Chapter 983 : A Pact Forged in Shadows

"Merely this, I fear it is still insufficient."

The Netherweave Demon God indeed let out a cold, drawn-out hum before speaking: "That ancient Celestial Immortal [a powerful immortal being] legacy is of immeasurable value. For you, elder brother, to desire to monopolize it all is far too greedy."

Upon hearing this, Catastrophe Demon God's expression shifted slightly, his pupils turning icy as he said, "Then what do you want?"

"What I seek..."

The Netherweave Demon God finished his sentence, then sneered coldly: "After the deed is done, I want three-tenths of the ancient Immortal's Legacy [the inheritance left behind by a powerful immortal]."

"Granted!"

Contrary to expectations, Catastrophe Demon God agreed decisively.

He rose to his full height, his expression cold and detached as he declared, "However, if you do not exert your utmost effort, do not blame me, your elder brother, for disregarding our fraternal bond."

"Naturally."

The Netherweave Demon God nodded, then turned his gaze towards the Purple Seal Realm. "Observing the aura of the Purple Seal Realm, it seems that person is at a critical juncture in his cultivation. The present moment appears to be a most opportune time." Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audio-novel .c om.

"There is no need for haste just yet."

Catastrophe Demon God shook his head, his expression calm as he spoke: "He has not been in secluded cultivation for long and has yet to fully enter a state of profound meditation. If we act now, we will surely startle him out of his retreat."

"It would be better to wait a little longer, to strike when his cultivation is on the verge of completion."

"A clever scheme, elder brother." Netherweave Demon God also smiled, nodding in agreement. "At that moment, his Great Path will be nearly complete, a time when he will be caught between a rock and a hard place."

"We can then transform into his tribulation of death upon the path, effortlessly increasing our chances of destroying him."

"..."

Buried deep in his secluded cultivation, Eldrin Chen was unaware that the Outer Realm Demon God had already summoned reinforcements.

At this moment, he was submerged within the Five Elements Earth Vein, using its power to draw upon the world's Five Elements Energy [a refined spiritual essence containing the power of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth]. He continuously infused his physical body, striving to cultivate the Primordial One Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique said to be unbreakable and eternal].

He found this session of cultivation to be exceptionally smooth. Not only was his physical body steadily progressing towards perfection, but he was also using the power of the Eastern Sovereign Bell to comprehend the principles of the Primordial One Gold Path Principles [the fundamental laws governing the element of primordial gold, representing indestructibility and sharpness].

Thus, time flowed swiftly, years slipping by unnoticed. In the blink of an eye, several centuries had passed.

During this period, the Purple Seal Realm [a major cultivation world] saw its demons subdued and its myriad monsters lying low, making it the most peaceful era the realm had witnessed in one hundred thousand years.

Even the location of the Purple Seal Realm's Demonic Abyss Heavenly Scar [a profound spatial rift leading to the demonic abyss] remained uncharacteristically tranquil and serene, showing no signs of disturbance.

Until this very day, when the various Primordial Spirit Path Lords [powerful cultivators at the Primordial Spirit stage] of the Purple Seal Realm suddenly felt their hearts palpitate with dread, sensing an ominous premonition of impending catastrophe.

"*Clang—*"

And from the location of the Demonic Abyss Heavenly Scar, a deafening metallic clangor that shook heaven and earth suddenly erupted.

In that instant, the song of a sword resounded through the vast cosmos. A blade of light capable of rending the heavens and splitting the earth pierced through the void, tearing open the Heavenly Scar [the spatial rift] from an immeasurably distant expanse.

The Netherweave Demon God [a supreme entity among the demonic race] had struck with its full might. Its all-out sword strike had actually pierced through the very fabric of the world, wounding the will of heaven and earth within the Purple Seal Realm.

"*Boom! Rumble!*"

Immediately following, the Catastrophe Demon God braced itself against the World-Opening [a realm of cultivation representing the power to cleave worlds] fissure with one hand. With a flick of its sleeve, it unleashed a palm strike aimed directly at the heart of the Purple Seal Realm.

In mere moments, the vast Cosmic Stellar Formation [a grand defensive array harnessing stellar power] was torn asunder. The sky-obscuring Demon God breached the defenses and charged alone into the Eastern Region Great Wasteland [the desolate eastern continent of the Purple Seal Realm].

