Chapter 1815 : Venturing into the Chaos Shallows

At least until the next surge of the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond the ordered realms], the Chaos Water [the turbulent, energy-charged substance of the primordial void] within these Chaos Shallows [the relatively stable, shallower fringes of the Sea of Chaos] remains comparatively calm.

Yet, do not be deceived by the term 'shallows'. The Primordial Chaos [the infinite, undifferentiated state of existence before creation] is boundless and endless; the remnants of its shoals are anything but simple.

From what Eldrin Chen knows, even an ordinary Chaos Shallows often rivals or surpasses an entire Immortal Domain [a vast, ordered realm governed by immortal laws] in scale.

Their size is immeasurable, spanning untold trillions of light-years. Naturally, they harbor remnants like Chaos Ancient Beasts [primordial creatures born from chaos], Chaos Lairs [nests and dens formed within the chaotic substance], and even surviving Chaos Beast Kings [the sovereign rulers among chaos beasts].

Generally speaking, however, Chaos Beast Kings within the Chaos Shallows are not overly numerous. Even when present, they are typically of the lower tiers, most possessing power merely comparable to a First Calamity Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived their first heavenly tribulation].

This is because Chaos Beast Kings who have weathered two or three heavenly tribulations are rarely trapped within the confines of the Chaos Shallows.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but remark, "Given our current strength, venturing directly into the heart of the Sea of Chaos does carry significant risk."

"But if we target the Chaos Shallows instead, our chances of survival should increase considerably."

Upon hearing this, the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal] nodded in agreement and said, "Since that is the case, let us first explore the Chaos Shallows this time and forgo venturing into the depths of the Sea of Chaos."

With these words, the three of them reached a consensus. This chapter is part of a larger work available at audio~novel.com.

They spoke no further, transforming instantly into a vast, ethereal streak of light that pierced the heavens, streaking toward the distant Sea of Chaos [the boundless, primordial ocean of unformed chaos that lies between ordered realms].

The three of them journeyed together, crossing the boundary between the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad ordered realms of cultivation] and the Sea of Chaos. They had not flown for long before they discovered a vast expanse known as the Chaos Shallows [a shallower, more stable region within the Sea of Chaos, where primordial energies are less turbulent].

The moment he laid eyes upon this Chaos Shallows, Eldrin Chen could not help but pause in mild astonishment.

Though called a 'shallow,' the sheer scale of this Chaos Shallows far exceeded their expectations.

With but a single glance, Eldrin Chen perceived it as an endless stretch of Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state of existence before the creation of ordered worlds], composed entirely of residual Chaos Water [the liquid essence of primordial chaos, dense with unstable cosmic energies]. It stretched for untold billions of light-years, vaster and more majestic than an entire Immortal Domain [a major, stable realm within the cosmos, often ruled by powerful immortals].

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen remarked, "A shallow pool of Primordial Chaos of such immense scale, with endless Cosmos [worlds and star systems] within its depths... one could almost call it a Sea of Chaos in its own right."

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor shook his head and replied, "The Primordial Chaos is boundless and infinite. This Chaos Shallows, for all its size, is ultimately finite. Therefore, it does not merit the title of a true Sea of Chaos."

Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal] also nodded, stating calmly, "Compared to the truly endless Sea of Chaos, this Chaos Shallows is not even worthy of being called a puddle. It is but a mote of dust."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod of understanding.

He continued to gaze at the Chaos Shallows, about to step into its expanse, when he noticed several streaks of light flying toward them from not far away.

The newcomers numbered four figures. The leader's cultivation had reached the realm of a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived four great cosmic tribulations]. After a single glance at the trio, he sneered coldly and issued a warning: "This place has caught the eye of the four of us. Begone."

As his words fell, the four transformed into streams of light and flew inside.

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the three shifted slightly, and a flicker of anger surfaced instantly.

Yet, in the next moment, Eldrin Chen suppressed the fury in his heart and spoke decisively: "They have a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal among them. We cannot afford to provoke them lightly. It is better to seek another location."

Both Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and Celestial Maiden furrowed their brows slightly, but they too reined in their thoughts in an instant. They followed Eldrin Chen as he continued deeper into the Depths of Chaos [the profound and perilous heart of the formless primordial expanse].

Only after they had traveled a great distance from that Chaos Shallows [the relatively calmer, outer fringes of the primordial chaos] did Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor speak calmly: "The opportunities within the Chaos Shallows pale in comparison to the Primordial Chaos [the true, undifferentiated heart of creation]. Supreme Grade Innate Marvel [objects of supreme quality born directly from the chaos, possessing innate divine properties] are exceedingly rare there. Such places hold little value for a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal anymore."

