Chapter 123 Sudden Attack

Eldrin harvested the Mysterious Jade Ginseng, then the 2 madly fled toward Scorchsun County on their soaring swords.

Just 3 days later, the 2 of them had already traversed tens of thousands of miles of wilderness and arrived within the Scorched Sun Mountain (Location) range.

By this time, the Violet Mansion Dire Wolf from Green Mastiff Mountain finally gave chase, pressing forward with relentless fury until it reached the foothills of Scorched Sun Mountain (Location). Its unyielding pursuit ultimately stirred the attention of the human Violet Mansion cultivators residing within Scorched Sun Mountain (Location), who intercepted the enraged beast.

"Hoo—"

Deep within a mountain range, Eldrin and Varen exchanged a glance, unable to suppress a sigh of relief.

The demon territories were now in complete chaos, with demon clans scouring everywhere for their traces. Fortunately, they all possessed second-tier, superior-grade flying swords, their speed far surpassing that of ordinary Foundation Establishment, Late Stage cultivators. Otherwise, they might not have escaped with their lives.

"Let's divide the treasures first."

Eldrin retrieved all the gains from this journey and couldn't help but reveal a faint smile.

In this battle, they slew 7 Foundation Establishment demon beasts, seizing 7 demon cores along with 7 pristine pelts. Additionally, they harvested over 30 second-tier spirit herbs.

The most valuable treasures were 2 in number: 1 was the third-grade Mysterious Jade Ginseng (Spiritual Object), and the other was the Magnetic Gold Bracelet.

The Aura-Magnetic Golden Bracelet was secured by Eldrin alone. Moreover, since this treasure countered his Lifebound Immortal Sword, he would naturally not allow it to fall into others' hands. Thus, he spoke up.

"This Mystic Magnetic Gold Bracelet is of use to me."

"After tanning those 7 demon beast pelts, they can be crafted into 3 second-tier, superior-grade Talisman of the Blazing Heaven Sword (Magic Treasure). Once I refine them into treasure talismans, I'll give you 3 as exchange. What do you think?"

Varen contemplated for a moment. Since Eldrin had secured this Magnetic Treasure Gold, it was only natural that he held priority in selecting from it. This item rightfully belonged to Eldrin.

A single second-grade, superior-quality Talisman of the Blazing Heaven Sword (Magic Treasure) typically holds a value of around 3,000 spirit stones. 3 such talismans would amount to nearly 10,000 spirit stones—and this does not even account for the current premium prices due to the approaching Beast Tide.

Although this Magnetite Treasure Ore was worth approximately 30,000 to 40,000 spirit stones, it remained merely a second-grade superior magic treasure roughcast. Moreover, since Eldrin had single-handedly secured it, compensating him with 3 Talisman of the Blazing Heaven Sword could already be considered exceptionally generous.

At this thought, he smiled faintly and said, "The Chen Clan's Blazing Heaven Sword has shaken Border Province with its might. I've heard it can even injure a Zifu-level demonic beast. With 3 such precious talismans in our possession, the foundation of our Wei Clan will be strengthened by another measure."

"I agree to this exchange."

Seeing his agreement, Eldrin smiled and nodded. "Rest assured, I will soon break through to Foundation Establishment, Late Stage. Once I refine the Talisman of the Blazing Heaven Sword, its power will be 40 to 50 percent greater than what I can unleash now."

"Let us follow your suggestion and send this Mysterious Jade Ginseng (Spiritual Object) to Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) for Elder Jiang to refine the Mysterious Jade Pill (Spiritual Object). Once the pill is successfully concocted, we shall divide the treasured elixir equally between us."

As he put away the Magnetic Treasure Bracer (Magic Treasure), Varen (Person Name) cast a glance at the Mysterious Jade Ginseng (Spiritual Object). "However, I'm not acquainted with that Patriarch Jiang, so I'll need you to make the trip."

"You need not worry about this matter." At the mention of Lyra, a faint smile surfaced in Eldrin's eyes. "I share some camaraderie with Patriarch Jiang."

Varen nodded, then gazed upon the 30 spirit herbs. Though their grades varied, their combined value was nothing short of considerable.

