Chapter 221 : The Demon Cave's Hidden Master

"Heh heh heh."

That Severus Yan suddenly let out a sinister chuckle, and a trace of dark energy actually surfaced between his brows.

No one could have imagined that the Ancient Ancestor of the Chu Kingdom's premier immortal clan was actually a Demonic Cultivator [a practitioner of dark, forbidden arts that often involve sacrificing others for power] who had been hiding for many years, and clearly a high-ranking member of the Demon Cave Cavern [a notorious stronghold of demonic cultivators].

Severus Yan had secretly pledged allegiance to the Demon Cave Cavern early in his life. Over the years, relying on the rapid progress afforded by demonic arts, he had long since cultivated to the False Core Realm [a pseudo-Golden Core state achieved through unorthodox means, powerful but unstable], becoming the third most powerful fiend within the Demon Cave Cavern.

Merely to conceal his true nature, he used righteous-path cultivation arts to mask his aura, outwardly displaying only the ninth layer of Purple Mansion [the third major realm of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual mansion within the dantian] cultivation.

With another malevolent laugh, Severus Yan sneered, "This old man guessed he would spare no expense to purchase the Cloud Vein Creation Pill [a rare and potent elixir said to aid in breaking through cultivation bottlenecks], so I took the liberty of tampering with the pill long ago."

"Now, no matter where he flees to the ends of the earth, he cannot escape my grasp."

Upon hearing this, Hong Morgrim and the female demon hurriedly prostrated themselves. "Congratulations, Master! Felicitations, Master! This time, you are certain to obtain the tribulation-transcending treasure and break through to the Golden Core [the fourth major realm, where one condenses a golden spiritual core, signifying a massive leap in power and lifespan] in one fell swoop, establishing your might across the Six Kingdoms of Ji Continent from this day forth!"

"Hahahaha!"

Severus Yan let out three peals of hearty laughter, a look of profound satisfaction spreading across his features. Find this and other novels at audio-novel*com.

Although his talent for cultivating the righteous path was mediocre, Severus Yan was a genius in the Demonic Path [a cultivation method that harnesses dark, destructive energies, often at great moral cost].

Unlike a cultivator like Lysander Ling, who had reached the False Core Realm [a pseudo-Golden Core state, weaker than the true realm] and whose chances of successfully forming a true Golden Core [the third major realm of cultivation, where one's spiritual energy condenses into a solid, golden-hued core] were slim even upon a second attempt, Severus Yan had been confident of his breakthrough for decades.

However, Demonic Cultivator [practitioners of the Demonic Path] are despised by heaven; the power of the heavenly thunder tribulation they face far exceeds that of ordinary cultivators, and their Demonic Treasure [magical artifacts forged and powered by demonic energies] are particularly vulnerable to the purifying force of celestial lightning.

While the Demon Cave Cavern possessed a Fourth Rank Demonic Treasure [a powerful demonic artifact of the fourth rank, equivalent to the Golden Core realm], given the inherently selfish nature of Demonic Cultivator, it was unthinkable that its master would risk damaging such a precious artifact by lending it to him for his tribulation.

Over the years, he had scoured the lands for treasures to aid him in overcoming the tribulation, finally gathering enough to grant him a sliver of hope. Now, with the acquisition of these two additional Clan-Suppressing Supreme Treasure [a clan's most powerful and revered magical artifact], his confidence in surviving the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [the trial of celestial lightning one must endure to advance to the Golden Core realm] grew firmer.

"A little longer," he murmured to himself. "Once I secure a few more Third Rank High Grade Magical Treasure [powerful magical artifacts of the third rank, high grade], then I will have sufficient assurance to face the Heavenly Thunder Tribulation."

"Once I break through, our Demon Cave Cavern will boast three Golden Core Demonic Cultivator, and our strength will no longer be inferior to that of the Firmament Sword Sect."

"At that time, we will have nothing to fear from the Firmament Sword Sect. We can emulate Withered Bone Elder Demon of old, plunging deep into the Chu Kingdom Blood Sacrifice [a large-scale, horrific ritual involving the mass sacrifice of mortals to fuel demonic cultivation] to rapidly elevate our cultivation and refine our Demonic Treasure."

As he spoke, a cold, mocking glint flickered in Severus Yan's eyes.

"The target is on the move. Do not let him escape."

It is said that Yang Yuanhe soared out of Firmament Market upon his flying sword.

