Chapter 580. The Change of The Vast Sea (Location)

It turned out that after Eldrin (Person Name) had departed, the news gradually spread and eventually reached the ears of demons and monsters.

At first, the demons and monsters remained still. But when Eldrin still hadn't returned after 10 years, the Purple Jade Lake bordering The Vast Sea launched a beast tide.

At first, both sides remained restrained, with the intensity of the beast tide confined below the Nascent Soul level. Until 1 day, when Kael became blinded by bloodlust and slaughtered a demon sovereign from Purple Jade Lake, escalating the conflict to its peak.

The battle raged on for a full 10 years, plunging The Vast Sea (Location) into a cataclysm. By now, the Celestial Ruins Alliance had lost over 40-some Golden Core cultivators, with the Chen Clan alone witnessing the fall of 4 Golden Core masters.

To resist Purple Jade Lake (Location), a great number of cultivators from the Chen Family had no choice but to head for The Vast Sea (Location). Even the 3 Eldrin (Person Name) ancestors had already been stationed at The Vast Sea (Location) for many years.

“Purple Jade Lake (Location)。”

Eldrin (Person Name) took a deep breath and spoke directly, "Seal the news of our return immediately. No 1 is to make any rash moves."

"Understood."

The cultivators of the Chen Family’s Purple Mansion immediately nodded upon hearing this and promptly isolated the low-level Chen Family cultivators responsible for guarding the teleportation formation.

After settling Lila’s 2 disciples at Verdant Chariot Mountain (Location), the group did not linger there. They immediately teleported to the Island of Immortal Apricots (Location) and discreetly sought out the old clan leader.

"You've finally returned."

Chen Changxuan watched as the group returned and immediately grasped Eldrin’s hand in excitement. Turning to Lila, he nodded with relief and said, "Excellent, truly excellent! You’ve broken through to the Nascent Soul realm as well. It seems we can finally turn the tide in this battle and fight our way back."

"Let's gather the people first."

Without another word, Eldrin immediately entered the main hall and sent word to summon Elara and Kael.

Within the grand hall, 6 individuals sat facing 1 another: Eldrin, Lyra, Lila, the Elder Uncle, Kael, and Chen Elara.

Eldrin glanced at the crowd and immediately activated the formation to seal off the area. Frowning, he asked, "What exactly happened in this battle?"

Eldrin could not help but be astonished, for this battle was beyond his expectations.

According to his expectations, Dorian was still in seclusion consolidating his cultivation and had not left the Ji Province region. Logically speaking, Purple Jade Lake wouldn't risk attacking The Vast Sea under these circumstances.

After Eldrin’s departure, the Chen Clan’s strength had also diminished somewhat, making it unlikely for them to take the initiative against the demons. Thus, escalating the conflict to the Nascent Soul level would be unprofitable for both sides.

The expressions of the group darkened slightly at the sight. After a moment, Kael (Person Name) spoke up, "This is my fault."

"If I hadn't slain that Cyan Jade Demon Emperor, we wouldn't have provoked the full wrath of the Purple Jade Demon Emperor (Demon Beast)."

Hearing this, Eldrin furrowed his brow slightly. Before he could voice his question, the Elder Patriarch continued, "This battle was not entirely Kael's fault. Meng Xingwan perished at the hands of the Cyan Jade Demon Emperor, so Kael's righteous fury was to be expected."

Meng Xingwan?

A flicker of astonishment passed through Eldrin's (Person Name) heart.

The Meng and Chen families had been bound by generations of intermarriage. He vaguely recalled first meeting Meng Xingwan at his Foundation Establishment banquet, when the Meng family head had even suggested matchmaking for them.

However, Eldrin (Person Name) held no interest for Meng Xingwan, and so the matter was quietly dropped.

It is said that in his youth, Kael once harbored affection for Meng Xingwan, but was gently rejected by her. Who could have imagined that after hundreds of years, this sentiment would still linger as an unresolved bond.

The whole affair began when Purple Jade Lake sought to exploit the situation to encroach upon The Vast Sea. Meng Xingwan tragically perished in the calamity, which provoked Kael into a fury born of devotion. In his rage, he defied all odds to slay the Cyan Jade Heavenly Serpent.

Eldrin (Person Name) let out a faint inward sigh before speaking, "What exactly is the current situation?"

"Allow me to explain."

The old clan leader began to speak, methodically laying out the current situation.

