Chapter 108 Thunderous Flame Sword

This time, the Chen family had practically emptied their nest. To prevent information leaks and their base being attacked, even these 18 high-ranking clan members didn’t know what they were about to do.

To end the battle swiftly, Eldrin and the other 3 Foundation Establishment cultivators disregarded the immense drain on their true essence. Each manipulated their swords to carry 4 or 5 fellow cultivators, soaring toward the desolate expanse 1 100 1000 li away.

In just 4 or 5 days, the group arrived 3 100 miles from the ancient cultivator's cave abode.

The group descended on their sword glows, and only then did the old clan leader reveal the purpose of their journey. Learning they were to confront a Zifu-level demonic beast, a trace of fear instinctively stirred within each of them.

Chen Nianyong trembled with fear, his face bitter as he pleaded, "Elder Uncle, a Purple Mansion demonic beast could extinguish us with a single breath! For cultivators of our level to venture into such a place—are we not simply seeking our own doom?"

"Rest assured, the vanguard for this mission consists of me and the clan leader."

Eldrin spoke, pausing briefly before continuing, "All you need to do is activate the formation flags and provide Qi support for Uncle Lior and Seraphina."

Chapter 1 The sixteenth granduncle, Eldrin Chen Changlu (Person Name), smacked Chen Nianyong (Person Name) on the head and said sternly, "All these years, the family has paid you your stipend precisely so that you would fight for the clan when the day came. Don’t tell me you’re thinking of running for your life?"

"How could that be." Chen Nianyong scratched his head with an awkward laugh. "I'm just afraid of pointless sacrifices."

Everyone exchanged awkward smiles. If Chen Changlu, who was already 90-7 years old, dared to join the battle, they certainly would not retreat either.

After all, with the formation guarding them, they would remain relatively safe as long as the formation remained unbroken.

Seeing a flicker of fighting spirit in everyone's eyes, Lior (Person Name) breathed a sigh of relief. He distributed the formation flags and had the group run through the drills once more.

The clan cultivators had all trained in the Blazing Sun Heavenly Fire Formation, so they quickly familiarized themselves with the kindred Sunfire Divine Flame Formation.

The group did not press forward that night. Instead, they rested where they were, recovering their zhenyuan before proceeding toward Yang Yuanqing's cave abode.

The group advanced cautiously under cover, moving in stealth. It seemed the heavily injured Thunderwing Demonic Roc had suffered severe damage to its divine sense, allowing them to close within 5 li undetected before it finally noticed their presence.

Boom—

A deafening roar echoed as the Thunderwing Demonic Roc shattered the ancient cultivator's cave abode, bursting forth from the mountain peaks and fleeing into the distant horizon.

Fortunately, everyone had long been prepared. The old clan leader was the first to strike, his Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root) spirit blade transforming into a blade radiance stretching over 80 feet as it tore through the sky and slashed forward.

As the life-bound magical treasure of a ninth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator, the power of this Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root) Spirit Blade surpassed that of peer-level artifacts by over 30 percent—already sufficient to inflict wounds upon a Purple Mansion demonic beast.

The Thunder Roc did not meet the attack head-on. Instead, it beat its wings and swerved, attempting to flee in another direction.

But a brilliant azure sword light soared into the sky, directly blocking the path of the Purple Palace Demon Roc. As a superior life-bound immortal sword, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss possessed 30 percent greater power than the Crimson Flame Qi spirit blade, even holding the capability to severely wound the Thunder Roc.

Ahead was the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure), behind it the Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root) spirit blade. The Thunderwing Demonic Roc had no time to change course and could only unleash a thunder spell in retaliation.

After all, this was a Zi Mansion-level demonic beast. Though it was merely activating an innate spell rather than a divine ability, its power was by no means ordinary. A lightning serpent descended, unexpectedly blocking the path of the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure).

Seeing the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss blocked, the Purple Palace Demon Roc beat its wings once more in a desperate bid to escape. Eldrin’s eyes narrowed as he summoned the Gengjin Divine Thunder, striking down from above.

