, and Demonic Arts are ultimately one family."

"What does it matter if one is a Buddha, a Mara [a demonic tempter], or a Daoist Venerable?"

"As long as my heart remains unchanged, I am still myself."

Kael Chen spoke earnestly, looking at Eldrin Chen as he said, "Now that we have broken through, it is time we made a journey to the Bottomless Nether Abyss [a legendary and perilous chasm leading to the underworld]."

"Then let us go."

Eldrin Chen nodded, his heart swelling with boundless ambition as he spoke.

Now, the Chen Clan Lineage boasted nine Primordial Unity [cultivators who have unified their spiritual foundation into a single, supreme entity] within its clan. With such strength and depth of power, they were virtually invincible beneath the level of a Grotto-Heaven [a self-contained pocket realm of immense spiritual density].

Furthermore, each of the Chen Clan's nine Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators on the very threshold of ascending to true immortality] had at least opened up a Ninefold Heaven [a supreme grade of internal spiritual world]. Such formidable beings possessed combat prowess that stood at the very peak even among those with a Single Primordial Unity Foundation [a foundation forged from a single, unified primordial essence], rivaling twenty ordinary Earth Immortal Great Perfection [cultivators at the pinnacle of the Earth Immortal realm].

An existence like the Master of Flowing Fire Star Palace could be matched two-to-one by any single member of their current group.

With these nine joining forces, augmented by Eldrin Chen, a top-tier Half-Step Celestial Immortal, they could contend with an opponent possessing a Triple Primordial Unity Foundation [a foundation forged from three unified primordial essences] even without resorting to their Innate Treasure [a treasure born from one's own innate spiritual nature].

Once unleashed, the Innate Treasure [a primordial treasure born from the cosmos itself] would likely be capable of sealing the fate of even a being like the Black Cloud Demon Monarch, leaving him little chance of escape.

Surveying the expanse of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, the strength and profound foundation [deep-seated heritage and accumulated power] of the Chen Immortal Clan were likely unparalleled, standing alone in their might.

With such power at their disposal, venturing into the Bottomless Nether Abyss to harvest the Netherworld Turbid Energy [a dense, chaotic energy native to the deepest nether realms] would be more than sufficient, a task well within their capabilities.

"…"

Not long after, the nine members of the Chen Clan descended from the higher realms. They traversed the boundless void, their flight carrying them to the endless Depths of the Netherworld.

They pierced through layer upon layer of the Netherworld, finally arriving at the very end of the Eighteen Layers of Hell. There, they beheld a fathomless, bottomless chasm—an abyss of unimaginable depth.

"This place," Star Elegance Chen stated solemnly, her voice measured, "is the Bottomless Nether Abyss."

Gazing into the Bottomless Nether Abyss, Star Elegance Chen spoke slowly, a trace of grave focus shimmering in the depths of her eyes.

Eldrin Chen gave a firm nod. "Conceal your auras with the Heaven-Deceiving Secret Art [an arcane technique to mask one's presence from divine perception]," he instructed. "We must not alert the ancient terrors that dwell within this Netherworld."

With those words, he took the lead, a solitary figure plunging into the depths of the Bottomless Nether Abyss.

Within the Bottomless Nether Abyss lies the place where the turbid energies of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain coalesce. It is filled with the purest essence of corruption, giving birth to terrifying Netherworld [the dark, chaotic underworld realm] behemoths.

These Netherworld beings are born from turbid energy, existing in a state of primordial chaos from birth, possessing little to no true intellect.

Yet, they are the most malevolent entities of the Netherworld, and the most powerful among them can even pose a threat to Celestial Immortal Great Power [a cultivator who has ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm and possesses immense power].

Therefore, even a Celestial Immortal Great Power would not venture deep into the Bottomless Nether Abyss unless absolutely necessary.

Concealing their auras with the Heaven-Deceiving Secret Art, the nine of them pressed onward toward the Depths of the Netherworld, encountering numerous Netherworld malignant spirits along the way.

However, Netherworld Turbid Energy [a condensed, potent form of chaotic underworld energy] is exceedingly rare, only gestating within Netherworld Nether Antiquity Beasts [ancient, primordial beasts of the Netherworld] whose power rivals that of a Half-Step Celestial Immortal.

Most of the creatures they encountered possessed cultivation at the Earth Immortal Realm level and could not possibly harbor Netherworld Turbid Energy within them, so the group refrained from taking unnecessary risks.

They journeyed for an immeasurable length of time until they finally detected an aura of immense, terrifying power.

It was a malevolent beast of imposing grandeur, its form wreathed in black mist. It possessed three heads and Nine-Tails, its eyes pools of crimson bloodlust brimming with boundless killing intent.

"A Nine-Tails Mastiff."

Upon seeing this ancient beast, a flicker of delight stirred within Eldrin Chen's heart as he recognized its origins.

The Nine-Tails Mastiff [a primordial beast of immense power] derives its name from its nine tails. It is said such ancient beasts are born with these nine tails and enter the world at the Primordial Unity Realm [the foundational realm of true primordial power]. Even a Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator on the verge of ascending to true immortality] would face grave peril confronting one.

However, with nine individuals joining forces, dealing with the Nine-Tails Mastiff would be a matter of relative ease.

"End this swiftly,"

Eldrin Chen commanded. He immediately employed the Polarity Void Mirror [a mystical artifact that manipulates spatial forces] to lock down the surrounding void. Seeing this, the others wasted no time, unleashing their Divine Ability [supernatural techniques born of profound cultivation] and magical treasure [enchanted artifacts used by cultivators] in a coordinated assault.

