Chapter 1811 : Forging the Celestial Twin Blades

After advancing the Small Universe, the group immediately returned to the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven and began their secluded cultivation.

Currently, the various Celestial Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] Patriarchs of the Chen Clan are all very close to breaking through to the Late Celestial Immortal Realm [the later stages of the Celestial Immortal realm]. It is estimated that within five hundred thousand years, they will successively reach the sixth-level perfection of the Celestial Immortal realm.

Regarding this, Eldrin Chen felt a sense of urgency. He wanted to seize the time to enhance his combat power in preparation for venturing to the Sea of Chaos Fringe [the turbulent borderlands of the primordial chaos].

Upon returning to the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven, Eldrin Chen immediately took out the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords, along with the 'Innate Solar Extreme Fire' [a supreme-grade innate treasure of ultimate solar flame] and the 'Innate Nether Spring Water' [a supreme-grade innate treasure of nether spring water]. He could not help but fall into contemplation.

Both the Innate Solar Extreme Fire and the Innate Nether Spring Water are Supreme Grade Innate Rare Treasures [the highest grade of treasures born from the primal forces of creation]. Each contains twelve Innate Path Patterns [natural formations embodying fundamental cosmic laws] and has nurtured the power of an Embryonic Great Path [the nascent, unformed essence of a supreme cultivation path].

Among these two treasures, the Innate Solar Extreme Fire, also known as the 'Extreme Solar Heavenly Flame', is one of the ten supreme yang-attribute Heavenly Flames [flames of celestial origin possessing immense power] of heaven and earth.

Among the ten supreme yang-attribute Innate [primal, born-from-creation] Heavenly Flames in the Immortal Domain, the Solar True Flame [the ultimate flame of the sun] ranks first, the Primordial Solar Heavenly Flame [the flame of the primordial sun] ranks second, the Southern Brightness Solar Fire [the solar fire of the southern brilliance] ranks third, and this Innate Solar Extreme Fire ranks fourth.

Among these various yang-attribute flames, the Solar True Flame is the life-bound True Flame [a cultivator's personally nurtured and most potent flame] of the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Celestial Emperor of the Sun]. The Primordial Solar Heavenly Flame can also lead directly to the Realm of Chaos [the ultimate realm of primordial chaos]. As for the path of the Southern Brightness Solar Fire, there are also figures at the level of a Quasi-Sage Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord who is half-step to becoming a Sage].

This Innate Solar Extreme Fire, an ultimate yang Heavenly Flame, stands only beneath these three supreme Heavenly Flames.

From this, one can see the formidable nature of the Innate Solar Extreme Fire. It is a supreme path-flame that leads all the way to the Great Encompassing Realm [the ultimate realm of omnipotence and omniscience]. Continue reading this story at audio novel.com.

Most importantly, this Heavenly Flame [a supreme yang-aligned spiritual fire] is of utmost purity and sanctity, bearing an extreme resemblance to the Primordial Solar Heavenly Flame [the primordial sun's heavenly flame]. It is the finest material for tempering the Solar Fire Returning Abyss Sword [a divine sword forged from solar fire and abyssal essence].

The Innate Nether Spring Water [water born from the deepest nether springs] is likewise extraordinary. This substance ranks among the ten great True Water [waters of primordial purity] of the Netherworld [the realm of the dead and shadow]. It stands in perfect opposition to the yang-aligned Heavenly Flame, and is also the supreme material for tempering the Heavenly River Positive Water Sword [a sword technique manifesting the celestial river's pure waters].

"Should they be preserved, as reserve materials for the advancement of the Polarity Path Union Gourd [a gourd treasure that unites opposing forces]?"

"Or should they be fused into the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords [twin swords embodying celestial and abyssal principles] at this very moment, directly elevating them?"

Gazing upon the two rare treasures in his hands, Eldrin Chen fell into deep contemplation.

After a moment's reflection, Eldrin Chen made his decision and began to temper the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords with the two divine objects.

He chose this course for three reasons. First, these two treasures were not the optimal choice for advancing the Polarity Path Union Gourd.

This was because both treasures were Slaughter [the principle of absolute destruction] rarities. Once integrated into the Polarity Path Union Gourd, they would most likely cause it to ascend into a SlaughterInnate Spiritual Treasure [a spiritual treasure born from the world's natural laws, imbued with the essence of Slaughter].

