Chapter 1817 : Slaying the Crimson Flame Beast

Seizing the advantage granted by this elemental suppression, Eldrin Chen launched a sudden, unexpected assault on the Chaos Ancient Beast, catching it off guard and instantly slaying the Crimson Flame Ancient Beast on the spot.

"Splendid work!"

Witnessing Eldrin Chen slay the Crimson Flame Ancient Beast, Celestial Maiden could not help but voice her delighted praise.

With the Crimson Flame Ancient Beast slain, the Five Elements Chaos Ancient Beast had lost one of its quintet, its formation was already broken, and the outcome of this battle held little suspense.

Eldrin Chen did not reply immediately, instead turning to Celestial Maiden and saying, "Senior, I must trouble you to hold back the remaining three. I will finish this swiftly."

"Understood."

Celestial Maiden nodded and immediately took decisive action.

Without the Five Elements Grand Formation, the combat power of the remaining Five Elements Chaos Ancient Beast had plummeted drastically. Celestial Maiden's strength was sufficient to contend with all five of them simultaneously, let alone just three.

Behold, the Frost Soul Immortal Ribbon and Frost Soul Coldlight Sword in Celestial Maiden's hands soared into the air, their strikes intercepting the Supple Wood and Bulwark Earth Ancient Beasts. Simultaneously, she unleashed a Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power cultivated through profound arts] to suppress the Positive Water Ancient Beast.

Seizing this opening, Eldrin Chen channeled his power, sending the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords sweeping forth in a deadly cross-cut aimed directly at the Metallic Gold Ancient Beast. Original English translation available at audio . novel . com.

With the aid of the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords, Eldrin Chen's power had become extraordinary, allowing him to unleash combat prowess rivaling that of an Ancient Immortal [a cultivator who has transcended mortality and attained immense age and power] within this Sea of Chaos [a primordial, formless expanse of chaotic energies].

In a one-on-one confrontation, this Metallic Gold Ancient Beast [a primordial beast born from the essence of metallic gold], even with the assistance of an Innate Ancient Treasure [a primordial artifact born from the world's essence], stood no chance against Eldrin Chen.

After little more than three thousand exchanges, Eldrin Chen seized an opening and with a single sword stroke cleaved the Metallic Gold Ancient Beast asunder upon the Void Heaven [the empty, boundless sky].

"Dead?"

With the fall of the Metallic Gold Chaos Ancient Beast, all suspense drained from the battle.

Almost simultaneously, the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal] also slew the Positive Water Ancient Beast [a primordial beast born from the essence of positive water] and claimed the Innate Positive Water [a divine ability born from the essence of positive water] gourd.

The successive demise of three peak-tier Chaos Ancient Beast shattered the remaining two Five Elements Chaos Ancient Beast's [primordial beasts born from the combined essence of the five elements] will to fight. They immediately turned to flee into the Depths of Chaos [the innermost, most turbulent regions of the Sea of Chaos].

True to her status as a Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal Great Power [an Ancient Immortal who has survived three Heavenly Tribulations], the Celestial Maiden still possessed strength to spare after killing the Positive Water Ancient Beast. She activated the Frost Soul Immortal Ribbon to ensnare the second Chaos Ancient Beast, then ended it with a sword strike upon the Void Heaven.

"You won't escape."

Eldrin Chen also seized his chance. Channeling the 'Five-Colored Aurora Evasion' [a mystical technique allowing for swift, colorful movement], he tore through the void, caught up to the final Supple Wood Ancient Beast [a primordial beast born from the essence of supple wood], and executed it upon the Void Heaven.

"Do not let them escape!"

At that very moment, Horizon Patriarch cried out.

Eldrin Chen looked up and saw the Polarity Ancient Beast had already activated its Polarity Treasure Gourd to tear through the void, fleeing towards the Depths of Chaos.

Without the slightest hesitation, the three of them gave chase.

Yet, just as they had pursued for several hundred years and were on the verge of catching up to the Polarity Ancient Beast, Eldrin Chen suddenly sensed something amiss and exclaimed in alarm, "Dodge!"

"*Clang!*"

In that same instant, a divine spear shot forth from the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], aimed directly at the foremost Horizon Patriarch.

The millennia-long battle had severely depleted Horizon Patriarch's spiritual energy reserves. Caught off guard by this ambush, he could barely muster the strength to activate the Myriad Abyss Ancient Cauldron for a hasty defense.

Alas, summoned in such haste, the Myriad Abyss Ancient Cauldron could not unleash its full protective might. In a mere blink, the divine spear pierced through the defensive aura conjured by the cauldron, cleaving Horizon Patriarch's physical body in two.

