Chapter 1706 : Taixu Mountain Range

Lyra nodded upon hearing this and said, "Over half of the demon race's power in the Qingcang Immortal Realm lies within the 12 celestial domains of the Southern Ridge and Eastern Pole."

"Meanwhile, our human race's top powers are primarily scattered across the Western, Central, and Eastern Celestial Domains. If his scheme succeeds, it could truly turn the tide of war."

Eldrin (Person Name) nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

Since the onset of this cosmic calamity, the human race had actually declined somewhat within the Vast Azure Immortal Realm. 30 million years ago, humanity still possessed the Liyang Grotto-Heaven in the Southern Ridge Celestial Domain, which could rival the Golden Crow Grotto-Heaven as an equal.

After the destruction of the Liyang Grotto-Heaven, only the Purple Flame Grotto-Heaven remained for the human race in the Southern Ridge.

Although the Violet Flame Grotto-Heaven was also 1 of the 10 Great Grotto-Heavens of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain, possessing a Perfected Celestial Ancestor at the Great Perfection stage, they had no choice but to seal their mountain gates and forbid their disciples from entering the tribulation within the 6 Southern Heavens Domain when facing the Golden Crow Grotto-Heaven.

Under such circumstances, the combined forces of the Southern Ridge and the Eastern Barrens' demon clans would indeed be sufficient to reshape the power dynamics of the Qingcang Immortal Realm.

For in the northern Polar 6 Heavens Domain, Taiyang Wuji was leading humanity in a fierce struggle against the divine race.

In the Central Heavenly Domain, the Qingyang Divine Son, the Ziwei Imperial Son, and the Firelin Imperial Son from the Qilin Clan—the overlords among the 100 Immortal Spirits Races—were already embroiled in a chaotic melee.

Under such circumstances, the demonic tribes would likely emerge as the greatest victors of this Heavenly Tribulation.

Understanding this, Eldrin said, "Issue the command immediately. Summon everyone to Verdant Chariot Mountain for counsel."

Atop Verdant Chariot Mountain (Location), within the Violet Night Palace, Eldrin (Person Name) and the Pure Sun Saint sat cross-legged upon the floor.

After years apart, the cultivators within the Abyssal Return Immortal Alliance had made significant progress in their cultivation. Moreover, 2 new individuals with Triple Taiyi Foundations had emerged.

These 2 individuals were both Saint-level figures of the Pure Sun Grotto-Heaven, renowned top-tier geniuses for many years. Their innate talents surpassed even that of the Western Abyss Dragon King. Achieving the 3 Taiyi Foundations in 1 breakthrough was nothing but a natural culmination of their cultivation.

Seeing that everyone had gathered, Eldrin wasted no time on pleasantries and directly tossed the letter in his hand to the crowd, saying.

"Would you care to take a look?"

Everyone exchanged glances upon hearing this, then immediately picked up the letters to read.

A moment later, Feng Wuyan’s expression turned grave as he said, “The Golden Crow Tribe, the Immortal Phoenix Clan, and even the most formidable ancient bloodlines like the Zhu Yan and 9-Tailed Fox have now merged. They have become the most dominant force in the Qingcang Immortal Domain.”

"If we allow them to annihilate the Eastern Domain's human champions and absorb the gains from this battle, they will likely gain the power to unify the entire Vast Azure Immortal Realm."

"I share the same sentiment."

The Pure Yang Saint Son nodded, a slight furrow forming between his brows as he spoke, "We must stop them, and even seize this opportunity to deal a heavy blow to the demonic forces."

"Then let us prepare to make our move."

Chen Qiyuan spoke slowly, his eyes radiating a palpable killing intent.

Hearing this, the rest of the group burned with fighting spirit. In this war, the Western Extremity Human Alliance had gained 4 Taboo Prodigies, while the other 3 Primordial Unity foundations had also made some progress in combat prowess.

Now at the peak of its power, the faction naturally possessed the confidence to crush all opposition.

