Chapter 1826 : The Halberd of Chaos and Runes

The Chaos Heaven Halberd [a legendary polearm of immense power], upon transforming into a Twenty-Four Rune Innate Ancient Treasure [a supreme artifact born of heaven and earth, marked with twenty-four primal runes], became the foremost treasure for slaughter in Eldrin Chen's hands.

By comparison, the Returning Abyss Pearl [a mystical pearl capable of reversing fate] could only serve as a final trump card, the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth [a vessel said to contain the primordial energies of creation] was useful merely for auxiliary purposes, and the Seven-Colored Immortal Pearl [a lustrous pearl radiating seven hues of immortal light] likewise possessed no offensive capabilities. None could provide Eldrin Chen with his optimal combat prowess in a conventional battle.

In contrast, this Chaos Heaven Halberd could be wielded through sheer physical strength, consuming a minuscule amount of magical power. Consequently, it could dramatically enhance Eldrin Chen's baseline combat effectiveness.

It must be understood that even among Innate Ancient Treasure [artifacts born from the primal chaos of creation], there existed distinctions of strength.

A twelve-rune Innate Ancient Treasure contained but a single Embryonic Great Path [the nascent form of a supreme Dao principle]. An eighteen-rune treasure increased its power by another twenty to thirty percent, yet this was not a qualitative leap.

However, a Twenty-Four Rune Innate Ancient Treasure contained two Embryonic Great Path. Its might was not merely doubled but far surpassed that of a twelve-rune Innate Treasure.

For the vast majority of Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived six heavenly tribulations], the Innate Ancient Treasure in their possession were of the twenty-four-rune, peak-grade level.

As for treasures beyond this—the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure infused with innate spiritual consciousness] or the Quasi-Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure approaching the level of a true spiritual treasure]—those were realms only Ancient Immortal [immortals of profound age and power] who had transcended Seven Tribulations [seven heavenly calamities] were qualified to touch. Those among the Six Tribulations who possessed a Quasi-Innate Spiritual Treasure were exceedingly rare.

With these thoughts, Eldrin Chen felt a subtle sense of reassurance settle within his heart.

He pondered no further. Stowing the Chaos Heaven Halberd away, he resumed his secluded cultivation, delving back into profound meditation. Read, share, and discuss at audio-novel . com.

At present, Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal] was still in seclusion, so Eldrin Chen did not plan to emerge immediately. He remained within his Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared room for undisturbed cultivation] and began to contemplate the Great Sun Self-Refinement Path, the Violet Firmament Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Limit-Breaking Art, and also that Seven-Colors Immortal Refinement Scripture.

After he had finished comprehending all three volumes of the Ancient Scripture, Eldrin Chen had gained some insight into how to break through the barrier of the Ten-Layered Heaven [the ultimate limit of spiritual power density] with his magic power. He even had some ideas about creating his own Great Encompassing Marvelous Art.

However, lacking sufficient time and foundational depth, Eldrin Chen temporarily refrained from acting on these ideas.

Thereafter, Eldrin Chen put away the three marvelous arts and turned his focus to perceiving the Innate Embryonic Great Path [the nascent principles of a supreme cultivation art] contained within the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth, the Bulwark Earth Sovereign Bell, the Polarity Void Mirror, the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords, the Enlightenment Purple Lotus Throne, and the Chaos Heaven Halberd.

These Innate Ancient Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos, containing innate laws] all held Embryonic Great Path within them. Eldrin Chen continuously studied and drew inspiration from them, preparing for the day he would cultivate the Innate Primordial One Limitless Great Path and to lay the groundwork for perfecting his Innate Divine Ability [a power inherent to one's being, not learned].

After spending twenty thousand years in this manner and having largely comprehended the Embryonic Great Path within these Innate Ancient Treasure, Eldrin Chen suddenly felt a qualitative leap in his vision and foundational understanding.

Once he fully digested these Great Path and Divine Ability [supernatural powers derived from cultivation], he might be able to begin gradually cultivating arts like the Primordial Solar Heavenly Flame and the Profound Darkness True Water, and even deduce that world-shaking Great Encompassing Divine Ability.

In the end, however, Eldrin Chen temporarily gave up on continuing his cultivation.

