Chapter 120 : Ink-Wash Ridge (Location)

Alas, 90 years ago, the beast tide descended upon the land. The Wang Immortal Clan was wiped out overnight, and Ink-Wash Ridge (Location) fell under the dominion of monstrous beasts.

At that time, the former sect master of Qingyang Sect had just passed away, while the newly appointed sect master, Elder Xu (Person Name), had only recently broken through to the Golden Core Realm (Cultivation Realm). Compounded by internal conflicts that sharply depleted their strength, these factors ultimately led to the Yangzhou immortal clans suffering a devastating defeat in that battle.

The Verdant Sun Sect lost 2 Violet Mansion Elders in the war, while several Violet Mansion clans across the Twin Sun Provinces also saw their founding ancestors fall. In the end, they managed to repel the Earthlion Ridge’s assault only by relying on the spiritual veins of Scorched Sun Mountain (Location).

Though the demon invasion was repelled, the price was exceedingly steep. Over 20,000 li of territory west of the Scorched Sun Mountain (Location) range fell under beastly dominion. The Wang Clan of Immortals, situated too close to the demon-occupied borders, met with tragic devastation as a consequence.

The entire Wang Immortal Clan, with its hundreds of thousands of mortals and cultivators, was nearly wiped out. The Ink-Wash Ridge (Location), a second-grade superior spiritual vein, has now become the lair of a monstrous beast horde.

"Although the Wang Clan has been eradicated, high-level demonic beasts possess considerable intelligence and likely refrained from destroying the spiritual herb gardens. Most of the medicinal plants cultivated on Ink-Wash Ridge (Location) should still remain intact."

Thus, the herb garden atop Ink-Wash Ridge (Location) had remained untended and unharvested for a 100 years. Though countless spirit herbs had withered, a considerable number undoubtedly still remained.

Varen paused briefly before continuing, "Among them must be a matured Green Origin Mushroom, and its medicinal age should have already reached full maturity."

Eldrin's pupils contracted sharply as he shot a glance at Varen.

"What do you mean?"

"I won't hide it from you," Varen nodded, speaking bluntly. "The demon beast tribes on that Ink-Wash Ridge aren't weak, so I'd like to invite you to join me in pulling off a covert operation."

"I have broken through to the Purple Mansion once before. My true essence is 30 percent more profound than even Foundation Establishment, Peak Stage (Cultivation Realm). I am confident in handling 2 or 3 cultivators at Foundation Establishment, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) simultaneously."

"I have heard of your strength, which I'm afraid is no less than my own. If we join forces, even facing a powerful second-order demon beast tribe, we would be more than capable of advancing and retreating at will."

"If we were to provoke a Violet Mansion beast, what are our chances of escaping with our lives if we stick together?"

After Eldrin (Person Name) finished listening, he pondered for a moment and found the matter truly feasible.

With the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) and the Thunderous Blaze Sword in hand, he was not entirely defenseless even when facing a Zifu-level demonic beast. Should he truly be hunted by 1, he could still rely on the 7 Stars Demon-Slaying Vessel to make his escape.

"But will it just be the 2 of us on this journey?" he inquired nonetheless.

"Of course." Varen nodded, his expression grave as he said, "After all, this is the demon beast territory. That Ink-Wash Ridge lies merely a few 10-1000 li from where the Purple Mansion demon beasts dwell."

"Without cultivation at the Foundation Establishment, Late Stage, venturing recklessly into its depths would likely prove fatal."

"With the 2 of us joining forces, striking like the wind and retreating after each blow, we'd actually have a better chance of success."

"Very well, I agree to this matter."

Eldrin set his mind at ease and agreed to the matter.

No sooner said than done. Once the exchange convention concluded, the 2 promptly departed from the market.

Before departing, however, Eldrin purchased 5 or 6 low-to-mid-grade Grade 2 magical instruments, spending over 8,000 spirit stones in total. This was nearly sufficient to equip Caleb, Silas, and Kael with their respective instruments.

After bidding farewell to Scorched Sun Market (Location), the 2 traveled across the spiritual veins of Scorched Sun Mountain (Location) and entered the territory of the demon race.

