Chapter 888. Oath of Samsara

"What of the heavenly tribulation?"

The black dragon, however, remained utterly composed, merely gazing calmly at the Lord of the Endless Sky Pavilion before suddenly asking, "Do you know how many years it has been since I, this venerable 1, broke through to the Nascent Soul stage?"

"Approximately..." The master of the Endless Sky Pavilion calculated with his fingers before speaking, "It has been about 36,000 years."

"Yes, it has been 30-6 1000 years."

The Black Dragon whispered, then suddenly burst into roaring laughter. "30-6 1000 years! It has been 30-6 1000 years!"

"For these 30-6 1000 years, this venerable 1 has been trapped within the vast misty marshes, trembling with fear day and night, terrified of provoking the Demigod Ancestor (Cultivation Realm) and suffering calamity."

At this point, tears welled in the Black Dragon Demonic Ancestor's eyes, accompanied by overwhelming hatred: "Even having now reached the peak of the ninth level of the Nascent Soul realm, standing at the absolute zenith of Nascent Soul cultivators in this world—"

Yet he remained unable to fully unleash his potential, confined day after day within the vast misty marshes, not daring to overstep even slightly.

"In the eyes of you humans, this venerable 1 is but a mere insect. Were it not for preserving this old man to combat the Eldritch Demons Beyond the Heavens, you might have long since slain me!"

The Black Dragon Demonic Ancestor spoke with immense fervor, his face twisted into a savage snarl as he declared, "But do you not know that I am no mere insect—I am a True Dragon of the 9 Heavens?"

"Hahaha..."

The Black Dragon Demon Ancestor grew increasingly agitated, letting out a maniacal laugh of utter delirium.

30-6 1000 years of painstaking cultivation, 30-6 1000 years of silent endurance—until this very moment, Hei Long Yao Zu had finally seized the perfect opportunity.

His gaze was fixed deathly upon the Master of the Skyreach Pavilion, a look of utter madness spreading across his face as he declared, "I am the 9-Heaven Celestial Dragon, who has willingly remained trapped in these shallow marshes for tens of thousands of years, all for the sake of ascending to immortality in the days to come!"

"On this path, all who dare obstruct my Dao attainment shall perish!"

The Black Dragon Demonic Ancestor wore a frenzied expression. With the human Demigod Ancestor’s fate now unknown, and only 1 Ninth-Level Spirit remaining before his eyes, he was virtually invincible in this realm.

At this very moment, the heartfelt words he had suppressed for tens of thousands of years finally poured forth, bringing with them an indescribable sense of liberation.

"Alas!"

The Lord of the Endless Sky Pavilion let out a sigh, gazing at the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor as he asked, "In the past, our human Demi-immortal forced you to swear a Cycle Reincarnation Oath, binding you to stand with our kind against the Heavenly Demons."

"Doing this today, do you truly not fear the torment of reincarnation in the days to come?"

At this moment, the master of the Edge of Heaven Pavilion was deeply perplexed.

For cultivators above the Nascent Soul realm, even if they perish completely in battle and later enter the cycle of reincarnation, they can seal away their memories. Should they ever reawaken in the future, they may reclaim the memories of their past lives.

However, should 1 violate the Oath of Reincarnation, even upon entering the Netherworld, they would be rejected by the unseen laws of samsara, forever losing the possibility of reincarnation.

The Black Dragon Ancestor's actions had already violated the Great Oath of Reincarnation, placing him irrevocably on a path of no return. This left the master of Tianya Haige utterly perplexed.

Cycle of Reincarnation Oath!

Hearing the words of the Lord of the Endless Sky Pavilion, the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor's expression faltered for a moment before revealing unwavering determination.

His face was a mask of overwhelming killing intent as he declared with absolute resolve, “This Sovereign believes not in reincarnation, much less in an afterlife!”

"I believe only in this present life. In this existence, I vow to attain immortality. If I cannot ascend as an immortal, what does it matter even if my soul turns to ashes and my name is forgotten?"

The Lord of the Endless Sky Pavilion was somewhat astonished, unable to help but regard the Black Dragon with newfound respect. "It seems our human predecessors truly underestimated you," he remarked.

"You humans, when have any of you ever looked upon this sovereign with respect?"

The Black Dragon Demonic Ancestor sneered coldly as he drew an immortal sword forged from black scales. "This blade is named the Scale-Reversed Immortal-Slaying Sword. To die by its edge is an honor worthy of your existence."

"Be my guest!"

