Chapter 1835 : Clash of Ancient Immortals

The Golden Crow Clan Ancient Immortals were utterly enraged. Wielding his Solar Divine Spear, he swept across the cosmos, clashing with Eldrin Chen for over thirty exchanges. Yet, he consistently failed to gain the upper hand, causing a profound shock to surge within him.

He scrutinized Eldrin Chen intently, then drew a sharp breath and declared, "A Ten-Limit Physical Body and Ten-Limit Dharmic Power—such a formidable foundation should not belong to an unknown figure, even within the Violet Sun Immortal Domain."

"Who are you truly? Why has This Sovereign [a title used by powerful cultivators to refer to themselves] never encountered you before?"

"Who I am is not for the likes of you to know!"

Eldrin Chen sneered coldly. His Celestial Halberd descended with suppressing force, its divine might shaking the heavens as he battled this Golden Crow Ancient Immortal to a stalemate, their clash echoing through the void.

Only then did Astraea Luo react, swiftly joining the fray. She gazed at Eldrin Chen with immense gratitude and surprise. "My thanks for your aid."

"Think nothing of it."

Eldrin Chen replied tersely. His Celestial Halberd unleashed waves of Cosmos-Sundering Divine Edge [a devastatingly sharp energy capable of cleaving through reality itself] as he continued his fierce duel with the Golden Crow Ancient Immortal. Over three thousand exchanges passed in the blink of an eye, yet neither could secure a decisive advantage.

This battle was the most exhilarating Eldrin Chen had ever fought. With a Physical Body and Mana [the refined spiritual energy cultivated by practitioners] that had shattered both major Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck or limit in cultivation], he faced a Sixth Order Ancient Immortal as a mere Two Tribulations Ancient Immortal, yet never yielded an inch of ground. The sheer exhilaration of the fight was unparalleled.

While it was true that the Golden Crow Ancient Immortal was somewhat suppressed within the Chaos Sea [a primordial, turbulent realm between worlds], there was no denying the formidable power that Eldrin Chen now commanded. Continue your cultivation journey at audio-novel[dot]com.

In the midst of such a frenzied and intense battle, before Golden Crow Ancient Immortal and Eldrin Chen could determine a victor, the other two Four Calamities Ancient Immortal from the Demonic Tribe could no longer hold their ground.

For with the intervention of Celestial Maiden and Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor, coupled with the sudden betrayal of the two Four Calamities Ancient Immortal from the Flower Goddess Palace, the two Demonic Tribe Ancient Immortals had become like cornered dogs, forced into a desperate retreat blow by blow.

If this continued, they faced the very real risk of suffering grievous wounds, or even perishing.

Golden Crow Ancient Immortal understood this all too well. With a grit of his teeth, he forced Eldrin Chen back, his expression turning frigid as he declared, "Today, my demonic commanders are not assembled in full force. Consider yourselves fortunate."

"On another day, when I have rallied my full host, I will surely offer your heads as sacrifice to my banners."

With those words, Golden Crow Ancient Immortal tore through the Primordial Chaos and led his two Four Calamities Ancient Immortal companions in a swift retreat.

Watching the trio depart, Eldrin Chen made no move to pursue. With his current strength, merely defeating a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal was a formidable task; slaying one was beyond his reach.

Once the three had vanished, the Ancient Immortals from the Flower Goddess Palace breathed a collective sigh of relief. Astraea Luo stepped forward and spoke, "Our deepest gratitude for your timely aid."

"Who could have imagined that you, younger brother, despite your seemingly modest cultivation level, have already shattered two of the Tenth Limit Heavenly Pass [legendary cultivation bottlenecks considered nearly impossible to break]? Truly, it is a feat that inspires awe."

At these words, not only Astraea Luo was astonished, but the other two Ancient Immortals from the Flower Goddess Palace also revealed looks of profound amazement.

Since ancient times, those who have cultivated to the Tenth Limit Heavenly Pass are veritable Great Luo True Seed [a cultivator with the innate potential to reach the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm]. As long as such individuals do not perish prematurely, their chances of breaking through to become a Seven Calamities Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations] are exceedingly great.

