Chapter 1855 : A Warning in the Twilight City

Hearing this, the Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord let out a sigh of relief and promptly produced the treasures to complete the transaction with Eldrin Chen.

It had to be admitted that although this Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord was only a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal, he was, after all, a direct disciple of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. While he lacked an Innate Spiritual Treasure Path-Attainment or the strength of an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, he was certainly not lacking in such Great Encompassing Rare Treasure.

After their transaction was complete, Eldrin Chen had obtained another set of Five Elements Great Encompassing Thunder Marrow, along with five Great Encompassing Rare Treasure held as collateral.

According to their agreement, the remaining set of Five Elements Great Encompassing Thunder Marrow would be exchanged for the collateralized Great Encompassing Rare Treasure once it was produced by the Myriad Thunder Holy Land in the future.

Eldrin Chen was already quite satisfied with this arrangement. Even if the Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord never brought the Five Elements Great Encompassing Thunder Marrow later, obtaining five Great Encompassing Rare Treasure was hardly a loss.

Returning to the matter at hand, with both parties having secured their desired treasures, the Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord prepared to take his leave.

However, before departing, he looked at Eldrin Chen with a meaningful glint in his eyes and said, "Since I have obtained what I sought today, allow me to offer you a word of caution, Fellow Daoist."

"Once you leave this Twinkling Light Immortal City today, you may encounter some... complications. I advise you to linger here a while longer."

"Hmm."

Eldrin Chen nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Thank you for the warning, Fellow Daoist. I shall keep it in mind." This chapter is provided by (audio-novel.com). Support the original.

The Crimson Lightning Thunder Lord nodded, saying nothing more, before turning and vanishing from the pavilion.

After his departure, Eldrin Chen also remained silent. He strode out of Twinkling Light Immortal City and headed beyond the borders of the Primordial Immortal Domain.

He had not flown far when Eldrin Chen suddenly halted, his expression serene. His gaze, profound and distant, fixed upon the void ahead as he spoke, "Show yourself."

"Quite perceptive."

A figure clad in black robes materialized from the void, his countenance calm as he regarded Eldrin Chen. "You seem unfamiliar, Fellow Daoist. I gather you are not a native Immortal [a being who has ascended to immortality through cultivation] of the Primordial Immortal Domain?"

Eldrin Chen offered no reply, merely casting a cool, appraising glance at the man.

The man wore robes of black and gold in the style of a Daoist priest, yet he exuded an aura of Heavenly Demon [a powerful race of celestial demons] essence, allowing Eldrin Chen to deduce his origins.

"The bloodline aura of the Dark Great Roc Imperial Clan. Are you a direct descendant of the Dark Great Roc Emperor's lineage?"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, recognizing the man's heritage.

The man in black and gold robes nodded, his gaze unwavering. "You have some discernment. Since that is the case, hand over the Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [a legendary artifact of immense power and rarity] in your possession, and I may spare your life."

"Is that so?"

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly as he recalled the origins of this Dark Great Roc Lineage.

Among the Demon Race, the Great Roc lineage had always been one of the Ten Great Imperial Clans. The Sovereign of this lineage was the Golden-Winged Great Roc.

That Primordial Ancestor of Golden-Winged Great Roc was one of the ten Primordial One Imperial Lord of the Demon Race, his cultivation and combat power second only to the three Demon Race Heavenly Emperor. His strength was unfathomable.

Within the Great Roc clan, led by the Golden-Winged Great Roc, there were also over ten other supreme bloodlines such as the Azure Heaven Roc, the Violet Radiance Roc, and the Void Heaven Roc. Each possessed peerless demon lords of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal level.

Although these races were powerful, they were all far inferior to the Golden-Winged Great Roc Clan. Only one race was an exception: the Dark Great Roc Clan.

Legend held that the Dark Great Roc Clan originated from a primordial mutation of the Golden-Winged Great Roc. Their bodies were a profound, inky black, while their imperial lineage bore dark golden Dao patterns. Their bloodline was in no way inferior to that of the Golden-Winged Great Roc.

Most crucially, the progenitor of the Dark Great Roc was the twin brother of the Golden-Winged Great Roc. His cultivation had also reached the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm. He was one of the Heaven-Propping Pillar [a foundational pillar of immense power and stability] of the Demon Race Heavenly Court.

Therefore, the Dark Great Roc Imperial Clan was revered as an imperial clan. Their bloodline was one of the supreme Demon Race lineages, second only to the direct descendants of the Ten Great Imperial Clans.

