Chapter 853 : A Pact with the Demon Ancestor

After repairing the grand formation, Eldrin Chen did not linger at the Horizon Pavilion. He instructed Ethan to lead the armies of the Three Veins Immortal Alliance back to their territories, while he himself, along with Exquisite Jiang and the others, hastened back to their clan ahead of the main force.

Their speed was extraordinary, and in a mere few months, they arrived at Myriad Ruins Province.

The moment he returned to the clan, Eldrin Chen let out a heavy sigh of relief.

The reason for his hurried return was his fear that the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor might have struck against Myriad Ruins Province. Fortunately, no calamity had befallen his family.

Thinking of how his clan had been spared from demonic assault, Eldrin Chen sighed with relief and said, "In the past, our Human Race established a pact with the demonic fiends, stipulating that during the Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a period of great upheaval when demonic energies surge], demonic beings of Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core cultivation realm] and above could not take direct action."

"It seems now that this Black Dragon Demon Ancestor has, at least in this matter, kept his word."

Seeing this, Exquisite Jiang beside him nodded slightly and remarked thoughtfully, "If they did not honor such agreements, they would not have survived to this day."

"However, the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor has now likely become a dire threat."

Hearing her words, Lila and the others nearby all wore expressions of grave concern.

Now that the Human Race's Demigod Patriarch [a cultivator at the peak of power, half-step to divinity] could not intervene, the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor was like a dragon freed from its chains, soaring into the heavens. Positioned between the Human Race and the Extraterrestrial Evil Demons, he could maneuver with far greater ease and impunity. Official source: audio—novel.com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

The reason He [a deity or supreme being] did not intervene this time was likely due to such considerations.

After all, if the Human Race of the Purple Seal Realm and the Extraterrestrial Evil Demons were locked in a stalemate, that would maximize His benefits.

Furthermore, the Outer Realm Heavenly Demon forces are now severely weakened. Unless the Outer Realm Demon God possesses other hidden means, even if the Demonic Abyss were to open again a thousand years from now, they likely would not possess the overwhelming power to crush the Human Race.

At that time, the Human Race and the Extraterrestrial Evil Demons would likely fall back into a protracted deadlock.

Once the human and demon races are locked in a prolonged stalemate, then that Black Dragon Demon Ancestor could bide his time to seize advantages, perhaps even attempt to seek an opportunity to break through to the Demigod realm.

If his schemes succeed, he might even emerge as the ultimate victor, becoming a true Nine Heavens True Dragon and ascending as a Demon Immortal.

"That Black Dragon Demon Ancestor... what a cunning plotter,"

Eldrin Chen drew a deep breath, his expression turning grave.

His gaze lingered deeply in the direction of the Vast and Misty Marsh. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke, "With our current strength, we are no match for the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor."

"Our most urgent task is to break through to the Primordial Spirit Realm [the spiritual core cultivation stage]. Only then will we possess a measure of self-preservation."

"Indeed." Verdant Consort nodded as well, her gaze profound. "The matter of advancing to the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a major breakthrough in power and longevity] truly can no longer be delayed."

"Your injuries are severe. Focus on recovering first. During this time, we shall begin the preparations."

Since the decision to assault the Primordial Spirit had been made, it was only natural to plan with utmost thoroughness.

Having journeyed this far, Eldrin Chen had made no small number of formidable enemies, among whom were several great powers of the Primordial Spirit Realm. After the recent Demonic Abyss Cataclysm [a great calamity involving the demonic abyss], he had become a target for all.

It was foreseeable that his Primordial Spirit Tribulation [the heavenly trial one must undergo to ascend to the Primordial Spirit Realm] would be unprecedentedly perilous. Without exhaustive preparation, it was highly likely he would perish amidst the Tribulation [a trial of heavenly punishment and tempering].

Therefore, Eldrin Chen planned to first assist Exquisite Jiang, Verdant Consort, and the others in their breakthroughs to the Primordial Spirit. Once they succeeded, he would have four Primordial Spirit Path Lord [a title for a cultivator who has mastered a Path and reached the Primordial Spirit Realm] by his side: Exquisite Jiang, Verdant Consort, Lila, and Nyssa Qu.

Adding to that the protective power of Primordial Spirit combatants like Sea-Calmer Path Master and Vast Righteousness True Lord to guard his path, his confidence in successfully breaking through to the Primordial Spirit would increase dramatically.

"We can also notify Violet Firmament Path Master, Vast Abyss Path Lord, and Demon-Subduing Divine Monk [a monk renowned for subduing demons], asking them to keep watch over any demons or monsters who might attempt to interfere."

After pondering left and right and briefly reviewing his plan, Eldrin Chen said to Exquisite Jiang and the others, "You focus on recovering from your wounds. I will handle the preparations for your tribulations."

"Agreed!"

Exquisite Jiang and the others nodded, then entered Spirit Isle Lake to begin their secluded cultivation for healing their wounds.

As rare Immortal Seed [individuals blessed with the potential to ascend to immortality] within the Purple Seal Realm, Exquisite Jiang and her companions were all individuals greatly favored by the will of heaven and earth, possessing immense Fortune [destined luck and providence]. It would not be an exaggeration to call them Child of Destiny [individuals whose fate is intertwined with the world's destiny].

