Chapter 653 : Escape of the Blood-Refining Demon

Before the Blood Demon Cave, the group watched as the Demonic Cultivator [practitioners who cultivate using demonic and often malevolent methods] were completely purged.

The Celestial Rotating Jade Immortal Maiden stood silently in the void, yet her expression was grave.

After a long while, she spoke: "That Blood-Refining Old Demon has escaped this time. He will likely cause significant trouble in the future. If any of you discover his whereabouts, report it to me immediately."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen felt an inexplicable weight of pressure settle upon him.

The Blood-Refining Old Demon's ability to escape with his life this time was undoubtedly part of a scheme orchestrated by a Primordial Spirit Demonic Cultivator [a demonic cultivator who has reached the Primordial Spirit realm].

Although Demonic Cultivator are selfish and self-serving, those who can cultivate to the Primordial Spirit Realm [the realm of the spiritual core] cannot be judged by ordinary standards.

Such beings, though burdened by profound Tribulation [heavenly retribution for defying the natural order], have solidified their demonic hearts upon breaking through to the Primordial Spirit Realm. Their strategic vision far surpasses that of a common Demonic Cultivator.

In truth, the Demonic Path [the way of demonic cultivation] Primordial Spirit cultivators of the Purple Seal Realm may appear aloof and untouchable. Yet, in their dealings with the Human Race and the Outer Realm Demon God [powerful demonic entities from beyond this world], they each have their own calculations.

They are the revered progenitors of the Demonic Path in the Purple Seal Realm, figures of supreme status and honor. Should the Outer Realm Demon God descend, they would likely be unable to escape Tribulation.

Yet, they are compelled to rely on the intimidating presence of the Outer Realm Demon God. Without the pressure these outer realm entities exert, these Demonic Path Primordial Spirit cultivators would become targets for all. They would likely be hunted down like stray dogs under the assault of the Human Race's Primordial Spirit powerhouses. For the best reading experience, visit https://audio-novel.com.

For this very reason, the demonic and monstrous beings of the Primordial Spirit realm [the spiritual core cultivation stage] also weigh the considerations regarding the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm with great caution.

They fear the Outer Realm Demon God [demonic deities from beyond this world] invading the Purple Seal Realm, yet they also dread the Human Race growing even more powerful. As for the intricate calculations within their own ranks, it is likely that each demonic Primordial Spirit cultivator has their own considerations.

Furthermore, within the ranks of the human, demon, and monstrous Primordial Spirit cultivators, there exists no lack of old grudges and enmities. Not a few Demonic Path [cultivation arts aligned with demonic or evil principles] Primordial Spirit cultivators were once righteous Primordial Spirit cultivators who fell into demonic ways. The relationships between them can be described as deeply entangled and complex.

Such intricate and convoluted relationships cannot be simplistically categorized by mere notions of good and evil, making them difficult to unravel in a short time.

Regardless, Demonic Cultivator [practitioners of demonic arts] who reach the Primordial Spirit Realm and still disregard the greater situation are exceedingly rare. The most recent example was the infamous Blood Demon Patriarch.

That Blood Demon Patriarch, ruthless and vicious, dared to perform a massive blood sacrifice of the Human Race during the chaos of the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm, even contributing to the great rout of the Human Race in the Eastern Region Great Wasteland back then. In the end, he naturally faced Tribulation [a heavenly trial or calamity] and was personally slain by Imperial Sovereign Jiang within the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire.

Now, this Blood-Refining Old Demon has inherited the legacy of the Blood Demon Patriarch and cultivated the Blood Demon Reincarnation Grand Art [a supreme demonic art focused on blood and reincarnation], granting him astonishing abilities for preserving his life.

In the past, he had repeatedly escaped pursuit by the Stellar Palace. This time, even with the Celestial Rotating Jade Immortal Maiden arriving personally, it was thought his capture was assured. Yet, against expectations, he still managed to escape with his life.

This indicates he either received covert guidance from the Blood God Patriarch or obtained the majority of the Blood Demon Patriarch's legacy. Neither possibility bodes well.

"We shall obey your command."

The assembled group nodded in unison, their expressions turning respectful.

Seeing this, the Celestial Rotating Jade Immortal Maiden flicked her sleeve, tearing open the void and departing. In an instant, she vanished into the depths of the Boundless Void.

After the Celestial Rotating Jade Immortal Maiden had left, Star Lord Alkaid carefully laid out the spoils of battle. He shook his head slightly and remarked, "The Demonic Cultivator possessed quite a few treasures, but alas, most are of little use to us."

Eldrin Chen glanced over the collection, a faint frown creasing his brow.

Among the captured Demonic Treasure, the majority were high-grade artifacts. Many were objects of formidable Force Extreme [a state of immense, concentrated power], yet they held little practical value for the Human Race.

