Chapter 1831 : The Primordial Sea's First Lesson

"Very well, we shall purchase them all," he declared.

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, then negotiated further with Qu Caiyan. In the end, he bought the entire lot at a price of one hundred strands of Innate Energy [the primordial, unadulterated energy of creation] per Lifebound Shell Pearl [a rare pearl formed from the life essence of a sea creature, capable of storing vast amounts of energy], and five strands per piece for the remaining Shell Pearl [a common spiritual pearl used for energy storage].

This price far exceeded that of many Innate Ancient Treasure [a primordial-grade magical artifact born from the chaos of creation]. Yet, Eldrin Chen knew this was no disadvantageous deal.

For all who venture into the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse between ordered worlds] learn one fundamental truth.

It is this: the offensive power of an Innate Ancient Treasure can be somewhat lacking, but one must never compromise on the Essence Storage Treasure [a magical artifact specifically designed to store and replenish a cultivator's spiritual energy] that replenishes one's cultivation power [the reservoir of spiritual energy used to fuel techniques and sustain life].

A simple principle illustrates this: a Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived three heavenly tribulations] journeying into the Sea of Chaos would, at most, sustain their power for one hundred thousand years before their energy reserves were utterly depleted.

Should they engage in a single protracted battle against a foe of equal strength, that vast reservoir could be drained in the conflict, shrinking those one hundred thousand years to a mere few millennia.

Factoring in the constant cultivation power expenditure from evading pursuit by Chaos Beast King [powerful primordial beasts native to the Sea of Chaos] and the energy wasted on mere travel, the vast majority of third or fourth rank Ancient Immortal [immortals who have weathered heavenly tribulations] cannot endure long within the Sea of Chaos.

For these Ancient Immortal, a venture into the Sea of Chaos grants them the strength for perhaps one major confrontation. After such a battle, they are forced to retreat to the Violet Sun Immortal Domain [a stable realm of immortal cultivation] to replenish their depleted spiritual power.

This is precisely why even three Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived four heavenly tribulations] find it exceedingly difficult to hunt Chaos Beast King within the Sea of Chaos. Their limitation stems not solely from insufficient combat prowess, but more critically from the peril of depleting their energy reserves beyond recovery in that unforgiving expanse.

Under such circumstances, the existence of an Essence Storage Immortal Treasure [a rare treasure capable of storing vast amounts of spiritual energy for later use] is nearly equivalent to granting these Ancient Immortal [powerful cultivators who have transcended mortal tribulations] one additional opportunity for an all-out battle, or the chance to wander the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse between ordered worlds] for another one hundred thousand years.

Those Ancient Immortal Patriarch [venerable leaders among the Ancient Immortals] who have transcended five or six tribulations almost invariably possess one or two Essence Storage Ancient Treasure [ancient artifacts designed to store immense reserves of energy]. Such high-grade Essence Storage Ancient Treasure are perpetually in short supply, their price naturally far exceeding that of ordinary Innate Ancient Treasure [treasures born from the primal forces of heaven and earth].

This time, the three of them spent close to four hundred strands of Innate Energy [the pure, foundational energy of creation] to purchase this batch of Shell Pearl [pearls formed from the essence of primordial sea creatures, prized for their energy-storing properties], and all returned to their abodes thoroughly satisfied.

After returning to his abode, Eldrin Chen immediately enlisted the Horizon Patriarch to jointly refine this batch of Shell Pearl.

Thus, after approximately several tens of thousands of years, they had refined all thirty-plus Shell Pearl, ultimately obtaining two Essence Storage Ancient Treasure and thirty-three single-use External Essence Storage Elixir [pills that can temporarily store a cultivator's spiritual energy for emergency use].

The energy-storing efficacy of this batch of Essence Storage Ancient Treasure and External Elixir [a general term for pills consumed for external effects] was exceptionally potent.

Refined through Eldrin Chen's Primordial One Limitless Path Principle [a supreme cultivation art focusing on unity and boundlessness], the two Essence Storage Ancient Treasure had their capacity multiplied severalfold, capable of storing roughly twice the spiritual energy of an ordinary Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an Ancient Immortal who has survived four heavenly tribulations].

