Chapter 1794 : Secluded Cultivation Amidst Heavenly Tribulation

Regarding this Tribulation [a period of immense conflict and upheaval ordained by fate], Eldrin Chen had no intention of intervening. He remained secluded within the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven [a celestial paradise realm], quietly cultivating and patiently awaiting the conclusion of this Great Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of conflict].

Time flowed swiftly. Thirty thousand years passed in the blink of an eye. By the time the Great Tribulation reached its The End, Eldrin Chen had already consolidated his cultivation at the Fourth Heaven Celestial Immortal Realm [the fourth level of the Celestial Immortal stage].

Not only that, Eldrin Chen had also consumed the remaining two Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill [pills of supreme refinement that can dramatically enhance one's foundation], advancing his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a legendary, nigh-unbreakable body constitution] another step. The only regret was that due to a lack of Innate Energy [the fundamental, uncreated energy of the cosmos], his Five Lifebound Immortal Treasures [five magical artifacts intrinsically linked to his life and soul] had failed to ascend to the Ninth Rank High-Grade [the pinnacle rank for artifacts].

He still possessed some Innate Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a supreme, primordial energy of creation and chaos], but this energy was far too rare. As it would be needed in the future to synthesize Innate Primordial Chaos Light [a luminous spiritual essence born from primordial chaos], Eldrin Chen was unwilling to use it as a substitute for the Innate Energy.

During this Great Tribulation, the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance [a coalition of immortal forces] gained four new Celestial Immortal Great Power [masters who have reached the Celestial Immortal realm]. They were: Extraordinary Chen, Rising Swan Chen, Jiang Venus, and Purple Mist Qu.

Among these four, both Extraordinary Chen and Rising Swan Chen were pivotal figures of the Chen Clan during this tribulation. Jiang Venus was also a prodigy from the Purple Seal Realm [a renowned immortal domain]. As for Purple Mist Qu, she possessed a rare variant bloodline of the Immortal Clam Clan, known for its Thunderclap [a swift, thunderous power], and was a contemporary of the Glazed Divine Lord.

Each of these four had the substantial backing of multiple Celestial Immortal [immortals of the celestial realm], so their breakthroughs were within expectations. As for other old acquaintances, some had halted at the Primordial Unity Realm [the realm just below Celestial Immortal], while others had unfortunately perished during the Tribulation. They would require guidance for reincarnation in the future.

Returning to the main thread, shortly after the Great Tribulation concluded, Exquisite Jiang broke through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm [the middle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm]. Others like the Verdant Consort were also not far from their own breakthroughs.

Furthermore, Eldrin Chen had reserved a single drop of Heaven-Earth Creation Water [a miraculous water that embodies the creative power of heaven and earth] for each member of his clan. This single drop could increase one's chances of breaking through to the Mid Celestial Immortal Realm by thirty percent. Eldrin Chen would have liked to leave more, but the Nine Heavens Heaven-Earth Energy [the supreme energy of creation from the highest heavens] required to produce it was exceedingly difficult to find, with only two known sources.

The first method was to allow the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth [a treasure vase that gathers the energies of creation] to naturally draw in the Heaven-Earth Energy [the fundamental energy of the world] from its surroundings. However, the vase's absorption rate was limited. Coupled with the fact that the Vast Azure Immortal Domain [the vast immortal realm they resided in] was a stable place where stray Energy of Heaven and Earth was scarce, it required one hundred thousand years to condense a single drop of Heaven-Earth Creation Water. Find thousands of chapters at https://audio-novel.com.

The second method involves seeking out rare objects imbued with the essence of Heaven and Earth [the fundamental forces of creation] and placing them within it, transforming them into that Heaven-Earth Creation Water [a primal water of immense creative power].

However, treasures containing the Heaven and Earth essence are all of extraordinary value, and those capable of meeting the requirements of the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth are exceedingly rare. Generally, only treasures of the Primordial Unity Rare Treasure [a classification for the rarest primal treasures] grade, such as Heaven Trigram Pure Energy [pure energy of the Heavenly trigram] and Earth Trigram Mother Energy [the nurturing mother-energy of the Earth trigram], can fulfill the criteria.