The only truly valuable items were some Fifth Rank Spiritual Objects [objects imbued with potent spiritual energy], two Fifth Rank High-Grade Spiritual Treasure [enchanted artifacts], and nine Stellar Fragment [shards of condensed stellar essence] left behind after the purification of the Blood Demon Cave Forbidden Land's Demonic Spring [a tainted spiritual spring].

However, these were not what concerned Eldrin Chen. What truly gave him pause was the missing tip of the Azure Abyss Sword.

Strangely, the sword's tip was not among the spoils. After Desolation Old Demon was slain, Eldrin Chen had personally searched the fallen demon's Storage Bag [a spatial pouch for holding items], yet he had failed to find it.

Failing to locate the sword tip caused a weight to settle in Eldrin Chen's heart, his expression growing solemn.

Noticing the shift in Eldrin Chen's demeanor, Star Lord Alkaid offered a gentle smile. "Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for a cultivator], has something caught your eye?"

"Ah, yes," Eldrin Chen responded, snapping back to attention with a smile. "I possess a Superior Spiritual Treasure [a top-tier enchanted artifact] that requires nine Stellar Fragment [crystalline shards imbued with stellar energy] to forge. I am still short by six."

"I see," Star Lord Alkaid chuckled. "Our Stellar Palace is not lacking in Stellar Fragment. If you have spiritual objects of equivalent value, you may exchange them with me for these shards."

"My thanks, then."

With that, Eldrin Chen produced several Fifth Rank Spiritual Objects [spiritual materials of the fifth rank] and traded them for four Stellar Fragment. Combined with the two fragments he and Exquisite Jiang had earned through their Merits [karmic credit for virtuous deeds] from this battle, he now possessed a full six.

With the treasures secured, Eldrin Chen's thoughts turned to the matter of the Azure Abyss Sword's missing tip. He had no desire to linger.

He cupped his hands in farewell, a polite smile on his face. "Since the battle is concluded, I shall take my leave first." This chapter is part of a larger work available at audio novel.com.

"Go on, then."

Departing from Blood Demon Cave, Eldrin Chen and Exquisite Jiang made their way back towards Ji Continent.

During the journey, Exquisite Jiang furrowed her brow, her expression grave. "That Blood-Refining Old Demon survived. By forging this Karma [a binding cause-and-effect link between actions and their consequences], we have sown the seeds for significant trouble in the future."

"Our only course now is to swiftly recover the sword's tip and restore the Azure Abyss Sword to its full power," Eldrin Chen stated, his voice firm with resolve.

"Understood."

Eldrin Chen gave a nod, a sense of urgency stirring within his heart.

The two hurried back to Spirit Isle Lake and immediately descended to the underground Water Vein [a concentrated flow of spiritual water energy within the earth] to seek an audience with the Azure Abyss Sword.

The Azure Abyss Sword lay submerged within the source of the Water Vein, and upon seeing them, it spoke: "Judging by your expressions, your journey seems to have encountered some difficulties?"

"Indeed it has."

Eldrin Chen nodded and recounted the entire sequence of events to the Azure Abyss Sword.

After listening, the voice of the Azure Abyss Sword carried a note of delight: "Since the Desolate Demon Ridge has been destroyed, you need not worry any longer."

"According to my senses, my sword tip is still within the ruins of that place."

"It's still at the Desolate Demon Ridge!"

Eldrin Chen's face lit up with pleasant surprise, yet tinged with confusion. "But why couldn't I sense it at all?"

The Azure Abyss Sword [a legendary divine sword] hovered within the void, the cracks upon its blade having completely vanished, indicating its injuries were mostly healed.

Reflecting the Glazed Immortal Light [a radiant, crystalline light of immortal power], it spoke with a light laugh, "As the saying goes, divine treasures conceal their own brilliance. Naturally, they possess the means to protect themselves."

"My sword tip fell into the Desolate Demon Ridge [a treacherous mountain range infested with demons] for thousands of years. During that time, the Ridge changed hands several times, yet the tip remained hidden within its depths. It seems none of its recent masters ever discovered it."

"Very well. I shall accompany you on this journey to retrieve it."

Upon hearing this, Eldrin Chen said with delight, "I am grateful for your assistance, Senior."

"..."

The two of them, accompanied by the Azure Abyss Sword, concealed their auras and flew towards the Desolate Demon Ridge.

Before long, they arrived outside the Ridge. Eldrin Chen respectfully presented the Azure Abyss Sword and asked with a grave expression, "Senior, can you sense it?"

"Found it."

The light of the Azure Abyss Sword shimmered faintly. A soft tremor echoed from within the Desolate Demon Ridge, and a withered branch suddenly shot into the sky, arriving before the two of them. Visit site: audio-novel.com to enjoy the complete series.