Chapter 1814 : Whispers of the Flower Goddess

Having spoken, Astraea Luo transformed into a streak of rainbow light and flew away, vanishing beyond the borders of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain in the blink of an eye.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen fell into a brief, contemplative silence, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. "The Flower Goddess Palace?" he murmured.

"The origins of the Flower Goddess Palace are unknown even to Valerius."

Possessing more profound knowledge, the Celestial Maiden noticed Eldrin Chen's puzzlement and explained, "Within the Primal Immortal Domain, the Human Race possesses several Great Luo Ancient Sect [ancient sects founded by Great Luo Golden Immortals]."

"Legend holds that the lineage of the Flower Goddess Palace boasts two Great Luo Immortal Lord [titles for supreme Golden Immortals], both of whom are women who attained the Dao. They hold immense prestige within the Celestial Court [the celestial bureaucracy governing the immortal realms]."

"It is said that the two Great Luo Immortal Lord of the Flower Goddess Palace still hold office within the Celestial Court. They preside over the Hundred Flowers Immortal Palace branch, a position of extraordinary nobility and honor. Even the Celestial Court Emperor Lord [the supreme ruler of the Celestial Court] treats them with the utmost respect."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a tremor of awe. A single sect possessing two Great Luo Golden Immortal [the pinnacle realm of immortal cultivation] clearly indicated that the Flower Goddess Palace was far from a weak Great Luo Ancient Sect.

It was important to note that even among the current Hundred Clans of Immortal Spirits [a collective term for powerful immortal spirit races], the Immortal Clam Race now possessed only a single Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke again, "These direct disciples of the Great Luo Ancient Sect have come here for the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, formless expanse at the edge of creation] as well?"

"That should be the case." Immerse yourself in the complete world at @udio-novel.com.

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor nodded, then looked towards the Violet Sun Immortal Domain and said, "While the Three Thousand Immortal Domains may seem numerous, the Frontier Immortal Domains bordering the Sea of Chaos number merely over three hundred."

"As one of these three hundred-plus Frontier Immortal Domains, the Violet Sun Immortal Domain is akin to a port city by the sea in the Mortal Realm; it naturally draws a great multitude of Ancient Immortal Great Power."

The Celestial Maiden also nodded, then spoke calmly, "This place gathers countless Ancient Immortals from across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, even from the Primal Immortal Domain. Many among them are beings who have lived through dozens or even hundreds of Calamity Tribulation."

"Their power is unfathomable. We have come here only to recover our Mana [the spiritual energy used to perform magical arts] and to gather news about the Sea of Chaos. We must remember not to stir up trouble."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, his expression turning profoundly solemn.

As the two continued their explanation, Eldrin Chen gradually came to understand the critical importance of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

As one of the nearest ports to the Sea of Chaos, the status of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain was truly extraordinary.

All Ancient Immortals exploring the Chaos Sea Fringe, even the top-tier ones who had transcended seven or more calamities, would come here to recover their Mana and replenish their supplies.

These Ancient Immortal Great Power, returning from their journeys through the Primordial Chaos, often brought with them endless rare treasures. Innate Ancient Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos, possessing immense innate power] and Supreme Grade Innate Marvel [objects of supreme rarity and wonder, formed by the fundamental forces of creation], which might appear only once in a hundred million years in the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain, could be seen here almost everywhere.

Even Quasi-Innate Spiritual Treasure [spiritual treasures approaching the power and nature of true innate treasures] could be purchased here. With sufficient fortune, one might even witness the appearance of a true Innate Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure of the highest order, born directly from the primordial essence of chaos] in this realm.

Of course, Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate laws and immense power] are far too rare. Even within the Violet Nurturing Immortal Domain, encountering one is an event that occurs perhaps once in hundreds of millions of years.

Furthermore, as a port leading to the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse between ordered worlds, filled with both danger and opportunity], the Violet Sun Immortal Domain attracts merchant fleets from major Immortal Domain [a vast, ordered realm governed by immortal laws] and even Primal Immortal Domain [the most ancient and foundational immortal realms].

Countless Ninth Rank Treasure Ships [massive, city-sized vessels capable of traversing the void between realms] from various Immortal Domain arrive here. They bring goods and curiosities from the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a poetic term for the myriad realms of existence] to trade for the rare treasures and divine materials harvested from the depths of the Sea of Chaos.

Numerous Ancient Immortals [immortals who have lived for eons, possessing profound power and wisdom] and Heaven Immortal [a high rank among celestial immortals] are also drawn to this place, seeking to acquire these exotic wonders.

Over the long ages, this constant flow has made commerce within the Violet Sun Immortal Domain exceptionally prosperous.

"A paradise for the strong, a Hell for the weak."

