Chapter 1830 : The Nascent Soul's Fragile Path

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but frown slightly, a crease forming between his brows.

Breaking through the Nascent Soul Celestial Passage [the barrier to advancing the Nascent Soul realm] is not like shattering the Mana Heavenly Barrier [the barrier to advancing the Mana realm]. After all, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] is extremely fragile and naturally cannot be forced through its limits by crude, external means.

Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, there are three mainstream methods for breaking the Nascent Soul Celestial Passage: the Great Luo Marvelous Art [a supreme cultivation technique], the Divine Soul Immortal Medicine [a miraculous pill for the soul], and the Path of Faith [a cultivation path powered by the faith of mortals].

Among these three methods, the first two—regardless of which one—are far more gentle and gradual compared to the techniques and Pill [a medicinal pellet for cultivation] treasures used to break the Mana Heavenly Barrier. Consequently, their effectiveness is naturally greatly diminished.

Generally speaking, both the Great Luo Marvelous Art and the Divine Soul Immortal Medicine are incomparably precious. A Divine Soul Immortal Medicine capable of helping someone break the limits of their Primordial Spirit has a minimum value starting at one to two hundred Innate Qi [a primordial form of spiritual energy].

Furthermore, the vast majority of these exorbitantly priced Divine Soul Immortal Medicine can only help a Primordial Spirit break through seven or eight limits, making it difficult to shatter the crucial ninth and final limit.

Countless Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived four heavenly tribulations] have exchanged their life's savings for Divine Soul Immortal Medicine and paired them with the Great Luo Marvelous Art, yet remain trapped at the eighth limit, unable to complete their ultimate metamorphosis.

This illustrates just how immense the difficulty of breaking the Nascent Soul Celestial Passage truly is. This step is far more arduous than shattering the Mana Heavenly Barrier.

Therefore, many Ancient Immortals [immortals who have lived for countless ages] within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains ultimately choose the third method: the Path of Faith.

Incense, transformed from the collective will and prayers of living beings, is a nearly universal material possessing a myriad of special and wondrous effects. Continue your cultivation journey at audio—novel.com.

The most common application is during realm breakthroughs, where refining Incense Fire Celestial Silver [a divine metal forged from condensed mortal faith] to obtain the power of mortal faith [the collective belief and prayers of countless beings] is used to bolster oneself and increase the certainty of a successful breakthrough.

However, incense fire [the energy derived from worship and faith] carries a toxic nature. Heaven Immortal and those above this realm, the true Immortal [beings who have transcended mortality], are exceedingly cautious regarding it, with very few willing to taint themselves with this Incense Offering Power [the power derived from worship and faith].

Yet, it cannot be denied that Incense Fire Celestial Silver possesses remarkable efficacy. It can not only channel the power of faith but also be used to forge a Faith Golden Body [a divine physique solidified through faith] and empower the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator].

For Ghost Immortal [immortals who cultivate through the ghostly path] who tread the path of the Netherworld [the realm of spirits and the dead], upon reaching the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm, they need only acquire a sufficient amount of Incense Offering Power to forge a Faith Golden Body.

A Netherworld Heavenly Immortal Paragon who forges a Faith Golden Body would shed the limitations of lacking a true Physical Body [a corporeal form], gaining combat prowess on par with a Heaven Immortal of the same tier.

It is said that if cultivated to its ultimate extreme, the Faith Golden Body can even be refined into an incense fire Great Luo Physique [a physique capable of withstanding the tribulations of the Great Luo Realm], potentially aiding an Immortal in breaking through the Fleshly Body Celestial Passage [the bottleneck related to physical cultivation].

The path of the Primordial Spirit follows a similar principle. A Four Calamities Ancient Immortal who uses a vast ocean of incense fire as material to forge a Faith Divine Soul [a Primordial Spirit solidified and empowered by pure faith] also holds a certain possibility of breaking the Nascent Soul Celestial Passage [the bottleneck related to spiritual cultivation].

But incense fire is toxic. Once used to forge a breakthrough in the Nascent Soul Celestial Passage, one must bear an immense Karmic Burden [the metaphysical weight of cause and effect, often negative].

If one cannot refine and purify the myriad chaotic thoughts of billions upon billions of mortal beings contained within the incense fire, they will inevitably be assailed by these endless distractions during the breakthrough to Great Luo.

