Chapter 1901 : Clash of the Heavenly Wolf

"My Dao title is Skywolf [a title signifying one's cultivation path or identity]. I have come today to test your mettle."

As the words of the Demon Race [a race of powerful, often malevolent, beings] Great Encompassing [a supreme cultivation realm representing mastery over vast cosmic principles] expert fell, he unleashed his full power without a moment's hesitation. In an instant, boundless Great Path [a supreme cultivation art] power surged to bolster his form, and he Burst [a divine ability to explosively release power] forth with overwhelming Heavenly God [a high cultivation realm] might, seeking to crush his opponent.

Facing such an onslaught, Eldrin Chen remained utterly unperturbed. He had heard of this Skywolf Demon Lord before.

This demonic cultivator was a lord of the Skywolf Clan, one who had achieved the Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique renowned for its near-unbreakable resilience]. His Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution] was formidable beyond measure, and when augmented by his Great Path, it allowed him to Burst forth with astonishing divine strength.

During the previous exploration of the Chaos Heaven Abyss [a perilous and primordial dimensional rift], this individual had secured significant Opportunity and Fortune [serendipitous encounters and treasures that advance one's cultivation path]. Not only had he further refined his Indestructibility Dharmic Power [a cultivation art focused on unyielding power], but he had also obtained a divine spear, an Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos of creation, possessing immense innate power]. His combat prowess placed him far from weak even among early-stage Great Encompassing experts.

Yet, in the eyes of Eldrin Chen, this was still far from sufficient. The two clashed in a battle that shook the heavens, exchanging dozens of blows in the blink of an eye.

After nearly a hundred exchanges, Eldrin Chen summoned the power of his self-created Nine Slaughtering Techniques [a set of nine ultimate, annihilating combat techniques]. With a final, decisive surge, he sent his opponent hurtling through the air.

Having defeated his foe, Eldrin Chen did not press the attack. He spoke with calm finality, "Your strength is not lacking. Yet, if this is all you possess, you are still no match for me."

"Is that so?"

The Skywolf Demon Lord replied coldly, a glint of frosty intent flashing deep within his gaze. Experience the full epic at audio-novel .c om.

"No! This lord refuses to accept this!"

In that instant, a terrifyingly powerful aura Burst forth from within Skywolf Demon Lord. A verdant-colored pagoda shot out from his body.

The pagoda rotated slowly, radiating a dazzling azure light. It carried a power that seemed capable of suppressing all things as it descended to crush Eldrin Chen.

"A Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a powerful artifact born from the world's natural laws]. It seems you came prepared."

Witnessing this, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor's expression shifted slightly, a trace of gloom darkening his gaze.

Innate Spiritual Treasure [a powerful artifact born from the world's natural laws] were already exceedingly rare. The value of a Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure started at five times that of a Lower Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, a treasure many cultivators at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage [a high level of immortal cultivation] might not possess.

Given that Skywolf Demon Lord was a newly ascended Great Encompassing [a high level of immortal cultivation], it was clear he could not possibly own a Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

It was obvious that the Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure wielded by Skywolf Demon Lord was most likely a treasure borrowed from Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor.

From the other side, Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor let out a cold laugh, his gaze profound as he spoke, "Though this is a fair duel, the rules never forbade the use of borrowed treasures."

"If you were willing, what would stop you from lending him an Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [the highest grade of artifact born from natural laws]?"

"Hmph—"

Upon hearing this, Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme ruler of immense power] narrowed his eyes slightly, a chill flashing within them, yet he chose not to speak further.

Setting aside the fact that with a cultivation base at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage [the initial phase of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], it was fundamentally impossible to successfully refine an Upper Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a top-tier treasure born from the primordial chaos], even if Eldrin Chen were capable of doing so, there simply wasn't enough time now.

On the other side, Great Center Imperial Lord [an Imperial Lord representing the central authority] also wore a slightly grave expression before speaking. "It seems this time, the Demon Race [the collective race of demonic beings] has been preparing for quite some time."

Tai Cang Divine Emperor [the Divine Emperor of the Vast Azure Heavens], however, remained utterly calm. "Given his strength," he stated plainly, "even if the opponent possesses a Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure [a mid-tier treasure born from the primordial chaos], he should still be able to put up a fight."