This Catastrophe Demon God actually dared to brave the world's power of the Purple Seal Realm and physically charge into the realm itself, determined to personally suppress and slay Eldrin Chen.

"Hmm—"

At that very moment, the world's will of the Purple Seal Realm finally reacted.

Instantly, thunder roared and lightning flashed across the heavens and earth. Billions of Thunderclap [deafening peals of thunder] blasted towards the Catastrophe Demon God, while endless strands of Path Principles [the fundamental laws of the cosmos] coiled and entangled around it.

Yet the Catastrophe Demon God showed not a shred of fear. It actually raised a single hand to prop up the sky, simultaneously resisting the world's will of the Purple Seal Realm while bathing in the torrential downpour of Path Principles and Thunderclap as it charged forward to attack.

"Demon God! Demon God!" This content originates from @udio-novel.com. Please respect copyright.

In that instant, the world's will of the Purple Seal Realm transmitted a sense of urgent anxiety.

The Purple Seal Realm was no ordinary Great Thousand World [a major world within the cosmic hierarchy]. If the Catastrophe Demon God had entered the realm alone, the world's will was confident it could have completely suppressed and sealed the demon god within.

At that time, the Outer Realm Demon God [a demon god from beyond this world], trapped and suppressed by the world itself, would have been like a turtle in a jar, even facing the danger of utter annihilation.

But now, with the Demonic Abyss [a chasm of demonic energy] pressing down from beyond the heavens and the world's power being tied up by the Netherweave Demon God, the Purple Seal Realm could no longer completely suppress the Catastrophe Demon God in a short amount of time.

In such a moment of dire peril, the will of heaven and earth immediately sent messages across the land, summoning Purple Seal Realm Path Lord [a master of a profound cultivation path] to lend their aid.

The Primordial Spirit Path Lord [cultivators whose spiritual core has reached the Path Lord realm] resonated with the world and instantly perceived the nature of this crisis.

And in the very instant the will of the Purple Seal Realm held back the Catastrophe Demon God, one Primordial Spirit Path Lord after another soared into the skies, charging with desperate haste towards the Eastern Region Great Wasteland.

Among the various Demigod Patriarch [patriarchs who have attained half-immortal status], the Lord of the Path Palace was the first to arrive at the Eastern Barrens.

Seeing the Catastrophe Demon God, even while bearing the weight of heaven and earth, prepare to deliver a fatal blow to Eldrin Chen, the Lord of the Path Palace gritted his teeth and forcefully activated the Eight Trigrams Immortal Refining Formation [a supreme formation based on the eight trigrams, capable of refining even immortals] to block the Catastrophe Demon God.

In that fleeting moment, the Eight Trigrams Immortal Formation enveloped the void. Eight supreme powers saturated the mountains and rivers, coalescing into a mighty Formation [a structured arrangement of power for defense or attack] that stood as a barrier before the Catastrophe Demon God.

"An ant trying to shake the heavens, overestimating its own strength!"

Gazing coldly at the Lord of the Path Palace blocking his path, the Catastrophe Demon God spoke with icy disdain and threw a world-shattering punch.

The chasm between immortal and mortal was as vast as that between cloud and mud. Moreover, the Catastrophe Demon God was a powerful Demon God [a deity-level entity of the demonic races] who had traversed far along the immortal path.

Such a heaven-shaking Nine Heavens True Demon [a pure-blooded, supreme demon], even while single-handedly supporting the force of heaven and earth, possessed residual power enough to rend the skies and split the land. With every gesture, Demonic Path Path Principles [the fundamental laws and truths of a cultivation path] followed in his wake, piercing through all that stood before him.

"Pfft—" [a sound of something bursting or being pierced]

In the span of a single breath, the Eight Trigrams Immortal Refining Formation [a legendary formation designed to refine even immortals] shattered into nothingness, and the Lord of the Path Palace was instantly reduced to ashes by the tribulation's fury.

"Elder Brother of the Path…"

Instantly, a sound of profound grief and anguish tore through the void.

The Human Race Path Lords [powerful cultivators who have mastered a profound cultivation path], who had arrived a step too late, watched this scene unfold. Their faces turned ashen, and a look of utter despair settled upon them.

