Chapter 2166 : Ninth Divine Form - Primordial Bell
Suppressing the Sky Monument Elder who was about to make a move, Eldrin led the group forward.
In the days that followed, the group continued their ascent up the mountain, gathering no small number of rare treasures along the way.
However, compared to the other major forces contending against 1 another, they had relinquished numerous rare treasures, and thus failed to acquire another top-grade Chaos Treasure.
Thus, as time flowed on, they found themselves, without even realizing it, with only the final half of the journey remaining to the summit of the Primordial Divine Mountain.
"The summit is almost within reach."
Seeing the summit was not far off, a faint smile finally touched Eldrin's lips.
The pressure at this location was at least 10 times greater than at the mountain's base. Many of the ordinary Half-Step Wuji cultivators present had already exhausted over half of their magical power, their combat effectiveness likely reduced to merely 60 or 70 percent of its peak.
Even a top-tier Half-Step Wuji expert would likely have exhausted over half of their mana reserves. Only a peerless Supreme Sovereign could maintain peak combat prowess, yet even they would have expended a significant portion of their spiritual energy.
Only those with foundations like Eldrin and cultivators who had attained the Supreme Immortal Realm such as Seraphina Qu saw little change in their combat prowess, for they lacked no spiritual power whatsoever.
Clang—
Just then, a majestic bell toll suddenly erupted from the mountain peak.
The toll of the bell reverberated with deafening force, transforming into ripples of the Great Dao that swept across the 8 directions, as if pressing the vast ocean of the primordial Dao beneath all living beings.
All the Supreme Elders present underwent a drastic change in complexion. Even Eldrin’s expression darkened slightly, revealing an unprecedented gravity.
The sound of the Chaos Ancient Bell.
Eldrin's expression shifted slightly. He gave a nod to the companions beside him, then immediately headed toward the mountain peak.
Meanwhile, the other major forces were also ecstatic, immediately sparing no cost to rush toward the mountain peak.
This time, their journey did not last long. After traversing a boundless expanse of majestic pressure and clashing forces, they finally reached the summit of the Primordial Divine Mountain.
"Is this the peak of the Primordial Divine Mountain?"
The instant he set foot upon the summit of the primordial divine mountain, Eldrin swept his gaze across the 8 directions and immediately detected numerous supreme auras ascending toward the heavens.
Led by peerless supremes from the Neutral Faction, Guardian Faction, and Radical Faction, over a 100 Half-Step Wuji experts arrived 1 after another, each ascending to the summit of the Primordial Divine Mountain.
However, this time, the number of supreme experts who reached the summit had dwindled significantly. Apart from Eldrin's lineage, only about 150 individuals remained. It was evident that the major factions had suffered considerable losses during the earlier conflicts on the mountainside.
The casualties were mostly ordinary Half-Step Wuji cultivators.
However, this was within expectations. These ordinary Half-Step Wuji forces were already slightly inferior to begin with, and during their ascent, they had to directly confront the pressure while engaging others in combat.
Having expended a vast amount of spiritual power, being eliminated from the competition was well within expectations.
In contrast, Eldrin's faction consistently yielded when faced with rare treasures, thoroughly demonstrating the inherent weakness of rogue cultivators—yet this very approach allowed them to preserve over 90 percent of their strength.
"What dense Primordial Violet Mist."
At that very moment, someone gasped in astonishment.
Eldrin gazed toward the center of the mountain peak, where the vast summit of the primordial divine mountain was shrouded in intensely dense chaos purple mist.
And through the hazy violet mist, they could vaguely discern numerous immortal herbs rooted upon the mountain peak.
"Within the Primordial Violet Mist lies the opportunity to attain the status of a Dao Sovereign."
Eldrin spoke slowly, a trace of solemnity flickering across his expression.
He had a feeling that within the vast expanse of primordial violet mist, there were likely no shortage of opportunities at the level of superior-grade Chaos Marvels.
Without the slightest hesitation, the group charged into the purple mist.
Before long after stepping through the violet mist, Eldrin encountered numerous Chaos Treasures, among which were even those of premium grade. Naturally, their gains were substantial.
With the treasure-seeking mouse leading the way, they soon traversed the Primordial Violet Mist and arrived at a place teeming with immortal herbs.
This was a blessed land interwoven with countless threads of primordial violet qi, where thousands of divine herbs grew—the lowest among them being lower-grade Chaos Spirit Treasures.
Even a divine herb at the level of a top-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure was among them—precisely the Body Refining lineage's supreme treasure, the Peerless Mystic Fruit, whose value could be described as defying the heavens.
"What a fine treasure."
