Chapter 1822 : Scouring the Chaos Shoals

After emerging from the Chaos Lair [a perilous, unstable pocket dimension within the primordial chaos], the trio did not depart immediately.

They began to wander within this Within the Chaos Lair, searching for the various Opportunities and Fortunes [chances for advancement and rare treasures] hidden within.

Unfortunately, this particular Chaos Shoal [a relatively stable island-like region within the Sea of Chaos] had long been explored by those few Ancient Immortals [powerful cultivators who have transcended mortal tribulations and attained immense age and power], and most of its Opportunities and Fortunes had already been plundered.

Over the course of their search spanning more than three thousand years, they discovered quite a few Chaos Lairs, yet the Chaos Ancient Beasts [primordial beasts born from chaos energy] within were mostly slain, and the Innate Energy [the pure, primordial energy that forms the foundation of all things] had largely been harvested clean.

In the end, all that fell into the hands of the three were merely five strands of Innate Energy, three to five portions of Innate Rare Treasures [naturally formed spiritual materials of exceptional rarity], and a dozen or so slain Chaos Ancient Beasts.

Such a haul of rare treasures would be considered a windfall for an ordinary Celestial Immortal [an immortal who has ascended to the celestial realm], but for three beings with the combat power of Ancient Immortals, it was disappointingly meager.

"Not even a single Ninth Rank High-Grade [the pinnacle of the ninth rank, denoting supreme quality] Chaos Ancient Beast was found. It seems we must venture to other Chaos Shoals," Eldrin Chen remarked.

After thoroughly scouring the area and confirming the Chaos Shoal held no further treasures, Eldrin Chen had no choice but to lead his two companions away.

They continued their journey deeper into the Sea of Chaos [the boundless, turbulent expanse of primordial chaos]. Along the way, they explored several other Chaos Shoals, yet none yielded the coveted treasures they sought.

Eldrin Chen understood the reason. These Chaos Shoals were relatively close to the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms where immortals dwell], and had likely been picked clean by other Ancient Immortal Great Powers [Ancient Immortals of formidable strength and influence]. The chances of finding truly precious Rare Spiritual Wonders [rare spiritual wonders] left behind were slim. Official source: AUDIO-NOVEL.COM. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Thus, they journeyed onward, skirting the edge of the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse between worlds] and flying deep into the leftward expanse. After traveling for more than five thousand years, they finally discovered a rather vast Chaos Shoal [a semi-stable landmass adrift within the Sea of Chaos].

"Let it be here."

Gazing at the Chaos Shoal before him, Eldrin Chen drew a deep breath and spoke.

Seeing this Chaos Shoal, Exquisite Jiang also gave a slight nod. "This place is distant from the Violet Sun Immortal Domain [a major realm of immortal cultivation]. Perhaps it has yet to be explored by others."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. The reason he had come to this remote location was precisely its isolation and great distance from the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

Those Ancient Immortal [powerful cultivators who have transcended numerous heavenly tribulations] who set out from the Violet Sun Immortal Domain typically either ventured into the depths of the Sea of Chaos or explored the Chaos Shoal surrounding their home domain.

With the speed of a Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal, reaching the Sea of Chaos would take at most a thousand years of flight.

Exploring the vicinity of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain would require merely a few hundred years to travel from one Chaos Shoal to another.

In comparison, for an ordinary Ancient Immortal to fly to this remote shoal, the journey would take at least ten thousand years one way. A round trip would consume over twenty thousand years just in travel—a span of time far too prodigious for most to spare. Thus, few Ancient Immortal ever ventured this far.

Considering this, Horizon Patriarch also nodded. "We have already spent considerable time on the journey. Now, only a little over ten thousand years remain before the Chaos Tide [a cataclysmic wave of chaotic energy that periodically sweeps through the cosmos] sweeps through."

"We must explore this lair within three thousand years, to have sufficient time to return to the Violet Sun Immortal Domain before the Chaos Tide sweeps over everything."

Eldrin Chen nodded upon hearing this and decisively stated, "Then let us enter."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen took the lead, flying into the Within the Chaos Lair.

Yet, the moment he stepped into the Chaos Lair, Eldrin Chen sensed a surge of overwhelming Heavenly God power [a divine being of immense power] assailing him. Without hesitation, he countered with a palm strike, instantly clashing with the entity that had attacked.

"BOOM—"

In that instant, Eldrin Chen stood his ground, utterly unmoved, while the attacker was sent flying, blood spraying, half its body shattered by the impact.

Only then did he look at the assailant, his expression shifting slightly as he spoke, "A Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc?"