5 years ago, after the fall of the Cyan Jade Demon Emperor, the master of Purple Jade Lake (Location)—the Amethyst Heaven Python—flew into an absolute rage. Gathering the full might of the entire Purple Jade Lake (Location), it sought to slay Kael (Person Name) and avenge the Cyan Jade Demon Emperor.

Now, nearly half of The Vast Sea (Location) had been breached by Purple Jade Lake (Location), and most of the human race had retreated to the territories beyond Immortal Apricot Island (Location).

Not only that, but the current Apricot Isle was completely surrounded by the Purple Jade Demon Emperor (Demon Beast). Both sides had been fiercely battling here for over 3 years.

At this point, the old clan leader said with a bitter smile, "That Purple Jade Lake (Location) is guarded by 5 Demon Emperors: Purple Jade Demon Emperor (Demon Beast), Cyan Jade Demon Emperor, Crimson Serpent Demon Emperor, Golden Rhinoceros Demon Emperor (Demon Beast), and the infamous Scorpion Demon Emperor."

The Azure Jade Demon Emperor was slain by Kael, while the Golden Rhinoceros Demon Emperor blocked the path at Violet Mist Mountain. The remaining 3 have all encircled our Immortal Apricot Isle.

Eldrin began calculating in his mind, roughly assessing the strength of both sides.

Among the several Demon Emperors, Purple Jade Demon Emperor (Demon Beast) was a great demon sovereign at the late Nascent Soul stage, whose power could truly be described as unfathomable. Even Eldrin (Person Name) lacked the confidence to handle him alone, requiring a joint effort with Lyra (Person Name) to stand a chance.

The Crimson Demon Emperor was also at the Nascent Soul, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm), a level Kael (Person Name) should be more than capable of handling. As for the remaining few Demon Emperors, the Chen Family members could hold them off.

With these thoughts in mind, Eldrin shook his head again. Given the strength of Emerald Wave Lake, even if they exerted their full power to resist, their chances of truly defeating the opponent remained slim.

Moreover, if they were to truly unleash their full fury, it would inevitably lead to the fall of a True Monarch. Whichever of the Chen family’s True Monarchs were to perish, it would be a devastating loss for Eldrin. Naturally, he would never be willing to engage in such a costly exchange.

Moreover, even if they managed to defend Apricot Isle in the end, it would be nearly impossible to reclaim half of The Vast Sea. Purple Jade Lake was guarded by a demon emperor at the late Nascent Soul stage—far beyond their ability to contend with.

And The Vast Sea (Location) was the Chen Clan's greatest source of spirit stones and 5 Elements essence. Once lost, the Kingdom of Chen alone would be utterly incapable of sustaining the cultivation of the clan's 6 True Monarchs.

At this thought, Eldrin asked, "How much longer can the Mystic Apricot Isle hold out?"

"The spiritual energy in the ley line has long been insufficient. We are now using spirit stones to replenish it."

Chen Changxuan sighed wryly after calculating their reserves. "Our stockpiled spirit stones can last 2 years at most. After that, we'll have to sell off various resources to exchange for more spirit stones to keep going."

"This is only maintaining the current offensive. If Purple Jade Lake (Location) disregards casualties, I'm afraid we won't last much longer."

He spoke, then added helplessly, "Purple Jade Lake (Location) is truly serious this time. Not only have they targeted our side, but they've even invited several Demon Emperors to restrain a few of our allies."

"Fortunately, you have returned now. With our combined strength, we can defend the Immortal Apricot Island."

Eldrin shook his head, however, and declared, "Not only must we defend the Immortal Apricot Isle, but we must also force Purple Jade Lake to withdraw their forces and compel them to sign a treaty with us."

He said, a flicker of killing intent flashing in his eyes.

Seeing this, Lyra (Person Name) nearby couldn't help but ask, "What do you mean?"

"Hmm."

Eldrin nodded, his expression calm and composed as he said.

"Strike the enemy's vital points. Only by making them suffer will they learn to fear us and dare not act recklessly."

