Chapter 1829 : Guardian's Legacy and the Heavenly Artifact

"Did these individuals ever take action against our clan?"

After understanding the cause and effect, Eldrin Chen could not help but inquire.

Exquisite Jiang shook her head, replying with a calm smile, "With the Heavenly Path Source Artifact [a supreme artifact that governs the foundational laws of a realm] empowering us, none of them dared to cause trouble."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. After all, the Vast Azure Immortal Domain was merely an ordinary Immortal Domain [a vast realm where immortals dwell], its strength ranking among the lowest within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a collective term for the myriad immortal realms].

Truly powerful figures emerging from such an Immortal Domain were few and far between. Most were Celestial Immortal Great Power [powerful beings who have ascended to the Celestial Immortal realm], with those of the Ancient Immortal Realm [a venerable and immensely powerful stage of immortal cultivation] being exceedingly rare.

Eldrin Chen estimated that most of these Ancient Immortal were likely below the third tribulation, and those surpassing the fourth tribulation should be even fewer. Thus, he felt a measure of confidence in facing them.

Fortunately, before Eldrin Chen departed for the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, formless expanse between realms], he had transferred the authority over the Heavenly Path Source Artifact to Exquisite Jiang as a precaution against unforeseen events in the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, which had deterred any covetous gazes from others.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen spoke thoughtfully, "I will have to depart again before long. If anyone truly moves against the clan in my absence, you should retreat and avoid confrontation. Wait for my return to handle everything."

Exquisite Jiang gave a slight nod of understanding. "I understand," she said.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen said no more. With a flick of his sleeve, he retrieved a collection of treasures from within it. For the best reading experience, visit audio-novel . com.

The several women glanced at the items, their hearts involuntarily trembling slightly.

The value of the treasures Eldrin Chen had brought back this time was truly staggering. Among them, the Innate Energy [the purest form of primordial energy, foundational for high-level cultivation] alone numbered three hundred strands.

Beyond that, there were vast quantities of Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill [a supreme-grade elixir refined through nine cycles, capable of greatly enhancing cultivation], Path Union Flower [a rare spiritual herb that aids in comprehending the union of cultivation paths], and the Rare Spiritual Wonders [extraordinarily precious spiritual materials and artifacts] needed to cultivate the Path Principle [a profound divine ability based on the fundamental principles of the Great Path]. Their combined value easily surpassed two to three hundred strands of Innate Energy.

Most crucially, there were also priceless Rare Spiritual Wonders such as the Seven-colored Immortal Pearl [a magical pearl radiating seven-colored immortal light], the Five Treasures Glazed Armor [an armor forged from five rare treasures and glazed immortal materials], three scrolls of the Great Encompassing Secret Scroll [an ancient scripture containing profound and all-encompassing secrets], the Primal Shadow Soul-Condensing Pearl [a pearl that condenses and stabilizes the soul essence of the primal shadow aspect], and the Nine Revolutions Limit-Breaking Pill [a legendary pill that can help break through seemingly insurmountable cultivation bottlenecks].

Gazing upon this immense hoard of Rare Spiritual Wonders, even Exquisite Jiang could not help but ask, "It seems your journey yielded no small harvest."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and began recounting the events of his journey to his several dao-companions, his tale stirring their hearts and minds.

Lila could not help but take a deep breath, her voice filled with longing, "The Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse between ordered realms] holds such boundless Opportunity and Fortune [chance encounters and destined treasures]. How I wish I could journey there myself."

"Your cultivation is still insufficient for you to wander within the Sea of Chaos," Eldrin Chen shook his head.

He then handed the Primal Shadow Soul-Condensing Pearl to Lila and said, "During my absence, you must all cultivate diligently. I hope that before the Path Tribulation [a great calamity testing one's cultivation path] arrives, you can all break through to the Ancient Immortal Realm [the realm of Ancient Immortals, beings who have weathered countless tribulations] as soon as possible."

The women all nodded in understanding. In the years since Eldrin Chen's departure, the cultivation of the first batch of Celestial Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] from the Chen Clan had advanced by leaps and bounds. They had now all broken through to the Late Celestial Immortal Realm [the later stage of the Celestial Immortal realm].

