Chapter 298 : A Triumphant March to Celestial Python Lake

"So that is how it is."

Everyone was overjoyed, never imagining that Lyra Jiang and Eldrin Chen had kept their plans so utterly secret.

They had even managed to deceive their own allies, which explained why the Demonic Tribe [the collective term for sentient, often hostile, beast and monster races] had suffered such a devastating blow. Thinking of this, they couldn't help but offer flattery: "With your strategies and prowess, it was only fitting that the Demonic Tribe met with this calamity."

"Enough. Let us discuss what comes next."

Lyra Jiang halted the stream of praise, her gaze turning towards the direction of the Scorched Sun Mountain.

After a moment of contemplation, she spoke: "After this battle, Earth Lion Ridge stands alone and unsupported. Within three days, they will surely begin their retreat to preserve their strength."

"Therefore, I intend to ride the momentum of this great victory and lead our forces to conquer the territory surrounding Celestial Python Lake, expanding the borders for the Human Race."

Upon hearing this, expressions of wild elation spread across everyone's faces.

Unlike the situation over eighty years ago, when Lyra Jiang had been forced to abandon Celestial Python Lake, there were three primary reasons for that decision.

First, their strength had been insufficient. Back then, Celestial Ruins Mountain possessed only Lyra Jiang as a Golden Core [the third major realm of cultivation, where one's spiritual power condenses into a solid golden core] combatant. Their subordinate forces consisted solely of the various immortal clans from Bianzhou. With such limited power, attempting to hold a Fourth Rank [a classification indicating the power level of a location or object, equivalent to the Golden Core realm] Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with concentrated spiritual energy, ideal for cultivation] deep within Demonic Tribe territory would have been far too perilous. Official source: audio . novel . com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Furthermore, back then, Lyra Jiang was at a critical juncture of her breakthrough into the Purple Mansion [the third major realm of cultivation, where one forms a spiritual mansion within the dantian], and it was not suitable for her to take risks and occupy a Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with concentrated spiritual energy, ideal for cultivation].

The second reason was the geographical situation. At that time, the Scorched Sun Mountain had fallen, leaving the Celestial Python Lake isolated. Occupying it would have inevitably drawn the encirclement and attack of Demonic Ape Mountain, Earth Lion Ridge, and Crimson Scorpion Ridge.

The third reason was strained internal relations. Their relationship with the Green Sun Sect had nearly ruptured. Lyra Jiang also harbored the idea of first securing Green Sun Mountain, consolidating control over the Three Provinces region, and only then turning her ambitions toward the Demonic Tribe Territory [lands dominated by demonic beast tribes].

These three reasons combined forced Lyra Jiang to reluctantly abandon that incredibly precious Fourth Rank Spirit Vein [a vein of earth that channels spiritual energy of the fourth rank, suitable for Golden Core cultivators] and its associated Earth Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated earthly spiritual energy].

Now, a century has passed, and the landscape of power has undergone a tremendous transformation.

Today, Lyra Jiang has broken through to the Golden Core [the fourth major realm, where a cultivator condenses their essence into a golden core] realm. Her strength has increased manifold compared to the past. Coupled with the fact that the Heaven's Ruin Alliance's current power far surpasses its former self, the situation is utterly different.

The geographical environment has also changed dramatically. With the Demon King [a ruler among demonic beasts, equivalent to a Golden Core cultivator] of Crimson Scorpion Ridge slain, it is likely that the territory of Crimson Scorpion Ridge will descend into great chaos for decades to come, leaving it with no leisure to concern itself with Celestial Python Lake.

Although Demonic Ape Mountain and Earth Lion Ridge still flank Celestial Python Lake, Demonic Ape Mountain is now checked by the Violet Abyss Sect.

As for Earth Lion Ridge, it is restrained by Scorched Sun Mountain, which should be enough to prevent it from focusing its full might against Celestial Python Lake.

