Chapter 151. 100-1000-Mile Lightning Assault (Time & Distance)

"If we can significantly weaken the demonic forces' combat strength, perhaps we may even find an opportunity to counterattack Celestial Python Lake in the future."

Hearing this, the others also revealed faint smiles. While the demon race coveted the flesh and blood of humans, humanity also yearned for the spirit veins of the demon race.

For instance, within the Celestial Python Lake (Location), there flows a fourth-order Ren Water Earth Vein, nurturing the ultimate treasure known as the Water Spirit Pearl—the very essence of heaven and earth’s aqueous cycle, an exceedingly rare and precious artifact.

The 'Water Spirit Pearl' was of immense value, capable of assisting a Water Spirit Root Zifu cultivator in breaking through to the Golden Core realm. Its efficacy was nearly on par with the 5 Elements Spirit Fruit (Spiritual Object).

Lyra sought to complete the 5 Elements Spiritual Root, now lacking only the Water Spiritual Root to be fully restored. The 'Water Spirit Pearl' served as the crucial catalyst to mend this final spiritual root.

Moments later, the group had devised their final strategy for the decisive battle.

Since we still have to battle the demon tribe, we must resolve to catch the Celestial Python Demon King (Demon Beast) completely off guard.

After regrouping, they planned to take advantage of the Celestial Python Demon King (Demon Beast) not yet receiving the news. Several Zifu Realm cultivators and the 7 Stars Demon-Slaying Ark (Magic Treasure) would jointly transport 50 Foundation Establishment cultivators to join the battle outside the Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location).

Fengyang Trading Post (Location) was approximately 1 100 50 1000 li from Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location). Traveling this distance by spirit vessel would require slightly over 7 to 8 days.

Thus, everyone agreed that in 10 days, Lyra would personally set out to confront the Celestial Python Demon King.

When the time comes, we shall concentrate our forces and launch a surprise attack while the demon beasts are caught off guard. First, we'll eliminate 1 or 2 Zifu-level demon beasts to weaken their strength, then engage the entire demon horde in battle.

After finalizing their plan, the group rested for a night, recovering most of their vital energy before setting out for Celestial Ruins Mountain.

Due to the urgency of the situation, the Third-Rank Treasure Ship (Magic Treasure) could only barely accommodate 30-some people. Thus, the several Zifu Elders (Cultivation Rank) had no choice but to each wield their flying swords, carrying a few Foundation Establishment (Cultivation Rank) cultivators with them.

Even Eldrin, who possessed a third-level natal immortal sword, had brought along 3 Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) could traverse 30,000 li in a single day. Even when carrying 3 passengers slowed its speed considerably, it remained nearly as swift as the 7 Stars Demon-Slaying Ark.

In the blink of an eye, 7 days had swiftly passed. As dusk fell on the seventh day, the group finally arrived within the mountain ranges of Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location).

The group flew until they were 3,000 li away from the main peak of Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location), then descended upon a desolate mountain.

Old Ancestor Yang glanced at the map and breathed a slight sigh of relief. "We've arrived fairly early. There are still 2 days until the appointed time."

This map was also a war chart, not only detailing the terrain surrounding the Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) range but also marking the distribution of the demonic forces' main troops.

Patriarch Yang motioned for Eldrin (Person Name) and several other Purple Mansion-level combatants to gather aside, then began analyzing the current situation while pointing at the map.

At present, Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) was besieged by the demon race. Over a 100 1000 demon beasts had occupied dozens of surrounding spirit veins as logistical support, encircling the main peak of Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location).

"Look, the western flank is guarded by the Cyanflame Fox clan. There are 2 of them—the strongest has reached Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm), while the weaker 1 is merely at the first level of Purple Palace."

To the east was the lineage of the 6-Winged Golden Butterfly, also represented by 2 Purple Palace beasts. Their cultivation levels were likewise at Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm) and Purple Palace, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm).

To the south, closest to us, lies the territory guarded by the Golden-Horned Savage Ox tribe. Yet this direction harbors 3 Purple Palace beasts—1 at the Mid Stage and 2 at the Late Stage of the Purple Palace realm.

