Chapter 1830 : Treasure of Chuyuan

Eldrin frowned slightly upon hearing this.

Unlike the Meridians Gate, the Divine Soul Gate presented a far greater peril, for the soul was inherently fragile. It could not recklessly rely on ordinary external forces to breach its limits through brute force.

Within the 3 1000 Immortal Domains, there exist 3 mainstream methods to shatter the Nascent Soul Heavenly Barrier: the Great Luo Profound Technique, the Soul-Transcending Immortal Elixir, and the Path of Faith.

Among these 3 methods, the first 2—regardless of which 1 is chosen—are far gentler and more gradual compared to the techniques and elixir treasures that shatter the Barrier of Magical Power. Naturally, their effectiveness is significantly diminished.

Generally speaking, both the Great Luo Profound Art and Soul Transcendence Elixir were exceptionally precious. These soul elixirs capable of helping cultivators break through their primordial spirit limits were valued at no less than 100 to 200 strands of Primordial Qi as a baseline.

Moreover, the vast majority of these immensely valuable soul-nurturing immortal medicines could only assist the primordial soul in breaking through 7 or 8 limits, falling short of shattering the most critical ninth barrier.

Countless 4 Tribulation Ancient Immortals had exchanged their lifelong savings for soul-nurturing immortal herbs and supplemented them with Great Luo Arcane Arts, yet all remained trapped at the 8 Limits Realm, unable to achieve the ultimate metamorphosis.

This demonstrates how immensely difficult it is to break through the Nascent Soul Heavenly Barrier—this step is far more challenging than shattering the Dharma Power Heavenly Barrier.

Thus, many ancient immortals across the 3,000 celestial realms ultimately chose the third method—the Path of Faith.

Incense, as a substance forged from the collective will of all living beings, is an almost omnipotent material possessing a myriad of extraordinary and peculiar effects.

The most common practice is to refine Faith Silver during critical breakthroughs, harnessing the power of mortal devotion to fortify 1’s own cultivation and enhance the likelihood of ascending to higher realms.

However, the power of faith is a double-edged sword. Celestial Immortals and those above exercise extreme caution regarding it, with very few willing to involve themselves in this devout energy.

Yet it cannot be denied that Faith Silver possesses miraculous efficacy—it not only amplifies the power of wishes, but can also be used to forge the Golden Body of Faith and the spirit soul.

A Netherworld Ghost Immortal, upon reaching the Great Perfection stage of Celestial Immortal cultivation, need only gather sufficient faith energy to forge a Golden Body of Faith.

A mighty Netherworld Celestial Immortal, having forged a body of Incense Gold, would transcend the limitations of lacking a physical form and possess combat prowess rivaling that of their peers.

It is said that when the cultivation of the Incense Gold Body reaches its peak, 1 can even forge the Incense Great Luo Physique, capable of aiding immortals in shattering the Mortal Flesh Heavenly Barrier.

The same principle applies to the Path of the Primordial Spirit. If a 4-Tribulation Ancient Immortal were to forge a Faith Primordial Spirit using vast quantities of faith as material, there would be a certain possibility of shattering the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Barrier.

However, the incense fire is tainted; once 1 uses it to forge the Celestial Soul Barrier, they must bear immense karmic retribution.

If 1 cannot refine the billions of chaotic thoughts from the mortal realm within the faith power, they will inevitably be disrupted by these endless distractions when attempting to break through to the Great Perfection Stage.

Moreover, by forging the Celestial Barrier of the Nascent Soul through faith offerings, the Nascent Soul becomes nearly fused with the collective will of all living beings. Should 1 fall in the future, their Nascent Soul would be condemned to eternal damnation.

Unless 1 severs all karmic roots of the present life at the moment of reincarnation, even if rebirth is achieved, 1 would inevitably become a madman corrupted by countless resentful thoughts.

It can sever all the karmic roots of this lifetime, ensuring that not a single trace of this life’s legacy remains in the next. Then, even setting foot upon the path of cultivation would become exceedingly difficult, and 1 might very well fall forever into the cycle of reincarnation, never attaining immortality.

Eldrin contemplated this, then turned to the 2 of them and said, "Though the path of faith cultivation offers swift progress, it ultimately carries grave consequences."

