Chapter 2027 : Breaking Through to the Mid-stage of Primordial Chaos Emperor

After all, Lord of Perpetual Extinction possessed only a single True Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) foundation and had cultivated the Path of True Spirit. Without achieving a True Spirit Primordial Spirit, forging a Root Origin Treasure (Magic Treasure) posed extreme difficulty.

In other words, if the Emperor of Eternal Extinction lacked sufficient serendipity, his chances of breaking through to the eighth level of the Emperor Realm would be slim.

In stark contrast, Emperor Lingxi had not only mastered the True Spirit Dao and forged a True Spirit Body, but his primordial spirit had also stepped into the half-step True Spirit realm.

Once 1 advanced further and cultivated 3 True Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) foundations, their future prospects would instead be far greater.

Getting back to the story, after reviving the Slumbering Annihilation Emperor, Eldrin tossed him several segments of Soul-Nourishing Wood at the supreme-grade Heavenly Spiritual Root level, gesturing for him to first focus on restoring his cultivation.

Just after Emperor Diurnal Extinction departed, Emperor Lingxi approached and couldn’t help but ask, “Once Emperor Diurnal Extinction recovers, shall we make our move against the Immortal Desolate Emperor?”

"Let's wait a little longer."

Eldrin shook his head. Through his battle against the Lord of Daylight Extinction, he had come to understand the terrifying prowess of a late-stage Chaos Origin Emperor.

Yet compared to Lord Diurnal Extinction, the methods and combat prowess of the Eternal Desolate Emperor were far more formidable.

As the foremost Chaos Demon God of the Primordial Domain in the desolate ancient times, the Eternal Desolate Emperor, though having halted at the seventh level of the Chaos Origin Emperor Realm, had long since reached the pinnacle of this very stage.

If that were all, it would not be considered particularly heaven-defying. The most crucial point is that the Immortal Desolate Emperor was a manifestation of Immortal Immutable Gold(Precious Material), making his physical strength virtually unrivaled among those of the same cultivation level.

Whether it was physical defense, resilience, or strength, the Immortal Desolate Emperor had completely surpassed the seventh level of the Primordial Chaos Emperor and reached a level comparable to the eighth level of the Primordial Chaos Emperor.

It could be said that the true combat prowess of the Immortal Desolate Emperor was immensely formidable—even when facing an ordinary Eighth-Level Primordial Chaos Emperor, he could firmly stand his ground without suffering defeat.

On the other hand, despite their extraordinary strength, the 5 of them could only be considered as 4 Seventh-Level Chaos Emperor combatants at best.

Even with his innate companion treasure, the Li Fire Pearl of the Returning Abyss, Eldrin would likely find it difficult to subdue the Eternal Desolate Emperor.

With this thought in mind, Eldrin spoke: "The Immortal Desolate Emperor possesses extraordinary power. At best, with our current strength, we can only slightly suppress him. I fear it would be extremely difficult to confront and subdue him."

"Perhaps it would be better to wait a while longer. Only when my cultivation makes another breakthrough will I have greater certainty to suppress it."

Spiritbrook Emperor gave a slight nod. "Eldrin has only reached the Second Layer of Chaos Origin Emperor realm, yet already possesses such astonishing combat prowess."

Once his cultivation makes another breakthrough, reaching the third level of the Primordial Chaos Emperor, his strength will increase by another 50 percent.

If he could advance further and break through to the middle stage of Chaos Emperor, Eldrin’s combat prowess would rival that of a seventh-level Chaos Emperor.

By then, Eldrin would be able to unleash the full power of his symbiotic treasure, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss, making it far easier to suppress the Undying Desolate Emperor.

At this thought, a subtle light flickered in Empress Lingxi's eyes as she smiled gently and said, "Then let this humble consort accompany you in your cultivation, Your Majesty."

After deciding to temporarily refrain from confronting the Immortal Desolate Emperor, Eldrin resumed his steady secluded cultivation.