Chapter 1: The Reborn Eldrin The sky above the 9 Heavens Continent was torn asunder by a blinding streak of lightning. Countless tribulation clouds converged, swirling like a vortex of annihilation. At the center stood Eldrin, his robes tattered, blood trickling from the corner of his lips. Yet his eyes burned with unwavering defiance. "Eldrin, hand over the Primordial Chaos Codex, and we might spare your soul!" bellowed a white-robed elder hovering in the air, his voice thunderous. Eldrin laughed, a bitter, resounding laugh. "Spare me? After pursuing me for 30 1000 miles? Do you take me for a fool?" His gaze swept across the dozens of powerful cultivators surrounding him—representatives from the 3 great sects and 9 noble clans. All had come for the legendary supreme technique he had discovered in the Ancient God's ruins. "Since that's your choice... don't blame us for being ruthless!" The white-robed elder gestured, and instantly, thousands of sword lights blotted out the sky, descending upon Eldrin like a torrential storm. Eldrin's hands moved in a flurry of seals. "You want my life? Then let's see you pay the price!" A terrifying energy erupted from him, the surrounding space distorting violently. "He's going to self-destruct!" someone screamed in panic. The last thing Eldrin saw was a blinding white light, followed by endless darkness. ... When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in a simple, modest room. The morning sun streamed through the window, casting warm patches on the ground. "Am I... still alive?" Eldrin tried to sit up, but a wave of weakness washed over him. At that moment, a flood of foreign memories surged into his mind. It was the memory of a 15-year-old youth also named Eldrin, an outer disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect. This Eldrin had been mediocre in talent, often bullied by others. Just yesterday, he had been severely beaten by a fellow disciple named Zhao Feng over a trivial matter and had died from his injuries. That was when the soul of the former supreme expert took over his body. "So, I've been reborn..." Eldrin murmured, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. He examined his new body and couldn't help but frown. "Such poor qualifications... barely enough to cultivate. And these injuries..." He sensed the condition of his dantian and meridians, his frown deepening. Not only was his talent lacking, but his foundation had also been severely damaged. If not addressed, his cultivation would never advance. Just as he was pondering, the door was kicked open with a bang. A arrogant young man strode in, followed by 2 lackeys. "Eldrin, you worthless trash! Still not dead?" The young man glanced contemptuously at Eldrin on the bed. "Get up! Senior Brother Zhao wants you to hand over your monthly spirit stone allowance. Consider it compensation for his trouble yesterday." Eldrin recognized him—Li Hu, 1 of Zhao Feng's lackeys. In the past, the original owner had often been extorted by them. A cold gleam flickered in Eldrin's eyes. Even in his previous life, when he was at his weakest, no 1 had ever dared to treat him this way. "Scram," he said calmly, without even looking at Li Hu. Li Hu was momentarily stunned, then flew into a rage. "You trash! How dare you talk back? It seems the lesson yesterday wasn't enough!" He stepped forward, reaching out to grab Eldrin. In his eyes, this good-for-nothing was nothing more than an ant he could crush at will. But just as his hand was about to touch Eldrin, a strange glint flashed in the latter's eyes. Although his cultivation was gone, the combat experience and insight of a supreme expert remained. With a slight shift of his body, Eldrin effortlessly avoided Li Hu's grasp. Then, with a finger strike as fast as lightning, he hit a specific acupoint on Li Hu's arm. "Ah!" Li Hu screamed in pain, feeling as if his entire arm had gone numb, completely limp. "You... what did you do?" Li Hu stared at Eldrin in shock and fear. The 2 lackeys behind him also froze, unsure of what had happened. Eldrin slowly rose from the bed, his gaze cold as he scanned the 3. "I said, scram. Don't make me repeat myself." Although his voice was calm, it carried an undeniable authority. For a moment, the 3 were actually intimidated, involuntarily taking a step back. But soon, Li Hu snapped back to reality. Furious at his own timidity, he snarled, "You're asking for death!" He was about to attack again when he met Eldrin's gaze. Those eyes, deep and sharp as a blade, sent a chill down his spine, freezing him in place. At that moment, Li Hu had a terrifying feeling—the person before him was no longer the cowardly Eldrin he knew. "Go back and tell Zhao Feng," Eldrin said coldly, "that what belongs to me, no 1 can take. What he owes me, I will collect myself, with interest." Li Hu opened his mouth, but under Eldrin's oppressive gaze, he couldn't utter a word. Finally, he left with his lackeys in disgrace. After they left, Eldrin sat cross-legged on the bed, sensing the faint spiritual energy between heaven and earth. A faint smile touched his lips. "Interesting... Although this body's talent is poor, it seems there are some secrets hidden within..." He closed his eyes, beginning his first cultivation session in this new world.