Chapter 1801 : Merit and the Beast King's Pursuit

"Distribute according to merit?"

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded slightly in agreement.

Subsequently, after calculating the Merit Points [a points-based credit system representing contributions], it was ultimately Eldrin Chen who received the largest share, claiming seventy percent of the total merit.

Strictly based on the merit for breaking the formation, Eldrin Chen should have only accounted for thirty percent, with the remaining seventy percent to be divided among the other three.

After all, Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor had held back dozens of Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from chaos], and withstood the assaults of four cultivators at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm].

Furthermore, Lyra Jiang's Eight Trigrams Formation [a mystical formation based on the eight trigrams of the I Ching] had trapped over ten Chaos Ancient Beast, contributions which were also significant.

It could be said that without the aid of these three, Eldrin Chen likely could not have breached this Primordial Ancient Formation [an ancient formation of primordial origin], let alone secured these Innate Marvels [wondrous objects born with the world, containing innate laws] and Innate Qi [the primordial, foundational energy present at the creation of the cosmos].

However, at the final critical moment, Eldrin Chen led everyone to escape the pursuit of the Chaos Beast King [the sovereign ruler among Chaos Ancient Beasts]. This merit was so immense that he was thus granted an additional forty percent of the Merit Points.

In truth, both Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor believed that merely for leading their escape, Eldrin Chen deserved fifty percent of the merit. Yet, at Eldrin Chen's insistence, he ultimately conceded that ten percent.

Compared to that ten percent of merit, Eldrin Chen valued his rapport and future prospects with the other two far more. Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at *audio-novel.com*.

After all, these were two Innate Sacred Spirits [beings born with a sacred nature and immense potential] on the verge of breaking through to become Ancient Immortals [immortals who have transcended mortality and achieved an ancient, venerable state]. Once they succeeded, they would become two Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived three heavenly tribulations], powerful enough to serve as Eldrin Chen's greatest pillars of support for millions of years to come.

They might even become a formidable force of aid during the future Calamity Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that tests all living beings].

Once the Merit Points [a metaphysical currency representing contributions and virtuous deeds] were finalized, the group swiftly distributed the treasures according to their respective shares.

As the one with the highest Merit Points, Eldrin Chen naturally had the right of first choice. He directly claimed the most precious item, the Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit [a legendary fruit said to contain the essence of primordial creation, capable of nurturing a cultivator's foundation to a sacred level].

Furthermore, the Primordial Nether Spring Water [water from a spring born in the primordial netherworld, imbued with yin and life-giving properties], the Primordial Yang Extreme Fire [a flame of pure yang essence from the dawn of creation], the Primordial Limitless Sword Miasma [a miasma of boundless, primordial sword intent], and an additional one hundred strands of Innate Qi [the primordial, uncreated energy that existed before heaven and earth] all fell into Eldrin Chen's hands.

Among these treasures, the Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit was the most valuable, worth two hundred strands of Innate Qi.

The other three treasures combined were worth only one hundred and fifty strands of Innate Qi. Added to the one hundred strands he received separately, the total value in his possession amounted to four hundred and fifty strands of Innate Qi.

Seeing this, the other three also proceeded to select the treasures they desired.

Among the trio, the Celestial Maiden [a title for a female immortal of high status] took the Ethereal Void Ancient Gold [a rare metal forged in the ethereal void, possessing unique spatial properties], the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor claimed the Azure Abyss Ancient Cauldron [an ancient cauldron of profound power, associated with the azure abyss], and Lyra Jiang selected the Vast Cold Immortal Marrow [the condensed marrow of an immortal being, radiating an aura of vast and profound cold].

Of these three treasures, the Azure Abyss Ancient Cauldron was the most precious, valued at sixty strands of Innate Qi. The other two were each worth only fifty strands, bringing the combined total for their selections to approximately one hundred and sixty strands of Innate Qi.

The total value of all treasures this time amounted to approximately six hundred and seventy Six Paths Innate Qi [a primordial spiritual energy used for cultivation and refining treasures].

According to their respective contributions, Eldrin Chen was entitled to take treasures worth four hundred and seventy-three strands of Innate Qi. Consequently, from the remaining sixty Six Paths Innate Qi, Eldrin Chen took an additional twenty-three strands.

The remaining forty-three strands of Innate Qi were discussed among the three. It was decided that Celestial Maiden would take twenty-five strands, while Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor would receive the remaining eighteen. Lyra Jiang's Merit Points [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds] contribution was slightly lesser, so she did not take any more of the Innate Qi.

