Chapter 485 : The Demon King's Heavenly Tribulation

Sylas Ye was still young in years, yet remarkably precocious. Having been tutored by his grandfather, he already recognized a considerable number of characters.

During the period Eldrin Chen spent recuperating on Nine Continents Island, he taught Sylas Ye daily, instructing him on the human body's meridians and acupoints, and imparting knowledge of cultivation runes and characters. In the blink of an eye, a month had passed.

On this day, after finishing Sylas Ye's cultivation lessons, he said to Lyra Jiang, "Through our observations over this time, we have gained a certain understanding of Nine Rivers Island."

"I have decided to lend them a hand and go slay the Bixia Demon King."

"That is only fitting," Lyra Jiang nodded with a slight smile. "I see Nine Rivers Island is already preparing to act. That Ba Xia Bloodline is extraordinary; slaying it could yield significant gains for us as well."

"Then let us seek out Lucian Lu."

No sooner said than done. The two immediately went to Ryusen Island and found Lucian Lu.

Seeing their arrival, Lucian Lu greeted them with evident delight. "Have the two of you reached a decision?"

"Indeed," Eldrin Chen nodded calmly. "Since it involves vanquishing demons and eradicating evil, we shall naturally contribute our share of strength."

"With your assistance, our chances of success in this battle are assuredly increased," Lucian Lu replied. Experience the full epic at audio - novel . com.

Lucian Lu revealed a smile, feeling in his heart that the odds of success this time might truly reach thirty percent.

With this thought, he hurriedly added, "To be perfectly honest, the Bixia Demon King is already in seclusion, attempting to break through to the Nascent Soul [the spiritual core formed after the Golden Core stage, representing a cultivator's true spiritual essence] realm. It is likely he will face his Heavenly Thunder Tribulation [a trial of lightning sent by the heavens to test cultivators attempting a major breakthrough] within three months. Therefore, we are already preparing to depart."

Lyra Jiang's eyes flickered. "And when do we depart?"

"In three days' time," Lucian Lu replied.

Three days passed swiftly. On this day, after settling Sylas Ye, Eldrin Chen arrived early at the Grand Hall on Nine Rivers Island.

Upon entering the Grand Hall, Eldrin Chen found that over fifty Golden Core Cultivator [a cultivator who has formed a Golden Core, the condensed essence of their cultivation] had already gathered there.

Most of these fifty-plus Golden Core True Person were cultivators from Nine Rivers Island and the nearby Spirit Island [an island rich in spiritual energy]. However, the majority were at the Golden Core Early to Mid Stage, with only nine individuals possessing Golden Core, Late Stage cultivation.

Even counting Eldrin Chen and Lyra Jiang, the number only reached eleven.

Eldrin Chen observed carefully and noted that among these Golden Core Late Stage Cultivators, only three had reached the Golden Core Great Perfection [the pinnacle of the Golden Core stage, just before attempting the Nascent Soul breakthrough].

These three were a woman in palace attire, a gaunt elder, and Lucian Lu, the disciple of the Nine Rivers True Person.

"You two have finally arrived."

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen's arrival, Lucian Lu smiled and began the introductions. He gestured towards the palace-attired woman and the gaunt elder, saying, "This is Willow the Immortal Maiden from Nightbright Island, and this is Blaze the Daoist, the foremost Rogue Cultivator [a cultivator not affiliated with any major clan or sect] in the seas near our Nine Rivers Island."

"A pleasure to meet you all."

Eldrin Chen gave a slight nod, acknowledging the introductions.

After the introductions, Lucian Lu led the eleven Golden Core Late Stage Cultivators [cultivators at the peak of the Golden Core Realm] to a separate inner chamber.

He erected a soundproofing barrier before speaking in a low voice. "For this sudden assault, the other Golden Core Cultivators will primarily serve to hold off the Demon Kings [powerful demonic beast rulers] from Boulder Island."

"The true core force besieging the Bixia Demon King will be us eleven Golden Core Late Stage Cultivators."

Willow the Immortal Maiden frowned, her expression turning grave. "And the Boulder Demon Emperor...?"

Sensing her concern, Lucian Lu reassured her. "Set your mind at ease. My Master will handle the Boulder Demon Emperor."

The others nodded, a measure of relief settling over them. As long as the Boulder Demon Emperor was contained, these Golden Core, Late Stage True Persons [a respectful title for Golden Core cultivators] stood a strong chance of escaping even if the battle turned against them.

Even if the Bixia Demon King were to ascend to the Demon Emperor realm, it would undoubtedly need time to recover from its injuries and consolidate its cultivation upon its recent breakthrough.

