Chapter 1813 : The Grotto-Heavens Unify
On the very next day, the Abyssal Immortal Alliance [a powerful coalition of immortal cultivators] began the process of merging the Three Great Grotto-Heavens [three major pocket realms of profound spiritual energy].
With the assistance of over forty Heaven Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the heavenly realm] from the Abyssal Immortal Alliance, merging the Three Great Grotto-Heavens was not an overly difficult task.
They spent tens of thousands of years, continuously laying down grand formations within the Three Great Grotto-Heavens. By harnessing the power of the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact [a supreme treasure connected to the fundamental laws of the cosmos], they catalyzed the unification of the three realms. Ultimately, this elevated the Abyssal Grotto-Heaven [the resulting combined realm] to the level of a Supreme-Grade Grotto-Heaven [the highest grade of spiritual pocket dimension].
Throughout this entire process, the Heavenly Immortal Paragon [peak-level heavenly immortals] of the Demon and God Races [the allied forces of demonic and divine beings] offered no further obstruction.
The fundamental reasons for this were twofold. First, just as the Demon and God Races had been able to hinder the Pure Yang Ancient Ancestor and the Ethereal Void Sword Master when Cang Jun attacked, the great powers of the Human Race would in turn intervene to stop them.
Second, and more crucially, was the extraordinary combat prowess of Eldrin Chen, who had now fully refined the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact.
Any Heavenly Immortal Paragon who successfully refines a Heavenly Dao Source Artifact gains combat strength comparable to that of the Ancient Immortals [immortals who have survived for eons].
Furthermore, Eldrin Chen's Physical Body [his bodily cultivation] was already on par with an Ancient Immortal Great Power [a mighty figure among the ancient immortals]. Now, augmented by the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact, his power had soared to a level at least equivalent to an Ancient Immortals who had survived two heavenly tribulations.
Most importantly, Eldrin Chen, having refined the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact of the Abyssal Heaven Domain [the celestial domain of the abyss], could draw upon the support of the entire Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea [a vast and spiritually rich sea region] as long as he remained within its bounds.
On his home territory, the empowerment granted by the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact multiplied severalfold. This bolstering was overwhelmingly potent. Unless an Ancient Immortals who had weathered four or five tribulations personally took action, Eldrin Chen was virtually invincible, standing upon unshakable ground. Original publication: www . audio-novel.com - The source of this chapter.
Under such circumstances, naturally, no one was willing to risk provoking Eldrin Chen.
"The empowerment of the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact [a supreme treasure that embodies the foundational laws of the cosmos] is truly extraordinary," he mused.
After the successful ascension of the Abyssal Grotto-Heaven [a self-contained pocket dimension of immense spiritual power], Eldrin Chen finally had a rare moment of leisure to contemplate the profound might of the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact.
Yet, this very contemplation filled him with profound astonishment.
Eldrin Chen discovered that, blessed by the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact, myself could, while still within the bounds of the Western Qi Divine Abyss Sea [a vast and perilous sea region], draw upon the entire World's Primordial Qi [the primordial, foundational energy of a world] of the Abyssal Heaven Domain [his personal dominion, a realm of profound power] at will, from any location.
The Heavenly Dao Power [the cosmic authority and energy derived from the fundamental laws of existence] of the entire Abyssal Heaven Domain—how immense must its potency be?
If one could truly mobilize it all, it would likely rival the power of an Ancient Immortals [a venerable cultivator who has transcended mortality and weathered multiple heavenly tribulations] who had survived seven or more heavenly tribulations.
However, Eldrin Chen's current strength was insufficient; he could only channel a fraction of that power. Yet, even this portion was staggering, granting him the combat prowess to challenge and slay Ancient Immortals.
"As I am now, within the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain [the overarching immortal realm], I can unleash power comparable to an Ancient Immortals of two tribulations," he assessed. "But within my Abyssal Heaven Domain, my strength rivals that of a Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived three heavenly calamities]."
"In terms of defensive capability alone, with the protection of the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact, my resilience within the Abyssal Heaven Domain is likely on par with an Ancient Immortals of four, perhaps even five, tribulations."
Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his heart filled with immense astonishment.
If he was already this formidable, then what supreme power must the Pure Yang Ancient Immortals [powerful cultivators who have transcended mortality and achieved a state of near-immortality], the Golden Crow Ancient Immortal, and others like the Frost Soul Ancient Immortals wield within the Celestial Domain [a higher realm of existence] where myself resides?
