Chapter 136 Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast)

Upon hearing the news, Xu Daoyuan’s expression turned grave. He couldn’t help but ask, “With 100,000 demon beasts, aside from the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast), are there any other Zifu-level demonic beings?”

"Within this beast horde, there are at least 4 Zifu-level demonic beasts."

Aside from the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast), the Direwolf Clan also possessed another demon wolf at the first level of the Purple Mansion (Cultivation Realm). Additionally, there was a Thunder Roc at the Purple Palace, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm), along with a Cyanflame Fox also at the Purple Palace, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm).

Eldrin spoke with grave solemnity, then added, "Beyond that, there must be other Zifu-level demon beasts lying concealed among the horde, remaining undetected for now."

Everyone nodded. Patriarch Yang Zhengyuan stroked his long beard and said.

The Heaven-Sword Demon-Slaying Grand Formation in Yuyang Market was the bane of all demons. Though the second-grade, upper-tier spirit vein couldn't unleash its full power, it could still barely hold its own against a Zifu-level demonic beast.

"Even if the spiritual energy in the spring is depleted, we still have over a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators and 5,000 Qi Refining cultivators. With so many cultivators channeling their magic power, we can hold off these demonic creatures for at least a month even if they attack."

In the span of a single moon's cycle, we could now effortlessly mobilize Foundation Establishment and Purple Mansion cultivators from Yu Province and Ling Province—even Qi Refining cultivators were no exception.

"Moreover, we have prepared 100,000 spirit stones to power the grand formation. In critical moments, activating it with these stones can sustain our defenses for a full month. Thus, it should be impossible for the demonic forces to easily breach our Yuyang Market."

Hearing Elder Yang say this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Xu Daoyuan (Person Name) smiled faintly and said, "Within the 100-1000-mile Great Wilderness (Location), spirit veins are rather uncommon."

"Lower-level demon beasts possess dim intelligence. Without the personal command of the Celestial Python Demon King (Demon Beast), many among the beast horde would likely lose their way across the 100-1000-mile untamed wilderness. At most, 60 to 70 1000 might reach our Yuyang Market."

"Let's wait and see for now, whether his true target is Yuyang Market."

Hearing this, everyone sighed inwardly. The Great Barrens spanned 1 100 1000 li—a territory even vaster than the entire Border Province.

Within the Great Wilderness lay vast plains, a territory whose topography was in truth highly suitable for mortals to thrive and multiply.

Yet after each beast tide, tens of thousands of demon beasts would be lost within the 100-1000-li expanse of the Great Wasteland. These creatures would multiply and thrive in the barren lands, giving birth to massive numbers of descendants.

This is precisely the main reason why the vast wilderness spanning 1 100 1000 li has never been suitable for mortal settlement—the demonic beasts there are fundamentally inexhaustible to eradicate.

Time slipped away swiftly in the anxious wait.

In the blink of an eye, 3 months had passed. On this day, the beast horde had traversed over half of the 100-1000-mile Great Wilderness when something utterly astonishing occurred.

The demonic beasts split their forces. Half continued their advance directly toward Yuyang Market, while the other half summoned a third-order magic treasure to conceal their tracks, vanishing into the vast, untamed wilderness.

"What in the world happened?"

Within the Yu Yang Market, the other half could no longer remain seated upon receiving this message.

Patriarch Yang personally summoned the Foundation Establishment cultivator in charge of tracking and couldn't resist repeatedly inquiring about the whereabouts of the other beast horde.

The Foundation Establishment cultivator was so nervous that sweat poured down his face. Wiping his drenched forehead, he spoke with palpable trepidation.

"The Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) possesses formidable power. To avoid detection, I dared not approach too closely and could only observe through the 1000-Mile Star-Gazing Technique (Divination Art)."

"To think they actually used magical treasures to conceal their movements, making it impossible for me to discern where their divided forces were headed."

"Damn it!"

