Chapter 523 Misfortune and Calamity

"It's a Quasi-Pure Yang Spiritual Treasure (Magic Treasure)!"

The 2 remaining old fiends paled in horror. After 1 last terrified glance at the Earthfire Profound Crystal Sword in the hands of the Sky Abode Sect Master, they abandoned the battle entirely and fled in frantic haste.

"You have all failed me!"

Watching the 2 demons flee, the Ancient Demon of the Barrens revealed an expression of anguish.

If only the 2 of them could hold out for another half-hour, he would have had a high chance of severely wounding Eldrin, perhaps even eliminating this formidable adversary. It was a pity they had retreated far too soon.

Facing 3 formidable foes single-handedly, with 1 of them wielding a Quasi-Pure Yang Spiritual Treasure (Magic Treasure), even the reckless Old Demon Huang lacked the audacity for such a confrontation.

Thus, he had no choice but to retreat helplessly, transforming into a streak of escaping light as he fled toward the exit.

"Where do you think you're fleeing?"

With a furious roar, Eldrin channeled the 2 Polarities Divine Light, intending to restrain the Ancient Devil of the Wilds.

Yet, the Ancient Devil of the Wilderness let out a cold laugh. He summoned the Wilderness Heaven Divine Aegis to block all attacks, then vanished in an instant beyond the horizon's edge.

"Let them go."

Lyra blocked Eldrin's path, her expression grave as she shook her head.

Eldrin turned back and finally cast a glance at the Heavenly Abode Sect Master, noticing the elderly True Monarch’s complexion was somewhat pale, his spiritual power clearly depleted by no small measure.

Though this elder sect master possessed formidable magical power, his foundation was ultimately that of a genuine Nascent Soul cultivator. Having consecutively battled a Nascent Soul, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm) and a Nascent Soul, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm) demonic practitioner, his spiritual energy depletion was naturally substantial.

Especially the final forced activation of the Earthfire Mystic Crystal Sword—though it vanquished a formidable foe, that single strike had consumed 20 percent of his spiritual energy.

At this thought, Eldrin looked at the Heavenly Abode Sect Master and asked, "How are you feeling, fellow Daoist?"

"Fortunately, it's just that the mana consumption was a bit excessive." The Eldrin of the Heavenly Abyss Sect let out a bitter laugh, then continued, "It's a pity my cultivation is insufficient. Forcibly activating the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss beyond my realm consumed far too much."

"If my cultivation were to break through to the late Nascent Soul stage, the mana consumption when activating the Earthfire Profound Crystal Sword would be drastically reduced."

Eldrin nodded, then sighed softly. "It is a pity we failed to slay the Ancient Demon of the Barren Wastes this time. He will undoubtedly become a calamitous threat in the future."

"It's quite alright." Lyra smiled faintly before continuing, "There are only 5 or 6 Eudemons in the Desolate Demon Ridge. This time, we've slain 1 of them and destroyed another's physical form—this significantly weakens the Desolate Demon Ridge's forces."

"Indeed." Eldrin's eyes lit up as he spoke, "With the Desolate Demon Ridge suddenly suffering such a heavy blow and the Desolate Elder Demon severely injured from the backlash, now is the perfect opportunity to deal with them."

"This..."

The Sect Master of Tianlu hesitated for a moment before murmuring thoughtfully, "Perhaps we should wait a little longer—just another 30 years. In 3 decades, this old man will attempt to break through to the late Nascent Soul stage. By then, the odds of success will be far greater."

Eldrin furrowed his brow, a flicker of hesitation stirring within his heart.

The Demonic Abyss Cataclysm approaches, and restoring the Green Abyss Sword (Magic Treasure) will likely require considerable time. Therefore, reclaiming the Green Abyss Sword (Magic Treasure) sooner rather than later would be most advantageous.

At this thought, he pondered for a moment before finally saying, "Now that the Desolate Demon Ridge (Location) has been severely weakened, this is our best opportunity to strike."