With the treasures divided, joy blossomed on everyone's faces.

The harvest this time was truly staggering. Each person had obtained a Supreme Grade Innate Marvel [a supreme-grade treasure born from primordial chaos]. Given several hundred thousand years to assimilate its power, their strength would advance by leaps and bounds.

Take Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor, for example. He had already acquired the Innate Primordial Chaos Pill [a pill refined from primordial chaos energy] and the Azure Abyss Ancient Cauldron [an ancient cauldron treasure]. In merely three hundred thousand years, he could attempt a breakthrough to the Ancient Immortal Realm [a realm of cultivation for ancient, powerful immortals].

Once he broke through, not only would his cultivation reach the Third Tribulation stage of the Ancient Immortal Realm, but he would also have the Azure Abyss Ancient Cauldron to stabilize his destiny. By then, if he further refined his World's End Twin Swords into Ancient Innate Sword [an ancient sword born from innate principles], his power would place him far from the weakest among the Ancient Immortals of the Three Realms.

The same held true for Celestial Maiden. With the twenty-five strands of Innate Qi now in her possession, once she broke through to the Ancient Immortal Realm, she would undoubtedly be able to elevate both her Frost Soul Chilling Radiance Sword and her Frost Soul Immortal Ribbon.

With three Innate Ancient Treasure [an ancient treasure born from innate principles] in hand, Celestial Maiden would surely be a formidable force to be reckoned with.

As for Eldrin Chen, who reaped the greatest harvest, his path of cultivation would be smooth and unobstructed all the way to the Late Heaven Immortal Realm [a high realm of immortal cultivation].

"One hundred twenty-three strands of Innate Qi [a primordial form of spiritual energy], plus the seventy-two strands from the previous Beast King [a powerful demon ruler] lair, and the thirty-three strands gathered from various scattered Chaos Lair [places of primordial disorder], make for a total of two hundred twenty-eight strands of Innate Qi acquired this time."

"After deducting the twenty strands given to Lyra and the ten strands I consumed for my breakthrough to the Lesser Vehicle Dao Fruit [a foundational stage of immortal cultivation], one hundred ninety-eight strands remain."

A flicker of joy surfaced in Eldrin Chen's heart as he silently calculated.

Such a vast quantity of Chaos Qi [primordial chaotic energy] would be more than sufficient for Eldrin Chen himself to break through to the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of celestial immortal cultivation].

After all, by Eldrin Chen's estimation, even though his own foundation surpassed that of an ordinary Immortal by fivefold, advancing to the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm would only require an additional ninety strands of Innate Qi.

Even if he were to elevate all five of his Lifebound Innate Treasure [treasures bound to one's life and cultivation] to High-Grade Innate Treasure [the highest grade of innate treasures], it would only consume one hundred twenty strands of Innate Qi. Join our community of readers at https://audio-novel.com.

However, Eldrin Chen was no solitary wanderer. He now had a family and responsibilities. Even if he disregarded others, he could not ignore his five Dao Companions [spiritual cultivation partners].

And this reserve of one hundred ninety strands of Innate Qi likely still fell short of enabling Verdant Consort and the others to all reach the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm.

"Fortunately, with this stock of Innate Qi, we shall not lack for resources for the next several million years," he mused.

"In several million years, when Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor have broken through to become Ancient Immortals [immortals of immense age and power], and I myself have advanced to the Late Heaven Immortal Realm [a profound stage of immortal cultivation], we can finally attempt to explore the fringes of the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond creation]."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, yet his heart soon found peace.

The few members of the Chen Immortal Clan had all achieved their Dao through the Forbidden Realm and originally possessed a considerable amount of Innate Qi [the primordial energy that existed before the formation of heaven and earth]. They would not lack for Cultivation Resources before their breakthrough into the Late Heaven Immortal Realm.

By the time they cultivated to the Late Heaven Immortal Realm, it would likely take several million years, certainly slower than Eldrin Chen's own pace.

Eldrin Chen had already decided: if he failed to find sufficient Innate Qi within the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all creation emerged] by that time, he would prioritize using the Innate Qi he had to fuel myself's breakthrough into the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm and even the Ancient Immortal Realm.

However, should he obtain sufficient opportunity and resources, Eldrin Chen would, under favorable conditions, assist his Dao companions and clan members in breaking through together.

After all, the several Heaven Immortals of the Chen Clan were all Forbidden Prodigys [prodigies who have defied fate and surpassed conventional limits]. Once their cultivation reached the Late Heaven Immortal Realm or even the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm, they would undoubtedly become powerful allies for Eldrin Chen during the coming Calamity Tribulation [a cosmic cataclysm that reshapes the heavens and tests all beings].

