Chapter 1827 : Clash of Ancient Treasures

"Boom—"

With a violent roar, the immortal spear in Jiang the Ancient Eccentric's hand shattered, cleaving through Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation] to arrive, its power capable of sweeping aside all opposition and shaking the very heavens.

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor's expression darkened as he poured all his power into the Myriad Abyss Ancient Cauldron to block the attack, shouting urgently, "Flee, now!"

"Do you truly believe you can escape?"

At that moment, Jiang the Ancient Eccentric cast a cold glance at the three figures and sneered, "Did you think fleeing to the Sea of Chaos [a turbulent, lawless expanse of primordial energy] would save your lives?"

"Let me be clear: today, these Chaos Shallows shall be your burial ground."

"Boom—"

As his words faded, a pagoda that blotted out the sky and sun materialized, descending with crushing force to suppress them.

This was the infamous Immortal-Suppressing Pagoda, a formidable Innate Ancient Treasure [a treasure born from the primal laws of the cosmos, possessing innate divine abilities] from the Eighteen Veins. It possessed the power to capture all things and the profound ability to suppress both the Void [the state of absolute emptiness] and Primordial Chaos. Even Ancient Immortals who had survived four or five heavenly tribulations would not dare take it lightly.

"Beware! The Immortal-Suppressing Pagoda is Immortal-Suppressing Ancient Ancestor's signature technique!" This content originates from www . audio-novel.com. Please respect copyright.

The Celestial Maiden [a female immortal of great beauty and power] paled, attempting to flee for her life, only to discover that the pagoda emitted a tremendous suction force, seeking to draw them in.

In that very instant, Eldrin Chen seized Celestial Maiden by the arm. With a flick of his sleeve, a Five-Colored Divine Radiance [a divine light embodying the power of the five elements] tore through the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation] and enveloped the Immortal-Suppressing Pagoda [a pagoda artifact capable of suppressing even immortals].

"Oh no!"

The Immortal-Suppressing Ancient Ancestor [an ancient cultivator known for his pagoda treasure] changed color dramatically, trying to recall his Immortal-Suppressing Pagoda, but alas, he was a moment too late.

For the Five-Colored Divine Radiance could absorb all things. In a flash, it transformed into a heaven-shaking vortex of suction, snatching away the Immortal-Suppressing Pagoda and delivering it into Eldrin Chen's grasp.

"Hahaha! Old thief, this treasure is quite fine. It's mine now!"

Eldrin Chen laughed heartily and immediately fled towards the Depths of Chaos [the profound and dangerous heart of the primordial chaos].

Watching his prized treasure being stolen, the Immortal-Suppressing Ancient Ancestor was first shocked, then utterly enraged. He gave chase, roaring, "You cur! Return my treasure!"

The others, astonished by Eldrin Chen's methods, were momentarily stunned.

Jiang the Ancient Eccentric [an ancient and powerful cultivator with an unpredictable nature] took a deep breath and spoke, "The old Immortal-Suppressor has been burning his essence blood all this way. He's already severely depleted, and his momentary carelessness cost him his treasure."

"Rest assured, as long as you are cautious, this person cannot take your prized treasures [the most valuable and cherished magical artifacts a cultivator possesses]."

As the words fell, Jiang the Ancient Eccentric was the second to give chase.

Seeing this, the others could only decisively tear through the void in pursuit.

Yet, they had not chased for long when they suddenly sensed a surge of overwhelming Celestial God-level power [a level of cultivation power comparable to that of a deity] erupting from within the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before the creation of the cosmos]. A sense of foreboding instantly gripped them.

"Disaster!"

Jiang the Ancient Eccentric's heart lurched. He immediately summoned his defensive treasure, preparing to flee, but alas, it was already too late.

For in the vast expanse of the Primordial Chaos, countless Formation Patterns [the glowing lines and symbols that constitute a magical formation] shot through the void, and five dazzling ancient treasures cleaved through the Lucian [a person's name] as they arrived.

"The Innate Five Elements Gourd! We've walked into a trap!"

Jiang the Ancient Eccentric's expression shifted dramatically. Gripping his immortal spear, he struck to disperse the Primordial Chaos, seeking to carve a bloody path of escape before the Formation [a complex magical array used for attack, defense, or confinement] could fully close its encirclement.

