Chapter 900 Not a Demigod, Better Than a Demigod
After understanding his predicament, Eldrin immediately decided to attempt refining the Primordial Chaos Qi.
This Primordial Chaos Qi is the progenitor of all energies under heaven, its wondrous applications and profound mysteries truly deserving to be called the ultimate in the mortal realm. To artificially refine it would naturally be incomparably arduous.
Even with Eldrin's current level of cultivation, he had no confidence in successfully refining it.
Fortunately, the Immortal-Refining Flame within the Demon-Subduing Furnace was now astonishingly formidable, its power rivaling even that of a Demigod Ancestor who had comprehended the illusory laws of flame.
As the heaven-scorching Immortal Refining Flame surged down, it gradually refined the 5 strands of pure Yang maternal qi within Eldrin’s body.
In the blink of an eye, another 60 years had passed. On this day, Eldrin opened his eyes, sensing a swirling mass of 5-colored light within his body. A glimmer of profound insight flashed across his gaze.
"It's done!"
Eldrin was overjoyed. With the aid of the Refining Immortal Flame this time, he had successfully cultivated the Primordial Chaos Genesis Qi.
With this crucial medicinal catalyst, he now had full confidence in cultivating the Mixed Origin True Qi to its consummate perfection.
Suppressing the joy in his heart, he immediately began to calm and refine the Primordial Chaos Qi, gradually channeling his magic power back into the Creation Green Lotus Platform. He feigned the appearance of 1 whose spiritual power had been severely depleted.
"Everyone, press on with all your might. This whelp from the Abyss is nearly drained of his mana."
"If we persevere just a little longer, we shall surely refine it into a wisp of tribulation ashes."
Noticing Eldrin's (Person Name) spiritual energy growing increasingly feeble, the demonic cultivators all revealed expressions of rapturous delight.
At the command of the 9 Netherworlds Demonic Lord, they frantically intensified their magical power, striving to refine Eldrin into tribulation ashes in 1 decisive surge.
Within the Immortal Refining Flame, Eldrin (Person Name) felt an ever-growing joy in his heart.
This Refining Immortal Flame was potent enough to refine a half-immortal, yet it struggled to smelt him to death. As the saying goes, what does not destroy me only makes me stronger.
Dozens of celestial demons jointly channeled their Dao arts to refine and purify, yet in silence, they were inadvertently aiding Eldrin in condensing his magical power, much like blazing fire tempering pure gold to forge his physical form.
Thus time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, another 60 years had passed.
On this day, Eldrin finally fully refined the Primordial Chaos Qi, achieving the Great Perfection realm in his mastery of the Primal Chaos True Breath.
"With my divine abilities perfected, once I break through to the Primordial Spirit, Mid Stage, I shall be invincible among all primordial spirit practitioners!"
Sensing the Primordial Chaos Qi within him, Eldrin murmured calmly, a surge of overwhelming battle intent flashing in his eyes.
After its advancement, the power of this Primordial Chaos Qi could already rival the legendary celestial-grade divine abilities. Whether it was the 'Primordial Chaos True Barrier' or the 'Primordial Chaos Grasping Hand', both had transcended the mortal realm's limits.
With the addition of the 'Great 5 Elements Pure Yang Divine Thunder', Eldrin now possessed nearly 3 ultimate techniques comparable to immortal-grade divine abilities.
However, Immortal Rank Divine Abilities involve the legendary power of laws. 1 can only successfully cultivate them after comprehending the laws or achieving the Dao Fruit.
In the current Violet Realm, those few Demigod Ancestors (Cultivation Realm) have only comprehended illusory laws. Even if their sects possess heritage of immortal-grade divine abilities, it's likely impossible for them to achieve complete mastery.
He could only rely on the power of the Void Law to grasp a mere fraction of its essence, far from matching the earth-shattering might of Eldrin's innate divine abilities.
Having mastered these 3 divine abilities, Eldrin now possessed a soul-sea perfected physical form, his combat prowess likely surpassing most Ninth-Level Soul-Sea cultivators and approaching that of the Netherworld Demon Venerable—who dual-cultivated both body and magic.
And if Eldrin were to break through to Primordial Spirit, Mid Stage, his magic power would be sufficient to rival that of the ninth level of the Primordial Spirit Realm.
By then, with the aid of these 3 heaven-shaking Immortal Rank divine abilities, his combat prowess would become unrivaled even among Soul Formation realm cultivators. Even if a Demigod Ancestor were to appear, it remained uncertain whether they could truly defeat him.
"If I seize this moment to break through, my magic power will surge by at least 50 percent. When I channel my divine abilities thereafter, their potency shall undergo a cataclysmic transformation."
"Not a demigod, yet surpassing a demigod."
Eldrin murmured under his breath, yet swiftly shook his head.