The Black-robed Path Master before them flowed with the blood of the Dark Great Roc Emperor.

Contemplating the formidable might of the Dark Great Roc Emperor lineage, a sharp glint of resolve flashed within Eldrin Chen's eyes.

A Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal flowing with the bloodline of a Primordial One Imperial Lord was indeed worthy of his full attention. Taking a deep breath, he declared, "I have long wished to witness the power of the Demon Race's imperial blood."

As his words faded, Eldrin Chen flicked his sleeve, unleashing a cataclysmic surge of Void Heaven power. It coalesced into a blinding sword radiance that cleaved through the firmament towards his foe.

This was the Limitless Cosmos Sword, a technique whose power inherently touched the realm of the Tenth Limit. Driven by Eldrin Chen's current cultivation and profound foundation, it erupted with a majesty that defied the heavens.

"You seek death!"

Facing this onslaught, the Dark Great Roc's expression chilled. With a sweep of his sleeve, two beams of dark celestial light tore through Void Heaven, carrying world-ending divine might as they clashed against the Limitless Cosmos Sword. This chapter is provided by audio-novel . com. Support the original.

The collision sent violent tremors through the void, shaking the very fabric of space.

In the mere blink of an eye, the Dark Great Roc was sent reeling, blood spraying from his mouth as he was hurled countless Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] before crashing into the mountain ranges of the Immortal Domain.

"*Cough*—"

A moment later, the Dark Great Roc erupted from the shattered peaks, his face a mask of shock as he stared at Eldrin Chen.

His gaze turned sinister, his voice dripping with icy malice as he spoke, "The Tenth Limit [the ultimate pinnacle of cultivation before transcending mortality] Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power], the Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [the Divine Ability of an Unbreakable Primordial Soul]?"

"You have some skill, I'll grant you that. But know this: all beneath the Eighth Tribulation are but ants."

"At the end of the Reincarnation [the endless cycle of death and rebirth], remember this lord's name."

"I am—Fallen Heaven's Gate!"

"BOOM—"

In that instant, heaven and earth trembled, and all creation seemed on the verge of collapse.

Fallen Heaven's Gate gripped a massive black-and-gold greatsword, cleaving through the void with power sufficient to rend the Chaos Void Cosmos [the primordial, formless expanse before creation], and launched a devastating horizontal slash.

"An Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primal forces of the cosmos], the Heaven-Falling God-Slaying Sword."

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. With a flick of his sleeve, he summoned the Soaring Immortal Zither. Another flick sent forth wave after wave of world-shaking sonic blades, their resonance forming a Six Harmonies [a defensive formation based on the harmony of six directions] that parried the devastating edge of the Heaven-Falling God-Slaying Sword.

Struck by the counter-force, Fallen Heaven's Gate's expression shifted dramatically. "An Innate Spiritual Treasure?!"

After a moment, Fallen Heaven's Gate asked with some surprise, "Since you possess an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the laws of heaven and earth], why did you not use it to break through the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [a critical bottleneck in cultivation where one uses a spiritual treasure to forge their foundational path]?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen remained utterly composed. With his current foundation and reserves, he could indeed attempt to refine the Soaring Immortal Zither as his Path Establishment Treasure [the core treasure used to establish one's foundational cultivation path], thereby shattering the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass.

However, the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass itself has distinctions of strength and weakness. Using an ordinary Innate Spiritual Treasure to anchor one's Great Path [the fundamental cultivation law one follows] would only result in becoming the most common type of Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

If one could elevate their own Lifebound Immortal Treasure [a treasure intimately connected to a cultivator's life force and cultivation path] into an Innate Spiritual Treasure, and use *that* to ascend to Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, their combat prowess would clearly be enhanced by another degree.

Eldrin Chen already possessed a strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primal spiritual light embodying the concept of indestructibility], which could elevate his Lifebound Immortal Treasure to Innate Spiritual Treasure status. This path was clearly more suited to him; there was no need to bind his destiny to the Soaring Immortal Zither for his ascension.

Upon realizing Eldrin Chen possessed an Innate Spiritual Treasure, a trace of solemnity surfaced in Fallen Heaven's Gate's gaze.

Eldrin Chen's strength was already formidable to begin with. Now, with the assistance of both an Innate Spiritual Treasure and the Soaring Immortal Zither, Fallen Heaven's Gate had no absolute confidence in subduing him.

Understanding this, Fallen Heaven's Gate reined in a portion of his Slaughter Intent [the palpable intent to kill].

