Chapter 1875 : The Primordial Marsh Beckons

As a fragment of a Primordial Domain, the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent could be described as boundlessly vast.

This place was not only tens of thousands of times larger than the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, but its very fabric of space was far more solidified. Apart from special spatial Divine Ability [miraculous supernatural powers], not even an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] could tear through the void to travel here.

The party of eight flew ceaselessly across the heavens and earth, scouring the various Forbidden Land [dangerous, restricted areas] and Great Encompassing Earth Vein [supreme earth energy channels] of the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent.

The Great Encompassing Earth Vein [supreme earth energy channels] of the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent were almost all Path-Field [cultivation domains] left behind by the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [supreme golden immortals] of the former Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain. Although their treasures had long been plundered, every Kalpa Tribulation [a grand cosmic cycle of immense duration], they could still give birth to Great Encompassing Rare Treasure [supremely rare treasures].

Thus, the group pressed onward, conquering two more damaged Great Encompassing Earth Vein and obtaining three portions of Great Encompassing Rare Treasure. It could be said their journey was far from fruitless.

Merely damaged Great Encompassing Earth Vein held little deterrence for the eight of them, and the treasures gained could not significantly elevate their strength.

Unbeknownst to them, they had wandered the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent for several hundred years. Finally, they came to a halt before an immense and sprawling marshland.

"It is the Primordial Chaos Great Marsh," one of them declared.

Gazing at the swamp before them, the Imperial Scion Nether Phoenix [a title meaning 'Dark Phoenix'] furrowed his brow slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a powerful cultivator] felt a surge of both astonishment and delight. Within the vast expanse of the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent, the number of remaining Great Encompassing Path-Field [supreme cultivation domains] numbered in the thousands. For uninterrupted reading, go to audio—novel.com.

However, the vast majority of Path-Field [a cultivator's personal domain or territory] are fragmented and incomplete, and the Opportunity and Fortune [chance encounters and resources that aid cultivation] contained within them are not considered particularly astounding.

Yet, there exist a rare few Great Encompassing Path-Field [vast, primordial cultivator domains] that still retain their complete Great Encompassing Earth Vein [the foundational spiritual ley lines of a domain]. Through the methods of various Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [supreme beings who have mastered a Great Path and attained sagehood] and Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme realm of cultivation, lords of creation], these veins have been refined and transformed into rare cultivation paradises.

The Primordial Chaos Great Marsh is one such place.

Legend holds that this Primordial Chaos Great Marsh was once the Path-Field of the ancient Primordial Chaos Patriarch. That patriarch was a top-tier Innate Heavenly God Being [a being born with divine power, a high cultivation realm] within the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain, his cultivation merely a single step away from the realm of a Primordial One Imperial Lord.

After the shattering of the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain, this Path-Field which nurtured the Primordial Chaos Patriarch was refined by several Path Ancestor Immortal Sage, giving birth to a Primordial Chaos Immortal Pool.

The Primordial Chaos Immortal Pool can give birth to the divine substance known as 'Primordial Chaos Divine Liquid' [a liquid essence of primordial chaos]. This substance can vastly increase the foundational potential of an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]. An ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal who refines it gains a one hundred percent certainty of forging a Tenth Limit [the pinnacle, tenth-level] physical body.

Even for those who have already achieved a Tenth Limit body, cultivating within its depths can greatly enhance their foundational potential, increasing their chances of breaking through to an Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique of unbreakable durability] by at least thirty percent.

Furthermore, even peerless geniuses who have already attained an Indestructibility Body can refine this Primordial Chaos Divine Liquid to strengthen their foundation. While it cannot guarantee the forging of a True Spirit Physique [the ultimate physique of a primordial true spirit], it can still augment one's physical power by ten percent.

One must understand that any being capable of achieving an Indestructibility Body is a peerless genius without equal. Such individuals have typically reached the absolute limit of their potential; without extraordinary Opportunity and Fortune, further progress is virtually impossible.

