Chapter 1818 : Refining the Five Elements Gourd

After handing over all the Innate Spiritual Water and elixirs [pills refined for cultivation purposes] to Horizon Patriarch, Eldrin Chen proceeded to the Chaos Lair Core.

At the location of the Chaos Lair Core, Eldrin Chen channeled his entire cultivation base to continuously resist the immense pressure of the Boundless Chaos waters. His gaze grew contemplative.

"Using the Chaos Water to suppress my physical form places a significant burden on my Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique," he mused inwardly.

"Under these conditions, the difficulty of breaking through the bottleneck of my Innate Primordial One Limitless Path Principle should be considerably reduced."

Though this thought crossed his mind, Eldrin Chen did not immediately attempt to assault the Great Perfection Realm of the Innate Primordial One Limitless Path Principle.

Instead, he retrieved five precious gourds. A rare flicker of joy crossed his serene countenance as he beheld the Innate Five Elements Gourd in his hands.

These Innate Five Elements Gourd were the Solar Fire, Positive Water, Supple Wood, Bulwark Earth, and Metallic Gold gourds. Each contained the power of one of the five Embryonic Great Path and carried with it a trace of Five Elements Great Path origin essence [the fundamental source energy of the five elemental paths].

Although the Path Principle contained within these gourds differed from the one Eldrin Chen cultivated, they all belonged to the Five Elements Attribute.

Refining their origin essence would likely save him a great deal of time, enhance the latent potential of his Innate Primordial One Limitless Path Principle, and help it overcome the suppression imposed by his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique.

With this realization, Eldrin Chen hesitated no longer. He immediately began the process of refining the Innate Five Elements Gourd. Read the full novel exclusively on audio-novel . com.

However, after refining it for a moment, Eldrin Chen slightly furrowed his brow and abandoned his efforts to further temper this Innate Five Elements Gourd.

This was because these five gourds were all Innate Ancient Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos of creation]. Even with Eldrin Chen's current cultivation base and spiritual power, refining them was exceedingly difficult. To force the process would require at least tens of thousands of years to refine just one.

For all five combined, success would be impossible without one hundred or two hundred thousand years.

"The Chaos Tide [a cataclysmic surge of primordial chaos energy] occurs once every one hundred thousand years. I absolutely cannot waste time like this," he declared.

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then exhaled a wisp of Acquired Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a supreme energy of creation, acquired through great cultivation]. He wrapped a strand of his soul essence within it and sent it flying towards the Solar Fire Gourd.

As expected, the moment it sensed the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura, the Solar Fire Gourd reacted as if receiving a priceless treasure. It instantly and actively drew the aura into itself, pulling along the strand of soul energy as well.

"Indeed, no sentient divine object can resist the temptation of Primordial Chaos Violet Aura," Eldrin Chen observed with a faint smile.

He immediately began merging that strand of soul energy with the Innate Solar Fire Gourd.

The spiritual awareness of this Innate Solar Fire Gourd was not low, yet this time it did not resist Eldrin Chen's refining efforts. It swiftly absorbed the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura and instead inquired, "Do you possess more of this Primordial Chaos Essence [the fundamental substance of primordial chaos]?"

"Primordial Chaos Violet Aura is exceedingly precious. I do not bestow it upon others lightly," Eldrin Chen replied.

Eldrin Chen replied with a faint, almost imperceptible shake of his head.

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen flicked his sleeve, and several dozen strands of Innate Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a supreme, primordial energy of creation and chaos] began to swirl in his palm. Each strand radiated the profound and unfathomable aura of Innate [the Innate Realm, a state of being aligned with the fundamental laws of the cosmos] Primordial Chaos Path Profundity [the deep mysteries of the Primordial Chaos Dao].

"Innate Primordial Chaos Violet Aura?"

In that instant, the gourds of Positive Water [the essence of pure, unyielding water], Supple Wood [the essence of flexible, vital wood], Bulwark Earth [the essence of steadfast, unshakable earth], and Metallic Gold [the essence of sharp, unyielding metal] seemed to go wild.

They let out soft, chiming cries and flew forth, eager to absorb those strands of Primordial Chaos Violet Aura. Yet, Eldrin Chen instantly withdrew the aura, storing it away within himself.

"Give us the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura!"

The Innate Metallic Gold Gourd spoke, its voice trembling with a rare and profound excitement.

