Chapter 890 : A Gathering of Dao Lords

With the Master of the Horizon Sea Pavilion [the leader of the Horizon Sea Pavilion] having passed away in meditation, the responsibility of steering the grand affairs of the Human Race fell into the hands of Eldrin Chen.

He did not immediately return to the Eastern Wastelands, but instead, right within the Horizon Sea Pavilion, he once again summoned the various Nascent Soul Dao Lord [Dao Lords who have reached the Nascent Soul cultivation realm] for counsel.

Within the Grand Hall of the Horizon Sea Pavilion, numerous Dao Lord [a title for powerful cultivators] gathered. Each wore a grave expression, with a hidden undercurrent of killing intent brewing.

A Dao Lord from the Central Ancestral Domain spoke with righteous fury, his eyes blazing with murderous intent: "The Master of the Horizon Sea Pavilion has fallen. Such a great grievance cannot go unavenged."

"I propose we join forces to besiege the Vast and Boundless Marsh and slay the Black Dragon Demon Progenitor [the progenitor of the Black Dragon demon race] in one fell swoop."

Seated upon the main dais, Eldrin Chen watched the group's impassioned display. A flicker of solace warmed his heart, for at least he still had these like-minded Fellow Daoist [a respectful term for fellow cultivators] by his side.

With this thought, he raised a hand to quiet the assembly and spoke: "The Vast and Boundless Marsh has been fortified by the Black Dragon Demon Progenitor for tens of thousands of years. It is now an impregnable fortress."

"If we commit our full strength, we might breach its defenses, but we would surely suffer grievous losses in return. Moreover, it is doubtful we could successfully slay the Black Dragon."

Eldrin Chen laid out his analysis of the situation with measured clarity.

Although the Human Race currently held the upper hand, they were far from invincible. This novel is serialized on audio–novel.com. Visit for updates.

Within the current Purple Realm, there remain more than twenty Nascent Soul Demons and Monsters. These are forces that cannot be underestimated.

Not to mention adversaries like the Black Lotus Demon Embryo and Blood Demon Ancient Ancestor, who have reached the Primordial Spirit, Late Stage realm.

Given this situation, even if they were to move against the Black Dragon, it would be difficult to commit their full strength to the assault.

Without a cultivator of the Ninth Layer Nascent Soul realm leading the charge, attempting to slay a Black Dragon of Nascent Soul Great Perfection cultivation would be a task as arduous as scaling the heavens themselves.

The most critical issue is the lack of power to completely suppress the Black Dragon. Should that ancient beast unleash a final, desperate strike, it could very well claim the lives of multiple Nascent Soul Dao Lord.

It was precisely for these reasons that, despite Eldrin Chen's burning desire to flay the Black Dragon Demon Progenitor alive and strip its bones, he had no choice but to restrain his fury.

For a starved camel is still larger than a horse. If he were grievously wounded by the Black Dragon's death throes, rendering him unable to act for centuries, the Human Race's hard-won advantage could be utterly lost in a single day.

Were it only himself, he would undoubtedly seek a way to end the Black Dragon. But he stood not alone; behind him was the entire Human Race, and he could not lead them all into such peril.

"A few more years," he vowed silently, the promise a cold ember in his heart. "Once I break through to the Primordial Spirit, Mid Stage, I will hunt that Black Dragon Demon Progenitor until it finds no refuge in the heavens above nor escape in the earth below."

Suppressing the killing intent within, Eldrin Chen addressed the assembly. "Though we hold the advantage, our enemies are many and our fronts are scattered. For now, recuperation and consolidation are our wisest course."

"Currently, there are still eight hundred years until the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm. What we lack most is time to grow and mature. We must not confront him prematurely."

"But what of the vengeance for Master of the Horizon Sea Pavilion?"

Caelum the Wavestrider said with an icy expression, clearly wishing he could strike down the Black Dragon immediately.

Beside him, Lyra Jiang also sighed softly before adding, "It is a pity that when the Demigod Ancestor [a cultivator who has transcended the Nascent Soul realm and stands on the threshold of true immortality] still walked among us, he did not slay that Black Dragon."

"The circumstances of that era were different,"

Eldrin Chen shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips. "Although the Violet Realm Human Race was powerful in those days, it still required the aid of the Demonic Monsters [a powerful race of demonic beasts] from the Purple Realm to resist the Extraterrestrial Heavenly Demon [demonic beings from beyond this world]."

"That Black Dragon was a paramount powerhouse among the Demonic Tribe. Slaying him then would have undoubtedly caused widespread panic among the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a high level of cultivation] experts of both the Demonic Monsters and the demonic tribes."

Hearing this, the others could only nod in agreement.

In that bygone age, the Black Dragon had been relatively docile, having secluded itself within the Vast and Boundless Marsh for tens of thousands of years without emerging. It had even entered into the Great Oath of Reincarnation [a powerful, binding magical pact] with the Human Race.

Had they slain the Black Dragon at that time, it is likely that not only Peng the Roc Demon Sage, Ancestor Black Tortoise, and even the Five Venoms Ancient Ancestor would have been unable to remain idle, let alone the several dozen other Nascent Soul Demons and Monsters [powerful demonic beings at the Nascent Soul cultivation realm] residing in the Purple Realm back then.