Cang Zu’s face lit up with delight, and he was just about to make his move to seize it when a wave of perilous aura surged toward him.
Eldrin's brow furrowed with icy tension, his expression grave as he peered into the depths of the Primordial Purple Mist. From within its swirling depths emerged a host of silhouettes.
The leader was none other than the Son of Annihilation, the True King of Destruction, and other peerless supreme beings—clearly, these were all members of the radical faction obstructing the Dao.
"Trash of the 7 Domains Alliance, surrender the treasure and scram at once."
The True Monarch of Destruction spoke, a trace of disdain flickering in his pupils.
"Those lunatics from the Path-Blocker Sect."
The moment they saw the newcomer, the Elder of the Celestial Stele and the others felt a chill in their pupils, stirring a surge of overwhelming battle intent.
Just as the confrontation between both sides grew tense, Eldrin suddenly looked up toward another direction. Dozens of figures were approaching leisurely—the prodigies from neutral factions, including the Tear-Soaked Blood Demon Venerable.
In an instant, the 3 factions stood in opposition, locked in an invisible stalemate.
Just then, Eldrin (Person Name) suddenly spoke with an unnerving calm, "Since you desire them, these treasures shall be yours."
As the words fell, Eldrin (Person Name) swept his sleeve abruptly, hurling the entire Limitless Divine Herb (Magical Herb) toward the True Monarch of Annihilation (Cultivation Title).
The treasure was delivered right before his eyes, and the Destruction True King naturally did not hesitate to claim it, directly taking possession of this Primal Chaos Divine Herb.
"How dare you!"
In the blink of an eye, everyone present wore expressions of thunderous fury.
Instantly, the prodigies from both sides were enraged. Tearblood Demon Lord (Person Name), Child-Extinguisher (Person Name), and others charged toward the Annihilation True King (Person Name).
Go—
Seizing the opportunity, Eldrin immediately led his companions away from the battlefield.
Having retreated far beyond the battleground, the Elder of the Celestial Stele finally spoke with unwilling resentment, "Are we truly giving up just like that?"
"If we don't step aside, they won't completely tear off the mask of civility."
Eldrin (Person Name) spoke slowly, a trace of chill coloring his expression.
In 2 consecutive strokes of fortune, the True Monarch of Destruction obtained 2 Polar Zenith Divine Medicines—a death warrant delivered to him by Eldrin.
2 peaches slain 3 warriors—a stratagem that has endured for millennia.
Throughout the major factions, peerless supreme experts were hardly rare—figures like the Annihilation Prince and the Weeping Blood Demonic Sovereign were formidable indeed. Yet while all others returned empty-handed, how did the True Monarch of Ruin manage to obtain not 1, but 2 Supreme Divine Herbs of Limitless Purity?
Had it been Eldrin (Person Name), he might have offered a stalk of the Limitless Divine Herb (Magical Herb) to the Annihilation Child (Cultivator Title) and the Weeping Blood Demon Venerable (Cultivator Title). Yet the selfishness and treachery of the Path-Severing Sect (Sect Name) would never permit them to relinquish even 1—let alone 2—stalks of the Limitless Divine Herb (Magical Herb).
Moreover, with 2 stalks of Limitless Divine Herb, 3 Imperial Scions, and 30 supreme Venerables, there likely wouldn't be enough to go around.
Not to mention, the Inorganic Mystic Fruit was of paramount importance to the True Monarch of Annihilation. With its assistance, he could potentially cultivate a Half-Step Limitless Body and establish a dual-sovereign foundation in 1 fell swoop.
He must be the True Monarch of Annihilation, destined to surpass Monarchs and all others present, ascending as the peerless paramount sovereign of this gathering.
Thus, the Lord of Annihilation would never be willing to abandon these 2 stalks of Wuji Divine Herbs.
Of course, the key to Eldrin's successful scheme lay in his willingness to part with these 2 Pinnacle Divine Herbs—a decision few would have the resolve to make.
"Let us depart. There is no need for us to engage in conflict with them."
Eldrin spoke as he continued forward.
They continued to explore the mountain peak, acquiring a vast quantity of rare treasures once more. After what felt like an eternity, Eldrin suddenly sensed a powerful aura tearing through the sky, heading directly toward his location.
And behind that aura, a group of extremely powerful auras came chasing after it.
"It's him."
Eldrin looked up and saw the True Monarch of Destruction drenched in blood, clearly having suffered devastating injuries. Over 70 to 80 percent of his strength had already been drained. A cold sneer instantly crept across Eldrin’s face.
In the blink of an eye, he unleashed his attack—wielding the Chaos Heavenly Halberd to pierce through the firmament, driving it straight toward the Annihilation True Monarch.