At present, Eldrin Chen's Path Fruit [the condensed essence and achievement of one's cultivated path] had not yet reached its Great Perfection. If his physical body and Great Path were to break through again, the Path Fruit would be completely suppressed, forever unable to break through the constraints of body and path to achieve ultimate completion.

"To fully cultivate a Great Perfection Path Fruit," he mused, "one must temporarily restrain the physical body and the Path Principle [the fundamental law of one's cultivation art], and instead promote their mutual integration and fusion."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, his brow eventually furrowing slightly.

His Path Principle and physical body were far too formidable; achieving complete mastery and fusion would be no simple task.

"By borrowing the power of the Path Union Flower?"

"No, relying on the Path Union Flower alone likely won't suffice."

Eldrin Chen uttered calmly, his gaze finally settling on the Depths of Chaos. "Perhaps only the power of the Sea of Chaos can exert sufficient pressure upon me, forcing my flesh to merge with my Path Principles and catalyzing the complete, ultimate maturation of my Path Fruit."

Having reached this conclusion, Eldrin Chen ceased his arduous cultivation.

Emerging from his Seclusion Chamber, he found Exquisite Jiang had been waiting for him for some time.

After several years of refining with the Seven-colored Immortal Pearl, Exquisite Jiang had also cultivated her mana to the Eighth Limit, her cultivation base having advanced tremendously.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, she smiled and handed him the Seven-colored Immortal Pearl. "I sense the purity of your mana has likely already shattered the Mana Heavenly Pass. I wonder if this treasure can help you progress even further."

Eldrin Chen accepted the Seven-colored Immortal Pearl. After attempting to refine its energy, he shook his head. "Though miraculous, this object is of little use to mana that has surpassed the Eighth Limit."

"I have already cultivated my mana to the Ninth Limit [the ninth and penultimate theoretical limit of mana density before the Heavenly Pass]. For me, this object is now useless."

Although they had long anticipated this outcome, the two still felt a pang of regret.

Upon careful reflection, this was only to be expected. After all, Eldrin Chen's Ninth Limit mana had already shattered the Mana Heavenly Pass [the formidable barrier separating the ninth limit from the legendary tenth]. And beyond the Ninth Limit lay the Tenth Limit Mana [the ultimate, mythic pinnacle of mana density].

Since time immemorial, those capable of breaking through the Tenth Limit had been paragons among the top-tier Ancient Immortal [immortals who have weathered multiple heavenly tribulations]. Even the vast majority of practitioners of Great Encompassing Marvelous Art [a supreme cultivation method] could not achieve this feat.

The Seven-colored Immortal Pearl was merely a Twenty-Four Patterns Innate Treasure [an innate treasure of the twenty-four patterns grade], not the priceless Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme innate treasure born of heaven and earth]. How could it possibly guarantee success?

Thinking this, Horizon Patriarch still said, "With a foundation as formidable as yours, your chances of cultivating the Seven-Colors Immortal Refinement Scripture [a secret scripture for refining immortal-grade mana] and breaking through to Tenth Limit Mana are exceedingly high." This chapter is part of a larger work available at audio–novel.com.

"Unlike us. Even with the Seven-Colors Immortal Refinement Scripture, our hope of shattering the Tenth Limit Mana is vanishingly slim."

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly upon hearing this. The Seven-Colors Immortal Refinement Scripture was created by the Seven-Colored Immortal Lord and was a secret lineage art of the Seven-Colored Immortal Clam [a mythical clam demon beast] clan, generally impossible for outsiders to practice.

Even if they managed to cultivate it with the aid of the Innate Dual-Polarity Five Elements Gourd [a gourd treasure embodying the dual polarities of the five elements], they could never surpass the results achieved by the true Seven-Colored Immortal Clam Clan.

In truth, even for the direct descendants of the Seven-Colored Immortal Clam clan who practiced this method, the ultimate hope of attaining Tenth Limit Mana was not great.

Within the Great Encompassing realm, the Nine Heavenly Passes present formidable barriers. Among them, the Mana Heavenly Pass [the barrier related to the refinement and control of one's spiritual energy] is notoriously difficult to overcome, its challenge far surpassing that of the physical body, Great Path [one's core cultivation methodology], and Path Fruit [the conceptual fruit of one's cultivated Dao]. Yet, simultaneously, the Mana Heavenly Pass holds paramount importance.

