Chapter 1884 : Clash of Chaos and Cosmos
The Progenitor God of the Chaos Cosmos Extreme Domain was a supreme Chaos Celestial Emperor who cultivated a certain Space Great Dao [a supreme Dao path governing the laws of space].
Furthermore, Grand Cosmos was a blood descendant of a Chaos Progenitor God, an innate Chaotic Holy Spirit [a being of pure chaos born with immense spiritual power]. He cultivated the spatial attribute branch of the Grand Cosmos Great Dao [the Great Dao of the Grand Cosmos], and was most adept at abilities of slaughter and destruction.
Now, as Grand Cosmos made his move, a peerless sword energy instantly shook the heavens, cleaving down towards Eldrin Chen with the force to split him in two.
Faced with such a treacherous ambush, even a True Spirit Prodigy [a genius cultivator who has condensed their True Spirit Primordial Spirit] like Aurelius, the Imperial Scion could be severely wounded on the spot if caught off guard.
Yet, Eldrin Chen showed not a trace of fear. He strode forward, soaring into the sky, and with a flick of his sleeve, he struck out with a palm. The motion manifested a Chaos Ancient Bell [an ancient bell imbued with primordial chaos] that descended to suppress the attack, completely blocking that sword energy.
"A Chaos-attribute divine ability?"
Grand Cosmos's pupils contracted slightly with a cold glint. With a shake of the longsword in his hand, the Void Immortal Sword instantly multiplied into ten thousand manifestations, unleashing a myriad of Ethereal Cosmos Sword Qi [sword energies embodying the ethereal cosmos] that slashed forth.
Eldrin Chen remained utterly composed. In that instant, he activated the Primordial Chaos Soldier Derivation Art [a divine art that derives soldiers from Primordial Chaos]. Nine divine weapons—an ancient bell, a precious pagoda, a great cauldron, a divine furnace, a heavenly blade, an immortal sword, a divine spear, and a celestial halberd—materialized and shot through the void.
Empowered by Eldrin Chen's True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, refined to its true essence] and his vast mana, these nine ancient treasures erupted with power nearly comparable to nine Great Luo Divine Weapons [divine weapons of the Great Luo realm], each possessing the divine might to suppress the cosmos.
"Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!..."
In that fleeting moment, a series of crisp shattering sounds erupted as the countless sword energies were utterly shattered under the suppression of those nine divine weapons.
"My turn."
In that instant, Eldrin Chen countered with a single hand while simultaneously commanding nine Chaos Ancient Weapons to strike horizontally, pressing down upon Grand Cosmos in a relentless barrage.
Grand Cosmos met the assault with all his might, yet under the bombardment of the Chaos Ancient Weapons, he was forced into continuous retreat. Within mere exchanges, he was sent reeling, blood spraying from his mouth.
"*Cough*—"
After only a few exchanges, Grand Cosmos had already suffered a grievous blow; even his spatial divine ability was shattered by the onslaught.
"Allow me to face you."
It was precisely at this moment that the Chaos trembled with a violent roar.
Eldrin Chen looked up to see Primordial Nine Radiance Divine Lord strike instantly. With a flick of his sleeve, he commanded nine Innate Spiritual Treasure to materialize across the sky, bearing down to suppress Eldrin Chen.
These nine treasures were all companion artifacts born with the Primordial Nine Radiance Divine Lord, each having reached the realm of Innate Spiritual Treasure. Now, they simultaneously unleashed their world-shaking divine might, transforming into a set of arrayed artifacts that descended through the air to suppress their target.
"A magnificent divine weapon."
The moment Primordial Nine Radiance Divine Lord made his move, Eldrin Chen could not help but reveal an expression of admiration.
This Primordial Nine Radiance Divine Lord had not only cultivated a dual True Spirit Foundation in both the Great Dao and his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], but also possessed this set of innate array artifacts as his trump card. His strength was likely approaching that of a triple True Spirit Foundation cultivator.
