Chapter 1873 : A Realm of Ancient Immortals

The eight of them soared through the air, swiftly ascending onto the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [a vast, primordial landmass scarred by ancient celestial wars], only to be awestruck by the sight before them.

This Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent was truly boundless, vaster than an Immortal Domain [a realm governed by immortal laws] by a factor of thousands, yet it was saturated with a terrifying aura of Slaughter [a divine power embodying pure, annihilating violence].

With a mere glance, Eldrin Chen discerned countless Spirit Mountain [mountains imbued with potent spiritual energy] and Earth Vein [dragon-like conduits of terrestrial spiritual power]. Myriad exotic beasts and divine birds clashed against the heavens, each radiating formidable auras. Among them were beings rivaling Celestial Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] and even Ancient Immortal Realm [immortals who have survived for eons, their power deepened by time].

"The cultivation environment of the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent is exceptional, nurturing countless divine ancient beasts and malevolent spirits. Since antiquity, it has served as a proving ground for the direct disciples of major Ancient Sect's Direct Lineage [the core, orthodox lineages of venerable cultivation sects]," Nether Phoenix remarked.

"There are also fearsome entities here comparable to Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [ancient immortals who have weathered eight heavenly tribulations]. We must proceed with caution."

It was at this moment that Nether Phoenix spoke, her tone grave.

Eldrin Chen nodded, his gaze fixed on a distant mountain range. "There lies an Earth Vein of considerable power. Let us investigate."

With those words, Eldrin Chen was the first to streak forward, arriving swiftly before the majestic Earth Vein.

Standing before the mountainous formation, Eldrin Chen observed, "This is a Great Encompassing Earth Vein [a supreme-grade terrestrial spiritual artery of cosmic significance]. A pity it seems a portion of its foundational essence is missing."

Nether Phoenix also inclined her head thoughtfully. "This Great Encompassing Earth Vein was once the Great Encompassing Path-Field [the personal cultivation ground and source of power] of a Great Encompassing Path-Field from the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain [the original, foundational realm of the immortal cosmos]. Though now incomplete, with each Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle marking the end of a cosmic era], it still births at least one Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [a treasure of unparalleled rarity and power born from cosmic forces]." This chapter appears courtesy of (audio-novel.com).

"Nevertheless, we must still exercise caution, for this place may harbor Indestructibility [a state of being impervious to decay or destruction] Wraiths."

"So that's how it is."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod and immediately strode towards this Great Encompassing Earth Vein [a colossal, continent-spanning spiritual energy channel formed from the planet's essence].

Yet this time, the moment Eldrin Chen drew near the Great Encompassing Earth Vein, he sensed a torrential surge of Celestial Slaughter [a legendary, immensely potent and deadly spiritual plant] intent erupt from within. In its wake, a horned, malevolent spirit shot forth.

"Beware, it is a Primordial Era Evil Spirit [a malevolent entity born from the chaotic energies of the world's creation]!"

Nether Phoenix immediately warned, summoning a Dao Gold [a precious metal imbued with profound Dao principles] bracelet in readiness.

Eldrin Chen glanced upward, then with a flip of his palm, unleashed the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a divine weapon capable of sundering primordial chaos]. With a sweeping strike, he clashed fiercely with the Primordial Era Evil Spirit.

The moment they engaged, Eldrin Chen instantly realized this Primordial Era Evil Spirit was no ordinary foe. It possessed terrifying, extraordinary power. Relying on physical strength alone, Eldrin Chen failed to gain the upper hand.

"This Primordial Era Evil Spirit is indeed formidable."

Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, his thoughts turning to the origins of the Primordial Era Evil Spirit.

So-called Primordial Era Evil Spirit [entities born from the lingering souls and grudges of supreme beings who perished in the Primordial Era] are entities formed from the unwilling remnant souls and bitter grudges of the mightiest beings who fell during the Primordial Era [the primordial epoch of creation] within the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain [the foundational, primordial realm of the immortal cosmos].

