Chapter 1540 : The Gathering Storm of Immortals

Having spoken thus, Eldrin Chen bid farewell to Jiang Daoxu and returned to the Yin Plane Microcosm. There, he resumed the work of accumulating Deep-Seated Foundation [the profound and stable cultivation base necessary for advancement] and Mana [the refined spiritual energy used by high-level cultivators], preparing for the final, inevitable chaos.

And so, time flowed onward in this state of waiting. In the blink of an eye, more than six thousand years passed.

Then, one day after those six millennia, perhaps because the treasures within the Minor Universe were growing ever scarcer, conflicts between the powerhouses of the various races began to escalate. Eldrin Chen observed that within the entire Minor Universe, battles between Earth Immortal [a cultivator who has ascended to the Earth Immortal realm, possessing immense power and longevity] powerhouses erupted almost constantly. In just a few short centuries, several hundred Earth Immortal Progenitor [an Earth Immortal who has founded a lineage or sect] had fallen, and even some Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator on the very cusp of ascending to the Celestial Immortal realm] had met their end.

"It seems the Celestial Emperor's Avatar has already begun to move in the shadows,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a grave expression flashing across his brow. He understood clearly: if that Celestial Emperor's Avatar had taken action, it meant it had already completely subdued this Cosmos's Heavenly Dao [the fundamental, governing laws and principles of a cosmos or world].

Reality proved him right. In the time that followed, several more Earth Immortal perished, among them beings who had reached Earth Immortal Great Perfection [the pinnacle stage of the Earth Immortal realm]. Most shockingly, three more Half-Step Celestial Immortal were slain by a mysterious figure.

Watching the situation grow increasingly chaotic, Eldrin Chen could no longer remain passive. He quietly began to spread word of the Celestial Emperor's Avatar's conspiracy.

As news of the Celestial Emperor's Avatar's machinations spread, the entire Cosmos was thrown into an uproar. While the truth of the rumor was uncertain, the mysterious deaths of multiple Half-Step Celestial Immortal in quick succession made it impossible for anyone to let down their guard.

Adopting a mindset of "better safe than sorry," the Half-Step Celestial Immortal of every race began their own investigations.

What they discovered was nothing short of terrifying. Deep within the Void [the empty space between worlds and stars] of this Cosmos, countless Formation Patterns [the inscribed lines and symbols that form the core of a magical array or formation] had been etched, all without anyone noticing. Published by audio-novel.com. All rights reserved.

This Formation Pattern [a complex arrangement of energy channels and symbols used to create magical effects] is exceptionally well-concealed. Even a Half-Step Celestial Immortal [a cultivator who has nearly ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm] would find it difficult to detect. And even if someone did notice it, they would never imagine it is a Formation Pattern designed to refine an entire Cosmos [a universe or a vast, self-contained realm].

Yet at this very moment, across the eight directions of the Cosmos, countless identical Dao Patterns [mystical symbols that embody the principles of the Dao, the fundamental cosmic law] have appeared. In an instant, they have startled everyone, causing all who witness them to reveal expressions of utter terror.

"Find the Outer Realm Ancient Demon [an ancient and malevolent entity from beyond this cosmos]'s avatar, and slay him!"

Countless Immortals [beings who have achieved immortality through cultivation] are filled with dread in their hearts. Under the leadership of the various Half-Step Celestial Immortals, they begin searching for the hiding place of that Celestial Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler among Celestial Immortals].

Finally, Myriad Spirits Ancient Ancestor locates the Celestial Emperor's Avatar [a physical manifestation or projection of a Celestial Emperor's power] at the location of the Cosmos's Central Realm [the central and most important region of a cosmos].

A low, grating chuckle, like stones grinding together, echoed forth.

"Discovered so quickly? How... delightful."

Faced with the onslaught of countless Earth Immortals [immortals whose power is anchored to the earth or a specific realm] and the siege by dozens of Half-Step Celestial Immortals, the Celestial Emperor's Avatar showed neither alarm nor anger. Instead, its face twisted into a maniacal grin.

The various Half-Step Celestial Immortals tore through the void to arrive. The Golden Radiance Deity, gripping a Celestial Halberd [a divine polearm of immense power], gazed coldly at the Celestial Emperor's Avatar and spoke with icy detachment, "Who, in truth, are you?"

"Who am I?"

The Celestial Emperor's Avatar sneered coldly. With a flick of his sleeve, he passed it over his face, transforming into a handsome youth with lips as red as rouge and teeth as white as jade.

Witnessing this, everyone's hearts jolted with alarm. The Yueling the Phoenix Maiden could not help but blanch, her expression shifting dramatically as she exclaimed, "The Blackcloud Demon Monarch!"

"Indeed, it is This Sovereign."

The Blackcloud Demon Monarch spoke indifferently, a flash of icy resolve passing through his eyes.

Only then did the group instantly grasp the general sequence of events. The Pure Yang Holy Son frowned slightly and said, "No wonder, when you were breaking through to the Triple Taiyi Foundation [a supreme foundational cultivation stage] back then, you sacrificed your own Earth Immortal World [the inner world cultivated by an Earth Immortal]."

"So you had been scheming for years, planning to seize and refine this Cosmos [a complete, self-contained universe], transforming it into your own Heaven Immortal Great Cosmos [the perfected universe of a Heaven Immortal], thereby forging the foundation of a top-tier Innate Divine Spirit [a being born with divine nature and immense potential]." "You've finally figured it out, but alas, it is too late."

The Blackcloud Demon Monarch spoke slowly, a sinister chill emanating from his words.

He then channeled boundless Mana [the spiritual energy used to power magical arts], activating the countless billions upon billions of Formation Patterns [the intricate energy channels and symbols that make up a magical formation] woven throughout the Cosmos. An endless tide of Dao Principles [the fundamental laws and truths of the universe] power surged forth, permeating the entire Cosmos.