Seeing the fighting spirit burning in everyone’s eyes, Eldrin said calmly, “Then in this battle, we shall leave the 10 1000 Spirits Ancestor and other Celestial Immortals to guard the 6 Western Heavenly Domains on our behalf.”

"All who have cultivated the 3 Great Primordial Foundations, follow me to the Eastern Pole's 6 Heavenly Domains."

Everyone nodded upon hearing this, immediately approving of Eldrin's plan.

Those who have cultivated the 3 Taiyi Foundations all possess combat prowess approaching that of a flawed Celestial Immortal. Among the 20-some individuals present with 3 Taiyi Foundations, there are even 2 existences at the level of tribulation protagonists—Eldrin and Lyra.

A confrontation of this magnitude, at the level of a Dao Calamity core, no longer feared the intervention of even a Heavenly Immortal mighty figure.

For they carried the fortune of the Great Dao governing the cycles of heaven and earth, and were deeply cherished by the heavenly principles of the Vast Azure Immortal Realm. Should a Celestial Immortal dare intervene, they would likely be crushed to ashes in an instant.

Having made up their minds, the group immediately departed from the Sea of Returning Abyss and headed toward the 6 Easternmost Heavenly Domains.

The group consisted of merely 20-some individuals, all being the most elite seeds of flawless Celestial Immortals. As they journeyed eastward toward the 6 Extreme Heavenly Domains, they soon arrived beyond the boundaries of the Empyrean Void Heavenly Domain.

After arriving in the Tai Void Heaven Domain, everyone concealed their auras and pressed onward, soon arriving before a majestic mountain range.

"This is the place."

Gazing at the mountain range before him, Eldrin murmured softly, his expression growing solemn.

Before his eyes, beyond the vast mountain range, countless demonic legions were relentlessly assaulting the grand formation. Within the mountains, a colossal sword formation rose into the sky, splitting into hundreds of millions of immortal swords. Countless sword energies surged violently, grinding innumerable demonic immortals into dust.

The 2 great celestial realm demon clans joined forces, with the 3 protagonists of the heavenly tribulation—the Golden Crow Tribe, the 5-Colored Immortal Phoenix, and the Scarlet Calamity Imperial Son—leading the charge.

"The Grand Void Mountain Range has actually managed to endure until this day. Truly, the Grand Void Grotto-Heaven lives up to its reputation as 1 of the 10 Great Grotto-Heavens of the Vast Azure Immortal Domain."

Witnessing this scene, Luo Ming could not help but let out a sigh as he spoke.

The Saint Son of the Pure Sun Grotto-Heaven nodded slightly, then smiled. "In the Qingcang Immortal Domain, there are 10 supreme Grotto-Heavens."

"This Void Cave Heaven ranks seventh, truly worthy of its reputation."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin (Person Name) felt a subtle flicker in his gaze.

The Vast Azure Immortal Realm possessed 10 great cave heavens, yet the foremost 5—the Golden Crow Cave Heaven, Pure Yang Cave Heaven, Azure Sun Cave Heaven, Eternal Spring Cave Heaven, and Ice Soul Cave Heaven—each housed ancient immortal mighty ones. Naturally, their depths were unfathomable.

Under such circumstances, the Primordial Void Cavern could rank seventh, truly deserving its title as the second greatest cavern realm beneath the Ancient Immortals.

The remaining 5 cave heavens each possessed means capable of threatening ancient immortal mighty figures: the Purple Tenuity Cave Heaven, the Great Void Cave Heaven, the True Dragon Cave Heaven, the Immortal Phoenix Cave Heaven, and the Violet Flame Cave Heaven.

Among them, the Violet Star Grotto-Heaven was a branch of the Great Luo Ancient Sect's Violet Star Dao Palace. Legend held that an ancient immortal mighty 1 had left behind a supreme treasure there, earning it the sixth rank.