As for whether they can break through to the eighth calamity, that depends on whether a Great Luo Golden Immortal [the highest realm of immortality, a Golden Immortal of the Great Dao] is willing to bestow an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing immense power] to support them.

Thinking of this, Astraea Luo could not help but glance once more at Eldrin Chen and said, "It seems I misjudged. Little brother, your strength ranks among the top-tier powerhouses within the Violet Sun Immortal Domain."

"You flatter me,"

Eldrin Chen shook his head, speaking modestly, "The Violet Sun Immortal Domain is filled with formidable experts like clouds in the sky, among them are not a few who have endured seven calamities, or even Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]. What am I in comparison?"

Astraea Luo, however, offered a faint smile and shook her head. "While the number of Ancient Immortals [immortals who have survived heavenly tribulations and attained longevity] in the Violet Sun Immortal Domain is indeed not small, numbering in the thousands, and all starting from the level of Three Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived three heavenly tribulations],"

"those possessing the combat power of a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations] number barely over a hundred. Seven Calamities Ancient Immortal do not exceed ten, and Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal are a mere two or three."

"Those Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal may not return to the Violet Sun Immortal Domain once in tens of millions of years. The Seven Calamities Ancient Immortal are also as elusive as dragons, seen only in glimpses. Thus, the six-calamity level already represents the peak combat strength we are likely to encounter."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen finally understood the status of a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal within the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

In truth, this holds not only for the Violet Sun Immortal Domain; a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal is considered a top-tier combatant across the entire expanse of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of immortals].

For a Great Luo Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of cultivation, transcending the mortal plane], gazing down upon Mortal Dust [the mundane world of mortals], a single session of secluded cultivation spans the length of an entire Calamity Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often millions of years]. They rarely concern themselves with the conflicts of Heaven Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realms] or Ancient Immortal Realm [the realm of ancient, venerable immortals who have weathered countless tribulations].

An Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight great cosmic calamities] wandering the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all creation emerged] might not show their face for tens of millions of years unless a Calamity Tribulation begins. Seven Calamities Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived seven great cosmic calamities] also spend eons braving the Primordial Chaos [the original, undifferentiated state of existence before the cosmos formed], all for the elusive chance at an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos itself, containing immense innate power and destiny].

It is the Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived six great cosmic calamities] who represent the peak of openly acknowledged combat strength among the Ancient Immortals [the collective term for immortals of great age and power] within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the myriad realms and worlds inhabited by immortals].

In truth, Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal are themselves exceedingly rare. Such figures are considered top-tier powerhouses, second only to Great Luo [the realm just below the ultimate Golden Immortal], within the vast majority of Great Luo Ancient Sect [ancient sects founded by or possessing Great Luo realm cultivators].

This is because once an Ancient Immortals from a Great Luo Ancient Sect breaks through to the seventh calamity, it is highly likely they will obtain the sect's Innate Spiritual Treasure, allowing them to directly advance to the eighth calamity Ancient Immortal Realm.

As for Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal, their path is one of ultimate extremes: success means attaining the Great Luo realm, while failure means perishing within the Primordial Chaos. They do not monopolize an Innate Spiritual Treasure for more than three cycles of Calamity Tribulation. Join our community of readers at www . audio-novel.com.

For once an Innate Spiritual Treasure is bound to a master, unless that master falls within the Primordial Chaos, it becomes impossible to nurture another Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal from it.

Allowing a single Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal to hold the privilege of an Innate Spiritual Treasure for too extended a period does not align with the long-term interests of a Great Luo Ancient Sect.

Precisely because seventh and Eight Calamity Ancient Immortal are so scarce, the Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal rightfully earns the title of the acknowledged peak combatant.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen felt a subtle shift in his gaze. He now understood that within this expanse of Primordial Chaos surrounding the Violet Sun Immortal Domain [an immortal realm bathed in the light of a violet sun], he himself could already be counted among the top-tier powerhouses.