They might be born from the lingering soul of a fallen Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Great Encompassing realm], or perhaps from the ancient guardian beasts of a Great Encompassing Ancient Sect [an ancient sect that reached the Great Encompassing level]. These beings were refined by various Chaos Heavenly Emperor [supreme sovereigns who rule over primordial chaos] into the Great Encompassing Earth Vein [the supreme spiritual ley lines of a realm] of the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [the ancient continent of immortal ruins], becoming forbidden existences that are neither truly alive nor subject to true death or Indestructibility [the state of being truly unkillable and eternal].

Even if slain, such an entity can revive within the span of a single Kalpa Tribulation [a grand cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal] by drawing upon the vital energies of the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent, making them excellent whetstones for Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations].

At this thought, a surge of battle intent welled up within Eldrin Chen's heart.

He began to fight with his full power, even channeling the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a divine ability that manifests one's true spiritual essence] to bolster himself, and swiftly gained complete dominance over the Primordial Era Evil Spirit.

"Incredible strength," Nether Phoenix murmured, witnessing this display with astonishment.

The combat prowess Eldrin Chen was now exhibiting far surpassed that of an ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, demonstrating an absolute, overwhelming force that left Nether Phoenix profoundly shaken.

Although Nether Phoenix had long suspected, given Eldrin Chen's favor in the eyes of Grand Nether Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord who rules over the grand nether realms], that he must have forged an Indestructibility Foundation [a foundation of cultivation that leads towards true indestructibility], she had never imagined his battle strength would reach such heights.

"With power like this, even if not quite matching the likes of Zhuyin [the Imperial Scion Zhuyin], he stands among the very pinnacle of Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal. No wonder he caught the attention of an Imperial Lord [a sovereign lord among immortals]."

Nether Phoenix murmured inwardly, yet instantly reined in her thoughts, shifting her focus to providing cover for him.

The others, seeing this, also refrained from intervening in the battle. For now, it was merely a single Indestructibility [a state of being unbreakable and eternal] Wraith, a perfect opportunity to first gauge its strength.

Eldrin Chen clashed fiercely with the Indestructibility Wraith. Initially, he wished to test the full combat prowess of the Indestructibility True Spirit [the spiritual essence of an Indestructibility being]. However, after exchanging over three hundred moves and discerning the true depths of the wraith's power, he lost the desire to prolong the duel.

He did not rush to reveal his true strength. Instead, he directly signaled for Exquisite Jiang and the others to join the assault and surround the foe.

Though formidable, the Indestructibility Wraith was ultimately powerless against the combined onslaught of eight experts including Exquisite Jiang, Nyssa Qu, and Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor. Mere moments later, it was slain amidst the void.

"Not bad."

Unexpectedly, after the Indestructibility Wraith was slain, no Path Source [the foundational source of a cultivation path] remained. Instead, it left behind a portion of Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [a treasure of immense rarity and power] Bulwark Earth Primordial Essence [the primordial essence of the stabilizing earth element]. This chapter appears courtesy of @udio-novel.com.

Eldrin Chen immediately moved to collect this Bulwark Earth Primordial Essence. But at that very moment, a dazzling Immortal Radiance [a radiant light of immortal power] erupted in the distance, followed immediately by a brilliant slash of sword energy hurtling towards him.

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. With a flick of his sleeve, he channeled Chaos Unity Energy [the harmonized energy of primordial chaos] to block the strike.

Looking back, he saw that the distant void was now surrounded by hundreds upon hundreds of Chaos Ancient Ship [ancient vessels forged in the era of primordial chaos].

At the forefront of these ancient vessels, where a Chaos Ancient Ship [a legendary vessel capable of traversing the primordial chaos] flew a great banner, stood ten figures whose auras blazed like the midday sun.