With this thought, Eldrin Chen did not delay. With a flick of his sleeve, he summoned a dazzling bolt of lightning that instantly struck the set of array artifacts.
The Primordial Chaos Divine Thunder lived up to its reputation as the most powerful True Spirit Divine Ability. Even though it had not yet fully matured, empowered by his True Spirit Primordial Spirit, it unleashed tremendous force. In a single clash, it managed to block that set of array artifacts.
"Now is the time."
In that instant, Sky-Defier erupted in a blood-soaked frenzy.
With a roar, his physical body instantly swelled and straightened, his battle robes billowing with towering flames of blood.
"*Clang!*—"
In that moment, his aura surged severalfold. Then, the Black Saber White Sword in his hands crossed in a flash, merging into a single, devastating strike that cleaved through the air towards Eldrin Chen with overwhelming force.
Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow slightly. This Sky-Defier truly lived up to being the Son of Destiny of the Myriad Gods Primordial Domain; his combat prowess was astonishingly formidable. Not only had he cultivated the True Spirit Physique, but he had also achieved the rare True Spirit Dao Fruit.
The so-called Dao Fruit [the condensed fruit of one's cultivation path, representing the totality of a cultivator's achievements] is the fruit of the Great Dao and the complete culmination of a cultivator's lifelong practice. Generally, it can comprehensively enhance a cultivator's combat power, but its augmentative effects are also limited.
However, when a cultivator fights with their life on the line, they can offer their own Dao Fruit essence as a sacrifice, temporarily multiplying their combat power severalfold.
Of course, the Dao Fruit is the very foundation of a cultivator. The price for sacrificing its essence is immense. For an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal, offering their Dao Fruit could lightly result in severe damage to their foundational essence, requiring several Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration] to recover. In severe cases, the Dao Fruit itself could be damaged or destroyed, reducing a lifetime of cultivation to nothing.
The current sacrifice of his Dao Fruit by Sky-Defier was not a true life-or-death gamble. After achieving the True Spirit Dao Fruit, his Dao Fruit had become truly indestructible and imperishable. Furthermore, the cost of sacrificing it had been reduced by ninety percent; at worst, it would only leave his Dao Fruit severely weakened.
"BOOM—"
In that instant, after Sky-Defier sacrificed his Dao Fruit, his vital energy and foundational essence erupted completely. His cultivation power had nearly reached the ultimate pinnacle attainable in the mortal realm.
In his hands, the Black Saber White Sword wielded divine power of a generation-defining scale. Each strike caused the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] to tremble violently, even making Eldrin Chen frown slightly.
"Didn't you say my strength was insufficient?"
"Try blocking this next strike!"
Sky-Defier roared at the heavens, his vital Qi [the vital energy that flows through all living things] shaking the vast expanse of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], causing even Eldrin Chen to reveal a look of seriousness.
At this moment, he held nothing back, unleashing the supreme, peerless combat power that had never been seen before in all of history.
In an instant, the Chaos Qi [primordial energy of Chaos] of his True Spirit Physique [a supreme physical constitution embodying the essence of a True Spirit], the majestic power of his True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator who has reached the True Spirit realm], and the world-shaking Chaos Limitless Great Dao [the supreme cultivation art of the boundless Chaos Dao] erupted simultaneously. These three True Spirit [the fundamental essence of a supreme spiritual being] forces intertwined with his blazing True Spirit Divine Ability [a supreme ability born from True Spirit power], coalescing into a Chaos Colossal Hand [a titanic hand formed from Chaos energy] capable of annihilating all things.
"Four True Spirit Foundation [the foundational cultivation base of a True Spirit being]!"
At this sight, Grand Cosmos's face instantly paled, a flicker of terror flashing in his eyes. Without a moment's hesitation, he turned and fled.
