Chapter 523 : Calamity, Doom

"It's a Quasi-Pure Yang Spiritual Treasure (Magic Treasure)!"

The 2 remaining elder demons turned pale with horror. After casting a terrified glance at the Heaven’s Abyss Sect Master’s Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure), they abandoned the battle entirely and fled in frantic haste.

"You have all failed me!"

Watching the 2 demons flee, the Ancient Devil showed a pained expression.

If only the 2 of them could hold out for another half hour, he would have had a strong chance of severely wounding Eldrin, perhaps even eliminating this formidable adversary. It was a pity they had retreated far too soon.

Facing 3 formidable foes single-handedly, with 1 of them wielding a Quasi-Pure Yang Spiritual Treasure (Magic Treasure), even the reckless Old Demon Huang lacked the audacity for such a confrontation.

Thus, he had no choice but to retreat helplessly, transforming into a streak of fleeing light as he fled toward the exit.

"Where do you think you're fleeing?"

With a furious roar, Eldrin (Person Name) channeled the Primordial Yin-Yang Divine Light to stabilize the space, determined to keep the Ancient Demon of Desolation from escaping.

Yet the Elder Demon of the Barren Lands let out a cold sneer. Summoning the Barren Heaven Divine Protection Aura to block all assaults, he vanished in the blink of an eye beyond the horizon's edge.

"Let them go."

Lyra halted Eldrin, her expression grave as she shook her head.

Eldrin turned back and glanced at the Heavenly Abode Sect Master, noticing the elderly True Monarch’s complexion was somewhat pale, his spiritual power clearly diminished by no small measure.

Though this elder sect master possessed formidable magical power, his foundation was ultimately that of a True Nascent Soul. Having successively battled a Nascent Soul, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm) and a Nascent Soul, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm) demonic cultivator, his spiritual energy depletion was naturally substantial.

Especially when he forcibly activated the Earthfire Profound Crystal Sword at the end, though he successfully slew the powerful foe, that single strike had consumed 20 percent of his spiritual energy.

At this thought, Eldrin looked at the Heavenly Abode Sect Master and asked, "How are you feeling, Dao Brother?"

"Fortunately, it's just that my mana consumption was a bit excessive." The Sect Master of Heavenly Abode let out a wry laugh before continuing, "It's a pity my cultivation base is insufficient. Forcibly activating the Earthfire Mystic Crystal Sword beyond my realm consumed far too much."

"If my cultivation were to break through to the late Nascent Soul stage and I were to wield the Di Fire Profound Crystal Sword again, the spiritual energy consumption would be drastically reduced."

Eldrin nodded, letting out a soft sigh. "It's a pity we failed to eliminate the Ancient Demon this time. He will undoubtedly become a dire threat in the future."

"No matter." Lyra smiled faintly before speaking, "There are only 5 or 6 Yuan Demons in the Desolate Demon Ridge. This time, we've slain 1 and destroyed another's physical form—a significant blow to their forces."

"Indeed." Eldrin's eyes lit up as he spoke, "With the Desolate Demon Ridge now suddenly devastated and the Ancient Demon severely wounded from the backlash, this is the perfect opportunity to strike against them."

"This..."

The Sect Master of Tianlu hesitated for a moment, then murmured thoughtfully, "Perhaps it would be better to wait a little longer—just another 30 years. In 3 decades, this old man will attempt to break through to the late Nascent Soul stage. By then, my chances of success will be far greater."

Eldrin furrowed his brow, a flicker of hesitation crossing his mind.

The Demonic Abyss Cataclysm draws near, and restoring the Green Abyss Sword (Magic Treasure) will likely require considerable time. Thus, reclaiming the Green Abyss Sword (Magic Treasure) sooner rather than later is of utmost importance.

At this thought, he pondered for a moment before saying, "Now that the Desolate Demon Ridge (Location) has been severely weakened, this is our best opportunity to strike."

"That Desolate Demon Ridge (Location) lies within the 9 Rivers Province. By rights, it should be handled by fellow cultivators from 9 Rivers Province. Since we are now taking action against Desolate Demon Ridge (Location), 9 Rivers Province naturally cannot stand by idly and must lend a hand."

"9 Rivers Continent?" The Heavenly Abode Sect Master nodded upon hearing this, pondered for a moment, and said, "The 9 Rivers Daoist of 9 Rivers Continent has reached the 8th level of Nascent Soul stage. Bringing them in should indeed suffice."

Seeing the Heavenly Abode Sect Master was tempted, Eldrin smiled and said, "In that case, we shall make preparations to act once we return."

"Hmm." The Lord of Sky Abode nodded, stroking his long beard. "Old Daoist 9 Rivers and I go way back. I shall make a trip to 9 Rivers Continent to discuss this matter with them. I imagine they would be quite willing to cooperate."

"Then I shall trouble you, Elder Brother."

Eldrin smiled faintly, cupping his hands in salute to the Heavenly Abode Sect Master before bidding his farewell.

Not long after, the 3 demonic path true monarchs, including Elder Desolate Demon, returned to Desolate Demon Ridge (Location).

