Chapter 1794 : The Secluded Cultivator's Ascension

Regarding such tribulations, Eldrin Chen had no intention of intervening. He remained secluded in Abyssal Grotto-Heaven, cultivating in peace and quietly awaiting the conclusion of this Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of conflict and upheaval ordained by fate].

Thus, Time [the art of comprehending and manipulating the flow of time] flowed swiftly. Thirty thousand years passed in the blink of an eye. By the time the Great Tribulation reached its final moment, Eldrin Chen had already consolidated his cultivation at the Celestial Immortal Fourth Layer [the fourth stage of the Celestial Immortal realm].

Not only that, Eldrin Chen had also consumed the remaining two Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir refined through nine cycles of heavenly fire], advancing his Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique [a legendary, nigh-unbreakable body forged from the chaos of creation] another step. The only regret was that due to a lack of Innate Qi [the primordial energy of creation], his five Lifebound Immortal Treasure [magical treasures bound to a cultivator's life and soul] failed to ascend to the Ninth Rank High Grade [the pinnacle of the ninth rank].

He still possessed some Innate Primordial Violet Qi [a rare and supreme form of primordial energy, purple in hue], but this substance was far too scarce. As it would be needed in the future to synthesize Innate Primordial Light [the foundational light of creation], Eldrin Chen was unwilling to use it as a substitute for Innate Qi.

During this Great Tribulation, the Abyssal Immortal Alliance gained four new Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a supreme expert at the peak of the Heavenly Immortal realm]. They were Valerius Chen, Xinghong Chen, Taibai Jiang, and Ziyan Qu.

Among these four, Valerius Chen and Xinghong Chen were both pivotal figures of the Chen Clan during this tribulation. Taibai Jiang was also a Heaven's Chosen [a prodigy favored by destiny] from the Purple Realm, while Ziyan Qu possessed the Thunderstorm Variant Bloodline [a rare and powerful lineage of the clam race] of the Immortal Clam Race and was a contemporary of Divine Lord Glaze.

All four had received significant support and investment from multiple Heaven Immortal [cultivators at the Heavenly Immortal realm] behind them, so their breakthroughs into the Heaven Immortal Realm were within expectations. As for other old acquaintances, some had halted their progress at the Taiyi Realm [a high-level immortal realm], while others had unfortunately perished during the tribulation and would require guidance for reincarnation in the future.

Returning to the main thread, shortly after the Great Tribulation concluded, Lyra Jiang broke through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm. Others like Verdant Consort were also not far from their own breakthroughs.

Furthermore, Eldrin Chen had reserved one drop of Heaven-Earth Creation Water [a miraculous water born from the essence of heaven and earth] for each member of his clan. This single drop could increase their chances of breaking through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm by thirty percent. Eldrin Chen would have liked to leave more, but Nine Heavens Heaven-Earth Qi [the supreme energy of creation from the highest heavens] was exceedingly difficult to find, with only two primary sources.

The first was to allow the Primordial Qi Vase of Heaven and Earth [a treasure vase that gathers the primordial energies of creation] to naturally absorb the Heaven-Earth Qi [the foundational energy of heaven and earth] dispersed from the Heavenly Layers [the stratified realms of the heavens]. However, the vase's absorption rate was limited. Coupled with the stability of the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain's Heavenly Layers, which allowed little Qi of Heaven and Earth [the energy of heaven and earth, often harnessed in divine abilities] to escape, it required one hundred thousand years to condense a single drop of Heaven-Earth Creation Water. Dive deeper into the Dao at audio_novel.com.

The second method involves seeking out rare objects imbued with the attributes of Heaven and Earth [representing the fundamental cosmic forces of Qian (Heaven) and Kun (Earth)] to place within it, transforming them into that Heaven-Earth Creation Water [a primordial liquid essence capable of nurturing and creating life].

However, treasures containing the attributes of Heaven and Earth are all of extraordinary value, and those capable of meeting the requirements of the Primordial Qi Vase of Heaven and Earth are exceedingly rare. Generally, only items such as Heavenly Pure Qi [the purest essence of celestial energy] and Earthly Mother Qi [the nurturing essence of the terrestrial world]—these kinds of Taiyi Rare Treasure [extremely rare primordial treasures]—can fulfill the criteria.

