Chapter 1831 : The Price of Primordial Power

"Very well, let us purchase them all," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. After further discussion with Iris Qu, they settled on a price: one hundred strands of Innate Qi [the primordial energy that forms the foundation of all things] per Innate Clam Pearl [a pearl born from an innate spiritual clam, containing immense pure energy], and five strands per ordinary Clam Pearl [a pearl cultivated by spiritual clams, rich in spiritual essence]. All were bought.

This price far exceeded that of many Innate Ancient Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate laws and power]. Yet, Eldrin Chen knew this was no disadvantageous deal for himself.

Those who venture into the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse between ordered worlds] all come to understand one fundamental truth.

The potency of an Innate Ancient Treasure can be somewhat lacking, but one must never be lax regarding treasures that replenish Mana [the spiritual energy or power used to fuel magical abilities and cultivation].

Consider a simple principle: a Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived three heavenly tribulations] journeying into the Sea of Chaos would, at most, sustain themselves for one hundred thousand years before their Mana was utterly depleted.

Should they engage in a single protracted battle against a peer opponent, that vast reservoir could be exhausted in the conflict, compressing those one hundred thousand years into a mere few Millennium [a period of one thousand years].

Factoring in the constant drain from evading pursuit by Chaos Beast King [powerful beasts native to the chaotic void] and the Mana expended merely traversing that desolate expanse, the vast majority of Fourth Order Ancient Immortals [immortals of the fourth order of power] cannot endure long within the Sea of Chaos.

For these Ancient Immortals [beings who have achieved immortality through long cultivation], venturing into the Sea of Chaos grants them essentially one battle's worth of strength. After a single major engagement, they are forced to retreat to the Violet Sun Immortal Domain [a stable realm within the ordered cosmos] to replenish their depleted Mana.

This is precisely why Four Calamities Ancient Immortals [immortals who have weathered four great heavenly calamities] find it exceedingly difficult to hunt Chaos Beast King within the Sea of Chaos. The limitation lies not solely in insufficient power, but more critically in the dread of excessively depleting their precious Mana in that unforgiving void.

Consequently, an Essence Storage Treasure [a treasure specifically designed to store and release vast quantities of spiritual energy or mana] that can swiftly restore one's reserves is worth far more than a slightly more potent offensive artifact. Survival in the chaos often hinges not on the sharpness of one's blade, but on the depth of one's wellspring. The story continues at audio-novel-dot-com.

Under such circumstances, the existence of an Essence-Storing Immortal Treasure [a supreme treasure capable of storing vast amounts of a cultivator's spiritual power] is nearly equivalent to granting these Ancient Immortals [powerful beings who have transcended mortality and weathered celestial calamities] one additional opportunity for an all-out battle, or the chance to explore the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond ordered worlds] for another one hundred thousand years.

Those Ancient Immortals and Ancient Ancestor [venerable progenitors of cultivation lineages] who have weathered five or six calamities or more almost invariably possess one or two Essence Storage Ancient Treasure [ancient artifacts designed to store immense spiritual energy]. Such high-grade Essence Storage Ancient Treasure are perpetually in short supply, their price naturally far exceeding that of ordinary Innate Ancient Treasure [treasures born from the primal forces of the cosmos].

This time, the three of them spent close to four hundred strands of Innate Qi [the primordial energy that constitutes the foundation of all creation] to purchase this batch of Clam Pearl [pearls formed by ancient spiritual clams, possessing unique properties], and all returned to their Cultivation Cave [a secluded abode for meditation and spiritual refinement] thoroughly satisfied.

After returning to his Cultivation Cave, Eldrin Chen immediately enlisted the help of the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor to jointly refine this batch of Clam Pearl.

Approximately several tens of thousands of years passed in this manner. They refined all thirty-plus Clam Pearl, ultimately obtaining two Essence Storage Ancient Treasure and thirty-three single-use External Essence-Storing Elixir [pills that can store spiritual energy for external use].

The energy-storage efficacy of this batch of Essence Storage Ancient Treasure and External Elixir [external-use medicinal pills] was exceptionally potent.

Refined through Eldrin Chen's mastery of the Primordial Chaos Limitless Dao Principle [a supreme principle governing boundless chaos], the two Essence Storage Ancient Treasure saw their capacity for storing Mana [the spiritual energy wielded by cultivators] increased severalfold. Each could now hold approximately twice the Mana of an ordinary Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived four celestial tribulations].

Although the External Elixir were merely single-use treasures, each could still contain the full Mana reserve of a single Four Calamities Ancient Immortal.