After absorbing this information about the realm, Eldrin Chen fell into deep contemplation before finally offering this assessment.

The prosperity of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain stems from the Sea of Chaos; its opportunities arise from the Sea of Chaos; and naturally, its perils also originate from the Sea of Chaos.

This is a paradise for the daring, a ladder to the heavens for the powerful, yet it is also a Hell for the weak and, ultimately, a graveyard for the defeated.

In stark contrast, those who ultimately ascend to the very pinnacle of the Heavenly Layers [the highest strata of celestial cultivation] are exceedingly few. The vast majority of Ancient Immortal Great Power [ancient immortals of immense might] ultimately find their bones interred here.

Here, some have risen, shattering the shackles of Destiny [the predetermined fate or limit of one's cultivation potential] to prove their path to the Great Luo Realm [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing ultimate enlightenment and power]. Yet far more have ultimately found their bones buried in this place.

Though a sigh echoed in the heart of Eldrin Chen, he did not retreat.

The Immortal Path [the arduous journey of cultivation towards immortality] demands struggle; the road of the Great Dao [the supreme and fundamental principle of existence] grows ever more perilous, and only a precious few can walk it to its end.

If one does not strive, does not fight for greater possibilities, then when the day of Calamity Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial or disaster] descends and there is no place left to hide, regret will surely come too late.

The trio set aside their thoughts and continued onward towards the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

Each expended one Taiyi Rare Treasure [an extremely precious artifact of profound power] to rent a Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm or pocket dimension ideal for cultivation] estate within the Violet Sun Immortal Domain. Read, share, and discuss at audio‑novel.com.

"Such a steep price,"

Eldrin Chen could not help but remark with a wince after securing the Cultivation Cave [a secluded chamber or cave dwelling used for meditation and cultivation].

A single Taiyi Rare Treasure was nothing significant to Eldrin Chen, yet the fact that merely renting a Cultivation Cave for one period demanded such an exorbitant cost was truly hard to bear.

Hearing this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor replied with a note of helplessness, "It is expensive, but if we wish to restore our Mana [the spiritual energy or life force cultivated by practitioners], we have no choice but to rent a Grotto-Heaven here."

Eldrin Chen also gave a slight nod, understanding that this was an unavoidable circumstance.

After all, they could not very well travel to other Immortal Domain to recover their Mana [the spiritual energy used to power magical abilities]. Not only were the distances between Immortal Domain vast, often requiring several Millennium [a period of one thousand years] to traverse, but the Mana consumed merely by making the round trip would itself represent a tremendous expenditure.

By the time they had replenished their Mana, having journeyed for millennia to reach the fringes of the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], one or two tenths of their energy would already be depleted. To then face the Sea of Chaos [the boundless, turbulent expanse of primordial chaos] in such a state would be perilous indeed.

"Do not dwell on it overmuch. Let us first focus on restoring our Mana,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly before entering seclusion to recuperate his cultivation base.

Thanks to his ability to convert Chaos Qi [the primordial, unrefined energy of chaos], Eldrin Chen's Mana depletion was not severe. He fully recovered his power after a mere year.

Seeing that Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor were still in seclusion, Eldrin Chen decided to venture into Violet Sun Immortal City to gather intelligence regarding the Sea of Chaos.

He first purchased a catalog detailing the various rare treasures found within the Sea of Chaos, followed by a bestiary chronicling the Chaos Fierce Beasts [ferocious creatures born from and dwelling within the primordial chaos] that inhabited it.

The rare treasures catalog contained entries on tens of thousands of Chaos Rare Treasure [precious items formed within the chaos sea], including Chaos Divine Material [divine-grade ores forged in chaos], Innate Marvels [objects of wonder born with the world], Innate Divine Herbs [divine herbs of innate origin], Primordial Ancient Trees [trees dating back to the dawn of time], and even Innate Spiritual Root [the foundational spiritual roots of innate treasures].

After perusing the materials, Eldrin Chen felt his knowledge expand greatly, and he found himself engrossed in the fascinating lore.

The Chaos Fierce Beasts [a compendium of primordial beasts] records hundreds of thousands of Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts] from the Chaos Sea Fringe [the turbulent borders of the Primordial Chaos].

The book classifies Chaos Ancient Beast into five main categories: Chaos Fiend [primordial demonic entities], Chaos Saint Spirit [sacred spirits born of chaos], Chaos Beast King [kingly beasts of chaos], Chaos Ancient Beast [the common ancient beasts], and Chaos Colossal Terrors [colossal horrors of the void], among others.

The Chaos Fiend are beings comparable to Great Luo Golden Immortal [the supreme Golden Immortals of the Great Luo Heaven]. The tome records merely a few dozen such entities, each one utterly unique.