As for the northern front, the Celestial Python Demon King (Demon Beast) presided in person, with no Purple Mansion demon beasts in attendance.

"So besides the Celestial Python Demon King (Demon Beast), there are 7 Purple Mansion demon beasts in total." Eldrin (Person Name) studied the map, pondering for a moment before asking, "Any news about the Purple Blood Heavenly Python?"

Upon hearing this, everyone’s expressions turned grave. The Purple Blood Celestial Python was a descendant of the Celestial Python Demon King (Demon Beast), possessing cultivation at the ninth level of the Purple Mansion. Its combat prowess surpassed even that of the Purple-Spotted Wolf King (Demon Beast) by 30 percent, making it the most formidable right-hand subordinate of the Celestial Python Demon King (Demon Beast).

If it were present, it would likely be the greatest variable.

"When the Celestial Python Demon King (Demon Beast) goes into battle, the Purpleblood Celestial Python will remain to guard Celestial Python Lake (Location)." Patriarch Yang shook his head and said with a faint smile, "This has been the convention all these years. The Purpleblood Celestial Python would never abandon Celestial Python Lake (Location)."

Hearing this, the crowd breathed a slight sigh of relief. Xavier smiled faintly and said, "Then we shall proceed as originally planned. In 3 days, we attack the Golden-Horned Savage Bull."

Eldrin also nodded with a faint smile. According to the group's plan, in 3 days Lyra would take the initiative to seek out the Celestial Python Demon King for a sword duel.

Meanwhile, they seized the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on the Golden-Horned Savage Bull. Within Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location), Elara (Person Name) would also intervene, joining forces with them to strike the beast from both sides.

If this battle succeeds, it will surely turn the tide and cripple the demonic forces' combat strength.

After their discussion, the group began circulating their internal true energy. In these desolate mountains where spiritual energy was sparse, they had no choice but to use spirit stones to replenish their cultivation—a rather inefficient method by any measure.

In the blink of an eye, the next day arrived. After everyone had fully restored their peak condition, Patriarch Yang summoned a third-tier magical treasure to conceal their presence, stealthily advancing toward the guarded territory of the Golden-Horned Savage Bull tribe.

That third-tier magical treasure was named the Cloudveil Shroud. This artifact was forged by refining the essence of the highest heavens' radiant clouds. Though merely a lower-grade third-tier treasure, it could conceal the tracks of the entire group.

With this treasure concealing his presence, even a Purple Palace, Early Stage demon beast would likely fail to detect any traces without conducting a meticulous examination.

"Ahead lies Mount Qingniu."

The group journeyed onward and reached the spirit mountain where the Golden-Horned Savage Bull resided within half a day.

Green Bull Mountain was a spiritual mountain under the jurisdiction of Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location), long leased to rogue cultivators establishing their foundations near Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location). When the beast tide descended, these foundation-establishing cultivators naturally dismantled the protective formations here and sought refuge within Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location).

After the cultivator departed, the spiritual mountain he left behind was temporarily occupied by the Golden-Horned Barbarian Bull Tribe.

"Let's not rush into action. We'll conceal our auras and wait until Ancestor Jiang makes the first move."

Upon arriving at Green Ox Mountain, the group didn't rush into action, merely awaiting further news.

After waiting for approximately 2 hours, a resounding sword cry suddenly erupted from the direction of Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location). The crowd only saw a dazzling sword radiance soaring into the heavens several 100 miles away, heading straight toward the northern lands.

"Let's begin."

Seeing that Lyra had already made her move, she was the first to soar out, charging straight toward the Azure Ox Mountain.

A group of people followed closely behind, their faces etched with tension. Elder Xavier (Person Name) wore a grave expression as he cautioned the crowd,

"The 6-Winged Golden Butterfly and the Azure Sun Fox are merely a few 100 miles away from us. At the speed of a Purple Mansion demonic beast, they could reinforce this location within half an incense stick's time. Therefore, we must resolve this battle swiftly."

"Understood."

Eldrin soared into the heavens, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss sweeping across the firmament and piercing through 2 Foundation Establishment demonic beasts in succession.

