Chapter 890 : A Gathering of Vengeance and Strategy

With the Master of the Horizon Pavilion having passed away in meditation [a state of peaceful death achieved by high-level cultivators], the responsibility of steering the grand affairs of the Human Race fell upon the shoulders of Eldrin Chen.

He did not immediately return to the Eastern Region Great Wasteland. Instead, he once again summoned the various Primordial Spirit Path Lord [cultivators who have reached the Primordial Spirit realm and are masters of their own cultivation path] to convene within the Horizon Pavilion itself.

Within the Great Hall of the Horizon Pavilion, the assembled Path Lord gathered, each countenance grave and somber, with a palpable undercurrent of killing intent brewing among them.

A Path Lord hailing from the Central Ancestral Domain spoke with righteous fury, his eyes blazing with murderous resolve. "The Master of the Horizon Pavilion has fallen. A grievance of this magnitude cannot go unavenged."

"I propose we join forces and lay siege to the Vast and Misty Marsh, to slay the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor in one decisive strike!"

Seated upon the central throne, Eldrin Chen observed the impassioned faces of his peers. A flicker of solace warmed his heart, for at least he still had these fellow cultivators who shared his convictions and purpose.

With this thought, he raised a hand to quiet the assembly and spoke. "The Vast and Misty Marsh has been fortified by the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor for tens of thousands of years. It is now an impregnable stronghold."

"If we commit our full strength, we may breach its defenses, but the cost would be mutual devastation. Moreover, it is doubtful we could successfully slay the Black Dragon itself."

Eldrin Chen laid out his analysis of the situation with measured clarity.

Although the Human Race currently held the upper hand, they were far from invincible. Find this and other novels at audi novel.com.

Within the current Purple Seal Realm [the name of the primary world where the story takes place], there remain over twenty Primordial Spirit Demons [powerful demons who have cultivated their spiritual essence to the Primordial Spirit stage]. These represent a force that cannot be underestimated.

This is not to mention adversaries like the Black Lotus Demonic Embryo [a sinister, sentient artifact born from demonic energies] and Blood Demon Patriarch [a powerful and ancient leader of blood-cultivating demons], who are at the Primordial Spirit Late Stage [the advanced phase of the Primordial Spirit cultivation stage].

Given such circumstances, even if they were to move against the Black Dragon [a mighty and ancient dragon of immense power], it would be difficult for them to commit their full strength to the assault.

Without a cultivator at the Primordial Spirit 9th Tier [the pinnacle, ninth level of the Primordial Spirit stage] to serve as the main offensive force, attempting to slay a Black Dragon that has reached the peak of Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core cultivation stage] would be a task as difficult as scaling the heavens themselves.

The most critical issue is the lack of power to completely suppress the Black Dragon. Should that dragon unleash a final, desperate strike, it is likely that multiple Primordial Spirit Path Lord [cultivators who have mastered their Path and reached the Primordial Spirit stage] would fall.

It was precisely for this reason that, although Eldrin Chen [the protagonist, a formidable cultivator and leader] yearned to flay the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor [the ancient and venerable progenitor of the Black Dragon lineage] and strip its sinews, he had no choice but to suppress that desire.

For a starved camel is still larger than a horse. If he were grievously wounded by the Black Dragon's death throes, rendering him unable to act for centuries, the Human Race's [the collective of human cultivators and clans] hard-won favorable position could be utterly lost in a single day.

Were it only himself, he would certainly seek a way to slay that Black Dragon. But he stood not alone; behind him was the entire Human Race, and he could not lead them all into such peril.

"Wait a few more years," he vowed inwardly. "Once I break through to the Primordial Spirit Mid Stage [the middle phase of the Primordial Spirit stage], I will surely drive that Black Dragon Demon Ancestor to a place where it finds no path to heaven and no gate into the earth."

Pushing down the killing intent in his heart, Eldrin Chen addressed the assembled Mortal Path [cultivators who follow the Path of Mortality, focusing on worldly existence and human bonds]: "Though our position is advantageous, we are beset by enemies on multiple fronts. For now, it is wisest to recuperate and build our strength."

"The Demonic Abyss Cataclysm is still eight hundred years away. What we lack most is time to grow; we must not confront him prematurely."

"But what of the vengeance for Master of the Horizon Pavilion?"

Billowing Waves said with an icy expression, clearly wishing he could strike down the Black Dragon [a powerful ancient demonic dragon] right then and there.

Beside him, Exquisite Jiang also sighed softly before adding, "It is a pity that when the Demigod Patriarch [a cultivator who has ascended halfway to godhood] was still with us, he did not slay that Black Dragon."

"The circumstances were different back then."

Eldrin Chen shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips. "Although the Purple Seal Realm Human Race was powerful in those days, it still relied on the aid of the Purple Seal Realm's demonic and monstrous beings to resist the Outer Realm Heavenly Demon [demonic entities from beyond this world]."

"That Black Dragon was a supreme powerhouse among the Demon Race. Slaying him would have undoubtedly caused panic among all the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] experts of the demon and monster races."