But in that very instant, a Chaos Heaven Halberd [a powerful polearm weapon imbued with chaotic energies], tainted with Chaos Qi [the primordial, unformed energy of chaos], shot through the void and slammed directly into the immortal spear.

Jiang the Ancient Eccentric felt an indescribable force crash upon his immortal spear, instantly sending him hurtling backward. The impact nearly wrenched the divine weapon from his grasp.

Struggling to steady himself, he lifted his gaze toward the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before the creation of the cosmos]. There, a figure of immense and awe-inspiring stature strode forth, the Chaos Heaven Halberd in its hand radiating a blade-edge keen enough to slay immortals.

"It's you!"

Jiang the Ancient Eccentric felt a tremor in his heart. He had never imagined that the seemingly most unremarkable Eldrin Chen possessed such astonishing combat prowess, a revelation that far exceeded his expectations.

His eyes swept the surroundings with decisive clarity. He saw Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor channeling the Innate Five Elements Grand Formation [a supreme formation harnessing the primordial powers of the five fundamental elements], using the might of five Innate Ancient Treasure [artifacts born from the primal forces of creation] to completely seal off this expanse of Primordial Chaos.

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In that moment, Jiang the Ancient Eccentric's heart sank like a stone.

With the cultivation base of Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor, driving the Innate Five Elements Grand Formation could unleash the five Ancient Innate Gourd [gourd-shaped treasures of innate origin] to their absolute zenith of power.

The might of such a Primordial Ancient Formation [a formation of supreme power dating back to the dawn of creation] was nearly comparable to five Ancient Immortals [beings who achieved immortality in ancient times] striking in perfect unison, its unleashed combat strength nothing short of staggering.

In the outside world, he might still have had a fighting chance against this Innate Five Elements Grand Formation. But here, within the Chaos Shallows [the turbulent fringes of the primordial void], suppressed by the pressures of the Sea of Chaos [the boundless ocean of primordial disorder], he held little confidence in his ability to break free from the formation's grasp.

More importantly, there were also the formidable adversaries Eldrin Chen and Celestial Maiden watching him like tigers, ready to pounce, leaving him no opportunity whatsoever to break the formation.

Thinking of this, Jiang the Ancient Eccentric said with a grim expression, "What a formidable junior. Truly, the waves of the Yangtze push the waves before them."

"But there are a full six of us Ancient Immortals Ancient Ancestor. Do you truly believe you can devour us all?"

Eldrin Chen remained utterly calm. His gaze swept over Immortal-Suppressing Ancient Ancestor and the others before he spoke with detached composure, "Five Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal are indeed a formidable force, Valerius. With you among them, you could even contend with a Five Tribulations Ancient Immortals."

"But now, having burned their essence blood and suffered severe depletion of their Primordial Qi [the foundational life-force energy of a cultivator], what fraction of their combat prowess remains?"

"Boom—"

At that very instant, the Chaos Heaven Halberd in Eldrin Chen's hand tore through the void, carrying the power to annihilate all things as it swept horizontally towards Jiang the Ancient Eccentric.

In this battle, Eldrin Chen attacked with his full might, resolved to grant Jiang the Ancient Eccentric not a single moment's respite.

With Eldrin Chen unleashing his full power, Jiang the Ancient Eccentric was immediately forced onto the defensive. As a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal, Jiang the Ancient Eccentric's combat prowess was exceptionally formidable.

Had they been outside the Chaos Shallows, Eldrin Chen would likely have had no choice but to flee for his life upon encountering such a foe.

Yet within the Chaos Shallows [a perilous region of turbulent primordial energies], the Ancient Ancestor [a venerable and powerful cultivator of immense age] Jiang the Ancient Eccentric found himself suppressed by the Chaos Water [primordial, formless waters that disrupt spiritual energy and cultivation]. His power was forcibly constrained to a level barely surpassing that of a Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived three heavenly tribulations]. How could he possibly be a match for Eldrin Chen under such circumstances?

After merely a few exchanges, Jiang the Ancient Eccentric was already visibly being pushed onto the defensive.

Seeing this, Immortal-Suppressing Ancient Ancestor [an ancient immortal known for his power to suppress other immortals], Luo Tian Ancient Ancestor, and the other Ancient Immortals [a collective term for cultivators who have achieved immortality and survived for eons] immediately moved to assist. However, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor [an ancient immortal associated with the distant horizon sea] and the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful and ethereal female immortal] were not idle spectators.

