Chapter 841 Tian Shi Yuan Archipelago

"A resounding victory."

The great battle ended in a resounding victory, and everyone gathered once more upon the Azure Dragon Islands.

After this battle, the Outer Realm Demons in the periphery were nearly annihilated by them. The 2 survivors were severely wounded and could no longer be considered a threat.

However, the casualties among the Nascent Soul cultivators of the Violet Realm were also significant. Among the human Nascent Soul Dao Lords, the Celestial Maiden Yaoxi (Person Name) was slain by a Nascent Soul Heavenly Demon (Cultivation Entity). As for the demon race, 1 of the Golden-Winged Great Peng Demon Ancestors (Cultivation Entity) fell in battle.

Fortunately, Fairy Yaoxi was able to undergo another tribulation, and in a 1000 years she could rebuild her path to the Primordial Spirit Realm. Yet after this battle alone, her path of cultivation was likely severed.

The rest of the survivors fared little better. Among the demons and monsters, several suffered grievous injuries, with the Flesh Abomination forced to annihilate its physical form entirely.

The human race's Huang Tian Ji also had his physical body destroyed. Although Lyra (Person Name), Qing Ji (Person Name), and the others survived through exceptionally good fortune, their injuries were far from light.

However, the life force mana of Eldrin was infinitely miraculous. As long as the injuries weren't fatal ones where his physical body was destroyed, he was confident he could heal them for the most part.

Eldrin spent 7 days tending to everyone's injuries before finally convening the group for another meeting.

In the grand hall, Eldrin observed the mixed expressions of worry and delight on everyone's faces, each person visibly unsettled and restless.

Eldrin knew all too well—they rejoiced in this decisive victory, yet dreaded the impending peril as they prepared to venture into the far more treacherous inner realms.

The core combatants in the inner circle were at least at the Primordial Spirit, Middle Stage (Cultivation Realm). A single misstep could spell doom even for those at the Primordial Spirit, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm), making this far too perilous for them.

At this thought, Eldrin still spoke up: "Everyone, a war of this magnitude—1 that shatters realms and eradicates races—simply cannot be avoided."

"If we don't grit our teeth and fight through this today, once the demons breach the Zhou Tian Star Formation, I fear we'll be surrounded and slaughtered by demonic cultivators."

Daoist Mingyuan also nodded, then spoke, "If our dozens of Dao Lords join forces, we might be enough to tip the scales of this battle."

Several primordial spirit demons remained silent, their faces uniformly shadowed with gloom.

The Golden-Winged Great Peng Demon Emperor (Demon Beast) also wore a faintly icy expression, his gaze filled with hatred as he declared, "My husband fell in battle here. Our enmity with the demonic race is 1 that admits no coexistence under the same sky."

"Regardless, count me in for the battle at the inner perimeter."

As the Golden-Winged Roc began to speak, Eldrin turned his gaze to the Azure Dragon and Fifth Venom Young Master. "Personal grudges can be set aside for now," he declared. "The matter of the Black Tortoise Star Palace's destruction may also be temporarily postponed."

"The reason our human race has tolerated you demons and monsters is precisely for a great war like this. Now is the moment when the lips are gone, the teeth will feel the cold. Should you refuse to join this battle, do not blame me for settling accounts when this is over."

Hearing Eldrin's threatening words, the Azure Dragon Demon Ancestor and the 5 Poisons Young Master slightly changed their expressions, a flicker of killing intent flashing in their eyes.

But recalling the formidable might with which Eldrin had slain the Heavenly Demons, a flicker of fear arose in their hearts, only to be swiftly suppressed.

Seeing that the 2 had nothing more to say, Eldrin spoke directly, "We shall rest for another 10 days. 10 days from now, we will storm the 3 Enclosures Archipelago. You may all return for now."

After the few Primordial Spirit, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm) demons had departed, Daoist Mingyuan let out a sigh. "These early-stage Primordial Spirit demons truly lack regard for the greater picture. At such a critical juncture, they still cling to their own petty schemes."

"Demons and monsters have always been selfish by nature. Even after breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm and understanding the principle that 'when the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold,' their hearts remain filled with endless schemes."