That this pool can still enhance their physical power by ten percent under such circumstances is a testament to the astonishing nature of the Primordial Chaos Immortal Pool.

Of course, this Primordial Chaos Divine Liquid [a legendary liquid born from the primordial chaos, capable of tempering an immortal's foundation] also has its limitations. The first is that an Ancient Immortal can only refine it once in their lifetime; a second attempt yields almost no effect.

Furthermore, the gestation of this Primordial Chaos Divine Liquid is exceedingly arduous. The amount accumulated over the span of a single Kalpa Tribulation [an immense cosmic cycle spanning billions of years] is only sufficient for nine Ancient Immortal to use.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen glanced at the others and saw expressions of keen interest on all their faces.

Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor was visibly stirred by the prospect and spoke without hesitation, "The Primordial Chaos Immortal Pool [a legendary pool formed from primordial chaos energies] is crucial for my cultivation of the Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique of unbreakable resilience]. I intend to claim it."

Nether Phoenix also nodded slightly, a glimmer of light flashing in her eyes. "A Great Encompassing Path-Field [a supreme cultivation ground of immense scale and power] of the Primordial Chaos Great Marsh's caliber is exceedingly rare even within the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent."

"A powerful field left behind by the various Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [supreme beings who have mastered a Great Path and attained sagehood] exists there. Over countless Kalpa Tribulation, it has drawn in the remnant souls and lingering resentment of Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal who perished there, giving birth to numerous formidable Primordial Era Evil Spirit [malevolent spirits born from ancient chaos and death]."

"Even with our combined strength, subduing them will likely require no small effort."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly.

He understood the truth of it. These Primordial Era Evil Spirit were, in essence, a trial left by the seven Heavenly Emperor Divine Sovereign and the Imperial Lord Great Encompassing [titles for supreme cultivators who command vast cosmic power].

Only by conquering these Primordial Era Evil Spirit could one prove worthy of entering the Chaos Immortal Pool to cultivate. In truth, the fierce spirits inhabiting the thousands of Forbidden Land and Great Encompassing Earth Vein [supreme earth energy channels of cosmic scale] across the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent were fundamentally whetstones meant to temper their successors.

Should they succeed, it would greatly increase their certainty of attaining the Great Encompassing [the supreme realm of cultivation, representing the pinnacle of existence].

Should they fail, they would perish within, their remnant souls transforming into new Indestructibility [a state of being that cannot be destroyed, often referring to a type of malevolent spirit born from profound obsession or unyielding will] Fiends, becoming whetstones for those who come after.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen did not act rashly. He spent a long while observing the Primordial Chaos Great Marsh [a vast, primordial wetland suffused with chaotic energies and lingering spirits] before finally speaking. "The Indestructibility Fiends here are countless, but those at the Ancient Immortal Realm [a powerful realm of cultivation where one becomes an immortal of great age and power] level or above are not many."

"There are roughly thirty-some entities that possessed the cultivation of an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations, a mark of immense power and longevity] in life. However, as they are merely manifestations of remnant souls, their strength falls far short of a true Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal."

"Yet, the field here is peculiar. Once we step inside, we will likely be suppressed, while our foes will receive augmentation. With this increase for them and decrease for us, a true battle would indeed require significant effort—but that is all it would be."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his assessment complete. Judging their strength sufficient for a high chance of victory, he declared, "There is no need for hesitation. Let us begin." Your portal to cultivation novels: audio-novel-dot-com.

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen was the first to cleave through the sky, charging into the heart of the Primordial Chaos Great Marsh.

The moment he crossed its boundary, the Primordial Chaos Great Marsh erupted with the wails of ghosts and the howls of wolves. Countless vengeful spirits and Indestructibility Fiends roared into the air, unleashing an aura that could disorder heaven and shake the earth.