With a surge of power, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor activated the Innate Five Elements Gourd Grand Formation [a mighty formation manifesting as gourds embodying the five primal elements]. Each gourd unleashed combat prowess rivaling a Chaos Beast King [a monarch among the savage beasts born of primordial chaos], engaging the five Ancient Immortals in a fierce melee that left them utterly unable to intervene elsewhere.

Not content with this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor mustered a fraction of his remaining strength to command the Horizon Sea Twin Swords [a pair of legendary swords], sending their gleaming arcs slashing towards the five Ancient Immortals Ancient Ancestor.

The Celestial Maiden also joined the fray. She summoned the Frost Soul Immortal Ribbon [an enchanted ribbon imbued with freezing soul-chilling power] and the Innate Frost Soul Sword [a sword born with the essence of frost capable of harming the very soul], entangling the five Ancient Immortals in a deadly dance. For a time, her assault forced the five ancient beings into a relentless retreat.

Thus unburdened, Eldrin Chen could focus his entire being on Jiang the Ancient Eccentric. Unconsciously, thousands of moves were exchanged between them.

It must be acknowledged that a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has weathered four heavenly calamities, a realm beyond the Three Tribulations] truly lived up to its name as an existence that had shattered the Mana Heavenly Barrier [a profound bottleneck in cultivation related to spiritual energy control]. Even suppressed by the Chaos Water, Jiang Ancient Ancestor could still unleash sixty percent of his combat power.

In moments of extreme exertion, he could even briefly tap into eighty percent, momentarily gaining enough advantage to press Eldrin Chen back.

Yet Eldrin Chen had long since broken through his own Mana Heavenly Barrier. In his hands, he wielded not only the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a halberd forged from the essence of primordial chaos] but also five Natal Innate Ancient Treasure [treasures born with a cultivator, growing in power alongside them]. These were augmented by divine abilities like the Primordial Chaos Qi Grasping Hand [a hand formed from primordial chaos energy that can seize anything] and the Grand Five Elements Pure Yang Divine Thunder [a supreme thunder technique fusing the five elements and pure yang energy]—each a Half-Step Patriarch Grade Divine Ability [a supreme technique nearing the power level of a founding patriarch].

Such astonishing methods, rivaling even those of Ancient Immortals [powerful beings who have transcended mortality through cultivation] who have survived five heavenly tribulations, were far beyond what an ordinary Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived three heavenly tribulations] could hope to match.

Even though Jiang the Ancient Eccentric unleashed eighty percent of his power in a short burst, such an exertion could not be sustained. He found it impossible to completely suppress Eldrin Chen, and thus had no chance to break through the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy or objects for defense, attack, or cultivation] and make his escape.

After more than a millennium of such fierce combat, it was ultimately Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor who turned the tide. He activated the Innate Five Elements Gourd [a primordial treasure capable of harnessing and manipulating the five fundamental elements] to trap the four opponents. Then, joining forces with the Celestial Maiden, he unleashed a combined strike with the Horizon Sea Twin Swords, slaying the Immortal-Suppressing Ancient Ancestor.

The five had been pursuing relentlessly, burning their vital essence and blood along the way. Already weakened and with their Primordial Qi [the foundational life-force energy of a cultivator] severely damaged, the loss of one of their number left the remaining four utterly incapable of withstanding the might of the Innate Five Elements Gourd Grand Formation [a supreme formation powered by the innate five elements gourd].

Not long after, a second Ancient Immortals was cut down, and the battle's outcome was decisively overturned.

Within the span of a single Millennium [a period of one thousand years], all five Ancient Immortals were successively annihilated by the Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor. Finally free to act, the two turned their full attention to Jiang the Ancient Eccentric.

"My fate ends here!"

Witnessing the complete collapse of his situation, a deathly pallor spread across the face of Jiang the Ancient Eccentric.

In that moment, consumed by utter despair and bitter resentment, he glared at Eldrin Chen and cried out, "You have already broken through the Mana Heavenly Barrier [a legendary bottleneck in cultivation, representing a qualitative leap in power] to become a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived four heavenly tribulations], yet you disguised yourself as a mere Eighth Heaven Immortal [an immortal at the eighth level of the celestial realm]. Such cunning and ruthlessness... I suppose my defeat was not unjust."

Speaking to this point, Jiang the Ancient Eccentric could not help but ask, "Who are you truly? How can you, with the power of a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived four heavenly tribulations], flawlessly disguise yourself as an Eighth Heaven Immortal [an immortal of the eighth heavenly realm]?"

