Chapter 1843 : Ascending Beyond Ancient Limits

"How did it go?"

Seeing Eldrin Chen emerge from seclusion, Exquisite Jiang could not help but inquire.

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

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

A body at the Eleventh Limit combined with the Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [a divine ability that renders one's spiritual core nearly unbreakable]—Eldrin Chen's combat prowess was likely sufficient to rival a Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortal.

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

Furthermore, during the process of refining the Five Elements Origin [the primordial source essence of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth], Eldrin Chen had seized the opportunity to absorb a vast amount of its power to enhance his spiritual energy. His cultivation had not only smoothly advanced into the Ancient Immortal Realm [a profound realm of immortality attained by transcending multiple heavenly tribulations], but he had also progressed a significant distance within this realm.

"My cultivation base has been replenished, and my spiritual energy reserves are now full,"

"I dare not claim my current strength rivals an Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal, but among Seven Tribulations Ancient Immortals, I can now be considered a formidable force."

Eldrin Chen murmured inwardly, his gaze shifting once more 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 to temper my body with the Chaos Thunderclap [a primordial thunderclap used for body refinement]."

"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 [rare treasures born of heaven and earth], saying, "I must trouble you both to deliver these treasures to the Vast Azure Immortal Domain for me."

Upon hearing this, Horizon Patriarch and the Celestial Maiden [a title for a high-ranking female immortal] let out a soft sigh, understanding they could offer little further aid.

If they lingered outside the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest, they would face even greater danger once those Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [ancient immortals who have survived eight heavenly tribulations] entered. It was wiser to withdraw with their gains intact.

With this thought, Horizon Patriarch nodded. "Rest assured, we will deliver them."

The Celestial Maiden also inclined her head, her beautiful eyes smiling. "Our harvest this time was substantial, and we have repaid our debt to you. Now, it is time for us to sever our Mortal Dust [the mundane world of mortals] Karma [the cosmic law of cause and effect] and prepare for our own breakthrough to the Path Heart Heavenly Pass [a critical cultivation realm where one's understanding of the Dao is tested]."

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, Eldrin Chen watched them depart before turning and heading towards the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest.

"Boom—"

The moment he set foot within the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest, Eldrin Chen perceived a World-Annihilating Thunderclap descending upon him.

This Thunderclap carried the power to Oblivion all things, yet Eldrin Chen showed no intention of blocking it. He walked calmly upon the Chaos Lair, allowing the searing Thunderclap to crash against his physical body.

"Hmph—"

The ferocity of this searing Thunderclap was overwhelming. Even with Eldrin Chen's formidable physique, the impact drained the color from his face, as if struck by an Innate ancient hammer, forcing a muffled grunt from his lips.

Yet, undeterred by this blow, Eldrin Chen remained unmoved. He activated the Life Path Principle to mend his injuries and then continued his forward stride.

"Boom—"

Simultaneously, the Chaos realm trembled ceaselessly, as deafening Thunderclap continued to rain down.

Clad in snow-white robes, he bathed within the tempestuous Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Sea, advancing step by step like a piece of Primordial Chaos Divine Metal being forged and tempered within the Thunderclap.

Under this relentless, thousand-fold hammering, the foundational essence within Eldrin Chen grew ever more condensed and unified. Minute impurities from the Five Elements Origin were hammered out by the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation, instantly turning to dust and scattering into the void.

"My body is the foundation, the Five Elements Origin [a primordial substance embodying the five fundamental elements] is like metallic ore, and the Fire Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated fire energy] serves as the furnace fire, capable of tempering the Five Elements Origin, refining it entirely 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 Thunderclap [a cataclysmic thunderous force] is merely the first step in forging the Great Encompassing Physique [a legendary body capable of encompassing all creation]. How could I possibly fear it?"

The sheer tyranny of the World-Extinguishing Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [a divine thunder of apocalyptic scale] was potent enough to annihilate an Ancient Immortal Great Power [a cultivator of immense power from ancient times]. To temper one's body with such a terrifying Thunderclap Force [the power of the cataclysmic thunderclap]—how excruciating must the process be?

Eldrin Chen endured unimaginable agony, yet his steps remained steady and his demeanor unwaveringly calm, his conviction as firm as ever.

With lowered gaze, he ascended step by step, continuously bathing in the Thunderclap, as time flowed past like water.

After tens of thousands of years, when Eldrin Chen finally reached the summit of the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [the primordial nesting ground of the Violet Phoenix], he realized that even after being tempered by the endless Thunderclap, his body remained completely unscathed.