Furthermore, with Eldrin Chen's protection during the battle, none of them had sustained fatal injuries, though their wounds were still severe.

Fortunately, with the nourishing warmth of Eldrin Chen's Life Force Magic Power [a mystical power that channels vital life energy to heal and rejuvenate], their injuries were now seventy to eighty percent healed. All that remained was a few years of quiet recuperation to make a full recovery.

Meanwhile, Eldrin Chen, seizing the remaining time, first went to take a look at the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire [a vast, perpetually burning sea of mystical flames], where he found Old Granduncle diligently guiding the sea's advancement to a higher grade.

Seeing Eldrin Chen return completely unscathed, Old Granduncle was immediately overcome with emotion. He grasped Eldrin Chen's hand and eagerly inquired about the causes and consequences of the recent battle. Published by audio . novel . com. All rights reserved.

After hearing the tale of the battle's ferocity, Old Patriarch's expression shifted repeatedly. He sighed and spoke, "After this war, our Human Race has seen its Path Lord [a master of a cultivation path, equivalent to a high-level immortal] ranks wither. We must rely on the successors to uphold this heaven and earth."

"The older generation has done their part well. You, as a rising star of the Human Race, must now shoulder the responsibilities that fall to you."

"I understand,"

Eldrin Chen nodded, then stated, "My purpose in coming here is for two matters only."

"The first is for the advancement of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire [a legendary sea of perpetual, scorching flames], and the second is to see if the Phoenix Egg [a mythical egg containing a nascent phoenix] can finally hatch."

Mentioning the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire and the Phoenix Egg, Eternal Profound Chen gave a calm nod.

He inclined his head slightly and, after a moment's hesitation, spoke. "After several centuries of my careful nurturing, the malevolent energies [hostile spiritual forces] deep beneath the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire have been completely refined and purified."

"The Blazing Third Fire Immortal Apricot Tree [a divine tree bearing fruit imbued with triple fire essence] will also reach the Sixth Rank [a high level of spiritual power for flora and fauna] within a hundred years. However, to catalyze the advancement of the Earth Vein [a powerful ley line of terrestrial spiritual energy], I fear another three centuries of work will be required."

"As for that Phoenix Egg, it continues to draw upon the earth-fire energies [volcanic and geothermal spiritual power], yet there seems to be no sign of it cracking open."

Eldrin Chen listened quietly until the Old Patriarch finished speaking, his expression remaining utterly unchanged.

After a moment of contemplation, he finally spoke. "Three centuries is too long. I cannot wait."

"Now, the Extraterrestrial Evil Demons [demonic invaders from beyond this world] have suffered grievous losses, and the Black Dragon Demon Ancestor [an ancient and powerful black dragon demon] is secluded, healing its wounds. This is the perfect moment to make a breakthrough in cultivation and elevate the Earth Vein."

"If we wait another three hundred years, by the time they have recovered, attempting to advance the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire will likely invite unforeseen complications and strife."

Eternal Profound Chen was taken aback for a moment. "What method do you possess that can accelerate the advancement of the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire?" he could not help but ask.

"There is one thing that should work."

Eldrin Chen nodded, retrieving from his hand a heart of unparalleled brilliance, blazing with a crimson-red hue.

The moment he saw this object, Eternal Profound Chen's expression shifted dramatically to one of shock, and he could not help but exclaim, "Could this be..."

"Indeed."

Eldrin Chen nodded, then stated calmly, "This is the heart of the Primordial Flame Demon [a supreme demon born from the primordial chaos of fire]. Its original cultivation base reached the Primordial Spirit 9th Tier [the ninth and final stage of the Primordial Spirit realm]. To slay this abomination, the Master of Great Mystery Hall did not hesitate to perish together with it."

"I obtained this item precisely to elevate the Flaming Prison Sea of Fire [a legendary sea of eternal, purifying flames], to assist Old Granduncle in his breakthrough, and to allow the Phoenix Egg [a mythical egg containing a nascent phoenix] to hatch."

It turned out this heart in his hand was the core of one of the four great Heavenly Demons who had reached the Great Perfection of the Primordial Spirit [the spiritual core of a cultivator, representing a major stage of power] realm—the Primordial Flame Demon.

This object contained the condensed, essential essence from within the Primordial Flame Demon's body, a supreme treasure of the fire attribute. Using it as the primary material, one could forge a Sixth Rank [a classification denoting the sixth tier of power for artifacts or beings] Top Grade Primordial Solar Spiritual Treasure [a magical treasure of the highest quality, imbued with the pure power of the primordial sun].

However, this object was saturated with demonic energy [corruptive energy associated with fiendish beings]. Within the Purple Seal Realm [a specific region or plane of existence], only Eldrin Chen's Primordial Solar Heavenly Flame [a celestial flame born from the essence of the primordial sun] could thoroughly refine it. This was precisely why Eldrin Chen had been able to purchase it at a relatively low price. Read, share, and discuss at www . audio-novel.com.