Although the External Elixir were merely disposable treasures, each could still contain the full spiritual energy reserve of a single Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

Eldrin Chen distributed the energy-storage pearls to his two companions and said with a smile, "With this batch of Essence Storage Treasure [a general term for treasures that store energy], we can attempt to venture into the Outer Layer of the Sea of Chaos [the turbulent, less-explored fringes of the primordial chaos]."

The Celestial Maiden [a title for a female immortal of high status and power] attempted to refine her Lifebound Shell Pearl [a Shell Pearl bound to one's life force for greater synergy]. After sensing its properties, she could not help but laugh. "With this batch of Essence Storage Ancient Treasure and External Elixir, our confidence for wandering the Sea of Chaos has grown by several measures."

Horizon Patriarch also offered a faint smile, his confidence bolstered, yet he still looked at Eldrin Chen and said, "This batch of Essence Storage Ancient Treasure [ancient artifacts capable of storing vast amounts of energy] is worth at least five hundred strands of Innate Energy [the primordial energy of creation]. For you to give them all to the two of us... we truly feel unworthy of such generosity."

"It would be better if you took some for yourself, to keep in reserve."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his expression serene. "I can directly refine Chaos Water [a primordial substance from the Sea of Chaos] to replenish my magic power. These treasures hold little use for me. You should keep them."

At this point, Eldrin Chen paused briefly before continuing, "If you truly feel indebted, then when we venture into the outer reaches of the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse between worlds], I shall take my share then as compensation."

Upon hearing this, both men nodded, accepting Eldrin Chen's proposed arrangement.

Seeing their agreement, Eldrin Chen spoke again. "The Chaos Tide [the periodic, violent surges of energy within the Sea of Chaos] will not recede for several tens of thousands of years. In that time, you should first fill these Essence Storage Ancient Treasure and External Elixir [pills that store energy for later use by cultivators] with your magic power. We will depart the moment the tide ebbs."

"..."

Time flowed swiftly, and tens of thousands of years passed in the blink of an eye.

While waiting for the Chaos Tide to recede, Eldrin Chen continued to deduce and perfect his own cultivation path. He finally succeeded in fully refining the cultivation method for the Great Encompassing Physique [a supreme physical constitution] aspect of his Innate Primordial One Indestructibility Physique [an innate, peerless physique of primordial origin and near-indestructibility].

On this day, the Chaos Tide finally withdrew. Eldrin Chen emerged from seclusion at the first possible moment and sought out the Celestial Maiden and the Horizon Patriarch. "It is time to depart," he declared.

Tens of thousands of years had passed. By now, Horizon Patriarch had not only fully replenished the spiritual energy within his Essence Storage Ancient Treasure and External Elixir, but had also refined the Dragon's Saliva Incense. His Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] had also made a breakthrough, advancing from the Fifth Limit Realm to the Sixth Limit Realm, and was not far from reaching the Seventh Limit.

It was precisely because of this that Horizon Patriarch was filled with fighting spirit, eager to find sufficient opportunities as soon as possible to break through the Primordial Spirit Heavenly Pass and ascend to the Five Tribulations Ancient Immortal Realm.

Thinking of this, Horizon Patriarch could not help but smile and say, "I have a premonition that this time we venture into the Chaos [the primordial, formless void beyond the ordered worlds], we are bound to gain something."

"Hahaha, may your words prove auspicious."

Eldrin Chen gave a faint smile and, together with the other two, stepped out of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain.

Stepping out of the Violet Sun Immortal Domain once more, Eldrin Chen saw a familiar face. It was none other than Falling Star Xuan from the Flower Goddess Palace.

After so many years apart, Falling Star Xuan looked up at Eldrin Chen and said with some surprise, "Little brother, it has only been a few hundred thousand years, yet I see your cultivation has already broken through to the Great Perfection Celestial Immortal Realm."

