Chapter 1874 : The Merit of Conquest

"Six Path Source [the condensed essence of a cultivator's path, containing their profound insights and power], six Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [extremely rare and precious materials of heaven and earth], let us exchange them according to our accrued Merits [a metaphysical measure of one's virtuous deeds and contributions]."

Eldrin Chen declared, directly taking the Path Source from the Spatial Source Stone [a rare ore containing the essence of spatial laws] and the Golden-Winged Great Roc [a legendary avian demon beast with golden wings]. He then claimed the Qiankun Mother Stone [the primordial mother-stone of Heaven and Earth] and the Bulwark Earth Primordial Essence [the foundational, unyielding essence of the earth element].

In total, there were twelve Great Encompassing Rare Treasure and Path Source. Eldrin Chen alone took four of these Rare Spiritual Wonders [precious objects of immense spiritual value], yet none present voiced any objection.

Although the value of these four treasures was truly staggering, the battle Merits earned by Eldrin Chen were more than sufficient to justify the exchange.

After all, in this battle, Eldrin Chen had single-handedly slain Fallen Heaven's Prison and utterly routed Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion, securing the greatest share of Merits among them all.

Watching Eldrin Chen claim his four Rare Spiritual Wonders, the others began their own exchanges.

Nether Phoenix took the Path Source of Fallen Heaven's Prison. That fallen scion was a prodigy of the Demon Race [the race of demonic beings] who had cultivated an Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique renowned for its near-unbreakable resilience], and his foundational attributes aligned closely with Nether Phoenix's own cultivation path. Refining this Path Source would undoubtedly grant her a significant boost in power.

The Path Source from the Void Heaven Roc [a roc demon beast attuned to the void] and the Golden Feather King Roc [a regal roc with feathers of gold] fell into the hands of the Reincarnation Avatar [an independent incarnation formed through profound reincarnation arts]. With these two Path Source, the cultivation base of the Reincarnation Body [a powerful divine ability to create an independent avatar] was certain to advance by leaps and bounds, elevating its combat prowess by another tier without much difficulty.

The remaining five individuals possessed the standard combat strength of Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight Heavenly Tribulations] and had accrued a lower tier of battle Merits.

After conferring amongst themselves, Nyssa Qu claimed the Path Source from the Violet Radiance Roc Clan Imperial Scion [the imperial heir of the Violet Radiance Roc Clan], while Exquisite Jiang took the one from the Crimson Departure Roc Clan Imperial Scion [the imperial heir of the Crimson Departure Roc Clan]. For more chapters, visit audio–novel.com for the complete novel.

Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor claimed the Crimson Solar Fire Jade, the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix received the Thunderclap Plume, and the Primordial Chaos Black Dragon took that portion of Dark Immortal Gold.

This distribution was suggested by Eldrin Chen, as both Nyssa Qu and Exquisite Jiang possessed formidable foundational potential and profound reserves of power, yet their personal cultivation realms lagged somewhat. Refining a Path Source [a primordial source of power related to one's cultivation path] each would undoubtedly lead to significant advancement in their realms.

For Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor and the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix, their cultivation realms were not the issue. After obtaining these two Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [treasures of immense rarity and power], if they could master a Great Encompassing Divine Ability [a supreme divine technique], their combat prowess would be elevated to an even higher level.

The Primordial Chaos Black Dragon possessed a Chaos Saint Spirit [a sacred spirit born from primordial chaos] physique. After having its innate potential elevated by Eldrin Chen's Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [a supreme energy of violet hue born from primordial chaos], its foundational reserves actually surpassed even those of the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix. Unfortunately, lacking an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born alongside a being, sharing its destiny] as part of its foundation, its strength among Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] could only be considered at the bottom tier.

He was a being formed from Primordial Chaos Black Dragon Iron, capable of devouring various types of Immortal Gold [metals imbued with immortal energy] to strengthen his physical body. If he could consume this piece of Dark Immortal Gold and refine it into his Primordial Chaos Black Dragon form, his power should see a modest increase.

After the treasures were divided, everyone wore expressions of joy, their gazes turning once more towards Eldrin Chen.