Furthermore, using incense fire to forge a path through the Nascent Soul Celestial Passage causes the Primordial Spirit to become almost fused with the collective will and desires of the mortal multitude. Should one fall in battle thereafter, the Primordial Spirit would be condemned to utter annihilation, beyond any hope of salvation.

Unless one severs their entire Primordial Source [the foundational life force and spiritual essence of a cultivator] at the moment of Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth], even if one can achieve Cycle of Reincarnation [a divine ability to control or transcend the cycle of rebirth], they would only become a madman corrupted by countless vengeful obsessions.

Yet, to sever one's entire Primordial Source [the foundational life force and spiritual essence of a cultivator] in this life means that in the next, not a single trace of this life's legacy would remain. It would become incredibly difficult to even set foot on the path of cultivation again, and one would most likely fall forever into the Reincarnation [the cycle of death and rebirth], unable to ever achieve Ascending to Immortality [the ultimate goal of transcending mortality and becoming an immortal being].

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the two and said, "Although the Path of Faith [a cultivation method that harnesses the power of mortal belief and worship] offers a swift path, it ultimately carries immense hidden dangers."

"Both of you possess the Innate Divine Saint Physique [a supreme innate constitution blessed by divine favor], granting you a great chance of breaking through to the Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [the realm of an Ancient Immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations] in the future. Even without exceptional fortune, you would merely need to wait for one or two more Calamity Tribulation [cosmic cycles of great calamity and renewal]. There is no need to risk walking this treacherous path."

Hearing this, both the Celestial Maiden and the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor nodded in agreement.

Throughout the world, those who use faith to break through to Nascent Soul Celestial Passage [the realm where the Nascent Soul undergoes a celestial transformation] are almost always Ancient Immortals [cultivators who have achieved immortality in ancient times] whose Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true self of a cultivator] has been trapped at the seventh or eighth limit for several Calamity Tribulation [cosmic cycles of great calamity and renewal], with no hope of advancement.

If one truly had any other choice, who would willingly select a path with such obvious flaws?

Seeing that his words had been heeded, Eldrin Chen said no more on the matter. He simply rose to his feet and declared, "With this successful breakthrough, my cultivation has progressed somewhat."

"Now, let us see if the Chaos Sea Fringe [the turbulent, primordial borderlands of the Chaos Sea, said to hold infinite opportunities] truly holds the boundless opportunities we anticipate."

The Celestial Maiden also inclined her head slightly, a gentle smile gracing her lips as she said, "It is only fitting."

Thereafter, the three of them truly began their exploration of the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, turbulent expanse between worlds].

The Sea of Chaos indeed lived up to its name. Even its peripheral regions could be considered lands of remarkable opportunity.

As they wandered through it, they soon discovered numerous Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial creatures born from chaotic energies], and even encountered two herds, each numbering in the hundreds.

Facing these Chaos Ancient Beast, they showed no mercy. They successively routed two Chaos Beast Horde and slew many scattered Chaos Ancient Beast.

Thus, in merely twenty thousand years, they had already slain over one hundred Chaos Ancient Beast, among which were even two Chaos Beast King [powerful alpha predators among the chaos beasts].

In truth, they had encountered even more Chaos Ancient Beast. However, the Chaos Beast King within the Sea of Chaos possessed high intelligence. Once the Chaos Ancient Beast sensed they were outmatched, they would flee, causing many to scatter and escape. Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio-novel.com.

"Two Chaos Beast King, and over thirty strands of Innate Qi [primordial, unformed spiritual energy of great purity]."

"A pity we haven't encountered a Supreme Grade Chaos Nest [a rare, high-grade convergence point of chaotic energies, rich in resources]."

After the great battle, Eldrin Chen slew the two Chaos Beast King, then spoke with a hint of regret.

Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor also felt a twinge of disappointment, but they had anticipated this. "Within ten thousand 'Dao-Path' [a measure of distance in the immortal realms] of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, Supreme Grade Chaos Nest are exceedingly rare. This outcome was to be expected."

According to the universally acknowledged standard of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, the distance an Ancient Immortals [powerful beings who have transcended mortality] can fly at full speed for one year is defined as one Dao-Path [a unit of cosmic distance].

