Chapter 1818 : The Chaos Nest's Crucible

After handing over all the Pill [a medicinal pellet refined for cultivation] and the Innate Spiritual Water [a primordial water of exceptional spiritual purity] in his possession to the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor, Eldrin Chen proceeded to the Chaos Nest Core [the central heart of a primordial chaos formation].

At the site of the Chaos Nest Core, Eldrin Chen channeled the full power of his cultivation base, ceaselessly resisting the immense pressure of the Boundless Chaos [a realm of formless, primordial disorder] waters. His gaze grew contemplative, lost in thought.

"Using the Chaos Water [water imbued with primordial chaos energy] to suppress my Physical Body [the corporeal form of a cultivator] places a significant burden on my Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique [a legendary constitution born of chaos, granting near-immortality]," he mused.

"Under such strain, the difficulty of breaking through the bottleneck of my Innate Primordial Limitless Dao Principle [a supreme cultivation art embodying boundless primordial law] should be considerably reduced."

Though this thought crossed his mind, Eldrin Chen did not immediately attempt to assault the Great Perfection Realm [the pinnacle stage of a cultivation art] of his Innate Primordial Limitless Dao Principle.

Instead, he retrieved five Precious Gourd [enchanted gourds of immense power]. Gazing upon the Innate Five Elements Gourd [a set of five gourds, each born of a primordial element], a rare flicker of joy surfaced on his typically serene countenance.

This Innate Five Elements Gourd comprised the gourds of Separated Flame [primordial fire essence], Water-Flood Divine Thunder [a divine thunder technique of overwhelming water], Yi Wood [the nurturing essence of primordial wood], Earth-Fortress [a divine ability of unyielding earth], and Metallic Essence [the sharp, unyielding essence of primordial metal]. Each gourd contained the power of a Great Dao Embryo [the nascent form of a supreme law] and carried with it the Primordial Source [the original, foundational energy of creation] of the Five Elements [the fundamental forces of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth] Great Dao [the supreme, overarching laws of the cosmos].

Although the Dao Principles [the fundamental laws and truths pursued through cultivation] embodied by these five Precious Gourd differed from his own, they all belonged to the Five Elements Attribute [cultivation arts aligned with the five elemental forces].

If he could refine and absorb their Primordial Source, it would likely save him a vast amount of time, amplify the latent potential of his Innate Primordial Limitless Dao Principle, and empower it to break through the suppression imposed by his Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique.

With this realization, Eldrin Chen hesitated no longer. He immediately began the process of refining the Innate Five Elements Gourd. Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio-novel-dot-com.

However, after refining for a moment, Eldrin Chen slightly furrowed his brows and gave up on further arduous cultivation of the Innate Five Elements Gourd.

This was because these five gourds were all Innate Ancient Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos of creation]. Even with Eldrin Chen's current cultivation level and Mana [the profound spiritual power of a cultivator], refining them was exceedingly difficult. If forced, it would take at least tens of thousands of years to refine just one.

For all five combined, success would be impossible without one hundred or two hundred thousand years.

"The Chaos Tide [a cataclysmic event that reshapes the cosmos] occurs once every one hundred thousand years. I absolutely cannot waste time like this."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then exhaled a wisp of Acquired Primordial Violet Qi [a supreme-grade spiritual energy born after the formation of heaven and earth]. It carried a strand of his Divine Soul [the spiritual core and consciousness of a high-level cultivator] towards the Separated Flame Gourd.

As expected, the moment it sensed the Primordial Essence [the purest form of foundational cosmic energy], the Separated Flame Gourd reacted as if finding a priceless treasure. It instantly and actively drew the essence into itself, along with that strand of Divine Soul power.

"Indeed, no sentient divine artifact can resist the temptation of Primordial Essence."

A faint smile touched Eldrin Chen's lips. He immediately merged that strand of Divine Soul power with the Innate Separated Flame Gourd.

The spiritual awareness within the Innate Separated Flame Gourd was not low, but this time it did not resist Eldrin Chen's refining efforts. It swiftly absorbed the Primordial Essence and instead asked, "Is there more of this Primordial Qi [a general term for primordial energies]?"

"Primordial Essence is exceedingly precious. I do not give it to others lightly."

Eldrin Chen replied with serene detachment, giving a faint shake of his head.

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, and several dozen strands of Innate Primordial Violet Qi [a supreme-grade spiritual energy of creation and destiny] began to swirl in his palm, each one radiating a profound Innate Primordial Dao Essence [the foundational essence of the primordial Dao].

