Chapter 1829 : Guardian of the Heavenly Dao Artifact

"Did these individuals ever take action against the clan?"

After understanding the cause and effect, Eldrin Chen could not help but inquire.

Lyra Jiang shook her head, replying with a calm smile, "With the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact [a supreme treasure that embodies the foundational laws of the world] bolstering us, none dared to cause trouble."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. After all, the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain was merely an ordinary Immortal Domain [a vast realm within the cosmos where immortals dwell], its strength ranking among the lowest within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal realms].

Consequently, truly powerful figures emerging from such a domain were few. Most were Heavenly Immortal Paragons [the pinnacle stage of the Heavenly Immortal realm], with Ancient Immortal Realm [a profound cultivation stage transcending the Heavenly Immortal realm] existences being exceedingly rare.

Eldrin Chen estimated that most among these Ancient Immortals were likely those who had weathered fewer than three heavenly tribulations. Those surpassing four tribulations should also be scarce, which afforded him a measure of confidence in facing them.

Fortunately, before Eldrin Chen departed for the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, formless expanse of chaotic energies at the edge of creation], he had transferred the authority over the Heavenly Dao Source Artifact to Lyra Jiang as a precaution against unforeseen events in the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain, thereby warding off covetous gazes from others.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke thoughtfully, "I must depart again before long. Should anyone truly move against the clan in my absence, you may retreat and avoid confrontation temporarily. Await my return to settle all matters."

Lyra Jiang inclined her head in a graceful nod, affirming, "I understand."

Seeing her response, Eldrin Chen said no more. With a sweep of his sleeve, he withdrew a collection of treasures from within its folds. Official source: audio-novel*com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

The several women glanced over, and their hearts could not help but tremble slightly.

This time, the value of the treasures Eldrin Chen had brought back was truly too immense. Among them, the Innate Qi [a primordial, foundational energy of the highest purity] alone numbered three hundred strands.

Beyond that, there were vast quantities of Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill [a supreme elixir refined through nine cycles of transformation], Dao Union Flower [a mystical herb that aids in comprehending the fusion of Daos], and other rare treasures used for cultivating Dao Principles [the fundamental laws and truths of the cosmos]. Their combined value easily surpassed two to three hundred strands of Innate Qi.

Most crucially, there were also priceless rarities such as the Seven-Colored Immortal Pearl [a pearl radiating with the light of seven colors, containing immense spiritual power], the Five Treasures Glazed Armor [an armor forged from five precious materials and glazed with spiritual fire], three scrolls of the Great Luo Secret Tome [an ancient scripture containing profound secrets of the Great Luo realm], the Profound Yin Soul-Condensing Pearl [a pearl that gathers and nourishes the soul with profound Yin energy], and the Nine Revolutions Limit-Breaking Pill [an elixir capable of shattering cultivation bottlenecks through nine cycles of refinement].

Gazing upon this mountain of rare treasures, Lyra Jiang could not help but ask, "It seems your journey was quite fruitful."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and began recounting the events of his journey to his several Dao companions. As they listened, their hearts surged with tumultuous waves of emotion.

Lila could not help but take a deep breath, her voice filled with yearning as she said, "The Sea of Chaos [a primordial, ever-changing expanse between ordered realms] holds such boundless opportunities. How I long to venture there myself."

"Your cultivation is still insufficient; you cannot yet wander within that Sea of Chaos,"

Eldrin Chen shook his head. He handed the Profound Yin Soul-Condensing Pearl to Lila and said, "During my absence, you must cultivate diligently. I hope that before the Dao Tribulation [a cataclysmic trial ordained by the Heavenly Dao] descends, you can all break through to the Ancient Immortal Realm [a venerable and powerful stage of immortal cultivation] as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, the women all nodded in agreement. In the years since Eldrin Chen's departure, the cultivation of the first batch of Heaven Immortal [the foundational stage of true immortalhood] experts within the Chen Clan had advanced by leaps and bounds. They had now all broken through to the Late Heaven Immortal Realm [the advanced stage of the Heaven Immortal realm].