Eldrin Chen glanced at the banner, then at one of the black-robed figures among them, his brow furrowing slightly. "Fallen Heaven's Gate [a powerful and ancient demonic faction], and the Great Roc Clan [the paramount clan of the Great Roc demon race]?"

Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor also recognized the newcomers' identities, his expression turning grave. "Golden Feather King Roc [a regal, golden-feathered lineage of the Great Roc], Azure Heaven Roc [a Great Roc lineage associated with the azure heavens], Violet Radiance Roc [a Great Roc lineage emanating a violet, star-like radiance], Void Heaven Roc [a Great Roc lineage attuned to the void], Crimson Departure Roc [a crimson-feathered Great Roc lineage], Dark Great Roc [a Great Roc lineage shrouded in darkness], Golden-Winged Great Roc [the supreme, golden-winged lineage of the Great Roc]... It seems the entire Great Roc [a race of immense, powerful avian demons] clan has assembled."

Upon hearing this, the others felt a tremor of apprehension in their hearts.

Within the Demon Race [the collective term for all demonic beings], the Great Roc clan had always been counted among the mightiest of the Imperial Clans.

This lineage boasted several Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme realm of cultivation, the first step into the Primordial One stage], with their leader, the Golden-Winged Great Roc Imperial Lord, being an existence at the Great Perfection Primordial One Imperial Lord [the pinnacle of the Primordial One Imperial Lord realm].

Beneath the Golden-Winged Great Roc and Dark Great Roc lineages, the Great Roc clan possessed nine other Great Encompassing [a high cultivation realm] branch lineages, including the Golden Feather King Roc, Azure Heaven Roc, Violet Radiance Roc, Void Heaven Roc, and Crimson Departure Roc.

This time, the Great Roc clan had dispatched ten Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [ancient immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations]. Among them were three pure-blooded Golden-Winged Great Roc, two from the Dark Great Roc Lineage [the specific lineage of Dark Great Rocs], and the remaining five belonged respectively to the Golden Feather King Roc, Azure Heaven Roc, Violet Radiance Roc, Void Heaven Roc, and Crimson Departure Roc lineages.

"Ten Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal... The Great Roc clan's might is indeed not to be underestimated."

Nether Phoenix murmured softly, her gaze shifting to Eldrin Chen. "If we engage them, it will likely be a brutal battle. Should we..."

Eldrin Chen offered no reply, his gaze instead settling upon Fallen Heaven's Gate as he inquired, "It has been a long time. You seem to be in high spirits, Fellow Daoist."

Fallen Heaven's Gate gave a faint smile, his eyes sweeping over Eldrin Chen. "I never imagined we would meet again. Let us dispense with pleasantries. Hand over the Great Encompassing Bulwark Earth Primordial Essence [a primordial spiritual essence embodying the unyielding, foundational power of earth] and relinquish this damaged Earth Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated earthly spiritual energy], and I shall permit you to depart."

Eldrin Chen remained utterly calm. With a swift motion, he stored away the Great Encompassing Bulwark Earth Primordial Essence, simultaneously sending a covert message to Nether Phoenix: "What is the measure of their strength?"

Nether Phoenix swiftly responded, relaying the intelligence she possessed on their adversaries. "According to my information, the other Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] from the Great Roc Clan appear to possess only ordinary strength for their realm."

"However," she continued, "the 'Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion' of the Golden-Winged Great Roc [a legendary avian demon beast with golden wings], and the imperial scion Fallen Heaven's Prison from the Dark Great Roc Clan, are both prodigies who have each single-handedly triumphed over at least one Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle of cosmic destruction and renewal]. They have refrained from breaking through to a higher realm solely to forge a more formidable foundation."

As her words flowed, the group gradually grasped the formidable power arrayed against them.

According to Nether Phoenix's account, the Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion had cultivated both an Indestructibility Body [a physique of legendary resilience, said to be unbreakable] and the Indestructibility Great Path [a supreme cultivation path focused on achieving absolute, unyielding durability]. He was reputed to possess the potential of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a sovereign lord from the dawn of creation] and had once held his ground against the combined assault of three Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal without defeat. His delay in breaking through to Great Encompassing [a profound realm representing vast, all-encompassing power] was solely to attain the Indestructibility Path Fruit [the ultimate fruit of cultivation on the path of indestructibility].