However, the Rogue Cultivator Blaze the Daoist remained somewhat apprehensive and could not help but inquire, "Fellow Daoist Lu, with merely eleven of us at the Golden Core, Late Stage, our hopes of surrounding and slaying a False Nascent Soul Demon Emperor are likely exceedingly slim."

"Surely the Nine Rivers True Lord must have left behind a trump card. We implore you to inform us of what method it is."

Upon hearing this, the other Golden Core, Late Stage cultivators present also revealed looks of curiosity, clearly wishing to hear if their host possessed a sufficiently potent plan.

"This..."

That Lucian Lu hesitated slightly, his expression shifting as he said, "This matter is of grave importance. To prevent the information from leaking and allowing the Demonic Tribe to prepare countermeasures, I'm afraid I cannot disclose it to you all in advance." Continue reading this story at audio-novel .c om.

"You are being overly cautious, Fellow Daoist,"

one of the Golden Core, Late Stage cultivators interjected, his gaze turning serious. "We are all cultivators of the Human Race. How could we possibly leak it to the Demonic Tribe?"

"Indeed, indeed," another Golden Core, Late Stage cultivator spoke up, his expression also growing grave. "If you do not tell us, who is to know if this 'method' is a Fifth Rank divine thunder [a powerful, high-grade thunder-based attack] or some mutually assured destruction technique?"

Everyone's expressions were solemn. Having arduously cultivated to the Golden Core, Late Stage, they were figures of esteemed status wherever they went. Naturally, they were unwilling to become unwitting cannon fodder in an unclear venture.

Even Willow the Immortal Maiden spoke up, her expression turning slightly grave as she said, "This battle concerns life and death. We implore you, Fellow Daoist, not to conceal anything from us."

"Do not be anxious, my young friends."

Just as Lucian Lu found himself in a difficult position, unsure whether to advance or retreat, the figure of an elder with a youthful face and hair as white as crane feathers approached.

The moment they saw that figure, the expressions of everyone present grew solemn. They promptly bowed respectfully and said, "We pay our respects to the True Lord."

"There is no need for such formalities."

The newcomer was none other than Nine Rivers True Lord. Stroking his beard with a smile, he looked at the group and said, "You are all outstanding talents of the Human Race, heroes who will risk your lives in the coming battle. Naturally, I cannot keep you in the dark."

"This old man has indeed made two preparations. The first is the Eight Trigrams Demon-Refining Banner, and the second is the Metallic Essence Demon-Slaying Sword Talisman."

After Nine Rivers True Lord finished speaking, Eldrin Chen's eyes flickered slightly. The Metallic Essence Demon-Slaying Sword Talisman was a Treasure Talisman [a talisman of immense power, often a one-time consumable item] imbued with a Great Divine Ability [a supreme and profound supernatural power]. Its power was comparable to a full-force strike from an Nascent Soul, Early Stage cultivator. If used in a successful ambush, it might truly be capable of slaying a Demon Emperor.

The Eight Trigrams Demon-Refining Banner, on the other hand, was a set of Formation Flags [enchanted banners used to establish and power formations] of Nascent Soul, Early Stage grade. This set consisted of eight individual Formation Flags. When jointly activated by a group of Golden Core, Late Stage cultivators, the power it could unleash was sufficient to trap a Nascent Soul Demon Emperor, or even temporarily contend with one.

"The power of this Eight Trigrams Demon-Refining Banner is extraordinary, and it will require all of you to join forces to activate it."

Nine Rivers True Lord [a title for a powerful cultivator] spoke as he distributed the Formation Flags [enchanted banners used to set up magical formations] to the group, his expression turning grave. "These are precious Spiritual Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts] I have treasured for many years. When you use them, take great care not to damage them."

"We understand,"

the others replied, nodding with evident delight, feeling their chances of success on this venture had increased significantly.

Observing their expressions, Nine Rivers True Lord added, "To prevent any leak of information, each of you must swear a Heart Demon Oath [a binding vow where breaking it invites inner demons and cultivation backlash]."

"That is only proper,"

they all agreed. Each one solemnly swore the Heart Demon Oath and then took one of the Formation Flags.

Eldrin Chen noticed that neither he nor Lyra Jiang had been allotted any Formation Flags. All eight flags had gone to the Golden Core True Person [cultivators who have reached the Golden Core Realm] from the Nine Rivers Sea Region.

This outcome, however, was within expectations. After all, both he and Lyra were outsiders, having only recently arrived in the Eastern Sea Cultivation World [the cultivation society of the Eastern Sea region]. Naturally, they were not as deeply trusted or known as the local Golden Core Cultivator [practitioners who have formed a Golden Core, a condensed sphere of spiritual power]. Experience the full epic at audio novel.com.