The primary function of the Polarity Path Union Gourd is to bolster one's cultivation base, allowing the wielder to shatter the inherent limits of their own power.

Eldrin Chen's hope was that, upon its ascension to an Innate Spiritual Treasure, it would directly grant a high-level Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has weathered countless tribulations] the mana reserves of a Great Encompassing [a realm signifying mastery over vast cosmic principles] cultivator, thereby granting them the power to contend with a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal of the Great Encompassing realm]. He did not desire it to become merely a SlaughterInnate Spiritual Treasure.

Rather than obtaining a Slaughter Innate Spiritual Treasure [a primordial treasure born from the world's essence] at that time, it would be better to use the resources to advance the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords [a pair of divine swords embodying celestial and abyssal forces], which are more suited for offensive warfare.

Furthermore, after acquiring the Primal Radiance Energy [the primordial energy of pure yang and brilliant light], Eldrin Chen felt increased confidence in eventually obtaining the Primal Shadow Energy [the primordial energy of pure yin and profound darkness], naturally leading him to prepare for the optimal choice.

The most crucial point was that in three hundred thousand years, Eldrin Chen would venture to the Sea of Chaos Fringe [the turbulent borderlands where primordial chaos meets the ordered cosmos]. If he could elevate the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords to the level of an Innate Ancient Treasure [an ancient artifact born from the world's foundational energies], it would significantly bolster his chances of survival.

With this in mind, Eldrin Chen decisively chose to advance the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords.

Both the Innate Solar Extreme Fire [a supreme-grade spiritual flame of ultimate yang] and the Innate Nether Spring Water [a supreme-grade spiritual water of ultimate yin] were Supreme Grade Innate Rare Treasure [priceless treasures born from the world's primal essence]. They were born from the interweaving of Innate Energy [the foundational energy of creation] and the dual fires of Polarity [the fundamental principles of yin and yang], inherently containing Innate Path Patterns [the natural laws and patterns of the Great Dao].

Using them to advance the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords required Eldrin Chen to expend very little of his Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme energy of creation and chaos].

He merely exhaled two strands of Acquired Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a refined form of the supreme chaotic energy] to help the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords shatter the invisible bottleneck hindering their progress.

Thus, the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords continuously absorbed the Innate Solar Extreme Fire and the Innate Nether Spring Water, while also drawing in a vast sea of heaven and earth essence [the vital energy of the world]. The process spanned tens of thousands of years before the swords finally ascended to the realm of Innate Ancient Treasure.

"Success."

Watching the Innate [pertaining to a state of being born from the world's essence] Celestial Abyss Twin Swords complete their successful ascension, Eldrin Chen finally let out a slow, relieved breath.

He looked up and saw the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords crisscrossing the void. A single wisp of sword energy shot forth, cleaving the Boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] in two with sheer, unstoppable force.

"Such formidable sword aura," he murmured. "The power of this single strike could likely slay a Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm] with ease."

Eldrin Chen spoke softly, his voice filled with admiration.

He realized the Celestial Abyss Twin SwordsSlaughter [a divine ability of ultimate slaughter] was truly astonishing. Even the most minuscule fraction of its edge was potent enough for Immortal-Slaying God-Slaying [a move renowned for slaying both immortals and gods]. It could even traverse the endless Dimensional Void [the empty space between dimensions] to strike down Immortals dwelling in the profound depths of distant dimensions.

"Truly worthy of an Innate Ancient Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos of creation]," he mused. "Even the mere residual power it casts down, projected across the boundless Myriad Heavens [the countless celestial realms] and spanning the Boundless Universe [the infinite cosmos], would be sufficient to slay legions of Celestial Immortal [a powerful immortal who has ascended to the celestial realms] gods."

Eldrin Chen whispered again, a note of genuine delight coloring his tone. Access the full story on audio-novel*com.

By his calculations, the might of this pair of Immortal Swords should be enough to pose a threat even to an Ancient Immortal Great Power [a venerable and immensely powerful ancient immortal].

Should the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords merge into one, he suspected not even a Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived three heavenly tribulations] would dare receive the blow with their physical body, lest they risk severe injury.