The reason for such meticulous preparation was profound. Once a cultivator perfected the threefold Indestructibility Foundation—comprising the physical body, the Great Path [a supreme cultivation method or law], and the Path Fruit [the crystallized essence and achievement of one's cultivated path]—their combat prowess would undergo a qualitative leap. Achieving the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the golden immortal stage within the Great Encompassing realm] with such a foundation would immediately place them among the elite even within the early stages of that mighty realm.

The imperial scion 'Fallen Heaven's Prison' from the Dark Great Roc imperial clan was likewise a prodigy, far surpassing his clansman and cousin, Fallen Heaven's Gate. Legends spoke of him having cultivated an Indestructibility Body, granting him combat power that vastly exceeded that of ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

After outlining their opponents' capabilities, Nether Phoenix concluded, "To contend with Fallen Heaven's Prison would require the combined efforts of at least two ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal. Adding the even more formidable Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion to the equation means dealing with those two alone would demand a force of five Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal."

"Moreover, they outnumber us. I advise against continuing this battle."

However, after hearing the enemy's strength, Eldrin Chen felt a slight sense of reassurance settle within him.

He glanced at Exquisite Jiang and asked, "Those Chaos Ancient Ship and the Ancient ImmortalCelestial Immortal, can you hold them off?"

"Without a doubt," Exquisite Jiang replied decisively.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze to Fallen Heaven's Gate. "If you truly intended to let us leave, you wouldn't be in such a hurry to deploy your formation," he stated.

The others looked around and only then noticed that over a thousand Chaos Ancient Ship had already encircled them from all directions, faintly forming a sealing formation.

Fallen Heaven's Gate offered no reply. Instead, Fallen Heaven's Prison on the other side sneered coldly. "A jest. You are eight Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal. By slaughtering you all and seizing your Path Source [the condensed essence of one's cultivated Dao], my power may very well advance another step."

Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion remained calm, looking at the group with a hint of curiosity. "What I find puzzling," he said, "is why, with your strength, you didn't flee immediately."

"Because..."

"I also desire your Path Source [the condensed essence of one's cultivated Dao]!"

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen fiercely summoned the Chaos Heaven Halberd into the sky, charging to attack the Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion.

"A joke,"

the Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion sneered coldly. Mounting a Golden Divine Spear, he soared into the air, and in an instant, a torrent of immense power descended to suppress his foe, clashing fiercely with Eldrin Chen.

Fallen Heaven's Prison also let out a cold laugh, gripping a Great Halberd that tore through the void, joining the Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion in a pincer assault against Eldrin Chen.

Yet, after the initial exchange, both the Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion and Fallen Heaven's Prison were taken aback. They discovered that even with their combined efforts, Eldrin Chen seemed to hold his ground without faltering.

Even though they had not unleashed their full power, they were still astonished by the strength displayed by Eldrin Chen.

"This one is formidable,"

murmured the Imperial Scion of the Golden Feather King Roc clan, a flicker of surprise crossing his brow.

"It matters not," Fallen Heaven's Gate spoke up at that moment with a cold sneer. "Ten against eight. The advantage is ours."

With those words, Fallen Heaven's Gate was the first to surge forward, plunging into the fierce battle alongside the others.

As everyone unleashed their full power, the great battle erupted in an instant. Apart from Eldrin Chen, Exquisite Jiang needed to use the Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation to contend against the Innate Ancient Ship [a primordial vessel of immense power] and the grand formation of the Golden-Winged Great Roc Clan.

The remaining six individuals faced eight powerful experts from the Great Roc Clan, seemingly falling into a numerical disadvantage.