It was not that he lacked the courage to fight, but the gap between a single True Spirit Foundation and four True Spirit Foundation was simply too vast. He could not even match Aurelius, the Imperial Scion, so how could he possibly face Eldrin Chen?
"BOOM!"
With a deafening roar, the Chaos Colossal Hand tore through the Chaos, its sky-obscuring, earth-shrouding power bearing down upon the Black Saber White Sword [a pair of legendary weapons, one black saber and one white sword].
"ARGH—!"
Sky-Defier resisted with all his might, unleashing a torrent of shock and fury, pushing his Dao Fruit [the crystallized essence of one's cultivation and comprehension of the Dao] to its absolute limit.
Yet even after sacrificing the True Spirit Dao Fruit [the ultimate spiritual fruit representing a cultivator's perfected foundation], unleashing power severalfold greater, it ultimately could not compare to the combined might of the four True Spirit Foundation [the perfected spiritual foundations of a cultivator].
In that very instant, a violent Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all creation emerged] erupted. The sky-obscuring colossal hand pierced straight through the Chaos, actually suppressing Sky-Defier [a title meaning "Defier of the Heavens"], along with his divine weapon, forcing him to kneel within the Chaos.
"I refuse to submit!"
With a furious roar, Sky-Defier erupted with a torrent of his innate bloodline power, striving to forcefully push open this Chaos colossal palm and continue the battle.
Alas, the combined power of the four True Spirit Foundation was overwhelmingly potent. This Chaos Colossal Hand [a divine technique manifesting a giant hand of primordial chaos] was akin to the heaven-veiling palm of the Tathagata Buddha [the Buddha, the "Thus-Come One" in Buddhist tradition]; how could it allow a mere "monkey" to defy the heavens? *Cough—*
Amidst the sound of violent, bloody coughing, Sky-Defier ultimately failed to withstand the force and was sent flying backward into the Chaos.
Eldrin Chen did not press his advantage, for in that very moment, from the place where Sky-Defier had fallen, a surge of immense Chaos Undercurrents [powerful, hidden currents within the primordial void] churned forth, instantly sweeping him away into the Depths of Chaos [the profound, innermost reaches of the primordial void].
"Truly worthy of being a Son of Destiny [one whose fate is ordained by heaven, a chosen one]."
Watching Sky-Defier vanish, a subtle flicker passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes.
A Heaven-Destined Son, before his ordained mission is complete, is exceedingly difficult for even a Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage [a supreme being who has comprehended the fundamental Dao and attained sagehood] to slay.
Because it carries a strand of Power of Fate [a metaphysical force representing destiny and karma] behind it, to slay it would be to contend directly against the Tribulation Fortune Great Dao [the supreme principle governing calamities and fortune]. Even if successful, one would likely pay a tremendous price.
Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen shifted his gaze to the side.
Not far away, the Primordial Nine Radiance Divine Lord glanced at him and sighed with feeling, "Four True Spirit Foundation [the foundational cultivation stage where one's spiritual essence is solidified and purified]... it seems you are the mightiest within our Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss."
"I am no match for you, nor should I be. I hope that when we reach the end of the Ancient Path, we may stand shoulder to shoulder in battle."
With those words, the Primordial Nine Radiance Divine Lord gave a dismissive wave and vanished into the boundless Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all creation emerged].
Eldrin Chen did not give chase, allowing him to depart unhindered.
Witnessing this, Lyra Jiang could not help but ask, "Why let him go?"
Eldrin Chen shook his head calmly. "Although that man possesses only a dual True Spirit Foundation, he wields a set of Lifebound Formation Artifacts [enchanted artifacts permanently bonded to their user's life force, greatly amplifying their power]. His combat prowess is not far inferior to one with a triple True Spirit Foundation."
"Had he truly continued the assault just now, I could not have swiftly defeated Sky-Defier."