In that moment, even Nether Phoenix instinctively regarded Eldrin Chen as their pillar of support. Unable to hold back, she spoke, "Elder Brother, in your esteemed opinion, should we first digest our gains, or continue exploring this Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent?"

Eldrin Chen had long since formed his thoughts and stated without hesitation, "This Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent is far too perilous. While our strength is not insignificant, should we be besieged by more than twenty Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, or encounter top-tier figures like Zhuyin among them, it is highly likely someone among us would fall on the battlefield."

"I believe our most urgent task is to focus entirely on digesting our harvest and elevating everyone's strength."

Hearing this, everyone nodded slightly in agreement.

Currently, within the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [a vast and ancient landmass scarred by the ruins of past immortal civilizations], over three thousand Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortals [powerful beings who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] have entered this great tribulation. On their path to prove their way and attain the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of a Golden Immortal who has fully comprehended and unified a Great Dao], they are locked in a struggle of life and death, each coveting the other's Path Source [the foundational essence of a cultivator's Great Dao, crucial for ascension].

In such circumstances, none can guarantee their own survival. The only path is to grow stronger through constant battle, nourishing oneself with the spoils of war. Only by doing so does one stand a chance of surviving to the end, and perhaps even achieving the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm.

Contemplating this, Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor nodded and said, "The Solar Fire Essence Jade [a precious jade imbued with the pure essence of the departing sun's flames] holds no use for me. I shall not enter seclusion this time."

"Let it be thus," he continued. "You all enter seclusion to refine your Path Source. I shall stand guard and protect your cultivation."

Seeing this, the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix [an ancient and majestic phoenix born from the primordial frost of creation] also inclined its head in agreement. "I shall join you in standing guard."

Eldrin Chen acknowledged their offer with a nod. "I will erect a grand formation. I must trouble you both to remain vigilant during this period."

As he spoke, he withdrew one hundred and eight Innate Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Swords [swords forged from a unique golden bamboo born with innate unity, possessing immense spiritual power] from his sleeve. Using the fractured Great Encompassing Earth Vein [a massive, world-spanning ley line of terrestrial spiritual energy, now damaged] as its foundation, he laid down a Minor Cosmic Cycle of Heaven's Stars and Earth's Fiends Limitless Sword Formation [a formidable sword formation that harnesses the power of celestial stars and terrestrial fiendish energies in a minor cosmic cycle, creating a near-boundless field of lethal sword energy].

Once the Sword Formation was established, he entrusted its control to the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix and Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor. Then, he proceeded into the heart of the fractured Earth Vein.

Before entering seclusion, he handed both the Qiankun Mother Stone [a legendary ore said to be the mother of all things, containing the essence of Heaven and Earth] and the Bulwark Earth Primordial Essence [the pure, foundational essence of the unyielding earth element] to Exquisite Jiang. Of these two treasures, the Qiankun Mother Stone was the supreme material for advancing the Cultivable Earth Kun Origin Disk [a magical treasure in the form of a disk, representing the nurturing and stable Kun (Earth) principle, capable of cultivation and growth], while the Bulwark Earth Primordial Essence was one of the five fundamental essences required to cultivate the Chaos Unity Energy [the primordial energy of chaos before the separation of Heaven and Earth, representing ultimate unity].

Eldrin Chen had no personal need for either item; he had specifically acquired them to exchange for Exquisite Jiang's benefit.

After bestowing these two treasures, Eldrin Chen immediately entered seclusion to cultivate. His first act was to retrieve the Path Source [the condensed essence of a cultivator's lifetime of cultivation and enlightenment] left behind by the Golden-Winged Great Roc Imperial Scion.

True to his status as an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, the Path Source left by the Golden-Winged Great Roc Imperial Scion was brimming with boundless insights and epiphanies, far more profound and vast than the Path Source from the Nether Emperor.

Eldrin Chen refined and absorbed it ceaselessly, a process that consumed three thousand years before he fully integrated its essence.