Fortunately, Nether Phoenix, as the direct disciple of Grand Nether Imperial Lord, had long ago cultivated the Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [a divine ability that renders one's spiritual core nearly unbreakable]. Her strength was not inferior to Fallen Heaven's Prison. She single-handedly held back the Imperial Scions from both the Azure Heaven Roc and Crimson Departure Roc clans, greatly alleviating the pressure on the others.

Although the Reincarnation Body had not yet broken through to the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal realm, it had, after all, achieved the True Spirit Foundation [a supreme foundation for cultivation]. It alone intercepted two Golden-Winged Great Roc experts of the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal realm, still appearing effortless and composed.

Nyssa Qu, the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix, Sunder Heaven the Demon Emperor, and the Primordial Chaos Black Dragon faced off against the remaining four Imperial Scions of the Great Roc Clan. For a time, neither side could gain a decisive upper hand.

Thus, the fierce battle between the two sides raged on. In the blink of an eye, more than three thousand exchanges had passed, yet the battlefield remained locked in a stalemate.

Seeing that the deadlock on the battlefield remained unbroken, Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion frowned slightly between his brows. He could no longer afford to hold back his true strength.

He exchanged a glance with Fallen Heaven's Prison and spoke, "We must unleash our full power now. If we delay any further, we risk drawing the attention of others."

"Agreed."

Fallen Heaven's Prison nodded. Immediately, he summoned a chain of black and gold that shot across the sky, aiming to suppress Eldrin Chen.

This black-gold chain, named the Heaven-Falling Heavenly God Chain [a divine chain said to be capable of binding even heavenly gods], is the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from and intrinsically linked to its wielder's soul] of Fallen Heaven's Prison. It was forged from Dragon-Patterned Black Gold [a legendary metal imbued with draconic patterns and immense durability] of the Great Encompassing Rank [the highest echelon of materials], and was further refined by fusing it with a strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial, unbreakable spiritual essence].

Using Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light to elevate a Lifebound Spiritual Treasure [a treasure whose fate is irrevocably tied to its master's life and cultivation] is an act of considerable extravagance even for a Great Encompassing Ancient Sect [a primordial and supremely powerful sect]. The reason Fallen Heaven's Prison was granted such an honor was because he had successfully cultivated the Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique renowned for its near-absolute resilience], earning him this reward from the Primordial Ancestor of the Dark Great Roc [a titanic, shadowy bird of prey].

Now, Fallen Heaven's Prison poured his full power into the Heaven-Falling Heavenly God Chain, transforming it into a sky-obscuring net of Great Path [the fundamental laws of the cosmos] Chains that spanned the heavens, utterly sealing off Eldrin Chen's avenues of retreat.

Simultaneously, Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion [an imperial scion of the highest heavenly lineage] also launched his full assault. In his left hand he wielded the Golden Divine Spear, in his right the Heaven-Cleaving God-Killing Sword [a sword famed for sundering heavens and slaying divinities]. He charged towards Eldrin Chen, aiming to capitalize on the moment of entrapment and deliver a fatal blow.

It had to be acknowledged that Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion's combat prowess was truly formidable. Both his Golden Divine Spear and Heaven-Cleaving God-Killing Sword were Innate Spiritual Treasure. Powered by his dual Indestructibility Foundation [a supremely stable and powerful cultivation base], the explosive force he could unleash was sufficient for him to slay an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] within a short span of time.

Had Eldrin Chen been an ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, trapped by the Heaven-Falling Heavenly God Chain and facing the full-force strike of Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion, he would undoubtedly have been slain on the spot.

Yet he was anything but ordinary. At the critical moment, he manifested the Primordial Chaos Unity Energy True Aura [a defensive aura born from the unified energies of primordial chaos], withstanding the Slaughter [a divine ability focused on absolute annihilation] unleashed by Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion.

Then, with a mighty grasp, he seized the Heaven-Falling Heavenly God Chain itself and, with immense physical force, yanked Fallen Heaven's Prison towards him.