"Even your guardian's strength has grown. It seems your harvest from the Chaos Shoal [a perilous region within the primordial Chaos] was quite substantial, hmm?"

Eldrin Chen's expression remained calm and unreadable as he simply cupped his hands and replied, "Thanks to your guidance, Immortal Maiden."

During their last meeting, Eldrin Chen had been unable to discern Falling Star Xuan's cultivation level, sensing only an aura of unfathomable depth.

Meeting again now, Eldrin Chen's strength was vastly different from before. He could roughly sense the cultivation level of Falling Star Xuan.

"A Five Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal who has survived five heavenly tribulations]?"

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly. He could now perceive that this Falling Star Xuan's cultivation was roughly at the level of a Five Tribulations Ancient Immortal, and she seemed exceptionally powerful even within that realm.

Furthermore, the cultivation of the two other women beside Falling Star Xuan was only at the Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal level, no longer posing a significant sense of threat to Eldrin Chen.

Seeing this, Falling Star Xuan smiled faintly and said, "That you gained something is your own fortune. However, the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, turbulent expanse between realms] is perilous. Even a Four Tribulations Ancient Immortal may not be able to protect you there. You must remember not to venture recklessly into its depths."

"Thank you for the advice."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, merely cupping his hands in thanks.

Seeing this, Falling Star Xuan said no more. She led the two Ancient Immortals from the Flower Goddess Palace and vanished into the Sea of Chaos.

After the trio departed, the Celestial Maiden [a title for a high-ranking female immortal] spoke with a smile, "I have learned in recent times that the Flower Goddess Palace lineage currently has roughly seventy-some Ancient Immortals still in the world."

"Their most powerful Ancient Immortal has reached the Seven Tribulations level within the Ancient Immortal Realm. The reason she has not yet broken through to become an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal is that the lineage's inherited Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from primordial chaos, possessing immense power] is still in its recovery period."

"Beyond these, there are only two Six Tribulations Ancient Immortals [immortals from a bygone era who have survived six heavenly tribulations] and a mere five Five Tribulations Ancient Immortals [immortals from a bygone era who have survived five heavenly tribulations]."

"This Falling Star Xuan is the youngest among the Ancient Immortals [immortals from a bygone era] of the Flower Goddess Palace. Having attained the Dao for little more than ten million years, she was personally taken as a disciple by the Hundred Blossoms Immortal Lord [Lord of a Hundred Blossoms] of the Flower Goddess Palace."

"A direct successor of the Great Encompassing Ancient Sect."

Eldrin Chen's gaze flickered. A Five Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an immortal from a bygone era who has survived five heavenly tribulations] of merely ten million years—such a prodigy would be considered a rare genius even within the Great Encompassing Ancient Sect.

He said nothing more, speaking calmly, "The tide has receded. Let us make haste."

With those words, Eldrin Chen took the lead, venturing into the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, formless expanse of chaotic energies].

This time, they not only pressed deep into the Sea of Chaos [a primordial, formless expanse of chaotic energies] but also journeyed towards its outer fringes. After traveling for several thousand years, they finally crossed a distance of ten thousand Dao-paths and arrived at the Outer Layer of the Sea of Chaos [the turbulent, yet navigable, periphery of the primordial Sea of Chaos].

Upon reaching the Outer Layer of the Sea of Chaos [the turbulent, yet navigable, periphery of the primordial Sea of Chaos], Eldrin Chen immediately declared, "We need not go further. Let us explore within this range."

"Agreed."

Horizon Patriarch nodded. The Outer Layer of the Sea of Chaos [the turbulent, yet navigable, periphery of the primordial Sea of Chaos] was vast beyond measure. With their current strength as mere Four Tribulations Ancient Immortals [immortals from a bygone era who have survived four heavenly tribulations], and this being their first foray into this region, they naturally dared not venture too deeply.

In the years that followed, the three of them began to wander ceaselessly through the Outer Layer of the Sea of Chaos.