"That Desolate Demon Ridge (Location) lies within the 9 Rivers Province. By rights, it should be handled by the fellow cultivators of 9 Rivers Province. Now that we intend to take action against Desolate Demon Ridge (Location), 9 Rivers Province naturally cannot stand idly by and must lend a hand."

"9 Rivers Continent?" The Master of Sky Abode Sect nodded upon hearing this, pondered for a moment, and said, "The 9 Rivers Daoist of 9 Rivers Continent has reached the Eighth Layer of the Nascent Soul Stage. Bringing them in should indeed be sufficient."

Seeing that the Heavenly Abode Sect Master was tempted, Eldrin smiled and said, "In that case, we shall make our preparations and strike once we return."

"Hmm." The Lord of Sky Abode nodded, stroking his long beard. "Old Daoist 9 Rivers and I go way back. I shall make a trip to 9 Rivers Continent to discuss this matter with them. I presume they would be quite willing to cooperate."

"Then I shall trouble you, Brother Daoist."

Eldrin (Person Name) smiled faintly, cupping his hands in salute to the Heavenly Abyss Sect Master before bidding his farewell.

Before long, the 3 demonic path true lords including Elder Desolate returned to Desolate Demon Ridge (Location).

The Elder Fiend of Desolation glanced at the Fiend of Greed and the Fiend of Gold flanking him, a flicker of fury flashing through his heart. Yet recalling that both were demonic cultivators at the Nascent Soul, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm), he forcibly suppressed his murderous intent.

After retracting his killing intent, his expression turned grave as he said, "Junior brothers, I fear we've stirred up a calamity today!"

"Senior Brother, why would you say such a thing?"

The 2 demons exchanged a glance, hesitation flickering across their faces.

"Senior Brother, are you concerned about those 3 from the Abyss?" The Elder of Qian pondered for a moment before speaking. "Are you perhaps overthinking this, Senior Brother?"

Old Fiend Jin nodded as well upon seeing this. "Though we were defeated today, our cultivation and combat prowess are among the finest in the world. Even if we cannot match the 3 of the Returning Abyss, our chances of self-preservation should be considerable."

"You have brought about a great calamity, yet remain unaware of it."

The Vile Old Demon gave a bitter laugh, his face etched with worry as he said, "Today, when I crossed blades with Eldrin, do you know why I couldn’t defeat him?"

"Because of his powerful divine abilities?" Old Devil Jin hesitated, then nodded. "He actually mastered a Mahayana-level divine art at the Nascent Soul, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm). He might well become the next Magnus the Virtuous Lord (Person Name)."

"Not so, not so." The Eldritch Demon Elder's expression was hesitant, his countenance grave as he cautiously spoke, "I observe that this individual's magical power is profoundly dense, far beyond the ordinary. I fear he has concealed a Lifebound Spiritual Treasure capable of storing magical energy!"

"And there is also a Natal Spirit Treasure?"

The 2 demons jolted with shock, suddenly exclaiming in utter terror, "A Great Perfection Nascent Soul! Could it be that the human race is about to produce another Emperor Jiang, another immortal?"

"Oh no, disaster has struck, calamity is upon us!"

Golden Fiend was as frantic as an ant on a hot stove. After pacing in circles several times, he exclaimed, "When Emperor Jiang emerged in the world back then, 80-5 percent of the demonic cultivators in the Violet Realm were slaughtered. Even the Primordial Soul Demon Ancestors couldn’t escape their calamitous fate."

"I've long heard that the Daoist of the Returning Abyss possesses an immense killing nature. I fear this man may even surpass Emperor Jiang in that regard."

"If he were to attain immortality, would it not unleash a cataclysm that sweeps across the world, for us demonic cultivators?"

Both demons were utterly terrified. Elder Qian couldn't help but turn to Elder Huang and said, "This man carries the Mark of an Immortal's Child. Should he rise to power in the future, we will surely face inevitable calamity. Senior brother, you must devise a plan quickly."

Hoo——

The Ancient Devil took a deep breath and remained silent for a long while before speaking, "This matter is beyond our control. I intend to journey to the God-Falling Ridge and report this to Thanatos the God-Feller (Person Name)."

