Chapter 278 Compensation and Spoils, Heiyuan Ancient Gold

After having someone deliver the message, the gathered crowd fell into a pensive silence.

Eldrin sighed inwardly and handed an account book to the group before speaking.

This time, 19 Purple Mansions and 2 100 60 Foundation Establishments had fallen in battle.

Over a 1000 Foundation Establishment cultivators emerged, yet most had been tainted by demonic energy. If not purged, these individuals would likely face the peril of demonic possession.

Everyone’s faces darkened with distress at these words. Although they had slain over half of the Zifu Demonic Cultivators from the Demon Cave in this battle, they had suffered greatly themselves.

In this battle, the Heavenly Ruins Alliance dispatched 20-some Purple Mansion cultivators and over 2 100 Foundation Establishment cultivators, while the numbers deployed by the Abyssal Violet Sect were nearly identical to theirs.

The Verdant Azure Immortal Sect and the Vast Heaven Sword Sect spared no effort, deploying a combined force of 80 Purple Mansions and over 700 Foundation Establishment cultivators.

A total of over a 100 Zifu practitioners and more than 1,000 Foundation Establishment cultivators ventured forth, yet fewer than 900 of the Foundation Establishment cultivators emerged alive. Of the 120-some Zifu practitioners, only about a 100 survived.

With so many cultivators lost, the compensation alone amounted to millions of spirit stones—a devastatingly heavy price.

Everyone present wore pained expressions. Even if any of the 4 Golden Core forces were to shoulder this expenditure, it would inflict devastating financial damage.

Seeing the grim expressions on everyone’s faces, Lyra had no choice but to speak up. “To avoid disheartening our people, we must not withhold the compensation that is due.”

"If the spirit herb gardens of our 4 great immortal sects pool our resources, we should be able to refine a dozen or so batches of Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object) every decade."

"With my pill refinement success rate, I could distribute all the Foundation Establishment condolence funds within 20 years."

Everyone nodded in agreement upon hearing this. With Lyra being the top alchemist in Chu Kingdom, having her refine the pills would indeed save a considerable amount of cost.

Having settled the compensation for Foundation Establishment, the group began offering suggestions 1 after another. The Taiwu Zhenren (Person Name) said, "Our Cangqing Immortal Sect (Sect Name) possesses several Wutu Earth Veins (Cultivation Resource). Every 60 years, they collectively yield 10 5 Elements Spirit Crystals (Cultivation Resource)."

"We'll offer 10."

He calculated and found that the 19 Zifu cultivators would require 30-8 5 Elements Treasure Crystals as compensation for their families, while Shuxiang intended to offer 10 as reparation.

Just then, the Grand Elder of the Azure Sky Sword Sect shook his head, "This battle was ignited by your Verdant Azure Immortal Sect. It was the Ancient Cang Demon who betrayed us, and the casualties were heaviest in your Verdant Azure Immortal Sect's division."

"Right now, nearly half the funds we're pooling are for your compensation payments, and you're only contributing 10 coins?"

Grand Elder Taiwu’s aged face flushed slightly. Of the 19 Purple Mansions who had fallen in battle this time, 10 belonged to his Cangqing Immortal Sect.

The primary reason for the heavy losses among the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Cangqing Immortal Sect's Purple Mansion was that the betrayal of the Taicang Old Demon had been far too unexpected.

At this thought, Grandmaster Taiwu gritted his teeth and declared, "As for the 5 Elements Spirit Crystals this time, I shall bear the cost of 15."

Elder Taiwu resolved 15 of them. The remaining sects pooled their resources together, with each bearing the burden of 8 5 Elements Treasure Crystals as compensation, thus settling this matter of reparations completely.

After handling the compensation matters, Eldrin finally spoke, "Currently, a large number of Foundation Establishment cultivators have been invaded by demonic energy. It would be best for us to find a way to expel it."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the group turned grave. Nearly a 1000 Foundation Establishment cultivators—this represented the accumulated strength of the Chu Kingdom and the Verdant Azure Immortal Sect over a full century.

Judging by their foundation, if nothing unexpected occurs, many among them are destined to establish their Violet Palaces in the future, and perhaps 1 might even ascend to become a Golden Core Ancestor.

If the demonic energy is not expelled, it will hinder their cultivation, and many may even fall under its influence and descend into the demonic path.

Devouring demonic energy gnawed at the bones. While such afflictions could be purged with true flame when external, internal infestations often proved far more difficult to resolve.

Because if overly aggressive methods were employed, they would damage the physical body and meridians—by the time the demonic energy was expelled, the body would already be ruined.

Therefore, to eradicate demonic energy, there are only 2 common methods. The first involves refining it day and night with true essence, gradually expelling the demonic energy from the body.