Yet, one portion of Heavenly Pure Qi combined with one portion of Earthly Mother Qi can only synthesize a single drop of Heaven-Earth Creation Water. Given the current Deep-Seated Foundation [profound and stable accumulation of resources and power] of the Chen Immortal Clan, it is indeed sufficient to purchase hundreds or even thousands of strands of Heavenly Pure Qi. However, within the brief span of a mere hundred thousand years or so, they have only managed to gather a little over twenty portions.

After Lyra Jiang achieved her breakthrough, she opened the lands of the Threefold Heavens [a higher cultivation realm]. Combined with the original two Eleventh Heaven [a specific celestial layer], she has now successfully opened a Twenty-Four Heavens Great World [a vast, self-contained world comprising twenty-four celestial layers].

Eldrin Chen used the Primordial Qi Vase of Heaven and Earth to assist Lyra Jiang in elevating twenty-four Primordial Ancient Trees [trees of immense age and spiritual power from the dawn of creation]. Afterwards, he took Lyra Jiang to the Depths of Chaos [the profound and formless origin of all existence]. After concealing their own Heavenly Secrets [fate and destiny from celestial scrutiny], they utilized the Abyssal Pearl to arrive at a location within the Primordial Chaos [the primeval, undifferentiated state before creation] just beyond the Frigid Immortal Domain.

They continued their journey, traversing the void until they arrived within the Horizon Sea Grotto-Heaven [a blessed paradise realm], where they met with Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and the Heavenly Mountain Goddess.

Having not seen each other for over a hundred thousand years, Eldrin Chen perceived that the cultivation of both individuals seemed to have refined and advanced, clearly indicating they had fully digested the gains from their previous endeavors.

During their time in the lower realms, Lyra Jiang had also interacted with the Reincarnation [rebirth into a new life] incarnation of Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and had crossed paths with the Celestial Maiden as well. Therefore, no lengthy introductions were necessary.

After the four exchanged pleasantries, Eldrin Chen did not need to ask the question forming in his mind: "How have things progressed?"

The two naturally understood his meaning. Exchanging a glance, the Celestial Maiden was the first to speak: "In recent years, quite a few Ancient Immortals [immortal beings who have existed since antiquity] from the Frigid Immortal Domain have emerged from seclusion for the sake of the Ruined Immortal Domain. Combined with several who have returned from the depths of the Primordial Chaos, we have now gathered twenty-three Ancient Immortal Great Power [ancient immortals of immense power and influence]."

"Moreover, Ancient Immortals [powerful cultivators who have transcended mortality and attained immense age and power] from surrounding Immortal Domain [realms governed by immortal laws and energies] have been arriving one after another. The total number of Ancient Immortal Great Power [Ancient Immortals of formidable strength] gathered is likely no less than thirty."

"Thirty Ancient Immortal Great Power?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly, revealing a trace of astonishment.

It must be understood that Ancient Immortal Great Power have already shattered the heavenly barriers. They possess a formidable resistance to Chaos Suppression [a divine ability that suppresses and restrains chaotic energies], allowing them to unleash seventy to eighty percent of their combat prowess even within this region of Primordial Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] under the Three Thousand Immortal Domains's [a collective name for the myriad immortal realms] suppression.

Therefore, two Ancient Immortal Great Power joining forces can suppress a Chaos Solitary Beast [a ferocious beast born from and dwelling within primordial chaos] of the same realm. Some top-tier Ancient Immortals who have broken through the Seventh Heavenly Pass [a specific, high-level barrier in the cultivation path] can even completely ignore the effects of Chaos Suppression and fight at their full strength.

Under such circumstances, thirty Ancient Immortal Great Power united should possess the power to contend with the Shattered Immortal Domain [a ruined and fragmented immortal realm].

Most importantly, there are still some years left before the previously estimated two hundred thousand-year mark. More Ancient Immortals should emerge from seclusion or return from their journeys to partake in this grand feast in the time to come.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but remark, "With several dozen Ancient Immortals gathered, I fear the number of Heaven Immortal [immortals who have ascended to a higher celestial realm of power] will far exceed our initial expectations."

"Indeed," nodded Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor, his gaze turning grave. "From what I know, over three thousand Heaven Immortal from within the Frigid Immortal Domain [an immortal realm characterized by icy and frigid energies] alone have already ended their seclusion. Combined with the great powers from surrounding Immortal Domain, the number likely approaches five thousand."

