Chapter 612 : The Crimson Dragon's Voyage

He cast a glance at the Crimson Flood Dragon War Junk [a formidable vessel of war enchanted with the power of a crimson flood dragon], a flicker of envy in his eyes as he said, "I never imagined your Chen Clan had already constructed a War Treasure Boat [a massive, magically fortified warship used by cultivation sects]. This old man is truly envious."

As these words were spoken, the Tianlu Sect Master standing nearby also revealed a trace of complex emotion.

The Tianlu Sect, once a Nascent Soul Great Sect [a major sect powerful enough to have cultivators at the Nascent Soul realm], had possessed a Fifth Rank War Treasure Boat [a War Treasure Boat of the fifth rank, denoting immense power] in its heyday, and even two such War Treasure Boat vessels.

Alas, in the cataclysmic battle a Millennium ago, the Tianlu Sect suffered grievous losses. Not only did their previous Sect Master, a cultivator at the Nascent Soul Late Stage [the advanced stage of the Nascent Soul cultivation realm], fall in that conflict, but both of their War Treasure Boat were utterly destroyed in the calamity.

"Ah."

The Tianlu Sect Master sighed, then swiftly composed himself and smiled, "With this Crimson Flood Dragon War Junk, our chances of success in this battle are significantly greater."

The group boarded the treasure ship and continued flying deeper into the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire [a vast, perilous region of eternal flame and searing heat].

After flying for merely half a day, they arrived at the deepest heart of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire and halted before the mouth of a colossal volcano.

At that moment, the volcano's maw was sealed shut by a dazzling radiance of three distinct colors.

Eldrin Chen observed carefully and discovered three Nascent Soul True Lord [cultivators who have reached the Nascent Soul realm, a pinnacle of power] of extraordinary bearing, each holding a Formation Flag [a flag used to anchor and control a magical formation]. It was clear they were the ones activating this Formation [a complex arrangement of energy and symbols used to create magical effects] to seal the volcano. Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audio-novel`com.

"This is the Three Origins Demon-Sealing Formation [a powerful formation designed to trap and suppress demonic entities]. If not for relying on this Formation these past days, the Flame Demon Race [a race of demons born from and wielding elemental fire] would likely have already broken out from the Underground Fire Vein [a subterranean river of concentrated fire-aspected spiritual energy]."

As he spoke, Tianlu Sect Master [the leader of the Tianlu Sect] revealed a trace of solemn gravity between his brows.

This Three Origins Demon-Sealing Formation was a Deep-Seated Foundation [a core, foundational treasure or technique upon which a sect's power is built] of the Tianlu Sect. It required the combined efforts of three Nascent Soul True Lord [cultivators who have reached the Nascent Soul realm, a high stage of cultivation] to activate. Currently, those powering the formation were the Tianlu Sect's Grand Elder, Third Elder, and Fourth Elder.

That Grand Elder Tianlu was a woman at the Nascent Soul, Mid Stage. Seeing Tianlu Sect Master, she said, "Senior Brother, your arrival is most timely. Any later, and I fear even we could not have held the seal."

"You have all labored hard during this time."

Tianlu Sect Master gave the three a nod of acknowledgment, then gathered everyone near the volcano's rim to discuss strategy.

He swept his gaze over the assembly and began, "The Underground Fire Vein lies within this colossal volcanic caldera. Aside from the Flame Demon Monarch [the ruler of the Flame Demons], the most troublesome elements within are those four Flame Demon True Lord [powerful Flame Demon commanders]."

"Beyond them lies the endless horde of low-tier Flame Demon. Their numbers within likely reach the millions, posing no small nuisance."

At this point, a shadow of gravity crossed his features. While individually weak, a coordinated assault from a million Flame Demon would give even a True Lord pause.

"These lesser demons are best dealt with by lower-realm cultivators. However, though the Heavenly Abode Continent [a major continent in this world] boasts tens of millions of cultivators, they are useless if they cannot enter the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire [a region of perpetual, spiritually-charged flames]."

Upon hearing this, Lila [the young girl] furrowed her brow slightly and spoke, "We possess the Crimson Flood Dragon War Junk [a formidable enchanted warship]. With just a single True Lord [a cultivator of the Nascent Soul realm] at its helm to activate the Myriad Swords Soaring Demon-Slaying Sword Formation [a grand formation that unleashes countless flying swords], even a horde of low-tier Flame Demon [demons born of fire and malice] would pose little threat."

"Oh?"

Yvonne the Violet Consort [the powerful cultivator] extended her spiritual sense over the Crimson Flood Dragon War Junk, her expression brightening with delight. "This Myriad Swords Soaring Demon-Slaying Grand Formation would be the bane of low-tier Demonic Monsters [lesser demonic creatures]."

Tianlu Sect Master [the leader of the Tianlu Sect] finally let out a sigh of relief. With this vessel and the two thousand cultivators of Purple Mansion [the realm above Foundation Establishment] or higher participating in the battle, they need not fear being overwhelmed by swarms of low-tier Flame Demon.

Having reached this conclusion, he spoke again, "Then let us deliberate on our battle strategy."

"Among those five Flame Demon, aside from the Flame Demon Monarch [the demon king], one possesses cultivation at the Nascent Soul, Mid Stage [the middle stage of the Nascent Soul realm], while the other three are merely at the Nascent Soul, Early Stage [the early stage]. How do you propose we allocate our forces?"