In this battle, the Black Flood Dragon Demon King and the Crimson Scorpion Demon King were slain. The Purple Mansion and Foundation Establishment Demonic Beast [demonic beasts whose power is equivalent to the Foundation Establishment realm] of Celestial Python Lake were routed, with nearly half of them also being exterminated.

Once Lyra Jiang [the formidable cultivator] is captured, clearing the various Spirit Mountain [mountains imbued with spiritual energy] will become much easier.

"Since we are taking action, we must commit ourselves fully and without reservation,"

Eldrin Chen [the clan patriarch] declared. After a moment of contemplation, he continued, "We shall first mobilize the Heaven-Devouring Serpent Treasure Boat [a massive warship shaped like a celestial serpent] to seize Celestial Python Lake [a vast lake domain]. Afterwards, we will turn back and capture the Demonic Tribe's [a tribe of monstrous beings] various Third Rank [a realm of power] Spirit Mountain one by one."

To achieve a swift and decisive victory, Lyra Jiang assembled the Heaven-Devouring Serpent Treasure Boat. That very day, she drew ten thousand elite cultivators from Celestial Ruins Mountain [a major mountain stronghold] and used the Treasure Boat to transport the army deep into the territory of Celestial Python Lake.

The Heaven-Devouring Serpent Treasure Boat proved itself a true engine of war. The distance between Celestial Python Lake and Celestial Ruins Mountain exceeded four hundred thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters], yet the vessel covered it in a mere ten-plus days.

Upon arriving at Celestial Python Lake, Eldrin Chen observed that a formidable Defensive Formation [a protective magical barrier] over the lake had already been activated for some time.

"As expected, they have a Mountain Guardian Grand Formation [a powerful defensive array protecting a mountain or territory]," he noted.

Eldrin Chen exchanged a glance with Lyra Jiang and then activated the offensive grand formation of the Heaven-Devouring Serpent Treasure Boat.

Such large-scale war vessels travel only thirty thousand Li-length per day—a speed comparable to a Purple Mansion Initial Stage Cultivator [a cultivator at the first layer of the Purple Mansion realm]. Against a Golden Core Cultivator [a master who has formed a Golden Core], they are little more than stationary targets, posing minimal threat.

However, when deployed against hordes of Low-Rank Demonic Beast [lesser monstrous creatures] or immobile Formation [magical arrays], the destructive power of a war treasure boat becomes truly formidable.

The Heaven-Devouring Serpent Treasure Boat erupted with dazzling radiance. As the ten thousand cultivators activated the Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword Aura in unison, they unleashed three consecutive, earth-shattering strikes. With overwhelming force, they shattered the Fourth Rank Low Grade Mountain Guardian Grand Formation [a powerful defensive formation of the fourth rank, designed to protect a mountain stronghold] guarding the Celestial Python Lake.

Once the grand formation was breached, Eldrin Chen was the first to charge into the fray.

A Demonic Crocodile [a ferocious crocodilian demonic beast] of the late-stage Purple Palace [the Purple Mansion realm, a major stage of cultivation] attempted to flee from the lake. With a cold sneer, Eldrin gave chase. His Heavenly Separated Twin Swords flashed, unleashing over a dozen arcs of devastating sword aura. In the span of merely ten exchanges, the demonic crocodile's head was severed from its body.

Elated, the multitude of cultivators aboard the Treasure Boat poured into the Celestial Python Lake, beginning the systematic cleansing of its countless Low-Rank Demonic Beast [demonic beasts of the first and second ranks].

"Finally, it has fallen," Eldrin murmured, a wave of relief washing over him.

After dispatching the few remaining Purple Mansion Demonic Beast [demonic beasts at the Purple Mansion realm], Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang exchanged a look of shared triumph and a knowing smile. This chapter is provided by audio-novel .c om. Support the original.

Nearby, Xavier Xu, Fang the Ancient Ancestor, and the others wore expressions of joy. They cupped their hands respectfully towards Lyra and Eldrin, offering their congratulations.