Upon hearing this, Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden also showed a flicker of alarm. After a careful glance at the attacking Chaos Ancient Beast, they let out a sigh of relief.

The Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc is one of the Colossal Chaos Fiend [a classification for the most powerful and ancient primordial beasts], known for its solitary nature. It is said this lineage feeds on entire populations of Chaos Ancient Beast [primordial beasts born from chaos], and adults are at least at the level of a Chaos Beast King [a monarch among chaos beasts].

Fortunately, this one's aura was not overwhelmingly powerful; it seemed to be merely a juvenile Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc, with cultivation only at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm level.

"Screech—"

In the brief moment the three of them turned, the Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc [a primordial avian predator of the Chaos] let out a cry of terror, flapped its wings, and attempted to flee, dragging its wounded body through the void.

Seeing this, Horizon Patriarch immediately warned, "A juvenile Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc never travels alone. A Colossal Chaos Fiend [a titanic, monstrous entity native to the primordial Chaos] must be nearby. Subdue it now!"

"Hum—"

In that very instant, Eldrin Chen acted decisively. He channeled his power and unleashed the Primordial One Energy Grasping Hand [a divine technique that manifests a giant hand of condensed primordial energy], instantly crushing and annihilating the juvenile Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc.

With the Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc slain, Eldrin Chen let out a slight sigh of relief and stored its carcass. Every drop of blood, every bone of this creature was a precious treasure. Read the full novel exclusively on audio . novel . com.

While its value to the three of them was now limited, for the members of the Chen Clan, it represented a trove of Rare Spiritual Wonders [exceptionally rare spiritual materials of immense value].

After securing the Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to this Chaos Shoal [a relatively calm and navigable region within the turbulent Sea of Chaos]. His expression grew solemn as he spoke, "The Colossal Chaos Fiend is akin to a leviathan or a celestial shark in the vast ocean; it rarely ventures into the shallows of a Chaos Shoal."

"Since a Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc appeared here, this place may hold anomalies. There might be a thread of Opportunity and Fortune [a chance encounter with destiny or a stroke of profound luck] here. We must proceed with utmost caution."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen lifted his head to peer into the Depths of Chaos [the profound and perilous heart of the primordial Chaos]. There, within the churning Chaos [the formless, primordial state from which all existence emerged], a strange and wondrous Immortal Radiance [a luminous aura characteristic of immortal realms or artifacts] blossomed forth. Its light pierced through the Chaos Water [the dense, energy-saturated fluid that constitutes the Sea of Chaos], refracting towards them like a brilliant candle flame in the absolute dark.

"It seems there is still a portion of Opportunity and Fortune here, luring that Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc to risk venturing into this Chaos Shoal."

Upon hearing this, both of them nodded. The Celestial Maiden spoke up, "Currently, both our spiritual power reserves are depleted by more than half. Should we return to the Violet Sun Immortal Domain first and wait until after the Chaos Tide to investigate further?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head decisively. "The Chaos Tide will last for one hundred thousand years. If we miss this chance, we would have to wait at least that long."

"Most crucially, by the time one hundred thousand years have passed, the Opportunity and Fortune within this Chaos Shoal might have already drifted back into the Sea of Chaos with the currents. It would be like a dragon returning to the vast ocean, utterly beyond our reach."

Having said that, Eldrin Chen activated the Chaos Mist to envelop the three of them, and they began moving silently deeper into the Chaos Shoal.

The trio journeyed towards the distant light. Before long, they sensed a dazzling and formidable aura, causing their hearts to tremble slightly.

It was an incredibly resplendent Chaos Lair, its entire form shimmering with a Glazed radiance. The light they had seen originated from here.

Within this Within the Chaos Lair, hundreds of fish shimmering with a Glazed Jade Halo were straining to maintain a protective barrier.

And outside the lair, a Colossal Chaos Fiend of sky-obscuring proportions was vigorously assaulting the Chaos Lair.

"A Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc, Chaos Glazed Jade Fish, and a Supreme Grade Chaos Glazed Jade Nest."

Witnessing this scene, Celestial Maiden felt her throat tighten slightly, a look of wild joy spreading across her face.

As a Colossal Chaos Fiend, the Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc naturally needs no introduction; it is a Chaos Beast King comparable in power to a Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal.

The Chaos Glazed Jade Fish, however, is an exceedingly rare Chaos Ancient Beast. It is named for its body, which resembles flawless, unblemished Glazed jade, and is also known as the 'Glazed Treasure Light Fish'.

Most crucially, every inch of the Chaos Glazed Jade Fish's flesh is imbued with the divine nature of Glazed jade and possesses its flawless, unblemished quality, capable of cleansing an Immortal's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and soul.