"I have heard that Four Calamities Ancient Immortal mostly venture into the Primordial Chaos. For one to remain here, squabbling over scraps in the Chaos Shallows, suggests they likely cannot stand as a true power among their peers."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, yet added: "Our strength is currently insufficient, and this is our first time at the edge of the Primordial Chaos. For now, we must proceed with caution and prudence. Safety must be our paramount concern."

"That is indeed wise."

Celestial Maiden gave a slight nod of assent and flew forward calmly.

The four of them journeyed onward, traversing the vast expanse of the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before the creation of the cosmos] until, almost without realizing it, they encountered another Chaos Shallows [a relatively stable, island-like region within the turbulent Sea of Chaos].

This particular Chaos Shallows was slightly smaller than the previous one, yet its size still far exceeded that of the entire Azure Firmament Immortal Domain. Its interior was saturated with dense Chaos Qi [the raw, unformed energy of primordial creation].

Confirming that no other presences lingered nearby, Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with his two companions. Without a word, he transformed into a streak of Swiftflight Light and plunged into the churning depths of the Sea of Chaos [the boundless, turbulent ocean of primordial energy].

"Hmm—"

The moment he entered the Sea of Chaos, Eldrin Chen was met with a powerful, oppressive resistance.

Turbulent, crushing currents of Chaos Water [the liquid, tangible manifestation of primordial chaos] pressed in from all directions, exerting immense pressure that even Eldrin Chen could keenly feel. Your portal to cultivation novels: audio–novel.com.

Fortunately, his Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique [a legendary body constitution born from and attuned to the primordial chaos] proved its extraordinary nature. Eldrin Chen manifested his Innate Primordial Indestructible True Body [the perfected, ultimate form of his primordial physique], not only withstanding the pressure of this Primordial Chaos but experiencing a profound sense of harmony, like a dragon returning to its ocean.

"My Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique has such a powerful affinity for the Chaos Water?"

Though he had anticipated some compatibility, upon personally immersing himself in the Chaos Water, Eldrin Chen discovered his Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique was even more intimately attuned to this environment than he had predicted.

After a brief period of acclimatization, Eldrin Chen performed a quick divination with his fingers. He found that far from suppressing him, the Sea of Chaos actually posed no hindrance. Remarkably, it greatly accelerated the recovery rate of his Mana [the spiritual energy used to power magical arts and cultivation].

Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of cultivation], traversing the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation] was an immense drain on Eldrin Chen's Mana [the refined spiritual energy used by cultivators to power their arts]. While he could refine the ambient Chaos Qi [the primordial, unformed energy of chaos] to restore his cultivation base, the process was excruciatingly slow due to the energy's extreme scarcity.

Merely traveling was manageable, but once he entered a state of intense battle, the rate of Mana recovery simply could not keep pace with the expenditure.

Yet here, Eldrin Chen found he could recover his Mana at will, almost as if drawing from an inexhaustible well. A sensation arose within him that his spiritual reserves might never truly run dry.

"Within this expanse of Primordial Chaos, so long as I am not slain in battle, I could fight at my absolute limit for a hundred thousand years, even a million, without ever worrying about my Mana depleting," he realized, a wave of profound understanding washing over him.

Elation surged in Eldrin Chen's heart. The true constraint on his combat prowess had never been the overwhelming suppression of the Chaos Qi within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. It was, instead, the sheer, debilitating thinness of that very energy there.

With this revelation, Eldrin Chen swiftly gathered his thoughts and turned his gaze towards his companions, the Celestial Maiden and the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor.

He saw that both the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and the Celestial Maiden now wore pallid complexions. They seemed to be under immense strain, clearly not yet acclimated to the pressure of this place's Chaos Water [a primordial liquid form of chaos energy, denser and more potent than Chaos Qi].

Concern flickered within Eldrin Chen. "How are you both faring?" he inquired, his voice laced with genuine worry.

"Hmph—"

The Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor grunted, his face still pale. "It is nothing serious," he managed, his voice tight. "This is merely our first exposure to the Chaos Water. Our bodies have not yet learned to bear its weight."

Celestial Maiden [a title for a high-ranking female immortal] also nodded, her gaze profoundly solemn as she said, "We will need a Millennium [a period of one thousand years] to adapt to the pressure of the Chaos Water [the primordial, formless waters of chaos]. Until then, I fear we won't even be able to maintain the combat strength of Ancient Immortals [immortals who have existed since ancient times]."

"It's fortunate we didn't venture directly into that Sea of Chaos [the vast, primordial ocean of unformed chaos], or we might have suffered a severe setback."

As she spoke, Celestial Maiden couldn't help but feel a tremor of fear.

Both of them were Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived three heavenly tribulations], yet upon first arriving at the Sea of Chaos, they found themselves suppressed to such an extent.

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded gravely and said, "Then let us remain here at the fringes of the Chaos Shallows [the shallow, less turbulent edges of the Sea of Chaos]. We can wait until you have adapted to the suppression of the Chaos Water, and then venture deeper to seek our fortunes."

Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor [an ancient progenitor from the Horizon Sea Pavilion] both nodded in agreement, refraining from any rash impulse to push into the heart of the Primordial Chaos [the original, undifferentiated state of existence before creation].

In the time that followed, the trio began to wander the edges of the Chaos Shallows, searching for Innate Marvels [wonders born directly from the primordial chaos, possessing unique properties] while also scouring for various Immortal Treasure Divine Object [powerful artifacts and divine tools used by immortals].

Here at the periphery of the Chaos Shallows, there were no overly powerful Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from and dwelling within the chaos]. In their entire search, they encountered only seven or eight such creatures.

Most of these Chaos Ancient Beast were merely Ninth Rank [a high cultivation rank for beasts] of low or middle grade. The sole Ninth Rank High Grade [the peak of the Ninth Rank] Chaos Ancient Beast they found was only comparable to an Eighth Heaven Immortal [an immortal of the Eighth Heaven realm]. With the trio's combat prowess, they dispatched them all with ease.

Thus, a hurried Millennium passed. In total, they slew eight Chaos Ancient Beast, obtaining more than ten portions of Ninth Rank Chaos Divine Material [divine-grade ores and materials forged in chaos], four Innate Marvels, and three strands of Innate Qi [primordial energy, the foundational breath of creation].

"So many divine treasures."

After a Millennium [a period of one thousand years], Eldrin Chen finished taking stock of his gains, and an expression of pleasant surprise could not help but appear on his face.

In the short span of a Millennium, they had slain eight Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from the primal chaos] and obtained several portions of Innate Marvels [wondrous objects formed at the dawn of creation] and three strands of Innate Qi [the primordial energy that existed before heaven and earth]. Such a harvest was something one would not dare to even dream of within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal realms].

"No wonder it is said the Sea of Chaos [the boundless, primordial ocean from which all things emerged] holds endless opportunities. It seems we have come to the right place."

Gazing upon the treasures in hand, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor could not help but sigh in admiration.

Celestial Maiden also nodded, looking towards the depths of the Chaos Shallows [the perilous, shallower regions at the edge of the Sea of Chaos] and saying, "Now that our cultivation has adapted to the Sea of Chaos, allowing us to exert combat power comparable to a First Calamity Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived their first heavenly tribulation], it is time for us to venture into the deeper parts of the Chaos Shallows."

Upon hearing this, the other two smiled faintly and continued their journey, flying directly towards the heart of the Chaos Shallows.

The Chaos Water [the dense, primordial waters of the Sea of Chaos] here was exceptionally viscous. Even though they were all Ancient Immortal Great Power [powerful beings who have attained the Ancient Immortal realm], flying through this area was still a strenuous effort.

They traveled towards the depths of the Chaos Shallows for several A Millennium Has Passed [a conventional phrase indicating the passage of a thousand years], slaying dozens of Chaos Ancient Beast along the way, before finally entering the inner regions of the Chaos Shallows.

The Chaos Ancient Beast within the inner Chaos Shallows were exceedingly powerful, many rivaling the Late Heaven Immortal Realm [the late stage of the Heaven Immortal realm] or even the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle of the Celestial Immortal realm]. With Eldrin Chen's current level of cultivation, slaying them required a not insignificant expenditure of effort.

Until this day, the three of them arrived before a Chaos Lair and could not help but pause, their expressions turning slightly grave.

"A Chaos Lair [a perilous domain born from the primordial disorder of the cosmos]."

Gazing at the Chaos Lair before them, Eldrin Chen could not help but frown slightly.

This was a Chaos Lair shaped like a gourd, floating within the Sea of Chaos. It contained and spewed forth the waters of the Boundless Chaos, manifesting endless streams of Seven-Colored Halo [a radiant, multi-hued protective aura].

"This lair... it seems somewhat familiar."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, then flipped through the Chaotic Atlas in his hand, unable to suppress a look of pleasant surprise as he spoke.

"The Chaotic Immortal Gourd Nest."

Upon hearing this, both Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and Celestial Maiden were momentarily taken aback, recalling the origins of this Chaotic Immortal Gourd Nest.

The Chaotic Immortal Gourd Nest: one of the three thousand Chaos Lair, ranked one hundred and eighth among its peers.

Such a nest could ingest and expel Chaos Water [primordial water imbued with chaotic energies], differentiate into the powers of Yin-Yang [the dual forces of passive and active cosmic energy] and the Five Elements Power [the fundamental energies of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth], and nurture a single Innate Spiritual Root Seven Treasures Gourd Vine [a legendary vine that bears gourds of immense power].

The so-called Seven Treasures Gourd Vine, also known as the Innate Seven-Colored Gourd Vine, contains the profound mysteries of the Five Elements and embodies the Creation principles of Yin-Yang and Life and Death. It is an exceedingly rare Innate Marvels [a natural wonder of the highest order, born from the primal energies of creation].