"BOOM—"

In the very instant the others were exchanging words, the azure pagoda tore through the firmament, descending with a force meant to annihilate everything in its path.

Empowered by the Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, Skywolf Demon Lord [a powerful demon lord with celestial wolf lineage] now wielded combat prowess that, while perhaps insufficient to rival a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage [the middle phase of the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm], was certainly on par with the third level of a standard Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [a supreme immortal who has comprehended the Great Dao of Encompassment].

As it crashed down with overwhelming might, even many Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage experts who had cultivated diligently for tens of billions of years could not help but reveal a trace of solemnity on their faces.

Yet, in the face of this, Eldrin Chen remained as composed as still water. With a mere thought, he activated the Primordial Chaos Unity Energy Grasping Hand [a divine ability that manifests a giant hand capable of grasping and unifying primordial chaos energy], firmly intercepting the descent of the ancient azure pagoda.

"It is indeed the True Spirit Divine Ability [a supreme divine power inherent to a True Spirit's nature]."

High upon the Heavenly Vault [the celestial dome of the heavens], the pupils of the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor [an ancient and mighty avian demon sovereign from the dawn of time] narrowed with a hint of gravity.

His purpose in coming this time was primarily to probe the strength and potential of Eldrin Chen, to see if there existed the possibility of him attaining the Dao and becoming a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a supreme sovereign who commands the primordial chaos].

After all, judging by his performance during the Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic heavenly trial that reshapes eras], Eldrin Chen had displayed potential rivaling that of a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [a foundational progenitor and sage of a cultivation path]. If this proved to be true, then even at the risk of incurring the wrath of the Human Race Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [the paramount sage and guardian of humanity's cultivation legacy], he would have to thoroughly suppress Eldrin Chen's Path [his unique cultivation journey and destiny].

"Legends say he has cultivated the four foundational pillars: the True Spirit Physique [a body tempered to the perfection of a True Spirit], the True Spirit Primordial Spirit [a soul essence refined to the purity of a True Spirit], the True Spirit Great Path [a supreme cultivation method aligned with True Spirit nature], and the True Spirit Divine Ability [a divine power innate to a True Spirit]."

"Now it appears the legends hold true. His combat prowess is even more formidable than anticipated." This chapter is part of a larger work available at audio-novel dot com.

The Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor murmured softly, but in an instant, a cold glint flashed within his eyes.

For at that moment, Eldrin Chen unleashed his full power in a Burst [a sudden, overwhelming release of energy]. The supreme authority of his Chaos Limitless Great Path [the boundless Dao of Primordial Chaos] shook the heavens and the Eight Desolations [the eight furthest, most barren reaches of the world], amplifying the power of the Primordial Chaos Unity Energy Grasping Hand [a divine hand technique that seizes and unifies the energies of chaos] to its absolute limit.

In but a moment, the azure pagoda was utterly and completely suppressed.

Then, with a mere flick of his sleeve, Eldrin Chen unleashed a bolt of Oblivion [the conceptual power of utter annihilation] divine thunder. It struck the Skywolf Demon Lord instantly, shattering his physical form to dust. Only his Primordial Spirit [the core spiritual essence of a cultivator], sheltered by his Great Path [his supreme cultivation method], managed to seize a sliver of survival.

"The Chaos Limitless Great Path [a supreme divine ability that merges multiple Great Paths into a boundless chaotic force], and also the True Spirit Divine Ability [a divine ability innate to a True Spirit's nature]—the Chaos Divine Thunder [a primordial thunder born from chaos itself]."

"As expected."

The Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor [an ancient and mighty avian demon emperor from the dawn of time] spoke, yet there was a subtle, inexplicable reduction in his Slaughter Intent [the palpable will and aura to kill].

With a cold sneer, he looked at Eldrin Chen and said, "Young friend, this Chaos Limitless Great Path of yours is indeed a power rarely seen in the Mortal Realm [the realm of mortal existence, distinct from higher planes]. Once you fully master these five Great Paths [fundamental cosmic laws or principles of cultivation], you could ascend to the heavens in a single step, entering the Second Chaos Realm [the second major stage within the primordial chaos cultivation system]."

"However... what a pity, what a lamentable waste..."

Seeing this, the other Great Encompassing Golden Immortals [immortals who have attained the Golden Immortal realm, a pinnacle of cultivation] also revealed traces of regret on their faces.

