Chapter 1877 : The Third Path of True Spirit

"Three Paths of the True Spirit Foundation [a foundational cultivation art that refines one's spiritual essence into a true spirit form]."

After understanding the cause and effect of this matter, Eldrin Chen could not help but sigh softly. In his heart, the desire to cultivate the third path of the True Spirit Foundation grew ever more urgent.

At this moment, he understood clearly in his heart that only by cultivating three paths of the True Spirit Foundation could one truly be considered to possess Path Ancestor Potential [the innate potential to become a Path Ancestor, the pinnacle of cultivation]. Such individuals, once they obtained Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs], possessed an exceedingly high likelihood of attaining the realm of a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [a supreme being who has mastered a fundamental Path of cultivation and achieved sagehood].

As for others, whether they had cultivated one path or two paths of the True Spirit Foundation, they possessed merely a sliver of hope for success. Achieving it would require immense Opportunity and Fortune [a confluence of rare chances and great luck] to have even a ten or twenty percent chance.

Thinking of this, Eldrin Chen hesitated no longer. He turned his gaze to Nether Phoenix and asked, "To cultivate the True Spirit Foundation, I require the assistance of a Great Encompassing Wind Vein [a supreme-grade spiritual land vein pulsating with pure wind-attribute energy]."

"As a direct disciple of the Grand Nether Ancestral Court, do you know of any suitable Great Encompassing Wind Vein within the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent [a vast, ancient landmass dotted with the remnants of fallen immortal civilizations]?"

"A Great Encompassing Wind Vein?"

Nether Phoenix pondered for a moment before speaking, "Complete Great Encompassing Earth Vein [supreme-grade spiritual land veins of earth attribute] are exceedingly rare, and wind veins are rarer still. Fortunately, the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent is boundless and vast. There truly is one complete Great Encompassing Wind Vein."

At this point, his words paused slightly, and his eyes grew solemn as he continued, "However, that particular Great Encompassing Wind Vein... is likely fraught with peril."

"Peril?" For uninterrupted reading, go to audio-novel . com.

Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly, a glimmer of curiosity surfacing within them.

Nether Phoenix nodded and then began to speak. "That wind vein is named the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land [a perilous ancient domain known for its soul-destroying properties]. It was once the Path-Field [a cultivator's personal domain, often imbued with their unique laws and power] of the Soul-Extinction Primordial Court [an ancient and powerful organization from the Immortal Firmament Ancient Continent] from the Immortal Firmament Ancient Continent."

"That Soul-Extinction Primordial Court was founded by a Primordial One Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord who has unified the Primordial Chaos within themselves, a supreme realm of power] from the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain. Naturally, its Path-Field was astonishingly powerful. Even after the Immortal Cosmos Primordial Domain shattered and its grade fell, it remains an extremely formidable Great Encompassing Path-Field [a Path-Field of the Great Encompassing Realm, the pinnacle of cultivation]."

Nether Phoenix recounted the tale in detail. She informed Eldrin Chen that the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land was perilous beyond measure. It had remained unconquered for over several dozen Kalpa Tribulation [a cosmic cycle of immense destruction and rebirth, spanning billions of years], ranking as one of the nine great danger zones within the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent.

"Unconquered for several dozen Kalpa Tribulation."

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. "Who was the last to conquer it?" he asked.

"Carefree Immortal Lord [the Carefree Immortal Lord]," Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor interjected at the opportune moment, his tone grave. "During a great epoch over seven billion years ago, Carefree Immortal Lord allied with several dozen Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived eight Heavenly Tribulations]. Only after a bitter and protracted battle did they manage to seize the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land."

"Relying on the Opportunity and Fortune [a pivotal chance encounter or fortune that can alter one's destiny] from that endeavor, Carefree Immortal Lord succeeded in cultivating a True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a Primordial Spirit of the True Spirit grade, representing the pinnacle of spiritual refinement]. He is now a figure who has reached the Late Stage Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the late stage of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm]."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen gave a slight, understanding nod.

