Chapter 1792 : Beyond the Shattered Domains

"A shattered and broken Immortal Domain?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a flicker of profound shock surfacing in his gaze.

In that moment, his yearning for the vast and boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless state beyond the ordered realms] beyond the Three Thousand Immortal Domains grew even stronger.

According to Horizon Patriarch, while the world beyond the Three Thousand Immortal Domains was perilous, the treasures found there far surpassed anything within their borders.

For within the Boundless Chaos Sea, Chaos Lairs [dangerous, primordial pockets within the Chaos] were virtually innumerable. Furthermore, only beings of the Ancient Immortal [an ancient and immensely powerful rank of immortal] level could barely withstand the environment to explore them, meaning those realms were saturated with treasures of incalculable value.

In comparison, the Three Thousand Immortal Domains—this stretch of Chaos that had been picked clean over countless millions of years—offered pitifully few Opportunity and Fortune [chances for advancement and great treasures] by contrast.

"It seems that in the future, once I possess sufficient strength, I must venture into the Sea of Chaos beyond the Three Thousand Immortal Domains,"

Eldrin Chen thought to himself, his eyes gleaming with newfound determination.

Seeing this, the nearby Horizon Patriarch understood his thoughts and shook his head. "Within the Sea of Chaos, its corrosive pressure on Immortals is far greater than inside the Three Thousand Immortal Domains."

"Even a Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm] cultivator who steps into it would be utterly annihilated, worn down to dust by the Sea of Chaos's erosion before venturing far." Access the full story on http://www . audio-novel.com.

"In truth, even Ancient Immortals below the third tribulation rarely dare to set foot within it."

Speaking of this, he informed Eldrin Chen that even a Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal would find themselves suffocated by the pressure of the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all things emerged], able to wield only thirty to forty percent of their true strength.

Only powerful Ancient Immortals who have broken through the fourth Heavenly Pass [a major bottleneck or trial in cultivation advancement] can exert over half their power, barely daring to travel and adventure within its depths.

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding.

After a moment of contemplation, he inquired further, "Now that news of this ruined Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortal laws and beings] has leaked, what should we do next?"

Upon hearing this, Horizon Patriarch pondered briefly, his gaze shifting towards the Celestial Maiden.

The Celestial Maiden [a title for a high-ranking female immortal] nodded, her expression turning grave as she spoke, "By my estimation, the strength of the Frigid Immortal Domain alone is likely insufficient to conquer this ruined Immortal Domain."

"Without a doubt, the Celestial Immortals [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] from several surrounding Immortal Domains will be alerted. Only by combining the forces of multiple domains will we have a sure chance of seizing it."

Eldrin Chen was taken aback for a moment before asking, "With the power of the Frigid Immortal Domain, boasting over a hundred Ancient Immortal Great Powers [ancient immortals of immense strength and status], you still cannot take a single ruined Immortal Domain?"

"There is something you do not understand."

Horizon Patriarch shook his head. After pouring a cup of tea for Eldrin Chen, he said, "Within the Frigid Immortal Domain, there are indeed over a hundred Ancient Immortal Great Power. However, for an Ancient Immortal Great Power, the most crucial matter is whether they can achieve the Great Encompassing Realm."

"From what I know, more than seven out of ten of these hundred-plus Ancient Immortal Great Power from the Frigid Immortal Domain spend most of their years wandering the Chaos of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. A very few, those beyond the Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal realm, have ventured into the Depths of Chaos."

"Those who remain in the Frigid Immortal Domain generally number no more than thirty. And most of these thirty are usually in secluded cultivation. Therefore, the number who can truly take action this time likely won't exceed a dozen or so."

At this point, Horizon Patriarch's expression turned grave as he continued, "With only a dozen or so Ancient Immortal, I fear it will be difficult to seize that damaged Immortal Domain. We will need the assistance of a great many Celestial Immortal and even Ancient Immortal from other Immortal Domain."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen gained a clearer understanding of the situation within the Frigid Immortal Domain.

Indeed, this was the reality. If Eldrin Chen were to one day break through to the Ancient Immortal realm, he certainly wouldn't remain year-round within the Vast Azure Immortal Domain either.

The resources of a single Immortal Domain are rarely sufficient for an Ancient Immortal Great Power to advance their cultivation further.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen fell silent for a moment before asking, "In your esteemed opinion, Senior, what should we do?"

"We wait—"

Horizon Patriarch spoke, his gaze distant. "Time is needed for the news to spread to the surrounding Immortal Domain, for the great powers from those domains to gather, and even to wait for some Ancient Immortal Patriarch to emerge from seclusion."

"Barring unforeseen circumstances, the final assault on the shattered Immortal Domain [a realm of higher existence for powerful cultivators] should commence in approximately two hundred thousand years."

