Chapter 650 : A Prodigy's Journey to the Main Clan

Before departing, Facing Abyss Chen pondered for a moment and finally spoke to Eldrin Chen, "That child Corin possesses truly Extraordinary talent. Keeping him in the Ethereal Void Continent is a terrible waste. I wonder if he could be sent to the Ji Continent for proper training?"

"Patriarch..."

Corin Chen's expression shifted slightly, and he couldn't help but grasp Facing Abyss Chen's sleeve.

Seeing this, the Facing Abyss Patriarch patted his hand and said, "If you go to the main clan, you will become part of the main lineage from now on. Do not fail their nurturing."

Eldrin Chen's heart stirred. This Corin Chen possessed an Earth Element Path Body [a rare physique perfectly attuned to the Earth element] and was a cultivator with an Earth Spiritual Root of Heavenly Spiritual Root grade [the highest possible grade of spiritual root affinity]. He was indeed worthy of cultivation.

After a moment's consideration, he spoke, "Very well. Come with me."

Having taken Corin Chen with him, Eldrin Chen set off for the Ji Continent. Not long after, he returned to the Ji Continent.

He entrusted Corin Chen to the Old Patriarch and then returned to his seclusion within Spirit Isle Lake.

"..."

Time flowed like a river, and over a dozen years passed in a blink. On this day, Eldrin Chen sat meditating by the shores of Spirit Isle Lake, his expression grave as he waited for something. Discover more cultivation stories at audio-novel .c om.

An unknowable span of time later, a formidable aura erupted from the Seclusion Chamber [a specially prepared room for deep meditation and cultivation breakthroughs]. Immediately after, Exquisite Jiang stepped forth into the light.

"It is done."

Eldrin Chen revealed a gratified smile. Not long ago, Exquisite Jiang's spiritual power had achieved perfect harmony, allowing her to touch the threshold of the Infant Soul Mid Stage [the fourth major stage of cultivation, where the nascent soul within the cultivator's dantian matures]. Now, she had finally broken through to that very realm.

He stepped forward, taking Exquisite Jiang's hand in his own, and asked, "How do you feel?"

"Quite well."

Exquisite Jiang smiled. With this breakthrough to the Infant Soul Mid Stage, her strength had increased substantially. Once her Lifebound Spiritual Treasure [a magical artifact forged with a cultivator's blood and soul essence, growing in power alongside them] was successfully advanced, her combat prowess would rival that of an Infant Soul Late Stage cultivator.

Thinking of this, she spoke, "Now that I have broken through to the Infant Soul Mid Stage, our chances of dealing with the Desolate Demon Ridge have greatly improved."

The Chen Clan had prepared for many years. After selling several of the Demon-Subduing Supreme Treasure [powerful artifacts specifically designed to suppress demonic entities], they had gathered the necessary Five Elements Essence [refined spiritual essences containing the fundamental powers of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth]. This advancement proceeded without major incident.

The process of advancing the Spiritual Treasure [an enchanted artifact imbued with spiritual power] consumed another five years in a blur of focused effort. Shortly after its completion, Eternal Profound Chen came to find them.

Upon seeing Eldrin Chen, the Old Patriarch stated, "A letter has arrived from the Heavenly Reed Sect Master. It states that the century-long pact is nearing its appointed time. The moment to move against the Desolate Demon Ridge is upon us."

"How swiftly time flows," Eldrin Chen murmured to himself, a soft sigh escaping his lips. The battle at Desolate Demon Ridge [a notorious mountain range infested with demonic beings] seemed but yesterday, yet a full century had slipped by in the blink of an eye.

Exchanging a glance with Exquisite Jiang, Eldrin Chen suppressed his wandering thoughts and spoke decisively, "Since the appointed time has arrived, let us make our preparations to act."

As he spoke, Eldrin Chen personally penned several letters, dispatching messengers to deliver them to Path Master Unreal and Patriarch Mo-ink among others.