The Three Thousand Immortal Domains possess a tome known as the Innate Spiritual Root Compendium, which records three thousand types of Innate Spiritual Root. This Seven Treasures Gourd simultaneously possesses seven distinct Laws of the Dao [fundamental cosmic principles], making its status truly peerless. It ranks thirty-third on that list, a position that does not pale in comparison to the famed Innate Eight Trigrams Treasure Tree.

"The Eight Trigrams Treasure Tree holds the thirty-second rank," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. "For the Seven Treasures Gourd Vine to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with it signifies it must be a Supreme treasure of rare occurrence even within the Heavenly Layers [the higher, more profound strata of existence]."

With this thought, Eldrin Chen exchanged a meaningful glance with the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and the Celestial Maiden.

Both the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and the Celestial Maiden gave slight nods of understanding. The Celestial Maiden then spoke, her voice clear. "Within the Chaotic Immortal Gourd Nest [a primordial nest formed from chaotic energies, known for nurturing gourd-type spiritual plants], the probability of an innate Seven Treasures Gourd growing is exceptionally high."

"The grade of this Chaotic Immortal Gourd Nest," she continued, "even among Ninth Rank Superior Grade Chaos Nest [the highest classification of primal chaotic lairs], must be considered top-tier. It should be capable of nurturing a Seven Treasures Gourd of equivalent rank. We absolutely cannot let this opportunity slip by."

The Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor also nodded in agreement. After carefully scrutinizing the Chaos Lair, he stated, "This Chaos Lair is guarded by forty-seven Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from and dwelling within raw chaos]."

"Among them, five possess strength comparable to the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm. The rest are of middle or lower grade within the Ninth Rank. They should be manageable for us."

Eldrin Chen did not immediately agree. Instead, he shook his head thoughtfully. "A Chaos Beast Horde of this size... even if it lacks a true Chaos Beast King, it undoubtedly contains beings approaching that level of power."

"Let me scout the area first to assess the situation more clearly," he concluded.

Eldrin Chen spoke, then shrouded his form with Chaos Qi [the primordial, formless energy that predates creation] and stealthily infiltrated the perimeter of the Chaos Lair.

After a thorough reconnaissance, he returned and reported, "Within the Chaos Lair, there are seven Chaos Ancient Beasts [primordial beasts born from chaos] at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm. They possess the powers of Yin-Yang [the complementary forces of dark and light, passive and active] and the Five Elements Power [the fundamental energies of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth], respectively."

"Although those five Chaos Ancient Beasts with Five Elements Attribute are at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm, their combat prowess is such that each could likely engage two opponents of the same realm."

"The two Chaos Ancient Beasts imbued with the mysteries of Yin-Yang are exceptionally extraordinary; within the same realm, each could likely hold its own against four opponents."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the other two shifted slightly with shock, and they exchanged a glance.

The Celestial Maiden took a deep breath and said, "Those two Yin-Yang Chaos Ancient Beasts are probably not far from breaking through to become Chaos Beast Kings [sovereign-level chaos beasts]. However, they are ultimately still at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm; we should still be able to handle them."

Eldrin Chen shook his head and stated, "These seven Chaos Ancient Beasts were born from that Seven Treasures Gourd Vine. They possess the powers of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements Power respectively, and their fates are deeply intertwined."

"If they join forces, the Yin-Yang Ancient Beasts fighting in unison could withstand a single-calamity Chaos Beast King."

"If the Five Elements Ancient Beasts unite, their combined strength would also rival a single-calamity Chaos Beast King."

Hearing this, the complexions of both listeners paled slightly.

They exchanged glances, and finally Celestial Maiden spoke: "Then this battle will likely prove troublesome."

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before replying: "Those two Yin-Yang Chaotic Ancient Beasts are concealed deep within the Chaos Lair."

"Only if we manage to slay one or two of the Five Elements Chaotic Ancient Beasts before alerting them, will our chances of victory be significantly greater."

Upon hearing this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor nodded and said, "In that case, let us use your Chaos Qi [the primordial, formless energy of creation] to conceal ourselves. At the critical moment, we shall launch a coordinated ambush and attempt to eliminate one or two of the Chaos Ancient Beasts first."

"Very well."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod of agreement. Shrouding the group within the Chaos Miasma [a dense, obscuring fog born of primordial chaos], they began their covert advance towards the Chaos Lair.

They navigated past swarms of Chaos Ancient Beasts, finally arriving before the Chaos Lair beside one of the slumbering Five Elements Chaotic Ancient Beasts.

"This is the place."

Gazing upon the Five Elements Chaotic Ancient Beast before them, the expressions of all three cultivators grew solemn and grave. Experience the full epic at audio-novel`com.