Chapter 1841 : The Gourd's Devastating Strike

"Not good."

In that instant, Dusk Nirvana Patriarch felt a sudden lurch in his heart, immediately sensing the impending danger.

The Ten Great Demon Generals [ten supreme commanders of the demonic legions] felt a chill in their eyes. They instantly converged the power of over a thousand Heavenly Demon [a powerful class of celestial demons] to strike across the Great Universe, attempting to block the blow from the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd.

Yet it was already too late. The Innate Seven Treasures Gourd [a primordial gourd containing seven divine treasures] descended with a crushing force, instantly shattering the power of the Ten Great Demon Generals. The residual shockwave swept across the firmament, annihilating three of the Demon General [high-ranking demon commanders] in its wake.

"No—!"

Witnessing this, Dusk Nirvana Patriarch's expression shifted violently, revealing a look of utter horror.

One must understand that the Ten Great Demon Generals, merged with their grand formation, each possessed combat power comparable to a Five Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived five heavenly tribulations]. The fighting prowess of such beings was truly formidable.

Even a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations] would find it difficult to easily crush a Five Tribulations Ancient Immortal without employing a Patriarch Level Divine Ability [a supreme technique of the patriarch realm].

This single strike from Eldrin Chen was utterly terrifying, its force nearly matching the full-powered assault of a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

This was not solely due to the might of the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd. It was because Eldrin Chen, wielding it with his Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [a divine ability that grants an unbreakable spiritual core], had unleashed the treasure's power to its absolute zenith. Original publication: audio-novel`com - The source of this chapter.

"Perish."

Having slain three Demon General with a single strike, Eldrin Chen decisively retrieved the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd and channeled his power into the Chaos Heaven Halberd, sweeping it forward in a devastating horizontal arc.

Although the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd possessed immense destructive power, rivaling a full-force strike from a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal when wielded by Eldrin Chen, its consumption of spiritual energy [the vital power used by cultivators to fuel their arts] was equally staggering. Even Eldrin Chen found it difficult to activate it repeatedly.

Now, Eldrin Chen gripped the Chaos Heaven Halberd and cleaved through the Eight Desolations, standing alone against several Demon General. With every gesture and movement, he drove them back, forcing them into a desperate retreat.

"You are a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal?"

Witnessing Eldrin Chen's overwhelming display of might, Dusk Nirvana's expression shifted to one of utter disbelief, his eyes now tinged with a flicker of genuine terror.

Had it merely been the power of the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd, Dusk Nirvana would have remained unshaken. After all, such potent treasures demanded a vast expenditure of energy; without sufficient cultivation base, one could never hope to wield them consecutively.

But Eldrin Chen, through his mastery of the Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [a supreme technique that unifies one's essence, energy, and spirit into an indestructible core], had fused his entire Vital Essence, Energy, and Spirit into a singular, unbreakable whole. Every blow he unleashed carried force enough to sunder heavens and shatter the cosmos, surpassing the very limits of a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Realizing this, a chill shot through Dusk Nirvana's heart. Without a moment's hesitation, he tore through the fabric of space, fleeing headlong toward the Depths of Chaos.

Confronted with the invincible combat prowess Eldrin Chen had displayed, this Dusk Nirvana had chosen, as his first and only recourse, to save his own skin.

"He fled?"

Watching Dusk Nirvana escape, Eldrin Chen was momentarily taken aback, yet he did not move to intercept.

When a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations] flees with all their might, even a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations] would find it difficult to stop them. Naturally, Eldrin Chen was no exception.

However, for Dusk Nirvana, a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal, to flee without even a fight was truly unexpected to Eldrin Chen.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the seven Demon General [powerful demon commanders] nearby and declared, "Since he has fled, I must now ask you all to depart this world."

"*Clang!*"

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen unleashed his full power, striking out with overwhelming divine might against the seven Demon General.

Though these seven Demon General were formidable, they knew they were no match for Eldrin Chen. They immediately scattered, fleeing towards the Depths of Chaos [the most turbulent and primordial regions of the formless void].

The three cultivators acted decisively, yet they managed to slay only two of the Demon General. Fortunately, they seized the opportunity to capture the small Supreme Grade Innate Ancient Ship [a primordial-grade vessel born from chaos].

As for the Heavenly Demon [a powerful race of celestial demons] at the Celestial Immortal Realm [the realm of celestial immortals], the majority were slain by the trio. The remainder scattered into the Chaos [the primordial, formless void], their whereabouts unknown.

Horizon Patriarch [the patriarch of the Horizon Pavilion] observed this scene and could not help but smile as he said, "With this Innate Ancient Ship [a primordial vessel capable of navigating the primordial chaos], it seems we can attempt to venture into the Depths of Chaos [the most turbulent and dangerous regions of the primordial void]."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. While this small Supreme Grade Innate Ancient Ship [a top-tier primordial vessel] was not exceptionally powerful in offense or defense, it possessed an immense capacity for storing Immortal Spirit Essence [a highly refined energy source used by powerful immortals].

