Chapter 141: Soul Transformation Emerges from Seclusion, the Alliance Covenant is Initially Set

The door to the quiet room slid open without a sound.

Lin Xuan walked out slowly.

He was still wearing a simple cyan robe, but a layer of imperceptible chaotic halo seemed to flow naturally over the fabric. His gray-purple long hair was draped loosely, and at the tips, tiny sparks of electricity occasionally flickered and vanished. His face remained young and handsome, yet it now possessed a depth and calmness as if he had experienced the vicissitudes of ten thousand ages; those eyes were clear to the bottom, as if they could reflect the deepest thoughts of a person's heart, or contain thunderbolts capable of extinguishing the stars.

He did not deliberately release his pressure, but merely by standing there, he made the group of Nascent Soul and even Soul Transformation cultivators waiting outside the quiet room—including Eunuch Wei, Beichen, Ling Shuang, and Yan Gang—feel an invisible sense of oppression stemming from the level of life and the status of the Dao. It was as if standing before them was not a newly ascended Soul Transformation cultivator, but a walking, unpredictable chaotic heavenly tribulation.

"Brother Lin!" Eunuch Wei was the first to react, his face unable to hide his excitement. "You have finally awakened! And this aura... Congratulations, Brother Lin, for your Dao to have advanced and for you to have stepped into the Soul Transformation realm!"

Lin Xuan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before finally landing on Huangfu Hao, who had also arrived upon hearing the news. Huangfu Hao was dressed in a dragon robe; although the worry between his brows had not yet faded, seeing Lin Xuan emerge safely, a burst of heartfelt joy and relief erupted in his eyes.

"Brother Huangfu, it has been a long time." Lin Xuan cupped his hands, his voice calm and gentle, yet carrying a strange penetrating power.

"Brother Lin! Seeing that you are unharmed, I... my heart is greatly comforted!" Huangfu Hao stepped forward, carefully observing Lin Xuan, and feeling the unfathomable aura on the other, his heart settled. "Many things have happened during the days you were in a coma..."

He gave a concise and comprehensive account of the major events that occurred during Lin Xuan's seclusion, such as the infiltration of the "World-Eroding" demonic intent, the frequent occurrence of celestial phenomena, and the establishment of the "Tianyuan-Hanhai Anti-Demon Alliance," and also informed him without reservation of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion Master's warning regarding the "hundred-year period" and the search for the "key."

Lin Xuan listened quietly, his face showing no great surprise. With his Chaotic Tribulation Dao body newly formed, his perception of the "tribulation" and "change" in the world was even sharper, and he had long since vaguely sensed that malicious peeping and erosion coming from outside the world. It was just that the Heavenly Secret Pavilion Master had specified the time as "one hundred years" and named the threat the "World-Eroding Plan," providing a clearer outline.

"One hundred years, perhaps even shorter." Lin Xuan pondered for a moment after listening and said, "The 'World-Eroding' power of the Abyss Demon consciousness has already begun to infiltrate. Its goal is clear: first, the origin and fortune of this world, and second, those who possess the special 'key' trait. If we defend passively, we will only be constrained at every step."

He looked at Beichen and the others: "That fellow Daoists from the Star Palace, Profound Ice Pavilion, and Giant Spirit Sect can join hands with the Tianyuan Dynasty at this time of crisis, I, Lin, feel deep admiration. To resist the Demon Abyss, we truly need to gather the strength of this world."

Beichen hurriedly cupped his hands, his tone more respectful than before: "Brother Lin, you are too kind. The Demon Abyss is the enemy of all living beings, and the betrayal of Xing Lan is a disgrace to our Star Palace. The entire Star Palace will surely exhaust all our strength to resist the demonic tribulation and atone for our crimes."

Ling Shuang and Yan Gang also expressed their determination.

"The most urgent tasks are three." Lin Xuan cut straight to the point, his logic clear. "First, spare no effort to save Zhao Yuan and help him stabilize his Sword Heart; this child has immense potential and may become a great combat force in the future. Second, immediately begin integrating the alliance's resources and seek clues for 'Star Essence Gold' and 'Chaotic Breath Soil' as soon as possible. These two items are not only related to the seal of the Return to Ruins Sea Eye, but may also have miraculous effects in resisting 'World-Eroding' infiltration and stabilizing the laws of this world. Third, strictly monitor and attempt to purify and block the 'Demonic Erosion' nodes that have already appeared, delaying their rate of erosion and buying us more time."

He paused and looked at the phantom of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion Master: "Pavilion Master, you calculate the heavenly secrets; do you know what the 'key' trait specifically refers to? Besides imperial fortune, chaotic power, and star core fragments, are there others?"

