An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

Within the boundless curtain of rain, a black-robed old man strolled from beyond the mountain. He gazed at the towering Green Parasol Mountain, where three grand palaces rested, and a trace of curiosity appeared in his eyes.

”So this is the house of the demonic phoenix Rosycloud!”

Just as he was about to step into the mountain, a figure in azure robes coldly blocked his path. ”This is the Holy Land of the avian race. Please stay where you are!”

The black-robed old man smiled and shook his head. ”A place where a flock of random birds huddle together, and you dare call it a Holy Land? Little girl, you should know there are always greater powers beyond, and stronger beings above.”

Azure Frost remained cold. ”I know there are always stronger people and forces beyond my reach. But here, you are nothing more than an outsider. An Ascendant stepping into the depths of the wilds... Have you really made up your mind to openly violate the ancient pact?”

The black-robed old man merely smiled without replying. That silent response caused the slightest ripple to pass across Azure Frost’s cold features. Uhhh... is he acknowledging it just like that?

In that fleeting moment of distraction, the black-robed old man abruptly extended his hand toward Azure Frost. The winds and clouds within thousands of li shuddered, the curtain of rain reversed, and a colossal hand that blotted out the sky rumbled into existence. It moved slowly toward her to seize her.

It was slow.

Azure Frost let out a cold laugh as faint ripples spread through the space before her. She stepped forward, ready to unleash a secret technique. However, in the very next instant, things took a terrible turn.

BBANGGG!

She was instantly sent flying backward.

It failed. How is this possible?

Azure Frost was deeply shocked as her gaze swept the surroundings. Clearly, there was nothing within the space.

Wait-–The water vapor! Those months of heavy snow have melted and formed dense moisture that even the formations cannot easily disperse. And this water vapor... It’s under his control! It’s everywhere! That’s why my technique didn’t work. He’s an Ascendant who has comprehended the law of water!

In just an instant, Azure Frost understood why she had failed to use her technique. At the same moment, the seemingly slow giant hand had already drawn near without her noticing. It did not rush; it simply closed in steadily and unavoidably, advancing the way water wears through stone.

Then the massive hand suddenly clenched, and a satisfied expression surfaced on the black-robed old man’s face. ”Breaking the pact is inevitable. The war between humans and demons that halted in ancient times is ready to begin again. At a time like this, someone like you is a threat that I cannot ignore. A late-stage Demon Emperor who has awakened an ancient bloodline talent and comprehended the most powerful and unpredictable law... So allow me to be the one who takes the first step and opens up the war between humans and demons for the entire Eastern Wilderness!”

As he spoke, he was already moving to crush Azure Frost alive. Within the void, the giant hand gradually transformed into a giant drop of water. Within it, a graceful figure was imprisoned like an insect caught in amber.

BOOM!

Suddenly, the water droplet exploded violently. Within the void, a figure hundreds of zhang long unfurled its wings. Azure radiance enveloped the heavens, as if the entire sky were covered by this figure. A light cry echoed toward the sky—the clouds dispersed in an instant, and the rain curtain evaporated on the spot.

The blue sky stretched vast and endless, with the rolling seas of clouds slowly departing; and throughout this infinite blue, the cry of the Azure Luan echoed ceaselessly. Awed by this sight, the black-robed old man exclaimed, ”What a magnificent bird... She would be perfect as a guardian beast for the Nether Origin Sect.”

As he spoke, he struck out with both palms in succession. Waves of energy carrying a trace of bizarre law power surrounded the majestic bird from all directions. Judging by his moves, he had abandoned the intent to kill and instead sought to capture her alive.

Facing these attacks, Azure Frost used the power of her true form without hesitation. She beat her wings and sent ripples through the space ahead, and the spatial fluctuations steadily neutralized the invading law power.

