Chapter 1800 : A Stand Against Chaos

"Hold them off for a moment?"

Upon hearing this, the four exchanged glances.

Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal] nodded decisively and declared, "I shall hold them at bay for a time. Whether you can breach the Formation [a structured array of magical power used for defense, attack, or other effects] rests upon your shoulders."

Eldrin Chen understood. Protected by her Innate Ancient Treasure [a primordial artifact of immense power, born from the world itself] and the Frigid Snow Lotus [a legendary spiritual herb of extreme cold], Celestial Maiden could remain unassailable even against the combined assault of several cultivators at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm].

With her promise, Eldrin Chen felt his confidence swell.

Resolve hardened, Eldrin Chen began a relentless assault on the Formation, seeking to exploit any flaw or weakness in its structure.

The moment the Formation was disturbed, the Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from and dwelling within primal chaos] guarding the Chaos Nest [a lair within a region of primal chaos] sensed the intrusion. Instantly, several dozen of the creatures surged toward the nest's core, intent on encircling and annihilating the intruders.

Fortunately, the other three were no weaklings. Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor unleashed his ultimate combat prowess without regard for the toll, his Heavenly Separated Twin Swords [a pair of divine swords of immense power] holding back two Chaos Ancient Beast whose strength rivaled the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm.

Lyra Jiang likewise unfurled her Eight Trigrams Formation Flags [a set of magical banners that form the Eight Trigrams, a fundamental cosmological diagram]. In an instant, she manifested the divine power to recreate Earth, Fire, Wind, Water [the four fundamental elements, often used as the basis for powerful formations], blocking over ten Chaos Ancient Beast at the early and middle stages of the Heaven Immortal [the cultivation realm above Earth Immortal].

The remaining Chaos Ancient Beast continued their frenzied assault. Yet, when Celestial Maiden manifested the protective aura of her Frigid Snow Lotus, they were forced back, unable to advance even an inch for a crucial span of time. Discover more cultivation stories at audio~novel.com.

Three individuals intercepted the assault of the Chaos Ancient Beast, allowing Eldrin Chen to focus his full power on breaching the formation.

However, this was, after all, a Primordial Ancient Formation of the Ninth Rank Supreme Grade. Even though its structure was rather crude with numerous weak points, breaching it was no simple feat.

Within a remarkably short span, Eldrin Chen had already shattered thirteen critical nodes of the formation. Yet, completely dismantling the Formation still required a significant amount of time.

"This won't do. If we drag this out any longer, I fear we won't be able to hold."

Seeing the Formation still unbroken, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor's expression darkened slightly.

With a swift glance around, he suddenly retracted the Horizon Sea Twin Swords. In that instant, the twin blades merged, transforming into a single, dazzling arc of sword light.

This radiance was not aimed at the Chaos Ancient Beast, but instead cleaved through a structural weakness in the cavern's passageway.

Immediately, the vast tunnel collapsed with a thunderous roar. Countless boulders of Primordial Chaos stone crashed down, pinning several of the Chaos Ancient Beast firmly in place and effectively blocking the advance of many others.

Witnessing this, Celestial Maiden breathed a sigh of relief and praised, "An ingenious tactic, Fellow Daoist."

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor also relaxed slightly, remarking, "Fortunately, these tunnels are relatively narrow, and these Chaos Ancient Beast are far too massive to maneuver effectively within them."

"Otherwise, sealing the cavern would likely not have been so straightforward."

Once the cavern was sealed, blocking the assault of many Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from the primal chaos], the pressure facing the group was greatly reduced, finally allowing them to stabilize the precarious situation.

Eldrin Chen was thus able to focus his mind on dismantling the Formation [a mystical array or defensive barrier], and indeed his speed increased further. After only a few moments, he successfully unraveled the Formation at this location.

"Hah—"

After dismantling the Formation, Eldrin Chen collected the ancient cauldron that served as the formation's core and let out a sigh of relief. "Fortunately, this Chaos Ancient Beast was self-taught; this ancient array had far too many flaws."