Although this status could only be maintained within the Primordial Chaos [the formless, primordial state before the creation of the cosmos], it was still considered extraordinary beyond measure.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile faintly. He then turned his gaze to Astraea Luo and inquired, "How did you incur the wrath of the Golden Crow Clan [a powerful clan associated with the mythical sun-birds]?"

"This—"

The Flower Goddess Palace Ancient Immortals [venerable immortals from the Flower Goddess Palace] at her side paled slightly, pulling at Astraea Luo's sleeve as if to interject.

Yet, Astraea Luo shook her head. Gritting her teeth, she retrieved a single fruit from her sleeve and said, "It was because of this."

"This is..."

Eldrin Chen was momentarily stunned, exclaiming in astonishment, "A Heaven Soul Fruit [a legendary fruit said to nourish and elevate the very essence of one's soul]?"

"Precisely this item."

Astraea Luo spoke calmly, yet a flicker of intense emotion shone in her eyes.

The Heaven Soul Fruit Tree was an exceedingly rare type of Primordial Ancient Trees [trees that have existed since the dawn of creation] found within the Primordial Chaos. This tree could only bear a single batch of Heaven Soul Fruit once every Calamity Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often marked by great upheavals].

The Heaven Soul Fruit is a rare treasure used for cultivating the Divine Soul [the highest spiritual essence of a cultivator] and is one of the required Innate Marvels [naturally formed spiritual treasures of immense power] for breaking through the Nascent Soul Celestial Passage [a critical bottleneck in the path to the Nascent Soul realm].

However, the Heaven Soul Fruit Tree is exceedingly rare, and each Calamity Tribulation [a cycle of heavenly trials and tribulations] yields only eight fruits. Consequently, their value has always been astronomically high.

It was precisely for this reason that Astraea Luo and the others were targeted by the Golden Crow Clan Ancient Immortals [powerful cultivators who have transcended the mortal realm].

Thinking of this, Astraea Luo spoke with an expression of utmost gravity: "Because of today's events, you have offended Dione, the Ancient Ancestor of the Golden Crow Clan. He has been a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations] for many years, and his strength ranks among the powerful even within that realm."

"This matter began because of us, and it is only right that we make amends."

As she spoke, Astraea Luo took out six Heaven Soul Fruit and offered them to Eldrin Chen, saying, "Consider these six fruits as compensation for your intervention."

Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback. The value of these six Heaven Soul Fruit was far from insignificant.

By current market standards, their combined worth started at no less than one thousand Innate Qi [the primordial, foundational energy of the universe].

Yet, such a lavish gift gave Eldrin Chen pause. After all, his involvement had been brief—a single clash, not a true life-and-death struggle against Dione, the Ancient Ancestor.

His hesitation, however, was misinterpreted by Astraea Luo as dissatisfaction with the offering. With a wry smile, she explained, "We found these Heaven Soul Fruit within a Chaos Lair [a perilous, unstable pocket dimension born from primordial chaos]."

"However, the Chaos Ancient Beast within the Chaos Lair is far too powerful. The three of us lacked the strength to subdue it. We merely relied on a unique secret technique to infiltrate the lair and steal the Heaven Soul Fruit, failing to obtain the Heaven Soul Fruit Tree itself."

"If you deem this insufficient, I am willing to give you all eight of the Heaven Soul Fruit."

As she spoke, Astraea Luo made to retrieve the remaining Heaven Soul Fruit.

Eldrin Chen raised a hand to stop her, unable to contain his curiosity. "Tell me, what is the true strength of the Chaos Ancient Beast dwelling within that Chaos Lair?"

"You mean to say..."

Astraea Luo was momentarily taken aback, then her eyes lit up with understanding. "With your power, combined with our forces, there might indeed be a chance to seize the Heaven Soul Fruit Tree."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen inquired, "Can you still locate the Chaos Lair?"

Astraea Luo performed a brief calculation with her fingers, then smiled. "We have not traveled far. Retracing our path should give us a strong chance of finding the Chaos Lair once more."