The black-robed old man felt an increasing sense of eagerness. An Azure Luan Demon Emperor that had comprehended the law for the void had limitless potential. If he could capture her alive and enslave her, his standing in this world would surely rise to the top five. If he could help her advance to the Divine Transformation Realm, the two of them together would dominate the entire world. He glanced at Green Parasol Mountain, where flocks of birds had gathered, then called out to a few people who had appeared behind him.

”Alright, enough watching and doing nothing. The master of this place isn’t back yet! Move now and wipe out Green Parasol Mountain. Once this battle is over, I’ll take the three of you into the Nether Origin Sect to cultivate.”

”Understood!”

Three voices responded in unison. Immediately after, three familiar figures flew in from afar. They glanced at the black-robed old man who intended to capture the Azure Luan alive, then changed direction and charged into Green Parasol Mountain.

Almost at the very moment they rushed in, a piercing screech rang out from the Transcendence Palace. ”Damn humans!”

In the next instant, a demoness stepped out from within the palace. She wore a tight black gown that outlined her full and shapely figure. However, what should have been a beautiful face was instead a crow’s head.

”A crow’s head on a human body? My sect wouldn’t even take in such an ugly beast!” laughed the Grand Elder of the Silktree Sect.

Nether Spring’s expression turned extremely grim. She had been forcibly interrupted at the most critical moment of her transformation, and the fury in her heart burned uncontrollably. ”I am going to kill all of you!”

Shrill cries rolled outward—powerful soundwave attacks sweeping across the area. Even the three late-stage Sages couldn’t remain calm in front of this power. At the same time, waves of formidable aura surged up from within the Transcendence Palace. A single glance could count more than a dozen Demon Emperors!

The Grand Elder of the Silktree Sect clenched his teeth and spat out, ”End this quickly and break them apart. I will deal with the crow. You all handle the rest!”

He had certainly picked the easiest target, but there was no time for the others to complain. Monk Huiping nodded in response. His robe spread wide as he swept up several avian Demon Emperors. Meanwhile, Divine Origin lit up with joy and charged straight into the Transcendence Palace. From his demeanor, it was clear he had a very specific goal in mind.

Nether Spring cast a glance in the direction of Divine Origin. Her expression darkened as she sent a voice transmission. ”Lightning Prison, kill the prisoners in the dungeon first, then stop that man!”

As she spoke, her body shifted and returned to her black crow form. The human body she had forced into shape was incomplete and far too unfamiliar to her. Thus, it was not suitable for combat.

From within the Transcendence Palace, several figures also rushed toward Sage Divine Origin. In response, he produced a small pagoda and stepped atop it. Streams of vividly colored radiance shot forth from it.

The demonic beasts that tried to block his path struggled under that radiance. A late-stage Sage was truly a grand cultivator—especially one like Divine Origin, a five-element cultivator without any weak points. Against opponents of a lower realm, the disparity was simply crushing. The only way to deal with such an opponent was to be exceedingly powerful in a single aspect! Thus, these beasts could only rely on their innate demonic techniques to put up some resistance. All other methods would be useless.

All the Demon Emperors immediately turned into their true forms and fought at full strength. From the very beginning, the battle surged straight into a fierce and blazing climax.

***

Far beyond Green Parasol Mountain, three figures slowly emerged. One of them was a man whose bearing was calm yet imposing. He lifted his head to look toward Green Parasol Mountain and allowed a satisfied smile to show on his face.

Behind him, one of the other two asked in a low voice, ”We had an agreement, though. Are we not going to help them?”

”Agreement?” Sky Monarch slowly shook his head. ”The agreement only states that Rosycloud helps me. There was never any mention of me helping them.”

”But we are all demons. Should we not...”

Sky Monarch let out a cold sneer. ”Before spouting nonsense, you should first ask Rosycloud whether she has ever regarded herself as a member of the demon races in the Mountains and Seas Realm.”

