Chapter 1842 : Chaos Storm and the Innate Treasure

Even the mere peripheral Chaos Storm [a cataclysmic tempest of primordial chaos], and the Innate Treasure Ship [a primordial vessel of immense power] navigating through the torn weak points within it, were potent enough to annihilate an Ancient Immortal Great Power with terrifying ease. It was no wonder that in ages past, Bright River Immortal Lord had needed to muster a host of a million Celestial Soldiers and Generals [the divine army of the heavens] to launch an assault upon this place.

"*Hummm—*"

Just as Eldrin Chen was reeling from this realization, the very fabric of the void began to tremble, and the Great Path [the fundamental Dao or principle of cultivation] within him shuddered in resonance.

From amidst that boundless fleet of Treasure Ship [powerful enchanted vessels], one after another, eternal Immortal Radiance [the luminous aura of an immortal being] erupted. Awe-inspiring light of the Great Path cleaved through the Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state before creation], forming a bulwark against the savage, overwhelming fury of the Chaos Thunderclap [thunder born from the heart of chaos].

"Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, containing innate laws of the universe]," Horizon Patriarch murmured, his voice filled with profound astonishment.

For countless Immortal [beings who have ascended to immortality], an Innate Spiritual Treasure represented the ultimate, most coveted of Rare Spiritual Wonders [objects of immense spiritual power and rarity]. For an Ancient Immortal [an immortal of great age and profound power], it was even more—a vessel upon which to entrust and manifest their Great Path.

For an Ancient Immortal Great Power to attempt a breakthrough into the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal Realm [the realm of an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations], they must fuse their nascent Embryonic Great Path [the budding, unformed principle of their cultivation] with an Innate Spiritual Treasure. This process of merging and binding their Great Path with the treasure's innate laws would transform it into their personal "Proof-of-the-Path Treasure" [a treasure that embodies and proves one's mastery of the Dao].

Only by refining an Innate Spiritual Treasure into such a Proof-of-the-Path Treasure could an Ancient Immortal unleash the artifact's full, devastating potential.

Now, several Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal acted in concert. They channeled their power into their respective Innate Spiritual Treasure, using them to hold back the raging Chaos Storm and shield the fleet of Innate Ancient Ship [ancient vessels of primordial origin]. Under this formidable protection, the armada's passage through the storm accelerated noticeably.

Witnessing this scene, Eldrin Chen immediately declared, "At this rate, they might traverse the Chaos Storm [a tempestuous barrier of primal chaos energy] within tens of thousands of years." This chapter is part of a larger work available at audio—novel.com.

"We cannot delay any longer. Let us depart with haste."

As his words fell, the three of them immediately quickened their pace, heading towards the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [the legendary lair of the Primal Violet Phoenix].

Thus, time flowed swiftly. In a mere eight hundred years, they had pierced through the storm layer of the Boundless Chaos [the infinite, formless expanse of primordial matter] and arrived within the territory of the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest.

Yet, the moment they reached the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest, Eldrin Chen's expression shifted subtly.

There, in the Depths of Chaos [the profound and turbulent heart of the primordial void], a Chaos Lair [a domain forged from and anchored in primal chaos] vaster than an Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortal laws] hung suspended, bathed in an endless Sea of Thunder [an ocean of devastating celestial lightning].

This boundless Sea of Thunder was terrifying beyond measure. Each individual Thunderclap [a bolt of annihilating lightning] was potent enough to slay an Ancient Immortal Great Power [a venerable and immensely powerful immortal from antiquity], and their density was over a hundred times greater than that within the Chaos Storm layer.

Such a dreadful Chaos Sea of Thunder—any single strike could pierce through a Great Universe [a complete and vast cosmos]. Yet, the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest endured the ceaseless day-and-night bombardment of these infinite Chaos Divine Thunder [lightning bolts imbued with the divine power of chaos] without showing the slightest sign of damage.

"This... this is the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest?"

Horizon Patriarch murmured under his breath, his gaze filled with unparalleled dread.

