Chapter 834 : Guardians of the Ancient Formation

"Then this old man shall go."

The Tribulation Transcending Divine Monk [a monk who has transcended heavenly tribulations] nodded, immediately stepping forward to take command of the 'Earth Trigram Banner' [a banner representing the Earth trigram of the Eight Trigrams].

The remaining Heavenly Gaze Path Master [a Daoist master who gazes upon the heavens], Earth Mystery Path Venerable [a venerable master of the Earth's mysteries], and Seven Avians Recluse [a recluse associated with seven mythical birds] each took command of the Heaven Trigram [Heaven trigram], Gale [Wind trigram], and Solar Fire [Sun trigram] banners respectively.

With four of the Treasure Flag [enchanted formation banners] now assigned, four remained without a master: the Thunder Trigram [Thunder trigram], Water Trigram [Water trigram], Mountain Trigram [Mountain trigram], and Lake Trigram [Lake trigram] banners.

The Kunpeng Demon Sage [a demonic sage of the mythical Kunpeng lineage], as the sixth Demigod Patriarch [a patriarch who has attained half-immortal status] within the Purple Seal Realm [a realm named for its purple-hued spiritual seals], understood the gravity of the situation. Without hesitation, he entered the Formation [a structured arrangement of energy and power, often for defense or attack] and took command of the Lake Trigram banner.

Thus, only three great banners were left: Water Trigram, Mountain Trigram, and Thunder Trigram. Yet, there were no more Demigod Patriarch available.

With no other choice, everyone turned their gaze towards the most powerful Primordial Spirit 9th Tier [the ninth and highest tier of the Primordial Spirit cultivation stage] experts present. While they were not Demigod Patriarch, perhaps those at the peak of the Primordial Spirit 9th Tier could barely manage to hold a position.

Seeing this, the Mistress of Drifting Snow Palace [the female ruler of the Drifting Snow Palace] decisively declared, "I possess the Near-Immortal Treasures [artifacts of power approaching immortal-grade] known as the Demon-Suppressing Cauldron [a cauldron with the power to suppress demons]. With this artifact in hand, I can command the Water Trigram Banner."

"Then leave the Mountain Trigram banner to this old man."

At that moment, a voice carried over. Everyone looked towards its source and saw a stooped, elderly cultivator stepping through the air towards them. Enjoyed this chapter? Read more at audio-novel*com.

The one who arrived was none other than that ancient undying being from the Purple Seal Realm [a vast and ancient cultivation world], the Black Tortoise Patriarch who had lived for one hundred and seventy thousand years.

Having existed for one hundred and seventy millennia, this Black Tortoise Patriarch, though his early bloodline injuries prevented him from ever breaking through to the Demigod [a realm of power bordering on divinity], possessed spiritual power [the refined energy cultivated by immortals] that rivaled even a true Demigod Patriarch. Commanding a single Formation Flag [a magical banner used to anchor and control a formation array] was well within his capabilities.

Seeing the Black Tortoise Patriarch take action, everyone present let out a slight sigh of relief.

"Only one final Formation Flag remains," someone murmured.

The Lord of the Path Palace [the supreme leader of a major cultivation sect], who was presiding over the Eight Trigrams Plate [a powerful artifact used for divination and formation control], observed this and turned his gaze into the depths of the void. His eyes swept over the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor and the Five Poisons Patriarch.

They could not slay the Second Primordial Spirit [a powerful spiritual clone or avatar] of the Outer Realm Demon God [a malevolent deity from beyond this world]; they could only trap the Eastern Barrens Immortal Body [a legendary, nearly indestructible physical form] using a Formation [a complex array that channels energy for attack, defense, or sealing]. Since the Human Race had already contributed so many powerful figures, they could not continue to send peak experts at the Primordial Spirit 9th Tier [the ninth and highest level of the Primordial Spirit realm] into the formation.

Therefore, this final candidate had to be chosen from among the demons and monsters.

Among the Primordial Spirit Demons [ancient demons of immense power], aside from the Primordial Era Ice Silkworm [a primordial beast that slumbers for eons], only the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor and the Five Poisons Patriarch were the most powerful.

Of these two, the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor was a Pure-Blooded True Dragon [a dragon of the purest and most ancient lineage], while the Five Poisons Patriarch was the foremost master of the sinister path. Both were ideal candidates to guard a Formation.

Seeing the Lord of the Path Palace look his way, the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor decisively charged into the midst of the Outer Realm Heavenly Demon [demonic beings from beyond the heavens] army, roaring, "Face your doom, fiends!"

The assembly was momentarily taken aback. It was Long River Path Lord who spoke first, his expression icy. "That wretch annihilated the lineage of the Eastern Sovereign. Now that he's faced with the Eastern Sovereign's immortal remains [the preserved physical body of a powerful immortal], he likely dares not approach."

"So that's the reason."

Many of the Primordial Spirit cultivators present nodded in understanding. Though the Eastern Sovereign had fallen, his Immortal Body was born of the Immortality technique, a state of Indestructibility [a state of being unbreakable and eternal]. It was not impossible for a sliver of his indomitable will to linger within.

And if even a trace of that primal will remained, it would likely tear the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor limb from limb.

"Alas!"

Since the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor refused to act, the Five Poisons Patriarch could only grit his teeth and descend into the heart of the Formation [a complex array or formation used for defense, attack, or cultivation].

Seeing eight more individuals take their positions to anchor the Formation Flag [a flag used to control and stabilize a formation], the Lord of the Path Palace finally released a heavy sigh of relief. He then declared in a firm voice:

"The nine of us shall now enter the formation to suppress the immortal and demonic forces. Should anyone dare to attack the territories under our protection while we maintain this grand array, the entire world shall rise against them!"