"Within one's native Celestial Domain, it can augment one's combat power by two calamities [a measure of power based on surviving heavenly tribulations]; within the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain, it can augment power by one calamity."
"However, there is a limit. At most, it can allow one to possess combat power comparable to a Seven Calamity Combat Power [the level of power associated with surviving seven heavenly tribulations] within one's native domain, and at most a six-calamity power outside of it."
Eldrin Chen spoke quietly, and after repeated calculations, he gained a certain understanding of the empowerment granted by the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact [a supreme treasure born from the essence of the Heavenly Dao, the fundamental law of the universe].
Of course, these empowerments are only effective within one's native domain. Once one leaves the range where the power of the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain can project, the empowerment becomes almost negligible.
And the range of the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain's power projection is essentially limited to its immediate vicinity. A Heaven Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm] would need only a century of flight to escape it.
Beyond that distance, venturing into the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], the empowerment of this Heavenly Dao Source Artifact would cease to exist.
"With this Heavenly Dao Source Qi [the primordial energy that is the source of the Heavenly Dao], it's like having an extra talisman of protection within the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain."
"Yet, it offers no utility whatsoever for my explorations into the Primordial Chaos."
Eldrin Chen murmured softly, finally setting the thought aside.
He planned that in the future, while journeying through the Primordial Chaos, he would leave behind an avatar to wield the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact [a supreme treasure that embodies the source of the Heavenly Dao], preventing others from coveting the Abyssal Heaven Domain in his absence.
Returning to the main topic, after elevating the Abyssal Grotto-Heaven to the Peerless grade, Eldrin Chen once again immersed himself in secluded cultivation.
In the years that followed, Eldrin Chen continued his secluded cultivation, ceaselessly contemplating the Innate Dao Principles [the fundamental principles of the Dao inherent to one's being] and the cultivation of the Dao Fruit [the ultimate fruit of one's cultivation path, representing profound enlightenment and power].
However, his Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique [an innate, unbreakable body forged from primordial essence] was overwhelmingly powerful. With its sheer might, it suppressed the power of both the Dao Principles and the Dao Fruit.
Its potent exclusivity and supreme, singular nature significantly increased the difficulty for Eldrin Chen to comprehend the Dao Principles and the Dao Fruit. For more chapters, visit audio-novel .c om for the complete novel.
"No wonder," he mused, "after a cultivator breaks through to the Late Heaven Immortal Realm, advancing further to the Eighth Heaven Immortal and the Ninth Layer Celestial Immortal presents such formidable bottlenecks."
Eldrin Chen uttered these words softly, a slight frown creasing his brow. Yet, after a moment's contemplation, the furrow smoothed away.
He understood this truth deeply: the path of the Great Dao [the ultimate, all-encompassing Way] demands absolute sovereignty.
Any path, pursued to its ultimate end, develops an aura that dominates all others, possessing an immensely powerful exclusivity that naturally suppresses the growth of alternative ways.
Yet, from another perspective, if Eldrin Chen's Dao Principles [the fundamental laws and truths one comprehends on the path of cultivation] and Dao Fruit [the ultimate spiritual attainment and proof of one's cultivation path] could not break through such suppression, then they would be unworthy of coexisting with the Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique [a legendary, heaven-defying body constitution of immense durability and power].
At that point, it would be better to walk a single path to its absolute end, relying solely on the power of the Physical Body [the corporeal form, honed to supernatural levels through cultivation] to shatter all worlds and forcibly prove one's way into the Great Luo Realm [a supreme realm of existence and power].
Ascension through the Physical Body is a legend, but not an utterly unique Myth.
Since ancient times, there have existed a few beings who achieved Fleshly Body Sanctification [the state of having one's physical body purified and elevated to a sacred, immortal level]. Such powerhouses could suppress all other paths with their own, using the force of their Physical Body alone to overwhelm the Great Dao [the supreme, underlying principle of all existence], Dao Fruit, Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true self of a cultivator], Mana [the refined spiritual energy used to cast spells and techniques], and the other six Heavenly Pass [the supreme bottlenecks or gates one must pass through to attain higher realms].
