Chapter 1806 : The Uncharted Cosmos Realm

Eldrin Chen spoke with a faint, yet rare note of pride in his voice.

The ten realms preceding the Great Luo in the Self-Sacrifice Path contain one more realm than the Immortal Path. Consequently, the Cosmos Realm of the Self-Sacrifice Path will far surpass the Heaven Immortal Realm of the Immortal Path.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, the cultivation of the Cosmos Realm should be considered a fusion of the Celestial Immortal Realm and the Ancient Immortal Realm.

The fundamental reason lies in how Eldrin Chen refined and extended the transitional realm of the Martial Path, the Three Realms Realm.

The Three Realms Realm was originally only comparable to a Half-Step Celestial Immortal at the Taiyi Realm level. However, by harnessing the power of the Inner Cosmos, the Self-Sacrifice Path perfected this transitional realm into a completely new realm.

Furthermore, Eldrin Chen estimated that, unlike the great powers of the Immortal Path at the Heaven Immortal Realm, the cultivation method for Cosmos Realm powerhouses to forge the Ten Great Divine Treasuries and break through the Ancient Immortal Realm might differ from that of the Immortal Path.

Regardless, to single-handedly establish a ten-realm cultivation method for the Self-Sacrifice Path beyond the boundless Immortal Path, and to have its Inner Cosmos surpass the orthodox Outer Cosmos method of the Immortal Path—his talent could truly be called unprecedented.

Consider this: even if the Self-Sacrifice Path were weaker than the Immortal Path, let alone the fact that it has partially surpassed it, this achievement would still represent immeasurable merit and profound genius.

This is because the Immortal Path is a solitary journey along the Great Dao [the supreme, fundamental principle of existence]. While it is a majestic Great Dao, it can only be practiced by those who possess a Spiritual Root [the innate spiritual foundation required for cultivation].

Yet, his Self-Sacrifice Path can deliver all sentient beings [to enlightenment or salvation]; the two paths are simply incomparable. Continue your cultivation journey at audio-novel`com.

It must be understood that the existence of a Spiritual Root [the innate spiritual foundation required for cultivation] in this world is, in itself, a one-in-a-thousand rarity. For mortals whose ancestors had no cultivators, the chance to give birth to a child with a Spiritual Root is even more remote—one in a hundred thousand, or even one in a million.

The Immortal Path [the orthodox path of cultivation leading to immortality] guides people, yet at most it selects one from a thousand, or perhaps one from ten thousand. In contrast, the cultivation path of Eldrin Chen can ferry across the vast multitudes of all living beings.

Even though this path is more rugged, demanding boundless courage and willpower far surpassing the ordinary to grasp even a sliver of a chance to attain the Dao, it is the sole path to Longevity [a metaphorical state of enduring existence or enlightenment] for countless mortals.

Moreover, Eldrin Chen believed that although this path was more arduous, with nearly all who attempt it perishing or meeting their end during the 'Sacrificial Self' [a critical, perilous stage of cultivation involving profound self-renunciation] phase, it possesses the power to temper one's will.

As long as one can break through the Self-Sacrificial Realm [the cultivation realm attained after surviving the Sacrificial Self stage], their innate talent and comprehension might be uncertain, but they would undoubtedly be a peerless Heaven's Chosen [a title for a prodigy favored by destiny] with a will that startles immortals. Perhaps their likelihood of breaking through the Heaven-Opening Realm [a profound realm representing the opening of one's connection to the heavens] would be far greater than that of an ordinary Immortal [a cultivator who has attained immortality].

"The Self-Sacrifice Path [the cultivation art centered on the principle of self-sacrifice], this is a single thread of hope offered to mortals."

"Even if one is but a mere mortal, always as humble as dust, as insignificant as an ant upon the mountain."

"Yet, as long as the Dao Heart [the unwavering heart and resolve aligned with the Dao] remains unshaken, enduring ten thousand hardships and perils, the day will eventually come when the ant transforms into a True Dragon [a mythical, supreme dragon, symbolizing ultimate power and ascension]."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, finally setting aside the distracting thoughts within his heart.

