Chapter 141. Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm)

This demon truly lived up to its Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm) status. Even when besieged by 4 cultivators simultaneously, it remained perfectly composed. After activating its divine abilities, its speed rivaled the chase of stars and moons, leaving all pursuers utterly outmatched.

Just as it was about to escape, Patriarch Yang’s gaze turned cold, and he finally made his decision.

"Wretched fiend, should you escape today, you shall inevitably become a calamity of unfathomable proportions."

"Today, you shall not escape!"

With a thunderous roar, Patriarch Yang produced a precious talisman.

The treasure talisman shimmered with resplendent sword radiance, and upon activation, it transformed into an extraordinarily brilliant sword aura that shot forth like a meteor chasing the moon.

It turned out that this treasure talisman was called the ‘Heavenly Ruins Immortal-Slaying Sword Talisman’. This talisman was a precious third-grade, high-tier treasure talisman, a lethal weapon crafted by Lyra (Person Name) using her own immortal sword as the blueprint.

This treasure was acquired 60 years ago by Patriarch Yang at the Chu Kingdom's Purple Mansion Exchange Convention, and had since been kept as his ultimate trump card, reserved for life-or-death situations.

At this moment, the Thunder Roc moved with extreme speed. If not eliminated, it would surely become a grave threat during the beast tide. Thus, Elder Yang could no longer afford to hold back his secrets.

Then, Patriarch Yang activated the Heavenly Ruins Immortal-Slaying Sword Talisman, and a sword radiance spanning hundreds of zhang bloomed in the void. It was none other than the Heavenly Ruins Immortal-Slaying Sword reappearing in the mortal realm, instantly traversing the void to intercept the Thunder Roc.

This was no ordinary strike, but rather the equivalent of Lyra (Person Name) unleashing her full power. As the fourth-tier immortal sword tore through the void, its attack actually forced the Thunder Roc to emit a terrified, mournful cry.

As early as 30 years ago, Lyra had already cast a shadow of fear deep within its heart.

At that time, it joined forces with the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast). 3 Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm) experts and 1 formidable Purple Palace, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) powerhouse surrounded Lyra (Person Name). Not only were they unable to match her, but Lyra (Person Name) also managed to slay 2 of them.

If not for the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) bearing the brunt of the pressure back then, it would have long been lying dead in the Great Wilderness.

In truth, that other Thunder Roc at the Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm) had been slain by Lyra (Person Name) years ago—it failed to escape with its life even after activating the Thunderflash Evasion Art.

At this moment, seeing the immortal sword slash from Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) descending upon it, the Thunder Roc frantically activated several magical treasures and divine abilities while fleeing for its life.

But in an instant, the Heaven's Ruin Immortal-Slaying Sword grievously wounded the Violet Calamity Tribulation Transcendence Pearl, eradicated the Thunderclap Tribulation Seal, and even shattered its defensive treasure seal. Only when the sword aura tore a gash through its physical form did the remaining power finally dissipate.

This strike actually severely wounded the Thunder Roc, breaking its Thunderflash Evasion divine ability and instantly slowing its speed dramatically.

Seizing the opportunity, Eldrin activated the divine power of the 7 Stars Demon-Slaying Boat. The Thunderbolt Flash Escape inscribed upon the treasure vessel ignited, instantly tripling its speed and allowing it to close the gap with the Thunder Roc in a flash.

To prevent this fiend from escaping, Eldrin joined forces with several Foundation Establishment cultivators aboard the treasure vessel and activated the 7 Stars Demon-Slaying Sword Array.

A brilliant sword aura sliced through the void, a formidable technique equivalent to the full-force strike of a Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm) cultivator. It cleaved directly toward the Thunder Roc’s head.

That Thunder Roc truly lived up to its reputation as a Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm) demon beast. Even while grievously wounded, it remained utterly fearless, summoning its innate divine ability—the Thunderclap Calamity Seal—to block the strike with a resonating clang.

Although it was not wounded by the 7 Stars Demon-Slaying Sword Array, the demonic roc was ultimately stalled for a moment.

And at that very moment, the highest-cultivated Elder Yang was the first to give chase. With a sweep of his hand, he summoned the 'Pili Liehuo Jian' (Magic Treasure). The sword's radiance blazed with unparalleled brilliance as it soared through the air, slashing toward the Thunder Roc.

