Chapter 1879 : Awakening of the True Spirit

"Success."

At the very moment the seven supreme powerhouses sensed the change, Eldrin Chen opened his eyes.

He watched as Exquisite Jiang gradually awakened from her secluded cultivation, a faint smile appearing in the depths of his gaze.

"Exquisite, how do you feel?"

Exquisite Jiang opened her eyes and, after briefly sensing the power within herself, replied, "So this is the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the ultimate spiritual foundation, a Primordial Spirit of unparalleled purity and power]. Its might is indeed unprecedented."

Her heart filled with joy, she began to describe her True Spirit Primordial Spirit to Eldrin Chen.

This time, the True Spirit Primordial Spirit that Exquisite Jiang had forged was identical to Eldrin Chen's in its foundational aspect: it had unlocked nine Innate Acupoints [the nine foundational spiritual nodes within a True Spirit Primordial Spirit], the inherent foundation required for such a supreme spiritual state.

However, unlike Eldrin Chen, the amount of True Spirit Imprint [the profound, foundational essence of a True Spirit] she had obtained was far less. After completing the metamorphosis into a True Spirit Primordial Spirit, only a minuscule portion remained—not even one-tenth of what was needed to fill her first Innate Acupoints.

"It seems that even among those who successfully forge a True Spirit Primordial Spirit, the amount of True Spirit Imprint obtained can vary," Eldrin Chen murmured softly.

After a long moment of contemplation, a smile returned to his face. "With this breakthrough, your power is now on a completely different level. It seems our chances in the coming conflict have improved by several degrees." Visit https://audio-novel.com to enjoy the complete series.

Exquisite Jiang gave a slight nod and spoke, "Continue your cultivation for now. We can discuss other matters after you emerge from seclusion."

"Understood."

Eldrin Chen nodded in acknowledgment and resumed his secluded cultivation of the Primordial One Indestructibility Body.

Meanwhile, beyond the borders of the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land, several figures stood with grave expressions, their gazes fixed intently upon the depths of that forbidden realm.

Had Eldrin Chen been present, he would have recognized the arrivals: the Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion from the Golden-Winged Great Roc Lineage, along with other Imperial Scions of the Roc Clan such as Fallen Heaven's Gate and Azure Heaven Roc.

At that moment, Fallen Heaven's Gate stared coldly at the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land before them and spoke with a frosty tone, "My investigations are complete. It was indeed Nether Phoenix and that group from Returning Abyss who conquered this ancient land."

"So it was them after all."

Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion's expression turned icy. Recalling Eldrin Chen's world-shaking combat prowess, a frigid glint flashed in his eyes.

Seeing this, Azure Heaven Roc spoke up opportunely, "I have heard that even Zhuyin Imperial Scion suffered a significant defeat at his hands. If our two factions were to join forces, could we subdue this group?"

"I fear it would still be insufficient."

The Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion spoke, his gaze icy and sharp. "This Returning Abyss Path Master possesses a dual True Spirit Foundation [a supreme cultivation foundation that grants one the potential to become a True Spirit]. With that alone, he can reign supreme and undefeated across the Ancient Immortal Realm. Unless one has also cultivated a True Spirit Foundation, it is impossible to stand against him."

Seeing this, Fallen Heaven's Gate sneered coldly. "I believe there is one person who would be extremely interested in him."

"You mean...?"

Hearing this, the Azure Heaven Roc Imperial Scion's eyes blazed with a golden light.

The Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion also nodded, a cold smile playing on his lips. "From what I know, the Soaring Sky Little Heavenly Emperor entered this tribulation precisely to find a whetstone for his blade."

"For him, if he can defeat or slay someone with a True Spirit Foundation, he would have an immense chance of cultivating a second True Spirit Foundation. I believe once he learns of this opportunity, he will not let it slip away."

"Can one with a True Spirit Foundation... truly fall?"

Beside them, another Imperial Scion from the Golden-Winged Great Roc Clan could not help but speak up, his face etched with shock and disbelief.

"Indeed, it is so," the Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion affirmed, then continued. "From my understanding, while those with a True Spirit Foundation possess an Indestructibility [a state of being unkillable and eternal], it is not entirely impossible to slay them. With sufficient, overwhelming power, they can be killed."