At this moment, even Eldrin Chen was somewhat stunned. Could such a terrifying Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest truly be explored by mortals?

Simultaneously, the Innate Primordial Solar Gourd beside him spoke: "This is a defensive measure of the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest, known as the World-Ending Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Sea."

"That battle in the past erupted suddenly. Her Majesty, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, had little time to prepare in advance. If my deduction is correct, She likely did not have the chance to retrieve all Her treasures before departing."

"Thus, I surmise that to prevent others from pilfering Her treasures in Her absence, Her Majesty deliberately stirred a cataclysmic Chaos Storm and activated this World-Ending Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Sea to shield the Chaos Lair."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. "This World-Ending Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Sea is far more terrifying than the Chaos Storm. Let us not dwell on it for now."

"Our immediate priority is to locate a top-grade Fire Vein."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen calmly surveyed his surroundings. His gaze settled almost instantly.

Beyond the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest lay over a thousand Chaos Lair. Most were shattered ruins, yet some remained relatively intact, a few even appearing completely undamaged.

Yet within this expanse of Chaos, countless Chaos Thunderclap bolts continued to strike down, each possessing fearsome destructive power.

The Innate Positive Water Gourd promptly warned, "During that ancient battle, the Chaos Storm layer was breached, unleashing a violent torrent of Chaos Thunderclap that spilled into the fringes of these Chaos Lair. We must proceed with caution."

Eldrin Chen nodded and spoke, "Follow behind me."

With those words, Eldrin Chen immediately activated his Primordial One Energy True Aura [a supreme defensive technique that manifests a protective aura of primordial energy] to shield the group. He then took the lead, advancing step by step towards the locations of these Chaos Lair [ancient, primordial nests or dens formed within the chaotic void].

They had not walked for long before they had explored several of these Chaos Lair, yet to their surprise, most of the treasures within them had already vanished.

The few treasures that remained were mostly broken and damaged. Only within those Chaos Lair still guarded by powerful restrictive formations did precious artifacts persist.

"During that great battle of old, that Chaos Fiend [a primordial entity of immense chaos and malevolence] also had many followers. If my deduction is correct, these treasures were likely taken by those followers,"

Innate Primordial Solar Gourd [a sentient treasure born from the essence of the primordial sun] spoke up. Continuing, it added, "Of course, the Chaos Beast King [powerful rulers among primordial beasts] under the command of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [an ancient and supreme phoenix of violet radiance] likely did not suffer total annihilation either."

Eldrin Chen nodded calmly. After walking for a considerable time, he finally arrived before a Chaos Lair shaped like a crimson phoenix. His expression turned grave as he came to a halt. For the best reading experience, visit https://audio-novel.com.

"The Chaos Blazing Phoenix Nest,"

The moment he laid eyes on this Chaos Lair, the Innate Solar Fire Gourd [a sentient gourd containing the essence of solar fire] changed expression slightly and immediately spoke, "It actually hasn't been destroyed yet."

A flicker of understanding passed through Eldrin Chen's eyes as he recalled the origins of this particular nest.

The Chaos Blazing Phoenix Nest [a legendary lair of primordial fire], also known as the Crimson Phoenix Chaos Nest, is one of the Seven Chaos Phoenixes [the seven primordial progenitors of all phoenix-kind]. It innately wields the power of the Chaos Blazeflame Great Path [the supreme principle of primordial, order-defying fire] and is considered the ancestral progenitor of the Southern Blaze Vermilion Bird lineage.

The Chaos Blazing Phoenix Nest before them was discovered by the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [a supreme being among phoenixes] within the Chaos [the formless, primordial state before creation] and meticulously nurtured over dozens of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth] to become this Chaos Lair [a sanctum born from primordial chaos].

Within this Chaos Lair resides an immensely powerful Chaos Saint Spirit [a sacred entity born of chaos] known as the 'Chaos Blazing Phoenix'. Its cultivation has reached the formidable Eighth Tribulation of the Ancient Immortal Realm [a realm of power transcending ordinary immortality], making it the foremost champion under the command of Her Majesty, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix.