In the years that followed, he devoted himself to refining the Chaos Divine Liquid and Soul-Nurturing Wood along with other rare treasures, while spending his spare time exploring the myriad chaotic lairs across the desolate ancient continent.

With the defensive power of the Undying Battle Attire and the Abyssal God Runes, Eldrin ventured into the Desolate Ancient Land on multiple occasions. Under the watch of the Immortal Desolate Emperor, he captured the Desolate Clan’s Imperial Monarchs while also seizing various innate Heavenly Spiritual Roots.

Thus time flew by, and several kalpas drifted away in silence. Unbeknownst to him, he had subdued all the Desolate Tribes beneath the Eternal Desolate Emperor within the Barren Ancient Continent.

After suppressing these Desolate Emperors and Great Luo Desolate Beings, he obtained over 30 strands of Primordial Beginning Qi, along with more than 1 100 Heavenly Spiritual Roots (Spiritual Root).

With this batch of resources added, Eldrin found he had unknowingly accumulated nearly a 100 strands of Primordial Beginning Qi and over 4 100 Heavenly Spiritual Roots.

"Truly, the Chaotic Barren Sea is a land where treasures litter the ground."

On this day, Eldrin returned once more from the Desolate Ancient Land, a faint trace of melancholy coloring his expression.

Lord Lingxi personally helped him remove his armor, chuckling as he said, "That is only because Your Majesty possesses truly astonishing methods. Were an ordinary person to explore the Chaos Desolate Sea in such a manner, I fear not even 10 lives would suffice."

Eldrin (Person Name) nodded slightly upon hearing this.

The Barren Lands were fraught with peril, unpredictable and treacherous. Even a Seventh-Level Chaos Origin Emperor, once surrounded and besieged, would face the risk of falling.

The reason he could come and go as he pleased was primarily due to the protection of the Indestructible Battle Garb and the Abyssal God Runes, which could withstand damage at the Emperor-level and remain unafraid of being swarmed by hordes of Desolate Emperors.

Otherwise, given his current level of cultivation, he likely wouldn’t dare venture recklessly into such a desolate realm.

At this thought, Eldrin gathered his focus and entered the Celestial Herb Garden to plant the spiritual roots he had obtained during this journey.

"We already have over 4 100 top-grade Heavenly Spiritual Roots (Spiritual Root)."

Gazing at the Heavenly Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) within the immortal herb garden, a brilliant light flashed in Emperor Lingxi's eyes as he couldn't resist speaking out.

Eldrin nodded and said, "What a pity. Nearly half are unsuitable to serve as Heaven-Propting Ancient Trees, otherwise we could have attempted to deploy the Immortal Domain Grand Formation."

Spiritstream Emperor nodded. According to Eldrin's estimate, if they used the Great Barren Ancient Realm as the core to set up the grand formation, supplemented by 1 100 and 8 superior immortal domains as formation anchors—

It would be sufficient to suppress the chaotic primordial sea spanning nearly half the Wilderness Path around the Primordial Wildlands, driving out all forces of desolation within.

By then, Eldrin would be able to retrieve the Book of Human Souls and, with the aid of this innate supreme treasure, confront formidable adversaries.

With the Soul Tome's inherent suppression of the Barren Race, even if it could only unleash 30 percent of its power, it should be enough to intimidate the Sword Abyss Sage Lord.

After all, no matter how formidable the Sword Abyss Sage Lord's combat prowess might be, his cultivation base had always remained stagnant at the eighth level of the Primordial Chaos Emperor.

To return to our story, Eldrin sorted out all the spiritual roots unsuitable for the 4 Extremities Pillars. With the aid of the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi Vase, these spiritual roots ascended to become peak-grade Heavenly Spiritual Roots.

Among these spiritual roots were numerous precious and unique varieties, such as Soul-Nurturing Trees, Great Luo Golden Bamboo Shoots, Great Dao Fruit Trees, and Enlightenment Tea Trees—all exceptional resources for cultivation.