Over three thousand types of Chaos Saint Spirit are documented, each at least equivalent to a cultivator who has broken through the Seventh Heavenly Pass [the seventh and penultimate major bottleneck in cultivation]. Within its pages, Eldrin Chen discovered the origins of the lineage belonging to Ao Hong.

"Sacred Spirit: Chaos Black Dragon, ranked twenty-seventh on the Chaos Holy Spirit Ranking [a ranking of the most powerful sacred spirits born of chaos], is one of the Nine Chaos Dragons."

"Legends say it was born from the mutation of Chaos Black Dragon Iron [a primordial metallic ore], inheriting the pre-cosmic, innate Creation [the destiny of creation] from the Primordial Chaos [the undifferentiated state before existence]. It gestated within the Chaos Nine Dragons Nest [a legendary nesting ground] and is considered a peerless specimen among the Chaos Saint Spirit."

Reading the description of the Primordial Black Dragon, Eldrin Chen paused momentarily, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

According to the text, the Chaos Holy Spirit Ranking lists over three thousand entries. For the Chaos Black Dragon to hold the twenty-seventh position spoke volumes of its extraordinary latent potential.

"With such profound origins, and further mutated by fusing with Primordial Essence [the purest foundational energy of creation], Ao Hong's future prospects are likely boundless."

"This is fortuitous. In time, he may become a powerful ally."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself before continuing to read.

The further he read, the more Eldrin Chen learned about the Chaos Ancient Beast, and the more he grasped the sheer, boundless immensity of the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all creation emerged]. He also began to comprehend the astonishing level of activity and complexity that thrived within it.

The tome documented several hundred thousand species of Chaos Ancient Beast, which were primarily categorized into two distinct types: the Chaos Ancient Beast themselves and the Chaos Colossal Terrors.

The Chaos Ancient Beast were relatively common. They fed on the substance of Cosmos [the ordered universe] and could also grow by absorbing Chaos Water [primordial water imbued with chaotic energies]. Within the Sea of Chaos, they lived in massive, swarming groups.

Typically, whenever a gathering exceeded one hundred Chaos Ancient Beast, it would inevitably be led by a Chaos Beast King, forming a formidable Chaos Beast Horde.

Such a Chaos Beast Horde generally required a powerhouse at the Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [a realm signifying survival through four heavenly tribulations] level or higher to have a reasonable chance of confronting it, and even then, the risks remained substantial.

The Chaos Colossal Terrors, however, were the exception. These beings typically roamed the Primordial Chaos [the primeval state of undifferentiated matter and energy] in solitary majesty.

Such entities possessed cultivation bases at least equivalent to a Chaos Beast King, and they preyed upon the Chaos Ancient Beast. Their combat prowess was such that they were virtually peerless among beings of the same tier.

Generally speaking, Chaos Colossal Terrors were considered far too perilous. Most Ancient Immortal Great Power [venerable cultivators of immense age and power] would rather face a Chaos Beast Horde of comparable strength than confront one of these supremely powerful Chaos Colossal Terrors.

"If the swarms of Chaos Ancient Beast are likened to schools of fish," Eldrin Chen mused, "then the Chaos Colossal Terrors are the leviathans and titanic whales—the apex predators of the Sea of Chaos."

"I never imagined that even within the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond the ordered realms], a complete ecosystem has already taken shape."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his gaze growing heavy with contemplation.

A feeling settled within him: compared to the vast, boundless Sea of Chaos, the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad cultivated worlds] were like a solitary island in a vast ocean, perhaps nothing more than an insignificant speck.

"Enough. Since we have the intelligence, let us return for now."

With this thought, Eldrin Chen did not linger any longer and returned to his Cultivation Cave [a secluded chamber or cavern used for meditation and cultivation].

Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor lacked the ability to directly refine Chaos Qi [the primordial, unformed energy of creation], and restoring their Mana [the spiritual energy or power used by cultivators] consumed over a hundred years.

By the time they emerged from seclusion, they found Eldrin Chen had been waiting for them for quite some time.

Seeing them emerge, Eldrin Chen handed them two comprehensive scrolls of diagrams he had prepared.

After reviewing them, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor could not help but express his heartfelt appreciation: "You have been most thoughtful. With the aid of these two scrolls, we can make much better preparations this time."

"I had some idle time, so I took the opportunity to explore a bit."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and said no more.

After examining the chart, the three of them felt adequately prepared and saw no issues. They thus departed from the Violet Sun Immortal Domain and set their course for the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, turbulent ocean of chaotic energies].

The Violet Sun Immortal Domain was not far from the Sea of Chaos, and after a flight of merely a little over a hundred years, they arrived at the fringes of that Chaos Sea Fringe.

"Is this... the Sea of Chaos?"