Hesitation flickered in his eyes, but he had made his decision. Through this battle, he intended to borrow the power of humans to eliminate this demon faction at Green Parasol Mountain. After that, he would use the pressure of external threats to consolidate the demon races of the Great Million Mountains under his rule. He would then seize the moment to launch a war against the human race and reclaim every territory that they had lost over the past three millennia. If he could also bring down the Nether Origin Sect, that would be even better. By then, the demon race of the Eastern Wilderness would occupy an entire continent, facing the human race of the Central Continent across the Eastern Nether Abyss. And he would become the first in history to unify the whole Eastern Wilderness!

”Green Shoot is weak and useless. Rosycloud never really shows herself. And those ancient wild beasts are nothing more than dumb beasts. I am the destined ruler of the Eastern Wilderness. Rosycloud... is this all you can muster?”

***

Deep within the dungeon of Green Parasol Mountain, the incident unfolded too suddenly for Luo Chen to react. His life-bound enchanted treasure had been snatched away. Once he focused on it, he felt the connection still there, yet no matter how he tried to control it, the Primordial Unity Cauldron did not respond.

As Luo Chen’s expression darkened, Heaven Smelter said leisurely, ”All my belongings were seized by the demons. This enchanted treasure of yours is quite good. Since I was the one who made it, I feel like there’s nothing wrong with me borrowing it for a while.”

As he spoke, he exchanged a glance with Han Zhan. The two nodded and flew toward the exit together. But just as they reached the dungeon gate, Heaven Smelter’s expression changed drastically.

”Go back NOW!”

But it was already too late. A violent force suddenly exploded, and lightning illuminated the dark dungeon.

BANG! BANG!

Two heavy impacts rang out as something struck the ground. At the same time, a massive man about a zhang tall stepped forward at an unhurried pace, his imposing figure resembling a lightning god incarnated.

”I have long heard that the human race is despicable, but this? Fine then! Since I’m the one standing guard over this dungeon, the two of you will die now!!!”

He clenched his wrist, and violent lightning crackled explosively. With no physical body left to shield it, Han Zhan’s Nascent Soul was struck heavily.

”AHHHHHH.... Fellow Daoist, save me!”

Sadly, Heaven Smelter was already struggling to save himself and had no strength to spare. Han Zhan’s screams gradually weakened before fading away entirely.

It took just one blow. Han Zhan, who had been barely clinging to life and who had once shaken the Jade Cauldron Domain as the Supreme Elder of the Falling Cloud Sect, vanished into the boundless sea of lightning.

After landing the strike, Lightning Prison showed no trace of pride, and neither did he slow down in the slightest. He surged forward in a sudden burst, crossing the distance at extreme speed as he threw a punch straight toward Heaven Smelter.

Heaven Smelter’s eyes flared with fury as he hurriedly controlled the Primordial Unity Cauldron to block the blow.

Clang!

A tremendous crash rang out. The Primordial Unity Cauldron was blasted backward, while the rebounding force slammed into Heaven Smelter himself, causing his face to flush a deep crimson. To hell with this cauldron! Since that kid already took ownership, I can’t control it!

He let out a sharp shout and used the Primordial Unity Cauldron to take several more attacks head-on. When the cauldron was knocked away, he abandoned it entirely and charged forward himself, his fist wrapped in wind and lightning. He was actually engaging in barehanded close combat against a mid-stage Demon Emperor!

The moment they clashed, countless fist shadows erupted in the blink of an eye. Under the relentless barrage, Lightning Prison was actually suppressed by Heaven Smelter and driven back!

”Do not underestimate me! Even that Azure Frost chick respects this body of mine!”

”If you know what is good for you, stand aside and let me get out!”

”Get out of the way!”

Amid the close-quarters clash, Heaven Smelter roared continuously, showing none of the bearing of an enlightened master. Under his suppression, Lightning Prison suffered wounds across his entire body and spat out mouthfuls of blood.

BOOMMM!

Another close exchange followed, and both figures were forced back by the rebounding force. Lightning Prison’s massive frame still blocked the exit. The surrounding dungeon showed no damage at all apart from slightly bent bars. Heaven Smelter panted heavily as he glared furiously at Lightning Prison.