The Nine Heavenly Passes of the Great Encompassing realm are intricately interconnected. Shattering the Tenth Limit [the ultimate theoretical boundary of a Heavenly Pass] for any single Heavenly Pass will invariably influence the difficulty of breaking through the others, either easing or compounding the challenge.

Among them, the three Heavenly Pass related to the physical body, the Great Path, and the Path Fruit exert a mutual suppression upon one another. Paradoxically, their advancement can also nourish and enhance one's spiritual energy reserves and Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator].

Conversely, the Heavenly Pass governing spiritual energy and the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass [the barrier related to the Primordial Spirit] are immensely difficult to breach. Yet, their mastery can profoundly nourish the physical body, the Great Path, the Path Fruit, and even one's Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power] and the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [the barrier related to the refinement and mastery of spiritual treasures].

Take the Mana Heavenly Pass as an example. If Eldrin Chen could cultivate to the Tenth Limit Mana [the ultimate limit of spiritual energy refinement], he could forcibly use that overwhelming energy to suppress the barriers of his physical body and Great Path, thereby assisting his Path Fruit in shattering its own Heavenly Pass.

In reverse, breakthroughs in the physical body, the Great Path, or the Path Fruit Heavenly Pass [the barrier related to the Path Fruit] would likewise increase the probability of breaking the Mana Heavenly Pass.

However, if one's physical body were to shatter its Great Encompassing Heavenly Pass [the specific Heavenly Pass barrier within the Great Encompassing realm], it would exert a suppressive force upon the two major Heavenly Pass related to the Great Path and the Path Fruit, effectively locking them at their bottleneck within the Great Encompassing Heavenly Pass.

Thus, the Nine Heavenly Passes exist in a state of mutual generation and restraint. Pursuing an incorrect cultivation sequence naturally renders the path of breakthrough exceedingly arduous.

The vast majority of Ancient Immortal Great Power [powerful cultivators who have reached the Ancient Immortal realm] follow a set path. They first shatter the three major Heavenly Pass of the physical body, the Great Path, and the Path Fruit. This foundation allows them to break the seventh limit of spiritual energy force, the Force Extreme [the ultimate expression of power within a given limit]. Only then do they cultivate a supreme art like the Great Encompassing Marvelous Art to finally breach the Mana Heavenly Pass.

A rare few, peerless geniuses among geniuses, manage to prematurely break through the two great Heavenly Pass of spiritual energy and the Primordial Spirit. By doing so, they can use their enhanced Primordial Spirit and vast spiritual energy to nourish their physical body, Great Path, and Path Fruit. This propels them at a breathtaking pace through the tribulations, allowing them to reach the Five Tribulations Ancient Immortal Realm with astonishing speed.

However, for those who have not yet broken through the Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck in cultivation] with their Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution], Embryonic Great Path [a foundational cultivation art], or the nascent form of their Great Encompassing Path Fruit [the fruit of a supreme cultivation path], the difficulty of shattering the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass [the bottleneck related to spiritual power] is overwhelmingly immense.

Only existences with a foundation as profound as Eldrin Chen could potentially break through the limits of spiritual power and the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass ahead of time.

According to this theory, if the Mana Heavenly Pass [the bottleneck related to mana] is broken to achieve the Tenth Limit [the ultimate, tenth-level breakthrough], then utilizing Tenth Limit Mana [mana refined to the tenth limit] to temper one's physical body, Great Path [one's core cultivation art], and Path Fruit [the conceptual fruit of one's cultivation path] can slightly increase the possibility of the body, Great Path, and Path Fruit also breaking through to the Tenth Limit.

Therefore, those who have broken their mana through the Tenth Limit possess a certain potential to cultivate more than one Tenth Limit Heavenly Pass.

Take, for example, the Immortal Clam Clan's Seven-Colored Immortal Lord. He once broke through the Tenth Limit in three paths: mana, Great Path, and physical body. It was this achievement that allowed him to cultivate to the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a late-stage Golden Immortal of the Great Encompassing realm] and become the unshakable Sea-Calmer [a title meaning 'one who calms the seas,' signifying a pillar of stability] of the Immortal Clam Clan.

