Chapter 1799 : Sword Aura Shatters the Void

"Aaaaargh—"

In a single Ksana-time [an infinitesimal unit of time from Buddhist cosmology, less than a second], a scream of unprecedented agony tore through the air.

The onlookers raised their heads to see Nether Antiquity Patriarch instantly cleaved in two by the sword light, his form annihilated into dust in the blink of an eye.

"Disaster!"

Witnessing the instantaneous demise of Nether Antiquity Patriarch, the remaining Ancient Immortal [powerful beings who have transcended mortality through cultivation] fled in utter terror. Alas, it was already too late.

The residual might of that heaven-rending sword energy surged forth unceasingly. Its sword aura [the sharp, condensed energy radiating from a powerful blade] split the vast Chaos Void Cosmos, reducing everything in its path to nothingness. Several Ancient Immortal Great Power [Ancient Immortals of immense strength] who stood in its way had no time to react before they were extinguished, their forms scattered like motes of dust.

Even more astonishingly, the lingering power of this Innate Sword Aura [a supreme sword technique born from one's innate talent] did not stop. It pierced through the boundless desolation, struck beyond the End of the Celestial Firmament, and continued its relentless slash toward the very edge of the void.

"Outrageous audacity!"

At that very moment, a furious roar erupted from the point where the sword aura reached its limit.

A grey-robed elder materialized, treading upon the void. He unleashed a Heaven and Earth Six Harmonies Divine Aura [a supreme defensive art that harmonizes the energies of heaven and earth], managing, with immense strain, to block this world-shattering killing sword. Immerse yourself in the complete world at audio-novel dot com.

"The Divine Aura of Six Harmonies [a profound and balanced spiritual energy field]."

"It is Six Harmonies Patriarch."

Above Void Heaven, the gathered Ancient Immortal Patriarchs witnessed this scene, their expressions shifting to reveal a mixture of shock and fervent excitement.

Six Harmonies Patriarch was a long-renowned Ancient Immortal Patriarch of Frigid Immortal Domain, counted among its most ancient Ancient Immortals. Rumors held that he had long since departed Frigid Immortal Domain, yet here he was, appearing now.

That such a figure had been concealed within Frigid Immortal Domain all this time, completely escaping their notice, filled them with profound astonishment.

In that moment, understanding dawned upon them all. The sword strike unleashed from Within the Chaos Lair was not meant for the Nether Antiquity Patriarch; its true target had been Six Harmonies Patriarch all along.

"*Hummm—*"

A soft, resonant hum filled the air, drawing every gaze toward Within the Chaos Lair.

From the location of the Chaos Lair, a youth with lips like rouge and teeth like pearls stepped forth calmly. His expression was serene as he regarded the assembly.

"A human form?"

The hearts of everyone present jolted with alarm, yet in the very next instant, they sensed something was amiss.

The Six Harmonies Patriarch slowly drew in a deep breath, his expression turning incomparably grave as he spoke, "For a Six Tribulations Chaos Beast King to take human form... it seems Your Excellency is not far from becoming a Seven Tribulations Primordial Chaos Beast King."

"Since this place is Your Excellency's Path-Field [a cultivator's personal domain of cultivation and enlightenment], then I must beg your pardon for this old man's presumptuous intrusion."

With those words, the Six Harmonies Patriarch transformed into a streak of Escape Radiance [a brilliant light used for swift escape] and shot skyward, intending to make his retreat.

Yet at that very moment, the youth sneered coldly, "Since you've come, why be in such a hurry to leave?"

"BOOM—!"

As his words fell, seven beams of World-Illuminating Immortal Light erupted from within the shattered Immortal Domain.

Behold! From the Seventh Heavenly Domains, several ancient artifacts rose in succession, their dazzling radiance illuminating the Boundless Chaos.

