Chapter 142

The battle at Black Reef Bay was like a stone cast into a calm lake, stirring ripples within the newly established "Tianyuan-Hanhai Anti-Demon Alliance." Lin Xuan's effortless, essence-striking purification methods and Zhao Yuan's resolute, sharp sword of annihilation that severed all falsehoods not only swiftly cleared a potential threat node but also demonstrated the power and efficiency of the two newly emerged core combatants to those both inside and outside the alliance.

Post-battle, detailed action reports and purification data were quickly compiled, analyzed, and issued to every purification squad as standard operating procedure templates. The alliance's resources began to operate efficiently, and teams composed of cultivators from various factions, led by experienced individuals, rushed to the marked demonic erosion nodes across the land. Although the process occasionally encountered setbacks, such as nodes that were more stubborn or deeply fused with the earth veins, most of the initially formed nodes were successfully eradicated or temporarily suppressed after paying a certain price, curbing the rapid spread of the "Erosion Realm" power.

However, the frequent reports of superficial victories did not dispel the increasingly heavy shadows hanging over the hearts of the high-level leaders at the Alliance Leader Conference.

"As of now, a total of seventeen demonic erosion nodes of various sizes have been confirmed and processed," reported the head of the Intelligence Division, a Soul Formation Elder from the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, during the routine meeting. "Thirteen of these were nascent nodes, similar in structure to Black Reef Bay, and have been cleared according to the methods provided by Consultant Lin. The remaining four are more deeply integrated with the earth veins; after purification, they require long-term suppression by arrays and... show signs of recurrence. More notably, while clearing the 'Starfall Plains' node, this was discovered."

He waved his hand to release a projection: in the image, after a demonic erosion node located in the inland grasslands was purified, embedded in the center of the scorched black marks remaining on the ground was half a broken, strange stone slab fragment that was neither gold nor jade, engraved with twisted runes. On the edges of the fragment, some dark red, coagulated blood-like substance still clung, emitting a foul aura that caused extreme discomfort.

"According to the joint appraisal by the Star Palace and the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion," Beichen interjected, his expression grave, "some of the runes on this stone slab fragment bear similarities to certain taboo arrays from ancient times used for 'sacrifice' and 'positioning.' And those dark red substances... contain an extremely faint aura that is of the same origin as the 'Erosion Realm' demonic intent, yet seems even more 'ancient,' as if it were some 'mark' or 'fuse' that had long existed in this realm, recently reactivated by the active power of demonic erosion."

"Ancient mark?" Wei Gong frowned. "Pavilion Master, do you mean that before the 'Erosion Realm' plan, this realm had already been 'nailed' by the Demon Abyss or other similar existences?"

The blurred figure of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion Master nodded slightly: "Highly likely. The Demon Abyss has coveted the myriad realms of the heavens for more than a day. In ancient times, perhaps demons or their descendants infiltrated this realm and laid down secret hands; it was only because the timing was not right or their power was insufficient that they remained dormant. Now that the 'Erosion Realm' has been activated, these ancient 'coordinates' or 'altars' have become ready-made 'breakthrough points' and 'amplifiers'."

Lin Xuan looked at the half-piece of the eerie stone slab in the projection, lost in thought. The Chaos Tribulation Dao Dharma Body's perception of "abnormalities" and "tribulations" far exceeded that of ordinary people; even through the projection, he could feel a trace of extremely obscure, twisted Dao rhyme related to "stars," "blood," and "contracts" from the stone slab fragment. This was definitely not naturally formed, nor could it be created by recent demonic erosion.

"We must clarify the distribution, quantity, and purpose of these 'ancient marks'," Huangfu Hao said in a deep voice. "They are like powder kegs buried beneath our feet. If not removed in advance, once detonated simultaneously by the Demon Abyss, the consequences would be unimaginable. Intelligence Division, increase the intensity of the investigation, especially in those long-standing dangerous areas, ruins, and locations where large-scale blood sacrifices or disasters have occurred in the past."

"Yes!"

The meeting continued, discussing resource allocation, coalition training, and joint action plans for reinforcing the seals on the Return to Ruins Sea Eye. Lin Xuan remained silent for most of the time, only offering suggestions at critical points. Part of his mind was focused on the further realization and stabilization of the Chaos Tribulation Dao, while the other part was preoccupied by that half-piece of ancient stone slab and the even more distant conspiracy that might exist behind the "Erosion Realm."

After the meeting, Lin Xuan did not immediately return to his quiet room but instead came to an independent courtyard deep within the alliance headquarters, which had been specifically allocated to him and was set up with multiple layers of arrays.

In the courtyard, Zhao Yuan was practicing his sword.

