Chapter 647. Fang Immortal Clan (Organization)

"Very well."

Eldrin nodded slightly and said, "I shall make the journey myself to settle this matter."

Seeing that Eldrin had decided to make the trip personally, Chen Changxuan revealed a faint smile.

Corin and his companion waited anxiously outside Spirit Isle Lake (Location), their hearts filled with trepidation as they cautiously awaited the summons.

After what felt like an eternity, 2 figures emerged in the distance, each carrying an aura of transcendent grace that set them apart from the mundane world.

It is that 1.

Corin murmured inwardly, recognizing Chen Changxuan.

Not long ago, this very individual had granted them an audience—a kindly and amiable senior patriarch.

Yet beside Chen Changxuan stood another figure, robed in snow-white garments, whose divine countenance and aura were so flawlessly exquisite that both men instantly felt they were gazing upon a celestial being descended to earth.

Just as the 2 were marveling in astonishment, Eldrin approached with calm steps. He gave a slight nod to the old clan leader, then said to Corin, "Come with me."

"Yes... yes!"

Corin and his sister snapped out of their stunned daze and hurriedly followed him aboard the treasure ship.

As soon as the 2 boarded the treasure ship, Eldrin immediately activated the Cyan Jade Phoenix Feather Boat and flew toward the Ancient River Domain.

Seeing that he seemed to be going alone, Corin couldn't help but say, "Ancestor, the Fang Clan is quite powerful. Are you truly going alone?"

"Hmm."

Eldrin nodded slightly before speaking, "The Cataclysm of the Demonic Abyss approaches. With most clan cultivators occupied by urgent matters, I shall personally handle affairs at the Spirit Void Continent."

Seeing this, Corin felt a mix of surprise and delight. What surprised him was Eldrin’s apparent overconfidence; what delighted him was that Eldrin dared to act alone, which likely meant he had considerable assurance of success.

In truth, the cultivators within the clan truly had no capacity to spare for Eldrin.

Now, only 20 years remained until the centennial pact at Desolate Demon Ridge (Location). This battle was of extraordinary significance, and the Chen Family needed to commence emergency preparations.

Moreover, with only 80 years remaining until the Abyssal Cataclysm, it was time to begin gathering resources to confront that perilous catastrophe.

The clan was now critically short on manpower, yet Lyra still had to enter seclusion to cultivate, striving to break through to Nascent Soul, Mid Stage as swiftly as possible.

Under such circumstances, there was naturally no need to mobilize the entire clan just to deal with a newly-advanced Nascent Soul cultivator.