Yet at the same moment, 20 1000 li beyond the scorching sun market, 2 figures stood motionless.

Surnamed Yan gazed at the battle-scarred ground beneath his feet, breathing a sigh of lingering fear as he couldn't help but remark.

"The Zhang Clan truly has some tricks up their sleeves."

"Hmph!"

Not far away, Wei Mingyuan’s expression darkened slightly. He let out a cold snort and said, "3 second-tier superior-grade magical instruments, 1 Aqua Thunder Pearl, and 2 second-tier superior-grade treasure talismans."

"If this old man hadn't brought the Qingyang True Fire Talisman, it might not have been possible to subdue them."

He spoke while retrieving a storage pouch from the remains on the ground, from which he produced the Li Fire Crystal (Spiritual Object).

Just as the Li Fire Crystal (Spiritual Object) was within reach, Wei Mingyuan (Person Name) revealed a look of ecstasy. "With this treasure, I finally have hope of breaking through to the Purple Mansion Realm. It was worth wasting my Green Sun True Fire Talisman (Magic Treasure)."

"Senior Brother obtaining the Li Fire Crystal (Spiritual Object) is truly a cause for celebration." The cultivator surnamed Yan spoke these words, then added with unease, "However, with 2 members of the Zhang family having escaped this time, I fear complications may arise."

Hearing this, Wei Mingyuan narrowed his eyes slightly and said coldly, "Even the Zhang family's Foundation Establishment ninth-level old dog perished under the Azure Sun True Fire Talisman. The remaining 2 are no longer worth worrying about."

"I'm just concerned they might file a complaint against us," Senior Brother Yan hesitated, speaking with unease. "After all, our magical artifacts and divine abilities are far too distinctive—they couldn't possibly fail to recognize them."

"What is there to fear?"

"Wei Mingyuan (Person Name) sneered coldly, a trace of killing intent flashing in his eyes. 'If they dare report us to the Green Sun Sect (Sect Name), this old man has more than enough methods to ensure they never set foot alive within the sect's gates.'"

"Besides, in a few years when my meridians are restored, this old man will break through to the Violet Mansion realm. With 2 Violet Mansion experts in our sect, who would dare challenge us then?"

"I'm pressed for time. I'll first eliminate that Chen family brat to avenge Zuo Yuannian (Person Name), then return to Qingyang Mountain (Place Name) for secluded cultivation."

It is told that Eldrin and Varen traversed the 8-1000-mile Scorched Sun Mountain range, stealthily crossing into the demon realm's territory. After flying for 3 full days, they finally reached the fringes of Ink-Wash Ridge.

"Be careful. We're already deep within the demonic territory."

Standing before the mountain range, Varen (Person Name) wore a grave expression.

Eldrin’s expression also turned somewhat grave. The spiritual vein at Ink-Wash Ridge was now occupied by the Golden Python Monkey Clan, whose strength was truly not to be underestimated.

The 2 quietly investigated and discovered that this Golden Python Monkey tribe numbered a full 3,000 members, all of them first-order demon beasts with considerable strength. There were also a dozen or so second-order Golden Python Monkeys, and remarkably, even 3 Golden Python Monkeys at Foundation Establishment, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm).

"If it were merely the Golden Serpent Ape tribe, our combined strength would be more than sufficient to handle them."

Varen spoke, his gaze growing increasingly solemn. "However, this third-tier demon spirit vein at Green Mastiff Mountain lies merely 20 1000 li away. At the speed of a Purple Mansion demon, it would take only a single day to arrive."

"If we fail to take it within a single day, I'm afraid we'll have no choice but to flee for our lives."

Eldrin also nodded, pondering for a moment before saying, "We can maneuver our swords freely without hindrance. A first-tier Golden Python Monkey poses no real threat, but we must be cautious against a dozen or so Foundation Establishment-level demon beasts."

"If we can defeat the Golden Python Ape, we'll be able to harvest all the spiritual herbs in Ink-Wash Ridge (Location). But if we can't subdue it quickly, then we'll seize as many as we can grab."

After some discussion, the 2 decided to launch a surprise attack under cover of darkness. If they could catch the demon beasts off guard and eliminate several of the second-tier Golden Python Monkeys, it would significantly boost their chances of success.