The Heavenly Secret Pavilion Master pondered: "The theory of the 'key' is what I sensed from the demonic intent; its meaning should be a key medium or sacrifice to 'open or stabilize a passage to this world.' Imperial dragon energy is vast and can stabilize the fortune of a world, making it an excellent 'coordinate anchor'; chaotic power is profound and encompasses all laws, perhaps capable of 'neutralizing' the repulsion of the world barrier; star core fragments contain the aura of the world's origin and are naturally excellent 'fuses.' Besides these... those who possess powerful destiny or have deep origins with ancient ruins may also be regarded as 'keys' by the Demon Abyss. For instance, the 'Silent Star Annihilation Sword' that just awakened in the hands of young friend Zhao Yuan, its origin is related to the fall of ancient stars, and I fear it is also in this category."

Once these words were spoken, everyone's hearts tightened. This meant that not only Huangfu Hao, Lin Xuan, and Zhao Yuan, but even some cultivators within the dynasty who possessed special destinies or inheritances could become targets for the Demon Abyss to hunt and capture!

"It seems that we must not only protect the world, but also protect our own people." Huangfu Hao said in a deep voice, a fierce look flashing in his eyes. "Order the Shadow Guard and the Heavenly Secret Pavilion to secretly investigate those within the territory who meet the 'key' traits and strengthen their protection and monitoring. At the same time, within the alliance, we must also establish strict confidentiality and mutual protection clauses."

Just then, the door of the adjacent quiet room also opened.

Zhao Yuan walked out, holding the brand-new "Silent Shadow" divine sword. His expression was calm, his eyes sharp and firm; although he only had the cultivation base of the Golden Core peak, the restrained annihilation sword intent made even the few Nascent Soul cultivators present feel a vague threat. Especially the ancient long sword in his hand, with dark gold and gray-white patterns intertwined on the blade, exuding a heart-palpitating Dao rhyme of severing and ending.

Seeing that Lin Xuan had emerged from seclusion, a flash of excitement crossed Zhao Yuan's eyes, and he stepped forward to bow deeply: "Senior Lin, you are awake! This junior has fortunately not failed the mission; I have understood my Sword Heart and luckily have not fallen into the demonic path."

Lin Xuan's gaze fell upon him, especially on the "Silent Shadow," and he nodded: "Very good. Annihilation is not the end, and protection also requires sharpness. Your Dao is now clear, and your future achievements will be limitless."

Zhao Yuan bowed again, and after rising, he said solemnly: "This junior is willing to follow you and His Majesty, and with this sword, slay demons, defend the Dao, and protect the peace of our world!"

Seeing that both Lin Xuan and Zhao Yuan had successfully broken through and awakened, and were in excellent condition, the heavy stone hanging in everyone's hearts finally landed, and their confidence in resisting the demonic tribulation increased significantly.

Over the next few days, under the chairmanship of Emperor Chengping, Huangfu Hao, the framework and specific articles of the "Tianyuan-Hanhai Anti-Demon Alliance" were quickly finalized.

The alliance headquarters was temporarily set up in the Tianyuan Imperial Capital, with branches established in Linhai City, the Star Palace's Shattered Star Isle, the Profound Ice Pavilion's Profound Ice Island, and the Giant Spirit Sect's Giant Spirit Island. The highest decision-making body of the alliance was the "Alliance Leader Meeting," composed of seven people: Huangfu Hao (Alliance Leader), the Heavenly Secret Pavilion Master (Deputy Alliance Leader), Eunuch Wei (representing the imperial military), Lin Xuan (Chief Consultant), and Beichen, Ling Shuang, and Yan Gang (representing the three overseas sects). For major matters, at least five people must agree before execution.

Under the alliance, there were:

·Intelligence Division: Led by the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, assisted by the Star Palace and Profound Ice Pavilion, responsible for monitoring demonic erosion dynamics, collecting information on the Demon Abyss, and investigating internal hidden dangers.

·Resource Division: Jointly managed by the Imperial Ministry of Revenue and the three overseas sects, responsible for coordinating and allocating all cultivation resources within the alliance, with a focus on searching for strategic materials such as "Star Essence Gold" and "Chaotic Breath Soil."

·Combat Readiness Division: Jointly responsible by Eunuch Wei and Yan Gang, responsible for training the allied forces, developing formations and magic treasures to counter demonic energy, and formulating combat plans.

·Purification Division: Nominally guided by Lin Xuan, specifically managed by Ling Shuang, gathering cultivators skilled in purification, sealing, and healing to deal with the appeared demonic erosion nodes.

·External Liaison Division: Responsible by Beichen, responsible for contacting other forces in the Hanhai, and even other continents or realms that might exist, to win over more allies.