Alas, merging the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords consumed far too much spiritual power. With his current reserves, Eldrin Chen could, at most, unleash only three such merged strikes.

"My Innate [the Innate realm, a foundational stage of cultivation] Chaos [the Chaos realm, a profound stage manipulating primordial chaos] Path Principle [the fundamental principles of one's chosen cultivation path] has not yet advanced, and my Path Fruit [the fruit of one's cultivation path, representing mastery and power] is not yet fully matured. The quality of my spiritual power ultimately remains somewhat insufficient."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, then shook his head with a wry smile.

The quality of his spiritual energy [the refined life force cultivated by immortals] now, while he dared not claim it directly rivaled that of an Ancient Immortal Great Power, certainly surpassed that of the vast majority of those in the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm. Such refined energy was truly astonishing.

Alas, the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords were both Twelve-Rune Innate Ancient Treasure. In theory, their combined power could rival a full-force strike from a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Under such circumstances, the fact that Eldrin Chen could even activate the Sky-Severance Sword Union was remarkable enough. How could one ask for more?

Thinking this, Eldrin Chen pondered aloud, "By using the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords to temper my spiritual energy, there is still significant room for improvement in its purity."

"The immediate priority is to attempt to comprehend the Path Principle. Relying solely on comprehending the Great Perfection level of the Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Path Principle..."

With this thought, Eldrin Chen consumed a leaf of Innate Enlightenment Tea and prepared to delve into the mysteries of the Innate Path Principle.

Yet, not long after, he was jolted from his secluded meditation.

He saw Diyang Tai Cang approaching, a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth. Clad in his Polarity Immortal Armor and gripping the Polarity Immortal-Slaying Spear, his garments were stained with fresh blood.

"You're injured?"

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly as he turned his gaze towards Diyang Tai Cang.

Diyang Tai Cang wiped a trace of blood from the corner of his mouth, his complexion pale as he looked coldly at Eldrin Chen and said with a sneer, "Your trouble has arrived. Even I could not stop it."

"Oh?"

Eldrin Chen's expression remained calm, a hint of interest in his tone. "Who has come, that even you could not subdue them?"

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen felt a flicker of genuine surprise.

As Diyang Tai Cang's sovereign, Eldrin Chen understood his foremost Divine General all too well.

As one of the most formidable prodigies in the history of the Tai Cang Imperial Clan, Diyang Tai Cang lived up to his title as a Divine Sovereign True Seed [a cultivator with the innate potential to reach the Divine Sovereign realm]. His combat prowess was nearly peerless among those of his realm. Moreover, he had recently broken through to the Late Celestial Immortal Realm [the third of four major stages within the Celestial Immortal cultivation realm].

Freshly ascended to the Late Celestial Immortal Realm, he had already defeated several Eighth Heaven Celestial Immortal [a cultivator at the eighth minor stage of the Celestial Immortal realm] great powers from the Vast Azure Immortal Domain. He had even exchanged nearly a hundred blows with a formidable enemy at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm] without suffering defeat.

Such awe-inspiring battle strength could be said to rival even that of Eldrin Chen himself before his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a legendary constitution granting near-immortality and immense power] had reached its Great Perfection.

Yet, even a figure of such caliber had been bested by another, which gave Eldrin Chen a measure of unexpected pause.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen could not help but lift his gaze beyond the confines of the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven. After a mere glance, he withdrew his eyes, shaking his head with a light laugh. "A mere Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation path], and you cannot subdue him?"

"Hah!"

Diyang Tai Cang let out a cold snort, his expression turning shadowy as he spoke. "Unless one employs some clever trick, for a cultivator of the Late Celestial Immortal Realm [the advanced stage of the Celestial Immortal cultivation path] to challenge and defeat one at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm is nothing but a fool's dream."

As he spoke, Diyang Tai Cang turned his gaze towards Eldrin Chen, an involuntary trace of solemnity coloring his features.

As the foremost Divine General under Eldrin Chen's command, Diyang Tai Cang had to admit that the man before him was a prodigy of truly unprecedented rarity, a genius that appears once in ten thousand ages.

He had followed Eldrin Chen for six million years now, challenging him over a hundred times in that span. Yet, not once had he managed to last beyond a hundred exchanges.

