164: Chapter 164 The Domain Emerges, the Demon Lord is Slain

Seventy li northeast of Burial Dragon Abyss.

Three Nascent Soul-level demonic beasts had fully squeezed out of the spatial rift, their bone-armored, hideous bodies standing like small mountains.

Behind them, over five hundred demonic beasts roared, dark red evil qi spreading like a tide, dyeing an area of ten li crimson.

"Despicable Human Race..."

The demonic beast in the center let out a hoarse shriek, its eye sockets flickering with eerie green flames: "How dare you set up a Formation here, foolishly attempting to suppress our race... Overestimating yourselves!"

It raised its giant, bone-armored claw, about to strike the ground—which was precisely the designated location for the tianshu array eye.

But just as the giant claw was about to fall—

Buzz!

The surrounding space suddenly rippled like water.

Forty-three figures appeared like specters behind the demonic beast army, each holding a star patterns Formation Plate.

"Seven Stars Trapping Dragon Formation—Activate!"

Lin Mo roared, and the Formation Plates activated simultaneously.

Seven giant pillars of starlight shot into the sky, interweaving into a massive star net that enveloped all five hundred demonic beasts, including the three Nascent Soul demonic beasts!

"What?!"

The three demonic beasts changed color simultaneously.

They hadn't even noticed so many people sneaking up behind them!

"Petty tri..."

The demonic beast on the left was about to mock, but suddenly felt its body sink.

Within the star net, gravity increased tenfold! Even a Nascent Soul-level existence like it found its movements sluggish!

"Not good! This Formation specifically counters our race's demonic bodies!"

The demonic beast on the right cried out in anger, its bone armor glowing dark red as it tried to force its way through.

But just then—

"War Department, encircle!"

Three thousand War Department Cultivators rushed out from the dense forests on both sides, forming thirty-six "Starfall Battle Formations" of a hundred people each, like sharp daggers, fiercely stabbing into the flanks of the demonic beast army.

The Starfall Battle Formation was a battle Formation improved by Lin Yue based on the Star Lord Inheritance. Drawing upon the Power of the Stars, the spiritual power of a hundred people resonated, unleashing power comparable to a full-strength attack from a Middle Golden Core Stage Cultivator.

At this moment, thirty-six Formations launched simultaneously, instantly tearing thirty-six gaps in the demonic beast army!

"Roar—!!"

The demonic beasts roared, counterattacking frantically.

But the War Department Cultivators coordinated seamlessly, advancing and retreating with precision. Whenever a demonic beast broke through a battle Formation, a Star Guard Golden Core Cultivator immediately filled the gap, striking it down with a sword.

In just ten breaths, over half of the five hundred demonic beasts were dead or wounded!

"Damned Human Race!"

The three Nascent Soul demonic beasts erupted in fury simultaneously.

Dark red evil qi burst forth like a volcanic eruption, tearing open a rift in the star net.

But as soon as the rift opened, three figures stood before them.

"Sirs, this path is blocked."

True Person Qingluan held the Qingluan Sword, its tip angled downwards.

"If you wish to pass, you must first get past us."

True Person Xuan Jian's body was surrounded by Sword Qi like a rainbow.

Sect Master Mo Chen, on the other hand, said nothing and directly summoned the Qinglan Sect's protective Magic Treasure, the "qinglan bell."

The bell's chime was melodious, yet carried terrifying purifying power, causing the evil qi around the three demonic beasts to dissipate.

"Three Early Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators dare to block us?!"

The central demonic beast laughed maniacally: "Since you seek death, then... I shall grant it!"

Three against three, battle erupted instantly.

True Person Qingluan faced the demonic beast on the left, her Qingluan Sword transforming into countless sword shadows, each striking directly at the gaps in its bone armor.

True Person Xuan Jian confronted the demonic beast on the right, his Sword Qi surging like a Dragon, forcing the opponent back a hundred zhang.

Sect Master Mo Chen fought the central demonic beast alone, the qinglan bell suspended above his head, its chimes transforming into tangible sound waves that fiercely clashed with the evil flames spewed by his opponent.

For a moment, the battlefield was divided into three areas.

The low-level demonic beasts were divided and encircled by the War Department and Star Guard, retreating steadily.

The three Nascent Soul battle groups, however, fought with earth-shattering intensity, their aftershocks leveling the surrounding mountains.

And Lin Yue, at this moment, stood quietly at the edge of the battlefield.

He did not make a move, merely... watched.

He was waiting.

Waiting for the most opportune moment.

Ten breaths, twenty breaths, thirty breaths... When the thirtieth breath arrived—

"It's about time."

A silver glint flashed in Lin Yue's eyes.

