Chapter 1790 : Alliance Against the Primordial Flame

Witnessing this, the group exchanged glances, a flicker of astonishment passing through their eyes.

Eldrin Chen understood that Zixiao the Daoist's seemingly calm and detached demeanor was, in truth, a mask for extreme wariness towards them all; he was likely gravely injured.

Had there been enmity between them, Eldrin Chen might have welcomed this outcome. But with no grievance against the man, Eldrin Chen saw no reason to delay.

He strode forward, ascending into the heavens. The Five Veins Divine Spear in his hand cleaved through the vast expanse with peerless force, striking directly at the Chaos Flame Spirit [a primordial entity born of chaotic fire].

Seeing this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor also decisively joined the fray. Working in tandem, they completely suppressed the frenzied Chaos Flame Spirit.

On the other side, the Golden-Winged Roc and Aurelius the Golden-Winged, seeing that the two had no ulterior motives, immediately seized the moment to launch a pincer attack on the Chaos Flame Spirit.

Zixiao the Daoist let out a sigh of relief at the sight and immediately charged towards the Chaos Flame Spirit.

With a combined force of five combatants at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage for a Celestial Immortal], the already severely wounded Chaos Flame Spirit could no longer hold its ground. In a short span, it suffered devastating blow after blow.

Within mere moments [the time it takes for an incense stick to burn], the Chaos Flame Spirit's injuries grew increasingly dire. Were it not for the fear of its desperate, final counterattack as a cornered beast, the group would have slain it long ago.

Even so, after a fierce battle lasting several Millennium [a conventional unit of one thousand years], it teetered on the brink of death. This novel is serialized on audio–novel.com. Visit for updates.

"Boom—"

As the great battle reached its final moment, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor channeled the combined power of the Horizon Sea Twin Swords, unleashing a strike that severed half of the Chaos Immortal Spirit's body, inflicting upon it a wound of unprecedented severity.

Witnessing this, the others present erupted in wild elation.

Zixiao the Daoist, his face alight with shock and delight, immediately rode upon a surge of thunder, charging forth to slay the Chaos Flame Spirit.

Yet, in that very instant, Zixiao the Daoist noticed the Chaos Flame Spirit erupting with a torrent of Celestial Fire radiance, and a sense of profound wrongness gripped him.

"Disaster! This beast has a final, desperate strike!"

His heart lurched. Zixiao the Daoist instantly sought to withdraw, his form blurring as he attempted to retreat explosively.

But at that moment, the Golden-Winged Roc materialized at his flank and rear, its wings beating once. An ancient blade, gleaming with the hue of Dao Gold, descended, forcing him to defend with his full might.

And in that split-second of desperate parrying, the Chaos Immortal Spirit unleashed its deathblow—a strike surpassing even its peak power.

An unstoppable force surged through the Primordial Chaos, wielding the Immortal Iron Staff to sweep across all directions, tearing through the nine Firmament and crashing directly upon his Physical Body.

"Ah—"

With a cry of agony, Zixiao the Daoist's Physical Body [the corporeal vessel of a cultivator, refined through cultivation] nearly shattered, suffering unprecedented damage.

The Golden-Winged Roc possesses speed that defies the heavens. Everything transpired in the blink of an eye, so swiftly that even Eldrin Chen had no time to intervene.

But then, Master of the Horizon Sea Pavilion decisively moved to block the Golden-Winged Roc, his expression one of utter shock as he looked at Aurelius the Golden-Winged and demanded, "Why would you do this?"

The Aurelius the Golden-Winged's face was eerily calm. He offered no reply, merely standing side-by-side with the Golden-Winged Roc.

Eldrin Chen, gripping the Five Veins Divine Spear, stepped forward. He scrutinized the Golden-Winged Roc and Aurelius the Golden-Winged for a long moment before speaking with measured calm. "Senior, you are asking the wrong person."

"The actions of this Golden-Winged Roc were likely not directed by Aurelius the Golden-Winged."

"You have keen eyes indeed."

At that moment, the Golden-Winged Roc spoke plainly. It then transformed, shifting into the form of a man clad in golden battle armor.

The man stood tall and slender, exuding an ineffable air of nobility. His gaze settled calmly on Eldrin Chen as he asked, "How did you discern that I am the true master here?"

Eldrin Chen cast a calm glance at the two figures before him and spoke in a measured tone, "It is said that the Golden-Winged Roc [a mythical bird of immense power] feeds upon dragons and possesses a nature of supreme arrogance, one that would never willingly submit to another."

"If you were not the pet of Aurelius the Golden-Winged, then it is likely you would have already subdued him."

"This Aurelius the Golden-Winged presents such a haughty front to the world, likely to mask his own humiliation and deep-seated insecurity."

"Well said! Well said!"

