Chapter 853 Returning to Ji Continent, Preparing for Yuanshen

After restoring the grand formation, Eldrin did not linger long at the Edge of the World Pavilion. He instructed Ethan to lead the 3 allied immortal legions back to their headquarters while he, along with Lyra and the others, returned ahead to the clan.

The group moved with incredible speed, arriving at the Myriad Ruins Continent (Location) in just a few months.

The moment he returned to his clan, he let out a heavy sigh of relief.

He had rushed back in such haste this time because he feared the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor (Cultivator Title) would strike against Myriad Ruins Continent (Location). Fortunately, his clan remained undisturbed.

Relieved that his clan had not been attacked by demons, Eldrin said, "In ancient times, our human race made a pact with the demons, stipulating that during the Cataclysm of the Demon Abyss, demonic spirits must not take action."

"It appears that the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor has, in this regard, remained true to his word."

Seeing this, Lyra (Person Name) on the side gave a slight nod and remarked thoughtfully, "Had they broken their vow, they wouldn't have survived to this day."

"Yet now, the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor has likely become a calamity."

Hearing her words, Lila (Person Name) and the others nearby all wore solemn expressions.

Now that the human race's Demigod Ancestor (Cultivation Realm) cannot take action, the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor is like a trapped dragon ascending to heaven. Positioned between the human race and the extraterrestrial demons, he clearly maneuvers with even greater ease.

The reason He refrained from intervening this time was largely due to such considerations.

After all, it would maximize his benefits if the human race of the Violet Realm and the extraterrestrial demons remained locked in a stalemate.

Meanwhile, the Outer Demons had suffered significant losses. Unless the Outer Demon Gods possessed other means, even if the Abyssal Rift were to reopen a 1000 years later, they would likely lack the power to overwhelm humanity.

By then, I fear the conflict between humanity and the Outer Fiends will likely descend into a stalemate once more.

Once the stalemate between humans, demons, and monsters persisted, he, the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor, could seize the opportunity to pursue benefits and attempt to seek a chance at breaking through to the half-immortal realm.

With proper planning, it might even seize the opportunity to emerge victorious, transforming into the true 9 Heavens Celestial Dragon and ascending as a celestial demon.

"This Black Dragon Demon Ancestor is truly a cunning schemer."

Eldrin (Person Name) took a deep breath, his expression also revealing a trace of solemnity.

His gaze lingered deeply in the direction of the vast marshlands. After a moment’s hesitation, he spoke, "With our current strength, we are still no match for the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor."

"At present, our priority is to break through to the Nascent Soul Realm. Only then will we possess sufficient strength to ensure our own survival."

"Mm." Qing Ji (Person Name) also nodded, her eyes profound as she stated, "The matter of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage can no longer be delayed."

"You are gravely wounded. For now, focus on recovering your injuries, and during this time, let us begin the preparations."

Since I had resolved to impact the Divine Soul, it was only natural to make preparations for every conceivable scenario.

Having journeyed this far, Eldrin had provoked numerous formidable foes, among them were many powerful beings at the Nascent Soul realm. After the recent Cataclysm of the Demonic Abyss, he had become the target of all.

It was foreseeable that his tribulation of the primordial spirit would be unprecedentedly perilous. Without thorough preparation, he would most likely perish within the calamity.

Thus, Eldrin decided to first assist Lyra, Qing Ji, and the other 2 in breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm. Once they succeeded, he would have 4 Nascent Soul Dao Lords by his side: Lyra, Qing Ji, Lila, and Seraphina Qu.

With the additional protection of divine souls such as Maris the Sea Steader (Person Name) and Magnus the Virtuous Lord (Person Name), his chances of successfully breaking through to the divine soul realm would be significantly enhanced.

"Daoist Zixiao, Dao Lord Haoyuan, and the Demon-Subduing Divine Monk, among others, could also exchange greetings to keep watch over those demons who might take action."

Eldrin pondered left and right, running through the basic plan in his mind before saying to Lyra and the others, "Focus on recovering from your injuries first. I shall make preparations for your heavenly tribulation."

Excellent!

Lyra and the others nodded, then entered Spirit Isle Lake to begin their secluded retreat for healing.

As 1 of the rare few Immortal Ascension Seeds in the Violet Realm, Lyra and her peers were individuals blessed with immense fortune by the will of heaven and earth—it would be no exaggeration to call them Children of Providence.

With Eldrin's (Person Name) protection added to the equation, none of them sustained fatal injuries in this battle, though they were still seriously wounded.

Fortunately, they had been nourished by Eldrin's (Person Name) life force and vitality, and now their injuries were mostly healed, requiring only a few years of quiet recuperation to fully recover.

With time still on his hands, Eldrin first visited the Blazing Abyss of Flames, where he found the Elder Uncle hard at work, guiding the Blazing Abyss of Flames through its ascension.

Seeing Eldrin return completely unscathed, the old uncle was immediately overcome with emotion. Grasping Eldrin’s hand, he eagerly inquired about the entire sequence of events leading up to the battle.

After hearing of the devastating toll this battle had taken, the Old Clan Leader’s expression shifted repeatedly. He sighed heavily and said, “After this battle, the number of our human race’s Dao Lords has dwindled drastically. It falls to those who come after to hold up this world.”

"The older generation has done exceedingly well. As a rising star among the human race, it is time for you to shoulder the responsibilities that rightfully fall upon you."

"I understand."

Eldrin nodded slightly and spoke, "I have come for only 2 matters."

"First, for the advancement of the Blazing Prison of Flames, and second, to see if the Phoenix Egg could be successfully hatched."