The alliance implemented a contribution point system internally, where members earned points based on task contributions, which could be exchanged for cultivation techniques, elixirs, magic treasures, and other resources. At the same time, strict confidentiality oaths and mutual aid clauses were established; those who betrayed the alliance or communicated with demons would be hunted down jointly by all member forces.

With the articles initially set, all parties immediately took action.

The Intelligence Division was the first to transmit definite news: three small demonic erosion nodes along the eastern coast had been confirmed, and signs of low-level demonic creatures breeding had begun to appear; on the edge of the Endless Hanhai, two abnormal areas with energy fluctuations similar to the Return to Ruins Sea Eye were marked; at the same time, ground vein abnormalities and weak demonic energy leaks were also discovered at the border between the southern part of the dynasty and the Ten Thousand Demon Mountains.

"The infiltration of demonic erosion is faster than expected, and the scope is wider." The Heavenly Secret Pavilion Master said in a deep voice at the Alliance Leader Meeting. "We must immediately send out purification teams to deal with these nodes to prevent them from expanding and connecting into a network."

"The first legion of the 'Demon-Slaying Army' newly trained by the Combat Readiness Division has initially taken shape and can cooperate with the Purification Division's actions." Eunuch Wei reported.

Lin Xuan said: "Zhao Yuan and I can accompany the first purification team. Firstly, to test our combat power, and secondly, my Chaotic Tribulation power and Zhao Yuan's annihilation sword intent may have miraculous effects on purifying demonic energy."

Huangfu Hao nodded: "Approved. The first target is set as the 'Black Reef Bay' node on the eastern coast. This node is closest to Linhai City and near the shipping lanes, posing the greatest threat. Brother Lin will lead the team, with Zhao Yuan, Elder Ling Shuang, and five hundred elites from the first battalion of the 'Demon-Slaying Army' accompanying. You must make a quick decision and determine the characteristics and purification methods of such nodes."

"Understood."

Three days later, Black Reef Bay.

This place was filled with jagged rocks, the seawater was dark, and the air was filled with a faint smell of fishy stench and decay. Originally just a desolate bay, it was now vaguely shrouded in a thin, constantly twisting gray-black mist. Within the mist, one could vaguely see some twisted-looking sea beasts with red eyes and a small number of low-level cultivators who had been eroded by demonic energy and were confused, wandering about. On the rock wall deep in the bay, a crack about ten feet long, constantly oozing turbid black energy, was pulsing slightly, like a wound.

This was the initially formed "Demonic Erosion Node."

Lin Xuan hovered above the bay, looking down. Although his Chaotic Tribulation Dao body had not manifested, his perception had already vaguely merged with this world. In his eyes, that crack was not just a physical wound, but a "hole" eaten into the laws of this world by the power of the "World-Eroding," constantly infiltrating the filth and chaos of the Abyss Demon Sea into this world, polluting the ground veins and living beings.

"Deploy the 'Spirit-Purifying Demon-Driving Formation'! The Demon-Slaying Army will form a defensive formation to clear out the peripheral demonized creatures! Elder Ling Shuang, use Profound Ice power to temporarily freeze the periphery of the node to delay the spread of demonic energy! Zhao Yuan, follow me to approach the core of the node." Lin Xuan's voice was calm, yet carried an unquestionable majesty, clearly entering everyone's ears.

The order was executed quickly.

Ling Shuang raised her slender hands, and an ice-blue cold tide surged out, quickly condensing thick ice walls shimmering with purification runes at the entrance of the bay and around the crack, temporarily blocking the further spread and leakage of demonic energy. Five hundred Demon-Slaying soldiers formed a battle formation, spiritual light soaring into the sky, engaging in a fierce battle with the demonized sea beasts surging from the periphery.

Lin Xuan and Zhao Yuan turned into two streams of light, shooting straight toward the pulsing crack.

The closer they got, the stronger the erosion of the demonic energy became, and chaotic whispers and illusions began to ring in their ears. But for Lin Xuan, these demonic thoughts were like a breeze brushing his face, easily resolved and absorbed by the chaotic tribulation power naturally flowing around his body. The "Silent Shadow" in Zhao Yuan's hand hummed lightly, and the gray-white annihilation sword intent spontaneously formed a tiny sword domain, slashing and purifying all incoming demonic thoughts and filthy energy.

The two stopped ten feet in front of the crack.

"This node is newly born, its foundation is still shallow, but it is connected to the 'World-Eroding' origin deep in the Demon Sea; simply sealing or purifying the surface will be difficult to cut off the root." Lin Xuan observed for a moment and concluded, "We need to use powerful force to temporarily sever its connection with the Demon Sea, then thoroughly purify this area, and use a formation to suppress it for a long time to prevent it from coming back to life."