The Golden-Winged Roc nodded, its gaze upon Eldrin Chen now holding a new respect. "With such keen perception, your future achievements will be boundless. One day, you shall stand as a peer to This Sovereign [a title of supreme authority used by powerful beings]."

Having spoken, the Golden-Winged Roc glanced at the dying Zixiao the Daoist, then turned back to Eldrin Chen and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor. "Among our three factions, the strength of Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven [a celestial realm or sect] is the weakest." Experience the full epic at audio-novel.com.

"Yet, as the initiators of this assault on the Chaos Lair [a lair of primordial disorder], they demand the largest share of the spoils. This is utterly intolerable."

"Why not join forces, you and I, to eradicate the followers of Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven? Afterwards, we can divide the rewards of this battle equally. What say you?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. Such a betrayal of an agreement was not in his nature.

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor also refused decisively. Handing the care of Zixiao the Daoist over to Verdant Mist Immortal Maiden, his expression turned icy as he declared, "We, the Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality] who dwell in Longevity [the realm of eternal life], hold our honor and face above all else."

"If we yield to you today, how shall we ever stand firm within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of immortals] hereafter?"

"Is that so?"

The Golden-Winged Roc [a legendary avian demon beast of immense power and speed] sneered, its gaze turning icy as it declared, "You refuse the wine of honor, so you shall drink the wine of punishment. You seek your own demise!"

As the words fell, the Golden-Winged Roc strode through the void. A pair of peerless Heavenly Saber [divine blades of celestial origin] cleaved through the air in its hands, sundering the vast expanse of Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation] as they descended in a devastating strike.

From the very first clash, Eldrin Chen sensed something amiss. The power of this Golden-Winged Roc was unnaturally formidable. It likely possessed a bloodline that had reverted to its ancestral Imperial Blood [a supreme demonic lineage of regal potency], placing its combat prowess among the very pinnacle of those within the Ninth Layer Celestial Immortal [the ninth and final stage of the Celestial Immortal realm] realm.

Generally speaking, cultivators at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the perfected and ultimate state of the Celestial Immortal realm] were all Flawless Celestial Immortal [Celestial Immortals who have achieved a state of flawless, perfected cultivation]. Each was a supreme Heaven's Chosen [a title for a prodigy blessed by heaven], and the disparity in their combat strength was typically not vast.

Yet, differences inevitably exist between individuals. Even among the great powers of the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm, variations persisted. The combat power of such beings could differ based on the depth and quality of their foundational cultivation.

An ordinary Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm powerhouse possessed strength roughly equivalent to contending with five Eighth Heaven Immortal [cultivators at the eighth stage of the Celestial Immortal realm] simultaneously. Such a being was considered the most common type at this apex. For instance, Aurelius the Golden-Winged possessed this level of power.

Those slightly stronger could match six or seven Eighth Heaven Immortal cultivators combined. Zixiao the Daoist represented this tier of strength.

There were also those capable of withstanding the combined assault of eight Eighth Heaven Immortal cultivators. These were counted among the truly formidable elites within the ranks of Ninth Layer Celestial Immortal.

Those who can be considered top-tier are often at the level of Forbidden Imperial Sons or possess an Innate Foundation [a supreme foundational state granting immense potential]. At this realm, they are capable of Fighting One Against Two [engaging in combat against two opponents simultaneously], defeating the combined efforts of two ordinary Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm].

Beyond this, there exist the supreme Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm who can fight one against three. However, such individuals are exceedingly rare, virtually guaranteed to break through to the Ancient Immortal Realm [a venerable and powerful immortal realm], and thus do not linger long at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm.

In contrast, top-tier Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm, whose strength and foundation are not yet sufficient for a direct breakthrough to Ancient Immortal Realm, can remain at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm for a considerably longer period.

Therefore, relatively speaking, beings like the Golden-Winged Roc [a mighty avian demon beast] and the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor, who are such top-tier Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm, are almost considered the strongest combatants beneath the Ancient Immortals [the collective term for cultivators who have ascended to the Ancient Immortal Realm].

At this moment, the Golden-Winged Roc, wielding the Heavenly Saber [a divine blade of immense power], swept across the cosmos. Its every move carried overwhelming momentum, exerting such immense pressure that even Eldrin Chen felt significantly constrained.

"Leave it to me."

The Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor, also perceiving this, decisively stepped forward to engage the Golden-Winged Roc in battle.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen turned his palm to confront Aurelius the Golden-Winged. This Aurelius the Golden-Winged possessed relatively ordinary strength.

Had they met within the Immortal Domain [the realm of immortals], Eldrin Chen would have had no choice but to flee immediately. However, here within the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], suppressed by its chaotic energies, Aurelius the Golden-Winged could only muster fifty to sixty percent of its power. Thus, Eldrin Chen harbored not a shred of fear.