"If Thanatos the God-Feller (Person Name) is willing to intervene, Eldrin (Person Name) shall inevitably face calamity—I fear even Dorian (Person Name) behind him may not be able to shield him from this doom."

At these words, Eldrin spoke, "You 2 should remain here at Desolate Demon Ridge (Location) for now. I shall return shortly."

The Ancient Demon finished speaking and promptly withdrew from Desolate Demon Ridge (Location), heading toward 1 of the 2 forbidden lands for Nascent Soul demonic cultivators in the Eastern Wastelands—Death God Ridge.

Meanwhile, Eldrin remained completely unaware of the Desolate Elder Demon's movements. He had just returned to Spirit Isle Lake and was preparing to gather the clan's cultivators to discuss strategies for the battle against Desolate Demon Ridge.

Chapter 1: The Reborn Youth The biting cold wind swept across the training grounds, carrying with it the scent of frost and decay. Lin Xuan stood amidst the swirling snowflakes, his fingers tracing the faint spiritual energy coursing through his veins. 1 100 years had passed since his rebirth into this mortal realm, yet the memories of his former life as the Heavenly Thunder Sovereign remained vivid. "Still at the third level of Qi Refinement," he murmured, watching his breath form mist in the frigid air. The Elders' disdainful glances during the morning assembly had been unmistakable. In their eyes, he was merely an outer disciple approaching 20 without achieving Foundation Establishment. His gaze fell upon the worn jade slip in his palm—the incomplete "9 Revolutions Mystic Art" that had been his constant companion through 3 lifetimes. The characters shimmered with ancient power, each stroke containing mysteries that could shake the heavens. "Brother Lin!" A clear voice interrupted his contemplation. Su Lingxian (Person Name), her robes the color of morning mist, approached with light steps. "The sect has announced the preliminary rounds for the Grand Competition will begin tomorrow. They're offering a Middle Grade Spirit Stone to the top 16 contestants." Lin Xuan's eyes narrowed. Middle Grade Spirit Stones—even 1 could accelerate his cultivation by months. "How many participants?" "Over 3 1000 from various branches," she replied, her brow furrowing. "But Elder Mingfeng specifically mentioned you shouldn't... embarrass our Snow Sword Peak again." A cold smile touched his lips. In his previous life, he had commanded thunder and lightning across 9 heavens, making constellations bow and galaxies tremble. Now, a mere Foundation Establishment elder dared look down on him? As twilight descended, he sat cross-legged in his humble abode, circulating the spiritual energy through his meridians. The world around him faded as he entered the profound state of meditation. Countless golden runes materialized in his consciousness, swirling like autumn leaves around the core of his being. Suddenly, a searing pain erupted from his chest. The dragon-shaped birthmark that had accompanied him since rebirth began glowing with unearthly crimson light. Memories flooded his mind—the final battle at the Heavenly Abyss, the betrayal by his most trusted disciple, and the mysterious bronze mirror that had shattered spacetime itself... His eyes snapped open, glowing with otherworldly light. "So this is the Blood Dragon Seal mentioned in the ancient texts," he whispered, realization dawning. "No wonder my cultivation stagnated at each lifetime's third rebirth." Outside his window, the moon hung like a polished silver mirror, its cold light illuminating the snow-covered peaks that pierced the clouds. Somewhere in the distance, a lone crane cried, its voice echoing through the mountain valleys. He rose and retrieved a simple wooden box from beneath his floorboards. Within lay 3 items: a cracked spirit gathering talisman, a bottle containing a dozen or so Basic Qi Restoration Pills, and the true treasure—a palm-sized bronze fragment covered in mysterious inscriptions. "The Mirror of Eternity..." His fingers trembled as they brushed against the cold metal. "Even broken, you still chose to follow me." A plan began forming in his mind, intricate and daring. The Grand Competition wouldn't merely be about winning a Middle Grade Spirit Stone. It would be the stage for his return to glory, the first step in reclaiming what was rightfully his. Dawn approached, painting the eastern horizon with shades of gold and crimson. Lin Xuan straightened his robes, his previously dull eyes now sharp as unsheathed swords. The game was about to begin, and this time, he held all the pieces.