Even Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor shook his head, a flicker of disappointment surfacing. He had initially believed the Human Race was about to welcome its third Path Ancestor Immortal Sage [a supreme being who has founded a new Path and attained sagehood], only to find that Eldrin Chen had chosen a path leading to a dead end.

"Merging the Five Elements Great Paths [the fundamental Paths of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth] into one, transforming them into the Chaos Limitless Great Path, this indeed aligns with the cultivation method of the Path Union Realm [a realm focused on unifying multiple Paths] within the Second Chaos Realm."

"But the Great Paths Fellow Cultivator Eldrin has chosen are fundamentally flawed; they are simply impassable dead ends."

"Indeed. Life, Primordial One Gold [the primordial, undivided essence of metallic energy], Myriad Things Earth [the foundational earth that gives birth to all things], Primordial Solar [the essence of the primeval sun], and Profound Darkness [the deep, abyssal principle of shadow and void]—these five Great Paths are universally acknowledged as impassable. Without cultivation at the level of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign emperor whose power stems from primordial chaos], one simply lacks the qualification to grasp their authority."

"Choosing a single path would have been understandable, but to select five simultaneously... how could one possibly master the Great Path [the supreme, all-encompassing Dao] with such division?"

Within the Great Hall, many Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [cultivators who have attained the Golden Immortal realm of Great Encompassing] whispered amongst themselves, their expressions tinged with regret.

Yet, some held a different view. The Verdant Splendor Immortal Lord offered a light chuckle before speaking. "Regardless, Fellow Cultivator Eldrin can still ascend directly to the Primordial One Imperial Lord Realm [the realm of the Primal Unity Imperial Lord]."

"We are merely at the Great Encompassing [Golden Immortal] level ourselves, with slim hope of even breaking through to Primordial One Imperial Lord. Who are we to look down upon Fellow Cultivator Eldrin?"

Hearing this, the gathered Great Encompassing Golden Immortal could only manage wry smiles.

Progress after reaching the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm was agonizingly slow. Countless Golden Immortals remained stuck at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage for tens of thousands of Kalpa Tribulation [cosmic cycles of immense duration], unable to advance a single step.

Even if Eldrin Chen failed to prove his Dao and become a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a sovereign who rules over primordial chaos], his position would still be far more secure than theirs.

To consider the worst-case scenario: even if a future conflict over the Great Path Authority [supreme authority over a fundamental Dao] arose, and Eldrin Chen lost one or two of his authorities, the remaining ones would still be enough to safeguard his life.

Coupled with the Indestructibility [the quality of being unbreakable and eternal] inherent to his True Spirit Foundation [a cultivation foundation built upon one's innate, primordial spirit], Eldrin Chen was already in an unassailable position.

At this thought, the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal present could only sigh softly, conceding that Eldrin Chen had already surpassed them by a vast margin. Only the Great Center Imperial Lord shook his head, murmuring, "A pity. He truly possessed the potential of a Path Ancestor Immortal Sage Potential [the seed to become an Ancestor of a Great Path and an Immortal Sage]."

The Tai Cang Divine Emperor [the supreme divine ruler of the Tai Cang realm] seemed lost in thought. He transmitted a message to the Great Center Imperial Lord [a powerful imperial lord], saying, "With his talent, there is still hope for him to attain the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor [the Heavenly Emperor realm achieved through the Primordial Spirit Path]."

The Great Center Imperial Lord shook his head, not holding much hope. "It is exceedingly difficult. Whether it is attaining the Fleshly Body Sanctification [the ultimate sanctification of the physical body] or the Primordial Spirit Path Attainment [the ultimate attainment of the Primordial Spirit Path], both are far more arduous than achieving Path Mastery [mastery over a Great Path]. Moreover, the path of Primordial Spirit Path Attainment is obstructed by that formidable one."

"I had thought he could first achieve Path Mastery, then use the power of a Chaos Heavenly Emperor [a Heavenly Emperor who has mastered the power of Chaos] to pursue the Soul Path Heavenly Emperor. A pity..."

Hearing this, the Tai Cang Divine Emperor also fell silent.

"Young friend Returning Abyss [Eldrin's title, meaning 'Returning Abyss'], your strength is indeed remarkable. You are worthy of the esteemed position as the foremost figure of this tribulation era."

