Chapter 1789 : Ambush of the Chaos Spirit

Almost simultaneously, the two Chaos Ancient Ships unleashed their attacks. Five or six World-Ending Cannons erupted instantly, their devastating payloads streaking towards the Chaos Immortal Spirit [a primordial spirit born from chaos, possessing immense power and agility].

The power of these World-Ending Cannons was utterly immense. A direct hit could inflict grievous wounds even upon a Ninth Rank High-Grade Chaos Ancient Beast [a primordial beast born from chaos, immensely powerful but often ponderous].

Unfortunately, the Chaos Immortal Spirit's form was not large. It lacked the ponderousness of a Chaos Ancient Beast, possessing instead an agility and speed akin to an Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality]. Landing a hit was nearly impossible, and they could only watch helplessly as the Chaos Immortal Spirit evaded the barrage.

"Trouble," murmured Eldrin Chen.

With the failed ambush by the two Chaos Ancient Ships, a sense of foreboding settled in Eldrin Chen's heart.

While setting up the formation, Eldrin Chen had advised the group to first sever a single claw—to use the ancient ships to slay, or at least cripple, that Ninth Rank High-Grade Flaming Horned Chaos Ox [a chaos beast resembling an ox with blazing horns].

Alas, the two great Grotto-Heavens [blessed realms, pocket dimensions of immense spiritual energy] were too greedy. They insisted on gambling with the Chaos Ancient Ships, betting on a single chance to grievously wound the Chaos Immortal Spirit.

In their view, success would decisively end the battle in one stroke. Even failure, they believed, would not alter the overall situation.

That Flaming Horned Chaos Ox, while possessing extraordinary strength, was at most at the seventh or eighth level of a Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm]. To them, it seemed utterly insignificant, incapable of swaying the grand scheme even if it survived.

"A pity," Eldrin Chen sighed, the weight of the missed opportunity heavy in his voice. For uninterrupted reading, go to audio_novel.com.

Just as Eldrin Chen was frowning, the Violet Radiance Path Master let out a sigh and spoke, "Since we failed to exterminate the Chaos Immortal Spirit, we shall proceed with the plan as agreed."

As his words fell, the Golden Wing Patriarch was the first to charge into the formation. A domineering Heavenly Blade descended from his hand, cleaving towards the Chaos Immortal Spirit.

Seeing this, both the Master of the Horizon Pavilion and the Violet Radiance Path Master also surged into the heart of the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy used for defense, attack, or confinement].

"BOOM!"

In that fleeting instant, the Golden Wing Patriarch, the Golden-Winged Great Roc, the Master of the Horizon Pavilion, and the Violet Radiance Path Master joined forces, plunging into a fierce battle against the Chaos Immortal Spirit.

"Fellow Daoist, let us join the fray as well."

Upon witnessing this, Immortal Maiden Verdant Mist called out to Eldrin Chen and then summoned a verdant Immortal Sword [a sword forged and wielded by immortals, possessing immense power] to her hand, charging into the formation.

Seeing no alternative, Eldrin Chen could only sigh inwardly. With a measure of caution, he too entered the confines of the Formation.

Both were mighty figures of the Late Celestial Immortal Realm [the advanced stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm]. Joining forces, they engaged the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox. Yet, from the very first clash, Eldrin Chen sensed something was amiss.

"Such immense strength."

Eldrin Chen gripped the Five Veins Divine Spear, his clash with the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox occurring within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation]. Though the impact lasted but a moment, a numbing tremor shot through his limbs, causing his heart to sink with a flicker of unease.

That fleeting exchange was enough. Eldrin Chen had already gauged the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox's strength; it was likely at least touching the level of an Eighth Heaven Celestial Immortal [a powerful immortal who has ascended through eight of the nine heavenly tribulations].

At that very moment, the remaining sixteen Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from the Chaos] sensed the disturbance. With bestial roars, they surged towards the cultivators within the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy used for defense, attack, or cultivation].

"This battle... may prove more troublesome than anticipated," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly.

His thoughts churned, and he lifted his gaze to assess the wider battlefield.

The nine Celestial Immortal [immortals who have transcended mortality] presiding over the Formation dared not delay. Joining their power, they activated the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Immortal-Slaying Formation. Bolts of divine thunder from the Nine Heavens [the highest celestial realms] tore through the Chaos, crashing down upon the horde of Chaos Ancient Beast.

