Chapter 1823 : Ambush of the Primordial Beast

"Now!"

At that very moment, Eldrin Chen decisively struck. He channeled his power into the Heaven-Severing Twin Swords Union and unleashed a devastating slash towards the Chaos Devouring Roc.

Simultaneously, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and Celestial Maiden also moved. The Horizon Sea Twin Swords and the Innate Frost Soul Sword crisscrossed through the air, their combined edge aimed squarely at the Heaven-Devouring Roc.

"Screech—!"

In this moment of dire peril, the Chaos Devouring Roc erupted into a frenzy. It beat its wings, summoning towering waves of Chaos Currents [primordial, formless energies] to block the assault. Yet, how could it possibly withstand a coordinated ambush from three such powerhouses?

In the span of a single breath, the five Ancient Innate Sword [primordial swords born of heaven and earth] slashed through the chaos. Their intersecting paths struck the great roc, sending it reeling away, grievously wounded.

"Perish!"

Seizing the opening, Eldrin Chen once more invoked the Primordial Chaos Qi Grasping Hand. Instantly, a colossal hand that blotted out the sky materialized, its fingers closing like a vice around the wounded beast.

With Eldrin Chen's current level of Mana [the refined spiritual power of a cultivator], the power he could unleash with this Half-Step Patriarch Grade Divine Ability was now potent enough to threaten even an Ancient Immortal Great Power.

The Chaos Devouring Roc, already severely depleted and further crippled by the trio's surprise attack, stood no chance of escaping the grasp of the Primordial Chaos Qi Grasping Hand. In an instant, it was completely subdued, its struggles futile. The story continues at audio–novel.com.

Seizing this opportunity, the three of them unleashed their full power. Before long, they had suppressed and slain it within the Chaos Lair.

After slaying the Chaos Devouring Roc, the Chaos Glazed Fish soon met the same fate, completely eradicated by the trio shortly thereafter.

"It is done."

Watching the Chaos Devouring Roc and the Chaos Glazed Fish King fall, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor let out a sigh of relief. "This battle," he said, "was unexpectedly smooth."

"We benefited from the fisherman's advantage."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, understanding in his heart that this victory was largely due to a great stroke of fortune.

The Chaos Devouring Roc had been locked in a years-long struggle with the Glazed Radiance Fish swarm, its Mana already depleted by more than half. Trapped within its narrow lair and caught by their ambush, it was only under these circumstances that the battle concluded so swiftly.

Had the fight taken place within the Primordial Chaos, with the Chaos Devouring Roc's speed, they would have found it nearly impossible to slay the creature.

Thinking this, Eldrin Chen said with a smile, "Let us tally our spoils."

The other two nodded in agreement, and they immediately began to inventory the gains from this endeavor.

After the three of them secured the battlefield and thoroughly scoured the Chaos Lair, they could not help but reveal expressions of delight.

This time, their harvest was bountiful. They had obtained a total of fifty-seven strands of Innate Qi [the primordial energy from which all things are born], one hundred and thirty-one Glazed Radiance Fish [a rare, luminous fish found in primordial waters], two Chaos Beast King [powerful beasts born from primordial chaos], two Innate Ancient Treasure [artifacts forged from primordial materials in ancient times], and over thirty portions of Innate Marvels [rare spiritual materials of primordial origin].

Of the two Innate Ancient Treasure, one was obtained from the Chaos Devouring Roc [a mythical bird capable of devouring chaos]. It was named the Chaos Devouring Slash and was a pair of ancient wing-shaped treasures possessing astonishing destructive power.

The other was named the Five-Colored Glazed Shield. It emanated a five-colored radiant light reminiscent of Glaze and was a fine defensive ancient treasure.

Eldrin Chen tallied their gains and then spoke, "One hundred and five Glazed Radiance Fish are worth approximately one hundred and fifty strands of Innate Qi."

"These two Chaos Beast King—the Glazed Radiance Fish is worth three hundred strands of Innate Qi, and the Chaos Devouring Roc is also equivalent to one hundred strands."

"Adding in the Innate Ancient Treasure, the Innate Marvels, and the Innate Qi we already have, our total harvest this time should exceed seven hundred strands of Innate Qi."

Upon hearing this, both Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor were overcome with wild joy.

Although they had anticipated an astonishing haul, hearing the number spoken aloud still filled them with immense excitement.

This was seven hundred strands of Innate Qi! Even divided three ways, each of them would possess over two hundred strands.

And such a vast quantity of Innate Qi [the primordial energy that forms the foundation of all things] is sufficient for them to cultivate all the way to the Four Calamities or even the Five Calamities Ancient Immortal Realm.

