Chapter 84 Repaying in Kind

"Not good, it's a Tier 3 spirit talisman."

The moment he saw Lin Mocheng produce the talisman, the old clan leader’s expression abruptly shifted.

He immediately unleashed the full power of the Li Fire Soul Incineration Array, transforming the surging Li fire into a blazing inferno domain that enveloped the entire peak of Spiritual Apricot Mountain (Location).

"Slay—"

In an instant, Lin Mocheng channeled all his vital energy into activating this Talisman of the Gale Soul-Cleaving Sword (Magic Treasure). The crowd witnessed an intangible yet resplendent sword radiance materialize in the sky—a blade of ethereal brilliance that descended from the ninth heaven with a resonant shriek.

The wind has no form, the clouds have no shape.

This rare divine ability, which could only be cultivated by those with a Wind Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root), manifested atop the mountain peak. Even before its power fully erupted, it had already stirred the winds and clouds of heaven and earth.

In that instant, the crowd seemed to witness a Purple Mansion Ancestor personally executing this divine ability, causing the winds and clouds to shift colors across heaven and earth as if the wailing of ghosts and howling of deities pierced through the void.

In the blink of an eye, the sword radiance descended upon the peak of Spiritual Apricot Mountain (Location). After a fleeting moment of tranquility, a cataclysmic roar erupted, as if heaven and earth were being torn asunder.

This was no defective product like the Earth-Subduing Divine Thunder Pearl, which could only unleash a fraction of its power. Instead, it was equivalent to a full-force divine ability strike delivered by Mordecai (Person Name) himself.

Even with the power of Spiritual Apricot Mountain (Location)'s second-grade lower-tier spiritual vein converging, the Li Fire Array of Soul Incineration could not withstand such a majestic, ocean-like strike.

Before this single sword strike, the Li Fire Formation of the Burning Gods instantly shattered. The vast sea of flame was annihilated by the sword radiance, dissolving into wisps of smoke that vanished without a trace.

This sword strike tore through the Li Fire Soul Incineration Array, severely damaging the set of array flags. They would require at least several years of careful nurturing to recover. Moreover, the Old Clan Leader suffered a backlash, temporarily losing control over his raging Qi and rendering him unable to act for the time being.

Not only that, but after cleaving through the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss, the Xun Wind Soul-Severing Sword continued its unstoppable arc toward the 2 men without losing momentum.

Fortunately, the Li Fire Soul Incineration Array was exceptionally powerful. Although the Gale Soul Severing Sword had managed to breach the formation, its potency had been depleted by over 80%.

Although the old clan leader was temporarily unable to act, Eldrin remained vigilant and ready for battle. Seizing the opportune moment, he summoned the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss and the Violet Sun Crucible, clashing with the sword light until it ultimately dissipated into nothingness.

After completing all this, the old clan leader gasped for breath, his face deathly pale as a trace of lingering fear surfaced in his expression.

"Fortunately, we had set up the formation relying on the spirit vein, or things might have turned sour today."

He retrieved the array flags with a swift motion, his expression pained as he gazed upon the dimmed Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss.

In the span of just a few breaths, the 4 Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Lin family decisively took action, summoning their magical instruments to strike.

"Clang—"

Lin Mocheng immediately took action, summoning his magical artifact, the Thunderbolt Demon-Slaying Shuttle, and launched it at the 2. The moment it was unleashed, roaring winds and thunderclaps erupted as it aimed straight for their vital points.

Though the old patriarch had lost the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss, he still possessed the ancient bronze pagoda and the Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root) spirit blade. Suppressing the backlash within his body, he charged forward to engage Lin Mocheng in battle.

Lin Moqin and the other 2 Lin Family Foundation Establishment cultivators swiftly moved to surround and attack, seeking to seize the opportunity to capture Chen Changxuan.

However, Eldrin was no pushover. He summoned the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss, its dazzling sword radiance crisscrossing heaven and earth as he single-handedly held off the 3 Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Lin Family.

Among the 3 Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Lin Family, aside from Lin Moqin (Person Name) who had reached the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment, the other 2 were merely at Foundation Establishment, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm).

