Chapter 1843 : Ascending Beyond the Eleventh Limit

"How did it go?"

Seeing Eldrin Chen emerge from seclusion, Celestial Maiden could not help but inquire.

Eldrin Chen nodded and replied calmly, "I have taken that step."

Upon hearing this, both of them felt a surge of joy in their hearts. They were well aware of the formidable strength of Eldrin Chen's physical body. Now that he had taken this crucial step, did it not mean he possessed a physique at the Eleventh Limit [the legendary pinnacle of physical cultivation, surpassing all known mortal and immortal limits]?

A body at the Eleventh Limit combined with the Indestructible Primordial Spirit [a divine ability that renders one's spiritual core utterly unbreakable]—Eldrin Chen's combat prowess would likely be sufficient to rival a Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived seven Heavenly Tribulations].

What they did not know was that this time, Eldrin Chen had not only achieved a physique at the Eleventh Limit, but had also taken a great stride forward from that very foundation.

Furthermore, during the process of refining the Five Elements Primordial Source [the primordial essence of the five fundamental elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth], Eldrin Chen had seized the opportunity to absorb and refine a significant portion of it to enhance his spiritual power. His cultivation had not only smoothly entered the Ancient Immortal Realm [a profound realm of immortality attained after surviving Heavenly Tribulations], but he had also advanced a considerable distance within this realm.

"My cultivation base has been replenished, and my spiritual power is now sufficient,"

"I dare not claim my current strength rivals an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight Heavenly Tribulations], but among Seven Tribulation Ancient Immortals, I can now be considered a formidable force."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then turned his gaze towards the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest.

With this breakthrough, Eldrin Chen not only saw his power surge dramatically, but the confidence in his heart swelled as well, naturally giving rise to even greater ambitions.

Retracting his gaze, he looked at the two and said, "Next, I intend to journey to the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [the primordial nesting grounds of the Violet Phoenixes, a place of immense chaos and power], to use the Chaos Thunder [primordial thunder of creation and destruction] to temper my body."

"This venture would be far too perilous for you. I will give you the path out; you should depart first."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen handed them a map, along with several Innate Rare Treasure [treasures born of heaven and earth, possessing profound innate power]. "I must trouble you both to deliver these treasures to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain for me."

Upon hearing this, Tianya the Ancient Ancestor and Celestial Maiden let out a soft sigh, understanding they could offer little further aid.

If they remained outside the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest, they would face even greater danger once those Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] arrived. It was far wiser to withdraw with their gains while they could.

With this thought, Tianya the Ancient Ancestor nodded. "Rest assured, we will ensure the delivery."

Celestial Maiden also inclined her head, a smile in her beautiful eyes. "Our harvest this time was substantial, and we have repaid our debt to you. Now, it is time for us to sever the karmic ties of the Mortal Dust Realm and prepare for our attempt to break through the Dao Heart Heavenly Pass [a critical trial of the cultivator's heart and Dao, a gateway to higher realms]."

Eldrin Chen nodded in agreement, clasping his hands with a smile. "In that case, we shall meet again in the future."

After bidding them farewell and watching their departure, Eldrin Chen turned and set his course towards the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest.

"Boom—"

The moment he set foot upon the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest, Eldrin Chen beheld a world-ending Thunder [a cataclysmic lightning strike] descending upon him.

This Thunder carried the power to Annihilation [utterly obliterate] all things. Yet, Eldrin Chen showed no intention of resisting. He walked calmly upon the Chaos Nest, allowing the searing Thunder to crash against his physical form.

"Hmph—"

The ferocity of this blazing Thunder was overwhelming. Even with Eldrin Chen's formidable physique, the impact drained the color from his face, as if struck by a primordial divine hammer, forcing a muffled grunt from his lips.

Despite this blow, Eldrin Chen remained unmoved. He activated the Dao Principle of Life [the fundamental principle governing vitality and growth], using its power of Restoration [healing and rejuvenation] to mend his wounds, then continued his forward stride.

"CRACK—"

Simultaneously, the Chaos [the primordial, formless state of existence] trembled ceaselessly, as deafening peals of Thunder continued their relentless bombardment.