"Of course, this 'slaying' is only temporary, or perhaps 'falling into a deep slumber' is more accurate. Given the eternal Indestructibility nature of a True Spirit [the ultimate realm of cultivation, representing a being of pure, eternal spirit], it is at most a temporary state of dormancy. Sooner or later, they will inevitably awaken once more."

Hearing this, everyone present could not help but smile faintly.

Fallen Heaven's Gate's gaze turned icy, and he sneered coldly, "If we could invite His Majesty the Little Heavenly Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler among the younger generation of powerful beings], that That upstart Eldrin would certainly be no match. I shall go seek out His Majesty the Little Heavenly Emperor immediately."

However, Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion stopped him, his expression grave as he spoke, "Do not be hasty. This Returning Abyss Path Master is, after all, a True Spirit Prodigy [a cultivator born with an innate connection to a primordial true spirit, granting immense talent]. I fear that relying solely on His Majesty the Little Heavenly Emperor may not guarantee his certain death."

"Let it be this way," he continued. "You should also seek out the Kunpeng Imperial Scion, the Azure Luan Imperial Princess, and His Highness Zhuyin, among the other supreme powerhouses of our Demon Race. Even if it takes more time, we must make absolutely thorough preparations to annihilate that That upstart Eldrin within the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land."

Fallen Heaven's Gate nodded upon hearing this and said with a smile, "The Imperial Scion's foresight is indeed superior. Even if That upstart Eldrin could withstand the Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows, by inviting the Kunpeng Imperial Scion and the Azure Luan Imperial Princess, among others, that That upstart Eldrin will surely find no path to heaven nor door to earth [a Chinese idiom meaning utterly trapped with no escape]."

With those words, Fallen Heaven's Gate immediately shot through the void, heading towards the distant reaches beyond Void Heaven. For uninterrupted reading, go to audio - novel . com.

Meanwhile, Eldrin Chen, unaware of the impending danger, was currently in secluded cultivation atop Soul-Extinction Mountain, continuously tempering the power of his physical body with the aid of the Soul-Extinction Gale [a mysterious, soul-eroding wind].

While training with the Soul-Extinction Gale, he simultaneously activated both the Chaos Divine Thunder and the Primordial Chaos Grinding Mill, relentlessly striking and grinding his own flesh.

Thus, time flowed swiftly. In the blink of an eye, tens of thousands of years passed. His Primordial One Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique of supreme durability] was finally just one final step away from completion.

And just as he stood on the precipice of that final step, outside the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land, a group of Demon Race Imperial Scions stood with icy expressions, their gazes fixed upon the ancient land.

Within this assembly, a total of thirty-seven Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [powerful beings who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] had gathered.

Their leader was none other than Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows 'Soaring Sky'. Accompanying him were three other peerless prodigies of Imperial Scion caliber: 'Kunpeng Child', 'Zhuyin', and 'Five-Colored Peacock'.

Among these four, Soaring Sky had not only cultivated a True Spirit Foundation [a supreme foundation representing one's truest spiritual essence], but also possessed a set of Formation Artifact [artifacts designed to work in concert, often forming powerful arrays] whose power was comparable to that very foundation. His combat prowess was, therefore, beyond question.

The other three possessed the genuine battle strength of invincible Ancient Immortal [immortals from ancient times, vastly powerful]. Any one of them could contend against ten ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Beneath these four were the top-tier Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal of the same rank as Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion. They had each cultivated one or two Indestructibility Foundation [a foundational cultivation achievement granting near-unbreakable durability]. Against ordinary Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, they could fight one against two, with the most exceptional among them capable of facing one against five.

Yet such individuals were few. In total, there were only seven: Nine Nether Abyssal Netherworld Venerable, the Primordial Era [the mythical first age of creation] Demonic Dragon, Crimson Crow Imperial Scion, Verdant Crow Imperial Princess, the North Sea Mysterious Tortoise, Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion, and Lunar Crow Imperial Prince.

Those further down the hierarchy were beings who had either failed to cultivate an Indestructibility Foundation or had only barely managed to form a single one. Their strength was not particularly outstanding.

Even so, this force—comprising one Imperial Scion with a True Spirit [the ultimate spiritual state] Foundation, three invincible Ancient Immortal, seven with Indestructibility Foundation, and over thirty other Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal—was surely enough to sweep through everything on the Immortal Ruins Ancient Continent.

Surveying the gathered multitude, Zhuyin remarked with a faint smile, "Thirty-seven Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal. We have assembled the majority of the Demon Race's top-tier power."