It turned out that earlier, upon witnessing Eldrin Chen manifest his four True Spirit Foundation, the Primordial Nine Radiance Divine Lord had immediately and decisively ceased hostilities.
Umbralia also gave a slight nod, then spoke: "Although we of the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss also contend amongst ourselves, the most crucial foe in this war remains those from the Six Domains of the Northern Abyss."
"The Primordial Nine Radiance Divine Lord understands this as well, which is why he is unwilling to fight us to the death."
Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. It was undeniable that the two Divine Spirits from the Myriad Gods Primordial Domain were truly formidable.
The Primordial Nine Radiance Divine Lord was one thing—with his dual True Spirit Foundation and his Lifebound Formation Artifacts, he was solidly a weak-tier three True Spirit Foundation combatant.
Sky-Defier's normal combat power was merely dual True Spirit Foundation, yet once he sacrificed his Dao Fruit [the condensed essence of one's cultivation path] to unleash his ultimate might, he could reach the level of a strong-tier three True Spirit Foundation.
Even Eldrin Chen would need to mobilize all four of his True Spirit Foundation and exert his utmost power to forcibly subdue Sky-Defier.
With the two of them joining forces, even Eldrin Chen would have to expend considerable effort. Victory would only be possible after dragging the fight out until Sky-Defier's power burst ended and his strength waned.
In truth, if the two realized they were outmatched, they would not wait until Sky-Defier's power burst was over before fleeing.
Therefore, if those two truly fought side by side, Eldrin Chen might not gain a significant upper hand. The more likely outcome would be a fierce battle concluding with him watching helplessly as they made their escape.
Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile faintly. "It seems the strength of this generation from the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss is not lacking. They should be able to share some of the pressure when facing that one from the Northern Abyss's foreign realm."
Lyra Jiang [the Immortal Maiden Lyra] nodded in agreement upon hearing this. As the saying goes, two fists are no match for four hands. Even though Eldrin Chen [Eldrin Chen] had cultivated a True Spirit Foundation [a foundational cultivation stage of exceptional purity and power] of the fourth rank and had illuminated three major Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] apertures, if he were besieged by multiple prodigies with second or third-rank True Spirit Foundation, he might not gain a significant advantage.
Moreover, within the Northern Abyss Foreign Realm, there existed an even more formidable foe, one who possessed at least a fourth-rank, or possibly even a fifth-rank True Spirit Foundation.
Returning to the matter at hand, Eldrin Chen quickly gathered his wandering thoughts. His gaze settled upon the Chaos Nest [a rare pocket of concentrated primordial chaos energy] before him, and a faint smile touched the corners of his eyes.
This Chaos Immortal Vase Nest [the Immortal Vase Chaos Nest] was a fourth-grade Chaos Nest among the middle three grades of the Nine Grades Chaos Nest [the Nine Grades Chaos Nest system], corresponding in power to an early-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal of the Grand Luo realm, a supreme level of cultivation].
A Chaos Nest of this caliber, if found in the outside world, would typically be occupied by at least one early-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal level Chaotic Fiendgod [a powerful entity born from primordial chaos].
Fortunately, the Primordial Chaos Abyss [the Primordial Chaos Abyss] was a place of unpredictable peril. Beings at the Grand Luo [Grand Luo realm] level and above dared not venture too deeply into its depths, and Chaotic Fiendgod dared not emerge into the open. Therefore, no powerhouses of the Chaotic Fiendgod tier were present here.
Now, Eldrin Chen carefully examined the Chaos Nest. After a long while, he finally spoke, "This Chaos Immortal Vase Nest possesses a natural grand Dao field [a domain imbued with the laws of the Dao]. Its grade has reached the Great Luo Grade [the Great Luo grade]. Fortunately, there is no Chaotic Fiendgod presiding over it, so breaching it should not be overly difficult."
Eldrin Chen murmured these words softly and immediately joined forces with the others to dismantle the formation.