Eldrin Chen smiled in return. "If you can aid me in securing the Heaven Soul Fruit Tree, you may keep all these Heaven Soul Fruit. I desire only the tree itself."

Before Astraea Luo could respond, the two Four Calamities Ancient Immortal by her side could not contain themselves. "It is agreed!" they declared.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen merely offered a faint smile. Although the Heaven Soul Fruit Tree could serve as one of the Ancient Sect's Deep-Seated Foundation [a profound and stable foundation for a sect's long-term prosperity], for a Four Calamities Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived four great tribulations], the tangible Heaven Soul Fruit [a fruit that nourishes and strengthens the soul] was far more substantial than a single tree.

Seeing the two agree, Astraea Luo said nothing more.

After all, given their own strength, they could not have secured that Heaven Soul Fruit Tree anyway.

Thereafter, the trio proceeded deeper into the Depths of Chaos [the turbulent, formless expanse at the heart of primordial creation].

They flew for three Millennium [a period of one thousand years] before finally locating that particular Chaos Lair [a rare, stable pocket of order and potent energy within the Primordial Chaos] amidst the churning Sea of Chaos.

"The Chaos Moon-Birth Nest,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, gazing upon the Chaos Lair before them.

Within the Primordial Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state before creation], Chaos Lair numbered in the thousands upon thousands, yet those truly considered peerless were exceedingly rare.

This Chaos Moon-Birth Nest [a Chaos Lair imbued with the power of the supreme lunar essence] was suffused with Supreme Yin [the ultimate, purest form of lunar and feminine energy] force. Cultivating within it offered immense benefits for the Divine Soul [the highest, most refined form of a cultivator's spiritual core], and it was also brimming with Supreme Yin Primordial Essence Power [a potent, primordial energy source of supreme purity].

Lyra Jiang's Lunar Immortal Physique [a rare innate constitution perfectly attuned to lunar and Yin energies] resonated profoundly with this Chaos Lair. If she could obtain this Supreme Yin Primordial Source [the original, foundational source of a particular type of energy], her cultivation would undoubtedly advance by leaps and bounds.

However, this was not the time to concern themselves with other matters. Eldrin Chen carefully observed the Chaos Lair [a nest or den formed within primordial chaos] and, with a slight frown creasing his brow, stated, "There is a Chaos Beast King [a ruler among the monstrous beasts born from primordial chaos] of the five-calamity Ancient Immortal Realm [a profound cultivation stage for beings of immense age and power]. Its strength is likely not to be underestimated."

"Indeed," Astraea Luo agreed, her gaze turning grave. "With our current power, subduing it would be exceedingly difficult."

She paused in thought for a moment before continuing, "My suggestion is to utilize a secret technique and a rare treasure from my Flower Goddess Palace [a celestial palace associated with floral deities] to infiltrate the Chaos Lair. We could seize the Primordial Ancient Trees [trees of unimaginable antiquity, born from the dawn of creation] before that Chaos Beast King even realizes what is happening."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this. He glanced at Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor and the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal being] and said, "Less than ten thousand years remain until the Chaos Tide [a cataclysmic surge of primordial chaos that periodically sweeps through the cosmos] arrives. If we delay here for too long, it poses a significant risk to all of us."

Seeing this, Horizon Sea Ancient Ancestor also spoke up, "Then let us proceed with stealing the Heaven Soul Fruit Tree [a legendary tree whose fruit is said to nourish and empower the very soul]."

Astraea Luo, now that a decision was made, stated plainly, "I possess an Innate Strange Treasure [a unique treasure born from the fundamental laws of the universe, possessing wondrous properties]. It can ignore the barriers of a Primordial Ancient Formation [an ancient defensive or restrictive array of immense power] and allow passage into and out of the Chaos Lair."

"However," she cautioned, "the Chaos Beast King is not lacking in intelligence. It is highly likely to detect the anomaly. The most critical issue is that the Heaven Soul Fruit Tree is connected to the Earth Vein [a ley line of concentrated terrestrial spiritual energy] of the Chaos Lair. It will be extremely difficult for us to steal it without alerting the Chaos Beast King."