The region from the edge of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains outward into the Deep Chaos Sea [the vast, turbulent void beyond the ordered realms], up to a distance of ten thousand Dao-Path, is known as the Shallow Chaos Sea [the relatively calmer, outer fringe of the chaotic void].

The area from ten thousand to one hundred thousand Dao-Path is called the Outer Chaos Sea [the intermediate zone of the chaotic void], while beyond one hundred thousand Dao-Path lies the widely recognized Deep Chaos Sea [the perilous, uncharted depths of chaos].

Although Chaos Beast King [monstrous sovereigns born of primordial chaos] exist within the Shallow Chaos Sea, the Supreme Grade Chaos Nest [rare, energy-rich pockets of order within the chaos] they claim are seldom found within this ten-thousand Dao-Path range. Those that do appear have mostly been scoured clean by generations of Ancient Immortals.

To truly find a Supreme Grade Chaos Nest, one would need heaven-defying luck or must venture deeper into the Sea of Chaos [the collective term for the chaotic void], braving the Outer Chaos Sea more than ten thousand 'Dao-Path' away from the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

However, the Sea of Chaos grows more perilous the further one ventures. The strength of a Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived three heavenly tribulations] typically confines them to wandering only the Shallow Chaos Sea.

Because the Shallow Chaos Sea is relatively close to the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, if true danger arises, one can burn their essence-blood [a cultivator's vital life force] and flee back to safety within five Millennium [a unit of time, one thousand years].

Generally speaking, within the Shallow Chaos Sea, a Chaos Beast King of the fifth or sixth tribulation that is not specialized in speed would find it difficult to catch a fleeing Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal before their essence-blood is completely exhausted.

Therefore, the vast majority of Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal adventure and seek their fortunes within this range.

While this zone holds many opportunities, they have long been explored by countless Ancient Immortals. Thus, to the High-Rank Ancient Immortals [Ancient Immortals of greater power and seniority], these remnants are considered nothing particularly astonishing.

Within the Outer Chaos Sea [the turbulent, primordial expanse beyond the ordered realms], the region lying beyond ten thousand Dao-Path [a unit of measure for vast cosmic distances] yet within one hundred thousand Dao-Path holds no small number of fortuitous encounters.

This Outer Chaos Sea lies exceedingly far from the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the major ordered realms of cultivation civilization]; for ordinary Ancient Immortals [immortals who have transcended the Heavenly Tribulations], venturing there carries an immense probability of Death.

Even for a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived four Heavenly Tribulations], the chance of survival upon entering does not exceed fifty percent. Generally, only Ancient Immortals who have transcended five or six tribulations can establish a foothold there, yet they too face significant peril of falling.

This place harbors many astonishing opportunities and Chaos Beast King [powerful primordial beasts native to the Chaos] of five or six tribulations and beyond. However, there are no Chaos Lair [dwelling places of supremely powerful Chaos entities] of Great Luo [the realm of the Golden Immortals] level, so the overall risk remains within controllable bounds.

The region beyond one hundred thousand Dao-Path is known as the Deep Chaos Sea [the profound and distant depths of the primordial Chaos]. This is an exceedingly remote zone, lying far beyond the sphere of influence of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

It is said that the Great Luo Golden Immortal [supreme immortals of the Great Luo realm] of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains establish their Immortal Domain [a personal realm or territory forged by a supreme immortal] within the Deep Chaos Sea, at a distance of one hundred thousand Dao-Path from the domains.

There, not only do Immortal Domain exist, but Chaos Lair of Great Luo level are also present. Some Ancient Immortals who have transcended seven or more tribulations will risk journeying and gaining experience in this place.

Alas, this region is truly far too perilous; even an Immortal Domain may shatter. While Ancient Immortals of five or six tribulations and beyond can set foot within, the risks are vastly greater than within one hundred thousand Dao-Path, though the opportunities are also far more numerous.

In truth, with the strength of a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived six Heavenly Tribulations], supplemented by treasures that can store Mana [the spiritual energy or power used by cultivators] as External Elixir [external sources of power or cultivation essence], one can already journey within the Sea of Chaos [another term for the primordial Chaos] for several million years without needing to return to replenish Mana.

They are already qualified to venture into the Deep Chaos Sea. Although the opportunities within the Deep Chaos Sea are greater, the dangers also intensify the deeper one goes.