"Before that time, we should focus on deep cultivation, striving to enhance our personal strength and foundational reserves to prepare for the assault on the shattered Immortal Domain."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a flicker of thought stir within him. Two hundred thousand years would likely be sufficient for him to attempt a breakthrough into the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm [the middle stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm].

Once he broke through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm, Eldrin Chen's power would undoubtedly see significant growth. At that point, his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a legendary, nigh-unbreakable physical constitution] could also advance further, elevating his overall combat prowess to a new tier entirely.

By then, if Eldrin Chen were to participate in the assault on the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a collective term for the myriad immortal realms], his confidence in ensuring his own survival would be considerably greater.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Since we have two hundred thousand years, I should return for a time. I will see if I can achieve a breakthrough to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm within this period." Original English translation available at audio-novel-dot-com.

"Very well,"

Master of the Horizon Pavilion nodded. He retrieved a jade vial from his sleeve and handed it to Eldrin Chen, saying, "This is known as the Minor Frigid Heaven Pill [a pill that aids cultivators aligned with water and ice attributes in breaking through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm]. It is a specialty Immortal Pill [a pill of immortal grade] from the Frigid Immortal Domain [an immortal realm known for its icy attributes]."

"Take this vial. Consider it a gift from me."

Eldrin Chen took the precious vial and examined it. To his surprise, he found it contained ten Immortal Pills. A tremor of astonishment passed through him.

The Minor Frigid Heaven Pill [a pill that tempers the body and soul with profound cold essence], as a specialty of the Frigid Immortal Domain [a realm of eternal frost and ice], is a derivative of the Heavenly Path [the supreme cultivation method of that domain]. It is a Ninth Rank High-Grade Primordial Unity Immortal Pill [a top-tier pill that aids in unifying one's foundational energies]. Although not an Innate Object [a treasure born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth], its value is nonetheless extraordinary.

Beyond the borders of the Frigid Immortal Domain, many who seek to purchase a single Frigid Heaven Pill offer prices of staggering magnitude.

For the Master of the Horizon Pavilion to bestow ten such pills at once—their combined worth likely approaches that of an Upper Grade Innate Treasure [a supreme magical artifact of the highest innate grade].

At this thought, Eldrin Chen hurriedly declined, "This gift is far too precious. I truly cannot accept it."

"There is no need for such modesty,"

Horizon Patriarch replied with a gentle smile, firmly pushing the treasure vial back towards Eldrin Chen. "You mentioned your Chen Clan has over ten Celestial Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm]. They must be in dire need of these Frigid Immortal Pill. Even if you will not consider it for yourself, you should think of them."

"Furthermore," he continued, "these Frigid Heaven Pill were sent as a token of gratitude from the Violet Radiance Grotto-Heaven [a blessed realm of violet light], to repay the life-saving grace you and I showed them. A share rightfully belongs to you."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback.

When the Violet Radiance Path Master was ensnared by the schemes of the Golden-Winged Great Roc [a mighty avian demon with wings of gold], it was the Master of the Horizon Pavilion who intervened at the critical moment to save him. Additionally, Eldrin Chen's action in intercepting the Golden Wing Patriarch also constituted a deed of mercy.

After the Violet Radiance Path Master regained his freedom, to repay this debt of life, he specifically had this immensely valuable gift prepared and delivered.

Now, this entire weighty gift had been handed over to him by Horizon Patriarch.

After understanding the cause and effect, Eldrin Chen stored away the Frigid Heaven Pill and said with profound gratitude, "This kindness from you, Senior, Returning Abyss will surely remember in his heart. Upon my return from this journey, I will certainly repay it."

Upon hearing this, Horizon Patriarch gave a faint smile and waved his hand dismissively. "Then I shall await that day."

Speaking to this point, Horizon Patriarch remained very calm. He did not take Eldrin Chen's promise of repayment to heart. At his current level of cultivation, ordinary treasures held little use for him anymore.

Even if Eldrin Chen were to break through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm, he did not believe Eldrin Chen could produce any treasure that would truly stir his interest.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen conversed with the two for a while longer. Then, with a smile and a cupped-fist salute towards Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden, he took his leave and departed from the Frigid Immortal Domain.

Once outside the Frigid Immortal Domain, Eldrin Chen used Chaos Primordial Breath [the primordial energy of chaos, used to conceal one's presence] to mask his aura. He flew deeper into the Depths of Chaos for several more days. Only after he had completely left the vicinity of the Frigid Immortal Domain and confirmed he was not being followed did he finally activate the Returning Abyss Pearl.

"*Hummm—*"

In that instant, the Path of Space [a profound spatial manipulation technique] pierced through the Boundless Chaos, traversing unknown voids and dimensions to arrive at the distant Five Elements Small Universe [a miniature cosmos governed by the five elemental forces], far beyond the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all things emerge].