In the very moment the others were conversing, the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor [a Great Emperor from the Primordial Era, a Thunder Crow demon beast] slowly spoke. He clasped his palms together with a smile, then with a single motion, seized the fragmented Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of the Skywolf Demon Lord.

For him, having probed the extent of Eldrin Chen's Chaos Limitless Great Path [the Great Path of Limitless Chaos, a supreme divine ability], the purpose of this journey was already fulfilled.

This Chaos Limitless Great Path is a severed path, a road that leads nowhere. It is impossible for Eldrin Chen to truly master this Great Path [a supreme cultivation art representing a fundamental cosmic principle].

In comparison, the Fleshly Body Sanctification is far too domineering. Its powerful exclusivity makes it nearly impossible to coexist with other Great Path or with the cultivation of the Primordial Spirit.

As for the path of the Primordial Spirit, not only is its cultivation immeasurably arduous, but it also invites the ruthless suppression of powerful enemies from the Depths of Chaos [the unfathomable, primordial depths of Chaos]. The Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor did not believe Eldrin Chen could possibly traverse it to its end.

Since Eldrin Chen, no matter how powerful, could never attain the Chaos Heavenly Emperor [the supreme title for a ruler of primordial chaos] path, he was simply not worth the immense cost of a complete and irrevocable rupture with the Human Race.

After all, even if Eldrin Chen were to ascend to Primordial One Imperial Lord [the foundational realm for true cosmic lords], he would still be just one Primordial One Imperial Lord. No matter his individual strength, he could never alter the fundamental balance of power across the Three Thousand Immortal Domains.

With this thought, the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor [an ancient and mighty avian demon sovereign] saw little point in further targeting this junior, Eldrin Chen, and prepared to withdraw.

"Senior, wait!"

But at that very moment, Eldrin Chen suddenly called out, halting the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor.

The Great Emperor turned, a ripple of understanding flashing in his profound gaze. He reached into his sleeve and produced a strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial spiritual radiance embodying unbreakable essence], tossing it over.

Eldrin Chen caught the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light, a flicker of delight rising in his heart.

To dispel the Demon Race's lingering suspicions with a single battle, and to gain Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light as a reward—such a favorable bargain would be impossible to find on any ordinary day.

Thus, Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile and spoke directly. "Senior, you stated earlier that you brought five Demon Race Great Encompassing [masters of the realm that encompasses all phenomena] to spar with me. A single bout would earn me one strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light."

"We have fought but one bout. Why the haste to depart?"

The Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor let out a derisive snort and stated bluntly, "With your current power, you already rival a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage. How could those few at the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Early Stage stage possibly be your match?"

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen could no longer remain seated.

To gain a single strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial, unbreakable spiritual radiance] from a single battle—such a bargain was a fleeting opportunity not to be missed.

Naturally unwilling to let it slip by, he spoke up immediately, "Since a one-on-one contest poses no challenge, why not have all four of them face me together?"

"Or, at the very least, I could bind one arm and fight them that way."

"Arrogant fool!"

Before the Primordial Era Thunder Crow Great Emperor could even respond, the several Demon Race Great Encompassing [Supreme Realm] experts by his side erupted in fury.

They were, after all, Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [Supreme Golden Immortals], each a figure who had once reigned supreme and unchallenged. How could they tolerate such humiliation?

At once, one of the enraged Demon Race Great Encompassing stood and addressed the Emperor, "Your Majesty, this person insults us so grievously. I, Counter-Scale [a title meaning 'Against the Grain' or 'Defiant'], request to face him in battle!"

"We, too, wish to fight!"

On the other side, the other three also rose to their feet, their faces brimming with battle intent.

Seeing this, the Primordial Era Thunder Crow [a legendary avian demon beast of immense power] narrowed his eyes slightly, a chill flickering within them. He glanced back at Eldrin Chen and spoke, "Young one of the Human Race, know that arrogance demands a price."

"Since you seek death, do not blame us for overwhelming you with numbers."

As his words fell, he gave a casual wave of his hand. The four Great Encompassing [the highest known realm of cultivation, representing a being of near-omnipotent power] demon lords soared into the sky.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen immediately strode forward, ascending into the heavens. Using the Chaos Weapon Forging Art [a supreme technique to manifest weapons from primordial chaos], he materialized a Chaos Heaven Halberd [a halberd forged from the essence of primordial chaos]. Pointing it at the group, he declared, "State your names. This lord's Heavenly Halberd does not slay the Nameless."