Eldrin spoke in a measured tone before shaking his head again. "To deal with such beings, 1 must overwhelm them with sheer presence. Only by intimidating them can we make them obey."

At this point, Eldrin turned to look at the crowd and noticed Lu Jiuyuan's face was filled with profound sorrow.

The battle was fiercely contested, and Lu Xuanyuan (Person Name), as a combatant wielding a Pure Yang Spirit Artifact (Magic Treasure), naturally could not stand idly by.

Yet a battle of this Primordial Spirit level possessed the power to slay even a bona fide Primordial Spirit Dao Lord, let alone a mere Half-Step Primordial Spirit like him.

Lu Xuanyuan lasted less than 10 moves against the Outer Realm Demon God before being struck down, his physical form and primordial spirit utterly annihilated—not even a chance for reincarnation remained.

That Lu Xuanyuan was a soul seed he had nurtured for thousands of years. The bond between them was akin to that between the old patriarch and Eldrin (Person Name)—closer even than that of blood-related father and son. No wonder Lu Jiuyuan was utterly heartbroken.

"Though there was once discord between you 2," Eldrin sighed softly, "the Demonic Abyss Calamity is perilous beyond measure, where even a Primordial Spirit Dao Lord may face annihilation. I beg you, fellow Daoist, to temper your grief."

Lu Jiuyuan did not reply. Clutching Lu Xuanyuan’s Starlight Calamity-Severing Sword of Tribulation (Magic Treasure), he carefully refined this pure yang spirit treasure, a surge of fierce battle intent simmering within him.

War may inspire fear, but it also breeds hatred. Once the seeds of hatred erupt, they unleash boundless killing intent.

Eldrin did not press further. After ordering the major immortal clans to restore the 4 Symbols Star Palace Archipelago, he returned to his abode and began replenishing his severely depleted magic power.

10 days passed in the blink of an eye.

That day, Eldrin still managed to suppress the primordial spirits of the demon and monster races, leading a force of 20-some primordial spirit cultivators as they journeyed toward the inner Star Palace Archipelago.

For this campaign, they had brought only 20-some Soul Formation cultivators. After flying for merely a day, they crossed the boundless sea and arrived at the Celestial Market Enclosure, 1 of the 3 Enclosures Archipelago.

The defense of Tianshi Yuan was entrusted to 2 premier sacred grounds from the Eastern Wastelands of the human race: the Long River Sacred Ground and the Starry Sky Hall.

Apart from the 5 Soul Projections from the 2 sacred grounds, there were 5 other Soul Projection Dao Lords, making a total of 10 Soul Projections guarding this place.

When he saw Eldrin and the others arrive, Riverlord Chang could not help but reveal an expression of both shock and delight.

After learning of the achievements on the peripheral battlefront, he couldn't help but take a deep breath and said, "To have someone like you is truly a blessing for the human race of the Violet Realm."

Eldrin smiled faintly and cupped his hands in salute. "Though our reinforcements number over a 1000, our strength pales in comparison to the esteemed cultivators of the Tian Shi Yuan."

"Now that we have arrived at the Celestial Market Wall, we beseech you, Elder, to take command of the situation."

10 days passed in the blink of an eye.

For this campaign, they had brought only 20-some Soul Formation cultivators. After flying for merely a day, they traversed the boundless sea and arrived at Tian Shi Yuan within the 3 Enclosures Archipelago.

The defense of Tianshi Yuan was led by 2 supreme holy lands from the Eastern Wastelands—the Eternal River Sanctuary and the Astral Palace.

Apart from the 5 Primordial Spirits from the 2 holy lands, there were 5 other Primordial Spirit Dao Lords, making a total of 10 Primordial Spirits guarding this place.

When he saw Eldrin (Person Name) and his companions arrive, that Riverlord Chang (Person Name) could not help but reveal an expression of both shock and delight.