"If it had been laid down by an ordinary Ancient Immortals [beings who achieved immortality in ancient times], I'm afraid I would have been at a complete loss."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen and the other four immediately stepped into the area formerly protected by the Formation. They all paused for a moment, then their faces lit up with expressions of wild joy.

Perhaps the Humanoid Chaos Beast King [a king among chaos beasts with a humanoid form] was too powerful and disdained ordinary Innate Marvels [objects of power born from the primal forces of heaven and earth]. Therefore, this Chaos Lair [the den of a chaos beast] contained no Innate Marvels of the Ninth Rank [a classification rank for cultivation resources and realms] middle or lower grades.

Within this cavern, there were only six portions of Innate Marvels in total.

Yet each of these six portions of Innate Marvels was a divine treasure of unparalleled rarity, stirring profound excitement within all four of them.

"Ethereal Void Ancient Gold, Vast Cold Immortal Marrow, Primordial Yang Extreme Fire, Primordial Nether Spring Water, Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit, Primordial Limitless Sword Miasma."

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor murmured softly, yet the excitement in his heart was difficult to conceal.

Not only him, but Eldrin Chen was also greatly delighted. Although he had anticipated it, these several rare treasures still stirred profound excitement within the group.

These six rare treasures were all Supreme Grade Innate Marvel, each one having nurtured the power of a Great Dao Embryo [the embryonic form of a cultivator's Great Dao, representing immense potential].

Among the six treasures, the Ethereal Void Ancient Gold was a Spatial Supreme Treasure [a supreme-grade material of the highest order, often used to forge peerless artifacts], said to be most suitable for forging lethal Immortal Sword and spatial-type Magical Treasure.

The Lifebound Immortal Sword [an immortal sword bound to its wielder's life and soul] of Ethereal Void Sword Master, the foremost Heaven Immortal [a high-level immortal realm] in the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain, was refined using Ethereal Void Ancient Gold. The story continues at audio‑novel.com.

However, the Ethereal Void Ancient Gold used for the 'Ethereal Formless Sword' of Ethereal Void Sword Master was merely a High Grade Innate Rare Treasure, still inferior to this particular piece of Ethereal Void Ancient Gold.

The Vast Cold Immortal Marrow was a Yin-attribute rare treasure. If Lyra Jiang's Lunar Immortal Physique [a special constitution attuned to lunar and Yin energies] fused with this material, her Deep-Seated Foundation [the profound and stable foundation of a cultivator's power] would undoubtedly surge dramatically. Not only would her current strength advance by leaps and bounds, but breaking through the Fleshly Body Celestial Passage [a realm focused on transcending the limits of the physical body] in the future would also become effortless.

The Primordial Yang Extreme Fire and Primordial Nether Spring Water were both manifestations of Heavenly Layers [higher celestial planes] Yin-Yang [the dualistic forces of Yin and Yang] power, clearly condensed from the Primordial Source [the original, foundational energy of creation] of these Sevenfold Celestial Realms. They were exceptional choices, whether for alchemy or for sword-forging.

Cultivators who specialized in the Yin-Yang Dao, upon obtaining these two treasures, might even seize the opportunity to break through to the Ancient Immortal Realm [a venerable and powerful realm of immortality].

The final Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit and the Primordial Limitless Sword Miasma were also treasures of immeasurable value. The former was a supreme treasure for Physical Body cultivation, capable of aiding a cultivator at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm to forge the Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo.

The Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo, also known as the Primordial Sacred Embryo, was an unparalleled constitution of legendary rarity. It not only granted invincible Physical Body power but also bestowed an innate affinity with the Great Dao Laws, allowing one to easily shatter the Fleshly Body Celestial Passage.

Among the myriad of supreme Dao Body constitutions, this one ranked among the very pinnacle, not inferior to Qiyuan Chen's Indestructible Golden Body.

In truth, for Qiyuan Chen's Indestructible Golden Body to reach the level of breaking the Fleshly Body Celestial Passage, a long and arduous path still lay ahead.