Eldrin Chen shook his head once more, his voice calm and measured. "The Innate Primordial Chaos Violet Aura possesses the power of Heaven-Defying Fate Alteration [an ability to defy destiny and alter one's predetermined fate]. You have rendered me no service, no merit. Why would I simply hand it over to you?"

"However," he continued, "if you pledge yourselves to my service, this Primordial Chaos Violet Aura will not be lacking for you in the days to come."

The five gourds trembled slightly at his words. "We are willing to follow you, Lord," they chorused urgently. "We beseech you, grant us that Primordial Chaos Violet Aura!"

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, bestowing a wisp of Acquired Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a supreme energy born from the primordial chaos, capable of nurturing all things] upon each of the gourds, then began refining the Innate Five Elements Gourd [a set of five innate gourds, each embodying one of the five fundamental elements].

With the willing assistance of the Innate Five Elements Gourd, Eldrin Chen refined the five gourds completely and with astonishing ease.

After the refinement was complete, Eldrin Chen spoke again with a gentle smile, "If you pledge your loyalty and follow me sincerely, once I break through to the Great Encompassing [the legendary realm of ultimate unity and omnipotence], I will assuredly aid you in ascending to become Innate Spiritual Root [the primordial, indestructible foundation of all spiritual existence]."

Upon hearing this, the Innate Five Elements Gourd could not conceal their flicker of excitement.

The gap between a Supreme Grade Innate Ancient Tree [a plant born in the primordial chaos, of the highest innate grade] and an Innate Spiritual Root may seem but a single step, yet shattering that bottleneck is a trial of unimaginable difficulty.

Within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], there is essentially only one origin for an Innate Spiritual Root: it must be conceived from the union of the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [the primordial, unbreakable light of spirit] and the Great Path Origin [the fundamental source of the Great Dao itself]. This chapter appears courtesy of audio-novel`com.

Thus, an Innate Spiritual Root is almost always born as such from the very beginning. For a Supreme Grade Innate Ancient Tree to ascend and become an Innate Spiritual Root is a tale bordering on myth.

Since time immemorial, those with the foundation of a Supreme Grade Innate Ancient Tree who managed to transcend and become an Innate Spiritual Root are fewer than one in a million.

It requires heaven-defying Opportunity and Fortune [the confluence of chance and destiny] to grasp even a sliver of hope for success. For the Innate Five Elements Gourd, the Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme violet energy of primordial chaos] offered by Eldrin Chen represented precisely such a destiny-defying opportunity.

Contemplating this, the Innate Solar Fire Gourd [the gourd embodying the innate essence of solar fire] spoke, "The Primordial Chaos Violet Aura is also known as the 'Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence' [the essence of creation from the primordial chaos]. It is the primordial source-energy of the Chaos, said to be a Primordial Chaos Object [an object or energy existing only in the primordial chaos] that existed solely in the era of Primordial Chaos [the state of undifferentiated unity before the cosmos was formed], before Chaos itself had fully unfolded."

"It originally existed as the 'Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence' [the foundational essence from which all creation sprang]. Following the Primordial Chaos Unfolding [the initial separation and ordering of the formless chaos], it differentiated into three great Innate Object [objects born directly from the primal forces of creation, possessing immense power]. From this, three distinct forms emerged: the 'Innate Primordial Chaos Source Essence' [the condensed essence of primal chaos], the 'Innate Primordial Chaos Light' [the luminous manifestation of primal chaos], and the 'Innate Primordial Chaos Violet Aura' [a potent violet-hued energy born from primal chaos]."

"It is said that to break through to the Chaos Realm [a legendary cultivation realm of immense power], one must obtain a complete strand of the 'Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence'."

"However, it seems the 'Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence' within the Chaos [the primordial state of existence] has long been exhausted. Those newly advancing to the Chaos Realm now seem to use 'Chaos Genesis Energy' [a derivative energy born from chaos] as a substitute for their breakthrough."

The Innate Solar Fire Gourd [a sentient gourd born of innate solar fire] spoke methodically, finally turning its gaze to Eldrin Chen. "Although your Innate Primordial Chaos Violet Aura is merely the lowest-grade form among the three great 'Innate Primordial Chaos' [the primal chaos energies born of innate creation]..."