He traveled covertly, taking a circuitous route, his heart in his throat for the entire journey of over four hundred thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters]. He finally reached the borders of Ling County.

Yet, the moment he allowed himself a sigh of relief, three figures materialized to block his path. He could never have imagined that the Cloud Vein Creation Pill [a rare pill that can enhance a cultivator's innate potential] he had purchased contained a hidden Soul-Tracking Life Plaque [a sinister artifact that allows its creator to track the target's soul].

Following the resonance of the Soul-Tracking Life Plaque, the three demons intercepted him just before Ling County. Cornered by a False Core Demonic Cultivator [a cultivator who uses malevolent and soul-consuming methods to gain power] and two Purple Mansion Demonic Cultivator, he stood no chance of escape and was swiftly slain.

The methods of that Elder Demon Severus were exceptionally vile. After killing Yang Yuanhe, he did not stop. He proceeded to refine the man's soul into his Lifebound Demonic Treasure [a demonic artifact bound to its user's life force], the Seven-Soul Demonic Banner [a banner that traps and commands the souls of its victims], making it one of the banner's primary souls.

"Heh heh."

"As expected of a Purple Mansion Cultivator [a cultivator who has opened the third major energy center, the Purple Mansion]. My Seven-Soul Demonic Banner has grown stronger once more."

After refining the Purple Mansion Spirit Soul [the potent spiritual essence of a Purple Mansion cultivator], Elder Demon Severus let out a sinister chuckle.

The Seven-Soul Demonic Banner was an exceptionally powerful and malevolent Demonic Treasure [an artifact forged and powered by demonic arts]. Once unleashed, seven Purple Mansion demonic souls would surge forth. Even a Purple Mansion Late Stage Cultivators [a cultivator in the advanced stages of the Purple Mansion realm], caught off guard, could be torn to shreds by these spectral fiends.

Having slain Yang Yuanhe and seized his treasures, the trio saw no reason to stop. They immediately turned their sights upon the Yang Immortal Clan.

Upon discovering the extinguishing of Yang Yuanhe's soul lamp, the Yang Family immediately sent word to the major immortal clans of Bianzhou and to Celestial Ruins Mountain.

Yet, it was already too late. A Third Rank Formation [a powerful defensive array] without a Purple Mansion Cultivator [a cultivator of the third major realm] to anchor it stood no chance of withstanding a Third Rank Demonic Cultivator [a powerful practitioner of demonic arts].

In the span of a single night, millions of mortals belonging to the Yang Clan were utterly sacrificed in a blood ritual. Thousands of their cultivators were nearly wiped out, and the two Third Rank Spirit Vein [sites rich in spiritual energy] they occupied were completely plundered.

This tragedy sent shockwaves throughout the entire Chu Kingdom. Within a single day, Celestial Ruins Mountain had mobilized in response.

Lyra Jiang personally descended upon Ling County, only to find the lair of the Elder Yan Demon empty—the fiend had vanished without a trace.

Merely a day later, both the Firmament Sword Sect and the Violet Abyss Sect took action. The Firmament Sword Sect dispatched two Golden Core Cultivator [masters of the fourth major cultivation realm], while from the Violet Abyss Sect, Yvonne the Violet Consort and the newly ascended Golden Core Spirit Consort, the Immortal Maiden also emerged from seclusion. Find this and other novels at audio novel.com.

The Dozens of Purple Mansion Immortal Clans of Chu Kingdom could no longer tolerate the threat and began a widespread, net-like search for any trace of the Demonic Cultivator [practitioners who use malevolent, often sacrificial, methods to advance their cultivation].

Among so many high-level cultivators, there were naturally many individuals with unique talents and abilities. In just two days, the trail of the Elder Yan Demon was found.

Spirit Consort, the Immortal Maiden, being the closest, was the first to give chase. She pursued the demon for one hundred thirty thousand Li-length [a Li-length equals five hundred meters], dealing him a grievous wound before he barely managed to escape.

Only four days later, the Firmament Sword Sect located the demonic cultivator using a secret art. Unfortunately, the target turned out to be the female Demonic Cultivator.

The Golden Core Cultivator [a cultivator who has formed a solidified core of spiritual energy, representing a major advancement] from the Firmament Sword Sect showed no mercy, cutting him down on the borderlands of Yang Province.

