Chapter 782 The Magnificent Aura Enters the Yuanshen

Within the Eastern Wastelands (Location) flows an incomparably ancient ancestral river.

It began from the Eastern Barren Mountains, traversing hundreds of millions of miles of ancient landscapes, crossing several ancient domains until it reached the Eastern Sea.

And in the lower reaches of the Eastern Desolation’s Ancestral River, where the river meets the sea, lies an exceedingly prosperous delta.

This continent was known as the Eastern Barrens Delta, also called the Crocodile Ancestor's Dominion—the very territory of the Crocodile Ancestor within the Eastern Wastelands.

At this moment, within the vast Delta region, 2 figures converged silently inside a magnificent hall.

A figure clad in a blood-red robe, his eyes flickering with a trace of chilling intent—this was none other than the Blood God Ancestor.

The other figure was clad in black armor, his stature towering and imposing—clearly none other than the Crocodile Ancestor, whose might shook the Eastern Wastelands.

At this moment, Blood God Ancestor gazed at the Crocodile Ancestor before him, his expression slightly solemn as he spoke, "Brother Tuolong, regarding the matter we discussed earlier, how have you been considering it?"

The Alligator Dragon is 1 of the legendary dragon breeds. Patriarch Blood God's reference to the Crocodile Ancestor as an "Alligator Dragon" was, in fact, not incorrect.

For demonic races to cultivate to profound realms, it is nearly impossible to advance without possessing a deep and noble bloodline.

This Crocodile Ancestor was originally a black crocodile. In its early years, it encountered extraordinary fortune by obtaining a Dragon Transformation Divine Fruit. After consuming the fruit, it awakened its true dragon bloodline, transforming into an extraordinary tuolong with remarkable lineage—thus paving the path to its current stature.

At this moment, facing the words of the Blood God Ancestor, the Crocodile Ancestor shook his head calmly and said, "Now that the human race of the Eastern Wasteland holds overwhelming dominance, relying solely on our strength to prevent Magnus the Virtuous Lord from achieving the Dao would likely be an impossible feat."

"Unless you can persuade the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor, this old man has no intention of intervening."

Upon hearing this, Patriarch Blood God’s expression shifted. Ever since losing his sacred cultivation ground, he had been reduced to a stray dog, wandering without refuge for years.

Seeing Dorian and the Canglang Sword Immortal growing increasingly powerful, the Blood God Patriarch knew his chances of exacting revenge were dwindling with each passing day.

Thus, shortly after his recovery, he turned his attention to Eldrin, intending to annihilate both the Chen family and Eldrin in 1 fell swoop—thereby severing 1 of the Ji clan’s vital arms.

But now the Chen family controls the 3 Veins Immortal Alliance. Relying solely on his own strength, not only would he be unable to eradicate the Chen family, but he would likely suffer a crushing defeat if a real conflict were to erupt.

Thus, he enlisted the aid of the Crocodile Ancestor, intending to join forces with him to prevent Magnus the Virtuous Lord (Person Name) from attaining enlightenment, while seizing the opportunity to eliminate Eldrin (Person Name).

At this moment, seeing that the Crocodile Ancestor was about to refuse, the Blood God Ancestor's gaze shifted slightly as he spoke with lingering reluctance:

"Fellow Daoist Alligator Dragon, these 3 ancient domains are located in the lower reaches of the East Barren Long River, not far from your Crocodile Ancestor's Continent."

Once that brat Haoran makes his breakthrough, the 3 Veins Immortal Alliance will possess 3 Divine Soul Dao Lords. Moreover, that Eldrin is hailed as a Progenitor Seed of the human race.

"Once he breaks through to the Nascent Soul realm, the 3 Veins Immortal Alliance will become a true behemoth. Do you think there will still be room for you to maneuver by then?"

Upon hearing this, Patriarch Crocodile’s expression shifted imperceptibly, a flicker of killing intent flashing in his eyes.