With over a dozen people striking together, the pace of breaking the formation was exceedingly swift. Not long after they began, Eldrin Chen had torn open a corner of the field and stepped into the Chaos Nest.
The moment he crossed the threshold into the Chaos Nest, however, Eldrin Chen heard a resonant cry, like the call of a deer, echo from within the depths of the nest.
Immediately after, a resplendent Nine-Colored Immortal Deer [a mythical deer of auspicious omen, its coat shimmering with nine distinct hues] trod upon the waves, gazing at Eldrin Chen with a mixture of innocence and trepidation.
"A Nine-Colored Immortal Deer,"
The moment she beheld this Nine-Colored Immortal Deer, Umbralia started slightly, her expression blooming with pleasant surprise.
Eldrin Chen's eyes also flickered, revealing a trace of astonishment.
The so-called Nine-Colored Immortal Deer, also known as the Nine-Colored Immortal Stag, is an exceedingly noble Chaotic Holy Spirit [a primordial spirit born from the energies of Chaos]. It is said to have manifested from nine great Dorian [a fundamental principle or essence], making it a rare Auspicious Holy Spirit [a benevolent spirit creature that brings fortune and stabilizes destiny] within the Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state of existence].
Such Auspicious Holy Spirit possess gentle temperaments. If one gains its allegiance, it can stabilize the fortune and destiny of an entire ancient sect or lineage.
Most crucially, it is said that a Nine-Colored Immortal Deer at the Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme realm of immortal cultivation] level will shed a pair of Nine-Colored Deer Antlers [immensely potent antlers imbued with nine-colored spiritual light] approximately once every Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense duration, often associated with cataclysmic tribulations].
Those antlers, when used as an ingredient in alchemy, can refine a Great Luo Immortal Pill [a supreme-grade immortal elixir]. That Great Luo Immortal Pill contains the power of nine great Daos [fundamental laws of existence] and can assist an Immortal [a being who has achieved immortality] in transforming their foundation, increasing their chances of cultivating a single Indestructible Foundation [an unshakable and eternal cultivation base] by thirty percent.
Furthermore, the innate talent of the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer is astonishingly high, comparable to that of the Nine-Colored Immortal Clam [a mythical clam of similar auspicious nature]. Theoretically, it possesses the potential to break through and become a Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [a sovereign ruler born from the Primordial Chaos].
Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen could not help but inquire, "I have heard that within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [a collective term for the myriad realms inhabited by immortals], there is also a senior who is a Nine-Colored Immortal Deer?"
"Hmm."
Umbralia spoke, her gaze filled with astonishment as she said, "That is the Progenitor of the Immortal Deer Clan. He is a senior of the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch level, someone who can converse as an equal with the venerable Primordial Beginning Dao Ancestor himself."
Eldrin Chen nodded, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. The Immortal Deer Clan possessed three Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch figures, ranking eighth in strength among the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races. Their power and foundation were not merely a hundred times stronger than the current Immortal Clam Clan.
It must be understood that those ranked within the top ten of the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races typically possessed figures who had reached the Great Perfection of Primordial Emperor Lord realm.
Such individuals were only a single wisp of Chaos Primordial Qi away from attempting to break through to the Dao Ancestor Immortal Sage realm. Success would instantly elevate their clan to a dominant-level power on par with the Human, Demon, and Divine races.
The Chaotic Holy Spirit Nine-Colored Immortal Deer before them possessed a theoretical innate talent very close to that of the Immortal Deer Clan Progenitor.
Of course, this was merely a similarity in potential. This was not the dawn of the Primordial Immortal Domain during the early Primordial Era. The cultivation environment and resources available to this Nine-Colored Immortal Deer could not compare to those of the Immortal Deer Clan Progenitor. Whether it could cultivate to that supreme realm remained an uncertain prospect.
With this thought, Eldrin Chen gazed at the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer and spoke with calm authority, "Are you willing to follow me?"
"I am willing."