Having assimilated the Golden-Winged Great Roc Imperial Scion's Path Source, Eldrin Chen turned his focus to comprehending the Primordial One Ancient Metal Great Path. This time, he grasped its profound mysteries in a mere three thousand years.

Now, not only had the embryonic form of his Primordial One Ancient Metal Great Path been forged, but it seemed to stand on the very precipice of complete manifestation, lacking only the final step.

"The embryonic form of my Chaos Limitless Great Path now lacks only the final thread: the Bulwark Earth Great Path," Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, a faint smile touching his lips. Dive deeper into the Dao at audio_novel.com.

He whispered, yet a smile graced his features.

By his estimation, once the embryonic form of his Chaos Limitless Great Path was fully realized, its foundation should reach the level of the Eleventh Limit.

Of course, a mere Embryonic Great Path would still be insufficient to step into the True Spirit Realm.

For beneath the True Spirit realm, all are but ants. The chasm between a foundation at the Twelfth Limit Foundation and one at the Eleventh Limit is a gulf nearly impossible to bridge.

Across the vast expanse of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective name for the myriad realms of cultivation], there exist the Three Great Heavenly Courts [the supreme celestial governments], the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races [the ancient and powerful non-human lineages], and the Three Thousand Ancient Sects [the venerable schools of cultivation]. The number of Great Encompassing Golden Immortals [the pinnacle masters of the immortal path] surely exceeds tens of thousands.

Within such a colossal Three Thousand Immortal Domains, the probability of birthing world-shaking prodigies is correspondingly immense. Almost every two or three cycles of a Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal], one or two geniuses who have laid an Eleventh Limit [the theoretical ultimate foundation] Indestructibility Foundation [a foundation of unparalleled durability] will appear.

Yet, those capable of cultivating a True Spirit Foundation [a foundation embodying the essence of a primordial true spirit] remain exceedingly rare. Perhaps not even one emerges over several dozen or even a hundred Kalpa Tribulations.

Even a figure like the Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows has lived for hundreds of Kalpa Tribulations. He was not a talent born within the last hundred cycles; he merely delayed his breakthrough for centuries, striving to cultivate his second True Spirit Foundation.

Even with the transcendent talent of Eldrin Chen, wishing to cultivate the True Spirit Great Path [the supreme path of the primordial spirits] relying solely on the nascent form of the Chaos Limitless Great Path [the supreme art of boundless primordial chaos] would be fundamentally insufficient.

He must thoroughly comprehend five complete Great Paths [supreme laws of cultivation] and fuse them into the perfected Chaos Limitless Great Path to take that final, ultimate step.

"However, within the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [a legendary continent filled with ancient immortal ruins], there should be no shortage of Path Sources [objects containing the essence of a Great Path] from the Eight Tribulations Realm [the realm of those who have survived eight heavenly tribulations]. These should allow my comprehension of the Great Paths to advance by leaps and bounds," Eldrin Chen mused.

These thoughts flickered through Eldrin Chen's mind before he swiftly reined them in.

Setting aside his contemplations, he instead retrieved the Spatial Source Stone [a rare ore containing the essence of spatial laws], a faint smile touching the corners of his eyes.

Eldrin Chen's Innate Divine Ability [a supreme power born with one's soul], the 'Limitless Cosmos Sword' [a sword art that embodies the boundless cosmos], was originally cultivated using the Great Encompassing Sword Fiend [a legendary sword of immense slaughter] as its catalytic agent. Consequently, this Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power] leans more heavily into the mysteries of Slaughter [the divine art of annihilation], possessing slightly less of the power of space itself.

According to the cultivation art he had created, to fully master this Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power], he still needed to gather a spatial Rare Spiritual Wonders [an exceptionally rare spiritual material] to serve as the catalyst.

Now, with this piece of Spatial Source Stone [a primordial stone containing the essence of space], Eldrin Chen possessed the capability to begin completing the Limitless Cosmos Sword [a supreme sword art that harnesses the power of the boundless cosmos].

