Chapter 826 : The Five Elements Divine Thunder Unleashed

"Boom—"

The response was a cataclysmic surge of lightning. Eldrin Chen continuously channeled his Lifebound Divine Ability, the Five Elements Divine Thunder, unleashing strike after brilliant, earth-sundering bolt of divine thunder.

By this point, Eldrin Chen's Mana [the spiritual energy cultivated and wielded by practitioners] had grown immensely profound, and his comprehension of the five elemental divine thunders had reached an exceedingly advanced realm.

Even a single type of these thunders—be it the Fire-Sun Divine Thunder, the Metallic Essence Thunder, or the Earth-Fortress Thunder—now possessed power rivaling that of a Great Divine Ability [a supreme-level mystical technique]. Bolstered by his formidable Mana, their might far surpassed the ordinary.

Most crucially, this Five Elements Divine Thunder was a Lifebound Divine Ability [a mystical ability intrinsically linked to one's life force and cultivation base], consuming only thirty percent of the Mana required by a divine ability of equivalent rank. Furthermore, enhanced by the Five Elements Divine Thunder Grand Cycle [the grand cyclical synergy of the five elemental thunders], his Mana expenditure was reduced by another fifty percent.

Thus, unleashing a technique of Great Divine Ability caliber consumed even less Mana than a common spell. This allowed Eldrin Chen to relentlessly bombard his foe with the Five Elements Divine Thunder.

For a time, an unending cascade of Five-Colored Divine Thunder bolts rained down, a continuous, devastating assault upon Kumarajiva the Divine Monk.

Initially, Kumarajiva the Divine Monk paid it little heed. He cultivated the Pure Yang Divine Ability known as the Arhat Golden Body [the Vajra-Indestructible Body of an Arhat], a physique of diamond-like, imperishable fortitude. Not even a Pure Yang Spiritual Treasure [a supreme-grade enchanted artifact of pure Yang energy] could harm him, let mere thunder techniques of Great Divine Ability rank.

Yet, after mere moments of this exchange, Kumarajiva the Divine Monk finally sensed something amiss. The Five Elements Divine Thunder fell without cease, hundreds upon thousands of bolts striking in the span of a few breaths.

Although the Arhat Golden Body was Vajra-indestructible, it too had its limits. Especially as his reserves of Buddhist Mana were severely depleted, the endless divine thunder caused his radiant golden form to flicker and tremble violently. For uninterrupted reading, go to audio‑novel.com.

"This child's Divine Ability seems to consume Mana [the spiritual energy used to power techniques] exceedingly little. Continuing to fight like this would likely put us at a disadvantage."

Kumarajiva the Divine Monk proved worthy of being a Buddhist Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator], discerning the unfavorable situation with a single glance.

With a furious roar, his six arms erupted with dazzling golden light, each grasping one of four supreme Buddhist treasures: a 'Ruler', a 'Demon-Subduing Pestle', a 'Wheel Treasure', and a 'Vajra Bell'.

"Be careful!"

The moment Eldrin Chen saw these four treasures, his pupils contracted sharply, and he immediately called out a warning.

This Kumarajiva the Divine Monk was one of the two Nascent Soul Ancient Ancestor [a cultivator who has formed their spiritual infant, a supreme level of power] of the Buddhist Vajra Temple. Although his cultivation was only at the Primordial Spirit, Early Stage, all four of these treasures in his hands were actually Pure Yang [imbued with the purest, most potent Yang energy] Buddhist artifacts.

This greatly exceeded Eldrin Chen's expectations. The Western Pole region was notoriously impoverished; how could a mere Primordial Spirit, Early Stage cultivator possess four Pure Yang Spiritual Treasure [a treasure of the highest grade, infused with pure Yang essence]?

The only plausible explanation was that the Vajra Temple imposed extremely harsh demands on the Immortal Clan [a clan with a long lineage of cultivators] and believers under its command, likely extracting exorbitant tributes and taxes.

The Western Pole was a land of profound hardship. Judging by the fact that Kumarajiva the Divine Monk could refine four Pure Yang Buddhist treasures, the Human Race living under the Vajra Temple's rule likely endured a miserable existence.

As if noticing the shift in Eldrin Chen's expression, Kumarajiva the Divine Monk sneered coldly, "I know what you are thinking. What does the poverty of the Western Pole have to do with this venerable one?"

"With the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm imminent, the hundreds of millions of the Human Race under the aegis of the Vajra Temple rely solely upon this venerable one for protection. Demanding a few more tributes is but a trifling matter."

"So long as this venerable one can hold back the Demonic Tribulation, what does it matter if the common folk of this world suffer a little?"

As the petals fell around him, Kumarajiva the Divine Monk raised his hands. The two supreme Buddhist treasures, the 'Ruler' and the 'Demon-Subduing Pestle' [a powerful ritual pestle used to vanquish evil spirits], materialized in the air and descended with crushing force.

"Hmph—"

Eldrin Chen saw no point in further debate. He immediately summoned the Heavenly River Flood Water Sword to clash against the Demon-Subduing Pestle.

Beside him, Verdant Consort acted in unison. She unleashed the Azure Dragon Stirring the Sea Sword, its blade arcing through the air to intercept the Buddhist treasure, the Ruler.

"You possess some skill."