Yet, consuming the Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit would immediately bestow an invincible Physical Body and a constitution rivaling that of a Chaos Saint Spirit of the same realm, placing one on par with the Innate Sacred Spirits. This demonstrated the profound power of such a sacred fruit.

As for the final Primordial Limitless Sword Miasma, it was born from a wisp of Primordial Source Sword Qi shed by the Great Luo Ancient Sword, intermingled and nurtured with Chaos Qi. It too was a formidable Innate Marvels, though it fell half a step short compared to the Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit.

"How could a Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit exist here?"

After surveying the six treasures, Eldrin Chen could not help but murmur, a flicker of astonishment crossing his features.

Although all were Supreme Grade Innate Marvel, their values differed. The Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit, capable of granting the Primordial Sacred Embryo, was likely worth more than the other six combined.

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor was also taken aback. After a moment of silent calculation, he finally spoke, "This Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit... it was left behind by that Great Luo Golden Immortal from ages past."

"That senior from ages past, the Great Luo Immortal Lord [a title for a supreme immortal being], achieved the Dao through the Primordial Sacred Body Dao Embryo [a legendary, innate physical constitution of immense potential]. When he fell, a single drop of his Heart's Blood Essence [the most vital and potent essence of a cultivator's life force] descended, took root and sprouted here. Intertwining with the Chaos Qi [the primordial, undifferentiated energy from which all things originate], it ultimately gave birth to this Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit [a mythical fruit born from the essence of a supreme being]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a profound tremor in his heart. He exchanged a meaningful glance with Lyra Jiang.

In that moment, the two of them finally understood just how astonishing the Hundred Calamities Rebirth Opportunity [a legendary fate involving rebirth through countless tribulations to seize supreme fortune] truly was.

A single drop of Heart's Blood Essence [the most vital and potent essence of a cultivator's life force] from a Great Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm cultivator] was enough to nurture a Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit [a mythical fruit born from the essence of a supreme being]. What unimaginable wealth, then, would the complete skeleton of a fallen Great Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm cultivator] bring?

Each time Qing Cang, the Great Deity revived within the river of time and space, he was slain by that strand of Supreme [peerless, transcendent] Sword Qi [sword energy]. The Physical Body [corporeal form], blood, and Bones he left behind were undoubtedly Supreme [peerless, transcendent] treasures of the highest order.

The value of such things surpassed that of this single Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit [a mythical fruit born from the essence of a supreme being] by not mere hundreds or thousands of times.

"The Hundred Calamities Rebirth Opportunity [a legendary fate involving rebirth through countless tribulations to seize supreme fortune]... So this is the true nature of the Hundred Calamities Rebirth Opportunity,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his eyes gradually igniting with a blazing, determined light.

In that instant, he felt a profound conviction. If one could seize the greatest opportunity within the Hundred Calamities Rebirth [the process of rebirth through countless tribulations], even if breaking through to the Great Luo Realm [a supreme immortal realm] remained uncertain, shattering the barrier of the Eighth Heaven [a high-level cultivation stage] would undoubtedly be effortless.

Faced with an opportunity of such staggering magnitude, it was no wonder that the great Ancient Sects [venerable and powerful cultivation sects], and even the Three Great Immortal Courts [the three supreme governing bodies of the immortal world], were willing to stake their claims and weave their intricate schemes.

"First, secure the treasures. We shall discuss the rest in due time."

At that very moment, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor suddenly spoke.

The four decisively collected the six Innate Marvels. Then, they proceeded into the Chaos Immortal Pool and gathered the Innate Qi [the primordial, foundational energy of creation] contained within.

This Central Chaos Lair truly lived up to its reputation as a top-tier Peerless Chaos Lair. The amount of Innate Qi within the Chaos Immortal Pool was astonishing, totaling one hundred and sixty Six Paths [a unit of measurement for immense spiritual energy].

Such a staggering quantity filled Eldrin Chen with immense delight.

"This vast amount of Innate Qi is sufficient to sustain our cultivation all the way to the Seventh Heaven Immortal realm."

Eldrin Chen swiftly stored all the Innate Qi away, then turned his gaze towards the outer passage.