It is a pity that the Chen Immortal Clan [the Chen family of cultivators] lacked sufficient resources. In their desperate bid to break through to the Seventh Layer of the Celestial Immortal Realm [the seventh level of the Celestial Immortal cultivation stage], they were forced to sell off a significant portion of the clan's assets. They even had to borrow some Innate Energy [the primordial, foundational energy of the universe] from the Immortal Clam Clan [a clan of cultivators descended from or allied with immortal clams] through Nyssa Qu's connections to finally succeed in their breakthrough.

Now, with this batch of Innate Energy and supplemental resources, their cultivation bases were certain to advance by leaps and bounds.

However, upon hearing that Eldrin Chen still intended to depart, Exquisite Jiang could not help but say, "Since you have returned with such difficulty, you should stay a while longer."

Eldrin Chen felt the same reluctance in his heart, but thoughts of the approaching Kalpa Tribulation [the great cosmic cataclysm that periodically reshapes existence] forced a sigh from his lips. "The Kalpa Tribulation draws near. I cannot afford to waste too much time at this juncture."

"This time, I shall stay for a shorter period. I will remain at home for ten thousand years."

Upon hearing this, his companions let out soft sighs of their own and offered no further persuasion.

They understood. With less than three million five hundred thousand years remaining until the Kalpa Tribulation, if one did not accumulate a sufficient foundation of strength beforehand, seizing the Opportunity and Fortune [the rare chance and destiny required] to achieve the Great Encompassing [the ultimate, all-encompassing cultivation realm] during the upheaval would be far from guaranteed.

In the years that followed, Eldrin Chen remained with his clan. Each day, he cultivated the Great Path [the supreme Dao of cultivation] alongside his Dao-companions. While his cultivation level saw no dramatic leaps, he felt the spiritual shackles binding his heart loosen considerably.

"It seems that once I return to the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all realms were born], I will be ready to take that final step and break through to the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the pinnacle stage of the Celestial Immortal realm]."

"..."

For a Celestial Immortal Great Power [a supreme being who has ascended to the celestial realm], a span of ten thousand years is not considered long; it might not even be enough time to complete a single session of closed-door cultivation to refine a batch of elixirs.

Eldrin Chen spent over ten thousand years with his several Dao companions, but ultimately, he still departed from the Vast Azure Immortal Domain.

When he arrived at the Frigid Immortal Domain, he discovered that the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful female immortal] and Horizon Patriarch had already been waiting for him for some time. Clearly, neither of them wished to waste too much time either.

"Since you're here, let us set off immediately."

Horizon Patriarch spoke with a smile, and the three of them promptly left the Frigid Immortal Domain.

By the time they reached the fringes of the Sea of Chaos Fringe, more than twenty thousand years had already passed. Join our community of readers at audio novel.com.

Their return this time coincided with the recent ebbing of the Chaos Tide [a periodic surge of primordial chaos energy]. After a brief period of rest and preparation, they hurriedly ventured into the Sea of Chaos.

This time, they did not head for the Chaos Shoal. The Chaos Shoal held few Opportunity and Fortune, and the vast majority contained no treasures of exceptional value.

Generally speaking, the total value of treasures within a single Chaos Shoal rarely exceeded one hundred strands of Innate Energy [the primordial energy that existed before the cosmos was formed], and most of that value was scattered and exceedingly difficult to locate.

Their previous astonishing harvest was primarily due to their heaven-defying Fortune. They had first encountered a school of Glazed Treasure Light Fish School, followed by the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd [a gourd born from primordial chaos containing seven treasures] that had fled to their location.

Returning to the main narrative, the three of them traversed the Boundless Chaos and finally arrived within the Sea of Chaos.

Yet, the moment they stepped into the Sea of Chaos, Eldrin Chen felt the incredibly violent Chaos Water assailing him from all directions.