"Innate Primordial Violet Qi?"

In that instant, the gourds of Water-Flood Divine Thunder, Yi Wood [the nurturing Wood element], Earth-Fortress, and Metallic Essence [the sharp Metal element] all went into a frenzy.

They let out soft, eager hums as they flew forth, yearning to absorb that Primordial Essence [the pure, foundational energy of creation]. Yet, Eldrin Chen instantly gathered all the Primordial Essence into his possession.

"Give us the Primordial Essence!"

The Golden Gourd of Innate Geng Metal spoke, its voice trembling with a rare and profound excitement.

Eldrin Chen shook his head at their words and spoke with calm finality, "The Innate Primordial Violet Qi possesses the power to Defy Heaven [to challenge fate and rewrite destiny]. You have rendered no service, no merit. Why would I simply hand it over to you?"

"However," he continued, his tone shifting, "if you pledge yourselves to my service, this Primordial Essence will surely not be lacking for you in the days to come."

The five gourds trembled slightly at his words. "We are willing to follow you, Lord," they pleaded in unison. "We beg you, grant us that Primordial Essence."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, bestowing a wisp of Acquired Primordial Violet Qi [a supreme-grade spiritual energy of profound origin] upon each of the gourds, then began refining the Innate Five Elements Gourd [a set of five primordial gourds, each embodying one of the five fundamental elements].

With the willing assistance of the Innate Five Elements Gourd, Eldrin Chen effortlessly completed the refinement process, establishing his spiritual dominion over all five gourds.

Once the refinement was complete, Eldrin Chen spoke again, his tone carrying a promise: "Serve This Sovereign [a title used by a supreme cultivator referring to themselves] with true devotion, and upon This Sovereign's breakthrough into the Great Luo [the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle stage of cultivation], I shall assuredly aid you in ascending to become Innate Spiritual Root [the highest grade of spiritual foundation, born of primordial chaos]."

Upon hearing these words, the Innate Five Elements Gourd could not conceal a surge of profound excitement.

For a Supreme Grade Innate Ancient Tree [a plant born in the primordial chaos, of the highest innate grade], the leap to Innate Spiritual Root might seem but A Step Away [a metaphorical short distance], yet shattering that bottleneck is a feat of near-impossible difficulty.

Within the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before the creation of the cosmos], there is essentially only one origin for an Innate Spiritual Root: it must be conceived from the union of Primordial Indestructible Spirit Light [an indestructible spiritual radiance from the dawn of creation] and the Great Dao [the fundamental laws and principles governing all existence] infused with Primordial Source [the original, undifferentiated essence of creation]. This chapter is provided by *audio-novel.com*. Support the original.

Thus, an Innate Spiritual Root is almost always born as such from the very beginning. For a Supreme Grade Innate Ancient Tree to ascend and become an Innate Spiritual Root is a tale bordering on legend.

Since time immemorial, those with the foundation of a Supreme Grade Innate Ancient Tree who managed to transcend and become an Innate Spiritual Root are fewer than one in a million.

It requires a heaven-defying opportunity, a sliver of chance granted by fate itself. And now, the Primordial Essence [the pure, undiluted essence of primordial origin] possessed by Eldrin Chen represented precisely such a destiny-defying opportunity for the Innate Five Elements Gourd.

Contemplating this, the Innate Separated Flame Gourd [the Innate Gourd of Separated Flame, one of the five elemental gourds] spoke: "The Primordial Essence is also called 'Primordial Beginning Qi' [the Qi of the Primordial Beginning]. It is the source-breath of the Primordial Chaos, a substance said to have existed only in the era before the chaos parted, during the very age of Primordial Chaos itself."

"Initially, it was the 'Primordial Beginning Qi' [the primordial breath of creation from the dawn of existence]. After the Primordial Chaos's Beginning [the primordial state of undifferentiated chaos], it differentiated into three great Innate Object [objects born of the primordial chaos itself], giving rise to the three forms: 'Innate Primordial Source Qi' [the innate breath of the primordial source], 'Innate Primordial Light' [the innate light of primordial dawn], and 'Innate Primordial Violet Qi' [the innate violet breath of the primordial chaos]."

"It is said that to break through to the Chaos Realm [a legendary cultivation realm of primordial chaos], one must find a complete strand of 'Primordial Beginning Qi' [the primordial breath of creation]."

