Chapter 95 : The First Wood Essence Awakens

"This First Wood Essence [a refined spiritual essence embodying the pure vitality of the Wood element], is quite good indeed."

After storing the First Wood Essence, a thought flashed through Chen Muzhi's mind.

The First Wood Essence was a First Rank Treasure [a treasure of the lowest rank in the cultivation world]. It could be used to refine a First Rank High Grade Magical Tool [an enchanted artifact of the highest quality within the first rank], or as an ingredient in alchemy, making it a rather valuable find.

As soon as the group entered the First Wood Earth Vein [an earth vein rich in the essence of the Wood element], they swiftly annihilated all the surrounding First Wood Demonic Tribe [demonic creatures born from and attuned to the Wood element].

Watching the others gather their spoils, Elara Lin cautioned, "Everyone, stay vigilant. This First Wood Earth Vein has never been exploited before. The demonic tribes that have accumulated here are likely numerous."

Seizing the moment before the First Wood Demonic Tribe could fully react, the cultivators launched their attacks, striving to slay as many of the creatures as possible.

Eldrin Chen rode forth on his Separated Flame Immortal Return Sword, carving a path through the horde alongside the main force. Channeling his Separated Flame Abyssal Return Sword [a magical treasure sword imbued with the power of Separated Flame, capable of returning all to the abyss], his offensive prowess was in no way inferior to that of a Foundation Establishment, Late Stage [a cultivator in the advanced phase of the Foundation Establishment realm] cultivator.

In fact, thanks to the elemental advantage of his cultivation art and immortal sword, he found dispatching these First Wood Demonic Tribe even easier than the average Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivators would.

In the brief span of half a Shichen-time [one Shichen-time equals two hours], he consecutively slew numerous First Wood Demonic Tribe, even felling several second-rank ones, making him stand out remarkably.

After roughly a full Shichen-time had passed, the group had collectively slain sixty or seventy second-rank First Wood Demonic Tribe. Only then did the demonic tribes within the First Wood Earth Vein finally begin to mount a coordinated response. This chapter appears courtesy of audio novel.com.

High-ranking members of the Second-Wood Demon Race [a race of plant-based demonic beings] issued commands, causing the vast numbers of Second-Wood Demon Race to begin withdrawing and fortifying themselves within the core area of the First Wood Earth Vein [a powerful earth vein imbued with the essence of the First Wood element].

"It seems a hard-fought battle is still unavoidable,"

With a single sword stroke that cleaved a second-rank Second-Wood Demon Race in two, Eldrin Chen collected the small clump of First Wood Essence [a refined spiritual essence of the Wood element] that fell and shook his head resignedly.

First Wood Essence was a precious treasure for alchemy and artificing. This single clump before him was worth over a thousand Spirit Stones [minerals that store and radiate spiritual energy, used as currency and for cultivation]. In this battle, he had slain four or five second-rank Second-Wood Demon Race, and the First Wood Essence he had obtained was already worth four to five thousand Spirit Stones.

Unfortunately, the Second-Wood Demon Race had now reacted. the FirstWood Yao Tribes [Yao tribes attuned to the First Wood element] had all converged together. From here on, slaying more would likely require a grueling and difficult battle.

"Let us depart."

Lyra Jiang gathered the group, allowing them to rest and recuperate. After confirming there were no casualties from the battle, she led everyone as they flew towards the core of the First Wood Earth Vein.

They flew for over two hundred Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] before finally halting before a towering mountain.

"Master, the number of second-rank Second-Wood Demon Race likely exceeds one hundred. Furthermore, there are two Second-Wood Demon Race at the Purple Mansion Realm [a major cultivation stage where the cultivator forms a spiritual mansion within their dantian],"

Elara Lin gazed at the mountain range before them and could not help but whisper softly.

The Second-Wood Demon Race [a tribe of demonic beings attuned to the Wood element of the Second Heavenly Stem] had dwelled within this earth vein for countless ages. By gathering the power of Second-Wood, their cultivation had ascended to formidable heights over the long eons.

This was especially true for the two mightiest among them, who had reached the Third Rank [equivalent to the Purple Mansion realm for cultivators]. Born from the essence of Second-Wood, their strength in the outside world would be comparable to ordinary Third Rank demonic beasts.

However, within this First Wood Earth Vein [an earth vein rich in the primordial energy of the First Heavenly Stem Wood element], amplified by abundant First Wood Qi [the vital energy of the First Heavenly Stem Wood element], their combat prowess was elevated by nearly half a rank.

Lyra Jiang gazed at the mountain peak, a faint, discerning light flickering in her eyes. After a long moment, she declared, "The demon king leading this Second-Wood Demon Race is one of their kind at the Purple Palace, Late Stage."

"Late Stage Purple Mansion?"

Elara Lin's expression turned grave. A Third Rank High Grade Second-Wood Demon Race, its power boosted by half a realm within the First Wood Earth Vein, would be approaching the strength of a Fourth Rank demonic being.

"It is of no consequence," Lyra Jiang stated, her composure unshaken, confidence ringing in her voice. "Leave the First Wood Demon King [the demon king ruling this First Wood-aligned tribe] to me. You need only hold the other demons at bay for half a shichen-time [one shichen-time equals two hours]. That should be sufficient for me to conclude the battle."

"It seems we have no other choice,"

Elara Lin nodded in agreement, then rallied the group to advance upon the Second-Wood mountain range before them.

Heeding the command, the assembled cultivators launched their assault, ascending the slopes together.

Although the Second-Wood Demon Race [a race of plant-based demonic beings born from Wood-element spiritual energy] were numerous, their intelligence before reaching the Third Rank [equivalent to the Purple Mansion Realm] was often low. Most lacked even magical treasure [an enchanted artifact used by cultivators], so their combat prowess naturally fell short of humanity's.