"The last time we united a force of this magnitude was when Carefree Immortal Lord [an immortal lord known for his unbound nature] laid siege to the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land, was it not?"

Kunpeng Child also offered a faint smile, his gaze serene as he spoke, "After seventy Kalpa Tribulation [immense cosmic cycles], it is a fine tale indeed that the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land [an ancient and perilous battlefield] has once again gathered such formidable power."

"A pity," he continued, "that the Azure Luan Imperial Princess of the Phoenix Clan secured a Great Encompassing Path-Field [a supreme cultivation ground] some years ago and remains in secluded cultivation. Otherwise, with the top powerhouses of the Demon Race all assembled, we could sweep through the Human and Divine Races with ease."

Hearing this, the others present all allowed faint smiles to touch their lips.

Seeing their reaction, the Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows waved a dismissive hand. "The absence of the Azure Luan Imperial Princess matters little," he declared, his eyes fixed on the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land. "Our combined strength is more than sufficient to suppress any opposition."

The Kongling Imperial Princess of the Five-Colored Peacock Clan, however, wore a look of deepening gravity. "It is said that this Returning Abyss Path Master has achieved the True Spirit Foundation [a legendary and supremely stable cultivation foundation]," she cautioned. "Such an individual cannot be underestimated. We may be able to defeat him, but slaying him is another matter entirely."

"Set your mind at ease. I have long been prepared for this," the Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows replied confidently.

As he spoke, he drew from his sleeve a small, exquisitely crafted pagoda that shimmered with a brilliant golden light.

"The Golden Crow Pagoda!"

A wave of astonishment washed over the assembled figures.

The moment of surprise passed quickly. The Kunpeng Imperial Scion chuckled, a knowing glint in his eye. "A replica of the Golden Crow Pagoda [a legendary artifact], imbued with a sliver of its true essence's divine power. It seems His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor truly dotes upon you, Imperial Scion."

Upon hearing this, Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows [the direct scion of the Solar Heavenly Emperor] offered a faint smile and spoke, "Though it is but a replica, this treasure still possesses the power to seal heaven and earth. None beneath the realm of a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has attained the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm] or a Golden Immortal [a Golden Immortal] can breach its blockade and escape."

"Of course, to ensure the fairness of the Kalpa Tribulation [the cosmic calamity that tests cultivators], beings above the Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortal] level are forbidden from interfering. Thus, this treasure retains only its sealing function; my father did not imbue it with any other effects."

It turned out that the original Golden Crow Pagoda [the Golden Crow Pagoda] was one of the Innate Supreme Treasure [Innate Supreme Treasures, primordial artifacts of unimaginable power] held by the Solar Heavenly Emperor [the Solar Heavenly Emperor], a treasure coveted even by Primordial One Imperial Lord [Primordial One Imperial Lords, supreme rulers of the primordial chaos].

One must understand that due to the scarcity of Chaos Genesis Energy [the primordial energy from which all creation springs], within this Endless Chaos [the Endless Chaos, the primordial void before creation], the vast majority of Chaos Heavenly Emperor [Chaos Heavenly Emperors, sovereigns born from chaos] who ascended through Post-Heaven [Post-Heaven, meaning acquired rather than innate] means possess no Chaos Spiritual Artifact [Chaos Spiritual Artifact, a treasure forged from primordial chaos] to anchor their Fortune [Fortune, their destiny and cosmic luck].

Many Chaos Heavenly Emperor wield Path-Proving Supreme Treasure [Path-Proving Supreme Treasures, artifacts that embody their cultivation path] that are merely Rare Spiritual Wonders [Rare Spiritual Wonders, extremely precious spiritual materials] of the Innate Supreme Treasure grade.

Consider the seven Chaos Heavenly Emperor of the Primordial Immortal Domain [the Primordial Immortal Domain]. Though they all possess the innate Chaos [Chaos] rank of being Innate [Innate, born from the primordial chaos], only Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign [the Primordial Beginning Divine Sovereign], Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign [the Purple Tenuity Divine Sovereign], Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor [the Primordial Genesis Path Ancestor], the Solar Heavenly Emperor, and Great Abyss Immortal Sage [the Great Abyss Immortal Sage] possess Chaos Spiritual Artifact.