The speed of his Lifebound Immortal Sword was so immense that the Thunder Roc could not evade it in the slightest. Its defensive magic treasure was shattered, and even its signature artifact, the Violet Calamity Transcendence Thunder Pearl, was severely damaged. Left with no choice, it could only spew forth its demon core to withstand the assault.

This clash represented the ultimate strike from both sides. Amidst thunder and lightning, it unleashed a force capable of annihilating heaven and earth. The collision’s destructive power swept across nearly a 1000 zhang of land.

Neither side emerged unscathed. The Eldrin Thunderfire Sword's demon core was struck until its radiance dimmed, and a faint sword mark appeared upon its surface.

Although the demon core's power managed to wound the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss, the Thunder Roc's demon core had also suffered considerable damage.

It was heartbroken, swallowing the demon core in 1 gulp before turning to flee in another direction.

Yet Xu Daoyuan had already caught up. He summoned the Wutu Divine Thunder, which traversed tens of thousands of zhang of void to strike. The roar of the thunder could be distinctly heard even from dozens of li away.

The Thunder Roc dared not face it head-on and could only wheel around to flee in another direction. Seizing this opportunity, the Old Patriarch once again activated the Scarlet Gold God-Slaying Sword Aura, forcing the demon to swerve abruptly yet again.

"You cannot escape."

Eldrin's gaze turned icy as he seized this pivotal moment, channeling his energy into the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss to deliver a decisive slash.

That 30-zhang azure sword radiance tore through the heavens, slashing directly at the left and right of the Thunder Roc. By now, the Thunder Roc was on the verge of exhaustion.

Now, with all its magical treasures damaged and its mana nearly depleted, even its astonishing escape methods were useless. Having lost its Thunderous Lightning technique, it had virtually no path to survival.

The sword aura sliced through the sky, and with a resounding clang, tore a massive gash in its left wing, splattering blood across the Great Wilderness.

"Die, you vile fiend!"

The excruciating pain had just begun to spread when it desperately tried to flap its wings and flee.

But Patriarch Yang roared furiously and unleashed the Yang Clan’s ultimate treasure, the Mountain-Cleaving Soul-Severing Axe—a top-grade Tier 3 magic treasure. With a single sweeping strike, it severed the creature’s head clean off.

At this very moment, Thunder Roc never imagined that he, who prided himself on peerless speed and unrivaled escape techniques, would meet his end under the siege of so many.

It was far too arrogant. Had it immediately activated the Lightning Evasion Art to flee instead of covering the 6-Winged Golden Butterfly's retreat from the start, even their combined efforts would have struggled to slay it.

But ultimately, the delay of several breaths spent covering their retreat allowed the crowd to close in, forcing Patriarch Yang to resolve himself and produce the Heaven's Ruin Immortal-Slaying Sword Talisman.

Its Thunderous Lightning Escape had been broken, and now surrounded by the besieging crowd, no matter how astonishing its speed might be, it was still 1 against many—utterly incapable of escaping with its life from the hands of 4 opponents of equal strength.

"Finally, it's over."

After slaying the Thunder Roc, Eldrin and the old clan leader finally released the breath they had been holding, collapsing onto the deck of the treasure ship in relief.

Although their offensive prowess could rival the Purple Palace, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm), their True Essence ultimately paled in comparison to the profound mysteries of Magical Power.

After repeatedly activating divine abilities, magical treasures, and formations, they had successfully joined forces to slay a powerful foe, playing a pivotal role in the battle. However, this had drained 80 to 90 percent of the true energy within their bodies.

This was also their weakness. Though they could unleash combat prowess on par with a Purple Mansion cultivator for a short period, once drawn into a protracted battle and their true essence was depleted, they could only be slaughtered at the mercy of Purple Mansion cultivators.

"You have done well."

Old Monster Yang let out a hearty laugh before soaring down into the battlefield below.

The 2 Zi Mansion Elders personally joined the battlefields of low-level cultivators, immediately turning the tide. The demon beasts were swiftly routed and scattered in defeat.

