Chapter 1809 : A Realm of Harmonious Ascension

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Horizon Patriarch spoke up, "I must still consolidate my cultivation base, so I beg your pardon for not being able to accompany you all further. Once my cultivation is stabilized, I shall host a banquet to properly entertain you all, my fellow Daoists."

The assembled Ancient Immortal [powerful cultivators who have transcended numerous heavenly tribulations] nodded, each replying with a smile, "Consolidating your cultivation is indeed the priority. Please, fellow Daoist, return to your seclusion."

After the crowd dispersed, Horizon Patriarch returned to his Grotto-Heaven [a self-contained pocket realm of immense spiritual density, often used for cultivation].

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but express a touch of envy, "I never imagined such harmony existed within the Frigid Immortal Domain. To achieve a breakthrough into the Ancient Immortal Realm [the realm of ancient immortals who have survived multiple heavenly tribulations] without facing any Human Tribulation [calamities or interference caused by other cultivators out of jealousy or enmity] is truly remarkable."

Horizon Patriarch smiled serenely and explained calmly, "This realm was opened by a Human Race Imperial Lord [a supreme ruler among cultivators]. Furthermore, the paramount powers here are predominantly of the Human Race. As members of the Human Race, we naturally receive preferential treatment."

"Moreover," he continued, "I have been in the Frigid Immortal Domain for less than ten million years. For most of that time, I have been wandering the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond ordered realms], and thus have made no enemies at the Ancient Immortal Realm level. Naturally, no one came to obstruct my path."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded slightly in understanding. "If this were the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, where the forces of various races are intricately intertwined, attempting a breakthrough to the Ancient Immortal Realm would inevitably invite unforeseen complications and strife."

Seeing his comprehension, Horizon Patriarch said nothing more on the matter.

He then turned his gaze towards the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful and esteemed female immortal], his expression calm. "I have already communicated with the fellow Immortal Path [the Way of Immortal cultivation] practitioners from earlier. They will not obstruct your path to ascension. May I ask, fellow Daoist, when do you plan to make your breakthrough?"

A rare excitement flickered in the Celestial Maiden's eyes. She clasped her hands in salute and replied, "The timing is auspicious now. I shall borrow a measure of your celebratory fortune and undertake my breakthrough here as well." Continue reading this story at audio-novel . com.

"Very well."

Horizon Patriarch gave a slight nod and then spoke calmly, "You may proceed with your breakthrough in peace. I shall stand guard for you."

Seeing this, Celestial Maiden said nothing more and immediately entered seclusion to attempt her breakthrough.

After Horizon Patriarch's own breakthrough, it had become highly unlikely that anyone would come to obstruct Celestial Maiden's path to the Path Ancestor realm.

Thus, while waiting for Celestial Maiden's breakthrough, Horizon Patriarch and Eldrin Chen began refining Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill within the Horizon Grotto-Heaven.

This time, Eldrin Chen had procured two Ninth Rank High-Grade Primordial Chaos Ancient Beast carcasses, which were the perfect materials for refining Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill.

With Horizon Patriarch's current cultivation level and Eldrin Chen's alchemical skill, refining these Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill was naturally effortless. In just a thousand years, they had successfully completed two batches.

These two batches yielded a total of twelve Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill—six pills per batch. This was the absolute limit of energy that could be extracted from the flesh and blood of a Ninth Rank High-Grade Primordial Chaos Ancient Beast.

Unless one could obtain a Chaos Ancient Beast comparable to a Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm cultivator, no amount of alchemical mastery could produce more Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill than this number.

"With this batch of Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill, the Great Completion of my Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique is not far off."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself before entering seclusion to refine this Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill [a legendary pill said to grant immense power through nine cycles of refinement].

After refining five such Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill in succession, his Primordial One Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique of supreme resilience] finally shattered a profound limit, breaking through a critical bottleneck.

"Now is the moment!"

Within the seclusion chamber, Eldrin Chen's eyes snapped open.

At that very instant, streams of Innate Energy [the primordial, uncreated energy of the cosmos] surged forth from his body. Thirty distinct currents of this energy swirled around him in a celestial dance before merging completely into his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [the perfected, innate form of the legendary indestructible body].