Clad in robes white as snow, he advanced through the tempestuous ocean of heavenly tribulation. Like divine Chaos-forged metal being tempered under the hammer of the Thunder, he pressed onward.

Forged by this relentless, thousand-fold tempering, the foundational essence within Eldrin Chen grew ever more concentrated and unified. Trace impurities from the Five Elements Primordial Source [the primordial source energy of the five fundamental elements] were hammered out by the tribulation lightning, instantly turning to ash and scattering upon the winds.

"My body is the foundation, the Five Elements Primordial Source akin to raw metal ore, and my fire meridians are the furnace flames, capable of tempering the Five Elements Primordial Source and refining it wholly into my physical form."

"Yet, it must still endure a thousand hammers and a hundred refinements before it can be completely forged into shape. This Thunder is merely the first step in forging the Great Luo Body. How could I possibly fear it?"

The sheer ferocity of the World-Ending Thunder Tribulation was potent enough to annihilate Ancient Immortal Great Powers. To use such terrifying Thunder power to temper one's body—how excruciating must that process be?

Though he endured unimaginable agony, Eldrin Chen remained as calm and steady as ever, his conviction unwavering as he continued his ascent.

With eyes lowered, he strode upward, ceaselessly bathing in the Thunder, while the Time flowed around him like water.

After tens of thousands of years, when Eldrin Chen finally reached the summit of the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest, he realized that even under the endless baptism of Thunder, his body now emerged completely unscathed.

"Has the Thunder body tempering succeeded?"

Eldrin Chen opened his eyes, sensing the boundless power of the Thunder, then gave a slight shake of his head.

His gaze shifted to a spot not far ahead. There, at the very peak of the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest, a violet thunder pool churned, spewing forth world-ending Thunder and radiating a primordial, heaven-defying lightning radiance.

"The Chaos Thunder Pool [a primordial pool of chaotic thunder energy, a legendary source of supreme lightning power]."

"Innate Violet Firmament Divine Thunder [a supreme and primordial thunder of heavenly origin, embodying the destructive and purifying power of the heavens]."

Eldrin Chen murmured slowly, his gaze turning profoundly grave.

The Chaos Thunder Pool is a variant within the Chaos Immortal Pool. Not only can it nurture Innate Primordial Qi [the most fundamental and purest form of spiritual energy at the dawn of creation] and Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [an eternal and unbreakable radiance born from chaos], but it can also give birth to Innate Thunder Tribulation Water [a liquid essence of heavenly thunder tribulation, a treasure of unparalleled rarity]. It is a peerless wonder of the Thunder [the elemental power of lightning and divine punishment] attribute.

In that moment, Eldrin Chen gained a flash of insight, roughly understanding one of the reasons why that Chaotic Fiendgod [a primordial demonic deity born from chaos] had attacked the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest in ages past.

According to the description from the Seven Treasures Gourd, the horns of that Chaotic Fiendgod were wreathed in violet Thunder power, clearly marking it as a practitioner of the Violet Firmament Thunder Dao [the Dao Path of the Violet Heaven's Thunder]. Judging from this Chaos Thunder Pool, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [an ancient and supreme phoenix of the violet ultimate] also walked the Violet Firmament Thunder Dao.

The two were natural rivals upon the same Violet Firmament Thunder Dao, destined for a conflict to the death.

Moreover, with both cultivating the same Great Dao, the treasures they each hoarded would undoubtedly be perfectly compatible in attribute. It would have been strange if they *hadn't* fought.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen stepped forward towards the Chaos Thunder Pool.

"BOOM—"

This thunder pool truly lived up to its name as a Great Luo Grade [pertaining to the supreme Great Luo realm] Chaos Thunder Pool. It was filled with the power of the Great Dao of Thunder [the supreme principle governing all thunder and lightning], each wisp potent enough to annihilate an Ancient Immortal Great Powers [a mighty being who has attained the Ancient Immortal realm].

The moment he stepped into the Chaos Thunder Pool, billions of strands of Innate Violet Firmament Thunder Water [a primordial, violet-hued thunder essence of devastating purity] crashed against his physical body. Instantly, his skin split and flesh tore open. Countless drops of his true blood, each potent enough to drown a great world, spilled forth only to be instantly annihilated into dust.