"Hmm—"

A soft hum resonated as Eldrin Chen immediately activated his True Spirit Primordial Spirit [his spiritual core, the True Spirit Primordial Spirit] and Indestructibility Dharmic Power [his indestructible cultivation energy], continuously drawing forth the Space Origin [the fundamental essence of space] from within the Spatial Source Stone and fusing it into the Limitless Cosmos Sword.

Using this as the catalyst, the Limitless Cosmos Sword immediately underwent a subtle transformation.

Within Eldrin Chen's Primordial Spirit [his spiritual consciousness and core of being], in the acupoint that housed the Limitless Cosmos Sword, that dazzlingly brilliant sword light began to ceaselessly absorb the Space Origin, gradually being illuminated from within.

After a long while, Eldrin Chen slowly opened his eyes.

"Eleventh Limit, Primordial One Grade Divine Ability."

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

This time, after fully integrating the power of space, the Limitless Cosmos Sword had actually advanced to the Eleventh Limit Realm [the eleventh and highest tier of power], becoming a Primordial One Grade Divine Ability [a supreme divine ability of the highest primordial grade].

The Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] level Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural technique], also known as the Half-Step Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivation realm] grade Divine Ability, is, as the name implies, a peerless Divine Ability belonging to the Primordial One Imperial Lord tier.

Such a Divine Ability, with its Slaughter [peerless killing intent] unmatched, possesses power far surpassing that of a Patriarch Level Divine Ability [a divine ability at the Patriarch cultivation level].

After a brief sensing, Eldrin Chen discovered that the Limitless Cosmos Sword [a sword art of boundless spatial power] possessed immense Force Extreme [ultimate force], yet it differed somewhat from the Chaos Divine Thunder [a divine thunder technique born of primordial chaos], another Primordial One Grade Divine Ability [a divine ability of the Primordial One grade].

The Chaos Divine Thunder excels in frontal assault, wielding an unstoppable Power of Oblivion [the power to erase existence].

In contrast, the Limitless Cosmos Sword is formless and intangible. Its raw destructive power may not match the domineering Chaos Divine Thunder, but it condenses an extreme Slaughter to a single point, granting it a penetrative force far exceeding that of the Chaos Divine Thunder.

Furthermore, this Limitless Cosmos Sword can conceal itself within the Dimensional Void [the gaps between dimensions]. If used for ambush, this Divine Ability can deliver a fatal blow to a powerful foe in an instant.

After briefly channeling it for a moment, Eldrin Chen felt a chill run through his heart.

He had a sense that while this Divine Ability could not be used for frontal assaults, the lethal threat it posed was likely far more terrifying than that of the Chaos Divine Thunder.

"Time is supreme, Space is king."

"That a spatial Divine Ability possesses such power is no wonder. Among all the Great Path [the fundamental laws of cultivation], only the Space-Time Great Path [the supreme path governing space and time] can stand shoulder to shoulder with the Innate Five Ultimates [the five supreme innate spiritual objects] and the Primordial Chaos Great Path [the supreme path of primordial chaos]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, a wave of profound relief washing over him.

It was fortunate that he was the one who had mastered this Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural power]. If another top-tier Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] had cultivated this Primordial One Grade Divine Ability [a divine ability of the highest primordial grade], he might have suffered a severe setback.

Even if the opponent couldn't defeat him, Exquisite Jiang and the others could very well have perished under the might of such a Divine Ability.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen said with a faint smile, "If we encounter Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion again, he won't find it so easy to escape."

"..."

Now that the Divine Ability was mastered, Eldrin Chen saw no reason to delay further.

He immediately emerged from his Seclusion Chamber [a chamber for secluded cultivation] and found that most of the group were still in seclusion. Only his Reincarnation Body [an avatar body cultivated through a reincarnation technique] and Nyssa Qu had come out ahead of him.

At this moment, Nyssa Qu had already refined the Path Source [the condensed essence of a cultivator's cultivation path] of the Violet Radiance Roc Imperial Scion, firmly solidifying her cultivation at the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal Realm [the realm of an ancient immortal who has weathered eight heavenly tribulations].

