Chapter 704 : A Clan's Fall and a Survivor's Plea

As the woman recounted her tale, the assembly swiftly grasped the sequence of events that had led to this moment.

In essence, following the death of Darius Nie, the Nie Clan lost the Nascent Soul True Lord [a supreme cultivator whose soul has taken nascent form] who had been their pillar, transforming them into a coveted prize in the eyes of many.

However, out of respect for the sacrifice of Patriarch Nie, that sole Nascent Soul [the stage where a cultivator's soul takes nascent form] scion who fell in the great war, and due to warnings issued by Eldrin Chen and other Nascent Soul Great Power [a powerful entity at the Nascent Soul realm] to the surrounding Immortal Clan [a clan with a long lineage of cultivators], the Nie Clan had managed to survive intact until now.

Yet, they had now crossed paths with Jareth Fang. Coveting the Western Pole Magnetic Essence Peak [a peak-shaped treasure that harnesses the magnetic essence of the Western Pole], this man had, in a single night, utterly annihilated the entire Nie Clan. Only Linnea Nie, who had been traveling abroad and was forewarned, narrowly escaped with her life.

Thereafter, Linnea Nie sought to find someone to plead her case for justice. Alas, she was merely a Golden Core Initial Stage Cultivator [a cultivator at the early stage of forming their Golden Core, the condensed essence of their cultivation], acquainted with few, if any, Nascent Soul True Lord, let alone capable of finding a powerful patron.

Fortunately, she chanced upon news that a great number of True Lord [a title for high-level cultivators, often at the Nascent Soul realm or above] would be gathering at the Heaven's Spine Mountains for a Barter Convention [a grand gathering where cultivators trade rare resources and treasures]. Risking everything, she came here, hoping to find a True Lord willing to hear the Nie Clan's cry for justice.

But she was only at the Golden Core, Early Stage. At Virtuous Peak, she knew not a soul. And when she discovered Jareth Fang was also present, her courage failed her, and she dared not speak.

As the Barter Convention drew to a close and despair began to claim her, the duel between Ethan Chen and Jareth Fang forced the latter to reveal the Western Pole Magnetic Essence Peak.

Now, witnessing Eldrin Chen take possession of the Western Pole Magnetic Essence Peak with an air of one preparing to deliver judgment, she finally found the courage to voice her grievance before all.

"Hahaha!"

Seeing that he could no longer deny it, Jareth Fang ceased his concealment and laughed wildly, saying, "This young master was merely passing through the Wine Spring Continent [a continent renowned for its spiritual springs and vineyards]. Who would have thought that a mere Golden Core Immortal Clan [a clan whose most powerful members have reached the Golden Core realm] would possess such a treasure? This is clearly a destined opportunity for me."

"Abyssal Daoist, return that item to me at once. In consideration of your somewhat formidable reputation, I shall let this matter rest."

"So, you admit it!"

Eldrin Chen spoke with a tone of chilling calm, the killing intent in his gaze barely concealed.

The moment he sensed that murderous aura, Jareth Fang felt his heart lurch, assaulted by a sudden, lethal sense of peril.

Meeting Eldrin Chen's icy stare, panic instantly seized him. He hurriedly tried to feign composure, declaring, "My Fang Clan is a Nascent Soul Branch Lineage [a powerful clan lineage that has produced Nascent Soul cultivators]. I am of Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a high level of innate potential] bloodline!"

"Even if you are a Peerless True Lord [a title for a supremely powerful cultivator], you dare not lay a hand on me! My Fang Clan will never let you get away with it!"

Witnessing this, the nearby Nine Rivers Daoist sent a voice transmission to Eldrin Chen: "This Jareth Fang is insignificant. The true trouble lies with Orin Fang [the powerful ancestor of the Fang Clan]. Perhaps it is wiser to spare his life."

"Spare him?" Eldrin Chen's voice was cold as winter frost. "Would that be just to the fallen Fellow Daoist Nie? Would that be just to the thousands upon thousands of cultivators who perished in the great calamity?"

Eldrin Chen spoke with detached calm. With a resonant *shing*, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss in his hand unsheathed, its edge radiating an indomitable sharpness as it cleaved towards Jareth Fang.

Jareth Fang was merely at the Nascent Soul First Layer. Even at his peak, such a figure could not withstand three strikes from Eldrin Chen, let alone now when his Mana [the spiritual energy used to power techniques] was already depleted.

In the span of a single clash, Jareth Fang was slain on the spot. His physical body and Nascent Soul [the coalesced spiritual core of a high-level cultivator] were utterly incinerated into ashes of calamity by the Celestial Fire Mana.

In his final moments, an expression of utter disbelief was etched upon Jareth Fang's face. He could never have imagined that Eldrin Chen would execute him over a mere Golden Core Immortal Clan.

Witnessing this, the three Fire Simurgh Demon Emperor [powerful avian demon rulers] panicked and scrambled to flee, but the assembled experts had no intention of letting them escape.

Maris the Sea Steader directly summoned his Sea-Steadying Divine Pearl. With merely three moves, he slaughtered them all upon Virtuous Peak.