He raised his hand and clenched it in the Void Realm.

"Starry Sky Domain—Open!"

Buzz!!!

Centered around him, the space within a three-li radius suddenly solidified!

All Cultivators and demonic beasts engaged in battle instantly slowed down tenfold!

No, to be precise, the space they were in was "frozen." The air was as viscous as glue, making even swinging a sword or casting spells extremely difficult.

Only the three Nascent Soul battle groups could barely move, but their speed was as slow as a crawling turtle.

"What is this?!"

The three demonic beasts were utterly terrified.

They could feel that this space seemed to have a will of its own, repelling and suppressing them, these "outsiders"!

"Welcome to... my Domain."

Lin Yue's voice, like a chilling wind from the Nine Heavens, echoed in the ears of the three demonic beasts.

The next moment, he moved.

Not flying, not running, but... spatial teleportation!

With one step, he was behind the demonic beast on the left.

The starfall sword silently pierced out, its tip rippling with silver spatial waves.

Puchi—!

The sword effortlessly penetrated the gap in the bone armor, piercing through the demonic beast's heart.

"You..."

The demonic beast on the left looked down at the sword tip protruding from its chest, its eyes filled with disbelief.

It was a Nascent Soul-level demonic beast, its bone armor as hard as a fourth-tier Magic Treasure, how could it be... "Within the Starry Sky Domain, I am the Dominator of space."

Lin Yue withdrew his sword, and the demonic beast crashed to the ground.

He didn't even glance at the corpse, his figure flickered again, and he was beside the demonic beast on the right.

This time, the starfall sword did not pierce, but... slashed.

The sword light swept across, and space was torn apart like cloth.

The demonic beast on the right tried to block, but its movements were too slow. The sword light effortlessly sliced through its neck, and its dark red head flew into the sky.

In two breaths, two Nascent Soul demonic beasts fell!

"Impossible!!"

The remaining central demonic beast roared frantically, its eyes filled with terror: "What evil art is this?! How can a mere Mid Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator control space?!"

"That's not important."

Lin Yue stepped through the air, each step landing on a spatial node, moving so fast that he left afterimages: "What's important is that you... are dead."

The starfall sword was raised for the third time.

This time, four colors of light simultaneously shone on the sword body—the silvery white of the stars, the golden yellow of the Dragon soul, the earthy yellow of the earth, and the silver-gray of space.

Four Origins united, Slash!

Wherever the sword light passed, space shattered, and time itself seemed to stagnate under this single strike.

The central demonic beast wanted to escape, but the surrounding space imprisoned it like an iron plate.

It wanted to block, but its bone armor was as fragile as paper before this sword.

In the end, it could only watch as the sword light descended.

Boom—!!!

Its dark red body was split in half by a single sword, and even the demonic core within it... was shattered!

Three Nascent Soul demonic beasts, all annihilated!

And from the moment Lin Yue activated his Starry Sky Domain until the end of the battle, only... five breaths passed.

Five breaths, slaying three Nascent Soul demonic beasts!

When the Domain dissipated and space returned to normal, the battlefield was utterly silent.

Everyone stared blankly at the three massive demonic beast corpses, and at... Lin Yue, standing with his sword, his white robes unstained.

"Sect... Sect Master..."

Lin Mo murmured to himself, his eyes filled with adoration.

This was their Sect Master.

A Mid Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator, yet able to slay three Nascent Soul demonic beasts in five breaths!

What kind of concept was this?

It meant that throughout the entire Southern Territory, apart from those reclusive Soul Transformation Stage old monsters, no one could threaten the Sect Master anymore!

"What are you still standing around for?"

Lin Yue sheathed his sword, his voice calm: "The demonic beast leaders have been executed; leave no remnants behind."

"Yes!"

Everyone awoke as if from a dream, their Battle Intent surging, as they frantically rushed towards the remaining demonic beasts.

Without the Nascent Soul demonic beasts to lead them, the remaining hundred-plus demonic beasts were like headless flies, quickly encircled and annihilated.

Half an hour later, the battlefield was cleared.

Over five hundred demonic beasts, all annihilated.

On Luoxia Sect's side, seventeen War Department members died, thirty-five were seriously injured, and a hundred sustained minor injuries.

No Star Guard died, with only three sustaining minor injuries.

This casualty ratio was nothing short of a miracle!

True Person Qingluan, True Person Xuan Jian, and Sect Master Mo Chen were now walking quickly towards him.

The three looked at Lin Yue with complex expressions.

Space solidification, spatial teleportation, a single sword strike slaying a Nascent Soul... how could these be methods available to a Mid Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator?

"Just a small trick."