These artifacts were seven in number: an ancient sword, a Heavenly Halberd, a divine furnace, a treasure pagoda, an immortal cauldron, and others. Each one brimmed with the light of the Innate [the primordial, uncreated state of existence], containing within them the profound mysteries of the Embryonic Great Path [the nascent, foundational principles of the Great Dao]. They were all exceedingly rare Innate Ancient Treasure [ancient treasures born from primordial chaos].

Most crucially, these seven treasures were one with the Seventh Heavenly Domains, seemingly empowered by the very essence of the domains themselves.

As those seven ancient artifacts soared, they transformed into a grand Cosmic Antiquity Immortal Formation that enveloped the Boundless Chaos, forcibly sealing off the shattered Immortal Domain.

"Disaster! It's the Heavenly Path Source Artifact [a primordial artifact born from the source of the Heavenly Path] of this ruined Immortal Domain!"

"Who would have thought these Heavenly Path Source Artifact had long been refined by this Chaos Beast King [the sovereign ruler of primordial chaos beasts]?"

At this moment, all the immortals were utterly astounded.

If the Chaos Beast King merely wielded an Incomplete Innate Spiritual Treasure, they might have held a sliver of hope for escape.

But now, with their escape route sealed, how could they possibly flee from this Six Tribulations Chaos Beast King [a Chaos Beast King who has survived six heavenly tribulations] who commanded an Incomplete Innate Spiritual Treasure? Support the author by reading on audio-novel . com.

This realization filled their hearts with profound terror.

The Cold Night Ancient Immortal took a deep breath and turned to the Six Harmonies Path Master. "Senior, we implore you to take command and lead us in breaking through this siege," he said.

With their retreat cut off, the Six Harmonies Path Master also fixed his gaze upon the youthful Chaos Beast King, his expression grave and resolute. "Do you truly intend to force a fight to the death with this one?" he asked, his voice heavy.

"The fish will die," came the cold reply, "but the net will not break."

The youth sneered coldly, gripping a broken sword as he soared into the air. Boundless sword energy pierced through the Vast and Boundless Chaos, cleaving with immense force towards the Six Harmonies Path Master.

Seeing this, the Six Harmonies Path Master could retreat no longer. With a face as dark as a thundercloud, he shot skyward, declaring,

"A mere Six Tribulations Chaos Beast King! Do not think that acquiring a single Incomplete Innate Spiritual Treasure grants you the right to be so insolent."

"Do you know that within the Great Encompassing Nine Heavenly Passes, each pass is a world unto itself?"

"Today, I shall let you witness the supreme Divine Ability with which I shattered the seventh Heavenly Pass."

"Remember this move—it is called the Cosmos-Shattering Strike."

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw the Six Harmonies Path Master. With a mere flip of his palm, six supreme forces manifested simultaneously: the Eastern Barrens, the Western Pole, the North Dark Abyss, the Southern Blaze, the Upper Firmament, and the Lower Nether.

"Six Half-Step Patriarch Level Divine Ability!"

An Ancient Immortal Patriarch murmured, a flicker of astonishment and wild elation crossing his features.

It was known that this Six Harmonies Path Master cultivated the Path of the Six Harmonies. The six Divine Ability he had created encompassed the heavens and earth, forming the Six Harmonies. Each possessed profound and wondrous applications.

In the past, Six Harmonies Path Master relied on this Divine Ability [a supreme mystical technique] to roam the Frigid Immortal Domain unchallenged, even defeating an Ancient Immortal Patriarch who had broken through the Sixfold Heaven barrier to advance to the Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal Realm.

Yet today, when Six Harmonies Path Master struck again, simultaneously wielding six supreme forces and even merging those six Divine Ability into one, he displayed the ultimate power of Six Harmonies unification—the rebirth of the Universe.

The upper firmament and the lower nether, the heavens and the earth, the Four Extremities—these constitute the Cosmos Six Harmonies.

Now, Six Harmonies Path Master commanded the power of the Six Harmonies, fusing them into a single entity, transforming it into the rare and earth-shattering Cosmos-Shattering Strike.