Xu Daoyuan’s expression shifted, a trace of solemnity crossing his face.

If the demon beasts were to attack openly, they might still be able to handle it calmly. However, if the demon beasts launched a surprise assault, the consequences would likely be devastating.

"This is quite troublesome."

Patriarch Yang furrowed his brow gravely, then issued the order with deepened concern: "First, notify both Feng and Ling Counties of the situation. Have all regions dispatch additional personnel to track that demon beast's trail while maintaining constant vigilance against its sudden assaults."

"As for what we must do now, let us first deal with the enemy before us."

Hearing this, everyone could only nod in agreement.

After traversing the 100,000-li Great Wilderness, the demonic beasts had already suffered nearly 30% casualties. Only 70% remained now, yet they still numbered over 70,000.

Although these 70,000 demon beasts had divided their forces in half, an army of over 30,000 still crossed the 100-1000-li Great Wilderness, their blades pointed directly at Yuyang Market.

This was a force not to be underestimated. The numerous cultivators in Yu Prefecture needed to exercise utmost caution in their response, lest they inadvertently unleash a calamity of monumental proportions.

In the blink of an eye, another half a month had passed.

Amidst the anxious anticipation of the crowd, the army of over 30,000 demon beasts finally crossed the Celestial Ruins Mountain, charging straight into Yu County and surrounding the Yuyang Market.

Yu Yang Market was established less than 8,000 li from the 100-1000 Li Wildlands, with its original purpose rooted in defending against demonic beasts.

This location was far too critical. Unless the demon beast army crossed the vast, winding Tianyuan Mountain Range spanning 20,000 to 30,000 li, the Yuyang Market would stand as their first formidable obstacle blocking entry into Bianzhou.

However, for low-level demon beasts with limited intelligence, traversing relatively ordinary terrain was manageable, but if they recklessly attempted to cross such vast mountain ranges, they would likely scatter and disappear within the mountains long before finding their way out.

Zifu realm demon beasts, whose intelligence was no less than that of ordinary humans, would naturally never consider such a course of action. They would either circumvent the Tianyuan Mountain Range or be compelled to first breach the defensive barriers of the Yuyang Market standing before them.

In the Yuyang Market, a group of cultivators watched the overwhelming tide of demonic beasts, their expressions turning grave.

Patriarch Mu Xuanming of the Mu family wore a grave expression, unable to resist glancing at the 2 Ancestors ahead. With a solemn tone, he spoke.

"Esteemed Seniors."

"The demon beasts are now at the city gates—what should we do?"

Xu Daoyuan (Person Name) pondered for a moment before speaking after a long pause, "I observe 4 Zi Palace beasts among the demonic creatures below the city walls."

Leading the group was the Purple Palace Demon Roc (Demon Beast) from Thunder Roar Valley, a demon at the Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm). The other 3 were a Blaze Fox, a 6-Winged Golden Butterfly, and a Frost Python—all demon beasts at the Purple Palace, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm).

"Beyond that, I carefully counted—the Foundation Establishment beasts likely number over a 100."

"Yet the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) was nowhere to be seen, leaving no clue as to where it might be hiding."

Beside them, Patriarch Yang furrowed his brow, stroking his long beard as he remarked, "It appears the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) has already gone into hiding with the demon beast army. Who knows where they've disappeared to now."

"It appears to be the case." Xu Daoyuan nodded, unable to resist adding, "Without the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) backing them, merely 4 Purple Mansion beasts remain. I believe our strength is sufficient to contend with them."

"What do you think about taking the initiative to strike and crushing them while their forces are divided?"

After pondering for a moment and roughly calculating the strength of both sides, Elder Yang still shook his head and said.

"That Purple Palace Demon Roc (Demon Beast) possesses strength at the sixth level of the Purple Mansion, with cultivation comparable to my own. Moreover, its speed is extraordinary."