Yet, one portion of Heaven Trigram Pure Energy combined with one portion of Earth Trigram Mother Energy can only synthesize a single drop of Heaven-Earth Creation Water. While the current foundation of the Chen Immortal Clan is indeed sufficient to purchase hundreds or even thousands of units of Heaven Trigram Pure Energy, within the brief span of a mere hundred thousand years or so, they have only managed to gather a little over twenty portions.

After Exquisite Jiang achieved her breakthrough, she opened another Threefold Heaven [a major sub-realm within a cultivation stage]. Combined with the original twenty-one heavens, she had now established the Twenty-Four Myriad Heavenly Realms Grand Formation.

Using the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth, Eldrin Chen assisted Exquisite Jiang in elevating twenty-four Innate Ancient Tree [trees born of primordial essence]. He then escorted Exquisite Jiang to the Depths of Chaos. After concealing his own Celestial Mechanism [the workings of heavenly fate and destiny], he utilized the Returning Abyss Pearl to arrive at a location within the Chaos [the primordial, formless void] just beyond the Frigid Immortal Domain.

They continued their journey, traversing the void until they arrived within the Horizon Grotto-Heaven, where they met with Horizon Patriarch and the Heavenly Mountain Goddess.

Having not seen each other for over a hundred thousand years, Eldrin Chen perceived that the cultivation of both individuals seemed to have advanced, clearly indicating they had digested the gains from their previous encounters.

Back in the lower realms, Exquisite Jiang had dealings with the Reincarnation Body [a projected avatar formed through reincarnation] of Horizon Patriarch and had also crossed paths with the Celestial Maiden. Therefore, no lengthy introductions were necessary.

After the four exchanged pleasantries, Eldrin Chen did not need to ask the question aloud: "How have things progressed?"

The two naturally understood his meaning. Exchanging a glance, the Celestial Maiden was the first to speak. "Over these years, many Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived for immense ages] within the Frigid Immortal Domain have emerged from seclusion for the sake of the Incomplete Immortal Domain. Combined with the several who have returned from the Chaos, we have now gathered a total of twenty-three Ancient Immortal Great Power [ancient immortals of formidable power]."

"Moreover, Ancient Immortal [powerful cultivators who have transcended the mortal realm and lived for countless ages] from the surrounding Immortal Domain [realms governed by immortal laws] have been arriving one after another. Combined, the number of Ancient Immortal gathered is likely no fewer than thirty."

"Thirty Ancient Immortal Great Power [Ancient Immortals of immense power and status]?"

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly, revealing a trace of astonishment.

It must be understood that Ancient Immortal Great Power have already broken through the Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck in cultivation advancement], granting them formidable resistance to the suppressive aura of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation]. Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal realms], which are themselves realms suppressed by Chaos, they can unleash seventy to eighty percent of their full combat prowess.

Therefore, two Ancient Immortal Great Power joining forces can suppress a solitary beast of equivalent realm from the Chaos. Some top-tier Ancient Immortal who have shattered the Seventh Heavenly Pass [the seventh and one of the highest cultivation bottlenecks] can even completely ignore the suppression of Chaos and fight with their entire strength.

Under such circumstances, thirty Ancient Immortal Great Power united should possess the power to contend with a damaged Immortal Domain.

Most importantly, there are still some years before the previously estimated two hundred thousand years. More Ancient Immortal should emerge from seclusion or return from their journeys to partake in this grand feast in the time to come.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but remark, "With several dozen Ancient Immortal gathered, I fear the number of Celestial Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm, a tier above Earth Immortals] will far exceed our initial expectations."

"Indeed." Horizon Patriarch nodded, his gaze turning solemn as he said, "From what I know, over three thousand Celestial Immortal from within the Frigid Immortal Domain [an Immortal Domain known for its icy and harsh environment] alone have already ended their seclusion. Adding the great powers from the surrounding Immortal Domain, the number likely approaches five thousand."

"Although the vast majority of these individuals are at the early or middle stages of the Celestial Immortal realm, those at the Late Celestial Immortal Realm [the advanced stage of the Celestial Immortal realm] are also not few in number."

Speaking of this, Horizon Patriarch could not help but frown slightly.