Regrettably, the Chen Immortal Clan lacked sufficient resources. In their desperate bid to break through to the Seventh Heaven Immortal realm, they were forced to sell off a significant portion of the clan's assets. They even borrowed some Innate Qi [the primordial, foundational energy of creation] from the Immortal Clam Race through Nyssa Qu's connections to achieve their breakthrough.

Now, with this influx of Innate Qi and supplementary resources, their cultivation bases were certain to advance by leaps and bounds.

Yet, upon hearing Eldrin Chen still intended to depart, Lyra Jiang could not help but say, "Since you've returned so rarely, please stay a while longer."

Though his heart ached with reluctance, Eldrin Chen thought of the approaching Calamity Tribulation [the cataclysmic heavenly trial that periodically befalls the cosmos] and could only sigh. "The Calamity Tribulation draws near. I cannot afford to squander too much time now."

"This time, I shall stay a little less. I will remain at home for ten thousand years."

Upon hearing this, his companions sighed softly, offering no further persuasion.

They understood. With less than three million five hundred thousand years remaining until the Calamity Tribulation, if one failed to accumulate a sufficient Deep-Seated Foundation [a profound and unshakable foundation for one's cultivation path] beforehand, seizing the opportunity to attain the Great Luo [the Great Unfathomable, a supreme realm of cultivation] would likely prove impossible.

In the years that followed, Eldrin Chen remained with his clan. Each day, he cultivated the Great Dao [the supreme, all-encompassing Path] alongside his Dao companions. While his cultivation level saw no dramatic leaps, he felt the shackles upon his soul loosen considerably.

"It seems that upon my return to the Sea of Chaos, I shall be ready to take that final step and break through to the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm."

For a Heavenly Immortal Paragon, ten thousand years was but a fleeting moment—scarcely enough time to complete a single session of closed-door cultivation to refine a batch of Pill [elixirs for cultivation].

Eldrin Chen lingered with his several Dao companions for over ten thousand years, yet ultimately departed from the Azure Firmament Immortal Domain.

Upon arriving at the Frigid Immortal Domain, he discovered that the Celestial Maiden and the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor had been awaiting him for some time, clearly unwilling to squander precious moments.

"Since you have arrived, let us depart immediately,"

said the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor with a smile. The trio promptly left the Frigid Immortal Domain behind.

By the time they reached the Chaos Sea Fringe, more than twenty thousand years had passed.

Their return coincided with the recent ebb of the Chaos Tide. After a brief respite, they hurried onward into the Sea of Chaos. Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio-novel dot com.

This time, they bypassed the Chaos Shallows, for such places held scant opportunities, their treasures rarely of great worth.

Typically, the total value of treasures within a single Chaos Shallows seldom exceeded one hundred strands of Innate Qi [the primordial energy from which all things are born], and these were often scattered and difficult to locate.

Their previous astonishing harvests were largely due to heaven-defying fortune—first encountering a Glazed Radiance Fish School, and later the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd that had fled to their shores.

To return to the matter at hand, the three voyaged through the Boundless Chaos and finally arrived within the depths of the Sea of Chaos.

As soon as he stepped into the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse of churning energies at the edge of creation], Eldrin Chen felt the incredibly violent Chaos Water [the raw, unrefined essence of primordial chaos] assail him from all sides.

The Chaos Water within this Sea of Chaos was not fundamentally different from that within the Chaos Shallows [the turbulent border region of the Sea of Chaos], yet it was immeasurably more savage and turbulent. An endless tide of Sea of Chaos waves roared towards him, causing Eldrin Chen to momentarily lose his footing.

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor [an ancient immortal of immense power] also paled slightly, having to exert all his Mana [the refined spiritual energy cultivated by immortals] just to barely stabilize his form.