He had heard some whispers about Carefree Immortal Lord. It was said that before achieving the Great Encompassing [the Great Encompassing Realm, a supreme state of being], he had not only cultivated the True Spirit Primordial Spirit but had also simultaneously forged five Indestructibility Foundation [Foundations of Indestructibility, an immensely stable and powerful cultivation base]. His innate talent far surpassed that of current prodigies like Zhuyin and could be mentioned in the same breath as the Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows and Soaring Sky.

Moreover, this individual had taken a master under the tutelage of Great Abyss Immortal Sage [a supremely powerful and ancient sage], becoming the seventh direct-line disciple under his banner. Possessing the Path Ancestor Immortal Sage Potential [the innate potential to one day become a foundational master of the immortal path], his hopes of one day ascending to the pinnacle of Primordial One Imperial Lord [the supreme realm of a foundational cosmic sovereign] were exceedingly great.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen could not help but speak: "If the Carefree Imperial Lord [a sovereign ruler of a vast domain] could accomplish it, then I naturally can seize it as well. There is no time to delay; let us act swiftly."

Nether Phoenix initially wanted to say that the Carefree Immortal Lord [an immortal lord known for his unfettered nature] succeeded only because he joined forces with several dozen Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations, a being of immense power] to strike together. However, recalling Eldrin Chen's dual True Spirit Foundation [a foundational cultivation art based on the power of true, primordial spirits], she ultimately suppressed the thought.

And so, they soared through the void, traversing vast distances until, almost without realizing it, they finally arrived before a region of profound and ancient darkness.

"This place," Nether Phoenix declared, her voice grave, "is the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land."

Gazing at the shadowy mountain range before them, Nether Phoenix spoke with utmost solemnity: "The Soul-Extinction Ancient Land is perilous beyond measure, filled with soul-eroding gales and haunted by Forbidden Undying Wraith [ancient, forbidden spirits that defy true death]. Even an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal faces a significant risk of perishing here."

Eldrin Chen offered no reply. He merely observed the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land for a long while, a slight frown eventually creasing his brow.

In that moment, he perceived from within the ancient land an overwhelmingly powerful Soul-Extinction Gale [a forbidden wind with the power to extinguish souls]. It was a perilous and dreadful forbidden energy, possessing the terrifying power to scatter a cultivator's Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and true essence of a being].

Even an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, should they dare to enter and cultivate within, risked being utterly annihilated, their form reduced to dust and ashes.

More terrifying still were the remnants of those Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal who had fallen here over countless eons. While most had their souls utterly dispersed by the gales, a rare few lingering soul fragments, tempered by the ceaseless scour of the Soul-Extinction Gale, had transformed into truly forbidden and malevolent specters.

These Forbidden Evil Spirit possessed terrifying Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] with a ten-thousand-kalpa Indestructibility [a state of being unbreakable and eternal]. Even an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal who had cultivated the True Spirit Foundation [a supreme foundation for the spirit] could at most severely wound them, utterly incapable of completely annihilating them.

For an ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, facing such a Forbidden Evil Spirit alone carried the risk of perishing. Even wielding an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth] would find it difficult to slay them.

"Forbidden Evil Spirit with Indestructibility?"

Eldrin Chen murmured, a slight frown creasing his brow.

In that moment, he faintly perceived the nature of these Forbidden Evil Spirit. Their Primordial Spirit resembled the Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [an indestructible spiritual form] of an Eleventh Limit [a legendary realm beyond the tenth], yet were even more ferocious and violent. They were indeed troublesome adversaries to deal with.

Contemplating this, Eldrin Chen instead smiled faintly and spoke, "I have heard that slaying such Forbidden Evil Spirit yields a rare Divine Soul Rare Treasure [a precious treasure beneficial to the divine soul]?" Find thousands of chapters at audio-novel dot com.