Although the Lord of the Path Palace's cultivation base was far inferior to the combined might of eight supreme Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] experts, his activation of the Eight Trigrams Immortal Refining Formation should have represented a power closest to that of immortals and demons in the mortal realm. Yet, it could not withstand a single strike from the Demon God [a being of immense demonic power].

For a moment, despair washed over everyone present.

"Who dares stand in my way?"

The Outer Realm Demon God [a demonic deity from beyond this world], having just crushed the Lord of the Path Palace with overwhelming force, now single-handedly held back the pressure of heaven and earth. Bathed in a sea of Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [divine lightning used to test and punish cultivators], it advanced with terrifying momentum. Its aura was so oppressive that the gathered Human Race Path Lords found themselves utterly bereft of the courage to even raise a hand against it.

"Hahaha!"

Witnessing this, the Catastrophe Demon God let out a maniacal laugh, its unstoppable momentum carrying its strike directly towards the Five Elements Earth Vein.

This blow, imbued with the power of gods and demons, was potent enough to potentially shatter the entire Myriad Ruins Province if it landed true. Eldrin Chen, who was cultivating deep within the Five Elements Ancestral Veins, would likely be forced to emerge from seclusion prematurely.

If Eldrin Chen, in the depths of profound meditation, were to take such a strike unprepared, even if he survived, he would be compelled to abort his cultivation. The chance for his Primordial One Indestructibility Immortal Physique to reach perfection would be lost forever.

Yet, in that very instant, the void fell into absolute silence.

Time itself seemed to congeal. A figure of peerless grace and bearing tore through the fabric of space, meeting the attack head-on with a single, decisive palm strike.

"BOOM—"

The heavens and earth convulsed violently.

A blinding, thunderous explosion erupted from the clash of these two titanic forces. The terrifying energy ripped countless fissures in the void, and the very Path Principles of the world churned into violent chaos.

When the tumult finally subsided, the Catastrophe Demon God had been forced to a halt, its gaze fixed with intense gravity upon the figure before it.

There, hovering in the air, was Exquisite Jiang, her expression icy as she stared the demon god down.

"Supreme Lunar Immortal Body [a legendary physique attuned to the primordial power of the moon]!"

After a moment of silence, Catastrophe Demon God spoke coldly, his tone tinged with a note of astonishment.

With his hands clasped behind his back and a placid expression, he stated, "Even within the Immortal Realm, the Supreme Lunar Physique is considered a top-tier Immortal Body. Cultivated to its ultimate form, it can command the authority of the Universe's Supreme Lunar [the supreme, primordial essence of the moon]."

"To have forged such an Immortal Body marks you as possessing transcendent, immortal grace. Were you not to perish prematurely, you would undoubtedly ascend to become a figure of at least the Late Ascendant Immortal Realm in the future."

"A pity, then, that I am far beyond the measure of ordinary immortal-slaying fiends. Do not presume that merely because you have not yet fully ascended, or even if you had already weathered the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [the cataclysmic lightning trial that refines an immortal body], you could ever hope to be my match!"

As his words fell, Catastrophe Demon God mobilized a deluge of Path Principles Power [the fundamental power derived from comprehending a cosmic law or Dao]. With a mere flick of his sleeve, he unleashed a palm strike to suppress all before him, simultaneously driving forward both his Demon God physical form and his True Demon Path Principles [the core demonic laws he has mastered] in a devastating horizontal assault.

Facing such a world-shaking blow, even Exquisite Jiang dared not be negligent. She forcefully activated her Supreme Lunar Immortal Body, unleashing a power capable of rending heaven and earth in a counter-strike that interposed itself before Catastrophe Demon God.

Yet, in the briefest instant of collision, Exquisite Jiang was sent hurtling backward, a trace of blood unexpectedly trickling from the corner of her mouth.

Although her Supreme Lunar Immortal Body had been forged, she had ultimately not yet undergone the Nine Heavens Heavenly Thunder Tribulation and was not one of the flawless, perfected Nine Heavens Celestial Immortals and Demons. She was still insufficient to contend with Catastrophe Demon God.

At this moment, however, she understood with crystal clarity that she could not retreat. For if she fell back, no one else could possibly withstand Catastrophe Demon God.

She forced her waning spiritual power to surge once more, soaring into the sky. Relying on the might of her Supreme Lunar Immortal Body [a legendary physique that grants immense power akin to an immortal of the moon], she charged forward.