"How ferocious this Sea of Chaos is," he remarked.

After a moment, once he had steadied himself, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor could not help but speak.

Celestial Maiden [a powerful female immortal] also changed expression, her face turning grave. "The consumption of Mana here is too great," she said solemnly. "Even with our cultivation at the Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [the realm of an ancient immortal who has survived four heavenly tribulations] level, we could likely endure here for no more than a dozen or so millennia."

"And if a great battle were to erupt, the drain on our Mana would likely be several times greater than in the outside world."

Eldrin Chen focused his senses for a moment and discovered that he could still refine this violent Chaos Sea Water, allowing him to release a slight sigh of relief.

Considering this, he spoke up. "Let us not rush to explore. We should wait until I break through to the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm, representing flawless mastery]."

"Breakthrough?"

Upon hearing this, Celestial Maiden [a title for a high-ranking female immortal] paled slightly and said, "Attempting a breakthrough here seems far too perilous."

Eldrin Chen shook his head calmly and replied, "The Sea of Chaos [a primordial, turbulent expanse of chaotic energies] exerts immense pressure upon me. By harnessing this pressure alongside my Ten Calamity Magical Power [a supreme divine ability forged through ten great tribulations], I can drastically shorten the time required for my breakthrough."

"Is that so?" Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor [an ancient progenitor from the Horizon Sea Pavilion] pondered for a moment before speaking. "Then proceed with your breakthrough in peace. We two shall stand guard for you."

"My thanks."

Eldrin Chen clasped his hands in gratitude and immediately ventured deeper into the Sea of Chaos. He soon located a Ninth Rank High Grade Chaos Nest [a high-grade focal point of chaotic energy, ranked ninth in potency].

After vanquishing the Chaos Ancient Beast [a primordial beast born of chaos] dwelling within the Chaos Lair [a beast's den within the chaotic sea], he claimed the lair as his own and began his secluded cultivation.

For this breakthrough attempt, Eldrin Chen was not only utilizing the pressure from the Chaos Sea Water [the turbulent waters of the Sea of Chaos], but also employing the Innate Yin-Yang Five Elements Gourd [a supreme innate treasure embodying the principles of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements] to suppress both his Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique [an innate, nigh-unbreakable physical constitution] and his Primordial Chaos Limitless Dao Principle [his foundational Dao principle of limitless primordial chaos].

Having thus thoroughly restrained his Physical Body [the cultivation of the physical form] and Dao Principles [the cultivation and comprehension of fundamental cosmic principles], Eldrin Chen once again activated his Ten Calamity Magical Power to forcibly fuse his Physical Body with his Dao Principles.

This process proceeded with astonishing speed and smoothness, far exceeding expectations. In a mere thirty thousand years, the fusion was successfully completed.

"Dao Fruit Great Accomplishment, Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm, where one's Dao Fruit is fully formed and perfected]."

Eldrin Chen sensed the power within himself and murmured softly, a faint smile appearing in his eyes.

This breakthrough had been surprisingly smooth. Eldrin Chen had succeeded without even needing to rely on rare treasures like the Dao Union Flower. However, he understood that this was primarily because he had cultivated the Ten-Limit Dharmic Power [the pinnacle state of foundational spiritual power].

Had he not cultivated the Ten-Limit Dharmic Power, relying solely on external aids like the Chaos Sea Water [primordial waters from the Sea of Chaos] and the Seven Treasures Gourd [a legendary gourd bearing seven types of spiritual treasures], it would have taken him at least a million years to succeed.

After all, external aids are merely that—external. One's own cultivation forms the true foundation of everything.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile slightly.

He slowly extended his hand, feeling the supreme power of the Trinity Unification [a profound art that unifies body, soul, and spirit], and his heart grew even more assured.

"As I am now, I can truly be said to possess the combat strength of a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived four great cosmic tribulations], can't I?"