Eldrin Chen gripped the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a mighty halberd imbued with the power of primordial chaos]. He clashed with one Indestructibility Fiend, then in the blink of an eye, parried the assaults of several more. A flicker of surprise passed through his eyes.

In that instant, Eldrin Chen glimpsed, as if in a trance, the silhouettes of one peerlessly elegant figure after another.

Among these Indestructibility [a state of being unyielding and impossible to destroy] wraiths were peerless beauties whose grace eclipsed an era, Sword Immortal [a title for a supreme master of the sword path] clad in robes whiter than snow, and also world-shaking Divine Spirits [a high cultivation realm, beings of immense divine power] gripping heaven-chaos Giant Axe.

Each of them was a supreme prodigy of a bygone age, figures who in life had likely reached the level of Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight Heavenly Tribulations], yet they met their end within the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic, world-ending cycle of fate and destruction], slain by formidable foes within the Primordial Chaos Ancient Domain.

After their fall, their remnant souls were trapped here, transforming into these Indestructibility wraiths seething with boundless resentment, seemingly condemned to wage their endless, futile battle for eternity.

*Clang—*

In that instant, a dazzling sword radiance pierced forth, blossoming with Slaughter [a divine ability focused on absolute annihilation] Immortal Radiance [a brilliant, holy light emitted by immortal beings], seeking to cleave Eldrin Chen from the fabric of heaven and earth.

Simultaneously, Giant Axe, Ancient Bell [an ancient, powerful bell artifact], and Immortal Pagoda [a pagoda-shaped magical treasure of immense power] descended to suppress him. Each strike possessed the power to effortlessly extinguish a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal, yet Eldrin Chen faced it all without fear.

He was seen channeling the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a halberd embodying the power of primordial chaos and heaven], battling across the Eight Desolations [a mythical, desolate realm]. He shattered Immortal Sword, broke Giant Axe, pulverized Ancient Bell, and with a single fist strike, annihilated the Immortal Pagoda.

"You are but a host of failures," his voice rang out, cold and imperious. "In life, you were merely Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal. Now that you have fallen, how dare you presume to defy the heavens?"

"Today, this sovereign shall grant you liberation and guide your souls to rebirth."

Eldrin Chen acted with chilling detachment. Each blow erupted with divine might capable of sundering Chaos [the primordial, formless state from which all creation emerged], extinguishing one Indestructibility wraith after another within the churning Chaos.

The great battle raged for over a century. Eldrin Chen stood alone against more than a dozen Indestructibility [a state of being that is nearly impossible to destroy] malevolent spirits, ultimately succeeding in completely eradicating them.

The others did not disappoint either. Nearly every one of them managed to slay two or three of the Indestructibility malevolent spirits, thoroughly cleansing the Primordial Chaos Great Marsh of its vengeful wraiths.

"It is done."

Watching the Indestructibility malevolent spirits be purged, Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor let out a sigh of relief. He then looked upon the Primordial Chaos Great Marsh before him, a faint smile gracing his features.

He turned to look at Eldrin Chen, about to speak, but noticed a trace of solemnity had appeared on Eldrin's face.

At that moment, Eldrin Chen gazed into the depths of the void and spoke, "Friend, since you have already arrived, you might as well show yourself."

"It seems we are not too late."

From the depths of the void, more than a dozen figures emerged one after another. At their head was a handsome youth clad in black robes.

Eldrin Chen lifted his gaze, a flicker of surprise in his eyes as he spoke, "Zhuyin?"

"Indeed, it is I."

Zhuyin stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his voice calm as he spoke.

He scrutinized Eldrin Chen with a measured gaze, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "Your aura feels faintly familiar to this venerable one," he remarked, "yet I cannot recall you. Have our paths crossed before?"

Eldrin Chen, reminded of the Soaring Immortal Zither [a legendary zither of profound power], allowed a slight smile to touch his lips. "We have met once, in passing," he replied.

As he spoke, his gaze lifted to the figures flanking Zhuyin, and a trace of solemnity deepened within his eyes.