In that instant, this Cosmos-Shattering Strike collided with the broken ancient sword.

The heavens and earth trembled, Chaos [primordial disorder] surged backwards, and waves of annihilating force shook the Eight Desolations. Several Celestial Immortal Great Power and Chaos Ancient Beast observing from afar were instantly obliterated into dust by the mere shockwaves.

"What formidable Divine Ability," Eldrin Chen could not help but exclaim upon witnessing this scene.

Such a strike, even the faintest, most negligible ripple of its aftermath, was enough to utterly annihilate a Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm cultivator.

Any Ancient Immortal below the fourth tribulation likely lacked even the qualification to intervene, not daring to approach the Central battlefield lest they be extinguished by a casual blow from either combatant.

The clash of such titanic forces rendered the very center of the conflict a forbidden zone for all but the most powerful.

Horizon Patriarch was also profoundly shocked. He took a deep breath and said, "The Great Encompassing Nine Heavenly Passes are, respectively, the Great Path [the fundamental cosmic law or principle one cultivates], the Fleshly Body, the Path Fruit [the condensed essence of one's cultivation path], Magical Power, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], the Dao Heart [one's will and conviction in the Dao], Divine Ability, Immortal Treasure, and Destiny [one's innate fate and fortune]."

"This seventh pass, the 'Divine Ability Heavenly Pass,' legend says requires the cultivation of a single Patriarch Level 'Great Encompassing Divine Ability' [a supreme divine art of the Patriarch realm] to break through."

"Since the Six Harmonies Patriarch shattered the Seventh Heavenly Pass, it is likely he merged six Half-Step Patriarch Level Divine Ability into one, ultimately creating this Cosmos-Shattering Strike where the Six Harmonies [Six Harmonies Formation] return to unity, a single strike reaching the realm of the Great Encompassing."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt an overwhelming sense of astonishment.

This was a supreme Patriarch Level Divine Ability. Any Ancient Immortal who mastered even one such ability could dominate the Ancient Immortal Realm, finding few who could rival them.

Yet such a formidable figure still halted at the Seventh Heavenly Pass, illustrating just how immensely difficult it is to break through into the Great Encompassing.

Seeing his expression, Horizon Patriarch understood his thoughts and spoke, "A Great Encompassing Golden Immortal does not fall into Reincarnation; they are beings who stand as equals to the Great Path itself."

"Such existences are truly Indestructibility [unable to be permanently destroyed]. Even if slain, they can revive from within Space-Time, making it nearly impossible for them to be utterly annihilated."

"Unless, within the Great Path they cultivate, an existence arises who completely masters that Great Path and can thus command their life and death, not even a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage could permanently slay them."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight, understanding nod.

Those capable of completely mastering a Great Path are invariably supreme beings of the Path Ancestor Immortal Sage tier.

Yet, even such a figure only possesses sufficient authority over the Great Path they themselves cultivate; they cannot utterly annihilate a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal who cultivates a different Great Path.

By this logic, as long as the ultimate end of the Great Path one cultivates lacks a figure of the Path Ancestor Immortal Sage tier, then upon becoming a Great Encompassing being, one would be rendered nearly Indestructibility [utterly unkillable].

Of course, Eldrin Chen reasoned that while a being of the Path Ancestor Immortal Sage tier might be unable to completely erase a Great Encompassing existence, they would surely possess myriad methods to deal with a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Take, for example, that indescribable entity which slew Great God Vast Azure. Though its single sword-strike failed to permanently extinguish Great God Vast Azure, it still cleaved through the River of Space-Time [the metaphysical flow of time and space], instantly slaying Great God Vast Azure with each subsequent resurrection.

By that measure, even if Great God Vast Azure could not be permanently killed, what difference was there from being truly dead?

Returning to the main topic, having grasped the formidable power of a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal, Eldrin Chen could not help but ask, "If a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal possesses such might, then how powerful must an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal be?"

