Chapter 1786 : A Wounded Beast and a Golden Opportunity

"Only an Ancient Immortal Great Power [a being of immense power who has transcended mortality] would have the confidence to suppress and slay it. With our strength, I fear we are no match. Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a fellow cultivator], you should turn back."

Upon hearing this, Zixiao the Daoist spoke up hastily, "Hold, Fellow Daoist. Since I have invited you, I naturally have a measure of confidence."

"Oh?"

At these words, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor's gaze flickered slightly.

Seeing this, Zixiao the Daoist took a deep breath and said, "From my observations, that Primordial Chaos Beast [a primordial creature born from the formless chaos] is gravely wounded. It bears a massive gash, as if its chest was pierced by a formidable foe."

"This presents a heaven-sent opportunity for us."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen's eyes widened in surprise.

He drew a sharp breath and inquired, "A Chaos Ancient Beast at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm] is invincible by Physical Body [the strength and resilience of the corporeal form] alone, its hide so thick and tough that even an Immortal Sword [a divine blade wielded by immortals] finds it hard to pierce. How could it sustain such a grievous injury?"

"I do not know."

Zixiao the Daoist shook his head, his expression grave. "However, Chaos Ancient Beast often battle amongst themselves for Innate Marvels [naturally formed treasures of profound spiritual power]. It was likely wounded by another powerful Chaos Ancient Beast." Continue reading this story at audio-novel.com (official site).

Upon hearing this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor could not help but speak: "This matter I dare not decide immediately. I must ask Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a cultivator of similar standing] to wait a while. I need to discuss it with my close friend."

"Very well."

Zixiao the Daoist nodded, smiling as he said, "I must ask Fellow Daoist to give me an answer within a Millennium [a period of one thousand years], otherwise I shall seek another."

"Agreed—"

After seeing Zixiao the Daoist off, the Master of the Horizon Sea Pavilion then summoned Celestial Maiden and Caelan, the Ancient Ancestor.

The three of them sat together within the Cultivation Cave [a secluded cavern used for meditation and cultivation]. Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor recounted the entire sequence of events from beginning to end, then spoke: "What is your view on this matter?"

"A Chaos Lair [a perilous domain born from primordial chaos] guarded by a Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm] Chaos Ancient Beast [a primordial monster born from chaos]—the treasures within are surely beyond measure. We absolutely cannot miss this opportunity."

After listening, Caelan, the Ancient Ancestor declared decisively.

Having recently broken through to the Celestial Immortal Fourth Layer and possessing an Innate Divine Foundation [a supreme natural constitution for cultivation], he was currently at the peak of his confidence and ambition, naturally eager to venture into the Chaos Lair.

Celestial Maiden, however, wore a grave expression. She looked at the two and asked, "Is Zixiao the Daoist trustworthy?"

The Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor pondered for a moment before speaking. "This individual is not a Rogue Cultivator. His lineage has been established in the Frigid Immortal Domain for hundreds of millions of years. If he dared to deceive us in such a manner, how could he possibly maintain his standing within the Frigid Immortal Domain thereafter?"

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement upon hearing this. Reputation held significant weight even among Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality and achieved immortality].

After all, Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality and achieved immortality] possessed Longevity [eternal life]. Trading one's hard-earned credibility for a single, fleeting gain was rarely a worthwhile bargain.

If a person would betray a friend for treasure, who would dare form a deep bond with them?

Without the aid of trusted companions, one would become utterly isolated when the Calamity Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial or disaster] descended. Such isolation often proved fatal.

Thus, a tacit understanding existed among the Immortals. One could be ruthless, employ vicious methods, or even be steeped in blood-soaked sins, but one must never break faith or stab a comrade in the back.

Of course, this principle was not absolute. Faced with overwhelming temptation, some would always risk everything.

If the opportunity at hand contained a treasure that could allow Zixiao the Daoist to directly break through to the Ancient Immortals [a venerable and powerful rank among immortal beings] or even the Great Luo [a supreme realm of cultivation], there remained a possibility he might turn against them.

After careful consideration, Eldrin Chen spoke. "If we truly cooperate with him, we must maintain a degree of vigilance."

The Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor nodded in agreement and finally stated, "A Chaos Ancient Beast [a primordial beast born from the chaos of creation] comparable to the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm]. Its next breakthrough would be to become a Chaos Beast King [a sovereign among chaos-born beasts]."

"I suspect that within the Chaos Lair, there is a certain possibility that a world-shaking treasure has been nurtured. Perhaps it could increase our chances of a breakthrough to the Ancient Immortals realm. For such an opportunity, taking some calculated risks is worthwhile."

As he spoke, a sharp glint flashed in the eyes of Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor. "Even if the situation takes an unexpected turn, my sword is not merely for show."

Hearing this, everyone present nodded slightly in agreement.