Seeing that his two offensive treasures could not subdue the trio, Kumarajiva the Divine Monk immediately shook the Vajra Bell [a ritual bell symbolizing the indestructible truth of the Buddha's teachings].

In an instant, the Vajra Bell erupted with overwhelming Buddhist radiance. Waves of majestic, divine sound reverberated through heaven and earth, causing the combatants to feel the world spin and their very souls [the spiritual essence of a being] threaten to tear free from their bodies.

"Be careful!"

Fortunately, Eldrin Chen possessed a Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] of immense and profound power, granting him formidable resistance against such soul-based assaults. He immediately manifested the Twofold Divine Aegis, transforming it into a towering curtain of light that shielded his companions.

"Strike!"

Seizing the fleeting opportunity, Kumarajiva the Divine Monk hurled forth his precious Buddhist wheel [a discus-like ritual object and weapon], sending it crashing towards them.

In the span of a single breath, Lyra Jiang had also regained her composure. She instantly conjured a suit of tri-colored glazed armor to envelop the group, successfully parrying the incoming Buddhist treasure.

"Cleave!"

Having nearly suffered a grievous blow, Verdant Consort and Lila retaliated without hesitation. The Azure Dragon Stirring the Sea Sword and the Frost Soul Chilling Radiance Sword unleashed their full, devastating cutting edge, their combined assault finally forcing Kumarajiva the Divine Monk onto the defensive. The complete novel can be found at @udio-novel.com.

In all fairness, Kumarajiva the Divine Monk was no weak opponent. Having cultivated a Pure Yang Grade Arhat Golden Body [an indestructible physical form achieved by high-level Buddhist cultivators] and wielding four supreme Buddhist treasures, his strength ranked among the pinnacle of Nascent Soul, Early Stage experts.

Yet, his four adversaries were far from ordinary. Between them, they possessed no fewer than four Innate Pure Yang Spiritual Treasure [naturally formed treasures of the highest purity and power], alongside three other supreme artifacts: the Void-Suppressing Vase, the Glazed Armor of the Three Treasures, and the Green Abyss Sword. This formidable arsenal did not even include the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss.

With such overwhelming might, they could not only contend with a Primordial Spirit, Early Stage expert but could also put up a fight against a weaker opponent at the Primordial Spirit, Mid Stage level.

Now that Kumarajiva the Divine Monk's ambush had failed, he found himself swiftly overwhelmed and forced into a disadvantageous position under the relentless onslaught of the four.

"How can these four be so formidable?"

After dozens more exchanges, Kumarajiva the Divine Monk finally understood that he could not overcome the individuals before him.

The crux of the matter was that the four were immensely powerful; he was no longer a match for them. To fight to the death now would likely result in a severe setback, so he could only tear through the void and depart with bitter resentment.

As he left, his expression was icy, and he delivered a parting threat: "Your methods are impressive. This old monk has learned a lesson today. I shall seek another opportunity to test you in the future."

Watching Kumarajiva the Divine Monk depart, Eldrin Chen's expression turned slightly cold, yet he did not give chase.

An existence of the Nascent Soul Grade [the realm of the Nascent Soul, a powerful spiritual entity] could not be slain unless suppressed by a Spatial Spiritual Treasure [a rare treasure capable of locking down space].

It was Lila whose delicate face turned cold, her eyes glinting with frost as she said, "That Kumarajiva the Divine Monk is so overbearing. I fear he will scheme against us in the days to come."

"So long as he does not come to the Western Pole Eternal Sands Domain, he will have no opportunity."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, his expression calm as he spoke.

Within the current Purple Realm, the Human Race Demi-Immortal Ancient Ancestor [the most powerful human cultivators, one step below true immortality] were still open-minded enough. They would never stand idly by during internal strife at a critical juncture, especially not when it targeted a potential Immortal [a being who has ascended to true immortality] seed like Eldrin Chen.

With this thought, Lyra Jiang also nodded and said directly, "To avoid further complications, we should not linger here. Let us return."

"Agreed…"

Having repelled the formidable foe, Eldrin Chen immediately set out once more. Before long, they arrived at the Central Ancestral Domain via the Teleportation Formation.

Within the Ancient Sword Lake Domain, the group paid another visit to the Zhang Immortal Clan. This time, they successfully obtained the Nascent Soul Pill [a legendary elixir that aids in the breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Realm].

After securing the Nascent Soul Pill, they immediately headed for the Myriad Ruins Continent and soon returned to its lands.

Upon returning to Spirit Isle Lake, Eldrin Chen handed the Nascent Soul Pill to Yvonne the Violet Consort and inquired, "When do you plan to attempt your breakthrough into the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a higher state of being]?"

"With the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a prophesied great calamity involving the demonic realms] imminent, I believe the sooner I break through, the better."

As Yvonne the Violet Consort spoke these words, a grave solemnity settled upon her features.

Though her talent was peerless and she had inherited the legacy of a Nascent Soul Dao Lord, shattering the barrier to the Primordial Spirit Realm was no simple feat.

Strictly speaking, this was not the optimal moment for her to beckon her Heavenly Soul [the celestial aspect of one's spirit, tied to destiny and ascension]. Yet, she remained resolute in her decision to break through before the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm descended. The complete novel can be found at site: audio-novel.com.