With so many Celestial Immortal Great Power [powerful cultivators who have ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm], among whom were even thousands of Late Celestial Immortal Realm [cultivators at the peak of the Celestial Immortal stage], before such a force, even Horizon Patriarch seemed utterly unremarkable.

In such a situation, needing to compete with so many for Opportunity and Fortune [the chances and good luck inherent in one's destiny] was likely no easy task.

Eldrin Chen understood Horizon Patriarch's concerns and spoke up, "Senior, there is no need to worry. We shall proceed step by step. Regardless of the final outcome, with the Chaos Mist [a mystical mist born from primordial chaos that can conceal one's presence] to shield us, we will surely be able to advance or retreat with ease."

Upon hearing this, Horizon Patriarch nodded with a smile. "You speak wisely. With the wondrous power of your Chaos Mist, we have already secured an unassailable position."

"..." This chapter appears courtesy of audio-novel-dot-com.

With their minds settled, the next step was to await the day for the assault on the Incomplete Immortal Domain [a partially formed or damaged realm of immortals].

In the time that followed, they cultivated in seclusion while they waited, and tens of thousands of years passed in the blink of an eye.

Then, on a certain day, within the Frigid Immortal Domain [an immortal realm of extreme cold], war drums thundered and the blare of horns echoed across the Six Harmonies [a powerful defensive or spatial formation]. From all corners of the heavens and earth, ancient ships forged in the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] sailed forth, heading towards the chaotic edges beyond the Frigid Immortal Domain.

Eldrin Chen, alongside Horizon Patriarch and the others, traveled together. When they arrived beyond the borders of the Frigid Immortal Domain, they saw ancient cities, also born of Chaos, tearing through the void from every direction. In the blink of an eye, over a thousand Chaos Ancient Ship [mighty vessels constructed from primordial chaos materials] had converged.

When all preparations were complete, Eldrin Chen discovered, to his astonishment, that there were as many as three thousand Chaos Ancient Ship [ships forged from the remains of primordial beasts that roam the void between worlds]. This revelation left everyone present utterly awestruck.

Consider this: three thousand Chaos Ancient Ship! Although the vast majority were of the Ninth Rank lower-grade, the number alone was staggering. Each vessel required the slaying of a Chaos Ancient Beast [a primordial beast native to the chaotic void] for its forging. This represented the true, profound foundational strength of a Grotto-Heaven [a semi-independent realm within an Immortal Domain].

By comparison, across the entire Vast Azure Immortal Domain, the combined fleets of its two hundred-plus Grotto-Heaven likely numbered fewer than one hundred such ships.

Generally, only the most powerful Celestial Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] dared hunt Chaos Ancient Beast. Weaker Celestial Immortal often feared venturing into the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between realms] and thus could not slay the beasts needed to construct Chaos Ancient Ship.

As the saying goes, one can glimpse the whole leopard by observing a single spot. The number of Chaos Ancient Ship within an Immortal Domain [a vast realm governed by immortal laws] directly reflected the abundance of its high-tier Celestial Immortal. Therefore, the size of this fleet offered a clear measure of this domain's martial strength.

"The Frigid Immortal Domain lives up to its reputation as the central hub among dozens of surrounding Immortal Domain," Exquisite Jiang remarked slowly, her voice filled with solemn appreciation. "Its foundational strength is indeed beyond what our Vast Azure Immortal Domain can match."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, his gaze lifting to the vanguard of the three-thousand-strong fleet.

There, at the forefront within the Depths of Chaos [the most turbulent regions of the primordial void], three Chaos Ancient Ship stood apart like cranes among chickens, majestic and peerless. They were positioned like the moon surrounded by stars, towering within the Chaos. A mere Ninth Rank lower-grade Chaos Ancient Ship appeared as nothing more than an insignificant speck before their colossal forms.

The three thousand ships arrayed behind them seemed like tiny fish trailing a leviathan—minuscule and utterly inconsequential.

"A Ninth Rank Supreme Grade Chaos Ancient Ship [a legendary vessel forged from primordial chaos materials]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his gaze growing profoundly solemn.