"We congratulate you both on acquiring yet another Fourth Rank Spirit Mountain [a mountain imbued with potent spiritual energy of the fourth rank]."

"Hahaha!"

Eldrin laughed heartily, then led the group of Purple Mansion Cultivator [cultivators who have reached the Purple Mansion realm] as they flew towards the archipelago at the lake's heart.

From within the spirit pool, Eldrin Chen retrieved a Water Element Treasure Pearl [a precious pearl imbued with the essence of water, used for cultivation and crafting], and said with delight, "I have coveted this treasure for many years, and at last, it is mine."

The Water Element Treasure Pearl possesses myriad wondrous uses. Not only can it assist water-attribute Demonic Beasts [powerful creatures that cultivate demonic energy] in their cultivation, but it is also a superior treasure for alchemy and artificing. Furthermore, it can aid in breaking through to the Golden Core [the third major realm of cultivation, where one's spiritual energy condenses into a solid, golden core] realm.

Though the others eyed it with envy, they possessed a clear sense of their own standing.

In terms of strength and contribution to this battle, their combined efforts likely could not match Eldrin Chen's. Naturally, they had no right to contest for it.

Lyra Jiang did not rush to tally the spoils of the battle. Instead, she personally dismantled the Mountain Guardian Grand Formation [a powerful defensive array protecting a mountain or territory] of Celestial Python Lake. Then, using the Dragon Transformation Blade [a magical blade capable of unleashing draconic power] as the primary Formation Eye [the central control point and power source of a formation], she, along with the Fourth Rank Magical Treasure Sunflower Water Pearl [a powerful pearl treasure containing the essence of Sunflower Water], erected a Sunflower Water Dragon-Slaying Grand Formation [a grand formation designed to harness Sunflower Water energy to slay dragons or draconic beings].

After completing the Formation, Lyra Jiang gathered everyone and declared, "Although we have captured Celestial Python Lake, the territory encompassing Celestial Python Lake and Celestial Ruins Mountain still spans a vast four hundred thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters]."

"Within it lie seven Third Rank Spirit Mountains [mountains imbued with spiritual energy of the third rank] and five Third Rank Earth Veins [underground currents of earth-attribute spiritual energy of the third rank]. We must secure them as swiftly as possible."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Demonic Tribe Territory was fundamentally different from lands inhabited by the Human Race.

The territory of Celestial Python Lake spanned a full four hundred thousand Li-length, slightly larger than the Three Provinces Region controlled by the Heaven's Ruin Alliance. Yet, it contained only seven Third Rank Spirit Veins [natural conduits of spiritual energy of the third rank] and merely five Earth Veins.

The primary reason was that low-tier Demonic Tribes [tribes or societies composed of demonic beasts and beings] lacked the knowledge to develop the land or the methods to nurture Spirit Veins.

The Heaven's Ruin Alliance territory, spanning the Three Provinces, stretches over three hundred thousand Li-length [one Li-length equals five hundred meters]. Within it lie more than thirty Third Rank Spirit Vein [a high-grade source of ambient spiritual energy]. However, the vast majority of these Spirit Vein [a natural conduit of spiritual energy] were artificially nurtured over thousands of years.

In contrast, Celestial Python Lake possesses very few natural Third Rank Spirit Vein [a high-grade source of ambient spiritual energy], and its Earth Vein [a terrestrial energy channel] are equally scarce. This suggests its vast territory must conceal numerous hidden Third Rank Earth Vein [a high-grade terrestrial energy channel], awaiting future discovery and development by the Heaven's Ruin Alliance.

Seeing everyone nod in agreement, Lyra Jiang spoke with a gentle smile. "Now that Celestial Python Lake is newly pacified, I must remain here to guard against any unforeseen events and cannot leave my post for now. I must trouble you all to handle this matter."

Eldrin Chen nodded calmly. "I will lead them to take care of it," he stated. The complete novel can be found at audio-novel . com.