"Why should the dead know so much?"

Eldrin Chen did not answer. Matters concerning his own trump cards were not something he would reveal to others—the truth that his cultivation base was genuinely only at the Eighth Heaven Immortal [an immortal of the eighth heavenly realm] level, having merely shattered the Mana Heavenly Barrier [the celestial barrier that separates the realms of immortal cultivation] ahead of time.

The present Eldrin Chen could, in fact, be called an Ancient Immortals [a venerable and powerful class of immortals], for he had indeed broken through the Mana Heavenly Barrier [the celestial barrier that separates the realms of immortal cultivation]. Yet this could not deny the reality of his true realm being that of an Eighth Heaven Immortal [an immortal of the eighth heavenly realm].

With this thought, Eldrin Chen's Chaos Heaven Halberd [a divine halberd imbued with primordial chaos] swept aside the immortal spear and brutally pierced through the brow of Jiang the Ancient Eccentric, shattering his Physical Body [the corporeal vessel of a cultivator] amidst this expanse of Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation].

"Aaaargh—!"

In the instant his Physical Body [the corporeal vessel of a cultivator] was destroyed, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] of Jiang the Ancient Eccentric flew out, still struggling desperately.

Just as Eldrin Chen was about to pursue and strike, he halted abruptly. Instead, he channeled the Five-Colored Divine Radiance [a divine ability manifesting as a radiant light of five colors] to seize and immobilize the fleeing Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] for a mere heartbeat.

"*Clang!*"

In that very moment, two blinding sword beams cleaved through the void, instantly annihilating the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] of Jiang the Ancient Eccentric.

Simultaneously, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor retrieved the Horizon Sea Twin Swords and turned his gaze towards Eldrin Chen. "My thanks," he said.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, offering no further words.

Allowing Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor to personally slay Jiang the Ancient Eccentric and thus settle the grudge from that ambush years ago was merely a matter of going with the flow.

At that moment, Celestial Maiden approached, unable to resist looking at Eldrin Chen. "Fellow Daoist's [a respectful term for a cultivator of similar attainment] strength is truly beyond expectations," she remarked.

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor also nodded, a trace of astonishment coloring his expression.

The combat prowess Eldrin Chen had displayed in this battle was simply staggering. Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor estimated that even within the Immortal Domain, let alone here in the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], he and Celestial Maiden combined might still be unable to defeat Eldrin Chen.

This was already the combat power of a top-tier Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived three heavenly tribulations], bordering on that of a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived four heavenly tribulations].

In comparison, the reason Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and Celestial Maiden had so easily defeated the five Ancient Immortals was only one part due to the significant depletion of the opponents' Primordial Qi [the foundational, primordial energy of creation], six parts due to the Innate Five Elements Gourd Grand Formation, with the remaining three parts being their own contribution.

Thinking of this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor could not help but sigh. "It seems if we do not make a breakthrough soon, we will not be of much help to you before long."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. He took the Yin-Yang Gourd [a gourd-shaped treasure embodying the principles of Yin and Yang] from Jiang the Ancient Eccentric and spoke. "With the aid of this Yin-Yang Gourd, your breakthrough to the Four Calamities Ancient Immortal realm is within reach."

Upon hearing this, both of them smiled faintly, their expressions lighting up with excitement. With these two gourds in hand, they could finally begin cultivating their Seven-Colors Immortal Refining Scripture.

Next, the three of them gathered the treasures left behind by the six Ancient Immortals, each one's face revealing a look of profound delight.

After thoroughly looting all the treasures, Eldrin Chen inquired, "Should we still explore the Chaos Shallows?"

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor pondered for a moment before speaking, "Our gains from this battle are extraordinary. There is no need to take further risks."

"It would be better to return first, achieve a breakthrough to the Four Calamities Ancient Immortal realm, and then return to explore the depths of this Primordial Chaos."

Celestial Maiden was also growing impatient. She smiled and added, "I agree. Sharpening the axe does not delay the chopping of wood. Our breakthrough should be the priority."

"Very well," Eldrin Chen conceded.

With a nod, Eldrin Chen led the group of three back towards the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

They flew for several millennia, returning to the heart of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain. After renting a Grotto-Heaven, the four of them began to take stock of the spoils from the battle.

"The harvest from this single conflict is truly staggering," one of them remarked with awe.