"You overestimate your strength!"

Catastrophe Demon God furrowed his brow and, with a surge of overwhelming power, unleashed a crushing force to suppress Exquisite Jiang.

In that fleeting moment, a cataclysmic battle erupted. One combatant possessed a Mortal Realm Immortal Body [a physical form of near-immortal perfection achieved while still in the mortal world], while the other was a Nine Nether Abyssal Demon God [a supreme demonic entity from the deepest hells] whose power rivaled a Creation Realm Immortal [a being who has ascended to the realm of world-creation]. This clash could be called the most formidable seen in Purple Seal Realm for hundreds of thousands of years.

"*Cough*—"

Leveraging his supreme and boundless might, the Outer Realm Demon God [a demonic deity originating from beyond this world] unleashed eight consecutive, full-powered strikes. Ultimately, he sent Exquisite Jiang flying, grievously wounded.

"Damnation!"

Even as he inflicted severe injuries upon Exquisite Jiang, the Catastrophe Demon God's expression grew profoundly grave.

During this conflict, the Netherweave Demon God [a demon god specializing in manipulating the fabric of space and darkness] had torn the World-Opening [the foundational boundary between realms] at an inopportune moment, enduring unimaginable pressure.

Now, as the will of heaven and earth within Purple Seal Realm gradually reawakened, the Netherweave Demon God was nearing the limits of what he could withstand.

If the will of heaven and earth were to be sealed once more, Catastrophe Demon God would be trapped within the Purple Seal Realm. At that point, the Purple Seal Realm would spare no cost to slay him, and he would instead face the peril of his own demise.

With this thought, he turned his gaze towards Exquisite Jiang and declared, "Tens of thousands of years ago, during the battle at Myriad Tribulation Thunder Mountain, I alone contended against six Immortal Treasure and several dozen Demigod. Yet, I unleashed no more than a dozen or so strikes."

"Eight thousand years ago, when I suppressed and slew Energy Abyss Chen, I required a mere three moves."

"Now, you alone can withstand eight of my strikes. This proves you far surpass that Energy Abyss Chen, and are superior to the several dozen Demigod of that era."

"If I cannot kill that upstart Eldrin Chen, then slaying you today and severing one of his arms will suffice!"

As the words of the Catastrophe Demon God fell, he gathered a cataclysmic surge of Demonic Path Path Principles Power [the fundamental power derived from comprehending a Dao Path], resolved to deliver a final, fatal blow to Exquisite Jiang at any cost.

The Catastrophe Demon God, with power enough to shake heaven and earth, unleashed a full-force assault that not even a true Immortal would dare meet head-on. As it thundered towards Exquisite Jiang, it brought with it a suffocating pressure.

"*Clang—*"

Yet, in that very instant, two resplendent beams of sword light shot across the void, cleaving directly towards the Catastrophe Demon God.

In a flash, the dazzling sword light swept past, carving two deep gashes upon the form of the Catastrophe Demon God.

"Celestial Abyss Twin Swords!"

The Catastrophe Demon God roared, its Demon God [a powerful entity of the demonic path] strike crashing horizontally against the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords [a pair of legendary immortal swords], sending the two Immortal Sword [a sword forged by and for immortals] flying back with a mournful shriek.

The residual force slammed Exquisite Jiang into the bottomless Netherworld [the underworld or realm of the dead], yet ultimately failed to deliver the killing blow.

Bathed in endless Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [the divine punishment of heavenly thunder], the Catastrophe Demon God had forced its hand against the power of heaven and earth. Having unleashed only nine full-strength strikes, it had reached the end of its rope.

Its eyes blazing with fury, it cast one last glance at the grievously wounded Celestial Abyss Twin Swords before charging towards the Demonic Abyss Heavenly Scar [a rift torn in reality by demonic energy]. It barely managed to fight its way out just before the Heavenly Scar [a rift torn in the fabric of reality] sealed shut.

"Hmm—"

After the Catastrophe Demon God retreated, the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords vanished from the world.

To protect Exquisite Jiang, the swords had awakened of their own accord. Yet, without Eldrin Chen to wield them, the Immortal Sword could not unleash their full power. Though they had blocked the Catastrophe Demon God, their sword spirits [the sentient consciousness within a magical sword] had suffered devastating wounds.