In recent years, the 3 Veins Ancient Domain had already gained 2 new Primordial Spirit Dao Lords—Dinghai and Feiyu. If Magnus the Virtuous Lord (Person Name) were to achieve a breakthrough as well, the power balance in Eastern Wastelands (Location) would truly begin to tilt.

Although the human race needed to dispatch multiple Dao Lords to take turns guarding the Star Archipelago at the abyss’s end, the number of remaining Dao Lords still surpassed that of the demonic Yaomo Yuanshen.

With the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor refraining from action, the balance of power between both sides had already begun to tilt.

At this thought, the Crocodile Ancestor felt somewhat tempted. Yet after a moment's contemplation, he still shook his head. "Though the current Lord of the Star Palace is guarding the end of the Demonic Abyss, there remain 2 Divine Souls standing watch—Tianxuan and Tianquan."

"Once I depart, they might seize the opportunity to claim my Crocodile Ancestor Island. Moreover, with just the 2 of us, our chances of successfully disrupting his Dao breakthrough are rather slim."

At this point, he shook his head again and said, "Bloodfiend Old Ghost, I advise you to exercise patience for now. Let that human whelp have his moment of frolicking."

"In recent days, as I divined the heavenly mysteries, I faintly perceived that the calamitous aura of this Abyssal Cataclysm far surpasses that of previous eras. I fear that after the next Abyssal Cataclysm concludes, it may not be so easily weathered by humankind."

Seeing the Crocodile Ancestor was determined not to act, the Blood God Elder's expression shifted slightly.

Gu Ta hesitated briefly, his gaze sharpening as he asked, "You claim the demonic abyss's calamitous aura this time far surpasses any in the past—is this truly the case?"

Over a dozen years later, Eldrin gathered several dozen Nascent Soul True Monarchs to safeguard the path of Magnus the Virtuous Lord atop the Gu Yuan Mountain Range.

Due to exceptionally thorough preparations, this time, Magnus the Virtuous Lord (Person Name) weathered his Divine Soul Tribulation with unexpectedly smooth progress.

Without the intervention of any Primordial Spirit Dao Lords, the enemies of Magnus the Virtuous Lord, deterred by his formidable reputation, ultimately suppressed their desires and refrained from taking action.

Only a few powerful foes cast curses and unleashed unique divine abilities from across hundreds of millions of miles of mountains and rivers, yet in the end, the group managed to neutralize them 1 by 1 through various means.

Unhindered by external tribulations, Magnus the Virtuous Lord focused his entire being on summoning his Heavenly Soul. In merely 3 months, he achieved a breakthrough and successfully drew down that celestial spirit from the 9 Heavens Above.

It is done.

As the Celestial Soul returned to its rightful place, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Magnus the Virtuous Lord (Person Name) emerged from the seclusion chamber, his gaze pensively fixed upon the boundless heavens where the sky-obscuring tribulation clouds had quietly gathered.

This time, Magnus the Virtuous Lord had made thorough preparations. With the Hao Ran Heavenly Sword and other pure yang immortal swords in his possession, he successfully weathered the Divine Soul Heavenly Tribulation not long after.

After this breakthrough, his status would no longer be the same as before—henceforth, he would be a Dao Lord.

Watching Haoran Daojun successfully withstand the lightning tribulation, Eldrin (Person Name) let out a sigh of relief and remarked with a hint of relief, "This went far more smoothly than anyone could have anticipated."

"This is no good thing."

Maris the Sea Steader (Person Name) shook his head and said, "The Divine Soul Tribulation cannot be avoided. Though we frightened away his external calamity, I fear another trial may befall him in the future."

Eldrin fell silent for a moment upon hearing this, faintly sensing a trace of tribulation aura lingering around Daoist Haoran, though it seemed temporarily suppressed by their presence.

Haoran Daojun, however, smiled faintly and shook his head. "Regardless, now that I've broken through to the Daojun realm, the threat of future tribulations is far less daunting than during the breakthrough itself."