"I am not entirely certain myself,"

Horizon Patriarch shook his head, pondering for a moment before continuing. "However, the Eighth Heaven [the eighth and highest tribulation barrier] is known as the Immortal Treasure [a supreme enchanted artifact] barrier. I once heard Senior Purple Seal mention that to shatter the Eighth Heaven, one must refine and fuse with an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos of creation, possessing innate laws]."

"An Innate Spiritual Treasure?"

Both Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang felt a jolt of alarm in their hearts, their expressions tinged with a measure of shock and awe.

The Celestial Maiden also gave a slight nod before speaking. "Breaking through to the Great Encompassing Realm [the supreme cultivation realm, transcending fate and reincarnation] is exceedingly difficult. Such individuals merge their spirit with the Great Path [the fundamental laws of the cosmos], transcending the River of Destiny [the metaphysical flow that dictates mortal fate]. It is not guaranteed merely by possessing the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial, unbreakable spiritual radiance]."

"Ancient Immortals who have weathered seven or more tribulations often possess methods approaching the level of the Great Encompassing Realm. Yet, to truly break through still requires traversing a mortal tribulation, a brush with death itself."

"Generally speaking, one must refine an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born of primordial chaos, possessing its own innate laws] and shatter the Eighth Heavenly Pass of Spiritual Treasures to qualify for breaking the shackles of one's own Destiny and stepping into the Great Encompassing Realm—a realm beyond the cycle of Reincarnation [the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth]."

Eldrin Chen listened in silence, a profound weight settling upon his heart.

Throughout his cultivation journey, he had prided himself on being peerless within his realm. Yet now, for the first time, he felt a genuine pressure.

Based on his own projections, Eldrin Chen had estimated that before his breakthrough to the Great Encompassing Realm, he would comprehend at least one Patriarch Level Divine Ability [a supreme combat art at the level of a Path Ancestor] and use the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme foundational energy of creation] to nurture and elevate an Innate Spiritual Treasure of his own.

He had believed such a foundation would allow him to reign supreme, unchallenged within the Ancient Immortal Realm [the realm of cultivation for beings who have transcended mortality], effortlessly sweeping aside all foes until he reached the Great Encompassing Realm itself.

He never imagined that any existence capable of breaking through the Eighth Heavenly Pass would possess such profound foundation and latent power. This revelation far exceeded Eldrin Chen's expectations.

"To shatter the Ninefold Heavenly Pass and cultivate to the Great Encompassing Realm... the path is fraught with such staggering difficulty," he murmured inwardly.

"No wonder the Frigid Immortal Domain has existed for countless eons, giving birth to innumerable Ancient Immortal [powerful beings who have transcended mortality] of Seven Tribulations [a stage of immense power and trials] and above, yet only thirteen have ever broken through to the Great Encompassing Realm [the ultimate pinnacle of cultivation]."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then lifted his gaze once more toward the Heavenly Vault [the celestial dome of the sky].

He saw the Six Harmonies Path Master locked in fierce combat with the Chaos Beast King [a primordial ruler of chaotic beasts], yet subtly falling into a disadvantageous position.

Witnessing this, the Celestial Maiden [a female immortal of great beauty and power] could not help but sigh softly before shaking her head and saying, "Although a Patriarch Level Divine Ability [a supreme technique of a clan or sect's founder] is formidable, it requires a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a perfected immortal of the highest realm] to unleash its full might."

"After all, the Six Harmonies Path Master is merely a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations]. The gap in spiritual power between him and a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal is vast. In his hands, such a Divine Ability [a supernatural power or technique] can only manifest a fraction of its combat potential, insufficient to contend with an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos of creation]."

"In contrast, that humanoid Chaos Beast King, though only at the sixth tribulation realm, can wield the full power of its Incomplete Innate Spiritual Treasure [a primordial treasure not yet fully formed or awakened]."