"...and remains a vast distance from the true Primordial Chaos Genesis Essence, it is still undeniably a 'Innate Primordial Chaos Marvel' [a wondrous treasure born of innate primal chaos]. I fear even Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [Golden Immortals of the highest order] and Primordial One Quasi-Sage [beings on the cusp of Sagehood, who existed at the dawn of creation] would find their hearts stirred by it."

Eldrin Chen's heart quaked upon hearing this. A flicker of solemnity passed through his eyes as he asked, "You are merely a Spiritual Root [a sentient plant with profound spiritual properties]. How do you possess such profound knowledge?"

The Innate Five Elements Gourd [a sentient gourd embodying the innate five elements] fell into a heavy silence at his words.

After a long pause, the Bulwark Earth [the element of steadfast earth] gourd finally spoke. "We were not born here on the fringes of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of immortals]. We hail from a Within the Chaos Lair [a sanctuary or dwelling place hidden deep within the primordial chaos], located in the Depths of Chaos [the innermost, most ancient regions of the formless chaos]."

"Not born on the fringes of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains?"

Eldrin Chen was taken aback, a look of genuine astonishment spreading across his features.

The Supple Wood Gourd [a sentient magical gourd] observed this and spoke calmly, "We were originally born within a Great Encompassing Rank [the highest known cultivation realm] Within the Chaos Lair [a primordial lair formed from chaotic energies] in the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse beyond the ordered realms]. We were one of the Innate Rare Treasure [objects born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate power] treasured by the Chaos Fiend [a powerful race of beings native to the primordial chaos] known as the 'Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix' [an ancient, supreme phoenix born of chaos]."

"However, in a battle long ago between the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix and an unknown Chaos Fiend, the outer layers of the 'Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest' [the nesting ground of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix] were shattered, and we were forced to flee to the fringes of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad ordered realms of cultivation]."

"Later, our mother took root upon that shattered Chaos Lair, seizing the Chaos Creation [the creative, formative power of primordial chaos] to condense the Chaos Gourd Nest [a sanctuary formed from chaotic energies], using it to temporarily evade the Tribulation [heavenly trials and calamities faced by cultivators]."

At this point, the Supple Wood Gourd fell into a heavy silence.

Seeing this, the Positive Water [a gourd containing pure, positive water essence] gourd spoke up, "Originally, our mother intended to lay low for a time, waiting for the conflicts to subside before returning to see if the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest remained intact."

"Alas, a great Chaos Tide [a catastrophic surge of chaotic energy] swept through, washing us, unfortunately, into the heart of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, which is how we came to encounter you."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen was momentarily stunned.

He had never imagined that the Innate Seven-Colored Gourd Vine [a primordial vine bearing gourds of seven colors] possessed such profound origins, though upon reflection, it made sense.

For, generally speaking, a Ninth Rank High-Grade [a high-grade classification within the ninth rank] Chaos Lair was incapable of nurturing a Supreme Grade Innate Ancient Tree [a plant of the highest innate grade, born from chaos].

Furthermore, a treasure as rare as the Innate Seven-Colored Gourd Vine was an exceedingly precious supreme treasure, even within the Sea of Chaos Fringe [the border regions where the ordered realms meet the primordial chaos].

How many Five Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived five heavenly tribulations], or even Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations], have scoured the Sea of Chaos Fringe [the turbulent, primordial borderlands of the cosmos] for tens of millions, even hundreds of millions of years, yet never once encountered a treasure of such immense value?

For them to stumble upon it within a mere Upper Grade Chaos Lair [a high-quality but not supreme lair formed from primordial chaos] defies all logic and reason.

By all established principles, where an Innate Seven-Colored Gourd Vine [a primordial vine born of chaos, bearing gourds of seven distinct colors] takes root must be a supreme, Ninth Rank [the highest possible grade] Supreme Grade Chaos Lair [a lair of chaos of the absolute pinnacle quality].

Such a place would not only be guarded by Chaos Beast King [a king among the primordial beasts born of chaos], but by at least seven such kings standing vigil. These seven Chaos Beast King [kings among the primordial beasts born of chaos], combined with the seven Innate Ancient Treasure [a treasure born of primordial chaos in ancient times] gourds they protect, would form an array of truly world-shaking, peerless power.

Without the strength of a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations], even a coalition of several Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [ancient immortals who have survived six heavenly tribulations] launching an assault would be nothing but a march to their doom.