Five days later, Lyra Jiang used a secret art to track the aura of Elder Demon Yan. She pursued him for over two hundred thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters], finally locating him and nearly succeeding in ending his wretched existence.

However, by that time, Elder Demon Yan had fled to the very edge of the Firmament Sword Sect's territory. The two Golden Core Elder Demons from the Demon Cave Cavern intervened together, blocking Zhang the True Person [a title for a Golden Core cultivator], the Sect Master of the Firmament Sword Sect, and Lyra Jiang, allowing Elder Demon Yan to be escorted back to their lair.

With that, the grand and relentless hunt finally drew to a close.

Although the primary target, Elder Demon Yan, escaped death, he was grievously wounded. The campaign seized the opportunity to purge several dozen Foundation Establishment [the realm where a cultivator establishes their spiritual foundation] Demonic Cultivators [cultivators who use malevolent, often soul-devouring methods] who had been lurking within the Chu Kingdom, and even managed to slay a Purple Mansion [the realm where the cultivator's spiritual consciousness resides in a 'Purple Mansion' within the dantian] female demon. These were not insignificant gains.

Furthermore, the Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [a weapon of immense power specifically forged to combat demonic forces] of the Firmament Sword Sect, the 'Firmament Sword', had imprinted upon the demonic Qi [the vital energy that flows through all living things] cultivated by Elder Demon Yan. Should he ever dare venture within one hundred thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] of this sword again, this supreme treasure would undoubtedly sense his presence.

The demonic cultivators had fled beyond the borders of the Chu Kingdom, and now enjoyed the shelter of the Demon Cave Cavern. Faced with this reality, the pursuers had no choice but to temporarily abandon their hunt.

Spirit Source Mountain.

Spirit Source Mountain served as the Dao field [a cultivator's personal cultivation sanctuary] of the Yang Immortal Clan, its Spirit Vein [a geological formation that concentrates and emits spiritual energy] reaching the impressive grade of Third Rank Middle Grade.

Upon the Spirit Vein of Spirit Source Mountain, several Purple Mansion Cultivators sat facing each other, their expressions grave. They were Eldrin Chen, Xavier Xu, Percival Pan, and the Old Patriarch—all esteemed Purple Mansion Cultivators.

"See for yourselves."

"The cultivators of the Yang Family were utterly annihilated, millions of mortals were all sacrificed in a blood ritual, and the Spirit Medicine in the mountain's Spirit Farmland were completely plundered."

The one who spoke was Percival Pan. With a grim expression, he passed an account ledger to those present.

After reading it, Eldrin Chen's expression also turned cold. The methods of the Demonic Cultivator were utterly heinous; the Yang Family had been nearly exterminated.

Even the Spirit Medicine fields on the mountain had been harvested vindictively. Regardless of whether the herbs had matured, they were plucked without leaving roots, utterly destroyed.

The grade of the two Spirit Vein [a natural conduit of spiritual energy within the earth] had also plummeted. The Spirit Vein at the Dao Field [a cultivator's personal place of practice] had dropped from Third Rank Middle Grade to Low Grade, while the Spirit Vein beneath the mortal city had been completely polluted by blood filth, becoming a blood spring unusable by Righteous Path Cultivator.

Such an act, which would enrage both heaven and mortals, is something Righteous Path Cultivator would scarcely commit. Even Lyra Jiang, after capturing Celestial Python Lake [Heaven-Devouring Serpent Lake] and being unable to hold it, did not destroy its resources.

For these resources are gifts from heaven and earth. To destroy them would violate the natural order [a concept of cosmic harmony and balance]; a single misstep could scorch the land for a thousand Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters], creating a desolate, eternally ruined wasteland.

"Every Demonic Cultivator in this world deserves death."

Eldrin Chen's gaze was icy. For days, he had fought across hundreds of thousands of Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters], slaying several Demonic Cultivator along the way. Yet, he had regrettably not encountered a single Purple Mansion [the third major realm of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual mansion within the dantian] elder demon.

Xavier Xu let out a heavy sigh, his face etched with worry as he spoke, "Let us discuss how to handle these Spirit Vein [a vein of earth that naturally gathers and radiates spiritual energy]."

"The Yang Family still has three surviving Foundation Establishment [the second major realm of cultivation, where one solidifies their spiritual foundation] cultivators. If we intend to claim this Spirit Vein, we must also deliberate on the matter of compensation for the bereaved." Continue your cultivation journey at audio–novel.com.