In the span of a few hundred exchanged blows, Eldrin Chen not only held his ground but instead pressed his advantage, forcing Aurelius the Golden-Winged into a steady retreat.

Just as the four were locked in their grand battle, the others maintaining the Formation on the periphery also erupted into conflict.

Upon realizing the situation had turned, the five Heaven Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the heavenly realm] from the Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven decisively launched a joint assault against the three Heaven Immortal from the Golden Wings Grotto-Heaven.

The three Heaven Immortal from the Golden Wings Grotto-Heaven were no easy prey. They simply withdrew their three 'Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Banner' [banners capable of summoning divine thunder from the nine heavens], allowing over a dozen Chaos Ancient Beast [primeval beasts born from the primordial chaos] to surge into the fray, thoroughly muddying the waters of the entire battle.

In an instant, the entire battlefield descended into utter chaos, making it impossible to determine a victor.

Even more terrifyingly, from the depths of the chaos emerged another Ninth Rank Top Grade Primordial Chaos Beast [a beast of the highest order born from the primordial chaos]. It arrived with a sky-shattering aura of Baleful Qi [a malevolent and destructive form of energy] and, with a single gulp, devoured a Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a peak-level heavenly immortal] from the Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven.

Seeing the situation turn dire, the Verdant Mist Immortal Maiden, her heart frantic to save her husband, actually abandoned the others. She was the first to flee towards the Depths of Chaos, carrying the mangled form of Zixiao the Daoist.

The other Heaven Immortal from the Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven could only follow suit and retreat. Even the Violet Radiance Heavenly Ark [a celestial vessel] tore through the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation] and vanished into the distance.

Amidst this swirling pandemonium, the Golden-Winged Roc [a mythical bird of immense power] fixed a gaze of utmost gravity upon the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and declared, "An Innate Divine Foundation [a supreme, heaven-bestowed constitution for cultivation]! No wonder you dare block my path!"

"Today, with these Chaos Ancient Beast causing trouble, it seems you and I are destined for a stalemate. Another day, This Sovereign [a title used by powerful beings meaning 'this ruler' or 'this lord'] shall face you in battle once more."

With those words, the Golden-Winged Roc beat its mighty wings, shattering the void as it shot towards the remains of the Chaos Flame Spirit [a sentient spirit born from the flames of chaos].

After that Chaos Flame Spirit unleashed its final, desperate strike, it exhausted the last vestige of its strength and perished. Its colossal corpse now lay sprawled within the Primordial Chaos. To delay any longer risked attracting the scavenging frenzy of Chaos Ancient Beasts.

Yet, to simply allow the Golden-Winged Roc to claim the prize was utterly unacceptable to Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor. Without hesitation, he summoned forth his Horizon Sea Twin Swords to block its path.

Eldrin Chen and Aurelius the Golden-Winged also erupted into a titanic clash. They fought fiercely around the Chaos Flame Spirit's Inner Core, snatching at it multiple times. Yet, neither possessed the overwhelming power to decisively crush the other, resulting in a stalemate where victory remained elusive.

"ROAR—!"

It was at this very moment that a world-shaking bellow erupted from the Depths of Chaos.

Dozens of Chaos Ancient Beasts tore through the void, their vanguard led by several Ninth Rank Top Grade Primordial Chaos Beasts. Among them were two entities whose aura rivaled that of cultivators at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm.

"How can there be so many Chaos Ancient Beasts?!"

Eldrin Chen was utterly astounded, a wave of dread washing over him. "Could it be," he thought with alarm, "that there is more than one Superior Grade Chaos Nest in this vicinity?"

As this shock settled upon him, the Golden-Winged Roc spoke decisively: "If we continue this struggle, none of us may escape."

"Let us divide the spoils of the Chaos Flame Spirit—its Inner Core and its flesh, hide, and bones. We shall each take one portion. What say you?"

"Excellent—"

In an instant, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and Golden-Winged Roc had already made their division. Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor took the Inner Core, while the physical body of the Chaos Flame Spirit was handed over to Golden-Winged Roc.

Seizing the opportunity, Eldrin Chen swiftly collected the remains of the Chaos Flame-Horned Ox, then, taking Celestial Maiden with him, followed Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor as they tore through the void to depart.

The trio traversed the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], fighting their way through a continuous series of battles as they withdrew. During this process, they discovered a vast number of Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient beasts born from and dwelling within the primordial chaos]. Fortunately, Eldrin Chen used the Chaos Miasma [a dense, obscuring fog of primordial energy] to conceal their auras, allowing them to escape with nothing more than a fright.

Only when the surrounding Chaos Ancient Beast grew sparse did Eldrin Chen finally draw a deep breath and ask, "How can there be so many Chaos Ancient Beast?"

Not only was Eldrin Chen astonished, even Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor found it difficult to remain composed.