A thunderous boom echoed as the massive lair was breached, and countless Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from chaos] surged inward.

Even more terrifying, the Humanoid Chaos Beast King, discovering the theft from its lair, erupted in fury. It brandished its innate Shattered Sword and unleashed a slash. In an instant, boundless Sword Qi [sword energy, a manifestation of sword intent and power] cascaded down upon the lair's interior.

"Go—now!"

Eldrin Chen's heart was filled with profound astonishment. Without hesitation, he activated the Abyssal Pearl and vanished into the boundless Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before the creation of the cosmos].

In the very instant the group departed, the Chaos Lair was swept by surging Sword Qi [sword energy]. A Sword Intent [the conceptual will and essence of a sword technique] capable of annihilating all things scoured the area clean, leaving nothing behind.

"Dead, or... gone?"

The Humanoid Chaos Beast King murmured, a flicker of doubt and uncertainty crossing its features.

A moment ago, it had sensed their disappearance, yet it remained unsure. After all, they were merely a few Heaven Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm]. For them to evade a strike from an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing immense natural power] was nothing short of a deluded fantasy.

Most crucially, the surging, boundless Chaos Qi [the primordial, undifferentiated energy of chaos] had already shrouded and obliterated all traces, making it impossible for the beast king to investigate further.

"They must have been utterly annihilated, reduced to ashes."

The Chaos Beast King muttered to itself, finally setting aside its doubts. With an aura of boundless Baleful Qi [malignant, destructive energy], it turned its attack towards Ancestor Six Harmonies.

"That was perilously close!"

Simultaneously, the group reappeared within a hazy expanse of the Primordial Chaos. Each of them wore an expression of lingering fear, their hearts still racing from the narrow escape.

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor [the ancient progenitor of the Horizon Sea Pavilion] snapped back to his senses and hastily cupped his hands in salute towards Eldrin Chen. "For saving our lives, we are eternally grateful," he said.

"Today, we owe you a life debt."

Celestial Maiden [a title for a high-ranking female immortal] also nodded, her expression still haunted by lingering fear as she offered her thanks to Eldrin Chen.

Though they did not understand how Eldrin Chen had managed to traverse the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation] with them, the sheer audacity of that momentary feat was too astonishing, and none dared to inquire further.

After all, tearing through the Primordial Chaos to travel was something that could be achieved by relying on a space-attribute Innate Ancient Treasure [a primordial treasure born from chaos], or by an Ancient Immortals [immortals who have existed since ancient times] who had profoundly mastered the Dao of Space.

But to escape from a strike delivered by a Six Calamity Chaos Beast King [a Chaos Beast King that has survived six great tribulations] wielding an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure born from the innate laws of the cosmos]—that was likely a feat only possible for an existence at the Great Luo [the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle stage of cultivation] level.

Neither of the two dared to ask more, only repeatedly cupping their hands in profound gratitude.

Eldrin Chen also drew a deep breath, unwilling to dwell on the topic.

Without hesitation, he cast a glance over the boundless Primordial Chaos surrounding them, then led the group towards a nearby Chaos Lair [a refuge or nest formed within the Primordial Chaos].

This Chaos Lair was merely a Middle Grade Chaos Nest [a mid-tier haven within the chaos], containing only a single Low Grade Chaos Immortal Pool [a low-grade pool of chaotic immortal energy], and was devoid of any Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient beasts born from chaos] or Innate Qi [the primordial, innate spiritual energy of creation].

"This place is the first Chaos Lair I encountered when I explored the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before the creation of the cosmos] in my youth."

"Its Chaos Ancient Beast [a primordial beast born from the chaos] was cleared out long ago, and it's unlikely to have been discovered by others."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, then said with a smile, "Our harvest this time is unprecedented. We should divide the spoils."

Upon hearing this, Celestial Maiden immediately shook her head. "We owe you our lives. How can we presume to take a share of the treasure?"

Seeing this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor also clasped his hands in salute. "Indeed, we would be unworthy."