Although Eldrin possessed the Chaos God Liquid, it was not a panacea. Now, with this batch of Heavenly Spiritual Roots, it would suffice to partially compensate for the deficiencies in his cultivation resources.

After handling these Heavenly Spiritual Roots (Spiritual Root), Eldrin (Person Name) declared, "My recent accumulation has reached its peak. This time, I shall prepare to break through to the third level of the Primordial Chaos Emperor."

"I entrust you with guarding my cultivation."

Spirit Creek Emperor smiled, his gaze blazing as he said, "With this breakthrough, are you planning to attempt refining the Great Barren Sacred Fruit?"

"Hmm."

Eldrin nodded slightly without another word.

He went straight into the Great Wilderness Sanctum and immediately sealed it to begin his breakthrough.

Having broken through to the Second Heaven of the Primordial Chaos Emperor, Eldrin had cultivated for nearly 10 kalpas. His physical body and mastery of the Great Dao had long since accumulated to a state of perfection.

This time, to achieve the breakthrough, he decisively refined 3 drops of Chaos Divine Liquid and began forcibly assailing the second level of the Primordial Chaos Emperor.

In the blink of an eye, Eldrin’s physical strength surged violently, visibly breaking through the bottleneck and directly ascending to the Third Level of the Chaos Origin Emperor Realm.

His cultivation in the Great Dao followed closely behind, accumulating almost in the blink of an eye and breaking through to the third level of the Primordial Chaos Emperor realm.

Only his soul cultivation still fell half a step short, requiring the accumulation of several kalpas to break through.

It is done.

After completing his breakthrough in cultivation, Eldrin murmured inwardly, a faint ripple of emotion shimmering in his gaze.

After this breakthrough, Eldrin felt his physical strength had once again improved tremendously, increasing by approximately 50 percent from its original foundation.

His magical power had also increased by a comparable margin, rising by approximately 50 percent.

The simultaneous breakthrough of both foundations elevated Eldrin's overall combat prowess once more, allowing him to directly touch the threshold of the seventh realm of the Primordial Chaos Emperor.

Yet even this was not enough to satisfy Eldrin.

He took a deep breath and directly retrieved an ancient, primordial-hued sacred fruit.

Great Barren Sacred Fruit.

Eldrin murmured inwardly, the Great Barren Sacred Fruit was a supreme treasure of the flesh sanctification lineage, an invaluable asset even for a Great Emperor.

Such a divine object, a single 1 of its kind, would likely be worth nearly half a Primordial Treasure. Generally, it is only consumed by Eighth-Level Chaos Origin Emperors seeking to break through to the Great Emperor Realm to maximize its efficacy.

Eldrin (Person Name) had only just reached the third level of the Primordial Chaos Emperor realm. Consuming it now would be nothing short of squandering a celestial treasure.

Fortunately, Eldrin (Person Name) possessed an extraordinary foundation. Even though his physical cultivation had only reached the third level of the Chaos Primordial Body, it could rival half the power of a seventh-level Chaos Primordial Emperor.

Therefore, refining such a treasure would not result in any significant waste.

"Hopefully, after consuming 1, I can achieve a breakthrough in my physical cultivation."

Eldrin (Person Name) murmured inwardly before decisively consuming a Great Barren Sacred Fruit.

In an instant, an overwhelmingly vast medicinal energy surged into Eldrin's body.

He felt as if a vast, primordial chaos sea had been compressed within his body. Its boundless power threatened to tear his physical form asunder, while even a wisp of its leaking energy seemed capable of annihilating countless realms across the multiverse.

"What astonishing medicinal potency."

Eldrin (Person Name) murmured inwardly as the deities of his 5 viscera stirred within him. 5 supreme forces began devouring the medicinal efficacy of the Great Barren Sacred Fruit with relentless intensity.

The Divine Patterns of the Returning Abyss shone with dazzling brilliance, ceaselessly devouring all excess medicinal energy and transforming it into gentle nourishment that suffused his physical form.