When they broke through the encirclement earlier, they had spotted nearly one hundred Chaos Ancient Beast. Among them, no fewer than seven or eight were of the Ninth Rank High Grade [a pinnacle tier of power for ancient beasts].

And that was just from one direction. Considering the Chaos Ancient Beast likely came from several directions, the total number lured by the Innate Dragon's Spittle Incense [a rare incense with an irresistible allure to primal creatures] was probably no less than several hundred.

Logically, within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, the Chaos Qi [Primordial Chaos Energy] is quite thin. Such a dense concentration of Chaos Ancient Beast should be impossible.

"For so many Chaos Ancient Beast to be born here, there must be an astonishingly profound secret hidden nearby."

"Moreover, it is highly likely that among them, there exists a Ninth RankPeerless Chaos Lair [a primordial nest of chaos energy, often guarded by powerful beasts]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression shifted subtly, revealing a complex mix of astonishment and delight.

The delight stemmed from the fact that a Ninth RankPeerless Chaos Lair could, over the span of ten million years, nurture at least several hundred, if not a thousand, strands of Innate Qi [the primordial, uncreated energy that forms the foundation of all things].

The astonishment came from the knowledge that such a lair would be guarded by at least several Chaos Beast King [rulers among the primordial chaos beasts], and might even harbor entities comparable to Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations] or even beings of the Chaos Saint Spirit [a sentient, saintly spirit born from primordial chaos] level.

A Chaos Lair of such formidable power, drawing strength from the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], would be a terrifyingly potent stronghold. Even an entire Immortal Domain [a vast realm governed by immortals] marshaling its full might to assault it would likely pay an immense and grievous price for victory.

"Due to the scarcity of Chaos Qi [the raw, unformed energy of primordial chaos], Ninth Rank Supreme Grade Chaos Nest [the highest grade of chaos lair] are exceedingly rare and precious within this region of the Primordial Chaos where the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal realms] reside."

"Most crucially, each such Chaos Lair typically commands dozens, if not over a hundred, subsidiary lairs. The accumulated Innate Qi would number in the thousands, at the very least."

"If our speculation proves true, I fear not only the Frigid Immortal Domain, but also the neighboring Immortal Domain would be stirred into action."

Celestial Maiden murmured softly, her gaze deepening with profound gravity.

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor nodded in agreement and added, "If this Ninth RankPeerless lair is genuine, it is far beyond our ability to claim alone. However, if the major Grotto-Heaven [paradisiacal realms of profound cultivation] within the Frigid Immortal Domain take the lead, we might yet secure a portion of the spoils."

Having spoken thus, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor turned his gaze towards Eldrin Chen and said, "We shall relay the message back, but before that, let us first make our way to the Chaos Immortal Flame Nest [a primordial lair formed from chaotic immortal flames]."

Upon hearing this, Celestial Maiden and Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance. The Chaos Immortal Flame Nest was a Superior Grade Chaos Nest [a lair of the highest grade born from primordial chaos], meaning the opportunities hidden within were certain to be extraordinary.

Now that the Chaos Flame Spirit [a spirit born from chaotic flames] had been slain by them, it was the perfect opportunity to explore this Chaos Lair, a chance they naturally could not let slip by.

The three of them resolved themselves and immediately set off for the Chaos Immortal Flame Nest. Not long after, they arrived within its fiery depths.

To their delight, within the Chaos Immortal Flame Nest, they discovered three Chaos Immortal Pools [pools of condensed chaotic immortal energy]. Among them was one of High Grade quality and two of Low Grade quality. Combined, these pools contained a total of seventeen strands of Innate Qi [primordial energy of creation].

The trio swiftly collected the Innate Qi. After a thorough search of the area, they also found over a dozen other Innate Marvels [wonders born of primordial chaos]. Among these treasures was even a single Immortal Spirit Fire Tree [an ancient tree imbued with immortal fire essence].

This Immortal Spirit Fire Tree was a High-Grade Innate Ancient Tree [an ancient tree of the highest innate grade], its value nearly incalculable. They collected it with the utmost care and immediately departed for the Depths of Chaos [the deepest, most primordial regions of chaos].

No sooner had the three of them left than the Golden-Winged Roc [a mythical bird with golden wings] and Aurelius the Golden-Winged arrived in pursuit. After inspecting the now-empty Chaos Immortal Flame Nest, they let out roars of profound frustration.

"Damnation! They got here first!"

The Golden-Winged Roc snarled, its gaze growing increasingly frigid with malice.

Aurelius the Golden-Winged's face darkened with frustration. "If that horde of Chaos Ancient Beasts [primordial beasts born from chaotic energies] hadn't suddenly blocked our path," he said, his voice thick with resentment, "they would never have beaten us there."

"It seems fortune favored them," he continued bitterly. "The direction they fled held far fewer of those Chaos Ancient Beasts." Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio–novel.com.