After further discussion, the 2 agreed to split the resources: each would take 1 stalk of the Cyan Origin Orchid, while Eldrin claimed 1 of the 3 Spirit-Breaking Fruits. The remaining spiritual herbs were all allocated to Varen.

In exchange, Eldrin acquired 7 monster cores. Sharing the same origin, these cores could potentially be refined into a matching set of array artifacts if brought back to the elder clan leader.

This array device, composed entirely of second-order magical instruments, would most likely become a high-grade second-order treasure upon completion—a weapon of truly overwhelming power.

After dividing the treasures, the 2 parted ways in the Scorching Sun Mountain Range. Varen prepared to return to his clan to arrange for the processing of the spiritual herbs, while Eldrin set off directly for the Celestial Ruins Mountain.

After all, the Mysterious Jade Ginseng (Spiritual Object) was far too precious—it needed to be refined into elixirs and consumed as soon as possible.

Chapter 1 Eldrin had been flying on his sword for over 20 1000 miles when he suddenly sensed something amiss.

Up ahead, someone had been lying in wait. As soon as he flew closer, a pitch-black ritual blade was hurled straight at his head.

Not good.

Eldrin's pupils contracted sharply. The sword aura of the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss surged dramatically, allowing him to evade the strike in the nick of time.

But at the same moment, a large net descended from the other side—astonishingly, another high-grade, second-tier magical artifact. Even more startling, this net was studded with clusters of blazing Yang Fire Divine Thunder.

Net of the Fiery Thunder of Bing.

In that instant, Eldrin's gaze sharpened as he recognized the origin of this treasure.

The Blaze God Thunder Net ranks among the 3 most formidable innate magical treasures of the Verdant Sun Sect. This artifact was forged by refining the essence of ninth heaven's radiant clouds, infusing vast quantities of primordial blaze energy, and inscribing it with divine blaze thunder patterns through 40-9 days of relentless tempering.

Once this treasure was forged, it gained the ability to coalesce and disperse at will. It could scatter into a sky full of radiant clouds, or gather into a divine net to ensnare foes.

Most crucially, the divine ability engraved upon this treasure, the Bing Fire Divine Thunder, possessed extraordinary power. It was said that if cultivated to the Golden Core Realm's fourth tier—even if only the lower-grade fourth tier—a single cast of its net would unleash 30-6 third-tier Bing Fire Divine Thunders.

By condensing the divine thunder's power into singularity, 1 could unleash 3 fourth-rank Bing Fire Divine Thunderbolts. Even a Golden Core-level demonic beast, once ensnared, would be blasted until its flesh split open and bones shattered.

The former sect master of Qingyang Sect had refined this treasure to the mid-fourth rank. With a single cast of the net, he summoned 70-2 bolts of Third Rank Bing Fire Divine Lightning, reducing tens of thousands of demonic beasts to ashes and leveling the land for hundreds of miles around.

At this moment, Wei Mingyuan activated this Net of Bing Fire Divine Thunder to envelop the area. Though its power fell far short of its legendary might, it still manifested 1 100 and 8 first-grade Bing Fire Divine Thunder orbs.

Once trapped within it, I fear even Eldrin's Bell of 9 Echoes might not withstand its power.

At the critical moment, Eldrin's sword aura surged violently beneath his feet. With sheer force, he unleashed the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss, tearing through the Net of Bing Fire Divine Lightning and carrying Eldrin out of the encirclement.

Alas, the Net of Fiery Thunder was formless between convergence and dispersion. Though a breach had been cleaved through it, the gap swiftly mended itself.

"Clang—"

Eldrin propelled himself forward on a sword aura for 3 1000 meters. Only after escaping the encirclement did he glance back toward the battlefield. He saw Wei Mingyuan and Senior Brother Yan swiftly pursuing him.

He observed that Wei Mingyuan possessed profound spiritual power, clearly indicating he was a cultivator from the prestigious Qingyang Sect. Thus, he inquired,

"I have never met you before, so why are you attacking me?"

"The dead need not know too much."