"You seek death!"

The four were incensed. A man clad in Azure Gold Armor [a suit of enchanted armor forged from azure-hued gold] was the first to charge forth. "I am the Azure Python Demon Lord, the Primordial Ancient Progenitor [the first and founding ancestor of a lineage] of the Azure Heaven Python Clan [a powerful demon clan descended from celestial pythons]! Prepare to die!"

"Is that so?" Eldrin Chen sneered. "It seems the Azure Heaven Python Clan has only just ascended a Ancient Progenitor to the Great Encompassing ranks of the Demon Race [the collective race of demonic beings], and already their founder must fall into eternal slumber. A truly pitiful and lamentable fate."

With a cold laugh, Eldrin Chen channeled his power, driving the Chaos Heaven Halberd forward to repel the attacker.

From another direction, a figure wielding a war sword surged forward, his gaze icy. "The one who will sever your life," he stated coldly, "is I, the Counter-Scale Demon Lord."

"The Dragon Clan?"

Eldrin Chen let out a cold laugh. With a flick of his sleeve, he manifested a Chaos Ancient Bell to suppress the incoming assault. "So," he said icily, "not all of you were exterminated in the battle at the Soul-Extinction Ancient Land."

"*Clang!*"

The other two figures charged forward simultaneously, joining the encirclement against Eldrin Chen.

In an instant, Eldrin Chen found himself besieged by four Great Encompassing Demon Lords. The battle erupted into its most ferocious intensity immediately.

It was undeniable—there were no weaklings among Great Encompassing Golden Immortal. Every being who attained that realm had once been a nearly invincible figure dominating the Ancient Immortal Realm during their eight tribulations.

These four Demon Race Great Encompassing Golden Immortal had each forged an Indestructibility Foundation.

Among them, Counter-Scale Demon Lord was the most formidable, having perfected three types of Indestructibility Foundation. He was second only to Zhuyin within the Dragon Clan.

Furthermore, Azure Python Demon Lord possessed extraordinary strength. This individual had mastered two types of Indestructibility Foundation and was the first Great Encompassing Golden Immortal of the Azure Heaven Python Clan, his potential ranking above average even among Great Encompassing.

The remaining two were by no means weak opponents either.

Moreover, Eldrin Chen was acutely aware that these were not the true powerhouses of the Demon Race. During this Kalpa Tribulation, the Azure Luan Imperial Princess of the Phoenix clan had obtained Opportunity and Fortune and cultivated the True Spirit Foundation [a supreme foundational cultivation method], yet for some unknown reason, she had not broken through to Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the realm of a Golden Immortal who has comprehended the Great Dao].

Returning to the matter at hand, Eldrin Chen faced four opponents alone, continuously manifesting the Chaos Weapon Forging Art [a divine ability to forge weapons from primordial chaos] in battle. In an instant, ten Chaos Ancient Arms [primordial weapons forged from chaos] soared into the sky. Empowered by his Great Path Authority [the authority granted by profound comprehension of the Dao], he not only held his ground against the four but pressed them into a steady retreat.

Seeing they were on the verge of defeat, the Counter-Scale Demon Lord finally erupted in fury. A blindingly brilliant light exploded from within his body, and his aura surged severalfold, reaching a level comparable to the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal Mid Stage [the mid-stage of the Golden Immortal realm].

"Beware! It is a Forbidden Divine Ability [a divine ability of immense power that carries a terrible price for its use]!"

In that very moment, the voice of the Obsidian Abyss Great Emperor [a title for a supreme emperor] rang out from the Heavenly Vault [the highest celestial platform].

Eldrin Chen's brow furrowed slightly. He had not anticipated that the Counter-Scale Demon Lord would have cultivated a Forbidden Divine Ability.

He knew well that the cost of such arts was too great; those below the Great Encompassing [the Golden Immortal realm] dared not cultivate them. Therefore, to master a Forbidden Divine Ability, one almost always needed to have opened their fifth Innate Acupoints [the innate energy gates within a cultivator's body].

For this Counter-Scale Demon Lord, who had only just entered the Great Encompassing, to have succeeded was truly beyond his expectations. This chapter is part of a larger work available at audio-novel.com (official site).