Gazing upon the treasures before him, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor could not help but smile faintly, a glimmer of delight coloring his expression.

From this battle to the present, their spoils could be described as astonishingly immense. After a thorough inventory, they discovered they had obtained a total of eight Innate Ancient Treasure [primordial artifacts born from the essence of creation], five Supreme Grade Innate Marvel [objects of supreme rarity and power, born from the world's primal forces], and over two hundred and thirty strands of Innate Qi [the primordial energy that constitutes the foundation of all creation].

Among these eight Innate Ancient Treasure, four were relatively common twelve-vein Innate Ancient Treasure, each valued at roughly fifty strands of Innate Qi.

However, four were extraordinary: the Immortal-Suppressing Pagoda, the Luo Tian Net, the Immortal-Slaying Ancient Spear, and the Five Treasures Glazed Armor.

Among these four treasures, the Immortal-Suppressing Pagoda and the Luo Tian Net were both Eighteen Veins Innate Ancient Treasure [artifacts bearing eighteen innate spiritual veins, denoting immense power]. The Immortal-Slaying Ancient Spear was a twenty-two-vein Innate Treasure, and the Five Treasures Glazed Armor was a twenty-vein Innate Ancient Treasure.

Furthermore, among the five Supreme Grade Innate Marvel, one Profound Yin Soul-Condensing Pearl [a pearl that gathers and refines profound Yin energy to nourish the soul] and one Nine Revolutions Limit-Breaking Pill [a legendary pill that can shatter cultivation bottlenecks through nine cycles of refinement] were of exceptional value. The remaining three were relatively common Supreme Grade Innate Marvel.

These more common Innate Marvels could not significantly enhance their strength, so they could only be sold to exchange for Innate Qi.

Eldrin Chen retrieved the Immortal-Suppressing Pagoda, the Luo Tian Net, the Immortal-Slaying Ancient Spear, and the Five Treasures Glazed Armor. He then separately took out the Profound Yin Soul-Condensing Pearl and the Nine Revolutions Limit-Breaking Pill, stating, "These treasures hold great value for Valerius. We should keep them."

"Let's exchange the rest for Innate Qi before dividing the shares."

Hearing this, the other two also nodded in agreement.

The treasures selected by Eldrin Chen were, naturally, anything but ordinary items.

Among these several treasures, the Immortal-Suppressing Pagoda [a pagoda capable of capturing and subduing powerful foes] could ensnare formidable enemies, while the Luo Tian Net [a supreme treasure for trapping and binding adversaries] was a paramount tool for confinement, often proving immensely useful within the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation].

It must be understood that the Chaos Beast King [a ruler-class beast born from the Primordial Chaos] within the Primordial Chaos possess astonishingly swift flight and escape capabilities; defeating them is one thing, but delivering a final blow is exceedingly difficult.

Do not assume, simply because they previously managed to slay the Chaos Devouring Roc [a legendary roc that feeds on the substance of chaos], that Chaos Beast King are easy to finish off. That particular victory was only possible because the Chaos Devouring Roc was cornered within its Chaos Lair [a beast's den within the Primordial Chaos], unable to flee, and was ambushed by the assembled group.

Otherwise, attempting to slay a three-tribulation Chaos Beast King like the Chaos Devouring Roc within the vastness of the Sea of Chaos [the endless expanse of the Primordial Chaos] would give even a five-tribulation Ancient Immortals [immortals who have survived multiple heavenly tribulations] merely a thirty to forty percent chance of success.

Some Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has weathered six heavenly tribulations] who lack proficiency in speed might not even be able to catch up to a Chaos Devouring Roc.

However, with the Luo Tian Net and the Immortal-Suppressing Pagoda in hand, there exists a tangible possibility of entrapping even a four or five-tribulation Chaos Beast King, severing its chance to escape.

The Immortal-Slaying Ancient Spear [an ancient spear famed for its potency against immortal beings] and the Five Treasures Glazed Armor [armor forged from five precious treasures and glazed for supreme defense] require little elaboration. The Immortal-Slaying Ancient Spear demonstrated its power by grievously wounding Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor with a single strike, ranking it among the superior Innate Ancient Treasure [treasures born from the innate laws of the cosmos, possessing immense natural power]. As for the Five Treasures Glazed Armor, it stands as a paramount defensive treasure. For the best reading experience, visit audi0-n0vel.c0m.