"Both of you possess the innate bearing of divine beings, with immense potential to break through to the 6-Calamity Ancient Immortal realm. Even without sufficient serendipity, you would merely need to wait through 1 or 2 kalpas—there is no need to tread this perilous path."

The Celestial Maiden and the Ancient Cliff Ancestor both nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

Throughout the world, those who use faith power to break through the barrier of the Nascent Soul realm are almost invariably ancient immortals whose souls have been trapped at the Seventh or Eighth Limit for several kalpas, unable to make a breakthrough.

If there were any other way, who would willingly choose a path with such obvious flaws?

Seeing that the 2 had taken his words to heart, Eldrin said nothing more. He simply rose to his feet and declared, "With this successful breakthrough, my cultivation has advanced by a few steps."

"Next, I shall see if the edge of the Chaos Sea truly holds endless opportunities, just as foreseen."

The Celestial Maiden also nodded slightly, saying with a gentle smile, "It is only fitting."

Next, the 3 of them truly began to explore the Chaos Sea.

The Sea of Chaos truly lives up to its name as the sea of primordial chaos. Even its mere periphery could be considered a place of extraordinary opportunities.

The 3 of them wandered through the expanse, soon encountering numerous primordial beasts of chaos. They even came across 2 herds, each numbering in the hundreds.

Facing these primordial chaos beasts, they showed no mercy whatsoever. They successively routed 2 entire packs of primordial chaos beasts and eliminated numerous scattered primordial chaos creatures.

Thus, in a mere 20,000 years, they had already slain over a 100 primordial chaos beasts, among which were even 2 Chaos Beast Kings.

In truth, they encountered far more primordial chaos beasts. However, the Chaos Beast Kings of the Chaos Sea possessed exceedingly high intelligence, and once the primordial chaos beasts sensed they were outmatched, they would flee. Consequently, a great number of these primordial chaos beasts managed to escape and scatter.

2 Chaos Beast Kings, and 30-some strands of Primordial Qi.

"What a pity, we didn't encounter a supreme-grade Chaos Nest."

After the great battle, Eldrin sheathed his sword and remarked with a hint of regret, "Only 2 Chaos Beast Kings fell by my blade."

The Celestial Maiden and the Ancient 1 of the Heavens also felt some regret, yet they spoke with measured acceptance: "Within the 3 1000 immortal realms and 10 1000 Dao Paths, it is exceedingly rare to encounter a supreme-grade Chaos Nest. This outcome was well within our expectations."

According to the universally recognized standard across the 3 1000 Celestial Domains, the distance a Primordial Immortal Patriarch could cover flying at full speed for 1 year was defined as 1 Dao-Path.

And the region extending from the edges of the 3 1000 Immortal Domains into the depths of the Chaotic Sea, within a range of 10 1000 dao pathways, is known as the shallow layer of the Chaotic Sea.

From 10,000 Daos to 100,000 Daos is known as the Outer Layer of the Chaos Sea, while exceeding 100,000 Daos is universally recognized as the Depths of the Chaos Sea.

Within the 10 1000 dao pathways of the Chaos Sea's shallows, though Chaos Beast Kings do exist, the supreme-grade Chaos Nests they occupy rarely appear within these 10 1000 dao pathways. Even when 1 occasionally emerges, most have been thoroughly scavenged by various Ancient Immortals time and again.

To truly find a supreme-grade Chaos Nest, 1 must either possess heaven-defying serendipity or dare venture deep into the Chaos Sea—reaching its outer layers that lie 10 1000 Dao-paths beyond the 3 1000 Immortal Domains.

However, the deeper 1 ventured into the Chaos Sea, the more perilous it became. Even with the strength of a 3 or 4 tribulation Ancient Immortal, 1 could only wander the shallow layers of the Chaos Sea.

Because the shallow layers of the Chaos Sea are relatively close to the 3 1000 immortal realms, if 1 truly encounters danger, burning 1's essence blood would allow them to flee back within 5 1000 years.

Generally speaking, in the shallows of the Chaotic Sea, a fifth or sixth tribulation Chaos Beast King unskilled in speed would find it difficult to catch up to a third tribulation Ancient Immortal before their essence blood was fully burned.

Thus, the vast majority of ancient immortals who had undergone 3 or 4 heavenly tribulations ventured within this realm.