Eldrin Chen whispered to himself, then shook his head a moment later. "Perhaps I am no weakling even among the Four Calamities Ancient Immortal."

At this moment, Eldrin Chen smiled.

To be able to unleash the full combat power of a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal within the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all realms emerged]—this level of strength was truly astonishing.

It must be understood that even a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations] cannot be entirely certain of victory against a Four Calamity Chaos Beast King [a ruler among the primordial beasts of chaos] within the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, formless expanse of chaotic energies].

With this thought in mind, Eldrin Chen emerged from his secluded cultivation.

"Congratulations."

Witnessing Eldrin Chen's emergence, the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal] offered a congratulatory smile.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then lifted his gaze beyond the Chaos Lair [a temporary sanctuary or stronghold within the chaotic void]. There, he saw Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor locked in fierce combat with a Chaos Leviathan [a titanic, whale-like beast born of primordial chaos].

"A Chaos Leviathan from among the Chaos Colossal Terrors [a classification for the most immense and fearsome chaos beasts]?"

Eldrin Chen murmured, yet his expression remained utterly serene.

This colossal beast's cultivation was formidable, having reached the realm of a Three Calamity Chaos Beast King [a chaos beast king that has endured three heavenly calamities]. Its combat prowess was on par with that Chaos Devouring Roc [a legendary roc that feeds on chaos] from years past. Despite their prolonged battle, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor had yet to gain the upper hand.

"Indeed. This Chaos Leviathan was drawn by the disturbances of your breakthrough."

The Celestial Maiden nodded, a trace of gravity settling between her brows as she spoke.

Eldrin Chen gave a nod and spoke, "Since that is the case, leave it to me. You all should stand guard and provide support."

"Boom—"

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen stepped forward. With a simple turn of his palm and a downward strike, he effortlessly repelled the Chaos Leviathan.

Seeing this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor immediately retreated to the side to stand guard, holding the Immortal-Suppressing Pagoda [a divine pagoda capable of suppressing even immortals] in his hand, ready to prevent the Chaos Leviathan from fleeing at any moment.

"Roar—"

As Eldrin Chen closed in, the Chaos Leviathan erupted in fury. It let out a heaven-shaking roar and unleashed a chaotic battle aura, summoning an Innate Ancient Seal [a primordial treasure born from chaos, possessing immense sealing power] to press down upon its foe.

Yet Eldrin Chen showed not a trace of fear. With a casual gesture, he activated the Primordial Chaos Weapon-Derivation Art.

Instantly, the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before the creation of the cosmos] trembled violently. Chaos Divine Weapons [weapons forged from the essence of primordial chaos] manifested one after another—an Ancient Bell, a Treasure Cauldron, an Immortal Pagoda, a Divine Furnace, a Celestial Sword, a Tyrant Blade, the Celestial Halberd, a Divine Spear—all surging forth in a relentless assault.

This Primordial Chaos Weapon-Derivation Art truly lived up to its name as a Chaos Attribute Divine Ability. Driven by Eldrin Chen's current cultivation level and amplified by the environment of the Sea of Chaos, each manifested weapon erupted with power approaching that of an Innate Ancient Treasure.

Though the Chaos Leviathan possessed heaven-defying combat prowess, it was instantly forced into a desperate retreat. In the blink of an eye, it was grievously wounded.

This was not because the Chaos Leviathan was weak, but because Eldrin Chen's combat prowess was simply too astonishing.

The power gap between a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal and a Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal is immense, often requiring five times the number of combatants to contend. Although this Chaos Leviathan was a top-tier combatant among its peers, a true Chaos Colossal Terrors, it was still far from being a match for a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal.

Moreover, Eldrin Chen's combat strength was likely among the foremost even within the ranks of Four Calamities Ancient Immortal.

"BOOM—"

After merely thirty exchanges, the Chaos Leviathan had already sustained successive wounds. In contrast, Eldrin Chen remained utterly composed, facing his foe using only the Primordial Chaos Weapon-Derivation Art without even exerting his full power.