It proved true that within this Outer Layer of the Sea of Chaos, the number of Chaos Ancient Beast was significantly greater. After merely exploring here for a few thousand years, they had already discovered several Chaos Beast Horde.

Yet these Chaos Beast Horde were all far too powerful. Each beast horde contained at least several hundred Chaos Ancient Beast, and even four or five or more Chaos Beast King. Considering the formidable strength of these Chaos Ancient Beast, the trio did not risk launching a direct assault.

During this process, they even encountered a few Supreme Grade Chaos Lair. Unfortunately, the Chaos Beast King residing Within the Chaos Lair were exceptionally powerful, guarded by Chaos Beast King of at least the Fourth Tribulation level. Lacking absolute confidence in his ability to overcome them, Eldrin Chen chose to abandon the attempt.

Finally, after three thousand years, they found a slightly smaller Chaos Ancient Beast clan. They slew two of its Chaos Beast King and secured a substantial haul.

Several more millennia passed in this manner before they finally located a Supreme Grade Chaos Lair within the vastness of the Sea of Chaos.

It was a Chaos Lair shaped like a True Dragon, standing majestic within the Chaos. It breathed in and exhaled the surrounding Primordial Chaos Energy, an aura of immense power coalescing within its depths.

"It is the Chaos Azure Dragon Nest,"

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, gazing upon the Chaos Lair before them.

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the other two grew solemn, a weight of gravity settling upon their features.

The Chaos Azure Dragon Nest [a lair formed from primordial chaos energies], is a rare Chaos Lair [a dwelling place born from the primordial chaos] within the Chaos [the primordial state of undifferentiated existence]. This lineage is one of the nesting grounds of the True Dragon [the supreme and primordial race of dragons], capable of nurturing the legendary Chaos Azure Dragon [a dragon born from and embodying the essence of primordial chaos]. Among beings of the same rank, it is not inferior to the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [the nesting ground of the primordial violet phoenix].

However, the Chaos Azure Dragon Nest before them is merely a Supreme Grade Chaos Lair [a top-tier but not ultimate-grade chaos lair]. Compared to the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest of Great Encompassing Rank [the highest conceivable rank, encompassing all existence], the difference is as vast as heaven and earth.

After observing carefully for a while longer, Eldrin Chen said with a grave expression, "Within this Chaos Azure Dragon Nest, there are three auras at the level of a Chaos Beast King [a ruler among the primordial chaos beasts]."

"The strongest among them is only at the level of a Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived three heavenly tribulations]. The remaining two possess cultivation bases comparable to first or second tribulation Ancient Immortal [immortals who have existed since ancient times and weathered heavenly calamities]. With our strength, we should be able to handle them."

Hearing this, Horizon Patriarch let out a slight sigh of relief. Relying on their Chaos Lair, the beasts could fight with the advantage of their home ground. If there were a fourth tribulation Chaos Beast King present, it would be far too risky for their group to engage.

Since there was no fourth tribulation Chaos Beast King, the three of them joining forces still stood a chance in battle.

Thinking this, Horizon Patriarch focused his senses once more and said, "I have sensed it again. There are over three hundred more auras of Chaos Ancient Beast [ancient beasts born from primordial chaos]. In a fight, these Chaos Ancient Beast would likely prove troublesome as well."

Eldrin Chen observed intently for a moment before stating, "Three hundred and twenty-seven Chaos Ancient Beast in total. Senior Celestial Maiden, are you confident in dealing with them?"

The Celestial Maiden [a title for a powerful and ethereal female immortal] pondered briefly before replying, "The number of Chaos Ancient Beast is too great. I dare not claim I could defeat them all, but I can at least hold them off."

"Holding them off will be sufficient."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod, then turned his gaze towards Horizon Patriarch.

Horizon Patriarch inclined his head slightly and spoke, "Leave the two Chaos Beast Kings of the first and second tribulations to me."