Lin Yue said lightly: "Sirs, you have worked hard. The remaining cleanup work can be left to the War Department. Please return to the Sect to heal and rest. We can discuss the follow-up tomorrow."

"...Alright."

The three exchanged glances, knowing that Lin Yue didn't want to elaborate, so they didn't press further.

Everyone had secrets, especially a peerless Genius like Lin Yue; he would only have more.

As long as he stood with the Human Race, that was enough.

That evening, at Luoxia Sect.

The news of victory spread back, and the entire Sect was in an uproar.

Slaying three Nascent Soul demonic beasts in five breaths—this battle record spread like a whirlwind throughout the Southern Territory, even beginning to diffuse into the Central Region.

For a time, all forces were re-evaluating Luoxia Sect, and... the strength of its young Sect Master, Lin Yue.

And at this moment, in the main hall of deliberation.

Lin Yue was listening to Heavenly Craftsman's report.

"The tianshu array eye location has been cleared, and the Formation can begin tomorrow."

Heavenly Craftsman's face was filled with joy: "After this battle, the Spirit Devouring Clan should not dare to act rashly for a short time. We have at least three months to safely set up the Great Formation."

"Three months... that's enough."

Lin Yue nodded: "Senior, proceed without restraint. Whatever resources you need, just ask. Luoxia Sect... will support you with all its might."

"Thank you, Sect Master Lin."

Heavenly Craftsman cupped his hands, then suddenly remembered something: "By the way, I've examined the corpses of those three demonic beasts. Although their embedded demonic cores were shattered by Sect Master Lin, the fragments still contain pure evil energy Origin."

"If refined with special techniques, it might be possible to forge... 'Evil-Breaking Magic Treasures' that counter the Spirit Devouring Clan."

"Oh?"

Lin Yue's eyes lit up: "Senior, do you have confidence?"

"Seventy percent. But it requires the cooperation of at least a fifth-tier Artifact Refiner, and also... essence of earth fire as the refining furnace fire."

"essence of earth fire..."

Lin Yue pondered for a moment: "I'll find a way. A fifth-tier Artifact Refiner... Star Track Pavilion should have one, right?"

"Naturally."

The Star Track Pavilion Master interjected: "This old man can send a message back to the Pavilion to dispatch a fifth-tier Artifact Refiner. But essence of earth fire is indeed troublesome; this item is only nurtured deep within the earth's core, appearing only once a century, making it extremely rare."

"No matter."

Lin Yue already had a plan in mind.

The Void Realm's power of creation could theoretically create all spiritual items below the first tier.

Although essence of earth fire was a fourth-tier item, if he forcefully simulated it with the Void Realm's Origin, it might not be impossible to succeed.

If all else failed, he would have Haotian deduce the composition of essence of earth fire and use substitute Materials to replicate it.

"Leave this matter to me. Within a month, I will deliver a wisp of essence of earth fire to Senior."

"Then this old man shall look forward to it."

Heavenly Craftsman didn't ask further.

Sect Master Lin had created too many miracles; he was already used to it.

"Alright, if there's nothing else, everyone should go rest."

Lin Yue stood up: "Everyone worked hard in this battle. Starting tomorrow, the Sect will enter a 'post-war recuperation period.' All participating Disciples will have their contribution points doubled. Those who died will be compensated at the highest standard."

"As for the spoils of war from those three Nascent Soul demonic beasts..."

He paused: "The bone armor Materials will be prioritized for research by the Artifact Refining Hall, to attempt refining 'Evil-Shattering Battle Armor.' The demonic core fragments will be given to Senior Tiangong for refinement. The resulting achievements will be distributed among the participating parties according to their contributions."

"Reasonable."

Everyone had no objections.

"Meeting adjourned."

Everyone withdrew.

Inside the hall, only Lin Yue and the Star Track Pavilion Master remained.

"Is there something else, Pavilion Master?"

"There is one matter I wish to inquire about, Young Friend Lin."

The Star Track Pavilion Master's expression was solemn: "That 'spatial solidification' technique today, was it... theprototype of a Domain?"

Lin Yue's heart slightly tensed.

As expected, he couldn't hide it from this old monster who had lived for countless years.

"Something like that."

He didn't completely deny it: "I was fortunate enough to touch a trace of the Law of space, barely able to construct a small-range Domain, but it consumes a vast amount of energy and cannot last long."

"Indeed..."

A complex look flashed in the Star Track Pavilion Master's eyes: "Mid Nascent Soul Stage, yet already able to touch upon a Domain... Young Friend Lin's talent is something this old man has never seen in his life."

He paused: "However, the power of a Domain is too conspicuous. With the news of today's battle spreading, it might attract a lot of... unnecessary attention."