Merely three months later, the assembled forces gathered upon the deck of the Treasure Ship [a grand vessel enchanted for long-distance travel and warfare] and set course for the Nine Rivers Continent.

Determined to utterly eradicate the Desolate Demon Ridge, this campaign saw not only Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang taking personal command, but also the invitation of four other Infant Soul True Lord [powerful cultivators at the mid-stage of the Infant Soul realm]: Violet Consort Yan, Patriarch Mo-ink, Path Master Unreal, and Ethereal Mistress Ling.

Among the True Lord [a title for cultivators who have reached the Golden Core realm or higher] of the Chen Clan, only Silas Chen, who had recently broken through to the Infant Soul realm, remained behind to guard the clan stronghold, as Kael Chen had yet to return from his travels.

Seeking vengeance for Immortal Maiden Heavenly Daylily, the Heavenly Reed Sect committed its full might. Not only did the Heavenly Reed Sect Master lead the charge personally, but two of its True Lord Elder [senior figures within a sect] were also dispatched, signaling an all-out assault.

Upon the alliance's arrival at the Nine Rivers Continent, the Nine Rivers Path Master greeted Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang with evident relief and joy. "Your recent ascension to the Infant Soul Mid Stage [the intermediate phase within the Infant Soul cultivation realm]," he declared, "has greatly increased our chances of victory."

"Indeed," Eldrin Chen nodded in acknowledgment before inquiring, "What is the current situation within the Desolate Demon Ridge?"

The Nine Rivers Path Master's expression turned grave. "The demonic forces have fortified their defenses considerably. They seem aware of our gathering. However, with the strength we have assembled today, their fortifications shall not save them."

"The situation is unclear."

Upon mentioning Desolate Demon Ridge, Nine Rivers Path Master's expression turned grave. With a solemn brow, he said, "Neither Blazing Fire Old Demon nor Desolation Old Demon and his ilk are easy opponents. Furthermore, the Demonic Cultivator Forbidden Land [a territory shrouded in demonic energy and forbidden to righteous cultivators] obscures their movements. I cannot ascertain the exact circumstances within."

"However, I can confirm that no new Infant Soul [the stage of cultivation where one's nascent soul is formed] fiends have entered."

Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow upon hearing this. After all, they were dealing with three Infant Soul Late Stage [the advanced phase of the Infant Soul realm] demonic leaders. It was indeed unwise for Nine Rivers Path Master to venture in alone.

After a moment of contemplation, Eldrin Chen declared, "Regardless, we can delay this battle no longer. We strike today."

"Agreed." Access the full story on audio‑novel.com.

Nine Rivers Path Master nodded and began issuing orders for the assault on Desolate Demon Ridge.

Having prepared for this conflict for a century, Nine Rivers Path Master's preparations were thorough. He mobilized a vast fleet of Treasure Ship [large, enchanted vessels used for transport and warfare] and legions of cultivators to encircle Desolate Demon Ridge. Their objective was to breach the ridge's Demonic Fiendish Energy Formation [a defensive barrier powered by malevolent demonic energy].

As the Myriad Immortals Annihilation Formation [a grand formation designed to suppress demonic forces] was activated, streams of brilliant light descended, pressing down upon Desolate Demon Ridge. To everyone's surprise, the ridge's Mountain Protection Formation [a defensive formation guarding a mountain stronghold] was shattered after a mere half-month of bombardment.

"What is happening?"

Having breached the Mountain Protection Formation [a defensive barrier that draws power from a mountain's spiritual veins], the group exchanged looks of bewilderment. Given the intensity of the demonic miasma [a corrupting energy associated with demons and evil cultivators] within the Desolate Demon Ridge, the formation should have held them at bay for several months at the very least. For it to fall in a mere half-month was profoundly abnormal.