Moreover, the Black Dragon was, after all, one of the Purple Realm's Ten Supreme Powerhouses. Aside from a Demigod Ancestor [a cultivator who has transcended the Nascent Soul realm and stands on the threshold of true immortality], none could slay him.

Furthermore, he had operated within the Vast and Boundless Marsh for tens of thousands of years, laying down countless contingencies and Formation [magical arrays that channel energy for defense, attack, or other effects]. While these measures might not hold against a Demigod Ancestor, they were sufficient to provide early warning and ensure his escape.

Once he fled the Vast and Boundless Marsh, the Purple Realm was vast and boundless; catching him again would be no easy feat.

Contemplating these facts, a sense of stifled frustration settled in their hearts, and expressions of unwillingness appeared on their faces.

Witnessing this, Eldrin Chen pondered for a moment before speaking. "Though the Black Dragon is troublesome, he is ultimately a solitary force. He cannot compare to the Extraterrestrial Demon God [a powerful demonic entity from beyond this world], that true threat to our very core."

"Let us all cultivate diligently. In a few more years, when our cultivation advances another step, we shall surely slay him to avenge today's grievance." For the best reading experience, visit audio_novel.com.

After the conclave concluded, the assembly dispersed, each departing their own way.

Eldrin Chen did not linger. He tore through the void, journeying to the Eastern Wastelands, and soon returned to the Myriad Ruins Continent.

He did not immediately go back to Spirit Lake Isle. Instead, he came to the edge of the Vast and Boundless Marsh, his expression impassive as he gazed upon the marshlands, his countenance chillingly cold.

Lyra Jiang approached, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him as she too looked upon the Vast and Boundless Marsh. After a long silence, she spoke. "To still be unable to slay the Black Dragon this time... it is utterly hateful."

"It is not that we cannot act, but the certainty of slaying it is not great, and it may cost the lives of multiple Dao Lord [a title for supreme cultivators who have comprehended a fundamental Dao]. The price would be far too heavy."

Verdant Consort approached and shook her head, saying, "Moreover, since my husband has chosen not to act, he must have his own plans in mind."

Upon hearing this, the three women still looked towards Eldrin Chen, awaiting his response.

Eldrin Chen remained silent for a long moment, his gaze fixed upon the Vast and Boundless Marsh. Only after a considerable time did he turn and speak: "Given the strength of that Black Dragon, to slay it within the depths of the Vast and Boundless Marsh would be an exceedingly arduous task."

"Furthermore, that Black Dragon is undoubtedly on high alert now. At the slightest sign of trouble, it would most likely flee beyond reach."

At this point, Eldrin Chen paused, then continued: "We need to create a suitable opportunity, to lure the serpent from its hole. Only then will we have a measure of certainty to utterly annihilate it."

"Until that day arrives, we should focus on cultivation, striving to enhance our cultivation bases and strength as swiftly as possible."

With these words, Eldrin Chen returned within the confines of Spirit Lake Isle.

In the time that followed, he immersed himself in secluded cultivation, refining various Cultivation Art and Divine Ability [supernatural powers derived from profound cultivation]. Thus, his days settled back into their former tranquility.

Meanwhile, far away in the Star Archipelago, news of the Demon Race's [a race of malevolent beings that cultivate through demonic means] crushing defeat finally reached its shores.

The Three-Eyed Divine Clan Heaven-Demon [a powerful demon from a clan renowned for its third eye] had lost his former arrogance. With an expression of utmost gravity, he arrived within a certain Grand Hall.

"You have come."

Within the Grand Hall, a graceful figure stood silently. Seeing his arrival, she spoke with detached calm.

This black-robed figure was the Demon Race Saintess of the Outer Realm Heaven-Demon Race [the demonic race from beyond this realm]. She looked at Three-Eyes Heaven-Demon, a chill glinting in her eyes as she said, "After such a defeat, you dare to return?"

"Saintess."

The Three-Eyes Heaven-Demon's pupils contracted. He immediately cupped his hands in salute and said, "This defeat was not this subordinate's fault. It is merely that the whelp Eldrin, the Abyss is far too formidable. Even with two fists, one cannot contend against four hands."

"Enough!"

The Demon Race Saintess rebuked him sharply, a flash of killing intent passing through her pupils.

This catastrophic defeat was directly linked to Three-Eyes Heaven-Demon, the commander of the forces. Were it not for the grievous losses the Extraterrestrial Heavenly Demon [demons from beyond this world] had now suffered, she would have dearly loved to imprison Three-Eyes Heaven-Demon within the Demon-Subduing Pagoda [a pagoda artifact used to suppress demons] and suppress him for a Millennium.

Yet in her heart, she understood clearly. Now that several Ninth Layer Nascent Soul [the peak of the Nascent Soul cultivation stage] Heaven-Demon had fallen in battle, and Netherdeep Demon Venerable was still secluded in meditation to heal his wounds... For the best reading experience, visit http://www . audio-novel.com.