Zhuyin had not brought any lower-tier Ancient Immortals [powerful beings who have transcended mortality through immense cultivation] or Celestial Immortals [immortals who have ascended to a celestial state] for support. The seventeen individuals at his side were all peerless talents of the Dragon Clan [a powerful race of draconic beings], each having reached the formidable Eighth Tribulation Ancient Immortal Realm [a stage of cultivation marked by surviving eight heavenly tribulations].

Nether Phoenix, noticing his expression, quickly sent a mental message. "This Zhuyin is an invincible figure even among Eighth Tribulation Ancient Immortals. He has swept through dozens of Kalpa Tribulations [cosmic cycles of destruction and rebirth] without meeting his match. Were it not for his pursuit of a True Spirit Foundation [a perfect, foundational cultivation state of immense purity], he would have long since broken through to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Realm [a legendary realm of near-omnipotent power]."

"He has no need for ordinary Celestial Immortals or Ancient Immortals to aid him. However, these Dragon Clan Eighth Tribulation Ancient Immortals are not to be underestimated either."

"Most crucially, three among them possess exceptional strength. They must be watched with utmost care."

As Nether Phoenix explained, Eldrin Chen quickly grasped the formidable power of the experts standing behind Zhuyin.

Behind Zhuyin stood seventeen Imperial Scions of the Dragon Clan, each a prodigious genius from the True Dragon [the purest and most powerful lineage of dragons] bloodline.

These Dragon Clan Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations], including the Nine Primordial Era Dragons [the nine legendary dragon progenitors from the dawn of time], the Pixiu [a mythical creature that attracts wealth and wards off evil], the Bixi [a dragon-turtle hybrid known for its strength and endurance], and others of the Dragon Clan, each possessed heaven-defying talent. Yet, in the eyes of Eldrin Chen, they were all merely ordinary, with only three warranting a modicum of attention.

These three were the Bixi Imperial Scion [the direct descendant of the Bixi dragon-turtle], the Imperial Scion 'Ao Qing' from the lineage of the Primordial Era Azure Dragon [one of the nine primordial dragon progenitors], and the Imperial Scion 'Ao Desolation' from the 'Primordial Era Desolate Dragon' [a powerful dragon lineage known as the Tenth Dragon of the Primordial Era] clan.

Among these three, the Bixi Imperial Scion had cultivated an Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [a divine ability that renders one's spiritual core impervious to harm], 'Ao Qing' had cultivated both an Indestructibility Body [a physical constitution of supreme durability] and the Indestructibility Great Path [a profound cultivation realm focused on achieving absolute indestructibility], and the Primordial Era Desolate Dragon 'Ao Desolation' had also cultivated the 'Indestructibility Body'.

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod. Of these three Dragon Clan prodigies, the Bixi Imperial Scion was the weakest, yet he was still slightly stronger than Fallen Heaven's Prison.

Ao Qing was a pure-blood descendant of the Primordial Era Azure Dragon, one of the Nine Primordial Era Dragons. He had cultivated a dual Indestructibility Foundation [a foundational cultivation stage focused on achieving indestructibility], and combined with his cultivation at the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal realm, his combat prowess was on par with Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion.

Ao Desolation was the most unique. He was of the bloodline of the Primordial Era Desolate Dragon.

The Primordial Era Desolate Dragon was not one of the Nine Primordial Era Dragons, yet it was hailed as the Tenth Dragon of the Primordial Era [the mythical first age of the cosmos]. This was because the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and spiritual power of this lineage were exceptionally weak, making it fundamentally impossible for them to shatter the Great Encompassing Heavenly Pass [a supreme cultivation barrier].

In truth, Ao Desolation had only shattered the four Heavenly Pass [major cultivation barriers] related to the physical body, the Dao Heart [the unwavering will and understanding of one's cultivation path], Divine Ability [supernatural powers and techniques], and Spiritual Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts]. He had not broken through the other four major Heavenly Pass.