Each thunderbolt possessed power comparable to a Late Celestial Immortal Realm [the advanced stage of the Celestial Immortal realm] strike. As more than twenty of these Nine Heavens divine thunders fell in rapid succession, seven or eight of the Chaos Ancient Beast at the Early Celestial Immortal Realm [the initial stage of the Celestial Immortal realm] were instantly obliterated. The pressure on the defenders lessened noticeably.

However, the surviving Chaos Ancient Beast were all powerful beings of Ninth Rank Mid-Grade [mid-level strength within the ninth rank of demonic beasts]. Their physical bodies rivaled the perfected Innate Physique [a supreme, heaven-born bodily constitution] of a Late Celestial Immortal Realm expert. Even the Nine Heavens divine thunder found it difficult to slay them with ease.

"ROAR—!"

As Eldrin Chen's thoughts raced, the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox erupted into a frenzy. Waves of Chaos True Flame [primordial fire born from Chaos] surged forth from it, carrying overwhelming Heavenly God [a powerful divine being] force that swept across the battlefield. The onslaught forced Immortal Maiden Verdant Mist into a desperate, step-by-step retreat.

"Not good!"

Immortal Maiden Verdant Mist [the Immortal Maiden Verdant Mist Yu] let out a sharp gasp and immediately turned to Violet Radiance Path Master [Zephyr the Violet Radiance Path Master], saying, "Husband, this Blazing Chaos Bull [a primordial beast of chaos and fire] is too ferocious! Only a cultivator at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm] could possibly stand against it!"

Seeing this, Violet Radiance Path Master [Zephyr the Violet Radiance Path Master] couldn't help but frown slightly.

He realized he had underestimated this Blazing Chaos Bull [a primordial beast of chaos and fire] and spoke up, "Hold on a little longer. I will have the Chaos Ancient Ship [an ancient vessel forged in primordial chaos] assist you. Once I slay this Chaos Immortal Spirit [a spirit born from primordial chaos], I will return to finish off this beast."

As his words fell, Violet Radiance Path Master [Zephyr the Violet Radiance Path Master] redoubled his efforts. One Great Vehicle Divine Ability [a supreme divine art of the Great Vehicle stage] after another shattered the heavens, forcing the Chaos Immortal Spirit [a spirit born from primordial chaos] into a steady retreat.

On the other side, Eldrin Chen [Eldrin Chen] and Immortal Maiden Verdant Flame [Lyra the Verdant Flame Immortal Maiden] joined forces against the Blazing Chaos Bull [a primordial beast of chaos and fire]. In their clash, they discovered the beast's power was truly unfathomable; even Eldrin Chen [Eldrin Chen] felt immense pressure. Support the author by reading on http://www . audio-novel.com.

Immortal Maiden Verdant Flame [Lyra the Verdant Flame Immortal Maiden], whose combat power was only at the Seventh Layer of the Celestial Immortal Realm [the seventh level of the Celestial Immortal realm], was naturally no match. Within a hundred exchanges, she was already being pushed back. Were it not for Eldrin Chen [Eldrin Chen] repeatedly coming to her aid, she would have been severely wounded.

Fortunately, not only did Eldrin Chen [Eldrin Chen] provide assistance, but the two Chaos Ancient Ship [ancient vessels forged in primordial chaos] also trained their World-Ending Cannon [ancient cannons of world-ending power] on the Blazing Chaos Bull [a primordial beast of chaos and fire].

Although they could not easily exterminate such a Chaos Ancient Beast [an ancient beast born of primordial chaos] at the Late Celestial Immortal Realm [the late stage of the Celestial Immortal realm], they could still exert tremendous pressure on it, lightening the burden on the two cultivators.

Thus, the great battle raged on. In what seemed like a blur, several hundred more exchanges had passed, yet victory remained elusive.

Fortunately, as the battle progressed, the scales of victory ultimately tilted towards the Human Race. Although the Chaos Immortal Spirit was immensely powerful—perhaps requiring the combined might of five or six Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm experts to slay it at its peak—it was now grievously wounded. Facing the combined assault of four Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm experts, it was forced onto the defensive.

Eldrin Chen and Verdant Mist fought in tandem. Even without Eldrin Chen revealing his full strength, aided by the Chaos Ancient Ship, they battled the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox to a stalemate.