For this Calamity Tribulation, the Chen Immortal Clan had long since resolved to marshal the strength of their entire clan to aid Eldrin Chen in his charge toward a high-calamity Ancient Immortals [immortals who have weathered multiple cosmic tribulations], and if fortune allowed, even assist his assault on the Great Luo Realm [the realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortals, beings who have transcended the cycles of fate].

When others charge toward the Great Luo Realm, they are aided by the combined might of their entire sect or clan. Lacking such a Deep-Seated Foundation [a profound and unshakable foundation of power and legacy], the Chen Immortal Clan had no choice but for myself to nurture a powerful Immortal Clan from the ground up.

Once he broke through to the Great Luo Realm, transcending the bounds of Destiny itself, Eldrin Chen could recline high above the River of Time and Space [the metaphysical flow that governs all temporal and spatial phenomena], gazing down upon the churning tides of Mortal Dust [the mundane world of mortal affairs].

He might even leverage the power of the Calamity Tribulation to continuously make strategic moves, much like how the Frigid Imperial Lord once supported thirteen Great Luo Golden Immortals, and assist his Dao companions and clan members in breaking through to the Great Luo Realm.

Of course, assisting others in breaking through to the Great Luo Realm [the realm of a Great Luo Golden Immortal] is also an endeavor fraught with immense difficulty.

That Frigid Imperial Lord was a Quasi-Sage Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator one step below the Sage realm] who transcended the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, one of the seventy-two sages of the Human Race who existed since the Primordial Era [the mythical first age of creation]. Yet, among his disciples, there were merely thirteen who attained the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm. This clearly shows that reaching the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm cannot be achieved through external support alone.

Even if Eldrin Chen were to truly break through to the Great Luo Realm and devote all his efforts to supporting his Dao companions and clan members, the Chen Clan boasts over ten peerless Heaven's Chosen [individuals blessed with exceptional talent and destiny]. How many among them would ultimately succeed in their breakthrough, or if any would succeed at all, remains a question mark for now.

This depends not only on the opportunities and level of support Eldrin Chen can provide after his own breakthrough, but also on each individual's Creation [innate fortune and destiny] and personal talent.

Returning to the main thread, after distributing the treasures, the group could not help but feel a wave of profound joy.

Lyra Jiang stored away the Vast Cold Immortal Marrow [a legendary spiritual material of immense cold and purity], then turned to Eldrin Chen and asked, "What should we do next?"

Upon hearing this, a slight frown touched the brows of each person present.

They had managed to flee the Ruined Immortal Domain, but the final outcome of the conflict within remained unknown. They were uncertain whether they should return to the Frigant Immortal Domain at this time.

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment in silence before speaking. "Let us enter secluded cultivation here for some years. After one hundred thousand years, the war will undoubtedly have concluded."

"When that time comes, we shall quietly return to the Frigant Immortal Domain and first gather intelligence on the situation."

"Very well."

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor [a powerful ancient cultivator] nodded, his gaze grave as he said, "I shall take this opportunity to refine the Azure Abyss Ancient Cauldron [an ancient, mystical cauldron of immense power] as well."

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] nodded in agreement and began to take stock of his own gains.

Of the seven Innate Ancient Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos of creation] grade rarities obtained, Eldrin Chen alone had secured four of them.

Among these four Supreme Grade Innate Marvel [objects of supreme quality, born from the world's foundational energies], the Primordial Sacred Embryo Fruit [a fruit containing the essence of a primordial sacred embryo] was exceedingly precious. However, Eldrin Chen's own Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique [a body constitution of unparalleled resilience, forged from primordial chaos] was superior by a degree. Naturally, he would not refine it for himself, choosing instead to store it away for other purposes.

The remaining Primordial Nether Spring Water [water imbued with the essence of the primordial underworld] and Primordial Yang Extreme Fire [a flame embodying the ultimate essence of primordial yang energy] both contained Innate Great Dao Embryo [the embryonic form of a fundamental cosmic principle]. They were imbued with the Yin-Yang [the complementary forces of dark and light, passive and active] Great Dao Power [the power of a fundamental cosmic law]. These were supreme treasures for Alchemy [the art of refining spiritual pills and elixirs], perfect as ingredients or for empowering magical artifacts through alchemical rites.

Such Innate Marvels [wonders born from the world's innate energies] were of incalculable value.