"The depth of foundation and combat prowess of this Chaos Blazing Phoenix likely rivals even that of Ao Hong the Primordial Chaos Black Dragon,"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, a flicker of astonishment in his gaze.

The Innate Primordial Solar Gourd [a sentient treasure vessel born of the first sun] also nodded, its tone tinged with envy. "That Chaos Blazing Phoenix possesses heaven-shaking battle strength and is deeply favored by Her Violet Ultimate Majesty. She was even granted a strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial, unbreakable spiritual essence] to assist in elevating its Companion Supreme Treasure [a treasure bound to one's soul and destiny], the 'Ancient Diagram of the Flaming Phoenix'."

"Had it not perished, this very Kalpa Tribulation would have been its moment to prove its Great Path [its supreme principle or Dao] and ascend."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly, but he offered no further comment.

Having cultivated to his present level, Eldrin Chen understood with ever-deepening clarity the terrifying nature of Tribulation [cosmic trials of fate and power]. The Kalpa Tribulation was not merely a trial for the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, nor solely for the Three Thousand Immortal Domains. It was a manifestation of the Tribulation Fortune Great Path [the supreme principle governing cosmic cycles of fortune and calamity] within the vastness of Chaos itself.

It was one of the foundational Great Path governing the cycles of Chaos and the turning of all Heavenly Wheel [cosmic mechanisms of fate], its reach capable of affecting even the depths of the Boundless Chaos [the infinite, primordial expanse].

During the Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense destruction and rebirth], when the Great Encompassing [the supreme realm of cultivation] does not manifest, it is not only the best opportunity for Ancient Immortal [immortals who have existed since antiquity] within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad immortal worlds] to prove their path and attain Great Encompassing. For those Chaos Saint Spirit [primordial holy beings born from chaos] dwelling within the Chaos [the primordial, formless void from which all things emerged], it is also the most auspicious moment to break through to the Chaos Demon God [a supreme rank of demonic beings born of chaos].

Whether it is to entrust oneself to the Great Path [the fundamental laws of existence] and prove one's way to become a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal who has attained the Great Encompassing realm], or to master the Great Path and break through to the Realm of Chaos [a supreme state of being one with primordial chaos], these have never been the exclusive privilege of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen suddenly had a feeling, a sense that perhaps the Three Thousand Immortal Domains were not a particularly special place within the vastness of Chaos.

It was akin to mortals living upon a Stellar [a celestial body like a star or planet]. Initially, they all believed their own Stellar was the Central heart of the Universe [the cosmos]. Yet, upon stepping beyond that single Stellar, they came to understand that within the Boundless Universe [the infinite cosmos], Stellar were as numerous as the sands of the Ganges.

Looking back then, one would realize that a single life-bearing Stellar, compared to the vast and desolate Universe, was perhaps so minuscule it could be disregarded.

From this perspective, when looking back at the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, was the situation not the same?

Eldrin Chen dared not dwell on such thoughts, swiftly severing the notion in his heart. For him now, Chaos was like a boundless, shoreless sea.

Whether this sea was a mere river, lake, or ocean, or the vast and endless starry sea of the Universe, he was but a lone leaf drifting upon its surface, not yet qualified to comprehend its true depths.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the Chaos Blazing Phoenix Nest [a primordial nest born of chaotic flame, associated with the phoenix] before him. His expression was calm as he declared, "This place shall be the first step for my Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a legendary constitution of innate, primordial, and unbreakable nature] to truly cross the threshold into the Great Encompassing."

The moment his words fell, Eldrin Chen took a step forward and set foot upon the Chaos Blazing Phoenix Nest.

"Boom—"

The moment Eldrin Chen set foot within the Chaos Blazing Phoenix Nest, he instantly sensed a cataclysmic surge of Heavenly Flame [a divine fire of celestial origin] sweeping towards him, accompanied by endless Thunderclap [blasts of divine thunder] crashing down from the Nine Heavens [the highest celestial realms] to bombard his position.