"With such strength, one dare not claim it rivals an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal of eight tribulations], but it certainly surpasses the majority of Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal."

Exquisite Jiang listened in silence, offering no comment.

After observing the scene for a long while, her gaze finally settled on the Chaos Lair [a den or nest within the primordial chaos] and she turned to Eldrin Chen with a question. "The battle between the two sides is at a stalemate. Should we take this opportunity to investigate the Central Chaos Lair [the heart of the chaotic beast's domain]?"

Her words were met with a heavy silence from the group.

Previously, the Nether Antiquity Patriarch had already perished within the Chaos Lair [a primordial, unstable realm of raw chaos]. Now, with the Ancient Immortal [powerful cultivators who have transcended mortality] of various races suffering repeated defeats, the idea of not fleeing for one's life but instead venturing to explore the Chaos Lair seemed utterly audacious.

However, Eldrin Chen drew a deep breath and spoke, "Let us proceed. To miss this opportunity would be a true pity."

Seeing this, both the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful and revered female immortal] and the Horizon Patriarch agreed with their decision.

They were unaware that Eldrin Chen possessed the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos of creation] known as the Returning Abyss Pearl, and thus believed there was a high chance they might not return from this venture.

Since they could not escape this Incomplete Immortal Domain [a fractured and unstable pocket dimension of immortal power], it was better to risk exploring the Central Chaos Lair. Perhaps they could still find a thread of Opportunity and Fortune [a chance encounter with destiny or a stroke of great luck].

Once their resolve was firm, the four of them moved silently towards the Chaos Lair.

They journeyed onward, and before long, they had penetrated deep Within the Chaos Lair. Along the way, they discovered countless rare and wondrous treasures.

"So many treasures," one of them murmured.

Gazing upon the marvels scattered along the path through the Chaos Lair, all four cultivators felt a surge of excitement.

This Chaos Lair truly lived up to its reputation as the lair of the Six Tribulations Chaos Beast King [a primordial beast king that has survived six heavenly tribulations]. Within its depths, Innate Rare Treasure [objects of immense power formed from the essence of chaos at the dawn of creation] were beyond counting, alongside various rare mineral veins and deposits of Chaos Divine Material [primordial ores imbued with chaotic divine energy].

Unfortunately, the Chaos Lair was still guarded by Chaos Ancient Beasts. To avoid alerting the Chaos Beast King, Eldrin Chen refrained from intervening.

Thus, they journeyed onward, traversing the lair until they reached the location of the Chaos Lair Core and finally halted before a cavernous entrance.

This was the heart of the Chaos Lair Core, yet the four of them paused before the nest, their expressions turning grave.

Horizon Patriarch observed carefully for a moment before speaking. "The den of this Chaos Beast King is protected by a remarkably sophisticated Innate Grand Formation [a powerful, naturally-occurring defensive array]. This complicates matters."

Exquisite Jiang also frowned slightly. After a pause, she said, "This Formation [a structured arrangement of energy for defense or attack] is formidable. Without the power of an Ancient Immortal Realm [a high-level immortal cultivation stage] expert, breaching it seems impossible."

Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow, studying the formation intently. "That Chaos Beast King possesses cultivation at the Six Tribulations level of the Ancient Immortal Realm. Its intellect may not be inferior to our own," he remarked.

"Fortunately, it lacks proper heritage. The Formation it has erected is rather crude. If we can locate its weak point, there is a chance to break through. However, doing so will undoubtedly alert the Chaos Ancient Beasts guarding the nest."

His words gave the others pause.

Horizon Patriarch took a deep breath, performing a series of calculations with his fingers. "Within the Chaos Lair, there are still over thirty Chaos Ancient Beasts," he announced. "Among them, four have reached the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm]. This could prove troublesome."

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before speaking. "If you can hold them off for a short time, I believe I can breach the formation." This chapter is provided by audio-novel-dot-com. Support the original.