Subsequently, the fundamental essence of Eldrin's physical body began to surge at an astonishing rate, growing by over 10 percent in merely the span of a single breath.

As time flowed on, Eldrin felt his physical foundation continuing to elevate. Yet just as it was about to reach its absolute limit, the medicinal efficacy of the Great Barren Sacred Fruit was completely exhausted.

"The potency of the Great Barren Sacred Fruit still cannot allow me to achieve an immediate breakthrough?"

Eldrin (Person Name) felt a shock in his heart, then decisively swallowed a dozen or so drops of Chaos Divine Liquid.

In an instant, boundless Chaos Divine Liquid surged into his body, transforming into overwhelming divine power that coursed through his flesh. It violently shattered an invisible physical bottleneck, propelling his Chaos Indestructible Body into the mid-stage of the Primordial Chaos realm.

"To swiftly consolidate cultivation at the Mid-stage of the Primordial Chaos Body."

Eldrin murmured inwardly, decisively refining the Primordial Genesis Qi to enhance his latent potential.

After refining 10 strands of primordial Qi in succession, Eldrin's physical form finally achieved consolidation, becoming completely stabilized at the middle stage of the Chaos Origin Emperor realm.

Not only that, Eldrin also integrated 2 or 3 strands of Primordial Qi into each of the 7 Great True Spirit Runes, continuously enhancing their profound foundation.

"Haa—"

Only when everything had been completely consolidated did Eldrin finally heave a deep sigh of relief.

This time, refining the Great Wilderness Sacred Fruit and the Chaos Divine Liquid to break through 2 realms in 1 breath was an extremely risky endeavor, yet the benefits were equally evident.

After this breakthrough, Eldrin's physical strength surged dramatically. Whether it was his bodily fortitude, foundational reserves, or latent potential, all had elevated to a level roughly comparable to the seventh layer of a Chaos Origin Emperor.

In particular, this breakthrough brought about a qualitative transformation in Eldrin's physical body.

Before his breakthrough, although Eldrin's physical body was exceptionally robust—even comparable to a Seventh-Level Chaos Emperor to some extent—there remained a qualitative gap between them.

If Eldrin’s (Person Name) physical body could be likened to dark iron, then the physique of a seventh-level Chaos Origin Emperor would be akin to immortal gold—a qualitative chasm lay between them. A direct confrontation would inevitably spell disaster for Eldrin (Person Name).

Previously, Eldrin had been able to contend with a Seventh-Level Chaos Origin Emperor primarily by relying on the power of the Abyssal Divine Runes and the Indestructible Battle Garb.

The current Eldrin possessed physical strength comparable to a seventh-level Chaos Origin Emperor. Coupled with his Indestructible Battle Attire and various other methods, he could likely hold his own even against an eighth-level Chaos Origin Emperor.

Moreover, after this breakthrough, Eldrin's control over the Abyssal Pearl of Returning had also improved to some extent.

50 percent.

Eldrin murmured in his heart as he slowly summoned the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss.

After this breakthrough, Eldrin's control over the Abyssal Pearl had improved significantly, now capable of unleashing 50 percent of this innate supreme treasure's power.

Unfortunately, Eldrin's (Person Name) cultivation of the Great Dao had not achieved a breakthrough. Otherwise, had his mana quality advanced to the Late-stage Chaos Origin Emperor realm, he would have been able to unleash 1 100 percent of the Abyssal Pearl's (Magic Treasure) true power.

By that time, even an ordinary Eighth-Level Chaos Emperor would likely prove no match for Eldrin (Person Name).

At this thought, Eldrin put away the Pearl of Returning Abyss and carefully sensed the condition of his physical body, a faint frown creasing between his brows.

"My foundation is rather unstable. It seems my physical cultivation cannot advance any further in the next 30 kalpas."

Eldrin (Person Name) murmured inwardly, shaking his head unconsciously.

This forced breakthrough in cultivation had granted him a tremendous boost in power, but at the cost of rendering his foundation dangerously unstable.