Eldrin Chen distributed the energy-storage pearls to his two companions and said with a smile, "With this batch of Essence Storage Treasure [treasures for storing spiritual essence] in hand, we can attempt to venture into that Outer Chaos Sea [the outermost, most turbulent regions of the primordial chaos]."

The Celestial Maiden [a female immortal of great beauty and power] attempted to refine one of the Innate Clam Pearl [a Clam Pearl of innate, primal origin]. After sensing its properties, she could not help but laugh, "With this batch of Essence Storage Ancient Treasure and External Elixir, our confidence for traversing the Sea of Chaos will be bolstered considerably."

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor [the progenitor of the Horizon Sea Pavilion] also offered a faint smile, his confidence bolstered further, yet he still looked at Eldrin Chen and said, "This batch of Essence Storage Ancient Treasure [ancient artifacts designed to store vast amounts of spiritual energy] is worth at least five hundred strands of Innate Qi [the primordial, uncreated energy of the cosmos]. For you to give them all to the two of us... we truly feel unworthy of such generosity."

"It would be better if you took some for yourself, to keep in reserve."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his expression calm as he replied, "I can directly refine Chaos Water [primordial water drawn from the formless chaos] to replenish my Mana [the spiritual power cultivated by immortals]. These treasures hold little use for me. It is better they remain with you."

Pausing briefly, Eldrin Chen then continued, "If your conscience still troubles you, then when we venture into the Outer Periphery of the Chaos Sea [the turbulent, primordial expanse beyond the ordered realms], I shall take a portion then as compensation."

Upon hearing this, both men nodded, accepting Eldrin Chen's proposed arrangement.

Seeing their agreement, Eldrin Chen spoke again, "The Chaos Tide [the periodic surge of chaotic energies from the primordial sea] still has tens of thousands of years to run. In this time, you should first fill these Essence Storage Ancient Treasure and External Elixir [pills that store energy for later absorption] with Mana. We shall depart the moment the tide recedes."

Time flowed swiftly, and tens of thousands of years passed in the blink of an eye.

While waiting for the Chaos Tide to subside, Eldrin Chen continued to deduce and perfect myself's cultivation path, finally completing the cultivation method for the Great Luo Physique [the physique of a Great Luo Golden Immortal] stage of the Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique [a legendary constitution born from chaos, granting near-absolute resilience].

On this day, the Chaos Tide finally receded. Eldrin Chen emerged from seclusion at once and sought out the Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor, declaring, "It is time to depart."

After these tens of millennia, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor had not only filled the Essence Storage Ancient Treasure and External Elixir with Mana, but had also refined the Dragon's Saliva Incense [a rare incense that greatly enhances spiritual perception]. His Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] had also broken through, advancing from the Fifth Limit Realm to the Sixth, and he was not far from reaching the Seventh.

It was precisely because of this that Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor was also filled with fighting spirit, eager to find sufficient opportunities as soon as possible to break through the Nascent Soul Celestial Passage and advance to the Five-Calamity Ancient Immortal Realm.

Thinking of this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor could not help but smile and say, "I have a premonition that this time we set foot into the Primordial Chaos, we are bound to gain something."

"Hahaha, then I shall take your auspicious words to heart."

Eldrin Chen gave a faint smile and, together with the other two, stepped out of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

Stepping out of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain once more, Eldrin Chen saw another familiar face. It was none other than Astraea Luo from the Flower Goddess Palace.

After so many years apart, Astraea Luo looked up at Eldrin Chen and said with some surprise, "Little brother, it has only been a few hundred thousand years, yet I see your cultivation has already broken through to the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm." Visit audio-novel*com to enjoy the complete series.

"Even your guardian's strength has grown. It seems your harvest in the Chaos Shallows was quite fruitful, hmm?"

Eldrin Chen's expression remained calm and unperturbed. He merely cupped his hands and said, "All thanks to the Immortal Maiden's guidance."

During their last meeting, Eldrin Chen could not discern Astraea Luo's cultivation level, sensing only an aura of unfathomable depth.

Now, meeting again, Eldrin Chen's strength was no longer what it once was. He could roughly sense the level of Astraea Luo's cultivation.

"A Fifth Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived five heavenly tribulations], is it?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. At this moment, he could sense that the cultivation level of the woman before him, Astraea Luo, was roughly at the Fifth Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived five heavenly tribulations] stage, and she seemed exceptionally powerful even within that realm.

Furthermore, the other two women beside Astraea Luo had cultivation levels only at the Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived four heavenly tribulations] stage, and could no longer pose a significant sense of threat to Eldrin Chen.

Seeing this, Astraea Luo smiled faintly and said, "That you gained something is your own fortune. However, the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, turbulent expanse between realms] is perilous. Even a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived four heavenly tribulations] may not be able to guarantee your safety. You must remember not to venture recklessly into its depths."