"Within these ten thousand Dao-Path [the highest realm of cultivation, representing the ultimate comprehension of the Dao], there are very few Supreme Grade Chaos Nest [a primordial place of immense power and potential within the Sea of Chaos]. It seems we will have to venture into the Outer Chaos Sea [the vast, untamed, and perilous outer regions of the primordial chaos] in the future."

Contemplating the situation within the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all creation emerged], Eldrin Chen could not help but furrow his brow slightly.

He turned his gaze towards Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor, asking, "How is your current Mana [the refined spiritual energy and life force of a high-level cultivator] consumption?"

"We can still manage for now."

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor spoke, then added thoughtfully, "However, the Mana expenditure is not insignificant. Venturing into the Outer Chaos Sea would likely stretch us beyond our limits."

Eldrin Chen nodded. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Then we shall not go this time. We will wait until the next occasion, after we have replenished our Mana and gathered more mystical treasures, before we explore the Outer Chaos Sea."

"That is wise."

Celestial Maiden offered a slight smile, a subtle wave of relief washing over her.

She had truly feared that Eldrin Chen might stubbornly insist on braving the dangers of the Outer Chaos Sea.

Returning to the matter at hand, in the following years, the trio continued their wanderings through the Shallow Chaos Sea [the relatively calmer, inner regions of the Sea of Chaos]. They ceaselessly hunted down Chaos Beast Horde [massive swarms of monstrous creatures born from primordial chaos] and Chaos Beast King [powerful alpha predators among the chaos beasts]. Occasionally, by clearing a Chaos Lair [a nest or stronghold of chaos beasts], they would obtain Chaos Rare Treasure [rare artifacts and materials forged in the heart of chaos] and Innate Qi [the pure, primordial spiritual energy that existed before the formation of heaven and earth].

Regrettably, Supreme Grade Chaos Nest were indeed scarce in this region. They had ventured forth for tens of thousands of years without finding a single one.

Thus, after tens of thousands of years had passed, as the Chaos Tide was once again on the verge of erupting, Eldrin Chen finally drew a deep breath and declared, "The time is almost upon us. We should return."

Celestial Maiden also nodded, stating calmly, "Indeed. With the Chaos Tide approaching, it is best we return to rest and prepare."

The trio did not linger further. They immediately traversed the Sea of Chaos to reach the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, and before long, they had returned to the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

Upon arriving at their Cultivation Cave, the three took stock of their gains. They discovered they had slain four Chaos Beast King, obtained three Innate Ancient Treasure, the carcasses of over two hundred Chaos Ancient Beast, and more than one hundred strands of Innate Qi [the primordial energy from which all things are born].

The combined value of these rare treasures amounted to roughly five hundred strands of Innate Qi.

Gazing upon this immense haul, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor could not help but say with delight, "Over five hundred strands of Innate Qi. While it may not compare to our harvests from previous expeditions, it is still a most respectable bounty."

Eldrin Chen also offered a faint smile. In truth, he had already made inquiries. Most Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived four Heavenly Tribulations] venturing into the Shallow Chaos Sea typically only managed to acquire a dozen or so strands of Innate Qi per expedition.

Even if they ventured out five times every million years, their total gains would not exceed one hundred strands of Innate Qi, and this came with the ever-present risk of losing their Life [their very lives].

This was because the majority of Ancient Immortals lacked sufficient strength to slay Chaos Beast King and could only hunt the lesser Chaos Ancient Beast.

Even some Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [powerful immortals who have survived four great tribulations] possess the capability to slay low-tier Chaos Beast King [monarchs of primordial chaos beasts], yet it is exceedingly rare for them to successfully *retain* the corpse of a Chaos Beast King.

This is because the survival instincts and abilities of a Chaos Beast King are not necessarily inferior to those of an Ancient Immortal Great Power [a venerable and mighty ancient immortal]; their combat prowess is even greater within the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation]. Consequently, even for a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal, it is often the case that they may not manage to slay a single Chaos Beast King for millions of years.

Under such circumstances, their harvest naturally pales in comparison to what our trio has obtained.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but voice his thoughts: "Two Four Calamities Ancient Immortal, plus one who can unleash their full combat potential equivalent to that realm."