Wei Mingyuan let out a cold sneer and continued to channel his energy, driving the Bing Fire Divine Lightning Net to sweep forward.

眼看套不出话来，Eldrin (Person Name)祭出催动法宝神通跟他们斗起法来，他以一敌二，跟两人斗了三十多招，终于察觉到了辣手之处。

That Senior Brother Yan was merely an ordinary Foundation Establishment, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm), wielding nothing but a single second-tier, superior-grade magical weapon—the Heaven Net Blade. In a 1-on-1 fight, Eldrin (Person Name) was confident he could take him down. However, that Wei Mingyuan was truly extraordinary.

This individual had traversed most of his Purple Mansion's Dao Veins, possessing primal energy so profound it surpassed Varen's by 40 to 50 percent. Beyond the Li Fire Divine Thunder Net in his grasp, he also wielded 3 additional Grade 2, Superior-tier magical instruments.

"His spiritual power is more profound than mine. It seems I must end this swiftly."

Chapter 1: Rebirth of the Immortal Monarch The sky tore open with a thunderous roar, purple lightning snaking through the clouds like angry serpents. At the peak of Mount Kunlun, a figure in azure robes stood defiantly against the heavenly tribulation. "Fellow Daoist Chu, your time has come!" A voice echoed from the swirling vortex above. Chu Xuan's eyes flashed with determination. "The Heavenly Dao wishes to destroy me, yet I shall transcend this tribulation and achieve the Dao!" He raised his hand, summoning the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss. The blade hummed with ancient power, its edge glowing with crimson energy. Around him, countless defensive artifacts formed layers of protective barriers. The first bolt of heavenly lightning struck with the force of a falling mountain. Chu Xuan's protective shields shattered 1 after another, yet he stood firm. "Is this all the heavens can muster?" he laughed bitterly. But then, a dark shadow emerged from behind the clouds. "Brother Chu, forgive me," whispered a familiar voice. Before Chu Xuan could react, a cold blade pierced through his chest. His spiritual power began to dissipate like morning mist under the sun. "You..." Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. "After 3 1000 years of friendship, you betray me now?" The betrayer's face remained hidden in shadows. "The Heavenly Dao offered me what you never could - a chance to transcend the Great Dao myself." As darkness consumed him, Chu Xuan's consciousness faded. "If given another chance," he vowed, "I would trust no 1 but myself..." *** "Wake up, young master! The family conference is about to begin!" Chu Xuan's eyes snapped open. Sunlight streamed through an ornate window, illuminating a room both familiar and distant. He looked at his hands - smooth and unblemished, without the scars of countless battles. "This is... my old room in the Chu family mansion?" He murmured in disbelief. "And my cultivation... it's gone!" A beautiful maid rushed to his bedside, her eyes filled with concern. "Young master, are you feeling unwell? The family conference starts in 1 incense stick's time. The patriarch specifically asked for you to attend." Memories flooded back - this was the day that would change his life forever. The day his cousin would frame him for stealing the family's precious cultivation resources. Chu Xuan smiled. A cold, dangerous smile that didn't belong on a 15-year-old's face. "Tell them I'll be there shortly." After the maid left, he examined his body. "The Qi Refining stage, only at the third level. How pitiful." Yet his spiritual consciousness remained that of a peak Great Ascension cultivator. "It seems the heavens have indeed given me a second chance." He recalled the betrayal at Mount Kunlun. "This time, I'll walk the path of cultivation alone. No sect, no family, no so-called friends will hold me back." From his spatial ring - a treasure no 1 knew he possessed - he retrieved a simple-looking jade pendant. "The Heavenly Dao Jade that I obtained in my previous life. No 1 knew its true value then." As he infused it with spiritual energy, ancient scriptures appeared in his mind. The Heavenly Scripture of Eternal Ascension - a cultivation method lost for thousands of years. "With this," he whispered, "reaching the Great Ascension stage will take merely 3 100 years instead of 3 1000." Suddenly, shouts erupted outside. "Thief! Someone has stolen the family's spirit stones!" Chu Xuan's eyes narrowed. "The plot begins." He calmly walked toward the door, his steps steady and confident. "Let's see who outsmarts whom this time."