Chapter 1815 : Into the Chaos Shoal

At least until the next surge of the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond ordered realms], the Chaos Water [the turbulent, primordial essence of the Sea of Chaos] within this Chaos Shoal [a shallower, more stable region within the Sea of Chaos] would remain relatively calm.

However, one should not underestimate a Chaos Shoal. The Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state of existence] is boundless and infinite; the shallows it leaves behind are anything but simple.

From what Eldrin Chen knew, even an ordinary Chaos Shoal often rivaled or even surpassed an entire Immortal Domain [a vast, stable realm governed by immortal laws] in scale.

Its size was measured in untold trillions of light-years. Naturally, within its depths lingered remnants of Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial creatures born from chaos], Chaos Lair [nests or dens of chaos beasts], and even surviving Chaos Beast King [monarchs among the chaos beasts].

Generally speaking, however, Chaos Shoal did not harbor many Chaos Beast King. Those that did dwell there were mostly low-tier kings, their power comparable only to a First Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived their first heavenly tribulation].

This was because Chaos Beast King of the second or third tribulation and beyond were rarely trapped within a Chaos Shoal.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Given our current strength, venturing directly into the Sea of Chaos does carry significant risk."

"But if we target a Chaos Shoal instead, our chances of survival should be considerably higher."

Hearing this, the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal] nodded in agreement. "In that case," she said, "let us first explore a Chaos Shoal this time, and forgo the depths of the Sea of Chaos."

With that, the three of them reached a consensus. This chapter is part of a larger work available at (audio-novel.com).

They spoke no further, transforming instantly into a streak of primordial radiance that pierced the heavens, streaking toward the distant Sea of Chaos [the boundless, turbulent expanse of primordial energy between ordered realms].

The three of them journeyed together, crossing the boundary between the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad ordered realms of cultivation] and the Sea of Chaos. They had not flown for long before they discovered a vast Chaos Shoal [a shallower region within the Sea of Chaos, formed from solidified chaotic essence].

The moment Eldrin Chen beheld this Chaos Shoal, he could not help but pause in mild astonishment.

Though called a shoal, its vastness far exceeded their expectations.

With a single glance, Eldrin Chen perceived it was an endless expanse of solidified Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all existence emerges], composed entirely of residual Chaos Water [a dense, liquid-like manifestation of primordial chaotic energy]. It stretched for untold billions of light-years, more expansive and majestic than an entire Immortal Domain [a vast, stable realm governed by immortal laws].

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen remarked, "A shallow pool of Chaos of such magnitude, containing endless Universes within its depths... one might almost call it a Sea of Chaos in its own right."

Horizon Patriarch shook his head and replied, "The Chaos is boundless and infinite. This Chaos Shoal, for all its size, is ultimately finite. Thus, it does not merit the title of Sea of Chaos."

Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful and ethereal female immortal] nodded in agreement, stating calmly, "Compared to the truly endless Sea of Chaos, this Chaos Shoal is less than a mere puddle—scarcely a mote of dust."

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

He continued to gaze at the Chaos Shoal, preparing to step into it, when he noticed several streaks of light approaching from not far away.

Four figures arrived in total. The leader's cultivation had reached the realm of a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived four heavenly tribulations]. After a glance at the trio, he sneered coldly and issued a warning, "This place has been claimed by the four of us. Get lost."

As his words fell, the four transformed into streaks of light and flew into the location.

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the three shifted slightly, and a flicker of anger surfaced in their eyes.

Yet, in the next instant, Eldrin Chen suppressed the fury in his heart and spoke decisively, "They have a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal among them. We cannot afford to provoke them lightly. Let us find another place."

Both Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden [a title for a high-ranking female immortal] furrowed their brows for a moment, but they too quickly reined in their thoughts. They followed Eldrin Chen as he continued deeper into the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse at the edge of creation].

Only after they had traveled a great distance from that Chaos Shoal [a temporary, resource-rich landmass formed within the primal chaos] did Horizon Patriarch speak again, his voice calm. "The Opportunity and Fortune [chances for advancement and treasures of destiny] within a Chaos Shoal pale in comparison to those found in the true Chaos [the primordial void beyond the ordered worlds]. They rarely yield Supreme Grade Innate Rare Treasure [treasures of the highest quality, born from the primal chaos itself], which hold little use for a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal anymore."

"I have heard that most Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal venture into the heart of the Chaos. For one to linger here, squabbling over a mere Chaos Shoal, suggests he likely cannot stand as a true power among his peers."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, yet added, "Our strength is currently insufficient, and we are newcomers to the fringes of the Chaos. For now, we must proceed with caution and prudence. Our safety is paramount."