Chapter 1 The River of Stars churned violently, its silvery waters surging toward the heavens. Countless specks of starlight coalesced into a colossal vortex, at the center of which stood a white-robed figure. "Fellow Daoist Chu, do you truly intend to sever all paths of retreat?" A thunderous voice echoed from the opposite bank. Chu Xuan (Person Name) stood with his hands behind his back, the sleeves of his robe fluttering in the wind. "Elders of the Heavenly Sword Sect, you have hunted me across 90-1000 li. Today, let us settle this once and for all." His fingers traced an arc through the air. The Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) erupted in crimson flames, its blade humming as it sliced through the raging stellar currents. A cold snort came from across the river. "Arrogant junior! Do you think breaking through to the Divine Transformation Realm makes you invincible?" 3 figures shot up from the opposite bank. Their combined spiritual pressure caused the surrounding space to distort. The leader, a grey-bearded elder, raised his hand and unleashed the Myriad Swords Return to Origin (Technique). Chu Xuan's eyes narrowed. He had been pursued by these 3 Nascent Soul old monsters for 3 months. His spiritual power was nearly depleted, with only 30 percent remaining. But retreat was no longer an option. He formed a hand seal. The 9 Revolutions Profound Art (Cultivation Method) surged through his seventh revolution. Starlight converged from all directions, forming a massive handprint above the river. "Stellar Annihilation Palm (Technique)!" The collision of energies sent shockwaves rippling through the heavens. The river of stars seemed to boil, its luminous waters scattering like shattered jade. When the light subsided, Chu Xuan stood panting, a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth. The 3 elders had been forced back several steps, their expressions shifting from contempt to astonishment. "To think you've reached the late-stage of Divine Transformation..." the grey-bearded elder murmured, his eyes gleaming with a strange light. Suddenly, spatial fluctuations erupted behind Chu Xuan. A spatial rift tore open, and a jade slip flew out, embedding itself between his brows. A thunderous roar echoed from within the rift: "Chu Xuan of the younger generation, how dare you steal my Heavenly Mystery Sect's supreme technique!?" Chu Xuan's body trembled as massive amounts of information flooded his consciousness. When he reopened his eyes, they shone with a mysterious light. "So that's how it is..." he whispered to himself. He looked up at the 3 elders, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Since you're all so eager to die, I'll grant your wish." With a sweep of his sleeve, 32,000 spirit stones flew out, forming an enormous formation in midair. The starlight within a 100-mile radius began flowing reversely. "Not good! He's activating the Stellar Reversal Formation (Formation)!" 1 of the elders exclaimed in panic. But it was too late. Chu Xuan's figure blurred, merging with the starlight. When he reappeared, he was already behind the 3 elders. The Li Fire Sword silently pierced through the grey-bearded elder's chest. "Im... impossible..." the elder stammered, his eyes wide with disbelief. Chu Xuan gently withdrew his sword. "This Stellar Reversal Art (Cultivation Method) was originally part of my Chu clan's heritage. Today, I'm merely reclaiming what's rightfully mine." The remaining 2 elders exchanged glances, then turned to flee in opposite directions. Chu Xuan made no move to pursue them. He simply watched as the starlight slowly dissipated, his white robes once again spotless. A 100 years had passed since he crossed over to this world. From an ordinary outer sect disciple to now standing at the pinnacle of the Divine Transformation Realm, he had walked a path paved with countless bones. He gazed toward the distant horizon where spiritual mountains pierced the clouds. Somewhere in that direction lay the Longhe Ancient Domain, Spirit Void Continent (Location). "There's still 1 final tribulation to overcome..." he murmured softly.

Amidst a majestic spiritual mountain sanctuary, 20-some Golden Core cultivators gathered together, each bearing expressions of profound distress.

A young Golden Core cultivator, his face contorted with fury, spoke through gritted teeth, "The Fang Clan grows ever more aggressive. Not only have they seized our share of the Lingxu Market, but they also injured the Second Elder."

"Moreover, with the recent seizure of 7 Stars Mountain and 3 Rivers Market, they have severely wounded 7 of our Golden Core cultivators. Such a grave insult cannot go unavenged."

Seeing the young Golden Core cultivator’s divine rage flare uncontrollably, everyone present wore expressions of agony.

Now that the Chen Clan’s influence had waned, the Fang Clan was all too eager to seize the opportunity to swallow them whole, coveting the Chen Clan’s accumulated foundations to bolster their own reserves as an infant soul immortal family. Their methods, naturally, were far from honorable.

At the head of the grand hall sat 3 Golden Core, Late Stage (Cultivation Realm) cultivators.

1 of them looked at the leader and couldn’t help but speak up, “Grand Elder, what did the Long River Holy Land say? Are they willing to step in and mediate?”

"They are unwilling."

The Grand Elder of the Chen clan wore a bitter smile as he spoke, "The great immortal clans of this world rise and fall, devouring and warring amongst themselves. If we intervened every single time, how could the Eternal River Sanctuary possibly manage it all?"

"Moreover, the Patriarch’s current condition is likely insufficient to withstand the tribulations of the Abyss of Dao and Demons. In terms of significance to the Eternal River Ancient Domain, his importance pales in comparison to that of Lord Fangzhen."

At this point, the Grand Elder shook his head and said, "Our only recourse now is to evacuate the clan's foundations before the Ancestor passes away, leaving the spirit mountain to the Fang Clan."