The Second-Wood Demon Race were born from First Wood Qi [the pure, vital energy of the Wood element], lacking even inner cores. Their strength was several degrees weaker than that of ordinary demonic beasts of the same rank.

If this battle were outside, even with numbers double those of the human Foundation Establishment [the second major realm of cultivation] cultivators, the demon race might not have prevailed.

Yet, within this First Wood Earth Vein [an underground spiritual vein rich in Wood-element energy], these Second Rank demonic beings, sustained by abundant First Wood Qi, possessed a seemingly inexhaustible supply of True Essence [the refined spiritual power of a cultivator]. Coupled with the swarming attacks of numerous First Rank Second-Wood Demon Race, the human cultivators found themselves severely constrained.

"Cleave!"

Amidst the chaotic melee, Eldrin Chen let out a sharp cry. With a metallic ring, he summoned forth the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss [his lifebound flying sword, imbued with the power of Separated Flame], and in one swift motion, beheaded a Second-Wood Demon Race of Second Rank Low Grade [the lowest tier within the Second Rank]. Discover more cultivation stories at audio–novel.com.

Before he could catch his breath, a streak of flowing light shot towards him, launched by another Second-Wood Demon Race of a deep azure hue.

He glanced at it, his eyes narrowing slightly. This Second-Wood Demon Spirit [a more advanced, spirit-form member of the Second-Wood Demon Race] possessed cultivation at the lofty Foundation Establishment, Late Stage. Bolstered by the earth vein, its True Essence had surged, nearly reaching the Foundation Establishment, Peak Stage.

A Second-Wood Demon Race of such cultivation, even if only employing its innate magical arts, was a force not to be underestimated.

Eldrin Chen raised the Bell of Nine Echoes [a defensive treasure that emits protective sonic waves], blocking this First-Wood elemental spell. Then, without hesitation, he sent the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss slicing through the air towards his foe.

The Second-Wood Demon Spirit [a demonic beast that draws power from the primordial Wood element] refused to yield, continuously channeling its True Essence [the refined spiritual energy cultivated by a practitioner] and unleashing several spells in succession, engaging Eldrin Chen in a fierce magical duel.

Although this Second-Wood Demon Spirit possessed a vast reservoir of True Essence, it ultimately lacked suitable magical tools and divine abilities. After dozens of exchanges with Eldrin Chen, it gradually found itself at a disadvantage.

After thirty exchanges, Eldrin Chen activated the Violet Radiance Mirror [a magical treasure whose light specializes in disrupting other magical tools and energy shields] and directed its beam at the creature. The mirror's radiance, specialized in piercing magical tools and True Essence shields, instantly shattered the demon spirit's protective aura and caused a slight stagnation in the flow of True Essence within its body.

"*Hum.*"

A resonant sword hum echoed. Seizing the opportunity, Eldrin Chen commanded the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss to strike down, cleaving the Second-Wood Demon Spirit in two.

No sooner had he slain this Second-Wood Demon Spirit than he realized, with no time to catch his breath, that the overall situation was turning dire. In the distant sky, Su Mingwei was being forced into a steady retreat under the assault of another Second-Wood Demon Spirit.

Her opponent was an anomalous Second-Wood Demon Spirit. This particular demon had one foot already across the threshold of the Third Rank [equivalent to the Purple Mansion Realm for cultivators] and, surprisingly, wielded several Second Rank High Grade magical tools.

"That Second-Wood Demon Race possesses remarkable spiritual intelligence. It seems on the verge of a breakthrough to the Purple Mansion [a major cultivation realm where one forms a spiritual core within the body]," Eldrin Chen observed, his gaze sharpening.

He took a glance, his eyes narrowing slightly. That Second-Wood Demon Race was formidably powerful. Leveraging its handful of magical tools and the seemingly inexhaustible power of the Second-Wood element native to this place, it was relentlessly driving back Su Mingwei, who was at the Foundation Establishment Ninth Layer.

This was the home ground of the Second-Wood Demon Race. If the fight dragged on until Su Mingwei's True Essence was depleted, the outcome would likely be grim.

With this thought, Eldrin Chen acted decisively. He summoned forth the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss [a sword imbued with the power of Separated Flame, a potent force against demonic beings] and sent it cleaving towards Su Mingwei's opponent.

The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss was a sword of Pure Yang essence, a bane to all demons and monsters under heaven, and a specific counter to the Second-Wood Demon Spirit [a powerful plant-based demonic entity]. Transforming into a sword radiance spanning six Zhang-lengths [approximately twenty meters], its sheer presence and aura were no less imposing than that of a Second Rank High Grade immortal sword, its momentum truly vast and majestic.

Faced with the azure sword radiance bearing down with extraordinary might, the Second-Wood Demon Spirit dared not be negligent. It immediately channeled its power, unleashing the First Wood Divine Radiance [a divine light of primordial wood, capable of immobilizing objects] to intercept the attack.

The First Wood Divine Radiance was an innate divine ability of the Second-Wood Demon Race. Typically, only a Third Rank Second-Wood Demon Spirit could master it. While its direct destructive power was not overwhelming, it possessed the unique property of immobilizing Flying Sword [magical swords controlled from a distance] and other magical tools.

The fact that this particular Second-Wood Demon Spirit had cultivated such an ability was a strong indication that it was indeed on the verge of a breakthrough to the Third Rank.

Now, as this divine ability manifested, fueled by the demon spirit's True Essence [the refined spiritual energy of a cultivator], it transformed into a beam of cyan light that swept down. To Eldrin's surprise, it successfully ensnared the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss, locking it in place and preventing its immediate retrieval.

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