Seeing Maris the Sea Steader slay the Fire Simurgh Demon Emperor, Eldrin Chen's gaze sharpened slightly. He shook his head and said, "Brother Maris, you should not have intervened."

In this battle, Maris the Sea Steader truly should not have taken action. His cultivation had already reached the Half-Step Nascent Soul Realm, and he could at any moment summon his Heavenly Soul [the celestial component of one's spirit, required for a major breakthrough] to attempt the breakthrough into the Primordial Spirit [the highest spiritual core, transcending the Nascent Soul] realm.

By killing three Fire Simurgh Demon Emperor, he had thoroughly antagonized Orin Fang. When the time came to face his Nascent Soul Grand Tribulation [the catastrophic heavenly trial to ascend to the Nascent Soul realm], this enmity might very well add unforeseen layers of difficulty.

In contrast, Eldrin Chen had fewer immediate concerns about his own intervention. A significant distance still lay between him and the Primordial Spirit Realm, so he need not worry about the tribulations of that realm for the time being.

Moreover, he ultimately had the Ji Immortal Clan as his backing, a figure with established roots and connections, not someone without a patron.

Do not be misled; although the Fang Immortal Clan of the Three Veins Ancient Domain is hailed as a Nascent Soul Branch, the two lineages separated several Millennium ago. For all intents and purposes, they can be considered two distinct Immortal Clan.

The Ancient Ancestor figures from that era of separation have, by now, most likely returned to dust. The depth of camaraderie remaining among their descendants is truly uncertain.

The bond between them is likely far less intimate than the relationship between Eldrin Chen and his wife and Dorian Ji.

Expecting the Fang Clan of the Central Ancestral Domain to antagonize Dorian Ji over a mere Nascent Soul, Early Stage cultivator is nothing short of wishful thinking.

Unless Orin Fang [a cultivator from the Fang Immortal Clan] were killed. This Patriarch Orin Fang has lived for several Millennium and might still have some connections within the Central Ancestral Domain; only then might it provoke inquiry from a Nascent Soul Immortal Clan. This chapter appears courtesy of audio–novel.com.

Returning to the matter at hand, upon hearing Eldrin Chen's words, Maris the Sea Steader smiled and said, "While Orin Fang's character leaves much to be desired, his strength is not to be underestimated."

"If we act together, he will likely think twice before seeking revenge."

Hearing this, Eldrin Chen was moved and said, "Thank you, Brother Maris."

Maris the Sea Steader did not deny it, merely smiling as he replied, "Your willingness to stand up for the Nie Clan marks you as a dependable friend."

"Compared to the honor of befriending you, offending a mere Orin Fang is truly insignificant."

Eldrin Chen smiled faintly and replied, "Then I shall gladly accept this friendship."

"Hahaha!"

The two exchanged a glance, a genuine smile blooming in the depths of their hearts.

On the arduous path of the Great Dao [the supreme principle and ultimate goal of cultivation], many cultivators are solely concerned with myself. The more prodigious one's talent, the rarer it becomes to find a Fellow Daoist [a companion on the cultivation path] with whom one can mutually support and advance.

Both possessed the potential to reach the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, a high-level cultivation realm] realm. If they could support each other in the future, it might prove to be of immense aid to both.

At that moment, Linnea Nie approached, kowtowing repeatedly before the group. "This junior offers deepest gratitude to the esteemed Ancient Ancestor [a venerable, high-ranking senior cultivator] for avenging my Nie Clan. I kowtow in thanks, and on behalf of the wronged souls of my Nie Clan, I express our profound gratitude to you all."

"There is no need for such excessive courtesy. Come with me."

Eldrin Chen helped her to her feet and led her into the Grand Hall.

Several True Lord [a title for a high-level cultivator, often at the Golden Core realm or above] were seated within the Grand Hall. Eldrin Chen gazed at the Western Pole Magnetic Essence Peak [a powerful enchanted artifact] in his hand and sighed. "Brother Nie was truly a hero of his generation. It is lamentable that his clan met with such a tragic fate after his passing."

"That Jareth Fang truly deserves death!"

Lyra Jiang's gaze turned icy, then she reined in the chill, looking at Linnea Nie as she said, "Take this Western Pole Magnetic Essence Peak [a supreme-grade magical treasure forged from the condensed essence of the Western Pole's magnetic forces]. However, where do you plan to go from here?"

"This junior... this junior does not know."

Linnea Nie replied with a sob. The thought that the Nie Clan had been exterminated filled her heart with a profound sense of helplessness.

Seeing this, Eldrin Chen spoke up. "Your cultivation is merely at the Golden Core Cultivation Base [the third major stage of cultivation, where one condenses their spiritual energy into a solid Golden Core]. This Western Pole Magnetic Essence Peak is a treasure coveted even by Nascent Soul True Lord [the fourth major stage of cultivation, where one births a Nascent Soul from their Golden Core]. Keeping it on your person would be like holding a priceless jade that invites calamity."

"Out of respect for Patriarch Nie, we can offer you shelter for now. Once you break through to the Nascent Soul Realm, you may choose to stay or leave as you wish."

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