He pondered no further and began to quietly immerse himself in cultivation once more, accumulating his own Deep-Seated Foundation [the profound and stable foundational power of a cultivator] and Mana [the refined spiritual energy or life force used in cultivation].

During the million years of cultivation within the Reincarnation body, Eldrin Chen, This Venerable One, also engaged in relentless and arduous cultivation.

With the aid of vast resources and rare treasures, and empowered by twenty-eight High-Grade Innate Ancient Tree, Eldrin Chen's cultivation progressed with astonishing speed, having broken through to the Fifth Heaven Celestial Immortal realm as early as two hundred thousand years ago.

During this period, the various Heavenly Immortal Paragon of the Chen Immortal Clan had also all advanced to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm. Even individuals from the Abyssal Immortal Alliance such as Divine Lord Glaze and Zixuan the Daoist had cultivated to the Third Heaven Celestial Immortal realm.

It appears that before the Calamity Tribulation, quite a few members of the Abyssal Immortal Alliance will be able to break through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm.

After Nyssa Qu and Verdant Consort and others broke through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm, their combat prowess was already comparable to that of a Seventh Heaven Immortal Great Power.

In the following time, Eldrin Chen began leading them to explore the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], allowing them to adapt to its environment while also searching for traces of Chaos Qi [the primordial energy of creation].

Unfortunately, the Three Thousand Immortal Domains held little Chaos Qi. Over the course of more than one million eight hundred thousand years, they ventured deep into the Primordial Chaos on seven separate occasions, yet obtained fewer than ten strands of Innate Qi [primordial spiritual essence of the highest order].

These strands of Innate Qi were beneath Eldrin Chen's notice, so he distributed them among his five Dao Companions, including Nyssa Qu.

During this process, Lyra Jiang's cultivation had also broken through to the fifth or sixth layer of the Heaven Immortal realm, while Eldrin Chen's own cultivation had already reached the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm.

Fortunately, through seven consecutive expeditions into the Primordial Chaos, the group had developed a significant degree of adaptability to it. Even if Eldrin Chen were not leading them in the future, they would possess formidable self-preservation capabilities within this expanse of Primordial Chaos surrounding the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

On this day, Eldrin Chen journeyed through the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before the creation of the cosmos] alongside his five Dao Companions: Lyra Jiang, Verdant Consort, and the others.

Suddenly, through the boundless expanse of the Primordial Chaos, they glimpsed a vast and ancient continent, its form flickering between visibility and obscurity.

"Ahead lies the Frigid Immortal Domain,"

Eldrin Chen said with a smile, gazing upon the sprawling Immortal Domain [a vast realm governed by immortal laws and powers] before them.

Upon hearing his words, everyone let out a subtle sigh of relief. Their exploration of the Primordial Chaos had spanned over three hundred thousand years, an immeasurable journey that had finally brought them to their destination.

Seeing this, Yvonne the Violet Consort remarked with a gentle smile, "Since we have reached the Frigid Immortal Domain, we shall soon be reunited with Celestial Maiden and Senior Tianya." Continue reading this story at audio—novel.com.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod in agreement. His purpose for coming to the Frigid Immortal Domain was twofold.

The first was to deliver a gift to Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and Celestial Maiden, aiding them in their attempt to break through to the Ancient Immortal Realm [a legendary realm of cultivation, representing immense age and power].

The second was to attend the Frigid Immortal Domain's once-in-a-million-years Barter Convention [a grand gathering for the exchange of rare and powerful treasures], to procure a specific treasure he required and to make preparations for his own impending breakthrough to the Seventh Heaven Immortal [a high and profound stage of immortal cultivation].

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Not long ago, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor sent word that he would soon attempt his ascension to the Ancient Immortal Realm."

"By now, considering the time, he should be nearing his attempt to break through to the Ancient Immortals. It is time for me to lend them my aid."