If he were to break through now, his combat power would indeed shake the heavens and earth, and he would have the confidence to escape from the Demon-Suppressing Furnace.
However, with the Sundevil Furnace (Magic Treasure) serving as a restraint, even if Eldrin (Person Name) managed to break free, it would likely be too late for him to slay the 9 Netherworlds Demon Venerable (Cultivation Title).
This demon's combat prowess was virtually unrivaled within the Ninth Level of the Nascent Soul Realm. Even Daoist Tianqi could only barely withstand him, and it was likely that aside from Eldrin (Person Name), no 1 could confidently eliminate him.
Moreover, if it were allowed to escape, it would become a significant calamity.
With this thought, Eldrin (Person Name) suppressed the urge to break through immediately and shatter the furnace, instead restraining his killing intent and feigning a gradual weakening of his magical power.
Watching Eldrin's aura grow increasingly feeble, the 9 Nether Demon Sovereign couldn't help but sneer triumphantly, "You insignificant whelp of the Returning Abyss! What does it matter if your flesh is imperishable and your magic power overwhelming?"
"Beneath this Demon-Subduing Crucible, even immortals and demons must retreat in haste. It shall inevitably refine you into Tribulation Ash."
As the words fell, the 9 Serenities Demon Venerable immediately activated the treasure furnace, disregarding the expenditure of his magical power.
Within that treasured furnace, a dazzling radiance blossomed, unexpectedly giving rise to billions of fragmented flames of law that shone toward Eldrin, intent on refining him into tribulation ashes.
Confronted by such formidable law flames, Eldrin could only channel all his strength to resist, putting on a facade of arduous struggle.
Thus time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, several decades had passed.
Time flew by swiftly, and the appointed 2 100 years passed in the blink of an eye.
Eldrin had been suppressed within the Refining Demonic Furnace for 2 100 years. As agreed, the denizens of the Violet Realm arrived beyond the Star Archipelago.
This time, it was not only the few dozen Nascent Soul Dao Lords from 2 100 years ago, but also many others who had recently emerged from seclusion.
Among them were the 2 supreme existences at the ninth level of the Nascent Soul: the Eastern Wastelands Sword Saint Lin Tianqi (Person Name), and the Lord of Li Fire Palace (Person Name).
The number of Nascent Souls from these human and demon races had now surpassed 60. Though it still couldn't compare to the golden age of old, the Purple Realm had already recovered more than half of its former strength.
"This battle was only won thanks to your righteous intervention, fellow Daoists. On behalf of my husband, I offer my deepest gratitude."
Amidst the crowd, Qing Ji (Person Name) cast a glance at the assembly before offering a slight, graceful bow and speaking.
Everyone promptly returned the courtesy, and the Eldrin Hall Master smiled faintly. "Eradicating the Celestial Demons has always been our duty. You are too courteous, Fellow Daoist."
"Very well, no need to say more."
That day, Dao Lord Tianqi arrived clad in black robes, his longsword cradled in his arms. His expression remained tranquil as he gazed upon the Zhou Heavenly Star Archipelago and declared, "With the fate of the Return to Ruins hanging in the balance, we cannot afford any further delays."
All the Dao Lords nodded in agreement upon hearing this. The Demon-Subduing Divine Monk gazed at the Dao-Heaven Devil Formation and remarked, "This formation possesses extraordinary power. Do you have confidence in breaching it, fellow Daoist?"
"No."
Lin Tianqi shook his head. This formation was established with the combined strength of the entire demon race, with the Demon-Suppressing Furnace (Magic Treasure) serving as its core. Even if a Demigod Ancestor (Cultivation Realm) were to arrive, they would have no confidence in breaching it.
Though Lin Tianqi was unmatched in soul-slaying prowess, he dared not claim to rival a Demigod Ancestor (Cultivation Realm).
Seeing his hesitation, Daoist Haoyuan nodded and said, "In that case, leave it to us old-timers."
Elder Daoist Haoyuan finished speaking and immediately stepped forward.