The beautiful woman in purple robes had a higher cultivation base, having remained at the third level of Foundation Establishment for many years, while the other was merely at the second level of Foundation Establishment.

However, the 3 of them joining forces could barely contend with an ordinary Foundation Establishment, Late Stage cultivator. For a time, they actually managed to trade blows with Eldrin in a fierce back-and-forth struggle.

Eldrin summoned the Bell of 9 Echoes above his head, then unleashed the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss alongside the Violet Sun Furnace—2 powerful magical instruments. He engaged all 3 opponents simultaneously, and in the blink of an eye, over a 100 exchanges had passed.

"Not good."

Amidst the duel, Eldrin noticed the old clan leader was at a disadvantage in his confrontation with Lin Mocheng.

The old clan leader's cultivation was only at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, after all. Facing Lin Mocheng at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, his vital energy was clearly diminished by several tenths.

The loss of the Li Fire Soul-Burning Formation Flags had directly diminished the Old Patriarch's combat effectiveness by nearly half.

He possessed the Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root) spirit blade and the ancient bronze pagoda, while his Divine Art of the Blazing Heaven Sword was truly extraordinary. Against an ordinary Foundation Establishment, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) cultivator, he would naturally hold an overwhelming advantage. Yet Lin Mocheng was no ordinary man either.

This Lin Family Clan Leader not only stood at the absolute peak of the Foundation Establishment realm, but also possessed 3 Grade 2, top-grade magical instruments, along with mastery of the Mystic Art of Wù Earth Divine Thunder. Naturally, he completely overwhelmed the old clan leader.

For now, Chen Changxuan could still manage, but once his mana was depleted, defeat would be his only path forward.

"It seems it falls to me to break this deadlock."

With this thought in mind, Eldrin fixed his gaze intently upon the 3 figures.

Among the 3, Lin Moqin possessed the most profound cultivation base and even wielded a mid-grade, tier-2 defensive artifact. It was likely impossible to eliminate him instantly.

At this thought, Eldrin forcibly activated the Bell of 9 Echoes and summoned the Violet Sun Truefire from the Violet Sun Crucible.

"Be careful."

As the Violet Sun Truefire descended, the expressions of the Lin family members shifted slightly.

Lin Moqin immediately unleashed a true talisman, raising his hand to release a brilliant arc of lightning that shot directly toward Eldrin.

Divine Earth Thunder.

Eldrin's pupils contracted slightly as he recalled that Lin Mocheng was a second-rank, high-grade talisman master. This Divine Earth Thunder Talisman was most likely created by Lin Mocheng sealing his own supernatural power into it.

At that moment, the Eldrin Earth Thunder struck with nearly the same force as if Lin Mocheng had executed it himself. It instantly shattered the Violet-Patterned Trueflame and sent the Violet Sun Cauldron flying backward.

The Violet Sun Furnace had suffered a heavy blow, its spiritual glow significantly dimmed. It appeared it would require at least a month of careful nurturing before it could be used again.

However, Eldrin paid no heed. Seizing the moment decisively, he summoned and unleashed countless stellar rays.

"Look out, it's the Azure Firmament 1000 Star Needles!"

The moment they laid eyes on the Bi Luo 1000 Stars Needle, the 3 Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Lin family paled with visceral terror.

Lin Moqin was the farthest away and possessed the highest cultivation base among the 3. His reflexes proved swiftest as he barely managed to escape by activating his defensive artifact. The other 2, however, lacked such speed.

The violet-robed beauty had barely managed to flee some distance when the Jasperfall 1000 Star Needles shattered both her protective magical artifact and mana shield. Several of the 1000 Star Needles pierced through her body, inflicting critical wounds upon impact.

Another cultivator, possessing the weakest true essence, barely managed a few steps before dozens of 1000 Star Needles pierced his body. His flesh was riddled with countless holes, and after letting out a wretched scream, he plummeted from a height of several 100 zhang. His bones shattered upon impact, ending his life instantly.

Everyone present was struck with terror, never expecting that this sinister magical tool from the Lin Family would ultimately be turned against the Lin Family themselves.