As they spoke, the trio traversed the World's Primordial Membrane and arrived within the borders of the Frigid Immortal Domain.

They did not linger, immediately journeying through the Boundless Void. Soon, they arrived at Celestial Mountain and met with the Heavenly Mountain Goddess.

During this journey, the group also had an audience with the Primordial Ice Silkworm.

Though millions of years had passed since their last meeting, Eldrin Chen had once received great favor from the Primordial Ice Silkworm, and Lila shared a master-disciple bond and karmic legacy with the Celestial Maiden. This reunion naturally stirred profound emotions within them all.

To repay this old debt of gratitude, Eldrin Chen presented the Primordial Ice Silkworm with three Innate Taiyi Pill, three Ninth Rank Innate Heaven-Mending Pill, and three Innate Marvels—all exceedingly rare and divine treasures.

In turn, Lila reciprocated this kindness, offering three portions of Innate Frost Soul Water to the Primordial Ice Silkworm to settle the karmic ties from that bygone era.

The Primordial Ice Silkworm possessed a cultivation base only at the Taiyi Realm. Its Deep-Seated Foundation was not considered exceptional among Half-Step Celestial Immortal cultivators. However, with these precious resources—coveted even by Heavenly Immortal Paragon—its chances of a future breakthrough into the Heaven Immortal Realm would be vastly increased.

Indeed, after its own breakthrough, there would likely be a significant surplus remaining, sufficient to help the Snow Lotus Grotto-Heaven [a grotto-heaven, a blessed realm of cultivation, named after snow lotuses] nurture one or two more Heavenly Immortal Paragon.

"These gifts are far too precious."

The Celestial Maiden [a title for a high-ranking female immortal] accepted the gifts from the Primordial Ice Silkworm [a mythical creature of profound cold essence], yet her tone remained exceedingly courteous as she said, "You are most thoughtful."

She did not dwell further on the karmic ties of master and disciple with Lila. Although Lila had inherited her cultivation methods in the past, they had never formally established a true master-disciple relationship, and thus Lila could not be considered a true Personal Disciple [a disciple personally taught and accepted by a master].

Now, Lila's cultivation and innate talent were extraordinary, and she was also Eldrin Chen's Dao Companion [a cultivation partner sharing a profound spiritual bond]. Recognizing her as a disciple now was no longer appropriate.

After the group exchanged pleasantries for a short while, the Celestial Maiden finally spoke again, "Your arrival is most timely. Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor is preparing to enter seclusion for a breakthrough and is currently arranging the Formation [a complex array of energy channels and symbols used for defense, cultivation, or other mystical purposes] needed to advance to the Ancient Immortals [a revered rank of immortal cultivators of great age and power] realm."

"I was just about to go and guard his Dao [protect him during his critical cultivation breakthrough]. You shall accompany me."

"Agreed."

Eldrin Chen nodded. Together with the Celestial Maiden, they departed for the Violet Radiance Celestial Domain.

They tore through the Void [the empty space between dimensions, used for rapid travel] and soon arrived within the Horizon Sea Grotto-Heaven [a blessed, secluded realm often used for cultivation], where they met Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor.

At that time, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor had already mostly completed setting up the Mountain Guardian Formation [a powerful defensive array]. The group stepped forward to assist, and the Formation was soon fully deployed.

Once everything was properly arranged, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor, Eldrin Chen, the Celestial Maiden, Lyra Jiang, and the others secretly made their way to the Cultivation Cave [a chamber specifically prepared for deep meditation and advancement].

After everyone had taken their seats, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor spoke, "Lately, I have felt my Mana [the spiritual energy cultivated by immortals] reach perfection, and my foundation has largely stabilized. The time is ripe to attempt a breakthrough to the Ancient Immortal Realm [a profound and powerful stage of immortal cultivation]."

"When does the Senior plan to make the attempt?"

Eldrin Chen inquired, his expression turning quite solemn.