”If you do not move aside, my next strike will kill you!”

Lightning Prison wiped the blood from the corner of its mouth with a ferocious grin. ”You sure have guts for an old man barely clinging to life.”

As it spoke, it drew in a deep breath. Its abdomen suddenly swelled, and in the next instant it opened its mouth wide.

”R-ROARRRRR!”

A thunderous roar instantly filled the entire dungeon. It was an innate demonic technique—Thunder Howl!

Even Heaven Smelter could not help but shudder violently. And at the instant his mind reeled, an overwhelming sense of imminent doom jolted him awake. Wind and lightning power burst forth from the Nascent Soul within his body.

But it was already too late. A lightning-clad hand drove straight into his sea of qi and clenched tightly around his shattered Nascent Soul.

Heaven Smelter stared at Lightning Prison with eyes full of unwillingness. ”If I hadn’t been drained so much, and if I still had my life-bound enchanted treasure, you would never have beaten me.”

Lightning Prison bared a ferocious grin. ”Save that speech for the King of Hell!”

In the next moment, lightning flared wildly in his hand as he crushed Heaven Smelter’s Nascent Soul.

After the second Sage was gone, Lightning Prison let out a sigh. He casually shoved aside Heaven Smelter’s aged and decayed corpse. Then his gaze sharpened and he let out a soft sound of surprise. ”Huh. You’re still alive?”

In the deepest corner of the dungeon, Luo Chen trembled violently, deathly pale. He replied in a trembling voice, ”M-my... my divine soul is barely holding together. Your attacks weren’t aimed at me, so I survived by sheer luck...”

Lightning Prison frowned. It had deliberately constrained the range of its attacks earlier to concentrate their power. Even so, Thunder Howl was a wide-area technique. With such a short distance separating them, the fact that a mere Adept had remained alive struck him as abnormal.

To be fair, even Heaven Smelter was only stunned for a moment. Have I grown rusty from fighting too little?

Then he shook off his thoughts; his gaze settled on Luo Chen and grew increasingly hostile. The order he had received was to kill every prisoner in the dungeon!

Understanding what was behind that hostile stare, Luo Chen shouted in panic, ”You can’t kill me! Deputy Palace Leader Nether Spring values me. She gave me a supreme-grade third-tier cave residence and personally guided me with the Heavenly Phoenix Nirvana Scripture! Ahh... There are also the Transformation Pills. They’re the key to Green Parasol Mountain’s rise. If you kill me, no one will be able to refine pills for you anymore.”

Lightning Prison frowned slightly, and the killing intent in his heart weakened a little. In the next instant, his eyes sharpened, and he reached out toward Luo Chen. ”Fine. I will not kill you... for now. Stay hidden here and don’t go out.”

His hand did not grab Luo Chen, but the Millennial Lightning Essence that Luo Chen had taken out at precisely the right moment. A look of satisfaction appeared on his face, and he nodded. ”The outside is in chaos. Protect yourself.”

After this warning, he headed toward the upper levels of the dungeon. As he walked, he reached toward his back. Crackling sounds rang out as a whip-like weapon seemed to be drawn not from a sheath, but from his very spine.

Heaven Smelter? Hah! You weren’t at your peak, but what made you think I was going all out? With this Lightning Whip in my hands, I am not even scared of a late-stage Sage, let alone someone like you. I’m a bearer of the ancient Lightning Roc’s bloodline, born for battle!

Ah, wasn’t there a late-stage Sage who forced his way in. Perfect! I’ll kill him and take my place as the fourth leader of Green Parasol Mountain!

After he left, Luo Chen slowly rose from the corner of the dungeon. His face had been pale and panicked moments earlier, yet his expression was now calm and composed, with no trace of the previous cowardice. With a turn of his wrist, a black and badly damaged wooden figurine appeared in his palm.

”Senior Han, that feigned-death technique of yours is incredible.”