"BOOM—"

The moment the Innate Energy fully integrated, a deafening roar erupted from within Eldrin Chen's form, like the tremors of an Innate [pertaining to the Innate Realm, a state of being aligned with the primordial laws of the universe] Ancient Bell [a mythical bell artifact of immense power] resonating with a divine might capable of suppressing the Myriad Heavens [the countless celestial realms].

His very flesh began to glow; every strand of skin, every cell thrummed with a violent resonance, as if ancient worlds were being forged anew within him.

Clad in snow-white robes, he resembled a Peerless Immortal Lord [a title for an unmatched master of the immortal path] contemplating the vast void, or an eternal Divine King [a sovereign deity] gazing down upon the river of time. Merely seated in meditation, his presence was as profound and unshakable as a deep abyss or a towering peak, exuding an invincible aura that seemed capable of assailing the Nine Heavens [the highest celestial domains] above and purging the Nine Nether Abysses [the deepest infernal realms] below.

In a fleeting vision, a galaxy of Stellar [pertaining to stars and celestial bodies] energies encircled him, and three thousand ancient realms seemed to orbit his form. Each strand of his hair gleamed with an edge as sharp as a heavenly sword from the Primordial Era [the mythic age of creation].

When all had settled into stillness once more, Eldrin Chen returned to his usual state, yet an indescribable aura of transcendence now clung to him, subtle yet undeniable.

"Is this the power of a perfected Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, slowly clenching his fist.

As his fingers tightened, an unprecedented surge of divine might began to churn within him. A supreme power projected itself into the Dimensional Void [the layered spaces between dimensions].

In a fleeting vision, a vast expanse of shimmering void trembled violently. Countless majestic, ancient Universe [cosmic realms] seemed to teeter precariously within the palm of his hand.

"Such staggering power!" Continue reading this story at (audio-novel.com).

"As I am now, without even circulating my mana, relying solely on this invincible physical strength, I could easily suppress a Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [a cultivator at the peak of the Celestial Immortal stage]."

Eldrin Chen whispered, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

The perfection of his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique this time had transcended a certain limit, granting him the power to shatter the Great Encompassing Heavenly Pass [a legendary barrier representing the ultimate limit of physical cultivation].

If breaking the limit nine times with one's mana was the standard for shattering the Mana Heavenly Pass [the ultimate barrier for mana cultivation], then Eldrin Chen's physical body now rivaled one that had broken its own limit nine times.

With such physical strength, one could roam the heavens and the earth unchallenged, shatter the Fleshly Body Heavenly Pass [a legendary barrier in body cultivation], and rival the vast majority of First Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived their first heavenly tribulation].

"As I am now, could I rival an Ancient Immortal Great Power [a formidable figure among the ancient immortals]?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, then shook his head after a moment. "Still far from it."

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, once the Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a legendary, nigh-unbreakable body cultivation constitution] reached its Great Perfection, it would already be comparable to a First Tribulation Ancient Immortal who had broken through the Fleshly Body Heavenly Pass.

However, a First Tribulation Ancient Immortal was not only physically powerful; they also possessed the augmentation of their cultivation base [the reservoir of spiritual energy], their Path Principle [a profound law or truth comprehended from one's cultivation path], their Path Fruit [the tangible manifestation and culmination of one's cultivation path], and even their Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a high-level cultivator]. The combined power this brought about was nothing short of a qualitative transformation.

By Eldrin Chen's reckoning, even the weakest First Tribulation Ancient Immortal should be a match for ten Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [cultivators at the peak of the Celestial Immortal stage] joining forces.

Yet Eldrin Chen's strength lay solely in his physical body. His cultivation base, Path Principles, and Path Fruit could no longer keep pace with the Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique, and the synergistic power of the Trinity Unity [a state of perfect harmony between body, energy, and spirit] had been broken.

Under these circumstances, relying solely on the power of the Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique, Eldrin Chen's combat prowess was roughly equivalent to that of five or six Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm combined.