"With our combined strength, we are truly qualified to venture into the outer reaches of the Sea of Chaos [the vast, turbulent expanse of primordial chaos]. Remaining in the Shallow Chaos Sea [the relatively calmer, shallower fringes of the chaos sea] feels almost like bullying the weak."

"I believe next time, we should perhaps go and take a look at the outer Sea of Chaos."

Upon hearing his words, the expressions of the other two grew slightly solemn.

Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal] pondered for a moment before speaking: "The most critical issue for venturing into the outer Sea of Chaos is the matter of Mana [the spiritual energy or power used by cultivators and immortals]."

"To journey there, we would need to prepare a vast quantity of Spirit Pill [pills that replenish spiritual energy and aid cultivation], as well as some Essence Storage Treasure [magical artifacts specifically designed to store vast amounts of spiritual essence]."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement and said, "In my opinion, we should refine some External Elixir [a type of consumable treasure, distinct from internal pills, used to store and release spiritual power externally] specifically for storing Mana."

"That is indeed a viable approach." [a method that could work]

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor [the ancient progenitor of the Horizon Sea Pavilion] nodded, then inquired further, "For refining an External Elixir [a vessel that stores and refines spiritual energy externally], what kind of rare treasure would be most suitable? Would the Inner Core [the condensed spiritual core of a powerful demon beast] of a Chaos Beast King [a king among primordial chaos-aligned beasts] be feasible?"

Eldrin Chen had already considered this and shook his head. "The Chaos Beast King does not excel in manipulating Mana [the refined spiritual energy used by high-level cultivators], and its Inner Core is ill-suited for crafting an External Elixir meant to store Mana."

"However, the Immortal Clam Pearl [a pearl naturally formed by immortal clams, rich in spiritual essence] of the Immortal Clam Race [a race of beings who cultivate into immortal clam forms] would be a perfect treasure for refining such an External Elixir."

Hearing this, both of their eyes lit up. Celestial Maiden [a title for a female cultivator of celestial beauty and power] could not help but praise, "That is indeed true."

Having made their decision, the trio did not linger. They immediately proceeded to the shop of the Immortal Clam Race, sought out Iris Qu, and stated their purpose.

Upon hearing their request, Iris Qu was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and said, "We have few Innate Clam Pearl [a pearl born with the clam, containing its innate spiritual potential] left, but we possess a fair number of Immortal Clam Pearl. Please wait a moment."

With that, Nyssa Qu hurried off and soon returned with a batch of Immortal Clam Pearl.

There were thirty-five of these Immortal Clam Pearl in total, all nurtured by Ancient Immortals [cultivators who have achieved immortality in ancient times] of the Immortal Clam Race. However, among them, only two were Innate Clam Pearl.

Eldrin Chen understood that the Innate Clam Pearl of the Immortal Clam Race was comparable to a Supreme Grade Innate Marvel [a treasure of the highest grade, born from heaven and earth]. However, as a clam could only nurture one such pearl in its lifetime, they were exceedingly rare treasures.

Ordinary Clam Pearl [a pearl formed by an immortal clam, containing condensed spiritual essence], though also nurtured by the Ancient Immortal Realm Immortal Clam Race [a race of immortal clams], are of a vastly inferior quality. Such pearls can be produced continuously given enough time, and their efficacy is far diminished.

Among the thirty-five pearls before them, the value of the two Innate Clam Pearl [a pearl formed from the innate essence of an immortal clam, possessing extraordinary purity and power] even surpassed the combined worth of the other thirty-three.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen transmitted his thoughts to the other two: "The two Innate Clam Pearl can be used to forge Innate Ancient Treasure [ancient magical artifacts crafted from innate materials, possessing unique and profound properties] specifically designed for storing vast reserves of spiritual essence."

"As for the remainder, while they can also be used to craft Essence Storage Treasure [a magical artifact designed to contain and preserve spiritual energy], they would only be suitable for creating single-use Essence Storage Ancient Treasure [an ancient, one-time-use artifact for storing essence]. Each one consumed would be gone forever."

Hearing his words, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor nodded in agreement. "When journeying into the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, turbulent expanse of chaotic energies between realms], Mana [the refined spiritual energy used by cultivators to power their arts and sustain themselves] is the most critical resource. We should purchase the entire lot." Visit audio-novel[dot]com to enjoy the complete series.