Chapter 142 Decisive Victory, Dividing the Spoils

Over 30 Foundation Establishment demons were slain, while the majority of the remaining ones fled into the 100-1000-mile expanse of the Great Wilderness. A small number, in their panic, escaped into the Yu County.

Over 10 1000 low-level demon beasts fled in panic, with the majority escaping into the 100 1000 Miles of Untamed Wilderness, while 40 percent scattered recklessly into Yu County.

The group did not pursue the fleeing demonic beasts. Once scattered, these creatures no longer posed a substantial threat. After the demonic uprising was quelled, the prominent immortal clans of Yu Prefecture would naturally issue missions, entrusting their clansmen with eliminating these low-level demonic beasts.

In the coming decades, these demonic beasts would thrive and multiply across Yu County and the vast wilderness spanning 1 100 1000 li. Clearing the lower-tier demonic beasts from within Yu County and the expansive wilderness would prove to be a protracted endeavor.

For many low-level cultivators from the great immortal clans, this also represented 1 of the most significant sources of clan contribution. The resources obtained from slain demon beasts served as a cultivation opportunity for these junior practitioners.

For everyone present, these were but minor irritations. The most pressing matter was providing support to Eldrin County.

Everyone hastily cleaned up the battlefield before convening a meeting at the Sunset Market.

Esteemed guests.

"Let us first divide these treasures among ourselves."

The great victory had clearly lifted everyone's spirits. Before the meeting began, Old Ancestor Yang gazed at the assembly with evident delight and remarked.

The greatest harvest for the group was several third-grade magical artifacts and the Zifu demon core. This demon core was exceptionally valuable, but they could only hand it over to Lyra (Person Name) for refining Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object) after the beast tide had subsided.

Among the several third-grade magical treasures, the most precious was naturally the Violet Calamity Tribulation Transcendence Pearl. This item had reached the mid-third-grade tier, to the extent that even Patriarch Yang coveted it somewhat.

The remaining 2 items were the defensive treasure seal of the Purple Palace Demon Roc (Demon Beast) and the Verdant Wood Spirit Pearl of the Cyan Flame Fox. Both were lower-grade, third-tier magical instruments.

In addition, the 7 second-tier Frost Python Immortal Swords could be considered a rather decent set of immortal blades.

These treasures were obtained through their joint efforts. According to the alliance pact, they were to be distributed based on contributions only after the beast tide had been quelled.

However, the beast tide had yet to subside. After deliberation, Patriarchs Xu and Yang consulted with the 2 Zi Palace realm combatants of the Chen family and decided to distribute several magic treasures among the group to bolster their combat prowess first.

Once the beast tide has been quelled, we shall reclaim them and exchange based on merit.

Elder Yang lacked no treasures. Even the most formidable Violet Calamity Tribulation Transcendence Pearl was, to him, merely an added embellishment—it could scarcely enhance his combat prowess. Thus, he did not bother to claim any of these artifacts.

With the Violet Calamity Transcendence Thunder Pearl in his possession, Xu Daoyuan’s offensive prowess would be enhanced by 30 percent. Coupled with his life-bound treasure, the Void-Refining Earth Cauldron, he could now contend with even those at the weaker end of the Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm).

The Verdant Wood Spirit Pearl thus fell into the hands of the Old Patriarch. Unfortunately, this treasure was incompatible with the Old Patriarch’s attributes, and Chen Changxuan could only unleash 70% of its power.

The third-tier defensive treasure 'Mount Luofu Vajra Seal' was given to Eldrin (Person Name). With this treasure, Eldrin (Person Name) finally compensated for his weakness in defensive artifacts. Before his true essence was depleted, he could now hold his ground against weaker Purple Mansion demons.

The final 7 Frost Immortal Swords were unanimously decided to be reserved for Patriarch Yang Yuanhe, who currently resides in Lingjun.

Yang Yuanhe had only broken through to the Eldrin Realm a mere 30 years ago. Though his cultivation was merely at the first layer of the Eldrin Realm, he possessed dual spiritual roots of metal and water. With this set of immortal swords, his combat prowess could be enhanced by several degrees.

After the treasures were distributed, everyone's strength and methods had increased by a few degrees.

Old Ancestor Yang stroked his long beard with a beaming smile. "Our Yu County has finally gained a foothold in this endeavor."

"What should we do next? Let's discuss it."

Elder Xu Daoyuan also broke into a smile, stroking his long beard as he remarked, “The demonic beasts beyond Yu County have now been routed. The sole remaining 6-Winged Golden Butterfly has likely been frightened out of its wits.”

"In my opinion, we could mobilize our forces to lift the siege of Fengjun."

Upon hearing this, the Foundation Establishment cultivators from Feng County exchanged faint smiles, understanding that with everyone's return, the siege of Feng County would likely be resolved.

However, at this moment, Eldrin shook his head and rose to his feet, saying.

"I advise against launching a rash assault."

"Oh?"

Old Ancestor Yang’s brow twitched slightly as he smiled with unusual courtesy. “Speak freely, young friend.”

Though Xu Daoyuan was anxious to rescue Feng Prefecture, he showed no displeasure when he saw it was Eldrin (Person Name) who had spoken.

Both members of the Chen Clan possessed considerable lifespans, and any discerning observer could tell that Eldrin and the old clan leader were highly likely to break through to the Violet Mansion realm in the future. Moreover, the combined merits they had earned in this battle surpassed even his own—enough to earn his genuine regard.

"Esteemed guests of Feng Commandery, there is no need for haste." Eldrin's gaze swept across the assembly before he continued. "Though the demonic tribes have currently surrounded Fengyang Trading Post, this very outpost is sustained by a lower-grade, third-tier spirit vein."