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor pondered for a moment before replying, "I shall wait a few more millennia. I intend to see if this upcoming Barter Convention [a grand gathering for the exchange of rare cultivation resources] yields any spiritual treasures that can aid in the breakthrough."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slow, understanding nod.

A breakthrough to the Ancient Immortal Realm was no trivial matter. Generally, only a Supreme Grade Innate Marvel [a treasure of supreme quality, born of heaven and earth] could increase one's chances of success by ten or twenty percent.

Although Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor possessed the Innate Primordial Chaos Pill [a legendary pill forged from primordial chaos] and an Innate Divine Foundation [a divinely blessed innate constitution for cultivation], his actual odds of successfully ascending to the ranks of the Ancient Immortals [venerable and powerful immortals] in a single attempt were merely fifty or sixty percent.

While odds of fifty or sixty percent were not insignificant, the possibility of failure remained substantial.

On that foundation, if he could acquire several High Grade Innate Rare Treasure [high-quality treasures of innate origin] that assist in breakthroughs, he might be able to add a few more slivers of certainty, marginally increasing his chances of success.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen retrieved two white Jade Vial from his sleeve and offered them to Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and the Celestial Maiden, saying, "This is the Heaven-Earth Creation Water [a miraculous water born from the union of heaven and earth]. If you two Seniors consume it, it should further increase your odds of a successful breakthrough."

Celestial Maiden [a title for a high-ranking female immortal] and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor both wore solemn expressions upon hearing this. They took the white Jade Vial [a container carved from spiritual jade] and examined it, confirming that each indeed contained three thousand drops of Heaven-Earth Creation Water [a primordial spiritual liquid that aids in creation and breakthrough]. Uncontrollable joy spread across their faces.

"With the aid of this treasure, this old man's chances of a successful breakthrough should now be seventy to eighty percent."

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor spoke slowly, a flicker of excitement evident in his expression.

A seventy to eighty percent success rate was remarkably high. If one were to fail even with such odds, it could only be attributed to a lack of destined fortune.

Even so, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor suppressed his inner fervor and said, "There is no need for haste. This Barter Convention [a grand gathering for the exchange of rare treasures] still has several High Grade Innate Rare Treasure [naturally formed treasures of exceptional rarity and power] on offer."

"Among them are a few that can slightly increase the odds of breaking through to the Ancient Immortals [a venerable rank of immortal cultivators] realm. I will certainly not miss this opportunity."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile faintly.

This Barter Convention indeed featured many remarkable treasures, some of which were urgently needed by the Chen Immortal Clan. That was precisely why Eldrin Chen had made the journey here.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen inquired, "When does the Barter Convention commence?"

"In another seventy thousand years," Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor replied calmly, then added with a smile, "I shall take you there when the time comes."

Seventy thousand years [seventy thousand years] is not considered a long span of time for a Heavenly Immortal Paragon [a supreme existence at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Immortal realm].

Eldrin Chen and the Chen Immortal Clan did not return either; they merely secluded themselves for cultivation within the Horizon Sea Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm of cultivation], and these seventy thousand years passed by in a fleeting blur.

On this day, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and Celestial Maiden summoned Eldrin Chen and then proceeded towards the Central Realm [the central continent] of the Frigid Immortal Domain [an immortal realm governed by the power of frost].

The Celestial Domain [a major administrative and spiritual region within an Immortal Domain] where the Central Realm of the Frigid Immortal Domain is located is named the Frigid Heaven Domain. Legend holds that this Celestial Domain was the early Daoist Assembly Ground [a sacred site for cultivation and gathering] where Frigid Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord whose power embodies frost] secluded himself for cultivation.

After Frigid Imperial Lord took control of a portion of the Heavenly Dao Authority [the authority to wield the laws of heaven and earth] within the Primal Immortal Domain [the primordial and central Immortal Domain] and became the Imperial Lord of the Primordial Immortal Domain, he established a new Daoist Assembly Ground within the Primal Immortal Domain. He then relinquished the Frigid Immortal Domain, designating it as one of the Formation Eye [a critical node powering a grand formation] for the Three Thousand Immortal Domains Grand Formation [a cosmic-scale defensive formation encompassing three thousand Immortal Domains].