If he continued to recklessly break through, he would likely diminish his own potential.

In the days to come, Eldrin had to rely on the Refining Self as My Path method to continuously temper his unstable foundation until it was completely solidified.

"Very well. This is a good opportunity to further consolidate my foundations."

Eldrin's thoughts flickered as he emerged once more from the seclusion chamber.

Exiting the seclusion chamber, Eldrin immediately summoned the 4 Great Emperors: Lingxi, Jianxuan, Long'ao, and Zhoumie.

The 4 of them froze for a moment upon seeing Eldrin.

Jian Xuan and the other 2, Long Ao, were all inwardly startled. They promptly offered their congratulations, saying, "Congratulations, Realm Lord. With your cultivation base soaring so dramatically, you have drawn another step closer to the Great Dao of Chaos."

The Daybreaker Emperor perceived far more. After scrutinizing for a long moment, he couldn’t help but remark, “Your aptitude is truly extraordinary. It seems you have the confidence to transcend the tribulation and attain the realm of the Eternal Desolate Emperor.”

Eldrin couldn't help but smile faintly. It had taken him 10 million years to attain the Great Dao of Daluo, and 30 kalpas to reach the Primordial Chaos Realm. Now, having expended merely 20-some kalpas, he had already advanced to the middle stage of Primordial Chaos Emperor.

Such cultivation speed would likely place them among the fastest even within the vast primordial chaos.

With this thought in mind, Eldrin cast a glance at the Lord of Eternal Night and inquired calmly, "How fares the recovery of your soul wound, Daoist Zhumie?"

"It's no longer a problem."

The Emperor of Eternal Night spoke, a faint smile glimmering in his eyes.

Seeing this, Eldrin nodded and said, "In that case, let us prepare to make our move."

The 4 of them exchanged glances upon hearing this, the fighting spirit in their hearts boiling with increasing intensity.

Early the next morning, Eldrin instructed Aman and the others to guard the Great Barren Ancient Realm before departing with all 4 Imperial Monarchs. They charged straight toward the Desolate Ancient Continent.

After arriving at the Desolate Ancient Continent, Eldrin glanced at the Dragon-Turtle Desolate Emperor beside him and inquired, "You've had numerous dealings with the Immortal Desolate Emperor. Do you truly know the extent of his power?"

The Dragon-Turtle Desolate Emperor pondered briefly before remarking, "The Immortal Desolate Emperor’s physical defense is no weaker than my current state, and his strength likely rivals that of the Chaos Origin Emperor at the eighth layer."

"In a true confrontation, my only recourse would be to flee in defeat."

Lord Zhanmie (Person Name) pondered briefly before speaking, "During the primordial era, I crossed blades with him on numerous occasions, yet found no means to subdue him."

"By my estimation, an ordinary Eighth-Level Chaos Realm Emperor could typically contend with 4 Seventh-Level Chaos Realm Emperors simultaneously."

The Eternal Desolate Emperor was said to rival an Eighth-Level Chaos Origin Emperor. Even if he fell short of a true Eighth-Level Chaos Origin Emperor, facing ordinary Seventh-Level Chaos Origin Emperors, he should at least be capable of fighting 3 simultaneously.

Hearing this, Eldrin (Person Name) connected it with his earlier speculations and suddenly gained a measure of clarity.

He gave a slight nod, then turned to Lingxi and Sword Abyss Emperor beside him. "In this battle, those below the seventh level of Chaos Origin Emperor realm will likely prove of limited use."

"Therefore, in this battle, the 3 of us shall take the vanguard, while you 2 provide support from the flanks."

The Sword Profound Emperor did not speak further, yet a trace of battle intent still flickered in the depths of his gaze.

Spirit Creek Emperor nodded upon hearing this, gazing at Eldrin with a hint of concern as he cautioned, "In that case, you must be careful as well."

"Hmm."

Eldrin (Person Name) spoke without preamble, "Let's begin."