Chen Changxuan nodded calmly at the mention of the Blazing Prison Fire Sea and the phoenix egg.

He gave a slight nod and, after a moment of hesitation, remarked, "After I have spent several 100 years regulating the Blazing Prison Inferno, the malevolent energies beneath the earth have been completely refined."

"The Eldrin Fire Apricot Tree may advance to the sixth rank within 1 100 years. However, to catalyze the promotion of the earth vein, it will likely require another 3 100 years of effort."

The phoenix egg continued to draw upon the earthfire energy, though it showed no signs of hatching yet.

After listening quietly to the old clan leader's words, Eldrin's expression remained completely unchanged.

After a moment of contemplation, he finally spoke: "3 100 years is too long—I cannot wait that long."

"Now that the extraterrestrial demons have suffered heavy casualties and the Black Dragon Ancestor is in seclusion to heal his wounds, this is the perfect opportunity to break through our cultivation and advance to the Geomantic Pulse realm."

"If we wait another 3 100 years, by the time they recover from their injuries, I fear the advancement of this Blazing Abyss of Flames will inevitably encounter unforeseen complications."

Chen Changxuan was slightly taken aback, unable to resist asking, "What method do you possess that could hasten the advancement of the Flaming Prison Inferno?"

"There is 1 thing that might work."

Eldrin nodded, then drew forth from his hand an incandescently brilliant crimson heart.

The moment he laid eyes on the object, Chen Changxuan’s face instantly paled with shock. He could not help but exclaim, “Could this be…”

"Indeed."

Eldrin nodded faintly, then spoke with detached calm: "This is the heart of a Primordial Flame Demon. Its original cultivation had reached the peak of the ninth layer of the Nascent Soul realm. To slay this abomination, the master of the Taixuan Hall did not hesitate to perish together with it."

"I acquired this item precisely to advance to the Infernal Prison of Blazing Flames, assist Elder Uncle in his breakthrough, and enable the phoenix egg to hatch."

It turned out that the heart in his hand was the core of the Primordial Flame Demon—1 of the 4 supreme demonic spirits who had attained perfection in their primordial divinity.

This object is the core essence extracted from the body of the Primordial Flame Demon, a supreme treasure of the fire element. Using it as the primary material, 1 could forge a sixth-tier, superior-grade Pure Yang Spiritual Artifact.

However, this object was brimming with demonic energy. Within the Violet Realm, only Eldrin's Pure Yang Celestial Flames could thoroughly refine it. Thus, Eldrin managed to acquire it at a relatively low price.

Chapter 1 The biting cold wind swept across the mountain peaks, carrying with it the scent of snow and decay. A lone figure stood atop the highest cliff, his robes whipping violently in the gale. This was Li Ming, once the most promising disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect, now a mere Outer Court disciple struggling to survive. "1 100 years had passed," he murmured, his breath forming mist in the frigid air. "1 100 years since the Fall of the Heavenly Peak." His fingers traced the intricate patterns on the Jade Pendant of the Setting Sun (Magic Treasure) hanging from his neck—the only relic left from his former master. The memories flooded back: the blazing skies, the falling stars, the screams of dying immortals... "Li Ming!" A sharp voice cut through his reverie. He turned to see Zhang Wei (Person Name) approaching with 3 other Inner Court disciples. Their silk robes, embroidered with silver clouds, marked their superior status. "The monthly tribute is due," Zhang Wei said, his lips curling into a sneer. "50 spirit stones. Don't tell me you've forgotten again." Li Ming's hand instinctively went to his pouch. He had spent the entire month gathering herbs in the dangerous Whispering Woods, barely managing to collect 30-2 spirit stones. The remaining 18 would mean another week of hunger. "Here," Li Ming said quietly, handing over the glowing stones. "32,000 spirit stones. I'll have the rest by next week." Zhang Wei snatched the pouch, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "See that you do. The Sect won't tolerate deadbeats." He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a malicious whisper. "Some say you were there during the Fall. That you saw the Eldrin (Person Name) fall with your own eyes. Is it true?" Li Ming's expression remained impassive, though his knuckles turned white. "Ancient history," he replied evenly. As the disciples departed laughing, Li Ming unclenched his fists. He focused inward, circulating his spiritual energy through damaged meridians. The Foundation Establishment realm that once felt like a vast ocean had shrunk to a mere trickle—barely enough to perform basic cultivation. Back in his humble dwelling—a single room in the outermost compound—Li Ming lit a candle and examined his meager possessions. Besides the jade pendant, he possessed only the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure), its blade dulled and spirit dimmed, and 3 bottles of Basic Qi Gathering Pills (Elixir), each containing exactly 12 pills. He consumed 1 pill, feeling the familiar warmth spread through his body. The energy was minimal—barely enough to sustain his current level. At the third layer of Qi Condensation, he was weaker than most new disciples. Suddenly, the jade pendant at his chest began to glow with an ethereal light. Strange symbols floated in the air, forming patterns he had never seen before. "After all these years..." Li Ming whispered, his heart pounding. The symbols coalesced into a map of shimmering light, pointing toward the forbidden northern peaks. A voice, ancient and powerful, echoed in his mind: "The legacy awaits, child of the fallen." Outside, the wind howled like a pack of wolves. Somewhere in the distance, a bell tolled midnight. Li Ming extinguished the candle, his decision made. Whatever awaited in those forbidden peaks, he would face it. For the first time in countless years, hope flickered in his chest—small but persistent, like the first star appearing in the twilight sky.