The aged fiend glanced at the Left Fiend and Right Fiend flanking him, a flicker of fury flashing through his heart. Yet, recalling that both were demonic cultivators at the Nascent Soul, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm), he forcibly suppressed his murderous intent.

After retracting his killing intent, his expression turned grave as he said, "Junior brothers, I fear we've stirred up a calamity today!"

"Senior Brother, what makes you say that?"

The 2 demons exchanged a glance, hesitation flickering across their faces.

"Senior Brother, are you concerned about those 3 from the Abyss?" The Elder of Qian pondered for a moment before speaking. "Perhaps you're overthinking this, Senior Brother?"

Old Fiend Jin also nodded at the sight and said, "Though we were defeated today, our cultivation and combat prowess rank among the world's finest. Even if we cannot match the 3 of the Returning Abyss, our chances of self-preservation should be far from negligible."

"You have brought about a great calamity, yet remain utterly unaware of it."

The Venerable Rogue Demon let out a bitter laugh, his face clouded with worry as he said, "Today when I crossed blades with Eldrin, do you know why I couldn't subdue him?"

"Because of his powerful divine abilities?" Old Devil Jin hesitated, then nodded. "He mastered a Mahayana-level divine art at the Nascent Soul, Early Stage. He might well become the next Magnus the Virtuous Lord."

"Not so, not so." The Ancient Scoundrel's expression was hesitant, his countenance grave as he cautiously replied, "I observe that this individual's spiritual power is profoundly dense, defying all reason. I fear he may be concealing a Lifebound Spiritual Treasure that stores magical energy!"

"And there's also a personal spiritual treasure?"

The 2 demons jolted with shock, their expressions shifting dramatically as they exclaimed in terror, "A Great Luo Nascent Soul! Could it be that the human race is about to produce another Emperor Jiang, another immortal?"

"Oh no, disaster has struck, calamity is upon us!"

Golden Fiend was as frantic as an ant on a hot stove. After pacing in circles for a moment, he exclaimed, "When Emperor Jiang emerged in the past, 80-5 percent of the demonic cultivators in the Violet Realm were slaughtered. Even the Primordial Soul Fiend Ancestors couldn't escape their calamitous fate."

"I've long heard that the Daoist of the Returning Abyss possesses an immense killing instinct. This man might even surpass the Tyrant of Jiang in his ferocity."

"If he were to attain immortality, would it not spell a cataclysm that would sweep across the world for us demonic cultivators?"

Both demons were utterly terrified. Elder Qian couldn't help but turn to Elder Huang and said, "This man bears the mark of a Child of Immortality. Should he rise to power in the future, we will surely face inevitable calamity. Senior brother, you must devise a plan quickly."

"Haa—"

The Ancient Devil took a deep breath, remaining silent for a long while before speaking, "This matter is beyond our control. I intend to journey to the God-Fall Ridge and report this to Thanatos the God-Feller (Person Name)."

"If Thanatos the God-Feller is willing to intervene, Eldrin shall inevitably face calamity—I fear even Dorian standing behind him may not be able to offer protection."

At this point, Eldrin spoke up, "You 2 should remain here at Desolate Demon Ridge (Location) for now. I shall return shortly."

The Venerable Desolate Demon spoke, then withdrew and departed from Desolate Demon Ridge, heading toward 1 of the 2 forbidden lands for Nascent Soul demonic cultivators in the Eastern Wastelands—Death God Ridge.

Meanwhile, Eldrin remained completely unaware of the Desolate Elder Demon's movements. He had just returned to Spirit Isle Lake and was preparing to gather the clan's cultivators to discuss strategies for the battle against Desolate Demon Ridge.

Chapter 1 The Azure Cloud Sect's recruitment ceremony had just concluded. Countless aspiring cultivators gathered at the foot of the mountain, their eyes filled with yearning for the path of immortality. A young man in blue robes stood silently under an ancient pine tree, his gaze calm. "After 30 1000 years, I have returned," he murmured softly. In his previous life, he had been the revered Flaming Cloud Immortal Lord, dominating an era. Yet, during his heavenly tribulation, he was betrayed by his most trusted disciple and perished. By some twist of fate, his soul was reborn into the body of a youth with the same name and appearance. "Eldrin (Person Name)," he whispered, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes. "Just you wait." Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the distance. "The sect leader is here!" The crowd parted like a tide as a white-robed elder descended from the sky, his aura transcendent. "I am Azure Mist Elder (Person Name)," he announced, his voice resonating like a bell. "Those who wish to join my Azure Cloud Sect must possess spiritual roots and unwavering determination." The young man in blue smiled faintly. With the cultivation insights from his past life, reaching the pinnacle again would be as easy as flipping his hand. Just then, a girl beside him stumbled. He instinctively reached out to steady her. "Th-thank you," she stammered, her face flushed. He simply nodded, his mind already focused on the path ahead. The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure), the 9 Revolutions Golden Body (Cultivation Method), the Myriad Spirits Cauldron (Magic Treasure)—all these legendary artifacts and techniques awaited his rediscovery. But for now, he needed to take the first step: joining the Azure Cloud Sect. The sect leader's voice echoed once more. "The first trial: Ascend the 9,999 steps to the Heaven-Reaching Stairway!"