"Although the vast majority of these individuals are at the early or middle stages of the Heaven Immortal realm, those in the Late Heaven Immortal Realm [the advanced stage of the Heaven Immortal realm] are also not few in number."

Speaking to this point, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor could not help but frown slightly.

With so many Heavenly Immortal Paragon present, among them even thousands of Late Heaven Immortal Realm cultivators, before such a force, even Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor appeared utterly unremarkable.

Under such circumstances, needing to compete for opportunities with so many others was likely no easy task.

Eldrin Chen, understanding Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor's thoughts, spoke up: "Senior, there is no need for concern. We shall proceed step by step. Regardless of the final outcome, with the concealment of the Chaos Miasma [a primordial, formless energy that obscures fate and perception], we will assuredly be able to advance or retreat with ease."

Hearing this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor nodded with a faint smile. "You speak wisely. With the profound utility of your Chaos Miasma, we have already secured an unassailable position."

With their resolve thus settled, all that remained was to await the day for the assault on the Ruined Immortal Domain. The story continues at audio novel.com.

In the time that followed, they cultivated in seclusion while they waited. Tens of thousands of years slipped by in this manner.

Then, on a certain day, war drums thundered within the Frigid Immortal Domain and the blare of horns echoed through the Heavenly Layers [the stratified celestial realms]. From all directions of the Heavenly Layers, one after another, Chaos Ancient Ships [vessels forged in the Primordial Chaos, capable of traversing the void between realms] sailed forth, heading towards the edges of the Primordial Chaos beyond the Frigid Immortal Domain.

Eldrin Chen and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor traveled side by side with the others. When they arrived beyond the Frigid Immortal Domain, they witnessed ancient cities of Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation] tearing through the void from all directions of the Heavenly Layers. In the blink of an eye, over a thousand Chaos Ancient Ships had gathered.

By the time all preparations were complete, Eldrin Chen realized there were as many as three thousand Chaos Ancient Ships assembled—a sight that filled everyone present with profound astonishment.

One must understand, this was a fleet of three thousand Chaos Ancient Ships. Though the vast majority were of Ninth Rank Low Grade [the lowest grade within the Ninth Rank], their sheer number was staggering. Each Chaos Ancient Ship required the slaying of a Chaos Ancient Beast [a primordial creature born from chaos] to forge—this was the mark of a true Grotto-Heaven's Deep-Seated Foundation [profound and enduring foundational strength].

By comparison, across the entire Azure Firmament Immortal Domain, the combined fleets of its two hundred-plus Grotto-Heaven likely numbered fewer than one hundred Chaos Ancient Ships.

Generally, only powerful Heaven Immortals [Immortals who have ascended to the Heavenly Immortal realm] could hunt Chaos Ancient Beasts. Weaker Heaven Immortals dared not even venture into the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], let alone slay a Chaos Ancient Beast to construct a Chaos Ancient Ship.

As the saying goes, one can infer the whole leopard from a single spot. The more Chaos Ancient Ships an Immortal Domain [a vast realm governed by Immortals] possesses, the greater the number of high-tier Heaven Immortals within it. Thus, the abundance of Chaos Ancient Ships serves as a rough measure of an Immortal Domain's overall might.

"The Frigid Immortal Domain lives up to its reputation as the central hub among the surrounding dozens of Immortal Domains," Lyra Jiang remarked, her voice measured. "Its Deep-Seated Foundation is indeed beyond what the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain can match."

Eldrin Chen also nodded in agreement, lifting his gaze to the vanguard of the three-thousand-strong fleet.

There, within the Depths of Chaos [the deeper, more turbulent regions of the Primordial Chaos], three Chaos Ancient Ships stood apart like cranes among chickens, majestic and solitary amidst the Primordial Chaos. A mere Ninth Rank Low Grade Chaos Ancient Ship appeared as nothing more than a negligible speck before their grandeur.

The three thousand Chaos Ancient Ships arrayed behind them seemed like tiny fish trailing a leviathan—insignificant and utterly dwarfed.

"Ninth Rank Peerless [a grade of treasure denoting supreme, matchless quality] Chaos Ancient Ships,"

he murmured, the words carrying the weight of awe and realization.

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his gaze filled with unprecedented gravity.

Chaos Ancient Ship of the Ninth RankPeerless grade are forged from the Dragon Bone of a Chaos Beast King, supplemented by an incalculable hoard of rare and precious treasures, making their value nearly immeasurable.