While conflict between Ancient Immortal Great Power was not forbidden within the Primordial Immortal Domain [the primordial realm where immortals reside], once both sides unleashed their Innate Spiritual Treasure in fierce battle, it would inevitably cause some damage to the very fabric of that domain.

Since he lacked the certainty to slay Eldrin Chen, there was naturally no point in continuing this fight.

With a faint smile gracing his lips and a profound, inscrutable gleam in his eyes, he spoke, "Since you, Fellow Daoist, are also one of our kind, then today's intrusion was my discourtesy."

"Let us end matters here for today. When the Kalpa Tribulation [the cataclysmic cycle that ends an age] descends, we shall compete to see who stands taller."

As his final words faded, Fallen Heaven's Gate flicked his sleeve and transformed into a streak of light, piercing through the cloud layers and vanishing at the horizon's edge.

Watching Fallen Heaven's Gate depart, Eldrin Chen stood motionless for a moment, a flicker of killing intent surfacing within his gaze.

He understood that the reason Fallen Heaven's Gate had retreated was not solely due to the power of the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth], but because he, Eldrin, had been able to unleash the Soaring Immortal Zither's full might.

Had it been an ordinary Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations] in his place, they would have surely met a fate with no grave to bury their bones.

Most crucially, his opponent could not fathom Eldrin Chen's hidden cards and feared the formidable Ancient Sect Holy Lands [venerable and powerful cultivation organizations] that might stand behind him, which stayed his hand from a rash attack.

After all, within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, any powerhouse capable of wielding an Innate Spiritual Treasure almost invariably signified the backing of at least one Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal whose power encompasses all creation].

Yet, once that opponent discerned his true identity, he would undoubtedly seek any means to strike.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen did not hesitate for a moment. He transformed into a streak of light and vanished into the depths of the boundless void, finding himself, almost without realizing it, back at the periphery of the Primordial Immortal Domain.

Upon exiting the Primordial Immortal Domain [the primordial realm where immortals reside], Eldrin Chen returned his entry token and soared through the void towards the Depths of Chaos [the turbulent, formless expanse beyond ordered realms].

Only after traversing the Boundless Chaos [the infinite, primordial chaos separating worlds] did he glance back at the Primordial Immortal Domain, his gaze profound and distant. "The Primordial Immortal Domain," he murmured, his voice carrying a weight of unspoken thoughts.

"The next time I set foot here, I shall arrive with the bearing of a Peerless Immortal Lord [a supreme rank among immortal cultivators], no longer this obscure and Nameless [unknown] wanderer."

With those words, the Returning Abyss Pearl [a mystical pearl capable of traversing vast distances] pierced through the Boundless Chaos, carrying him away until he vanished into the endless reaches of the void.

"…"

When Eldrin Chen next manifested, he stood just beyond the borders of the Frigid Immortal Domain [an immortal realm known for its icy desolation].

This time, he made little effort to conceal his aura. He strode forth, shattering the fabric of the Chaos Void Cosmos [the chaotic space between domains] with each step, until he crossed into the Frigid Immortal Domain and proceeded directly to the heart of the Sunder Heaven Ancient Domain [an ancient, battle-scarred region within the Frigid Immortal Domain].

The moment his foot touched the soil of the Sunder Heaven Ancient Domain, a powerful presence surged forth to meet him.

It was none other than Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor. Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, a wave of relief washed over him. "It's you," he exclaimed, his voice thick with emotion. "You're safe. That is well."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint, knowing smile. "I apologize for the intrusion," he said, his tone respectful. "I hope you do not mind my unannounced visit."

"You flatter me."

Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor was exceptionally courteous. He took Eldrin Chen by the hand and led him into the cavernous Heavenly Path training ground. With great deference, he poured a cup of tea and said, "Had you not intervened that year, I likely would have perished within the Ruined Abyss Ancient Realm."

"Such a debt of gratitude, how could I ever forget it?"

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen offered a gentle smile but said nothing more, instead casting a discerning glance at Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor.

After but a single look, Eldrin Chen could not help but remark, "I perceive your spiritual power [the cultivated energy that fuels a cultivator's abilities] reaches to the heavens. It seems you have taken that final step?"

Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor nodded in affirmation. He clasped his hands respectfully towards the direction of the Primordial Immortal Domain and said, "I have been favored by our Patriarch, who bestowed upon me an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos of creation, possessing immense power]."

"If I can achieve the Great Dao [the ultimate principle and path of cultivation] this time, it will not have been in vain, the many years of nurturing from my master."

Eldrin Chen nodded in understanding upon hearing this. He now realized that after Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor's breakthrough to the Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal realm, he had finally caught the eye of Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord.