This batch of Immortal Spirit Essence was sufficient to power the ancient vessel through the Chaos [the primordial, formless void between worlds] for three million years. If used to replenish the mana of an Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived for countless ages], it could restore the depleted reserves of a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations] roughly ten times over.

It could be said that with such an Innate Ancient Ship, they could not only explore the Chaos for extended periods but also recover their strength aboard the vessel itself.

Of course, a small Innate Ancient Ship could not withstand great tempests. Should it encounter a Chaos Storm [a cataclysmic storm of raw chaotic energy], the result would undoubtedly be the destruction of the ship and the death of all aboard.

Eldrin Chen did not dwell on such thoughts. He quickly took stock of the spoils from the battle, finding over five hundred sets of weapons and armor from the Heavenly Demon [a powerful race of celestial demons]. The acquired Rare Spiritual Wonders [exceptionally rare spiritual materials and artifacts] were all items of Extraordinary [the patriarch known as Extraordinary Chen] value. For uninterrupted reading, go to audio novel.com.

After tallying the gains, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze towards the nearby Chaos Lair [a stable pocket of reality and spiritual energy within the chaos, often inhabited by powerful beasts] and remarked, "With the aid of the Golden Crow Clan [a powerful clan associated with the legendary Golden Crows] this time, we have gained another Supreme Grade Chaos Lair [a top-tier lair within the chaos]. They truly are most generous."

The Celestial Maiden [a title for a female immortal of high status] giggled upon hearing this. This Supreme Grade Chaos Lair was a metallic-aligned Chaos Lair, its foundational essence perfectly suited for cultivating the Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a legendary body refinement art that grants near-absolute durability].

Now, the majority of the Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient, monstrous creatures native to the primordial chaos] that inhabited the lair had been slain in battle, and the survivors had scattered and fled, leaving behind an empty Chaos Lair.

Faced with such an Opportunity and Fortune [a stroke of great luck and a chance for advancement] delivered right to his doorstep, Eldrin Chen naturally saw no reason to refuse it.

He then activated his Primordial Divine Treasury [the foundational divine realm within a cultivator's body] and gathered the origin essence of this Chaos Lair [a pocket of stable reality within the primordial chaos]. "This is not an ideal place for cultivation," he stated. "Let us retreat deeper into the Depths of Chaos [the more turbulent and obscure regions of the primordial void] to seek refuge for now."

With those words, Eldrin Chen flew tens of thousands of Path [a unit of immense distance in the primordial chaos] further into the Depths of Chaos, finally locating a suitable secluded spot for closed-door cultivation.

Before entering seclusion, Eldrin Chen meticulously refined the Innate Ancient Ship [a primordial-class flying vessel] once more using his Innate Primordial One Limitless Path Principle [his supreme foundational cultivation art]. Only after confirming no hidden tracking marks from others remained did he finally settle into his cultivation retreat.

Thus, three thousand years passed in the blink of an eye during his focused cultivation. When Eldrin Chen finally opened his eyes, he slowly exhaled a long breath.

"The Metal Element origin is finally replenished," he murmured.

Eldrin Chen spoke softly to himself. Having refined the Metal origin, he felt his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [his supreme innate body constitution focused on unbreakable durability] had grown stronger by another twenty percent. Although the distance to the Eleventh Limit [a legendary pinnacle stage of physical cultivation] remained vast, he was undeniably drawing closer.

"With the Wood, Water, and Metal origins now complete, I only need to supplement the Fire and Earth origins. Then, my Half-Step Great Encompassing Physique [an advanced stage of his supreme body constitution] will achieve its initial minor completion."

After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin Chen decisively rose to his feet and addressed Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden. "I wish to complete my Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique as soon as possible. I must ask for your assistance in this endeavor."

Horizon Patriarch gave a slight nod, his gaze calm. "We are already over a hundred thousand Path from the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the known civilized realms]. There should be a fair number of Chaos Lair in this vicinity. If the three of us split up to search the surrounding area, we should locate a suitable target swiftly."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement upon hearing this. He clasped his hands in a respectful salute. "I am in your debt. However, remember we must not separate by more than one thousand Path. Should you encounter any situation, do not engage alone. Regroup with us first."

The Celestial Maiden also nodded and said calmly, "Then without further delay, let us split up and search."

Once resolved, the three of them separated to begin their search, scouring the area for suitable Chaos Lair [a primordial nest or den formed from chaotic energies].

Because Eldrin Chen required a Chaos Lair with a specific elemental affinity, finding the final two nests proved to be a time-consuming and arduous task.