Boom—

A thunderclap erupted as the Gengjin Divine Thunder transformed into 9 heavenly bolts descending from the sky. The Pure Yang Divine Thunder technique possessed innate, incomparable speed—so swift that even the Purple Palace Demon Roc (Demon Beast) failed to evade it in time.

Eldrin's mana was now as profound and sharp as that of an eighth-level Foundation Building cultivator, and the might he could unleash with this divine ability was already potent enough to pose a threat to a Purple Mansion demon beast.

The Purple Palace Demon Roc (Demon Beast), now dragging its grievously wounded form, naturally dared not meet this technique with its bare flesh. Left with no choice, it could only summon its protective astral barrier to block the strike before beating its wings once more, continuing its desperate flight toward the distant void.

"Don't let it get away."

Seeing the demonic roc still attempting to flee, Chen Changxuan couldn't help but shout loudly. The fact that this Purple Palace Demon Roc deliberately avoided him—a Foundation Establishment, Peak Stage cultivator—actually made it somewhat difficult for him to keep pace.

Fortunately, at this critical moment, the Third Elder and the others finally caught up. They saw Lior (Person Name) activate the Blazing Sun Divine Fire Array, summoning the Li Fire Lockheart Spike (Magic Treasure).

This Solarfire Heart-Piercer Spike had gathered the power of the Blazing Sun Divine Fire Array, its might already astonishingly formidable. It actually surpassed Eldrin's Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss in power by a full 50 percent.

To his astonishment, it erupted into a dazzling conical radiance spanning a dozen or so zhang, shooting straight toward the Purple Palace Demon Roc (Demon Beast) and leaving it with no room to evade.

This strike caught the Purple Palace Demon Roc (Demon Beast) completely off guard. Though it relied on its protective aura to block most of the attack's power, the Li Fire Lockheart Spike still sent it staggering back a 1000 feet, finally forcing it to a halt.

Moreover, after successively blocking the Eldritch Gold Divine Thunder and the Li Fire Lockheart Spike, its protective arcane energy had been shattered. For the time being, at least, this spell could no longer serve any significant purpose.

Seizing the opportunity, the crowd surged forward. Only then did they notice a massive wound on the abdomen of the Purple Palace Demon Roc (Demon Beast), where faint golden flames flickered and devoured its flesh.

"There are still remnants of Western Metal Fire. It was struck by the Golden Lion Mastiff’s Western Metal Fire divine ability."

"No wonder it chose to flee rather than face us in battle."

Eldrin glanced at the demonic roc's injuries, and this thought instantly flashed through his mind.

The Western Extreme Gold Fire was the innate divine ability of the Golden Lion Mastiff. This power was exceptionally formidable—once it severely wounded an opponent, it would seep into their wounds and meridians, relentlessly refining their flesh and blood day and night, making it extremely difficult to eradicate.

Even with the formidable cultivation of the Purple Palace Demon Roc (Demon Beast), being subjected to day and night refinement by such primordial flames had left it utterly debilitated. Not only had its strength diminished by 50 to 60 percent, but it also endured perpetual agony.

"Screech—"

After all, it was a Purple Palace Demon Roc (Demon Beast). Even severely wounded, it retained its imposing majesty. Seeing the crowd closing in, a cold glint flashed in its eyes. Suppressing its injuries, it resolved to end the battle swiftly.

Suddenly, it opened its maw and unleashed a blade of lightning-wreathed radiance, which soared into the sky and slashed toward Eldrin.

"Damn, it's the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss!"

The old clan leader, being widely experienced, immediately revealed a look of astonishment.

It turned out that the Thunderfire Sword possessed a remarkable origin—it was the exclusive life-bound magical treasure of the Yang Clan, a noble immortal lineage from the Violet Manor of Ling Prefecture. A century ago, Yang Yonglu, the revered patriarch of the Yang Clan’s Violet Manor, had forged this very life-bound immortal sword and relied upon it to dominate the frontier provinces.

80-5 years ago, the Beast Tide Rebellion erupted. Even the Verdant Sun Sect lost 2 of its Zi Palace Elders in the conflict, while the Zi Palace lineages across the Verdant Sun Provinces suffered devastating casualties. As for the Border Provinces—those stepchild lands—it was inevitable they would not emerge unscathed.