"Bzzz—"

While the Chen family members were still deliberating, several majestic treasure ships descended from the skies beyond the Chen Clan's Spiritual Mountain Dojo, encircling the vast training grounds.

Upon these treasure ships, powerful auras swept across the mountains and rivers, instantly alerting everyone within the grand hall.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh."

Streaks of light soared into the sky as numerous Golden Core elders of the Chen family emerged, their expressions grave as they gazed upon the treasure ship outside.

It was the Fang Clan.

The Grand Elder’s expression shifted slightly as he promptly called out, “Esteemed members of the Fang family, what brings you here in such a formidable manner today?”

"Ha ha ha."

A wild laugh echoed from the treasure ship as a middle-aged man strode forth, radiating an aura that seemed to look down upon the entire world. With haughty tones, he declared, "This Lord has come for none other than your sect's Spirit Mountain."

"This..."

Patriarch Fang personally intervened, forcing the Chen Clan to suppress their fury. The Grand Elder of the Chen Clan could only reply with a slightly altered expression, "Our Patriarch has not yet passed from his earthly form. For you to drive us out now, Esteemed 1, seems excessively harsh."

"Do you even have the right to speak? Have your family’s Ancestor come out and face me." True Monarch Fang’s expression was icy, his imposing aura causing everyone present to pale.

At that very moment, a stooped elder emerged from the Spirit Mountain.

The newcomer was none other than the Ancestor of the Chen Family. His gaze cold, he looked at Fang Zhenjun and said, "Fang Xuanjing, isn't it beneath your stature to be so fixated on bullying a junior?"

"Ha ha ha."

The moment he saw the Chen Family’s Ancestor, True Monarch Fang laughed heartily 3 times before declaring, “It seems the rumors are indeed true—you’ve reached the brink of death, gravely wounded.”

"Ahem." The Chen Family's Ancestor coughed twice, taking a long moment to recover before saying, "Since you understand that this old man cannot hold on for much longer, why not wait until I pass away before coming?"

"Waiting for you to pass away?"

Fang Xuanjing looked as if he had just heard the most ridiculous joke, his gaze icy as he sneered, "By the time you pass away, your Chen Family will have long since emptied out all the accumulated spirit stones and resources, leaving nothing but a hollow spiritual mountain. What use would that be?"

From Fang Xuanjing's perspective, the entire Chen Clan was already prey trapped in his net. The foundation they had accumulated over a 1000 years was but treasure awaiting his collection—how could he ever bear to let the Chen Clan slip away?

Seeing this, the Chen Family Ancestor’s expression changed drastically as he said, “Even if they seize the Spirit Mountain and our assets, it can only be said that we lack the strength and are incapable of claiming our share of the gains.”

"But you even intend to take away the foundation my Chen Family has accumulated over a 1000 years—this is simply too excessive."

"We are all of the human race. How can you be so domineering without fearing that others might treat you the same way in the future?"

"Hmph." Fang Xuanjing let out a cold snort and said dismissively, "Old fool, it seems you've regressed with age. The fact that I'm stronger than you is reason enough."

At this point, he spoke coldly, "Enough. In the end, we must still settle this through battle. Watch as I, this old man, shatter the Spirit Mountain and force all of you to bow in submission."

As Fang Xuanjing’s voice faded, he summoned a Refining Demon Immortal Sword (Magic Treasure), effortlessly shattering the formation within the sacred mountain.

Although the Chen Clan of Spirit Void Continent (Location) was also a Nascent Soul immortal family, their patriarch had only advanced to the Nascent Soul stage just over 400 years ago. Moreover, he remained severely afflicted by a curse, leaving the clan without sufficient resources to deploy a fifth-grade formation around this spiritual mountain.

At this moment, Fang Xuanjing shattered the mountain-protecting formation upon their first encounter. With his immortal sword dancing through the air, even 20-some Golden Core masters joining forces were no match for him. In just a few swift strokes, they had all been grievously wounded.