The remaining nine Chaos Ancient Beast could not withstand the relentless bombardment of the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Immortal-Slaying Formation. One by one, they began to fall.

In merely a century, the Ninth Rank Lower Grade Chaos Ancient Beast were utterly annihilated. After another five centuries, even the Ninth Rank Middle Grade Chaos Ancient Beast began to succumb to the onslaught.

By the time the great battle reached its thousandth year, only the two Upper Grade Chaos Ancient Beast and the three most resilient Ninth Rank Middle Grade Chaos Ancient Beast remained standing.

Yet, judging by the situation, it seemed these last two beasts would not hold out for another century.

"All proceeds according to plan,"

remarked the Celestial Immortal experts presiding over the Formation within the Chaos [the primordial void beyond ordered realms], their eyes crinkling with satisfaction.

Once these final two Chaos Ancient Beast fell, they could redirect the full power of the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Immortal-Slaying Formation to encircle and hunt the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox.

This Formation [a structured arrangement of cultivators or artifacts to amplify power], powered by nine Mid Celestial Immortal Realm [the middle stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm] cultivators, possesses a might nearly comparable to the combined force of two or three Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the peak stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm] experts. Once deployed, the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox [a primordial bovine demon beast wreathed in chaotic flames] will surely meet its end with no place for burial.

Once the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox falls, even if the Chaos Immortal Spirit [a spirit entity born from primordial chaos] possesses heaven-defying combat prowess, it likely cannot withstand the combined assault of four Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm hunters and the relentless bombardment of this Formation.

"It seems this battle will conclude within three thousand years," one voice remarked.

Within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all things emerged], the assembled immortals allowed themselves faint smiles. Many had already begun calculating the potential spoils of this conflict.

Yet, at that very moment, Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] furrowed his brow slightly and lifted his gaze toward the Depths of Chaos [the most turbulent and primordial regions of the formless void].

There, amidst the surging tides of Primordial Chaos Energy [the raw, unformed energy of creation itself], a sky-obscuring Chaos Kunpeng [a mythical beast of chaos, part fish and part bird of immense size] tore through the void. It arrived with a force that seemed capable of toppling all creation; with a single beat of its wings, it sent the Ninth Rank High-Grade [a classification denoting the pinnacle of the ninth rank] Violet Radiance Heavenly Ark [a majestic flying vessel imbued with violet light] tumbling away.

"Disaster!"

A Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm] from the Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm associated with violet light] felt his heart lurch at the sight, his expression turning gravely solemn.

Realizing the dire turn, Eldrin Chen immediately warned, "The miraculous effects of the Dragon's Saliva Incense [an incense of legendary potency, said to be crafted from dragon saliva] are too potent. It has not only attracted the Chaos Immortal Spirit, but has also drawn other Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient demonic beasts native to the primordial chaos] from distant reaches of the void."

Upon hearing his words, stunned disbelief washed over the assembled immortals.

Eldrin Chen's heart finally understood. The Innate Dragon's Saliva Incense was a double-edged sword [a situation or action that has both positive and negative consequences]. While it could lure the Chaos Ancient Beast into the trap, it also easily invited greater calamity. The slightest misstep could summon a cataclysmic disaster.

Seeing this, Violet Radiance Path Master's expression turned gravely solemn as he said, "Let the two ancient ships first entangle that Chaos Kunpeng. We will deal with it after we slay the Chaos Immortal Spirit."

The two Celestial Immortal [a powerful immortal being] on the periphery saw the situation and immediately began maneuvering their ancient ships to entangle that Chaos Kunpeng.

This Chaos Kunpeng was also a Chaos Ancient Beast at the Late Celestial Immortal Realm. Even the two Ninth Rank High-Grade Ancient Ship [ancient vessels of the highest ninth rank] struggling against it failed to gain the upper hand; instead, they were subtly being pushed into a disadvantageous position.

A sense of foreboding stirred within Eldrin Chen, yet he understood the need for a swift and decisive conclusion. Holding nothing back, he unleashed the full force of his true power, striking out in all directions and suppressing the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox.

Witnessing this, Violet Radiance Path Master was inwardly startled, his gaze flickering with doubt and astonishment. "This person is actually unaffected by the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] suppression. His combat prowess within the Chaos is likely not inferior to a Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [a Celestial Immortal who has reached the pinnacle of their realm]."

"Strike with all your might! Exterminate the Chaos Ancient Beast swiftly!"