"Indeed."

Nether Phoenix nodded and explained, "The Soul-Extinction Gale [a wind capable of dispersing souls] can scatter spiritual souls. That they not only endure its ceaseless, day-and-night assault without dissipating but also transform into Forbidden Evil Spirit causes a portion of Undying Soul Water [a miraculous water that nourishes and protects the soul] to coalesce within them."

"Legend holds that Undying Soul Water is a supreme treasure of the Soul Path [a cultivation path focused on the soul], its efficacy surpassing even that of the body-refining supreme treasure, the 'Primordial Chaos Divine Liquid' [a divine liquid born from primordial chaos]. Furthermore, the more powerful the Forbidden Evil Spirit, the more potent the Undying Soul Water nurtured within its form."

"In ancient times, the Carefree Immortal Lord [a title for a powerful, unfettered immortal] was able to cultivate the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a perfected and true spiritual form] not only due to his peerless talent, but also because he slew a Forbidden Evil Spirit that had nearly stepped into the True Spirit Realm [the realm of the True Spirit]."

"So that's how it is," Eldrin Chen nodded, a faint smile gracing his lips.

If they could obtain sufficient Undying Soul Water [a mystical water said to preserve and strengthen the soul] and supplement it with the Innate Earth Soul Scripture [a profound cultivation method for nurturing the earth-attuned soul] and Soul Nourishing Wood [a rare spiritual wood that nourishes the spirit], then perhaps Lila and Violet Consort Yan and the others might have a sliver of hope to cultivate the Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [a legendary state where the cultivator's spiritual core becomes truly unbreakable].

Of course, the true key to achieving the Indestructibility Primordial Spirit lay in breaking through the Limit-Breaker [a critical bottleneck realm], allowing the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] to generate that wisp of Indestructibility Divinity [the divine quality of indestructibility] from within. External aids could only offer limited assistance in this profound internal transformation.

Nevertheless, with these resources, they would at least possess a slightly greater hope of success.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen hesitated no longer. In a single step, he shattered the firmament and strode directly into the heart of the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land [a perilous ancient realm known for eroding the soul].

"Woooo… woooo…"

The moment he crossed the threshold, a mournful, whistling sound assaulted Eldrin Chen's senses.

He could clearly perceive a strange wind blowing from all directions.

This wind was insidious, seeping into every pore, relentlessly scouring both his physical body and his Primordial Spirit. It carried a chilling sensation, as if intent on grinding his very flesh and spirit into nothingness.

"Soul-Extinction Gale [a legendary, soul-scouring wind], it erodes bone and withers soul."

"Legends say this wind can melt the flesh and bones of an Ancient Immortal Great Power [a cultivator of immense power from ancient times], utterly annihilating even the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of one who has broken through the Great Encompassing Heavenly Pass [a legendary cultivation barrier]. It seems the tales do not lie."

Eldrin Chen mused inwardly, sensing the profound danger radiating from the Soul-Extinction Gale.

An ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations] daring to step into this Soul-Extinction Ancient Land [the ancient domain where the soul-scouring wind originates] would likely have their soul scattered to the winds within mere tens of thousands of years.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen's True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a primordial spirit of unparalleled purity and strength] was immensely powerful. Even under the ceaseless assault of the Soul-Extinction Gale, it showed not the slightest sign of wear. Instead, it seemed to be tempered, growing ever more resilient.

"A formidable gale indeed," he remarked.

Meanwhile, the others followed him in. As they felt the force of the Soul-Extinction Gale, their expressions shifted subtly.

Nether Phoenix [an ancient phoenix entity associated with the netherworld], Exquisite Jiang, and the Reincarnation Body [a powerful avatar born from the cycle of reincarnation] fared well enough, able to withstand the gale's fury. The others, however, felt significant pressure.

Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor [a demonic emperor famed for his power to sunder the heavens] grew pale. "My cultivation has never focused on the Primordial Spirit," he said, his voice strained. "I barely managed to break through the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass [the heavenly barrier to the Primordial Spirit realm]. I fear I cannot endure here for long."

Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before speaking. "As the saying goes, extremes beget their opposites. While perilous, this Soul-Extinction Gale also represents the ultimate tempering for one's Primordial Spirit."

"If you persist here for a sufficient duration, it may prove greatly beneficial to your Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing their highest form of consciousness and power]."

Upon hearing this, Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor gritted his teeth and said nothing more.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen immediately continued deeper into the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land, only to discover that the further he ventured, the more potent the Soul-Extinction Gale [a soul-scouring wind that erodes spiritual essence] became.

"ROAR—"

He had not traveled far when a piercing, bestial roar echoed from the distance.

A massive ape, its body covered in black fur, bellowed and surged through the air, launching itself in a murderous assault towards Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen stood with his hands clasped behind his back. As the ape descended upon him, he decisively struck out with a single palm. The force of the blow sent the creature staggering back three paces.

Yet this outcome caused his brow to furrow slightly, a flicker of surprise at the ape's formidable strength.

"A Primordial Era Demonic Ape,"

Nether Phoenix exclaimed with astonishment. "Legend speaks of a peerless genius who emerged from the Primordial Era Demonic Ape clan over a hundred million years ago. Not only did he cultivate an Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique of unbreakable resilience], but he also achieved several Tenth Limit Foundation [the mythical pinnacle of the Foundation Establishment realm, surpassing all known limits]."

"I once thought it could ascend to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the highest attainable realm of immortality], but it later vanished without a trace during a Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cosmic cycle of destruction and rebirth]. To think it actually perished here, transforming into this Indestructibility [a state of absolute, unyielding durability] malevolent spirit."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen showed a hint of surprise, then nodded and said, "An Indestructibility Body [a physical form tempered to a state of near-invulnerability]. No wonder it could withstand a single palm strike from me."

One must understand, although Eldrin Chen's Primordial One Indestructibility Body [the supreme pinnacle of the Indestructibility Body constitution] had not yet fully stepped into the True Spirit Realm [a profound realm where one's spirit becomes one with the fundamental truths of existence], it had already reached the absolute zenith of the Indestructibility Body [a physical form tempered to a state of near-invulnerability], with one foot half-entering the True Spirit Realm [a profound realm where one's spirit becomes one with the fundamental truths of existence].

The fact that this Primordial Era Demonic Ape [a ferocious simian demon-beast from the dawn of creation] could exchange a blow with him and retreat only three steps spoke volumes of its extraordinary physical prowess. Its fleshly body was likely among the very top tier even within the ranks of those possessing an Indestructibility Body [a physical form tempered to a state of near-invulnerability].

Thinking this, Eldrin Chen could not help but shake his head and remark, "Although the Primordial Era Demonic Ape's [a ferocious simian demon-beast from the dawn of creation] physical body is formidable, its Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and essence of a cultivator's being] is notably weak. If my deduction is correct, it came to this Soul-Extinction Ancient Land [an ancient, desolate place infamous for eroding and extinguishing souls] precisely to remedy this shortcoming in its Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and essence of a cultivator's being]."

"A pity. Not only did it fail to cultivate an Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [a divine ability that renders one's spiritual core as unbreakable as their body], it instead lost its life here."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. In that moment, his eyes seemed capable of piercing through all obscurity, clearly perceiving that the Primordial Era Demonic Ape's [a ferocious simian demon-beast from the dawn of creation] Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and essence of a cultivator's being] was now shattered and ruined. Yet, within those fragmented soul remnants, a faint thread of Indestructibility Divinity [a divine spark or quality embodying the principle of indestructibility] had been nurtured, though it flickered as weakly as a candle in the wind.

"Wait…"

At that very moment, Eldrin Chen paused, a flicker of realization crossing his mind.