A Ninth Rank Supreme Grade Chaos Ancient Ship is forged from the Dragon Bone [the skeletal remains of a true dragon] of a Chaos Beast King [a primordial beast king born from chaos] and refined with an incalculable quantity of rare and precious Exotic Treasure [unique and wondrous magical materials]. Its value is virtually beyond measure.

It is widely acknowledged that the resources required to craft a single Ninth Rank Supreme Grade Chaos Ancient Ship are at least equivalent to ten Innate Ancient Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth].

"The Frigid Immortal Domain [a vast and ancient realm of immortals] possesses such profound foundations?"

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, his expression revealing a deep sense of gravity.

Seeing this, Horizon Patriarch spoke in a measured tone, "These three ancient ships are named Sunder Heaven, Cold Night, and Nether Antiquity. They hail from the three most powerful Supreme Grade Grotto-Heaven [the highest grade of independent pocket realms] within the Frigid Immortal Domain."

"The masters of these three ships are Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor, the foremost figure among the Demon Race [a race of powerful beings, often with bestial traits] in the Frigid Immortal Domain, and Cold Night and Nether Antiquity, who are both of our Human Race. These three are supreme Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived for countless ages] who have shattered the Fivefold Heavenly Pass [a legendary fivefold tribulation barrier]. Over the years, they have slain more than one Chaos Beast King."

"The Fivefold Heavenly Pass?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a tremor run through his heart.

Among the Ancient Immortal [powerful beings who have transcended mortality], those capable of shattering the Fivefold Heavenly Pass [the fifth and most formidable barrier to ascension] have always been exceedingly rare.

Such individuals, if not one in a thousand, are still profoundly uncommon. Often, not even one cultivator among a hundred Ancient Immortal Great Power [mighty Ancient Immortals] would ultimately attain such a realm.

Yet now, three such figures had appeared simultaneously, a sight that left Eldrin Chen utterly astonished.

The Celestial Maiden [a goddess-like immortal being], understanding Eldrin Chen's thoughts, spoke: "The Frigid Immortal Domain [a vast realm of frost and cultivation], as a Path-Field [a domain imbued with a Path Ancestor's legacy] left behind by a Quasi-Sage Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord nearing Sagehood], possesses a heritage far surpassing that of any ordinary Immortal Domain [realm of immortals]."

"From what I know, since the Primordial Era [the dawn of creation], the Frigid Immortal Domain has given birth to thirteen Great Encompassing Immortal Lord [Immortal Lords of the Great Encompassing Realm]. In this current age, the strongest have merely broken through the eleventh Seventh Heavenly Pass [the seventh celestial barrier], which in the annals of history is considered a period of relatively low Fortune [cosmic luck and destiny]."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen understood. Throughout its history, the Frigid Immortal Domain had almost every era produced Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived seven heavenly tribulations] who shattered the Seventh Heavenly Pass. During its peaks of Fortune, there were even Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] who emerged, mere steps away from the Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing Realm].

Although the Ninefold Heavenly Pass [the ninth and final celestial barrier] is a Destiny [fate] gate difficult to cross, with nearly nine out of ten Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortals falling at this step, the Frigid Immortal Domain still saw thirteen who successfully took that step.

Coupled with the Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord [the Imperial Lord who ruled this frigid realm], who cultivated to the Quasi-Sage Realm [the realm bordering Sagehood], the Fortune and foundational strength of the Frigid Immortal Domain rank it within the top one hundred, perhaps even the top fifty, among the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the myriad realms of the cosmos].

Just as Eldrin Chen's thoughts drifted, a horn blast echoed from the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless void]. Immediately, the three supreme-grade Chaos Ancient Ship [ancient vessels capable of navigating the primordial chaos] began to move. One after another, Chaos Ancient Ships surged forth, cleaving through the Chaos [the primordial, formless essence] towards the shattered Immortal Domain.

"We depart," declared the Horizon Patriarch, leading his companions to follow.

The grand army advanced ceaselessly, led by the supreme-grade Chaos Ancient Ship [a legendary vessel capable of navigating the primordial void]. Their passage through the Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse between worlds] was exceedingly swift. In merely ten thousand years, they traversed the Boundless Chaos [the infinite, trackless void] and arrived at the edge of the shattered Immortal Domain [a realm of immortal beings].

"Is this the shattered Immortal Domain?"