"How dare you!"
The True Monarch of Destruction roared in fury, instantly summoning his divine weapon, the Celestial Spear, to block with all his might. Yet, in the blink of an eye, the strike pierced straight through his brow.
With but a single strike, the Divine Soul of the True Monarch of Annihilation was utterly extinguished, slain upon the Empyrean Void.
Go—
After slaying the Destruction True Monarch, Eldrin swiftly gathered his remains and without the slightest hesitation vanished from the location with his companions.
By the time Bloodweep Demon Venerable and his followers arrived at the scene, all they found was a lingering scar of annihilation, utterly baffled by what had transpired.
"Hiss—"
After slaying the Destruction True Monarch, the elders of the Celestial Stele all turned their gazes toward Eldrin, their faces brimming with disbelief.
They never could have imagined that even with the apocalypse-level power of the True King of Annihilation, he couldn't withstand a single move from Eldrin (Person Name). This was utterly inconceivable to them.
To this, Eldrin remained remarkably composed and said calmly, "The True Monarch of Destruction has been severely wounded, with his power reduced to merely 40 or 50 percent of its peak. Had he been at full strength, even I would have needed to exert considerable effort to deal with him."
Upon hearing this, the crowd's expressions grew even more astonished.
From what Eldrin (Person Name) implied, even at the peak of his power, the Destruction True Monarch would only require some effort on his part to be dealt with.
It must be known that the True Monarch of Annihilation ranked second on the Peerless Supreme Leaderboard. Yet such a formidable figure merely required Eldrin (Person Name) to expend some additional effort—a truth that felt utterly inconceivable.
"Not bad at all."
Of course, Eldrin paid no mind to the astonishment of the crowd.
As he led the group forward, he began taking stock of the Destroyer Monarch's treasures, an involuntary smile gracing his lips.
It must be admitted that the treasures in the hands of the True Monarch of Annihilation were truly extraordinary—not only a top-grade Chaos Spiritual Artifact, the Heaven-Piercing Halberd, but also an ultimate divine herb, the Eternal Flower.
The Eternal Blossom is a supreme divine herb, said to be a transcendent immortal medicine of the Wuji level. However, due to its rather obscure nature, ordinary Half-Step Wuji cultivators are unable to utilize it.
Otherwise, the True Monarch of Annihilation would likely use this opportunity to advance his cultivation, becoming a rather troublesome opponent.
Of course, aside from these 2 divine artifacts, Eldrin had also discovered the Wuji Flower and the Wuji Mystic Fruit.
Returning to its rightful owner, these 2 Supreme Divine Herbs remained completely unchanged, exactly as they had been when he entrusted them to the True Monarch of Annihilation.
"Having dealt with the Destruction True Monarch, the Destruction Sovereign lineage must have suffered heavy losses. Mieshi Zi and his followers have likely incurred significant damage as well. The coming situation should be more manageable now."
Eldrin murmured inwardly, then pressed onward in constant exploration until he arrived before an immortal pond.
It was a vast primordial immortal pool, enveloped by the imprints of boundless primordial laws and emanating a hazy violet mist.
Through the hazy Primordial Violet Mist, Eldrin faintly discerned dozens of Primordial Beginning Auras swirling in this place, with numerous Chaos Divine Artifacts floating and sinking within.
And above this Primordial Immortal Pond, in the boundless and magnificent expanse of the void, where endless purple mists enshrouded the firmament, a vague silhouette of an ancient bell stood firm between heaven and earth.
"It's the Chaos Bell — a Chaos Supreme Treasure!"
In an instant, cries of alarm echoed from the distance.
Eldrin looked up and saw that numerous powerful experts had gathered here, all gazing with rapturous expressions at the Chaos Bell.
Chaos Bell.
Eldrin’s gaze flickered slightly at the sight of the Chaos Bell, a faint trace of desire flashing in his eyes.
The Chaos Bell was an object he must obtain on this journey, and the key to his breakthrough as the Soul Dao Sovereign and the Wuji Dominator.
Yet in the next instant, he suppressed the impulse and refrained from becoming the first to strike, resisting the urge to seize the Chaos Bell before him.
For the Bell of Chaos was a Chaos Supreme Treasure, and such artifacts were not meant to be touched by ordinary individuals. Generally, 1 would require at least a Primordial Unity-level cultivation base to even attempt refining it.
Although Eldrin (Person Name) had attained quasi-sovereign level power, refining it would still require immense time and effort. Unless he could defeat everyone present, seizing the Chaos Bell now would make him the target of all.