If they were within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, even given hundreds of millions of years, they would likely never find such an immense amount of Innate Qi.

Of course, they understood in their hearts that the primary reason for this windfall was their overwhelming fortune—encountering this school of Glazed Radiance Fish within the Chaos Shallows [the turbulent, energy-rich border regions of the primordial chaos], coupled with their own formidable strength being truly Valerius [peerless], and the fact they had reaped the benefits of others' conflicts.

If it were an ordinary Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal, they probably couldn't even defeat the Glazed Treasure Light Fish King, managing only to slay a few Chaos Ancient Beast with great difficulty. Such a cultivator might struggle for tens of millions of years without necessarily accumulating two hundred strands of Innate Qi.

Regardless, their harvest this time was staggeringly immense. Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor could not help but sigh with feeling, "In the brief span of a mere hundred thousand years, we have gained such bounty."

"No wonder most of those Ancient Immortals from the Three Thousand Immortal Domains who have transcended the Fourth Calamity or higher have left the confines of the Domains to venture and struggle within these Depths of Chaos [the profound and perilous heart of the primordial void]." Visit audio . novel . com to enjoy the complete series.

Celestial Maiden also nodded, her tone filled with similar awe. "Even back in the Frigid Immortal Domain, I heard tales that those High-Rank Ancient Immortals of the Fifth or Sixth Calamity and above never lacked for Innate Qi. Now I see those words held profound truth."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, a note of solemnity entering his voice. "Yet, though the Sea of Chaos [the boundless, formless expanse of primordial energy] holds endless opportunities, it is also fraught with extreme peril."

"Since time immemorial, who can count how many Ancient Immortal Great Power have found their final rest here? We too must tread with utmost caution."

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor offered a faint smile, then spoke. "After we return this time, we shall trade these rare treasures for cultivation resources. It will prepare us well for our breakthrough to the Four Calamities Ancient Immortal."

"Very well, that is acceptable."

Eldrin Chen nodded with a smile and said, "Since the Chaos Tide [a cataclysmic event where the primordial chaos surges and floods the realms] is imminent, let us first return to nourish the Immortal Domain [a realm of cultivation and immortal beings]."

"That is indeed the proper course."

Hearing this, the other two agreed. Together with Eldrin Chen, they tore through the firmament, heading towards the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

After departing the Chaos Shallows, they flew for several Millennium [a period of one thousand years] before noticing that the distant Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all things originate] had become turbulent and tempestuous. Endless tides crashed against the heavens, roaring towards the location of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

"The Chaos Tide has already begun."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, then urged, "Do not linger. We must return with all haste."

With those words, they accelerated their flight towards the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

Now, the Chaos Tide swept forth with a speed far surpassing the flight of a Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived three heavenly tribulations]. In a mere one hundred years, it had already engulfed the fringes of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, wave after wave crashing against them.

Under such ferocious surges, even a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived four heavenly calamities] would be at the mercy of the currents. A single misstep could see one swept by hidden undercurrents into the Depths of Chaos [the unfathomable, formless heart of primordial chaos].

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen and his companions had long since left the fringes of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. They maintained a safe and sufficient distance from the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse bordering the ordered realms].

Thus, the three of them flew for several more centuries, finally arriving at the border of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

"Hmm—"

Just as Eldrin Chen reached the edge of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain, he noticed several streaks of light piercing through the void in the distance. A slight frown creased his brow.

The figures now surrounding them were precisely the same group that had ambushed the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor.

The Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor's expression turned icy. Recognizing the newcomers' origins, his gaze grew sharp, radiating Baleful Qi [a malevolent and destructive form of spiritual energy]. "It's them?" he said, his voice cold.

"What now? Do we fight?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen pondered briefly for a moment before shaking his head.

Although Eldrin Chen no longer feared a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived four heavenly tribulations], their opponents held the advantage in numbers. Furthermore, both the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and the Celestial Maiden had expended a great deal of their Mana [the refined spiritual energy used to power spells and techniques]. A true confrontation might not yield any advantage.

Since they could not decisively defeat the enemy, Eldrin Chen had no desire to reveal his full strength prematurely.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen declared, "Let us disregard them for now. Our priority is to enter the Violet Sun Immortal Domain [a vast and ancient realm of cultivation]."

With those words, the trio shot through the skies, streaking towards the distant Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

"You shall not escape!"

In that instant, all four Ancient Immortal Great Power [profoundly powerful cultivators who have transcended mortality] moved as one, their intent to intercept the fleeing three clear.

The Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived four Heavenly Tribulations] in particular, steered his Immortal-Slaying Divine Spear through the void once more, aiming to grievously wound the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor again.