He discovered that within the fractured soul of the Primordial Era Demonic Ape [a ferocious simian demon-beast from the dawn of creation], there seemed to linger a faint, tenacious thread of consciousness. Even though this wisp of will had been eroded by infinite chaos, it stubbornly retained a sliver of clarity and awareness.

At this moment, Nether Phoenix also seemed to sense something amiss.

After observing the Primordial Era Demonic Ape for a brief moment, she could not help but speak: "It is still alive. Its Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] is simply too weak and has been tainted by the lingering resentment in this place, thus placing it in a state between life and death."

"Roar!"

In the very instant the group was conversing, that Primordial Era Demonic Ape gripped its Black Iron Staff and swept it forward in a horizontal strike, carrying a sky-obscuring Celestial Slaughter intent, seeking to determine a victor with Eldrin Chen.

Eldrin Chen remained expressionless as he took action. With each step, he channeled the Nine Slaughtering Techniques. In less than a hundred exchanges, he had battered the ape until it coughed blood and was sent flying. With another motion of his hand, he completely suppressed it.

Watching the Primordial Era Demonic Ape being subdued, Exquisite Jiang could not help but ask, "What do you intend to do with this Primordial Era Demonic Ape?"

Eldrin Chen had initially intended to slay the Primordial Era Demonic Ape, but after a moment of contemplation, he said, "If it still possessed a shred of sentience, I might have struck it down. But now, bereft of any consciousness, I am unwilling to act against one who cannot even lift a finger in its own defense."

"Let it be. Considering the difficulty of its cultivation journey, I shall grant it a sliver of hope for survival."

As his words fell, Eldrin Chen retrieved a stalk of Soul Nourishing Wood [a spiritual wood that nourishes and heals the soul] and placed it within the Primordial Spirit of the Primordial Era Demonic Ape.

Like a pool of clear water, the Soul Nourishing Wood merged with the ape's Primordial Spirit, instantly bringing a wisp of vitality to its nearly withered remnant soul.

In that fleeting instant, the faint glimmer of sentience within His spiritual platform surged to dominance, forcefully suppressing the chaotic Slaughter Intent [a murderous will that drives one to indiscriminate killing]. He plummeted into the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land [a desolate, soul-devouring wasteland] and fell into a deep slumber.

"How is he?"

Witnessing this, Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor could not help but ask.

Eldrin Chen shook his head and replied, "A single stalk of Soul Nourishing Wood [a rare spiritual wood that can gently restore damaged souls] is like a mere cup of water to him. At best, it can only slightly alleviate his nearly exhausted soul."

"His Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator's being] is on the verge of being utterly extinguished. Whether he ultimately survives depends entirely on his own Creation [the innate life force and potential for rebirth within all beings]."

Nether Phoenix nodded in agreement, adding, "Within his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator's being], there already exists a minuscule trace of Indestructibility Divinity [a divine quality representing absolute resilience and unyielding existence]. The key to his survival lies in whether he can nurture that trace of Indestructibility Divinity [a divine quality representing absolute resilience and unyielding existence], allowing his Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator's being] to undergo a metamorphosis and give birth to an Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [a Primordial Spirit that has achieved a state of absolute, unbreakable resilience]."

Thus, the minor interlude came to an end.

Afterward, Eldrin Chen continued his journey toward the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land [a desolate, soul-devouring wasteland]. Before long, he arrived at the periphery of that dreaded region.

As he stepped into the core zone of the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land [a desolate, soul-devouring wasteland], he finally encountered the local Forbidden Evil Spirit [ancient, malevolent spirits bound to forbidden lands]. In an instant, twenty-eight of these Forbidden Evil Spirit [ancient, malevolent spirits bound to forbidden lands] soared into the air. They were suffused with an overwhelming Celestial Slaughter intent [a divine, annihilating will that seeks to eradicate all life] that carried a sense of Indestructibility [the concept of absolute, unbreakable resilience], and they charged toward the group.