Eldrin Chen planned to fuse these two rarities into his Heavenly Separated Twin Swords [a pair of legendary swords] when he broke through to the Late Heaven Immortal Realm [a high stage of immortal cultivation], aiding their ascension to become Ancient Innate Sword [swords of ancient, innate power].

As for the remaining Innate Sword Miasma [a miasma of innate, sword-aspected energy], it could be used to cultivate Sword Dao [the Path of the Sword] Divine Ability [supernatural powers and techniques]. Eldrin Chen intended to use it in the future as a catalyst to create a Supreme [of the highest grade] offensive Divine Ability.

Having decided the fates of these several rarities, Eldrin Chen settled back into his secluded cultivation, his mind at peace.

Thus, in the hurried passage of one hundred thousand years, the group finally emerged from seclusion in secret and made their way into the Frigid Immortal Domain.

They infiltrated the Frigid Immortal Domain and returned to the Horizon Sea Grotto-Heaven. Only then did they begin to quietly gather intelligence on the great battle of the Shattered Immortal Domain, and what they learned sent a jolt of shock through their hearts.

It turned out that the battle of that year had been utterly staggering, raging on for tens of thousands of years.

In that conflict, nearly half of the several dozen Ancient Immortal Great Power who participated were killed or wounded. Of the several thousand Heavenly Immortal Paragon who fought, fewer than two thousand ultimately returned.

The Humanoid Chaos Beast King was overwhelmingly powerful. With sword in hand, he fought with a near-maddened ferocity. Not only did he defeat and grievously wound Ancestor Six Harmonies, but he single-handedly slew over twenty Ancient Immortals and Ancient Ancestor.

Finally, in his death throes, a trace of Great Luo power within Demon Emperor Heaven-Sunderer was stirred, alerting the White Crane Immortal Lord.

It is said that although the White Crane Immortal Lord was within the Primal Immortal Domain—an immeasurable distance across the Primordial Chaos from that place—a single strand of his gaze, piercing through the Primordial Chaos, was still sufficient to annihilate all creation.

Under that single glance, the Humanoid Chaos Beast King was utterly obliterated, reduced to ashes. Ultimately, the Treasure Spirit within the Incomplete Ancient Sword [a damaged and ancient magical sword] was startled awake and vanished into the depths of the Primordial Chaos.

"Traversing the Boundless Chaos, a single glance annihilated a Six Calamity Chaos Beast King?"

Reading the intelligence report in his hand, Eldrin Chen drew in a sharp, cold breath.

Though it was long understood that a Great Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme being who has transcended fate and is immune to the cycles of reincarnation] exists beyond the constraints of Destiny [the predetermined course of events], impervious to the myriad calamities within Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth], and is an ineffable Supreme [ultimate and unparalleled] existence.

Yet, to annihilate a Six Calamity Chaos Beast King [a primordial beast king that has survived six great cosmic tribulations] across the boundless expanse of Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation] with but a single glance—this was truly a feat that defied all comprehension.

It would be akin to a Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a pinnacle-level immortal of the Heavenly Immortal realm] suppressing a being at the Dual Taiyi Foundation [a foundational cultivation stage where one harmonizes two supreme primordial energies] level with a mere wisp of their aura, from a distance spanning an entire Immortal Domain [a vast realm governed by immortal laws].

Such divine might was utterly inconceivable, leaving even Eldrin Chen somewhat unable to believe his own senses.

"It seems the chasm between Great Luo [the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm] and Ancient Immortals [immortals of ancient times or lower realms] is vaster than that between an ant and a Celestial Dragon [a divine dragon of heavenly origin]. They are as different as cloud and mud, no longer beings of the same order of Life [existence or vitality]," Eldrin Chen murmured, a trace of lingering fear in his gaze.

Eldrin Chen spoke softly, a flicker of belated dread in his eyes.

If such an existence truly willed his destruction with a glance, could the divine power of the Abyssal Pearl [a mystical treasure of profound and unfathomable power] truly shield myself?

Uncertainty gnawed at Eldrin Chen's heart, deepening his sense of profound insignificance.

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor drew a deep breath before speaking. "The higher one ascends on the immortal path, the more immense the gulf between each realm becomes."

"A Great Luo Golden Immortal has transcended Destiny and wields innate Great Dao Power [the fundamental power of the universe's core principles]. Even a glance cast across the void can carry with it the boundless pressure of the Great Dao [the ultimate truth and law of all existence], sufficient to obliterate all in its path."

"Unless you possess strength sufficient to defy the Great Dao [the supreme, all-encompassing principle and law of the cosmos], no matter how mighty you are, you will inevitably be reduced to dust and ashes."

