Chapter 844 : The Netherworld Patriarch's Betrayal

Yet this alone was insufficient. The number of Outer Realm Heavenly Demon [demonic beings from beyond this world] was simply too vast. The Human Race [the collective of human cultivators] also needed a portion of its forces to maintain the Heavenly Starry Sky Grand Formation [a grand defensive array that mimics the celestial vault], leaving them momentarily unable to fully breach the enemy lines.

"Alas—"

At that very moment, a sigh echoed through the void.

From the depths of space, an ancient-looking tome of the Dao [a mystical book containing profound cosmic principles] soared forth, intercepting two Outer Realm Heavenly Demon of the Primordial Spirit Late Stage [the advanced stage of spiritual core cultivation].

Immediately after, a figure clad in simple, archaic Daoist robes stepped through the emptiness, positioning himself before the two Outer Realm Heavenly Demon.

"The Heaven Deduction Tome!"

"Netherworld Patriarch, you dare betray the Demon God [the supreme ruler of the demonic forces]!"

In an instant, the pupils of the two Outer Realm Heavenly Demon contracted, their faces contorting with furious shock.

The one who had intervened was none other than the formidable Netherworld Patriarch, a name that shook the heavens and earth.

This Netherworld Patriarch was originally the paramount expert of the Celestial Mechanism Lineage [a sect specializing in divination and cosmic calculations] within the Purple Seal Realm [a major cultivation world]. He once bore the Daoist title Heavenly Path Deduction Path Master [Master of Heavenly Calculations]. The supreme treasure in his possession, the Heaven Deduction Tome [a mystical book capable of deducing heavenly secrets], was one of the three great Celestial Mechanism Treasure [divination artifacts] of the Purple Seal Realm. For more chapters, visit audio - novel . com for the complete novel.

It remains unclear why this Netherworld Patriarch [a powerful demonic cultivator] entered the Demonic Path [the dark and corruptive cultivation arts], becoming one of the most terrifying Demonic Path Patriarch [a supreme leader of a sect or clan] within the Purple Seal Realm [a specific cultivation world or dimension].

Now, the Netherworld Patriarch's cultivation has reached the lofty Primordial Spirit 9th Tier [the ninth and highest level of the Primordial Spirit realm], and his combat prowess is alarmingly formidable. With a single move, he intercepted two Primordial Spirit Late Stage [cultivators at the late stage of the Primordial Spirit realm] Outer Realm Heavenly Demon [powerful demons from beyond this realm].

"Betraying the Demon God [the supreme ruler of the demonic forces]?"

The Netherworld Patriarch let out a cold sneer, his tone laced with indifference. "If this old man did not act, allowing the Demon God to enter the Purple Seal Realm, would he spare my Life Soul [the core of one's life force and destiny]?"

"You—!"

The two Outer Realm Heavenly Demon pupils contracted sharply before they sneered in return. "You have converted to the True Demonic Path [the orthodox and most potent branch of demonic cultivation arts]. You are destined to fall under the hand of His Majesty, the Demon God."

"Daring to defy him now is nothing but a futile last stand, a path to your own doom."

"That is no concern of yours,"

retorted the Netherworld Patriarch with a cold humph. He then turned his gaze towards Long River Path Lord [a powerful cultivator known as the Lord of the Long River Path] and the Master of Stellar Palace [the leader of the Stellar Palace organization], a mocking smile playing on his lips. "Why are you still holding back? Do you expect this old man to risk his life to seal the Heavenly Scar [a rift or tear in the fabric of the heavens] for you?"

"Alas—"

Seeing that the Netherworld Patriarch [a powerful demonic cultivator] was unwilling to commit his full strength, the two could only sigh before charging towards the far end of the Demonic Abyss Heavenly Scar [a terrifying spatial rift leading to the demonic abyss].

Yet, before the End of the Demonic Abyss [the deepest point of the abyssal chasm], the Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable [a supreme demonic lord] sat cross-legged upon the void. Watching the two charge towards him, his eyes held a chilling intent as he spoke, "Why seek your own demise?"