This method often proved to be a protracted process, as Foundation Establishment cultivators' True Essence paled in comparison to Magical Power, making it all the more arduous.

In this battle, all Foundation Establishment cultivators who participated were immersed in the demonic energy for 2 hours. Essentially, their bodies were thoroughly permeated by the corrupting influence. To completely purge this demonic energy would require 20 years of dedicated purification.

Moreover, after battling demonic cultivators for thousands of years, orthodox cultivators had naturally devised alternative countermeasures.

Among these methods, the most effective 1 was concocting the Purification Elixir (Spiritual Liquid), using it to neutralize the demonic energy and thoroughly purge its malevolent essence.

Just then, Lyra (Person Name) swept her gaze across the crowd and declared, "I possess the formula for the Demonic Essence Cleansing Elixir."

"I wonder what the cost might be?" Elder Qian's face lit up with ecstasy as he couldn't resist asking.

"Generally speaking, preparing a single portion requires 1,000 spirit stones. However, when producing over a 1000 portions, the cost per portion can be reduced to approximately 600 spirit stones."

She pondered for a moment before replying, "This battle requires far too many cultivators needing the Demonic Cleansing Elixir, and the demand for spiritual herbs is immense. I fear the Chu Kingdom alone cannot gather enough."

After a brief mental calculation, the group realized that the Foundation Establishment cultivators had spent less than 3 hours in the demonic cavern during this battle. The demonic energy accumulated within their bodies was relatively minimal, and approximately 1 portion of Abyssal Purification Elixir (Spiritual Liquid) should suffice to cleanse it completely.

A formula costing 6 100 spirit stones, even if produced in over a 1000 batches, would only amount to around 600,000 spirit stones in total cost.

This cost was evenly split among the 4 Golden Core forces, making the expenditure relatively insignificant. Any 1 of those present could easily afford this sum.

Thus, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and settled the matter.

After handling these matters, everyone began to tally the spoils of this battle.

Strictly speaking, assaulting demonic cultivators is truly a thankless endeavor—utterly incomparable to the gains reaped from campaigns against the demonic tribes.

Because the demonic treasures of demonic cultivators are vicious and malicious, prolonged use would lead to the erosion of 1's soul by demonic energy and baleful aura, ultimately corrupting the cultivator's temperament and moral character.

Thus, most righteous cultivators who obtained Mo Bao's works chose to destroy them.

However, in this battle, the group had slain 20 to 30 1000 demonic cultivators, nearly wiping out half of the demonic practitioners in the Devil's Cavern.

Though they had departed in haste, the party still managed to secure nearly 10 1000 treasures, among which were numerous rare artifacts.

After taking stock, they discovered they had seized over 500,000 spirit stones, while the combined value of various magical instruments and natural treasures exceeded 1,000,000 spirit stones.

This did not even account for the over 1 million blood crystals and the vast quantities of sinister, malevolent demonic artifacts.

In addition, they also seized the Blood-Robed Elder's storage pouch and Elder Yan's demonic treasure—the Black Demonic Sword.

Within the Bloodline Elder Demon's storage pouch, they discovered a lower fourth-tier demonic treasure and a fourth-tier heaven-and-earth spiritual treasure.

And the Elder Fiend Yan’s black demonic sword was a fourth-tier immortal blade, forged entirely of Abyssal Ancient Gold and refined with vast amounts of demonic abyss miasma.

Lyra gazed at the several demonic treasures and picked up the black demonic sword. "Though these demonic treasures cannot be used directly, we can melt them down for materials to refine magic treasures back home."

"I'll take this immortal sword. The rest, you may divide amongst yourselves."