It is widely acknowledged that the resources required to forge a single Ninth RankPeerless Chaos Ancient Ship are at least equivalent to ten Innate Ancient Treasures.

"The Frigid Immortal Domain possesses such profound Deep-Seated Foundation [a metaphor for immense and deeply rooted power and resources]."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his expression turning solemn.

Seeing this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor spoke in a measured tone, "These three Ancient Vessels are named Heaven-Sunderer, Cold Night, and Primordial Nether. They hail from the three mightiest Supreme-Grade Grotto-Heavens [supreme-level pocket dimensions or paradises] within the Frigid Immortal Domain."

"The masters of these three Ancient Vessels are respectively Demon Emperor Heaven-Sunderer, the foremost figure of the Demonic Tribe in the Frigid Immortal Domain; Cold Night; and Primordial Nether—the latter two being of our Human Race. These three are supreme Ancient Immortals who have shattered the Five Heavenly Passes [five legendary and immensely difficult cultivation bottlenecks], and over the years, they have slain more than one Chaos Beast King."

"The Five Heavenly Passes?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a tremor in his heart.

Among Ancient Immortals, those capable of shattering the Five Heavenly Passes have always been exceedingly rare.

Such individuals, though perhaps not one in a thousand, are exceedingly rare. Often, out of hundreds of Ancient Immortal Great Power [powerful cultivators who have reached the Ancient Immortal realm], not even one may ultimately cultivate to such a realm.

Yet now, three had appeared simultaneously, which truly left Eldrin Chen astounded.

Understanding his thoughts, Celestial Maiden spoke: "As a Daoist Assembly Ground [a sacred site for cultivation and enlightenment] left behind by a Quasi-Sage Imperial Lord, the Frigid Immortal Domain possesses a Deep-Seated Foundation [profound and enduring spiritual foundation] far surpassing that of ordinary Immortal Domain."

"From what I know, since the Primordial Era, the Frigid Immortal Domain has successively given birth to thirteen Great Luo Immortal Lord [supreme immortals who have ascended to the Great Luo realm]. In this current era, the strongest have merely broken through the Seventeenth Heavenly Pass. Placed within ancient history, this is already considered an age of relatively diminished fortune."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen understood that throughout its history, the Frigid Immortal Domain had almost always had Seven Calamities Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived seven heavenly tribulations] who had broken through the Seventh Heavenly Pass present in the world. During its peak periods of flourishing fortune, there had even been Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] emerging into the world, beings who were merely A Step Away from the Great Luo realm.

Although the Ninth Heavenly Pass, the Fate Pass, is difficult to cross—with almost nine out of ten Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal falling at this step—the Frigid Immortal Domain had still produced thirteen individuals who successfully took that step.

Coupled with the Frigid Imperial Lord, who cultivated to the Quasi-Sage Realm, the fortune and Deep-Seated Foundation of the Frigid Immortal Domain were sufficient to rank it within the top one hundred, perhaps even the top fifty, among the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

Just as Eldrin Chen's thoughts drifted, a horn call echoed from the Depths of Chaos. Immediately, those three Peerless [a supreme grade of treasure] Chaos Ancient Ships [ancient vessels capable of navigating primordial chaos] began to move. One after another, more Chaos Ancient Ships appeared, cleaving through the Primordial Chaos as they set course for the Shattered Immortal Domain.

"We depart," announced Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor, leading the group to follow.

The great host advanced continuously. With the Peerless Chaos Ancient Ships forging the path, their journey through the Primordial Chaos was swift. In merely ten thousand years, they traversed the boundless chaos and arrived at the edge of the Shattered Immortal Domain.

"So this is the Shattered Immortal Domain [a fragment of a once-glorious realm of immortals, now broken and adrift]."

As the vast host came to a halt, Eldrin Chen lifted his gaze to look ahead.

Before them lay an ancient continent of staggering scale, its very essence saturated with a fierce, domineering aura.

It was a vista of ruin, primal wilderness, brutal devastation, and utter chaos…

This Shattered Immortal Domain appeared as if it had been violently torn from the body of a whole Immortal Domain [a realm where immortals dwell], or perhaps was but a single, colossal fragment of a greater Immortal Domain that had been utterly shattered.

Eldrin Chen could not fathom the cataclysm it had endured, but the fact that this Shattered Immortal Domain now drifted to this place spoke of a conflict of unimaginable ferocity—one where even a Great Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the pinnacle of the Golden Immortal realm] might have met their end.