"Not good!"

A jolt of alarm shot through Fallen Heaven's Prison, a sudden, ominous premonition washing over him.

He immediately wanted to release his grip, but it was already too late. He saw Eldrin Chen suddenly strike, seizing Fallen Heaven's Prison with the Primordial Chaos Unity Energy Grasping Hand [a divine technique that harnesses the power of primordial chaos to grasp and restrain], firmly suppressing him within his palm.

Fallen Heaven's Prison was filled with terror. In his panic, he mustered all his strength to unleash various Divine Ability [supernatural techniques powered by profound cultivation] to resist, only to find the Chaos [a profound and primordial state of existence] giant hand utterly immovable. For a moment, he felt the helplessness of an ant trying to shake the heavens.

"What kind of Divine Ability is this? How can it be so powerful?"

Meanwhile, Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion also sensed something was wrong. He channeled his full power, driving his ancient spear-sword to slash down in an attempt to rescue the trapped Fallen Heaven's Prison.

Yet, Eldrin Chen merely furrowed his brow slightly. With a flick of his sleeve, he unleashed a bolt of Chaos Divine Thunder [divine lightning born from primordial chaos]. It struck in an instant, sending his opponent flying through the air, blood spraying from his mouth.

"Such power... This is bad! It's a True Spirit Divine Ability [a supreme divine technique that embodies the power of a True Spirit, the highest form of spiritual essence]!"

Severely wounded by the single blow, Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion suddenly remembered something, a cold sweat breaking out on his brow. "It actually is a True Spirit Divine Ability? Then doesn't that mean... he is the one who cultivated the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the ultimate spiritual core, forged from the essence of a True Spirit] back then?"

In that fleeting moment, a chill of cold sweat truly ran down Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion's spine.

He prided himself on being among the top-tier Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations], yet he understood all too well the terrifying nature of one who had forged a True Spirit Foundation [the foundational cultivation stage achieved by merging with a True Spirit].

For the True Spirit Foundation represented the Path Ancestor Potential [the potential to one day become an Ancestor of the Heavenly Path, a being of ultimate power]. Throughout the entire Vast Azure Immortal Domain [a vast realm of immortal cultivation], across dozens or even hundreds of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration, often spanning billions of years], such a figure might not emerge even once.

Facing such a figure, even with all his confidence, Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion [a prodigious scion of the heavenly firmament lineage] understood he was far from a match. This was especially true since Eldrin Chen had cultivated both the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the ultimate spiritual core of a cultivator] and the Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power] as his dual True Spirit Foundation [the perfect, flawless foundation for one's cultivation path].

Once he grasped the full situation, Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion immediately abandoned Fallen Heaven's Gate [his comrade, a powerful demonic cultivator], transforming into a streak of light that pierced through the sky. He fled the Central [the central region of the battlefield] alone, escaping the conflict entirely.

"He fled with remarkable swiftness,"

Watching Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion escape, Eldrin Chen shook his head with a tinge of regret.

With his current power, slaying an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] was not difficult. Had Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion chosen to stand and fight, Eldrin was confident he could have ended the scion's life given enough time.

Unfortunately, Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion, sensing the imminent danger, chose flight over fight from the very first moment, denying Eldrin any chance to finish him.

In truth, Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion made the correct choice. The gulf in combat prowess between one who possesses a True Spirit Foundation and one who does not is immense—a chasm that is nearly impossible to bridge.

Once Eldrin Chen unleashed his full might, using his True Spirit Divine Ability [a divine power born from a True Spirit Foundation] to suppress Fallen Heaven's Prison [another powerful foe on the battlefield], any further resistance from the scion would have been utterly futile.

"BOOM—"

At that very moment, the other members of the Great Roc Clan [a powerful clan of giant roc demons] realized their scion had fled. A sense of impending disaster washed over them. Without hesitation, they too scattered, fleeing in all directions to escape the unfolding calamity.