Gazing upon the Sea of Chaos before him, Eldrin Chen could not help but feel a tremor of awe, his expression revealing profound shock.

This was the first time any of the three had witnessed the true Sea of Chaos, and they all stood momentarily stunned, their faces etched with unconcealed astonishment.

It was a vast, tempestuous ocean, a sea formed from the convergence of Chaos Water [primordial, formless water imbued with chaotic essence].

In comparison, the wispy, fog-like Sea of Chaos surrounding the Three Thousand Immortal Domains was likely not even one-thousandth as dense or potent as the Sea of Chaos here.

"Boom—!"

Eldrin Chen looked up. The sound of raging waves assailing the Three Thousand Immortal Domains roared in his ears, like surf crashing against cliffs—a force that annihilated all in its path before suddenly receding with the tide.

In this ebb and flow, countless bubbles were born, and countless others vanished into dust.

Eldrin Chen saw clearly that those bubbles were, in fact, one after another Boundless Cosmos. They were birthed within the Chaos Tide [a periodic, cataclysmic surge of primordial chaos], only to be utterly annihilated when the tide receded.

In this process, countless spiritual lights emerged from the shattering Cosmos, only to be instantly swept away by the Chaos Water [the primordial, formless waters of chaos] and vanish into the Primordial Chaos.

A rare few treasures, washed ashore, were eagerly snatched up by the multitude of Heaven Immortal [Immortals who have ascended to the Heavenly Immortal realm] and Ancient Immortals guarding the shore.

"The Chaos Tide sweeps through once every one hundred thousand years, each time leaving behind a handful of Innate Marvels [treasures born from the primal chaos, possessing innate power]. We rarely encounter such fortune; we must not miss this chance."

So saying, the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor immediately joined the fray.

Eldrin Chen and the Celestial Maiden also stepped forward, beginning to gather the various rare treasures.

Unfortunately, the treasures washed ashore were ultimately few, and the most precious ones were seized by Ancient Immortals who had transcended four or more heavenly tribulations. What fell into the hands of Eldrin Chen and his two companions were not the most valuable Innate Object [objects of innate origin].

"Little brother, are you truly courting death?"

At that very moment, a familiar voice suddenly rang out.

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw a woman of breathtaking beauty gazing his way. It was none other than Astraea Luo, whom he had met once before.

Astraea Luo approached and said to Eldrin Chen, "The Sea of Chaos [a primordial, ever-shifting realm of raw, unformed energies] is perilous. Without strength surpassing the Third Tribulation, venturing within is a near-certain death sentence."

"I advise you to turn back swiftly. Do not set foot there again."

Eldrin Chen was mildly surprised. The Chaos Sea Fringe [the outermost, relatively stable border of the Sea of Chaos] was vast and boundless; he hadn't expected to encounter Astraea Luo here again.

Recognizing her good intentions, Eldrin Chen immediately clasped his hands in a respectful salute. "Thank you for the warning, elder sister. However, I am merely here to broaden my horizons. I will not recklessly venture into danger."

Seeing this, Astraea Luo seemed ready to say more, but the two women beside her frowned slightly. One of them sent a voice transmission to Astraea Luo, saying, "Junior Sister, this is your first time at the Sea of Chaos as well. Remember, appearances can be deceiving."

"Our Master has instructed you: within the Sea of Chaos, it is best not to engage with strangers."

Astraea Luo fell silent for a moment upon hearing this. She looked at Eldrin Chen and still couldn't help but add, "The Primordial Chaos [the fundamental, undifferentiated state of existence before creation] tides recede once every one hundred thousand years. Each time they withdraw, they leave behind areas known as the Chaos Shallows [relatively calm, navigable zones within the Sea of Chaos]."

"If you truly intend to explore the shallows of the Sea of Chaos, now is an opportune time."

"But remember, you must depart within one hundred thousand years. When the Chaos Tide [the cataclysmic resurgence of the Sea of Chaos's raw power] sweeps forth again, anyone without the strength of a Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal [a cultivator who has survived three Heavenly Tribulations] will be utterly annihilated."

With those words, Astraea Luo waved her hand and flew off into the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse between worlds].

Watching her depart, Eldrin Chen could only cup his hands in a respectful salute. "My thanks," he said.

Only after Astraea Luo had vanished from sight did Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor finally speak. "What the Flower Goddess Palace Immortal Maiden said is not without merit."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, and he sank into deep contemplation.

So-called Chaos Shallows refer to the vast, residual shallows left behind after the Chaos Tide [a cataclysmic surge of primordial chaos] recedes, much like tidal flats after the ocean withdraws.

These Chaos Shallows lie at the boundary between the Sea of Chaos and the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, akin to coastal shallows that have been severed from the greater chaotic sea. Visit audio-novel[dot]com to enjoy the complete series.