Chapter 1: The Reborn Youth Mount Canglan, Outer Sect. A dilapidated wooden house stood silently in the mountain breeze. Inside, a pale youth of 15 or 16 suddenly sat up on his bed, his eyes flashing with a sharp gleam. "Have I... truly been reborn?" He was Ye Chen, once the youngest Saint Realm expert across the 9 Heavens and 10 Earths, renowned as the Sword Sovereign. Yet he had been betrayed by his beloved disciple and besieged by 9 supreme experts, ultimately perishing beneath the heavenly tribulation. But now, he had returned to his youth, 3 years after joining the Canglan Sect. "Xiao Qing'er... my good disciple..." Ye Chen's eyes burned with cold flames. "I never imagined you would collude with outsiders, coveting my 9 Revolutions Mysterious Art!" Suddenly, the door was kicked open with a loud crash. A young man in blue robes strode in arrogantly, his face full of contempt. "Ye Chen, hand over your monthly allowance of 3 spirit stones. A waste like you doesn't deserve them!" Ye Chen's gaze turned icy. He remembered this person—Zhang Hu, an outer sect steward who had often bullied him in the past. In his previous life, out of fear of causing trouble, he had always endured the humiliation. But now... "Scram." Ye Chen's voice was cold. Zhang Hu was momentarily stunned, then flew into a rage. "You trash dare to talk back? It seems you've grown tired of living!" Saying this, he threw a punch, stirring up a fierce wind—the outer sect martial art, Fierce Tiger Fist. Just as his fist was about to land, Ye Chen suddenly moved. His fingers lightly tapped Zhang Hu's wrist, and with a crisp crack, Zhang Hu screamed and fell to the ground. "How is this possible? You... you're clearly at the first level of Body Refining..." Zhang Hu clutched his broken wrist, his face full of shock and fear. Ye Chen stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze profound. "Get lost, and remember—from now on, don't let me see you again." Zhang Hu scrambled away in panic, not even daring to look back. After he left, Ye Chen sat cross-legged on the bed, sensing the spiritual energy within his body. "The first level of Body Refining... how weak." He shook his head and smiled. "But since I've been reborn, I will surely climb to the pinnacle of the martial path once more!" He closed his eyes and began to operate the 9 Revolutions Mysterious Art. In an instant, the surrounding spiritual energy surged wildly, converging toward his body like a whirlpool. The night passed silently. When dawn broke, Ye Chen opened his eyes, a flash of essence shining within them. "The second level of Body Refining. The 9 Revolutions Mysterious Art truly lives up to its reputation." Just as he was about to continue cultivating, hurried footsteps came from outside the door. "Brother Ye, it's bad! Zhang Hu brought his elder brother to cause trouble!" A young man with an anxious expression rushed in. Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. Zhang Hu's elder brother, Zhang Xiong, was an outer sect elder at the fifth level of Body Refining. "So what if he came?" Ye Chen stood up, his expression calm. "Let's go take a look." Outside the wooden house, 2 figures stood with arrogant expressions. Zhang Hu pointed at Ye Chen and said fiercely, "Big brother, it's him! He broke my wrist!" Zhang Xiong's eyes turned cold. "A mere outer sect disciple dares to injure a steward? It seems you have no respect for the sect rules!" Ye Chen smiled faintly. "Sect rules? When your younger brother extorted my spirit stones, why didn't you mention the sect rules?" "Impudent!" Zhang Xiong shouted angrily, his aura erupting. "Today, I will teach you a lesson on behalf of the Law Enforcement Hall!" Saying this, he threw a palm strike, the force of his palm like a raging wave—the high-grade Yellow Tier martial art, Raging Wave Palm! Faced with this strike, Ye Chen remained calm. He gently raised his hand, his fingers forming a sword gesture, and lightly pointed. Whoosh! A sharp sword energy shot out, instantly piercing Zhang Xiong's palm. "Ah!" Zhang Xiong screamed, clutching his bleeding palm as he stepped back in shock. "Sword energy external release? You... you're at the Foundation Establishment stage? Impossible!" Ye Chen put away his finger, his expression indifferent. "Get lost, or don't blame me for being ruthless." Zhang Xiong's face changed several times, finally gritting his teeth and saying, "Fine! Just you wait!" After watching the 2 leave, Ye Chen shook his head. It seemed that in this world, no matter where you go, strength is what truly matters. He looked up at the distant mountains, his gaze resolute. In this life, he would definitely reclaim everything that belonged to him! And those who had betrayed him would pay the due price!