Outside the grand formation, the nine immortals presiding over the array also attacked with their full strength. Not only did they drive the Formation [a structured arrangement for channeling power] to its absolute limit, but they also summoned forth one Ancient Divine Weapon [a weapon of immense power from antiquity] after another. These weapons, carrying peerless might, cleaved through heaven and earth as they smashed toward the Chaos Ancient Beast.

Under this relentless, no-holds-barred Slaughter [a divine ability focused on mass destruction], the three Chaos Ancient Beast that could have held out for another century ultimately could not withstand the onslaught. In a remarkably short time, they were utterly annihilated by the combined assault.

Having slain the three Ninth RankMiddle Grade Chaos Ancient Beast, the nine cultivators paid no heed to the Chaos Kunpeng on the periphery. They immediately channeled the divine thunder of the Nine Heavens [the nine layers of the celestial realm] and unleashed it upon the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox.

With such a formidable Formation [a structured arrangement of power used for offense or defense] focusing its assault, the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox [a powerful ancient beast wreathed in flame] truly could not withstand it. It soon sustained significant injuries, and judging by the situation, it would likely be completely annihilated within ten Sixty-Year Cycle [a conventional unit of time equal to sixty years].

Yet the situation grew increasingly dire. A mere hundred years later, a second Chaos Ancient Beast [a primordial creature born from the formless void] arrived. Fortunately, this beast's cultivation was only at the Early Celestial Immortal Realm [the initial stage of the Celestial Immortal realm], so it did not exert overwhelming pressure on them.

However, after this beast's arrival, more and more Chaos Ancient Beast began tearing through the void to converge here. By the time over three hundred years had passed, more than a dozen of these Chaos Ancient Beast had gathered within this expanse of Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all things emerged].

Although the cultivation of these beasts was only at the early or middle stages of the Celestial Immortal realm, they still placed immense strain on both the defensive Formation and the ancient vessel.

"If this drags on any longer, I fear we will not be able to hold," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly.

He channeled his power into the Five Veins Divine Spear [a divine spear embodying the power of five elemental veins] to suppress the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox, then turned his gaze to the other Mortal Path [the path of cultivation pursued by mortals] cultivators. "Fellow Daoists, if we cannot achieve victory swiftly, I fear our lives are in grave peril."

"If anyone still intends to hold back their true strength at this juncture, then I shall withdraw from this battle," he declared coldly.

His words caused everyone's expressions to shift slightly. Without Eldrin Chen, a top-tier expert who remained unhindered by the suppressive aura of the Chaos, holding the front line, their Formation would likely crumble under the brute force of the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox.

Once the Formation shattered, with their cultivation merely at the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm, they would struggle to contend with even the horde of Chaos Ancient Beast outside, inevitably suffering devastating losses.

Realizing this, they could no longer afford to hold anything in reserve. In an instant, over a dozen profound Divine Ability [a supernatural power or technique] and Innate Treasure [a treasure born from nature, possessing innate power] soared into the air. Among them were even several Ninth Rank High-Grade Innate Ancient Talisman [powerful, naturally-formed talismans of the highest ancient grade], all unleashed towards the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox.

These profound Divine Ability [a supernatural power cultivated by immortals] and Innate Treasure [a treasure born from nature, possessing immense power] were difficult to inflict critical wounds upon the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox [a primordial beast of chaos with flaming horns], yet each carried astonishing force. As they rained down upon the beast's form, they suppressed it, leaving it with no avenue for escape.

Seizing this opportunity, Eldrin Chen freed his hands and channeled his full power. The Great Five Elements Primordial Solar Divine Thunder [a supreme divine thunder technique fusing the five elements and primordial solar power], the Primordial Unity Void Cosmos Sword Energy [a sword energy technique born from the unity of primordial chaos and the void cosmos], the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords [a pair of divine swords embodying celestial and abyssal principles], and several other Divine Ability and Immortal Treasure [a treasure of immortal grade, vastly superior to ordinary magical treasures] descended upon their target with a world-shaking roar.

The Flaming Horned Chaos Ox, already grievously wounded by the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Immortal-Slaying Formation [a grand formation that harnesses divine thunder from the nine heavens to slay immortals], was in no state to withstand Eldrin Chen's full-force Slaughter [a divine ability focused on utter annihilation].