"That is wise."

The Celestial Maiden gave a slight nod of assent and continued flying forward in silence.

The four of them journeyed onward, traversing the Vast and Boundless Chaos until, almost without realizing it, they encountered another Chaos Shoal.

This Chaos Shoal was slightly smaller than the previous one, yet still vastly larger than the Vast Azure Immortal Domain. Its interior was saturated with Primordial Chaos Energy [the primordial, undifferentiated energy from which all creation is born].

After confirming no one else was nearby, Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with his two companions. Without a word, they transformed into streaks of Escape Radiance and plunged into the Sea of Chaos.

"*Hum—*"

The moment he entered the Sea of Chaos, Eldrin Chen was met with immense, crushing resistance.

Turbulent currents of Chaos Water [the liquid form of primordial chaos, dense and heavy with creation's potential] pressed in from all sides, exerting tremendous pressure that made even Eldrin Chen strain. The story continues at https://audio-novel.com.

Fortunately, his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a legendary body constitution born of primordial chaos, granting near-absolute resilience] proved its extraordinary nature. Eldrin Chen manifested his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility True Body, not only withstanding the pressure of this Chaos [the primordial state before the separation of heaven and earth] but feeling an unexpected, profound sense of belonging, like a dragon returning to the ocean.

"My Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique has such a powerful affinity for the Chaos Water?"

Though he had anticipated some compatibility, actually stepping into the Chaos Water revealed that his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique was even more attuned to it than he had imagined.

After a brief period of acclimation, Eldrin Chen performed a quick calculation with his fingers. He discovered that not only did the Sea of Chaos not suppress him, it actually greatly accelerated the recovery rate of his spiritual power.

Within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, traversing the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] consumed Eldrin Chen's spiritual power [the internal energy cultivated by immortals] at an alarming rate. While he could refine the ambient Primordial Chaos Energy [the raw, foundational energy of the universe] to replenish his cultivation base, the energy here was so sparse that recovery was agonizingly slow.

Merely traveling was manageable, but once he entered a fierce battle, the rate of his spiritual power recovery simply could not keep pace.

Yet, in this place, Eldrin Chen found he could restore his spiritual power at any moment, anywhere. He even felt as if his reserves would never run dry.

"In this expanse of Chaos, as long as I am not slain in battle, I could fight with my full might for a hundred thousand years without ever worrying about exhausting my spiritual power," he realized with awe.

A wave of exhilaration washed over Eldrin Chen. The true limitation on his combat prowess had never been the overwhelming suppression of the Primordial Chaos Energy within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. It was, instead, the sheer scarcity of that very energy there.

With this revelation, Eldrin Chen snapped back to the present. He turned his gaze towards the Celestial Maiden and Horizon Patriarch beside him.

He saw that both the Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden appeared pale, their faces drained of color. They seemed to be under immense strain, clearly not yet acclimated to the pressure of this Chaos Water [a dense, primordial liquid form of chaos energy].

Concerned, Eldrin Chen spoke up, "How are the two of you faring?"

"Hmph—"

The Horizon Patriarch grunted, his voice tight. "It is nothing serious," he said, his pallor belying his words. "This is merely our first exposure to the Chaos Water. Our bodies have not yet learned to withstand its crushing weight."

The Celestial Maiden also nodded, her gaze profoundly grave as she said, "It will take us a millennium to fully adapt to the pressure of the Chaos Water [the primordial, formless waters of chaos]. Until then, I fear we won't even be able to maintain the combat prowess of an Ancient Immortal."

"It's fortunate we didn't venture directly into that Sea of Chaos [the boundless, turbulent ocean of primordial chaos], or we might have suffered a severe setback."

Speaking to this point, the Celestial Maiden couldn't help but feel a lingering sense of trepidation.

Both of them were Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived three heavenly tribulations], yet upon first arriving at the Sea of Chaos, they found themselves suppressed to such an extent.

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded with solemn understanding. "Then let us remain here at the fringes of the Chaos Shoal [the shallows bordering the Sea of Chaos]. Once you have adapted to the suppression of the Chaos Water, we shall venture into the inner regions to seek Opportunity and Fortune."

The Celestial Maiden and the Horizon Patriarch both agreed, refraining from any reckless urge to press into the heart of the Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence].

In the time that followed, the trio began to wander the edges of the Chaos Shoal, searching for Innate Rare Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos itself] while also scouring for various divine Immortal Artifact [enchanted artifacts forged by immortals].