"Aaargh—!"

The Horizon Patriarch let out a wretched scream. Even disregarding his severed lower half, he desperately scrambled back in retreat.

Seizing the opportunity, the pursuing Eldrin Chen poured all his power into merging the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords. Their combined force blocked the second surge of divine power from the immortal spear, finally managing to pull the Horizon Patriarch to safety.

The Celestial Maiden also took this chance to unfurl her Innate Treasure Lotus, its petals forming a protective barrier around the Horizon Patriarch's wounded form.

"Your injuries..."

Gazing at the Horizon Patriarch's grievous wounds, the Celestial Maiden could not help but voice her concern.

"We go!" Continue your cultivation journey at www . audio-novel.com.

Without a moment's hesitation, Eldrin Chen decisively gathered the Horizon Patriarch and fled towards the rear. As he moved, he channeled the Five-Colored Divine Light to retrieve the Patriarch's severed lower half.

As they departed, Eldrin Chen cast a final glance back. Within that expanse of Chaos, a towering, majestic figure gripping the immortal spear flickered in and out of view.

Meanwhile, the Polarity Chaos Ancient Beast also suffered a devastating blow. Three other Ancient Immortal Great Power of awe-inspiring aura had joined the fray. In mere moments, their combined assault had grievously wounded two of the Chaos Ancient Beast.

"It's them!"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of solemnity surfacing in his gaze.

Exquisite Jiang's expression also turned grave, clearly recognizing the figures of those who had struck.

It turned out the attackers were the same Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal they had encountered in the other Chaos Shoal.

Horizon Patriarch coughed, his face pale, and spoke, "Those four likely found insufficient gains in that Sea of Chaos, which is why they have come here."

"Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal, for today's ambush..."

Horizon Patriarch's face turned icy. He wanted to say more, but ultimately fell into silence.

He had only recently broken through to the Third Tribulation Ancient Immortal Realm, his foundation barely solidified. To shatter the Mana Heavenly Pass, he not only needed to fully consolidate his cultivation base but also required sufficient Opportunity and Fortune.

If they could not break through the Mana Heavenly Pass, seeking revenge with their current strength would be exceedingly difficult.

With this thought, Horizon Patriarch refrained from uttering any final threats and allowed the two to escort him as they fled deep into the void.

"They flee quite swiftly."

Simultaneously, the majestic figure within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] let out a cold laugh. He retrieved the Immortal Spear [a divine weapon of immense power] into his grasp and then, with a mighty heave, hurled it forth. It pierced through the Primordial Solar [an ancient beast imbued with pure yang energy] Ancient Beast in an instant. The remaining Primordial Lunar [an ancient beast imbued with pure yin energy] Ancient Beast met the same fate mere moments later.

At that very moment, the three Ancient Immortal [immortal beings who have transcended countless tribulations] collected the fallen Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial monsters born from the Chaos].

One of them, a man clad in Violet Gold Armor [enchanted armor forged from violet-gold, offering supreme defense], cast his gaze first upon Eldrin Chen and his companions, then towards the majestic spear-wielder. He could not help but speak, "Shall we give chase?"

The majestic man holding the Immortal Spear shook his head. Calmly tossing the Polarity Gourd [a gourd-shaped treasure capable of containing and manipulating opposing energies] in his hand, he replied, "Two Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived three great heavenly tribulations]. Though I managed to grievously wound one by surprise..."

"...if they are determined to flee for their lives, capturing them would prove exceedingly difficult."

"Rather than waste time in pursuit, it is far better to secure this Chaos Shoal [a rare, stable landmass or resource-rich area within the turbulent Chaos] first."

As he spoke, he looked at the Polarity Gourd in his hand. "An Innate Dual-Polarity Gourd [a naturally formed treasure born from the convergence of primal yin and yang forces]. Could it be that a Dual-Polarity Vine [the living vine from which such gourds grow] exists here as well?"

Upon hearing this, the eyes of the other three blazed with fervor. A White-robed Man could not contain himself. "A single Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Root [a plant of the highest natural grade, containing immense primal spiritual power] is worth ten times a treasure of equivalent rank! Its value surpasses that of a comparable Innate Ancient Treasure [a treasure formed by nature in antiquity] by an order of magnitude."

"If we can obtain it, we might just have the means to attempt a breakthrough to the Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal [the realm of an Ancient Immortal who has weathered four heavenly calamities]."

The spear-wielding man nodded in agreement, his gaze burning with intensity. "Then we must not delay. Let us first scout that Chaos Lair [a den or nest formed within the Chaos, often housing great treasures or dangers]."

