Chapter 687 : The Demon Dragon's Desperate Escape

The path walked by Longgu the Daoist was precisely that of using demons to subdue demons. His methods, drawn from the Demonic Path [the unorthodox and malevolent cultivation path], were even more ruthless than those of a typical Demonic Cultivator [a practitioner who cultivates using demonic and often bloody methods]. With a decisive motion, he activated the Blood Cloud Pouch [a sinister magical bag that emits bloody clouds], casting its shadow downwards and ensnaring the Nine Nether Demon Dragon Emperor in a single, swift capture.

Had he been at his peak, the Nine Nether Demon Dragon Emperor might have retained a sliver of hope for escape. However, his earlier fierce battle with Nine Rivers the Daoist had already consumed three-tenths of his Mana [the spiritual energy used to power spells and techniques]. The subsequent clash with the assembled experts had drained another two-tenths. Now, he possessed merely half of his original power.

Compounding this dire situation was the loss of his Dragon Pearl [a dragon's core treasure, containing immense draconic essence], which had been seized through Longgu the Daoist's treacherous sneak attack. Stripped of this ultimate trump card, he found himself utterly powerless to break free from the constricting bonds of the Blood Cloud Pouch.

At this moment of life and death, the Nine Nether Demon Dragon Emperor displayed startling decisiveness. With a desperate, forceful exertion, he managed to execute the Demonic Tribulation Transference Divine Ability [a forbidden technique to transfer one's essence to escape calamity] even while trapped within the pouch, carrying a wisp of his soul away to be reborn through the cycle of tribulation.

"A pity,"

Witnessing the Nine Nether Demon Dragon Emperor's tribulation escape, Longgu the Daoist could not help but sigh with genuine regret.

Had his foe's reaction been but a heartbeat slower, he could have unleashed a Supreme Demonic Divine Ability [a pinnacle technique of the demonic path] to corrupt and defile the dragon emperor's soul entirely, refining him into a mindless puppet. In that case, even the chance for tribulation rebirth would have been extinguished.

Although the Nine Nether Demon Dragon Emperor had now fallen, his Nascent Soul Dao Fruit [the condensed spiritual core of a Nascent Soul cultivator, containing their cultivation essence] remained intact. Given a Millennium [a period of one thousand years], he would likely cultivate his way back to the Primordial Spirit Realm [the realm of the primordial spiritual core].

Yet this was no time for prolonged reflection. In the moments after Longgu the Daoist's dramatic appearance, the remaining Extraterrestrial Heavenly Demon [powerful demons from beyond this world] had already begun their frantic retreat. Having intervened, Longgu the Daoist would not let slip the opportunity to hunt down these Demonic Cultivator.

He soared into the heavens, a vengeful streak across the sky, giving chase to the fleeing Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a high-level cultivator] level Demonic Cultivator. This novel is serialized on www . audio-novel.com. Visit for updates.

Seeing that myself had not yet had the chance to offer thanks before Longgu the Daoist departed, Eldrin Chen finally managed to gather his scattered wits.

Thalion Chen approached, and only after confirming that Eldrin Chen bore no mortal wounds did he grasp Eldrin Chen's hand, his voice thick with relief. "It is well, it is well that you are safe. Focus on recovering your strength first."

"Old Granduncle."

Eldrin Chen's eyes grew moist. In that battle, Thalion Chen had nearly exhausted his reservoir of Lifebound Essence Blood [the vital blood essence intrinsically linked to a cultivator's lifespan and vitality] to save him. In that moment, Thalion Chen's hair had turned a stark, ashen grey.

Lifebound Essence Blood was of paramount importance. The immense amount Thalion Chen had expended was akin to recklessly squandering a Millennium of his allotted lifespan.

And it was not Thalion Chen alone. Both Lila and Lyra Jiang, who had fought desperately at his side, had suffered grievous wounds. Lila's Superior Grade Spiritual Treasure, the Frost Soul Condensing Light Pagoda, had been utterly shattered in the conflict.

Meanwhile, Lyra Jiang's Lifebound Spiritual Treasure [a magical artifact forged with and bound to a cultivator's own life force] had been nearly broken in half. Restoring it would require a significant amount of rare Spiritual Object.

Yvonne the Violet Consort too bore deep injuries. Had it not been for the formidable power of her Violet Cosmos Void-Traversing Mirror, she might not have survived the calamity of that day.

Contemplating the heavy toll of the battle, Eldrin Chen drew a deep, steadying breath. He distributed the Pill [a medicinal pellet refined for cultivation or healing] he carried among his companions, his voice solemn. "This time... I owe my life to you all."

"Alas."

Thalion Chen swallowed a Healing Pill [a pill that restores vitality and heals wounds] and, after recovering slightly, surveyed his surroundings.

Gazing upon the brutal battlefield, he understood in his heart that the losses among the Chen Clan's low-level cultivators were likely no less than four or five out of every ten. With this thought, he spoke with anguish, "Have Lior oversee the cleanup of the battlefield. Distribute the Healing Pill [pills that restore vitality and heal wounds] first."

"Old Granduncle..." Eldrin Chen's heart ached, and he could no longer hold back his tears. Choking up, he said, "Uncle Lior has already fallen in battle."

Thalion Chen remained silent for a long while, then simply stood up and said, "I will handle it personally. I will also gather Uncle Lior's remaining belongings for you."