"It's over."

Lin Moqin had narrowly escaped with his life, and at the sight before him, his heart immediately sank. The fear he held for Eldrin (Person Name) deepened once more.

Originally, the 3 of them joining forces could only barely contend with Eldrin. Now, 1 had been smashed to pieces on the spot, and another was severely wounded by the 1000 Star Needles. If they continued the fight, they feared they wouldn't survive the day.

At this thought, he could no longer concern himself with the others still locked in battle. Without a moment’s hesitation, he summoned his flying sword and fled the scene.

"Esteemed ones, the tide has turned against us. Make haste and retreat to Verdant Ink Mountain (Location) at once."

Chapter 1: The Reborn Youth The biting cold wind swept across the training grounds, carrying with it the scent of frost and decay. Lin Xuan stood amidst the crowd, his thin robes offering little protection against the chill. Yet, the cold he felt within his heart was far more piercing. "Lin Xuan, Foundation Establishment failed. Next!" The elder's voice was devoid of emotion, echoing across the silent square. A wave of muffled laughter and pitying glances followed him as he stepped down. Clutching the broken jade pendant hidden against his chest—a family heirloom now dull and lifeless—Lin Xuan returned to his shabby wooden hut. Just yesterday, he had been the brightest core disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect, a prodigy on the verge of Foundation Establishment. But now... he was nothing but a cripple, his cultivation shattered, his meridians in chaos. "To think I, Lin Xuan, would come to this," he murmured, a bitter smile touching his lips. His gaze fell upon the jade pendant, its surface now covered in fine cracks. It was this very artifact that had exploded during his breakthrough attempt, causing his catastrophic failure. Suddenly, a faint, ancient voice resonated directly within his mind, seemingly emanating from the fractured jade. "Heir of my bloodline... after 10 1000 years of slumber... you have finally awakened me..." Lin Xuan's body jolted. Before he could react, a flood of immense, primordial knowledge surged into his consciousness. Cultivation techniques, alchemy formulas, artifact forging methods, array formations—vast and profound, it was the complete legacy of an immortal, 1 that could shake the very foundations of the cultivation world. "The Primordial Chaos Genesis Scripture..." he whispered, the name alone causing the spiritual energy around him to tremble. According to the legacy, this cultivation art was beyond the Heavenly Rank, a supreme technique from the Primordial Era. It demanded the practitioner shatter their cultivation base to rebuild it from scratch, forging a foundation far more robust than any contemporary method. A fierce glint ignited in Lin Xuan's eyes. He had no other path. To remain was to be forever scorned, to be cast out from the sect sooner or later. If he had to fall, he would fall magnificently, gambling everything on this single chance! Sitting cross-legged on his worn-out futon, he took a deep breath and began circulating the esoteric method according to the legacy. The spiritual energy of the world, previously calm, suddenly turned frantic, swarming toward him like a tidal wave, pouring into his devastated dantian. The pain was excruciating, as if his entire body were being torn apart and remade. His clothes were instantly soaked in sweat and blood. But Lin Xuan gritted his teeth and held on, his consciousness focused solely on the mystical circulation pattern. Time lost all meaning. It could have been minutes, or it could have been days. Finally, a clear, resonant chime echoed from within his body. The chaotic spiritual energy that had been raging within him suddenly coalesced, transforming into a strand of pure, golden Primordial Chaos True Energy. It was infinitesimally fine, yet it contained a power that seemed capable of supporting the heavens and the earth. He had successfully rebuilt his foundation! Furthermore, this new foundation was countless times more formidable than his previous 1. Lin Xuan slowly opened his eyes. A sharp, almost imperceptible golden light flashed within their depths, causing the dust motes in the dim hut to momentarily freeze in mid-air. He had stepped into the 1st level of Qi Refining once again. But the strength he now possessed far surpassed what he had at the same level before. Just as he was about to familiarize himself with his newfound power, a series of arrogant, mocking shouts erupted from outside his door, shattering the silence. "Lin Xuan! You waste! Come out here! It's time to pay your protection fee!"