"The moment we begin extracting the Heaven Soul Fruit Tree, those several Chaos Beast King will certainly intervene. Particularly that five-calamity Chaos Beast King—someone must be capable of holding it back."

"Leave it to me."

Eldrin Chen spoke with a faint tone, a glint of battle intent surfacing in his gaze.

Seeing this, Astraea Luo let out a slight sigh of relief and said, "Once the battle begins, I ask that you hold it off for at least One Shichen [a period of two hours]."

Eldrin Chen nodded. Within the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse of chaotic energy], the combat prowess of a five-tribulation Chaos Beast King [a sovereign-level beast born from primordial chaos] was already considered astonishing.

Generally speaking, the vast majority of Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived six heavenly tribulations] were no match for a five-tribulation Chaos Beast King, and only a Seven Calamities Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has weathered seven heavenly calamities] could reliably suppress one.

Given his current level of power, Eldrin Chen did not possess absolute confidence in his ability to contend with a single five-tribulation Chaos Beast King.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen said nothing more. He simply adjusted his own combat state to its peak, ready to unleash his full strength at a moment's notice.

Seeing this, Astraea Luo immediately activated a secret art to conceal their group's auras, then piloted an ancient shuttle forward.

It was at this moment that Eldrin Chen realized the profound mystery of the Great Luo [the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle of cultivation] secret arts possessed by the Flower Goddess Palace.

This particular art was named 'Myriad Blossoms Bewilder the Eye' [a technique that confuses the senses with illusory flowers]. It could shroud an opponent's five senses, making it difficult for the target to perceive their surroundings and thus causing them to overlook the caster's presence entirely.

By comparison, Eldrin Chen's method of using Chaos Miasma [a dense, obscuring fog of primordial chaos] to cloak himself—essentially merging his form with the Chaos Sea Water [the turbulent, energy-rich waters of the Sea of Chaos]—was a far more direct and brute-force approach.

"A fine Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power or technique],"

Eldrin Chen murmured. To be safe, he once again channeled the Chaos Miasma [a primordial, formless energy of disorder and potential] to envelop the group.

Seeing this, Astraea Luo could not help but praise, "Fellow Daoist's [a respectful term for a cultivator of similar attainment] mastery over this Chaos Miasma is so profound it can pass for the genuine article."

As they spoke, the group proceeded, slipping silently through the Primordial Ancient Formation [an ancient and immensely powerful defensive or restrictive array] to reach the depths of the Chaos Lair [a nest or dwelling place formed within primordial chaos].

When they finally arrived at the Chaos Nest Core [the central, most vital area of a Chaos Lair], they discovered an ancient simurgh slumbering within.

"A Lunar Black Simurgh [a rare and powerful variant of the phoenix, imbued with lunar and shadow energies],"

Eldrin Chen stated calmly, his gaze turning solemn.

The Lunar Black Simurgh is an aberrant strain among phoenixes. Its status, like that of the Vermilion Bird [one of the Four Symbols, a divine beast of the south associated with fire], is exceptionally unique, and its combat prowess rivals that of the Primordial Golden Crow [a legendary three-legged crow representing the sun]. A Lunar Black Simurgh at the five-calamity Ancient Immortal Realm [a high stage of immortal cultivation, having survived five heavenly tribulations] would undoubtedly be a formidable foe not to be underestimated.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen shifted his gaze deeper into the Chaos Lair. There, rooted within the lair, was a small tree—the very Heaven Soul Fruit Tree [a legendary spiritual tree whose fruit can nourish and strengthen the soul].

Seeing this, Astraea Luo said with a grave expression, "Besides this Lunar Black Simurgh, there are five Chaos Beast King [powerful beasts born from and ruling over areas of primordial chaos] within the nest."

"I shall return shortly to claim this Heaven Soul Fruit Tree [a mystical tree bearing fruit that nourishes the soul]. Ensure you hold them off."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, his voice a calm and measured command. "Begin." Official source: audio–novel.com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.