This stretch of land held no small number of opportunities, yet they had long been explored by countless ancient immortals. Thus, to the higher-tier ancient immortals, these were hardly considered remarkable.

Yet beyond 10,000 dao-paths and within 100,000 dao-paths, the outer layers of the Primordial Chaos Sea held no small number of opportunities.

The outer reaches of the Chaos Sea were already immensely distant from the 3 1000 Immortal Domains, where even an ordinary Ancient Immortal would face near-certain death upon venturing there.

Even a 4-Tribulation Ancient Immortal would have less than a 50% chance of survival upon entering this realm. Generally, only those who have weathered 5 or 6 heavenly tribulations or more can establish a foothold here—yet even they face no small risk of permanent demise.

Here lay many astonishing opportunities, with Chaos Beast Kings of 5 or 6 tribulations or more, yet there were no Chaos Nests of the Great Realm level. Thus, the overall risks remained within manageable bounds.

Beyond the 100 1000 Dao Pathways lies the deep expanse of the Chaotic Sea—a realm so distant it stretches far beyond the reach of the 3 1000 Immortal Domains.

It is said that the Great Luo Golden Immortals of the 3,000 Immortal Domains all established their domains in the depths of the Chaotic Sea, 1 100 1000 Dao-lengths away from the 3,000 Immortal Domains.

There, not only did immortal realms exist, but there were also Great Perfection-level Chaos Nests. Some ancient immortals who had survived over 7 heavenly tribulations would venture to travel through these lands.

Alas, this place was far too perilous—even celestial realms could shatter here. Only ancient immortals who had weathered 5 or 6 heavenly tribulations could set foot within, for the risks far surpassed those of paths under 100,000 Dao, yet the opportunities hidden here were likewise far more abundant.

In truth, with the power of a Fifth or Sixth Tribulation Ancient Immortal, supplemented by external elixir treasures that stored magical power, 1 could already traverse the Chaos Sea for millions of years without needing to return to replenish their energy.

They were now qualified to venture into the depths of the Chaos Sea. However, while the opportunities there would be greater, the deeper they went, the more perilous it would become.

Within these 10,000 dao paths, premium-grade Chaos Nests are exceedingly rare. It seems I must venture to the outer layers of the Chaos Sea in the future.

Recalling the circumstances of the Chaos Sea, Eldrin's brow furrowed slightly.

He turned his gaze towards the Celestial Maiden and the Ancient 1 of the Endless Skies, unable to resist asking, "How much of your spiritual power remains at this moment?"

"I can still hold on for now."

The Ancient 1 of the Horizon spoke, then murmured thoughtfully, "However, the mana consumption is also considerable. If we venture into the outer layers of the Primordial Chaos Sea, I fear it may be difficult to sustain."

Eldrin nodded slightly, lost in thought for a moment before saying, "Then we shall not venture there this time. Once we’ve stabilized our spiritual power and gathered more mystical artifacts, we may explore the outer realms of the Chaos Sea another day."

"Very well."

The Celestial Maiden smiled faintly, a wave of relief washing over her.

She was truly afraid that Eldrin would stubbornly insist on venturing into the outer reaches of the Chaos Sea.

To return to our story, in the years that followed, the 3 continued to roam the shallow reaches of the Chaos Sea, ceaselessly cutting down hordes of Chaos Beasts and Chaos Beast Kings. Occasionally, when they managed to seize a few Chaos Nests, they would obtain some Chaos Oddities and Primordial Qi.

Unfortunately, supreme-grade Chaos Nests were truly scarce in this region. Despite venturing forth for tens of thousands of years, they had never found 1.

Thus it continued until tens of thousands of years later, when the chaotic tides were on the verge of erupting once more. Eldrin finally drew a deep breath and said, "The time is almost upon us. It is about time we made our return."

The Celestial Maiden also nodded, saying calmly, "Indeed. The Chaotic Tide is approaching. Let us return and recuperate for a time."

The 3 of them lingered no longer, immediately traversing the Chaotic Sea to arrive at the 3 1000 Immortal Domains, and before long, they returned to the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

Arriving at the mountain abode, the 3 took stock of their gains and discovered they had slain 4 Chaos Beast Kings in total. Their spoils included 3 Primordial Treasures, over 2 100 carcasses of Ancient Chaos Beasts, and more than a 100 strands of Primordial Qi.