Emerging from the Heavenly Scar, the Catastrophe Demon God wore an expression of terrifying, icy calm.

"Three Demon Consorts [the three highest-ranking consorts of the demon emperor], Nine True Demon Sons [the nine most powerful demon princes]! Where is the Heavenly Demon Army?"

With a furious roar, nearly a hundred Outer Realm Heavenly Demon [demonic beings from beyond this world] surged from the void. At their forefront were nine whose cultivation had reached the Primordial Spirit 9th Tier.

The Three Demon Consorts [three principal demonic consorts], moreover, were the concubines of the Catastrophe Demon God [a deity of calamity and ruin], their own power soaring to the Demigod Realm.

Among these demonic horde, the Nine True Demon Sons [nine sons born of true demonic lineage] were the direct bloodline of the Catastrophe Demon God, the Three Demon Consorts were his favored consorts, while the remainder were Outer Realm Heavenly Demon he had nurtured over three millennia.

Seeing now that slaying Eldrin Chen was beyond reach, the Catastrophe Demon God settled for the lesser goal: to prevent Eldrin Chen from completing his cultivation of the Primordial One Indestructibility Body [a legendary physique of unbreakable unity with the primordial source].

His gaze fixed coldly upon the Purple Seal Realm [a realm sealed and protected by ancient power], he commanded, "You shall invade the Purple Seal Realm immediately. Spare no cost to destroy the Five Elements Ancestral Veins [the primordial spiritual arteries of the five fundamental elements]."

"We obey!"

The assembled demons acknowledged the order, a vacant, mindless haze clouding their pupils. Clearly, the Catastrophe Demon God, fearing their reluctance, had seized complete control of their Life Soul [the core essence of their being and destiny].

Watching the hundred-plus demons charge inward, the Netherweave Demon Venerable [a venerable demon lord of shadowy arts] spoke with icy detachment, "These whelps alone may prove insufficient. I shall dispatch my seven Sword-Slaves as well to ensure the Five Elements Ancestral Veins are laid to ruin."

As the words of the Netherweave Demon Venerable faded, seven figures clad in black robes shot into the heart of the Purple Seal Realm.

The aura emanating from these seven was terrifyingly potent, far surpassing any under the command of the Catastrophe Demon God. They were, astonishingly, seven Demigod Realm Outer Realm Heavenly Demon.

Witnessing this, the Catastrophe Demon God [a powerful demonic deity embodying calamity] gave a slight nod. In his view, as long as he could sever Eldrin Chen's Path [the unique cultivation methodology and destiny of a cultivator], preventing him from achieving a perfected body, he would be able to control Eldrin Chen.

Although it would likely become difficult to cross realms to slay him afterward, the Catastrophe Demon God was confident he could strike when Eldrin Chen faced his heavenly tribulation.

The Catastrophe Demon God had a vague premonition that if Eldrin Chen's Immortal Body [a cultivator's physical form refined to an immortal level] advanced another step, he himself might no longer be certain of being able to kill Eldrin Chen.

"BOOM—"

Simultaneously, within the Purple Seal Realm, swarms of Primordial Spirit Heavenly Demon [demonic cultivators at the Primordial Spirit realm] surged inward, slaughtering their way toward the Eastern Region Great Wasteland.

In an instant, the various Path Lord [cultivators who have mastered their own unique cultivation Path] clashed with the Outer Realm Heavenly Demon [demons originating from realms beyond this one]. A brutal and bloody war erupted.

This was a war with no victor. The Heavenly Demon under the command of the Outer Realm Demon God [a supreme demonic deity from an outer realm] attacked in a mindless, fear-crazed frenzy.

Ordinary Heavenly Demon were one thing; the Primordial Spirit Path Lord of the Purple Seal Realm could still manage them. However, the Three Demon Consorts and the Seven Sword Slaves were Heavenly Demon at the Demigod Realm [a realm just below true divinity], possessing terrifyingly formidable strength.

The number of Human Race Demigod was already insufficient, and to make matters worse, the most powerful among them, the Lord of the Path Palace, had already fallen.

Thus, from the very beginning of this great battle, the human forces were forced into a steady retreat. Several Demigod Heavenly Demon broke through the encirclement and charged into the heart of Myriad Ruins Province. This chapter is provided by (audio-novel.com). Support the original.