The Nine-Colored Immortal Deer spoke, transforming into a breathtakingly beautiful young maiden. She then swore an oath of fealty, binding it with her Dao Heart [the core of a cultivator's will and spiritual resolve].
Just moments before, she had witnessed the supreme combat prowess of Eldrin Chen's four True Spirit Foundation [the foundational stage where one's true spirit is solidified], recognizing herself as far inferior to Eldrin Chen. She immediately chose to submit.
Seeing the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer [a mythical beast of auspicious omen] swear an oath upon its Dao Heart [the cultivator's core of conviction and spiritual will], Eldrin Chen couldn't help but smile faintly. This was a genuine Nine-Colored Immortal Deer—a being with the potential to reach the Primordial Chaos Emperor Monarch [the sovereign realm of primordial chaos]!
He conducted a brief inspection and was astonished to discover that this Nine-Colored Deer had already cultivated its physical body, Great Dao [the fundamental cosmic principle], Dao Fruit [the fruit of one's cultivation path], mana, Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], and divine abilities—all six Indestructible Foundation [the unbreakable foundational stage].
This left Eldrin Chen rather surprised. After observing for another moment, he inquired, "How did you manage to cultivate the Indestructible Foundation here in this place?"
The Nine-Colored Immortal Deer nodded vigorously like a pestle pounding garlic and answered truthfully, "This Chaos Nest [a cradle of primordial chaos energy] took form three hundred billion years ago. I was conceived alongside it at that time and reached the point where I could emerge into the world thousands of billions of years ago."
"But because the Primordial Chaos Abyss [the chasm of primordial chaos] was far too perilous, I dared not break through to the Grand Luo [the Grand Luo realm]. So, I have been suppressing my cultivation, preventing the breakthrough."
Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding, realizing that this Nine-Colored Immortal Deer had found fortune in misfortune.
Generally speaking, outside the Primordial Chaos Abyss, Ancient Immortal Great Powers [powerful beings of the Ancient Immortal realm] must undergo Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic calamity trials] unless they are under the protection of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [an immortal of the Grand Luo realm].
In truth, even with the protection of a Grand Luo Golden Immortal, an Ancient Immortal cannot avoid tribulations forever—unless they are willing to abandon cultivation entirely and remain confined within the Immortal Domain [a realm created by an immortal] opened by that Grand Luo Golden Immortal, never leaving.
Otherwise, as long as one uses the resources of Chaos [the primordial state of the universe] for cultivation, they will inevitably accumulate vast amounts of Karmic Malignancy Light [the ominous glow of negative karma], which will eventually bring calamity upon themselves.
The Primordial Chaos Abyss [a primordial realm of utter disorder] is a unique place. Here, there is no will of the Heavenly Dao [the supreme natural order and law of the cosmos], and it exists in a perpetual state of chaotic disintegration of the Great Dao [the fundamental principles underlying all existence]. Consequently, it does not experience Kalpa Tribulation [the cataclysmic cycles of cosmic destruction and renewal] or any of the myriad other calamities.
Furthermore, the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer [a mythical beast of immense fortune and purity] possesses the Auspicious Holy Spirit [a constitution of supreme fortune that remains unstained by karmic malevolence]. It can dissolve the power of karmic malevolence and accumulate Merit [a metaphysical "currency" representing good karma or virtuous deeds]. This is precisely why it has been able to cultivate in peace and stability for hundreds of billions of years.
The current Nine-Colored Immortal Deer has already cultivated seven great Indestructible Foundation [foundational realms of cultivation renowned for their unbreakable durability]. Its strength is now such that it does not pale in comparison even to peerless geniuses who possess a single True Spirit Foundation [a foundational realm representing the awakening and refinement of one's true spiritual essence].
"Indeed."
Having understood the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer's true power, Eldrin Chen could not help but nod slightly, a faint smile gracing his lips.