In that instant, the vast and boundless Grand Universe began to shrink with a thunderous roar, being rapidly and utterly refined.

Seeing this, the Blackcloud Demon Monarch let out a wild, triumphant laugh.

"Hahaha! Now the entire Grand Universe [the vast, all-encompassing cosmos] shall be refined completely."

"All seventy-one of you Half-Step Celestial Immortals [cultivators on the very cusp of ascending to true immortality] and your three thousand Earth Immortals [immortals bound to the mortal world, a powerful cultivation stage] shall become the nourishment for This Sovereign [a self-referential title used by powerful beings] to ascend to the Supreme Heaven-Demon [the pinnacle realm of demonic cultivation]."

"No...!"

In that moment, countless souls were gripped by terror.

If the entire Cosmos [the universe, the sum of all existence] were to be refined, none present would escape with their lives.

Once that happened, the Blackcloud Demon Monarch would forge for himself the Great Luo Potential [the destiny to reach the ultimate heights of power], becoming the King of Myriad Demons who would shake the foundations of the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain. His eventual ascension to the Ancient Immortal Realm [a legendary realm of immortality] would then be as inevitable as water flowing downhill. Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audio-novel dot com.

Realizing this, everyone unleashed their full power in a desperate attempt to reverse the cosmos's fate, yet their efforts seemed as futile as trying to hold back the tide.

But at that very moment, from within the endless depths of the Yin Plane Microcosm [the shadowy, feminine aspect of the cosmos], one after another, Formation Patterns [the intricate energy constructs of a magical formation] erupted forth, clashing directly against the power of the Yang Plane Microcosm [the bright, masculine aspect of the cosmos].

In that instant, the Formation Patterns meant to refine the Cosmos ground to a halt, locked in a stalemate like a great gear jammed in place.

It was then that Myriad Spirits Ancient Ancestor declared in a resonant voice, "This is the contingency I laid down. It can only hold for three shichen-time [a period of six hours]. If we cannot slay him within this time, all will still be for naught."

"A masterful stratagem, Senior Myriad Spirits Ancient Ancestor."

Witnessing this scene, the group felt as if they had been snatched from the jaws of death, and expressions of wild elation instantly bloomed on their faces.

In that very instant, Golden Radiance Divine Son was the first to act. He summoned his Adamantine War Halberd and thrust it towards the Celestial Emperor's Avatar of the Blackcloud Demon Monarch.

"Impossible!"

Seeing his plan thwarted, the Blackcloud Demon Monarch revealed a look of utter shock.

Consumed by boundless fury, his Celestial Emperor's Robes billowed in the wind as he unleashed a terrifying, world-shaking power. With a single palm strike, he sent Golden Radiance Deity flying, blood spraying from his mouth.

"A mere Postnatal Deity dares to defy the heavens?" The Celestial Emperor's Avatar sneered, having defeated his foe in one move.

He stood firm Nine Heavens Above, like a Peerless Celestial Emperor from the Dawn of Antiquity suppressing the mortal realm, compelling all Divine Spirits under heaven to bow in submission.

Seeing this, the group's brows furrowed with grave concern.

This Blackcloud Demon Monarch was already the foremost genius of the Demonic Path within the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain since the onset of this Calamity Tribulation, and his Celestial Emperor's Avatar was a Supreme existence comparable to a Triple Taiyi Foundation cultivator.

Combined, their combat prowess could already be described as peerless throughout the ages. Moreover, they had refined and assimilated the Heavenly Dao [the fundamental governing principle and consciousness of this world] of this Cosmos [a self-contained universe or world].

Thinking this, Great White Celestial Maiden spoke: "This foe cannot be overcome by force alone. We must join hands to achieve victory."

"Agreed."

Upon hearing her words, the assembled figures immediately took action.

In that moment, the several Half-Step Celestial Immortal [cultivators who have transcended the Nascent Soul realm and stand on the threshold of true immortality] unleashed their power. Taiyi Immortal Weapon [supreme-grade immortal artifacts of immense power] such as the Great White Demon-Slaying Sword, the Pure Yang Golden Pearl, and the Thousand Buddha Relics were all brought forth, clashing fiercely with the Blackcloud Demon Monarch.

Faced with the successive assaults of several dozen Half-Step Celestial Immortal, even though this Celestial Emperor's Avatar [a powerful manifestation or projection of a Celestial Emperor's will and power] of the Blackcloud Demon Monarch was seemingly invincible, it was difficult to contend with so many opponents. Soon, it was forced into a steady retreat.

"Ah... You have provoked my wrath!"

Seeing itself unable to withstand the encirclement and attack of the multitude, the Celestial Emperor's Avatar was filled with towering rage.

With a flick of its sleeve, it released a radiance of blinding brilliance. As that light whirled and transformed, it finally coalesced into an immortal gourd that shimmered with the light of innate Yin-Yang [the complementary, opposing forces of dark/passive/feminine and bright/active/masculine that constitute reality].

The moment this gourd appeared, the Celestial Sovereign [the supreme ruler or deity of this cosmos] of this Cosmos revealed an expression of utter terror and exclaimed in shock, "It is the Universe Supreme Treasure [a treasure of the highest order, capable of influencing the fate of a universe]—the Yin-Yang Union Gourd!"

"The Yin-Yang Union Gourd [a legendary gourd treasure that harmonizes the forces of Yin and Yang]?"

The hearts of all present jolted with surprise. As Earth Sovereign [the Sovereign of Earth] and Celestial Sovereign [the Sovereign of Heaven] recounted its origins, they came to understand the profound history of this treasure. This novel is serialized on audio‑novel.com. Visit for updates.