As the army halted its advance, Eldrin Chen could not help but lift his gaze to look upon it.

It was a vast and majestic Ancient Continent, its interior saturated with a fierce, domineering aura.

Broken, desolate, tragic, chaotic…

This ruined Immortal Domain seemed as if it had been violently torn from a complete one, or perhaps was a single shattered fragment of a once-glorious Immortal Domain.

Eldrin Chen did not know what cataclysm it had endured, but the fact that this broken realm now drifted here was proof of a battle of unimaginable ferocity. It was even likely that a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal being who has attained the pinnacle of cultivation] had perished within.

"BOOM—"

At that very moment, the Chaos trembled violently.

Upon the deck of the ancient vessel Sunder Heaven, a figure clad in golden armor, a great spear in hand, stood ready.

"Demon Emperor... Sunder Heaven!"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a trace of solemnity surfacing in his gaze.

During this period, Eldrin Chen had gained a certain understanding of Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor.

The origins of Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor were shrouded in mystery, and his true form was unknown, yet he was undoubtedly the foremost prodigy of the Demon Race within the Frigid Immortal Domain.

It was said this figure first rose to prominence eighty million years ago. At that time, Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor swept through the Path Tribulation [a grand trial of one's cultivation path] of the Frigid Immortal Domain, achieving a Forbidden Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivation realm] foundation with the posture of Twelve Tribulations [having survived twelve heavenly tribulations]. Furthermore, he received the legacy of the only Demon RaceGreat Encompassing [a supreme realm of cultivation] among the thirteen Great Encompassing of the Frigid Immortal Domain—'White Crane Immortal Lord'.

Legend held that White Crane Immortal Lord was once the mount of Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord in his early years; others said he was formerly a guardian divine beast of the Frigid Heaven Immortal Protection Mountain. Regardless of the tale, it was universally acknowledged that White Crane Immortal Lord shared a deep connection with Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord, and it was said the latter provided immense support for the former's ascension to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the Golden Immortal realm of the Great Encompassing stage] realm.

By gaining the patronage of White Crane Immortal Lord, Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor essentially acquired a Protective Talisman [a powerful protective artifact], allowing him to thrive and prosper within the Frigid Immortal Domain.

In the eighty million years since, Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor had lived up to expectations, displaying an invincible demeanor. Not only had he now broken through the Fivefold Heavenly Pass [a formidable cultivation barrier], but he also boasted a battle record of defeating a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal. He was considered one of the beings within the Frigid Immortal Domain most likely to break through to become an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Some even believed that the talent of Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor was peerless throughout the ages, and it was highly possible he would take that final step during this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal], becoming the fourteenth Great Encompassing Golden Immortal of the Frigid Immortal Domain.

"Esteemed colleagues..."

Just as the thought flickered through Eldrin Chen's mind, Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor swept his gaze across the assembled figures and finally spoke, "Since we have all arrived, let us begin."

The gathered Ancient Immortals fell into a brief, heavy silence. In the end, Nether Antiquity and Cold Night, two of the Ancient Immortals, exchanged a thoughtful glance. The Cold Night Ancient Immortal looked towards the shattered Immortal Domain Path [a supreme cultivation art associated with an immortal's domain] and said, "There is no need for haste. Let us first send some to scout the way."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of coldness passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes.

He understood the reasoning well enough. The recent demise of several Ancient Immortals had made the Cold Night Ancient Immortal wary of the power still lurking within the ruined Immortal Domain [a realm governed by an immortal]. Sending others in first was a way to test the waters.

In truth, it was not just Eldrin Chen whose expression changed; many of the Celestial Immortals [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] also paled. Several tried to slip away, only to be blocked by the imposing figures of the Ancient Immortals.

The Nether Antiquity Patriarch's eyes gleamed with an eerie, chilling light as he spoke, his voice dripping with menace. "Honored guests, did you truly believe you could reap the rewards without contributing? Such an easy bargain does not exist."

"I offer you this chance: charge into the heart of that ruined Immortal Domain now. Survive, and its treasures shall be yours. But if any of you attempt to flee..." He let the threat hang in the air, cold and absolute. "...do not blame this old man for being merciless." Official source: audio-novel . com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.