Yet, even so, Ao Desolation already possessed combat strength at the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal level, and was considered powerful even among Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

His physical body was already nearing the domain of the True Spirit [a legendary state of being where one's form becomes a manifestation of a fundamental cosmic truth]. He needed only half a step more to cultivate the True Spirit Foundation [a foundational art for achieving the True Spirit state]. Combined with the innate bloodline treasure arts of the Primordial Era Desolate Dragon clan, he could unleash power surpassing that of an ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen turned his gaze to the others and declared, "Hold them off. Once I have suppressed Zhuyin, I will return to lend you my strength."

Upon hearing his words, the group's expressions grew solemn. Nether Phoenix drew a deep breath and spoke, "We must rely on you, then."

At the same moment, Zhuyin let out a cold laugh. "Whether we recognize each other or not is meaningless now," he stated.

"In the battle of the Kalpa Tribulation [the great cosmic cycle of destruction and rebirth], there is only advance, no retreat."

"Slaying you all today will be the perfect catalyst for my own breakthrough to the True Spirit Foundation [the foundational cultivation art for achieving a True Spirit body]."

As his words faded, Zhuyin struck instantly. He gripped a Chaos Divine Spear and thrust it through the void, aiming directly for Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen did not hesitate either. With a flick of his sleeve, he unleashed a torrent of Chaos Divine Thunder to intercept the blow. The strike parried the Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born of heaven and earth, possessing immense innate power] spear, and he clashed violently with Zhuyin in a fierce exchange.

"A Primordial One Grade Divine Ability [a supreme divine ability of the highest primordial grade]," Zhuyin noted, his eyes gleaming with strange light after they had exchanged over a dozen blows. "At least four or five Indestructibility Foundation [foundational cultivation realms focused on achieving indestructibility]. In my thirty-three cycles of pushing through the Kalpa Tribulation, I have never faced an opponent like you."

"It seems that by slaying you, I may indeed find the path to cultivate the True Spirit Foundation."

Speaking of this, Zhuyin [the Imperial Scion of the Candle Dragon lineage] grew even more fervent with battle intent, revealing an expression of immense delight.

At this moment, fearing that Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, also known as the Abyssal Emperor] might flee, he actually summoned an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the world's primal energies] with Spatial Attribute [the power to manipulate space]—the Grand Firmament Pagoda—to suppress the vast expanse of the Primordial Chaos Great Marsh [a primordial wetland suffused with chaotic energies].

"Heh, the deer's fate is yet undecided," [an idiom meaning the outcome is still uncertain].

Eldrin Chen let out a cold laugh. Zhuyin had set his sights on his Path Source [the foundational source of one's cultivation path], little knowing that Eldrin Chen also coveted *his* Path Source immensely.

Both sides resolved to slay the other, and thus began to unleash their full power in earnest. The most pinnacle battle between Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] thus erupted.

Simultaneously, fierce clashes had already broken out among the others.

The Nether Phoenix [an Imperial Princess of the Nether Phoenix lineage] intercepted Ao Qing. The Reincarnation Body [a powerful avatar technique] single-handedly held off the combined assault of Ao Desolation [a powerful dragon] and the Pixiu Imperial Scion. Exquisite Jiang [the female lead, a powerful Immortal Lord] and Nyssa Qu [a powerful ally] also each engaged two or three Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, keeping the battles within manageable bounds.

However, the trio of Primordial Era Ice Phoenix [an ancient Ice Phoenix from the Primordial Era], Primordial Chaos Black Dragon [a Black Dragon born from Primordial Chaos], and Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor [a powerful Heavenly Demon Emperor] found themselves besieged and momentarily fell to a disadvantage. It seemed they might not be able to hold out for long.

"It seems I can no longer hold back."

Seeing the enemy's numerical advantage, Eldrin Chen decided against further concealment. He acted decisively, unleashing the full, ultimate extent of his combat prowess.