By his estimation, the moment the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer leaves the Primordial Chaos Abyss, its breakthrough to Grand Luo Golden Immortal [a supreme realm of immortal cultivation] would likely be a matter of mere moments.
With this thought, Eldrin Chen chuckled and said, "Let us see what treasures you have gathered here."
Upon hearing this, the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer gave Eldrin Chen a pitiful, aggrieved look. Then, from within its Chaos Immortal Vase Nest [a mystical spatial treasure shaped like a vase], it withdrew a mountain-like pile of rare treasures.
Eldrin Chen took one glance and his expression immediately shifted to one of pleasant surprise, which was quickly followed by a wry, somewhat bitter smile.
Among the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer's treasures, the most abundant item was actually Nine-Colored Deer Antlers [the shed antlers of the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer, imbued with potent spiritual essence]. There were more than three thousand pairs of these antlers, clearly shed by the deer over the countless years of its long life.
However, these antlers are truly extraordinary. Each pair is a supreme-grade Taiyi Rare Treasure [a rare material of the Taiyi grade, used for crafting high-level treasures] with more than twenty-four spiritual patterns. If used for alchemy, they could be refined into the Ninth Rank Supreme Taiyi Immortal Pill [a pinnacle-grade immortal elixir of the ninth rank].
While such immortal pills lack the divine peculiarities of a Grand Luo [the Grand Luo Heavenly Realm] realm Nine-Colored Immortal Deer [a mythical deer beast with nine-colored fur], they are superior cultivation resources for cultivating the Great Luo Heavenly Pass [a critical breakthrough stage to the Grand Luo Realm]. Most importantly, the quantity is simply immense, enough for thousands of Ancient Immortal Great Powers [cultivators who have reached the Ancient Immortal realm] to use.
"An accumulation over three thousand Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth], they are indeed no ordinary objects."
Eldrin Chen nodded. Under the pitiful gaze of the immortal deer maiden, he collected the three thousand pairs of antlers, then turned his attention to the other rare treasures.
Compared to the antlers, the quantity of other rare treasures was considerably less, totaling a mere sixteen items. Yet, the value of these treasures was utterly astonishing.
Eldrin Chen glanced over them: ten portions of Great Luo Rare Treasure [rare materials suitable for Grand Luo realm cultivation], three strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primal, indestructible essence of spiritual light], the Low Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from primal chaos, of the lowest grade] 'Nine-Colored Immortal Vase' [a vase radiating with nine-colored light], the Low Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure 'Nine-Colored Celestial Robe' [a celestial robe woven from nine-colored light], and a low-grade Innate Divine Herb [a divine herb born from primal chaos] 'Nine-Colored Immortal Fruit' [a fruit glowing with nine-colored aura].
These seventeen treasures were all of staggering value. The ten portions of Great Luo Rare Treasure were one thing, but the seven items at the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from primal chaos] level were truly breathtaking.
The Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light needs no further explanation. The 'Nine-Colored Immortal Vase' was a companion object born alongside the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer.
The 'Nine-Colored Celestial Robe' is a resplendent innate Nyssa [a type of celestial silk or fabric]. This object was nurtured by the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer over three thousand Kalpa Tribulation. Using the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light as its foundation, it absorbed the essence of nine-colored origin energy and the breath of the morning glow to gestate into being.
The 'Nine-Colored Immortal Fruit' is a tenth-rank Innate Divine Herb. This fruit contains the origin power of nine Great Daos [fundamental cosmic principles], making it exceptionally compatible with the foundation of Nyssa Qu. If consumed by Nyssa Qu, it would undoubtedly greatly enhance her foundational potential.
"These treasures."
Eldrin Chen suppressed the excitement in his heart, yet still could not resist taking three strands of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a fundamental, unbreakable spiritual radiance]. Then, he also took the Nine-Colored Immortal Fruit [a miraculous fruit imbued with the essence of nine celestial colors].