Under the cover of night, the 2 stealthily infiltrated the depths of Ink-Wash Ridge. With a resonant hum of steel, Eldrin was the first to strike, summoning the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss to decimate a second-tier Golden Python Ape in a single flash.

Meanwhile, Varen (Person Name) reacted swiftly. He summoned a second-tier superior-grade sword pellet, which transformed into a blade of white Geng Metal essence, striking down 1 of the Golden Python Apes in a single clash.

Chapter 1 The biting cold wind howled through the mountain pass, carrying with it the scent of frost and decay. Lin Feng tightened his worn deerskin robe, his breath forming pale clouds in the frigid air. His fingers, numb and cracked, traced the familiar grooves of the spirit-gathering formation carved into the cave wall. "Still no breakthrough after 3 months of secluded cultivation," he murmured, his voice barely audible above the wind's mournful cry. The spiritual energy within his dantian remained stagnant, refusing to coalesce into the next layer of the Profound Ice Art. Suddenly, the jade slip at his waist glowed with urgent crimson light—the emergency signal from the sect. Lin Feng's eyes snapped open, all traces of frustration vanishing as he infused spiritual power into the communication token. "All disciples return immediately!" The Grand Elder's voice, usually calm as ancient ice, now carried unmistakable urgency. "The Blood Demon Sect has breached our mountain gates! We are activating the 9 Polar Profound Formation!" Lin Feng's heart clenched. The Blood Demon Sect hadn't been seen in over a 100 years. Their return could only mean 1 thing—they had come for the Frozen Heart Jade Seal, the sect's most sacred relic. He sprang to his feet, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss materializing in his hand with a flash of crimson light. The blade hummed with restrained power, its edge sharper than the mountain winds. "20-some years of cultivation," Lin Feng whispered to the sword, his knuckles white around the hilt. "Today we shall see if it was enough." Outside the cave, countless crimson figures swarmed up the mountain paths like locusts. The defensive formations flickered violently under the assault, their blue light dimming with each impact. "Junior Brother Lin!" A familiar voice called from above. Zhang Li, his senior sister, descended on a glowing snow-feather fan, her white robes stained with blood. "The main peak has fallen! The Elders are buying time for the core disciples to escape!" Lin Feng's gaze fell upon the bloodstain spreading across her shoulder. "You're injured." "A mere scratch." She forced a smile, though pain tightened the corners of her eyes. "The Grand Elder has a final mission for us. We must protect the Frozen Heart Jade Seal to the Northern Wastelands, to the Ice Phoenix Sanctuary." She produced a jade box intricately carved with phoenix patterns. Even through the container, the artifact's immense spiritual power made the air tremble. "The Blood Demon Sect Master himself has come," Zhang Li continued, her voice dropping to a whisper. "He has reached the Soul Formation stage." A cold dread washed over Lin Feng. Soul Formation—a realm none in their Profound Ice Sect had achieved for thousands of years. Against such power, their entire sect was but ants before a giant. "Then we shall make our stand here," Lin Feng said calmly, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss bursting into crimson flames. "For the sect, for the Dao." Zhang Li nodded, her snow-feather fan unfolding into a shield of crystalline ice. "For the Dao." Below them, the sea of crimson parted as a figure clad in dark robes floated upward. Where he passed, the very air froze, then shattered. The Blood Demon Sect Master had arrived. "Foolish children," the dark figure spoke, his voice echoing as if from the depths of hell itself. "Hand over the Jade Seal, and I shall grant you a swift death." Lin Feng met the terrifying gaze without flinching. "The Profound Ice Sect does not bow to demons." The Sect Master laughed, a sound that cracked the stones beneath their feet. "Then perish!" A wave of dark energy surged forward, consuming the light and hope in its path. Lin Feng and Zhang Li stood back-to-back, their spiritual power merging into a final, desperate defense. In that moment, as death approached, Lin Feng felt something shift within his dantian. The stagnant spiritual energy began to rotate, faster and faster, breaking through barriers he had struggled against for years. The Profound Ice Art was ascending to its seventh layer. But would it be enough against a Soul Formation expert? The darkness descended upon them.