"Boom—"

As his words faded, the Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable pressed down with a single palm, immediately forcing the two into a desperate retreat.

Having repelled the enemy with a single move, the Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable placed his hands behind his back. He strode forward like a Nine Heavens Heavenly God Demons [a legendary race of divine-demonic beings], his twin palms seemingly capable of suppressing an entire world.

"Before me, the Nine Nether Abyssal Saint Venerable [his exalted title], even a Primordial Spirit 9th Tier [the peak of the Primordial Spirit cultivation stage] great power would have to crawl. How dare you strike?"

"Perish!"

This Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable possessed an aura that overshadowed mountains and rivers. He did not even summon his various Spiritual Treasure [powerful enchanted artifacts] to face the enemy. Relying solely on his bare hands, he swept aside all opposition, even sending a supreme treasure like the Long River Setting Sun Painting [a painting containing the power of a setting sun over a long river] flying through the air.

This was a supreme expert who had forged his path through the Demonic Body Refinement technique. He had cultivated his physical form to the very limits of the Mortal Realm [the plane of mortal existence], an unparalleled existence merely a single step away from attaining a Demigod [a being half-immortal, half-divine] physique.

Whether it was the Master of Stellar Palace [the leader of the Stellar Palace sect] or the Long River Path Lord [a powerful cultivator who has mastered the Long River Path], even their combined efforts were no match for him.

"Strike him down!"

With a furious roar, the Master of Stellar Palace unleashed the Superior Primordial Solar Divine Abilities [a supreme divine art of the Solar lineage], channeling the stellar light of the Nine Heavens into a radiant sword and slashed it towards the demon venerable.

Yet even such a supreme Divine Ability [a powerful supernatural technique] was insufficient to impress the Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable.

The Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable possessed a flawless Glazed [a state of perfect, crystalline purity] physique, imbued with an aura of Indestructibility Divinity [the divine quality of being unbreakable], making it difficult for even a Superior Spiritual Treasure [a top-tier enchanted artifact] to pierce.

A stellar light sword potent enough to slay a Primordial Spirit Late Stage [a cultivator at the late stage of the Primordial Spirit realm] shattered into countless motes of starlight upon striking the Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable.

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With a crisp sound, the Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable struck a devastating blow against the Master of Stellar Palace, striding forth like a true Demon God [a supreme entity of the demonic path]. "Beneath the Demigod [a realm half-step to true divinity], I am invincible! You alone are not enough!"

"Arrogant fool!"

Long River Path Master bellowed in rage. The Long River Setting Sun Painting [a magical scroll depicting a river at sunset] unfurled from his hand, while a violet treasure lamp released a torrent of Violet Flame Heavenly Flame [a divine, violet-colored celestial fire].

"The Violet Flame Heart Lamp and the Long River Setting Sun Painting."

The Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable murmured, a flicker of astonishment passing through his eyes.

The Long River Setting Sun Painting was a treasure that shook the world, and the Violet Flame Heart Lamp was also a legacy artifact from an ancient Immortal. The Mysterious Capital Violet Flame [a profound, soul-scorching purple flame] upon it did indeed restrain him somewhat.

But that was all. To truly deal with him, the Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable was still far from sufficient. With a cold sneer, he summoned a dark violet Treasure Furnace [a cauldron for refining treasures] entwined by nine coiling dragons.

"Disaster."

The moment he saw this Treasure Furnace, Long River Path Lord's expression changed drastically, and he tried to recall the treasure in his hand.

Alas, it was too late. The dark violet Treasure Furnace, with its nine coiling dragons, let out a *clang* as its lid flew open.

The surging Mysterious Capital Violet Flame along with the Violet Flame Heart Lamp were both sucked inside. Only his Lifebound Spiritual Treasure [a treasure bound to one's life force], the Long River Setting Sun Painting, was barely pulled back in time.