"Has the Thunderclap body tempering succeeded?"

Eldrin Chen opened his eyes, sensing the boundless Thunderclap Force, 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-Annihilating Thunderclap [a thunderclap force capable of ending worlds] and radiating a peerless, Innate [primordial, of the highest order] thunderous light.

"Chaos Thunder Pool [a primordial pool of chaotic thunder energy]."

"Innate Violet Firmament Divine Thunder [a primordial and supreme form of heavenly thunder, born from the chaos of creation]."

Eldrin Chen murmured softly, his gaze growing profoundly solemn.

The Chaos Thunder Pool is a variant within the Chaos Immortal Pool. Not only can it give birth to Innate Energy and Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light, but it can also nurture Innate Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Water [a supreme treasure born from the waters of heavenly thunder tribulation], making it a peerless wonder of the Thunderclap [the fundamental power of thunder and lightning] attribute.

At this moment, Eldrin Chen gained a flash of insight, roughly understanding one of the reasons why that Chaos Demon God had attacked the Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest all those years ago.

According to the description from the Seven Treasures Gourd, the horns of that Chaos Demon God were entwined with the power of Purple Heavenly Thunderclap, clearly indicating it was a cultivator of the Violet Firmament Thunderclap Great Path [the supreme Dao of Violet Firmament Thunder]. Judging from this Chaos Thunder Pool, the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix also walked the Violet Firmament Thunderclap Great Path.

The two were natural rivals upon the Violet Firmament Thunderclap Great Path, destined for a conflict to the death.

Moreover, since they cultivated the same Great Path [a supreme cultivation method], 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 Encompassing Rank [a realm of cultivation representing the pinnacle of power] Chaos Thunder Pool. It was filled with the power of the Great Path of Thunderclap, each wisp potent enough to annihilate an Ancient Immortal Great Power [an immensely powerful cultivator who has transcended mortality for eons].

The moment he stepped into the Chaos Thunder Pool, billions of strands of Innate Violet Firmament Thunderclap Water [a primordial, heavenly water imbued with the power of violet firmament thunder] crashed against his physical body. Instantly, his skin split and flesh tore open. Countless drops of his true blood, potent enough to drown an entire 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 Life Path Principle [a supreme principle governing life and restoration] to heal his wounds. Yet, he discovered countless Thunderclap [thunder-derived] Dao patterns surging into his body, relentlessly eroding his flesh from within.

This was the first time since forging his Primordial One Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique of primordial unity and near-invulnerability] that an alien energy had invaded his body and proven so difficult to expel.

"Such a domineering Thunderclap Force," he murmured, his voice low. "But in the end, you are merely a pool of thunder. Do you truly believe you are the Great Encompassing Golden Immortal [the supreme realm of a Golden Immortal, encompassing all] incarnate?"

Eldrin Chen whispered resolutely, decisively mobilizing the Chaos Mist [primordial mist born from chaos] within him in an attempt to forcibly purge and refine this invasive energy.

To his astonishment, the once-unfailing Chaos Mist was forced into a slow, grinding retreat against the Innate Violet Firmament Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Water [the primordial essence of violet firmament thunder tribulation water]. Though the erosion was agonizingly gradual, it continued its relentless advance, consuming his flesh particle by particle.

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

He stood firm within the Within the Chaos Lair, teeth clenched, channeling both Chaos Mist and his vast reservoir of mana to form a desperate bulwark against the thunderous onslaught.

Time flowed like water. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, yet was in truth tens of thousands of years, the tyrannical Thunderclap Force within the Innate [primordial] thunder-water had corroded nearly ninety-nine percent of Eldrin Chen's physical form.

Only the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] and the Chaos Mist [a primordial, formless spiritual substance] within his Elixir Field [the core energy center in a cultivator's body] remained, barely holding the line in a desperate defense.

This was an exceedingly perilous situation. Should the Innate Thunderclap [a divine thunderclap technique born from innate laws] advance even a single step further and breach the Chaos Mist, Eldrin Chen's Indestructibility Primordial Spirit [a divine ability granting near-immortality to the Primordial Spirit] would suffer catastrophic damage.

Even though the Indestructibility Primordial Spirit of the Eleventh Limit [the pinnacle eleventh stage of a cultivation realm] was immensely powerful, it ultimately had not yet been anchored within a Great Path [a supreme cultivation art or law]. Relying solely on the power of the Primordial Spirit to withstand such an Innate Thunderclap would likely result in its near-total annihilation.