Finally, utilizing the Abyss of the Returning Abyss [a spatial nexus within the Returning Abyss domain] within the Five Elements Small Universe, he returned to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain.

Carrying Heavy Treasures [exceptionally powerful and valuable enchanted artifacts], Eldrin Chen proceeded with great caution. He had not employed the Returning Abyss Pearl [a mystical pearl of profound abyssal power] within either the Frigid Immortal Domain or the Vast Azure Immortal Domain. He reasoned that even if a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal capable of cosmic divination] attempted to trace his steps, they would likely fail to detect the presence of this Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born of primordial chaos, possessing its own innate spirit].

"My husband, you have returned!"

Upon Eldrin Chen's return to the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven [his personal pocket dimension and cultivation sanctuary], Exquisite Jiang was the first to notice his arrival.

Having journeyed together for over two million years, this was the first time they had been parted for such an extended period. Their reunion could not conceal the profound emotion stirring within their hearts.

After a tender reunion, Exquisite Jiang nestled in his embrace, inquiring softly about his experiences during the long years of his absence.

Upon learning the details of his journey, a wave of concern washed over Exquisite Jiang. She could not help but grasp his hand, saying, "The Incomplete Immortal Domain [a perilous, fractured realm of ancient immortals] is far too dangerous. Perhaps you should not go this time."

Eldrin Chen shook his head with a sigh. "My foundation is excessively profound," he explained. "The resources and Innate Energy [the primordial, foundational energy required for high-level cultivation breakthroughs] I require for advancement are, at a minimum, five times that of an ordinary cultivator."

"To cultivate to the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm], even disregarding the consumption for my Lifebound Immortal Treasure [a treasure grown and refined alongside one's own life force], I would still need over one hundred strands of Innate Energy."

"To avoid my cultivation stagnating in the future, these are necessities I must eventually strive to obtain."

Exquisite Jiang could not help but release a soft sigh. She understood the truth in Eldrin Chen's words.

Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, Primordial Chaos Energy [the raw, formless energy that existed before creation] is exceedingly sparse, and Chaos Immortal Pool [a rare, concentrated pool of primordial chaos energy] are even rarer. If we miss this opportunity, venturing into the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond the ordered realms] in the future, it might take a million years to chance upon even three or five strands of Innate Energy [the pure, foundational energy required for high-level cultivation breakthroughs].

For an ordinary Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm] in the mid or late stages, finding three to five strands of Innate Energy over a million years would already be considered a great bounty. Accumulating enough for their next breakthrough would only require a few million years of such gathering.

Generally speaking, the vast majority of mid-to-late stage Celestial Immortal cannot endure prolonged journeys through the Chaos. Each foray is a cautious venture, avoiding the more perilous regions of the Chaos, which results in even more meager harvests.

Thus, most cultivators at the Late Celestial Immortal Realm [the advanced stage of the Celestial Immortal realm] require several million years to locate a single strand of Innate Energy. Even if fortune smiles and they stumble upon an Upper Grade Chaos Lair [a high-tier nest or domain of chaos creatures], they likely lack the strength to conquer it.

In comparison, Eldrin Chen possesses the ability to traverse the Chaos for extended periods without being suppressed by its oppressive nature. His rate of acquiring Innate Energy is several times, even tenfold, that of an ordinary Late Celestial Immortal Realm cultivator.

However, Eldrin Chen's profound foundation demands a correspondingly vast amount of resources. The Innate Energy he consumes for each breakthrough is also several times greater than that of an ordinary Celestial Immortal.

Given these circumstances, if we let this chance slip by, finding another opportunity of this magnitude would be a trial of a thousand hardships.

Understanding this, Exquisite Jiang took his hand and asked, "What if I accompany you on this journey?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before replying, "That shattered Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortal laws] is guarded by a Chaos Beast King [a monarch-level beast born of primordial chaos]. With your current cultivation, venturing there would be far too perilous. My plan is to use the ensuing chaos as cover, slipping inside under the concealment of the Chaos Mist [a dense, obscuring fog native to the primordial chaos]."

"Once inside, amidst such turmoil, I fear I would be unable to ensure your safety."

Exquisite Jiang [the wife of Eldrin Chen] furrowed her brow slightly, yet her gaze remained resolute as she declared, "My breakthrough is not far off. Once I succeed in a single decisive push, I should be able to lend you a hand."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen [the protagonist] fell into contemplative silence.

Although Exquisite Jiang's current cultivation was still at the Third Heaven Celestial Immortal Realm [the third major stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm], her true combat prowess surpassed even that of a cultivator at the sixth layer of the Celestial Immortal [a high-level immortal cultivation stage] realm. Once she broke through to the Fourth Heaven Celestial Immortal Realm [the fourth major stage of the Celestial Immortal realm], her combat power would undoubtedly reach the level of the Seventh Layer of the Celestial Immortal Realm [the seventh minor stage within the Celestial Immortal realm].