The Chaos Water here in the Sea of Chaos was not vastly different from that within the Chaos Shoal, yet it was far more savage and turbulent. Endless Sea of Chaos Waves roared and surged, causing Eldrin Chen to momentarily lose his footing.

Horizon Patriarch also paled slightly, mustering all his spiritual power just to barely steady himself.

"How ferocious this Sea of Chaos is," he remarked after a moment.

Once he had stabilized his form, Horizon Patriarch could not help but speak out.

Celestial Maiden also looked grave, her expression turning solemn as she said, "The consumption of spiritual power here is immense. Even with our cultivation at the Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal realm, we could likely endure here for no more than a hundred thousand years."

"And if a fierce battle were to erupt, the drain on our power would likely be several times greater than in the outside world."

Eldrin Chen focused his senses briefly and discovered he could still refine this violent Sea of Chaos Water. A faint sigh of relief escaped him.

With this thought, he spoke, "Let us not rush into exploration. We should wait until I break through to the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm first."

"A breakthrough?"

Upon hearing this, Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful and revered female immortal] paled slightly and said, "Attempting a breakthrough here seems far too perilous."

Eldrin Chen shook his head calmly. "The Sea of Chaos [a primordial, turbulent expanse of chaotic energies] exerts immense pressure upon me. By harnessing that pressure alongside my Ten Tribulations Dharmic Power [a supreme cultivation art that refines one's power through ten great trials], I can drastically shorten the time required for the breakthrough."

"Is that so?" Horizon Patriarch [a venerable elder known for his vast experience] pondered for a moment before speaking. "Then proceed with your breakthrough in peace. We two shall stand guard for you."

"My thanks."

Eldrin Chen clasped his hands in gratitude and immediately ventured deeper into the Sea of Chaos. He soon located a Ninth Rank [the highest tier within a specific classification system] Upper Grade Chaos Lair [a high-quality den or nest formed within the chaotic energies].

After slaying the Chaos Ancient Beast [a primordial beast born from and dwelling within chaotic energies] that resided Within the Chaos Lair, he claimed the Chaos Lair as his own and began his secluded cultivation.

For this breakthrough attempt, Eldrin Chen was not only utilizing the pressure of the Sea of Chaos Water [the dense, energy-rich waters of the Sea of Chaos], but also employing his Innate Dual-Polarity Five Elements Gourd [a supreme treasure born from heaven and earth, capable of containing and manipulating the five elements] to suppress both his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a legendary, heaven-defying body constitution of supreme toughness] and his Primordial One Limitless Path Principle [a foundational cultivation art of profound mystery].

Having thoroughly suppressed his physical body and his Path Principle [the core law or principle underlying one's cultivation path], Eldrin Chen once again activated his Ten Tribulations Dharmic Power to forcibly fuse his fleshly form with his Path Principle.

This process proceeded with astonishing speed, far smoother than anticipated. In merely thirty thousand years, the fusion was successfully completed.

"Path Fruit Great Perfection, the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm."

Eldrin Chen sensed the power within himself and could not help but murmur softly, a faint smile appearing in his eyes.

This breakthrough had been surprisingly smooth. Eldrin Chen had succeeded without even relying on external aids like the Path Union Flower or other Rare Spiritual Wonders. However, Eldrin Chen understood that this was primarily due to having cultivated the Tenth Limit Mana [the pinnacle state of foundational spiritual power].

Without having achieved the Tenth Limit Mana, relying solely on external objects like the Sea of Chaos Water [primordial water from the chaos before creation] and the Seven Treasures Gourd [a gourd containing seven different magical treasures], Eldrin Chen would have needed to waste at least one million years to succeed.

After all, external aids are ultimately just that—external. One's own cultivation forms the true foundation of everything.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile slightly.

He slowly extended his hand, feeling the supreme power of the Trinity Unity [a divine ability that unifies body, energy, and spirit], and his heart grew even more assured.

"As I am now, I can truly be said to possess the combat strength of a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived four heavenly tribulations], can't I?"

Eldrin Chen whispered to himself, then shook his head a moment later. "Perhaps I am no longer weak even among Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal."