They could even use the power of their Physical Body to directly shatter Destiny [the preordained fate or heavenly mandate of a being], sever their own River of Fate [the metaphysical stream representing one's destiny and life course], and forcefully break into the Great Luo Golden Immortal Realm [the realm of the Golden Immortals within the Great Luo hierarchy].
It is said that those who ascend through the Physical Body, even among the peerless Heaven's Chosen [prodigies favored by heaven itself] who suppress myriad paths with one, are unrivaled within their realm among Great Luo Golden Immortal.
Of course, the Path of Flesh Sanctification is also incomparably arduous. Those capable of taking this step are the most astonishing and transcendent geniuses upon the Great Dao of the Physical Body.
If breaking through the Fleshly Body Celestial Passage [the ultimate heavenly gate for physical body cultivation] is counted as breaking one's limits nine times, then such peerless geniuses have, at the very least, broken their limits three more times beyond that foundation.
Eldrin Chen's Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique had already broken limits nine times, making it comparable to a Half-Step Great Luo Physique [a physical body halfway to the legendary Great Luo level].
If he continued down this path, it would be sufficient to rely upon it for ascension through the Physical Body, naturally granting him the confidence and audacity to suppress all paths with one.
"The path of Physical Body [cultivating one's physical form to the pinnacle of the Great Dao] attaining the Great Dao is a legend, but that is not the path I shall walk."
Eldrin Chen murmured slowly, his gaze blazing with intensity as he declared, "What I seek is for the Physical Body, the Laws of the Dao [the fundamental principles and rules that govern reality and cultivation], and even the Dao Fruit [the ultimate spiritual attainment and crystallization of one's cultivation path]..."
"...each to independently prove the Great Dao [the supreme, ultimate truth and principle underlying all existence]!"
Eldrin Chen slowly closed his eyes, continuing to contemplate the power of the Innate Dao Principles [the primordial, inherent laws of reality that one is born comprehending].
Although the Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique [a legendary, unbreakable bodily constitution innate from the dawn of creation] suppressed the power of the Dao Fruit and Dao Principles, with Eldrin Chen's comprehension and willpower, he was confident he could shatter the barriers and cultivate both the Innate Primordial Limitless Dao Principle [the boundless, innate principle of the primordial Dao] and the Innate Primordial Indestructible Dao Fruit [the indestructible spiritual fruit of cultivation, innate from the primordial era] to the Great Vehicle [the supreme stage or vehicle of cultivation, often associated with enlightenment and transcendence].
Thus, as time flowed on and his contemplation deepened, Eldrin Chen's insights into the Dao Fruit and Dao Principles grew ever more profound. He was separated from achieving Great Perfection by only the final barrier.
Yet on this day, Eldrin Chen emerged from his secluded cultivation, forgoing the final breakthrough and contemplation.
"This final barrier... without external pressure, relying solely on oneself to break through would require expending no small amount of effort. It would likely take me around one million years to accomplish," he mused.
"Unfortunately, given the current circumstances, time is somewhat insufficient."
Eldrin Chen whispered to himself, recalling the agreement made with Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and the Celestial Maiden to venture into the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state of existence before the cosmos was ordered] after three hundred thousand years.
Now that the appointed date of three hundred thousand years was drawing near, Eldrin Chen decided it was time to end his seclusion.
"Indeed," he mused. "My current comprehension of the Laws of the Dao [the fundamental principles governing reality] and the Dao Fruit [the ultimate fruit of one's cultivation path] is already sufficient to reach the Great Perfection Realm. What remains is merely to shatter the suppression imposed by my Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique [a supreme, heaven-defying physical constitution]."
"Forcing myself to break the shackles placed by myself is a troublesome affair. It would be best to utilize the pressure of the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond ordered realms] to achieve the breakthrough."
With these quiet words, Eldrin Chen emerged from seclusion, bid farewell to Lyra Jiang and the others, and then, using the Abyssal Pearl, departed beyond the borders of the Frigid Immortal Domain.
Upon arriving at the Frigid Immortal Domain, he did not linger but proceeded directly to the Horizon Sea Grotto-Heaven. There, he met with the Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor, who had been awaiting his arrival.
"You have come," they greeted him.
The Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor had been waiting for some time. Seeing Eldrin Chen, they smiled in welcome.
The Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor offered a gentle smile, pouring a cup of tea for Eldrin Chen as he explained, "We successfully refined our respective Innate Ancient Treasure [a treasure born from one's very essence, growing in power with its master] over one hundred thousand years ago. Since then, we have been consolidating our cultivation bases and honing our combat prowess."
"Now that you are here, it is time for us to depart."
Eldrin Chen accepted the teacup, took a sip, and replied with a light laugh, "It seems I am the latecomer."
"Not late at all," Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal] smiled, then continued: "This journey is perilous; it is precisely the right time to make more preparations."
Upon hearing this, the expressions of the two others turned grave. After all, this was their first time venturing into the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond the ordered realms], and being utterly ignorant of the dangers ahead naturally bred some apprehension.
Even though this was merely the Chaos Sea Fringe [the outermost boundary region of the Sea of Chaos], where one could still flee back to the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad ordered realms of cultivation], it was, after all, still the true Sea of Chaos.
After a moment of collective silence, it was Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor who spoke: "There is no need for excessive tension. According to the information I have gathered over the years from other Ancient Immortals [cultivators who have ascended to immortality and weathered celestial tribulations]..."
"...Ancient Immortals like us, who have weathered Three Tribulations, can still maintain the combat power of a First Calamity Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived their first heavenly tribulation] within the Sea of Chaos. That should be sufficient to deal with weaker Chaos Beast Kings [powerful rulers of beast hordes born from primordial chaos]."
"Coupled with the fact that the three of us are joining forces, our ability to preserve our lives should not be insignificant."
Hearing this, the other two could not help but nod in agreement.
Even within the Sea of Chaos, a Chaos Beast King is considered a formidable power. The vast majority of Chaos Ancient Beasts [ancient creatures native to the primordial chaos] are of Ninth Rank [a high cultivation tier for spiritual beasts], middle or lower grade.
Those capable of reaching the level of a Chaos Beast King are either sovereigns of a Primordial Chaos [the state of undifferentiated matter and energy before creation] beast horde or mighty Primordial Chaos predators. Such powerful entities are not exceedingly common even in the Chaos Sea Fringe.
Both Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor are Three Tribulations Ancient Immortals. Upon entering the Sea of Chaos, they can still maintain the combat power of Ancient Immortals, rivaling the weakest of Chaos Beast Kings. This already constitutes a respectable level of strength.
After Eldrin Chen's Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique [a legendary body constitution said to be unbreakable and eternal] reached its Great Completion stage, it could ignore the suppressive pressure of the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse between ordered worlds]. His combat power was roughly comparable to more than half of a Chaos Beast King [a primordial monster born from the Sea of Chaos, immensely powerful].
If he further utilized the Heaven-Severing Twin Swords Union [a supreme sword technique where two blades unite to unleash world-cleaving power], then Eldrin Chen could, for a short time, even unleash an offensive force rivaling that of a Chaos Beast King that had weathered two or three heavenly tribulations.
With the three of them joining forces, as long as they did not encounter a Chaos Beast King that had weathered four tribulations, their chances of escaping back to the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of order and cultivation] were not insignificant.
"We will only travel along the fringes. If we do not venture too deep, the probability of encountering a four-tribulation Chaos Beast King should be quite low."
After repeated analysis, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor deemed their safety reasonably assured and spoke, "If we aspire to reach the Great Luo Realm [the pinnacle realm of cultivation, representing ultimate mastery over Dao and self], then no matter our fears, this Sea of Chaos is a trial we must face."
"Now that our party is assembled, let us depart tomorrow and witness for ourselves whether the Sea of Chaos truly is a dragon's pool and a tiger's den [a Chinese idiom meaning an extremely dangerous place]."
"Agreed!"
"Agreed!"
Upon hearing this, both Eldrin Chen and the Celestial Maiden steeled their resolve.
Early the next morning, the trio set out immediately, traversing the vast and desolate Primordial Chaos [the original state of undifferentiated matter and energy before creation] as they headed for the borders of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.
The location of the Frigid Immortal Domain was itself situated in the more peripheral regions of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, separated from the Chaos Sea Fringe by only six or seven Immortal Domain distances.
As all were combatants of Ancient Immortals caliber, their speed traversing the Primordial Chaos was dozens of times faster than that of a Heaven Immortal. In merely over thirty thousand years, they approached the edge of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.
"Ahead lies the Violet Sun Immortal Domain. This is the Immortal Domain closest to the Sea of Chaos."