At the periphery of the Chaos Shoal, there were no excessively powerful Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts native to the chaos]. Throughout their search, they encountered merely seven or eight of these creatures.

Most of these Chaos Ancient Beast were only of Ninth Rank [a high tier of power] middle or lower grade. The sole Ninth Rank High-Grade beast they found possessed strength merely comparable to an Eighth Heaven Celestial Immortal [a celestial immortal of the eighth heavenly stage]. With the trio's combat prowess, they dispatched them all with ease.

Thus, a hurried millennium passed. In total, they slew eight Chaos Ancient Beast, obtaining over ten portions of Ninth Rank Chaos Divine Material [divine ores forged in chaos], four Innate Rare Treasure, and three strands of Innate Energy [the pure, primordial energy of creation].

"So many divine treasures."

After a thousand years, Eldrin Chen took stock of the harvest in his hands and could not help but reveal a look of pleasant surprise.

In the short span of a thousand years, they had slain eight Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from the chaos], along with several Innate Rare Treasure [treasures formed naturally from the primal energies of creation] and three strands of Innate Energy [the pure, foundational energy that existed at the dawn of creation]. Such a feat was unthinkable within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

"No wonder it is said that the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all realms were born] holds endless Opportunity and Fortune. It seems we have come to the right place."

Gazing at the treasures in hand, Horizon Patriarch could not help but voice his admiration.

Celestial Maiden also nodded, looking towards the depths of the Chaos Shoal [a treacherous region within the Sea of Chaos where reality is unstable]. "Now that our cultivation has adapted to the Sea of Chaos, allowing us to exert the combat power of a First Tribulation Ancient Immortal, it is time to venture into the heart of the Chaos Shoal."

Upon hearing this, the other two smiled faintly and continued their journey, flying directly towards the profound depths of the Chaos Shoal.

The Chaos Water [the dense, primordial substance that constitutes the Sea of Chaos] here was incredibly viscous. Even though all present were Ancient Immortal Great Power [powerful beings who have transcended mortality and weathered countless ages], flight in this place was still a strenuous endeavor.

They journeyed ever deeper into the Chaos Shoal, flying for several thousand years. Along the way, they slew dozens of Chaos Ancient Beast, finally reaching the inner reaches of the shoal.

The Chaos Ancient Beast within the inner Chaos Shoal were exceedingly powerful, many rivaling the Late Celestial Immortal Realm or even the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm. With Eldrin Chen's current level of cultivation, slaying them still required a significant expenditure of effort.

It was not until this day that the three of them arrived before a Chaos Lair [a primordial nest or den formed from chaotic energies], and they all paused with slightly grave expressions.

"A Chaos Lair."

Gazing at the Chaos Lair before him, Eldrin Chen could not help but frown slightly.

This particular lair resembled a gourd in shape. It drifted within the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless ocean of chaotic energies], its interior endlessly swallowing and spewing vast quantities of Chaos Water [primordial water imbued with chaotic essence]. This process manifested as an endless spray of seven-colored radiant light.

"This lair... it seems somewhat familiar."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly. He then leafed through the Chaos Atlas [a mystical map or compendium detailing locations within the Sea of Chaos] in his hand, and could not suppress a note of pleasant surprise in his voice.

"The Chaos Gourd Nest."

Upon hearing this, both Horizon Patriarch and Celestial Maiden were momentarily taken aback, recalling the origins of this Chaos Gourd Nest.

The Chaos Gourd Nest was one of the Three Thousand Chaos Lairs [a legendary classification of the most powerful and significant lairs within the Sea of Chaos], and among its peers, it was ranked one hundred and eighth.

A lair of this caliber was capable of refining Chaos Water, separating it into Polarity [the fundamental forces of Yin and Yang] and Five Elements Power [the spiritual energies of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth]. Within it, a single Innate Spiritual Root [a plant born from primordial chaos with immense spiritual properties] was nurtured: the Seven Treasures Gourd Vine.

The so-called Seven Treasures Gourd Vine, also known as the Innate Seven-Colored Gourd Vine [a primordial vine bearing gourds of seven distinct colors], embodies the profound mysteries of the Five Elements [the fundamental forces of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth] and contains the Creation [the act of bringing life into being] power of Polarity [the duality of life and death]. It is an exceedingly rare Innate Rare Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate power].

The Three Thousand Immortal Domains possess a tome known as the Innate Spiritual Root Compendium [a sacred text cataloging all known primordial spiritual roots], which records three thousand types of Innate Spiritual Root [roots born from chaos with innate spiritual properties]. This Seven Treasures Gourd simultaneously harbors seven distinct Path Principles [fundamental laws of cultivation] and Great Path [supreme cultivation arts]. Therefore, it ranks thirty-third on the list, a position not inferior to the famed Innate Eight Trigrams Treasure Tree [a primordial tree whose form embodies the eight trigrams].