"Legend says that cultivating all seven foundational Heavenly Pass—excluding Destiny [one's predetermined fate] and the Path Heart Heavenly Pass [the bottleneck of the cultivator's heart]—to the Tenth Limit Realm is the very threshold for breaking through to the Primordial One Imperial Lord [the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm],"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a glint of unwavering resolve flashing in his eyes.

The Primordial One Imperial Lord is an existence that transcends the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Such figures are revered within the Human Race as Quasi-Sage Imperial Lord [Imperial Lords who are quasi-sages], hailed among the Divine Clan as the Nine Heavenly God Emperors, and within the Demon Race, they possess the qualification to become Demon Race Great Emperor [Great Emperors of the Demon Race].

These supreme beings stand at the very pinnacle beneath Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [Path Ancestors and Immortal Sages] and Divine Sovereign Heavenly Emperor [Divine Sovereigns and Heavenly Emperors]. Even the Purple Seal Immortal Lord at the peak of his power had merely brushed against the edge of this realm.

"It seems I must strive to cultivate the Tenth Limit Mana Heavenly Pass at the earliest opportunity,"

With these thoughts in mind, Eldrin Chen smiled and said, "By my reckoning, less than ten thousand years remain before the Chaos Tide [a cataclysmic surge of primordial chaos energy] recedes. It is time we began our preparations."

Upon hearing this, both the Celestial Maiden and Horizon Patriarch exchanged a subtle, knowing glance.

They understood that Eldrin Chen's words likely signaled his intent to move against those individuals.

Considering this, the Celestial Maiden inquired, "It is indeed fitting. Yet, how shall we ensure they cannot escape?"

Eldrin Chen pondered briefly before replying, "We shall lure them into the Chaos Shoal [a treacherous, shifting region within the primordial chaos], conceal ourselves, and strike from ambush."

"If we can slay or grievously wound one or two of them, the rest of the battle will hold little concern."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen waved his sleeve, causing the Polarity Void Mirror [a mystical artifact capable of sealing space and trapping foes] to materialize before them.

Seeing it, both were heartened. Horizon Patriarch could not help but chuckle, "With this treasure in hand, their chances of fleeing are surely slim to none."

Eldrin Chen nodded, yet cautioned, "True enough. Still, to guard against any unforeseen circumstance, we must prepare meticulously."

"Here is my plan: I shall venture into the Chaos Shoal first and preemptively lay down the Innate Five Elements Gourd Grand Formation [a supreme trapping formation harnessing the power of the five primal elements]. At the critical moment, I will activate it, ensnaring them all in one fell swoop."

"Very well."

Upon hearing this, both Horizon Patriarch and Celestial Maiden agreed with Eldrin Chen's assessment.

"..."

In the time that followed, the three of them continued their secluded cultivation within the Grotto-Heaven.

Thus, ten thousand years passed in the blink of an eye, and the time came once more for the Chaos Tide to recede.

When the Chaos Tide finally ebbed and the countless Ancient Immortal of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain departed once again, Eldrin Chen also slipped away without a trace.

He left Horizon Patriarch and Celestial Maiden behind in the Grotto-Heaven to serve as a diversion, while he himself silently made his way into the Sea of Chaos.

This time, he continued to the left, using Primordial Chaos Energy to conceal his aura. After flying for five thousand years, he arrived at a Chaos Shoal.

"This should be far enough."

Gazing at this Chaos Shoal, Eldrin Chen murmured to himself.

He reached the depths of the Chaos Shoal and, using the Innate Five Elements Gourd, laid down an Innate Five Elements Grand Formation. Then, he silently returned to the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

After meeting the two, Eldrin Chen exchanged greetings with them. The trio then departed the Grotto-Heaven in complete secrecy, heading into the Chaos.

"Those three fledglings, hiding for just over ten thousand years before setting off—truly impatient!"

At the same moment, several Ancient Immortal [powerful cultivators who have transcended mortal tribulations and achieved immense longevity] began to follow in their wake.

The Immortal Spear Ancient Immortal gazed in the direction the three had departed, a cold sneer twisting his lips. "Thinking a delay of ten thousand years would let them escape our pursuit? They truly underestimate this old man."

Beside the Immortal Spear Ancient Immortal, the other Ancient Immortal let out strange, mocking laughs.