With the foundation of her Nine-Colored Immortal Pearl [a magical treasure formed from a nine-colored immortal pearl] and her Nine-Colored Immortal Shell [a primordial-grade demon beast lineage], Nyssa Qu's power had grown immensely after solidifying her position as an eight-tribulation Ancient Immortal Realm cultivator.

The current Nyssa Qu had cultivated all five of her Heavenly Pass [the supreme limits of a cultivator's foundational aspects]—her physical body, her Great Path [her core cultivation art], her Path Fruit [the condensed fruit of her cultivation path], her spiritual energy, and her Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of her being]—to the Tenth Limit [the ultimate, tenth level of perfection].

The Bloodline Divine Ability Nine-Colored Immortal Radiance had fully awakened, reaching the realm of the Eleventh Limit Heavenly Pass [the ultimate threshold of a cultivator's foundational potential].

Furthermore, although her Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [the foundational threshold related to one's bonded spiritual treasure] had not yet stepped into the Eleventh Limit Realm, the Nine-Colored Immortal Pearl was the supreme treasure of the Immortal Clam Clan and was in perfect harmony with Nyssa Qu. This allowed her to cultivate her Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass to the Tenth Limit Realm.

With such combat prowess and profound foundation, she was now slightly stronger than even Fallen Heaven's Prison. Against ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations], she could likely hold her own against two at once and still gain the upper hand.

Quite satisfied with this, Eldrin Chen took Nyssa Qu's hand and said, "Your progress this time is significant, my lady. Given your foundation and latent potential, it seems you have a great chance of cultivating an Indestructibility Foundation [a foundation of unparalleled durability and permanence] in the future."

Nyssa Qu smiled gently and transmitted her voice, "The Nine-Colored Immortal Pearl contains a portion of the origin essence left behind by the ancient Primordial Ancestor of Nine-Colored Immortal Shell. If I can fully refine it, it should at least help me cultivate one Indestructibility Foundation."

"As for anything beyond that, it will depend on my own Creation [the act of creation and innovation in one's cultivation path]."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. The bloodline of the Nine-Colored Immortal Shell was exceptionally noble. The ancient Primordial Ancestor of Nine-Colored Immortal Shell was among the first batch of Innate Being [beings born directly from the primal forces of the cosmos] within the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, serving as the progenitor for countless clam-kind races. In terms of seniority, it was a peer of figures like the Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign.

With such an exalted bloodline, in theory, upon full awakening, all seven foundational Heavenly Pass—physical body, Great Path [one's core cultivation art and dao], Path Fruit [the fruit of one's cultivation path], mana, Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], Divine Ability [a supernatural ability], and Companion Spiritual Treasure [a treasure that grows with its master]—should at least reach the Eleventh Limit level of Indestructibility Foundation.

According to Eldrin Chen's estimation, it would not be too surprising if that ancient Primordial Ancestor of Nine-Colored Immortal Shell had cultivated a True Spirit Foundation [a foundation embodying the essence of a true primordial spirit].

Unfortunately, Nyssa Qu had attained her Nine-Colored Immortal Shell form through Post-Heaven [acquired through cultivation, not innate] means. She lacked the uniquely favorable conditions enjoyed by the primordial ancestor at the dawn of time.

Though her potential was boundless, to cultivate all her foundational aspects to the Eleventh Limit [the ultimate theoretical limit of a cultivation realm] and the Indestructibility Realm [a state of perfect, unbreakable foundation] would still require a vast ocean of resources and Opportunity and Fortune [the confluence of chance and destiny that aids a cultivator's path].

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen spoke, "Do not fret, my lady. Once I break through to the Great Encompassing Realm [the Da Luo Realm, a supreme state of cultivation], I will find a way to help you fully consolidate your foundation."

As he spoke, a sound came from the nearby Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared room for undisturbed meditation and cultivation]. A stone door rumbled open. Eldrin Chen turned and saw Exquisite Jiang emerge from within the chamber.

Perhaps because she had just ended her seclusion, Exquisite Jiang had not yet fully stabilized her aura, allowing Eldrin Chen to discern her cultivation realm at a glance. A wave of relief washed over him.

"It seems your gains were not insignificant either."