"The Demon-Slayer Furnace."

Only then did the Master of Stellar Palace draw a sharp breath, his face pale as he spoke.

This Demon-Slayer Furnace was far too astonishing. This object was originally forged by the former Imperial Sovereign Jiang after he attained immortality, using the incomplete immortal-grade material 'Nine Dragon Divine Stone' [a legendary stone imbued with the essence of nine dragons]. It was left as the clan-protecting Near-Immortal Supreme Treasure [a treasure of supreme power, one step below a true Immortal artifact] for the Kiang Clan.

It was only because the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm erupted two thousand years ago, causing the Kiang Immortal Clan to be annihilated overnight, that it fell into the hands of the Outer Realm Heavenly Demon. Who would have thought it would now be refined by this Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable.

"A treasure nearly at the level of an Immortal Treasure [a legendary artifact of immense power, often wielded by true Immortals]... how are we supposed to fight that?"

Gazing at the Demon-Slayer Furnace before them, despair washed over the faces of the assembled cultivators.

The might unleashed by a supreme Near-Immortal Treasures [a treasure of unparalleled power, one step below a true Immortal Treasure], wielded by an existence at the peak of the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core and highest mortal cultivation stage of a cultivator] realm, was utterly staggering.

With the Demon-Slayer Furnace in hand, the Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable was virtually invincible within the Primordial Spirit Realm.

At this moment, the Nine Nether Abyssal Demon Venerable observed the expressions of the crowd and let out a cold sneer. "You alone are not enough to pose a threat."

"Where is Heaven Abandoned Lin? If he were here, perhaps he could manage to wound me!"

"*Huummm*—"

Just then, from the boundless void, a faint, resonant hum of a sword echoed forth.

An overwhelmingly vast and profound Sword Intent [the conceptual will and essence of the sword path, manifested by a master swordsman] surged upward from the farthest reaches of heaven and earth. Eldrin Chen furrowed his brow, sensing the Celestial Abyss Twin Swords within him stir in response.

At the very edge of the boundless heavens, a figure clad in black robes slowly approached, dragging a longsword behind him.

The newcomer's posture was tall and slender, with a hint of gauntness. His long, flowing hair cascaded down his back, and his eyes shone with the brilliance of celestial stars.

"Lin... Heaven Abandoned!"

Nine Nether Abyssal Saint Venerable gazed at the approaching figure, his brow furrowing for the first time.

Heaven Abandoned Lin offered no reply. He merely cast a glance over the assembled crowd before speaking with serene calm. "I was in secluded cultivation, breaking through to the Primordial Spirit 9th Tier [the ninth level of the Primordial Spirit realm]. I have arrived a step late. I beg your pardon."

He spoke these words casually, then continued his silent, steady advance.

His pace was not swift, yet none dared to obstruct his path. Before him, an indomitable, irrefutable Sword Intent [a cultivator's conceptualized will and understanding of the sword, made manifest] was coalescing.

This was a Sword Intent [a cultivator's conceptualized will and understanding of the sword, made manifest] forged to slay immortals. Even a great power at the Primordial Spirit Late Stage [the late stage of the Primordial Spirit realm] would be cleaved in a single strike if they stood in its way.

Only when he had traversed the void to stand before the assembly did he turn his gaze to Nine Nether Abyssal Saint Venerable. He began to speak, his voice measured and clear. "I have nurtured a single strand of Sword Intent [a cultivator's conceptualized will and understanding of the sword, made manifest] within my heart for over three thousand years."

"It has only now reached its peak. Might I test it against you?"

"Clang—" [the sharp, resonant sound of metal striking metal]

With those words, he unleashed a single, decisive sword stroke, cleaving straight forward.

Unbending, unyielding, a sword strike without regret, daring to draw his blade against any foe—this was the Sword Cultivator's Path [the fundamental principle and way of cultivation for a sword-focused cultivator]. Discover more cultivation stories at audio-novel dot com.