They continued their search through the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], discovering a great many Chaos Lair along the way. Yet, those suitable for cultivating the Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a legendary body refinement art that grants near-absolute resilience] were exceedingly rare.

Thus, time flowed onward. In the blink of an eye, ten thousand years passed before the Celestial Maiden finally located a Supreme Grade Chaos Lair [a lair of the highest quality] imbued with the essence of Earth.

By absorbing the primal essence from this Chaos Lair, Eldrin Chen replenished his Earth-elemental foundation. He was now but a single step away from achieving the minor completion stage of the Half-Step Great Encompassing Physique [an advanced stage of a supreme body refinement art].

However, the Fire-attributed Supreme Grade Chaos Lair required next proved exceptionally difficult to find. They scoured the wastes for tens of thousands of years more, yet a suitable Fire-element Chaos Lair remained elusive.

Then, one day, as the trio arrived at another region of the Chaos, they discovered the surrounding Chaos Lair were unexpectedly dense. Most crucially, these lairs were largely shattered and ruined, as if they had suffered devastating blows.

"Such a dense concentration of Chaos Lair... and they all seem to have endured a fierce battle,"

Gazing upon these ruined lairs, Horizon Patriarch could not help but remark, his expression shifting.

The Celestial Maiden also furrowed her brow slightly. Since setting foot in this realm, they had discovered that the surrounding Chaos Lair [nests of primordial chaos energy] were unexpectedly dense. In just a few hundred years, they had encountered dozens of them.

Under normal circumstances, one might not encounter so many even after exploring for tens of thousands of years.

Eldrin Chen approached a shattered Chaos Lair. He found this particular nest had been torn asunder, reduced to a mere fragment—only one-tenth of its original, complete form—as if rent by some supremely powerful force.

"A pity. These nests are all broken, their foundational essence long since drained away."

Eldrin Chen felt a pang of regret. Before him lay a fire-attribute Supreme Grade Chaos Lair [a top-tier nest of primordial chaos]. Had it not been shattered, his Primordial One Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique of unbreakable unity] could have reached its minor completion stage.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen retrieved the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd [a primordial gourd containing seven treasures]. Pointing at the ruined lair, he asked, "Do you recognize this Supreme Grade Chaos Lair?"

"The Crimson Ember Chaos Nest!"

The Innate Solar Fire Gourd [the gourd spirit within the treasure] spoke up suddenly, then explained, "This Crimson Ember Chaos Nest was one of over one hundred and eighty Supreme Grade Chaos Lair surrounding the 'Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest'."

"In its prime, it was guarded by eight Chaos Beast King [rulers of chaotic beasts]. Its strength rivaled even our own Chaos Gourd Nest. To think it has been utterly shattered now."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow creased in thought. "It seems," he said, "we are drawing near to the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest."

The seven treasured gourds [sentient magical treasures] discussed animatedly upon hearing this. The Innate Primordial Solar Gourd [a sentient gourd treasure born from primordial solar essence] felt a stirring of desire and said, "Since we are near the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [a supreme-grade lair within the primordial chaos, once inhabited by a legendary Violet Phoenix], should we not go and take a look?"

Celestial Maiden [a title for a high-ranking female immortal] pondered for a moment before speaking, "Currently, the great ancient sects are exploring the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest. Would it not be too risky for us to venture there?"

The Horizon Patriarch [a venerable patriarch known for his vast experience], however, supported the idea. He stated firmly, "Even within the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], a Supreme Grade Chaos Lair [a rare and immensely powerful natural formation within the chaos] is not a common sight. This is especially true for one aligned with the fire element, which you seek."

"My suggestion is to go and investigate. If the situation turns perilous, we can withdraw immediately."

Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] fell into thoughtful silence, his gaze shifting to the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd [a composite sentient treasure formed from seven innate gourds].

Seeing this, the Innate Primordial Solar Gourd spoke up, "The Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest is our ancestral home. We possess intimate knowledge of its internal layout."

"Let the seven of us guide the way. Should danger arise, we doubt anyone could stop you from leaving."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. Protected by the sub-pearls of his Returning Abyss Pearl [a supreme treasure specializing in spatial traversal and escape], his ability to flee was virtually unmatched by any beneath the Great Encompassing [the highest known realm of cultivation] realm.

The Innate Primordial Solar Gourd was well aware of this fact, which was precisely why it suggested he take the risk to explore.

Having made up his mind, Eldrin Chen declared decisively, "Very well. Lead the way, all seven of you."

As the words fell, the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd [a sentient treasure gourd born from primordial chaos] immediately and joyfully stepped forward to scout the path.

After a separation of millions of years, returning home was a rare occasion for the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd, and it was filled with exceptional excitement.