Furthermore, her Great Five Elements Rule Power [a supreme cultivation art governing the five fundamental elements] was exceptionally potent and was less suppressed by the Primordial Chaos Energy [the primordial, formless energy from which all creation emerged], allowing her to exert roughly eighty percent of her full strength.

Eighty percent of the power of a Late Celestial Immortal Realm [the final stages of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm] expert should indeed provide significant assistance.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen finally spoke, "If that is the case, then strive for your breakthrough as soon as possible. When the time comes, I will assist you in advancing your Eight Trigrams Treasure Tree [a mystical tree aligned with the Eight Trigrams, a core concept of Daoist cosmology]."

"By then, with the aid of the Supreme Grade Innate Celestial Slaughter Formation [a supreme-grade, naturally-formed formation of immense destructive power], you might truly be of great help to me."

Hearing this, Exquisite Jiang's face blossomed into a smile. "Rest assured," she said, "I will definitely break through within two hundred thousand years."

"..."

Not long after, Lila [Eldrin Chen's adopted daughter], Verdant Consort [a title for a powerful female cultivator], Violet Consort Yan [a title for a powerful female cultivator], Nyssa Qu [a close ally], and the others all returned. Upon learning that Eldrin Chen planned to explore the Incomplete Immortal Domain [a damaged or unstable realm of immortals] together with Exquisite Jiang, the women all expressed their desire to accompany them.

Yet Eldrin Chen still refused them. While the talents of these women were extraordinary, and upon breaking through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm they could each possess half the combat power of a Seventh Layer of the Celestial Immortal Realm cultivator, they ultimately had not reached the Late Celestial Immortal Realm.

Facing a battlefield of this level, cultivation below the Late Celestial Immortal Realm was ultimately far too lacking; the slightest misstep could lead to a meaningless death.

Eldrin Chen naturally had no wish for them to throw their lives away. He could only promise that after his return from this journey, he would take them along to travel within the Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all things emerge].

Returning to the main topic, after placing nine Frigid Heaven Pill [a legendary pill of profound cold essence] into the Clan Treasury, Eldrin Chen took one Frigid Heaven Pill and arrived at the Returning Abyss Small Universe. There, he slowly consumed this peerless Immortal Pill [a pill of divine efficacy used by immortals].

As a specialty of the Frigid Immortal Domain, this Frigid Heaven Pill had miraculous effects for cultivators with a Ice Spiritual Root [an innate affinity for the element of ice]. It could serve as a catalyst for a breakthrough to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm, and also possessed the wondrous ability to enhance cultivation for those in the Late Celestial Immortal Realm.

Not to mention that Eldrin Chen possessed the Five Elements Spiritual Root [an innate affinity for all five fundamental elements], his mastery of the Primordial One Limitless Rule [the supreme law of boundless unity] alone allowed him to refine and absorb nearly all Immortal Pill and miraculous medicines under heaven. Naturally, he could refine this Frigid Heaven Pill.

"Such profound energy."

The moment Eldrin Chen swallowed the Frigid Heaven Pill, he felt an immeasurably vast surge of energy flood into his body, instantly erupting with explosive force.

He guided the flow of the medicinal potency, and with its momentum, shattered an invisible bottleneck.

In that very moment, Eldrin Chen's Path Principle [the fundamental truth of one's cultivated path] and Path Fruit [the culmination and essence of one's cultivation journey] underwent a sublime transformation. His entire lifetime of cultivation experienced a qualitative leap forward.

"The Innate Primordial One Limitless Path Principle [a supreme cultivation art that embodies the boundless, singular origin of all things] can advance yet another step."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then instantly expelled ten streams of Innate Energy [the primordial, foundational energy that exists before all creation]. As the ten streams of Innate Energy crisscrossed and intertwined, they became entangled with the Primordial One Limitless Rule [the fundamental, boundless law of the singular origin], merging once more into a unified whole. His aura instantly surged forth, vast and turbulent like the Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state before the formation of the cosmos].

"BOOM—"

In that very instant, within the vast expanse of Returning Abyss Heaven [the celestial realm governed by Eldrin Chen], the immense Universe [the cosmos contained within that realm] began to expand in response, visibly growing more vast and magnificent.

When Eldrin Chen broke through to the Celestial Immortal [a high-level immortal realm where one's power begins to shape a personal cosmos] realm, he had opened twenty-four layers of heavens within the Returning Abyss Universe [the personal cosmos of Eldrin Chen], with a diameter reaching a staggering one hundred eighty million light-years.

Later, when Eldrin Chen cultivated to the peak of the Third Heaven Celestial Immortal Realm [the third and highest tier within the Celestial Immortal realm], the Returning Abyss Heaven had already expanded to nearly three hundred million light-years in diameter. Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio-novel[dot]com.