This time, however, the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor was prepared. He channeled his power, causing the Horizon Sea Twin Swords to merge into a single, devastating arc that clashed against the divine spear. Simultaneously, he summoned the Myriad Abyss Ancient Cauldron [an ancient cauldron artifact of immense power], its resonant force combining with the sword's edge to forcefully repel the Immortal-Slaying Divine Spear.

The Celestial Maiden [a title for a female cultivator of exalted status and power] focused her entire being on activating the Frigid Snow Lotus [a legendary spiritual herb of extreme cold], its petals forming an icy barrier of protection around them. Seizing this opening, Eldrin Chen unleashed the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords, their dazzling arcs weaving a defensive net to engage and delay the other three pursuers.

Amidst this relentless clash and parry, they finally broke through the encirclement, their figures crossing the boundary and vanishing into the heart of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

"Damnation!"

Watching the trio disappear into the sanctuary of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain, the Four Calamities Ancient Immortal could not contain a surge of furious rage, his expression darkening with profound frustration.

The Violet Sun Immortal Domain [a prestigious realm within the immortal worlds], as a domain of extraordinary status, perpetually hosts several thousand Ancient Immortal Great Power [cultivators who have transcended mortality and attained immense power] resting within its bounds. Consequently, it has always strictly forbidden Ancient Immortals [immortal beings of great age and power] from engaging in combat within its territory.

It matters not if they are merely at the third or fourth calamity realm; even an Ancient Immortal Great Power [a cultivator of immense power who has transcended mortality] at the Seven Calamities Realm [a profound stage of cultivation representing the transcendence of seven great tribulations] would meet certain death if they dared to pursue the trio inside.

"How is this possible? How did that person's injuries recover so swiftly?"

Outside the Violet Sun Immortal Domain, the four figures came to a halt. One among them spoke with utter disbelief.

The Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an immortal being who has survived four great heavenly tribulations] also furrowed his brow slightly. As the one who had inflicted the grievous wound upon Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor, he was acutely aware of the potency contained within myself's strike at that time.

Even if the opponent possessed a Peerless [a grade denoting supreme, matchless quality] Innate Treasure Pill [a miraculous elixir born from heaven and earth, possessing unparalleled restorative properties] specialized in healing, it should have been impossible for the injuries to recover in a mere few tens of thousands of years.

Yet now, it seemed the wounds of Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor had completely healed, a development that far exceeded their expectations.

"It appears they must have encountered some other fortuitous opportunity,"

Immortal Spear Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal renowned for his mastery of the spear] murmured, a trace of icy malice surfacing on his countenance.

He cast a glance at his three companions and finally spoke. "The Chaos Tide [a cataclysmic surge of primordial chaos that periodically engulfs the realms] has already erupted. For the next one hundred thousand years, they will be unable to set foot into the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all creation emerged]. If we wish to act, we must wait at least until after those one hundred thousand years have passed."

"Enough. This old man will go and invite my friends, Immortal-Suppressing Divine Lord and Luo Tian the Daoist, to join us. With the Immortal-Suppressing Pagoda [a divine pagoda capable of suppressing even immortals] and the Luo Tian Net [a celestial net that can ensnare the heavens themselves], let's see how they manage to escape then."

The other three were inwardly shaken by these words. Both Immortal-Suppressing Divine Lord and Luo Tian the Daoist were Three Tribulations Ancient Immortals [powerful beings who have survived three heavenly tribulations] of long-established renown.

Most crucially, the Immortal-Suppressing Pagoda and Luo Tian Net in their possession were both extraordinary Innate Ancient Treasures [primordial artifacts born of heaven and earth]. Even Ancient Immortals [beings who have transcended mortality] who had survived four or five heavenly tribulations would find it difficult to break free from their grasp in a short time.

Considering this, the three of them smiled and said, "With Immortal-Suppressing Divine Lord and Luo Tian the Daoist on our side, capturing and slaying these individuals will be assured."

Simultaneously, they all flew into the depths of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain [a vast realm bathed in perpetual violet sunlight].

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor glanced back and, seeing that the trio was not in pursuit, his expression darkened. "The grievance of being hunted twice," he said grimly, "will be settled with them in due time."

Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal] nodded in agreement. "Our immediate priority," she stated, "is to exchange our gains for rare treasures and swiftly enhance our cultivation. Only then can we exact our vengeance."

"Then let us proceed to the Barter Convention [a grand marketplace where cultivators trade rare and exotic goods]," he suggested.

Thus spoke Eldrin Chen, leading the two to Violet Sun Immortal City. This city was the largest within the Violet Sun Immortal Domain, a place of immense prosperity teeming with countless merchant guilds and shops.