Chapter 1: The Reborn Eldrin The sky was shrouded in heavy clouds, lightning flashing between them like silver serpents. At the summit of the Heavenly Peak Mountain, a figure stood tall, his black robes billowing in the fierce wind. "Eldrin, your time of heavenly tribulation has arrived!" A thunderous voice echoed from the clouds. Eldrin raised his head, a trace of a bitter smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He had cultivated for 3 1000 years, finally reaching the Great Perfection stage of the Mahayana realm. Today, he would face the 9 Heavens Divine Thunder Tribulation. "Come then!" Eldrin shouted towards the sky, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss in his hand bursting forth with dazzling crimson light. Boom—! A pillar of thunder as thick as a water barrel descended from the sky. Eldrin's figure flickered, the sword in his hand drawing a perfect arc, directly meeting the thunder. The impact sent shockwaves in all directions, the mountaintop instantly reduced to rubble. Just as Eldrin was about to welcome the second wave of heavenly thunder, a sharp pain suddenly pierced his consciousness. A black short blade had appeared out of nowhere, piercing straight through his dantian. "You..." Eldrin turned his head, looking in disbelief at the woman who had suddenly appeared behind him. "Xue Yao, why?" The woman named Xue Yao wore a complex expression. "I'm sorry, Eldrin. They've captured my younger sister." Before Eldrin could respond, the second wave of heavenly thunder had already arrived. Losing the protection of his cultivation, his body instantly turned to ashes under the thunder. ... When Eldrin opened his eyes again, he found himself in a simple room. The surroundings were familiar yet distant—this was the room he had lived in during his youth at the Green Cloud Sect. "Have I... been reborn?" Eldrin looked at his now young and tender hands, a flicker of disbelief in his eyes. Memories flooded back like a tide. He recalled that today was the day the Green Cloud Sect conducted its spiritual root assessment. In his previous life, he had been assessed as a worthless mixed spiritual root, thus beginning his difficult path of cultivation. But this time, things would be different. "Eldrin, stop daydreaming! The assessment is about to begin!" A clear female voice came from outside the door. Eldrin's heart stirred. This voice... it was Senior Sister Yun Meng, who had taken special care of him in the sect. In his previous life, he had been too focused on cultivation and failed to cherish her feelings. By the time he came to his senses, Yun Meng had already fallen during a demon sect invasion. This life, he would not let such regrets happen again. "I'm coming, Senior Sister," Eldrin responded as he pushed the door open. Outside stood a young girl in green robes, her features delicate and lovely, a gentle smile gracing her lips. Seeing Eldrin come out, she couldn't help but frown. "Why are you still wearing these old clothes? Hurry up and change into the formal disciple attire I prepared for you." Eldrin looked at the girl before him, a warmth spreading in his heart. "Many thanks, Senior Sister." Yun Meng blinked, feeling that Eldrin seemed different today, but she couldn't quite pinpoint how. The 2 arrived at the assessment square, where it was already packed with people. Over a 1000 outer sect disciples had gathered, all waiting for this crucial moment that would determine their fate. "Next, Eldrin!" Hearing his name, Eldrin took a deep breath and stepped onto the assessment platform. The elder in charge glanced at him indifferently. "Place your hand on the Testing Spirit Stone." Eldrin pressed his palm against the cold stone. In his previous life, this stone had shown 5 colors of spiritual light, diagnosing him as a mixed spiritual root. But this time... A dazzling golden light suddenly burst forth, so bright it forced people to avert their eyes. "This... this is the Heavenly Spiritual Root!" The assessment elder stared wide-eyed, his voice trembling. "And it's a rare metal-element Heavenly Spiritual Root!" The entire square fell into an uproar. A Heavenly Spiritual Root—this was a cultivation aptitude that appeared only once in 10 1000 years! Eldrin, however, remained calm. He knew this was the effect of the "Heavenly Reverse Art" he had secretly practiced after being