The scene unfolded thus: the Great Five Elements Primordial Solar Divine Thunder struck first, dealing a devastating blow. The Primordial Unity Void Cosmos Sword Energy followed, shearing off one of its mighty legs. Then, the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords plunged deep, their points finding purchase in the center of its brow.

Finally, mustering every last ounce of his strength, Eldrin Chen gripped the Void-Sundering Immortal Sword [an immortal-grade sword capable of cleaving the void itself] and cleaved through the air. With a single, decisive stroke, he severed the head of the Blazing Chaos Bull [another name for the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox].

"Moo—"

With that final, agonized bellow, the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox—a beast powerful enough to contend with a cultivator at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm]—met its end, slain beneath the combined assault of the group.

Witnessing this, the group collectively drew a sharp breath. Their gazes then turned towards the Chaos Immortal Spirit [a spirit entity born from primordial chaos, possessing immortal qualities] at the battlefield's Central, and smiles of relief and anticipation graced their faces.

With the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox gone, Eldrin Chen and the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Immortal-Slaying Formation were now free. The fate of the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox seemed all but sealed.

"Blazing Chaos Spirit [the spirit core or essence of the Flaming Horned Chaos Ox], your end has come."

Violet Radiance Path Master threw back his head with a booming laugh. Gripping his Violet Lightning Divine Spear, he soared into the air, channeling a cataclysmic surge of Thunderclap Force to pierce through the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation]. The Chaos Immortal Spirit [a primordial spiritual entity born from chaos] was forced into a desperate, stumbling retreat under the onslaught.

A faint smile touched the lips of everyone present.

The Blazing Chaos Spirit [a spirit born from chaotic flames] was a being born from Chaos Immortal Flame [a primordial flame of chaos]. Within it was contained the supreme Rule Great Path [the foundational principles of the flame element], and its physical energy was comparable to the combined might of several cultivators at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm].

If one could completely refine its origin essence and flesh, even an existence at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm would find their foundation greatly enhanced. Even if they couldn't break through to the Ancient Immortal Realm [the realm of Ancient Immortals], their power would still see a tremendous leap forward.

If he, Violet Radiance Path Master, could refine it, his strength would undoubtedly advance to the next level, reaching a level at least comparable to two Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm cultivators joining forces.

With this thought, Violet Radiance Path Master's battle intent surged to a boiling point. Wielding boundless divine might, he struck at the Eight Desolations [a desolate region of chaos], suppressing the Blazing Chaos Spirit until it could barely hold its ground.

"You damned Human Race!" the spirit roared, its voice a crackling inferno of rage.

The Blazing Chaos Spirit was nearly driven mad. Its intelligence was not high, and it did not understand that Celestial Immortal Great Power [a powerful Celestial Immortal] were suppressed within the Chaos, unable to unleash their full power.

In its eyes, these Celestial Immortal Great Power were pathetically weak for their realm. Even if eight or nine of them attacked together, it believed it could crush them utterly, perhaps even claiming a few lives in the process.

For with its cultivation at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm, at its peak, it could face a Chaos Ancient Beast [a primordial beast of chaos] of the same realm and hold its own against two of them.

It could be said that unless an Ancient Immortal Great Power [a cultivator who has transcended the Ancient Immortal realm and possesses immense power] were to intervene, he was virtually invincible within the Celestial Immortal Realm [the realm of Celestial Immortals, a high level of cultivation].

Yet now, grievously wounded, he was being hunted by a mere four cultivators at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm]. This filled him with an overwhelming sense of humiliation.

"I refuse to accept this! You all deserve death!"

As this thought surged through him, the Blazing Chaos Spirit [a powerful spirit entity born from primordial chaos and flame] fought with boundless fury. The searing iron rod in its hands churned with the power of the Six Harmonies [a powerful formation art based on the harmony of six directions or elements], and it brazenly endured the combined assaults of its foes. Gathering its ultimate strength, it unleashed a devastating strike aimed directly at Violet Radiance Path Master.

Violet Radiance Path Master struggled to defend himself but was still sent flying backward by the blow.

Blood trickled from the corner of Violet Radiance Path Master's mouth from that wrath-fueled attack, a clear sign he had sustained a significant injury.

Yet he suppressed it instantly. His gaze swept over the others with a hint of wariness, and he spoke with feigned nonchalance, "Act swiftly, all of you. Let us finish this wretch together." Discover more cultivation stories at audio_novel.com.