It was precisely for this reason that the Chaos Sovereigns beyond felt no concern, allowing them to venture forth and contend for the Chaos Bell.
For in the eyes of the Sovereigns beyond, no matter who obtained the Chaos Bell, none could refine it. In the end, the possessor would have no choice but to surrender this treasure to them in exchange for the chance to break through to the Sovereign realm.
Not only them, but even the Overlords of the Path-Obstructing Radical Faction had promised that upon obtaining this Chaos Bell, they would grant their disciples a single opportunity to break through to the Overlord realm.
Even the radical faction's Destruction Master and others promised that whoever could obtain the Chaos Bell and present it to their radical faction's master would be granted 1 opportunity to break through to the Master realm.
"It truly is the Chaos Bell. This is a heaven-sent opportunity."
Seeing the Chaos Bell right before their eyes, someone in the crowd could no longer restrain themselves.
The 2 Half-Step Infinity experts instantly soared into the air, madly charging toward the Chaos Bell in a desperate bid to seize it.
Clang—
Yet in that very instant, the Chaos Bell high above in the firmament trembled violently, unleashing a ripple of the Great Dao capable of erasing all existence.
In an instant, the vast heavens were torn asunder, and 2 Half-Step Wuji experts were instantly obliterated—their physical forms and primordial spirits annihilated without a trace.
"Hiss—"
In an instant, everyone drew a sharp, cold breath.
Only true masters could reach this place, and these 2 were among the rarest experts at the Half-Step Limitless realm. Yet they had their souls scattered to the winds after merely a single encounter.
Such a near-total annihilation would likely require hundreds of millions of kalpas to achieve revival.
"A Chaos Supreme Treasure shall not be disgraced."
At that very moment, a majestic voice resonated from the heavens above.
The Primordial Chaos Bell slowly rotated before finally speaking, "To earn my favor, you must pass 3 trials I have set."
"3 Trials?"
The assembled crowd exchanged glances, each face revealing a trace of solemnity.
At that very moment, the Tearful Blood Demon Lord could no longer restrain himself. He stepped forward and inquired with utmost reverence, "May I ask, Senior, what are these 3 trials of tribulation?"
"Potential Gate, Dao Heart Gate, Combat Prowess Gate…"
The Bell of Chaos began to narrate in detail, explaining the Trial of 3 Perspectives to everyone.
At that very moment, Eldrin rose to his feet and glanced toward Seraphina Qu and the others. "Let us depart," he said.
"Are we not taking the trial anymore?"
The Elder of the Celestial Stele was somewhat perplexed, asking with a trace of unwillingness in his tone.
Eldrin shook his head and transmitted his voice calmly, "Trials have always been designed for the weak. Who dares to test those who truly wield power?"
With those final words, Eldrin strode directly forward, stepping across the vast expanse to the edge of the Primordial Immortal Pond. He retrieved a stone engraved with primordial power from its depths, then turned and vanished into the Hongmeng Violet Mist.
As Eldrin and the others emerged from the Primordial Violet Mist of the Primal Immortal Pond, many onlookers showed astonishment, yet their expressions soon shifted to understanding.
The Heaven-Swallowing Celestial Sovereign let out a cold sneer before speaking, "Those who recognize their own inadequacy and lack the qualifications to claim a Chaos Supreme Treasure have voluntarily withdrawn from the trial."
"This was well within expectations."
The Myriad Crows Sovereign nodded slightly and spoke calmly, "Though we cannot obtain the Chaos Supreme Treasure, preserving our time to plunder the remaining treasures within the Primordial Violet Mist is indeed a favorable alternative."
"That is a fair point," the Primordial Whale Sovereign nodded, yet his tone turned icy. "However, this means the celestial treasures and divine artifacts atop the peak may very well fall into their hands first."
The Weeping Blood Demon Lord let out a derisive sneer before speaking, "No matter. Once we obtain the Chaos Supreme Treasure, it will not be too late to deal with these rogue cultivators."
Just as the rest of the crowd began to participate in the trial, Eldrin stepped directly into the Primordial Violet Mist.
He found a secluded spot for secluded cultivation, then turned to the companions beside him and declared, "I am ready to enter seclusion for cultivation. Prepare to guard my practice."
Everyone nodded in agreement upon hearing this, and immediately set up a grand formation for Eldrin.
Seeing this, Eldrin retrieved a stone brimming with primordial energy. Known as the Primordial Stone, it was a low-grade Chaos Spiritual Treasure—an object barely noteworthy to those at the half-step Boundless realm.
Therefore, when Eldrin took the stone, those peerless supremes paid it no mind and thus did not stop him from claiming it.
