Chapter 196 War at Celestial Python Lake

"Yes."

Lila nodded, her gaze fixed on the cyan spirit fish in the water as if lost in recollection.

"But you must know, I was once but a lowly beggar, reduced to fighting stray dogs for a single steamed bun."

"From the moment he took me in, I had sworn in my heart to become someone like him—even if I could only come close to him by a fraction."

Chen Silas (Person Name) listened in silence, his mind drifting back to the events of 50 years ago.

Childhood memories had long faded into obscurity, leaving only the echoes of wailing across the land, flesh-and-blood demons, and a crimson-black sky.

The snow-robed figure strode through the air, his blade cleaving through the demonic entity. Amidst the ruins, he gathered her into his embrace.

Time truly flies.

Time flows like a fleeting dream, yet the memories of 50 years ago seem to linger just before 1's eyes.

Will there come a day when she is withered with age, while he remains as ever—robed in snow-white garments, eternally youthful—standing serenely as he gazes down upon the mortal realm, untouched by the passage of millennia?

Suddenly seized by unease, her slender jade-like fingers unconsciously clutched at her long skirt, gripping the white flowing sleeves as if anchoring herself to reality.

Eldrin (Person Name) soared on his sword to Pingyang City. Upon locating the old clan leader, he addressed him directly.

"All these years, it was only by relying on Patriarch Jiang to withstand pressure from all sides that we were able to steadily grow stronger."

"Moreover, once we conquer Celestial Python Lake (Location), it will be a monumental achievement for the entire Chu Kingdom (Location) that will benefit generations to come."

"Therefore, we must give our full support to Patriarch Jiang’s assault on Celestial Python Lake (Location) this time."

The old clan leader also nodded, yet after a moment of contemplation, he added, "Both of us will take action in this battle. However, our Chen Clan’s mortal population has now reached nearly 1 million."

"In order to ward off prying eyes from evil spirits, Pingyang City will require at least 6 Foundation Establishment cultivators to stand guard after my departure."

Eldrin understood that to unleash the full power of a third-tier formation array, at least 6 Foundation Establishment cultivators would need to join forces.

The Chen Clan possessed a mere 14 Foundation Establishment cultivators, a starkly insufficient number compared to the Xu and Yang Clans, each boasting 20-some to 30 such experts. Thus, their Foundation Establishment cultivators could not be mobilized.

"Then let us both head to Celestial Ruins Mountain. If we make this battle swift and decisive, the demonic cultivators likely won't have time to react."

After making his decision, Eldrin journeyed with the old clan leader to the desolate Celestial Ruins Mountain.

Now, Eldrin could traverse 40,000 to 50,000 li a day while riding the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss. After the old patriarch’s Crimson Flame Qi spirit blade advanced to the third rank, it could also fly over 30,000 li.

The 2 of them traversed the 100,000-li desolate expanse in merely 3 days, arriving at Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location).

Upon arriving at Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location), he discovered over a dozen Zifu cultivators had already gathered atop the mountain.

Aside from Lyra (Person Name), Elara (Person Name), and Su Mingwei (Person Name)—the 3 Purple Mansions from Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location)—the 2 Purple Mansions of the Xu Family and the Pan Family's Percival (Person Name) had also all arrived.

Even the Yang Family sent Yang Zhengyuan, whose injuries had yet to fully heal, to personally appear at Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location)—a clear indication that they understood the gravity of the situation.

That person was.

Seeing that everyone had gathered, Lyra (Person Name) urgently summoned the crowd to enter the cavern abode.

Eldrin entered Lyra's spirit pool cavern abode, only to discover a palace-attired beauty nestled close beside her.

The beauty was clad in a long violet gown, a phoenix hairpin of amethyst gold adorning her hair. Not only did she possess celestial features of peerless elegance, but her figure was also lush and graceful. Yet within her eyes, subtle wisps of violet energy seemed to coalesce.

Could it be.

In that instant, Eldrin felt a faint tremor in his heart, roughly surmising the origins of that person.

Sure enough, seeing that everyone had arrived, Lyra (Person Name) began the introductions: "This is Patriarch Zi Ji (Person Name), the sect master of the Violet Abyss Sect. I've invited her here to preside over Celestial Ruins Mountain (Location) on my behalf."

"You must not slack off."

Greetings, Elder Yan.

Everyone promptly bowed in greeting, recognizing the beauty's identity.

Lady Yan Zi’s origins were far from ordinary—she was not only a close confidante of Lyra (Person Name), but also the current sect master of the Violet Abyss Sect (Sect Name).

This individual was the only cultivator with a Heavenly Spiritual Root (Spiritual Root) in the Chu Kingdom (Location), aside from Lyra (Person Name). It was said that he was merely 2 100-some years of age, yet had already attained the Golden Core, 3rd Tier (Cultivation Realm).

With such talent and strength, she was considered a first-rate fairy maiden among the 6 Kingdoms of Jizhou, and many believed she possessed the potential to become an Infant Soul True Monarch.

Lyra's primary reason for inviting Violet Enchantress to Celestial Ruins Mountain this time was to have her oversee Celestial Ruins Mountain in her stead.

This was far too taxing on his magical power, but it would be much better once he had the Purple Aura Pill (Spiritual Object).

Chen Changxuan smiled, his expression turning earnest as he said, "You have matured considerably over the years, and your thinking has grown increasingly comprehensive."

Eldrin smiled faintly, recalling how back on Spiritual Apricot Mountain, had the old clan leader not been shrewd enough to alter the formation arrays, the 2 of them would likely have suffered a crushing defeat.