Chapter 1: The Prodigy's Fall The mountain peaks pierced the clouds like jagged swords, their summits veiled in swirling mists where cranes danced between rainbows. This was the Azure Mist Sect, 1 of the 9 great cultivation sects of the Eastern Wilderness. Lin Feng stood at the edge of the training grounds, his white robes fluttering in the spiritual breeze. Just 3 years ago, he'd been the sect's rising star, the youngest disciple to reach the Foundation Establishment realm in a century. Now... "Look, it's the fallen genius," a mocking voice cut through his thoughts. 2 disciples approached, their robes embroidered with silver threads marking them as inner sect members. The taller 1, Zhang Hu, smirked. "Still stuck at the 3rd level of Qi Condensation, Senior Brother Lin? Even new disciples have surpassed you." Lin Feng's knuckles turned white, but he kept his expression neutral. "Cultivation isn't a race, Junior Brother." "Of course," Zhang Hu laughed. "But when you fall from the 9th level of Foundation Establishment to the 3rd level of Qi Condensation... that's not just falling behind, that's becoming trash." The words stung, but Lin Feng had heard them countless times over the past 3 years. Ever since that fateful mission to the Northern Frostlands, his cultivation had crumbled like sand through his fingers. "Enough," a calm voice interrupted. Elder Wu (Sect Elder) emerged from the mist, his presence immediately silencing the disciples. His eyes, deep as ancient wells, rested on Lin Feng. "The Sect Leader summons you." Whispers broke out among the gathered disciples. Being summoned directly by the Sect Leader was either a great honor or a death sentence - there was rarely any middle ground. The Main Hall stood imposingly at the mountain's summit, carved from a single piece of spiritual jade that glowed with inner light. Sect Leader Bai Yun (Person Name) sat upon the meditation platform, his aura so restrained he seemed almost mortal. "Lin Feng," the Sect Leader's voice echoed softly in the vast hall. "The Grand Sect Tournament approaches in 6 months. As you know, each sect may send only 10 disciples." Lin Feng bowed deeply. "This unworthy disciple understands." "The Heavenspan Realm will open in 1 year," Sect Leader Bai continued. "The tournament will determine who enters. Our sect hasn't had a disciple qualify in 3 100 years." A heavy silence filled the hall. The Heavenspan Realm - where legends said 1 could comprehend the Dao itself. "Your... condition is well known," the Sect Leader said carefully. "The elders have decided that if you cannot reach at least the 7th level of Qi Condensation before the tournament, you will be expelled from the sect." The words hit Lin Feng like a physical blow. Expulsion? For a disciple who had once been the sect's hope? "But Master—" "This is not my decision alone," Sect Leader Bai interrupted, though pain flickered in his eyes. "The sect cannot afford to waste resources on... hopeless cases. We have over 10 1000 outer disciples competing for limited spiritual stones and pills." Lin Feng's mind raced. 6 months to jump 4 levels? When it had taken him 3 years to barely maintain his current level? It was impossible. "However," the Sect Leader added, "as you were once my personal disciple, I will give you 1 chance." He produced a small jade slip that glowed with faint spiritual energy. "This contains the complete method of the Heavenly Cycle Art (Cultivation Method). If you can master even the first layer within 3 months, it may help you break through your blockage." Lin Feng received the jade slip with trembling hands. The Heavenly Cycle Art was 1 of the sect's 3 great cultivation methods, normally reserved for Core Formation elders. "Thank you, Master." Lin Feng kowtowed deeply, his forehead touching the cold jade floor. "Don't thank me yet," Sect Leader Bai sighed. "The Heavenly Cycle Art has driven more than 20-some disciples mad in the past century. You will be the first Qi Condensation disciple to attempt it." As Lin Feng left the hall, the weight of the jade slip felt like a mountain in his palm. He knew the truth - this wasn't a reward, but a polite way for the sect to dispose of him. Either he would die attempting the impossible art, or he would fail and be expelled. Back in his simple quarters - a far cry from the spiritual cave he'd occupied as a core disciple - Lin Feng sat on his meditation mat. The room contained only a bed, a small table, and a single spiritual plant that had withered along with his cultivation. He took a deep breath and pressed the jade slip to his forehead. Suddenly, a voice that wasn't his own echoed in his mind: [Cultivation System activated. Host detected: Lin Feng. Current cultivation: 3rd level of Qi Condensation. Analyzing body condition...] Lin Feng's eyes snapped open, his heart pounding. What was that? [Analysis complete: Host's meridians blocked by remnant energy of Netherworld Frost Python (Demonic Beast). Beginning purification...] A searing heat spread through his body, so intense he nearly screamed. The spiritual energy in the room swirled violently, forming a visible vortex above him. The withered spiritual plant on his windowsill began to green again, new leaves sprouting at visible speed. When the pain finally subsided, Lin Feng felt different. Lighter. The constant chill that had plagued him for 3 years was gone. [Purification complete. Host may now cultivate normally. System functions unlocking...] Lin Feng looked at his hands, tears welling in his eyes. For 3 years, he'd struggled with a body that refused to absorb spiritual energy, watching his hard-earned cultivation dissipate day by day. He immediately sat in meditation and circulated the basic cultivation method. Spiritual energy flowed into him like a river finding its long-lost path to the sea, coursing through meridians that had been blocked for what felt like an eternity. In just 1 hour, he felt more progress than in the entire past year. A fierce light returned to his eyes for the first time in 3 years. The tournament? The Heavenspan Realm? They were no longer impossible dreams. "Zhang Hu, elders... just wait," Lin Feng whispered to the silent room. "The genius you buried is about to return."