As a powerful Heaven Immortal with an Innate Divine Foundation, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor may not claim invincibility across the entire Celestial Immortal Realm, but among those at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm level, he stands at the very peak. Scheming against him is no easy feat.

Having resolved to explore the Primordial Chaos, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor first visited the Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven for a secret meeting with Zixiao the Daoist, then made a silent journey to the Frigid Celestial Court.

Upon his return, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor retrieved an Ancient Talisman and handed it to Eldrin Chen, saying, "This treasure is called the 'Primordial Qi Sword Talisman'. It was inscribed by the Human Race Ancient Immortals, Qitian the Daoist." For more chapters, visit http://www . audio-novel.com for the complete novel.

"Once activated, it can severely injure even a Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm expert. Keep it with you as a final contingency."

"Remember, do not unleash this artifact unless Zixiao the Daoist betrays us."

Eldrin Chen understood. Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor still did not fully trust Zixiao the Daoist, fearing that the potential emergence of a supreme treasure from the Chaos Lair might ignite the other's greed.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke solemnly, "Rest assured. In my hands, this will serve only as a hidden card to deter Zixiao the Daoist."

"That is good."

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor [an ancient and powerful cultivator from the Horizon Sea Pavilion] nodded and immediately took Celestial Maiden [a female cultivator of celestial beauty and power] and Eldrin Chen with him. As for Caelan, the Ancient Ancestor [an ancient progenitor from the Vast Sea lineage], he was left behind.

Although Caelan, the Ancient Ancestor had broken through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm [the middle stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm], he lacked a life-preserving High Grade Immortal Treasure [a top-tier enchanted artifact forged by immortals] to protect himself. His combat power had not yet reached the threshold of the Late Heaven Immortal Realm [the late stage of the Heaven Immortal cultivation realm], making participation in a battle of this level far too perilous.

Leaving Caelan, the Ancient Ancestor behind also served as a precaution, guarding against the possibility that Zixiao the Daoist [a powerful daoist from the Violet Radiance lineage] might harbor sinister intentions.

Returning to the main matter, the three of them set off and soon arrived at the edge of the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation]. Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm of cultivation bathed in violet light] had already been waiting there for some time.

This time, Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven had brought eight individuals. Besides Zixiao the Daoist, who was at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm], there was also her Dao Companion, Verdant Mist Immortal Maiden [an immortal maiden whose aura is like verdant mist]. This Verdant Mist Immortal Maiden was also an existence at the Seventh Heaven Immortal [the seventh level of the Heaven Immortal realm].

Furthermore, all six of Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven's Mid Celestial Immortal Realm [middle-stage Celestial Immortal realm] experts had come. Since Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven only had seven Mid Celestial Immortal Realm cultivators in total, this could be considered mobilizing their entire force.

In addition, the sole Ninth Rank Superior Grade Chaos Ancient Ship [an ancient vessel of the highest ninth rank, capable of navigating the Primordial Chaos] belonging to Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven, the Violet Radiance Heavenly Ark [a heavenly ark radiating violet brilliance], had also been brought to this place.

That Violet Radiance Heavenly Ark was the sect-protecting Heavy Treasures [a category of immensely powerful and foundational magical artifacts] of Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven. Mounted upon it were three Ninth Rank High Grade [ninth rank, high grade] World-Ending Cannon [cannons of apocalyptic destructive power]. Their firepower was sufficient to threaten even a High Grade Primordial Ancient Beast [a primordial beast of ancient lineage and supreme power].

"Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a cultivator walking the same path], you have arrived quite promptly."

As the three arrived, Zixiao the Daoist smiled and said, "Please wait a moment, Fellow Daoist. Several other Fellow Daoist will arrive shortly."

As he spoke, Void was cleaved open within the Primordial Chaos, and an Ancient Vessel tore through the sky to arrive.

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor looked over and saw an Ancient Vessel shaped like a divine eagle from the Primordial Era piercing the heavens. Upon it stood five figures whose aura was god-like yet demonic.

"Golden Wings Grotto-Heaven."

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor murmured, his tone tinged with surprise.

Zixiao the Daoist stepped forward with a welcoming smile and introduced them to the others. "This is Aurelius the Golden-Winged from the Golden Wings Grotto-Heaven. He will fight alongside us."

Seeing this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor quietly said to Eldrin Chen, "The Golden Wings Grotto-Heaven is one of the top hundred Grotto-Heaven [a superior realm of existence, a paradise for cultivation] within the Frigid Immortal Domain."

"That Aurelius the Golden-Winged has cultivated to the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm. While his own cultivation is merely standard, his fortune is remarkable—he has nurtured a Golden-Winged Roc [a mythical bird of immense power and speed] that has also reached the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm to serve as his Mountain Guarding Divine Beast [a powerful beast bound to guard a sacred mountain or sect]. Their combined strength is not to be underestimated." Visit audio-novel*com to enjoy the complete series.