It is said that beings at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm can continuously enhance their own Primordial Spirit by consuming the Chaos Glazed Jade Fish, boosting their comprehension and Primordial Spirit power, thereby increasing their chances of successfully apprehending the Great Path [the fundamental laws of the cosmos].

If one consumes enough Chaos Glazed Jade Fish, even the most ordinary Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm cultivator could potentially transform into a top-tier, heaven-defying prodigy, comprehend an Embryonic Great Path [the nascent form of a supreme cosmic law], and achieve a breakthrough into the Ancient Immortal Realm in one fell swoop.

Even for those already in the Ancient Immortal Realm, long-term consumption of the Chaos Glazed Jade Fish can continue to augment their cultivation base.

"Over one hundred Chaos Glazed Jade Fish."

Gazing upon this multitude of Chaos Glazed Jade Fish, Horizon Patriarch was overcome with immense delight.

He took a deep breath and spoke, "According to market prices, a single Ninth Rank low-grade Glazed Treasure Light Fish can fetch a price as high as one strand of Innate Energy [the primordial energy present at the dawn of creation]."

"Among this school of over one hundred Glazed Treasure Light Fish [a rare and luminous fish that dwells in the primordial chaos], there are many of Ninth Rank Mid-Grade [the mid-stage of the ninth cultivation rank] and even high-grade specimens. Their combined value likely exceeds two hundred strands of Innate Energy [the primordial, unformed energy of creation]."

The Celestial Maiden [a title for a high-ranking female immortal] also nodded, her gaze turning intensely grave as she looked deep into the Chaos Lair [a nest or dwelling formed within the raw substance of chaos]. "Within this school," she said, "there is also a Chaos Beast King [a ruler-class beast born of primordial chaos] level Glazed Treasure Light Fish."

"A supreme-grade specimen like that would stir the desire of even an Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has weathered multiple heavenly tribulations] who has transcended four or five tribulations. No wonder it attracted the Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc [a colossal roc that feeds on the substance of chaos itself]."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen drew a sharp breath.

The value of a supreme-grade Glazed Treasure Light Fish was staggering. It dwelled within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], and its speed through the Sea of Chaos [the boundless ocean of unformed primordial essence] was so great that not even high-level Ancient Immortal could claim to capture one easily. It was a treasure rarer than dragon's liver or phoenix marrow.

Consuming such a fish could enhance one's cultivation and purify both one's Dao Heart [the cultivator's core conviction and understanding of their path] and soul, making it an exceedingly rare treasure.

Even at the Assembly of Immortals Feast [a grand banquet hosted by the celestial court], the Immortal Artifact [a vessel of immense power used by immortals] nectar served to Great Encompassing Immortal Lord [a lord among immortals of the highest rank] would often contain supreme-grade Glazed Treasure Light Fish.

Of course, simply eating it raw was a profound waste. The supreme-grade fish's greatest value lay in its use for alchemy.

Refined together with the Seven-Colored Glazed Jade Herb [a mystical herb with seven hues and a jade-like translucence] in the same cauldron, it could be used to concoct the legendary Seven-Colored Glazed Jade Pill [a pill of seven colors that refines the spirit].

The Seven-Colored Glazed Jade Pill possessed wondrous, boundless effects. It could cleanse an Immortal's spirit, inducing a supreme metamorphosis. For an Ancient Immortal Great Power [a mighty figure among the ancient immortals], consuming it could shatter the bottleneck of the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass [a critical barrier in the advancement of one's primordial spirit].

The Great Encompassing Nine Heavenly Passes [the nine supreme barriers a cultivator must overcome to reach the pinnacle of the Immortal Path] are, respectively: the Great Path [the foundational cultivation method], the Physical Body, the Path Fruit [the condensed essence of one's cultivation achievements], Magical Power, the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], the Dao Heart [the unwavering heart and will aligned with the Great Path], Divine Ability [supernatural powers derived from cultivation], Immortal Treasure [a supreme-grade enchanted artifact], and Destiny [the profound fate and fortune of an individual].

Among the Nine Heavenly Passes, the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass [the barrier related to cultivating the Primordial Spirit] ranks fifth. To break through this barrier, one must cultivate a Great Encompassing Primordial Spirit [a Primordial Spirit of the highest, all-encompassing grade] that has reached the Ninth Limit Realm [the ninth and ultimate stage of refinement]. The difficulty of this breakthrough far surpasses that of the first four Heavenly Pass, to the extent that even the current Eldrin Chen has not yet touched upon this realm.