The remaining two, Primordial Phoenix [the Primordial Phoenix] and Candle Dragon [the Candle Dragon], due to upheavals in their early years and achieving their Dao later, currently have no Chaos Spiritual Artifact accompanying them.

Within the Southern Abyss Seven Domains [the Seven Domains of the Southern Abyss], there are over twenty Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [Path Ancestor Immortal Sages, supreme beings who have founded their own cultivation paths]. Yet, fewer than half of them possess a companion Chaos Spiritual Artifact.

Given this context, one can see how exceedingly precious an Innate Supreme Treasure truly is.

The Golden Crow Pagoda replica in the hands of Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows merely contains a sliver of the original's might. Yet, even if its power is limited to sealing, it can still be hailed as a peerless marvel, unprecedented in all of history.

Without strength at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal level, it would be impossible to breach the blockade formed by the Golden Crow Pagoda [a legendary tower forged from the essence of the sun and imbued with the power of the Golden Crow].

Thinking this, Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion could not help but speak: "Since that is the case, it seems this Returning Abyss Path Master is doomed to die."

"Whether he dies or not will ultimately be decided by a clash of arms."

Soaring Sky Imperial Scion spoke up, then said with a smile, "The news of our gathering here likely cannot be concealed for long. Within, at most, tens of thousands of years, the Ancient Immortal [powerful immortals who have transcended countless tribulations] of both the Human and Divine Races and the Hundred Immortal Spirit Races will catch wind of it."

"To prevent them from interfering, we must act now. We shall use the Golden Crow Pagoda to erect a Formation [a complex array of energy channels and symbols used to create powerful magical effects] to seal off the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land, and then deal with our targets."

As his words fell, the members of the Demon Race immediately sprang into action. Countless Celestial Immortal [immortals who have ascended to the celestial realm] and lower-tier Ancient Immortal poured forth their spiritual power, weaving a vast sealing formation outside the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land.

"Disaster!"

Simultaneously, deep within the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land, everyone sensed the impending calamity.

Nether Phoenix soared into the Heavenly Vault [the highest reaches of the sky, bordering the void], intending to disrupt the formation's construction. However, Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows casually backhanded her with a single palm strike, sending her reeling back through the air, blood spraying from her lips.

"Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows."

In that very instant, Nether Phoenix fell back into the formation, her face deathly pale as she grasped Exquisite Jiang's arm and asked, "The Demon Race has assembled several dozen Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal. Such power is utterly beyond our capacity to resist."

"I wonder when Fellow Cultivator Eldrin will be able to emerge from seclusion?"

Exquisite Jiang looked up at the sky, a slight frown creasing her brow, before replying, "At the earliest, a few thousand years. At the latest, he will emerge within twenty thousand years."

"Several thousand to tens of thousands of years?" Sunder Heaven Heavenly Demon Emperor's expression darkened, and he could not help but say, "I fear we cannot hold out for that long."

"I will take command of the formation."

Exquisite Jiang decisively took control of the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy and power], instructing everyone to further reinforce the Cosmic Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation.

Relying on the Great Encompassing Earth Vein [a colossal, continent-spanning source of terrestrial spiritual energy] beneath the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land, and augmented by the might of their Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth], they further integrated the Mysterious Heaven Mirror and the Polarity Myriad Crows Pot into the Sword Formation.

The Mysterious Heaven Mirror, a peerless defensive treasure, saw its power multiply under the Great Encompassing Earth Vein's infusion. Similarly, the power of the Polarity Myriad Crows Pot proved astonishing; bolstered by the Earth Vein [a conduit of terrestrial spiritual energy], the strength of its myriad crows surged dramatically.

This was especially true for the Polarity Twin Crow Emperors. Empowered by the Earth Vein and the Formation, their cultivation base and combat prowess rose by a full tier or two. Either one of them was now capable of holding its own against two or three Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal working in concert.

Once the grand formation was fully deployed, Nether Phoenix spoke with a tinge of regret, "It is a pity our own cultivation is insufficient. We have not been able to deploy a true Great Encompassing Formations [a formation of legendary scale and complexity capable of enveloping and reshaping vast regions]."

"Otherwise, with the power of the Great Encompassing Earth Vein and the Innate Spiritual Treasure, once a Formation [a complex arrangement of energy nodes and patterns used for defense, attack, or cultivation] is laid, it would be sufficient to withstand attacks from a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme realm of cultivation representing the pinnacle of power]. With their strength, they simply could not hold out."