"Those old fellows in the Central Region are quite sensitive to terms like 'Law' and 'Domain'."

Lin Yue nodded: "Junior understands. In the future, unless absolutely necessary, I will not easily use the Domain."

"That's good."

The Star Track Pavilion Master breathed a sigh of relief: "Also, regarding the Zhou Tian Xing Dou Great Array, this old man has another strategy."

"Please tell me."

"After the Great Formation is set up, if we use the void ancient tree seed as the core, combined with Young Friend Lin's spatial Domain, it might be possible to... temporarily banish the entire Burial Dragon Abyss into the 'spatial interlayer'."

"Spatial interlayer?"

"Yes."

The Star Track Pavilion Master's eyes sparkled: "That is a special dimension between reality and the Void Realm, where time flows extremely slowly. One year in the outside world might only be one day in the interlayer."

"If successful, it would be equivalent to extending the Seal time of the Spirit Devouring Clan... by three hundred times!"

Lin Yue's heart trembled.

One year outside, one day in the interlayer.

So if it were banished for ten years, only ten days would pass in the interlayer?

Even if the Spirit Devouring Clan broke the Seal, they wouldn't have time to recover their strength!

"Is this method... feasible?"

"Theoretically feasible, but it requires at least three Nascent Soul Cultivators proficient in the Dao of space to work together, and also... a supreme treasure that can stabilize the spatialaisle."

The Star Track Pavilion Master looked at Lin Yue: "For the supreme treasure, the seed can suffice. But three Nascent Soul Cultivators proficient in the Dao of space... looking across the entire cultivation world, it might be impossible to gather them."

Lin Yue fell silent.

Indeed, the Law of space was extremely profound; even those who touched upon its superficial aspects were rare, let alone those proficient in it.

"However..."

The Star Track Pavilion Master changed his tone: "If Young Friend Lin can Breakthrough to the Late Nascent Soul Stage within a year, with your spatial Domain attainments, you might be able to... accomplish it alone."

"One person doing the work of three Nascent Soul Cultivators?"

"The might of a Domain cannot be judged by ordinary reasoning."

The Star Track Pavilion Master said solemnly: "Therefore, Young Friend Lin, your primary task for the next year is to... Breakthrough to the Late Nascent Soul Stage."

"As long as you succeed, the calamity of Burial Dragon Abyss can be largely resolved."

Lin Yue took a deep breath.

One year, from Peak Mid Nascent Soul Stage to Late Stage.

This speed was astonishing.

But... "I'll do my best."

He only spoke three words.

But the Star Track Pavilion Master heard the determination within them.

"Good, then this old man will not disturb you further."

He stood up: "Regarding the essence of earth fire, if you need anything, just say the word."

"Thank you, Pavilion Master."

After seeing off the Star Track Pavilion Master, Lin Yue stood alone in the hall.

Looking out the window, the moonlight was like frost.

One year, Late Nascent Soul Stage.

This goal was difficult, but he had to achieve it.

Because only then could he protect Luoxia Sect, protect the Southern Territory, and protect... everyone on this land.

"Haotian."

He called out in his Sea of Consciousness.

"Present."

"From today onwards, the time pool will be open to me all day. One day outside, fifteen days in the pool."

"I want to complete... a hundred days of arduous cultivation within a year."

One year outside, would be five thousand four hundred days in the pool.

Fifteen years.

Fifteen years to assault the Late Nascent Soul Stage.

That should... be enough.

"Master, this will overdraw the time pool's Origin, preventing it from being activated again for the next three years."

"No matter."

Lin Yue's gaze was firm: "As long as I can Breakthrough, everything is worth it."

"...Understood."

Haotian no longer tried to persuade him.

Because it knew that Lin Yue... had no retreat.

Meanwhile.

Deep within Burial Dragon Abyss, at the core of the Seal.

A dark red phantom was staring intently in the direction of Luoxia Sect through a spatial rift.

"Starry Sky Domain..."

The phantom let out a hoarse whisper: "star dragon nascent soul, Law of space... This vessel is even more perfect than expected."

"I can't wait any longer."

"I must... parasitize him before he fully grows!"

The phantom raised its hand, and a drop of dark red Essence Blood seeped from its fingertip, dripping into the rift.

"By my blood, I summon my army..."

"In three months, descend upon this realm!"

"Target—Lin Yue of Luoxia Sect!"

"At all costs... seize the vessel!"

The Essence Blood merged into the rift, transforming into countless tiny dark red light points that vanished into the depths of the Void Realm.

And the entire sealed space began to tremble violently.

As if some terrifying existence was... awakening.

A storm was rapidly brewing.

And Lin Yue's arduous cultivation had just begun.