In that fleeting instant, Eldrin Chen unleashed the full might of his True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the ultimate spiritual foundation of a cultivator, granting immense power]. He summoned a Chaos Divine Thunder [a primordial thunder of creation and destruction] to strike down, its force carrying the terrifying might of a Heavenly God [a deity-level cultivator] as it surged towards Zhuyin.

"Disaster!"

At the critical moment, Zhuyin sensed the impending doom. He immediately channeled his Innate Heavenly God Spear [a divine spear born of heaven and earth] to block, yet in the very next moment, he was sent flying through the air, blood spraying from his wounds.

Empowered by the True Spirit Primordial Spirit, a Primordial One Grade Divine Ability [a supreme divine technique of the highest order] had, in a single breath, sent Zhuyin reeling and bleeding.

"A True Spirit Foundation?"

At this moment, Zhuyin's expression changed drastically.

He had cultivated the Indestructibility Dragon Body [an unbreakable physique akin to a dragon's], the Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [an imperishable spiritual core], and Indestructibility Dharmic Power [inviolable cultivation energy], along with several Tenth Limit Foundation [foundations pushed to their absolute theoretical limits]. Arrogant in his peerless combat prowess among those of his realm, he still dared not claim he could contend with a True Spirit Foundation [the legendary, perfect spiritual foundation].

Now, witnessing Eldrin Chen manifest this very True Spirit Foundation, he could no longer afford to hold back. He immediately brought out his ultimate, trump-card technique.

"BOOM!"

In that same instant, seven dark, luminous pearls flew from above Zhuyin's head. They radiated a divine power capable of suppressing all existence as they shot through the void, smashing directly towards Eldrin Chen.

"What of the True Spirit Foundation [a supreme cultivation art that forms the foundation for achieving the True Spirit realm]? How will you withstand my Seven Stars Turbid Miasma Grand Formation [a grand formation of seven stars that channels and unleashes primordial, corrupting miasma]?"

At the very moment the Lifebound Formation Artifact [a magical treasure that forms the core of a cultivator's most powerful formation] was unleashed, Zhuyin let out a cold, mocking laugh.

This Seven Stars Turbid Miasma Grand Formation was Zhuyin's ultimate trump card, a formation composed of seven Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth, possessing innate divine power]. Combined, they possessed the divine might to suppress the very fabric of heaven, earth, and the primordial wilderness.

Without this formation, his combat power was, at most, sufficient to contend with three or four Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations]. Yet, armed with the Seven Stars Turbid Miasma Grand Formation, Zhuyin was confident he could suppress seven or eight ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal working in concert.

"Perfect timing."

Yet, in that very instant, Eldrin Chen released a derisive snort.

With a mere flick of his sleeve, a Chaos Giant Hand [a divine ability that manifests a colossal hand woven from primordial chaos energy] materialized across the sky, firmly pinning down the Seven Stars Turbid Miasma Grand Formation. Despite their frantic struggles, the seven Innate Spiritual Treasure could not break free.

"Impossible!"

In that moment, Zhuyin's face twisted with despair and utter shock. "A True Spirit Divine Ability [a divine ability that can only be mastered after establishing a True Spirit Foundation]... and a dual True Spirit Foundation? How can this be?"

"You should know," Eldrin Chen's voice echoed with finality, "that beneath the True Spirit [the realm of the True Spirit, a state of being transcending mortal and immortal limits], all are but ants."

Eldrin Chen spoke with an air of detached calm. In a single stride, he unleashed a palm strike that sent Zhuyin hurtling through the air, blood spraying from his mouth.

With a sickening *thud*, Zhuyin was sent flying, a spray of crimson marking his path. An expression of utter shock contorted his features. A cultivator with a dual True Spirit Foundation [a supreme cultivation foundation formed from two True Spirit-level resources] was a being of immense power. Within the vast expanse of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains, such individuals emerged, on average, only once every several tens of billions of years.