As the words fell, it was the defensively formidable Dragon-Turtle Desolate Emperor who made the first move.

He manifested the boundless form of the Dragon-Turtle, descending like a primordial divine mountain. Its vast silhouette nearly blotted out the boundless heavens and earth.

Boom—

At the very moment the Dragon-Turtle Desolate Emperor made his move, the Immortal Desolate Emperor from the depths of the Barren Ancient Continent also took action.

Clad in an Immortal Battle Garb, he strode forward and threw a horizontal punch, brutally smashing the Dragon-Turtle Desolate Emperor and sending him hurtling through the air, blood spraying from his wounds.

"Elder Dragon Turtle... how dare you betray me?"

In that instant, the Dragon-Turtle Desolate Emperor’s hazy killing intent surged to a boil.

In an instant, he flipped his palm and struck out horizontally, like a supreme immortal king suppressing a rebel, forcibly sending Dragon-Turtle Desolate Emperor flying once more, toppling several vast mountain ranges in the collision.

Even with the Dragon-Turtle Ancient Emperor's peerless defense, he still felt immense pressure when facing the divine power of the Eternal Ancient Emperor.

He grunted and retreated in rapid succession, leaving a deep claw mark upon the desolate ancient continent. With a pale face, he spoke urgently: "Everyone, why hesitate? Act swiftly!"

"Allow me to test your mettle!"

The Daybreak Sovereign spoke, his aura erupting like an ancient deity-king ascending. His peerless imperial robes billowed with the wind.

As the Lord of Perpetual Night opened his eyes, an eternal divine sun blazed behind his head, illuminating heaven and earth as it manifested the gloom-shrouded radiance of endless daylight.