Eldrin Chen nodded slightly in agreement. Both the Celestial Maiden and Horizon Patriarch were Four Tribulations Ancient Immortals. Even within the Sea of Chaos [the primordial, formless expanse from which all realms are born], they could unleash combat prowess approaching that of a Triple Tribulation Ancient Immortal. Dealing with a couple of first or second-tribulation Chaos Beast Kings and three hundred Chaos Ancient Beasts should be well within their capabilities.

Having considered this, Eldrin Chen stated, "I will handle the Chaos Azure Dragon."

Without further delay, Eldrin Chen immediately shrouded them in Chaos Mist [a primordial vapor that obscures perception and fate] and led the two towards the Chaos Azure Dragon Nest.

They had not traveled far before they halted just outside the Chaos Lair.

The entrance to this Chaos Lair was enveloped by an Innate Ancient Formation [a primordial defensive array born from the natural laws of a place]. This formation was intrinsically linked to the lair's own vital energy. Attempting to enter without first dismantling it would be like walking into a trap, allowing the Chaos Beast Horde to surround and capture them with ease.

Understanding this, Eldrin Chen inspected the formation's potency before remarking, "The defensive array guarding this Chaos Lair, while not as formidable as one laid by an Ancient Immortal, is still quite robust."

"It seems this Chaos Azure Dragon possesses considerable mastery over formation arts. We must not underestimate it."

Upon hearing this, Horizon Patriarch frowned slightly. "Are you confident you can breach it?"

Eldrin Chen shook his head, yet replied with a faint smile, "If I were alone, I would not have full confidence. But with the assistance of you two, breaking this formation will not be difficult."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen swiftly explained the formation's flaws to the two of them.

After finishing, he instructed, "This formation has seven flaws in total. Once all of them are breached, the formation will collapse completely."

"I must trouble each of you to handle two of the flaws. We shall strike together to dismantle the array."

"Agreed!"

They both responded decisively, choosing to cooperate in breaking the formation.

Eldrin Chen gave a nod. With a flick of his sleeve, he summoned the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords and unleashed a cascade of divine abilities, instantly targeting three of the Formation Eye [the core nodes that power and stabilize a magical array].

Almost simultaneously, Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden channeled their Innate Ancient Treasure [a primordial artifact born from the world's essence] to strike horizontally, each shattering two more of the Formation Eye.

"BOOM—"

With a deafening roar, the Innate Ancient Formation [a primordial defensive array] instantly shattered and dissolved. The key protective barrier of the entire Chaos Azure Dragon Nest was breached. Only a single verdant, dragon-patterned Ancient Pearl [a primordial orb of immense power] shot into the air, fleeing deep into the Chaos Lair.

This object was precisely the core artifact anchoring the grand formation—the Innate Azure Dragon Pearl [a supreme treasure born of primordial chaos, embodying the essence of the azure dragon].

"A fine treasure indeed," Eldrin Chen remarked.

The Innate Azure Dragon Pearl was a top-tier Innate Ancient Treasure [a primordial artifact of immense power, often possessing unique innate laws], and Eldrin Chen naturally had no intention of letting it slip away. He immediately activated his Five-Colored Divine Light [a divine ability manifesting as a radiant light of five colors, capable of capturing and suppressing objects] to seize it into his grasp.

"ROAR—"

At that very moment, the Chaos Beast King [the sovereign ruler among the primordial beasts dwelling within the chaos] residing Within the Chaos Lair [the lair or nest formed within the primordial chaos] was roused to fury.

A Chaos Azure Dragon [a primordial dragon born from chaos, wielding immense power over the formless energies] that blotted out the sky roared as it surged into the air. It channeled a boundless, murderous aura through an ancient Azure Dragon halberd, lunging towards the trio with overwhelming force.

"The Azure Dragon Halberd?"

"Another top-tier Innate Ancient Treasure with twenty-four Dao patterns!"

The moment he saw the Chaos Azure Dragon attacking, a flicker of surprise passed through Eldrin Chen's mind. Yet, the Chaos Heaven Halberd [a halberd forged from chaos, capable of sundering the heavens] in his hand did not hesitate in the slightest. It met the assault with a force that seemed capable of cleaving the very firmament.