It was only then that the Chaos Leviathan finally felt true fear and sought to flee into the distance.

"You will not escape."

Seeing the Chaos Leviathan attempt to flee, Eldrin Chen decided to delay no longer.

With a flick of his sleeve, he took a single step that shattered the Chaotic Void beneath him, arriving before the Chaos Leviathan with a speed that outpaced its desperate flight.

"CLANG—"

In that fleeting instant, Eldrin Chen unleashed a single sword radiance that cleaved down, splitting the Chaos Leviathan cleanly in two on the spot.

After slaying the Chaos Leviathan, Eldrin Chen recalled the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords. Yet he could not help but marvel, "The Ten Calamity Magical Power is truly formidable. It can actually amplify the power of a Divine Ability Immortal Treasure by half."

"An ordinary Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived four great tribulations], even if they could exert their full strength within the Sea of Chaos, might still struggle to defeat such a beast."

At the same time, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor approached, his voice filled with awe. "Within this Sea of Chaos, your combat prowess can no longer be considered weak."

"I suspect that even a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived six great tribulations] might find it difficult to best you."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile but said nothing more.

He casually directed the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords to dissect the corpse of the Chaos Leviathan. Every part of this creature was a treasure. Its Bones were suitable for forging Peerless-grade Chaos Ancient Ships, while its Hide could be refined into Supreme Grade Innate Ancient Talisman.

Especially the Dragon's Saliva Incense [a rare incense formed from the solidified essence of a dragon's breath], which possessed the wondrous property of nourishing and expanding one's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator]. It would be of significant use in their future cultivation towards the Nine-Limit Nascent Soul [a supreme stage of spiritual development].

Eldrin Chen carefully extracted the Dragon's Saliva Incense, dividing it equally between Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor. With a smile, he asked, "I believe this item will be of some use to both of you in cultivating your Primordial Spirit."

Delight blossomed in their hearts. Celestial Maiden spoke, "This treasure indeed fortifies the Primordial Spirit, but surely you require it as well?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head and spoke calmly, "This breakthrough to the Dao Fruit realm has allowed my Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] to cultivate to the Eighth Limit. This item holds little further use for me."

Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor nodded in agreement. While the Dragon's Saliva Incense [a rare incense that nourishes the Primordial Spirit] could enhance the Primordial Spirit, its efficacy was limited to those whose Primordial Spirit had not yet reached the Eighth Limit.

In truth, for a Primordial Spirit that had already attained the Seventh Limit, the Dragon's Saliva Incense offered negligible further improvement.

Contemplating this, a flicker of envy stirred within them both. They had now broken through to the Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal Realm, yet their Primordial Spirits had only surpassed five limits. The path to forging an Eight Limits Nascent Soul [a Nascent Soul cultivated to its ultimate eightfold potential] remained distant and shrouded in mist.

Yet Eldrin Chen, still at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm, already possessed an Eight Limits Nascent Soul. How could they not feel a pang of envy?

With this thought, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor could not help but remark, "Your natural talent and Deep-Seated Foundation [the profound and unshakable foundational cultivation base of a cultivator] likely rival even that of Senior Purple from ages past."

Eldrin Chen offered no direct reply, instead asking calmly, "Regarding methods to cultivate the Nascent Soul Celestial Passage [the celestial-grade Nascent Soul cultivation method], have you formed any plans in your hearts?"

Celestial Maiden pondered for a long moment before finally speaking, "Within the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, turbulent expanse of chaotic energies], one finds mostly Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient beasts born from and dwelling within primal chaos] of low intellect. Treasures that can enhance the Primordial Spirit are exceedingly rare. For now, we have no concrete ideas."

"We intend to first explore the Sea of Chaos. If no path reveals itself, we may have no choice but to walk the Path of Faith [a cultivation method that draws power from the faith and worship of followers]." This chapter appears courtesy of audio‑novel.com.