No matter how he poured forth his full strength, no matter how he unleashed his ultimate combat prowess, he could never withstand Eldrin Chen's hand for more than a hundred moves.

From beginning to end, in every single battle, Eldrin Chen remained composed and unperturbed, as if he had never truly exerted his full power.

"Perhaps... he truly could accomplish it?"

Diyang Tai Cang murmured inwardly, a seed of self-doubt taking root within him.

After a moment of silence, he shook his head and stated decisively, "The gap between each successive layer beyond the Seventh Layer of the Celestial Immortal Realm is as vast as the distance between heaven and earth. How could he possibly challenge and defeat someone at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm?"

"I must be going mad."

It was at this very moment that Eldrin Chen shook his head and spoke in a calm, measured tone, "Allow me to show you."

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen took a step forward, arriving just outside the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven.

Meanwhile, beyond the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven, more than ten Celestial Immortal [powerful immortal cultivators] from the Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance were locked in a tense standoff with a group of Immortal [immortal beings].

Exquisite Jiang wore an expression of utmost gravity as she addressed the figures before her, saying, "Western Essence Heavenly God, I never imagined you would deliver yourself to our doorstep before we even had the chance to seek you out."

"Is this truly the path to your own demise?"

The group confronting them was none other than the various Heavenly God [deities of immense power] from the Western Essence Grotto-Heaven.

Among the crowd ahead stood over ten Celestial Immortal Great Power [immortal cultivators of formidable might]. Besides Western Essence Heavenly God, there were also Abyss Halting Path Master and the Violet and Azure Sword Immortals from the Divine Abyss Grotto-Heaven, along with several other Heavenly God from the Western Essence Grotto-Heaven.

Furthermore, there were two unfamiliar Heavenly God, both possessing cultivation bases at the Late Celestial Immortal Realm level.

At the very forefront of the crowd stood Western Essence Heavenly God and an elder in white robes. The cultivation base of Western Essence Heavenly God seemed to have advanced once more, having now reached the Eighth Heaven Celestial Immortal realm.

At this moment, Western Essence Heavenly God looked at the assembly and sneered coldly, "Enough with the empty words. Returning Abyss Path Master took advantage of Divine Abyss Path Master's fall into Chaos to secretly refine the authority of the Heavenly Path Ancient Artifact. Truly the act of a petty man."

"Make Returning Abyss Path Master come out now, or today I shall wreak havoc upon the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the crowd turned exceedingly grim. Yet, when their gazes fell upon the white-robed elder, a trace of solemnity appeared in their eyes.

The aura emanating from that white-robed elder was immensely powerful. He was a formidable Heavenly God at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm, and seemed to be a powerful figure even within that realm.

"Enough talk,"

the white-robed elder spoke at this moment, his expression calm. "Surrender the authority of the Heavenly Path Source Artifact. I will let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, today, the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven shall see the fall of several Celestial Immortals."

"Oh... is that so?"

Just at that moment, ripples of light blossomed from within the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven.

From within the Grotto-Heaven, a figure clad in snow-white robes stepped forth, like a Peerless Immortal Lord descending into the Mortal Dust. An intangible pressure smoothed away all turbulence.

"Eldrin..."

The moment he saw the newcomer, Western Essence Heavenly God's face twisted into a cold sneer as he looked towards Eldrin Chen and declared, "Returning Abyss Path Master, hand over the authority of the Heavenly Path Source Artifact [the primordial artifact that governs the laws of heaven] immediately. Otherwise, Fellow Daoist Azure Sovereign will certainly not spare you today."

"Azure Sovereign?"

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly as he turned his gaze to the white-robed Daoist.

Seeing this, Myriad Spirit Patriarch transmitted a silent voice message to remind him, "Azure Sovereign is a being who attained the Dao as an Innate Divine Spirit [a divine spirit born from the primordial forces of the cosmos]. His true form is an Innate Positive Water Azure Dragon [a primordial dragon embodying the pure essence of water]."

"More than one hundred million years ago, Azure Sovereign was the Sovereign [a supreme ruler of a vast domain] of the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea."