The Taixu Divine Grotto ranks seventh in offensive prowess, followed by the True Dragon Divine Grotto and Immortal Phoenix Divine Grotto at eighth and ninth respectively, while the final Violet Flame Divine Grotto claims the tenth position.

Of course, the Bi Fang Heavenly Grotto of the demon race, the Tai Hao Heavenly Grotto of the 100 Immortal Spirits, and the Qing Wei Heavenly Grotto of the human race in the Qingwei Celestial Domain all possessed astonishing foundations, comparable to the Purple Flame Heavenly Grotto. Thus, the title of the Tenth Great Heavenly Grotto remained shrouded in uncertainty.

At that very moment, Feng Wuyi contemplated briefly before remarking, "Under ordinary circumstances, this Tai Xu Mountain Range would hardly withstand an invasion of this magnitude by the demonic tribes."

"Yet now, above the Taixu Mountain Range, 12 innate ancient swords and 1 100 8 Taiyi immortal swords hover in the sky, which is why they have held out for so long."

12 innate slaying swords formed the array.

Elder Swordmaster Changgeng couldn't help but shake his head, remarking, "It seems the Empyrean Void Cave this time has truly gone all out."

Young Master Luoming also nodded, yet he spoke calmly, "The Taixu Saint Son is a prodigy in the 12 Tribulations realm, a rare genius even among the Ancient Imperial Clans."

"The Firmament Void Cave has placed such a heavy stake, nearly betting the very fate of their celestial grotto."

Eldrin (Person Name) nodded slightly upon hearing this.

Producing 12 innate ancient swords at once, along with the hundreds of millions of slaying immortal swords used to form the array—this cost would likely cripple even the Grand Void Paradise.