"We understand!"

Those present voiced their agreement in unison, a glint of solemn gravity flashing in their eyes.

To enter a formation and suppress an immortal or demonic being, the worst outcome is the formation shattering and the cultivator perishing; the best outcome is being trapped within the formation, unable to escape for an eternity.

This is because the power of such immortal and demonic Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator] is far too astonishing. Subduing and eradicating it is nearly impossible, and escaping could take who knows how many years or even ages.

If, after the nine of them had made such a tremendous sacrifice, someone were to take advantage of their vulnerable state from behind, it would be utterly disheartening.

"The Eight Trigrams Treasure Flag [a powerful enchanted banner based on the Eight Trigrams], what a masterful move!"

At this moment, at the heart of the Star Palace Archipelago, the Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable gazed at the grand formation in the void above, a look of grave seriousness settling upon his brow.

He did not interfere with the Eight Trigrams Treasure Formation [a powerful defensive and sealing array]. A struggle of such immortal and demonic magnitude was far beyond his station; even a Demigod Patriarch would be mere cannon fodder here, let alone someone of his own Primordial Spirit 9th Tier level. The story continues at audio_novel.com.

For him, the most urgent task was to tear open the defenses of the Cosmic Stellar Archipelago.

The Outer Realm Demon God [a powerful demonic entity from beyond this realm] had long ago laid contingency plans. Once the suppressive power of the Cosmic Stellar Archipelago's Formation [a structured arrangement of power for defense or attack] was removed, the Outer Realm Demon God could rend the Eight Trigrams Treasure Formation asunder and release that Second Primordial Spirit [a powerful secondary spiritual avatar].

With a formidable Second Primordial Spirit like the Eastern Sovereign's Immortal Body [a body of immense power and resilience] coordinating an attack from both inside and out, the Outer Realm Heavenly Demon [a celestial-grade demon from beyond] would be confident of completely tearing open the Demonic Abyss Heavenly Scar, transforming it into a gaping void channel impossible to mend.

Once such a void channel was opened, unless the Purple Seal Realm produced an Immortal [a being who has transcended mortality] like Imperial Sovereign Jiang in an extremely short time to reseal the Heavenly Scar, it would be gradually consumed and devoured piece by piece.

With this thought, the Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable waved his hand dismissively, his expression icy as he declared, "Begin the assault. This time, we shall utterly shatter this Cosmic Stellar Formation."

"Slaughter them…"

As the words of the Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable faded, one Treasure Ship after another tore through the void, charging towards the Cosmic Stellar Formation.

This battle differed from the conflict a millennium prior. The Outer Realm Demon God [demonic beings from beyond this realm] had mobilized nearly their entire force. Over two hundred Primordial Spirit Demonic Cultivator [demonic cultivators who have attained the Primordial Spirit realm] joined the fray, determined to breach the Cosmic Stellar Archipelago in a single, decisive strike.

Confronted by such overwhelming power, even the inner Stellar Archipelago struggled to maintain a complete defense. Breaches were torn open in numerous places, allowing many Primordial Spirit Demonic Cultivator to pour into the outer regions.

Among the island chains near the direction of the Vermilion Bird Star Region, a section of the void was violently rent asunder. Hundreds of War Treasure Ship [battle-ready enchanted vessels] surged forth, their decks bristling with the towering, Demon God-like forms of seven or eight formidable figures.

One among them, with horns sprouting from his brow and a majestic frame clad in Dragon Scale battle armor, murmured with an air of supreme arrogance.

"Purple Seal Realm, your Nine Nether Abyssal Demonic Dragon Emperor has returned."

"Tremble, you whelps who dared besiege this Emperor in times past."

"…"

"They come with ill intent," Eldrin Chen murmured, his gaze fixed on the approaching figures.

Beyond the Vermilion Bird Star Palace Archipelago [a celestial archipelago named for the mythical Vermilion Bird constellation], Sea-Calmer Path Master [a master of the sea-calming arts] observed the island chains deep within the void, his expression turning grave.

Not far from him stood three others: Vast Righteousness True Lord, Exquisite Jiang, and Verdant Consort. Each wore a mask of solemn apprehension.

The Vast Righteousness True Lord drew a deep breath before speaking. "They have eight Primordial Spirit Demonic Cultivator [demonic cultivators who have reached the Primordial Spirit realm]. We are no match for them."

"Fortunately, the Outer Realm Heavenly Demon [demons from realms beyond this one] at the mid and late stages of the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core realm of a cultivator] are being held back by our allies in the inner perimeter. Otherwise, we would stand no chance in this battle."

Exquisite Jiang's eyes turned icy, a sharp killing intent flashing within them. "A thousand years ago, we prevailed against greater odds. This battle is not yet lost."

"It is not so simple," the Sea-Calmer Path Master countered.

Shaking his head, he continued, "We lack not only Brother Eldrin's strategic genius, but even if we had such skill, we likely lack the raw power to execute it."

"The Outer Realm Demon God [a powerful demonic deity from an outer realm] has mobilized its entire force. Against our Vermilion Bird Star Palace Archipelago alone, seven or eight Primordial Spirit-level foes have come. The other star palaces beyond our spiritual borders likely face similar numbers."

"With the situation so dire, how can this battle possibly be fought?"

Upon hearing this, the group fell into a speechless silence.

Although this battle was a calamity unseen in three thousand years, the Purple Seal Realm had made thorough preparations. Every outer star palace was garrisoned by a Primordial Spirit Path Lord, and even the Primordial Spirit Demons stood ready to intervene at any moment.

Yet, judging by the situation at the periphery alone, there were no fewer than twenty Primordial Spirit Demonic Cultivator. How, then, were they to fight this war? Continue your cultivation journey at audio - novel . com.