Once again, 50 Foundation Establishment cultivators, augmented by 6 Violet Mansion combatants, launched a surprise assault. The Golden-Horned Savage Bull tribe was caught completely off guard. Within a mere dozen or so breaths, over 30 of their Foundation Establishment demon beasts had been slain.

"Moo—"

Several thunderous bull-like roars echoed as 3 Violet Mansion beasts from the Golden-Horned Savage Bull tribe charged forth.

Chapter 1 The Azure Clouds Sect's recruitment ceremony had just concluded. Lin Yan stood at the foot of the mountain, gazing up at the mist-shrouded peaks. His fingers gently brushed the worn jade slip in his palm—the only legacy his father had left him. "Next!" The deacon's voice echoed coldly. Lin Yan took a deep breath and stepped forward. Just as he was about to present the jade slip, a sneer came from behind. "A mere mortal with no spiritual roots dares to seek immortality?" A young man in brocade robes approached, surrounded by attendants. The crowd immediately parted, whispering, "It's Young Master Wang from the Wang Clan!" Wang Feng glanced disdainfully at Lin Yan. "This recruitment spot has been taken by my Wang Clan. Scram!" Lin Yan's grip tightened around the jade slip. 3 years—he had waited 3 years for this day. The Azure Clouds Sect only held its recruitment once every decade. If he missed it now, he would never have another chance. Suddenly, the jade slip in his palm grew warm. A stream of mysterious information flowed directly into his mind—the 9 Revolutions Nirvana Art (Cultivation Method). Wang Feng grew impatient. "Are you deaf? I told you to get lost!" He raised his hand, and a surge of spiritual power shot toward Lin Yan. The surrounding disciples shut their eyes, expecting Lin Yan to be sent flying. But to their astonishment, Lin Yan remained rooted in place, his clothes fluttering gently as if brushed by a mere breeze. "How is this possible?" Wang Feng's face darkened. "You—" Before he could finish, an elder descended from the sky. "Who dares to cause trouble at my Azure Clouds Sect's recruitment?" The elder's gaze swept over the crowd and finally settled on Lin Yan. His eyes flickered with a trace of surprise. "You... follow me." Lin Yan bowed respectfully and followed the elder, leaving behind a stunned Wang Feng and the bewildered crowd. Deep within the mountains, the elder stared intently at Lin Yan. "That jade slip just now... where did you get it?" Lin Yan answered truthfully, "It was left to me by my father." The elder fell silent for a long moment before sighing. "Very well. From today onward, you shall be my personal disciple. Remember—do not reveal that jade slip to anyone." Lin Yan nodded, though countless questions swirled in his heart. Just who was his father? And what secrets did this jade slip hold? That night, Lin Yan sat cross-legged in his cave abode, carefully studying the 9 Revolutions Nirvana Art. The cultivation method was incredibly profound, entirely different from the basic techniques he had encountered before. He took out the 3 Spirit Gathering Pills (Elixir) he had received from the sect and swallowed 1. Following the method described in the art, he began guiding the spiritual energy through his meridians. An intense pain surged through him, as if his entire body were being torn apart. But Lin Yan gritted his teeth and persisted. He knew this was his only chance to change his fate. As dawn broke, Lin Yan opened his eyes. A faint golden light shimmered within them. He had successfully built his foundation and stepped into the Qi Refinement Stage! Meanwhile, in a distant palace, Wang Feng knelt before a middle-aged man. "Father, that brat has become Elder Yun's personal disciple. What should we do?" The man sneered coldly. "So what if he's a personal disciple? The Azure Clouds Sect isn't what it used to be. Contact the people from the Shadow Demon Sect—we'll make our move during the secret realm trial in 3 months." Wang Feng's eyes lit up with malice. "Understood!" Unaware of the conspiracy unfolding against him, Lin Yan was fully immersed in his cultivation. The jade slip had revealed another secret to him—the location of a hidden legacy deep within the Azure Clouds Mountains. He gazed at the rising sun, his eyes filled with determination. No matter what trials lay ahead, he would walk this path of immortality to the end.