Exquisite Jiang offered a faint smile. This time, she had taken the Path Source [the condensed origin of a cultivator's Great Path] from the Crimson Departure Roc Clan Imperial Scion and refined it, allowing her to master the 'Samadhi True Flame' [a legendary divine flame of immense purity and power] Great Path [a cultivator's core cultivation art, representing their chosen Dao] in one fell swoop.

A fully formed Great Path was fundamentally different from an Embryonic Great Path [an incomplete or nascent Great Path]. Its completion had dramatically increased Exquisite Jiang's power. Furthermore, she had seized the opportunity to cultivate Indestructibility Dharmic Power [Dharmic Power refined to an unbreakable, perfect state], greatly augmenting her overall strength.

Now, Exquisite Jiang had broken through the six major Heavenly Pass [critical bottlenecks in cultivation] pertaining to the physical body, Great Path, Dharmic Power [the energy cultivated and wielded by immortals], Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], Dao Heart [the unwavering will and comprehension of the Dao], and Divine Ability [supernatural powers and techniques].

Although her cultivation level was not yet on par with an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, among the six Heavenly Pass, she had already achieved Indestructibility Great Path, Indestructibility Dharmic Power, Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [a Primordial Spirit refined to an indestructible state], and Indestructibility Divine Ability [a Divine Ability perfected to an unbreakable level].

These four pillars of Indestructibility Foundation had brought about a qualitative leap in Exquisite Jiang's power. Now, when she wielded her Minor Cosmic Cycle Primordial Unity Sword Formation [a powerful sword formation based on cosmic cycles] alongside the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate laws] Mysterious Heaven Mirror, their combined might had increased significantly.

In terms of combat prowess, she was now a match even for Nyssa Qu, an Ancient Immortal Realm cultivator who had weathered eight heavenly tribulations.

This was despite the fact that Exquisite Jiang had not yet fused with an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth], nor attempted to condense a Great Encompassing Path Fruit [the ultimate fruit of one's cultivation path, representing profound mastery over the Great Dao]. With the profound foundation of her four Indestructibility Foundation [foundational realms that grant near-unbreakable resilience], her power would undoubtedly undergo a qualitative leap once she truly broke through to the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal realm.

By then, even a Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion [a direct descendant of a Heavenly Emperor, possessing immense innate talent and power] would likely find themselves outmatched.

The reason Exquisite Jiang refrained from fusing with an Innate Spiritual Treasure was simple: she deemed ordinary treasures like the Mysterious Heaven Mirror unworthy of her.

As for not attempting to condense the Great Encompassing Path Fruit, her primary concern was that doing so before her Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution capable of encompassing all things] and her Great Path [her core cultivation method and understanding of the Dao] were fully perfected would compromise the ultimate quality of her Path Fruit [the crystallized essence of a cultivator's lifelong comprehension of their chosen Dao].

Eldrin Chen himself had also held off on condensing his Path Fruit for the same reason—his Primordial One Indestructibility Body [the primordial and singular body of unbreakable perfection] and Chaos Limitless Great Path [the Great Path of Limitless Chaos, a supreme divine ability] were not yet fully formed.

Returning to the matter at hand, with the breakthroughs of Exquisite Jiang and Nyssa Qu, Eldrin Chen felt a surge of confidence regarding the impending Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic era of great calamity and upheaval foretold by fate].

Given that their individual combat strength now allowed them to hold their own against two ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal cultivators, they would no longer be defenseless against the most powerful foes of that realm. Working together, they could even provide Eldrin Chen with significant support.

This thought filled Eldrin Chen with pleasant surprise. He began exchanging insights with the two women while awaiting the emergence of the others from their secluded cultivation.

Indeed, not long after the two had entered seclusion, the others gradually finished digesting their own gains and began to emerge from their closed-door meditation one by one.

Not long after, the Primordial Chaos Black Dragon emerged fourth from the Seclusion Chamber. This time, having devoured the Dark Immortal Gold, his combat power had increased by roughly another ten percent.