"Let us first find a place to rest, recover our Mana [the spiritual energy used to power magical arts], and gather intelligence on the Sea of Chaos."
On this day, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor pointed with a smile towards an Immortal Domain ahead, shrouded in violet light.
Eldrin Chen looked up and beheld a majestic Immortal Domain floating within the Primordial Chaos. Though its vastness could not rival the Frigid Immortal Domain, it was several times larger than the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain.
"The Violet Sun Immortal Domain was established by Violet Sun Immortal Lord, who attained the Dao and became a Great Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal realm] in the twilight years of the Primordial Era."
"It is said Violet Sun Immortal Lord was the seventeenth True Successor [a core, formally acknowledged disciple] under Taishi Dao Ancestor. His cultivation reached the Great Perfection of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, making him one of the supreme powers of our Human Race."
Knowledgeable and well-traveled, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor spoke of the origins of this Violet Sun Immortal Domain with great reverence to Eldrin Chen: "The status of Violet Sun Immortal Lord is exalted, for he is one of the Innate Human Race [humans born directly from the primordial forces of creation]."
"It is said that during the Ancient Era, to guard against those Chaos Demon God [primordial demons born from chaos], our Human Race, the Demonic Tribe, the Divine Race, and even the Hundred Clans of Immortal Spirits decided to establish the Three Thousand Immortal Domains Grand Formation to stabilize the Primordial Chaos where the Three Thousand Immortal Domains reside."
"At that time, three thousand Immortal Domain [a realm of immortals, a higher plane of existence] were required as the foundation for the formation. Violet Sun Immortal Lord came alone with his sword into this Primordial Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], and with a single sword strike, cleaved open this Violet Sun Immortal Domain."
"He even went so far as to expend four Innate Spiritual Root [a primordial spiritual plant of immense power] and one High Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos] to suppress the Cosmos [the fabric of reality itself], all to carve out this magnificent Immortal Domain."
As Eldrin Chen listened, he could not help but feel a profound sense of awe and yearning.
It was at this very moment that the group stepped into the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.
Yet, the instant he crossed the threshold into the Violet Sun Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, and a look of astonishment dawned upon his face.
The moment he entered this Violet Sun Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen sensed countless auras of immense and terrifying power.
Each of these auras blazed like the midday sun, each at least comparable to a three-tribulation Ancient Immortal Great Power [an immortal who has survived three heavenly tribulations]. Among them, some were even more staggering than that of the Heaven-Sunderer Demon Emperor.
Most crucially, these auras, rivaling those of Ancient Immortals [beings who have attained immortality in ancient times], numbered nearly one thousand.
"This..."
Eldrin Chen murmured, his expression one of utter disbelief, momentarily robbed of words.
"Boom—"
At that very moment, the Void [a profound cultivation art] resounded with a thunderous crack, and three peerless Immortal Consort [female cultivators of exalted status] tore through the sky, soaring past.
The leader, who had shattered the firmament with her step, glanced at Eldrin Chen and halted. She couldn't help but laugh and say, "Little brother, daring to come to the Violet Sun Immortal Domain [a perilous and chaotic region of the immortal realms] at merely the Late Heaven Immortal Realm [a mid-level immortal cultivation stage]—are you truly courting death?"
As the woman spoke, she looked at the Celestial Maiden [a title for a high-ranking female immortal] and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor, then continued, "It seems you must be a prodigy from some Great Luo Ancient Sect [one of the most ancient and powerful immortal sects], right?"
"But within the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, lawless expanse between realms], if you truly encounter danger, two Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived three heavenly tribulations] won't be enough to protect you."
Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this. He realized the woman, seeing his cultivation level was not high yet his foundation seemed exceptionally Valerius [profound and unshakable], had mistaken him for a direct descendant of a Great Luo Ancient Sect, and taken the Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor for his guardian protectors.
Thinking this, Eldrin Chen clasped his hands and said, "Thank you for the warning, elder sister. May I ask who you are?"
"Astraea Luo of the Flower Goddess Palace."
The woman spoke softly. Just then, the two women beside her urged her on. Astraea Luo then waved her hand and said, "This sister still has business in the Sea of Chaos, so I cannot linger to chat."
"I advise you to return quickly. Perhaps one day, back in the Primal Immortal Domain [the central, more stable immortal realm], we may meet again." Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio‑novel.com.