Hearing this, the others nodded in agreement.

In the past, the Black Dragon had been relatively docile, remaining secluded within the Vast and Misty Marsh for tens of thousands of years without emerging. He had even signed the Oath of Reincarnation [a mystical vow binding across lifetimes] with the Human Race.

Had they slain the Black Dragon back then, it is likely that figures like Kunpeng Demon Sage, Black Tortoise Patriarch, and even Five Poisons Patriarch—all Primordial Spirit Demons [demons who have attained the Primordial Spirit realm]—would not have remained idle, let alone the several dozen other Primordial Spirit Demons within the Purple Seal Realm at that time.

Moreover, the Black Dragon was, after all, one of the ten supreme powerhouses of the Purple Seal Realm. Aside from a Demigod Patriarch, no one could slay it.

Furthermore, it had operated within the Vast and Misty Marsh for tens of thousands of years, laying down countless contingencies and Formation arrays. While these measures might not necessarily hold back a Demigod Patriarch, they were certainly sufficient to provide early warning and ensure its escape.

Once it fled the Vast and Misty Marsh, the Purple Seal Realm was vast and boundless; catching it again would be exceedingly difficult.

Contemplating these points, a sense of stifled frustration settled in the hearts of the assembly, their expressions tinged with unwillingness.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before speaking. "Though the Black Dragon is troublesome, it remains a solitary force. It cannot compare to the grave threat posed by the Outer Realm Demon God."

"Let us all focus on our cultivation. In a few more years, when our strength has advanced another step, we shall surely slay it to avenge today's grievance." This content originates from https://audio-novel.com. Please respect copyright.

"..."

Following the conclusion of this gathering, the assembly gradually dispersed.

Eldrin Chen did not linger. He tore through the void, heading for the Eastern Region Great Wasteland, and soon arrived back in Myriad Ruins Province.

He did not immediately return to Spirit Lake Isle. Instead, he came to the edge of the Vast and Misty Marsh, his expression impassive as he gazed upon the marshlands, his countenance chillingly cold.

Exquisite Jiang strode forward and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him, gazing at the Vast and Misty Marsh. After a long silence, she spoke, "It is truly infuriating that we still cannot slay the Black Dragon this time."

"It is not that we cannot act," he replied. "The certainty of success is not great, and the price would be the potential fall of several Path Lord. The cost is simply too immense."

Verdant Consort approached and shook her head. "Moreover, since my husband has chosen not to act, he must have a plan in mind."

Upon hearing this, the three women turned their gazes back to Eldrin Chen, awaiting his response.

Eldrin Chen remained silent for a long moment, his eyes fixed on the Vast and Misty Marsh. Finally, he turned and spoke. "With the Black Dragon's current power, attempting to slay it within the heart of the Vast and Misty Marsh is a task of extreme difficulty."

"Furthermore," he continued, "the Black Dragon is undoubtedly on high alert now. At the slightest hint of danger, it would likely flee beyond our reach."

Here, Eldrin Chen paused, then declared, "We must create the perfect opportunity—lure the serpent from its den. Only then will we have a true chance to end it for good."

"Until that day arrives, we must focus on our cultivation, swiftly enhancing our strength and prowess. Be patient and prepare."

With those final words, Eldrin Chen returned to the seclusion of Spirit Lake Isle.

In the time that followed, he immersed himself in the profound study of various cultivation arts and Divine Ability [mystical techniques that transcend mortal limits]. The days settled back into their former, profound tranquility.

"..."

Meanwhile, far away within the Stellar Archipelago, news of the Fiend Race's crushing defeat was transmitted back to this place.

The Three-Eyed Divine Clan Heavenly Demon had lost its former arrogance. With an extremely grave expression, it arrived within a certain Great Hall.

"You have come."

Within the Great Hall, a graceful figure stood silently. Seeing its arrival, she spoke calmly.

This black-robed figure was the Saintess of the Outer Realm Heavenly Demon clan. She looked at the Three-Eyed Heavenly Demon, a trace of coldness in her eyes as she said, "After such a defeat in this battle, you dare to return?"

"Saintess."

The Three-Eyed Heavenly Demon's pupils contracted. It immediately cupped its hands and said, "This defeat was not this subordinate's fault. It is simply that That upstart Eldrin is far too powerful. Even with two fists, one cannot contend against four hands."

"Enough!"

The Fiend Race Saintess immediately rebuked it, a flash of killing intent passing through her pupils.

The catastrophic defeat in this battle was directly linked to the commander, Three-Eyed Heavenly Demon. Were it not for the grievous losses currently suffered by the Outer Realm Heavenly Demon, she would have dearly wished to seal Three-Eyed Heavenly Demon within the Demon-Suppression Pagoda for a thousand years of suppression.

Yet in her heart, she understood all too clearly: with several Primordial Spirit 9th Tier Heavenly Demons slain in battle, and Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable still secluded in meditation to heal his wounds, she could not afford such a move. Join our community of readers at audio novel.com.