Faced with the combined onslaught of a full nine Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators on the verge of true immortality], even an existence with a Dual Primordial Unity Foundation [an exceptionally stable and powerful dual-element foundation at the Primordial Unity stage] would likely turn and flee. How could this solitary Nine-Tails Mastiff possibly withstand such force?

After a mere dozen or so exchanges, the Nine-Tails Mastiff fell beneath the group's relentless assault.

The Nine-Tails Mastiff is a creature born from the malignant, baleful energy [corrupting and destructive spiritual force] of the Netherworld [the underworld, a realm of death and shadow]. Most of its physical materials hold little value for Immortal [beings who have ascended to immortality]. What they truly seek is the single strand of Purest Netherworld Turbid Energy [the most refined and potent form of netherworld essence] it contains.

Eldrin Chen reached out and gathered the coalescing Netherworld Turbid Energy [the dense, shadowy essence of the netherworld]. He found this strand to be of exceptional purity, the very quintessence of Netherworld Turbid Energy. A pleased smile touched his lips as he carefully stored it away.

It must be understood that even within a Primordial Unity Realm Netherworld Ancient Beast [an ancient beast native to the deepest netherworld], there is no guarantee it will have cultivated the Purest Netherworld Turbid Energy within its form.

This type of Netherworld Turbid Energy [a dense, impure energy from the depths of the underworld] requires Netherworld Nether Antiquity Beasts [ancient demonic beasts native to the deepest nether realms] to continuously absorb boundless Netherworld Energy [the foundational chaotic energy of the underworld] and refine it over eons. However, Netherworld Energy is inherently saturated with foul impurities and contaminants.

Some of the younger Netherworld Nether Antiquity Beasts, though their cultivation has reached the Primordial Unity Realm [a profound realm where one's spirit merges with the primordial forces of creation], have not held that power for a sufficient span of years. They have yet to fully purge the impurities from the Netherworld Turbid Energy they harbor.

That impure Netherworld Turbid Energy, due to its lack of purity, cannot be used to refine the Pill of Polarity Enlightenment [a legendary elixir said to grant profound insights into the fundamental dualities of existence].

Only the most formidable Netherworld Nether Antiquity Beasts, through the relentless refinement of Netherworld Energy across vast stretches of time, can eventually cultivate a portion of the purest Netherworld Energy.

The first Netherworld Nether Antiquity Beasts slain by Eldrin Chen actually contained Purest Netherworld Turbid Energy [Netherworld Turbid Energy refined to an absolute state of purity], filling the hearts of the group with elation.

"Let us move on."

With this auspicious beginning, Eldrin Chen felt his motivation surge. He immediately led the group deeper into the void.

Not long after their departure, the lingering aura of battle finally leaked out. Soon, numerous terrifying and ferocious presences converged upon the site. Yet, they ultimately failed to trace the fading scent of the group.

After departing, Eldrin Chen and his companions continued to roam the periphery of the Bottomless Nether Abyss [a fathomless chasm leading to the deepest layers of the underworld], ceaselessly hunting for great evils that might be nurturing Netherworld Turbid Energy.

They prowled the outer regions for over a thousand years, slaying three more Netherworld Nether Antiquity Beasts at the Primordial Unity Realm. Yet, fortune seemed to frown upon them. The three portions of Netherworld Turbid Energy they obtained still fell short of the required purity.

"Still not pure enough."

After slaying an ancient beast, Eldrin Chen looked at the Netherworld Turbid Energy [a chaotic, impure spiritual energy from the depths of the Netherworld] in his hand and shook his head with a sigh.

Seeing this, the others couldn't help but frown slightly.

Energy Abyss Chen pondered for a moment before speaking. "The Bottomless Nether Abyss [an unfathomably deep chasm leading to the Netherworld] lies on the periphery. The malevolent, turbid energy of the Netherworld [the underworld, a realm of death and shadow] is naturally sparse here, so powerful Netherworld Nether Antiquity Beasts [ancient demonic beasts born from the primordial chaos of the Netherworld] are indeed rare."

"The vast majority of Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators who have almost ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm] gather their Netherworld Turbid Energy by roaming these outer regions."

"Over countless eons, the Primordial Unity Realm [a powerful cultivation realm representing a state of primordial oneness] Netherworld Nether Antiquity Beasts in the periphery have long been hunted to extinction. Any newly emerged beasts of the Primordial Unity Realm are likely recent ascendants, so it's no surprise the Netherworld Turbid Energy they nurture lacks purity."

Hearing this, Verdant Consort furrowed her brow slightly.

Her expression shifted, tinged with hesitation. "The inner depths of the Bottom Nether Abyss hold more powerful ancient beasts, but they also harbor threats capable of endangering even those at the Celestial Immortal Realm [the realm of true celestial immortals]."

"If we venture in, the risks would be considerable."

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before making a decision. "With our combined strength and the Innate Dual-Polarity Void Mirror [a supreme magical treasure capable of manipulating the fundamental forces of void and polarity], we should be able to preserve our lives even if we encounter danger."

"Then let us witness for ourselves whether the Bottomless Nether Abyss [a legendary, unfathomably deep chasm leading to the underworld] truly lives up to its dreadful reputation."

With those words, he was the first to stride forward, advancing deeper into the heart of the Bottomless Nether Abyss.

As they pressed onward, they confirmed that the Fiendish Energy [a malevolent, corrupting form of spiritual power] within the abyss grew denser and more oppressive, and the numbers of the surrounding Netherworld Nether Antiquity Beasts [ancient, monstrous creatures born of the abyss's primordial darkness] multiplied.

They journeyed for an unknowable length of time. Only upon fully crossing into the inner reaches did Eldrin Chen discover that the Netherworld Nether Antiquity Beasts moved not as solitary hunters, but in vast, swarming packs.