Even the Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows had only managed to cultivate a single True Spirit Foundation. It was only by combining it with his Lifebound Formation Artifact [a magical treasure bound to one's life force and cultivation base] that he could barely match the combat prowess of a dual-foundation cultivator.

Now, witnessing Eldrin Chen manifest the power of two distinct True Spirit Foundation, Zhuyin's face turned ashen pale. Yet, in the very next instant, a flicker of desperate hope ignited within him. "Wait," he gasped, a realization dawning.

"You haven't attained a Path Fruit Attainment [the profound enlightenment and consolidation of one's chosen cultivation path], nor have you broken through the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Pass [a legendary bottleneck in cultivation advancement]. This fight... it is not yet over for me!"

As his words echoed, Zhuyin immediately summoned a Patriarch Level Divine Ability [a supreme defensive technique wielded by Patriarch-level powerhouses] to shield his body. With a sweep of his sleeve, he called forth his two Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos, possessing innate laws and immense power]: the Chaos Divine Spear and the Grand Firmament Pagoda. His goal was clear—to forcibly reclaim the Seven Stars Turbid Miasma Pearls.

In his mind, retrieving the Seven Stars Turbid Miasma Pearls was the key. With them, he believed he could still muster a fighting chance.

But at that precise moment, a radiant pearl soared from above Eldrin Chen's head, intercepting the descending Grand Firmament Pagoda. Simultaneously, an ancient zither, humming with Innate [primordial, born-of-chaos] power, materialized to parry the thrust of the Chaos Divine Spear.

"The Soaring Immortal Zither! It's you!"

The instant Zhuyin laid eyes upon the Soaring Immortal Zither, his shock deepened into raw, unadulterated astonishment. His gaze flickered with a tremor of fury, but it was quickly drowned by a wave of profound despair.

In that moment of shock and fury, he also realized that relying on his own power alone would be insufficient to reclaim the Seven Stars Turbid Miasma Pearls [seven enchanted orbs that contain a chaotic, miasmic energy]. He immediately spoke out, "Everyone, come and aid me now!"

As his words fell, seven or eight of the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] who were besieging the others immediately disengaged, intending to assist Zhuyin [the Imperial Scion Zhuyin] in surrounding Eldrin Chen.

"Now is the moment."

Yet, in that very instant, a chilling glint flashed within the pupils of Eldrin Chen.

In a flash, a formless, intangible sword energy cleaved through the void, striking directly at the protective Divine Ability [a supreme mystical technique] shielding Zhuyin.

The Limitless Cosmos Sword [a sword art of boundless cosmic power] proved itself worthy of its status as a Primordial One Grade Divine Ability [a divine ability of the highest primordial grade]. It instantly pierced through Zhuyin's protective aura and physical form, blasting a gaping hole through his flesh.

"A pity!"

Yet, in that same moment, a slight frown creased the brow of Eldrin Chen, and a trace of regret flickered across his face.

"Aaaargh—!"

The Candle Dragon Child [a young scion of the Candle Dragon lineage] let out a piercing shriek. A dazzling spiritual light erupted from within its body, enveloping it and causing it to vanish from the world in the blink of an eye.

Simultaneously, the Seven Stars Turbid Miasma Pearls [seven enchanted orbs containing the chaotic essence of the seven stars], which had been suppressed by the Primordial One Energy Grasping Hand [a divine technique that manifests a giant hand of pure primordial energy], erupted with a force several times greater. It abruptly shattered the binding and vanished into the heavens and earth.

"Was this the contingency left by the Heavenly Emperor [a supreme title for a ruler of the heavens]?"

After Zhuyin departed, Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow slightly, a trace of solemnity appearing in his expression.

It turned out that in that fleeting moment, the Limitless Cosmos Sword [a supreme sword art capable of sundering the boundless cosmos] had already slain Zhuyin. However, within Zhuyin's body, there was a special forbidden technique that allowed him to cheat death once at the critical juncture.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen withdrew his gaze and looked towards the seven Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [ancient immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] who had just surrounded him.