"The Eight Trigrams Treasure Tree holds the thirty-second rank. For the Seven Treasures Gourd Vine to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with it signifies it must be a supreme treasure of heaven and earth, rare beyond compare," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. He immediately exchanged a glance with the Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden.

Upon hearing this, both the Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden gave slight nods. The Celestial Maiden then spoke, "Within the Chaos Gourd Nest [a nest formed from chaotic energies, known to birth gourds of immense power], the probability of an Innate Seven Treasures Gourd [a gourd born from the vine, containing seven innate treasures] growing is exceedingly high."

"The grade of this Chaos Gourd Nest, among Ninth Rank Upper Grade Chaos Lair [a top-tier lair formed in the primordial chaos], should be considered peak-tier. It is highly likely to nurture a Seven Treasures Gourd of corresponding grade. We absolutely cannot let this opportunity slip by."

The Horizon Patriarch also nodded in agreement. After carefully observing the Chaos Lair, he stated, "Within this lair, there are forty-seven Chaos Ancient Beast [beasts born from and dwelling within primordial chaos] standing guard."

"Among them, five possess strength comparable to the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm. The rest are of middle or lower grade within the Ninth Rank. They should be relatively easy to handle."

Eldrin Chen did not immediately reply. Instead, he shook his head and said, "A Chaos Beast Horde [a large group of chaos beasts] of this size, even without a Chaos Beast King [the ruler of a chaos beast horde], undoubtedly contains beings approaching that level of power."

"I will go and scout the area first to assess the situation more clearly."

Eldrin Chen spoke, then shrouded himself in Primordial Chaos Energy [the primordial, formless energy that existed before creation] and slipped into the surroundings of the Chaos Lair.

After thoroughly scouting the area, he returned and reported, "Within the Chaos Lair, there are seven Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from chaos] at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm. They possess the powers of Polarity [the fundamental duality of Yin and Yang] and the Five Elements Power [the powers of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth]."

"Although those five Chaos Ancient Beast with Five Elements Attribute are at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm, their combat prowess is likely enough for one to fight two opponents of the same realm."

"The two Chaos Ancient Beast imbued with the mysteries of Polarity are exceptionally extraordinary. Within the same realm, one of them could likely contend with four foes."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the two listeners shifted slightly with shock, and they exchanged a glance.

The Celestial Maiden took a deep breath and said, "Those two Polarity Chaos Ancient Beast are probably not far from breaking through to become Chaos Beast King [a sovereign-level chaos beast]. However, they are ultimately still at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm. We should still be able to handle them."

Eldrin Chen shook his head and countered, "These seven Chaos Ancient Beast were all born from that Seven Treasures Gourd Vine. They possess the powers of Polarity and the Five Elements Power, and their fates are deeply intertwined."

"If they join forces, the two Polarity Ancient Beast combining their strength could hold off a First Tribulation Chaos Beast King."

"If the five Five Elements [Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth] ancient beasts unite, their combined power would also rival a First Tribulation Chaos Beast King."

Hearing this, the faces of both listeners paled slightly.

They exchanged glances, and finally Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal] spoke: "Then this battle will likely be rather troublesome."

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before replying, "Those two Polarity [the fundamental opposing forces of Yin and Yang] Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial creatures born from the formless chaos] are hidden deep within the Chaos Lair [a nest or dwelling place of chaos creatures]."

"Only if we manage to slay one or two of the Five Elements Chaos Ancient Beast [chaos beasts embodying the powers of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth] before alerting them, will we have a significantly greater chance of victory."

Horizon Patriarch nodded upon hearing this and said, "In that case, we shall use your Primordial Chaos Energy [the primordial, formless energy from which all things originated] to conceal ourselves and launch a coordinated ambush at the critical moment, attempting to first eliminate one or two of the Chaos Ancient Beast."

"Very well."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod of agreement. He then shrouded the group with Chaos Mist [a mist-like substance formed from condensed chaos energy, used for concealment] and began their covert approach towards the Chaos Lair.

They navigated past swarms of Chaos Ancient Beast, finally arriving before the Chaos Lair and positioning themselves near the Five Elements Chaos Ancient Beast.

"This is the place."

Gazing upon the Five Elements Chaos Ancient Beast before them, the expressions of all three cultivators grew solemn. Find thousands of chapters at audio—novel.com.