Elder Yang Yonglu fell in battle during the Great Beast Tide, and thus the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss was lost. Who could have imagined it would end up in the claws of the Thunder Roc clan?

Chapter 1: The Reborn Youth The biting cold wind swept across the mountain ridge, carrying with it the scent of withered grass and frozen earth. Lin Xuan lay amidst the snow, his consciousness drifting between clarity and haze. The final scene before his death replayed in his mind—the ambush by the 3 great elders, the shattering of his Golden Core, and the treacherous smile of his most trusted junior sister. "Am I... dead?" A searing pain shot through his chest, forcing his eyes open. The dilapidated thatched roof and yellowed beams came into view, so familiar it felt surreal. This was... his room from 15 years ago, when he was still an outer disciple of the Qingyun Sect? "Brother Xuan, you're awake!" A girl's voice, crisp as a oriole, rang out by his ear. Turning his head, he saw a delicate face with eyes like autumn water—Su Qingxue, his childhood friend who would later sacrifice her Primordial Yin to save him during his Qi Deviation. "I... have been reborn?" Lin Xuan stared at his pale yet youthful hands, a storm raging in his heart. The Divine Lord of Heavenly Punishment, revered by all, had actually returned to his 15-year-old self! Memories flooded back like a tidal wave. In his previous life, he had been a legendary figure who ascended to the Immortal Realm in just 3 100 years, yet he had ultimately fallen at the most critical moment of his Heavenly Tribulation. Now, fate had granted him a chance to start over. "Qingxue, what day is it today?" Lin Xuan struggled to sit up, his voice hoarse. "The seventh day of the twelfth month," Su Qingxue replied, carefully supporting him. "You passed out during the sect's assessment yesterday. The physician said your spiritual roots are damaged and... you can no longer practice cultivation." A cold gleam flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes. So it was this day. The so-called "accidental injury" during the assessment was actually a scheme orchestrated by that despicable elder from the Law Enforcement Hall. All of this was because he had inadvertently discovered the elder's collusion with the demonic cultivators. "Don't worry," Lin Xuan gently patted her hand. "I will reclaim everything that belongs to me." Just as Su Qingxue was about to speak, the door was kicked open with a loud bang. A young man in a blue robe strode in, his face full of arrogance. "Lin Xuan, the Law Enforcement Hall has ordered your expulsion from the sect. Pack your things and leave immediately!" Su Qingxue stepped forward in anger. "Zhang Feng! How can you be so ruthless? Brother Xuan is still injured!" Zhang Feng sneered, "A waste with shattered spiritual roots doesn't deserve to stay in the Qingyun Sect." His gaze then swept over Su Qingxue's delicate figure, a hint of greed flashing in his eyes. "However, if Junior Sister Su is willing to plead with Elder Wang, perhaps there's still room for negotiation..." "Enough." Lin Xuan's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable authority. He slowly rose, his gaze sharp as a sword. "Tell Wang Tianhao that I, Lin Xuan, will remember today's 'kindness'." Zhang Feng was momentarily stunned by his presence, then flew into a rage. "How dare you, a mere ant, be so insolent!" With that, he formed a hand seal, summoning a ball of fire that shot straight toward Lin Xuan's face. This was the basic fire spell of the Qingyun Sect—Spark Technique. Though only at the third level of Qi Refining, if it hit an ordinary person, it would still be enough to cause severe burns. "Be careful!" Su Qingxue exclaimed in shock, about to step in front of him. But Lin Xuan was faster. His right hand moved with mysterious precision, his fingers lightly brushing past the fireball. In that instant, the flame strangely changed direction and shot back toward Zhang Feng. "Ah!" Zhang Feng screamed as his clothes caught fire. He frantically rolled on the ground, his appearance utterly miserable. "How... how is this possible?" Zhang Feng stared in disbelief at Lin Xuan. A cripple with shattered spiritual roots had actually counterattacked? Lin Xuan looked down at him coldly. "Get lost." After Zhang Feng fled in panic, Su Qingxue looked at Lin Xuan with a face full of astonishment. "Brother