At this moment, Eldrin Chen smiled.

To be able to unleash the full combat power of a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal within the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse between ordered realms] is an astonishing feat of strength.

One must understand, even a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal cannot be entirely confident of defeating a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal Chaos Beast King [a ruler-class monstrous entity born of primordial chaos] within the Sea of Chaos.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen emerged from his secluded cultivation.

"Congratulations."

Seeing Eldrin Chen exit seclusion, the Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful and graceful female immortal] offered a congratulatory smile.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then lifted his gaze toward Outside the Chaos Lair. There, he saw Horizon Patriarch locked in fierce combat with a Chaos Leviathan [a titanic, whale-like beast of primordial chaos].

"A Chaos Leviathan from among the Colossal Chaos Fiend [a classification for the largest and most powerful chaos-born monsters]?"

Eldrin Chen murmured, yet his expression remained utterly serene.

This colossal whale's cultivation was formidable, having reached the level of a Three Tribulations Chaos Beast King. Its combat prowess was on par with that Chaos Devouring Heaven Roc from years past. Despite a prolonged battle, Horizon Patriarch had yet to gain the upper hand.

"Indeed, this Chaos Leviathan was drawn by the disturbances of your breakthrough."

The Celestial Maiden nodded, her brow furrowing slightly with concern as she spoke.

Eldrin Chen gave a nod in return and declared, "In that case, leave it to me. You all stand guard and provide support."

"Boom—"

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen stepped forward. With a simple turn of his palm and a downward strike, he effortlessly repelled the Chaos Leviathan.

Seeing this, Horizon Patriarch immediately retreated to a flanking position, holding the Immortal-Suppressing Pagoda aloft, ready to block any escape attempt by the Chaos Leviathan at a moment's notice.

"Roar—"

Enraged by Eldrin Chen's assault, the Chaos Leviathan let out a heaven-shaking bellow. It summoned forth an Innate Ancient Seal [a primordial treasure born from chaos itself] and sent it crashing down to suppress its foe.

Eldrin Chen showed not a trace of fear. With a casual, almost effortless gesture, he activated the Chaos Weapon Forging Art [a supreme technique for manifesting weapons from primordial chaos].

Instantly, the very fabric of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] trembled violently. A succession of Chaos Divine Weapons [weapons forged from the essence of primordial chaos] surged forth: Ancient Bell [a bell of immense age and power], treasure cauldrons, Immortal Pagoda [a multi-storied pagoda imbued with immortal might], divine furnaces, celestial swords, domineering sabers, Heavenly Halberd [a polearm of heavenly authority], and spirit-piercing spears, all unleashed in a relentless Slaughter [a divine ability focused on overwhelming offensive power].

True to its name as a Chaos-attribute Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power], the Chaos Weapon Forging Art proved formidable. Fueled by Eldrin Chen's current cultivation base and amplified by the ambient power of the Sea of Chaos [an ocean of primordial, unformed essence], each manifested weapon radiated a might approaching that of an Innate Ancient Treasure [a treasure born alongside the cosmos, possessing innate laws].

Although the Chaos Leviathan possessed earth-shattering combat prowess, it was instantly beaten back, sustaining grievous wounds in the blink of an eye.

This was not due to any lack of strength on the part of the Chaos Leviathan, but rather because Eldrin Chen's combat power was simply too astonishing.

The disparity in power between a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal and a Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal is immense, often requiring a fivefold numerical advantage to contend. While this Chaos Leviathan was a top-tier Colossal Chaos Fiend among its peers, it was still far from being a match for a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Moreover, Eldrin Chen's combat strength was likely among the foremost even within the ranks of Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

"BOOM—"

After a mere thirty exchanges, the Chaos Leviathan had already suffered repeated injuries. In contrast, Eldrin Chen remained utterly composed, facing his foe using only the Chaos Weapon Forging Art without even exerting his full power.

By this point, the Chaos Leviathan was finally gripped by terror and sought to flee into the distance.

"You won't escape."

Seeing the Chaos Leviathan attempt to flee, Eldrin Chen decided to delay no longer.