Not long ago, upon the recommendation of White Crane Immortal Lord, Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor had received an Innate Spiritual Treasure bestowed by the Frigid Heaven Ancestral Court. This had allowed him to break through to the Ancient Immortal Realm of the Eighth Tribulation.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen could not help but smile and say, "With the profound foundation you possess, Fellow Daoist, it is entirely possible that during this Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal, often a trial for cultivators], you may take that final step. You could become the fourteenth Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle of immortal cultivation, a being of immense power and longevity] to ascend from the native soil of the Frigid Immortal Domain."

"You flatter me."

Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor shook his head, his expression turning solemn as he replied, "Any success I have attained today is entirely due to the grace of our Founding Ancestor and the profound favor of my master. Should I truly ascend to that ultimate step, I will never forget the kindness shown to me this day."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod upon hearing this. Though his interactions with Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor had been few, he could vaguely discern that this man's character was not lacking. This, he surmised, was likely the reason Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord was willing to nurture him.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen spoke, "My visit today is actually to ask a favor."

"Oh?" Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor was momentarily taken aback, then inquired, "Speak freely. If it is within my power, I will not hesitate to assist."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and explained his wish to borrow the core Earth Vein [the primary spiritual artery of a land] within the Frigid Immortal Domain for his cultivation.

Upon hearing this, Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor paused briefly before nodding. "The core Earth Vein of the Frigid Immortal Domain has always been under the control of the direct lineage of the Frigid Heaven Ancestral Court," he said.

"However, rest assured. With me as your guarantor, it will be sufficient for you to enter and cultivate there."

Without further delay, Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor took Eldrin Chen by the arm and led him towards the Frigid Heavenly Domain.

As the heart of the Frigid Immortal Domain, the Frigid Heavenly Domain was a place of exceptional status. Fortunately, Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor, being the grand-disciple of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator who has unified their cultivation path into a single, primordial essence], also possessed an extraordinary standing of his own.

They traversed the Void Cosmos [the vast, empty space between realms] and arrived within the Frigid Heavenly Domain [a region of extreme cold]. After receiving a guarantee from Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor, Eldrin Chen proceeded to the very heart of the Frigid Immortal Domain [the immortal realm of frost]—the Frigid Heaven Immortal Pool [a legendary pool of primordial icy essence].

This Frigid Heaven Immortal Pool was the core source of the Frigid Immortal Domain, the coldest place among the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the myriad immortal realms that constitute the cosmos].

As Eldrin Chen stepped into the Frigid Heaven Immortal Pool, an indescribable, ultimate cold assaulted him the very instant his foot touched the surface, a chill so profound it threatened to freeze his very blood and marrow into frost.

An ordinary Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived seven heavenly tribulations], if they entered unprepared, would likely be frozen to death in a heartbeat.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen possessed an extraordinary foundation. Even bearing the extreme cold of the Frigid Heaven Immortal Pool was within his capacity to endure.

He continuously refined the pool's frigid origin essence. In the process, his own Vitality [the foundational life force and essence of a cultivator] marrow was tempered, growing ever more resilient and unyielding.

Thus, ten thousand years passed in a blur. Eldrin Chen found his physical body's strength had ascended another level, and the origin essence within him had grown purer and more refined.

"It is almost time."

Seeing the moment was ripe, Eldrin Chen began to inhale and exhale the Frigid Heaven Immortal Pool's waters in great cycles, constantly replenishing his own Frost Soul [a profound power related to ice and soul] origin. Only when he had reached his absolute limit did he slowly release a long, misty breath.

Finally, Eldrin Chen opened his eyes. Assessing his newfound power, he discovered his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [a legendary, nigh-unbreakable body constitution] had advanced further from its peak, its potency enhanced by a full twenty percent compared to before his seclusion.

At this stage, Eldrin Chen faintly sensed that the final barrier separating him from a True Spirit Physique at the Twelfth Limit was now paper-thin.

"Once I endure the soul-scouring, bone-eroding tribulation of the wind vein, my Great Encompassing Primordial One Indestructibility Body will be perfected," Eldrin Chen murmured softly to himself.

With those words, he stepped out from the depths of the Frigid Heaven Immortal Pool.

After settling the required fee and bidding farewell to Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor, he made his way back to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain.

Seeing his return, Exquisite Jiang let out a sigh of relief. "The grand celebration for your ten million year lifespan is nearly upon us," she said. "Had you delayed any longer, I would have had to seek you out in the Primordial Immortal Domain." Experience the full epic at audio-novel.com.