Eldrin Chen decisively activated the Returning Abyss Pearl [a powerful spatial treasure that creates a domain of abyssal energy], coordinating with the others to trap five of them. Only Fallen Heaven's Gate, the Azure Heaven Roc, and one Golden-Winged Great Roc Imperial Scion managed to escape.

The remaining five Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortals of the Great Roc Clan attempted to shatter the spatial blockade of the Returning Abyss Pearl, hoping to flee. However, Nether Phoenix, Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor, and the others naturally would not allow it. They immediately moved to intercept, completely severing any chance of escape.

Seizing this opportunity, Eldrin Chen accelerated the activation of his Primordial One Energy Grasping Hand [a divine technique that manifests a giant hand of primordial energy to crush and refine its target], intensifying the pressure to suppress and annihilate the trapped foes.

Although Fallen Heaven's Prison possessed an Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique renowned for its near-unbreakable resilience], how could it possibly withstand the might of a True Spirit Divine Ability [a supreme technique derived from the power of a True Spirit, a primordial being of immense power]?

In mere moments, he was utterly suppressed and ground into nothingness within the palm of that energy, leaving behind only an exceptionally pure Path Source [a condensed essence of a cultivator's cultivation path, a priceless treasure for advancement].

Having slain Fallen Heaven's Prison, a prodigy who had laid an Indestructibility Foundation [a foundation stage cultivation renowned for granting unparalleled durability], Eldrin Chen finally felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

He swept his gaze across the battlefield. The Celestial Immortal and Ancient Immortal forces of the Golden-Winged Great Roc Clan had already been routed by Exquisite Jiang's onslaught. Meanwhile, under the encompassing dome of the Returning Abyss Pearl, the five remaining Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortals were being relentlessly encircled and cut down by his allies.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen chose not to intervene further.

A life-and-death struggle against foes of the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal level served as the finest whetstone for one's own skills. With him overseeing the battle, these Imperial Scions of the Great Roc Clan were nothing but fish in a barrel. It was far better to let his comrades use this chance to temper their combat prowess.

His companions, likewise, welcomed the opportunity for such high-caliber sparring partners. They immediately engaged the five Imperial Scions in fierce combat, treating them as living whetstones for their blades.

Battles between Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [powerful beings who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] are rarely decisive unless they escalate into utterly desperate, life-or-death struggles.

Realizing escape was impossible, the five Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal from the Great Roc Clan [a powerful clan of giant avian demons] threw all caution to the wind. Each unleashed their ultimate power in a final, desperate fight.

Alas, their numerical and martial disadvantage proved insurmountable. They simply could not turn the tide.

After several thousand exchanges, the Reincarnation Body [a powerful avatar born from the cycle of reincarnation] achieved the first victory, slaying the Void Heaven Roc [a mighty roc demon attuned to the void] in a one-on-one duel.

Nether Phoenix [an Imperial Princess of the Nether Phoenix lineage] secured the second triumph. Following a fierce clash of tens of thousands of moves against a single opponent, she beheaded the Imperial Scion of the Violet Radiance Roc Clan.

The others joined forces to besiege the Imperial Scions of the Golden-Winged Great Roc [a legendary roc with golden wings], the Crimson Departure Roc [a roc cloaked in crimson flames], and the Golden Feather King Roc [a regal roc with feathers of gold]. Yet, they found it difficult to finish them off swiftly.

After watching them battle for over one hundred thousand exchanges without a clear conclusion, Eldrin Chen decided the training value had been fully realized. He could no longer hold back and finally intervened, personally executing the three Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal Great Roc.

"It is over."

With that, the battle came to a definitive end.

Having slaughtered six Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal from the Great Roc Clan in succession, the group collectively let out a deep sigh of profound relief.

The Nether Phoenix [a legendary phoenix associated with the underworld] cast a surprised glance at Eldrin Chen and sighed, "I never imagined you had already cultivated the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the ultimate spiritual core of a cultivator] and the True Spirit Divine Ability [a supreme divine technique]. It seems I have underestimated you."