Sensing the anomaly, Eldrin Chen transformed into a streak of sword-light and surged forward, heading straight for the heart of the Desolate Demon Ridge. To his astonishment, he found not a single Infant Soul [the nascent soul stage, a high level of cultivation] Demonic Cultivator [a practitioner who uses unorthodox, often cruel methods to gain power] within the entire ridge.

Alarmed by the situation, Eldrin Chen seized a Golden Core [the golden core stage, a core level of cultivation] Demonic Cultivator, his gaze icy as he demanded, "Where are the rest of you? Where is Desolation Old Demon?"

Trembling with terror, the Golden Core Demonic Cultivator stammered, "The Desolation Old Freak and the others... they left the Desolate Demon Ridge over thirty years ago."

"*Clang!*"

With a single, swift stroke of his sword, Eldrin Chen ended the demonic cultivator's life, his expression turning deeply grave.

Witnessing this, Lila could not help but ask, "The Desolation Old Demon was no weakling. Why would he abandon this place?"

"I should have realized it sooner," Nine Rivers Path Master said, drawing a sharp breath, his face etched with concern. "The Blazing Fire Old Demon and his ilk came to aid Desolation Old Demon under orders from the Blood-Refining Old Demon. Such aid would not have been given without a price. Naturally, Desolation Old Demon would have had to offer something in return."

"If that is the case, then there is only one possible explanation."

As his words hung in the air, Nine Rivers Path Master fixed a solemn gaze upon the assembled group.

Eldrin Chen nodded, his gaze turning icy as he spoke, "The Blood-Refining Old Demon is likely attempting a breakthrough to the Primordial Spirit realm [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a major advancement]. Now that Desolation Old Demon and the others have departed, I fear they have gone to act as his guardians for this critical process."

"Then the situation is dire indeed."

Hearing their analysis, the Heavenly Reed Sect Master's expression shifted dramatically.

If another Demonic Cultivator [a practitioner of forbidden arts that often involve sacrificing others] were to ascend to the Primordial Spirit realm within the Eastern Region Great Wasteland, it would inevitably cause a massive upheaval in the power dynamics of the Eastern Barrens.

This was especially critical as the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a prophesied calamity involving demonic forces] was looming on the horizon. The addition of another Primordial Spirit level Demonic Cultivator would certainly disrupt the carefully laid plans of the Eastern Barrens Immortal Alliance.

With this thought, Exquisite Jiang declared, "We absolutely cannot allow the Blood-Refining Old Demon to achieve his Primordial Spirit breakthrough. We must immediately notify the Stellar Palace and request the Primordial Solar Path Lord [a powerful cultivator whose title signifies mastery over the primal sun] to intervene and block his path to advancement."

"First, let us cleanse the Desolate Demon Ridge."

As he spoke, the Nine Rivers Path Master began slaughtering the Demonic Cultivator within the Desolate Demon Ridge, clearly intending to take advantage of the situation to purge the stronghold completely.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen also suppressed his other thoughts. He summoned his Immortal Sword [a divine blade wielded by powerful immortals] and swiftly joined the assault on the Desolate Demon Ridge. Their combined might turned the ridge into a charnel ground, littered with the corpses of Demonic Cultivator.

What they had anticipated would be a grueling, hard-fought battle instead concluded in a manner that was both abrupt and anticlimactic, leaving all participants somewhat bewildered.

With over a dozen Infant Soul True Lord [powerful cultivators at the peak of the Infant Soul stage] joining the fray, the battle raged for a mere three hours before the Demonic Cultivator [practitioners of dark, forbidden arts] within the Desolate Demon Ridge [a treacherous mountain range infested with demonic energy] were slaughtered, their numbers reduced to a scattered few.

Thus, a Demonic Cultivator [practitioners of dark, forbidden arts] Forbidden Land [a territory corrupted by demonic energy and forbidden practices] was cleansed and pacified by the assembled forces. Original publication: audio - novel . com - The source of this chapter.