One of them, holding an Immortal Pagoda [a pagoda-shaped artifact of immense power], spoke with icy resolve. "Eccentric Jiang, remember our agreement. Once this is done, secure that Nine Revolutions Limit-Breaking Pill [a legendary elixir said to shatter cultivation bottlenecks through nine cycles of refinement] for me."

To the side, a woman added calmly, "And do not forget the Primal Shadow Soul-Condensing Pearl [a mystical pearl that stabilizes and fortifies the soul's shadow essence] this humble one requires."

"Easy, easy,"

the Immortal Spear Ancient Immortal laughed heartily, declaring with gusto, "As long as this endeavor succeeds, I will certainly not shortchange any of you."

As the words fell, a group of six Ancient Immortal [powerful beings who have transcended mortality and attained immense longevity and power] gave chase.

"Trouble!"

At the same moment, the three who had just stepped into the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond ordered realms] discovered the six pursuers closing in.

The Horizon Patriarch's 'expression shifted dramatically' as he sought to flee back towards the Violet Sun Immortal Domain, but Immortal Spear Ancient Immortal and his companions were prepared. The six Ancient Immortal Patriarch had fanned out in the direction of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain, completely sealing off their retreat.

"There's no going back."

The Celestial Maiden [a female immortal of great beauty and power] 'paled with alarm' and immediately fled deeper into the Depths of Chaos.

Simultaneously, Eldrin Chen and the Horizon Patriarch shot through the void, following the Celestial Maiden in a desperate flight towards the Depths of Chaos.

During this frantic escape, Eldrin Chen exchanged a fleeting glance with his two companions, a silent message passing between them in an instant.

The Horizon Patriarch let out a soft sigh. "It is fortunate Fellow Cultivator Eldrin was prepared," he murmured. "Otherwise, we might not have been able to keep them here."

"You think you can flee?!"

At that very moment, Eccentric Jiang arrived, cleaving through the void with his Immortal Spear Ancient Immortal spear in hand. Despite being only a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived four heavenly tribulations], he instantly closed a significant portion of the distance.

Seeing this, the trio's expressions shifted slightly. Each spat out a mouthful of blood essence, igniting their vital life force to drastically increase their escape speed as they fled toward the Depths of Chaos [the turbulent and lawless outer reaches of the cosmos].

"Burning your foundational true blood to flee?"

Eccentric Jiang sneered, his gaze dark and profound. "How long can your precious blood essence possibly last?"

Although Eccentric Jiang remained unhurried, the other five Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortals [immortals who have survived three heavenly tribulations] were beginning to struggle to keep pace.

Noticing this, Eccentric Jiang spoke up, "Set your minds at ease. If we capture them, I claim only the Five Elements Gourd [a magical treasure that harnesses the power of the five primal elements]. All other treasures shall be yours to divide."

Gritting their teeth, the five pursuers also began to burn their own true blood to fuel the chase.

Thus began a desperate pursuit that spanned millennia. By the time Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal] finally reached the Chaos Shoal [a perilous region of fragmented space and chaotic energies], their vital energies were severely depleted, their faces pale with exhaustion.

The moment they entered the Chaos Shoal, both Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden let out a sigh of relief. Color instantly returned to their complexions, as if a great burden had been lifted.

As he continued his flight, Horizon Patriarch glanced back and remarked, "Fortunately, we had the aid of the Innate Spiritual Water [a primordial spiritual liquid that can rapidly restore one's vitality]. Otherwise, our foundations would have suffered grievous harm today."

Hearing this, Celestial Maiden also smiled faintly. The Innate Spiritual Water produced by the Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth could heal nearly all injuries below the Great Encompassing realm, and naturally, it also possessed the ability to restore vital essence and blood [the foundational life force and blood energy of a cultivator].

However, recovering from such depletion came at a tremendous cost. They had expended several dozen vials of Innate Spiritual Water in total. Calculating the price at one wisp of Innate Energy per vial, the combined value was likely equivalent to an Innate Ancient Treasure.

It was only because Eldrin Chen's Primordial Energy Vase of Heaven and Earth could convert and produce Innate Spiritual Water that such profligate use was possible. An ordinary Immortal would never be so willing to squander Innate Spiritual Water in this manner.

"BOOM—"

It was at this very moment that Eccentric Jiang and the others caught up and pursued them into the heart of the Chaos Shoal.

"Perish!" For uninterrupted reading, go to audio–novel.com.