"With physical strength alone, I can rival five Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm joining hands."

"As I am now, even with my cultivation base and Path Principle lacking, I should at least be able to put up a fight against a First Tribulation Ancient Immortal, even if I cannot claim victory."

Eldrin Chen spoke with a calm tone. With the strength of the Sixth Level Celestial Immortal [a powerful immortal realm] and this Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique, he already possessed the qualifications to contend with a First Tribulation Ancient Immortal. This alone could be considered a legend.

The most crucial point was that although Eldrin Chen's Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique had now reached its Major Completion stage, it still possessed immense room for further refinement.

The Innate True Body was born from the reversion of the 'Primordial Unity True Body' to its Innate [primordial, pre-heaven] state, hence its full name 'Innate Primordial Unity True Body'. In theory, it could be cultivated to the Perfection realm of Primordial Unity.

Beyond that lay the shattering of the physical body's limits to achieve the legendary 'Great Encompassing Physique'. That Great Encompassing Physique was the true form of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Those who had broken through the Fleshly Body Heavenly Pass had mostly cultivated a Half-Step Great Encompassing Physique.

Although the Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique was overwhelmingly powerful, the path to breaking through to a Great Encompassing true form remained a distant journey.

However, once the Innate, Primordial One, and Indestructibility aspects were cultivated to perfection, reaching the ultimate limit of the Innate Primordial Unity True Body, his combat power should increase by nearly another fold.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, as long as he continued to refine Nine Revolutions Immortal Pills and brought his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique to perfection, his physical strength alone would rival that of a First Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen attempted to continue refining Nine Revolutions Immortal Pills. Yet, after refining one pill, he found his physical power had increased by only a negligible amount.

At this rate, even refining over a hundred Nine Revolutions Immortal Pills would likely be insufficient to bring the Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique to its state of perfect completion.

"My Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique is simply too formidable," he mused. "Merely reaching its Major Completion stage has already made it comparable to a Half-Step Great Encompassing Physique that has shattered its limits nine times over."

"Such a formidable physical body truly cannot be perfected merely by refining a Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill [a legendary pill said to grant nine cycles of rebirth and refinement]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, gaining a vague understanding. For his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a supreme innate constitution granting near-absolute resilience] to reach true perfection, he would likely require the flesh and blood of a Chaos Beast King [a primordial ruler among the chaotic beasts of the void].

"The flesh of a Chaos Beast King?"

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment, a slight frown creasing his brow.

How formidable were the Chaos Beast King? Within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all things emerged], they were nearly invincible among their peers. With his current strength, he likely stood no chance against one.

Most crucially, Chaos Beast King were exceedingly rare within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective realms of immortal cultivation]. Even if one were found in the Sea of Chaos [the boundless, turbulent expanse of primordial chaos], and even if Celestial Maiden and Horizon Patriarch joined forces after their breakthroughs, they could not claim absolute certainty in subduing even the weakest of Chaos Beast King.

"It seems the breakthrough of my Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique will require long-term planning."

"The immediate priority is to first break through to the Late Celestial Immortal Realm [the advanced stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm]. Then, I must cultivate both my Path Principle [the fundamental law or truth of one's chosen cultivation path] and Path Fruit [the tangible manifestation and harvest of one's cultivation path] to the Great Perfection Realm [the pinnacle stage of a cultivation realm]. Only when my three foundational energies [essence, energy, and spirit] reunite once more, granting me combat power truly comparable to an Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has weathered countless ages], can I begin to scheme for that Chaos Beast King flesh."

With these thoughts in mind, Eldrin Chen refrained from refining the Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill and instead emerged from his Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared chamber for deep, undisturbed cultivation].

At this moment, Eldrin Chen noticed that Celestial Maiden's breakthrough was nearing its conclusion. Her Fleshly Body Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck related to physical refinement] and Great Path Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck related to comprehending the Great Dao] had both been surmounted. Her aura was growing increasingly powerful, clearly indicating she was not far from shattering the Third Heavenly Pass [the third and final major bottleneck in this stage of advancement].