Should this tribulation fail, the entire Taixu Grotto-Heaven would pay a tremendous price, and it might take tens of millions of years to recover its vitality.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 1 The biting mountain wind whipped through the valley, carrying with it the scent of pine and decay. Lin Feng tightened his worn hemp robe, his breath misting in the chill air. Before him stood the sect's Mission Hall, its ancient wooden plaque carved with 3 imposing characters that seemed to emanate an invisible pressure. "Disciple Lin Feng, here to receive the monthly mission," he announced to the elderly steward seated within. The steward didn't even glance up from the jade slip he was studying. "The rear mountain herb garden needs weeding. 30 contribution points. Finish within 3 days." Lin Feng's heart sank. 30 points? That was barely enough to exchange for a dozen or so basic Spirit Gathering Pills. Yet as an outer sect disciple at the third level of Qi Condensation, he had no right to refuse. "Understood," he replied softly, accepting the mission token. Just as he turned to leave, a commotion arose at the entrance. "Make way! Make way for Senior Brother Zhang!" A young man in fine blue silk robes strode in, followed by 2 lackeys. The steward, who had been so indifferent moments before, immediately rose with an ingratiating smile. "Senior Brother Zhang! To what do we owe this honor?" Zhang Shan, at the seventh level of Qi Condensation, didn't even look at Lin Feng as he passed. "I need a mission near the outer perimeter. Something that pays well." "Of course, of course!" The steward produced another jade slip. "There's an urgent mission to gather 10 Shadow Serpent Grasses from the Blackwind Ridge. The reward is 3,000 contribution points!" Murmurs of astonishment filled the hall. 3,000 points! That was enough to exchange for several high-grade spirit stones or even a decent magical treasure. Zhang Shan smirked, clearly enjoying the attention. "That's more like it." He snatched the mission token and left without another word. Lin Feng watched the exchange, his fists clenched so tightly his nails dug into his palms. The disparity was like heaven and earth. While Zhang Shan could take on high-reward missions with ease, he was stuck weeding herb gardens for scraps. But what could he do? In the cultivation world, strength was everything. Without power, without background, he was nothing but an ant. Suppressing the bitterness in his heart, Lin Feng made his way toward the rear mountains. The path was familiar, worn smooth by the footsteps of countless outer sect disciples who had walked this same menial path over the years. The herb garden sprawled across several terraced fields, filled with spiritual plants that shimmered with faint energy. But among them grew stubborn Ironroot Weeds, their dark tendrils sapping nutrients from the valuable herbs. Lin Feng sighed and got to work. The weeds were notoriously difficult to remove, their roots extending deep into the earth. Each 1 required channeling a wisp of spiritual power to loosen its grip. Hours passed. The sun climbed overhead, then began its descent. Lin Feng's robes were soaked with sweat, his spiritual energy nearly depleted. He had barely cleared a third of the assigned area. "At this rate, I'll never finish in 3 days," he muttered, wiping his brow. As he tugged at a particularly stubborn weed, his hand slipped on a rock slick with moss. A sharp pain shot through his palm as a jagged edge tore his skin. "Damn it," he hissed, watching blood well up from the cut. But then something strange happened. As his blood dripped onto the rock, the moss where it fell began to wither at an visible rate. The stone itself started to glow with a faint crimson light. Lin Feng stared, his fatigue forgotten. He quickly cleared away the remaining moss, revealing a palm-sized black stone covered in intricate patterns that now pulsed with an eerie red glow. "What is this?" he whispered, reaching out to touch it. The moment his fingers made contact, a surge of information flooded his mind—ancient, profound, and overwhelming. Visions flashed before his eyes: towering figures battling amidst swirling nebulae, celestial palaces crumbling, and finally, a single character that burned itself into his consciousness. "Devour." When the visions cleared, Lin Feng found himself kneeling on the ground, gasping for breath. The stone had vanished, but he could feel something different within him—a strange new energy circulating through his meridians alongside his spiritual power. Tentatively, he reached for 1 of the Ironroot Weeds. As his fingers brushed against it, he instinctively activated this new energy. To his astonishment, the weed began to wither at an incredible speed, turning from vibrant green to brittle brown in mere seconds. A faint stream of green energy flowed from the plant into his body, replenishing his depleted spiritual power and even strengthening it slightly. Lin Feng's eyes widened in disbelief. He could directly absorb the life force from living things? He quickly tried it on another weed, with the same result. Within minutes, he had cleared an area that would have taken him hours of backbreaking work. A wild hope blossomed in his chest. This... this changed everything. But his excitement was short-lived. A cold voice cut through the air. "Well, well. What do we have here?" Lin Feng spun around to see 3 figures approaching. The 1 in front was Wang Hu, a burly disciple at the fifth level of Qi Condensation, known for bullying weaker disciples. His 2 companions flanked him, wearing identical sneers. "Brother Wang," Lin Feng said cautiously, straightening up. Wang Hu's eyes scanned the cleared area, then narrowed. "You work fast today. Too fast." He stepped closer, his gaze piercing. "Did you find some treasure? Hand it over." Lin Feng's heart raced, but he kept his expression neutral. "I don't know what you're talking about. I just worked hard today." "Don't play dumb with me!" Wang Hu snapped. "A third level trash like you clearing so much ground in 1 day? Impossible unless you had help. Now, what did you find?" 1 of Wang Hu's lackeys chimed in, "Maybe we should teach him a lesson, Brother Wang. Help him remember how to respect his seniors." Wang Hu cracked his knuckles, a malicious grin spreading across his face. "Good idea. Let's remind this trash of his place." As they advanced, Lin Feng's mind raced. He was outnumbered and outmatched. In a direct confrontation, he stood no chance. But then he remembered the strange energy within him. The devouring power. As Wang Hu reached to grab his collar, Lin Feng made a decision. He wouldn't be bullied anymore. Not today. Not ever again. He met Wang Hu's eyes, his voice calm but firm. "I suggest you walk away." For a moment, Wang Hu looked stunned, then he burst into laughter. "You suggest? You suggest?" He turned to his lackeys. "Did you hear that? The trash is giving suggestions now!" Their laughter echoed through the herb garden, but it was cut short when Lin Feng spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper yet carrying an unexpected weight. "Last warning."