Exquisite Jiang shook her head and said calmly, "The Great Encompassing Ancient Formation involves the complete power of the Great Path [the fundamental laws and principles of the cosmos]. It requires a true Great Encompassing Golden Immortal to set it up. With our current cultivation level, it is utterly impossible for us to deploy it."

Just as they had finished reinforcing their grand formation, the Demon Race forces had also completed their sealing Formation and began their assault towards the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land.

The Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion was the first to strike, hurling his divine spear forward, only to be instantly repelled and sent flying backward.

Seeing this, Kunpeng Child frowned slightly and remarked, "A formation within a formation. It seems their mastery of Formation arts is not low."

"The Human Race's innate talent in the hundred arts of cultivation is always something to be envied."

Kongling Imperial Princess let out a soft sigh. She immediately activated a feathered fan, sending it soaring into the sky where it transformed into countless beams of Great Path divine light that rained down like a storm upon the Formation. Yet, each beam was deflected and scattered by the Mysterious Heaven Mirror.

Witnessing this, Soaring Sky Imperial Scion's gaze sharpened. From behind his head, a Lifebound Formation Artifact [a magical treasure intrinsically linked to a cultivator's life force and cultivation base]—the Primordial Solar Cosmic Diagram—manifested and unfurled across the heavens. Within its scroll, ten great suns soared forth, radiating a power that could incinerate the very heavens and earth, seeking to refine and dissolve the grand formation.

But in that very instant, Exquisite Jiang activated the Great Zhou Heaven Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo. Three hundred and sixty-five Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword erupted, shattering all in their path. They carried a power capable of suppressing the Void Cosmos and enveloped the Primordial Solar Cosmic Diagram, engaging it in a fierce and evenly matched struggle.

"Merely a set of Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation, yet empowered by the Great Encompassing Earth Vein it possesses such might?"

The gaze of Soaring Sky Imperial Scion turned slightly cold, and he immediately intensified the power of his Lifebound Formation Artifact [a magical treasure intrinsically linked to its owner's life force, often used to power or control formations].

At that moment, the Firmament Heavenly Imperial Scion nearby spoke up. "That Returning Abyss [a legendary and perilous abyssal realm] has yet to make a move. If we expend too much of our spiritual power [the cultivated energy that fuels a cultivator's techniques] on this Formation [a structured arrangement of energy nodes and patterns used for defense, attack, or other mystical purposes], we may give him an opening to escape when the true battle commences."

"It would be better to let the Ancient Immortals [powerful immortals who have survived for eons] under our command use the Chaos Ancient Ships [ancient vessels forged in the primordial chaos, possessing immense power] to wear down this Formation."

Hearing this, Soaring Sky Imperial Scion also furrowed his brow slightly.

This formation was, after all, laid down using the Great Encompassing Earth Vein [a colossal, world-spanning ley line of immense spiritual energy]. Although he was confident in his ability to breach it, doing so would undoubtedly consume a vast amount of his strength. Facing Eldrin Chen afterward, he might not necessarily gain the upper hand.

According to the intelligence he possessed, Eldrin Chen had cultivated a dual True Spirit Foundation [an exceptionally rare and potent foundational cultivation stage, representing a perfect spiritual base]. In a one-on-one duel, he couldn't claim with absolute certainty that he could suppress him.

With this thought, Soaring Sky Imperial Scion offered no reply. He merely withdrew the scroll depicting the Ten Suns Traversing the Sky [a supreme divine ability that manifests ten blazing suns to scorch the heavens].

The others, seeing his action, immediately commanded, "Bring the Treasure Ships forward."

As the order echoed, from the forces under the various Great Emperors [supreme rulers among cultivators, possessing world-shaking power] of the Demon Race, thousands of Chaos Ancient Ships surged forth. Each vessel was equipped with Innate Giant Cannons [massive cannons of primordial origin, capable of unleashing devastating blasts of energy], and under the command of countless Celestial Immortals [immortals who have ascended to a celestial state of being], they opened fire upon the true formation protecting the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land [an ancient, desolate land rumored to extinguish the souls of those who enter].

To an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations, a testament to immense power and longevity], the Innate Giant Cannons posed little direct threat. Although their destructive Force Extreme [the pinnacle of raw power and impact] was immense, they stood little chance of actually striking an Ancient Immortal.