However, if the Innate Seven-Colored Gourd Vine [the primordial vine] had fled for refuge and temporarily rooted itself within that Ninth Rank [highest grade] Upper Grade Chaos Lair [high-quality chaos lair], merely seeking a temporary haven from a greater threat, then everything becomes perfectly clear.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen could not help but speak. "It seems we have stumbled upon a truly monumental windfall this time."

The Blazeflame [a title referring to the Blazeflame Gourd's sentience] Gourd nodded, a faint smile gracing its form. "We were originally rooted on the periphery of the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [a legendary nesting ground for primordial violet phoenixes within the chaos], surrounded and guarded by thousands of Chaos Lair [dens or nests formed within primordial chaos] that served as its outer bulwarks."

"By the normal order of things, without power equivalent to a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal whose power encompasses the great dao] or a Chaos Demon God [a demonic deity born of primordial chaos], anyone venturing there would be courting certain death."

"Even setting aside the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [the phoenix nest] itself, the original Chaos Gourd Nest [the primordial nest where we gourds were nurtured] that nurtured us was defended by seven Chaos Beast King [kings among the primordial beasts]. Their cultivation, every one of them, surpassed the Third Tribulation."

"The two Chaos Beast Kings of opposing Polarity [the fundamental forces of yin and yang], their cultivation is comparable to a Five Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived five heavenly tribulations]."

"The Ancient Immortals [immortals from ancient times] of your Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a vast expanse of three thousand immortal realms] are suppressed by the Primordial Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation]. To assault the Chaos Gourd Nest [a lair of chaos creatures shaped like a gourd], you would likely need dozens of Five Tribulations Ancient Immortals joining forces, perhaps even adding one or two Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortals [immortals who have survived seven heavenly tribulations] to have a thirty to fifty percent chance of success."

At this point, the Blazeflame Gourd sighed once more. "A pity that in that great battle of old, the majority of the Three Thousand Chaos Lairs [three thousand nests and dens within the primordial chaos] were shattered."

"The clash between the two great Chaos Fiends [demonic beings born from primordial chaos] was too devastating. After the seven Chaos Beast Kings [kings among the beasts of chaos] were conscripted, not a single one returned alive."

"Our mother could only take us and flee the nest, escaping all the way to the fringes of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains to seek refuge."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, understanding that he had stumbled upon a heaven-sent Opportunity and Fortune [a rare and immense stroke of luck or destiny].

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke again. "I have heard of the might of the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [the lair of the Chaos Violet Phoenix]. But who were the opponents, daring enough to assault such a place?"

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen's expression grew profoundly grave.

According to the Compendium of Chaos Lairs, the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest ranked among the top hundred most powerful Chaos Lairs [dens and nests within the primordial chaos] of its tier.

Furthermore, the Chaos Violet Phoenix was one of the Seven Chaos Phoenixes [seven legendary phoenixes born from primordial chaos], and ranked among the top three in combat prowess within that group. It could hold its own even against a Primordial Chaos Black Dragon [a mighty dragon born from the primordial chaos] of the same tier.

According to Eldrin Chen's knowledge, the Nine Chaos Dragons Nest was one of the ten great Chaos Lair [a primordial domain of pure, unformed chaos], capable of nurturing at most nine Chaos Primordial Dragon [primordial dragons born from the essence of chaos] of the Chaos Realm [the highest realm of existence, representing pure, primordial chaos].

The Seven Chaos Phoenixes Nest was no less formidable, said to be able to nurture up to seven Chaos Immortal Phoenix [immortal phoenixes born from the essence of chaos].

"The Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest only nurtured a single Chaos Immortal Phoenix, so it could not compare to the Seven Chaos Phoenixes Nest. However, the Chaos Violet Phoenix was still one of the Seven Chaos Phoenixes [the seven legendary phoenixes of chaos], and its power was not to be underestimated. Yet, it was still assaulted at its very lair."

Eldrin Chen fell into contemplation, his gaze filled with curiosity.

Hearing this, the five gourds also fell into a heavy silence.

After a long pause, the Metallic Gold Gourd finally spoke, its voice low. "We do not know the full details of that battle from ages past. We only know that suddenly, the Chaos itself seemed to change hue, and an indescribable existence descended upon the Within the Chaos Lair [the interior of a primordial chaos domain]."