"Later, in pursuit of a higher realm, He joined the True Dragon Lineage of the Demon Court. His return now is likely preparation to contend for the Hundred Tribulations Rebirth Opportunity [a legendary chance for rebirth and ascension after enduring one hundred great tribulations]."

"His coming here to cause trouble is probably to seize the authority of the Heavenly Path Source Artifact from the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea, thereby increasing his combat power to better scheme for that Hundred Tribulations Rebirth Opportunity."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, a look of understanding dawning on his face.

Currently, the Heavenly Path [the supreme laws governing the cosmos] of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain was sealed off. Celestial Immortals [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] from outside domains had been expelled, leaving only those Celestial Immortals who had ascended locally within its borders.

However, any Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm] who achieved their breakthrough within the Vast Azure Immortal Domain retains the right to return and contend for the Hundred Tribulations Rebirth Opportunity [a legendary chance for rebirth after enduring a hundred great tribulations], even if they have been absent from the domain for dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles spanning billions of years].

That the Azure Sovereign has returned to vie for this Opportunity and Fortune of Hundred Tribulations Rebirth, and seeks to seize a Heavenly Path Source Artifact [a primordial artifact born from the Heavenly Path itself] to bolster his strength, is indeed within the realm of expectation.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the Azure Sovereign and inquired, "Do you seek dominion over the Western Essence Divine Abyss Sea?"

"Indeed, that is so."

The Azure Sovereign gave a slight nod, his expression composed as he stated, "I am born of the True Dragon Bloodline [a lineage of pure draconic heritage], an Innate Divine Spirit [a divine being born from the essence of heaven and earth] given form. I have established rapport with powerful figures from both the Divine Clan and the Demon Race."

"Now, I have already made my intentions clear to the leaders of the Demonic and Divine Clans. Do not harbor hopes that the Primordial Solar Patriarch or the Void Sword Master will come to your aid."

"Is that so?"

Eldrin Chen's countenance remained unchanged, yet a glint of lethal intent flickered within his eyes.

Seeing Eldrin Chen show not a trace of fear, the Azure Sovereign's expression darkened with displeasure. His voice turned icy as he declared, "I am aware you are under the protection of the Heavenly Path [the supreme, cosmic law of cultivation]. I cannot slay you."

"However, while this Heavenly Path may shield you, it offers no such sanctuary to the members of your Returning Abyss Immortal Alliance."

"I will be frank with you. This Heavenly Path Authority is something I must obtain. If you do not hand over the Heavenly Path Authority, today I shall bathe the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven in blood."

"Bathe the Returning Abyss Grotto-Heaven in blood..."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a glint of killing intent flashing in his eyes.

He turned his gaze towards Diyang Tai Cang and asked with calm composure, "In how many moves did he defeat you?"

Diyang Tai Cang's face was pale, tinged with unwillingness. "His combat prowess ranks among the powerful even within the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm. I held out for merely thirty moves."

"Thirty moves?"

Eldrin Chen nodded, then declared, "Then I shall take his life within three."

"Take my life within three moves?"

Hearing this, Azure Sovereign was nearly driven to madness with rage. He roared furiously, "Arrogant whelp! Today, I shall not only suppress you, but I will make you watch as every single one of your beloved dies before your eyes!"

"Now die!"

As his words fell, Azure Sovereign stepped forward.

Clad in peerless immortal robes, he thrust forward with the God-Slaying Ancient Spear, the ancient weapon cleaving through the void. The spear erupted with god-slaying radiance, piercing through the fabric of heaven and earth in a fleeting instant. Even this Immortal Domain trembled violently under the assault.

"Beware!"

Witnessing this scene, the onlookers cried out in alarm, their faces paling with dread.

As a powerful cultivator of the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm, Azure Sovereign's wrathful strike could alter the heavens and earth. It was a blow that could instantly slay even a mighty figure at the Seventh Layer of the Celestial Immortal Realm.

Yet, facing such an onslaught, Eldrin Chen remained utterly composed.

His white robes pristine as snow, he gazed upon the enraged Azure Sovereign as if an Immortal King from the Nine Heavens looked down upon an ant—calm and detached. He spoke to Diyang Tai Cang with serene indifference.

"Observe closely."

With those words, Eldrin Chen extended a single finger, pressing it against the tip of the God-Slaying Ancient Spear.