As the words fell, the four figures shot through the void, heading towards the location of the Chaos Gourd Nest.

They traversed the void swiftly, soon arriving at the Chaos Gourd Nest. Yet, the moment they laid eyes upon it, their expressions shifted subtly.

Deep within the Chaos Gourd Nest, they discovered a gourd vine shimmering with Seven-Colored Immortal Light [a radiant glow of seven distinct colors, signifying supreme spiritual purity].

"Trouble! A Supreme-Grade Acquired Spiritual Root [a spiritual root of the highest quality, born from the world's essence]—the Innate Seven-Colored Gourd Vine?"

"After them, quickly!"

"..."

Meanwhile, Eldrin Chen and the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal], supporting the Horizon Patriarch, continued their flight through the void, arriving deep within a region of Chaos Shoal [a desolate, energy-chaotic region within the primordial chaos].

The Celestial Maiden glanced behind them, then drew a deep breath. "Fortunately, they are not in pursuit."

Without a word, Eldrin Chen retrieved a large quantity of Innate Spiritual Water [water imbued with primordial spiritual essence, excellent for healing] and began feeding it to the Horizon Patriarch.

The Horizon Patriarch consumed over ten portions of the Innate Spiritual Water. Only after his injuries had stabilized somewhat did he speak, his face still pale. "We must find shelter and conceal our auras. The pursuit will not cease for long."

"That man is utterly treacherous," she said, her voice tight. "His cultivation far surpasses ours, yet he still resorted to a sneak attack."

"This time, had it not been for the two of you coming to my aid, this old man would likely have met his end here."

As he spoke, Horizon Patriarch could not help but reveal a look of lingering fear on his face.

Eldrin Chen's expression was also grave. He did not dwell on the topic, instead stating plainly, "That individual has come to this Chaos Shoal, and Senior Horizon is injured. I fear a direct confrontation is not wise for us."

"We likely cannot linger on this Chaos Shoal for long."

Celestial Maiden nodded in agreement, her face etched with concern as she asked, "Then what shall we do? Should we return to the Violet Sun Immortal Domain?"

Hearing this, Horizon Patriarch also wore an expression of utmost seriousness. He rose to his feet and declared, "Let us return immediately. We shall first recover from our injuries and replenish our spiritual power, then formulate a plan from a position of strength."

"We cannot return."

Yet at that very moment, Eldrin Chen spoke with decisive finality.

Both Horizon Patriarch and Celestial Maiden were taken aback by his words, their faces clouding with confusion.

At this very moment, Eldrin Chen grew even calmer within. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke, "Earlier, they did not pursue us. What do you think the reason was?"

"The reason?"

Celestial Maiden was momentarily taken aback, then pondered before replying, "It was because they needed to deal with that Polarity Ancient Beast, and because they wished to explore this Chaos Shoal. Furthermore, chasing us would be time-consuming and laborious, and they likely lacked absolute certainty of victory."

"Precisely. They had greater gains in mind. Moreover, if we were to burn our essence blood and vital origin to flee, they would have no guarantee of catching us."

Eldrin Chen spoke calmly, then continued with utmost gravity, "But what about when they reach that Chaos Gourd Nest and discover that Supreme Grade Innate Ancient Tree?"

"You mean... the Innate Seven-Colored Gourd Vine?"

Upon hearing this, Horizon Patriarch's face instantly drained of all color.

Eldrin Chen nodded and explained, "The Innate Seven-Colored Gourd Vine ranks thirty-third on the Innate Spiritual Root list. Among Supreme Grade Innate Ancient Tree treasures, it is considered a peerless specimen."

"Most crucially, the seven gourds it bears each contain the power of Polarity and the Five Elements Power."

"When combined, these seven Innate Ancient Treasure would form a grand formation, creating a supreme Formation Artifact of unparalleled, world-shaking power."

At these words, both of them understood completely, their hearts sinking even further.

These seven Innate Ancient Treasure gourds were merely twelve-patterned Innate Ancient Treasure; any single one would not be enough to stir the heart of a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

But if all seven were combined to form a single Polarity Five Elements Gourd Grand Formation [a grand formation harnessing the powers of Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements through seven gourds], it would likely become a supreme treasure capable of driving even a Five Tribulations Ancient Immortal or even a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal to madness.

That Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal might seem to possess ordinary combat power now, but if he obtained these seven Innate Ancient Treasure gourds, his battle prowess would immediately soar to the level of a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal within the Ancient Immortal Realm.