"Its form was of unimaginable majesty, clad in radiant violet scales. Most of its body was shrouded within the Chaos, impossible to perceive clearly. I only know that its horns were longer than an entire Immortal Domain [a vast realm governed by immortal laws], and they crackled with the power of World-Annihilating Thunderclap [a divine ability capable of unleashing thunder that can shatter worlds]."

"From across the Vast and Boundless Chaos [the infinite expanse of primordial chaos], it thrust forward with a single horn, piercing through countless Chaos Lair as if they were paper. Even the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest was violently torn open, leaving a gaping wound."

As it spoke of this, the spiritual sense of the Metallic Gold Gourd trembled slightly, as if reliving a profound terror.

Eldrin Chen was left speechless. Horns larger than an Immortal Domain... Was such a being even possible? It was an inconceivable, indescribable horror.

It must be understood that any single Immortal Domain [a vast, self-contained realm within the cosmos, home to immortals and countless worlds] is an aggregation of innumerable Universe [a complete cosmic structure containing galaxies, stars, and planets]. Within its bounds lie endless Dimensional Void [the empty spaces between worlds and dimensions], and the Myriad Heavens [the countless celestial realms and worlds] that evolve within it are as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River.

The vastness of a single Immortal Domain [a vast, self-contained realm within the cosmos, home to immortals and countless worlds] spans not mere billions of light-years, but a scale so immense it defies comprehension by mortal minds.

A single horn larger than an entire Immortal Domain [a vast, self-contained realm within the cosmos, home to immortals and countless worlds]—how truly monumental and awe-inspiring must its true form be? It is likely that a single Universe [a complete cosmic structure containing galaxies, stars, and planets] would be smaller than a single cell within its body.

"Are all Chaos Fiend [primordial demons born from the formless chaos, entities of immense power and destruction] like this?"

Eldrin Chen's face paled slightly, momentarily at a loss for words to express his awe.

Compared to the scale of an Immortal Domain [a vast, self-contained realm within the cosmos, home to immortals and countless worlds], his own power was less than a drop in the ocean. Facing such a Chaos Fiend [primordial demons born from the formless chaos, entities of immense power and destruction], a mere wisp of its breath would be enough to reduce him to ashes.

"If I were to break through to the Great Encompassing Realm [the ultimate stage of cultivation, representing mastery over the fundamental laws of existence], could I achieve such a feat?"

Yet, in the very next moment, Eldrin Chen regained his composure, a spark of fierce anticipation lighting his eyes.

A horn vast enough to dwarf an Immortal Domain [a vast, self-contained realm within the cosmos, home to immortals and countless worlds] and pierce a Chaos Lair [a domain or nest within the primordial chaos, often home to powerful chaotic beings]—such terrifying power was indeed staggering, yet it also stirred a profound sense of ambition within him.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen wondered: if he ascended to the Great Encompassing Realm [the ultimate stage of cultivation, representing mastery over the fundamental laws of existence], could he, with a mere flick of his finger, suppress an entire, boundless Immortal Domain [a vast, self-contained realm within the cosmos, home to immortals and countless worlds]?

With this thought solidified in his mind, Eldrin Chen felt his resolve for arduous cultivation harden like tempered steel.

"The Great Encompassing Realm remains distant from me," he stated calmly. "To dwell on it now serves no purpose."

His gaze then shifted to the five treasured gourds. "Will you aid me in my cultivation?" Eldrin Chen asked, his voice devoid of inflection.

"We... shall."

Hearing his words, the gourds' radiance flickered momentarily before they acquiesced to Eldrin Chen's terms.

"*Hummmmm—*"

In that very instant, the Innate Five Elements Gourd erupted with a blinding, divine light.

They shot into the air, unleashing a cataclysmic surge of Five Elements Origin power [the primordial essence of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth] that poured into Eldrin Chen's body.

The foundational essence contained within five Innate Ancient Treasure [treasures born from the primal chaos of creation] was vast and seemingly boundless. Furthermore, gourd-type magical treasure [enchanted artifacts used by cultivators] inherently possessed the ability to store immense energy. As the five treasures continuously channeled their primordial essence into him, Eldrin Chen received this immense feedback. His cultivation base, the reservoir of his spiritual power, began to expand at a breathtaking, exponential rate. For more chapters, visit audio-novel dot com for the complete novel.