"Hmph—"

Eldrin Chen gritted his teeth, letting out a muffled groan as he continuously activated the Dao Principle of Life [the fundamental principle governing vitality and restoration] and his Restoration [a divine ability focused on healing and regeneration] to mend his wounds. Yet, he discovered countless Thunder Dao patterns [inscribed laws and principles of thunder] surging into his body, relentlessly eroding his flesh and hindering his Annihilation [a divine ability of utter destruction].

This was the first time since forging his Primordial Chaos Indestructible Body [a legendary physique born from primordial chaos, famed for its near-absolute resilience] that a foreign energy had invaded his inner being, proving so difficult to Restoration.

"Such an overbearing Thunder power," he mused, his voice a low rumble. "But in the end, you are merely a pool of thunder. Did you truly believe yourself to be a Grand Luo Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of cultivation, a Golden Immortal of the Grand Luo Heaven] descending in person?"

Eldrin Chen whispered decisively, promptly mobilizing the Chaos Mist [a primordial mist of chaos energy within him] within his body. He sought to forcibly expel and refine this invasive force with the might of his Innate Primordial Indestructible Physique [his innate, primordial constitution of indestructibility].

To his astonishment, the once-unfailing Chaos Mist found itself steadily pushed back by the Innate Purple Firmament Thunder Tribulation Water [the innate, violet sky thunder water of heavenly tribulation]. Though the erosion was excruciatingly slow, it advanced inexorably, continuing to consume his physical form.

Yet, having come this far, Eldrin Chen had no intention of retreating.

Thus, he stood firm within the Chaos Nest [the chaotic heart of the thunder pool], teeth clenched, channeling both his Chaos Mist and his vast reservoir of mana to resist. He poured his entire being into the struggle, a titan pitting his will against the primordial storm.

Thus, Time flowed like water. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, several A Millennium of Time [periods of one thousand years] had passed. The tyrannical Thunder power of the Innate Thunder Water had eroded nearly ninety-nine percent of Eldrin Chen's once-indomitable body.

Only the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] within his dantian [the primary energy center in the lower abdomen] and the Chaos Mist [a primordial, formless spiritual substance] were still barely holding out against the onslaught.

This was an exceedingly perilous situation. Should the innate Thunder [a fundamental, heaven-born force of destruction and purification] advance one step further and pierce through the Chaos Mist, even Eldrin Chen's Indestructible Primordial Spirit [a divine ability granting near-unbreakable spiritual fortitude] would suffer grievous damage.

Although the Indestructible Primordial Spirit of the Eleventh Limit [the eleventh and ultimate stage of the Foundation Establishment realm] was immensely powerful, it had not yet been anchored within the Great Dao [the fundamental principle governing all existence]. Relying solely on the strength of the Primordial Spirit to withstand such innate Thunder would likely result in its near-total annihilation.

Yet, despite this, Eldrin Chen's countenance remained utterly composed, exuding an aura of unshakable stability, as immovable as a great mountain.

For at this very moment, the Chaos Mist within his body was on the cusp of a qualitative transformation. Even his spiritual power [the energy cultivated and wielded by practitioners], tempered by this Thunder, had advanced another step. He was now merely A Step Away from the Eleventh Limit Realm.

Suddenly, Eldrin Chen's eyes snapped open. He exhaled slowly, a single word escaping his lips: "Success."

As the word fell, the Chaos Mist within Eldrin Chen underwent its metamorphosis. A new, far more refined and potent Chaos Mist was born, finally pushing past the final barrier to achieve a higher state of being.

The quality of this Chaos Mist grew increasingly pure and potent, surpassing even the Chaos Water [a primordial spiritual liquid] in its purity and overwhelming dominance.

It surged through Eldrin Chen's body like a cleansing tide. Wherever it passed, the innate Thunder Dao patterns [the fundamental runes and structures of a natural law] were completely refined, transformed back into Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state before creation] essence. In moments, the countless threads of innate Chaos Thunder [a divine ability born from the fusion of primordial chaos and heavenly thunder] within him dissipated entirely.