The master of the Endless Sky Pavilion spoke, and a resplendent sword hymn rang out as the Sky's End and Sea's Edge twin blades traversed the void.

In that fleeting moment of a lightning flash and flint spark, an unimaginably fierce battle erupted with earth-shattering force.

Within the Demonic Sea, the moment the grand formation shattered, a great battle erupted.

Eldrin took the lead, unleashing the Heaven-Sundering Twin Swords to weave through the void in an instant, striking directly at the Lord of Desire Demons.

Among the 2 Primordial Spirit, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) heavenly demons, the Lord of Desire Demons possessed a cultivation base of only the seventh level of the Primordial Spirit realm. He was fairly confident of securing victory.

The 3-Eyed Divine Clan possessed extraordinary innate talents, and with cultivation as high as the Eighth Level of the Nascent Soul Realm, Eldrin felt uncertain about his ability to slay them.

As the saying goes, it is better to cut off 1 finger than to injure 10. At this moment, Eldrin aimed to swiftly slay the Lord of Desire Demons, a Primordial Spirit, Late Stage cultivator, in order to shatter the deadlock in 1 decisive move.

On the other side, the 3-Eyed Divine Clan member possessed even greater combat prowess. Neither the Glaze Ice Demon Ancestor nor Dorian (Person Name) could match him alone. Fortunately, after joining forces and coordinating with the Immortal Refining Furnace (Magic Treasure), they managed to gain a slight upper hand.

"This humble maiden only wishes to spend a spring night with you, young master. Why must you spoil such romantic sentiments?"

The Lord of Desire Demons watched Eldrin charging toward him, and a bewitching smile instantly graced his lips as he spoke.

No sooner had her words faded than she withdrew, and several corrupted soul cultivators of the Fallen Spirit advanced to meet them.

"Hmph—"

The allure of the Desire Demon Sovereign could ensnare even a careless Dao Lord of Primordial Spirit, yet it was hardly enough to give Eldrin pause.

In a flash, he transformed into a bolt of lightning, streaking across the sky without sparing a glance at the few Nascent Soul demonic cultivators, charging straight toward the Lord of Desire Demons.

"Young master, how heartless you are!"

The Lord of Desire's expression shifted slightly as he swiftly summoned a pink silk-canopied dais. Within the translucent curtains, her enchanting and graceful figure emerged like a phantom.

This treasure is named the 'Blissful Soul-Seduction Couch'. It is said to contain the essence of worldly desires from the 6 passions, making it a marvelous artifact for dual cultivation among desire demons, capable of stirring the carnal yearnings of cultivators.

Once, relying on this treasure, the demon lured several Violet Realm Primordial Spirits inside for dual cultivation, seducing them into the path of demonic corruption.

The Desire Demon entered the tent without making a move, merely cooing in a honeyed voice, "What a handsome young master. For us to clash here would spoil the ambiance far too much. Why not take our contest to the bed instead?"

"Wretched fiend!"

Having suffered from this 6 Desires Demonic Qi in the past, Eldrin instantly erupted in fury upon sensing its approach. With a flick of his sleeve, he summoned hundreds of millions of thunderbolts that crashed down with world-shattering force.

Hold on, I’ll adjust it now. The Lord of Desire’s expression shifted slightly as he swiftly summoned a pink silk-canopied dais. Within the translucent silk curtains, his enchantingly graceful figure emerged.

This treasure is named the 'Blissful Soul-enthralling Couch'. It is said to contain the essence of worldly desires from the 6 sensory realms, making it a sublime artifact for dual cultivation among desire demons, capable of awakening cultivators' deepest passions.

Once, this demon had relied on this treasure to lure several Violet Realm primordial spirits within to cultivate in pairs, seducing them into falling into the demonic path.

The Desire Demon entered the tent without making a move, merely cooing in a honeyed voice, "Young master is so exceedingly handsome. For us to clash here would utterly spoil the ambiance. Why not take our contest to the bed instead?"

"Wretched fiend!"