"Be careful. Just help me keep some of them occupied," he instructed.

Eldrin Chen spoke in measured tones, then immediately plunged into fierce combat with these Forbidden Evil Spirits [malevolent spirits born from forbidden places and profound resentment].

The moment the clash began, Eldrin Chen realized the terrifying nature of these Forbidden Evil Spirits.

In the previous few Great Encompassing Earth Veins [major spiritual energy nodes within the earth], Eldrin Chen had also battled [spectral beings possessing a state of near-immortality and extreme resilience]. However, the combat power of those wraiths' Primordial Spirits [the spiritual core and highest essence of a cultivator] was somewhere between that of a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal and an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, not considered particularly troublesome or formidable.

Any single Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal could confidently repel several Indestructible Wraiths joining forces.

But the Forbidden Evil Spirits here each possessed an Indestructible Primordial Spirit [a spiritual form of immense durability], and were exceptionally ferocious and potent. Enhanced by the local Earth Vein [a ley line of concentrated spiritual energy] and environment, even an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal could not claim certain victory in a one-on-one confrontation.

This proved true in practice. Once the battle commenced, both Ao Hong and the Primordial Era Ice Phoenix [an ancient, primordial phoenix of ice from the dawn of time] could only hold back a single Forbidden Evil Spirit each.

Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor, Nyssa Qu, and Exquisite Jiang, being slightly more powerful, were merely confident of handling two Forbidden Evil Spirits working in tandem.

Nether Phoenix and the Reincarnation Body [a body forged through cycles of death and rebirth, granting unique power] were stronger still, each confronting three Forbidden Evil Spirits. Furthermore, Ao Hong summoned the Polarity Myriad Crows Pot [a magical vessel capable of summoning and commanding a host of spectral crows] to engage another Forbidden Evil Spirit.

To prevent injuries or even fatalities among his companions, Eldrin Chen had no choice but to intercept the remaining thirteen malevolent spirits himself.

Facing thirteen such dreadful foes alone—even Zhuyin would likely have been forced to turn and flee under such an onslaught.

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen had cultivated two types of True Spirit Foundation [a supreme cultivation foundation that embodies the essence of a true spirit], granting him a qualitative difference in power compared to ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations].

To him, ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal were like children; even a dozen of them joining forces could not hope to withstand him. Only if they advanced further, cultivating two or three types of Indestructibility Foundation [a foundational cultivation realm focused on achieving an unbreakable body and spirit], could they pose even a slight threat to Eldrin Chen.

"Boom—"

The two sides clashed fiercely upon the Heavenly Vault [the highest, most ethereal layer of the heavens], exchanging over three thousand moves in the blink of an eye.

After trading brutal blows with the malevolent spirits, Eldrin Chen finally seized an opening. With a strike of the Chaos Divine Thunder [a divine ability that unleashes the primordial thunder of chaos], he cleaved one of the forbidden beings in two.

With the first Forbidden Evil Spirit [a malevolent spirit born from forbidden, taboo sources of power] slain, the tide of the battle began to turn.

Gripping the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a halberd imbued with the power to sunder the primordial heavens], Eldrin Chen continued his fierce dance of death with the remaining Forbidden Evil Spirit high upon the Heavenly Vault, methodically beginning to cull the Indestructibility [the state of being utterly unbreakable and eternal] malevolent spirits.

The great battle raged on for over a thousand years before the assembled forces finally managed to slay the last of the Forbidden Evil Spirit.

As that final Forbidden Evil Spirit fell, Eldrin Chen slowly let out a long-held breath, a faint smile finally gracing his features.

"Mission accomplished."

A smile also touched the lips of Nyssa Qu. "With twenty-eight portions of Undying Soul Water [a mystical water that nourishes and stabilizes the soul], my Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [a state where one's spiritual core becomes unbreakable and eternal] might finally be within reach," she could not help but say.

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen allowed a faint smile to grace his features.