"Perish!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 1 The biting mountain wind whipped across the jagged peaks, carrying with it the scent of pine and decay. A lone figure sat cross-legged upon a weathered boulder, his simple grey robes fluttering around him. This was Lin Feng, an outer sect disciple of the Verdant Cloud Sect, currently in the midst of his evening cultivation session. For 3 years, he had been stuck at the third level of the Qi Condensation stage. It was a painfully common bottleneck, 1 that countless disciples before him had struggled against. He cycled the spiritual energy through his meridians, drawing in the faint wisps of ambient qi, refining them within his dantian. The process was agonizingly slow, like trying to fill a vast lake with a single dewdrop. 'Just a little more,' he thought, his jaw clenched with determination. 'I just need to accumulate a little more spiritual power.' Suddenly, a sharp, mocking voice cut through the tranquil mountain air. "Well, if it isn't Brother Lin. Still trying to break through? Some people just don't know when to give up." Lin Feng's eyes snapped open. Standing before him were 2 other outer sect disciples, their expressions smug and condescending. The speaker was Zhang Hu, a burly youth who had recently advanced to the fourth level of Qi Condensation. Beside him stood his usual sycophant, Li Miao. "What do you want, Zhang Hu?" Lin Feng asked, his voice calm but laced with wariness. He slowly rose to his feet, his hand instinctively drifting towards the simple iron sword at his hip—the only magical treasure he possessed. Zhang Hu sneered, his gaze sweeping over Lin Feng's humble attire. "The monthly spirit stone distribution was today. I believe you received your share—50 spirit stones, was it? A disciple of your... modest talents hardly needs such resources. It would be a waste. Hand them over." Lin Feng's heart sank. Those 50 spirit stones were crucial. He needed them to purchase a single Foundation Establishment Pill, his only hope of forcefully breaking through his current bottleneck. Without it, he might remain stagnant for another 3 years, or even longer. "I cannot," Lin Feng stated firmly, his fingers now curled around the hilt of his sword. "I need these spirit stones." Zhang Hu's face darkened. "Need? You have no concept of what 'need' is. I, on the other hand, am on the verge of a breakthrough to the fifth level! My need is greater. This is your last chance. Hand over the stones, or I'll take them by force." The air grew tense. Li Miao cracked his knuckles, a cruel smile playing on his lips. Lin Feng knew a fight was inevitable. Zhang Hu was a full level above him, and Li Miao was no weakling. The odds were overwhelmingly against him. But to surrender his hope, to give up the chance he had waited for for 3 long years? That was unthinkable. "Then you will have to take them," Lin Feng said, his voice dropping to a low, resolute whisper. He drew his iron sword. The blade, though plain, gleamed dully in the fading twilight. "Fool! You bring this upon yourself!" Zhang Hu roared. With a swift motion, he unsheathed his own weapon—the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure). The blade ignited with a flickering crimson flame, illuminating the growing darkness with a malevolent glow. Zhang Hu lunged forward, the flaming sword tracing a deadly arc towards Lin Feng's chest. The heat was intense, singeing the hairs on Lin Feng's arms even before the blade arrived. Lin Feng reacted on pure instinct. He channeled his meager spiritual power into his iron sword, parrying the blow. The clash of metal echoed through the mountains. *CLANG!* A shockwave of force, amplified by Zhang Hu's superior cultivation, traveled up Lin Feng's arm, numbing his fingers. He was forced back several steps, his boots scraping against the rough stone. The difference in their power was stark and immediate. "Is that all you've got?" Zhang Hu taunted, pressing his advantage. He unleashed a flurry of strikes, each 1 faster and more powerful than the last. The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) weaved a net of fire around Lin Feng. Lin Feng could only defend, his movements becoming increasingly desperate. He utilized the basic movement technique, Cloud Treading Steps, to evade the most lethal strikes, but he was being cornered. A searing pain shot across his shoulder as the edge of the flaming sword grazed him, burning through his robe and searing his flesh. He was losing, and he knew it. His spiritual energy was depleting rapidly. In a few more exchanges, he would be completely drained and defenseless. 'No! I will not fall here!' A surge of stubborn defiance erupted within him. He remembered the countless hours of meditation, the bitter cold of the mountains, the relentless effort he had poured into his cultivation. It couldn't end like this. As Zhang Hu prepared for a final, decisive thrust, Lin Feng's mind went utterly calm. He stopped trying to match his opponent's brute force. Instead, he focused his remaining spiritual energy, not into a powerful strike, but into a single, precise point on his own blade. He saw it then—a fleeting, almost imperceptible flaw in Zhang Hu's aggressive stance. An opening. Time seemed to slow. Ignoring the fiery death rushing towards him, Lin Feng sidestepped with the last vestiges of his Cloud Treading Steps and thrust his plain iron sword forward. It was not a grand technique, not a mighty art. It was simple, direct, and aimed with every ounce of his will at that tiny opening. The iron sword slipped past the flaming defense. There was a sickening crunch. Zhang Hu's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. He looked down at the simple sword protruding from his lower dantian. The fiery aura around his Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) flickered and died. His cultivation, the source of his power and arrogance, had been punctured. He wasn't dead, but his foundation was severely damaged. It would take him years, and countless resources, to recover. "You... you..." Zhang Hu gasped, collapsing to his knees. Li Miao stood frozen, his face pale with terror. He looked from his crippled leader to Lin Feng, who stood panting, his own body battered and bleeding, but his eyes burning with an unyielding light. Li Miao turned and fled into the gathering darkness without a second thought. Lin Feng pulled his sword free, watching Zhang Hu crumple to the ground, unconscious. The victory brought him no joy, only a cold, hard realization. The path of cultivation was merciless. It was a world of constant struggle, where the strong preyed on the weak, and a moment's hesitation could mean the end. He sheathed his sword and retrieved his pouch of 50 spirit stones from Zhang Hu's robe. Then, he looked towards the distant, illuminated peaks where the inner sect disciples and elders resided. A new resolve solidified in his heart. He would not remain at the bottom. He would break through his bottleneck. He would acquire power—real power. The night deepened around him, but for the first time in 3 years, Lin Feng felt a spark of genuine hope ignite within his dantian. The journey was far from over; it had only just begun.