"BOOM—"

At that very moment, the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation] trembled violently.

Upon the deck of the Heaven-Sundering Ancient Ship [an ancient, colossal vessel capable of cleaving the heavens], a figure clad in golden armor and gripping a massive spear stood tall.

"Demon Emperor…Heaven-Sunderer!"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his gaze turning grave.

During this time, Eldrin Chen had gained a certain understanding of Demon Emperor Heaven-Sunderer.

This Demon Emperor Heaven-Sunderer was of mysterious origin; his true form was unknown, belonging to some Demonic Tribe. Yet, he was undoubtedly the foremost prodigy among the Demonic Tribe of the Frigid Immortal Domain.

It was said he first rose to prominence eighty million years ago. At that time, Demon Emperor Heaven-Sunderer swept through the Dao Tribulation [a profound trial of one's cultivation path] of the Frigid Immortal Domain, achieving the foundation of a Forbidden Imperial Lord [a supreme title for a cultivator of immense power] with the posture of a Twelve Calamities [a cultivator who has survived twelve great tribulations] cultivator. Furthermore, he received the legacy of the only Demonic Tribe Great Luo [a supreme realm of cultivation, the Great Luo Golden Immortal Realm] among the thirteen Great Luo of the Frigid Immortal Domain—White Crane Immortal Lord.

Legend held that the White Crane Immortal Lord was once the mount of the Frigid Imperial Lord in his early years. Another tale said the White Crane Immortal Lord was once the Realm-Guarding Mountain Divine Beast [a divine beast tasked with guarding a major realm] of the Frigid Immortal Domain. Regardless of which story was true, it was universally acknowledged that the White Crane Immortal Lord shared a deep connection with the Frigid Imperial Lord. It was said the Frigid Imperial Lord provided immense support, crucial for the White Crane Immortal Lord's ascension to the Great Luo Golden Immortal Realm.

By gaining the White Crane Immortal Lord's patronage, Demon Emperor Heaven-Sunderer essentially obtained a talisman of protection. Naturally, he thrived and prospered within the Frigid Immortal Domain.

In the eighty million years that followed, Demon Emperor Heaven-Sunderer lived up to expectations, displaying an invincible demeanor. Now, not only had he broken through the Five Heavenly Passes [five formidable barriers in cultivation], but he also boasted a record of defeating an Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived six great calamities]. He was considered one of the most likely beings in the Frigid Immortal Domain to break through to the Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight great calamities].

Some even believed that Demon Emperor Heaven-Sunderer's talent was unparalleled throughout the ages. It was highly possible he would take that final step during this Calamity Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of great trials and upheaval], becoming the fourteenth Great Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal of the Great Luo Realm] of the Frigid Immortal Domain.

"Esteemed ones..."

Just as Eldrin Chen's thoughts drifted, Demon Emperor Heaven-Sunderer swept his gaze across the surroundings and finally spoke: "Since we have all arrived, let us begin."

Many Ancient Immortals [powerful beings who have transcended mortality] fell into a brief silence. In the end, Primordial Nether and Cold Night, two of the Ancient Immortals, pondered for a moment. The Cold Night Ancient Immortal then looked towards the Shattered Immortal Domain [a fragmented and perilous realm of immortal ruins] and said, "Let us not be hasty. We should first send some to scout ahead."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's gaze turned slightly cold.

He understood the underlying reason well enough. Since several Ancient Immortals had perished earlier, the Cold Night Ancient Immortal was wary of the power within the Shattered Immortal Domain. Thus, he intended to use others as expendable probes to test the waters.

In truth, it was not only Eldrin Chen whose expression changed; many Heaven Immortals [immortals of the celestial realm] also paled. Quite a few wished to depart, but they were blocked by several of the Ancient Immortals.

The Primordial Nether Ancient Ancestor spoke, his eyes gleaming with an eerie, chilling light. "Honored guests," he said, his voice laced with menace, "do you truly believe you can reap the rewards without contributing any effort, simply by following in our wake? Such an easy path does not exist."

"I offer you a choice. Enter the Shattered Immortal Domain now and fight. Survive, and treasures beyond measure shall be yours. But if you dare to flee..." His voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "Do not blame this old man for showing no mercy." Your portal to cultivation novels: http://www . audio-novel.com.