Only after Eldrin Chen had completely refined all the Primordial Chaos Dao Runes [the fundamental runes representing the law of primordial chaos] within him did he realize his physical body had ascended to another level entirely. Now, even this innate Chaos Thunder could no longer inflict significant harm upon him.

"Such formidable resistance to Thunder [the elemental force of lightning]."

Eldrin Chen murmured calmly, immediately beginning to refine the innate Thunder [the elemental force of lightning] source power.

He continued this process until one day, when Eldrin Chen felt the Thunder [the elemental force of lightning] source within his body had become saturated to its limit, he finally let out a slow, measured breath.

"Although I haven't broken through the Twelfth Limit [the twelfth and ultimate barrier in the foundational cultivation stages], I have taken another step forward. My combat prowess has increased by several more degrees."

Eldrin Chen stated plainly, rising to his feet and casting his gaze upon the Chaos Thunder Pool before him.

After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin Chen activated his Primordial Source Divine Treasury [a divine ability that manifests as an internal, boundless storage space], which began to inhale and exhale, drawing upon the Chaos Thunder Pool.

The vast torrents of innate Thunder [the elemental force of lightning] water surged upward, completely swallowed by the Primordial Source Divine Treasury [a divine ability that manifests as an internal, boundless storage space]. Once all the innate Thunder [the elemental force of lightning] water had been consumed, only an empty, cavernous Chaos Thunder Pool remained.

"Whoosh—"

In that very instant, a Grand Luo [the supreme cultivation realm, representing the pinnacle of existence] restriction within the Chaos Thunder Pool was triggered and activated.

Almost simultaneously, thousands of rare treasures entwined with Innate Primordial Qi [the primordial, unformed energy from the dawn of creation] shot forth, streaking like a meteor shower into the Depths of Chaos.

"The Great Luo Secret Treasury [a legendary repository of treasures from the Great Luo Heaven]."

Eldrin Chen's heart gave a violent lurch. Acting on pure reflex, he snatched the most radiant object from the air into his hand, discovering to his astonishment that it was a wisp of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a primordial and unbreakable essence of pure spiritual energy].

In that fleeting Ksana-time, Eldrin Chen's heart hammered against his ribs. He instantly stored that wisp of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light, then surged toward the other treasures erupting into the sky.

"Disaster—!"

Simultaneously, not far from the summit of the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [a primordial mountain peak shrouded in chaotic violet energy], a group of Seven Tribulations [Ancient Immortals who have survived seven heavenly tribulations] and Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [Ancient Immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] were ascending the slope. They advanced against the torrent of Chaos Thunder [primordial thunder born from chaos], shielding themselves with Innate Spiritual Treasure [treasures born from the primordial chaos of creation] and unleashing Patriarch-Grade Divine Ability [supreme techniques of a Patriarch-level master], yet each held back a portion of their strength, wary and distrustful of the others.

But the moment they witnessed that dazzling eruption of countless Innate Rare Treasure [treasures of unparalleled rarity born from the primordial chaos], their expressions shifted dramatically. All thoughts of holding back vanished.

In an instant, strands of Primordial Great Dao [the fundamental laws of the primordial universe] materialized across the heavens, reaching out to intercept the most radiant of those Innate Rare Treasure.

Figures like Zhuyin of the Dragon Race and the Thirteenth Prince of the Golden Crow Clan disregarded the cost to their hidden trump cards entirely. With faces pale from shock, they charged toward the mountaintop with reckless abandon.

"They are upon us already."

By now, Eldrin Chen had only managed to seize two of the dazzling rarities. As he moved to claim a third, a frenzied host of Seven Tribulations and Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal came storming up the slope.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen swept his sleeve and seized one of the Incomplete Ancient Mirror before him.

This was a damaged Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial forces of heaven and earth], seemingly a trophy of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix and one of the top five rarest treasures within the Great Luo Secret Treasury. It was an object Eldrin Chen was determined to obtain.

"Traitor! How dare you!"

At that very instant, Zhuyin let out a furious roar.

He tore through the void, an Innate Divine Spear in his hand cleaving the firmament. It pierced straight through the world-ending Thunder and shot towards Eldrin Chen with lethal intent.