Chapter 1 The biting cold wind howled across the snowy plains, whipping fine ice crystals into a shimmering haze. A lone figure trudged through the knee-deep snow, his worn robes flapping like tattered banners. This was Lin Feng, once the proud young master of the Lin Family, now reduced to a mere Qi Refinement Stage cultivator fleeing for his life. He clutched a small, intricately carved jade pendant—his only inheritance from his mother. "Just a bit further," he muttered through chattering teeth, his breath forming clouds in the frigid air. "The Hidden Mist Valley should be beyond this ridge." Suddenly, a thunderous roar echoed from above. Lin Feng looked up to see a magnificent flying shuttle streaking across the sky, its polished surface gleaming under the pale sun. 3 cultivators stood upon it, their white robes embroidered with the distinctive emblem of the Profound Frost Sect. "It's them!" Lin Feng's heart sank. He quickly channeled his meager spiritual power, activating the basic Concealing Technique he had mastered. But it was too late. The shuttle descended rapidly, landing before him with a soft crunch in the snow. The leader, a cold-faced woman with sharp features, stepped forward. "Lin Feng, son of Lin Tianhao," she declared, her voice as icy as the landscape around them. "By order of the Profound Frost Sect, you are to come with us for questioning regarding your father's treason." Lin Feng's mind raced. His father, the former head guardsman of the Profound Frost Sect, had been framed for stealing the sect's precious Frost Pearl. The real culprits had then turned their sights on eliminating the entire Lin Family. Of the over 3 100 clan members, only a dozen or so had escaped the massacre. "I have nothing to do with my father's affairs," Lin Feng retorted, his hand instinctively moving toward the simple sword at his waist—the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss. The woman smirked. "A mere third-level Qi Refinement cultivator dares to draw his sword before us?" She gestured casually, and a wave of invisible force slammed into Lin Feng, sending him tumbling backward through the snow. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. The difference in their cultivation realms was vast—she was at least at the Foundation Establishment Stage. As the woman approached to restrain him, Lin Feng's falling blood dripped onto the jade pendant still clutched in his hand. The pendant suddenly grew warm, then searing hot. A brilliant, blinding white light erupted from it, enveloping everything. When the light faded, the cultivators from the Profound Frost Sect lay unconscious in the snow. Lin Feng stared in awe at the now-glowing pendant. Faint, ethereal characters swirled within its depths—characters of an ancient, powerful script he had never seen before. A deep, resonant voice echoed directly in his mind: "The Heavenly Dao Ranking shall now be unveiled. Those worthy may challenge the heavens themselves." A translucent screen materialized before Lin Feng's eyes, displaying what appeared to be a celestial leaderboard of immense significance. At the very top, shimmering with golden light, were the words: [Heavenly Dao Ranking - Activated] [Holder: Lin Feng] [Cultivation Base: 3rd Level of Qi Refinement] [Comprehensive Evaluation: Mortal Grade - Lower Tier] [Authority: Basic Browsing - Unlocked] Beneath this, numerous names were listed, each followed by titles that made Lin Feng's heart race: "Flame Emperor," "Sword Sovereign of the Northern Plains," "Alchemy Goddess of the Southern Sea"... These were legendary figures, masters who commanded respect across the entire cultivation world. As Lin Feng focused his spiritual sense on the ranking, information flooded into his mind. The Heavenly Dao Ranking recorded the accomplishments of all powerful beings across the realms. By climbing this ranking, 1 could obtain unimaginable rewards—heritage legacies, divine abilities, peerless magical treasures... A new line of text suddenly appeared at the bottom of the ranking: [Initialization complete. First mission issued: Reach the 5th Level of Qi Refinement within 10 days.] [Reward: 1,000 spirit stones, 1 bottle of Qi Nurturing Pills, 1 low-grade magical treasure.] [Failure: Reclaimation of the Heavenly Dao Ranking.] Lin Feng took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming with newfound determination. This mysterious ranking was his chance—his path to vengeance and the truth. He glanced at the unconscious cultivators, then turned and vanished into the swirling snow. The storm intensified, quickly covering his tracks. For thousands of years, the cultivation world had operated on the same principles of strength and talent. But now, a variable had been introduced—1 that would challenge the very foundations of this world. 1 100 years had passed since the great war that shattered the continents, but an even greater storm was gathering. And at its center was a young man with a simple jade pendant and a ranking that could overturn heaven and earth.