"There is no need for such humility."

Eldrin Chen shook his head and continued, "One matter is separate from another. Without the aid of you both, I could never have breached the Formation [a mystical array or defensive barrier] and obtained such a bounty."

As he spoke, he brought forth the various rare treasures.

Their conquest of the Central Chaos Lair had yielded a treasure trove of staggering, unprecedented scale. Now that they were safe from danger, it was time to apportion the spoils.

Seeing that Eldrin Chen's mind was made up, the two offered no further protest and turned their gazes to the several wondrous treasures laid before them.

This time, the treasures seized by the group from the lair within the Central Realm were few in number, yet each was a top-tier Supreme Grade Innate Marvel [a marvel of the highest order, born from the primordial chaos].

Among them were seven Supreme Grade Innate Marvel and one Innate Ancient Treasure [a treasure forged in the dawn of creation]—the 'Azure Abyss Ancient Cauldron'.

The nature of the six Supreme Grade Innate Marvel was already understood by the group, and the value of the Azure Abyss Ancient Cauldron was also recognized as utterly staggering.

This object was a Formation Tool [a treasure designed to anchor or power a grand formation] left behind by the Chaos Beast King. Seized by Eldrin Chen after he shattered the formation guarding it, it was an Innate Ancient Treasure capable of both offense and defense, likely a legacy from some senior Ancient Immortals [immortals from a bygone era]. Its power was Force Extreme [a divine ability representing the pinnacle of force], and it was exceedingly potent.

"Six Supreme Grade Innate Marvel, one Innate Ancient Treasure, and one hundred and sixty strands of Six Paths [a profound cultivation realm] Innate Qi [the primordial energy that constitutes the foundation of all things],"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly before speaking aloud: "Let us value the six more common Innate Marvels [marvels born from primordial chaos] at fifty strands of Innate Qi each. The Azure Abyss Ancient Cauldron shall be valued at sixty strands."

"As for the most valuable item, the Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit [a legendary fruit said to contain the essence of a sacred primordial embryo], let it be valued at two hundred strands of Innate Qi. What say you all?"

Upon hearing this, everyone fell into contemplative silence.

In truth, the perceived value of Innate Marvels and Innate Qi often varied dramatically depending on the individual.

For an ordinary cultivator at the Early Celestial Immortal Realm [the initial stage of the Celestial Immortal realm], they would gladly exchange ten strands of Innate Qi for a single High-Grade Innate Treasure [a high-quality treasure of innate origin].

However, for those who exist within the Late Heaven Immortal Realm [the penultimate stage of the Celestial Immortal path, where one's power approaches the peak of the mortal world], trading five strands of Innate Qi [the primordial, foundational energy of creation, essential for high-level cultivation breakthroughs] for a High-Grade Innate Treasure [a top-tier enchanted artifact born from the world's primordial essence] might not be a worthwhile bargain at all.

The fundamental reason lies in the fact that a High-Grade Innate Treasure can dramatically enhance the power of an Early Celestial Immortal Realm [the initial stage of the Celestial Immortal path], but it can no longer provide a massive boost to those already in the Late Heaven Immortal Realm.

In contrast, Innate Qi, along with treasures that can assist in breaking through to the eighth or ninth layers of the Heaven Immortal [the overarching realm encompassing all Celestial Immortal stages], are absolute necessities for those in the Late Heaven Immortal Realm.

Strictly speaking, the power of a Supreme Grade Innate Marvel [a legendary object of supreme power, born from the deepest primordial laws of the world] is at least ten times that of a High-Grade Innate Treasure, and its price should logically be ten times higher as well, worth over a hundred strands of Innate Qi.

But because Innate Qi is exceedingly rare, those who can afford a Supreme Grade Innate Marvel are vanishingly few. Consequently, its market value must also be discounted.

Upon reaching this understanding, everyone present agreed with Eldrin Chen's proposed discounted valuation.

Seeing their assent, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Since that is settled, let us proceed with the distribution according to our contributions." Discover more cultivation stories at AUDIO-NOVEL.COM.