Everyone nodded at this, their faces breaking into faint smiles.

Given the life-preserving abilities of a Primordial Spirit Dao Lord, the likelihood of perishing from external calamities in the future becomes exceedingly slim.

What the others remained unaware of, however, was that within the sea of consciousness of Magnus the Virtuous Lord, a surge of tribulation energy had grown even more profound.

The news of Haoran Daojun (Cultivator) achieving a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul realm swiftly spread throughout the entire Eastern Wastelands (Location).

Before long, an honored guest arrived atop Guyuan Mountain—none other than Huang Tianji, the foremost Golden Core expert of the Eternal River Sanctuary.

Huantian Ji located Eldrin (Person Name) and the Dao Lord of Vast Radiance, then spoke with utmost courtesy: "To honor Senior Vast Radiance's breakthrough into the Nascent Soul realm, I've brought gifts on my master's behalf, along with his heartfelt congratulations."

"You're too kind."

Magnus the Virtuous Lord (Person Name) accepted the gifts, a faint smile finally gracing his features.

Seeing this, Huantian Ji continued, "There is another matter for my visit. I wish to request that the 3 Veins Immortal Alliance dispatch a Nascent Soul Dao Lord to guard the Star Spirit Island at the end of the Demonic Abyss."

"Oh?"

Eldrin's eyes flickered slightly as he grasped the true purpose behind Huantian Ji's visit.