"Gentlemen, your timing is impeccable."

Eldrin Chen gave a faint smile and immediately activated the Limitless Cosmos Sword. The sword light swept across the sky, and in an instant, it beheaded one of the Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

In that very moment, the Dragon Clan Ancient Immortal [immortals of great antiquity] present were filled with utter terror. They scattered in all directions, fleeing desperately into the distant void.

Eldrin Chen led his companions in a relentless pursuit. After successively slaying seven more Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, the battle finally drew to a close.

Once the great battle concluded, everyone returned to the Primordial Chaos Great Marsh [a vast, primordial wetland suffused with chaotic energies].

The Nether Phoenix cast a glance at Eldrin Chen, her voice laced with profound wariness. "Your Limitless Cosmos Sword," she said, "truly lives up to its name as a Primordial One Grade Divine Ability. It is a technique that inspires nothing but dread."

Eldrin Chen maintained a placid expression, yet within his heart, a flicker of understanding dawned.

This battle had served as a crucible, testing and revealing the true potency of the Limitless Cosmos Sword. Perhaps it was not the most overwhelmingly powerful Primordial One Grade Divine Ability, but it was undoubtedly among the most feared. Its nature was its greatest weapon.

This Divine Ability [a supreme supernatural technique] was formless and intangible, making it fiendishly difficult to guard against. Even an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations], if caught off-guard by a surprise attack, could be slain in an instant.

Even a top-tier Ancient Immortal [an immortal of great age and power] who had forged an Indestructibility Foundation [a foundation of cultivation renowned for its near-unbreakable durability], if they did not tread with the utmost caution, could be grievously wounded or even killed outright in a heartbeat.

Take Zhuyin, for instance. In a moment of lowered vigilance, his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a cultivator] was pierced. Had it not been for a certain hidden safeguard within his Primordial Spirit, he would have very nearly met his end then and there, forced into immediate dissolution.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but inquire, "How exactly did Zhuyin manage to preserve his life?"

The Nether Phoenix's brow furrowed slightly before she spoke. "That was a Mark of Undeath [a mystical brand that can cheat death once]," she explained. "It is an imprint of the Undying Great Path [a supreme cultivation art], left within his body by an Imperial Lord [a sovereign-level cultivator] who has mastered that art."

"However, while the Undying Great Path can serve as a substitute for death, with Zhuyin's current level of cultivation, he can only bear a single such imprint."

"The next time you cross blades," she concluded, her tone decisive, "you may attempt to finish him for good."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen could not help but frown slightly. "If we kill him, could it invite trouble?" he asked.

"It shouldn't."

Nether Phoenix spoke up, then continued, "A single seclusion for a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme cultivator who has unified their primordial essence] often spans several Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles]. For a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign born from primordial chaos], a descendant like Zhuyin is but one among hundreds, hardly worthy of their notice."

"Unless Zhuyin ascends to become a Primordial One Imperial Lord himself, he will not merit the attention of Candle Dragon Heavenly Emperor."

Only then did Eldrin Chen nod, letting out a slight sigh of relief, yet he could not help but shake his head with a wry smile.

The struggle for Kalpa Tribulation fortunes was, after all, a contest among the younger generation. Each Kalpa Tribulation saw the fall of numerous Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [ancient immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations]. If every loss were to be avenged, the great powers would tear each other apart.

When one truly considered it, which of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [golden immortals who have attained the Great Encompassing realm] from the great ancient sects had not risen by bathing in the blood of countless formidable foes?

With this thought, Eldrin Chen retrieved several portions of Path Source [the primordial source essence of a cultivation path] from his sleeve. "Having defeated the Dragon Clan prodigy in this battle and seized the Primordial Chaos Great Marsh [a primordial wetland born from chaos], it seems we may be able to advance another step," he said. For the best reading experience, visit audio-novel.com (official site).