He looked at Zhao Yuan: "Your annihilation sword intent can sever 'connections.' Later, I will use Chaotic Tribulation power to strike the core of the node, disrupting its energy structure and temporarily simulating the effect of 'world barrier repulsion.' At that moment, you must exert your strongest sword strike, aiming not at the crack itself, but at the invisible 'World-Eroding passage' deep within the crack that connects to the Demon Sea."

Zhao Yuan nodded solemnly, took a deep breath, and gripped "Silent Shadow" with both hands. The gray-white sword intent began to condense and compress around his body, and the dark gold patterns on the sword blade lit up accordingly.

Lin Xuan raised his right hand, palm upward. There was no earth-shattering momentum, only a wisp of pure, gray, chaotic airflow that seemed capable of assimilating all things, slowly emerging and rotating in his palm.

"Chaos returns to the ruins, the tribulation of ten thousand laws descends."

He gently pressed the chaotic airflow in his palm toward the pulsing crack.

"Hum——!"

The moment the chaotic airflow touched the crack, the crack that had been slowly oozing black energy suddenly trembled, as if it had been greatly stimulated, suddenly contracting and expanding violently, spewing out even thicker and more turbid demonic energy, which even contained tiny, twisted phantom images of demonic insects and crazy hissing!

But at the same time, deep within the crack, the invisible passage connected to the distant Demon Sea also experienced short-term disorder and fluctuation under the impact of the "all things return to ruins" and "law assimilation" characteristics of the Chaotic Tribulation power! The structure of the passage became no longer stable.

"Now!" Lin Xuan shouted in a low voice.

"Silent Shadow · Severing the Void!"

The sword light in Zhao Yuan's eyes surged, man and sword becoming one, turning into a straight sword light condensed to the extreme, with dark gold hidden within the gray-white, piercing fiercely into the depths of the violently fluctuating crack with the momentum of severing cause and effect and breaking through illusions! Wherever the sword light passed, the turbid demonic energy melted away as if encountering a nemesis, and the sword intent locked onto and struck the most fragile "connection point" of that invisible passage with extreme precision!

"Sshhh——!"

The sound of cloth being torn by a sharp blade came from an unknown place.

The demonic energy spewed by the crack suddenly stalled, then quickly weakened like a stream of water with its source cut off. The crack itself also began to tremble violently, with signs of collapse appearing at the edges.

"Purify!" Lin Xuan's other hand traced in the air, and countless gray-purple thunder patterns containing purification power were generated out of thin air, winding around the crack like chains, infiltrating inward, and thoroughly purifying and annihilating the remaining demonic energy and filth.

Ling Shuang also timely urged the Profound Ice power, cooperating with the thunder patterns to thoroughly freeze and purify the crack and its surrounding area.

In less than a quarter of an hour, this newly born demonic erosion node was thoroughly eradicated. The gray-black mist over the bay slowly dissipated, and the sunlight shone down again; although a faint aura of death still remained here, requiring long-term natural purification and formation suppression, the most dangerous source had been pinched out.

The whole process was clean and neat, making Beichen, Yan Gang, and others watching from behind secretly startled. Lin Xuan's precise control over power and the power of Zhao Yuan's resolute sword strike were far beyond their expectations. Especially Lin Xuan's Chaotic Tribulation power, which seemed light and effortless but actually contained supreme Dao rhyme, made them raise their evaluation of this new Chief Consultant once again.

"The Black Reef Bay node has been cleared. Record the node characteristics, purification methods, and energy consumption." Lin Xuan withdrew his hand and instructed the accompanying recording officer, "This method can be promoted to other similar newly born nodes. But if the node has grown or is deeply combined with the ground veins, it needs to be more cautious, or it may need to use 'Star Essence Gold' and other items to set up stronger seals."

"Yes!" Everyone took the order, their eyes looking at Lin Xuan filled with awe and confidence.

The news of the first victory was quickly sent back to the Imperial Capital, and the alliance's morale was greatly boosted. More purification teams were sent out to the various demonic erosion nodes that had been discovered.

However, just as the alliance was busy cleaning up the "borers" inside.

Deep in the Endless Hanhai, in one of the marked abnormal areas with energy fluctuations similar to the Return to Ruins Sea Eye.

In the pitch-black deep-sea abyss, an ancient altar half-buried in sediment, covered with mottled copper rust and strange reliefs, suddenly vibrated slightly. In the center of the altar, within a long-dried groove, the remaining dark red stains seemed to be triggered by an invisible force, emitting a faint but unsettling palpitation.

An extremely obscure will, originating from the same source as the "World-Eroding" demonic intent but even more ancient and strange, seemed to be awakened from an endless slumber, following the "call" remaining in the stains, casting a wisp of imperceptible intent toward the direction of the distant Tianyuan Continent, seemingly... searching for something, or responding to something.