At that point, that Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal would find it effortless to leap across realms and slay a Five Tribulations Ancient Immortal, and might even dare to test himself against a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Faced with such a treasure, that Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal and the several Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal by his side would be driven to utter frenzy.

For once they possessed the complete set of treasure gourds, their future cultivation along the Path [the fundamental way of cultivation and enlightenment] would undoubtedly proceed smoothly. While one couldn't guarantee a breakthrough to the Seven Tribulations level within the Ancient Immortal Realm, the odds of breaking through to become a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal would increase dramatically.

Thinking this, Horizon Patriarch paled slightly, finally speaking: "If I were them, I would spare no cost to pursue and kill us beyond the borders of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain."

"Even if it meant burning my vital essence, even if the price were immense, I would still seek to obtain the complete set of Polarity Treasure Gourd."

"It is only fitting."

Eldrin Chen also nodded, his expression grave as he spoke, "Therefore, I believe that if we were to return to the Violet Sun Immortal Domain, it would be no different from walking into a trap."

Hearing this, the Celestial Maiden spoke with profound gravity, "Since we cannot return, what should we do then?"

"I will use the Chaos Mist [a primordial, concealing mist that obscures fate and perception] to conceal our presence and find a Chaos Lair [a hidden refuge within the primordial chaos] to cultivate in seclusion."

Eldrin Chen spoke slowly, then looked at the two of them and said, "Over these years, by utilizing the pressure of this Chaos Shoal, the bottleneck in my comprehension of the Path Principle [the fundamental laws governing a specific cultivation path] has been significantly lowered."

"I intend to seize this opportunity to comprehend the Five Elements Great Path [the supreme cultivation art encompassing the five fundamental elements] contained within the five Innate Ancient Treasure gourds, to see if I can cultivate the Innate Primordial One Limitless Path Principle [the supreme principle of the limitless primordial unity] to the Great Perfection Realm."

Hearing this, the Horizon Patriarch also nodded and said, "Once you succeed in this cultivation, both the depth and the quality of your spiritual power are bound to increase tremendously."

"By then, within this Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], you might possess combat power rivaling that of an Ancient Immortal."

The Celestial Maiden also nodded in agreement, then spoke, "Within the Chaos, Eldrin can exert his full strength and can even directly refine Chaos Water [primordial water containing chaotic energies] to replenish his spiritual power."

"I believe that once he makes this breakthrough, his combat prowess should rank among the very top even among First Tribulation Ancient Immortals, perhaps even granting him the strength of a Second Tribulation Ancient Immortal outright."

"Although that Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal possesses formidable power, being suppressed by the Sea of Chaos Water [a vast expanse of primordial chaotic waters], he should only be able to maintain the strength of a three-tribulation, or perhaps merely a Second Tribulation Ancient Immortal."

"As long as Eldrin can achieve a breakthrough, then we might still have a chance to protect ourselves."

Eldrin Chen nodded and then spoke, "Then let us find a Chaos Shoal [a turbulent, hidden region within the primordial chaos] to hide in. This will also give Senior Horizon time to recover from his injuries."

Horizon Patriarch nodded, agreeing with Eldrin Chen's suggestion.

He pondered for a moment before asking, "Which Chaos Shoal should we go to, then?"

Eldrin Chen thought for a moment, then said, "The best hiding place is often right under the enemy's nose. Let's go to the Chaos Shoal they explored previously."

"A brilliant idea."

Upon hearing this, both men's eyes lit up, agreeing with Eldrin Chen's plan.

Seeing their agreement, Eldrin Chen hesitated no longer. He immediately used the Chaos Mist [a mystical mist that obscures presence and traces within the primordial chaos] to conceal their movements. Then, they slipped out of the current Chaos Shoal and made their way silently towards the other one.

They moved with utmost caution, masking their auras the entire way. The journey took them three thousand years before they finally arrived within that Chaos Shoal.

After arriving at the Chaos Shoal, the trio proceeded carefully until they finally located a Ninth Rank High-Grade Chaos Lair [a natural shelter or den formed within the chaotic energies].

This Chaos Lair had been thoroughly ransacked. The Innate Energy [the primordial, unrefined energy of chaos] within had been completely stripped away, and the Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from the essence of chaos] had all been slain.

After the three of them slipped inside, they immediately set up a Concealment Formation [a magical array designed to hide their presence], allowing them to finally breathe a slight sigh of relief.

Eldrin Chen inspected the Chaos Lair to confirm there were no lingering dangers, then said to the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal], "Both Senior Horizon and I must enter seclusion. We must trouble you, Senior, to stand guard for us this time."