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor spoke with measured gravity, concluding with a sigh, "I have witnessed not a few beings who, with the power of a Taiyi [a powerful immortal realm], dared to challenge and slay Heaven Immortal [a celestial immortal]. Such events have occurred in nearly every Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortals]."

"However, for an Ancient Immortals [a venerable immortal of great age and power] to defy and slay a Great Luo [the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm] is fundamentally impossible."

"Surveying all the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the myriad realms of the immortal world], none have ever achieved such a feat."

"Even an existence who has shattered the Eighth Heaven barrier, wielding an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos] with all their might to resist, would be effortlessly suppressed by a Great Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Great Luo realm]."

"The chasm between them is so vast that it cannot be bridged by mere Defy Heaven [the act of rebelling against heaven's will or natural order]."

Eldrin Chen listened in profound silence, his expression growing ever more grave.

In that moment, he finally understood why, apart from the times of Calamity Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of heavenly retribution and cosmic upheaval], it was nearly impossible for anyone to break through to the Great Luo Realm in other epochs.

The fundamental reason lay in the fact that once a Great Luo Golden Immortal intervened, even an Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight great heavenly calamities] would possess no power to resist.

Only during the Calamity Tribulation, when Great Luo Golden Immortals are forbidden from directly interfering, can a suitable environment for such a breakthrough exist.

At this thought, Eldrin Chen suddenly recalled something else and could not help but ask, "How did Purple Immortal Lord break through back in the day?"

"Purple Immortal Lord?"

Upon hearing this, Celestial Maiden smiled and said, "Born with a Chaos Supreme Treasure by his side, Purple Immortal Lord possessed a Dao Ancestor Fate [a destiny ordained to reach the pinnacle of the Dao] that was above the Primordial Chaos level from the very beginning. He never needed to shatter the ninth layer of the Destiny Heavenly Pass [the ultimate barrier of fate and destiny]."

"When he ascended to the Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal realm, his breakthrough occurred as naturally as water flowing in its course."

"Indeed."

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor also nodded, his gaze filled with immense envy as he said, "He was born with a Dao Ancestor Fate [a destiny ordained to reach the pinnacle of the Dao], fated to ascend to the Great Luo realm and even to the state of a Dao Ancestor [the ultimate progenitor of a Great Dao]."

"Anyone who obstructs their path to the Dao would be opposing Destiny [the cosmic principle of fate], tribulation fortune, and even the boundless Primordial Chaos Great Dao [the fundamental Dao of the formless primordial chaos]. This is something even a Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [an immortal sage who has attained the Dao Ancestor realm] would find difficult to accomplish."

"I believe that even Divine Sovereign Celestial Emperor would be unable to prevent his breakthrough into the Chaos Realm. He could only strike at the very instant of the breakthrough, and even then, he would likely have to pay an immense and terrible price."

"A born Dao Ancestor [the ultimate progenitor of a Great Dao] with a Destiny [the cosmic principle of fate]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a profound tremor in his heart. He exchanged a glance with Lyra Jiang, both of them overwhelmed by a sense of awe and astonishment.

To be born with the destiny of a Dao Ancestor [the ultimate progenitor of a cosmic principle or path]—does that not mean one is fated to ascend to that very realm, with any obstacle to that ascension being as futile as a mantis trying to stop a chariot? The very notion is utterly staggering.

Seeing this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor spoke once more, "Such individuals, blessed by Heaven's Mandate, are not entirely without precedent."

"Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the vast and myriad realms of the immortal world], there exist beings born in accordance with cosmic fortune. They are innately free from the Destiny Heavenly Pass [the celestial tribulations and bottlenecks that bar the path of cultivation], destined to break through to the Great Luo Realm [the supreme realm of immortality and cosmic unity]."

"According to the words of the Purple Immortal Lord, among the one hundred and eight Immortal Lord [a title for powerful immortal beings] under the tutelage of Sage-King of the Grand Abyss, nine were such Heaven-mandated Great Luo Golden Immortal [an immortal of the Great Luo Realm]. They advanced through the Great Luo Realm without encountering a single hindrance, and their power is counted among the very pinnacle of all Great Luo."

"Then there is Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign, who, legend holds, also attained the Dao as a Heaven-mandated Divine Sovereign [a divine emperor]. His entire journey of ascension to the Chaos Realm [a primordial realm of formless potential] was likewise smooth and effortless, free from calamity or hardship." For uninterrupted reading, go to audio-novel . com.