Yet, despite this dire strait, Eldrin Chen's countenance remained utterly unperturbed, exuding an aura of unshakable composure, as steady as a great mountain.

For at this very moment, the Chaos Mist within him was on the cusp of a qualitative transformation. Even his spiritual power [the cultivated energy used to perform techniques], tempered by this relentless Thunderclap, had advanced another step. He stood a hair's breadth away from the Eleventh Limit Realm.

Suddenly, Eldrin Chen's eyes snapped open. He exhaled a long, measured breath and uttered a single word, "Success."

As his voice faded, 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 both purity and overwhelming dominance.

It surged through Eldrin Chen's body like a cleansing tide. Wherever it passed, the dao patterns [the fundamental laws and principles of reality] of the Innate Thunderclap were utterly refined and transformed into Chaos Origin [the most fundamental source energy of chaos]. In moments, the countless Innate Chaos Thunderclap [the chaotic manifestation of the innate thunderclap technique] within him dissipated into nothingness.

Only after Eldrin Chen had completely refined the internal Chaos Path Rune [a divine rune symbolizing mastery over a path of chaos] did he realize his physical body had ascended to yet another level. Now, even the Innate Chaos Thunderclap could no longer inflict significant harm upon him.

"Such formidable resistance to the Thunderclap [a powerful thunder-based attack]."

Eldrin Chen murmured calmly and immediately began refining the power of the Innate Thunderclap Origin [the primordial source energy of innate thunder].

He continued this process until one day, when Eldrin Chen felt the Thunderclap Origin [the essence of thunder] within his body had reached its absolute peak, he finally let out a slow, measured breath.

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

Eldrin Chen stated plainly as he rose to his feet, his gaze settling upon the Chaos Thunder Pool [a primordial pool brimming with chaotic thunder energies] before him.

After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin Chen activated his Primordial Divine Treasury [a supreme internal realm capable of storing vast energies], which began to inhale and exhale, drawing upon the Chaos Thunder Pool.

A torrent of Innate [primordial, heaven-born] Thunderclap-water surged upwards, completely swallowed by the Primordial Divine Treasury. Once every last drop of the InnateThunderclap-water was consumed, only an empty, cavernous Chaos Thunder Pool remained.

"Whoosh—"

In that very instant, a Great Encompassing [vast and all-encompassing] restriction seal within the Chaos Thunder Pool was triggered and activated.

Almost simultaneously, thousands of rare treasures entwined with Innate Energy [primordial, uncreated energy] shot forth like a meteor shower, flying deep into the Depths of Chaos [the unfathomable, formless void at the heart of primordial chaos].

"The Great Encompassing Secret Treasury [a legendary repository of heaven-defying treasures]."

Eldrin Chen's heart lurched. By pure reflex, he snatched the most radiant object from the air into his grasp. To his astonishment, it was a wisp of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial spiritual radiance embodying the concept of unbreakable durability].

In that fleeting Ksana-time, Eldrin Chen's heart hammered against his ribs. He instantly stored the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light and surged toward the other treasures erupting from the vault.

"Disaster—!"

Simultaneously, not far from the summit of Chaos Violet Phoenix Nest [a perilous mountain peak shrouded in primordial chaos], a group of Seven Tribulations and Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [immortals who have survived seven and eight heavenly tribulations, respectively] were scaling the slopes. They advanced against the Chaos Thunderclap [a storm of chaotic lightning], shielding themselves with Innate Spiritual Treasure [treasures born of the world's primordial essence] and Patriarch Level Divine Ability [supreme mystical techniques], yet each held back a portion of their strength, wary of the others.

The moment they witnessed the eruption of countless Innate [primordial, heaven-born] rays of light, their expressions transformed into masks of alarm. All caution and reservation were instantly discarded.

In that instant, one Innate Great Path [a supreme cultivation law born of primordial chaos] after another manifested across the sky, reaching out to intercept the most dazzling of the Innate Rare Treasure [extremely rare treasures formed from the world's foundational energies].

Figures like Zhuyin of the Dragon Clan and the Thirteenth Imperial Scion of the Golden Crow Clan [a clan descended from divine sun crows] disregarded the cost to their hidden trump cards. With faces pale, they charged toward the mountaintop with desperate speed.

"They are upon us with terrifying swiftness."

By now, Eldrin Chen had only managed to secure two of the radiant treasures. As he reached for a third, a frenzied onslaught of Seven Tribulations and Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal descended upon the peak.

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

This was a damaged Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born from the primordial chaos, possessing immense natural power], seemingly a trophy of the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix and ranked among the top five rarities within the Great Encompassing Secret Treasury. It was an object Eldrin Chen was determined to obtain.