Nyssa Qu possessed the bloodline of a Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme being from the dawn of creation]. In theory, she could cultivate every single one of her foundational aspects to the Indestructibility Realm [a legendary state of perfect, unyielding foundation].

Although achieving an Indestructibility Foundation was no small feat, it was undoubtedly far simpler for her than it would be for figures like Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor. With the aid of the unique environment within the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land [an ancient, soul-draining realm] and the Undying Soul Water, she should have at least a fifty percent chance of successfully cultivating her Indestructibility Primordial Spirit.

Considering this, Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement. "In a few days, you shall enter seclusion here with me. Let us see if you can attain the Indestructibility Primordial Spirit."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. His gaze shifted towards the towering mountain at the very heart of the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land.

"You sensed it too?"

Nether Phoenix spoke, her voice calm. "After we slew those Forbidden Evil Spirit [malevolent spectral beings of forbidden power], their soul essences transformed into the purest source of Indestructibility Divine Soul [the divine aspect of an unbreakable soul] and were drawn by the local field energy to the summit of that Soul-Extinction Mountain [the central peak of the soul-draining land]."

"It seems this is not yet over."

Eldrin Chen stated coolly, then added, "No wonder I always felt this battle was simpler than anticipated."

With those words, he stepped forward and ascended Soul-Extinction Mountain.

As he climbed Soul-Extinction Mountain, Eldrin Chen discovered that the higher one went, the more terrifying the soul-extinguishing power became. By the time he reached the mountainside, the Soul-Extinction Gale [a wind that erodes the soul] was potent enough to extinguish the soul of an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal within ten thousand years.

At the summit, the Soul-Extinction Gale grew so powerful it could annihilate an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal in a mere hundred years.

Upon reaching the peak, the group found that at the very crown of Soul-Extinction Mountain, a pitch-black Eye of the Storm ceaselessly drew upon the power of heaven and earth.

An endless torrent of the Soul-Extinction Gale, laden with vast quantities of Indestructibility Divine Soul [the essence of an unbreakable divine soul] origin energy, poured into the Eye of the Storm, devouring everything like a voracious black hole.

And within the deepest core of that Eye of the Storm, an aura of near-eternal Indestructibility [the state of being unbreakable and everlasting] was slowly stirring to wakefulness.

"This Soul-Extinction Forbidden Land was jointly forged by the Three Great Heavenly Courts," Nether Phoenix explained, gazing at the vortex. "It was primarily the handiwork of the venerable Great Abyss Immortal Sage."

"This Eye of the Storm ceaselessly devours Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy [the primal energy of creation] and the scattered power of divine souls, all to nurture a single, supremely dreadful Eternal Wraith [an immortal spectral entity]."

"It is the final trial of the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land. Legend holds that whoever can slay it will obtain a Opportunity and Fortune [a chance bestowed by fate] to attempt a breakthrough to the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the ultimate form of the spiritual core, akin to a true spirit's essence]."

"As for whether you can succeed... that will depend entirely on your own Creation [the act of creation, a profound concept in cultivation]."

Eldrin Chen nodded, having largely grasped how the Carefree Immortal Lord of old had cultivated his True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a perfected spiritual core of immense purity and power].

With this understanding, Eldrin Chen looked at the assembled group and waved a dismissive hand. "This battle is beyond your ability to intervene," he declared.

"You may withdraw. Leave this place to me alone."

At that moment, the others were already pale from the Soul-Extinction Gale [a wind that erodes the very soul] howling across the mountain peak. Sunder Heaven the Heavenly Demon Emperor was especially ashen-faced; he was the first to clasp his hands in salute and retreat.

The rest followed suit, descending the mountain one after another. Only Exquisite Jiang remained.

Eldrin Chen glanced at her, a question in his eyes.

Exquisite Jiang merely smiled. "You have cultivated the True Spirit Primordial Spirit," she said. "If my guess is correct, you intend to give me whatever spoils you gain from this fight."