"However, it seems the 'Primordial Beginning Qi' [the primordial breath of creation] within the Primordial Chaos [the realm of undifferentiated primordial chaos] has long been exhausted. Those newly advancing to the Chaos Realm [a legendary cultivation realm of primordial chaos] now seem to use 'Chaos Beginning Qi' [the breath of chaos's beginning] as a substitute for their breakthrough."

The Innate Separated Flame Gourd [a sentient gourd treasure born of innate separated flame] spoke methodically, finally turning its gaze to Eldrin Chen and saying, "This Innate Primordial Violet Qi [the innate violet breath of the primordial chaos] of yours, though it is merely the lowest form among the three great 'Innate Primordial Chaos' [objects born of the primordial chaos itself]..."

"...and remains distant from the true 'Primordial Beginning Qi' [the primordial breath of creation], it is nonetheless a 'Innate Primordial Marvel' [an innate wonder of the primordial chaos]. I fear even Great Luo Golden Immortal [Golden Immortals of the Great Luo Heaven] and Primordial Chaos Quasi-Sage [beings on the verge of Sagehood] would find their hearts stirred by it."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a tremor in his heart. His gaze grew solemn as he asked, "You are but a Spiritual Root [a sentient plant with profound spiritual properties]. How do you possess such profound knowledge?"

The Innate Five Elements Gourd [a sentient gourd treasure born of the innate five elements] fell into a heavy silence.

After a long pause, the Earth-Fortress [a divine ability manifesting as an earthen fortress] Gourd spoke. "We were not born here on the fringes of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal realms]. We hail from a Chaos Lair [a lair or nest within the primordial chaos] deep within the Depths of Chaos [the profound and dangerous depths of the primordial chaos]."

"Not born on the fringes of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal realms]?"

Eldrin Chen was taken aback, a look of astonishment flashing across his features.

The Yi Wood Gourd [a magical gourd containing the essence of the Wood element] observed this and spoke calmly, "We were originally born within a Great Luo-grade Chaos Lair [a primordial nest of chaotic energy] in the Depths of Chaos. We were one of the Innate Marvels [naturally formed spiritual treasures of supreme quality] treasured by the Chaos Fiend [a primordial demonic entity] known as the 'Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix'."

"However, in a battle long ago between the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix and an unknown Chaos Fiend, the outer layers of the 'Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest' were shattered, forcing us to flee to the fringes of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains."

"Later, our mother took root upon that shattered Chaos Lair, seizing the Chaos Creation [the power of creation from chaos] to condense the Chaotic Immortal Gourd Nest [a sanctuary formed from chaotic immortal gourds], using it to temporarily evade calamity."

At this point, the Yi Wood Gourd fell into a contemplative silence.

Seeing this, the Water-Flood Divine Thunder [a divine thunder ability of the Water element] Gourd spoke up, "Originally, our mother intended to lay low for a time, waiting for the conflict to subside before returning to see if the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest remained intact."

"Alas, we were swept up by a Chaos Tide [a cataclysmic wave of primordial chaos] and cast into the heart of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, where we... encountered you."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen was momentarily stunned.

He had never imagined that the Innate Seven-Colored Gourd Vine [a primordial vine bearing gourds of seven colors] possessed such an extraordinary origin, though upon reflection, it made a certain sense.

For, generally speaking, a Ninth Rank High Grade Chaos Lair is incapable of nurturing a Supreme Grade Innate Ancient Tree [a primordial tree of the highest innate grade].

Furthermore, a treasure as rare as the Innate Seven-Colored Gourd Vine is an exceedingly uncommon Supreme [of the highest, peerless grade] treasure, even within the Chaos Sea Fringe regions.

How many Five Calamities Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived five great tribulations] or even Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived six great tribulations], searching for millions or even tens of millions of years within the Chaos Sea Fringe [the turbulent, primordial border regions of the Chaos Sea], might never encounter a single treasure of such immense value.

For them to encounter one within a mere Superior Grade Chaos Nest [a high-quality but not supreme-grade pocket of concentrated chaos energy] was, in itself, a circumstance that defied all logic and expectation.

By all established principles, a place where an Innate Seven-Colored Gourd Vine [a primordial vine that bears seven gourds of different elemental colors] takes root must be a supreme Ninth Rank Supreme Grade Chaos Nest [the highest possible grade of chaos energy convergence, a place of immense power and danger].

Within such a nest, not only would there be Chaos Beast King [a ruler among the primordial beasts born of chaos] guardians, but at least seven such kings would stand watch. These seven Chaos Beast King [rulers among the primordial beasts born of chaos], combined with the seven Innate Ancient Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos, possessing innate power] gourds they protect, would form a grand formation of truly world-shaking, peerless might.