"Hmmmm—" [a resonant, vibrating hum]

Indeed, as Eldrin Chen had anticipated, not long after he emerged from seclusion, Celestial Maiden finally broke through the third barrier of the Threefold Heaven and ascended to the Ancient Immortal Realm of the third tribulation.

After merely consolidating her cultivation base for a short while, Celestial Maiden emerged from her secluded cultivation. She first accepted the congratulations from the various Mortal Path cultivators, expressed her gratitude to those who had guarded her breakthrough, and then proceeded with Eldrin Chen, Horizon Patriarch, and the others to a secret chamber.

Within that chamber, Horizon Patriarch was the first to speak. "Now that you have broken through to Ancient Immortal, it is time we prepare to explore the Sea of Chaos Fringe."

Upon hearing his words, solemn expressions settled upon everyone's faces.

Exploring the Sea of Chaos Fringe after achieving Ancient Immortal had been their long-agreed-upon plan.

For within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, countless Celestial Immortal had scoured the lands for Immeasurable Kalpa Tribulation. The most precious Innate Rare Treasure had long been claimed, and even the few remaining Supreme Grade Chaos Lair were already under ownership.

Even as Ancient Immortal Great Power, if they remained within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, they might not find a single strand of Innate Energy in a hundred thousand years.

Their ambitions lay in the Great Encompassing Realm, so seeking an alternative path was only natural.

Yet, beyond the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, the environment of the Sea of Chaos was far too perilous. Even for a Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal, venturing there meant a journey of nine deaths and one life [an idiom meaning extreme peril].

Thus, since time immemorial, countless Ancient Immortal [powerful beings who have transcended mortality and attained immense longevity and power] have sought shortcuts, choosing to venture into the borderlands where the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms and worlds inhabited by immortals] meet the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless, and infinitely vast ocean of raw, unformed energy from which all creation is said to have emerged].

This borderland is also called the Sea of Chaos Fringe [the relatively calmer, shallower edges of the boundless Sea of Chaos]. Compared to the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, the Sea of Chaos there is akin to a shoal. Though still perilous, as long as one does not venture too deep, its safety far exceeds that of the Boundless Chaos [the deep, uncharted, and infinitely dangerous heart of the Sea of Chaos].

Of course, this Sea of Chaos Fringe is, in the end, still part of the vast Sea of Chaos. The slightest stir can raise tempestuous waves. Without cultivation at the Ancient Immortal Realm [a high level of immortal cultivation, representing significant power and longevity], venturing there is nothing but a quest for death.

Even for some of the weaker Ancient Immortal who have survived their first heavenly tribulation, setting foot into that Sea of Chaos Fringe carries an immense risk of perishing.

After all, it is the towering Sea of Chaos. A single, casually churned Chaos [the primordial, unformed state of existence] spray can be comparable to the exceedingly rare Chaos Storm [a cataclysmic event of pure chaotic energy] found within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

Most terrifyingly, the Sea of Chaos is boundless and endless, with no distinction of up, down, left, or right. Such sprays are nearly infinite, surging and churning ceaselessly.

Although Ancient Immortal Great Power [an Ancient Immortal of significant strength and attainment] can barely withstand the Sea of Chaos Waves [the powerful, chaotic surges of energy within the Sea of Chaos], they must expend tremendous effort and maintain absolute focus to cope. Otherwise, they risk being swept away by the spray.

Even more dreadful are the countless Chaos Vortex [whirlpools of pure chaotic energy that can tear apart reality] and the Chaos Undercurrent [hidden, powerful flows of chaotic energy] that surge unpredictably throughout the Sea of Chaos, making them impossible to guard against fully.

Even a Ancient Immortal Great Power who has survived three heavenly tribulations, if caught off guard and dragged into the depths of the Sea of Chaos by such undercurrents, would find no place for burial—utter annihilation.

Therefore, generally speaking, those who dare to go to the Sea of Chaos Fringe are typically Ancient Immortal who have survived three, or even four or more, heavenly tribulations.

Powerful Ancient Immortal [immortal beings who have transcended multiple heavenly tribulations] such as Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor and Six Harmonies Patriarch also spend years exploring the Sea of Chaos Fringe [the outermost, relatively calmer regions of the primordial Sea of Chaos].