With a flick of his sleeve, he took a single step that shattered the Chaos Void, arriving before the Chaos Leviathan with a speed that outpaced its desperate flight.

"Clang—"

In that instant, Eldrin Chen unleashed a streak of sword light that cleaved the Chaos Leviathan clean in two.

After slaying the Chaos Leviathan, Eldrin Chen recalled the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords and remarked with awe, "The Ten Tribulations Dharmic Power is truly formidable. It actually amplified the power of the Divine Ability and the Immortal Treasure by half."

"An ordinary Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal, even one able to exert their full strength within the Sea of Chaos, might not have been able to defeat it."

At the same time, Horizon Patriarch approached, his voice filled with admiration. "Within the Sea of Chaos, your combat prowess is no longer that of a weakling."

"I suspect even a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal would find it difficult to best you."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile but said nothing more.

He casually directed the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords to dissect the corpse of the Chaos Leviathan. Every part of this beast was a treasure; its bones were suitable for forging supreme-grade Chaos Ancient Ship, and its hide could be refined into Supreme Grade Innate Ancient Talisman.

Especially the Dragon's Saliva Incense [a rare incense condensed from the essence of a dragon's breath, prized for nourishing the spirit], which possessed the wondrous property of nourishing the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator]. It would be of significant use for their future cultivation towards the Ninth Limit Primordial Spirit [the ninth and ultimate stage of Primordial Spirit refinement].

Eldrin Chen specifically extracted the Dragon's Saliva Incense, dividing it equally between the Celestial Maiden and Horizon Patriarch. With a smile, he asked, "I believe this item will be of some use to both of you in cultivating your Primordial Spirit."

The two of them felt a surge of joy in their hearts. The Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful and revered female immortal] spoke, "This item indeed enhances the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest form of consciousness for a cultivator]. However, you likely need it as well, do you not?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head and replied calmly, "This recent Path Fruit [a profound achievement representing mastery over a specific aspect of the Dao] breakthrough has allowed my Primordial Spirit to be cultivated to the Eighth Limit Realm [the eighth and final stage of refining the Primordial Spirit's potential]. This item holds little further use for me."

The Celestial Maiden and Horizon Patriarch [a title for a powerful and ancient patriarch] nodded in understanding. While the Dragon's Saliva Incense [a rare incense that can strengthen the Primordial Spirit] could enhance the Primordial Spirit, its effects were only useful for those whose Primordial Spirit had not yet reached the eighth limit.

In truth, for a Primordial Spirit that had already attained the seventh limit, the Dragon's Saliva Incense could no longer provide significant advancement.

Thinking of this, the two could not help but feel a twinge of envy. They themselves had now broken through to the Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal Realm [a powerful realm of immortality], yet their Primordial Spirit had only surpassed five limits. The distance to cultivating an Eight Limits Primordial Spirit [a Primordial Spirit refined to its absolute peak potential] remained vast and immeasurable.

Yet Eldrin Chen was currently only at the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm [the peak stage of the Celestial Immortal realm], and he already possessed an Eight Limits Primordial Spirit. How could they not envy such fortune?

With this thought, the Horizon Patriarch could not help but speak, "Your innate talent and foundational depth likely rival even that of the legendary Senior Purple Seal [a title for a revered senior cultivator] from ages past."

Eldrin Chen offered no direct reply, instead asking calmly, "Regarding methods for cultivating the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass [the final, most profound stage of Primordial Spirit refinement], have you formed any plans in your hearts?"

The Celestial Maiden pondered for a long moment before finally speaking, "The Sea of Chaos [a primordial, turbulent expanse between ordered realms] is populated mostly by Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient, powerful beasts born from primordial chaos with low intelligence]. Treasures that enhance the Primordial Spirit are exceedingly rare there. For now, we have no concrete ideas."

"We intend to first explore the Sea of Chaos. If no suitable path reveals itself, we may have no choice but to walk the Path of Faith and Worship [a cultivation method that relies on gathering and refining the power of belief and worship from followers]." For the best reading experience, visit audio-novel`com.