Without the strength of a Seven Calamities Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived seven great tribulations], even a coalition of several Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [ancient immortals who have survived six great tribulations] launching an assault would likely find only a path to their doom.

However, if the Innate Seven-Colored Gourd Vine [the primordial vine bearing seven gourds] had fled for refuge and temporarily taken root within that Ninth Rank High Grade Chaos Nest [a high-grade, but not supreme, convergence of chaos energy], merely seeking a temporary haven from a greater threat, then everything became perfectly explicable.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but speak out: "It seems this time, we have stumbled upon a truly monumental windfall."

The Separated Flame Gourd [one of the seven gourds, representing the fire element] nodded, a faint smile gracing its form as it said, "We were originally rooted on the periphery of the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [a legendary nest associated with the primordial Violet Phoenix, a place of extreme danger], surrounded and guarded by thousands of Chaos Lair [lesser dens of chaos energy and beasts] that served as bulwarks for the main Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [the legendary nest of the primordial Violet Phoenix]."

"By the normal order of things, without the power of a Great Luo Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal of the Great Luo realm, a supreme level of cultivation] or an entity on the level of a Chaos Demon God [a primordial demon god born from chaos itself], anyone venturing there would be courting certain death."

"Even setting aside the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [the legendary nest], the original Chaotic Immortal Gourd Nest [the primordial nest where the gourd vine was first nurtured] that nurtured us was guarded by seven Chaos Beast King [rulers among the primordial beasts], each with cultivation surpassing three great tribulations."

"The two Chaos Beast King of the Yin-Yang [a cultivation art based on the balance of opposing forces] possess cultivation bases comparable to five-tribulation Ancient Immortals [powerful beings who have transcended mortality and weathered multiple heavenly tribulations]."

"Your Ancient Immortals from the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a vast cosmic region comprising three thousand distinct immortal realms] are under the effect of Chaos Suppression [a divine ability that restricts or weakens power]. To assault the Chaotic Immortal Gourd Nest [a legendary lair within the primordial chaos, known for its perilous nature], you would likely need dozens of five or Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations] joining forces, perhaps even adding one or two Seven Calamities Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has weathered seven heavenly calamities] to have a thirty to fifty percent chance of success."

Speaking to this point, the Separated Flame Gourd sighed once more, "Alas, that great battle shattered the majority of the three thousand Chaos Lair [dwelling places of primordial power and danger within the formless chaos]."

"The clash between the two great Chaos Fiend [powerful, malevolent entities native to the primordial chaos] was too devastating. After the seven Chaos Beast King [monarchs among the primordial beasts, rulers of chaos] were summoned, not a single one returned alive."

"Our mother could only flee the nest with us, escaping all the way to this fringe of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains to seek refuge."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, understanding that he had stumbled upon a heaven-defying stroke of fortune.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen could not help but ask further, "I have heard tales of the might of the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [the lair of the primordial Violet Phoenix, a place of immense power]. But who were these opponents, daring enough to assault that very nest?"

At these words, Eldrin Chen's expression grew profoundly grave.

According to the comprehensive atlas of Chaos Lair, the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest was ranked among the top hundred most powerful lairs of its tier.

Furthermore, the Chaos Violet Phoenix [a primordial avian of immense power and majesty] was one of the Seven Phoenixes of Primordial Chaos [the primeval, formless state from which all creation emerged], and ranked among the top three in combat prowess even among that legendary cohort. It was a match even for a Chaos Black Dragon [a primordial dragon of immense destructive power] of equivalent rank.

According to Eldrin Chen's knowledge, the Chaos Nine Dragons Nest is one of the ten great Chaos Lair [a primordial and chaotic dwelling place of immense power], capable of nurturing at most nine Chaos Progenitor Dragon [primordial dragons of immense power] of the Chaos Realm [the highest realm of primordial chaos].

The Chaos Seven Phoenixes Nest is equally formidable, said to be able to nurture up to seven Chaos Immortal Phoenix [primordial phoenixes of immortal power].

"The Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest only nurtured a single Chaos Immortal Phoenix, which cannot compare to the Chaos Seven Phoenixes Nest. However, the Chaos Violet Phoenix is also one of the Seven Primordial Phoenixes of the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], its power not to be underestimated. Yet, it was still assaulted at its very lair."

Eldrin Chen pondered, his gaze filled with curiosity.