Though it was only ten percent, one must remember that the Primordial Chaos Black Dragon is a Chaos Saint Spirit [a supreme being born from the primordial chaos].

And as is widely known, Chaos Ancient Beast [beasts born from the primordial chaos] possess peerless physical bodies within their cultivation realm. The Primordial Chaos Black Dragon, being a Chaos Saint Spirit, is the sovereign among such Chaos Ancient Beast.

Now, with his foundation at the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal level enhanced by ten percent, the power of his physical form has even approached the level of a True Spirit Physique [a legendary constitution of immense physical might].

Alas, the Primordial Chaos Black Dragon's circumstances are unique. His initial gestation had nearly failed completely, and his Companion Supreme Treasure [a supreme treasure born alongside a being, sharing its fate] had long since withered away entirely.

Without a Companion Supreme Treasure to serve as his foundational support, even though Eldrin Chen forcibly elevated him to the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal realm using Primordial Chaos Violet Aura [the supreme energy of creation from the primordial chaos], his combat power remained a step inferior.

Even now, after refining a piece of the Great Encompassing Rare Treasure known as Dark Immortal Gold, the Primordial Chaos Black Dragon's combat power has only barely reached the level of an ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

"It seems in the future, I must still find him an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the world's natural laws]," Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, his gaze turning once more toward the Seclusion Chamber.

Shortly after the Primordial Chaos Black Dragon left seclusion, both Nether Phoenix and the Reincarnation Body [an avatar body cultivated through profound reincarnation arts] emerged in succession from the Seclusion Chamber.

This time, Nether Phoenix [the Imperial Princess of the Nether Phoenix lineage] seemed to have gained immensely, her combat power undergoing another qualitative transformation. Her aura was now remarkably close to that of the Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion [the Imperial Scion of the Firmament Heaven lineage] from before.

"Has she cultivated yet another Indestructibility Foundation [a supreme foundational cultivation realm focused on unbreakable durability]?"

Eldrin Chen murmured, a flicker of surprise appearing in his gaze.

As for the Reincarnation Body [his avatar born from a profound reincarnation technique], it remained unassuming and inscrutable, its aura completely condensed and unified, making its true depths impossible to discern.

Only Eldrin Chen knew that the Reincarnation Body possessed the True Spirit Foundation [a foundational cultivation art of the highest purity]. However, due to the unique nature of the Sacrificial Self Path [his primary cultivation path, which involves profound self-sacrifice], it could no longer cultivate any other foundational realms.

Under these circumstances, even after refining two Path Source [rare spiritual objects containing the essence of a Great Path], the Reincarnation Body's power did not increase as dramatically as the others. It merely gained a more profound and vast reservoir of spiritual energy and comprehension.

Of course, Eldrin Chen understood clearly that the Reincarnation Body simply lacked a suitable Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme magical treasure born from the cosmos itself, containing innate laws].

If provided with a fitting Innate Spiritual Treasure, its combat power would instantly soar to a level capable of overwhelming even the Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion.

However, the Reincarnation Body's foundation was extraordinary. Fusing with an ordinary Innate Spiritual Treasure to serve as its Path-Proving Supreme Treasure [the ultimate treasure used to manifest and prove one's Great Path] would actually diminish its latent potential. The optimal choice remained elevating its own life-bound treasure to the realm of an Innate Spiritual Treasure.

Returning to the matter at hand, after emerging from seclusion, Nether Phoenix glanced at the group, her eyes filled with profound astonishment. "I understand now," she said. "It seems none among us are simple."

"With my innate talent, I am not even considered outstanding among you all."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen also offered a faint smile.

Among those present, Eldrin Chen's natural gifts needed no elaboration. Nether Phoenix was the direct disciple of Grand Nether Imperial Lord.

The Reincarnation Body was founded upon the True Spirit Foundation [a supreme cultivation foundation based on the power of a True Spirit]. The Nine-Colored Immortal Shell possessed a bloodline talent on par with a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivation realm]. As for Exquisite Jiang, she was a peerless prodigy second only to Eldrin Chen himself.