For only such formidable Ancient Immortal Great Power [ancient immortals of immense strength] possess even a sliver of self-preservation capability within that treacherous Sea of Chaos Fringe.

As for those daring to venture deep into the heart of the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse of chaotic energies that predates creation], they are exceedingly rare. Such individuals are either invincible Ancient Immortal who have transcended seven or eight heavenly tribulations, or they travel under the direct protection of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Golden Immortal realm, encompassing all phenomena].

Without the shelter of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, even a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived six heavenly calamities] who dares to penetrate the Sea of Chaos faces almost certain annihilation.

Contemplating the dread of the Sea of Chaos, the group's expressions grew profoundly solemn.

After a moment of silent deliberation, the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful and revered female immortal] finally spoke. "Even the Sea of Chaos Fringe holds considerable peril."

"With our current strength, we would face significant danger even within the shallowest, outermost layers of the Sea of Chaos."

"I suggest we wait a while longer. Let us fully consolidate our cultivation bases and first advance our Lifebound Immortal Treasure [a magical artifact intimately connected to a cultivator's life force and cultivation path] before venturing into the Sea of Chaos."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight, acknowledging nod.

Both Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden were Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal [ancient immortals who have weathered three heavenly tribulations]. Having broken through the Great Path Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck realm on the path of cultivation] signified they had each successfully forged their own unique Embryonic Great Path [the foundational, nascent form of their personal cultivation Dao, the ultimate principle they follow].

Such beings are already qualified to elevate their Lifebound Immortal Treasure into Innate Ancient Treasure [a primordial treasure born of the world's essence, vastly more powerful than crafted artifacts].

For instance, Celestial Maiden's Innate Frost Soul Sword and Frost Soul Immortal Ribbon, as well as Horizon Patriarch's Horizon Sea's Edge Twin Swords, could all be elevated to the realm of Innate Ancient Treasure.

Elevating a treasure to Innate Ancient Treasure status generally requires fulfilling three conditions. The first is the cultivation of the Embryonic Great Path [a profound cultivation method that allows one to nurture a nascent world within oneself]. The second is possessing sufficient Innate Energy [the primordial, untainted energy that existed before the formation of the cosmos]. The third is that the material foundation of the treasure to be elevated must meet the required standard.

Among these three conditions, the first two had already been met by the two of them.

The third condition was somewhat more troublesome, but it could be substituted with a Supreme Grade Primordial Unity Rare Treasure [a peak-grade treasure formed from the chaotic energies before Heaven and Earth separated]. A Supreme Grade Primordial Unity Rare Treasure requires fusion with Innate Energy to transform into a Supreme Grade Innate Rare Treasure [a treasure of the same rank but imbued with primordial essence].

Both Supreme Grade Primordial Unity Rare Treasure and Supreme Grade Innate Rare Treasure are Ninth Rank Supreme Grade treasures. Yet, the single-word difference between Innate [primordial, born of nature] and Post-Heaven [acquired, crafted or refined] creates a disparity in value between the two types of treasures that is not merely tenfold.

Having Celestial Maiden and Horizon Patriarch acquire enough Supreme Grade Innate Rare Treasure would certainly be beyond their means. However, procuring some Supreme Grade Primordial Unity Rare Treasure would not be difficult for them.

After all, both were now venerable Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has weathered countless ages], their status and standing utterly transformed from the past.

Furthermore, Supreme Grade Primordial Unity Rare Treasure are rather superfluous for those in the Late Celestial Immortal Realm. If they were to make the request, many would be willing to grant them this favor.

Considering this, Horizon Patriarch spoke, "Elevating our lifebound treasures and consolidating our cultivation will likely require over one hundred thousand years. Let us set our departure for three hundred thousand years from now."

"Very well."

Eldrin Chen nodded and then spoke, "This will also provide me with the perfect opportunity to make a breakthrough to the Late Celestial Immortal Realm in one fell swoop." This chapter is part of a larger work available at http://www . audio-novel.com.