In addition, there was the presence of Elder Xavier (Person Name) from the Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm), personally overseeing the defense. Even the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) would likely struggle to breach it within a short time.

"If we dispatch our troops alone to provide support, even if we manage to hold off the Zifu Demonic Wolves, we would likely end up in a protracted stalemate."

"Therefore, it would be wiser to first establish contact with Fengling and the Second County, having Elder Yang Yuanhe from Ling County combine forces with us. Then we can coordinate with the Feng County cultivators inside Fengyang Trading Post (Location) to strike from both sides, trapping the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) in a pincer attack."

"In this manner, we may thoroughly crush the demon race, and only then can we rest easy."

Hearing this, everyone nodded with pleased expressions.

Old Patriarch Yang nodded upon hearing this, stroking his long beard as he solemnly stated, "The Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) serves as the right hand of the Celestial Python Demon King (Demon Beast). This fiend possesses formidable power—even if Fellow Daoist Xavier (Person Name) and I join forces, we may still struggle to subdue it."

"If we do not eliminate this fiend, we shall live in constant dread, with the peril of being picked off 1 by 1."

"If we can slay it, we shall resolve our current predicament and even redeploy forces to reinforce Celestial Ruins Mountain."

Patriarch Yang nodded repeatedly, approving Eldrin's perspective. He believed that only by concentrating their forces could they decide the outcome in a single battle.

Seeing that he had secured Elder Yang’s approval, Eldrin continued.

"Esteemed colleagues, I believe we must not only concentrate our forces, but also act with lightning speed to catch the demon race completely off guard."

"My suggestion is to leverage the power of the 7 Stars Demon-Slaying Ark and deploy Foundation Establishment experts from Ling Prefecture to join forces with us."

As he spoke, everyone came to roughly understand Eldrin's perspective.

The 7 Stars Demon-Slaying Vessel could travel nearly 20,000 li per day. At this speed, the round trip to Ling Province to deploy troops would take only 5 to 6 days.

At present, Spirit Prefecture could only mobilize around 20-some Foundation Establishment combatants. The 7 Stars Demon-Slaying Ark could accommodate up to 30 cultivators at once, making it fully capable of transporting all Foundation Establishment cultivators from Spirit Prefecture.

Chapter 1 The youth's fingers trembled slightly as he stared at the jade slip in his palm. 3 years. For 3 whole years, he had poured his spiritual energy into this damned thing day after day, and it had never shown the slightest reaction. Yet now, faint cracks were spreading across its surface like awakening veins, emitting a soft, milky glow. "Finally..." Lin Chen's hoarse whisper was barely audible. The other disciples passing by cast him disdainful glances, but none bothered to stop. What use was a mere Level 3 Qi Refining disciple who had wasted 3 years on a broken jade slip? A cold smile tugged at his lips. They didn't know—couldn't possibly know—that this jade slip contained the complete inheritance of the 9 Revolutions Heavenly Art, a supreme cultivation method lost for millennia. Suddenly, the glow intensified, and countless ancient characters surged directly into his consciousness. A searing pain erupted in his mind, followed by an overwhelming flood of information: cultivation methods, martial techniques, alchemy recipes, formation knowledge... It was as if a vast library had been forcibly imprinted upon his soul. Just as he was struggling to process this deluge of knowledge, a sharp, mocking voice cut through the air. "Look what we have here! If it isn't Senior Brother Lin, still playing with his precious piece of junk?" Lin Chen slowly lifted his head. A young man in brocade robes stood before him, flanked by 2 followers. Zhao Feng, the nephew of an elder, was at the Level 5 Qi Refining stage and had made tormenting Lin Chen his favorite pastime. Without a word, Lin Chen stood up and attempted to walk away. "Stop right there!" Zhao Feng snapped, stepping in front of him. "I'm talking to you. Where are your manners? Hand over that jade slip. Maybe I can use it as a decoration in my outhouse." His 2 lackeys snickered. A cold gleam flashed deep within Lin Chen's eyes. In the past, he would have had no choice but to endure the humiliation. But now... things were different. "It seems you need to be taught a lesson in respect," Zhao Feng said coldly, seeing Lin Chen's silence. He raised his hand, spiritual energy gathering around his palm as he prepared to strike. But before his hand could descend, Lin Chen moved. It wasn't fast—in fact, it seemed almost leisurely—but somehow, his fingers were already pressed against Zhao Feng's wrist. A subtle energy pulsed, and Zhao Feng's gathered spiritual energy instantly dissipated. "What? How...?" Zhao Feng's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. He tried to pull back, but found he couldn't move his arm at all. It was as if it were locked in an invisible vise. "This is my first and final warning," Lin Chen's voice was low, carrying an icy edge that seemed to freeze the very air. "Leave me alone." He released his grip. Zhao Feng stumbled backward several steps, his face a mixture of shock, confusion, and burning humiliation. He stared at his own wrist, where a faint, bluish fingerprint was already beginning to bloom on the skin. "You... you..." Zhao Feng stammered, but the words died in his throat. The look in Lin Chen's eyes—cold, deep, and ancient, like a dormant beast finally awakening—sent a primal chill down his spine. For the first time, he felt genuine fear in the presence of this so-called "waste." Lin Chen didn't spare him another glance. He turned and walked away, his figure gradually disappearing down the mountain path. The cracked jade slip in his hand had now completely lost its luster, having transformed into ordinary fragments. But within his dantian, a wisp of pure, golden spiritual energy had begun to slowly circulate, following the profound and mysterious pathways of the 9 Revolutions Heavenly Art. A new journey had just begun.