In comparison, Primordial Era Ice Phoenix, Primordial Chaos Black Dragon, and Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor were slightly less remarkable.

Yet these three were far from ordinary. Both the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix and the Primordial Chaos Black Dragon were Chaos Saint Spirit [primordial spiritual beings of immense talent] whose aptitudes could startle even immortals. Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor was also the direct disciple-grandson of Frigid Heaven Imperial Lord.

Thus, while these three might seem unremarkable next to the others, among Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [ancient immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations], their talents would still rank as above average.

Seeing this, Nyssa Qu said with a smile, "Sister, you jest. With your talent, among the three thousand Great Encompassing True Seed [cultivators who have attained the Great Encompassing True Seed realm] in this Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent, you would undoubtedly rank within the top hundred."

Nether Phoenix smiled without speaking. If she could rank within the top hundred, then the others present could surely do the same among the three thousand Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

In that moment, Nether Phoenix began to grasp the deeper meaning behind Grand Nether Imperial Lord's arrangements.

As the saying goes, dragons do not dwell with serpents, nor tigers walk with hounds. Fighting alongside true Great Encompassing True Seed like Eldrin Chen and his companions is far more reliable than cooperating with ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

She had already discerned the truth. Eldrin Chen, having cultivated the True Spirit Foundation [a supreme foundation for cultivation], was destined to break through to the Great Encompassing [the highest echelon of immortal cultivation].

As a being of the Nine-Colored Immortal Shell [a legendary clam of immense power] lineage, a bloodline capable of reaching the Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme sovereign realm], and with the full support of the Immortal Clam Clan—the wealthiest among the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races—Nyssa Qu's future ascent was assured. While becoming a Primordial One Imperial Lord was not guaranteed, her breakthrough to Great Encompassing was virtually certain.

The cultivation method of the Reincarnation Body [a mysterious art of reincarnating one's essence] was enigmatic, unlike orthodox Immortal Path techniques. Yet, its very obscurity and the sense of trepidation it evoked suggested its practitioner also possessed an immense potential to prove their Dao and attain Great Encompassing.

Both Exquisite Jiang and the others, seemingly only at the Six Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived six heavenly tribulations] realm, already wielded the combat power of Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]. They had cultivated at least three or four types of Indestructibility Foundation [foundations granting near-unbreakable resilience]. Once they broke through to Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, they would likely rank alongside figures like Zhuyin.

Such peerless prodigies, perhaps appearing only once in ten billion years within the Human Race, might even cultivate the legendary True Spirit Foundation in the future.

"Hiss—"

After this mental tally, Nether Phoenix drew in a sharp, cold breath.

If her intuition was correct, would this gathering not give birth to at least four or five future Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the pinnacle title for a Golden Immortal who has attained the Great Encompassing realm]?

At this thought, her gaze swept over the others. She found Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor and Primordial Era Ice Phoenix [an ancient ice phoenix from the dawn of time] wearing similarly shocked expressions, their pupils contracted. They too seemed to have sensed the extraordinary nature of this assembly.

"What a magnificent Fortune [a profound and auspicious destiny or fate]," he murmured, awe coloring his voice.

"Perhaps... I am witnessing the rise of one, or even several, Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme sovereign at the pinnacle of cultivation]?"

Nether Phoenix whispered to herself, a tremor of profound shock running through her spirit.

At that moment, Eldrin Chen surveyed the assembled group, a smile gracing his lips. "Now that everyone has achieved their breakthrough," he declared, "it is time we depart."

"The struggle for supremacy upon the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [a vast, ancient landmass filled with the remnants of a fallen immortal civilization] is intensifying. Once any faction gains a decisive advantage, their power will surge. We cannot afford to waste another moment."

The others nodded in solemn agreement. Nether Phoenix was the first to speak. "If that is the case," she said, her tone resolute, "let us set out immediately."

With those words, Eldrin Chen recalled his Sword Formation [a powerful battle array composed of flying swords]. Leading the party, he departed from the fractured Great Encompassing Earth Vein [a colossal, dragon-like spiritual land formation] and ventured deeper into the heart of the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent. Join our community of readers at audio novel.com.