That very night, the group rode their swords and flew toward Celestial Python Lake (Location).

Spanning over 10 1000 li in all directions, Celestial Python Lake (Location) was a vast and boundless expanse of water. Had it existed in his previous life, it would have been deemed no less than a sea.

The central region of the Celestial Python Lake (Location), spanning over 10 1000 li, was dotted with numerous islands. The dwelling place of the Celestial Python Demon King (Demon Beast) lay within the inner lake nestled among these islands.

The group flew for 10 1000 miles, cutting their way into the Celestial Python Lake (Location) archipelago and charging straight toward the inner lake.

The moment the group arrived above Celestial Python Lake (Location), the Celestial Python Demon King (Demon Beast) detected their presence. It immediately let out a thunderous roar and surged skyward.

Seeing the Celestial Python Demon King (Demon Beast) actually leave the water to attack the crowd, many people revealed expressions of delight.

"Let's do this."

Lyra was the first to charge forward, riding the Heavenly Ruins Immortal-Slaying Sword as she struck at the Celestial Python Demon King.

Everyone was overjoyed and seized the opportunity to activate their magical treasures and divine abilities, launching a fierce assault. Although the Celestial Python Demon King (Demon Beast) possessed extraordinary power, it was forced into a defensive position. While it managed to block the attacks with its defensive treasures, its magical power was depleted by over 10 percent.

Seeing that a dozen or so breaths had cost it 10 percent of its mana, it could no longer remain still and swiftly dove toward the heart of the lake island.

At this moment, the Zifu-level beasts from Celestial Python Lake (Location) finally arrived as reinforcements, engaging in fierce combat with the group.

"Where do you think you're fleeing?"

Seeing the Celestial Python Demon King (Demon Beast) flee into the water, Lyra (Person Name) narrowed her eyes and transformed into a sword-light, slashing downward.

Naturally, the group couldn't allow her to venture alone into the lake's depths. They had no choice but to unleash their magical treasures, driving back the Zi Mansion realm demon beasts for the moment, before pursuing her into the waters to encircle and hunt the Celestial Python Demon King (Demon Beast).

Those Purple Mansion beasts naturally refused to relent, roaring furiously as they gave chase immediately.

Especially the Purpleblooded Celestial Python, which unleashed its formidable might the moment it entered the water, sending Yang Yuanhe flying with a spray of blood.

Seeing Yang Yuanhe grievously wounded, Eldrin (Person Name) furrowed his brow and urgently declared, "Proceed as planned."

"Let's make this quick."

Xavier and Percival immediately surrounded the Violet Blood Heavenly Python upon hearing this, seeking to block this great demon of the Purple Palace, Late Stage.

此刻无数妖兽围了上来，一片混战之中Eldrin (Person Name)驾驭飞剑斩向了一头Purple Palace, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm)的Crimson Flame Qi (Spiritual Root)蟒。

However, these great demons possessed considerable intelligence and immediately recognized Eldrin (Person Name). Realizing he would be a formidable opponent, they summoned 2 additional Purple Mansion great demons to encircle him from behind.

"Be careful."

Chapter 1: The Reborn Eldrin The air in the Nether Abyss trembled as a crimson streak tore across the ashen sky. Upon a jagged cliff stood a figure in azure robes, his eyes burning with the accumulated wisdom of millennia. This was Eldrin, once the revered Heavenly Sword Sovereign, now reborn in the mortal realm after his celestial tribulation failed. "9 Revolutions of the Chaotic Heavens Art..." Eldrin murmured, sensing the faint spiritual energy coursing through his new body. "To think I'd have to cultivate from the Foundation Establishment stage again." Below the cliff, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss lay embedded in volcanic rock, its crimson blade pulsating with dormant power. The weapon that had once sundered constellations now awaited its master's call. Suddenly, spatial ripples distorted the air as 3 figures descended on glowing artifacts. Their leader, a golden-armored cultivator, pointed his trident toward Eldrin. "The Heavenly Law Sect demands the celestial artifact, reborn 1!" Eldrin's lips curved into a faint smile. "You seek my sword? Very well - let the Nether Abyss witness your ambition." His hands moved through esoteric seals, summoning 30-2 phantom blades that materialized from swirling spiritual energy. The very mountain seemed to breathe with his gathering power. "Arrogant mortal!" The golden-armored cultivator scoffed, channeling energy into his trident. "You dare oppose Nascent Soul elders with mere Foundation Establishment cultivation?" Eldrin's eyes gleamed with ancient wisdom. "Cultivation realms are but numbers. True power lies in comprehending the Dao itself." With a flick of his wrist, the phantom blades converged into a single stream of celestial light. The attack contained not raw power, but the profound understanding of sword dao accumulated over 10 1000 years. The cultivators' artifacts shattered like glass against the overwhelming sword intent. Their golden armor cracked under the pressure of countless sword energies, each carrying the weight of forgotten eras. As the defeated cultivators fled through spatial tears, Eldrin approached his embedded sword. "30-2 1000 spirit stones to restore your brilliance," he calculated, gazing at the weapon that had followed him through 3 lifetimes. "And nearly a 1000 years to rebuild what was lost." Yet in his eyes burned not despair, but the anticipation of a new journey. For what are centuries to 1 who has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations? The path to immortality was long, but every step contained its own revelation. The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss hummed in response, its crimson glow illuminating the gathering twilight. Somewhere in the distance, a bell tolled, marking the beginning of another cycle in the eternal dance of cultivation.