"Thank you for the advice."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, merely cupping his hands in a gesture of thanks.

Seeing this, Astraea Luo said no more. She led the two Ancient Immortals [beings who have achieved immortality and transcended mortal limits] from the Flower Goddess Palace and vanished into the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, turbulent expanse between realms].

After the three had departed, the Celestial Maiden spoke with a gentle smile, "In recent times, I have learned that the lineage of the Flower Goddess Palace currently has approximately seventy Ancient Immortals [beings who have achieved immortality and transcended mortal limits] still in the world."

"Their most powerful Ancient Immortal [a being who has achieved immortality and transcended mortal limits] is at the Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal Realm [the state of being an ancient immortal]. This is solely because the lineage's inherited Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing immense innate power] is still in a recovery phase, preventing a breakthrough to the Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]."

"Beyond that, they have two Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived six heavenly tribulations], and only five Fifth Tribulation Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived five heavenly tribulations]."

"This Astraea Luo is the youngest among the Ancient Immortals of the Flower Goddess Palace. She has only been on the Dao-Path for a little over ten million years and was taken in as a Personal Disciple by the Hundred Flowers Immortal Lord of the Flower Goddess Palace."

"A direct lineage descendant of a Great Luo."

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered. An Ancient Immortal who had weathered only five tribulations and was merely ten million years old—such a Heaven's Chosen would be considered a rare prodigy even within a Great Luo Ancient Sect.

He did not elaborate, speaking calmly instead, "The tide has receded. Let us make haste."

With those words, Eldrin Chen took the lead, venturing into the Sea of Chaos.

This time, they not only pressed deep into the Sea of Chaos, but headed towards its Outer Periphery of the Chaos Sea. After journeying for several Millennium, they finally traversed a distance of ten thousand Dao-Path and arrived at the region known as the Outer Chaos Sea.

Upon reaching the Outer Chaos Sea, Eldrin Chen declared immediately, "We need not go further. Let us explore within this range."

"Agreed."

Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor nodded in assent. The Outer Chaos Sea was too vast, and with their current strength at the level of Four Calamities Ancient Immortal, coupled with this being their first foray into this Outer Chaos Sea, they naturally dared not venture too deeply.

In the years that followed, the trio began to wander ceaselessly through the Outer Chaos Sea.

The evidence proved that within the Outer Chaos Sea, the number of Chaos Ancient Beasts was significantly greater. The trio had only explored this region for a few millennia when they discovered several Chaos Beast Hordes.

Yet, these Chaos Beast Hordes were far too formidable. Each horde consisted of at least several hundred Chaos Ancient Beasts, and some even boasted four or five Chaos Beast Kings. Considering the immense power of these Chaos Ancient Beasts, the trio refrained from recklessly assaulting them.

During their journey, they even encountered a few Supreme Grade Chaos Nests. Unfortunately, the Chaos Beast Kings dwelling within these Chaos Lairs were exceptionally powerful, guarded by kings who had weathered four or more heavenly tribulations. Lacking absolute confidence in victory, Eldrin Chen chose to abandon the attempt.

It was not until three millennia later that they finally located a smaller tribe of Chaos Ancient Beasts. They slew two of its Chaos Beast Kings and secured a substantial haul of resources.

Several more millennia passed in this manner before they at last discovered a Supreme Grade Chaos Nest within the vastness of the Sea of Chaos.

The lair resembled a coiled True Dragon. It stood defiant within the Primordial Chaos, drinking in and expelling the primordial Chaos Qi [the formless, primordial energy of creation] from all directions, its form radiating an aura of immense, slumbering power.

"It is a Chaos Azure Dragon Nest,"

Eldrin Chen murmured, his gaze fixed upon the Chaos Lair before them.

Upon hearing his words, the expressions of his two companions grew solemn, their faces etched with gravity.

The Chaos Azure Dragon Nest was a rare type of Chaos Lair within the Primordial Chaos. This lineage was one of the true True Dragon nests, capable of nurturing the legendary Chaos Azure Dragon. In terms of power within the same realm, it was a match for the famed Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest.

However, the Chaos Azure Dragon Nest before their eyes was merely a Supreme Grade Chaos Nest. Compared to the Great Luo Level Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest, there was a difference of Heavenly Layers. [a metaphor for a vast, insurmountable gap]

After observing for a few more moments, Eldrin Chen spoke with a grave expression, "Within this Chaos Azure Dragon Nest, there are three auras at the level of a Chaos Beast King."

"The strongest among them is only at the level of a Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal. The remaining two possess cultivation comparable to a Two Tribulations Ancient Immortal. With our strength, we should be able to handle them."

