Chapter 629 Caleb (Person Name) Falls in Battle

To break through to the Nascent Soul realm, demonic cultivators must first see through their own karmic obstacles and guard their original nature. Otherwise, they would be devoured by the Demonic Fiend Qi (Spiritual Root), ultimately becoming monsters neither human nor ghost.

Throughout the ages, nearly all demonic cultivators from the Violet Realm who ascended to become Demon Gods were originally Human Dao Lords who had fallen into demonic paths.

Only those Dao Lords of the human race with talent that startles the heavens, who possess both unwavering resolve and profound comprehension, can maintain their own cultivation principles even after falling into demonic ways—thus securing a greater chance to ascend.

Like the Netherworld Ancestor, the foremost demonic cultivator of the Eastern Barren Domain, and the Ancient Daoist of Longgu, the supreme demonic sovereign in the Eastern Sea cultivation realm—both were originally human Dao Lords who had fallen midway to pursue greater power through demonic paths.

Cultivators like Patriarch Hua Xue, who have practiced the demonic path since childhood, are rarely known to achieve the state of cultivating the primordial soul.

At this thought, Eldrin spoke: "Regardless, since Nero the Bloodweaver is preparing to recruit Soul Formation cultivators, he must already be planning to break through to the Soul Formation realm."

"After all, this demon cultivator is the foremost Nascent Soul expert across the Eastern Sea. None can predict whether he might break through to the Spirit Severing Realm. We must not underestimate him."

Hmm.

Lyra nodded slightly and said, "Yet there is no need for concern. Should Nero the Bloodweaver seek to break through, our human Dao Lords would never stand idly by."

"I understand that." Eldrin sighed, then spoke, "I'm only concerned he might seize the opportunity to break through during the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm, when our Human Race's Dao Lords are too preoccupied to intervene."

"This…"

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent, their hearts sinking slightly.

The Daoist of the 9 Rivers pondered for a moment before finally speaking, "Regarding the matter of Nero the Bloodweaver (Person Name), I shall first notify the Star Palace."

"Our immediate priority is to consider what to do now."

Eldrin finally withdrew his thoughts. He cast a glance at the Desolate Demon Ridge and, after a moment of contemplation, stated, "At present, we lack the strength to eradicate the Desolate Demon Ridge. We must bide our time and await another opportunity to commence our operations."

"That seems to be the only way." Fairy Kunling spoke with a trace of melancholy in her gaze, "It's just a pity that after this battle, the demonic cultivators of the 9 Rivers Continent will grow too powerful. Who knows how many mortals will fall into the clutches of the Demonic Tribulation?"

Upon hearing this, everyone’s eyes flickered with unease. They had suffered a bitter defeat in this battle, and the demonic cultivators of the 9 Rivers Continent were likely to grow even more arrogant. From now on, the human compatriots in the 9 Rivers Continent would undoubtedly face far greater pressure.

At this thought, Eldrin spoke up, "Let us wait another 100 years. If we can advance our cultivation by 1 more step within this century, perhaps we may yet pacify this Desolate Demon Ridge before the Cataclysm of the Demon Abyss."

Upon hearing this, they all fell silent. A mere 1 100 years—how could it be so easy to advance their strength further in such a short span?

Perhaps within 1 100 years, the master of Sky Abode Sect might be fortunate enough to break through to the late Nascent Soul stage. Yet even with a single late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, it would likely be insufficient to completely suppress the Desolate Demon Ridge (Location) backed by Nero the Bloodweaver (Person Name).

If they still cannot eradicate the Desolate Demon Ridge (Location) a 100 years from now, I fear they will have to reserve an unknown amount of power to guard against the likes of the Elder Demon of Desolation during the Abyssal Cataclysm.

Seeing this, the 9 River Daoist smiled faintly and said, "So be it. Cultivate well, all of you. We shall meet again in battle 1 100 years from now."

"If we prevail in this battle, all will be well. Should we fail to capture the Desolate Demon Ridge (Location), then when the Abyssal Cataclysm descends, this old man shall personally guard the outskirts of the Desolate Demon Ridge (Location) to resolve your logistical concerns."

"So it is decided."