Eldrin Chen watched his retreating figure in silence, feeling it grow ever more solitary and forlorn.

Over these years, Eldrin Chen had scarcely involved himself in clan affairs. Thalion Chen oversaw major matters, while the myriad daily tasks had largely been managed by Lior Chen.

Now, without Lior Chen's assistance, and with the others separated from Old Granduncle by too many generations, it was unlikely anyone would ever be as convenient to use or as close to him as Lior Chen had been.

"Alas..."

Just as the weight in Eldrin Chen's heart grew heavier, he felt a soft presence draw near.

Lyra Jiang interlaced her fingers tightly with his. Pale yet resolute, she offered comfort, "You still have me. We will walk this path together. In the future, if we can achieve immortality, we will surely find a way to bring them back."

After the grand army rested for three days within the White Tiger Sea Region, Dao Lord Nine Abysses flew back to White Tiger Spirit Island.

Upon his return to the island, his first act was to summon Eldrin Chen and over a dozen other key figures who had contributed most significantly to the battle.

Within the Grand Hall, Dao Lord Nine Abysses swept his gaze over the assembled group and spoke directly. "In this battle against the four Extraterrestrial Heavenly Demon [powerful demons from beyond this realm], I, along with Longgu the Daoist, slew two. Of the remaining two, one fled gravely wounded, and the other had its physical body utterly destroyed."

Hearing this, everyone present let out a sigh of relief. Although the two remaining Extraterrestrial Heavenly Demon still posed a threat, their grievous injuries meant they could no longer overturn the heavens; the outcome of this war was now beyond their power to change.

Observing their expressions, Jaxian Lu continued, "The Merit Points [a metaphysical measure of virtuous contribution] you have earned are substantial. Once the war concludes, rewards will naturally be bestowed."

After the council concluded, Jaxian Lu dismissed the others, retaining only Eldrin Chen, Magnus the Virtuous, Maris the Sea Steader, and a few other cultivators from the Eastern Wastelands. The complete novel can be found at audio–novel.com.

Once the others had departed, Jaxian Lu addressed them. "Friends from the Eastern Wilderness, in this battle, I positioned your forces to engage first and unleashed the Nine Nether Demon Dragon upon you. Do you harbor any resentment?"

In response, the group remained silent, though a profound gravity settled upon their features.

Now, three days after the great clash, they had long since analyzed its course. Whether the forces of the Eastern Barrens Cultivation World or those of the Southern Wilderness Cultivation World had struck first, the losses would have been devastating regardless.

Furthermore, had Jaxian Lu held back the Nine Nether Demon Dragon Emperor and instead deployed several of the newly ascended Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a high-level cultivator] cultivators, they might have managed to hold the line, perhaps avoiding such catastrophic casualties.

However, by doing so, Jaxian Lu would certainly have no confidence in defeating the three Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] Demonic Cultivator [practitioners who use demonic or unorthodox methods to cultivate power], and the battle would descend into an even more brutal stalemate.

One could say that in this battle, Jaxian Lu was gambling, betting that before the Nine Nether Demon Dragon Emperor could break through their defenses, he could, with the aid of the two Star Spirit [celestial beings formed from stellar energies]—the White Tiger and Vermilion Bird—crush the three Extraterrestrial Heavenly Demon [powerful demons from beyond this world] in one decisive strike.

Yet it was foreseeable that, regardless of whether he could defeat the three Primordial Spirit Demonic Cultivator, the group would inevitably pay an immensely heavy price.

This Dao Lord Nine Abysses noticed the expressions on everyone's faces and could roughly discern the thoughts swirling in their hearts.

He offered no lengthy explanation, merely sighing as he spoke: "This battle concerns whether we can hold the Four Symbols Star Palace. Even if you resent this old man for it, I would still proceed exactly as I have."

"Should a thousand strands of Karmic Burden [the metaphysical weight of cause and effect from one's actions] descend, this old man will bear them all alone."

As Dao Lord Nine Abysses spoke these words, not a flicker of regret could be seen in his eyes.

Witnessing Dao Lord Nine Abysses's forthright demeanor, Maris the Sea Steader shook his head, drawing a deep breath before saying, "Even if we harbor resentment, the target of our grievance would be that individual from the Northern Plains Wang Clan."

Seeing this, Dao Lord Nine Abysses shook his head and said, "Go and tend to your wounds first. In a few days, we must still reclaim the Four Directions Star Palace Archipelago."

The group departed the Treasure Ship [a large, enchanted vessel] and returned to their own quarters aboard it. Lyra Jiang still felt compelled to voice her discontent: "This Dao Lord Nine Abysses... he knew full well we traveled ten thousand Li-lengths [one Li-length equals five hundred meters] to offer aid, yet he still had us face the enemy vanguard first."

"In my view, he wishes to preserve the strength of the Southern Wilderness Cultivation World."

Eldrin Chen remained silent for a long while before finally speaking. "Our only regret is that among us, there is no Primordial Spirit [the highest spiritual core and cultivation stage before ascension] to take charge of the overall situation."

"Xuan Yuan Lu is a member of the Jaxian Lu family. He fears his own prodigal son might perish at the hands of the Extraterrestrial Heavenly Demon [demonic entities from beyond this world]; his partiality is, therefore, within reason." For uninterrupted reading, go to audio~novel.com.