Yet Eldrin Chen simply unfurled his Primordial One Energy True Aura [a supreme defensive technique that manifests a shield of primordial unified energy], standing unflinching against the fiery tempest and celestial fury. He spoke calmly, "This place is perilous. Fall back and wait outside."

Both Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden understood that with their power, enduring this Chaos Thunderclap [a chaotic storm of primordial thunder and lightning] would entail immense risk. They immediately retreated beyond the Outside the Chaos Lair.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen continued his advance. He pressed forward, weathering the onslaught of flame and Thunderclap Force [the destructive power contained within divine thunderclaps], until he finally reached the deepest heart of the Chaos Lair.

There lay a Flame Immortal Pool, its depths brimming with a blinding, incandescent Innate Solar Fire [a primordial fire born of the sun's essence], hot enough to melt even Immortal Gold [a legendary metal used to forge immortal-grade treasures] and reduce ancient treasures to slag. An Ancient Immortal Great Power [a cultivator of immense age and power who has transcended mortality] who dared step into it would be utterly annihilated.

Yet, aside from this pool, the nest held nothing else. The absence of any signs of struggle indicated that whatever treasures were once here had been taken.

"It seems the Chaos Blazing Phoenix still lives and has taken the Rare Spiritual Wonders [precious objects imbued with profound spiritual power] from this Chaos Lair with it," Eldrin Chen remarked, his tone indifferent.

He spoke plainly, yet held no particular concern over the matter.

The accumulated treasures of an Eight Tribulations Chaos Saint Spirit [a primordial holy being born from chaos, having survived eight heavenly tribulations] might indeed be considered priceless. However, what Eldrin Chen truly valued was the foundational essence of this Chaos Lair itself.

Without further delay, he stepped into the Flame Immortal Pool.

The moment he entered, a deluge of Innate Solar Fire [the primordial, purifying flames born at the dawn of creation] surged forth. Fire of this intensity was potent enough to incinerate even a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen's Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a legendary body constitution that grants supreme resilience against all forms of exotic energies] was supremely resistant to such foreign energies. Even this Innate Solar Fire struggled to completely consume him.

"A perfect opportunity to use this Innate Solar Fire to temper my golden body," he declared.

With those words, Eldrin Chen began to draw upon the power of the Innate Solar Fire, inhaling and exhaling the fire-attribute origin essence from the Solar Fire [a divine ability or phenomenon related to solar flames] nest to refine his physical form.

The instant the Innate Solar Fire entered his body, a torrent of Solar Fire power ignited within him. Combined with the all-consuming tempering of the Innate Solar Fire, it actually set his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique ablaze.

Throughout this process, Eldrin Chen appeared as if he were on fire, his flesh sizzling and crackling under the intense heat.

Yet, upon closer inspection, one would see countless impurities within his burning body being reduced to black smoke, vanishing without a trace.

As this purification continued, Eldrin Chen's physical form grew increasingly radiant and resplendent, shining with a brilliance as dazzling as Immortality Immortal Gold [a mythical, indestructible metal].

These were the accumulated impurities from refining the origin essences of five Supreme Grade Chaos Lair [a place of primordial chaos of the highest order]. Under normal circumstances, it would have taken Eldrin Chen tens of millions of years to fully purge them all.

Yet now, with the aid of the Innate Solar Fire [a primordial flame born from the essence of the sun], and tempered from both within and without, the impurities were swiftly expelled and refined, the majority of them already purged.

"Cultivating the physical body is akin to forging a divine artifact,"

"One draws upon the Five Elements Origin [the foundational essence of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth], then refines it with True Flame [a flame of pure spiritual energy]. What remains after the dross is burned away is a piece of Rare Spiritual Wonders [an extraordinary material imbued with potent spiritual properties]—a miraculous metal."