"Since that is the case, how could I in good conscience let you face it alone?"

Eldrin Chen chuckled at her words and, without further argument, drew her into an embrace.

Of course, his reason for allowing Exquisite Jiang to stay was primarily because she had mastered the Great Five Elements Pure Lunar Divine Thunder [a supreme thunder technique harmonizing the five elements with lunar essence].

Relying on this Primordial One Grade Divine Ability [a supreme-level mystical technique], Exquisite Jiang used the Five Thunders Spirit Forging Great Art [a profound art that tempers the spirit with thunder] to temper her Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator]. Although she had not yet fully cultivated the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a perfected, flawless state of the spiritual core], she was in truth only half a step away from that final achievement.

In fact, had Exquisite Jiang cultivated the Chaos Divine Thunder [a primordial thunder of creation and destruction] instead of the Great Five Elements Pure Lunar Divine Thunder [a supreme thunder art harmonizing the five elements with lunar essence], she would likely have succeeded in cultivating the True Spirit Primordial Spirit already, just like Eldrin Chen had.

Alas, the Chaos Divine Thunder was immensely difficult to cultivate, demanding extraordinary comprehension and an unparalleled foundation. Without peerless innate talent, mastering it was simply impossible.

While Exquisite Jiang possessed remarkable talent, her greatest aptitude lay within the Pure Yin lineage. Cultivating the Great Five Elements Pure Lunar Divine Thunder allowed her to advance by leaps and bounds, but comprehending the Chaos Divine Thunder would likely have required ten times the effort without any guarantee of success.

After all, both the Chaos Divine Thunder and the Great Five Elements Pure Lunar Divine Thunder were Divine Ability [a supreme mystical technique] of the Primordial One Imperial Lord [a supreme realm of cultivation] grade. The vast majority of Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [immortals who have attained the Golden Immortal realm] found it exceedingly difficult to master Divine Ability of this caliber.

Returning to the matter at hand, possessing such a powerful Primordial Spirit granted Exquisite Jiang significant resistance against the Soul-Extinction Gale [a soul-dissipating wind]. At the very least, she would now be able to lend Eldrin Chen a helping hand.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen ceased his attempts to dissuade her. He merely instructed Exquisite Jiang to remain by his side as they waited for the entity within the Eye of the Storm [the calm center of the maelstrom] to awaken.

Time flowed onward. Perhaps after fully absorbing the Primordial Spirit of the twenty-eight Forbidden Evil Spirit [malevolent spirits of a forbidden nature], the figure within the Eye of the Storm finally began to stir from its slumber.

Within the black tempest that devoured all light like a vortex, a subtle tremor passed. From its depths emerged a handsome man clad in black robes, a sword held firmly in his hand.

The world held its breath. All sound vanished from the heavens and the earth.

In that single instant, the great sun dimmed, mountains and rivers stood still, birds halted mid-flight, and fish froze in mid-leap—everything was suspended in a single, frozen tableau.

Across the entire expanse of heaven and earth, only the black-robed figure remained. His form was tall and straight, a sword of shifting, ethereal substance sheathed upon his back. Around him swirled three thousand Great Path [the fundamental laws and principles of existence], making him appear like a Sovereign [a supreme ruler who commands the myriad laws of reality].

He stood there in utter stillness, as if he had stepped from outside the flow of time itself, or as if his gaze had lifted from the depths of the Primordial Era [the mythic age of creation]. His eyes reflected the turning of Starry River and the birth and death of Universe—ancient scenes of Space-Time [the fabric of reality encompassing both space and time].

Only after a long while did all these wondrous phenomena fade back into nothingness.

The figure cast a faint glance at Eldrin Chen, a flicker of surprise in his eyes that vanished in an instant, replaced by a smile. "Not bad," he said. "Once again, it is a descendant of our Human Race who arrives." This chapter is provided by audio-novel.com (official site). Support the original.