Even for a Chaos Beast King, such World-Ending Cannon had become largely obsolete. By the Celestial Immortal realm, the World-Ending Cannon had gradually fallen out of use.

Only some Great Encompassing Ancient Sect would forge a limited number, primarily for breaching the protective grand formations of Chaos Lair.

It must be said, the Innate Giant Cannon mounted on these Chaos Ancient Ship were truly excellent tools for dealing with Mountain Protection Formation.

Fortunately, the struggle for the Kalpa Tribulation was not a conflict between Great Encompassing powers. The major factions had not brought many Chaos Ancient Ship, and those they did bring were not heavily equipped with World-Ending Cannon. For a time, they were unable to breach the Formation protecting the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land.

Thus, time flowed swiftly. Exquisite Jiang and the others continuously maintained the grand formation, enduring the relentless assaults of the Demon Race. In the blink of an eye, eight thousand years passed.

Then, on this day, the Mountain Protection Formation finally could hold no longer. It was shattered, blasted apart by countless World-Ending Cannon.

"Disaster!"

Watching the Formation collapse, Exquisite Jiang wore a grave expression. She immediately warned the others, "Remember, your safety must be your foremost priority."

"BOOM—"

At the same moment, the forces of the Demon Race surged forward in a murderous charge.

The Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows was the first to strike. The scroll in his hand, depicting the Ten Suns Traversing the Sky [a legendary scene of ten suns scorching the heavens], unfurled, its power swelling as it sought to suppress everyone present within the confines of a grand Formation [a structured array of power used for defense, attack, or cultivation].

"How dare you!"

In that instant, Exquisite Jiang poured all her strength into activating the Minor Cosmic Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation [a formidable sword formation comprised of golden bamboo swords]. To everyone's astonishment, she managed to hold her ground against the Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows, successfully blocking the advance of the Ten Suns Sharing the Heavens Formation Diagram [a powerful enchanted artifact depicting and harnessing the power of ten suns].

This unexpected resistance gave the Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows a start. He cast a sharp glance at Exquisite Jiang, a flicker of surprise in his eyes as he uttered, "A True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a spiritual core of unparalleled purity and power, the foundation for supreme cultivation]?"

"Indeed," he continued, a cold smile twisting his lips. "It seems my fortune today is greater than I imagined. By slaying both you and that upstart Eldrin Chen, I shall not only forge a dual True Spirit Foundation [an exceptionally pure and powerful foundational cultivation stage], but the path to achieving a Three True Spirit Foundations [a legendary, near-mythical level of foundational purity] may finally lie open before me."

As his words faded, the cosmic formation diagram swept across the Heavenly Vault [the celestial dome or firmament]. After a brief, tense stalemate, its overwhelming power began to press down upon and suppress the Minor Cosmic Primordial Unity Golden Bamboo Sword Formation.

A pallor touched Exquisite Jiang's face. This was not a reflection of her lack of strength, but rather a testament to the sheer, overwhelming might of the formation array confronting her.

A diagram woven from a full eleven Innate Spiritual Treasures [magical artifacts born from heaven and earth, possessing immense innate power]—such profound foundational resources and wealth were a rarity that could be counted on one hand even within the vast expanse of the Three Thousand Immortal Domains [the collective realms of the immortals].

Indeed, the vast majority of Great Encompassing Golden Immortals [powerful immortals at a high level of cultivation] could scarcely dream of possessing such wealth and foundational power.

Having gained the upper hand against Exquisite Jiang, the Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows let out a cold, derisive laugh. "If my guess is correct," he sneered, "that Eldrin Chen has yet to show himself because he is still secluded, likely at the most critical juncture of his closed-door cultivation, is he not?"

"Hahaha! It seems today is the day this venerable one attains the Great Path [the ultimate state of enlightenment and power in cultivation]!"

"Is that so?"

At that very moment, a calm, faint voice drifted down from the vast expanse of the Heavenly Vault.

The hearts of all present jolted with shock. Their gazes snapped towards the peak of Soul-Extinction Mountain, where they saw a figure clad in snow-white robes step forth from the endless Eye of the Storm.

"BOOM! RUMBLE!"

In that fleeting instant, everyone witnessed a single, immense spatial rift slowly tear open at the distant, mist-shrouded end of the heavenly chasm.