It is said that in the earliest times, there were still quite a few disciples of Frigid Imperial Lord cultivating within the Frigid Immortal Domain.

However, after traversing several epochs such as the Primordial Era and the Ancient Era, and reaching the current age—where thirteen Great Luo Immortal Lord [Lords of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm] have successively emerged from Frigid Imperial Lord's lineage—most of those disciples have since departed from the Frigid Immortal Domain.

The disciples from Frigid Imperial Lord's past either went to the Imperial Lord's Daoist Assembly Ground within the Primal Immortal Domain, or they followed the thirteen Great Luo Immortal Lord into the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless chaos beyond the ordered realms] to seek greater opportunities and fortunes.

Consequently, the various major powers currently within the Frigid Immortal Domain now have little connection to the Frigid Ancestral Court [the original sect or lineage founded by Frigid Imperial Lord].

Only this Frigid Heaven Domain within the Central Realm, serving as Frigid Imperial Lord's former Daoist Assembly Ground, still has disciples from the Frigid Ancestral Court cultivating within its bounds.

These individuals of the Frigid Imperial Lord hold a transcendent status, presiding over the largest immortal city within the Frigid Immortal Domain and also controlling its greatest merchant consortium.

The Barter Convention, held once every million years within the Frigid Immortal Domain, also takes place within the confines of the Frigid Heaven Domain.

"This is the Frigid Immortal City."

The Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor led the group as they flew into the Frigid Immortal Domain, only coming to a halt before an ancient palace.

Gazing upon the magnificent immortal city before him, his expression grew solemn. "This city was constructed by the Frigid Imperial Lord in ancient times. It has endured for countless eons without decay. Legend speaks of a lingering essence of the Great Dao [the fundamental principle underlying all existence] left behind by the Frigid Imperial Lord himself," he said gravely.

"We must all show due reverence. Be mindful not to act disrespectfully."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's expression immediately turned serious, and he dared not show the slightest negligence.

After offering a respectful, slight bow towards the immortal city, Eldrin Chen then followed the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor as they proceeded.

Yet, before they had traveled far, he perceived an intangible, lingering Dao essence within the Frigid Immortal City. It carried an aura of piercing frost and profound cold, yet it harmed no one, its nature elusive and inscrutable.

"Such astonishing power," he murmured inwardly.

"It appears gentle and placid, yet within it lies a power akin to a tempestuous sea, capable of erasing all existence should it be unleashed."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a shiver of dread running through him.

He dared not look further and immediately averted his gaze, following the others as they ascended towards Frigid Immortal City.

At the same time, far within the Primal Immortal Domain, in a tranquil and serene Immortal Hall, a peerlessly elegant female immortal clad in White Robe opened her eyes, a flicker of puzzlement within them.

"Who is it, who has stirred the Dao Essence [the fundamental principle and power of one's cultivation path] I have left behind?"

Frigid Imperial Lord furrowed her brow slightly. She raised a hand, her fingers moving subtly as she performed a divination. After a moment, her expression grew even more solemn. "The Heavenly Secrets [the art of reading fate and cosmic patterns] are obscured, a scene of utter Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation]."

"Whoever touched my Dao Essence... I cannot trace even a wisp of their presence."

At this thought, Frigid Imperial Lord's gaze darkened. She dared not continue her divination.

An existence that could leave her utterly incapable of tracing its presence... this was far beyond the capability of a mere Quasi-Sage Imperial Lord. This could only be the work of a being of Chaos Rank [a realm of existence transcending conventional cosmic order].

"It does not resemble the handiwork of those few Celestial Emperor Divine Sovereign, nor should it be an Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage. Could it possibly be..." Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio–novel.com.