Chapter 1: The Prodigy's Fall The mountain peaks pierced the clouds like jagged swords, their summits veiled in swirling mists where spiritual energy coalesced into visible auroras. This was the Azure Dragon Sect, 1 of the 9 Great Sanctums of the cultivation world. Ling Feng stood at the edge of the Broken Soul Cliff, his white robes fluttering in the bitter wind. Just 3 years ago, he had been the sect's most promising disciple, the youngest in centuries to reach the Foundation Establishment realm at merely 16. Now, his dantian—the sea of energy within every cultivator—lay in ruins, shattered during a mysterious ambush that had left him crippled. "Brother Ling," a cold voice sounded behind him. He turned to see Elder Ming's disciple, Zhang Yan, approaching with 3 followers. Their embroidered silver robes marked them as inner sect members, each moving with the fluid grace that came from having intact meridians. "Still visiting this sacred place?" Zhang Yan's lips curled. "A waste of spiritual qi for someone who can no longer cultivate." Ling Feng's knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists. The spiritual energy here was indeed rich—he could feel it tingling against his skin, yet unable to enter his broken meridians. Like a thirsty man watching others drink from a river he couldn't reach. "The monthly allocation," Zhang Yan tossed a small pouch that landed at Ling Feng's feet. "50 spirit stones. The elders' mercy, though I can't imagine what use they are to you now." Ling Feng bent to retrieve the pouch, his movements deliberate. Inside, he counted only 30 lower-grade spirit stones instead of the promised 50. The discrepancy could purchase 2 Vitality Restoration Pills or 1 decent talisman. "You've miscounted," Ling Feng said quietly. Zhang Yan's smile widened. "Administrative fees. Someone has to deliver them to this remote corner of the sect." He stepped closer, his voice dropping. "You should have accepted Elder Ming's offer to become his servant. Even without cultivation, you could have swept floors and earned some face." The followers chuckled. Ling Feng remembered when they would have bowed deeply in his presence, their voices trembling when they addressed him. "Keep the stones," Ling Feng said, tossing the pouch back. "I require no pity." Zhang Yan's expression darkened. "Arrogant, even now." He caught the pouch. "Very well. But remember—the annual assessment is in 7 days. Those who fail to reach Qi Refinement level 3 will be expelled from the inner sect." His eyes swept over Ling Feng meaningfully. "And we both know you can't even gather a wisp of qi." They left him standing at the cliff's edge. The wind picked up, carrying the distant chimes from the Grand Scripture Pavilion where he once studied profound techniques. Back in his simple dwelling—a single room in the most remote part of the inner sect—Ling Feng contemplated his future. Expulsion meant returning to his mortal family in disgrace. His younger sister's medical treatments depended on the sect's resources. Without them... He reached beneath his bed, his fingers brushing against a cold, metallic object. The ancient medallion had been his mother's final gift before she disappeared, its surface engraved with patterns that resembled both constellations and meridian pathways. Normally inert, it now pulsed with a faint warmth. As his hand made contact, a brilliant light erupted, searing through his vision. The medallion melted into his palm, its energy surging up his arm like liquid lightning. Agony tore through his destroyed meridians as the foreign power forced them open, rebuilding what had been broken. His consciousness drifted to a starry void where a majestic voice echoed: "Bloodline confirmed. Activating the Celestial Genesis System." Before his eyes, translucent panels materialized, glowing with script he somehow understood: [Host: Ling Feng] [Cultivation: Destroyed] [Bloodline: Celestial Dragon (Dormant)] [System Functions Unlocking...] [Daily Mission Available: Cycle spiritual energy through meridians 99 times. Reward: Meridian Reconstruction (Basic)] For the first time in 3 years, hope flickered in Ling Feng's chest like the first spark of a sacred flame. He crossed his legs, assuming the lotus position abandoned since his injury. Following the system's guidance, he attempted to draw in the spiritual energy he hadn't been able to touch for so long. At first, nothing. Then a trickle, like a single drop of water entering parched earth. Then more, flowing along pathways the system highlighted in his mind's eye—unconventional routes that bypassed traditionally important acupoints. The energy moved in cycles, each revolution washing away the stagnation in his meridians. 70... 80... 90... On the 90-ninth cycle, a thunderous crack echoed through his body as blinding gold light erupted from every pore. The spiritual energy in the room swirled into a vortex, pouring into him. When Ling Feng opened his eyes hours later, dawn was breaking. His body was covered in a black, viscous substance—the impurities expelled during reconstruction. More importantly, he could feel it: A complete meridian system, more refined than before his injury. And deep within his dantian, a wisp of golden spiritual energy slowly rotated. He was cultivating again. A sharp knock came at his door. "Ling Feng! The sect leader summons you immediately!" The voice carried an unusual urgency. Ling Feng's senses, now heightened, detected the presence of 4 people outside—all at least at Qi Refinement level 5. He took a deep breath, his mind clearer than it had been in years. The game had changed. And he held a hand no 1 knew about.