Hearing this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor let out a slight sigh of relief. Relying on their Chaos Lair, the beasts could fight with the advantage of terrain. If there had been a Four Tribulations Chaos Beast King, it would have been far too risky for their group to engage.

Since there was no Four Tribulations Chaos Beast King, the three of them joining forces still stood a chance in battle.

Thinking this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor extended his senses once more and said, "I sense over three hundred more auras of Chaos Ancient Beast. In a fight, these Chaos Ancient Beast would also pose a significant problem."

Eldrin Chen observed carefully for a moment longer before stating, "Three hundred and twenty-seven Chaos Ancient Beast in total. Senior Celestial Maiden, are you confident you can manage them?"

Celestial Maiden pondered briefly, then replied, "The number of Chaos Ancient Beast is too great. I dare not claim I could defeat them all, but I can at least hold them at bay."

"Holding them at bay will be sufficient."

Eldrin Chen nodded and then turned his gaze towards Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor.

The Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor gave a slight nod and spoke, "Leave those two Chaos Beast King of the first and second calamities to me."

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly in return. Both the Celestial Maiden and the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor were Four Calamities Ancient Immortal. Even within the Sea of Chaos, they could unleash combat prowess approaching that of a Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal. Dealing with two Chaos Beast King of the first and second calamities and three hundred Chaos Ancient Beast should be well within their capabilities.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke up, "I will handle that Chaos Azure Dragon."

Without further delay, Eldrin Chen immediately used the Chaos Miasma to conceal their presence and led the other two towards the Chaos Azure Dragon Nest.

However, they did not travel far before coming to a halt just outside the Chaos Lair.

The entrance to this Chaos Lair was shrouded by a Primordial Ancient Formation. This formation was intrinsically linked to the lair's own energy. If one were to rashly enter without first breaching it, they would find themselves trapped inside by the Chaos Beast Horde, like a turtle caught in a jar.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen examined the formation's strength and then remarked, "The Formation guarding this Chaos Lair is not as formidable as those laid down by true Ancient Immortals, but its defensive power is still quite significant."

"It seems this Chaos Azure Dragon possesses considerable mastery over Formation arts. We should not underestimate it."

Hearing this, the Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor frowned slightly. "Are you confident you can break it?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head, yet a faint smile touched his lips. "If I were alone, I would have no certainty. But with the aid of you both, breaching this formation will not be difficult."

Having said this, Eldrin Chen promptly informed the two of them about the flaws in the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy and objects used for defense, attack, or other mystical purposes].

After explaining, he instructed, "This formation has a total of seven flaws. Once all of them are breached, the formation will be completely shattered."

"I must trouble each of you to take responsibility for two flaws. Let us strike together to dismantle it."

"Agreed!"

The two decisively voiced their agreement, choosing to cooperate in breaking the formation.

Eldrin Chen gave a nod. With a flick of his sleeve, he summoned the Heavenly Separated Twin Swords and various Divine Ability [supernatural powers cultivated by immortals and deities], instantly launching an assault on three of the Formation Eye [the critical energy nodes that power and stabilize a mystical formation].

Almost simultaneously, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and Celestial Maiden channeled their Innate Ancient Treasure [a primordial magical artifact born from the chaos of creation] to strike horizontally, each piercing through two Formation Eye.

"BOOM—"

With a deafening roar, the Primordial Ancient Formation [an extremely ancient and powerful mystical formation] instantly shattered and dissolved. The key protective barrier of the entire Chaos Azure Dragon Nest was breached. Only a single ancient pearl adorned with azure dragon patterns soared into the air, fleeing deep into the Chaos Lair.

This object was precisely the formation's core stabilizing artifact—the Innate Azure Dragon Pearl.

"A fine treasure indeed."

The Innate Azure Dragon Pearl was a Top-Grade Innate Ancient Treasure, so Eldrin Chen naturally would not let it slip away. He immediately activated his Five-Colored Divine Radiance and drew it into his grasp.

"ROAR—"

At that very instant, the Chaos Beast King within the Chaos Lair was roused.

A sky-obscuring Chaos Azure Dragon roared as it surged into the air, brandishing an ancient halberd of the Azure Dragon lineage. Its boundless killing intent surged towards the trio.

"The Azure Dragon Halberd?"

"Another twenty-four Dao Mark Top-Grade Innate Ancient Treasure!"

The moment he saw the Chaos Azure Dragon attack, Eldrin Chen felt a flicker of surprise in his heart. Yet, his hand holding the Chaos Heaven Halberd did not slow in the slightest. It met the assault with a force capable of sundering the heavens. For uninterrupted reading, go to audio-novel . com.