Eldrin (Person Name) gave a slight nod, thus settling the matter.

Soon after, the group withdrew with the treasure ship. As the vessel sailed through the void, several True Monarchs of the Chen family gathered together, each wearing expressions of concern.

Chen Changxuan’s expression turned grave, his gaze contemplative as he spoke slowly, “In this battle, our Chen Clan has lost 5 Golden Cores, and Caleb (Person Name) has also fallen.”

Upon hearing this, Eldrin felt a faint pang in his heart. These 5 Golden Cores were all high-ranking members of the Chen family, each leaving a significant impression on Eldrin. They were juniors he had watched grow up with his own eyes.

Especially Caleb Chen (Person Name), who was 1 of the family's mere handful of Golden Core, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) experts—a true candidate to become an Eldrin True Lord.

He was born when his clan was at its weakest, and step by step, he had struggled to reach the eighth level of the Golden Core realm.

He had been just 1 60-year cycle away from attempting the Nascent Soul Realm, yet now faced ruin in this very battle.

"Alas!"

Lila also wore a sorrowful expression. When Eldrin brought her back, her cultivation was already nearing the Purple Mansion realm, leaving little time to care for him. Strictly speaking, she had been raised by Silas since childhood.

Chen Caleb (Person Name) was the biological elder brother of Silas (Person Name). Now that Chen Caleb (Person Name) had fallen in battle, she was at a loss for how to break the news to Silas (Person Name).

“Caleb (Person Name)。”

The thought of Caleb and several juniors perishing in battle sent an inexplicable chill through Eldrin's heart, as if an immense sense of urgency had descended upon him.

Now that the Cataclysm of the Demon Abyss had yet to arrive, this was merely an assault on a forbidden ground of demonic practitioners. Yet even after gathering forces several times their strength to besiege the Desolate Demon Ridge, they were still caught off guard and suffered heavy casualties.

If the Cataclysm of the Demonic Abyss were to descend, how would they fare when besieged by countless demons and monsters?

"I must break through to the Nascent Soul, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm) as soon as possible and find a way to restore the Green Abyss Sword (Magic Treasure)."

Thinking this to himself, Eldrin maintained a perfectly neutral expression.

He knew he was the pillar of his family, and no matter how great the hardship, he could not show a hint of fear.

His gaze remained placid as he spoke calmly, "Let us first return to recuperate. Heal your wounds with haste. 1 100 years from now, we shall eradicate the Desolate Demon Ridge (Location) in 1 decisive battle and avenge Caleb (Person Name) and the others."

"Very well."

Lila nodded, unable to hold back a soft exhale.

The Crimson Jiao Treasure Ship continued its journey toward Ji Continent. After traversing countless miles through the skies, the void between heaven and earth suddenly trembled violently, and the entire expanse of space began to shatter.

Eldrin felt the heavens and earth tremble, swiftly flying out of the treasure ship before exclaiming in astonishment, "Beware—it’s a Void Fracture!"

"How could this be?"

Lyra was also greatly astonished. The spatial fabric of the Violet Realm was incomparably sturdy; aside from unique spatial magic treasures, even Nascent Soul cultivators couldn't tear through the void.

Yet the void before them had fractured, a sight far beyond anything they could have imagined.

In that very instant, Eldrin felt an overwhelmingly terrifying consciousness sweep over, locking onto him immediately.

Yet, in the very next instant, the residual ripple of that thought swept over Lyra (Person Name), and the voice faltered ever so slightly.

"Hmm—"

A soft exclamation of surprise echoed, and Eldrin and Lyra instantly felt the heavens and earth spin around them. The entire space surrounding them was displaced, and in the blink of an eye, they were devoured into the boundless void, vanishing within the fractures of the ethereal expanse.

Husband.

Watching the 2 vanish, Lila and the others' expressions shifted drastically. They frantically tried to pull them back, yet found themselves utterly powerless.

At that very moment, Eldrin felt as though heaven and earth had inverted, the void itself turning inside out. In the span of a single thought, they found themselves standing in a vast, darkened hall.

And within that great hall, a figure clad in black robes, crowned with a supreme and dignified imperial headpiece, stood silently in place, a pair of pupils gazing at them in utter stillness.