Xuan, your cultivation..." Lin Xuan did not answer. Instead, he closed his eyes and sensed the changes within his body. Though his spiritual roots were damaged, his soul remained that of a late-stage Divine Transformation expert. The control over spiritual power just now was merely child's play to him. What surprised him even more was that deep within his consciousness sea, a faint golden light flickered—it was actually the Heavenly Punishment Divine Art that had followed him through his rebirth! This was the supreme technique he had obtained by chance in the Ancient God's Ruins. It was precisely because of this art that he attracted the jealousy of others and ultimately fell during his Heavenly Tribulation. "Since the heavens have given me a second chance," Lin Xuan murmured to himself, his eyes growing determined, "in this life, I will definitely reach the pinnacle of the Great Dao and make all those who betrayed me pay the price!" He turned to Su Qingxue, his voice soft. "Qingxue, I need your help with something." "Say it, Brother Xuan." "Help me gather these materials." Lin Xuan picked up a charred branch and wrote a list of herbs on the ground. "Frostgrass, Bloodsoul Mushroom, and... a 100-year-old Profound Ice." Su Qingxue's eyes widened in shock. "These are all extreme Yin items. Brother Xuan, your body..." "Trust me." Lin Xuan's gaze was deep. "Before the sect's expulsion order is officially issued, I must repair my spiritual roots." Night fell, and the mountain wind grew even colder. After Su Qingxue left, Lin Xuan sat cross-legged on his bed, attempting to circulate the Heavenly Punishment Divine Art. A sharp pain shot through his meridians, but he gritted his teeth and persisted. In his previous life, he had cultivated the Qingyun Sect's Wood Attribute technique, which, while gentle, lacked explosive power. Now, with the Heavenly Punishment Divine Art, he could simultaneously cultivate the 5 elements, laying an unparalleled foundation. "Although the Heavenly Punishment Divine Art is powerful, the resources required for advancement are also immense." Lin Xuan sighed inwardly. Just the materials needed to repair his spiritual roots were already extremely rare. Suddenly, his expression changed. He sensed a faint spatial fluctuation coming from the broken jade pendant at his waist—a relic left by his parents. Channeling his last trace of spiritual power into it, the jade pendant suddenly shone brightly. When the light faded, a simple, unadorned bronze mirror appeared in his hand. "This is... the Tai Xu Mirror?" Lin Xuan's pupils contracted sharply. In his previous life, he had obtained this mirror by chance in a secret realm, but no matter how he refined it, it showed no reaction. He never expected it to be hidden within this jade pendant. As his spiritual power poured in, the surface of the bronze mirror rippled like water, revealing lines of ancient text: "Heavenly Punishment Divine Art, First Layer: Tempering the Body with 5 Elements Thunder." A brilliant light flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes. It was no wonder that in his previous life, he had been unable to unlock the secrets of the Tai Xu Mirror. So it actually required the Heavenly Punishment Divine Art as the key to activate it! Just as he was about to study it further, his expression suddenly turned cold. "Since you're here, why hide and skulk around?" The window shattered, and 3 black-robed figures burst in. The leader, a man with a scar on his face, laughed sinisterly. "Kid, you've got some skills to have detected us. Hand over the thing Elder Wang wants, and we might spare your life." Lin Xuan's heart sank. He hadn't expected Wang Tianhao to be so impatient, sending assassins so soon. The 3 of them were all at the fifth level of Qi Refining. Given his current condition, facing them head-on would be unwise. "Fine." Lin Xuan slowly stood, a strange smile curling at the corner of his mouth. "I'll give it to you." As he spoke, he formed hand seals with both hands. The spiritual energy between heaven and earth suddenly stirred, gathering toward him like a whirlpool. The scarred man's expression changed drastically. "This is... a thunder technique! Retreat!" But it was too late. Lin Xuan's eyes turned icy cold. "Heavenly Punishment First Style—Divine Thunder Cleansing the World!" Boom— A deafening thunderclap erupted, and purple lightning lit up the entire night sky.