Chapter 1: The Reborn Youth The biting cold wind howled, carrying with it the scent of decay and rusted iron. In a dilapidated temple deep within the mountains, a youth dressed in tattered blue robes suddenly sat upright, his eyes flashing with a sharp, icy light. "To think I, Chen Fan, the revered Flaming Emperor of the 9 Heavens, would fall at the hands of traitors... and be reborn 3 100 years in the past!" Memories surged like a tidal wave—the betrayal by his most trusted disciple, the ambush by the 3 great emperors, the shattering of his nascent soul... and now, this familiar yet distant scene from his youth. He was 16 again, still that mediocre outer sect disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect. In his previous life, he had been trapped at the third layer of Qi Refining for 10 full years, eventually expelled from the sect and left to wander the mortal world. It wasn't until 3 100 years later that he stumbled upon an ancient immortal's legacy, embarking on the path of cultivation anew. Now, fate had granted him a second chance. "Hmph, since I've returned, all regrets shall be undone! Those who betrayed me shall pay the price!" A cold gleam flashed in Chen Fan's eyes. He quickly checked his body—as expected, his meridians were blocked, and his dantian was damaged. No wonder he had struggled for a decade without progress in his past life. But none of that mattered now. With the cultivation techniques and insights from his previous life, breaking through these obstacles was as easy as turning his hand. Just then, hurried footsteps echoed from outside the temple. A girl of about 15 or 16 rushed in, her face pale with panic. "Brother Chen Fan, run! Zhang Hu is leading people here to deal with you!" The girl was named Ling'er, an orphan adopted by the sect. In his past life, she was the only 1 who showed him kindness during his most difficult times. A trace of warmth flickered in Chen Fan's eyes. "Don't worry, Ling'er. It's just a few minor characters." Before his words faded, several figures had already blocked the temple entrance. The leader, a burly youth with a fierce expression, was none other than Zhang Hu, the outer sect disciple who had always bullied him. "Chen Fan, you good-for-nothing, hand over your spirit stones obediently, and I might spare you a beating!" Zhang Hu sneered, cracking his knuckles loudly. In his past life, Chen Fan had indeed been beaten half to death and robbed of the 3 spirit stones he had saved for months. But now... Chen Fan's lips curled into a faint smile. "If you want spirit stones, come and get them yourself." "You're seeking death!" Enraged, Zhang Hu threw a punch, carrying a faint spiritual energy—the first layer of Qi Refining. To everyone's surprise, Chen Fan didn't dodge. He simply raised a finger and lightly tapped Zhang Hu's fist. "Ah!" A miserable scream echoed as Zhang Hu was sent flying, his right arm bent at a strange angle. The other followers were stunned. How was this possible? Wasn't Chen Fan that good-for-nothing stuck at the third layer of Qi Refining? Chen Fan shook his head slightly. Although his cultivation was depleted, the combat experience and insights from his previous life as the Flaming Emperor remained. Dealing with a mere first-layer Qi Refining ant was effortless. "Scram. If I see you bullying others again, don't blame me for being ruthless." The group fled in panic, not even daring to look back. Ling'er stared wide-eyed, as if seeing Chen Fan for the first time. "Brother Chen Fan, you..." Chen Fan smiled gently and patted her head. "Don't worry, from now on, I will protect you." After sending Ling'er away, Chen Fan sat cross-legged again. He took a deep breath and began operating the Heavenly Flame Art (Cultivation Method) from his previous life. Although this technique was considered low-grade in the world of immortals, it was more than enough for the current Qi Refining stage. "With my current physical condition, breaking through to the fourth layer of Qi Refining should only take 3 days." A confident smile appeared on Chen Fan's lips. In his past life, it had taken him 10 years; now, he would need only 3 days. This was the difference. He closed his eyes, sensing the spiritual energy between heaven and earth gathering toward him like a vortex. The blocked meridians began to loosen under the impact of the spiritual energy, and the damaged dantian slowly healed. Unknowingly, night fell. Chen Fan opened his eyes, a flash of essence light passing through them. "First layer of Qi Refining, complete." He stretched, his bones cracking like firecrackers. This feeling of strength was truly intoxicating. Suddenly, his gaze fell upon a rusty bronze mirror in the corner of the temple. An idea struck him—this mirror had been with him since his previous life, but he had never discovered its secrets. He picked up the mirror and carefully examined it. Under the moonlight, the mirror's surface actually reflected a mysterious cultivation method. "The Mirror of Past Lives (Magic Treasure)?" Chen Fan's pupils contracted. "To think it's a treasure that can reflect the cultivation methods of 1's previous life!" A surge of ecstasy welled in his heart. With this, he could not only recover his previous cultivation but even merge the strengths of both lives to reach unprecedented heights! Just as he was about to study it carefully, a sharp pain shot through his head. A flood of memories surged forth—it was a cultivation method he had never seen before, far more profound than any technique he knew. "The Heavenly Dao Scripture (Cultivation Method)?" Chen Fan took a deep breath. "To think it's a legendary divine technique!" He quickly sat cross-legged again, following the method described in the memories to guide his spiritual energy. In an instant, the surrounding spiritual energy gathered several times faster than before, forming visible strands of light that poured into his body. The second layer of Qi Refining... The third layer of Qi Refining... In just 1 night, he had regained the cultivation that had taken him 10 years in his previous life! Chen Fan stood up, feeling the surging spiritual energy within him, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. "The Azure Cloud Sect... no, the entire cultivation world, just you wait. This time, I will surpass all of you!" The first light of dawn broke through the clouds, shining on the youth's resolute face. A new legend was about to begin.