Lyra Jiang [the female cultivator] narrowed her eyes thoughtfully before speaking. "Elara possesses abundant Mana [spiritual energy for casting arts], but her Ice Spiritual Root [an innate affinity for ice-element spiritual energy] is ill-suited for prolonged combat within a Fire Vein [a geographical location rich in fire-element spiritual energy]. She should be the one to command the treasure ship."

"Agreed," Elara Lin [the cultivator] nodded in assent.

Eldrin Chen [the male cultivator] considered for a moment, then declared, "My wife and I have stronger reserves of Mana. We shall hold back the Flame Demon Monarch for a time. You must swiftly eliminate the other four Flame Demon True Lord [Flame Demons of the True Lord/Nascent Soul realm]."

"Understood."

Seeing that they had agreed to take on the most troublesome adversaries, Tianlu Sect Master offered a faint smile. "Then, the Flame Demon at the Nascent Soul, Mid Stage shall be left to this old man."

"Agreed." Eldrin Chen gave a nod before inquiring, "How fares the recovery of your injuries, Fellow Daoist?"

"It is of no consequence." Tianlu Sect Master replied, then continued, "My wounds were not severe. Having now consumed a Soul-Returning Pill [a high-grade elixir renowned for mending spiritual and physical wounds], my condition has largely been restored."

"That is good to hear."

Seeing this, the others present also allowed themselves a measure of relief.

With someone holding the line against the two most troublesome Flame Demon True Lord [powerful demon lords of the flame lineage], the subsequent arrangements became considerably more manageable. Join our community of readers at http://www . audio-novel.com.

According to their strategy, Yvonne the Violet Consort, Lingxu the Ethereal Immortal, and Lila—all three possessing formidable Mana [the refined spiritual energy wielded by cultivators]—would concentrate their might to swiftly eliminate one of the Demonic Monsters. Their goal was to shatter the stalemate and then provide support to the others as the situation warranted, preventing the battle from dragging on excessively.

Second Elder Tianlu, Old Patriarch, Ancestor Mo, and Daoyi Qiu would form a quartet tasked with containing the other two Flame Demon True Lord. Their objective was not necessarily to slay their foes, but to hold them at bay until Lila and her companions could break the deadlock and reinforce them.

As for Old Patriarch and the two remaining elders of the Tianlu Sect, their duty was to activate and maintain the Three Origins Demon-Sealing Formation [a powerful array designed to trap and suppress demonic entities], sealing the entrance to the Underground Fire Vein [a subterranean channel of potent fire-attribute spiritual energy] to prevent any Flame Demon Race from escaping. They also served as the strategic reserve; should the tide of battle shift unexpectedly, they would be the first to rush to the aid of their comrades.

Thus, they represented the final line of defense and a potential force to turn the tables if the conflict took an unforeseen turn.

However, after hearing the arrangements, Thalion Chen addressed Grand Elder Tianlu and said, "Since Tianxuan the Immortal Maiden possesses formidable Mana [the spiritual energy used to cast spells and techniques], it would be better for you to enter the Underground Fire Vein [a subterranean channel of concentrated fire-attribute spiritual energy]. This old man will take your place in wielding the Formation Flags [enchanted banners used to control and power defensive or offensive arrays]."

"This..."

The others were momentarily taken aback but quickly grasped the Old Patriarch's intent.

If the three members of the Tianlu Sect were left to control the Three Origins Demon-Sealing Formation [a powerful array designed to trap and suppress demonic entities] in this battle, and if—however unlikely—the Tianlu Sect were to collude with the Flame Demon [a race of demons attuned to fire and destruction], using the formation to seal off their retreat, it would spell certain disaster.

Though the possibility was exceedingly slim, Thalion Chen, wise with age, had still considered it.

As long as he held one of the Formation Flags, their path of retreat would remain secure, no matter what unforeseen calamity might arise.

The others soon reached the same understanding. Tianlu Sect Master chuckled ruefully, "My oversight. It is indeed fitting for Fellow Daoist Thalion [a respectful term for a cultivator of similar attainment] to wield a Formation Flags."

Seeing this, Tianxuan the Immortal Maiden handed her Formation Flags to Thalion Chen with a smile. "This Formation Flags is part of our Tianlu Sect's Deep-Seated Foundation [a term for the most vital, legacy-defining treasures or techniques of a sect or clan], Fellow Daoist. Please do not let it come to harm."

"I shall guard it with utmost care,"

Thalion Chen replied, accepting the Formation Flags. Only then did a genuine smile touch his lips.

With the battle plans arranged and all concerns for the rear settled, the group felt their confidence swell significantly. However, Lila voiced her worry to Eldrin Chen, saying, "The Flame Demon Monarch [a powerful ruler among demonkind] possesses formidable strength. You and sister must be exceedingly cautious."

"Set your heart at ease. That Flame Demon Monarch is not capable of harming me," Eldrin Chen replied.

Eldrin Chen offered a faint smile. His cultivation had now reached the Nascent Soul, 3rd Tier [the third stage of the Nascent Soul realm, a profound level of spiritual power], making his current strength far greater than in years past. In his estimation, the Flame Demon Monarch likely paled in comparison to the Purple Jade Demon Emperor [a legendary and immensely powerful demonic sovereign].

The others, seeing this, also laughed heartily. Their preparations for this confrontation were exceedingly thorough, and they were confident that even if they could not slay the Flame Demon Monarch, they would not suffer any grievous losses.

It was Yvonne the Violet Consort whose beautiful eyes held a thoughtful gleam as she glanced at Lyra Jiang. She then sent a mental transmission, "Truly unexpected. Given your temperament, I am surprised you can tolerate her presence." This chapter is provided by audi novel.com. Support the original.