Although the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer [a mystical deer with a coat of nine shimmering colors] had lived for thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], she had spent her life sheltered within her lair, too fearful of the dangers outside to venture forth and never encountering other living beings. Having never witnessed such a scene, she was on the verge of tears.
At the same time, Lyra Jiang, Nyssa Qu, and Umbralia all gazed at the Nine-Colored Celestial Robe [an enchanted garment woven from threads of nine celestial hues], their faces alight with unmistakable desire.
"Wuu—"
Watching Eldrin Chen take four treasures, and seeing the others still coveting her beautiful robe,
the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer could hold back no longer. She snatched the remaining treasures into her embrace and burst into loud sobs.
"These are Lulu's, all of these are Lulu's, wu wu wu…"
"Ah, don't cry, don't cry."
Eldrin Chen felt a wave of awkwardness. After a good deal of soothing, he looked at the others and said, "What kind of looks are those? We are all companions now. How could you even think of taking Little Lulu's treasures?"
Speaking thus, Eldrin Chen patted the head of the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer and said, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. I'm just borrowing these things for now. I promise I'll return them to you later."
"Really?"
The Nine-Colored Immortal Deer nodded, its innocent eyes lighting up.
Eldrin Chen nodded firmly and declared, "I promise I won't deceive you. I'll pay you back double in the future."
"Double?"
The deer's eyes sparkled, its tears instantly replaced by a smile. "You're actually quite nice."
"I try my best,"
Eldrin Chen replied, feeling a bit sheepish. He then added, "About that Nine-Colored Immortal Water [a miraculous liquid of nine radiant hues with potent restorative and spiritual properties] in your bottle... could you lend me a little? I'll pay you back double for that too."
"You promise?"
The deer, Lu Lu, said with a hopeful gaze, and still handed him three portions of the Nine-Colored Immortal Water.
After taking the Nine-Colored Immortal Water [a legendary spiritual liquid of profound purity and transformative power], Eldrin Chen proceeded to divide the ten portions of Great Luo Rare Treasure [a category of immensely valuable treasures from the primordial chaos]. Lulu [the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer's nickname] was somewhat reluctant, but remembering Eldrin Chen's promise to repay her twofold, she could only watch with longing eyes as the treasures were distributed among the group.
Once the treasures were divided, Eldrin Chen handed the Nine-Colored Immortal Fruit [a supreme spiritual fruit that can grant immense longevity and power] to Nyssa Qu. He then rose to his feet and declared, "Let us depart. We must make for the Depths of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all creation emerged]."
The Nine-Colored Immortal Deer [a divine beast of auspicious nature and immense spiritual potential] was taken aback, blinking in confusion. "Go where? Am I to abandon my home?" she asked, her voice tinged with innocence.
"Abandon it for now. I will take you beyond these confines to achieve your breakthrough into the Grand Luo [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing unity with the primordial Dao]."
Eldrin Chen sighed inwardly, finding the Auspicious Holy Spirit's [a blessed spiritual constitution of unparalleled purity and fortune] naivety almost alarming. "Once your cultivation reaches greater heights," he explained patiently, "you may return and bring your home with you."
Even with this reassurance, the Nine-Colored Immortal Deer was filled with reluctance. She had dwelled in this place for three thousand Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, each ending in a cataclysmic tribulation] and had never once ventured beyond its borders.
Yet, her lifelong seclusion had also bred a deep curiosity about the outside world. The twin lures of breaking through to the Great Luo Realm and finally satisfying that curiosity finally tipped the scales. She resolved to embark on the journey.
Some time later, after meticulously packing the Chaos Immortal Vase Nest [her dwelling, a mystical grotto formed within a primordial chaos artifact] and taking all her important treasures, and after repeatedly reinforcing its protective Formation [a mystical array or defensive barrier], she finally followed Eldrin Chen away, casting longing glances back over her shoulder with every third step.