There was no grand momentum, only a gray-white figure merging with the "Silent Shadow" divine sword in his hand, maneuvering within a small space. The sword light was condensed like silk, its trajectory mysterious and unfathomable; every strike carried the resolution to sever all tangible and intangible shackles, yet within that sharpness, it contained a "resilient" intent of protection. The dark gold patterns on the sword body flowed with the sword momentum, sometimes bright, sometimes restrained, intertwining with the gray-white sword light of annihilation to form a unique and harmonious Dao rhyme.

Seeing Lin Xuan enter, Zhao Yuan sheathed his sword and stood still, his breath steady, only the fine beads of sweat on his forehead showing his focus during practice. "Senior."

Lin Xuan nodded: "The sword intent is becoming more rounded; you have already caught a glimpse of the 'Sword Heart Clear' realm. Not bad."

Receiving Lin Xuan's affirmation, a flash of joy crossed Zhao Yuan's eyes, but he immediately returned to calm: "This junior dares not slacken. The demonic tribulation is approaching; only by striving for improvement can I live up to the sword in my hand and the expectations of you and His Majesty."

"Diligent practice without pause is naturally one's duty." Lin Xuan walked to the stone table in the courtyard and sat down, signaling for Zhao Yuan to sit as well. "In today's meeting, the matter of ancient marks was mentioned. What are your thoughts?"

Zhao Yuan pondered for a moment and said: "This junior feels that this matter is of great importance. If there are indeed 'nails' left behind by ancient demons, it means that the Demon Abyss's infiltration of this realm is far earlier and deeper than we previously knew. Clearing existing nodes is only treating the symptoms; if we do not find and remove these 'nails,' I fear they will be impossible to guard against. And..." He hesitated for a moment, "When I received the 'Silent Shadow' inheritance, I vaguely sensed that the ancient sword cultivator senior who struck down the stars and perished with this star did not seem to do so merely because of Dao disputes or demon-slaying; perhaps it also involved some more ancient secrets related to this realm. These secrets might be related to those 'marks'."

A flash of appreciation crossed Lin Xuan's eyes. Zhao Yuan not only had extraordinary talent in the sword Dao but was also quite meticulous, able to link the clues deep within the inheritance.

"Your guess is not without reason," Lin Xuan said. "The Chaos Tribulation Dao also emphasizes tracing the origin. I want to personally go to the original site of the 'Starfall Plains' node to take a look. If you are interested, you may accompany me."

Zhao Yuan's spirit lifted: "This junior is willing to go!"

Three days later, Starfall Plains.

This place was originally a grassland with lush water and grass where the starlight often appeared exceptionally bright; legend has it that star fragments fell here, hence the name. But now, a scorched dead zone several miles in radius had appeared in the center of the grassland, the grass and trees withered, the ground cracked, and a faint lingering scent of demonic energy and purified thunder-fire remained in the air. The alliance's array cultivators were currently deploying long-term suppression arrays on the periphery.

Lin Xuan and Zhao Yuan descended into the center of the scorched earth, where the position of the strange stone slab fragment had been carefully cleared, leaving a shallow pit.

Lin Xuan squatted down, a wisp of gray chaotic airflow lingering on his fingertips, gently brushing over the soil at the edge of the shallow pit, and then pressing lightly on the residual aura that still felt cold after purification. He closed his eyes, the power of the Chaos Tribulation Dao Dharma Body spreading slightly, sensing all the "information" remaining in this place.

In his "Tribulation Dao perspective," this scorched earth was no longer just a residue of matter, but a chaotic and twisted "scroll of tribulation" composed of countless colors and lines. The pitch-black and dark red lines representing the recent demonic erosion power intertwined like a net, but deeper within this net, he "saw" a few gray-brown "threads" that were dimmer, almost fused with the earth veins, yet exuded an ancient, evil aura. The source of these threads seemed to point to the deep underground, and... vaguely resonated in a rebellious way with the "starlight" characteristics of this grassland.

"Indeed..." Lin Xuan opened his eyes, a flash of chaotic light in his pupils. "There is indeed an ancient arrangement here, and it utilizes the special earth veins and residual star power left by the 'falling stars.' The reason this node is more stubborn than others is not only because the demonic erosion power is deep, but because it has, to some extent, 'activated' and 'twisted' an ancient star ritual foundation."

He stood up and cast his gaze toward the deeper parts of the grassland: "According to the direction of the 'thread ends' of the residual traces, the core part of that ancient mark is probably not here, but in... that direction."

Zhao Yuan looked in the direction Lin Xuan pointed; it was the northwest edge of the Starfall Plains, and further away, the outlines of rolling mountains could be vaguely seen.

"Senior, should we pursue this?" Zhao Yuan asked.

"Naturally," Lin Xuan said. "However, this matter may be more complex than expected. Relying solely on residual traces, it is difficult to accurately locate the core, and it may trigger unknown prohibitions. We need to return to headquarters first to consult all ancient records, geographical gazetteers, and especially content related to ancient star worship and strange sacrifices concerning the Starfall Plains and surrounding areas."