From this, one can see just how precious the Glazed Treasure Light Fish [a legendary Chaos creature whose essence can refine the Primordial Spirit] truly is.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen could not help but fall into a brief, contemplative silence, his gaze shifting between Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden.

The Celestial Maiden gave a slight nod and spoke, "The value of a supreme-grade Glazed Treasure Light Fish, if captured intact, would exceed that of an ordinary Supreme Grade Innate Rare Treasure [a treasure born from the primal chaos of heaven and earth] by several times."

"If we calculate based on an ordinary Innate Rare Treasure being worth fifty strands of Innate Energy [the primordial energy of creation], then the value of this supreme-grade Glazed Treasure Light Fish would surpass three hundred strands of Innate Energy."

"And if it could be refined into an Immortal Pill [a pill of divine efficacy], its worth would increase yet further."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt a tremor in his heart, solidifying his resolve to seize this Chaos Lair [a nest or dwelling formed within the primal Chaos].

Even for a high-level Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has weathered multiple heavenly tribulations] at the Four Tribulations stage, the value of a single Chaos [referring to the primal, formless state from which all things originate] Treasure Light Fish could equal their entire fortune.

If they could secure it, the cultivation of all three would surely advance by leaps and bounds. In fact, the resources needed for the members of the Chen Immortal Clan to break through to the Ancient Immortal realm would no longer be lacking.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze toward the heart of the battlefield and finally drew a deep breath, declaring, "We must seize this Chaos Lair."

After speaking, he scrutinized the battlefield once more, a slight frown creasing his brow.

Horizon Patriarch took a look and could not help but comment, "These several hundred Glazed Treasure Light Fish [a type of radiant, crystalline fish demon], empowered by the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy for defense or attack], are jointly channeling their Innate Divine Ability [a natural-born supernatural power]. Their combined defensive power is formidable. Even that Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc [a primordial, sky-swallowing bird of prey] will not be able to breach it swiftly."

"Our time is running short. We cannot afford further delay."

Upon hearing this, the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal] furrowed her brow deeply. "Then what should we do?"

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before speaking. "Given the strength of the Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc, once it shatters that Guardian Formation [a protective energy array], this school of Glazed Treasure Light Fish will be utterly defenseless."

"We need only silently dismantle this Formation and then let them destroy each other."

Hearing this, a glimmer of understanding lit in both their eyes. The Celestial Maiden smiled faintly. "Although that supreme-grade Glazed Treasure Light Fish has evolved into a Chaos Beast King [a ruler among primordial beasts] and possesses considerable intelligence, it lacks proper heritage. The Formation it has erected is therefore exceedingly crude."

"While this array can hold against the Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc, it may not withstand us—though it will cost us a measure of our spiritual power."

"Then let us act."

Eldrin Chen spoke, then with a flick of his sleeve, he slipped into the fringes of the Chaos Lair. Silently, he activated over a dozen spiritual talismans, concealing them within the outer layers of the lair.

These locations were the weak points of the Chaos Lair, and also served as some of the Formation Eye [the critical nodes that power and stabilize a magical formation] for its defensive Formation.

If any one of these weak points was triggered, the entire Formation would instantly collapse, providing them with the perfect opportunity to strike.

After setting the Formation, Eldrin Chen immediately retreated to the Depths of Chaos and said with a smile, "Now, watch."

At that very moment, the Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc unleashed its full power. A torrent of golden light surged through the Chaos, crashing violently against the defensive grand formation.

In that instant, the once unshakable Formation trembled violently. One by one, the Formation Eye dimmed, and then the vast Mountain Protection Formation shattered into nothingness.

For a fleeting moment, even the Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc was stunned. The Chaos Glazed Jade Fish King, however, erupted with wild elation and surged toward the Within the Chaos Lair.

Simultaneously, chaos erupted within the Chaos Lair. The moment the Formation broke, the Chaos Glazed Jade Fish King realized someone had sabotaged it from the shadows, but it was already too late to act.

Now that the Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc had finally breached the defenses, why would it believe the Fish King's desperate claims?

In an instant, a massacre unfolded. The Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc tore through the defenders as if they were nothing, slaughtering over thirty Chaos Glazed Jade Fish in mere moments before charging with boundless divine power toward their king.

Although this Chaos Glazed Jade Fish King was also a Chaos Beast King, it was not truly adept at combat, and its cultivation base was merely at the Second Tribulation Ancient Immortal Realm. How could it possibly withstand the ferocious onslaught of that savage Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc?

In merely a few hundred exchanges, the Chaos Glazed Jade Fish King was already grievously wounded, having lost seven or eight parts out of ten of its combat strength. The complete novel can be found at audio-novel[dot]com.