They led the three individuals through the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], and before long arrived at a location of extraordinarily violent and turbulent Chaos.

It was a Chaos Vortex [a swirling maelstrom of primordial chaos], its periphery churning with a tempestuous Chaos Storm [a storm of destructive chaotic energies] that encircled the entire Chaos Lair [a den or nest formed within the fabric of chaos].

Seeing this, the Innate Pure Lunar Gourd [a sentient treasure gourd embodying the essence of the pure moon] explained, "This is the Chaos Storm Domain [a defensive barrier of chaotic storms], akin to the moat surrounding one of your Human Race cities. It was established by Her Majesty, the Chaos Violet Phoenix, by channeling and directing the Chaos Storm."

"It envelops the entire Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [the primordial nest of the Chaos Violet Phoenix], saturated with the power of the Great Path of Thunderclap [the Dao of sudden, explosive thunder]. The more powerful an individual attempting to cross it, the more terrifying the Thunderclap [a sudden, explosive thunderous attack] assault they will face."

"And the location of the Eye of the Storm [the calm center of the storm] is where the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest and its subsidiary Three Thousand Chaos Lairs [three thousand dens scattered throughout the chaos] reside."

As the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd offered its explanation, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly with concern.

According to the Innate Pure Lunar Gourd's words, even an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] wishing to traverse the Chaos Storm would have to pay an immense price, requiring at least a million years to cross this expanse of Chaos Storm.

Even now, with a breach torn open in the Chaos Storm amidst the great war, the passage remains perilous in the extreme. For Ancient Immortal Great Power [mighty cultivators of the ancient immortal realm] of the seventh or eighth tribulation to cross, they would still need to expend significant effort and a considerable amount of time.

Given their strength, how could they possibly traverse this Chaos Storm [a tempest of primordial chaos energy capable of shredding reality]?

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the Innate Seven Treasures Gourd. The Innate Primordial Solar Gourd [one of the seven innate treasures, embodying the essence of the primordial sun] spoke up, "Actually, there is a hidden passage within this Chaos Storm. Passing through it poses little danger."

With that, the Innate Primordial Solar Gourd began to lead the way, guiding the group to a specific corner of the vast Chaos Storm.

At that very moment, Eldrin Chen noticed dozens of Chaos Lair [massive, fortress-like vessels designed for travel through the primordial chaos] hovering in the nearby Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation], halted just before the raging Chaos Storm.

"What are they doing...?"

The Seven Treasures Gourd [the collective vessel formed from the seven innate gourds] spoke, then deduced, "If I'm not mistaken, they plan to gather the combined power of numerous Innate Ancient Ship [vessels of immense antiquity and power] and Ancient Immortal [immortals who have existed since time immemorial] to jointly withstand this Chaos Storm."

"Such an act can indeed mitigate the destructive force of the Chaos Storm, but it requires a significant price and considerable time."

As he spoke, the Seven Treasures Gourd observed the Innate Ancient Ship beginning to traverse along a rent in the Chaos Storm. He urged, "Let's move quickly. We should take the hidden passage; we'll likely arrive before them."

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen immediately entered through the concealed passage.

As the group navigated the passage, they discovered the interior of the Chaos Storm was filled with overwhelmingly violent Chaos Thunderclap Force [bolts of condensed chaos energy that strike with the force of a world-ending thunderclap]. Each bolt possessed the power to shatter heavens and crumble earth, capable of utterly annihilating an Ancient Immortal Great Power [a mighty figure among the ancient immortals] with terrifying ease.

Fortunately, as they moved along the secret passage, they were not struck by these Chaos Thunderclap [a devastating divine ability that unleashes primordial chaos as thunderbolts].

However, the Innate Ancient Ship [a primordial vessel of immense power] on the other side faced a different fate. One after another, Chaos Thunderclap rained down, battering the Innate Ancient Ship until it teetered on the brink of collapse.

Countless Celestial Soldiers and Generals [heavenly warriors and commanders] and Ancient Immortal Great Power [a cultivator of immense age and power] were forced to unleash their Divine Ability [a supreme technique powered by divine energy] and ancient treasures to block the onslaught. Yet, in the blink of an eye, their defenses were utterly shattered.

Even an Innate Ancient Treasure [a primordial artifact born from the chaos of creation] would be instantly fragmented and reduced to shards under the relentless assault of such Chaos Thunderclap.

"How terrifying this Chaos Storm [a cataclysmic storm of primordial chaos energy] is," Eldrin Chen murmured, his voice laced with awe.

Eldrin Chen's heart was filled with profound shock. In that moment, he grasped the true, dreadful nature of the Primordial Chaos Fiend Nest [a nightmarish realm born from the primordial chaos, teeming with ancient fiends]. This chapter is part of a larger work available at audi0-n0vel.c0m.