The two returned to the imperial capital, and Lin Xuan immediately requested the relevant files from the Intelligence Division. At the same time, he also asked the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion Master to assist in using secret arts to deduce the possible source of the ancient marks in the Starfall Plains.

However, it was on the fifth day that the Intelligence Division and the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion were conducting their investigation in full swing.

An urgent piece of intelligence arrived from the alliance's branch located in "Heishuicheng" on the western border, and was presented directly to the Alliance Leader Conference through the Intelligence Division.

Heishuicheng, located in the western part of the Tianyuan Continent, adjacent to the vast "Heishuicheng Swamp," was a transportation hub and resource distribution center, where dragons and snakes were mixed.

The content of the intelligence was shocking:

"Urgent report from the Heishuicheng branch: Recently, seven cases of missing cultivators have occurred in the city, with cultivation bases ranging from Foundation Establishment to Golden Core, and backgrounds varying. Through secret investigation, it was discovered that the last locations where the missing persons appeared were all linked to an emerging secret sect in the city called the 'Rebirth Sect.' This sect promotes 'Rebirth to Paradise' and 'Transcendence from the Sea of Suffering,' and secretly seems to be conducting some kind of bloody sacrificial ritual. Even more suspicious is that when our secret agents infiltrated the periphery of one of their secret strongholds, they sensed energy fluctuations similar to the 'Erosion Realm' demonic intent, yet mixed with an ancient, decaying aura, and discovered fragments in the stronghold similar in material to the 'Starfall Plains stone slab,' the runes on which... seem to point to some kind of 'summoning' or 'reception'!"

Attached to the intelligence were several projection jade talismans. The images were blurry, obviously taken secretly under extremely dangerous conditions: in a dim cavern, a rough altar built of bones and strange minerals could be vaguely seen, with twisted runes carved around the altar, and something seemed to be worshipped in the center, emitting a faint dark red light. And in one corner, one could indeed see half a broken stone slab extremely similar to the one found in the Starfall Plains!

"'Rebirth Sect'... summoning... reception..." Huangfu Hao looked at the intelligence, his face gloomy. "Could it be that these cultists are trying to actively 'receive' the descent of the Demon Abyss's existence? Or is it that they themselves are pawns influenced or controlled by some ancient 'mark'?"

Beichen's face was ugly: "If this is true, the matter in Heishuicheng is probably by no means an isolated case. Those dormant ancient 'nails' may be being 'awakened' one by one through cult organizations like the 'Rebirth Sect,' becoming 'insiders' and 'vanguards' for the 'Erosion Realm' plan in this realm!"

"We must immediately eradicate this 'Rebirth Sect' and find out the truth!" Wei Gong said sternly.

Lin Xuan's gaze was tightly locked on the center of the rough altar in the projection. Although the image was blurry, the keen perception of his Chaos Tribulation Dao Dharma Body captured a "rhythm" from that faint dark red light that was extremely familiar, yet made his heart tremble.

That rhythm had a subtle... similarity to the rotation rhythm of the "Chaos Tribulation Crystal" at his heart? No, not similarity, it was more like a "resonance" that came from the same source but headed toward diametrically opposite extremes!

Was it an illusion? Or...

He remembered the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion Master once saying that the Chaos Creation Power contained in the Chaos Soil was the key to neutralizing and transforming the primordial demonic energy. And the "rhythm" emitted by the object worshipped on this altar, although full of evil and filth, seemed to be at an extremely high level of origin. Could it be... related to "Chaos"? Was it some kind of polluted, twisted Chaos relic?

"Leave this matter to me," Lin Xuan said slowly, his voice calm but carrying an unquestionable power. "Zhao Yuan will accompany me. Also, please ask Elder Lingshuang to lead a team of cultivators skilled in purification and sealing, as well as a group of elites from the 'Demon-Slaying Army,' to follow and provide support. The situation in Heishuicheng is unclear, and we need to be prepared to deal with large-scale cult riots or even... worse situations."

Huangfu Hao looked at the rare gravity in Lin Xuan's eyes and knew that this matter was probably of great importance, so he decided immediately: "Granted! Brother Lin, be careful in everything. If needed, I can dispatch more forces to support at any time."

"Your Majesty, rest assured." Lin Xuan nodded, then said to Zhao Yuan, "Prepare yourself, we will depart in half a day."

Just as Lin Xuan and Zhao Yuan were preparing to head to Heishuicheng.

Deep in the Endless Hanhai, the ancient altar half-buried under seabed sediments, covered in copper rust and reliefs, saw the dark red stains in its central groove pulsate more and more obviously. An extremely faint sound of prayer and calling, as if crossing endless years, intermittently seeped out from the stains, producing a strange resonance across space with the faint dark red light of the rough altar in the cavern of Heishuicheng on the distant continent.

In the deep-sea darkness around the altar, countless pairs of scarlet, irrational eyes slowly opened.