Upon hearing this, the five gourds fell into a heavy silence.

The Golden Gourd [a sentient treasure gourd of immense power] named Geng remained silent for a moment before finally speaking: "We do not know the details of that battle from ages past. We only know that suddenly, the Primordial Chaos roiled, and an indescribable existence stormed into the Chaos Lair."

"Her stature was immeasurably vast, clad in dazzling violet scales, with most of her form obscured within the Primordial Chaos, making it impossible to see clearly. I only know her horns were longer than an entire Immortal Domain [a realm inhabited by immortals], wreathed in the power of World-Ending Thunder [a cataclysmic thunder capable of ending worlds]."

"At that time, she thrust forward from a corner of the boundless Primordial Chaos, shattering countless Chaos Lair with sheer force. Even the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest was pierced through, leaving a gaping hole."

Speaking of this, the Divine Sense [the spiritual perception of a cultivator] of the Geng Golden Gourd trembled slightly, as if reliving a great terror.

Eldrin Chen was left speechless. Horns larger than an Immortal Domain... was such a being truly a living creature? It was simply inconceivable, an indescribable, monstrous terror.

It must be understood that any single Immortal Domain [a vast celestial realm] is an aggregate of countless Cosmos [plural universes], encompassing the Endless Dimensional Void [the boundless emptiness between dimensions] and giving rise to worlds as numerous as the Ronan sands of the Ganges.

The vastness of a single Immortal Domain [a vast celestial realm] spans not mere billions of light-years, but a scale utterly beyond mortal comprehension.

A single horn larger than an Immortal Domain [a vast celestial realm]—how truly monumental and majestic must its True Body [the cultivator's ultimate, primordial form] be? Likely, a single cell within its body would dwarf an entire Cosmos [a universe].

"Are all Chaos Fiend [primordial demons born from chaos] like this?"

Eldrin Chen paled slightly, momentarily at a loss for words to express his awe.

Compared to an Immortal Domain [a vast celestial realm], his own power was less than A Drop in the Vast Ocean [an utterly insignificant amount]. Facing such a Chaos Fiend [primordial demon born from chaos], a mere wisp of its aura would be enough to annihilate him utterly.

"If I were to break through to the Great Luo Realm [the Great Luo Realm, a supreme stage of cultivation], could I achieve such a feat?"

Yet, in the next instant, Eldrin Chen regained his composure, his eyes gleaming with renewed determination and anticipation.

A horn vaster than an Immortal Domain [a vast celestial realm], capable of piercing a Chaos Lair [a nest or domain within primordial chaos]—such power was indeed staggering, yet it also stirred a profound sense of heroic ambition within him.

In that moment, Eldrin Chen wondered: if he ascended to the Great Luo Realm [the Great Luo Realm, a supreme stage of cultivation], could he subdue a vast Immortal Domain [a vast celestial realm] with but a snap of his fingers?

With this thought solidified in his mind, Eldrin Chen became even more resolute in his determination to undertake arduous cultivation.

"The Great Luo Realm [the highest known realm of cultivation, representing the pinnacle of power and enlightenment] remains distant from me," he stated calmly. "Dwelling on it now serves no purpose."

Eldrin Chen spoke with a placid tone, then turned his gaze to the five Precious Gourd [enchanted gourds of immense power]. "Will you aid me in my cultivation?"

"We... will."

Upon hearing his words, the five gourds shimmered faintly, their light trembling slightly before they ultimately consented to Eldrin Chen's terms.

"Huummm—"

In that very instant, the Innate Five Elements Gourd [a set of five primordial gourds, each embodying one of the fundamental elements] erupted with a dazzling divine radiance.

They soared into the air, unleashing a cataclysmic torrent of Five Elements [the five fundamental forces of nature: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth] Primordial Essence Power [the pure, foundational energy of creation itself]. This immense power surged forth, pouring directly into Eldrin Chen's body.

The Primordial Source [the foundational, inexhaustible wellspring of power within a being or artifact] contained within five Innate Ancient Treasure [artifacts born from the primordial chaos, possessing unimaginable power] was vast and boundless beyond measure. Furthermore, these gourd Magical Treasure [enchanted artifacts used by cultivators] possessed the inherent ability to store immense energy. As the five treasures continuously channeled their Primordial Source into him, Eldrin Chen received this potent feedback. Consequently, his Mana [the internal spiritual energy or life force cultivated and used by practitioners] began to increase at a breathtaking, exponential rate. Your portal to cultivation novels: audio–novel.com.