However, for Eldrin, this object was the key treasure to cultivating the Primordial Divine Form.
For within this stone slab was etched the Primordial Dao left behind by the Primordial Sovereign upon his nirvana. It was the most primordial of objects, supremely suited for comprehending the Primordial Dao and perfect for cultivating the Primordial Divine Form.
Eldrin had chosen to forgo the 3 Trials primarily to refine this Primordial Stone.
With Eldrin's current cultivation and mastery, his comprehension of the Primordial Stone was already exceptionally swift. Bolstered by the 3-100-fold temporal acceleration, his progress could only be described as heaven-defyingly rapid.
In but a short while, he had grasped the primordial Great Dao within and cultivated it to the realm of a Great Emperor.
Building upon this foundation, he cultivated the Primordial Divine Runes, ultimately refining the Primordial Divine Stone completely and achieving the ultimate divine form—the Primordial Ancient Bell.
This primordial ancient bell possessed boundless miraculous functions, being the most primitive ultimate divine form. It held the profound mystery of evolving the 2 Poles of Yin and Yang, the 3 Powers, the 4 Symbols, the 5 Elements, the 6 Harmonies, the 7 Stars, the 8 Trigrams, the 9 Palaces, and ultimately all 10 1000 dao.
It is the primordial form of all phenomena, capable of comprehensively enhancing every foundation of Eldrin (Person Name), and also possesses the supreme wonder of infinite transformations.
Chapter 1 The biting northern wind swept across the mountain peaks, carrying with it flurries of snow that danced in the air. Lin Xuan stood at the edge of the cliff, his white robes fluttering violently in the gale. His gaze was fixed upon the distant horizon, where rolling thunderclouds gathered with ominous intent. "After 1 100 years of secluded cultivation," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper yet carrying the weight of centuries, "the Heavenly Tribulation finally approaches." Deep within his dantian, spiritual energy swirled like a awakening dragon. He could feel the familiar thrum of power coursing through his meridians, a sensation he had cultivated for over 3 1000 years. Today marked the final bottleneck—the transition from the Great Perfection Stage of Nascent Soul to the legendary Soul Transformation Realm. A spatial ring on his finger glowed faintly as he retrieved a jade bottle. Within it rested 3 Heavenly Marrow Pills, each capable of restoring 30 percent of a cultivator's spiritual power instantly. These priceless treasures had cost him nearly 50 1000 spirit stones at the last auction in the Southern Flame Kingdom. "Master," a youthful voice called from behind. Lin Xuan didn't turn. "Xiao Yan, have you prepared the formation?" "All 9 formation flags have been placed according to your instructions," the young disciple replied, his voice trembling slightly. "The Grand 9 Palaces Protection Array is ready to activate." Nodding, Lin Xuan's eyes never left the gathering storm. The tribulation lightning would strike soon. He remembered the ancient texts warning that only 1 in 10 1000 cultivators successfully passed the Heavenly Tribulation. Countless prodigies had turned to ashes under the heavenly punishment throughout the ages. The first bolt descended with world-shattering force, a brilliant purple arc that seemed to tear the very fabric of space. Lin Xuan's hands moved in complex seals, summoning the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss. The legendary magic treasure erupted in crimson flames, meeting the heavenly lightning head-on. For 20-some exchanges, man and nature battled. The mountain peaks around them crumbled under the residual energy, yet Lin Xuan stood firm. His spiritual power was depleting rapidly—he had already consumed 2 Heavenly Marrow Pills. "Now!" he shouted as the final and most powerful lightning bolt gathered above. Taking a deep breath, he produced a shimmering golden talisman—the last gift from his master before her ascension. The Divine Intervention Talisman could withstand a full-powered strike from a Soul Transformation expert, but would it be enough against the heavenly wrath? The world turned white as lightning and golden light collided. When the brilliance faded, Lin Xuan remained standing, though blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. The dark clouds began to disperse, and a ray of heavenly light descended upon him. He had succeeded. A profound transformation occurred within his body as his Nascent Soul began its metamorphosis. The surrounding spiritual energy rushed toward him like rivers returning to the sea. "Master, your cultivation..." Xiao Yan stared in awe. Lin Xuan smiled faintly. "The path of cultivation knows no bounds. Today, I have merely taken another step forward." Yet in his heart, he knew this was only the beginning. The ancient prophecy mentioned in the Celestial Tome of Fate foretold of a great calamity approaching the cultivation world. As a newly advanced Soul Transformation expert, heavier responsibilities awaited him. But for now, he would enjoy this hard-won breakthrough. After all, he had waited for this moment for over a 100 years.