From within that fissure, a boundless torrent of True Spirit Imprint [the fundamental, indelible marks of a being's destiny and origin] poured forth like a mighty river, surging entirely into that person's body, fusing with every single inch of his flesh.

Immediately after, they observed countless True Spirit Imprint transforming into eternal Dao patterns [mystical sigils representing fundamental cosmic laws] upon his physical form. These patterns radiated an everlasting light that embodied the principles of Immortality [the state of being deathless and eternal] and Indestructibility [the quality of being unbreakable and imperishable].

Only when all finally settled into tranquility did those eternal Dao patterns fade from sight, leaving behind only the snow-robed figure standing steadfast in his place.

"True Spirit Physique [a legendary, perfected physical form born from the complete fusion with one's primordial destiny marks]."

The Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows spoke, a trace of gloom darkening his expression.

In that moment, shock surged within him, mingled with a greed he could scarcely conceal. A voice echoed in his heart: "Kill him. Slay him, and I shall be able to cultivate the Three True Spirit Foundations [a legendary cultivation method requiring the foundation of three true spirits]."

That fleeting greed and covetousness only fueled his growing agitation.

With a flick of his sleeve, he activated the Diagram of Ten Suns Sharing the Sky [a formation artifact depicting ten suns blazing across the heavens], sending it soaring through the air to suppress Eldrin Chen.

"An Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing innate power] formation diagram. Truly worthy of a direct descendant of a Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign ruler of the heavens]," Eldrin Chen remarked.

His tone was calm, yet with another flick of his sleeve, he summoned the Primordial Chaos Unity Energy Grasping Hand [a divine ability manifesting a giant hand that grasps and controls primordial chaos energy]. To the onlookers' astonishment, it firmly seized and suppressed the Diagram of Ten Suns Sharing the Sky.

The Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows was utterly shocked. "Impossible!" he exclaimed, unable to contain himself. "With your current cultivation and spiritual power, how could you possibly suppress my Lifebound Formation Artifact [a formation artifact bound to one's life force and soul, growing in power with its master]?"

"Nothing is impossible,"

Eldrin Chen replied coldly, his voice steady. "This set of Formation Artifact [an artifact designed to create powerful defensive or offensive formations] is indeed extraordinary. Had you reached the Great Encompassing Realm [a profound cultivation realm where one's power begins to encompass vast cosmic principles], you might have been able to resist a mid-stage Great Encompassing cultivator by relying on it."

"But without having entered the Great Encompassing Realm, how much of its true power can you possibly wield?"

"Boom—"

As the words fell, a thunderous roar erupted.

In a flash, Eldrin Chen took a single step that shattered the void, arriving before Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows and unleashing a devastating fist strike.

The Little Heavenly Emperor of Golden Crows reacted with near-instantaneous speed, mustering all his strength to block. Yet, in that very instant, he was sent hurtling backward, his body crashing through and cleaving apart an entire Ancient God mountain.

Regaining his senses, he stared at Eldrin Chen with disbelief. "Impossible," he uttered. "We both possess the True Spirit Physique [the ultimate physical constitution of a True Spirit]. How are you so overwhelmingly powerful?"

"Even within the True Spirit Foundation [the foundational cultivation art for achieving the True Spirit Physique], there exists a chasm of difference."

Eldrin Chen sneered coldly before continuing, "For you, attaining the True Spirit Foundation represents the absolute pinnacle of your potential. But for me, the reason I cultivated the True Spirit Physique is simply because it represents the absolute limit of what a physical body can achieve."

Hearing this, Soaring Sky Imperial Scion paled drastically, his face etched with utter incredulity.

The revelation was stark. The True Spirit Foundation was akin to an examination. He had scored a perfect mark because that was the highest score he was capable of achieving. Eldrin Chen, however, had scored a perfect mark because the examination paper itself had a maximum score of only one hundred.

Thus, despite both achieving the same perfect score, their true power resided on entirely different planes.

"No, I refuse to believe it!"

A moment later, Soaring Sky Imperial Scion let out a furious roar, his voice bordering on madness as he declared, "My physical constitution is peerless under the heavens. It is impossible for anyone to surpass me on the path of the flesh. You must be relying on the power of your True Spirit Primordial Spirit [the ultimate spiritual core of a cultivator, a manifestation of their true self and power]!"

With those words, Soaring Sky Imperial Scion charged forward in a near-frenzied assault. Find this and other novels at audio-novel . com.