"Traitor! How dare you!"

At that very moment, a furious roar erupted from Zhuyin.

He tore through the void, an Innate Heavenly God Spear in his grasp cleaving the firmament. It pierced through the World-Annihilating Thunderclap with unstoppable force, aimed directly at Eldrin Chen.

"Hmph—"

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

As Zhuyin bore down upon him, Eldrin Chen's expression remained unperturbed. With a mere glance at his assailant, an Ancient Pearl tore open the Chaos Void [the formless, primordial expanse from which all creation emerged]. It carried him away, vanishing into the boundless expanse of thunder.

"Argh! I hate this!"

Watching Eldrin Chen depart, Zhuyin nearly descended into madness. The radiant edge of his Innate Spiritual Treasure spear trembled, unleashing waves of power that shattered the endless Chaos [the primordial, undifferentiated state of existence before order was imposed].

At that very moment, the White-robed Man arrived, cleaving through the void with a folding fan in hand. Surveying the devastated battlefield of the Chaos [the primordial, formless state before creation], he remarked, "I saw it clearly just now. There were four treasures worthy of our attention."

"Two were Incomplete Innate Spiritual Treasure [a treasure born of natural law, not yet fully formed], one was a strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a primordial light embodying the concept of unbreakable durability], and the last was an Innate Spiritual Treasure Embryo [the nascent, unformed core of a treasure born from the cosmos]."

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

Simultaneously, another figure descended through the void, his expression darkening. "A Spatial Attribute [possessing an affinity for the laws of space] Innate Spiritual Treasure is indeed formidable, but it is not unique."

"This place is a Chaos Demon God [a primordial entity born from chaos] Path-Field [a domain where a cultivator's understanding of the Dao manifests]. Even a Spatial Attribute Innate Spiritual Treasure should not be able to pinpoint a location within it. I am curious how he managed to enter."

The Thirteenth Imperial Scion of the Golden Crow Clan also arrived, his gaze profound and distant. "A Spatial Attribute Innate Spiritual Treasure... It seems this Kalpa Tribulation [a cataclysmic cycle marking the end of an era] has produced another intriguing opponent."

"..."

"*Hum—*"

Just as the others were discussing the matter, Eldrin Chen tore through the Chaos skies, emerging within a vast expanse of Boundless Chaos.

Eldrin Chen scanned his surroundings, a slight frown creasing his brow. "The spatial coordinates were off by a significant margin. It appears this Chaos Lair [a den or stronghold within the primordial chaos] indeed possesses the ability to interfere with Spatial Spiritual Treasure [treasures that manipulate the fabric of space]."

With these thoughts in mind, Eldrin Chen retrieved three Spiritual Objects [rare spiritual materials or treasures] from his sleeve, a faint smile gracing his lips.

These three rarities were: a single strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light [a fundamental, unbreakable spiritual light that forms the core of certain supreme treasures], a zither imbued with thirty-three Innate Path Patterns [natural, primordial patterns that grant a treasure its inherent divine abilities], and that Incomplete Ancient Mirror.

Among these three treasures, the Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light needed no explanation. The zither was named the Soaring Immortal Zither [a zither that evokes the image of an immortal ascending to the heavens]. Though it possessed only thirty-three Innate Path Patterns, it contained within it a single strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light, clearly marking it as an Innate Spiritual Treasure Embryo [the nascent, unformed state of a supreme innate spiritual treasure].

Given sufficient opportunity and fortune, this Innate Spiritual Treasure Embryo could fully gestate into a true Innate Spiritual Treasure [a supreme treasure born from the primordial chaos of heaven and earth, possessing innate divine abilities].

"In all my years of cultivation, this is the first time I have laid eyes on a zither-type Spiritual Treasure [a general term for powerful enchanted artifacts]," Eldrin Chen remarked with a note of surprise, before shifting 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 it likely belonged to some Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal [an ancient immortal who has survived eight heavenly tribulations].

However, that Eight Tribulations Ancient Immortal had been slain by the Violet Ultimate Ancient Phoenix [an ancient, supremely powerful phoenix of violet and ultimate essence], the conflict even damaging and fragmenting this treasure.

Though damaged, it remained, after all, an Innate Spiritual Treasure, possessing a complete strand of Innate Indestructibility Spirit Light. If one possessed the artifact-forging skill of a Great Encompassing Rank [the Great Encompassing Realm, a supreme level of cultivation], there might yet be a possibility of restoring it.