The three visited several establishments before finally arriving at one named the Immortal Spirit Shop [a renowned emporium specializing in spiritual and immortal-grade goods].

This Immortal Spirit Shop [a shop specializing in spiritual and immortal goods] was established by the Immortal Clam Race [a powerful race of immortal clam beings]. It not only sells the various Clam Pearl [spiritually charged pearls cultivated by the Immortal Clam Race] produced by the Immortal Clam Race, but also purchases all manner of specialties from within the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], transporting them back to the Seven Colors Immortal Domain [the radiant immortal realm where the Immortal Clam Race resides].

The Glazed Radiance Fish [a rare, luminous fish with a crystalline, glaze-like sheen] that Eldrin Chen intended to sell were said to have a uniquely potent effect for the Immortal Clam Race, which was why this shop offered the highest price among all the establishments in the immortal city.

Upon entering the Immortal Spirit Shop, the trio discovered that the one responsible for receiving them was a Peerless Immortal Consort [a title for a female immortal of supreme beauty and profound cultivation] whose cultivation base was unfathomably deep.

This Peerless Immortal Consort was clad in robes of many colors. When she saw Eldrin Chen, a light flashed in her eyes for an instant before she swiftly concealed her gaze.

With a gentle smile, she ushered the three into a private VIP chamber, poured each a cup of tea, and then inquired, "This humble one is Iris Qu. I greet the three Fellow Daoist [a respectful term cultivators use to address each other, implying a shared pursuit of the Dao]. Might I ask what brings you here today?"

Eldrin Chen's expression remained placid. After a moment of contemplation, he replied, "We have come to sell some Glazed Radiance Fish."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Iris Qu showed a flicker of delight and immediately asked, "Might I inquire how many of these Glazed Radiance Fish you wish to sell?"

Without further ado, Eldrin Chen simply waved his sleeve, revealing a shimmering school of Glazed Radiance Fish.

"One hundred and eight?"

Iris Qu paused for a moment, then spoke with delight, "A school of Glazed Radiance Fish exceeding one hundred individuals, a gathering of over one hundred Glazed Radiance Fish, will most likely give rise to a Fish King. I wonder if any of you possess a Glazed Treasure Light Fish King?"

"We do have one."

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before replying, "However, the Glazed Radiance Fish is of extraordinary value. We intend to offer it for sale at the upcoming Barter Convention."

Iris Qu's heart stirred with excitement. "To be frank," she said, "the Glazed Radiance Fish holds the power to fortify one's Innate Foundation [the fundamental spiritual constitution of a cultivator] for our Immortal Clam Race. It is unlikely anyone could offer a higher price than we can."

Eldrin Chen did not answer immediately, instead turning his gaze towards Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and the Celestial Maiden.

The Celestial Maiden considered for a moment, then transmitted her voice to the other two. "From what I know," she began, "since the fall of the Immortal Clam Race Great Luo who followed Purple Immortal Lord millions of years ago, the Immortal Clam Race now possesses only a single Great Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme realm of immortality]."

"It is said their clan has declined further. The number of Ancient Immortal Great Power [powerful cultivators who have transcended the mortal realm for eons] within their ranks likely does not exceed thirty."

"Among their Ancient Immortals, only three have weathered more than five heavenly tribulations. A Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal is but one, and not a single soul has endured seven or more."

"If the Glazed Radiance Fish were given to the Immortal Clam Race, it could forge at least one five-tribulation Ancient Immortals, and might very well give birth to a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal. It is indeed improbable that anyone could outbid them."

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor nodded upon hearing this and transmitted his own thought. "Shall we hear her offer, then?"

"Very well."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and inquired, "May I ask, honored senior, what price are you willing to offer?"

Iris Qu offered a gentle smile before replying, "Four hundred strands of Innate Qi [the primordial, unadulterated spiritual energy of heaven and earth], or an equivalent value in resources. What do you think?"

In that moment, Eldrin Chen truly grasped the immense wealth of a Great Luo [a supreme realm of cultivation] Immortal Clan. To casually name a price of four hundred strands of Innate Qi spoke volumes; the Immortal Clam Race was indeed worthy of its reputation as one of the wealthiest clans among the Hundred Clans of Immortal Spirits.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but ask, "Might I inquire what suitable resources you have available for exchange?"

Iris Qu glanced at the three of them, pondered for a moment, and said, "Please wait a short while. This humble one will return shortly."

With those words, Iris Qu departed hastily, returning not long after with a dazzlingly brilliant Seven-Colored Immortal Pearl [a pearl of immense spiritual power, radiant with the hues of the seven colors] in hand. Original publication: audio-novel.com (official site) - The source of this chapter.