"I believe your strength has already surpassed that of the Candle Dragon Child [a young Candle Dragon, a mythical beast]. Even if you are not yet a match for the Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows [a title for a prodigious young master of the Golden Crow lineage], the gap cannot be far."

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile, yet his gaze remained utterly serene.

As he gathered all the Path Source [the foundational essence of a cultivator's path], he noticed the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the world's primordial energies] began to emit dazzling, peculiar lights. They then tore through the firmament and vanished into the distant void.

Eldrin Chen made no move to pursue them. Behind each of these Innate Spiritual Treasure stood at least one Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Great Encompassing realm], and most likely one at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage or higher.

This was because Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage cultivators rarely possessed spare Innate Spiritual Treasure to bestow.

Under such circumstances, attempting to suppress these treasures would mean making enemies of those powerful Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, a transaction far from worthwhile.

In truth, during the Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal], it was an unspoken rule, almost openly acknowledged, that the Innate Spiritual Treasure of a fallen Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight great tribulations] were left untouched after a decisive battle.

In the eyes of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal, an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal who could not prove their Great Encompassing Dao was far less valuable than an Innate Spiritual Treasure.

After all, with an Innate Spiritual Treasure in hand, a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal could, across the vast stretches of the Kalpa Tribulation, continuously nurture potential Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal until one among them finally ascended to become a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal.

Therefore, as a general rule, the victor does not claim the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the world's essence], and the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the supreme cultivators who stand at the peak of existence] behind the defeated party will not seek retribution against the victor. This has become an unspoken rule tacitly accepted by all factions throughout countless Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth] within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the vast and myriad realms of the immortals].

Returning to the main thread, after the great battle concluded, the group swiftly gathered their spoils and proceeded into the depths of this damaged Great Encompassing Earth Vein [a supreme terrestrial energy artery of the world].

Eldrin Chen first scoured the Great Encompassing Earth Vein, finding one portion of the Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [a treasure of unparalleled rarity born from the primal chaos] known as Qiankun Mother Stone [the Primordial Mother Stone of Heaven and Earth]. Beyond that, no other Great Encompassing Rare Treasure were discovered.

After thoroughly searching the Great Encompassing Earth Vein, Eldrin Chen gathered with the others atop the peak of the earth vein. As they tallied the gains from this battle, a smile touched his lips. "It seems our harvest this time is quite substantial," he remarked.

Hearing his words, smiles blossomed on the faces of all present.

In this great conflict, they had successively slain six Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [immortals who have weathered eight cosmic tribulations], including one who had cultivated the formidable Indestructibility Body [a physique renowned for its near-unbreakable resilience]—Fallen Heaven's Prison. Their spoils could indeed be described as exceptionally rich.

They had obtained six Eight Tribulation Path Source [the condensed essence of a path cultivated through eight tribulations]. These belonged to the six Demon Race [the race of powerful demonic beings] Imperial Scions they had slain: Fallen Heaven's Prison, Void Heaven Roc [a mighty roc demon of the void], Golden-Winged Great Roc [the great roc with wings of gold], Crimson Departure Roc [the crimson roc of parting flames], Golden Feather King Roc [the regal roc with golden feathers], and Violet Radiance Roc [the roc shrouded in violet light].

Furthermore, they had recovered four portions of Great Encompassing Rare Treasure from the possessions of their foes.

These four Rare Spiritual Wonders [objects of immense spiritual value and rarity] were each astonishingly precious: one piece of Spatial Source Stone [a stone containing the primal essence of space], one portion of Crimson Solar Fire Jade [a jade imbued with the essence of the crimson sun's fire], one piece of Thunderclap Plume [a feather that resonates with the power of thunderclaps], and one portion of Dark Immortal Gold [a mysterious, dark-hued metal used by immortals]. Find this and other novels at https://audio-novel.com.