reborn. This art could temporarily alter the manifestation of 1's spiritual root, but it would only last for the duration of an incense stick's burn. "Good, very good!" The assessment elder excitedly grabbed Eldrin's hand. "From today onward, you will be my personal disciple!" Just then, a discordant voice rang out. "Hold on!" A young man in brocade robes walked out from the crowd, a hint of jealousy flashing in his eyes. "Elder Mu, such an exceptional talent should be handed over to the Sect Leader for personal instruction, shouldn't it?" Eldrin's eyes narrowed—it was the young master of the Lin family, Lin Feng. In his previous life, this person had repeatedly schemed against him. Elder Mu's expression darkened. "Lin Feng, are you questioning my decision?" "Disciple wouldn't dare," Lin Feng said, though his tone lacked any respect. "I just think that with Eldrin's aptitude, it would be a waste for him to study under you." The atmosphere on the assessment platform grew tense. Just as the 2 were locked in a stalemate, a clear voice came from the sky. "In that case, why not let this child become my disciple?" A white-robed woman descended from the sky, her aura transcendent and aloof. Seeing her, everyone present, including Elder Mu, bowed in respect. "Greetings, Sect Leader!" Eldrin's heart stirred. He hadn't expected to attract the attention of the sect leader herself. In his previous life, he had only seen her from afar a handful of times. The Sect Leader's gaze fell on Eldrin, a trace of appreciation in her eyes. "Child, are you willing to become my personal disciple?" Eldrin took a deep breath, then spoke words that shocked everyone. "Many thanks for your appreciation, Sect Leader, but... I wish to become Elder Mu's disciple." "What?!" Exclamations of surprise erupted from all around. Even Elder Mu looked at Eldrin in astonishment. "Child, do you know what you're saying? Becoming the Sect Leader's personal disciple is an opportunity countless people dream of!" Eldrin nodded firmly. "This disciple knows what he's doing." He was well aware that although the Sect Leader was powerful, the cultivation techniques she practiced didn't suit him. On the contrary, Elder Mu's "9 Revolutions Mysterious Art" was the most suitable for his constitution. More importantly, he knew that in 3 months, Elder Mu would obtain a great opportunity in a secret realm—the Heavenly Jade from the Chaos. In his previous life, this treasure had eventually fallen into Lin Feng's hands. This life, he wouldn't let that happen again. The Sect Leader was taken aback for a moment, then smiled lightly. "Since that's your choice, I won't force you. However..." Her gaze turned meaningful. "If you ever change your mind, my offer still stands." After saying this, her figure blurred, and she disappeared from the spot. Lin Feng shot Eldrin a deeply resentful look before turning to leave. Elder Mu excitedly patted Eldrin's shoulder. "Good child, from today onward, you are my personal disciple! Come with me to the Medicine Hall; I'll get you some spirit stones for cultivation." Eldrin bowed. "Thank you, Master." But just as he was about to follow Elder Mu away, Yun Meng's voice suddenly came from behind. "Junior Brother, wait!" Eldrin turned to see Yun Meng running up to him, holding out a storage pouch. "This is a gift to celebrate you becoming a personal disciple." Eldrin took the pouch, and upon inspecting it with his spiritual sense, he was startled. Inside were 3,000 spirit stones and several bottles of Qi Gathering Pills—this was likely all of Yun Meng's savings. "Senior Sister, this is too valuable..." Eldrin tried to refuse, but Yun Meng stopped him. "Consider it my investment in you," Yun Meng said with a smile. "When you become a powerful cultivator in the future, remember to look after me." Looking at her sincere eyes, Eldrin felt a warmth in his heart. In his previous life, he had been so focused on revenge that he had overlooked far too much. "Don't worry, Senior Sister," Eldrin said solemnly. "In this life, I will definitely protect you." Yun Meng was momentarily stunned, then her cheeks flushed slightly. "What nonsense are you talking? Hurry up and go; Elder Mu is waiting for you." Watching Eldrin's retreating figure, Yun Meng touched her warm cheek, a strange feeling stirring in her heart. This junior brother really was quite different.