Chapter 1 The wind howled through the jagged peaks of the Azure Mist Mountains, carrying with it the scent of pine and a faint, metallic tang of blood. Deep within a secluded cave, a young man sat cross-legged upon a cold stone platform. His name was Lin Feng. His robes were tattered, stained with dirt and dried blood, yet his posture was ramrod straight. His eyes were closed in deep concentration, his breathing a slow, rhythmic tide. Around him, the ambient spiritual energy of heaven and earth swirled, drawn inward by some invisible force. Tiny, barely visible motes of light converged towards his dantian, the energy core within his lower abdomen. He had been stuck at the 7th level of Qi Refining for 3 years. 'Again... failed.' Lin Feng's eyes snapped open, a flicker of frustration and exhaustion within their dark depths. The spiritual energy he had painstakingly gathered for weeks had once again failed to coalesce into that crucial, breakthrough strand of true qi. A bitter smile touched his lips. "1 100 years had passed since I, Lin Feng, arrived in this world," he murmured to the empty cave, his voice hoarse from disuse. "And this is all I have to show for it?" He reached into his worn storage pouch, his fingers closing around a small, crystalline object. He pulled it out – a low-grade spirit stone, its glow faint and intermittent. This was his last 1. He had precisely 0 spirit stones left after this. 'Without resources, without a powerful clan backing me, cultivation is like trying to climb a sheer cliff with bare hands.' The thought was a familiar, heavy weight in his heart. He had relied on his wits and relentless effort to get this far, scavenging for resources, completing low-level missions for meager rewards. But it was no longer enough. The path from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment was a chasm that required a tremendous accumulation of resources he simply did not possess. Suddenly, a sharp, discordant noise echoed from the cave entrance – the sound of the simple warning talisman he had placed being triggered. Lin Feng was on his feet in an instant, his body tensed. His spiritual sense, though weak, flared outwards. He sensed 3 auras approaching, all at the 6th or 7th level of Qi Refining. Their energy signatures felt familiar, and unwelcome. "Well, well, if it isn't Senior Brother Lin," a mocking voice rang out as 3 figures stepped into the dim light of the cave. The speaker was a tall, sharp-faced youth named Zhao Hai. He was flanked by 2 other disciples, their expressions similarly contemptuous. "Still hiding away in this rathole, Senior Brother? We heard you came into a bit of luck recently. Found a few dozen spirit stones on some mission, didn't you?" Zhao Hai's eyes gleamed with avarice. "The rent for this... luxurious cave is due. Let's call it 20 spirit stones. Or perhaps you'd like to hand over that Fire Essence Grass we know you've been saving?" Lin Feng's heart sank. The Fire Essence Grass was his last hope, a spiritual herb he had nearly gotten himself killed to acquire. He had planned to trade it for a dozen or so spirit stones, or perhaps a useful pill. These 3 had clearly been watching him. "I have nothing for you," Lin Feng said, his voice low and steady, belying the rapid beat of his heart. He subtly shifted his stance, his right hand drifting towards the hilt of the short, unadorned sword at his waist – the most basic of magic treasures he owned. "Nothing?" Zhao Hai laughed, a harsh, unpleasant sound. "Then we'll just have to take it as interest for your late payment. Get him!" The 2 disciples behind Zhao Hai lunged forward, their hands glowing with rudimentary elemental spells – 1 a flicker of flame, the other a shard of condensed earth. Time seemed to slow for Lin Feng. Countless hours of harsh training, of life-and-death struggles against demonic beasts, had honed his instincts. He didn't try to meet their attacks head-on. Instead, he sidestepped the earthen shard, feeling the wind of its passage, while his sword flashed out to parry the fiery palm strike. The impact jarred his arm, but he held firm. 'They are stronger in numbers, but they lack real combat experience,' Lin Feng analyzed in a split second. 'Their movements are sloppy, their spiritual power unstable.' He channeled his meager qi into his legs, pushing off the ground and closing the distance with the earth-aligned disciple in a blur. Before the youth could react, Lin Feng's elbow slammed into his throat. The disciple gagged, his spell dissolving as he crumpled to the ground, clutching his neck. The fire-aligned disciple hesitated, his confidence shaken. That moment of hesitation was all Lin Feng needed. His sword swept in a low arc, catching the disciple behind the knees. A cry of pain, and another foe was down. Zhao Hai's smirk had vanished, replaced by a scowl. "Trash!" he spat at his fallen companions. "It seems I have to do this myself." A cruel light entered his eyes as he drew his own weapon – a sword that glowed with a faint, malevolent purple light. It was clearly of a higher grade than Lin Feng's. "Let's see how you fare against my Profound Yin Sword, Lin Feng!" Zhao Hai charged, his sword tracing a complex pattern in the air, releasing a wave of chilling, corrosive energy. Lin Feng knew he couldn't block it directly. He retreated, his mind racing. He was low on qi, and Zhao Hai's weapon gave him a significant advantage. Desperation clawed at him. Was this how it would end? Beaten and robbed in this forgotten cave? As the chilling energy threatened to envelop him, something strange happened. The pendant he always wore – a simple, black, unadorned piece of stone given to him by his mother in his previous life – grew warm against his chest. A surge of information, vast and incomprehensible, flooded his mind. It was not words or images, but pure, profound intent. A name echoed in the very depths of his soul: Primordial Chaos Genesis Sutra (Cultivation Method). And with that name came a single, instinctual understanding of a technique – a movement art he had never learned, yet felt as familiar as his own breath. His body moved on its own. As Zhao Hai's sword descended, Lin Feng's form seemed to phase, becoming an afterimage. He wasn't moving faster; he was moving differently, his steps tracing an arcane, primordial pattern on the stone floor. He flowed around the attack like water, the corrosive energy passing harmlessly through where he had just been. Zhao Hai's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "What kind of movement technique is that?!" Lin Feng didn't answer. He couldn't. He was as stunned as Zhao Hai was. But survival instinct took over. Using the momentum of the strange dodge, he closed in and slammed the pommel of his sword into the back of Zhao Hai's head. There was a dull thud, and the arrogant disciple collapsed into an unconscious heap. Silence returned to the cave, broken only by Lin Feng's ragged breaths. He looked down at the 3 unconscious bullies, then at his own hands, and finally, his fingers touched the warm, black stone pendant. A storm of emotions warred within him – shock, confusion, and a wild, burgeoning hope. It seemed the game had just changed.