"Hmph—"

Yet, in that same breath, Eldrin Chen's hand closed firmly around the Incomplete Ancient Mirror.

As Zhuyin bore down upon him, Eldrin Chen met his gaze without a flicker of emotion. Then, an Ancient Pearl tore through the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation] and the Void [the empty space between realms], carrying him away to vanish within the boundless sea of Thunder.

"Argh! I curse you!"

Watching Eldrin Chen depart, Zhuyin was driven nearly mad with rage. The piercing aura from his Innate Spiritual Treasure spear shook apart the endless Chaos around him.

At that very moment, the white-robed man, holding a folding fan, arrived through the void. Surveying the chaotic and devastated battlefield of Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], he remarked, "I saw it clearly just now. Among the treasures worthy of our attention, there were four."

"There were two damaged Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primal forces of the universe, possessing immense power], one strand of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [an indestructible spiritual radiance of primordial origin], and one Innate Spiritual Treasure Embryo [the nascent, unformed core of a future Innate Spiritual Treasure]."

"Of these four treasures, he took three. It seems we have all been outmaneuvered."

Simultaneously, another figure arrived through the void, his expression darkening as he spoke. "A space-attribute Innate Spiritual Treasure is indeed formidable, but it is not without precedent."

"This place is a Chaotic Fiendgod [a primordial demon born from chaos] Daoist Abode [a secluded sanctuary for cultivation]. Even a space-attribute Innate Spiritual Treasure should be unable to pinpoint its location. I am deeply curious how he managed to enter."

The Thirteenth Prince of the Golden Crow Clan [a powerful clan descended from the legendary Golden Crows] also arrived, his gaze profound and distant. "A space-attribute Innate Spiritual Treasure... It appears this upcoming Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle of destruction and rebirth] has gained another intriguing contender."

"*Hum—*"

Just as the various figures were discussing the matter, Eldrin Chen tore through the vast expanse of Chaos, emerging within an endless stretch of the primordial void.

Eldrin Chen surveyed his surroundings, a slight frown creasing his brow. "The spatial coordinates were significantly offset. It seems this Chaos Nest [a turbulent nexus within the primordial chaos] indeed possesses the ability to interfere with spatial Spiritual Treasure [enchanted artifacts used by cultivators]."

With this thought, Eldrin Chen retrieved three spiritual objects from his sleeve. A faint smile of satisfaction touched his lips.

These three rare treasures were, respectively, a wisp of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light [a fundamental, unbreakable spiritual radiance inherent to certain supreme treasures], an ancient zither imbued with thirty-three Innate Dao Patterns [natural patterns that embody the laws of the Dao], and that Incomplete Ancient Mirror.

Among these three treasures, the Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light needs no further explanation. The ancient zither was named the 'Soaring Immortal Zither'. Although it possessed only thirty-three Innate Dao Patterns, it contained within it a single wisp of Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light, clearly marking it as an Innate Spiritual Treasure Embryo [the nascent, unformed core of a treasure born from the heavens and earth] in the process of gestation.

Given sufficient Opportunity [a confluence of fate, resources, and enlightenment necessary for advancement], this Innate Spiritual Treasure Embryo could be fully nurtured into a true Innate Spiritual Treasure.

"In all my years of cultivation, this is the first time I have laid eyes upon a zither-type Spiritual Treasure [an artifact of immense spiritual power, often with sentience]."

Eldrin Chen remarked with some surprise, then shifted his gaze to the Incomplete Ancient Mirror.

This Incomplete Ancient Mirror was originally a Innate Spiritual Treasure, but a small fragment of it was missing. Eldrin Chen surmised that this artifact likely belonged to an Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations].

However, that Eight Tribulation Ancient Immortal was slain by the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix, and the damage to this treasure, resulting in its incompleteness, was likely inflicted during that fateful clash.

Although damaged, it was, after all, an Innate Spiritual Treasure possessing a complete Innate Indestructible Spiritual Light. With the artifact-forging skill of a Great Luo Grade [pertaining to the Great Luo Realm, a supreme stage of cultivation] master, there might yet be a possibility of restoring it.