"However, to truly forge it into a peerless treasure, it must endure the tempering of Thunderclap [a tribulation of thunder and lightning], wind, and snow. Only after a thousand hammer strikes and a hundred refinements can its ultimate, world-shaking edge be revealed."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself, his path of cultivation crystal clear in his mind. He had fully perfected the cultivation method for the Great Encompassing Primordial One Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique said to be unbreakable and encompassing all creation].

He took a slow, deep breath, then inhaled sharply, drawing upon the essence of the Earth Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated spiritual energy]. In an instant, a vast torrent of fire-attribute essence flooded into his body.

As he continuously refined this fire essence, Eldrin Chen's Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [the innate foundation of the legendary Indestructibility Body] grew increasingly formidable. Upon shattering a certain profound limit, he refined twenty-four strands of Innate Energy [the primordial, unadulterated energy present at birth] in a single, unbroken effort. Finally, a world-shaking, thunderous roar erupted from within his very core.

"The Primordial One Indestructibility Body [the foundational form of the legendary physique] has reached its Minor Completion stage. This is the Supreme Physique [a physique of the highest, peerless grade] of the Eleventh Limit [a mythical realm representing the eleventh and ultimate boundary of physical cultivation]."

Eldrin Chen whispered, a ripple of emotion flashing in his eyes as he took a moment to sense the newfound power coursing through his limbs.

In that moment, Eldrin Chen, now possessing a physical form at the Eleventh Limit, found that his bodily strength alone was sufficient to rival a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations]. He had attained a combat prowess that few under heaven or upon earth could hope to match.

Yet, even so, Eldrin Chen did not cease his efforts.

He activated his Primordial Divine Treasury [the innermost spiritual repository of a supreme cultivator], unleashing a torrential downpour of Metal, Wood, Water, and Earth Origin energies. He refined every last drop, channeling them all into his physical body.

Simultaneously, he continued to inhale and exhale the power of Fire Origin, replenishing his Fire essence while simultaneously purging the impurities from the Five Elements Origin [the primordial source energy of the five fundamental elements] through both internal and external refinement.

Thus, time flowed on without cease. When the day finally came that Eldrin Chen opened his eyes, he discovered the Origin energies within his Primordial Divine Treasury had been utterly depleted.

Yet, his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a legendary body constitution of unparalleled resilience and power] seemed to have made another tremendous leap forward.

Eldrin Chen clenched his fist, and a sensation of power capable of sundering the Universe surged within his heart. He focused his senses and realized his strength had once again shattered a certain limit. It felt as if he could now crush a Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations] with a single blow.

"This power..."

"It does not yet seem to have reached the level of the Twelfth Limit [the theoretical ultimate pinnacle of physical cultivation]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a slight frown creasing his brow. The power of the Twelfth Limit meant suppressing the eight Heavenly Pass [profound bottlenecks in cultivation] through physical might alone, granting combat prowess rivaling an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations], and even the ability to clash bare-handed against an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos of creation].

His current strength had not yet ascended to that level. Strictly speaking, he remained far from reaching such heights.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, his combat power relying solely on his physical body should now be sufficient to withstand the full-force assault of a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations], rivaling the battle prowess of such a figure.

However, such power remains worlds apart from that of an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]. The chasm between the Eleventh Limit [the eleventh major threshold of physical cultivation] and the Twelfth Limit [the twelfth and ultimate major threshold of physical cultivation] is simply too vast—a seemingly insurmountable abyss.

Throughout history, those who have bridged this gap, aside from a handful of Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [supreme beings who have mastered a Great Dao and attained sagehood], are individuals who possessed the latent potential to become one.

Nevertheless, Eldrin Chen had now taken another step forward from his foundation at the Eleventh Limit. Perhaps he could already be considered to have reached a quasi-Twelfth Limit standard.

Although this quasi-Twelfth Limit status still meant there was a considerable distance to travel before truly attaining the full Twelfth Limit.

With these thoughts, Eldrin Chen slowly withdrew his contemplations. He drew a deep, measured breath and then stepped out from the Blazing Phoenix's nest. Read, share, and discuss at audio‑novel.com.