The combined value of these rare treasures amounted to roughly over 5 100 wisps of primordial qi.

Observing such a vast array of rare treasures, Patriarch Tianya couldn't help but exclaim with delight, "Over 5 100 strands of Primordial Qi—while it may not compare to our previous harvests, this is still considered a remarkably substantial gain."

Eldrin also smiled faintly. In truth, he had already investigated—most 3 or 4 tribulation ancient immortals roaming the shallow realms of the Chaotic Sea could only obtain a dozen or so strands of primordial qi at a time.

According to the schedule of 5 trips every million years, the gains would not exceed around 1 100 wisps of Primordial Qi, and even that would require risking 1's life.

This was because most ancient immortals lacked the power to slay Chaos Beast Kings, only capable of eliminating some lesser Chaos Beasts.

Even some 4 Tribulations Ancient Immortals, capable of slaying low-tier Chaos Beast Kings, rarely succeeded in permanently eliminating these Chaos Beast Kings.

Because the survival abilities of Chaos Beasts are in no way inferior to those of Ancient Immortal powerhouses, and their combat prowess is even greater within the chaos, even a 4 Tribulations Ancient Immortal might not succeed in slaying a Chaos Beast King even after millions of years.

Under such circumstances, the gains naturally could not compare to what the 3 had obtained.

At this thought, Eldrin couldn't help but remark, "2 4-tribulation ancient immortals, plus another who can unleash their full combat prowess."

"Given our strength, we are actually qualified to venture into the Outer Chaos Sea. Staying in the shallows would be like bullying the weak."

"I think next time, perhaps we could venture to the outer reaches of the Chaos Sea."

Upon hearing this, both of their expressions turned slightly grave.

The Celestial Maiden pondered briefly before speaking, "To venture into the Outer Chaos Sea, the most crucial requirement is 1's spiritual power."

"We must prepare a vast quantity of spiritual pills and some Yuan-storing treasures to venture within."

Eldrin nodded slightly before speaking. "In my opinion, it would be wise to refine some External Elixirs to serve as reservoirs for magical power."

"That might just work."

Tianya Ancestor nodded, then inquired further, "For refining an External Elixir, what rare treasures would be best? Would the Inner Core of a Chaos Beast King suffice?"

Eldrin had long held this view and shook his head. "The Chaos Beast King lacks proficiency in magical power, and its inner core is ill-suited for refining external elixirs designed to store mana."

"However, the Immortal Pearl of the Xianbei Clan is a true treasure for refining External Pills."

Upon hearing this, both of their eyes lit up. The Celestial Maiden couldn't help but praise, "That's absolutely right."

Having made up their minds, the 3 of them wasted no time. They immediately went to the Xenbei Clan's shop, found Qu Caiyan, and stated their purpose.

Naqu Caiyan was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this, then promptly replied with a smile, "We're running low on Lifebound Shell Pearls, but we have plenty of Immortal Shell Pearls. Please wait a moment, honored guests."

With those words, Seraphina Qu (Person Name) hastily departed, returning shortly with a batch of Immortal Pearl Shells.

There were a total of 30-5 Immortal Pearl Clams, all nurtured by the ancient immortals of the Pearl Clam tribe, yet only 2 of them were Life-Bound Pearl Clams.

Eldrin understood that the Immortal Shell Clan's Life-Binding Pearl was comparable to a supreme innate treasure. However, each member could only nurture 1 such pearl in their lifetime, making it an exceptionally rare and precious artifact.

However, ordinary Pearl Beads, though also nurtured by the Ancient Fairy Realm's Pearl Clan, can be continuously produced given enough time, and their efficacy is vastly inferior.

Of the 30-5 before his eyes, the 2 Life-Bound Pearl Shells were worth even more than the other 7 combined.

At this thought, Eldrin sent a voice transmission to the 2: "2 Life-Origin Shell Pearls can be refined into an innate ancient treasure specifically for storing primordial energy."

"As for the remainder, while it can still be used to craft Spirit-Reservoir Artifacts, it is only suitable for creating single-use Ancient Spirit-Reservoir Treasures. Each piece consumed is 1 less forever."

Hearing this, Patriarch Tianya nodded and said, "When journeying through the Chaos Sea, spiritual power is paramount. Let us purchase all of them."